Oshawott faces two twins with a type advantage over him without Hilda's coaching. Has his ruse run its course?
Warning: This chapter may contain a moment of emotional distress towards the end that may hit a little too close to home. Careful as you go.
Chapter 7: A Bit of a Bind
After a quick snack, Hilda and Oshawott found themselves back on their makeshift battlefield standing opposite from the Sewaddle sisters. Sue and Addle had their backs turn while whispering battle plans and potential combo moves. Their mischievous giggles make Hilda gulp as she brought out a Super Potion.
"They're actually thinking this through," Oshawott heard his Trainer remark with suspicion while she sprayed his bruised body. "This is gonna take some work..."
The Sea Otter Pokemon was starting to gulp audibly himself since Hilda was usually was as good as her word. However, he was quick to shake his head and quickly put on a confident smile on his face with a straighter posture.
[Why all the doom and gloom?] Oshawott proclaimed, pounding his chest with his right paw boastfully. [I've squashed bigger bugs before so what's two more?] His mood was helped by the Super Potion helping his stamina.
"Oh, you sweet innocent child..." Hilda sighed under her breath while standing back up.
[Sue! Addle!] she heard Watcher cheer. [Don' let the squirt's tongue turn you 'round, y'hear?] Hilda could only turn right towards the picnic blanket and glare.
"Way to root for the underdog, bestie," the young lady retorted indignantly, pouting rather pettily. "What is with him today?" She was too busy focusing on the match ahead to dwell on this thought nor listen in on what the Peanut Gallery was squabbling about.
[You're still going on about that, huh?] Harry sighed, not even fazed by Watcher taking this personally.
[Lab Rat bamboozled my brother,] the Watchog huffed, stress gnawing at the rest of his Red Cabbage. ['course, I'm a touch sore.]
[Oshawott only cast the bait, Watch,] Patrick protested in annoyance. [I was only dumb 'nough to let him get to me.] He blushed in embarrassment over his little incident. ['course, my li'l song and dance was getting stale...]
[Remember how Oshawott played dead and got me good?] Lilly asked Patrick excitedly, chewing on a store-bought bone. [Way to committed to the bit.]
[Gotta come clean mahself,] Patrick began bashfully, grinning with the Lillipup. [My Detect almost didn't pull me out in time at his speed.] He knew that Lilly only wanted to cheer him up but appreciated the gesture all the same.
[Gimme a break,] Watcher scoffed disgruntly, trying hard not to look too agitated. [Y'all wait 'til Sue and Addle're done with 'im or what's left at least.] He only hoped that nobody noticed his little whispering to the twins.
[Eager, aren't we?] Harry remarked with concern.
At that moment, Sue and Addle nodded in agreement with a most devious grin before turning themselves around.
[No hard feelings, Hilda!] Sue cried out before rushing onto the battlefield boldly with Addle by her side. Their speed looked as fast as a Tackle inbound.
Hilda had only just thought of letting the twins go first before being surprised by their initiative. Oshawott tried to keep up appearances but seeing two half-Grass-types put a look of terror in his eyes.
"Should've seen that coming," Hilda muttered, reminding herself of Sue and Addle's share impatience. "Oshawott, get in close with a Razor Shell!"
The Sea Otter Pokemon put on his bravest face while grabbing his Scalchop off of his bellybutton and charging forth himself. Dewott channeled his Water-type Energy into it and drew his Shell Blade quickly. With luck, he'd get in too close for either twin to try Razor Leaf on him.
Sue and Addle bounded right for him side by side, practically poised to be slashed in one sling. The second Oshawott prepared his blade, however, Sue bounced off the grass and sprung right off of his head before he even knew it. In his stunned state, Addle passed him while he attempted not to stumble onto his face.
Hilda's own state of confusion gave Sue the opening she needed to spew out a String Shot and hit the Trainer's torso. Both arms were bound to her sides as her confusion morphed into something more shocked. Addle followed up with her own String Shot aimed straight for Hilda's knees and tied them together too.
[Whoa,] Harry exclaimed, sharing the same wide eyes of shock as Patrick and Lilly.
[Plot twist!] Watcher exclaimed himself, sounding more thrilled than shock. [That's the wild way!]
"What?" Hilda could only exclaim while she began to stumble backwards. "What?!" Being unable to bend her knees or wave her arms for balance was impossible no matter how much she struggled. "What!?"
[Told ya we'd get you good,] Addle declared triumphantly.
Oshawott regained his bearings and turned around in time to see his webbed up Trainer topple over backwards with a yelp. [Hilda!] he cried out in shock before immediately rushing back towards her. It wasn't until Sue and Addle turned to grin evilly his way that he realize the trap he had fallen for.
[Now...] Sue began, charging her leaf with Grass-type Energy, [how to make this last...]
"Oshawott!" Hilda cried while rocking about in her bindings flat on her back. "Stay on defense!" Being strung up like this was bad enough but hearing Lilly and Patrick burst out laughing to her right really helped the humiliation set it like an ugly stain. She could hardly bend up to sit with her own knees hardly bending.
Oshawott nearly froze up when Sue swung her head and launched a energized leaf from her homemade hat. However, he managed to hold up his Shell Blade and keep steady enough so his weapon took the brunt of the attack. However, the projectile shattered the sword into water vapor and pushed him back.
Oshawott felt his Scalchop leave his right paw while falling flat on his back himself. He urged himself into getting back up and his shell post-haste when he saw Addle skittering towards him after her sister's opening. She leapt into the air with her tiny, sharp teeth on display before she landed on the Sea Otter Pokemon.
[Feeling dizzy without your Trainer holding your paw?] Addle taunted playfully while Oshawott tried to shake her off. [You're good but out in the wild, you'd never last a minute without Hilda.] She charged her teeth with Bug-type Energy before repeatedly giving Bug Bites to her opponent's head.
Harry was worried for Oshawott while Watcher whooped and cheered, trying not to let his favorite be known. While Oshawott had made peace with Patrick and Lilly, he had taken the liberty to give Sue and Addle some advice on their opening gambit. They were keen to agree on it if only to get one over Hilda at last.
Oshawott cried out a series of "Ow!" when he felt very sharp nipping at his furry scalp like Addle was trying to eat him alive. He stumbled about with his vision obscured by her torso and couldn't tell which way was which until he heard Sue.
[You set 'em up,] she cheered for her sister while charging her leaf bonnet once more, [and I'll knock 'em down.]
During this, Hilda began to roll slowly onto her front in an effort to loop around and at least get a better view. "Anytime you wanna help a friend out, pals," she called out to those on the picnic blanket before rolling onto her back again. "Don't rush in all at once."
[Should we-?] Harry began to ask with concern.
[S'all part of the battle,] Watcher insisted, secretly amused by Hilda's struggle. [Us wild ones won't all be honorable.] He was hopeful that Hilda would be too out of it long enough given her Starter's type disadvantage.
All the while, Oshawott can tell that Addle's Bug Bite was just a distraction for another of Sue's Razor Leaves that'd do him in. Unable to wait for orders, he gathered up Water-type Energy in his throat and hastily spewed out a Water Gun. He blasted Addle off of his face just in time.
Sue had just launched off another Razor Leaf towards Oshawott with a swing of her head once her twin sister was hosed off. The recoil sent the Sea Otter Pokemon backwards just enough for the projectile to graze him. He fell flat on his back this time and winced at the already considerable sting.
Hilda had managed to roll onto her left side at an angle that let her see how the match was going better...ish. She panted when taking stock of Oshawott managing to get up with a pained expression. All the while, Sue had left her position and came over to Addle who had been soaked as well as on her right side.
[You okay, sis?] the Sewaddle asked her twin in concern.
[Water's nothing to bug with determination,] Addle promised her sister, regaining her bearings. [Type advantage helps too.] She shook herself dry like Lilly taught her, making her twin flinch. [Pretty nasty fall though.]
"An opening..." Hilda remarked to herself before her angle let her spot the fallen Scalchop. "Oshawott, down to your-!" However, her hasty warning led her to roll back onto her front again and even bump her nose. "-right..."
Sue and Addle wear the first to hear the warning meant for Oshawott and saw Hilda struggling to roll over again. [I knew we should've aimed for the mouth too,] the latter Sewaddle whined before they turned their attention back to their opponent.
Oshawott managed to spot his Scalchop just as Sue helped Addle recover in time to spot him. "I see now know why humans prefer thumbs..." he muttered while making a break for his shell. The Sea Otter Pokemon had only just reached down for it when he felt something sticky grab his torso and tug him back.
[Caught us a big one, sis!] Addle cheered.
Oshawott dug in his flippers against the pull and found a String Shot had wrapped his belly in strong webbing. He glanced back to find that Sue, going by the more worn out leaf bonnet, had spewed one out to catch him in time. She gave violently sharp tugs that inched him away from his Scalchop despite his efforts.
[Boy howdy...] Patrick gulped in astonishment back on the blanket. [Forgot the last time they had their act together...]
[Well, I bet Oshawott's got something up his sleeve,] Lilly yipped encouragingly.
[What's a "sleeve" now?] Patrick asked.
[I'unno,] Lilly shrugged verbally. [Hilda said it so I bet it's something good.] She and Patrick were too busy gushing to notice Watcher stick out his tongue in annoyance while Harry smiled at their fanaticism.
[Payback time, Water Boy!] Addle declared before rushing out in an sort of arch to build speed. She charged up her Bug-Type Energy into her stubby, little legs with a series of pummeling punches with Oshawott's name on them.
The Sea Otter Pokemon couldn't help but remember Snivy in a spell of anxiety from the nickname to the bindings. She'd toyed with Oshawott once in a sort of tug of war with her Vine Whip. However, just as Addle closed in, he suddenly remembered something from that little session of torment.
The surging Sewaddle had just come in within half a foot of Oshawott and was ready to rumble with a grin. All of a sudden, he quickly charged his body with Normal-type Energy and made his own surge forward towards his Scalchop. Sue yelped as she was yanked forward this time around and lost her footing.
Oshawott snapped up his Scalchop with his jolt forward before turning towards the approaching Addle. Hilda had only just turned back onto her left shoulder in time to see her Starter Tackling his insect opposition. Addle had only tried to stop her attack in a panic when she got such a Critical Hit that knocked her down.
"YEAH!" Lilly and Patrick cheered over such a slick move.
"Lucky shot..." Watcher claimed begrudgingly, reaching back for a pie for some comfort food.
"Whoa, what did I miss?" Hilda whispered in her awe of Oshawott's prowess. She smiled at the sight of Addle conked out on the grass (in the spirit of friendly competition, of course) and snorted at the pure aghast all over Sue's face. Somehow, giving orders felt like it would ruin the moment.
"Addle!" Sue cried out, loosening her grip in her shock.
His brow knit in resolve, Oshawott channeled Water-type Energy into his Scalchop and drew his Shell Blade. A few slashes and swings within one second were all he needed to clear the String Shot webbing off of him, the silk littering the ground around his flippers.
"Anybody caught that?" Harry asked in confusion, having only blinked.
Hilda whistled in amazement before catching Sue swing her leaf bonnet and launch another Razor Leaf. "Oshawott, look-!" she began to yell out in her concern but was cut off by her very Starter.
Oshawott only glanced back and braced himself in order to deflect the Razor Leaf with his Shell Blade. It was swift enough to only deflect the projectile... right into Watcher's apple pie, exploding it all over the peanut gallery.
[Again with the pie...] the Watchog bemoaned. Lilly set to work liking everything and everyone gleefully while he gnashed his teeth yet again.
Oshawott was too busy curving the Shell Blade and throwing it like a frisbee to apologize yet. His deflection had managed to catch Sue in a state of a shock and made her easy pickings for his thrown Razor Shell to strike her in the face.
The slash and speed alone tossed her onto her back before Oshawott ran up and caught his Scalchop after it bounced back into the air. Sue managed to get up despite feeling her Defense dwindle down and see the Sea Otter Pokemon coming in for what seems like a clear cut Tackle.
[Big mistake, Lab Rat...]
The Sewaddle tried to honor her twin by waiting for the right moment while letting Oshawott get in close. He comes within a foot when she bounced to her right and channeled her Bug-type Energy into her silky string. Once the Sea Otter Pokemon was in position, she spat all over him with a very heavy String Shot.
"Oshawott!" Hilda yelled when her Starter lost momentum and tumbled to the grass wrapped up tightly. She had attempted to stand back up in her fear... only to roll back onto her front. All the frustrated girl could do was try to turn her head and get some kind of view.
Sue scuttled over to her tangled up foe with a renewed impish grin on her face. Lilly and Patrick shared a worried gasp over their new friend seemingly meeting their match. Watcher sneered for but a moment before Harry eyed him suspiciously. He tried to look neutral but there was still something in his eyes.
[Nobody knocks around Addle except me, y'hear?] Sue declared while channeling Grass-type Energy into her leaf bonnet. [See ya!] She swung her head strongly to launch a more powerful Razor Leaf directly at Oshawott within the second.
The Sea Otter Pokemon had looked awfully exhausted after being caught unawares right up until Sue launched her attack. Flat on his right side, he blasted a fully charged Water Gun right out the gate and neutralized the Razor Leaf with the pressure alone.
Sue's shock had yet to register but she was still befuddled enough to let the column of water smack right into her. A tree added injury to... even more injury when the Water Gun slammed her into it with plenty of momentum to spare. Once it dried up, Sue fell to the grass very soaked and very much defeated.
[I really need to learn how he plays dead like that,] Lilly gushed, her tail wagging at a breakneck speed.
[He deserves 'n Oscar thing Hilda goes on 'bout,] Patrick agreed gleefully.
[Well, either way,] Harry happily chimed in, [I'd say that Hilda's in good paws with that tough cookie.] He looked towards Watcher to ask him if he agreed but got his answer in the form of a very ticked off glare that eschew any subtly.
Oshawott managed to reach his right paw down and touch his Scalchop through the webbing on his torso. He channeled his Shell Blade and sliced up his bindings within seconds before hearing Hilda grunting. The Starter's determined look turned concerned when he found his Trainer trying to roll onto her back.
Hilda panted once she was flat on her back again before hearing the grass rustle and looking towards her left wearily. There was Oshawott rushing over with his Shell Blade still drawn by his side and with enough power for a few more slices.
"I know it's basic instinct," Hilda began with a warm if anxious smile, "but how are you at, erm, arts and crafts?" She wriggle in her bindings to get the point across.
"Dunno about art," Oshawott earnestly replied in confusion, wield his Shell Blade with two paws now. "but I try to get you free." He first gave a swift slash across Hilda's webbed up torso, making her flinch on reflex. There was a two second delay before a cleave in the bindings appeared in a clean split.
"May your aim be true!" Hilda exclaimed in relief and awe. "Seriously though, that was uncomfortable." She lifted her front up to further spit off the webbing before grabbing the string around her legs and ripping them up furiously. "If we hurry, Sue and Addle won't know what-"
[Actually... I only just defeated them,] Oshawott awkwardly admitted, rubbing the back of his head while his blade receded.
Hilda only stared at her Starter incredulously after freeing her knees. "As in, all by yourself?" she managed to ask, baffled by the notion.
[Oh, I'm sorry that you had to miss out,] Oshawott swore, bowing to what he thought was her disappointment. [I would've freed you sooner but you were right about the twins being a challenge.]
"Sorry for what?" Hilda questioned, smiling more to put her Starter at ease. "Mowing the grass with a type-disadvantage all on your own?" She leaned in forwards and gave a very proud pat on Oshawott's head, surprising him. "I'm the one who's sorry for missing that if anything."
Oshawott smiled back happily over Hilda's approval and his second two-on-one victory. By himself, no less. Maybe... he really was cut out to be a real Starter. Maybe... the Sea Otter Pokemon could be who he had always dreamed of becoming despite Snivy's best efforts. He couldn't help but dare to hope again.
[Dunno how ya did it but ya did it with style,] Oshawott heard Sue claim wearily behind him. He and Hilda looked behind him to find her coming up wearily their way along with an equally wearily Addle.
[You gotta tell us your secret,] Sue's twin eagerly asked, less energetic after what they went through.
Oshawott went a little red from the further adoration he was getting. [Hey, you two were a great tag team,] he claimed humbly. [You were bold enough to target my Trainer if only to throw me off.] He bowed to show his due respect. [You just need to polish your Defense as all.]
[So... Hillda... no hard feelings about tying you up?] Sue gulped awkwardly, glancing up at her human friend.
[I mean... you were kind of wide open in all fairness,] Addle defensively claimed, still shaking the water off of her.
Oshawott gulped anxiously when he looked back at his Trainer. Hilda's smile sank into a rather peeved pout while she crawled towards the Sewaddles.
"You tell me," Hilda began with a cold tone of voice before reaching down for the twins. "You're quite open yourselves!" In one big scoop, she grabbed Sue and Addle with her right arm before her left fist gave them each a noggie.
Oshawott could see the twins wriggling around to escape Hilda's attack but forgot to feel concerned when they started laughing. Even his Trainer grinned mischievously. He smiled and almost wished it was him in her arms instead. A fleeting moment dashed by two paws clapping lightly if... sarcastically.
[Well, if that don't take the biscuit,] Watcher's voice coyly claimed. [The Lab Rat really does know a thing or two about a thing or two.] Hilda stopped teasing the twins to looked find the Watchog strolled on towards them behind Oshawott. Her Starter glanced back and heard a bit of snide to Watcher's voice.
"Try a thing or three," Hilda retorted with a smirk, letting the twins down while she stood back up. "Unless you and Harry wanna be lucky number three." She put her hands to her hips with confidence bordering on cocksure.
[Both of them?!] Oshawott exclaimed at his Trainer. He jumped back without any attempt to hide his anxieties.
[You sheared our hedges, didn't ya?] Sue vouched boldly.
[What's three for three?] Addle added exuberantly.
Oshawott swallowed hard even before he turned and found Watcher got on all fours to eye him with suspicion. [Unless yer gettin' cold paws, ya yellow belly,] he accused, actually sticking out his left eye at the young Starter. [Well?]
"You saw him take the twins," Hilda shot back in Oshawott's defense, squatting down to meet Watcher. "He's not scared of a little more challenge." She gave her Starter an encouraging pat on the back. "Aren't you?"
['C-course I... ain't] Oshawott proclaimed with a stammer, trying to stand up straight for Hilda. [The thing is...] He could just tell that the Watchog was close to truly dressing him down to the bone.
[We're both evolved and he's just a Starter, Watcher,] Harry spoke up while coming up on the Lookout Pokemon's right side. [Just one of us will be more than enough alone.]
Watcher scoffed verbally while standing back up. [Then one 'f us it shall,] he stubbornly declared, casting a challenging look straight at Hilda. [I ain't buyin' what yer l'il fraud's sellin' 'til I face 'im fer mahself.] The Watchog gave Oshawott an especially sharp glare if only for glance.
The Sea Otter Pokemon gulped behind the tough facade he was putting up when Hilda's hands picked hm up by the torso. "Cash or credit?" Hilda snarked back while holding her Starter in her arms. "Either way, you're gonna paying up front."
[Oooo!] Sue chimed in, popping up behind Hilda's right ankle.
[Burn!] Addle finished, popping up behind Hilda's left ankle.
Oshawott has zero idea of cash and/or credit but felt a lot better in his Trainer's arms and glared back at Watcher with a touch more determination. [Face me at your own peril,] he boldly declared, Snivy's snooty looks crossing his mind. [This "fraud" as you put it is the real deal.]
Watcher spat to the side out of annoyance before turning away. [Rest for now, Lab Rat,] he called back while heading to his end of their battlefield. [I'll bust ya down t' size yet.]
Sighing in concern, Harry went over to make sure that his closest friend wasn't going to be this moody for the match. Patrick and Lilly had hung behind their brothers before Watcher marched off in a huff, keeping quiet in their concern.
[Somethin' ain't right about this...] the Patrat remarked under his breath ominously.
[Did his smack talk always sound this mean?] Lilly asked with a whine.
All the while, Hilda sank down to sit with her legs crossed and Oshawott placed on her lap. "Don't let him get to you," she warmly promised her Starter while getting out her Personal Computer and selecting a Potion. "He's just jealous since the twins always run circles around him."
[Literally,] Sue claimed.
[Made him too dizzy to fight back,] Addle chortled at the memory, sharing her grin with her twin.
Oshawott flinched when Hilda sprayed his with the Potion's healing liquid and let it hide his more insecure frown. He talked big to keep up appearances but he could tell that Watcher was a Pokemon who kept his promises. If everyone saw who he really was... would that dream stay a dream?
[Are you sure we're up for it, Hilda?] Oshawott anxiously asked while stretching out his healing body. [I-I mean, I know I can take him but also that Watcher's your oldest friend.] He looked up at his Trainer while affording himself to show his real insecurities.
[He's also being a jerk,] Hilda began with a roll of her eyes, [so as his oldest friend, I gotta poke a hole in his swelled head lest he floats away.]
[Watcher won't let it show,] Harry began, speaking to Oshawott mostly, [but Hilda going off on her journey really got his tail in knot.] She sighed, beleaguered by his buddy. [You know how it can be.]
[I... guess,] Oshawott admitted only so much, relating to Watcher in a way he didn't want to. He had little time to dwell on these feelings before his Trainer hoisting him up into her hands once more to his surprise.
"Well, he can have a good cry about it once Oshawott kicks that tail clear into Castelia," Hilda sassed back at Harry before smiling back at her Starter. "You're going to show what you're made of and it will be fantastic." She kissed him on the forehead for luck and made him giggle.
[Anyone who can give us a walloping has got our vote,] Sue vigorously declared.
[Just call us your hype squad!] Addle swore with equal enthusiasm.
[Y-yeah...] Oshawott began with a hint of hope. [I will be fantastic.] He started to smile more authentically before finally putting on a more determined look for Hilda. [Time for lucky number three!]
Indeed. He couldn't help but dare to hope again.
After a bit of a snack to tie themselves over, Hilda and Oshawott once again stood together but three yards across the grass from Watcher. A breeze blew in when the two of them shared a glare with the Watchog, each one declaring silently that they would win.
[Wash Watcher out! Wash Watcher out!] Sue and Addle cheered Oshawott from the picnic blanket, swaying from side to side in sync. [Flush 'im clean right down the spout!]
Harry, Lilly and Patrick were a lot more focused on the match to come to the right of the twins. Even the hyperactive Lillipup knew that Hilda and Watcher's showdowns could get a little out there. This time it was between a Trainer and a wild Pokemon, a fully evolved one at that.
Sparks were going to fly. And in the forest, that meant fire.
"I'll know if you try to take it easy on us," Hilda declared to Watcher, thrusting out her right hand powerfully. "We can order whatever you're serving and I'm about to splurge." She glanced down at her Starter with a grin. "Got a craving, Oshawott?"
[Yeah, for winning!] the Sea Otter Pokemon proclaimed with pride, his right paw pointing his Scalchop at his foe. [Come get a bite, Watcher!]
I can do this. I can do this.
[Well, if it's yer treat...] the Lookout Pokemon began while getting down on all fours, [...who'm I t' refuse?] Watcher bared his buckteeth in his snarl just before making a huge pounce forth across the battlefield. His mouth opened wide while he charged his chompers with Dark-type Energy.
"Oshawott, to your left!" Hilda barked almost as soon as Watcher made his lunge.
The Sea Otter Pokemon felt his heart skip a beat in fear when he leapt towards his left and only narrowly avoided Watcher. All the while, the Watchog behind him landed on his fore-paws and snapped down his teeth onto thin air that he'd hope was Oshawott.
Watcher didn't miss a beat in turning and pursuing his target. Oshawott could only get so much distance across the battlefield before the Lookout Pokemon was almost literally on his tail. Watcher opened his charged up chompers up for another bite when...
"Oshawott, stop!"
The Starter put on the brakes more so out of confusion why but soon saw Hilda's ploy when Watcher passed right over him in his dash. The Lookout Pokemon stopped in his haste but gave his opponents more than enough time in his scrambling.
"Water Gun!"
Oshawott grinned over Hilda's cleverness before charging his throat with Water-type Energy and taking in water vapor in the air. Watcher had only just began to double back for him with his jaws wide open when the Sea Otter Pokemon spewed. His gaping mouth was a borderline bullseye.
Oshawott spewed pressurized water like a living hose straight into Watcher's maw and pushed him back a few feet. The Watchog gurgled and stumbled backwards while his cheeks ballooned in trying to not choke. He finally fell onto his back and spat out all the water like a fountain.
"Don't forget to stay hydrated!" Hilda quipped cockily with a laugh.
The little ones to the side couldn't help but guffaw at the slapstick and zinger combined. Even Harry chuckled until Watcher glared at him briefly with such pout.
Oshawott nearly choked on the water over the comedy of errors himself. He was so caught up in feeling he already won that Watcher had enough time to gather Normal-type Energy into his big, red-ringed eyes.
[How's this fer a washout, Lab Rat?] Watcher snarled while lifting himself straight up. [Keep yer eyes peeled!] He looked Oshawott straight in the eye with his meanest glare and saw how his Leer made him jump back with a shudder.
Hilda wasn't laughing anymore when she recognized that her Starter's Defense just got cut down to size with how he winced. "Oshawott, defend with your Scalchop!" she frantically shouted without a shred of cocksure. "Hurry!"
Oshawott snapped out of his shaken state when he heard Hilda's cry and soon saw her train of thought once he looked ahead. Watcher was up on his hind legs and kicking his back paws into the air all the while. He quickly took his Scalchop off of his bellybutton and held it forth, bracing himself at the last second.
Watcher gave a big kick with his right hind paw, remembering that Soccer game Hilda played with them. Oshawott blocked with his Scalchop in both of his hands but couldn't keep himself from taking some of the brunt. He especially couldn't keep himself from going flying through the air.
Hilda had to lean towards her right on the spot to avoid her flying Oshawott before he could smash her nose in. She looked back to see his Scalchop slip out of his paws for what she swore was the tenth time today before he hit the ground and slide to a stop. Her teeth clenched in her wincing.
"Still in one piece, Oshawott?" Hilda dared to ask, hoping the Scalchop really did work.
[For now...] the Sea Otter Pokemon uttered back while managing to get up, shaken but not out of the game.
I can do this. I can do this.
It was Oshawott's turn to look behind Hilda and see Watcher getting down on all fours. [Incoming!] he shouted, forgetting to be rattled.
This time, Hilda had to lean to her left in order to let Watcher past once he pounced madly. "Razor Shell, block him, now!" she barked out with each pant.
Oshawott rushed towards his right to once again avoid Watcher's snapping teeth once he got in close enough for another Crunch. Thankfully, his Scalchops had only landed a foot away from him. He reached it by the time he had gathered enough Water-type Energy.
Watcher was still hot on Oshawott's tail with his teeth charged with more Dark-type Energy. He thought he had the little twerp had stopped to catch his breath and opened wide to get a Crunch in. However, all his buckteeth bit down on was a curved Shell Blade that his foe swung around and intercept with.
Watcher snarled while he stood his ground on all fours and tried to yank Oshawott off balance with his blade, recalling how Harry played tug-o-war with Lilly. However, the Sea Otter Pokemon managed to stay firm despite his flippers sliding forth from the strong pulls.
I can do this. I can do this.
"Oshawott, hold on tight!" Hilda pleaded to her Starter, her fists clenching over the current stand still. She swallowed hard in her growing anxiety once it became clear that battling Watcher with her own Pokemon was worlds apart from their play fights. Her heart felt like she got Oshawott in over his head.
However, Hilda quickly shook her head and put on a brave face. She couldn't let Oshawott down as a Trainer by pulling him out so soon. Especially with Watcher dissing them. Hilda gave a glance towards the picture of her mother and swore to her defiantly that she'd find a way to win. She always did.
Right?
[Jus' who'd'ya think yer are, Lab Rats?] Watcher grunted through his teeth while pulling, not loud enough for Hilda to hear. [Strutin' on in like ya own the forest 'r somethin'.] He could see a hint of fear in Oshawott's otherwise determined expression. [But you n' I both know Hilda's too far good fer ya.]
With equal parts force and frustration, Watcher gave a big enough Chomp to shatter the Shell Blade into water vapor, scattering it into the air as blue particles. Oshawott flew back from all that pulling and barely kept himself from dropping his Scalchop. He tripped over a stone and fell flat on his back.
"Oshawott!" Hilda cried out, realizing that she'd been wracking her brain too long. Thankfully, she found Oshawott already getting back up however shakily.
By this point, Sue & Addle's little cheerleading routine subsided upon seeing who the battle was truly favoring. Patrick gulped, knowing that his big brother was getting more than a little into this match. Lilly hadn't even wagged her tail in fearing for Oshawott's odds.
Harry merely viewed intently, fearing the worst had yet to come.
[Y'really know how t' pick 'em, don't ya, Hild?] Watcher crassly questioned, standing up with a side eye look towards his frenemy. [Hasn't even landed a real hit all match.] He turned back towards Oshawott while hocking a loogie most disrespectfully. [Th' fraud's really got us goin', huh?]
Hilda and Oshawott both shared the same glare of frustration but with a hint of uncertainty in their eyes. There was being competitive to a fault and then there was Watcher's sudden streak of jerkiness. Oshawott especially stood back up straight with a defiant stance and his Scalchop in his right paw.
I must do this. I must do this.
"Water Gun!" Hilda ordered with gusto and a sweep of her whole arm. "Aim for his feet!"
Oshawott gathered Water-type Energy into his mouth before spewing pressurized water like a fire hydrant, aiming for Watcher's hind paws on the grass. As expected, the Watchog darted from his position to avoid the blast and scurry forth bipedally.
"Razor Shell!" Hilda ordered almost at once. "Jump him!"
Oshawott cut off his water in time to channel his Water-type Energy into his Scalchop and unsheathed his Shell Blade. Within this second, he ran towards Watcher and hopped up high in order to deliver a vertical slash up his patterned torso.
The Lookout Pokemon gritted his teeth over the mean cut that got some fur on his yellow markings, stumbling backwards. Watcher felt his body shudder like he had the chills due to his low Defense before his hind paws felt the dirt getting soggy. It hardly took much for him to slip and fall flat on his back.
Oshawott landed with a shorter Shell Blade due to the force he applied alone. [Not bad for a fraud,] he retorted in a tone trying to be snarky.
I will do this. I will do this.
[Not too good either,] Watcher bounced back while actually bouncing back onto his hind paws with a roll. [Don't suppose y' kept the receipt for this one, Hild?] He made a point of sneering at his bestie and seeing her take full offense with a growing scowl.
"Watcher's so mean today," Lilly whimpered with a pout and both ears drooping. The peanut gallery had to look beyond Hilda for any action but they could hear the Watchog making both kinds of low blows.
"Yeah..." Patrick remarked, starting to suspect that something was... amiss.
"Tackle him, Oshawott!" Hilda ordered with a vengeance. "Go for the gut.
Watcher had only just looked ahead when he found Oshawott rushing him and picking up speed with a sharp build up of Normal-type Energy. He had enough time to at least try dodging but let the Sea Otter Pokemon dash forward and jump forth, slamming his body into his belly.
Watcher grit his teeth for the impact and managed to stay standing while his hind paws skid across the grass. He also quickly grabbed Oshawott by the sides while he was still in contact with his torso and tossed him all the way towards Hilda.
Oshawott wailed while he flew over his ducking Trainer. "Stick the landing!" he heard Hilda urge, reminding them of an idea she proposed before they turned in last night. The Sea Otter Pokemon grabbed his Scalchops when he neared the ground and drew his Shell Blade. Stabbing the grass, Oshawott stopped suddenly enough to let go of his shell and roll onto the ground like a ball. He stood back up dizzy but unhurt by the fall.
I gotta do it. I gotta do it.
[Why didn't Watcher Low Kick Oshawott?] Sue questioned after being enthralled by the action. [Not that I wanted him to but...]
[No, I know,] Addle swore with her own curiosity. [Since when did he start holding back for the little guys?]
[He wouldn't unless...] Harry began before gulping hard. [But... that'd be way overboard for...] He looked back up just when Hilda had to duck for a second time when Watcher pounce clear over her.
"Hey!" the young lady barked at the Lookout Pokemon once he landed. "Pink, squishy human who's not built for direct combat here." She exchanged heated glares with who she was sure was her friend but not quite best at the moment.
[Take m' advice and exchange th' drip for somethin' halfway decent,] Watcher continued to talk smack right at Hilda's face. [If Minnie's a no-show, maybe one-a them Snivy?] He assumed that the type advantage would be an insult to Oshawott behind him. [Least their vines leave a mark.]
It was an insult to the Sea Otter Pokemon but in a way he could never be privy to. Oshawott's expression of determination faltered at the name of Snivy and the memories of her cold cruelty replaying in his mind. The cold looks of pity. The one-sided battles. This whole match was starting to feel anxiously familiar.
Can I do this?
[Keep tooting your horn, big shot,] Hilda retorted with a smirk suddenly spreading across her lips. [See what happens!] She swiftly pulled off her shirt nearly within a second thanks to the lack of sleeves. It was enough to yank Oshawott out of his plummet towards panicking when it was thrown onto Watcher's face.
Lilly, Patrick and the twins joined in a cheer over the turnabout they'd been waiting for. Harry was more relieved if anything.
Watcher wasn't just blinded by the shirt but found his sinuses assaulted by the biological weapon that was Hilda's body odor. The Lookout Pokemon stumbled about and cursed from the overwhelming stench. It was tolerable enough as far as Wild Pokemon went but shoved his face? It was Super Effective.
He wouldn't have put it past her to have thought this far in advanced.
"Oshawott, Water Gun!" Hilda had been quick to declare while Watcher suffered from her shower skipping. "Smells like he could use one."
Oshawott's smile returned in sincerity when he saw that his chance for victory had been served to him on a silver pattern. He channeled Water-type Energy into his throat and gathered moisture from the air itself into the mix.
I can do it! I can do it!
Watcher's ears compensated for his compromised nose and eyes in time to hear Oshawott spew out from right behind him. He swung around and braced himself to get hit in the gut with pressurized water. Gritting his teeth, the Lookout Pokemon pretended to slide his foot back to make it look good.
Hilda dared to grin that cocksure grin of her's in hopes that this would be the Critical Hit she'd been banking on. However, her expression faltered when she saw Watcher march forward steadily against Oshawott's gushing blast. It fell even faster upon spotting his right paw balled into a fist.
It all clicked for Hilda then as the proverbial pit in her stomach opened up wide. Watcher had largely been pushing her and Oshawott's buttons to attack first while he hadn't actually channeled any of his power. Not even in that one toss. Which could one mean...
"Oshawott, get-!" was all Hilda could get out. Watcher had already got in close enough to throw a punch down upon her Starter. His fist full of the Normal-type Energy her had Bided up, double the power that Oshawott had attacked him with thus far.
In other words, it was more than his foe could handle.
One minute, Oshawott had been sure that the Watchog was struggling to get close to him. He was sure that he'd be able to dodge any attempted Low Kick in the nick of time. As a result, he had neglected to look up and notice Watcher's fist swiftlfy diving down on him like a Ducklett gunning for bread crumbs.
I-
Hilda winced and shut her eyes before hearing the very audible strike. Harry, Patrick, Lilly, Sue and Addle were also taken aback by Watcher's fist making contact with the back of Oshawott's head. The Sea Otter Pokemon was pressed down into the dirt so hard that the tiniest of tremors was actually felt.
Hilda's shirt had fallen off of Watcher's head to cover the fallen Oshawott and reveal a most angered expression. The Watchog heaved heavily through his cleared up sinuses while gritting his teeth and standing back up straight. He stared down at his blanketed opponent with a sliver of shame in his eyes.
Sue and Addle gulped simultaneously after the dust settled. For once, they're silence spoke far more for them this time around.
[I knew it...] Harry sighed in resignation, feeling pity for his friend if that was the word. [You've done it this time, Watch...]
[But... that's overkill,] Lilly gulped, fearing for Oshawott. [Right?]
[Ma made 'im swore t' never so much 's consider Bide except for emergencies,] Patrick grimaced, seeing the dark look on his big brother's face. ['Overkill' don't quite cover it.]
"Oshawott!" Hilda cried out as soon as she snapped out of her state of shock. "Oh, what've I done?" She sprinted over towards ground zero and shoved Watcher out of the way in her haste, squatting down to yank off her shirt.
There was a out-cold and bruised Oshawott revealed to be face down in the dirt, just a touch shy of being embedded into the Earth's crust. Hilda took a sharp breath through clinched teeth, wincing over what was clearly worse than she thought. She took out her Pokedex to get a read out on her Starter's health.
"Bad news, Watcher," Hilda sarcastically snarled at the Watchog without even looking his way. "He's alive." She pocketed her Pokedex and began to put her shirt back on. "Barely."
[Now don' you go poin'ing fingers,] Watcher defensively retorted, marching over to her in a huff. [Y' n' th' Lab Rats bit off more th'n he could chew.] He folded his arms defiantly while getting right in front of his fallen foe. [Simple as.]
Hilda didn't dare take the bait when she thought about how Watcher's jeering got under her skin enough to act so recklessly. The same tactic she and Oshawott pulled off to get the best of Patrick to add insult to injury. With an extra helping of more insult. Put out as she was, Watcher got the last word in.
Harry led the little ones off the blanket and towards where Oshawott lay, spreading out in a circle to give Hilda room to work. All the while, Hilda found an emergency Super Potion in her Medicinal Storage Box and tapped "Select." Her friends marveled at the materialization of the spray bottle from data.
[Will he be okay?] Lilly asked with a whimper. Patrick, Sue and Addle shared her concerned expression with a synchronized gulp almost on cue.
"His Defense hadn't recovered so he might need a moment," Hilda answered while spraying Oshawott across his back, his flippers and especially his head. "Don't worry, I saw him survive Minnie's terrible tail firsthand." She flashed her friends a soft smile if only to put them at ease.
[Take a load off,] Watcher chimed in at the request of nobody. [Barely got any damage to double.]
[Time and place for everything, Watch,] Harry cut in firmly. [Not now.] He only got a pulled down left eyelid and a tongue stuck out at him for his troubles.
Nobody had time to glare at Watcher once Oshawott came to and pushed himself up from the ground slowly but steadily. All of Hilda's little friends joined her in smiling brightly over his quicker recovery, playing little mind to his expression.
"Welcoming back to the land of the living," Hilda cheered, hoping to start off on a bright note. "Need an extra spray or two?"
Oshawott didn't so much as cast a glance upwards while he took a few seconds to dust himself off. "No thank you," he replied with a despondent tone of voice.
Hilda's smile fell when she heard his mood and saw concerned looks for Oshawott on her friend's faces. Even Watcher gave a curious-if-concerned glance.
"Hey, this one's on me for punching above your weight," Hilda persisted with a chipper front, sitting with crossed legs for comfort. "There's always next time with those stuffy inspectors." She reached out to Oshawott so she could pat him on the head. "I know you can do it-"
[NO, I CAN'T!]
Oshawott's outburst made everybody, even Watcher, jump back a bit. Hilda retracted her hand like it nearly got scratched by a Liepard while her smile morphed into frown of growing mortification. Her pupils even receded in a moment of shock when she heard her Starter's breathing suddenly became choked sobs.
"H-Hey, take it easy now," Hilda ventured, unable to fake a smile this time. "We're just getting start-"
[I'm not worth the bother,] Oshawott choked as his breathing heaved through his growing cries. [I'll never get better, I'll never win another battle, I'll just drag you down.] He didn't dare face Hilda with his furry face already soaked by a flash-flood of tears. [I... I really am a fraud.]
None of the Pokemon around him dared to speak in their discomfort over such a shift in atmosphere. Mainly since they didn't know what to say to Oshawott once his sobbing evolved into bawling. Harry, Lilly, Sue, Addle and Watcher collectively wanted to reach out but... didn't know what they could do.
[I'm worthless!] Oshawott cried. [Useless!] His paws could only wipe away so much tears and snot on his face. [Just... leave me here so I don't drag you down with me.]
Hilda let Oshawott cry it out until his bawling subsided into a sob again while her despairing frown hardened into something more solemn. All the while, she took his Poke Ball out from her back pocket. She pressed the white button to enlarge and unlock it before aiming it at her Starter Pokemon.
"I'm going to recall you to your Poke Ball so you can rest now," Hilda spoke in a caring yet firm tone of voice. "Would you like that?"
Oshawott steadied his breathing just enough to slowly nod.
"Return," Hilda commanded to activate the Poke Ball by voice print. The Poke Ball shot a red beam from the button that converted Oshawott's body to the very plasmic energy that it pulled into the device itself. It shut closed and shrunk into a lockdown.
Hilda slowly stood back up and pocketed the Poke Ball while taking out her Personal Computer. She walked away from her forest friends and put her black vest and baseball cap back on with a tap of the screen. The young lady even past the picnic blanket and began to have it digitally stored without so much as a farewell to her friends.
At last, Watcher was the one to stop staying shackled by their sorrow and hastily ran up to Hilda from behind. [I didn't mean f'r this to-!] he called out, stopping short of three feet from her. [I mean, I was jus' jealous n'-] His remorse was the genuine article but wasn't hard to express properly. [I mean, I didn' think the L- Oshawott felt like this.]
"I... have to go to the inspection now," Hilda solemnly cut in while having her P.C. take in the last cream pies. "Whatever happens, I'll at least try to swing by." Her tone of voice was still despondent without a hint of angry nor sympathy for Watcher. "Bye."
Suffice to say, it made the Lookout Pokemon feel worse than ever and caused him to hang is head. The Sewaddle sisters firmly frowned at him but couldn't be angry with Oshawott on the brain. Lilly and Patrick were just plain sad, hanging their head in feeling helpless when their friends need them. Harry sighed with a more flat expression, trying to keep levelheaded however he could.
Hilda finally walked towards her mother's framed photo on the tree with shame blooming in her heart. "I'm sorry that you had to see that," she apologized, her gaze barely able to meet her mother's. "I know it looked bad but I'll figure something out." Helga, once more, smiled back. "I always do."
The fact that Hilda did take out her bicycle didn't escape her forest friends when they saw her stepped deliberately slowly out of the clearing. The time that seemed to have flown by with all their fun ground back to a grueling slog.
[Idiot...] Watcher insulted himself, gritting his teeth and tearing up in frustration. At this point, he might as well have gotten Hilda a one-way ticket to the Orange Islands.
To Be Continued...
Despite winning and all the encouragement around him, Oshawott's inner demons persisted. Anxiety and depression can be like a very bad stain on an otherwise good rug. You can only wash it out so much alone. Even then, more stains will inevitably come about in when you least expect it.
Never be afraid to reach out to others when you can't go it alone.
With luck, Oshawott will realize this as the journey continues with A Walk In The Park
Thank you for reading my fanfiction.
Write up a comment or a full blown review about what you liked or loathed about my work. I can roll with the punches so let me have it.