A/N: Hello everyone. Been a few weeks but I finally got a PC!. I don't have to rely on typing on my phone lol. Last chapter, I said action will be picking up and it will. We are getting our third gym match next chapter, which is 16 chapters ago. Granted, Vermillion City should have been shortly after but I think you guys can see why I delayed it. But yeah, 16 chapters is a little long without a gym match (even though there were 2 tournaments in between). Looking forward to next chapter! Enjoy.
Pokemon Journey: Indigo League
Chapter 31: Pallet Town Rivals
"Joltik, use string shot and aim for the legs!" Brandon shouts across the field.
Joltik unleashes a small web, tying up Poliwag, immobilizing the tadpole Pokemon.
"Great job. Now, use shockwave!" Brandon commands, thrusting his arm forward.
"Poliwag, use bubblebeam on the ground!" his trainer desperately shouts but it doesn't work. Joltik scurries along the string shot and unleashes a shockwave, effectively knocking out Poliwag.
"Poliwag, return," his trainer says, recalling his downed Pokemon. He walks towards Brandon and extends his hand. "Thank you for the battle. Your Joltik is strong."
"Your Poliwag is strong as well. We got a bit of luck," Brandon says modestly, shaking his hand. "Thank you for the battle. Maybe we can battle again sometime."
"I'm looking forward to it," the trainer says before disappearing into the crowd.
"Come on, let's go to the Pokemon Center," Saul says, pointing towards the red roof.
It's late afternoon when Brandon, Ava and Saul finally walk into Saffron City. The last three days were spent walking along Route 7. Nothing noteworthy happened besides Brandon just training for his next badge. Taillow still is giving Brandon the cold wing, though Brandon is trying his best to connect with Taillow. In those three days, Brandon increased his training for his team and h's proud of how they are getting better.
Brandon sighs, as he enters his rented room. The room is similar to the other Pokemon Center rooms, so he just stashes his bag in a corner, jumps in for a quick shower, changes into some clean, comfortable clothing before joining up with Ava and Saul in the trainer lounge.
"What do you guys want to do?" Brandon asks them, lounging on a chair and sipping a glass of water.
"Not sure about you two, but I have no energy to do anything tonight," Saul says, leaning his head against the chair's headrest and closing his eyes. "I'm just so pooped out."
"I hear you," Ava says, mimicking Saul. "Brandon, if you want to do anything, looks like you are on your own for tonight."
"My body is saying to sleep but my mind is telling me to train," Brandon admits, stifling a yawn himself. "I don't think I can afford to take too long with all the things crammed into a tight schedule."
"Then why accept going to Kalos to watch your sister?" Ava asks, opening one eye. "I'm sure she would understand the time crunch."
"Because Kelly is my sister," Brandon simply says. "She's made some sacrifices for me. I'm going to do the same for her."
"Sure, I agree with that," Ava says slowly, trying to find the right words. "Kelly does know that you are also gathering badges and she even told you to come out later, giving you some time. Just be careful you don't bite off more than you can chew."
"I will," Brandon tells her, nodding his head. He briefly leans his head back as well. His eyes started drooping, signaling it's time for bed. "You guys win. We can take a break tonight off training but I will be up early to make up for lost time. Also, I want to scout out the gym here."
"Sounds like a plan. In the meantime, I'm going to take a bath then sleep. Good night," Ava says, getting up from her chair. She waves to the two boys before disappearing to her room. Shortly after, Brandon and Saul follow suit.
"Wartortle, use water pulse! Nidorina, use double kick!" Brandon commands his two Pokemon.
Wartortle shoots out two rings of water, aiming for Nidorina, who comes charging down the field towards Wartortle. Nidorina uses her tail to jump over the water pulse attack and smashes down on Wartortle, who just ducked into his shell at the last second but he couldn't dodge Nidorina's poison sting.
"Great intuition," Brandon praises from the sidelines. "Nidorina, using your tail to jump over an attack was superb thinking. Wartortle, using your shell as a shield is excellent thinking as well. Just be careful, because Nidorina exposed a weakness to that. How about we try that again, but this time, Wartortle, when you duck into your shell, use ice punch."
"Wartortle," Wartortle nods, facing Nidorina, who runs back to her side. The two nod at each other before Nidorina comes crashing down the field again. Wartortle sends out a water pulse in which Nidorina uses her tail to leap over the attack and comes flying down with a double kick. Wartortle retreats into his shell but primes an ice punch. Once Nidorina hits Wartortle's shell, Wartortle uses ice punch immediately, hitting Nidorina.
"Great job. It's great you can dodge an attack, but if you can't attack your opponent, it won't matter," Brandon explains. "This way, you can strike quickly and hopefully get in a surprise attack."
"Wartortle," Wartortle says, nodding his head.
"Excellent. I want you and Nidorina to practice that," Brandon says, before turning his attention to Joltik and Tangrowth.
The sun just began rising while Brandon and his team were out here training hard. Brandon paired off Wartortle and Nidorina with Tangrowth and Joltik. Taillow is sitting on a branch, watching her teammates but refusing to participate.
"Joltik, use string shot to tie up Tangrowth, then scurry along the web and use bug bite. Tangrowth, use your vines to counteract Joltik's string shot!" Brandon orders the pair.
Joltik releases a string shot, aiming for Tangrowth's legs while Tangrowth unleashes his vines. The attacks meet in the middle, allowing Joltik the time to scurry along the web to bite Tangrowth. Tangrowth quickly flicks him off, causing Brandon to think.
"Joltik, remember when you were fighting Bagon and you used shockwave on the string shot?" Brandon asks his spider Pokemon. Receiving a nod, Brandon countiunes. "I want to work with you on using that tactic so that you can use the webbing as a conductor of sorts."
"Joltik," Joltik says, nodding, showing he understands.
"It seems like you are getting more distance on your webbing, so that's great news," Brandon praises him. "We just need to work on how much electricity your string shot can handle."
"Interesting strategy," a voice says, startling Brandon. Turning around, he saw Chloe standing there. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."
"You're fine," Brandon says, trying to calm his beating heart. "How's it going?"
"Going great," Chloe says, stepping beside Brandon. "I'm on my way towards Fuschia City."
"Fuschia City, that must mean," Brandon says, wide-eyed.
"Yep," Chloe says proudly, holding up the rainbow and marsh badges. "Defeated Erika and Sabrina. To be honest, Erika was easy. Sabrina gave me a challenge."
"Wow. Congratulations," Brandon says.
"What about you?" Chloe asks Brandon.
"I still only have two badges," Brandon admits though he points towards the gym in the distance. "Though I will be challenging Sabrina in the next couple of days."
"Good luck," Chloe says, watching Brandon's team. She nods her head towards Tailiow, who still hasn't joined in with her teammates. "I take it that Talliow is a new member?"
Brandon nods. " I caught her in Lavender Town."
"Nice. Swellows are fierce and loyal fighters," Chloe says approvingly.
"I need to work on getting her to trust me," Brandon admits, trying to whistle Taillow over. Taillow just ignored her trainer and proceeded to preen herself on the branch.
"Don't worry," Chloe says encouragly. "I'm sure she'll come around eventually."
"Thanks," Brandon says gratefully before lighting up. "Would you like to battle?"
"Sure. 1v1 alright?" Chloe asks, stepping onto the field. "Four of my team are still tired from battling Sabrina."
"That's fine," Brandon says..
Chloe says, holding a Pokeball in her hand. "Ready?"
Brandon calls his team over before nodding. "Ready!"
"Charmeleon, let's go!" Chloe commands, releasing her starter Pokemon.
"In that case, Wartortle, I need your help!" Brandon shouts, as Wartortle steps onto the field.
"Charmeleon, use smokescreen!" Chloe shouts.
"Wartortle, use rapid gun to clear out the smoke!" Brandon quickly counters.
Charmeleon covers the battlefield in a layer of black smoke as Wartortle spins around the field, clearing away the smoke. Once the smoke is gone, Charmeleon is no where to be seen, which surprises Brandon.
"Now Charmeleon! Slash!" Chloe shouts.
Charmeleon appears behind Wartortle and slashes him across his tail. Wartortle, remembering his training, immediately grabs Charmeleon and flings him over his shoulder and unleashes a close ranged water pulse, scoring a direct hit.
"Nice job Wartortle," Brandon praises his Pokemon.
"Charmeleon, use smokescreen!" Chloe yells.
Charmeleon unleashes a small black cloud, obscuring Wartortle's sight and allowing Charmeleon to put some distance between the two.
"Charmeleon, keep your distance for now. Use flamethrower!" Chloe orders.
Charmeleon shoots flames from his mouth, keeping Wartortle at bay, something Brandon's fine with for now.
"Wartortle, counter with water pulse!" Brandon shouts. The two attacks meet in the center, creating a mist over the field. Behind him, he can see a few people watching their battle.
"Charmeleon, use fire fang now!" Chloe shouts through the mist.
"Wartortle!" Wartortle cries out in pain from the attack.
"Wartortle, quick, ice punch!" Brandon shouts.
"Charmeleon!" Charmeleon cries out as well.
"Right where we want them," Chloe shouts with glee. "Charmeleon, if you can see Wartortle, trip him and use fire fang!"
Brandon grins, knowing that Wartortle should have the advantage right now. "Wartortle, take the fire fang and use water pulse!"
"Oh crap!" Chloe's eyes widened in realization. "Charmeleon, get out of there."
The mist is slowly evaporating but the two silhouettes of Charmeleon and Wartortle are visible thanks to the rising sun. Charmeleon sinks his fangs into Wartortle's forearm. Wartortle grimaces at the pain but instantly retaliates with an ice punch, scoring a direct hit. A white light shines through the mist as Charmeleon begins to evolve. Not to be outdone, Wartortle also glows white, leaving the crowd to gasp in wonder.
Charmeleon grew in size as two wings sprout out of its back. Charizard's tail grows as well. Charizard stomps on the ground, roaring to the crowd, shooting fire into the sky. The crowd cheers for him.
"CHARIZARD!" Charizard roars, shooting flames into the air.
Beside him, Wartortle also grows in size. Two cannons come out of his shell, while his tail shrinks in size and loses the fluff. Following Charizard's lead, Blastoise also roars, shooting water into the air.
"BLASTOISE!" Blastoise shouts, shooting water from his cannons into the air as well.
Both Chloe and Brandon take out their Pokedexes to scan their new Pokemon.
"Charizard, The Flame Pokemon and the final evolution of Charmeleon. Fire/Flying typing. It spits fire that is hot enough to melt boulders. It may cause forest fires by blowing flames."
"Blastoise, The Shellfish Pokemon and the final evolution of Wartortle. Water type. It crushes its foe under its heavy body to cause fainting. In a pinch, it will withdraw inside its shell."
"Way to go Charizard," Chloe cheers her first Pokemon.
"I'm proud of you Blastoise," Brandon praises his first Pokemon.
Charizard grunts, locking eyes on Blastoise. Charizard opens his wings, and shoots blades of air towards Blastoise. After the attack, Charizard looks wiped.
Blastoise glares at Charizard before locking his cannons on the Flame Pokemon. Blastoise gathers his energy before firing at Charizard. As with Charizard, Blastoise looks tired after the attack.
Both attacks strike each Pokemon, knocking them back and onto one knee. Brandon and Chloe locks eyes and nods as the crowd cheers for them.
"Blastoise, I'm proud of you. Congratulations on evolving," Brandon says, laying a hand on Blastoise shell. Blastoise turns around and hugs his trainer. "I'm proud of the hard work you have put in. I'm proud to call you my friend."
Chloe also lays a hand on Charizard's side, rubbing it affectionately. "Charizard, I'm proud of you as well. The beginning of our journey was a struggle in facing Brock and Misty but you never once gave up. You battled hard. Congratulations my friend."
Chloe and Brandon then shook hands with each other. "We started our journey at the same time. Guess it only makes sense for our first Pokemon to evolve at the same time."
"Yeah," Brandon says, chuckling. He looks at Blastoise and grins. "You really don't like evolving alone huh?"
Chloe looks confused, so Brandon explains. "When Squirtle evolved into Wartortle, it was also a double evolution with Ava's Umbreon."
"Well, I'm going to get Charizard checked out before heading down south," Chloe says, returning Charizard.
"You can't stay an extra day?" Brandon asks, also returning his team.
"As much as I want to, I can't," Chloe says regretfully. "The Indigo Plateau starts in little over three months from now. I want to get my badges and then really start training."
"You sound like my sister," Brandon chuckles. He extends his hand. "But I understand. Best of luck Chloe Summers. If we don't run into each other again before the league starts, we will at the league."
"Best of luck to you as well Brandon Adams," Chloe says, shaking his hand. She then pulls him into a hug. "You better make the league. We need to know who the better Pallet Town trainer is."
"That would be me, obviously," Brandon says, grinning. Chloe grins back before waving good bye and disappearing.
"Way to go Brandon," Saul says, coming to stand by his friend.
"Yeah, congratulations," Ava says. "Your team is coming along just fine."
"Thanks guys," Brandon replies. "I don't want to rush you guys but I want to challenge the gym today."
"Why the sudden rush?" Saul asks in surprise.
"I didn't realize how close the beginning of the tournament was," Brandon explains. "About three months. I still need to win six badges and we are going to Kalos to watch Kelly's tournament. Not to mention, Mantine Surfing events for Saul."
"Brandon, relax," Ava advises him, leading him to a bench. "Three months is a lot of time to get six badges. No need to worry about the length or you will drive yourself crazy. Just take it one gym badge at a time."
Brandon takes a deep breath before getting up. "Thank you."
"What are friends for?" Ava says, also standing up. "If you want to challenge the gym today, go for it. We are behind you 100%."
"Absolutely," Saul says in confirmation.
"Just let me get my stuff," Ava says, getting up and heading to her room. "I'll meet you at the gym."
"Alright," Brandon replies. Ava disappears into the Pokemon Center, leaving Saul and Brandon alone. They nod before heading towards the gym.
The gym itself wasn't hard to find. In fact, it was easy to find with all the trainers standing at the doors. Curious as to why there was a big crowd, Brandon and Saul walk through the doors. Brandon blinks, not seeing a line to register a timeslot. Brandon walks towards the receptionist.
"Hello, I'm here to see if there is a slot for today," Brandon states.
"Take your pick," The receptionist tells Brandon with a friendly smile.
"Wow. With the amount of people, I thought they would be all taken," Brandon says, pulling out his trainer card and Pokedex.
"Oh that," the receptionist says with a chuckle. He takes Brandon's trainer card and Pokedex. "Sabrina is holding an open training session. But no one has registered a time today yet."
"I will take the 1pm slot please," Brandon says, thinking about it. He figures, the sooner he has his battle, the sooner they can head out.
"You got it Brandon," the receptionist replies, entering in Brandon's information. Once done, he hands Brandon's card and Pokedex back. "Best of luck."
"Thank you," Brandon says, pocketing his card and dex. He leads Saul away and towards the gym to see if he can get a glimpse at the training session. Just then Ava joins them.
"Ready?" Ava asks him.
"I am," Brandon says, looking at the time. "I still have an hour before my match."
"Come on," Ava says, leading the way towards the spectators' seats. The three friends sit down to watch the session. Both Brandon and Saul are focused on the trainers that they fail to notice Ava looking at a picture.
Ava runs into her room, ready to grab her stuff before heading out to meet the boys when a picture catches her eye. Blinking, she looks at it before pulling up a picture on her phone. It was the exact one that she showed , she puts the photo into her pocket and rushes to the gym. She sits beside Brandon. Noticing that he's focused on the trainers, she pulls out the photo again. This time, she notices something that she didn't before. On the bottom left of the photo, a watermarked J is barely visable.
Team Listings:
Brandon Adams:
Blastoise- Male, Torrent ability. Knows Water Pulse, Ice Punch, Flash Cannon, Rapid Spin
Tangrowth - Male, Leaf Guard ability. Knows: Stun Spore, Mega Drain, Growth, Ancient Power
Nidorina – Poison Point ability. Knows Growl, Poison Sting, Double Kick, Fury Swipes
Joltik – Male, Compound Eyes ability. Knows: Shockwave, Electroweb, String Shot, Bug Bite
Taillow - Female, Unknown Ability. Knows: Boomburst, Aerial Ace.
Ava Mcarthur:
Umbreon - Female. Synchronize ability. Knows growl , Quick Attack, Double Kick, Snarl
Omanyte - Male. Weak Armor ability. Knows: Withdraw, Constrict, Rollout
Growlithe – Female. Flash Fire. Knows: Ember, Bite
Saul Raymond:
Gumshoos – Male. Unknown Ability. Knows Tackle, Sand attack, Leer
Pikipek – Female (Shiny). Unknown Ability. Knows Peck, Growl
Mantyke – Female. Water Absorb. Knows: Tailwind, Water Pulse
Chansey - Female. Healer ability. Knows: Unknown moves