Secrets of the Night
DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!
Chapter 50: Grace of the Garden Goddess
Sometime after returning to Celadon City and running into Blaze at the pokemon center, Neo and company made their way towards the gym. With the radiant blue sky above them, they toured the city of rainbow colors, passing massive skyscrapers and high-class condominiums.
Neo walked ahead with Chase lagging behind, arms behind his head and gaze darting from one building to another. At the corner of his eye, Neo glanced at the two pokemon tagging along beside him. Gertrud and Arana were mentally chatting away among themselves or somewhat like that. Blaze's Roserade was quiet but there was a happy expression glued to her face. Arana was giggling and wailing but there were times she fell into a silence, still locked in a conversation though by what Neo observed. It was pleasant to see them converse so animatedly.
A soothing fragrance suddenly filled the air, attracting the four's attention. The group traded looks and out of wonder, they tried to located the source of it. It was Gertrud who found out first as she gestured to a quaint wooden shop with a teal blue roof, the front decorated with lines of potted plants, some of which were blooming beautifully in an array of colors. It was strange. The structure stood out in the midst of the sophisticated city but by the looks of it, it was thriving.
"Can we go take a look?" Gertrud asked, her face lighting up brighter than Arana's flames.
"Sure," Neo answered, earning a glee from the Roserade and the Chandelure who both scampered off and stopped in front of the door.
Gertrud and Arana peered through the glass pane of the oak door's upper half. Neo came up from behind them and took a glimpse as well. There were lines of wooden shelves along the walls, stocked with various jars and glass containers of different shapes and sizes. They couldn't see what was inside of them, but they guessed it had something to do with plants.
"Should we knock?" Chase suggested, joining the trio.
Before anyone could answer, the light sound of boots tapping the wooden floor filled their ears. They stepped aside as the door opened, striking a small bell that let out a tranquil chime. A woman then stepped out, a motherly aura veiled with elegance radiated from her. She appeared around her thirties. Her gentle eyes were like emeralds, matching her green flowing-sleeved top and long minty skirt that reached up to her ankles, partly concealing her brown boots. Her dark brown hair was tied in a bun with little strands dangling from each ear, giving her an air of maturity.
"Good day to you, children," she greeted with a warm smile, her white gloved hands clasped demurely in front of her. "May I help you?"
"Good afternoon," Neo greeted back with a courteous smile. "We were just curious about your shop."
"It does stand out, doesn't it?" The woman giggled in a lady-like fashion. "To be honest, it is a simple shop where I sell herbs and plants. You may come in if you like." She stepped aside and gestured to the open door.
"Thank you very much!" Gertud didn't waste time and made a beeline to the center of the shop, Arana floated behind, careful not to accidentally touch the plants and wood with her ghostly flames.
"I apologize for the intrusion." Neo bobbed his head, casting a short glance at the lady before stepping inside. Chase followed steed, mimicking Neo but at a quicker pace.
The four stood at the midst of the shop, their eyes panning their surroundings. There was a minty scent with a hint of jasmine in the air. It was extremely soothing to the senses. That coupled by the soft wood tones of the shop's layout, gave the atmosphere a sense of calmness. It was small corner of nature's paradise in a bustling city. Getrud craned her head over the tables, her crimson eyes scanning the the wide collection of small, thin, stout containers filled with petals, roots and leaves. Meanwhile, Arana floated towards the ceiling, her curled arm brushed the rainbow shards of a chime that hung under the shining skylight, making a clinking sound as the reflected colors danced across the surfaces.
"Do you manage this shop by yourself?" Neo asked, slightly amazed as he returned his attention to the brunette after she closed the door.
"Occasionally," she answered with a light tone. "My pokemon assist me, as well as others."
"You've got heaps of herbs and stuff. Do you know what they all do?" Chase asked, picking up a container and eyeing its contents.
"Over the years, I have gained extensive knowledge of plants and the like," the woman replied, her gloved fingers tracing the tops of the jars. She stopped at gestured to a small bulb-shaped jar containing light green liquid with leaves accumulating the upper portion. "For instance, these Petilil leaves. They are known to relieve one's fatigue." She then moved on to a narrow bottle with dried up pink petals. "These are petals from a Venusaur, used to soothe the emotions of a person."
"Hey Neo, do you think they use this stuff to make your medicine?" Chase thought aloud, setting the bottle down as his attention moved to the dried berries.
"Medicine?" The shop's caretaker cast them a questioning look. "Perhaps... It is not impossible. Many of these herbs have medicinal properties, beneficial to pokemon and people alike."
Neo gave a nod as he thought it over. "I would like to buy a few things. Would you mind helping me?"
"Certainly, my child..." The woman smiled warmly and with a slight motion of her hand, a Breloom scurried out with a brown woven basket, handing it over to her before scaling up the table where it waited for further instructions. "Thank you so much, Oliver."
They spent a bit of time picking out stuff to buy. The woman's Breloom helped them out by fetching the containers and putting them in the basket. Neo concentrated on the medicinal herbs while Chase, Gertrud and Arana focused on the dried berries. The shop's caretaker happily catered to them while explaining the effects and benefits of the items.
"I think that's everything," concluded Chase as he closed his backpack after packing the last of the items. "We should head over to the gym now."
"Alright." Neo nodded, calling back Gertrud and Arana.
"Pardon me, children... but did you say that you will be visiting the Celadon City Gym?" The shopkeeper inquired, her emerald eyes lighting up with interest.
"Yes. We're going to challenge the gym leader there," confirmed Neo as he turned to face the kind lady. "Thank you very much for the herbs and berries." He then turned to his companions as they were about to make their way out.
The brown-haired woman giggled quietly. "May we see each other again."
The four left the herb shop shortly and took a quick stroll in the park to go over their battle plans. They had to make a few changes since Nero was currently with Blaze. Gertrud was willing to take part in the battle in his place, much to Neo's gratitude and Arana's glee. She wanted to take the most out of her stay with Neo. Waiting around and watching was boring and wasteful. Neo thanked her in advance and welcomed her openly to battle as part of his team.
After a little snack, they finally made their way to the gym which was not far from the herb shop. Passing the quaint little store, they noticed the sign said 'closed'. It wasn't long since they left which made them puzzled. But rather than mulling about it, they focused their minds on the battle ahead. Crossing a few blocks, they stood face to face with a building that took their breath away.
The Celadon City gym, as they have confirmed that it was from a nearby sign, was a cross between the Hanging Gardens and an ancient Greek Temple. Tall Ionic pillars surrounded by lush ivies supported the structure. Above, blue and violet wisterias cascaded from the beams, emanating a gentle fragrance as well as adding life to the ancient-styled architecture.
After a quick exchange of looks, Neo and company made their way up the low stairway and strode through the stone-paved pathway lined with a vast collection of plants, flowers and topiaries. Sunlight rained down from the glass roof, making the place feel more like a greenhouse.
The inner landscape carried a Greek theme. Old clay pots and statues, broken and whole adorned the garden, some half-hidden in the thick bushes while others were overrun by deep green moss. Further ahead, a narrow rectangular pond stretched in the middle of the pathway. It had clear waters that housed blooming white lilies. And beyond that, in the center of the whole building where the pathway circled was a patch of green where a graceful willow tree stood.
As the group approached, they encountered a familiar lady in green sitting on the roots of the massive tree, surrounded by grass-types of all shapes and sizes. Her pinned back chocolate hair and glistening green eyes were unmistakable. Neo and the others stood there, trying to take the whole situation in. The woman, however, flashed them a gentle motherly smile as her hand reached up to stroke the head of a Tropius.
"Good day, children." She smiled pleasantly and stood up to meet them. "Welcome to the Celadon City Gym. I am the gym leader. My name is Daphne Willows. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Neo regained his composure followed by the rest of his companions. Stepping forward, he nodded curtly, additionally casting a short glance at the grass-types all around. There was quite the variety. His ebony eyes soon met Daphne's emerald shades and he then spoke up. "Likewise, miss Daphne. I'm Neo and these are my friends." He gestured to them in turn. "Chase... Gertrud... and Arana."
The three waved with a smile.
Daphne giggled softly, lightly covering her mouth with the tips of her fingers. "Come now. We shall not dally. You came her to challenge me, correct?" Her eyes traveled to Neo, then Chase and back again.
"Yes, that is correct," Neo replied as Gertrud and Arana moved closer to his side.
"Very well." Daphne waved her hand and the troupe of grass pokemon dispersed before a female trainer clad in a clothes like a typical breeder, bandanna, apron and all, came in. Daphne introduced her as as the official referee and announcer of the gym battle. After the acknowledgement, she led the group to the back where the arena was situated.
It was a room made up towering trees that curved inwards, forming a wide tunnel over a wide rectangular plain blanketed by green grass. The canopy, penetrated by sunbeams, became a glistening sea of leaves that rustled in the breeze that came from somewhere. It gave the authentic feel of an untouched forest filled with wonder and tranquility.
Admiring the battle room, Neo strode over towards the far end of the arena while Chase, Gertrud and Arana stayed behind him, taking a seat on the long extended of tree roots. Daphne stood directly across them, on the opposing side, a Tangela, Breloom, Tropius and Shiftry joined her. After checking each of them on his pokdex, Neo quickly deduced that those were the ones she will use in their battle. So out of common courtesy, he let out Kashu and Genbu who let out their respective cries before joining the others to wait their turn.
The referee then took her post at the mid-sidelines as she explained the rules. "It will be a four on four singles match. Each side can change their pokemon at will. The person with the only remaining pokemon in the end will be declared the winner. Pokemon ready?"
"Vinn," Daphne gently called her Tangela over and on cue, a little blue ball of tangled vines trotted over to her side.
"Genbu." Neo turned to his Wartortle who didn't waste time and rushed towards him, stopping momentarily in front of him, exchanging brief nods before taking the frontlines. He was rearing to go. Smiling proudly at his pokemon, Neo turned his head and faced upfront. "Let's do this."
"Warr!" Genbu grinned eagerly and balled his little hands, his eyes focused on his first opponent.
"3... 2... 1... BEGIN!"
"Vinn, use Mega Drain," Daphne called out.
"Genbu! Protect!" Neo countered.
As soon as Daphne's Tangela unleashed green energy vines that shot towards Genbu, Neo's Wartortle had finished putting up a barrier that came out as a light blue-green aura that outline his entire form. Vinn's attack bounced off, inflicting no damage whatsoever. Neo smiled at the small victory. He had been working a lot on offense, he figured that defense was also very important. Seeing this accomplishment made him glad that he did heeded the idea.
"It's alright, Vinn," Daphne encouraged with a calm smile. "Go with Sleep Powder."
Daphne's Tangela nodded and released a stream of sparkling blue powder into the air. Genbu watched the cerulean glitter fall all around him, the sensation as it made contact slowly lulled him to sleep. With eyes growing heavy, he didn't register Neo's voice calling his name and fell forward unto the soft grass sound asleep.
Neo withdrew Genbu into his pokeball without another thought and signaled Arana to take center stage. Enthusiastically, Arana hovered up front, casting a short glance at Gertrud who wished her luck. Then she spun around, flinging cinders into the air. Daphne called back her pokemon as well and substituted her with a Shiftry, much to Neo's dismay, recalling that the pokemon was part dark-type, strong against ghost pokemon and immune to psychic attacks. He had to be careful.
The tree-spirit like pokemon stomped into the arena, golden eyes glaring menacingly and leafy palm hands flapping in an aggressive manner. Arana was not intimidated. She ignited her head flame more fiercely that crackles reverberated in the air.
"Start out strong, Arana! Use Flamethrower," Neo exclaimed. His Chandelure complied and fired a blue torrent of ghostly flames directly at the Shiftry.
"Nightshade, get close and use Feint Attack," Daphne instructed with a wave of her hand.
With a burst of unbelievable speed for a Shiftry, given its geta-like feet, Nightshade lunged towards the attacking Chandelure. With a short sidestep, he evaded the blazing stream and closed in on the surprised ghost-type, drawing back a leafy hand and violently slamming it against Arana who tumbled in midair before skidding into a halt on the grassy arena.
"Arana! Get up!" Gertrud yelled mentally. Kashu squeaked alongside her, cheering on for their teammate.
"Arana!" Neo called out as his Chandelure struggled to get back in the air after that devastating blow.
"Nightshade. It's time to use Nature Power," Daphne cued. As a well-respected gym leader, she wasn't going to take it easy on her challengers.
With a wave of his leafy arms, Daphne's Shiftry gathered the energy from his surroundings and turned it into an Energy Ball attack which was then hurled towards the staggering Chandelure. Arana shook off the daze just in time to see the impending sphere of green energy.
Neo acted quickly. "Arana. Flamethrower!"
A couple of feet before Nightshade's attack made contact, Arana let loose a torrent of pale blue flames that engulfed the Energy Ball, disintegrating it before surging towards the intended target. Daphne's Shiftry was caught off guard momentarily so it was not able to fully dodge the attack. The blue inferno scorched Nightshade's right side, leaving a black mark across his arm.
Daphne's expression turned into a look of worry as she observed her pokemon carefully to confirm if there was any signs of burns. Thankfully, there wasn't any. Relieved, she continued the battle. "Nightshade, confuse your opponent with Swagger."
Daphne's Shiftry let out a roar as a red outline began to form around the wicked pokemon. Arana's flames flickered with anger but the movement was erratic than usual, like she was going berserk. Neo and the others called out to her but their voices landed on deaf ears, even Gertrud had a hard time getting through the Chandelure as she thrashed around, hurting herself.
"Use Feint attack once again, Nightshade," instructed Daphne.
Complying, Nightshade rushed towards the out-of-control Chandelure, ducking and side-stepping to evade stray cinders that Arana was releasing. Finally as the target was within range, Nightshade dealt another blow to the Chandelure, knocking her out of the air and forcing her to the ground where she wailed weakly, conscious but heavily dazed.
"Neo, send me in!" Gertrud demanded, unwilling to sit still anymore.
With a nod, Neo withdrew Arana and Gertrud immediately leaped into the arena, glaring angrily at the tree demon-like pokemon. Nightshade returned the glare with one of his own while sizing up the masked grass-type.
"Let's make Blaze proud, Gertrud. Use Sludge Bomb." Neo cued Blaze's Roserade, a look of eagerness and nostalgia flickered across his face.
"With pleasure!" Getrud grinned and shot two purple blobs of poison, one making an arc before descending towards the Shiftry while the next was fired directly across.
Nightshade managed to dodge the first one but because of his injured arm, he didn't move in time and got struck hard by the toxic sludge. As the bubbling substance soaked his side, violet sparks raced across his body, indicating a poison condition. Gertrud smirked tirumphantly at that, knowing she avenged Arana.
"Return Nightshade." Daphne shot a red laser from her pokeball, recalling her Shiftry from the battle. She then turned to her three pokemon and called out in a soft voice, "Oliver."
Leaping from his spot, Daphne's Breloom darted to the frontlines and stared directly at the Roserade while curling his red claws into fists. As it took a fierce fighting stance, Gertrud did the same with her blue and black rose arms.
"Just because you were helpful back at the shop, don't think I'll go easy on you," Gertrud warned, earning a determined grunting sound from the mushroom lizard.
"Gertrud, use Extrasensory," commanded Neo, feeling thankful that Blaze lent him such a reliable pokemon.
Raising both her oddly colored bouquets, Gertrud radiated a golden glow and unleashed a energy beam that shot towards her opponent.
"Oliver, use Focus Blast," Daphne countered.
Her Breloom quickly put his hands together and drew them back, manifesting a growing blue ball. As Gertrud's attack neared, Oliver hurled the mass of energy. The collision caused both attacks to explode in a burst of light, blinding both sides momentarily. Once everyone's vision cleared, they saw that Gertrud and Oliver still stood in their previous places, unscathed and poised for battle.
"Sludge Bomb, Getrud!" Neo immediately went back on the offensive.
"Oliver, get close and use Headbutt," Daphne reacted as well just as the Roserade began firing several shots of purple ooze.
Gradually closing the distance between him and the opponent, Daphne's Breloom darted across the field, tumbling and sidestepping away from the toxic flurry of goo that rained down from above and in front. Oliver's speedy footwork paid off as arrived within range to launch the attack, despite some mild injuries sustained. With his head lowered, Daphne's Breloom rocketed off the ground and slammed head-on against the Roserade.
Gertrud was pushed back but she regained balance quickly, landing into a backward handspring before once again standing firmly on both feet. Neo threw her a questioning look and she looked back and replied mentally that she was okay. And with that, Neo pressed on the attack. "Let's go with Extrasensory."
Gertrud didn't waste time and fired another golden energy beam from her arms.
"Use Headbutt, Oliver," Daphne commanded.
Lowering his head, Daphne's Breloom darted straight for the Roserade. The beam struck him on his green mushroom cap, forcing him to a halt before managing to fling him back with a pain grunt. But much to the shock of Neo's side, Oliver recovered and landed safely in a crouch, allowing him to charge again like a battering ram. He struck Gertrud and sent her rolling across the grass, dazed but otherwise not as hurt as the Breloom who was panting and staggering at one point. The psychic-type move did deal quite a blow.
"Headbutt, once again." Daphne pressed on the attack while the Roserade was down.
Oliver stabled his stance before once again sprinting like a rampaging Tauros. Gertrud had just come to her senses when she was struck yet again by the green mushroom lizard. She tumbled across the battlefield but wasn't as shaken up as before.
Neo eyed the Roserade as she got to her knees, an arm sticking to the ground for support while the other was steadying her head. "Gertrud? Can you fight?"
"Yeah. I'm still good to go," she replied with a wan smile and stood up.
Neo acknowledged her and retaliated. "Alright. Let's go with another Sludge Bomb."
With a brief nod, Gertrud aimed another set of poisonous muck at Daphne's Breloom. The first one was fired in a straight line while the second was coming down at the opponent from above. The strategy that Blaze made proved formidable for the enemy to dodge. Oliver ducked his head to block to the first projectile but was unable to prevent the second one that collided with his back. With a yelp, Daphne's Breloom fell forward and collapsed unto the ground.
After the referee announced that Oliver was no longer able to battle, Daphne withdrew her pokemon and gestured to her Tropius, Palme, who launched into the air and landed inside the battlefield with a loud reverberating thud that even sent Gertrud staggering.
"Gertrud, rest for a bit. Let the others take over," persuaded Neo as he cued his Wigglytuff to get ready.
Gertrud gratefully accepted the breather and walked back to where Chase was sitting, watching. She smiled at Kashu as they passed each other, eliciting a similar gesture from the fluffy pink bunny-like pokemon. Then letting out a long sigh, Gertrud sank unto the roots and settled beside Chase who commended her for being first to knock out an opponent in an official gym battle. She telepathically thanked him and returned her gaze on the unfolding battle before them.
Neo took a deep breath and continued the battle. "Alright, Kashu, just like before, use Rollout!"
Curling into a pink ball, Neo's Wigglytuff barreled across the blanket of green, heading straight towards the Tropius who just stood firm, awaiting Daphne's orders.
"Aerial Ace, Palme," she countered as the rolling pink ball passed the midfield.
Daphne's Tropius let out a cry as she lunged towards the incoming cannonball, streams of white light surrounded her from the head towards the back. She rocketed head-on with tremendous speed before colliding with the Wigglytuff, causing a mild shock wave that knocked both pokemon back and dispelled the streaks of white light that surrounded the Tropius.
"Keep going, Kashu!" Neo encouraged in a loud voice. His Wigglytuff swerved at the sound of his voice and steamrolled towards the leafy green and brown dinosaur again, the rotations of her attack growing much faster.
"Palme, use Body Slam," Daphne instructed as her Tropius launched into the air, casting a large shadow over Kashu who was circling and gathering momentum below. Then all at once, Palme descended like a rock, falling belly first onto Neo's Wigglytuff. A booming thud caused the ground to shake, rattling both human and pokemon who were present.
Neo came to his senses and held his breath when he saw Daphne's Tropius just lying there on the ground with no signs of Kashu. An anticipated silence was about to creep in when a rumble drew his attention. A sense of relief and pride washed over him. "Go for it, Kashu!"
The rumbling grew louder and suddenly Daphne's Tropius was forcibly thrown back, revealing dug out depression in the arena just as rolling pink ball shot forth from its midst. Palme landed hard on her back and struggled to stand upright while Kashu, still in the form of a raging pink ball, landed on the unscarred ground.
Seeing the damage done to her pokemon, Daphne called back her Tropius and substituted her with her Tangela. "Vinn, douse the opponent with Toxic."
Upon appearing, Daphne's Tangela released a stream of violet liquid that drenched Kashu who was once again coming in for another Rollout attack. Both pokemon collided and the impact knocked Vinn off her feet, but she got up once again, ready to continue. Kashu, on the other hand, was rolling with streaks of purple electricity coming off her, indication of poison. Despite that, she was still surging across the battlefield.
"Final go, Kashu!" Neo exclaimed. "Rollout!"
With that cue, Neo's Wigglytuff spun around and barreled towards the little blue mess of vines. Daphne reacted by countering with Mega Drain. Vinn followed her command and shot a green energy vine that sapped some of Kashu's energy, healing herself in time to take the all-out force of the Wigglytuff's Rollout. Kashu then unrolled herself and tumbled to a stop. She panted heavily due to the poison effects and the injuries she had sustained, causing Neo to make the decision to withdraw her. But much to his concern, Kashu got up and protested stubbornly.
Hesitantly, Neo gave in. He knew Kashu was at her limit but if she was going down, she was taking her opponent with her. "Alright, Kashu! Use Bounce!"
Instantly, Neo's Wigglytuff took to the air, almost reaching the lush green canopy above them. Vinn tried to reach her with Vine Whip but she was out of reach. Slyly grinning, Kashu dove down and drove a foot directly on top of the Tangela, knocking it out successfully. Kashu then landed back on solid dirt where she staggered and fell, conscious but weak.
"I'm withdrawing my pokemon from the battle," Neo declared, earning a surprise look from Daphne and Kashu who was about to argue but the look the boy gave her didn't give her room to. "You did enough, Kashu. I'm proud of you. It's time to rest." Kashu smiled warmly and allowed Neo call her back to her pokeball.
"That was commendable, dear child," Daphne complimented with a caring look a proud mother would give to a child.
"Thank you..." Neo swallowed unconsciously because of her tone and expression.
It started to remind him of a certain person whose warm voice he could no longer remember. Suddenly, blurry images flooded his thoughts and an elegant lady momentarily overlapped his vision of Daphne. The mysterious woman spoke but no words came out. Neo couldn't even meet her eyes. Time moved in slow motion. He felt his heart throb, causing his body to go rigid and his breathing to narrow. The rustling trees flooded his ears with every reverberating pound of his chest. He barely registered Chase calling his name. Gertrud's voice echoed in his mind but that was all he could get before darkness took over.
End of Chapter 50
Well, it's been a while since Neo had his latest breakdown.
And I wasn't able to top the last battle with this so I decided to make it more exciting (Sorry, Neo. It was a last minute idea)
Btw. Here's Daphne's Artwork: ht$tp:/$/fav.$me/d882dv3
Okay, I made the timeline of events in my head. (Dunno how many chapters it will take... but I hope under 2 before the collab fest)
After the conclusion of this (which is the Next chapter),
I'll be collaborating with Dead Bones Sam (concerning a certain trainer and a pokemon. Maybe Chapter 52),
Then, Saffron City here we come my three co-writers~ (I'm done with all artworks! Yay!)
I have made Altair's character art (out of whim) and it is posted on my deviantart account along with other finished artworks. (Airenee93)
Many thanks to my loyal readers and diligent reviewers. Keep up the love and I'll keep up the writing. xD