Chapter 2: New Friends
"Oh my ..." Stephen struggled for words as he looked at the Pokémon gracefully floating in front of the five. "That is ... a Latias?" He could barely hide the excitement in his voice. The Latias cocked her head to the side as she scanned the human who was holding her Cherish Ball, for a moment Stephen felt his head spin as the Eon Pokémon used her psychic ability to try and read his mind.
The Latias gave a joyous cry and flew at Stephen, knocking him to the floor. Jessica began to giggle when she saw that the Latias was licking her friend's face, while joyfully cooing.
"Awwwww, she likes you!" Jessica smiled as she looked down at Stephen as he tried to calm the Latias down, his attempts failing as the Latias continued to nuzzle and lick him.
"So that's a Latias then?" Alvin excitedly opened his Pokédex, pointing it at the Latias, who had stopped her incessant licking and was now just hugging Stephen tightly while rubbing her cheek against his.
"Latias, the Eon Pokémon," The Pokédex said in its electronic, feminine voice. "Latias are highly intelligent and sensitive to the emotions of people. Latias can telepathically communicate with people. Its body is covered with a down that can refract light so that it appears invisible." As soon as the Pokédex as finished speaking, Alvin started clicking through the few pages of information it had on Latias.
"Something isn't right," Jessica commented, stretching her arms to roughly the size of the Latias, who was now sitting on Stephen stomach cooing as he stroked behind her ears. "From what I can remember, Latias are supposed to be a metre and a half long but ... I'd take a guess that she's half of that."
"She must be young then." Stephen sat up, while carefully pushing Latias onto his legs. "Are you a young little cutie?" Stephen baby-talked to the Latias while petting her head, Latias responded by softly whimpering and attempting to nuzzle his hand. "Yes you are, oh yes you are." Stephen rubbed his head against Latias, much to the Pokémon's joy as she gave Stephen another big lick across his cheek.
"Ca ... Can I pet her?" Sam spoke up, his voice quiet as he slowly approached the Latias, who had perked up and was looking at him.
"Sure, if she doesn't mind." Stephen looked down at Latias, her eyes were softly glowing as she attempted to read Sam's mind. "Just think nice thoughts." Sam carefully approached, his hand outstretched. As he got close Latias gave his hand a sniff before rubbing her nose against it while murmuring softly.
"Do you want another one opened?" Kei eagerly asked, while grabbing one of the other Cherish Balls.
"Sure, just give me a moment. I don't want all of these Pokémon out at once," Stephen replied as Latias rolled off him, nuzzling against his body as she lay on the grass. "Sorry girl but you have to go back into the ball for now." Latias whimpered as he grabbed her Cherish Ball. She tried to nose it out of his hand, only to press the centre button and return herself.
"Cherish Ball GO!" Kei shouted while throwing the ball forward, it split with a burst of light that quickly disappeared to reveal a dark form, with a red rim at the top and what looked like a plume of white billowing hair. The figure began to uncurl itself, his head lifting out of the red collar-like neck revealing one bright blue eye while the other was hidden by the white hair.
"Darkrai, the Pitch-Black Pokémon." Alvin's Pokédex burst into life. "Darkrai has the ability to make sleeping people and Pokémon see vivid nightmares to protect itself. It means no harm, only using the ability when threatened. Darkrai are most active during nights with a full moon."
For a moment everyone remained still, Jessica's body tensed, a natural reaction due to her weakness to Dark type Pokémon. Stephen sat in stunned silence, staring at the Darkrai's hauntingly elegant form. Alvin looked down at his Pokédex in disbelief groaning as Kei grabbed his waist, hiding behind her brother. Sam stared in wonder at the sight of the legendary Pokémon.
"So you're a Darkrai," Stephen spoke calmly as he got onto his knees, as not to intimidate Darkrai. The Pitch Black Pokémon extended his stilt like legs and kneeled on the ground mimicking Stephen's actions.
"Another young Pokémon," Jessica's voice rang in Stephen's head as she telepathically spoke to him. "He's scared."
"So what do you suggest I do?" Stephen asked, looking over at Jessica; Darkrai mimicked his action, looking over at the Gardevoir.
For a moment Jessica and Darkrai made eye contact, she saw a look of confusion. Darkrai was struggling to understand what he was looking at, he could tell Jessica was a Pokémon and a Gardevoir at that; but she didn't look like a Gardevoir should.
"Embrace him." Jessica smiled at Darkrai. "Smile and hug him, it will make him feel safe." Stephen nodded and he too smiled at Darkrai. It was all the incentive Darkrai needed; he lunged at Stephen quickly pushing him to the floor while tightly embracing him.
Stephen stroked the back of Darkrai's head, while Jessica held his hand. The two Pokémon once again made eye contact. Jessica focused on Darkrai's mind but was unable to dive into his thoughts.
Darkrai pulled away from Stephen and picked up the Cherish Ball, handing it to Jessica before nodding. She took and ball and pointed it at Darkrai, the beam of red light quickly dissolving Darkrai back into his ball.
Jessica gave the ball to Stephen, holding her hands in his for a moment. She looked across at Sam who picked up another one of the Cherish Balls.
"Sam if you want to release that one..." Jessica motioned with her head as Sam picked up the Cherish Ball
"Okay!" Sam threw the Cherish Ball forward. It popped open with a flash of light, revealing a graceful blue creature. Its purple mane billowing out behind it, while the streamer-like white tails rippled alongside the diamond marked body.
"It can't be ..." Sam stared in wonder at the Pokémon. "It's a Suicune!" Sam spluttered slightly as the group looked on. "But Suicune are unique to Johto." Sam thought for a second as he recalled the mythology he had learnt. "Ho-oh resurrected it from the remains of the Brass Tower in Ecruteak City. There's only supposed to be one."
"I've heard of that." Alvin pointed the Pokédex at Suicune, who was nervously looking at the group. "However there is a mythology within Actopon. The lakes of Actopon's Fairmoss Forest were guarded by a family of Suicune. It was long thought of as just a story made up by the discoverers of Actopon, many of which came from Johto, to explain the immense purity of the water. However several years ago a Suicune was sighted near Yellowcake Town, so maybe this Suicune came from that family."
"Suicune, the Aurora Pokémon," The Pokédex started talking just as Alvin finished "Suicune is said to be the incarnation of the north wind. It races around the world to purify filthy, murky water." As the Pokédex finished talking Suicune walked over to Sam, nosing his hand before lying on the ground.
"I never thought that story had any merit." Stephen looked on, his eyes wide. "I was of the same thought as Sam and that the Suicune that was seen at the Lesser Yellowcake Lake was the one from Johto." He looked over to see Sam and Kei stroking Suicune, the young Pokémon purring softly to every touch.
"Sam, Kei, it is best if these Pokémon received the least amount of human contact as possible at the moment," Jessica called over. Sam nodded and pointed the Cherish Ball at the resting Suicune, the red beam of energy pulling Suicune back into its confines.
"So there's only one left." Alvin reached down grabbing the last Cherish Ball. "If you don't mind I would like to release this one." After a quick fumble while trying to hold his Pokédex and throw the Cherish Ball, it hit the ground with a bump, popping open with a flash of light.
The light faded to reveal a skinny creature, its head accentuated by a fin-like protrusion, in the centre of its dark gray chest there was a large glowing yellow crystal. One of its tentacle arms was blue whilst the other was red.
"Now..." Jessica stared at the Pokémon, her mouth ajar. "This makes everything interesting."
"Deoxys, the DNA Pokémon," The Pokédex's voice seemed to become excited. "It is currently in Speed Form. Deoxys emerged from a virus that fell to earth in a meteor. In this form, its body is configured for superior agility and speed; however it can change into three other forms in the right conditions."
Deoxys calmly sat on the grass, staring up at the group with his arms resting between his legs. For a while Deoxys just looked around, apparently enjoying the view and fresh air. Jessica sat opposite of Deoxys, catching his attention, the two psychic Pokémon gazed into each other's eyes.
"Poor thing..." Jessica whispered as she continued to psychically talk to Deoxys. "You're safe now."
"Jessica?" Stephen carefully leaned over, as he did so both Jessica and Deoxys shuddered and broke their gaze.
"He was scared, his only encounter with humans before was when he was caught." Jessica stroked the Deoxys shoulder, the DNA Pokémon rubbing his blue arm against Jessica's green hand. "But he can't remember anything about it." Deoxys nervously moved away from the group. "I think it's best if he stays in the ball for now." Alvin nodded and returned Deoxys to its Cherish Ball.
"Do you remember which Pokémon went into what ball Jess?" Stephen asked as he stood up, Jessica nodded her reply. "Good, I think it would be best if we marked the balls." He helped Kei and Sam to their feet. "We need to call up what's-his-name from the league." Stephen turned back towards the house. "He will definitely want to hear about this."
"Who?" Jessica shook her head as she followed carrying the Cherish Balls.
"Michael ... Something ... He must be a part of the Pokémon Rescue Agency," Stephen replied as he entered the house.
"Oh ok." Jessica followed in, with Alvin, Kei and Sam close behind. "Give me a moment I'm just going to put some stickers onto the Balls to help us identify them." Stephen flicked his hand into the air as he turned into the living room.
After she had finished labelling the four Cherish Balls with the names and National Pokédex Listing of the Pokémon contained within, Jessica entered the living room. She gave a slight shake of her head as Stephen fiddled with some cabling behind their large television. Jessica walked over to the large couch where Sam and Kei were sitting, carefully resting herself down next to Kei, the young trainer looking up at her and smiling.
"Sonofa... get in!" Stephen mumbled as he tried to plug another cable into the TV. "Stupid demand for a video call ... SUCCESS!" Stephen cheered as the cable slotted in, the black screen of the TV flickered before displaying the menu of the video phone Stephen had been trying to connect.
"Now put the camera on top of the screen." Alvin read off the next instruction from the manual. Stephen nodded and carefully balanced the camera on top of the screen. "Right all set." Alvin threw the manual onto the floor next to the main body of the phone and took a seat next to Jessica on the couch.
Stephen quickly punched in the phone number written on the letter and stepped away from the TV, standing behind the couch. For a couple of seconds the phone rang, an empty box appearing on the screen as the phone dialled. Moments later the box was filled with the image of a man in his mid-thirties sitting in what looks like a busy office.
"He... Hello?" The man's voice filled the room as the image on the screen jittered slightly. "This is Michael Young of the Actopon Pokémon League Shelter and Rescue Service. Can you hear me?"
"Hello Mister Young," Stephen spoke out. "We can hear you loud and clear."
"Wait ... eugh ... that's it." Michael fiddled with various knobs and buttons before turning to face the camera. "Right I can hear you to. Hello Mister Warren, I'm very glad you've called."
"Did I really have a choice?" Stephen frowned as he saw a small screen in the corner of the TV showing the image from his own camera. "Man I look awful," He thought before looking back up at the main picture.
"I guess not." Michael gave a humourless laugh. "I am assuming you have news about the Cherish Balls you received."
"Yes, yes I do." Stephen rubbed his forehead. "But you're not going to believe it."
"Try me."
Stephen took a deep breath. "All four Cherish Balls contained legendary Pokémon." Michael's eyes widened in shock. "On top of that all four Pokémon are about half of their normal size. This leads me to think that all four are young."
"NO WAY, that's impossible!" Mike shouted at the screen. "What Pokémon were in the balls?"
"Latias, Suicune, Darkrai and Deoxys."
"I'm sorry if I sound sceptical ... but I am." Michael typed something on his computer before turning back to face the camera. "Could you please show me them?"
"Sure." Stephen looked over at Jessica; she nodded, throwing the four Cherish Balls forward. The room quickly filled up as the four Pokémon emerged from their balls.
"No way ..." Michael shook his head as he focused on the four Pokémon. "This is more serious than we thought."
"It's also way over your pay grade," Stephen muttered to himself, earning a smirk from Alvin.
"What was that?"
"I need to talk to the League Administrator and Jordan." Stephen began returning the Pokémon. "Can you send them a message about the Pokémon?"
"Sure I'll get right on to it." Michael turned away from the screen and began typing. "I know that the League Admin is here somewhere but as for Jordan ... I don't know."
"No problem, tell the Admin to phone my mobile," Stephen replied. "Bye Michael." He pressed a button on the phone and ended the call.
"It's only two o'clock," Jessica moaned softly as she stood up. "Seeing as we're going to be waiting for the Admin to call ... we might as well head back to the gym."
Stephen sighed as he looked up at the clock. "Sure." He grabbed his Poké Balls and the four Cherish Balls. "Let me just put these four somewhere safe." As he turned to leave he looked over his shoulder. "Then we can head over to the gym." Alvin, Sam and Kei nodded and grabbed their bags.
"Hey Mister Warren?" Sam voice was a little quiet as he spoke.
"Call me Stephen." He rolled his eyes, with a subtle shake of his head. "I hate being called Mister Warren."
"Okay ... Stephen. I would like to challenge the Möbius Gym Leaders to a battle."
"Sure, but it won't be an official battle," Stephen replied. "Like I said you are not yet strong enough nor do you have enough Pokémon on you." He thought for a second before clicking his fingers and pointing at Kei. "How about you and Kei can battle together against me and Jess?" Kei's face lit up with excitement, Sam nodded in agreement. "Once we're ready we'll head on over to the gym and we can have our battle, because I would like to see the skills you have used to get eighteen badges.
"You mean two," Kei said with a confused look, grabbing Sam's badge case opening it. "See."
"I competed in the Kanto and Johto Leagues, Kei." Sam snatched back his badge case. "So I have the sixteen badges from those gyms."
"He was a point." Alvin ruffled his sister's hair; Kei glared up at her brother.
"I'll be back in a second ..." As soon as Stephen had finished speaking his mobile phone began to ring a recognisable tune, one that invoked an odd sense of fear. "Sigh, that was quicker than I expected ... Why don't you three go off ahead, I'll take this with Jessica." Stephen and Jessica ran off upstairs as Alvin, Kei and Sam left the house.
As soon as the front door was closed Stephen answered his phone. "Hello?"
"Hello, Stephen its Candace Freeman," The voice on the other side of the phone was warm yet authoritarian.
"Admin you are a lot faster than I expected." Stephen rolled his eyes causing Jessica to stifle a giggle. "The last time I needed to talk to you I had to constantly call your office for a week."
"That was because you wanted more money," A chuckle could be heard over the line. "This is far more important." Stephen opened the door to the bedroom and sat on one on the beds with Jessica sitting next to him. He put the phone onto speaker and set it down on the bedside table. "Are you alone or is Jessica there ... silly question really."
"Yeah I'm here." Jessica gave a slight laugh.
"Anyway, this is something very serious." Tapping could be heard over the phone. "Four legendary Pokémon being anonymously donated to you. I don't understand it but ... well you had them in your living room."
"I don't get it either." Stephen shook his head. "Why send them to me? Why not Jordan?" He threw his arms to the air.
"It would make more sense to give them to the Champion but ..." Candace hummed for a moment as she thought. "Maybe Jessica being co-Gym Leader had something to do with it?" She gave a long sigh. "Anyway, I have an idea."
"What sort of idea?" Stephen nervously responded, leaning toward the phone.
"It is obvious that we need to learn more about these Pokémon. However I do not think that just sending them to a laboratory would help." Stephen and Jessica both raised their eyebrows. "These Pokémon were obviously sent to the both of you for a reason. So I think it would be best if you two helped in the study of them. The Pokémon contained in those Cherish Balls were more than likely found and caught in the Actopon Region." Candace hesitated for a second as she thought her plan thoughts. "As a result, I would like the both of you travel around the region and try to find the places they were caught and release them there; so that they can go back to their original environments."
Stephen and Jessica were taken aback by the offer. "Admin I don't mean to be offensive or anything but ... You are aware we are both Gym Leaders? We cannot just up sticks and leave during the Gym Season for what could be months." He looked across at Jessica with the same look on his face that he had earlier on when he first received the Cherish Balls.
"I know that," Candace growled slightly. "That's what I was about to address."
"Sorry." Stephen shook his head as he apologised.
"There is the special rule you usually enact towards the end of the Gym Season."
"Oh, you mean 'only Trainers with the other 7 badges can challenge' rule?" Jessica replied. "Makes sense ... I don't know why we can't get that rule to be in effect for the entire season."
"It pisses off Maria, Larry, Emma, Heather, David and James that we can use it anyway?" Stephen jokingly replied.
"What about Cypher?" Candace added over the phone.
"He uses a similar rule but to no complaint, thanks to the fact his island is fucking miles from the rest of Actopon," Stephen shook his head. "Anyway, I guess it couldn't hurt to use that rule, it should even make the league event a little better because everyone would have had time to train before challenging us."
"But how are we going to explain the gym closing?" Jessica closed her eyes as she thought.
"Don't worry about that, I'll come up with something," Candace sighed softly. "Do you have any other trainers preparing to challenge you soon?"
"No, none of the trainers in the city have come to the gym in the last couple of days to organize a challenge," Stephen replied, bringing a finger up to Jessica's lips before she interrupted.
"Good, I was hoping you could get on with this task ASAP."
"No problem." Stephen clicked his fingers. "I've just had an idea. We ran into Alvin O'Brien ... You remember, Professor Aspen's prodigy."
"Oh yes? What about him?" Candace inquired.
"Well he is currently on a task that involves exploring Pokémon habitat and the like," Jessica explained. "He's probably the best person in Actopon to help us in the task you want us to do. It's pretty fortunate we ran into him really."
"Indeed," Candace thought for a moment. "Luck seems to have favoured you today."
"Only if you agree to give me more money," Stephen snidely whispered.
"I heard that," Candace chuckled. "We'll look into it; is there anything else?"
"Not that we can think of," Stephen replied. "I don't quite know how the trainers at the gym will respond to it but I'll sort it out."
"Good, well goodbye and good luck Stephen and Jessica." The sound of a chair creaking came over the phone.
"Bye and thanks. Have a good day."
"You too, bye." The line went dead as the call ended.
"AWESOME!" Stephen punched the air. "We get to go on an adventure."
"Alright calm down. We can sort all of that out later. As for right now, I'm going to get changed." Jessica stood up and pushed Stephen off the bed; he hit the floor with a thud. "You can go outside and get the bicycles ready."
"Was the push really necessary?" Stephen rubbed his lower back as he stood up. "I'm going to get you back for that later." He walked out of the bedroom, Jessica closing the door behind him. "Don't take too long."
"Shut up," Came the playful reply from behind the door.
Half an hour later, Alvin, Sam and Kei where sitting at a table outside of the Möbius Cafe. Sam and Kei watched a battle taking place on one of the battlefields in the park while Alvin busied himself with his Pokédex, studying the information that was available about the legendary Pokémon while waiting for Stephen and Jessica.
However they didn't have much longer to wait; Thirty seconds later they heard a bell ringing as Jessica flew past them on a bicycle wearing, much to their surprise, safety gear and, moreover, clothes.
"WEEEEEEEEEE!" Jessica shouted out as she hammered past the group, turning at speed she skidded around and headed back towards the group who were moving on their chairs ready to take evasive action if necessary. Jessica hit the brakes, causing the rear tyre to screech and leave a long black trail of rubber on the pavement. "HI GUYS!" She shouted getting off the bike; Jessica gave a smile and Sam, Kei and Alvin stared at her clothing, a simple yellow t-shirt with a gap for her sensor to poke through and a pair of brilliant white trousers with a red Seviper pattern running up the outside of each leg. Jessica looked back the way she came and saw Stephen steadily making his way towards the cafe; after a minute Stephen caught up. "Oh nice of you to join us."
"Blah, blah, blah," Stephen rolled his eyes as he got off the bicycle. "I just didn't want to wear myself out." He took off his helmet putting it on the seat of his bicycle. "Are you two ready?" He beckoned to Sam and Kei who nodded in reply standing up grabbing their bags.
"Sure are!" Kei excitedly said, "This will be my first battle against a Gym Leader." She headed towards the gym walking in the doors.
"Excited much?" Jessica laughed heading in after Kei, while Stephen secured their bicycles against the gym wall.
"Come on then, this will be the last time I battle in here for a good while." Stephen led Sam and Alvin into the Möbius gym. "Please make it a good finale."
"Can I just ask something?" Sam enquired as he entered the gym. "Why is Jessica wearing clothes?"
"Sam, you can't just ask things like that!" Alvin retorted.
"It's ok!" Jessica cheerfully said from next to the door behind Alvin and Sam causing them to jump, much to Kei's joy. "I wear clothes 'cause, they make me appear and feel like a normal trainer, and they make me look cool."
"Anyway." Stephen walked across the battlefield, towards the Gym Leader's box, with Jessica close behind. "Let's get this started." Stephen leaned towards Jessica's head "What's the bet that they don't understand the gym rules," He whispered to Jessica as they got to the end of the field.
"I've already told Kei." Jessica stuck her tongue out at Stephen. "So you're not getting any more money out of me." Stephen looked across the field to see Kei explaining the rules to Sam. As this was happening Zach walked out of the back room with a frown.
"Hey I thought you weren't battling again today," Zach whined slightly as he looked over at Sam and Kei. "Two challengers?"
"Yeah we're having a practice battle," Stephen explained. "I need to have a word with you and the others after this."
"That's never a good thing," Zach shook his head. "You need me to referee this battle?"
"Please!" Jessica smiled and winked at Zach, he rolled his eyes and continued to shake his head as he walked over to the referee's podium.
"So, are you ready?" Stephen called out across the battlefield to Sam and Kei who were still talking.
"We sure are," Sam called back as he and Kei each took a Poké Ball off their belts, clicking the button to activate them.
"Both Challengers and Gym Leaders release your Pokémon on to the battle field and prepare for battle," Zach called out holding up a red and green flag, red for the Gym Leaders and green for Sam and Kei.
"Go Pikachu," Sam commanded as he threw the Poké Ball he was holding out onto the field.
"Torkoal on the field," Kei called out tossing her Poké Ball forward.
"Nice, good Pokémon," Stephen commented, "Go Arkbird." Stephen tossed his Cherish Ball into the air.
"And go Abigail," Jessica called as she threw a Poké Ball onto the field.
"Battle begins," Zach called out pulling both flags down.
"Pikachu use Volt Tackle on the Togekiss!" Sam shouted with a slight smug look on his face.
"Torkoal use Stealth Rock," Kei called out.
"Damn! Arkbird use Air Slash on the Torkoal." Stephen said with a slight panic in his voice.
"Abigail use Stone Edge on Torkoal ... oh." Jessica realised her mistake too late.
Sam's Pikachu charged at Arkbird glowing with yellow electric charge "Pika, Pika, Pika, Pika, Pika, Pika, PIKAAAACHU!" Pikachu yelled as it slammed into Arkbird, sending the Jubilee Pokémon crashing against the ceiling with a slight cringe as the Pikachu suffered from being flung back at the ground. Arkbird however pushed off of the wall and flew towards Kei's Torkoal building up energy in his wings. Suddenly, Arkbird stopped forcing the energy stored up forward with a strong flap of his wings sending a slice of air forward while recoiling backwards, returning to float in front of Stephen. The slice cut across Torkoal who cried out while shivering and closing its eyes. Kei's Torkoal showed signs of fatigue while staring down Abigail who was now towering over him as her scythe glowed and the ground trembled; a flurry of razor sharp stones battered Torkoal, leaving the Coal Pokémon dizzy and exhausted, collapsing to the ground with a plume of black smoke.
"The Challenger's Torkoal is unable to battle," Zach declared holding up the red flag.
"Torkoal return," Torkoal was pulled back into the ball. "You're up Sudowoodo!" Kei threw her next Poké Ball onto the field, popping open with a flash of light to reveal Kei's Sudowoodo, the Imitation Pokémon shaking his club like hands as if they were maracas.
"Well your doing better than I have experienced in the last few days," Stephen said with a smile creeping across his face. "However you are down one Pokémon. Arkbird use Aura Sphere on that Sudowoodo."
"Pikachu cover him with another Volt Tackle on Arkbird," Sam ordered his Pokémon.
"Hmm, Abigail use Night Slash on the Pikachu." Jessica took a little time to think her move though.
"Sudowoodo HAMMER ARM!" Kei shouted pointing at Abigail.
In an exact copy of the first move Sam's Pikachu charged at Arkbird slamming it against the ceiling but this time the Togekiss didn't fight back rather falling from the ceiling back down to the battlefield with a thump, kicking up a plume of dust.
While this was happening Abigail's scythe glowed with a dark light watching Sam's Pikachu suffer again from the recoil of using Volt Tackle before jumping into the air and flicking her head sending a black edge slicing towards the tired Pikachu knocking it to the floor before landing next to the fallen Arkbird.
Moments later Kei's Sudowoodo charged at Abigail slamming her powerfully with his arm knocking her to the floor. "Come on Abigail hold on!" Jessica desperately called to the stricken Absol; however it was in vain as she collapsed.
"The Challenger's Pikachu and the Gym Leader's Togekiss and Absol are unable to battle." Zach held up both the green and red flags.
"Pikachu return," Sam called out holding his Poké Ball "Good work; have a nice rest." Sam put Pikachu's Poké Ball back on his belt taking the next one and tossing it onto the field. "Snorlax, you're up next," The giant Pokémon roared as it was released from its ball.
"Arkbird return," Stephen held up Arkbird's Cherish Ball. "Good job buddy! You rest up now." Stephen threw a Luxury Ball out on to the field. "Forseti go!" The Luxury Ball opened releasing a Lucario, the Aura Pokémon growled at the Snorlax while clenching his fists.
"Abigail return," Jessica held up the Poké Ball and Abigail came back. "Good work, you can rest now." She pulled another Poké Ball from her belt throwing it onto the field "You're up Sparky." Jessica's Rotom was released from the Poké Ball making the sound of electrical discharge as it floated around.
Stephen looked across at Jess. "Will-O-Wisp?" Jess nodded in reply.
"Sparky use WOW on that Snorlax," Jessica commanded while pointing at the giant slovenly Pokémon who looked like it was about to fall asleep at any moment.
"Forseti use Close Combat on Sudowoodo," Stephen clenched his fists and glared across the battlefield.
Both the Gym Leaders Pokémon leapt forward within milliseconds of each other not even giving Sam and Kei a chance to give their commands. Sparky glowed a ghostly fiery blue, shooting off five flaming blue orbs at the Snorlax, the lumbering Pokémon had barely moved from its release position. The orbs vapourized as they hit the Snorlax causing burns to appear on its body. As this was happening Forseti had landed directly in front of Sudowoodo and with a sly smile pounded it with a series of powerful punches knocking it to the floor.
"SUDOWOODO!" Kei called out with a choke in her voice holding up its Poké Ball. "Return."
"Snorlax use Curse," Sam commanded with a panicky tone desperate to do something. The giant Pokémon glowed with a ghostly purple light. "SNORLAAAAAAAAX!" The giant Pokémon yelled, much to Jessica's shock as she was now standing eyes wide open and mouth ajar. "...lax," The Snorlax grimaced as it was hurt by the burn.
"The Challenger's Sudowoodo is unable to battle," Zach declared holding up the red flag.
"Jess ... Are you ok?" Stephen looked across at Jessica who was still in a state of shock.
"Sorry." Jessica regained her composure. "Yeah, let's go."
"Eevee on the field." Kei was unenthusiastic as she tossed her last Poké Ball onto the field. "Good luck with that."
"Don't be so down Kei, we can still win." Sam stared down the Gym Leaders two Pokémon "Snorlax Body Slam on that smug Lucario, his defences should be lower after that Close Combat."
"Eevee, do something." Kei struggled to think of a move. "Err, Tackle Rotom?"
"Sparky don't let it even move," Jessica giggled quietly to herself at Kei's bad decision. "Use Thunderbolt and finish it."
"Forseti use Close Combat on Snorlax." Stephen was desperately hoping for the battle to continue.
Once again Forseti and Sparky moved off within milliseconds of each other, Sparky firing off a stream of electricity at the hapless Eevee sending it flying backwards into Kei, knocking them both to the floor. Forseti set upon Snorlax pounding it with a series of rapid and powerful punches, however this didn't seem to faze Snorlax who simply stood up and fell on top of Forseti. It took more than a minute for Snorlax to stand back up again.
Forseti regained his composure and very slowly moved away clearly in significant pain. The Snorlax once again grimaced as it was hurt by the burns on its body.
"The Challenger's Eevee is unable to battle, Challenger Kei is out of the battle." Zach held up the red flag once again.
"Sparky, Thunderbolt Snorlax," Jessica calmly called out, her hand jutting out to the side.
"Forseti use Close Combat again." Stephen said in unison with Jessica.
"Snorlax use Crunch on Rotom." Sam was hoping that it tactic had worked; much to his relief it did.
Sparky moved off like it has before however it was not accompanied by Forseti, the Lucario unable to move. Sparky fired off a stream of electric charge at the Snorlax who once again barely noticed the attack; however he seemed to look a lot weaker. Snorlax responded by roaring out and charged out at Sparky with surprising abruptness and with teeth glowing with dark energy sunk them into the Rotom who recoiled back from the hit falling to the floor filling the room with the sound of crackling electricity.
"The Gym Leader's Rotom is unable to battle!" Zach was starting to let the excitement of the battle get to him; it had been a while since a challenger had forced one of the leaders to their last Pokémon.
"Sparky return." Jessica held up the Poké Ball and the Rotom disappeared back into the ball. "That was rough, have a good rest." Jessica took the last Poké Ball from her belt. "I cannot remember the last time I was in this tight a spot." She threw the Poké Ball onto the field. "Tinkerbelle you're finally getting to battle." The ball opened revealing a Chimecho, the Wind Chime Pokémon bobbing on invisible air currents.
"Snorlax, you ok?" Sam asked to which the Pokémon roared in return. "Good, use Crunch on that Chimecho."
"Forseti, try to move." Stephen was desperately calling out to his Pokémon, just short of running out and helping his off the battle field, however he knew that his Lucario was too headstrong and wouldn't let him try. "Use Extreme Speed on Snorlax."
"Don't worry Forseti, Chimecho use Heal Bell." Jessica called out to which the floating bell seemed to cheer.
Forseti tried to move first but once again was unable to, the Chimecho had by now floated up to the ceiling of the gym and tinkled the bell on it head sending out a pleasant soothing sound out over the battle field. However it was too late for Forseti who despite being cured of the paralysis had moved too early and was unable to do anything about it. As the Chimecho floated back down to the battle field Snorlax was standing in front of it and as with Rotom sunk its teeth into the opposing Pokémon. The Chimecho didn't stand a chance and fell to the floor.
"The Gym Leader's Chimecho is unable to battle! Gym Leader Jessica is out of the battle!" Zach was barely able to contain his excitement. He held up the green flag as Jessica returned the Chimecho to its Poké Ball.
"You did your best; hopefully Forseti can end that Snorlax now." Jessica looked across at Stephen, "It's all up to you now." Jessica slipped her arm around Stephen's shoulders. "Good luck."
"Forseti another Close Combat, if you please." Stephen made a sweeping gesture with his arm in an almost bowing movement as Forseti once again pounded away with its fists finally knocking the Snorlax out, with Forseti not far behind as he collapsed with exhaustion.
"The Challenger's Snorlax is unable to battle and the Gym Leaders Lucario is unfit to battle," Zach held up both flags as the two Pokémon were withdrawn to their Poké Balls.
"Great work as always Snorlax." Sam changed to his final Poké Ball. "It's all up to you, let's win this." Sam fumbled the Poké Ball onto the field in his excitement. Opening up it revealed a Drifloon who just floated in front of Sam, its face emotionless.
"I can't remember the last time I had such an exciting battle and days since I have been taken down to my final Pokémon." Stephen put the Luxury Ball back on his belt taking the premier ball next to it and throwing it into the air gracefully. "Lisa, come on out." The Premier Ball opened while flying up releasing a Milotic who 'flew' around the battle field and its opponent Drifloon who was still floating there simply ignoring the serpentine Pokémon.
By this time both Kei and Jessica had left the battlefield and were sitting on the side lines watching intently, with Alvin, who wasn't. He was using the Pokédex to collect information on the Gym Leaders Pokémon for later study.
"So what do you think will happen next?" Kei asked Jessica who looked at the two Pokémon on either side of the battlefield. She smiled in response.
"They'll do the exact same thing," Jessica leant back, put her hands behind her head and relaxed.
"Are you ready Sam?" Stephen called out to the young trainer who was now realising the dire situation he had found himself in. "I expect the same level of battling you have shown throughout this match. Don't quit on me now!"
"Use Hypnosis!" Both Stephen and Sam shouted out the commands simultaneously with their Pokémon responding promptly. Milotic moved first with her eyes glowing with an eerie light sending out waves of psychic energy toward the balloon Pokémon. Drifloon simply floated up and out of the way before gliding towards the Milotic, staring her right in the face and with his eyes glowing with a similar light sent out waves of psychic energy at the Pokémon who fell to the floor fast asleep.
"Good shot," Stephen dejectedly moaned as he looked at his Milotic slumped on the floor curled up.
"Darn straight!" Sam excitedly hopped from one foot to the other in anticipation, "Drifloon use Shadow Ball repeatedly on Milotic, we're so close to winning." The Drifloon responded firing a string of ghostly gloopy balls of 'stuff' which repeated slammed against the sleeping Milotic who was knocked around the battlefield sleeping all the time. After five hits Zach held up the green flag.
"Not yet," Stephen beckoned to Zach to put the flag down. "She's not finished yet." Lisa woke up yawning, showing very few signs of the repeated battering she had received from the Shadow Balls; she looked around to gather her bearings then focused on small purple balloon. "Angel, have fun with Hydro Pump." Stephen smiled and watched as the Milotic blasted away with a powerful jet of water instantly soaking Drifloon and knocking it to the floor.
Zach held up the red flag. "The Challenger's Drifloon is unable to battle, Challenger Sam is out of the battle, the Gym Leader's Stephen and Jessica win." Zach put the flags back under the referee's podium and walked over to Stephen who had returned Angel to her Premier Ball and was now standing shaking his head.
"I really thought he was going to beat me." Stephen looked across to Zach who was walking over to him.
"Do you want these?" Zach held two Möbius badges in his hands which Stephen took reluctantly.
"I really thought they'd actually beat us." He looked down at the badges which are shaped like a Möbius strip then across to the bench where Kei, Jessica and Alvin were sitting with Sam standing holding his Drifloon's Poké Ball in his hands "I had better give these to them, Sam was very close to winning. They both deserve the badge."
Stephen walked across to the group who were all talking with a quiet tone. Jessica looked up, for a brief moment the two Gym Leaders stared into each other's eyes. Jessica gave a slight smile and nodded, agreeing with Stephen's thoughts.
"Sam, Kei, I have something I would like to give you." Stephen held the badges behind his back. "That was one of the best battles we have experienced over the last few weeks. So in recognition of your talent and skill as Pokémon trainers, even though you didn't win the battle, I present you both with the Möbius badge." Stephen handed out the two badges to Sam and Kei who both stood there with a dumbfounded look on their faces. "Before you say anything, I lied about the match not being badge claimable. I didn't want you to panic and try too hard, just battle in your natural style." Sam and Kei looked across to Jessica who nodded and smiled and Alvin who was clapping his hands.
"Yes, I won the Möbius badge!" Kei and Sam cheered while hi-fiving each other.
"Well done you two," Alvin said while walking over to the group, "So what are your plans now?" He asked looking over at Jessica
"Well." Jessica looked over at Stephen who was looking at the other badges Sam had while talking about the battles he had and the leaders of the gyms. "We have been given clearance, well almost a demand, from the League Administrator to go out around Actopon to try and find these legendaries natural habitats." Sam and Kei instantly stopped talking and looked over at Jessica.
"Really?" Sam and Kei shouted in unison.
"No way!" Zach called out. "What legendaries?"
"Yes way," Stephen continued. "And don't worry I'll explain in a minute."