In our previous episode. Our challengers Seth and Aaron worked together to secure their second gym badge! They're not the only ones to make it to their gym however, and our other challengers are quickly catching up!
Zeke was sliding down another zipline, having battled two more trainers. He'd made sure to use Barry and Arillo a lot to get them familiar with battling alongside him. Already he trained with them, but he believed that too much training didn't exist.
He landed on the final platform, unclipping his harness from the line. Camilla soon followed afterwards.
"So this is where the gym leader's going to be," said Zeke. "I think I'm ready." Camilla rolled her eyes. "At this point, you're beyond ready." As they neared the door, Zeke saw a basket on the ground. "I guess we're supposed to remove our gear and put it here." They took off their zipline gear and continued through the door. Zeke was met with the usual big stadium. Carolina went off to the stands, where
Cyrus was sitting as Zeke walked forward to the big circle. On the other side, approached a man with blue hair, blue eyes, a blue robe, and
a light blue and white jacket on top of it. He had a silver and gold colored sash with a wing shaped pin attached.
They shook hands in the center before the man introduced himself. "My name is Falkner, a flying type gym leader in Johto and a master at my trade!
People love to believe that as long as they have a rock, electric, or ice Pokémon, they can win. I will not stand for such insults to flying type Pokémon! Bring out your team of super effective Pokémon, I'll still win!"
"Alright then. Good luck Falkner." The referee ran between them, holding up a slate colored flag and a white flag.
He pointed the white flag at Zeke and the blue flag at Falkner. "The rules are simple. First person to have all four Pokémon faint on the
opposing team wins. Both people get two switches, are you ready?" "I am ready!" exclaimed Falkner. Moving to his own side of the circle. Zeke nodded, also moving to his area. "Then let the battle begin!" "Go, Noctowl!" "I choose you, Arillo!" Both flying type Pokémon appeared onto the battlefield, both of them taking flight
immediately. "Interesting," said Falkner. "I didn't expect you to send in a flying type yourself.
Air Slash!" "Not every match is one by type advantages, Future Sight!" Arillo's eyes flashed with psychic energy as he avoided the blades of air.
"Did I hear you correctly? Future Sight? To have such a move on your Natu, you must have trained your bird Pokémon with passion."
"I trained all my bird Pokémon with passion, Peck!" Natu flew forward, readying its beak to attack the Noctowl. The Noctowl flew
away, but was hit by the powerful Future Sight, knocking it off balance. "Extrasensory!" shouted Falkner. The psychic waves slammed into Arillo, temporarily throwing him off balance. He
quickly righted himself and flew off as the Noctowl followed. "Future Sight!" "Stop it Noctowl! Use Hypnosis!" "Dodge the attack and use Confuse Ray!" Two shadowy orbs flew out of Arillo's wings and were sent flying at The Noctowl,
who wasn't able to dodge it in time. Everything seemed fine, until the Noctowl made a sharp turn towards the ground.
"Impossible!" shouted Falkner, "How could your Pokémon have access to such high level moves?"
"I don't know either, but that's why they're special, Future Sight!" "Air Slash!" The Noctowl flew circles as it used Air Slash, the widely used move missing Arillo
entirely. Arillo flew at the Noctowl, catching up to it and using Peck multiple times. "Now I have you, Extrasensory!" The psychic waves slammed into Arillo, sending him flying backwards. The
Noctowl flew forward to floor up, but was hit by the Future Sight and sent flying to the ground, unmoving.
The referee looked at the Noctowl before pointing his slate colored flag at Falkner.
"Noctowl is unable to fight! Send in your next Pokémon!" Falkner closed his eyes. "I see you've already fainted one Pokémon, how will you
fare against the next? Go, Skarmory!" Falkner's Skarmory appeared, the steel type Pokémon with the bladed wings
flying menacingly over the field. "This Skarmory came from my own, and I've raised it since hatching. It may still
be quite young, but we'll still win! Metal Claw!" "Confuse Ray!" "Dodge it!" The Skarmory veered off to the right, avoiding the Confuse Ray and rapidly
closing the distance on Arillo. "Future Sight, and dodge the Skarmory when it comes!" "You'll have no time for that! Steel Wing!"
Arillo's eyes flashed as Skarmory pulled itself into a dive, its wings glowing. Arillo dove as well, the Skarmory easily catching up.
"Now Arillo, dodge!" Right before the Skarmory hit, Arillo veered off to the left, narrowly dodging the
Skarmory and actually getting sent backwards by the wind created by the Skarmory. "Confuse Ray!" Before the Skarmory could recover from its dive, Arillo used Confuse Ray and
successfully hit it. "Now Arillo, switch out!" The referee pointed the white flag at Zeke. "Zeke is switching out his Natu! This
is his first switch! He only has one remaining! Send in your next Pokémon Zeke!" "I choose you, Abba!" Out came Abba in her Pom Pom form, Falkner looked at the Alolan Pokémon in
amazement. "Incredible, a flying and electric Pokémon that isn't a legendary. Also deal super
effective damage against its own kind. Skarmory, use Steel Wing!" "Abba, use Feather Dance!" As the Skarmory flew at her, Abba's wings glowed as she fired a series of soft
feathers, covering the Skarmory as she twirled away. "Skarmory, use Sand Attack!" Skarmory dug its claws into the ground, spraying sand at Abba. He flew upwards
to attack, having seemingly broken out of confusion, when the previous Future Sight attack hit.
"Now, Revelation Dance!" Abba spun around, blasting electricity at the Skarmory. The Skarmory shrieked
as it tried to escape the electricity, and did so just barely. "Ha! Your Skarmory may have lots of defense, but what can he do against
electric or fire moves?" "Rest for now Skarmory," said Falkner, pulling the injured Pokémon into its ball. The referee pointed his slate colored flag at Falkner. "Falkner has returned his
Skarmory, he has one switch left. Send in your next Pokémon!" "I'm going to have to win with agility. Go, Murkrow!" The flying and dark Pokémon burst into the field. "Alright Abba, use Air Cutter!" "Dodge it and use Night Shade!" The Murkrow dodged the Air Cutter with surprising speed and used Night Shade,
creating a ghostly projection and hitting Abba. "Abba, Revelation Dance!" "Dodge it!"
The Murkrow dodged the Revelation Dance and flew at Abba, using Pursuit. The Murkrow slammed into Abba and knocked her off her feet, flying back into the air faster than it had attacked.
"Hmm," said Zeke, voicing his thoughts again. "The Murkrow seems to be fast, but not too agile. I've been teaching my Pokémon about balance, Abba can apply that training here and dodge the Murkrow. Abba! "Think you can dance well?"
Abba nodded, giving a shrill chirp. "Alright then, let's put your training and skills to good use. Get ready!" "No matter what you do, you can't win against my bird Pokémon. Use Pursuit!" "Air Cutter!" Like Zeke had predicted, the Murkrow dodged the attack as it dove at Abba, its
wings flaring with dark energy. Zeke knew that Abba had a split moment to act. "Wait for it- Now Abba! Sidestep it!" With a graceful move, Abba put one foot behind the other and swifty twisted
away from the attack, causing the Murkrow to skim the ground. "Now, Air Cutter!" Before the Murkrow could recover from its dive. Abba spun around, firing sharp
blades of air that slammed into the Murkrow. It quickly took flight after it recovered, not trying to risk another attack.
"Murkrow, use Wing Attack!" Zeke looked at Falkner closely before muttering to himself. "He's planning
something. I know it. I bet he's going to switch to Night Shade." "Prepare yourself Abba!" The Murkrow flew at Abba, its wings glowing. It swerved around Abba, going for
her back, but she spun around and twirled backwards. "Leap to the side! Revelation Dance!" "Night Shade!" The Murkrow stopped in mid-air and used Night Shade, but Zeke had read the
move and acted accordingly. Abba dodged the Night Shade and used Revelation Dance, lighting up the entire arena with the powerful electric type move.
"Murkrow!" shouted Falkner. "Are you okay?" The Murkrow gave a weak cry before collapsing to the ground. The referee
briefly looked at it before pointing his slate flag at Falkner. "Murkrow is unable to fight." "Already two of my Pokémon down, and none of yours. This will change! Go,
Xatu!" "Alrighty then." "Your Abba won't stand a chance, Tailwind!" The Xatu spread its wings, creating a stream of wind and moving extremely fast.
It easily closed the distance on Abba.
"Air Slash!" "Dodge it, spin around!" Unfortunately, the Xatu was moving way too fast for Abba to react. It created
sharp blades of air that rained on Abba. "Now! Use Night Shade!" Xatu's ghostly projection slammed into Abba, knocking her backwards. "Air Cutter!" "Air Slash!" Abba quickly struggled to her feet and started launching air blade after air blade.
The Xatu did the same. Zeke knew that the Air Slash would overpower the Air Cutter. But this was just a
distraction. "Dodge to the side and use Revelation Dance!" Abba leapt to the side, barely dodging a few Air Slashes. She spun around
quickly, sacrificing move damage to use the attack quickly. She managed to strike the Xatu right before it hit her with Air Slash. Finishing her off.
"You did well Abba," said Zeke, returning her to her ball before the referee could make his declaration.
"Okay, send in your next Pokemon.," said the referee, not bothering to point his flags.
"Alright then. I see your Xatu is able to move very fast. But what happens if my Pokémon were able to tell your movements? Go, Ga'hoole!"
The small, round grass and flying Pokémon appeared. Causing Falkner an amused look.
"Now you've sent out a grass and flying Pokémon. A Pokémon weak to flying. You really think you can win?"
"Let's see about that! Use Foresight!" Ga'hoole's eyes flashed as he identified the Xatu as it came towards him. "What many people don't know about Foresight is the fact it allows your
Pokémon to somewhat read their opponents actions. This allows them to dodge better and almost always hit! Dodge, now!"
Ga'hoole rolled to the side, dodging the Air Slashes and using Razor Leaf. The leaves curved in mid-air and barraged the Xatu, distracting it.
"Now, Astonish!" "Night Shade!" Ga'hoole took to the air and dodged the Night Shade, the Xatu's Tailwind
petering out. He reached the Xatu, creating a grotesque, shadowy projection of himself and knocking the Xatu downwards.
"Confuse Ray!" "Dodge it! Go into a dive!"
Ga'hoole tucked in wings, dropping like a rock and slamming into the Xatu, bringing it down to the ground. He immediately sprang up and used Astonish, right as the Xatu used Air Slash!
"Ga'hoole! Are you okay?" Ga'hoole got to his feet. Staggering back from the force of the attack. "Ga'hoole, use Pluck!" Ga'hoole flew upwards as the Xatu used Tailwind. Before the Xatu could do
anything. Ga'hoole switched from using Pluck to Razor Leaf, landing critical hits on the Xatu.
"You shouldn't think anything's beyond me and my partner. Retreat for now!" "You think he's fast enough! Catch up and use Air Slash!" "Turn around and use Razor Leaf!" The leaves were knocked away by the Air Slash, causing Ga'hoole to go flying as
the attack hit him. He landed on the ground as the Xatu unleashed a deadly barrage of Air Slashes.
"Use Leafage!" Tried in vain to defend himself, firing leaf after leaf, trying to disrupt the Air
Slashes. But no matter how many more leaves than air blades he fired, the attack was simply too strong. The Air Slashes slammed into Ga'hoole, knocking him farther.
"Ga'hoole!" The referee looked at Ga'hoole, but the small Pokémon got to its feet, staring at
the Xatu with big, tired eyes. "I admire your Pokémon's tenacity, but there's simply no way you can win this
fight." Zeke looked closely at his Pokémon. Noticing a weird expression, as if
something was off about it. "Or is there?" he asked. At that moment, Ga'hoole suddenly glowed white, filling the stage with a bright
glow. The Xatu was temporarily distracted when Ga'hoole flew at it, still glowing as he used Pluck and slammed into it.
When the light faded, Ga'hoole flapped his wings in mid-air as a Dartrix. "Hmm, mid battle evolution. The odds still aren't tipped in your favor! Air Slash!" Zeke looked at his pokédex. "Dodge it and use Razor Leaf!" Ga'hoole dodged the Air Slash and used Razor Leaf without bothering to
reposition himself, the leaves curved as soon as they were fired. "What you don't know about Ga'hoole, is that he now has extra sharp quills
underneath his normal feathers. It's completely normal for a Dartrix to be able to master controlling these leaves upon evolution. This mastery includes being able to curve their quills to hit any target! Leafage!"
"Confuse Ray!"
Ga'hoole easily dodged the Confuse Ray, firing Leafage and disrupting the Xatu's sight with the cloud of leaves. He flew in and used Astonish, overwhelming the Xatu and finishing it off.
"Xatu is unable to battle!" declared the referee, pointing his slate flag at Falkner. "Send in your last Pokémon!"
"Hmm, well Zeke, you may think you have the advantage, but Skarmory is part steel type! No matter how damaged he may be, your Ga'hoole and Natu won't stand a chance! Go, Skarmoy!"
Zeke rubbed his chin. "He has a point. In their weakened states, Ga'hoole and Arillo won't stand a chance. I need to return Ga'hoole because he's way too hurt, but I won't be able to send in Arillo to whittle it down before sending in Barry. No, I have to have trust in my Pokémon. Barry can do this on his own. Return, Ga'hoole!"
The referee pointed his white flag at Zeke. "That is Zeke's last switch! He has no more switches available unless caused by a forced switch!"
"Go, Barry!" Out came Zeke's Wingull. Falkner looked at the Pokémon and chuckled. "Wonders never cease. Here I thought a challenger would show up with electric
and rock Pokémon, but no! You, my friend, challenge a man who is fond of bird Pokémon, with your own bird Pokémon. It's as if Arceus wanted this match to happen! Zeke Enator, show me the true power of your bird Pokémon! And may the best person win!"
"A little late for that," said Zeke. "But I will show you their power! Water Pulse!" "Already starting with a powerful move! You sure do train your Pokémon! Dodge
it!" "I believe humans and Pokémon do their best when they train together! Catch up
with Quick Attack and use Supersonic!" "Aerial Ace!" Barry avoided the attack and used Supersonic, creating a harsh screech and
confusing the Skarmory. "Now Barry, while you have him! Water Pulse!" Barry sent a pulse of water slamming into the Skarmory. It shrieked as it used
Steel Wing, missing him and crashing into the ground. "Skarmory, you can do this! Use Aerial Ace!" "Weave around with Quick Attack and use Wing Attack!" The Skarmory tried in vain to hit Barry, but he avoided all of its attempted hits
before slamming its head with Wing Attack, temporarily disorienting it. "Now, finish it off with Water Pulse!" Barry blasted the Skarmory and sent it crashing to the ground, fainted. "Skarmory is unable to fight! Zeke is the winner!" Falkner returned his Pokémon and walked up to Zeke.
"Today, I saw an example of an amazing trainer. We both used bird Pokémon, Pokémon I'm supposed to be an expert at, and you still triumphed. You are truly a great trainer."
Zeke waved his hands, an embarrassed look on his face. "You don't have to praise me so much." "And humble as well. You are truly deserving of the Zephyr Badge. May you soar
high in your adventure's Zeke. I hope we can have a rematch one day." Zeke chuckled. "I'm not sure if I'll still have a full team of flying types then." "Even if you don't, I'll still be looking forward to a rematch. Where are you headed
to next?" "The bug gym. I might decimate it though." "If you're heading there, then it might be worth noting that Swablu might be in the
area nearby if you head from this settlement to the west." "Hmm," said Zeke, speaking to himself. "An Altaria might actually work for my
team. A flying and dragon type would make an interesting addition." Falkner laughed and slapped him on the back, handing him the Zephyr Badge in
the process. "I have a feeling you'll reach the sky."
Jax's Group
Jax was headed to the normal gym, having caught his third Pokémon recently.
He was humming to himself when Mack spotted some people in the distance. "Hey look, another group of people," he said. "Perhaps they're another one of the challenger groups." "Maybe," said Jax. "I'd love to battle against them! Let's press on!" With that, he doubled his pace, leaving his team behind. "Let's hope he wins," said Mack.
Jax made it to the other group, Camilla and Mack trying to catch up. "Hello!" shouted Jax, sticking out his hand. "We've met before, I take it your
Aaron." Aaron didn't miss a beat. He shook his hand and nodded. "Yeah, I'm Aaron. Just beat the normal gym and I'm headed to the bug gym. I
take it you want a battle?" "Of course. I actually came from the bug type gym. Wait a minute, didn't you say
you were headed to the rock type gym." Aaron nodded. "I beat it." "Stupid Murkrows," muttered Jax. "Yeah, we ended up slowed down by a bunch
of Pokemon. However! My Pokémon have been well trained, I'm sure I could beat you." "Most of your Pokémon actually," said Camilla. "You haven't trained your Shellos
much."
Jax turned around. "You weren't supposed to say that." "Oh my, I wasn't aware." "Either way," said Jax, turning back around. "I'm ready for this battle!" "Alright then," said Aaron, pulling out a pokéball. "How'd you like to do this battle?
Singles, doubles, triples, one Pokémon each?" "Let's do standard." "Fine then, Thomas, would you start this match?" Thomas shrugged and walked between them. "This is a match between Aaron
Weskner and uh, Jax Ambrose? Anyways, each person has three Pokémon as therefore is allotted one switch each. Ready? Go!"
"I choose you, Noctowl!" "Let's do this Slugg!" The two Pokémon appeared on the field. The Shellos looked like it stood no
chance against the Noctowl. "Noctowl, use Air Slash!" "Brace yourself, fight back with Water Pulse!" Slugg used Water Pulse, the water type move was cut through by the Air
Slashes, but still managed to get through. Both Pokémon were hit by each other's moves, but Slugg wasn't able to go anywhere while the Noctowl flew around.
"Get ready to dodge Slugg!" "Use Extrasensory!" Slugg slid to the side and barely dodged the waves, firing off a Mud Bomb in
retaliation. The Noctowl easily dodged it, swooping around the ball of muck. Jax looked to his side, eyeing a pool of water he'd spotted earlier when he was
approaching Aaron. He'd use it to Slugg's advantage, seeing how fast the Noctowl was. "Slugg, get to the water!" Aaron spotted the pool as well. "Oh no you don't! Stop it with Air Slash!" Jax had planned on Aaron's Noctowl stopping his Pokémon. "Nice try! Mud Bomb!" Aaron's Noctowl was surprised by the sudden attack and was unable to dodge.
The ball of mud slammed into it, obscuring its vision as Slugg crawled forward as fast as she could. Which was abysmally slow.
The pool was about four feet away, but it could take Slugg an entire minute to get there. Jax knew that wouldn't be enough time.
"Noctowl, use Air Slash!" "Mud Bomb!" The blades of air were slightly off target as Slugg fired Mud Bomb, hitting the half
blind Pokémon in the chest. The Noctowl went flying back as he quickly flapped his wings, regaining his balance.
"Extrasensory!"
The Noctowl blasted Slugg with a blast of psychic energy, Slugg stuck herself to the ground, trying not to get thrown away by the attack.
"Water Pulse!" Slugg fired Water Pulse, the new attack pushing against the psychic waves. It
didn't reach Noctowl, but gave Slugg enough time to crawl forward to the edge of the pool.
"Hypnosis!" "Dodge it!" Slugg touched down into the water, speeding up and barely dodging the
Hypnosis. "Now, use Water Pulse!" "Dodge it and use Air Slash!" The Noctowl dodged the Water Pulse and fired back with an Air Slash, missing
Slugg as she swam away. "Noctowl, use Extrasensory!" "Jeez you sure are persistent. Slugg, dodge it and use Mud Bomb!" Slugg slipped away from the Extrasensory and fired back with Mud Bomb, hitting
Noctowl again. Aaron looked a bit frustrated, looking at the pool where Slugg was. "Hey Jax! I wonder how big that pool of yours is. Use Air Slash, hit the
surrounding area of the pool." Noctowl may not have been able to see where Slugg was, but he could see the
water. He flapped his wings, creating sharp blades of air that struck the pool, disrupting the water. Slug fought against the strong currents, the water disrupting her swimming and the blades of air sometimes hitting her.
"Now, use Hypnosis!" "Water Pulse!" Slugg tried in vain to attack the Noctowl before it attacked. She was too late, and
couldn't dodge because of the choppy water. "Now that it's in one place, use Air Slash!" The blades of air struck Shellos, causing her to faint. "Slugg is unable to fight. Jax, send in your next Pokémon." Jax was silent for a moment, returning his Pokémon. He pulled out his pokédex,
looking up information briefly. "All right. Go, Virgil!" Jax's Eevee appeared on the battlefield, not fazed at all by the powerful Noctowl. "You choose an Eevee to fight my flying Pokémon?" "You forget, your Noctowl is half blind. Also, my Eevee knows the move, Swift!" Virgil leapt forward, star shaped rays flying out of the fur around his neck. The
attack was so sudden that neither Noctowl nor Aaron had a chance to react. The stars slammed into the Noctowl, knocking it backwards.
"You think that's enough to stop him? Extrasensory!" "Dodge it, Quick Attack!" Virgil ran away as he dodged the psychic waves, building up speed as he ran. He
dodged all the attacks and leapt at the Noctowl, slamming into it and fainting it. He landed calmly on the ground, shaking his tail as an insult. Aaron and Jax looked at the Pokémon. Jax shook his head. "Sorry about my Eevee. He has a bit of an e- you know what? He has a huge ego
actually." Aaron laughed. "Doesn't matter, his ego will deflate once he gets beaten! Go,
Espurr!" The Espurr landed on the field. Its blank stare seems to penetrate everything and
everyone. "All right Virgil! Use Quick Attack!" "Fake Out!" Virgil was barely able to react as Espurr clapped her hands together, creating a a
mini shockwave and sending Virgil backwards. "Fine then. Use Swift!" "Light Screen!" The stars bounced off the screen of light, narrowly missing Virgil as he leapt to
the side. "Take Down!" "Disarming Voice!" Virgil tried leaping at the Espurr head on, but was blasted backwards by pink
sound waves. "Alright, this is getting annoying. Use Quick Attack!" Virgil put on a burst of speed as he ran around the Espurr, getting behind it. He
then stopped briefly and put on another burst of speed to ram the Espurr before it could turn around.
"Psyshock!" "Dodge it with Quick Attack!" Virgil dug his front paws into the ground and miraculously leapt backward, barely
dodging the Psyshock. "Thanks for revealing your full moveset! Bite!" "Disarming Voice!" Virgil expected the attack and leapt away, using Quick Attack to rush back into
the action. He then used Bite on the Espurr, throwing her away and using Swift. "Don't give up Espurr! Use Psyshock!" Espurr landed on the ground and use Psyshock, the purple orbs surrounded
Virgil and slammed into him, knocking him away. "Disarming Voice!"
"Use Quick Attack!" Virgil didn't have any time to dodge the attack. Instead of listening to his trainer,
he used Take Down and leapt forward, braving the attack head on. His momentum was too much for Espurr's attack, and he ended up slamming into the Pokémon.
"Espurr!" Espurr laid on the ground, fainted. Virgil got to his feet, a triumphant smile on his
face before he crashed to the ground. "Both Espurr and Virgil are unable to battle." Jax shook his head. "You reckless little guy. Return." Aaron returned his Pokémon as well. "Alright Jax, I see you've made it to my last
Pokémon. "Go, Quilladin!" "Out, Valdez!" The two starter Pokémon faced each other on the field. Trying to intimidate the
other. Valdez's tail flared to life as he readied his fire. "Quilladin, use Rollout!" "Flame Wheel!" Both Pokémon charged at each other. Quilladin built up speed on the ground,
forming himself into a hard ball. Valdez sprang into the air, flipping over in a fiery circle. Both Pokémon collided and bounced away from each other.
"Valdez, Mach Punch!" "Quilladin, Needle Arm!" In a flash, Valdez raced towards Quilladin, throwing a fast punch. Quilladin
blocked the punch with a glowing arm, and then blocked another Mach Punch. "Don't let up!" Quilladin blocked punch after punch, with Valdez throwing them at supersonic
speeds. "Go on the offensive!" shouted Aaron. Quilladin put both arms together and blocked a series of punches before
throwing his arms apart, catching Valdez in the face and throwing him backwards. Valdez immediately responded, leaping forward again and using Flame Wheel.
"Pin Missile!" Quilladin fired a series of pins at Valdez, who knocked and burned them away.
Quilladin leapt backwards, avoiding the Flame Wheel before using Needle Arm to defend himself from another one.
"Break through his defenses with constant force!" Valdez leapt forward, using Fury Swipes. He slashed at Quilladin over and over
again as the spiny Pokémon tried to defend itself. Almost immediately, Jax spotted an opening.
"Now, Mach Punch! Aim lower!"
Valdez launched a barrage of punches, hitting Quilladin several times. He leapt back and used Flame Wheel, knocking the Pokémon back several meters.
"He's too fast and aggressive. We can't stay on the defense. Quilladin, use Rollout! Focus on building up speed!"
"Don't let him, Mach Punch!" Quilladin rolled away as Valdez tried to land a hit on him. He progressively
became faster, avoiding Valdez multiple times to the point he was faster than Valdez's Mach Punch.
"Brace yourself!" "Strike him, now!" Valdez had little time to react as Quilladin plowed into him. The power of the
move sent him flying backwards, into the pool where Shellos once swam. "Valdez, are you okay?" Valdez got to his feet, climbing out of the pool. He tail reignited as he readied
himself, giving Jax an acknowledging nod. "It's a good thing you gain the fighting type upon evolution. That must have hurt.
Get ready for his next attack though. He could try anything." "I will try something! Pin Missile!" "Ember!" Quilladin fired a barrage of quills, all aimed at Valdez. He threw balls of fire from
his tail as they approached, switching to Mach Punch when they got to close. "Now Quilladin, Rollout!" Valdez immediately sprang into action. Before Quilladin could get his move
started, he rushed forward with Mach Punch, knocking the Pokémon backwards. "Finish him, Flame Wheel!" Valdez was already moving. He sprang into the air, bearing down on Quilladin in
a wheel of fire. He slammed into the Pokémon, and fainted it. "Quilladin is unable to battle. Jax is the winner!" declared Thomas. Jax cheered as Valdez did a little victory dance. Jax's teammates congratulated
him on his win as Aaron walked over. "Good battle there," he said, sticking out a hand. "Your skills are very good, I
wasn't expecting to lose." Jax shook it. "I have a small confession to make. I saved Valdez for last because
I knew you had a Chespin as a starter." Aaron stared at him blankly. Jax scratched his neck in embarrassment. "Yeah, you kind of mentioned it in the
lobby when you saw Seth. I was looking at my pokédex to see how early Quilladins or Chespins could learn fighting type moves. They learn them pretty late, so I figured I could take my chances with Virgil."
Aaron smiled. "It was still a fair battle. I hope we can have a rematch some day. I'd like to see more of your battling skills as a way to improve myself in the future."
Jax returned the smile. "One of my dads always told me to analyze every battle, whether you win or lose. I hope we can have a rematch too. Good luck at the bug type gym, don't underestimate him though."
"Good luck in the normal gym as well. Don't underestimate Norman either." Jax gave him a look. "I'm going to be fighting against Norman?" Aaron smiled. "Now you really won't underestimate the normal gym." Jax groaned. "Of course they hired one of the strongest normal type masters. But
with my Pokémon, we can accomplish anything!" Everybody cheered in agreement. Soon, they went their separate ways, the
battle, in their hearts forever.
And that is the end of Episode 12! I've recently been receiving many OCs, so season 3 is going to have a full cast soon. With that in mind, I'll try to speed up my writing to get through season 1. See you guys around!