(Wednesday)
Everyone was just getting up and out of bed. Of course Katie was up already and dressed she was just waiting for her friends to get dressed before they headed over to the gym. Katie didn't have to worry about battling Wyatt, she already did so a couple days back, she could now sit on the sidelines and cheer on her friends. After a few more minutes the rest of the group was ready and they left towards the gym.
It was a short walk from the Pokemon Center they stayed their last night at over to Wyatt's gym. Once inside the same robot that refereed Katie's match was waiting to talk to the three challengers.
"Good day everyone, if you are here to challenge my creator Wyatt one of you can make your way to the arena with me while the rest can follow that path up to the bleachers and wait their turn," said the robot.
Brady followed the robot to the arena while Katie, Emma, and Zac found a seat on the bleachers. Brady stood in the arena for a few minutes before an older man walked out from a back room he had a pair of electrical goggles on. Wyatt looked over at Brady and took off his goggles and joined him on the arena.
"Good morning, my name is Wyatt I am the 8th gym and if I say the most electrifying," laughed Wyatt.
"My name is Brady and I am here to challenge you for the 8th gym badge," said Brady.
"Great, lets not waste anymore time with this small talk then," replied Wyatt with a laugh.
(Gym Battle: Brady vs. Wyatt)
"My friend here will explain the rules for our gym battle," said Wyatt looking over to the robot who was now standing in ref spot.
"This will be a four on four pokemon battle. Only the challenger Brady can substitute pokemon, the battle will be over when one's four pokemon cannot battle anymore. Creator Wyatt will call out his first pokemon then challenger Brady," stated the ref.
"Thank you refbot. Go, Pikachu," said Wyatt tossing out his pokeball.
"Well better late than never to see what this pokemon can do. Go Swinub," said Brady.
"This will be problematic because Swinub can't get hit by electric attack," stated Wyatt.
"I'm well aware of that so this will give me the advantage in this battle," boasted Brady.
"You would be half right my Pikachu does have one move that could prove useful," replied Wyatt with a laugh.
Brady took out his pokedex to check Swinub's moves. He had, mud bomb, ice beam, dig, rock slide, and rest. Brady knew that dig will do a lot of damage if he could hit Pikachu with it.
"Well let's not waste anymore time with this chit-chat. Pikachu use iron tail," said Wyatt.
"Swinub use dig to dodge it then use mud bomb,"
Swinub dug deep underground while Wyatt's Pikachu rushed at him with his tail coated in iron. Swinub was lucky enough to just get underground before Pikachu could land his iron tail. Pikachu got on all fours and stood his tail straight up into the air and looked around to see were Swinub will pop up. Swinub appeared right in front of Wyatt and once Pikachu knew it was too late as Swinub already sent a dirty ball of mud at him. This ball of mud nailed Pikachu and sent him into the wall behind Brady.
Pikachu quickly got off the wall and back into the arena.
"Tricky, tricky, pokemon that Swinub is. He just fast enough to get underground with dig to avoid an iron tail and just fast enough to get a mud bomb off. I think it's time to think this over again.," Wyatt said thinking of just recent moves.
"Swinub use ice beam,"
"Pikachu use quick attack to dodge,"
Swinub sent a rigid blue beam of ice right at Pikachu. Pikachu acted on his command and darted to the left to avoid the rigid beam. Pikachu then darted right at Swinub. Brady had to act quickly if he wanted his Swinub to avoid the attack.
"Swinub use mud bomb,"
Swinub started to send dirt balls of mud one after the other. Pikachu was quick he managed to avoid he and every ball of mud till he nailed Swinub right in the face. Swinub snorted and shook off the attack.
"Swinub use dig,"
"Pikachu be on high alert we're not sure were Swinub will pop up,"
Pikachu got on all fours and his tail and ears went up trying to be alert to where Swinub wil be. Pikachu looked around the arena, Swinub dug right up underneath Pikachu and tackled him sending him into the air. After a few seconds Pikachu landed back on the ground and he fainted.
"Pikachu is unable to battle, Swinub wins," said refbot.
"Return Pikachu and go Luxio," said Wyatt.
"I'll stick with Swinub," replied Brady.
"Luxio use tackle,"
Luxio started to run at Swinub. Swinub noticed it and jumped back into the hole he created when he hit Pikachu. This made Luxio stop his rushing at Swinub and jump back.
"I have battled ground pokemon before, but as for a tricky ground pokemon Swinub is pretty high up there. He is well trained I'll give him that," said Wyatt to himself he then looked back at the battlefield and seen his Luxio scanning the arena.
"Now Swinub use mud bomb,"
Swinub popped up right in front of Brady and sent a ball of tightly packed mud at Luxio. This ball of mud nailed Luxio right in the face and Luxio got mud in his eyes making things harder to see. Luxio kept pawing trying to wipe his eyes, but he couldn't get it out.
"Luxio relax and wait it out. Listen to what I say and you'll be fine," Wyatt looked over and told Luxio.
Luxio closed his eyes and waited to see what Wyatt would say next.
"Great Luxio now use thunderbolt,"
"Swinub use ice beam,"
It made no sense to those watching why Wyatt used thunderbolt as it would have no effect on Swinub. Luxio charged up and sent a bolt of thunder in front of him hoping he would hit Swinub, but the attack wasn't even close and it hit the wall behind Brady. Swinub sent a rigid blue beam of ice at Luxio, this beam of ice froze Luxio as soon as he was hit with it. At he froze Wyatt looked over at refbot and told him to call the match.
"Luxio is unable to battle, Swinub wins," said refbot.
"Brady that Swinub is strong. You must have been training him hard," commented Wyatt.
"Actually Wyatt I just got him on the way to Cincinnati from an old man in Charlottesville," replied Brady.
"Do you remember what pokemon this old man had?" asked Wyatt.
"Yeah I do. He had a Froslass and a Glalie," replied Brady.
"I don't think you found an old man I believe you may have ran into Joel. Joel is the 13th gym leader and loves messing with people and I believe this Swinub was his," said Wyatt.
"Odd I never suspected anything from him I just thought he was lonely that's why he had all those pokemon," replied Brady.
"You see Brady this region has a very interesting cast of gym leaders some are off the wall odd and others take their job way to seriously, but we all get the job done our way. If I had to pick well respected gym leader I'd have to pick Eli. He's been a gym leader for awhile and he has seen a lot of these trainers come and go," said Wyatt.
"Thanks for the insight Wyatt," replied Brady.
"I guess we should get back to this battle then. Return Luxio and go Flaaffy," said Wyatt.
"Swinub you need a break so return, and go Gurdurr," said Brady.
"Flaaffy use thunderpunch,"
"Gurdurr use your I-beam to block the thunderpunch then use brick break,"
Flaaffy ran at Gurdurr with one of his hands pulsating with thunder as he ran at him. Gurdurr slammed his I-beam into Flaaffy once, he reached Gurdurr. This knocked Flaaffy down to the ground. Gurdurr dropped his I-beam and then slammed his hand into the top of Flaaffy's head. This sent Flaaffy laying in the ground. Flaaffy struggled to get back to his feet.
"Gurdurr use stone edge,"
Small rocks circled around Gurdurr's body he let out a cry and sent the sharp rocks at Flaaffy.
"Flaaffy no," shouted Wyatt as he watched Flaaffy get hit by the rocks.
The rocks nailed Flaaffy and sent him flying back and landing right in front of Wyatt. Flaaffy didn't get back up and fainted from the rocks sent at him from Gurdurr.
"Flaaffy is unable to battle, Gurdurr wins." said refbot.
"It would appear that I'm down to my last pokemon. He won't be that easy to beat though," stated Wyatt.
"I'm sure I can beat him," replied Brady with some confidence in his tone.
"We'll see about that. Return Flaaffy and go Electabuzz," said Wyatt tossing out his pokeball.
"I'll stick with Gurdurr here," replied Brady.
"Electabuzz use thunderpunch,"
"Gurdurr use chip away,"
Gurdurr lifted up his I-beam and got ready swing it at Electabuzz once he got close enough. Electabuzz charged up electricity through his right hand as he ran at Gurdurr. Gurdurr waited for the right moment before slamming his I-beam right into the side of Electabuzz. This forced him to stop his attack. Electabuzz did release a static charge that went through the I-beam and paralyzed Gurdurr.
"That worked great. Now Electabuzz use thunderbolt,"
Electabuzz charged up and sent a bolt of thunder at the paralyzed Gurdurr. Gurdurr could do nothing but stand there as the bolt struck him and dropped him to his knees. Gurdurr couldn't move from his knees because of the paralysis from Electabuzz.
"Electabuzz let's finish this up. Use a combo of fire and thunder punch,"
In hand there was fire coursing through it and the other had electricity coursing through it . He then ran at Gurdurr he first delivered the thunderpunch right to the gut which caused Gurdurr to widen his eyes. Right after that he delivered a fire punch to the same exact spot that caused Gurdurr to drop face down in the dirt.
"Gurdurr is unable to battle, Electabuzz wins," said refbot.
"Return Gurdurr and go Swinub," said Brady.
"So knowing that I have a fire attack you still want to go out Swinub. This could be a big mistake," commented Wyatt.
"I'm aware of that, but that only one attack otherwise Swinub here is unaffected by the other attacks," replied Brady.
"Are you sure that I don't have a fighting type move on my Electabuzz?" asked Wyatt back towards Brady.
Then it hit Brady he has only seen three moves from Electabuzz he does have three more to use, so this could be a problem if Wyatt is right about fighting attack on his Electabuzz.
"I guess I'll have to see if you do then," replied Brady.
"Good, I'm tired of waiting. Electabuzz use fire punch,"
"Use dig to dodge it Swinub,"
Swinub dug deep underground to get away from Electabuzz who was now running at him with fire coursing through his right hand. Electabuzz swung that hand and missed Swinub by a long shot. It was a few moments before Swinub dug up behind Electabuzz and sent a ball of tightly packed mud at him. This tightly packed ball nailed Electabuzz in the back and sent him forward. Wyatt's Electabuzz stood back up after taking the hit and dusted himself off before turning around and facing Swinub.
"Electabuzz use brick break,"
"Swinub use ice beam,"
Swinub sent a rigid blue beam of ice in the direction of Electabuzz. Electabuzz had to stop running and bring up his hands to protect himself from the ice beam. The beam froze him place, Electabuzz started to punch the ice on the ground that froze him there.
"Swinub use mud bomb one last time,"
Electabuzz still hammered on the ice on his feet as Swinub sent a tightly packed ball of mud at him. It was a little to late when Electabuzz realized that he was going to get hit by the attack. The tightly packed mud nailed him in the gut and sent him to the ground ling there fainted.
"Electabuzz is unable to battle Swinub wins. The winner of the bolt badge is Brady," said refbot.
Wyatt looked over at Electabuzz and returned him before walking over to Brady.
"I must say that Swinub sure came in handy against my electric pokemon. Congratulations on earning the 8th badge," said Wyatt handing Brady the bolt badge.
Brady looked down at it and he then realized that he was halfway to making it to the Champion's Cup. He's more than aware that the next 8 gym battles are going to be harder especially not knowing who the 16th gym leader is yet.
"Now if you would excuse me I'll go heal my pokemon and then the trainer can battle me," said Wyatt walking off.
Just as Wyatt left so did Zac. Before he could make it to the door Brady stopped him.
"You challenging Wyatt next Zac?" asked Brady.
"No, I'm going to get some more training in before I battle him. I want to be more than ready for him. I'm going to come back tonight or tomorrow and battle him. I'll catch you guys back in Boston next week because I'm going to stay here a couple more days before traveling to the next gym. I already know you three are leaving tonight to the next gym so see you later Brady," said Zac leaving.
Brady walked up to the bleachers and took a seat. He told Emma and Katie that Zac wasn't battling today so Emma was next. He also told them that he wasn't going to travel with them to the next gym. Katie was glad she didn't have to deal with him till they get back to Boston. Wyatt returned and was ready for his next challenger. Emma stood up and walked back into the entrance where refbot was waiting for her. Refbot walked her to the arena and then took his spot.
(Gym Battle: Emma vs. Wyatt)
"What would you name be miss?" asked Wyatt.
"My name is Emma," responded Emma.
"Nice to meet you Emma. I'll now turn it over to refbot to explain the rules," stated Wyatt.
"This will be a four on four between my Creator Wyatt vs. the challenger Emma. Only the challenger can substitute pokemon. This battle will be over when one of either's trainers pokemon cannot go on. My creator Wyatt will call out his pokemon first then challenger Emma will.
"Go Pikachu," said Wyatt.
"Go Boldore," said Emma.
"Pikachu use quick attack,"
"Boldore use stone edge,"
Pikachu darted left and right while running toward Boldore. Boldore stood there and waited with small rocks circling his body. Once the Pikachu was about to hit him he sent the rocks at him. These rocks hit Pikachu and sent him back in front of Wyatt.
"Pikachu now use thunderbolt,"
"Boldore use protect,"
Boldore brought up a green shield that would protect him from the bolt of thunder that was coming at him from Pikachu. After the bolt stopped Boldore dropped his shield and started slamming his gems on the end of his pincers into the ground. The ground started to shake around Pikachu it wasn't as strong as earthquake, but it still did enough to Pikachu to slow him down and cause him to faint.
"It would appear Boldore knows Bulldoze," commented Wyatt.
"He must have learned that just recently. I didn't know he even had that," replied Emma.
"Pokemon have an amazing ability to learn a move when it needs to. In this case Boldore learning a ground type will you the advantage for the most part. Let's see if you can next pokemon," said Wyatt.
"Pikachu is unable to battle, Boldore wins," said refbot.
"Return Pikachu and go Magnemite," said Wyatt.
"I'll stick with Boldore here," replied Emma.
"Magnemite use flash cannon,"
"Use protect, Boldore,"
Boldore brought up a green shield that protected him from the sliver beam that Magnemite sent at him. The attack Magnemite used did not damage to Boldore because of the shield.
"Magnemite use mirror shot,"
"Boldore use stone edge,"
Magnemite sent a flash of light at Boldore. The flash blinded him and did a lot of damage to him as well. Boldore still managed to send the small rocks circling his body before the blinding light. The rocks nailed Magnemite, but did a small amount of damage. The only reason Boldore hung on from the attack Magnemite used was because of sturdy his ability.
"Return Boldore and go Combusken," said Emma.
"A fire type pokemon. This could be hard to beat," thought Wyatt.
"Combusken use flamethrower,"
Combusken sent a stream of fire at Magnemite. Magnemite didn't move or try to avoid the attack. It was hit with the stream of fire and crashed to the ground. Magnemite barely hung with it's own ability of Sturdy.
"Combusken use double kick to finish this battle,"
Combusken ran at Magnemite and jumped into the air to meet Magnemite. He then kicked it once then another time that sent Magnemite into the ground for the final time.
"Magnemite is unable to battle, Combusken wins," said refbot.
"I would appear I have two pokemon left. Let's see how you handle my next pokemon. Return Magnemite and go Rotom," said Wyatt.
"I've never that pokemon before," commented Emma.
"Well my dear Rotom here is an electric ghost type pokemon. So let's see how you deal with it," replied Wyatt.
"I think I'll stick with Combusken here," said Emma.
"Rotom use thunderbolt,"
"Combusken use quick attack to dodge it then use flamethrower,"
Rotom charged up and sent a bolt of thunder at Combusken. Combusken was quick on his feet and dodged the electric attack with his blazing speed. Once Combusken was in the clear he sent a stream of fire at Rotom. Rotom didn't attempt or do anything to dodge the attack and the attack found its mark and it did a good amount of damage to Rotom. It didn't do enough to cause Rotom to faint.
"Rotom use shadow ball,"
Rotom made a shadowy purple ball in front of its mouth and after finishing making it Rotom sent it at Combusken. Combusken used his speed again to dodge the attack after doing so Combusken then ran at Rotom. Once close enough Combusken jumped up and attacked Rotom with his claws that appeared to give off a shadowy appearance. Combusken used this attack twice and sent Rotom in the dirt, fainted.
"Better time than any to use a shadow claw attack," commented Wyatt.
"He used shadow claw," responded Emma with a confused look.
"Yes he did and by the way you said it. It appears he's never used before. He learned a move just at the right time again," said Wyatt.
"I'm glad he did," replied Emma.
"It appears I'm down to my last pokemon, but as you already he is stronger than most of my pokemon so we better get to it then," said Wyatt.
"Ok I'm ready for him," shot back Emma.
"Rotom is unable to battle, Combusken wins," said Refbot.
"Return Rotom and go Electabuzz," said Wyatt.
"Return Combusken and go Boldore," said Emma.
"Electabuzz use thunderbolt,"
"Boldore, protect,"
Boldore encased himself in a green shield that protected him from any attack right now. Even knowing that Boldore was well protected Electabuzz still charged up and sent a bolt of thunder at him. The green shield protected Boldore from the bolt and did nothing to him.
"Use brick break Electabuzz,"
"Boldore use bulldoze,"
Boldore started to slam his gems that were on the end of his pincers into the ground. The ground around Electabuzz shook. This didn't stop Electabuzz from running at Boldore. It did in fact slow Electabuzz down but by time Electabuzz reached Boldore he was able to drop his hand straight down on Boldore's head. Boldore crashed into the ground.
"Boldore is unable to battle, Electabuzz wins," said refbot.
"Return Boldore and go Combusken," said Emma.
"Back to Combusken. I can see why you did that. He is reliable and faster than Electabuzz, but speed doesn't always matter you must remember that even though some trainers in our region relay on it as part of what they do," stated Wyatt.
"I know what speed does in battle and I understand how useful it is," replied Emma.
"Electabuzz use thunderpunch,"
"Combusken use double kick,"
Combusken ran at Electabuzz. Electabuzz had thunder crackling through his fist as he was ready for Combusken. Once Combusken reached him Electabuzz tried the fist that was covered in electricity, but Combusken jumped into the air to dodge it. Combusken landed behind Electabuzz and kicked him once, this knocked the air out of Electabuzz. Combusken then delivered a second kick that sent Electabuzz into a rock on the arena that was created from the second time Boldore used Bulldoze.
Electabuzz was sitting against the rock before getting back to his feet.
"Combusken use flamethrower,"
Combusken sent a stream of flames at Electabuzz that pushed him back into the rock and eventually shattered the rock and pushing Electabuzz into the wall. Electabuzz didn't get up after this time.
"Electabuzz is unable to battle, Combusken wins. Emma is the winner," said refbot.
Wyatt returned Electabuzz and then walked over to Emma who was know joined by Brady, and Katie. Wyatt handed Emma the bolt badge before explaining where they will be heading to next.
"Good job you three on winning your 8th gym badge you are now halfway. Up next is 9th gym in Madison, WI. The gym leader there specializes in ghost pokemon. He is harder than me so good luck," laughed Wyatt.
"Thank you we'll be leaving now," said Brady.
The three of them left the gym and walked back over to the Pokemon Center. The plan was to leave and catch the train to Watertown, WI and walk the remaining way to Madison. The train leaves in two hours and runs through the night.
(At the Pokemon Center)
The three of them gave their pokemon to the Nurse to get them fully healed while Brady and Emma pack up their stuff. Katie sat on the couch and was thinking about some things. The one thing that was on her mind was the Festival of Ghosts and Ghouls that his held in Boston every year. Before she could think anymore Brady and Emma returned downstairs grabbed their pokemon and the three of them left towards the train station. It was a 45 minute walk from the Pokemon Center to the Train Station. The three of them bought their tickets and took a seat on a bench to wait for the train.
(At the Train Station)
"Katie you've been rather quiet today," intrigued Emma.
"It's nothing sis," replied Katie.
"Are you sure. I do know when your ling to me," said Emma.
"I'm fine just not in a talkative mode today," replied Katie.
"I bet your thinking about something or someone. I know why too because you invite someone to the festival in Boston, but you not sure if he'll say yes," said Emma.
"I really want to ask him, but I'm not sure of an answer," replied Katie.
"Well its worth asking," said Emma.
"I guess I'll do that later," said Katie.
"Ok just be prepared that our parents will ask him a lot of questions," replied Emma.
"I know they will," said Katie.
"Well I guess that settles what your going to do," said Emma.
"I'm going to go get some snacks I'll be back," said Katie standing up and walking off.
A few minutes later returned with some snacks for everyone. They stood around for another hour and half before the train arrived. It took them 30 minutes to unload and change drivers before those heading to Watertown can board. Once everything was ready the train finally left Cincinnati to Watertown aboard the train were trainers and those that came to watch the Contest. Katie sat across from Brady and Emma and stared out the window still thinking about the Festival.
(On the Train)
It became night rather quickly and many on the train started to fall asleep including Emma and Brady. Katie sat there and stayed awake for some time before sending a text to Andrew then going to bed. All she asked Andrew was that if he could come to Boston and see the Ghosts and Ghouls Festival. It was late that night when she got a response. She was up waiting for it and all it said was yes he'll come. Katie was excited for the response that she almost woke up Emma.
Well here is the last two that battled Wyatt for the 8th badge. Zac has deiced to stay in Cincinnati to train some more before rejoining them in Boston for the Ghosts and Ghouls Festival. Which is just a week of events to celebrate Halloween and now we know Andrew will be there too, to be with Katie.
Trainer Update:
Both Emma and Brady have the 8th gym badge.
Poke Update:
None
Team Darkness;
None
Sneak Peak:
In the next chapter the three of them will arrive in Watertown. Were they will stay one day before leaving to Madison. Once in Madison they will only be there to battle the 9th gym leader and then they'll leave back to Boston for a week or so before heading to the 10th gym. Once in Watertown one of them will get another pokemon for their team.