Chapter 47 – Elite Insects
Jill stood overlooking the calm waters of the lake close the League cathedral. It was quiet here, and Cynthia had made certain that the media couldn't follow Jill around. Still looking down at the waters made Jill think back to the Lakes, and their guardians.
"Thought I might find you out here." Jill spun at the statement, smiling as Barry strode up beside her.
"That predictable, am I?" she asked.
"You know it!" Barry smiled, but also looked out over the lake. "Hard to believe we're here hey?" Jill could only nod. It should feel more surreal than it did if she was being honest with herself.
"It doesn't feel like I imagined it would" the young woman gave voice to her thoughts.
"Yeah well I can't say I'm surprised. Hard to compete with the fiasco of a couple of years ago. What's a League battle compared to that?" Jill just stared at her friend for a moment before bursting out laughing. Barry broke out a second later. It took them both back to when they first started this journey.
"We've certainly come a long way" Jill said.
"And now one of us has to become the Champion."
"Ah so nothing major." Barry chuckled at the statement. Both trainers were quiet for a time simply sitting on the shore. Jill felt more at peace than she had in a long time.
Aaron sat eyes closed, breathing deeply. He imagined he could feel the low rumble of the crowds waiting for him to enter the battlefield. The Elite wasn't sure why he was nervous. This was his job now after all. Challenging trainers who believed they were the next champion. That hardly anyone had defeated him as of late was a testament to how strong he had become.
Yet this girl was different. She had gone into that place with Cynthia. Cynthia! A trainer who hadn't been beaten in battle in nearly 5 years. Aaron shook his head. He was surprised when he opened his eyes to see Flint standing there smiling.
"I've noticed how each of us Elites has a different way of preparing for challenges. But you've never done this before. You look more like Lucian." Aaron stood up, straitening his shirt.
"Not sure why this feels different." Flint nodded looking more serious.
"It's because she could be the next champion. She's probably as strong as Cynthia. Which means we've got our work cut out for us." Aaron could only nod at that. Flint walked closer, and put his hand on Aarons shoulder.
"Just go out there and give her hell. Don't worry about the outcome. Have fun and give the crowd a show. You're an Elite." Aaron took one last deep breath and smiled at Flint.
The crowd roared as the first Elite took to the field. Aaron's room at the base of the cathedrals tower, had been designed to look more like a cross section of a forest. If he'd been more forward however, Aaron would have made it look more like the underground where the bug-type specialist had learned to battle. The tighter confines and darkness where his bugs would have held most of the advantages. Still, the League had done an impressive job making this field more than just your average gym battlefield. Aaron held his head high and smiled towards the crowd. While the Elite was nervous, he still got a thrill from all these people cheering him on.
This crowd was immense though. So many people had made the journey to come and see a new champion potentially crowned, that the crowds had been forced to choose which battle they would attend. There simply wasn't enough room for everyone to follow a challenger as most normally would. Cameras and phones flashed. Lens reflected the light as people tuned in to the battle network to watch this. Aaron's nervousness began shying away as the moments neared. Seconds ticked by, when she walked onto the field. This was it.
Jill hugged her mother. Neither woman said another word as Johanna took her exit first. An usher outside the waiting room showed the older woman to a box for close friends and family. As much as she was trying to project confidence, Jill was more nervous than she cared to admit. This was the ultimate challenge here. All of her goals were before her. Five trainers to defeat. Five of the strongest in the region. For all that, Jill was ready. Her team was ready. Still she had one last thing to do before beginning the challenge. Selecting a pokeball, Jill brought out her first companion.
"We made it" Jill whispered as she rested her forehead one Caladan's. The grass type rumbled deep in his chest. A contented sound which relaxed his trainer.
"We always knew we would" Cal finally said. Jill smiled.
"I guess I just haven't been so sure these last couple of years."
"What we went through, it was intense. But we got through it. We can do this." Caladan's confidence was inspiring. Jill nodded as she stood up.
"Want to walk out there with me?" She asked.
Aaron was impressed. He knew about Jill's starter, but to see the massive Torterra in person now was a touch intimidating. These two had been together since the start, much like Aaron and his Drapion. The crowd was cheering like mad, creating a roar that washed out everything else. Aaron smiled as the young woman walked up. The massive doors on either side of the room closed with resounding booms, a sound and gesture done to intimidate the challengers. This was a no holds barred battle now. In order to get out, you had to win. A sharp reminder that the only other person truly in the room was one of the strongest trainers in the region.
"Welcome Jill, to the Sinnoh League!" Aaron shouted over the crowd. His amplified voice quieted the cheering mob somewhat as they awaited the start to this battle. "I've heard lots about you. But now you've come to challenge the best. Which is the reason why I came here as well. I strive for perfection. And this room, this is where I do my best work." Aaron gestured around as he said it, the lights dimming somewhat. The forest became much more pronounced, something the people enjoyed. It gave the bugs types here an increased fear factor. Not that those types of tricks usually worked on the people who challenged the Elites.
"Are you ready?" Aaron asked. Jill smiled at him, which caused Aaron to smile back. Why was he nervous before this? This was what he was meant to do. And sure, Jill was the saviour of Sinnoh, but Aaron was an Elite. "Then let's begin!"
Jill threw out her first Pokemon. Epona lit up the battlefield, looking stunning. People began cheering again at the start to this battle. Aaron for his part, began with a Yanmega. The imposing dragonfly would not be an easy target, but Epona was no slouch in the speed department.
"Let's start with air slash!" Aaron called out. The giant insect's response was instantaneous, the razor-sharp blast of air was sent hurling at Epona, who was already on the run. The attack didn't miss by much. Jill commanded Epona to close the gap and use her diamond hard hooves to inflict damage onto the Yanmega. Aaron smirked at this though, allowing his speedy bug to use its ability to dodge the first attack as well.
"Increase your flames!" Jill yelled out. Epona threw out a burst of heat, enough to force Aaron to raise an arm to his face, and forcing the Elite's Yanmega out of striking distance.
"Get height on it Yanmega!" Beating its four wings, the Yanmega rose up. Epona kept her eyes on it while Jill began smiling again.
"Do it Epona." Bunching its muscles, the horse launched itself up. The speed that Epona went up into the air with caught both the Yanmega and Aaron off guard. Those dangerous hooves lashed out, this time connecting with their intended target. Yanmega crashed out of the air, not far from Epona, who followed up her bounce attack with another stomp. As quick as the battle began, it was over for Aaron's first Pokemon. Gritting his teeth, the Elite recalled his Yanmega, sending out a Heracross.
Epona trotted back towards Jill while both fire type and trainer looked carefully at the next opponent. They weren't going to underestimate any of the Elites or their Pokemon.
"I've never seen a Rapidash leap so high. Nicely done Jill. Heracross, stone edge!" Jill couldn't tell if the beetle was smiling or not, but an attack like that could be devastating for Epona.
"Get in there!" Jill called out, unnecessarily. The fire type was moving again, faster than the Hercross could summon the rocks from below.
"Flare blitz!" Epona wreathed herself in fire as it went in for the heavy blow.
"Counter with close combat!" Jill grimaced, forgetting Heracross uncommonly strong natures. Bugs weren't usually known for their physical strength. They also weren't known for handling fire type attacks head on like this. The beetle dove forward into Epona's attack. As the two collided, Epona barrelled over the bug type, scoring a massive hit. But the Heracross was able to get a strike in as well, almost knocking the horse off stride. The speed and the flames prevented the full force of the hit.
The Heracross closed quickly for a follow up hit. What it didn't see coming was Epona's back hoof kicking out, catching the beetle in the right shoulder. The strike was strong enough to crack the hardened carapace of Heracross. The bug type staggered back, its right arm hanging limp. Jill winced at the injury, Aaron knowing full well that another hit there could cripple his beloved Pokmeon. The Elite signalled his Heracross was finished. A flash of red light engulfed the part fighting type returning it. This wasn't going well for the Elite. Eye's narrowing, Vespiquen entered the battle next. It didn't move.
"You're a lot stronger than you showed at Sunnyshore!" Aaron called out to Jill. The crowd was roaring still, making the words hard to hear.
"I made sure to train some more before challenging here."
"It shows." Jill wondered what the tactic was going to be here. So far, the Vespiquen hadn't moved from where it had been released on the battlefield. Epona tossed her head, stopping the ground again. Jill was content to allow her Pokemon to regain her breath for a moment. While Epona was strong, that didn't mean she could tire with all the running.
"What is it waiting for?" Epona asked as she neared Jill, never taking her eyes off the hive Pokemon.
"I'm not sure, but there's some strategy here" Jill replied. Then she saw it. Small insects were crawling around and flying in, surrounding the queen of the hive.
"Now!" Aaron yelled. Screeching, the Vespiquen launched her attack order. The smaller underlings whipped through the air towards Epona.
"Flames!" Jill countered. Epona once more wreathed herself in fire, creating a shield of sorts. Jill threw her hand out after, and Epona let the fires burst out. A firewall crossed the battlefield, burning the mat of grass below. Vespiquen used a similar defense as Epona, blasting through the flames with its power gem attack. Aaron knew he had the upper hand now, as Jill's strategy wasn't unique. It was what Vespiquen used with efficiency.
The rocks hurtled towards Epona, Jill calling out for fire blast at the last second. Epona didn't wait to bring the attack to full strength, just releasing it quick enough to counter the thrown rocks. And while that worked, it couldn't quite make it to the bug type across the field. Grimacing Jill sent Epona in. She would need to get closer again to break through any shields the hive could create.
"Keep them back with attack order!" Aaron commanded. The Vespiquen was used to this. She controlled the field with an expertise that most people never could get to. Epona was forced to turn back three times. Jill tried to find an opening, but to get there, she would have to expose Epona. And a power gem attack from up close could take down the fire type.
The young woman thought back to her battle against Volkner. She had been paralyzed by fear then. Fear that her Pokemon was dying. But again, this wasn't the Distortion World. This was an Elite. And Aaron was keeping Epona away from Vespiquen so it would tire the fire type out.
"Epona, do you think you could deflect its power gem?" Jill asked over the crowd. The horse snorted. Jill smiled, interpreting that as a yes. "Then start in a circle and get up to speed!" Epona trotted a few steps, then slowly moved into a gallop. The Vespiquen wasn't fast enough to keep up with attacking, and so instead watched. Aaron narrowed his eyes, watching carefully. He knew as well as Jill, his only effective attack was power gem. And to score a direct hit, it was going to need to be a strong attack. Epona's flames encircled her once more, and she charged in. Vespiquen gathered stones around itself once more and launched her attack.
"Up!" Jill yelled. Epona understood, jumping high again. Aaron cursed, knowing he misread the attack. Flare blitz was a distraction. The flames left the horse and she rose over the hurled rocks, pushing them down and away. This bounce was the true attack, scoring a strong hit. Vespiquen lay on the ground after the strike, unconscious. Three down Jill thought.
Aaron was unsure of his next move. Yes, Drapion wasn't weak to fire attacks, but it also wasn't fast enough to deal with this fire type. Conversely, his Scizor was extremely weak to fire attacks. Frowning, he made his decision, brining out the shining red bug type. This would be a battle of speed again.
"Quick attack!" Aaron said. Scizor was a streak. It crashed into the fire types side, getting a grunt from the horse. It lashed out with those hooves, but Scizor was already moving. And its metal body probably could shrug those hits off anyways.
"Keep using quick attack, and couple it with night slash!" Aaron called out excited. He felt that he was turning the tide finally.
Jill was annoyed. Scizor was weak to fire types. But it was so fast, Epona couldn't dodge. And Aaron was smart. He wasn't striking where Epona could use her flames to defend herself or potentially burn the bug type. It was along her flanks.
"Epona use bounce!" Jill called out. Running forward, Epona launched herself up. The Scizor, still using quick attack, followed. Both Pokemon hit the ground, and Epona took off running. Jill knew that her friend was beginning to tire. She needed to end this quickly. The bug was closing again, going in for the finishing blow. This was going to need to be quick.
"Stomp then fire blast!" Jill called out desperately. Epona stopped hard, kicking back. The Scizor had to roll out of the way from the attack, opening just enough of a window. The attack was close to point blank. Aaron could only look on helplessly as his bug type was enveloped with flames, knocking it out of the battle. Epona was breathing heavily though. She picked her way back to Jill, who stepped out. Epona lowered her head towards her champion. The young woman put her forehead to Epona's.
"You were amazing, but time to take a break. We still have four more trainers after this."
"As you say" Epona responded. Jill looked over to Aaron who was sending out his final Pokemon.
"It's not over yet! An Elite never gives up!" he said gesturing with wide arms to the crowd. They were certainly getting a show. And now that Aaron's Drapion was on the field, the Pokemon who had done so much damage to Flint's team, they knew that Jill was also going to have to bring something to the table. Jill stared down at the ball in her hand. Caladan was still out, not having said much through this battle. He knew that Epona was the right choice for this Elite. Just like this choice was right for this battle.
"She's ready." Jill looked down at her starter smiling. Nodding, she released Sphyrna.
Earthy tones filled the dragon's nostrils. Roaring noises filled her sensitive ears. Vibrations under burnt ground. Epona had done a number here. Forward facing amber eyes opened, sharpening on the scorpion across from her. Claws dripped with poison, and the dark look in the opponent's eyes released a drip of battle thrill through Sphyrna's body. Not much. This wasn't the champion. Half turning, the dragon faced her trainer.
"They already know how strong Epona is" Jill said. The dragon had not troubles hearing her over the crowd. She had already tuned that out. Sphyrna nodded. There would be no battle cry yet. The other trainer was saying something, but that didn't matter. Sphyrna lowered herself sprinting forward. Tail back, stabilizing. Then digging. The other one was still above, moving. Its movements were barely there. Did it fly up? No, there were no wings. Sphyrna adjusted slightly underground. There was a tree on the ground. Yes that felt right. Lining herself up, Sphyrna launched herself upwards. Rocketing out of the ground without a sound other than the bark splintering and the ground rupturing. The scorpion screeched as it was knocked aside, poison claws missing Sphyrna's scales. It landed heavily, while Sphyrna was light.
Watch the tail. The opponent was growling righting itself. A brief look at her trainer, seeing Jill's motion of head. Quick yes. That would be best. The Drapion was gaining its feet. Not fast enough, the dragon thought striking quickly. And just like that, her opponent was unconscious.