"I'm afraid you won't be able to see Joltik for another day," Nurse Joy apologized, bowing her head slightly. "He's still in horrible condition, but he is improving. Once the major treatment can be finished, all he'll need is a quick heal from our machines."
"That's a relief," I said, but inside, I knew that little Pokemon was going to have further struggles down the road even after recovering. Some of the worst injuries come from the mental aspect and Joltik is bound to have plenty of that. "Anyway," I tucked those dark thoughts away for now. "Were you able to figure out if they have trainers they belong to?"
"They do not unfortunately," Nurse Joy said sadly. "However, I can assure you once they receive the optimal treatment here, they'll either be sent back to the wild where they can thrive or to an organization where they can be kept safe in a safer environment."
I nodded, thinking. "If Joltik agrees, I wouldn't mind taking him in while I journey."
Nurse Joy clapped her hands together. "Oh, that would be splendid. I'll contact you as soon as Joltik is fully healed. I'll need your trainer info please."
"That's another reason I came here actually," I said. "I've only just arrived here in Unova, so I'll need a card."
"Have you participated in any other official leagues before this?"
"Yes," I answered. "The Alolan and Kalos Leagues, in that order."
"Alrighty then," Nurse Joy turned to the computer mounted onto the desk. "I'll just be a couple minutes while I gather the information. I'll call you over when it's ready."
"Alright, thanks," I nodded to her before crossing the Pokemon Center where Alex was playing with the Cubchoo. He had healed faster than the Joltik, but he showed signs of what I fear will happen with Joltik. Even as I approached, I could tell the Ice type immediately went on guard, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Don't you worry," Alex booped his nose lightly. "He's friendly, for the most part."
"Hey!" I said, trying to pretend to be irritated. Frosmoth, who was floating above Cubchoo, seemed to convince Cubchoo I wasn't a threat since he calmed down after a few seconds. Another of Alex's Pokemon, Florges, was floating just behind Cubchoo, trying to dazzle him by twirling her flowers around.
"So, how is he?" Alex asked.
"He'll get better," I rubbed the back of my head. "I'm hoping I can bring him along on our journey once he is."
Cubchoo started at that, eyes narrowing again. Alex rubbed his head. "Don't worry, you can come with me. Where Zeno goes, I go."
"Yeah," I kneeled, looking down at him. "You two will still be together, don't you worry." I looked back at Alex. "Are you going to register for the Unova League as well?"
"I will soon," she promised. "You're getting yours set up now?"
"Yep," I nodded. "Since Robert was planning on taking us to the Trainer's School today, I thought-"
"That you would get started on the Gyms," Alex finished. "I figured as much."
"Why don't you get registered as well so you can challenge the Gym Leader as well?" I asked, frowning.
Alex waved her hand. "Nah. Robert said there were more than 8 different gyms one could challenge her in Unova, so I think I'll skip this one. Plus," She smirked. "I don't want to scare this new Gym Leader."
I rolled my eyes, starting to walk away once hearing Nurse Joy call my name. "How gracious of you."
...
"Ah, you two finally made it," Robert was leaning against the side of the school building next to the entrance. "How are Cubchoo and Joltik?"
"Cubchoo is fully healed, the darling," Alex said brightly. "Joltik should be all better in a day."
Robert nodded. "Good to hear. Now, the last place of Aspertia I have yet to show off, is right here. Welcome to Aspertia's very own Trainer's School!"
"It's smaller than I expected," I said, studying the building. Having seen some of the school's in Kanto, this one appeared to be around half that size.
"Well, it is a newer school," Robert shrugged. "But with someone like Cheren as a teacher here, it'll do well."
"That kind of praise is heartwarming." A young man with medium-length jet-black hair crossed the street and stood just behind us. He wore blue dress pants along with a white dress shirt with an orange necktie. He held a binder underneath his left arm and his dark eyes and small smile were welcoming. "Long time no see, Robert."
Robert grinned. "Hey, Cheren! You get any stronger since our battle in the league?"
Cheren smiled as he walked past, lifting his hand dismissively. "Perhaps. Have you come to battle?"
"Not this time," Robert folded his hands behind his head. "But my friend here, Zeno, has."
Cheren turned to stare at me and Alex. He held the door open, smiling. "Well then, how about you join one of my classes for a bit before we get started. It would be pleasure to have you."
After a glance with Alex, I shrugged. "I don't see why not."
"Good," Cheren nodded, then turned to Robert. "Oh, I have your brother's class first, so try not to rile him up too much."
"Does he cause much trouble or something?" Robert asked, looking worried.
"Not trouble, no," Cheren shook his head. "Just enthusiastic. Having you there will put some pride in his step, so if you could help calm that, it would be helpful."
"Will do," Robert smirked. "Man, you've gotten mature Cheren. How's your girlfriend by the way?"
Cheren coughed, then sighed, heading inside. "Bianca and I aren't dating you know."
"Yet," Robert whispered to Alex and I as we entered the school. It was well built and had a touch of older aesthetics to it. As we passed a window that viewed the back of the school, I could tell it was still under construction in some areas.
"My apologies," Cheren said when he noticed me looking. "The Gym itself is still underway, but it's a perfect enough space for battles to be held. My students quite enjoy the mock battles we hold."
"I bet," Alex said, peering out the window as well. "Dirt battlefield out in the open. Very nice. Unusual for a Gym for sure, but I like that."
"Do you?" Cheren smiled. "I've been told that by my students often, so I'm thinking of keeping it this way once the new buildings are added. Ah, here we are," he stopped outside a classroom door. "This is it." Opening the door, he led us in. The class was already full with around 30 students. They were all young, probably barely teens. They quieted down upon realizing it wasn't just their teacher entering today.
"Alright," Cheren stood behind his desk, setting his binder down on it. "Today we have a couple special guests-!"
"Robert!" A boy stood abruptly, grinning from ear to ear. He shared Robert's dirty blonde hair, but he was more on the skinny side than his brother. "You didn't say you were coming!"
"It was a surprise little bro," Robert walked over to him, ruffling his head. "Now behave."
Whispers were going around the class now, all eyes on Robert. Alex nudged me, grinning. "I guess they all know Robert pretty well."
"He's downright famous," I chuckled.
"Settle down everyone," Cheren placed both hands on the desk. "I promise you will have time to talk among yourselves, but the lessons come first. However," he smiled, waving his pen. "If I can have your utmost attention for the rest of the period, there will be a reward afterwards."
That statement had the class paying close attention. Robert ruffled his brother's head one last time before stepping back to join where Alex and I were standing.
"So what's your brother's name again?" Alex asked quietly as Cheren taught the class.
"Erick," Robert whispered back.
"It's so nice to see how much he looks up to you," Alex smiled. "Don't you think?"
"Yeah," Robert agreed, smiling in his brother's direction. Erick, who must have sensed his gaze, turned and gave Robert a wide grin and a thumbs-up.
As the lesson went on, Cheren told the class, "Now that we've reviewed some of the type match-ups, how about a little pop quiz?"
None of the class groaned to my great surprise. In fact, they leaned forwards in their seats as Cheren turned on the overhead projector. The screen behind him lit up with two Pokemon. A boar-like Fire type and a Flying type with pink plumage on his head.
"Now, who can name these two Pokemon?" Cheren nodded at Erick, whose hand went up the fastest. "Yes, go ahead."
"Emboar and Unfezant!" He said proudly, arms crossed.
"Correct," Cheren nodded. "But it's lacking. Can anyone explain why?"
A brown-haired girl raised her hand. "That's a Male Unfezant," she answered. "You can tell by the plumage."
"Very good, both of you," Cheren praised them. "Now, who can tell me which of these two Pokemon would have the advantage in battle?"
Erick immediately raised his hand again. "Unfezant! Flying types are much more powerful against Fighting types!"
"Correct," Cheren nodded. He clicked a button on the remote he was holding and the pictures changed. This time showing a Crustle and Darmanitan, their names displayed this time around. "Who has the type advantage in this scenario?"
Erick raised his hand once again, but a different boy with black hair answered. "Darmanitan, because Crustle is a Bug type and they're weak to Fire types."
"Hm, think about Crustle for a second," Cheren tapped the screen. "He's a Bug and Rock type, a pretty unique typing for a Bug Pokemon. What does that tell us about this type match-up?"
A blue-haired girl spoke. "Fire types are weak against Rock types, so the Crustle has the upper hand in a battle between the two since the Rock typing doesn't make Fire attacks do as much damage."
"Excellent," Cheren nodded.
I noticed the black haired kid looking kind of down, so I decided to speak up. "I would like to add, if any of you end up with in this kind of match-up, it's entirely possible the Darmanitan could win." All eyes were on me now and Cheren nodded, inviting me to speak further.
Nodding back, I continued. "It's true that the Rock typing would decrease Fire damage, but it won't make it ineffective. The Darmanitan will have less going for it to win, but with a good strategy and strong battling, a win against a Crustle is possible."
That started up more chatter among the class as they thought over what I had just said. The black-haired boy smiled thankfully in my direction and I gave him an encouraging nod.
"I guess I should have properly introduced these three here," Cheren said, commanding everyone's attention once more. "They are all accomplished trainers in their own rights and one has come for a very special reason." He nodded to us. "Would you like to introduce yourselves now?"
"Might as well," Robert stepped forwards, pumping his fist forwards. "I'm sure you all at least heard of me. I'm Robert! Erick's big bro!" A round of applause went up for him and he seemed to soak it up with a big grin.
"As humble as always," Alex said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes. "My name is Alex. I'm a friend of Robert's."
"And I'm Zeno," I introduced myself. "Another friend of Robert's."
"I bet Robert has beaten the both of you good," Erick said confidently. "He's the strongest. He's taken on Alder himself!"
"I'll have you know I've beaten him plenty," Alex said, then with a whisper to me, "In more ways than one."
"Teacher?" the brown haired girl raised her hand. "What's the special reason?"
Cheren smiled, realizing the whole class was intently focused on him. "It seems today is when I shall have my very first challenger as a Gym Leader."
Shocked gasps went up around the room soon followed by excited chatter, several kids about ready to pop out of their seats. Cheren sighed, admitting defeat. "Alright, I guess it's about that time anyway. Everyone, out to the battlefield area! This will be a great learning experience for those aspiring to be great Pokemon Trainers."
"Don't lose now," Alex told me as the kids began rushing out the door. "Would be pretty embarrassing if you lost in front of all of them."
"Don't worry," I said, grinning. "I'll win for sure."
"Well then," Cheren said as he stood on the wooden platform, staring down at me. "I hope you're ready, Zeno." All of his students were on the sidelines along with Alex and Robert, the students eagerly anticipating the battle to come. "As per Unova League rules, it's up to you on how difficult the battle you wish to fight will be. So Zeno," Cheren's eyes seem to shine in the sunlight, a gleam of his own eagerness showing. "What will it be?"
"What else can I choose," I unclipped my pokeball, enlarging it as I held it out towards him. "Come at me with all you got, Cheren! I want to know what kind of person Robert faced before!"
Cheren grinned, loosening his tie. "Just what I wanted to hear." He nodded to the referee of the match, which just happened to be the Principle, who was a middle-aged man. "Ref, if you would please."
"Of course," the Principle nodded, smiling as he spoke. "The Aspertia Gym battle between Zeno the Challenger and Cheren the Gym Leader will now begin! Only three Pokemon are allowed on either side and the battle will be over when either trainer's Pokemon are unable to battle! Additionally, only the challenger may substitute Pokemon!" He held out his hand. "Send out your Pokemon!"
"Unfezant," Cheren sent out the Male Normal/Flying type. "Let's have a battle we can be proud of. Let's do our best!"
"Bisharp," I threw my pokeball, releasing the Dark/Steel type. "This is a good opportunity to see how much you've improved, so do your best!"
"Biiiisharp!" He cried, readying his blades.
"Battle, begin!"
"Unfezant, use Air Cutter!" Cheren yelled, thrusting out his hand. The Flying type shot upwards, slashing his wings, sending a flurry of wind blasts towards Bisharp.
"Slice through with Metal Claw!" I commanded. "Then jump and use Night Slash!"
Bisharp hands glowed as he slashed, but several blasts of wind managed to knock him back a couple steps. In that time, Unfezant had appeared behind him, body cloaked in a harsh blue light.
"Now!" Cheren yelled. "Sky Attack!"
Unfezant narrowed his eyes, blasting forwards. Bisharp barely had time to react before being sent flying backwards. He skidded along the ground, managing to land on his feet.
"Now this is a battle," I grinned. "Bisharp, Night Slash!" Bisharp swung his arms before dashing towards Unfezant, his blades streaming darkness.
"Fly up to dodge!" Cheren ordered.
"Turn and slash!" I shouted and Bisharp turned on one foot, heel digging into the earth as he swung his blades, dark wind slashing upwards. Unfezant gave a cry as his wings were clipped by the Dark attack, but he quickly flew back around, sending more wind blasts Bisharp's way.
"Night Slash!" I yelled and Bisharp countered the Flying attack with dark winds, triggering an explosion. "Watch for him! Guillotine!" Bisharp's eyes darted upwards, where Unfezant was streaming towards him surrounded by a blue aura.
"Pull back up!" Cheren commanded and Unfezant pulled out of the dive, shooting back up and out of Bisharp's range of attack.
"Tch," I narrowed my eyes. "If he decides to keep his attacks ranged, Bisharp stands almost no chance at all. I just need a way to hit him with Guillotine... Bisharp!" I spoke aloud. "Swords Dance!"
Bisharp clanged his blades together, holographic swords circling above him for a second. He glowed orange for that brief moment as well, his attack raised.
"Air Cutter!"
"Run for him and use Metal Claw!" I ordered.
Bisharp unclenched his hands, sprinting forwards as he sliced each attack apart. Unfezant stayed in the air, but Bisharp planted his foot in the ground mid-sprint and used his momentum to bounce into the air, swinging a claw.
"Just out of range," I realized as Unfezant watched coolly as Bisharp's attack grazed the air just below him. "Guillotine!"
Bisharp's eyes glowed as he spun his body, swinging his other arm up, the blade elongating as it glowed harshly.
"Unfezant, Feather Dance!" Cheren shouted quickly. Unfezant flapped his wings hard, lifting himself upwards as Bisharp's blade passed through a bunch of feathers. They fell on Bisharp, making him wince as his attack was lowered and he fell back to earth. A series of wind bursts slammed into him before he could get back up, triggering another explosion.
"Bisharp, are you okay!?" I shouted, unable to see him. When the dust settled, Bisharp was on one knee, pushing himself back up. He was bruised and weakened, but his spirit still shone in his eyes. I grinned as I switched my attention back to Unfezant, who had flown closer to Cheren. "We're not out of this yet! Bisharp, Metal Claw!"
Bisharp ran for Unfezant, who soared back up into the sky, sending bursts of wind towards the Steel type.
"Don't slow down!" I yelled. "Use Night Slash and use the platform to leap into the sky! This is our last shot to take Unfezant out! I believe in you, Bisharp!"
Bisharp gave a metallic cry as he swung one arm out as he ran, dark winds slashing apart the Air Cutter. He leaped towards the platform, making Cheren take a couple steps back as Bisharp planted his foot on the edge of the wooden platform, bending his knee and springing upwards.
"Take him down with Air Cutter!" Cheren shouted as I yelled, "Spin and use Night Slash!"
Bisharp spun his body, arms out as dark winds encircled him and lashed outwards. Air Cutter was completely repelled by the technique and Unfezant cried out as the Night Slash slashed at his wings and he began falling.
"Now's our chance!" I gripped a fist. "Guillotine!"
Bisharp pulled out of the spinning and crossed his arms, blades glowing and elongated as he dived after the Flying type. As Unfezant's eyes widened in alarm, Cheren shouted, "Sunny Day!"
A burst of bright light shot from Unfezant's beak, blinding both Pokemon as it shot past Bisharp. Both Pokemon crashed to the ground as the battlefield was lit up by harsh sunlight. Bisharp rose next to Unfezant, who had fainted.
"Unfezant is unable to battle! Gym Leader Cheren, please send our your next Pokemon!"
"That was an interesting way of using Night Slash," Cheren held out his pokeball, returning Unfezant with a beam of red light. "That's what I love about being a trainer. There's always more to learn." He threw out a pokeball. "Come out, Castform!"
The small gray Pokemon floated in the air, glowing as it soaked in the bright sunlight. He transformed into his Fire type form, dancing around Cheren happily.
"I guess even Normal type gyms have their gimmicks," I held out Bisharp's pokeball. "Bisharp, return!" Right before the beam hit him, he sank to one knee, his exhaustion showing. Then he was retracted into the ball and I tucked it away. "Mawile, let's win this!"
The Steel/Fairy type appeared in front of me, where she readied herself, her back jaw snarling. She grinned, curling her right hand into a fist.
"Castform!" Cheren shouted. "Weather Ball!"
I shot out my hand. "Sucker Punch!"
Darkness gathered around her fist as she sprang forwards as if pulled by a string, slamming it into Castform's middle, knocking him back. Mawile used the momentum to leap backwards, just barely dodging the ball of fire.
"A Steel type vs. a Fire type," I thought with a grin, glancing towards where the students were watching and cheering excitedly. Aloud, I yelled, "Let's show them type advantage isn't everything! Mawile, Fairy Wind!"
Mawile leaped and twirled, a ferocious pink wind blasting against Castform.
"Dispel the wind with Fire Blast!" Cheren commanded and Castform exploded the air in front of him with fire, scattering the Fairy Wind. "Now Hydro Pump!"
"Dodge it!" I shouted, but Castform whizzed around to Mawile's side, catching her by surprise as he blasted with a torrent of water. She tumbled head-over-heels along the ground, coming to a stop on all fours, soaking wet. She gritted her teeth, rushing forwards.
"Sucker Punch!" I shouted and Mawile slammed her fist into Castform again. He then fired a point-blank range Weather Ball, the resulting explosion sending Mawile into the sky with smoke trailing behind her.
"After her and use Weather Ball again!" Cheren shouted.
"It's make it or break it time!" I yelled and Mawile responded with a nod as she began falling back to earth, Castform zooming towards her, charging up another attack.
"Be wary!" Cheren warned his Pokemon.
"Spin and use Sweet Scent!" I shouted as Castform neared her. Mawile grinned, spinning as she fell, a sweet aroma enveloping the air above her, engulfing Castform in it. He shook his head dizzily as he fired the Weather Ball, but his accuracy was off.
Mawile flipped before landing back on the ground, smirking as back jaw snapped, teeth glowing. She sprang back into the air, clamping her back jaw around Castform.
"Slam him to the ground!" I shouted. "Quickly!"
"Fire Blast NOW!" Cheren yelled and as Mawile swung Castform towards the ground, he began glowing from inside her back jaw, light seeping from the cracks. An explosion obscured the both of them for a couple moments before both Pokemon tumbled from the smoke, fainted.
"Both Pokemon are unable to battle!" The Principle announced. "Both of you please send out your final Pokemon!"
"And we've come to here," Cheren returned his Pokemon, throwing out his last Pokemon. "I hope you'll show me even more of what you can offer! Stoutland, let's go!"
"Right back at you!" I enlarged my third pokeball. "Alright buddy, let's give them your grand debut in the Unova region! Arcaneis, I choose you!"
Both of the large canine Pokemon appeared on the battlefield, Stoutland growling in surprise at Arcaneis. Cheren's eyes widened. "Wha-!?"
"I'd like you to meet Arcaneis," I patted his side and he snorted flames. "My evolved version of Arcanine. A Fire/Electric type!"
"Well then," Cheren breathed, still shocked. "I'd love to see what he is capable of."
"Then we'll do just that," I took a couple steps back. "Arcaneis, use Extreme Speed!"
Arcaneis ran forwards in a blur, hardly visible as he collided with Stoutland and zoomed away in just a second. Stoutland howled in pain, stumbling back as stray sparks of electricity fizzed off of him.
"Stoutland!" Cheren's eyes widened further. "Reversal!"
"Just try and hit us!" I shouted, grinning. "Flame Wheel!"
Arcaneis spun into a wheel of bright red fire, electricity crackling off of him as he drove straight into Stoutland, blasting him backwards. Stoutland struggled to his feet, bounding forwards as his body glowed orange.
"Dodge!" I shouted and Arcaneis darted out of the way. "Now, let's finally test this move out! Burning Tempest!"
The air grew warmer around Arcaneis as fire and electricity seemed to be pulled around him, clouds of condensed energy swirling around him. He bared his fangs, rushing forwards. He slammed into Stoutland with a mighty explosion of fire and electricity, sending the Normal type crashing at the foot of the platform Cheren stood upon.
"Stoutland is-!" The Principle gulped, clearly shocked by Arcaneis' power. "Stoutland is unable to battle. That means the challenger Zeno wins!"
An eruption of cheers exploded from the students as Alex and Robert clapped, Alex shaking her head with silent laughter.
"It seems there is still a ways to go before I can even hope to triumph that power," Cheren said as he hopped down from the platform, returning Stoutland. "That Arcaneis of yours is truly something."
Arcaneis barked happily, sitting on his rump as he tossed back his mane, looking regal in the sunlight. Cheren laughed as he produced a rectangular badge outlined with gold and violet insides. "I present you, Zeno, with the Basic Badge. I look forward to seeing your exploits throughout the Unova region."
"Thank you," I bowed my head slightly as I accepted the badge. I glanced at Arcaneis, who took a moment from his regal stance to look at me. "Right here starts our Unova adventure, Arcaneis. Let's make sure to grow stronger and have a heck of a time." Arcaneis threw back his head, howling to the skies in agreement.
Originally I had a scene in this chapter where it's explained that Unova restricts the move usage of a Pokemon in official battles to just 4 like in the games. Many of the upcoming battles are set up like this, but I soon realized I felt way too restricted with that and I reverted back to my usual style of any move a Pokemon has learned is useable in any battle based on where I think their level is at.
Also, I am likely to update this story in batches of varying quantities. I may not though. It also remains to be seen if this story, and the other two in the series, pick up in popularity on this site. I don't expect them too, as I'm sure my MHA stories will likely overshadow them. I also think it may be in part to the first story, HBoD, being my very first story and thus being awfully written at times. LDOC I feel suffered less in that department, but at times did indeed suffer. Maybe this story/series will gain more traction, maybe it won't. I won't be too hung up about it if it doesn't.
Anyway, that's it for now. Toodles~
