So, it's been a while. Sorry for that. I've been very busy.
I've gone back and edited all the Pokémon's moves to upper case, so enjoy that distinction. It was a tiring effort, but I think it should payoff. Anyway, on to reviews!
Thank you RHatch89, just that little compliment shows your appreciation and I adore it. Blaze2121, honestly, I haven't thought too far ahead in terms of after Sinnoh. I don't want to get lost in the future as there's lots of things I need to consider in the present. I like those suggestions though, and if anyone else or you wants to suggest more, I'd be open to it. Makes my end easier ;).
NobodyOwens5 and Jajo Camello: I'm glad that the interactions will be received well! Seeing how I had to edit so many moves, I can see that I have a lot of battles and I think some chapters with just them bonding would be fantastic to write! Viperx679: I wonder if what will happen to Darkrai ;). Also, thanks for noticing the effort I put into trying not to make Paul overpowered. He should have an edge with his knowledge and I show that sometimes, but him getting overpowered is a gradual process.
You should all be happy to know that SunnyDr guessed the Pokemon Line the egg is a part of and because of that, well just read to find out! As always, please give your feedback in the reviews. Until next time!
Discord Link: [discord . gg / yARsw4UtaC]
Beta: XenoTime39
Fantina is an interesting trainer. Clearly talented in both contests and battles, her effectiveness in each are amplified. In her battles, her Pokémon have a natural grace to them, allowing for better movement on the battlefield. In her contests, I've heard that her Pokémon hold a fierceness in battle that makes facing her in the 2nd round devastating.
For these reasons, even though I'm winning, I shouldn't get overconfident. Although my Pokémon are clearly capable of leading me to victory, Fantina can easily turn this around if I give her the opportunity.
Her sly smirk not wavering, Fantina outstretches her arm as she throws her pokeball. "Battle positions, Drifblim!"
I threw my own Pokémon. "Staraptor, stand by for battle!"
"Oho? Trying to use your Pokémon's newfound power in its evolution? I don't think that you'll find that this'll end well if that's what you're relying on."
"Well, it's a good thing that's not what I'm relying on." Curbing the banter, I shouted, "Staraptor, use Agility!"
"You shouldn't get cheeky. It might be your undoing. Driftblim, use Will-O-Wisp!"
Unexpectedly, the blue fire of Will-O-Wisp attacked from behind Staraptor as I was getting ready to utter an attack. Staraptor for sure was burned and felt the effects of that.
"Shrug it off Staraptor and use Double Team!" Staraptor split apart, multiplying as the flock of Staraptor approached Drifblim. Fantina gave no reaction as I uttered my second order. "Steel Wing!"
Drifblim was surrounded by Staraptor from all sides. I should be in the right position right now but why does something feel wrong? All the Staraptor dived down to bash Drifblim and that's when I saw it.
Fantina's counterattack.
Fantina with a smirk on her face, uttered one word. "Constrict!" Drifblim's tentacles picked one body out of the flock of Staraptor, ensnaring the true one.
"How?" I cried out. There was no way she kept up with which Staraptor was which, so how'd she grab him?
"Finish him with charge beam!" Drifblim stared at Staraptor who was locked in Drifblim's grasp and then unleashed a thin electric beam attack in that contact. Staraptor immediately dropped out of the sky.
Quickly, I returned Staraptor as the referee called out, "Staraptor is unable to battle, Drifblim is the winner! Challenger, call out your next Pokémon." Pocketing Staraptor's ball, I thought about my situation. Fantina knows what she's doing here. I can't keep on doing the same tricks expecting her not to catch on, so I might as well switch it up.
Calling out Staraptor may have been a bad move because I could only use half or maybe even less of his moves due to ghost types' natural immunity. But am I going to fret about it? Hell no. Am I going to shoot back from this? Hell yes!
Throwing out a pokeball, I knew this next Pokémon of mine would fight especially hard. "Shinx, stand by for battle!"
The little blue lady took to the stage with a combative stance. She was ready. As was I. "Shinx, use Charge." Setting up for Shinx's next move, electricity could be seen coursing through Shinx's being.
Fantina wasn't about to let that slide though. "Ominous Wind!" A wave of repulsive wind started towards the other side of the field. But I wasn't going to let it hit Shinx.
"Use Spark!" Rather than dodge it completely, why not neutralize the majority of the effects? Shinx ran through the wind, receiving minimal damage and jumped at Drifblim.
"Shadow Ball!" Drifblim swiftly repelled the charged up Shinx. The Shadow Ball didn't quite hit Shinx though. The electricity pulsing off of Shinx hit the Shadow Ball first, making the ball explode in Shinx's face.
Thanks to this technicality, Shinx can respond faster from getting hit. "Discharge!"
Erupting from below Drifblim, Shinx let out a massive wave of electricity that flashed through the stadium. Shinx let out a larger roar as a white light enveloped her. Well, she was close to evolving.
The white light hit a peak as the electricity pulsed through the stadium more rapidly, enveloping Drifblim in it even more. Then it all receded, leaving behind a new Pokémon.
"Lux-io!" roared out the new spark Pokémon.
"Sacré bleu, another evolution? My Pokémon are really taking a beating due to your Pokémon's untapped power being grasped before my very eyes."
"You shouldn't be surprised. You knew as well as I did that Shinx especially looked close to evolving. As a gym leader you know that, right?"
"Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't. What matters right now is continuing this battle!" With a brighter smirk, she said, "Payback now!"
Tch, can't let that hit! "Thunderbolt it!" Drifblim wisply tried to maneuver around the electrifying pulses that Luxio sent out but its speed was just low enough for Luxio to hit Drifblim. Drifblim was shocked by the blow and fell to the ground but it wasn't out just yet.
"Luxio, finish it with spark!" Rushing in towards the fallen ghost Pokémon, Luxio charged one last electrifying tackle attack.
"Shadow Ball!" Releasing another shadowy blob right in front of the charging Luxio, I was ready for it this time.
"Jump it!" With quick reflexes, Luxio obeyed immediately and its spark hit its mark on her landing, bashing Drifblim into the ground.
After the attack was over, Luxio stood over a Drifblim with swirls in its eyes.
"Drifblim is unable to battle, Luxio is the winner!" the referee called out.
I covered my ears. "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" I could hear through them as Fantina gave a theatrical scream of despair.
As Drifblim returned to its pokeball, a smirk appeared on Fantina's face, showing her previous outcry as nothing more than theatrics. "Good of you to learn from your opponents previous moves as I did earlier. Can you stick the ending though?" she asked, her Kalosian accent thickening at the end.
"I"m sure Luxio and I can," I said, nodding towards my newly evolved friend.
"Then prepare yourself." She said ominously as she threw her last Pokémon. "Battle positions, Gengar!"
A purple Pokémon with a large grin on his face matched his trainer's grin chuckled its way onto the field. Gengar is less straight-forward than Driftblim, so I assume tricks will be prevalent in this battle.
"Luxio, be on the alert!"
"Lux!" she cried out with a roar. Time for Luxio's round two!
"Luxio, use Charge!"
"Gengar, Shadow Punch!" Gengar's grin grew as his fist grew with the taint of darkness in it. With a teleportation not unlike Sucker Punch, Gengar came from the shadows and threw a punch at the charging Luxio.
"Ice Fang!" Luxio didn't hesitate. She jumped at Gengar's shadow punch and took a bite at it. Gengar's punch did leave Luxio a little rattled, but she shook it off and gnawed down on Gengar's attack.
"Retreat Gengar!" Gengar took to the shadows and reappeared on the other side of the stadium.
"Tch" If we had just a few more seconds of Ice Fang, Gengar could've gotten frozen by it. Well, it's of little consequence. "Charge forward Luxio!" Issuing the command and not the actual move, Luxio tried to close the distance between her and Gengar.
"Dark Pulse!" Releasing a harmful aura, Gengar tried to intercept Luxio.
But I was ready. With a quick reaction to Fantina, I called out to Luxio, "Dodge it and use Discharge!"
I didn't hear what Fantina said in turn, but Luxio sidestepped the Dark Pulse and then let out a charged Discharge, bringing to similar levels of electricity from when it was evolving. Gengar looked to be caught up into it, but something was off.
Gengar was grinning.
I saw it. "Luxio, roll to the left!" Luxio's discharge stopped as he rolled, dodging the punch that Gengar was aiming from behind. A powerful left hook.
"Impressive instincts to find out what was truly going on there." Her words are filled with flamboyant inflections paired with her accent.
"Thanks for the kind words, but I'm full of surprises. For instance, Luxio, Ice Fang!"
Luxio immediately ran at the Gengar who was standing where he had tried to punch Luxio. Fantina didn't seem too worried as she said, "Take it!"
Gengar stood strong as Luxio jumped up to bite Gengar's arm. I could catch it wincing, but I knew she had something planned to counterattack. I had to spring my plan now!
Fantina smugly said, "Use Payback," while I issued my order.
Luxio was punched hard by Gengar's attack, flinging him across the stadium, but it seems like my plan worked.
"Geeen." Gengar cried out, confirming the spark that was buzzing around him. He was paralyzed.
"In that short amount of time, Luxio let out Thunder Wave. I almost didn't hear you say it. Quite sneaky, huh?"
"I try my best." I replied.
"Let's see if it's enough! Gengar, use Shadow Ball!" Gengar aimed a powerful orb towards the struggling Luxio.
That Payback really did a number on her. I don't think she'll be able to dodge. So, she can only attack! "Thunderbolt!"
Shooting past the Shadow Ball, neutralizing it, the Thunderbolt set its sights on Gengar. "Dodge it, Gengar!" Fantina tried to order.
Gengar nodded and tried to morph into the shadows, but something stopped him. A spark.
Fantina, noticing this, just gave a bigger grin. Gengar was struck by the attack, getting electrocuted. Gengar then with swirls in his eyes wobbled around before collapsing.
"Gengar is unable to battle. The winner is Luxio, making Paul, the challenger, the winner!"
After the referee called it, Luxio limped towards me with a weak grin. I crouched down and just gave her a proud grin. "Well done. You trained well even while out of the team and it paid off."
"Lux-io"
"Right, you evolved. You gained great strength."
Luxio leaned into my arms as she passed out. I returned her and walked up to Fantina who was waiting for me.
"Très bien. Very well done, Paul."
"Same to you. I have to ask though. How'd you know where Staraptor was?" It's been bugging me the entire time afterwards.
"Oho? Don't you already know? Try to figure it out for yourself."
Hmmm. Was it? "The shadow from Staraptor?"
"Oui. Double Team is a move designed to confuse, but if one keeps a clear head, one can see the true picture." Fantina explained.
"I've never known that Double Team had such a flaw. How does it get used in high level battles then?"
"Usually, a move is used to hide that there is no shadow or, they use Double Team very sparingly so when the opposing trainer finds the true Pokémon, it's already too late. I'd advise you to alter your strategy to a similar form if you want to succeed."
"I'll most certainly take that to heart. Thank you for the amazing battle and advice." I was sincere with my words. Fantina gave me a lot to think about.
She let out a great giggle at my words. "There's no need for you to thank me so earnestly. It's the job of all gym leaders to give trainers the tools to grow even if most don't want the help usually," she said, winking at me. "Through your ingenuity and cold, calm confidence, you succeeded in defeating me and so I present you with the Relic Badge."
With a flamboyant twirl, Fantina certainly didn't lose her theatrics as she handed me the tri-circular symbol of my success.
Grabbing it, I was overwhelmed by the deep sense of accomplishment this gave. Is this why Ash never stopped his goal of being a Pokémon Master? Because every time he battles, he gets this deep sense of joy in his victories?
Enough about Ash, I should be thinking about myself. Even though this is my third badge, it feels like my most important one. Is it now when I grow to be an even more accomplished trainer? Will my goal be achieved? I shouldn't really be asking myself all these stupid questions.
Because my confidence won't waver. Maybe I sound like a broken record, but my ambition is much grander to be stopped by a roadblock like Hunter J!
Fantina snapped me out of my thoughts saying, "Don't get caught up too much in your victory. If you wish to battle with me again it won't end well for you."
Even though her words were combative, her face showed her playfulness. "If we ever battle again, you can be sure that I'll be ten times stronger than I already am."
Fantina laughed that off and sent me out.
(-)
After handing over my injured Pokémon to Nurse Joy, I was content to sit at a table nearby and wait. My attention, however, was drawn to a flashy poster that stood prominently on the wall of the Pokémon Center. It showed two figures with a Pikachu and a Jigglypuff battling a Bidoof and Houndour.
Ah, the Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition. It's in a month's time and it's basically a big publicity stunt for Hearthome City. I mean, everything is broadcasted on tv and the prize is a Soothe Bell. While a Soothe Bell is a pretty expensive item, it's usefulness is limited to helping Pokémon evolve who can only do so through strong feelings of friendship. My Pokémon already feel the same as I and so we're all tightly knit and understand each other. A Soothe Bell wouldn't be useful at all to me.
But… It's an opportunity to get exposed to many trainers that I'll have to battle at the Lily of the Valley Conference. If I remember right, Ash and I were on a team and won the whole thing. I wonder if events will prove to be the same this time.
I heard the iconic jingle, signaling my Pokémon's recovery. Walking up to the counter, I thank Nurse Joy and grab their Pokéballs.
What's the best way to spend your time after a gym victory? Normally, I'd say more training, but really, I do need to get some free time with all my Pokémon.
And so, after exiting the Center, I made my way to the local PokéPark.
Releasing the team from their Pokéballs, I was met with wide eyes which shifted to understanding once they saw where we were. "You guys can enjoy a break from training today thanks to Staraptor, Electabuzz, and Luxio. They won us the Relic Badge. And to celebrate Staraptor and Luxio's evolution, you all can spend some time doing whatever you want!"
They all cheered with Electabuzz, Hariyama, and Scyther grunting their understanding. I caught Monferno and Electabuzz eying each other. They were going to spar again, weren't they, instead of relaxing. I really have some battle junkies on my team. Not that that is a bad thing.
A thud beside me catches my attention. Hariyama decided to sit next to me, intent on watching Monferno and Electabuzz spar. I felt Luxio curl up next to me and Murkrow perch himself on my bag which was on the other side of me. Scyther sitting in a meditative state off to the side.
Monferno started his assault by rolling into his Flame Wheel and charging Electabuzz. Electabuzz stood firm and grabbed the spinning ball of fire using Brick Break and then slammed him into the ground. Monferno recovered quickly and got back up again for another assault.
I sort of zoned out in watching their spar. Amidst the warmth of my Pokémon's companionship, I was deep in thought as usual.
The world of Pokémon is mysterious even for a native. The extent of power that a legendary Pokémon is unknown to the general public but I believe that their power far exceeds all of my Pokémon or even the Elite Four's. The Champions of each region might be able to stand a chance between some legendaries, but the Creation Trio are truly the pinnacle of all Legendary Pokémon, except Arceus of course. Considering that in just two weeks, I'm going to supposedly be meeting a Pokémon on the scale of a legendary, I think that I should put in place proper precautions within those two weeks, that is, not just intense training for my Pokémon but myself.
Even beyond Alamos Town, how will Team Galactic come into play? I'm aware that they're a huge looming threat that needs to be dealt with but how? Just stumble around on my journey until I bump into them? Screw that! I may not be ready right now to take them on, but in the future I will be and when that time comes, I'll crush them all!
On a lighter note, it seems that Monferno and Electabuzz are getting tired. They're now just throwing out Fire Punch and Thunder Punch respectively. The rest on the sidelines were hyping the two up. It seems that Hariyama, Scyther, and Staraptor were cheering on Electabuzz while Luxio and Murkrow cheered on Monferno.
Electabuzz threw out a right hook, hitting Monferno square in the jaw. Monferno could only spit up bile in response, but he wasn't just taking the blow for show. With his hands grasping the arm that Electabuzz threw out, Monferno gave out a grunt of strength and tossed Electabuzz into the air.
Electabuzz adjusted himself in the air, but was met with a fist from above hitting him down. It was something out of a fighting anime, the way that Monferno quickly jumped above him and slammed him into the ground. Really fun to watch.
Luxio and Murkrow's cheers were heightened at Monferno's performance, but it didn't look like Electabuzz was done. Electabuzz recovered fast and positioned himself underneath the falling Monferno and fired off a powerful Thunder.
Hariyama, Scyther, and Staraptor's cheers overshadowed Luxio and Murkrow's previous cheers, but Monferno's actions shocked everyone.
With the maneuverability of a madman, Monferno moved around the attack, very nearly getting hit from thunder. Only due to Monferno's insane flexibility did he dodge every single Thunder. Monferno rolled into a Flame Wheel and then landed on the, ironically, shocked Electabuzz.
The spar was over. Monferno had clearly won, drawing the applause of the rest of the team. I sprayed both Electabuzz and Monferno with a few potions, stimulating their natural growth. Electabuzz looked a little downtrodden from this result.
Electabuzz has been the new ace of the team for a while and Monferno had clearly been on par with him and now he's somewhat surpassed him. Electabuzz shook his head and then let out a large electric blast.
He scorched the grass at his feet and merely looked back at me. I get what he's saying. He'll try harder to beat Monferno next time. The rest of the team wasn't alarmed by Electabuzz's reactions. They all knew Monferno's rivalry with Electabuzz was a source of friendly competition between the two.
"We'll eat lunch at a local diner. Hearthome City is sure to be filled with delectable treats, right?"
They all cheered at my declaration but something cut one of them off.
"Kro- ow?" A light erupted from underneath him. My backpack. I fetched my bag and retrieved the source of all the light. The egg.
The egg was hatching.
The light brightened up further as cracks began to cover the egg. Finally, a head popped out of the egg and all the light was gone.
An orange orb-like head came into view and I matched eyes with the black white-starred eye. "It's nice to finally meet you Trapinch. My name is Paul and this is your new team," I say, showing him everyone.
"Tra?" he uttered, wide-eyed at everyone. Luxio and Monferno gave an excited welcome while Murkrow flew over him. The rest opted for a simple wave.
"Pinch!" Trapinch looked delighted at the attention he was getting. It seems as if we have an excitable bug dragon in our future.
I scanned him as he looked at me with a cheerful grin. The Pokédex gave Trapinch's description which is actually less about Trapinch and more about his nest. Honestly, most of these Pokémon descriptions seem like a drunk Professor Oak talking. Anyway, from the Pokédex's scan, I learned a few things about Trapinch.
First, Trapinch is actually female, with moves like Bite and Earth Power. I guess Trapinch's parent knew Earth Power. Trapinch naturally learns Earth Power, but only at a high level, so it must've had a powerful parent. Well, that means that Trapinch will probably have a lot of potential.
"It looks like you'll fit in nicely, Trapinch. I'll warn you though, as long as you stick with us, a lot of battles are in your future. Are you prepared for that?"
"Trapinch!" she says, eager to travel with us.
Luxio purred his way around Trapinch. I think she feels like a big sister to her new friend. Trapinch didn't know how to respond to Luxio, but felt her fur and thus was charmed.
The rest of the gang was content in watching the two interact. I was too.
But we needed to get going. "C'mon guys, a big feast is waiting for us," I said, luring all of them to follow me. "We gotta rest up right now because our journey on the road resumes tomorrow!" All of them grunted out their names and followed after me, eager to eat some grub.
It looks like we have an interesting future ahead of us.