Mistralton Arc: Generated Storms

"It was displayed in the news? That's news to me", Jacky muttered. Mari shrugged. "Maybe, Laslow gave the local authorities a big talking-to, and that's why this whole ordeal is suddenly made public. He was quite displeased about how the case was handled, after all. Speaking of him, we didn't have the chance to say goodbye to him." She threw a side glance at Jacky, who sighed. "Yeah... I would've liked to wish him well on his journey ahead..."

As they entered the building, Nurse Joy was just coming out of one of the treatment rooms. Mari approached her firmly. "Hi.",
"Hi. Combusken is recovering really great, it can probably be discharged tomorrow morning and taken to Officer Rocky. Most of its wounds will take more time to heal... The police will see about a new place for it to stay.",
"I think... I have a suggestion", Mari began.
"Oh? And which one?",
"I could take in Combusken.",
"Are you sure?" The nurse clasped her hands anxiously. "Combusken will have trouble getting involved with humans again. Besides, it's still written in the stars whether it will be able to fight again, if it even wants to.",
"I'm sure." Mari nodded. "I can take Combusken with me and take care of it. If that's alright.",
"Normally, in this case, one would ask the former trainer..." She shook her head, "...but any trainer would be better suited for Combusken, however harsh that may sound. Now that I think about it... you're the winner of this year's junior cup tournament, and you seem to share a close bond with your Pokémon. There are no objections from my side.",
"Then it's a deal?",
"Yes." The nurse nodded.
"Great. Great. I'd want to ask it myself first, though... Is it awake?",
"Yes." The nurse nodded again before holding out Combusken's Pokéball to Mari. "Here. You'll need this.",
"Thanks." Mari accepted it and watched Nurse Joy as she walked away.

She entered Combusken's room and the Pokémon looked at her. "Hey, little one... I have news for you." She stopped in front of it and knelt down to be on eye level with it. "The police would have looked into finding you a new place to stay, but... well, I got the idea that I could take you on my team. If that's what you want." Combusken looked at her, then nodded hesitantly. "Would you want to work with me?" Again, it nodded, this time a little more confidently. "I'm glad." Mari stroked it gently. "I won't let anyone hurt you ever again." She smiled at it before walking out of the room.

"So?" Jacky asked.
"It agreed," Mari explained. "So now, I would have my fifth Pokémon.",
"That's great", her friend said, flipping through a magazine as she paused. "Wooow!", "What? What did you find?",
"Look at this!" She turned to her and tapped the page. Mari peeked over Jacky's shoulder.
"The great musical hall of Nimbasa will soon host the annual dance festival. People from all corners of the world come there, in beautiful dresses and stylish suits! There's also a buffet and free drinks and famous dancers...",
"I see..." Mari muttered. Little enthusiasm was in her voice. "That's all well and good, if only there wasn't the problem that I hate dancing and can't do it, either. So why would you think I care, exactly?",
"Here's something else. Listen: 'After a lot of music and dancing, the typical doubles tournament is held on the dance floor. All guests present who are in the mood for a battle are allowed to participate and use their Pokémon to charm the others. Traditionally, more inexperienced guests can team up with a celebrity, such as the champions and gym leaders from other regions in attendance. Guests expected to attend include Cynthia from Sinnoh, Steven from Hoenn, and Diantha from Kalos.",
"Okay, persuaded. I'll go there." Mari's eyes lit up. "I'd have a chance to meet Cynthia! When is that?",
"In just under a week", Jacky replied.
"That early? Fantastic!" Mari clapped her hands together. "But for the record, I don't dance.", "You don't have to," Jacky giggled. "There's always a spoilsport standing in the corner at something like this.",
"Shut up, will you..." Mari grumbled. "And just to note: I will also not make use of this tournament to 'charm' the others, yeah? Anyway. Are we tackling the gym tomorrow?",
"But of course!" Jacky nodded vigorously. "That would be a great opportunity to get your mind off things.",
"I think so too. Come on, we should go upstairs. Noivern and Skarmory are probably bored by now, and I'm tired.",
"Me too.",
"Who knew dealing with idiots can drain you of so much energy."

The two went upstairs. Noivern had fallen asleep while taking over the egg from Skarmory. Skarmory seemed to be really bored, because it was liberally rummaging through Mari's bag for candy. "Hey!" she called out, and Skarmory raised its head. "Kyaah?",
"At least have the courtesy to ask before you steal candy from my bag. Got it?" It lowered its head guiltily. Shaking her head, Mari withdrew it and flopped down on one of the beds. "I guess you'll have to shoo Noivern down, Jacky", she stated triumphantly. Jacky laughed. "Haha... looks like it. Hey, Noivern, I'm back. Wake up." Noivern sleepily raised its head. "Rrrgh?",
"Thanks for watching the egg. I'll take over, okay?" Noivern nodded and let Jacky withdraw it. The young trainer picked up the egg and took it with her under the covers to keep it warm. "Good night, Mari.",
"Nighty night."

Chris met Laslow in front of Driftveil's Pokémon Center. "Have you heard the news? It's terrifying.",
"I know.",
"What do you mean, you know?",
"I already heard the whole thing from Jacky and Mari. It seems to have been known for a long time.",
"Eh? So why is everyone just hearing about it now, then?",
"I guess they didn't want to cause a panic. I've already dealt with the relevant security authorities before, tried to get some context on the matter and inform them about how grave the situation has become... Seemingly, they knew about it already, and assured me the situation would be dealt with in the proper manner... in secret. They wanted to keep the extends of the situation from the public in order to not cause an uproar, but I think it is the wrong approach to keep everyone in the dark about something as serious as this. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and told the journalists who were here during the tournament about the current situation. They seem to have put the authorities under pressure and now, the Skitty is out of the bag. It's about time...",
"Wait, you put the media up to this to make it public?",
"Yup." Laslow nodded.
"How sneaky of you.",
"I think everyone should know about the danger. Otherwise, more children will fall victim to this wild Hypno, and who knows if they'll ever be found. It's just for everyone's safety, I would say.",
"Haha... You really know how to do things right, huh? Way to go, buddy.",
"Thanks.",
"So, are you going to get out of here today?",
"I don't think so, it's already dark out... I'll be traveling on tomorrow.",
"So this is where we part ways again.",
"For now. See you around, my friend."
Chris smiled and patted him on the shoulder. "Well, hopefully. See you soon!"

The next morning, they set out early for the gym. The building was on the edge of the airport and as they entered, a strong gust of wind hit them. "Woah, what the hell...?" Jacky looked around. "It's the jets," Mari realized, pointing to the huge fans on the far wall. "Identified correctly", a woman's voice announced from a podium. She had red hair and wore blue clothes. "Cheers! I'm Skyla and I own this gym!",
"Hello!" Jacky waved up to her. "We're here to challenge you!",
"I thought so." Skyla smiled and a Braviary appeared next to her. "If that's what you want, find the door to the battlefield!" She winked and swung onto the Braviary before a wind came up so strong that it brought tears to the girls' eyes. When it weakened again, Skyla was gone. "You want us to look for the battlefield...?" Jacky looked around. "I only see walls far and wide...",
"Come on, let's search", Mari decided.
"Hm... I know something." Jacky smiled. "Luxray, we need you!" Her Luxray appeared next to her. "Use your special sight, Luxray. Lead us to the battlefield of this gym!" It turned around and its eyes lit up golden. Then, it slowly walked ahead; braced against the wind. "Whoa, this air stream those giga-fans there generate is really intense..." Mari commented. They followed Luxray, taking cover behind a wall every now and then when the winds got stronger. Soon, they were standing in front of a nondescript door. "Are we going in?" Mari asked.
"Mmm." Jacky nodded and pushed the door open. Before them stretched a huge battlefield behind the gym building. It was next to the airport and had plenty of room for flying Pokémon. Skyla was sitting on the wooden fence that bordered the field, feeding a few Pidove that flew away as the two girls arrived. She looked up and jumped off the fence. "You guys cheated!" she observed. "No one has ever found it that fast!" Then, she laughed. "But anyway, it doesn't matter. Which one of you is going to start?",
"Me," Jacky said, glancing briefly at Mari, who nodded at her.
"Get on the line when you're ready." The gym leader determined, standing on her side of the field. Jacky nodded and stepped towards her line.
"Then, the battle begins! Braviary, we begin!" Skyla called out her first Pokémon.
"Absol, this is our battle!" Jacky shouted, and the dark-type Pokémon landed on light paws in front of her.