Reminiscence of Plasma
The late afternoon sun was settling over Route 20, in the middle of the Route we encounter Rosa and Leo. Leo was once again standing in as a referee for Rosa's battle. Today Rosa was facing Isabel, another Rookie trainer. Rosa and Leo met Isabel on their way to Virbank City where Rosa wants to participate in her very first Gym Battle.
"As decided by the challengers, this is a two vs two battle. Pokemon can't be swapped.", Leo announced loudly.
"Venipede, let's get our first win.", Rosa exclaimed as she threw her Pokeball up in the air. Out of the ball a red light emerged with Venipede appearing on the ground. "Veni!", Venipede said proudly while soaring onto his back legs. Panspark was jumping around and cheering as his new teammate appeared. As Venipede lowered back on all his legs, she looked back up to Rosa. They nodded to each other signaling they are ready to battle. "Darumaka, it's your turn.", Isabel said as her Pokeball launched into the sky. In front of Rosa and Venipede a red furry Pokemon with thick yellow eyebrows appeared. Rosa pulled out her Pokedex scanning the newly appeared Pokemon. "Darumaka, a Fire Type. When it sleeps, it pulls its limbs into its body and its internal fire goes down to 1,100°F.", the Pokedex said while describing the adorable Pokemon. "Wow. How cute is Darumaka!", Rosa squealed out. "But that won't prevent us from defeating it. Right, Venipede?", Venipede once again turned to Rosa and nodded. "Enough talking, we're here to battle.", Isabel said from the other side. "Darumaka, let's start this off with Incinerate.", Isabela added. Darumaka opened its mouth wide open starting to charge a ball of fire in front of it. "Dodge it with agility, Venipede.", Rosa ordered. Venipede started moving rapidly from left to right getting closer to Darumaka. Darumaka than launched Incinerate but the attacked missed. Suddenly, Venipede was inches in front of Darumaka waiting for further instructions. "Venipede, now use . . .", Rosa started, when Isabel interrupted from the other side, "Fire fang fast, Darumaka." Darumaka's teeth started to flame up and it than railed them forcefully into Venipede. "Venipeeeeede!", the bug Pokemon screamed out. "Oh no, Venipede.", Rosa exclaimed from the other side as Darumaka spit Venipede back in front of Rosa. As Venipede got back up on his feet, Isabel ordered Darumaka to hit it with Roll Out. The red furry Pokemon turned into a red boulder and started charging toward. "Venipede, use Protect fast.", Rosa demanded swiftly. As Darumaka inched closer to Venipede a shiny force field emerged in front of it, launching Darumaka into the sky. "Yes, good work Venipede.", Rosa said proudly. "Now we have to counter. Launch poison sting attack." Venipede opened its mouth and a blast of purple stings launched from Venipede toward the still rotating Darumaka. The poison stings repelled from Darumaka's body. "Darumaka, try again to hit it with Rollout.", Isabel pleaded. Darumaka launched towards Venipede again. Rosa ordered Venipede to dodge it with agility, escaping the attack once more. As Darumaka hit the ground it stopped rotating getting out of its curl. "Now Venipede use Poison sting again.", Rosa commanded. Finally completing a direct hit, knocking Darumaka over. "Swiftly use agility and then hit it again with Poison sting.", Rosa said excited. As Darumaka slowly got up another Poison sting hit it. Throwing it to the ground and making it unable to battle. "Darumaka is unable to battle. Venipede wins. Isabela call out your next Pokemon." Rosa made a twirl out of excitement. "Great work, Venipede.", Rosa added. "Panspark, Pan!", Panspark said as he continued to cheer for his teammate.
"Pidove, it's your turn." Isabela exclaimed as she released the Pokemon from its Pokeball. "Pido, Pidove.", the Bird Pokemon said as it flew around the improvised battle field. "A Pidove?", Rosa said as she pulled out her Pokedex. "Pidove, the pigeon Pokemon. This very forgetful Pokémon will wait for a new order from its Trainer even though it already has one.", the Pokedex announced. "Air cutter, now!", Isabel demanded. Pidove started rapidly clapping its wings releasing light blue C-shaped air blades. "Use Protect, Venipede.", Rosa ordered. A shiny force field rose around Venipede protecting him from the attack. But Pidove was persistent enough eventually destroying the shield and connecting a direct hit. Venipede fell to the ground in front of Rosa, unable to continue the battle. "Venipede is unable to continue the battle. Rosa, call out your next Pokemon.", Leo announced. Rosa returned Venipede to his Pokeball, thanking him for his efforts in the process. "Panspark, it's your job to win this for us." Rosa said. Panspark nodded as he rushed in front of Rosa. "I am so excited to see Panspark in action.", Isabel said. "This is your chance to witness Panspark in all his glory. Use double team Panspark.", Rosa said. Panspark jumped in the air and started creating mirror selves which surrounded the flying Pidove. Isabel ordered Pidove to use Quick attack and start destroying the Panspark copies. Pidove gave his best but he wasn't successful to find the right Panspark. Rosa then ordered Panspark to use Discharge, directly hitting the swiftly moving Pidove. Pidove fall to the ground. "Great job, Panspark. Finish the job with an Electro ball.", Rosa ordered. Panspark appeared above the bird Pokemon and charged an Electro ball, launching it toward Pidove. Isabel ordered Pidove to use Quick attack to avoid the attack. The electro ball didn't connect as Pidove avoided the attack in the last moment. "Pidove, use Return.", Isabela ordered. The hurt Pidove started glowing with a bright light, launching an energy wave towards Panspark. Rosa ordered Panspark to use Discharge, throwing of the Return blast, creating an explosion as the attacks collided. Both Pidove and Panspark fell to the ground. The trainers exclaimed their Pokemons' names as they were laying on the ground not moving. A couple of seconds afterwards, Panspark got off the ground, while Pidove didn't move. "Panspark and Rosa are the winners.", Leo exclaimed loudly. Rosa ran towards Panspark, embracing him in a hug. "We won. We won.", Rosa said proudly. "Panspark, Pan!", the monkey Pokemon cheered. Rosa then approached Isabel who just returned Pidove into her Pokeball. "Great battle. I wasn't expecting that Return attack, at all.", Rosa said as she'd shuck Isabel's hand. "Thank you, it is our secret weapon. It was a pleasure battling against you."
After they've said goodbye to Isabel, Leo, Rosa, and their Pokemon continued their way to Virbank City. The two friends knew they had to make camp soon, but Rosa wasn't having none of it. She was hyped up and swiftly marching towards Virbank city.
"You know Rosa even if we arrive at Virbank there are 0 chances that you will challenge the Gym leader at this hour." Leo said while barely keeping up his breath.
"I don't care. I am so excited. I can't wait to have another battle. Panspark and Venipede are getting stronger with each battle." Rosa replied.
"Panspark, Pan.", Panspark added.
"You barely defeated Isabel. Don't think you'll be able to defeat a Gym leader.", Leo added with a snarky tone. Rosa stopped. She turned to Leo with an angry face.
"Lies. We've swept her.", Rosa exclaimed. "That Return attack was just a lucky move." Rosa started to ramble about the battle.
Leo giggled as he finally was able to catch a breath. "Why are you laughing?", Rosa wondered.
"I knew I would be able to stop you from marching by getting you to talk about the battle." Leo said happily. Rosa initially frowned, but Leo's laugh was so contagious that she joined him. A sudden rustle in the bushes besides them interrupted the bonding between the new friends. As the rustling increased the two of them took a step back from the bushes.
"It may be a wild Pokemon, be ready to battle Panspark.", Rosa said calmly. Panspark got in front of Rosa ready to protect her.
"Kabuto, are you ready as well?" Leo asked. Kabuto slowly got out of Leo's backpack and took position on Leo's head.
Out of the rusting bushes a flock of Patrat emerged. Leo's face illuminated. The Patrats rushed by Leo and Rosa as something was chasing them.
"Let's go Kabuto. It is our turn, use ancient power.", Leo exclaimed. Kabuto jumped of Leo's head and created a bunch of rock boulders in front of himself charging towards the flock of Patrat. The attack missed most of the Patrat except the last one getting hit by two boulders at the same time. The Patrat lied unconsciously on the ground. A shimmer of light surrounded Patrat. Leo swiftly threw a Pokeball at the lying Pokemon. The Pokeball glowed a couple of times before finally settling, signaling that Leo's capture was successful.
"What a great catch!", Rosa exclaimed. Leo rushed towards the Pokeball embracing it. Rosa, Kabuto and Panspark rushed to Leo's side and started cheering together. The group than decided it was time to settle for the night and make camp.
The night flew by fairly swiftly for the two friends. Rosa forced the two sleepy heads, Leo and Kabuto, to get up early so they could reach Virbank city as soon as possible. After an approximately one hour march the two finally reached Virbank city. They've headed to the Pokemon Center so they would fresh up. After some pampering the two of them approached Nurse Joy.
"Hello, Nurse Joy.", Rosa said as she approached closer to the counter.
"Hello, hope you recovered well." Nurse Joy said with a big smile on her face.
"My name is Rosa. I want to challenge the Gym leader of Virbank city, so can you please direct us to the Gym.", Rosa pleaded nicely.
"Okay. First thing first. Are you already signed up for the new Unova League? To challenge the Gym leaders and compete in the Pokemon League you have to sign up.", Nurse Joy explained.
"No, I have not signed up so far. Where can I sign up?", Rosa said.
"That is easy. Just give me your Pokedex and I will sign you up right away.", Nurse Joy explained.
Rosa swiftly pulled her Pokedex out of her pocket and gave it to Nurse Joy.
"Sadly, our new Gym Leader Gertrude isn't in town, she had a family emergency and won't be back for a couple of days." Nurse Joy explained as she signed up Rosa. A disappointed look emerged on Rosa's face. Nurse Joy noticed that.
"But if you want to do some training, there is the newly opened Tepig farm where trainers gather to battle trainers and Pokemon from Gertrude's Gym." Nurse Joy said.
"A Tepig farm?", Rosa exclaimed. Nurse Joy nodded. "Wow let's go and get some training done then. If Gertrude has Pokemon from the Tepig line herself this is the perfect opportunity to train for the gym battle. Doesn't that sound exciting Leo.", Rosa said as she clinched her fists as a new spark emerged in her eyes.
"Calm down Rosa. No need for shouting. We can go visit the Tepig farm.", Leo said as he tried to calm down Rosa. Rosa took her Pokedex back from Nurse Joy and thanked her for the information she gave them.
Rosa and Leo gathered their belongings and headed towards the Tepig farm. It was a beautiful sunny day and the town was full of people in a good mode. Rosa and Panspark were enjoying the sightseeing on their way to the Farm while Leo was nose deep in a book about Virbank's history. Suddenly Leo crashed into a person, knocking himself and Kabuto on the ground.
"I'm so sorry.", Leo said from the ground. As he looked up, he saw a tall lady standing in front of him with a Pokemon resting on her shoulders.
"It's okay honey.", the lady said as she was helping him off the ground.
"No way! No way it's you!", Rosa said. Leo was confused by Rosa's excitement. "The one and only Alexa.", Rosa continued. Alexa smiled as she took her sunglasses of.
"Should I know you?", Leo questioned quietly.
"Most people do." Alexa said with a smirk.
"Hello my name is Rosa and this is Panspark", Rosa said as she was uncontrollably shaking Alexa's hand. "I am a huge fan of your work."
"Are you a famous trainer?", Leo asked.
"Of course, not Leo, you silly goose. This is the world-famous reporter Alexa, from Lumiose City in Kalos." Rosa said.
"A Reporter?", Leo said surprised.
"Can you give me my hand back, though?", Alexa said with a painful grin on her face.
"Of course. I'm sorry. I just can't believe that we've met you.", Rosa said as she let Alexa's hand go. "What are you doing here? Following a good story?", Rosa questioned.
"Sadly no. Helioptile and I are here to report on the Tepig farm. We were just on our way there.", Alexa said. "Say hi, Helioptile."
"Helio.", the yellow black Pokemon said with a grin on his face.
"Really?! Panspark and I are on our way there as well. We wanna battle some trainers before I challenge the Gym Leader.", Rosa said excitedly.
"Panspark?", Alexa asked. Just than Alexa noticed the yellow monkey alike Pokemon on Rosa shoulder. "I've never seen or heard of a Panspark." Alexa stretched her arm to caress the timid Pokemon on Rosa's shoulder. Then Helioptile went down Alexa's arm and introduced itself to Panspark. The two Pokemon smiled at each other and rubbed their cheeks against each other with a couple of Sparks emerging.
"Seems you've made a new friend Panspark." Rosa said with a smile on her face.
"If I may ask, where did you catch Panspark Rosa?", Alexa asked.
"That is a long story. I can tell you all about it on the way to the Tepig farm.", Rosa said. Alexa nodded.
The three of them headed to the farm, as Rosa and Leo once again took the opportunity to tell the tale of their adventure. Alexa listened to them carefully and absorbed every detail of the story. As they approached the Tepig farm they've noticed a commotion going between the people. As they fought through the bunch of unsatisfied people, they saw three hooded figures stealing Pokeballs, while their Swoobat prevented anyone from getting close to them.
Rosa, Leo and Alexa headed towards the group of trainers.
"What is going on here?" Alexa asked.
"An Helioptile. Nice.", one of the hooded figures stated as he saw our friends approaching them. "Give us your Pokemon and no one will get hurt."
"You can only dream of that.", Alexa responded. "Give the Pokemon back to the Farm before facing consequences."
"We are on a mission to free all the Pokemon around the world. Anyone trying to stop us will be dealth with.", the apparent leader stated.
"Only in your dreams.", Rosa exclaimed. "Let's go Panspark. Electro ball."
"Air cutter.", the 3 hooded figures ordered.
The electro ball collided with the air cutter attack creating an explosion. Out of the explosion the hoods flew of the three robbers, revealing their uniforms.
"Team Plasma Grunts!", Alexa proclaimed.
"What?! Team Plasma? That is impossible", Leo stated.
"Nothing is impossible.", the leader of the Grunts replied.
"The reminiscence of Team Plasma. I've heard rumors about some Team Plasma Grunts keeping Ghetisis mission alive. But as of now it were only rumors.", Alexa explained.
"We will free all Pokemons from the tyranny of humans. Let's go Swoobats, Gust attack.", the three Grunts ordered.
A powerful gust of wind emerged from the wings of the Swoobat, preventing Alexa, Leo and Rosa to attack. Alexa was gripping Helioptile strongly as the gust of wind was about to blew him away. Panspark was holding on to Rosa as the gust was also inflicting damage on him. Rosa took Panspark and threw it in the air outside of the reach of the guts.
"Now use Discharge, Panspark.", Rosa said while still fighting the gust of wind. "Panspark!", the electric monkey screamed as he unleashed a powerful blast of energy. The electric shock out two of the three Swoobat. The Grunt leader and his Swoobat started running away with the Pokeballs, while the other two rushed toward their Pokemon. Rosa and Leo started running after the last Team Plasma grunt while Alexa stayed behind and upper handed the other two Grunts. Leo ordered Kabuto to use ancient power and changed the trajectory of the Grunts escape. Eventually the Grunt was caught in a dead end. As Rosa and Leo caught up to him, the Grunt released his Patrat to fight along Swoobat.
"A Patrat. Let's fight fire with fire. Patrat come out.", Leo threw a Pokeball into the air, as a red light escaped the ball a silver-black furred fox like Pokemon formed out of the light. "Wait what? Where is Patrat?", Leo asked.
Rosa was equally shocked. She took out her Pokedex and scanned the Pokemon. "Zorua, the fox Pokemon. It changes so it looks just like its foe, tricks it, and then uses that opportunity to flee.", the Pokedex voice said. "A Zorua, how cool?" When did you capture it, Leo?", Rosa asked.
"This is the Patrat I've caught.", Leo said confused. Suddenly an idea emerged to Leo. "That is why the Patrat were running. The Zorua chased them and infiltrated them with its ability.", Leo explained. Rosa and Leo looked at each other in disbelief.
"Enough." The Grunt exclaimed. "Bow to the Power of Team Grunt and surrender your Pokemon to me. Patrat use Superfang on Zorua."
The Rat Pokemon's fangs glowed up bright white as it rushed towards Zorua. Zorua stunned by the bright teeth didn't move and got hit by the powerful move. Zorua screamed in pain. Patrat jumped while holding Zorua with its fangs and tossed it on the ground. Leo rushed towards Zorua, while Kabuto jumped out of the backpack in front of Zorua to protect its trainer.
"Panspark are you ready? We need to protect our friends and get those Pokeballs back." Rosa explained to Panspark. Panspark jumped to Kabuto's side.
"Kabuto use Water gun.", Leo ordered. Kabuto's water gun hit both Patrat and Swoobat but without doing major damage.
"Laughable. You won't ever defeat me with these weak attacks.", the Grunt said while laughing at Rosa and Leo. The two friends laughed back. The Grunt was confused.
"You know when you are unexperienced and traveling alone through dark paths and woods, you need always a backup plan for facing wild Pokemon.", Leo said with a smirk.
"And what is better than a direct Discharge hit?", Rosa added. "Hitting wet Pokemon with a direct Discharge attack. Go now Panspark, full force Discharge."
The full force discharge hit Swoobat, Patrat and the Grunt directly knocking them all out. As they've tied up the Grunt and his Pokemon and recuperated the stolen Pokeballs, Alexa arrived with Officer Jenny.
After an eventful day, Alexa, Rosa and Leo settled at the Pokemon Center and talked about the events of the day.
"Sadly, you have to do your Tepig farm report again tomorrow.", Rosa said towards Alexa.
"Don't worry. No need for a re-do. I have enough footage of the Tepig farm and the Plasma Grunts. It will be a great story. Now I only need to find someone trustworthy to take it to Castelia City.", Alexa responded.
"We can do it!", Rosa exclaimed.
"We can?", Leo questioned.
"Yes, we can. The Virbank City Gym is still closed and according to my research the Castelia City Gym leader is in town, so there is my shot at my first gym badge.", Rosa explained.
"If you say so.", Leo conceded.
"That sounds like a plan. Helioptile and I would be eternally grateful to you two.", Alexa added. "I already bought you the tickets, the fairy leaves at 8am in the morning."
"You bought them without us confirming first?", Leo questioned.
"Let's say it was a reporter's hunch.", Alexa responded and started laughing in the process. Rosa, Leo and their Pokemon joined her.