AN: Hey, so this is Bri. Going back through reviews and chatting with some people, I noted that some people are confused about Pokémon levels because this story is based off the anime and levels are not used in the anime. This note is for people who are involved in parts of the Pokémon franchise in which levels are never/rarely mentioned. If you already know about levels or are uninterested, then you can skip right to the story without missing anything:)
Here's a summary of levels and also some notes about evolution since they are closely related, explained so that everyone reading this can be on the same page.
- Starter Pokémon are always given to your player character at level five. After they are hatched, Pokémon eggs always start at level one. All Pokémon hatch from eggs, and how/when these eggs hatch changes depending on the game, but the most common way is to make your character walk a lot with the egg in their party.
- In the beginning part/ first city of every game in the main game series (Red/Blue and Sun/Moon, for example), wild Pokémon are between the levels of two to about seven. As you move through each city, the levels of the Pokémon your character may face in both the wild and in trainer battles increase. This really makes no sense in real life but it does in the game.
- The only way a Pokémon can level up is if their experience points increase. The most common way to do this is by battling wild Pokémon and other trainers.
- In the games (as far as I know), it is impossible to face the gyms out-of-order. Each gym gets harder and harder, as the Pokémon the gym leaders use are at increasingly higher levels. Meg/Chipotlepeppers and I discard this game canon because we prefer the anime headcanon in which there are multiple gyms outside of the typical eight and the order doesn't matter. This makes for a slightly more interesting story and is technically canon…so why not? It is also not canon that gym leaders pick and choose the levels of which Pokémon they use…for example, in the Red, Blue, and Yellow games, Misty always uses a level 18 Staryu and a level 21 Starmie no matter how high the level of your team. In some of the other games, she uses Pokémon that are different levels, but per game, the Pokémon used and their levels are the same for every player.
- Some Pokémon evolve when they reach a certain level, some need their 'friendship' or 'affection' points to raise, some only evolve through trading, some use stones, some only evolve into a specific type in a specific location, and some Pokémon can evolve into different types depending on the method used. Eevee, for example, turns into Espeon if friendship levels are increased at daytime and into Umbreon if those levels are increased at night. They use hand-held stones to transform into Jolteon, Flareon, and Vaporeon. They turn into Sylveon if affection points increase before friendship points and they know at least one fairy-type move. Eevee evolves into Leafeon or Glaceon if they level up in a specific location. That location changes depending on the game. Pokémon can never de-evolve or change forms once it has reached the end of its evolution line.
- If your Pokémon is at a level lower than their opponent, the chances of doing damage/winning the battle are slimmer. This is because as levels increase, so does the attack, special attack, defense, special defense, HP (hit points), and speed. Sometimes Pokémon with high friendship or affection levels are better at dodging attacks or landing a 'critical hit' that does more damage than a usual move. For the purposes of this story, it explains why Annastasia's Lillipup is more skilled than Jay's Togetic despite Togetic being at a higher stage of evolution—the levels and stats matter more than the evolution stage.
I think that just about sums up Pokémon levels and evolution. As always, you can leave additional questions or comments in reviews or message me or chipotlepeppers. If you don't already know, I'm 'It's-Bri-Again' on this site, 'Paradoxinyourpantshorse' on Tumblr, and bbuzzanco at yahoo dot com is an email address I check almost daily.
Okay, so here's the next bit…Enjoy:)
The next morning James, Jessie, and the Pokémon cooked breakfast before the battles. While everyone was distracted, James pulled Annastasia aside.
"How have things been going with you and Michio? He isn't bothering you, is he?" James asked.
"You've asked me that three times," Annastasia replied. She lifted Lil-G and petted her head. "We're fine. Besides, even if he were out of control, there's nothing you could do about it."
"Hey—okay, I suppose you have a point. I guess…I don't want you to have too much on your plate."
"I'm fine, but, there's something up with you."
"Me?"
"Mmmhmm. I can tell there's something big on your mind and I can also tell that you want to confide in me."
"Uh, well, I was talking to Jay a lot yesterday…I'm really glad that you sacrificed working with Rita to go on this journey. I mean, I really didn't want him to go back to school, you know? With all those horrible kids…but I also didn't want him to be from people his own age. I am so happy that he is with everyone like this. And Jay seems different, more confident. I can tell he's changing."
Annastasia noted how he sounded a little sad as he said the word 'changing'.
"He may be growing up, but he's still sweet little Jay," she assured him. "If you want someone to spoil, you can still have Jocelyn. She loves being babied. You have Alex too."
"I know," said James. "It's been really fun watching over Alex. Speaking of which—"
"Uncle James!" Alex interrupted.
James turned around just in time to see Alex jump into his arms. James let out a squeal and fell over onto his back.
"Alex, you've got to be careful or you'll break him," Annastasia said as she lifted the toddler off James. "He's old now."
He was sticky; covered in maple syrup and chocolate flavored whipped cream. June and Soledad got out of their seats to help James stand.
"Are you okay?" June asked.
"I'm super," James mumbled half-heartedly.
"Sorrrrrry," said Alex.
"It's okay…Just…please don't do that again…please…"
Jessie, Wobbuffet, Acorn, and Aliyah returned to the kitchen.
"Almost time to leave, so finish up eating. Misty's expecting you soon," Jessie announced.
"Wobbbbufffettt!"
"We can talk more later," Annastasia whispered.
"I would like that," he replied.
Annastasia carried Alex to the sink, where she began cleaning him up. James left to go find a heat pack for his sore back.
XO
Only about 10% of trainers defeated Misty on their first try and only 15% beat her by their second try. She always used Pokémon that were one full level below her opponents' as fair game—and trainers needed to be at least at level twenty before facing her. All this made her one of the toughest gym leaders in Kanto.
Amber was the most anxious to get started, so she decided to go first. Her father opted to be the judge.
"Is everyone ready?" Ash asked the private crowd.
A chorus of 'yeses' rang out and Ash recited the official Cerulean Gym rules.
"I choose Goldduck as my first Pokémon," Misty declared.
"Pip, let's get this show started," Amber responded confidently. "Thunderbolt!"
Pip looked at her, slightly confused.
"I know he's your friend, but we talked about this already," Amber whispered to her partner. "He's just like you—always fine after a battle. And he's been looking forward to this."
Pip nodded and released his first Thunderbolt, which Goldduck easily dodged.
"Dammit," Amber mumbled to herself.
"Amb, that was a curse!" Jay gasped.
"Chill, Jay. Pip, Quick Attack!"
"Confusion!" Misty retorted.
Pip was left dazed. His Thunderbolt hit the wall and boomeranged, nearly crashing into the friends that were beginning to cringe at her rough start.
"Surf!" Misty commanded.
"Surf's one of the most powerful water-type moves a Pokémon can learn," said Soledad.
"Misty did say she wouldn't hold back," said Takeshi.
"Yeah, bit still…even my dad would let up a little…I think."
Pip took the attack. Goldduck continued to use Surf and the Thunderbolts continued to miss.
"Abort!" Amber called out to Pip.
Pip, relieved, returned to Amber's shoulder. She released Pidgeotto.
James handed a bowl to Jay. "Popcorn?"
"Dad! How can you eat while Amber's getting crushed?" Jay complained as he shoved the bowl back into his hands.
"This is prime entertainment," Jessie replied. "I like Misty more than I like Amber, so…"
"I'll take that," Takeshi said as he reached for the bowl.
"Traitors," Jay mumbled. "C'mon, Amb and Pidgeotto! I still believe in you!"
"Me too!" Soledad and June shouted.
"Me three!" said Jocelyn.
"Flaaaa!"
"Pichu, Pi!" Pip cheered, fully engaged now that he was not the one battling.
"Amber's best out of all of us," said June. "Pip too…I'm getting even more nervous than I was before."
"You'll all do fine," said Annastasia. "Let's focus on Amber and her Pokémon for now."
Pidgeotto used Peck until she eventually hit Goldduck hard enough to drain three-quarters of his HP.
"Use Brave Bird then Tailwind!" Amber instructed.
"Pidgeotto doesn't know those moves," Soledad sighed. "She's doing it again…"
Pidgeotto landed a critical hit then used a Tailwind powerful enough to lift Goldduck off the arena floor.
"Never mind," Soledad amended. "When did she learn that?"
"7:00 am," said Jay. "If you don't believe me, look here."
Jay showed the group pictures of Amb's hotel room, in which half the furniture was destroyed and personal items were thrown in every corner.
"Goldduck is out of the match!" Ash declared. "Round one goes to challenger Amber of Cerulean City! Alright! Good job, Amb!"
"Piiiiiiiii!" his Pikachu and Pip cheered together.
Misty, fully satisfied with the outcome, returned her down Goldduck and released a second one. Amber grimaced.
"Who's that?" she asked, growling.
"And Oldie but a Goodie," Misty replied. "An old friend…"
"Shit."
"Amb, that's a curse!" Jay gasped in the exact same manner as before.
"Even Amb didn't know her mother had two Goldduck," said Soledad. "I guess she ignored the roster."
"Typical," said Takeshi.
"Well, I bet she'll do great anyway," June said nervously, hesitant to disagree with Takeshi.
"Pidgeotto, Peck until you can't peck no more!" Amber shouted.
"Dodge and use Confusion!" Misty instructed.
"More pecks!"
"Keep dodging!"
Pidgeotto landed a critical hit, but still, the water-type was too strong. After another Confusion attack, Pidgeotto stopped mid-flight. The bird could no longer remember what she was going to do next. Misty took advantage of her momentary confusion to use Surf. Pidgeotto soon fainted. Ash declared Pidgeotto unable to battle.
"Round two goes to Gym Leader Misty!" Ash announced happily.
"Dad! I thought you were on my side!" Amber pouted.
"Oh yeah…force of habit. Boo, Misty!"
"That's better."
"Come on, Amber! You're the bestest!" Jocelyn cheered. "Use Pip again!"
"Flaaaa feee!"
"Go Amb, go Pip!" The others chanted.
Pip jumped into the ring. His cheeks glowed with electricity and his back arched.
"He's using Charge," Soledad said in disbelief. "But Pip knows Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Earthquake…I thought he had a different fourth move…"
"You can't read about Amb in a book," said Jay. "Go, Amb!"
"Quick Attack!" Amber instructed.
"Stand your ground and use Fury Swipes," Misty retorted.
"Hurry, Pip, get 'em!"
Pip delivered a powerful Thunderbolt. Goldduck did not fall, as he was trained to handle strong electric attacks. But he did take significant damage.
"Good job, now use Tackle!" Amber called out.
"That's a fifth move slot," Soledad gasped as she reached for her tablet. "I gotta record this!"
"Whoa," said Takeshi. "Is this possible?"
"I guesso," Jay said as he looked to his older sister.
"Pip's not the first to obtain more than four moveslots," said Annastasia. "But it's still impressive, and I'm so proud of Amber for this accomplishment. It's certainly amazing for a young trainer…right, Michio?"
Michio was momentarily embarrassed, as it was extremely noticeable to Annastasia that he was deeply engaged in the match.
"Sure," he replied.
"Goldduck, use Confusion!" Misty ordered one last time.
Pip concentrated but could not pull himself out of the Confusion. Misty and Goldduck used Surf. Pip was thrown into the water for a third time that round. Seeing him struggle broke Amber. She grabbed a net and scooped him out of the water. She and Jay immediately used a Full Restore, but the ten-second time-limit for revivals had long passed.
"Okay, so Pip fainted…sorta…" said Ash. "Round three goes to Gym Leader Misty!"
"Darn," Amber sighed. "Fuc—"
"—ahem," Misty and Jay interrupted.
"Hm. Pip, good work. You did your best."
"Amb, you have another Pokémon! You can still win this," said Jay.
"I know you can do it!" Jocelyn screamed.
"Flaaaaa!"
This whole time all her friends had been watching, and they hadn't stopped cheering. Jay, Togetic, Jocelyn, and Flaafy were holding up a homemade banner with her name on it, and Annastasia waved and Rita gave her a wink. Jay mouthed something to her, and she decided he was right. Amber decided that it was time to use their secret weapon.
"I choose you, Gyarados!" she announced, tossing a Pokeball into the arena.
"Whoa, you caught a Gyarados?!" Ash exclaimed. "Way to go, Amb!"
"I'm impressed," Misty cooed. "Awe, Sweetie!"
Amber blushed and mumbled for her mom to get rid of that dreamy look in her eyes that the cushy tone.
"This is gonna be good," said Lily.
"Mmhm," Logan hummed. "Because without words we know that Gyarados is ready to fight."
"Hydro Pump, Gyarados!" Amber commanded.
Gyarados drenched Misty's already-weakened Goldduck. Goldduck tried to Confusion, but the move failed.
"Let's take this underwater," Misty told Goldduck. "Use Dive!"
Misty tossed her daughter a pair of goggles and a mouthpiece while Goldduck and Gyarados dove under the water. Misty and Amber dove in after them. Their audience ran downstairs to the viewing area so that they could watch them battle through an underground glass window.
"Goldduck, Psychic!" Misty called through her mouthpiece.
"Gyarados, Ice Fang!" Amber retorted.
Gyarados just barely escaped the Psychic. The Ice Fang rendered Goldduck unable to battle. Nearly everyone in the entire gym gasped.
"Whoa! Wow, Amb! You're a champ!" Jay shouted.
"Amber, good work!" Annastasia called.
"Yay Amb-sama!" Jocelyn cried.
"Flaaa feeee fee!"
"Round goes to the Challenger!" Ash declared.
"Pika!" Pikachu added excitedly.
"Good work Amber! Keep it up, you're handling that Gyarados spectacularly!" Annastasia called out.
"I am surprised she caught a Gyarados. They are very difficult for first time trainers," Brock commented. "She really is like her mom if she is able to handle a Pokémon like that so well."
"Well, these kids are amazing. They've been helping each other out. You really ought to be proud of them."
"Look!" Jocelyn exclaimed, drawing their attention back to the battle. "Misty's using a Gyarados too!"
"Gyarados versus Gyarados. This just keeps getting better," said Takeshi.
"Go, Amber!" the kids cheered.
"I wish I could use my bow,' Amber thought to herself.
"Gyarados, Hyperbeam!" Misty instructed.
"Use Hyperbeam too!" said Amber.
Lights flashed as the beams collided.
"Pretty!" Jocelyn giggled as colorful light emanated from the underwater battlefield.
"Flaaaa!"
"Amazingly pretty," said June.
"I've never seen anything like it before," Soledad said as she snapped a photo.
After the beams lost their volatility, the two Gyarados struggled to catch their breath.
"Bite!" Amber and Misty called out in unison.
The Pokémon lunged. Amber's grabbed Misty's Gyarados by the tail. The enraged the sea monster used Thrash until it was free, but by then Amber's Gyarados had lost all its strength.
"Amber's Gyarados is out of the match. Victory goes to Gym Leader Misty!" Ash declared.
Amber groaned as she returned the fallen Gyarados. Her friends waited for her by the edge of the pool. Jay and Annastasia wrapped a towel around her the second she emerged.
"You put up a great fight," said Annastasia. "That match was so close—gym battles are rarely that suspenseful."
"You were awesome to watch," said Jay. "Sorry, you didn't win."
"Hey, it's no one's fault," Amber shrugged. "I did my best, so whatever."
Misty touched Amber's shoulder and looked her in the eyes. "You were amazing. That was really close. At your age, there is no way I could handle a Gyarados like that. I'm so proud to see you working hard."
Amber chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah…I tried. I was just hoping that I would be good enough to get that badge."
"You can always try again. I'll battle your friends, then maybe tomorrow or the next day we can have a rematch."
"You can also go to some of the other gyms, then come back," said Ash. "When I was traveling, I liked to do rematches as soon as possible, but not all trainers do that. Many come back weeks, sometimes even months later to try again. Since you have a large group, that might be better."
"I don't know…After seeing you battle, I think I might need an extra month or so before I am ready to face you," said June.
"Yeah, ditto on that," said Takeshi.
"I think I need more time too," said Soledad.
"Michio, what do you say?" Annastasia asked.
"I can defeat her in one battle," he replied.
"Then try," Misty smirked. "Choose your platform: Single Battle, Double Battle, Super Single, Super Double—I'm ready when you are."
"Does that mean you're up next?" Soledad asked.
"Yep," Michio said as he looked to Scarlett. "Let's do Super Single."
"Great—three Pokémon each and no items, no legendaries, and no substitutions," said Ash.
Annastasia groaned as Michio ascended the platform.
"What's wrong?" Rita inquired.
"Michio's cockiness bothers me," she mumbled.
"I see…" Rita moved in closer. "He rejected me, by the way."
"Oh…really?"
Annastasia wasn't usually attracted to drama, but she found this interesting. She was certain Rita would win him over.
"I suppose you just can't judge a book by its cover," said Lily, who was eavesdropping—as usual. "Or its attitude."
"I guesso," said Annastasia.
"I'm not the kind of girl who waits," said Rita. "So, Michio's out of the picture unless he decides to chase me himself."
"Good for you," said Lily. "I mean, who needs guys at all? Not me."
"He likes someone else," said Rita.
"What makes you think that?" Lily asked. She looked to Annastasia. "Ohhh…hm. Interesting."
"Who?" said Annastasia.
Rita cocked her head to the side as if to say 'isn't it obvious?'.
"Use your words," Annastasia retorted.
"He seemed like he was considering my offer at first, but then he just kept on ignoring me and telling me to leave him alone," said Rita. "And whenever I look at him, I see him looking at you. You know it too. I'm not saying you should go for him…unless you want to, then you have my support."
"Rita, I'm not like you. We've talked about this before…let's just watch the battle. Neither of us want to miss it."
Ash had finished reading the official Cerulean City Gym rules. Both Michio and Misty looked determined to win. Jocelyn and the rest of the cheer-squad were conflicted, not sure who to cheer for.
Then Michio said something surprising.
"It's okay, Jocelyn!" he called to the seven-year-old, looking her in the eyes from across the arena. Jocelyn did a double take, surprised that Michio was calling out to her of all people. "You can cheer for your Aunt Misty if you want. It won't hurt my feelings."
Jocelyn smiled a toothy grin. Everyone else, especially the adults, dropped their jaws in shock, wondering if this was the same teen who refused to shake their hands when they first met at the Cherryblossom Festival just a few weeks prior.
"No! I will cheer for you, Oniisan!" Jocelyn declared.
"Flaaa feee!"
"Ha! Go Oniisan!"
"Did that just happen?" Ash whispered to Pikachu, who was on his shoulder as usual.
"Pika," the Pokémon responded in disbelief.
"Go, Michio!" Annastasia called out.
"Yeah! Go, Michio!" the others joined in.
"That's surprising," Rita mumbled.
"Not to me," Annastasia replied.
"Go, Vaporeon!" Misty said as she tossed her Pokéball into the water.
Michio released a Poliwag.
"He caught a Poliwag too?" Takeshi asked in disbelief. "When? Where were we?"
"It must've been when we were asleep," said June.
"It makes sense since Poliwag are most active at night," said Soledad.
"I saw him sneak out," Nolan confirmed.
"Combination 6!" Michio commanded.
Vaporeon dodged and used Ice Beam. Poliwag charged at Vaporeon's feet, tripping the eevolution. Poliwag then used Double Slap until Vaporeon was declared unable to battle.
"Whoa, so uh…Challenger Michio of Alola takes round one," said Ash.
"He has a good grip on strategy," said James. "So, he's actually not so bad…"
"Still don't like him," said Jessie.
"He's a former champion," Annastasia reminded them. "So of course he's not bad. He must've caught Poliwag recently—I never saw it before."
Misty released a second Vaporeon.
"Combination 11!" she instructed.
"Poliwag, combination 8!" Michio responded.
Vaporeon dragged the Poliwag to the bottom of the pool, then blasted it with Freeze Dry. The frozen Poliwag was trapped in a sphere of ice for ten whole seconds, then amazingly, broke through. It immediately used Double Slap on Vaporeon.
After pulling the goggles over their heads and taking the breathing apparatuses in their mouths, the trainers jumped into the pool after their Pokémon. The audience once again went down to the viewers' area so that they could continue to observe the battle. Poliwag and Vaporeon were circling around one another, waiting for their trainers' instructions.
"Vaporeon, Head-butt!" Misty commanded.
"Combination 4!" Michio countered.
Poliwag dodged Vaporeon's attack, then used Hypnosis.
"What's it doing?" Jocelyn asked.
"Fla?"
"Hypnosis," said Annastasia. "It's a sneaky attack; most trainers don't recognize it."
Dazed, Vaporeon flopped onto its side and allowed the Poliwag to use Double Slap. After fifteen seconds, Ash declared it unable to battle.
"Wow. Michio's beating Misty!" Jocelyn gasped. "I can't believe it!"
"Flaaa!"
"I'm proud too," said Annastasia. 'Sorta.'
"He's good," Takeshi said coldly.
In his mind, Michio was his main competition in his pursuit of Annastasia's heart, not realizing that the young woman had no interest in either of them and probably never will. For this reason, as Michio got more involved, Takeshi got more resentful.
"Oh, cheer up, you're good too," June said, picking up on his sudden gloom. "Let's cheer everyone on—that's what teammates do."
"Right," Takeshi mumbled.
"Next, I choose Kingdra!" Misty announced as she released the water dragon.
Kingdra roared and swam around the pool proudly, intimidating Poliwag. Michio sneered and told Poliwag to use combination 11. Misty had Kingdra use Dragon Dance and Outrage. The enormous Pokémon slammed Poliwag against the opposite wall and drastically lowered its evasiveness and speed.
Poliwag was determined to not give up.
"Come on Poliwag, just like before, combination 11!" Michio instructed in a surpassingly soft and encouraging tone.
Poliwag shot several quick Ice Beams at Kingdra. Kingdra dodged every one. Poliwag then charged at it and used Double Slap. It inflicted some damage before being slammed against the wall a second time. Michio had Poliwag try for one more attack, Hypnosis—and it worked.
"Hypnosis seems to be the winning move," Jay said as Vaporeon was immobilized.
"If you ever teach that move to Togetic, you'll be in excellent shape," said Nolan.
"Oh. I suppose I should try to do that at some point."
"It seems super-effective even though water and dragon-type moves are not typically weak to psychic-type moves like Hypnosis," said June.
"I was thinking the exact same thing," said Soledad.
As they were chatting, Kingdra fainted.
"Kingdra is out of the match. The winner of the third and final round of this Super Single Battle is Poliwag and Michio!" Ash announced.
"Whoa," James gasped. "He did it—he beat Misty."
"When I met him, I didn't think much," said Gary. "But he was a champion, so we shouldn't be too shocked—he must be a good trainer if he just got that Poliwag recently and can already battle so well with it."
Michio resurfaced and Misty followed. Jocelyn and Flaafy were the first to congratulate Michio on his unexpected victory.
"But…Scarlett didn't have a turn," Jocelyn said after gushing about how awesome his battle was.
"Fla?"
"Well, she didn't need to," said Michio.
"I would like to face Scarlett," said Misty. "Are you up for a sudden-death mini battle using your starter Pika?"
"Please, Oniisan? Please do it," Jocelyn pleaded. "I love electric Pokémon."
"Flaaaa."
"Sure," said Michio. "I already won the badge—I don't mind showing off another mon. Scarlett, ready?"
"Pika!" she laughed, nuzzling Michio.
Michio and Misty returned to their platforms. Misty released Corsola.
"They seem to be getting along," Gary noted. "Another surprise."
"Perhaps Scarlett was just what he needed," Rita mused.
"I have a question," said June. "Corsola is part rock-type, so electric attacks won't be as effective as they normally would be for water-types—is that right?"
"Yes, but electric moves will still have some effect, plus Pikachu can learn many attacks that are not electric—such as normal, steel, and even ground-type moves," the Professor responded.
"You can take the first move," said Michio.
"Sure," said Misty. "Corsola, use Spike Cannon!"
"Okay, Girl, just like we practiced," Michio told Scarlett.
Scarlett nodded confidently and began charging her powers. Then she leaped high into the air, avoiding Corsola's spikes. Corsola's Surf hit Scarlett, but she didn't seem to care. She touched down on one of the pool's floating platforms and blasted a Thunderbolt right at Corsola.
"Whoa! Look at all that electricity!" Jocelyn giggled. "I love you, Scarlett!"
"Flaaa!"
"You too, Michio!"
Corsola shot straight into the air and hit the ceiling. When she landed back on the ground, the platform shattered and remnants of the Pikachu's electricity danced around her spiky body.
"Oh my god! Corsola!" Misty cried, kneeling down to check on her Pokémon.
"Corr," it moaned weakly.
Misty returned Corsola.
"So, Michio's the winner," Ash declared. "Again."
Jocelyn and Flaafy squealed joyfully as they lifted and petted Scarlett. Misty handed Michio a Cascade Badge. Everyone in their traveling party clapped, and Jocelyn even gave him a tight hug. Michio blushed as she squeezed the life out of him, but didn't make her let go.
"That must be the most powerful Pikachu I've ever seen," said Gary.
"Oh, come on!" Jessie, James, and Meowth groaned in unison. They walked up to Michio, who was now standing between Rita and Soledad. "You can't be saying that you think this jerk's Pokémon is more powerful than the twerp's!"
"Hey, who are you calling a jerk?" Michio responded, though he couldn't care less.
"We spent years tracking that Pikachu," Jessie said indignantly, pointing to Ash and the electric rodent on his shoulder. "There's no way that 'Scarlett' is more powerful than him!"
"Pikaaa," Ash's Pikachu responded. He blushed and rubbed his head, embarrassed by the strange compliment.
Scarlett walked over to Ash's Pikachu, who had jumped off of his shoulder, and the two of them started to have a conversation.
"What are they saying?" Jessie asked the cat Pokémon.
"None of yer business," Meowth responded.
"Yeah," Lily and Logan agreed.
"I can take one more, then I'd like a break," Misty announced.
The children looked at one another nervously. A full minute passed and no one spoke up.
"I'm not that tough," said Misty. "I won't go easy on you but that doesn't mean you can't potentially beat me."
"She's right. This is just for fun. You all are better than you see to think. It's important to believe in yourself. If you don't have confidence, your Pokémon will sense that, and then neither of you will do well," said Cilan.
"I'll go," Jay and Soledad said in unison.
"Erm, uh, Soledad, you can go first," Jay amended.
"You sure?" she asked.
Jay nodded. "Totally sure."
"Then let's go," said Misty.
AN: So, there you have it, Amber and Michio battle Misty, with Soledad coming up in the next chapter, (along with something else). Thanks again for all the reviews:)