"Your Pokemon," N had said. "I wish to speak to them."
It had been a strange request, but the three of us had obliged. Now, some time after having given all the information we could to Officer Jenny, we were now sitting in a small dumpy looking park that seemed to be one of the only places somewhat free of the air pollution the city created.
N was now bent on one knee, all of our Pokemon in front of him. N seemed to nod in understanding after a few moments, then stood. "This is... different. Your Pokemon seem to think highly of all of you, even the ones not your own."
"How can you tell?" Alex asked, bemused.
N smiled. "I can hear them talk and they can understand me clearly." He blinked, seeing our expressions. "So you three cannot either?" He said this in a tone of surprise, which surprised me in turn.
Robert shook his head. "We can talk to one another and we may be able to understand them on some level and us them, but to actually hold lengthy conversations, that's a whole different story."
N frowned. "To be honest," he looked back at my Pokemon. "I never expected them to say such things, especially since they're confined to pokeballs." His tone seemed to carry resentment now. "As long as they're confined to pokeballs, Pokemon will never become perfect beings. Trainers are nothing more than the kidnappers of Pokemon."
I exchanged looks with my friends. There didn't seem to be a good response to what he just said.
"Hey," Robert said finally. "N. How about after we check on Zorua from the Pokemon Center, you join us to watch Zeno and Alex's Pokemon battles? Get an idea of what a trainer is. Or at least, what it means to us."
"If you really can," I motioned towards our Pokemon. "Then you should know we're nothing like those people from before. I agree with Robert," I placed my hand on Arcaneis' snout and he closed his eyes contently. "If you want to know the feelings between a trainer and Pokemon, watch them battle."
N hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. However," he knelt down next to where Joltik and Cubchoo were side-by-side. He smiled gently at them and for once, Cubchoo didn't go on the defensive for Joltik's sake. Even the tiny Electric type didn't quiver much. "These two. They're not speaking ill of you, but they're not quite sure what to make of you all yet."
"That's because we only recently took them in," Alex explained, bending next to Cubchoo. "Some of the people from the Port had beaten them, Joltik nearly dying. We managed to take them to the Pokemon Center in time, but..."
N placed both of his hands on the Pokemon, neither shying away. N was frowning now, as if disturbed by what he claimed he could hear. Finally, he turned to Alex. "Cubchoo values his strength to protect the weak. He wants to know if you can provide that for him."
"Of course," Alex said with no hesitation. She reached out and held Cubchoo's hand with her thumb and forefinger. "I promise, we'll be fighting to protect those who need us."
"And you," N turned to me. "Joltik... I'm not sure you should let him battle at all yet. He's too timid and doesn't hold much confidence in himself."
I nodded, then knelt. "How about this, Joltik. You don't need to battle yet and I will only begin training you when you want to, but how about watching this battle I'll be doing soon? See for yourself what kind of trainer I am?"
Joltik quivered slightly and N said, "He agrees, but he doesn't want to fight."
"I know," I extended one finger and began rubbing it along his back, feeling bits of electricity shoot through the appendage. "You won't need to battle yet, only watch. I promise."
"We need to talk about what happened at the Port," Robert said as the three of us waited outside the Pokemon Center for N to finish checking up on Zorua. "I know we told Officer Jenny everything that happened, but we haven't told her everything."
Alex glanced my way. "All we got from that girl was a death threat. While I think we should take it seriously, I also don't think we're in any more danger than we-"
"We are," I interrupted. "We are in more danger than we have been before. These people, they aren't the sort of group that will just fight back with Pokemon and they're not the sort to kill through elaborate means like rituals. These are hardened criminals that have illegal weapons and some sort of criminal organization from what we've heard. It reminds me-"
"Of Team Rocket," Alex finished. "Is that why you're so worried."
"No," I said quickly, then said, "Yes, alright, I'm worried, but not just because of that." I turned to the both of them. "Don't you see? This isn't something we should get ourselves involved in. We're already involved by coincidence, so let's not escalate it any further."
Alex stepped in front of me, a serious look in her eyes. "You know, I've been patient, but we need to know. Back in Kalos, you had no problem going headlong into danger to help others, but now, why won't you?"
"Why can't we just let someone else handle it?" I shot back. "A criminal organization is a job for the police, not some random trainers."
Alex scowled. "Random trainers that survived the Ultra Beast invasion of Alola, random trainers that took on a cult, random trainers that saved both Alola and Kalos. I'm not saying we go looking for a fight, but we can't just sit back if something is happening in front of us. Could you do that? Could you?"
"I..."
"Just tell us," Alex gripped both of my shoulders now, her eyes pleading. "Tell us why you don't want us to get involved. What are we supposed to do if you not telling us puts us in even more danger?"
I closed my eyes. After a long silence, I finally gave in. "Fine... fine." Hearing the doors to the Pokemon Center open, I said, "But later, once we're alone."
"Hey, you have Zorua," Robert exclaimed as N walked over, Zorua trotting along at his heels.
N smiled. "I couldn't refuse a friend who wanted to come along with me."
"Alright," I said, rubbing my hands together as the day seemed to get colder. "On to the gym."
"This is the gym?"
I stared at the gum sticking along the wall of the staircase, a neon purple gym symbol flickering above.
"Yep," Robert said, already heading down the stairs. "Roxie doesn't like to follow the norm. She's pretty rad. You should see her concerts."
As we walked down the stairs, I noticed trash littering the ground around us and the odd purple spray painted wall. Once at the bottom, there was a punk guy with spiky purple hair guarding twin metal doors, two purple neon signs on either side of him. I could hear music, muted by the doors, playing beyond them.
"It's you," Alex said, coming to a stop. "From the night before."
The guy smirked. "I guess I should be thanking you kids for freeing up the Port. Well, it would be free if not for the cops, but oh well, at least it'll be free eventually." He stared pointedly at us. "You all here for a gym battle with Roxie?"
"Just those 2," Robert pointed at Alex and I. "Is Roxie free?"
The Punk shrugged. "She's always free, that girl. She'll just keep playing her music even if the world is falling 'round her." He grinned. "I might even watch these next two battles. Don't lose quickly like all the rest, ya hear?"
Cackling, he threw open the doors and the sound of heavy rock music assaulted our eardrums. Spotlights were dancing around the area, allowing glimpses of the roaring crowd, decked out in paint and punk outfits, and of the main arena. At the far end of the room, a band was going at it hard, Roxie front and center, blasting away at her bass. Above them, spray painted close to the ceiling were the words, Koffing and the Toxics. Then a voice became louder as someone stepped out next to Roxie and they went back-to-back; one playing an instrument and the other practically shouting into his skull mic.
We stood atop a metal platform as we watched the performance, the crowd's roaring nearly as loud as the actual singing. Even Roxie seemed to be singing, her and the man's duet spot on. Soon, the song seemed to reach its conclusion. The crowd went wild, their chants filling the room as the band threw up their hands as they finished.
"ROXIE! ROXIE! ROXIE!"
"PIERS! PIERS! PIERS!"
Roxie grabbed the mic from Piers, grinning as she shouted, "Thank you one and all for that thunderous approval! Maybe today is the day Piers will finally accept my invitation to join my band!"
The crowd cheered even louder as Piers snatched his mic back. "Not a chance, Roxie! I got my own digs back in Spikemuth!"
"Aw come on!?" Roxie grabbed another bass player from behind her, squishing her into a hug. "I think this cutie Marnie would totally be on board!" Her eyes then landed on our group, still on the platform. Immediately Roxie stepped forwards, throwing out her arms. "It seems a couple of gym challengers have wandered into my gym! Let's give it up to their bravery for even walking through the front door!"
The crowd began cheering for us, pumping their fists in our direction.
"So," Roxie began speaking again. "Who among you wish to challenge me?"
Alex stepped forwards first while I let out Joltik, handing him to N, who seemed to be the only human he liked. After giving him a rub with my finger, I followed Alex off the platform and onto the dirt battlefield. Roxie grinned. "Perfect! A double battle it is then!"
The crowd began cheering extra loud at this, chanting once more, "ROXIE! ROXIE! ROXIE!"
She pointed to us. "Each of you will be allowed 3 Pokemon each! And I my own three Pokemon!"
"Wait!" I had to yell to be heard. "That puts you at a serious disadvantage! We can't accept that!"
"Nuh uh, I won't have none of that," Roxie wagged a finger at us. "This is my gym, so my rules! Either you accept that or you can leave, your choice!"
Alex and I exchanged baffled looks. But we both nodded. Roxie grinned. "Well then, may we have your name 'O brave challengers!?"
"Zeno!"
"Alex!"
"Hear that!?" Roxie turned both ways to look at either side of the crowd. "Let's give it up for Zeno and Alex! May they triumph in battle!" She snapped her finger and the lights dimmed, a spotlight centering on Roxie on one end of the battlefield and Alex and I on the other end.
"Piers," Roxie yelled. "Get back to jamming! Marnie sweetie, play that riff good!" Smoke blasted around the arena and her Koffing soared over the crowd before stopping in front of Roxie. She raised her hand towards us, making a 'come at me' motion.
Alex and I both enlarged our pokeballs, sending out Vespiquen and Corviknight.
Roxie swung down her hand on her bass, the noise reverberating throughout the gym. "Let's rock!"
"Corviknight!" I shouted. "Steel Wing!"
"Vespiquen!" Alex shot out her hand alongside mine. "Cover him with Attack Order!"
Green beams shot from beneath Vespiquen, arcing towards Koffing as Corviknight soared over them, wings glowing.
"Don't lose that momentum now," Roxie called out to us. "Gyro Ball!"
Koffing began spinning, the Attack Order seeming to do nothing as he zoomed away from Corviknight, slamming into Vespiquen, knocking her back.
"Will-O-Wisp!" Roxie did a piercing riff and Vespiquen cried out as she was burned by blue flames that shot out from Koffing's pores.
"Watch out for those flames!" I warned Corviknight as he flew towards the Poison type. "Drill Peck!"
"Swarm him with Attack Order!" Alex commanded and Vespiquen shot forth more green beams that began circling Koffing, encasing him. Corviknight shot forwards, beak glowing harshly as he aimed for his opponent.
"Let's Clear Smog our way outta this!" Roxie yelled and clear white smoke blasted from all of Koffing's pores, blasting away the Attack Order and boosting himself upwards so that Corviknight hit empty air. Koffing immediately shot down, slamming into Corviknight's back.
"Will-O-Wisp!" Roxie shouted.
"Power Gem while he's busy!" Alex commanded and rocks blasted into Koffing's back as Corviknight cried out, being burned.
"Couldn't have stopped him from burning?" I raised an eyebrow at Alex as Corviknight flew back up.
"Don't worry," Alex gave me a thumbs up. "Vespiquen, Aromatherapy!"
Vespiquen began glowing green, the scent of grass and flowers filling the room as a soft wind enveloped both her and Corviknight, healing them.
"Good as new!" Alex shouted. "Power Gem!"
"Dual Wingbeat!"
"Don't let 'em catch you!" Roxie swung down her hand. "Gyro Ball!"
Koffing shot between their attacks, once more heading for Vespiquen.
"Not this time!" I shouted. "Brave Bird!"
Corviknight blasted forwards, surrounded by a harsh blue light.
Roxie smirked. "Pull out!"
Koffing shot upwards and Corviknight was now on a direct course with Vespiquen. Alex's eyes widened as she quickly yelled, "Defend Order!"
Just in the nick of time, Vespiquen surrounded herself in a green glow as Corviknight slammed into her. Koffing descended on both of them, burning both of them with Will-O-Wisp once again.
"Dual Wingbeat while he's close!" I roared as Alex yelled, "Aromatherapy!"
"Clear Smog!" Roxie jammed.
The clear white smoke blasted out like a wave, clearing away Aromatherapy before it could do anything, but Corviknight couldn't be stopped. He swung one wing up, slashing it against Koffing before hitting him back with his other wing.
"Finish her! Gyro Ball!"
Koffing swerved around Corviknight's outstretched wing and slammed into Vespiquen as she tried to fire another Attack Order. She collapsed to the ground, fainted.
"Vespiquen is unable to battle! Koffing wins!"
Corviknight paused on the ground, wincing as his burn darkened. Now with no Vespiquen, he could no longer heal his burn.
"Oh man oh man!" Roxie grinned in excitement. "Your teamwork needs some improvement, but you're providing a nice challenge! Give them some cheers!"
The crowd grew louder, chanting, "ZENO! ALEX! ZENO! ALEX!" Robert seemed to be especially shouting our names, N wearing a polite smile as Joltik just watched on.
"You did a good job, Vespiquen," Alex said as she returned her Bug type. "Your hard work will pay off, I promise." She swung out her next Pokemon. "Pyroar!"
"Let's get this battle heated up then!" Roxie spun around, doing a full 5-second guitar solo. "Koffing, Sludge Bomb!"
Koffing seemed to fill his cheeks before shooting out a brown liquidy object that zoomed towards Pyroar.
"Block it!" I shouted and Corviknight flew in front of Pyroar, taking the Poison attack head on, nullifying it. "Drill Peck!" Corviknight blasted towards Koffing, rotating faster and faster.
"Gyro Ball!" Roxie shouted and Koffing moved to zigzag around Corviknight, but I yelled, "Pull back your wings!"
Corviknight pulled out of his attack, spreading his wings out wide. The Poison type smacked right into his metal wing, both of them wincing at the impact.
"Our turn!" Alex grinned triumphantly. "Crunch!"
Pyroar had run along the battlefield in the time the other two Pokemon had advanced on one another, and now he shot forwards, fangs glowing as he bit down hard on Koffing.
"Gas 'em!" Roxie shouted as she swung her hand into the air.
"Koffiiiiiiiiing!" Smoke blasted out of all his pores, causing Pyroar to splutter before being hit in the face by a sludge bomb. Pyroar crouched low, groaning as a purple hue developed along his forehead.
"Lower his defenses with Metal Sound!" I roared and Corviknight screeched harshly, the grating sound putting pressure on the Poison type. He then responded by bashing into the Steel type's chest, sending him crashing along the ground. He cried out once as the burn worsened and he collapsed onto his side.
"Corviknight is unable to battle! Koffing wins again!"
"Heh," I returned my Pokemon, staring at where Koffing was zigzagging around Roxie. "That's some Pokemon." I hurled out my next Pokemon. "Greninja!"
"Grenin," Greninja stood erect in his ninja pose, eyes narrowed.
"He looks powerful!" Roxie exclaimed. "Koffing, Sludge Bomb, let's go!"
"Koffiiiiiing!" He blew up his cheeks before shooting forth the sludge attack.
"Counter with Water Pulse!" I shouted as Alex yelled, "Flamethrower!"
Both attacks combined overcame the Sludge Bomb and the Flamethrower blasted onwards, scorching Koffing entirely. The Poison type coughed out smoke as Greninja appeared behind him in the air, charging up an attack.
"Behind you!" Roxie shouted, but it was too late.
"Water Shuriken!" I yelled and Greninja flung out two shurikens, each one hitting Koffing on either side in a mini explosion. Koffing dropped from the smoke and rolled along the ground at Roxie's feet, fainted.
"Koffing is unable to battle! Greninja and Pyroar win!"
The crowd stared in silence before erupting into cheers, once again chanting our names. Roxie returned Koffing, saying, "Koffing, thanks for your hard work." She beamed at us. "You two are really getting my blood pumping!" She unhooked a pokeball from behind her and hurled it center stage. "Let's rock, Toxtricity!"
An unfamiliar purple and yellow Pokemon appeared on the battlefield, standing on two legs. Spiky yellow electricity crackled from his head as he strummed the protrusions on its chest, the sound coming from it similar to a bass guitar.
"Straight from the Galar region," Roxie shouted and she and Toxtricity jammed out a couple fast notes. "Toxtricity snuck aboard one of our shows and I knew in an instant he would be a hit! Show 'em what you got! Overdrive!"
Toxtricity strummed his protrusions, electricity blasting outwards from him.
"Overheat!" Alex yelled and fire burst from Pyroar in a wave of fury, incinerating the electricity. Greninja shot forwards in that moment, blade gleaming in his hand.
"Cut!" I yelled.
"Toxic!"
Toxtricity was slashed, but he gave Greninja a parting gift by poisoning him.
"Now Overdrive once more!" Roxie shouted and Greninja was blasted backwards, falling to one knee due to the poison's effect.
"Cover me," I told Alex. She nodded and yelled, "Pyroar, get in close with Crunch!"
Pyroar, already suffering from being poisoned by Koffing, bounded forwards, breathing hard as his fangs glowed.
"Blast him away with Boomburst!" Roxie roared and a resounding noise blasted from Toxtricity and spreading along the ground, cracking the battlefield with its intensity. Pyroar was flung backwards, tumbling past Greninja as he held his ground, one hand pressed against the earth, straining not to lose his position.
I winced, one eye closed as I concentrated. "Greninja! Let's go!" Greninja roared with me and a cyclone of water formed around him.
"That's rockin'!" Roxie yelled in delight. "Overdrive!"
"GO!" I yelled and Greninja rocketed forwards, the water around him forming into his cloak. He flung it off and he spread it wide, and the electricity blasted it to shreds, but left an opening for Greninja. "Go for it! Cut!"
Greninja formed two blades as he lunged for Toxtricity.
"Venoshock!" Roxie shouted and purple liquid burst from Toxtricity and slammed into Greninja, slamming him backwards. He groaned, struggling to stand. I gripped my side, feeling his pain. Then I smirked.
"Fire Fang!" Alex yelled and Toxtricity cried out in pain as Pyroar bit into his side, flames bursting around the bite. He flung the Poison type away before crumpling to the ground, fainted. Greninja shot upwards, a wave of water rising with him. He flipped and shot his arm forwards, directing the wave downwards where it cascaded into Toxtricity. The excess water sprayed against the crowd as Greninja landed back on the ground. He wobbled for a second before catching himself, weak from the poison.
"Pyroar and Toxtricity are both unable to battle! Greninja wins!"
"I take back what I said about your teamwork," Roxie smiled as she returned her Pokemon. "Good performance, Toxtricity." She clipped the ball to her back before producing her final pokeball. "I'm down to my last Pokemon. Come on folks, give our challengers some encouragement to win!"
The crowd began cheering excitedly, their roars indecipherable, but the meaning was clear. We were being cheered on once more.
"This is some gym," I said as Alex sent out Absol. "We can't lose now."
"Never even considered the possibility," Alex said as a heavy thump sounded from Roxie's side of the battlefield. Her final Pokemon stood taller than both of our Pokemon. Garbodor.
"Show me you're worthy of the Toxic Badge!" Roxie began playing a more heavy, high-paced tune. "Garbodor, Double Hit!"
"This time you can buy me time," Alex said, pressing her lips to the keystone ring she wore on her right middle finger. Light burst from it as tendrils of light connected between her and Absol.
Greninja shot forwards, slashing two blades to counter Garbodor's arms, which shot out at incredible lengths. The Water type then ran forwards, tossing out shuriken after shuriken, each one striking against the Poison type.
"This is our determination to win," Alex spoke, the light growing brighter as it encased Absol. "This is the bond we have forged together. Foes, now friends, let our bond grow to even higher heights! Absol, Mega Evolve!" Absol gave a piercing cry as she shot forwards, running with an elegant grace.
"Gunk Shot!" Roxie yelled and Garbodor held out his left arm, shooting triple helpings of the toxic sludge. Both Greninja and Absol managed to dodge it as Greninja leaped into the air and dark winds gathered around Absol's claws.
"Get them with Double Hit!"
Garbodor swung out both arms, both elongating as one slammed into Absol, but not before she managed to slash the Poison type. Greninja twisted midair as the poison affecting him grew to the point of being unbearable.
"WATER SHURIKEN!" I roared and Greninja swung the giant shuriken off his back and it grew larger as he swung.
"HYPER BEAM!"
Greninja's eyes widened as he was engulfed by a beam of pure energy. He soared through the air before crashing behind me, his form fading. I hurried to him, and once seeing he had fainted, I held out his pokeball. "Good job, Greninja. We'll take it from here."
"Absol!" Alex shouted. "While he's on cooldown! Future Sight!"
Absol's eyes glowed bright pink before the color faded back to its original red.
I stepped back by Alex's side and threw out my final Pokemon. "Lucario, Bone Rush!"
"Quick Attack!"
Both Absol and Lucario charged as Roxie grinned and yelled, "Gunk Shot again!"
"Block them!" I shouted and Lucario pulled ahead of Absol, twirling his bone to break apart the sludge before it could hit Absol. The Dark type rushed ahead of him, slamming into Garbodor's middle.
"Now Night Slash!" Alex yelled and dark winds slashed at Garbodor, making him roar in pain as he lashed out with his arms, knocking Absol into Lucario. Before either of them could get back to their feet, Absol was blasted off of Lucario by three Gunk Shots, poisoning her badly.
"Charge him!" I yelled and Lucario rushed forwards again, forming long bones in both hands.
"Hit him with Hyper Beam!" Roxie yelled as Lucario closed in.
"Throw!" I roared and Lucario swung both bones, each one arcing through the air behind Garbodor as the beam of energy blasted into Lucario. Both bones spun back towards Garbodor just as the air ripped above Garbodor's head, a massive amount of psychic energy pouring out. Both attacks hit Garbodor at once, sending him to his knees.
"Now!" Alex yelled and the wind that had been gathering around Absol had reached its critical point. "Razor Wind!" Absol swung her head, crying out as the sharp winds ripped up the ground as they blasted against the Poison type with an explosion.
Garbodor fell forwards, fainted. The crowd, shocked at first that their gym leader had lost, suddenly began cheering again, our names being chanted once more. Roxie laughed joyously as she returned Garbodor, tossing an object towards Alex. She caught it and blinked down at the fruit.
"It's a Pecha Berry," Roxie said with a smile. "Heal that Absol up, she's deserved it."
Alex nodded her thanks as she hurried over to Absol, offering her the berry. Absol ate it and the purple coloring faded from her face as her form shifted back to normal.
Roxie walked forwards, slinging her bass over her back. "That battle totally rocked! Here, proof of your victory." She held out two identical Toxic Badges and both Alex and I accepted them.
"Let's give it up one more time for these strong trainers!" Roxie pumped both fists into the air and the crowd roared.
I made my way back over to Robert and N, taking Joltik gently from N. "I hope you can understand me a bit better now, Joltik. With the strength we possess, I will protect you. And should you ever wish to be able to defend and fight for yourself, just ask and we'll begin your training. Only practice will make you stronger than you are now."
Joltik quivered slightly, but there was a small gleam in his eyes. I smiled, rubbing him with one finger.
"Now c'mon Piers!" Roxie swung an arm around his shoulder. "Go on a date with beautiful me! Ya know ya want to!"
"I'd have to politely decline," Piers said, trying to get away.
"Nonsense!" Roxie laughed as she dragged him along. "Even Marnie agrees with this!"
"See you later Piers," Alex smirked as they passed her.
"Our second gym badge," I said to her when she rejoined our group.
"My first actually," Alex said. "I need to catch up to you and soon. That battle was tough."
"Couldn't have won it without you," I said warmly.
She rolled her eyes, but she was smiling back. "Yeah yeah, you need me."
"Now that our business is concluded in this city," Robert wrapped both arms around our shoulders. "I think it's time we got out of here. What say you, N?"
"Huh?" N blinked in confusion.
"Coming along?" Robert asked.
"I..." N still looked shocked. "Why?"
"Because you're a friend," Robert said, and both Alex and I nodded. "You don't have to stay with us forever, but if your destination lies beyond this part of Unova, would you consider coming along with us?"
"You said you were still confused at why our Pokemon spoke highly of us," Robert went on, holding out his hand to him. "Come with us and we'll show you why trainers are more than what you think."
N stared at his hand. Zorua yipped up at him and N looked down at him. Then, "Sure." He accepted Robert's hand. "We'll come with you."
Robert grinned widely. "Welcome to the group!"
"Guess more is merrier," Alex shrugged with a smile.
"It's good to have you, N," I said, shaking his hand.
"And... you as well," N said. He said it with a slight hesitation. There seemed to be a slight tension between us that I couldn't quite explain. Then when he withdrew his hand, the sensation was gone, and I was left wondering if I had imagined it.
