CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
Belles of the Brawl
"So, which of your Pokémon will bite the proverbial dust first?" Haley grinned, procuring a red and white, spherical Pokémon capture device and enlarging it.
"I-I won't lose t-t-to you! Go, Marmy!" Nora stammered, flinging out a pokéball of her own. The orb hit the ground once… twice… and split open revealing a dazzling burst of white light which arched high in the air and hit the ground noiselessly, where it took shape.
Two floppy ears rose from the crown of its rounded head which sat squarely on its shoulders. It was stumpy, yet not small; Sapph guessed a rough estimate of at most four feet, and the flame type insignia on its lower trunk prompted a guess at its type being of the fire variety. As the creature's stumpy yet long toed feet began to form, the light began to dim, enabling Sapph to notice its vibrant colouration, reminiscent of a blazing fire from its amber yellow eyes to its fur which changed smoothly from gold to red to yellow from the top of its head to the belly marking. Its paws seemed to be coated with especially thick paws, and as the Pokédex chimed in with its description, all of Sapph's Pokémon burst free of their pokéballs, eager to see what was going on.
Marhot, the Thermal Pokémon… The Pokédex began, before the Marhot broke in.
HIIIIIIII! The Marhot cried out in a simple yet ecstatic nasal voice, waving his hands over his head and causing many a stare.
The Pokédex continued in what sounded to him like an affronted voice, almost as if annoyed at having its usual lecture interrupted. Who programmed these things anyway?
Fire Type Pokémon. The blistering heat that emanates from its tail caused intense pain. Caution must be exercised even by its trainer when the tail is lit.
Sapph stared at the picture the Pokédex displayed of a Marhot. Its tail was indeed on fire but the Marhot that stood before Nora swung its tail lazily from side to side looked rather extinguished.
"OK… your turn!" Nora told Haley, trembling slightly. A sign Anuvi and Crimson noticed right away.
She's afraid, Arcana said in a surprised voice as she lay down next to her friend Lavender on the sidelines. I wonder why…
Looks like she hasn't changed much, has she? Anuvi told Crimson matter-of-factly as he sat on the fallen log next to Zen, who fixed his attention on the Thermal Pokémon, his eyes scanning it almost as though determining if it was worth his time to challenge it later. At least not on the inside…
You know her? Arcana said in surprise as Ace alighted upon a low hanging branch to watch the battle.
Anuvi, Crimson and Ace nodded in unison.
She was the girl Sapph helped to become a trainer back in Nightspark City during the Gatonda Tourney, Ace informed the other three.
You see, it's a tournament that awards the winner a rare Electric type Pokémon called a Gatonda, Crimson explained in reply to Lavender's questioning look.
So the kid entered a tournament to help a pretty face go on the road to become a trainer? Zen said slowly, his eyes on the back of Sapph's head as he turned to ask Haley to release her first Pokémon. How nice of 'im, he added with a sneer.
It is though, isn't it, Anii? Lavender chirped happily, looking up to her foster brother figure.
Nice enough, Anuvi said without much enthusiasm. I can still feel that stupid Mightyena's bite marks on my tail…
Eyes front, company! Ace said sharply, catching everyone's attention. Seems to me like Commander Haley is ready to deploy her first troop!
"Come on out, Blitzkrieg!" Haley called releasing her Water/Electric Pokémon into the fray. As the light from his pokéball dimmed, Sapph wasn't the only one to look stunned.
Goodness gracious, great balls of fire! Arcana yelped in surprise. When did Ol' Blitzie evolve?
Good question, Crimson nodded, taking in Blitzkrieg's five-foot-seven frame and serious expression, a trace of the loopy Sparkewt he used to be still lingering in his beady black eyes. The thickened skin around his elbows gleamed yellow in the late afternoon sunlight as he sung them around in his characteristic, carefree manner.
Haley regarded her new Voltog proudly as her mind went back briefly to the moment when Blitzkrig evolved…
-Flashback-
"Blitzkrieg, use Thunderpunch!" Haley commanded.
"Not good enough, marieta," Fuego tutted her on the other side of his sandy battle field. A black quadruped with horns that resembled a skeletal Doberman leapt away from the incoming Sparkewt's electrified forelimb, snarling slightly as flames licked at the corners of its blood red maw.
"Houndoom, Shadow Ball!" Fuego countered swiftly.
The Dark/Fire type Pokémon opened its mouth slightly, forming a sphere of spectral energy in between its fanged jaws as Blizkrieg fought to catch his breath.
"Blitzkrieg, quick! Use Water Gun!" Haley cried out in panic, not at all eager to go on a date with Fuego deMorro.
Blitzkrieg expelled a sharp blast of water that collided with and was parted by the fully formed org of energy fired by the evil-looking doglike Pokémon. The black blob of power nailed Blitzkrieg the Sparkewt in the head and sent him tumbling over himself into the sands.
"Blitzie! Hang on!" Haley cried out in worry for her Pokémon's well-being.
"Let's end this charade now, shall we, marieta? Houndoom, use Crunch!"
The Houndoom howled and padded swiftly across the sandy terrain to where Blitzkrieg was rising to his feet, looking pale. Ten feet away, white light engulfed the Electric Newt Pokémon, signaling an impending evolution.
"What the…? Moltres' Fire, stop, Houndoom! STOP!" Fuego cried out, all but too late.
A large blue fist hit the ground hard and a forceful geyser of water erupted from the ground right under the hell hound's feet, shooting it thirty feet straight up… with no easy way down.
Haley stared at the creature before her that stood where her loopy partner had stood five seconds before. For now a large blue and yellow juggernaut of a frog with piercing green eyes stood before her, ready to battle at her command.
Blitzkrieg the Sparkewt was, as of that moment, a thing of the past.
-End Flashback-
"Looks like you didn't do your homework on me during the Gatonda Tournament, kid," Haley scoffed. "Anyone who knows me knows that I mostly use only Water Type Pokémon!"
"Oh, no!" Nora gasped.
"Oh, yes!" Haley reassured her. "Blitzkrieg, use Hydro Pump!"
The Voltog complied by hammering the ground with a large blue fist, causing small tremors to erupt all around the field. Marmy was on the point of demanding what was going on when a huge blast of water burst from the ground and hit him square in between the eye. The smaller Pokémon was sent spinning twenty feet into the air, the ground impacting the Marhot on the back of his head as he fell back to earth.
Ugh… Marmy gurgled in pain, sucking up the hurt and turning to his petrified trainer and smiling a goofy smile, said loudly, Hey, Houston! We have a problem! What are we gonna do?
Nora however could only tremble in horror at what she'd done, mumbling, "Oh, Marmy, I'm so sorry… I'm sorry… I'm sorry…"
Guess this is gonna be a solo performance, then, Marmy said cheerfully. Whipping his tail through the air, he cracked his tail like a very loud whip. Flames suddenly erupted from it, lighting the tip and wrapping half the tail's length with searing hot flames which could be felt by Sapph, who stood about ten feet away.
"Determination is no excuse for idiocy," Haley said coldly. "Blitzkrieg, use Hydro Pump again!"
Blitzkrieg slammed his fist into the ground a second time, creating a second quick succession of rising geysers to ascend from under the ground and attempt to soak Marmy again. This time, however, the Marhot avoided damage by leaping into the air the instant the water spout erupted from under his feet, leaping off the water tower before it reached its full height of twenty five feet.
Y'know, not to sound cranky or anything, Nora… but the flipping water's NOT GOOD for me! Marmy cried out, hitting the dirt a second time and wobbling onto his feet.
"Marmy, u-use Flame Wheel!" Nora stammered hesitantly.
Finally! Marmy exclaimed happily as he began to cartwheel straight for the Voltog, who looked dazzled by the flames that began to shroud the Marhot's charging form.
"Look out, Blitzkrieg!" Haley screamed.
Blitzkrieg complied by leaping into the air to avoid getting fried and steamrollered all at the same time.
"Marmy! Please use Ember attack, followed by Pound!" Nora stammered, finding her courage to take the up the fight.
Marmy grinned sycophantically as he inhaled heavily, expelling a strafe of flaming mini-meteors at the airborne Voltog, striking him square in the butt. Blitzkrieg howled in indignation as he fell back to earth into a roll to minimize damage. He leapt out of the roll and face-first into Marmy's flaming hot tail, which the firebrand had swung around upon guessing where his opponent was going to land Blitzkrieg was sent flying sideways into a four foot long skid.
OWIEEEEE! Blitzkrieg bellowed as he rose to his feet, massaging the crown of his head, causing him to stagger slightly, disoriented.
WHOOO-HOOO! Go get 'em, Hotshot! Arcana cheered loudly.
"Blitzkrieg, use Hydro Pump one more time!" Haley yelled, her temper getting the best of her.
Yah… hup… OH YAH! Marmy cried out as he performed a triple back flip to avoid the jets of water that issued from the earth under his feet. Landing squarely on his floppy feet, Marmy's fatigue started to show. Wobbling slightly, Marmy stumbled, leaving himself open for Haley's Voltog to attack him with an uncoordinated Thunderpunch which caught the Thermal Pokémon clean in the gut and sent him flying, the last of his strength leaving him before he'd even hit the ground.
"NO, MARMY!" Arcana and Nora yelled out in tearful unison. Boh rushed over to the fallen Marhot, surprising Sapph and the rest of his Pokémon greatly.
Marmy? MARMY! Talk to me, say something! Arcana howled worriedly.
"Marmy, are you alright? Please be alright!" Nora nearly wept.
We apologize for the break in transmission… Marmy gurgled faintly, blearily opening one saffron coloured eye. We now return you to your regularly scheduled programme… and without a further word, the fiery rabbit passed out cold.
Arcana nearly laughed with relief… He was OK… he was going to be fine… she tried to communicate this to Nora, but saw she was too shaken up to notice the Growlithe's reassuring stare.
"Oh, Marmy! I'm so sorry! Please return for now," Nora cried, retrieving the fallen Marhot in a flash of red.
Geez, Haley, Sapph thought grimly, calling the match in the Olville Town local's favour. Overkill, much?
What was all that about? Anuvi remarked in surprise, as Ace and Crimson regarded her curiously. Have you and Marmy met?
Hah! Arcana's in luh-uhve! Arcana's in luh-uhve! Zen taunted the suddenly quiet Growlithe. Arcana and Marmy… sitting in a tree… K-I-S-S-aye-yiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiiiiiiiiiieeee! He suddenly screamed, running around like a decapitated Torchic as he ran around trying to put out the fire the irritated Puppy Pokémon had ignited on his bottom.
"Ha! What's next, hunh?" Haley called arrogantly.
"Well, since she uses Water types," Nora said to herself, readying a black and yellow pokéball of commemorative design. "I guess an Electric type is the way to go… Delgato, please assist me!" She yelled, throwing forward her second pokéball.
A third flash of white light dimmed to form a short quadruped animal with shocking yellow fur. Its dart shaped ears, left fore paw and the lightning stripes spread across its back and around its right hind leg were a blue so dark it could easily pass for black. It crouched low as flecks of lightning crackled all over its body, flashing over its green eyes as they focused on the opponent's Electric Frog Pokémon.
Cumaul, the Crackle Pokémon, the Pokédex beeped lifelessly. It is one of the evolved forms of Gatonda. As compared to its hard-hitting evolutionary cousin Thungal, Cumaul battle exclusively with speedy attacks and fleet-footed evasion.
You have requisition of my services, Señorita Nora? Delgato said with a flamboyantly breezy voice, which sounded uncannily like Fuego deMorro's… with a healthy overdose of humility.
"Please!" Nora smiled at her first Pokémon.
"An Electric type? Typical," Haley murmured to herself.
"Delgato, use a Quick Attack, please!" Nora asked of her Pokémon.
But, of course! Delgato consented, flickering slightly before becoming solid again.
What the… nothing happened, Arcana declared disinterestedly.
Guess again, Anuvi said softly, whose violet eyes had not only evolved to handle the intense speeds he could now move at but could also catch even the fastest of movements.
Blitzkrieg stood still for about three seconds before, with a great rush of wind, he was sent flying backwards at fifty miles per hour, a huge trench following him as he slammed into a barrel roll before coming to a sharp stop courtesy of a thick oak tree trunk.
No way… Crimson said faintly, as Ace for once lost her composure and blanched. He moved so fast, none of us could catch his movement?
Not really, Anuvi corrected his best friend calmly. Delgato simply moved so fast Blitzkrieg felt the Quick Attack before he saw it.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Haley bawled in shock. "This speed is far above normal… even for a Cumaul! Blitzkrieg, put that upstart in his place! Vital Throw!"
Smart move, Zen said fairly. Vital Throw may always go second in attack order, but it's sure to hit.
IT'S SMACKY TIME! Blitzkrieg yelled vacantly rushing the Cumaul and grabbing it by the tail. Swinging Delgato over his head with one hand, the Electric Frog Pokémon sent the Cumaul flying across the field into a clump of bamboo.
"Delgato, please right yourself and use Thunderbolt!" Nora pleaded.
Delgato went into a reverse flip and hit the bamboo feet first, electricity crackling all over its body until it reached a crescendo where its dark blue stripes were no longer visible. Delgato then sprang forward as a bolt of lightning and struck the fatigued Voltog square in the belly. With an explosion of sparks emitted from both Pokémon, Delgato leapt off Blitzkrieg back to Nora's feet to avoid being crushed by the falling amphibian who fell face first in the dirt, unable to continue.
"Uhm… Blitzkrieg is unable to battle. Delgato wins!" Sapph announced to the general public in the clearing.
"Darn it… Blitzkrieg, return!" Haley growled, returning her first battler and preparing her second choice.
"Who do you think she'll choose next, Anii? Lavender asked Anuvi.
No idea, Anuvi said slowly.
She could use Pixy, Crimson said thoughtfully.
I don't think so, Lieutenant, Ace replied stiffly. Pixy is nowhere near fast enough to keep up with Delgato. It would be what Lieutenant Zen would call 'a one-way slugfest.
"This is how far you go, Nora!" Haley declared openly.
"S-says who?" Nora demanded, faltering slightly under Haley's glare.
"Says me! Go, Bubbles!"
And with a flourish, Haley threw her starter's white pokéball into the fray, the blue light from within bouncing around almost playfully, forming the long, slender form of Bubbles the Aquala in midair, where she fell to earth with an acrobatic gymnastic twirl.
Like, hey, Haley! What's up? The Aquala greeted her trainer cheerfully.
"We've got an annoyance to clear up," Haley said deliberately. "Let's not mess this battle up."
I won't if you won't, Bubbles quipped comically.
"OK, let's show this amateur how to really battle!" Haley commanded.
"Delgato! Use Thunderbolt!" Nora commanded without preamble
Haley merely smirked as the blast of lightning closed in and ordered, "Bubbles, Iron Tail!"
Bubbles smiled and rolled forwards, punching her dainty hands hard into the ground with the force of the inertia as the normally blue teardrop on the end of her whip-like tail glowing silvery white as it rose into the air. The lightning struck the steely appendage hard and coursed through the Water Hare Pokémon's body… straight into the ground.
"No!" Nora cried out in frustration and worry. "Don't tell me you just avoided critical damage by insulating her body with dirt?"
Haley smirked and exclaimed wittily, "I won't tell you then. Get ready to be schooled!"
Nora seemed to recover quickly enough to yell a counterattack at the exact same time as Haley placed her next instructions.
"Delgato, Quick Attack!"
"Use Take Down, Bubbles!"
Delgato poured on a huge burst of speed and Haley's starter moved in slightly more slowly yet with much more deliberate force, gold streaks of light trailing the cerulean bunny. They met dead centre of the field and blew past each other, each experiencing a severe brunt of the other's attack. Although, it looked to Sapph that, Delgato had taken more damage due to the force Bubbles had put into her attack as compared to the Crackle Pokémon, who had focused his speed into a forceful charging assault.
"Now, Delgato! Time to use Shock Wave!"
Delgato collected electricity into his crackling body quickly and released a spherical wave of bluish lightning which travelled in all directions, catching Bubbles off guard and causing her to spasm in pain as the electricity started to char her aquamarine fur.
Like, not cool! Bubbles moaned, examining her singed fur.
"Bubbles… attack with Blizzard!"
She didn't just say Blizzard, did she? Crimson said faintly.
Bubbles leapt high into the air with her delicate chest cavity greatly expanded and blew out a filthy great blast of arctic cold which smothered Delgato nearly instantly. Another back flip later, and the Aquala landed in the middle of the field, her ruby red eyes closed as snow fell all around her. It was the sort of scene that would score at least an eight at contest performances, but had an equally devastating effect in an all-out brawl. The falling snowflakes began to clear, showing a translucent, crystalline lump of ice, in which Delgato was firmly lodged, not at all looking up for more punishment.
There! Bubbles said proudly. Now that's, like, cool!
"No! Delgato!" Nora moaned as she beheld her starter Pokémon encased in at least a foot of pure ice.
"Delgato is unable to battle," Saph announced. "Bubbles is the winner!"
I can't believe Delgato lost! Arcana yelped in shock. I mean, he totally had the type advantage!
Type's really unimportant in a battle, Sergeant, Ace informed her hotheaded comrade.
If Sapph lost every match he fought in at a type disadvantage, Crimson added, nodding in assent with Ace's words. Sapph would have been out of the running for the league finals a long time ago.
Once you stop to think about it though, Anuvi said conversationally. All of Sapph's gym battles had us fighting at a type disadvantage… remember Ballomb, Crimson?
Don't remind me, Crimson groaned. That psycho blew us both sky high… I still owe him one for that.
Oh, guys? Lavender interrupted the discussion. Looks like Nora's sent out her number three…
Anuvi… Zen asked slowly as the light bursting from Nora's third pokéball took form on the battle field, revealing long slender wings in the shape of leaves. What the hell is that thing?
Anuvi and the others turned towards the light as it dimmed, revealing a creature of otherworldly beauty. A slender body held large feet and dainty palms, which seemed to bloom from its four delicate limbs. Its eyes held a motherly nature and its short tail waved from side to side. As it lowered its head, a large, five-petaled flower was clearly seen seated atop its crown, very much like a tiara. Its petals gleamed white in the late morning sun as it opened its scaly green eyelids, revealing startling gold irises.
Sapph's Pokédex came to life once more and explained: Pentabloom, the Forest Fairy Pokémon. The evolved form of the ultra rare Chairy. Pentabloom are gentle creatures and generally stay out of human sight, appearing only before those it deems gentle of nature and great of spirit.
Wow… ultra-rare, hunh? Sapph thought in wonder. Nora's quite lucky, isn't she?
Che… another type advantage, Haley spat in her mind. Doesn't she ever learn?
"Flora, I need your help, please!" Nora cried out desperately.
Flora blinked benignly at her trainer and said with a motherly voice which had a hint of a musical quality to it, Miss Nora, do not worry. I am your Pokémon and it is my duty. I will not lose.
Yeah? Like, I've got a news flash for you, sugar queen, Bubbles said in affronted tones. You're going down!
Miss Nora, Flora asked her trainer politely. Might I use an Energy Ball attack?
"Please," Nora said calmly all of a sudden.
"Don't let them, Bubbles! Use Blizzard!" Haley cried out.
Flora brought her hands to her side and charged up a sphere of green energy as Bubbles took a deep breath. Smaller bubbles of natural power swirled around within Flora's attack, causing it to flicker and glow. Sweat poured down both trainers' faces: they both knew that whoever got their attack off first would most likely win the match.
Flora won the race and sent her attack streaking towards the Aquala, which it hit full in the face. Bubbles went flying backwards into a floppy spin and crash landed on back a full ten feet away, where she lay sprawled out, completely spent.
Sapph exhaled heavily in spite of himself and announced, "Bubbles is unable to battle… Flora wins!"
That ended quickly, didn't it? Anuvi said quirkily as they watched Haley return her first Pokémon huffily.
Does it mean it's over, Anii? Lavender asked as Nora cheered. I mean, as Bubbles is Haley's strongest Pokémon… doesn't that leave her out of options?
Not yet… Crimson said edgily. Flora's a Grass type, remember?
Anuvi nodded grimly and said, I believe Haley still has a chance to turn this whole battle around. If she goes for type advantage aga- oh, never mind, he said, his voice without any hint of surprise as Haley released her only Fire type Pixy into the fray. Guess we'll see soon enough.
Haven't seen the private battle for a long while, though, Ace said interestedly. Should make for quite a match…
"Pixy, use Flamethrower attack!" Haley commanded, deciding to take charge of the battle as she pointed at the Pentabloom for emphasis.
With a loud, very un-Pixylike roar, the Vulpix opened his flaming mouth and a stream of crimson and alabaster flames rushed the Pentabloom, leaving the poor Grass type awash with flames. The Pentabloom squirmed and bellowed with pain as the petals on its head turned black on their own accord. After a few seconds of feverish thrashing about, Flora rolled to a stop, smoking all over, her new burns raw and red in contrast to her now darkened green skin.
"Flora, Dawning Cry!" Nora ordered swiftly, before Haley could call for another move that would finish her Forest Fairy Pokémon off.
All of Sapph's Pokémon (except Lavender) stared at the frightening change that had overcome Pixy. Apparently, Haley had been training him hard…
Struggling to stay conscious, Flora inhaled deeply and let loose a musical cry that somehow felt not only soothing to the body but seemed to refresh the souls of Sapph and his Pokémon, instilling them all with a vibrant feelings of hope. As they watched, the Pentabloom's burns vanished into nothingness, the scorched skin becoming whole and shiny.
"She just healed herself!" Sapph exclaimed, stating the obvious.
"You have got to be kidding me!" Haley exclaimed in frustration.
Dawning Cry, Dragon type attack, the Pokédex droned. Other category. Heals up to seventy-five percent of the user's health points depending on the time of day.
Nice strategy, Crimson said appreciatively. Healing damage as you get it enables you to last longer in battle!
Pfft, Zen scoffed. Healing's for weaklings. Attacking is the only way to win a battle.
Can we agree to disagree on this? Crimson said politely.
No, Zen said shortly. Now, shut up. I'm trying to watch this.
"Pixy, Flamethrower again!" Haley bellowed, furious that the battle was far from over.
"Flora, dodge it and use Rock Slide!" Nora countered confidently.
Looks like Nora's really getting into the swing of things now! Crimson said, impressed.
A second flash of intense flames streaked towards their susceptible target. This time, however, Flora flapped her slender wings hard and took off into the sky, avoiding a second and possibly more fatal scorching. Looping widely in midair, Flora shot for the ground, slamming the earth, loosening a rain of boulders, each the size of a large beach ball. The boulders rose about fifteen feet straight into the air and then began to fall like immense raindrops upon the lithe Fox Pokémon's slight form. Pixy yowled in pain as the deluge of stone pummeled and scratched every inch of his body they hit.
"Don't slow down, Pixy! Flamethrower again!" Haley screeched.
Wincing heavily, Pixy shot upwards, using the boulders as stepping stones and ignoring the stinging pain passing boulders inflicted as they crashed together, releasing small explosions of stone shrapnel. With a great bound, Pixy was suddenly high above Flora's airborne form, his mouth alight with flames once more as he took aim at Nora's Pokémon's back.
AAAAAAH! Flora screamed in pain as the intense fire washed over her back, burning off her delicate wings and forcing a crash landing into the now rocky field out of her, with Pixy landing on her back with a sort of savage vindication.
"Flora! If you can go on, please use Dawning Cry!" Nora pleaded, her hands clasped together in prayer.
Aaaand she's back to wussy Nora, Zen grumbled, put off by the show of weakness in her resolve.
"Damn! Stop doing that!" Haley growled at Nora who looked back at Haley in some surprise.
"Why? Is healing not allowed in this match?" She asked innocently, causing Haley to go beet red in embarrassment. "My bad. Flora, Energy Ball attack!"
"Oh, no you don't! Pixy, dodge that attack and use Bite!"
Pixy, fatigued from using Overheat over and over again, barely rolled out of harm's way as a second green-hued attack barreled towards him. Using a Quick Attack to give himself an extra spurt of speed he leapt forwards, getting under Flora defenses and bared his short yet sharp fangs at her neck. On instinct, Flora raised her slender tail and winced as the Vulpix fastened its jaws firmly around the Grass type's rear appendage.
"Ha HAH!" Haley crowed in triumph. "How do you like that, green horn?"
Blinking in benign confusion, Nora simply asked, "Why are you so happy?"
"Huh?" Haley said stupidly, needing a moment to catch up with her opponent's logic.
"Um, I believe it's you who didn't do their homework at the Gatonda Tournament," Nora smiled. "Flora, use Giant Tail!"
The Pentabloom smiled wickedly as its flower petals went from white to red as her tail began to thrash about more fiercely than an Arbok with a toothache. Of course, the poor Fox Pokémon was taken along for the crazy ride and after seven loud smacks, finally relinquished his grip on the angry Flora's tail, passing out.
"N-no way…" Haley moaned in shock.
Sapph in the meanwhile, smiled crookedly in spite of himself. He knew what Nora meant by Haley not doing her research on the tournament; the position Pixy landed himself in was identical to the one Tenebrus the Mightyena had Anuvi in during the final match.
Giant Tail, the Pokédex bleeped without invitation. Dragon type attack. The user thrashes its tail about forcefully for at least five turns, power increasing with each strike. The user's physical attack stat is sharply cut in half after each use.
Relieved that the battle was finally over, he raised his hand at Nora and Flora and announced, "Pixy is unable to continue! Flora is the winner!"
He-he's… smiling? Haley thought in disbelief, misreading Sapph's look of relief. All this time… he wanted her to win?
"Um…" A small voice said uncertainly as Nora walked across the clearing towards her, holding out her hand in a hand shake, "you fought well. It was an honour to battle you…"
"Get lost," Haley snapped, returning Pixy in a flash of red and running from the clearing, hiding her tears if frustration.
"Oh, dear," Nora said sadly. "I hope I didn't offend her."
"I wouldn't be so worried, if I were you," Sapph said stoically. "It is the second battle she's lost since we left Chinooka. The first time she lost to an opponent she couldn't stand. I really don't see any cause to worry. Except…"
"'Except'?" Nora repeated worriedly.
"Except she had all our food in her bag!" Sapph replied, suddenly worried.
Nora laughed a lively, refreshing laugh and said, "Don't worry, Sapph. I can make us a meal for tonight. We'll have to move into Olde Teake Town tomorrow to buy more supplies though…"
Hugging the blue haired girl happily, Sapph exclaimed, "Nora, you're a life saver!"
Blushing furiously, Nora attempted to mumble 'It's no problem, really,' but wound up saying, "mwum humma wamma ooombie."
Tonight… we dine in heaven! Anuvi exclaimed in relief.
Sapph's cooking isn't that bad, Anii, Lavender said in a scolding tone.
Where have I heard that before? Anuvi said, rolling his eyes at Crimson, who replied with a sort of half grimace.
"Well, maybe Sapph'll think Nora's not as cool as he thinks after eating one of my meals," Haley said with a triumphant smile as she walked back to the clearing several hours later, having stormed into the forest and returning with a new plan to get Nora up and out of their hair.
Walking into the clearing she heard raucous laughter and much happy talk as Sapph, Nora and eleven other Pokémon sat around a campfire enjoying banter and some friendly, non-combat time. Marmy had begun to chat up Arcana, the latter was laughing uncontrollably at the Marhot's crazy antics. Lavender and another Eevee (somewhat different from Lavender in that its fur was silvery white) who answered to the name Snowdrop sat side by side, only half-listening to Delgato's attempts to flirt with the blind Eevee. Zen, Crimson and a Kirlia nicknamed Galante sat a short ways off from the Pokémon Casanova, Zen laughing at the fact that Galante, as a male, looked like a lady Pokémon, especially the hair. A few seconds later, Zen went flying past Anuvi, Ace and Flora who sat and ate together courtesy of a well-placed Psychic assault. The Pentabloom looked over worriedly whilst Anuvi and Ace reassured her that 'he had it coming anyway,' and resumed their recap of the Gatonda Tournament.
Everyone seemed to be having a blast.
… everyone except Haley.
"Wow, Nora," Sapph beamed, after taking another bite of what could have possibly been the most delicious meal he'd ever eaten in his short life. "This has gotta be one of the best meals I've ever eaten on this journey! You've got to show me how to make this!"
Nora, who sat next to the boy trainer on the log, blushed deep red and said, "Thank you. I guess I can show you a few pointers in return for the tips you're going to give me on battling tomorrow."
Haley dropped her pot of stew, which fell with a muffled thud as she internally mimed puking all over herself.
"Will Haley be back soon?" She heard Nora ask Sapph worriedly. "It's getting late, and I really wanted her to eat some of this as an apology for the battle earlier."
"Forget apologizing," Sapph told her curtly. "A friend once told me when I was leaving Johto, 'Someone had to win, and we both know it.' Besides, Haley's tougher than that. I know and trust in her judgment and value her input this whole journey. Basically the only reason me and my Pokémon are still standing is because of Haley. Literally."
Behind an oak tree where she was eavesdropping, Haley's silvery eyes widened in surprise and blushed faintly under her reddish blonde fringe.
"Sure, she's annoying at times, and she makes me wish she'd just stuff it. But you know what?" Sapph asked Nora rhetorically, as his head rose towards the heavens and watched the stars appear in the rapidly darkening twilight. "I'd say we really work well together. She's someone who I could really look up to... sometimes as a sister, you know... and at other times..."
"Sapph..." Nora said in wonder.
"However," Sapph said as he rose to his feet, leaving his last comment hanging. "You are right in saying it's getting late. I'll go look for her, so we can clear everything up and get some sleep..."
"There's no need, Sapph," Haley said thickly, stepping into the clearing and causing Sapph and Nora to jump. "I'm already back." Putting on a watery smile, she walked up to Nora and added, "I'm sorry I was such a bad sport earlier. I guess I was reminded of Sky when you showed up and was eager to avoid it happening again. No hard feelings?"
Nora smiled and said, "None felt. Do you and your Pokémon want some meat stew and wild rice? It has medicinal properties too…"
Haley smiled faintly and said, "I'd love some."
Anuvi? Flora asked the Warrior Pokémon gently.
Yeah? Anuvi replied with his mouth filled to bursting.
Does Sapph have any feelings for Haley?
Anuvi began to choke at the question. As he struggled to clear his windpipe, Ace answered, Not as far as we know.
Oh, Flora replied thoughtfully. I see.
What are you talking about, Bird brain? Zen said loudly. The kid only has one feeling for Haley and that's nausea…
Why'd you ask, though? Anuvi asked, finally able to breathe again.
Well, Nora always talks about Sapph when we're training. Hoping to see him, travel with him a while, Flora said with a gleam of reminiscence in her eye. It's almost like she likes Sapph too…
Nora? Liking Sapph? Urgh, this conversation just got too sickly sweet to gate crash… Zen yelled disgustedly. I'm gone!
Good riddance! Ace said coldly.
Looking at Zen's retreating back in shock, she opened her mouth to ask a question Anuvi already had the answer to.
Yeah, he's been a nasty little scab like that ever since he joined the team, Anuvi said nonchalantly. Word of advice: ignore the drip. He can only hurt you if you let him.