Obviously don't own Pokemon.
"Char! Charmeleon!" A cry sounded from next to me. I groaned, rolling over in the bed. What time is it? "Charmeleon…go bother Garnet." I muttered, pulling the thin blanket over my head. "Char!" she sounded, persistent. "Seriously?" I groaned, rolling back over, and to my surprise, accidentally trampling on Charmeleon's foot. "Char!" she shrieked, making me open my eyes, annoyed.
"Charmeleon, it was just-" I started, but I was cut off by a wave of heat radiating next me. Uh oh. I thought, flailing and looking over at my starter Pokémon, expecting the worse. Sure enough, the worn-out gray sheets were ablaze. I immediately rolled over, falling off the bed with a hard thud. Thank goodness Garnet took the top bunk. I thought quickly.
"Garnet!" I called quickly, making a mad dash for my bag. I heard my Charmeleon screech in terror, but I didn't bother worrying. I was too focused on getting out Lapras.
"Teal!" I heard Garnet scream. "Oh my gosh! Again? Really?" I finally found the red-and-white Pokéball, fumbling with it, my hands shaking.
"Lapras, Water Gun, now!" I commanded as I threw the Pokéball. Lapras came out with an elegant chirp, completely different from our shrieks of terror and Garnet's screaming. A loud, shrill beeping noise filled the room, making my ears ring.
"What the heck?" Aubrey screamed as she jumped up from the bed, her red-brown hair falling into her face. "Lapras, hurry up with that Water Gun!" I screeched at her, and immediately a burst of water aimed itself at the fire, sizzling it out. I let out a sigh, and ran my hand through my messy hair.
"Teal! Again?" Garnet complained, sitting down on the other bed. I shrugged innocently, and recalled my Lapras. "Shut up." I laughed, rolling my eyes. "I had it all under control." Aubrey jumped off the bed, her eyes wide. "This has happened before?" she questioned, folding her arms.
"Uh-huh." I said, smiling. "I'm going to the bathroom." With that, I turned around and headed towards the bathroom.
"Can I challenge this gym first?" I asked Aubrey and Garnet as we walked into Vermillion Gym. Garnet nodded, and for a moment, I was reminded of Melani always challenging the gyms first. I wonder if she already got her badge.
"Sure!" Garnet told me, taking a swig of water from her canteen. Aubrey nodded slightly, fiddling with her braided hair.
"Alright." I said as we walked into the gym.
It was a very bright room, with a few gym trainers nearby. Oddly, scattered across the gym were trashcans. In the back of the room, an electric fence guarded the next room, where I could make out the blonde hair and camouflage pants of Lt. Surge. "Alright, let's get this started!" I exclaimed. It felt alien without Melani around, but I hardly cared at that point. All I wanted to do was get the gym badge.
"Yo!" a voice said from behind us. "Come to challenge Lt. Surge?" Aubrey, Garnet and I turned around to see a rather large man with messy brown hair and sunglasses. Inside.
"Yep!" Garnet chirped. "Well, be warned! Lt. Surge uses electric-type Pokémon, so you can only counter it with ground-type Pokémon!" he advised.
"Like a Sandshrew?" I smiled.
"Exactly. So to get to the gym leader, you'll need to find two secret switches underneath these trashcans." He said, before walking away. "We can do that, right?" I asked, turning back to Aubrey and Garnet. "Of course!" Aubrey answered, and we all started ducking our heads underneath the trashcans, looking for the switch.
"Found one!" Aubrey exclaimed, standing up. I swung my head from under a trashcan, and gazed up at Aubrey. "Good job." I said simply as one of the electric gates opened. Garnet was inspecting one of the trashcans in the corner, her hair creating a red pool on the floor. I ducked my head under the trashcan again, looking for the switch.
"Found it!" I looked up, bringing my head out from under the trashcan.
"Ow!" Aubrey screeched as her head banged against the trashcan. I rolled my eyes, and watched as Garnet unlocked the last gate.
"C'mon out, Voltorb!" Lt. Surge called as he threw his Pokéball. Out came…another Pokéball? I thought, letting out laugh. "Lapras, go!" I said, throwing the Pokéball. "Voltorb, let's start this off with Shock Wave!" Lt. Surge ordered, and his Voltorb emitted bright yellow electricity. It filled the room, making it impossible for my Lapras to dodge. I bit my lip as Lapras was pelted with the electricity.
"Lapras, Ice Shard!" I countered, and once she was free from the attack, Lapras opened her mouth, releasing sharp, icy blades. It pelted the Voltorb, making it roll around. "Voltorb, Tackle!" Lt. Surge yelled, and soon the Voltorb started quickly rolling towards Lapras. Lapras can't evade attacks very well…I remembered, recalling a moment from training with Garnet's Pikachu.
"Lapras, push it away with Water Pulse!" I told her, and a ring of water appeared, forcing the Pokéball-like Pokémon away. "Good job, Lapras!" I praised. Only one more attack and Voltorb should be finished! "Use Ice Shard!"
"Shock Wave!"
The same icy shards hit Voltorb, and it rolled back, defeated. First Pokémon down, two more to go! I thought excitedly. "Pikachu, go!" Lt. Surge called, and out came the Electric Mouse. "Lapras, Avalanche!" I commanded. I knew Pikachu were very fast; I've seen Garnet's Pikachu dart around like lightning, so using a stronger move would be the way to go, right?
"Double Team!"
Pikachu curled up slightly, and copies of the yellow Pokémon appeared all around Lapras. She looked around, confused on where to hit.
"Shoot." I muttered, until I found a more vivid Pikachu just behind Lapras. "Lapras, aim behind you!" Lapras turned her neck, and then launched icy rocks at the Pikachu, easily covering it with the Avalanche attack. I let out a smile of relief when it was made clear that Pikachu wasn't getting up.
"Raichu, go!" Lt. Surge called, and out came Pikachu's evolved form. "Thunder Wave, fast!" Raichu quickly ran towards Lapras, releasing yellow bolts. Lapras became engulfed in the electricity, and Raichu quickly darted away. "Lapras, Water Pulse!" I yelled. Lapras craned her neck, but yellow shocks twitched at her blue body. Shoot. Stupid paralysis. I thought.
"Raichu, Shock Wave!"
"Water Pulse!"
Lapras slowly moved towards the Raichu, but the Mouse Pokémon easily outran it, zapping Lapras with a strong Shock Wave. She fell to the ground, fainted. "Shoot." I muttered as I recalled my fainted Pokémon. "Go Charmeleon!" I called, releasing my starter.
"Raichu, Thunder Wave!" Lt. Surge called. Not again…I thought darkly as Charmeleon was paralyzed. "Charmeleon, Strength!" I ordered, hoping she would still be able to move. Much to my disappointment, she barely twitched. "Ugh." I groaned as Raichu easily took out Charmeleon.
"Teal! You can do it!" Garnet urged me from the sidelines.
"Sandshrew, finish off this Raichu!" I called, recalling my fainted Charmeleon and bringing out my ground-type Pokémon. He clambered on the floor with a timid squeak, curling up into a ball. I clenched my jaw, before ordering Sandshrew to use Rapid Spin.
"Shrew!" Sandshrew cried, and started rolling around quickly, striking Raichu.
"Raichu, Quick Attack!" Lt. Surge commanded, and his Raichu swiftly darted towards Sandshrew. "Defense Curl, then Rapid Spin again!" Sandshrew curled up in a tighter ball as Raichu tackled him, then he unfurled himself and used Rapid Spin on Raichu, sending him back.
"Great job, Sandshrew!" I complimented, letting a smile spread across my lips. Sandshrew was improving. It wouldn't be long until he evolved into Sandslash!
"Raichu! Quick Attack!"
"Sand Attack!"
Sandshrew kicked up sand, flinging it at Lt. Surge's Pokémon. Raichu stalled for a moment, shaking the sand from his head, before darting at Sandshrew again, building up amazing speed. "Sand Attack one more time, then dodge." I told him. He flung some more grainy sand at Raichu, before darting to the corner of the gym. Raichu growled, and charged at Sandshrew again at an amazing speed. Sandshrew was hit with the attack, sending him flying towards me. He fell at my feet, and curled up again, squeaking in terror. "Sandshrew, Rapid Spin!" I said, and with that Sandshrew executed a perfect Rapid Spin, hitting the Raichu. I watched in glee as Raichu fell to the ground, defeated.
"Great job, Sandshrew!" I praised, recalling my tired Sandshrew. "You did amazing."
I put my Pokegear in my bag, ending my conversation with Melani. I've grown quite an obsession to my Pokegear. I'm constantly texting Melani, becoming silent and inactive with my friends. I sighed and looked up, seeing Teal smirk and raise an eyebrow questionably at Aubrey.
I sneered to her when she brushed past me, "Be nice to her." I could just feel Teal roll her eyes. I stumbled down the steps, meeting St. Surge's gaze. I heaved my heavy shoulders, arching my back and hearing the spine crack back into place. Regaining some energy in my life, I took out my Pikachu's Pokeball. "Pikachu, come out!" "Pika!" It readied its stance, standing on all fours.
"Voltorb, go."
"Alright, Pikachu, use ThunderBolt!" A large bolt came directly at the Voltorb. "Dodge, then use Screech." I stumbled backwards, covering my ears slightly with my hands at the preposterous noise. "Pika!" It stumbled backwards, too, fighting the loud sound. "Focus, Pikachu! Use Quick Attack then Discharge!" I grunted as I heard the fastened breaths of the tired Pikachu. A loud burst of heat and energy filtered the room. Some of the fog and haziness cleared up, allowing my eyes to see the Pikachu, heaving, but nonetheless, alive.
The referee took two steps forward, waving a flag towards my direction, "Voltorb is unable to battle. Pikachu wins!"
The Pikachu ran towards me. I picked it up with my hands, giving it a small squeeze of comfort. "Try making it through to the other Pikachu, okay? If you can't, Vulpix will take care of it." "Pika!" It nodded in affirmative, readying its stance again. "Strong Pikachu you got there, but it's tired, and I will win!"
A smaller Pikachu appeared, seemingly less strong. I hope, at least. My Pikachu has already taken a huge amount damage, and its defense stats were lowered dramatically. Remember Vulpix. Remember. Vulpix. Had the thought ever occurred that I barely trained Vulpix? Guess not.
"Pikachu, use Discharge!" I smiled in pride as I realized how strong my Pokemon have come. I may not be the best trainer, the best listener, or you know.. whatever, but anyways, I really do think I have improved. "Pik-ah!" "Huh?" I tilted my head back towards the battlefield, seeing my Pikachu exasperated after doing the powerful attack. "Pikachu, use ThunderShock." "Try to avoid it, Pikachu!" I, being a pessimist at the moment being, gulped and hoped that my Vulpix would be strong enough to continue from this moment on.
I slowly opened my eyes back open, seeing both Pikachu tired and near fainting, but both still standing. "Great job, Pikachu! If you can, use Quick Attack then ThunderBolt!" I smiled once again and waved to Teal and Auburn. My attention adverted back to the battle. My Pikachu managed to pull through, but it's quite obvious Lt. Surge's Pikachu did an attack move, too. I coughed as the sand piled into my nose and eyes. "Pikachu, Quick Attack again!" I screamed quickly, trying not to get any of the dirt into my mouth.
I slowly unraveled myself when the mess cleared up. "Pi-ka.." "No!" I reached my hand forward, all the while knowing all I'd grasp are loose disobedient grains of sand. "Chu.." It slowly fell down. Groaning, I fetched out Vulpix's Pokeball. I took out my Vulpix before the referee was able to say anything. Blocking out his words in my head, I spoke encouragement to my Vulpix. "You can do it, bud. I know I haven't paid that much attention to you, but I know you'll be able to beat Pikachu."
I stood up to my full height again, slightly smiling when I heard Aubrey exclaim that I had a Vulpix, too. "Vulpix, let's start off with Ember!" "Pikachu, jump in the air and use ThunderShock." "All right, Vulpix, be alert, shift your Ember upwards when Pikachu jumps!" My mind was at a haze in the moment, I blocked everything out. I knew this was important and all, the battling. But, I just couldn't seem to focus on everything. Melani.. God, why did she have to leave us? She would've been here with us. Right now, already have battled and cheering me on in the sidelines. I should've known Aubrey would never be such a replacement for Melani. I want her back. Desperately.
"Confuse Ray." I shot the Normal move robotically, ignoring what was going on in front of me. "Use Fire Spin, now!"
"..and Vulpix wins!"
Focus, you dip wad. Focus. "Congrats, Vulpix! You go rest up, okay?" "Vul-pix!" It half-whined and half-agreed. "Ivysaur, your turn!" "Start off with Leech Seed!" "Dodge, then use ThunderBolt." "I-vee-saur!" It growled in protest. I saw Ivysaur start to lose his footing. No way was this Raichu was that powerful. Come on. "Use Leec-"
"ThunderBolt again. Quickly, now."
"Eep, PoisonPowder!" The purpled dust swirled quickly towards the Raichu. "Raii-chu!" It groaned, obviously uneasy with displeasure. "Quickly use Vine Whip then Leech Seed!" The vines extended from the Ivysaur's pink flower, pounding at the Raichu with increasing rhythm." "Raichu," I could tell the man was growing impatient, "Use Growl!"
Uh oh.
I face palmed myself when I saw Vulpix on the floor, waking up slowly. "Vulpix!" I snapped my fingers in its face to its displeasure. "Vull-pixx!" It whined, lying back on her huge tail. "Use ThunderShock if you can." A weakened blow of electricity came down to my Vulpix. "Vulpix!" It woke up, startled and unprepared. "Ember!" It fought back weakly, it's attack barely enough to keep it from being attacked. "Vulpix!" It screamed when both the remainders of Ember and the blast of ThunderShock hit it. "Vulpix, I don't want to switch, it's still battling off the PoisonPowder. Now use Ember!" "Vul-pix!" It roared loudly, blasting a strong attack.
"Raichu is unable to battle. Vulpix wins, and Garnet is the victor!" "Congrats, Vulpix!" I returned the Vulpix, retrieving the Thunder Badge, muttering a muffled "Thanks." before I left the Gym. I sat down on the descending stairway, grabbing out my PokeGear.
Garnet: Won the battle, finally. :] How's ur journey going?
Melani: Details, now please. And I guess u can say it has a.. surprise in store.
Garnet: Well, I barely won, I can tell u that. Vulpix won her first battle! And 'surprise'?"
Melani: Can't talk, leaving, sorry. Bye.
I snapped my Pokegear shut, muttering a bye. I leaned back towards the wall, refusing to let the tears fall down my cheeks. I shed one tear, immediately wiping it away with my shaky hand. "Goodbye, Melani." I murmured, slowly getting up and walking back into the Gym.
The Pokeball gracefully slides out of Garnet's hand, flying toward me. I reach upward, clutching it in my right hand. Pikachu. After a bit of begging, she decided to let me use him. I force out a fake smile and mumble, "Thanks, Garnet. I'm really glad that you let me use him." Blushing slightly, I go on to say "I don't really think I could with mine . . ." I'm extremely nervous, and though it doesn't show, self-deprecating at times, ashamed of my small collection of underleveled Pokemon.
The room, large and airy, our voices echoing through it, bouncing off the walls, somehow makes it even worse.
Teal and Garnet made their way to the sidelines, to cheer me on, and possibly -but hopefully not- help me. I take my place, peering across the battlefield to where my opponent's eyes meet with mine. Lt. Surge is a tall, buff man, clad in his usual dull green clothes. And sunglasses. Sunglasses inside? Who does that? I try not to fidget, but my nerves are getting the best of me. I haven't done too many battles like this before, and I've always found them the most nerve-racking. I know that not even Teal, who's still having trouble warming up to me, would think any less of me if I were to lose, but I still can't help it.
I'm so lost in thought that I almost don't notice when Lt. Surge tosses his Pokeball out in front of him, releasing Voltorb. How I hate that Pokemon! It's so strange looking, it might as well just be its own Pokeball. In a second, my thoughts snap back into place, and in a second my Pokeball flies out in front of me, releasing Vulpix in a beam of red light.
"Voltorbs, use Shock Wave!" Lt. Surge commands in his powerful voice. Shock Wave? Wait, what? I strained myself trying to think. Oh, I know this. . . But I didn't have long. "Vulpix, use – use
d-dodge!" But as the powerful yellow flashes struck her, I realized that such a move couldn't be dodged. "Use Ember!" Vulpix did as I said, directing the flames at her opponent. "Voltorbs, dodge!" But it was unsucessful, and that creepy little thing met its demise as the flames struck its side, leaving a burn mark. As the tiny thing passed out on the floor, the referee appeared in the midst of the battle, announcing "Vulpix wins!" Teal and Garnet cheered from where they stood on the sidelines, but I knew that she would go out soon. The poor little thing was tired, and near fainting.
Lt. Surge's Pokeball landed down in front of me, releasing his Pikachu. It shook its little tail, readying itself. It was the lieutenant's call. "Chu!" It squawked. "Pikachu, use Shock Wave!" Trying to dodge was pointless, I had learned. But I didn't try anything, I knew Viola would succumb to such an attack. Just as I had expected, the little Vulpix gave out, falling to the ground, her breath slow and shallow. "Pikachu wins!" the ref declared.
"Chikorita, I choose you!" I like to watch as the ball rolls out, my Pokemon appearing in a beam of red light. I always did wonder how they would fit into those tiny things. But my head snapped to the side as Teal's voiced rang out across the room, loud and clear. "Aubrey! Use Poison Powder!" I nodded. I hadn't though of that. My Chikorita was very weak, so I suppose she had figured to make sure I knew what I was doing.
"All right!"
"Rita!" Tiko chirped, jumping around in front me. He positioned himself, rump in the air, his war face on, as he always did. "Chikorita, use Poison Powder!" At that, the little Pokemon released a school of dark, scattered clouds. The Pikachu hissed as the clouds struck its ample body. It let out a hacking cough, its movements growing stiffer as time progressed. I brightened at this. "Pikachu, use Shock Wave!"
The room flashed with a sudden burst of electricity as Pikachu did as he was told. "Tackle!" Garnet screamed. "Tiko, use-" but he was already there, charging at the portly figure that lay in his path, head angled downward. The two bodies met, and in a flash, the Pikachu was down, the wind knocked out of him. Tiko shook his head, looking sick and tired. He would be done soon. But he did his best to disguise that. He always was a bit of a showoff, but he was a hard worker too. He positioned himself, breathing hard, his chest heaving as he did so. A flash of black and white, the familiar voice declaring Tiko's victory.
I was no longer scared. I was completely focused. And giddy. Perhaps I would actually win! Time was passing by at the speed of light, and in a flash, a Raichu appeared, its golden body in ready position. "Raichu, use Quick Attack!" "Oh!" I should have been paying more attention. Before I could say anything, tell Tiko to dodge, or whatever else would work, he was down. His pale green body lay on the floor, mouth still partway open. The Raichu gloated in the same manner that Tiko had as its victory was announced, puffing out its little pale chest, ears perked.
I groaned. I had been hoping that I wouldn't have to use Pikachu, though I knew that was completely unrealistic. Still, Garnet was sure to make a big fuss if her Pokemon sustained the slightest injury. He was a high level, though. I shook my head, trying to focus. The Pokeball flew out of my grip, skidding to a stop on the ground below. In a beam red light, the Pikachu appeared. I almost felt like he was going to decide on which move to use himself. He was the strongest Pokemon I had ever battled with."Aubrey-" I heard a voice, Teal's voice, beckoning me. "Don't help me!" I snapped. I needed to figure this out on my own. I thought for a moment, and I was proud when it came to mind.
"Iron Tail, Pikachu!" He charged at the Raichu, slamming into its side with his stiffened tail. Perfect! The Raichu responded quickly, and I swear I didn't hear a thing from the lieutenant. Maybe I just missed it. Quick Attack, again. "Pikachu, do Quick Attack as well!" I shouted. My throat was dry, my voice growing hoarse from constantly shouting. He lunged, body slamming the Raichu. It let out a small, distressed "Chu!" We were winning! "Use Double Team!" Lt. Surge shouted, lifting his sunglasses, setting them on his forehead.
In a flash, the image of the Raichu grew unsteady and split, copies of him surrounding the real Pokemon. "Pikachu, use Iron Tail! Aim as well as you can!"
The little Pikachu shot forward, slamming his tail into his target. But he missed, and one of the false copies of the Raichu went up like mist. "Again! Again!" I shrieked. "Do it again!" He darted into the circle of Raichus, turning in a full circle, his tail ready. He must have gotten the real Raichu, though I couldn't exactly tell what was going on. But I knew we had won when a loud thud rang out, echoing through the room, and the false copies disappeared in a flash.
"Chu . . ." It squeaked, before passing out.
I heaved a huge sigh of relief, throwing my arms up in the air. I had done it! I had won the battle! Lt. Surge approached me, grabbing my hand, still airborn, and shaking it roughly. "Well done, young lady." And his hand left mine, but there was something still remaining. I smiled, tossing Teal the badge. "Not too shabby, eh?" She smirked, and Garnet's face broke out into a huge smile. "No offence, but I was pretty sure you were going to lose. You did wonderfully, Aubrey!" "Before you start gushing . . ." I pointed downward, to my feet, where Garnet's exhausted Pikachu lay. Garnet's eyes flashed, and she squealed.
"Oh, Pikachu! I'm so sorry! I should never have let her use you!" She squeezed his portly body hard, and he rested his head on her shoulder. Anyone but Garnet could see that the clever Pikachu was clearly milking it. Teal punched her in the arm. "C'mon, Garnet, it's no big deal. Let's get over to the Pokemon Center and we can heal your poor wittle Pikachu, all right?"