A/N: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to another installment of "A Crazy Journey across Torgé." Last time our heroes has finally gained an advantage on Team Shadow and new Pokémon were caught by our protagonist. Sorry I didn't post anything on Friday but I had a lot of college things to do. Shadé read the disclaimers please.
Shadé: PokéFan does not own Pokémon. He only owns the plotline and the idea of Torgé as well as certain OC. Now here is chapter 16 and please excuse the grammar PokéFan may have missed.
"Second Time's the Charm"
"Why do we have to sit through another contest," I whined.
"You didn't even go to the last one," Jerry sassed.
"Chimchar!" My Chimchar agreed.
"Who asked you?" I growled.
"Guys it's starting," Kenny shushed.
"Do they always do this?" ViVi asked.
"Yes but you'll get use to it," Kenny said.
"Ladies and gentlemen, good morning and welcome to the Lapshire Pokémon Contest. I am your host, Gina. The winner of the contest will get to have the beautiful Lapshire Ribbon," Gina said.
The ribbon she was holding was surprisingly pretty. The ribbon was red, yellow, and blue and it looked to be in a ruffled with two blue tail sticking out. It was a crescent moon pin in the middle that reflected the light beaming down on it. Calvin better win if I'm sitting throw this snore feast.
"Thanks again ViVi for the nice clothes," Kenny said.
"No problem. It was the least I could do," ViVi said.
ViVi was nice enough to let us have some new clothes since our old ones were... You know, getting old. The only thing that upset me was that Calvin was offered two since ViVi was a sucker for Pokémon Coordinators.
I was wearing my new green turtleneck sweater that goes all the way to my mid thigh. Underneath my sweater were khaki leggings, my same diamond necklace, and new brown hiker boots. I decided to go with the same jean jacket that I had before. I also had a chance to cut my wavy black hair a lot shorter and now it gently rest on my shoulders. A new green fedora covers my hair.
Jerry decided to go much simpler with look. Jerry kept his same backwards baseball cap but he replaced his black t-shirt with a black long sleeve t-shirt, gold watch. He finally got rid of those hideous Bermuda shorts and replaced them with grey sweatpants. He decided to keep his black running shoes since there was nothing wrong with them.
Kenny went even simpler with his same white lab coat because it was a gift from Professor Redwood. He traded his grey jeans for some brown khaki pants but he decided to go with a different green t-shirt and green sneakers from which he had before. He still needed fashion help but it will do for now.
And finally we have Calvin. Calvin went a complete three-sixty with his new look. His typical white t-shirt was replaced by black and white striped long sleeve t-shirt. Calvin decided to add some color and exchanged his black skinny jeans for some blue ones and kept the same pair of combat boots. He decided to go with a navy blue bucket hat to keep his head warm and a brand new black jacket. We do look good if I say so myself. However that was only one of Calvin outfits.
"Now introducing to the stage, the wonderful Sabrina," Gina said.
"Pidgeotto, take the stage!" Sabrina yelled.
Somebody put me out of my misery. I can't sit through this crap. How is this girl supposed to appeal to us with Pidgeotto? Can someone just wake me up when this is over?
Sabrina throws a bunch of hoops in the air and commanded Pidgeotto to use Quick Attack to catch them. Lame, I wanted to shout. Pidgeotto manage to catch all of them and then tossed them back to Sabrina. I hope this is the end because I can't take no more!
"Pidgeotto, wrap this up with Twister!" Sabrina said.
Pidgeotto flapped its wing and a blue twister formed and swept away the audience's attention. Can you scream boring!
Sabrina and her Pidgeotto took a bow and I was ready to scratch my eyes out. Can Calvin hurry up and perform so I can go back to sleep please. I would appreciate it.
"Next up is Calvin, ladies and gentlemen," Gina announced.
"Starmie, time to shine!" My brother said.
Out from his PokéBall was his Mysterious Pokémon popped out and spin all around the stage praying water. Now if it one thing I do love on this stage, it's Calvin's outfit. His satin black Oxford shirt and black skinny jeans. I was blinded by his shiny black ankle boots with a red blazer. The most surprising of his outfit was his golden chain hijab with multiple chains hanging down. It was kind of girly but Calvin pulled it off.
"Okay Starmie, start off with a Rapid Spin and Swift combination!" Calvin said.
The gem on Starmie's chest started to glow blue and multiple yellow starts were spiraling out as Starmie was spinning in a tornado formation.
The stars collided with each other and golden glitter came raining down on Calvin and Starmie. Starmie continues to fly around like a UFO all around Calvin.
"Starmie finish it with Thunderbolt on yourself and the use Rapid Spin!" Calvin commanded.
Now this I have to see. Starmie's a Water-Type and Calvin should know that. What is he trying to do, knock himself out on the first round!
Starmie unleashed a large stream of electricity that bounced off the ceiling and reflected back on it. Starmie then started spinning rapidly and the electricity started to run off Starmie limbs intensify the room. Starmie was putting on a light show before it landed gracefully in front of Calvin.
My jaw dropped at the performance I just saw. This was so different from the Valamora Contest and it seems like Calvin is getting better with his appeals. He certainly caught my attention.
"You might want to close your mouth. You might attract flies," Jerry smirked.
"You just shut up and mind your business," I growled.
"Make me," Jerry egged on.
"Gladly I grinded my teeth," I sassed.
"And that was the appeal round of the Lapshire Contest. We will be taking a five minute break before semi-finalist," Gina said.
"That's five minutes too many," I complained.
I know a lot of people always wonder why I hated contest. It's not that I hate contests per say, it's that all I've heard of since I was a baby. Our mom is a Sinnoh Famous Top Coordinator and so is our grandfather and grandmother. Calvin is third generation and he always loved watching our mom re-runs since we were little. No wonder dad was so happy when I told him I wanted to be a Pokémon Trainer. He nearly cried through my moms and I'm not talking about tears of joy.
"And these are the four Coordinators that made it to the semifinals," Gina said pointing to the jumbo screen.
I was in a huge relief when I was Calvin's picture pop up in the third place. Now this is the only part that is interesting, the battle rounds. I do love to see trainers go toe-to-toe for five minutes to see who gets to come on top. For my sake, I hope my brother wins.
"The first Coordinators to battle will be Calvin and Christina!" Gina announced.
My brother enter from one side of the battlefield and on the other was a really pale, slightly chubby brunette. I hope this battle is exciting because I could take notes and use it for my next gym badge.
"Let's see who Calvin uses now," Kenny exclaimed.
"Haunter, let's go," Christina yelled.
"Bayleef, time to shine," Calvin said calmly.
Bayleef and Haunter both emerged on the battlefield and the clock began. Time seemed to be on a standstill before anybody decided to move.
"Haunter start off with Shadow Ball," Christina said.
"Bayleef, counter with Energy Ball! Rapid fire," Calvin said.
Dark energy pulsed in Haunter's hand before it launched a sphere of dark energy at Bayleef. Bayleef was prepared and charged her own sphere of energy before small balls dispersed smashed into the Shadow Ball, creating purple and green glitter. The other Energy Balls struck its target and Christina's points where decreasing.
"That didn't work out like I planned, Haunter disappear," Christina said.
Haunter gave a lazy grin before it disappeared in thin air. Bayleef started to panic and the crowd gasped with surprised. Surprisingly however, my brother seemed to be very calm about the entire situation.
"Haunter use Shadow Sneak!" Christina said.
"Bayleef use Leaf Storm!" Calvin shouted.
Haunter reappeared before Bayleef and was close to attacking but a cyclone of leaves radiating in light screen energy was swirling around Bayleef and struck Haunter down. Now I see why my brother so calm because he already anticipated Christina's move. He purposely lured her in so he can get a close range attack.
More of Christina's points when down while Calvin's stayed full. It was only two minutes left but I know that Calvin will finish her off before hand. We Scott's really don't take losing well.
"Haunter use Shadow Claw and Venoshock!" Christina said.
"Use Vine Whip and spin it around," Calvin said.
Haunter's claws glowed a bright purple while Bayleef extracted two vines from the spores on her neck. Bayleef tied Haunter and started spinning it like a top. Bayleef then struck Haunter with her vines again and Haunter was down for the count.
"Calvin Scott is our winner and will advance to the finals. Next we have Jenny and Ted," Gina announced.
Jenny and Ted walked from their respective places and shook hands. Jenny seemed to be extremely feminine with her bubblegum pink clothing and strawberry blond hair. This seems like her type of thing. Ted, on the hand, is just plain creepy. Ted has this sadist smirk and he decided to wear all black.
"Go Wailmer!" Jenny said.
"Devastate the audience, Honchkrow!" Ted said.
"Let the clock begin!" Gina announced.
"Wailmer start off with Water Spout!" Kenny called.
"Honchkrow use Haze!" Ted shouted.
Wailmer inhaled then exhaled. From the blowhole on top of it body, water poured out like a fountain and a rainbow hue radiated the air. Honchkrow decided to cancel this out by flapping its wings and creating a mist from the Water Spout! Jenny was slowly losing her cool as she couldn't see Wailmer.
"Honchkrow use Dark Pulse!" Ted commanded.
From the mist, I could see a faint glow of purple and black before rings were pulsing everywhere in the arena. Jenny was panicking by the minute as her points was decreasing.
"Wailmer spin and use Water Gun!" Kenny said.
"Honchkrow use Wing Attack!" Ted said.
Wailmer begun to spin like a top and shot a powerful stream of water. The water completely made the most disappear and Honchkrow was plummet in the face with the water whip. Honchkrow quickly recovered and its wings start to glow white. It then swooped down and rammed into Wailmer. Wailmer was standing once more before finally rolling over in defeat.
"Ted Gram is the winner and will be moving on to the final round. The final round will begin in the next ten minutes," Gina announced.
I quickly left my seat and Piplup and Chimchar trailed behind me. I had to wish my brother good luck in person because this Ted Gram seems like a hard opponent. Ted also has the type advantage over Calvin as well so he'll need all the luck he can get.
I raced backstage to see Calvin looking in the mirror with a determined look on his face. Piplup happily leaped on Calvin's head and pecked it gently. Calvin laughed gently before looking at me and smiling to himself.
"So bro, you made it to the finals," I complimented.
"I'm surprised you weren't sleep," Calvin laughed.
"Jerry wouldn't let me," I muttered.
Calvin and I gazed at each other before laughing. Ted Gram cleared his throat and we both turned around surprised.
"Good luck in the finals," he said sweetly.
"You too," Calvin replied.
"I better go. The finals are about to start," I said.
When I arrived back to my seat, the lights were dimming and Gina stood in the center. The spotlight was shinning on her and she waited for the crowd to go silent.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final round of the Lapshire Pokémon Contest. We have to wonderful gentlemen that made it to the final round," Gina said gesturing to Ted and Calvin.
"Both Coordinators still have a chance to win the beautiful Lapshire ribbon," she said holding the ribbon.
"Without further ado, let's spice up the crowd!" Gina said.
"Honchkrow, devastate the audience," Ted said.
"Bayleef, time to shine!" Calvin said.
"Let the clock start, now!" Gina announced.
Bayleef and Honchkrow were standing each other down and neither side was moving. Calvin knows that Ted has the advantage so I wonder what he has up his sleeve. Whatever it is, I hope it is enough for him to win.
"Honchkrow let's start off with Haze!" Ted said.
Honchkrow launched to the skies and started flapping its wings and a black mist appeared on the battlefield. Calvin looked calm while Bayleef kept a neutral face. Soon the smoke was covering the whole battlefield and Bayleef and Honchkrow were out of site. Calvin's points were also starting to decrease.
"Bayleef use Synthesis then Energy Ball!" Calvin commanded.
Suddenly lights began to shine throw the smoke. Ted stood in amazement as his points started to decrease. Then a large glowing green sphere shot of the smoke and was heading towards Honchkrow.
"Honchkrow use Dark Pulse!" Ted shouted.
Honchkrow gathered dark energy at the tip of its beak and then released a large steam of energy. The Dark Pulse thrashed through the Energy Ball and green and purple sparkles was mixed with the smoke. Calvin's points were decreasing even more.
"Bayleef use Vine Whip!" Calvin said.
"Honchkrow use Wing Attack!" Ted countered.
The smoke cleared and Bayleef unleashed two vines from its neck beads but Honchkrow dodged the attack in time. Honchkrow then flew towards Bayleef and smacked her with his glowing white wings repeatedly. If Calvin doesn't do something quick then he'll be sure to lose.
"Bayleef use Vine Whip again!" Calvin said.
"Honchkrow dodge with Aerial Ace then strike!" Ted said.
Bayleef tried to attack Honchkrow again but it disappeared. Calvin's point were at the quarter mark and then decreased more as Honchkrow appeared and slammed into Bayleef with the super effective attack. If Calvin doesn't think quickly then he is done for.
"Come on Bayleef, get up. I know you can do it," Calvin pleaded.
"Honchkrow end this with Sucker Punch!" Ted said.
Honchkrow went end and swooped down on Bayleef for the kill. Bayleef let out a large cry and opened her eyes. Then by a strange miracle she started to glow a white light.
"I can't believe this. Twice in a row," Jerry muttered.
Bayleef started to glow white and then larger then she was before. She grew three toes on each of feet and the bud around her neck was blooming. The bus bloomed into a large pink flower with yellow assents in the middle. The leaf on her head disappears and two short yellow strings sprouted on her nose. Bayleef was no longer Bayleef and I retreated my PokéDex.
"Meganium, the Herb Pokémon and the final evolution of Chikorita. Meganium is said to extract sweet scents that can lower the fighting spirit in Pokémon. The fragrance from its flower is said to soothe emotions," my PokéDex concluded.
"Bayleef you evolved," Calvin cheered.
"Ly," Meganium cheered.
"It doesn't matter. Honchkrow end this with Aerial Ace!" Ted shouted.
"Meganium counter!" Calvin said.
Honchkrow disappeared and then reappeared behind Meganium. However Meganium released a spiral of petals from the flower on her neck. The spiral crashed into Honchkrow and sent him flying in the air. Honchkrow hit the ground with a large thud that echoed around the arena.
"Finish this with Body Slam!" Calvin said.
Meganium leaped in the air and belly flopped on top of Honchkrow. When she final got off Honchkrow, it was laying on the ground unconscious. The crowd roared with excitement and Calvin tackled Meganium and started kissing her cheek in happiness. Ted returned Honchkrow and gave Calvin a small smile before heading back stage.
"And the winner of the Lapshire contest is Calvin Scott," Gina said.
Calvin gladly went up to Gina and the panel of judges to accept his ribbon. He was so excited her enthusiastically shook all of their hands and let out another squeal. It was refreshing to see my brother back to his normal self now that he has two ribbons. Three more and then he's on his way to the Grand Festival.
-xXx-
Directly after the contest, we arrived to the research lab. It was similar to the one in Maldye City and it was filled with machines and a lot of Pokémon.
"Good afternoon, I am Dr. John Sinclair, head scientist of the Lapshire Laboratory," a tall man with red-orange hair and icy blue eyes.
"Daddy!" ViVi exclaimed and leaped into his arms.
Daddy? I didn't know that this was ViVi's father although she did mention this was her hometown. It would make sense since they do share a lot of similar traits.
"Vivian! It is so good to see you dear. You should visit home more often," Dr. Sinclair scolded.
ViVi brushes him off and introduced us one by one. He looked at us in shock as ViVi told him of our encounter at the Lake of Frost, leaving out the part where Kenny captured Regice. Dr. Sinclair looks changed from excited to frighten before he turned to us.
"May I see the Pokémon with the PokéVirus?" He asked.
"Sure. Eevee come on out!" Calvin shouted.
"Snorunt you too!" Jerry called.
The oddly colored and slightly smaller Pokémon leaped out of their PokéBalls and stood close to their respected trainers. Chimchar stood close to me before timidly joining the others.
"Do mind if I run some quick test," Dr. Sinclair asked.
Calvin, Jerry, and I granted him permission and he quickly rolled out a machine. The machine glowed a bright pink before flashing and making weird noises. Chimchar, Eevee, and Snorunt looked very calm as the machine scanned them. Suddenly a ring was heard and some papers were printing out of the machine.
Dr. Sinclair was puzzled and then he made a sigh of relief. He smiled at us before unhooking the machine and placing it back. He wrote down some notes on a sketch pad and then he smiled warmly at us.
"I have some very good news. The test that was ran for the PokéVirus came back positive," he said.
"How is that a good think?" Jerry asked dryly.
"It's good because it means that your Pokémon isn't in any immediate danger. Don't get me wrong the PokéVirus is bad and it was rumored to kill some Pokémon but yours are in perfect condition. The downfall is that their strength is emasculate compared to others of their species," Dr. Sinclair added.
"So we can't use them in battles?" Jerry asked.
"You can but be careful not to overdo the battle. Excessive stress can lead to anger and pure adrenaline that can cause... Well to put it short, not so good accidents. So far Professor Redwood and I are working on a cure but it is unsuccessful," Dr. Sinclair said.
"Don't worry dad. The league believes that you can get it done. Speaking of which, I actually have to return to the Coliseum," ViVi said.
"Wait!" Jerry shouted.
ViVi turned around and looked at him. Jerry took off a PokéBall off his belt and stood his ground. ViVi smirked, knowing exactly what Jerry was asking for.
"Okay I'll accept but I want all of you to take notes. I'm not a member of the Elite Four for no reason," ViVi said.
Calvin and Jerry returned their Pokémon and the four of us and Dr. Sinclair followed her to the back of the lab where I grass battlefield was waiting. Calvin stood up to referee and Kenny, Dr. Sinclair, and I stood on the sidelines as we awaited the battle.
"What are the rules?" Calvin asked.
"We each use one Pokémon. The winner is the last one standing," ViVi said.
"This battle will be between Jerry Scott and ViVi Sinclair. Each trainer can only use one Pokémon and the side with the remaining Pokémon wins," Calvin announced.
"Abamasnow, I choose you!" ViVi said.
"Swampert, victory stance!" Jerry said.
Swampert and Abamasnow appeared on the grassy battlefield and stood at each other. Suddenly dark cloud appeared above them and it started to snow heavily and ice pellets were falling from the sky. I know that this was Abamasnow's snow warming ability.
"You have the privilege of getting the first move," ViVi said.
"I'm thinking of a change of scenery. Swampert start off with Muddy Water!" Jerry commanded.
"Abamasnow stay strong and use Ingrain!" ViVi said.
Swampert created a tidal wave of brown water with rocky chunks mixed inside. He then swooped up and pushed the tidal wave to Abamasnow. Abamasnow stood it's grown before planting its feet and roots was surrounding it.
"Great now use Earthquake!" Jerry commanded.
"Blizzard!" ViVi countered.
Swampert stood on his hind legs before slamming on the ground, causing the ground to violently shake. Pillars of stones start to smack Abamasnow but it didn't seem fazed by the attack. Abamasnow waves his hands and a strong chilling gust of wind came from the storm clouds and ice was forming around Swampert.
"Hydropump!" Jerry called in desperation.
"Counter with Energy Ball!" ViVi called as well.
Before Swampert had a chance to fire his attack, Abamasnow fired a series of small Energy Balls that crashed into him. The hail from earlier was also getting heavier as Swampert was trying to stay focused. Jerry calmed down a little before he had a stroke of genius.
"Swampert use Hammer Arm!" Jerry commanded.
"Finish this with Wood Hammer!" ViVi said.
Swampert ran on all four until he approached Abamasnow. He then stood on his hind legs and his arms was glowing a faint blue. He then slammed his arms down on Abamasnow but the attack was blocked. Abamasnow then swung out its glowing green arms and punched Swampert in the gut and followed up with a fist to the face. Swampert fell unconscious and Calvin declared ViVi was the winner. ViVi and Jerry returned their Pokémon and shook hands.
"That was a great battle but you have a long way to go," ViVi said.
"Thanks I appreciate that," Jerry said.
"It was so nice meeting you all but I have to get back to the league. Remember everything during our battle," ViVi said.
"We will," we said in union.
"Oh and guys there is an upcoming Pokémon Contest in Chissleburg City," ViVi said.
"Yes! Ribbon number three here I come!" Calvin said.
"And there is also a Gym there too," ViVi said.
"Thank Arcues! I need my fifth badge!" I pleaded.
ViVi giggled and waved us a final farewell. As I watched everything that happen today it made me feel good because I know that my next badge will be a breeze. And there is nothing that is going to stop me.
A/N: And that was chapter fifteen. Sorry guys and gals for the shortness of the chapter. I don't really have an idea on when a long chapter will come but I can try with the next one. Thank you to all my wonderful readers for reading and reviewing my story. It means a lot to me.
Announcers: Next time 'A Crazy Journey across Torgé", our heroes has finally reached Chissleburg City and meet with an interesting gym leader. Kenny starts to fell a little left out since all of his friends are achieving his goals and he hasn't been working towards his. Can his spirits be lifted by his friends? Can Shadé and Jerry win their fifth gym badge? Tune in next week to find out on, "Bugs Eye View".