Norman

Eyes had met across the battlefield and had remained strained for what seemed hours as a steady bead of sweat dripped to the wooden floor. Rod raised his arm, brushing his hair and headband slightly with a hand, before returning it down to his pocket. As if drawing a gun in an old-fashioned wild west duel, he drew a small Pokeball from within and revealed it to his opponent. Recently polished, the sun sent a glimmering light through the window perched above, as the red and white ball reflected light around. Rod felt it vibrate in his hand as his opponent did the same thing with a confident smile in his voice, but Rod failed to return the favour. Nerves had been tingling throughout his body since the early hours of the morning, and the idea of a Gym Battle had sent waves of confusion through him. How was he, an amateur trainer from Kanto, supposed to beat one of the strongest Gym Leaders in Hoenn? It seemed so highly improbable, and Rod wanted to skip Petalburg City and head straight for Rustboro where Roxanne, much less experienced than Norman, was awaiting their arrival.

Forrest had forced Rod back into a more confident mind-set, explaining how he battled him back in the Viridian Forest and the courage he had. At one point in time, he had even hurled Rod to the ground to make him focus. His Pokemon needed a confident trainer, and Rod had to stand up to that, but his arms and legs kept shaking slightly. Norman looked on, the rectangular Gym's wooden floors and walls heating in the sunlight, as he realised his opponent was young and nervous.

Norman called, his voice echoing, "This is going to be a hard battle for you, Rod. I hope you understand that."

Gripping his Pokeball harder, feeling it vibrate more in his hands, Rod responded assertively, "Norman, I have come a long way to Hoenn, and I am not going down without a fight."

Forrest leaned back against the wall as he twisted nervously in his seat hearing Rod speak, his nerves just as high as his friend. Rod may have natural courage, but Norman had the ability to rip shreds through every one of this Pokemon. They had agreed with a three on three battle with Pokemon exchange allowed for the challenger, and Rod's first experience in a formal battle. Norman looked completely relaxed, but interestingly, Rod seemed to match his gaze and attitude. Forrest could see confidence entering his body from somewhere unknown, his mind changing completely with a battle about to start. Rod felt comfortable in battle, and it was an important trait to have for a trainer no matter how experienced they were.

Norman cried, releasing a Pokeball from his hand, "Vigoroth, let's begin!"

The Wild Monkey Pokemon exploded into life, its white fur shining in the sunlight with two outstretched arms home to sharp claws. It dived around the battlefield with terrific speed, Rod could barely keep track of it, but at least he was familiar with this Pokemon. Vigoroth were known for their predatory nature, and many of them had a combination of speed and power. Rod would have to be careful here to avoid immediate physical attacks, but his first Pokemon had already been chosen. Allowing adrenaline to take over, he released his own Pokeball high above calling, "Nidoran, I choose you!"

His Poison Pin Pokemon fell to the ground ready to attack as it screeched loudly, its opponent doing the same back although remarkably taller than him. Rod called further to encourage his Nidoran, knowing that emotionally it was still struggling after Chris had abandoned it. It seemed to battle much harder than necessary in training, and also had an air of brutality where every attack would land with full force, no mercy. A very different Pokemon in Rod's party at the moment, but strong nonetheless and the attitude it would require to take on Norman and his Vigoroth.

Norman called, his face suddenly going very serious as he rolled up the sleeves of his red button up top, un-tucking it around his jeans, "You can have the first move, Rod. Let me see what you got."

Forrest looked up, stroking his chin as Rod nodded and commanded, flinging his arm out, "Nidoran, start with a Double Kick!"

Fighting Type moves were super-effective against a Normal Type Pokemon like Vigoroth, and it seemed like a no-brainer for him. Although Nidoran wasn't naturally a Fighting Type, it had the ability to use different kinds of moves, and Rod expected it would be unpredictable. As Nidoran ran forwards, its hind legs glowing red with its energy focussed on landing the hit, Norman and his partner seemed completely ignorant to the attack. The Poison Pin Pokemon twisted around, back towards its opponent, as it landed two powerful Double Kicks straight into the chest of Vigoroth. The Wild Monkey Pokemon flinched, sliding backwards slightly as Rod felt better he had the upper hand, but why was Norman smiling?

Norman wiped the hair from his eyes and replied sternly, "I already see an amateur mistake. Vigoroth, use Counter."

Nidoran attempted to twist out of the way, but Vigoroth was too fast and its long arms grabbed hard on the two appendages that just landed the hit. Rod could barely respond as his Pokemon was thrown to the ground several times, the Counter attack landing four times the power of the original move and Nidoran had no chance of avoiding it. Within seconds of having a successful first move, he was reduced to utter ashes with the Poison Pin Pokemon landing with finality on the ground, bruises glistening on its purple skin.

Angrily, Rod commanded, "You can do this Nidoran! Poison Sting!"

Nidoran struggled back to its feet before glowing purple and releasing an array of spikes from its body as they covered the field, evaporating instantly as Vigoroth took cover. They wouldn't do much damage, but would make it harder to move and give Rod some breathing space at last. Nidoran would not last another hit, but yet Norman looked unimpressed and bored. He raised an open hand forward and called confidently, "That Poison Sting is weak, Vigoroth charge through and use Hammer Arm!"

Rod was at a pure loss, and even Forrest slumped to one side feeling defeat already with the battle only just beginning. Nidoran couldn't avoid, the Poison Sting spikes also restricting the space to dodge as Vigoroth ruthlessly charged through them, the poison trying to inject into its rough fur. Both arms glistened in white energy as they slammed down hard on the small Poison Pin Pokemon below as Rod looked away, feeling utter pain and annoyance at how easy he was beaten. The Wild Monkey Pokemon back flipped towards its trainer with the dust clearing to reveal a fainted Nidoran imprinted on the now broken wooden floorboards. It shivered in pain as Rod reluctantly returned it to its Pokeball, apologizing for his poor battling strategy as he glanced at the ground, realisation kicking in.

More of the Poison Sting spikes disappeared into thin air as Norman called, his Vigoroth ready for the next challenge, "Your intention was correct, and battle strategy interesting. You would have caught most off guard with the use of Poison Sting like that, but my Vigoroth is too strong."

Rod's response had pain in his heart and frustration as he drew another Pokeball from his pocket, "I am going to defeat you Norman. I know I can do it, and I want the Balance Badge."

It was at that point where Forrest stood up from his seat from the side, a furious look on his face with his eyes glowing red. He wiped sweat from his forehead before looking at Rod, both trainers now looking at him with suspicions. Pointing at Rod he spoke angrily, "Rod, this is where you need to shut up."

"What did you-"

His friend interjected his sentence, cutting in half as the tone in his voice rose sporadically, "Shut up and listen to the Gym Leader. You have good heart Rod, you have courage and everything, but you need to LEARN!"

The final word echoed around the room as Rod glanced over, his arm falling to one side as it sank in. Past experiences flooded his mind, even before he had left Viridian City, and seeing how his own Father had defeated trainers. They all yelled words of passion and might, but none of them were able to defeat him. It wasn't enough to believe, but to act and continue to learn as well, was that his mistake? Norman nodded, agreeing completely, as he spoke softly, gesturing Forrest to sit down, "You are a Gym Leader as well, aren't you, Forrest?"

"I am the Gym Leader of Pewter City. Rod here has more to offer than what you just saw, I have seen it myself."

"Interesting," Norman smiled slightly, turning back to his opponent as Vigoroth prepared for another bout, "Well show me what you got then!"

Pushing anger away from his mind, Rod released his next Pokemon, the pokeball exploding into life, as his Seed Pokemon, Bulbasaur appeared on the ground growling. Rod sensed the bond between them, built from the day they met back in Viridian City, and confidence filled his body once again as his ideas became clear. Everything seemed to fall into place as his thoughts mapped the battle ahead from what he had just seen. Vigoroth had a powerful attack, and impressive speed to match, but it seemed to rely completely on up-close physical attacks. Restricting movement whilst standing in one spot wouldn't work, the Poison Sting had proved that, but Bulbasaur had a lot of speed as well, and Rod could draw a much more interesting battle out.

Taking advantage of the first move, Rod commanded hastily, "Bulbasaur, we have to get moving! Razor Leaf and run around!"

Bulbasaur roared loudly, its cry echoing as Vigoroth called back, as it ran around the edge of the marked battlefield firing powerful Razor Leaves from beneath its bulb. The Wild Monkey Pokemon used Slash to cut them apart, under command from Norman, but eventually it had become too much. The attack began to land consistently, cutting some of its fur to the ground as it bulked its defences to avoid further damage. Rod's Bulbasaur continued to run, using the move as he waited for the perfect timing to finish this battle off.

Norman was now growing more frustrated, his opponent had some new tricks up his sleeve, and cried, "Vigoroth, turn around and use Slash!"

Spinning the opposite way Bulbasaur was running, it bared down with sharp claws glimmering in the sinking sunlight, but Rod was one step ahead once again. Resisting a smile, he commanded with pure force, "Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip on the ground and jump!"

Forrest smirked now, having seen this move multiple times, and it had become a trademark move for Rod's Bulbasaur. Many trainers would fail to counter this strategy with Bulbasaur seen as being entirely land-based overall, but Rod could pull it off with perfect timing. The Seed Pokemon cried loudly, listening to its trainer, as Vigoroth missed its Slash by seconds with the unexpected move. Bulbasaur fell back to ground level with a powerful Vine Whip once again as Norman took a step back applauding the move, his Vigoroth falling to one side as the floorboards cracked underneath its weight. Rod breathed in heavily, his Bulbasaur landing unscathed in front of him ready to land another move as he cracked a smile above.

Norman dusted his shirt down before calling, his voice impressed, "That was a good move, Rod. But I have to end this now. Vigoroth...Flamethrower."

"Flamethrower? But...how?" Rod was left completely clueless once again as Vigoroth regained balance before releasing a jet of fire its mouth. Bulbasaur was taken completely by surprised as the flames engulfed the area and its body, scarring it instantly. Rod could feel the heat as he fell backwards, unaware of what had just happened. Everything had been going so well, and his efforts had gone to waste, but Bulbasaur may still be able to fight on. Rod looked back up and prepared to call another command, but his Seed Pokemon was nowhere to be seen in the growing smoke and fire. Tears wept from Rod's eyes knowing the battle was over and Norman was much too strong for him to even challenge,. As Vigoroth was returned, the flames beginning to disappear steadily with the Gym cooling system sending water spiralling from overheard, Rod took out Bulbasaurs Pokeball.

On his knees he reached the burnt black Starter Pokemon and lifted it up muttering, "Bulbasaur...I tried my best. I really tried."

Norman appeared from the rising smoke with Forrest next to him, both their faces burning with acceptance and pride as they helped him up. Norman coughed and spoke softly, his eyes fully fixed on Rod, "You have incredible heart, Rod. You showed me a lot of who you are, and your individuality will lead to greatness."

Forrest nodded and added, patting Rod's shoulder, "Take what you have learnt here and start applying it for your future battles."

Rod was left speechless as his legs began to shake beneath him, Bulbasaur breathing heavily as the smoke cleared from the Gym. The sunlight had dipped over the horizon as evening returned to the Hoenn Region and Rod's battle had ended in a resounding defeat.

…

Gary Oak had failed to meet the Agent. Cynthia's plan had worked in her favour at last, and the final moments of her partner leaving Littleroot Town sent a shiver of nervousness to her spine. Gary had left, and the Pokemon Centre had already reserved a small meeting room around the back where the Oldale Ruins plan would finish. Dusting herself down, pushing her locks of golden hair to one side, she casually made her way across the lobby area. Nurse Joy gave her a slight nod, letting the Sinnoh Champion pass into the rooms behind, the door marked with a 'Do Not Disturb' sign. Flicking the light switch on the wall upwards, the bulb dangling from the ceiling illuminated immediately as Cynthia realised she wasn't alone in this room. Shadows creepily moved from one side to another as she pulled a dusty chair out from the wooden table and took a seat. In front of her a darkened figure leaned backwards, the chair creaking slightly, as they gazed silently at each other.

Cynthia placed her small brown rucksack to the ground and asked softly, "You did well in Oldale Town. Everything feels completely normal."

"Things are not normal, Cynthia." The response came after a slight pause as the figure leaned forwards, the darkness of hair catching the slimmer of light from above, "The Thieves Guild are much further ahead than you."

"The power from The Orb is something I've seen before, a long time ago. I had no idea that Hoenn has played a part in its creation."

"It's a Red Chain, Cynthia." The voice seemed to have a sting in it, as if almost pain threatened the individuals body, "Team Galactic first used it in Sinnoh, but they artificially manufactured it. This one is real, and the only renewable resource known to mankind that produces its own power."

"I want the power."

"Then join Team Rocket and get it. I hear your friend Giovanni is basking in its glory...while it lasts that is."

"Explain what you mean." Cynthia was no mood to play mind games here, but the past memories of fighting Giovanni back in Vermillion City had come at a great loss. Steven Stone would still have been here if this information had been received earlier, but things had taken too long and many more could die. "I thought the power is constant, renewable."

"It consumes the individual, or Pokemon for that matter, that comes into contact with it. As soon as Agent Proton touched that Orb his hands were burnt to a crisp as he could not handle it." Things had gotten darker in the room as the bulb began to flicker in and out of light, the room badly needed a renovation. "Giovanni managed to take the Red Chain because he wanted it more than anything, he sacrificed everything for it. It is a power I regret, Cynthia. I want it gone. It is pure evil."

It was as if the final words echoed on constantly through the walls of Cynthia's mind, but some answers were finally being given. The Red Chain had been seen to bring forth Legendary Pokemon, bind them to listen to those controlling and they would have no choice. She had defeated them single handedly along with a host of powerful trainers, but they had no idea the potential of this power. Giovanni could now control it and hand it to whoever he wished for a life of pure pain but yet success. Looking up, Cynthia placed both hands on the table and asked sternly, "What did Giovanni do to you?"

"I have the power of the Red Chain, Cynthia. It is how I removed The Orb from the Oldale Ruins. If I hadn't taken the power from Giovanni, this whole plan would be over."

"How long do you have?"

"I have a one or two years left until the Red Chain consumes me completely, rendering me to nothing but a shell of death." The voice had gotten more sinister, almost scared but with a mixture of curiosity, "I can get rid of it, but it will be difficult."

"We need you to finish this mission. We will save you, Damon."

The meeting had ended very quickly as his name rang around the room, gesturing for him to leave instantly as the door swung open. Sunlight entered the room for a second before vanishing with Cynthia inside breathing heavily as a small tear began to trickle down her left cheek...