Chapter 2: Tournament Time
"Really? Oh no."
His mom ran to the kitchen and picked up the phone and rapidly hit the numbers 911. "Hello?"
"Y-yes, there is trespasser on our property," Brian's mom replied shakily.
"Where do you live?"
"W-w-we live at 1456 Alered Drive," Brian's mom replied still shaken.
"Ok, we'll send a unit out immediately."
"T-thanks," Brian's mom sighed.
She walked to the backdoor and waved to Brian and Brian waved back. Brian ran towards the backdoor and upon reaching the porch he gave his mom a hug. After a few seconds his mom broke the embrace and walked to the kitchen. "I have to call your father about the return of Team Rocket."
Brian walked to the table to finish his lunch, which was getting a little cold. Brian picked up the bowl and walked to the microwave. He popped the door open and tossed in the bowl set the timer and shut the door. When the timer went off he opened the door pulled out the bowl sat down at the table and started to enjoy his lunch. As soon as he dropped the bowl in the sink a cop car with lights and siren blaring pulls in. The car came to a screeching halt in front of the door and two officers stepped out of the car. Brian walked to the door to let the cops in and Brian's mom set the phone on the hook and walked to the cops. "Hello, where is the suspect?" asked the taller of the two cops.
"He isn't a suspect he was caught in the act."
"Who was the witness?" the other cop asked.
"My Pokémon were the ones who caught him."
"Where are your Pokémon?" asked the first cop.
"They are out in the backyard and the guy is unconscious the last time I saw him."
"We have to bring in a translator so we can use their testimony in court," the second cop said to the first cop.
"Yes, go call headquarters and have them bring the translator and a medical team," the first cop replied.
The second cop ran out to the car got in and picked up the phone. Back inside the first cop made his way through the house with Brian right behind and his mom trailing a few feet behind Brian. They stepped out of the backdoor and walked onto the porch. The cop stopped to look around the backyard. After a complete look he pick up his pace towards Brian's Pokémon. Brian quickly followed. "What are you going to do with my Pokémon?" Brian asked.
"We'll probably take them to headquarters," the cop replied.
"You can't do that I need the Pokémon at 1 o'clock," Brian exclaimed.
"We have forty minutes then," the cop replied.
The other cop appeared in the doorway and motioned to the other cop to come. The first cop walked over to the other cop and he leaned closer so Brian couldn't hear what was being discussed. "The translator is here said the second cop. We need to be alone with the witnesses," the second cop demanded.
"Don't forget I have to be somewhere at one o'clock," Brian told the cop.
"We should be done in about twenty minutes," The first cop replied as he turned around to head for the Pokémon as the translator walked through the door with the medical team and a stretcher right behind. "Where is the patient?" asked the medics.
"He's right over there," the second cop said pointing towards one of the trees.
The medics took their stretcher and walked to the tree. "Now could we be alone with the witnesses?" asked the first cop.
"Ok but I will be in the house if help is need," Brian replied back.
Brian and his mother made their way into the house. His mom went to the living room to work on balancing her checkbook and Brian headed for his room. When he was in his room he quietly shut the door and walked to the desk in the corner of his room. He pulled out the chair, sat down, and scooted the chair to the desk. Reaching down to the bottom drawer he opened it and pulled out a piece of lined paper. He shut the drawer and pick a pencil off the desk and began to draw pictures of the battle that he had taken place in. He sketched his Scizor standing on the battlefield with his claw raised high over his head. He picked up the drawing and grabbed a thumbtack out of a can on the corner of his desk. With the picture and tack in hand he walked to the big bulletin board and paced the picture on the board and pushed the tack through the paper. He took a step back and scanned the bulletin board and then reached back for a chair to sit and remember what he and his Pokémon have accomplished together.
Brian slowly began to remember his first catch. Brian was 10. It had been Heracross. He was walking through a field on the edge of a small forest. While he was walking a cracking noise came from the forest. Brian turned his head and noticed a hole in the ground. He ran over to the hole to see a small Heracross curled up in a ball holding its arm. Brian had grabbed a Pokéball from his belt and dropped it into the hole. The ball opened and the Heracross disappeared with a white light. Heracross had fought to get out of the ball as hard as he could but in the end the ball was too strong for him. Brian reached down into the hole and pulled out his new Pokémon inside the ball. He clicked it back to his belt and ran for the Pokécenter. While running through the park a bigger kid had tripped Brian and the boy's friends exploded in laughter. Brian picked himself up wiped his face off and continued towards the Pokécenter. He rushed through the door nearly running over Kyle. After dodging a crowd Brian reached the counter. "How can I help you Brian?"
"I just caught this Heracross and I think that it's hurt badly," Brian said gasping for air.
"Let me see this Heracross so I can help."
"Here it's my first catch ever," Brian said still breathing heavily.
"Well, congratulations but I must get to work".
Nurse Joy picked up the Pokéball and walked through some swinging doors. Brian walked to a set of chairs and selected one facing a window to the back part of the Pokémon Center. He saw Chansey holding a tray of assorted Pokéballs. Chansey walked to a large machine and then closed the door and a bright light began to flash on and off. After a few minutes Chansey opened the door and pulled out the Pokéballs. Brian sat in his chair rubbing his eyes to gain his sight back after watching the machine and its lights. "Brian? Here is your Heracross."
"Thanks!"
"Good luck."
"Thanks again," Brian said as he made his way to the door.
The doors slid open as Brian made his way close to the doors. He had run home, up to his room and sat down on his bed. While on his bed he had grabbed some of his Pokémon stickers. He selected a Heracross sticker and placed it on top of Heracross' Pokéball.
Just then there was a knock at his door and Brian snapped back to reality. He got out of the chair and slowly walked to the door reach for the knob and turned it. He looked to see his dad standing there still in his work clothes. "What are you doing home so early dad?"
"When I heard the news form your mother I had to come home to make sure everything is ok. Are you alright?"
"It scared me at first when I heard the scream."
At that moment one of the cops came up the hall. "Sir we are done with your Pokémon."
Brian walked past his dad and continued down the hall. He headed out on the porch and moved to the pond. He took off his shoes and socks and laid them on the grass. His Pokémon ran over to him and gave him a huge hug. Brian turned around and hugged them back. "Now guys I think that its time to go meet Danye."
Brian grabbed the Pokéballs and tossed them in the lake. "Last one in their Pokéball is a rotten egg."
His Pokémon quickly jumped into the water and swam as fast as they could to their own ball. The balls all suddenly opened and six small flashes of light appeared around the pond. Brian dove into the pond and moved around to gather the Pokéballs. When all the balls were back on the bank he pulled himself out of the water and grabbed the Pokéballs and his shoes and socks. His clothes were dripping water on the grass as he made his way to the house to change clothes to meet Danye. He peeked inside the door and turned his head to both sides to see if mom or dad was around and not seeing either of them he ran into his room as fast as he could. At his bedroom door he reached out grabbed the doorknob and closed the door nearly tripping himself up. Brian walked to his dresser and pulled open a drawer and selected a plain white shirt. After pushing that drawer back in he opened the top drawer and pulled out a pair of boxers. Next he stepped over to his closet and pulled out a pair of jeans. Brian removed his wet clothes picked up a towel on his bed and dried off when he was done with the towel he threw it back on the bed and began to redress in his dry clothes. Sitting on his bed with his dry clothes on he tied his shoes, picked up his Pokéballs and headed out the door. "And where are you headed?" Brian's dad asked as Brian opened the front door.
"I'm suppose to meet Danye in front of the Pokécenter in about five minutes," Brian replied opening the door and beginning to leave.
"Ok but be back in time for supper."
Brian walked to the sidewalk turned towards the Pokécenter and began to run. He ran past the park again and he had to jump a small creek. Brian saw the Pokécenter and in about 25 seconds he was there. He walked inside and continued to the counter. "How may I help you Brian?" Nurse Joy asked enthusiastically.
"I would like these Pokémon healed please."
"Ok it will take just a few minutes."
"That's great. I'll wait around for them."
Nurse Joy picked up the Pokéballs and placed them on a tray and handed them to Chansey. Chansey then headed through the swinging doors behind the counter. When the doors had swung shut Brian walked over to a collection of chairs and selected one facing the front window so he could watch for Danye. Brian looked over at the clock over the counter. It was 12:58 and just then Danye walked to the counter and deposited his Pokémon for healing. "Hey Danye over here," Brian called as Danye finished talking to Nurse Joy.
Danye ran over to Brian and gave him a high-five. "So how are you doing?" Brian asked.
"Pretty good."
"That's good."
"Brian, your Pokémon are ready, and Danye yours are also ready," Nurse Joy called.
"Coming," replied both of them in unison.
Together they walked over to the counter and received their Pokémon back from Chansey.
"Thanks Nurse Joy," Brian said.
"You're welcome, and keep safe out there."
The boys, with Pokéballs attached to their belts, headed out the door and Brian took lead to head them towards his secret training area. They made their way into a thick forest. "Brian can you see where you are going?" Danye asked because the underbrush was too tall for Danye to see over.
"Sorry about that Danye. Here hold my hand till the brush clears up," Brian apologized.
"On the way back could we cut a little trail that I could use later?"
"Sure that would be a good idea."
They continued on in silence until they reached a large river that cut through their path. "We can't wade through that it's too fast and we could be carried down stream," Danye said with a hint of fear in his voice.
"That is correct but I know a way to get over the river," Brian said enthusiastically.
He reached down to his belt and pulled off a Pokéball. "Who's that?"
Brian held the Pokéball on the sides and showed Danye the sticker on top of the Pokéball. "That would make sense."
Brian dropped the Pokéball on the ground and the flash of white light appeared and then dissipated revealing Brian's Beedrill. Brian kneeled down and put his hand on Beedrill's head and said "Beedrill you know what to do."
Beedrill nodded his head in agreement and took off into the trees. A few seconds later Beedrill reappeared carrying what look to be a small ski lift like chair hanging from Beedrill's back. When the chair had touched the ground Brian sat down on one end and Danye sat on the other end. "Up up and away," Brian laughed.
Beedrill lifted the chair into the air and began his usual trek across the river. When they were over the other bank of the river Beedrill slowly descended to the ground to drop off his passengers. When both Danye and Brian were safely on the ground Brian raise a hand and Beedrill turned and began to return the lift to its rightful spot among the trees. "Wait!!" yelled Danye "How will I get across when you aren't here?"
"Do you have any Pokémon that can fly?"
"No," Danye said shamefully.
"Ok, what Pokémon do you have?" Brian asked thoughtfully.
"Well I have Venonat, Weedle, and Caterpie."
"That works," Brian, said happy that there was an answer to the dilemma.
"If you work hard enough with Venonat it could evolve in to Venomoth, and that would be the quickest evolution and Venomoth can fly."
Danye tapped Brian on the shoulder "Brian if Venonat evolves today could Beedrill show Venomoth where the chair is?"
"Sure."
By the time they were done with their conversation Beedrill had landed. Beedrill then reached out with a stinger and hit the button on his Pokéball and disappeared in a red glow. Danye leaned to look behind Brian. "What?" Brian asked in curiosity.
"I thought I heard something," Danye replied in a baffled tone.
"Oh that was Beedrill going back into his Pokéball," Brian replied.
"Ok," Danye said with a sign of relief.
"Well shall we continue on our quest?"
"Yea," Danye replied ready for action.
Brian turned towards a smaller forest and headed in with Danye right behind. For a few minutes they trudged through the forest. When the forest cleared Danye looked around Brian to see a clearing with a few large trees and some scattered stuff. "Why are the rocks set up like a downhill slalom?" Danye asked.
"That's used to increase my Pokémon's agility," Brian replied.
"Why are there big chunks missing from that tree?"
"That is used to increase strength, and that hill is used to increase endurance"
"Do you do anything that increases defense?"
"Yea sometimes I make a fire and they jump in it and then when they are about to break they role on the ground to put out the fire,"
"Isn't that dangerous?"
"Sure but if you want to get better then you have to take risks,"
"I know but I still think that is a bit extreme,"
"Well they do it without me telling them and most of the time the fire is to cook hot dogs or boil water,"
"And what about speed?"
"If my Pokémon have defense, endurance, agility do they really need speed?"
"Maybe,"
"I think they still do anyway,"
"Well then where do you train for that?"
"This way" Brian said as he headed between to thick trees.
"Right here is a smaller river just big enough to strengthen their leg muscles,"
"Can we start to train now?"
"First I want battle you to see where your Pokémon's weaknesses are,"
"Then let's battle,"
They walked to an open field that they would use as the battlefield. Brian continued to the other end and grabbed a notebook from inside a tree. He opened it and wrote down the names of Danye's Pokémon. Next he wrote the different parts of a battle. "Are you ready Danye?"
"Ready when you are,"
"Then let's go,"
"Go Venonat,"
"Evaluation time Heracross,"
"Heracross tackle,"
"Venonat agility,"
Venonat was shooting from side to side yet Heracross still caught a piece of Venonat. Brian looked down to the notebook and began to write. "Heracross take control,"
Heracross turned around walked to Venonat and put out an arm and began to push Venonat backwards. Venonat finally realized what was happening and began to push back. Brian watched and wrote down notes about Venonat's strength. Heracross looked back to Brian and Brian gave him the thumbs up. Heracross got up and started to sprint away from Venonat. "Venonat don't let him get away,"
Venonat began to run as fast as it could. Again Brian was writing in his notebook. "Only endurance and defense left to go Heracross,"
Heracross slowed down and turned around. Venonat came streaking in at Heracross and Venonat hit Heracross and there was a loud crack. Once again Brian was in his notebook. Heracross had Venonat by the hands and started to push and Venonat pushed back. They were like this for five minutes and then Brian called out "Done."
Heracross picked up Venonat and tossed him Danye.
"Well we have to work on agility, speed, and strength,"
"But Venonat didn't move when Heracross was pushing him,"
"That's it he didn't move he should be able to push the opponent back,"
"Oh" Danye said sadly.
"Now we can get started. Please bring Venonat,"
"But Venonat is tired,"
"Then give him this," Brian said as he pulled out a small red circular tablet.
"Ok," Danye said as he took Venonat to the small river so Venonat could swallow the pill.
When Danye returned Venonat was jumping up and down full of energy.
"Wow that pill really worked,"
"Do you think I would give you a fake?"
"Maybe,"
"You didn't have to answer that,"
"Where should we start?"
"I suggest with the agility because that is vital in a battle with a strong opponent,"
Danye walked over to the rocks and kneeled down and explained to Venonat what to do and why Danye was having him do this. When Danye stood up Brian handed him a stopwatch. "What's this for?"
"Well you have to set a time limit or Venonat will take his time getting through the course,"
Danye took the stopwatch and walked to the opposite end of the course to Venonat. Venonat walked to a line, which Brian pointed to. Danye raised his arm and Venonat got down in a sprinting stance with a determined look on his face. "Go!" Danye yelled as he dropped his arm.
Venonat took off as fast as its little legs could carry it. The first stone was coming up and Venonat dodged to the inside to avoid the stone. He made it cleanly around the first one and headed straight for the second. He cut the corner close but still made a clean turn. Venonat started to speed up out of the turn and make his way to the next turn. When the turn came up his speed was too fast and he slide off the course and hit a tree. "Are you ok?" Danye asked as he ran over to the tree.
Venonat slowly got up and looked into Danye's face and saw a tear. The tear ran from Danye's face down his cheek and hung on his chin. When Danye moved to look down at Venonat the tear fell and landed on Venonat's forehead. Both Brian and Danye had to cover their eyes as Venonat began to glow a bright white. "Hey Danye do you know what this is?"
"No, what's happening to Venonat?"
"He's evolving,"
"He…. he is?"
"Yup."
Venonat's form slowly grew larger as he changed into a Venomoth. The wings appeared out of his back and his body became long and skinny. The light dimmed down and Danye took his hands from his eyes and gazed at His new Venomoth. "Wow."
"Man that's a pretty big one you have there."
"Well can Beedrill now show Venomoth where the lift is?"
"Sure," Brian said as he grabbed Beedrill's Pokéball and tossed to the ground in front of Venomoth.
"Beedrill show Venomoth where the lift is and how to use it and then come back."
"Beeeedrillllll Bee." (Now I'm the boss.)
"Ok," Brian said as he laughed and waved them off.
"Beedrill bee bee drill," (Follow me Venomoth)
"Ven." (Ok)
Beedrill took off with Venomoth right behind flying loops in the air. They were soon out of sight and Danye turned to Brian with a wide grin on his face. "I can't believe that it happened," Danye said with his body shaking with joy.
Brian walked over and put his hand on Danye's shoulder "You know that you have a new element for battle and his psychic attacks will be stronger."
"What? Another element"
"Yea, flying."
"Sweet!"
"Yea but you must train harder than ever to master the new power."
"Aaaawwwww you just took all the fun out of it."
"Well you can still have some fun with this power."
Brian reached to his belt and clicked them all off and they hit the ground and on the way up of the bounce they popped open. "Hey Scizor and Heracross go see if you can make us a quality football for a quality game."
"Sciz sc!" (Cool!)
The two Pokémon ran off towards the pond in search of something they could make into a football. Shortly the two Pokémon came back with a piece of wood shaped like a football. "Her heracross?" (How's this?)
"Great job guys!"
Heracross held up the made football and Brian took it from his hands. He walked towards a thick group of bushes. Danye quickly followed behind Brian's Pokémon. Brian reached into the bushes and parted a hidden path. Brian pointed his hand down the path and his Pokémon led the way with Danye following right behind. When they had reached the other end, Scizor lifted a claw and Brian got down on his hands and knees and clawed under the brush. He made it to the other end and jumped out and everyone jumped in surprise. "Man you guys scare easy."
Heracross walked over to Brian and hit him in the side. "What's that for?"
"Herr." (Duh)
"Shut up." He said with a laugh.
Brian took the lead of the pack again and led them to an open field. Again Brian reached down to his belt and tapped each Pokéball and they all opened. Danye did the same with his Pokéballs. "Time for a game guys."
"We got to pick teams, and they have to be fair."
"They will."
Just then Beedrill and Venomoth came back from the trees. "Well now that all the guys are all here."
"The teams would be uneven if everyone is to play," Danye said after counting and re-counting the people and Pokémon.
"Ariados, you will be the ref for this game."
"Aria." (Good)
"Well let's pick teams, and the captains will be Heracross and Scizor."
Both Heracross and Scizor walked out of the group and headed on two different angles away from each other while Ariados ended out between them. "Heracross chose last time so Scizor you choose first."
"Sc. Sci scizor scizorsc." (Ok. I choose Beedrill.)
"Hera her cross."(I got Venomoth.)
"Sciz scizor."(I want Pinsir.)
"Heracross her."(Scyther is mine.)
"Sciz or or."(Come on Weedle.)
"Her a her heracross cross."(Hey Caterpie you're my team.)
"Ok that's everyone so lets play."
"Wait what about us Brian?"
"We play quarterback for our teams."
"Well what team am I on?"
"You pick."
"Ok I'll be with Heracross."
"Then I'm with Scizor."
Brian reaches into his pocket and pulls out a quarter. He shows both sides to both Scizor and Heracross. "Ok now it's time to see who gets the ball first. Heracross call it now."
"Hera."(Heads.)
Brian flips the coin and it hits the ground and bounces a few times and then lays down head side up. "Heads."
Brian hands the ball to Danye and they walk to one end of the field. They begin to play and it lasts until the sun begins to set. "Ok that was really fun but its time to head home."
Both Brian and Danye pull out their Pokéballs and begin to recall their Pokémon. When all but Beedrill had been recalled they begin their trek back. When they reach the Pokécenter they say their good byes for the night and head to their homes. When Brian gets home his dad met him at the door. "You know you just made it home in time."
"Ok cause I kind of had to guess what time it was."
"Why didn't you take your watch?"
"Because it broke and I haven't got or bought a new one yet."
"That's a good reason."
"Well can I wash my hands for supper?"
"Oh sorry." Brian's dad said stepping to the side.
"Thank you." Brian said as he headed through the living room towards the bathroom.
"Set the table." Came a yell from the kitchen.
"I will after I wash my hands." Brian replied.
Brian ran into the bathroom and turned on the water and put his hands underneath it and then reached for the soap and rubbed it between his hands then rubbed it on his face and then put his hands back under the water then splashed water on his face. When the soap was washed off he turned the water off and reached for the towel. He kept reaching for it but couldn't find it. With eyes still closed in fear of getting any leftover soap in them he turned and started to walk to the bathroom closet. Before he made it there he tripped over a shoe and fell. He thrust out his hands to catch himself but it didn't help as he hit his forehead on the floor and blacked out. His body lay sprawled out on the bathroom floor a few steps from the door. "Brian its time to eat so set the table," yelled his mom.
"I'll go get him."
"Ok but don't be to harsh he has to be strong for the finish of the tournament."
"He'll be fine."
His dad turned into the living room and began to head down the hall. His eyes went wide with fear. "Oh my God!"
"What is it?"
"Brian is out cold."
"Oh no!"
His dad ran down the hall with his mom making her way to the bathroom. With Brian in his arms his dad walked back down the hall into the living room. His mom caught a glimpse of Brian's head and headed back into the kitchen. She opened a draw under the counter and pulled out a plastic bag and then hurried over to the refrigerator. Opening the freezer half of the refrigerator she started to grab handfuls of ice until she had almost filled the bag. Sealing the top she quickly made her way to the couch in the living room where Brian was laying. She laid the bag on his forehead and went into the dining room where his dad was on the phone with the doctor. "Ok"
"Sounds good. So see you in a few minutes."
"Bye"
"Was that the doctor?"
"Yes he'll be here in a few minutes."
"Good."
Both of them walked to the table a grabbed a plate and portioned it out between them, grabbed their glasses p our some milk and headed into the living room. They picked out chairs and sat down to eat before the doctor arrived.
A few minutes later the doorbell rang and Brian's dad got up and walked to the door. He peered out a side window to make sure it was the doctor. Slowly he turned the knob and opened the door.
"Hello Doctor Normes."
"Hello Mr. Gilhur."
"So where is Brian?"
"He's in the living room laying on the couch."
"Ok. Now lets go find out what maybe wrong."
They walked through the kitchen and dining room into the living room. Brian's dad stopped at the doorway and watched while the doctor continued to Brian's side. He kneeled down at the end of the couch and looked at the bruise that was on his forehead. "Hmmmmmmmm."
"Will he be ok for the tournament tomorrow?"
"I'm sure he will dear."
"Yes he will be fine," the doctor said as he stood up.
"Good about how long till he wakes up."
"I'm thinking right .. about….. now."
Brian slowly stirred and his eyes cracked open. His head turned to the doctor "W-what ha-appened?"
"You hit your head on the floor and blacked out."
"How long have I been out?"
"Only about 30 minutes," his mom said.
"Man what time is it?"
"Son you might want to eat then go to bed."
"Ok dad," Brian said as he slowly lifted himself from the couch and made his way to his room while holding the ice bag to his forehead.
Brian closed his door and fell onto his bed and fell asleep quickly.
The next morning his alarm went off at 6:00am and Brian groggily lifted his head and smacked the top of the clock with his hand. He rolled over and propped himself up. Leaning forward he rubbed his eyes and turned to dangle his feet off the bed. When his eyes were open he dropped to the floor and walked to his closet. He thrusts open the doors and pulled out his wind pants and shirt. Walking over to his dresser he pulled open a drawer and grabbed a pair of boxers. With clothes in hand he walked to his bed and laid the clothes on it. He quickly undressed and put on his boxers. Sitting on the bed he pulled his pants on and snatched his shirt off the bed while he stood up. Lifting his arms over his head he slid the shirt over his back. Heading back over to the dresser he grabs some socks and bends down to pick up his shoes. Closing the door and turning of the light he headed to the living room. Picking a clean spot on the couch he sits down and puts his socks on. Bending over he yanks his shoes on and laces them tightly. He stands up and makes his way to the kitchen. Stepping lightly he picks out a few bagels and set them on the table. Opening the refrigerator door he looked in for the jam. His eyes swept over the selection. Finally he decided on black raspberry. Pulling out the jar he continued his quest for breakfast by heading for the silverware. With knife and jam in hand he trekked back to the table, pulled out a chair, and collapsed into it. Reaching across the table he slides the bagels to himself. With the knife he slices them open and spreads the jam generously across each bagel. Slowly chewing his first bite he gets back up and runs quietly back to his room. Shoving the door open he dives onto his bed. In one swift motion he picks up all of his Pokéballs in one hand and thrust them into his pocket. Rolling off the side he lands in a squatting position. Taking the time to swallow the delicious first bite he snatches up his CD player and begins to leaf through his CD collection. Stopping on a page he removes his Project 86 CD from the book and pops it into the player. Holding the player he walks back to the kitchen. Before sitting down he pulls out the Pokéballs and sets them on the table. Laying the CD player on the table he gathers the Pokéballs again. With Pokéballs in hand he travels through the living room out onto the porch. Stepping off the porch he opens a little swinging door and grabs 6 food dishes. Filling each of the dishes from a different container he sets them apart from each other. Throwing the Pokéballs in the air he smiles as they spilt open and his Pokémon land back on earth with several thuds. His Pokémon quickly run to their dishes and dip their heads in to get as much food as possible. Brian walks back to his own food and takes a large bite. He gathers up the rest of the bagels and goes back to the porch. Pull out a lawn chair he sits down and finishes off his breakfast. When the dishes had been cleaned he picked them up and placed them back where he had pulled them from. Stepping off the porch onto the dewy grass sparkling in the morning sun he made his way to the to the pond. His Pokémon quickly fell in line behind him and began to march like soldiers out of the army. At the edge of the pond Brian turned around to face his followers. Looking up into the morning sun he inhaled deeply and held the breath then slowly let the air escape through his nostrils. Slowly Brian kneeled down and rested his hand upon Heracross' head with the other stabilizing him. "Ok guys this is the last day of the tournament and we can take down all challengers!"
"Scyther!" (Right!)
"Pinsir!" (Yeah!)
"Beedrill!" (Rock on!)
"Ariados!" (Kick butt!)
"Scizor!" (Slice!)
"Heracross!" (and Dice!)
"Then lets show Bugsy who's boss!"
Brian leaped from his crouching position and ran to the porch with his Pokémon quickly following. He plucked up the Pokéballs and recalled all of his Pokémon clicking each one back onto his belt he walks back into the house. Back in the kitchen he whipped open the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of fresh water and lets his arm dangle with the water loosely swaying as he walked. Twisting the knob he walked out of the house and over to the garage. Opening the side door he swings his arm open and makes contact with the switch and the lights flashed on. Moving his feet across the dusty floor he placed his hand on the seat of his bike. Shoving the water into his pocket he guided his bike out the door he had just entered. Reaching back the lights went out and the door was closed. Getting on his bike he began his pedaling. Speeding along the road he swerved to avoid the potholes that were scattered across the road. Whipping around a corner he jumped over a small pile of dirt. Screeching to a stop in front of the Pokécenter he jumped off and led his bike through the doors and up to the desk.
"Hello again Brian."
"Hello Nurse Joy."
Snapping the Pokéballs off his belt he placed them in the waiting tray. Without looking Nurse Joy laid the tray on a cart with a Blissey waiting patiently. Pushing the cart through the swinging door into the back. Blissey picked out each Pokéball and placed them into the machine. With the light flashing Brian's Pokémon were revived of their ailments. Pulling a lever the Pokéballs fell back onto the tray with several solid thuds. Blissey slowly pushed the cart back through the doors and stopped next to Nurse Joy. Nurse Joy reached over and picked up the tray and extended it to Brian.
"Here you go Brian and good luck."
"Thank you."
Slapping each onto his belt Brian mounted his bike and sped off nearly hitting a young trainer. Zipping around trees and over a bridge he screeches to a halt by the bleachers in time to hear of Tom's latest victory. "Man I wished Rick had won this match so I wouldn't have to listen to Tom brag about his 'mastery' of Pokémon and maybe have to face him later."
"What was that?"
Brian snapped around to see Danye walking up behind with his Pokéballs in hand. "What are you here for?"
"I came to cheer you on."
"Thanks it helps to now someone is on my side."
"Why do u say that?"
"Because I think the whole town is against me for some reason."
"Well don't let it bother you while you battle."
"Spoken like a true man."
"Thanks."
Brian stepped form the shadows and made his way to the locker room. "And this time don't fall asleep."
With a snicker Brian pulled open the locker room door. Walking past the bench he moved into the washroom at the other end of the room. Pulling a towel off a rack he walked over to the sink and turned the water on. Placing each Pokéball on the small table at the side of the sink he held one under the running water and realized he had no soap or washcloth there. So setting down the Pokéball in the sink and turning off the water he reached for the rack and pulled off the cloth and set it down on top of the Pokéball. Stepping over to a metal rack he picked up a bottle of liquid soap and walked back to the sink humming to himself. Placing the soap by the faucet he pulled off the washcloth and turned on the water. Placing the plug in the hole he sprayed some soap into the rising water. Moving his hand back and forth under the warm water he cradled the Pokéball in his hand and brought it back to the surface. With the damp cloth he cleaned each Pokéball with care. Drying the last with the towel he moved to the bench and stared at the clock. "Man 40 minutes till my battle. At least I have my CD player." Pressing the headphones around his ears he pressed play and began his preparation for his battle. After 15 minutes passed he removed the headphones and stopped the CD. Placing the headphones on the CD player he stood and faced the door. Slowly he took deep breaths to calm himself and then snapped into realization that he had to choose his Pokémon for this match. Falling back onto the bench he rested his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. 'Well Beedrill, Scizor of course and Heracross so that makes the team.'
Standing he grabbed his CD player he walked out the door and back to his bike placing the CD player in the pouch on his bike he climbed up into the stands to wait until it was time to put his Pokémon and him to the test. Watching for Ron, Brian kept breathing deeply to keep calm. Seeing the judge move to the desk he jumped for the bleachers and jogged out to the judge and stopped behind her. "Yes?"
"Is it time for the match?"
"Yes it is. Are you here to deposit your extra Pokémon?"
"Yep."
Ron walked up and stood off to the judge's side to distance from Brian. Brian unclipped three Pokéballs from his belt and laid them on the desk in front of the judge, turned, and walked to his square. Ron set down his three Pokéballs and gave Brian a heavy stare then turned and walked to the opposite end of the field. Lifting the flags out of a drawer and turned to face the stands. She looked to each trainer and received a nod from both trainers she raised the flags and dropped them to her sides "GO!"
"Go Butterfree!"
"Go Scizor!"
"Scizor take it out."
"Butterfree Agility then Tackle."
"Scizor Quick Attack."
Both Pokémon zapped in and out of view. "Butterfree now!"
As Butterfree zapped in it slowed and hovered in the air. When Scizor zapped in Butterfree plunged down at Scizor's head "Duck Scizor!"
Brian's yell was in vain as Butterfree made contact with the side of Scizor's head. Scizor fell to the ground with a thump. Shaking his head Scizor stood with his body shaking. "Butterfree finish it off with another tackle."
Butterfree came streaking in at Scizor to lay the finishing blow. Scizor wildly threw his arms to his sides and one of his claws caught Butterfree's wing. Hurtling out of control Butterfree caught itself and resumed its tackle attack on Scizor this time Scizor took a blow to the side and one to the back and he fell for good this time. "Butterfree is the winner."
"Return Scizor. Nice try."
"Hey what happed over there I thought you said you were good."
"I'm not going to reply to that comment. Go Heracross"
Heracross leaps out of his ball and lands ready for battle. Charging at Butterfree, Heracross lunged at Butterfree and landed a large blow that sent Butterfree sprawling along the ground. Jumping in the air Heracross dove towards Butterfree fist first landing the blow in middle of Butterfree's chest. "Butterfree is unable to battle Heracross is the winner."
"Way to finish that fast!"
"Luck."
"I think not."
"I think so," Ron said as he threw out his next Pokémon.
"BEEDRILL!!!!!!!!!"
Everyone jumped back when they heard the yell from Ron's Beedrill. "My strong fighter."
"Well all my Pokémon are my strongest fighters."
Beedrill flew in a semi-circle to Heracross' sides twisting its head for different prospective of his new opponent. Suddenly Beedrill shot straight up where Heracross was force to cram his neck and look into the sun. "Don't look into the sun he's trying to blind you."
Heracross shielded his eyes from the sun and listened for Beedrill's approach. When he heard Beedrill's buzz Heracross sprung to the side and able to see brought his arms down slamming Beedrill head first into the arena floor. Almost immediately the judge shouted "Beedrill is unable to battle Heracross is the winner."
Quickly switching his Pokémon, Ron cracked open his next Pokéball and out flowed Venomoth. Venomoth wasted no time shot towards Heracross and Heracross had little time to spin out of the way as Venomoth zipped by. Heracross was ready for the next flyby. When Heracross was almost done with the spin he grabbed one of Venomoth's wings and finished the spin and slammed Venomoth into the ground. Shaking her head as she flew back up, Heracross took a step back then lunged headfirst and his horn hit Venomoth and they continued until they hit a tree. Heracross landed on his feet while Venomoth flopped to the ground not moving. "Heracross that was awesome!"
With his head drooping low Ron recalled his last Pokémon and went to the judge's table to pick up his other Pokémon. Brian ran from his box to shake Ron's hand. "Good job it takes time to get really good."
"Yeah you have about what 2 more years of training."
"I think its 3 you're 13 right?"
"Yeah."
"I'm 16. Oh well you still were good."
"Well I hope you win this 'cause you deserve it for all the time you've put in."
"Yeah I think so too and thanks for any support you give me."
"I'll be there."
"Cool."
Brian turned and ran to Heracross who was still standing there where he had finished the match. "Time to hit the showers huh."
"Her." (Yeah.)
"You can jump in the pond when we get home after making a stop at the Pokécenter."
"He."(Ok.)
Throwing the ball into the air Heracross was returned to his Pokéball. Snatching it out of the air Brian ran back to the judge's table to retrieve his other Pokémon. "Brian your next match is in two hours."
"Ok thanks."
Back at his bike he meets Danye and receives a congratulatory handshake and was off to the Pokécenter. "Awesome battle Brian," said a group of young trainers on their way into the Pokécenter as Brian was on his was out. He jumps on his bike and rides home slowly to take in the surrounding area as the sun began to set sending marvelous colors across the sky. Hearing a twig snap, Brian becomes alert and almost to late notices a rope across the path at throat level, and at the last possible second ducks under the hazard. He looks back and then his bike begins to swerve across the path. The bike lurches towards a bush, and Brian leaps from his bike and watches it hit the bush and flip over itself a few times. People look at Brian's mangled bike as it wraps itself around a tree wit the sound of twisting metal. A couple rushes over to Brian's side. "Is.. er.. Was that your bike?"
"Yeah."
"What happened?"
"I was riding and then I saw a rope strung across the path and so I ducked, looked back, lost control, and here we are now."
"That sucks bad."
"Yeah it does."
"So what are you going to do?"
Well first I'm gonna take my bike off the tree."
With the man in tow Brian waded through the bushes towards the tree. Grabbing hold of the mangled front tire he began to pull his bike off the tree. The man grabbed the other tire and also pried the bike from the tree. When the last piece of the bike was removed from the tree the man carried it over his head back to the path. He set the bike down and waited for Brian to grab hold of it. "Thank you."
"Your welcome and I hope you can find out who did this."
"Yes and I hope something be done about it."
The woman took the man's hand in hers and walked off towards town. Attempting to roll the bike along the path the bike falls to the ground a few times. Finally Brian picks it up and labors the rest of the way home. "Next time I'm getting a lighter bike."
At home he opens the garage door and finds his father bent over a table, looking over parts for his car. "What happened here!?!"
"Well I was riding home and I heard a twig snap and while I was scanning the area I noticed a rope and it could have taken my head off. At the last second I ducked but lost control and jumped off."
"Well there isn't enough left of the bike to do any repairs. So I guess were gonna have to get you a new one."
"Thanks dad, but where do you want me to leave this bike?"
"Set it outside the door. I'll take care of it."
So Brian moved the bike outside and dropped it on the ground without breaking stride. Inside the house he walked to his room and sat down on his bed. "9:30 and I have to get up at 6 I think I'll take my shower then sleep."
Crawling into bed he flipped off the light and slowly fell asleep.
BEEP BEEP BEEP
"Uugghh 6 already?"
Brian clicks the alarm off and slides out of bed. Flipping on the lights he squints to get himself dressed.
Swinging the door open he stumbles over to the garage. "Ahhh how stupid am I?!?" he said as he slapped himself on the head.
So he set off for the place of his day of battles. At the field he tossed up a Pokéball and let it bounce off the ground. He sat down cross-legged with the Pokéball in front of him. He looked up at the battle floor waiting for the match to begin. From the other side Ron came striding over with Jackie hand in hand. "Here to watch Brian?"
"I was gonna ask the same about you."
"Well I'm here to battle for the right to face Bugsy."
"And I'm here to beat you so I can beat Bugsy."
"Oh so you did actually beat Ron."
"As if I wouldn't."
"Tom, Brian, its time to get this Finals match under way," yelled the judge across the floor.
"This will be a 3 on 3 battle with the winner advancing on to face Bugsy in a 3 on 3 Pokémon battle."
Brian nods, spins, and walks to his box. "This battle is under way!"
"Go Kakuna!"
"Go Pinsir!"
To be continued…