The sun rose over the pokemon lodge outside the northern edge of Cheron Forest. Jason and Kristine were happy to get out and be greeted by warm beds for the first time in several days.
Jason was quick to wash up, put on his clothes, and head out to the pokemon lodge's living area while Kristine was getting ready for the day. Upon arriving at the area, he found that several trainers were glued to the big screen in front of them. Jason walked over to see what was going on.
"Kanto native Ash Ketchum, after securing the Kanto Tournament just five days ago, has declared for the Kalos Tournament once more," a female reporter addressed in a morning sports news report across Inventum. "The Kalos Tournament begins in less than four months, but Ketchum has all eight badges necessary to compete once again. Ketchum reached the finals of the Kalos League the last time he had competed.
"When asked if he wants to compete again in the Inventum League, Ketchum simply replied, "We will see." The last time he had competed in the Inventum Cup, he had reached the quarterfinals."
"Ash should totally play in the Inventum Cup again!" one boy suggested. "He's a lot better than ever before!"
"He has a sick rotation," another boy added. "Charizard, Infernape, Greninja, Goodra."
"Not to mention Pikachu," a girl said. "His pikachu is the number one pikachu in the world!"
"His pikachu made him famous," a third boy mentioned. "There's a whole documentary about Ash and Pikachu."
"If he wins Kalos, he's going to Inventum," the first boy declared.
"I don't know, but I'm looking forward to other trainers," a fourth boy spoke up. "Ash took years to get to where he's at, yet there are trainers who went a lot further than he did when they were fresh in the market."
Jason remained silent through the speculation. The fourth boy was right, but Jason admired Ash for displaying valor and dedication to be a name worth mentioning around the world. It has been roughly twelve years since Ash's name spread outside the far eastern regions following his arrival in Unova. Since Kalos, his name appeared worldwide. And he was just the figure that Jason and Kristine both looked up to.
"So, what's happening?" Jason heard Kristine as she approached next to him.
"Ash won Kanto and is declaring for Kalos again," Jason said.
"Awesome!" Kristine replied. "Think he'll go to Inventum again?"
"Who knows?" Jason shrugged. "But if he does, and if we qualify at the time…."
"Hey now," Kristine reminded him. "We gotta play each other in the finals."
Jason chuckled. "Deal. But I'm playing Ash in the semifinals."
"We'll just see about that," Kristine displayed her sense of rivalry. She admired Ash just as much as Jason admired him. "But let's make a pact right now. Let's get as strong as we can. Let's get all of Inventum talking about us, and when we play each other in the final round, let's make it a classic."
Kristine extended her hand.
"Something they'll talk about until the end of time," Jason nodded and firmly shook his sister's hand.
The two headed out of the lodge towards a smooth Route 103. They were surrounded by flowery fields and scattered trees as far as the eye could see. There was not a cloud in the sky as the sun beamed downwards.
Shortly down the road, the two encountered a trainer off the road and in a field. He faced an abra, an idle psychic pokemon, who appeared to be just meditating.
"An abra. One of Dad's pokemon!" Kristine pulled out her pokedex.
"Abra, the Psi Pokemon," the pokedex explained. "It sleeps for 18 hours a day. It uses a variety of extrasensory powers even while asleep."
"Do you think it's actually sleeping?" Kristine asked.
"Probably," Jason replied.
"Go, Bulbasaur!" the trainer summoned. Bulbasaur came out, ready to battle Abra.
"Hey, it's the trainer with the bulbasaur from the other day," Kristine mentioned. "I think his name is Bran."
"I wonder why it chose to remain idle next to the road…." Jason wondered.
"Bulbasaur, remain patient," the boy commanded. "Abra will use Teleport if you get too close."
Bulbasaur nodded.
It became a waiting game. Bulbasaur and Abra remained idle as they faced each other.
"Hold," Bran spoke. "Remember what I said before. When I give the signal, you go."
Jason and Kristine counted away the seconds. They wondered what Bran was going to do.
Bran simply threw his arm in the air, and Bulbasaur acted. Jason knew that Bulbasaur was using Stun Spore.
Bulbasaur shot out a yellow mist from its seed, aimed right at Abra. But, before it could escape, the spore afflicted it.
"Abra!" Abra seemed to awaken. It became paralyzed, unable to escape.
"Grab hold of it with Vine Whip!" Bran followed up.
Bulbasaur projected two vines from the sides of its seed and grabbed Abra's arms.
"Alright, let's go!" Bran threw a pokeball at Abra.
Abra struggled to break free after being projected into it. The pokeball rocked back and forth momentarily. Then, at last, the rolling stopped, and Abra became bound to it.
"Good job, Bulbasaur!" Bran complimented his pokemon yet remained calm.
Kristine seemed impressed and approached Bran. "Hey!" she greeted. "Congratulations."
"Thanks," Bran smiled. "I've been trying to catch him for two days. He seemed to play games with me."
"It was like he was challenging you," Jason observed.
"I reckon I passed," Bran shrugged.
"My name's Kristine," Kristine introduced. "And this is my brother Jason."
Jason gave a wave.
"Name's Brandal," Bran replied. "But you can call me Bran."
"So, is Abra your first catch?" Kristine asked.
"Nah," Bran said. "Hoothoot was. I caught him in the Forest the other night."
"Awesome," Kristine smiled.
Bulbasaur walked over next to Bran.
"Hey," Kristine continued. "Would you like to battle?" Your Bulbasaur against my Eevee?"
"Sure," Bran gave a nod. He then faced Bulbasaur. "That sounds good to you?"
"Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur agreed.
Jason knew why Kristine wanted to battle. She wanted to grow closer with Eevee. He looked up at the sky. It was hot, and the sun shined bright over a clear sky.
Kristine took some steps back as Jason stood aside.
"Showtime, Eevee!" Kristine threw her pokeball, summoning Eevee.
"Eevee!" Eevee stepped forward.
"Alright," Bran said. "Bulbasaur, get ready!"
"Bulba!" Bulbasaur complied.
"You make the first move, Kristine," Bran replied.
"Eevee, Growl!" Kristine commanded.
Bran wasn't expecting a non-offensive move from Kristine. Eevee growled at Bulbasaur to intimidate him.
"Vine Whip, Bulbasaur!" Bran responded.
Bulbasaur threw out two vines and lashed them at Eevee.
"Dodge!" Kristine yelled.
Eevee managed to dodge one of the vines as she leaped leftwards, but Bulbasaur's other vine struck her. Nonetheless, she was still standing on four legs.
"Tackle, let's go!" Kristine followed up.
Eevee began to charge at Bulbasaur.
"Stun Spore!" Bran responded.
"Halt and use Sand Attack!" Kristine ordered.
Eevee hit the brakes and kicked up dirt with her front paws, effectively blinding Bulbasaur. He let out a yellow mist from his seed, but only directly in front of him, just as Kristine had anticipated.
"Go right and use Quick Attack!" Kristine spoke.
Eevee ran right, attempting to flank Bulbasaur.
"Bulbasaur, turn left and launch Leech Seed!" Bran commanded.
Bulbasaur faced his left and launched a seed. It struck Eevee's chest. While Eevee managed to strike Bulbasaur with Quick Attack and knocking him back, the seed within Eevee's chest grew vines around her torso. Then, it began sapping her energy.
"Eevee!" Eevee yelped.
"Oh no," Kristine became concerned over the situation. "We have to end this quick!"
"Bulbasaur, get back up and use Tackle!" Bran commanded.
Bulbasaur charged head-on at Eevee.
"Dodge, Eevee, and use Quick Attack once more!" Kristine responded.
Eevee leaped to her right and struck Bulbasaur once more, knocking him sideways. Bulbasaur's Leech Seed then sapped Eevee's energy once more.
"Tackle!" Kristine followed up.
Before Bulbasaur could get up, he was struck by a hard Tackle from Eevee.
"Your attacks seem to hit Bulbasaur hard," Bran noted.
"Eevee's special ability is Adaptability," Kristine explained. "Same type attacks are more effective."
"I see," Bran gave a nod.
Bulbasaur struggled to get back up.
"Stun Spore now! Stop Eevee!" Bran ordered.
"Eevee, Quick Attack!" Kristine commanded. "Run through it!"
Bulbasaur launched a yellow mist, but Eevee sprinted so fast that Bulbasaur essentially overshot Stun Spore. Eevee struck him once more, sending him down on his side. He was unable to get back up.
"Bulba…" Bulbasaur conceded.
"Bulbasaur is unable to battle," Jason declared. "Eevee wins."
"Ah," Bran smirked. He then pulled out his pokeball. "Return Bulbasaur. You did fine."
"Good job, Eevee!" Kristine cheered as Eevee ran back to her. Then, Kristine got on both knees to hug Eevee. "You did great out there!"
"Eevee!" Eevee happily replied. She then looked into Kristine's eyes.
Kristine felt it again. Eevee was entering her consciousness, but this time, it was different. It was as if the two became one, and Eevee was attempting to communicate intelligently.
We have worked well, you and I, Kristine heard a voice.
Eevee? Kristine communicated back.
Eevee no longer, the voice inside Kristine's mind spoke.
Then, a glow surrounded Eevee. It was blinding, enough so that Jason and Bran looked away. Kristine looked directly into the glow, consumed by the trance she was in.
You're evolving… Kristine 'spoke'.
You have released my potential, the voice responded. You will make a great trainer, and I will be at your service always.
Kristine suddenly snapped out of her trance. She fell backward on her butt, and she slid away from the glow, covering her eyes.
The glow evaporated a moment later. Eevee became Espeon, the psychic variant of the so-called eeveelution.
"Espeon!" Espeon greeted elegantly, facing Kristine.
Kristine looked at Espeon. She had smooth, light purple fur, dark purple eyes, large ears, and two tails, with the second one branching off near the tip of the first.
"Espeon…" Kristine said. "The book was right. The right conditions and our bond and Eevee's personality…."
"It worked," Jason seemed very impressed. "Congratulations, sis."
"She communicated with me…." Kristine was in shock.
"Espeon!" Espeon smiled.
Jason pulled out his pokedex to examine Espeon.
"Espeon, the Sun Pokemon," the pokedex explained. "And the evolved form of Eevee. Espeon is extremely loyal to any trainer it considers to be worthy. It is said that this pokemon developed its precognitive powers to protect its trainer from harm."
Jason then walked over to help Kristine up.
Bran then approached the twins. "Wow," he spoke. "Congratulations."
"Thanks," Kristine still seemed to be deep in thought.
"I'll leave you two be," Bran acknowledged. "Maybe we'll battle again someday."
"Looking forward to it," Jason said. Bran then departed further down Route 103.
"Kristine, are you okay?" Jason asked.
"I think I might need to rest," Kristine replied. "That took the energy right out of me." She then recalled Espeon. "I'm proud of you, girl."
"Okay," Jason had Kristine wrap her arm over his shoulder. "Let's get you back to the pokemon lodge.
A short while later, the two got back to the nearby pokemon lodge. Kristine decided to use a computer terminal in one of the guest rooms to contact Bradley.
A few seconds later, Bradley appeared on the screen, using his handheld device to communicate with Kristine. "Hey, kid," he said. "What's up?"
"Hey," Kristine replied. "My Eevee evolved into Espeon."
"Did she now?" Bradley seemed intrigued. "Congratulations."
"Thanks," Kristine smiled. It was obvious to Bradley that she was exhausted.
"So what happened?" Bradley asked.
"I entered another trance as Eevee evolved," Kristine explained. "This time, she communicated with me intelligently, but only as she was evolving."
"I see. When did the evolution happen?"
"About an hour ago. Maybe an hour and a half. We were battling, Eevee against Bulbasaur. Eevee won, and we were both so happy. That was when she evolved."
"Sunny day, strong bond, psychic tendencies…." Bradley noted. "I'll write these down and show it to my boss. Hey, you gonna stick around for a bit?"
"I think so," Kristine replied. "I think we're calling it a day already."
"Okay. We're gonna stop by the lodge and say hi, so see you in a bit."
Before Kristine could reply, the comm was cut off.
"Okay…?" Kristine was confused. She got up and left the room to find Jason out in the hallway.
"Bradley, Don, and Summer are on their way over," Kristine addressed.
"I guess they want to check out Espeon for themselves?" Jason asked.
Kristine shrugged. "I dunno."
"Here we are!" Bradley said as he appeared all of a sudden in front of Jason and Kristine.
"That was quick," Kristine seemed surprised. "You were right outside, weren't you?"
"Yep," Bradley nodded. "Let's step outside for a bit."
Bradley led the twins outside the pokemon lodge, where Don and Summer were waiting.
"So, the both of you evolved your Eevee," Summer acknowledged.
"Let's see them!" Don added.
"Uh, okay," Jason complied. "Come on out, Jolteon!"
"Jolt!" Jolteon greeted as he jumped out of the pokeball.
"You too, Espeon!" Kristine threw her pokeball.
"Espeon!" Espeon elegantly greeted.
"So, the kids did evolve their eevee," Summer confirmed.
"Jolteon evolved from a thunderstone that Ralts happened to find," Bradley added. "Pure coincidence or a foresight? Who knows?"
"And Espeon evolved from the right conditions," Don said.
"So," Bradley stepped forward. "You're one step closer to fighting Aria. Kristine, I would like to have a rematch with you, three on three this time."
Kristine also stepped forward, accepting the challenge. "I'm ready."
"Wait now," Don spoke up. "We can't forget about the boy twin now, can we?"
"How about you battle him, Don?" Summer suggested.
"Deal!" Don accepted. "Jason, how about you battle me three on three right here, right now?"
"It's on!" Jason was up to the challenge.
"Jolt!" Jolteon barked.
"Then I take it we will have our battle after these two, then," Bradley gave a nod and stepped aside.
"Sounds good to me," Kristine also stepped aside. "I'm looking forward to seeing Jason's pokemon in action. I haven't truly seen him battle yet."
"I'm ready to put Jolteon, Taillow, and Ralts to the test!" Jason spoke with confidence.
"Don't forget you are also putting yourself to the test," Bradley responded with wisdom. "Part of being a trainer is being able to bond with your pokemon through battle. Pokemon love sport, and there's nothing better than pokemon and trainer alike working together."
"You sound like someone from Team Tranquility," Summer rolled her eyes.
"Yet I speak the truth," Bradley continued.
"And yet you do," Don agreed. "Okay, Jason, you ready?"
"Sure am!" Jason said, with Jolteon at his side.
Kristine and Bradley stood to Jason's right towards the center of the field. Summer stood on the left side.
"I'll be the referee," Summer declared.
"Remember," Don continued. "If you beat me, you have what it takes to challenge Aria. If you don't, you still have some work to do to understand the fundamentals."
"I know my basics very well," Jason said. "I'll give it my best."
Don smirked. "That's good to hear, Jason. Now, the gym leader will always send out their pokemon first. So I'll go first."
Don pulled out a pokeball that was attached to his belt. "Go, Swablu!"
"Swabluuuu!" a small bird was summoned. It was rounded and light blue, and had wings in the shape of fluffy clouds.
"A swablu!" Kristine was mesmerized by the cuteness of Swablu. She pulled out her pokedex to examine the creature.
"Swablu, the Cotton Bird Pokemon," the pokedex explained. "Swablu has light and fluffy wings that are like cottony clouds. This pokemon is not frightened of people. Instead, it lands on the heads of people and sits there like a cotton-fluff hat."
"So, Jason," Don spoke. "Who will be your first choice?"
Jason knew that Swablu is a normal and flying hybrid, which meant that Jolteon, being an electric type, would have a natural advantage, except that Thunder Wave is the only electric move he knows. Still, he wanted a strong start and believed that Jolteon would give him just that.
Jason and Jolteon looked at each other. Jolteon wanted to go out there.
Jason acknowledged his pokemon's desire and then faced Don. "Jolteon, let's go!"
"Jolt!" Jolteon leaped forward.
"Swablu!" Swablu gave a bow.
"Jolteon, eh?" Don replied. "Does he know any electric moves yet?"
"I guess you'll have to find out," Jason smirked.
"That's what I wanna hear!" Don seemed impressed. "You make the first move!"
"Jolteon, Headbutt!" Jason commanded.
Jolteon ran at full speed towards Swablu, keeping his head forward.
"Swablu, dodge and use Peck!" Don responded.
Swablu flew up in the air to avoid Jolteon's Headbutt. It then swooped down with a glowing beak.
"Thunder Wave!" Jason followed up.
Jolteon hunched forward and projected a thunderous wave towards Swablu.
"Safeguard!" Don quickly gave the order.
Swablu halted in mid-air and projected a barrier in front of itself. Jolteon's Thunder Wave smashed into the barrier as it was completely deflected.
"Safeguard?" Jason observed.
"Safeguard protects Swablu from status-changing abilities like Thunder Wave!" Don replied. "Now Swablu, Sing!"
Jason knew the ability Sing. The user would emit a mesmerizing sound that would attempt to put their opponent to sleep.
"Jolteon, Swift, now!" Jason yelled.
"Jolt-eon!" Jolteon emitted a swift of stars projected at Swablu before it could start singing.
"Get out of there!" Don commanded. But it was too late; Swablu was struck by star after star as it crashed down.
"Hang in there, Swablu!" Don said.
"Swablu!" Swablu hopped back up.
"Jolteon, Thunder Wave!" Jason commanded.
Jolteon quickly projected another thunder wave at Swablu. This time, Swablu was unable to defend it. It became consumed by electricity as it struggled to move.
"Swablu, return!" Don recalled it.
"Wait, can he do that?" Kristine asked Bradley.
Bradley nodded. "It's a strategic and tactical move, as you'll find out in a little bit. In official battles, trainers do this all the time for many reasons."
"I see," Kristine acknowledged.
"Your Jolteon is fast, very fast," Don seemed impressed. "I'm gonna change it up. All-out offensive! Go Elekid!"
"Elekid!" the electric pokemon was summoned, crossing its arms. Its body was in the shape of a large egg with slender arms and legs, and the prongs on its head were in the shape of an electrical inlet. It was dark yellow in color and had black stripes.
"Jolteon, Swift!" Jason continued the attack.
"Dodge and use Swift yourself!" Don commanded.
Elekid jumped out of the way to avoid Jolteon's Swift and used its arms to fire off a volley of stars aimed at Jolteon.
"Double Team!" Jason ordered.
Jolteon projected multiple images of itself, but it proved to be futile. The stars struck all of the copies, including Jolteon itself. Still, Jolteon endured the hit.
"Ah-ha, rookie mistake!" Don pointed out. "Unless you get way out of the way, a Double Team isn't going to protect you from Swift!"
"I see," Jason took note and continued his assault. "Close in for a Headbutt!"
Jolteon charged head-on once more.
"Dodge and use Low Kick!" Don commanded.
As Jolteon charged on, Elekid jumped in the air.
"Swift! Now!" Jason yelled.
Jolteon shifted to Elekid's direction and fired a volley of stars. The stars struck before Elekid was able to make its kick. It fell hard to the ground, slow to get up.
"Jolt!" Jolteon barked.
"Jolteon's speed is incredible," Don admired. "It's the perfect evolution for your Eevee."
"I think Jolteon would agree to that!" Jason took it as a compliment.
Jolteon nodded in agreement.
"Elekid, Quick Attack!" Don ordered.
Elekid charged at Jolteon with stunning speed.
"Thunder Wave!" Jason responded.
Jolteon projected a thunderous wave at Elekid, but nothing happened. Elekid's struck Jolteon with Quick Attack as he slid back a few meters.
"Another rookie move," Don pointed out. "Elekid is an electric type! He's immune to electric-inducing paralysis! Now Elekid, swift!"
Elekid projected another Swift.
"You too, Jolteon!" Jason yelled.
Both Swift attacks collided against each other.
"Double Team!" Jason followed up.
Jolteon projected multiple images of himself, using his own Swift as coverage.
"What is he doing?" Don muttered to himself.
"Flank Elekid with a Headbutt!" Jason commanded.
"Elekid, watch out!" Don cautioned.
As Elekid was scanning for an incoming assault amidst the mirage of Jolteon, the real Jolteon blindsided him, striking his left side. This knocked Elekid right to the floor with the wind kicked out of him.
"Critical hit," Bradley noted.
"Good move, Jason!" Kristine cheered for her brother.
"Now use Swift!" Jason yelled.
Jolteon fired a concentrated swift of stars at Elekid. The huge barrage struck him as he was unable to defend himself. As the smoke cleared, it became apparent that Elekid was unable to continue.
"Elekid is unable to battle!" Summer declared. "Jolteon is the winner!"
"Jolt jolt!" Jolteon cheered.
"Atta boy, Jolteon!" Jason raised his fist in the air.
Don recalled Elekid. "You tried, Elekid," he spoke. "We'll get you faster. I promise."
He then faced Jason. "Impressive. Very impressive. All right, Vulpix, let's go!"
"Vulpix!" Vulpix greeted with elegance.
"Vulpix was one of my dad's pokemon," Kristine told Bradley. "Well, she's Ninetails now. She's being taken care of by a good friend of our family."
Jason knew of Vulpix as the Fox Pokemon. It was red in color and had the iconic six fluffy, curled tails. Vulpix is a mysterious fire-type pokemon, a perfect pokemon for a member of Team Mystic to have, Jason thought.
"Okay, Jolteon, you ready?" Jason asked.
Jolteon nodded confidently. "Jolt!"
"Okay. Use Swift!"
"Vulpix, use Ember to clear Swift!" Don spoke.
Vulpix spat out a ball of flame that incinerated the swift of stars.
"Headbutt!" Jason followed up.
Jolteon charged at Vulpix.
"Vulpix, use Fire Spin!" Don commanded.
Vulpix fired a stream of flames at surrounded Jolteon, stopping him in his tracks. The flames enveloped him.
"Jolt!" The burning flames hurt Jolteon.
"Fire Spin is going to give Jolteon a hard time," Kristine observed.
"Jolteon, Thunder Wave!" Jason ordered.
Jolteon managed to fire off Thunder Wave as he was taking damage, striking Vulpix as he could not move.
"Hang in there and use Confuse Ray!" Don yelled.
Vulpix's eyes turned purple as she looked onwards at Jolteon. Jolteon's eyes also turned purple. As a result, he was dazed, losing awareness of the situation.
"Jolteon, stay focused!" Jason remained motivating. "Fight through it!"
Jolteon swayed left and right, still consumed by Fire Spin.
"Keep up Fire Spin!" Don ordered.
Ten seconds later, Vulpix's Fire Spin ended. As the flames cleared, Jolteon was flat on the floor, unable to continue.
"Jolteon is unable to battle!" Summer declared. "Vulpix wins!"
Jason recalled Jolteon. "You did great, buddy," he said. "You got Don to use all three of his pokemon, and you took out Elekid."
"You hang in there, Vulpix," Don encouraged his pokemon, who was suffering through paralysis.
"Ralts, let's go!" Jason summoned his newest pokemon.
"Ralts!" Ralts stepped forward.
"I heard about the Ralts who helped you and Jolteon fight off the gastly," Don mentioned. "Okay, Vulpix, get ready!"
"Ralts, use Teleport and then Confuse!" Jason commanded.
Suddenly, Ralts disappeared right in front of Vulpix.
"Vulpix, careful!" Don warned.
Vulpix tried to be alert, but he was unable to move from paralysis. Ralts appeared right behind him and raised her hands. Vulpix's eyes turned purple as Ralts tossed him into the air, crashing back down.
Vulpix was able to get back up and shake it off.
"Good going, Vulpix!" Don was relieved. "Use Ember!"
"Double Team, Ralts!" Jason yelled.
Ralts projected multiple images of herself. Vulpix's Ember burned right through two of them.
"Your Ralts knows Double Team, too?" Don seemed puzzled.
"Yep," Jason nodded. "I had Jolteon teach it to her."
"Awesome!" Don replied. "Vulpix, Fire Spin to get rid of Double Team!"
Vulpix unleashed a stream of flames from left to right, burning away the false copies of Ralts.
"Ralts, Disarming Voice!" Jason commanded.
Ralts inhaled and let out a shrieking voice. "Raaaaaaaaaalllllllllllttttttttssssss!" A beam of purple hearts emitted from her mouth directed right at Vulpix.
Wave after wave of purple hearts consumed Vulpix. The shrieking voice was too much; he had to stop using Fire Spin.
"Vulpix, Quick Attack!" Don yelled.
Vulpix was quick enough to charge and strike Ralts. Ralts slid backward, enduring the assault.
"Confusion one more time!" Jason followed up.
Once again, Vulpix's eyes turned purple. She was tossed into the air and slammed back down. This time, she did not get up.
"Vulpix is unable to battle!" Summer raised her hand towards Jason's side of the field. "Ralts is the winner!"
"Ralts!" Ralts smiled.
"Vulpix, return!" Don recalled Vulpix. "You did well out there."
Don then faced Jason. "Let's see how well you close! Come back out, Swablu!"
"Swablu!" Swablu greeted once more.
Jason noticed that Swablu was active and mobile. "Wait, I thought Swablu was paralyzed."
"Swablu's special ability is Natural Cure," Don explained. "Status effects expire immediately when Swablu is recalled."
"Swablu!" Swablu flew into the air.
"Dive down!" Don commanded.
Swablu flew down at Ralts, still waiting for further orders.
"Ralts, Confusion!" Jason yelled.
Ralts waved her arms at Swablu.
"Swablu, Safeguard!" Don anticipated Jason's attack.
Swablu covered herself with a barrier, and while he endured the damage, she remained unscathed from the after-effects.
"Now, Fury Attack!" Don continued.
"Double Team!" Jason responded.
As Ralts projected multiple images of herself, Swablu dove down with a glowing beak and rapidly struck at the images.
"Teleport out of there!" Jason yelled.
By then, Swablu rapidly took out all projections.
"Disarming Voice!" Jason followed up.
Wave after wave of screeching purple hearts struck Swablu from behind. Swablu looked damaged, and she was slow to get up.
"I have to take a risk," Don muttered. "Let's hope this works. Swablu, Sing!"
Swablu sang her name with such elegance, and Ralts felt drowsy. Ralts then tilted her head forward, falling asleep.
"I think it worked!" Don cheered. "Okay, Swablu, let's –"
Suddenly, Swablu also felt drowsy. She crashed to the ground, falling asleep.
"No, your Ralts had Synchronize!" Don covered his face with his hands. "And I can't switch Swablu out!"
Jason smirked. "Return Ralts!" he recalled her. "You did great. Now rest well."
He pulled out his third pokeball. "Go, Taillow! let's end this!"
"Taillow!" Taillow greeted, flapping in the air.
"Wing Attack on Swablu!" Jason commanded.
Taillow dove down with glowing wings, striking Swablu hard and fast. She struck Swablu hard, sending her tumbling right next to Don. She was unable to get up.
"Swablu is unable to battle!" Summer declared. "Taillow wins! Which means that Jason is the winner!"
"Yes!" Jason cheered. Taillow flew right on his shoulder.
"Good job closing it out, buddy!" Jason said.
"Taillow!" Taillow nodded.
"Return, Swablu!" Don recalled her. "Good job out there."
Don then approached Jason. "Well, you beat me three to one. Not bad, if I say so myself. Not bad at all."
Jason recalled Taillow and faced Don. "Thank you for the battle," he said. "I learned a lot from it."
"Always a pleasure," Don gave a nod. "Just don't forget the intermediate fundamentals, and you'll do fine against Aria. Remember, she's more powerful than I am, so be ready."
"We'll give it our best," Jason acknowledged.
Kristine approached Jason. "You did great," she commended.
"Thanks," Jason smiled. "I think you'll do great out there."
Kristine smiled back. She then faced Bradley. "Let's try this again, shall we?"
Bradley nodded. "I'd like to see how much you've improved since last time."
Bradley took Don's side of the field as Kristine took to Jason's side of the field.
"So, just like with Don and Jason, I'll send out my pokemon first," Bradley stated. "Go, Staryu!"
"Yu!" Staryu appeared. The bronze-colored pokemon in the appearance of a starfish stood there with confidence. It had a red shiny core at the center that served all of its sensory purposes.
"Bradley had a staryu?" Jason pulled out his pokedex. It was rare to see a staryu deep inland within the Inventum region.
"Staryu, the Star Shape Pokemon," the pokedex explained. "Staryu apparently communicates with the stars in the night sky by flashing the red core at the center of its body. If parts of its body are torn, this pokemon simply regenerates the missing pieces and limbs."
"So, who will be your first pokemon?" Bradley asked.
Kristine smirked. She pulled out a pokeball and tossed it forward. "Showtime, Pikachu!"
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu bounced forward.
"Pikachu, eh?" Bradley replied. "It's a good matchup against Staryu. Let's see how you do."
"Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" Kristine commanded.
"Chuuuu!" Pikachu unleashed a Lightning Bolt at Staryu.
"Light Screen!" Bradley responded.
A silver barrier appeared before Staryu as it embraced Thunder Shock. Still, an electric attack is super effective against a water type like Staryu.
"Go in for a Quick Attack!" Kristine followed up.
"Pika pika pika!" Pikachu charged at Staryu, effectively knocking it back.
Staryu appeared like it took considerable damage right off the bat.
"What's Bradley doing?" Jason asked Don. "Staryu's just sitting there and taking damage."
Don smirked. "You'll see."
"Staryu, Recover!" Bradley commanded.
A yellow glow began to develop over Staryu. It quickly recovered from the damage that it took.
"Staryu can remove the damage that it took by using Recover," Don explained. "But he can only use it in a timely manner; Staryu can't recover all the damage that it took when it's very fatigued."
"Yu!" Staryu was back in action.
"Pikachu, quick, Electro Ball!" Kristine yelled.
Pikachu emitted an electric ball from the top of his tail and slung it towards Staryu.
"Dodge and use Rapid Spin!" Bradley responded.
Staryu quickly jumped out of the way from electro ball and spun itself rapidly. Then, in a boomerang fashion, it spun right at Pikachu.
"Pikachu, Double Team!" Kristine commanded.
"Pika!" Pikachu created images of itself.
"Did Jolteon teach Pikachu Double Team as well?" Don asked Jason.
Jason simply nodded.
Staryu's boomerang assault knocked right through all of the false copies of Pikachu, eventually striking Pikachu himself. Pikachu was knocked right to the floor.
"Pikachu!" Kristine yelled.
"Pika!" Pikachu slowly got up.
Staryu spun itself back to where it was before.
"Rapid Spin is a handy move," Bradley explained. "Defensively, it can get Staryu out of a lot of sticky situations, and offensively, it can foil any ruse you may have implemented. And, Staryu's special ability is Analytical. It can track any fast-moving Pokemon such as Pikachu and expose its weak points. But, of course, that just means Staryu's attacks are stronger if it can connect right after its opponent makes a move."
Just as Bradley thought he had the upper hand, Staryu became paralyzed. That was where Bradley cried a little bit on the inside.
"And Pikachu's special ability is Static…" he sighed.
"Pikachu, go on the attack and use Electro Ball!" Kristine followed up.
Once more, Pikachu threw out an electric ball aimed at Staryu.
"Water Gun!" Bradley was desperate to combat the powerful attack.
Staryu stood there and unleashed a water blast from its red core. It met Electro Ball head-on but was completely vaporized. The ball then struck Staryu, knocking it back. Staryu's Light Screen was perhaps the only reason why the star shape pokemon remained standing.
"Staryu, Recover!" Bradley quickly spoke.
Staryu attempted to use Recover, but it became too overwhelmed by paralysis.
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!" Kristine followed up.
Pikachu made a direct connect at Staryu, knocking it back. However, it was unable to get up.
"Staryu is unable to battle!" Summer declared. "Pikachu is the winner!"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu cheered.
Bradley recalled Staryu. "Good job," he said. "It was my fault you lost, not yours."
Pikachu caught his breath as Kristine decided to keep him on the field.
"Okay, Growlithe, your turn!" Bradley called out Growlithe.
"Growlithe!" Growlithe stepped forward and growled at Pikachu menacingly.
Pikachu took two steps backward.
"Growlithe's Intimidate…" Kristine noted. She turned to Pikachu. "Pikachu, use Thunder Shock!" she commanded.
"Chuuuu!" Pikachu emitted electric energy projected at Growlithe.
"Growlithe, Ember!" Bradley commanded.
Growlithe shot out a ball of flame, combating Thunder Shock. Both moves canceled each other out. An explosion occurred in the middle, but Pikachu and Growlithe jumped to the left and right, respectively.
"Growlithe, now use Leer!" Bradley followed up.
Growlithe glared at Pikachu, exposing his weaknesses.
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!" Kristine yelled.
Pikachu charged at Growlithe.
"Dodge and Ember again!" Bradley responded.
Growlithe jumped out of the way from Pikachu's Quick Attack and shot out another ball of flame.
"Double Team!" Kristine ordered.
Pikachu projected multiple copies of itself. Growlithe's ember took out one of the copies.
"Odor Sleuth!" Bradley ordered.
Growlithe heightened his senses, singling out Pikachu.
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!" Kristine commanded.
Pikachu attacked from the side, but Growlithe was well aware.
"Ember one more time!" Bradley yelled.
Growlithe shot out a ball of flame that struck Pikachu in mid-air. The impact knocked him to the ground.
"Ember again, let's go!" Bradley continued the assault.
Pikachu had a hard time getting up. Once he did, he was struck again by another Ember. He fell back down, and this time, he did not get up.
"Pikachu is unable to battle!" Summer stated. "Growlithe wins!"
"Return, Pikachu," Kristine recalled him. "Great work out there. You took down Staryu and worked down Growlithe. We'll take it from here."
Kristine faced Bradley and Growlithe, and pulled out a second pokeball. "Fletchling, showtime!"
"Fletch!" Fletchling appeared.
"A rematch," Bradley smirked. "Remember, Growlithe, watch out for the speed!"
"Fletchling, use Agility!" Kristine initiated.
Fletchling took to the sky and flew at lightning-fast speed all around Growlithe.
"Growlithe, use your senses, and use Odor Sleuth," Bradley calmly spoke.
"Fletchling, Peck!" Kristine commanded.
As Growlithe got a sense of Fletchling, it was apparent that he was already struck by Peck. The attack was so fast that no one had a clear visual of Fletchling.
"Just stay focused on him," Bradley continued. "Fletchling is stronger than last time, but just stay focused."
"Quick Attack!" Kristine followed up.
"Face Fletchling and use Ember!" Bradley commanded.
Growlithe faced Fletchling's direction and fired a ball of flame. However, Fletchling hit him hard with Quick Attack. Fletchling also tumbled from the air after being hit by Ember.
"Good, you slowed him down!" Bradley spoke. "Now jump up and Bite!"
"Fletchling, Peck!" Kristine quickly issued.
Fletchling got a hold of himself and struck at Growlithe first. Growlithe fell back to the ground.
"Let's finish this with Tackle!" Kristine spoke with determination.
Fletchling dove straight at Growlithe, effectively striking at his side with a hard Tackle. Growlithe rolled over twice before falling on his stomach, unable to get up.
"Growlithe is unable to battle!" Summer declared. "Fletchling is the winner!"
"Come back, Growlithe," Bradley recalled him. "Good job, buddy."
He then looked at Kristine. "You and your pokemon grew vastly since we last battled," he spoke with admiration. "Now, let's see how well you can finish a battle! Go, Bagon!"
"Bagon! Bagon!" Bagon roared as he was summoned.
"Return, Fletchling," Kristine recalled her pokemon. "You did excellent, buddy!"
She then faced Bradley with a determined look. "Espeon's going to want a shot at Bagon."
"And I'm sure Bagon's up to the challenge!" Bradley replied.
Bagon agreed.
"Espeon, showtime!" Kristine threw her last pokeball.
"Espeon!" Espeon came out with grace.
Kristine examined her pokedex for Espeon's current abilities. It was just a couple of hours ago that Espeon evolved, after all.
"I'll give you a second considering that Espeon just evolved," Bradley remained a good sport. "Then you get the first attack."
"I see…" Kristine muttered to herself. She then got a good idea of Espeon's abilities. "Okay," she gave Bradley a heads up. "Espeon, Quick Attack!"
Espeon charged at Bagon with speed.
"Bagon, dodge and use Ember!" Bradley responded.
Bagon jumped out of the way and shot out a ball of flame at Espeon.
"Sand Attack!" Kristine quickly responded. Espeon, rather than kicking up dirt, rose it up through telekinesis. The dirt covered the flame, consuming it.
"Now, Espeon, use Calm Mind!" Kristine commanded.
Espeon sat there. Her eyes turned purple as she remained collected and focused.
"Calm Mind increases both special attack and special defense," Jason mentioned. "It's an excellent psychic power-up."
"Bagon, close in with bite!" Bradley issued.
"Bagon!" Bagon charged at Espeon.
"Now use Confusion!" Kristine commanded.
Espeon's eyes remained purple. Then, suddenly, Bagon floated into the air as his eyes turned purple. Espeon then tossed him right over her through telekinesis, where Bagon slammed back to the ground.
After Bagon got up, he was disoriented and confused.
"Oh no!" Bradley yelled, knowing that Espeon had the upper hand.
Bagon threw his arms, attempting to strike at Espeon though she was nowhere nearby.
"Bagon Bagon!" Bagon then threw himself into a fit of rage.
"No!" Bradley knew he entered a crisis. Bagon just used Rage in the middle of being disoriented by Espeon's Confusion. That meant that Bagon would not be listening to Bradley for the rest of the battle, even if he snapped out of the state of confusion.
Bagon then charged towards Espeon.
"Espeon, dodge and use Quick Attack!" Kristine commanded.
Espeon stepped aside from Bagon's onslaught and struck his side with Quick Attack. Bagon then flailed his arms at Espeon. She successfully jumped back.
"Confusion!" Kristine smirked.
Bagon was tossed into the air once more and flown back, where he crashed down. However, Bagon still got up and threw his arms around.
"Quick Attack one more time!" Kristine followed up.
Espeon charged at Bagon, striking him in the back. Bagon fell, unable to get up.
"Bagon is unable to battle!" Summer raised her hand to Kristine's side. "Bradley is out of pokemon! Kristine is the winner!"
"We did it!" Kristine cheered. She then recalled Espeon. "Good job, girl. You did exceptionally well."
Bradley recalled Bagon. "Much tougher opponent this time, huh?" he said. "You did well out there." He then faced Kristine with dignity. "You and Jason are fit to challenge Aria," he declared. "But as Don said, she is far stronger than either of us. There's a reason why she's the Gym Leader of Fort Lexing, after all.
"Fort Lexing's just a few days away," Summer said. "I suggest that the both of you practice and practice hard. We have showcase tournaments that we host every few days as well, so maybe you can enter one of them before your battle."
"Granted, they're small, untelevised ones," Bradley added. "We get eight people on a good day. But they're to help trainers get better at battling."
"Sounds good to me," Jason replied.
"I think we're interested in that," Kristine added.
"We're out," Don spoke as he and his companions departed. "We'll be in town when you challenge Aria. I'll be sitting in the front row, well, if I'm not busy or asked to ref."
"Thanks for everything, guys!" Kristine waved as Jason did the same.
"Sure thing!" Bradley waved back. "Go get that Mystic Badge, okay?"
Bradley, Summer, and Don departed onto the road. Jason and Kristine remained at the pokemon lodge for one more night. Then, after some training the next morning, the two headed out onto Route 103, with reaching Fort Lexing as their top priority.
Since our heroes are gaining and training pokemon, I'll give an update on their rosters and moves each chapter, or at least when an update or refresher is necessary.
Progress so far:
Jason:
Jolteon - Thunder Wave, Double Team, Headbutt, Swift; Special Ability: Volt Absorb
Taillow- Wing Attack, Quick Attack, Peck, Focus Energy; Special Ability: Guts
Ralts - Teleport, Confusion, Double Team, Disarming Voice; Special Ability: Synchronize
Kristine:
Espeon - Confusion, Sand Attack, Calm Mind, Quick Attack; Special Ability: Magic Bounce
Fletchling - Tackle, Quick Attack, Peck, Agility; Special Ability: Gale Wings
Pikachu - Thunder Shock, Electro Ball, Quick Attack, Double Team; Special Ability: Static
