Route 38
Jackson had left Ecruteak City moments ago, and was now on the path to his next destination. He did have two different options before; either go the east path and make it to Mahogany Town, or head west and go to Olivine City. After some thinking, he knew that Mahogany was close to Blackthorn City, and that the path would be something he would save for later. So he chose to go the other direction, instead.
He and his team were taking a break after taking on some trainers before, and had just helped train his Pokémon. Leafeon, Weavile, Dewott, Quilava, and Scyther were all worn out from their hand-to-hand combat with Jackson, while he was leaning against the tree with his tablet, a little sweaty, but not terribly exhausted.
"Are you sure you're not secretly a Pokémon?" Dewott asked, "Seriously, there shouldn't be a human as strong as you!"
"Well, consider that I have trained in an extremely tough dojo, and that Mobian humans are far more capable than the average human being of this world, I'd say I'm pretty normal." Jackson stated, not looking away from his tablet.
"Really? THAT'S normal?" all the Pokémon but Weavile questioned Jackson.
"Okay, okay, otherworldly normal." Jackson corrected, pulling up the news, looking through it, "Man, there are so many things happening all over the world, here. Not just Johto, but here's stuff from Hoenn. Here's stuff from Kanto. This is from the Sinnoh. And then there's the Kalos region!"
"You're really are interested in what's going on with the world, huh?" Leafeon asked.
"How can I not? I know I'm here in this world for more than just exploration, but the adventure is still out there! I would really like to see it all."
"One step at a time, Jackson." Leafeon warned him, "Remember, don't rush it."
"Right, right. I know." Jackson replied, looking at the Kalos news, before noticing something that caught his attention in the tabloid section. He focused the screen on it, as he read the title 'Phantom Kalos Champion'. "A rumor has been spreading that a trainer had recently defeated Kalos League Champion, Diantha, but had not claimed the title of Champion for his or herself. No news on who the person is who defeated the famous actress and Champion. Our sources were unable to obtain any information from either her or the Kalos Elite Four members."
"Hold on, why would someone not want to have the title of Champion?!" Dewott questioned, "I would totally flaunt the title of best Night Slash user in the world when I do get it!"
"Not everyone thinks like you." Weavile argued, getting an eye snap back at Dewott.
"While it is not clear who the new Phantom Champion is, rumors have been spreading that 15-year old Nic Pularis is the speculated Champion." Jackson continued to read, "The mid-teen trainer has recently been on the news after stopping Lysandre, former head of Lysandre Labs and leader of villainous group Team Flare, from causing untold amount of destruction throughout the Kalos region. He was seen challenging the Kalos Gyms, including taking on Team Flare wherever they showed up. However, not much else is known about this young man. We are hoping he makes an appearance at the upcoming award ceremony for those who saved Kalos so we may interview him and seek out the truth."
Jackson finished reading and looked up. He thought he remembered the name, and recalled hearing it in Blackthorn City in a media report. "Nic Pularis..." Jackson echoed, looking to the sky, "He sounds pretty strong. Wonder if I can challenge him?"
"Probably not as we are." Leafeon answered, stretching herself up, "You only just got back mentally on your feet. Based on that news, he sounds like a powerful opponent."
"Then I guess we need to get stronger ourselves." Jackson stated, standing to his feet, "Let's get back on the trail again." He pulled out the Pokéballs, and called back all but Leafeon to their balls, before putting them and his tablet away. Leafeon walked to his side, and they nodded to one another as they walked along the path ahead.
(Insert 'Never Give Up' By Sonar Pocket)
Instrumental Opening
(Jackson stands at the top of a cliff, looking out into the vast landscape of the Johto region. He turns to the camera with surprise, grins, then draws his sword and swipes it across the screen, transitioning to white with the logo appearing.)
What tough heart! Once I decided that I'd keep up the fight
My road has never stopped unraveling
(Camera circles around Jackson as he runs along an open-plain path with his Leafeon, who after a couple seconds, leaps onto his shoulders as he activates his Extreme Gear and shoots even faster onto the path.)
Carrying a small bit of pride
With my fists clenched
(The screen shows a brief image of Professor Elm, dropping papers from his clipboard, and smiling as he rubbed the back of his head. It shifts to a visual of Kris, Ethan, and their starters, with Ethan punching his fist forward, while Kris spun around with her arms out wide.)
I aim for the goal again step by step
Racing towards it with all my might!
(The screen shifts to Sonic & Tails, the former giving a thumbs up, while the latter waved his hands above eagerly. The screen shifts to Cypher, who glared at the screen with a Pokéball held close to his face.)
Sometimes it'll be a bad day
Where nothing goes the way I want it to
But even if the sky blurs through my tears
(Jackson is sitting by a campfire, his expression full of emotional pain as shadows of his past with red eyes creeped all around him. He curled himself into a ball as the shadow of his father appeared over his head.)
I'm sure my smiles will come back tomorrow
So it's okay!
(Shadows started getting blown away one large piece at a time, until light broke out around Jackson, who looked up to see his Pokémon all standing there, protecting him from his trauma.)
There's nothing out there to fear
I'll keep believing that 'I'm strong'
And get going!
(Silhouettes of the Gym Leaders appeared as the screen scrolled upwards through a gold, silver, and crystal colors behind them. It shifts to the emblem of Team Rocket, with darkened faces of grunts, with the four admins in front, holding their Pokéballs. Jackson readies his blade, as he tosses a Pokéball forward, which opens up and blinds the screen in a white light.)
'With you around, there's nothing to worry about now'
I felt as if the sky was saying that to me with a laugh
(Leafeon leapt forward and swung her tail into a Razor Leaf, before her tail glowed as she charged up sunlight, before unleashing a Solarbeam. Dewott and Weavile shoot through the Solarbeam, unleashing double Night Slash, slicing the beam, before dismissing their blades, and Dewott angrily looking at the calm and collected Weavile.)
With the sweat and tears I build up
I'm sure I'll come out dazzling
(Quilava turns to face the Team Rocket logo, before unleashing his Flamethrower. He huffed in confidence as Scyther flew over him, before slashing with his mantis claws like a swordsman.)
Even if I end up feeling anxious after it all
As long as I believe I can do it
(An Aeroblast and Sacred Fire came from the sky, shooting down at Jackson's team, but Jackson stepped in and unleashed several sword beams, countering the attacks and making them explode. He and his team endured the shockwaves and smoke from the explosion, before looking up into the distance, and saw the silhouettes of the Tower Duo flying over the two towers that represented each.)
These footsteps have taught me to
Always
Never Give Up!
(Jackson's Pokémon come to his side as he looked to them, before grinning eagerly, and the group leapt up into the air, taking on the new threat and the new adventure. The screen goes white before showing Jackson standing with his sword stabbed into the ground, his Pokémon companions surrounding him.)
Route 39
Jackson had made it to the next route, crossing a path next to a pasture, where he saw a herd of Miltank in the field. "Cool! Looks like this is a farm!" Jackson noted, looking to the field.
"Remember, Whitney also had a Miltank." Leafeon pointed out, "Though I really wish I could have some milk. I heard it tastes fantastic."
"Let's see if they are serving." Jackson responded, and the pair raced along the path towards the farm off in the distance.
They made it there in no time flat, and looked around the place. They got there wanting to get some milk, but were not completely sure where to go to ask for it. Not to mention, they weren't sure if they would be rude to just show up for milk if they weren't selling. Regardless, they were not able to find anyone around to ask this.
"Where is everyone?" Jackson asked.
"Maybe we should look around the farm itself." Leafeon suggested, and the two continued along the path. They ended up at the barn, looking in to see a farmer in there, wearing what you would expect for a guy of his stature. He wasn't alone, as not only was there a Miltank there, but also Kris.
"There we go." Kris told the Miltank, holding some berries out to her, who took it and started to chew it slowly. She was looking rather weak.
"I do appreciate you helping me, miss." the farmer told Kris, "Honestly, I was worried when this Miltank was not able to produce milk for me anymore."
"Don't worry. I'm sure all these berries will help it out and heal her up." Kris assured him, "Plus, it's nice to understand Pokémon and learn about them."
The farmer chuckled, before noticing Jackson and Leafeon at the door, and greeting, "Well, hello, young man. How can I help you?"
"Sorry to interrupt." Jackson apologized, as Kris turned and beamed at the sight of him.
"Jackson! It's been a while!" she greeted him.
"Same. What brings you to this farm?" he asked, "Hoping for some milk, too?"
"Sort of, but I don't often see Miltank congregated like this, so I wanted to research them." Kris explained, "I ended up learning this Miltank was weak, so I wanted to help her out."
"I see." Jackson replied, walking over to them, seeing the weak Miltank, who still didn't look completely healed, "Hey, what caused her to get ill in the first place?"
"We're not completely sure. Poor Miltank must've stumbled upon an aggressive Pokémon that hurt her." the farmer explained.
Jackson looked behind her, seeing something that caught her attention. "Hold on. Was Miltank stiff in some parts when you found her?" he asked.
"As a matter of fact, yes." the farmer answered, "I noticed she was unable to use her left arm like before."
"Why, did you notice anything?" Kris asked, looking at the area Jackson was looking at.
"See these areas around her left shoulder?" Jackson pointed out, seeing a bit of a swollen area on the Pokémon's shoulder blade. "Seems like Miltank's arm was struck by something. Must've pinched a nerve."
"You can tell?" Kris asked, amazed.
"Well, I'm not familiar with Pokémon anatomy..." Jackson noted, reaching down and massaging the area, "...however, I am familiar with signs of nerves being struck, so I am able to deal with them. Hopefully it's the same." Jackson felt the area where he felt was the right, and with a free hand, he pulled out the acupuncture kit from his bag, pulling out a few needles. "This might sting a bit, but please hold still." he told Miltank.
"Okay..." Miltank answered in a worn manner.
Jackson held the needles he wasn't using yet in his mouth like a cigarette, and poked the area where he assumed was the correct nerve system. Miltank yelped in pain, causing all those watching her startled.
"Hey, what are you doing to my Miltank?!" the farmer questioned.
"Creating a chain reaction within the nerve system." Jackson explained, taking one needle from his mouth, and poking the next section, "If it works, it should cause the pinched nerve to get restored."
"You said 'IF it works'. Are you worried it won't?" Kris questioned, seeing him use another needle to poke the next area.
"Like I said, I don't know Pokémon anatomy." Jackson continued to speak, his teeth clenching the needles, "But if the arm structure is similar to that of a human's, then this should work." He did a couple more needles, and waited a minute. Afterwards, he took the needles out of Miltank's skin, and said, "Okay, Miltank, time to see if it worked. Gently roll your arm and shoulder."
Miltank nodded in response, and slowly rolled her arm and shoulder. She looked amazed, then stood up as she gasped, "Hey! My arm! It doesn't hurt anymore when I move it!" She waved it a bit more, happy to see the movement back in it again.
Jackson sighed in relief as he took the needles and cleaned them each individually off before placing them back in his kit. "I don't believe it!" the farmer gasped.
"Jackson, you were incredible!" Kris said in amazement.
"I was honestly panicking deep down." Jackson stated, wiping the beads of sweat from his forehead.
"I would, too." Leafeon agreed, "Jackson, I know you regained your confidence in yourself again, but that might've gone horribly wrong."
"Right, I get it." Jackson agreed as Miltank got up to her feet, and raced out of the barn.
The farmer walked out with Jackson and Kris as he saw Miltank join the others of her kind, saying, "I can't thank the two of you enough for what you've done."
"We did what we wanted." Kris answered, with Jackson nodding in agreement.
"Tell you what. I'll get you two a half-dozen bottles of Moo-Moo Milk for helping me out. I have some in storage. Be right back." He walked away from the group, going back to his house.
"So where have you been all this time?" Jackson asked.
"I was actually doing some research on Pokémon around here, and training for the Olivine City Gym." she explained, "What about you? What was that about Leafeon saying 'you just got your confidence back'?"
Jackson had almost forgotten he had given Kris one of his translators, so she understood Leafeon. "Right... well, here's the thing." Jackson started, and he explained about what happened that led him to be full of doubt, to the first gym battle against that he lost, to the Kimono Sisters, and finally to the rematch.
"Wow..." Kris muttered, amazed at what he had to deal with, "I am rather surprised at all you went through. But you ended up meeting the Kimono Sisters, and even the Legendary Beasts. Mind you, Ethan and I barely won that gym battle by the skin of our teethes!"
"Yeah, he was powerful." Jackson grimaced, "But is this next gym leader is powerful?"
"Every gym leader is strong. The Olivine Gym Leader, Jasmine, is no exception. She is known for her Steel-type Pokémon, particularly her Steelix."
"So she is a Steel-type Gym Leader, huh?" Jackson asked, looking to Leafeon.
"They are certainly well-known for their powerful endurance." she explained, "I know my moves will not do much damage to Steel-types."
"The ones I know are super-effective against Steel-types are Fire, Fighting, and Ground-types." Kris explained.
"Meaning my Quilava would do great in that battle." Jackson understood, "Come to think of it, my Scyther has Vacuum Wave, so that can work out for me."
"What? You caught a Scyther, too?!" Kris gasped, "Where did you get one?! They are suppose to be rare!"
"At the Bug-Catching Contest in the National Park." Jackson explained.
"Wow! I am so amazed!" she muttered.
"So did you manage to fight Jasmine?"
"No. As it turns out, she closed the gym for the time being." Kris explained, "She's trying to take care of a sick Pokémon that is part of the Olivine Lighthouse."
"I see..." Jackson understood. He wondered if he should help out this sick Pokémon like he did with Miltank?
"So where is the other boy? Where is Ethan?" Leafeon asked.
"He is currently on his way to Cianwood City." Kris answered.
"Cianwood?" Jackson echoed, pulling out his tablet, examining the map.
"It's passed the Whirl Islands across the sea." Kris explained, "There is a gym in that place, too."
"In other words, Ethan got tired of waiting, so he went to the next gym." Jackson summed up, "Well, I might as well head to Olivine City anyway."
Just then, the farmer came out, with carrying cases of glass bottles full of milk. "Here you go, kids. Two half-dozen containers of Moo-Moo Milk, fresh and ready!"
The two took their individual gifts, saying, "Thank you, sir!"
"It's no problem. Come back at anytime." he told the pair, before walking away. However, he was just a few steps away when they heard the sounds of the Miltank on the field in a panic. The group looked shocked at the sound. "Oh, my!" the farmer exclaimed.
"What is it?!" Kris questioned.
"Let's go find out!" Jackson replied, making a mad dash as he went out into the field with Leafeon right beside him.
It took less than a minute for Jackson to arrive on the scene, and saw the Miltank were running as a dust cloud coming closer. Jackson eyed closer to see a herd of three-tailed bulls running towards them.
"Tauros!" Leafeon exclaimed, as Jackson pulled out his Pokédex. "Tauros. The Wild Bull Pokémon. This Pokémon is not satisfied unless it is rampaging at all times. If there is no opponent for Tauros to battle, it will charge at thick trees and knock them down to calm itself."
Kris and the panting farmer stopped at a distance to see the oncoming stampede. "No! Not them again!" the farmer exclaimed.
"A herd of Tauros?!" Kris exclaimed.
"They end up arriving here once and a while, causing a big ruckus to my farm!" the farmer exclaimed, "I can't even do anything about it!"
"Jackson!" Leafeon exclaimed.
"Yeah. I bet these Tauros were responsible for the injured Miltank." Jackson assumed, putting his dex away, drawing his sword, "This is gonna take more than just you guys to handle. And the Miltank are not able to deal with them, either."
"What is he doing with that sword?!" the farmer questioned, "That's too dangerous!"
"Hold on! He's got an idea!" Kris assured him.
Jackson concentrated, gather the wind into his blade. He then spun the sword like a propeller blade, and pushed it forward, sending a cyclone of wind flying at the Tauros, causing them to stop and brace themselves against the wind. Finally, Jackson roared as he stopped spinning his blade and swiped his sword, sending a shockwave of wind, causing the Tauros to be thrown off their feet, sending them flying into the air, fall about the place, injured by Jackson's attack.
"WHAAAAAAAT?!" The farmer exclaimed.
Kris looked startled, but laughed hysterically as she exclaimed, "All I can do is laugh at how he keeps showing off his ridiculous feats!"
"Jackson!" Leafeon cried out, seeing something that needed attention. There was still one more Tauros that was able to hold its ground, and charged at both trainer and Pokémon.
"I see it!" Jackson called out, putting his sword away, pulling out his Park Ball, "Scyther, go!" he tossed out the ball that contained his Bug/Flying-type.
"Sensei, what do you need of me?" Scyther asked.
"Let's start with stopping this Tauros! Use Vacuum Wave!" Jackson ordered.
"Yes, sensei!" he answered, gathering up energy, and sending it as a wave from his scythe blade hands at Tauros, who took the hits like a champ, but kept charging.
"YOU DARE INTERFERE WITH OUR CHARGE?! YOU SHALL PAY FOR THAT!" the Tauros roared, his head glowing with a mystic energy.
"Jackson, that looks like Zen Headbutt!" Kris called out.
"Agility!" Jackson called out, leaping out of the way as Scyther glowed and evaded the attack while Tauros shot right in between them.
"STOP MOVING AND GET TAKEN DOWN!" Tauros roared, turning around and charging at the group, its' body glowing. It was using Take Down.
"Scyther, get ready for a side Slash!" Jackson called to his partner.
"Understood, sensei." he replied, spreading his claws out, ready to attack as he stood in place, waiting for Tauros to come to it. The farmer covered his eyes, not wanting to watch. Kris was focused on what Jackson had planned. Jackson and Scyther were in sync as their opponent got closer and closer. Finally, at the last second, Scyther leapt to one side, evading the head-long charge from Tauros, his mantis claws glowing, before slashing the Normal-type on the side, damaging it and sending him stumbling about.
"Dance with blades!" Jackson ordered. Scyther respond by launching forward, his scythes glowing, as he unleashed numerous Slashes over and over again, fluidly moving like he was a swordsman, with one final slash knocking him to the ground once and for all.
"Well done, Jackson!" Kris cheered.
"Wait, what? What happened?!" the farmer asked, looking up, not witnessing what happened.
"What should we do now, Jackson?" Leafeon asked.
"Hmm..." Jackson hummed to himself, thinking of an idea, before walking over to the defeated Tauros, asking, "Hey, are you the leader of this herd of Tauros?"
Tauros winced as he looked weakly at Jackson, answering, "Wh-What's it to you?"
"It's a simple yes or no question. Just answer him." Leafeon argued.
Tauros paused before answering, "Yes..."
"Perfect!" Jackson replied, pulling out a Pokéball, "This might help out the farmer." He dropped the ball onto Tauros, who got sucked into it. After a couple shakes, the ball clicked, signaling the capture.
"You caught the Tauros!" Kris cheered, racing over to him.
"That was incredible!" the farmer exclaimed.
"Thanks." Jackson replied, taking the ball, holding it up.
"But now..." Kris continued, looking to the remaining Tauros, who were starting to get up again, "What are we gonna do to the remaining Tauros?"
"It's pretty safe to say they were the ones who attacked your Miltank and injured her." Jackson assumed, seeing the glares of the Wild Bull Pokémon, "They might do it again when nobody noticed. But I have a plan for that." He tossed out the ball, bringing forth Tauros to the field. The other Tauros looked to him with interest.
"What is it now?" Tauros questioned his new trainer with disgruntlement.
"Hey, don't get down in the dumps." Jackson replied, "Listen, my Scyther and I beat you fair and square, so now you have to follow my orders." Tauros grumbled, before giving in. "And my instructions are as follows..." he continued, and he placed the Pokéball in the farmer's hands, "You are to lead your herd as this farmer orders you."
"Wait... What?!" the farmer questioned, as surprised as Kris was.
"You're just giving Tauros away?" Kris asked.
"I figured this would be the best choice." Jackson answered, "If I took the lead Tauros away, the others would still rampage about the place. But because they are aware that Tauros is their leader, and the farmer owns Tauros, they can be commanded to not rampage in the fields. Maybe they can even be used for something else."
"Like what?" the farmer asked, trepidatious as he looked to the lead Tauros and the rest of the herd.
"Like... maybe bodyguards for the Miltank?" Jackson suggested.
"That might not be a bad thing." Kris replied, "Miltank and Tauros are considered gender counterparts to one another, as all Tauros are male, and Miltanks are female. They might be compatible with each other if you give them time. You might even hatch more Miltank."
"Well, there is that..." the farmer agreed, "Well, I can't say I'm completely confident in getting it right, but if it helps my Miltank, who am I to complain?" He looked to the Tauros, who felt disgruntled, but had to oblige.
Some time later, Jackson and Kris left the farm, going on their path again as Kris stated, "I'm pretty impressed by how you handled yourself back there. Not to mention how you and Scyther were able to beat that Tauros."
"Thanks." Jackson replied, "Charging bulls are no laughing matter. I just hope the farmer is able to handle that Tauros and his herd well."
"Tauros are known to be aggressive in their own right. But I'm sure things will go well." Kris stated, speeding up a little bit and turning to him, "Speaking of which, after seeing you battle, I would like to challenge you and your team."
"This came out of nowhere." Leafeon noted.
"I'm just wondering how strong you've really gotten since we last fought in Goldenrod City. Plus, it's good practice for fighting the gym."
"Sure, I'm game." Jackson replied, "How will we do this?"
"Let's do a one-on-one battle, with two Pokémon each." Kris suggested.
"Okay, let's do it!" Jackson replied, giving himself some distance from her, before turning around, readying himself.
"Since I started this, I'll choose my first Pokémon." Kris told Jackson, "Growlithe, go!" She tossed out a ball, and out came the Pokémon Jackson remembered her having back in Union Cave.
"Growlithe, huh?" Jackson understood, "Considering what was said about Steel-types, it would make sense. Then I choose Dewott!" He called out his Discipline Pokémon to the battlefield.
"Ha! Time to get ready to wipe the floor with this guy!" Dewott declared, brandishing his scalchops. Growlithe roared at Dewott, who then had a downward red hue glow about his body. Growlithe's Intimidate ability activated, weakening his physical strength.
"As usual, ladies go first." Jackson told Kris.
"You seriously need to change that!" Dewott growled.
"Okay, Growlithe, use Flamethrower!" Kris shouted. Her Pokémon spewed out a jet of flames at Dewott.
"Water Pulse!" Jackson ordered. Dewott created a watery sphere, and shot it at the oncoming flames, cutting through it for a few seconds, before causing a mist explosion. "Now, Swords Dance!" Jackson followed up.
"Your Intimidate has been countered!" Dewott called out, creating swords around him that spun and glowed, causing his attack strength to increase.
"Growlithe, use Dig!" Kris ordered, and Growlithe suddenly dug underneath the ground, disappearing by the time the mist cleared.
"Dewott, jump high!" Jackson ordered. Dewott did what he was told, leaping high into the air, looking about the field. Seconds later, Growlithe leapt high out of the ground, attempting to take down his target, but saw he was too far away. "Night Slash!" Jackson ordered, and Dewott drew out his energy swords from his scalchop, slashing at Growlithe, sending him careening back to the ground.
"Growlithe, return!" Kris shouted, calling back her Pokémon to his ball before he hit the ground. Jackson and Dewott were surprised, as she swapped Pokéballs, before calling out, "Parasect, let's go!" She tossed out the ball, and out came something that reminded Jackson of Paras, only with a bigger body, blank eyes, and an even bigger mushroom on its back.
Jackson pulled out his Pokédex, looking at the new Pokémon. "Parasect. The Mushroom Pokémon, and the evolved form of Paras. Parasect is known to infest large trees en masse and drain nutrients from the lower trunk and roots. When an infested tree dies, they move onto another tree all at once."
"That's seriously creepy." Jackson muttered.
"Tell me about it." Dewott grimaced.
"I'll show you how we fight! Use Spore!" Kris ordered. Parasect suddenly exuded a cloud of spores that flew over to Dewott, who tried to not breath it in, but ended up falling asleep from being consumed by it.
"Dewott, wake up!" Jackson called out, but no response. Dewott had only two speeds; zero, and short-tempered, and it was difficult to get from one to the other unless by force.
"Now, use Cross Poison!" Kris called out, and Parasect crawled towards Dewott, its claws glowing a purple hue, before slashing and causing Dewott to fly back.
"Crap, he isn't waking up..." Jackson grimaced, "Dewott, come back!" He pulled out the Pokéball, and brought Dewott back in. 'I know how to counteract a sleeper opponent.' he told himself, "Weavile, let's blade it up!" He called out his Sharp Claw Pokémon, ready to go.
"Weavile again, huh?" Kris muttered, "Still, it won't matter unless I do this. Spore!" Parasect shook its mushroom, spreading the spores at Weavile, who started to go drowsy.
"Weavile, ready your Ice Punch!" Jackson called out.
Weavile's instincts kicked in, its claw glowing an icy energy. As he fell down, he placed his icy claw on his face. Before he hit the ground, he was able to wake up, catch himself with his free claw, and push himself off the ground. This startled Kris as she witnessed her Parasect getting struck by the Ice Punch, causing him to be sent flying.
"How did you...!" Kris questioned.
"Well, I had to find a way to overcome Morty's Hypnosis." Jackson noted, "Weavile, Icy Wind!" Weavile breathed out a gust of freezing wind, consuming Parasect in it.
"Shoot, Parasect can't use any long-ranged attacks except for Spore!" Kris growled, "Use Leech Life, Parasect!" Parasect struggled and pushed through the Icy Wind, trying to get closer to Weavile to chomp and absorb his stamina.
Weavile, Ice Punch again!" Jackson called out. Weavile dismissed his Icy Wind, and slugged Parasect in the head with another icy punch, causing him to develop frost about its body, before it collapsed.
"Parasect, return!" Kris called out, putting Parasect back into his ball again. "We didn't win this fight, but we'll win the next one." she told her partner, "I really need to think about long-ranged attacks with you. But now, I can try a different move. Growlithe, come back out!" She brought out her exhausted partner back out onto the field. Growlithe activated his Intimidate again, weakening Weavile's physical attack.
"Weavile, we got this!" Jackson called out, "I know Dewott will not like being shown up by you, but that's what he gets for sleeping on the job. Night Slash!"
"Sorry, Dewott." Weavile apologized quietly, drawing out his energy sword, and charged at Growlithe.
"Retaliate!" Kris ordered.
Growlithe glow a vengeful red hue, howling, "For my ally!", before dashing at Weavile, striking him so fast and hard, he couldn't react in time, and got sent flying backwards in agony. He crumpled to the ground, before struggling to get back up again.
"What power!" Jackson gasped, "How did that happen?!"
"Retaliate is a move that does more damage if one of my Pokémon was recently knocked out." Kris explained.
"So a revenge strike, basically." Jackson understood.
"Growlithe, Flamethrower!" Kris called out, and Growlithe breathed out a blast of flames.
"Jump and use Metal Claw!" Jackson shouted. Weavile managed to leap up, his feet just narrowly singed by the flames, before bringing out his metallic claws, and coming down at Growlithe.
"Growlithe, use Reversal!" Kris called out. Growlithe took the damage he had taken from Dewott, and converted it into strength as he leapt up at Weavile, the two striking each other. Weavile took the worst of it, and was sent reeling backwards, before tumbling along the ground, unable to continue.
"Yes, it worked!" Kris cheered, as Growlithe was able to get back onto his feet again, panting.
"Good job, Weavile." Jackson told his partner, placing him back into his Pokéball. He put it away as he called out, "I didn't realize that Growlithe had gotten so strong until now. You really gotten tough, Kris."
"Thanks. Through all my research, I figured the best way to fight with Growlithe is with a diverse movepool. Flamethrower is my Fire-type, Dig is my Ground-type, Retaliate is my Normal-type, and Reversal is my Fighting-type. Plus, the diverse effect each move has makes even more versatile."
"It's pretty smart thinking." Jackson admitted, "But I still have one more Pokémon left. Dewott, go!" He tossed out Dewott to the field, who was still fast asleep.
"Dewott still hasn't woken from my Parasect's Spore, so I'm gonna win this fight!" Kris called out, "Growlithe, use Dig!" Growlithe dug into the ground, getting close underneath Dewott, and striking him into the air, not powerful enough to wake him up.
"Dewott needs to wake up, now!" Leafeon growled, "Jackson, do the trick like you did in Morty's battle!"
"What?" Jackson asked, before realizing what she meant. Thinking of what to say, he saw Dewott falling down, and shouted, "Dewott! If you don't wake up now, Weavile will do more damage than you did in this match! Are you really wanting that?!"
The call did the trick once more, for Dewott instantly woke up, shouting, "Oh, hell no! I'm suppose to win this!"
"What?! How did that work?!" Kris questioned.
Dewott landed on the ground as Jackson answered, "Knowing how my Pokémon tick help us overcome obstacles. And we'll continue to understand and grow stronger. Dewott, use Night Slash!" Dewott drew out his energy blade, and launched at Growlithe.
"You are not the only one!" Kris called out, "Growlithe, Reversal!" Growlithe gathered up his damage and turned it into power as he launched himself at Dewott. It looked like it would repeat just like it did with Weavile.
"Slide and slash!" Jackson called out, confusing Kris. Dewott suddenly went on his back, using the momentum of his running speed to slide right underneath Growlithe's Reversal, and slashed from underneath. He spun back onto his feet, dismissing his Night Slash, as Growlithe crumbled to the ground, unable to continue.
"Growlithe!" Kris called out, running towards him. She picked him up, holding her close as Jackson and Dewott walked over to her.
"Looks like we won this time." Jackson summed up.
"Yeah. Looks like you did." Kris answered, raising herself up with Growlithe in hand, "I honestly wasn't expecting such movements from you."
"I have been training my team personally with my fighting style." Jackson explained, looking down at Dewott, "It's just another way for us to understand one another."
"Yeah, and you practically break us!" Dewott retorted.
"Before you put us back together stronger than ever." Leafeon finished, getting a disgruntled look from Dewott.
Kris laughed at the moment, before looking at Jackson as she said, "Well, I guess I need to learn a little more, and think of more strategies to counter your team."
"Then we'll just have to get better so we can counter that." Jackson retaliated, with Leafeon and Dewott nodding in agreement, "Although, for now, my throat is parched. That fight took a lot. Let's drink some of that milk. How 'bout it?"
"Sure. I'm very thirsty, myself." Kris agreed, "Let's have the Pokemon we fought with have some as well. I heard Moo-Moo Milk is nutritious and restores health."
After that, Jackson, Leafeon, Kris, and the four Pokemon they used in their battle joined together as they drank the milk they recently got. Based on the reaction of the group, not to mention the exhaustion from how fulfilling the day was, that milk was the best that Jackson ever had.