Chapter Three: One Year Later...
"The battle between Kara of Mauville and Davis of Mossdeep commences! The trainers are only allowed to use two Pokemon. Both trainers have worked hard to get to the semifinals in the Hoenn Convention, but only one will emerge victorious!"
"Go, Shiftry!" called Davis, sending a Poke'ball out into the arena.
The plant pokemon appeared in a burst of red light. It looked confidently over the battlefield, waving its sharp fans in anticipation as it waited for its opponent.
"Go, Volcano!" cried Kara.
Volcano appeared, shooting steam from the craters on his back. The Shiftry managed to look nervous while waiting tensely for it trainer's command.
"It seems that Davis has chosen Shiftry, and Kara has countered with a Camerupt! Kara seems to have the advantage here, but Davis could have something up his sleeve!" commented the announcer.
"Shiftry, use Faint Attack!"
The plant Pokemon leapt into the air, seeming to disappear. Volcano looked around in confusion, and was suddenly hit by an invisible force as the Shiftry reappeared beside him.
"Volcano, we have it close enough, so finish it with Eruption!"
Volcano smiled wickedly as the volcanic humps on his back erupted with a molten stream of glowing red magma and rock. Black smoke covered the arena, and nothing could be seen through the thick cloud. Both trainers waited until the smoke dissipated, and Kara cheered in victory. Volcano stood in the middle of a molten wasteland, the unconscious Shiftry lying at his feet.
"Shiftry is unable to battle, Volcano is the winner!" shouted the ref.
"Shiftry, return!" called Davis, he took another Poke'ball from his belt, "Go, Bluefire!"
Kara smiled as she saw the sleek, black form appear in the battlefield. She recalled Volcano, and took out another Poke'ball. She kissed the sphere for luck, and let it fly.
"Go, Sundrop!"
Glittering particles swirled in the air like reflections on the water as the shining Mightyena burst from the Poke'ball. Sundrop landed on the ground gracefully, her golden form catching the sunlight and making the audience gasp in wonder.
The Mightyena on the opposite side of the arena stood stock-still. He gazed with glazed eyes at the beauty of the other Pokemon, but then realized his trainer was calling an attack.
"Bluefire, use Take Down!"
The black Mightyena growled and shot forward, ready to slam into the golden female, but he realized too late that she was already running beside him. She howled and used a Sand-attack.
Bluefire sputtered in the sand while Sundrop circled him, waiting for the perfect moment to make her move. He followed her with his eyes, trying to get the sand out of his face while remaining on guard for an attack.
"Sundrop, use Return!"
Bluefire suddenly lost sight of the gold female, and he looked in confusion around him. He was abruptly slammed into the ground, and as he picked himself up, he could see the form of the other Mightyena trotting back to its trainer. He growled and scrambled up from the dirt, ready to battle for all he was worth.
"Bluefire, Crunch!'
The male Mightyena leapt in front of Sundrop, cutting her off from her trainer. He bared his teeth and lunged, viciously biting the female on the flank. Sundrop yelped, scrambling back as blood began to well up in the wound.
"Sundrop!" cried Kara, horrified by the attack.
The gold Mightyena growled deep in her throat, lowering her body and letting her hair stand on end, trying to get a better aim at the other Pokemon. Bluefire snarled, ready to attack.
"Sundrop, use Iron Tail!"
The golden Pokemon's tail began to glow, and she circled the male. He watched her warily, but she was quicker than he could react. Her tail slammed into his head, sending him flying across the arena to land, unconscious, by his trainer's feet.
"Bluefire is unable to battle, the match goes to Kara!" shouted the referee, waving a green flag in Kara's direction.
The crowd cheered, but Kara was running towards Sundrop, who had already begun licking her wounds. A red stain ran down the Mightyena's haunch, making Kara's eyes tear to see it.
"Sundrop, are you okay?" she asked.
The golden Mightyena nodded, intent on her work. Kara sighed and patted the Pokemon's head, worry lining her face. She called Sundrop back into the Poke'ball and began walking out of the building, but was stopped by her opponent.
"Uh, hi..." he said, looking embarrassed, "I'm sorry about the battle, I didn't think Bluefire would do something like that."
"You should train it better," said Kara coldly, but she blanched, remembering her encounter with the Zigzagoon trainer long ago, "Oh, I'm sorry about that, I'm just worried about my Pokemon. I need to get her to a Pokemon Center before my next battle."
"Uh, I'm going that way too, can I come with?" asked Davis, looking outside at the people practicing for the next round.
"Sure, go ahead," said Kara, walking briskly towards the Center.
They traveled in silence, but when they entered the Pokemon center, a group of people bombarded them with questions.
"Was that battle staged?"
"Why did the Mightyena fight like that?"
"How did your get your Camerupt to have such strong attacks?"
Kara sighed and tried to answer the questions quickly, but had to push through the people to get to the front desk. Davis was already talking to Nurse Joy, and the two almost bumped into each other as he turned from the desk.
"Sorry!" he said.
"Yeah..." mumbled Kara.
She gave the Poke'ball containing Sundrop to Nurse Joy, and went to the front of the building to wait. Unfortunately, all the seats but one were taken.
"Hello again..." she said, exasperated.
"Uh, sorry, I'll move," said Davis, beginning to stand to give Kara room to sit.
"You don't have to," sighed Kara, sitting tiredly on the edge of couch.
"So," said Davis after Kara had sat, "What do you think about the battle? I'm not sure what happened..."
Kara thought, staring at the table in front of them as she recapped the battle in her mind. She finally nodded slowly, coming to a conclusion.
"Sundrop made Bluefire look like a fool. He had to defend his honor and pride, and took the most brutal course in showing that he was dominant."
"That's a fair explanation, I'll have to research it later," agreed Davis.
Kara suddenly noticed Nurse Joy waving at them from the front desk, and quickly ran up to hear the news. The Nurse smiled warmly and gave her Sundrop's Poke'ball.
"She's going to be fine. The wound wasn't very deep; her fur blocked most of the blow."
"Thank you!" exclaimed Kara.
"You're welcome," said Nurse Joy, she looked beyond the girl and saw Davis walking to the desk, "I'm afraid that your Mightyena will have to stay a bit longer, Davis."
"Why?" he asked, startled.
"Bluefire took quite a bit of damage. He won't be up for battling for at least a day or two."
"I guess I'll stay here then; thanks Nurse Joy," sighed Davis as he got his room key.
"Oh, I'm sorry about your Mightyena..." apologized Kara as she walked back to the couch.
"Don't worry about it, he's been in worse scrapes before and came out all right."
"Yeah," mumbled Kara. She jumped as the announcer's voice flooded the room from the intercom, "Oh, no! I have another battle in fifteen minutes!"
"Nice meeting you!" called Davis as Kara ran out the door.
"The battle between Kara of Mauville and Tessa of Pallet commences! Each trainer can use six Pokemon. Let the battle begin!"
"I never thought I'd see you here, Tessa!" exclaimed Kara as she waited for her opponent to send out a Pokemon.
"I have some new Pokemon to train," the other trainer answered, throwing a Poke'ball into the field, "Go, Shadow!"
A sparkling cloud erupted from the orb as it hit the ground, releasing the creature inside. Tessa calmly caught the sphere as it returned to her hand just as the huge pokemon in front of her roared.
Kara blanched, looking at the ebony creature. It shook its red wings comfortably on the battlefield, puffing out small clouds of flame as it waited for its opponent. Kara sighed and sent her Pokemon out.
"Go, Tsunami!"
When the light cleared, what seemed to be an absurdly small Azumarill crouched before the massive black Charizard. Both Pokemon looked defiantly at each other, eyes blazing determination. The referee waved his flag, signaling the battle to begin.
"Shadow, use Flamethrower!" shouted Tessa.
"Tsunami, counter it with Hydro Pump!" called Kara.
The two powerful attacks met halfway in the field, sliding back and forth before exploding in a huge burst of steam. It cleared to reveal both Pokemon still standing, barely winded by the attacks.
"Shadow, Dragon Rage!"
"Tsunami, Slam it!"
The Charizard began forming a glowing ball of energy in its mouth, but before it could get the attack powered up, its jaw was slammed shut by the Azumarill. Shadow growled and swung his tail, sending the Azumarill flying to the other side of the arena while preparing for another Dragon Rage.
"Tsunami, Rain Dance!"
The water mouse Pokemon smiled and began to dance, swirling and jumping in time to an unheard beat. The sky darkened, and lightning flashed as a downpour fell upon the field, drenching the audience and Shadow.
The Charizard shuddered in pain as the water hit his tail, sending up little puffs of steam. He curled it under his wing and finished powering the Dragon Rage. The ball of white-hot energy flew with tremendous speed, hitting Tsunami with a force that sent the Azumarill slamming into the far wall.
Everyone waited in suspense, watching the Azumarill. Cheering began as the small Pokemon stood, battered but still able. Kara grinned and gave a thumbs-up to her Pokemon.
"Tsunami, finish that Charizard with Hydro Pump!"
Before Shadow could move, the Azumarill had shot to the middle of the arena and sent a powerful blast of water in his direction. The water engulfed the Charizard, making him scream in pain before he fainted; a sparkling black lump on the battlefield.
"Shadow, return!" called Tessa as the ref declared the winner, "Go, Dapwood!"
The Sceptile appeared, smug in his countenance as he surveyed the situation. Tsunami looked nervous, and the small Azumarill looked to his trainer for support.
"I know you can do it, Tsunami!" encouraged Kara, "Use Slam!"
The Azumarill shot across the arena, ready to slam into the Sceptile, but the Plant Pokemon merely sidestepped the water mouse with ease.
"Dapwood, Leaf Blade!"
The Sceptile, still dodging Tsunami's Slams, swung his tail and flung the Azumarill into the air. As the water mouse fell, Dapwood slashed the bladed leaves on his arms. Tsunami dropped limply to the ground, fainted, and the rain clouds above began to dissipate slightly.
"Tsunami is unable to battle, the match goes to Dapwood!"
"Tsunami, return!" called Kara, "Go, Volcano! Use Flamethrower!"
The Camerupt appeared, blazing as it began a Flamethrower. Dapwood gulped, but kept his ground on the field. Volcano suddenly opened his mouth, shooting a fiery column at the frozen Sceptile just as a ray of sunlight shown on the field. The powerful attack shimmered across the arena, hitting Dapwood head-on. The Sceptile collapsed on the ground, his eyes in swirls.
"Dapwood, return," called Tessa, "Go, Prism!"
A vicious-looking Armaldo appeared in the battlefield, sharp claws extending as it growled at Volcano. The Camerupt stared at it, his expression unreadable.
"Volcano, use Earthquake!"
The Camerupt began stomping the ground, creating jagged cracks in the field. The Armaldo stumbled, beginning to lose its balance as the ground swayed in time to the clomping feet.
"Prism, use Water gun!"
As the Camerupt continued to stomp, Prism shot a pillar of water at the preoccupied Pokemon. Steam hissed at the attack hit, and agonized squealing filled the air. The smoke began to clear, and to everyone's surprise, Volcano was still standing!
"You okay, Volcano?" asked Kara.
The tired Camerupt nodded, eyes blazing.
"Then use Eruption!"
Volcano's back began spewing molten rock and smoke, but it was not as powerful as the earlier attacks. The effects barely reached the ends of the arena, and the Armaldo easily evaded the blow.
"Prism, finish it with Ancientpower!"
Rocks rose from the field, some still steaming from the previous attack, and flew at the Camerupt. Volcano couldn't find the strength to evade, and was hit by the flying rocks. He slowly closed his amber eyes and fell to the ground, fainted.
Kara was stunned; her Camerupt had never been beaten before, even when he was at a low level! She called him back reluctantly.
"Go, Random!"
A small, cat-like Pokemon leapt into the battle, it's lion tail swishing as it looked curiously at it's opponent. The cat's large ears swiveled to catch every sound while it paced.
"Prism, use Metal Claw!"
The Armaldo launched into action, speeding forward at the Delcatty while it's claws began to glow a bright white. The cat sprang to the side, but Prism tripped him with her tail, sending the Delcatty flying towards her waiting claws. Random fell to the ground in a spray of soil, bruises beginning to appear on his creamy hide.
"Random, try a Substitute!"
The ground beside the Delcatty flickered, and suddenly, there were two of the cats on the field. They circled the confused Armaldo, looking for a suitable opening.
"Random, use Hyper Beam!"
Both cats began to gather white-hot energy before them, preparing to unleash the beams with devastating force. Prism looked at her trainer, asking for a command.
"Prism, Protect!"
The Armaldo quickly formed a bubble around her just as both attacks bore down upon her. The first was deflected, but the second Hyper Beam wore through the defense and hit the Armaldo, sending her flying into the air to land in a spray of soil at Tessa's feet.
Tessa stroked the Armaldo's neck, congratulating her on a good job, before calling her back into the Poke'ball. She sighed and threw another orb into the arena, smiling at the challenge.
"Go, Kaboren!"
Sparkles burst from the ball as the forest green Espeon landed gracefully on the ground, eyes glowing a deep violet. Random looked at the new Pokemon disdainfully, digging his feet into the ground in defiance.
"Kaboren, use Psychic!"
"Random, counter it with Sing!"
Kaboren's eyes glowed more intensely as the Delcatty began to sing. The attack shut the cat's mouth before it could get more than a few notes out, and the most the Espeon felt was drowsy. The glowing light took hold of the cat Pokemon, lifting him into the air as gained power.
Random tried to squirm out of the psychic hold, but to no avail. Soon, the glow faded and the Delcatty was dropped to the ground, fainted in one attack.
"Random, return!" called Kara, desperately thinking of a Pokemon to send out. She smiled as she thought of one that might work, "Go, Strider!"
What looked like a pair of flying eyes swooped above the ground, gliding to an elegant stop before the green Pokemon. It's four, light blue wings created a small draft, ruffling the hair of both trainers.
"Strider, use Silver Wind!"
"Kaboren, avoid it!"
The Masquerain spun its wings at high speed, funneling silver dust with the winds it created. The silvery mist cut wickedly through the air, heading straight for the green Espeon. He tried to avoid the attack, but the Masquerain was too quick and funneled the wind at him again. Kaboren cried out as the silver particles sliced through his skin.
"Kaboren, are you all right?" asked Tessa.
The Espeon nodded weakly, still willing to battle after the vicious damage it had sustained.
"Okay, then, use Swift!"
Dozens of sharp, tiny stars appeared in the air before Kaboren, glowing radiantly before shooting forward towards Strider. The attack hit, putting numerous punctures in the delicate wings of the Masquerain. It faltered in its flight, but surprisingly, remained in the air.
"Strider, use a Bubblebeam!"
Hundreds of energy-containing bubbles flew from the Masquerain's mouth, filling the air with their reflective danger. Kaboren looked for an opening to dodge the blast, but the bubbles covered the field, and were unavoidable. He was blown back by the force of the exploding froth to land at Tessa's feet.
"Good job, Kaboren, return." she said, taking out another Poke'ball, "Go, Dis!"
Clouds began to form overhead as the next Pokemon appeared in the arena. The roar of distant thunder sounded, and the audience mumbled in worry as the electricity of the approaching storm was perceived. The Absol glowed with black light, a sly grin appearing on his dark face.
"Strider, use another Silver Wind!" called Kara.
The silver powder formed once more, but the draft from the storm made it difficult to keep together. The Absol sat on the battlefield, unworried by the gathering mist.
"Dis, use a Flamethrower!"
A bright red lance of flame dissipated the Masquerain's attack in an instant, leaving the bug surprised and defenseless. Another flame surrounded Strider, and when the smoke cleared, the Masquerain was defeated.
"Strider, return!" called Kara nervously, she took out her next Pokemon, "Go, Dakar, use Dragonbreath!"
"Dis, use Future Sight!"
The Absol skipped out of the way of the menacing Shelgon's beginning attack, eyes glowing a sinister red. Lightning split the rapidly darkening sky, followed by a peal of deafening thunder as the battle raged on.
"Dakar, focus your energy and use Headbutt!"
The large Shelgon turned to face his opponent, glowing an unearthly blue, and rumbled forward to attack. He was upon the Absol in seconds, battering the disaster Pokemon with his hard shell. Dis growled and got to his feet, only to find the Shelgon still glowing, but this time with a white light.
Dakar suddenly began to grow, his previous form being shed as he took on a different, more powerful body. The light soon faded to reveal a huge, joyful Salamence. The new Pokemon surveyed the arena, a smug light glinting in his eye as another bolt of lightning flashed.
"Dis, complete the Future Sight now!" cried Tessa over the following thunder.
The Absol's eyes glowed, and a similar light engulfed the Salamence. Dakar was lifted into the air by the power of the attack, and was blasted across the field. He landed in an explosion of dirt and dust.
"Dakar, use Fly!" shouted Kara.
The Salamence smiled wickedly and beat his large wings, sending up a cloud of debris from the downdraft. Dis slowly looked up, fear gathering in his eyes, as the dragon rose into the air; ready to use one of its most powerful attacks.
A torrent of rain suddenly pounded across the arena, drenching everything in sight. Both Pokemon disappeared in the deluge, and the announcer's voice was lost over the roar of thunder. The lightning struck every few seconds, lighting the battlefield in sporadic bursts while everyone, even the now powerless trainers, waited on edge for the outcome of the battle.