CHAPTER SIXTY SIX
Daniel and Natalie waved as they headed out of the house and down the path, alongside similar small houses and pretty flowerbeds. Mary smiled and waved back, admonishing Beth who leaned against the door frame with her arms folded, rolling her eyes and waving half-heartedly, poking out her tongue.
" - but Mum, why can't I have his room?" asked Beth, out of earshot as Daniel and Natalie rounded the corner.
"My sister's quite a handful," Daniel explained out of apology. "Sorry about her."
Natalie smiled. "Beth is just growing up. Besides, she's nothing compared to my brute of a sister."
With Pallet Town in the distance, they walked through the route which lead north to Viridian City. Admiring the lush landscape and cool breeze, Daniel closed his eyes and hoped that when he returned home from the Indigo League, he would claim the title of Champion. Hope soared in his chest as they reached Viridian City, small houses and shops scattered about.
Tentatively, Daniel asked, "Do you want to see your mother before we go?"
Natalie didn't break her stride. "I've told her my plans. She's OK with them."
Daniel had his doubts, but didn't inquire further. Whatever was going on with Natalie was her business, though he wanted to be a good friend.
"Um, Natalie," he started, somewhat awkward. "If you ever need to talk - "
"I know," she smiled, patting him on the shoulder gently. "Thank you, Daniel. I'll be fine, really."
They visited the PokeMart for some last minute supplies. It was Mary's day off, so her replacement was filling in and politely, could not offer them a store discount. Daniel and Natalie stocked up on Super Potions as well as some status healing potions.
"What do you know about Victory Road?" Daniel asked, as they exited the PokeMart.
"It's the final frontier before reaching the Indigo League; full of wild Pokemon and tough Trainers looking to start a fight," said Natalie, as they walked through Viridian City. "Are our Pokemon ready, do you think?"
Daniel tried to pick up his Meowth, but he scrambled out of his Trainer's arms, content to chase clouds and trip over his own tail. Brushing his fur free of dirt, Daniel replied, "We'll find out!"
They headed west out of Viridian City, coming upon a short route bordered with forestry and a small pond. Natalie allowed her Water Pokemon to swim a few laps and stretch their limbs, before they had to make the trek up Victory Road.
Squirtle dived and ducked and played, while Poliwhirl swam breaststroke and Seadra emerged from the water only to shoot harmless bubbles at Natalie, who giggled. Daniel released his Seel into the water, overjoyed to play with the others, white fur thick like a blanket once wet.
Daniel and Natalie returned their Pokemon into their Pokeballs and continued along the route, coming upon a tall building hidden about with shrubbery. Knocking once, Natalie took the lead as Daniel followed inside, entering the vast reception area.
"Welcome!" smiled the attendant, straightening brochures on his desk which informed visitors as to the Pokemons Gyms. "May I see your Badges, please?"
Retrieving their Badge cases from their backpacks, Daniel and Natalie handed them over and the attendant nodded, returning them with care.
"Thank you. Good luck on Victory Road."
They emerged out into a leafy route covered in forestry with tall trees dotted about. The atmosphere became quiet as sunlight peeked through from above, their footsteps the only source of noise.
"Where is it?" asked Natalie, already perspiring.
"There!" Daniel pointed.
Ahead, the cave entrance was barely visible but for the accompanying sign which read 'Victory Road'. Natalie retrieved a flash light from her backpack and clicked it on.
"Which Pokemon should we use to defend?" Natalie asked. "We should stick to a few, so we're more inconspicuous."
"If it's a cave, we're likely to encounter Rock- and Ground-type Pokemon," Daniel mused. "I'll use my Weepinbell."
"OK," Natalie nodded. "I'll rely on Squirtle for this trek."
Bright flashes of light shot out and illuminated the Grass/Poison-type Weepinbell and Water-type Squirtle. The four of them entered the cave, hearts jumping into their throats as the darkness obliterated their vision but for the lone source of illumination Natalie directed with her torch.
They continued through the passage, hearing distinct rumblings but from no identified source. Ducking quick behind a boulder, they watched a flock of Zubat whiz by through an adjoining passage and made doubly sure they were alone before they continued on.
"Ow!" Natalie swore loudly as she stubbed her toe, the rock in question unearthing from the ground as a Geodude, flailing angrily. "It's a Pokemon!"
Squirtle shot his Water Gun at Geodude, aching considerably and disappearing into the earth to heal. In front and from behind came several furious muttering, none of which translated into human language.
"What are they?" Daniel glanced about, as Natalie tried unsuccessfully to keep her torch both in front and behind to track their danger.
In front came a wild Marowak, while from behind a Graveler rallied to fight on behalf of the injured Geodude.
"I'll take on the Graveler!" Daniel cried, as Weepinbell turned behind.
"OK! Squirtle, let's take out that Marowak!" Natalie shouted, as Squirtle remained in front.
Graveler stayed still and used Harden, while Marowak used Rage and ran towards Natalie with its bone club raised.
"Weepinbell, Razor Leaf on Graveler!" Daniel shouted.
"Squirtle, Hydro Pump on Marowak!" Natalie cried.
With Natalie's attention and flash light illuminating the front, Daniel could not see Graveler as Weepinbell spun about in the air, directing razor sharp leaves down the darkened passage. Grunts of pain came from Graveler, though it was too soon to tell if Weepinbell's attack had hit home.
Meanwhile, Natalie's hands shook as she tried to aim the flash light upon Marowak, as Squirtle took a deep breath and pummelled Marowak flat with a massive surge of water. Drenching the cavern passage wet, Marowak managed to stand and fight on -
"Ah!" Daniel gave a sharp shout, as Natalie spun about to illuminate Graveler rushing forth to tackle Weepinbell, who rolled over several times. "Weepinbell, no!"
Meanwhile, Squirtle delivered a Water Gun that knocked Marowak flat on its back, unconscious. Turning to Graveler who leapt for Daniel and Natalie, he lowered his head and performed a Skull Bash which delivered minimal damage but halted Graveler's assault.
"Thanks, Squirtle!" Natalie gasped, as Squirtle spun, dizzy from the hard encounter.
"Weepinbell, Vine Whip!" Daniel cried.
Recovering, Weepinbell lashed strong vines onto Graveler, whipping him hard as the boulder Pokemon roared in pain. Scuttling beneath the ground, Graveler returned to the earth.
Daniel exhaled mightily. "That was a close one. Thanks, Squirtle, Weepinbell."
"Yeah, thanks," Natalie patted Weepinbell and hugged Squirtle.
Through another passage they continued, into a wide chamber where the cavern ceiling arced. They heard footsteps from behind and Natalie shone her flash light, scared until she saw it was a Trainer emerging from behind a boulder.
"Hey! You snuck up on us!" Natalie demanded.
"I heard you guys battling just now," smiled the girl, her long hair tied back in a bun so that strands escaped out. "I'd like to challenge one of you to a battle!"
"Which of us?" asked Daniel.
The girl turned to Natalie. "I think you put up the better fight. You must be the stronger Trainer."
"We're both evenly matched," Natalie said, making room for a battlefield, as Daniel stayed on the sidelines with Weepinbell.
"Have you two ever battled each other before?" asked the girl, who identified herself as Cara.
Natalie and Daniel exchanged glances. "Once or twice, perhaps. That was before we started our journey."
"And you two don't spar with each other to strengthen your Pokemon?" Cara shook her head, disgusted. "If I had a partner, I'd be invincible by now! There's no excuse to slack off, none!"
"We're not - " Daniel began.
"How many Pokemon shall we battle with?" Natalie interrupted, Squirtle by her side.
"I have two Pokemon, so how about battling two of yours?" Cara offered.
"Sure," Natalie nodded, turning to Squirtle. "I'll let another of my Pokemon battle for now, OK?"
Nodding, Squirtle took a step back and sat upon the hard, dusty ground. Natalie selected a Pokeball from her belt, tossing it into the earthen battlefield.
"Go, Seadra!"
Materialising in a flash of red light, Seadra trilled and flexed the sharp fins atop its back.
"Not bad," Cara grinned, tossing her first of two Pokeballs onto the field. "Let's go, Electrode!"
Electrode rolled forth, the evolved form of Voltorb and identical to a Pokeball except bigger in size, with a cocky sneer upon its features.
"Seadra, Smokescreen!" cried Natalie.
Spinning like a top, Electrode was a blur as Seadra shot forth sticky ink that was repelled by Electrode's fast motion, splattering the nearby boulders and ground.
"Sonicboom, Electrode!"
Shivering, Electrode released a shock wave towards Seadra -
"Seadra, Agility!"
Moving out of harm's way, Seadra was a blur as she appeared on multiple fronts, while Electrode became dizzy and could not choose which area to attack.
"Seadra, Bubblebeam!" Natalie shouted.
"Electrode, use Swift!" Cara retorted.
Seadra blasted forth a series of powerful bubbles, while Electrode spun on its axis to pop them harmlessly and fired several glowing stars, all of which knocked Seadra over.
"No!" cried Natalie, as Seadra managed to get up. "Seadra, Smokescreen!"
"Electrode, Light Screen!" Cara shouted.
Conjuring up a shining golden barrier, Electrode hid behind as Seadra took the initiative to aim her spurt of ink over the barrier where it landed upon Electrode's top, the black liquid covering the ball Pokemon like chocolate sauce poured over a scoop of vanilla and raspberry ice cream.
"No! Electrode!" Cara shrieked, as her Electrode struggled to move. The Light Screen began to dissipate.
"Seadra, Hydro Pump!" Natalie shouted in triumph.
Taking a deep breath, Seadra surged forth a powerful jet which drenched Electrode and sent it rolling down the passage way they had come. Cara ran after her Pokemon, red light illuminating the cave where she returned Electrode to its Pokeball.
"Cheap shot," panted Cara, returning into sight. "I'll take care of that Seadra yet!"
"Nice work, Seadra!" Natalie congratulated her Water Pokemon. Seadra trilled happily.
Tossing her remaining Pokeball into the battlefield, Cara cried, "Go, Exeggutor!"
The evolved form of Exeggcute, Exeggutor stood upright with a body like a tree, plant leaves atop its peak under which nestled eggs with faces on them.
"What is that?" Natalie asked, surprised.
"Exeggutor is a Grass/Psychic-type," Daniel explained. "It's strong, so watch out!"
Nodding, Natalie returned to the battle and held out her Pokeball. "Seadra, return!"
Against a Grass-type, Natalie didn't want to risk any of her Water Pokemon. She tossed her chosen Pokeball into the field.
"Let's battle, Butterfree!"
Twittering, Butterfree flew forth in majesty, looking down on Exeggutor's shrub head from above.
"Butterfree, Sleep Powder!" Natalie cried.
"Exeggutor, Leech Seed!" Cara shouted.
Butterfree sprinkled shining dust across the battlefield as Exeggutor launched a tiny seed from within its leafy scalp. Latching onto Butterfree, the seed grew vines from within and began sapping Butterfree of energy.
"Butterfree! Can you shake it off?" Natalie shouted.
Wincing in pain, Butterfree slowly went into freefall as Exeggutor became drowsy, suffering the effects of sleep powder. Cara reached for a Full Heal and administered it to the tree Pokemon.
"Gust, Butterfree!" Natalie cried.
Using all its strength, Butterfree returned to the air and flapped its wings as hard as it could, creating a cyclone within the cavern which sprinkled dust and dirt everywhere.
"Ah!" Daniel shielded his eyes, as did Weepinbell who felt its force.
Rousing from sleep, Exeggutor cried out in pain from Butterfree's Flying-type attack. Still sapped of energy, Butterfree began to weaken as Exeggutor regained health in return.
"Exeggutor, Egg Bomb!" Cara commanded.
Launching a glowing egg from within its plant head, Exeggutor directed the oval bomb at Butterfree, who could not evade in time. Screaming in pain, Butterfree was blasted back by the force of the egg bomb, close to unconscious at Natalie's feet.
"Butterfree," Natalie said sadly, glancing up at Cara in anger.
"Exeggutor, finish it! Stomp!" Cara yelled.
Holding out her Pokeball so that Butterfree returned safely inside with a flash of red light, Natalie angrily selected Seadra's Pokeball and tossed it into the field.
"That does it, Cara! No more playing nice!"
Seadra returned to the field, trilling in fury. Exeggutor stared back with malice.
"Exeggutor, Barrage!"
"Seadra, Agility!"
Moving quickly to avoid the multiple seeds launched by Exeggutor, Seadra appeared behind the Grass/Psychic Pokemon and took a deep breath.
"Seadra, Hydro Pump!" Natalie cried.
Exeggutor leapt out of the way, evading Seadra's surge of powerful water which drenched Natalie sodden. Crashing upon the ground with an almighty shake, Exeggutor made indistinguishable noises to taunt.
"Seadra, Smokescreen!"
"Exeggutor, Mega Drain!"
Glowing with a bright green light, Exeggutor directed the blast of energy towards Seadra, subsuming the Water Pokemon whole. Firing her jet of black ink not a moment beforehand, Seadra landed a hit on several of Exeggutor's egg faces, blinding it so that it staggered about.
"I told you my Exeggutor's no pushover!" Cara cried, as Seadra was greatly drained of energy which in turn healed Exeggutor, stumbling about aimlessly.
Lying weak, Seadra could not move as one of Exeggutor's heads remained mobile, taking one for the team and launching another Egg Bomb -
"No, wait!" Natalie cried on instinct, holding out her Pokeball, red light flashing to return Seadra inside. "I won't let Seadra suffer further. I surrender."
"What?" Daniel asked in disbelief.
"You surrender?" Cara repeated. "You give up?"
Natalie nodded, gentling her Squirtle's hackles. "Seadra was too weak to continue."
Astonished, Daniel watched as Natalie withdrew nearly a third of her cash, handing it over to Cara who whooped.
"Excellent!" Cara replied, invigorated as she returned the dizzy Exeggutor to its Pokeball. "This will buy me a few Hyper Potions!"
They departed at different intersections within the cavern, as Daniel caught up to Natalie, who remained stubborn.
"Are you OK?" Daniel asked. "You haven't lost in a while."
Natalie shrugged. "I know I should've battled on. Perhaps Seadra might've even won, if I persevered. But it hurts too much to see my Pokemon fight on despite their injuries. The Viridian Gym Leader, Giovanni, forced that on his Pokemon. I don't want to push my Pokemon beyond their abilities."
"I understand," Daniel nodded, though privately he admitted he was becoming addicted to the adrenaline of battle. Sometimes it was hard to remember that Pokemon weren't solely participants of battle. "It was a tough decision to make."
"Yeah," Natalie let out her breath all in one go, glancing to Squirtle. "I only have you and Poliwhirl left, so let's be careful, OK?"
The four of them continued down the earthen passage, disheartened but on their guard. Natalie hoped her Seadra would forgive her, while Daniel hoped they would make it out alive.