A Benga of a Rival
The morning sun was fighting its way through the curtains of Rosa's room. Eventually, it found Rosa's face and woke her up from the deep slumber she desperately needed. Rosa and Leo arrived in Aspertia City late last night, with a fast train from Floccesy Town. Upon arrival at Rosa's home, they went right to bed. As Rosa opened her eyes, she saw Panspark on her desk, taking in the morning sun and looking at the events that were transpiring outside. The sound of Rosa moving her quilt and sitting up in her bed, made Panspark turn around. As he saw Rosa awake, he rushed to her side knocking her back to the bed.
"Pan, Pan.", the yellow monkey exclaimed. Panspark cuddled up to Rosa's cheeks and she cuddled back. Rosa couldn't believe how lucky she got. Panspark was such a darling and it teaming up with her was a blessing she thought. She then took the fluffy Pokemon and held it up front of her. Panspark's joy made sparks fly from its cheeks. Their interaction made Leo and Kabuto wake up as well. Suddenly, the door of Rosa's room opened with her mother entered with a cake, starting to sing happy birthday to Rosa. Leo swiftly joined the chant while simultaneously clapping while Kabuto and Panspark were surprised by the events in front of them. Eventually, they joined the clapping and moved to the rhythm of the chants.
"Happy Birthday, sweetheart. All the best.", Rosa's Mom, Whitley, said as she gave her daughter the cake. "Good morning Panspark.", she added as she caressed the cheery Pokemon by her daughter's side.
"Thank you, Mom.", Rosa responded with a big fat grin on her face.
"Happy Birthday, Rosa.", Leo added. "Kabu, Kabuto.", Kabuto said shyly as it moved back into Leo's backpack.
"Thank you, Leo. Thank you, Kabuto, I guess.", Rosa responded.
"Okay, guys. It's breakfast time. Go clean up, you don't want the food to get cold. I made all of your favorites, Rosa.", Whitley added.
Rosa, Leo, and their Pokemon got ready and enjoyed the breakfast Whitley prepared for them. After breakfast, Rosa was opening her presents while Panspark was exploring the House. Leo, meanwhile, was looking through the pictures of the cave he took the day before.
"This bag is beautiful, Mom. Can't wait to take it along my journey. Thank you.", Rosa said excitedly as she held up the pink-white bag her mother gifted her.
"You're welcome. And here is a gift from your sister. It arrived yesterday with the mail.", Whitley said as she handed her daughter the small gift cube.
Rosa's face illuminated. She missed her sister a lot, she was Rosa's idol. She couldn't wait to start her journey and eventually challenge her to a battle. Rosa took the little gift box and unwrapped it rapidly. As she opened it, a scream of joy was released, surprising the whole room. Everyone was staring at Rosa as she twirled around and held the newest version of the Xtransceiver in the air. As she stopped twirling, Panspark run up her body, up to her hands looking at the reason for Rosa's joy. Rosa put the device on her wrist and continued to jump around out of excitement with Panspark jumping along. All of a sudden, Rosa calmed down. She turned to her mother with a serious look on her face.
"I know Rosa, it's time.", Whitley responded to Rosa's serious look. "It's your time to leave and explore the rich world of Pokemon. Now that peace returned to Unova, it's your time. Unova is such a great place to start your journey.", Whitley added. Rosa teared up a bit.
"Hey, but before you leave town, can you take me to Bianca's lab?", Leo mumbled from the back while still invested in his photos.
"Of course, no problemo my friend.", Rosa said chipper. "So, let's get ready, a lot of stuff to do."
Rosa hugged her mom but cut the emotional goodbye short, cause her adventure was about to start. Rosa and Leo packed their stuff and headed out towards the lab. As they hit the street, Rosa started running out of joy.
"Rosa, wait! I can't run that fast.", Rosa heard Leo screaming from the back.
She turned around. "Come on Leo, no time to waste.", Rosa said excitedly. She continued to run as Panspark was mesmerized by the beautiful landscape and all the buildings and Pokemons unknown to it. As they reached Bianca's lab, one of her assistants said she was currently at the Lookout taking a break. Once again, Rosa started running and Leo barely kept up with the long-legged 15-year-old girl. After a minute or two they finally reached the Lookout and saw Bianca looking at the lake in front of her.
"Hello Bianca.", Rosa screamed from the entrance to the Lookout, while Leo was still trying to grasp for air. Bianca turned around. She started walking up to Rosa and Leo.
"You're finally here. So nice to see you, Rosa. Long time no see, Leo.", Bianca said calmly as her glasses slowly slipped from her nose. Then Bianca's eyes wandered to the yellow fluffy Pokemon on top of Rosa's head. "And you must be Panspark. Nice to meet you. I am Bianca.", she added.
"Pan, Pan.", Panspark said with a smile on his face.
"Come on, guys. Let's go to the Lab, I have to show you something.", Bianca said with a slightly more serious note. As they headed to the Lab, Rosa, and Leo recounted the events of the previous day and how they found Panspark, and how they encountered Thundrus. As they reached the Lab, Bianca brought them into one of her examination rooms, with a bunch of old pictures of Legendary Pokemon.
"Bianca, please tell me, how does my Pokedex doesn't recognize Panspark? And how did I never hear of it before?", Leo questioned.
"According to old Unovian tales, hundreds of years ago the Legendary Forces of Nature waged war all over Unova.", Bianca said as she was pointing to the portrait of the Forces. "Once their war came to an end, the climate in Unova changed rapidly. This eventually brought to the extinguishing of some Pokemon lines and some Pokemon changed their types and were never the same again.", Bianca explained with all seriousness.
"Pokemon lines were extinguished?", Leo asked fearfully.
"More or less. According to some old records, those Pokemon lost their ability to breed. The scripts are tough to translate. Yet, after talking to Prof. Juniper, she presumes that Panspark, while staying in that Pokeball and mysterious cave, was kept safe from all those environmental changes that occurred.", Bianca responded. "In some old books, there are records of even more elemental monkeys, including Panspark the professor said.", she concluded.
Rosa looked at her precious partner and couldn't believe how lucky she was.
"If you don't mind, I would love to scan Panspark with my cube. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and finding out more about Panspark and his physiology is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Also prof. Juniper would love to meet him if you ever get to Nuvema Town.", Bianca pleaded.
"I don't mind, as much as Panspark doesn't mind.", Rosa responded. "It won't hurt, won't it?". Rosa fearfully questioned.
"No, of course not. We wouldn't ever hurt a Pokemon for our gain. Meeting a Pokemon like Panspark is very special. We might get an answer to why he prevailed in the cave. All he has to do it stand still in that cube in the center for a couple of seconds.", Bianca responded with a smile on her face.
"As said, if Panspark agrees, I agree.", Rosa looked at her partner. "Panspark would you just stand there for a couple of seconds.", Rosa asked softly.
Panspark turned his head toward the machine in the center. A fearful look emerged on his face. "Pan.", he said timidly.
"You don't have to Panspark, but it would mean a lot to Bianca if you do.", Rosa said.
"Look Panspark, Kabuto will do it first. You will see it's nothing serious.", Leo added. "Kabuto, come out, please. We need your help." Kabuto slowly climbed out of Leo's backpack. Leo took it and put it into the cube. Bianca then started the exam. After a couple of seconds, the exam was finished. Seeing how swiftly and painless the exam was, Panspark rushed to the cube and took Kabuto's place who returned to Leo's backpack. As the exam was finished, Rosa rushed to Panspark and took it in her arms. Bianca approached as well.
"Thank you, Panspark.", Bianca said and handed out a Poke Block to Panspark. Panspark took the sweet and rapidly ate it up. A happy expression emerged on Panspark's face.
"Now let's get down to business. If I'm not wrong, you want to start your journey today, aren't you Rosa?", Bianca asked.
"Yes, of course, I do.", Rosa replied with a huge smile.
"Okay, so here are your Pokedex and Pokeballs, you can't start your journey without them.", as Bianca finished her sentence a drawer at the cube automatically opened. "The Pokedex will gather information about the Pokemon you meet on your journey and is important if you wanna join the new Pokemon League.", Bianca explained. Rosa took the Pokedex and put it in her bag, while she set the Pokeballs in a sachet on her belt. "And now you also get a starter Pokemon from me.", Bianca added.
"No. I don't need one. Panspark is my partner. I don't need any other.", Rosa replied.
"What? But I procured these for you, you can still choose one despite Panspark. You are the second one to refuse a starter Pokemon from me today. That never happens.", Bianca added.
"Thank you regardless, Bianca. Thank you for the information you shared with me and for the Pokedex. But it's time to go now. Our adventure awaits.", Rosa gratefully said.
"Your welcome Rosa. It was nice to see you again and meet Panspark. But for Panspark to be your official Pokemon, you have to capture him in a Pokeball.", Bianca responded.
"Oh, is that a thing? Okay then. Panspark, you have to jump into a Pokeball for a second. I see you in a second." Rosa explained to her partner. Rosa pulled out one of her newly acquired Pokeballs, enlarged it, and tapped Panspark on its head with it. Panspark turned into a bright red light and disappeared in the Pokeball. "Now come out Panspark.", Rosa exclaimed as she threw the Pokeball in the air. Panspark emerged from the Pokeball and jumped into Rosa's arms.
"Rosa?", Leo said quietly.
"What's up, Leo?", Rosa asked.
"I was wondering if Kabuto and I may join you on your adventure. I want to learn more about Panspark and maybe we will encounter other rare Pokemon on your journey.", Leo asked.
"Of course, you can. Panspark and I would definitely enjoy your company and Kabuto's if he ever shows his face again.", Rosa said joyfully.
"Panspark, Pan!", Panspark added.
"I hope it's okay with you Bianca. I know I've said I would stay with you and go over the data my mom sent, but I have to do this.", Leo said to Bianca.
"Of course, Leo. The 4 of you seem like a really good team. But before you go, here is my Xtransceiver contact, so we can stay in contact.", Bianca pleaded.
"Of course.", Leo and Rosa said in sync. "And here you go, the data that Mom sent for you to examine. I will also send you the location of the cave Rosa and I discovered." Leo pulled out a couple of ledgers out of his backpack and gave them to Bianca. Afterward, he grabbed his Pokedex, clicked a couple of buttons, and put it back in his pocket. "Done, I've sent you the location.", he added.
"Thank you, Leo. I wish you all the best on your journey and don't be a stranger.", Bianca said with a big smile on her face.
"Bye Bianca." Leo and Rosa said as they headed out of Bianca's Lab.
After a couple of hours of walking towards Floccesy Town, the newly formed team took a small break. Leo and Kabuto were preparing some sandwiches while Rosa and Panspark were training together. Panspark was doing double teams and charging electro balls at trees.
"Gosh, you are so fast Panspark.", Rosa cheerfully said. Panspark then rushed towards her taking a small break on her shoulder. Rosa rushed towards her bag and grabbed a Pokeblock for her partner. They approached Leo and Kabuto.
"Those look delicious.", Rosa said.
"Thank you. Here take one, you two.", Leo responded. Rosa took a sandwich and split it, giving one half to Panspark. After they finished the sandwiches, they packed their stuff and rested a bit before continuing their journey.
"And what is your plan from here on?", Leo asked Rosa curiously.
"From here the nearest gym is in Virbank City, there I can sign up for the new Pokemon League and challenge the new gym leader. After that there are so many options, we can head to Striaton City next though, and meet Prof. Juniper.", Rosa replied.
"That sounds like a great plan. From Striaton City, we can head to Nacrene City as well, my mom would love to meet Panspark for sure.", Leo said happily.
"Sounds like a plan.", Rosa said joyfully.
As they continued their journey, Rosa noticed Leo frequently checking the bushes and trees.
"What are you looking for?", Rosa asked curiously.
"According to my Pokedex, this Route is filled with Patrats.", Leo responded.
"Patrats, you say? Great, a Patrat would be a great first capture for us. Wouldn't it Panspark?", Rosa said excitedly.
"No, no. If we see any Patrat, I will capture it. Patrat eventually evolves into Watchog, a Pokemon that can use Flash. A move that is perfect for exploring caves and finding rare Pokemon and Items.", Leo said with a know-it-all tone. Rosa only saw Leo this excitedly when he would talk about caves and exploring them.
"Okay, you've got dips on Patrat but any other Pokemon, I will catch.", Rosa said with a smirk of excitement on her face.
Suddenly, they heard some commotion in the trees beside them. "That must be a Patrat.", Leo exclaimed. "Come on, Kabuto. Use Ancient power."
Kabuto jumped out of Leo's pack and launched a couple of big boulders into the tree ahead of them. As the boulders hit the tree, a human scream could be heard and Rosa and Leo just saw a figure fall out of the tree to the ground. "What have I hit?", Leo screamed. Rosa and Leo rushed towards the fallen figure, just to see a tall boy with long fiery orange-red hair laying on the floor.
"Can't, be you?", Rosa exclaimed.
"You know him?", Leo questioned.
"Hello neighbor.", the boy said while waving toward Rosa from the floor.
"What are you doing here, Benga? Why were you up in the tree?", Rosa asked.
"Nice to see you too, Rosa. What a welcome. Damn.", Benga replied. "I was looking for Pokemon to catch, when you knocked me out of the tree.", he added. Rosa lent him a hand to get off the ground. She didn't remember him being this tall. She hasn't seen him in a couple of years, but she would recognize him everywhere. That hair, that snarky face. Rosa blushed a bit.
As he got off the ground, Benga screened the group in front of him. "Hello, I'm Benga, grandson of former Unova Champion, Alder, and the next Champion of the Unova League.", Benga proclaimed.
"Hi, I'm Leo and this is Kabuto. Sorry for hitting you with the boulders.", Leo introduced himself in an apologetic tone.
"It's okay. It happens.", Benga said with a grin. As he noticed Panspark hiding on Rosa's back, he went into a frenzy. He went around Rosa's back and picked up the yellow Pokemon, examining it. As he felt uncomfortable, Panspark released a discharge at Benga frying him. As Benga fall to the ground, Panspark returned to Rosa's shoulder.
"Panspark, are you alright?", Rosa asked while caressing the scared Pokemon.
"What in the world of Pokemon?", Benga said with a tremble. "What Pokemon is this?", he added as he pulled out his Pokedex and scanned Panspark.
"Panspark. Electric Monkey Pokemon. No further information is available.", the Pokedex answered.
"Panspark. I've never heard or seen you before.", Benga said questioning the Pokémon's existence.
Rosa and Leo then told Benga about the adventures from the previous day and how they met Panspark. Rosa wasn't getting tired of telling the story of how she and Panspark met. After they answered all of Benga's questions, Rosa had a couple of her own.
"Bianca, said another beginner trainer refused to take a starter today, I presume it was you?", Rosa asked while tipping her index finger against her chin.
"Yes, that was me. I already have a partner. It isn't as ancient as yours but it's the best one I could ask for. Come out, Larvesta.", Benga said as he released the larva Pokemon out of its Pokeball.
"A Larvesta. How cool?", Rosa exclaimed.
"Larvesta?", Leo questioned as he used his Pokedex to scan it.
"Larvesta the Fire Bug Pokemon, a moth-larva Pokemon. Said to have been born from the sun, it spews fire from its horns and encases itself in a cocoon of fire when it evolves.", the Pokedex explained.
"Yeah, very cool, isn't she? Gramps gave me a Pokemon Egg a couple of weeks ago. It hatched a week ago and today we've started our journey.", Benga said proudly. "Are you up for a battle Rosa? I wanna see what Panspark can do?", Benga asked.
"Of course, we are up for a battle. Aren't we, Panspark?", Rosa said. Panspark cheered on Rosa's lap.
"Let's go then. Will you be the referee, Leo?", Benga asked.
"Gladly.", Leo responded.
As they positioned themselves on opposite sides of the road, Leo started talking. "This is a 1 on 1 battle between challenger Benga, from Floccesy Town, and Rosa, from Aspertia City. Send out your Pokemon now. "
"Let's go, Larvesta. Use Ember.", Benga exclaimed. As flames lit up on Larvesta's horns, the larva Pokemon opened its mouth wide, and a ray of fiery balls launched at Panspark. "Dodge it, Panspark.", Rosa yelled. Panspark jumped up high, but not fast enough so his leg was hit with a couple of flame balls, forcing it to the ground. "Oh no, Panspark. Are you okay?", Rosa asked. Panspark turned to Rosa and nodded. "Keep it up Larvesta. Use String shot and capture Panspark.", Benga demanded. A thick white string rushed out of Larvesta's mouth directly towards Panspark. "Double team, now Panspark.", Rosa yelled. Suddenly, mirror versions of Panspark appeared all around Larvesta. Larvesta kept trying to hit Panspark but would miss every time. "Hit it with Electro Ball Panspark.", Rosa instructed. The mirror versions of Panspark started charging the attack. "Switch to Ember again, Larvesta.", Benga ordered. As the String shot attack ended, Panspark appeared above Larvesta and launched the electro ball. The electro ball didn't make a clear hit with Larvesta, instead, it collided with the budging Ember and created an explosion sending both Pokemon flying to the ground. Rosa and Benga both sighed. "Are you okay Larvesta?", Benga asked. "Can you continue the fight, Panspark?", Rosa questioned. Both Pokemon released a scream of approval. "Okay, if you are ready Panspark, hit them with a discharge. A dark cloud formed above Panspark's head, releasing a charge of white electricity toward Larvesta hitting it directly. "Oh no. Larvesta!", Benga yelled. "Come on buddy. Use Flame charge.", Benga ordered. "Double team again Panspark.", Rosa instructed. Panspark dodged the first flame charge without a problem but as Larvesta repeatedly used the attack it got closer and closer to hitting Panspark, before making full contact sending Panspark flying to the ground. As Panspark hit the ground, flames started to burst from its body. "Oh no!", Rosa yelled. "Oh yes.", Benga countered. "Panspark is burned.", Benga added. "Come on Panspark, one more hit and the win is ours. Full force Electro ball.", Rosa ordered her Pokemon. Panspark started charging an Electro ball again. "Flame charge, Larvesta.", Benga yelled. Larvesta's body rapidly engulfed in fire and charged rapidly towards Panspark. Larvesta hit Panspark before it could release its electro ball taking it down to the ground. "Panspark are you okay?", Rosa yelled. "Panspark is unable to battle. Benga is the winner.", Leo announced.
"Great job Larvesta.", Benga said happily. The expression on Benga's face changed swiftly after he looked at Rosa. He recalled Larvesta into his Pokeball. Meanwhile, Rosa ran towards Panspark, got to her knees, and picked up the hurt Pokemon closely to herself.
"Paaaaan.", Panspark said timidly. "I'm so sorry, Panspark. You got hurt the cause of me.", Rosa said in a teary voice.
Benga approached them and kneeled down. "Let me.", he said. He swiftly got a spray bottle out of his large black bag. He slightly moved Rosa's hand and sprayed the bottle content onto Panspark. In a blink of an eye, Panspark opened his eyes and smiled at Rosa. She embraced Benga in a hug. "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.", she said through her tears. Benga blushed. He squirmed out of the hug. "It's okay. Great battle rookie. Panspark is quite the fighter.", Benga commented.
"Yes, he is.", Rosa said with a smile through the tears.
After a small recovery, Benga decided to leave the group and return to the forest.
"Thank you for the battle, Benga. But don't think I will ever lose to you again.", Rosa said as they shuck hands to say goodbye.
"I'm not counting on it.", Benga said with a smile on his face. They both blushed. Benga then ran off into the bushes waving toward the group.
"He is quite the figure isn't he.", Leo commented.
"Yes he is.", Rosa commented.
Eventually, the group reached Floccesy Town. They restocked supplies at the Pokemon Market and Rosa bought a couple of Potions and Burn heals. She didn't want to ever be this unprepared for a battle. Rosa felt guilty and like a disappointed cause, she let Panspark down. As they were having dinner at the Pokemon Center, Leo noticed the worrisome look on Rosa's face.
"It was a great battle, you know.", Leo said.
"I don't think so.", Rosa said while looking away from Leo and the Pokemon.
"You and Panspark gave your all. That is all that matters.", Leo insisted.
"But Panspark got hurt and it is all my fault.", Rosa said as tears emerged on her face. Panspark noticed the tremble in Rosa's voice, he rushed to her side.
"Luckily there is medicine for that. Panspark fought with you and for you, by the way you are talking, you are disregarding all its efforts. My mom always says, "You grow more out of your losses than out of your victories." So learn from this lesson and do better for Panspark next time.", Leo said.
Rosa looked at Panspark, and the cute yellow Pokemon looked at her with a tilted head. As they locked eyes a smile emerged on Panspark's face. "Oh, Panspark. I will never ever disappoint you again.", Rosa proclaimed and grabbed her partner and cuddled him as tight as she could. Panspark embraced the hug, but as Rosa squeezed too hard, he released a Discharge frying everyone at the table. The group started laughing. A short time afterwards the group went to sleep in the Pokemon Center's chambers.
As the next morning arrived, the team continued their path toward Virbank City. Rosa's spark reignited. She wanted to become the best trainer possible and that means training as much as possible with Panspark. She did realize that training into the empty won't help much so she was searching for wild Pokemon to fight. Rosa and Panspark scoured the bushes and grass patches beside the road in search of a rival. Sadly, the two of them were unlucky. Eventually, they made camp with Leo and rested in frustration. As Rosa played a bit of boxing with Panspark, she noticed some ruffling in a nearby tree. She got up and approached the tree with Panspark following her closely. Rosa looked up the tree in search of a Pokemon, just to be hit by a string shot from the tree. Rosa fell to the ground with the sticky web on her face. With Panspark's help, she swiftly removed the web and witnessed how a Sewaddle was swinging on its string shot from one tree to the other.
"Panspark, swiftly use Electro ball, and cut the web with it.", Rosa gave the instruction to Panspark. Panspark charged a mini electro ball and cut the web with it, causing Sewaddle to fall to the ground. Rosa swiftly took out her Pokedex and scanned the Pokemon.
"Sewaddle, a Bug-Type Pokemon. Since this Pokémon makes its own clothes out of leaves, it is a popular mascot for fashion designers.", the Pokedex voice explained.
"Sewaddle looks like the perfect Pokemon to fight and catch. Let's go Panspark, double team, and then another Electro ball.", Rosa yelled cheerfully.
"Let's go Panspark.", Leo cheered from the side.
Panspark started creating mirror versions of himself surrounding Sewaddle, who was still recovering from its fall. Suddenly, Panspark got hit by glowing violet strings, knocking it to the ground. Out of a surrounding tree, a bordeaux Pokemon rushed in front of Sewaddle. Rosa swiftly scanned the bug Pokemon with her Pokedex.
"Venipede, the insectoid Pokemon, a Bug-Poison Type. Using the feelers on its head and tail, it picks up vibrations in the air to determine its prey's location and state.", the Pokedex spit out.
"So, you have a protector Sewaddle. We will defeat you both. Panspark, are you okay?", Rosa asked. Panspark nodded. "Come on Discharge.", Rosa ordered a new attack to take down their foes. Panspark's dark cloud once again formed above its head and a charge of white electricity headed toward the two bug types. Suddenly a protective shield formed around the two bug types.
"What was that?", Rosa asked herself.
"That was Protect. Be careful. Venipede seems to be quite strong.", Leo added from the sidelines.
Venipede then turned to Sewaddle. "Veni, veni.", she said to her fellow bug friend and then charged towards Panspark with a Bug Bit attack. As Venipede bit into Panspark's shoulder, Sewaddle took the chance and swung away with its string shot.
"Damn.", Rosa said in a panic. "What should I do next?", she added.
"Calm down, Rosa. Panspark needs you, help him get out of Venipede's clutches.", Leo said while encouraging Rosa to stay calm.
"Okay. Panspark use a double team swiftly and take Venipede on a ride.", Rosa ordered. Panspark started creating mirror versions of himself and Venipede in a circular motion. Eventually, Venipede let go of Panspark and fell to the ground. Dizzy by the turmoil of the double team, Venipede seemed slightly confused.
"Panspark use this chance, hit it with an Electro ball.", Rosa ordered. Panspark charged an Electro ball at Venipede, resulting in a direct hit.
"This is your chance Rosa, throw a Pokeball.", Leo yelled to his friend.
Rosa grabbed a Pokeball from her satchel, enlarged it, and threw it toward the knocked-down Venipede. As the Pokeball hit Venipede, the Pokemon turned into red light and was absorbed into the Pokeball. The Pokeball fell to the ground and started shaking. Rosa, Panspark, and Leo were in suspense waiting for the result. The Pokeball shucked a couple more times before it eventually settled down, signaling that Venipede was captured. Rosa screamed out of joy. She ran towards Panspark, who set down on the ground from exhaustion, she picked it up and threw it in the air as a sign of celebration. Panspark laughed in joy. The partners then embraced in a hug.
"We did it, little guy. We did.", Rosa proudly said.