~~Hello readers, I'm back with a new chapter.
Pokemon and Assassination Classroom don't belong to me.
I only own my original characters.~~
It was now mid afternoon at Kunugigaoka Academy.
The school day had just ended.
Fortunately, I didn't see Julie in the room anymore.
I was happy to be going home but sad about leaving Korosensei behind.
Korosensei and I had already formed a close bond from the moment we met.
Also, I befriended a kind and observant boy with long blue hair named Nagisa Shiota.
All of the other students except Nagisa exited the classroom.
Before I could walk out the door, I decided to visit with Korosensei one more time.
I strolled over to the teacher's desk wearing a delighted expression.
"Hi Korosensei," I greeted casually.
"Hello Sioku, how may I help you?" he responded with a smile of his own.
"I just wanted to thank you for protecting Nagisa during the explosion earlier," I said gratefully.
"You're very welcome, Sioku. I'm so glad to see that you two are friends," Korosensei replied.
Without thinking, I pulled Korosensei into an affectionate embrace and held him close to me.
Korosensei laid his head on my shoulder.
All of my worries melted away one by one in that peaceful moment as I relaxed with Korosensei.
I felt a rush of hyper energy between us.
There was magic in the air.
I couldn't have imagined a better feeling.
My cross transceiver began to ring in my pants pocket which startled me.
"Please excuse me Korosensei," I said suddenly.
"Sure, Sioku," he simply replied.
I quickly released Korosensei and pulled out my cross transceiver.
My mom's face appeared on the screen as soon as I accepted the video call.
"Good afternoon Mother," I greeted with a bright smile.
"Hello Sioku, how was your first day of school?" Kara responded.
"My day was mostly good. I already have two friends. Also, my teacher is absolutely wonderful. I did have a minor panic attack caused by Type to Learn," I answered.
I refused to tell her about Julie's constant harassment since Mom always took her side over mine.
"I'm so glad to hear that you had a good day. I'll see you at home," Kara said before ending the video chat.
I then looked at Korosensei and said. ""Good bye Korosensei, have a good night. I'll see you tomorrow morning."
"You do the same, Sioku. I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow," Korosensei replied.
I waved at Korosensei before happily skipping out the door.
My head was finally up in the clouds once again.
I let out a dreamy sigh as I thought about my beautiful friendship with Korosensei.
It felt good to be back on cloud nine.
The wind blew through my hair as I ran down a long cemented path.
"Sioku! Wait for me!" hollered a familiar male voice.
I immediately stopped and turned around.
Nagisa came running toward me while panting heavily.
"Hi Nagisa, are you okay?" I greeted with a concerned expression.
The boy carefully slowed down as he approached me.
"Yes, Sioku, I wanted to ask you what your plans are after school," he answered breathlessly.
"I'm supposed to have my first gym battle as soon as I go back home," I said.
Nagisa perked up as he grinned at me.
"Wow, really? May I watch?" he replied enthusiastically.
"Nagisa, I would love to invite you. First, I need to ask my mom for permission. We can ride the train home together if she says yes," I answered with a joyous expression.
"I should get permission from my mom as well," Nagisa said before looking away.
On our way to the train station, I quickly sent a text message to my mother.
Nagisa followed right behind me.
A text message from Mom popped up on my cross transceiver.
The message read: Yes, I look forward to meeting your new friend.
I joyfully threw my arms around Nagisa.
"My mom gave you permission to come over," I said.
"That's great, I just got permission to hang out with you. I can't wait to watch your gym battle," Nagisa replied while returning the hug.
Nagisa and I watched a train pull up to the platform.
We then boarded the train as soon as it stopped.
I gleefully led Nagisa to one of the middle seats.
Nagisa noticed the wide grin on my face as we situated ourselves.
"Someone looks happy today," he pointed out.
"I just enjoy being around you and Korosensei. Both of you made my day," I responded casually.
"I'm glad to hear that, Sioku, but I could tell that you love Korosensei. I saw the way you two were hugging each other after class," Nagisa continued in a teasing manner.
The heat of embarrassment rose in my cheeks.
Nagisa giggled at the sight of my flushed face.
"Say what? Nagisa, is that why you stayed behind? Were you secretly watching us?" I asked in a flustered tone.
"Maybe," he answered before laughing.
I let out a growl of frustration.
"Mind your own business next time!" I shouted with a look of annoyance.
"Chill out Sioku," Nagisa said.
"Let's focus on my upcoming gym battle now," I suggested.
"I'm still excited to see it," Nagisa replied.
"I definitely feel more confident about it now that you're here. Your presence has a calming effect on me," I said sincerely.
"I'm glad you think so," he replied with a smile.
A brief period of silence passed between us.
"I bet you wish Korosensei could watch your gym battle, don't you?" Nagisa teased.
"Yes, but I know that he'll be there in spirit. I won't forget about him," I responded.
I stared out my window as the train pulled up to a different platform.
Nagisa and I waited until the train came to a complete stop.
"Let's go Nagisa," I said while grabbing my bag.
"Right," Nagisa replied as he stood up.
I led Nagisa off the train and toward my house.
Nagisa looked around as we traveled.
"This city is nice," he commented.
"I totally agree, but wait until you see the gym. It's literally inside the trainer school," I said with excitement.
I raced Nagisa to the porch where my mom was patiently waiting.
"Be careful, you two," Kara called out.
"Hello Mother," I greeted as I approached her.
"Hi Sioku, please bring your friend inside the house. I have something to discuss with you, young lady," Kara responded while opening the door.
My cheerful smile was instantly replaced by a frown of disappointment at Mom's last statement.
Once inside, I cautiously led Nagisa into the living room.
Much to my surprise, I didn't see our dog Trooper anywhere.
"Hey Mother, where is Trooper?" I asked while scanning the area.
"Trooper is out back right now. I just let him out a few minutes ago," Kara answered.
Nagisa and I sat down on one of the couches.
Kara took her seat on the opposite couch.
"Sioku, are you ready for your first gym battle?" she asked.
"I sure am," I answered with glee.
"Hello ma'am, my name is Nagisa Shiota. thank you for allowing me to enter your home," the blue haired boy said to Kara.
"I'm pleased to meet you, Nagisa, my name is Kara. You have good manners," Kara replied with a smile.
Kara's facial expression then changed to a look of seriousness as she shifted her attention back to me.
I automatically knew that I was about to be in trouble for something.
All of the joy that I felt from being at school vanished almost instantly.
My heart started to race with anticipation.
Nagisa put a hand on my shoulder to ease my worries.
"You'll be okay Sioku," he assured softly.
I lightly patted his head in return.
"Sioku, I received a phone call from Julie today. She told me that you acted out all day at school," Kara said sternly.
Memories of Julie's harassment toward me flashed through my mind.
I narrowed my eyes in confusion.
Looking at Nagisa gave me the courage that I needed to stand up for myself.
"No I didn't, I was perfectly fine today. Julie harassed me all day like she usually does," I protested.
Mom wasn't going to take my side though.
"Enough young lady, Julie does not harass you in any way! She goes to your school to help you," Kara snapped.
I refused to flinch at the harsh tone in my mom's voice and continued to stand my ground.
I also felt terrible for dragging poor Nagisa into the argument.
"No, Mother, I'm telling the truth. Julie tried to spread a bunch of untrue rumors about me to my teacher this morning. She also yelled at me for having a panic attack in the computer lab. Lastly, Julie screamed at me for no good reason in front of my classmates whenever she got the opportunity. Nagisa and Korosensei will tell you the honest truth as well," I argued.
"What untrue rumors do you speak of?" Kara inquired.
"Julie has been telling people that I act like a baby in order to get attention. She also says that I'm constantly living in a fantasy world," I answered in a serious tone.
"First of all, you shouldn't be freaking out over typing programs anymore. You need to grow up and act like a pre teen. Second of all, I won't believe any of your accusations until I've heard them from Nagisa and your teacher," Kara said roughly.
"I'm not surprised at all. You'll never understand me," I mumbled.
"What was that Sioku?" Kara yelled.
"I wish you would take the time to understand how awful Julie really is. She's always manipulating you into believing her pathetic stories. You chose the wrong best friend," I replied with an icy glare toward her.
Before Kara could say anything else to me, I rose from the couch and bolted out of the living room.
"Sioku, I'm not done talking to you yet! Sioku Marie!" she hollered.
I ignored my mom's hollering and ran out the front door.
The fresh air helped me relax a bit as I made my way to Route 19.
I rushed through the gatehouse and out to the grass covered route.
As I was walking laps around the route, I had the feeling that something was following me.
I turned around to find a sheep-like creature standing there.
"This must be another Pokemon," I said while retrieving my Pokedex.
I pointed my device down at the fluffy creature.
My Pokedex identified the creature as an electric type Pokemon called Mareep.
I held up a Pokeball and said. "Lilipup, I choose you."
Lilipup emerged from its Pokeball and stood in front of me.
"Use tackle on Mareep," I commanded.
Lilipup charged forward and tackled Mareep to the ground.
Mareep fought back by using thunder shock.
"Now use bite," I instructed.
Lilipup struck Mareep directly on its back.
Mareep aimed a wave of electricity in Lilipup's face.
Lilipup waved the sparks away with its tail.
"Use bite one more time," I said.
Lilipup landed a second direct attack on Mareep which nocked the opponent Pokemon out.
I threw an empty Pokeball at the defeated Pokemon.
The Pokeball wobbled a few times before it clicked shut.
I picked up Mareep's Pokeball and held it high in the air.
"We did it, Lilipup! I caught Mareep!" I cheered with glee.
Lilipup excitedly hopped around me while wagging its tail.
I opened up Lilipup's Pokeball and said. "Lilipup, return."
The little dog happily let itself get pulled inside its ball.
Without further hesitation, I rushed back through the gatehouse and into the Pokemon center.
"Welcome back, Sioku," greeted Nurse Joy as I approached the front desk.
"Hello, Nurse Joy," I replied.
"How may I help you?" inquired the friendly nurse.
"My Lilipup and Mareep need to be healed," I answered while placing their Pokeballs into the tray.
"I'd be glad to restore them for you," Nurse Joy said as she picked up her tray.
"Thank you very much," I replied before walking away.
I sat down on a chair in the lobby and slipped into my thoughts.
My thought process was soon interrupted when I heard Nurse Joy call my name.
I stood up and walked over to the desk.
"Your Pokemon are healthy and ready to go," said Nurse Joy as she set the tray down.
"Thanks again," I replied while retrieving my Pokeballs.
"Have a good evening, Sioku," Nurse Joy added.
I quickly exited the Pokemon center and headed toward the school.
~In The House: No POV~
Nagisa sat on the couch wearing a confused expression.
He stared down at the empty space beside him.
"I'm so sorry, Nagisa. Sioku has been on the rebellious side with me lately," Kara said remorsefully.
Nagisa looked up at Kara with a disappointed expression.
"I understand, mis Kara, but Korosensei and I have witnessed Julie mistreating Sioku. Your daughter isn't lying," he replied.
Kara sighed heavily as she looked at the empty space beside Nagisa.
"Tell me, Nagisa, when did you witness Julie mistreating Sioku? What happened?" she asked calmly.
"This incident took place in the computer lab. Sioku had just created her profile and logged into it. All of a sudden, she froze up and started shaking like a leaf. I asked Sioku what was bothering her, but she didn't respond to me. Sioku was lost in a state of intense fear. I tried to bring Sioku back by talking to her, but she freaked out a second time. Julie came barreling toward us and demanded me to move away from Sioku. She then proceeded to yell at Sioku for being scared of Type to Learn. Sioku apologized, but Julie just brushed it off," Nagisa explained.
A brief period of silence passed between them.
Kara took a minute to process Nagisa's story.
"Thank you for telling me your story, Nagisa. You said that your teacher has witnessed this behavior coming from Julie too, correct?" Kara continued.
"Yes ma'am, Korosensei, along with the rest of my class, has heard Julie screaming at Sioku all day. I can call Korosensei and ask him to come over," Nagisa offered.
"I appreciate the offer, Nagisa, but I need to start making supper. Please go look for Sioku," Kara urged.
"I'm on it, but where do you think she went?" Nagisa responded as he stood up.
"She is probably on her way to the gym," Kara answered.
I'll go find her," Nagisa assured.
He then hurried out the front door.
~Outside: Sioku's POV~
I strolled leisurely down a sidewalk that led straight to the trainer school.
My pleasant walk was suddenly interrupted by two teenage girls who blocked my path.
I immediately recognized them as Julie's daughter Mira and her friend Kiera.
Mira is a 13-year-old girl with wavy black hair and red eyes.
Her outfit consisted of black tennis shoes, white ancle socks, black sweat pants, a grey long-sleeved shirt, and a grey hoody.
Kiera is a 13-year-old girl with long blond hair and light blue eyes.
She wore black sandals with white straps, black leggings, and a long silky white dress.
"Hey Sad Sioku, did you miss us?" taunted Mira.
I cringed at that awful nickname.
Kiera giggled in agreement with Mira's question.
"What do you spoiled princesses want?" I asked bluntly.
"Mira and I need a favor from you. Both of our Pokemon aren't strong enough for us to challenge the first gym yet. We want to have a double battle with you," answered Kiera.
"I can't do that right now. I'm about to have my first gym battle very soon," I protested.
"Skip the match and battle us on Route 19," ordered Mira.
"No," I shot back.
"What?" Mira responded coldly.
"You heard me, I said no. I would never do anything for you two. Move out of my way," I said boldly.
Mira kept her cold glare fixed on me.
"You little brat," she growled.
The black haired teen then pulled out her phone.
"Fine, we'll do this the hard way," she said with an evil grin.
I didn't know what to expect and stared at Mira dumbfounded.
"Sad Sioku has no idea what's coming to her," Kiera boasted.
I watched Mira as she opened up the YouTube app and scrolled down to a video.
She then played the video at her highest volume.
The horrifying video showed a severely sick patient lying in a hospital bed.
Many tubes and wires protruded from the patient's body.
My ears were instantly met with constant beeping sounds from various machines.
I gasped in fear at the dreadful sight.
A wave of terror broke over me.
My heart raced at a million miles a minute as I trembled violently.
I couldn't control my heavy breathing no matter how hard I tried.
"What's the matter, Sad Sioku? Don't you like these medical videos?" Mira taunted.
I almost fell over as a wave of dizziness crashed into me.
Tears rolled down my cheeks, and I started to sob.
"Someone's going to pass out," teased Kiera.
"Hey Sad Sioku, do you remember your embarrassing incident that happened in Dr. Colress' health class last year? You freaked out like a toddler and fainted when he showed us a surgical procedure on Tv," Mira added before laughing.
I looked away from the girls and continued sobbing loudly.
"Poor Sad Sioku, there's only one way to escape your predicament. Agree to have a double battle with Kiera and me on Route 19. You look like a total wreck," said Mira.
I shook my head roughly at her.
"Sad Sioku is a stubborn little baby as always," Kiera commented with a smirk.
My cries for help suddenly caught the attention of two people.
I recognized the short boy as Nagisa.
"Pardon me, mis, but my friend is being attacked by bullies! Please hurry!" Nagisa shouted to a woman nearby.
I slowly perked up at the sound of Nagisa's voice.
Nagisa and the woman bolted toward the commotion which startled both teenagers.
"Brat! We'll get you next time, Sad Sioku!" yelled Mira as she and Kiera fled the scene.
"Thank you ma'am," said Nagisa to the woman.
She waved at him before walking away.
I finally started to calm down as soon as those beeping noises faded into silence.
Nagisa calmly strolled over to me.
I was relieved to see his cute face again.
"I found you, Sioku, what just happened? Are you all right?" he asked gently.
Instead of answering his question, I threw my arms around Nagisa and held him tight.
Nagisa felt my body shivering against his and returned the embrace in a comforting way.
"It's okay Sioku, I'm here now. You're safe with me," he assured softly.
I buried my face into his shoulder.
Nagisa and I held each other as I pulled myself together.
A long period of silence passed between us.
My heart rate slowed down to a normal rhythm as I gained full control of my breathing.
"Sioku, how are you feeling?" asked Nagisa as he released me.
"I feel fine because of you. Thanks for saving me," I answered softly.
"Can you tell me what happened?" Nagisa continued.
"Julie's daughter and her friend demanded me to have a double training battle with them. I refused to do it, and they weren't going to let that slide. Mira played a terrifying medical video on her phone. I had a major panic attack and couldn't get away from those bullies," I explained.
"That won't happen anymore while I'm with you," Nagisa reassured.
I hugged the boy again before releasing him.
"Hey Nagisa, I have some good news to tell you. I caught a new Pokemon after I left the house," I said.
"Really? That's cool," Nagisa replied.
"Shall we get going?" he asked in a happier tone of voice.
I simply nodded in response.
After entering the school, Nagisa and I walked down a long corridor that led to a back room.
Two small children were running around and playing as I passed by.
"Hey Sioku, who are those kids?" asked Nagisa.
"They're students here at the trainer school. I attended this school when I was little," I explained.
I avoided them and continued following Nagisa down the corridor.
Another door came into our view as we reached the end.
I gently knocked at the door.
"Come in," said a male voice from inside the room.
I opened the door slowly and stepped inside followed by Nagisa.
A tall man with jet black hair calmly walked over to us.
He wore brown shoes, blue dress pants, a white dress shirt, and an orange necktie.
"Good afternoon, Sir, my name is Sioku. Who are you?" I greeted politely.
"I'm Nagisa Shiota," my friend added.
"Same to both of you, my name is Cheren. I'm a teacher here at the trainer school and the Aspertia City gym leader," the man responded.
"Really? That's awesome," I said cheerfully.
"You must be very busy during the day," added Nagisa.
Cheren gave a friendly smile in return.
"Sioku, are you ready for our gym battle?" asked Cheren.
"Of course I am," I answered confidently.
"Good luck, Sioku," said Nagisa as he hugged me.
"Thank you," I replied while returning the hug.
Cheren gracefully led me to an arena in the middle of the room.
We stood at each end of the arena.
Nagisa sat down on a wooden chair across the room.
Another man stood beside Cheren as the referee.
"The battle between Sioku the challenger and Cheren the Aspertia City gym leader will now begin. Each trainer will use two Pokemon. The battle will be over when both Pokemon on either side are unable to continue," the referee explained.
Cheren held up a Pokeball and commanded. "Patrat, come on out."
The normal type rat Pokemon Patrat emerged from its Pokeball and stood on the field in front of Cheren.
I also held up a Pokeball and said. "Oshawott, I choose you."
Oshawott popped out of its ball and started running around the arena.
"That is one enthusiastic Pokemon," Cheren pointed out.
"Oshawott has a hyper personality just like mine," I responded with a smile.
"Battle... begin!" shouted the referee.
"You can win this battle, Sioku. Give it your best," said Nagisa.
I gave my friend a thumbs up in return.
"I'll make the first move," said Cheren.
"That's fine by me," I replied.
Cheren then pointed to his rat Pokemon and added. "Patrat, let's begin by using tackle."
Patrat immediately charged forward in Oshawott's direction.
Oshawott stared intently at Patrat.
I grinned as an interesting thought crossed my mind.
"Oshawott, aim a water gun at Patrat's face!" I called out.
As Patrat came closer to Oshawott, the sea otter unleashed a stream of water directly in the rat's face.
Patrat fearfully backed up as it was sprayed by a small jet of water.
"Nice work Oshawott," I praised.
Oshawott posed victoriously in response.
"Patrat, use bite," Cheren commanded.
Patrat lundged forward and landed a direct hit on Oshawott's side.
"Nice move Patrat," Cheren praised.
Oshawott stumbled back in pain.
"Oshawott... no!" I cried.
I desperately stared down at my Pokemon hoping that it wasn't done battling yet.
"You can do it Oshawott! Please get up and fight," I said encouragingly.
Oshawott carefully pulled itself back up on its feet.
I smiled at my water Pokemon in approval and praised. "Good job Oshawott, let's turn this battle around."
Oshawott then faced Patrat and glared at it.
"Patrat, use tackle again," Cheren ordered.
Patrat charged toward Oshawott a second time.
"Dodge it by using razor shell," I commanded.
Just as Patrat was about to strike Oshawott again, the water Pokemon intercepted it with a powerful razor shell attack.
Patrat was sent flying across the battle field.
"Nice shot Oshawott," I praised with a grin.
Patrat hit the ground with a hard thud.
Cheren gasped in fear as he looked down at his injured Pokemon.
"Patrat, are you all right?" he asked with worry.
The rat Pokemon didn't move from its place on the floor.
"Patrat is unable to battle. This victory goes to the challenger Sioku," said the referee.
"You did it Oshawott! Great job," I praised with a joyful smile.
Cheren opened up Patrat's Pokeball and said softly. "Patrat, return."
Patrat slowly crawled into the Pokeball before it closed.
"You put up a good fight Patrat. Now take a well deserved rest," Cheren added calmly.
"Nice job, Sioku, keep up the good work. I'm sure Korosensei is proud of you too," praised Nagisa.
Hearing the sound of our teacher's name ignited a fresh spark of determination inside me.
I thought about that peaceful moment when Korosensei and I hugged each other before I left school for the day.
"Thank you, Nagisa," I said with a dreamy grin.
Cheren held up another Pokeball and called out. "All right Herdier, it's your turn!"
The normal type dog Pokemon Herdier bolted onto the battle field while wagging its tail.
I grinned while staring at Herdier in admiration.
"Awe, that Pokemon is so cute! I want to catch one for myself," I said happily.
Cheren only smiled back at me.
I pointed down at Oshawott who seemed to be a little tired from its last fight.
"Do you still want to battle?" I asked with slight concern.
Oshawott nodded its head and jumped up.
"Your Oshawott has a lot of spirit," Cheren complemented.
"Oshawott reminds me of myself," I replied.
Both Pokemon faced each other with fighting intent.
"Battle... begin!" shouted the referee.
"I'll have the first move this time," I said to Cheren.
Cheren gave a thumbs up in response.
"Okay Oshawott, use tackle," I commanded.
Oshawott charged in Herdier's direction wearing a determined expression.
"Fight back with thunder fang," Cheren instructed.
My eyes widened with horror at the sound of that attack.
"Electric type attacks are super effective against water Pokemon," I thought nervously.
Electricity built up inside Herdier's fangs as it waited for Oshawott to approach.
"Oshawott... look out!" I shouted desperately.
Oshawott looked up at me before it proceeded to charge toward Herdier.
My Pokemon didn't get the chance to attack.
Herdier barked and sank its fangs into Oshawott's back, knocking my Pokemon onto the floor.
Oshawott didn't budge from its spot.
"Oshawott is unable to battle. This victory goes to Cheren," said the referee.
"Great job Herdier," Cheren praised.
Herdier wagged its tail in response.
I opened up Oshawott's Pokeball and said softly. "Oshawott, return."
Oshawott climbed into the Pokeball before it closed.
"Oshawott, you fought very hard out there. Thank you for your effert," I added smoothly.
I frowned and let out a heavy sigh of defeat.
Losing a Pokemon in front of Nagisa made me feel embarrassed.
"Don't give up, Sioku, You still have a chance to win. I believe in you and your Pokemon. Korosensei would want you to keep going as well," said Nagisa.
I smiled brightly as I imagined Korosensei watching my gym battle.
"You're right, Nagisa," I replied cheerfully.
I held up another Pokeball and called out. "Mareep, I choose you!"
The electric type sheep Pokemon Mareep emerged from the Pokeball with its tail sparking wildly.
I couldn't help but giggle at that.
"What's up with your Mareep?" asked Cheren.
"Mareep might be intimidated by Herdier," I answered.
Nagisa laughed out loud in response to my statement.
"Battle... begin!" called the referee.
"Herdier, use bight," commanded Cheren.
"Mareep, wait for Herdier to come close to you. Then use thunder wave," I countered.
Mareep stood in one spot while watching Herdier charge toward it.
Right as Herdier was about to strike, Mareep aimed a wave of electricity in the dog's face.
Herdier avoided the attack and struck Mareep directly in its side.
"Nice shot Herdier," Cheren praised.
The dog Pokemon wagged its tail in return.
Mareep fell to the ground with a thud.
"Oh no... Mareep! Can you get up?" I cried.
My electric type Pokemon lay on the floor for a minute.
I started to lose hope while staring down at my injured companion.
"I wish you were here, Korosensei," I thought sadly.
The fact that Korosensei wasn't there with me tugged at my heart.
"Sioku, have faith in your Pokemon," Nagisa advised.
I gave a nod in response.
"You can do it Mareep," I encouraged.
Mareep carefully rose to its feet.
"That's great, Mareep, let's keep going. Use tackle," I said proudly.
Mareep started to charge at Herdier.
"You use tackle as well, Herdier," said Cheren.
Herdier tried to go after Mareep, but its legs were paralyzed.
"Cheren's Herdier must be effected by my Mareep's static ability. I can use this to my advantage," I thought with a determined smile.
In that moment, my confidence level soared through the roof.
I straightened myself up and looked toward the sky.
"This is for you, Nagisa, Korosensei. I will win this battle!" I cheered with joy.
"That's the spirit, Sioku," said Nagisa.
I then shifted my focus back to Mareep.
"Go for it, Mareep!" I hollered.
Mareep landed a direct attack on Herdier.
"Now follow it with thunder shock," I commanded.
Electricity built up inside Mareep's body.
Mareep then unleashed that electricity on Herdier.
"Herdier, use bite," Cheren instructed.
"Mareep, fight back with tackle," I countered.
Both attacks collided with one another, and each Pokemon took damage.
My gym battle against Cheren was growing more intense with every move that our Pokemon made.
"Mareep, use thunder shock," I commanded.
The sheep Pokemon shocked Herdier a second time.
"Fight back with bite," Cheren countered.
Herdier lunged forward and attempted to bite Mareep.
"Dodge it and use tackle," I instructed.
Mareep charged forward and tackled Herdier to the ground.
"Let's finish this battle by using thunder shock," I said confidently.
Mareep shocked Herdier a third time but with more power to the attack.
I watched in awe as Mareep released electric sparks from the end of its tail.
"Wo, what is that?" I asked while staring down at Mareep.
"Your Pokemon just learned the move spark," answered Cheren.
"Nice work, Mareep," I praised.
Herdier lay still on the floor.
"Can you still battle, Herdier?" asked Cheren.
The dog Pokemon didn't move from its spot.
"Herdier is unable to battle! The win goes to Sioku and Mareep! Therefore, the winner of this match is Sioku the challenger!" cheered the referee.
"I knew you could do it, Sioku," said Nagisa.
"Thanks for believing in me," I replied sincerely.
I hugged Mareep tightly an praised. "Great job, you were wonderful out there."
Mareep wagged its tail in return.
I then opened up Mareep's Pokeball.
"Please take a good rest," I said softly.
Mareep let itself get pulled inside the ball.
"Congratulations, Sioku, you've earned this victory. I had fun battling with you as well," said Cheren.
"Thank you, sir, I enjoyed the match too," I replied.
Cheren reached into his pocket and pulled out an object.
"This basic badge is for you," he said while presenting it to me.
I took the badge gently and replied. "Thanks again, I hope to see you again sometime."
I held up my new badge and showed it to Nagisa.
Nagisa saw it and came walking toward the arena.
I quickly put my badge away and rushed toward the blue haired boy.
Nagisa and I joyfully threw our arms around each other.
"Congratulations, Sioku," he said softly.
"I wouldn't have been able to win this badge without your support," I whispered back.
We slowly released each other after a few minutes.
"The next gym is located in Verbank City. You must travel back through Route 19 and Flocacy Town in order to reach Route 20. Verbank City will be close by," Cheren explained.
"Thank you, sir," I responded.
"I wish you the best of luck on your journey," Cheren added.
I waved at him before exiting the room with Nagisa by my side.
Nagisa and I then walked back down the corridor and out the door.