A/N: Hello ladies and gents and welcome to another installment of "A Crazy Journey across Torgé." Thank you to everyone who reads my story and special thanks to Shadow-Wolf-Hikaru for proofreading my story. Her help means a lot to me. Also special thanks to OnceInAFullMoon13 for allowing me to use Lacey and special thanks to Morris Archeltum for allowing me to use Julian. Calvin, the disclaimers please!
Calvin: PokeFan does not own Pokémon (although he wishes he does). He only owns the plot, region, and certain original characters. Here is chapter eight.
"Ghost of a Chance!"
"Why does that jerk face get to go first? Doesn't anybody believe in chivalry anymore?" Shadé whined.
Apparently somebody is upset that Jerry is battling first. She needs to grow up and get over it.
"See this as a chance to see how O'Rona battles." I said.
"At least you don't have to go last!" Lacey whined.
Julian snickered at the girls. I still can't believe someone who is as calm and collected as him is a Pokémon Coordinator. Then again, everybody expects me to be a trainer because of my father.
"This battle between Gym Leader O'Rona and Jerry Tucker is about to begin. Both trainers can only use two Pokémon each. Only the challenger may substitute. Let the battle begin." The referee said.
I'm actually excited to see this match. Shadé and I should know how to handle Ghost-Type Pokémon since we visit Fantima a lot. I wonder what kind of Pokémon O'Rona has besides a Banette.
"Cofagrigus, I choose you!" O'Rona said.
"Bagon, victory stance!" Jerry said.
On the battlefield Bagon and a Cofagrigus appeared. I hope Jerry knows not to make any physical contact with it.
"Bagon start off with Ember!" Jerry shouted.
"Cofagrigus, use Haze!" O'Rona stated.
Bagon opened his mouth and a series of small fireballs barrages toward Cofagrigus. Cofagrigus took the damage but it didn't seem to do a thing. Cofagrigus then opened its sarcophagus and a thick fog appeared over the battlefield making it hard to see.
"Bagon don't panic. Stay focused!" Jerry said.
"Cofagrigus use Will-O-Wisp!" O'Rona shouted.
Cofagrigus summoned a huge bluish fireball in its hand and tossed it at Bagon. Because if the haze, Bagon didn't have time to dodge and was burned badly. This could end badly for Jerry if he doesn't quickly think of a strategy!
"Bagon don't worry it's not over yet. Bagon use Bite!" He said.
This is not good. I hope the attack doesn't hit because it spells trouble for Jerry. This haze is making it hard to see. I face palmed and watch Bagon bit down on Cofagrigus. The bite did a lot of damage but suddenly Bagon was wrapped in gauze. Bagon was twitching around trying to get out. Jerry face started to panic as he didn't know what was going on.
"In case you're wondering that Cofagrigus' special ability Mummy. It immobilize your opponent and takes over their own ability. Now use Shadow Ball!" O'Rona said.
"Bagon use Protect!" Jerry said.
Bagon shielded himself with a blue force field while Cofagrigus launched a shadowy ball at him. Bagon then hopped around trying to get the gauze off of him.
"Cofagrigus use Grudge!" O'Rona said.
"Bagon use Dragonbreath!" Jerry said.
Cofagrigus waved his hands and a black aura outlined Bagon. Bagon took a deep breath and a huge green beam at Cofagrigus. The haze finally cleared and Cofagrigus was knocked out. Bagon did a happy dance then cringed with his burn.
"I don't understand how this happened?" O'Rona asked.
"You may have immobilized and burned Bagon put we still have powerful attack that could fight through Cofagrigus' defense." Jerry said smugly.
"Very well but you won't be so lucky next time. Kecleon, I choose you!" O'Rona said.
Kecleon emerge from a Poké Ball and hissed it tongue. Battle this Pokémon can be kind of tricky because of its ability.
"I have experiences battling Kecleon so your tricks won't work. Bagon use Twister!" Jerry said.
"Kecleon counter with Flamethrower!"
Bagon spun in a circle and a small tornado surround him as Kecleon blew out a large stream of flames. The flames engulf the twister and made it stronger. Bagon stopped spinning and through his arms, releasing the flaming cyclone.
"Kecleon no!" O'Rona shouted.
Kecleon took the attack dead on and was engulf in the flames. When the flames diminish, Kecleon was still standing tall and proud.
"That didn't work so Bagon use Dragonbreath!" Jerry said.
"Kecleon turn invisible to dodge!" O'Rona said.
Bagon opened his mouth and a large beam of green energy blasted out. The attack hit Kecleon and created a smokescreen. When the smoke clear, Kecleon was gone.
"Now Kecleon use Lick and then finish it with Shadow Claw!" O'Rona said.
Suddenly a tongue came from the sky and attached to Bagon swinging him around. Then the tongue retracted and swung Bagon forwards and a shadowed claw scratched Bagon.
"Bagon is unable to battle, Kecleon is the winner." The referee said.
"Bagon you put up a great right. Umbreon, victory stance!" Jerry shouted.
Umbreon emerged on the battlefield ready to battle. Kecleon reappeared on the battlefield and glared at Umbreon. I know this battle is about to be an epic one.
"Kecleon start off with Shadow Ball." O'Rona said.
"Umbreon counter with your own Shadow Ball," Jerry said.
Both shadow balls collided with each other on the middle. Both Pokémon were still glaring at each other with a lot of hatred.
"Umbreon use Double-Edge." Jerry said.
"Kecleon use Sucker Punch!" O'Rona said.
Before Umbreon could strike, Kecleon swooped across the field and sucker punched Umbreon across the face. Umbreon was surrounded by a golden aura and bone rushed Kecleon back around the field.
The battle was very intense. Each Pokémon was exchanging blow for blow until the bitter end.
"Quick Kecleon finish this with Sucker Punch!" O'Rona said.
"Moonlight!" Jerry smirked.
Kecleon's attack couldn't hit properly as moonlight wasn't an actual attack. The rings on Umbreon's fur started to glow and all of his cuts and bruises were healed.
"Now you finish this Umbreon with Iron Tail!" Jerry said.
Umbreon's tail glowed a shiny silver as he leaped towards Kecleon. He then struck him with his tail and knocked it out instantly.
"Kecleon is unable to battle. The victory goes to the challenger." The referee said.
O'Rona gave a sad smile as she returned Kecleon. She walked up to Jerry and gave him and small object. The object was a coffin with a halo on top.
"This is the Living-Spirit badge and it belongs to you now. I hope you go very far on your journey." O'Rona said politely.
Jerry shook her hand and placed his badge in his badge case. He then patted Umbreon on his head and thanked him for a job well done. O'Rona then signaled for Shadé to step to the battle field and take her battle. I hope that Shadé wins on her first try as well so we don't have to come back.
"I never seen a live gym battle before today." Kenny cheered.
I raised an eyebrow at him and looked towards the battlefield. Shadé had a look of determination on her face. I know this battle is going to be as intense as the last.
"This battle is between Gym Leader O'Rona and Shadé Scott of Hearthome City. This shall be a two-on-two battle and only the challenger can substitute. Let the battle begin." The referee said.
"Shuppet, I choose you!" O'Rona said.
"Happiny, Victory Dance!" Shadé said.
Out of O'Rona's Poké Ball a black and grey puppet like Pokémon appeared. I know Ghost-Pokémon all too well and Shadé should too.
"Shuppet start off with Will-O-Wisp!" O'Rona said.
"Same strategy I see. Oh well, Happy use Charm!" Shadé said.
Shuppet surrounded itself in blue fireballs before launching them at Happiny. The attack landed successfully and Happiny was burned. However, Happiny blew a kiss at Shuppet and many hearts barracked it.
"Why would she use a Normal type in a Ghost type gym? None of her attacks will work." Kenny asked.
"It's very obvious actually. Her attacks won't land on Happiny and she has the option of substituting. It actually very smart on her end." Jerry comment sarcastically.
"You didn't have to be rude. Kenny asked an honest question," I growled back.
"Hey guys, no need to get hostile with each other." Julian said.
Jerry and I both growled and glared at Julian to be quiet. Lacey raised an eyebrow and turned away back to the battlefield.
"Shuppet use Knock Off!" O'Rona said.
"Happiny dodge and then use Refresh!" Shadé said.
Shuppet floated toward Happiny with a dark aura. The aura then turned into a shadowy hand and reach towards Happiny. Happiny ducked away from the hand and a golden aura surrounds her, healing her burn.
"Now while Shuppet's close, Happiny use Copycat!" Shadé yelled.
Happiny's hand glowed white and a dark aura surrounded her. She cocked her fist back and slammed in into Shuppet's body. Shuppet fainted instantly on impact.
"Well I wasn't really expecting that. Great job Shuppet. Haunter, I choose you!" O'Rona said.
O'Rona threw her Poké Ball and a small Haunter appears. It then licks her face and she giggles at the affection.
"Come on Haunter focus. Use Hypnosis!" O'Rona giggled.
"Happiny use Sweet Kiss!" Shadé yelled.
Happiny blew a kiss at Haunter and a yellow heart appeared. The yellow heart exploded in Haunter's face, making it confused. However, Haunter extended its hands and a pink wave of energy had Happiny fast asleep.
"Now Haunter use Dream Eater!" O'Rona shouted.
"Quickly Happiny, wake up!" Shadé shouted.
Happiny remained snoring on the battlefield while Shadé was panicking. Haunter then releases a shadowed version of itself that swooped down and took Happiny's energy.
"I don't know if you'll wake up so Happiny return. Tirtouga, battle dance!" Shadé yelled.
Tirtouga emerged from his Poké Ball with a last yawn. He then gave Shadé the once over before rolling his eyes and going back to sleep. This could be a major problem for Shadé if she can't control Tirtouga.
"Tirtouga will you wake up and use Ancient Power!"
"Haunter you use Shadow Ball!"
Tirtouga continued to sleep and a snort bubble was floating in his nose. Haunter gathered shadow energy in its hands and launched the shadow ball at Tirtouga. Tirtouga remained sleep and oblivious to the damage.
"Well this is awkward," Kenny whistled.
"Come on Tirtouga, get up!" Shadé yelled.
"Uh, Haunter use Shadow Claw!" O'Rona said.
Haunter reached his claw out and scratched Tirtouga across the face. Tirtouga woke up irritated and growled at Haunter. Tirtouga surrounded himself in water and shot out like a bullet towards Haunter. Tirtouga slammed into Haunter and Haunter crashed into a wall.
"Tirtouga you have to listen to me!" Shadé shouted.
"Haunter use Sucker Punch!" O'Rona said.
Haunter quickly floated towards Tirtouga and punched him across the face. Tirtouga surrounded himself in water again and slammed Haunter into the wall. Haunter then floated but fell again.
"Haunter is unable to battle. The winner is Shadé Scott." The referee said.
Well that was... a surprise. I didn't think Shadé would win like this but a wins a win.
"I would like to advise you to train Tirtouga more." O'Rona said politely.
"I'm sorry about him. He tends to do that... A lot," Shadé said sheepishly.
"That is fine. I'm glad to present you with the Living-Spirit Badge," O'Rona said giving Shadé her badge.
"Well that's three down and five more to go." Shadé said excitedly.
Once again, Shadé and Jerry have an easy path. They have three badges each and I'm struggling to get one ribbon. It doesn't matter because I'm leaving after Central City.
-xXx-
"We'll meet again very soon," Lacey said as she waved goodbye to use.
"Yeah and Calvin, next time I see you. We shall battle!" Julian grinned.
I gave him a half-assed grin and bump fist with him. It's no point in saying anything to him because he'll find out eventually.
"We have to get going on Route 407 if we want to make it to Central City on time." Jerry complained.
Shadé and I glared at him as well said goodbye to our friends. O'Rona meet us at the beginning of Route 407 to say her goodbye personally.
"I really hope you guys can stop Team Shadow. I won't you to take what you learned in Lyndale City to be something. Take care and good luck." She said.
We nodded our heads and started to walk to Central City. We didn't make it far before we heard a voice asking us to wait. When the voice was getting louder, the silhouette and a person becomes visible. The person shouting was Kenny. Kenny finally caught up with us and he stopped to catch his breath. His face was red in embarrassment and he struggled to speak.
"I want to travel with... You... Guys!" He panted.
Shadé and I looked at each other then looked at Jerry. Jerry was looking bored as he looked back at us. Piplup and Togepi looked back at me, like I had the answer.
"Why?" I asked.
"I think I could learn from you all. Today was my first time seeing a gym battle live and I touched me. Aunt Laura said I have a lot to learn and what better way than to travel with friend. I need this so please say yes." Kenny said while he was on his knees groveling.
"Get off the ground!" Jerry growled.
Shadé and I each smacked him upside his head before turning back to Kenny. Shadé reached out her hand to help Kenny up from the ground before answering him.
"Of course you can. You want to be a Pokémon Researcher. What better way than to travel with a group of Pokémon Trainers." Shadé said.
I shrugged my shoulders, agreeing with Shadé. With Kenny around, they won't need me anymore so now I can leave then without feeling guilty. Kenny quickly got up and pulled the three of us into a hug. Jerry was growling before he started walking towards Route 407.
The walk shouldn't be too far. O'Rona it should only take a maximum of only three days. And with Kenny here, it shouldn't take us that long anyway.
"So you guys, tell me about yourselves? I want to get to know all of you." Kenny asked.
I don't see the harm in him knowing some things about us. We might be traveling together for a while so it's only fair that he asked.
"Why do you need to know?" Jerry rudely interrupted.
"Jerry you don't have to say anything to him!" Shadé seethed.
I really don't feel like the arguing today. Those two have been going at it since we've left home. When are they going to stop!
"Kenny pay no attention to the immature children." I muttered.
The both stopped to glare at me before glaring back at each other. This is getting ridiculous.
"Well Kenneth, my name is Calvin Scott. I am the eldest child of my parents and Shadé is one of our other 6 sibling. We have six younger brothers between our parents. Since I was little I always wanted to be a Pokémon Coordinator." I explained to him.
"That's very exciting. I'm an only child so I don't know what it is like to have siblings. And I've never seen a live Pokémon Contest before!" Kenny said excitedly.
"Well honestly hour is over!" Jerry snapped.
Before I could say something to Jerry, we heard a noise in the bushes. We all stopped and Piplup jumped off my head and Kenny's Banette floated towards the bush. Suddenly, a small bird Pokémon flopped out and stared into us. The Pokémon was unrecognizable to me.
"Hey that's a Tailow!" Jerry said in awe.
"A what?" Shadé asked.
"A Tailow, it's a native bird in Hoenn. I could use a flying-type in the future and they have great speed. I'm going to catch it!" Jerry said, taking out a Poké Ball. Pichu popped out and gave a quick yawn. He looked around in curiosity before looking back at Jerry. Tailow looked bored before flapping away.
"Pichu, follow that Tailow. We are going to have a new addition to the team," Jerry said excitedly.
Pichu's cheeks sparked in excitement and he ran after Tailow. Jerry ran behind Pichu and looked back over us.
"You guys keep walking, I'll catch up with you eventually. Don't worry." Jerry grunted.
Jerry and Pichu disappeared in the trees and I was left in awe. He really left us to catch a new Pokémon. Who does that?
"I hope he catches that Tailow." Kenny said.
Shadé and I looked at each other and laughter was creeping onto us. We couldn't hold it anymore and explode in a fit of giggles.
"I hope he trips on a twig," Shadé said.
"Chim... Chim," A voice said.
I clutched into Togepi and Piplup tighter. I don't like what is going on. One event is always happening after another. I am truly sick of this.
"It's coming from the bushes," Shadé said.
"Chim...chim." The voice whimpers again.
"It sounds like it's in pain," Shadé whispered.
"I have a solution. Wraps, come on out!" Kenny said while throwing a Poké Ball.
A Pokémon covered in thick green vines appeared and look around suspiciously. I have never seen this Pokémon before so I scan it.
"Tangela, the Vine Pokémon. Tangela tangles anything that gets caught in its vine and tickles it opponents." My PokéDex said.
"Chim... Chim." The pain voiced screamed.
"Wraps be careful. Wraps use Vine Whip to move the bushes." Kenny said.
Two blue vines come from under Tangela and moved towards the bushes. Tangela moved the bushes to reveal a horrifying sight. A Chimchar was whimpering in pain and looked at us frightening.
The Chimchar struck me odd. Chimchar's are usually a shade of light orange but this Chimchar is dark orange with red streaks. It's not a shiny Chimchar and I'm sure of that. Also the flame is must higher than a normal Chimchar's.
"Something is wrong with this picture." I said.
Shadé and Kenny agreed with me because something is extremely wrong with this picture. This Chimchar is radiating a strong energy.
"We can't just leave it here. It's clearly in pain and look at the bruises and dried up blood on it." Shadé says.
Shadé moves towards Chimchar but it panics. It released an ember attack at her and it was strong. An Ember attack should not be that powerful.
"Shadé don't grab it. It's obviously frighten." I said.
"I know but I can't leave it here. I just can't Calvin." She said, with tears starting to form in her eyes.
I'm all out of ideas. I don't know how to soothe Chimchar enough to calm it down. Shadé looks very heartbroken over this mysterious Pokémon. Suddenly an idea struck me. I don't know why I didn't think of this idea sooner. I grabbed Bayleef's Pokéball and release her.
"Bayleef use spores to release a calming aroma to help calm Chimchar." I said.
Bayleef nodded and closed her eyes. Pink mist sprinkled from her buds and landed gently on Chimchar. Chimchar calmed down enough to stop rampaging. Shadé quickly scooped the Chimchar into her arms and held tight. She rubbed its head to try and ease the pain away. It clearly wasn't working but I didn't want to tell her that.
"We need to go back and get help." Shadé said.
"In case you forgot, we are in the middle of a forest and Jerry ran off with the only map. We are lost!" I said.
Shadé's face was crestfallen and tears was starting to pour out. I hate seeing my little sister cry but there is nothing we can do in this situation. I'm all out of ideas. And this why I'm useless.
"Pardon me youngsters, do you need any help?" A voice asked.
We all turn around to find an old man with jade eyes and short grey hair under a straw hat. His green sweater was wrinkled and his khaki pants were rolled up and he was barefoot. He was shorter than all of us looking to be five feet even.
"Yes sir. We found this Chimchar and it's very sick and we can't do anything to help. Do you know where the road is?" Shadé answered, trying to wipe away the tears.
"Guys, do you know who this is?" Kenny asked in awe.
The old man smirked and gently grabbed the Chimchar away from Shadé.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Solomon Reeves and I am a member of the Torgé Elite Four. You see this Chimchar is very sick with the PokéVirus," he explained.
"Team Shadow created a drug that would enhances a Pokémon's power. This is what the side effect of the drug looks like. There is no cure so far but the League is investigating it." Solomon said.
"So what can we do now?" I asked.
"I can temporarily heel him. Central City is a good three days away but my power should last him. Come on out Venusaur!" Solomon said.
An old looking Venusaur with yellow leaves. The Venusaur look very calm and quiet as she looks at all of us. Solomon places Chimchar on top of Venusaur's head and steps away.
"Venusaur use Synthesis!" Solomon said.
Venusaur glowed a vast green and the injured on Chimchar starts to slowly fade away. When the synthesis was over, Chimchar was still whimpering but leaped directly into Shadé's arms.
"I know that Chimchar also haves a fever so I'll personal escort you youngsters to Central City. We might as well set up camp because it's getting late." Solomon suggested.
"We would be honored and grateful if you could accompany us," Shadé said.
"Wait, what about Jerry!" I said.
"Who?" Solomon asked.
"He is our jerk cousin who left us to catch a Tailow!" Shadé said.
"Oh I saw him earlier. He was having a really hard time with his Pichu," Solomon chuckled.
"Yeah that's Jerry for us." I chuckled too.
"But I caught the Tailow however so jokes on you." A familiar voice said.
We all jumped in surprised as I turn to look at Jerry. His clothes are wrinkled and slightly torn and Pichu looks exhausted. They both have twigs and leaves all over them.
"Who's the old man?" Jerry asked.
"He is Solomon of the Torgé Elite Four." Kenny answered.
Jerry's eyes widen and he cast an apology. Solomon chuckled and waved it off, stating that he is an old man. We all chucked before we set up camp for tonight.
-xXx-
I couldn't sleep all night. Piplup and Togepi are sound asleep in our tent. I sighed and decided to take a walk. Just to be sure, I took a Poké Ball with me to be safe.
I quietly exited my tent so that I won't awake the others. I shouldn't have ruined anybody's night especially after the day that we had.
Before I could make it far, I heard a strange waddle behind me. I didn't need to turn around to know that Piplup was right behind me.
"Piplup... Pip, Piplup?" He asked.
"I couldn't sleep," I replied.
Piplup jumped on my head like he always does. We walk a little away from the campsite but not too far way.
"Ready to go home soon?" I asked.
Piplup's face look puzzled before he grew angry and started to peck me. He continue to until my head started to hurt.
"Hey, cut it out!" I whispered harshly.
"He's right you know!" A voice said.
I looked over to see Elite Four Solomon looking over at me. I sighed in defeat and turned towards him to face my doom.
"I can see that your troubled young man, what seems to be problem?" He asked.
He took me by surprise as I was expecting a lecture.
"I feel I've made a big mistake. I tried to follow my dream but I couldn't do it. I was close to winning my ribbon but I didn't. I always come close." I explained.
"I see. You remind me of me when I was a youngster. I lost my first gym battle three times but I never gave up. I knew my journey wasn't going to be easy," he said.
"I know but it's hard being around people who are accomplishing theirs while you are on a stand still. My Pokémon work hard but I'm just too weak," I sighed.
"You are not weak!" He said sternly.
I looked at him in shock. I never heard somebody say that to me.
"I'm going to tell you a saying that I told myself 40 years ago. Don't give up until your very last breath. It's not over until you give it your all. I know you can do it, you just have to believe in yourself." He said.
His words struck me hard. Maybe he is right, maybe I should give it one more try. I at least owe it to my Pokémon. Maybe I should just try again?
A/N: And that was chapter eight. I hope you all enjoy it and happy Friday to everyone. I am currently trying to apply for colleges so wish me luck guys and have a great weekend.
Announcers: Next time on, "A Crazy Journey across Torgé," our heroes are finally arriving in Central City. Calvin is still feeling like a loser but will another contest change his mind? Will Chimchar ever fully recover? And what's going on with Jerry's attitude? Find out next week on "Center Stage."
Calvin: I am not that depressing. Read ad review if possible guys.