Welcome to episode 13 of Pokéstars: Island of Challenge! In our previous episode, we witness Team Regional defeat their first gym, as well as Team One catching new Pokémon. In this next episode, we'll get to see what our two other teams were up to!
A few hours earlier
Team Distant Past
"I hope you're ready for this," said Jax, standing in front of two flags that marked the beginning of the fly type gym challenge. "Cause we're going to take this gym by storm!"
"I suppose our winds will be too fierce for the flying competition," remarked Diego.
Jax rolled his eyes. "Very funny man, but seriously. Let's get this over with. We have spent way too much time on this mountain, and I hate it. Besides, it's also kind of chilly so high up. Where do you think the person who's going to explain the rules to us is?"
"I don't know," said Diego, looking around with his two Pokémon. "Let's probably check that tent over there," he said while pointing to a tent with a flying type insignia on a flag.
They walked together to the tent. Finding no place solid enough to knock, Jax called out to whoever was in the tent. However, he received no response.
"Well," said Diego. "You can't expect people to be on standby twenty-four seven to give us directions or accept challenges. This isn't a game."
"You have a point, but I thought the whole purpose was to expect us. Can't they like… I don't know, track us through the Rotom Drones."
Diego shrugged. "Well clearly something must've come up."
"I'm going in. You coming?"
"Sure."
Jax crouched down and opened the flap to the tent. The first thing he saw in the slightly spacious area was a woman sitting on top of a chair. At first, she looked like she was just sitting peacefully, but on second glance Jax realized she'd fallen asleep on the chair.
She was wearing the gym trainer outfit, so Jax knew she had something to do with it. Whether she was the guide or a trainer, Jax couldn't tell. But he figured she wasn't supposed to be sleeping right now.
"Hello?" he shouted, trying to get her attention.
The woman snapped awake, alarm on her face. She looked around sleepily before spotting Jax.
"Wha? Who are you?" asked the woman, her eyes unfocused. "What do you want?"
Jax looked over to Diego, who gave him an unhelpful shrug.
"I'm Jax Ambrose. A challenger for the Island of Challenge. You see, me and Diego here were hoping to begin the gym, only to realize-"
The woman's eyes widened. "Shoot! I was waiting for you guys to come since last night and must've fallen asleep. I'm so sorry! Here, follow me to the gym site!"
Jax backed out of the tent and let her through as she hurried out of the tent. They followed her to the two flags, where she spread her arms in a grand fashion and acted as if they never saw her.
"Welcome challengers, to the flying type gym! Your mettle shall be tested by powerful foes who use Pokémon that harness the power of the air as you descend the mountain! Find the right way by using you're sharp Braviary eyes and you'll feel the freedom that comes from letting yourself go as you glide down, trying to reach the roosting area where you'll battle two very esteemed flying type gym leaders! I'd wish you luck, but we do not tempt the winds of fate and change in this gym, we forge our own path and fly through them! Fly swiftly challengers! Lugia be with you!"
With that, she opened a pokéball in a grand sweeping fashion, sending out a Staraptor. She climbed onto the grand bird Pokémon and flew off down the mountain.
"I guess this is our starting point," said Jax, heading towards the flags.
"Hold on a minute," said Diego. "What do you think she meant by gliding down the mountain? Surely she couldn't mean just strolling down casually. This is a flying type gym, so I expect it has something to do with flying. Remember what she said bout feeling the freedom of letting yourself go after using sharp Braviary eyes?"
"Yeah, what about all this?" asked Jax, slightly confused. "From what I can see, there's a straight path that leads directly down the mountain."
Diego walked over to where he was standing and peered down. "You're certainly right, but perhaps there's more than meets the eye. Remember how long it took us to get up this mountain, and that was with all the various lifts taking us from one place to another. Think about, just going straight down could take hours."
"You have a point," mused Jax. "Let's keep an eye out for anything that seems flying related. Probably will help."
"Exactly what I was thinking," said Diego. "We can go now, just wanted to say that."
Jax nodded and turned around. Together, with Snivy the Cyndaquil and Glacey in tow, the headed down the mountain.
The way was steep and craggy. Often, they had to slow down to prevent tripping over loose rocks. Watching their step was very important as well. One misstep could send them tumbling forward, which would lead to much harm. They way down turned out to be even slower than the way up.
However, it wasn't long before Diego spotted something unusual.
"Hey Jax, come look at this," said Diego motioning Jax over.
Jax, having been slightly ahead, turned around to the area Diego was examining. In front of them looked to be some sort of track, hidden on the side of the path between some bushes.
"What do you suppose this is?" asked Diego, inching forward for a closer look.
Jax moved to his side, only to accidently nudge the bushes away. That's when he realized that the bushes were in fact fake. He picked the bushes up and moved them, revealing two harnesses.
"It's a zipline!" he shouted triumphantly. "We put the harness on and hook the little claw thingy onto the track. Look at where it starts, there's a ledge that can fit someone comfortably."
Diego looked at it. "I don't remember anything about ziplines, so I'll leave this one up to you. I guess this is what she meant by sharp Braviary eyes. It leads down there, cutting through a wide part of the path. Quick question though, is it safe?"
Jax looked at where the track extended from. "It's not too long, and it seems firmly set into the rock. If we don't put too much weight it should be fine. I wonder though, shouldn't building something like this, no matter how short be illegal?"
"They probably got conditional permits or something like that. Could you help me with mine?"
Jax helped Diego into his harness as Diego's Pokémon watched on, looking as if they wanted to be harnessed in and sent for a ride. After showing him how to clip in, Jax clipped himself fin and prepared to push off.
"I suppose you don't know the feeling of ziplining," said Jax. "It may seem a bit unsettling at first, but I'm telling you, it's amazing."
With an excited whoop, he pushed off the stone ledge and went zooming through the air, throwing his arms up as he slid to a stop on the other side. Diego waited for him to get clear before climbing down and clipping himself in.
"You guys think I can do this?" he asked, looking at his Pokémon.
Glacey nodded supportively as Snivy did the same, albeit with less energy. He returned both Pokémon to their pokéballs and looked at the other end of the track.
"I suppose this is what freedom is supposed to be," he mused, pushing himself off.
Like Jax, he flew down the track, picking up speed as it first slanted down. Surprisingly, his heart wasn't racing from fear and exhilaration. Almost as if he was used to stuff like this and more. He cleanly landed on the other side, gracefully coming to a stop.
"How was it?" asked Jax.
"A bit underwhelming actually. I expected more but just didn't feel it."
"It's probably linked to your missing memories. From what I can gather, you probably lived a very adventurous life. But let's not worry about that right now. There's a trainer up ahead and he's waiting for us."
"I'm right behind you," said Diego, removing his harness. He paused as he did so, reflecting back on himself. He realized something. Since his adventure on this island began, he'd been feeling this sense of nostalgia tickling him at the back of his mind. He couldn't put it into words, but he had a sense of purpose, a sense of belonging since he started. Almost as if this was just another normal thing for him. Their encounter with the Skarmory had been exciting for sure, but at the end of it, it felt like another day in the park.
Clearly Jax wasn't feeling the same way. So it was definitely less of a this is a TV show thing and more of a personal thing. He snapped out of his little reflection as he heard Jax call out to him. He finished removing the harness and caught up to him.
They walked up to the trainer who had been tossing a pokéball up and down in an eager manner. When they got close enough, he snatched the pokéball out of the air and thrust it at them.
"Looks like you were able to find the shortcut here! I commend you on your sharp eyes in discerning this location! But can those same sharp eyes defeat me in a Pokémon battle? Go, Ducklett and Drifloon!"
"Let's do this Snivy!" shouted Diego.
"Go, Virgil!" shouted Jax.
Diego's Cyndaquil ran forward as Jax's Eevee appeared from his pokéball in a flash of light.
"Diego," said Jax. "Virgil will have to attack the Ducklett while Snivy takes care of the Drifloon, otherwise-"
"They'll be in a major disadvantage," finished Diego. "I understand that perfectly well. Let's go for it Snivy, Flame Wheel!"
Snivy dashed forward and leapt into the air, surrounding himself with fire as he headed towards the Drifloon.
"Drifloon, use Ominous Wind! Ducklett, Water Gun!"
"Defend him Virgil, use Quick Attack!"
Virgil dashed forward and slammed into the Ducklett before it could attack Snivy. The Drifloon spread its little strings and launched a chilly breeze of ghostly energy, dimming Snivy's flame. Snivy still charged right into the Drifloon nonetheless, following up with an Ember as his back ignited with power.
"Drifloon, use Gust!"
The trainer Drifloon fired a breeze of wind to counter the flames. Snivy landed on the ground and used Quick Attack, racing around the field to reposition himself.
On the other side of the field, Virgil was trying to keep as close to the Ducklett as he could. The Ducklett on the other hand, tried to make use of its ranged attacks to try and defeat Virgil, but he wasn't giving it any room to do so.
"All right Virgil! Keep up the pressure!" shouted Jax. "Use Take Down!"
Virgil leapt forward, throwing his weight in front as he slammed into the Ducklett. It went flying back, giving a chirp of pain.
"Ducklett! Use Gust to push him back and make room. Drifloon, keep using Ominous Wind!"
The Ducklett leapt backwards and used Gust, blasting a stream of wind at Virgil. Virgil dodged the attack with Quick Attack and raced around the Ducklett, causing it to lose track of him.
"Take Down!"
Virgil dug his feet into the rocky terrain and charged straight for the Ducklett. Behind disoriented and unable to respond, the Ducklett was defenseless as Virgil crashed headfirst into the Pokémon, defeating it.
On the other side of the battle, Snivy was easily holding his own against the Drifloon. He dodged its Ominous Wind before shooting an Ember at it. The Drifloon's main weakness was the fact it was slow compared to Snivy. This allowed him to get around it as it attempted to escape his attacks.
"Flame Wheel!"
"Use Bite Virgil!"
Both Virgil and Snivy leapt for the Drifloon. It used Ominous Wind to try and hit both Pokémon, but Virgil dashed forward and negated the attack with his normal typing. Snivy slammed his back onto the Drifloon as Virgil clamped down on its strings. Unable to handle the multitude of attacks, it drifted down to the ground, fainted.
"Aw man," said the trainer. "You beat me, easily as well. But I'm not supposed to be that difficult. Just wait till you get to the bottom of the mountain, the real challenge lies there!"
Team Katsuya
"Do you think I should catch another Pokémon?" asked Kendra as she and Katsuya walked through a bright and grassy plain.
"Probably not," said Katsuya. "Knowing you, you'd probably end up catching something weak. Although given the current strength of your Pokémon-"
Kendra shook her head. "Why do I bother asking you these kinds of things. I try to be nice and make conversation, but noooo. Why did I have to be stuck with you?"
"I could be complaining about the same thing, but yet I don't."
"You have nothing to complain about," argued Kendra. "I'm sure people find me as a nice person."
"Ask me then."
Kenda opened her mouth to do some, but then closed it. "Nice try. But I have a real question. How do you decide whether a Pokémon is 'weak' or not? You always act as if you know one hundred percent that this Pokémon 'lacks' potential and isn't worth your time. Or is that you just being picky and unnecessarily mean."
"It's simple," said Katsuya. "I just know. It's pretty easy to judge someone's strength at first glance. For example, I can tell that you have pretty much no experience to being a trainer other than what's you've scraped by since starting this challenge."
Kendra reddened slightly before crossing her arms indignantly. "That's not true! I just- well.. you're just saying that to be mean! Besides, whether or not a Pokémon is 'strong' by your definition doesn't matter. Through training and friendship-"
"A Pokémon will magically become stronger," finished Katsuya. "I've heard that thirty-three times, and it's not true. Sure with enough training you can circumvent a weakness, but it will always be there. Nothing is truly eliminated."
"Why are you always like this?" groaned Kendra.
"It doesn't hurt to be rational. What does hurt is being fixated on fake things."
Kenda decided not to say anything back as she turned to look at the landscape ahead. As she expected, the plains continued to stretch out in their unchanging fashion. She couldn't keep track of how long they've been walking. For some reason, she felt as if they hadn't gone anywhere.
The forest had been cold and scary, the plains were just tiring and mind-numbing. At this point, she was questioning which one she hated more. There couldn't be a place worse than this.
She paused there for a moment. Her middle school probably was worse actually, but maybe not. All three places were contenders.
"Look over there," said Katsuya, bringing he from her thoughts. "There's a tent in the grass."
It took Kendra a few embarrassing seconds to figure out where he was indicating. Indeed stood a big, golden-colored tent, blending with the grass. It had a white flag on it with the Pokéstar Studios logo on it.
"That might be for the normal type gym," said Katsuya.
"I don't know. It's in the middle of nowhere."
"And it has the Pokéstar logo, as well as being boring looking. Let's go.'
As they approached, they saw a figure in the grass. Along with them were two Pokémon, but they couldn't be made out in such a distance. They two Pokémon seemed to be sparring against each other. One of them had a red body with black patterns while the other was gray with orange and yellow circles.
The trainer looked up from the mock battle and saw them approaching.. He returned both of his Pokémon and gave a friendly wave as they got closer.
The man had spiky black hair that stuck straight upwards. He had a red jacket that was partially unzipped, revealing a navy undershirt. He had fingerless gloves and three Ultra Balls on both sides of his body in convenient holders. He wore blue jeans and hefty boots.
"Hello! You can call me Scottie. I'm an ace trainer whose Pokémon are always raring to go!" "You sure do look the part," muttered Kendra.
"Hmm," said Katsuya. "You're not the kind of person I was expecting. No matter."
He turned away from Scottie and started walking away dismissively. Scottie gave him a wild look.
"That's it? Come on man! When two trainers meet, you know what time it is!"
"Why do you have a Pokéstar Studio flag on your tent?" asked Kendra, trying to get the subject away from battling.
"Oh well, they're sponsoring my trip here. It's a bit complicated, but it involves a few friends, deals, and some extra cash. Basically I'm a working member here in exchange for the chance to become a world class trainer."
"So basically," said Katsuya. "A side character."
"You don't have to be so blunt about. My position here is no different than yours. Just that I didn't have to win an acceptance and my buddy owed me. But you see, that gives me an edge here."
"How so?" asked Kendra.
"I don't have to start over with a new Pokémon team. Like all trainers, I shall treat you to a full force Pokémon battle! But-"
"Actually," said Kendra quickly. "We have to go to our next gym! So it'd be nice to stick around and-"
"No need to wimp out," said Katsuya. "I'll show this guy what it means to be a real Pokémon trainer."
"Actually," said Scottie. "I have two conditions before we begin."
"Let me guess," said Katsuya. "You want us to only use fighting and dragon types while having a full team of Mimikyu because you can't win without unfair conditions?"
Scottie shook his head. "Nothing crazy like that. Number one: Your partner has to take place in this battle-"
"What did I say about only winning with unfair conditions?" asked Katsuya, causing Kendra to shoot him a glare.
"Hey! I'll have you-"
"What's your next condition?" asked Katsuya in a bored tone.
"It'll be a two on two. I use two Pokémon, you guys use two.'
"Simple," said Katsuya. "We'll just use our strongest Pokémon. Unfortunately for you, my strongest Pokémon surpasses the definition of strong. My second Pokémon is getting there."
"Don't underestimate mine either."
"Overestimating them would put them on the same level as a wild Metapod."
Scottie clenched his jaw, his anger rising to the surface as his face turned a shade of red. "Peddle your insults all you want, we'll see whose laughing at the end."
"The only way I lose is if Kendra does nothing but turn this fight into a two versus one. Which, as I previously mentioned, is an unfair advantage for you."
Kendra sighed, drooping down. "Stop selling me short."
"You should be thankful I'm making you seem more useful than you actually are. Let's get this battle over with. I choose you, Combusken."
Katsuya's Combusken came out in a flash of light, readying himself with a couple of kicks. Kendra sent out Amphithere as Scottie selected and threw two of his Ultra Balls.
In two flashes of light, a Pignite and a Dewott appeared. Amphithere gave a small hiss as she looked at the two evolved Unovan starters with a tinge of jealousy. Kendra looked at her Snivy, mildly alarmed until Katsuya starting speaking again.
"Professor Inserttreenamehere gave you your own starters?" asked Katsuya.
"No, these guys came from my home region. I was gifted these guys and a Snivy two weeks before my trip here five days ago. Through constant training all of them evolved!"
"My Torchic evolved in two," said Katsuya. "But it's pretty convenient that you decided to use these two specific Pokémon. I count six Ultra Balls there, yet you figured we'd have a fire type starter and a grass type starter. Lucky guess? I don't think so."
"That doesn't matter!" argued Scottie. You're just trying to make excuses for yourself once I win!"
"Even with Kenda being useless and the fact you're using Pokémon specifically to counter us I'll still win. In fact, I've never lost since starting this trip."
Kendra opened her mouth to point out it wasn't true, but decided it'd be better to stay out of it. In fact, Scottie already did the disproving for her anyways.
"Hah, big talk!" shouted Scottie triumphantly. "You lost to a wild Togepi of all things!"
"First of all, I caught it, resulting in victory. Second, how would you know that?"
Scottie's triumphant flare faltered as he tried to form a coherent sentence.
"Exactly," said Katsuya. "I'm done talking to you. Combusken, Double Kick."
"Dewott, Razor Shell! Pignite, attack the Snivy with Fire Punch!"
"Get ready to dodge Amphithere!"
Amphithere crouched down as the Pignite ran for her. She leapt backwards as it threw a power heated fist at her.
"Leech Seed!"
Before she landed, she flung a group of seeds at the Pignite. It waved its arms, creating a scorching heat that burned through them. It curled into a ball and used Rollout, flying forward and smashing into Amphithere.
On the Katsuya's side, his Combusken ran forward and delivered two powerful kicks aimed straight for the Dewott. The Dewott pulled off its Scalchops and swung them, countering both strikes.
"Scratch."
"Counter his attack with the same maneuver!"
Combusken swung one of his claws at the Dewott, only for it to be blocked by an arcing slash of water. In return, he brought his other claw against the same shell, knocking it backwards.
"Water Gun!"
"Block it."
Combusken put his arms together, the water blasting forward from the Dewott's mouth. He was pushed back a bit as the move hit him, allowing the Dewott to spring forward and use Razor Shell.
"Double Kick."
Combusken ran forward to meet him, swinging his legs in a series on fluid movements. He blocked all of the attacks before landing a hard kick in its midsection, bringing his leg back in a threatening manner.
Katsuya's eyes darted to the other side of the battle, where Amphithere was struggling against the Pignite. It's combination of Incinerate, Fire Punch, and Rollout in an all-out barrage was becoming much harder to dodge. Leech Seed wasn't going to be much help in this scenario either, since its fire abilities were very effective.
"I suppose it isn't her fault," mused Katsuya. "I suppose Amphithere is useful as a grass type shield."
"Eyes on the battle dummy!" shouted Scottie. "Brick Break!"
"It's been a minute since we started," said Katsuya. "You won't land a hit."
As he said that, his Combusken leapt out of the way. It's Speed Boost ability allowing it to move faster. The Dewott responded with a Water Gun, firing the attack while Combusken was still airborne.
"Use Incinerate before blocking it."
Combusken spat out a large flame, evaporating part of the attack and making it deal less. He landed on the ground and dodged a Razor Shell, returning an attack with Scratch.
"Go for the Pignite. Peck."
Combusken turned around and dashed for the Pignite as it charged at Amphithere with Fire Punch.
"Use Razor Leaf and get behind it!" shouted Kendra.
Amphithere shot a flurry of leaves at its face, causing it to pause in its charge as it burned the leaves away. Through the smoke, Amphithere got behind it and leapt upwards, slamming into the back of its head with Tackle. The Pignite growled in fury as it whipped around, only for Combusken to run in and attack with its beak.
Kendra saw her chance and pointed at the Pignite. "Now, use Leech Seed and Wrap!"
Before it could recover from the double attack, Amphithere launched a cluster of seeds at it while shooting out the vines around her neck. Both the growing seeds and the vines ensnared the Pignite as its energy was drained from it.
"Now Katsuya! Go for it!" shouted Kendra, trying o place her trust in Katsuya.
"Actually, we have bigger problems. Get behind Amphithere, Combusken."
Kendra looked at him. "Huh?"
The Dewott ran into the battle and attacked with Water Gun. Rather than hitting Combusken however, it hit Amphithere directly.
"Hey!" shouted Kendra. "What-"
"Chill out. It a resisted attack, and you still have the Pignite under Leech Seed. I saved your Snivy didn't I? Now go be useful and deal with the Dewott."
Kendra palmed her face. "My fault for trusting you. Go for the Dewott Amphithere! Razor Leaf!"
Amphithere leapt forward, running straight for the Dewott. Leaves flew around her, rushing straight for the Dewott.
"That's nothing, my Servine is much more threatening that that! Razor Shell!"
The Dewott ran forward and swung its Scalchops, slashing away the leaves. It sheathed on away as it approaching, bringing its remaining one down for a powerful Brick Break.
"Get back and use a bigger Razor Leaf!" shouted Kendra.
"Trying to do the same thing over and over won't help!" shouted Scottie as his Dewott prepared its Scalchops.
"I-I could say the same back!" countered Kendra.
We'll see about that! Razor Shell!"
The Dewott slashed away, cutting through the leaves with a fine grace. Suddenly, vines burst out as it slashed at something hidden in the leaves. The vines wrapped around its arms, trapping it and preventing movement.
"Come on! Enough with the Leech Seed! Why don't you get a real strategy for once! These Scalchops aren't just for show! There's a reason why the move is called Razor Shell."
Dewott's Scalchops glowed as it sliced through the vines easily. Taking Amphithere by surprise, it landed a powerful Brick Break, knocking her back.
"There we go, now go for the Combusken! Pignite, fall back and use Arm Thrust!"
Dewott ran forward, both Scalchops in hand. The Pignite ran backwards, Katsuya's Combusken pursuing him. The Pignite threw out its arms, rhythmically moving them as it tried to defend itself.
"Turn around and use Double Kick."
"Pignite, use Rollout!"
Katsuya's Combusken whipped around and leapt for the Dewott. It swung its Scalchops, only to miss as Combusken leapt in a different direction. He leapt back and hit him with a powerful overhead kick before following up with another.
The Pignite on the other hand, raced directly for Amphithere. She leapt out of the way of its rolling attack multiple times, but it only increased in speed and power as she did so. She fired a powerful Razor Leaf, but the leaves glanced off its high-speed roll and fluttered away.
"You can't do anything, especially when we do our special technique! Get ready Pignite!"
"Get back!" shouted Kendra. "It's going to try something!"
"Prepare your Rollout Cannon!"
The Pignite leapt into the air and landed, spinning in place as it kicked up dirt and increasing its speed. The moment Amphithere touched the ground, it shot forward like a rocket. Slamming directly into her as she touched.
"Amphithere, no!" cried Kendra.
Amphithere was launched upwards into the air, taking severe damage from the attack. Using its forward momentum, the Pignite easily caught up to her in mid-air.
"Get ready for the Meteor Smash! Use Fire Punch!"
The Pignite gave a triumphant grunt as its fist lit up with explosive power. It swung its fist down in a powerful arc, blasting Amphithere to the ground. She hit the ground hard, causing dirt to billow up into the sky. When the dust settled, Amphithere laid there, fainted.
"Looks like you couldn't handle that with all your Leech Seeding!" boasted Scottie. "Well that's too bad for you, time to take out the Combusken! Gang up on him guys! Razor Shell, Arm Thrust!"
The Dewott fell back to join up with the Pignite and attack at the same time. Both Pokémon attacked with incredible speed, hoping to overwhelm the Combusken.
"You're going to have to try harder than that. Use Peck on the Pignite."
Combusken ran forward, dodging the attacks as it swiftly dashed behind the Pignite. Using his powerful beak, he attacked the Pignite on its head swiftly. Disorienting it as it tried to strike.
"Double Kick."
Attacking with both feet at the same time, Katsuya's Combusken launched the Pignite into the Dewott. Both Pokémon hit the ground in a heap. They got up in slight pain, ready for revenge.
"Rollout Cannon! Get ready Dewott!"
The Pignite charged up in the ground, building up speed and power without having to go all over the place. Combusken dashed around in a circle, surrounding the two Pokémon and making his attack pattern hard to guess.
"Brace yourself Dewott! Pignite, fire!"
The Pignite tried to line up a strike as it shot forward like a wrecking ball. It missed Combusken as he dashed straight for the Dewott, ready to dodge its Water Gun.
"Scratch."
"Do it, now!" shouted Scottie.
Right when Combusken was in range, the Dewott unleashed a new move. It used Water Pulse right when he was in range, striking him with a large dose of super effective damage. Despite that, Combusken still pressed on. He struck the Dewott with a Scratch before following up with a Double Kick, launching it into the air. It came down with a heavy fall and struggled to get to its feet.
Katsuya closed his eyes for a bit. "Clearly you aren't as talented as you think you are. I can see now that I'm in a position to lose. Combusken has taken too much damage since the start of the match. But that doesn't matter to me. You had all the cards in your hands. You knew exactly what Pokémon we had, what Pokémon we were most likely to send out if our options were limited. Raw strength and potential are key to Pokémon battling, but so is preparation. I'm sure you camped out here, hoping for the opportunity to battle us so you could show off your amazing analyzation and planning skills. You're Pokémon are weak. Despite all this I'm still going to take down your Dewott. The Pokémon that you chose specifically to beat my Combusken. As useless as she may be, Kendra would've stomped on your Pignite with her Pokémon had it evolved. You lack skill, you only have unfair advantages. And you know what?"
Katsuya opened his eyes, they seemed to blaze with a hidden strength. "I disrespect you for that. Normally, I don't go all out, and you don't deserve having me go all out with your Pokémon. But I want everyone to know that the guy who had all the odds stacked with him almost loss. Let's do this Combusken!"
"All your blathering means nothing! Get him Dewott, Water Pulse!"
"I've seen through that already," said Katsuya. "Get above him and use Incinerate, keep your distance from the double teamer!"
His Combusken leapt over the flowing water and fired a burst of flame, hitting the Dewott squarely on the head and knocking it down.
"Get him airborne, use Double Kick!"
His Combusken ran forward, kicking the Dewott upwards with two powerful kicks. Using the last of its strength, it leapt into the air, Speed Boost at its maximum. It unleashed a flurry of Double Kicks over and over again, touching the ground and leaping back up to deliver more kicks. The force and speed of its kicks and jumps were enough to keep it and the Dewott airborne as it blitzed it.
Katsuya's Combusken landed on the ground, the Dewott long since fainted. Extremely tired from the constant fighting, Combusken crouched down. Katsuya returned his Pokémon, unwilling to have him fight more.
"My Combusken is powerful. Had I decided to, he could've continued fighting and wiped the floor with you Pignite. But I'm not that kind of trainer. The way I see, he's already won."
"Shut up," said Scottie. "You lost, accept that already."
"No. Kendra lost, I won."
"But don't we battle as a team?" asked Kendra.
"Not in this case," said Katsuya, pocketing Combusken's pokéball. "The reason you chose to battle two on two was so you could effectively counter our ace Pokémon. The way I see it, you were here simply to test how strong our starter Pokémon are under the pressure of the type triangle. For the most part, it was water versus fire and fire versus grass. Two individual fights where the type chart was against us. I won my battle, even if I lost the 'war'. Maybe I'd have seen it as an actual battle if you hadn't been so petty. Remember, if this were a fair system, you wouldn't even know how many Pokémon I had."
With that, Katsuya walked away, leaving Kendra to hurry and catch up with him before Scottie could say anything. Scottie looked at the battlefield, contemplating.
"Who's the sore loser here?" he asked, half to himself.
And there we have it folks, the end of Episode 13. Woo, this one was a doozy. Can't wait for next episode where we get to see Team Distant Past's gym battle, assuming they make it there of course. What will happen next on Pokéstars: Island of Challenge!
Side note to fans from Pokémon Society. Sorry for all the delays, but I don't think I'll be able to get Shadows of Unova chapter one out by December, or even by Mid-January. I've been really busy and hadn't had time to keep up. Doesn't mean I have made progress though. I've already typed out 11k words and it's still counting! Hope you're excited! See ya!