A/N: Holy crap you guys, this chapter is a monster. It's almost 14,000 words long. You know, now that I think about it, it's pretty appropriate that I put up my biggest, meatiest chapter yet in this story around Thanksgiving.
Tyler: Hey Phil, question. What's Thanksgiving?
DrPhill26: Ah, well to put it simply it's a time of year where people get together with people they care about and give thanks for everything that is important to them. And since I care about you guys so much, I want to spend part of my thanksgiving with all of you.
Wendy: Aw, that's sweet.
Tyler: Yeah, but what do you do for Thanksgiving?
DrPhill26: Naturally we celebrate these precious things by eating the equivalent weight of a small dog and then passing out on the couch watching football with a beer in our hands.
Wendy: I take back what I said, that's kind of disgusting.
Tyler: Are you kidding? That's my kind of holiday. Where do I sign up?
DrPhill26: Here, help yourselves. You too reader, I've saved this big meaty chapter just for you. Enjoy the feast of words!
A light poke to Tyler's cheek woke him up the following morning as the surrounding murmurings of people talking accompanied it. His eyes squinted before opening and seeing a blur of assorted bright colors and shapes. He rubbed his eyes, quietly yawning as he tried to sit up but felt a weight on his chest. Confused, Tyler looked down and saw Wendy still sleeping with her head nestled atop his heart. Even though everything else looked blurry to him, Tyler could clearly see Wendy as she slept on top of him. She always was pretty, but lying against Tyler's chest with a faint smile on her face and her arms loosely wrapped around his body was one of the most beautiful sights he'd seen of her. He lazily brushed her hair past her ear a co before being poked a second time.
"Okay okay, I'm up. Stop poking me." Tyler groaned looking towards the poker. But his vision hadn't adjusted yet so all he saw was a white blob looking over him.
"You never cease to amaze me Mr. Lawson." A sighing voice spoke as the blob stood a step back. "Every day it's a new adventure with you."
"What?" Tyler rubbed his eyes and tried seeing the blob again. With a few more cobwebs shaken from his head, Tyler saw there were two white blobs instead of one. "There's two of you now? Whoa, that's trippy."
"G-lae!" Yuki yawned loudly as she'd woken up from the commotion going around her. She too looked around confused like her trainer did. "Glaceon?"
"Hey, good morning princess." Tyler lazily yawned again with his arm dangling off the bench trying to find Yuki's head. His hand swished a few times before feeling Yuki's ears and lightly rubbed them with his fingers.
"First its the crazy story of how you got here, next its your constipation episode, then its you diving back into snow banks a week later after that's what got you here in the first place. And now you're sleeping in the lobby instead of your room. For better or for worse, you'll be one of my most memorable patients, that's for damn sure." The blob's voice continued. "I'm sure I'll be telling your story to other fools like you until the day I retire."
"Is that a good thing?" Tyler's voice cracked into another yawn.
"Is he still sleeping doctor?" Another voice, higher in pitch than the first one spoke this time as a third white blob arrived at Tyler's side.
"Now there's three of you? This is starting to get weird..." Tyler thought aloud as he placed his hand on his head.
"Well he is awake, but still pretty groggy though as you can see." The first voice replied.
"That's not good. Candice doesn't like sleepy students Tyler. Come on, wake up!" The second blob, now calling itself Candice replied with another cheek poke more forceful than the first two.
"No! I don't wanna go to school!" Tyler groaned as he turned his head away from the blobs and shut his eyes again, pulling the blanket over his and Wendy's heads.
"Can't you do something to get him out of bed doc?" Candice complained with her hands on her hips.
"Well until he signs this form he's still my patient. It goes against ethical guidelines for me to force him awake. Also he's not in bed now, he's..." Dr. LaSalle cut himself off as he saw Candice's frown deepen on her face. "on the um... he's on a bench, not in bed." Candice let out an annoyed sigh as she threw her hands up in frustration.
"Fine, then I'll take care of this myself." Dr. LaSalle cringed as he saw a twisted grin come to Candice's face. She reached for her trainer's belt and detached a Poké ball from it. "We could use your help Froslass." Out from the Poké ball came a floating humanoid apparition that looked like it was wearing a white kimono tied around its waist by a red band. Its face was covered by a snow-white mask, but beneath it you could see a purple face, and a pair of piercing crystal blue eyes.
"Froslass?" Pokémon's voice chimed solemnly as she looked up at her trainer patiently.
"You know what to do." Candice smirked as she pointed at Tyler's sleeping face beneath the blanket. Froslass nodded her head and floated over the bench that Tyler and Wendy were sleeping on. She reached out towards where Tyler's head was with her tiny fingers. Her fingers slowly phased through the blanket and touched Tyler's head directly. Within seconds, the outline of Tyler's body beneath the blanket began shivering mightily. "There, that ought to do it."
"So-s-s... So c-c-cold!" Tyler mumbled under the blanket "Magnus, come here a sec."
"Lava? Quil Quil." Magnus, who had just woken up himself quickly jumped up from the floor and on the bench by Tyler's head. He was swiftly grabbed by Tyler, letting out a surprised yelp as Tyler pulled him under the blanket.
"Much better..." Tyler warmly sighed as his Quilava's heat spread through him and Wendy. Meanwhile, Candice's eyes grew colder and more frustrated as her newest student continued to be lazy before her. Nothing annoyed her more than a lazy student in her classes.
"So you like to sleep do you Tyler? Well too bad, there's no way you'll be able to sleep through this. Froslass, use Wake-up Slap!"
"Lass." The frosted ghost moved its hand back from Tyler's forehead only to quickly bring it back down against his cheek.
"Ow!" Tyler yelled as the momentum from Froslass' attack carried through his less than alert body and rolled him over Wendy and fell on the floor. Wendy soon joined him as she too rolled off the bench with her own yelp of surprise, landing on Tyler's stomach and knocking the wind out of him. Even Magnus fell on the floor, becoming rolled up inside the blanket and unable to see anything. He started running around in circles whimpering loudly until Dr. LaSalle finally picked the blanket off him and he stopped.
"Ow... what just happened? Why does my head hurt?" Wendy groaned as she gingerly propped herself up with her arms. "Oh, hey there cutie-Ty. What are you doing on the floor?" Tyler offered no response, only mouthing words unable to breathe or speak as he looked at something behind Wendy. "I know, waking up next to someone as beautiful as me just leaves you speechless doesn't it. You're so cute Tyler."
"G-g-gah." Tyler croaked out as Wendy kissed him on the cheek. "G-gah! Gah!"
"Good morning to you too." Wendy smiled giving him yet another kiss before Tyler started squirming beneath her. "Oh! You want me to get off, I'm sorry." Wendy gracefully rolled off Tyler greeting the doctor and Candice with a smile while the shocked expression on Tyler's face continued to deepen. Floating above him was a soulless white and purple creature with piercingly crystal eyes that looked down at him suspiciously, intimidatingly, like it was paralyzing him in its gaze. His heart started beating erratically, his breathing accelerated and yet as his body began working itself up, Tyler felt himself freeze from coldness.
"W-wha-what... What is that?" Tyler pointed a shaking finger at the Pokémon as he spoke, with his voice trembling in nervousness as well.
"Oh, that's my Froslass." Candice perked up as the Pokémon drifted over to its trainer's side. "She had a little help in waking you up just now."
"So... that's a... that's an Ice type right?"
"Yup, but Froslass is also part Ghost type too, and a very strong one at that. She's one of my best Pokémon."
"Lass." The Froslass looked at Tyler and curtseyed respectfully in greeting. But all it did was make the color fade from Tyler's face even more as he very cautiously scooted back from the Pokémon.
"Um... h-hello. Nice to... m-meet you." Nervously, Tyler forced a smile and waved at the Ghost who was still looking at him with questioning eyes. "Um... Candice. I don't mean to be rude but... could you maybe... call your Froslass back to its ball please?"
"Um... okay sure." Candice reached into her pocket and pulled out Froslass' ball, returning it in a flash of red light. Once the Ice/Ghost type was gone, Tyler calmly regained his nerves and stood back up.
"Thanks. I don't tell people this often but I'm... kind of scared of Ghost type Pokémon." Tyler wanted to not have to say anymore on the matter but he could tell Wendy at least was curious why, and he knew she'd keep pestering him about it until she got an explanation. "It's my fault actually. When I was a kid I wanted to stay up past my bedtime one night so I could watch a scary movie that all my friends were going to watch on TV that had a bunch of Ghost Pokémon in it. Mom said no but my dad was like 'If you think you're brave enough then I'll watch it with you.' So he watched it with me and long story short, it got me pretty good. I had recurring nightmares for two weeks after that and that's where my fear comes from."
"Aw, you poor baby." Wendy cooed as she gave Tyler a motherly hug that brought a smile back to his face. "You do realize that now that you've told me this, I'm going to get a Ghost type just so I can spook you right?" And just like that the smile was gone.
"No! Don't you dare!" Tyler pushed Wendy away from him and into the arms of Candice and Dr. LaSalle. "You're terrible even joking about that."
"Oh come on, you know I wouldn't actually do it." Tyler glared at Wendy intensely to send a message words would be unable to. "I mean it I wasn't going to... It was a joke... honest."
"Okay, I believe you." Now it was Wendy's turn to let out a relieved sigh as Tyler looked over at Candice. "So reminding me of my fear of Ghost types aside, why are you here Candice? You just here to say hi again, maybe check on Yuki?"
"Actually, Candice has a challenger at the Gym today and I-"
"Gym battle?" Tyler's head perked up and suddenly it was like the Ghost thing a moment ago didn't happen. His eyes sparkled with eager excitement and an innocently childish grin quickly became plastered across his face. "I get to see a Gym battle?"
"Um... yes? That's why Candice came here... I thought it would be a good chance for you to see Ice type Pokémon in battle so you could pick up some pointers for battling with your Glaceon."
"Why didn't you just say so? Come on let's go right now! I can't wait to see you in action!"
"Okay, note to self. Tyler is scared of ghosts, but gets really, really excited for Pokémon battles." Candice quietly laughed to herself as Tyler tried to literally drag the Gym Leader with him out the door of the Pokémon Center. "Now hold on a second Tyler. We can't leave just yet. You need to talk to Dr. LaSalle first." Tyler groaned loudly as he turned back around to face the doctor.
"Let me guess, we've got another test to run." The doctor shook his head and smiled at Tyler.
"Actually Tyler, you're free to leave today. We've done everything that we can possibly do to speed up your recovery here; there's nothing else left for us. Just try not to find your way back here for a more permanent stay again in the future." The doctor grabbed Tyler's hand and shook it.
"Really? I can leave today?" Dr. LaSalle nodded again, this time holding out a clipboard and a pen from that he held underneath his arm.
"All I need from you is a signature and you're free to be released." Everyone could see the excitement in Tyler's body with his arm twitching in excitement as he scribbled his name across the release form. He handed it back just as quickly as he signed it with the doctor shaking his head one last time at Tyler. "Jeez, and I thought my handwriting was terrible. Well, now it's official. Best of luck on your adventure son."
"Yeah, thanks doc. I'll see you around some time!"
"Let's hope it's not as a patient next time though." The doctor clasped his hand down on Tyler's good shoulder and began motioning him towards the lobby's front door. "Oh, hello nurse Kohl. Great timing, we were just about to go find you." Tyler looked ahead and saw the nurse he met yesterday standing before the group with a box of belongings in her hands that Tyler could see were his.
"Hello doctor, Tyler. How's your shoulder?"
"Great, I can hardly feel a thing anymore thanks to you."
"Good, well here's the things from your room. You'll probably want your coat today, it's pretty cold out there." She handed Tyler the box and he set it on the floor, starting by putting on his steel colored jacket.
"Hey, I'm gonna go get your moped thingy so you can ride it out." Wendy started before noticing the nurse talking to Tyler. She knelt beside the nurse and gave her a tight hug, nuzzling her cheek against the nurse's shoulder. "Oh hey girlfriend! Last night was amazing wasn't it?"
"Last night?" Tyler raised his eyebrow confused at first but remembered Wendy's drunken confession to him... and his parents the night previous about the fun evening she had with the nurse.
"Oh, uh... Miss Riding, good morning." Amanda looked at the affectionate woman curiously, clearly embarrassed about what she was doing now and what she had done the night before. "Yes, last night was... interesting to say the least."
"Interesting? Pfft please. I don't remember that word last night, I remember hearing amazing and sometimes heavenly." The nurse let out a surprised shriek as Wendy hugged her tighter. "And there's that cute and oh so sexy little scream of yours. I heard a lot of that too."
"You do realize your boyfriend is literally three feet away right? He can hear us." Amanda whispered worriedly into Wendy's ear.
"I already knew about it." Tyler commented as he put his crimson scarf around his neck and watched the nurse's jaw fall on the floor. "She told me last night. I'm kind of jealous I wasn't invited."
"I uh... well you see... you weren't allowed to leave the hospital until today."
"I'm aware of that. You couldn't have waited until today to do that Wendy?" Her only response was to innocently stick her tongue out at him to which Tyler quickly flicked her forehead with his finger.
"Ow! Meanie." Wendy flicked Tyler's forehead back with her finger.
"You're the meanie here for not inviting me."
"So wait, you're not mad that I... that I slept with your girlfriend." Amanda leaned in close to whisper into Tyler's ear.
"Did you have fun?"
"Um... yes. It was inter... I mean amazing." The nurse admitted after seeing Wendy pouting at her.
"Then I'm not mad. We're kind of open-minded when it comes to love. Right Wendy?" Wendy nodded as Tyler stood up and stretched his back. The two women each stood up shortly after him, the nurse looking much more relieved than a moment ago. "Hey thanks again for the massage yesterday. Seriously, my whole body feels great today."
"Yeah thanks for last night. I needed that pretty badly too." Wendy added getting an amused look from both Tyler and the nurse. "What? My shoulders were stiff. I didn't do it just because I wanted to have some fun with her. That was just the bonus.
"Well, I'm glad both of you enjoyed them so much." Amanda smiled as she looked at Tyler and Wendy. "I should probably get back to work though. Next time you guys are in Snowpoint stop by and say hi okay."
"Can do!" Wendy waved excitedly as Nurse Kohl walked towards the receptionist behind the counter. "Okay so like I was saying, I'm gonna go get your moped thingy so we can get out of here okay?"
"It's a hovercraft Wendy, we've been over this."
"Whatever..." Wendy playfully punched Tyler's shoulder as she left towards the main doors.
"Ready to go Ty?" Candice asked placing her hand on Tyler's bad shoulder. She quickly pulled her arm off seeing him flinch and apologized but Tyler seemed almost completely unfazed by her touch.
"Hell yeah I am! I'm not even fighting and I'm super pumped up! Wait, I am not fighting right? Because I've had no time to prepare if I am."
"Of course not. No offense, but you're not even close to ready to fight Candice." The Gym Leader proudly boasted, placing her hand over her chest. "Maybe later we can do some sparring to test some of the things you've learned, but otherwise you're just watching today."
"Sure thing teacher. I'll be sure to take notes! You guys ready?" Tyler asked his Pokémon as they each eagerly approached his side and said their names. Taking that as a yes, Tyler, his Pokémon and Candice each stepped outside the main door and back into the elements. Tyler half jogged towards Wendy as she stood beside the hovercraft, holding the handlebar to help her stay balanced in the iced over parking lot. "Did you miss me?"
"Oh you. You know I was gone for only about a minute... oh wait, you meant the bike didn't you." Wendy crossly folded her arms as Tyler mounted the seat of his vehicle giving him an annoyed look.
"I can't wait to see this battle." Tyler chirped excitedly as he reached for his Poké balls, returning Yuki and Magnus to theirs. "Come on Caelum, let's go to the Gym!"
"Oh no! We are not doing this again!" Wendy adamantly stepped back from Tyler's hovercraft strongly remembering what happened last time they rode through the town on the hovercraft together.
"Do what again?" Candice asked curiously as she watched Tyler's Staraptor fly above the group, loudly cawing his name in excitement.
"Let's ride!" Tyler yelled as he revved the hovercraft's engine and took off, chasing after his Pokémon that was already flying away quickly from the hospital.
"Hey wait! You don't know where you're going!" Candice yelled back as she chased after Tyler a few steps, but he was already approaching the treeline on the far side of the lot well out of reach.
"Yes he does." Wendy groaned with her hands on her hips. "We found the Gym last time he chased after his Staraptor through town with me on the back seat. It wasn't fun, I don't want to talk about it."
"Then I guess we're riding together. Come on out Dodrio!" Candice grabbed another Poké ball from her belt and from it came a three-headed bird with two long legs planted firmly on the ground. Two of the far heads were squawking at each other while the closest head looked at Candice expectantly. The bird lowered itself to the ground allowing Candice to get on. She sat behind the middle head, who stopped fighting with the right head once the Gym Leader sat on its back. "Let me give you a hand." Candice offered her hand to Wendy, allowing her to get on.
"When did you get this guy?" Wendy asked as she mounted the bird as well, sitting behind Candice.
"A few months ago. I use him to get around town and he's great at it. He's pretty fast too, so if we're in a hurry like we do now, he can get us there really quick."
"Oh please no." Wendy spoke worriedly as she saw all three heads of the Dodrio nod in unison before the bird stood up. "No no-no please no. I do not want to go fast."
"Take us to the Gym Dodrio!"
"Nooo! NO! NO! NO! NO!" Even before the three-headed bird took one step, Wendy was already screaming her head off and only got louder as the bird followed the path back towards the center of town where Candice's Gym was. Yet despite the terrified woman screaming right behind her, Candice was happily laughing, greatly enjoying her Pokémon's swiftness with the wind whipping past them. It wasn't a long trip, only lasting a few minutes but you could have fooled Wendy as her nightmare continued. She'd always hated fast-moving rides, and this Dodrio was exactly that. The quick turns and constantly shifting points of balance gave her motion sickness.
Tyler was lazily tossing a snowball he'd made back and forth between his hands when he heard an approaching scream getting louder. His Staraptor was rolling over in the sky above him, lazily gliding across the breeze but on hearing the scream he took off in that direction. He came back just as quickly though as Tyler saw a bird sprinting towards the gym with a pair of familiar, although contrasting facial expressions on them.
"Poor Wendy. She just can't catch a break." Tyler laughed as he threw the snowball towards Staraptor. It came nowhere near hitting the bird, plopping harmlessly back in a larger snow bank on the other side of the road. "Hey! Took you guys long enough."
"Did you win your race?" Candice asked as the Dodrio lowered itself to the ground and she tried to get off, but Wendy wouldn't let go. "Hey, you can let go of me now, we're at the Gym."
"Yay..." Wendy less than enthusiastically slid off the side of the bird, letting Candice dismount and return her Pokémon.
"Gym battle! I'm so excited to see this!" Tyler squealed as Caelum flew down to Tyler's level and was quickly joined by Magnus and Yuki. "This is gonna be so epic you guys!"
"Man, you're full of kiai today." Candice playfully teased her student placing a hand on his shoulder. "You might even be more fired up than Candice is."
"Hey, it's not every day I get to see my new teacher in an official Gym battle. I'd only be more fired up if I was about to battle myself."
"Great, you're going to get a full dose of kiai today from me so look forward to it Tyler." Looking into Candice's eyes, Tyler could see an ice blue inferno raging in her brown eyes. He smugly grinned as he knew that whoever this passionate Gym Leader was facing would be in for an incredibly difficult match today. "Come on, let's get going."
"Yes ma'am!" Tyler followed Candice closely as she led him, his Pokémon, and a still recovering Wendy towards the main entrance of the Gym. Opening the door confidently. Magnus quickly scampered inside to get out of the cold, but a shiver ran down his spine as he did and Tyler soon found out why. It was just as cold inside the Gym as it was outdoors, and he was very thankful for the warm clothing he was wearing.
His first time stepping into an official Gym, Tyler wanted to take a look at everything he could as they walked through the lobby and towards the arena. A large iceberg shaped pattern colored in shades of light and dark blue was prominently displayed on the ground as they came in which Candice explained was her Gym's Icicle badge awarded to victorious trainers. Making their way down the hallway Candice jogged ahead of the group towards a man standing beside two short, black granite slabs with the a golden symbol above them that Tyler recognized was the official seal of the Pokémon League. But looking up above them, his jaw dropped to the floor as he saw something that captured his breath. It was a colossal ice sculpture of what Tyler recognized was one of the legendary birds from Kanto, although he'd kicked himself for not remembering the bird's name. There was some sort of mnemonic that Justy used to teach him when he was still in trainer's school but Tyler just couldn't remember it as he stared at the beautiful sculpture.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Candice yelled waving at Tyler after seeing he'd been frozen in spot from the sculpture's beauty. "It's an Articuno, one of the legendary birds from Kanto!"
"That's it! Articuno duh... Frost chills one's might till the second spark ignites, then third flame burns bright to the heaven's delight... man Justy would kill me if he knew I forgot that."
"Hurry the hell up Tyler!" Wendy yelled from beside Candice which surprised Tyler since he thought she was still behind him. That Articuno statue must have really gotten to him. Even his Pokémon were calling out to him from besides the rest of his group.
"Sorry!" Tyler yelled back as he made his way down the hallway and rejoined his group. "Sorry. That statue's beautiful though, I couldn't take my eyes off it."
"And you were so excited for a battle too. Who knew a piece of art would slow you down." Candice and Wendy giggled at each other before the Gym Leader continued. "Okay so if you go through these doors behind us, they'll take you to the bleachers in the arena. I'd tell you more but from what Marshall has told me, this challenger is getting a bit impatient. He's been waiting for half an hour already." In naming Marshall, she pointed to the other man in the group who Tyler had forgotten was standing there. He was wearing a light green shirt with the same league symbol logo on the shirt above his heart.
"Seriously, half an hour? If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were avoiding him teacher." Tyler meant it as a joke but it seemed to once again have the opposite effect on Candice.
"Candice does not avoid any challenge Tyler." She angrily leaned her head in close to Tyler's, actually pressing their foreheads together. "Candice also doesn't like students who talk back to her either. And do you know what happens to students who talk back to me?" Tyler shook his head as the Gym Leader's intimidating stare seemed to tower over him. "They get taught a powerful lesson about the true strength of a Sinnoh League Gym Leader." With that she stormed off with Marshall following her.
"I meant that as a joke!" Tyler called out as he saw Candice disappear down a flight of stairs down an adjacent hallway. "Oh man, she's pissed..."
"Yeah. I feel kind of bad for this challenger of hers." Wendy commented as she stood beside one of the entrance doors. "Should we get going?" Tyler nodded and both he and Wendy stepped inside the arena.
Once again Tyler felt his breath get taken away from him as he stepped into the colder still arena and saw the Gym's battlefield for the first time. The arena itself was completely iced over with large chunks of ice jutting out of the field seemingly at random. As Tyler, Wendy and his Pokémon made their way in the stands, Tyler looked around and saw the bleachers were about half full which surprised him. The crowd's murmuring added a hum of excitement to the field, but also a light fog of everyone's breath floating around the crowd. Tyler once more returned his Pokémon briefly as Wendy and he made their way through the crowd to a more empty spot on the challengers' side that gave him a good but view of the battlefield.
From this position, he could easily see the challenger already standing in his box talking to his Pokémon before watching it walk on the iced over field. He recognized it as a Breloom from the mushroom cap over its head and the lengthy tail it had with its green bulbs on the end. On command from the trainer, Breloom began skating around the ice before him using the claws on his legs like ice skates to quickly glide back and forth across the arena. Tyler was already impressed with the trainer's creativity. He knew Breloom wasn't the greatest choice against Ice types defensively, but offensively if it could move fast enough, its punches could deal massive damage. With each order from the trainer, the mushroom Pokémon swiftly changed directions back and forth in sprints, looking faster with each cut it made.
The trainer seemed satisfied with his Breloom's performance as he called the Pokémon back to its ball and began tossing it up and down in his hand impatiently. From Tyler's spot he could make out the trainer was wearing an olive colored jacket with two thin white stripes down the sleeves and the chest. He also was wearing simply designed pants, tan in color that looked tucked into dark brown boots. Literally capping off the outfit was a camo patterned beanie which covered up the black hair on the trainer's head, completing the military vibe the trainer seemed to be going for. He looked strong, standing with an air of confidence around him even if he did look annoyed that he had to wait this long for his battle.
"It's about time." Tyler heard the man's low voice growl as he stopped tossing his Breloom's Poké ball and looked across the field. Tyler followed his gaze and saw that Candice had arrived and was making her way to the battlefield to the growing audience's delight as they cheered loudly. The sky blue sweater usually tied around her waist was now actually being worn which made sense considering the iced over field. But Tyler had to shake his head at the skirt/sock combo yet again exposing her thighs to the cold. It still didn't make sense to him. Maybe she was used to it to the point where it didn't bother her, but it still bothered Tyler. Marshall walked past the Gym Leader as she took up her position, making his way to a small raised platform off to the side of the arena at the center that Tyler figured was where the judge would stand.
"Okay guys, the fight's about to start." Once more Tyler released all his Pokémon from their balls and they huddled around him. Magnus sat on Tyler's lap while Caelum perched himself on a guard rail just before Tyler's seat and Yuki took a spot between Tyler and Wendy, who after releasing Pulse from his ball quickly began spoiling Yuki with attention by rubbing her ears and telling her how cute she was.
"The following battle is an official challenge to the Snowpoint City Gym!" Marshall announced loudly with his voice echoing through a speaker system hung in the rafters above the field. "Introducing first our challenger, from Jubilife City... Jason Ivy" The green jacket wearing man snapped to attention on hearing his name, saluting the crowd and the Gym Leader before relaxing himself. "And his opponent, the Snowpoint City Gym Leader… Candice!" The cool and collected Gym Leader politely waved to everyone in attendance before letting a hand fall to her hip as she addressed her challenger.
"So, you wish to challenge Candice huh? I've been waiting for a strong opponent for a while now. I hope you don't disappoint me." She announced confidently to her challenger who said nothing in response. He only resumed tossing his Poké ball softly in his hand. "Strong silent type huh? That's fine with me; I can feel your kiai from here. This battle should be a good one.
"Each trainer is allowed the use of four Pokémon in this fight. The battle will continue until all four of either trainer's Pokémon are unable to continue. Only the challenger Jason may substitute his Pokémon during the battle. Are both trainers ready?" The judge announced as he finished his speech.
"Yes." Candice responded while Jason offered a nod as he stopped tossing the ball in his hand and reattached it to his belt, grabbing a second Poké ball instead.
"Then let the battle begin!"
"Piloswine, I choose you!" Candice detached a ball from her hip and tossed it out over the ice. From the ball came a Pokémon completely covered in brown fur with an impressive hump along its back and two lengthy tusks sticking out by its face.
"Let's go Cloyster!" Jason's gravelly voice filled the arena as his own Pokémon took to the field clamped tightly inside a thick gray-purple shell. The shell opened up, exposing the Pokémon's black pearly body which had a cocky grin on its face.
"Wow, you're not wasting any time with the surprises are you?" Candice said impressed as she took in Jason's starting Pokémon. "Alright Piloswine, start this battle with a Mud Bomb!" Her Piloswine opened its mouth wide and fired off a volley of brown bubbly projectiles towards its target.
"Withdraw!" Cloyster sealed itself off in its shell in time for the attacks to harmlessly paint the outside of his purple shell with splotches of brown before reemerging once the attack ended with its mischievous smile still intact. "Now use Water Pulse!" Opening out of his shell, a ball of water began forming above the central spike of Cloyster's inner shell, being supported by the spinning two outer spikes above it before launching towards the Piloswine.
"Dodge it Piloswine!" Despite its small legs and the icy terrain, Piloswine showed its experience on the field as he ran up and over a nearby ice pillar to dodge the attack.
"Icicle spear! Don't let up!" Still spinning, Cloyster's outer most spikes began glowing light blue as a large volley of icicles rained down on the arena in Piloswine's direction. The first wave landed in front of the swine Pokémon making him stop before the full attack collided with his large hump.
"Interesting… Not bad Jason. But you should know Ice type moves won't work that well against us."
"Swine!" As if to drive the point home Piloswine cried out in a show of strength shaking the icicles on his body off like they were loose hairs.
"Piloswine, use Take Down!" Again despite the small legs, Candice's Pokémon was swiftly able to close the gap between him and the enemy Cloyster hitting its shell broadside and pushing it back a few feet.
"Damn, that shell is really tough." Tyler thought intently as he watched the Cloyster fire off another Water Pulse that partially grazed the Piloswine. "If I was fighting that thing I could try to get in close with Caelum and go for a Close Combat... No that wouldn't work, we'd be too exposed to Ice type moves and those would crush us. Maybe I could try to steam him from the outside with Magnus and his Flamethrower. That would work better but I'd have to dodge the water moves too. Man that Cloyster is a tough matchup for me.
"Now use Earthquake!" Candice said emphatically striking a pose while her Pokémon ran with speed up a larger ice mound and leapt into the air before falling down with a heavy thud. A deep rumbling went through the arena as white lines echoed beneath the ice floor snapping Tyler out of his thoughts and almost making him fall out of his seat. The ice around Cloyster's closed shell fractured as the shockwaves hit him, but despite the powerful attack, Jason's Pokémon seemed like it had plenty of fight left in him.
"Shake it off Cloyster. Use Surf!" A ring of water formed around Cloyster that rapidly intensified in height and ferocity. The Pokémon's black outline was visible amidst the raging waterspout he'd created before appearing at the top of the column and sending it crashing down in a wave towards the surprised Piloswine.
"Dodge it!" Candice yelled, but Tyler doubted the Pokémon could. Piloswine tried climbing above the arena floor on top of a large ice column, but even that was still dwarfed by the impending wave that crashed down around him. Tyler winced knowing full well that Piloswine wasn't a fan of water attacks. When the torrent ceased, Candice's Pokémon was soaked and was struggling to stand.
"Finish this with Hydro Pump!" Cloyster unleashed a spiraling beam of water directly at the injured Piloswine.
"Use Blizzard!" Piloswine shook his body summoning a mighty gale of icy wind and snow that roared through the arena at the impending attack. The brunt of both attacks collided in the center of the arena forming a flurry of fresh ice crystals that were scattered around the field before both attacks canceled each other out in a cloud of icy mist that shrouded the field. Jason must have sensed something he didn't like about the result as he had called back Cloyster with a pulse of red energy.
"Alright then Gengar, you're up!" His mischievous grin and intense red eyes pierced the mist cloud as the purple Ghost type landed on the arena with a sneer.
"Oh great... more Ghost types. Hooray..." Tyler nervously cheered as he saw Jason's newest Pokémon take the field.
"Night Shade!" A sickly black beam of energy shot out of Gengar's eyes cutting through the mist like a knife as it made contact with Piloswine who recoiled in pain.
"That's okay Piloswine. Use Icy Wind!" Sparkling blue snow blew out of Piloswine's mouth towards the Ghost type who mockingly dodged the attack without his trainer's command. Piloswine became frustrated and continued his attack but each attempt was met with more cackling on the Ghost type's part.
"Shadow Ball!" Blue tinted energy sparked in Gengar's hands as a small ball of purple and black formed between the Pokémon's stubby hands. With another trademark sneer Gengar launched his attack at the Piloswine who jumped into the air to dodge it. "Now Shadow Punch!" Ghastly fist shaped projectiles flew at the airborne Pokémon who had no chance to dodge the incoming attack, taking the attack broadside and landing on the arena floor with a thud. The ice beneath the Pokémon cracked as he lay there unconscious from the attack.
"Piloswine is unable to battle!" The judge announced pointing a flag at the Pokémon. "Gengar is the winner!"
"Great job Piloswine. Take a break, you earned it." Candice soothingly looked at her Piloswine's Poké ball before switching it with another ball from her belt. "Very impressive Jason, but you aren't the only one with a Ghost type."
"No! Not another one!" Tyler sobbed into his hands as Wendy lightly rubbed his back to show her support.
"I choose you Froslass!" The same floating ice spirit Tyler had seen earlier in the day reappeared by Candice's side. Jason's and his Gengar's faces each lost the smirk on them as they saw their newest opponent. "Summon a hailstorm Froslass!" Candice's new Pokémon glowed ice blue beneath her white kimono as she ascended above the arena. A thick misty shroud enveloped the entire room as a light snow began to fall over the arena. It soon intensified and became accompanied by a series of small hailstones that blew in Gengar's direction. The shadow Pokémon faded through reality in trying to let the attack pass through him but hail pellets kept striking him breaking his concentration.
"Shake it off Gengar. Night Shade!" Another black pulse of lightning shot out of his eyes towards the Froslass. She rather coyly raised an arm to her mouth as the attack hit the Pokémon's body. Her body disappeared at the hit, leaving the coy smile hang a moment before she reappeared a short distance away appearing undamaged.
"Keep it up Gengar!" Another wave of black lightning from the Shadow Pokémon arced towards its target only to meet the same result as the first one. The arrogant grin on Gengar's face faded away completely into frustration as attack after attack failed to meet its target. "Why isn't this working?" Jason angrily growled as Gengar started showing signs of fatigue.
"That's because of my Froslass's Snow Cloak ability." Candice confidently replied. "In a hailstorm like this one her already high evasion increases further." Tyler smiled being reminded of his teacher's, and to a lesser extent his battle strategy. Deception and evasion were powerful allies to have on your team in a Pokémon battle and Candice was taking full advantage of that fact.
"Now let's show him what we're made of. Froslass, use Ominous Wind!" Her eyes glowed light blue again as she extended her arms out from her body summoning a black gale behind her that whipped up the snow and hail even harder into Gengar. Jason was quickly becoming frustrated as Gengar repeatedly took damage from the pelting hail.
"We need to fight back Gengar. Use Dark Pulse!" Amidst the unforgiving elements Gengar gathered a small black orb of energy in between its hands and fired a purple and black beam of energy at Froslass. Much like before the attack missed but that was the break Jason was hoping for. "Quickly, take to the shadows!" By the time Froslass had reappeared, the Gengar had disappeared into the ground somewhere in the arena, hiding amidst the icy terrain. Everyone watching the battle scanned the arena looking for the appropriately titled shadow Pokémon but he was nowhere to be seen.
"Pretty smart Jason. But you should know this is our arena. We know all the hiding spots. We'll find you soon enough." Candice announced to her opponent.
"Ignore her Gengar. When the time is right we'll strike." Jason replied to the empty space before him. Candice and Froslass continued their search looking for any sign of their opponent. The Ghost type continued to float through the air scanning the arena inspecting every inch of the field she could see. But it was pointless; the Gengar was just too well hidden.
"Oh good, now one of the ghosts is hiding. This is exactly why I hate Ghost type Pokémon. They just hide in the ground or the walls or wherever and jump out of nowhere to scare the crap out of you for their enjoyment."
"You mean like this?" A voice echoed in Tyler's mind that made him scream out in surprise and getting a few people nearby to look at him curiously.
"Fuck you Pulse! That's not funny!" Tyler yelled at the Lucario beside Wendy. On the surface he appeared his normal stoic self, but Tyler could tell he was laughing at him through the only partially severed link.
"Pulse, don't be mean. Tyler's really scared of Ghost types. This battle's already hard enough on him with two of them; he doesn't need you pretending to be a third."
"My apologizes Miss Wendy, Sir Tyler." Pulse spoke to both of them. "If it bothers both of you than I shall stop."
"Thanks Pulse, I appreciate your apology. Though I'll give you a point for having good timing in scaring me just now. But you're still an ass." Tyler conceded seeing a smirk on the Lucario's face before turning back to the battle at hand. But the lack of action as the Froslass inspected the small ice mountains on the field quickly ate away at Tyler's patience. "I can't take this glorified game of hide and seek anymore! Where the hell is that stupid Gengar?" Froslass was now hovering over a smaller rock in the corner of the arena and looked back towards her trainer who momentarily ceased her own search to offer a shrug. It was only for an instant, but they'd both dropped their guard, and it was the instant Jason had waited for.
"Shadow Punch!" The piercing red eyes of Gengar came to view atop the ice rock Froslass was hovering above with a malicious grin and a black fist accompanying them. Before anyone else could react the attack connected beneath Froslass' face, followed quickly by another fist that became a rapid barrage of punches that pushed the Ice/Ghost type skyward.
"Ah! It was in the rock!" Tyler screamed completely petrified by the Gengar's reemergence into the fight. "Dammit I hate Ghost types so much!"
"Froslass hang in there!" Candice cried out as Gengar's body fully left its icy shelter quickly closing the gap as his punches continued to connect. Soon he was besides the injured Froslass and charged all the energy he could muster into his fist creating a malevolent aura around his body as the fist slammed into Froslass from above sending her crashing into the arena below with a thud.
"Fros…" Her soft voice was barely audible but clearly showed just how much pain she was in as she struggled to get aloft.
"You're a tough one aren't you? But it'll be over soon" Jason said with a smirk. "Gengar, Shadow Ball!" The finishing blow charged up in Gengar's hands as he fired it off towards the injured Pokémon. "This is the end!"
"Use Blizzard!" Froslass' eyes glowed once again as she raised her arms out towards the incoming attack and summoned a ferocious storm of snow and ice to intercept it. The Shadow Ball became suspended and surrounded by the attack while more of it raced past the attack to Gengar engulfing it in a snowy vortex. Coupled with the still persevering hailstorm, Jason's Gengar was pelted by icy projectiles on all sides and directions. Jason looked like he was yelling out to his Pokémon but Tyler couldn't hear his voice over the ferocious wind the attack whipped up. A pair of deeply intense black pulses of energy could be seen in the middle of the cyclone for a moment but faded away as Gengar's apparent counterattack was neutralized before it could begin.
"Yeah! Take that you son of a bitch! That's what you get for hiding all battle." Tyler cheered as the snow-tornado surrounded Gengar.
"You probably wouldn't have done any better." Wendy said with criticism in her voice.
"I don't doubt that." Tyler admitted looking down at Candice's confident stance. "That Froslass is absolutely terrifying and not just because it's a Ghost type. That thing is just straight up strong." At the end of his sentence the blizzard ceased and Gengar began to fall back down to the arena below, unable to keep himself aloft. And yet Jason seemed almost glad. Looking closely at his face Tyler saw a smile. But it wasn't the same kind of smile that Tyler usually got in a heated battle. He couldn't put his finger on it, but it seemed ominous. Gengar landed on his back with his trademark sneer still glued to his face even amidst defeat. Something wasn't adding up in Tyler's mind.
"Gengar is unable to battle!" The judge announced. "The winner is-" He stopped mid sentence as a pair of floating black orbs appeared around the victorious Froslass. Tyler recognized them as the same orbs from before in the blizzard and watched them touch the victorious Ghost type. A black aura quickly engulfed Froslass' body as she began twitching and screaming in pain. Everyone watching the battle stood in stunned silence as they watched the energy being sucked out of the helpless Pokémon; but no one was as shocked as Candice who looked like all the color had drained from her face. Mercifully, the screaming ceased as the hellish aura faded leaving Froslass as motionless as the challenger's Gengar. "Fr – Froslass is unable to battle! The challenger leads two Pokémon to one!"
"Destiny Bond. Quite the terrifying move isn't it Candice?" Jason's throaty laugh came through the arena and now everything began falling into place in Tyler's mind. He must have used Destiny Bond when Gengar was in the Blizzard and got the unwitting Froslass into a dark contract that when one fell, the other would as well. Was that Jason's plan all along? It was a pretty dastardly one if it was, but Tyler couldn't argue with the results as he felt excitement coursing through his veins.
"Holy crap that was amazing! I've never seen someone use Destiny Bond before, that was so cool!"
"I thought you hated Ghost types Tyler." Wendy teased as she pushed his shoulder.
"Well yeah but that was so frighteningly awesome that I don't even care. And because of Destiny Bond now neither one can battle anymore so no more Ghost types... I hope."
"I have to admit Jason that was pretty clever." Candice said returning Froslass to her Poké ball as he did the same with Gengar. "It took a lot of kiai to pull that move off. But we're just warming up over here." Candice pulled her sweater off over her head and tied it back around her waist somehow managing to make the simple act look threatening before she grabbed another Poké ball and tossing it over the arctic arena.
"Show him your kiai Abomasnow!" Emerging from in a shower of silver light was a large shaggy creature covered in mostly white fur with greener patches of fur covering its arms, legs and tail. It swung its arms out in a guts pose bellowing its name in a deep voice before folding its arms as Candice and her Pokémon shared the same intimidating stare and it sent a shiver down Tyler's spine even in the stands.
"Let's do this Manectric!" The blue canine came out with a roar of his own as his yellow mane and the tufts of yellow fur at his legs and along his haunches gathered electric energy. "Let's get off to a fast start. Use Quick Attack!" In the blink of an eye Manectric charged towards its target leaving lighting like streaks behind it as it slammed into Abomasnow's body. But the bulky target barely even flinched as each attack made contact. Manectric stood surprised a moment before continuing with his attack again and again but each time failing to create a response.
"Next time he comes use Wood Hammer!" Abomasnow grunted watching Manectric intently as it darted behind an ice pillar. He watched the blue blur and once he was close his right arm glowed blue, crashing down against Manectric's spine sending the speedy Electric type sliding along the icy arena. The damage from just that attack coupled with the slippery arena was making it hard for Manectric to stand up again.
"So we're not fast enough yet. No problem, Manectric use Thunder Wave!" Manectric stood up quickly, discharging blue strands of lighting at his target. Abomasnow barely even flinched as the lightning hit him, looking largely unimpressed. "This should get a reaction from you. Manectric Thunderbolt!" Jason's Pokémon channeled his frustration into a crackling bolt of electricity that arced towards its target. The bolt struck its target again but like before Abomasnow barely reacted, further frustrating Jason and his Pokémon.
"Abomasnow, use Razor Leaf!" Abomasnow sidestepped the attack and extended its arms out towards Manectric. Small blade like leaves cut through the air heading towards Manectric. Jason's arm twitched as the attack connected with his Pokémon making it yelp in pain.
"Now close the gap with Ice Punch!" Even for a large Pokémon, Abomasnow showed its speed as it crouched farther and charged towards Manectric with both its arms glowing light blue. Frost and snow flew off each punch as Manectric tried to keep his speed up to dodge the attack. The ice floor of the arena suddenly played a role as Manectric's paws slipped trying to dodge an attack. Abomasnow soon took advantage with its left arm connecting with Manectric's side, the force of his punch sent the dog flying back into an ice pillar shattering it on impact.
"You can still go right Manectric?" Jason's low voice sounded beneath the chorus of cheering children watching their teacher's fight.
"Manectric Mane!" He was visibly shaken up from that last hit, but the prideful canine wasn't going to give in yet. His body was shrouded in visible sparks and combined with his roar; everyone in attendance took note of his fighting spirit.
"That's more like it. Use Shockwave!" The electric energy around Manectric became blue like his body and arced into Abomasnow's body. The attack still seemed to just bounce off Candice's Pokémon as he again appeared unaffected, still standing defiantly in the ice field. Its eyes narrowed and the Frost Tree Pokémon cried out in anger.
"Abomasnow use Focus Blast!" In a way that reminded Tyler of Pulse's Aura Sphere, Candice's Pokémon formed its own sphere of blue energy between its hands. With another deep cry, Abomasnow fired a beam of energy towards the Manectric.
"Use Quick Attack to dodge!" At the last moment, Manectric used his agility to leap behind a nearby ice pillar as the attack collided with the ice floor where he stood, splintering it into tiny shards of ice. "Now let's go back on the attack!" More white and blue blurs arced towards Abomasnow who was continuing to getting more irritated with each consecutive attack.
"Calm down Abomasnow. It's just like before, use Wood Hammer when he gets close!" Just like before Abomasnow watched intently looking for the moment to strike and as Manectric charged towards him. His arm glowed once more as he readied the attack but mid swing he stopped. A visible band of lightning surrounded the creature's body paralyzing it from moving.
"Time for our secret weapon, use Fire Fang!" With the agility he'd displayed earlier the Manectric leapt at Abomasnow's raised arm with fire in his maw and sunk his teeth into his opponent's arm. This time Abomasnow actually reacted to the attack, howling in pain as the fiery vice around his arm tightened. "That's what I'm talking about Manectric! We've got them right where we want them."
"You're just full of surprises aren't you Jason?" Candice said impressed. "I should warn you though, we are as well. Abomasnow use Grasswhistle!" Fighting through the paralysis and the burning pain from Manectric's attack, Abomasnow raised its other arm to its mouth as part of its arm glowed bright green like a blade of grass. It closed its eyes and a simple melody began quickly filling the arena. Whatever it was doing seemed to work as Manectric's grip on his arm seemed to loosen. With one last shake of its forearm, Abomasnow shook Jason's Pokémon off him who landed besides his trainer having fallen asleep.
"Come on Manectric, this isn't time for a nap. Wake up!" Jason yelled out but his cry fell on deaf ears.
"Shall we end this? Abomasnow use Earthquake!"
"Oh no not again." Tyler mumbled as he braced himself for another building shaking attack. Sure enough Abomasnow jumped into the air, higher than he'd expected for a Pokémon of his size, and slammed into the ground. Even though he was preparing for it Tyler still fell off his seat, dropping Magnus as the arena trembled beneath the raw power of the attack. The ice arena fractured in ripples and a splintery wave of ice showed the wake of the shockwave as it approached the helpless Manectric. The ground cracked around the sleeping canine, flailing him around like a ragdoll until the tremors subsided and he lay motionless on the arena floor. It was pretty obvious he wasn't getting up anytime soon after that attack.
"Manectric is unable to battle. Abomasnow is the winner! The score is tied with two Pokémon each." Jason scowled as the judge raised his arm to the Gym Leader's victorious Pokémon. Tyler had to admit he felt sorry for Manectric to go down the way it did after putting up a good fight. He wasn't going to say it aloud but he always thought that putting a Pokémon to sleep in battle was an underhanded trick. At least a Pokémon could potentially fight through confusion or paralysis and endure burns or poison. But forcing a Pokémon to sleep mid battle, there was nothing more evil than that.
"Way to go Abomasnow! That was some awesome kiai just now!" Candice was much prouder of her victory than Tyler would have been and certainly more so than the defeated Jason who wasted no time resuming the fight.
"Finish him off Cloyster!" The familiar blue shell was tightly sealed shut on its arrival back to the arena for a second time. "Hydro Pump!" Cloyster snapped open and quickly shout out another spiraling torrent of water towards his foe.
"Dodge and use Ice Punch!" Abomasnow sidestepped the beam to Jason's dismay and charged towards his Cloyster with glowing fists like before.
"Iron defense!" Cloyster shut just as quickly as it opened earlier, its shell taking on a silver sheen as the punching barrage from Abomasnow. Frost from the attack collected along the outside of the stubbornly thick shell, but even so Cloyster's body appeared was tossed ever so slightly around in Abomasnow's hands. Tyler could feel the frustration radiating off Jason as the battle's momentum had shifted even farther away from his control. If only he could break through Abomasnow's relentless assault he could turn this battle around. That chance came sooner than he expected as another visible bolt of electric energy ran across his body halting his attack.
"It's paralyzed again!" Tyler and Wendy said simultaneously looking at each other after they did it but quickly turned back to the action. They couldn't afford to miss a second by trading a dumb look with each other here.
"Hydro Pump once more!" Springing back to life with the same mischievous smile his fallen ally Gengar had earlier, Cloyster unleashed a point-blank torrent of high pressure water into Abomasnow's defenseless face. Not only did it look like it did some pretty significant damage but it created some valuable distance between the two of them as well. "Hell yeah Cloyster, we're not about to give up yet!"
"Now that's some serious kiai." Candice said as equally pumped as her challenger. "Abomasnow use Blizzard!"
"You too Cloyster! Show her what you're made of!" For once the blizzards came from both directions as both Ice types summoned their own snowstorms which collided in the center of the arena causing a sparkling white explosion of dust and mist that once again blocked view of the arena.
"One last hit will do it Cloyster. Use Ice Shard!" Cloyster began morphing a light blue ball above its head much like it did with Water Pulse before. This time however the attack froze over, taking an ice like sheen as it was shot towards Abomasnow.
"Focus Blast!" With an intimidating roar Candice's Pokémon fired off a blue projectile of its own that collided with the ice shard, shattering the ice attack on impact as the blast continued arcing towards Cloyster. The Pokémon didn't even wait for his trainer to tell him to close his shell in response to the failed attack. The blue blast smacked into Cloyster's outer shell and still had enough energy to knock the Pokémon back a good distance.
"Now Wood Hammer!" Even with the paralysis still slowing it down, Candice's Pokémon ran towards the still hiding Cloyster with its glowing forearm and smashed it against the side of its shell. The force of the impact sent the already reeling Pokémon into one of the nearby ice pillars obliterating it in a pile of small icicles and frost. Cloyster's shell lay open beneath the snowdust and the Pokémon remained unresponsive to Jason's commands.
"Cloyster is unable to battle. Abomasnow is the winner! The Gym Leader Candice leads three Pokémon to two." Another cheer from the audience accompanied the sullen look on Jason's face.
"Damn, that Abomasnow is a force to be reckoned with." Tyler muttered beneath a sigh. "Even with the paralysis he just refuses to stay down."
"That's a Gym Leader's Pokémon for you." Wendy said nodding in agreement. Abomasnow and Candice folded their arms, adopting their same stance of intimidation. "It looks to me like this battle is as good as over."
"I wouldn't be too sure of that." Tyler muttered remembering just who Jason's last Pokémon was.
"It's up to you Breloom!" The bipedal mushroom that Tyler had seen earlier took back to the ice arena. It stood confident above the ice with its claws poised for attack.
"Let's get started. Use your claws to build up your speed like we practiced." Breloom nodded at his trainer's command, digging its hind claws into the ice before kicking off. He started slow but rapidly increased his speed as the claws acted like blades and he was soon gliding around Abomasnow in circles without any difficulty.
"Abomasnow, use Blizzard!" Yet another blizzard formed in its mouth as another wave of ice and snow shot out at Breloom. But his opponent was too fast, skating confidently ahead of the attack and letting the brunt of it hit one of the pillars it'd briefly skated behind.
"Use Mach Punch!" Breloom leaned down using its left claw as an anchor to aid in the sharp turn making a beeline towards Abomasnow, his right claw glowing white as he skated closer to his target. It was an appropriate name for the attack as before Tyler could even tell the attack had hit Abomasnow reeled from its impact. Breloom didn't look finished yet as he'd turned around yet again for another rush.
"So you want to get in close huh? Okay then, Abomasnow use Ice Punch." A frosty punch was thrown towards Breloom who dodged the blow and then leapt in for another blow of his own to Abomasnow's chest. The two Pokémon continued exchanging punches dodging attacks when they could. But the Fighting type soon gained the advantage as his attacks began hitting one after the other. He was getting two hits in to Abomasnow's one swing and the quickly building damage was beginning to take its toll on the already weakened Abomasnow.
"When you get the chance Breloom, finish this with Sky Uppercut!" Breloom grunted continuing the punch fueled assault rapidly shifting between lefts and rights and closing the distance gap when it showed up. Abomasnow's angry scowl became more profound as his arm suddenly glowed green instead of blue. It'd shifted its attack to Wood Hammer, raising its forearm wildly. Before Candice could get her Pokémon to halt his attack he swung down as Breloom sidestepped the attack. With the opening he'd been waiting for Breloom stepped into the attack as his white glowing claw extended and hit beneath Abomasnow's chin. Despite the massive size difference, the force of the blow was enough to lift Abomasnow off the ground a good height as it flew backwards towards Candice's feet. His body landed with a heavy thud splintering the ice beneath him as he lay unresponsive.
"Abomasnow is unable to battle. Breloom is the winner. Both trainers are now down to their last Pokémon at three wins a piece." The judge announced over a roar from the audience. Tyler and Jason were just as pumped with Jason shooting his Pokémon a victorious thumbs-up and Tyler stood up throwing a few punches of his own.
"Oh man that was intense. I wish I had a Fighting type of my own." Tyler said continuing to throw punches. "I mean that was insane, I couldn't even keep up with half of those punches. I really want to fight someone... How about it Wendy? You ready to go?"
"Oh trust me, I'm fine. Your enthusiasm is more than enough for the both of us." Wendy sighed rubbing Pulse's back.
"Fine then, Magnus and I will just go do some work later, right buddy?"
"Quilava Quil!" Magnus flared up with anticipation looking forward to some training later.
"Alright! That's the spirit!" Tyler's hearty laugh filled the arena as Candice looked up at Tyler having overheard his outburst and smiled softly.
"He might have too much kiai for his own good. Not that that's a bad thing, I like guys like him." She thought grabbing her last Poké ball and looking at it. "Well, I did promise him I was going to use you. You'd better be taking notes Tyler, the real lesson starts now."
"Its time to break the ice with this last Pokémon. Glaceon I choose you!" Candice's own Glaceon emerged from its Poké ball confidently calling out its name. Yuki's ears twitched as she woke up from the nap she was enjoying on hearing the Pokémon's cry. After stretching a bit she looked down and saw Candice's Glaceon ready for action on the field.
"Oh hey Yuki." Tyler said noticing her alertness. "We should pay attention now. I want you to be just as strong as her Glaceon someday." Yuki nodded with a smile and a cute yawn as everyone turned their attention to the field for this final battle.
"Start with Shadow Ball Glaceon!" A dark purple ball of energy formed in Glaceon's mouth before being fired off towards Breloom.
"Dodge and use Mach Punch!" The purple projectile missed as Breloom began skating around the ice field again. His claw dipped into the ice once more as the punch glowed blue racing towards its target.
"Icy Wind!" A softer blizzard came from Glaceon's mouth as Breloom closed in for the attack. The sparkling blue frost clouded the Pokémon's vision as he swung his claw wildly above Glaceon's body before skating past.
"Shake it off Breloom; we just need to hit them once." Breloom called back to his trainer's words gearing up for another attack only to meet the same Icy Wind as before and Glaceon sidestepping the attack with ease. "Do it again Breloom, I've got a plan, this time use Mind Reader." One last time Breloom anchored its claw into the ice and skated towards its target with a white tint in its eyes.
"Glaceon use Blizzard!" Tyler had lost count of how many times Candice used Blizzard in this fight, but each of her Pokémon who used it pulled it off flawlessly. Her Glaceon was no exception as he summoned a furious ice storm of that bared down on the charging Breloom. In spite of the intense damage he was no doubt taking, Breloom stayed resolute and continued his charge.
"Now use Dynamic Punch!" The hue in Breloom's eyes changed red as the outline of his fist glowed the same color before crashing into the side of the very surprised Glaceon's face. His body flew backwards an impressive distance landing in a crumpled heap before a worried Candice.
"Are you okay Glaceon?" Her Pokémon nodded, quickly getting back up to his feet with a growl but Candice didn't look as reassured as she thought she would be; something didn't feel right. Something in her Pokémon's eyes was making her worry. They'd changed in appearance slightly, having a purple outline to them instead of their normal blue.
"Close in with Force Palm!" Now Breloom's claw radiated a sparkling yellow energy as he skated towards the dazed Glaceon.
"Use Ice Shard!" The Glaceon's tuque glowed light blue as it opened its mouth, shooting large spears of ice towards Breloom.
"Change of plan. Use Mind Reader! Analyze the attack and block it!" The Breloom abruptly stopped in place and began furiously slashing at all the oncoming projectiles. With surprising speed and efficiency, he was dodging and deflecting blow after blow as the attack continued. Somehow he'd managed to weave his way through the attack completely unharmed once the Glaceon stopped attacking. Both Candice and her Glaceon stood astounded at the display as did Tyler and Yuki in the stands.
"That's how it's done! Now Force Palm!" The yellowy glow returned again to his claw as the Breloom resumed his attack thrusting into the Glaceon's side and pushing him into an ice pillar with the resulting crash breaking the pillar around them. Breloom leapt back as Candice's Pokémon struggled back to his feet.
"Glaceon use Signal Beam!" Glaceon nodded back at her trainer and charged up an attack, but whatever it was wasn't Signal Beam. It looked more like the Shadow Ball from earlier. He fired off the purple projectile at the Breloom quickly charging up a second attack. "No Glaceon, I said Signal Beam!" But despite Candice's pleas to use the other attack, Glaceon continued to launch Shadow Balls at Breloom. The Mushroom Pokémon dodged a few attacks, but one finally made contact and knocked him off balance and he slid along the ice.
"What the hell is going on?" Tyler wondered among the rest of the audience's murmurings. "I'm not the only one hearing Signal Beam am I?"
"I'm hearing it too." Wendy replied still watching the field as Breloom continued to skate away from the attacks. "Pulse, do you have any idea what's going on?" The trademark purple hue to Pulse's eyes turned up again as he extended his palm towards Candice's Pokémon.
"His aura is confused." Pulse's voice played in Tyler's head. "It seems like it happened when he took that first punch earlier. That punch has scrambled the Glaceon's aura to the point where he cannot hear Miss Candice's commands. I'm afraid if this can't be fixed, Miss Candice will lose this fight"
"Mach Punch once more!" With another anchored spin Breloom charged, his clawed fist hitting Glaceon again sending him backwards a good distance and ending the Shadow Ball barrage.
"Glaceon don't worry, we can still come back from this." Tyler wasn't sure if Candice's reassurances were more for her Pokémon or for herself. It was hard to imagine being in a worse situation than the one the Gym Leader found herself in with her back up against the wall like this.
"Glacie…" Candice's Pokémon growled at his opponent, opening his mouth and shooting out a prismatic beam of light. The surprised Breloom took the attack, shaking his head to regain alertness after the attack.
"I think that was Signal Beam just now." Tyler thought as the Glaceon shook its body and growled at Breloom again.
"Come on Glaceon! Snap out of it, I need you right now!" Candice cried out as the Glaceon's body shook again.
"That badge is ours Breloom. End this with Dynamic Punch!" Breloom's fist glowed red once again as Jason and his Pokémon could taste victory.
"Glaceon use Blizzard!" Desperation was in Candice's voice as she called out her attack. For a moment it felt like time was in slow motion as Glaceon opened its mouth again while everyone in attendance was unsure if the attack would go off as intended. Frost sparkled in Glaceon's mouth much to Candice's relief before yet another gale of ice and snow came forth and flew towards the charging mushroom. The surprised Pokémon halted his attack at the impending frozen fury and he darted quickly behind some nearby cover to dodge.
"Don't worry about it Breloom, take your time. Let's use Energy Ball instead." The Pokémon jumped over the rock he was hiding behind with a ball of sparkling green energy forming in front of Breloom's mouth. Before landing he punched it with his claw sending the projectile flying towards the newly freed target.
"Mirror Coat Glaceon!" The Glaceon's body froze up as it became shrouded in an orange outline with a shimmering reflection across its body. The ball struck Glaceon's body but was soon reflected back towards a very surprised Breloom who was unable to dodge his own attack as it hit him right in the chest. Jason was quite alarmed at the surprise counter; he thought he'd won and yet Glaceon's stubbornness was keeping it around.
"I can sense your will to win Jason. But I promise you that Glaceon and I are not about to lose." Glaceon looked back at his trainer and Candice's smile deepened seeing the purple outline around his eyes had faded away. "Use Ice Shard." Another round of dagger like shards flew from his maw as they crashed around the still stunned Breloom.
"Dammit this is bad." Jason's growl could be felt more than heard. "We can't let this end now, get in there and use Force Palm!" Once more Breloom's fist glowed a sparkling yellow color as he skated towards the Glaceon in front of him.
"Blizzard one more time!" The most furious winter storm yet descended on the battlefield engulfing the charging Breloom with its fury. Small chunks of ice began clinging to his arms and legs slowing him down and preventing his charge from finishing.
"Breloom take shelter!" Pivoting around his anchored arm, Breloom swung toward the nearest and one of the last remaining ice chunks on the battlefield, hunching down beneath its cover. Now that he had the chance, the Pokémon slashed at the ice chunks formed on its body.
"Quick, use Shadow Ball on the Rock!" Glaceon shot out a ball of purple energy towards the rock Breloom was hiding under. It crashed into the thick chunk, leaving a dent in it but not shattering it completely. "Keep going till you break it!"
"Breloom, stand back from the rock, wait for my signal." The mushroom Pokémon nodded as he skated a short distance from the rock. Glaceon continued to pelt the rock with Shadow Balls, gradually cracking the rock. Small pebbles of ice were forming around the base of the icy shield but it couldn't last much longer. Everyone in attendence sat with bated breath waiting for this decisive moment. Finally the rock couldn't take anymore and with one final Shadow Ball, it fractured completely and fell in a small pile of snowdust.
"Charge in and use Sky Uppercut!" Breloom kicked off the ice with force trying his best to build up enough speed to reach Glaceon.
"Blizzard Glaceon and use all your kiai!" Breloom's claw glowed white as ice chunks began latching on his tail and the base of his claws, and only continued to gather more as he got closer to this latest storm. The gap was getting smaller and smaller as Breloom skated closer, but he was getting slower and weighed down by the accumulating ice from the powerful attack. But he wouldn't give up, valiantly he pressed on with victory standing just before him. The Breloom cocked his arm for an uppercut standing a few feet from his target, but as he did his arm became frozen to his side. Soon the other arm became trapped against its side, then its legs and finally its entire body was encased in a sparkling sheet of ice that shined with the Gym Leader's victory.
"Breloom is unable to battle. Glaceon is the winner, which means the victor is the Gym Leader Candice!" The judge announced raising a flag and pointing it at the victorious Gym Leader. The audience watching the battle cheered loudly again while Jason slouched over in defeat for a moment, letting out a disappointed sigh and returning Breloom to his Poké ball. The victorious Glaceon strutted confidently back to his trainer ready for some well deserved praise.
"Great job today Glaceon. You were amazing out there!"
"Glae Glacie!" Candice's Glaceon beamed ear to ear with happiness at the praise he was receiving.
"Man, she had me worried for a moment." Tyler sighed sitting back in the bleacher. "I seriously thought she was going to lose when that confusion thing happened."
"It was a good battle." Wendy agreed standing up and stretching her back.
"What do you think Yuki, did you learn anything useful?"
"Glae… Glaceon Glacie!" Yuki was smiling widely, nuzzling Tyler's hand.
"I'll take that as a yes." Tyler said teasing her back. By now Jason had made his way across the arena and was talking to Candice. "I'll bet he's already asking for a rematch." He added with a chuckle. As if on cue both Candice and Jason looked up in his general direction, Candice waved her arm appearing to want him to come down to the arena. He obliged, walking down a pathway until he reached the edge of the bleachers and without bothering to check the drop distance he hurdled over the arena wall falling what felt like 20 feet and landing on his feet. His legs buckled but he stuck the landing and walked towards the two combatants.
"Jeez Tyler, you're so reckless. You just got out of the hospital and you're already trying to throw yourself back in it." Candice pouted with her hands on her hips as he got closer.
"Why wouldn't I? The food's pretty good and I wouldn't mind getting another of Nurse Kohl's massages." Tyler joked while raising his hand in a half wave.
"Did you not see the stairs right there?" Candice pointed towards a set of stairs that Magnus was already running down to catch up to his trainer.
"Eh, I liked my way better." He chuckled as Magnus caught up to him and Caelum landed on Tyler's outstretched right arm. Yuki was still making her way down the stairs when he turned back to the two fighters. "My name's Tyler Lawson. That was a hell of a battle man." He extended his bad arm for a handshake.
"So you're the reason Candice was late today."
"Yeah, sorry about that. I was hospitalized until this morning so she had to come get me." Tyler nervously laughed as he took his outstretched hand back and rubbed the back of his head.
"Don't worry about it. Because of the delay I got enough time to come up with my ice skate strategy for Breloom."
"You're not the first person to use that strategy against me too." Candice admitted looking back at Jason. "It's a pretty creative one, and it almost worked today. "Candice is definitely going to look forward to our next battle."
"Likewise. Well I should go heal my Pokémon now." Jason said letting go of Tyler's hand. "But before I forget to ask, where are you from Tyler?"
"Phenac City in the Orre region, but I'm wandering around Sinnoh looking for some fun."
"Huh, you're a sandcrawler?"
"A what?"
"Nothing, just a term my buddy used back in basic talking about our Drill Sergeant . He was from Orre too. Maybe we'll run into each other someday."
"Battle when we do?" Jason's only response was a smirk and a throaty chuckle that could easily be translated into a yes.
"See ya round mate." And with a wave of his hand Jason turned back towards the exit, passing Yuki as well as Wendy and Pulse who had made their way down as well.
"So did you learn anything watching my fight Ty?" Candice asked.
"I relearned that I can't stay in my seat watching a battle." The Gym Leader giggled in response.
"Well obviously; I think everyone watching could feel your kiai today. But what did you learn about Ice types?" Tyler opened his mouth to speak but Candice quickly hushed him. "Ooh! You know what I just remembered? You're finally out of the hospital! That means we can go on our date for Tamato Berry bars!"
"Seriously? It's freezing outside, how can you even think of ice cream at a time like this? I mean I'm layered up in all this stuff that's supposed to keep me warm and I'm still shivering. Meanwhile you're wearing hardly anything and yet you're perfectly fine with going out for a cold dessert? What's up with that?"
"Because Candice is an Ice type trainer. If I wasn't comfortable with the cold, how could I be a Gym Leader here?" Tyler opened his mouth to reply but stopped himself realizing the rhetorical question. "Besides, I like what I'm wearing. It's got a simple charm to it that I like."
"Well it is pretty cute, and it does suit you well." Tyler admitted, bringing a warm smile to Candice's face.
"Look at you Tynamite, flirting with a Gym Leader." Wendy teased as Tyler coyly looked down at his feet. "So did I hear someone say ice cream earlier or was I just imagining things?"
"Right! Let's all go together, I know the perfect place to go. Not only does it serve the best Tamato bar in the city, it also has a whole variety of wonderfully warming drinks too. Let's get going!" Candice clapped her hands excitedly before grabbing Tyler's right hand forcing Caelum to take off with an annoyed caw. The Gym Leader ignored the bird's complaints as she merrily skipped ahead leading Tyler towards the exit while the rest of their group followed them.
A/N: That's that, 18 chapters done and in the books. Congrats to you reader for making it to the end of the chapter, it was a long one after all. But might I interest you in some seconds?
Wendy: Oh please no, I can't possibly have anymore. There's too much here."
Tyler: Yeah even I'm having a hard time with all this.
DrPhill26: But I've got a whole other chapter ready to go for you guys. Granted its for my other story but-
Tyler: No! I don't want anymore.
Wendy: I'm gonna be sick.
DrPhill26: You guys are terrible at Thanksgiving... then again leftovers are pretty common on Thanksgiving too. Tell you guys what, I'll just wrap all this stuff up with some tinfoil and call it a day. But in a couple days I'm coming back at you with an update for my second story as well. It won't be as meaty in length as this one, but it's pretty beefy in its own right. Until then guys, this is DrPhill signing out and I hope I'll get to see you again real soon.