Chapter 3: Finals!

Both Pokémon emerge and set themselves for attack.

"Pinsir Tackle."

"Kakuna Harden."

Kakuna flashed white and Pinsir bounced off like a rubber ball.  "HA you wont beat Kakuna like that!"

"Pinsir throw Kakuna up in the air then hit it with a Guillotine."

Pinsir walked up to Kakuna and Kakuna jumped in the air to avoid being thrown.  "Kakuna Tackle!"

Kakuna came down on Pinsir with great force.  Pinsir bounced backwards and rolled to his feet.  "Pinsir shake it off and use Super Headbutt!"

"No such attack exists."

"Now it does."

Pinsir began a run and propelled himself into the air and flew towards Kakuna at blinding speed.

"Kakuna Harden."

Again Kakuna flashed white but this time it didn't matter as Pinsir's Super Headbutt blew Kakuna back with such force that Kakuna felt it through the Harden.  Kakuna landed and began to wobble and then after appearing to regain control fell in defeat.  The crowd was deathly silent everyone was staring at Pinsir.  Brian turned to the crowd and yelled, "What the hell is wrong people?"

"That attack has never been used before," came a reply from the crowd.

"That's because I made it up and taught it to Pinsir."

While that was happening Tom had recalled Kakuna and released Venonat out onto the field.  Brian returned his attention to the battle with a new sense of determination to keep some of his secrets for the battle with Bugsy.  "Pinsir Razor Leaf."

"Venonat Barrier."

The leaves Pinsir launched towards Venonat reflected off an invisible wall.  "Quick Attack Pinsir!"

"Confusion FULL POWER!!"

Venonat strained powering up for Confusion.  Pinsir was quickly closing in on Venonat when he released his havoc on Pinsir.  Pinsir stopped dead in his tracks and tried to clear his head but couldn't get the images to go away.  Venonat took the opportunity and launched a Leech Seed and Pinsir was helpless as he lay on the ground being drained and finally he was overcome and passed out.  "Pinsir is unable to battle Venonat is the winner."

"I can't believe I was beaten so easily."

"Brian what happened over there?  Did you fall asleep?"

Switching Pokéballs Brian tossed his next Pokémon onto the field.  "Well here we go."

The Pokéball exploded open and out flew Scyther.  "Scyther Fury Cutter."

"Venonat Agility."

Venonat jumped and dodged Scyther's barrage of blades and landed at his feet.  With a quick motion Venonat leaped onto Scyther's head and began to power up a psychic attack.  Scyther could feel the psychic power building up so he jumped into the air and turned head down and slammed Venonat, still on top of his head, straight into the ground.  The impact jarred Scyther but Venonat didn't come out as fortunate he was knocked-out.  "Venonat is unable to battle Scyther is the winner."

Scyther was panting from the impact of the ground.  Tom reached to the back of his belt and pulled off and completely green Pokéball.  "I was hoping I wouldn't have to take you down with this Pokémon."

"Just bring it!"

Tom held the Pokéball as it split open and revealed a huge Butterfree.  Butterfree wasted no time in disposing of Scyther.  Scyther tried to protect himself with his blades but it was no use as Butterfree relentlessly pounded Scyther with Tackles.  Scyther was out before he hit the ground and Brian quickly recalled him.  " Now you're gonna face the wrath of Beedrill."

Butterfree again wasting little time struck first with a gust but Beedrill fought back with a gust of his own.  "Beedrill Poison Sting."                        

"Butterfree dodge that and hit him with your Poisonpowder."

Beedrill went streaking by and Butterfree set up for his Poisonpowder.  Beedrill turned and slowly rubbed his stingers together creating sparks.  When the points of the stingers met a jet of poison shot for the ends of the stingers.  The sparks caught the poison on fire and sent a raging ball of burning poison racing towards Butterfree.  He attempted to avoid the attack but all attempts were useless as Butterfree took a direct hit from the burning poison.  Butterfree wailed in pain as the poison burned all over his body.  He quickly faints from the pain.  "Butterfree is unable to battle Brian wins the match."

"Hey Tom better luck next time," Brian said smirking.

Tom just recalled his Butterfree and walked off the field and into the forest.   Jackie jumped off the stands and chased after him.  "The match will be at 5:30 in the gym."

"I will be there I just hope Bugsy shows up."

"You're being a little too confident."

"Not with my team I'm being nice."

"Well Tom did knock out two of your Pokémon."

"He was lucky and are you the ref for tonight's match?"

"Yes I am."

"Cool see you then."

Brian glanced up at the clock hanging over the water fountain.  "Man, that was a longer battle than I thought.  Well I still have time to go to the Pokécenter then home for a few hours."

Brian recalled Beedrill and ran off in the direction of the Pokécenter.  Crossing a road in town he heard a truck drive by with a loud speaker booming "There will be a battle at the Azalea Gym to determine the next member of Bugsy's Gym."

"Haha that's me and I'm gonna win."

"Nurse Joy I need my Pokémon taken real good care of."

"Sure Brian I don't have any other people to take care of right now."

Brian took his Pokéballs of his belt and bounced them off the floor.  "Release!"  All of the balls popped open and left his Pokémon standing on the floor.  "Now I'm gonna leave you here for about 20 minutes and I'll be back to pick you guys up.  Nurse Joy is gonna give you special treatment."

"Hey how do you guys feel?"

All rousing cheer came from his Pokémon.  "Well I'll take that is a yes and thank you Nurse Joy this is just what my Pokémon needed before the big battle this afternoon."

Brian turned and began to walk out.  "Aren't you going to put your Pokémon in their Pokéballs?"

"No they can walk with me."

And with that they all followed Brian out the doors.  Brian took the same path he had taken the previous night.

He led his Pokémon around to the back of the house "Ok guys we have lunch then about 4 and a half hours till we gotta head for the gym.  He opened the outdoor cabinet and pulled out the dishes and food and feeds his Pokémon.  When the Pokémon were full and the dishes had been cleaned Brian went inside and changed into his swimwear.  On the way out the door he grabbed a towel.  When the Pokémon saw him in his swimwear they all dashed to the pond and waited on the bank waiting Brian's arrival.  "Jump in guys but don't go too hard we got a huge battle tonight."

They spent a few hours enjoying the warm water but then they all climbed out to keep from tiring themselves out.   Brian tossed the towel over his shoulder and walked inside.  "Wait here," he told his Pokémon.

After a few minutes he opened the door and let them in.  "Ok guys its time to talk strategy.  We know that Bugsy's Pokémon are Spinarak, Metapod, and Scyther, so I think we are gonna start off with Scyther on Spinarak, and Pinsir again on Metapod, and finish with Beedrill."

He laid out the Pokéballs on the bed "Return," and the room was empty except for himself.  The six Pokéballs lay on the bed, and in a whisper  "This may be the beginning of a new journey my friends."

"Brian you have 1 hour and a half till your match."

"K dad I'm just about to head over to the arena."

"Ok we'll see you there."

"Cool."

Brian picked up each Pokéball and attached it to his belt.  Walking through the house he takes a strong look at the way the house is organized and the way everything looks.  Swinging the front door open a flash of light caught his eye.  "Oh man I didn't think they would go get me one so soon."

It was a silver mountain bike.  He ran over and jumped on it on took off as fast as he could.  Animals and people alike were jumping out of his way as he streaked over hills and through forests.  Getting to the gym was easier because it was closer to their house.  When he arrived there were cars already packing the parking lot.  At the door he was greeted by a young woman from the local police force.  "Hello Brian I am supposed to show you to your room to prepare."

While she led him through a network of halls he would sneak a glance at the crowd gathering.  "Man this has got to be the biggest crowd in this gym ever."

"Your right Brian and I must say that you're a bug part of why the crowd is so big."

"How come?"

"Well people have heard about your battles and they want to see you in action."

"I can't let them go home without a show."

"Haha I guess not.  Now here is your room," she said as she opened a door and motioned for Brian to enter "Someone will come and get you when its time."

"Ok and thanks."

"Your very welcome," she said as she gave him a generous smile.

The room was almost bare except one folding chair.  "I hope I'm not I here very long."

Within 5 minutes the door opened and the same woman greeted him with her smile.  "Right this way Brian.  Bugsy wants to meet you before the match and Nurse Joy must check your Pokémon for any added substances or special surgeries."

"Ok, but what's with the exam?"

"Can't let you bet Bugsy with an illegal Pokémon that would make you look really bad."

They entered a large blue room with a number of machines and contraptions and off to the side a table with two padded chairs.  "Ah nice to meet you Brian, I have heard much about you from the other trainers around town."

"Oh, here Nurse Joy here are my Pokémon for you to check."

"Thank you Brian I was just about to ask for them."

Nurse Joy took the Pokéballs and disappeared behind one of the machines.  "Come sit down."

"Sure.  How long till we battle?"

"Half an hour.  I brought you here to ask you a few things."

"What are they?"

"What kinda of trainer are you, brute force of style and finesse?"

"I think I mix both well."

"Are all your Pokémon bug type."

"Yeah they may have other types in them but they all are bug."

"Do you agree in a 3 on 3 match."

"Sure that's the way the tournament went."

Nurse Joy popped out from behind one of the machines "All the Pokémon check out, he is good to go."

"Ok Brian lets go to the battle floor."

Brian walked over to Nurse Joy and received his Pokémon back.  Bugsy was already outside the door waiting for Brian.  As they followed a long hallway Brian saw a bright light.  "Here we are."

The loud speakers boomed with the announcer's voice and the crowd grew quiet "We are glad you all have come to watch the battle for the right to enter the Azalea City Gym.  First the challenger Brian Gilhur."  The crowd applauded "And the leader Bugsy and the applause continued.  "This match has been decide to be a 3 on 3 both trainers may switch Pokémon at any time."

When both trainers had entered their boxes the match began.  "GO Spinarak!!"

"Go Scyther!!"

"Spinarak String Shot."

"Scyther slice those webs."

The white strands of silk split as they flew by Scyther.  "Spinarak try a Poison Sting."

"Scyther dodge those needles!  Quick Attack."

"String Shot again Spinarak."

With each step Spinarak seemed to be missing Scyther be a greater distance.  When Scyther finally reached Spinarak he slammed it with a strong Quick Attack and before Spinarak was out of his range Scyther swung a Slash attack straight into Spinarak's back and sent it to the ground.  Spinarak jumped up and landed a String Shot in the middle of Scyther's chest and began to pull him down. Scyther planted one of his blades in the ground and cut the string with the other.  Spinarak went rolling backwards and Scyther took the chance to power up with a Swords Dance.  When Spinarak came to attack with Poison Sting Scyther attacked with Fury Cutter.  When the assault was over Spinarak was unable to move because of the cuts over its body.  "Spinarak is unable to battle Scyther is the winner."

"Return Spinarak.  Go Metapod."

"Scyther Fury Cutter."

"Metapod Harden."

Scyther pounded his blades against Metapod's hardened shell with no damage done.  "Scyther Tackle."

"Harden again."

Scyther slammed against Metapod and Metapod slid a few feet but nothing happened.

"Ok Scyther this calls for heavy duty, Electric Blades!!"

Scyther rubbed his blades together creating an electric current and soon his blades were energized with electricity.  Scyther charged at Metapod with his blades glowing an eerie yellow and with two downward thrusts cracks the Harden and sends a Thunder attack on Metapod.  The arena flashed with light as the electricity passed from Scyther to Metapod snapped and sizzled.   When the light and noise subsided Metapod was paralyzed.  "Metapod is unable to battle Scyther is the winner."

"What kind of attack was that Brian?"

"My own creation."

"Is it legal?"

"Well, is it illegal?"

"Never mind go Scyther."

Bugsy's Scyther saw how drained Brian's Scyther was and launched an all out Quick Attack frenzy.  Brian's Scyther took several blows before falling in defeat.  "Brian's Scyther is unable to battle Bugsy's Scyther is the winner."

"Well well I see your not strong after a tough win Brian."

"I am and I'll prove it.  Go Beedrill."

Scyther and Beedrill stared each other down until Beedrill turned and shot a Poison Sting.  Scyther crossed his blades and blocked the needles.  "Beedrill Seismic Toss."

Without a second of delay Beedrill was carrying Scyther skyward.  Scyther fought the whole way up but couldn't land a blow to make Beedrill release.  Reaching the climax of the climb Beedrill made a sharp downward turn and picked up speed.  Within a few feet of the ground Beedrill slammed Scyther.  But the battle wasn't over.  Scyther slowly stood up and started to walk towards Beedrill.  "Beedrill Burning Poison."

Beedrill started the sparks and launched the jet of poison and it hit Scyther in the face and ran down its body.  Screams were heard throughout the gym as Scyther writhed in agony.  "Scyther is unable to battle Beedrill is the winner."

The crowd erupted with applause and cheers.  Bugsy walked out to the center of the arena and a man with a microphone met him there.  "Brian I congratulate you on your victory and welcome you to the Azalea Gym."

"Uh I was thinking about that and I must say I decline the offer."

"What!?!"

A silence covered the arena like a blanket.  Whispers came from every direction, but every eye was on Brian.  "How can you decline an offer to become a member of a Johto league gym?"

"Well if anything it would give me more pleasure to travel the world of Johto and afterwards travel to the old world of Kanto."

"But the power you would have as a member here."

"Not what I want."

"Then why did you enter the tournament?"

"To test myself and my Pokémon against a gym leader."

Brian recalled Beedrill and walked out of the arena.  His parents met him at the door "Brian that was a wonderful battle but I must ask again why are you turning this offer down."

"Again, dad because this wasn't what I wanted."

Brian grabbed his bike and took off.  He sped as fast as he could 'why can't they just take my answer and live with it?'

At his house he opened a drawer in the kitchen and pulled out a backpack "Well I'm gonna need this and I'd better pack."

"What are you doing here?" he asked with a perplexed look.

"I decided to wish you well before you left."

"Thanks Jackie and I think I'll need it.  I just hope I meet someone or a group with the same dream as me to become the best Pokémon trainer in the world."

"I know you will and have the time of your life," she said as she walked out the door.

Brian shook his head and entered his room.  Pulling out drawers he selected the things he needed for his long journey to register for the Johto League.  With a full backpack he set it off to the side and sat back down on the bed to wait till his parents got home to say his goodbyes.  "Well its getting later than I thought so I better stay the night and then head out tomorrow."

The backdoor shut and footsteps were heard entering the kitchen.  Brian rushed out to meet his parents.  "Oh so you haven't left yet." 

"No tomorrow is the day mom."

He walked over and gave a hug to his mom and dad.  "If I'm up and gone before your up I just want to say goodbye and I love you.  Oh I will keep in touch."

"We will miss you and we love you."

HE walked back to his room and shut off the lights.  Sitting in the darkness he took the time to pray, "Dear God, please help me make through this new journey I'm taking and let it be the best anyone's ever had."

Head on pillow the world faded out.

The light pierced the darkness of the room and woke him from his slumber.  He threw on some clean clothes grabbed his bag, and a few fruit bars to hold him for the morning.  No one was up so he walked out the door, jumped on his bike and took off.  "New Bark Town here I come!"

To be continued..