On our way to Nimbasa City, we met with Professor Juniper and Dr. Fennel. We were just in time to witness an amazing event: Dr. Fennel had used a special pokemon restoration machine to restore an Archen from a Plume Fossil. While Dr. Fennel worried about how Archeops will survive in the modern world and began making plans to create a proper environment for him, I cornered Professor Juniper with inquiries about what had happened in Castelia City. As expected it was Team Plasma, but there was not much to use against them- they were pretty good at hiding their tracks. The sudden appearance of three other Archeops allowed me to get distracted and forget about my frustration. My ranger work in Unova was going slow... very slow. Fortunately, the day ended up with a high note, when the restored Archen joined the other Archeops, and happily goes off with them.
Our next big adventure, was brought to us by Bianca. I adore that girl! It's so much fun to be around her! She goes at the beat of her own drum and doesn't give a shit (sorry mom!) about anything or anyone else. That's something you've got to admire about her. Well, going back to my story, Bianca was in a hurry to get to a fishing competition nearby. Surprise, surprise, she had never fished before, but we did learn that Cilan certainly has. He even called himself a Fishing Connoisseur! He decided to compete too. As Cilan wrestles in a huge Basculin, Bianca frantically attempted to catch an even bigger Frillish. By the end of the day, it seems that beginner's luck was the victor. Bianca's new Frillish won! Unfortunately, because of the rules of the fishing competition, every trainer had to release the caught pokemon back into the water. Cilan was ok with it, but Bianca was quite sad about it. At the end, her optimism won and she rushed away for her next adventure.
Talking about next adventures...
I swear I do not know how I get involved into this kind of messes!
Continuing our journey to Nimbasa City, we had just seen the trailer for a new movie that we all wanted to see, when the main character for the movie unexpectedly appeared! As it turned out the character was actually a Zorua, who had been working with a budding young filmmaker named Luke. Because Zorua can look like any person or pokemon she wants, she has been playing all the roles in Luke's movie. But as Zorua is female, the idea of playing the male characters was not appealing for her... Of course, we volunteered to take over the rest of the roles.
Don't judge me! Poor Luke and Zorua were giving me pouts and Lillipup's Eyes! Lillipup's Eyes! I could not say no!
Of course, I had to play the role of the knight, who vows to save Princess Yuria, played by Zorua, from Captain Cilan. Scene after scene got successfully shot. That's how I began my film career...
Wait! No! I do not want a film career!
... But what can I do when Champion Diantha was contacting me with movie scripts for me and my pokemon to co-star with her? I can't refuse her!
"It seems that you are having a bad time," Riley chuckled beside me, totally ignoring my murderous glare. "Though, Cilan had the very same look as you."
"Cilan? Is he ok?" I turned to look at him in worry.
"Yes, he is, but his brother Cress returned the Palpitoad Poke Ball to him today," Riley sighed. "It seems like Palpitoad did not fit well with his team."
"Palpitoad?" Max turned to us in confusion. "When did Cilan catch a Palpitoad?"
"Max, he caught the Palpitoad Dewott and I fought back then when our pokemon got poisoned. Cilan went back to the lake to heal the rest of the pokemon we had fofught and decided to catch Palpitoad for his brother," I informed him, stunned that he was unaware of that. "It seems that field and terrain perception will be harder to teach you than I've believed previously."
"Sorry, I didn't notice," Max blushed cutely. He is such an adorable little brother! I can really stay mad at him... not that I've ever was. "Wait! Cilan has a Palpitoad in look for a team?" With that he rushed towards the Pokemon Center and came back running ten minutes later. "He gave him to me!" Max cheered, holding out a Poke Ball with excitement. He then took out his Pokedex and pointed it at his new pokemon's Poke Ball- while unneeded, it was easier this way.
Pokemon: Palpitoad.
Gender: Male.
Ability: Hydration.
Type: Water/Ground.
Move set: Mud Shot, Hydro Pump, Sludge Wave, and Supersonic.
Egg moves: Mist.
NOTE: The egg move has yet to have been unlocked.
"Good moveset," Max mussed. "I'll focus on him unlocking his egg move and start him with Hyper Voice and then Icy Wind. He can also learn Bounce, I'll teach him that. People won't expect a Flying-type move from a Palpitoad. Substitute and Protect are a given, as always. Also, Scald, Surf, Bulldoze, and... he can learn Power Whip?! I'll teach him that!"
I shook my head in amusement, he reminds me so much of myself. Iris was my heart and Max my brain, yet both had my passion for battling and training. They'll go far in life, of that I am sure.
After that, we finally made it to Nimbasa City. Our new friend Luke informed us that Nimbasa Town is home of the Pokemon Club Battle Tournament. Named after Don George's Pokemon Battle Club, which sponsors the event... an event we were in perfect time to participate in. Cilan, Iris, and Max all jumped at the chance of entering. I, of course, decided not to. I am not be arrogant when I say that it will be a total disadvantage for everyone else if I participate.
Of course, I somehow got myself dragged into the whole event.
Why Lugia? Why is it always me?!
"Smile Ash, smile for the camera," Pikachu was dying of laughter as Nimbasa TV commentator Freddy O'Martian presenting the opening of the tournament and handing Don George the microphone, who introduced the grand prize: a seven-feather Driftveil wings set to improve a pokemon's potential. He then turned to me and said: "We also have the great honor of having Ash Ketchum, The Saint, here with us! He will be participating as a commentator with Mr. O'Martian and I for the duration of the tournament!"
I waved my hand and smiled at the shouting crowd. That's something I, unfortunately, had to get used to. And I have. However, what I have not gotten used to, is the looks of awe I caused in the trainers around me. As I stepped forward on the stage and looked down to the crowd of young trainers, many looked up with determnation to prove themselves to me, and others with just simple wonder. I had to step up and be better for them. So, I took the microphone, even though I really did not want to, and spoke up to them: "Welcome everyone! I can't tell you how much precious this kind of events were to me while I trained to face the Pokemon League. They still are!" Everyone was silent as I spoke. "This is not just a smaller version of a Pokemon Conference. This is the first steps of young rookies into the roles of mature trainers. In here we get to face off against various incredible trainers, meet new friends, make new rivals, and simply grow as a trainer." I held the gazes of the various trainers in front of the stage, because I was talking to them. "I only have one thing to tell you: Have fun. Because that is what battling should be, fun. Meeting friends and rivals that push you to grow up and become better, but more importantly to have fun while doing so. Lose or win, do it with your team and with a big smile on your faces." I could see that my words had resonated with the trainers, who looked even more eager for the event to start. Knowing that feeling, I cut my speech short. "Let the tournament begin!"
The crowd and the trainers cheered. I turned to Don George, who was looking at me with an indescribable look in his face. I was distracted by that by the announcement of the first round matchups. Max found himself facing off Burgundy, Cilan's opponent was Trip (look at that Trip was in Nimbasa City), Iris was matched against a man called Jimmy Ray, Stephen, the guy that had pushed Servine to evolve, was faced off against Bianca, while Luke is up against Scooter.
Georgia won her battle against her opponent relatively quickly. The tournament proceeded through the next two battles until it was time for Max to face off against Burgundy. Burgundy called out Stoutland, which came as a surprise to me, as I did not she had one of those in her team. Max, on his part, called out his Palpitoad. I was shocked that Max would choose this tournament as his newest pokemon battle debut. That sounds more like something Iris and I would do, than a choice Max would decide on. Palpitoad began the battle with Mud Shot, which was easily countered by Stoutland's Tackle. Stoutland followed the Tackle with an innefective Thunder Fang on Palpitoad.
"That was a critical mistake," I remarked through the microphone. "Palpitoad is a Water/Ground duel-type pokemon, electricity is ineffective against him... at least, through normal methods. Now if Palpitoad was covered in sea water, the salt in it would be an incredible conduit for the Thunder Fang. Then no matter if Palpitoad is half Ground-type, he would end up being electrified."
"Don't give her ideas!" Max shouted at me from the battlefield, which had the whole crowd laughing at our comedy sketch.
Burgundy easily corrected her mistake, delivering a direct Ice Fang on Palpitoad. However, before Palpitoad was completely frozen, Max commanded him to use Supersonic. Stoutland was forced to let go and the sound waves also shattered the ice. Stoutland replied with Tackle and rushed in for a Fire Fang.
"Not bad," I commented impressed. "It was smart to have Stoutland learn all the elemental fang moves. The greatest advantage of a Normal-type pokemon is their great repertoir of moves they can learn. Their versatility can be their ace under their sleeve. However, it can also be their doom." I frowned, looking at the Fire Fang. "Trying to become a Jack of All Trades, they can end up becoming a master of none. That Fire Fang compared to the Ice Fang is weak- look it's about to extinguish."
Which was why Palpitoad was able to easily spray a Mud Shot directly in Stoutland's mouth, causing Stoutland to start coughing in an attempt to clear the mud. The battle was over with an Hydro Pump from Palpitoad. Max was proceeding to the second round.
"Not bad," Don George told me, once our microphones when turned off while Cilan and Trip were preparing themselves for their battle. "Pointing out facts and battle techniques, while also explaining how they can improve... have you ever done this before?"
"No, but I've mentored three rookie trainer," I replied, ignoring Pikachu when he caughed 'four', because I am not counting May. No matter how much I guided her, I did not take the full role of mentor for her. Because of that I do not deserve to be called her mentor. "Also, I was in charge of a training boot camp. It's one of the rewards for winning a battle against me during The Saint Festival."
"Onto our next battle, we have Trip versus Cilan!" Freddy O'Martian announced, cutting our conversation short.
"This will be a tough opponent," Don George commented. "As Cilan is one of Striation City's Gym Leaders."
Cilan sent out Dwebble, while Trip called out his Gurdurr.
What's up with this guy? I complained in my head. Every time I see him again, his pokemon have evolved. It hasn't been that long since his Timburr fought Iris!
Cilan opened the battle by ordering Dwebble to use X-Scissor, which Trip ordered Gurdurr to dodge. Gurdurr slammed his iron bar into the ground before heaving himself over to evade. Dwebble then went in for a Slash attack, but Gurdurr used his steel beam to keep Dwebble away and flicked Dwebble overhead.
"Smart, using the biology of your opponent against them," I commented. "This is the perfect example of how a pokemon's greatest defense can be used against them."
Gurdurr then stuck his beam into the ground and charged forward for a Rock Smash. Cilan cried out for Dwebble to dodge, which he did by retreating into his shell. However, the blow was so powerful that Dwebble's rock is cracked. Cilan cried out in horror alongside me.
"Now that's just too much!" Pikachu growled. "This is a tournament between trainers, not a battle of life and death!"
Gurdurr attempted another Rock Smash, but at Cilan's call Dwebble scuttled out of range. Trip then changed tactics commanding Gurdurr to use Stone Edge, which hit Dwebble hard.
"That's a super-effective move," Don George notes, though I could hear some disapproval from Gurdurr's excessive force on Dwebble's shell.
"You've improved so much since I've last seen you," Cilan complimented Trip. "It's evaluating time!"
"Oh, no," I groaned. "We are in store for another Connoisseur moment."
"Oh, that's right!" Don George exclaimed. "Gym Leader Cilan is a S-rank Pokemon Connoisseur."
"Gurdurr's harmoniously interwoven technique and power are marvelous!" Cilan complimented. "In particular his well-defined muscles, which allows his refreshing yet bold style. However!" He exclaimed dramatically. "Dwebble and I will be the ones who emerge victorious with our perfect recipe of offense and defense!"
Trip frowned at Cilan and ordered a barrage of Dynamic Punches, which Dwebble dodged. Seeing as his tactic was not working, Trip ordered Gurdurr to attack Dwebble up close. Gurdurr charged in with its steel beam, but Dwebble rolled aside and Cilan orderd a Shell Smash, it was then followed with Rock Slide which buried Gurdurr in stones- which left Trip exclaiming in astonishment.
"That was one powerful Rock Slide," Don George and I commented at the same time.
"Rock Slide was all the more powerful because Shell Smash amplified Dwebble's offense at the cost of some defense power," Don George then proceeded to explain.
At the end, Gurdurr managed to free his arms and began to heave himself out of the rocks at Trip's encouragement. It warmed my heart to see him connecting with his pokemon. It was then that I realized that Trip never wanted to crack Dwebble's shell, it must have been an accident. Gurdurr looks like he has evolved recently, as such he cannot control his new powers completely yet.
Cilan finish the battle with one final Slash, striking Gurdurr just as he freed himself. It was kind of cruel from Cilan to do that, Gurdurr finally managed to free himself, only to collapse and be knocked out. I never thought Cilan could be this petty.
Stephan and Bianca faced each other next, a strong Stomp from Stephan's Zebstrika was too much for Bianca's Minccino. Stephan won his first battle and proceeded to the next round with a huge smile on his face. Luke also won his round, his Golett using Shadow Punch to bring down Scooter's Darmanitan. Iris choice surprised me, she chose Emolga, who then proceeded to incapacitate Jimmy Ray's male Watchog with Attract and then knock him out with Hidden Power. Good for her! Using more than just brute power to win.
Dino, Antonio, Max, Cilan, Stephan, Luke, and Iris, were the trainers proceeding into Round 2. Don George dismissed the Trainers for the day, telling them they are free to stay at the Pokémon Center overnight before Round 2 and the semifinals the next day.
Of course, I was not dismissed. I had a long round of interviews with various news channels. Which I loathes, but Lorelei and Drake back in the Orange Islands must be loving. What really got to me, was people asking me what movie I was going to be filming with Champion Diantha. How did they found out? And they've already accepted for me? I haven't even replied yet!
Oh, Lugia, I groaned internally as I went to sleep that night. I do not want to know how people will react when they find out that I am planning on accepting an action movie role, that will be filmed next year. I was already planning on going to Kalos next and the movie will be filmed in various places of Kalos, so I can travel and just match my journey with the filming schedule.
The next day things are calmer, the novelty of me being part of the tournament has calmed down. Not something that would have worked in Sinnoh, or Kanto, or Johto, or Hoenn, or the Orange Islands, or Alola... Lugia! Since when have I become so popular?!
Freddy revealing the pairings for Round 2, distracted me from my existential crisis. Max was facing against Georgia, Antonio against Dino, Luke against Cilan and Iris against Stephan.
Max called out Servine, while Georgia countered with Pawniard.
"It will interesting to see how Max and Servine counter Pawniard's close-range battling skilss," Don George noted.
Max threw the first attack, ordering a Leaf Storm, which Pawniard easily slashed away using Metal Claw. Servine tried another Leaf Storm, though Pawniard leapt over and got in close, dealing serious damage with a Metal Claw. Servine got to her feet and uses Attract in attempt to avoid another barrage of attacks. However, Attract did nothing, which revealed Pawniard as female, to which Georgia criticizes Max for being slow on the uptake. Pawniard rushed in with Iron Head, which Servine evaded by leaping upwards. However, the attack dislodged rocks which flew at Servine. To protect herself, she uses Vine Whip to clear the air. One of the repelled rocks ended up impaled on Pawniard's bladed head, forcing Pawniard to the ground under the weight, making Georgia gasp.
"Let's take advantage of this opportunity!" Max shouted, clearly happy of the turn of events. "Vine Whip!" Servine then proceeded to hit with a barrage of Vine Whips, doing more damage. "Let's wrap this up with Leaf Blade!"
"Roll over!" Gerogia urged Pawniard, who did as commanded and heaved herself onto her feet. The Leaf Blade striked the rock on Pawniard's head, shattering it and freeing Pawniard. "Thank you for putting up a good fight!" Georgia complimented Max obnoxiously. "Pawniard, Guillotine!"
Servine dodged but the damage on the arena floor indicates the one-hit-KO nature of the attack. Pawniard launched another attack, but Servine caught it with Vine Whip. As she is flailed around the air, Pawniard regained her footing and spun Servine around, thudding her to the ground and freeing herself from Servine's vines.
"Servine! Get up! I believe in you!" Max pleaded, as Pawniard prepares another Guillotine.
Georgie's Pawinard leapt into the air and rushed down for a Guillotine attack. However, Servine managed to recover and used Leaf Blade on Pawniard's head, which cancelled the Guillotine and sent Pawniard crashing to the ground. Much to Pawniard and Georgia's horror, Pawniard's extended arms pierced the ground and she is stuck in a handstand position, unable to defend herself. Max ordered one last Leaf Storm, which smashes into Pawniard, ripping her free of the ground and knocking her out.
"That's an incredible way of turning around a match," Don George commended as Freddy called out the match in favor of Servine- Max became the first competitor to move on the semifinals.
On the second match Dino's Tranquill easily defeated Antonio's Cottonee and advanced to the semifinals. During the break between matches I went backstage to have lunch with my friends and answer a few questions for Luke's Club Battle documentary.
The third match was Luke versus Cilan. Luke was very nervous about facing against a Gym Leader, but Cilan got him to calm down. Cilan's advice was sound, he told Luke to approach the battle like he's filming a movie: imagine the finished product and then make a plan. Cilan sent out Stunfisk and Luke his Larvesta. I could almost hear Max asking when did Cilan catch a Stunfisk. He caught him alongside Politoad! He simply decided to keep this one and give Politoad to his brother, and when that did not work he gave it to Max.
Lugia, I need to teach Max to be more vigilant of his surroundings, I complained mentaly as the battle raged on before me.
Larvesta, Luke's special effect master, was a joy to watch battle. It was the kind of battle I enjoy the most and gave me so many good ideas! Especially, the end of the batlle. Cilan had ordered another Scald, which Larvesta countered by wrapping himself in a cocoon of his own String Shot. Stunfisk then landed on the ground and used Mud Bomb which sent Larvesta flying. But Larvesta did not take it laying down, he used his flames to shred himself out of the String Shot and keept himself airborne with his flames, like a jetpack. He then fired a Flamethrower, roasting Stunfisk and knocking him out.
As Luke and Larvesta celebrated their victory and Cilan complimented them on an intriguing battle, I was raving on about how amazing and ingenious Luke's technique was. Pikachu and Don George had to shut me up forcefully. But I had no regret, special effect training... I'll try that next time I have my whole team in one place. It will be a fun way of training and will surely take my opponents by surprise.
Stephan was so excited about his next battle that he leapt over the barrier and jumped into the arena. I laughed out loud knowing that it was somethinng I would totally do. I laughed even harder when Iris followed his example and leapt over the barrier as well.
Stephan released his new Sawk, while Iris chose Swablu. The baby dragon tried to put Sawk to sleep with Sing, but Sawk countered with Close Combat, kicking and punching the music notes away. Sawk then used Bulk Up and smashed Swablu away when she came down at him with Fury Attack. Sawk then went after Swablu with another Close Combat, but Swablu simply flew away and used Disarming Voice. Swablu opened her mouth and released a beam of purple hearts in a loud shrieking voice towards Sawk, who grabbed his head in pain. She then finished the battle with a barricade of Pecks. Flying-type moves being super effective.
I cheered with the crowd as Iris joined Luke and Max into the semifinals. She was going to face Luke, while Max was facing Dino. Max was going to battle first, he chose Palpitoad again, while his opponent chose Darumaka, which was easily defeated with a powerful Hydro Pump from Palpitoad. Immediately afterwards, followed Iris battle against Luke. He sent out his Golett while Iris confidently sent out Axew. I was so happy that she had finally stopped babying Axew. He was a dragon and deserves to be treated like one.
Iris commanded Axew to use Scratch, but Golett took no damage because of their Ghost-type.
"I am pretty sure I taught that girl that Ghost-type pokemon suffer no damage from Normal-type attacks," I grumbled under my breath, making sure not to let the microphone pick anything I said. However, Pikachu and Don George did hear me, and chuckled in response. Golett counterattacked by using Mega Punch, landing a direct hit. Axew then tried to attack with Dragon Rage, while Golett used Double Team. Instead of missing the mark, Axew used my training to his advanage and found the real one. "Now that's better!" I exclaimed. "Using terrain perception to find the real pokemon, Double Team is not unbeatable! Pokemon just need to realize that they can see with more than just their eyes!"
Golett threw a Shadow Ball towards Axew, who answered with another Dragon Rush, when the two attacks collided into each other, a giant explosion was created.
"Use Gyro Ball!" Luke commanded his Golett, who then chased Axew around the battlefield.
"What is going on here?" I asked stunned. "Are they playing tag or something? Don't run away! Do something! He is a dragon lugiadammit!" Suddenly, a bright red aura surrounded. "Upps!"
"I am blaming you," Pikachu turned to me with a deadpan.
"How was I suppose to know that would happen?!" I pointed to where Axew was angrily kicking and punching Golett into submission- a clear sign of Outrage being at work. "That is not my fault!" Axew won the battle, clearly. Poor Golett had dents in his armor/body. Still Luke congratulated a happy Iris and a sleeping Axew. "Hey! I just realized that both of my apprentices passed on to the final match!" I told Don George as we were heading for another round of interviews.
"Congratulation," Don George told me. "But don't think I will allow you to skip the interviews."
"Dammit it!" I cursed, and sighed tiredly as I followed Don George to the conference hall.
I better get this over with soon. I can't wait for the final match!