EPISODE 7 – 2.B.A MASTER OF POKEMON KNOWLEDGE! (PART 1)
INTRO: Top Ranger Irving escorted Team Heroes out of Powderstone Ruins and then returned to his research team who were studying and protecting the legendary Pokémon Regenthea and its home. Afterwards, Team Heroes proceeded to go to the town's Pokémon Center, which was closer than Powderstone School, in order to check if Nurse Joy was back at the Pokémon Center and working as usual. It was evening already and the town's street lights were on. Townspeople, tourists, and also Pokémon trainers were strolling around town, checking it out, and/or chilling at a hotspot either by themselves, with friends, or their Pokémon. Team Heroes reached the Pokémon Center and the building's lights were on; it appeared the center was running and Nurse Joy was back. They were about to enter the PC until they had noticed something or someone had been following them…
[Powderstone Town/Pokémon Center/Monday Night]
"WHO'S THERE?! SHOW YOURSELF!" yelled Francis after turning around dramatically and suspiciously.
"AAAHHH!" Everyone else screamed surprised.
"UH?! WHAT?!" Team Heroes looked around in panic, "What's the matter, Francis?!"
"Shush…listen, guys…" directed Francis. Team Heroes complied and began to examine their surroundings.
-Wind Blowing-/-Bugs Chirping-/-Weird Rumbling Sounds-
"What is it, big bro…" whispered Josh.
"I think…I think we are being followed ever since we came into town…" explained Francis softly while keeping his guard up.
"What? Followed?" Everyone got creeped out and anxious.
"Yes…like someone or something has been keeping an eye on us…," said Francis.
Belen and Josh hugged each other out of fear while Johnny got near them to make sure nothing or anyone was out to hurt them, but also because he was a bit scared.
"I have an idea! Markitty, come out buddy!" Francis released Markitty.
"MAR! MEOW! MAR‼" Markitty, although exhausted, was excited to be summoned.
"Markitty, could you please make sure nothing or no one is out here following us?" pled Francis heartfully. Markitty understood and began sniffing. It had picked a familiar scent coming from the backside of the Pokémon Center, close to the waste and recycle bins. Team Heroes followed Markitty and it led them to the Pokémon Center's waste storage area. It was a bit dark and quiet, when all of the sudden…
"STON-STON-STON‼"
"AAAHHH‼" Team Heroes shrieked and tripped to the ground. After calming down and getting up, they finally realized it was…
"HIEROSTON!"
"STON-STON! STON-STON!" greeted Hieroston.
"MAR! MEOW! MAR‼" berated Markitty to Hieroston for the shock. Then, it asked Hieroston what was doing there, "MAR! MEOW! MEOW?"
"GUYS! That's the Hieroston we met back at the ruins!" expressed Josh.
"TRUE!" agreed everyone, "It doesn't have hieroglyphs!"
"What is it doing all the way out here?" asked Belen.
"I wonder if it got lost by accident and ended up here in town?" speculated Johnny.
"UH? You guys really think it's lost and somehow ended up here?" wondered Francis and then he approached Hieroston, "Are you lost, buddy? Would you like us to help you get back to the ruins?"
"STON?" Hieroston was confused.
"MAR! MEOW! MAR!" disagreed Markitty. It was trying to tell Francis that Hieroston was not interested in going back.
"I think Markitty is trying to say Hieroston may not be lost, actually…" assumed Josh.
"What? Is it not?" Francis was puzzled, yet "AH! HIEROSTON!"
Hieroston bumped into Francis, got on his space, and then rubbed its body all friendly and welcoming; it appeared as Hieroston was trying to get Francis' to be friends, permanently.
"What is it, Hieroston? Why are you being super friendly with me?!" asked Francis, who was being smothered with affection by Hieroston.
"I think it really likes you, bro!" exclaimed Johnny.
"It certainly looks that way to me!" asserted Belen.
"WOW! I wish a Pokémon will choose ME as its BFF!" complained Josh because his brother seemed to get Hieroston's full attention.
"BFF?!" Francis stopped Hieroston, grabbed its body, and looked into its eye, "Is that true, buddy? Did you follow us because you'd like me to be your best friend forever?"
"STON-STON-STON‼" admitted Hieroston.
Francis took out a pokeball from his military tactical backpack and then pointed it towards Hieroston, "Wanna be our bestie and also part of our team, bud?"
"STON-STON-STON‼" agreed Hieroston, which then pressed the pokeball's button and got inside of it. After a brief period, the pokeball was ready and Hieroston had joined Francis.
"DOPE! I CAUGHT A HIEROSTON!" Francis was ecstatic.
"Caught?! What do you mean, caught?!" remarked Josh.
"Oh, what's the difference…it's on our team now!" expressed Francis very happy to had made a new Pokémon friend, "Come out, Hieroston!"
"STON-STON-STON!" Hieroston began to rub its rocky and tough body against Francis as a way to express its own excitement.
"OUCH! EASY, BUD! I LIKE YOU TOO!" groaned and smiled Francis.
The Pokémon Center's backdoor opened and a young man holding a trash bag on his hands came out…
"UM?! AAAHHH! BUMS!" screamed the guy in shocked.
"BUMS! WHAT?!" Team Heroes and their Pokémon were surprised and confused.
"WAIT! WAIT! WE ARE NO BUMS!" explained Francis.
"YES! WE ARE POKEMON TRAINERS!" shouted Team Heroes.
"MAR! MEOW! MAR!", "STON-STON-STON!" explained the Pokémon.
"OH! OH! PHEW! I see…my apologies…" said the young man and proceeded to throw the trash away. "What are you all doing back here?! You surprised me really good!"
"Our apologies!" Team Heroes bowed.
"What are we doing?! About that…" Francis was a bit embarrassed.
The young man invited Team Heroes inside the Pokémon Center from the backdoor. They entered and walked towards the PC's reception together; they passed the kitchen, dining area, lockers, and office. Team Heroes explained to the keeper what was the reason they were at the waste storage area…
"OH! I get it now! My apologies for thinking you were beggars, but that's a wholesome story! You know, how you befriended this Hieroston!" said the young fellow.
"Wholesome? THANKS!" said Francis.
"Excuse me mate, but have you seen Nurse Joy around?" Johnny looked disappointed.
"Yeah, where is she anyways? All I see at the reception is…A BUG?! AAAHHH!" screamed Belen after noticing a Bug-type Pokémon waiting at the reception.
"A BUG?!" Team Heroes got surprised and looked.
"OH! Sorry about that…" apologized the guy and then approached the Pokémon at the reception, "Don't be scared of it, please! This is Skorpione, my Pokémon partner!"
"Your Pokémon partner? Who are you, anyways?"
"Oops! I forgot to introduce myself! I am Jayr, this Pokémon Center's nurse intern and a NPU student! Nice to meet you all!"
"Eh?! You are a nurse intern?" Francis was curious, "What do you mean, Jayr?"
"Well, when Nurse Joy is needed somewhere else to provide her superb and exceptional Pokémon medical expertise, we, NPU Pokémon nursing students, have the ability to fill in for her while she's absent…" explained Intern Jayr.
"Oh, really?!" Team Heroes were impressed and paying close attention.
"YEAH! Someone has to take care of the Pokémon Centers! They just can't be closed whenever and all of the sudden, you know…" -Checking Computers/Attending the reception- "Apparently, a Top Ranger and this town's Nurse Joy had asked the Pokémon Federation of Fhranisa to arrange something for situations like these, where Nurse Joy may need to be absent and they fixed it right away! Now Pokémon nursing students, specifically from NPU, can become interns at Fhranisa's Pokémon Centers in order to learn, practice, and help out while earning credits and a wage. Isn't that surprising?!"
"INDEED! VERY COOL!" agreed Team Heroes.
"I was extremely surprised when I got the news that I had become the intern for this Pokémon Center in my hometown!" explained Intern Jayr. His Pokémon, Skorpione, now comfortable with Team Heroes, approached them and began to chat with Markitty and Hieroston.
"Aww…that means I won't be able to see my sweet Nurse Joy…" sighted Johnny all bitter.
"ARGH! YOU'LL SEE HER TOMORROW, GOOF!" Belen got annoyed.
"I've seen Skorpione around Rio Lake before, but they scattered as soon as they saw me! I've never seen a Skorpione being this cool with humans before!" appreciated Josh and pet Skorpione.
"Watch it, lil Josh! I've heard their sting can be venomous…" recalled Johnny.
"UM? That's not quite true, Johnny…" declared Intern Jayr.
"Really? Let me check!" Johnny got his smartphone out, PokeDEX App ON, and pointed his camera to Skorpione.
[POKEDEX:
043) Skorpione – The Nonpoisonous Scorpion Pokémon [BUG]
"Skorpione are solitary and nocturnal bug-type Pokémon that mostly enjoy hot and arid areas or desert-like habitats. Their exoskeleton at this level is not that tough, strong, and fully developed, therefor, they try to stay out of trouble and avoid difficult battles as much as possible. They avoid trouble by running away or hiding in their self-made burrows until it's time to eat or be on the move. Their diet consists of berries, small bug-type preys, and sometimes even flowers. Since they are not able to produce venom yet, they rely on their agility, pincers, and their metasoma's pointy stinger to survive in the wilderness."
POSSIBLE ATTACKS: Bug Bite/Fury Cutter/Struggle Bug/Harden]
"HA! You were right, Jayr! They are not venomous at all!" admitted Johnny.
"They're not! My buddy here wouldn't hurt a thing! It's a kind and friendly Pokémon!" Intern Jayr smiled; Skorpione seemed happy too, "SO…what can we do for you, tonight? It's getting kind of late!"
"What? What time is it?" asked Francis; he was a bit worried about tomorrow's agenda.
"It's almost 9 P.M. bro!" asserted Johnny.
"No wonder I'm feeling sleepy, but I'm quite hungry!" said Belen.
"Jayr, can we please get something to eat?" begged Josh, who was tired yet starving.
"And can we also check-in? We need a room for all of us to stay for the night, please!" Francis asked and then began planning everything in his head.
"OH! Absolutely! That's what we are here for!" Intern Jayr proceeded to check-in Team Heroes, "Can I please scan each of your PokeDEX? It's faster than me typing all of your info! What a surprise, isn't it?"
"Yeah, that's fine!" Team Heroes got their smartphones out and activated their PokeDEX.
Intern Jayr scanned Team Heroes' PokeDEX individually and then gave them each a key card, except Josh since he's not a trainer yet; "You guys can keep this PC Key Card; it works in all of the Fhranisa's Pokémon Centers! The only thing you would have to do is get a new access code from the PC keeper according to the room you guys get…"
"WOW…technology these days is dope…" Team Heroes were impressed.
"Would you also like to rest your Pokémon? Although your Markitty and Hieroston seem fine! They are playful, aren't they?" smiled Jayr.
"HUH? OH YEAH!" Team Heroes nodded to themselves in disappointment, "WE NEED TO REST OUR POKEMON GUYS, DUH! COULD YOU, PLEASE JAYR?!"
"Uh?" Intern Jayr got surprised in a weird way, "What's wrong, guys?"
"SORRY! We kind of became Pokémon trainers recently so this is all new to us!" explained Francis.
"New to YOU! I'm ready to be a Pokémon trainer anytime now!" shouted Josh boastfully.
"I KNOW, JOSHUA! I know!" said Francis.
"Not a problem! It's all GOOD! I've forgotten to feed my Skorpione a couple of times due to my busy schedule, but my Pokémon partner understands and knows that I don't do it on purpose; we are all imperfect and sometimes we forget things, right?" -Chuckle- Jayr expressed.
"I hope my Chickleaf doesn't think I don't care about it…because I care a lot!" Belen got uneasy; she handed Chickleaf's pokeball to Jayr quickly, "Please, heal my Chickleaf!"
"Please, take care of my Rodemart too!" said Johnny and handed its pokeball to Jayr.
"Markitty! Hieroston! Return!" Francis withdrew his Pokémon and then handed them to Jayr in their corresponding pokeballs, "Here! Please rest our Pokémon, Jayr!"
"My pleasure!" Intern Jayr collected Team Heroes' pokeballs and then placed them in the healing station.
- Ding! Ding! Ding-ding-ding! -/ - Healing Machine stopped -
"ALL SET!" declared Intern Jayr and then returned Team Heroes their Pokémon.
"NURSE! My Pokémon needs attention, please!" yelled a trainer who just walked in with his exhausted Pokémon in his arms.
"OH-NO! Please, right this way!" guided Jayr. "Excuse me guys, but I have to take care of this!"
Since he had to stay at the reception and aid other trainers' Pokémon, Jayr had asked Skorpione to escort Team Heroes to the Pokémon Center's cafeteria where they can grab snacks, drinks, and food. Skorpione understood and led Team Heroes to the cafeteria. Once they arrived, Skorpione said goodbye and returned to its trainer.
"Thanks, Skorpione!" said Josh.
"Thanks for everything!" said Team Heroes.
…
"DOPE! Look at all this stuff, guys! It looks like a mini-market in here!" Francis was mesmerized by the cafeteria' setup and design.
The PC's cafeteria was organized like a small deli with a couple of tables at the center of the room. Team Heroes got something to eat and drink and then sat down at a table together. The cafeteria also offered Pokémon food, so Johnny and Belen got two full bowls of Pokémon food for their four Pokémon companions and placed them close to their cafeteria table. They released their Pokémon and then they all began to eat together as a family.
"LOOK AT WHAT I FOUND, GUYS!" shouted Josh with fervor and then showed his friends a particular and beautiful stone he had picked up from the ruins, "SO SHINY, isn't it?"
"IT IS!" agreed Team Heroes.
"GROOVY! That's a cool gem you got there, lil Josh!" said Johnny, "But the one that I found is even more majestic! LOOK, Y'ALL!" Johnny got the gem he found out of his pocket.
"SUPER!" agreed Team Heroes.
"The gemstone I found is even more awesome than yours, guys!" declared Francis, "BUT it doesn't shine like yours do; it just looks like a tiny sun! LOOK!" Francis showed his gem.
"IT IS A TINY SUN!" agreed Team Heroes.
"You're all lucky! All I picked up during our time inside the ruins was this rock! HERE!" Belen exposed the rock she had found.
"UMM…this cannot be just a simple rock, can it?" wondered Team Heroes.
"I think…I think it might be…" said Josh, but then…
"WOAH! Nice Moon Stone!"
"WHAT?!" Team Heroes got surprised and startled; "Jayr! Skorpione!"
"Hello again!" said Jayr and his Pokémon, "Skkkkorr! Skkkkorr!"
"This is a moon stone, you said?" asked Belen while admiring the "rock" she collected.
"RIGHT! And that one is a sun stone, that one is a dawn stone, and Josh's gem is a shiny stone! Fascinating! You guys collected evolution stones like many people do here when they visit our humble town!" -Giggle-
"THESE ARE EVOLUTION STONES?" wondered Team Heroes.
"YEP! I grew up here so I know exactly what they look like!" expressed Jayr.
"Why'd you come to the cafeteria, Jayr? Hungry too?" asked Johnny, since he knew Jayr has to take care of the busy Pokémon Center.
"OH, NO! We already ate, thanks!" said Jayr, "We actually came here to let you know that we are closing the cafeteria as it is time. The Pokémon Center stays open 24/7 of course, but the cafeteria is only open till 10 P.M. I hope you all understand!"
"OH! YES, OF COURSE!" said Team Heroes; "We are done eating, aren't we?"
"POKE! POKE!" The Pokémon were done eating.
"GREAT! So, if you please…proceed to your room…that would be awesome!" indicated Intern Jayr and pointed the way to their room; "If you guys get hungry or thirsty, there are vending machines located at the end of the hallway, passing your room!"
"COOL! THANKS!"
Team Heroes were grateful for Intern Jayr and Skorpione's excellent customer service. They reached their room and entered using Francis' key card. There, they got comfortable, relaxed, and finally fell asleep.
[Powderstone Town/Pokémon Center/Tuesday Morning]
- RING! RING! Ring-ring-ring! RING! RING! -/- Phone call missed –
"Umm…what is it…"
- RING! RING! Ring-ring-ring! –
"UH?! My Phone!" Francis was sluggish but got up really quick and began waking his little brother, "OH-OH! I think we are in trouble!"
"…pokeball, go…" mumbled Josh half awake.
"JOSH! JOSH! WAKE UP!"
Johnny and Belen woke up, still weary from yesterday; "What's with all the commotion…"
"Yawn…five more minutes, please…" mumbled Josh.
"WHAT? Five more minutes? OH, NO-NO-NO!" Francis, fully awake now, placed his phone next to his brother's ear and waited for it to ring again.
- RING! RING! Ring-ring-ring! –
"AAAHH‼ I'M UP! I'm UP!" screamed Josh shaken and agitated. "WHAT IS IT? WHAT, BRO?!"
"IT'S OUR PARENTS!"
"EH?! Our parents? OH-OH!" Josh didn't want to talk to his parents as he knew what was up.
Francis finally answered after waking up everyone with the ringtone, "Good morning, dad! Good morning, mom!"
"Morning, son!"
"Morning, sweetheart!"
"Pop and mom, how are you both doing?"
"We are doing great, Francis! How about you two? Where are you, guys?" Mr. and Mrs. King were happy to hear that their sons and friends were all safe and sound.
"Umm…we are doing great too! We are in the Pokémon Center at Powderstone Town. We have been here since yesterday!"
"That's wonderful! We are proud of you all for following your dreams and becoming Pokémon trainers…BUT we are not happy about the fact that your brother missed orientation yesterday!"
"HUH?!" Josh flinched.
"Umm…yeah, now that I recall…he missed it, didn't him…" said Francis all casually and trying to remain calmed.
Johnny and Belen got up, got ready, and grabbed their things; "We'll leave you guys alone…you know, to talk to your parents…we'll be at the cafeteria waiting for you guys! See you!" They left their room.
"OK…" Francis was confused but got the hint.
"Let me talk to your brother, Francis!" Mr. King sounded upset and disappointed.
"YES, DAD!" replied Francis, "Here you go, Josh!" Francis handed his phone to his brother.
Josh was scared. He knew he was in trouble, but then he remembered that it was not his fault a hundred percent that he missed school yesterday; they were helping Irving. Josh decided to be honest and tell his parents what happened, "Good morning, dad and mom!"
"Yoshi! Sweetie! Good morning!" Mrs. King yelled thru the phone and then let her husband speak.
"Morning, mom!"
"Morning, Joshua…you know why we called, don't you, son?" Mr. King asked.
"I do, dad. I do…"
"We were very, very shocked when we got a call from your virtual academy telling us that you had missed orientation and that we didn't notify the school in advanced that you were not going to be able to show your face…why did you do that, son? What happened?"
Josh got sad and mad at himself for letting down his parents, "I am sorry, dad! Mom!" Josh began sobbing "I am so sorry…" -Crying-
Francis doesn't like seeing any of his siblings cry, so he chipped in; "DAD! MOM! It was all my fault!"
"UH? What?!" Mr. and Mrs. King were confused; "Just tell us Francis, what happened yesterday with you and your brother?!"
Francis thought that being honest with their parents will make everything turn just fine so he proceeded and explained it all to them. How they got into town and how the town was celebrating the discovery of a legendary Pokémon's treasure; how they made friends and how they befriended a Top Ranger; how they volunteered to help Irving and Officer Jenny and how they were able to rescue researchers in trouble; how they were able to stop Team EXO twice from stealing important artifacts, and how they were able to stop Team EXO from capturing Regenthea, the mythical Rock-type Pokémon. Mr. and Mrs. King were speechless for a whole moment.
"OH, wow…you guys went thru all of that? Is all of this true?" Mr. and Mrs. King were impressed and composed yet in disbelief.
"YES! We have witnesses! You can call Irving and ask; I have his number!" Francis was defensive because he was actually telling them the truth; "That happened to us yesterday and that's why I couldn't get Josh online so he could attend orientation; for that, I am very sorry!" apologized Francis.
"Umm…Is that true, Joshua?" Mr. King asked all serious yet he was relieved after hearing the story.
Josh wiped off the tears of his face and replied, "YES DAD! MOM! That's the truth!"
Mr. and Mrs. King were silent for a moment, "Well…we are happy to know you are all safe and healthy…we are also glad that you weren't misbehaving and taking advantage of this whole thing to miss school…SO…we will talk to the principal and explain everything, OK?"
"YEAH! It's fine, dad and mom! Whatever makes it right!" Josh felt bad for missing school and for giving his parents a hard time; "I promise I won't miss school again! I promise!"
"EXCELLENT! We are glad to hear you say that! We are proud of you both!"
"THANKS!" answered Francis and Josh.
"Josh, you have orientation today and it's also your first day of virtual school so it's going to be a long day for you!" Mr. King revealed.
"I understand…"
"Your teacher was kind enough to prepare a mini orientation for you and two more students who failed to show up, so please make sure you log in and attend. It starts at 8 A.M. sharp and then at 9 A.M., you will start your regular school schedule: every other day from 9 till noon. Understood, kiddo?"
"YES DAD! I will be there!"
"EXCELLENT! Well, we will let you both get ready since you both have school today, don't you?" said Mr. King.
"Indeed! We, as a team, have to attend the seminar given by the Pokémon Federation at Powderstone School today, otherwise we will have to wait until Thursday. That's another reason why we stayed in town!" explained Francis.
"It's 7:30 so you need to hurry! Both of you take care, be good, and have each other's backs!"
"YES, DAD AND MOM!"
"Good! Now get out there and make us both proud! YOU TWO CAN DO THIS!"
"WE CAN AND WE WILL!"
"Those are our boys!" Mr. and Mrs. King were pleased and delighted; "Also, say hello to your sister for us when you see her at the school. She called us early but we were talking to Josh's principal and then we called you. Tell us to call us after she's done at school!"
"WHAT? Kassie's in town?!" shouted Francis shocked and extra motivated.
"Bye Francis and Josh! Take care! Also, keep in touch please! We are your parents, so don't forget you can count on US!" Mr. and Mrs. King said goodbye.
"We will, dad and mom! Bye-bye!" Francis and Josh ended the call.
"WE NEED TO HURRY, JOSH‼ GET YOURSELF TOGETHER AND LET'S GO! COMMON‼" yelled Francis and then began to get ready, pack his things, and grab everything they needed as fast as the speed of light. Josh did the same the best he could; "I guess today is the day I challenge and defeat Marcus in a Pokémon battle! YEAH!" Francis and Josh left the room and hurried to the PC's cafeteria. There, Johnny and Belen were waiting finishing eating breakfast.
"Francis! Josh! How did it go?" wondered the Mezza as they were worried about Josh.
"It's all good! We told them the truth and it all worked out!" explained Francis.
"Yeah…they believed us and they were proud of us…" said Josh, "but I'm hungry, big bro…"
Belen handed to them a breakfast sandwich, an apple juice bottle, and a banana each, "HERE! We got these for you!"
"THANKS!" said the King brothers and then proceeded to eat and drink everything quickly.
"Easy! Nobody is going to take away your food, guys!" shouted Johnny jokingly yet amazed.
"Well, my sister Kassie is in town and so is her team…" said Josh sarcastically.
"OH! SO, Team Champions is here?!" the Mezza were surprised.
"AFFIRMATIVE!" yelled Francis; he was done eating, "WE NEED TO GET TO SCHOOL ASAP! YOU GUYS READY?" said Francis while grabbing his things and disposing of the garbage; Francis began exiting the PC.
"What…wait, big bro!" Josh rushed and ate his food in two bites, drank his bottle of juice, and grabbed his things. The Mezza were ready, but were waiting for Josh; they picked up his trash and disposed it. They all hurried to the exit where Francis was.
[Powderstone Town/Powderstone School/Tuesday 8:00 A.M.]
Francis and team had to leave Josh at the school's library where he got a study room for himself; Josh, using his PokePAD, began his virtual orientation. He waved his team goodbye thru the glass walls. Francis had told his brother where to meet after he's done. Since the library was at the other side of the school, it took them a while to find room 101 where they needed to be at exactly 9 A.M. They were a half hour early when they suddenly bumped into a familiar face…
"GUYS‼ What a surprise!"
"UH?" Team Heroes turned around and then got super excited, "KASSIE‼"
"K.K! You're here!" said Francis all happy to see his sister well and about. Francis hugged her.
"Francis! I am so glad to see you! I'm happy to see you're all well and made it here!"
"Hello Kassie! How's it going?" asked Belen with a smile on her face.
"Belen! Johnny! Hello! I'm doing great…how about you two?" asked Kassie.
Johnny got extremely shy; he was thrilled to see Kassie, but he was also nervous to speak to her appropriately since when he's always around her, his goofiness gets intense and in the way, "Hell-hell-hello, Kass! It's-it's berry nice to see you!"
-Giggle- "It's "berry" nice to see you too, J.C!" smiled Kassie.
Johnny smiled back, stared at Kassie, and blushed profusely.
"It's pronounced "very" brother, not berry! Say, "it's "very" nice to see you!"" corrected Belen.
"What? Did-did I say that? I'm-I'm so sorry…" Johnny turned red and took shelter behind Francis.
"KASSIE! What are you doing here? Are you here to attend the seminar too?" wondered Francis.
"Correct! My team and I are here for the seminar…"
"So, your team is here then! Where's Marcus? And the others?" Francis began to get antsy.
"Well, Marcus and Kalel are inside registering for the seminar. Heidy is in the restroom. I was actually going to get her and take her to the library since she has virtual school today!" explained Kassie.
"OH! Josh does too! We actually just came from the library after dropping him there at one of those study rooms so he can attend school." said Francis.
"Wonderful! Maybe I can get him to share the study room with Heidy so they both get their schooling done." thought Kassie.
"That's a good idea! Yoshi will be happy to see you and Heidy, Kassie!" expressed Belen.
"True…well, I should get Heidy and drop her at the library. The seminar will start soon and I don't want to be late!"
"I can go with you, Kassie!" offered Belen.
"That's sweet! Okay then, let's go!" said Kassie, "We will be back, guys!"
"Why don't you two register our team for the seminar? We will be quick!" declared Belen and then waved goodbye and left with Kassie.
"I guess we should do that…but don't be late, you two!" said Francis.
"Take care you two…" said Johnny while waving goodbye.
…
Kassie and Belen left for the restrooms to find Heidy and then proceed to the library. Francis and Johnny were about to walk in but…
-SLAM!-
"OUCH! OUCH! MY FACE‼" cried Francis in pain and began to rub his face.
"BRO! Are you alright?!" asked Johnny a bit distressed, "WHO OPENED THE DOOR LIKE THAT? HUH?"
"Gosh, are you okay Francis?!" asked Kalel very worried and then approached Francis.
"Look who decided to show up at the wrong time and place! FRANCIS and JOHNNY!"
"IT'S MARCUS AND KALEL!" shouted Francis and Johnny.
"YOU DID THAT ON PURPOSE, YOU BULLY!" yelled Francis madly.
"WHAT? Don't be a fool! If I wanted to hit you in the face, I would have done it with my own fists…" claimed Marcus proudly.
"OH YEAH? Why don't you try it, then?!" Francis got even more mad.
"CHILL! CHILL! YOU TWO‼" shouted Johnny after getting in between them two.
"We are awfully sorry, Francis…I don't think my brother did that on purpose…" explained Kalel.
"You sure about that? Knowing HIM, I'm sure those were his true intentions!"
"You're full of yourself! Not everything that I do is against you or about you, Francis, common!"
"OH YEAH? BUT you know what?"
"What, Francis, what?"
"I KNOW HOW WE CAN SETTLE THIS!"
"HOW?"
"IN A POKEMON BATTLE!"
"WHAT?!" everyone got shocked.
"But Francis…we have fifteen minutes before the seminar starts…" said Johnny.
"That's all the time I need to put Marcus in his place!" Francis got determined.
"CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!" shouted Marcus, "I will have a Pokémon battle with you!"
"Brother, are you sure about this?" asked Kalel a bit anxious about the time.
"IT'S ALL GOOD! I can defeat this nerd in less than five minutes!"
"OH YEAH?!"
"YEAH!"
"RELAX YOU TWO! Let's take it elsewhere!" said Johnny while acting like a referee.
Francis, Johnny, Marcus, and Kalel arrived at a Pokémon battlefield located inside the school's gymnasium, which was adjacent to the main building. Luckily, no one was using the gym yet. Francis and Marcus were eager to face each other in their first Pokémon battle; they decided to use one Pokémon each. Since it was not an official Pokémon battle, they couldn't use the holographic referee APP made by the Pokémon Federation, so Johnny volunteered to act as the arbiter; Kalel sat at a nearby bench to witness his friends' first battle…
"If you guys are ready, let's begin!" announced Johnny.
"WE HAVE BEEN READY!" shouted Francis and Marcus both driven and fervently.
Marcus kissed his pokeball and then released his beloved Pokémon partner, "Come out, Perro-oh! Let's show Francis how strong we are!"
Perro-oh entered the battlefield, "PE! RRO! RRO! ROH!" Perro-oh was excited.
"SO, FRANCIS, did you finally get or catch a Pokémon? My Perro-oh and I have been waiting for you to get yourself together…"
"YOU BET! And my Pokémon is stronger than yours! I just know it!" Francis released his Pokémon partner, "Markitty, show them what's up!"
Markitty entered the battlefield, "MAR! MEOW! MARKITTY‼" Markitty was pumped.
"OH! You were lucky to be given a Markitty from the professor, I see…" remarked Marcus.
"Lucky? What is that supposed to mean?!"
"It doesn't matter! I know all about Markitty, but do you know anything about my Perro-oh? Or Pokémon in general?!"
"WHAT?! OF COURSE, I DO…I…I know about Pokémon…I just haven't been able to get info on your Pokémon but that can change! I have a PokeDEX now!" Francis took out his smartphone and activated his PokeDEX APP ON.
"Go ahead! That way when you get defeated, you won't have the audacity to say you weren't prepared or given a heads-up…" said Marcus, "I'm feeling generous."
"JUST SHUT YOUR MOUTH and let me do this!" replied Francis.
[POKEDEX:
011) Perro-oh – The Wiener Puppy Pokémon [NORMAL]
"Perro-oh are very friendly and playful Pokémon; they are extremely loyal and they love being surrounded by their Pokémon or human friends. Because of their loving and gentle nature, they are popular among young and old trainers alike. Although they are capable to survive in the wilderness on their own, they prefer to search for other Perro-oh and form a pack in order to stay together as a big family until they evolve, but even after doing so, they like to remain together forever. Others prefer to search for humans or trainers that will welcome them in their homes and form a bond. They possess a great sense of smell and hearing and they are capable of chasing and hunting small prey. If they have been domesticated, they don't lose their abilities, but develop a taste for Pokémon food or any food that humans would normally eat."
POSSIBLE ATTACKS: Tackle/Leer/Helping Hand/Bite]
"Are you done? We don't have much time, you know!" complained Marcus.
"I know! I know! Let's do this!" replied Francis.
"I should take notes…" said Kalel after taking out an olive pocket notebook and a great pokeball pen.
"3…2…1…BATTLE BEGIN!" shouted and directed Johnny.
"GO ON! I'll let you have the first move!" said Marcus with confidence.
"YOU WILL BE SORRY! Markitty, use Tackle!" directed Francis. Markitty used Tackle.
"Perro-oh, use Double Team!" yelled Marcus. Perro-oh used Double Team and avoided Markitty's Tackle.
"MAR! MEOW!" Markitty got confused.
"ARGH! WHY?!" Francis got a bit agitated.
"LET'S TRY AGAIN! But this time…Markitty, use Water Gun!"
"Not so fast! Perro-oh, use Bite!" Perro-oh used Bite. It was able to bite Markitty's right arm before it could use Water Gun.
"Markitty! Look out!"
"MAR! MAR! MEOW!" Markitty was in a bit of pain due to the bite.
"GOOD BOY! Keep it up!" ordered Marcus to Perro-oh.
"OH YEAH? Markitty, shake it off with all your might‼"
Markitty began to spin around and try to shake off its opponent from its arm. It succeeded.
"NOW, USE WATER GUN!"
Markitty took the chance and struck Perro-oh with a Water Gun attack. It was a direct hit!
"PE! RRO! RRO! ROH!" Perro-oh cried in a bit of agony.
"HOW DARE YOU! You will pay for that, Francis!" yelled Marcus very upset, "Are you alright, Perro-oh?!"
Perro-oh got up and signaled to Marcus that it was good to go, "PE! RRO! ROH‼"
"GOOD BOY! Now, use Leer!" directed Marcus.
Markitty was on guard and looking at Perro-oh; due to the fact, it felt for the Leer attack, "MAR! MEOW! MEOW!" Markitty's defense stat was reduced.
"Be careful, Markitty! Don't let Perro-oh distract you!" suggested Francis, "Now, use your best Tackle attack!"
"Heads up, Perro-oh!" guided Marcus, "Use Double Team again!"
Perro-oh used Double Team and dodged Markitty's Tackle.
"NOT FAIR! Why do you guys keep doing that?!" complained Francis.
"Francis! It is allowed to use the same moves during a Pokémon battle if the circumstances are met! Just concentrate and work as a team! You two got this!" Johnny was enjoying the battle so far, but he was not sure who had the advantage; he was certain that Marcus was more prepared and knowledgeable of Pokémon and Pokémon battles.
"FINE! You're right, bro!" said Francis; he took a deep breath and focused; "Markitty, let's try Growl and get its attack down! Use Growl!" Markitty used Growl.
Perro-oh, having sensitive ears and acute hearing, it felt for Markitty's Growl. Perro-oh's attack stat was decreased.
"If that's how you're going to play, then we shall play it your way too!" Marcus was analyzing the battle and came to a conclusion; he had a menacing and bold look on his face; "Perro-oh, time to use Bullet Seed!"
"UH? Bullet Seed? Isn't that…" murmured Johnny preoccupied.
"PE! RRO! RRO! ROH!" Perro-oh used Bullet Seed.
"HUH? Markitty, watch out!"
Markitty was hit 5 times. It was a critical hit. It was super effective! "MAR! MEOW! MEOW!"
"MARKITTY, NO‼" Francis got concerned and approached Markitty, "Markitty, buddy! Are you okay, buddy?!"
"My brother had known beforehand what kind of Pokémon Francis had chosen when we spoke to our parents…I guess knowing your opponent pays off…I should write that down…" Kalel whispered to himself while appreciating the battle.
"FRANCIS! MARKITTY! How are you guys doing?" asked Johnny while studying the situation and checking if the battle continues.
"Mar…Meow…" Markitty was injured, but it was able to get up and put itself together.
"I'm so relieved! You are doing great, Markitty…" said Francis while petting Markitty.
"HA! I'm amazed that your Pokémon can handle that much damage and still be up and running!" declared Marcus with a smirk on his face, "Do you guys wanna continue or do you give up?"
"WHAT? GIVE UP? NEVER!" emphasized Francis, but all of the sudden…
- School Bell Ringing - / - Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong! -
"YIKES! It's 9 A.M. already!" shouted Kalel.
"9 A.M.?! AAAHHH‼ We're going to be late‼" Everyone panicked.
TO BE CONTINUED…
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