Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or Harry Potter
BloodyKitsune: Chapter fifteen and we're still in Pewter...Huh, I mean I've made the chapter's a bit shorter and admittedly a lot is happening. Oh well, I hope you all enjoy it!
Reviews:
Jostanos: You did get a bit wrong though don't worry it wasn't much. I can't confirm or deny much as it would give away things in the story, but James, Meowth, and Jessie are simply working among the Rockets right now. Ash and Gary will be meeting them soon enough. We'll have those shenanigans' soon enough.
Chapter Fifteen
Panting as he struggled to keep up with Blitzle and Pikachu as Pidgeotto flew overhead, Ash glanced over at Gary who was coaxing his own pokemon into keeping up with him. Spearow was struggling to keep up with Pidgeotto in the sky. For once since the Museum incident, Vali nor any of her pokemon were anywhere to be seen though he had a sneaking suspicion her Gengar was probably watching them. He didn't mind Nazgul even if Gary found the albino ghost-type to be a bit creepy. If anything, Nazgul was a bit easier to get along with than Galadrial if only because he was more expressive and less shy.
Ash heard a loud cry from above and looked up to see Pidgeotto descending downward. Tilting his head as he watched her head away from the pokemon center, he called out to Gary, "Pidgeotto must've found something interesting. C'mon, I want to check it out."
"Sure," Gary nodded with a slight amount of hesitation in his eyes which he didn't blame him for.
Both of them had become more cautious since the Museum incident, they didn't want to be caught off guard especially since Vali had 'accidentally' let slip that the Rockets had been dressed in plain clothes. Returning their pokemon save for Pikachu who hopped onto Ash's shoulder, they headed towards where Pidgeotto and Spearow had landed. Ash grinned as he caught sight of Surge standing there petting Pidgeotto with a slight grin on his face. Spearow was eyeing the blonde gym leader with suspicion on her face. Laughing as he rushed up, he called out, "Surge! What are you doing here?"
Turning towards him with a grin, Surge let out a booming laugh as Raichu jumped from his shoulder and raced over to greet them. Pikachu let out an suspicious squeak that earning a laugh from the elder Chu. Bending down a bit, Ash patted Raichu's head, "Hey, Sasha. You keeping an eye on Surge today?"
Nodding as she jerked a paw back at Surge, Sasha, the blonde's secondary partner when his main one was off doing other things chittered out a reply. Due to his exposure to Surge growing up, he got the gist of what she was saying, 'Have to while Co is keeping the brat from breaking everything at home.'
"Gotcha," Ash nodded his head before looking at Pikachu who was eyeing Sasha in suspicion, "Pikachu," Pikachu's eyes darted to him quickly before looking back at Sasha, "Sasha's an old friend and probably has a lot of advice for you. If Surge and her are willing, I'm sure she'll be happy to help you learn some new tricks,"
"Maybe, Brat," Surge walked over with Pidgeotto following him while Spearow darted for Gary's shoulder, "Where's your sister? The main reason I came here was for her,"
Slightly startled by that, Ash supposed that would explain why Surge was here rather than at his gym. Gary spoke as he was shaking off his shock, "We don't have any idea though I'm pretty sure it might have to do with the call she received this morning. I didn't hear anything, but she looked pretty pissed after it."
Snorting softly as he crossed his arms, Surge shook his head, "Knowing that brat, she could be dealing with any number of bullshit. I could call her up and find out though I've got a feeling she wouldn't appreciate it," He grinned slightly, "How about you two show me what you've been working on? Especially you, Ash. I want to see what that Pikachu and apparent Blitzle are able to do."
Grinning at that, Ash nodded as Gary let out a whoop, "Fuck yes!"
Pinching the bridge of her nose, Vali took a deep breath as she prayed for patience. When she was sure that the multitude of curse words wouldn't leave her mouth, she finally spoke, "Flint was bailed out. Not only that, the evidence we've been collecting has 'mysteriously' disappeared? All within the course of twenty four hours of him being caught and charged?"
"Yes, Ma'am," The Jenny on duty shrunk back, "We're very-"
"Not only that," Vali continued to speak as she ignored the woman, "The pair of officers that were suspected to be assisting him were found dead just this morning? By suicide? Just as officers were arriving to bring them in?"
"Yes, Ma'am," The Jenny nodded quickly, "We-"
Raising a hand, Vali dropped the one that was pinching her nose and turned to the Ace's that were currently standing behind her. She spoke in a firm tone, "I want this entire precinct under investigation."
"W-what-wait-" The Jenny tried to protest though was ignored.
"I want a team of Psychics in here as soon as possible. Every single officer will be submitting to a scan," Vali ordered earning a pair of nods, "Harrison," The lead Ace stood up from where he was leaning against the wall, "My Typhlosion will be sending along the records of everything we've found during this case. I want Flint back in hand-cuffs and carted off to the Plateau by tomorrow if not earlier. Is that understood?"
"As the Empress wishes," Harrison gave her a salute with a slight grin, "I assume you want the wife diverted to the Plateau as well?"
"Seeing as this station is compromised, yes," Vali ignored the choking sounds being made behind her and began heading towards the doors, "I'm going to the Plateau and informing Lance of what's occurred. If anything, I'll see if Will can stop by with his personal team of psychics to speed things up,"
"Gotcha," Harrison laughed lightly, "I'll ensure the forts held down,"
With a wave, Vali left the station and called out to her League appointed psychic. It took barely a few minutes to arrive at the Plateau and track down Lance. She found him speaking with Will, Karen, and Bruno in the lounge area. Rubbing at her face as she arrived, she waved off Karen as the silverette called out, "Ooh, Puppy, want a drink? We're about to watch a movie."
"While I'd love to, I need Lance and Will," Vali offered Karen an apologetic smile as Lance and Will both offered her confused looks, "Shits happening in Pewter,"
"More Rockets?" Bruno asked with a frown.
"No though I'd honestly love to be fighting Rockets compared to having to deal with this," Vali shook her head while reaching up to run a finger along Ortho's back, "Flint's been bailed out by a mysterious benefactor that the cameras couldn't catch the face off," She snorted as their eyes narrowed, "On top of that we had at the Pewter city police department 'mysteriously' disappeared, we also had the two suspicious officers allegedly committing suicide,"
"Mother of Mew," Lance pressed a hand to his face.
"Thankfully, the Ace's and myself both kept copies of all evidence," Vali told Lance earning a relieved look, "I ordered for a team of psychics to be pulled in. If Will is willing to go-"
"My team and I can get everything done a lot faster," Will concluded with a nod, "I will leave within the hour. Everyone is to be scanned, correct?"
"Yes," Vali gave Will a thankful look before looking back at Lance, "I'll also have Balin work with the Porygon team under his command to see if he can't actually get an actual view of who our mysterious benefactor is. Once we're able to, Flint will be back in cuffs and headed for a cell here this time. His wife is already being diverted here rather than Pewter,"
"I'll sign off on everything," Lance dropped his hand with a low sigh, "How are the boys?"
"All things considered, they're about the same as when they were dealing with the Viridian incident. Only this time it's a bit better since they didn't have to deal with any Rockets...," Vali hesitated for a moment before adding, "Knowingly,"
"What do you mean?" Agatha's eyes narrowed at her, "What Rocket got close to them without you knowing?"
"When Ash had gotten his Blitzle and I had gone to Pallet for some assistance from Professor Oak," Vali ignored the scoff Agatha let out, "The boys had gone to a pokemon ranch just outside of Pewter,"
"A ranch outside of Pewter?" Was muttered with glances shared about the room.
"I know, I know," Vali waved a hand at them, "The minute they told me about this place, I started digging. Everything is legitimate on the surface with all pokemon having their vaccinations and births recorded,"
"On the surface?" Karen crossed her arms, "Puppy..."
Closing her eyes with a sigh, Vali told them, "It's a front. Certain pokemon are recorded to have 'died', they actually end up in the hands of various Rockets. And one such pokemon that was supposed to be on that list was Ash's Blitzle, she was supposedly set to die of a severe case of Poke flu alongside a whole batch of young pokemon."
"Holy-How did no one catch this?" Will murmured softly as he pressed a hand over his mouth.
"Doctored medical records, a lot of money changing hands behind the scene, and more things that Balin is still sorting through during his off time," Vali dropped her hand, "The owner, James Arcoba, lost his wife to 'sudden illness' five years ago though there isn't an office death certificate or anything. He had one son who disappeared off the map. From what I can tell, we're dealing with a psychopath of sorts,"
"Once again, we're reminded of why Puppy is the one in charge of our shadow shit," Karen flung out her arms, "Who else would've caught this? So have you said-"
"Fuck no," Vali shook her head, "It would crush Ash to know Blitzle came from that,"
"So...we ignore the fact that he got Blitzle from there and just focus on getting James Arcoba shut down before he can funnel in anymore pokemon? I'm good with that," Will nodded his head quickly earning a few nods.
"Though have Blitzle checked over thoroughly," Lance told her earning a slight glare filled with offense, "Hey, I'm just saying-"
Rolling her eyes, Vali snorted, "I know, but it's not a reminder I really need, Lance. You forget which of us has spent the most time around rescued pokemon," She stretched slightly, "With that news delivered, I'm going to check in on everyone before I head back."
"I'll go with you," Karen said as she got up.
Shrugging as she moved to leave the room, Vali headed to her room with Karen. Karen spoke as they got about half-way, "So how is everything? Without any bullshit, Puppy."
Snorting softly at that, Vali gave Karen a look, "Says the one who drinks more than the two glasses she always 'plans' on."
"Puppy," Karen gave her a stern look, "My drinking habits are not being brought into question when I'm concerned,"
"Sure," Vali looked forward as they started making their way down her hallway, "I'm annoyed as shit and more than a little pissed off. I won't argue against it though as we both know how well that ends,"
A sigh left Karen, "True. So I was thinking, we could get some of that anger out with a battle if you want."
Shaking her head with a soft laugh, Vali told Karen, "Much as I'd love to, I can't. Surge is probably in Pewter by now chomping at the bit to challenge me."
"Surge-" Karen's eyes narrowed at her as they got to Vali's door, "Details,"
Grinning lightly as she opened the door and started to release her pokemon, Vali explained the interaction she'd had with Surge. By the end, Karen was shaking her head with a laugh. She grinned brightly at her fellow Elite, "Lance can't complain either. Both of us are on vacation after all."
"Ooh boy, he'll be soo annoyed," Karen plopped onto the couch, "You checking on Thorin and Disa?"
"Mostly though everyone else is on my mind as well," Vali headed to where everyone was likely resting, "You planning on chilling in here?"
"Might as well, I was getting bored waiting for them to finish arguing just for Lance to shove in another fucking dragon movie," Karen rolled her eyes as Vali giggled, "I swear the only time we watch something else is when you're here. It's not fair,"
"Just because I'm sneakier than you doesn't mean you're not able to sneak in a DVD before Lance has a chance to put in a movie of his own," Vali threw over her shoulder before leaving Karen behind her.
Hearing Karen swear up a storm as the door closed behind her was a treat, Vali felt all her stress fall away as Aragorn rushed up towards her with an excited bark, "Sister!"
Hugging him around the neck as he reached her, Vali smiled as she murmured, "Hey, Little Prince. Feeling better?"
Aragorn nodded against her neck, "Much better though it would be nice to be by your side again."
"In a few days, Nurse Joy will have cleared you all by then," Vali assured him earning a low groan, "Now where is-"
"Sister," Disa murmured as she walked up leaning against Thorin's side, "Would you like to see them?"
Smiling warmly at the Jolteon, Vali released Aragorn and walked over to scoop up Disa gently earning a laugh. Hugging her softly, she pressed a kiss to Disa's forehead as she whispered, "Always, Dearest. I am so proud of you. I heard from Nurse Joy when she checked you out that you'll be fine in a couple days."
"I am very tired right now, but happy. We have five, Sister," Disa purred as Vali carefully followed Thorin towards where the eggs had been laid, "All wonderfully healthy!"
"Five? Ooh, Disa," Vali nuzzled Disa's cheek with a laugh, "I knew you were hiding at least one, but two? No wonder you were uncomfortable!"
Disa flushed as she giggled and leaned into Vali's arms, "They'll be wonderful additions to our family. I know one is promised to the Princess, but perhaps we could see about one of my kits going to your mother? And another to your father?"
"A wonderful idea, Disa. But the other two?" Vali asked curiously.
"I'd say your siblings, but they already have a pair of kits promised to them, no?" Disa shook her head, "Let them find their homes just as Rin and I did though under much better circumstances,"
"A good plan," Vali ducked slightly under a small canopy that had been grown by Rosie before letting out a soft gasp as she took in the five eggs that were settled together, "Ooh, you two..."
"Our precious kits," Thorin rumbled as he moved towards where the eggs were settled within a large incubator.
Setting down Disa, Vali moved towards the eggs and gently set her hand against one of the shells with a soft smile. She looked at Disa and Thorin as they nuzzled each other with looks of adoration on their faces. She spoke softly, "Thank you both...I..."
"For what?" Thorin looked at Vali with a smile clear on his face, "You're our sister. The one who helped us from the darkness. Assisted us into the light and showed us while there would always be darkness, we could enjoy the light as it was. We love and adore you as you do us. Moments like these? They're yours as much as ours. After all, you helped us achieve them,"
Eyes burning with tears, Vali let them fall as she murmured, "I love you, Rin. My little stubborn Vee. You've grown."
"As have you," Thorin rumbled as his tail flicked slightly.
Memories of the little Eevee who had attempted to shadow ball and bite her more than once, the one who had hated all humans rushed through her mind as Thorin peered into her eyes. The little Eevee steadily healing as they grew closer with her patiently holding out a hand to him. The surprise evolution and suddenly having a Flareon to deal with rather than an Eevee. Working alongside that Flareon to hone his new abilities as they figured out this odd connection they now had, the now over-protective nature of this creature who had once hated her. And watching this Flareon fall in love with that stubborn Jolteon who had practically shoved herself into their laps, the irritation and annoyance growing into love and acceptance.
Returning to Pewter a couple hours after leaving, Vali felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders though doubted things would stay like that for long. She walked with Irmo beside her and Elrond floating above him. As they were reaching the pokemon center, she heard the tell-tale sound of Surge shouting and grinned slightly before altering her path. It took barely a few moments to reach the training field where she could heard him shouting. As she came up on it, a laugh left her as she caught sight of Ash and Gary laid out on the ground looking as if they'd been run over by a Donphan while their pokemon looked like they weren't in much better condition.
Turning towards the sound of her laughter, Surge grinned as he caught sight of her, "Brat! Glad to see that you made it. Ready to battle?"
"Sure. How about we head out of town and have that battle since I doubt Brock would like to see what we could do to his gym?" Vali suggested earning a bark of laughter.
"Sounds good to me," Surge turned to Ash and Gary, "Alright you two, I want ya to get those pokemon healed up and rested. We'll be working on that shit tomorrow," He gestured to her, "Let's get going,"
Nodding to him, Vali told Ash and Gary, "Be back soon enough."
There were a few unintelligible whines and groans from the two though neither got up, Vali and Surge both snorted before leaving. Surge spoke once they were halfway outside of town, "That Blitzle, you noticed it, didn't ya, brat?"
"I'd be an untrained idiot not to," Vali shook her head lightly as she knitted her fingers together before settling her hands behind her head, "Already did an investigation as well with Balin, the 'breeder' Ash and Gary encountered? Is likely one of the ones feeding those Rockets pokemon. I already alerted Lance and forwarded the information that we've gathered so far. It ain't good though."
Surge let out a soft snort, "Between you and that brat, you'll never have any normal pokemon, will ya?"
"All things considered, no," Vali shrugged her shoulders, "But I'm not planning on telling Ash unless it's strictly necessary. Blitzle is getting a full medical check up though just to be on the safe side,"
"I'll send over some extra supplies when I head back," Surge shook his head when she started to protest, "Elite or not, you've got more than enough on your plate right now to deal with getting those supplies. And if I grab em, no one will ask questions about why meaning that Blitzle's secret will stay that way,"
"Fine," Vali shook her head with a low sigh, "That obvious I'm getting buried?"
"Only if you know the signs and I spent enough time training ya before you became an Elite that it's easy enough to see," Surge gave her a look as they exited the town and began walking through the grass covered hills, "I know you aren't cracking, but..."
Letting out a bark of laughter at the fact Surge was able to figure things out just like Sirius, Vali dropped her hands, "I...I'm waiting until this shit with the Rockets is over, but...Uncle Surge," She looked at him with a pained expression and saw his eyes soften at the rarely used title, "I think I'm stepping down as an Elite. It's not that I can't handle it, but with everything that gone on since I've become one-"
"Shit hasn't been right especially with how they seem to enjoy having you prance around like a damned prized Rapidash when we all know you'd rather be running missions or working behind the scenes," Surge waved her off, "I get it, Brat. I'm honestly proud of you for lasting this long. I woulda fucking punched out all those politicians, consequences be damned, ages ago,"
Laughing at that, Vali could definitely see Surge do that, "Oh man, I would love to see you punch the lights out of those assholes any day."
"But what do you plan on doing after?" Surge asked causing Vali's laughter to dry up, "Staying in Kanto won't exactly be an option and Johto..."
"Is basically the same problem," Vali ran a hand through her hair, "I'll have to work something out with Charles. We've got a good relationship and he's been verbal about trying to get me credit for everything I've done over the years even if it wouldn't be too smart,"
"He's a damn good man," Surge smirked a bit, "It's hilarious that the world thinks he's just a committee head that works over the various Leagues organizing the tournaments and shit,"
"When in reality we're dealing with a shadow head of the PWL," Vali had been spooked to realize that the man who'd doted on Aragorn was actually one of the most powerful men in the world, "That reminds me, he sent over something after I mentioned we'd be on 'vacation' at the same time,"
Surge raised an eyebrow, "What does the old man want? I hope it isn't-"
"Nothing to deal with the whole 'Soldier' shit, Surge," Vali cut him off already knowing that would put him in a bad mood, "Charles knows better than to piss you off like that. He needs you to run an investigation," Surge's head tilted, "According to certain reports, the Safari zone isn't receiving the pokemon it should be gaining per shipment. While we all know a pokemon or two can get loose occasionally, it shouldn't be in the amounts that are arriving,"
"And you're not able to go investigate because of the boys," Surge crossed his arms as they stopped walking, "I assume Balin is sending the info to my pokegear?"
"Yup," Vali offered him a sheepish smile, "Sorry-"
"Don't worry about it," Surge dropped his arms, "If this gets us more evidence of the Rockets or even a poacher sect, I'm happy. To be honest, I've been meaning to drop in on the Safari Zone and check in on the electric types that are nesting there. See if I can't pick up something interesting,"
Laughing softly, Vali grinned brightly, "I'll tell Charles during my next talk with him. Thanks for this."
"It's no trouble, Brat," Surge looked around them, "This looks like a good spot, who all do you actually have on you?"
"Terra, Elrond, Balto, Balin, Pippin, Irmo, Bombur, Nazgul, Ortho, Empress, and my two newbies," Vali answered earning a raised eyebrow, "Empress just got cleared and wouldn't let me leave without her. Naz is technically not here considering the fact he's pretty much invisible within my shadow. The two newbies don't quite count,"
"Still that's a lot even for you," Surge narrowed his eyes at her, "You think they're still going for the Mountain,"
"All things considered, we can't be too careful," Vali replied with a shrug earning a snort, "So how do you want to do this?"
"Three on three," Surge answered earning a small pout, "Much as we both want to go all out, we both know the area can't actually handle it and if they're actually going for the Mountain, we've got to be prepared,"
"True," Vali moved away from Surge, "Eli's good to make a barrier. You got Helen doing the same?"
"Of course," Surge headed a bit away as well as an Alakazam appeared with a slightly cheerful smile on it's face.
Releasing Elrond, Vali turned to Surge as a psychic barrier formed before disappearing from sight. She ran her fingers along the pokeballs attached to her belt before plucking one off with a slight grin. Surge grinned back as they both tossed a pokemon out. Appearing in a flash of light was a large Zebra-like pokemon that snorted softly as it pawed the ground, a laugh left her as Balto appeared. He tossed his head slightly and barked out a greeting to everyone before glancing back at her curiously. Smiling warmly, she informed him, "We're having a friendly three-on-three, Brother-o-mine. Play-time."
Playful spark igniting in his eyes, Balto disappeared in a burst of warm wind as Surge let out a roar of laughter. The Zebstrika he'd released took off as well though it was wreathed in an array of golden yellow arcs that turned blue every few moments. As the two clashed, Balto and Zebstrika both recoiled with burns of two different types though quickly returned to their previous movements. Arcs of electricity and fire danced across the field, it was a war of attrition based on speed though as the battle continued Vali realized that this Zebstrika was not one she'd faced before. It was clearly an experienced fighter, but had definitely not faced an opponent like Balto before. And that inexperience led to Balto getting in more than a few hits that he rightfully shouldn't have, it took her barely even two minutes of this fast paced fight to realize that they were going to win this.
Surge must've seen the realization on her face as he chuckled, "I got this beauty in a trade with Elesa in exchange for one of Sasha's Pichu and a small shipment of high grade thunderstone."
"You're making sure she's worth the trade," Vali realized earning a nod.
"I'm fairly sure, but it never hurts to be certain," Surge shook his head as the Zebstrika let out a loud shriek moments before being sent flying, "Balto's still a fast little shit,"
"Has to be," Vali whistled sharply to recall Balto to her side as an unconscious Zebstrika was recalled by Surge, "How about you rest beside me for a bit, Bud?"
Balto nosed Vali side as he walked up before plopping down behind her. Vali ran a hand down her belt before grabbing another pokeball. As Surge released his choice, she did the same and a laugh left her at the sight of two Luxray appearing. Pippin let out a joyful growl and went to greet his mentor in all things Luxray as Surge shook his head. They allowed the meeting for a few moments before Pippin settled himself before her while Luxray moved to settled before Surge with a curious look in her eyes. Surge raised his hand, "Ready?"
"Set," Vali had to laugh a bit that they were only now doing a more official start.
"Go!" They both shouted.
With a pair of yowls, the two Luxray began to battle one another with Pippin creating clouds of Swift to hide within before attempting to strike at Luxray. While all but useless, Thunder Fang was use liberally alongside Bite. Scary Face sent Pippin back peddling though he quickly replied with a loud Snarl that had Luxray flinching allowing him to send her sprawling has he used Play Rough. Surge let out a laugh as the battle practically devolved into a brawl, "I can't remember the last time any of your pokemon used Play Rough."
"In an official fight? Eh, it depends on whether they feel like actually using it," Vali's pokemon that likely to get close rarely saw the use of Play Rough when there were more effective moves to use, "Pip's the one who usually does and he's not exactly a physical fighter most of the time,"
"True enough," Surge grinned as Pippin was sent back peddling once again only for Luxray to actually manage to knock him out with a well placed Double Kick.
Inwardly sighing, Vali shook her head and returned him with a soft laugh, "Nicely done, Pip. We'll have to work on your physical fighting a bit more."
As Surge recalled his Luxray, Vali ran a hand along her pokeballs before pausing on one. She nodded to herself before tossing out the pokeball as Surge did the same. Blinking as he appeared, Absol rushed over to Vali with a soft yip of greeting. Surge let out a laugh as the Eevee he'd let out did the same thing to him, "Seems we both thought the same thing, huh, Brat?"
"Yup," Vali bent down and cupped Absol's cheek, "Hey, Absol," She smiled warmly at Absol, "You know how you've been watching us battle a lot and definitely watched your parents do it?" He nodded slowly with a curious look in his crimson eyes, "I've got someone here who's willing to let ya try battling his pokemon, alright? Listen to me, but if you think of something that might win the battle, I want you to do it, alright?"
Absol let out a bark as excitement and determination filled his eyes. Hugging him gently, Vali murmured in his ear, "No matter what happens, I'll be proud of you, Absol. You're one of mine. My pack. We've got your back."
With that said, Vali set him down and sent him out onto the battlefield as Surge did the same thing. They both counted down before shouting, "Go!"
"Absol, I want you to use Tackle on Eevee and Assurance!" Vali called out as Balto and Elrond got closer.
"Eevee, Quick attack into Tackle!" Surge called out with a smirk.
Settling a hand on Balto's back, Vali took a deep breath as Absol took off towards Eevee only for the fox-like pokemon to dodge with apparent ease thanks to the Quick attack it used. With a slight grunt, Eevee slammed into Absol earning a soft cry of pain that was loudly mimicked by Eevee as Absol snapped towards it with a paw covered in blackish energy. Eevee stumbled back for barely a second before Absol managed to hit it again with another Assurance as Vali called out, "Keep it up, Absol, you're doing awesome!"
"Eevee, Quick Attack to dodge and use Tackle when you've got a chance," Surge called out earning a cry of agreement.
As Absol went for another attack, Eevee managed to dodge with Quick Attack only to slam into Absol a second later with Tackle. As Absol slammed another Assurance into it's side, Eevee lept away with a growl and darted out of range with Quick Attack. Panting as it glared at Absol, Eevee let out a bark as Absol barked in reply. Despite technically scoring more hits on Eevee, Absol looked to be in rougher shape thanks to this being his first actual battle. Biting her bottom lip as the two Pokemon began to clash again, she heard Elrond murmur, "He has spirit, The little shadow."
"A quick mind," Balto murmured in agreement as Absol managed to dodge an attack from Eevee and slammed into the vulpine with a Tackle of his own, "We'll need to work on his attack power,"
"Both of their attack powers," Elrond retorted earning a low hum from Balto, "That Wyrmling might be a dragon, but he is not very strong,"
"Quite clumsy too," Balto snorted softly as Absol was sent skidding back by Eevee with a yelp.
Absol took one step forward before collapsing with a grunt. Struggling to his paws, Absol barked softly only to pause as Balto let out a low rumble. Vali walked over to Absol and picked him up as she spoke to Surge, "I concede. It looks like you've won this one, Surge."
"Seems so," Surge picked up his smug looking Eevee, "It looks like we've both got training plans to work on,"
"Damn straight," Vali looked at Absol with a proud smile, "Though for his first battle, Absol did wonderfully,"
Letting out a bark of laughter, Surge nodded, "That he did. Let's get everyone checked out, I'll stay in Pewter for a bit then head over to the Safari. Figure that might be the smartest plan."
"The boys will love having you watch their first official gym battles if you're staying that long," Vali said as they began walking back to town with her leaving Balto and Elrond out after returning Absol.
"I might just stick around for that. After all, it'll be good to see if your prediction about Ash's first gym battle turns out true," Surge grinned as Vali laughed and shook her head.
