Route 111: An expansive route. Neatly divided into two segments, this route contains well cared for trails, a calming mountain pass and a harsh unforgiving desert.
The boys walked through one of the trails before stopping in their paths. A large row of brown boulders blocked their way, towering into the sky and blocking every path possible. The stones had small cracks formed at the bottom.
"Oh neat, some rocks!"
Benedict pointed at the one in front of him
"These look easy to climb over!"
Kidd flinched as he looked at the boulders, then at his boots, then at Benedict
"Do you see the cracks though? One step and they'll break under us!"
"Guys, guys. You know what I was thinking?"
Tank asked his friends.
"We could get our Pokemon to take these rocks down!"
"That sounds pretty fun!"
Benedict grabbed a Poke Ball.
"An' heck, I could 'member this for when I'm takin' on the next gym!"
Kidd shrugged
"Sure. I don't see why not"
The boys each released one Pokemon. Fern calmly sliced the air with his arms, Jojo leaped up and roared in the air, and Aquarius smiled and twirled in her spot.
"Jojo! Break 'em rocks into a million pieces!"
Jojo turned around and nodded in understanding. He screeched loudly as he repeatedly pecked and kicked the base of the boulder until it crumbled into dust.
"Fern! Slice these stones short!"
"GroVYLE!"
Fern growled as he swung his arms around in the air, the leaves on his arms sharpening as he
"Aquarius! Blast it away with Mud Shot"
Aquarius took a deep breath in. She formed a large ball of mud between her flippers. She tossed the mud ball into the air, smacking it down like a volleyball. Both ball and stone exploded across the trail, some of the dirt flying into the boys' faces.
"Marsh-TOMP!"
Aquarius shook the dirt off herself and flexed triumphantly.
Kidd stammered in surprise
"That…was…"
The boys all shouted in glee
"AWESOME!"
Aquarius clapped her flippers together and jumped into the air.
The group continued to walk up the trail, their Pokemon eagerly trailing behind them. Aquarius stopped in her tracks. She picked up a pretty white gem and dashed towards her trainer.
"Hm?" Kidd stopped and turned around.
"What's this?"
"Marshtomp, marsh!"
Aquarius cooed as she showed him the gemstone.
Kidd held the diamond in his hooves. He slowly rotated the stone, in awe as each facet shone a different shade of white.
"Thanks, Aquarius"
Kidd petted her on the head then carefully placed the diamond inside his messenger bag.
The boys stopped at a thin river in front of them. There was a small bridge placed there, but it was only two large planks of wood barely hanging on. It looked much too dangerous for the Pokemon, the boys thought as they returned their Pokemon to their balls.
Slowly, they tiptoed across the wooden planks, one at a time so the wood wouldn't break under their combined weight.
After dealing with the bridge, they kept going through the trail, until something caught their eye.
A small house stood to their left. The house had a deep indigo, white brick exterior and a gold and white door. The door had a light blue fish-shaped doorplate hanging from the middle. Dark teal kanji was engraved on the front.
Tank squinted as he read the elegant kanji
"Huh. Kachineko"
"I wonder what the heck that means"
Benedict crossed his arms.
The door swung wide open. A yellow and white dog with black eyebrows stormed outside in a huff, slamming the door shut and storming back up the trails.
A beige and maroon cat walked out of the house. He wore a tight black athletic tee, a sleeveless yellow hoodie with a Pikachu graphic on his chest, ripped olive jeans, and black and white sneakers. The cat headed to a nearby pond and lit up a cigarette. The smell of catnip lingered in the air.
He glanced over at the boys
"Oh, can I help you guys out?"
"Yeah, hi there, I was wondering" Tank pointed at the door. "What's with that guy who stormed out?"
"Ah, you mean Frett?" the cat took another puff of his cigarette.
"Just another sore loser who lost our challenge."
"Challenge?"
Kidd asked.
"Yep"
the cat flicked some ashes onto the ground before putting the cigarette back in his mouth.
"We Kachinekos have a challenge for passing travelers. Beat all four of us in battle, back to back, and the winner gets lunch on us"
"Battlin', eh? Well sign me up!"
Benedict bounced in his spot.
"Um, Benedict? Didn't you just battle a Gym Leader this morning?"
Kidd chuckled to himself.
"Hey, Kidd!"
Benedict stuck his tongue out
"My Pokemon are all healed, we can handle anythin', AND this time I'm using all of them! Even Asuka! So THERE!"
"Sure. I'll let everyone else know first"
the cat calmly nodded before heading back inside.
The tomcat shut the door loudly and shouted to three other cats inside
"Everyone! Get your Poke Balls! We got another challenger wanting to take us on!"
A middle aged cat looked up from reading a magazine on her kotatsu. She glared at him as she slammed her magazine down
"Are you KIDDING me, Rudy? We just battled someone twenty minutes ago!"
"Yeah, come on, dad!"
The youngest cat complained from the sofa. She was playing on a teal gaming console.
"Can you at least give us an hour first?! I'm trying to get this Umbreon to move into my town!"
The eldest cat chuckled as she chopped and pressed Clauncher meat into flat squares
"Rudy, we'd love to battle, but please let me finish cooking first"
"Of- of course, mother!"
Rudy respectfully bowed. He took off for the bathroom, slamming the door loudly and muttering under his breath.
—
A few minutes had passed; Rudy headed outside with the rest of the family following behind. The eldest cat readjusted her ponytail, the middle-aged cat flipped through another fashion magazine, while the youngest cat took a picture on her phone.
He tossed a Poke Ball up and down in his paw.
"So, you ready to take us on, Benedict?" he asked.
Benedict looked determined
"Ready as ever, Mister Kachineko!"
"Please, call me Rudy. But I'm glad to hear it!"
Rudy caught the Poke Ball in mid-air.
"But before we battle, I think you should know the rest of us!"
He pointed to the three other cats.
"That's Olivia, my wife"
The middle-aged cat looked up from her magazine. She pushed a stand of hair away from her face. Her fur was mostly white except for her paws. She wore a black blouse, navy suit career jacket with a matching pencil skirt, and low black heels.
"Pleased to meet you, Benedict"
"My daughter Purrl"
"H-hi"
the youngest cat shyly waved. Her dark brown hair was tied into two low messy pigtails. She wore a periwinkle collared tee, a dark blue jacket with puffy sleeves, short grey skirt, black spandex shorts and dark blue flats.
"And my mother, Monique"
"I'm looking quite forward to defeating you, Benedict"
The eldest cat fondly smiled. Unlike the other cats, she had cream fur instead of white. Her light hair was tied into a loose low ponytail. She wore elegant purple eyeshadow and pink lipstick, a white and gold choker, a black kimono with small white dots, white tabi socks and wooden brown zori sandals.
"And of course, me"
Rudy bowed, holding a paw to chest.
"Still think you got what it takes?"
"Heck yeah!"
Benedict rolled his sleeves up to his elbows and untied his ponytail.
"Where are we battlin' at?"
"Right in our backyard"
Rudy pointed at a large patch of grass near his house.
"Also, before we start, you should know that double battles are my speciality"
"Sounds good to me"
Benedict nodded. "Heck I got five Pokemon on me right now"
The two trainers walked towards the backyard, facing each other at opposite directions. The other five animals sat on two green benches nearby.
Benedict tossed two Poke Balls into the air
"Kenshiro! Asuka! Come on OUT!"
Kenshiro roared loudly while Asuka flopped around on the ground, gold sparkles shooting in the air.
"Heh, you got a nice Magikarp there, but"
Rudy chuckled. "There's no way your Pokemon can handle these!"
He also threw two Poke Balls
"Mordecai! Rigby! Show this trainer who's BOSS!"
A small Taillow flew out from one of the balls, while a medium Zigzagoon leaped from the other, nimbly landing on his feet.
"Taillow, tai!"
"ZigZA!"
Benedict laughed a little
"Let me guess. Y'all got an Abomasnow named Skips too"
"Not yet, but I like that idea!" Rudy nodded in approval before pointing at the air
"Mordecai! Use Quick Attack on Asuka! Rigby, Headbutt on Kenshiro!"
The tiny bird spread his wings out, torpedoing through the air and swiftly colliding against the fish's body.
The Zigzagoon sprinted across the grass, small blades of grass flying into Rudy's face.
Benedict shouted
"Asuka! Latch onto his body and don't let go! Kenshiro, block him away with Headbutt!"
"MaGI!"
Asuka glared furiously. She latched her jaws onto Mordecai's throat, tightly pressing her small fangs down.
"Aron, aron!"
Kenshiro lowered his head, pulling himself back and leaning forward to smack Rigby hard enough, forcing the raccoon Pokemon to leap back in surprise.
"Mordecai, fly up and use Wing Attack throw Asuka off yourself! Rigby! Run as fast as you can and use Headbutt!"
"Tailooooooow!"
The flying type shot up in the air, attempting to smack the Magikarp off with his wings. It pulled his right wing away, successfully slapping Asuka away into the air.
"Asuka! Hang in there!" Benedict stepped backwards and pointed in the sky. "Kenshiro! Use Rock Tomb on Rigby!"
Kenshiro summoned several stones in front of him
"Aaaaarrrrr-ON!"
The rock-type hurled each rock onto the ground, landing them in a straight line.
"Zigza- zigzagoon?" the normal-type darted between the rocks, but crash landed against the largest stone. He flinched after colliding headfirst into the stone, causing it to break into pieces. "Zigzaa…."
Kenshiro darted onto one of the rocks.
He leaped from the stone top, catching Asuka with his mouth and landing on another rock.
Rudy's fur spiked up. How did these two have such great teamwork?!
"Mordecai! Wing Attack on Asuka!"
Benedict yelled back,
"Kenshiro! Use Headbutt to catapult Asuka through the air! Asuka! When he lets go, use Tackle!"
Kenshiro let go of Asuka's tail.
He nudged her upwards before headbutting her through the air.
"Magiiiiii-"
Asuka hissed as she took a nosedive
"KAAAAARRRRPPPPPPPPPP!"
Her body turned white as she threw her body against the Taillow. A loud smacking noise exploded through the air, causing both trainers to flinch and look away.
The Taillow stood upright, trembling slightly as he wrapped his feet around one of the stones. He glared furiously, claiming the stone for himself.
Benedict remembered the strategy he used to break down the rock from earlier. But another Pokemon in the way….hmmm…
He pointed at the base of the stone,
"Asuka! Use Splash to distract Rigby! Kenshiro! Climb upwards and use Rock Tomb to trap Mordecai!"
"Magi-karp!"
Asuka leaped and jumped around in the air, using her tail to throw grass clippings around in the air. She hopped from stone to stone, her scales and fins collecting dirt.
"Zigza-zigza?!"
Rigby darted around the grass, trying to follow Asuka as fast as possible.
"ZigZA!"
Kenshiro scaled up one of the rocks, summoning smaller stones around his body. The rocks grew larger as he reached the top.
Mordecai darted off the rock, squawking loudly to taunt his opponent.
"Taillow, taillow!"
"Aron, ar-ARON!"
Kenshiro pelted every last stone in the air. While Mordecai swatted several stones away with his wings, one last stone smacked hard against his chest, forcing the bird to drop down with a thud.
"Taillow…."
the tiny bird grunted before passing out cold.
Rudy's eyes widened. He gasped in surprise "You really know your stuff…Mordecai, return!"
He held a Poke Ball out, returning his poor Taillow to safety. "Take a great rest, will ya?"
Benedict hollered to his Pokemon
"Good job you two! Hey, Rudy! Should I return a Pokemon too?"
"No way!"
Rudy snapped back. "I can stand my own ground! Rigby, use Headbutt!"
"Zigza, zigZA!"
The raccoon Pokemon darted past the remaining rocks, his head glowing faintly.
So that's how a Zigzagoon runs, Benedict noted to himself. He yelled, "Asuka! Hop up and use Splash! Kenshiro, use Metal Claw!"
Asuka flipped into the air, using her tail to throw dirt off herself and onto the ground. Rigby stopped in his tracks, closing his eyes and shaking dust off himself.
Kenshiro's front legs turned bright white as he faced down the normal type. He stood upright, pulled his legs back and swiped twice at his opponent.
"ZigZA!"
the Zigzagoon yelped as the metallic claws caused it to fly backwards and crash land against one of the rocks.
"Zagoon…."
it weakly cried before flopping onto his stomach, his pupils swirled as it lost all energy.
Rudy hissed in surprise
"Are you KIDDING ME?! I-I lost to a freaking MAGIKARP?!"
He looked away as he returned the Zigzagoon to his ball.
Benedict leaned down and whistled to his Pokemon. Kenshiro came running, carrying Asuka by her tail in his mouth.
"Good job you two!" he patted them both on the forehead. The two Pokemon cried out happily, bouncing slightly in their spots before being returned to their balls.
The cat walked past his backyard, shaking his head to get past the shock. He held his paw out
"….That was really freaking fun, Benedict"
"Heh, thanks!" Benedict firmly shook Rudy's paw. "Um, are y'all okay?"
"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine" Rudy laughed a little.
"I had no idea even a Magikarp could be that strong"
"Heh, yeah"
Benedict chuckled a little.
"Well, she needed this more than the rest of my team. I was battlin' a gym leader this mornin' and didn't want Asuka to get hurt"
"She's no ordinary Magikarp, that's for sure"
Rudy nodded.
"Anyways, I should be heading back inside. Good luck against my wife!"
"Thanks, Rudy!" Benedict waved and hollered as he walked back to the backyard. He quickly healed Kenshiro and Asuka before stretching a little.
Olivia got up from the bench and smoothed down her skirt.
She grabbed a floral print Poke Ball and headed to the backyard.
She shook her head in disapproval
"I wish Rudy would've stayed behind to watch. Oh well"
The cat fluffed up her short choppy bob
"Just because you defeated my husband doesn't mean you stand a chance. In fact, most trainers who take us on?" She taunted him. "They lose against me"
"Is that so?"
Benedict snorted. "Let's bring it on!"
"Yes, let's."
Olivia calmly held her Poke Ball in front of her
"Terabithia. I call upon you"
A small green fairy-esque Pokemon twirled and landed on the ground. Her hands were made of two large roses, one red and one blue.
"Roooooo-selia!"
"Come on OUT, Jojo!"
Benedict reached upwards and tossed his Poke Ball up as high as possible.
"Com-BUSKEN!"
Jojo hollered as he did a split in the air, landing nimbly on his feet.
"How charming. I had a feeling a hothead like you would use a Fire type"
Olivia sighed, her face unmoving.
"Terabithia. Sing us a lovely Grass Whistle"
Terabithia held her hands up, the petals on her flowers widening as she absorbed some sunlight. She took a deep breath in and moved her flower hands to her mouth, whistling to create a lovely melody. Light green music notes danced in the air.
"Jojo! Dodge it and use Flame Charge!"
Jojo ducked and darted away from each music note, small flames bursting off his body as he headbutted the rose Pokemon. Terabithia yelped from the flames brushing against her body. Small thorns grew from Terabithia's body, brushing themselves against Jojo's skin and feathers. Purple bubbles floated in the air, popping on Jojo's skin.
Jojo slowly stepped backwards, swaying back and forth in his spot. His cheeks glowed a bright shade of indigo, while more purple bubbles hovered near him.
"What the—"
Benedict shouted. "Jojo, are y'all alright?!"
Olivia closed her eyes and laughed triumphantly. She placed a paw on her chest
"Ohohohoho! What a surprise! You fell for her Poison Point! My darling Terabithia may appear to be a sweetheart, but she's still a ruthless Poison-type at heart!"
Benedict rummaged through his bag. He swore he grabbed Pecha Berries somewhere, but….oh no, did he eat them all back in Mauville City?! Great… But he and Jojo had to tough this out…
"Heh, y'all sure got me good!"
Benedict hollered back. "But I ain't scared of no poison! And neither is Jojo! Right?"
"CombUSKEN!"
Jojo roared, then flinched slightly from the poison.
"I admire your passion"
Olivia nodded and flipped her hair. She flashed a wide grin
"Terabithia. Use Venoshock!"
Terabithia twirled in her spot, her flowers growing as wide as her entire body. She aimed her flowers like cannons and shot a stream of thick purple liquid at Jojo. The liquid exploded against his torso, knocking him back several feet.
Jojo leaned down to cough up the disgusting purple sludge, shuddering from the taste of grape medicine still staying in his mouth.
"Benedict, wait!"
Tank hollered. "I got some Pecha Berries here!"
Olivia wagged a finger at him
"ExCUSE me, young man! This is OUR battle, thank you very much!"
Tank sunk down in his seat, cringing in embarrassment. Kidd snickered a little.
Benedict gulped. He looked on in fiery determination. Flame Charge was powerful, sure, but it directly hit the opponent. Any more and his Combusken would pass out cold from the poison. A-ha!
"Jojo!" He pointed at the roses.
"Heat y'all self up with Flame Charge and then Double Kick the flames"
"Combusken!" Jojo nodded. He took a deep breath in, coating himself in bright red flames. The fire-type lifted one leg up. He exhaled outwards, all the flames rushing to his legs.
"Aim for her roses, NOW!"
Jojo thrust kicked twice in the air, launching the flames through the air and towards his opponent.
"Ro-"
Terabithia screamed as the fire exploded against her roses
"SELIAAAAA!"
She wobbled back and forth, stunned by the strong heat against her core.
"Terabithia!"
Olivia shouted. "Don't let him beat you! Keep standing up! Venoshock him!"
"Rose-"
Terabithia tried to aim her roses, but fell from the pressure hitting her flowers. "Lia…" she passed out with a thud.
Olivia held a paw up to her mouth
"No!" she cried out "Terabithia!"
The cat leaned down to pick her Pokemon up in her arms.
"Mamma's here now, now rest up for as long as you need, okay sweetie?"
Olivia muttered as she returned the grass-type to her ball.
Benedict stayed quiet as he watched Olivia recollect herself. She headed over to him, chuckling awkwardly.
"So? That was fun, right?"
Olivia asked.
"Well, y'all surprised me on how deadly Roselia are"
Benedict laughed a little. "An' I didn't expect ya to freak out like that though"
"Heh, well" Olivia placed a paw on the back of her neck. "As I warned you. Many challengers end up losing to my husband, so this is a shock for me. Oh, speaking of him, I'll be seeing him inside"
"See y'all later!" Benedict hollered back. He kneeled down to dig around again for something to cure Jojo's poisoning. He stuck his tongue out in frustration.
Tank hopped off the bench and stood next to his friend. He coughed to get his attention
"I still got those berries"
Benedict looked up and sighed in relief. Tank grabbed him by the wings and pulled him back up on his feet.
"Y'all do?" he asked, still holding onto his friend's hooves.
"Of course dude!"
Tank let go and pulled out two Pecha Berries from his backpack. "I hope Jojo isn't too picky on them"
Jojo nudged his head against his trainer's forearm, weakly looking up and frowning with his beak.
"Nah, he ain't too picky" Benedict grabbed one of the berries and handed it to his Combusken. Jojo scarfed down the berry in one sitting, the purple in his cheeks fading to a soft pink.
"But I'm givin' him a break after that Roselia"
"Good idea"
Tank nodded. He headed back to the bench and hollered back "Also, good luck on the next trainers!"
Purrl stomped over, her paws curled into little fists. Her cheeks glowed bright pink as she stammered on her words
"I'll- I'll have you know I'm just as strong as my mom and dad!"
"Suuuuure"
Benedict rolled his eyes and snorted. "I'd like to see y'all try!"
"Oh yeah?!"
Purrl roared as she grabbed her first Poke Ball. She ran to the other side of the backyard
"I'll show YOU! Bubbles, let's roll!"
She jumped onto one foot, releasing an Azumarill from her ball.
"Okay, Benedict, it's just an Azumarill," he thought to himself. "Y'all dealt with one before back in that tunnel. Makoto did awesome back there, but I ain't ready to let him battle just yet. But who can counter one…a-ha!"
He grabbed an unused Poke Ball
"Freiza! Zap 'er soul out!"
Freiza turned his head up and howled triumphantly.
Purrl winked and made a peace-sign with one of her paws
"Bubbles! Use your cutest Aqua Jet!"
"AzuMARILL!"
Bubbles surrounded herself in a jet of water. She torpedoed through the air, tackling Freiza and forcing him to fly up. The water exploded across the backyard, cascading into a gentle drizzle of rain.
"Freiza! Retaliate with a good ol' Spark!"
"Eleccccccc"
Freiza shook the water off his fur first, then crouched down as yellow electricity coated his body.
"TRIIIIIIIKKKKKKEEEE!"
He leaped upwards and headbutted Bubbles in the torso, forcing her to exhale heavily. She landed on her feet, rather elegantly for a round Pokemon.
"Bubbles! Use Rollout!"
"Azuma!"
Bubbles curled her body into a tight ball. She rolled through the backyard, grass clippings flying high through the air.
"Freiza! Try to stop 'er rollin' with Quick Attack!"
"Trike!"
Freiza darted past all the grass clippings, swiftly attacking Bubbles on each side until she gradually slowed down.
"Finish 'er with a final Spark!"
Freiza darted in front of Bubbles, bracing himself for collision. He inched backwards then charged with his strongest tackle yet.
Sparks exploded across the yard as Bubbles stopped in her place. She slowly rolled backwards, landing on her back with a thud. Her ears lowered and her body twitched as she passed out from the electricity.
"Azumarill…"
Purrl gasped in surprise.
"HEY!" she yelled. "I was only getting started!"
Tears formed from the corners of her eyes as she returned the Azumarill to her ball. She shook her head quickly. Just two more, she thought…
"Yeah, so was I"
Benedict snarked at her. "So, whatcha bringin' on next?"
Purrl stuck her tongue out
"You'll see!"
She twirled in her spot and posed like an idol singer as she threw another Poke Ball
"Buttercup! It's time for REVENGE!"
A green cactus Pokemon hopped out onto the terrain. She swung her heavy arms around in the air, the yellow flower on her head growing wider in the sun.
"CacnEA!" she shouted.
"Oh neat"
Tank pulled out his Rotom Phone.
"Cacnea, the Cactus Pokemon. A grass type. Cacnea lives in arid locations such as deserts. It releases a strong aroma from its flower to attract prey. Hoennian Cacnea prefer to eat Sandshrew, while Sinnohian Cacnea are more fond of Diglett"
"Soooo"
Purrl twirled one of her pigtails around. "Are you gonna switch your Pokemon or-?"
"No way!"
Benedict shouted. He and Electrike bounced up in sync. "Freiza's just gettin' warmed up! Right?"
"Trike!"
Freiza barked in joy.
"Oh this will be fun!" Purrl twirled and clapped her paws together.
"Buttercup! Use your toughest Sucker Punch!"
"Cacneaaaaa!"
The cactus Pokemon leaped behind Freiza. She threw both her arms behind her round body, ready to land—
"Freiza! Bite down with Fire Fang!"
Freiza opened his mouth and howled. His mouth turned a bright shade of red as he clamped down on Buttercup's arms.
"Ca-CACNEAAAAAAAA!"
Buttercup screeched from the sudden pain. She flailed her arms around, trying to shake off all the embers.
Purrl flinched before whining, "Can't you go easy on my poor Pokemon!"
"Oh, really?"
Benedict taunted her. "Who's the one that said they were as strong as their ma and pa, huh?"
"Sh-shut UP!"
Purrl hissed. "I was only joking! Whatever. Buttercup, Needle Arm!"
"Cac-NEA!"
Buttercup bounced back from the bite. Her arms glowed a dark shade of green, strong needles growing from the base. She punched repeatedly at her opponent, bobbing and weaving through the grass as smooth as a professional boxer.
"Another Fire Fang!"
Freiza ducked underneath the needly arms, swiftly running behind the cactus Pokemon. He bit at Buttercup again, this time biting down on her flower instead. He leaped away and landed nearby his trainer, scoffing to himself.
"C-ca-c-c" Buttercup planted herself in her spot, panting heavily as the flames got to her flower. The yellow flower shriveled up as her eyes turned white from shock.
"Cac-cacnea…"
Buttercup flung her arms backwards as she fell onto her front, unable to get up.
Purrl gritted her teeth together as she returned Buttercup to her ball.
"I guess you're kinda good at Pokemon battles, Benedict"
"Purrl, will y'all seriously chill out?"
Benedict facepalmed. "I didn't see y'all's ma or pa get this mad 'bout losin'!"
"Okay, okay, fine!"
Purrl sighed as she grabbed her last Poke Ball.
"Blossom! Save me!"
A small reddish fox popped out, landing on her four paws and wagging her multiple tails in the air.
"Vulpix, vul!" she chirped out.
Benedict kneeled down to his Pokemon
"Freiza, y'all wanna call it a break?"
The electric-type calmly nodded twice.
"Good call, buddy" Benedict gently tapped Freiza on the head, returning him to safety. He grabbed another Poke Ball, calmly tossing it in the air
"Kenshiro! Let's rock an' roll!"
Kenshiro roared eagerly, happy to join in another battle.
Purrl closed her eyes and shouted
"Blossom! Use Will-O-Wisp!"
"Vulp!"
Blossom's tails curled out as she shot a bright purple flame from her mouth. The purple embers floated in the air, hovering closer to the rock type.
"Kenshiro! Roll away and use Rock Tomb!"
"Arooooonnnnn!"
Kenshiro curled into a ball and rolled away from the purple flames. He stopped in one spot, leaped up in the air and summoned a downpour of heavy stones.
The boulders dug themselves into the ground, trapping Blossom in her spot. Some of the rocks fell onto her, crumbling into piles of dust.
"Blossom! Use Extrasensory to move the stones away!"
"Vuuuulllll-"
Blossom's eyes turned gold as she focused on the two stones in front of her. A white beam formed in front of her.
"Kenshiro! Bulldoze'em stones down!"
Kenshiro jumped onto one of the stones. He leaped upwards, his body glowing orange as he landed on his feet repeatedly, shaking the ground underneath him
"AronaronaronaronaronaronARON!"
The ground rumbled in its spot, the large stones falling like dominoes onto Blossom. Boulders exploded as they fell to the ground, filling the air with dust clouds.
The dust cleared away in the wind, revealing that Blossom had passed out from the impact of the rocks.
"Piiiixxxxx….."
"Oh THIS ISN'T FREAKING FAIR!"
Purrl shouted as she stomped a foot on the ground. "Not Blossom too!"
She huffed and returned the Vulpix to her ball.
"Aron, aron!"
Kenshiro cheered happily as he ran back to his trainer, nuzzling his head against his leg.
"Y'all did awesome out there!"
Benedict petted his Aron on the head before returning him to his Poke Ball.
Purrl stormed up to Benedict, her cheeks burning red.
"C-congratulations on beating me" she blurted out, crossing her paws in frustration. "You're not mad at me, are you?"
Benedict stayed quiet for a few seconds, then laughed a little
"No freakin' way! If I was mad I'd be cussin' up a storm and punchin' stuff. If anythin', I had fun more than anythin'!"
Purrl sighed in relief, her face still burning up
"Oh…"
"I think this was a good learning experience for you"
Monique walked over and placed a paw on Purrl's shoulder
Purrl hissed back
"Gramma! You're embarrassing me in front of him!"
Monique shook her head and laughed
"You say that about every trainer you take on. Blazel, Sandyna, Noriaki, Usagi. Oh you should've seen her last week. This scrappy little bird- Spinelli if I remember right, beat her with just a Machop and a Hariyama! Now, how about you go take a break inside?"
"Aw, alright"
Purrl pouted. "But I hope you win, gramma!"
She stormed back inside.
Benedict awkwardly laughed
"Does she always get that flustered 'round new trainers?"
"Only if they beat her in battle"
Monique chuckled as she nodded diligently
"…But. I have to commend you for successfully defeating the rest of my family, Benedict. However"
She walked to the other side of the backyard. Her warm smile faded to a cold glare as she cracked her knuckles.
"…Just because they went easy on you, doesn't mean I will too. Jeannie, show him what you're made of."
Monique held a Great Ball in front of herself. A greyish-pink humanoid Pokemon popped out, standing elegantly on her right leg and folding her hands together.
Tank scanned the new Pokemon on his phone.
"Medicham, the Meditate Pokemon, and the evolved form of Meditite. A psychic and fighting type. It is said that through meditation, Medicham heightens energy inside its body and sharpens its sixth sense. Legends say a Medicham, a Gardevoir and a Lopunny once saved the world from destruction in the past"
"Makoto! Let's finish what we started!"
Benedict tossed one of Poke Balls in the air.
"Kirl!"
Makoto twirled in his spot, his long skirt billowing in the air.
"Jeannie, you're the best of the best. Start with a fine Endure"
"Medi!"
The fighting-type widened her stance, planting her feet in the ground. She braced her arms in front of herself while glaring furiously at her opponent.
"Makoto! Stun 'er with a Disarming Voice!"
"KirLIIIIIIIAAAA!"
Makoto leaped upwards and screeched at the top of his lungs. Jeannie skidded backwards across the ground, closing her eyes as she cringed from the attack.
"Jeannie! Retaliate with a High Jump Kick"
"Medi-CHAM!"
Jeannie leaped off the ground. She raised her left leg higher, launching herself through the air. The Medicham nimbly kicked Makoto in the gut, causing him to flinch and grab his stomach in pain.
"Makoto! Hang in there and use Disarming Voice!"
Makoto trembled as he stood upright, refusing to let himself knocked down. He shook his head, batting his eyelashes towards Jeannie. The Kirlia gently kissed the tip of his hand, then blew a kiss towards Jeannie's way. A pink lipstick-shaped illusion floated to Jeannie, pressing itself against her forehead.
"What the—" Benedict gasped. "Is that—
A new move?!"
Makoto nodded and took a deep breath in. Pastel pink energy flew from Jeannie's body, being absorbed into Makoto's body instead. The Medicham swayed slowly in her spot, feeling weaker by the second.
"Oh my" Monique warmly chuckled. "Looks like Makoto's using his feminine charms to his advantage. He's going to make a fine Gardevoir. Jeannie, Reversal!"
"Mediiiiii-"
Jeannie's fists turned a bright shade of orange.
"CHAAAAAAAAAMMMMM!"
She threw several punches towards Makoto, gasping in surprise as the Kirlia nimbly dodged every single hit.
"Another Draining Kiss!"
Makoto closed his eyes. He grabbed Jeannie by her hands and promtly kissed her on the lips, draining the last of her energy before letting go with a gentle curtsy.
Jeannie's body turned stark white before she passed out on her side.
Monique gasped sharply as she returned Jeannie to her ball
"Oh my goodness…."
Benedict froze up, looking down at his Pokemon.
"Kirl?" Makoto tilted his head.
"That….that was really awesome, Makoto!" Benedict high-fived his Pokemon. "I'd have never thought y'all'd be the love 'em and leave 'em type"
"Kirlia!"
Makoto happily chirped, spinning in his spot.
Monique walked over with a warm smile
"Impressive technique. You and your Kirlia really have a special bond"
"Thanks, Miss Monique!"
Benedict bowed. He petted Makoto on the head "Although I ain't sure why he went with the flirtin' route"
"Well, sometimes Pokemon do act like their trainers, especially Psychic-types" Monique explained. "I think he's picking up on your deepest thoughts"
Benedict burned up just thinking about it. Wait, deepest thoughts!? Is….is Makoto in the same boat as him?! The flirting to win a battle part, definitely NOT, but….but who'd be causing him to feel this way?! It can't be Purrl, that's for sure!
"I….are y'all sure?"
"Well, it's not always the same level, but"
Monique smiled.
"I'd keep an eye on Makoto if I were you. Now, are you ready for your hard earned lunch?"
"Y-yeah" Benedict chirped out. "Can my friends come too?"
"Well why wouldn't they?"
Monique chuckled slightly. "I make lunch for more animals than you think!"
—
The four animals walked into the small house, taking their shoes off at the door. The walls were beige while the floor was a deep shade of indigo. The living room had two tables; a brown kotatsu and a wooden table with several plaques and trophies placed on top.
The boys sat down next to Purrl on the couch.
"Oh, hi guys" Purrl said as she played on her Switch. "So, how'd the battle go?"
"It went pretty fun!"
Tank explained. "Benedict's Kirlia totally whooped your grandma's Medicham!"
"And apparently that Kirlia's a bit of a flirt"
Kidd laughed a little.
Monique walked back into the kitchen and opened up a large black stone pot. She sniffed the air before stirring a large spoon in the pot. The aroma was just right; plenty of savory spices, but not enough to drown out the flavor.
"Purrl!"
she called out. "Lunch is ready, could you be a dear and get Rudy and Olivia out here?"
"Well, where are they, Gramma?!" Purrl shouted as she played on her Switch.
"If I knew where they were I wouldn't be asking you"
Monique deadpanned before adding more seasoning to the pot.
Purrl rolled her eyes and set her Switch down
"Benedict, can you come with me?"
"Sure?"
Benedict shrugged.
"Thanks!"
The young cat grabbed him by the wrist and stormed into the hallway. They opened as many doors as possible; most being unlocked except for all four bedrooms.
Loud laughing and groaning came from the farthest door, causing both animals to perk up. That must be it!
They both knocked on the door. No response.
Benedict whispered
"I think we should open the door"
"What?! No way!"
Purrl hissed and shook her head "It's probably locked"
The bird put a wing on the doorknob
"Pffft. No, it ain't. Just watch and—"
He pushed the door open and screamed.
Purrl hid behind him and cringed.
Olivia and Rudy froze in their spot. Their eyes widened from the unwelcome intruder. The two cats yelped and covered themselves with a bedsheet.
"Do you kids mind?!"
Rudy shouted at the younger animals.
"Well, I told you to lock the door, didn't I?" Olivia snapped back. She pulled the bedsheet up to her chest, still looking away from the children
"Um, do you two need something?"
"Yeah, uh, Mom"
Purrl looked away. "Grandma said that lunch is ready. Or, um…"
"Oh. Is that all, Purrl?"
Rudy asked.
"Well tell her we need twenty minutes. And, um, Benedict, I'm really sorry you had to see this. I swear, I usually lock the door for this kinda stuff!"
"What do you MEAN usually?!"
Olivia hollered. "We had the whole house to ourselves!"
"Yeah, um, it's fine, Rudy"
Benedict reassured him before closing the door. His face turned paler than usual.
The duo headed back to the kitchen.
"So, are they coming soon?"
Monique asked as she grabbed several bowls and chopsticks.
"Yeah, Gramma"
Purrl followed her to the kotatsu.
"They're, uh, looking for something that fell under the bed!"
"Is that so?" Monique neatly placed all seven bowls on the kotatsu. "…Benedict, are you running a fever? Your face is still red even after that battle!"
"I-it's nothing, Miss Monique"
Benedict awkwardly chuckled. "I'm just still surprised 'bout my Kirlia, that's all"
Twenty minutes later, all seven animals gathered towards the kotatsu for lunch.
"Well, let's eat, everyone" Monique dipped a huge ladle into the hotpot. The hotpot was filled with rich dark broth, simmered pieces of seafood, thin shirataki noodles, and small slices of shiitake mushrooms. The group took turns filling their bowls up with a hearty serving of nabemono.
The house stayed quiet, except for the loud slurping noises of animals devouring their lunch.
Rudy tensed up and started coughing violently into his elbow.
Monique reached under the kotatsu and pulled out a small trash can.
"Th-thanks mother" Rudy said before hacking up a hairball into the trash can. He set the bin down away from the kotatsu. The boys stared slightly at him, unsure what to say
"Um, sorry about that boys, we cats get these a lot"
"It's fine, Rudy"
Tank said between bites of Clauncher meat. "We've seen way grosser stuff than a couple hairballs"
"Well I'm glad you guys are being mature about it"
Rudy ate another chunk of Octillery before swirling the noodles around in his bowl
"A lot of animals go flying out the door when they see any of us cough those up"
"Honestly, I don't see the big deal 'bout it"
Benedict slurped down his broth.
"Same here"
Kidd picked up some noodles with his chopsticks
"It's not like you're coughing right into the soup. It's delicious by the way"
"Well thank you boys"
Olivia warmly smiled before eating a piece of Octillery meat.
Purrl slipped a piece of paper under the table. It had her phone number scribbled in a light bouncy text.
Benedict took the paper for himself; he'd have to save it in case she wanted a rematch!
—
After finishing up lunch, the boys headed out towards the rest of Route 111. They followed a long seemingly endless path, not minding the cooling weather one bit.
Kidd glanced over
"Um, Benedict? You know you're still blushing, right?"
"I am?"
Benedict shook his head twice. "I thought I was just sunburnt"
"Nah dude, something's on your mind!"
Tank stopped at a wooden sign that read "DESERT CLOSED DUE TO EXCAVATING PROJECT —FUNDED BY MAYOR TORTIMER"
"Well, I'm guessin, uh" Benedict tried to spit it out. "I can't figure out why Monique said that weird stuff 'bout me an' Makoto. Like it's one thing if Makoto wants to flirt 'round, but I just don't get what that has to do with me!"
"I mean" Kidd pointed out.
"On one hand, she could be going senile"
"Kidd, that's rude!" Tank yelled as he brushed some sand away from the wooden sign
"Not all seniors are going senile!"
Kidd facepalmed before throwing an idea out there
"You're right, that was awful.
Or maybe you have a crush on someone but no idea how to express it"
Benedict shrugged
"I mean, there's Champion Apollo, but in that 'I wish I were that powerful already' way. And besides, I don't even know what a crush feels like. 'Cept if I'm crushed by somethin' heavy"
Tank walked back from the sign
"Sometimes it's fun, but sometimes it sucks dude!"
Kidd flipped his hair and winked
"He's right. It's like, seeing a sunset on your own? Beautiful, aesthetic, relaxing, but if it's with that someone, then it kinda changes everything. It's a kind of magic, if you must"
"….Sounds like song lyrics to me" Benedict snarked.
"But what do y'all two know about crushes?!"
"A lot" Tank shrugged. "Well, uh" his face went red. "Before I moved outta Fortree City, I've had a few crushes here and there. Sometimes guys, sometimes girls. That's not weird, right?"
Kidd sighed in relief, retying his scarf into a perfect bow
"No, why would it be weird? I'm in the same boat myself, except all my classmates had the personalities of moldy bread. Benedict, is that weird?"
"Yeah, we're not making this weird, right dude?"
Tank looked away in embarrassment.
Benedict shrugged
"No way! Well I wanted to tell y'all that I like both too"
"Oh thank Arceus" Tank wiped some sweat off his forehead.
"Okay, now that we got that out of the way, let's keep going west"