Sorry for another delay, the length of this chapter clashed with exams, other projects and me finally being able to get White 2. I hope to get more up before the end of the year and end on a cliffhanger, but can't make any promises as Galactic is likely to hold me up along with other duties. But hopefully this battle will be enough to satisfy you all ;)
Chapter Fifty Two: How Alaska Got Her Groove Back
"Ooooh, back again are we? I thought the warrior princess had given up on her dream of bitch slapping her way to victory."
"Shut it Clyde, I'm not in the mood."
"Feisty! I like it!" The security system laughed. "What's this I hear of you having a little breakdown? Did it all get a bit too much for the Avacado Girl?"
"Sandy, when I become Champion, remind me to order the death of that one."
"I'll make a note of it." Alaska nodded, a smile on her face, and she gave Clyde a wink before marching into the gym, knowing that when she walked past him on her way out, she would have the Rainbow Badge in her hands, and everyone would know that she means business.
The gym seemed silent as Alaska and Sandy made their way through the flower boxes and pot plants. The giggling gym attendants fell silent as they looked up from their work, their Pokemon becoming stunned, and Alaska smiled and waved at them all as walked by. They followed after her, whispering to each other but being careful to keep away, as if Alaska was going to attack them. It only amused Alaska, and her smile got wider as she approached the field waiting for her at the back of the gym.
The stands had been repaired, and currently the ones to Alaska's right were occupied: Jericho, Evelyn, today wearing a wrinkled purple dress that made her resemble a prune, Daisy and Morimoto sat in the front row, all with varying expressions on their faces. Daisy looked nervous, Jericho seemed almost amused, Evelyn's face was as sour as ever, and Morimoto seemed uninterested, merely here to watch a battle. Alaska was not sure truly why he had come but she knew better than to worry about it. Jericho's Flareon sat curled up besides the stands, something that seemed almost like a threat to Alaska, but she ignored that as well, thinking only of her battle.
"Hello again Alaska," Alexis called from across the grassy field, standing in the same spot she had a week earlier. "I have waited a week for this rematch, so I trust that it is going to be a very intense and exciting battle. I hope that you have been preparing your Pokemon as much as I prepared mine, and that they are ready for the challenge ahead."
"Trust me, we're ready," Alaska replied, a smirk on her face, and she pulled her first Great Ball out of her pocket. Alexis nodded and pulled her own PokeBall out, and Alaska moved into position, taking several deep breathes to calm, control and ready herself for battle.
Over the past week, Alaska had barely slept. She knew sleeping would only draw back the questions she longed to push away, and restless nights would make her reconsider the path she had chosen. Instead, Alaska worked herself and her Pokemon until they were exhausted for as many hours as possible. Paige, Frances and Nadia were put through their paces, running and flying around the Athlew Mansion, fighting against statues, bags of manure, rubbish, anything Alaska could find, battling each other, battling Sandy and Daisy's Pokemon. Alaska exercised with them and sometimes got involved in their direct training, especially when she spent two whole days using facilities at the Pokemon Center. All throughout the training, Alaska chanted the words Amelia had said to her; Choose the field to fight him on, though in this case, it was a she. Alaska had a chance to change gym battles forever, and she had worked out a strategy to perfectly combat Alexis'.
I know this will work… it has to work… it will, I know it will, Alaska kept telling herself as she taught her Pokemon the moves necessary to win, but making sure they were not being watched by any Athlews or their staff. Her plan hinged on surprise, as she wanted the message behind her moves to sink in when she unveiled them.
And know here she stood, the same spot she had lost in a week early, now with one less Pokemon and a shaken but clearer head. Alaska had only three Pokemon on her, only three chances to defeat Alexis and win. Paige has been with me the longest, Frances has grown the most, Nadia is bound by loyalty for saving her, they won't let me down, Alaska told herself, and knew that only she could sabotage this chance for victory, this last effort needed to prove herself to the world.
"Good luck Alaska, we will be cheering for you," Sandy whispered as she left, Pichu clutched in her arms, Butterfree and Bellsprout out and ready to root her on. Alaska smiled at all of them and watched them walk off, and her eyes settled on the Athlew's: both grandson and matriarch stared back at her with smirks and glares, both of them challenging her to test them, daring her to prove herself. Alaska knew they wanted her to fail, even if she was not entirely sure why, but she was willing to disappoint her reluctant hosts.
"Welcome to the rematch between the Celadon Gym Leader Alexis and the challenger Alaska Acevedo," Annabelle the referee called. The gym attendants and their floral themed Pokemon crowded the other stands, all watching her with eagerness and uncertainty. Alaska despised people like that, who longed for excitement but were afraid when it actually reared its head. Don't worry girls, I am sure you will get the show you are hoping for, Alaska thought bitterly, but focussed back on Annabelle. "Alaska, how many Pokemon shall you be using?"
"Three," Alaska replied, and she saw a glint in Jericho's eyes from the stands, and longed to throw her PokeBall at him instead. Whatever you do, don't think of Darwin, the voice in her head instructed her. Alaska knew that her team lacked his power and skills, even if she could not control them, and it pained her to reflect on this, but Alaska knew she couldn't let it consume her, otherwise emotions she did not want to display in front of these people would come out, emotions she had been struggling with over these past few days as she remembered that terrible moment.
"This will be a three on three match then," Annabelle called. "Trainers, please send out your first Pokemon, and let the match begin!" There was a cheer from the gym attendants, and Alexis smiled at Alaska before throwing her first PokeBall into the air. Alaska watched it spinning, clutching her own in her hand, and listened as Sandy and her Pokemon began to cheer as well, and Daisy and Morimoto applauded the start of the battle.
This is it, my last chance… I can win this, nothing can stop me now, Alaska thought, and she threw her PokeBall towards the grass, ready for her journey to begin again.
"Frances, show them what we're made of!"
"Jumpluff, let's do this all again!" The PokeBalls opened, and Alaska smiled at the sight of Jumpluff floating above them, looking much more innocent than she really was, but confirming what Alaska had hoped for. Meanwhile, Frances formed amongst the tall grass, the top of her mushroom visible but the rest hidden in green.
"Changing your strategy, I see," Alexis said with a nod. "I notice that when most people rebattle me, they tend to go for the same Pokemon order. It is refreshing to see someone shake things up a bit, though you could have prepared your Pokemon better to face the same opponents."
"I am sure you would have liked that," Alaska replied with an icy smile, "especially considering you appear to be the one reusing Pokemon here." Alexis laughed, and Jumpluff giggled as well, and Alaska glowered up at the flying dandelion.
"Alaska, I start all my battles the same way; Jumpluff is capable of setting quite a few things up and letting me test what sort of challenger I am about to face," the gym leader replied. "I may have battled you before, but Jumpluff can still come in handy, as you will know see. Sunny Day, let's go!" Alaska saw Evelyn join her grandson in smirking, and she knew they thought she had walked back into the same battle. But none of them knew what she had prepared.
"We have a few tricks to. Stun Spore, hold it in!" She shouted. Jumpluff threw the flaming ball towards the roof of the gym, where it unfolded and spread out, lighting and heating up the gym within seconds. However, no one else seemed to notice the attack: everyone looked stunned with Alaska's command, and she grinned deviously at them all, glad to see her plan was working.
"Interesting move," Alexis said, though she suddenly seemed uncertain. "Though you should know by know that your little tricks won't secure you the win! Cotton Spore, go!"
"We'll see; Stun Spore, hold it again!" Alaska cried. The gym attendants began to whisper now, all of them looking confused at Alaska's order. Let them mull this over, Alaska thought, watching them all before turning back to Frances. As long as she can hold it all in, I will be on my way to victory.
"Pluff Pluff!" Jumpluff cried, and released the same spores she had used against Paige last week. They moved at incredible speeds thanks to her Chlorophyll boost, but Frances was prepared, and she began to scuttle through the grass, visible only as a swerving orange mass rushing through the green. The Cotton Spores followed after, but only one was able to secure itself to Frances. Nothing to worry about, we don't need speed for the time being, Alaska thought, though she hoped Frances would not be impaired when the time came to attack.
"It seems Parasect is making use of our tall grass," Alexis said, talking to them all in general. "But now she has been slowed, and Jumpluff still has all her speed. Air Slash, go!"
"Just what I was waiting for," Alaska said, grinning broadly. "Stun Spore, fire all of them at Air Slash!" She yelled, and the gym attendants gasped. Everyone in the stands looked confused except for Sandy, who winked at Alaska when she looked across. Alaska smiled wickedly and watched as Jumpluff quickly spun her right arm around, gathering wind around the cotton puff that formed into a spinning, lilac ball.
"JUM!" She yelled, and threw it down towards Frances. Alaska tensed up, hoping Frances would respond in time, fearing that something would go wrong. The Air Slash was moving quickly, and there was still no sign of Frances responding, the grass masking her moves…
"PARAAAA!" Frances cried, and a giant spray of yellow particles was released from the top of her mushroom, just as the Air Slash struck her. The Stun Spores were sent flying as the attack exploded, and a yellow cloud quickly engulfed the entire field. Alaska felt bad for Frances, knowing the Air Slash was super effective against her, but wanted to punch the air in delight as the spores rose up towards Jumpluff. The Cottonweed Pokemon coughed as she breathed them in, and she suddenly fell several metres towards the field, the cotton on her body flashing yellow.
"How… how did you know that?" Alexis asked, looking gobsmacked. "I never used Air Slash in my last battle!"
"I know, but you've used it before, plenty of times," Alaska replied, her eyes glinting mischievously. When she had gone to the Pokemon Center to train, it had been easy enough for Alaska to use her laptop and access the internet away from prying Athlew eyes. She searched online and learnt all about Alexis' strategy of using Jumpluff to set up the battle, and learnt about Jumpluff's unused fourth move from their first battle.
"I would seriously recommend changing things next time Alexis, you've become, dare I say, predictable?" Alaska said, and she flashed a smile as the rest of the Stun Spores fell to the ground. Frances stood in a clearing made by the exploded Air Slash, only a metre below Jumpluff now, looking a bit battered but still standing. Her face that once always frightened and nervous in these situations looked confident for a change, and Alaska laughed as the Parasect winked at her. Alexis, on the other hand, was losing her calm and happy demeanour, looking irritably at Jericho and Evelyn and then back at a pained Jumpluff.
"Very well Alaska, I will give you that move, but it does not mean you have won yet! Air Slash, once more!" Alexis yelled, and Jumpluff spun around, staring down at Frances with a determined look. She began to spun her arm, but it only rotated three times before it froze, and Jumpluff cried out in pain, floating closer to the grass.
"Yes!" Alaska yelled, unable to contain herself. "Metal Claw, grab onto her!" She shouted. Frances nodded and bent down, pushing her many legs into the earth and jumping up. Both claws glowed silver and the Parasect grabbed tightly onto Jumpluff's arms. Jumpluff screamed and tried to break away as she sunk back down to the field with Frances, but her paralyzed body and the tight grip prevented her from freeing herself.
"This is entirely unorthodox!" Evelyn shouted. "Referee, do something!" Annabelle looked stunned at being shouted at by this elderly woman, and began to stutter nervously, looking between Alexis and her fellow gym attendants for help.
"Th-The Pokemon L-League Rules st-state that P-P-Pokemon may hold onto other P-Pokemon in battle," she informed Evelyn. The elderly women fumed at this, and shot daggers at Alaska, who replied with a simple smile.
"Holding onto Jumpluff won't do you any good!" Alexis shouted, looking nearly angry. "Solarbeam, now!"
"Oh no, that's what I wanted," Alaska replied with her sly grin, and she saw Morimoto whisper something into Daisy's ear, smiling as he did so. "Frances, redirect Jumpluff and then use your own Solarbeam!" This made Jericho and several attendants leap up, all of them shouting at once, but Alaska pretended to ignore them as she savoured their frustration. Jumpluff absorbed in energy using the Sunny Day that shimmered above them, but as her top cotton ball glowed a dazzling green, Frances used her control over the paralyzed Pokemon to point her towards the roof. The green beam was fired into the air, and the attendants screamed as glass shattered. Alaska covered her face as shards rained down upon them, and she saw Frances struggling to hold on as Jumpluff began to fight. The beam began to move violently, going down the walls and exploding the panes, before Frances could get control again and point her towards the stands. The attendants screamed and jumped, and the middle of their stands was blown to splinters.
"What sort of battle is this?" Jericho yelled. "Annabelle, do something, stop her!" The blonde referee looked confused once more, but before she could get a sentence out, Frances absorbed her own energy in.
"PARAAAA PARAAAA!" She screamed, and fired the Solarbeam directly into Jumpluff's face. The scream echoed around the gym, and Alaska felt some sort of justice for the same pain experienced by Paige during the first battle. She watched calmly as the green energy engulfed Jumpluff for half a minute before Frances ran out. The Mushroom Pokemon let go of Jumpluff, and the Flying Grass type collapsed onto the field. Her eyes were still open, but it was clear that Jumpluff was close to unconsciousness. Her battered state silenced Alexis' supporters, and Alaska glanced over at her own, and was surprised to see some sort of proud nod from Morimoto.
"Slash," Alaska called out and looked at Alexis; the gym leader had frozen, shaken by the last set of moves, unable to call out an order as she looked down at Jumpluff. Silence hung in the air as Frances scuttled forwards and raised a claw, which glowed a blinding white before it was drawn across Jumpluff. The Cottonweed Pokemon made a soft squeak as the Slash cut across her, and then everything was silent once again.
"Jumpluff is unable to battle," Annabelle said, looking close to tears, which Alaska put down to stress. Jumpluff collapsed into energy and disappeared, all in silence, but inside Alaska was celebrating, a fiesta happening around her heart and mind.
"Wooo…." Sandy called from the stands, sounding excited at first but fading off as everyone glared at her. Alaska gave her a smile before looking down at Frances. The Parasect looked so proud of herself that it filled Alaska with joy, and she beckoned her across.
"That was excellent, I am so happy for you," she said, and gave her battered Pokemon a hug, which Frances responded by wrapping her claws around her. "Take a rest, I may need you later," Alaska added, and brought the Bug type back.
"That was some fine skills Alaska," Alexis called out, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Good work. Nevertheless, the rest of the battle may not be so easy."
"We'll see," Alaska responded, and gave her a wink. Alexis scowled as she grabbed her next PokeBall, and threw it quickly onto the field without a word. Vinnie the Tangrowth stood beneath where Jumpluff had formed, looking as much of a hairy beast as he had last time. Alaska remembered Nadia's fight against him, but knew that this was not a battle for her.
"Paige, it's your turn to shine!" She shouted, and threw her PokeBall into the air. Her Pidgeotto formed beneath the glow of Sunny Day, floating above Vinnie and looking radiant in the orange heat. Though not as much heat as there will soon be, Alaska thought, smirking to see Paige glowing with fire.
"Interesting choice," Alexis said. "Using a Flying type would make you immune to the extreme lengths of Vinnie's arms, or so you would think." The gym leader smiled, and Alaska cursed in her head, that being the very reason she had chosen Paige. She kept her face blank though and kept going over her move choices to keep herself focussed. "We'll see how well that pays off," Alexis called. "Now Vinnie, use AncientPower!"
"Quick Attack and fly around the gym!" Alaska called. Paige shot down at blinding speeds, and as Vinnie raised his arms to bring dust up, the Pidgeotto flew directly into the middle of his body with enough force to send the Tangrowth wobbling backwards on his odd red feet.
"TAN!" He yelled, and waved his arms frantically. The dust formed into floating rocks, and with another flick, they were sent towards Paige. She soared up towards the roof, moving as fast as her wings allowed. Alaska thought for a moment that the AncientPower would hit, but Paige turned just before she crashed into the roof, and the AncientPower burst through the Sunny Day and disintegrated into dust.
"Great work Paige!" Alaska called, as Butterfree and Bellsprout did a cheer from the stands. Paige chirped back at her as she continued to fly near the Sunny Day, something Alaska had instructed her to do during training; that way, they would always have the height advantage on their side when it came into countering moves.
"Speedy thing, isn't she…," Alexis said irritably, and Alaska was surprised by how quickly the gym leader was becoming annoyed. Clearly, she had expected another clean sweep through her team, and Alaska took pleasure in knowing how annoying she was being. "If AncientPower won't work, we'll just have to test what a Flying Pokemon can do… Wring Out!" She commanded. Alaska had waited for this move to be given, but knew using her secret strategy too early could blow the shock factor she had planned for the battle.
"Aerial Ace for now, but keep that Tangrowth guessing!" Alaska called out. Paige understood what she meant, and quickly began to zip about the gym. Eyes flickered across trying to see where Paige was going, but the Bird Pokemon was always quick to change her direction, going up, down, left, right, spinning around, doing anything that she could possibly do to throw Vinnie off.
"Don't fall for her tricks, attack!" Alexis cried.
"GROOOO!" Vinnie boomed, and he raised his arms towards the roof. They shot up like a rocket, doubling in length within seconds, and Alaska frowned, knowing that they were going to be a problem no matter what Paige did. Paige saw them coming and quickly dived down, causing the red tips to crash into the roof, cracking more panes, but Vinnie was watching and his arms were quick to change direction.
"Behind you Paige!" Alaska cried. Paige looked back and saw the arms coming, and wrapped her wings around her body, allowing her to fall faster towards Vinnie. It looked as though she was going to crash into the ground, but Alaska felt relived to see the wings erupting into lilac light, and at the last moment Paige swerved and stretched her wings out.
"Pidgeeeey!" She cried as they cut across Vinnie, this time forcing him to roll backwards onto his back, and Alaska and Sandy both cheered as the Pidgeotto flew away from destruction. Alexis was getting more visibly annoyed now, and Jericho and Evelyn were caught up in a whispered conversation. Alaska was proud with herself for causing them so much annoyance already, and looked forward to seeing how they would react next.
"Wring Out, go straight away!" Alexis commanded. Vinnie got back to his feet with surprising speed for such a hefty Pokemon, and his arms, which had fallen limply to the field, were sent soaring once more. Paige had not gotten as far away this time, and she squawked as the tips whacked against her, the arms trying to grab hold of her. She whacked them with her wings, but the arms were closing in, the right one starting to wrap around her.
Now's the time, Alaska thought, and she smiled wickedly to herself. "TWISTER!" She roared, and Alexis' jaw dropped.
"OOOOOTTOOOO!" Paige cried, and she began to spin around rapidly, the arms still trying to grab hold of her. Purple energy began to wrap around Paige, and Vinnie's arms began to rotate around her, caught up in the wind and speed. Alaska beamed as a giant Twister erupted around Paige, and suddenly Vinnie was drawn towards it, unable to pull his arms back as they became caught up in the spinning vortex.
"Tan… Tan Tan… TAN!" The Tangrowth cried, trying to move backwards, but his round feet kicked uselessly in mid air as he was lifted up, and suddenly Vinnie was spinning as well. The gym attendants screamed as he crashed through what remained of the stands, and Sandy was the only one quick enough to move when Vinnie came full circle and smashed into theirs, the others sent jumping and rolling. Alaska and Alexis both ducked to avoid the suddenly airborne Grass type, his shouts being tossed aside by the speed.
"It's time to stop Paige!" Alaska called up, struggling not to laugh. The Twister stopped spinning, and Vinnie was sent flying across the gym as his arms were made free. He crashed into the wall behind the attendants stand, and they fled towards the flower boxes as large green shards fell near them. Vinnie followed after a moment later, landing with a crunch on the collapsed stand. Annabelle turned around, having remained frozen during the Twister, and moved nervously towards Vinnie. However, the Vine Pokemon let out a groan and pushed himself up, looking dazed behind the mass of blue-green vines that made up his body.
"Vinnie is still able to battle," Annabelle announced, and moved quickly away from the Tangrowth as if she would be caught up in Paige's next attack. Alaska looked up at her starter and beamed, and Paige grinned back before hovering down, landing on the grass before her trainer.
"Quick Attack should do the trick," Alaska said, and Paige nodded. The two looked up at Alexis, but the gym leader ignored them, tapping her fingers irritably against her side as she stared at her injured Pokemon, whose arms seemed to have been stretched to an even longer length.
"Pidge Ot," Pidgeotto said with a shrug of her wings, and quickly darted forwards. Vinnie looked around in time to see the white and brown blur coming towards him, but simply took the attack that forced him back onto his back, and this time he made no noise.
"Vinnie is now unable to battle…," Annabelle said, watching Paige as she soared in a victory lap, the Sunny Day beginning to fade above her. Alaska jumped into the air and cheered, happiness filling her body. She had not felt this great for weeks, not with all the destruction, near deaths and explosions she had found herself caught up in. Watching another gym leader fall before her and the people who wanted to end her journey suffer on the sidelines was enough to fill her with joy, and Alaska was pleased her Pokemon were able to experience some victory as well.
"You are doing well Alaska, though I must say I am surprised," Alexis called out as she brought Vinnie back. "You did so poorly last time, I can only wonder what you have done to change this." Suspecting me of cheating? Alaska thought, the idea bringing a laugh to her lips, pleased to see that beneath her smiles and kindness, Alexis had the same pettiness and desire for reputation all the gym leaders possessed.
"A focussed and clear mind leads to happy battling for everyone involved – or, at least to the person that's winning," Alaska said with a flash of a smile. "Your battle taught me a lesson, and I knew that if I was going to face you again, I needed to plan out every move beforehand." Alexis grimaced back at her, and Alaska smiled back as cheerfully as possible. "I just wanted to show just how skilled I truly am, and that nothing was going to hold me back." She looked over at Evelyn and Jericho, who looked irritated about the stand collapsing, and gave them both a wink. Evelyn grunted and adjusted her dress, and Sandy stifled a laugh.
"Very well Alaska, let us see how much you trained," Alexis called. She pulled her last PokeBall from her pocket, and she smiled once more as she threw it towards the field. Alaska knew who was coming, but that didn't make her any less worrisome when Meganium formed where Vinnie had stood before thrown away. It was clear that this was the powerhouse in Alexis' team, the Pokemon she saved for the very end. Alaska still had all three Pokemon on her team, and Paige had survived her battle with Vinnie with barely any damage asides from minor groping. Alaska knew she should not be worried, but the doubt and concern that had lived inside her mind for weeks crept back in moments like this.
"You can win this Alaska!" Sandy shouted. "You have a winning strategy, nothing can change that!" Alaska she smiled to herself, glad to have her friend on her side to keep her sane whenever she needed it.
"Come on Paige, let's get this going!" Alaska shouted up, causing Paige to stop flying about and dive down so she was only a metre above. "Hang in for a few moves before we truly get this battle going!"
"Intriguing," Alexis said, looking a bit puzzled but keeping her smile. "We shall see how things turn out Alaska, the battle is only just beginning, after all. Meganium, Solarbeam!" Alaska looked up and saw Sunny Day had dispersed, taking away the light and heat it had brought and fading away into nothing. She wondered if Alexis had noticed this, and could only wonder what ploy she was up to now.
"Aerial Ace while she's occupied," Alaska shouted, and felt a rush of wind as Paige soared away above her head. Her wings glowed a magnificent shade of purple, and Alaska smiled as she watched them cut across Meganium's neck, right above where the sunlight was being absorbed into her flowers. Alexis looked unfazed though, and Alaska felt nervous, wondering just how powerful this next attack would be.
"Going around from behind and use Quick Attack," she shouted. Paige quickly turned and tucked her wings in, diving down from near the roof at such quick speeds that Alexis moved out of the way in fear.
"Meg!" Meganium cried as she was hit, stumbling forwards, but the Starter Pokemon recovered and turned her neck to face Paige. Her neck of flowers was glowing with a mix of green and amber, and when she opened her mouth, the energy came together in a ball. Paige looked down in fright, and Alaska realised that she was in trouble.
"FLY!" She screamed, and Paige took off just as the Solarbeam was fired. Green energy smashed into two walls at once, sending more shards flying through the air. The beam chased after her, destroying more panes and making Alaska's 'supporters' cover their heads. She thought for a moment that Paige could escaped, but as the Pidgeotto turned to avoid crashing into a bit of wall, the Solarbeam finally caught up with her. Alaska gasped as green engulfed her oldest friend, the beam firing up towards the roof. There was the shattering of glass, but Paige made no noise as she was swallowed by the Solarbeam.
Oh god… please don't let here be hurt, Alaska thought, remembering the shattered window at the Game Freak building. The Solarbeam faded away, and without the energy to hold her up, Paige fell limply to the ground. Alaska cried out and ran forwards, Paige landing right behind Sandy and her team. They parted to let her through, and Alaska collapsed to her knees besides her Pokemon. She did not care for strategies or winning for the moment; she simply knelt beside Paige, the Flying type a rumpled ball of feathers laying weakly on the grass.
"Paige, are you alright? Can you hear me? Are you still conscious?" Alaska asked, carefully stroking her, hoping she was not hurt. Dark thoughts were creeping back again, but before they could consume Alaska's mind, there was a soft groan. Alaska breathed deeply in relief as Paige pushed herself back up, a determined smile plastered on her weary face. "Oh thank god, I was so worried!" Alaska said, and stretched out to hug her, but saw Jericho and Evelyn eyeing her like birds of prey, waiting for her to make a mistake. "After we win, we will hug and celebrate as much as possible, okay" Alaska said as she glared over at the grandmother and grandson. "Do you think you can manage one last move?" She asked with a wink, and Paige laughed.
"Pidge Pidge Otto Pidgey Otto To!" She said, and her eyes suddenly burned a dazzling orange.
"Just the answer I was looking for," Alaska said, and she got back to her feet. Paige pushed herself into the air, and they moved back towards the field, smiling at Sandy, Butterfree and Bellsprout as they went past. Sandy whispered 'good luck' as they went by, and Alaska replied with a simple nod, knowing that once this was over, she could thank her properly for everything.
"I see Pidgeotto survived," Alexis called out once Alaska took her spot once more. "Must be a more valiant Pokemon than the one I battled last week. Did you go and catch a new one, or did you simply pull off some Pokemon miracle?"
"It wasn't me that changed her, it was her own determination to crush you," Alaska replied, and was glad to see Alexis' smirk falter. "But now that you mention it, my team has really changed dramatically over the past few days. You could almost say they are completely different."
"I'll keep that in mind," Alexis replied with a brief, suspicious nod. "Meganium, use Petal Dance!" Alaska's heart pounded against her chest, knowing now was the moment she had been waiting for, the time to strike. She looked to make sure Jericho, Evelyn, Daisy and Morimoto were all watching, and then faced Paige, barely able to breathe, and smiled as her best friend gave her a look to show she was ready.
"HEAT WAVE, ON THE FIELD!" Alaska screamed, and the gym seemed to gasp in shock, but Alaska could not hear it above the beating of her heart, the blood in her ears, the victory cheers in her mind. She watched beaming as Paige's body glowed orange, and she tucked her wings in, drawing in the heat of the gym.
"PIDGEEEEEEEEEEY!" She cried, and spread her wings wide. The air below her turned orange, and Alaska could feel the heat wafting from it. Meganium backed away, but she had never been the target. Amelia's words echoed in Alaska's mind as the attack struck the field, the grass beginning to brown and burn, and within seconds the entire field erupted in flame. Alaska had to step backwards and cover her face as the flames quickly consumed everything, orange and yellow and red dancing before her where green had just been. Meganium cried out as the flames surrounded her, and Alaska felt pity for a Pokemon she had once admired, but this was what she had to do to teach them all a lesson.
"A wise person recently suggested to me that I start fighting my opponents on a field that suits me rather than one they always choose," Alaska called out. "They were talking about a certain mad scientist, but I realised that that was the key to defeating you Alexis: gym leaders always chose the field, going for one that plays to their advantage. Brock uses rocks and sand that shield his Pokemon, Misty battles in a giant swimming pool that gives her Water types immediate advantage, Surge fights in a plain field where no one can hide from his attacks. But why must we be confinded by how the gym leaders wish to play this game? You, Alexis, seem to think the grass is your friend, that it will support and hide your Pokemon, Pokemon that know the field well. So if grass gave way to fire, what to do then?" She could not see Alexis through the heat shimmering from the field, but Alaska could clearly see the stunned silence on Jericho, Evelyn and Daisy's faces, while Morimoto struggled not to look impressed.
"Sorry to keep destroying the gym, but this is about victory, and I strive to win whenever possible," Alaska said. "Paige, your switched out, go join Sandy and watch the world burn." Paige nodded, and quickly descended between Sandy and Bellsprout. Alaska pulled a Great Ball out, pausing before she threw it. The flaming field had been her way of shifting the advantage, but now it was up to one Pokemon to finish it all in ways Paige or Frances would never be able to do. Alaska simply hoped she was ready for this.
"Nadia, end this!" She cried, and threw the PokeBall into the fire. When Alaska had first realised through her research that Paige could learn Heat Wave, she had focussed on teaching her the move in order to burn the field, but knew that she was too big to hide amongst the flames, and Meganium or whoever the field was used against would have enough moves to defeat Paige and ignore the burning. That was when Alaska decided to use Nadia: her swift speed would allow her to run across the field, disguised by flames, and use any attacks that would defeat Alexis' team.
"Ran Ran Ran!" Nadia cried as she formed from the blue energy, a small purple thing that became hidden by the fire. Alaska could see Meganium looked confused, trying to find her opponent, and knew already her plan was starting to work.
"I would end this battle right now if I thought you were breaking any rules," Alexis cried out, "though I believe that you are technically allowed to do something like this, but I must say that it is extremely unorthodox and you're only borderline being allowed to continue."
"Sorry Alexis, I did not mean to do this to you, rather to your friends," Alaska replied, smiling over at Jericho and Evelyn. "I think it is unorthodox to try and force someone to do something they have no desire to do, so I am simply using your gym to showcase my feelings on that, and show what happens when you cross me." She waited for Jericho or Evelyn to say something in response, but they remained silent, only the flickering and cracking of the flame sounding in response.
"Whatever your reason, you have only given me more reason to win," Alexis shouted out. "Solarbeam!"
"Ice Beam, and then run!" Alaska shouted. She had complete trust in the loyalty Nadia held for her and the power she had already possessed, and knew that she could pull off this win.
"NIDOOO!" The Poison Pin Pokemon yelled, and a light blue beam emerged several metres from where Alaska had thrown the PokeBall. Meganium cried out as the beam struck her, but Alaska was disappointed to see she did not freeze as a result.
"Ice and fire, interesting strategy," Alexis called out, sounding as though she was laughing. "Fire now Meganium!"
"Poison Jab!" Alaska yelled, annoyed at her jibe. She looked to see where Nadia was coming from, but the fire was growing, dancing across the field and hiding everything from view. All Alaska could see was the energy forming in Meganium's mouth, and she hoped Nadia could get a hit in and then escape.
"RAN!" Alaska turned at the cry, and smiled as she saw a shadow crash into Meganium's lower jaw. The Johto Starter cried out, stumbling a bit to the left, but she turned her head and unleashed the powerful green beam. The light shone even brighter than the flames, and there was a stifled cry from within. A second later, Nadia burst through the flames to Alaska's left, followed by the Solarbeam that made the flames part and shimmer, but Alaska was pleased to see her Poison type roll the attack off and land smoothly on her little paws, letting the rest of the attack exploded on a flower box.
"Are you alright?" Alaska called out.
"Nido Ran Ran Nido Do Do Ran!" Nadia replied, pawing at the ground, an angry look on her face as she stared towards the flames, itching to get back into it all. Alaska was pleased to see she was doing so well, and turned back towards the field, wondering what to do next.
"Strike her with Ice Beam!" Alaska commanded. "Try and keep as far back as possible for now though!" She knew Solarbeam and Petal Dance were currently in Meganium's arsenal, but Alaska was not sure what the other moves were, having read that Meganium was the only Pokemon Alexis was likely to change the moves for. She wished she could see Alexis' face, wanting to be able to tell what the gym leader was planning, but Alaska would have to settle for simply guessing.
"Alright Meganium, use Earthquake!" Alexis roared, and Alaska felt as though she had just been punched in the stomach.
"Well fuck me then," she hissed, and watched fearfully as Nadia ran back into the fire. Alexis must have prepared Meganium for any Poison or Fire types that came into the gym, and it seemed logical to use this move against Nadia, but Alaska was annoyed. She had no idea how well Nadia would take this attack, or what it would do to the flames, and she wondered for a moment if switching back to Paige was the right thing to do now..
"MEGAAAAA!" Meganium roared, and Alaska watched as she reared onto her hind legs, the claws on her front feet glowing a dim brown amongst the flames, and she came crashing back down. Alaska cried out as the entire gym began to shake, shards of glass coming loose from the roof. The flames shook violently, and Alaska watched as many went out, others quickly curling over and beginning to flicker. There was no sign of Nadia anywhere, and Alaska thought that her lack of sound was a sign of fainting, but her fears were quickly smashed as an ice blue beam fired from her right, and the Earthquake stopped as Meganium was hit in the face.
When the shaking stopped, Alaska quickly regained her balance and looked across the field. More flames had died, leaving either bare earth or scorched black grass in its place. Only a few flames flickered now, allowing Alaska to see Meganium and Alexis fully, but there were now less places for Nadia to hide. The Poison Pin Pokemon was standing strong, but she looked more weary than she had a moment ago, which was understandable being an un-evolved Poison type facing an Earthquake by a fully evolved Pokemon. The good sign was that Nadia was still conscious, and she had the determined rage on her face Alaska had come to respect. She also noticed that Meganium was not doing so well: her body looked like it had been scorched, and the petals hung limply around her neck.
Nadia may have a chance to finish this all, Alaska thought. If we can pull off one more strong move, this match could be in the bag.
"It seems your little trick has come to a halt," Alexis called out. "I don't think Nadia will be able to survive another attack, and the rest of your Pokemon seemed weary last time I checked." The gym leader knew too that the battle was nearing an end, and Alaska tensed up, going over her last move.
"We're made of stronger stuff than you Celadon lot, all three of them will be able to survive," Alaska said, looking across at Paige and getting a reassuring nod.
"We shall see; Solarbeam!" Alexis cried.
"Skull Bash!" Alaska shouted. "But move over here and line up with Meganium!"
"Are you putting your Pokemon directly in place to be attacked now are you?" Alexis asked with a smirk as Nadia moved in front of her, her head glowing white as she stared down Meganium.
"I just want Nadia to hit the exact right spot," Alaska replied, and she smiled as her eyes flickered towards the green panes behind Meganium and Alexis, though no one else noticed. Alexis nodded and fell silent, and Alaska suddenly noticed how tense the gym had gotten. No one was saying a word, no one was whispering or giggling or gasping. Only the dying flames crackling and Nadia pawing at the ground could be heard. Alaska looked around, seeing Annabelle and the gym attendants watch with wide, worried eyes, eyeing Jericho and Evelyn as they struggled to hide their worry and irritation, got a nervous smile from Sandy, a proud nod from Paige, blank faces from Daisy and Morimoto.
This is it, the final move, Alaska told herself, watching the two Pokemon before her. Nadia can end this, I know she can, and I know she will do it for me and for Paige and Frances… and even Darwin, wherever the hell that hairy monkey ended up… She tensed up, clenching her fists, thinking of everything that had happened this last week, these last months, and knew that this win meant so much more than a gym badge… it meant normality.
"NIDOOOOO!" Nadia screamed, her head suddenly glowing a brilliant white, and she stopped pawing at the ground, kicking off with her back legs, and everyone around them drew their breath.
"YOU CAN DO THIS NADIA!" Alaska screamed, and she watched the small purple Pokemon sprint across the scorched field, moving as fast as Alaska had ever seen her go, turning quickly into a horned white blur. Meganium stood her ground, opening her mouth wide, green particles forming there as they travelled from her flower. Alaska could almost not watch, seeing her Pokemon sprint forwards, so close now…
"MEGANI!" Meganium cried, and she reared her head back, the green glow erupting from her mouth. Alaska's heart sank, seeing Nadia was still a few metres away… there was not any time for her to strike….
"RAAAAAAAAN!" Nadia screamed, and she jumped. Alaska, Sandy, Alexis, Annabelle, everyone gasped, and they watched as Nadia propelled through the air, getting near Meganium as she lowered her head to fire. But the attack never hit. The Solarbeam skimmed past Nadia, and a second later the little forgotten Pokemon from the Day Care Center slammed into Meganium's neck. Alaska's heart skipped a beat as the Solarbeam was directed upwards, smashing into the roof and obliterating panes of glass, and she watched as Meganium was lifted off her feet, forcing Alexis to jump out of the way, and was propelled into the back wall by Nadia.
And that was when it all shattered.
Alaska had never felt so much happiness in her life than she did right then watching Meganium smash through the gym. Panes around her exploded, the entire metal framework seeming to lurch, sending more panes falling throughout the whole gym. The Solarbeam struck the rest of the wall with enough force to turn every pane into little emerald shards. And even before Nadia leapt backwards, followed moments later by Meganium slumping unconscious to the earth, Alaska knew that she had won.
"YES!" She screamed, loud enough to shatter the eerie silence that had followed, and she sprinted forwards as Annabelle declared her the winner. Alaska crunched over black grass and broken glass and ran by fire, not caring any more as she thought solely of her win. Nadia turned towards her as she approached, and Alaska spread her arms open, ready to celebrate this victory.
"Ran Ran!" Nadia cried excitedly, and she began to run, but paused after only a few seconds. She looked confused, and Alaska stopped as well, quickly becoming worried. She then gasped as Nadia began to glow white, and watched in awe as the little Pokemon quickly began to double in size. Her tail and the spikes on her back got longer, her ears grew, her legs and body thickened, and Nadia began to adjust her body into a hunched over position. The light faded away as quickly as it had come, and where a Nidoran had been a moment earlier now sat a red eyed, sharp clawed Nidorina pawing at the burnt earth.
"Holy shit, you look awesome!" Alaska cried, and she bent down and heaved her newly evolve Pokemon up. Nadia's new weight nearly broke her back, but Alaska was too overcome with happiness to care. "Thank you for Nadia, what you did today was wonderful! And I think your evolution was just the icing on the cake… Nidorina," she added with a wink, and Nadia laughed heartily.
"Rina Nido Rin!" She replied, and Alaska laughed with joy. They spun around together, and Alaska saw Sandy, Paige, Butterfree and Bellsprout rushing towards her. She wanted to go and join them, but Alaska turned and faced Alexis first. The gym leader looked as though she had just watched her entire family get murdered by a pack of angry Sunkern: Alaska could see shock, anger and disappointment through Alexis' face as the Grass master examined her back wall. Alaska hadn't properly taken it in yet, and she turned around and saw only a dented metal frame, all the glass having fallen and shattered around the unconscious Meganium. Celadon was visibly through the open wall, and passer-by's were staring through in confusion.
"You destroyed my gym…," Alexis said, her voice a hoarse whisper. "You ruined it…"
"Oh cut the dramatics, this ain't a soap opera," Alaska said with a roll of her eyes. "You should see what I did to the Vermilion Gym." She turned to face the gym leader and smiled, putting a free hand out. "Badge and Technical Machine, please." Alexis turned and looked down at Alaska with a look that could rival a Golem for ugliness and ferociousness. It was clear the gym leader did not want to do anything for Alaska, but there was nothing in the rules that prevented Alaska from getting her reward, and Alexis had no choice but to hand the Rainbow Badge and a green tinted machine across.
"Don't do it Alexis!" Evelyn cried from the background, and Alaska turned to see the elderly woman marching forwards, Jericho, Daisy, Morimoto and Flareon following close behind. "I don't know what this little madam thinks she is doing, but whatever it is, it must be illegal! She just broke your gym for gods sakes Alexis, she should be arrested, or being made to pay for it all!"
"Mrs Athlew, there is nothing in the Indigo League Rulebook that states what Alaska did today was illegal in any way," Morimoto explained. "And I do know the rulebook word for word, I have read it enough times for my games."
"This isn't a game, this is real life!" Evelyn squawked, and she eyed Alaska evilly, pointing a sharp, wrinkled finger at her. "You think battling Gideon will be just like all of this, but you are wrong, you foolish little brat! If you keep this journey up, you will be dead within days, and our world will be doomed by your selfish actions!" Alaska smiled coldly back at the matriarch, and placed Nadia down next to Paige. She reached into her bag that hung limply from her back and pulled out a plastic bag. Everyone except Sandy looked confused when Alaska pulled out the tray of brownies, especially when ash flew into the air when Alaska broke a piece off.
"Eve – may I call you Eve, seems much nicer than senile old bitch? –, you may find that I am a lot like this brownie. People seem to expect me to be some weak, mushy little thing that can easily be kicked around, something that can be devoured as easy as pie. However, if someone tries to take a bite out of me, I am going to make it very difficult for them to swallow," Alaska explained, her eyes twinkling as she bounced the brownie in her hand. "Because inside, I don't have a rich, chocolately center – I have been burnt so many times recently that I am about as innocent as a gun toting serial killer. You will all learn pretty soon just how tough I really am," Alaska said, and she threw the piece of brownie. It hit Jericho right between the eyes, and Evelyn cried out as he collapsed to the ground.
"No one is going to control me, I am going to do exactly as I please. I will defeat the rest of these gyms to the best of my abilities, and then I will watch Gideon in a field of my choice and make him burn as well." Alaska said all this with a flash of her teeth, and she snatched her prizes from Alexis' hand. The gym leader looked like she had been slapped, but Alaska did not care. She did not even look at Sandy or Paige as she walked off the field and towards the exit. Alaska simply wondered if her little performance had paid off, and that Evelyn, Jericho, the whole damn lot of them would view her differently from now on. Alaska looked down at the badge in her hands as she walked out with her entourage, and smiled as the light reflected off each individual colour.
Only four steps left, she thought. The victory joy seemed everlasting as Alaska walked through the plant boxes and flower beds, knowing that now her journey was all for her to control, that she had shown them what she was truly made of.
"Someone clearly had some issues to work out," Clyde sneered as the doors slid open for Alaska.
"Go fuck yourself," she said to the computer, and walked out into Celadon City with her head held high, ready to face the world again: I won, I won, I won, and nothing can stop me now.
This ends the Celadon Arc, blog and interlude up next whenever I can do them
