p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Steel (Poke)Ball Run/span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Chapter 9 – VS THE BRIDGE/span/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;":/span/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The conclusion of the first checkpoint was a church. It was situated on the outskirts of Driftveil City. It was just over the lowest points of the mountain range that divided Driftveil City and Virbank City./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The route of checkpoints was to follow an odd, serpentine bend. Going any further than Driftveil City meant crossing dangerous, uncharted mountains and put too much strain on the competitors so they would be baited inwards; towards the mainland where they would be forced to visit the Entralink and then be driven downwards to Castelia City. From Nimbasa City, it would be necessary to visit Castelia City and make headway through Pinwheel Forest. After Pinwheel Forest, the next city to visit would be Nacarene. From Nacarene City, it was straight up that third of Unova for the final home run wherein Humilau City would be waiting./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" True, they would be forced through icy domains and untouched forests but it was terrain well known to topographers, map makers, and many people in general. It was thought to be safe, as compared to the sect of land Virbank City was situated, anyway. Still, it was all about the contained adventure. Anything more and the Steel Ball Run would never have been established for safety fears and some other bright spark would have to come up with a plan to create a system to cull mediocre Trainers from those who have what it takes to be Unova's first Champion./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" So far into the race, it had been an amazing chain of events. The perfect start, really. Got the blood pumping and throats sore from yelling. If they could keep that kind of pace, it would be an unbelievable and unforgettable next two months or so. Unfortunately, it was obvious that the cull of mediocre Trainers, and a few unlucky surprises, had begun./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'It's barely been one thousand meters and fan favourite, the nomad from Hoenn, has already fallen!' the commentator yelled. 'Leader of the pack, Gyro Zeppeli B-636, has still not dropped speed! He's charging, he's charging! Trailing at about twenty lengths. But now, favourite candidate Diego Brando, alias "Dio", the prince of the Kalosian racing and battle scene, is trying to keep Zeppeli company up there at the front! Will he make it and close in?'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The train following the pack swerved around; merely following the bend and curves of the tracks. People stared out intently with their binoculars. Mr Steel donned a grave look as he gave a thoughtful nod to the worker beside him./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Pass on the message. Tell Maria to make the announcement.' he grunted./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'On it. Though it may take a few minutes to get it through to her balloon.'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Meanwhile, out in the field, Johnny eyed Diego carefully. There was something suspicious about how Diego as moving. He was always something of a weird guy but usually there was a method to his madness; as evidenced by their brushes in past on the race track and in battle. Johnny had no doubt that today would be no different./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Diego was chasing from the right but closing in on the left. The distance between him and Zeppeli was gradually dropping. He was playing it cautious but something about his demeanour gave Johnny the impression that he had some sort of trick prepared. He might even be planning a proper attack, who knows. After all, he was a masterful battler and jockey. It had taken him a short while to crusade through the Battle Chateau ranks and earn his place as both a prince in fiction but an aristocrat in reality, being originally of low birth./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The commentator's voice pierced the whooshing winds with a mighty crackle./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'I just received word from on high!' she announced. 'Mr Steel has given out orders: he wants to know the history of the unknown Trainer - Gyro Zeppeli, B-636 - before the deadline of tomorrow morning's newspaper! Anyone with information will receive a cash reward!'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Johnny's blood went cold. That was the last thing he needed. He needed that man's life story more than Mr Steel, and he certainly wouldn't sell it once acquired. He couldn't imagine how Zeppeli felt about such a bounty./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Diego smirked as he thought to himself; as he planned out his strategy on the wavering cusp of being executed flawlessly. He was surprised by how Zeppeli had fought just then and how he had eliminated Abdul and his Camerupt from the race. He hadn't even noticed that thicket of cacti but he couldn't let that shake him. He had bigger plans. He had thought Abdul would have put up more a fight being a favourite but, it would appear, he was nothing but a small fry./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" However, Abdul and Zeppeli's scuffle had given him further insight into Zeppeli's character. He was a skilful battler but there was something amateurish about his riding skills. It was as though he were only somewhat experienced in such a field. Diego could very clearly see the outcome of this next duel for leader of the pack and he was certain it would favour him./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli could sense a serious competitor was gaining speed on him. It was unsettling feeling and he desired strongly to defend himself from such a creeping feeling. He couldn't let anyone risk his good start. And in order to protect himself from a compromising position, he would need to know what his certainly confident competition was up to, so he hazarded a glance over his shoulder./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" His eyes widened; his lips parted and his voice, though hoarse, could not disguise his shock./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'That Brando fellow… he's disappeared!'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" And it didn't take long for everyone else to notice too./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" No longer was Diego Brando trailing along on the back of his Sawsbuck in Zeppeli's wake. The distance between Zeppeli and the rest of the pack was empty: sparse grass, the occasional tree, the cacti thicket and grove from before. The wind whistled through. For all intents and purposes, it was essentially empty despite it seeming impossible for that. Diego had been there a moment before and now, it was like he and his mount had disappeared into thin air./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The commentator's voice rang out with all the confusion welling up inside of the Trainers who had witnessed, and missed, this vanishing act of Diego's. But Zeppeli couldn't focus on that. He could sense a trick a mile away and this had all the makings of a nasty deception./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" He turned his head back to the skyline before him. But soon, his line of sight was confronted by a man wearing an equestrian jumper and cap. A sharp-toothed grin lined his lean face./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" His Sawsbuck, marked curiously with a discolouring of fur upon its forehead in the shape of a star, had finally met pace to Zeppeli's Mudsdale. It looked ready to counter, truth be told, and to be speed up but with its head upright, it was obeying its master's will and his master's will elegantly controlled its reins that were tightly drawn back. There was a ferocious glint of determination in Diego's eyes./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'What's this? It's like magic!' the commentator yelled. 'Out of nowhere, Diego Brando is now neck-and-neck with Gyro Zeppeli! He's completely matched Zeppeli's speed!'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" As Johnny watched Diego's lowered head and accelerating, Sawsbuck, he became all the more certain that Diego had caught. Diego had definitely realised that there was something peculiar about the way Zeppeli battled and that it was correlated with the spin. Johnny was impressed by the speed in which Diego had figured it out though./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Diego surged forward. His thoughts on the pattern. Every life had a rhythm to it and he was keen to observe it all. He slowly looked up, the wind struck his hair and pushed it back, and he met Zeppeli's concerned gaze. He could see it Zeppeli's eyes: the wondering if how this had happened./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Everything,' Diego breathed heavily, 'has it owns habits. Whether it be machines or other objects but Pokemon especially as they are living, breathing beings, and often, they have more characteristics than humans. For example, some Rapidash move their tail upwards before charging but others may move outside the group before charging. Some Sawsbuck shake their heads when approached by a mount they don't like. Some mounts may lower their bodies… Others change their stride. All of them have their own unique characteristics that can be read.'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli raised an eyebrow. That scary grin of Diego's became smug./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'And some Mudsdale, always sways left whilst running when its speed will definitely drop as a result. And every time it breathes eight times…'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Diego's eyes honed in one the Mudsdale's nostrils. One breath. A sniffle. A second and third breath; another two sniffles. A fourth and fifth breath soon paired by a snort. Then a sixth and seventh twitch and drool leaked from the Mudsdale's hairy lips. And then… And then… He saw it: the eighth, ragged breath./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'It may sway to the left.'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Diego's voice was quiet. Utterly lost beneath the thundering hooves and the wind. Zeppeli had certainly tuned him out. But Diego saw it. He saw the movement he had been counting down to./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli's Mudsdale leaned to the left. Just a slight sway like its body was being slightly moved by the wind. It kept galloping forward; just a slight curve through its body. It teetered somewhat forward but as its blood pumped and its breaths remained shallow but functional, it began to sway. In another eight breaths, that left lean would increase. It was just a small rate but it was noticeable enough to be corrected before disaster. But, for now, Diego would seize the chance before Zeppeli could discipline his mount./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" His Sawsbuck surged forward. They skimmed past the waist of Zeppeli's Mudsdale; narrowly missing any contact. It was rather polite of him given that others had tried more aggressive tactics throughout the race already. Sawsbuck gracefully stretched past and then dashed. Diego bobbed along with his mount's movements as they overtook Zeppeli./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The commentator lady practically lapped it up. 'He passed! He passed! Diego Brando has passed Gyro Zeppeli!'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Sawsbuck dashed past. Diego smugly thought to himself. It was useless to expend an excess of energy but by timing it right, he wouldn't have to worry about it. He could utilise the foe's weakening stamina in order to get past without using too much of his own. He smiled./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Dio is in the lead!' the commentator shrieked./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The distance between Diego and Zeppeli widened. Zeppeli's Mudsdale half reared off from a straight path. Diego's Sawsbuck, however, gave graceful pace that was straight as an arrow as it surged past Zeppeli and his Mudsdale./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Johnny fumed from his position farther back than them both. He was still in disbelief that Diego had worked out something as minute as the Mudsdale's breathing pattern and had proceeded to take advantage of it. He tried to work out if Zeppeli knew about this habit; or if he knew that Diego had noticed such a thing to begin with. It wasn't good./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Pokemon and humans work the same way; especially in cases of partnership. Once thrown off track, it would be hard to return to that golden rhythm like before. Moreover, if that distance continued to grow then it was going to be near impossible to overtake because Diego knew that instinctive pattern - on that would be hell to overcome, especially in an instance as short notice as this./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli continued to steer off-course and away from Diego's rear. Soon enough, his Mudsdale's nose twitched and snorted upon an eighth breath. Nevertheless, Zeppeli charged onward; almost obstinately; perhaps he didn't know about his Mudsdale's quirk. That small titbit would soon become a fatal flaw. Diego accelerated once more and it soon became quite the length between them./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Zeppeli is trying to accelerate but it's like magic! Dio remains the one up front! It's no wonder they call him a racing genius!' the commentator yelled./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli huffed. Diego glanced backwards. Zeppeli clicked his tongue at him and frowned; his brow deep with frustration./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Hey, what's up with all this?' Zeppeli asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Hmph, yours in the technique of a racing bumpkin. Stay in the back where you belong.' Diego lashed back in reply./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'You're talking about racing habits. You mean to say my Mudsdale has a running habit? Are you kidding me?' Zeppeli asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Would it matter even if I told you? Habits can't just be fixed like that… it's like fate.'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" As the two Trainers continued to race forward, the next phase of the stage revealed itself upon the horizon. The trailing of the last of the mountain's reach erupted from the land. However, a ravine was present. Deep and wide, it stretched along the land. A forest festooned its innards. The land here was awkward and varied but fortunately, the ground underfoot was firm. The only natural hazards present, obviously, were that of twigs and roots./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Here it is, folks: the twelve thousand meter mark!' the commentator explained./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The landmark they were using to gauge the scale of distance was not natural. It was a bridge, sturdy and newly built, that connected one flat of the ravine to the other. It was wide enough for two wagons to comfortably trundle across it./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Diego continued to advance. His Sawsbuck's hooves clicked against the wood; the beating of it sounded unfamiliar and strange as ears were attuned to hearing it against the earth./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Two lengths! Three lengths!' the commentator announced as Diego continued to widen the gap between second and third place. 'He can't catch up! He can't catch up! Gyro Zeppeli can't catch up!'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli stroked his Mudsdale's jawline and the upper part of its neck. He made kissy noises at it as it arduously continued forward. An affectionate pout moulded Zeppeli's face despite all the strain and adrenaline./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Hey,' he murmured, 'he says, habits… what's up with that? You have habits? I didn't know that. C'mon now, what kind of habits do you have?'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" But that pout, affectionate and playful, morphed to an impressed sort of grin./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'So many powerful rivals; the world's full of 'em. But you don't ever have to fix your habits.'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli straightened up. His right hand snaked down to his side. He unclipped one of his PokeBalls from its sling. As his fingers spread over its top surface, it began to spin beneath his fingertips./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The PokeBall at his fingertips was empty. It did belong to a captured Pokemon though./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli scooted further down his saddle and swung back his arm. He kept the PokeBall to his Mudsdale's flank. Its thigh began to turn grotesque as it absorbed the spin. It painlessly spiralled and matched flow to the spin in the PokeBall./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Hell, for me, put more of your habits into your running.' Zeppeli murmured./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" His Mudsdale's ears flicked and he removed his hand from its flank. He clipped the PokeBall back onto his belt. Dust, opaque and almost unreal, erupted from beneath Mudsdale. It took on an almost orange colour. The aura licked up along Mudsdale's thick and sturdy legs, behaving just like a flame despite the airiness of it, before being absorbed./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The spiral distorting the flesh of its flank continued to wrench inwards on itself. Its legs wobbled, like it had been freshly born or evolved, and then something changed. But then Mudsdale's ears flicked again and a fiery determination was lit in its blue-black eyes. It charged forward recklessly./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" A stern, almost gloating expression contorted Zeppeli's face. His lips, limey and plump, quirked upwards. His eyes glinted; he stroked the back of his Mudsdale's neck but not in an effort to calm it. He riled up the hair, tugged on its mane./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Huh, so this is your habit? Swaying left... But no matter, good, yeah, good… Now, Valkyrie, show 'em your anger - use Heavy Slam!' Zeppeli yelled./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Daaale!' his Mudsdale gave a mighty battle cry in response./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Mudsdale thundered through. It tore up the bridge in its wake. There was no precision to the destruction. It exerted all its force as it forced itself past Diego and his Sawsbuck. The wood snapped and crunched beneath Mudsdale's heavier than an iron ingot hooves. Sawsbuck and Diego leaned out of the way as Mudsdale attempted to obliterate all before its path; exerting every ounce of its magnificent weight into the Heavy Slam./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" But there was something peculiar about this Heavy Slam. Naturally; as was the Gyro Zeppeli way after all./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" His Mudsdale had an unusual kick to its run. Its legs jutted out wildly; constantly misplacing itself along the bridge. Every leap seemed to be bigger than it expected and that was setting it off and scaring it. As such, it appeared to panic. Its legs stomped at the air. There was the slightest circular motion though in its hooves with how it was jumping through the air./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Huh? The bridge - what's happening?' the commentator shrieked./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli and his Mudsdale charged onwards. Only upon reaching the final stretch of the bridge did his Mudsdale calm down. Once more in its wake, an entry hazard had been created. The planks of the bridge were torn up; jutting out awkwardly with spiked splinters hanging off each break. It was an utter disaster zone and Diego and his mount were right in the thick of it./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" His Sawsbuck reared up and made distressed noises. Diego grunted and fumed as his knuckles turned red and white with how strongly he was gripping onto his reins. The display was quite the warning to other Trainers./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The others were working out ways around it. Flying was prohibited but the drop wasn't terrible. With deft jumping and skill, it would be possible for some mounts to manoeuvre through the ravine without dropping to the bottom. Others had elected to take on the cursed mountain and hurtle through outcrops and rocks. All of that was favourable compared to the chaotic state the bridge was in./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'With the other racers choosing different paths, Dio will be forced to fall behind unless he gets out of there quick!' the commentator yelled./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'That - That man!' Diego cursed./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Johnny and his Zebstrika had chosen to grapple with some of the more unruly rocks along the bridge and go across the remnants of the mountain. His Zebstrika was heavy and sturdy, after all. There was no point in try to jump; unlike those mounted upon Rapidash and similar./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Johnny watched as Diego struggled. He was certain. He had seen how Zeppeli had used his steel PokeBall strangely on that Mudsdale and it was just like when Johnny's fingertips had touched it. There had been a peculiar surge of energy that completely and wildly bolstered the strength./p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Chapter 9 – VS THE BRIDGE/span/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;":/span/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The conclusion of the first checkpoint was a church. It was situated on the outskirts of Driftveil City. It was just over the lowest points of the mountain range that divided Driftveil City and Virbank City./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The route of checkpoints was to follow an odd, serpentine bend. Going any further than Driftveil City meant crossing dangerous, uncharted mountains and put too much strain on the competitors so they would be baited inwards; towards the mainland where they would be forced to visit the Entralink and then be driven downwards to Castelia City. From Nimbasa City, it would be necessary to visit Castelia City and make headway through Pinwheel Forest. After Pinwheel Forest, the next city to visit would be Nacarene. From Nacarene City, it was straight up that third of Unova for the final home run wherein Humilau City would be waiting./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" True, they would be forced through icy domains and untouched forests but it was terrain well known to topographers, map makers, and many people in general. It was thought to be safe, as compared to the sect of land Virbank City was situated, anyway. Still, it was all about the contained adventure. Anything more and the Steel Ball Run would never have been established for safety fears and some other bright spark would have to come up with a plan to create a system to cull mediocre Trainers from those who have what it takes to be Unova's first Champion./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" So far into the race, it had been an amazing chain of events. The perfect start, really. Got the blood pumping and throats sore from yelling. If they could keep that kind of pace, it would be an unbelievable and unforgettable next two months or so. Unfortunately, it was obvious that the cull of mediocre Trainers, and a few unlucky surprises, had begun./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'It's barely been one thousand meters and fan favourite, the nomad from Hoenn, has already fallen!' the commentator yelled. 'Leader of the pack, Gyro Zeppeli B-636, has still not dropped speed! He's charging, he's charging! Trailing at about twenty lengths. But now, favourite candidate Diego Brando, alias "Dio", the prince of the Kalosian racing and battle scene, is trying to keep Zeppeli company up there at the front! Will he make it and close in?'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The train following the pack swerved around; merely following the bend and curves of the tracks. People stared out intently with their binoculars. Mr Steel donned a grave look as he gave a thoughtful nod to the worker beside him./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Pass on the message. Tell Maria to make the announcement.' he grunted./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'On it. Though it may take a few minutes to get it through to her balloon.'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Meanwhile, out in the field, Johnny eyed Diego carefully. There was something suspicious about how Diego as moving. He was always something of a weird guy but usually there was a method to his madness; as evidenced by their brushes in past on the race track and in battle. Johnny had no doubt that today would be no different./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Diego was chasing from the right but closing in on the left. The distance between him and Zeppeli was gradually dropping. He was playing it cautious but something about his demeanour gave Johnny the impression that he had some sort of trick prepared. He might even be planning a proper attack, who knows. After all, he was a masterful battler and jockey. It had taken him a short while to crusade through the Battle Chateau ranks and earn his place as both a prince in fiction but an aristocrat in reality, being originally of low birth./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The commentator's voice pierced the whooshing winds with a mighty crackle./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'I just received word from on high!' she announced. 'Mr Steel has given out orders: he wants to know the history of the unknown Trainer - Gyro Zeppeli, B-636 - before the deadline of tomorrow morning's newspaper! Anyone with information will receive a cash reward!'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Johnny's blood went cold. That was the last thing he needed. He needed that man's life story more than Mr Steel, and he certainly wouldn't sell it once acquired. He couldn't imagine how Zeppeli felt about such a bounty./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Diego smirked as he thought to himself; as he planned out his strategy on the wavering cusp of being executed flawlessly. He was surprised by how Zeppeli had fought just then and how he had eliminated Abdul and his Camerupt from the race. He hadn't even noticed that thicket of cacti but he couldn't let that shake him. He had bigger plans. He had thought Abdul would have put up more a fight being a favourite but, it would appear, he was nothing but a small fry./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" However, Abdul and Zeppeli's scuffle had given him further insight into Zeppeli's character. He was a skilful battler but there was something amateurish about his riding skills. It was as though he were only somewhat experienced in such a field. Diego could very clearly see the outcome of this next duel for leader of the pack and he was certain it would favour him./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli could sense a serious competitor was gaining speed on him. It was unsettling feeling and he desired strongly to defend himself from such a creeping feeling. He couldn't let anyone risk his good start. And in order to protect himself from a compromising position, he would need to know what his certainly confident competition was up to, so he hazarded a glance over his shoulder./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" His eyes widened; his lips parted and his voice, though hoarse, could not disguise his shock./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'That Brando fellow… he's disappeared!'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" And it didn't take long for everyone else to notice too./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" No longer was Diego Brando trailing along on the back of his Sawsbuck in Zeppeli's wake. The distance between Zeppeli and the rest of the pack was empty: sparse grass, the occasional tree, the cacti thicket and grove from before. The wind whistled through. For all intents and purposes, it was essentially empty despite it seeming impossible for that. Diego had been there a moment before and now, it was like he and his mount had disappeared into thin air./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The commentator's voice rang out with all the confusion welling up inside of the Trainers who had witnessed, and missed, this vanishing act of Diego's. But Zeppeli couldn't focus on that. He could sense a trick a mile away and this had all the makings of a nasty deception./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" He turned his head back to the skyline before him. But soon, his line of sight was confronted by a man wearing an equestrian jumper and cap. A sharp-toothed grin lined his lean face./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" His Sawsbuck, marked curiously with a discolouring of fur upon its forehead in the shape of a star, had finally met pace to Zeppeli's Mudsdale. It looked ready to counter, truth be told, and to be speed up but with its head upright, it was obeying its master's will and his master's will elegantly controlled its reins that were tightly drawn back. There was a ferocious glint of determination in Diego's eyes./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'What's this? It's like magic!' the commentator yelled. 'Out of nowhere, Diego Brando is now neck-and-neck with Gyro Zeppeli! He's completely matched Zeppeli's speed!'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" As Johnny watched Diego's lowered head and accelerating, Sawsbuck, he became all the more certain that Diego had caught. Diego had definitely realised that there was something peculiar about the way Zeppeli battled and that it was correlated with the spin. Johnny was impressed by the speed in which Diego had figured it out though./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Diego surged forward. His thoughts on the pattern. Every life had a rhythm to it and he was keen to observe it all. He slowly looked up, the wind struck his hair and pushed it back, and he met Zeppeli's concerned gaze. He could see it Zeppeli's eyes: the wondering if how this had happened./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Everything,' Diego breathed heavily, 'has it owns habits. Whether it be machines or other objects but Pokemon especially as they are living, breathing beings, and often, they have more characteristics than humans. For example, some Rapidash move their tail upwards before charging but others may move outside the group before charging. Some Sawsbuck shake their heads when approached by a mount they don't like. Some mounts may lower their bodies… Others change their stride. All of them have their own unique characteristics that can be read.'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli raised an eyebrow. That scary grin of Diego's became smug./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'And some Mudsdale, always sways left whilst running when its speed will definitely drop as a result. And every time it breathes eight times…'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Diego's eyes honed in one the Mudsdale's nostrils. One breath. A sniffle. A second and third breath; another two sniffles. A fourth and fifth breath soon paired by a snort. Then a sixth and seventh twitch and drool leaked from the Mudsdale's hairy lips. And then… And then… He saw it: the eighth, ragged breath./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'It may sway to the left.'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Diego's voice was quiet. Utterly lost beneath the thundering hooves and the wind. Zeppeli had certainly tuned him out. But Diego saw it. He saw the movement he had been counting down to./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli's Mudsdale leaned to the left. Just a slight sway like its body was being slightly moved by the wind. It kept galloping forward; just a slight curve through its body. It teetered somewhat forward but as its blood pumped and its breaths remained shallow but functional, it began to sway. In another eight breaths, that left lean would increase. It was just a small rate but it was noticeable enough to be corrected before disaster. But, for now, Diego would seize the chance before Zeppeli could discipline his mount./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" His Sawsbuck surged forward. They skimmed past the waist of Zeppeli's Mudsdale; narrowly missing any contact. It was rather polite of him given that others had tried more aggressive tactics throughout the race already. Sawsbuck gracefully stretched past and then dashed. Diego bobbed along with his mount's movements as they overtook Zeppeli./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The commentator lady practically lapped it up. 'He passed! He passed! Diego Brando has passed Gyro Zeppeli!'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Sawsbuck dashed past. Diego smugly thought to himself. It was useless to expend an excess of energy but by timing it right, he wouldn't have to worry about it. He could utilise the foe's weakening stamina in order to get past without using too much of his own. He smiled./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Dio is in the lead!' the commentator shrieked./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The distance between Diego and Zeppeli widened. Zeppeli's Mudsdale half reared off from a straight path. Diego's Sawsbuck, however, gave graceful pace that was straight as an arrow as it surged past Zeppeli and his Mudsdale./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Johnny fumed from his position farther back than them both. He was still in disbelief that Diego had worked out something as minute as the Mudsdale's breathing pattern and had proceeded to take advantage of it. He tried to work out if Zeppeli knew about this habit; or if he knew that Diego had noticed such a thing to begin with. It wasn't good./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Pokemon and humans work the same way; especially in cases of partnership. Once thrown off track, it would be hard to return to that golden rhythm like before. Moreover, if that distance continued to grow then it was going to be near impossible to overtake because Diego knew that instinctive pattern - on that would be hell to overcome, especially in an instance as short notice as this./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli continued to steer off-course and away from Diego's rear. Soon enough, his Mudsdale's nose twitched and snorted upon an eighth breath. Nevertheless, Zeppeli charged onward; almost obstinately; perhaps he didn't know about his Mudsdale's quirk. That small titbit would soon become a fatal flaw. Diego accelerated once more and it soon became quite the length between them./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Zeppeli is trying to accelerate but it's like magic! Dio remains the one up front! It's no wonder they call him a racing genius!' the commentator yelled./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli huffed. Diego glanced backwards. Zeppeli clicked his tongue at him and frowned; his brow deep with frustration./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Hey, what's up with all this?' Zeppeli asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Hmph, yours in the technique of a racing bumpkin. Stay in the back where you belong.' Diego lashed back in reply./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'You're talking about racing habits. You mean to say my Mudsdale has a running habit? Are you kidding me?' Zeppeli asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Would it matter even if I told you? Habits can't just be fixed like that… it's like fate.'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" As the two Trainers continued to race forward, the next phase of the stage revealed itself upon the horizon. The trailing of the last of the mountain's reach erupted from the land. However, a ravine was present. Deep and wide, it stretched along the land. A forest festooned its innards. The land here was awkward and varied but fortunately, the ground underfoot was firm. The only natural hazards present, obviously, were that of twigs and roots./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Here it is, folks: the twelve thousand meter mark!' the commentator explained./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The landmark they were using to gauge the scale of distance was not natural. It was a bridge, sturdy and newly built, that connected one flat of the ravine to the other. It was wide enough for two wagons to comfortably trundle across it./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Diego continued to advance. His Sawsbuck's hooves clicked against the wood; the beating of it sounded unfamiliar and strange as ears were attuned to hearing it against the earth./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Two lengths! Three lengths!' the commentator announced as Diego continued to widen the gap between second and third place. 'He can't catch up! He can't catch up! Gyro Zeppeli can't catch up!'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli stroked his Mudsdale's jawline and the upper part of its neck. He made kissy noises at it as it arduously continued forward. An affectionate pout moulded Zeppeli's face despite all the strain and adrenaline./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Hey,' he murmured, 'he says, habits… what's up with that? You have habits? I didn't know that. C'mon now, what kind of habits do you have?'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" But that pout, affectionate and playful, morphed to an impressed sort of grin./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'So many powerful rivals; the world's full of 'em. But you don't ever have to fix your habits.'/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli straightened up. His right hand snaked down to his side. He unclipped one of his PokeBalls from its sling. As his fingers spread over its top surface, it began to spin beneath his fingertips./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The PokeBall at his fingertips was empty. It did belong to a captured Pokemon though./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli scooted further down his saddle and swung back his arm. He kept the PokeBall to his Mudsdale's flank. Its thigh began to turn grotesque as it absorbed the spin. It painlessly spiralled and matched flow to the spin in the PokeBall./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Hell, for me, put more of your habits into your running.' Zeppeli murmured./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" His Mudsdale's ears flicked and he removed his hand from its flank. He clipped the PokeBall back onto his belt. Dust, opaque and almost unreal, erupted from beneath Mudsdale. It took on an almost orange colour. The aura licked up along Mudsdale's thick and sturdy legs, behaving just like a flame despite the airiness of it, before being absorbed./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The spiral distorting the flesh of its flank continued to wrench inwards on itself. Its legs wobbled, like it had been freshly born or evolved, and then something changed. But then Mudsdale's ears flicked again and a fiery determination was lit in its blue-black eyes. It charged forward recklessly./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" A stern, almost gloating expression contorted Zeppeli's face. His lips, limey and plump, quirked upwards. His eyes glinted; he stroked the back of his Mudsdale's neck but not in an effort to calm it. He riled up the hair, tugged on its mane./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Huh, so this is your habit? Swaying left... But no matter, good, yeah, good… Now, Valkyrie, show 'em your anger - use Heavy Slam!' Zeppeli yelled./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Daaale!' his Mudsdale gave a mighty battle cry in response./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Mudsdale thundered through. It tore up the bridge in its wake. There was no precision to the destruction. It exerted all its force as it forced itself past Diego and his Sawsbuck. The wood snapped and crunched beneath Mudsdale's heavier than an iron ingot hooves. Sawsbuck and Diego leaned out of the way as Mudsdale attempted to obliterate all before its path; exerting every ounce of its magnificent weight into the Heavy Slam./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" But there was something peculiar about this Heavy Slam. Naturally; as was the Gyro Zeppeli way after all./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" His Mudsdale had an unusual kick to its run. Its legs jutted out wildly; constantly misplacing itself along the bridge. Every leap seemed to be bigger than it expected and that was setting it off and scaring it. As such, it appeared to panic. Its legs stomped at the air. There was the slightest circular motion though in its hooves with how it was jumping through the air./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'Huh? The bridge - what's happening?' the commentator shrieked./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Zeppeli and his Mudsdale charged onwards. Only upon reaching the final stretch of the bridge did his Mudsdale calm down. Once more in its wake, an entry hazard had been created. The planks of the bridge were torn up; jutting out awkwardly with spiked splinters hanging off each break. It was an utter disaster zone and Diego and his mount were right in the thick of it./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" His Sawsbuck reared up and made distressed noises. Diego grunted and fumed as his knuckles turned red and white with how strongly he was gripping onto his reins. The display was quite the warning to other Trainers./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" The others were working out ways around it. Flying was prohibited but the drop wasn't terrible. With deft jumping and skill, it would be possible for some mounts to manoeuvre through the ravine without dropping to the bottom. Others had elected to take on the cursed mountain and hurtle through outcrops and rocks. All of that was favourable compared to the chaotic state the bridge was in./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'With the other racers choosing different paths, Dio will be forced to fall behind unless he gets out of there quick!' the commentator yelled./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" 'That - That man!' Diego cursed./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Johnny and his Zebstrika had chosen to grapple with some of the more unruly rocks along the bridge and go across the remnants of the mountain. His Zebstrika was heavy and sturdy, after all. There was no point in try to jump; unlike those mounted upon Rapidash and similar./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" Johnny watched as Diego struggled. He was certain. He had seen how Zeppeli had used his steel PokeBall strangely on that Mudsdale and it was just like when Johnny's fingertips had touched it. There had been a peculiar surge of energy that completely and wildly bolstered the strength./p