"Your Grandma?" I ask with confusion.
"Yeah, she does this a lot. She always teeters down from her house to the junior competition to look at all the new trainers coming through, your lucky you got advice from a master" He responds with a laugh.
"A master?"
He looks at the screen with confusion but realising.
"I forget how young you are sometimes. My Grandma was the first female champion of Kanto and Johto, she was the champion who united the two titles for the first time."
I baulk a little, I knew Ryans Grandfather was famous for battling but I hadn't known about his Grandma
"Oh wow that's so cool"
He smiles and nods
"She is a cool lady, glad she picked you out to give her some advice, I will have to give her a call. I'll have to leave you kiddo, let me know if you need anything okay"
I nod
"Will do Ryan"
He signs off and I place my phone down on the bed before scooting over to the computer. I load up the battle network site, I search up Ryan on it and I'm presented with his profile, I scroll down to the part about family; obviously his Grandfather is the first link however below is a hyperlink to another profile; Peggy Brooks
I click on it and I am brought up to a full profile
Name: Peggy Age: 89
Hometown: Viridian City
Appearance: Peggy is a petite woman with a slight hunch, standing at around 5 feet tall. Her hair, once black, is now speckled with strands of grey. She can be generally seen accompanied by either her Meganium or Ninetales and carries a wooden walking cane. Despite her age, her eyes hold a spark of determination and wisdom.
Personality: Peggy is known for her stoic nature and unyielding determination. She possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge from her years as a Pokemon trainer. Though her memory may falter at times, she remains a respected figure in the Pokemon world. She is often lost in her own thoughts but lights up with excitement when talking about battles and Pokemon. She is still eager to share her knowledge with younger trainers.
Background: Peggy started her journey as a Pokemon trainer at a young age, embarking on her adventure in Kanto. She quickly rose through the ranks and eventually became the Kanto Pokemon Champion, defeating renowned trainers along the way. With a thirst for new challenges, she continued her journey in Johto and earned the title of Johto Pokemon Champion as well. Throughout her journey, she formed deep bonds with her Pokemon, and they remain loyal to her to this day.
Pokemon team:
Meganium: Peggy's first Johto Pokemon and Pseudo starter of the region, she is heavily relied on nowadays for transport. Meganium was a fierce battler in the day featuring in countless battles, it stands currently with one of the best win to loss ratios in the history of battle with an astonishing 87% of 145 official battles won
Gengar: A mischievous and powerful Pokemon that Peggy caught in Lavender Town. Gengar is known for its ghostly abilities and deceptive tactics
Ampharos: A gentle and wise Pokemon that Peggy caught in Johto. Ampharos has been a source of guidance and protection throughout her journey.
Ninetales: A loyal and brave Pokemon that Peggy caught in Kanto. Ninetales's speed, strength, and fierce loyalty have won Peggy many battles.
Slowking: A calm and wise Pokemon that Peggy encountered near Slowpoke Well. Slowking's psychic abilities and strategic thinking have aided Peggy in countless battles.
Tyranitar: A powerful and imposing Pokemon that Peggy caught during her journey in Johto.
Tyranitar's sheer strength and intimidating presence make it a force to be reckoned with.
Goals: Peggy's main goal at her advanced age is to pass on her knowledge and experiences to the next generation of trainers. She hopes to inspire and mentor younger trainers to help them reach their full potential. Peggy also aims to preserve the traditions and values of the Pokemon world, ensuring that the bond between humans and Pokemon remains strong.
"Wow, she's amazing. I can't believe I got lessons from a legendary trainer!"
I click through a few of her Pokémon like her Ninetales, Gyarados and Meganium until the early hours before finally retreating to bed. I wake up the next day slightly later than usual, today is a break day while the rest of the preliminary rounds are conducted with the opening ceremony being the day after. I had looked up online that there was a local creek that the school students normally went and hung out around. I went and bought some fancy Pokemon food from one of the local stalls as a treat for the guys before making my way up there. It was pretty much empty, there was a couple of trainers on the opposite side to the entrance, I walked past and exchanged pleasantries before setting up.
"Come on out guys!" I shout throwing the seven balls up into the air
They all land and shake off some stiffness
"Here eat your fill guys and relax. No training today" I shout
They all call back happily, Blastoise, Starmie and Poliwrath immediately cannonball into the lake begiing to swim and chase each other, Ninetales and Venusaur inspect the food taking a few bites before finding the sunniest spot to relax in. Jolteon and Dodrio on the other hand immediately begin to attack the banquet of food, eating there fill like they had been starved for weeks on end.
"Slow down guys its not going anywhere!" I say to them with a laugh.
They gulp it down before Jolteon begins to cough due to eating so fast, I run up and pat him on the back before it manages to get it down.
"Guys seriously take it a bit slower I don't want you to do any damage to yourself".
"Do!"
"Jolt"
They call out in affirmation.
"I'm glad you two are getting on, I was worried that with Blastoise evolving you get lonely Jolt" I say stroking his back.
He barks back at me before leaping up to Dodrio back and barking more causing her to speed off and dart around for Jolteon's amusement.
I smile, I had worried when adding Dodrio that she would be a little too intense for everyone else but she fitted in perfectly, she is quite serious especially the middle head but Jolteon had really brought out the silly motherly side to her. The group defiantly split in some ways, the three water types preferred spending as much time in the water or near to it as they can so it was only natural, they would get a long while Ninetales and Venusaur had spent the most time together so it was only natural that they would get on the best together. I spend the day bouncing between the three groups, watching Starmie and Poliwrath race each other atop Blastoise shell, sitting with Venusaur and Ninetales watching the other trainer do practice battles against each other and racing around trying to stop Dodrio from trampling across other peoples picnic as Jolteon encourages her. We stay till the sun begins to set, eventually I have the whole team in front of me as they make there way through the last dregs of food on offer. I sit cross legged brushing Ninetales coat before I stand up
"Guys, I just wanted to say thank you".
They all look up except for Dodrio third head which continues to eat before being pulled up by the others.
"Without you all I wouldn't be stood here right now, so thank you" I say trying not to get too emotional.
They all look between each other before setting their eyes on me, they all call out before bowing there heads to me
"Are you thanking me?" I respond slightly confused.
They nod back
I gulp pushing down the emotion again
"Well you're more than welcome everyone, now lets go and win this tournament!"
The opening ceremony goes quickly, Charles Goodshow the PBL leader makes a speech welcoming us all, there is a crowd but a lot of empty seat can be seen. The first round draw is made and I am selected against a boy named Ron, he ranked 64th overall in the Tournament so a lot higher than Nicola was. I spend the rest of the day looking at his profile and going over his Pokemon; he has a fondness for bug and water Pokemon with 5 out of his 6 registered Pokemon being of these types; Beedrill, Butterfree, Pinsir, Blastoise and Cloyster. He also has a Fearow but it is a lot lower in level and battle usage than the other so I assume it was just there for transportation. The first round matches up until the Quarter finals ar matches with no substitutions or time limits so I come to a swift conclusion that the three Pokemon to use are Ninetales, Dodrio and Jolteon as they have the best match ups. I spend a little time training with them after the ceremony however I don't want to tire them out too much. The match quickly comes around but its quite an easy match, Ron brings his three bug types and Dodrio manages to set up a Swords Dance and sweep through the whole team. I am immediately drawn into Round Two against Niamh, I scout out her team and she only possess three Pokemon, all Grass Type Victreebel, Vileplume and Tangela. Her mother is a gym trainer for Erika so she seems to have an affinity for the type, I decide to use Jolteon and Ninetales as they didn't get to battle against Ron and add in Starmie as it does a have a type advantage against the poison types, this match is much closer, starting with Jolteon who manages to beat Victreebel before going down against Tangela. Ninetales manages to win against Tangela before being put to sleep by Vileplume, Starmie manages to defeat Vileplume but it comes very close in the end. I'm then drawn against the 8th ranked trainer in the tournament Katie. The battle is the last one before the Quarter Finals. I spend the night swatting before, Katie has a lot of Pokemon and its hard to decipher who she will go with, so in the end I decide on using Poliwrath, Blastoise and Starmie. I head up to the stadium before hand and I'm met with a surprise.
"Mom?! Grandma?!" I shout
"Oh Dusty!" Grandma shouts grabbing hold of me and waving me around in her arms
"What are you doing here?" I question
"That would be my doing young man"
Grandma put me down and I am met with an older looking gentleman, he has long grey hair and beard and is very small in stature
"Mr Goodshow?"
"The one and the same, my niece explained to me the situation so I did everything in my power to get your family hear to watch you" He says with a smile
"Uh I don't know what to say, thank you" I say shaking his hand before running up to Mom
"I'm so happy you'll get too see me battle live, I'm defiantly going to win now" I say to Mom determinedly
she smiles softly and kisses my head, she has her walking stick keeping her steady, she looks slightly more pale than the last time I saw her
"Come with me then ladies, I'll get you to you seats, Dustin you get yourself into the dressing room" Charles say taking Mom arm in his
"Thank you sir and can you thank Ms Daisy for sorting this out" I say before speeding off to the stadium
The stadium announces both trainers, I walk up the tunnel and see Katie in the middle of the field, I walk up and shake her hand
"Good luck!" I say to her
"I don't need luck" She says with a smile before returning to her box
"Okay, rude" I think to myself before turning
I spot Mom and Grandma, Grandma is bouncing up and down wildly shouting, while Mom sits happily clapping. I wave to them with a swelling of happiness in my chest. It is decided that Katie will chose first and move first.
"Gyarados, come forth!" She shouts
The huge serpent like Pokemon slams down roaring as it lands
I gulp but feel determination take over
"Jolteon I need you!"
Jolteon drops down as Gyarados roars again, Jolteon smiles before sparking with electricity
"Gyarados Dragon Dance!"
Gyarados is enveloped in dark red and blue energy
"Jolteon Thunderbolt!"
Jolteon lights up and barrages Gyarados with lighting who recoils and roars in pain
"Crunch!"
Gyarados burst forward, fang elongated glowing black, it bites down and slams Jolteon who is sent sprawling backward, Jolteon recomposes itself and lands on its feet
"Thunder!
Jolteon runs towards Gyarados bouncing up off its head before firing a huge bolt of lighting directly down onto Gyarados, its enveloped and crackles for a few seconds, Gyarados shakes itself off before another crackle of electricity showcases that Gyarados is now paralysed
"Gyarados, Earthquake!"
Gyarados goes to slam its tail for the ground attack however it crackles and cannot move
"Thunderbolt everything you've got!"
Jolteon fires off a barrage of shocks which blast Gyarados again who recoils and screeches, the attack subsides before it falls flat down on its face unable to go on
"Gyarados cannot continue, Jolteon is the victor!"
Jolteon jumps around the field happily in victory as Katie returns Gyarados
"Great work Jolt!" I shout outskirts
He runs up to me and I pet him
"Kabutops come out!"
The ancient Pokemon touches down stroking its scythes together
"Swords Dance!"
Kabutops is surrounded by swords while Jolteon speeds out onto the field
"Now Aqua Jet!"
Kabutops surrounds in water as it begins to burst forward
"Return, Blastoise come out!"
Jolteon is zipped back before Blastoise emerges, Kabutop burst forward but the attack is fairly ineffectice
"Grab it!"
Blastoise wraps its arms around Kabutops leaving it unable to escape
"Flash Cannon!"
Blastoise points it two huge cannons at Kabutops and hits it at point blank range sending it flying backwards, it skids across the floor on its back before trying to pull itself up before falling back down
"Kabutops cannot continue, Blastoise wins!"
"GREAT WORK BLASTOISE!" I shout out
He shoots me a thumbs up, I turn to see Mom and Grandma. Grandma is going mad while Mom continues to beam and clap in celebration
"One more" I think to myself as Katie sends out her last Pokemon
"Cloyster!" She shout throwing out her last ball
The huge shell Pokemon slams down
"Okay, Blastoise Flash Cannon!"
Blastoise fires off it cannon
"in your shell!"
Cloyster ducks into its shell taking the hit, it pushes back slightly but bares the hit
"Shell Smash!"
It shell cracks sightly before Cloyster is enveloped in
"Drill Run!"
Cloyster digs into the ground before spinning and bursting towards Blastoise, he tries to throw his arms up to block it but Cloyster is too fast and hit him square in the stomach, it send Blastoise flying behind me and into the wall with a crash, he falls down to his stomach unable to go on
"Blast!" I shout as the referee announces the match for Cloyster
I run up to him as he pulls himself upright
"Are you okay?" I say
He croaks and answer with a nod
"Don't worry we've got it from here" I return him and move back to the box
"Jolteon!"
Jolteon touches down again barking and crackling with electricity
"Thunderbolt!"
Jolteon runs and sparks with electricity firing it across the field
"In your shell!"
Cloyster duck in again, it bears the hit but defiantly take damage as it winces as the shell opens again
"Razor Shell!"
Cloyster ducks in again shining blue before spinning towards Jolteon
"Thunder Wave!"
Jolteon takes the hit but surround Cloyster in blue and white electricity paralysing it before it is sent flying, it stops just before me as it skids unable to go on. The referee announces the match for Cloyster as I pick Jolteon up
"You did great Jolt, we will still win" I say before returning it
Katie smiles confidently while I look to Mom and Grandma who loos much more concerned now, I smile and show them a thumbs up before pulling out my last Pokemon
"Poli!"
"We got this Poli, its all on you!" I shout as Poliwrath flex its arms
"There no way you can stop us, Cloyster, Drill Run!" Katie shouts
Cloyster digs in again before crackling unable to move
"Again!" Katie shouts
"Our turn to power up! Belly Drum!"
Poliwrath slaps into stomach, becoming enveloped in orange energy
"Razor Shell!"
Cloyster glows blue spinning before darting forwards
"Drain Punch!"
Poliwrath arm glow white and it slams it down on the shell of Cloyster who also hits with the Razor Shell, both are sent flying backwards
"Icicle Spear!"
Cloyster stops it spinning before firing off 5 blue spines
"Ice Punch!"
Poliwrath punches each spine as it comes blocking them
"Drill Run!"
Cloyster digs in again and dart forward in the ground
"You have to take it Poliwrath!"
Poliwrath spread itself ready and bears the hit grabbing Cloyster who slowly comes to a hault
"Drain Punch!"
Poliwrath swings and slams its fist hard into Cloyster, it sent flying backwards, it shell slowly opens revealing it unable to go on
The referee announces Poliwrath as the victor, I spring out and jump on Poliwrath back
"You did it!"
She shouts with happiness grabbing me and lifting me into the air
"You were amazing!"
Katie returns Cloyster and walks up as Poliwrath puts me down
"Congrats" She says with a smile
"Uh thank you, you were amazing" I say with a smile
"You were better though, good luck for the rest of the tournament" She says before heading back out of the stadium
I look back to where Mom and Grandma are, they smile happily and clapping
"Oh Dustin you were wonderful!" Grandma shouts waving me around again
"Thanks Grandma"
She puts me down, Mom sits on the bench still looking pale and slightly out of breath
"What did you think Mom?"
She looks up and smile brightly and widely
"I never been more proud"
My chest swell and feels tight as my body tenses
"Than, thank you" I choke out
She smile before turning to Grandma
"Jacqueline, do you have some water, I'm feeling flush "
"Of course Sophie, put you're quite pale" She says touching her hand to her face
"Oh really! Perhaps its all the excitement" She says as she takes the bottle
She sips a few times but breathing out heavily
"Oh" She moans before toppling down to the side to the floor
"MOM!"
The next ten minutes are a blur, some of the tournament medical staff see what happen and dart out. They administer some meds, while Grandma helps, I stand helplessly behind watching them work. Eventually its decided that an ambulance is needed, it take about 15 minutes to arrive, they get Mom in the back on some oxygen. Grandma gives me some words of reassurance, she also says she is going to go with Mom.
"Okay" I say slightly tearful
"Young man you come spend the evening with me" comes a voice
Its Mr Goodshow who has joined the group
"You go on, I'll look after the lad" He says to Grandma with a smile
"Thank you, don't worry Dusty, I'll make sure she is all okay"
I nod slightly in shock as I see Mom eyes flicker open
"Mom!" I shout bursting past them into the ambulance
She smile weakly at me as I clasp her hands
I stammer and choke before getting some words out
"Thank you for coming today, I love you"
She nods and puts her forehead to my hands
"Okay Dusty, lets get her to the hospital" Grandma says putting her arm on my sides
I hug her tight
"Thank you too, I love you"
She kisses my forehead
"We love you too, now you go and celebrate" She says with a soft smile
I stand with Mr Goodshow as the ambulance speeds off sirens blaring, I watch it go into the distance before it can no longer be seen
"She will be fine young man, don't you worry" HE says putting his hand on my shoulder as I wipe my eyes
"I hope so" I say as my phone bings
I pull it out and my stomach sinks seeing the message
NEXT ROUND OPPONENT: ALVIN