AN: So next chapter will be skipping a few months to get the story going. Anyway enjoy the chapter.
Ch 95 An Unofficial Gym Match
Brendan looks around, seeing the Battlefield and the backyard. Hanging around the hedges were Fairy lights that were glowing a pink hue. "Wow, this is like a Forest from a fairy tale." The brown-haired trainer commented,
"Treecko…" The Woode Gecko Pokemon commented as Helena greeted them.
"Welcome, Challenger to your final stretch to earn yourself the Stone Badge," Helena repeated what she rehearsed earlier.
Brendan and Treecko stood before Helena on the Battlefield as Paulo took his seat. "As you're aware, I'm not using any Rock-type Pokemon. My preferred typing is Fairy-types," Helena announced, taking out her first Pokeball as an Unofficial Gym Leader. "Now, are you ready to take the test?" She smiles,
Brendan could only smile at Helena's Gym Leader introduction. "Yes, I've been ready ever since I first set out on my Journey." He smiled, looking confident in his ability as a trainer.
Helena smiles at Brendan, liking the confidence he's emitting. She turns to N, who proceeds to announce the rules of the Gym Battle.
The green-haired trainer stood tall, with both red and green flags in his hands. "The rules of this Unofficial Gym Battle is similar to an Official Gym Batte," N announced to both trainers and the spectators. "Both sides will use up to two Pokemon each, only the Challenger can switch out Pokemon. The victor will be decided if either side's Pokemon are defeated." N stated,
"Now, bring out your first Pokemon!" N announced,
Brendan smiles, extending his arm. "Treecko, let's do this!" He said, sending his Partner first.
"Treecko!" Treecko runs across Brendan's arm and jumps onto the Battlefield,
The Grass-type Pokemon got into a Battling position, ready to Battle. "Tree, Treecko!"
Helena smiles, "Ponyta, the light's on you!" She cried out, tossing her Pokeball into the air, and releasing it from her palms.
The Pokeball flew in the air, sending out Ponyta onto the Field. The Unique Horn Pokemon neighs, ready to proceed with the Battle.
N raised the red flag in the air. "Battle…" He brought it down, "Begin!"
Brendan/ Treecko vs Helena/ Ponyta
Helena offered her hand to Brendan, "You may have the first Move, Brendan." She smiles at him.
"Alright," Brendan accepted the offer from the Professor. He held his hand out to his Partner, "Treecko, start with Pound on Ponyta!" The brown-haired trainer ordered his Partner.
"Tree…cko!" The Grass-type Pokemon leaps in the air, flipping over to his tail about to slam it against Ponyta.
Helena swiftly acted, "Ponyta, dodge it then use Attract!" She ordered her Partner,
Ponyta swiftly moves to the side, causing Treecko to hit the Battlefield. She landed behind him before turning around, releasing some hearts from her horn.
The hearts travels to Treecko at a rapid pace. "Treecko, look out!" Brendan cried out to his Partner,
Treecko turns around, seeing the Attract coming towards him. He tried to dodge it, however, he wasn't fast enough. Soon the Attract took effect, causing the Wood Gecko Pokemon to be in a daze. "Tree…cko….Tree…"
The Grass-type Pokemon sways side to side with Hearts in his eyes for Ponyta. "Tree…cko…"
"Treecko! Snap out of it!" Brendan called out to his Partner, trying to snap him out of his daze. However, it proved to be futile.
"Tree…cko…"
Helena wasted no time, she quickly acted giving her Partner commands. "Ponyta, use Tackle while Treecko is under your Attract!" She held her hand out,
Ponyta neighs, galloping straight for the dazed Treecko, her Horn was aiming straight for the Starter Pokemon.
Not wasting any moment, Brendan took out Treecko's Pokeball and aimed it towards his Partner. "Treecko, return!" The brow-haired trainer called back his Pokemon before replacing Treecko with another.
Professor Ceder's eyes lighten, seeing that Brendan has sent out a Pokemon with Moves Effective against Fairy-types. "Seems like Brendan knows his typing," He commented.
Anthea nodded, observing how Brendan Battles. "Shroomish has many Moves that are Super Effective against Helena's Fairy-types.
Anthea nodded, observing how Brendan Battles. "Shroomish has many Moves that are Super Effective against Helena's Fairy-types. Sending her out is very smart." She commented,
"Plus, Ponyta's Attract won't be effective on Shroomish," Concordia added, seeing Brendan's critical thinking at work.
"Smart move, Brendan. Knowing that Treecko is unable to act while under Ponyta's Attract." Helena commented, seeing what the young Challenger was strategizing in the Battle.
Brendan smirks, looking at the Professor before him, "Since Treecko can't Battle as of the moment, it's best to have someone else take over." He placed back Treecko's Pokeball on his belt before getting ready to send out his second Pokemon.
"Shroomish it's your turn!" Brendan pulls back and tosses his next Pokeball onto the Battlefield,
The Pokeball released a small Mushroom-like Pokemon with only stubs for feet. "Shroom! Shroom!" The Mushroom Pokemon cried out, ready to Battle.
Brendan/ Shroomish vs Helena/ Ponyta
"This is our first Gym Battle together, Shroomish," Brendan said to his recently caught Pokemon.
Shroomish looks back at his trainer, "Shroom!" The Grass-type Pokemon nodded, "Shroom, Shroom!"
Helena smiles, prepared for a switch from Brendan. "Seems like you're ready, alright." She looks at her Pokemon, nodding back at her. "Then keep up the pace with another Tackle!"
Ponyta cried loudly before starting to charge at the Mushroom Pokemon.
Brendan looks up, raising his hand out. "Alright, Shroomish dodge it before using Poison Powder!" He smirks,
"Shroom!" Shroomish leaps in the air, dodging Ponyta's Tackle. The top of the Grass-type then spews out purple powder from the small hole, spreading over Ponyta.
Ponyta blows her nose, a purple hue appears over it indicating that she is poisoned. "Ponyta, use Healing Wish on yourself!" Helena said, knowing it's best to get rid of the Poison effect.
Ponyta cries out, raising her head in the air about to use Healing Wish.
However, Brendan took the small opening between setting up the Move and Helena's orders. "Shroomish, use Energy Ball before Ponyta gets the chance to heal herself!" The brown-haired trainer ordered,
"Shroom!" The Mushroom Pokemon lifts his head, and a small Energy Ball forms at her mouth before releasing it towards Ponyta.
Ponyta couldn't dodge it, the Energy Ball hit her just before the Healing Wish took effect.
"Ponyta!" Helena steps forward, seeing that her Partner didn't get the chance to heal herself from the Status Effect. "Ponyta, Healing Wish agai-"
"I don't think so!" Brendan interrupted her order to the Unique Horn Pokemon. "Shroomish, follow up with a Sludge Bomb!" The young trainer smirks, not giving Helena nor Ponyta a chance to act.
Shroomish leaps in the air, releasing purple sludge at Ponyta. "Shroom!"
Ponyta cries, receiving damage from the Attack and an additional Poison Status.
Brendan smiles, seeing an opening. "Now, finish Ponyta off with a Tackle, Shroomish!"
Shroomish landed on the ground before dashing forward, about to Attack, "Shroomish!" She cried out, however, Ponyta dodged it.
The Grass-type landed, sliding on the Battlefield, and looked up to see Ponyta despite being Poisoned was still standing.
Helena smirks, seeing that Ponyta is still determined to continue to Battle. "You can still Battle, Ponyta?" She asked her Pokemon before seeing her nod at her. She smiled at her Pokemon's determination, "Alright if you want to keep going, I won't stop you."
"Ponyta, finish this Battle with a Dazzling Gleam!" Helena smiles, holding out her hand.
The Unique Horn Pokemon cries out, raising her head. Her Horn began to glow as she was ready to attack.
Brendan wasted no time like before, "Shroomish, stop Ponyta's Dazzling Gleam with another Sludge Bomb!" He quickly ordered his Pokemon,
"Shroom!" Shroomish leaps in the air, releasing purple sludge at the Psychic-type Pokemon.
Ponyta looks at the incoming Poison Attack, she cries out, and releases her Dazzling Gleam.
Everyone sitting at the bleachers covered their eyes from the brightness. "Ponyta's Dazzling Gleam is brighter than usual!" Concordia commented,
"Kirlia!" Kirlia agreed, shielding her eyes from the light.
"Must be because Ponyta is very motivated that her Power increased," Adam stated, hearing that a Pokemon's Attack can increase if they are determined to Battle.
Once the light subsided, Helena and Ponyta stayed on guard, not sure if the Dazzling Gleam hit. "Stay on guard, Ponyta," Helena said to her Pokemon.
Ponyta nodded, looking back in front of her. Suddenly, Brendan's voice broke through the smoke. "Shroomish, use Seed Bomb!"
Jumping from the dust cloud, Shroomish appeared aiming her head at Ponyta. "Shroomish!" A large Seed with a glowing green hue.
"Ponyta dodge it!" Helena exclaims, seeing the Grass-type Move hurling straight for her Partner.
Ponyta was about to move out of the way from the Seed Bomb, however, her Poison Status hindered her from moving. "Ponyta!" Helena exclaims, seeing it was too late for anything.
The Seed Bom landed on Ponyta, exploding on top of her. Once the dust cloud settled, a loud thud echoes throughout the Battlefield,
Helena and everyone gazed upon the Battlefield, laying on the ground was Ponyta with Shroomish standing before her. Ponyta's eyes were swirling, indicating that she couldn't continue to Battle.
N raised his Flag at Brendan's side of the Battlefield, "Ponyta is unable to Battle, the winner is Shroomish!" The green-haired trainer announced,
Brendan smiles, seeing Shroomish turn and face him. "Way to go Shroomish! You did great!" The young trainer exclaims, proud of his Partner.
"Shroom, Shroom!" The Mushroom Pokemon cheered, jumping from foot to foot.
Adam crossed his arms, understanding Brendan's strategy in the Battle. "Brendan's strategy was smart." He commented, looking at Helena giving a soft smile.
"What do you mean, Professor?" Anthea asked their Guardian.
"Shroomish is constantly moving, attacking Ponyta, and not giving her the chance to Heal herself," Adam explains what Brendan's strategy was. "Plus with the Poison Status hindering her, it's a nail in the coffin." The blue and blonde-haired Professor said.
Concordia and Anthea nodded, understanding what Brendan's Strategy was. "I see, that was a smart Strategy." The blonde Ability User commented,
"I witnessed that first-hand when I Battled him," Paulo commented, seeing it was an effective Strategy.
Anthea turns to her Sister, calling Ponyta back in her Pokeball. "Now Helena has one Pokemon left, and Brendan still has two." The pink-haired Woman commented, curious who'll win knowing who Helena's last Pokemon was.
Back on the Battlefield, Helena called back her Partner. She looks at Ponyta's Pokeball and smiles, "You did great out there, Ponyta. You deserve this rest," The young Professor said, placing the Pokeball back before taking out her final Pokemon.
Before releasing her next Pokemon, she looks at Brendan. "Battling must be in your Family, Brendan. That was smart keeping your Pokemon moving like that." Helena commented, impressed by his and his Pokemon's Skills.
"A harder target is when the target is on the move," Brendan said, sharing his Strategy with Helena.
"Well, that's an efficient Strategy, Brendan." Helena compliments his mindset, "But can you handle my next Pokemon?" The black-haired Professor asked the young Challenger.
Brendan looks at Shroomish, not exchanging her with Treecko just yet. "You bet, Professor!" He exclaims, ready to proceed with the Battle.
Helena smiles, tossing her Pokeball in the air before catching it in her palms. "Alright, Sylveon, it's your turn!" She tosses her Partner's Pokeball onto the Battlefield, releasing her final Pokemon.
Sylveon was released from her Pokeball, landing on the Battlefield. "Sylveon, Slyv," The Intertwining Pokemon cries out, ready to Battle.
"Alright, Shroomish just one more Pokemon to go," Brendan said to his Partner, seeing her ready to continue with the Battle.
"Shroom!" The Mushroom Pokemon face the Fairy-type Pokemon before waiting for orders.
Brendan/ Shroomish vs Helena/ Sylveon
"Shroomish, start off with Poison Powder!" Brendan commanded, using the same Strategy as before with Ponyta.
The Grass-type Pokemon leaps in the air, flipping around. "Shroomish!" Shroomish aims her head at Sylveon, spewing out purple spores at the Fairy-type.
Helena raised her hand, giving Sylveon her commands. "Sylveon, use Fairy Wind to deflect the Poison Powder!" She exclaims, knowing that her Partner understands what she has in mind.
Sylveon's feelers came to her center, building her energy. "Sylv…eon!" Her feelers released pink wind towards the Poison Powder, blowing powder away from landing.
Brendan and Shroomish were in awe, not expecting Fairy Wind would be used like that. "T-That's one way of using a Move." The brown-haired trainer commented before slapping his cheeks. "Well, that won't stop us! Shroomish, Sludge Bomb on Sylveon!" He held his hand out,
"Shroomish!" The Mushroom Pokemon released a purple sludge from her head, heading for the Fairy-type.
"Quick Attack, Sylveon!" Helena wasted no time, she instantly gave an order and Sylveon followed it to the letter.
"Sylveon!" Sylveon's body was engulfed in a bright white light before dashing towards Shroomish.
Shroomish didn't have any openings to dodge the Attack. "Shroomish, dodge it!" Brendan cried out, but it was too late.
Sylveon slams into Shroomish's Body, dragging her down to the ground. On the ground, Shroomish was lying on the Battlefield.
Sylveon was standing in front of her trainer, having a satisfied expression on her face.
N raised his Flag over to his Sister, "Shroomish is unable to Battle, the winner is Sylveon." The former King of Team Plasma announced.
On the bleachers, Adam smiles at the interesting way his former Student Battles. "There it is, Helena's unpredictability. Nobody could anticipate her way of Battling,"
Anthea agrees with her Guardian, "That we too agree, Professor. It's the most creative way to use a Move like that." She said, admiring how her Sister Battles.
"Now both Helena and Brendan have one Pokemon left," Concordia observes, unsure who'll take the Battle.
"But isn't Treecko still under the Attract?" Paulo asked the Siblings of his Mentor. "It'll be a difficult Battle if he's still under the effects."
Anthea shook her head, "By now, the effects of the Attract wear off." She said, seeing Brendan call back Shroomish and took out Treecko's Pokeball. "If not, then Brendan will be in trouble." She said to her Sister's Student.
Back on the Battlefield, Brendan smiles at Shroomish's Pokeball. "You did great out there, Shroomish." The young trainer said to his Pokemon, placing her Pokeball on his belt.
Brendan smiles, seeing that he's one Pokemon away from earning the Stone Badge. "I'd like to thank you for giving me the chance to earn the Stone Badge." He said, showing his appreciation towards the young Professor.
"You're too kind, Brendan. But don't just me, but everyone who did all this for you." Helena said, turning to her Siblings, Student, and her Mentor with a smile,
Brendan looks at the People who made it possible for him to be here Battling for his First Gym Badge. "You're right," He waves at the People, thanking them for this chance.
Helena adjusted herself, addressing Brendan. "Shall we continue the Battle, Brendan? You're still one Pokemon left to win the Gym Badge from me." She smiles,
"Yeah, let's!" Brendan held his Partner's Pokeball, ready to send out Treecko once more. "Okay Treecko, it's up to you!" He tosses up the Pokeball in the air, releasing his Partner.
Treecko came out of his Pokeball, upon landing on the Battlefield, his eyes were still heart-shaped. "Tree…cko…Treecko…." The Grass-type Pokemon held his hands together, swaying back and forth,
"No! The Effects didn't wear off!" Brendan was surprised that Treecko was still under the Effects of Ponyta's Attract.
Helena smiles, seeing a clear chance of victory. "Since Treecko is unable to act still, I guess it's my move!" The black-haired Professor said, holding her hand out. "Sylveon, let's end this Battle, use Swift!"
"Sylve!" The Intertwining Pokemon leaps in the air, flipping back and releasing stars at the Treecko.
Brendan steps forward, holding his arm to the side. "Treecko, dodge it!" He cried out to him.
Treecko was unresponsive, unable to follow what his Partner said. He was then bombarded by Sylveon's Swift, causing him to fly back a few feet before Brendan,
"Tree…Treecko!" Treecko then snapped out of his daze, being brought out from Ponyta's Attract.
"Treecko, you finally snapped out of that Attract!" Brendan exclaims, seeing his Partner up on his feet,
The Grass-type smirks, looking back at his Partner. "Treecko, Treecko."
Brendan/ Treecko vs Helena/Sylveon
Brendan smirks, raising his fist. "Alright, let's make up for the last Battle, Treecko!" He said, believing in his Partner, "Treecko, use Leafage!" He commanded,
"Treecko!" Treecko's entire body glowed a green hue before a swarm of leaves engulfed him. He ran towards Sylveon, releasing the Leafage.
"Sylveon, dodge it!" Helena exclaims as her Partner evades the Leafage, "Then follow up with a Double Kick!" She quickly added,
Sylveon landed on the side before leaping forward, "Sylveon!" She cried out, turning around and extending her legs to kick.
Treecko dodges the Attack, as Brendan gives his next commands. "Treecko, don't let Sylveon go! Use Grass Knot to keep her in place!" He said, planning to snare the Fairy-type.
"Treecko!" Treecko places both his hands on the ground, two grass blades appear beneath Sylveon and tie her legs together,
"S-Sylveon!?" The Intertwining Pokemon panics, seeing that she was trapped in the Grass Knot.
Helena steps forward, giving her Partner commands on what to do. "Sylveon, don't panic. Use Swift on yourself to shred the Grass Blades." She calmly said,
Brendan smirks, not letting that happen. "Like I let you! Treecko, use Pound on Sylveon." He said,
Treecko responded, running across the Battlefield as he flips in the air. 'Treecko!" The Grass-type slams his tail onto Sylveon's head, pushing her down to the ground.
Jumping over Sylveon, Treecko landed perfectly after Attacking the Fairy-type. "Treecko,"
Behind Treecko, Sylveon was lying on the ground with swirls in her eyes.
N saw Sylveon was unable to continue with the Battle. He raised his Flag to Brendan's side of the Battlefield, "Sylveon is unable to Battle, the victor is Treecko!" He announced the winner of the Unofficial Gym Battle.
Brendan's face lightens up with excitement. "Treecko!" He called out to his Partner, prompting him to turn and face him. "We did it! We won!" He cheered,
"Treecko, Treecko!" Treecko turns around, running towards his Partner. He leaps from the ground and into the arms of Brendan.
"You were great out there Treecko!" Brendan laughs, twirling around with his Partner,
"Treecko, Tree!" Treecko cheered, happy to win the Battle for his trainer.
Helena smiled softly, walking over to Sylveon who got up in the presence of her Partner. "Sylveon…"
"There's no need to apologize, Sylveon. You did your best and Battled hard," Helena said, gently petting her Partner on the head, congratulating her for Battling.
Later in the Day, Helena stood with N, Anthea, Concordia, Paulo, and Adam before Brendan and Treecko.
Helena approaches Brendan with a smile, "I have to say, for your first Gym Battle; you Battled like you have experience Battling Gyms." She commented, impressed by his Battling. "I'm sure if you Battled Roxanne then she'll say the same thing as I did."
"I'm sure she'll say the same thing, Helena," Adam commented, agreeing with what Helena said. "Even though this was an Unofficial Gym Battle, it felt like a real one."
"Speaking about a real Gym Battle." Helena turns to her Brother, motioning for him to step forward.
N smiles, holding a silver tray with a small red pillow at the center. Sitting at the center was a maroon-colored rhombus fading into a golden color. "Here, Helena." He said, standing next to his Sister.
Helena looks at Brendan, rewarding him with his Badge. "Brendan Smith, congratulations. You have defeated me and proved that you earned this. The Stone Badge," N offered the Badge to Brendan,
Brendan smiles, taking the Stone Badge from the tray. "Thank you, Professor. Everyone, thank you," He said, saying his thanks to the Potter Family.
"Brendan, your Rotom Phone please," Helena said, taking out her own Rotom Phone. "A TM required by the Pokemon League to all Gym Leaders to give to Pokemon trainers after defeating a Gym Leader." She explains to the young Pokemon trainer.
"I heard about it from Dad. Alright," Brendan took out his orange and red Rotom Phone, holding out to Helena's pink Rotom Phone.
Helena pressed on the TM App, sharing the TM she received from Roxanne. "This is TM39, Rock Tomb." She informed the brown-haired trainer what she was giving him.
The TM was shared with Brendan's Rotom Phone, completing the tasks. "Thank you again, now I need to find where I could find Steven…" Brendan said, saying to himself,
"Steven? Steven Stone?" Helena asked, receiving a surprised expression from Brendan.
"Yeah, do you know him, Professor?" Brendan asked the black-haired Professor before reaching into his bag to grab something within it. "I have this letter to give to him from Joseph Stone. Since I helped an Employee of his before coming to Rustboro, he seems to trust me. He would've asked his Daughter-in-law but she was Pregnant." He explains to them.
N and the others looked at Helena, knowing where the Hoenn Champion went. "Ah…I see, I think I can help you there," Helena said, "Joesph must've been talking about me,"
"O-Oh…I-I didn't realize you are Steven Stone's Wife," Brendan said, feeling like an idiot not connecting the dots.
Helena gave a light chuckle, scratching her cheeks. "Um…I'm just Steven's Girlfriend, pregnant with our Children." She said, giving a short explanation to him. "I-In any case, if you're looking for Steven, he's at Dewford Town at Granite Cave."
"Now that I think of it, a Friend in Dewford is a Gym Leader there." Helena looked at Brendan who was smiling at the thought. "It's not as busy there if you want to Challenge him,"
Brendan nodded, looking at Treecko. "What do you say Treecko? Ready for our Second Badge?" He asked his Partner on his shoulders,
"Treecko!" The Wood Gecko Pokemon cheered, agreeing with the idea.
The young trainer looks at Helena and the others, "Then we will, thanks again for everything, everyone!" Brendan said, turning to the gate and continuing with his Journey.
"Good luck, Brendan," Helena said, watching him off.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.
