Pokémon Black and White
Chapter Forty-One
Reunion Battles in Nimbasa
Nimbasa City. A veritable metropolis, it's incredibly beautiful during the day. Between the hustle and bustle and the myriad of stalls and attractions, the city is a paradise for anyone seeking fun and entertainment. The city only becomes more mystifying at night.
Ablaze with so many different colored lights, a pleasing haze falling upon the city, it would be accurate to call the city a work of art.
But a certain band of scoundrels aren't interested in seeing the sights. Not even the humongous ferris wheel serving as the centerpiece of Nimbasa City, glowing with flashing lights, is enough to distract them.
Atop an empty rooftop - close enough to view the city from afar, far enough to be on the periphery - stand Jessie, James, Meowth and their newest companion, Pikachu.
"Nimbasa City…" Jessie muses, gaze on the ferris wheel before moving on to the whole city. "Truly a jewel of the Unova region."
"Site of our next assignment." Meowth says.
"Right." James says. "An assignment illuminated with the joy of shining success."
"Pika." their recent recruit growls, cheeks sparking.
"Yes." Jessie agrees, giving a curt nod. "Just like that brightly lit ferris wheel."
"Which is almost as bright as our hopes and dreams!" Meowth says.
"Right!" James says, extending a hand as if to grip the entirety of the Ferris Wheel. "And it's all for our beloved Boss!"
"This is absolutely outrageous!" the Officer Jenny stationed in the Audino Town seethes. She takes a deep breath, shuddering with emotion. Her Herdier growls, just as angered by the information. "Plainly speaking, I can't believe Team Rocket would try to steal Pokémon from a NPPA of all places!"
"Honestly," the Officer Jenny stationed in the National Pokémon Preservation Area near the Kanto Safari Zone starts. Studying the barrel of her rifle, she sets it aside with a sigh. "I wish I could say the same. I've lost track of the number of poachers I've had to chase off."
With another deep breath, Audino Town's Officer Jenny calms down enough to say, "You're saying it's no surprise Team Rocket would make an appearance."
"Yes. Kangaskhan are well-known in the Kanto region for their maternal instincts." the NPPA's Officer Jenny explains. "I hate to think what Team Rocket would do to try and get them to serve their purposes."
Lifting a hand to her mouth, Audino Town's Officer Jenny coughs. "I apologize for my earlier interruption. If you would, I'd like for you to tell me what happened next."
"Truthfully, I hardly believe it myself." the NPPA's Officer Jenny admits. "I'll do my best to provide a full report!"
"Thank you, sir!"
"...And they've been helping me drive off anyone trying to poach Pokémon ever since."
"I see." Audino Town's Officer Jenny says, finishing up the last of her notes. Once more, her spirits are lifted after hearing another case of people and Pokémon working together to defeat evildoers. "This has been very informative."
She does have a few questions, but they're fairly minor fare. She's unsurprised to hear the names "Ash" and "Misty" crop up in the story, given what she's seen of their character. What does surprise her is how her fellow officer spun her a yarn of a young boy living amongst the Kangaskhan. Even more alarming, how his parents joined him several moons later.
Another time, I guess.
"It's been a pleasure, sir!" the NPPA's Officer Jenny admits with a smile.
A chorus of exaggerated shouting fills the air.
"Was that?"
"Indeed." the NPPA's Officer Jenny confirms with a chuckle. "They're rather rambunctious, I admit."
The conversation persists for a good time after, the two talking about the day to day activities of overseeing a NPPA. It's just as another bout of shouting fills the air that the two agree to resume the conversation under more positive circumstances.
Audino Town's Officer Jenny stares at the dark videophone screen for a few moments before turning to her notes. Rising to her feet, she paces back and forth along her office floor.
"Team Rocket…" she murmurs. "Could there be a pattern here?"
Nearby, her Herdier growls before letting out a loud bark.
Officer Jenny smiles, setting down her notes. "You're right, Herdier. A good run'll help clear my head."
The Pokémon and trainer duo leave the station, notes about Team Rocket's criminal undertakings set aside for the moment.
Just as the Team Rocket Trio engage in nefarious affairs in Nimbasa, the morning after, Ash, Misty, Cilan, Iris and Luke as well as their Pokémon companions encroach upon a series of buildings with a ferris wheel as the centerpiece.
Except…
Running across a pink threshold, Ash and Iris take in the sights. Standing a few paces behind them are Misty and Cilan. Luke trails behind all of them, fiddling with his camera. All around them, several people are milling about and talking with one another. Snippets of conversation yield words such as "Battle tournament." and "The best one yet!" and "So many people in our 'little' town!" accompanied by fond laughter.
Quieter still, there is a phrase making a round through the populace: "I hear there'll be a special guest."
"So, the battle tournament's gonna be here in Nimbasa City!" Ash exclaims, an arm raised to shield his eyes from the sun's rays. He squints, excitedly looking this way and that.
"Pika!"
"Home of the world famous giant ferris wheel." Cilan says, staring at the attraction in question with a puzzling intensity.
"Oh, wow!" Iris breathes. Looking all around at the various buildings, she does a happy little twirl. "What an exciting city for our next battle to take place!"
"Axew!" he cheers, eyes falling shut.
"Sure is!" Luke remarks halfheartedly. Squinting, he smiles down at his camera before looking up. Immediately, his eyes take to the ferris wheel, painted in yellows, greens, and oranges. "And I'll be sure to capture all the excitement on camera."
"And there's sure to be a lot of that." Misty remarks, glancing first at Iris, then Ash.
Ash merely glances back, turning to face Luke. Iris does the same soon after. "Do you know where the gym is, Luke?"
"Gym?" Luke repeats. Tilting his head to the side, a giant blue question mark appears in the air next to it. "What gym?"
"The Nimbasa City Gym, of course!" Ash says.
"Uh," Luke begins, blinking several times in a row. "But this is Nimbasa Town."
There's a brief moment of silence.
"Nimbasa Town?!" Ash, Cilan and Iris exclaim in unison whilst Misty examines her Town Map.
Stepping closer to Misty, Cilan brings out his own Town Map. When he does, the two soon wear matching crestfallen expressions.
"Looks like he's right." Misty says.
"This is quite the shame." Cilan adds. "Nimbasa City is still a fair distance from here."
"Nimbasa Town's been around a lot longer, too." Luke says.
"So, is that why they're holding the battle tournament here?" Iris asks.
"Yeah!" Luke answers. "It's sponsored by the Pokémon Battle Club. Given the history of this town, people like to host all sorts of events right here."
"Oh!" Iris exclaims, clapping her hands together. "Like festivals and stuff?"
Cilan coughs, saying his next words with such speed and vigor that no one notices. "I imagine they held quite a few in the Village of Dragons."
Iris says nothing. Her hands going to her face, a bit of drool leaks from the corner of her mouth. "So yummy!"
Nodding his head, Ash pumps a fist in the air. "Yes! What a great way to get warmed up! Battle tournament, here we come!"
"Pikachu!" he agrees, cheeks sparking and a paw raised.
"Is it…Oh! It is!" the sound of a familiar cheerful and feminine shout reaches their attention. Ash is the first to look, all of them seeing a bright blur of green and yellow running towards them. "Out of the way! Out of the way! Outoftheway!"
"Not again!" Ash cries.
"She's the same as ever." Iris remarks.
"Quite." Cilan says.
"Maybe we should move out of the way." Misty suggests.
The four of them brace for an impact that never comes. Although she's running at a velocity that would make a trained Rapidash jealous, Bianca doesn't collide with anyone (read: Ash) nor does she send them (read: him) flying off into the closest body of water.
Instead, Bianca slows to a stop right in front of Ash and his friends. Fingers interlocked just above her navel, Bianca smiles at them.
"It's so good to see you all!" she admits.
Upon her arrival, the others are struck speechless.
"Good to see you, too!" Misty says.
Bianca's pleased expression only increases at the reciprocated affection. Her eyes only seem that much brighter behind a pair of glasses, the framework a charming red.
"Have you always had glasses, Bianca?" Iris asks.
"Not always." an unfamiliar voice says. "They're a new development."
Everyone turns to view the new arrival: a man with a dour expression, eyes hidden by his glasses.
"You must be Ash, Misty, Cilan and Iris." the man continues, correctly indicating each of them in turn. He crosses his arms over his chest. "Bianca has told me a lot about you."
"Uh, thank you?" Iris says.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance." Cilan says. Hand to his heart, he gives a slight incline of his head. "You must be a friend of Bianca's."
"She hasn't told us anything about you." Ash remarks, blinking owlishly at the as-of-yet unidentified individual.
"Hmm…" Misty murmurs, staring intently at the man.
"Oh, sorry about that!" Bianca exclaims, dropping into a bow. Taking a stand next to the young man, she lifts a hand in his direction. "I'd like you all to meet Cheren. He's one of my best friends from Nuvema Town."
"I can introduce myself, Bianca." Cheren remarks.
"I know, but I wanted to do it!" Bianca says.
"Getting back on track," Cheren says, offering the others a polite smile. "I noticed Bianca had trouble seeing so I thought she could use a pair of glasses."
"The world is so much brighter now!" Bianca cheers, pushing her glasses up by the sides. "And he helped me pick out some of my very own; aren't they just the cutest!"
"Looks like just a pair of glasses to me." Ash remarks. "They sure seem to help! I was thinking I'd end up in that fountain!"
That elicits a round of chuckles from the band of young Pokémon Trainers.
"I'm so happy we ran into each other again!" Bianca admits. "You see, we were on our way to register for the battle tournament just now. But I saw you guys and I just had to say hello!"
A spark goes off in Ash's eyes. "You're gonna register for the battle tournament?"
Bianca nods her head furiously in response. "Yeah! Are you going to be there, too?"
"We're about to register, too." Cilan answers. "We were just on our way ourselves when you came along."
"All of you?" Bianca says, a spark going off in her own eyes. She claps her hands together once, giggling. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's move!"
Bianca immediately turns around. Thrusting an arm into the air, she breaks off into a sprint.
"She hasn't changed a bit." Cilan comments.
"With the glasses, she shouldn't run into anyone at least." Misty says.
"With that said," Cheren says, more to himself than anything. He reaches a hand out, breaking out into a run after his friend. "Wait, Bianca!"
Iris watches them for a moment, letting loose a sigh. She frowns, Axew mirroring her expression. "Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"
"The competition or Bianca?" Ash asks.
Iris crosses her arms over her chest, groaning. "Both, I guess."
"I think we needn't worry." Cilan says, opting to place a placating hand on Iris' shoulder. "Everything should turn out just fine."
"Maybe." Iris says even as she smiles.
A smile that drops when she and Cilan notice their current position.
"However!" Cilan exclaims. Ripping his hand away from Iris' shoulder, his entire face looks like a Voltorb using Explosion. "We should make for the tournament grounds at once! It would be bad form to come all this way only to have the deadline elapse on us!"
Cilan says no more, running after Bianca and Cheren.
Ash, Misty, Iris and even Luke stare after his retreating form with skepticism.
Lips slightly parted, the barest brush of red stains Iris' cheeks. She stands, paralyzed, before running after Cilan with a cry of "Hey! You're not registering before me!".
"We should register, too!" Ash says, already on the move. "Man, I can't wait to see the other Pokémon!"
Ash, Misty and Luke make their way in the direction of their friends. All the while, they're unaware of the figure watching them from afar, a single strand of green hair escaping from his cowl.
Outside the massive battle arena, Luke immediately sets to work.
Setting his camera atop a tripod, he aims it directly for the battle arena's entrance. Taking hold of a microphone, he stands between the entrance and his tripod. His Golett has a clapperboard ready, the numbers 1-1-1 on it.
"Okay." Luke says softly. Taking a deep breath, he lets it out and says, "I'm ready."
Golett closes the clapperboard, giving Luke his cue.
With the hand not holding the microphone, Luke gestures for the battle arena.
"I'm standing here at the Nimbasa Town Battle Tournament," Luke recites. "Where a steady stream of accomplished competitors are arriving here on the scene one by one."
Luke's prevented from further documentation when Bianca crouches down in front of his camera. She smiles at the camera, squinting at the lens.
"A camera!" Bianca giggles. "Making a movie?"
"I'm making a documentary of the battle tournament." Luke says, twirling around, he looks high to the sky. "A cinematic masterpiece!"
Out of his periphery, Luke finds Bianca standing next to him.
(He doesn't see the way his Golett performs a series of double takes.)
"Say," Luke says. "May I interview you?"
"'Scuse me?" Bianca says. But it's not the Bianca standing next to him.
"Huh?"
"I'm still over here."
Doing a double take of his own, Luke sees two Biancas. One sitting in front of his camera with a confused expression and the other near him, teeth shining in a notable mischievous smile.
"Then that means…" Luke says, his eyes narrowing.
The Bianca next to him giggles. Jumping, her form changes in a flash of pinkish-purple light to that of Zorua.
"Zorua!" Luke chides.
Zorua only giggles.
"Huh?!" Bianca exclaims. Jumping to her feet, her hands interlocked, she's positively giddy at the sight of Zorua. "It's a Zorua!"
Bianca crosses the distance between them, crouching down in front of Zorua.
"I heard you could transform into people and it's true!" Bianca cries, her eyes shining. "Aw, you're just so cute and fluffy! Can I hug you? Can I? Can I? Caaaaan I?!"
She looks between Luke and Zorua, the motions so frenetic that they both take a step back.
"Aw!" Bianca pouts, her eyes falling shut. "I guess that's a no. What a shame."
A sweat drop appears on both Luke and Zorua's heads when the young woman separates from them. She crouches down on the ground a few paces away. Trailing a finger through the dirt in a circle, her head bowed, an aura of intense sadness radiates from her.
"B-Bianca?" Luke stammers, mouth agape. "Are you okay?"
"I'm just fine!" Bianca chirps, taking to stand in front of Luke with a beaming smile.
Luke merely chuckles whilst his Zorua looks on with dismay. She makes no move to retreat.
"Bianca, you always did like cute things." Cheren remarks, observing from a few paces away with Ash and the rest of their merry band. There's a hint of pride in his voice, recalling what happened the last time something cute crossed their paths.
"There!" Iris shouts, pointing at a booth with a yellow awning. Inscribed on its surface appears to be a distorted rendering of a battlefield. The image stretched, it alternates red, blue, red. There's where the trainers stand during the battle, their respective fields where they release their Pokémon, and the center. Perhaps what's most indicative is how Don George stands behind a blue reception desk, passing out documents to a silver-haired trainer. "That must be the tournament registration booth!"
"Sure looks like it!" Cilan says.
"Awesome!" Ash cheers. "Let's go register!"
"This is gonna be great!" Misty remarks, lifting an arm high to the sky.
"Yeah, let's!" Bianca agrees. Materializing by their side, she barrels through the open space between Ash and Misty. "C'mon, hurry!"
"She must take great vitamins." Luke remarks.
Zorua barks in agreement.
"Uh, excuse me," Ash is saying as he, Misty, Cilan, Iris, Luke, Bianca and Cheren stand in front of the reception desk. All of them are just a tad intimidated by the way Don George is staring at them with a great intensity. "We'd all like to register for the battle tournament!"
Don George nods once. "Rest assured, you've come to the right place! You can count on me for all your tournament registration needs! Don George, at your service! A pleasure to meet you all! My pupil here has the registration forms you'll need!"
The pupil in question, a man of average height and brown hair, bears not only the requisite papers, but an expression just as severe as his mentor.
"Here you go." he mutters, his voice gruff.
Having accepted the papers from the mildly prickly staff, Ash and his friends took to one of the nearby blue reception desks set up for the tournament. Bianca, Cheren, Iris and Luke use the side facing Don George and his booth whereas Cilan, Ash and Misty use the side facing away.
"Let's see…" Ash mutters, tapping his pen against the registration form. Standing on the table with his arms crossed, Pikachu observes carefully. "Name, hometown and three Pokémon. Who should I choose?"
"Pika Pikachu Pikachu!" he says. Coming to stand between Ash and the registration form, he has his paws clenched tight. His cheeks spark, his determination and meaning plain.
"Actually, I was thinking of using some of my other Pokémon." Ash admits, rubbing Pikachu's head. "I wanna make sure they're as strong as can be!"
"Pika." Pikachu nods in understanding. Nonetheless, his ears droop, he crosses his arms and he even gives Ash a mild electric jolt.
"H-Hey!" Ash stammers.
"Don't worry, Pikachu." Misty says, finishing up with her own registration as Marill cries happily. "We know we can always count on you in a pinch!"
The accompanying wink perks up Pikachu's mood and his ears.
"Alors," a girl says behind them. "So you're still using the same peppery Pokémon."
Ash, Misty and Cilan turn around, the former gasping at the sight of a familiar face.
(Though if it's a friendly face requires more consideration.)
"It's Burgundy!" Ash says. "You're entering the tournament, too?"
"Bien sûr!" Burgundy answers, adding an ostentatious hair flip. She raises a finger, standing a hair's-breadth from Ash. "You see, any bitter feelings are not towards you, but him!"
Burgundy follows up the end of her aggressive declaration by jabbing a finger in Cilan's chest.
"The time has come for some sweet revenge!"
"But Burgundy," Cilan is saying, looking perplexed by her behavior more than anything else. "You still seem so angry, are you a higher class connaisseuse, yet?"
"Uh," Burgundy says, taking a faltering step back. "Not exactly." She turns around, shrugging her shoulders before spreading her arms wide. "But c'est trés unimportant! I'll show you the stuff of a true connaisseuse, maintenant! My connaisseuse ranking is irrelevant for I'll have you know that my battling skills have improved quite tremendously!"
"Your battling skills?" Iris echoes, her disbelief apparent.
"Wow, that's so cool!" Bianca cheers, tilting her head to the side. "What does that mean?"
"It means," Burgundy says with a flourish. Rifling through her pockets, she produces the badge she had won in Striaton City. As well as… "Voliá! The gym badges of the Nacrene and Castelia City Gyms!"
"That is amazing." Misty says.
"Oui, I know." Burgundy says, returning her badges to storage. "And I'll say—Alors, bonjour?"
The vigorous cry of a neighing Zebstrika shatters Burgundy's concentration. She doesn't hurl more barbs at Cilan. Instead, she's very curious of the Zebstrika that decided to trot directly between her and Ash and his friends.
But one connaisseuse's curiosity is another Pokémon Master's commonplace.
"Ash!" Stephan greets from astride his Zebstrika with a raised hand and open-mouthed smile. "Long time no see!"
"Good to see you!" Ash says.
The two share in a high-five before clasping each other's hands. Upon separation, Stephan dismounts his Zebstrika.
"Hey Stephan, you in the tournament, too?!"
"You bet I'm in!" Stephan says, holding up a registration form all filled out.
"Alright!"
"I'm stronger than before." Stephan says, patting Zebstrika on the side. "See, since I last saw you, my Blitzle evolved into Zebstrika!"
"Zebstrika, huh?" Ash says, pulling out his Pokédex.
"Zebstrika, the Thunderbolt Pokémon." the Pokédex recites. "And the evolved form of Blitzle. A pure Electric-type. Zebstrika can be dangerous when angry, shooting lightning in all directions from its mane. It is lightning fast and when running at full gallop, thunder echoes through the air."
"Hope we get a chance to battle each other." Stephan says.
"Yeah!" Ash agrees, pocketing his Pokédex
"Pikachu!"
"I thought I smelled a Dragon-type." a familiar, albeit nasally, voice remarks.
Iris heaves a hefty sigh before she even turns to look. When she looks to her right, her eyes narrowing, she finds Georgia pinching her nose.
"Georgia." Iris says flatly.
"Iris!" Georgia greets in turn, her grin sharp. "Still got that gigantic head of yours?"
"Ha!" Iris says, giving a significant flip of her hair. "I don't expect you to understand an impressive hairstyle."
"You think you're funny." Georgia says. Her voice and expression are both flat as she closes the separating distance. "But remember: I'm a first class Dragon Buster and you're just a second rate Pokémon Trainer." she crosses her arms over her chest, sticks up her nose. "And I'll never lose to the likes of you!"
"Second rate?" Iris growls, She mimics Georgia's stance, smirking. "That's awfully big talk; given how our last battle ended in a draw, what does that make you?"
(Cilan's ears twitch, but otherwise he's engrossed in his conversation with Cheren about proper glassware maintenance.)
"What was that?" Georgia growls, glaring at Iris.
Zorua - who had strayed from Luke's side and wound up between the two bickering teens - giggles as an idea hits her. Jumping into the air, suffused in the pink glow of transformation, she lands not as Zorua, but as Georgia.
Her agitation with Iris momentarily forgotten, Georgia eyes her doppelganger with suspicion.
"What's going on?" Georgia says.
Iris hums; given Zorua's recent transformation, it gives her a delightful idea. Standing behind Zorua-as-Georgia, Iris puts her hands under Zorua-as-Georgia's elbows. Performing a bit of puppetry, Iris makes it so Zorua-as-Georgia's hands are against her cheeks. Zorua, understanding Iris' intentions perfectly, affects an expression of dismay.
"'Oh dear, what a shame!'" Iris says in a low-pitched rendition of Georgia's voice. "'Even a Dragon Buster like me can't stand up to Iris!'"
"What did you say to me?!" Georgia growls through clenched teeth, glaring not at Iris, but at Zorua-as-Georgia.
She makes to grab for Zorua-as-Georgia, but her doppelganger is quicker. Jumping into the air, engulfed in transformation's pink hue, Zorua reverts to her Pokémon form. She lands gracefully atop Georgia's head.
Georgia cries out in outrage whilst Zorua, snickering all the while, jumps onto the ground. Iris crouches down next to Zorua with a smile.
"Just like a true friend!" Iris praises, patting Zorua on the head. "Thanks, Zorua!"
"You're more of a kid than I ever was!" Georgia remarks, crossing her arms and looking away.
Iris stands up. Putting a hand to her chin, Iris looks at Georgia carefully and nods her head. She crosses her arms over her chest, giving Georgia an unimpressed side glance.
"You've always been that old?"
Iris and Georgia soon glare at each other, the vitriol between the two so intense, one could almost see blue electricity arcing from eye to eye.
"She's on fire now!" Ash remarks, the venomous interaction of Iris and Georgia so pronounced that he and his friends have no recourse but to bear witness to it.
"Now I'm worried." Misty remarks. "Hopefully they won't get too carried away if they do battle in the tournament."
Cilan and Cheren nod their heads, sharing similar sentiments.
Ash hums in thought, catching a glimpse of something out of the corner of his eye. Turning to his left, a smile finds its way to his face when he finds a familiar figure standing in front of the nearby arena.
With his nose deep in his camera, Trip not only takes photographs of the people milling about - competitors and spectators alike - but the arena itself.
"Whoa, it's Trip!" Ash shouts, waving his arms back and forth in an 'X' motion in front of his face in a bid to get Trip's attention. "Hey Trip, over here!"
Trip takes one last photograph of the arena, his ears perking up. Trip looks over at Ash and his friends. He makes no move to advance towards them.
"Well, if it isn't you guys." Trip remarks, his tone as aloof as his expression. "Try not to waste anyone's time during the tournament, okay?"
With that frosty "advice" spoken, Trip photographs Ash and his friends before making his way into the arena.
"What is with that guy?" Ash wonders. Staring after Trip, he's equal parts confused and irritated.
"He's certainly as bitter as ever." Cilan remarks.
"Quite a sharp tongue." Cheren agrees.
"Attention!" the voice of Don George rings out, emanating from the arena's loudspeaker system. "The registration period for the Nimbasa Town Battle Tournament is almost over. If there are any trainers that wish to participate, now is your time to enter. There will be no exceptions."
"No use worrying about him." Misty advises. "There's plenty of trainers around here, so I think—"
"WAIT!"
Ash, his friends and their acquaintances all recoil in the face of such a sudden outburst. The only one who doesn't look at all perturbed by Bianca's exclamation is Cheren. The young man merely pushes his glasses up by the bridge, his features impassive.
"What's up, Bianca?" Ash asks.
"You gave us quite a fright." Cilan adds.
"Sorry guys." Bianca says, a blush across her cheeks. She takes a deep breath, looking around the area. "I didn't mean to startle anyone, it's just Hilbert and Hilda should've been here by now."
Stephan, Burgundy and Georgia choose that moment to leave the scene, finishing up any last minute tasks before heading into the arena.
"They do tend to be more punctual than most." Cheren admits, giving the surrounding area a glance of his own.
"Were they going to enter the battle tournament, too?" Ash asks.
"No," Cheren replies simply. "From what they told me, they're much too exhausted to participate in a tournament."
Bianca sighs, turning her gaze skyward. "Between their gym battles and how much they train, they said they would just watch the event."
"I see." Cilan says, nodding his head with eyes closed. "That is quite troubling."
"Do you think they got involved with something else?" Luke theorizes.
"That's entirely possible." Cheren says, sharing a glance with Bianca.
"And I really wanted them to see how much stronger I've gotten." Bianca says, a secret smile finding purchase on her face. "I've got a few surprises I can't wait to show off!"
"Surprises, huh?" Ash says. "That sounds awesome!"
"I think we needn't worry too much." Cilan says with an airy wave of his hand. "The tournament's opening ceremony should take up quite a bit of time."
"I've seen a lot of trainers around here." Iris adds. "I think there should be plenty of battles before yours, Bianca."
Bianca looks unconvinced. Nonetheless, she exhales deeply. "I guess you're right."
"We should get going." Cheren advises. "Whether or not our friends arrive, the fact remains that the registration period for the tournament is almost over."
Ash and his friends need no further encouragement; they quickly fill out their forms, hand them in and filter into the arena.
"Wow." Ash says.
As they do, they're all taken in not only by the warm atmosphere, but by the impressive turnout. From end to end, each and every seat is filled to the brim with eager spectators. Their cheers are so loud and bombastic, it leaves one wondering how they'll behave once the festivities begin in earnest.
The battlefield at the center of the area is immaculate, flanked on one side by the Announcer's Table and the other by the competition's competitors. Behind the Announcer's Table is a massive television screen. Currently, the screen is blank except for a rotating symbol of a battlefield and the words Nimbasa TV! in dark blue.
On either side of the Announcer's Table, standing several feet tall, are two stone statues. They bear Don George's likeness, both statues flexing their arms.
"'All around us, the energy is amazing as we await the beginning of the tournament.'" Luke recites. His camera pointed at his fellow competitors before moving on to the spectators, his voice serving as the voiceover.
Sitting behind the Announcer's Table, a stout man clears his throat. Tapping the microphone in front of him once, he sets both arms on the table.
"You're watching Nimbasa TV!" he declares, voice reverberating through the air. "Welcome to the Nimbasa Town Battle Tournament, ladies and gentleman! I'm your host, Freddy "The Scoop" O'Martian! You've all gathered here today for one reason alone, so I'll keep this brief. Let's start the festivities! To get things rolling, here's Don George, from the Pokémon Battle Club, sponsor of today's event!"
The man in question emerges from the green entranceway behind the Announcer's Table. One arm raised in greeting, he bears a broad smile on his face. Waving at the crowd, he crosses the stage in even paces, coming to a stop next to Freddy.
Don George doesn't sit down. Instead, he picks up the microphone resting in front of the empty chair to Freddy's left. He clears his throat.
"Thank you and welcome all!" Don George says. "As Freddy mentioned, I'm Don George! Today's tournament winner will increase the base power of their Pokémon by leaps and bounds, as they receive a beautiful and extremely rare seven feather, top-class Driftveil Wing Set! Containing Health, Muscle, Resist, Genius, Clever, Swift and Pretty Wings! Best of luck to all of today's competitors!"
As Don George speaks, the image on the television screen behind him changes. It changes, showing the seven feathers in question performing an elegant dance around one another before they rest in gorgeous red velvet, protected by glass.
"I want it!" Bianca cries, even reaching a hand out.
"Yeah!" Stephan shouts, looking not to the feathers but to the crowd around him. "Bring it on!"
Don George clears his throat once more.
"However, before we can truly begin the tournament, we have a special guest with us today!" he admits.
Freddy nods his head. "He was quite adamant about speaking during the opening ceremony and we at Nimbasa TV and the Pokémon Battle Club are more than happy to oblige!"
That causes a stir amongst the competitors and spectators. Some wonder who this mysterious orator could be. Others are unnerved, their instincts telling them that something in the air doesn't seem quite right. And then there's those - chief among them Ash and Stephan - that want to get to battling as soon as possible.
But no matter how they feel about this information, they all quiet down as a figure dressed in black emerges from the green entranceway.
A benevolent smile on his face, the shadows around him receding in the sunlight, he has a hand raised in greeting. He moves his hand through the air, the motion unhurried.
Even and tranquil.
Two more figures walk out from the green entranceway. A man and a woman with orange hair, they too are dressed in black.
While the first figure busies himself with saying a few words with Freddy and Don George, shaking the hands of both men in turn, the crowd within the arena express their thoughts on this new development.
Inexplicably, the warm atmosphere fades, leaving behind an uncomfortable apprehension. There are those that only wish to get to the tournament as smoothly as possible. People who concern themselves more with their daily lives than following the latest trends or news articles.
There are those whose eyes sparkle with recognition. They devolve into excited chatter, overjoyed to hear the leader of Team Plasma give a speech. These individuals smile, wondering if he'll talk about the good deeds they've performed in the time that's passed since their outing in Castelia City.
But some don't smile at all.
Ash and his friends are wary, none of them quite sure how to react to their appearance.
None except one.
Her lips parted, in the midst of a half-step back, Bianca starts to tremble. She doesn't hear the riotous cheering of tournament spectators. Instead, she hears the blood roaring in her ears. Instead, she hears the plaintive cries of her Munna, held captive all those moons ago. So loud are the sounds, Bianca only barely registers Cheren's hand on her shoulder.
"Thank you, thank you." Ghetsis says, directing his words to Freddy and Don George. Taking the microphone from the latter, in the same instant, Ghetsis begins to speak. "It is an honor to find myself here before you today. For those unfamiliar, my name is Ghetsis. As Mister O'Martian discussed, you're all gathered here in this place for a singular purpose; I shall keep my speech short.
"Much like you, I am here today for two reasons," he continues. Clearing his throat, he looks askance. "The first is how I wish to address the rumors surrounding the organization of Team Plasma. It is often said that - in pursuit of our goals - we've undertaken several unsavory actions. People have been harassed. Pokémon have been stolen from their trainers. The truth of the matter is that these rumors are correct."
There's a pause, the crowd processing the information. There's a low murmur of conversation, but not much else.
Ghetsis sighs. "It is an unfortunate fact that those within our ranks have taken our ideals too greatly to heart. Our whole purpose - the reason Team Plasma exists - is to respect the agency of not only Pokémon, but Pokémon Trainers as well. If the dream that Team Plasma - that our king - strives for should come to pass, it will be through the compassion and bravery of people just like you."
The conversation remains stagnant, but the discomfort that plagues Ash and his friends begins to spread through the crowd as well. They glance around, frowns upon their faces.
Ghetsis nods sagely, his eyes closed. When they open, Ghetsis' amicable smile is replaced by a frown. "Just like me."
Ghetsis pulls out a Poké Ball from the folds of his robe. He stares at it for a moment, tosses it into the air and catches it.
"It is a hard truth that this is the only way for Pokémon and Pokémon Trainers to both live fulfilling lives," Ghetsis says, releasing his Pokémon not in the customary red that preludes a battle, but a chilling blue. "To free them from the ties that bind."
Ghetsis' Pokémon, a fearsome looking Hydriegon, gives a mighty roar. Bearing its fangs, Hydreigon lowers its head in deference to its trainer.
Its former trainer.
"You have been a worthy ally." Ghetsis remarks, placing a hand on Hydreigon's forehead. "But the time for sentiment is at an end."
Hydreigon merely nods.
When Ghetsis removes his hand from Hydreigon's head, it doesn't linger. It takes to the skies, not even sparing a fleeting glance to its trainer.
And then, it's gone.
"The joy that comes with freedom cannot be understated." Ghetsis says. "I trust you all will make the correct choice in the end."
Ghetsis gives Freddy and Don George a bow before crossing the ground to his two orange-haired associates. The two give him a curt nod before the three of them depart.
In light of what transpired, a fathomless silence takes hold of the arena and its occupants. Presently, all of them seem at a loss for words. Some take to looking at the sky, eyes unseeing whilst others are fixated on their Poké Balls, having brought them out sometime during Ghetsis' speech.
As for Ash and his friends, an aura of discouragement blankets them. Luke points his camera to the ground, looking tense. And while Bianca may have stopped trembling with Ghetsis' absence, she taps her fingertips together, an unsteady rhythm.
Freddy looks to the crowd, opening and closing his mouth twice before focusing on his microphone. Don George clears his throat, brings a hand to his forehead and lowers it and clears his throat again. It's obvious the two men didn't anticipate their guest would say something with such gravitas. Or implications.
It's just as some of the spectators rise from their seats and some of the competitors turn to leave the area, that a loud explosion rings out.
"My word!" Freddy cries out; he's so alarmed, he rises to his feet and his chair clatters to the ground. "What in the world was that?!"
Don George hums. Arms crossed over his chest, his eyes are scrunched shut in thought. "It sounds like it originated outside the arena."
The piercing howl of the explosion serves to shatter whatever spell befell the occupants of the arena. The spectators closest to the exits run out, wondering what caused such a sound. The would-be competitors aren't too far behind, given their proximity.
Forcing their way through the crowd, Ash and Stephan inadvertently create a path for their friends.
("My apologies," Cilan says, trailing behind Ash and Stephan. "Sorry to trouble you. They're in a bit of a hurry, you see.")
Breaking past the crowd, Ash, Stephan and their friends soon see what caused such a commotion.
"Sceptile, that was incredible!"
"Hah, looks like that training wasn't for nothing."
Where once was a pristine crosswalk, a massive crater exists now. Standing in the rubble, looking battered yet battle-ready, are an impressive pair of Pokémon combatants: a Sceptile and a Swampert.
"I knew you two would show up!" Bianca cries. "I'm so happy to see you!"
Bianca proves that her words are not mere talk for she tackles Hilbert in a hug.
"B-Bianca?!" he stammers. He smiles, returning her hug with a pat on the back. "Told you we'd be here, didn't we?"
Bianca hums contentedly.
Hilda observes the scene with a smile, her Swampert returning to her side as Hilbert's Sceptile does the same.
"Seems you've been keeping with your training." Cheren observes, nodding at the crater.
"Something like that." Hilda says with a chuckle, rubbing the back of her neck. "It's good to see you, Cheren."
Cheren lets out a most undignified yelp when Hilda throws an arm around his neck. "Hilbert and I can't want to see you battle in the tournament!"
"Right." Cheren says, a smirk pulling at his lips. "You'll find that Bianca and I have done our fair share of training."
As the four friends catch up, retreating to a world that comes into being when people form unbreakable, lifelong bonds, the scores of people surrounding them are taken in by Sceptile and Swampert's strength and their rarity.
"Those are Pokémon from the Hoenn Region! So cool!"
"I hear they're the evolved forms of the Fire and Grass starters."
"Torchic and Treecko, right? Torchic's so cute!"
"I wonder what kind of moves they know."
"They must be pretty powerful to make a giant hole in the ground."
"Do you think I could get a chance to battle them?"
"They're impressed." Iris remarks dryly as the crowd around them retreat into their own worlds. The buzz of conversation - happy, uninhibited, lively - fills the air. Freddy and Don George look on; they immediately notice the way the atmosphere changed. The two return to inside the arena.
A moment later, Don George's voice sounds out from the speaker system.
"The time for the Nimbasa Town Battle Tournament has arrived!" he says. "All participants return to the stadium."
It is no exaggeration that the surging throng entering the arena is a stampede.
"It is my distinct privilege to get things rolling with that old familiar phrase," Don George says once everyone settles back into their places. He thrusts a hand high into the air. "Let the Club Battle begin!"
The crowd couldn't agree more, shouting the loudest they've been all day.
"Okay, ladies and gentleman!" Freddy says. Gesturing with one hand, he indicates the large television screen above and behind him. The screen changes from the Driftveil Wing Set to an artistic rendition of the battlefield and then an image of two rows of nine cards; it will serve to select who battles whom. "Take a look up on the big battle screen! Because we're ready to reveal the Battle Club first round matchups!"
"Given the number of participants, we'll be handling the tournament a little differently this go around." Don George interjects. "Everyone who registered for the tournament will be able to participate, but the first two battles will be a part of a preliminary round. Impartiality is an important part of any event; the time-honored Nimbasa Town Battle Tournament is no exception."
The cards converge in the center of the screen, spinning around and around each other. They come to a stop, revealing two cards that flip over to show Georgia and a young boy with blue hair and a yellow jacket.
"And the first battle will be," Freddy says. "Georgia versus Sylvester!"
"I'm so ready for this!" Sylvester cries, throwing his arms in the air.
Georgia smirks, not at Sylvester, but at Iris. "Hey, Iris the 'Dragon Master'!"
Iris glares back, saying nothing.
"Just a bit of friendly advice," Georgia says, her insufferable smirk never faltering. "You just make sure you don't lose too soon. I want the joy of beating you myself!"
"Fat chance!" Iris remarks.
They glare at each other with enough hostility that it looks as though electricity arcs between their eyes once more.
Sylvester looks between the two of them with a sweat drop. He shrugs his shoulders, hangs his head low. "Georgia, you're battling me first."
"The second battle will be," Freddy continues, the screen showing a man with a shock of red hair and a brown-haired man with a headband. "Dino versus Omega!"
Dino smirks confidently, barking out a chuckle and a "Yeah!".
A fist clenched, Omega asserts, "Piece of cake!"
"Georgia versus Sylvester and Dino versus Omega!" Don George shouts. "These four will be part of the tournament's preliminary round! Afterwards, the victors of these matches will be inducted into the first round!"
"Impressive!" Luke remarks, starry-eyed as he documents Don George's enthusiasm, camera zooming in on his face. "Not only is he invested in the tournament, he's helping to get the crowd fired up, too!"
"And the third battle will be Antonio versus Emmanuel!" Freddy says, the screen showing a man with a light blue undershirt and purple jacket and a boy with a bright blue jacket with orange rings marking the end of his sleeves. "Taking into account what Don George has said, this will serve as the first battle of the first round!"
"I'm ready!" Emmanuel declares, pounding a closed fist into an open palm. He stuffs his hands into the pockets of his blue jacket, looking over at Antonio with confidence.
"Hmph." Antonio says. "Good luck!"
"Battle number four is Burgundy versus Ash!" Freddy says, showing their respective faces.
"So I'm battling Burgundy," Ash muses, grinning. "Can't wait to battle someone who defeated both Lenora and Burgh!"
"Ahh," Burgundy says upon taking a deep inhale. She snaps her fingers, keeping that hand in the air. "Battling Ash will be like the refreshing taste of a tall glass of Seltzer Water! The perfect hors d'oeuvre before I bring Cilan to his knees! I will make you pay for what you did to me, and we're looking at quite the hefty sum!"
"I can hardly wait!" Cilan says, wincing.
"The fifth battle will be between Trip and Cilan!" Freddy continues, the screen showing their respective faces.
"What do you know?" Cilan remarks, looking at the screen then at Trip. "How nice. I'll get a taste of tangling with Trip."
"Facing off against a gym leader is fine by me." Trip remarks, his eyes closed.
"The sixth battle will be Stephan versus Bianca!" Freddy continues, the screen showing their respective faces.
"And I'm Bianca!" she declares proudly with an arm raised high. It earns her a cough from Cheren, a raised eyebrow from Hilda and a chuckle from Hilbert. Her eyes fall instantly on Stephan. "And you must be Stephan!"
"Yeah, that's me." Stephan says carefully, eyes just a tad too wide. "Nice to meet you!"
Bianca stares at Stephan, tilting her head to the side. She shakes it, clapping her hands together. "Nice to meet you!"
"The seventh battle will be Luke versus Scooter!" Freddy says, showing Luke as well as a man with a shock of dark purple hair and a bright red shirt.
Scooter takes a step back, grimacing when he gets a face full of Luke's camera. "What's with the camera?"
"I'm shooting a documentary about the tournament!" Luke explains, rattling Scooter further when Luke begins jumping around to capture him from different angles. "Just act like I'm not even here!"
"Battle number eight will be Iris versus Jimmy Ray!" Freddy says, showing Iris' face and a young man with a dark brown shirt and a yellow jacket.
"Wow!" Iris says. Lifting a hand to her eyes, she scans the crowd for her opponent. "Wonder where he is?"
Iris drops her arms instantly when she spots him. In fact, her entire body goes rigid. There's no doubt that the man she sees is Jimmy Ray. However, his appearance is a bit different than the one on the screen. The man does bear the colors of brown and yellow, but they're not typical clothes. It's a costume, replete with a cowl that looks exactly like a Watchog.
Jimmy Ray waves at his fellow competitors. When he locks eyes with Iris, he raises one hand in mimicry of a Watchog's paw, gives a two finger salute with the other, winks and gives her a sharp-toothed smile.
Iris and Axew pale instantly. "Uh oh! That's my opponent?!"
"Guy must really love Watchog." Hilda comments.
"That's dedication." Hilbert remarks. "So cool."
"And battle number nine will be Misty versus Cheren!" Freddy says, the screen showing the two in question.
"I look forward to our battle, Misty." Cheren says.
"Me too." Misty says. "Make sure you don't underestimate my Water Pokémon or that'll be your last mistake."
Smirking at each other, an electric current arcs between Misty and Cheren's eyes.
Ash vibrates with enthusiasm, throwing his arms into the air with a loud whoop. "Now this is a tournament! I can't wait to get started!"
"Do your best out there, Cheren and Bianca." Hilbert says, pulling the flap of his hat down.
"See you two in the finals." Hilda says.
"Thanks!" Bianca says.
"So," Freddy says, the screen behind him changing once more. Presently, it shows an aerial view of the battlefield, filmed at an angle so the following battles can be better enjoyed by the countless onlookers. "Let me hand the play-by-play over to Don George!"
"Wait!" Don George says, having taken a seat next to Freddy. "I'm the head of the Pokémon Battle Club and you're the sports anchor; it's yours!"
"All right, the pleasure's all mine!" Freddy roars, surging to his feet. "Begin the battle extravaganza!"
A series of fireworks go off from concealed canisters around the arena. The pyrotechnics explode in the sky in a series of yellows and blues. The beautiful lightshow only makes the crowd that much more enthusiastic.
"Now then," Freddy says as he sits back down. The screen behind him shows Georgia and Sylvester approaching the area; the two stand on opposite sides. "Time for battle number one: Georgia versus Sylvester! The rules of this tournament state that trainers may battle with one of their three registered Pokémon. And no substitutions are permitted."
"No exchanges?" Cilan ponders. He - as well as the rest of the competitors - have seats in the area sectioned off for them.
"'Kay." Ash says, sitting to Cilan's right and Misty's left. "Time to make a plan."
"Since when did you start making plans?" Iris asks. Sitting to Cilan's left, she narrows her eyes at Ash.
"Since always!" Ash retorts. "Maybe you should give it a try!"
Cilan's outward appearance doesn't change. Inwardly, he frowns.
I hope this won't become a regular occurrence.
(Hilbert and Hilda, considering how they're not part of the competition, sit next to each other in the stands.)
"Alright, Iris the Kid," Georgia says, Poké Ball in hand. She turns her back on Iris. "Time to watch and learn."
"Georgia Big Mouth." Iris growls, turning quickly to Sylvester. "I may not have a clue who you are Sylvester, but I know you should beat her!"
Sylvester says nothing, scratching his cheek with an index finger. He uses the other hand to bring out his own Poké Ball.
"Beartic, you're up!" Georgia says, releasing her Pokémon.
"Bear!"
"Joltik, come out!" Sylvester says, releasing his Pokémon.
"Joltik!"
At the sight of the part Bug-type, Misty experiences a full body shiver. Everyone else takes note of the rather glaring disparity between Beartic and Joltik.
"Excuse me?" Iris says. "Talk about a size difference."
"So what?" Georgia scoffs, unfazed. "They're better for a quick finish. Beartic, use Rock Smash!"
Beartic's right arm glowing orange, it rears it back before diving straight for Joltik.
"Joltik, dodge!"
Given Joltik's size and general training, it manages to easily avoid Beartic's attack. Beartic glares up at Joltik, Joltik landing a few paces away from where Beartic currently has its fist impacting the ground. Beartic moves, attempting another swipe at Joltik. Joltik easily dodges once more.
The battle regresses to the point where it looks less like a tournament sanctioned match and more like a frustrating game of Whack-A-Diglett.
"Joltik seems a little too fast for Beartic." Freddy says after a trilogy of Beartic attacking with Rock Smash and Joltik effortlessly escaping the maneuvers again and again.
"Small and quick has its advantages." Don George adds.
Beartic heaves a frustrated breath just as Joltik dodges another Rock Smash. Landing behind its opponent, Joltik doesn't tarry for it then jumps onto Beartic's back.
"Beartic, your back!"
"Now, Thunderbolt!" Sylvester orders.
Beartic doesn't have time to react. Joltik's cheeks spark with electricity before it unleashes the powerful voltage directly into Beartic. They both become engulfed in the blinding yellow light of a Thunderbolt. When it fades, Beartic looks battered whilst Joltik looks satisfied.
"Beartic, no!" George cries out.
Beartic doesn't so much as falter. Beartic falls back, landing with its back to the ground. And yet, its eyes remain open.
"Jol…tik."
Joltik, on the other hand, barely manages to escape from under Beartic before it collapses. It falls to the ground, thoroughly bested.
"Joltik!" Sylvester cries.
Beartic gives its opponent a puzzled expression, scratching its head.
"Joltik's unable to battle!" the referee - the surly man that many will recognize as Don George's colleague - announces. He lifts the green flag in his right hand in Georgia's direction. "Beartic's the winner! So, the winner of the match is Georgia!"
"Well, a victory is a victory." Georgia mutters to herself, returning Beartic to its Poké Ball. "I definitely won't complain."
Sylvester crosses the battlefield, kneeling next to his Pokémon. He pats Joltik on the head, Joltik looking quite downtrodden. "Don't worry, buddy. I'll get you to a Pokémon Center right away! This battle has already given me a great strategy for the next time we battle a giant Pokémon!"
"Jol…tik." is all it says, returning to Sylvester's Poké Ball.
Georgia chuckles, looking to Iris, Jumping from one foot to the other, Georgia throws her arms into the air. "What do you think of that, Dragon-Type Lover Iris! All hail the Dragon Buster!"
Iris subsequently groans and sighs. "Talk about getting carried away. Beartic didn't even do much!"
"Literally crushing your opponent beneath you's definitely one way to end a battle." Luke remarks, zooming in with his camera to better capture Georgia's triumph.
"She certainly boasts a most intriguing recipe." Cilan remarks.
After Georgia and Sylvester vacate the battlefield, there's a brief pause before Freddy announces the next battle.
"Battle number two: Dino versus Omega!" Freddy says. "The winner of this match will move on from the preliminary round, facing off against Georgia in the first round!"
Dino and Omega take to opposite sides of the battlefield, soon calling out their Pokémon of choice. Dino's Pokémon is a Deerling, its pink colors earning a fair bit of attention, and Omega's is a Patrat.
"Don't let them underestimate you, Deerling."
"I'm counting on you, Patrat."
"Battle begin!" the referee cries, bringing his two flags high into the air.
"Deerling, use Headbutt!"
"Counterattack with Tackle!"
Both Deerling and Patrat leap high into the air. The two Pokémon crash into each other, sustaining a fair bit of damage in the process. They land on the opposite sides of the battlefield from where they started the battle.
"And Deerling and Patrat stick the landing!" Freddy remarks.
"Brute force may be considered inelegant, but the results are undeniable." Don George adds.
"Don't let up, Deerling!"
"You too, Patrat!" Omega shouts. "Use Tackle!"
Heeding their trainers' orders, Deerling and Patrat ready themselves for another attack. Deerling and Patrat launch themselves into the air once more. However, as Deerling faces its opponent directly, Patrat is not as fortunate. Weightless and with its back to Deerling, Patrat is unable to react.
Deerling collides into Patrat with a mighty Headbutt, sending the other crashing to the ground, unconscious. Deerling lands in front of its trainer, unaffected save for the dirt on its coat.
"Patrat is unable to battle!" the referee announces, raising the green flag in his right hand to Dino's direction. "Deerling's the winner! And the winner of the match is Dino!"
The screen behind Freddy changes to accommodate this development. At first showing Dino and Omega's portraits, a lightning bolt symbol separating them, it changes to show only Dino. His portrait is on display, flames in the background as the word "WINNER" glitters gold beneath his portrait.
"Thus concludes the preliminary round!" Don George says whilst Dino and Omega return their Pokémon and leave the battlefield. "And so, the first round will consist of these battles!"
Freddy fiddles with the device in front of him, the screen behind him changing to show two rows of eight cards. They flip over, showing the following people in sequential order: Antonio and Emmanuel, Burgundy and Ash, Trip and Cilan, Stephan and Bianca, Luke and Scooter, Iris and Jimmy Ray, Misty and Cheren and Georgia and Dino.
"Right!" Freddy shouts. "Battle number three - and the first battle of the first round - will be Antonio versus Emmanuel!"
Antonio and Emmanuel don't dawdle; they move to stand on opposite sides of the battlefield.
"Like the brilliant star of Nimbasa City!" Antonio cries, releasing his Pokémon of choice. "Mystify them with your elegance, Tranquill!"
"Tranquill." it says, giving a demure nod. A fire burns in its eyes.
"Tranquill's no match for my Pokémon!" Emmanuel declares, releasing his Pokémon. "Come on out, Scolipede!"
Just like clockwork, as soon as the Bug- and Poison-type makes an appearance, Misty experiences a powerful shudder. No one comments.
"Battle," the referee says, bringing his flags high into the air. "Begin!"
"Scolipede, Poison Sting!"
Antonio nods his head. "Tranquill, dodge and then get in close!"
A battlecry upon its mandibles, Scolipede rears its head back. It attacks, unleashing a barrage of purple spikes. Gliding close to the ground, Tranquill flies up directly in front of Scolipede. Tranquill dodges each and every barrage of Poison Sting, flying just out of range of the attack.
"Incredible!" Freddy cries. "One would expect nothing less from Unova's most famous feathered friend!"
"The way Tranquill commands the air currents is truly astonishing." Don George agrees. "However, one mustn't ignore its opponent. Considering Scolipede's relentless Poison Sting, it has been trained well."
"Tranquill, Sky Attack!"
Flying through the air, just out of range of yet another Poison Sting, Tranquill performs a midair loop. Taking aim for Scolipede, Tranquill's entire body becomes engulfed in a beauteous silver-blue light. The tips of Tranquill's wings turn gray like metal.
Scolipede is unable to react, Tranquill striking it in the blink of an eye.
Tranquill lets loose a triumphant cry, roosting on the ground in front of Antonio whilst Scolipede hits the ground. The force of it is enough to kick up a plume of dirt. When it clears, it reveals Scolipede, battered and unconscious.
"Scolipede!" Emmanuel cries.
"Sorry, pal." Antonio says. "The brighter the star, the more blinding its light."
"Tranquill." it says, giving an agreeable nod.
"Scolipede is unable to battle!" the referee shouts, lifting the green flag in his right hand in Antonio's direction. "Tranquill wins! And the winner of the match is Antonio!"
The screen behind Freddy and Don George changes to accommodate this outcome. Antonio's portrait is on display, shrouded in flames and hanging above "WINNER" glittering gold.
Antonio and Emmanuel return their Pokémon, leaving the battlefield in preparation for the next battle.
"Up next: battle number four!" Freddy announces, the screen behind him changing to reflect the upcoming battle. "Burgundy versus Ash!"
"Okay!" Ash exclaims, surging to his feet, clenching his hands into fists. "It's about time!"
"Ash."
Ash turns around, finding Cilan looking at him thoughtfully.
"The last time I had a battle with Burgundy," Cilan continues. "She used Dewott and Sawsbuck."
"Who will you use?" Iris asks. "Tepig or Snivy?"
Ash grins. "I've got somebody else I've been wanting to try out!"
He glances out at the battlefield, adjusts the brim of his hat.
Ash crouches down in front of Pikachu, giving him a head rub. "Pikachu, I'll be counting on you to cheer me on, 'kay?"
"Pikachu!" he cries, a determined cast to his face. His cheeks crackle with electricity, pumping his paws in towards his sides.
Ash laughs. Rising to his feet, he jumps the divider separating the battlefield from the competitors' rest area.
"Wait, Ash!" Iris cries. Jumping to her feet, she looks after him with worry. "He didn't say which Pokémon he wants to try out!"
Cilan chuckles in resignation. He leans back on the bench. "One can never say which recipe Ash will follow."
"I'm totally psyched to see Ash in action once again!" Stephan admits.
"Yeah, me too!" Bianca agrees. "Me too!"
"One thing I know," Trip remarks, gazing at the battlefield with enough intensity to set it ablaze. "it'll be a mess, for sure."
"Nah." Luke says, peering at the battlefield through his camera. "It'll be exciting!"
"Never a doubt about that." Misty remarks.
"Marill!"
Burgundy and Ash take their places on opposite ends of the battlefield.
"Burgundy!" Ash calls. "Let's give 'em a good show!"
"All I care about is beating that arrogant connoisseur, Cilan!" Burgundy asserts. "You? Like buying a day-old baguette!"
"Look, all I wanna do is to win!" Ash says. "Then head straight to the Nimbasa City Gym and win there as well!"
"Hmph." Burgundy huffs with an airy shrug of her shoulders. "You and your silly ol' dreams. And yet…I suppose it's commendable; having a goal like that."
"Thanks Burgundy!"
Burgundy pursues her lips and narrows her eyes at Ash. Shaking her head with a scoff, she brings out a Poké Ball.
"Alors!" she cries. "Come on out, Stoutland! Plus vit!"
Throwing out her Poké Ball, it doesn't take long for her Pokémon to emerge on the scene.
"Stoutland." it says with a brisk nod.
"Bonjour!" Burgundy says. Putting a hand on her heart, she thrusts the other into the air. "It's now Reevaluating Time, s'il vous plaît!"
With a dramatic clearing of her throat, Burgundy stares across the battlefield, first at Stoutland, then at Ash.
"Stoutland is a bold and loyal Pokémon." Burgundy says. "Even to the untrained eye, one can see Stoutland's magnificent qualities. The sumptuous fur. The compassionate eyes. The ferocious cry. But those qualities fade to the background in the face of its heart. A heart burning with the desire for victory. With that said, the compatibility between Stoutland and I is perfection!"
"Stoutland." it barks in agreement.
"Stoutland?" Ash repeats, bringing out his Pokédex.
"Stoutland, the Big-Hearted Pokémon and the evolved form of Herdier!" The Pokédex recites. "Stoutland is very wise and is skilled in rescuing people stranded in the mountains or at sea!"
"Stoutland's quite strong." Cilan says.
"I wonder which Pokémon Ash wants to try out?" Iris says.
A confident smirk on his face, Ash pockets his Pokédex with one hand and brings out a Poké Ball with the other.
"'Kay, here goes!" Ash shouts. Enlarging his Poké Ball, he tosses it through the air. "Palpitoad, I choose you!"
A battlecry on his lips, Palpitoad appears on the battlefield.
All, save Misty, react to this development with a fair bit of confusion.
"He chose Palpitoad?" Iris wonders.
Misty jolts in her seat when one of her Poké Balls releases its inhabitant on its own.
"Psyduck, when will—"
The words die on her lips. Misty finds that it wasn't Psyduck who let itself out of its Poké Ball; it was Palpitoad.
"Palpitoad." she says, jumping onto the divider between the battlefield and the competitors' rest area.
Misty can only sigh, putting a hand to her forehead in dismay.
"Palpitoad?" Freddy says, blinking twice. "An interesting choice."
"Stoutland is a Normal-type." Don George says. "While Palpitoad is both a Water- and Ground-type. I think this will add up to a most exciting match."
Once the initial shock wears off, the people in the stands are on the edge of their seats as they wait for the battle to begin. Most of them anyway.
("It's like these people haven't seen a Palpitoad before. If he had set out a Crawdaunt, I could see people being thrown for a loop.")
("Hilda, I know you're right, but I'm trying to watch the match here!")
"Oh, what is this?" Burgundy says. "Most interesting. There's a certain strength about. Regardless, your Palpitoad has an unpleasant muddy aroma."
Palpitoad narrows his eyes, but otherwise doesn't react.
"This is our first battle together!" Ash states, sharing a knowing look with his Palpitoad. "I thought it'd be a good chance to see how we work as a team!"
"Hah!" Burgundy says. "You've got more courage than I thought, if you're using a tournament battle with a connaisseuse as a test! So! Let's see your speciality de jour!"
"And battle," the referee says, raising his arms high before bringing them low. "begin!"
"'Kay, let's go!" Ash says, fiddling with the brim of his hat, He thrusts his arm out. "Palpitoad, Mud Shot!"
Palpitoad leaps into the air. Rearing back, spinning so his back is to Stoutland, he readies his attack. Sticking his tongue out, it glows a bright yellow. Turning back to face Stoutland, Palpitoad unleashes a barrage of mud spherules. They collide with Stoutland, exploding in a plume of mud and dirt.
"And Palpitoad's Mud Shot scores a direct hit!" Freddy says.
"A powerful one, indeed!" Don George remarks. "Truly an outstanding showing for Palpitoad's first move!"
"How rude!" Burgundy shouts whilst Stoutland shakes back and forth vigorously in a bid to get rid of the mud. "Covering Stoutland's face with mud! Stoutland, retaliate with Tackle!"
Stoutland gives a brisk nod of its head, charging for Palpitoad right as he drops back to the ground. The force of the Tackle sends Palpitoad flying.
"A Tackle, indeed!" Freddy shouts. "And Palpitoad's hit hard!"
"Trés bon!" Burgundy cheers. "N'est-ce pas? Alors, Thunder Fang!"
Stoutland jumps into the air, intent on following up on its assault.
Burgundy winces right as Stoutland's fangs crackle with electricity, realizing the maneuver is a faux pas.
Nevertheless, shrouded in electricity, Stoutland brings its fangs down on Palpitoad. The two hover in the air. Palpitoad blinks twice, wholly unaffected.
"Palpitoad seems unfazed by that powerful electric field!" Freddy observes.
"The reason for that is Palpitoad's part Ground-type!" Don George says.
"Using an Electric-type attack against Palpitoad was a big mistake." Cilan remarks, something in his tone causing both Burgundy and Misty to flinch.
"Of all the arrogant…" Burgundy mutters, looking up and away from Cilan. She turns back to the battle at hand. She doesn't dignify Cilan's appearance, saying, "I know, merci."
"Wow, she really doesn't like you." Iris remarks.
"That's putting it mildly." Georgia adds.
Cilan is rendered helpless by awkward chuckles.
"Now, Stoutland!" Burgundy orders. "Ice Fang!"
Stoutland lands on the battlefield, Palpitoad still in its jaws. A faint silvery mist radiates from Stoutland's jaws, transforming into a brilliant blue starburst. The light fades, showing Stoutland's glowing fangs. They glow a bright silvery-white, ice making its way from Stoutland's jaws to Palpitoad's body.
This time, Palpitoad does react. He recoils, mouth wide in horror at the ice beginning to encase his body. It inches its way all over his body, leaving his mouth and a small part of his face exposed.
"Oh no!" Ash grimaces, clenching a fist. "Palpitoad!"
"This is bad!" Cilan says. "Palpitoad's been frozen and can't move!"
A thoughtful hum escapes past Trip's lips. He says nothing. Placing his elbows on his knees, he looks upon the battlefield over his interlocked fingers.
"Come on, Ash!" Iris shouts.
:"You've gotta do something!" Stephan adds.
"Would he? Could he? Lose?" Bianca wonders, looking back and forth between her friends and the battlefield with dizzying intensity.
"Pikachu Pikapi!" he shouts, paws coming up to the sides of his mouth.
"Palpitoad!" Misty's Palpitoad shouts, jumping from one foot to the other.
"I hear you." Misty says on an agreeable nod. "Show 'em what you're made of, Palpitoad!"
Burgundy laughs, looking pleased.
"There's nothing like a frozen dessert served up by gourmet chef, Stoutland." she remarks. "And for you two? It's all on the house!"
"Oh yeah?" Ash challenges. "Palpitoad, Supersonic!"
Palpitoad heeds his trainer's command; an ear-splitting wave of sound emanates from his mouth. The cacophonous sound causes Stoutland to falter, that moment being enough for Palpitoad to slam into Stoutland. The ice encasing Palpitoad breaks apart, freeing him.
Stoutland and Palpitoad retreat to their respective trainers.
"Ash did it!" Stephan cheers.
"It worked!" Bianca cheers, throwing her arms into the air. She looks to Stephan, saying, "Did it work?"
"Ash and Palpitoad are a great match!" Cilan says.
"Pika!"
Misty smiles, using a free hand to pat her Palpitoad's head.
"I wouldn't celebrate yet over a teensy move like that!" Burgundy advises. "Stoutland, use Tackle!"
Getting a running start, Stoutland runs into Palpitoad with the full force of its body. Palpitoad goes flying from the pushback.
"Maintenant!" Burgundy cries with an elegant twirl. "Fire Fang, plus vit!"
Stoutland's jaws become a raging inferno, soon jumping into the air after its quarry.
Cilan, Iris and Pikachu all react with fright.
"Not this time!" Ash says. "Use Mud Shot!"
Palpitoad rears back, releasing another barrage of mud directly for Stoutland. Unlike last time, most of them soar through the air, not even grazing Stoutland. One mud spherule manages to hit its mark and more. The Mud Shot slams directly into Stoutland's mouth.
Gasping, the attack forces Stoutland to clamp down on its Fire Fang. The resulting blast from the Fire Fang combined with the Mud Shot surrounds Stoutland in a cloud of murky gray smoke. Stoutland crashes to the ground, hacking profusely.
"Vit, Stoutland!" Burgundy cries. "Spit it out!"
Ash pulls down on the brim of his hat, pressing the attack.
"All right!" he roars just as Palpitoad lands a few paces in front of him. "Palpitoad, Hydro Pump!"
Puffing his cheeks out, bringing himself to his full height, Palpitoad unleashes a powerful stream of water from his mouth. The powerful torrent of blue flies through the air, not only hitting Stoutland, but also pushing him directly into the rock wall behind Burgundy.
Pure white mist fills the air, obscuring Stoutland's fate.
"Stoutland?" Burgundy ventures.
"Stout…"
The fog dissipates, revealing a soaking wet - and unconscious - Stoutland.
"C'est impossible." Burgundy says. Frowning, she has a hand to her heart.
"Stoutland is unable to battle!" the referee says, raising the red flag in his left hand in Ash's direction. "Palpitoad wins! And that means Ash wins the match!"
"So cool!" a man cheers from the stands before being swallowed up by the enthusiastic whoops of the spectators.
"You were great, Palpitoad!" Ash asserts. Running over to meet his Pokémon, Ash crouches down to pat Palpitoad on the head.
Palpitoad nods in agreement.
Burgundy graces Stoutland with a tentative smile. She crouches down next to Stoutland, embracing her Pokémon.
"Cher Stoutland." she says. "Like the scent of a Lillipup soaked by the rain."
"That's the Ash I know!" Stephan remarks.
"He did it!" Bianca cheers, her arms raised high. "He did it! He did it! Yay!"
"Hmph!" Trip scoffs, his eyes closed. Opening his eyes, he rises to his feet. "That was just a lucky break."
Pikachu, Axew and Marill dance together on one of the benches, celebrating another of Ash's victories.
Congratulating their Pokémon on their efforts, Ash and Burgundy return theirs before vacating the battlefield in preparation for the next battle.
"Yes!" Cilans cheers, having gotten to his feet. "What a debut for Palpitoad!"
"Palpitoad did great out there!" Misty remarks.
"Palpitoad!" Misty's Palpitoad says with an all-knowing huff.
"You're next, Cilan!" Iris says.
"Right!" Cilan says, turning to Iris. "And as a Pokémon Connoisseur, my performance must be even tastier than Ash's!"
"This is incredible!" Luke says. Pausing his camera, he lowers it for just a moment. "We're not even halfway through the tournament and I already have such great footage! Don't you think, Zorua?"
Zorua barks and snickers, making her feelings on the matter plain.
"Any movie filled with a lotta Pokémon battles is sure to be great!" Stephan says. He sweat drops, taking a step back when he notices Bianca staring at him.
"Bianca?" Luka says.
"Do I have something on my face?" Stephan asks, scratching one of his cheeks.
"Oh!" Bianca exclaims, flushed bright red. She looks away. "Cheren, what did you think of the battle?"
"That Palpitoad has incredible potential." Cheren answers. "The way it fought was truly remarkable.."
"That Supersonic really made a difference, don't you think?" Bianca says to which Cheren nods approvingly.
"And now, hold onto your seats for our fifth battle!" Freddy advises. "It's Trip versus Cilan!"
The screen behind him changes from a triumphant Ash to show Trip and Cilan's portraits.
"So, Don George, how do you see this battle shaping up?" Freddy asks.
"The fact is, Cilan is one of the gym leaders of the Striaton Gym." Don George says. "Which means he's gonna be one tough opponent."
In the stands, Hilda's gaze is locked on the battlefield. "I can't wait to see a gym leader in action!"
"It has been a while since we've challenged the Striaton Gym." Hilbert agrees. "I'm pretty curious to see how he's grown, too."
Back in the competitor's rest area, Ash shares a high five with Pikachu, allowing him to perch on his shoulder. Ash turns to Misty, grinning.
"Not that bad for our first battle, huh, Misty?"
"Not that bad." Misty agrees, pulling down the brim of Ash's hat.
Ash pouts, turning to the battlefield.
The conversation stills, competitors and spectators alike anxious to see not only another battle of the Nimbasa Town Battle Tournament, but the battling skills of a gym leader in action.
But elsewhere, the proceedings of a battle tournament are the furthest thing from their minds.
With great pride and personal satisfaction in his heart, Looker watches as his Croagunk expertly lands a Sludge Bomb on his Gallade and his Floatzel dodges the onslaught unleashed by his Luxray's Discharge. He's just about to command his Gallade and Floatzel retaliate with Psycho Cut and Liquidation respectively when he feels a vibration in the pocket of his coat.
A message?
"Continue sparring at once." Looker orders the same time he pulls his Pokégear from his pocket. Watching his Pokémon test their skills against one another, Looker's good humor dissipates when he sees what the message entails.
The air grows cold, the message short and simple: an agent's position has been compromised.
The International Police is stringent and flawless in the training of their agents. Before being properly commissioned, they are put through a rigorous regime. The program seeks to prepare fledgling agents for any scenario they might come across in their fight to make the world a better place.
To that end, there exists a failsafe. Even the most knowledgeable and skilled agent is still only human. During their training, they're each given a special device. A device that, when triggered, sends a distress signal directly to headquarters. After that, the signal is rerouted to agents closest to the point of origin.
Looker himself had seen the message only once before, when the International Police sought to ensure that each and every agent in their organization would be familiar with the call for action.
Without delay, Looker connects his Pokégear to his laptop. Once it starts, the screen immediately shows two things: a topographical image of Unova; and a beeping orange dot. Looker zooms in, the image changing to show the Desert Resort region.
"The Desert Resort…" he murmurs. "What could an agent be doing inside those ruins?"
Closing his laptop, Looker returns his Pokégear to his pocket. He quickly briefs his Pokémon on the current state of affairs. Returning his Luxray, Gallade, Floatzel, Magnezone and Staraptor, he turns to Croagunk with a knowing gleam in his eyes.
"Well, partner," he says, a smirk pulling at his lips. "Are you ready for a rescue mission?"
Croagunk offers a brisk nod, his cheeks distending with his breathing.
Originally Added: December 19th, 2023.