Author's Note:
Here it is, the first gym battle in this book and I'm using the gyms this book to prepare myself for the battle frontier (which I plan on expanding my battle revoir with different formats). Namely, I want to explore different battle styles which can be seen by the addition to the title. We also get a little more insight into Bianca before she disappears for a bit. Oh, and the introduction of the final main human character, gee, I wonder who it'll be. More about them in the next chapter. Happy New Year, I truly hope it's better than the last few. This decade has been one gut punch after another already, so it'll be nice to have some things go right. Expect the next chapter on my birthday (22.01.24). Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin.
Chapter six: Drake verses Trio Bro's: Royal
Drake sat at the table under a sun umbrella and took a bite of his toast. Glancing down to the side, he noticed his team consuming their own breakfast. While he knew he'd have to switch Tepig back into his team, his eye was drawn to his Pokegear and an article Marowak directed him to.
Letting out a low sigh, he knew he'd need the leaders to accept this... unique format. Given what he knows about this gym, his original plan was substitute Tepig for a more traditional starter. Although he couldn't deny that his ground types plan was intriguing.
"Good morning!" Iris beamed, as she approached from behind. Turning he noticed her bowl of fruit and Bianca following behind.
"It was-" he muttered, putting his device away.
"Morning," she whispered as she took a seat opposite him and next to the purple-haired girl. "How are you."
"Thinking-" he picked up his drink and sipped his tea.
"You get use to his grumpiness." Iris informed. "So still planning on challenging the gym today?"
"Uh huh." He nodded.
"Erm, w-would it be okay for me to join you?" Bianca stuttered. "I-I mean to watch your battle?"
"If you're trying-"
"Drake!" Iris hissed.
"Knock yourself out-" He rolled his eyes, finishing his drink quickly.
Standing up, he walked away from the table and let out an exhausted sigh. As he closed his eyes, the thought of his travels around the orange islands came back to him. It's starting to feel eerily similar to those days with the extent of the group. Part of him misses those days... and he also hated them.
"Penny for your thoughts?" he turned to see Doctor Fennel stood in front of him.
"Pass-" he uttered. "I don't need psycho-analysing."
"I wouldn't dream of it," she replied, "can I ask... are you on the spectrum?"
"I assume you mean autism?" he asked to which she nodded. "No... never tested either. I know what I am."
"Which is?" she asked.
"High functioning sociopath." He uttered.
"Firstly, that's not an actual diagnosis used these days," she corrected. "And second... I doubt it. Even if it was a diagnosis."
"So, you charge by the hour doc or what?" he asked.
"Now you're avoiding the topic..." She continued. "Makes me think I'm touching a nerve."
"You're not the only one who can do this-" He frowned. "Your testing me... makes me wonder what for. You was also concerned for Bianca, and she just invited herself to my gym battle. Could it be your being protective of her after yesterday?"
"I won't deny that I worry for her safety..." She admitted. "I worry for most trainers with people like Plasma running around. But that wasn't psychological-"
"I study behaviour," he replied, "makes reading situations and people easier... you know, with the mute emotions things."
"That is concerning..." she muttered.
"I know..." He sarcastically rolled his eyes. "Being a sociopath is such a downer. You find no-one can keep up and its super annoying."
"I meant your inherent need for that diagnostic." She corrected. "You may have some narcissistic tendencies but that's not the same."
"Arrogance has to be earnt." He shrugged.
"And you think you've earnt it?" she asked.
"If I said yes... would that make my diagnoses more or less true?" he asked.
"No-one's diagnosed you... except yourself." She corrected. "But the fact that's your biggest concern says I was right about my own concern."
"Good job I didn't ask you to diagnose me." He smirked. "But it's not often I can meet someone who goes toe to toe with me, intellectually."
"I'm flattered..." she replied, "but maybe you was only willing to listen just because of my profession. Like you wanted confirmation."
"I never-" He gasped, placing a hand on his heart, and turning half away. "And I thought we were just becoming friends. I'm hurt."
"I thought psychopaths didn't get hurt," Iris commented as she walked up with Bianca and his Pokémon. "Speaking off, aren't they meant to be charming?"
"One, I'm a high functioning sociopath, not psychopath. B... no two, I could try to be charming... if there was someone worth the effort. Three, or c, don't interrupt other people's conversation and D or that little iv in brackets they use in footnotes... I'm heading off to the gym, so this is over."
As he began returning his team to their Pokéballs, he caught sight of his pure ground type packing up his things into his backpack. Clipping the last device back onto his belt, he couldn't help but catch the conversation between Doctor Fennel and Bianca with the former wishing the latter well. Taking his bag off his partner, he slipped it onto his shoulders before turned and heading down the street. It didn't take long for the younger females to catch up.
"You know it was really rude to just walk off like that-" Iris lectured.
"Sociopath remember-" He rolled his eyes. "And we are in Unova... I thought I'd blend into my surroundings."
"It's okay, Iris... I don't mean to hold either of you up," Bianca interjected. "Maybe my father was correct."
"Correct?" he quirked an eyebrow up.
"Yeah... he supports Plasma," she uttered, "claims Pokémon are dangerous... it's the reason I haven't really gone on a journey yet."
"It's your lack of a journey which allowed Plasma to capture you yesterday-" he uttered. "And I wonder how he'd react to what they'd have done to you."
"Drake!" Iris hissed.
"The only way to grow is through experience," he replied, "not just Pokémon but people as well. If you never experience the world, you'll be horribly prepared for it. Of course, given the backwards way of life in Unova, I can understand the fear. Pokémon are dangerous creatures, but you can openly carry firearms."
"If you hate Unova so much, why come here?" she asked. "You knew about Plasma! But you made the choice to journey here!"
"What can I say, I needed a fresh start." He shrugged. "And I saw a third world country dressed up in a Gucci bag and knew they needed help too."
Hearing her groan in anger brought a smile to his face. He knew she hated every time he put down the region but after the first few days she learnt to just quit before it got even worse. What can he say, antagonising her is one of the few things he enjoys about her presence on this journey.
He took a deep breath as he stood outside the three-story building with a more finesse design compared to the modern style of the rest of the city, with flowers decorating the outside and gold designs highlighting the more traditional aspects of the historic building.
"You seem nervous-" Iris whispered, drawing his attention. His eyes flicked down in a frown as they met her's. "Or not."
"This'll be my seventeenth gym badge," he explained, "I'm not nervous... I just... I'm wondering what's the point-"
"Maro Marowak!"
"Heh, right." He closed his eyes as a smile flicked up onto his lips. "I'm gonna keep our promise."
"Promise?" she asked.
"When we were eliminated in the silver conference... it wasn't my highest moment," he replied, "but Marowak made me promise to not give up... that whichever league we took on next... we'd win, together."
"Aww, you do have a heart-" She mocked in an over-the-top tone, placing her hands on her own heart, and fluttering her eyes.
"We should stop wasting time." he sneered, turned back to the entrance.
Walking up to the doors, he opened them and walked inside of the building. Numerous tables covered the floor with different people and Pokémon of all kinds enjoying a variety of meals. Approaching the stand where a traditionally dressed butler stood, he couldn't help but feel like all eyes were on them as he heard hushed whispers from the cliental, even if specifics couldn't be made out. Focusing on the waiter, it didn't take long for him to reach the waiting stand.
"Good morning," the man smiled, picking up a set of presumable menus from the stand. "I presume a table for three. Do you have a reservation?"
"No." He uttered. "I'm here for a gym battle."
"Ah, very good." He smiled. "Allow me to show you to our gym leaders and the owners of the restaurant."
Following the young man, he quickly noticed who they were heading towards. Three young-adults who clearly shared some physical resemblance other than the hair, which was red, green, and blue, respectively. Stood beside a traditional bar, which remained un-manned.
"I present to you the Striaton gym triplets." The waiter announced, quickly making his exit.
"So, your here for a gym challenge?" the red haired one asked, a glint in his eye.
"Uh huh." He uttered. "You seem a little young to own your own restaurant?"
"Our grandfather started it many years ago and passed it down to our father," the blue haired one replied, "he taught us the trade and when he retired, allowed us to become co-owners. Each of us handling a different aspect, I specialise in the drinks and bar area."
"I can see its clearly working..." He looked around to the lack of people. "You must be doing great. Ran off your feet."
"I handle the kitchen and menu!" The red haired added with a familiar flame behind his eye. It almost reminded him of Ash when it came to battles.
"And I'm in charge of the customer experience... from service to aesthetic." the green haired one concluded.
"Cool... so can we get on with introductions?" he asked. "The sooner we start the sooner I can be on my way."
"Certainly, my name is Cilan!" The green haired boy greeted. "And as you already know, we're the combined gym leaders of Striaton city."
"Hey," he nodded. "Names Drake Ketchum and I'm from Pallet town."
"Pallet town? Never heard of it." The red-haired boy grumbled. "I'm Chili! I light things up with my fire type Pokémon!"
"And I'm the eldest of the three brothers, Cress." The blue haired boy bowed. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Let me guess, shrub head uses grass and bluey uses water?" he asked. "So, who'll handle my challenge?"
"Firstly, we'd like to know your starter Pokémon," Cilan explained.
Without another word, he took out his Pokéball and released his first Pokémon. Landing on the floor beside him, he couldn't help but feel like every eye from the tables were stuck on them. His fire flying type let out a low growl as he stepped forward, locking eyes with the three brothers.
"Ah..." Cress uttered. "It seems we've got an issue-"
"Um, you see... as for the usual challenge for our gym-" Cilan stuttered. "We usually select the leader based on your starter."
"Which is why your meant to come to us as the first gym challenge," Chili stomped his foot.
"You are my first gym challenge... in Unova-" He shrugged. "But this is my fourth time exploring a region. Third league challenge."
"Maro Marowak!"
"May I suggest a challenge instead?" he asked.
"We're open to suggestions-" Cress gestured for his inclusion.
"In the region of Alola, they have a unique format of battle where four trainers face off at once called a battle royal," he explained, "it goes until the first knock out but I'm proposing an adjustment on the format. I'll use Marowak here against you three... and it'll go until either side has no way to continue."
"A three-on-one?" Cilan asked. "Wouldn't you prefer a best of three?"
"I figured since your clearly out matched." He smirked. "We could handy cap ourselves and give you a slight advantage."
"What the-" Chili growled stepping forward but his starter stopped him. Holding one clawed hand out, daring him to approach.
"I'm a multi-league competitor who has sixteen gym badges..." He clarified. "Your three brothers who couldn't pass the gym test between yourselves and only got this role due to Plasma scaring off the actual trainers who'd hold the position instead."
"That's hardly an appropriate way to treat a gym leader-" Cilan flicked an eyebrow up.
"I'm not here to make friends... just win a badge-" He rolled his eyes. "I'd prefer an actual challenge, but this is what I've got. We'll all just need to make do."
"I'm on fire with your attitude!" Chili declared. "You wanna play? Cause you're gonna get burnt."
"So, I'm gonna guess lava boy here was the one of you which actually tried the gym test-" He smirked. "Anything else I should know?"
"How did-" Cilan uttered.
"I study human behaviour," he replied, "I knew one of you would've had to of tried... it's easier to get a trainers who showed interest in the position when push came to shove. Being the youngest, obviously you two stepped in to help with the responsibility. I know this because one, he's clearly the most moved by my attitude towards you. Anger gives you away. And two he's the only one who emphasised his type speciality. Having a little brother, myself, his rashness is clear. Guess you could say that I made an educated guess but given your respective responses, I think I'm right on the money."
"If you're so sure, big guy, what about the rest of us?" Chili asked.
"Cress is the eldest, he's been the most level-headed and took the lead. He's kind of like myself in that sense. I figure he'd be the most experienced too, but we'll need to wait and see," he explained, "as for shrub-boy... he's the hardest to read. Being the middle child, I assume he's use to being overlooked."
"Maybe we should get on with this gym challenge-" Cress suggested.
Turning on a heel, he began walking towards a door to the back of the restaurant. Seeing the two other triplets join him, he turned and recalled his starter before following suit. Walking into the opposite room, he found a traditional ground field without anything really standing out. He took up the closest trainer's box and watched as the two girls followed in, standing against the far wall as the trio stood on the opposing side of the field.
"This will be a three-on-one gym battle in the style of an adapted battle royal between the three Striaton city gym leaders and the challenger, Drake Ketchum from Pallet town." Cilan declared. "Whichever side has a Pokémon still standing at the end will be victorious! There will be no substitutions or time limit!"
"Are you sure this is the challenge your happy with?" the blue-haired brother asked.
"It's the challenge Marowak wants..." He shrugged as his ground type walk out with bone in hand. "And he's the one who has to fight it."
"Go Pansage!" "And don't forget Panpour!" "Turn up the heat Pansear!"
In a flash of light, the three Pokémon materialised on the field. Each shared a resembled body shape but with some key difference. One was primarily green with what looked like a broccoli head, with three golden seeds on top, clearly a grass type. He pulled out his dex to check out the mon:
Pansage, The grass monkey Pokémon. It shares the leaf on its head with weary-looking Pokémon. These leaves are known to relieve stress. It's good at finding berries and gathers them from all over. It's kind enough to share them with friends
His eyes skimmed to the right where the mostly blue Pokémon stood. The top of his head reminded him of water breaking apart at the top of a fountain with the eyes also being different and more clouded over. He once again used his device and scanned the water type opponent:
Panpour, The Spray Pokémon. It does not thrive in dry environments. It keeps itself damp by shooting water stored in its head tuft from its tail. The water stored inside the tuft on its head is full of nutrients. It waters plants with it using its tail
Glancing over to the side, he took in the most energetic of the trio. This opponent being primarily fire red with the traditional flame symbol being on top of his head. He held out his device a final time and scanned the aggressive opponent:
Pansear, The high temp Pokémon. This Pokémon lives in caves in volcanoes. The fire within the tuft on its head can reach six-hundred-degrees-fahrenheit. Part of the element monkey trio of Pokémon, they're the most aggressive compared to their counterparts
"Grass... water... fire..." He put the device away, locking eyes with the three brothers. "It's certainly interesting... having the first gym based around the typings of the starters most commonly given out. My guess is these three were your actual starters."
"Your very observant." The blue haired brother smiled. "What else do you know about the starters typing?"
"I know each starter is picked because it's an endangered species in their given region," he explained, "and they're given to specialist breeders to help repopulation... then given as first Pokémon so they can grow without fear of the more wild species knocking them out."
"Can we just get on with the battle already?" the red-haired brother asked, with a bit of a humph.
"As for the specific typings, it comes from an old research paper about the art of team building-" He continued. "I can't remember the authors name but part of what they called the core was a combination of water, fire and grass. Three types which tend to cover each other's weakness' and styles. Water typically being a more defensive type, fire being aggressive and grass more tactical. While some other, rarer types, like dragon resist the combination. It's this core which can build a solid foundation for any team. So now answer my question, what do you know about the ground type?"
"Its strong and tough... mostly physical." The red-haired boy beamed. "Hits hard."
"While it has many offensive advantages, its disadvantages can't be ignored," the blue haired one added, "water and grass being very prominent."
"And it shares a close relation to the rock type," the green haired brother concluded.
"Now can we get on with this battle?" The impatient brother asked.
"Marowak..." His ground type turned to look at him. "You asked for this challenge. The only thing I'll say is, typing wise, fire is the easiest target here."
He gave a serious nod and turned back to the elemental monkey's. Picking his bone up, he let go before grabbing the centre part. Holding his arm out to the side with the weapon pointed towards them, he leaned forward. Eyes travelling over the trio of opponents.
Doing the same thing, he noticed the eye twitching on the red-haired brother. His fists were scrunched up, making his knuckles white in anger as a cry of defiance came from his partner. He had to resist the smirk from spreading over his face... this is too easy.
"Pansage, Panpour and Pansear verses Marowak!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Trio Bro's verses Drake
Marowak watched as the fire type made the first move. Taking a deep breath, several fire balls shot out of his mouth. Not in a rapid-fire motion like ember or even a continuous stream like flamethrower. Just large individual balls which flew towards him, one after another.
Stepping to the side, he swung his bone around and knocked the first one back. Closing his eyes as he took the momentum, he felt energy surge through his body as the heat from the others increased before disappearing. Having used his bone as a dance partner and used it to deflect them all in one go.
"He's using swords dance." Cress declared. "We can't allow him to set up."
Opening his eyes, he wasn't surprised to see the fire monkey running on all fours. His paws burst into flames as he closed in.
Flicking his bone onto the floor, a rock shot up in front of it. Striking the fire type under the chin, he was thrown back.
Diving onto his opponent, he tackled him to the ground. Using his bone around his neck, he stood at the back of him.
"Vine whip and take the club!" Cilian ordered.
The grass monkey Pokémon moved into view as two vines shot out bush head piece. Letting them wrap around the two ends of his club.
Lifting up his foot, he stomped down onto the fire types tail. Without warning, he cried out in pain, several incinerate balls flying out between the vines.
Feeling the tension loosen on his club, he acted fast. Letting the fire type fall down in front of him, his hands clenched the tips of the vines.
Pulling himself backwards, he brought the grass monkey flying towards him. Performing a summersault, he landed on one knee, just in time to see the opponent who tried to steal his bone get a face full of fire. His eyes skimmed over the others as a jet of water blasted his face.
Raising the club, he spun it around and used it to block the water gun. Wiping his face, he noticed the other two opponents recuperating behind Panpour.
Knowing the water type was his biggest threat right now, he stood back up. Spinning the bone in his hand, he slammed it down on the floor.
Several rocks spiked up from the ground, creating a maze between himself and the opponents. Tossing the club, it started bouncing off the stealth rocks.
Flying back and forth, he noticed the water type turn to face his projectile. Inwardly smirking, he took off across the field.
"Look out!" Cress cried out.
Leaping in his stride, he body slammed the spray Pokémon into a nearby rock. Hearing his bone nearby, clunking off the rocks, he moved back on his feet.
Grabbing Panpour by the hand, he flung him over into his projectile. Causing both of them to stumble down in a pile of dust.
Walking over to the pile, a quick vine swept underneath. Taking his club away and a jet of water sprayed into his face. The water monkey took a deep breath, letting out an icy cold breath. Raising his arms to block his face, the cold chill slowed his movements.
Grinding his teeth, he stepped closer as the cold seeped into his bones. Thanks to the previous water gun, it amplified the chilling shiver.
"It looks like this challenge is over!" He heard Cilan declared.
Grinding his teeth, he stepped forward, fighting against the icy wind. Toes clutched into the dirt field as he thought against the breeze.
Squinting through the icy wind, he noticed Panpour right in front. Reaching out, he grabbed and pulled the water type closer.
Cancelling out his icy wind, he closed his eyes. Feeling the tense shimmer of steel energy, he swung his head down and hit his opponent.
Clenching both hands tight, the sizzle of electricity consumed his fists. One-by-one he threw his punches, causing the water type to stumble backwards as he continued to pursue the spray Pokémon. A low breath escaped as the cold continued to hinder his movements.
"You two need to help!" Cress cried.
Both of the other opposing Pokémon cried out. Their combined footsteps drew his attention as he knew soon both would be on his back.
Opening his fists and cancelling the thunder-punches. He grabbed hold of his opponents sides, who was too disorientated to fight back.
Picking him up, he channelled his ground type energy through his opponent. Slamming him down on the ground, unleashing an earthquake which knocked the other two Pokémon over. Even caused the nearby rock pillars to shatter into sharp rocks. Standing up, he left the water type and turned to the others.
"Panpour is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "The battle shall continue as a two-on-one!"
"Haha, so much for Pansear being the easiest!" Chili laughed. "This shouldn't take too much longer now!"
"We eliminated the biggest threat first, as any good strategist would-" Drake clarified. "But you right, it won't take long... Marowak, shut up the red one next."
Giving a small nod of acknowledgment to his trainer, he walked up to one of the shattered stealth rocks. Picking up some of the shards, he watched both opposing Pokémon struggle back up to their feet. Entering a run, he started throwing his stone edge at the grass monkey.
Causing him to use his vines to whisk behind one of the remaining pillars. Leaving the pure fire type alone and ready for another beat down.
Reaching him, he crashed into the high temp Pokémon. Charging over the field, they crashed into another rock pillar. He felt the high internal flame from his opponent, and it eased the icy chill from his last duel. Jumping up, he double kicked Pansear through the pillar.
Glancing around for his bone, he failed to see it amongst the carnage. A slight tremor under the ground caused his eyes to open.
Shifting to the side, the grass monkey came flying up to the side. Swinging his tail around, it struck Pansage in the gut, sending him flying over the field.
His bone fell in his flight, splashing down in some mud from where the water gun hit. Without a moment's hesitation, he ran over to the projectile.
Both opponents seemed to following suit, whether to get him or the weapon first was anyone's guess. Skidding along the ground, he grabbed it.
Splashing it into the ground, he swung a pile of mud up into Pansage's face. Causing him to stumbled over in a heap of dust.
Standing up, his arm blocked a series of swipes from the fire type. Causing him to stumble backwards and giving him a little space.
Spinning the bone in his hand, it extended out to the side. Glowing with ground type energy, he swung it around and struck the fire type.
Shaking himself off from the blow, he flexed both hands out to the side. With flaming fists, he charged forward. Moving the bone into a more defensive stance, he used the right edge to intercept the corresponding fire punch. Catching the edge on fire, he flung the fist back and brought the other side.
Crashing it into his second fist, the flaming club struck his under chin. Causing the stumbled back, sweating profusely, and panting heavily.
Slamming his foot down on the floor, a rock burst up where he stood. Trapping the high temp Pokémon inside as he tightened his fist not holding the club.
Charging forward, he smashed into the rock, causing it to shatter. Sending the fire monkey soaring over the field, crashing in the muddy puddle from before.
"Pansear is unable to continue!" The ref declared. "The battle shall proceed as a one-on-one!"
Turning to face his last, he spun the bone in his hand. The flames adding a little flare to his show of skill as the grass type stood against him.
"Your brothers at least taught some moves to cover their weakness'." Drake growled. "Icy wind and dig... you just focused on the fire type... At the start, I said you'd be the easiest target but not because of time. It's because I can see it in both yours and Pansear's eyes. Your rash."
"I do think that's a little uncalled for." Cilian interjected.
"Prove it," Drake retorted. "Let's see if you can do what your brothers couldn't."
Knowing his cue, he took off. Holding his arms out to the side as he closed in to the grass monkey. His opponent took a deep breath, firing out a series of golden seeds across the field. Stopping in his run, he swung the bone in front of him and propelled it like a shield. Intercepting each of the bullet seeds.
"Now we can deliver a full course!" Cilan declared. "We couldn't risk friendly fire prior, so we were stuck to close up fighting.
Running forward as the bullet seeds continued. Pansage performed a leap and spun overhead. As he summersaulted, thick brown seeds fell from his head.
Following with his burning bone, he destroyed the leech seeds with his burning edge. One managed to fall through and landed on his foot. Expanding out, big roots erupted around his body. Red light drained his energy as he stumbled forward.
Two vines came out of the grass monkey. Wrapping around burning bone, he felt the force trying to separate them.
Tightening his grip, he pulled back and the grass monkey came flying at him. Swinging his bone, a burning end struck his chest.
Using the momentum, he pushed Pansage into the ground. Tightening his fist, he gave a small leap and punched where his opponent lay.
To his surprise, however, it was just the ground. A hole diving into the floor sat right next to him. A strain of energy zapped once more.
Closing his eyes, he focused on the vibrations in the earth. It didn't take long for him to locate the pure grass type burrowing away.
Burying one of the burning ends into the ground, he sent out a condensed seismic wave. A chunk of earth blew up, sending his opponent flying.
"Little tip, don't try and sneak up on a ground type through the ground." Drake informed. "It won't end well for you."
Pulling his weapon out of the ground with only one burning end, he touched the flames to the vines. Setting them alight, he took off running across the field, temporarily unhindered by the energy sapping. An armor of flames flew off as his eyes focused on the pure grass type.
His opponent pushed himself up by the elbows and took a deep breath. A barrage of bullet seeds spat out straight towards him.
Wincing from the initial impact, he closed his eyes. Feeling the condensing feeling over his skull, the projectiles became nothing on his iron head.
Something hit his leg, throwing it up behind him. The world spun as he crashed into the ground with a cloud of dust blowing up around him.
A vine was seen overhead, carrying his de-flamed bone. Growling in anger, he pushed himself up. The vines already regrowing over his lower body.
"We may not have the strength to win a power match." Cilan informed. "But we can keep our distance and let the leech seed win an endurance battle."
His felt his eyes narrow as the grass monkey grabbed his club. Pulling a face with his tongue out, he turned and playfully slapped his bottom with his bone.
Pushing himself up, he took off in a charge. The wind rushed past his body as he built up the momentum of his double edge.
With a flick of the vine, his opponent sent his club flying over the field. He lept but the vines came down and pushed off the floor. Sending the pure grass type flying over as he crashed down into the dirt. Grunting from the fall, he felt the seeds draining his strength once more as he struggled to push himself up.
A series of bullet seeds struck his back. The weakness in his arms caused them to wobble and he fell back down with a heavy thud.
"Now bite!" Cilan instructed with a flick of the wrist.
Moments later, he felt a heavy weight land on his back as he caught the grass monkey out of the corner of his eye. His mouth foamed with dark type energy.
Closing his eyes, his skull filled and condensed with steel type energy. Just in time for the opponent to bite down and almost instant retracted from his attack.
Shaking hard, he threw the opponent off. A trail of dust surrounded his landing as he struggled back up to his feet as he struggled against the vines restricting his lower bodies movements. Turning to the side, he started walking over to his club.
A few golden seeds struck the club, knocking it further away. He turned just in time to see the grass monkey running towards him with vines out.
Slapping down on his shoulders as he took up a stance, he felt stunned for a second. The force was enough to send his opponent high over his head.
Retracting his vines and performing a summersault as the leech seed drained his energy. He could only watch as the grass type dived back into the floor.
"It's time for the battle to be served!" Cilan declared. "For starters your confidence in your ground type is deafening and has proven to be justified with how this battle started but as with all things, the end is neigh. The trust between trainer and Pokémon is certainly commendable if not the most strategic. A good allocation for the starting trainer but it leaves a sour taste where experience is expected. In the end I just find myself disappointed."
He clenched his fist in anger as he felt the ground tremble beneath. Tensing up his tail, the rush of wind blew up his back.
Swinging it around, he felt thud before seeing the grass monkey crash. His took a deep breath to calm himself as he felt his trainer's anger radiating of him.
"Marowak..." Drake hissed in his low tone. "End this now."
Giving a single nod, he turned and began burrowing underground. Though faint he heard the green haired brother, "careful Pansage, he can come up anywhere." Inwardly smirking, he just kept heading down. Stopping and standing in the pit, he looked up to a circular light above.
Holding his hands out, he clutched the earth with all four limbs. Closing his eyes, he sent out massive seismic waves through the field.
It didn't take long for him to find some of the previous tunnels through the waves bouncing off. Cries from above indicated that the plan was working.
Looking up, he saw the pit wide open with bits of earth crumbling around him. Watching the rock slide from the storms eye, he quickly noticed the grass monkey struggling as he hopped from one rock to the next. Desperate to escape the pit but never getting any closer to the top.
Tightening his fist, he smacked the ground once more. Sending out another earthquake, causing the large rocks to crumble and slide down to him.
Watching his prey slide down without any sort of control, he straightened his hand. Fighting type energy swirled around as he closed in.
Swiping down with his mental timing, he delivered one powerful brick break. The combined momentum sent the grass monkey to the other side of the pit.
Seeing him land and fall back, swirls in his eyes. He turned to start searching for his bone. Climbing out of his self-made creator, he scanned the area.
"Pansage is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Making the winner of the match, Drake Ketchum and his Marowak!"
Drake smiled as he overlooked the destroyed field. His ground type ruffled through the crumbled earth before pulling his bone out of the ground. Seeing his partner climb up out of the pit towards, he turned to see the three brother's walking up towards him.
"That... was certainly something-" Cress held his hand out. Sat in his palm, it was shaped like a bow tie, similar to those worn by the triplets. It also bared a resemblance to an opened pea pod, which contained two large gems, one green and one blue, with a smaller red in the centre. "This is the Trio-Badge."
"In the Unova region, we are still novice gym leaders," Cilan explained, "which means the other gym leaders are much stronger than ourselves."
"The second gym in the Unova league challenge is in Nacrene city," Chili added, "where you'll face the normal type leader, Lenora."
"Thanks." He grabbed the badge and slipped his case out of the pocket. Sitting the first badge in his case, he quickly put it back away.
"How long are you in town for?" Cilan asked. "Its customary for us to offer a special meal for those who are victorious in our gym."
"I'm surprised your still in business-" he muttered under his breath. Shaking his head, he raised his voice. "I'm gonna get Marowak checked over then off we go. I don't like hanging around a place too long and no offence but the cuisine I've experienced in Unova isn't that great."
"Please, I insist," he replied, "we've also got to take our Pokémon to the centre. Allow me to accompany you while my brother prepare the dinner and you can enjoy the meal whilst Nurse Joy over see's the recovery of our Pokémon."
"Come on Drake." Iris jumped in. "How often do we get the chance to dine out at a restaurant like this."
"About as often as I want too." He grumbled, rubbing the side of his head with his finger. "Look, thank you for the offer but I need to get Marowak seen too."
"I'm heading to the centre too," Cilan added, "maybe we could continue this discussion on the way. The more the merrier."
"Fine... we'll have the meal, but can we make it quick?" he asked. "I don't like wasting time when I could be on the road."
Letting out a low sigh, he clenched his fist but catching the side-eye from his ground type caused him to relax. He could already see his partner's thoughts within that one second, but he didn't like them. What was his obsession with finding him... friends? What could they offer to his journey that his Pokémon can't? Heading outside with the green-haired guy beside him, he caught sight of Bianca follow them.
"Wait up!" She called out. "Th-this is... goodbye. I still have to return the reports to Professor Juniper. I-I just wanted to thank you."
"Like the philosopher Jagger once said." He sighed. "You can't always get what you want."
"I just... I learnt a lot from seeing your battle." She stuttered. "How you controlled Marowak and had a plan. It's how you saved me and Munna yesterday."
"I was fighting Plasma yesterday-" He corrected. "Saving you two was just collateral."
Turning around, he didn't pay her any mind as he walked off in the direction of the centre. A patter of footsteps echoed before the green-haired guy came up behind him, entering a more steady pace by his side. Just the atmosphere radiating from him indicated his nervousness.
"That... was very mean-" Cilan wondered. "She was just trying to thank you."
"If I wanted her thanks, I would've held the door open." He rolled his eyes.
"Then what do you want?" he asked. "Why fight Plasma at all? It seems like your just out for yourself."
"In this universe effect follows cause. I could complain about it," he explained, "but instead I look to see what effect will come if Plasma gets there wish. They would end up taking my Pokémon and that is why I fight them."
"Your quiet the interesting character," Cilan complimented.
"You want something." He cut off. "Just get it over with so we can stop wasting air on this conversation."
"Our battle just now was a fruitful one." Cilan looked up to the sky. "It showed me that even a refined palette can still experience new flavours."
"If you think you've experienced it all in any field," he replied, "then it only proves you haven't got enough experience in it."
"Very wise indeed." He closed his eyes and let out a low sigh. "Can I be honest with you? I need to confess somethings."
"Sure." He shrugged, figuring he'd hearing regardless of the answer he gave.
"What you said, before the battle... it held more truth than I even realised." He turned to look at him. "Cress has always been the oldest and really got into the restaurant life style. Out of the three of us, I think he'd be the one to keep the place running for years to come but our father, he didn't want to burden any one of us or leave any of us out which is why its split between us. And Chili... for as long as I remember, he's always wanted to be a great fire type trainer."
"To be a gym leader?" he asked.
"Gym leader... elite four... maybe even champion-" he explained, "seeing my brothers so certain of their paths in life has left me wondering-""
"What your future looks like?" he asked."
"Exactly," he replied, "I've had hobbies... learnt to cook, interior design, battle strategy, even tried becoming a connoisseur."
"Connoisseur of what?" he asked.
"Whatever peaked my interest." He shrugged.
"Which explains that evaluation thing you did during our battle-"
"Hehe, sorry about that. I suppose I still need to refine my tastes when it comes to Pokémon battles." He mareepishly scratched the back of his head. "It took me a second to notice but during the battle... I remembered the commotion back in Nuvema... Your that boy who Reshiram showed themselves too?"
"What if I am?" he asked.
"I mean... you've got your own path already paved out in front of you-" he replied, "if you wouldn't mind... I'd like the chance to travel with you."
"No."
"Maro?" his ground interjected.
"Please... I... if I'm being completely honest, the gym isn't for me-" he explained, "and while I like cooking... I don't want to do it for the rest of my life. I need a chance to experience the world and see what it has to offer. My instincts are telling me the true path to that experience is following someone like you."
"I don't like groupies and I don't make friends-" he grumbled.
"Maro Marowak."
"What about those girls who were at the gym?" he asked.
"One of them we saved from Plasma yesterday and won't be sticking around-" he replied, "and the other Marowak invited. He does a lot of charity work."
"And Marowak himself?" he asked. "He hasn't been inside a Pokéball at all, from what I've seen."
"He is different-" he growled.
"I'm not asking to make me your fan boy or even become friends," Cilan explained, "just allow me to experience the world. Tell you what, if you agree then I'll take care of any cooking requirement during our adventure. You'd never need to worry or-"
"I can cook just fine on my own-"
"Marowak." His ground type shook his head.
"It seems like you're partner disagrees," Cilan chuckled. "Why not wait until after experiencing the meal this afternoon. It might affect your decision."
"Why do you want to travel so badly?" He sighed.
"You had complete control in the battle and didn't even utter one move for Marowak-" he replied, "I'd like to learn what creates such trust and see how the experience. I know I misread the situation during our battle, but you had complete control... it would be nice to learn how to have that myself."
Silence fell upon them as they made it to the centre. Walking up to one of the Audino, the two boys handed over the four Pokémon. Marowak stood by the side while the three elemental monkey's rested inside their Pokéballs. Bidding them goodbye, they turned and returned to the restaurant.
Being escorted inside of the building, the waiter from before escorted them down to a table. While not nearly as busy as when they first arrived, there was still a steady flow of people enjoying a meal. Seeing Iris sat opposite the other side, he inwardly rolled his eyes as Cilan pushed out a trolly, placing a plate down in front of each of them. The smell hit his nose and he couldn't deny that the combination of sight and smell caused his mouth to water.
"While my brother, Chili cooked, I took the seasoning upon myself-" he explained, "please enjoy."
"What is it?" Iris asked.
"It's a jelly-filled doughnut-" He deadpanned. "Jelly-filled is his favourite."
Picking up cutlery, he wasted no time in eating the food in front of him. As soon as the food hit his taste buds, his eyes widened. He never was one for fancy cuisine. Maybe it was because of his brother's attitude towards food but he'd really just have anything, eating in silence with minimum fuss. Of course, he had his favourites but only his mum really knew what other than himself, but he couldn't deny this was something special.
Catching his initial reaction, he quickly forced himself to continue in a normal manner for his own consumption. Having studied the behavioural arts quiet extensively, he knew what would've revealed his inner thought. While his thoughts on another companion hasn't changed... he couldn't deny he was more open to a chef like Cilan over the wannabe dragon trainer Marowak's invited along. In a formally manner, he silently finished his food.
"So?" he asked. "How was it?"
"Surprisingly good," he admitted in a quiet voice.
"Does that mean-"
"No... I haven't changed my mind." He shook his head. "I'm a high functioning sociopath... I don't need your company."
"Come on Drake! We could experience food like this every day!" Iris encouraged; a sly smile flickered upon her lips. "Unless you'd prefer, we'd be alone-"
"On second thought, how are you with babysitting?" he asked.
"Babysitting?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, babysitting-" he replied, "if you can keep the little kid-"
"-HEY!"
"-out of my hair then by all means." He concluded. "Marowak has a bad habit of inviting strays without taking proper responsibility for them."
"You two remind me of young siblings bickering in the wind-" he smiled. "The zest of unbilled love showing itself in torment and competition."
"Don't make me regret this offer..." He grumbled. "I'm this close to just flying off on Charizard and leaving you both here."
"Then what's stopping you?" Iris asked with a triumphant smirk.
"Marowak..." He sighed. "For whatever reason, he likes you. He's the only reason I'm tolerating this... traveling group."
"Thank you for allowing me to join you on this journey through Unova-" Cilan stood up.
"You better get your stuff ready because I'm not waiting for you-" He instructed.
Seeing the green-haired guy stand up and walk over to his fellow triplets, he turned back to the desert plate waiting in front of him. Picking up his fork, he move the delicacy into his mouth. He couldn't deny the man's ability to cook, which was another benefit and at least he could get some peace and quiet by pairing the two tag along together... and while he'll never admit it to them, they're certainly better than his companion during Johto.
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...