Author's Note:
Here it is, the follow up to the last chapter. First, happy single-awareness-day. We get the full break down for how Iris got her Druddigon... and let's say Drake also gets his own focus this chapter. We also get a new rival introduced. This one from the games, who I have switched for some things, but it'll all make sense eventually. Since this is a pretty direct follow up to last chapter, I do want to clarify some points which happened. (SPOILERS FOR CHAPTER 8 AHEAD): Firstly, yes, Rico will have a bigger role in the story and now Drake has an egg... any guesses on the species? We also have two more instances of the theme of his Unovan team... I'll reveal the common-element in the author's note of the next gym battle. Secondly, yes Rapidash is gone. Might she show back up? We'll have to wait and see, I wanted to do this for a number of reasons. Rapidash, as a species, aren't easy to right traditional battles for. They are built for long distance so out of all his team, she was the hardest one to fit into battles onto small (in comparison) fields. I also wanted to show how Drake would handle such things. After all, he claims to be a sociopath but was clearly upset about her departure and decided to do it for the Blitzle's sake. It'll help with his overarching arc during this series. Both of the other main characters in the series (Ash & Serena) have also lost Pokémon before, remember, so it made sense for him to join that group. I also felt this was a fitting end for her arc set up back in the Orange islands. It was one that happened mostly off screen but that's what happens with previously secondary characters. And yes, I might hint at a Rapidash in some lab scenes during Hoenn but Leaf and Gary caught most of the Kanto dex between them so you could call it a misdirection. Expect the next chapter on 01.03.24. Not much else to say, let's just get on with this things... with that, let's begin
Chapter nine: Iris & the Troublesome Pokémon
"-started when I was eight-years-old." Iris sighed, turning to the sky. "Living in the village, I'd spend a lot of my time in the forest surrounding the area."
Closing her eyes, her mind flashed back to the forest around her village. She's swinging around the trees with the cool air blowing through her hair, the energy rushing through every fibre of her being. Reaching the top of the reverse-arch, she let go, flying up to the thick branch in front of her.
Breathing heavily, with a wide smile on her face. Her eyes looked around at the surrounding Pokémon. Several Venipede and Whirlipede were on the ground, scattering around, as Rufflet birds filled the upper branches. Her eyes continued until she came across two Axew taking part in some sort of battle. Letting her imagine run wild, she thought to the future where she'd be gifted her own newly hatched Axew like all children of the village.
Shaking her head, she looked around for another vine, but none were sturdy enough to swing on. Hugging the main trunk, she slid down, landing on her feet.
Turning towards the mountain surrounding the village, she started running. Her eyes locked on the tree tops for a vine thick enough to swing on.
As her feet lept over the ground, she found herself lost in her own world. It wasn't until an explosion of blue flames erupted from within the trees.
Her eyes widened, recognising the signs of dragon type energy. Without hesitation, she made her way, thinking Drayden was training again-
"-Drayden?" Drake asked, drawing her out of the memory.
"He's one of Unova's eight gym leaders." Cilan informed. "A dragon type specialist from Opelucid city. He's the final leader trainer's face in the current line up."
While the boy made a gesture showing he understood, she sighed, letting her mind resume the thought. -as she came out into the opening, she found the pure dragon resting against a tree. A purple mark covered Druddigon's face as circles of flames covered the scorched, once grass area.
He had other marks of battles, but he didn't seem in pain. Creeping closer, his red-raw eyes burst open. His breathing was uneven as sweat poured down his head. Knowing the signs of a poisoned Pokémon, she let out the exclaim but he was in no position to protest to her presence.
"Don't worry, I think I saw some peacha berries around here-" she informed, earning a growl as she shot off.
It couldn't have been more than a few minutes before she returned with the berries. Offering them out, he was far too weak to eat them, so she moved closer and helped support the larger Pokémon. Walking him over to a stream which ran through the mountain down through to the village. Letting him off next to the water's edge, she mushed one of the berries down. Using a large leaf to cup some water to wash it down with, she helped him take in the berries.
Sitting next to the red-headed, blue-bodied dragon, she just started talking. She couldn't remember half of what she spoke about. Her plans for the future as a dragon-type master. What was happening in the village... she failed miserably with the more academic subjects like math, english or science but excelled in the subjects reacting to Pokémon. Whether it was battle-tactics, breeding, herbal medicine or even training techniques.
She couldn't be sure how much time passed but only noticed when icy cold snow-drops fell from the sky. Her eyes widened as a shiver travelled up her back.
Druddigon let out a low growl, able to stand on his own. Walking towards the mountain, he let out low growl. Seeing his head gesture, she stood and followed him up into the mountain. The dragon lead her straight into a cave slightly above the base. They sat in near darkness as the freezing blizzard blew outside.
"Would this happen to be the same situation which inspired your fear of the ice type?" Cilan asked, drawing her out of the thought. Letting her teeth sink into her lower lip, she gave a soft nod, squeezing her eyes shut as the coldness of the memory consumed her body once more.
She couldn't remember most of the night or what happened. Just the rough scales which wrapped around her, helping to stop the natural blizzard from taking her. The next thing she remembered was the sounds of a battle taking part. Looking up from the cave floor, it took a moment for the lights to adjust. She found Druddigon taking part in a battle against a Fraxure... one who looked familiar.
Pushing herself up, she ran forward, catching the glimpse of the village elder. "Stop! Please! Don't fight!"
The two dragons came to a stop as she positioned herself between them. Locking eyes with the blue-bodied-red-headed dragon, he let out a soft murmur, stepping up beside her. Holding onto his arm, she turned to the village elder. She explained a search party went out the next morning after the blizzard passed. All searching for her since she never returned. Upon seeing her in the cave, she assumed the worst of Druddigon.
Iris went on to explain to the elder what happened. Heading back to the village with her, the fully evolved dragon joined them. From that point on, the two of them were inseparable and even took part in a lot of battles... even if he was still technically wild. They became one of the best battling pairs in the village, able to defeat all but the elder herself... and Drayden when he'd visit.
"-then came the day I was gifted Axew." Iris squeezed her smallest Pokémon for emphasis. "Everyone in the village gets one as a partner and she had only hatched two days prior. The elder also gave me an extra Pokéball for Druddigon and from that point on, we were a team of three."
"It truly sounds like a rich history to compliment the delicacy of team work." Cilan exclaimed. "But it does cause me confusion on why the secrecy?"
"Our first journey was from the village to Opelucid," she explained, "Druddigon wanted the chance to beat him once and for all. Over the years, he never really got close. As we made our travels, we took on a lot of challenges but the trainers... they were a lot tougher than the village residence."
"Not surprising-" Drake shrugged. "If the league has a set order for the gyms. Obviously, the trainers near gym eight will be tougher."
"He won some... but lost more and by the time we reached Drayden-" Her lip quivered. "He stopped listening to me all together. It was suggested taking part in an actual journey... like many new trainers do... in hopes it would help us reconnect during our travels."
"Sounds like a mystery ingredient adding a tinge to the once rich flavour." Cilan nodded thoughtfully. "Very peculiar."
"Not really-" Drake uttered. "It makes total sense."
"What?!" Iris yelled, stopping in her tracks.
"Druddigon are territorial and usually live alone... it's to the point that no trainer can have more than one because they'd end up in a fight to the death for dominance," he explained, "you helped him in his time of need. It showed you could be trusted, and I imagine he actually grew to care for you over time."
"So why deduce the change in attitude?" Cilan asked.
"It's elementary, my dear Cilan-" Drake gestured to the previous gym leader. "If the village battles were easy, I'm willing to bet Iris didn't add in much to them. Druddigon won on his own instincts. As the battles got tougher... I imagine you tried to input your own thoughts. Problem is, for as close as you two got, none of that bonding provide a tacticians eye to actually help you improve. He likes Iris but when it comes to battle, he just doesn't trust her."
"It's certainly worth a moment of thought." Cilan mused. "It's interesting how much can fit into these creatures who we spend our lives with."
Biting on her inner cheek, she let Drake's words sink in. How could she prove her worth as a partner to the Pokémon. She couldn't help but swallow hard at the part she missed out. Druddigon always had a vicious battle style but early on, he'd knock out the opponent before it became too graphic but as the challenges got tougher... she'd be lying if she said he didn't scare her. The Kanto-boy pulled out his Pokédex, looking up her fully evolved dragon:
Druddigon, The cave Pokémon. Druddigon are vicious and cunning. They take up residence in nests dug out by other Pokémon, treating the stolen nests as their own lairs. If two of these species cross paths, they will fight until only one remains
As he put the device away, her thought turned to a particularly tough battle where he tried to rip a wing off the opposing Braviary with his jaw. While his opponent was able to win by throwing him off and countering whilst he fell... the thought of the predator Pokémon's tactics sent shivers over her body.
"Now the question is two-fold." Cilan drew her attention once more. "How to forge a partnership between Pokémon and trainer."
"One, you need to prove to Druddigon that he can't handle every opponent himself. A trainer's job in battle is to watch, warn and strategies." Drake explained, in his know-it-all tone. "While he thinks he only needs pure strength to win, it's not always going to be enough. Two, you need to prove that you can fulfil those requirements of a trainer... which even I'm not convinced of so it's no surprise he isn't... after all, it's his hide on the line."
"Pansage never had that issue-" Cilan mused. "And Trubbish doesn't either-"
"Different species and even those of the same species can be different-" Drake answered. "It's the same how different humans can be despite still being human. Druddigon was experienced before meeting her and both of your Pokémon seem pretty young... they're far more trusting. Starters also rarely end up with these issues because they're raised to be partners."
"It sounds like you've got experience-" Iris teased, with a smirk. "Got anything you want to share."
"Sort off-" He shrugged. "Snorlax aren't that easy to train. They're lazy and don't train much on their own accord. Only providing enough effort for food. But they have a lot of natural bulk and power. I had to prove to mine that I could help and it's in his best interest to allow me too."
Her eyes widened as she thought back to the dream yard. She hadn't seen his Snorlax do much else other than that interaction, but she could feel his strength radiate off him. Swallowing hard, she could only remember Drayden's Pokémon giving off the same sort of power from what she's seen first-hand.
"And three, you've also got to deal with whatever it is your still hiding from us." Drake concluded.
"Wha-"
"What makes you think Iris is still hiding something?" Cilan asked.
"Everyone lies," Drake replied, "it's a basic truth of reality. The only variable is about what. Iris already told us about the disobedience so it's a reasonable assumption that whatever it is she hasn't told us is worst... once she works over that... and the other stuff... you should be golden."
Biting down on her inner cheek, she turned away from the boys. She wanted to deny his claims, but she knew her voice would betray her right now.
As they continued down the path, she noticed Drake letting out the electric type Blitzle. The bell that once hung around his Rapidash's neck chimed as the two of them conversed. It seemed to be about training possibilities and what their plan was moving forward. She couldn't be sure how long it took until Cilan announced the time for dinner, where they set up camp for the night. For the first time, both her dragons ate with the entire group at the same time.
The next morning, after breakfast, Drake watched carefully as Blitzle created a ring of electricity around her body. It shot out and struck Tepig, who was stunned for a moment. Shaking the shock off, he charged forward, tackling into her side and knocking her over.
"Okay, we've got some work to do-" Drake announced. "You need to increase your voltage, for starters. As your main typing, having it lacking really leaves you vulnerable. You also need to work on your footing. Without weight to stabilise you, you need to avoid being hit."
"Maro-wak."
"Right... just like Rapidash-" he uttered before shaking the thought out of his head. "Alright, this is what we're going to do. Marowak will set up rocks and try to knock you over. For now, just run around avoiding them. A lot of electric types generate charges through movement so it should help both problems. Once you've got more to work with, we'll focus on transforming those charges into more suitable moves."
Receiving a nod from the ground type, he walked over and led the newest team member out to an open field away from the others. He watched as his partner set up a ring of rocks, giving them a nice large area to work with. Not only could Marowak help without fear of being shocked but he's possibly his most welcoming party member... especially now Rapidash is gone. He'll certainly be able to get the electric type to open up if anyone can.
"Te?" He glanced down to the fire type, who sat patiently on the floor. Tilting one head to the side with large questioning eyes.
"Piloswine!" he instructed. "When you evolve, you'll need the training in brute force. Time to get ready for it."
Nodding, he jumped up and ran over to the ice ground type. Just like back at the school, he started tackling the middle-staged Pokémon. After a few times doing this, the ice ground type gave some sort of instructions which had Tepig alter his technique.
He couldn't be sure how long he observed them, only stopping when both Xatu and Pinsir teleported in front of him. Both staring at him expectantly.
"Can I... help you?" he asked, wondering why they weren't continuing their own training.
"I've foreseen a stranger approaching." Xatu linked their minds. "I thought it best to warn you."
"She means we were atop the hill and saw a kid riding some canine towards us." Pinsir laughed. "Missy is always try'n to be mysterious."
"I still don't get why-" He stopped himself. "You want to battle him, don't you Pinsir?"
"Uh huh." He nodded. "The canine looks tough... I'd say fully evolved if not close to it."
The thudding of footsteps drew all their attention, a large canine Pokémon came up and stopped just in front of them. A slender older looking teen with medium length jet black hair, blue eyes, and dressed in a sea-blue jacket which hung open revealing a smart shirt and tie with smart black trousers and matching shoes. His glasses were a thin red frame covering the mid and lower sections while the top were free, resting on his face.
"Hey, I'm Cheren and this is my partner Stoutland." He gestured to the large Pokémon he rode out here on. Who barked in a friendly tone.
Taking the chance to take in the sight of the Pokémon. Starting on the face, it had a cream-coloured fur that formed voluminous, white-tipped plumes and a three-pointed crest. The plumes were so long that they ran the length of the body and bunched close to it. It had tufty, pointed ears with dark blue insides, a black nose surrounded by short black whiskers, and small eyes that were nearly hidden behind the facial fur. The body was covered with shaggy, dark blue fur, that turned black and greyish-blue towards the legs. Its face and paws were light brown, each paw having three white clawed toes. Lifting one up to give a wave, revealed blue pads underneath which he presumed was the same on all four. He pulled out his dex:
Stoutland, The Big-Hearted Pokémon. The final evolved form of Lillipup. These Pokémon seem to enjoy living with humans. Even a Stoutland caught in the wild will warm up to people in about three days. You can tell their position within a pack
"Drake." He nodded, putting the device away. "And my Pinsir wants to beat your Stoutland up. What'cha say?"
His bug made a clicking noise, stepping up beside him. Flexing his arms, as if to entice the opponent into the idea of a battle.
"Unfortunately, we'll have to decline-" Cheren replied, "you see, I'm a gym assistant from Nacrene city. We received word that Plasma released a liberated Pokémon in Wellspring cave and it's been causing trouble for the new trainers taking the league route."
"Wellspring cave?" he asked.
"It's an isolated mountain off on an abandoned path between Nacrene and Striaton," he explained, "while it doesn't actually lead anywhere. A lot of trainers visit for training or just to pick up new catches... obviously, it's not idea leaving them in danger like that."
"They claim to be helping Pokémon but really just abandoned them after ripping them away from their friends." He growled, tightening his grip.
"If I were to believe the news reports, I'd have thought you were the hero Plasma has been promising-" Cheren noted.
"I'm not a hero-" He growled. "And I'm certainly no alley to Plasma... what Pokémon did you say it was?"
"An Excadrill," he replied, "my gym leader sent me to try and talk him into letting the trainers off. And if that didn't work, catch him then give to the ground type leader in Driftveil. We figured he'd be the best option if a new trainer is who he's after."
"Mind if I join you?" he asked. "I'm interested in seeing this Excadrill myself... and since Pinsir won't battle Stoutland, he could help here."
"It's not like I could stop you," Cheren shrugged.
"Thanks." He nodded. "Xatu, will you be able to teleport us back here?"
"Certainly," she mentally replied.
"That'll save us a return journey," he muttered, recalling her and Pinsir, clipping both balls to his belt. Turning towards the four other Pokémon, he instructed them to continue until his return and he was leaving Marowak in charge. A flash of light drew his attention once more as a second Pokémon formed.
A brown and cream, deer-like Pokémon with rhomboid ears and darker ear insides. Its eyes had light-orange markings that curved down to the sides of the face. It had a dark-brown nose, and it sported cream fur on its chin and sides of its face. Light-orange stripes rim its underbelly, and its back is decorated with spots. The tail pointed up, with tufts of fur growing on the back of its head. The antlers sported green leaves like shrubs. He used his dex once more:
Sawsbuck, The season Pokémon. Summer form. The final evolved form of Deerling. This Pokémon's leaves can be made into a black tea, the taste of which varies depending on the region of origin. Unova's has a bitter undertone which can put some people off
"That seems to be a theme with this region-" he muttered to himself.
"While I don't have a specific deadline, the sooner we get there the less likely another trainer will suffer-" Cheren explained, "Sawsbuck is quite friendly and easy to ride, if you don't mind. She's quite nurturing too, when not partaking in battle."
"Thanks," he nodded, moving to her side.
Climbing up onto the quadruped, he held on as they started off down the path at a decent pace. While not as fast as his Rapidash, he also got the impression she wasn't pushing herself at the moment. Once clear from the campsite, he turned to the gym assistant riding beside him.
"So-" He drew Cheren's attention. "If you're a gym assistant then I guess your also a type specialist?"
"Normal type," he replied, "my dream is to one day run my own gym... I also partook in the league last year."
"You did?" he asked.
"Plasma has really done a number on the gyms..." Cheren explained, "the leader I'm currently under was appointed after her predecessor moved his family to Hoenn. She's received funding for her museum and library to keep the gym running."
He chuckled slightly as he remembered the last email he got from his brother. He's currently travelling with a couple kids whose dad runs a normal type gym in the Hoenn region... what're the chances? He felt a ping of anger surge as even his attempts for distances seemed futile. While he wanted to escape Leaf after what happened, the part which truly annoyed him about her was how similar she was to Ash. He hoped distance would help him sort out his head because even though he knows he had nothing to do with their father's actions... part of him still blamed Ash and he hated feeling that away.
"-for all the trouble Plasma has caused... they've made Unova one of the easiest leagues to make it as a gym leader-" Cheren concluded. "Then one day, I'd like to join the elite four... and maybe even make it to the champion level."
"Now I'm even more intrigued to challenge you." He mused. "You said you took part in the league last year?"
"Yeah-" Cheren nodded. "I made it to second place... but it didn't feel all that special... there weren't that many competitors... they struggled to reach the seventies. What about yourself?"
"I competed in the silver conference-" he replied, "but stuff happened... it didn't end well... so I came here for a fresh start."
"You picked to come to a place where Plasma is strongest?" he asked. "What? Was the flight to Orre already full?"
"Heh, it's funny you say that." He chuckled lightly. "I had to lie to my brother about coming here."
He had claimed he been told by some legend that he was required to fight Plasma... although that never happened. He just said it to avoid any back lash from his twin. Maybe part of the reason he's taken the threat of Plasma so seriously since arriving came from not wanting to let that be a complete mistruth.
"You've got a brother?" Cheren asked.
"Younger-" he muttered, refusing to go further into the conversation.
The general chatter returned, and it took about an hour for them to reach the cave. Drake couldn't say it was anything too impressive, out of every cave he's been too, he'd say this was closest to mount mortar in Johto... then again, that could also be a recentcy biased working, not that it matters.
Climbing off the grass normal type, he let the gym assistant recall his two Pokémon. Unclipping his bug types Pokéball off his belt, he turned and walked into the surprisingly well-lit cave. Glancing up, he noticed a hole in the ceiling, leading to the good lighting. His eyes scanned the rocky walls, moisture glistening down the sides... it probably had an underground lake somewhere. He continued to glance around, taking in some of the Pokémon present.
Fuzzy light blue balls with big pink noses and a pair of black wings hung from the ceiling in the more shaded areas. While the floor had groups of small, rock-shaped dark-blue balls with brown rock-feet and a small rock pillar sticking out of their tops. A single yellow hole sat on one side of the small bodies.
"So..." Drake turned to Cheren. "How do you plan on finding this Excadrill? Ask the locals or-"
His question was answered almost instantly as cracks formed on the ground in front of him. A blur shot up from the ground and landed in front of them. A bipedal, mole-like Pokémon with a dark-brown body with diagonal, red splotches stood in front of them. His first thought were the similarities to Sandslash in terms of body shape but there were also clear differences, one being the side as it was easily double, if not triple the size of Ash's pure ground type. Three markings were on the front, resembling scratch marks, with two under each arm, and two on the back. It had short legs with small, narrow feet, each containing three toes. The small white face was long and thin, tipped by a pink nose. The eyes were set back on either side of the bridge of the nose. Under them, on each side, were two thin, red stripes. A large metal blade, roughly twice as large as the face extended from the forehead, like some sort of razor-sharp helmet. The top of the blade contained two smaller blades, resembling fins. The two arms sticking out from either side of the body were thick and had three-large metal blades in place of fingers, with two smaller blades on the top of the middle ones. On its knees, halfway down its arm, and just behind where its forehead meets face, were small red spots. A low threatening growling hissed between the razor-sharp teeth.
"Xatu-" he released his psychic flying type. "Mind setting up that mind thing? I'd like to know what we're dealing with."
Giving a small nod, her eyes glew with bright blue psychic energy. Her arms spread out as he felt the familiar presence of others in his head.
"Excadrill... can you hear me?" he asked with his mental voice.
"Yeah." he growled. "What do you want?"
"To talk," he replied, "I heard you ran into some Plasma people... that they liberated you?"
"Kidnapped." He corrected. "But they showed me something important. I believed the last human I called trainer was strong but when push came to shove, he was weak. I'm not about to let myself be caught by a weak human again."
"It doesn't sound like your against the idea of having a trainer again." Drake mused. "Just a weak one."
"Yeah-" He growled
"Good job, I'm not weak then-" He shrugged. "I've just started my third regional league... my best placing being in the top four... and I've made a habit of fighting off Plasma, so you don't need to worry about them kidnapping you again."
"Every human thinks they're strong." He growled. "Or special."
"I don't actually need to be strong... during a battle, it's your strength which matters-" Drake explained, "what I need to be is smart. To notice thinks you can't and plan accordingly. I also need to be smart in training, to notice your weakness' and construct counters to work on ahead of time."
"Sounds like you want me to join your team."
"I would like that but the other boy with me is a gym assistant..." He gestured back to Cheren. "You've been causing trouble for young trainers, and he's been tasked to stop you. So, it's either you join me, or he catches you and takes you to the ground type gym leader in the region. Choice is yours."
"Gym leaders are meant to be taught-" He hissed.
"But Plasma has done a number on the league and gyms-" he corrected. "I bet they couldn't handle the same level of competition from my previous leagues."
"And I should just believe you?" he asked.
"No." He shook his head, unclipping a Pokéball. "I intend to show you. I'll battle with just a bug type. Of course, with you being a steel type, you've got the natural advantage. That should prove to you that I'm the right trainer."
"And when you fail?" he asked.
"I won't-" he growled. "But if it makes you feel better, if you somehow win, I'll let Cheren take it from here. No more interfering."
He held his device out, and his first caught Pokémon materialised. Flexing his arms, he slammed his two fists together, clicking his horns together.
"Xatu... if you could end this little chat?" He asked the psychic flying type. "I'd rather not give him insight into what's coming."
"At least I'll get a good battle-" Excadrill muttered as the psychic field ended.
Pinsir wasted no time in charging forward as his opponent followed the same actions. Both of them tackled into each other as his larger build gave his bug the advantage. Fighting type energy radiated off his body as he spun, holding Excadrill tight. Performing a role, he tossed the ground steel type into the wall.
With a heavy thud, he shook his head. Eyes narrowed as Pinsir stood back up. Slamming his metal claw into the ground beneath him.
Seismic tremors echoed and some of the bats hanging from the ceiling took flight. Escaping through the hole in the roof as the little rock Pokémon also ran.
A massive rock fell from the ceiling. The stag beetle raised his arms, a red outline radiated off his body as the rock hit.
Squatting from the force, he managed to push himself up. Tension filling his body as he struggled under the weight.
"Excadrill... three o'clock." He instructed.
Turning to a ninety-degree angle, he tossed the boulder into his opponent. Tightening his stance, fighting type energy radiated around him once more.
The boulder crack and shattered as Excadrill came spinning through. Rubble crumbled around him as the Pokémon now looked like a drill. The metal claws and helmet leading the charge as they shimmered in metal. Flying straight towards his stag beetle, who crouched.
His horns widened and he stepped forward, snapping them around the ground steel type. He stumbled back from the momentum not disappearing.
Swinging his head down, he sent the opponent down. Pulling his fist back, he slammed it down and repeated with his second arm.
Punch after punch, he performed a brutal assault on the mole Pokémon. Sweat poured down his forehead as he continued his close combat.
Wincing through the dust blowing up, he noticed the opponent curling back into his drill form. Spinning on his axes, the metal claw struck Pinsir's legs.
Falling over, he panted heavily as his bug pushed himself up. Looking towards the last place he saw his opponent; he found a hole dug into the ground. His eyes scanned the cave walls, watching carefully for the opponent to show himself once more. However, the ground began to shake instead.
Rocks from the ceiling began to fall in a land slide. The roof-opening crumbling even further apart as the rubble fell around them.
A psychic shield formed over himself and Cheren, curtsy of his mystic Pokémon, "thanks Xatu."
Hearing the happy chirp of a response, he watched his bug type on his hands and knees. Rocks continued to smash over his back as Excadrill continued.
"I take it you've got enough seismic activity to locate him?" he asked his first caught Pokémon, earning a grunted nod. "Then dig and fetch him out."
His pure bug type shuttered into the ground, the dust and rubble making it difficult to make out. After a minute the seismic shakes began to slow down. He coughed from the destruction of the landmass as his bug came flying out of the ground. The ground steel type followed suit shooting out like a missile.
Creating an arch over the open air, he shot down. A shimmer seemed to cover his body as he headed straight on for his stag beetle.
Tightening his fist, he watched as Pinsir braced himself. The horn drill struck into his stomach, blowing him back as his feet scrapped across the ground.
"Interesting thing... those instant-knock-out moves-" Drake informed. "They're only successful if your stronger than the opponent. Otherwise, you just can't overcome the pure power... but if your still unconvinced, Excadrill, then let us show you... Pinsir, guillotine."
Leaning his head down, he clenched his two spiked horns around his opponent. Standing up with his opponent trapped, Excadrill began failing to escape.
Closing his eyes, Pinsir seemed to be focusing. His two horns shimmered with a mostly clear mystic light as he flexed them.
Swinging his head, Excadrill made a pained screech. Letting his opponent go, he fell down and slumped on the floor, walking back over to Drake.
Taking out a Pokéball, he tossed it over and it bounced off the ground steel type. Disappearing in a red light, the device landed on the ground. Dinging instantly, he walked up and picked the device up. Smirking down to the device, he turned to see Cheren, who looked a little sick.
"Your Pinsir... he could've used guillotine the first time he got him caught?" he asked. "Before the earthquake a-and-"
"He could've but he doesn't like too... he gets kicks out of pure power battles, so the instant-win thing just doesn't appeal to him-" Drake explained, "I also wanted to see what he'd do. Seeing the danger, he put us and the wild Pokémon in made it clear we had to end it. Hence having him do it the second time."
"Are you insane?!" He cried. "I told you how dangerous Excadrill was! Yet you still felt it was suitable to play games?!"
"Yeah." He shrugged. "But I also know how Unovan's like to exaggerate so I wanted to see it for myself. I knew Pinsir could handle it either way."
"What makes you so sure?" he asked.
"Because if Excadrill could beat him... he never would've been liberated by Plasma in the first place-" He turned to the side. "Now Xatu, if you'd please."
Seeing her nod, she raised both winged-arms and her eyes glew. Squeezing his eyes from the bright light, moments later he found himself back in the training site where he left everyone. However, his four Pokémon were in a circle, playing a card game as Marowak cared for the egg.
A long sigh exhaled from the boy he brought along. "I suppose that at least solves the initial problem. I'll be seeing you in Nacrene."
The boy took out his large canine Pokémon and climb aboard him once more. He took off into the distance as his four Pokémon stood up and approached him, but he ignored them. Taking out his Pokédex, he held it over the device used to capture his newest team member:
Excadrill, The Subterrene Pokémon. The final evolved form of Drilbur. Known as the Drill King, this Pokémon can tunnel through the terrain at speeds of over ninety miles-per-hour. It's not uncommon for tunnels that appear to have formed naturally to actually be a result of Excadrill's rampant digging
Type: Ground / Steel
Ability: Sand Rush
Hidden Ability: Mold Breaker (Note: This hidden ability is currently unlocked)
Gender: Male
Nature: Hardy (Note: This nature is unlikely to change)
Move(s): horn drill, mud slap, rapid spin, scratch, hone claws, fury swipes, metal claw, sandstorm, crush claw, rock slide, dig, swords dance, drill run, slash, rock tomb, earthquake, brick break, bulldoze, iron head, stealth rocks, iron defence, rock smash, cut
His Pokédex switched screens to a list of his current on hand team of: Pinsir, Marowak, Xatu, Piloswine, Tepig, Blitzle and Excadrill, although the only one not a simple shilluette was Excadrill. "Please select which Pokémon you wish to send back." The robotic voice instructed.
He glanced over the Pokémon by his feet and switched the Pokéball's in his hand. Holding it out, he recalled his ice ground type, not needing three of the same type right now. As Piloswine's image filled out on the dex, he reached up and tapped it. With the device teleporting away into thin air.
"So... any reason you decided go-Magikarp was more important than training?" he asked.
"Maro Marowak."
"Oh, so Iris and Cilan panicked when they saw I went missing?" He shrugged. "Eh, they'll return when their cold or hungry. New training pairs. Pinsir, I want you to help Tepig similar to Piloswine. Xatu... heal up the sleeping one." He tossed her Excadrill's Pokéball. "And let's see where you got, Blitzle."
Iris sighed as she slumped back into the campsite. Druddigon ran ahead, breathing heavily with claws extended. His head swivelling around for the sight of his next opponent. While they searched for Drake after he just upped and left, he decided to pick a fight with a local Scollipede.
"It seems like you've had an exciting time-" Cilan's voice drew her attention.
"You find him?" she asked.
"Eventually." He nodded his head over to the side. Following the cue, she saw him back with his Pokémon in the training ground. "He had already returned by the time I got back here. No word on where he went though. He's just been with his team, overseeing Blitzle's training."
"We'll see about that-" She stomped her foot down, marching over to the boy from Pallet. "Drake!"
He turned and stared her down. Seeing his cold-eyes locked onto hers, she felt the voice she once had fail to escape her lips. Nervously swallowing as he stepped over, each step seemed to echo as she felt a similar fear from the dream yard. Her fingers rubbed against each other as he stopped right in front of her, staring down due to the slight height advantage he had on her.
"Yes?" he whispered. A couple more seconds passed before a smirk flickered over his lips, eyes lowered in a scowl. "Heh. Do I... scare you?"
"I erm-" she shook her head, looking down to break the eye contact. "Sorry but where did you go earlier?"
"Met a trainer... he works at the Nacrene gym and was heading off to catch a Pokémon at Wellspring cave-" That weird looking psychic bird teleported to his side, silently levitating a Pokéball into his hand. Giving a single nod, she teleported away. "-and I joined him. Got a new Pokémon from it."
"Y-you-" She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Couldn't you have let us know? Cilan and me were worried sick! After Rico-"
"I underestimated him... but I won't make that mistake again." He assured. "And yes, I could've let you know... but I fear you would've insisted on joining."
"So, you just head off with a stranger?" she asked.
"I had Pinsir... and Xatu-" he shrugged. "If worst came to worst, she would've teleported me to safety. And I got a new Pokémon. Speaking off, Druddigon-"
"Druddigon isn't new-" she uttered.
"I know but he's new to me... and I want to know what I'm dealing with-" She looked up to see the boy now directing his attention to her fully evolved dragon type, who crept up with a burning flame behind his eyes. One she was all-too familiar with. "What do you say? Up for a battle?"
As if to answer the question, he let out a loud cry and stomped his feet. A small cloud of dust blew up from around him and within a couple minutes, she found herself behind the cave Pokémon as the Kanto-boy stood opposite them. He held the device out and his newest team member materialised in front of him.
"An Excadrill?" she asked. While she had played with a few Drilbur who lived in the mountain around the village, she couldn't say she had much experience with the evolved form... at least when it came to battles. Shaking her head, she refocused and tightened her fist as she watched the opponents carefully.
Charging forward, the ground steel type held both arms out. The metal blades shimmered a silver colour as he closed in.
Meeting her dragon a little over halfway of the makeshift field. She couldn't help but notice he had a slight speed advantage over them.
Druddigon's claws burned with dark blue dragon energy. Swiping down on the first claw, his attack was blocked. Excadrill swiped with his second one.
Causing the cave Pokémon to stumble back slightly. He had little time to react as their opponent struck the ground with his blocking claw.
A seismic tremor echoed out and caused Druddigon to wobble back and forth. Planting his arms down in the dirt to settle himself from the bulldoze.
Fangs burst into flames, and he snapped down on the metal helmet. Swinging his head back and forth, he ripped the ground steel type up.
With the bulldoze stopping, he let go and sent the Subterrene Pokémon across the ground. Entering a run, fighting type energy surrounded his body.
"Dig to escape." Drake instructed.
His newest team member pushed himself up and shook his head. Curling up into the drill form, he buried underground as her dragon skidded over the top.
"Excadrill... your use to the environment providing the advantage for you!" Drake shouted. "Which won't work here. So, listen to me and we can win this."
No response came as her dragon stood up; anger clear over his face. Stomping around in his anger, dust blew up around him.
"Stealth rocks and get on top of one of the pillars!"
She waited... and several rock pillars shot up from the earth. Creating a sort of prison around her cave Pokémon. The opponent appearing on top of one.
Druddigon wasted no time in leaping at the pillar. Both fangs and fists burned with fire as he lept up with all his strength. After the third one, he neared the-
"Rapid spin straight down-" Drake instructed. "Into a dig!"
Giving a small hope, Excadrill avoided the fiery claws. Turning into the drill, the metal point shot into the first pillar. It crumbled into a pile of rubble, having her dragon fall down in the land slide as Excadrill disappeared in another hole. Her cave Pokémon growled something, as he brushed to rocks off.
"Back on top of one of the rock pillars!" Drake shouted.
This time, however, Druddigon stood still. Scowering the tops of the pillars as ground energy radiated off his body. Soon the ground steel type appeared.
Lifting one foot up, he stomped it down and a wave of seismic tremors echoed. The Subterrene Pokémon wobbled as he threatened to fall off.
"Dive into a horn drill!" Drake instructed.
Giving a small leap from the top of the pillar. He turned back into a drill and dived down on her oldest friend. Spinning in his fall, Druddigon raised both arms up as he crashed into his chest. The once-liberated Pokémon crashed through his attempted defence, bashing straight into his stomach.
Uncurling, the Subterrene Pokémon climbed off, walking over to Drake. Running over, she kneeled beside her fallen dragon
"Druddigon was smart enough to not repeat the same mistake twice," Drake nodded. "But not smart enough to see I was luring him into a trap. He had a pure strength advantage but lacked manuverability and your defence helped nullify that advantage, Excadrill."
"Exca."
"Your problem came from your reliance on the environment. As a ground type, it's understandable but you won't always have a cave-" He gestured over to his bone keeper Pokémon. "-Marowak deals with it by manipulating the earth... he calls it earth bending. We can come up with something for you to do."
"What about Druddigon?" she asked.
"Just as I expected... but it's nice having confirmation-" He glanced back to her. "Definitely strong but relies solely on raw power. It's an all or nothing tactic and can prove quite effective... when stronger. While he won't fall into the same trick twice, he can't see further ahead than his own attack plan. My Pinsir struggled with it at first too, but I was able to prove to him that having a plan works out to his advantage."
"How?" she asked.
"It was our second gym challenge-" He shrugged. "Facing a psychic specialist. He was my best option, but teleport proved difficult for him to deal with. After a very frustrating time of him failing to hit it, I recognized the pattern they were using. And he got to let out his pumped-up anger."
"Interesting-" She mused. "Then maybe that defeat has made Druddigon open up to a partnership-"
"I doubt it." Drake dismissed. "If it's done anything... it would've made Druddigon want me as his battle partner. I'm the reason Excadrill won, after all."
"Don't forget humble-" she uttered.
"And modest-" He smirked. "But now you have another problem... how can you expect Druddigon to respect your capabilities... when I don't, and he respects mine... presumably. Anyway, you could try to garner his respect, but you'd need to actually be worthy of it... good luck."
Seeing him walk off over to his team, she frowned. Turning towards the small, wooded area, she walked over to find some herbs. It only took her about ten minutes to find the remedies which she wanted. Returning to her dragons side, she sat and mixed them together with some water. Helping him drink the mixture, she recalled him into his Pokéball as her eyes lingered over to the training site.
Drake was discussing something with Excadrill and Marowak, both ground types listening intensely. While his Blitzle seemed to be working with Pinsir, who was demonstrating a technique for putting in more effort. Tepig was running around in a flame charge, trying to hit Xatu, who continue to teleport out of his way.
"Penny for your thoughts?" She turned to see Cilan, Pansage and Trubbish. "Is it something Drake said?"
She sighed... explaining the aftermath of their battle.
"He surely doesn't sugarcoat anything." Cilan mused. "But for as much as he pushes us away, the more I know he needs us around. No man is an island."
"You think he wants us around?" she asked.
"No." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "But what we want and what we need aren't always the same thing. In fact, they rarely are. I do hope that he'll be more accepting but maybe we should offer an olive branch if we want to be reciprocated."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"You want to be a strong trainer, correct... a dragon specialist?" She nodded to his question. "Well, we have an experienced trainer here... he seems like a good place for you to start and... at least when it comes to Pokémon... he likes to help out."
"You think so?" she asked.
"He puts up a tough facade but from what you've told me off his meeting Tepig... Blitzle... even helping Excadrill rehabilitate to humanity-" He smiled. "And his other Pokémon certainly respect him. I think he acts the harshest and coldest because underneath it all, he has the softest heart. Call it a defensiveness."
"And how do you imagine I put that together?" she asked.
"That's up for you to decide-" Cilan smiled. "I'm going to start on prepping dinner. I'll call over when its ready."
Seeing the green-haired boy walk over to the cooking utensils and campfire pit, she sighed. Turning back to see the Kanto-boy training, she let the eldest companions words echo in her head. Closing her eyes, she let her entire journey from meeting Druddigon to the current day play out. Letting the feelings of lack of control wash over her... the image of the village elder sat in the front of her mind.
"Pokémon are the best teachers the world has to offer, young child... and better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher."
Opening her eyes, she stood up. Swallowing hard, she forced her feet to start carrying her. Entering the training ground, she noticed Marowak looking up.
"Drake..." He turned to face her with his typical stoic expression. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "I need your help... Can you teach me to be a trainer worthy of him? A trainer worthy of Druddigon and one for the other dragons in this world?... please."
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