A/N: Happy Friday, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to another installment of "A Crazy Journey across Torgé." Thank you to the 200 views that I received for the story and the numbers grow everyday. I appreciate each and every one of you reading this story. I'm still trying to balance my senior year and work but I'll continuing writing for everybody. Thank you OnceInAFullMoon13 (Lacey), Morris Archeltum (Julian), for allowing me to use their original characters. Now I'm introducing TheCandyCup's OC Ashley. Calvin, read the disclaimers!
Calvin: *mumbles* Don't be telling me what to do. PokeFan doesn't own Pokemon. He only owns certain OC's and the plot. Without further ado, here is chapter nine.
"Center Stage"
We've been on Route 407 for the past three days. Solomon has been giving Shadé and Jerry a lot of advice but refuses to battle either one of them. Chimchar is getting slightly better but his fever is still running high.
"Okay youngsters, this is the end. Remember everything that I taught you. All of you," Solomon said.
"Can we finally battle?" Jerry asked.
"No but if you win the Torgé League, then yes I will battle you," Solomon said.
"No fair!" Jerry mumbled.
"Calvin good luck on any decision that you make. Remember, it's not over until your last breath," Solomon said.
I nodded my head and clutched onto Togepi tighter. The real reason Solomon won't battle them is because he's been personally training me on my next contest. If I decide to enter my next contest.
We wave goodbye to Solomon as he rode his Venusaur back into the forest of Route 407. I might take what Solomon says into consideration and enter this Pokémon Contest.
"Come on guys. Central City is right in front of us. We are minutes away," Kenny says excitedly as his Banette follows closely behind him.
"Chim… Chim," Chimchar whimpers.
"He's fever is still running high," I mumbled.
"Let's hurry then," Shadé said sadly.
We quickly walked and entered Central City. I was amazed at how huge the city is. It had very tall buildings with Pokémon everywhere. Ratatta and Pidove's are all around the city. Shadé quickly asked someone where the Pokémon Center is.
"It's not too far. If you continue down this street and make a left, it's right there," the stranger said.
We nodded our heads and gratitude and followed his directions. Just as he said the Pokémon Center was right there and it was huge. We quickly rushed inside and was greeted at the door.
"Hello everyone. You guys are the first ones here," Professor Redwood said.
Shadé continued to walk towards the desk with Chimchar nuzzling in her arm. Nurse Joy gestures Shadé to follow her for treatment while Professor Redwood looked confused.
"Don't mind her. We found an injured Chimchar," I explained.
Professor Redwood nodded in understanding before grabbing Kenny for a tight hug.
"I was so worried about you Kenneth. Do you have any idea of how dangerous it is?" She said while running his blond hair.
"Aunt Laura, I'm fine. Not a scratch on me and Banjee's been taking care of me," Kenny pouted.
"That's good. Thank you Banjee," Professor Redwood said.
"So what about this Book of Legends?" Jerry asked in a bored tone.
"Straight to the point, I see. The Book of Legends is exactly what it is, a book on Legendary Pokémon. You see the problem is however, is that specific book also hold the locations," Professor Redwood explains.
"So what's the big deal then. They have the book, so what," Jerry says.
"That's the problem. I don't know what they'll do. In Torgé there are certain tombs that hold certain resting Pokémon. If they are awoken then the region will be in danger," Professor Redwood explained further.
Jerry fell silent as we allowed the information to digest. Team Shadow needs a certain legendary Pokémon to carry its deed. It sounds like Team Galactic a few years ago when it come to Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina.
"So what do we do now?" I ask.
"We wait and try to stop them at any moment. You guys update me on any information you have," she said.
"Okay," we replied.
"I'll be here for a couple of days doing some research with some of my advance students. If you have any questions feel free to call me. I'll be at the Central Inc. hotel. Calvin and Jerry, please watch over Kenneth for me?" Professor Redwood said.
"We will don't worry," I reassure her.
She quietly left and left the three of us alone. The contest is about to start soon and I don't know if I should sign up.
"We might as well walk to the Contest Hall. It's about to begin," Jerry shrugged.
Shoot! I think I spoke too soon. Maybe I should tell him now.
-xXx-
"Will you hurry up and sign up. You should feel lucky because you are just making it," Jerry complained.
I glared at him as I prepare to face my doom. I don't know what I am getting myself into with this contest. And this is a double contest making the extremely hard.
I quietly gave Kenny Togepi because I can't carry her around while I'm competing. Shadé was still at the Pokémon Center so maybe she'll make it in time or at least watch it on tv.
I went backstage and changed into my contest clothes. It's the same button up, green plaid pants, black blazer and my same combat boots. I look at my reflection as I try to give myself a weak pep talk. Piplup pecked my hand, signally me to get a grip.
"I know Piplup, but what if I fail?" I asked.
Piplup pecked me in response as I try to get another grip on reality. I just need to believe in myself and then I shall do it.
"You shouldn't be so nervous," a voice said.
I turned around and found myself looking at a beautiful girl. She had long blond hair tied in two pigtails and pale blue eyes. Her slim pink dress hugged her nicely and her look was completed with pink ballet flats.
"I was in the Valamora Contest with you and you were awesome. I've never seen an appeal and battling like that before," she complimented.
That comment caught me off guard as I smiled in gratitude. The girl's kind words made my heart melt. Maybe I was overreacting?
"I don't know what you are talking about. He was awful!" A familiar make voice sneered.
I groan in despair as I recognized that voice. With the same flamboyant appearance, Ron decided to grace my presence. Can this day get any worst?
"I see some people don't learn the first time," Ron sneered.
I grind my teeth together and was about to response but the host was making the introductions. This kid really gets under my skin.
"And now presenting Ashley Aiko," Gina said.
"Wish me luck," the girl from before winked at me.
Moments later the same girl, who I am assuming is Ashley, come on the stage with a look of determination.
"Togepi and Togetic, performance time!" Ashley said.
Two white Pokémon with red and blue triangles all over that I knew. The Togepi evolution chain took the stage with the best grace I've ever seen.
"Togepi use Swift and Togetic use Fairy Wind," Ashley said.
Togepi waved its hands and yellow stars appeared and circles around Togepi and Togetic. Togetic then flapped it's small wings and a cyclone circled around them with pink mist.
"Okay now Togepi use Attract and Togetic use Magical Leaf to slice everything," Ashley commanded.
Togepi kissed the sky and pink hearts poured from its mouth. Togetic spun in circles as green crescent blades slice the hearts creating pink sparkles.
"All right let's wrap this up. Togepi use Wish and Togetic use Safeguard," Ashley said.
Togepi jumped on Togetic's back and waved it's hands and the room grew darker. Togepi then started chanting as a golden aura surrounded them. To intensify the moment, a green forcefield surround them both and the light illuminated the entire room.
The appeal ended and Togepi and Togetic flew down gracefully and bowed in front of Ashley. Now that was a stellar appeal and I don't know how to top her.
"That was really good," I mumbled.
"It was alright. I've seen better," Ron said rolling his eyes.
Before I could say anything Gina called Ron's name and he went to the stage. I'll have to pay close attention to Ron since all he does is brag about how great he is. Let's see what he is made of.
"Volbeat and Illumise, center stage!" Ron yelled.
From his Poké Ball, two similar Bug Pokémon appeared and took a graceful bow. Then the both took flight and awaited for his command.
"Volbeat use Tail Glow and Illumise use Light Screen," Ron said.
Volbeat's tail glowed an rainbow hue and illuminated the room. Illumise created a clear box around them also intensifying the effect.
He ripped off part of Ashley's appeal. I hope the judges score him low because of what he did. And he bragged about being better than us.
"Volbeat transition to Signal Beam and Illumise use Bug Buzz!" Ron said.
Illumise fluttered her wings and a red sound wave flutter out from them. Volbeat's antennes glowed and a rainbow beam hit the sound waves creating a rainbow sound wave.
"Finish it with double Thunder!" Ron yelled.
Illumise and Volbeat sparked a blue and yellow static respectively and launched a huge blast that broke the sound wave and showered the audience in glitter.
Even though Rom ripped off a part of his appeal, I have to admit he is good. I don't know if I can compete with power like that. Hopefully this training and my new found confidence takes me a long way today.
I heard my name called next and all my confidence leaves me. Piplup pecks my head to reassure me but it didn't work. As I enter the stage I immediately find Jerry, Kenny, Kelly, and Luc in the stand. Kenny is the loudest of them cheering me on as I see that Shadé couldn't make it. Luc gave me a sheepish grin as I glared at him.
"Combusken and Piplup, it's time to shine," I yell nervously.
Piplup jumped off my head as my Young Fowl Pokémon emerged from his Poké Ball. They both wait for me to instruct them. I really hope this works.
"Piplup, let's try our new move. Piplup use Water Pulse and Combusken use Fire Spin!" I commanded.
Piplup gathered water in his hands and he raised it above him. The water turned into an orb and he launched it into the sky. Combusken opened his beak and a stream of fire coiled around the Water Pulse. The fusion worked together perfectly as rainbow static was flying down from it.
"Combusken now use Sky Uppercut on the fusion," I commanded.
Combusken jumped high into the air and uppercutted the fusion. The attack exploded into a thick smoke that covered them both. Now was my chance.
"Piplup use Ice Beam and Combusken use Fire Spin again!" I said.
Behind the smoke, flashes of light blue and red can be seen. When the smoke is cleared, the image of a ice pillar with spiral ice steps is in the middle of the arena with Combusken holding Piplup on his head. I bowed and the audience roared with excitement.
The judges smiled at me before saying anything.
"The image is absolutely stunning. Your Pokémon showed a lot of control," Mr. Pokémon exclaim.
"The power of fire and water was dazzling. I couldn't keep my eyes off the entire appeal," Ms. Melody remarked.
"Piplup and Combusken are obviously in top form. Excellent job," the Central City Nurse Joy said.
"And we'll right back with the top four coordinators competing in round two," Gina said.
I walked backstage, proud of my accomplishment. Piplup keep poking his chest in pride and pecking my head. I love this little guy but if he doesn't stop doing this, I'm going to hurt him.
"That was amazing!" Kenny screamed at me.
"How did you get back here?" I asked.
"Security let us back here," he shrugged.
"Us?" I questioned.
Behind Kenny was Luc and Kelly standing there with grind on their faces. Jerry was scowling as if he didn't want to be here. Matter-of-fact, I know he doesn't want to be here. He hates these things.
"Good job kid," Luc commented.
I glared at him more aggressively before I heard Kelli whine.
"Luc we missed the contest. I told you we shouldn't have stopped," Kelli whined.
I rolled my eyes before turning back to the screen. Ashley popped up beside me and looked as well. She did really good and I hope she made it.
"And ladies and gentlemen, these are the four coordinators competing in round two," she said, pointing to the big screen.
The first three images didn't surprise me as I saw Ashley and Ron's faces appear. The fourth one lit up and I released the breath I was holding as I saw my own picture. The pictures shuffled and I saw that I will be battling Ashley.
"Good luck in the next round," Luc beamed at me.
I grunted back in response and Ashley introduced herself to all of my friends. I don't know why Luc gets on my nerves so much. He hasn't done anything to me so why am I so hostile.
I turned my attention back to the screen but Ron was already done with his battle. I didn't even get a chance to study how he battles. With a double performance, everything changes.
"Now can we have Ashley and Calvin to the stage?" Gina asked.
Ashley and I nodded at each other before exiting toward the stage. We shook hands and stood on our respective sides of the battlefield. If I concentrate I might be able to win this one.
"Togetic and Togepi, performance time!" Ashley said.
"Combusken and Piplup, time to shine," I said.
All four Pokémon looked ready to battle as the clock begin. Since her Pokémon doesn't look like battlers maybe I'll have an easy knockout.
"Togepi use Swift and Togetic use Fairy Wind," Ashley said.
"Piplup counter with Ice Beam and Combusken use Quick Attack on Togepi!" I commanded.
Togepi waved it's hand and yellow stars launched at my Pokémon. Piplup opened his beak and an chilling beam launched and froze the stars in place causing Ashley to lose points. Combusken ran towards Togepi and was outlined in white. Togetic spread its small wings and a pink mist gust flew out pushing Combusken back.
I look at the board and saw we still have a quarter of points left. I need to think of a new strategy that might stop Togetic. Togepi does seem like much of a threat but I still need to be careful.
"Togetic use Aerial Ace and Togepi use Charm!" Ashley said.
"Combusken counter that with Sky Uppercut and Piplup use Bubble Beam!"
Togetic flew quickly with white streaks around it it but as soon as it was close, Combusken jumped up and uppercutted it in the face. To make matters worst Piplup unleashed a frenzy of bubbles at Togetic while it was distracted with the Sky Uppercut. Togepi winked at the audience as horde of hearts twinkled from it.
Looking at the scoreboard, I can see that our points are matched. It is easy to see that Ashley and I are an even match and the battle can go in either favor. I need to think more like a winner. This battle determines if my journey is really over.
"Combusken use Flamethrower!"
"Togetic use Safeguard!"
"Piplup you attack with Water Pulse!"
Combusken opened his beak and a large stream of fire went straight towards Ashley's Pokémon. Togetic flew in from of Togepi and a green barrier surround them. The flames was pushed away but it did what I wanted, a distraction!
Piplup was outlined in blue and a blue wave swirled around him. The water hit the flames and created a thick fog. Ashley clearly couldn't see but I can.
"Piplup finish with Ice Beam!"
While they were distracted, Piplup unleashed powerful ice beams that froze Ashley's Pokémon. The timer ran out and when the fog cleared, I saw that I had more points. I made it to the finally!
I let out a breath I was holding and returned Combusken back to his Poké Ball. Ashley look sad but returned her Pokémon as well while clapping for me. Her praise meant everything and I'm glad she has a positive attitude.
"Now calling to the stage, Ronald and Thomas," Gina said.
That was my cue to get off the stage. Hopefully I don't have to deal with Ron at all in this contest. I really don't feel like it.
Ashley and I returned back and all my friends were gone. This gave me the perfect time to talk to her.
"I'm sorry Ashley," I apologized.
"It's fine. I'll just have to win the next one. Nothing is going to stop me," she said.
I smiled at her enthusiasm. It reminded me of me before I came here. I was ready to take on the world but after failing, I came home. Sometimes I regret doing it.
"Well good luck on your journey," I said politely.
"Thanks and I hope you kick Ron's butt!" Ashley grinned.
I was confused about what she said until I look at the screen. Ronald was declared the winner, which made him a finalist. If Ron beats me in the next round, that will kill all of my newfound confidence.
Gina called me to the stage and I was nervous again. I looked into the crowd and all my friends was here minus Shadé. Even Mystic and Zara has manage to make it and Ashley chose to sit right beside them. If I lost right now, I won't come back from this.
"Are you ready to lose again," Ronald said smartly.
I bit my tongue and gave him a fierce glare. He has no idea what he is about to face. I believe in my heart that Combusken and Piplup will give it their all.
"Volbeat and Illumise, center stage!"
"Combusken and Piplup, time to shine.
All four of our Pokémon glared at each other as the clock begin. I'll allow Ron to have the first move and then I'll go from there.
"I don't have time to wait, Volbeat use Signal Beam and Illumise use Thunder!"
"Dodge it!" I screamed.
Volbeat's antennas glower a rainbow color before a rainbow beam was launched. Illumise followed up and released a huge light blue electric streak that merged with the Signal Beam. The attack was coming straight for my Pokémon until they both ducked out of the way.
I looked at the scoreboard and I was already losing points. I have to think of something else and fast. Let's display some other things that we practiced.
"Piplup use Aerial Ace and Combusken use Flamethrower," I said.
"Illumise use Light Screen," Ronald said calmly.
Illumise put up a glass barrier in front of her and Volbeat. Combusken grabbed Piplup and threw him like a football. White streams was covering Piplup. Then Combusken released the flamethrower and it consumed Piplup, making him look like a rocket.
The face on Ronald was priceless and Piplup smashed right through the barrier and into his Pokémon. He lost a great deal of points which was putting myself ahead of him.
"Since you want to play it that way, double Tackle!" Ronald sneered.
"Combusken use Slash and Piplup use Bubble Beam!" I said.
Volbeat and Illumise came flying down quick. Combusken easily dodged them but Piplup had a hard time and was tackled roughly by both of them. Combusken then stretched out his claws and slashed at Volbeat. Piplup tried to unleash bubbles but Illumise easily dodged them.
"Volbeat while your close use Confuse Ray!"
"Combusken!" I shouted.
Volbeat's antenna shot out a purple orb that crashed into Combusken. Combuskens pupils was dilated and I could see he was confused. He staggered back and forth as I watch my points decrease.
"Illumise attack Combusken with Bug Buzz and Volbeat use Signal Beam!" Ronald said.
My face was in absolute horror. Now I have to find a way for Piplup to defend Combusken. But how?
"Piplup use Water Pulse!" I said.
Illumise and Volbeat released their attacks but it was repelled by the vortex of water created by Piplup. Piplup keep the attack going and it quickly pushed Volbeat and Illumise back. Combusken shock his head and I knew the confusion was over.
"Volbeat use Tail Glow and Illumise let's use Moonlight!"
"Combusken use Fire Spin and Piplup use Bubble Beam!"
Volbeat's tail started to glow and he spun around in some weird dance. Illumise was glowing as well as some of her injuries started to heal. Like before, Combusken fired his spiraling flames that connected to Piplup's bubbles to creating the same rainbow effect. My fusion crashed into Illumise, canceling out the moonlight.
"I'm tired of this child's play. End this with double Thunder!" Ron said.
Volbeat and Illumise cackled with twin electrical energy and released a huge blast of electricity at my Pokémon. The attack was so powerful that my points where left at the one-eighth region.
I can't compete with this. Combusken and Piplup are exhausted and it's thirty seconds remaining. There is no way that I can win. I knew I should have saved myself the embarrassment. I was about to give up until I heard a voice in my head.
"It's not over until it is over, keep fighting until your last breath,"
"Piplup, quickly use Bide!" I screamed while I snapped out of my thoughts.
The thunders clashed into Piplup as he endured both attacks. Piplup was cackling with static as he struggles to hold the attack in. It's up to Combusken to finish this.
"Combusken, I believe in you buddy. With everything you can use Flamethrower!"
"Combusken!" My Young Fowl Pokémon looked at me and yelled while glowing pure white.
I couldn't contain the excitement that was bubbling inside me as I experience another evolution of mines. I knew it would come when I least expected it too.
Combusken grew taller in size and his three claws were replaced with hands with three claws each. His feet grew longer and he changed from orange to red. The three feathers on his head was changed to two beige feathers. His once short legs morphed longer as his transformation completed. My Combusken was now a Blaziken.
"Blaziken!" My Blaze Pokémon shouted while his wrist lit up in huge flames.
Fifteen seconds left and I need to move fast.
"Piplup unleash the Bide!" I said.
Piplup unleashed a huge channel of energy that was unavoidable. Then, my Blaziken did the unexpected. Blaziken jumped on top of the energy and ran across with both his feet flaming. He roundhouse kicked his feet and the flaming feet crashed Illumise and Volbeat into the wall as the blast trampled them.
The buzzer ring for the time was over. When I look on the screen I was in complete shock. It was the picture of Blaziken, Piplup and me with the words winner at the bottom.
The crowd was roaring with excitement but I was frozen. Time was standing still as I couldn't move at all. I had actually manage to win! Are you serious?
I soon snapped out of the confusion as Blaziken and Piplup tackled me in excitement. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Ronald stomping out with his face beet red. I smuggly smiled at him and went to grab my Pokémon in a huge.
"We did it, we did it!" I cried!
The crowd was still in an uproar of excitement as I continued to cry to myself. I really didn't think I could have done this.
Someone cleared their throat to get my attention. Gina and the panel of judges smiled at me before outstretching their hands. It was a pillow but what was on the pillow is what really mattered.
The ribbon was stunning. Yellow and Purple lace with a golden crown pin in the middle with white trimming. And the ribbon was all mines to have.
I gladly accepted it and thank the judges before looking at Piplup and Blaziken.
"I could've done it without the two of you. You guys were amazing," I praised.
Piplup puffed his chest in pride as Blaziken crossed his arms and smirked at me. It is nice to know his playful nature hasn't changed.
I look back at the ribbon that symbolizes my win. To think that I was about to quit and now look at me. I might not win them all but I sure do have what it takes. I shouldn't compare myself to Shadé and Jerry when I know I am doing just fine. I think I made my decision.
Torgé, I, Calvin Scott, am here to stay and a lose can't control me anymore. I am going to be the best, like no one ever was. It's going to take some training, winning, and losing to get there but I won't quit when it gets hard. And you can bet on that!
-xXx-
"And then when Blaziken evolved out of nowhere... That was epic!" Kenny said enthusiastically.
I gave him a soft smile as I continue to stare at my ribbon. Lacey, Julian, Kelly, Luc, Zara, Mystic, and even Ashley was all here in the Pokémon Center lobby. We was waiting for Shadé so that we can check out the gym. If it goes smoothly, Shadé snd Jerry should have their forth badge.
"So Ashley what are you going to do now?" I asked.
"I have no idea," Ashley sighed.
"We are actually having some training before we go back to Maldye City. You should come with us?" Zara asked.
Ashley took a minute to think. Ashley then broke out into a grin before nodding her head in agreement. We all laughed at her actions before we saw Shadé walking out with Chimchar in her arms.
"That's a beautiful Chimchar," Lacey complimented.
Shadé thanked her before moving along with us. Each of the four groups broke off as everybody had different things to do. We all said our goodbye with me accidentally insulting Luc. He really gets on my nerves.
Shadé, Jerry, Kenny and I decided to check out the gym before the day is over. It's almost time so we should hurry up.
"So what is going to happen to Chimchar?" Kenny asked.
"Nurse Joy and Professor Redwood said it would be best if I take him to the labs in Lapshire to get tested," Shadé said sadly.
I could the disappointment in her voice. I think somebody got a little too attached to a wild Pokémon. I just hope she doesn't get her heart broken.
"We can go there right after this gym battle!" Jerry said impatiently.
"All right but don't get your hopes up!" I snapped.
We finally reached the gym and it was huge. I was expecting it to be since the city was huge. We entered the gym and was met by a receptionist.
"How can I help you?" She rudely asked.
I was shocked by her attitude. When she locked eyes with me her attitude grew darker and she shot me a dirty look. I clenched Togepi tighter to secure her.
"We're looking for the Gym Leader. Have you seen them?" Jerry asked rudely.
Before she could answer, she smiled evilly and pointed towards the back doors. We had no choice but to obey and went in the back.
Behind the doors was shocking. The gym battlefield was set up like a Contest shall arena. It had to rows for bystanders to watch and then some added extras. Even the scoreboards were beautiful.
My gaze was interrupted when a voice cleared their throat. I turned around and my smile instantly fell. Please don't tell me he followed me to complain.
"What do you want Ronald. We don't have to time to hear you complain. Have you seen the Gym Leader?" I asked impatiently.
Ronald smirked before walking to the other side of the battlefield. Jerry was tapping his foot while he waited for an answer.
"You're looking at him," Ron said.
"Where is he?" Kenny asked.
"You're looking at him. I, Ronald Martinez, am the Central City Gym Leader," he smiled sinisterly.
You have got's to be kidding me?
A/N: And that was chapter nine. Calvin finally got his groove back. Thank you so much for reading this installment.
Announcers: Next time on, "A Crazy Journey across Torgé," our hero finally gets out of his slump. Shadé and Jerry finally attempt at their fourth badge. Can they succeed or will they fall? And why is Ron so evil? Find out next time on, "Fresh Breath!".
Calvin: Thank you all. Read and review if you can. Have a great weekend everybody.