The Artist of Sootopolis, Chapter 68
Morning came, and so it was finally time for me to move on. I thanked Nurse Joy several times before I left for everything she had done for me, to the point where she probably wanted me to leave as well. With my new position in the Pokemon League, travel across oceans would be a breeze. And there was still one final gym in Hoenn to visit before I could make for the Battle Frontier. After booking passage on the S.S. Tidal bound for Sootopolis, I braced myself for the challenge to come.
I asked around on the ship for information about the gym leader, but was getting mixed answers and reactions. On one end, people claimed the leader was an older gentleman by the name of Juan, an expert water type trainer. Another batch of people claimed it was a younger man by the name of Wallace. Regardless of who would be the leader, I at least knew the type preference that awaited me. My misfortune being that I had no Pokemon on my team that had a significant advantage over water.
"Well," I said to Vulpix as we sat inside a coffee shop on board the ship, "looks like you won't be helping in this next battle either."
Vulpix barked in protest, but it didn't matter. Try as she might against water types, she couldn't hope to win a battle. And I wouldn't risk her getting harmed in such a battle either. I took a sip from my cup, which was filled with a rather powerful coffee. It didn't taste as good as I'd have hoped, but I already paid for it. I pushed the cup away from me.
"Guess just because I'm older doesn't mean I'll start liking these things," I said to myself. I didn't want to buy something else to drink just because I could, either. The money I earned at the center had to last me throughout my time at the Battle Frontier, at the very least. Vulpix jumped onto the table and took a few licks of the coffee. She didn't like it either, as you'd expect.
The coffee aside, I took off my belt and placed it on the table. I had to plan out my battle strategy carefully, since I was more at a disadvantage this time. My team was Smeargle, Haunter, Clefable, Vaporeon, and Pelipper. I'd have to pace myself throughout the match, and make sure to play to my team's strengths. And that meant a study session with the Pokedex instead of relaxing on the cruise.
"If it has to be done," I said to myself with a heavy sigh.
I won't bore you with the details of my study session, and instead jump ahead slightly to when the ship pulled into Sootopolis Harbor. The city was built inside the crater of a volcano, one that erupted from deep under the ocean. Because of this, the harbor was actually just a small dock on the side of the mountain. Passengers would have to go by foot over the mountainside and into the crater. It was a pretty long and arduous hike, too.
~o~
Sootopolis was yet another feast for the eyes. Seeing different kinds of cities and towns while on my journey had become a sort of highlight, and Sootopolis didn't disappoint. It looked like the entire city was carved out of the mountain, with small streets weaving around the place and going in all sorts of directions. The only building that seemed out of place was the gym, which sat in the middle of a small islet in the middle of a lake. Even the Pokemon Center was built into the mountainside, and as usual it would be my first stop.
"Welcome to the Pokemon Center," said the local Nurse Joy when I walked in. "Can I help you with anything?"
"Not really, I just came in to relax for a minute." I took a seat in the lobby, feeling my heart pounding in my chest. Why did I feel so anxious over this match?
"You arrive by ship?"
"Yeah, on the S.S. Tidal."
"I see." She looked rather bored, and desperate for some kind of conversation. Normally I wouldn't mind, but my thoughts were elsewhere that afternoon.
"Do you know the gym leader?" I asked her.
"Wallace? Not well," she said, rolling her eyes. "He doesn't come in here often. He's a rather eccentric trainer, you see. And he doesn't seem to lose matches against challengers often."
"How do you know that?" I asked.
"Well, normally you judge these things by how often the leaders come in to have their precious Pokemon restored to full health. Wallace hasn't come in here for that in at least a few months."
I took a deep breath. All I needed was Nurse Joy telling me that he was a nigh unbeatable trainer. Vulpix started to catch onto my anxiety, and licked my hand a few times to try and calm me down. This was unusual even for me, but I couldn't control myself for some reason.
"Are you alright? You don't look so well." Nurse Joy came around the counter to check my forehead and pulse.
"I'm fine," I said, giggling nervously. "Just a bit nervous, that's all."
"Oh, so you're here to challenge Wallace. Well, don't worry, dear. I'm sure you'll be able to beat him!" That would've been nicer had she not mentioned his track record just a minute ago.
"Yeah, I'm sure you're right," I told her, despite not calming down even a bit. "What's he like?"
"Well, he's odd, I'll give you that. He's a painter, I think, and you know how all artists are. They're kind folk, but sometimes the strangest things upset them. Be sure to look your best before you talk to Wallace, I'm sure it'll help him warm up to you."
With those bits of knowledge in mind, I left the Pokemon Center carrying a free lemonade. Nurse Joy was a bit iffy on letting an apparent nervous wreck out of her sights, but my insisting won her over. There was a small rope bridge leading to the islet, which I crossed over slowly, giving myself more time to calm down. After so many battles like this, I couldn't explain it myself. I opened the door to the gym, and set foot inside.
Instead of an arena, there was a massive pool, with only a few small platforms floating around. Bleachers all around the pool told me this place was probably used for entertainment as well, much like the gym in Cerulean City. However, it was empty that afternoon, with only one person sitting in the bleachers. He was dressed in a white outfit, complete with an odd hat. I took one step forward, only to get yelled at.
"Don't move," he screamed from the other side of the gym. Following his order, I remained perfectly still, as did Vulpix at my side. There was something in front of him, a white square which took me a moment to recognize as a canvas. He was a painter all right, as I saw him stand up to get a better view of the pool and everything around it.
"For what purpose are you here?" Despite asking, his attention was still wholly on the canvas painting.
"My name is Star, and I've come to challenge the gym leader for a badge." I heard the man chuckle.
"And I am Wallace, leader of Sootopolis Gym. I graciously accept your challenge, my lady. However, please demonstrate your conviction by remaining perfectly still for the next few minutes. I must finish this masterpiece."
That was certainly an odd thing to ask of me, but Wallace was in charge. If there was one thing I had learned in my time around Hoenn, it's that the leaders here were all strange people that probably should take their jobs more seriously. Still, I couldn't speak out against them, so I stood my ground and waited for Wallace to finish his painting. The entire time I was asking myself what my standing around had to do with his painting? Did he plan on adding me and Vulpix to the piece just because we walked in on him?
"Alright, I am finished," he finally said, dropping the pallet and paintbrush. He removed the canvas from the easel, and showed it to me from across the gym. "Isn't it the most spectacular piece you've ever seen?"
"Um, sure. It's lovely," I said, honestly not caring about the painting. I heard Wallace let out a sigh.
"Figures a common trainer such as yourself would have no appreciation for the arts. Very well, you came here to do battle, so a battle I will grant you. Take your place on this side of the pool, and we shall begin momentarily."
Wallace carried his canvas away from the pool while I ran over to my side of the field. The entire time I was thinking of using Pelipper first, just to get a feel for Wallace's style of battle by playing keep away. After a few moments, he returned from a room hidden behind the bleachers. A lone Pokeball rested in one of his hands.
"Are you prepared, Star?"
"Yes, sir! What are the rules?"
"We do battle until either of us run out of usable Pokemon. There are no restrictions, except stepping out of the designated battle area." Wallace pointed to a pale blue line that surrounded the pool. My Pokemon would only have a small area to move around in other than the actual pool.
"If but one of your Pokemon breaks this rule, you are disqualified from the match. Are we clear?"
"Yes," I said, holding onto Pelipper's Pokeball in wait. Wallace nodded, and released his Pokemon first. It was a long, peach creature, slender as a snake, but boasting scales of various colors all around its body. I aimed my Pokedex at it as I released Pelipper.
"Milotic, the Tender Pokemon. It is said to live at the bottom of large lakes. Considered to be the most beautiful of all Pokemon, it has been depicted in paintings and statues."
"The battle begins now, Star. Milotic, use Ice Beam."
"Pelipper, dodge it and use Water Gun!"
Milotic reeled back, charging her attack. Pelipper flew around the slender Pokemon, launching its Water Gun attack first. Milotic attacked at the same time, its Ice Beam freezing Pelipper's Water Gun all the way back to him. Before I even realized what was happening, Pelipper was yelping out in pain as it was frozen over entirely. My frozen Pokemon fell down into the pool with a loud splash, floating helplessly back to me with a small push from Milotic.
"Your next Pokemon, Star?" I couldn't believe it. One carefully placed attack was all it took. I called back Pelipper, and went with Vaporeon this time. Wallace wouldn't be able to pull the same trick again.
"Vaporeon, use Bubblebeam!"
"Twister, Milotic."
Vaporeon blasted Milotic from across the pool with his attack. However, before a single bubble landed on her, Milotic whipped up a small tornado with her tail, which made its way to Vaporeon, taking the bubbles with it along the way. Vaporeon managed to swim out of the way just in time, fortunately.
"Vaporeon, use Quick Attack!"
"Captivate, Milotic."
As Vaporeon ran on the pool's surface, Milotic blew a kiss of sorts with her tail at Vaporeon. This caused him to slow down slightly, ultimately making him fall back into the pool when his speed wasn't fast enough to remain above it.
"Use Aqua Tail, now."
"Vaporeon, dodge it!"
It was no question that Milotic was a better swimmer than Vaporeon. She had no trouble slithering right up to Vaporeon as he tried to climb aboard one of the platforms floating on the pool, showing her tail to the small blue Pokemon. Covered in a thick coat of water somehow, Milotic struck Vaporeon dead on, sending him rolling on the water's surface back in my direction. He crashed onto the edge of the pool at my feet, giving me a chance to check on his condition personally.
"Are you okay?" I slapped his face a couple times, but he wasn't opening his eyes. That blow was quite powerful, and the second hit on the edge was the finishing blow. I had no choice but to take him out of the battle.
"Your next Pokemon? Or would you like to back out now?" It was cocky statements like that which fueled my inner rage. I wouldn't lose, not while I still had Pokemon ready and willing to fight. I picked out Haunter next, ready to switch battle plans.
"Haunter, start with Hypnosis!"
"Milotic, Safeguard."
The stunning snake whipped up its tail, forming an instant green barrier all around itself. Haunter swooped in close, flashing his eyes at Milotic. However, a small flash reflected off the green barrier, causing Milotic to to purr almost tauntingly.
"Confuse Ray, Haunter!"
Wallace chose not to do anything this time, allowing me to watch as Haunter's next attack failed again to penetrate Milotic's barrier. The advantage I was hoping to gain through ailments was rendered moot.
"Milotic, use Twister."
"Haunter, go right through it and use Shadow Ball!"
The ghost Pokemon phased out of sight for a moment, while Milotic whipped up the small tornado in front of her. It swooshed about for a few seconds before dissipating, while Haunter was still completely out of sight. Milotic kept her vigil up, but she didn't catch my Pokemon as he reappeared behind her. Cupping his hands together, Haunter blasted her directly in the back of the head with the Shadow Ball attack, forcing her into the pool. Wallace didn't look the least bit fazed.
"Milotic, Hydro Pump."
The attack happened almost immediately, not giving me more than a second to try and anticipate where it would come from. The torrent of water shot out of the pool at lightning speeds, taking Haunter by complete surprise and forcing him clear out of the arena. Instantly I feared disqualification, which would've been a cheap victory for Wallace. However, Haunter wasn't anywhere near the bleachers where Milotic's Hydro Pump landed. Phasing back into view, Haunter showed up near me, beaten and tired but still within bounds.
"How fortunate for you," Wallace mumbled. I smiled back at him, but told Haunter to come in close for a quick secret.
"We need to put Milotic to sleep," I whispered to him. "Ignore everything I tell you to do, and just keep trying to put her to sleep with Hypnosis. Got that?"
Haunter nodded, and floated back over the pool. Wallace knew something was up, but he chose not to make a fuss over my private chat with Haunter. Milotic emerged from beneath the pool, ready to continue the battle. I noticed Haunter slumping a bit in midair, but he had to stay strong just a little while longer.
"Milotic, Water Pulse."
"Haunter, use Shadow Ball!"
Milotic dipped into the pool for a moment, and sprung right back out. With her came a circular ring of water, blasting towards Haunter. The ghost Pokemon stretched himself thin, dodging the attack by passing through the hoop. Once through, Haunter cupped his hands together as if he was going to use Shadow Ball, but instead flashed his eyes. Again it bounced off the barrier around Milotic. My attention shifted to Wallace immediately, hoping he wasn't wise to the plan.
"Milotic, Ice Beam."
"Haunter, Night Shade!"
Both Pokemon used their attacks at the same time, causing a clash and explosion between them. If the recoil was too great, I feared Haunter wouldn't endure the blow. Milotic at least looked unaffected by the blast, while Haunter was barely floating above the pool. Things weren't looking too good.
"Milotic, finish with Aqua Tail."
"Haunter, Hypnosis!"
This was my last chance. Regardless of Milotic's attack, he didn't have the energy to keep fighting. Milotic slithered across the surface to land the blow, while Haunter waited until she was right in front of him to use Hypnosis. Once there was less than a couple feet between them, Haunter locked eyes with Milotic and used Hypnosis. Milotic brought up her tail, but before she could deliver the blow, her focus started to wander. The sleep hadn't taken her totally, but the majority of her strength was gone. It was time for Haunter to go all out.
"Haunter, use Dream Eater!"
Haunter seemed to perk up for a moment, and dug his hands into Milotic's skull! He dug around there for a moment, as if searching for something, which actually made me giggle a bit. Finally, he pulled something out, a glowing white substance. He started to devour it, restoring his energy little by little.
"Milotic, use Recover." Wallace's unchanged tone confused me a bit, as if the tide of battle didn't influence him in the least.
His words didn't reach Milotic, who remained asleep as Haunter continued to feast on her dreams. If Wallace was planning on using Recover as soon as she woke up, I'd have to deliver the finishing blow beforehand. Once Haunter had his fill, I yelled out the next, and hopefully final, move.
"Haunter, use Shadow Punch!"
"Milotic, Recover."
The snake Pokemon started to rouse from her sleep, but wasn't about to evade or use her ability before Haunter attacked. Reeling back, Haunter delivered a powerful punch, no doubt augmented from his previous life as a Primeape. The blow landed right on Milotic's face, strong enough to send her flying backwards. However, she didn't crash onto the edge of the pool, which would've done enough to finish the battle. Now fully awake, Milotic was free to undo all the damage Haunter had racked up.
"Milotic, Recover."
"Haunter, don't let her! Use Shadow Punch again!"
Milotic remained perfectly still, gathering up healing energies. Haunter flew in fast, dragging along a severed fist ready to put a stop to Milotic's healing. Just before she finished, Haunter's punch landed, a critical hit that sent her reeling back again. It still wasn't enough to knock her out completely, though. Just how long could Wallace make this battle last?
"Milotic, stand down." Wallace's command shocked me.
"Haunter, wait!" My Pokemon backed off. There was a silence in the gym, only the sound of water swaying in the pool.
"What's wrong?"
"This battle is over, Star," said Wallace from his end. He placed his Milotic back into her Pokeball to emphasize this.
"What do you mean?"
"I yield, officially. You've earned your victory." Wallace removed that hat of his, bowing down. I was still stunned at his sudden forfeit.
~o~
"So that's why you don't visit the Pokemon Center," I said, watching as Milotic slowly but surely recovered in the pool. Using her own abilities, she was restoring her health at a rate that rivaled the center's machines.
"Milotic has known how to care for herself since long before I came along. There's no need to interfere in the Pokemon world at times."
"Wallace, why did you quit the battle? Milotic's Recover could've beaten out Haunter's attacks with enough time." And this was the truth. Haunter was doing his absolute best, but it still wasn't going to be enough the second Milotic started using Recover.
"My duties as the gym leader state that I must assess the strength and tactic of the challenger, not attain victory in combat. I merely do what is asked of me, and nothing more. And the other thing asked of me is to bestow this upon those that have successfully passed this test." Wallace produced a badge from his pocket.
"You have earned the Rainbadge. Take it with my congratulations." I accepted the mark of victory, instantly snapping it onto my trainer card. That made my collection of badges from this region complete!
"You know, you're different from the other gym leaders," I said to Wallace.
"Soon I won't be a gym leader," he replied. "I have already turned in my resignation."
"Really? How come?"
"There's more to life than Pokemon battles. I wish to pursue other interests. Like my art," he said, pointing at the various paintings surrounding his office. Each was a masterpiece in its own right, depicting not only Pokemon, but people. And among the paintings was one that looked familiar.
"Is this... me?" I leaned in on the painting, making out the details of my dress and the small red animal at my side.
"This was the painting I finished prior to your arrival. You were a last minute, spur-of-the-moment addition. What is your opinion?"
"It's great! You're so talented!" Wallace chuckled at my remark.
"I'm glad you like it. Now, if you'll excuse me, Star, I have other matters to attend to. Farewell on your journey, and take to heart what I have said."
"I will. Thanks, Wallace." I shook his hand before leaving, feeling as though in that short time, we had reached a better understanding of one another.
Out by the pool, I collected Vulpix, who was busy conversing with Milotic. When she walked up to me, I noticed she was carrying something in her mouth. She gave it to me, and I saw it was a scale that changed colors in the light. I looked to Milotic, who showed me her tail, which was covered in similar scales.
"Thank you," I told the stunning Pokemon, tucking the scale away in my bag. It would no doubt make for a great piece of jewelry.