CHAPTER SIXTY FIVE
Amy yawned and glanced over at her Pokemon, sitting attentively beside her bed and wagging their tails as they saw their Trainer.
"Did you have a good sleep?" Amy asked them, as they nodded in unison.
She pulled aside the covers and stretched, her brown hair loose over her white nightgown. Amy winced as she retracted the venetian blinds so that morning light flooded in to illuminate the king-sized room. It was simple and functional, but with a large bed and bath in which she had soaked in last night to alleviate her grazes and cuts.
"Arcanine," Amy moved his bowl of food to one side, as his incredible bulk prevented Nidorina and Marowak getting into theirs. "There you go."
Gulping down a glass of water with breakfast, Amy tied her hair into a ponytail and changed into a white tank top, cargo pants and sneakers. Her casual, down-to-earth vibe did not unsettle her like it used to. She felt relaxed, calm. Now that she had a purpose and her own direction, she gained confidence with her choices in life.
Returning her Pokemon into their Pokeballs, Amy locked the door behind her and walked downstairs to the reception counter, manned by the manager as a bustle of Trainers surged forth to book rooms.
Amy was nudged aside as a girl barely older than her pushed through. "Move it! I was first!"
Watching the crowd in disbelief, Amy couldn't believe how many Trainers had conquered Victory Road. She looked for Daniel and Natalie, but couldn't see them. At this rate, the prices for accommodation would sky rocket with this much demand. She bowed her head and exited out into bright sunshine, noticing Zane standing nearby with his Hypno.
"Hey, it's you again," smirked Zane, while his Hypno tried unsuccessfully to lure passers by to watch the talisman he swung from his hand. "It's crazy in there, right?"
Amy nodded. "With this many Trainers, the Pokemon League will stretch for months."
They began walking, passing small houses as they saw the great bulk of the stadium ahead, surrounded by outer forestry.
"That's why they've decided to change the rules for the Indigo League," said Zane. "Once sixty four Trainers pass the entrance exam, they'll announce the tournament soon after."
"Entrance exam?" asked Amy, glancing at Zane's clothing. He wore a black leather jacket striped electric blue, studs in one ear and black eye shadow to give him a ghostly look. With his spiked green hair, he was a lurid sight among the passers by, though his lingering resentment and forced confidence spoke volumes.
"Yeah," continued Zane, not glancing at her in his diatribe, taking her attention for granted now that he had it. "Trainers who sign up for the Indigo League must win one Pokemon battle against either Agatha, Lorelei or Bruno. It's randomly selected, so the Trainer can't know which Pokemon to prepare in advance. If the Trainer wins, they secure their place in the upcoming tournament."
"I see," Amy nodded. "So Trainers take the entrance exam to qualify for the tournament, then sixty four battle one another pyramid-style until only one remains at the top to challenge the reigning Champion, Lance."
"Right," drawled Zane, retrieving a stick of gum and offering her some. Amy shook her head, not wanting to look like a cow chewing its cud.
Zane popped the bubble he blew, chewing as Amy glanced away and felt her heartbeat soar as they reached the large, glass double doors which fronted the entrance to the Indigo League.
"I never thought I could come this far," mentioned Amy, almost faraway.
Frowning, Zane replied, "You're no fool. Your Arcanine looked pretty strong, even if it was asleep - "
Amy rolled her eyes as Zane pushed open the doors and she followed him inside, glancing around with wonder. There were several reception counters manned by smiling attendants with a queue of Trainers packed round, several pay phones to one corner where the younger Trainers anxiously phoned home, a food court where the delicious smell of pizza and fries met her senses.
"It's wonderful," said Amy, pleased.
Glad that she had not rejected him this far, Zane's swagger increased with his confidence as he pointed her in the direction of the registration counter.
"You give your name, age, all that jazz and they sign you up on the spot."
"Do I have to battle right away?" asked Amy. "I need to stock up on supplies."
"Nah, they schedule a time and provide you with a pager to let you know in advance," said Zane, heading towards the food court. "Want lunch?"
Warmed, Amy nodded. "I'll see you there!"
Taking her line in the queue, Amy glanced at her three Pokeballs secured on her belt. She felt a great worry that she wouldn't be good enough, then stifled the pessimism before it got her down. She raised her head high and watched as Trainers flocked to and fro, clutching shopping bags bulging with Super Potions, comparing their Pokemon, discussing strategy and of course, their determination to face Lance for all of Kanto to see.
"Next, please!"
Amy walked forward, heart thudding. The receptionist glanced up, offering a weary, "Welcome to the Indigo Plateau! May I please have your name?"
"Amelia K., but I prefer to be called Amy."
"Right," the receptionist nodded, tapping away on a computer. "And your date of birth?"
Amy's birthday would be in a few months. She gave her date of birth, adding, "I'm sixteen."
"Excellent. I'm afraid I have to ask that you present your Badge case for confirmation," said the receptionist, as Amy handed it over. "Perfect. Now, do you know the rules of the Indigo Plateau? They've been changed from the date of the last tournament."
"Yes, I am aware of the changes," said Amy. "Do you know when my entrance exam will be?"
The receptionist handed over a slim pager. "This will vibrate when your battle has been scheduled. We have so many entrants it's hard to plan ahead. But with luck, we'll reach sixty four Trainers who can beat them. Lorelei, Bruno and Agatha's Pokemon grow stronger with every Trainer who is turned away in defeat, so we could have a real tournament on our hands."
"How many people have beaten them so far?" Amy asked.
"Fifty-three," added the receptionist, to which Amy blanched. "Could you look into the camera, please?"
Amy faced the photographic device which whizzed around to snap a shot of her somewhat startled expression. The receptionist retrieved a lanyard printed with 'Indigo League' on the fabric and attached the newly printed Trainer Card onto the clip. She handed it to Amy, who fastened it securely around her neck.
"Thanks, Amy," the receptionist flashed a quick smile, as the boy next in line was as eager to go next, jumping about like he had Weedle in his shorts. "Good luck."
Amy exited the queue, still in a daze as she headed for the PokeMart counter selling supplies. She had done it! Not only was this Trainer Card proof of her defeating all eight Badges and reaching the Indigo League, but she would have the opportunity to battle her way upwards through strong Trainers and maybe, just maybe...
"Amy! Over here!"
Seated alone at one of the many tables grouped within the food court was Zane, munching on a cheeseburger and beckoning her over. Amy made her way through the tightly packed tables, sitting opposite Zane and offering a thank-you as he handed her a slice of pizza and a plastic cup of lemonade.
"I didn't know what you wanted," Zane shrugged, by the way of explanation. "Hope you're not on a diet or anything."
Smiling slightly, Amy gingerly took a bite of pizza. It tasted delicious and warmed her senses. Besides her meal with Daniel and Natalie in Vermilion City, she had only tried pizza once, when as children her brother Liam had thrown up all over their mother's new carpet, abandoning his slice amid scolding and screams. It tasted just as good then as it did now.
Amy dabbed at the sauce on her mouth with a paper serviette. "How much was - "
"Nah, no way," Zane grinned. "I'll cover this one. You can pay next time."
Hushed whispers and chuckles came from the table not far away. Zane reddened, furtively glancing away.
Concerned, Amy glanced over her shoulder on the pretence of glancing at the specials menu. There was a group of friends hunched close together, exchanging glances with one another and bursting into laughter when they caught Amy's eye.
"I hate them," said Zane, taking a bite of his cheese burger, hands shaking with rage.
"Ignore them," replied Amy, curtly. "They'll go away soon enough. Tell me about how you captured your Hypno."
"I caught him as a Drowzee in the wild - "
Another burst of laughter echoed from the table nearby. Amy forced herself to remain unaffected, while Zane got up from his seat with a clatter of plastic cutlery and pushed back his chair, metallic legs scraping upon the tiled surface.
"No, wait!" cried Amy, not wanting to make a scene. "Zane!"
Zane strode towards the group like a man on a mission, sweating inside his leather though he refused to let it show on his face. Glancing up like hungry hyenas, the group exchanged grins as one of the guys got to his feet, clearly the ringleader of the lot.
"Can't you lot shut up?" Zane demanded. "We're trying to eat."
Guffawing, the group erupted with laughter as the ringleader folded his arms across his broad chest, biceps showing through his short-sleeved shirt.
"I don't know what you're talking about," smirked the ringleader. "We've done nothing but admire the cute couple you two make."
Reddening further, Zane moved forward to say something as the ringleader tensed and Amy made her way over.
"Let's go, Zane," Amy reached out for Zane's arm, tugging him back. "He's not worth it."
The ringleader glanced at Amy, no more than a passing distraction as he turned back to Zane. Behind him, the guys with their slicked back hair and polo shirts watched avidly.
"Did we disturb your first date?"
Amy glanced towards the girl who had spoken, sickeningly sweet with her glossy hair and immaculate makeup. "Go on, give the weirdo a kiss, sweetie."
Furious at the impertinence, Amy spat, "You have appalling manners and horrid taste in clothes and your roots are showing."
Gasping in surprise, the girls dissolved into fists of laughter as the ringleader turned to Amy. Unnoticed, the girl checked her reflection in her compact mirror.
"That's my girlfriend you're talking to," he replied with mock concern, reaching for his belt and retrieving a Pokeball. "I'm going to have to teach you a lesson."
"I'm not battling you," retorted Amy, glancing away to see Zane moving through the tables, headed for the exit. "Zane! Hey, wait up!"
Held back by the ringleader's grip on her arm, Amy felt fear as she glanced up into his feral features. Zane nearly knocked a kid's tray out of his hands in his urgent stride.
"You owe me a Pokemon battle," the ringleader growled. "Don't be a - "
Amy saw red and tore out of his grip, whacking him across the face. Furious, she launched several lunges at his person but he easily restrained her weight, though his cheek smarted from the slap.
"I will kick your ass in front of your friends!" Amy shouted, jabbing a finger to the glass double doors through which lead to a practise battlefield. "Pokemon battle - now!"
Shaking with rage, Amy could not return from the precipice she had long since left behind. She had to restrain her impulses from becoming completely undignified and screaming like a mad woman. Onlookers stared in silent shock.
"You're on!" the ringleader looked at Amy like she was crazy.
Aware that others were watching, Amy stormed through the glass doors and onto a mowed grass battlefield, with white stripes to indicate positions. Furious with her lack of self-restraint, Amy was both scared and vengeful as she faced the ringleader, who took his position opposite.
Looked down upon by her superior and superficial peers, Amy truly felt out of the loop now that she could take a stand against those she held up as role models. Language baited with common vigour, clothes befitting a casual citizen and free of the conformist reign that dictated her every move, Amy retrieved a Pokeball from her belt.
"We're cheering for you, Steve!" cried his girlfriend, who patted her makeup in frantic anticipation.
"Show that chick who's boss!" shouted his male friends, receiving resultant frowns from the girls beside them.
Smirking at his company of sycophants, Steve spun his Pokeball on his finger. "How about one Pokemon each?"
"Fine by me," Amy gritted her teeth, not trusting herself to hold in the invective.
"Time to rock your world!" Steve threw his Pokeball into the grass battlefield. Nearby, Pokemon Trainers spilled out from the cafeteria, surrounding to watch. "Go, Golem!"
Golem crashed upon the ground, body covered in a thick shell of armor. The evolved form of Graveler, it looked just as unstoppable as a Rhydon.
"I'm counting on you!" cried Amy, tossing her Pokeball onto the grass. "Go, Marowak!"
Marowak stepped forward, spinning its bone club around its body in expert, fluid motions.
"What, are we at a carnival?" taunted Steve, while Golem cracked its knuckles.
"Marowak, Bonemerang!"
"Golem," shouted Steve. "Harden!"
Curling up inside its shell, Golem's head, hands and feet disappeared from view as Marowak's bone club hit it from the front and spinning in a wide arc to bash Golem in the back, returning to Marowak's hand who leapt to catch it. Though Golem's shell had hardened, it took quite a bit of damage.
"Nice work, Marowak," Amy wiped her brow, fearful of Steve's Rock/Ground Pokemon. "Bone Club!"
"Golem, Rock Throw!" yelled Steve, as onlookers cheered for him.
Marowak ran forward as Golem dug into the soil, retrieving a hefty boulder and tensed to throw. Marowak anticipated the movement and diverted off course, but Golem was feigning, strong enough to toss the boulder with such speed that it knocked into Marowak and sent it flying.
"Marowak!" cried Amy. Stirring, Marowak got to its feet though it was injured.
"Golem, finish that puny creature! Earthquake!"
"Marowak!" Amy thought fast. "Double Team!"
Concentrating hard as Golem leapt into the air, Marowak split into three separate copies, all identical and spinning their bone clubs in different gestures. Golem crashed upon the ground, while onlookers screamed in fright for the audible shaking and crevice which snaked out towards Marowak.
"Look out!" cried Amy, as the earthquake split in two, striking two of the three copies, one of which was the real Marowak. "No!"
Greatly injured, Marowak couldn't move for pain as Steve grinned at his Golem, clapping a high five.
"What ugly Pokemon you have!" screeched the girlfriend, bursting into peals of laughter. "Beat her, Steve! I don't wish to see her face around here any more!"
Smirking, Steve added, "You got it, babe. Golem, Tackle!"
Blood pulsed in Amy's face, so shamed she had almost considered turning tail. But the insults had only fanned the flames, so that she stood defiant and yelled,
"You can do it, Marowak! Fissure!"
Struggling to stand, Marowak blanched at the monolith Golem and raised its bone club high into the air, striking down upon the grass with an almighty yell. Silence, but for the Golem's heavy footsteps as a peal of energy gathered from where Marowak's bone club had struck the ground.
"What is that?" screamed the girlfriend shrilly.
A fissure snaked through the grass, similar to the earthquake but running deeper as it struck Golem, taking it underneath the soil and into parts unknown. With a yell, Steve rushed to the edge, where he saw his impregnable Golem lying unconscious upon a cliff edge.
Angrily, Steve yelled, "Golem! Get up this instant!"
Unconscious, the Golem could no longer move. Reluctantly, Steve retrieved his Pokeball amid shock and horror of his friends, red light flashing out to return Golem inside. In a daze, Amy heard the onlookers no longer chanting for Steve.
"Amy! Amy! Amy!"
Rage defusing somewhat, Amy made her way over to the fissure split in the battlefield where Steve glanced up in dismay, disbelieving.
"How did you do it? How do you win?" Steve demanded, eyes bulging as wide as his biceps. "You're a girl - "
"What a stupid thing to say," Amy shot back. "If all I have to do is defeat immature boys like you, I will win the Pokemon League in no time. Hand over my prize money."
Not used to women pushing him around, Steve reached for his wallet and handed her a sheaf of hundred-dollar notes. "Y'know, you're pretty feisty. I didn't think you had it in you."
"Of course I did," Amy snapped, suddenly cool and superior. "You clearly need more training - "
Glancing down, Amy retrieved the buzzing pager from her pocket and read that her entrance exam to the Indigo League would begin in ten minutes. If she left now, she would have enough time to heal her Pokemon and buy some supplies at the Pokemart.
Turning to the crowd of onlookers who congratulated her win, she weaved her way through and burst back into the cafeteria, Marowak by her side. He matched her pace as she rushed to the Pokemon Center counter, where extra nurses and their Chanseys had been stationed to handle the growing queue of Pokemon Trainers and their battle-worn Pokemon.
Taking her place in the queue, Amy glanced around in desperation for Zane. After five minutes had passed, she reached the top of the queue and returned Marowak inside his Pokeball, handing over all three to be healed on a tray. Noticing Zane emerging from the men's bathrooms, she watched him glance around with a surly and defeated manner out into another courtyard. Amy took her healed Pokeballs a moment later and rushed out to follow him.
Amy took a seat beside him on the bench he rested, dejected. He began to move away but Amy hastened and placed her hand on his shoulder, taken aback by the glare Zane shot back.
"What's wrong?"
Gripping the bench tightly, Zane replied, "You had to go and make things worse. Now those jocks think I'm a loser who needs a girl to stand up for him."
Amy replied, "Is that what this is about? Because I challenged him?"
Shrugging, Zane replied, "He would've gone away if you let me handle it. Instead you had to prove you had balls and challenged him to a Pokemon battle."
Frowning, Amy spat, "Oh, and I should've let you take him on instead, huh? Is that what I am? A weak little girl? This is the thanks I get for sticking up for you?"
"I don't think you're weak," Zane added sourly, not looking in her direction. "I don't need you to stick up for me. I can handle myself."
Amy reddened, getting to her feet. "All I was trying to do was help, but clearly you're beyond that - "
"I'm not a charity case!" Zane shouted, standing taller than her as he rose, furious. "I may not fit in, but I don't need your help to stand up for myself!"
"Fine!" Amy spat. "Do what you want. But for your information, I helped you because I saw a friend in you. I used to be one of those girls - self-absorbed, vain creatures - and it took me a long trip around Kanto to find out who I really am. I saw in you a desire to stand strong in the face of rejection and humiliation. Just because I took your side doesn't mean I don't know exactly what you're going through!"
Stomping off, Amy's pulse raced and she sniffed back the tears that threatened to emerge, willing her expression into a frozen, stoic mask. She was dizzy from all the shouting and released emotion, wanting to nap and forget it had all happened. But she had the most important Pokemon battle of her life coming up, one that would secure her place in the Pokemon League.
With barely minutes to spare, Amy bought several Full Heals with the prize money she had won from Steve and raced towards the examination battlefield, the entrance cordoned off by red velvet ropes with an attendant marking a checklist nearby. From within, a girl emerged with her eyes red, morose and defeated.
"Better luck next time, Sasha," said the attendant vaguely, crossing off a name on his list with a sharp swipe of his pen. "Next! Amy K!"
Brightening, Amy raised her hand and rushed past the Pokemon Trainers who sat side-by-side on metal chairs, contemplating strategies and type advantages. She showed the attendant her Trainer Card like he was checking ID at an underground nightclub. He nodded and lifted the velvet rope.
"If you'll step this way, the battlefield is just through here. The announcer on site will inform you as to the rules and regulations. Are you sure you're prepared?"
Amy replied firmly, "As prepared as I'll ever be. Let's do this!"