Chapter 13
As we arrive at the windmill in the heart of Artazon City, we spot a prepared battlefield, indicating that this is where our Gym battle with the Gym Leader will take place.
"Greetings, Challenger!" A voice greets us, and we look around to locate its source.
"Up there!" Golly points upward, and to our astonishment, we see the man standing on top of the windmill's vanes. It's a precarious position, and we can't help but feel that it's quite dangerous, even though the windmill isn't currently in motion.
Brassius descends from his precarious perch atop the windmill without any apparent difficulty and introduces himself, saying, "You did well to come this far! I am Brassius - an artist specializing in Grass-Type Pokemon. I am also the Gym Leader here at the Artazon Gym."
Serena can't help but ask, "Why would you stand so high up there?"
Brassius explains, "I was observing your Gym Test from atop the windmill, you know. The perception you displayed in finding Sunflora was truly... Oh, how shall I describe it? Yes! It was truly avant-garde!"
His unique way of speaking and artistic sensibilities surprise us, but he quickly shifts the focus to the impending battle, saying, "I only pray that you might demonstrate that eye for beauty in our battle as well. Enough talk! We must begin creating our collaborative work of art!"
After each taking the stage, Brassius confidently asks, "I trust that you are ready? It is time for our masterpiece to take shape!"
As the Gym Leader sends out his first Pokemon, a Petilil, we notice that he's holding a whip in his hands. Concern crosses our minds as we hope he won't use it to harm or discipline his Pokemon in any way. Serena begins the battle by sending out Spidops, a Bug-Type Pokémon.
Brassius declares, "Art is creation and destruction! Struggle, else your defeat will nourish my Pokémon!" Petilil initiates with Mega Drain, but Serena has Spidops react swiftly with Silk Trap to block the incoming attack. Spidops counters with Bug Bite, dealing a solid hit to Petilil. Brassius orders Petilil to use Sleep Powder. To Serena's dismay, Spidops succumbs to sleep, forcing her to switch to Mimikyu.
With Mimikyu on the field, Petilil attempts another Mega Drain, but the Disguise ability holds firm, protecting Mimikyu from harm. Serena capitalizes on this opportunity, commanding Mimikyu to finish the battle with Play Rough. Mimikyu steps forward, relentlessly attacking Petilil until it faints.
Brassius enthusiastically remarks, "You know... just by watching the battle, I can already see a lot of inspiration in it. However, I will like to see you show more of it with my Smoliv!"
He sends out Smoliv, his second Pokémon, which sets up Grassy Terrain before unleashing Terrain Pulse, dealing significant damage to Serena's Mimikyu.
Serena tries to counter with a Shadow Claw, but she soon realizes her mistake – Smoliv is not only a Grass Type but a Normal Type as well, making Shadow Claw ineffective.
Brassius seizes the opportunity, commanding Smoliv to plant a Leech Seed on Mimikyu, slowly sapping away its remaining health.
Mark offers some insight, saying, "If only Serena didn't make that mistake, Mimikyu would've dodged the Leech Seed."
Understanding the situation, I reply, "We all make mistakes. Besides, she's a little confused because of the Terrain Pulse, since the Grassy Terrain makes it a Grass Type, and the Grassy Terrain also boosts the attack as well."
Serena calls upon Spidops to rejoin the battle, and it's awake and ready to fight. Spidops employs Silk Trap to block Smoliv's Razor Leaf attack before retaliating with Bug Bite once again.
Brassius maintains his strategy, having Smoliv use Leech Seed. Serena expresses her frustration with the relentless Leech Seed attacks but remains determined. She commands Spidops to counter with Skitter Smack, and the move proves effective, ultimately defeating Smoliv.
"This has promise! Yes! Let us lead this artistic endeavor to its conclusion at once!" Brassius exclaims as he sends out Sudowoodo, surprising Luke and me.
"Sudowoodo? That's a Rock Type..." Luke remarks.
"Maybe not after what he's going to do..." I speculate.
Brassius takes out a Tera Orb and Terastallizes his Sudowoodo, transforming it into a Grass Type. "Allow me to touch this work up slightly! I will call it... 'Truleewoodo'!"
"Truleewoodo? Really?" I mutter incredulously.
Sudowoodo uses its newfound Grass Type abilities to launch a powerful Stone Edge attack, ultimately defeating Spidops.
"Pikachu, you're my final hope," Serena declares as she sends out Pikachu, opting to Terastallize it.
"I don't know if it's a good idea considering Pikachu's Tera Type is Electric, which is not that good against Grass Types..." Lucine points out.
"Maybe Serena has a plan in motion," Drandon suggests.
Brassius, however, decides to ramp up the battle's pace. "At times, art becomes a race against the clock! Let us increase the pace! Trailblaze!" His Grass Type move not only deals significant damage to Pikachu but also boosts Sudowoodo's speed.
"Serena is in trouble!" Golly exclaims.
"Damn it. Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt!" Serena commands and Pikachu delivers the Electric move, managing to paralyze Sudowoodo. She seizes the opportunity to keep up the pressure.
"Iron Tail!" "Fire Punch!"
Both attacks collide with a fierce clash, but Serena has Pikachu use Flotty Fall, ultimately defeating Sudowoodo and bringing the battle to an end. Pikachu reverts back to its regular form.
Brassius is clearly impressed by Serena's performance. "Avant-garde!" he exclaims, recalling Sudowoodo. "Oh! What artistic tactics you employ! The patterns of your moves! The minute details of your Pokémon's performance! Everything you did was honed to perfection! Our battle was, in a word, art! Indeed, if we could not call that a work of artistry, then nothing else in this world could be labeled as such! If I were to judge your work, I would say it passes my inspection. Yes—a pass without exception!"
With that, he presents Serena with the Grass Badge. "As proof of your artistic prowess, you may have my Gym Badge! Shall we take a photo as well?" They take a commemorative photo with the windmill as the background.
"You did it, Serena. I was really worried," I congratulate her.
"Yeah, that was really awesome," Minami adds.
"If you possess 2 Gym Badges, it will be easier to catch Pokémon of up to Lv. 30, and those Pokémon should follow your commands as well! Ah! My inspiration is overflowing as if drawn from a bottomless well! I will begin on a new piece at once! You must excuse me. Farewell!" Brassius says as he departs. We bid farewell to the Gym Leader and decide to take a well-deserved rest.
My battle with Brassius the next day proves to be both fun and challenging. Despite my status as the 8-region champion, Brassius doesn't hold back, and the battle leads to my victory. With my second badge in hand, we get back to the gym and find someone who seems to be looking for us.
"Pardon me. Would you be the Florian and Juliana I've been hearing so much about?" The man's words startle us as he addresses us by our fake names. "Or perhaps I should say Ash Ketchum and Serena?"
"It's Professor Hassel!" Drandon and Lucine exclaim in shock.
"Wait, you're a Professor?" I inquire, recalling that I may have seen him during the ceremony for the treasure hunt.
"Nemona had mentioned there were promising new faces in the academy - yes, indeed," Professor Hassel confirms. "Oh, but I do apologize. I didn't mean to startle you by addressing you so suddenly. My name is Hassel. I'm one of the Elite Four of the Pokemon League."
"Wait, you're an Elite Four member?" Serena asks, and we're all taken aback by this surprising revelation. Even Golly and the others appear stunned.
"I also teach art classes at the academy. So, do tell me, young Ash and Serena: What compels you to collect these Gym Badges and strive to be a Champion?"
"It's obvious; we want to become stronger. Just because I'm the World Monarch doesn't mean I'm the strongest of everyone. I also want to learn," I explain.
"And by participating in the Gym Challenges, we hope to uncover our treasure," Serena adds.
Hassel nods appreciatively. "Asked and answered. Thank you. Naturally, there is no single correct answer. All paths lead to the Great Crater of Paldea, as they say. You know, your friend Nemona is the youngest to achieve Champion Rank in all Paldean history... It is entirely possible that such great potential lies within you two as well."
Before he departs, Hassel offers some parting advice. "Should you continue striving to reach Champion Rank, you will one day have to battle me. You would be wise to train hard starting now. It will save you from experiencing the bitter regret of defeat."
"Of course," I respond with determination.
"Oh, and do come along to my art class sometime. I would be thrilled to have you attend," Professor Hassel says. "Which I assume will be available for you to attend soon."
"Thank you, Professor Hassel. We'll definitely consider attending your art class," I reply with a friendly smile. "It would be a great experience."
As Professor Hassel bids us farewell, we can't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. His words about striving for greatness and the potential lying within us light a spark of determination in our hearts.
Drandon chimes in, breaking the silence that follows Hassel's departure. "Professor Hassel is probably our favorite teacher because he specializes in Dragon Types."
Serena nods in agreement. "Yes, and learning from an Elite Four member must be an incredible experience. It's no wonder he's such an esteemed figure in the world of Pokémon."
Mark adds his thoughts to the conversation. "I think it's quite common for Dragon Types to be the final gym or Elite Four challenge in many regions. They represent strength, rarity, and the pinnacle of a trainer's journey. It's a fitting way to test the best of the best."
Minami smiles warmly at us. "Well, it's been wonderful catching up with you all, but we should get going. We have our own studies to attend to back in Galar. Stay in touch, and let's battle again soon!"
With heartfelt goodbyes, Mark and Minami leave for their own adventures. We turn our attention back to Mesagoza so we can continue our school studies.
(Professor Hassel's Art Class)
The art class finally begins, and we find ourselves seated in the art classroom, awaiting Professor Hassel's introduction. As he steps into the room, he greets us with a warm smile and says, "Greetings, I am Hassel. I will be teaching this art class. It is a pleasure to meet you all!"
However, what he says next takes us by surprise, and we exchange puzzled glances. "Now, let me be candid for a moment," Professor Hassel continues. "I imagine that many of you will forget all that you learned in this class once you graduate! After all, you don't need even a basic understanding of artwork, much less a refined appreciation of beauty, for most exams or jobs."
His words leave us somewhat bewildered. It's uncommon for a teacher to downplay the importance of their own subject matter. He continues, "So, is my class a waste of time for you, then? I think not! At least, I certainly hope it isn't!"
Professor Hassel continues, "Think for a moment, all of you. What is beauty, anyway? What makes something beautiful?"
Serena raises her hand and offers her thoughts, "Is it that beauty is in the eye of the beholder?"
Professor Hassel nods in response and says, "Interesting... Thank you, Juliana. Oh, I don't mean to suggest there's a correct answer to my query. The important thing is that you all take time to think about it.
Think about why we might find beauty in a flower blooming on the side of the road, for example. Question why the sky is a different shade of blue than the ocean or why the leaves change color. Ponder the windmills of Artazon and how they move. Contemplate the chilling bite of the waters of Cascarrafa. I'm sure you will find that every little detail of your lives will seem more vivid, more impactful, if you just take a moment to stop and think. And I am certain that if you stop and truly appreciate the little beauties of this world... it will help pull you through the days where your studies have you exhausted or when work has dampened your spirits."
His words resonate with us, and we realize that he's not just teaching us about art but also about the importance of appreciating the world around us. It's a valuable lesson that goes beyond the classroom.
"Ah, do pardon me for waxing philosophical. You don't need to understand all of that now. To put it simply, it is true that one doesn't need art to survive... But it certainly makes surviving much more enjoyable!" Professor Hassel says with a smile, lightening the mood in the classroom.
The bell rings, and he decides to finish the lecture, saying, "It is my hope that this class will add even a little bit of color to your lives. That's all for today—next time, we'll try a more hands-on approach to appreciating beauty!"
After class is over, we gather around Professor Hassel. He asks, "Why, if it isn't Florian and Juliana. I have a question for you. Do you find my class difficult?"
I respond, "No, I think it is just right for us!"
Serena adds, "Same here."
"That is certainly good to hear," Professor Hassel smiles. "So, Florian and Juliana... You chose to take on the Gyms as part of your Treasure Hunt. That must mean you like Pokémon battles. Is that correct?"
"We do like Pokémon, and we also enjoy battles," I reply.
"One naturally becomes skilled at doing what they enjoy. That must be why you are so strong. Then you're attempting to overcome a weakness? I applaud your efforts, indeed! Ah, do forgive me for springing such an odd question upon you so suddenly. I often find myself pondering the nature of strength these days... Anyway, thank you again for your input, Florian and Juliana!"
Professor Hassel's class has left us with a deeper understanding of the world around us, and we look forward to more lessons that will help us appreciate both art and the Pokémon battles that we love.
Here is a new chapter, and we're also done with the second gym battle. I will be switching from writing Serena or Ash's battles since they are all aiming for Champion Rank. I hope you like this chapter.
Ash and Serena's Pokemon:
Charizard x2, Pikachu x2, Primeape, Lapras, Wooper (Paldean), Girafarig, Dunsparce, Steelix (Crystal), Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Garchomp, Lucario, Krookodile, Zoroark, Bisharp, Greninja, Sylveon, Noivern, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Corviknight, Indeedee x2, Kleavor, Sneasler, Floragato, Crocalor, Quaxwell, Oinkologne x2 (Male/Female), Spidops, Nymble, Pawmot, Fidough, Smoliv, Nacli, Charcadet x2, Bellibolt, Wattrel, Shroodle, Klawf, Tinkatink, Wiglett, Flamigo