Hello Fanfiction Readers! As I keep writing these chapters, I feel as though I'm running out of things to say at the beginning. I mean, I guess I could write about what happens...but...meh. Seems tedious. Anyway, on with the story.
Also, with this chapter, this story has reached over one hundred thousand words!
Disclaimer: The Disclaimer is out to breakfast with family.
Pokémon Black and White
Chapter Seventeen
Normal Point of View
"What's that?" Ash wondered aloud as they noticed a building in the distance.
"Whatever it is," Misty began. "it kind of looks like it's...sparkling. Although I could be imagining it."
"From the look of it," Cilan began once they stood in front of the building. "I'd say this' a brand-new Poké Mart."
"They must be having their grand opening!" Iris commented.
"Let's go check it out!" Ash said.
"Sure, why not." Misty said, shrugging. "Could be interesting."
XXXXXXX
"Wow!" Iris exclaimed once they entered the Poké Mart.
"Whoa, it's huge!" Ash commented.
"It certainly is impressive." Misty added.
"There's so much to see..." Iris said, continuing through the Poké Mart. "Where first?"
"Ew!" ("Where!")
"Okay, there." Iris said, rushing over to somewhere.
"I'll bet they've got every kind of Pokémon Food and medicine in the world here." Ash said. "Wow!"
"Poké Marts usually have quite an extensive selection, but this one's more extensive than normal!" Cilan said.
"I wonder if they have any Pokémon Food for Water-type Pokémon." Misty said, more to herself than anyone else.
XXXXXXX
"Beautiful." Iris said as she approached a stand that appeared to sell jewelry. "And so many accessories!"
"Ew..." ("Yeah...")
"Aw, look, how cute." The woman behind the stand commented.
"Huh?" Iris asked.
"Don't you think Axew would look stunning wearing this beauty?" The woman inquired, showing a sparkling white gem. "This gorgeous Dragon Gem will allow you to fashionably raise your Axew's Dragon-type moves' power one gloriously wonderful time."
"Wow." Iris commented.
"Ax?" ("Hmm?")
"Think we'll pass." Iris said after a silent conversation passed between her and her Pokémon.
"As you wish." The woman said. "But please take a moment and look around."
XXXXXXX
"Whoa, look." Ash said.
"What is it Ash?" Misty inquired.
"Over there." Ash said, pointing over to a line of people waiting next to a purple curtain. "What's going on?"
"They're waiting in line to get into a Connoisseur Shop," Cilan said, coming up from behind. "where a Connoisseur checks compatibility."
"Connoisseur compatibility?" Ash and Misty inquired.
"Right." Cilan said. "They check the compatibility between Pokémon and trainers and give them advice."
"Wow, so you're not the only Connoisseur?" Ash asked.
"Of course not, Ash." Cilan said.
"I highly doubt there would only be one Pokémon Connoisseur." Misty said. "Whatever that is anyway."
"Every Pokémon Connoisseur has a rank." Cilan interjected. "One must be evaluated by the Pokémon Connoisseur Association. Then, a Connoisseur is ranked: C-Class, then up to B-Class, A-Class and finally the highest ranking, S-Class."
"Interesting." Misty said.
"In order to perform a compatibility check," Cilan continued as they walked over to the purple curtain. "you have to be A-Class or higher. And, it just so happens that I am an A-Class."
"Huh." Ash said.
XXXXXXX
"The two of you have a beautiful partnership." The Connaisseuse Beauty said, talking to a young boy and her Minccino inside the purple curtain.
"Cino!" ("Ah!") The Chinchilla Pokémon said happily as the person they were talking to put a hand to its cheek.
"Only fully ripened trainers and their Pokémon possess such a mellow kind of vibe." The Connaisseuse Beauty continued, a red tint under her eyes. "It shows you've raised Minccino well."
XXXXXXX
"That's great, thanks very much!" The young boy said, as the Connaisseuse Beauty opened the curtain for him to leave.
"Next in line, please." She said as the boy left.
"What a cute little Pokémon." Misty commented as the boy ran off.
"That's me." A girl said in the line, waiting her turn to get a compatibility check.
"Hey, it's a girl." Ash said.
"Correct." Cilan said. "The proper name for a female Connoisseur is Connaisseuse. Why don't you have a consultation with her?"
"I think it's good to get a little feedback from someone else once in a while." Cilan continued.
"I'll do it." Ash said, reaching for a Poké Ball. "Then I can ask her about how compatible I am with my Sewaddle."
"Think you are quite compatible with Sewaddle." Misty said. "At least, compatible enough to give Burgh some artistic inspiration."
"Always good to get a professional opinion." Cilan said.
"Maybe I'll see how compatible I am with my Marill." Misty said, looking down at her Aqua Mouse Pokémon. "I would check the compatibility between myself and Gyarados but, I think that would be pushing it."
"Ma rill marill ma rill marill marill!" ("I doubt you need to check the compatibility of us.")
"I'll go and browse through some of the Pokémon Food products." Cilan interjected.
"'Kay, see you later!" Ash said, returning the Poké Ball to its place.
"Check to see if you can find any for Water-type Pokémon!" Misty called as Cilan ran off.
XXXXXXX
"Man, this line is pretty long." Ash commented upon getting to the end of the line.
"Don't worry Ash," Misty said. "you'll get there...eventually."
Ash groaned at that comment.
"Excuse me!" A young feminine voice called. "You in the hat and you in the jacket! You don't have to wait in that silly line. I'm a Connaisseue, too!"
"Wow, so you can see us right away?" Ash asked as the woman was waving her hand through the blue curtain she was behind as if to motion them to her.
"Bien sûr." The woman replied.
"I don't know Ash." Misty whispered. "Seems like something's up."
"Don't be so suspicious Misty." Ash whispered back. "I hardly doubt we need to worry about anything."
"Come right in." The woman said, motioning them with her hand.
"Thanks a lot!" Ash said as he and Misty went through the blue curtain.
"Yeah, thanks." Misty mumbled.
"Bon, have a seat!" The woman exclaimed, pushing Ash over to sit down.
This of course, caused Misty to glare at the woman. The glare however, lasted only for a moment as she composed herself and sat down next to Ash.
"There you go." The woman said as Ash sat down in the purple folding chair.
"Uh..." Ash said, taken a bit off-guard by the push. "I'm Ash Ketchum, and I'm a Pokémon Trainer."
"And I'm Misty Waterflower, and I want to be the world's best Water-type Pokémon Trainer." Misty said, although not with the same enthusiasm as Ash.
"And this is my best buddy, Pikachu!" Ash said, motioning to the Mouse Pokémon on his shoulder with his head.
"Pikachu!" ("Yep!")
"And this is my best friend Marill." Misty said half-heartedly, still suspicious of the purple-haired woman.
"Ma rill marill!" ("That I am!")
"My name is Burgundy." The woman - Burgundy - said. "I may not look it, but I'm a highly skilled Connaisseuse ranked by the Pokémon Connoisseur Association."
"Wow." Ash commented.
"Yeah..." Misty said to herself.
"So, besides compatibility," Burgundy began, sitting down. "you can also ask me about preparing Pokémon Food, battle strategy and even the choice of accessories."
"I hardly doubt that Ash needs help with battle strategy." Misty said.
"Thanks Misty." Ash said, looking at Misty before turning back to Burgundy with a determined look. "Okay, I'm on a journey to become a Pokémon Master!"
"I was hoping you could tell me about the compatibility between me and my Pokémon." Ash continued.
"You mean Pikachu!" Burgundy exclaimed, getting up close to Ash. This caused Ash to shift imperceptibly with discomfort and Misty to glare at her, again for only a moment.
"It's an extremely rare Pokémon in the Unova region." Burgundy continued.
So I've been told. Ash thought to himself with a sweat-drop. Maybe I should make a list of people commenting on Pikachu's exoticness.
Burgundy then sniffed the air around Pikachu. "Pikachu even has a rare fragrance."
"I don't need to know about Pikachu." Ash said with a small sweat-drop. "No doubt we're a perfect match!"
"Pikachu!" ("Got that right!")
"Hmmm..." Burgundy said with an air of dismissiveness as she sat back down.
"See, I wanna ask you about this one." Ash said, reaching for Sewaddle's Poké Ball. "Come out, Sewaddle!"
"Sewaddle!" ("Hello!")
"Bon, I'd be more than happy to have a look at you too." Burgundy said with a wink, holding what appeared to be a white Pokédex. "Oui. Alors, it is evaluating time, s'il vous plaît!"
"Okay?" Misty said with a sweat-drop.
"All right..." Burgundy said, kneeling in front of the Sewing Pokémon.
"Now, let's see." Burgundy continued, taking off Ash's hat as if to get a look at his hair.
"Ho, ho, ho..." Burgundy said, lying on the floor.
"So what do you think?" Ash inquired as Burgundy finished her analysis, standing up from the floor.
"The partnership between you and your Sewaddle is..." Burgundy said before shouting. "the worst ever!"
"What." Misty said flatly.
"This Sewaddle's Special Ability is called Swarm." Burgundy continued. "But you would be much more compatible with a Sewaddle that had the Special Ability called Chlorophyll."
"How come?" Ash asked.
"Uhhh..." Burgundy said. "Just because!"
"See, I told you that something was amiss here." Misty said, whispering in Ash's ear.
"Are you questioning the advice of a Connaisseuse recognized by the Pokémon Connoisseur Association?" Burgundy asked indignantly. "Look, the truth is, you find Bug-type Pokémon anywhere."
"Now take my expert Connaisseuse advice and go out and catch a different Sewaddle." Burgundy continued.
"For real?" Ash inquired.
"Pika!" ("Sounds crazy!")
"Sewaddle!" ("How dare you!") And with that the Sewing Pokémon angrily shot String Shot at Burgundy's face.
"That Sewaddle sure is your Pokémon." Misty said, the sight of Burgundy's head wrapped up in Sewaddle's webbing causing her to chuckle.
"Sewaddle, return!" Ash exclaimed, returning the Sewing Pokémon.
"Why, the nerve of that annoying pesky little Bug-type!" Burgundy shouted after freeing her head from the web. "Don't you have any proper Pokémon you can show me?"
"Yeah, I'll agree with that some Bug-type Pokémon can be pesky." Misty murmured. "But the ones belonging to my friends are a different story."
"I've had quite enough of that one, so show me another now!" Burgundy demanded.
"No thanks." Ash said with a bit of nervousness before getting up. "I've...gotta go!"
"Didn't you say you wanted to become a Pokémon Master?" Burgundy asked, pushing Ash against the blue curtain.
I wonder what the consequences would be of me using my mallet... Misty thought to herself mischievously before chuckling at her thoughts. As if I would do that to someone who is just touching Ash. Seems to be a bit...excessive.
"Unless you have your compatibility properly evaluated, that is not going to happen." Burgundy shouted.
"'Kay, then Snivy." Ash said.
"Ho, ho..." Burgundy said, looking down at the Grass Snake Pokémon as she was released onto the purple folding chair. "It has a pungent aroma like black pepper with no subtlety at all." Burgundy added as she sniffed the air around Snivy. "And its eyes are too sharp, like kitchen knives. Now the taste test."
"Taste test?" Misty inquired.
Snivy was then taken a bit aback when Burgundy came forward, as if to literally lick the Grass Snake Pokémon.
"Snivy Snivy!" ("Oh no you don't!") And with that, Snivy shot forth its Vine Whip attack, hitting Burgundy's tongue before it got too close.
"Snivy also has zero respect for my tongue." Burgundy said.
"You shouldn't say that!" Ash said.
"What about my Tepig?" Ash asked as he returned Snivy and released Tepig.
"Tepig!" ("Hey!")
"A Tepig, eh?" Burgundy said.
A silent staring contest then ensued between the two, eliciting a quite chuckle from Misty at the amusing situation.
"It's no good." Burgundy said after several seconds of staring.
"What do you mean "no good"?" Ash asked with a bit of indignity.
"Tepig just sits there with that silly smile." Burgundy replied. "It's too good-natured for a Pokémon Battle."
"Try telling that to Pikachu and Marill." Misty said under her breath.
"I don't have to evaluate it to know that." Burgundy continued.
Tepig then, insulted by the comment, unleashed a spray of fiery embers at Burgundy.
"Oshawott!" ("Hey there!") The Sea Otter Pokémon said after Ash returned Tepig and came forth of its own free will.
"Man." Ash said exasperatedly. "Why do you keep doing that?"
"Oshawott!" ("I just do!") Oshawott said before rubbing lightly against Burgundy's leg.
Well that's...odd. Misty thought to herself.
"Au Zut!" Burgundy exclaimed. "I can't believe this childish behavior!"
Burgundy then put up her hands as if to ward off the Pokémon nuzzling her leg. "Or that old, stale and musty aroma drifting through the air. This Oshwott is a complete waste of my time."
"Oshawott!" ("Well then!") Oshawott then shot a Water Gun at Burgundy's face.
No one insults Water-type Pokémon on my watch! Misty thought as she whispered something to Marill.
"Marill!" ("Right!") The Aqua Mouse Pokémon then shot forth its own Water Gun at Burgundy's face, pushing her back an inch.
"Uh, okay, how about my Scraggy?" Ash asked after Burgundy dried off and Oshawott was returned.
"Hmm." Burgundy said, kneeling down in front of the Pokémon and then sniffing the air around it. "Scraggy has the aroma of an old shoe. But even so..."
"Scraggy!" ("Okay!")
"You ought to be ashamed." Burgundy said.
"Scrag Scraggy!" ("I take offense to that!") The Shedding Pokémon then used its Headbutt attack on Burgundy.
"Enough!" Burgundy shouted. "All of your Pokémon are far too acidic for their own good and they're paralyzing my tongue!"
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Ash began. "but before, you said Pikachu was a rare Pokémon and had a rare fragrance or something like that."
"The word "rare" doesn't necessarily mean good." Burgundy said dismissively. "Frankly, your Pikachu's not as cute as pictures I've seen."
Uh oh. Ash thought to himself. She shouldn't have said that.
She really has no idea what she just said. Misty thought to herself. I hope see likes electricity.
Sure enough, Pikachu was offended. "Pikachu!" ("Well you've got nerve!") And with that, the Mouse Pokémon unleashed a Thunderbolt.
"Horrible!" Burgundy shouted, after screaming a little from the Electric-type attack. "All your Pokémon are simply horrible!"
"You need to make a complete change of your Pokémon right away!" Burgundy continued.
"Sorry, but you're wrong!" Ash shouted.
"Pikachu!" ("Got that right!")
"I find that a bit of an understatement." Misty said.
"Then you don't mind being a loser!" Burgundy shouted, getting up close to Ash's face again, causing him to recoil back a little.
"Huh." Ash said.
"You said you want to become a Pokémon Master?" Burgundy asked while shouting, getting up closer to Ash with each question. This caused Ash to retreat a little whilst sweat-dropping. "Collect all eight gym badges and make it to the Unova League?"
"Newsflash." Burgundy shouted. "Not going to happen!"
"Are you serious?" Ash asked.
"Bien sûr!" Burgundy replied. "I am a Pokémon Connaisseuse and I know what I'm talking about!"
"I'm not sure you do." Misty said under her breath.
"Ash, Misty, we were wondering were you two ran off to." Iris said as she and Cilan opened the blue curtain.
"When I came back, you two were gone and I got a bit worried." Cilan added.
Burgundy then shouted in surprise and pointed at Cilan. "You!"
"Pardon?" Cilan asked before realization dawned on him. "Wait, I know you!"
"Wow, you know her?" Ash inquired.
"You two have met?" Misty added.
"When did you two meet?" Ash asked.
"Let's see." Cilan said. "She challenged me to a battle at the Striaton Gym. But, if I remember, she lost."
"And I've been waiting for this day ever since," Burgundy interjected. "because this day is my revenge day!"
"But, what you do want revenge for?" Cilan asked, confused.
"I want revenge not only because you defeated me," Burgundy replied. "but also for all those ridiculous and hurtful things you said about my Pokémon!"
"What." Iris said flatly.
"Well, I am a Pokémon Connoisseur." Cilan said.
"Oh, yes, sir, Mr. Connoisseur, sir!" Burgundy shouted. "You said that my Pokémon were raised and stored in an unacceptable manner. That as a result, they had a horrendous aroma and how they were most unbecoming! And you told me to go wash my face and come back when I learned my lesson!"
"I said no such thing." Cilan said.
"This girl sure has a vivid imagination." Iris said with a sweat-drop.
"Well, it was close enough!" Burgundy shouted. "And I was so hurt and angry...I swore I'd be a greater Connoisseur than you one day and I'd evaluate all Pokémon by aroma!"
"First I was evaluated to get my license..." Burgundy continued. "and soon I gained recognition by earning that license from the Pokémon Connoisseur Association. But when I went back to the Striaton Gym for my revenge...I was told you had gone on a journey. You knew I was coming to get even and you ran away!"
"I didn't run away at all." Cilan said with a small sweat-drop. "Look, I feel bad that you came after me looking for revenge, but this isn't a gym and we certainly can't have any sort of gym battle now."
"I defeated Chili and earned your gym's badge already." Burgundy retorted, holding the Trio Badge. "All I care about now is beating you and taking my place as a top-class Connaisseuse."
"Then I'll become world-famous and I'll finally be able to open up my own Connaisseuse Shop!" Burgundy said, changing from shouting to looking hopefully to the future.
"Hold on." Ash interjected. "Are you saying this isn't your Connaisseuse Shop, Burgundy?"
"I told you something was wrong!" Misty hissed, slapping Ash in the back of the head.
"Exactly what class of Connoisseur are you, then?" Cilan asked, ignoring the two teens as they bickered.
"Well, I'm a C-Class at the moment." Burgundy replied nervously with a sweat-drop. "What of it?"
"That's so odd." Cilan commented. "C-Class is only the beginner's class. According to Association rules, you're only allowed to work as an assistant to A-Class Connoisseurs and above."
"So you were lying when you said my Pokémon compatibility was no good!" Ash shouted with a tone of indignity.
"No way!" Burgundy shouted. "Any Connoisseur would've said the same thing I did! You need a complete Pokémon overhaul!"
"There's no need for that." Cilan said, getting agitated.
"Got that right." Misty muttered.
"I think Ash has an excellent relationship with his Pokémon." Cilan continued.
"Thanks." Ash said. "Although, I'm sure most of them would say the same thing already if not all of them right now."
"So, it appears there may be a problem with your evaluation method." Cilan said.
"What did you just say?" Burgundy asked, getting irked herself.
"The relationship between Pokémon and trainer is a complex one." Cilan began. "You can't always make a good judgment evaluating by the manual."
"I don't need you to lecture me." Burgundy said. "I already know a hundred times more than you'll ever know and I'll prove it to you by beating you in a Pokémon Battle!"
"All right then..." Cilan said. "I accept your challenge!"
"How does a two-on-two battle sound to you?" Burgundy asked after they went to a nearby field to battle.
"That's fine." Cilan replied. "Whatever you say."
"This' a real Connoisseur Battle!" Ash exclaimed. "I've never seen one before."
"Well, if you ask me, I think this battle's going to be a bit of a pain." Iris said.
"All right, Dewott, let's go!" Burgundy said.
"Excellent!" Cilan commented. "I see your Oshawott evolved into a Dewott."
"Grass-type Pokémon have the advantage over Water-types." Iris commented.
"You bet." Ash said. "It's the perfect time to battle with Pansage, who's a Grass-type."
"Unless he wants to use another Pokémon." Misty interjected.
"That's true." Ash said, crossing his arms as he mulled it over. "He could want to use Dwebble."
"But that'll put him at a disadvantage!" Iris exclaimed.
"Never stopped Ash before." Misty said. "I remember a time when you sent your Chikorita against Falkner's Hoothoot."
"Hey!" Ash shouted. "That was a long time ago. I know better than that now."
"Sure you do Ash." Misty said genuinely.
"I still think you act like a little kid though." Iris said, shrugging dismissively.
Before someone could speak up next, their attention was transfixed back onto the battle as Cilan chose his Pokémon.
"And now for my Pokémon!" Cilan exclaimed.
As predicted, Dwebble appeared.
"Hey, that's Dwebble!" Iris commented. "Looks like you were right."
"Alors, it is evaluating time again, s'il vous plait." Burgundy announced. "Oh my! You're actually using a Bug-and-Rock-type against my Water-type? If your ability to choose wisely were a food, I'd say it had spoiled!"
"We'll just see." Cilan said. "It's evaluating time! Put it this way. You and your Pokémon are getting a nice taste of what we have to offer!"
"Bon!" Burgundy said. "But if I am victorious, that will finally prove to you that my evaluation method is correct!"
"I'm afraid that that will never be the case." Cilan said.
"Well, if you're so sure, then promise me that if I win, Ash will replace all of his Pokémon." Burgundy said.
"Hey, hold on!" Ash shouted.
"Even if you do manage to defeat Cilan, it isn't like Ash will willingly do that!" Misty shouted.
"This battle doesn't even have anything to do with me!" Ash added.
"You two hold on." Burgundy said. "Cilan said that Ash had a good relationship with his Pokémon, oui? But according to my evaluation, the compatibility between you and every one of your Pokémon is the worst of the worst!"
"Come on, that's nuts!" Ash exclaimed.
"That's a bit of an understatement." Misty said, rolling her eyes.
"Cilan, could you please jump in and say something?" Ash asked.
"It'll be fine." Cilan said. "Right, Burgundy, I'll accept your battle challenge."
"What?" Ash asked incredulously.
"I'll put my A-Class Connoisseur rating on the line." Cilan added. "I'll take full responsibility if I lose and Ash's Pokémon will be replaced!"
"But you can't promise that for me!" Ash shouted.
"Relax, Ash." Cilan said. "The word "lose" does not exist anywhere in an A-Class Connoisseur's dictionary!"
"Didn't you just say the word lose though?" Misty asked. "And last I checked Ash beat the gym leaders of Striaton City to get that badge."
Cilan merely sweat-dropped at that.
"Come on." Ash said a bit sullenly. "Do you have to drag me into this?"
"Our Cilan becomes totally different when it comes to evaluation time." iris said with a sweat-drop.
"Yeah, but what happens if he loses?" Ash asked, more sullen than he was before.
"If I know Cilan, he's got a foolproof plan." Iris said, without a trace of doubt.
"And since he was a gym leader, he is probably good at dealing with type match-ups that put him at a disadvantage." Misty added.
"Thanks guys." Ash said, raising his head slightly to give them both a grateful smile. He wasn't entirely sure the battle would be won in Cilan's favor though.
"There are never mistakes in my Pokémon Evaluation." Burgundy said. "I'll show you the power of a Pokémon that's fully matured."
"Dewott, Water Gun, let's go!"
"Use Protect!"
As Dewott fired its Water Gun attack, it went harmlessly up at a ninety degree angle. Dwebble's Protect - hiding in its shell as it glowed a light green - bounced the attack off, sparing it from any damage.
"Now use Fury Cutter!" Burgundy ordered, not deterred in any way.
"Protect again!" Cilan said as Dewott came running up to the Rock Inn Pokémon.
As Dewott's claws glowed white as it attacked, Dwebble took no damage from it.
"Wow." Iris commented. "Dwebble's only defending."
"Oh man, a Bug-and-Rock-type Pokémon like Dwebble's no good going up against a Water-type like Dewott." Ash added.
"But still..." Iris began. "What is Cilan planning?"
"Who knows." Misty shrugged. "Gym Leaders are know for their unpredictability."
"Only defense?" Burgundy inquired as Dewott leaped backwards to its trainer, tired of attacking. "That strategy seems awfully dull for an A-Class Connoisseur like yourself! Choosing Dwebble to go up against Dewott is the worst choice you've ever made."
"We'll finish this with our next attack!" Burgundy continued. "Water Pulse!"
"Ah, Water Pulse." Misty said thoughtfully. "I like that move, aside from its obvious Water-type nature is its ability to confuse your opponent."
Iris sweat-dropped as Ash just looked at Misty with a small smile on his face.
Ah Misty. Ash thought to himself. You just seemed to brighten up that much more when you talk about Water-type Pokémon.
As he had that thought, Ash blushed a little. To avoid anyone's gaze, he shook his head a few times to clear it as he refocused his attention on the battle.
"Ash?" Misty inquired curiously. "You okay?"
"Yeah!" Ash replied, hoping not to give the reason why he was shaking his head. "I'm just fine."
"Okay, if you say so." Misty said, although, there a disbelieving tone in her voice.
Dewott then readied a ball of water as it increased in size. When it was satisfied, it launched the attack at Dwebble, completely submerging it as the Rock Inn Pokémon writhed a little. The Water Pulse attacked then exploded, leaving Dwebble on the ground, hidden by its shell. Burgundy thought satisfactorily that she had won the first battle, but that changed when she saw what happened next.
"How did Dwebble handle that Water Pulse?" Burgundy inquired.
"Easy." Cilan replied. "My Dwebble's Special Ability is "Sturdy"!"
"That was his plan!" Iris exclaimed, realization dawning at her.
"Hold on." Ash said. "Look at what's going on with Dewott."
"Dewott's exhausted!" Iris commented.
"You're about to taste Dwebble's true power!" Cilan said. "All right...Shell Smash!"
Dwebble then leaped out of its shell. Its body then glowed white as red lines appeared, criss-crossing its body. As the move had done its work, leaving Dwebble shining with a red color, Cilan ordered for it to attack.
"X-Scissor, let's go!"
Dwebble's front claws then elongated as they glowed white.
"Use Razor Shell!"
Dewott then pulled its twin scalchops off and they then emanated a blue elongation as it prepared to attack.
As the attacks met directly, a blue circle appeared and spread out from them as it disappeared.
The two Pokémon then returned to their sides of the field.
Dwebble returned safely to its shell as Dewott landed. Dewott then ambled around disoriented before finally collapsing with exhaustion.
"Are you okay?" Burgundy asked as Dewott fell backwards. "Hurry up, Dewott, return."
"All right, Dwebble did it!" Ash exclaimed.
"As soon as Dwebble dropped its defense, its attacks got much stronger!" Iris added.
"Certainly was a good way to deal with the type disadvantage." Misty commented.
"See my method?" Cilan inquired. "I chose Dwebble to go up against Dewott because I was sure its Special Ability "Sturdy" would allow it to withstand even a strong Water-type attack. All Pokémon are complex. That's why you can't rely on a manual for evaluating them."
"So you chose a Pokémon with a type disadvantage just so you could teach me a lesson?" Burgundy asked.
"It seems to me you still don't understand the true nature of evaluating." Cilan said. "A Connoisseur's job isn't simply to say no, but to see each and every Pokémon for its own unique qualities and judge them based on that."
"Look, Cilan." Burgundy said, clenching her fists angrily. "The battle isn't over yet! Sawsbuck, let's go!"
"A Sawsbuck huh." Ash said as he prepared his Pokédex. A Spring Form Sawsbuck was on the field.
"Sawsbuck. The Season Pokémon and the evolved form of Deerling. The plants on Sawsbuck's horns change depending on the time of year, and people often use them to measure the passing of the seasons." The Pokédex uttered.
"Sawsbuck is my premium brand." Burgundy said. "I want to see what kind of evaluation you have for us!"
"All right! Great, thank you, Dwebble, return!" Cilan said. "And now, my premium brand, Pansage!"
"Burgundy, your battle style reflects a fine blend of strength and courage," Cilan continued after he released his Grass Monkey Pokémon. "but it will be some time before that recipe has been refined and developed into one that is destined to become a true, timeless classic!"
I like how Cilan seems to look so confident out there. Iris said, blushing faintly. But, its kind of strange. Why do I feel so...warm...sometimes whenever I pay closer attention to Cilan?
"All this recipe talk makes me angry and hungry!" Burgundy shouted. "Now use Horn Leech!"
Sawsbuck's horns then glowed orange and gold as they sparkled, ready to attack.
"Dig, let's go!" Cilan shouted.
"Oh no, Sawsbuck, stop there!" Burgundy exclaimed before her Season Pokémon could fall into the hole.
"I detect a secret ingredient in Cilan's battle style recipe." Burgundy commented after her Sawsbuck stopped. "But just what is that secret ingredient?"
"Burgundy!" Cilan shouted. "Now we will explore the full depths of battle. My recipe revealed!"
Iris then felt herself have a shiver go down her spine as she heard the seriousness in Cilan's tone.
Just then, Pansage burst out of the ground behind Sawsbuck, catching it by surprise.
"Sawsbuck, Jump Kick!"
"Pansage, Dig!"
Before Sawsbuck could rear back its hind legs to attack Pansage, the Grass Monkey Pokémon quickly dug a hole to do back into.
"Pansage, Bullet Seed!"
Pansage then emerged to the left of Sawsbuck, hitting it repeatedly with its energized seeds. Pansage then struck it on the right repeatedly.
Pansage then hit it in the back as it unleashed a furious barrage of the energized seeds.
"Cilan, that was sneaky!" Burgundy shouted.
"Sometimes it is necessary to attack form the front and sometimes you must approach from the back." Cilan said. "Confusing is another piece of the battle puzzle."
Misty couldn't help but think that Cilan was acting...well...out of character. The normally polite yet exuberance gym leader seemed to be needlessly toying with her. The Water-type Pokémon Trainer also couldn't help but wonder if Cilan was perhaps concealing a darker nature. Misty then shook her head, brushing it off as mere paranoia.
"Use Megahorn!" Burgundy shouted as she noticed a part of the ground that looked upturned.
Sawsbuck's horns then glowed silver and white as it prepared the attack.
"Perfect!" Cilan exclaimed as Sawsbuck charged forward and Pansage emerged. "Now that the time is right, I'll end with an unexpected recipe ingredient by using SolarBeam!"
Pansage's sprout on the top of its head then began to sparkle. It then lifted its arms as above it, the Grass Monkey prepared a light yellow-green orb to fire.
As Sawsbuck charged forward, Pansage unleashed the SolarBeam. The attack itself being a display of yellow and white.
The two attacks collided, causing a bright light to appear which caused those looking over at the battle to shield their eyes and Burgundy to do the same. Cilan merely closed his eyes.
Sawsbuck and Pansage then stood motionless for a few tense seconds, looking intently down at their opponent's trainer.
"Victory is now mine." Cilan said.
After he said that, Sawsbuck collapsed on its side. The Season Pokémon fainted.
"Sawsbuck!" Burgundy exclaimed with concern as she ran over to her exhausted Season Pokémon. "Are you okay?"
"Saws..." ("I'll be fine...")
"You were wonderful." Burgundy said. "Now get a good rest!"
Burgundy then returned Sawsbuck to its Poké Ball. After she did, she growled angrily at Cilan before looking at the ground thoughtfully.
"Awesome!" Ash said. "Cilan is even stronger than I thought!"
"Sure is!" Iris said. "Thank goodness for that. Now you don't have to change all your Pokémon."
"Yeah, what a relief!" Ash said.
"Pikachu!" ("That's for sure!")
"Knowing the way you form friendships with your Pokémon," Misty began. "I have a feeling that they would've followed you anyway if you released them."
"You think?" Ash asked.
"Yep." Misty replied. "Just look at Pikachu."
"Pikachu Pika Pi Pika Pi Pikapi!" ("I'll always be here for you Ash.")
"Thanks buddy." Ash said, his voice breaking slightly as a tear threatened to emerge.
"That was awesome!" Iris said, running over to Cilan to wrap him in a congratulatory hug. "And your Pokémon were great too."
"Uh, thank you Iris." Cilan said, feeling a warm come to his face at the intimate contact.
"You're welcome." Iris replied, winking before running back over to Ash and Misty.
That was...odd. Cilan thought to himself. A dish that had a peculiar and unfamiliar spice added to it. Dancing across the taste buds as it was a surprisingly good experience.
"Burgundy?" Cilan asked as the sun was setting and the Pokémon Connaisseuse was departing.
"Huh?" Burgundy asked.
"You've got the ingredients for great Connoisseur potential hidden inside you, but that recipe still needs time to develop and grow." Cilan continued. "The key to anything worthwhile in life is patience."
"You might want to take that lesson to heart Ash." Misty said, nudging Ash playfully in the stomach with her elbow. "After all, you can be quite impatience."
"Hey!" Ash exclaimed, his voiced laced with indignation. "I am not impatient, I am just very excitable is all."
"Whatever you say Ash." Misty said.
"Yeah!" Ash shouted. "And don't you forgot it either."
"I'm sick and tired of your lectures." Burgundy shouted, her rage now at the boiling point after listening to Cilan talk. "Listen. I'm going to become an S-Class Connaisseuse and you'll see how strong I really am!"
"Good, I'm looking forward to it." Cilan said.
His friendly reply confounded Burgundy as she looked down at the ground before becoming anger again.
"I'll have my revenge on you someday for sure!" Burgundy shouted before running the way see was going at a speed akin to that of a Rapidash or an Arcanine.
"Wow!" Iris said. "She's fast!"
"That couldn't've have been too easy for her." Ash added.
"You'd think she is some kind of human Rapidash." Misty commented.
"The truth is, being able to pass the C-Class Pokémon Connoisseur Evaluation is no walk in the park." Cilan said.
"Really?" Ash inquired.
"Plus, you've got to give her a little credit for that spark and spirit." Cilan added.
"Hey, Pikachu, I saw we show as much spark and spirit as Burgundy and give it all we've got at the Castelia Gym!" Ash exclaimed determinedly.
"Pikachu Pikapi!" ("Yeah Ash!")
"That shouldn't be too hard for you Ash." Misty said. "You have more spark and spirit than anyone I know."
"Aw, thanks Misty." Ash said bashfully, scratching his neck. "You're embarrassing me."
"Well, you'll be embarrassing yourself if you don't give your all at the Castelia Gym." Misty added.
Ash face-faulted at that.
"We'll, what are we waiting around here for?" Ash said after recovering. "Let's continue off to Castelia Gym!"
Ash, Misty, and their friends then continued walking as they headed toward Castelia City and Ash's third gym battle in Unova.
Author's Notes: And there you have it, another chapter. As for the French words, I was going to leave that to you readers to figure out, but I decided to write them down here anyway. I apologize in advance if I missed any. Bien sûr, bon, oui, alors, s'il vous plait, and au zut are of course, good, yes, then, please, and the heck respectively. See you all next time!