I really feel like this story gets a LOT better each time another chapter is released. When Anthian City is here, things will get REALLY fun.
But here's this chapter. Enjoy! :D
Time has passed. It has been a few minutes after those events that happened recently. Yep, this day was officially one of the best I have ever been in.
As those few minutes passed by, we were getting ready to travel to Route 9. Apparently, following this route and some more places, and that'll be where the next city is.
And that might be where we will encounter Justin again.
Jake and Tess were right by the gate, talking to each other. They were using this time to pack and get ready. Which is weird, because Sonic and I are pretty fast. But I guess they had less stuff, so I see why.
I did have some stuff back at my home, but do you really wanna see me walk all the way back to Mitis Town? Exactly. No is the answer you are looking for.
But I had some stuff that is prepared for our long walk. Our friends seemed to notice Sonic and I as we approach the gate.
"Oh, look. Nifty and Sonic are here now." Tess pointed out. Jake turned his head to us, and he waves. Both of us wave back.
"Seriously. That Gym had nothing on us. It's like we're some kind of chosen ones or something," I explained, "But then again, it does get kinda cliche. Not that I'm against it, though. It's the third gym, and the ideal types were Water."
"Water type Pokémon are okay, but my ideal Pokémon type is Dragon." Tess said. Yeah. It does make sense since considering her hair is purple (still dunno if it's dyed, and I'm way too lazy to ask her).
"Are you not gonna battle the Gym, Tess?" Sonic asked.
"I would go fight the Gym Leader, but I'm more interested in adventure than I am in earning badges." Tess replied.
"Heh. Yeah, me too." Jake added, in an awkward tone. I can understand why. Jake only fought the gyms in Silvent and Brimber City.
But is he really gonna cancel out of the challenges? Eh, ok, I guess. That's Jake for ya.
"Don't you already have a couple badges, Jake?" Tess asked as she turned to him. Jake seemed surprised by that. He started stammering, and it left us all confused.
"You ok, Jake?" Sonic asked as he tilted his head. I never knew Jake was shy whenever he was in front of Tess.
No, screw that. Shy isn't the word. The freaking word is embarrassed.
Yep. Jake has never fully talked to a girl before. That's... ridiculous. I've seen romance movies before, and some stuff gets old really fast. But I've talked to a few girls before in high school.
But I never had a crush on one. And I don't plan on it. Not only does it mean to get attention a lot, but I also know the... other content that a couple has.
And that content is exactly why I don't want a girlfriend...
"Ummm, so who's ready to move on now?" Jake stuttered, and then yelled out his answer.
"Uh-Huh..." I bluntly said, crossing my arms and giving Jake a suspicious look.
"Well, there is still so much to see, and we still haven't found Nifty's and Sonic's parents." Jake reminded.
"Yeah. All we know is that some random group just abducted them." I said.
"Oh yes. Jake was just telling me about the situation, you two. That is just plain awful. I promise to help you in anyway I can." Tess responded as she frowns, feeling sorry for us.
"Thanks for the help, Tess. Considering how brave you are at times, I think Team Eclipse will give our parents back in no time." Sonic cheered.
"You are so nice and beautiful, Tess." Jake said dreamily as he stares at Tess. Just like before, his eyes turn into cartoonish hearts as his face turns a little red, admiring the beauty he is seeing in his crush.
"I'm what?" Tess asked as she turned to him, confused. Jake snapped out of his trance, and his face turned even more red. Good lord. Jake really needs some practice.
"Oh, uh... I said you're so bored waiting around here. Let's go on ahead." Jake blurted out, and points to the gate.
"Oh yeah. Let's go." Tess agreed, showing Jake a small smile. And then she turned back to us.
"We'll see you on the other side of the gate, Nifty and Sonic. Come on through when you two are ready." She said, and then walks ahead, with Jake following behind.
"You ready, dude?" I asked.
"Definitely! I can't wait to see what else will await us in this place!" Sonic replied. I nod, and then walk inside the gate. Just as I thought, Sonic is behind me.
When we exit the gate, we look at the area around us. This is Route 9. It's a giant forest, apparently. There were trees almost everywhere.
And a huge one was right in the middle ahead of us.
"Alright! Nifty and Sonic are here!" Jake cheered. Tess chuckled at Jake's enthusiasm. Sonic and I walk to our other friends.
"Looks like we're all ready to go." Jake said.
"Yeah, I am." I responded.
"And so am I!" Sonic added.
"Actually, before we go anywhere, I would like to suggest we do something first." Tess said.
"Oh, ok. What do you have in mind?" Jake asked.
"Well, I know you three are tough trainers," Tess reminded, "I'm curious which one of you is stronger."
"Oh. Uh... well, that be me, of course! Right, Nifty? Sonic?" Jake asked, a little nervousness in his tone.
"Are you sure about that?" I joked.
"Actually, what I'm really asking is if you could let me watch you battle each other. I would also like to battle the winner of your match." Tess explained.
"You're really trying to set up some rules, ain't cha? Heh, a battle before we even leave. I like that idea." I responded, shrugging my shoulders.
"I know this seems kinda sudden, but I want to make sure that you three are tough if I'm going to be traveling with you," Tess sighed, "And if the winner of the match can beat me, then I know that you are without a doubt very strong trainers."
"But there's 4 of us..." I thought. I looked at Sonic, and he was thinking as well.
"Hmm. I guess I wasn't really prepared for this. I don't think Nifty and Sonic are either, so maybe we should do this another time?" Jake whined.
"Arceus dang it, Jake." I groaned with a face palm.
"Well, if you're afraid to battle these two, then we'll just have our match without you." Tess said with a smug smile. Yeah, girls are pretty smug ones as well, I'll give ya that.
"You aren't afraid of a friendly little fight, are you, guys?" Tess teased.
"Hell no! I could defeat you with my eyes closed, blindfolded, and both my hands tied behind my back, while also being stuck in a machine!" I boasted.
"T-That's a little much." Tess said, cringing at my violence in that sentence.
"Come on, it's a joke." I exclaimed, moving my arms in the "What the heck, man" kinda motion.
"W-Wait! I-I'm not afraid. I-I just don't think it's fair to these two is all." Jake stammered.
"Nifty and Sonic seem fine with it." Tess pointed out.
"Oh. Well, in that case, I guess we should have a battle." Jake blurted out.
"Oh! Guys, I have a good idea!" Sonic yelled. And it got our attention.
"What do you have in mind, dude?" I asked.
"We should have a double battle! We'll split in teams. Me and Nifty against you and Jake!" Sonic suggested.
"Hmm... you know, that's a pretty good idea." Tess said, agreeing to the suggestion.
"Sorry, you two, but I won't be going easy." Jake warned.
"And I won't back down either." Tess added.
"I don't expect you guys to go easy anyway." I shrugged.
"Welp, here we go!" Sonic cheered. So Sonic and I back up a lot of spaces so we can prepare for our battle. This seems nice.
I can't wait to see how this tag battle will go.
"Vaporeon! Go!" Jake shouted, sending out his first Pokémon.
"You too, Gabite!" Tess yelled, sending out her first Pokémon. Both of them look ready for a battle. Yeah, this'll definitely turn out well.
"Ok, Tyrunt. You're up first!" I called out, and threw my Poke Ball high into the air. It opens, and Tyrunt lands on the floor, roaring as he lands.
"Togepi, are you ready to battle?" Sonic asked. Togepi cheers and nods, while doing a little happy dance.
"Woah. You sure that Togepi can fight, dude?" I asked.
"Definitely! Togepi saw how I fought in the Gym, and she even helped stopped Team Eclipse. I think she has a chance in this battle." Sonic responded, as he set the mysterious egg next to him. It was in the same container that Togepi was in before she hatched.
"Aight, suit yourself." I said with a shrug. And Sonic responds with a simple nod.
"Kay, I'm gonna make the first initiative. Tyrunt, use Dragon Claw on Gabite!" I shouted. Tyrunt growls, an prepares to use his move. His claws turn purple, and he runs towards Gabite.
The move lands. A direct hit.
"Holy crap!" Tess yelled.
"Don't worry, Tess! I'll help you out! Vaporeon, use Aurora Beam!" Jake shouted.
"Block it with Ancient Power!" I called out. And the two moves collide, creating a small cloud of smoke.
"Nice shot, Nifty!" Sonic complimented.
"Thanks, man." I replied.
"And now let's see how Togepi does. Use Metronome." Sonic said. And Togepi does her little distraction: waggling her pointer finger. A randomized move will be made.
A giant wave of lightning was shot. The move was Shock Wave. Tyrunt easily took the hit, Vaporeon took a lot of damage thanks to the weakness, and Gabite was completely unaffected.
"Whoa! That's so much to handle!" Jake whined.
"You said you weren't gonna go easy." I teased.
"Surely. Okay, Gabite, use Sand Tomb on Tyrunt!" Tess yelled. Gabite creates a small tornado of sand. Tyrunt tried to run away, but the move caught him.
"Ooh! Vaporeon, use Water Pulse on Togepi!" Jake shouted.
"Aha! I got it! Togepi, run near the Sand Tomb!" Sonic exclaimed. Togepi seemed dumbfounded, but she did it. The Water Pulse got closer...
"And now dodge it!" Sonic screamed. At the last second, Togepi jumps out of the way. Or more likely fell. The Water Pulse hit the Sand Tomb, and it went away. That was sweet.
"Huh?! H-How was that possible?" Jake yelled, completely surprised.
"Ah, it's just a little something called planning." I responded. And I had that look. It is time for a combo attack. But since Togepi really only knows Metronome, it might be tricky.
"Togepi, use Metronome again." Sonic said. Here comes another randomized move. I was surprised when I saw it was Ice Beam.
"Tyrunt, use Ancient Power on the beam!" I yelled. As the rocks were formed, they come in contact with the Ice Beam, and they become icy rocks.
Both Gabite and Vaporeon took the attacks. This time, both fainted when it landed. I mean, Vaporeon took the Shock Wave, and Gabite has a huge weakness against Ice types.
"Oh my Arceus. I've... never seen anything like this. Let alone, actually seeing one." Tess ranted.
"Yeah. I've seen some combo attacks before in my life. It seemed necessary to do since Sonic and I really trust each other." I explained.
"Tess! I think we should do a combo attack!" Jake suggested.
"Well... I mean, I could try." Tess said with a shrug.
"It takes some practice, you two. Don't fret." Sonic responded.
"Anyhow, what do you say we get back to the battle?" I reminded.
"Oh! Right! Nidorino, let's go!" Jake yelled, and sends out his second Pokémon.
"Join in as well, Shelgon!" Tess added, and her second Dragon type was sent out.
"Hey, Tyrunt. Do you have the strength to continue?" I asked. Tyrunt growls as an agreement.
"Yeah, that's what's up! Let's keep going then!" I shouted, nearly jumping high into the air.
"Okay, Shelgon. Get ready for some gruesome attacks! Use Focus Energy!" Tess yelled. Preparing itself for whatever to expect, Shelgon gets pumped, raising the chance of a critical hit.
"Nidorino, use Horn Attack on Togepi!" Jake demanded.
But before the attack landed, Tyrunt jumps in front of Togepi and took it. Luckily, since Horn Attack is a Normal type move, it didn't do a lot.
Togepi started in awe. It felt nice to see partners just jump at the opportunity to help others.
"Now use Crunch." I said. Nidorino caught that, and tried to run away. But Tyrunt caught him in time, making Nidorino take massive damage.
"Hang on, Jake! Shelgon! Use Dragon Claw!" Tess shouted.
"Block it with yours as well!" I shrieked. And the two Dragon types collided with their claws hitting each other.
Looking closer, I see Tyrunt do the same attack with his other arm, and Shelgon took it, but he still seemed alright. It is kinda bulky, I won't lie...
"H-Huh? Nifty, this is way too much for me to comprehend." Tess whined.
"You're telling me you haven't seen a battle before?" I asked.
"Well, yeah. But I'm not sure if they're supposed to be this complicated." Tess replied.
"Nidorino! Poison Sting!" Jake yelled. But since there was no target specified, Nidorino tried to go for both of them.
"Ancient Power, quick!" I shouted. And Tyrunt counters the attack with his only Rock type move. Togepi also manages to jump out of the way, with the sting going right by her.
Togepi lets out a long, yet cute, yawn. Yeah... uh, this is the move. It was headed towards Nidorino, and as soon as it made contact, Nidorino felt drowsy.
"Oh no! Stay strong, Nidorino!" Jake cried.
"Hey, Jake! I'm with you here, don't forget that!" Tess reminded.
"Yes, I know! And I know that you'll be there for me, Tess!" Jake yelled. I managed to stifle a laugh.
"Okay, Tyrunt. Use Dragon Claw on Nidorino!" I shouted. And since Nidorino was still feeling the effects of Yawn, he took the hit very easily.
"And Togepi! Metronome!" Sonic added. Let's see what randomized move is picked.
As soon as the pointing was done, Togepi began to form a bunch of copies of herself. Yeah, the move was Double Team.
"Nidorino! Fury Attack! Let's go!" Jake yelled.
"Hey, Tyrunt. Just stay still. I have an idea." I whispered. Luckily, he agrees with my plan. Nidorino runs up to Tyrunt, and begins attacking him at full force. It was even a lucky 5.
But Tyrunt didn't budge one bit.
"Finish this with Ancient Power." I said. And the rocks hit, and they were faster than usual. There was no way he could dodge that.
Nidorino faints when it lands. Heh, and Jake said he wasn't gonna go easy on us. I guess he just doesn't truly know the outcomes of what to do in different battle situations. With us, it goes just fine. But against us... welp, apparently, that's a different story.
"Ohhh noooooooo!" Jake screamed. All of us manage to giggle at that loud yell.
"Jake, calm down. You're gonna scare some people." Tess teased, giggling some more afterwards.
"O-Oh! Right, I meant to do that! Sometimes, real men gotta let out a huge scream like never before!" Jake reminded, trying to toughen himself up. I face palmed. That, is by far, the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard in my life on the face of this Earth.
"You still up for the challenge?" Sonic asked in curiosity.
"Of course I am! Because my next Pokémon that will battle... is you, Zebstrika!" Jake shouted, and threw his next Poke Ball after he returned Nidorino.
So it seems his Blitzle evolved. Time to think of the ups and downs of what to expect.
"Okay, Tyrunt. Return." I said, returning Tyrunt to his ball.
"You too, Togepi." Sonic added. Upon saying that, Togepi waddled over to her trainer, standing by his side.
"And now... come on out, Charizard!" I shouted, and sent my next Pokémon out. Once Charizard is out, he lets out a mighty roar. Heh, he ain't backing down one bit.
"Join in on this fight, Primarina!" Sonic yelled, and he sent out his Pokémon that will assist with mine. But this seems like a perfect advantage.
Dragon types are weak to Fairy types. And Primarina happens to be a Water and Fairy type.
So for Tess, it doesn't look too good for her.
"Use Sparkling Aria!" Sonic exclaimed. And like in the Gym battle I saw, her signature move is being used. Like the info that I knew, it went for both Zebstrika and Shelgon.
But Shelgon took the hit since he resists Water type moves. But he did stumble.
"Shelgon, hang in there! Use Headbutt on Charizard!" Tess shouted.
"No ya don't! Charizard, block it!" I yelled. Shelgon growls and is now using all his energy on his one attack. Charizard blocks it by grabbing Shelgon with his brute hands, slowing him down.
Shelgon tried to go faster, but Charizard didn't allow that.
"And now use Wing Attack." I said. Once Shelgon was tired from his last attack, Charizard quickly uses his own.
And Shelgon fainted. I guess the Dragon Claw from Tyrunt really did do something.
"Zebstrika, use Spark!" Jake yelled.
"Primarina, quick! Use Bubble Beam!" Sonic shouted. Zebstrika does his physical move, while Primarina counters it with a Special move.
Even though Zebstrika had the advantage, he pulled back and stopped his attack.
"Charizard, Flame Burst." I exclaimed. Zebstrika didn't see the attack since everything was happening so fast.
But it seems that Zebstrika still manages to pull through. Yeah, he ain't going down that easily.
"Hey, Zebstrika! You okay?" Jake asked.
"Strika!" The black and white zebra brayed as his response.
"Okay, then let's see how these two will go against a Flame Charge!" Jake yelled. Zebstrika surrounded himself in fire, and since Jake ONCE AGAIN didn't specify a target, he picked Primarina.
"Use Sparkling Aria!" Sonic exclaimed. With a special attack, Primarina tries to counter it. But Zebstrika avoided every bomb there is right now.
But unfortunately for Jake, Primarina sidesteps to avoid the incoming attack.
"Okay, Primarina. Return for now. Will you agree to let Chesnaught finish the fight?" Sonic asked. Upon hearing Chesnaught, Primarina looked disappointed. But she just annoyingly sighed, then nods.
"I'm glad you understand." Sonic responded, and returned Primarina to her ball, showing a small smile before she was completely inside. Then Sonic sends out Chesnaught to finish the fight.
"Wow! That was a close one, Jake!" Tess complimented as I was looking at what happened from that last attack.
"Oh. T-Thanks, Tess." Jake said as he slightly looks down, trying to prevent himself from blushing.
"Now let me join in to help ya! Axew, here we go!" Tess shouted, and she sent out her last Pokémon. I mean, she does have Frillish...
But considering the trauma that Frillish had with Kevin, I think it was necessary if Tess didn't let him battle just yet.
"Okay, Axew, use Slash on Charizard!" Tess shouted.
"Use Flame Burst on the ground!" I demanded. And he did so. There was smoke in the way, so I couldn't see Axew.
But he did manage to trip from the outcome of the Flame Burst hitting the ground.
"Zebstrika, use Spark! On Chesnaught!" Jake yelled. Sonic smiled as Zebstrika prepares itself.
"Chesnaught! Spiky Shield!" Sonic shouted. Chesnaught turns around as more spikes appear on the back of his shield.
Zebstrika collided with the spikes, taking damage as he was knocked back.
"And now use Needle Arm!" Sonic continued. And Zebstrika got rammed by the sudden attack that came afterwards.
It was finally enough to take him down.
"Oh gosh. This... doesn't look to good." Jake mumbled, a little worried.
"These two don't back down. But we should at least try." Tess said.
"Okay, but this is my last Pokémon..." Jake responded, and then threw another Poke Ball. And the new Pokémon that Jake has caught turned out to be...
Slowpoke.
Eh, okay. I guess it'll get better when it evolves.
"Okay, Slowpoke, use Confusion!" Jake shouted. Slowpoke's eyes turn a bright blue, and he started levitating Charizard and Chesnaught. Then he threw both of them to a wall.
Charizard easily shook it off as he claws the rocky wall. Chesnaught also seemed alright. Both of them are pretty bulky.
"Axew! Use Dragon Claw on Chesnaught!" Tess yelled.
"Chesnaught, use Seed Bomb!" Sonic commanded. When the bombs got closer, Axes started screaming as he ran away from each of them.
But the last one managed to make the small Dragon Pokémon trip.
"Fly over and use Metal Claw!" I screamed. And it knocked Axew back.
But he still managed to pull through.
"Slowpoke, use Water Pulse!" Jake yelled.
Why hasn't he gone for a specific target yet...
"Charizard, dodge it, and then use Wing Attack!" I shouted. Charizard avoids it by moving to the left side, then he rushes over at Slowpoke and slaps him with his giant wings.
"Axew! False Swipe!" Tess shouted.
"And Slowpoke! Use Headbutt!" Jake screamed.
I smirked. I looked at Sonic and cleared my throat, getting his attention. I put my hand up in the air, then pointed at it with my other hand, and then I slammed my fist on my hand, making a small "SMACK" sound.
"Okay! Chesnaught, use Seed Bomb, one last time!" Sonic yelled. Chesnaught did as he was told. The small bombs were in the air. So this is my chance.
"Charizard, use Flame Burst on the Seed Bombs!" I shrieked. As soon as those flames made contact, those bombs were literally on fire, but they weren't melting (surprisingly).
The two had no way of being able to dodge. Especially Slowpoke, because... come on, SLOW is in its name.
Each bomb went for different opponents. Both Axew and Slowpoke fainted as soon as it was done.
"Wait... did I really lose?" Tess asked herself, as she looked at Axew in shock.
"That was unexpected..." Jake added. This battle was over.
It turned out pretty well.
Sonic and I return our Pokémon, then we gave each other a high five.
"I might've... gone a little too easy on those two." Jake mumbled to himself. Sonic and I ended up hearing it, and we chuckled.
Tess and Jake return their fainted Pokémon back.
"Oh my Arceus! You two really are strong trainers!" Tess exclaimed in astonishment.
"Yeah. We are kinda experienced." I said with a shrug.
"I thought for sure that we would win. I don't really know what happened. Maybe this is what my grandfather meant when he said I was too reckless. I must've placed too much confidence in myself." Tess responded, a little embarrassed as she explained that last part.
"Well, all you need is some practice. You'll get better in no time!" Sonic complimented.
"True. Overconfidence isn't really a good thing." I added.
"You aren't reckless, Tess! You're a great trainer!" Jake yelled, trying his best to cheer her up. I mean, it's also true. Tess is a good Pokémon trainer.
I'm also kinda surprised that she didn't use Frillish. I guess maybe it wasn't time yet.
"I could tell that you and your Pokémon have been in many great battles together." Jake continued.
"Actually, if we're being honest here, that was my first real battle." Tess admitted.
"Say what now?" I nearly yelled.
"Wait, what?" Jake yelped.
"What do you mean, Tess?" Sonic asked.
"My grandfather would never let me go out and challenge other real trainers because he thought I would hurt myself," Tess explained, "My Pokémon and I have only trained with each other. It's been a struggle to teach them what they know now."
"Wow, I wouldn't have guessed." Jake said as he rubs the back of his neck, kinda embarrassed from his assumption.
"Same. I mean, you actually did pretty good for your first battle." I complimented.
"Oh, Tess. Why didn't you let Frillish battle?" Sonic asked.
"You did say he was released by his original trainer. I just thought he isn't ready considering all that he had to go through." Tess replied.
"I still think the battle was fine." I said.
"It was. And Tess, you are a great partner. You seemed so confident, and..." Jake started.
"Reckless. I know." Tess interrupted with an unamused sigh. Jake was surprised, and he waved his arms frantically, trying to say that he wasn't going to say that.
"No, not at all! I was going to say capable." He reminded. Tess shows a smile from that one sentence.
"Well, thanks, Jake." She said. Jake put his hands over his face, trying to hide an incoming blush.
"Anyway, now you know a little more about me. One of my hopes in setting out on this adventure with you is to become a real Pokémon trainer. I want my Pokémon and I to grow stronger together." Tess explained.
"Well, I know you'll be great." Jake said as he puts his hands behind his back.
"Thanks, Jake." Tess responded.
"Oh, uh, don't mention it." Jake replied, and then slightly looks away, kinda embarrassed. Tess looked confused as she raises an eyebrow. But she shrugs it off.
"So, where to now?" Jake asked. Tess turned to us.
"Nifty, Sonic, you said that Team Eclipse has your parents, right?" Tess asked us.
"Yeah." I replied.
"And they still do." Sonic added.
"I think I might know someone that can help." Tess said.
"And who might that be?" I asked.
"He's an old friend of my grandpa's, and he really knows his way around Roria. I think maybe he can help us figure out where Team Eclipse's base might be." Tess explained.
"That sounds like a good idea, don't you think?" Jake asked innocently.
"Well, that depends if crap starts to get rough." I mumbled, and then I fake coughed.
"Where does this friend of yours live?" Jake asked Tess as he turned to her.
"He actually lives in the capital of Roria, Anthian City. There's a gym there too from what I've heard, Nifty. And Sonic." Tess responded.
"Oh my! I always wanted to visit Anthian City! I heard so many wonderful things about it!" Jake exclaimed, and then he turned to us, "Aren't you excited, Nifty and Sonic?"
"To be blunt, I have never heard of Anthian City in my life." I replied. Tess and Jake were ultimately surprised.
"Wait, WHAT?! You've never even heard of Anthian City?! I can't believe it!" Jake screamed, almost scaring a few wild Pokémon from his yell.
"I mean, that Justin guy did mention it. But it doesn't ring a bell." I confessed.
"Well, you're in for a big surprise. I don't wanna spoil anything for you. Just wait until we get there!" Jake reminded. All I did was nod.
"This will be interesting indeed." Tess said.
"Yes, for sure. So how do we get there, anyways?" Jake asked.
"Well, we're on Route 9 now. I'm pretty sure we just travel through this forest until we reach Route 10," Tess explained, "From there, we travel through a cave to the top of the Craganos Mountains."
"Seems simple enough." Jake said with a small nod.
"We want to be careful not to get lost here, though," Tess warned, "I heard there is a haunted mansion somewhere in these woods. I would hate to end up there. Ghost type Pokémon scare me a little. I'm not afraid to admit it."
She shuddered as soon as she was done saying that.
"Ghost types? In a haunted mansion?" Sonic asked.
"Eh, that doesn't sound too bad. Only thing they'd do is if they copy some dumb horror movie," I said proudly, "What do you think, Ja-"
I turned to Jake, and his entire face was pale and his knees were shaking.
"G-g-g-ghosts? I'm not scared of any g-g-ghosts. I'll fight them off, no problem." Jake shouted nervously, trying to hide his cowardice.
"That's kind of you, Jake." Tess replied with a smile. And before any of us can, talk, we heard a loud boom.
"WHAT WAS THAT?!" Jake screeched.
"Let's see what it is." Sonic replied. And then we ran to see where the source of the boom was at.
Behind the giant tree, there was a small trace of where this specific boom was. Avoiding every trainer there was, we rushed to see who was there.
That person was none other than... freaking Kevin. And he had his Pokémon by his side. His Torracat evolved into Incineroar, his Mareanie evolved into Toxapex, and his Grumpig was there, along with his Garchomp, who was recently Gabite the last time.
And he also had a new Pokémon with him: Zangoose. It seems that Kevin was training them to make them stronger.
"Kevin?!" Sonic and I yelled.
"Kevin? Was this the person you were talking about?" Tess asked.
"Yeah. This is him." I replied. Our conversation ended up getting his attention.
"Oh, look at this. It's you two guys again. And you brought some friends with you." Kevin said, a bored look on his face.
"Yeah, uh... Nifty and Sonic were telling us about you." Jake reminded.
"Sure, I'm aware. But what are you two doing here?" Kevin asked.
"Well, we are on our way to Anthian City, to get our fourth badge, along with other stuff to deal with." Sonic explained.
"Heh heh... you guys are slow. Like, a lot." Kevin chuckled, and he pulls out his badge case. We look at it, and the guy has 5 badges!
Arceus almighty. That was unexpected.
"H-How? T-This fast...?" Sonic asked, ultimately surprised by this. He puts the egg on the ground, and nearly stumbles, looking down.
"Aww, what's the matter, Sonic? Are you gonna cry because of our last encounter?" Kevin mocked, and his Pokémon laughed with him.
I was furious from seeing this. Never in my life have I seen my friend get bullied by anyone. And we knew Kevin was a mean person with all those nasty words and stuff. But this!
This downright pisses me off!
I care about Sonic so much. I'm gonna stand up for him like I did at the Pokémon Center in Brimber City.
"Okay, listen here, a**hole," I yelled, getting in front of Kevin's face, "You better leave my friend alone. If there's anything that aggravates me, it's that idiots like you tend to do crap like this."
"So it seems. Then how about we battle if you care about him so much?" Kevin asked with a smirk.
"You wanna battle? Fine. Have at you, idiot." I responded while stepping back. Sonic battled Kevin the last couple times. I'm gonna see if I can make a difference for this time.
"Okay, Zangoose. You're up first." Kevin said, and pointed at me. Zangoose smirked, and gets into a pose to act all threatening.
"Okay then. In that case, I choose you, Nidoking!" I yelled, and my first Pokémon is sent out.
"So here's the rules for our battle, Nifty: we'll each use 3 Pokémon. No substituting is allowed. Anyone who forfeits is a coward." Kevin explained.
"I'll have you know that I have never forfeited anything in my life. So don't back down one bit, unless you're a coward deep inside." I teased.
"I'm tired of your s**t. Now I'll tell you you were messing with the wrong person! Zangoose! I want you to make sure this fool doesn't get far!" Kevin shouted.
"Is that so? Alright, maybe I'll defeat you first before you could even blink." I said.
"Zangoose, use Slash!" Kevin yelled.
"Block it with Horn Attack!" I shouted. And both of us casually let those two attacks collide. All it did was push them back.
"Sword Dance." Kevin said. Oh crap. Dang, he's gonna be raising attacks from there.
"Alright, don't let it overwhelm you, Nidoking! Use Poison Sting!" I commanded. Nidoking roars, and then shoots a powerful sting filled with poison.
"Use Detect." Kevin said. Zangoose raises his pointer finger, and then it allows himself to be protected by the attack. It hit him.
But it did nothing.
"Okay, we did a special, now let's do a physical. Horn Attack!" I yelled. And Zangoose takes the hit. He closes his eyes as he endures the pain.
But then he smirks as he opens his eyes again.
"Revenge." Kevin responded with a smirk. And with that, Zangoose pushes Nidoking back, doing okay damage.
"Nidoking! Hang in there!" I called out. He gets up with ease. Yep, still in the fight.
"Use Horn Attack, one more time!" I yelled.
"Did I say you can do that yet? Eh, Zangoose, use Slash." Kevin whispered. And once again, the physcial attacks just meet instead of actually doing anything.
"Grab." I said. Nidoking ends his attack, and he grabs Zangoose's right arm.
"Excuse me?" Kevin exclaimed.
"You're not going anywhere, a**hole. Nidoking, use Double Kick, and knock him back!"
"Detect." Kevin blurted out. Zangoose uses the protecting move before the legs can hit.
"See, hothead? You're not the only one who can read minds." Kevin mocked.
"Shut the frick up before we believe and do an attack harder." I exclaimed.
"Believe? Ha! Gimme a break. Pokémon are strong because of their strength. Nothing more." Kevin scoffed.
"Double Kick, again." I shouted. And this time, Zangoose got hit, and took a lot of damage, since the attack was super effective.
"I didn't allow you to attack!" Kevin complained.
"You don't tell me what to do. I decide for myself." I said heroically. I looked at my friends. Sonic still seemed worried from Kevin's insults. Jake and Tess were comforting him, along with Togepi.
"Uh, whatever. Zangoose, use Swords Dance and prepare yourself." Kevin demanded.
"Stand your ground, Nidoking. He's about to get a REAL beatdown." I warned. Nidoking growls, and stomps his foot onto the ground, ready to attack big time.
"NOW, REVENGE!" Kevin screeched.
"HORN ATTACK!" I screamed back at him. The two Pokémon roar, and hit with their (preferably) powerful attacks, making a giant cloud of smoke.
I shield mye eyes, feeling the strong wind blowing on my face. When everything cleared up, I see what the results came to.
Both Nidoking AND Zangoose have fainted.
"Seriously?! Even with five badges, you manage to do this!" Kevin yelled.
"Does it look like I care?" I asked as I return my fainted Pokémon.
"I'm not answering you. Let's see how you turn out when facing against Toxapex." Kevin said, and the spiky-like Pokémon comes into place as soon as he said its name.
"Okay then. I pick you, Charizard! Let's freaking go!" I screamed, sending out my next Pokémon. The draconian Pokémon flies in the air and shoots a fire breath before landing on the ground.
"Looks like you're all FIRED UP! Let's see how this guy does against a Flame Burst!" I shouted, and Charizard shoots a ball of fire right at his opponent.
"Spike Cannon." Kevin commanded. Soon, Toxapex was hight in the air. It opens the spikes and turns into some umbrella formation, and then shoots a beam of high energy, a white beam coming right at Charizard.
"Quick! Dodge it, and then use Dragon Claw!" I yelled. Because of Charizard's ability to fly, he easily avoided it. Then he rushes up to Toxapex and slashes him with the claw.
Toxapex lands on the ground with a thud. But it's gonna take more than that to take him down.
"Toxapex, use Venoshock!" Kevin shouted.
"Quick, slash through it with Metal Claw!" I called out. And of course, I knew that Steel is immune to Poison. So that was planned quickly, like I knew it was coming. The
"Don't go offense just yet, Kevin! Charizard, use Wing Attack!" I demanded.
"Baneful Bunker." Kevin exclaimed once Charizard got closer. closes itself with the giant spikes. So now it feels like its protected.
I could tell Charizard realized it at the last second, and he backed up.
"Pssh. What a coward. At least he knew of the effects." Kevin laughed, and Toxapex laughed as well, coming out of its defense form.
I snap my fingers. Charizard charges up another Wing Attack, and slams Toxapex right on its tiny face.
"How's THAT for cowardice?" I said with a wide smirk.
"I'll make you pay for that! Toxapex, Poison Jab!" Kevin shouted. As the spiky Pokémon comes closer, Charizard attempts to use his bare hands to try and stop him.
Charizard attempted to push Toxapex back, but Toxapex wasn't giving in.
"Dragon Claw!" I yelled. Charizard growls, and raises his hand up with very sharp claws.
"Now, Toxapex! Baneful Bunker!" Kevin shrieked. And it stops the Poison Jab and goes into that defense form again.
This time, Charizard had to hit him since he wasn't prepared for that. Charizard got knocked back once it was over.
And what's worse... is that he's poisoned.
"Dang it..." I mumbled.
"What did I tell ya? Was that really worth it?" Kevin asked me. He was really trying to get me down to my level.
But I dealt with this crap way more than you could imagine. I'm not gonna let this idiot make me the angriest I can be.
"You know a battle still goes on even WITH status conditions." I reminded.
"But your Charizard is struggling over there." Kevin mocked.
"He is, yes. But he knows he can still get stronger, and pull through until the end. That's just how it goes." I said with a wink. This is probably one of the greatest speeches I've done, outside the one I did to help Sonic back at Brimber City.
Thouht weakened, Charizard smiles, showing all his teeth.
"I hate you!" Kevin yelled.
"Oh, well f**k you too." I smirk as I flipped him off with the middle finger.
"Toxapex, Venoshock!" Kevin screamed.
"Flame Burst!" I yelled. Since both of them were special attacks, it was easier to counter that. It's really about thinking of the situation after each attack lands.
A battle isn't simple, nor will it ever be.
"And now use Metal Claw." I continued. Even when poisoned, it seems that Charizard flew that fastest he could, and he scratched Toxapex more than any other claw so far.
"Recover." Kevin commanded.
"Oh no you don't! Prevent it, Charizard!" I shouted. Toxapex began to recover some health back. But immediately, he stopped when Charizard grabbed it, and flew right up in the air, holding onto him.
Charizard stumbled in the air for a bit as he went higher, but as soon as that was done, he threw Toxapex right back down, making him stuck on the hard ground.
"Are you fricking kidding me?!" Kevin yelled.
"And now, Charizard! FINISH THIS TURN WITH DRAGON CLAW!" I screeched. Charized descended like a missile, and stabbed his claws right at Toxapex.
Charizard flew back to my side. I looked at him and nodded, while smiling. Then we look at Toxapex.
Yeah, he fainted. He's done for.
"Psh. Dumb luck. I'm gonna end this now, Nifty." Kevin scoffed as he returns the fainted Pokémon.
"I'd like to see you try." I boasted.
"Yeah. Go get him, Incineroar!" Kevin yelled. And Incineroar growls proudly as he steps onto the field.
"Charizard, Wing Attack!" I shouted.
"Nuh-uh. Incineroar, use Darkest Lariat." Kevin said. Incineroar smiles and clemches his fist, mixing in with fire, along with some darkness. Then he spun around like a tornado.
As the two of them get closer, Incineroar ducks, and then attacks Charizard from beneath. It got poor Charizard weakened very quickly.
"Charizard? Can you still fight?" I asked. But Charizard falls over and faints. Yep, the poison finally got its advantage. Darn it!
"Guess that's a no..." I return him.
"Just give up while you still can. We know how it'll end." Kevin insulted.
"Like I'll listen to you. If it keeps going on, then I will end it with you, Greninja!" I shouted, and then my first starter is sent out.
"Quick, Water Shuriken!" I demanded. And he throws tiny water ninja stars. Incineroar takes them all, but I did take note that he did stumble
"Use Fire Fang!" Kevin yelled.
"See if you can take it, Greninja!" I warned. Greninja is prepared now. As Incineroar opens his mouth and lets his teeth catch on fire while getting a bit closer, Greninja does a swift sidestep, and avoids it.
"Night Slash!" I yelled. And Incineroar gets attacked from behind, falling forward.
"Fury Swipes!"
Oh crap. That was unexpected. Incineroar repeatedly scratches Greninja with the nail-sharp claws on his hands. Dang. I didn't expect it all, to be honest.
Ooh. But I feel that energy again. Oh boy. I feel it getting stronger.
"Greninja! Do you feel what I'm feeling?" I ask. I recieved an affirmative croak.
"Okay, Greninja! With this newfound power, let's become one and finish this!" I screamed. We scream some more, and then become one.
Like my last battle against Sonic, I see whatever Greninja is seeing. At first, it was water. But then I see the usual field.
Kevin was surprised, along with Incineroar. But he didn't seem too impressed after looking at it for 5 seconds. What an idiot...
"Dual Chop." Kevin scoffed.
"Quick Attack!" I shouted. Incineroar attempts to use two chops to attack Greninja, but it seems like my starter ducked just in time, and continue his Quick Attack.
"Fire Fang!" Kevin yelled. Dang it, not again! Greninja had to take the hit. I felt it. I didn't stumble, but I did yelp. If Kevin mocked me for that, I just wanna castrate this man.
Actually, no. I don't wanna become insane. That's a big no-no.
"Use Scald!" I command.
"Use Drakest Lariat and spin it all away!" Kevin reminded. And it did actually happen.
The water went away like it was NOTHING. It's expeced, since Incineroar knows how to deal with hot stuff. Cause he's a Fire type.
"Alright, Greninja, don't give up! Use Water Shuriken!" I shouted. The stars were bigger and faster. Just what I expected this time.
"Use Dual Chop!" Kevin yelled. Incineroar was ready now. Guess this ain't much time to celebrate early.
The first star is chopped.
The second star was as well.
But the third one actually hit him. I guess Incineroar wasn't ready for that one. Welp, lucky me.
"Grr... you're just lucky because you have that insane power boost." Kevin exclaimed.
"It's not just a power boost, idiot. It's a way of getting used to it." I said.
"Ugh, whatever, man! Incineroar, use Fire Fang!" Kevin yelled.
"Now! Use Quick Attack!" I commanded. Just like the last time from what I've seen, Greninja goes underneath Incineroar and attacks.
Perfect.
"Dual Chop! NOW!" Kevin screamed.
"Scald!" I reminded. Incineroar tried to block the incoming hot water with the chop. He turns out to have handled it. Wow, what a bulky Pokémon.
"Use Night Slash!" I yelled. But that one actually hit Incineroar. Yes. I'm gonna end it.
"Greninja! Build up a Water Shuriken!" I told him. Greninja leaps up, and then makes more stars, and shoves them together.
It made one big shuriken.
"SHOOT IT!" I screeched. And Greninja threw the star at full force.
BANG!
I waited for things to clear up. Greninja stood there, still in this special form. Could Incineroar already be down from the attack? Only one way to find out.
The smoke clears up, and...
What? Incineroar is gone?
"The hell?" I mumbled, confused.
"NOW!" I heard the scream from Kevin. Then I saw Incineroar from the sidelines. But I knew... it was too late.
Incineroar hits Greninja with the hardest Darkest Lariat I have ever seen. It took my starter down easily, and I did stumble, but not fall.
I... lost. Against this freaking idiot.
"Never saw it coming." Kevin said with a shrug and a laugh. I sighed in defeat. I definitely have to heal my mons after this.
I'll never forget this...
I still can't believe this. This idiot managed to win against me.
I return Greninja back to his ball. Even with this new-found power (that will take some to getting used to), guess it just wasn't enough. I healed my Pokémon with some revives and potions, and kept them in their balls.
But the battle is over, so we can't get back at him.
"Heh, just as I thought, I won. I told ya, hothead. You just picked the wrong opportunity to go out a person." Kevin teased while laughing at me.
I didn't let his words affect me. He just thinks he's the most perfect person in the world, when he's not. My glare gets angrier, and I walk close to him again.
"You know, Kevin? I don't have to win to prove something to you," I exclaimed, "But one day, you will learn this. Just because you have strong Pokémon doesn't mean you're the strongest trainer in the world."
"Ugh. Whatever." Kevin scoffed, and then walks away from us, with his remaining Pokémon following behind him.
"B***h." I mumble, and then sigh in annoyance. After my little annoyed sigh, I felt Sonic tap my shoulder.
"It's okay, Nifty. Don't worry about it. You tried your best." He said.
"*sigh* You're right, man. You just know how I get at times." I replied with a smile. Sonic nods, understanding my statement. I just am that kind of guy who gets mad at some pretty aggravating stuff.
"Next time we meet Kevin, we'll show him." I insisted, feeling determined again.
"Yeah, we will." Sonic responded, and then we give each other a high five. Togepi cheers as well to fit into this situation.
"Geez. Kevin is such a bully." Jake pointed out.
"No wonder he got rid of Frillish. Because of how he was treating you two before the battle." Tess said angrily.
"Well, it's over now, so let's just forget about it. What do you say we keep going?" I suggested. We looked around, thinking of where to go next.
"Oh, how about we go over there?" Sonic asked as he pointed to a path.
"Aight, let's go there." I replied, and then we walked along the path. Luckily, this time, no one manages to spot us walking along.
As we pass right through another small patch of tall grass, there were small trees in front of us. But these trees were black, and they had no leaves. The branches were pretty small and thin as well. With these trees, a straight path stands out. I wonder where it leads to.
We pass by onto the path, and it turns out that there was a gateway that'll lead to another place. The next route, I presume? But we enter the gate so we can go to this place.
What was unusual... this gate seems... abandoned. Every gateway was always cheery with some calm music playing, and there was a person at a counter to tell some tips.
But on this one, no one was there, and the stuff that was here was kicked over. I dunno what happened here, but it doesn't seem good. However, I was curious to see where this leads to.
On the other side of the gate, we come across... a mansion. The creaky gates were opened, inviting us in.
"Ooh, what do you know. We have come across Fortulose Manor." I said, smirking. I have heard lots of stories about this place. One of those stories saying that there's a haunted Pokémon there that will electrocute you till you die. An Electric type, for all sakes.
The guys behind me were surprised. Jake seemed the most scared, considering that his knees were shaking nonstop.
"Uh... I think we should leave. We clearly didn't want to come across here." Tess reminded.
"Really? Have you never heard about the many rumors about this place?" I asked.
"N-Nifty, Tess is right. W-We wanna hurry ahead before bad things happen! Not only here, but with your parents! And Sonic's!" Jake exclaimed, nervously chuckling. I could obviously tell it was a lie. I thought of something, and when it was done... a mischievous smile was on my face.
"Fine. Guess I'll go explore it on my own." I said with a shrug, and walked ahead.
"Nifty? You okay?" Sonic asked, a little concerned.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just don't wanna let my adventure go to waste." I replied.
"Oh, no! We are not going inside the manor, Nifty!" Jake yelled angrily. But instead of feeling insulted, my smirk went wider.
"Why? Are you scared? Are you too much of a Torchic to go inside?" I teased.
"N-No," Jake responded, "I-It's just that-"
But I interrupted by acting like a scared Torchic. I ended up making Jake get angrier. Tess stifled a giggle at my impression.
"Nifty, stop it!" Jake commanded.
"No. Because you're too scared." I said, and continued my impression to get his anger deeper.
"ALRIGHT, FINE! We'll go in!" Jake screamed.
"Cool. Meet ya there." I responded, and continued my way there. I looked over at my friends, waiting for them to come along.
Togepi seemed scared, since the Manor gives off a spooky vibe.
"Return, Togepi. I'll let you walk with us again when we leave." Sonic whispered, and he lets the star go back to her Ball. So now Sonic was only holding the egg, still inside the case.
"Well... here goes nothing. If I get haunted by any ghosts, you guys are gonna owe me something." Tess warned.
"I assure you that we're strong. We'll be fine." I said. But Tess nodded at my agreement, so surely that counts for something.
On the outside of this place, it turns out that there's some tall grass. Not too much. Just some small patches. And there also a small fishing pong there. For some reason...
And on the right, there's a hill downwards that shows gates, and what could be on the other side of this mansion.
Speaking of which, the mansion is HUGE. It looked abandoned, so it gives off a scary vibe. On the top, there was a giant clock. But it doesn't seem to be working, considering not a lot of people come here.
But enough of that. We need to go inside this gosh darn place!
We are inside. And what I immediately know is that this mansion gives off the sacred saying of "This place is haunted. Turn back now."
"Wow. Such an interesting look. For a haunted mansion." I said. There were 2 hallways. Three if you count the one we're in right now. Purple lines guided the way to each hallway. There was also a giant staircase, but it is broken halfway. So can we climb it? Nope.
I felt like I was the only one not scared. Sonic seemed a little nervous, and Tess had that same vibe. Jake was pale and constantly shaking, but he was trying his hardest not to just to try and hide his cowardice.
As we walk on, I turned to a mirror. My friends turn with me, and... we see the face of a Haunter peeking from the mirror. When we look, it turns away quickly.
"AHH! WHAT WAS THAT, WHAT WAS THAT?" Jake screamed as he looks around frantically.
"I...It was probably nothing, Jake. It felt spooky, but it was prolly nothing." Tess assured.
"Y-Yeah, you're right! Even if there was a g-ghost, I-I can handle it easily!" Jake boasted. But how long can he keep up this lying?
"Let's just move on." Sonic said to the two. Jake and Tess nodded in unison, and we continue our walk in the manor.
The first room was on the first hallway near us. There were 2 doors. We took the farther one to see what was inside.
Inside the room, there were not a lot of things. It was small, with a red rug being the only source of flooring, besides the regular tan floor. There was a black piano on the red rug, along with a seat of the same color. There was a cello, and a jukebox. There was also a bookshelf, but not a lot of books were on it.
"Huh. The original owner must've liked to play instruments." Sonic said.
"Ya know, I always liked playing the drums as a kid, so I can relate." Tess added.
"Hey, so did I!" Jake added.
"Welp, these must be the ones that this man... or woman... liked." I responded. Suddenly, spooky music started to play in the room.
"Uhh... g-guys? W-Where is that music COMING FROM?" Jake asked as his nervousness got way higher than usual.
"Where else, Jake?" I said bluntly, and pointed at the jukebox.
"Nifty... quit messing around. Did you touch it on purpose?" Tess questioned.
"I didn't even put a finger on the thing. It's playing on its own." I exclaimed. So I walked over to the jukebox to stop the creepy music from playing.
As I did, electrical sparks were shot out. Sonic and I jumped at the response, and these other two were just surprised.
I could've sworn that I saw... something orange that was fleeing from this room. Fortunately, the music stopped.
"Oh my Arceus! I think I saw something!" Tess pointed out.
"So there's a mysterious Pokémon in here!" Sonic said.
"Hmm... a strange presence has fled the room." I replied. And then... sounds could be heard coming from somewhere else in the house. There is nothing else for any of us to view in this room, so we left. Before leaving, I saw a Poke Ball near the piano. I picked it up, and inside was a Metronome. Might keep it, might give it away. Now we leave.
We see a statue of a knight that was by the right of us. It didn't really spook any of us. Unless it was talking and making scary noises, then that could freak us out.
The next room was at the other door that was next to the room we just went inside. So we go inside that door. Now, what is in this room?
Well, there were blue walls, and a huge crack in the middle. There was a shelf with NOTHING on it. There was also a rocking chair, and on the floor... apart from a green rug, and a blue one where the chair was on... there were three bouncing balls. A red one, a blue one, and a green one.
Also, there was a table with two drawers. On top of it was... a walkie talkie? And the last thing standing out was... a crib. And on this crib was nothing. It was wooden. Well, nothing apart from a blue rectangle, and... something yellow. But I don't know what it is.
"Oh my. What could've happened to a child in here?" Jake asked.
"So many possibilities. I can't tell what though." Sonic replied. But it seems like the noises are not in this room. So we left. There's nothing here for us.
We leave the hallway, and go to the second one. There was a door in front when we entered, but we decided not to go in that one yet.
There was scratch marks on that said door. It made Tess and Jake freak out a little (but Jake most likely), so they quickly followed behind us.
We go inside the farther door again. This room must've been a bedroom, since a two-person bed was there, with two pillows, and a huge, blue blanket.
There is a window with the curtains open, and a table with the drawers was in front of the window. There is a bookshelf and a wardrobe.
"Now, what the heck could be in here?" I wondered.
"Oh, Nifty. Look." Sonic said,. He pointed to a red book. This book was on a night table that was next to the bed.
But the book... it was just red. There was no title or description on a story. Sonic opened it up, and...
What? There's a green button inside. This left me confused, and a bit annoyed.
"Why the f-"
"Let's just see what happens, Nifty." Sonic interrupted. Then he presses the button. Nothing happened.
"Fake button? Really?" Tess groaned. Then we heard a creaky noise. The wardrobe opened all on its own.
Then, it started sucking us all in. But, it turns out that just Sonic and I were the ones that got sucked into the wardrobe.
Both of us screamed as this wardrobe took us somewhere. Finally, the wardrobe spits us out, the two of us landing flat on the floor. I was the first to get up since Sonic is still recovering from the trip. It looked like the same bedroom. But the bed was broken this time.
The bookshelf was clattered, and papers were scattered everywhere. One of the curtains were tipped, and there were more scratch marks.
I heard my phone buzz. I picked it up to see who texted me. It was Jake.
The text read: "Nifty, Tess and I left the mansion because of how much is going on. I'll be outside to protect Tess. See you when you get back!"
"*sigh* Arceus d*n it, Jake." I groaned, putting my phone back in my pocket.
"Hey, uh... Nifty? This room is... kinda the same." Sonic said.
"I know. Let's just see what else is here." Was all I responded with.
When we left, we... saw the same knight statue. Did we just travel to another dimension? Nah, I think not. That kind of stuff is too powerful for a place like this.
But maybe those rooms could be different, Sonic and I decided to see what was across the hallway. Well, it's different. We must be on the second floor.
We enter the door to see what was inside, after leaving the other one. What is inside, exactly? Well, it's a library. Books were everywhere. But the ladders were broken. Some books stayed on one of the tables, and the computer has fallen over. Good Arceus, this place is abandoned SO GOOD.
But we hear something from the computer. I think the screen is shining, looking at the light below it.
"Now, what the heck is the sound doing in such a place? Like this?" I questioned. I went up to it and decided to see why it's making that sound.
Then another electrical current happened. Some mysterious thing snuck right in there. Someday, I'm gonna find out what.
"What is that, Nifty?" Sonic asked.
"I dunno, man. I know something is haunted in here. No wonder Jake and Tess left so suddenly." I explained.
As soon as that was done, we left. It's none of our business to stay here. We listened closely to hear the noise. I feel that the noise is now...
Downstairs.
"Sonic. We're going down." I told him. He nods, and we jump down the stairs. Surprisingly, it didn't hurt that much. My ankles should've freaking shattered.
What is wrong with this world.
"Nifty, I'm gonna check out some other places in here. You can keep looking for the noise." Sonic said.
"Alright. You do that." I replied. So Sonic left me, and now we were split up. Sonic took the door to the right, and I took the one in the center.
Inside that room, it's the dining room. There is a table and chairs to seat at least 10 people. The only food that was still sitting there was a whole turkey (I dunno why I went with that, considering this is Pokémon), a waffle, chicken leg (still proves my statement above), and a fruit bowl. But the noise wasn't in there.
No. It was in the kitchen. I got a closer look, the toaster was constantly popping toast out crazily.
"Well. That was certainly unexpected." I said. I went up to it, and the electric stuff happened again. The strange presence has fled the room.
Holy crap.
I left the room quickly. Just in time, Sonic meets back up with me.
"I found a Dusk Ball! But nothing else important, unfortunately." Sonic shouted.
"Thanks for the help, at least. Let's see what else is in this mansion." I responded. I felt like it was back upstairs.
"Follow me." I insisted. I walked ahead, and Sonic follows right behind me.
So, we took that wardrobe trip again. At least I expected it this time.
We left two rooms. And we ended up... outside. No, not in he tall grass. If we did, we would see two scared people. That just bailed on us.
Nah, I'm kidding on that last part. They're my friends. Still...
And this part of being outside led to another place, which had a ramp. Another floor, maybe? We went up it.
Yes, it turns out: another door to another room. There were boxes and other random junk on the floor. And there was a television. And it seemed to be on.
"I'll go shut that off, Nifty." Sonic insisted, and jumps over the boxes se he can turn off the TV. Meanwhile, I decided to explore what else was in this room.
I saw a purple glow. It was a very dark purple. I went up to see what it was. And it left me shocked.
It was a Dusk Stone.
I smiled widely, and I put the stone in my pocket.
"I should save this. Who knows what I can find?" I thought. Electric sounds can be heard. It guess it was that weird presence that caused this again.
"Nifty! I think we're getting close to something!" Sonic yelled.
"Right back at ya, dude!" I shouted back at him, then I ran so I can meet up with him.
Back downstairs, we heard something in another room. I got closer to a door we haven't gone in yet. And I heard... a hair drier?
"Alright, haunted thing. You can't hide from us forever." I said with a determined smile. Sonic stays behind as I go inside.
As I would've expected, this is the bathroom. And the hair drier I heard was spinning on the desk. I physically slapped it, and the lightning bolts jotted out before the presence fled again.
But this time, I heard a maniacal laugh. The heck?
I looked at the mirror in front of me. I smirked as I smooth my hair a bit before making a cool pose.
"Still cool even after all this." I chuckled. After that weird experience that you didn't have to see but showed you all for some reason, I leave.
"Nifty! Come here!" Sonic called out.
"I'm coming, man!" I shouted. I sprinted to where my friend was at. Sonic was at a door that we've been inside already. I felt some sound being heard inside.
"This is the child room we've been inside. I hear a baby crying." Sonic said. But there wasn't a child in here.
"This is creepy as hell..." I mumbled. I slam the door open. And Sonic was right. There was a mini transceiver recording a sound: a baby crying.
"Shut up." I exclaimed as I once again slap it at full force. More electric. What kind of Pokémon would be here though?
"Kay, Sonic. I think we have one last stop to make. I think I know where it is." I reminded.
"Let's go see what it is." Sonic said.
Back after getting sucked into the wardrobe in that specific room again.
Everything is still the same. But there is only one difference: the Game Boy that is on the night table was turned on. That's what happens when you go inside a haunted mansion.
"What kind of ghost is even doing all of this?" I questioned. I walked up and touched it. Then more elctric bolts were shocked out. I felt myself getting sucked into the handheld.
"NIFTY!" I heard Sonic scream.
When I woke up... huh? I was in... an 8 bit town. But why am I pixelated? And why is a Pikachu following me? And also, WHY do I not look like myself?
"Nifty! Nifty, can you hear me?" Sonic called out.
"Sonic! In here!" I screamed as I looked above. I saw Sonic's face there.
"Okay, listen closely," I explained, "I have been sucked into this game. And I can't control myself unless someone else does it! I need you to move me around with the buttons! Specifically, take me to that cave over there!"
"I'm on it!" Sonic said with a nod. He picks up the Game Boy, and moves me around. Whatever direction Sonic pressed, I moved in that direction, and the Pikachu was following me.
Sonic eventually makes me arrive at the cave. When I did, I encountered a wild Pokémon. And this one really came as a surprise to me.
Rotom.
All I had in my party was Pikachu. At this point, now I had full control. Pikachu had 4 moves to choose from: Thunder, Quick Attack, Agility, and Double Team. But the only move I could pick is Thunder, because the other ones ran out. Guess I had one choice.
"Pikachu, use Thunder!" I commanded. And right after I said that...
I popped out of the portable console, and landed on the ground.
"Are you okay, Nifty?" Sonic asked.
"Yeah. I'm alright." I replied. Then, I saw more electric. I realized. The electric was from Rotom.
The mysterious Pokémon jolted to many places in the room before going inside something. I looked at what he went inside.
Something red. A... Pokédex? Sonic neared me as I picked up the red object.
"He went inside this thing." I told my friend. But I didn't see any sight of Rotom. Suddenly, the screen turned on, and I saw blue eyes opening. Rotom's horn was seen on the thing, and two arm-like things were formed on the sides, along with tiny feet.
"Howdy, fellazzz!" Rotom greeted as he floats in the air. Sonic and I were more than surprised. This just left me questioning my own life.
"WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?!" I screamed.
"Woah-ho! Eazzzy there, pal! You don't to have zzzuch a zzztrange heart attack from zzzeeing me, bzzt!" Rotom warned.
"How... is this even possible?" I asked.
"Well, azzz you know, I am Rotom!" Rotom boasted, "With my newezzzt form, I can eazzzily become thizzz form of a Pokédex! Thuzzz, that givezzz me the name Rotom-Dex!"
"So, you're a Pokédex mixed in with yourself?" Sonic questioned.
"Thatzzz right!" Rotom said. But then I heard another Pokémon sound. Like it belonged in this manor. We all looked behind us.
It was a Honedge. And it looked like it was about to attack.
"Oh my Arceus! A Honedge?!" I yelled.
"Allow me, boyzzz!" Rotom offered. He went up a little higher, and scans the Pokémon. Then he shows the main information on his screen.
"Honedge: the Sword Pokémon. A Steel and Ghost type. Apparently, this Pokémon is born when a departed spirit inhabits a sword. It attaches itself to people and drinks their life force."
"Eek! Scary." Sonic exclaimed with a slight shiver.
"Ah, Honedge is one of the best kind of Pokémon that I know. I'm obviously gonna catch this guy." I said.
"Well, I wish you the best of luck!" Rotom cheered, "Remember, to catch a Pokémon, you-"
"I know how it works, Rotom. Can it." I interrupted him. I threw a Poke Ball in the air, and Charizard comes out.
Instead of weakening it, Charizard menacingly glares at Honedge. The tiny sword ghost shivers a bit as he attempts to back away.
"And now..." I mumbled. The next empty ball I pull from my pocket is... an Ultra Ball. I throw it directly at Honedge.
He goes in easily, getting sucked in as the ball lands.
One shake...
Two...
Three...
Click!
Wow. One shot. I... didn't expect to catch one that easily.
"Alright! I caught a Honedge!" I cheered. Sonic also came along to cheer with me.
"DOES NOT COMPUTE. DOES NOT COMPUTE." Rotom said in a robotic tone, very confused.
"That's right, Rotom. Catching Pokémon isn't always about weakening them first. Sometime, you might just get lucky." I boasted.
"E-Erm... n-now that we are partnerzzz, how about we leave thizzz manzzzion and let me tag along with your adventure?" Rotom offered.
"A floating Pokédex possessed by something? Nah, I don't think so." I scoffed as I returned my second starter. There was no way I could believe of this GUY coming with us, honestly.
"Nifty, think of the possibilities!" Sonic said, "Rotom can scan Pokémon for us, and them give us a little heads up! We'll actually be more likely to get through all this faster!"
I thought about that for a moment. After some more thinking, I sighed.
"Alright. Rotom can come along with us." I said.
"Yippee! I'm coming along! Cue the party theme!" Rotom cheered. And then he mimics a noisemaker sound, and with pretending that confetti is thrown at us.
I stared at him bluntly before I walk out of here.
We take the stairs down again. Hmm, I wonder how Jake and Tess are going to react to this. Only one way to find out.
We exit the manor. Rotom actually stays behind us. Mainly because Sonic suggested we surprise them.
"Oh, Nifty! Sonic! You two are alright!" Tess shouted.
"W-We thought you two were h-haunted by some ghosts!" Jake cried.
"Haunted? Pssh. Get real, Jake. No ghosts are gonna haunt us anytime soon." I said smugly.
"Plus, we have a new partner with us!" Sonic cheered.
"Two, actually." I added. I threw an Ultra Ball, and Honedge comes out.
"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH! It's a spirit inside a ghost!" Jake screamed.
"*sigh* No, Jake. That's just a Honedge. Nifty must've caught one in the mansion." Tess said.
"And then we have... this guy." I responded. Sonic and I step aside. Rotom-Dex approaches the two.
"Hey there!" He greeted.
"Wait, a Rotom Pokédex? I thought those were only in Alola! Let alone rare." Tess exclaimed.
"Well, you remember all that electric stuff that we've been seeing? Well, it turns out that it's Rotom," I explained, "When we finally caught up with the maniac, he went inside a mysterious version of a Pokédex. And as a result, this happened."
"Ohhh! Wow, that's pretty lucky to find him here!" Tess said with a smile.
"Thatzzz right! So all of you are friendzzz? Itzzz great to meet you all!" Rotom said with a wave.
"Same here, Rotom. But we have a reason we are going on this adventure." Tess reminded.
"You see, my parents have been kidnapped, and Nifty's, too. A group called Team Eclipse got them, and we are trying to stop them from doing anymore harm." Sonic said.
"Oh my gosh! Bzzt, bzzt! I will do whatever it takezzz to help you guys out!" Rotom shouted in surprise.
"We're already some kind of army. There's no way Team Eclipse stands a chance." I chuckled.
"I can give you a head zzztart on where this Team Eclipse could be heading next!" Rotom requested.
"Oh, that would be a GREAT help!" Jake sighed happily.
"SEARCHING FOR TEAM ECLIPSE." Rotom said in a monotone voice. We stood there waiting for what's gonna happen.
"SCANNING NEAREST LOCATION."
Beeping sounds are heard as Rotom scans around the area. It's as if he has all of Roria down.
"You guyzzz are good to go! Team Eclipse is nowhere near us! But if something is happening, bzzt, I'll be sure to let you know!" Rotom explained.
"Thanks, Rotom. You're a great help." Sonic said.
"Oh! I realized! Izzz that a Pokémon egg?" Rotom asked as he points to that egg. Yep, we still had it on this chase.
"Yes it is. I don't know what it will hatch into though.
"Only one way to find out! And that izzz when it hatchezzz!" Rotom reminded.
"Heh. Thank you, Rotom. I'm glad to have you on the team." Sonic said happily.
"No problem! I would like to celebrate thizzz momentuzzz occasion with a picture of you four together!" Rotom offered.
"Gladly." I replied.
"Alright, everyone! Step close to each other, don't be shy! This picture will last for a lifetime!" Rotom responds as he gets into a camera mode. We stand together.
"As a team... we will not stay long without each other." I said to my friends.
"It's great to join in!" Tess giggled.
"Alright, everyone! Say cheese!" Rotom cheered. We all showed the biggest smile we could. I was pretty much the only one who did a pose, and that pose was one of my hands on my hips, while my other hand was high in the air, holding peace sign.
We will make sure this adventure goes on well. We complete our goals, we save Roria. We beat all the gyms, we will soon become champions.
But for now... at least we have a team. Not only of Pokémon. But of human friends.
A/N: I am really, REALLY sorry for the super long delay. I will try to be more active on this story. I would like to thank all of you for supporting me and this story. Cuz loved this game. :)
But that's all for today! Have a wonderful day, everyone! :D