Welcome back to Pokéstars: Island of Challenge! We left off at the point where two of our challenger teams have successfully made it to their gyms. Now, we just need to see what will happen next, and who will win! But as night falls across the region, will they do it in time?
Team Katsuya
Kendra was currently screaming. She'd been minding her own business, trying not to step in some more quicksand when a Carnivine had grabbed her.
It was hanging off of a tree when it had slithered down and caught her with its arm like vines. It then lifted her clear off of her feet before she had a chance to react. Now, she was staring straight into its gaping mouth.
She screamed again in pure terror. In a flash, Katsuya's Torchic appeared and attacked with Ember, hitting the Carnivine on the side of its wide head.
The Carnivine flinched and loosened its grasp, but didn't let go. With a roar, it bundled Kendra up and dove for Katsuya's Torchic.
"This is your fault!" shouted Katsuya as he and his Torchic dove away from the Carnivine.
"Use Peck!"
His Torchic leapt forward and pecked the Carnivine on the head. It clearly was a high leveled Pokmeon because it didn't flinch, instead rearing up and knocking him back.
Suddenly, two Pokémon erupted from through the trees. A Beedrill attacked the Carnivine's head with Twineedle as a Butterfree flew up and used Gust. The Carnivine screeched and dropped Kendra.
She hit the ground and rolled away, opening one of her pokéballs. Wyvern appeared from it and dove at the Carnivine with Wing Attack. The Beedrill and Butterfee attacked again as Torchic fired another Ember.
Two trainers burst out from the trees. They were twin brothers and had similar gym uniforms, each wearing a safari hat.
"Are you okay?" one of them asked.
"No," said Kendra, shakily getting to her feet.
"Well, there's no time to lose!" shouted the other as his Buttefree was sent flying by a Leaf Blade. "The opponent is way too strong for all four of us!"
"Speak for yourself," said Katsuya. "Attack it Torchic!"
His Torchic ran forward and shot a larger burst of fire, using Incinerate for the first time. The Carnivine reared back and hit it with Knock Off, sending the little Pokémon flying.
"You're way in over your head!" shouted the twin with the Beedrill. Just now, his Beedrill was trying in vain to dodge a Leech Seed, but was pinned down by the draining plants.
Katsuya caught his Torchic and made sure he was okay before putting him down.
"Me and Torchic aren't cowards. We intend to finish this battle and not back out. Last time was different, it was a three versus one. We outnumber the foe and you wish to run, shrinking away like a defeated Pokémon. There's a power of numbers people like you wouldn't understand. It doesn't matter how weak your Pokémon are, one man can't defeat an army. Why do you think I'm forced to put up with Kendra?"
Kendra stopped for a moment. That was the first time Katsuya had said anything relatively nice to her. All the while he'd been talking about how he didn't need her, but now.
"I think the four of us stand a chance against this thing," said Kendra, not hearing her own words. "Katsuya's right for once."
The two twins looked at each other. How did things end up like this?" one of them asked.
"Doesn't matter," said the other. "Attack Butterfree!"
"Torchic, let's do this."
"Wyvern, Wing Attack!"
The last twin sighed, looking at the other three trainers and their Pokémon. "Free yourself and attack with Twineedle!"
All four Pokémon charged at the Carnivine at once. The Carnivine pulled back and fired at Leech Seed, hoping to ensnare some of its attackers. Wyvern flew in and used Gust, blowing the seeds back.
The Carnivine retaliated by lashing forward with Leaf Blade. The Beedrill intercepted the attack with its arms and used Poison Sting, jabbing the Pokémon with its stingers and poisoning it.
The Carnivine gave a roar of pain and used Leaf Storm, blowing a huge stream of leaves that basted the Pokémon backwards. Wyvern and the Butterfree used Gust to blow the leaves back as Torchic used Incinerate to burn the rest. The Carnivine gave a hiss as the flames and wind were blown on to it. It faltered and tried to escape through the trees.
Katsuya stepped forward, his Torchic following suit.
"There's no escaping from this battle, your fate was sealed the moment Kendra's Wyvern deflected the Leech Seed."
The Carnivine tried to escape further, but found itself swaddled with random plants growing from the ground. It was the plants created by Leech Seed. While the Carnivine couldn't be affected by Leech Seed's draining effect nor could the Leech Seed grow from it, but that didn't stop it from getting tangled if the plants already grew.
"You've been hoisted by your own petard! Now Torchic, finish this!"
His Torchic charged forward and used Incinerate on the Carnivine. It gave a scream as the fire attack did super effective damage, the plants adding to the attack's power.
The Carnivine fell over and fainted, unable to fight anymore. Katsuya's Torchic froze and started to shake. He glowed white as he started to grow and change.
Kendra stared in disbelief as Katsuya's Torchic evolved in a Combusken. It had only been two and a half days since he received his starter Pokémon, and it already had evolved.
Katsuya returned his Pokémon to its pokéball, a self satisfied smile on his face.
"That's how you train Pokémon. But it's not just my efforts. Remember what I said before we got to select our Pokémon? I only train Pokémon with real potential. But there's no reason for me to explain any further."
He turned to the two trainers who'd assisted them. "You're gym trainers, correct?"
"Yes," they both said at the same time.
The twin with the Buttefree pointed at himself. "I'm-"
"I don't really care," said Katsuya. "I'm just looking for a battle."
"Ah," said the second twin. "The problem is-"
"Our Pokémon were hurt after that battle," said the first twin.
"We need to heal our Pokémon."
"And the way is conflicting and long."
"So we won't be able to battle you."
"Thank you for understanding!"
The two twins ran off, returning their Pokémon as they did so.
Katsuya turned around. "Let's go Kendra."
Kendra smiled and followed him. "You won't be doing all the work in the gym battle.
Katsuya said nothing and continued on.
Team Regional
"According to what he said, Ralts should live around here," said Claire, moving through some tall grass while crouching.
They were currently in a prairie like area, with wild grasses growing extremely tall. There were few trees. Around this area were a few caves that Ralts were known to live in, but they sometimes ventured out.
"Maybe they won't be out," said Zeke. "It is past evening, maybe they're all asleep."
Claire shrugged. "You have a point. But that means we'll have to camp here. And there's no guarantee we'll find a Ralts in broad daylight, they're timid Pokémon."
"But they're sensitive to human emotion. Frustration will only scare them away. Maybe you should take a rest and start tomorrow all refreshed."
Claire sighed. "You're probably right, Zeke. Let's push one a bit before setting up camp."
Zeke nodded. Claire stood up and followed Zeke as he continued walking.
"You know," said Zeke. "The scenery is deceiving. You'd think you've been walking in place for hours, the way the trees don't appear and the same, golden long grass sways gently in the way it always does."
"Sure," said Claire. "For all we know, we could've been going in circles."
"Nope," said Zeke, pointing to the sun. "That compass tells us we've been going in the right direction."
"Then we're stuck in an infinite time loop or an expanded domain that loops back on itself when we reach the edge, because there is no way that the scenery is this stagnant."
Zeke laughed. "Nerd theory."
Claire rolled her eyes and punched him in the shoulder. "You can't be talking."
Zeke raised an eyebrow. "I just lead a very relaxed and outdoorsy life."
"My point exactly."
Zeke rolled his eyes. "You got me there."
Claire laughed at his expense as he gave a smile and joined in the laughter.
Zeke shook his head and gave a happy sigh as he calmed down. There was a rustle in the grass behind him, causing him to raise a finger to his lips and turn around.
Claire followed his lead, getting closer to the ground. There was a red crest poking out from the grass, one that was reminiscent of a Ralts' head crest.
"Do you think?" asked Zeke in a hushed voice.
"Only one way to find out," said Claire. "Natsu, go!"
Claire's Charmander burst out of his pokéball and leapt at the figure in the grass, using Dragon Rage.
But it did nothing to the Pokémon hiding in the grass.
A Ralts leapt out of the grass and used Confusion, twisting Natsu's mind. He gave a roar and used Flame Burst, blasting the Ralts backwards and igniting the grass where it stood.
"Incredible," said Zeke, his voice awed. "To think your Natsu is this strong."
The Ralts struggled to its feet, extremely weakened by the one attack. It attacked with another Confusion, putting its full force behind the attack.
But it didn't do much. Natsu shrugged off the psychic type attack and sprung forward, ending the battle with a Fire Spin.
Claire took out a pokéball and caught the Ralts. With its depleted strength, it wasn't able to resist the capture.
"Don't worry," said Claire, looking at the pokéball in her hand. "You'll get strong alongside me. You'll win your fights."
The pokéball glowed weakly with psychic energy. Claire pocketed the ball and returned Natsu to his pokéball.
"Hmm," hummed Zeke, deep in thought. Claire waved a hand in front of his face, bringing him out of his stupor.
"Hello? You're not going to commend me or anything?"
"Oh, sorry. I was just thinking. The Ralts appearing just then couldn't have been a lucky encounter."
"What do you mean? Are you saying someone put it there?"
"No. Remember what I said about Ralts' timid personalities, and their ability to sense emotions easily?"
"Yeah."
"I'm guessing the Ralts came over here because it detected a high amount of happiness and joy. Such a positive emotion probably drew it towards us."
"That makes sense, I remember reading something like that. Don't take this the wrong way, but why does knowing all this matter?"
Zeke shrugged. "Getting to know the personalities and behaviors of different Pokémon can help form battle strategies and predict opponents moves. I also just like observing things."
Claire mulled over Zeke's words, thinking about her Charmanders fierce and competitive personalities. "You have a point there Zeke."
They walked in silence for a few moments, watching the clouds roll over the dark sky.
"Let's set up camp," said Zeke.
Claire nodded. Zeke set down the backpack as he and Claire began to unpack things from it.
"I hope you're prepared for tomorrow Zeke," said Claire, a mischievous smile on her face.
"I always look forward to another day. Anything special going on?"
"We're defeating the first gym, and then my team is going to topple you in a Pokémon battle!"
Zeke smiled and gave her a supportive thumbs up. "Looking forward to that!"
As she turned around and left to their planned campsite, a few stakes and a ball of string in her hand, Zeke couldn't help but mutter.
"Here we go again."
Team One
Alicia and Seth were still struggling in the cave. Alicia kept silent as she focused on the path ahead, unraveling the quickly depleting string behind her. Seth, on the other hand, was complaining about his hurting feet.
"Would you stop your whining! You sound like a child!" said Alicia sharpley.
Seth looked up, tears glistening in his eyes. Alicia gave him a look of disbelief, appalled by how a grown man could be brought to tears from walking.
At least, she was thinking that until Seth burst out laughing.
"Oh my god," he said, struggling to talk with his hysteria. "The look on your face! I'm almost in real tears from laughing! You actually thought I was crying?"
Alicia gave an annoyed growl and didn't respond, instead continuing to push forward instead of responding to him.
"Hey," said Seth, his voice getting serious. "I have this weird feeling we've been here before."
Alicia said nothing. She too had the same feeling, and it was confirmed when they found themselves at an intersection with three other tunnels. On the floor was a tent stake with string trailing from it into all three tunnels.
"You've got to be kidding me," said Seth.
Alicia sighed and stared at the stake. "All three tunnels lead back here. This was a complete dead end."
"I told you we should've gone left. But no-"
"After getting lost immediately in this cave everything you said was taken with a grain of salt. You can't blame me, you'd do the same thing. Actually, you probably wouldn't have been able to tell."
Seth opened his mouth, but then closed it, a sour look on his face.
"Fine, you got me there. Let's go"
They continued to traverse through the cave. They had been at it for at least three hours, and they didn't know if it was day or night. Seth pulled out his phone, but it was dead.
"Life's woes. No battery, no music, nothing."
"Get real," said Alicia. "You'll get to watch me absolutely annihilate the gym leader."
"If we ever get there."
Alicia gave him a side eye before continuing on. They backtracked all the way to the previous intersection, where this time they went to the left, flashlights scanning the walls.
"How many more trainers do you think we'll have to fight?" asked Seth.
"Probably one more. Typically, most gyms have two to five gym trainers. Considering how early this gym is, I bet the creators would have us fight two."
"I could beat ten trainers in the time it's taking me to traverse this cave."
"Get real. You'd be lucky to defeat three."
"Of course, denying my status as a professional trainer just to make yourself look good."
"Didn't you get stuck at the fourth gym in your home region?"
"Fifth gym actually," said Seth. "And the Calzei Pokémon League is hard! What challenges have you faced in your home region?"
"Doesn't matter to you."
"A bit touchy on the subject huh? Losing isn't a big deal you know."
Alicia said nothing and continued on. Seth shrugged and followed her, not knowing if he should say anything else.
They heard water splashing through the cave, upon entry into a small cave system, they found a small river splashing around a few rocks.
"Well would you look at that," said Seth. "We got somewhere."
"Yes we did, all thanks to me. It looks like there is a trainer over there," Alicia said, walking to the trainer.
"So pushy," muttered Seth. "Can't you just chill for a moment?"
The trainer, who had chin length blond and brown hair, heard Seth and turned around. He'd been examining a few stalagmites growing from the ground. He gave them a friendly wave.
"You two finally got here! Congratulations to you two, just a short distance before the gym leader. While it isn't a straight path, I have no doubt the two of you have what it takes!"
Seth snorted. "Sorry to disappoint, but we don't have what it takes. We were hopelessly l-"
"He only speaks for himself," said Alicia. "I'm ready to battle you and make it to the gym leader."
"All right then. Just so you know, I'm no pushover. My Pokémon and I have been waiting quite a while for this. I choose you, Lactite and Lagmite!"
A Kabuto and Omanyte appeared from the man's pokeballs. Seth gave the trainer a blank look.
"You named your Pokémon after cave formations, weird ones too. Four out of ten."
"Hmm, last I checked," said the man. "You're not an official name rater."
"I'm planning to be. Now here's a real Pokémon name! Go, Empress!"
Seth opened his pokéball and sent out Empress. The little Popplio landed next to Poseidon, who had already been sent out by Alicia.
"Let's show these boys how it's done, Bubble!" shouted Alicia.
"Empress, let's go for Water Gun!"
Both water attacks were fired at the same time, the bubbles surrounding the stream of water. Lactite the Kabuto used Protect, moving in front of his teammate, Lagmite, and defending the both of them from the dual attack.
"Lactite, use Rock Throw! Lagmite, attack with Rock Tomb! The Popplio is too slow to dodge!"
"Says who?" asked Seth. "Aqua Jet!"
Empress surrounded herself with water and dashed forward, dodging the rock type attacks and smashing into Lactitie. Before Lagmite could retaliate, Poseidon blasted him with Bubble Beam, throwing him back.
"We need more speed to get past the Bubbles Lagmite, Rollout!"
"Poseidon, attack the Kabuto!" shouted Alicia.
"Empress, attack the Omanyte with Aqua Jet!"
Poseidon charged forward and attacked Lactite with Peck. Lactite used Withdraw to protect itself with its hard shell. On the other side, Lagmte and Empress crashed into each other, using the full force of their moves. Empress was sent backwards further than the Omanyte was.
"Water Gun!" commanded both trainers at the same time.
Since both Pokémon had been launched backwards by their attacks, they now were in perfect range to use Water Gun. Both Pokémon fire at the same time, trying to overpower each other.
Empress' Water Gun was much stronger than Lagmite's, causing the Omanyte to go flying into a cave wall and faint.
On the other side, Lactite was spinning around thanks to Poseidon using Pound on the side of its shell, disorienting it. Before it could recover, a quick Bubble Beam finished the battle.
The gym trainer returned his Pokémon and smiled. "A splendid battle. Your two Pokémon fought extremely well. Good luck on the rest of the gym, I have confidence you'll do well."
Team Distant Past
Jax and Diego had just finished their meal. It was now dark, but they're Pokémon clearly had way too much extra energy.
Valdez and Virgil were roughhousing, having had an argument over dinner. Glacey watched them with concern, trying to get them to break out of it. Snivy however, just snoozed on the side.
"What will I do about them?" asked Jax.
"Eh, they're probably trying to stay awake. Aren't they always like this?" asked Diego.
"Unfortunately for goth parties, yes."
"I have an idea," said Diego. "Let's have a Pokémon battle. Not only will it calm them down once they're all beat, but I've been hoping to challenge you for some time."
"I accept. But quick question, how's that different from what they're doing right now?"
At that moment, Virgil was thrown into the empty pot. Fortunately, Jax had taken it off the fire sometime ago, so it wasn't too hot. But it still annoyed Virgil.
"All right you two, how about a real battle?" asked Jax.
Both Pokémon snapped to attention and looked at each other wearily, as if expecting a fight from the other. Diego instead called his own Pokémon.
"All right, it's our team versus Jax's," said Deiggo. "You guys up for it?"
Snivy nodded, taking his place in front of his trainer. Valdez and Virgil eagerly took their places opposite of him, forgetting their little scuffle from before. Glacey looked a bit hesitant, but joined in as well.
"All right guys," said Jax. "Are you all ready to roll?"
"You're not winning this, let's do this guys!" cheered Diego. "Glacey, Snivy, changed forward with Tackle!"
"Virgil, Quick Attack! Valdez, Flame Wheel!"
All four Pokémon charged at each other. Valdez and Virgil both went after Snivt, with Virgil almost reaching him before Glacey used Swift. Virgil leapt away, but the attack followed him and knocked him aside. Valdez slammed into Snivy and bounced upwards, using Ember against Glacey before she could strike again.
"Virgil, Take Down!"
Virgil leapt forward and dove at Snivy. Snivy leapt back and used Ember, his back flaring as he shot a huge burst of fire.
Virgil however, dodged to the left. He switched to Quick Attack and charged at Snivy. Snivy used Quick Attack himself and barely avoided Virgil's attack before turning around and speeding towards him.
Valdez on the other hand attacked Glacey, who leapt back and did her best to dodge his attacks. She swished her tail forward and used Swift, only for Valdez to leap forward and destroy the rays.
"Glacey, watch out!" shouted Diego.
She tried to dodge a surprise Ember from Valdez. She used Quick Attack and tried to get around him to strike, but Valdez was agile and attacked with Scratch, throwing her back.
"Glacey, we switch tactics. Escape from Valdez and use Helping Hand!"
"Not a chance! Virgil, keep using Quick Attack to put the pressure on Snivy. Valdez, pursue her!"
Virgil ran around Snivy, dashing back and forth, getting light hits as he dodged Snivy's fire attacks. Snivy used Quick Attack and tried to hit him, but Virgil was too fast. Valdez attacked Glacey with Ember, who dodged with Quick Attack and leapt at him.
"Virgil, use Take Down!"
"Dodge to the left!" shouted Diego.
That turned out to be a bad move. Virgil had already been moving to the left, so Snivy pretty much leapt almost directly in the way of the attack. He was sent flying backwards, where he hit the ground, hurt.
"You okay buddy?" asked Diego.
Snivy got to his feet and nodded, his fire flaring back up.
"Good, cause it's not over. Quick Attack! Attack Valdez!"
Jax then realized where Snivy had landed. Virgil charged forward, trying to attack Snivy before he could help Glacey double team Valdez. Valdez, on the other hand, saw Snivy coming and used Ember.
Snivy dodged the attack and dove at Valdez, who dodged to the side. Immediately after he dodged, Valdez got hit with Swift, knocking him away.
"Virgil, get back!"
"Too late! Do it guys, full power Ember!"
Glacey's paws glowed as Snivy glowed in turn, his power rising. With what seemed like a huge sneeze, Snivy's back flared to life as he shot a huge burst of fire. Virgil was launched backward from the resulting explosion, fainting on the spot.
Glacey rushed over and made sure he was okay. Jax put up a hand in surrender and returned both Pokémon.
"Great going Diego, you were really good along with your Pokémon."
"Thanks," said Diego. "You did very well. You almost had me."
"I wouldn't say almost," sighed Jax. "I'm glad to have you on the team, I have a long way to go."
"Then we'll get there together."
Team Katsuya
The time had come, they had suffered and pushed through feral Pokémon, moved through quicksand and avoided other horrors of the marsh. Well, Kendra had the biggest problem with this.
But finally, after so many hardships, they made it. They found themselves in a wide clearing. The darkness was oppressive. Despite they're bright flashlights, Kendra couldn't help but feel isolated in the dark.
"Hey," said Katsuya, speaking into the night. "We got through your dumb trial."
"You did," responded a voice from the trees, causing Kendra to jump.
"Say cheese!" said another voice.
A camera flashed from another part of the trees, surprising both trainers. The sudden flash of light when they had only been seeing through their flashlights blinded them a bit.
When the spots cleared, two gym leaders stood in front of them in a forest now lit by lanterns. Both of them were wearing safari hats and jackets. The first trainer, the one with the camera, was a woman. She had bright eyes and blond hair that fell to her chin. Her jacket was slightly open, revealing a simple white shirt. She had a waterproof satchel at her side that was bulging with camera film and other supplies. She had a tripod hooked to her belt and a friendly smile.
The other gym leader was a man with wild purple hair peeking out from his hat. His safari vest was green and had many pockets full of useful stuff. He had Net Balls attached to a pokéball belt and was holding a Capture Net as well.
"Hi challengers, congrats on making it this far. I'm Bugsy, a gym leader from the Johto Region."
"Bonjour!" said the woman. "I'm Viola, from the Kalos Region. I'm here not just to be a gym leader, but I'm helping Bugsy with his research as a photographer, so don't forget that!"
"Right, there's that," said Bugsy, scratching his head sheepishly. "I sometimes forget. But that doesn't matter, are you two ready for your first gym battle?"
"Of course I'm ready," said Katsuya. "I only came to this island with the expectation to win."
"I see," said Viola. "But I hope you're ready for the opposite!"
Katsuya scoffed. "With bug types? I don't see how that's possible."
Bugsy gave Viola a look. "What's this we have here, another bug type denier? You'll see their real power and potential soon enough."
He looked into the forest. "Calvin, you want to start off our battle?"
Calvin hurried into the field from the marsh, two extra Rotom Drones following him. The two Rotom Drones took their place around the battle area, along with the three original Rotom Drones.
"The rules of this match are simple!" declared Calvin. "The first team to lose all of their Pokémon loses! If a teammate has had all of their Pokémon defeated while the opposing trainers still have Pokémon remaining, the second teammate may not send in a second Pokémon. Every trainer is allowed one switch. Are we all clear?"
All four trainers nodded. Calvin produced two flags, one with the bug type emblem and the other with a Pokéstar Studio logo.
"Then let the match begin!"
"I choose you, Wyvern!" shouted Kendra, throwing her pokéball and releasing her Pidove.
"Go get them Combusken," said Katsuya. His Combusken landed on the ground and gave a chirrup, pussing out his chest.
"Out Surskit!" cheered Viola, snapping a quick picture as her Surskit landed and rotated its legs.
"Let's do this Scizor," said Bugsy. His Scizor appeared from a pokéball and clanged its pincers together menacingly.
Kendra's mouth dropped open at the sight of the powerful Scizor.
"Scizor? Seriously? How are we supposed to deal with that?"
"Well actually," said Bugsy. "Research shows that there is no difference between Scyther and Scizor by stats. However-"
"It's double weak to fire," said Katsuya. "Incinerate!"
"Ready for our plan Bugsy?" asked Viola.
"You bet! Bullet Punch!"
"Surskit, use Bubble Beam!"
"Wyvern, attack the Surskit with Wing Attack!"
The Scizor opened its wings and flew forward. The bolt of fire was dissipated by the bubbles as Scizor approached Combusken and unleashed a barrage of punches.
"Double Kick," said Katsuya.
Katsuya's Combusken leapt forward and struck out with its legs, trying to deflect the punches. On the other side of the field, Wyvern flew like an acrobat, dodging Bubble Beams while trying to strike with Wing Attack. The Surskit used Quick Attack under Viola's direction and leapt over his wing.
"Scizor, use Dual Wingbeat!" commanded Bugsy.
"Get back and use Incinerate."
Katsuya's Combusken leapt backwards, dodging the attack as the Scizor flipped around and tried striking with its wings. Combusken opened his beak to fire an attack, but Viola and her Surskit leapt into action.
"Surskit, use Water Sport!"
"Wyvern, use Gust!"
Wyvern whipped up powerful winds and fired them at the Surskit, but it dodged narrowly and sent water into the air, weakening the power of fire attacks. Using that, the Scizor dashed forward through Combusken's Incinerate and used Dual Wingbeat, sending Combusken flying.
"Tres Bien! But that's not all," said Viola. "Rain Dance!"
Kendra was about to issue another command, but had a sudden thought.
"Pull back Wyvern! Go after the Scizor with Gust!"
"I don't need your Pokémon's help," said Katsuya. "Double Kick."
Katsuya's Combusken dashed forward, becoming much faster than it was before thanks to its Speed Boost ability. It leapt at the Scizor, who didn't bother dodging. It crossed its arms together and dug its feet into the ground and Combusken slammed it with two kicks from mid-air. Wyvern flew up and whipped his wings out, sending a Gust slamming into the Scizor, throwing it off balance. This allowed Combusken to get another Double Kick in before being forced back by Dual Wingbeat.
Around the arena came a light drizzle as rain began to fall. The Surskit dashed in with Quick Attack, getting in front of the Combusken. Kendra immediately knew what to expect next, she had seen the same tactic in one of her brother's fights.
"Get in front of Combusken and use Gust!"
"Bubble Beam!"
Bubble Beam was a widespread and fairly powerful move, becoming even more dangerous in rain. However, it could also be used against the user. As the Surskit blew a stream of bubbles, Wyvern flew in and deflected the bubbles, throwing them onto the Surskit and obscuring its vision.
"Now, Wing Attack!"
Wyvern flew forward, his wings glowing with power. He flew upwards and whipped a wing forward, hitting the Surskit directly and sending it flying.
Viola gasped as her Surskit hit the ground and laid there. Calvin walked over to the Surskit and peered at it.
"Surskit is unable to battle. Send in your next Pokémon."
Viola nodded. "You did well my friend. Get some rest."
She returned her Pokémon and pulled out another pokéball.
"I choose you, Spewpa!"
A slightly large Spewpa appeared in a flash of light, wiggling its body as it appeared. It didn't look threatening at all, so Wyvern felt confident as he dove forward, intent on winning.
On the other side, Combusken and the Scizor were still battling. Thanks to the Surskit, the Scizor now had the advantage due to its move Dual Wingbeat. Combusken however, had a lot more speed thanks to his ability, and was starting to match the sheer speed of Bullet Punch with his own attacks.
"Scizor, use Rock Smash!"
Bugsy's Scizor raised a claw as it glowed with power before bringing it crashing down onto Combusken. Combusken however, dodged the attack with ease and leapt to the Scizor's side before using Double Kick. The Scizor was unable to react in time and was struck twice before it could get a chance to retaliate.
"Take to the skies Scizor!"
Katsuya watched the bug and steel type Pokémon try to escape his Combusken. Thanks to its red armor, Scizor was very defensive, so Katsuya hadn't expected his Combusken to take it down. But all he needed was time for all the water effects to wear off.
"Bullet Punch!"
"Get ready Combusken."
The Scizor dove down, its pincer moving fast and fluidly as it rained blows onto Combusken. Attacking with only his right foot, Combusken parried every single one of the Scizor's blows before switching to his left foot and delivering a sonic roundhouse kick that sent the Scizor crashing to the ground.
On the other side, things weren't going so well. Despite appearing unthreatening, the Spewpa had a few tricks up its cloak.
When Wyvern had first dived in, Kendra had commanded him to use Wing Attack. Upon doing so, the Spewpa used Protect and blocked the attack. When Wyvern retreated to circle around and strike again, the Spewpa used Stun Spore, spreading paralytic particles all around the field and directly onto Wyvern.
Since then, it had been a combination of Struggle Bugs and Infestations to bring Wyvern down. Due to the paralysis, Wyvern would sometimes freeze up during flight, bringing him at a huge disadvantage if he was grounded. Infestation surrounded him in a cloud of back particles that sapped his strength, worsening his condition. The final straw was when the Spewpa started using Struggle Bug, using green orbs to weaken Wyvern's special attack, forcing him to get closer. When he did, a single Protect would stop him in his tracks.
Kendra found this strategy annoying and frustrating. And neither her or her Pokémon could find a way around it. With the paralysis factor, it made predicting when to strike even harder. She contemplated switching, but then her Snivy would be at an even worse position than Wyvern if she got hit by Stun Spore.
"All right Spewpa, keep it up!" cheered Viola. She then noticed that the rain was lightening up. Soon enough, Combusken's fire attacks would regain their full effectiveness, bringing the match to a fiery conclusion. She had to handicap the Combusken, and fast.
"Spewpa, we need to go after the Combusken. Bugsy, force the Combusken here so my Spewpa can Stun Spore it."
"That may be a problem!" shouted Bugsy. "Dual Wingbeat!"
Katsuya's Combusken dodged the first strike and blocked the second before using incinerate. The Scizor narrowly dodged the attack and took off, flying through the air to avoid more attacks.
Kendra realized that the water effects would end in a minute or two. She could stall and wait for Katsuya to finish everything, or try and prove to the world she could be a good trainer.
She chose the second one. Coming to a decision, she returned Wyvern, who was on the verge of fainting anyways.
"Kendra is switching out, she has no more switches left!" shouted Calvin.
"Go, Amphithere!"
The real and actual Snivy came out, facing down the Spewpa. Viola gave a confused glance at Kendra's choice of Pokémon.
"I understand that you're Pidove was weakened, but you went from resisting Spewpa's attacks to being weak to them. We've pretty much lost this match since the water sport and rain are going to end. You could've-"
"No," said Kendra. "It's a team competition, me and my Pokémon can't just sit on the sidelines. Go get 'em Amphithere! Razor Leaf!"
Amphithere nodded and shot leaves forward, hitting to Spewpa for minimal damage. It immediately reacted with a Stun Spore, wafting the paralytic particles around the field.
"Don't let yourself get caught in those spores!"
Amphithere dodged the Stun Spore and fired another Razor Leaf, only for the Spewpa to use Protect. Another attempt at a Razor Leaf only ended with the same result. Coming to a decision, Amphithere rushed forward towards the Spewpa.
"Amphithere, no!"
"Now Spewpa, Stun Spore!"
Amphithere barreled through the clouds, slamming directly into the Spewpa and sending it flying. Kendra watched in dismay as her Snivy stood there, covered in spores from its last ditch attack.
Only for Amphithere to wipe her eyes and grin. She rushed forward, not affected by anything. She launched Leech Seed and entangled Spewpa in a cluster of draining vines.
Viola slapped a hand to her face. "How could I forget, grass types are immune to Stun Spore!"
"Great job Amphithere!" shouted Kendra. "Let's finish this!"
Amphithere rushed forward, intent on finishing what Wyvern started. Kendra was so engrossed in the battle that she didn't hear Calvin's announcement that the Scizor had been defeated. So she hadn't been expecting a burst of fire to explode in front of Amphithere, surrounding the Spewpa in a tumult of fire that caused it to faint.
"Spewpa is unable to battle!" shouted Calvin. "Team Katsuya is the winner!"
"Wait, what?" asked Kendra.
Katsuya and his Combusken walked over too where the Spewpa used to be, now that it was tucked safely in its pokéball. Amphithere gave an annoyed huff at the Combusken, who peered down at the small Snivy.
"You totally stole our thunder there!" accused Kendra.
"What thunder? All I saw was average Pokémon battling skills."
Kendra sighed. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I asked. Did i?"
Katsuya opened his mouth to form a response, and then closed it. He had not been expecting such a reaction.
"Just remember, the next gym battles won't be this easy."
"We'll see how strong I am by then," said Kendra, looking to her Snivy for reassurance.
Amphithere nodded, puffing out her chest to Combusken. The Pokémon crouched down and gave her a pat on the head, adding to her annoyance.
"Good battling you two," said Bugsy, walking over to interrupt them.
"I honestly didn't expect to lose there," said Viola. "You've earned the Buzz Badge."
Katsuya shrugged. "Not really. Bug types are extraordinarily-"
"Strong and very crafty at times," said Kendra, cutting off Katsuya. "Thank you for the battle, you really taught me a lot."
Viola laughed. "Between you and me, I think you'll go farther."
Kendra looked over to Katsuya, who was ignoring the two women and getting his badge from Bugsy.
"Honestly, I can only hope so."
Thank you for sticking with us the whole episode because that was a tough one. The filming drones and the writing crew had a doozy with this episode, all the times where Kendra got stuck in quicksand were too many to count. But anyways, now that Team Katsuya has secured their first badge, they are currently in the lead! We'll get to see next episode (unless they somehow got lost) Team One's gym fight against whoever the rock type gym leaders are! I hope you're excited for that, because I am!
Side note: If I post this on time, it should be Monday the 23rd. Sorry for taking so long, due to procrastination and a lot of technical issues, this chapter was delayed a lot. I actually finished it two days ago, but couldn't post it. Sorry for the inconvenience and I'll fight to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Sorry for the long hiatus. Due to personal issues I'll only be able to post on Saturday instead of whenever I finish and episode. If I fail to upload an episode on saturday, assume its a personal reason and It's not cause I'm lazy.