A/N: Hey everyone! I'd really love it if you would all check out the poll in my profile and vote who you would like to see Heather on the ferris wheel with, as a first taste of some apparently very overdue romance. Right now via review and pm, it's a pretty even vote. Make sure to get your vote in as soon as possible, the poll won't be up too long because I've gotta start writing it to post!~
PS: Extra thanks to my Editor for catching so much on this one! I need to read my own stuff after writing it once in a while... I owe you!
-Vivi
x—x—x—x—x—x
Heather sat at one of the upstairs tables with her three Pokémon to eat lunch, the group healed by Nurse Joy and feeling better after the battle. The walk back to the center was dryer than the walk to the stadium had been since the rain was almost stopped, small raindrops falling here and there. Already the outside was brightening up and looking better, Heather positive that the storm Neil had heard about wouldn't come.
She thought about her friend and his Pokémon team, his Pansear in particular. Her own elemental monkey was still at her house while its break healed in the care of both her mother and Professor Juniper, the blonde figuring she should call later to see how things were going. Right now she had to decide on what to do for the next few hours.
With the rain coming to a stop there were lots of things to do including more training or taking on the gym. Neither sounded too great to her at the moment, training because of the annoying girl; the gym because she knew nothing about it aside that it was located inside the amusement parks gates. The amusement park wasn't running yet she guessed, but the gates would be open for the gym, surely. Elesa had said she would be there after all.
With nothing better to do, the team finished eating and Heather double checked her supplies, the Pokémon being returned into their balls after being told and discussing that they were going to go test their luck at the gym. With a plan set, they left the center, heading down the road to the entrance of the amusement park.
x—x—x—x—x—x
"Woah..."
The gym was huge and bright on the outside, lights flashing off of it while the rest of the park was dull and lifeless for the most part while workers checked on the rides. Speakers played upbeat music and the flashing lights seemed to blink at the beat, the door held open by a wooden block jammed under it.
Completely elated by the flashy outside, Heather finally stepped in, the darkness taking her a second to adjust to. Once she stepped off the welcome mat lights of all colours flicked on, allowing her to see the huge roller coaster track and the coaster itself. She stared in childish awe at the ride and looked to the desk beside the coaster, an older woman smiling at her.
"Here to challenge Elesa?"
"You bet!" She replied as she walked over to the desk, curious about how the coaster worked. The woman motioned for her to get in and Heather obliged, sitting in the front with her bag wrapped up in her arms. The woman pulled a switch and the ride jolted, starting to run along the track.
After a few loops and a lot of fun, the ride stopped at a large battlefield on the other end of the gym, Heather stepping out and walking over to it. True to her word, Elesa was waiting for her, standing from her chair and walking over to greet her.
"Heather, you came earlier than I thought! I assume you're ready for a battle?" The older blonde questioned with a smile, leading the girl over toward the field lines. Heather nodded excitedly and followed the model, trying to stay composed and not seem too excited after the ride over and the fact that she was talking to Elesa, a world famous model.
"Well, I don't know if we're ready, but we're ready to try!" She responded strongly while they split up to different sides, Elesa coughing to get the attention of the sleeping gym ref who jumped and rushed over, starting the match between them.
"I'm glad you're so confident Heather, but I won't go easy on you! Let's shine, Emolga!"
Emolga, the Sky Squirrel Pokémon.
Type: Electric, Flying.
Height 1′4″ (0.41m)
Weight 11 lbs. (5.0 kg)
Ability: Static.
It glides on its outstretched membrane while shocking foes with the electricity stored in the pouches on its cheeks.
Flying, huh? Alright...
"Claire, let's go!"
The two rodents faced off, Emolga putting its hands on its hips, not looking very happy at being called out until it spotted Claire, who was ruffled and ready to go. Both Pokémon twitched their tails before falling still, eyes locked while waiting for their trainers orders.
"Claire, start with Swift." Heather started, Claire dropping her eyes and firing several bunches of stars at the Pokémon, the sharp edges catching and throwing back the Electric Flying-type before Elesa could order a move.
"Emolga, Aerial Ace."
Recovering quickly the Emolga jumped into the air and spread its arms, the bright yellow membranes allowing it to stay in flight as it swooped down at Claire. The attack hit her straight on and Claire clung to the opposing Pokémon, dealing a close range Tail Slap that hit the Pokémon a good number of times before letting go, landing on her paws from the short drop.
The Emolga was taken by surprise at the attack and ended up crashing, tumbling a bit before hopping back up. He angrily chattered and Claire returned it, giving the squirrel a Growl.
"Emolga, Quick Attack!"
"Claire, Encore, dodge and DoubleSlap."
The electric rodent ran at Claire, surrounded by a white shield of wind. The Minccino summoned a white ball and shot it at the Emolga, the white shield glowing once before Claire jumped, just missing the attack. Emolga skidded to a stop and Claire chased him, her paws smacking against him several times quickly, stunning the Electric-type long enough for her to get away.
"Emolga, keep trying to hit her with Quick Attack until Encore is over!"
"Claire, Double Team then Swift."
In half a second, the Minccino had created copies of itself confusing the Emolga, hundreds of Swift stars being fired at the rodent. The Quick attack stopped in its tracks and the terrified squirrel became a ball, trying to protect itself from the volley of stars. All of them impacted the Electric-type but only a dozen or so actually hurt him, the rest exploding into shining dust. The ones that did hit him sent him flying back, laying limply on the floor.
"Emolga is unable to battle, Elesa must pick her next Pokémon."
"Very well done Heather, but we'll stop your tricks! Let's shine, Zap!"
Another Emolga? Heather questioned herself as another one of the rodents were sent out, Claire standing at her side waiting for orders. Heather thought for a moment before sending Claire back onto the field, a plan in mind.
"Claire, Charm."
"Zap, Quick Attack then Pursuit!"
The Emolga darted at Claire and stopped just before to let loose a dark wave of an attack, the Minccino giving Zap a charming, innocent look that lowered its attack. Claire was hit by the Pursuit and tossed back, standing weakly and glaring at her opponent. Elesa had her Pokémon run in for a last attack and Claire retaliated with a Tail Slap, Heather, quick on the draw, telling Claire to Encore, The Minccino firing a white ball at point blank while taking the Pursuit damage, being knocked back fainted.
Zap flashed white and Heather took out a Pokéball, returning Claire and throwing out Lark. The Servine stretched and got into a battle position, sending a Leech Seed to attach itself onto the Electric dual type immediately.
Now Aerial Ace can't be used for a while, we're in the clear, but we have to make this fast...
"Lark, Growth then Leaf Tornado, don't let it close enough to hit you!" We have an advantage. She thought to herself, still not liking the Flying type factor however.
Lark flashed a bright green and grew slightly in size, his power getting a nice boost. By this time Elesa was getting antsy, sending her Emolga close for a Pursuit. Lark began summoning up the tornado and launched it at the dual type when it was close enough to get the max effect, the rodent being taken by the strong wind, battered by both wind and leaf blades as well as being sent back and twisted around.
Dizzy and a bit injured, the Emolga wobbled on its feet once the attack had faded, Heather having Lark use Growth several times since the squirrel had been sucked up. Elesa gritted her teeth and sent her Pokémon back at Lark with another Pursuit, not liking how things were going as energy was leeched from her Pokémon by the seed on its back.
"Lark, let her up close and Slam her."
The Emolga ran at Lark and got off her attack before being struck by a glowing tail blade, the attack critically hitting the Emolga despite not being very effective. Heather blinked and smiled, her voice excited as she spoke to her Pokémon, the Emolga getting up from being tossed a ways, no longer glowing white.
"Lark, that's Leaf Blade! Great job!"
"Zap, use Aerial Ace!"
"Lark, Protect!"
We're in trouble now...
The dual type jumped up and spread the membrane it used to glide on, darting for Lark from the air. The Aerial Ace was effectively blocked by Protect, but the quick attack that followed was not, sending Lark tumbling back.
"Zap, keep up with Aerial Ace!"
"Lark, don't let her get airborne! Wrap!"
Lark shot a vine at the squirrel that began to grow and wrap it up, keeping the membranes tightly shut while Leech Seed continued to steal energy, the Pokémon showing its fatigue. Elesa growled and told her Pokémon to chew it off, the command followed by a quick and strong Vine Whip which sent it to her feet defeated.
"Emolga is unable to battle, Elesa must send out her final Pokémon."
"Alright, we won't lose! Go Zebstrika!"
Zebstrika, the Thunderbolt Pokémon.
Type: Electric.
Height 5′3″ (1.60m)
Weight 175.3 lbs. (79.5 kg)
Ability: Lightningrod.
This ill-tempered Pokémon is dangerous because when it's angry, it shoots lightning from its mane in all directions.
"Lets keep going Lark, Leech Seed!"
"Dodge it Zeb, start things off with a Flame Charge!"
A fire move? Oh great... "Lark, watch out! Dodge and Toxic!"
Lark shot a seed at the zebra which dodged the attack and stomped the ground, flames sparking up and covering its body before it charged at Lark. The Servine moved out of the way as quickly as he could and was just slightly scorched by the flames, shooting another seed at the Pokémon once the flames died before a ball of purple gunk was thrown. The Electric-type was hit by the Toxic and the seed, immediately poisoned and having some energy drained while glowing a purple briefly.
"Great job Lark, keep it up! Energy Ball!"
"Zeb, Flame Charge again!"
The zebra stomped its hooves again before wincing and glowing purple again, the attack stopped while the pain settled. Lark shot a blue-green ball of energy at the Zebstrika, the attack hitting nothing but flames as the zebra charged, having quickly corrected himself.
The blazing Electric-type hit Lark straight on, the super effective move sending him back and leaving him struggling to stand. Heather pulled out his Pokéball and returned her partner, throwing out her last Pokémon while hoping Lark wouldn't be mad at her.
"Vincent, start things with Double Team."
"Heather, perhaps we should use our 'link' to our advantage?" The Dark-type questioned while making several dozen copies of itself around the Pokémon. Elesa grinned and told her Pokémon to Quick Attack them all, worrying Heather.
"Yeah... Maybe we should. Vincent, try a Sucker Punch, and can you make one of those illusions to mess it up?"
The fox let the copies fade as soon as the Zebstrika was in range, acting like it was going to jump away before using a clawed paw to smash it against the Electric-type's head. The zebra let out a woof of air and narrowed its eyes, its body glittering a moment before a giant ball of electricity was shot straight at Vincent. Heather cried as her Pokémon was tossed across the field, Vincent managing to land on his paws while skidding back a little.
"Vincent! Are you okay?"
"Yeah, that wasn't too bad. Can't let it happen again. As for an illusion, it'll weaken me pretty good, especially after that hit."
The zebra winced and wobbled, glowing a bright purple which reminded Heather that it was still poisoned and seeded, Lark no doubt gaining back some energy still from it, another chance if Vincent couldn't take out this Pokémon before the status ailments could. Heather wracked her brain for a strategy to keep from losing, knowing that Vincent had very few ranged attacks.
"Vincent, Double Team!"
"Zeb, Quick attack then Spark when you find it!"
Vincent created dozens of copies of himself while the zebra ran through them with quick attack, one Zorua remaining. The Zebstrika began to spark and crackle with electricity, running at Vincent to tackle him with a ball of pure lightning surrounding him. Heather cried out as the ball seemed to absorb Vincent, the yellow electricity suddenly turning to wisps of darkness. The ball shot right back at the shocked zebra in a return tackle, the electricity in it glowing red blades of energy. The ball of darkness struck the Electric-type straight on and sent it stumbling back until it dropped with its legs bent under it, laying there panting while wisps of shadow slowly drifted over its body. Vincent stood panting and looking tired out, quivering on his paws, ready to drop.
Heather grabbed out her Dex and scanned Vincent, finding out that the move he'd used was Foul Play. She turned her attention back to the field, Elesa having her Pokémon send another Electric-type attack at her Pokémon in the form of a Volt Switch.
The electric wave struck Vincent straight on and the Zebstrika flashed purple before Vincent was knocked out at her feet, a red beam returning her fallen Fox. She took out her Servine's Pokéball and frowned, taking a moment to consider things.
Did she accept a loss, or did she risk hurting her Pokémon, her partners, any further? Lark would of gained a slight amount of energy back, but was it worth it?
She clipped the Pokéball back to her belt and Elesa returned her Zebstrika who had just fainted, walking over to meet Heather whose eyes were downcast, over thinking.
I shouldn't of come here yet, we weren't ready. Why did I want to try and rush ahead? What did it accomplish?
"Heather?"
The blonde looked up with frustration evident in her eyes, the model trying to soothe the girls wounded ego with words of a good fight. Elesa suggested that they get their Pokémon looked after and Heather agreed quietly, the two leaving the gym for the center. The fresh air, still carrying the smell of rain which had stopped to reveal a blue sky, cleared Heather's thoughts a bit, letting her enjoy the chatter of Pidoves and the puddles that shimmered in the sun.
Elesa held open the center door and Heather thanked her before walking in, the two walking up to the counter to hand over their Pokémon. Nurse Joy took them with a smile and the trainer and gym leader left the main floor to go upstairs, Elesa ordering both her and Heather a large banana split each. They sat at a table eating in silence, Heather thinking about the loss while Elesa munched on a piece of banana before waving her spoon in the air catching Heather's attention. The blonde looked over with her own spoon buried in her mouth, a brow risen curiously.
"You know," Elesa began, putting her spoon down and swallowing. "you did win the badge. You had a Pokémon that wasn't fainted, whether you used it or not. I'm positive that you would be able to beat me if we battled again after a little more training. You'd probably sweep the floor with me actually."
Heather blinked and dug her spoon into one of the mounds of ice cream, tapping the handle in an uncertain way. Elesa rose a brow and dug out the badge and the money winnings, sliding it across the table to Heather.
"It's yours, take it alright? Heather, I'd like to see you move on. I watched you battle at the stadium, and I watched you battle me, you've got what it takes to move on. However,"
She wiggled her index finger as if scolding a child, looking sternly at the blonde trainer who listened intently, completely shocked that she had been given the badge.
"You need to keep training, don't let what I'm saying get to your head! You beat me by a move, you can't always rely on just one move. Now take that badge and eat up! Out Pokémon will be ready to go soon. What are your plans?"
Heather took the badge and studied it between her thumb and index fingers, listening to Elesa while she marveled at the shiny lightning bolt. The last question caught her off guard and she looked up to the leader, shrugging a bit.
"I'm not sure actually. I want to go to the amusement park, but I need to waste time until everything dries up. Maybe another Pokémon musical or some personal training."
Elesa finished her split and stood up stretching, collecting the garbage from the table before she nodded to Heather who was looking to the badge in her hand while sucking on a spoonful of ice cream.
"Whatever you decide to do, remember what I told you, but remember that training isn't all you need. I need to be going now, I can't leave the gym for too long. Thank you for the battle Heather, enjoy the city."
Heather watched the older woman leave and thought about her words, coming to a sudden realization of guilt. Since she had started her journey she'd done nothing but push forward, hardly enjoying anything else. Her Pokémon trained, battled, and still had fun moving so quick, but over all, they had missed a lot. She frowned, taking one last bite of her split before leaning back in her chair, looking at the Bolt badge still in her hand.
Things need to change. I, need to change...