Drake-arys
Brendan's body was physically aching as he put his Pokéballs onto his belt, letting Gwen back out. It's too bad the hot springs in Lavaridge got destroyed. That would be a perfect way to recover after this, he said, seeing that the sun was already setting. They had been at this almost literally from dawn until dusk.
Yeah, well, the Pokémon responsible for that is still in that Master Ball you sent to Professor Birch's lab for security, Gwen said, although she could not deny that a hot springs bath would be very nice. But, it would need to wait until they got back home. For now, they were about to face the two toughest trainers they'd ever faced. The strongest of the Elite Four, and the Champion of the Hoenn region.
"Oh, my Arceus, I swear I'm going to have a heart attack if these battles stay this intense," May said. "I can't believe that he still has two more matches."
"And they are bound to be even more difficult," Lisia said, feeling almost as worried as May. She may not have been engaged to Brendan, but her best friend was, and she wanted to see her future best-friend-in-law win. She didn't care if a best-friend-in-law wasn't a real thing.
"True, and I can tell he's exhausted," Wally said. "Hell, I'm exhausted, and all I'm doing is watching."
May nodded, then seemed to start praying. "Please, let him win these last matches. He deserves it more than anybody," she whispered as Brendan gave the signal that he was ready to begin. "Please, Arceus, Jirachi, Victini, I don't care who."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it's that time once again!" the announcer said. "The next obstacle for our challenger is the leader of the Elite Four, and the member of the Hoenn Elite Four with one of the longest tenures in the position globally, being here for forty years, almost matching Agatha's forty-five years. He took this position after his ten years of service in the Navy, where he achieved the rank of Admiral, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor, among other awards. These days, his two hobbies are training his Pokémon, and sailing. Please welcome Hoenn's dragon master, DRAKE!"
Unlike with the wild cheering for the previous Elite Four members, Drake was met with a controlled, respectful applause, which was paired with a beautiful playing of Eternal Father, Strong to Save. In addition, a few of the audience members, who Brendan assumed were veterans themselves, stood and gave him a full salute before joining the applause. That reaction alone told Brendan and Gwen that this was a man who commanded a great deal of respect from the region as a whole. Drake certainly looked like a seasoned battler, walking with a slight limp that Brendan assumed was either a joint issue from being over seventy-years old, or a wound from when he was in the Navy. Drake had on most of a navy commander's uniform, including a hat, more relaxed pants, and a black coat with a blue interior and a jagged tail, including the most military decorations Brendan had ever seen on one person. Beside the decorations was a single Pokéball beside a keystone. He didn't have a shirt on underneath his coat, but, despite his age, his physique was impressive, giving the impression that this was a truly free man with no restrictions. His white moustache was thick, almost making him look like a pirate captain.
"Brendan Maple," he said with a deep, commanding voice. "I've been hearing quite a bit about you for some time now, and not just from the other Elite Four."
"Really?" Brendan asked. "Who was telling you about me?"
"My old Navy buddy, Briney," he said with a smile. "He told me about how you rescued Peeko from Team Aqua, and he had nothing but good things to say about how you treated Pokémon." Drake's smile grew. "You seem to have a deep-respect for Pokémon and their power. I want to see how deep that respect of yours runs."
Brendan remained respectfully quiet, feeling that there was more to come. He was silently surprised that Mr. Briney was one of Drake's friends, but it made sense.
"You see, in their natural state, Pokémon are wild living things. They are truly free creatures. At times, they hinder us. At times, they help us," Drake said, closing his eyes as if for dramatic effect. "For us to battle alongside Pokémon as partners…do you know what it takes? Do you know what is needed?" Drake opened his eyes, which showed what looked like a pure state of calm, as his voice went deeper and quieter so only Brendan and Gwen could really hear him. "If you don't, you will never prevail over me." While Brendan and Gwen were still getting chills from how badass that single line was, Drake threw his first Pokéball out. "Go, Cassie!"
The Pokémon that came out was an Altaria, much like Ali, but her appearance was more like a fighter than a contest star. She began to sing happily as she flew out onto the field. The cloud-wing Pokémon smirked happily, always enjoying her battles, and with the sun setting, she loved the atmosphere this battle would have.
Brendan thought for a moment, then pulled out his first Pokéball. "Let's go, Turk!" The Crawdaunt came out, and he was quick to figure out what he would use to start. His claws clamped tightly, and they started to glow a light blue as they were covered in an icy energy. He leapt forward and swung with all his might. Turk then leapt at Cassie, swinging his fist hard with an Ice Punch. The Altaria dodged quickly, with Turk punching the ground, creating a block of ice in the center of the battlefield.
Cassie smiled and began to sing lightly, almost as if she was enjoying herself more than she felt threatened by the Crawdaunt. Immediately, she gathered and fired a ball of pearlescent lunar energy, which landed and exploded behind Turk. It wasn't a direct hit, but the Crawdaunt's health still dropped by half. Turk shook himself off as he got back to his feet and coated himself in water as he flew forward. He needed an Aqua Jet to connect with his physical attacks, especially with this Altaria using fairy attacks with such proficiency that it rivaled Gwen in power and proficiency. Turk began to fly around the arena in a bullet of water, his Aqua Jet getting more speed as he decided to improvise further. In a brilliant move, Turk angled for Cassie, and leapt out of his Aqua Jet. He swung an Ice Punch at the water, freezing it into a sledgehammer of ice that was moving at unbelievable speeds. Cassie tried to dodge, but the attack was too fast. She cried out as the pillar crashed into her right side, shattering as it hit the ground, taking the cloud-winged dragon with it. At the same time, the buzzer sounded, and Cassie passed out.
That felt a little…easy, Brendan said to Gwen. It doesn't feel like he's as strong as Glacia was.
Maybe he's lost a step over the years, Gwen suggests, though her tone suggests she doesn't even believe herself.
Drake smirked slightly as he saw Brendan's look of confusion. He pushed a button on his belt which opened the floor of the stadium to reveal the pool underneath as he took out his next Pokéball. "That's it boy, let yourself think I'm a pushover. You'll soon regret that," he said too quietly for Brendan to hear. "Come on out, Achlys!" Drake called loudly as he threw the ball, letting out a Dragalge, which looked like a sickly, brown and purple version of a Seadra, but with fins that draped out like kelp. She then dove into the pool, and popped back up, firing a sine wave of sludge at Turk. The Crawdaunt huffed in anger and flew into the air, dodging the Sludge Wave almost easily. It felt like Achlys was only going at half-ass in this battle. Turk didn't mind that as he swung with an Ice Punch. Dragalge dodged by diving into the water and moving back. Turk smiled and dove into the water. If Achlys wanted to have a battle in the water, he would oblige her. After all, he was at home in water. Achlys, however, was also more comfortable going sub-marine.
As they both dove under, she fired a Water Pulse, which flew at Turk faster than it would have on land. He took the hit, losing only an eighth of his health before he powered up a Night Slash and used an Aqua Jet to fly forward. The attack hit its mark, dropping her health by a third. Achlys glared at Turk, firing a beam of draconic energy at him. The attack was powerful, and it flew fast through the water. Turk tried to dodge, but he couldn't get out of the way in time, a single Ice Beam being shot from his claws at the venomous dragon. Both the beams hit hard, resulting in their health bars both hitting zero, and causing the buzzers to sound together.
Both Pokémon surfaced in the pool, being recalled by their trainers. That was way too easy again, Brendan thought to Gwen. Something's not right.
Drake smirked. "So, you've noticed how easy it's been since we started this battle," he said as the pool closed. "I suppose it's time to introduce you to my next Pokémon, Nidhogg!" The Pokéball he threw opened and released a Pokémon that looked like Falcor from the classic Never-Ending Story. It even seemed to have a moustachio, which did little to diminish the unease Brendan felt with its pink, pupil-less eyes. "Before you ask, this is a Drampa. He is from Poni Island in the Alola region. I will tell you no more beyond that," he said with a powerful grin.
"Then I'm choosing Nikki!" Brendan said as he sent out the Slaking. Nikki pounded at her chest and grunted to show dominance. She clenched her hands into fists as she glared at the dragon, gathering energy for a Brick Break. She then leapt at the Drampa, slamming her fists into Nidhogg's body. Unfortunately, it was already far too easy at face value as the attack dropped Nidhogg's health to less than two thirds. At first it seemed to be a good thing for Brendan, but that was before a crimson aura appeared around the Drampa.
"Oh, no no no," Drake said. "Seems you've activated Nidhogg's Berserk ability. Every time his health reaches below half, his special attacking power increases. And, let us now show you the benefit of this ability!" As Drake spoke, Nidhogg rotated to face Nikki, opened his mouth, and fired a massive Dragon Pulse at the Slaking. It was all he needed to finish off the Slaking, her buzzer sounding as she landed hard, her fur smoldering from the energy wave.
No fucking way, Brendan thought as he recalled the Slaking. He just took out Nikki in one hit!
We need to play this carefully, and we need to be smart, Gwen said in reply.
Gwen's point was proven even more true when Brendan saw Nidhogg shake himself off a little, feathers scattering around him with a green aura. No…he knows Roost too? Brendan's hand went to Avery's Pokéball. She's one of my best evaders other than Gwen, and I know she can fire back if she has enough time, but Nidhogg seems extremely precise with his shots.
I think Avery may be your best option here other than me, but I get the feeling his Mega-Evolution will need to be taken on with a Fairy-type or an Ice-type, Gwen said with a look of concern.
Brendan nodded to Gwen as he sent out Avery, the Eon Pokémon coming out playfully once again, nuzzling against Brendan softly and happily. "Hey, Avery," he said with a laugh. "I'm glad you're feeling better after the battle with Glacia. But, I need you ready to battle again, and this time, I need you at your best with evasion and timing to beat this Drampa."
Avery flew up about four feet as she turned to face Nidhogg, barely rolling out of the way as a powerful Dragon Pulse blasted past her. Avery then fired back with her own Dragon Pulse, the beam of energy moving fast. This attack was a bit weaker, but, when it struck to dragon, it still took Nidhogg's health down to less than a quarter. That, however, may have backfired on them again, as the Drampa's crimson aura flared again.
Nidhogg only rotated his head lazily and fired his own Dragon Pulse at Avery, who just barely barrel-rolled out of the way. She fired an Ice Beam at Nidhogg, who used a Protect immediately, negating all of the damage. The ground immediately surrounding the dragon was frozen over slightly, which would limit his movements severely. Nidhogg glanced at the ground, seeming unconcerned as he was surrounded with downy feathers and a green aura again as his health raised back to just over three-quarters of its maximum. He then fired another Dragon Pulse, this one much bigger than before. While Avery was fast, she just couldn't avoid it entirely, her left wing getting clipped, but even a glancing hit was enough to cut Avery's health in half.
Avery lost altitude with the impact, firing another Dragon Pulse. Her shot was precise, but it still only brought Nidhogg's health to about a sixth left. Once again, the dragon was surrounded by a crimson aura, and he followed it with a Dragon Pulse of his own. This one hit its mark perfectly, knocking the Eon Pokémon out with energy to spare. Avery cooed sadly before she collapsed on the field, ending up almost right in front of her trainer.
Brendan ran to her side, kneeling beside her. "Hey, you did great. I promise you that we're going to win this battle." He hugged her neck comfortingly before recalling her and going back into the challenger's box. He took Clint's Pokéball from his belt.
"Boy!" Drake called out. "You seem surprised by my Pokémon being this much stronger than you last two. Well, my specialty during my service was psychological warfare. I specialize in luring the enemy into a sense of overconfidence, then crushing them with all the might at my disposal. That is why the only loses I ever faced incurred back then, and even now, had minimal casualties and only to make the enemy think they had the advantage. That lures them into making a rash choice only to meet with a painful lesson. You fell for the first two, who serve more as patrol boats, now you're going to face the other four. Nidhogg here is the frigate of my fleet. I still have a destroyer, a cruiser…and a carrier. You're fighting a losing battle now."
"We'll see about that, Admiral," Brendan said respectfully as he threw out Clint's Pokéball. The Sceptile looked at Nidhogg with determination. Immediately, leaving the Drampa no time to use Roost, he used a Dragonbreath. The stream of flames hit Nidhogg easily, dealing enough damage to leave a small sliver of health for the dragon-type. As the attack dissipated, Nidhogg's body began to show signs of static electricity coursing through him, and his health bar was surrounded by a yellow highlight. Nidhogg tried to use Roost, but he was stopped by his paralysis. Clint let the leaves on his arms extend into green blades of energy, and sprinted at Nidhogg, slashing the dragon with a Leaf Blade. The buzzer sounded as Nidhogg finally passed out. Drake smirked as he recalled the Drampa.
"My frigate has been taken out of the battle…but now you face my destroyer!" he said as he threw out a Pokéball. "Come out, Dustin!" The Pokémon that came out was a green lizard of sorts with two kite-shaped wings and red covers on his eyes. His tail was evenly segmented with darker green areas until the tip, which had a three-pointed crown-shaped plumage.
"Cool, it's a Flygon!" Lisia said. "They're one of the less-used dragon-types, but they're really versatile in terms of battle usability."
"I just hope this one isn't as strong as Nidhogg was," May said with her hands folded in prayer. "Brendan, please keep pressing on."
"He can do it," Wally said, sounding unusually confident. "I know he's going to win."
Clint opened the round with a quick Dragon Pulse, but Dustin flapped his wings easily, spiraling around the shot and using a Dragon Dance to increase his speed and power. The red and black aura surrounded him for a moment before he did an aerial flip, his tail glowing a metallic grey. Clint leapt to the side as the Iron Tail slammed into the ground hard, making a miniature canyon in the ground where it hit. Clint hit back with his own Iron Tail, sending Flygon back through the air. The dragonfly Pokémon spun back slightly until he righted himself, unleashing a jet of flames at Clint. The Sceptile responded by firing a Leaf Storm. The Leaf Storm spiraled around the Flamethrower, igniting the leaves, and both attacks hit their marks. Clint stayed on his feet, but only barely. Dustin, however, fell from the sky, landing hard as the buzzer sounded.
Drake huffed lightly, recalling Dustin and smirking. "Your Sceptile is quite strong," he said as Sceptile used Synthesis to recover health. "Now for you to face my cruiser. Come out, Vulcan!" This Dragon was a massive, bipedal creature with a thick tail, and two red tusks that looked like he had an axe in his mouth. His scales were mostly a golden-green, with his chest, inner thighs, the tip of his tail, and a mask pattern on his face all being black. His claws and eyes were both red, and he had more of a beak for a mouth.
"Is that a Haxorus?" Brendan asked in awe, having wanted to see one in person for a while since he saw a broadcast of one of Drayden's battles in Unova.
"Yes, Vulcan here was a gift from Drayden many years ago," Drake said with a grin. "He served in the Unovan Naval Special Forces during the Great Pokémon War. As you probably know from your history books, Hoenn and Unova were allied in that war. During the battle of the Whirl Islands, I came to their aid when their fleet was under heavy fire. He gave me an Axew, the son of his own Haxorous as thanks. He has proved instrumental in almost every battle, and he has made my opponents tremble in fear repeatedly."
"Then I won't disappoint your expectations if you're using such an important Pokémon," Brendan said. Clint used another Synthesis to get his health back up, but Drake's smirk told Brendan that he had hoped for Clint to do that. Vulcan's hands both became covered with brownish-purple energy as he leapt forward, using his tail to slap the ground and accelerate forward. Clint fired a Dragon Pulse at the last second, but his Leaf Storm had left his special attacking powers weakened. Vulcan punched through the attack, and while he lost some health in the process, his Poison Jabs hit perfectly. The first hit was to the stomach making Clint double over, then to the side of his head to send him flying. Despite his health being nearly full, the buzzer sounded the moment that Clint crashed into the wall of the arena. Brendan recalled Clint, thanking him and promising that they would still win this battle. Unfortunately, Brendan wasn't certain that his words would be the truth. Drake was good…really good.
"Boy, I don't want to see that look of doubt on your face!" Drake said loudly. "I did ask you if you possessed the quality needed to bring out the best in your Pokémon. I've seen that in you so far, but I can tell that it's being shaken. There is no more room for doubts. Finish this battle strong, win or lose, and hold your head high no matter the outcome. You're qualified to join the ranks of the Elite Four regardless of the outcome of this battle."
Brendan looked at Drake with a shocked, but thankful expression as he took Jack's Pokéball off his belt. "Thank you, Admiral," Brendan said. "I needed to hear that. But, I think you should know that you may have just spurred your own loss."
"If that is the case, then so be it," Drake said back as Brendan sent out the Camerupt, who gave his bellow of defiance and confidence. He then gathered a ball of eerie blue fire, using a Will-O-Wisp attack. Vulcan tried to dodge, but his tail didn't get out of the way in time. The Haxorus growled angrily at the burn, and his anger began to show as he became surrounded by a scarlet aura, indicating the start of an Outrage. Jack decided to make it harder for Vulcan to get a hit, so he shot an Eruption into the air and stomped onto the ground to start a Stone Edge. Magma-coated rocks rained down while spears of rock shot up from the ground in front of Vulcan. The dragon just pummeled his way through the rocks, not worrying about the fact that his health was dropping below the half-way mark. He finally crashed into Jack from the front. Jack slid back, his health dropping rapidly. Luckily, he held on with a sliver of health left.
Jack grunted and slammed his foot onto the ground again, using a powerful Earthquake. Vulcan lost his footing as the ground broke apart beneath his feet, and he was hit hard with the rising stones. The buzzer sounded once again as the Haxorous remained on the ground, knocked out. Drake sighed and recalled Vulcan, his smile looking damning for Brendan.
"It has been some time since a challenger has spurred me to use this next Pokémon. He has been with me since I was just beginning my travels, when I was just a year younger than you are now," Drake said as he took the Pokéball from his coat. "Now, it's time for you to face Albion!"
The Pokémon that came out was the first dragon-type that Brendan had ever seen in-person that looked like a dragon from fables and fantasy shows. He was nearly all blue, with red wings shaped like the blades of a battle axe, much like Vulcan's tusks, and red scales over his eyes, throat, and bottom of his tail. His underbelly and lower jaw were both white, but neither looked like weak-spots, his underbelly looking more like armor than skin. He stood on four, very powerful legs, and his tail extended about the length of his nearly eight-foot-long body. His head was about four feet off the ground, and he had three spines on his jawline. Albion, the Salamence, seemed to easily be the most menacing Pokémon of Drake's team, and the fact that there was a bracer with a Salamencite on his left front leg only made that clearer to Brendan.
Although, shockingly, Albion didn't mega-evolve right away, nor did an Intimidate drop Jack's physical attacking power. Brendan didn't have time to look at his Pokédex to see what Salamence could have for an ability, though. He had a hunch that it would be revealed soon. Jack started with a powerful Stone Edge. Albion, however seemed almost disinterested as he leapt into the air. The dragon covered himself with a blue fiery energy and dove at Jack. The Dragon Rush attack had pinpoint accuracy, and it sent Jack flying, almost making him crash into Brendan if Gwen hadn't caught the fainted Camerupt with Psychic. The buzzer sounded and Brendan recalled Jack just in time to see a red aura around Albion, indicating a boost in physical attacking power.
That's Moxie, Gwen said, somehow looking paler than her white skin usually showed as she looked at her opponent. That on top of the naturally high attack of a Salamence…I feel a bit sick.
Brendan hugged Gwen tightly. "You can do it. We've overcome tougher odds than this. Don't forget that we held our own against Groudon."
Gwen sighed and relaxed. Yeah, you're right, she said. I can do this.
Use a reflect first to be safe, Brendan suggested as they separated. And fight defensively.
Gwen nodded as she walked out onto the field, her dress flowing in the wind that blew over the battlefield. Her green hair blew to the side slightly as Brendan touched his keystone. Drake smiled and did the same. The two Pokémon both began to glow brightly, Gwen changing into her Mega form, and Albion changing into his.
The Salamence's new form, however, was almost terrifying. His wings had fused into a huge crescent moon shape, while his underbelly's armor had extended to form what could only be described as a harness so Albion could get his front legs out of the wind to reduce drag. The spines around his head had extended, one on each side now looking more like half of an angular falcata. His throat was now covered in only red scales.
Gwen was intimidated for sure, but she made sure not to let it show. No sense in giving the opponent the idea that they were winning psychologically. She immediately began by creating a sphere of light blue energy around herself, the Reflect at least buying her a temporary defense. She then began to use Calm Mind, gathering her energy.
Salamence also became surrounded in a red and black aura, the Dragon Dance increasing his speed and strength as he flew at Gwen, his wings beginning to glow with a metallic grey energy. At the last possible moment, Gwen teleported out of the way. Albion's Steel Wing missed, but the dragon was not about to let that slide. He used another Dragon Dance, gathering more power and speed. Gwen turned as Albion flew by and threw a ball of purple static electricity. The Thunder Wave intercepted Albion with perfect timing, making the Salamence seize up a little. The dragon slowed down significantly, but that didn't stop him.
Albion launched himself at Gwen once more, his fangs coated in fire as he reached for her, his jaws clamping down on her like she was a chew toy. If that wasn't enough, she could feel the fire scorching her body. Owwwwwwowowwow! Gwen cried out as she felt his teeth almost cutting into her. She acted fast, making stones levitate with psychic energy around them before they all began to pelt him. Albion roared in protest, letting Gwen go. Gwen managed to teleport to the ground safely, but she was hurting severely. Her health was below a quarter now, while Albion was still over half. I need my favorite attack, she said to herself. Albion took another dive, his wings glowing with a Steel Wing once again. Gwen knew that she would lose if that hit, so she screamed, her Hyper Voice booming through the field. The force of her shout was great enough to make everybody in the arena cover their ears as hairline cracks appeared in the cement of the seating areas. The attack was incredibly timed, making the Salamence roar in protest as he flew back. His health plummeted, but he wouldn't be content with just letting himself lose like this. He spat out a jet of flame for a powerful Flamethrower just as the buzzer sounded. Brendan was declared the winner, but Gwen was still hit with the fire from Albion's last attack. As the smoke cleared, the crowd gasped. Gwen was still standing, and her health had only been dropped by less than an eighth by that attack. She was on her knees, but she was staying up. Albion, however, was out of the fight, and was back to his natural form.
Brendan breathed a sigh of relief, but his accomplishment of defeating the Elite Four had yet to register. "We won," was all he said. Drake, however, was applauding as he approached Brendan. "Superb, it should be said! That was an incredible battle!"
"Thank you, sir," Brendan said in response. "I don't think I would've pulled this off without your encouragement."
"No, don't sell yourself short," he said with an almost stern look. "You and your Pokémon have the passion and the bond that you needed to overcome me. THAT is what you'll need if you intend to defeat Wallace too."
Gwen, who was now back in her normal state, tapped the button on her own Pokéball, going inside so Brendan could start getting her healed for their next match…the battle of their lives.
"I should also thank you, boy," Drake said with a chuckle. "I'm now heading to my retirement after I watch your battle with Wallace. That battle will determine who will take the top slot of the Elite Four, and who will be the Champion of the Hoenn region."
Brendan's heart started to race as he heard Drake's words, and his victory finally registered in his mind. "Arceus, help me," he said. The sound of thunder in the distance might have been a sign of Arceus answering positively, but Brendan's gut told him that a storm would not help him in this final battle.
Damn, that took a while, but I'm proud with this battle. Please review, let me know what you think, but keep it constructive.
Next Chapter needs no lead-in. Wallace is fighting Brendan, and that will be the end of the main storyline of Brendan's Journey. After that comes the Delta Episode Chapters, and there will be 10-15 of those, depending on how detailed I make them.
Until next time – jmoul18
