Author's Note #1: This chapter marks the introduction of my second original character, Fami.
Oh, expect it to be yet another long chapter (this time at 7000+ words) since the featured tag battle in this chapter is a full six-on-six Pokemon battle. The word count is stacked up by the huge amount of references listed below the end of the chapter.
Chapter 21
Otaku
It was already late in the afternoon. Still in Humilau City, the gang were fresh from participating in the cosplay race.
Meloetta was behind them, sneaking stealthily.
Suddenly, a girl stopped in front of the group, having been exhausted from running.
"Fami? Is that you?"
"Yes," the girl replied. When she noticed Brendan, she responded, "I can't believe it's you again, Brendan! It's good to meet you again."
When Fami looked at Ash and Cilan, she asked Brendan, "Are you traveling with them?"
"Yes."
"I'm Ash, and this is my partner, Pikachu."
"I'm Iris."
"And I'm Cilan, a Pokemon Connoisseur."
Haruhi also introduced herself as well as her subordinates.
Fami exclaimed, "I can't believe I am getting to greet the SOS Brigade! No wonder you are all actually here!"
She introduced herself, "It's nice to meet all of you. I'm Fami, and I am Brendan's pen pal."
Kyon asked, "Pen pal?"
"Yes, Kyon. Brendan and I used to exchange letters to each other until the time came when we met here in the Unova region. He resided with me until he probably left to be traveling with all of you."
Cilan asked, "So, in order to get back to the point, what seems to be the problem?"
"As you can see, there were some people trying to catch up after me."
When the gang walked on the route to Fami's house, the latter explained, "As you can see, I used to be a member of the anime club set up in Humilau City. When I announced my decision to leave the said club, the members disagreed, stating that they can't be continuing the club without me."
The members of the anime club were in Fami's house, spending some leisure time in her bedroom. Three of them were playing Super Mario Bros. on Fami's Wii, while one of them was reading a Rental Magica light novel.
Fami announced in front of her sub-ordinates, saying, "I have decided . . . . . . . to leave the anime club."
One of the subordinates replied, "No! You can't do that. The leader of the anime club wouldn't want you to leave."
Without saying a word or two, Fami ran off outside her house as the members of the anime club chased after her.
"So that's how you stumbled in front of us," concluded Cilan.
"I wanted to set up a ramen shop just for a living. But the members of the anime club don't want me to."
"That's bad," thought Kyon.
That night, the gang went to Fami's house. There, Fami offered some juice and cookies.
"Thanks for the treats," remarked Ash, "Boy, this house sure is very fancy."
Fani remarked, smiling, "Well, yeah. It is a very fancy house, since Brendan was the first one to describe it."
Cilan added, "Did you make those cookies?"
"Yes, I made them myself," answered Fami.
Iris asked, "What happened when you and Brendan first met?"
"You want to know, Iris? Well it's like this. . . . . . "
It was a winter night in Humilau City. Brendan was outside in his winter clothes, trying to fix his scarf.
Suddenly, a girl showed up in front of him and said, "Perhaps I should fix it for you."
"Just who are you?"
"I'm your pen pal, Fami."
"I really don't know if it really is you. Maybe I should just call myself as 'Friend' instead."
"Yes. It really is me. Now, you should fix your scarf in a proper knot."
When Fami fixed Brendan's scarf, the latter asked, "Do you watch Marimite? It's like we're reenacting a well-known scene from the show."
"Is it really necessary to associate fixing someone's scarf with that anime?"
"And that's how I met up with my pen pal," concluded Brendan.
Kyon mumbled, "If you know a lot about that Marimite, do you really watch it?"
He then wondered why Yuki wasn't eating one of the cookies. He asked her, "Do you want to eat some cookies?"
Yuki muttered, "I will feed myself later."
Cilan asked, "Can I borrow your kitchen?"
"Sure, Cilan. After all, you are a Pokemon Connoisseur."
The gang then fed themselves in the dining room with the food Cilan prepared.
Fami commented, "Cilan, your style of cooking is better than mine."
"I prepared the food using the ingredients in your fridge. Is it fine by you?"
"Well, I bought those ingredients that you prepared, but I have no idea on how to use them though."
After dinner. . . . . . .
"Is there a good place to rest up for the night?" asked Haruhi.
Fami replied, "You, Mikuru, Yuki, and Iris can sleep in my bedroom upstairs."
She asked Brendan and said, "Can the boys sleep with you in your old bedroom?"
"Sure, Fami. We can dig it."
Upstairs, the gang went to sleep in their respective rooms.
In Fami's bedroom, Haruhi, Iris, and Mikuru were playing a certain racing video game in the Wii.
"Mikuru, you're not supposed to get hit by that banana peel!" Haruhi exclaimed.
On the other hand, Yuki was reading the Bungaku Shoujo light novel that Fami gave to her.
"Yuki, do you like the book that I gave to you?" asked Fami, "After all, Haruhi told me that you are from the Literature Club in your school."
Yuki didn't say a word.
In the other bedroom, Kyon and Itsuki were attempting to get a cot.
"Koizumi, I'd rather go and sleep with Cilan."
"You have to take note that Ash and Cilan are already provided by Brendan with their own cot. We should look for another one," replied Itsuki.
The two eventually earned themselves a cot.
Brendan asked, "What do you guys think of my old bedroom? I haven't cleaned it since I left, so Fami did the work for me."
When everyone went to sleep in their respective rooms, Kyon thought to himself, "I was wondering if Haruhi was still causing more madness and mayhem in the other room."
The next morning, Cilan and Fami both prepared some breakfast as everyone sans Kyon, went downstairs.
Kyon was in bed when he was suddenly shocked by a Thunderbolt.
Waking up, Kyon thought, "Pikachu? Did you do that just to wake me up?"
Realizing that Brendan, Ash, Itsuki, and Cilan already left downstairs, he caught up.
"Kyon, no breakfast for you!" yelled Haruhi as Kyon arrived at the dining table.
"I didn't expect them to come to the table that early," thought Kyon.
After breakfast, the gang, including Fami were about to leave the house when suddenly, the members of the anime club showed up outside the main door.
"Fami, just who are they?" asked Ash.
"They are the members of the anime club. They are not in a good mood today."
The club members introduced themselves as Souichiro, Ibuki, Kaneda, Tetsuo, Yukito, Misuzu, Laura, Charlotte, Ichika, Ryou and Kyou.
"Fami, I don't want to see you leave the anime club just yet. Right now, we have decided that Souichiro and Ibuki will challenge you and your friend to a Pokemon double battle," said Kaneda, pointing his finger at Brendan, "Both of you and the two of us will have three Pokemon each, making it six Pokemon on both sides."
Souichiro added, "If you win, you go ahead with your dream to set up your own ramen shop. But if you lose, you'll be a part of the anime club again. Deal?"
"It's a deal," said Fami, "We'll agree with you, but in only that condition. If we do win, I'll be leaving the anime club to make it fair and square."
Ash, Iris, Cilan, and the members of the SOS Brigade watched Brendan, Fami and two of the members of the anime club set their respective positions in a battlefield outside Fami's house.
Ichika, who was the referee of the match, announced, "This is a tag battle between Fami and Brendan and Souichiro and Ibuki of the anime club. Each Trainer must have three Pokemon each with a total of six Pokemon on both sides, and the winner is determined when all Pokemon on one side are unable to continue."
Meloetta was hiding its presence, watching the battle on the rooftop of Fami's house.
Kyon asked Cilan, "Cilan, if it's a double battle with each Trainer on both sides having three Pokemon, it's like having a six-on-six single battle, right?"
"Of course. Six is the maximum number of Pokemon that a Pokemon Trainer can carry."
"Battle begin!" announced Ichika.
"Go, Tyranitar!"
"Come out, Stoutland!" The two members of the anime club, namely, Souichiro and Ibuki, summoned a Tyranitar and a Stoutland, respectively.
"Scolipede, let's go!"
"You too, Espeon!"
Brendan and Fami summoned a Scolipede and an Espeon, respectively.
"I wonder what was the Pokemon that Fami just summoned," thought Kyon.
Itsuki replied, "It's called an Espeon, and it's a Psychic-type Pokemon."
Ash pulled out his Pokedex and showed it to Kyon.
It said, "Espeon, the Sun Pokemon, and one of the evolved forms of Eevee. The fine hairs in its body enable it to sense the weather and even the foe's thoughts and movements."
Ash scanned on Souichiro's Tyranitar and it said, "Tyranitar, the Armor Pokemon, and the evolved form of Pupitar. It is very powerful, it is even capable of altering the landscape. Maps must be redrawn afterward."
Now scanning the Pokedex on Brendan's Scolipede, it said, "Scolipede, the Megapede Pokemon and the final evolutionary form of Venipede. It is highly aggressive, chasing down its opponents until it hits them with the claws on its neck."
Cilan also thought, "Fami is apparently at a disadvantage."
"Why's that?" Kyon and Iris both asked.
Ash responded, "Tyranitar is a Dark-type. It would give a go against Espeon."
Tyranitar suddenly whipped up a sandstorm.
"What's going on?" Cilan said.
Souichiro responded, "Enter Tyranitar's Sand Stream. Every time Tyranitar comes out to battle, it will automatically whip up a sandstorm."
"I'll make the first move. Tyranitar, Dark Pulse on Espeon. Let's go!"
"Scolipede, defend Espeon with Protect!"
Scolipede blocked Dark Pulse with Protect by jumping in front of Espeon.
Ibuki described, "Scolipede's Protect looks more like an AT Field to me."
"Does it even look like the actual thing?" Souichiro responded.
"Espeon, use Quick Attack on Stoutland!"
"Dodge it!"
Stoutland quickly dodged Espeon's Quick Attack.
"But how?" Fami was surprised.
Ibuki responded, "My Stoutland's ability is Sand Rush. It will have high speed once sandstorm is up, right, Souichiro?"
"Yes. It's a good thing Tyranitar set up Sand Stream just to make sure your Stoutland runs real fast," replied the latter.
"Stoutland, use Take Down on Espeon."
"Espeon, dodge it and use Psyshock on Stoutland."
"Tyranitar, block that Psyshock."
Because Tyranitar is obviously immune to Psychic-type moves like Psyshock, it was simply blocked for Stoutland.
Fami gritted her teeth.
"Scolipede, use Steamroller!"
"Stoutland, use Protect!"
Stoutland blocked Steamroller with Protect.
"No fair! You stole our moves!" Brendan exclaimed.
"We love to steal our opponent's techniques and make it ours," replied Ibuki, "We won't mind if we plagiarize."
Cilan and Kyon both thought, "I wonder if the Trainers on both sides can battle it out even in the sandstorm."
Haruhi cheered, forcing Mikuru to join her.
"Go, Brendan! Both of you can do it!" she yelled.
Cilan thought, "Stoutland's Sand Rush ability caused it to take advantage of Tyranitar's Sand Stream. That's a decent combination."
Iris asked, "But how can Brendan and Fami be able to win this?"
"Stoutland, use Roar on Scolipede!"
Stoutland howled loudly, forcing Scolipede back in its Poke Ball.
Hydreigon was then forced to be sent out on the battlefield.
Kyon asked, "But how come?"
Cilan responded to Kyon's question, "Roar is a move that forces the opponent's Pokemon to be switched out in place of another Pokemon."
"That means Dragon Tail isn't the only move that forces the opposing Pokemon to be switched out, right, Cilan?" concluded Kyon.
"But how did you know anything about Dragon Tail?"
"As you can see, Brendan's Hydreigon once learned the move by the time Brendan caught it himself."
Ibuki asked, "Souichiro, why does he have a decently powerful Pokemon like your Tyranitar?"
"It's because of your Stoutland's Roar that ended up bringing out that Hydreigon!" Souichiro replied to Ibuki angrily.
He thought, "In that case, we can beat that Hydreigon of his. Tyranitar, use Superpower. Let's go!"
"Hydreigon, use Protect."
Tyranitar's Superpower was stopped easily by Protect.
"Stoutland, use Take Down on Espeon."
"Espeon, use Quick Attack to dodge!"
Using Quick Attack, Espeon avoided Take Down. But it was cornered by Tyranitar.
"Tyranitar, let's prove that you are at a type advantage by using Dark Pulse!"
Espeon was hit by Tyranitar's Dark Pulse, knocking it back.
"Espeon, get up!" Fami exclaimed.
Espeon barely managed to get up.
"Use Rest instead."
Espeon went to sleep, regaining all of its health.
Souichiro taunted, "You know, Rest can help Espeon recover itself, but can it be able to attack when it falls asleep by that move?"
"Don't worry about that. I have a secret move that will surprise both of you," responded Fami.
"Hydreigon, use Dragon Pulse on Stoutland."
"Stoutland, counter with Thunderbolt!"
Both moves clashed, resulting in an explosion.
"Espeon, use Sleep Talk!"
This left Souichiro to be stunned.
"But how?"
Kyon, Haruhi, Mikuru, Iris, Brendan, Cilan, Souichiro and Ibuki were all surprised as the sleeping Espeon randomly hit the former's Stoutland with Psyshock.
Kyon asked Cilan, "Why is Espeon suddenly able to attack in its sleep?"
Yuki replied, "It used Sleep Talk. It is a move that enables a Pokemon to use move data while it is in a state of rest."
"Souichiro, what should we do?" Ibuki thought, "It seems that Fami surprised us with her Espeon's Rest and Sleep Talk combination."
"Don't worry, we'll think of a way to get through this," responded the former.
"Fami, that was a good tactic. Commanding Espeon to use Rest to recover and Sleep Talk to do the offense once it is already asleep," said Brendan.
"Well, that was a tactic that I was thinking of when I wanted Espeon to learn new moves."
Espeon eventually woke up.
"Hydreigon, use Focus Blast on Tyranitar, full blast!"
"Espeon, use Psyshock on Stoutland!"
Unable to notice the two attacks from afar because of the sandstorm set up earlier, Tyranitar and Stoutland both took direct hits from Focus Blast and Psyshock, respectively, knocking them away.
"Tyranitar, get up!"
"You too, Stoutland!"
"Let's finish it off with one more Focus Blast!"
"Quick Attack, Espeon!"
Unable to get up, Tyranitar and Stoutland took the second hit from Focus Blast and Quick Attack, respectively, leaving them to be knocked out from the battle.
"Tyranitar and Stoutland are unable to battle. Hydreigon and Espeon are the winners!"
Ash said, "It seems the two are starting to take in the lead."
Souichiro and Ibuki recalled Tyranitar and Stoutland, respectively back to their Poke Balls.
The sandstorm was still active on the field.
"Prepare to battle our second Pokemon!" exclaimed the two.
Ibuki summoned an Umbreon while Souichiro brought forth a Lucario.
"Hydreigon, return."
When Brendan recalled his Pokemon, Souichiro and Ibuki thought, "Why is he switching out? We're supposed to go ahead with our next plan."
"Go Scolipede!"
Brendan summoned Scolipede again.
"Looks like Scolipede was sent out again," thought Souichiro.
"It doesn't matter as long as Espeon loses to Umbreon. Umbreon, use Sand Attack on Espeon!"
"Espeon, dodge it and use Quick Attack!"
Umbreon kicked some dirt at Espeon with its hind legs but it was avoided. However, Umbreon also managed to avoid Quick Attack.
"Lucario, use Bone Rush on Scolipede, back-to-back."
"Dodge all of them!"
Lucario swung its Bone Rush at Scolipede multiple times, but they were all avoided as well. However, Lucario made one more swing of its attack and managed to hit Scolipede.
Fortunately, the latter recovered.
"Espeon, use Psyshock on Lucario."
"Umbreon, defend Lucario by blocking it!"
Umbreon jumped in front of Lucario to block Espeon's Psyshock.
"Scolipede, use Steamroller on Umbreon."
"Counter with Quick Attack!"
Both attacks collided.
"Espeon, return!"
"Umbreon, use Pursuit on Espeon!"
"But how?"
Fami was surprised as Umbreon suddenly vanished out of sight. Launching itself at Espeon, it quickly slammed the Sun Pokemon just before it was about to be recalled into its Poke Ball.
Espeon was rendered unable to battle.
"Espeon cannot battle. Umbreon wins!"
"What was that move?" Kyon thought.
Fami wondered, "I never expected Umbreon to move that quick just to attack Espeon whilst I was switching it out."
Ibuki said, "Pursuit is nothing but a weak Dark-type move. However, it will strike first just before you switch out your Pokemon. So keep that in mind that you should think carefully before switching out your Pokemon, otherwise this attack will inflict a lot of damage."
Kyon remarked, "Out of all those attacks out there, Pursuit is the one that surprised me a lot."
Fami recalled Espeon and summoned a Metagross.
Kyon asked Ash, "Should I go check what was the Pokemon Fami just sent out?"
Ash replied, "Sure, Kyon."
Ash scanned the Pokedex on Fami's Metagross and it said, "Metagross, the Iron Leg Pokemon, and the evolved form of Metang. It is the result of two Metang achieving fusion. It has four brains that can rival that of a supercomputer."
Kyon asked, "Haruhi, do you know what type Metagross is?"
"Hmm. . . . Let's see. . . . " Haruhi took out her cards and pulled out one of them depicting a picture of a Metagross. She replied, "According to this card, it's a Steel and Psychic-type Pokemon."
Kyon thought, "If Metagross is indeed smarter than a supercomputer, Miss Nagato would go well with it."
Souichiro said, "How unexpected for us to see Fami bring out a powerful Pokemon."
He then commanded, "Lucario, use Aura Sphere on Metagross."
"Scolipede, defend Metagross by blocking that Aura Sphere."
As Fighting-type moves don't work effectively on Bug and Poison-types, Aura Sphere was obviously blocked by the Megapede Pokemon.
"Metagross, use Hammer Arm."
"Lucario, counter with Close Combat."
The two Pokemon cross-countered with each other, both eventually landing back on the ground.
"Umbreon, use Sand-Attack on Metagross."
Kicking dirt with its hind legs, Umbreon blinded Metagross with Sand-Attack.
"Metagross, hang on and use Psyshock on Lucario!"
Because Metagross was blinded by the Sand-Attack, Psyshock missed.
"Now's the perfect time to attack that Metagross. Lucario, use Close Combat again!"
Metagross was hit repeatedly by Close Combat. The attack caused Metagross to be knocked away.
"Metagross, get up!" Fami exclaimed.
"Umbreon, finish it off with Quick Attack."
"Scolipede, defend Metagross once more with Protect."
Umbreon's Quick Attack was blocked.
Metagross managed to get up, having its eyes eventually cleared up.
Brendan looked at Fami, "Looks like your Metagross can attack again."
Haruhi continued cheering, forcing Mikuru to join her, yelling, "Go, Brendan and Fami! Both of you, you can do it!"
"Umbreon, use Dark Pulse on Scolipede."
"Lucario, Close Combat on Metagross!"
"Scolipede, use Steamroller."
"Metagross, dodge that Close Combat and use Hammer Arm!"
Umbreon fired a Dark Pulse at Scolipede but it was dodged. Scolipede returned the favor by slamming the Moonlight Pokemon from above with a super-effective Steamroller.
Completely surprised, Ibuki exclaimed, "Gah! What kind of move was that! I never expected Scolipede to recreate what happens when Dio Brando drops a steamroller from above!"
"Stop fantasizing, Ibuki!" replied Souichiro, berating him.
Metagross avoided Close Combat, hitting Lucario with Hammer Arm.
Lucario and Umbreon were both knocked away.
"Lucario, get up and use Dark Pulse!"
"Umbreon, use Dark Pulse as well!"
"Dodge it!" Brendan and Fami exclaimed in unison.
Scolipede and Metagross avoided both Dark Pulses.
"No way!" exclaimed Ibuki.
"Yes way. Now finish it off with Steamroller, Scolipede!"
"Finish it off with Gyro Ball!"
Folding all of its legs, Metagross spun at high speed, charging at Lucario. The attack hit, rendering Lucario as unable to battle.
Steamroller hit Umbreon for super-effective damage, also knocking it out.
"Lucario and Umbreon are both unable to battle. Metagross and Scolipede are the winners!"
"Go, Brendan and Fami! You both must win this!" Haruhi cheered.
Kaneda remarked, "It looks like Souichiro and Ibuki have been curbstomped."
"It's too early to say that, Kaneda," replied Tetsuo, "Both of them may be at only one Pokemon left, but they're still got the chance to win it."
Ibuki and Souichiro recalled Umbreon and Lucario, respectively.
"Prepare to battle our last Pokemon!" exclaimed the two.
"Let's go, Floatzel!"
"You too, Whimsicott!"
Ibuki and Souichiro both summoned their last and final Pokemon, a Floatzel and a Whimsicott, respectively.
Cilan said, "So their last Pokemon are a Floatzel and a Whimsicott. I wonder if they will have a good strategy this time."
Haruhi took two of her cards and showed them to Kyon.
"If you want to know who are those Pokemon, don't ask me," she said, showing the two cards to Kyon.
After reading the descriptions in the two cards depicting a Floatzel and a Whimsicott, the latter asked, "So they are called a Floatzel and a Whimsicott?"
Without Haruhi hearing her, Yuki responded to Kyon's question and said, "Yes."
Brendan recalled Scolipede.
"Go, Hydreigon!"
Hydreigon was once again being summoned.
"They haven't seen anything just yet. Floatzel, start off with Rain Dance."
Suddenly, the sandstorm that surrounded the battlefield due to Souichiro's Tyranitar's Sand Stream became dispersed by Floatzel's Rain Dance, replacing the former weather with dark clouds that started pouring rain all over the battlefield.
"It rained," said Kyon, "Does anyone have an umbrella?"
Itsuki remarked, "I never expected that a single move can change the weather."
"Whimsicott, use Tailwind!"
On the other hand, Whimsicott and Floatzel were imbued by the winds from above as a result of the former's Tailwind.
"What kind of move is Tailwind?" Ash, Brendan, and Kyon all thought.
Souichiro replied, "Enter Whimsicott's Tailwind. This will not take long though. Keep that in mind, since both of you know from earlier that Ibuki and I are loaded with surprises in the battlefield."
Iris, Ash, Haruhi, and Mikuru all said, "This is the first time I have ever seen that move."
Kyon added, "Me too. Like the four of you, I have never heard of Tailwind before."
"Hydreigon, use Dragon Pulse."
"Floatzel, use Ice Fang!"
Just before Hydreigon could fire Dragon Pulse, Floatzel quickly struck first with Ice Fang, biting Hydreigon's left wing. Ice started to form on one part of Hydreigon's wings.
"That Floatzel is really fast!" Brendan exclaimed.
Ibuki answered, "Brendan, if you wanna know why Floatzel was able to attack first, take a look at the weather. It's rain, right? Floatzel's ability is Swift Swim, and it raises its Speed in rainy weather. Combine that with Whimsicott's speed-boosting Tailwind and both of you will have to deal with a Pokemon that has the advantage just by outrunning both of your Pokemon just before they can strike an attack at it."
"So that explains why Floatzel moved so quickly," concluded Iris and Haruhi.
"So it was all just as planned," thought Cilan, "Up until now, it looked like as if Brendan and Fami were about to make a curb-stomp victory. But the combination of Tailwind and Swift Swim suddenly turned the tables, converting it to an exquisite flavor."
"Use Ice Fang!"
"Hydreigon, use Protect!"
"Metagross, use Hyper Beam."
"Whimsicott, dodge that Hyper Beam and use Taunt on Hydreigon!"
"What kind of move is that?"
Brendan was surprised when he said that.
Whimsicott avoided Metagross' Hyper Beam. It then taunted Hydreigon with its finger, causing it not to be able to use Protect.
"If Hydreigon can't be able to use Protect, what can it do to stop Floatzel's Ice Fang?" thought Mikuru.
Floatzel proved to be too fast for Hydreigon. As a result, Ice Fang hit, knocking the latter out.
"No, Hydreigon!"
"Hydreigon is unable to battle. Floatzel wins."
Brendan gritted his teeth, witnessing his Hydreigon get knocked out after a speedy Ice Fang. He then recalled the Brutal Pokemon.
Ibuki informed, "Brendan, I hope you and Fami both enjoyed this wonderful combination we just set up. Besides, it's still standing strong."
"I never expected Whimsicott's Taunt to strike first," muttered Brendan.
Souichiro explained, "That's all because of Whimsicott's ability, Prankster. If Whimsicott uses non-damaging moves like Attract and Taunt, it will attack first. You see, I set Whimsicott's Tailwind up on purpose just to raise its own speed, as well as Floatzel's speed. Of course, Floatzel already has Swift Swim just to keep its Speed boosted in rainy weather, but I wouldn't mind raising its speed to even higher levels."
Iris was intimidated, saying, "Floatzel's Ice Fang was indeed very chilling."
Cilan added, "Not to mention, Floatzel was too quick for Hydreigon to dodge that attack. Fittingly very effective."
Iris asked, "Did Ibuki utilize on his Floatzel's ability on purpose?"
"Sure. I'm suspecting it was his last resort plan in case he and Ibuki are on the verge of losing."
"Scolipede, let's go!"
Brendan sent out Scolipede again.
"Scolipede, use Poison Jab."
"Dodge it and use Aqua Tail!"
Once again, Floatzel struck first, hitting Scolipede with a huge stream of water on its two tails. The latter is then knocked away.
"Metagross, use Psyshock on Whimsicott!"
"Counter with Energy Ball!"
Both attacks collided, creating an explosion.
"Metagross, use Hammer Arm."
"Floatzel, counter it with Aqua Tail."
Floatzel and Metagross clashed their attacks. However, Floatzel's Aqua Tail was boosted by the Rain Dance already set up in the battlefield, overpowering Metagross' Hammer Arm and knocking it away.
"Scolipede, use Steamroller on Whimsicott."
"Dodge it."
Steamroller was avoided.
"Use Leech Seed on Metagross."
Whimsicott struck first, firing a seed at Metagross. The latter was restrained by vines that emerged from the seed as it was about to have its energy drained by the Leech Seed.
"Leech Seed is not a problem for Metagross as long as it will still battle. Metagross, use Psyshock on Whimsicott."
"Scolipede, use Poison Jab on Floatzel."
"Dodge and use Aqua Jet."
Floatzel struck first again with Aqua Jet, hitting Scolipede and rendering it unable to get up.
"Scolipede, get up and use Poison Jab!"
"Finish it off with one more Aqua Jet!"
"Metagross, counter with Hammer Arm!"
"Whimsicott, finish it off with Energy Ball!"
Hammer Arm clashed with Aqua Jet, creating a maelstrom of water. However, because Metagross was already drained of its energy due to Whimsicott's Leech Seed, it was left to be knocked out.
On the other hand, the weakened Scolipede was left to be hit by Energy Ball, also knocking it out of the battle.
"Metagross and Scolipede are unable to battle. Floatzel and Whimsicott are the winners."
"Metagross, take a rest."
"Scolipede, you too." The Rain Dance and Tailwind both subsided as Brendan and Fami both recalled their Pokemon.
Iris thought, "Looks like Brendan and Fami are both down to only one Pokemon remaining along with their opponents."
Kyon added, "I'm having a bad feeling that that Floatzel will curb-stomp their last Pokemon on hand."
Tetsuo said to Kaneda, "I told you, Kaneda. Souichiro and Ibuki may have been curb-stomped early in the battle, but they are not willing to stand back though!"
"Fami, this combination that we set up is already going to prove you too much to deal with. It's better to see you give up and be a part of us again," said Ibuki.
"I only set up Metagross as fodder just to give both of you a surprise. Volcarona, let's go!"
Fami sent out a Volcarona, causing Ash, Iris, Kyon, Kaneda, Tetsuo, Ryou, Kyou, and Cilan to fall flat on their faces.
"How can a Fire-type like Volcarona be able to fare well against a Water-type like Floatzel?" exclaimed the exasperated Ash and Iris.
Cilan added, "On the bright side though, it's of a type advantage against Whimsicott."
"Eelektross, you too!"
Brendan summoned Eelektross, his third and last Pokemon.
Ibuki asked, "What should we do? Even though Floatzel is at a type advantage against Volcarona, Eelektross will obviously beat it!"
"I have the same problem too. Whimsicott can resist any Electric-type move Eelektross will throw at it, but when it's up against Volcarona, it's at a type disadvantage," replied Souichiro.
"It doesn't matter for as long as we can still beat them. Floatzel, use Rain Dance again."
"Whimsicott, Tailwind one more time."
Iris was exasperated.
"What? They used that combination again?"
Cilan thought, "I was thinking they would want to repeat it in case it wears off."
"Battle begin!"
"Volcarona, use Fire Blast!"
"Counter it with Aqua Tail, Floatzel!"
Fire Blast collided with Aqua Tail, but the former was quickly dispersed because of the Rain Dance. Fami gritted her teeth.
"Eelektross, use Dragon Claw!"
"Whimsicott, use Hurricane!"
Eelektross and Volcarona were both blown away by a strong gust of wind caused by Whimsicott's Hurricane.
Iris felt the gust of wind coming from that attack, exclaiming, "No wonder that move can carry a gust that is capable of reaching here!"
As a result of the attack, Eelektross became confused.
"How'd ya like that!" Souichiro bragged.
"How can Brendan's Eelektross be able to get past its confusion?" asked Iris.
"I'm afraid this would be all over if Eelektross is unfortunate enough to inflict damage on itself," theorized Cilan.
Kyon asked, "Cilan, can you tell me what was that move?"
"It's called Hurricane," Cilan answered, "It is a powerful Flying-type move that can cause confusion."
"What happens if Eelektross is confused?"
Haruhi responded, "Hey, Kyon. If a Pokemon is confused, it would inflict damage on itself, right?"
"Volcarona, use Bug Buzz on Whimsicott!"
Volcarona's Bug Buzz injured Whimsicott, causing it to suffer pain.
"How's that!"
"That was quick!" Souichiro exclaimed.
"Floatzel, use Aqua Jet on Volcarona!"
"Eelektross, use Dragon Claw to intercept!"
Unfortunately, Eelektross was still confused, causing it to end up attacking itself.
Cilan thought, "Eelektross is so confused, it's attacking by itself. This can taste real bad if it does happen."
Floatzel landed a direct hit with Aqua Jet, knocking Volcarona away.
Iris exclaimed, "That was an effective move!"
Cilan added, "Yes. This could be a tough match, since Souichiro and Ibuki are far too leveled up."
Volcarona fortunately was still able to get back up.
On the other hand, Floatzel was suddenly weakened. It was later imbued in blazing red-hot fire, indicating that it inflicted a burn.
"I think that's Volcarona's Flame Body! It has been activated!" Kaneda and Iris both exclaimed.
This led to Ibuki ranting, "This can't be! I never expected Floatzel to get a burn! Gah!"
Eelektross quickly got over its confusion as it was ready to attack again. The Tailwind that Whimsicott set up for the second time already wore off.
"Looks like Eelektross is now back in action," Brendan said, "Fami, should we finish this?"
"With pleasure."
Haruhi cheered, "Go, Brendan and Fami! Win it!"
In all of a sudden, Volcarona's wings were glowing blue as it flapped its wings, creating a fierce gust of wind that blew away both Floatzel and Whimsicott, much to Fami's surprise.
"I think Volcarona learned Hurricane," said Ibuki.
"I don't care if Volcarona was learning that move. Whimsicott, counter with your own Hurricane!"
Both Pokemon used the same move, forming a maelstrom of wind gusts that blew over the battlefield.
Iris and Charlotte both exclaimed, "No wonder it's even worser if both Hurricanes merged together!"
On the other hand, Eelektross released a blue beam of electricity at the rainy sky known as Thunder. It then fell downward, aiming for Floatzel.
Brendan exclaimed, "Alright, Eelektross! You just learned Thunder!"
"I knew it. If I don't do something quick, I would lose," Ibuki thought, "Floatzel, dodge it!"
Taking advantage of its Swift Swim, Floatzel quickly dodged Thunder. However, another blue beam of electricity was fired from above, crashing in on Floatzel.
"That was a direct hit!" Ash, Mikuru, and Haruhi both exclaimed.
Kyon remarked, "That Thunder attack was like as if lightning struck twice or something like that."
"We need to think of a way to turn things around, since Volcarona and Eelektross have both learned new moves," said Souichiro, "Whimsicott, use Energy Ball on Eelektross!"
"Floatzel, use Aqua Tail on Volcarona!"
"Eelektross, intercept Energy Ball with Dragon Claw!"
"Dodge that Aqua Tail!"
Eelektross sliced the Energy Ball in half with Dragon Claw, creating an explosion. On the other hand, Volcarona quickly avoided Aqua Tail, much to Ibuki's dismay.
Whimsicott and Floatzel cornered Eelektross and Volcarona into the middle of the battlefield.
"Whimsicott, use Taunt!"
"Floatzel, use Aqua Jet on Volcarona!"
"Eelektross. . . . "
". . . . and Volcarona. . . . . "
". . . . dodge it!" Brendan and Fami screamed out in unison.
The two Pokemon dodged the decently fast Aqua Jet as Floatzel forced itself into Whimsicott for a direct hit.
"That was surprisingly a quick dodge!" Ash exclaimed.
Cilan added, "Because Tailwind already wore off, Floatzel is at only half the fastest speed it used to be."
"But the rain hasn't worn out yet, meaning Swift Swim is still up," answered Kyon.
"Kyon, that's what I actually meant," said the deadpan Cilan.
"Let's finish this! Eelektross, use Thunder!"
"Volcarona, use Hurricane. Let's go!"
Eelektross fired a blue beam of electricity on the rainy sky, causing it to drop back down.
The devastating Thunder met with the rotating gusts of wind caused by Hurricane, creating a spinning tornado of wind and electricity with Floatzel and Whimsicott trapped in the middle of the vortex.
"Ibuki, what do you say about Thunder and Hurricane's damage level?"
"It's. . . . . it's. . . . . . it's. . . . . over 9000 damage!" Ibuki exclaimed.
"What? Over 9000 damage? There's no way you can be right!"
An explosion took place between the two forces as Floatzel and Whimsicott were both forced towards the ground, already knocked out.
"Floatzel!"
"Whimsicott!"
". . . . . . no!" Souichiro and Ibuki both screamed.
"Floatzel and Whimsicott are unable to battle. Volcarona and Eelektross are the winners. The victory goes to Brendan and Fami."
Rain Dance had subsided as the battle had come to a close.
"Alright, Brendan. We did it! We won! We beat them!" Fami exclaimed, unintentionally glomping Brendan.
The latter replied, "Looks like you can now go ahead with the ramen shop you've always wanted to set up."
On the other hand, Ibuki, who appeared to be in a breakdown, muttered, "This battle is a freakin' eyesore. This battle. This battle. This battle. This battle. This battle. This battle. This battle. This battle. This chair - "
Already annoyed, Souichiro interrupted by slapping Ibuki in the face.
"Not even my father hit me!" yelled Ibuki.
Everyone sweatdropped, except Yuki, who was rather looking stoic.
Brendan mumbled, "Oh look. There goes the freakin' Bright Slap. No wonder Souichiro could give Bright Noa a run for his money."
"Why did you do this to me?"
"Ibuki, it's your fault for just doing nothing when that Thunder and Hurricane combined together."
"Oh yeah? You weren't even doing anything either just to stop that Thunder-Hurricane fusion either!" Ibuki angrily responded.
"You suffer from eight-grader delusions, and I know it!" Souichiro yelled to Ibuki, "After all, you're imagining that you're the next Dark Flame Master in your sleep the other night!"
In order to break up the fight, Fami convinced to the two, "If that's fine for both of you, perhaps I should rejoin the anime club, but I would go on to proceed to setting up my own ramen shop at the same time."
"Well, that should be a great idea, Fami."
Almost everyone gasped, tilting their heads at the one who said that. It was the leader of the anime club, approaching in front of Fami.
"Fami, that would be a great idea. In fact, I'm actually planning to donate my karaoke box in your new shop."
"You do?"
"Are they your friends, Fami?"
The latter nodded.
He looked at Brendan, Ash, Iris, Cilan, and the five members of the SOS Brigade and said, "It's nice to meet all of you. My name is Athrun, and I'm the leader of Humilau City's very own anime club."
Kyon responded with, "Your name is Athrun? Seriously?"
Brendan added, "It's like, your namesake is obviously that certain character in Gundam SEED."
Athrun replied, "Well yeah. I was actually named after him. But because of that, I ended up being the one in charge of this anime club since they already know how familiar my name really is."
"The problem is, who will get to run the shop if it's just me?" thought Fami.
Athrun replied, "Perhaps we would want to work on your business."
On the night of the grand opening of the ramen shop, which was established next to Fami's house, some of the members of the anime club were on the karaoke room, performing some songs on the karaoke machine that Athrun donated. They even showed up in the party dressed up as several characters.
Tetsuo and Kaneda dressed up as their namesakes from AKIRA, Charlotte dressed up as Haruko Haruhara (from FLCL), Ibuki dressed up as Kei Takishima (from Special A), Ryou and Kyou both dressed up as Ichiko and Momiji (from Binbo-gami ga), Misuzu and Yukito dressed up as Fam (from Last Exile: Fam the Silver Wing) and Hisao (from Katawa Shoujo) respectively.
Brendan and Fami also went in, dressed as Chrono (from Chrono Crusade) and Female!Natsuru Senou (from Kampfer), respectively.
Tetsuo and Ibuki both commented, "Looks like the main duo of tonight are here in this karaoke party!"
Kyou said, "I wanna go sing Northern Lights!"
Fami replied, "Sure, you go ahead first before me."
After Kyou's performance, Fami proceeded to sing A Cruel Angel's Thesis, Misuzu performed Get Along, while Haruhi performed Namida Namida Namida.
Charlotte did a rendition of Sweet Blue Days, while Yukito performed Graffiti.
Once again, Yuki performed Paradise Lost.
The mayhem continued with Brendan forcing Kyon to perform Ai o Torimodose. This ended with the two performing a duet version of the song instead.
Meloetta suddenly showed its presence in front of everyone, chanting a song using Relic Song.
"Who's that Pokemon?" asked Kaneda.
"I think it's called a Meloetta," replied Souichiro.
"It's so rare, I wanna catch it!" exclaimed Ibuki.
Coshing him in the head, Souichiro replied, "Don't even try to think of catching it!"
After a Relic Song, Meloetta then transformed into its Pirouette Forme.
Misuzu suddenly had an idea.
"Perhaps we should let Meloetta dance like Ranka Lee!"
"I don't think Meloetta can do that, Misuzu," replied Yukito.
"If we can teach it some dance moves, maybe it will be pleased."
Kaneda added, "But what if it thinks of us as total strangers? After all, Meloetta isn't acquainted with us just yet."
Suddenly, the disco ball was lighting up and some music was playing on the background.
Ash said, "Let's party, Meloetta. What do you say?"
Meloetta agreed.
"Ash, don't forget to put ya Water Guns on!" Brendan added.
The fun continued with the disco dancing as Meloetta danced with Ash, Iris, Brendan, and Cilan.
It was a fun night to remember for Ash, Brendan, Iris, Cilan, Haruhi, Kyon, Yuki, Itsuki, and Mikuru. Fami was able to fulfill her dream of running a ramen shop, even though she decided to become part of the anime club again.
On the next chapter:
An incident involving Iris's Emolga ends with the group encountering the five members of the Flower Garden Opera Troupe, the most popular theater group in the Unova region. Maya, one of the members of this prestigious group, makes criticisms about Emolga, offending its Trainer. In order to fulfill Iris's revenge, the gang head off to the opera school in another nearby city where the quintet do their performances. However, there's one problem. Only girls are permitted in the premises, and as a result, Kyon and the rest of the boys are forced to crossdress. Will Iris be able to confront and defeat Maya? And what else will happen? Find out on the next chapter of The Best Wishes of Haruhi Suzumiya!
References and shout-outs in this chapter:
* In the flashback, Brendan rather chose to call himself as "Friend". It is a reference to the name of the antagonist of 20th Century Boys.
* The members of the anime club are named after characters in several anime.
- Souichiro and Ibuki to Maison Ikkoku.
- Tetsuo and Kaneda to AKIRA.
- Yukito and Misuzu to the AIR visual novel.
- Ryou and Kyou to Clannad.
- Laura, Charlotte, and Ichika to Infinite Stratos.
- Athrun obviously to Mobile Suit Gundam SEED.
* The flashback of how Fami met Brendan is a reenactment of a certain scene in Maria-sama ga Miteru.
* The phrase "Kyon, no breakfast for you!" is a reference to Seinfeld.
* Ibuki compares Brendan's Scolipede's Steamroller to Dio Brando's steamroller attack in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
* Souichiro and Ibuki reenact the "Over 9000" scene from Dragon Ball Z upon realizing that Volcarona's Hurricane and Eelektross' Thunder fused together.
* "You tend to suffer from eight-grader delusions, and I know it! After all, you're imagining that you're the next Dark Flame Master in your sleep the other night!" An obvious reference to Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai.
* Ibuki makes an Evangelion reference when he describes Scolipede's Protect as a form of AT Field.
* As a result of his breakdown, Ibuki also makes a Tsukihime reference when he and Souichiro both lose to Brendan and Fami.
* Haruhi and Mikuru both played Mario Kart.
* Fami gives Yuki a copy of the Bungaku Shoujo light novel.
* Souichiro and Ibuki reenact the infamous Bright Slap scene from Mobile Suit Gundam.
* "Perhaps we should let Meloetta dance like Ranka Lee!" A Macross Frontier reference. Meloetta and Ranka Lee are voiced by the same Japanese voice actress.
* The songs performed in the karaoke are opening and ending themes to several anime. Cosplay is also blended in.
- Northern Lights (Shaman King)
- A Cruel Angel's Thesis (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
- Get Along (Slayers)
- Paradise Lost (Ga-Rei Zero)
- Sweet Blue Days (Love Hina)
- Graffiti (SKET Dance)
- Namida Namida Namida (Hyakko)
- Ai o Torimodose (Fist of the North Star. The obvious hint? "You wa shock!")
* "Let's party, Meloetta. What do you say?" "Ash, don't forget to put ya Water Guns on!" Both quotes contain a reference to Sengoku Basara.