(Friday)
Andrew is still in DC he was packing up some of the stuff in his office. Looking at him you could tell he didn't sleep much. He had circles around his eyes and his hair was a mess and the worst part was he didn't have his hat on. Andrew wouldn't usually leave anywhere without his hat. Jen was waiting for him outside the Pokemon League she too looked tired, but unlike Andrew she was still able to function.
"Andrew you don't look so good," Jen said with some worry.
"I'm not doing good I never thought something like this could happen. That lab has been around for 45 years its a mainstay in Sacramento," said Andrew.
"I get it the League will help rebuild it," replied Jen.
"That's not the point Jen. I mean to think about it they attacked something I cherish more than this job. I'm trying to get ahold of someone who is most likely their next target to warn him, I fear for him I just hope he'll be ok," said Andrew.
"On a different note everything is ready in Cincinnati for you once you get there, it is set up near town hall just stop by and see the mayor and lead you too it. I'll be watching from here," said Jen.
"Thanks Jen I'll be back some time next week, from Cincinnati I'm going to Sacramento to help clean up," Andrew told Jen.
"Take all the time you need. I haven't told you yet but the League will stop taking battle requests till next year starting next Monday since you'll need all the Elite Four to focus on completing the job at hand," said Jen.
"I was about to ask you to do something like that," replied Andrew.
"I'll see when you get back," said Jen walking back into the League building.
Andrew called out Flygon and got on board and he took off towards Cincinnati his mind was focused on addressing what he had to during the press conference. That wasn't the only thing that was on his mind when he got to Cincinnati he wanted to call Mika and ask her to go check on Dan to see if everything was ok. After a two hour flight he landed safe and sound in Cincinnati.
(In Cincinnati)
Once he landed he returned his trustee partner Flygon and took out his phone to call Mika. After ringing once she answered her phone.
"Hey Andrew I'm sorry to hear what happened to your family's lab," said Mika.
"I fear it's worst then that I need you to do me a favor and go check in on Dan I think they might try and get to him maybe not him but something along the lines of that," asked Andrew.
"Yeah I'll head there now Andrew. Just take care of yourself everyone needs you with clear head not full of trying to revenge for their actions," replied Mika.
"Yeah I know that I'm way past trying to get revenge I'm at the point of trying to bring an end to them," said Andrew.
"Ok Andrew just think clearly and understand all the outcomes," said Mika.
"I'll talk to you later," said Andrew hanging up.
Mika stopped what she was doing and left to Indian Head to meet up with Dan. Andrew put his phone back into his pocket and walked over to the town square there was a podium set up outside with a mic on it. He wrote down everything he wanted to say last night he wanted to be prepared this time and he was more then ready to answer any questions those there might have. He walked into town hall and found the Mayor's Secretary standing in front waiting for him. She showed him to the mayor's office and he sat down and looked at the two pages he had in his jacket pocket. The mayor walked in and introduced himself before explaining to Andrew how the press conference was going to go down.
(An Hour After He got to Cincinnati)
The chairs set up were full and the back area was full of cameras. Behind the camera's were everyday people wanting to listen to what he had to say. Emma, Zac, Brady, and Katie were mixed in with the crowd they too were curious about what he will say. People around the region had turned their TV's to their local Pokemon News Station and all focus was on the Champion's Press Conference. They had to wait though because the Mayor walked out first and to the podium.
"Good Day Cincinnati before I introduce why most of you came here I would like to take this time to introduce myself. my name is Henry Langston and I'm the mayor of this fine city. I would like to welcome all Coordinators and Trainers alike to my fine city, but rather than listen to me lets get to why most of you are here I have great pride and pleasure to introduce our Champion Andrew Hanson," said Henery.
Andrew walked out of town hall and walked up to the podium before he would talk he shook the mayors hand and then set his papers down. He looked around at the crowd that had gathered and he then spoke up.
"Good Morning everyone, yesterday evening an event happened in Sacramento I want to address that first. My family's lab was attacked by Team Darkness. No one was hurt, but they did burn the lab to the ground it pains me to be standing here and not there but as Champion my job must come first. These criminals will be brought to justice for their actions. These criminals act without consequence, I will do whatever I can to bring them down. I need everyone's support to do so if you see anything suspicious please report it. I would like to address the rumors about the orbs now. Yes they were stolen in Richmond, we are a head of them though we have a couple areas of interest that the two legendary pokemon might call home. We have nothing to fear, I can't make you a promise that I'll stop them before they awaken them, but I will do all I can to prevent them. Again I need the support of you the trainers and coordinators of this region you may think you can't do much but you can. Stopping them will be a group effort, but if we band as a region we can do it. I will now take a couple of questions," said Andrew.
The first person he picked was a very familiar face it was Robin Malcom.
"How can we as a region put trust into you knowing that the orbs were stolen under your watch?" asked Robin.
"You can't but who else would stand up here and admit it. I'm not asking for your trust all I'm asking of you is your help. Reporting suspicious activity will go a long way to send them a message that you the trainers of this region will not bend down and take whatever they dish out," replied Andrew.
After answering her question he pointed at the next person. This person writes a column in the local newspaper. His name is Robert.
"Where you the target of the attack in Sacramento or just a planned attack?" asked Robert.
"I'm not certain on any of this, but I can say I don't think I was the target. Team Darkness knows were I am. I think the plan was to get some type of response from me. Yes it was my family they threatened, but that will not change how the Pokemon League stops them. This will be the last question I take." replied Andrew.
He looked around and pointed at Mike Johnston a reporter for Poke News which airs everywhere from Sacramento to Washington DC.
"Is there a need to add security to other places that hold value. For example the research center lead by Professor Shadlore in Richmond?" asked Mike.
"No, I know this was an isolated attack were the goal was to get a reaction from me there is also a chance this was revenge for what me and another trainer did to two of there leaders in Richmond," answered Andrew.
"Then what is stopping them from attacking the other person?" added Mike.
"The other person is more then capable of defending himself, he is a great trainer and I already sent some help his way," replied Andrew.
He looked at the audience some still had their hands up looking for their question to be answered, but Andrew didn't acknowledge them.
"Thank you for your time and allowing me to step up here and talk to all of you," said Andrew walking away from the podium.
Once Andrew left the mayor stepped back up and said thank you and all of the press left. Andrew folded up his paper he had written on and put it back in his pocket. The mayor stopped him before he left and shook his hand again. Andrew walked out and walked off he still was concerned with his family he thought about calling Hailey again, he didn't though. Andrew walked over to a local store to buy a hat, he needed one since he forgot his in DC. He looked around and finally grabbed one. He really didn't care for the look of it, but it was needed.
"You know Andrew that hat is a really ugly," said the person behind him.
Andrew turned around and saw Katie. She was her normal perky self. She had her blonde hair down it wasn't as long as the last time Andrew saw her. Katie got her hair cut yesterday. In Richmond Katie's hair went down to her shoulder blades. Now her hair reaches her shoulder. She had a black jacket covering her white blouse you could still see the necklace she was given the gem inside was shining with the light hitting it and a pair of blue jeans on. She had her black shoes on as well.
"Yeah I know. I forgot mine in DC this morning I was not all there I'm still not," said Andrew.
"I know everyone saw what happened yesterday night," said Katie.
"Thinking about still kills me inside," said Andrew looking at another hat.
"Andrew I understand you grew up there," replied Katie.
Andrew and Katie walked up to the register to pay for the other hat he grabbed. this hat was all black it didn't match the one he had in DC, but it does remind him of the hat he wore the day he left Sacramento on his journey. The only difference was that this was actually black his other one was sun faded it was more red then black. Katie and Andrew walked over to a park and they took a seat on a bench and continued to talk.
"Why did you get your hair cut?" asked Andrew.
"I thought it was to long I like it short anyway," replied Katie.
"So do I, you look cute now," said Andrew.
"Thanks," said Katie blushing and fiddling with her hair.
"I got your text yesterday what did you need to talk about?" asked Andrew.
"I don't know what to do Emma wants me to go back to Boston because of my constant fighting with Zac she says I need to take a break, but I don't want too What should I do?" asked Katie.
"Honestly I wouldn't stop my journey either. I would go talk to Zac and tell him that he needs to stop acting so immature. He needs to put his felling's aside and focus on what more important that should be collecting the 16 badges and battling in the Champion's Cup," replied Andrew.
"Thanks for that advice. I like being able to come to you when I have a problem," said Katie.
"Katie no matter what happens I'll always be here for you," said Andrew.
"Do you do this for everyone?" asked Katie.
"No, Only those I consider a friend," answered Andrew.
"I'm only a friend," said Katie looking sad.
"Katie your more than a friend to me. You know that. Like I said I like you, but you need to focus on your journey," replied Andrew.
"I know and I.." said Katie before she was interrupted by Zac.
"Katie, Emma is looking for you," interrupted Zac.
"Ok I'll be there in a minute," replied Katie.
"No, Katie we must go now," Zac said impatiently.
"I'll come with you two then," said Andrew.
"No you can stay here and wait," replied Zac.
"Andrew I'll be back shortly just stay here," said Katie.
Katie got up and walked away with Zac leaving Andrew in the park. He too eventually got up and walked around he spent most of his time on his phone.
(Katie and Zac)
"So why was Emma looking for me?" asked Katie.
"She didn't I wanted to talk to you for a minute," replied Zac.
"This could've waited then," said Katie.
"I want you to know that I'm sorry for getting mad at you yesterday and Wednesday. I was told by Emma that she asked you to return home to Boston. I don't want that I bet neither do you so I'm willing to set everything aside hopefully we can remain friends," said Zac.
"Zac, you and I will never friends. You always criticize my choices, but for the journey I'm willing to but that aside. I want my 16 gym badges so I can take part in the Champion's Cup then after that I don't care what you do. I have my own dreams and let me tell you now they don't involve us," replied Katie.
"Why is there no us?" asked Zac.
"Zac, I have already said what I wanted to. You can now return to the Pokemon Center," replied Katie.
Zac left and Katie walked back over to Andrew who was now talking on his phone. On the phone was his friend Hailey. She was talking about what they are doing at the lab. He saw Katie and told her to wait for a minute then they can talk again. After a few more minutes he got off the phone with Hailey and walked over to Katie.
"I thought Emma wanted to see you," said Andrew.
"No, Zac just wanted to talk to me about putting what happened the last two days behind us," replied Katie.
"That's good at least he's willing to," said Andrew.
"I know I'm happy about that as well," said Katie.
They continued to walk around the park. Katie kept noticing that spent a lot of his time looking down at his phone. She keeps thinking something is definitely wrong she spent days with him and he didn't look at his cell phone as much as he is doing now.
"Something wrong Andrew you seem really distracted?" asked Katie.
"It's nothing Katie," replied Andrew.
"So are you going back home?" asked Katie.
"Yeah I plan to return Monday after the Contest," answered Andrew.
"How long are you going to be there?" asked Katie.
"Only four or five days," answered Andrew.
"Why not more?" asked Katie.
"We have half the city helping out in Sacramento. I'm not needed there, yes they would like me there longer, but I need to focus on my job and stop Team Darkness before they can cause more harm," replied Andrew.
"How does this change the League holding events?" asked Katie.
"Nothing changes unless someone there states it," replied Andrew.
"So the League still doing the Halloween Haunted House," said Katie.
"Yeah, Nothing stops us from doing that. The only difference is that we'll bluster up security for that night," replied Andrew.
"I see," said Katie.
The two of them walked away from the park and over to the Gym. The only reason they walked over there was Katie was curious were it was. Once they got there they ran right into Wyatt who was just walling out of his gym. Wyatt was a short man he was bald and he had a black beard and he wore glasses so he could see. He had a jacket that matched the strips on Electabuzz and he had black pants on. He was an inventor of sorts. His gym was all ran my machines from the ref to the announcer. If you didn't know who he was you would think he was crazy. He always talks to himself and most of what he says doesn't make any sense. He paid no attention to those walking by.
"Hey Wyatt," said Andrew.
Wyatt took a minute to respond because he was deep in thought you tell because he was talking nonsense. He looked up and saw Andrew was standing there.
"I wasn't expecting you," said Wyatt.
"Can't I come by for a visit," replied Andrew.
"Did you come by to see my gym?" asked Wyatt.
"No," replied Andrew.
"You must have come by for something so what did you need?" asked Wyatt.
"Nothing I was just in town and showing my friend here where your gym is," replied Andrew.
"Ok I must be going. I have to pick up a machine part for my latest invention. I think this invention could revolutionize pokemon battling. It will help understand the dynamics of battling, if it works maybe we should test at the pokemon league," said Wyatt.
"Wyatt we at the Pokemon League don't need a device that can predict pokemon movements," said Andrew.
"Like I said it will revolutionize pokemon battling we could be the first to completely dissect a pokemon battle to it's core. All I need to make this happen is you people at the Pokemon League to understand that," stated Wyatt.
"Wyatt we don't need that. A computer cannot help in a pokemon battle you have to relay on your instincts and knowledge. Like I said technology is great, when used to help understand pokemon not ruin the aspect of battling," said Andrew.
"We don't have to use it for the battle, all it will do is help collect data. This data can be turned into understanding how a pokemon battles work," said Wyatt.
"Wyatt the last time you came up with a device that you said could benefit us it ended up in Team Darkness's hands and they now use it to control pokemon. We don't want another mistake like that," replied Andrew.
"Ok I'll still keep working if I think it might be beneficial I'll let you know," said Wyatt walking off.
"He is one of the more interesting gym leaders I have meet," said Katie.
"Wyatt and Joel are very interesting characters. Wyatt rambles and Joel loves playing jokes on people. They may be goofy at times, but when push comes to shove they are great gym leaders. They can really push a trainer to their limits," said Andrew.
After walking to the gym they walked over to the small contest dome. It can only hold a total of 1000 people in the bleachers. So this will more than likely be the smallest Contest compared to the contest that should have taken place in Richmond. The Richmond Dome and seat over 10,000 people in the bleachers. After seeing the Dome the two of them walked over to the Pokemon Center where Emma, Brady, and Zac were.
(At the Pokemon Center)
Emma walked over to Katie and asked her if they could speak in private for a minute. Emma and Katie walked back outside and Andrew takes a seat across from Brady and Zac.
"Andrew how bad is your family's lab?" asked Brady.
"The lab was completely burned to the ground. I won't know anymore than that till I get there Monday or Tuesday," answered Andrew.
"I wonder what Emma and Katie are talking about," said Zac looking at the door.
Emma and Katie walked out behind the Pokemon Center and that's where they talked this time.
"Zac told us you'll forgive him for starting arguments with you," said Emma.
"I did. I explained to him were I stand and that I'm willing to put aside the differences to focus on getting to the Champion's Cup," replied Katie.
Before they could continue their conversation the battle going down in the arena distracted them. The person who won the battle kept attacking his opponents pokemon showing no mercy. This person is defiantly older than most he looks about 26 he was Asian, he had a white suit on. He has is Feraligatr ready to attack once his opponents got up.
"Why are you doing this Rainer. I thought you were helping me?" cried the kid.
"In battle we have to show no mercy," replied Rainer.
"That's enough," Katie yelled.
Rainer looked at the girl then back at his opponents Aipom struggling to get back to his feet. Emma took this time and ran back into the Pokemon Center to get Andrew, Brady, and Zac. The three of them ran back there as well and saw the Aipom against the tree and Katie was standing near her Espeon who was just getting back to her feet from taking a mega punch.
"Feraligatr use ice punch this time on that Espeon," said Rainer.
Andrew unclipped a pokeball from his belt and tossed it out. It was his Lucario. His Lucario sent an aura sphere at Feraligatr. This sphere of aura hits Feraligatr in the gut and sent him back in front of his trainer. Andrew walked over to the trainer who was kneeling next to his Aipom. His Aipom was struggling to get up.
"Get him to a Pokemon Center now," said Andrew.
The teen scoped his Aipom into his arms and ran around to the front to go into the Pokemon Center. Rainer just stood there with a smirk on his face the only thing stopping his Feraligatr from attacking was Andrew's Lucario. Rainer was looking at his Lucario acknowledging that Andrew's had one key difference than his rival Warren's. That difference was the small device that sits on Lucario's right paw. In the center of that device was a keystone.
"Well, if it isn't the person I was looking for Andrew Hanson," said Rainer.
"I don't know who you are and I don't really care," replied Andrew.
"I don't get it. Most people in California talk so highly of you. They call you the golden boy, they put you on a pedistal. I don't see anything special about you," said Rainer.
The two of them stared down each other waiting for the other's next move. In the end Rainer made the next move. He ordered his Feraligatr to attack Andrew's distracted Lucario.
"Feraligatr use waterfall on Lucario," said Rainer.
"Lucario dodge him then deliver a thunderpunch," said Andrew.
Rainer's Feraligatr charged at Lucario with water surrounding him. Lucario simply jumped over Feraligatr and landed behind him. Feraligatr stopped to turn and once he turned around Lucario delivered a powerful thunderpunch right to the gut of Feraligatr. The attack wide eyed Feraligatr. Rainer returned him and stood there. Lucario ran from where he was standing to in front of Andrew.
"Thanks my friend," said Andrew walking over to Lucario.
Rainer stood there looking shocked that something like that just happened.
"Listen and listen good. I have no respect for trainers like you," said Andrew.
"You don't even know who I am. My name is Rainer Salez. My dad owns the Seraph Co. and I'm prime to take that from him when he retires," said Rainer.
"Then why do you battle?" asked Andrew.
"Because I was bored and I found it entertaining to beat others down," answered Rainer.
"That's a foolish reason to get into pokemon battling. There are other reasons people own pokemon. They are your friends and can be more like family when you're away from your real family," replied Andrew putting his arm around his Lucario.
"A pokemon is nothing more than a tool of trait that once that is used to much it should be discarded," said Rainer.
Andrew was getting angry. You could tell simply by the tone in his voice and the fact that his arms went from being crossed to down to his side. He made a fist of his left hand before he gave his response.
"You disrespect pokemon, you disrespect other trainers. You deserve nothing that you have. People like you are the lowest of the low, you are the scum of the earth next to Team Darkness. People like you I have no respect for and don't deserve pokemon," said Andrew.
"How dare you talk to me like that. I make one phone call to my dad and he can get you removed," replied Rainer.
"Do you honestly think it works like that. It doesn't I worked day and night to earn to what I've gotten I worked my ass off to get here to stand on top of this mountain," said Andrew.
"Rather than making a phone call I think it's better if I put you in your place in a battle," said Rainer.
"If it's a pokemon battle you want I gladly expect. I should warn you usually I'll go easier on trainers trying to earn gym badges but for you I'll show no mercy, replied Andrew.
"Ok than let's battle," said Rainer walking across to his spot on the arena.
"I'll ref this match," said Katie.
"Ok what are the rules?" asked Andrew.
"Six on six, substitutions and no break after three of your pokemon have been beaten," replied Rainer.
"Those rules work for me," said Andrew.
"I should warn that these pokemon I have are breed and captured to be far superior than any normal pokemon," warned Rainer.
"Than let me give you some insight. There is nothing normal about the six pokemon I have. These six pokemon I have, have been trained by me to be the better than the rest of the pokemon I have," replied Andrew.
(Pokemon Battle: Rainer vs. Andrew)
"I'll call my pokemon first. Go Gengar," said Andrew.
"Go Hypno," said Rainer.
"You can have the first move," said Andrew.
"Hypno use psychic,"
"Gengar use your speed to dodge it than use shadow ball,"
Hypno sent a wave of psychic energy at were Gengar was floating. Gengar moved so quickly that it looked like he had vanished. The psychic wave hit nothing that angered both Rainer and Hypno. Gengar was now floating above Hypno were he sent a shadowy ball at Hypno. The shadowy ball nailed him in the head and caused him back up.
"Damn, Hypno use hypnosis now,"
"Gengar show him your speed again. Then use your own hypnosis,"
Again Gengar was just to quick and moved away from Hypno back in front of Andrew. Hypno tried to send hypnotic waves from his pendulum, but they could not fine their mark. On the other hand Gengar's hypnotic waves did causing Hypno to fall asleep.
"Return Hypno and go Luxray," said Rainer.
"I think it's time you meet one of my most reliable pokemon. Return Gengar and Go Charizard," replied Andrew.
"Charizard is part Flying he should be no match for my Luxray," said Rainer.
"Look closely my Charizard has something others don't. He wears it around his neck just before his chest," said Andrew.
Rainer looks over Andrew's Charizard and sees what Andrew was talking about. It was a thick sliver armor piece almost. In the center of it is the blue keystone.
"I don't care what difference your Charizard has my Luxray will surely beat him," said Rainer.
'I wouldn't be so sure," said Andrew bringing up his left to unveil his mega ring.
"Nice bracelet I know that won't help Charizard," laughed Rainer.
"It will once you realize what this ring does," replied Andrew.
"Oh, I'm so scared," joked Rainer.
"I'm done playing your games. Charizard it's time to show him. Mega Evolution!" shouted Andrew pressing his keystone.
Andrew throws his left arm into the air above his head. Charizard's blue keystone started to glow. Charizard was incased in a sphere of flames. After the sphere of flames dissipated Charizard looked considerably differnet, he was no longer orange, his body was black, his belly was now blue. Charizard now had rigid wings and the under wings were blue too. His flame on his tail was also blue. Charizard sent blue flames into the air after the changes were done.
"What the hell is that?" asked Rainer.
"Rainer I would like you to meet my best pokemon. Mega Charizard X," said Andrew.
"That pokemon will still stand no chance against my Luxray," replied Rainer.
"If you are so sure then bring it," said Andrew.
"Luxray show him crunch,"
"Charizard show true power use flare blitz,"
Luxray ran at Charizard ready to attack. Andrew's Charizard flew into the air and came down first he was red than he turned blue. He picked some more speed as he came down. Luxray looked up as the attack came at him. Luxray tried to run away, but that would be for nothing as he was picked up off the ground as he was hit and sent into a tree behind them. The force his Luxray hit the tree almost broke the tree in half. Rainer was in shock at the force that attack hit Luxray. After falling from the tree Luxray was fainted. Charizard took some recoil from the attack, he shock off like it was nothing.
"Luxray is unable to battle, Charizard wins," said Katie.
"Whatever he just got lucky. Return Luxray and go Dragonite," said Rainer.
"I'll stick with my friend here," said Andrew pointing at Charizard who was now flying around.
"Dragonite use dragon pulse,"
"Charizard use flamethrower,"
Dragonite sent a blue pulse in the direction of Charizard. Charizard stopped flying around and sent a stream of blue flames that meet the attack head on both attacks hit and caused an explosion. Covering the area in smoke.
"I can't see Andrew or his Charizard," Katie said with some concern.
"Charizard you ready?" asked Andrew.
Charizard sent flames into the air again letting Andrew know where he is.
"Charizard use dragon rush,"
Again Charizard flew into the air and came down picking up some speed.
"Dragonite use outrage,"
Dragonite was outlined by all blue ready when the Charizard came at him. His Dragonite looked around till he found Charizard flying hard at him. Dragonite flew right at him too. It looked even for a moment, but Dragonite was quickly over powered and pushed back. Dragonite took some damage, but not enough to stop him.
"Dragonite use it again,"
Andrew was more than aware of Dragonite having to use outrage again. And he addressed it accordingly with a simple counter.
"Charizard use flamethrower,"
Dragonite went crazy and rushed at Charizard trying to attack him. Charizard stood strong and sent a powerful stream of blue flames. This attack stopped Dragonite and sent into the ground. His Dragonite was now confused because of the outrage.
"Charizard I think we finish this battle. Use dragon rush again," said Andrew pointing into the air.
"Dragonite use dragon pulse," shouted Rainer.
Dragonite couldn't attack because he started starching himself.
"Stupid dragon I didn't tell you to attack yourself, Rainer said angrily.
As Rainer shouted as his Dragonite Charizard flew high into the sky before diving towards Dragonite. Charizard was outlined in an ornagish blue tinge as he picked up speed coming at Dragonite. Dragonite still starched himself before he was hit by Charizard. He was sent into the same tree Luxray was this time the tree didn't stand it broke. The broken tree landed next to the fainted dragon. Charizard landed in front of Andrew causing the ground to shake.
"Dragonite is unable to battle, Charizard wins again," said Katie.
"You talked a big game. I was actually expecting a challenge from you," said Andrew.
"Shut up I'll prove I'm the best by still beating you," replied Rainer.
"If you want to beat me you first have to go through him," said Andrew pointing at Charizard.
"Return Dragonite and Go Infernape," said Rainer.
"I think I'll give Charizard a short rest. Return Charizard and go Flygon," said Andrew.
"Infernape us thunderpunch,"
"Dragon tail, Flygon,
Infernape's fist crackled with thunder as he rushed at Flygon. Flygon flew at him his tail all white as he got closer, Flygon delivered that tail into the gut sending him back. Infernape landed in front of his trainer safe and sound.
"Infernape use flamethrower,"
"Flygon use it as well,"
The flame pokemon sent a stream of flames at Flygon. Flygon used the exact same move as a counter. The two stream of fire meet head on and sent waves of fire all around. Both pokemon looked even at the beginning. Flygon's flamethrower eventually overpowered Infernape's. Infernape's flamethrower eventually was pushed back and he was hit with Flygon's flamethrower, it barely phased him, but Infernape was getting tired from it though.
"Return Infernape and go Hypno," said Rainer.
Andrew tried to make sense of this move. Why would Rainer go to his Hypno knowing that he is asleep and may not even last one attack.
"Flygon use draco meteor,"
Flygon sent a single meteor into the sky. This meteor exploded into smaller ones and crashed to the earth most found their target hitting Hypno others crashed next to him. Hypno fainted after taking a few.
"Hypno is unable to battle, Flygon wins," said Katie.
"Half your pokemon are gone. You've been unable to take out any of mine. I would walk away and save the embarrassment that you'll receive if we finish this battle," said Andrew.
"The only one that's going to be embarrassed is you once I come back and win," said Rainer.
"I guess I'll have to finish this battle," replied Andrew.
"Return Hypno and go Sceptile," said Rainer.
"I only know one pokemon to go to, too fight off Sceptile. Return Flygon and go Charizard," said Andrew.
Once Andrew's Charizard returned to the field it was still in it's mega form.
"Sceptile use drain punch,"
"Charizard use flamethrower,
Sceptile ran at Charizard with his right hand glowing whitish brown. Charizard sent a stream of blue fire at the charging Sceptile. Sceptile could do nothing but take the stream of fire and he crashed back to the center of the arena. Sceptile struggled back to his feet.
"Charizard use fire blast,"
Sceptile kept looking at his trainer for a command, but Rainer remained silent. Rainer just stood there and watched as his Sceptile took the flame body-like attack. After taking the hit Sceptile fell back into the ground fainted.
"Sceptile is unable to battle, Charizard wins," said Katie.
(At the Pokemon Center)
Just before Sceptile went down David and his friend Warren just arrived in Cincinnati. Warren was dressed in a loose fitting dark blue hoodie, wearing a red t-shirt underneath with a Charmander tribal design he had lose fitting camo pants. Warren is 27 he started later than most would but he still had the same goal and that is to make it to the Champion's Cup. Their first stop was the Pokemon Center, once they walked in it was rather empty.
"I wonder where everyone is?" asked David to Warren.
"I don't know once I get my pokemon checked we can ask the nurse," answered Warren.
Warren walked up to the counter and rang the bell. A few moments later out walks the Nurse.
"Good afternoon, How can I help you?" asked the Nurse.
"If you could, can you check my pokemon," replied Warren.
A few more minutes later a Chansey walked out with a tray. Warren put all six of his pokeballs on it and then the Chansey walked off.
"Excuse me Nurse where is everyone?" asked David.
"More than likely out back watching the battle going on," replied the Nurse smiling.
"I'm going to go check that out Warren. Once you get your pokemon come find me out there," said David walking off.
David walked behind the Pokemon Center and managed to see who was battling. He was surprised to see Rainer fighting who else, but the Champion. By the looks of the battle Rainer was losing. David had to tell Warren so he left the battle and walked back into the Pokemon Center.
"Warren, Rainer is battling Andrew," said David.
"Is it the Champion Andrew?" asked Warren.
"That would be the one," replied David.
"How's the battle going?" Warren asked in response.
"I just watched Andrew's Charizard take down his Sceptile. And I overheard that his Charizard has taken out 3 of Rainer's pokemon," replied David.
The Chansey returned with Warren's pokemon. He grabbed them and both David and him walked out to watch the battle.
(Back to the Battle)
"Return Sceptile and go Infernape," said Rainer.
"Return Charizard and go Lucario," said Andrew.
"Finally a sign of weakness. I know I can beat that Lucario, especially with Infernape here," said Rainer.
"We'll see about that," replied Andrew.
"Infernape use fire punch,"
"Lucario use aura sphere,"
Lucario extended his left hand and sent a sphere of aura right at Infernape. Infernape right hand became coated in flames as he ran at Lucario. In order for him to avoid the aura sphere Infernape had to deliver the fire punch to the attack. The aura sphere exploded right in front of him.
"Lucario use close combat,"
Lucario ran at Infernape. He first punched him twice once on each side of the cheek. He then kicked him right in the side of the face. This kick sent him flying just left of his trainer. Lucario took it just as much and tried out some. Infernape on the other hand couldn't get up and he fainted.
"Infernape is unable to battle, Lucario wins," said Katie.
"Return Infernape and go Feraligatr," said Rainer.
Warren and David both knew that Feraligatr was Rainer's last pokemon. This maybe Rainer's strongest pokemon, but he would have an uphill battle in the form of trying to beat all six of Andrew's pokemon.
"It's only fitting that I end this battle with the pokemon I started with. So return Lucario and go Charizard," said Andrew.
Both starter pokemon looked at each other. Both looked intimating, but if you had to pick to be afraid of it would be Andrew's Charizard.
"Charizard use flamethrower,"
"Feraligatr use strength to stop that attack,"
Feraligatr lifted a giant rock to protect himself from the stream of flames that are coming at him. The rock he lifted with held the attack. After doing so he threw the rock at Charizard. Charizard flew around the rock to avoid it. Charizard landed on the ground. Rainer didn't know but this was a plow to sucker him in and it worked like a charm.
"Feraligatr use waterfall,"
Feraligatr surrounded by water rushed at Charizard. Charizard just stood there ready for the attack. Just before Feraligatr reached him he flew into the air. This forced Feraligatr to stop his attack.
"Charizard it's our turn use outrage,"
Charizard's eyes turned all red as he rushed at Feraligatr. Once he nailed Feraligatr he managed to lift Feraligatr off his feet into the air. Charizard kept his grip and then drove him into the ground just letting go right before crashing into the ground. Feraligatr was left in a crater in the ground motionless. He had fainted and that marks a perfect finish for Andrew.
"Feraligatr is unable to battle, Charizard wins. Andrew is the winner," said Katie.
(After the Battle)
"How is that possible I have the best pokemon," said Rainer.
"It doesn't matter who has the best all that matters is how well their trained," replied Andrew.
Andrew's Charizard landed in front of Andrew and looked at him. Charizard was smiling, but you could tell he was tired from all the battling. Rainer looked like he was struck by lighting he had no idea how Andrew could be him. The worst part was he could not even beat one of Andrew's pokemon.
"You could have all the money in the world and you will still never be better than me," said Andrew with a look of determination.
Rainer still had nothing to say he just looked around. The loss was still sinking in and the worse part was what Andrew was saying.
"You may have money. I don't money I prove who I am with each battle I do. All money makes you is a spoiled b****. Hopefully now you understand that you're no better than any other trainer that thinks their shit don't stink," said Andrew making his way through the crowd.
Rainer and his group walked off. Rainer was still speechless he had nothing to say to no one. The loss made his ego fall pretty damn far down. Katie caught up to Andrew. Warren and David walked back inside the Pokemon Center.
"I'm no where near ready to face something like that Charizard of his. I always thought mine was strong, but his is even stronger," said Warren.
"I bet Rainer is regretting challenging him too," said David.
"At least Rainer knows his place now and that is clearly below Andrew," said Warren.
Andrew and Katie now walked around before heading into the Pokemon Center.
(Andrew and Katie)
"You sure did use Charizard a lot in that battle," commented Katie.
"My Charizard's pride was down since Richmond. The battle with Marco and Goodsworth may have ended in a tie but Charizard felt that it was a loss and my Charizard hates losing," replied Andrew.
"I see," said Katie.
"How's your Espeon?" asked Andrew.
"She'll live," replied Katie.
"Katie, thanks for stopping Rainer from doing anything he might regret," said Andrew.
"How did you know what was happening?" asked Katie.
"Emma came in a got us," answered Andrew.
Andrew and Katie walked back over to the Pokemon Center and that is were they stayed for the night. After it was dark not much happened. Andrew took a shower and went to bed. After an hour the other went to bed for the night.
Before I say anything I would like to thank Wanderer for lending me three of his OC's. Rainer, Warren, and David. They will be used again. Now it is known Andrew will head back to Sacramento after he gets done in Cincinnati. In the end it looks like Katie will get to continue her journey to the Champion's Cup. The next chapter will focus on Daniel and his road to recovery. I hope you enjoy and I'll see you next time.
Trainer Update:
None
Poke Update:
None
Team Darkness Update:
None