Remember when I said that this chapter would be heck to write because of the battle? I think I went crazy, because I actually had fun writing this battle. Describing the Gym (the arena is based on Morty's in Pokémon Stadium 2; I loved that freaky floor), the attacks, how Pokémon react to one another…I enjoyed it. I flippin' enjoyed it.

So hopefully you will too!

Chapter 37
Nighttime Gym Battle

A chilly cold befell Ecruteak City as evening arrived. Naoko and Marina set themselves beside the entrance of the Dance Theater as visitors began flooding in. For only a few moments, the girl Trainer watched them. She held her arms, snuggling them in her powder blue jacket to shake off some coldness. It wasn't long before she found herself a little nervous.

"Wow, is it always like this?" she asked.

"Yes, normally," the ever-calm Naoko responded. "Many more attend the Christmas recital, where we recruit Kimono Girls in Sinnoh. The more Eevee evolutions that are present, the better the show."

"Oh." Marina's stomach churned at the thought. Marina remained silent to hide the nervousness, but smiled as she felt herself become a little excited at the idea of performing with such an audience.

"Under my care, you'll do well, I'm sure."

"I hope I do. I'm looking forward to it."

The elegant woman nodded. Unfolding her arms, Naoko pulled out a transparent case from her sleeve. It contained what looked like a CD, and she held it up and tilted it toward Marina. "Here, we want you to have this. It might be useful."

"What is it?" With a polite and small bow, Marina held the box in her hand. The metallic rings of the disk varied in shades of blue, and etched on its container were the letters, "HM 03 - Surf". The girl nearly gasped, but looked at the woman, elated. "This is…!"

"Yes. It teaches the technique Surf to a Pokémon, so they'll learn how to properly carry you across bodies of water," Naoko explained. "We don't need it, so you can have it."

"Thank you! I'll use it!" Marina grasped the HM in both her hands and bowed. She slid off her backpack to put the gift away as Naoko smiled.

"Naoko," a soft voice called. One of the other Kimono Girls rushed out of the crowd and quickly fixed her flowered barrettes. Her gaze went to Marina and she nodded politely at her while smoothing the folds on her midnight black kimono.

"You need me?" Naoko asked.

"It's getting busy, so yes," she replied.

Looking at Marina again, Naoko made a brief wave. "This is farewell for now, Marina. I wish you luck."

"Mm hm. Bye!" Marina turned and waved back as she quickly ran down the stairs.

As she continued to walk down the street, the sounds of chatting, music, and the pleasant fragrances of the Theater began to fade behind the other sounds of the city. She approached Jackson, who had been waiting for her by a streetlight, which resembled lanterns in this city. He grinned and crossed his arms.

"You ready?"

Touching the six spheres that were clipped to her belt, the girl sprinted a little past him with a hop. "I sure hope I am," she responded.

They took the familiar route past the Pokémon Center and a few of the old houses. The lamps on the sides of the street guided their way brightly.

I hope the Gym's still open, Marina thought.

She sighed and breathed deeply; catching her breath, slightly weathered by the lessons she went through with the Kimono Girls that day. Marina was thankful not only to have the chance to battle Ecruteak's Gym Leader this Friday night, but that the Kimono Girls focused more on improving Marina's own dancing rather than Prince's. She was certain that Morty would use his Gengar once again, so by default Marina would need Prince for the battle.

When reaching the Pokémon Gym, Marina was relieved to see a few dim lights emanating from its windows. Its antique appearance gave off an unsettling air, making her pause. It was far quieter now, and she shifted uncomfortably. The emptiness and the nighttime darkness felt almost ominous. If there was fog, too, she would feel tempted to wait until morning.

"A little creepy, isn't it?" Jackson asked eventually, looking at her from the corner of his eye. He was still smiling, as always, to reassure her that nothing was wrong.

"Yeah, spooky," she laughed it off.

With a start, the girl Trainer walked ahead toward the Ecruteak Gym and entered through the doors, left ajar as they had been the last time she was there. A breath of cold air bit her as she walked in, and she shivered. The only sources of light were two solitary, candle-lit lamps hanging low from the ceiling on each side of the black floor ahead that was the battlefield. She remained still until Jackson breezed by.

"Hello?" he called into the silence. But he scratched his head as there was no response. "I guess they're closed for the night?"

"Then why would the Gym's door be left open like that?" Marina reasonably debated, puzzled and straining to see his face in the dim lighting.

"Search me." Jackson shrugged. As he held his chin, he closed his eyes and formed the cliché thinking pose. But he broke the pose in mere seconds and walked toward the edge of the black plane.

"Hold on a sec." Carefully he stepped at first, but broke into full sprint across the field.

"Jackson!" Marina called after him, yielding to watch. For some time, she stood alone and concentrated on where she saw her friend fade into the shadows. She sighed as she waited in the chilly room. Her fingers lightly touched her Poké Balls again to make sure they were all securely fastened there, though she was surprised at how chilly the metal felt on her fingertips.

I wonder if it ever gets cold inside of there, she wondered.

Her ears then picked up at a faint tap from behind her, causing her to jump and her body to tremble in paranoia. She held her arms and quickly turned around. Only the empty room and the shady lighting outside met her alert eyesight. But her senses still sharpened and failed to soothe herself of her anxiety.

O…Okay. Maybe I didn't hear that. Marina held her chilled hands and sighed into them. Thanks to whatever happened in the Ruins of Alph, I'm so paranoid that just standing in a dark place by myself freaks me out. It's like another crazy Pokémon's going to come out of nowhere and—.

A hand grasped her shoulder. Before she could look, she screamed on instinct and pulled away.

"Woah, woah, calm down!" Jackson's voice reassured hurriedly. "It's just me!"

"Oh…Oh…" Marina stood up straight and faced him, her anxious heart still pounding in her chest. "S-Sorry."

"Were you scared by yourself?" He laughed weakly as a hearty apology. "Sorry about that, I should've brought you with me. But I found the Gym Leader!"

"You did?"

"Yeah. He was busy eating dinner," Jackson informed her in a matter-of-factly tone.

Marina nodded, though half-heartedly. "So when is he going to be done?"

"Now," Morty voiced.

Both Trainers looked across the room, where the young man in blue stood with a Poké Ball ready in one hand. Behind him stood a teenager with two flags in hand; a referee.

"You're back, I see?" Morty asked.

"I am!" Marina proceeded to step into the rectangle outline in white that lay before the shady battlefield, as she had done once before. She stood up straight, as Naoko had taught her to do during dance practice.

"Good. We were about to close up early for the day, but I suppose we have time for another match."

The referee immediately turned to him, the gesture enough proving that he wasn't happy about having to stick around. Morty simply looked back at him, and Marina failed to distinguish his facial expression. But it was enough to make the teenager head for the stand on the sidelines, though muttering under his breath.

"We'll start when I finish announcing the rules," he began quietly at first, but his voice grew louder as he continued with apathy, "Three-on-three battle between the Gym Leader, Morty, and the Challenger…whoever you are."

"I'm Marina, from New Bark Town," Marina introduced with a small smile.

"Right. The Trainer to have all three Pokémon knocked out will lose the match. If the Challenger, Marina of New Bark Town, wins she will receive the official Gym Badge of Ecruteak City, the Fog Badge," the boy rambled on monotonously. He gripped both the flags, which were gold and silver-colored, and swung his arms in the air. "Let the match begin."

As the referee finished his last sentence, a strong breeze came upon them, spinning and whistling sporadically. With it brought a freezing draft that eradicated the only sources of light, which died as the darkness completely engulfed the room. The markings on the black plane and the borders of the battlefield shone luminously lit like a flashlight, making everything appear evermore uncanny.

Marina could feel the coldness pinching her neck and she clutched King's Poké Ball in her hand. "King!" she called and released her fire ermine.

The Quilava's red eyes came alive within the soft glow, focusing ahead of him. Both watched as the Gym Leader tossed the ball in the air. His first choice was the cackling Haunter, who screeched in delight upon spotting Marina. It stretched its claws toward her with its jack-o-lantern grin, pretending to grab her hair from afar. The girl held her pigtails defensively.

"Not today, you!" she snapped. But the jolly creature laughed in its slightly hoarse voice. Marina found herself smiling as well and giggled once in return.

"So it's Haunter versus Quilava," the referee droned. "First match begin."

Haunter hovered and spun playfully, energized by the shadows around it. From the ground, King kept eye contact, but was taken aback as it vanished from sight. A roar erupted behind him, and he leapt and whirled around, the fire on his hide flickering. Again, his enemy had hidden itself.

Marina watched as this happened and said, "Just keep your guard, King! When you get the chance, attack with Ember!"

"Prepare for another Astonish, Haunter," Morty called into the darkness.

Tense and solid in his stance, King nodded. His gaze swept across the battlefield, pawing at the illuminated markings under him. Another spontaneous shriek tore the silence, and immediately King's flames rejuvenated. They roared as its wielder opened his mouth wide, a flurry of fire spurred from him in a bright display of reds and yellows.

Spinning wildly, Haunter maneuvered in vain when the flames enveloped it. Finally breaking free into the cold air above, the area around them returned to its peculiar dark glimmer when King's fire died down.

"Curse!" Morty ordered.

Facing him for a moment, the ghost Pokémon's permanent grin grew as Haunter again vanished.

"Don't let it get you, King!" Marina yelled to her partner.

The Quilava began to sprint around the eerie black plane, looking left and right as his flames revived in his head and hide once more. He stopped briefly as a black energy began zapping him of energy; the Curse technique had been launched. But he continued to run, just enough to avoid one of Haunter's glowing black claws.

"King, Flame Wheel!" Marina ordered urgently. "Now!"

Jumping, King pivoted and released flames all around him. He ignored the pain tormenting him and tackled into Haunter. Its screeching voice echoed as the gas ghost sank onto the Gym floor.

"Haunter is unable to battle," muttered the referee, lifting one of the flags; the color indistinguishable in the dark. "Gym Leader Morty, choose your next Pokémon."

"Good job, Marina!" Jackson cheered from behind Marina.

With a grin, the girl Trainer looked over her shoulder at him. The sound of a rasping breath caused her to jump back to the battle field. Hovering besides Morty was another Haunter, which made no movements of glee. Its figure was larger, eyes glowing bright red in a way that instantly brought unease; it was a dark poltergeist in comparison to its previous, jocular brother.

Wow, this one's scary, Marina thought with a frown.

"The next Pokémon is Haunter," the referee said as the creature moved toward King at a gradual pace. "Let the battle begin."

Beginning in a deep laugh, the Haunter floated slowly around its opponent. King, glaring, moved his body with it and flinched as it feigned a lunge. His fire sputtered as he leapt, flinging himself at Haunter, who backed away to avoid getting hit.

"King, use Ember!" Marina commanded. But as King spewed the fiery spheres, the Haunter deteriorated into the shadows.

"Shadow Punch," ordered the calm owner of the sardonic Haunter. The ghost appeared and socked King on the back of his head within a split second afterward. Tumbling, King faced Haunter with a severe growl.

"Ember again!"

"Night Shade, Haunter!"

Haunter flew back as King dashed at it shooting fire bullets from his mouth. A dark violet veil shrouded around him, causing him to stop and teeter about in pain.

"Charge at it with your Flame Wheel while it's still close," Marina called. Her voice had trembled as she watched her Pokémon painfully shake of and thrash through the Night Shade.

Speedily running, crimson fire enveloped King when he tackled into it. With only a brief cry, Haunter fell along with King on the hard dark ground, escaping by vanishing. The heat of the flames' heat, growing hot enough to reveal its rare teal shade, extended across the arena before they dispersed.

"It's okay, you're doing good!" Marina encouraged him when she saw King heave a deep sigh.

"Magu," the Quilava replied. He smirked through another shock from the Curse attack, and trembled upon the reappearance of Haunter from high above him. At once, he triggered his flames, which both hit and missed as it dived down toward him. King ran as it shot a ray of bright stars at him, still firing the crimson-green embers.

"Haunter, use Mean Look!"

"King, Smokescreen!" Marina responded to Morty's order.

In a brief motion toward his Trainer, King whirled and chucked a gray sphere that exploded in a thick, gray haze. The violet Pokémon soared into the spreading smoke cloud. A shriek tore the temporary silence and fire broke free from the dense atmosphere, followed by another pained roar.

With the sudden sound cutting short, Marina sighed nervously as she peered into the smoke. She could barely tell the difference between the cloud and the darkness of the Gym. Popping from the smoke was Haunter, noticeably scarred with more burns than it had since entering. The blue-haired girl clutched King's Poké Ball.

"King, use Flame Wheel and keep your eyes shut!" Crawling out of the smokescreen, King followed her voice for a moment. Marina took only a second to hold out her Poké Ball and shout, "Return!" King looked at her before evaporating into the red light that brought him into the safety and comfort of the sphere.

Yes, managed to avoid the Mean Look!

"The Challenger, whose name escapes me, has chosen to return her Quilava," the referee announced the obvious. "Choose your next Pokémon. Quickly."

Clipping King's Poké Ball to the left side of her waist, Marina reached for Phany's. But as she did so, she bumped another and accidentally detached it from her belt. She attempted to grab it, but the ball smacked on the floor and opened before she could. Her eyes widened as she stared face-to-face with her apathetic Misdreavus, who shifted toward Haunter. The little ghost's frown flipped to a smile, unfazed by the dark look it gave her in return.

"Um, Misdreavus," Marina picked up her Poké Ball, "Sorry, I didn't mean to send you out, so—."

"The Challenger's next Pokémon is Misdreavus!" the young referee yelled. "Commence the next battle!"

"W-What? But that's not what I...!" Marina quieted a little, turning back at Misdreavus.

"Muu." The little ghost looked back at her for some time with the same smirk, the edges of her skirt wavering when she flew by toward the battlefield. Misdreavus hovered near Haunter, not looking back at Marina, who gazed in worry.

Oh no...This could end up bad.

In an instant, her Pokémon's pupils thinned as her expression darkened at Haunter, who twitched in response. Misdreavus spun high toward the ceiling, her figure fading.

"That was Mean Look," Morty said. He looked at Marina expectantly. "A smart move, on the Pokémon's part."

Marina made a short sigh. Misdreavus, I hope you listen to me this time.

A curious red glow descended from the ceiling, moving close to Haunter. A strand of crimson beads shone brightly in front of Haunter's stern face. In apprehension, it touched one of the jewels with its claw. Suddenly, a loud and shrill shriek sent it flying back in shock and pain, and Marina as well as the others cringed at the earsplitting cry. Once it ended, a delicate laugh sounded from the necklace as it sped toward Haunter, who retreated haphazardly.

"That's Misdreavus. Shadow Punch it as it gets closer!" Morty called.

Recovering, Haunter reeled back one of its burnt hands, a dark power emanating from it. It waited for Misdreavus, who flew a wiggling path as she still appeared to be a string of red beads. Its eyes narrowed as it endured the stinging that pervading through its burns.

Marina watched as this happened, eyeing the glowing figure with concern. Can Misdreavus see Haunter's attack? Staring silently a little longer, she stood firmly. "Misdreavus, Psybeam!"

In the dim lighting, she could spot Misdreavus's little figure fade into view. A second later, rainbow-colored beam shot from her eyes, nailing Haunter in the face before she could get close. Afterward, she ascended and fired rounds of Psybeams until she forced it to land on the black plane. With a deflating groan, Haunter flinched but went limp.

"Morty's Haunter is unable to battle." The referee, hitting his ears repeatedly to fix them from Misdreavaus's previous screeching, held up one of the flags again with his voice containing annoyance still. "The Gym Leader will now select his last Pokémon."

"Muuma," Misdreavus sang in a merry confidence. She swerved away from the unmoving Haunter as it retreated into its Poké Ball. Flying downward she stopped and floated nearby her Trainer.

Marina stared in surprise, and the Pokémon looked back with an expression she couldn't see in the lighting. Feeling her spirits rise, the girl smiled. "Good job, Misdreavus! You listened!"

"Muu," the little ghost responded airily.

"You must be in a good mood today."

"Muu." The reply sounded more or less like the previous one.

Marina giggled. "Do you like me again?"

"Muu."

For a few moments, she watched Misdreavus blankly. She tilted her head. "Muu?"

"Muu!" Misdreavus replied at once, wearing a smile. Before Marina could say anything else, Misdreavus turned and fluttered back toward the field.

"Wha…" Marina burst out in sudden laughter. Whether Misdreavus was playing or mocking her words, she found it amusing and cute.

"The Gym Leader has chosen Gengar as his last Pokémon," the referee droned. "Let the last—and hopefully last—battle for the night commence."

This time, Misdreavus was silent. She stared at the chubby ghost that stared back with a wide, toothy smile. The little ghost cocked her head to the side, scowling as the Gengar held out its hand and beckoned her to come.

Narrowing one of its eyes and frowning, Gengar let its arm fall to its side. "Gen?"

"Muuma muu." Misdreavus's voice was wary, to which Gengar let out a howl of hysterical laughter. The frown twisted further on her face and she clicked her tongue as she watched the ungrateful ghost express its amusement.

"Misdreavus," Marina paused, "Start off with a Psybeam!"

Misdreavus followed the order and swept down firing the energy beam. Gengar immediately stopped its laughing and avoided the attack, shooting her a crazed grin. This only infuriated her and pushed her to fire rapid Psybeams without mercy. Many of the attacks went in vain; as if treating it as a game of tag, the Gengar danced about and failed to show any sort of weakness or pain.

"Gengar, use Mean Look!" Morty ordered.

"Mean Look?" Marina gazed at the Gym Leader's vague figure across the battlefield. She touched Prince's Poké Ball, biting her lip.

"Genga!" Gengar vanished and appeared before Misdreavus, who glared angrily. When her enemy's eyes glowed eerily, she stubbornly refused to back down and hence returned it with a similar stare of her own. Both Pokémon's gazing pierced each other coldly, Gengar grinning at the negative energy while Misdreavus severely threw it several dirty looks.

"A Mean Looking contest between ghost Pokémon?" Jackson asked and crossed his arms. "Just look at them go! There isn't even a purpose for Misdreavus to use Mean Look now that Morty's down to his last Pokémon..."

His words barely managed to register in Marina's mind, as she was hardly listening. The thoughts in her head whirled and debated amongst themselves as her intent eyes kept watch of the glaring ghosts, her clammy hands both holding the Poké Balls belonging to Misdreavus and Prince.

Morty's probably going to have Misdreavus Cursed, she predicted. I can't return her like I did with King; the only way for Prince to battle Gengar now is for Misdreavus to faint. But Misdreavus is doing so well right now. I don't know if she'll even look at me if she loses. Then again...

With a start, her sight snapped at her attention as she witnessed Misdreavus rapidly producing its multi-colored beams once more. "Misdreavus, try using Confuse Ray!" she advised.

Her Pokémon paused for a moment, glancing at her.

"Shadow Ball, Gengar!" Morty ordered.

Gengar formed a dark sphere in its grasp and then quickly spiked it like a volley ball toward its opponent, who narrowly avoided and shot a bright ray of light into its eyes. Stumbling back in a melodramatic manner, the Pokémon clumsily landed on the arena. It tried to regain its balance in vain, kicking its short, cumbersome feet in the air.

Misdreavus soared toward Gengar with a confident smirk. Once hovering over the wailing Pokémon, she fired a Psybeam at it, but paused to watch its reaction. Her eyes then traveled toward Marina's direction once more, specifically at a Poké Ball in her hand. "Muu..."

Marina herself, noticing the stare, blinked. "What is it? Use Psybeam again while you can!"

Though, Prince...

It took a second longer of her observing before Misdreavus murmured, "Muu." Yet this time, it was devoid of negligence.

"Spite, Gengar," the Gym Leader coolly commanded.

As if the flailing were an act, Gengar flipped back on its feet and opened its gaping mouth. Three dark, peculiar spheres darted and surrounded Misdreavus, vanishing off without a moment to spare. Misdreavus shook off a dizziness that plagued her and her eyes lit up in preparation for another Psybeam. However, the light stayed and refused to shoot out. At once, Misdreavus stopped the attack, puzzled.

"Genga!" Gengar crazily laughed. It hurled a sparking fist at her, sending her flying away from the forced of the attack. Exasperated and helpless, Misdreavus resorted to fleeing around the battlefield, keeping low on the ground to use the glowing lights as a week cover from Gengar's random Shadow Balls that it tossed at her. The little ghost was still hit at times and she grew more fatigued, her stamina whittling away.

"Misdreavus! Um..." Marina trailed off, unable to decide on her next command.

She can't use Psybeam now because of Spite...? What other attacks does Misdreavus know? There's Astonish, but Misdreavus can't last long enough to take down Gengar's remaining health.

An idea came to mind, one that would take some risky sacrifices to have it work. The idea made her hesitate, but she looked at the Poké Ball belonging to her Espeon.

"Misdreavus, please, use Perish Song!"

Everyone looked at her with surprise; Marina could not tell this, as the lighting veiled their expressions well. But her determination didn't fail her, especially as Misdreavus shot into the air with her ruby necklace giving off a dark red light. Their eyes met for a second, or perhaps her eyes only met Prince's Poké Ball, and Misdreavus glared down on her ill-willed enemy.

Shouting a final, "Muu," she opened her mouth and sung.

Never had Marina heard such an outlandish and eerie singing voice before. It wasn't near horrid like scratching sadistically on a chalkboard, but instead it was almost soothing if not for the unsteady tone and entrancing echoes that followed it. It was so bone-chillingly clear; every vibration, each breath, that Marina shivered at the first few seconds of the sacrificing soliloquy. She had heard Pokémon sing before, even Perish Songs, but it was only on television. The real deal was much more haunting.

Gengar rolled about in discomfort. Black bands of glowing energy trapped it, mercilessly constricting it of movement. Misdreavus released a slight wail and continued to sing the dark lullaby. The bonds had surrounded her as well, for Perish Song zaps both the opponent and the user's energy. With guilt, Marina could imagine the pain Misdreavus must have felt.

Misdreavus...

Suddenly, she felt something around her neck tighten. She instinctively moved her hand to her neck, and as she felt it, her fingertips sensed the rose clasp of her black choker, hidden under the collar of her shirt. This made her a little nervous, and she breathed deeply only to almost gag.

T-This thing is way too tight! But as she made the mental conclusion, it stopped; the choker felt normal and comfortable again. What...what was that about?

"Hey, Marina, are you okay?" She heard Jackson ask above the wavering tones of Misdreavus's Perish Song, which now seemed to be fading away. From the glowing lights on the floor that illuminated his face, she could tell he was worried.

Quickly, Marina shook her head and forced a smile. "I'm fine, I'm fine!"

But she suddenly realized that the song's presence had faded away, yielding to a peaceful yet unsettling silence. Tensing, Marina returned her gaze to the battlefield. Then she noticed it; Misdreavus was resting on the ground, out cold, and Gengar was still standing, though significantly exhausted. Even with Misdreavus unconscious, the bands still wrapped greedily around its slouching body.

The referee was facing her, probably with expectancy. "Challenger whose name escapes me, return your Pokémon and choose your next one," he said.

"S-Sorry!" Marina apologized and quickly bowed. She returned Misdreavus as soon as possible, smiling at it before putting it away and holding up Prince's. With a deep sigh to relax her sensitive nerves, she whispered in a smile, "Here we go again. Good luck."

Now what will happen?
As it is now, Morty has his Gengar left. Marina has Prince and a weakened King, but Prince has a score to settle with Gengar. Will Prince win easily over Gengar due to the effects of Misdreavus's Perish Song, or will he again be defeated? You'll find out soon enough.

Oh, and there will be more Kenta. Eventually! I have my plans.

Hope to update soon!