EPISODE 14 – A BUG POKEMON CHALLENGE! LET'S GO, TEAM HEROES!
[Entomo Town/Entomo Insectarium & Gym/Beatles Villa/Thursday Evening]
"Welcome to our humble home…" Butterfly opened the gates and entered her villa, which was located on the center of the Insectarium, "Please, come in!"
"Common Mantoto! Let's go get our other best friend and get ready for dinner!" Spider and Mantoto rushed in, he took his shoes off, and they went upstairs right away.
Beckett opened the main door and entered, took his shoes off, walked to his living room, placed his suitcase on one of the coffee tables in the living room, "Come in, you all! I know it may feel chaotic in here for the moment since we just moved here," -coughs- "like three months ago…but we're still unpacking and deciding how to decorate the interior…" Beckett poured himself a whiskey and finally sat down.
Team Heroes, Adam, Bee, and Violette took their shoes off and walked in. Their villa was big and spacious, but occupied with some boxes, some encyclopedias about Bug-type Pokémon everywhere, toys, old computers, terrariums everywhere, and plants everywhere, as if two eccentric people lived here; it felt green, luscious, and very all-natural for Team Heroes and friends, "WOW…amazing house…lovely…"
Belen was timid, unease, looking everywhere, making sure no surprises pop here or there, "Yes…it is lovely…nice house…"
"IT'S WICKED and majestic! Let's have fun and an amazing family and friends' dinner!" said Bee and Violette; they approached Belen, held her hands, and took her to the other L-shaped couch next to the one Beckett's seating; they all sat together with Belen at the center; she felt protected and calmed down.
"There's juices, bottled waters, can drinks, lemonade in the mini fridge behind you, girls…help yourself to some!" Beckett took a sip of his drink and unpacked his suitcase.
"Thank you, uncle!" said Violette and Bee; "Thank you!" said Belen, Bee got up, "What do you want to drink, Belen? Cousin?"
"I would like some Pinap Juice, please…" sighted Belen.
"I'll take a lemonade and Tamato juice for Squarrel, Bee. Thanks, cousin!" smiled Violette and Squarrel, "RREEL! RREL!"
"Thank you for inviting us for dinner as well, Mrs. Beatles!" Francis was nervous but grateful, "Even though we only wanted to challenge you to a gym battle tomorrow…" he began to wonder around the living room checking the Bug Art.
"You are my nieces' friends! Family's friends are always welcome here!" Butterfly took her shoes off, went to the hall's closet, and hanged her jacket and her bag.
"Thank you, Mrs. Beatles!" said Josh, "Do you think I can go upstairs and joined Spider and Mantoto? I too wanna meet their other best friend…"
"One second, honey…" Butterfly walked up close to the stairs and yelled, "SPIDER! MANTOTO! IS IT ALRIGHT FOR JOSH TO JOIN YOU GUYS?!"
"YEAH!" yelled Spider and Mantoto, "COME UP, JOSH!"
"COOL! SO, COOL!" Josh left ecstatic.
"We…we are honored to meet you, Bug Collectors, and we are…we're so grateful for this dinner invitation…" Adam and Kittime walked slowly and waited on the living room's arch to be invited to sit.
"I wanna meet Kittime, Adam. May I?" asked curious Beckett; he had gotten his laptop out of his suitcase and was checking his email.
"Let's join Mr. Beatles, Kittime…he wants…to meet you…" Adam sat next to Beckett.
"Would you like me to help you with anything, Mrs. Beatles? I am no chef, but I can cook!" offered Johnny politely, "Yeah…I had to babysit my little sister often and that required feeding her too; so, I learned how to cook…"
"That's a sweet story, Johnny!" Butterfly smiled, "I could use the help! I love to cook, especially for my family! We love to eat together, since most of the times we can't…but when we do, we love it!"
"Awesome!" Johnny smiled.
"You go ahead to the kitchen, dear…" directed Butterfly and pointed the way, "I gotta check on our youngest grandson, Pax; he has been taking a nap all afternoon ever since he came back from kindergarten. I am going to see if he is up and hungry…" Butterfly went upstairs while Johnny went to the kitchen to start prepping the Pokémon's dinner.
"…And we're grateful for this feast we are blessed with and about to partake; thank you for life and Pokémon!" Beckett blessed the dinner his wife and Johnny had prepared for the whole family and friends.
"THANK YOU!" said everyone in unison; the Pokémon were also grateful and thanked Butterfly and Johnny, "POKE! POKE!"
Butterfly prepared a Spicy Mushroom Curry with sides of white rice, fried plantains, and a green salad tossed with a tangy Razz vinaigrette, but had prepared a regular vegetable curry for their little grandson, Pax – he was sitting on a booster seat between Beckett and Butterfly while Spider sat next to Butterfly. Butterfly also had baked fresh bread rolls and had served little cups of potato soup for everyone as a starter; there were jars full of Oran juice, Pinap juice and Moomoo Milk. Johnny made dessert for later – his delicious Sitrus Meringue Pie – he also made the Pokémon food for their Pokémon.
Markitty, Rodemart, Abeequeen, Kittime, Chickleaf, Squarrel, both Roacharacha, Mantoto, both Venorpion, Flamtis, and Mosking were all dining together in a circle on the balcony of the dining room; the balcony faced the Insectarium's little lake.
"Delicious! This curry is simply delicious, aunt Butterfly!" expressed Bee; Violette was eating some while nodding, "Yeah, aunt! It's wicked yummy!"
"IT'S SO GOOD!" agreed Francis, Johnny, and Josh; they enjoyed the curry.
"YUMMY! YUMMY!" little Pax was eating, looking at everyone around the dining table, and playing with his spoon.
"Careful, Pax!" warned Beckett, "don't be making a mess, kiddo!" He smiled and fed Pax more of his special curry; then, he wiped off some curry from Pax's face.
"I can't…I can't deny the fact that you made a better curry than my Oma, Mrs. Beatles…" commented Adam; he loved the fried plantains side and the salad was good too.
"Oh? Thanks, sweetie! It is a family recipe!" Butterfly took a bite of a bread roll.
"My grandma makes yummy food, y'all!" Spider was proud; he talked while chewing, "She can make anything you wanna eat! I know from experience!"
Butterfly blushed, "Thank you, honey, but please, don't talk with your mouth full of food…show your manners, sweetie…" Spider listened and ate his dinner properly.
"I am still in shock having dinner with our two nieces who we haven't seen for so long!" Beckett seemed happy and eager to know more about his nieces, "How old are you two, now? Eh?"
"I am 14, uncle Beckett!" said Bee; "I am 15, uncle!" answered Violette.
"OH!" everyone was listening; most of them were surprised about their ages, but some had guessed right ever since they met them, "14 and 15…mmm…" They continued eating.
"WOW! It has been seven years! Time flies quick!" professed Butterfly, "But now that we had moved back to Entomo, we hope to see you more often, Bee! Violette! Hope you can visit us whenever possible, dolls!"
"Thanks, auntie!" said Bee and Violette; they were overwhelmed with joy.
"Are you two in school? Traveling? Vacation? Taking time off? Or training?" asked Beckett; everyone seemed curious to know as well.
"HUH?" Bee and Violette stared at each other; they were timid and a bit reserved.
"Yes, sweeties! Tell us what are you dolls doing these days!" Butterfly smiled.
"Well, I usually go to online school and help my mom at the bakery café!" confessed Bee, "But I had come here to Entomo Town, accompanied by my friends, to deliver a parcel to my other aunt…aunt Ladybird…"
"Ladybird? My little sister?" Beckett smiled.
"Yes, uncle! Bee has a parcel for my mom, Ladybird!" interrupted Violette.
"By the way, where is your mom, Violette? Home? Work?" wondered Beckett and Butterfly.
"My mom is at work! She returns home Saturday morning!" confessed Violette.
"So, my little sister is still working down at the lab in Savannah Village?" asked Beckett; he finished eating his dinner and took a sip of Oran juice from off his glass.
"Yes, uncle!"
Belen and Johnny looked at each other; they were speechless for a minute and then laughed, "That's funny!"
"UH?" everyone paused and looked at the Mezza, "what's funny?"
"Our mom's job is also located in Savannah Village! What a small world!" They giggled.
"That's right! I forgot your mom works all the way over there!" expressed Francis; he was almost done eating his dinner and so was his brother.
"I am full…I don't think I can eat anymore!" Josh had finished most of his dinner in delight.
"Are you home all by yourself most of the week, Violette?" Beckett was worried, "I mean you do have Squarrel by your side, but I am concerned…"
"Don't worry, uncle! Squarrel and I stay over our grandparents', you know…my dad's parents, when mom and dad are not home!" Violette looked comfortable saying those words; she is independent and like that her parents are busy changing the world; she also loves her grandparents, Kruz and Riley, and being at the berry farms.
"But what happened to your siblings? Your older brother and sister, dear?" Butterfly was still concerned and curious about her other relatives.
"Eh…my brother moved to Verdant City to pursue his dreams and work at Fhranisa's famous nursery! He loves farming and gardening, like our grandparents!" told Violette.
"That is wonderful! I am glad he decided to pursue his dreams!" Beckett smiled.
"My…my beautiful, strong, intelligent, and adventurous sister is working as a Pokémon Ranger Union full time now! Ever since she graduated from the academy on top of her class!" Violette's eyes sparkled and she had a big smile on her face.
"YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT ORCHID! RIGHT?!" Bee smiled big too; she was surprised.
"Yeah! My perfect sister, Orchid!" affirmed Violette, "Why'd you ask?"
Team Heroes looked at each other in disbelief; they smiled and giggled softly, "That's funny!"
Beckett, Butterfly, Spider, and Pax were confused; Violette was too, "What's funny, Bee?"
"We saw her recently, Violette!" stated Bee, "Yesterday! Yeah!"
"WHAT?!" Violette was shocked.
"Yeah! We bumped into her at Entomo Forest yesterday! She was working!" confessed Team Heroes; they were still surprised and remembering their day yesterday.
"She was in town?! And did not come see us, Squarrel?" Violette got sad and her Pokémon did too, "Rrelll…squarrelll…"
Beckett and Butterfly got worried for a moment; Spider and Pax were trying to finish their dinner, but were paying more attention to everyone's conversations.
"That's not the case, cousin…" Bee comforted Violette, "My dad and Orchid left Entomo Forest to the Ranger Union for work and research purposes! I am a hundred percent sure she would have visited you, Violette, if she had the chance…"
Violette was relieved and smiled, "Guess you're right…she is busy; she was busy…perhaps she would come visit this weekend or the next…it does get lonely…"
"Tell me about it…" murmured Adam; he is a slow eater so he was still savoring dinner, but paused to chip in, "I too have busy parents and relatives…my little sister is either at school, with one of my parents, or grandparents…I used to spend a lot of time on my own…until…until I met Kittime and I met you guys…" Adam smiled slowly.
Everyone felt sad for Adam; they were staring at each other silently for a minute, but then Beckett curiously asked Adam, "When did you get Kittime? And how long have you been friends with all of them, Adam?"
"Eh?" Adam got nervous; he responded timidly, "We…Kittime and I have known each other for a while…" Kittime was done eating and jumped to Adam's head and rested, "but this little guy just became my Pokémon this morning…"
"WHAT? Just this morning?" Beckett, Butterfly, and Spider were shocked. Pax was done with dinner and was dismissed by Beckett; Pax decided to go watch TV.
"Really? I didn't know that!" said Violette.
"It's true!" confirmed Team Heroes and Bee.
"I also just met – just met Team Heroes, Bee and Violette today…" shared Adam; he seemed a bit awkward and reserved.
"Wow…" Butterfly, Beckett, and Spider were mesmerized; Beckett continued, "That is wonderful and bizarre…"
"Bizarre? What do you mean, uncle?" wondered Bee and Violette.
"By the way you guys act towards each other…the way you guys talk to each other…the fact that you all arrived together as a group and team…it really looks like you guys have been friends forever…" observed and deduced Beckett.
"Those are good observations, darling…" said Butterfly, "I mean, Francis and his friends are a team and you, Adam, and my nieces, look like you could be a team as well!" she giggled.
"UH? A team?!" Adam, Bee, and Violette looked at each other awkwardly and confused, but then smiled and thought that was funny to say or even think about it.
"I thought the same, honey!" explained Beckett, "When they came to help me defeat Sunlix and rescued Flamtis and Mantoto, I thought they worked well as a team; I really think you three can be one…"
Team Heroes began imagining Bee, Adam, and Violette as a team, as their friends and rivals.
"We couldn't! He-he!" replied Adam, Bee, and Violette; they chuckled and scratched their heads uncomfortably, "The real team here is Team Heroes! They will show you why they make a good team tomorrow, uncle and aunt!" expressed Bee and Violette; Adam agreed.
"Oh, yeah…so, you three are a Pokémon Team League's participating team, right?" asked Butterfly.
"You bet! We are Team Heroes!" Francis was proud, "I am the leader of this team, Mrs. Beatles!"
"Fantastic! So far, I'm impressed by your leadership, Francis; when you guys came to help me battle Team EXO earlier, I saw how you took charge and led your team. Who is the rest of your team, Francis?" wondered Butterfly.
"That would be us, Mrs. Beatles! My name is Belen! It's a pleasure to meet you and have met your family!"
"It's also a pleasure to meet you all!" Butterfly smiled.
"And my brother here is our last member of our team!" confirmed Belen.
"Oh, Johnny!" exclaimed Butterfly, "The amazing cook is your brother?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"That is great! So, you're the sister he's was talking about…you do have resemblances…" confessed Butterfly.
"EH? Johnny has been talking about me?" Belen was curious, but then Johnny interrupted.
"Yes, madame Beatles! I am part of Team Heroes along with my little sister and best friend!"
"Fantastic!" Butterfly had finished eating her dinner and was gathering the dirty plates, "My grandson had told me you guys want to challenge my gym in an official Pokémon battle?"
"Yes! We'd like that!" Team Heroes were nervous yet confident they were ready.
"Sweet! I take your challenge!" stated Butterfly; she was pumped as she experienced Team Heroes' battling style before, "Team Heroes, you are actually the first team that has challenge me in a gym battle!"
"Say what?" everyone was surprised, except Beckett and Spider.
"We just moved here and I just took over the gym once again last week!" revealed Butterfly, "Our second child was the previous gym leader, but once we came back, she told us that she wanted to challenge the Johto Pokémon League so she left…"
"She is an excellent Pokémon trainer and she's been dying to travel to Johto ever since she visited Kanto so many times because we lived there; although she is married and has a kid, when the kid is in school, she travels to Johto back and forth these days…" Beckett chuckled, "She is so like her parents!" He took a family photo album from one of the bar's drawers and showed everyone some family pictures.
Team Heroes and everyone else looked at the pictures and smiled; Francis was curious, "How come you two decided to become Bug Collectors?"
"Huh?" everyone was also curious to know; they paid attention.
"That's a great question, Francis!" Beckett looked in another drawer another album and he found it, "When Butterfly and I had our first date…we wanted to go to our favorite spot of Entomo Forest, but somehow we ended up lost for a while; suddenly, we found ourselves at the center of Entomo Forest with a colossal tree in front of us!"
"Colossal Tree?!" Team Heroes and Bee flinched; they were puzzled, "he wouldn't be talking about…" they murmured among themselves.
"Yes, darlings, it was the biggest tree we have ever seen in the entire region! True story!" stated Butterfly.
"We decided to just have our romantic picnic under this colossal tree; we began drinking a glass of wine when suddenly we felt as if the tree was talking to us…" continued Beckett.
"Talking to you two?" wondered Bee and Violette.
"Yes, dolls…we felt as it the tree was communicating with us thru earth vibrations, wind movements, and the sweet aroma of its cherry blossoms…so romantic…the memories…" explained Butterfly; she sighted and had the biggest smile on her face.
"What my wife said…" continued Beckett, "Needless to say, we weren't Pokémon trainers back then; we just had finished high school and we finally got the chance to go on a date after meeting in our first year of high school..."
"Aww…what a sweet story…" everyone was listening to the story; they were interested.
"The weird aura surrounding us stopped for a while, so we continued with our picnic; we ate the delicious sandwiches my wife made back then accompanied with a salad, bread rolls, fresh squeezed OJ, and cookies for dessert! I still remember that amazing lunch, you prepared for us, sweetheart!" Beckett chuckled; he looked at his wife.
Butterfly blushed and smiled, "I cooked with all my heart even when it was beating a hundred thousand miles per minute being so nervous about our first date…"
"I love you, honey!" said Beckett, "Anyways, we finished with lunch and we were about to have some cookies when we realized there were two Bug-type Pokémon on our sides coming out from some bushes…"
"Bug-type Pokémon?" everyone was curious.
"Yes, darlings! They were two Silkypede; they were timidly and innocently staring at us eating my homemade chocolate chip cookies," said Butterfly.
"Silkypede?" pondered everyone.
"Yeah! They were tiny and harmless; they just wanted to try the cookies since the aroma had reached their nest and they looked hungry…" expressed Beckett, "we gave them some to eat right then and there and one cookie to-go, so they can take it to their homes for later; they were the happiest Pokémon we have ever seen!"
"It really touched our hearts seeing them act like that, like how Pokémon can act just like humans do! You know, they have feelings, cravings, tastes, routines, and mannerisms like we humans do!" commented Butterfly.
"WOW…that is so true…" agreed everyone.
"After they left with one chocolate chip cookie each, there was a moment of blissful silence, but then the colossal tree began to glow in a rainbow of colors! Without realizing the time, dusk had arrived and we felt confused, terrified, and petrified…" explained Beckett, "We couldn't leave, as if something or someone was telling us to stay…"
Everyone was paying attention and were wondering what happened next, "Tell us more…"
"All of the sudden, the colossal tree began to shake and the ground moved too…" continued Beckett, "At last, a golden glow was coming from the top of tree and then, BOOM!"
"BOOM?!" everyone was shocked.
"A flash! The tree's cherry blossoms were pouring to the ground and we were showered with them…out of the mist and gust, came the two Silkypede we gave the cookies to smiling and crawling down the tree; they approached us and delicately kissed our hands in gratitude; we were breathless…"
"Really? That happened?" asked everyone.
"Yes, kids! It happened!" claimed Butterfly.
"The Silkypede evolved in front of us right then and there, but it was the most magical evolutions we have ever witnessed…" continued Beckett, "because they evolved twice!"
"What? Twice?!"
"Correct! Instead of evolving to their larvae forms and then their final forms, the Silkypede evolved to their final forms!" explained Butterfly.
"WOW! Did they?!"
"Yes! One of them evolved into a Bombyx and the other into a Morphyx!" Beckett was having fun telling his story, "The most beautiful Bombyx and Morphyx we've ever seen!"
"Amazing! A Bombyx and a Morphyx!" everyone looked at each other.
"Both of them flew around us in joy, sprinkling us their silver wind powder…" Butterfly had closed her eyes and imagined being there, "The powder was soothing and calmed us down…"
"Indeed! We didn't feel nervous or scared any longer; somehow, we knew they wanted more cookies and we gave them the remaining cookies we had; they said thanks and flew up to the tree's top, which was really high up that we couldn't see it or see them after they left…" continued Beckett.
"I began to pack our belongings so that we can finally return to town, but as we were about to leave…BAM!" told Butterfly, "Hundreds of Bombyx and Morphyx came out of the tree flying around, happy, delighted, and satisfied! It appeared they all had a bite of my cookies and they came out to say thanks! It was truly a once in a lifetime experience for both of us! On our first date!"
"True! It was simply spectacular and breathtaking!" stated Beckett.
"Ever since that experience, we decided to devote our lives to protect and care for Entomo Forest and all the Bug-type Pokémon that live there!" expressed Butterfly.
"We also decided to build an Insectarium where all the injured or left behind Bug-type Pokémon can stay, recover, and have a home!" expressed Beckett.
"WOW! That's how you both became Bug Collectors!" claimed Francis; everyone was glad to have heard Beckett and Butterfly's story.
"Correct! Whenever we come across any Bug-type Pokémon, we kindly ask them for a battle…" explained Butterfly, "And if we win, we ask them kindly if they wanna come home with us or stay in the wild. Most of them come with us and make themselves at home here at our Insectarium!"
"DOPE!" said Francis and Josh.
"That's awesome!" said the Mezza siblings.
"We never knew! We have such amazing and kind relatives!" said Bee and Violette.
"You are…you two are incredible…" murmured Adam.
"By now you Team Heroes should know that we specialize in Bug-type Pokémon and our gym is dedicated and designed for Bug-type Pokémon trainers only!" explained Butterfly, "We will give you a tour tomorrow before our battle, what do you say?"
"That's neat! We would like to have a tour of the gym!" said Francis all thrilled.
"We just passed by the gym today; we didn't get the chance to fully tour the facilities…" commented Belen and Johnny.
"No problem! We can do that tomorrow and my wife will explain to you, team, how the gym battle is going to go; alright?" said Beckett.
"ALRIGHT!" Team Heroes seemed excited.
Everyone had finished eating dinner and dessert; they were full and ready to get a good night sleep; Spider and Pax said goodbye and went upstairs; Josh went to the living room to play with his PokePAD. Belen, Bee, and Violette helped Butterfly collect the dirty dishes and helped washing them as well; Francis, Johnny, and Adam cleaned and fixed the dining room and cleaned after all the Pokémon.
"Where are you guys staying at? The Pokémon Center?" wondered Beckett.
"I think so…we have to go check in and hopefully get a room…" said Francis.
"I…Kittime and I have to go home…" said Adam, "we live close to the lake…but we will…we'll be back tomorrow to see Team Heroes in action, if my grandparents allow us…"
"The lake? Isn't too dark to walk over there at this time?" commented Beckett.
Butterfly and the girls joined the boys, "What are you guys talking about?"
"Team Heroes are going to stay at the Pokémon Center here in town, but Adam has to go all the way to the lake to get home!" told Beckett.
"Is that so?" said Butterfly, "The girls have told me that they too must go home; Bee is going to stay at Violette's until tomorrow. They want to see Team Heroes' gym battle!"
"If that's the case…" thought Beckett, "why don't you all stay here!"
"HUH? Stay here?!"
"We have two guests' rooms with two bunk beds each…we decided to get those in case family visits; the girls can stay in one room and the boys in the other!" explained Butterfly, "is this something you would prefer to do, kids? Or you rather want to leave?"
"Really? We can stay here for the night?" Team Heroes and friends could not believe it.
"Of course, you can stay here! Just let your relatives know where you are and when you will be back home, before you go to sleep, alright?" said Beckett.
"DEAL!" They were delighted.
"Fantastic! Now, let me show you to your rooms so you can all unwind and prepare for tomorrow…and don't forget to call your families!" said Butterfly, "Follow me!"
"AWESOME!" Team Heroes and friends, after recalling their Pokémon, followed Butterfly; Beckett stayed in the living room, poured himself another glass, and checked his laptop.
Francis and Josh called and spoke with their father, as their mom was already asleep; he was happy to hear from them and very proud of their growth so far; he wished them good luck tomorrow. Johnny and Belen called their mother, but she didn't answer so, they left her a message; Belen said goodnight to the boys and left to the girls' room. Adam called his grandparents, but they were asleep; Daisy picked up and took a message. Bee called both her mom and dad; they were happy Bee was out there making friends and becoming a better Pokémon trainer; they gave her permission to stay with her relatives and her friends, but to call Irving whenever she was ready to be picked up this weekend. Violette called her grandparents and told them she was staying over her relatives for the night and then she was going to see Team Heroes' gym battle tomorrow; they told her to have fun, reconnect with relatives, and make friends; they all finished their calls. They all relaxed, chatted a bit, got comfy, and finally fell asleep.
[Entomo Town/Entomo Insectarium & Gym/Friday]
The Beatles had gotten up early and began their morning routine; they had left breakfast prepared for their guests. Beckett and Butterfly dropped off Spider and Pax at school, so they can focus on taking care of the family business without being interrupted by their grandkids; they made their way back to their gym. Mrs. JoJo was already at the reception desk taking care of the agenda and answering some calls; Beckett and Butterfly's top apprentices were waiting at the reception area…
"Mr. and Mrs. Beatles! Good morning!" greeted both apprentices.
"Morning, Anthony! Morning, Firefly! How are you two doing?" asked the Beatles.
"We are doing great! Ready to learn and ready to train!" said both apprentices.
"That's the spirit!" said Beckett, "Without consistency, there's no discipline and growth!"
"I'm glad you two are ready to work! We have our first team challenge today!" disclosed Butterfly, "My Pokémon and I are pumped!"
"What? What do you mean, coach?" wondered both apprentices.
"Oh! I don't recall explaining this to you guys before but, the Pokémon Federation has launched a new championship this year called the Fhranisa Pokémon Team League, and it consists of twelve teams competing for the top spot!" explained Butterfly.
"What…" the apprentices were surprised and puzzled.
"Instead of being just the Fhranisa League where the federation crowns a single champion, they created the Team League this year where they will be crowning the best team of Pokémon trainers in Fhranisa – perhaps the best in the world!" explained Beckett.
Both apprentices' eyes' glowed and they were thrilled to hear such amazing and unique news, "Wow! That's so uncommon yet fascinating! A Pokémon Team League!"
"It's fresh, bold, and exciting!" commented Butterfly, "I am so glad I decided to become a gym leader this year!"
Beckett opened the gym's doors and welcomed the Pokémon trainers and their Bug-type Pokémon that had been waiting outside; they said, "Good morning, coach!"
"Good morning, everyone! Please, come in and start your training!" said Beckett, "We will be going around the gym checking on everyone before our challengers arrive! GET MOVING AND DO YOUR BEST!"
"YES, SIR!" Everyone and their Pokémon were pumped; they entered the gym.
"Anthony and Firefly come with me, please!" directed Butterfly, "We must go through the Pokémon Federation's manuals to learn the new Team League's battle dynamics and regulations before Team Heroes arrive! We need to learn and know our stuff since it is our first time doing this!"
"YES, COACH!" They all entered the gym and went directly to Butterfly's office.
"Mrs. JoJo, let me know when Team Heroes and friends arrive, please. I will give them a tour of the gym before they battle today!" directed Beckett and then went to open the museum.
"Yes, Mr. Beatles! I will let you know!" said Mrs. JoJo.
Team Heroes and friends woke up, fixed their beds and rooms, ate the breakfast Butterfly had left for them and rushed to the gym; "I can't believe today is the day, team!" Francis was impatient yet lively; they entered the gym together.
"Good morning, Mrs. JoJo!" Team Heroes and company arrived; the facilities were busy with Pokémon trainers and their partners going and coming.
"Morning, kids!" said Mrs. JoJo, "Please, could you wait here until Mr. Beatles comes and gets you, guys?" She dialed Beckett and he answered, he was on his way.
"No problem!" Everyone was excited, but Team Heroes were nervous; Belen got extra nervous once she saw all the Bug-type Pokémon crawling and flying around.
"It's busy today, guys! I wonder if all these trainers are here to challenge the gym leader or if they're here because there's another exhibition later…" wondered Josh.
"Maybe…but I'm sure there's no an exhibition today; they would've told us!" said Johnny.
"Alrighty, kids! Mr. Beatles is on the way," explained Mrs. JoJo, "Now, Team Heroes, is it?"
"Yes, ma'am!" They approached the front desk.
"I need you three to activate your PokeDEX Apps so I can register you individually and as a team; I need to register all of your Pokémon as well and put you guys in the systems!" directed Mrs. JoJo. Team Heroes complied and they got signed up; now anytime they go and challenge a new gym, they will be in their systems too. "You're all set, Team Heroes! Welcome to Entomo Gym and good luck! I hope you get your badges!" smiled Mrs. JoJo.
"Morning, kids!" said Beckett, "Welcome back!"
"Uncle! Good morning!" said Bee and Violette; they hugged Beckett.
"Morning, Mr. Beatles!" said the rest.
"You guys ready?" asked Beckett, "I know you can do it!"
"We're ready, sir!" replied Francis confidently.
"GOOD! Now, follow me! Let me give you a quick tour of the gym's facilities before we enter the gym's arena!" Beckett led the way around his gym.
"As you can see, our gymnasium possesses excellent amenities, awesome fitness classes, amazing personal coaches, and a variety of resources which are super beneficial for both trainers and their Pokémon…" explained Beckett, "BUT all our club members are only allowed to train here if they have a Bug-type Pokémon partner with them; we're a Bug-type Pokémon Gym exclusively, so…" explained Beckett while walking around the gym.
"WOW…we've never been in a gym such as this…so huge…" commented Team Heroes.
"Our gym is reserved to members only; all the people you see here today are members of our club, which specializes in Bug-type Pokémon. We have equipment designed exclusively for Pokémon with such attribute which will enhance their strength, abilities, and form along with their respective trainers – both, trainer and Pokémon, get a lot of benefits of working out here in our facilities!" He showed some machines to Team Heroes and company.
"Amazing!" everyone was impressed, except Belen; she was hiding among the group.
"All the official Pokémon gyms around Fhranisa are like this, with the exception of the Champions Town's gym, which welcomes all the types of Pokémon!" disclosed Beckett; he led everyone to the pool area where a big jacuzzi, a couple of human and Pokémon size barrel saunas, and a steam room were located adjacent to the Olympic size pool; some trainers and their Pokémon were using them.
"What's wrong, sis? Why are you trembling so much?" Johnny was worried.
"There are…there are so many…so many bugs here…" Belen squinted.
"Are you going to be fine, Belen? If you're very uncomfortable, maybe we should leave and challenge another gym…" proposed Francis, but he looked down after saying so.
"Uh? Another gym?!" Belen shook her head, "I'm okay - I'm going to be okay! We'll leave as soon as we get our badges…" she faked giggled, "I can handle it…"
Francis smiled and encouraged her, "That's the spirit! I know I can count on you!"
"If you guys have a Bug-type Pokémon and you would like to train here and get coached, you are welcome to become members!" confessed Beckett; he handled some pamphlets, "Our memberships are affordable and we also have different payment plans! Now, let's visit the last area before we head to the arena…" Everyone followed Beckett and they made it to a classroom facility, located next to the gym's arena entrance.
Beckett opened the doors, "Here, we teach and mentor our members with literature, articles, research, and books that have valuable information about Bug-type Pokémon and their kingdom! We also offer nutrition classes, cooking classes, and breeding classes that only have to do with…"
"Bug-type Pokémon! We know!" finished everyone.
"Excellent! You are paying attention!" Beckett led the group to the arena, "Without further ado, I welcome you all to the gym's battle arena!" The arena was built to resemble a tropical forest; they were staying close to the main stairs, "WOW! This place is amazing!"
"LOOK! THEY'RE HERE!" cheered the crowd; apparently, the gym arena got full of spectators eager to watch Butterfly and her apprentices in action, "BATTLE! BATTLE!"
"I wish you three good luck! Sincerely!" said Beckett, "The rest of you can come with me! You will be watching the battles from the VIP suite!"
"Good luck, big bro! Good luck, guys! You can do this!" Josh fist-bumped Team Heroes.
"Yeah, Team Heroes! You have what it takes to be victorious!" encouraged Violette.
"You got this, Team Heroes! Bebe and I have faith in all of you!" said Bee.
"Kittime and I…we…we have faith in you as well! Good luck…," said Adam.
"Let's go, kids! It's time!" Beckett and the rest left.
Team Heroes entered the arena and walked to the center, where Butterfly, Anthony, and Firefly were waiting.
"Welcome, Team Heroes, to my humble gym!" greeted Butterfly, "This is Anthony and Firefly; my top apprentices!"
"Morning, Mrs. Beatles! Hello, Anthony and Firefly!" said Team Heroes; they were curious about Butterfly's apprentices being there.
"Before we begin, I am going to explain the rules!" stated Butterfly, "The team leader is the only one who can challenge the gym leader, ME, to a gym battle, BUT the remaining team members must challenge and defeat my top apprentices before the leader reaches me!"
"UH? Explain that again?" Francis was confused; Johnny and Belen were too.
"No problem! Listen carefully, the first three gyms you challenge as a team will have this dynamic: team members battle the gyms' top apprentices, while the team leader battles the gym leader! Got it?"
"OH! That's how's going to work…got it!" Team Heroes understood.
"Lastly, you three are allowed to substitute your Pokémon during a gym challenge, but not us," explained Butterfly, "And as a team, you're allowed a lifeline!"
"A lifeline? What's that?!"
"It means, for example, if Belen only has one Pokémon in her roster but faints during a gym challenge, she's allowed to use one of her team's Pokémon…" continued Butterfly.
"WOW! That's great news! YEY!" Team Heroes got upbeat.
"BUT, here's the catch…" said Butterfly, "the Pokémon that saves another team member from defeat is NOT allowed to battle anymore during the rest of the gym challenge!"
"WHAT?! NOT FAIR!" whined Team Heroes; they got a bit tense again.
"Those are the rules! Are you willing to follow the rules and challenge us today, Team Heroes?!"
Francis and Johnny looked at each other and agreed, "We're cool!" Belen was reserved and timid, "I guess so…"
Butterfly indicated to her husband that they were all ready to begin; Beckett serves as the official gym referee and the emcee, "WELCOME EVERYONE!" he spoke thru a mic.
"LOOK! IT'S BEGINNING!" The crowd cheered and watched.
"TODAY, WE ARE MAKING HISTORY!" continued Beckett, "FOR THE FIRST TIME, A TEAM LEAGUE'S PARTICIPATING TEAM HAS CHALLENGED OUR GYM TO A BATTLE IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THEIR FIRST BADGES!"
"YEAH!"
"LET'S WELCOME OUR CHALLENGERS…TEAM HEROES!"
"TEAM HEROES! TEAM HEROES!" cheered the crowd.
"NOW LET'S WELCOME THE ONE AND ONLY, BUTTERFLY BEATLES! YOUR GYM LEADER!"
"BUTTERFLY! BUTTERFLY!" cheered the crowd.
"AND WITH HER, OUR GYM'S TOP APPRENTICES: ANTHONY AND FIREFLY!"
"ANTHONY! FIREFLY!" cheered the crowd.
"I, BECKETT BEATLES, WILL BE THE JUDGE! ARE YOU ALL READY?!"
"We are ready!" said Team Heroes.
"AWESOME! LET'S…BEGIN!"
Team Heroes walked to their benches and so did Butterfly and her team. Anthony had decided to battle first; he entered the battlefield and released his Pokémon, "Buggerm, let's do our thing!" He threw a pokeball out and a Buggerm appeared, "GERM! GERM! BUGG!"
"THE FIRST BATTLE IS ONE-ON-ONE! WHO WILL BATTLE ANTHONY?" asked Beckett.
"I will go first, guys!" offered Johnny, "My sister is still a bit anxious..."
"Cool, Johnny! You got this!" said Francis; Belen was trying to keep calm.
Johnny entered the battlefield, "Let's do our best, lil mate! Rodemart, come out!" he released his Rodemart, "RODE! RODE! MART!"
"AH! A Fire-type Pokémon, eh?" commented Anthony, "My Buggerm ain't afraid of fire!"
"Your Buggerm?" Johnny was dazed, "Where is it? I can't see it!"
"IT'S BUGGERM VS. RODEMART!" announced Beckett, "LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!"
Johnny was still confused; he was not sure how to begin – he quickly got his smartphone out, activated his PokeDEX App, and scanned the area, "Where and what's this Pokémon?"
[POKEDEX:
029) Buggerm – The Germ Pokémon [BUG]
"Buggerm are the smallest Pokémon in the region and perhaps the whole world; the biggest Buggerm can get up to 3 inches and the newborns are usually 0.5 inches. These Pokémon are known to get into the most inconvenient places, mostly inside a home or around humans, and they're usually hard to remove due to their sticky jelly-like bodies. Although they can levitate, they can't fly and go over anything higher than 10 feet. They feed on microorganism smaller than them, such as mold, bacteria, and fungi, but they never consume anything bigger than them; due to their diets, they are prone to carry diseases harmful to humans and Pokémon, unless they're properly trained. Scientists enjoy working with these Pokémon when trying to find antidotes and cures for both Pokémon and human's illnesses."
POSSIBLE ATTACKS: Bug Bite/Struggle Bug/Stun Spore/Sleep Powder]
"It's the smallest Pokémon in the world?!" Johnny was shocked, "No wonder I can't even…"
"If you don't wanna make the first move, we will!" said Anthony, "Buggerm, use Stun Spore!" Buggerm used Stun Spore, "Germ! Germ! BUGG!"
"HUH?!" Johnny was looking around desperately, "Rodemart! Watch out! Wherever it is!"
Rodemart couldn't avoid the attack in time so it got stunned; Rodemart was paralyzed.
"Lil mate!" Johnny got worried, "What should I do? I don't have an antidote!"
"Oh-no! Johnny's Rodemart got hit by a nasty Stun Spore…I wonder if Rodemart would bounce back…" commented Josh; Adam and Kittime nodded.
"They will be fine, I hope…," said Bee; Bebe looked hopeful.
"Rodemart and Johnny got this!" said Violette; Squarrel was cheering.
"I told you so! We ain't afraid of you!" Anthony and Buggerm smirked, "Buggerm, let's keep it up! Use Bug Bite!" Buggerm used Bug Bite, "Germ! Germ! Bugg!"
Rodemart was paralyzed; it couldn't move, "Rodemart, try to dodge it!" said Johnny, but Rodemart couldn't do so, "Rode…mart…" Rodemart received some damage.
Anthony chuckled and so did his little Buggerm, "We got this! I can't believe your Fire-type Pokémon hasn't even touched us!"
"ANTHONY! BUGGERM! ANTHONY! BUGGERM!" cheered the crowd.
"Are Johnny and Rodemart done for?!" Francis was extremely agitated; Belen watched.
"LIL MATE! PLEASE!" begged Johnny, "Shake it off and let's show them what we're capable of!" Rodemart shook off its fur and it helped getting most spores off. "Rodemart, try to use your sense of smell and find Buggerm!" Rodemart sniffed and sniffed around; a peculiar odor was coming from above Rodemart, "AWESOME! Now use your best Ember attack and let's bounce back!" Rodemart used a Strong Ember, "RODE! RODE!"
"GERM! GERM!" Buggerm got hit; it was super effective! Buggerm got burned.
"WHAT?! Buggerm, NO!" whined Anthony, "How did they figure it out?!"
"YEY! They finally did something!" Josh, Bee, Violette, Adam, and their Pokémon smiled.
Rodemart recovered from paralysis, "RODE! RODE! RODEMART!"
"Lil mate! Are you ready to show Anthony who you are?!" asked Johnny; he was relieved.
"Common, guys! YOU CAN DO IT!" cheered Francis.
"Rodemart, use Ember once again!" directed Johnny; Rodemart used Ember.
"Buggerm, DODGE THAT!" shouted Anthony; his Buggerm was able to dodge it in time.
"DARN IT!" complained Johnny; Rodemart wasn't proud, "Rode…mart…"
"Buggerm, use Leech Life and steal Rodemart's energy!" commanded Anthony; Buggerm used Leech Life, "GERM! BUG! BUGG!"
"Rodemart! WATCH OUT!" yelled Johnny; Rodemart avoided the attack. "Rodemart, use your strongest Tackle move! You got this, lil mate!" Rodemart went around Buggerm and then used its best Tackle attack, "RODE! RODEMART!"
- BAM! – Buggerm got hit by Rodemart's Tackle attack and it sent Buggerm flying and crashing on one of the arena's jungle trees, "Germ…Germ…Bugg…" it fainted.
"THIS IS IT, FOLKS! BUGGERM IS UNABLE TO BATTLE; RODEMART AND JOHNNY ARE THE WINNERS!" announced Beckett.
"WOW!" the crowd was impressed, "JOHNNY! RODEMART! JOHNNY! RODEMART!"
"We…we did it, lil mate!" Johnny was perplexed, "Rodemart! We defeated our opponent! YEY!" Johnny approached and picked up his Pokémon partner, "You are the Poke-MAN!"
"BELEN! Johnny and Rodemart did it! They won the first battle!" Francis was ecstatic, but Belen didn't seem excited; she got nervous as it was her turn next.
"I can't believe Johnny and Rodemart were able to come around! They did great!" commented Josh; Bee, Violette, and Adam were happy for them.
"Buggerm, return!" Anthony recalled his Pokémon and approached Johnny and Rodemart; they shook hands, "You guys did good! You detected Buggerm and did your best!" Anthony exited the battlefield; Johnny recalled his Rodemart and left the battlefield as well.
"Johnny! You and Rodemart were DOPE! High five!" Francis was thrilled.
"Sis! You're next…please, tell me you have calmed down! This is just temporary…" expressed Johnny, but he was concerned; Francis was too.
Belen was terrified, but she walked into the battlefield slowly and tensely; she waited.
"NEXT UP, FIREFLY!" announced Beckett, "AGAIN, THIS WILL BE A ONE-ON-ONE BATTLE! RELEASE YOUR POKEMON, NOW!"
Firefly entered the battlefield and released her Pokémon, "We will stop them from getting any further! Let's go, Moskah!" Firefly released her partner, "KAH! MOSK! BUZZZ!"
Belen's body was jittery and she couldn't stand looking at Firefly's Pokémon as it looked very creepy; nevertheless, she released her Pokémon partner, "Chick…Chickleaf, go…" Chickleaf entered the battlefield, "CHICK! CHICK! CHICK!"
"AH! A Chickleaf?!" Firefly smirked, "this is going to be too easy!"
"UH? What…" Belen was puzzled; she couldn't focus on the battle as she was more focused on controlling her nerves.
"IT'S MOSKAH VS. CHICKLEAF!" continued Beckett, "LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!"
"You got the first move, girl!" shouted Firefly, but Belen wasn't paying attention, "HELLO?!"
"What…what should I do first…" Belen was extremely uncomfortable; her Pokémon felt that and began to think the same, "Chick? Leaf…"
"HEY, YOU TWO! MAKE YOUR MOVE!" yelled Firefly; her Pokémon was getting antsy.
Francis and Johnny were worried, "What is she doing…she's not being herself…BELEN!"
"Uh…okay…" Belen didn't know anything about the opponent's Pokémon so, she used her PokeDEX App quickly…
[POKEDEX:
036) Moskah – The Fly Pokémon [BUG - POISON]
"Moskah love the smell and taste of rotten food and rotten dead organisms; their diets consist of anything dead, putrid, and rotten; due to this fact, they are prone to carry diseases harmful to humans and Pokémon but, they can change their diets if they're properly trained and cared for. They are mostly viewed as being dirty and disgusting Pokémon, but the ones that get caught and properly trained can be clean, eat appropriate foods, and not carry any diseases. Wild Moskah hangout in groups most of the time and they prefer to make landfills, garbage dumps, and waste disposals their home. Most people dislike Moskah, but Bug Collectors, bug-type Pokémon trainers, and scientists like them and like to work with them."
POSSIBLE ATTACKS: Bug Bite/Fury Cutter/Poison Powder/Acid]
"This…this Pokémon is awfully nasty…and creepy…" Belen squinted again.
"OKAY! It looks like you want US to go first…" said Firefly, "FINE! Moskah, use Stun Spore!" Moskah use Stun Spore.
"What? Huh…" Belen was not paying attention; she was staring at Moskah and all the other Bug-type Pokémon that were around; she was shaking.
"CHICK! CHICK!" Chickleaf got stunned; it was paralyzed.
"Chickleaf!" murmured Belen; she was having a break down, "My poor Chickleaf…"
"OH-OH!" The crowd was nervous for Belen and Chickleaf; they watched closely.
"BELEN! CHICKLEAF!" Francis and the rest got very anxious; they couldn't believe what was happening, "You've got to fight back!"
"My Pokémon and I are going to win this!" stated Firefly, "Let's finish it with Bug Bite, Moskah!" Moskah used Bug Bite, "KAH! MOSK! BUZZ!"
Chickleaf got hit; it was super effective! "CHICK!" Chickleaf plummeted to the ground.
"CHICKLEAF, NO!" wailed Belen.
TO BE CONTINUED…
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