Quick updates begin again! Sorry for another abrupt hiatus. Guess it's to be expected at this point… My goal is to post as much as possible so Part One will be complete before the end of the year. Seriously this time! Expect at least a chapter a week!
Enjoy.
Chapter 85
The Blackthorn Gym
By the time Marina and Kenta stepped outside, thick gray clouds had blotted out the evening sky. Together, they hiked uphill toward the Blackthorn City Gym. Fickle winds tugged at them from all directions. But they trudged on, minding their footing on the wet road.
Kenta looked over his shoulder at the mountain path south of them. His friend giggled.
"You're eager to battle too, aren't you?"
"Yeah," he admitted with a smile, "The Trainers at the Pokémon Center looked really experienced."
"I think so, too. This is the place where Johto's strongest Trainers should be!"
"Hopefully they're not too far out of our league. What's your plan for the Gym? Besides your Lapras, I mean."
"My Lapras?" She gave him a curious look. "I don't really have a plan until I get to the Gym and figure out what the Trainers use."
Kenta stopped. "You just walk in blindly?"
"Well, yeah." Marina held down one of her windswept pigtails against her shoulder, looking up at the clouds. "I guess it's a little reckless, when I think about it. But my team's all different types so I think we're flexible."
"You have a point. The Elite Four specialize in certain types, too, but I'm sure they have techniques that cover their weaknesses. Having a more diverse team prepares you for anything."
"When you put it that way, it sounds smart! I'm just winging it half the time."
"You've made it this far, right?"
Her face lit up with joy. "Yeah! Besides, it's a lot more fun to just run in and roll with it."
"What kind of Gym do you think this one is?"
"What kind do you think it is? Wanna guess first?"
"I already know."
"Aww." Marina pretended to pout, and he chuckled. She looked up the steep hill past the rugged log cabins. After a moment's thought, she snapped her fingers. "Oh! It's Dragon-type, isn't it?"
"Yeah, you're right. How did you figure it out?"
"Blackthorn City's the town of Dragon Trainers. Lance grew up here, you know!"
"Ah."
"Rumor has it they have a secret training ground. You can't get in unless you can prove you're worthy of owning a dragon. Lance passed his test when he was only fourteen!"
"I'm not surprised," Kenta responded. "He isn't the Champion for nothing."
They reached the crest of the hill, and the Gym's intimidating form emerged into view. Sharp, intricate windows scaled the walls, and elaborate details were carved into the brick. It overlooked the city with foreboding mystique. Marina gazed in awe. The usual informational sign was posted in front of the building, and she paused to read it.
Blackthorn City Pokémon Gym
Leader: Clair
The Blessed User of Dragon Pokémon
"The Gym Leader here is notorious for being unbeatable," Kenta said. "She never holds back in battle."
Marina began fiddling with her fingers, but adamantly stopped herself. She took his hand and bolted forward. "C'mon!"
"W-Wait, slow down!" He exclaimed, stumbling behind her.
An older Trainer guarded the entrance alongside a pair of dragon statues. His sporty attire had Poké Ball fasteners on his chest and belt—as was the trend amongst the practical Ace Trainers that thrived in the city. He watched them approach.
"Good afternoon!" Marina said with a quick bow.
"Good afternoon. Do you need anything?"
"I'm here to challenge the Gym!"
His squinting, no-nonsense face seemed skeptical at best. With her free hand, she lifted her collar and its seven glittering pins. He surveyed them. An intrigued hum rumbled in his throat.
"Wow. Alright, you can come in."
He looked at Kenta expectantly.
"Uh…" Kenta froze up. "I'm not taking the challenge."
"He's here to watch," said Marina.
The Ace Trainer shook his head. "Spectating isn't permitted in this Gym."
"What? But…he's my best friend! He won't cause trouble!" She made the most pleading face she could muster, but he crossed his arms and remained stone-faced.
"Like I said, you can go," he referenced her badges with his gloved hand, "but the rules state that only Trainers with seven badges can enter this Gym."
"Come on, please?"
"It's okay, Marina," Kenta said. "You can tell me how it goes afterward."
Marina turned to him with the same pitiable frown. Unlike the guard, Kenta broke eye contact. He let go of her hand and adjusted his hat.
"R-Really, it's alright."
She sighed. "I guess you're right." Perking up, she reached into her backpack. "That reminds me; I'll give you something to help you while you're out training!"
"Out training? You don't have to. Save as many supplies as you can for the—."
He paused. The girl handed him a small, thin box concealed in vibrant wrapping paper.
"It's your Christmas present! I meant to give it to you on Christmas, but Jackson forgot to call you so…" She tentatively slung her bag back onto her shoulders.
Kenta looked it over. "Is it a TM?"
"I knew you'd figure it out right away! The Goldenrod Department Store had this big sale. They're switching out the old 50 TM system with a new 100 TM one, and Thunder Punch is one of the TMs that'll be discontinued so I got a couple. Typhlosion can learn it, you know.
"And…" She covered her mouth and turned away. "Geez! I completely spoiled the surprise!"
He smiled. "Thanks! This should be helpful."
Marina glanced at the strict gatekeeper, who now leaned on one of the statues, watching the sky with insipid interest. She hopped toward the doors. Noticing this, he stood up straight and moved to open them.
"Anyway, I'm going in! I dunno how long it'll take me so don't wait around."
"Of course." He gave her a thumbs-up, however bashfully. "Good luck in there!"
She nodded, holding up a peace sign in return. "I'll do my best!"
The Gym's interior resembled a craggy dungeon—an extension of the tough mountainous environment outside. Spikes lined the edges of the first floor, which separated the entrance from the Gym Leader's arena. It was far off on the opposite end of the room, out of Marina's reach.
Upon reaching the upper floor, Marina realized, to her dismay, that the building was a maze of blue-bricked corridors. Navigating it to the end was going to require more than just fighting Trainers.
Fortunately, the battles did well to distract her from her lack of direction.
"Fire Fang!"
"Fly, Kenya!"
Marina's Fearow jumped high into the vaulted ceiling, escaping the burning jaws of his opponent. The dragon-like Charizard stood tall on its muscular legs and peered up at him. Smoke hissed out of its mouth. Injuries scattered heavily across its form, but it refused to go down.
Kenya took a steep dive.
"Flamethrower!" quickly called its Trainer.
Marina bit back her orders. The Charizard roared and unleashed a wave of fire above. Kenya continued, ready to plunge headfirst into the inferno.
"Alright, Kenya, dodge!"
The bird swooped out of the way, but squawked as he skimmed past the flames. Charizard turned to change trajectory. Kenya folded his wings, speeding up and striking his opponent. The flame on Charizard's tail flickered as it stumbled back. Its Trainer called out an attack, and Marina rushed out an order in response.
"Slash!"
"Drill Peck!"
The ground reverberated as the Charizard stomped to regain its balance. It took a violent swing, claws curled. Kenya beat its wings and spun wildly, jabbing its sharp beak multiple times into its gut. With a sharp cry, the orange beast toppled with a heavy thud. Kenya fell to the ground right after, but managed to scramble upright.
"Charizard, can you get up?" The Ace Trainer called out.
His Pokémon struggled, but, despite its best efforts, finally conceded and lied back down.
Marina sighed and beckoned Kenya close. Kneeling, she retrieved some healing supplies from her bag. "Great job, Kenya! You put up a fantastic fight."
The medicine's sting made Kenya shudder. He tapped her on the arm with his large beak, and she scratched the feathers behind his eyes. Relaxing, he chirped. She smiled and tossed the empty Full Heal and Hyper Potion bottles into her bag. Kenya waddled behind her as she approached her opponent.
"That's odd," the Trainer said as he handed her some prize money. "This is the first time we've been bested by a kid."
"I've been getting that a lot," she replied with a friendly laugh.
"Guess you would. But I think I know my shortcomings. Thanks for showing me!"
"No problem! Your Charizard was tough!"
Marina sprinted past that Trainer and ran into another, who challenged her. And, of course, she had no choice but to accept.
The Gym Leader's arena wasn't far at all now—within Marina's peripheral. She released her Lapras to counter the Gym Trainer's Dragonair. The cobalt serpent barely made a dent in her defenses before being taken out by her Ice-type moves. Though Marina made an effort to call Lapras by her nickname, Lyra, the Pokémon didn't seem to respond to it. Perhaps she needed more time to adjust.
I guess I should just stick with "Lapras" for the Gym Battle, she thought.
"Way to go!" The female Ace Trainer clapped. Much like Marina's previous opponents, she appeared impressed. When she noticed the girl's fleeting attention, she turned to the grand arena before them. She took a deep breath.
"Good luck."
Marina nodded. "Thanks."
Recalling her Lapras, she ignored her pounding heart as she and Kenya walked forward. Half of the vast, weathered battlefield was comprised of a pool for Water-types. The Gym Leader's side was marked by the foreboding logo of Blackthorn's Gym Badge. Dragon sculptures with gaping jaws seemed to howl in declaration of their territory. Standing before them, a pair of keen eyes watched her.
"Welcome. I am Clair."
Clair was a young woman striking azure hair. She held a confident stance as Marina took her place on the battlefield. There was a certain grace and intensity to her that Marina couldn't quite pinpoint.
Marina bowed. "Hello."
"I assume you've made it this far by defeating my Trainers here?"
"Yes," she nodded and smiled, "Everyone I ran into. They were all really strong, but I managed to beat them!"
The woman cast a purposeful look at to the closest two Pokémon Trainers. They glanced downward at once. Clair released a quiet laugh. Her fang earrings swayed as she focused back on the girl.
"Who are you then, my promising challenger?"
"I'm Marina Shimizu, from New Bark Town."
Clair's composed face seemed to brighten. Marina noticed her cape, which was shorter than Lance's but still commanded respect all the same in her eyes. She admired Clair almost immediately. Her nervous heart stirred with eager excitement.
But when she made eye contact again, she nearly flinched. The woman sent a sharp glare in her direction. Much like the Gym Trainers, Marina felt tempted to shrink away.
"I am Johto's best Dragon-type master. I can hold my own against even the Pokémon League's Elite Four," Clair boasted. Her tone was colder than before; more official and forcibly so. "Do you still want to take me on?"
Marina grabbed a Poké Ball, squeezing it for support. "I do!"
"Fine. Let's do it. As a Gym Leader, I will use my full power against any opponent!"
Marina pointed ahead. "Kenya!"
Kenya dashed forward and unfolded his broad wings, lifting into the air. Clair tossed a ball, which exploded with light to reveal a Gyarados. The gargantuan beast unleashed an aggressive roar in Kenya's direction. The bird bolted backward in response.
"Twister!" Clair swiftly called out.
"K-Kenya, Wing Attack!"
Extraordinary winds had already begun building up when Kenya flew forward. He endured the hit well and manipulated the gusts in his favor, increasing his speed. His wings glanced against Gyarados's cobalt scales. Gyarados hardly flinched.
"Bite!" Clair ordered.
Now close, the beast lashed out at Kenya. The instant he was caught in its jaws, his form disappeared in a flash of bright red. Marina clipped his Poke Ball back to his belt.
No good; Gyarados's Intimidate Ability made Kenya's physical moves too weak, she thought. She flung the ball in her hand.
"Muu-chan!"
"Muu!" Her Misdreavus shook her skirted body, coolly facing her opponent.
"Bite once more, Gyarados!" Clair shouted.
"Muu-chan, Thunderbolt! Quick!" Marina responded.
Gyarados slithered across the floor like it was swimming through air. Sparks enveloped Muu-chan's body when her opponent breached the gap between them. Sharp fangs sunk into her, and she cried out sharply. Electricity flashed, shooting through Gyarados's winding body. Muu-chan shook herself free as it howled. It barely had time to hit the floor when it was recalled into its Poke Ball.
A second after that, a large Dragonair appeared with a glorious flick of its head. Marina adamantly called out her command first.
"Muu-chan, Psybeam!"
"Dragon Pulse!"
The first round of attacks hit the combatants, filling the room with iridescent lights and violent winds. Marina winced as the Dragonair fired off another Dragon Pulse, which assaulted her ears like a roaring train. She lost track of her Pokemon in the blinding gales.
"Muu-chan!"
Muu-chan's small black shadow darted across the battle field, and she fired multi-colored beams at her opponent's side. Dragonair whipped around toward her.
"Aqua Tail!"
"Use Shadow Ball, Muu-chan!"
The Misdreavus gathered energy and fired it off like a canon. She dodged Dragonair's long yet thin tail, which smacked loudly against the ground.
"Dragon Pulse!" Clair exclaimed.
"Muu-chan—!"
Marina was drowned out by the sound of her enemy's attack. Muu-chan disappeared again and collapsed to the floor when the powerful gales dissipated.
"Muu-chan, you okay?" At no response, Marina raised the little ghost's Poké Ball. "Good job! Return! Now, come back out, Kenya!"
Her Fearow reappeared with a determined cry, no longer restrained by the effects of Gyarados's Ability.
"Watch out for its tail! Use Fly!"
Eyeing the Dragon-type snake, he soared high into the rafters. Clair seemed to hesitate. Kenya took a sharp turn and dived.
"Ice Beam!" she called.
"Ice Beam?!" Marina exclaimed. "Kenya, dodge it!"
But her delay gave Dragonair enough time to charge. A flurry of ice blasted into Kenya, knocking him from the sky. He flailed trying to stand back up, wings frozen stiff, and an immediate second Ice Beam took him out. Marina winced.
"Kenya, return! Okay... Lapras, you're up!"
Tossing her next ball toward the pool, Marina released Lapras into the water.
Time to get a taste of your own medicine!
"Dragon Pulse!"
"Ice Beam!"
At their Trainers commands, they prepared and launched their attacks. Dragonair hissed and curled upon being hit, but Lapras roared readily in return. While making a valiant effort, Dragonair managed to fire a weaker Dragon Pulse before succumbing to the relentless cold sent its way. Clair, wearing her focused gaze, called back the creature before sending out an almost identical copy.
"Again, Lapras!" Marina cheered.
"Thunderbolt!"
"What?!" Her face again went blank with shock, but she recovered as quickly as possible. "Duck! Now!"
Lapras shot off part of her attack then slipped into the water. A cackling, hot stream of electricity flew over where her body would have been. Like before, Dragonair seized all motion in response to the hit.
"Prepare another Thunderbolt when it comes back up!" Clair ordered. Dragonair hummed weakly in compliance.
Uncertain how well her Pokémon could hear underwater, Marina shouted, "Ice Beam! Come back up, Lapras, and use Ice Beam!"
Everyone watched the shifting surface of the water. Bright light preceded Lapras's appearance, and pale blue ice crossed stark yellow. Both Pokémon turned away the second they were hit, cringing and writhing at their natural weaknesses. Dragonair staggered, but fainted like its comrade. Lapras continued to hang her head as she watched her enemy leave the battlefield.
Marina sighed. Up until this point, it felt like she didn't even have time to breathe.
How many does she have left? I didn't think to ask.
Clair threw her next Poké Ball toward the pool. A large, cyan seahorse settled into the water. A green berry was held tightly in its mouth, and with pseudo-seaweed decorating its lean body, it held itself up with a unique beauty. Marina had never seen such a Pokémon before. It calmly heeded Lapras, who hissed at its presence in the limited space.
Marina fumbled for her Pokédex, but only had time to grab it before the next round began.
"Dragon Pulse!"
"Lapras, Ice Beam!"
The other Pokémon moved far faster than Lapras, striking her with a blaring wave of energy.
"Confuse Ray, Lapras!" Marina ordered.
Lapras slowly raised her head. Her sluggishness allowed the opponent to dive into the water safely. She shot the Confuse Ray at the water in vain, howling with quiet frustration.
Why is...Oh no, she's paralyzed from Dragonair's Thunderbolt! Marina realized with a start.
"Kingdra, come back up!" Clair called out. "Dragon Pulse!"
The mighty seahorse responded at once, appearing mere feet from behind Lapras. Marina gasped.
"Lapras, quick, Body Slam!"
But Lapras was engulfed by Kingdra's point-blank attack before she could even react. She was blown back and almost out of the water. With a whine, she helplessly staggered and passed out.
"Good job, Lapras! Come back!" As Marina switched out her Lapras, she opened her Pokédex.
Let's see...Kingdra...Water/Dragon type...
"Is that a Pokédex?" Clair asked. She crossed her arms.
"Y-Yes."
"You can review the information after the battle, but not during."
"Oh! Okay." Marina hurriedly put the device away. She released her next Pokémon. "Prince! I'm counting on you!"
"Eif!" Her Espeon barked, standing with poise.
"Prince, Psychic!"
"Hydro Pump!"
The air around Prince twisted rapidly and made a reverberating crack. Kingdra remained still as the energy ensnared it, calling forth a forceful blast of water. Prince dashed out of the way. His eyes shimmered again, conjuring another Psychic blast. This time, the other Pokémon hurriedly shook it off.
"Dragon Pulse!" Clair ordered.
Again with that attack...! Marina thought. What is Kingdra weak to? Not Electric and not Grass because it's Dragon-type…not even Ice because it's Water-type…Argh, there's no time! No choice but to brute force it!
"Prince, keep it up! Dodge!"
Kingdra's powerful Dragon Pulse shrieked toward Prince. At the last second, the fox bounded out of reach. Kingdra responded with another wave. When he jumped, Prince used his shimmering telekinetic energy to bolt forward. Any moment with his paws on the ground was spent by firing another Psychic attack. Kingdra managed to hit him twice, sending his tiny body flying. But Prince always landed on his feet and evaded almost everything effortlessly.
For the first time, Clair showed clear frustration.
"Its speed is incredible."
"Haha," Marina giggled. "Yeah, he's moving fast recently ever since he knocked out all of those Golbat in Ice Path."
The brief conversation allowed Kingdra and Prince to catch their breaths. Prince kept a defensive stance, his silky fur askew and his battered body low to the ground. Kingdra kept a wary eye on him from its position in the water.
Looks like it's slowing down, noted Marina. Good!
"Use Psybeam, Prince!"
"Rest!"
Kingdra broke eye contact and lowered its head. Even as Prince fired his attack into its torso, it didn't move.
"It'll be out for a little while, Prince!" Marina exclaimed. "Go in for a point-blank Psychic!"
The Espeon sprinted toward his opponent, carrying with him invisible ribbons of psychic energy.
"Hyper Beam!"
Clair's command forced the girl to look at her in confusion. Kingdra was clearly asleep. But a bright light blinded her view. Heat smacked her face as an energy beam shot across the battlefield. She flinched and shielded her eyes. Kingdra emerged when the light faded, haughtily nodding its head without a sign of fatigue. Marina searched around in a panic.
"How?! Prince!"
She found him at the end of the Hyper Beam's path. Like the battered floor below him, parts of his fur were singed brown. Prince attempted to stand, but his paws slipped and he fell back onto the floor. He shot an intense look at Kingdra.
His psychic aura flickered. It fizzled out, and the normally tenacious Espeon went limp.
"Prince!" Marina practically felt her stomach flip. "Oh gosh...!"
She whirled back toward the azure seahorse. Kingdra heaved deep breaths, recovering from the immense power of the Hyper Beam. The berry in its mouth was no longer there.
That item woke it right back up from its Rest! That means it's completely healed…!
With trembling hands, she recalled Prince and looked at her belt. The only Pokémon she had left were King and Phany.
Both are weak to water. She bit her lip and wracked her brain. King hasn't evolved yet so he doesn't know Thunder Punch yet! His Fire moves are no good; all he has is Swift. And Phany doesn't have very good Special Defense, but neither does King at this point. What do I do? Kingdra's back up to full health. Even brute force with Prince wasn't good enough! Would they even be able to take more than a couple hits?
No, calm down. Marina sighed. She looked back up at the Gym Leader, who watched her with a stern frown.
"How many Pokémon do you have left?"
"This is the last," Clair answered.
The last?!
Marina grabbed a Poké Ball.
"King, give it your best shot!" The instant her crimson Quilava appeared, she pointed at Kingdra. "Smokescreen!"
"Dragon Pulse!" Clair responded.
With a bark, King tossed a smoke bomb that quickly spread between him and his enemy. As Kingdra prepared its attack, the black smoke closest to it whisked out of its way.
"King, hide in the smoke and use Swift!"
King leaped inside the cloud. Kingdra's fierce gales took out a chunk of the smoke. Sharp bursts of star-shaped energy fired into Kingdra. It barely flinched at the hit and swam closer to the remaining smoke cloud.
"Hydro Pump!" Clair ordered.
"Wait, King!" Marina held her tongue, watching Kingdra build up water around it. "Run and use Smokescreen again!"
The surge of water destroyed the last bit of smoke, and King slipped on a puddle as he escaped into safety once again. He blindly fired another round of Swift, which intuitively sought out Kingdra.
"Dragon Pulse!"
"King, move—!"
Another Dragon Pulse ripped through the smoke, carrying King with it. He tumbled, whimpering and growling until he was knocked onto his back. Like with Prince, he was covered in burns.
Marina watched on in distraught. That...That hit him so hard!
"King?!" She exclaimed. Her starter Pokémon remained still. She closed her eyes and held out his Poké Ball. "Return!"
Why does it keep hitting so hard?! Are they all critical hits? Does Kingdra have an Ability like that? Or is it that strong?
She picked up her last team member. As the sphere enlarged in her hand, she gripped it tight. The heavy, cold feeling in her gut only grew the longer she stalled. Their position wasn't hopeful at all.
I shouldn't have used Lapras so soon, she berated herself. Kingdra's too strong. It'll KO Phany with Hydro Pump the second he tries to get close. He can't dodge like Prince, and he doesn't have any ranged attacks either...and his Ground-type moves won't affect Kingdra, who's in the water. Maybe the waves will distract it? No…I just can't think of a way to make this work!
She couldn't help but look at the majestic, unbreakable Kingdra with awe.
I wasn't prepared at all.
"Was that your last?" Clair asked. "Your other Pokémon are unable to battle. My apprentices can serve as referees if you require one."
Marina took a deep breath. A stubborn part of her pressed her to continue on. There was still a chance. Tenacity must not succumb to the trembling frustration and defeatist thoughts passing through her mind. She imagined Phany fighting to the bitter end.
She met Clair's cyan eyes.
"No, I still have one more Pokémon," she said. "There's still one more that can fight. But...
"I give up."
"…Give up?" Clair repeated.
"If I send out my last Pokémon now, I'll be sending it out to just get knocked out." Marina forced out a laugh. "Your Kingdra's amazing and powerful! So I...I forfeit!"
She held her hands and tried to hold back the wave of crushing disappointment. Somehow, giving up felt more difficult than losing. It made her desperately want to go back on her word.
Clair's stern yet pretty face loosened somewhat. She played with one of her fang-shaped earrings dangling near her collar. Kingdra shifted back and forth in the pool gently, looking toward its Trainer with patient grace.
"Why? Have you finished training it yet?" she asked.
"Yeah, but I don't think he can win."
"Show it to me."
"Show it?" Marina froze at the odd request, but glanced at her Poké Ball and did as she was told.
"Donfa—!"
Phany the Donphan stomped and cheered loudly at his appearance. However, the atmosphere made him pause mid-cry. He turned to the relaxed Kingdra and then back at Marina. The confusion in his ebony eyes saddened her a bit, but she managed a smile.
Clair held her chin and hummed. "Yes, I see. True, that Pokémon would stand no chance against my Kingdra at full power."
She seemed to relax and looked back at Marina.
"Well, I see you're slightly better than your brother. I accept your loss. You're still far from defeating me, so train rigorously. The way you call orders is sluggish. The rest, I'll leave for you to figure out. I don't want to see you here tomorrow, this week, or even this month. If you do, I will refuse to fight you. Do you understand me?"
Marina nodded. "Yeah. But, did you just mention my brother? Do you remember battling him?"
"If you understand, then leave." Clair disregarded her question. "You have plenty to learn. I quite enjoyed your challenge, however. I look forward to seeing your next attempt. Farewell, Shimizu."
"But—." Clair placed a hand on her hip and gave a look that silenced Marina. Her calm yet sharp attitude prompted Marina to leave it be. The girl smiled and bowed. "Thank you! Really, your Kingdra's so powerful! I'll be sure to train as much as I can!"
Marina recalled Phany back into his ball and walked quickly toward the staircase, wanting nothing more than to escape her mixed feelings. When she disappeared, the two Ace Trainers that had watched the battle turned toward each other. They glanced at Clair, who tended to her Pokémon, and chatted.
"Seriously good for her age," the boy said.
"Yeah," the young woman whispered back. "But like usual, Kingdra wrecked shop."
"I think Clair was too harsh. The girl could've easily taken Kingdra down if she had another Pokémon like that Espeon."
"Ooh," she smiled, "Clair would've been livid if she lost."
"Yeah, she's so young it'd insult her for sure."
"Not just that. You heard what she said, right?"
The male Ace Trainer appeared confused for a moment, and then bit his lips to conceal his amusement. "Oh my god, that kid?! No wonder she got so cold—."
A dangerously low voice cut in.
"What's this about the cold?"
The Ace Trainers stood upright. Clair scowled at their anxious faces. Behind her, her two Dragonair quietly watched them.
"Do you, perhaps, want to spend a week training in the darkest parts of Ice Path?" Clair asked. "Because I can very easily arrange that. Dragons are weak to ice, after all. It is wise to manage your vulnerabilities."
"No, Ma'am, once was good enough!"
"I apologize for losing so disgracefully under your supervision, Miss Clair! We'll get back to training right away!"
Clair gestured toward the now empty battlefield. "Then heal your Pokémon and start."
""Yes, Ma'am!""
The two rushed past her. She sighed and absentmindedly tugged at her earrings. Her eyes darted toward the staircase. With a huff, she turned away and motioned her Dragonair to follow.
Clair's always been one of my favorite Gym Leaders. I hope I can do her character justice for her appearances in this story.
The next chapter's already complete, so expect it in a day or two. See you soon, readers!
Marina's Current Pokémon:
King the Quilava (Male)
Phany the Donphan (Male)
Muu-chan the Misdreavus (Female)
Prince the Espeon (Male)
Kenya the Fearow (Male)
Lyra the Lapras (Female)
Available via PC:
Amber the Plusle (Female)
Etc.