It's time, people! Owen will finally square off with the mysterious woman and her Gardevoir at the Battle Chateau, and boy is this going to get intense. Last chapter Owen met and defeated Maria, who will be another one of his rivals, and he is now arriving at the Battle Chateau! Now let's get this thing going!
MCMXCV: Thanks for spotting that. I never really thought of myself as a perfectionist (more like a grammar Nazi, lol) until you said that. And Inferno won't be participating in the Cyllage Contest because that would be way too hard of a crossover, because tepigsfire758 and I would have to share rivals and performances
Guest: Well, she won't be causing trouble this time around… at least not for Owen
NodokaLover: I won't have Frogadier learn Water Pledge, but he'll learn a technique later that I think is pretty cool
Guest: Thanks!
Elodus: Thanks. And even though we already PM'd I'll say yes and yes to both of your questions
tepigsfire758: Haha, at least you got to see how far you've progressed since that chapter :)
123 (Guest): Thanks!
Guest: I'm undecided on whether I'll keep writing after this story is over, but if I continue, I don't think I'll have another regional adventure because it would take a lot of time
Dragon (guest): You did have a 66 in your name, and of course I remember you! Long time no see! I hope things are going well with your moving (I believe you mentioned that in one of your reviews, or maybe I'm just crazy), and it's good to see you're back :)
Owen's team
Frogadier, (m), level 20, Pound, Lick, Bubble, Quick Attack, Water Pulse*, Smokescreen*
Charizard, (m), level 70, Flamethrower, Dragon Claw, Seismic Toss, Blast Burn, Aerial Ace*, ?*
Butterfree, (f), level 28, Tackle, Silver Wind, Psybeam, Gust, Poison Powder*, Sleep Powder*
Pikachu, (m), level 22, Thundershock, Quick Attack, Thunderbolt, Thunder Wave, Electro Ball*, Double Team*
As they continued their way down the road, Owen, Brooklyn, Cindy, and Eddy repeatedly checked their Pokedexes to see how far they were from the Battle Chateau. Owen's battle with Maria had ended a few hours earlier, but the teen was still riding high on his victory while Charizard maintained a level head, knowing that the feat wasn't that impressive because of the difference in experience between the two trainers.
"We should be getting there within the next five minutes," Eddy informed the older trainers he was traveling with. Despite being four years younger than Cindy, and seven years younger than Owen and Brooklyn, he seemed to be totally comfortable with them. Frogadier also seemed to be close to him, which Owen took notice of, though he never said anything about it.
"Thanks for the update. Once we get there, we're gonna show 'em our strength. Right, Charizard?" Owen quizzed while turning to face the winged lizard. Charizard nodded in response before yawning, which made everyone laugh. "Are either of you competing?" Owen asked Cindy and Brooklyn with a grin.
"Nope. I need to work with Fennekin and Smeargle for the contest, but we'll watch," Brooklyn answered, causing Owen to turn to Cindy.
"Probably not. I don't think Litleo and I are experienced enough to hang with everyone there," the twelve year old replied.
Right after Cindy responded, the group of four arrived at a large castle with a wooden sign sitting in front of it. Upon investigating the picket sign, Owen's eyes flashed with a light of excitement, and he looked over at Charizard who was reading each word carefully. After reaching the end of the notification, Charizard let out a powerful roar and he took off towards the castle-esq building.
"Wait for us, you two!" Brooklyn shouted as she, Cindy, and Eddy began running after Owen and Charizard, who were already inside the building. After the three walked into the building, they were taken back by the marvelous inside.
A red carpet was rolled along the floor until an archway that led to a large ballroom, where hundreds of people dressed in fancy clothes were talking. The ballroom floor was made of marble while the walls were made of the finest stones in all of Kalos. Along the right side of the room, there were two staircases that led to another hallway, but no one was standing anywhere close to that area.
"Where am I supposed to sign up?" Owen quizzed as his three traveling partners walked over to him while panting.
The three shrugged as Owen looked around the room, hoping someone could help answer his question. The fifteen year old walked into the large room where people were wearing fancy robes while Charizard stayed with Brooklyn, Cindy, and Eddy. "Excuse me?" Owen asked loudly as he walked up to an old man that was bald, and he turned around and looked up at Owen.
"Can I help you?" he responded obnoxiously, noticing that Owen wasn't wearing the special attire required to battle at the Battle Chateau.
"Is there a place where I can sign up to battle? I'm new here." The man's face lightened a bit, though he still retained a stern expression.
"Of course, son. My name is Chadwick and I'm the official referee and rank manager of the Battle Chateau. I'm glad to make your acquaintance," Chadwick told Owen as the teen waved to his companions while withdrawing Charizard back to his Pokeball. As he did, Frogadier broke out of his and he looked around at the tons of people dressed in fancy clothes.
"I'm Owen Plateau and I'm from Pallet Town. And this is Frogadier, he's my starter for the Kalos region."
"My name is Brooklyn. Nice to meet you."
"Cindy," the twelve year old stated flatly.
"And I'm Eddy," the youngster announced proudly while placing a hand over his chest. Chadwick laughed at his enthusiasm and escorted the four trainers into a different room, where Owen filled out some paperwork before being whisked away into a tiny room. He was told that a cape was there for him, and surprisingly it was. Once he walked out, Owen was wearing a white cape on top of his black t-shirt, and a grand smile was plastered on his face.
"Whaddya think?" he asked while holding his cape in both arms similar to a Hawlucha striking a victory pose.
"That's so cool! Can I have one?" Eddy asked Chadwick, but was crushed when the man gently shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Sir Eddy, but you're too young to compete here. Once you're old enough, we'd be more than excited to have you back, though!" Chadwick exclaimed, causing Eddy to shoot back up in excitement.
"You look like an established trainer," Cindy complimented with a grin. "I wouldn't want to face you in battle."
"Haha, thanks, Cindy. Brooklyn, what about you?" Owen quizzed as Frogadier nodded with approval, causing his trainer to laugh. Brooklyn blushed slightly and her mind raced for a quick response, but she didn't have to say anything thanks to Owen's impatience. "Frogadier, let's go find someone to battle!"
With that, Owen sprinted out of the room while Frogadier, Eddy, and Cindy followed after him. Brooklyn breathed a deep sigh of relief before walking after her companions, and Chadwick stayed close behind her while shaking his head at the teenage girl.
000
Ariel slowly walked up to the Battle Chateau and frowned in disgust before turning to Blaziken, who was staring at the building with a flash of joy in his eyes.
"We had some good times here. Remember?" Blaziken questioned as he looked down at his trainer, who continued to scowl at the mere sight of the building.
"Yeah, but the past is the past. Anyways, I know she's here for Owen. Why, exactly? I don't know," the teen muttered as she strutted towards the entrance of the ancient structure. Blaziken followed close behind Ariel and rolled his eyes, knowing the answer to his question.
"Are we going to have to battle? I'm really not in the mood to," the fire chicken moaned while cracking his knuckles and neck, waiting for the inevitable answer.
"Maybe."
000
Once he made his way back into the main room, Owen began to look around for a tough trainer to battle, but no one was willing to accept his challenge.
"You've gotta be kidding me! I bet we could beat anyone in here, right, Frogadier?" Owen asked his starter rhetorically as he scanned the room for another potential opponent.
"Maybe they're just scared to battle you," Cindy stated, trying to boost Owen's ego.
"That's a possibility. After all, you are a runner-up in the Sinnoh and Unova Leagues," Eddy added with a smile, though Owen didn't listen to either of the younger kids.
"Baron Owen, you may only battle people with the same color cape as you, that is why no one has accepted your challenge," Chadwick informed the teen before he could run off to challenge another trainer.
"What!? I'm more than capable of taking on any trainer here!" Owen decreed, drawing the attention of everyone in the room, including Ariel, who shook her head as she walked up the staircase and disappeared without anyone noticing. Another woman, at least ten years older than Ariel, smirked at Owen's remark and she began to move towards the Kanto native.
"Even if that is true, you must follow the rules. If you don't, I must ask you to leave," the old man responded sharply, making Owen and the others flinch in fear. "Now, I will find you a suitable partner for ba-"
"I'll battle him," a woman in a trench coat told Chadwick with a hidden grin. "Though I'm not sure if he'll win." The woman drew a strange glance from Chadwick, but she nodded at him, assuring the man to allow the battle.
"Very well. Let us report to the battlefield."
Owen, the woman, Cindy, Brooklyn, Eddy, Chadwick, and everyone else in the room quickly scurried out of the Battle Chateau and made their way to the back of the stone structure, where a battlefield on the water was waiting. Owen gasped at the marvelous sight and slowly followed the random woman down a ramp that connected the balcony of the Battle Chateau to the battlefield, and everyone else stood on the balcony.
Meanwhile, Ariel and her Blaziken were sitting on the roof of the Battle Chateau, and Ariel was glaring at the mysterious woman. She didn't know why, but there was an ominous feeling the woman was creating, which made the young girl uneasy.
Chadwick followed the two trainers down to the battlefield, and he walked over to an extension where the referee pedestal was laying. All of the people watching didn't pay much attention to the two trainers due to Owen's low rank, and they began to talk about other things such as Furfrou grooming and their mansions.
"This battle will be between Baron Owen and…" Chadwick paused, waiting for the woman to reveal her identity. Without a second's hesitation, the women ripped off her trench coat and threw her glasses and top hat into the air, revealing her identity. The spectators turned and gasped as a beautiful young woman displayed her face and donned a bright white costume that made her look like a pixie. She had pale skin and light purple hair, and stood around six feet tall. After the spectators and Chadwick closed their mouths, the woman put on a black cape that made her look fearsome. Owen, however, wasn't intimidated in the slightest.
"Grand Duchess Diantha!" Chadwick screamed along with the crowd.
Ariel facepalmed at Owen's luck and she turned to face Blaziken, who stared down at Owen and Diantha.
"This isn't good," he muttered.
Meanwhile, on the balcony overlooking the battlefield, Brooklyn looked around in confusion.
"I don't get it. What's the big fuss?" she inquired, genuinely confused.
"What's the big fuss!? That's Diantha, the famous movie-star!" Cindy shrieked at the top of her lungs. Brooklyn looked back at the battlefield and took notice of the young woman's stunning features, but Eddy chimed in to add another tidbit of information.
"And she's the Champion of the Kalos region." This caught Brooklyn's attention and her head whipped around so that she could look at Owen in fear. He was clearly unaware of the situation he was in, and she was more than fearful for his safety.
"Trainers, please meet in the middle of the battlefield!" Owen looked over at Frogadier and shrugged before strolling over to the middle of the battlefield where Diantha was waiting. The woman held a Pokeball straight forward and waited for Owen to do the same, but he didn't until he was instructed to do so.
"Owen, you're supposed to tap the Pokeball of your competing Pokemon against her's," Chadwick whispered as everyone watching laughed at the fifteen year old's stupidity. Owen sheepishly rubbed his neck before turning to withdraw Frogadier, but he was stopped by Diantha.
"I don't think you want to use that Pokemon," she opined bluntly, causing Owen to frown. "But it doesn't really matter. I doubt any of your Pokemon are strong enough to compete with mine," she taunted. This made Owen mad, and he began to clench his fists. Then, he grabbed a Pokeball off his Pokebelt and tapped it against Diantha's aggressively before turning and walking back to his trainer box. Frogadier looked up at Owen worriedly, and he noticed the anger on his face.
"Grand Duchess Diantha, please choose your one Pokemon!" Chadwick ordered as he pointed at Diantha. The actress nodded and flicked her wrist, sending the Pokeball in her hand flying into the air.
"Gardevoir, let's show them what true power is!" The Pokeball shot open and a stream of light poured out, revealing a Gardevoir. The crowd gasped in shock before cheering for the psychic type, who nonchalantly waved back, causing Frogadier to sweat drop.
"Baron Owen, please choose your one Pokemon!" Owen nodded and looked over at the balcony, where he made eye contact with his traveling partners. Cindy and Brooklyn nodded at him while Eddy gave two thumbs up and a dumb smile, prompting Owen to chuck his Pokeball forward.
Again, the crowd gasped in shock, this time because they were surprised by the look of ferocity of the Pokemon Owen selected. Diantha and Chadwick stared in awe while Owen, Frogadier, Brooklyn, and Cindy all grinned. Eddy, on the other hand, screamed like a little girl while running around in excitement.
"Charizard, I want you to give this battle everything we've got!" Owen shouted.
"RAAAAAAAWWWWRRR!" Charizard responded explosively, making everyone cover their ears.
"He doesn't know what he's in for," Blaziken muttered, referring to Charizard.
"This single battle will be between Gardevoir and Charizard! Begin!"
"Charizard, use Flamethrower!" Owen commanded as he pointed at Gardevoir. Charizard effortlessly shot a blast of fire at the psychic type Pokemon and Diantha, but Gardevoir disappeared into thin air. The crowd gasped as Charizard's attack passed through nothing and Diantha evaded the wave of flames before countering calmly.
"Gardevoir, fire Moonblast at Charizard!" the young woman ordered loudly, catching Owen, Frogadier, and Charizard off guard. Gardevoir raised both of her arms in the air as she suddenly appeared right in front of Charizard, and a pink blast of energy exploded from her hands. Charizard was launched back into Owen, who was knocked over by his starter's weight, but the two got back up and dusted the dirt off of their bodies.
"Hurry! Use Aerial Ace!" Everyone watched as Charizard zipped towards Gardevoir while streaks of light flew off his face and he crashed into the Hoenn Pokemon before grabbing her and soaring into the air. "Now throw her and use Dragon Claw!" The winged lizard did as he was told, and Gardevoir was suddenly dropped from the air. As she began to fall, Charizard flew straight down while his claws were glowing light blue and he prepared to slash his opponent viciously.
"Stop Charizard with Shadow Ball!" Diantha shouted into the air as Charizard closed in on her strongest Pokemon. Gardevoir quickly formed a purple ball of dark energy in her hands before shooting it towards Charizard, who slashed at it. The two powerful moves collided and caused an explosion, sending Charizard even higher into the air while catapulting Gardevoir into the ground, though she landed on her feet to avoid any extra damage.
"Wow, Charizard sure looks strong! He's going toe-to-toe with the Champion's strongest Pokemon!" Eddy exclaimed before throwing his fists forwards repeatedly.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but you're right," Cindy told Eddy with a grin. "I didn't know Owen and Charizard were so strong." As Cindy said that, Brooklyn looked over at her and Eddy while shaking her head. Then, she looked back at the battlefield and smiled to herself.
"You have no idea, Cindy."
"Let's keep up the pressure, Charizard!" Owen told the fire type, who was flying high in the air. Charizard nodded back at the fifteen year old, prompting him to grin and punch his right arm straight out before he enthusiastically cried out another command. "Use Flamethrower!"
"Dodge it and strike Charizard down with Thunderbolt!" Diantha countered as soon as Owen finished his sentence. Charizard reared his head back and inhaled as much air as he could before unleashing a blistering wave of orange fire towards his opponents' half of the battlefield. Gardevoir quickly leaped into the air as soon as Charizard released the STAB attack, and she began to glow yellow before firing several zigzagging bolts of electricity, which all struck Charizard. The winged lizard fell from the air lifelessly, and everyone watching the battle began to shake their heads at Owen.
"I knew he shouldn't have challenged her."
"What was that kid thinking? There's no way he had a chance against Diantha."
Brooklyn, Eddy, and Cindy looked around at the pessimistic crowd with frowns before turning to face Owen, whose head was hanging. Much to their shock, a smile was creeping across his face as Charizard continued to plummet, and his head shot up violently as Charizard was about to hit the ground.
"Aerial Ace!" With less than an inch to spare, Charizard straightened out his flight, and he flew across the battlefield at mach speed, grabbing the audience's attention. Diantha simply gasped as Charizard slammed his head against Gardevoir's stomach, and then he flew straight into the air while Gardevoir was still being struck.
"Gardevoir, break free!"
"Not so fast! Give 'em a Seismic Toss finale!" Owen screamed at the top of his lungs, making sure Charizard could hear him. The winged lizard let out a mighty roar before wrapping his arms around Gardevoir's waist, and he began to fly in a circle at the speed of light, generating a wind current that took on the shape of Earth. Then, Charizard flew straight down while roaring, and he and Gardevoir slammed into the ground, causing both Pokemon to fall onto their backs. After a few seconds of silence, Charizard rose to his feet and looked down at Gardevoir with a victorious look on his face, and he walked back to Owen and Frogadier with a confident grin on his face.
"Gardevoir, it's time to stop fooling around!" Diantha shouted to her Pokemon, who had yet to move since hitting the ground. Not a moment later Gardevoir was on her feet, and Charizard turned in surprise while Owen gapped at the psychic type's perseverance.
"That's absurd! How can Gardevoir still stand after that Seismic Toss?" Cindy yelled in disbelief. Eddy simply stared speechless, and Brooklyn's expression changed from one of happiness to that of worry.
Meanwhile, on the roof of the Battle Chateau, Ariel and Blaziken watched over the battle with impressed looks on their faces.
"I'm pleasantly surprised. I didn't think Owen had this kind of grit," Blaziken told Ariel while peering down intently. The amber eyed girl remained silent and stared down at Diantha, narrowing her eyes as she did so. She knew exactly what the Champion was about to do, and Owen didn't stand a chance.
"I've enjoyed this battle, Owen, but it's time Gardevoir and I end this," Diantha informed the teen, who glared at the woman angrily. Frogadier and Charizard both looked at Gardevoir, who was putting her hands together and closing her eyes, which made them feel nervous. "Gardevoir, Mega Evolve!" Diantha cried as she touched her left wrist, which had a black bracelet wrapped around it.
"Well, that battle was fun while it lasted. Let's go, Blaziken," Ariel told her Pokemon as she walked away from the battle. Blaziken reluctantly followed his trainer, and the two vanished without anyone noticing.
Suddenly, Gardevoir was encapsulated in a bright egg and it began to flash several different colors. Then, it exploded and a strange rainbow colored double helix appeared above Gardevoir's head, and her appearance had changed. The only differences were that her lower body (the skirt thingy) was much puffier and more pronounced, while her head grew three spikes on both sides.
"What the heck is that?" Owen interrogated, biting his bottom lip at the strange transformation.
"Hahaha. You'll learn in time, but for now, it shall remain a mystery," Diantha replied quickly.
"Arrggh. Charizard, use Blast Burn!" Owen barked, wanting to end the battle with one last attack.
"Gardevoir, dodge." Charizard's body began to glow light red as he was surrounded in crimson energy, and then he fired a horizontal tornado of fire at Gardevoir, who remained stationary. Diantha then snapped her fingers, and Gardevoir disappeared before reappearing behind Charizard.
"Charizard, behind you!" Owen screamed frantically. The fire type turned around and attempted to strike his foe, but was unable to because he needed to recharge from Blast Burn.
"Gardevoir, use Moonblast!" Gardevoir placed both of her hands against Charizard's stomach, and an explosion of pink light occurred. Charizard was sent spiraling through the air and towards the water, but Owen pulled out his Pokeball and withdrew the fainted Pokemon just before he could hit the water.
"Charizard is unable to battle! That means Grand Duchess Diantha and Gardevoir are the winners!" Chadwick cried as he threw both of his hands in the air. The crowd erupted in applause for Diantha and Gardevoir, so the two waved back to the crazed fans. Owen, meanwhile, walked off of the battlefield with Frogadier and up the ramp to his traveling companions.
Before they left, he turned around and made eye contact with Diantha. Those by Owen could sense the fire between the two trainers, and he walked into the Battle Chateau with a disgusted look on his face.
000
After he had changed out of his fancy clothing, Owen met Brooklyn, Cindy, and Eddy at the front of the historic building with a sigh.
"Hey, shake it off," Cindy started with a smile as they began to walk towards Cyllage City. "You and Charizard were awesome and I doubt anyone could've done a better job than you two."
"Thanks, but we've got a lot of work to do if we want to win the Kalos League," Owen replied, still thinking about Diantha and her Mega Evolution tactic. He had remembered Professor Oak mentioning the strange transformation, but he didn't understand what it was or what it did.
"Look at the bright side, she is the Champion of the Kalos region," Eddy informed Owen, who stopped walking as soon as he heard the information.
"Really? Alright! We gave the Champion a run for her money!" Owen exclaimed excitedly before continuing to walk down the road. "But enough about me. Brooklyn, are you ready for your contest?" Owen quizzed, causing the fifteen year old girl to turn around, smile, and nod.
"Yup! Fennekin and Smeargle have been hard at work these past few days, so we're aiming to win it!"
With that, the four trainers continued on in silence while the sun began to set on yet another day of their trek across the Kalos region. Though they couldn't tell they future, all four of the trainers could sense they're next few days in Cyllage were going to be hectic… but they didn't know how hectic.
First, I'd like to apologize for the long wait. I've been procrastinating and going out with my friends these past few days, so I kind of forgot about this chapter. Anyways, Owen battled and unfortunately lost to Diantha, who whipped out her Mega Evolution abilities. Ariel and Blaziken were also present for the battle, though they didn't really do anything. Till next time, (which will hopefully be this week) peace out.
Next Chapter: The Cyllage City Contest: As Owen prepares for his second gym battle, Brooklyn participates in the Cyllage Contest. While competing, she meets a new rival, and is faced with incredible adversity when Fennekin and Smeargle struggle with the spotlight. Will Brooklyn be able to overcome such an obstacle?
Cyllage Arc Chapters
Chapter 20: Hardcore Parkour
Chapter 21: Save the Fossils!