Chapter 7: Critical Condition

The two members of Polarna Vatra were now left alone at the lake, as Marshadow simply disappeared. After a short moment, Aurora spoke up.

"Well, that was a waste of time... let's go back. Epsilon will be long gone by now. Maybe someone in Kira Town needs help."

There was nothing Kel could or wanted to say in response. He simply followed Aurora back to the town, which now looked so different from a distance than it had just two days ago when he arrived in this world. Back then, a mighty city full of life stretched out before his eyes, almost indestructible in its will. But now he looked into a city in which destroyed buildings caught his eye between the houses and smoke rose from the streets.

While Kel looked at the city as a whole, Aurora cast her eye on the building which just had been hit right as they were heading for Polar Lake, the building that stood just outside the city.

"The power plant was hit? But... we have to go to the League! Get moving!"

Suddenly Aurora sprinted off. Kel looked after her in confusion, but followed because he wanted to know what had caused her sudden panic. When he arrived at the tower, countless Pokemon had gathered there, whether they were fighters or not. In the crowd he spotted his new acquaintances, Team Slash, and after some searching, Aurora, who he immediately went to sit beside. Aurorus and Tyrantrum had lined up in front of the entrance to the tower to make an announcement. Kel had barely sat down when Tyrantrum began to speak.

"Citizens of Kira Town! You all witnessed the destruction today! Within the city, as I am fortunate to report, the shock was greater than the damage. Although some houses were damaged, no one was seriously injured and everything is repairable. However, we have received information that the cooling sector of the power plant was hit critically."

Anxious murmuring arose as the founder continued.

"The power supply to the actual power plant has been cut off. That's why we'll have to use an emergency program for now. To ensure the plant's cooling, we've set up an emergency generator in the dome of the tower, which is connected to the power plant. This will be used while the repairs are underway. However, I'm speaking here as the head of the Battle League: Every single fighter is required to keep their eyes open and guard the generator. We can't be sure at the moment whether Epsilon is planning another attack. And if the generator is destroyed, you all know what trouble that will get us into."

The murmuring grew louder while Kel wondered exactly what trouble he meant. However, he didn't want to interrupt the speech.

"Everyday life should go on as before. The battle against Epsilon will be intensified! That's why I ask you all to keep your eyes open! Epsilon has too many followers and, if we're very unlucky, some of them are listening right now. We have to find out who we can trust to guard the generator and who we can't. For the next few days, a team selected by me and Aurorus will be tasked. After that, we will hopefully find other teams that we can trust enough, and a daily rotation will begin. Information about Epsilon, of any kind, is always welcome. Today he showed that he is willing to endanger lives. And that is exactly why we will have to fight!"

The aggressive way of speaking and these very clear announcements made some Pokemon a little nervous, for example Zoroark, as Kel noticed.

"For the first few days, a fairly high-ranking team that has been serving the league faithfully for a long time will take over the watch! Team Slash, please step forward."

Kel had to suppress a growl when he heard this name. Although they had even been almost friendly at the end of the previous day, Kel still didn't really trust Zeraora. The latter himself seemed surprised by Tyrantrum's call and stepped forward hesitantly.

"I hope you agree with the role we have chosen for you. Otherwise, you have every right to refuse, and we would use another team to keep watch instead."
"We'll take care of it, don't you worry!"

All the nervousness seemed to disappear when this answer followed like a gun shot. Tyrantrum had obviously already expected it.

"Good, then everyone should go about their daily work. If anyone is looking for something to do, please help clear away the rubble! Thank you!"

The crowd slowly dispersed and most Pokemon left again. Those who remained were all members of the league itself. While Tyrantrum unlocked the door to the tower, Aurorus surprisingly called out to Team Polarna vatra.

"Yes? What is it?"

Aurora was the first to reach Amagarga when the call came.

"Despite all the chaos, we don't want to lose sight of the smaller things. In three days, you are expected on floor 37 at ten o'clock in the morning. There you will have your first league battle. Your opponents are a team called Team Prena. If you want to know more about them, you are on your own! Don't forget the appointment, if you are still not there fifteen minutes after, your opponents will automatically win! We have some referees who are free at that time, but since I am quite interested, I will watch and judge your duel myself. So, good luck with your preparations!"

The team quickly decided: They would get back to training immediately. But on the way to the fighting ring, Kel wanted to know what exactly the big problem was with the power outage at the power plant.

"Didn't you have power plants in your world? Where did you get your electricity then?"
"We did have power plants. It's just... well, I've never been to one. I had other priorities in life than power plants. I don't know anything more about them than that they provide energy."

Aurora seemed a little confused by Kel's ignorance, but decided to enlighten him anyway.

"Well, to summarize... we need the electricity for the cooling in the power plant. If it fails, the reactor overheats and explodes. I think you understand the problem with a massive building exploding that close to a city."

This explanation was more than enough to make the seriousness of the situation clear, even for someone as inexperienced as Kel.

"Yes, I understand that. So we have to do everything we can to keep the reactor intact until the power plant is rebuilt! Do you have any idea how long that will take?"

Aurora thought for a moment.

"Of course I don't know exactly, especially now that a lot of things have to be rebuilt. But it will definitely take at least one or two months, probably longer."

Kel really didn't like the idea that Epsilon would have the opportunity to destroy the entire city through just a single device. But he knew there was nothing he could do except accept this fact and do his best.

Three days passed, no major events occurred. Epsilon did not show up again and our heroes did not have to confront Team Slash again, as the rivals were busy with the reactor every day. Team Polarna vatra used the time they had to train their fighting skills. After Kel had finally learned a fire attack, Fire Spin as he learned thanks to Aurora, it was much easier for him to get used to fighting. Now that he was actually no longer defenseless, he even started to enjoy it. Most of the time, he and Aurora trained one-on-one, with the two of them being surprisingly evenly matched. There was no team member who clearly won more matches. Although Kel had an advantage due to his type, Aurora was often happy to show off her latest trick, which was one of the reasons why Ice was one of the strongest types in the ring. A slippery floor was a major obstacle when you have to stay your ground!

Both Pokemon learned and became stronger, even though they knew that there was still a lot of room for improvement. They still wouldn't stand a chance against a team like Zeraora's. But that much wasn't necessary for now. What was important was that they were strong enough to beat Team Prena. When they entered floor 37 on the given date, both Aurorus and their opponents were already there. A Geodude and a Treecko, obviously a fairly new team themselves.

"Both teams are present? Very good, then let's get started! Team Polarna vatra, I'm very excited to see what you have to offer! So, talk to each other and let's get started!"

None of the teams had a strategy in advance, especially since they didn't know their opponents. But the first look showed clear tendencies, as Treecko was at a disadvantage against both of his opponents, but Geodude had the advantage.

"Whoever of us fights Treecko has to win no matter what! Who do you think will fight first and who is more likely to beat Geodude?"

Kel felt a little overwhelmed.

"Isn't it just luck anyway? We can start however we want, the probability is 50% anyway."

To his surprise, Aurora actually seemed to agree to a random action.

"Good. So... I'll just start, OK?"
"Have both teams decided the order?"

All the Pokemon present agreed.

"Good, then please step into the ring!"

Opposite Aurora, Treecko stepped uncertainly into the field, and Kel was already cursing inwardly. Why did he always have to fight the stronger opponents? First Zeraora, now Geodude. And he doubted that he would be as lucky as he was in his fight with Zeraora. At first, however, he had no choice but to watch the first duel, in which Aurora openly showed her confidence, even in her fighting style. As soon as she had frozen the ground, Treecko seemed to have little control. After a few well-placed blows into the danger zone, Aurora's ice beam, which she had learned over the last few days, hit its target and gave her the victory. Kel was happy about this in more ways than one, as a defeat on his part would no longer be decisive.

When he now faced Kleinstein, the tables turned. His opponent seemed confident and determined to win. And rightly so. He immediately covered the ground with sharp stones, which disturbed Kel's every step. Fire Spin seemed unable to move the heavy rock, while he was actually just throwing stones, but with great success. Kel soon found himself in the danger zone. But he was not ready to give up just yet. He had one last ace up his sleeve, which he had previously practiced with Aurora. However, the opponent would first have to come close for it to work. If Kel could somehow stop Geodude from throwing stones... which he couldn't. The round ended and it was now one to one in points. The final round began.

"We have to get Geodude out of the ring somehow! If we can do that, we can win this thing! But my icy floor is worthless if you suffer from it and he floats... do you have any ideas, Kel?"

It was quite obvious that Aurora was not expecting an answer. Thus, she was all the more surprised when she received one.

"Theoretically... if you shoot an ice beam at him and I thaw him in mid-air with Fire Spin... is it an Aqua Gun? Does that work? Or is that stupid?" "I... have no idea if that works. Only one way to find out."

Round three began and the opponents of Team Polarna vatra also seemed to have a tactic. Geodude, sure that he was almost invulnerable, covered Treecko, who laid out seed bombs on the floor. The strategy could work, but in this case it played right into Aurora and Kel's hands. Immediately, Aurora shot an ice beam at Treecko, but Geodude immediately got in the way. Kel, however, was ready for it and melted the ice just before it hit its target. And the plan actually seemed to work. A surprised Geodude was pushed into the danger zone by a stream of water. Kel and Aurora immediately split up, Kel attacked Treecko, Aurora dashed towards Geodude. While the rock type was still recovering, he was already hit by an Ice Beam. But this did almost nothing. Kleinstein only was moved by a meter... but that was enough, as close as he was to the edge. Now it was two against one, fire and ice against grass. And victory was only a matter of seconds.