Notes- It feels great to get a large chapter finished in a short period of time. Chapter 12 checks in at over 7.5k words, making it the second longest chapter! This installment has Chris meeting several new and important people. There is sight-seeing, Gym Battles, and even a Slowpoke or two! What more can you ask of a chapter!? I want to give a shout out to Aceswild13 for beta reading this chapter, and encourage everyone to check out his work! I hope you enjoy this 12th addition to Chris' journey through Johto! Please Review and Subscribe!
Chapter 12
A ringing sound snapped Chris out of his heavy slumber. The trainer rolled over to look for the source of the noise and found its origin on the bed side table.
"Didn't know the ringer would be this loud," Chris mumbled as he switched off the alarm on his PokéGear.
Chris looked out the window beside the bed and was relieved to find a clear sky greeting him. The trainer glanced over at his starter and was surprised to find it still asleep. Chris grabbed Cyndaquil's Pokéball and quietly returned it to its device. After all the travel from yesterday, he figured the Fire starter could use a break. Chris grabbed a pair of fresh clothes and grabbed some chips to snack on. The trainer looked over his supplies and found that his food and unused clothes were running low.
"I hope this place has a decent grocery and laundry business."
The young man stood up and felt something bump into his chest. Looking underneath his shirt, Chris realized that the golden case was still tied around his neck. He would have to find time to eventually open it up. The trainer grabbed his backpack and snapped the PokéGear around his wrist. Stepping outside, Chris was met by voices from down the hall.
"It's about time you woke up!" Adam called from the lobby. "I've made some breakfast for ya!"
"We can't all be early risers!" Chris replied, stretching his back.
"Well then it looks like you're the minority." Luke's voice surprised Chris.
"What happened to waking up at eight?" Chris laughed, but felt slightly annoyed as he entered the lobby and found Luke in a nearby chair.
"I just happened to wake up an hour early." Luke answered calmly. "Besides, it gave me a chance to take my Pokémon to the Center in town. They're still there so I'll go with you if you want to take your team."
Chris shook his head and grabbed a plate of food. "You guys make your plans way too early in the day! I may head to the Pokémon Center here in a bit."
"And while you guys wait," Adam interjected, "I suggest you do some sight-seeing! With the town being so isolated, there is a lot of natural beauty in this area."
"Sounds excellent." Chris did enjoy exploring Johto's scenery. "It looks like it'll be a beautiful day."
Once the trainer had finished eating, Luke stood up and nodded toward the door.
Adam grabbed Chris' plate and tossed it into a nearby sink. "I might come into town a little while later. Hope you guys enjoy the town!"
"See ya later!" Luke waved as the two men exited the inn.
Stepping out into the sun, Chris felt a positive energy overcome him. Light weaved its way between the line of trees beside them as the duo made their way into the quiet town. The trainer's mind wasn't even focusing on the Gym Battle that could occur later that day. These days were meant to be enjoyed, not worried over.
Azalea Town did not sport a trendy gate, or any acknowledgement of its existence. Chris noticed a small sign post nailed into the ground and walked over to investigate.
"Azalea Town," the trainer read, "Living happily with Pokémon."
"That sums this place up nicely." Luke turned to survey the small square before them. "C'mon, the Pokémon Center is over here."
As the trainers continued on, Chris glanced back at the sign and recognized the Pokémon known as Slowpoke, standing beside it. "Hm."
It took less then a minute to cross the downtown area and reach the Pokémon Center. As they walked, Chris took in the quaint surroundings and found a structured rhythm to the world around him. The sound of an axe swinging was followed by the squeaking of a cart-wheel, which then gave way to a Slowepoke's yawn.
"This couldn't be any different from Violet City," Chris breathed.
Luke eventually stopped before the largest building in town, which Chris recognized as the Center. Chris thought it seemed a bit smaller than Violet City's and the coloration reflected the rural environment. Entering inside, Chris found his surroundings to be much more familiar.
"I see my Pokéballs on a shelf," Luke pointed. "I'll wait over there till you're ready."
Chris nodded and headed towards the front counter. The center seemed very much deserted, providing another stark contrast to Chris' experiences in Centers. Upon reaching the counter, the trainer was immediately greeted by a nurse.
"Hello!" Nurse Joy's smile did not change between cities. "Would you like me to heal your Pokémon?"
"Yes please!" Chris handed the nurse his four Pokéballs.
"It should be an hour or two before they are fully healed." The nurse informed him.
"Sounds good!"
Chris thanked Nurse Joy and then met Luke on the other side of the room.
"While we're waiting," Luke looked out a nearby window, "let's do some exploring."
"That does sound like an excellent time killer!" Chris hastily agreed. "Have any places in mind?"
"Yes actually." Luke confirmed as the two men exited the building. "When we were running through that storm yesterday, I saw what looked like a massive hole dug into the ground. It looked like there was a well of some kind above it. It's pretty close to the inn."
"Slowpoke Well!" Chris suddenly blurted out. "I can't believe I forgot about it."
"I can understand your amnesia," Luke laughed, "considering it has to do with Slowpoke."
"You don't understand though!" Chris replied seriously. "Slowpoke are hailed as powerful beings here. I remember hearing a legend about Slowpoke stopping a massive drought four hundred years ago!" The trainer paused for a minute as they continued back through the town. He then turned to face Luke. "And don't think you slipped that pun past me!"
The trainers retraced their steps until Chris caught sight of a laundromat.
"Do you care if I wash some of my clothes?"
"That's actually a really good idea."
After a short wait, the trainers set off again with a fresh batch of clothes. Following their previous path, the trainers soon found themselves standing before the inn. Almost immediately, Adam emerged from inside, covered in sweat.
"That was fast!" The innkeeper wiped perspiration from his forehead.
"It was long enough for you to get in a workout apparently!" Luke replied.
Adam laughed before a small creature pounced through the door and landed on his head.
"Is that a Totodile?" Chris asked, trying to make out the excited Pokémon.
"It is indeed!" Adam confirmed, holding the spirited starter towards the trainer. The Big Jaw Pokémon took a snap at Adam's hand. "I wouldn't get to close him though! He's excited about stopping our heater from catching on fire!"
"So the situation is under control?" Chris asked hesitantly, noticing smoke drift from the open doorway.
"Oh yeah!" The native answered calmly. "I'm just trying to let all the steam air out of the inn!" Adam gave the two a strange look. "Surely you weren't planning on killing time here?"
"We won't be too far away." Luke pointed in the direction of Route 33.
"Slowpoke Well, eh?" A sly grin crossed Adam's face as he closed the door behind him. "How about I give you fellas a tour?"
"You sure the house will be okay?" Uncertainty was also reflected in Luke's voice.
"I'm sure it will be!" Adam responded, setting his crocodile-like starter on the ground beside him. "It's not far to the well!"
The three trainers began the short trip to the well. As they closed in on the landmark, Chris noticed numerous Slowpoke crawling around. The small, pink Pokémon did not approach the trainers, but instead eyed Totodile wearily. Chris had a feeling that Adam's starter had caused these Dopey Pokémon a lot of grief.
"And here we are!" Adam announced, as the group rounded a line of trees.
They stepped into a small open space overlooking a large indention in the ground. Chris noticed a winding path leading down to a small, brick well. A ladder rested inside the well, providing visitors a way into the heart of the structure.
"That looks like an awfully small opening." Chris could already feel a slight sense of claustrophobia surrounding him.
"Trust me," Adam chuckled, "it's a lot bigger on the inside. Let's go!"
The three trainers made their way down to the well. Adam and Totodile jumped onto the ladder and quickly slid down.
"I might let you go next." Chris waved at Luke, letting out a nervous laugh.
"Fine with me." Luke grabbed onto the ladder and disappeared below the surface.
"Time to man up!" Chris took a deep breath and latched onto the ladder with both hands. "Don't look down..."
The trainer descended slowly, taking it one rung at a time. He kept his head up, but noticed that the space around him was quickly expanding. After several more seconds, Chris could tell that this was not a normal well. Feeling his feet hit the ground, Chris let out a sigh and turned to examine his surroundings.
"Woah..."
The trainer found himself surrounded by a massive cavernous opening, not unlike that of Union Cave. Torches were placed around the cave and lined a nearby path. A cold chill permeated the air, prompting Chris to notice several pools of water scattered about the cave.
"It's pretty remarkable, isn't it?" Adam's voice turned Chris' attention to the two trainers beside him.
"Definitely not what I was expecting." Chris answered quietly.
"I'd bring out a Pokémon if I were you." Adam noticed the trainers' apprehension and added, "Just as a precaution! I don't think we'll run into anything!"
"Speaking of Pokémon," Luke began, "I guess it's about time I introduced my team to Charmeleon."
"You didn't yesterday?"
"Even if he wouldn't admit it, Charmeleon was exhausted after yesterday," Luke explained. "I wanted him to get some rest till we could find a Pokémon Center." The trainer from Tohjo Falls released all of his Pokémon except Pidgeotto from their devices. After noticing Chris' confusion, Luke clarified. "I doubt a Bird Pokémon would want to be confined underground."
"Better return this little guy before he attacks them." Adam quickly returned his starter Pokémon back to its Pokéball.
Upon being released from its container, Charmeleon materialized into the dark cave with a blinding flash of light. Chris noticed Poochyena approach the Fire starter slowly, observing its evolution with awe. Luke gently nudged the Bite Pokémon forward until he stood before Charmeleon. Poochyena flinched as Charmeleon moved its arm forward, but the fire starter simply placed a clawed hand on the Bite Pokémon's head.
"Char!" The Flame Pokémon flashed a grin.
"Ruff!" Poochyena gave out a delighted bark and bounced into the air.
"Ele!" Elekid walked over to stand before the fire starter. The Electric Pokémon returned Charmeleon's confident smile and the two shook hands.
"What's Wooper doing?" Chris asked, noticing Luke's Pokémon examining a pool of water nearby.
"He probably spaced out again." Luke shook his head and laughed. "Wooper has a bad habit of being mesmerized by his own reflection."
At the mention of its name, the Water Fish Pokémon took off down the path beside them.
"Wait up!" Chris shouted as the three trainers and their Pokémon took off after the waddling Water type.
The chase led the group along a narrow pathway, causing Chris to carefully watch his footing. The ledge hugged the cavern's wall, bending and turning with the cave. Wooper's bright blue figure kept the Pokémon in sight, allowing the group to quickly close in. Chris managed to get ahead of Wooper, and stepped in front of him.
"You move pretty fast for an awkward Pokémon!" The trainer reached down and wrapped its hands around the stray creature. Immediately, a shooting pain exploded up Chris' arms. This was not helped by Wooper's continuous thrashing. "Son of a buck!"
The trainer dropped the Water Fish Pokémon and gritted his teeth to keep from releasing a swarm of curse words. Chris heard Luke chuckle as he and Adam passed by him.
"Wooper's body creates a poisonous film on land!" Luke shouted back. "You don't want to touch it barehanded!"
"Would have been good to know!" Chris hissed back.
Once the pain began to subside, the young man from Cherrygrove took off after the other two trainers. He did not have to run long before catching up with the entire group. Wooper had stopped before a raised platform. As Chris came to stand beside Adam, he noticed that there appeared to be a statue resting in the center of the space. Looking closer, Chris recognized the rocky carving and ornaments around it as a shrine of sorts. The statue depicted a bipedal warrior reaching upward, holding a large wooden bowl. The carving had the body of a man, but was heavily contrasted by its face which resembled that of a Slowpoke.
"What do you think-" Chris was cut off by the other two trainers.
"Sh!"
Before Chris could question their silence, the trainer noticed a figure lying before the statue. It appeared to be a man, bowing down on his knees towards the carving. All of the Pokémon, including Wooper, knew to remain silent as the man prayed. After several more anxious seconds, the man stood up slowly and turned to face them.
"Hello Mr. Kurt." Adam greeted respectfully with a bow. "We did not mean to disturb you."
"Hm..." The elderly man eyed the trainers before smiling at Adam. "It's not a problem my lad. I was just caring out my morning ritual!"
"Excuse me sir," Chris interjected, 'but would you happen to be The Kurt of Azalea Town?"
"I don't believe there are any other Kurts," the man scratched his grey-haired head, "so yes!"
"Wow," Chris stepped forward and bowed, "it is an honor to meet an expert like yourself."
"I was an expert," Kurt chuckled as he shook Chris' hand, "but now I've retired! I gave the expert duties over to my granddaughter!"
"Even in Kanto, you're still well know sir." Luke informed, now recognizing the Pokéball authority.
"It's good to know that legends live on!" The elder released a hardy laugh. He looked at the cave around him as if remembering where he was. "So what brings you gentlemen to Slowpoke Well?"
"We're killing some time before battling the Gym." Luke answered, prompting each of his Pokémon to release a joyous response.
"I see. So you're both trainers." Kurt walked over to Poochyena and rubbed the Bite Pokémon's ears. "We don't get many trainers through here because of the natural boundaries." The Bite Pokémon rolled onto its back to allow Kurt to scratch its stomach. "Union Cave and Ilex Forest test travelers' endurance and forces them to search for their own source of light."
After this last statement, Charmeleon released a stream of fire into the air. The Flame Pokémon's tail flame expanded and lit up the cave momentarily.
"That would certainly help with the light ordeal!" Kurt laughed.
"Since when did Charmeleon get excited?!" Chris asked, confused by the starter's actions.
"Charmander was always pretty serious." Luke explained. "With an evolution came a bit more life and energy I guess. Though, I doubt his sparring sessions with Elekid will change!"
"Ele!" The walking power plug threw a jab at Charmeleon in response.
"I wish I could stay and talk with you all," Kurt examined his pocket watch, "but I promised to help my granddaughter carve out her Pokéball designs."
"Retired, huh?" Adam added a smile.
"But before I go," the expert craftsman reached into a small bag attached to his robe, "I want to give you trainers a gift as you continue your travels." He tossed one minimized Pokéball to each of the trainers. "Those three Pokéballs were specially carved by myself. Even an old man like myself feels motivated to work occasionally!" Kurt nodded towards the devices. "Those are call Friend Balls. If you capture a Pokémon with them, the device will help strengthen their bond with you. Use them wisely!"
"Thank you!" All three trainers said at once.
"I must be off!" Kurt announced as he took off in the direction of the exit.
"I've always kept my distance from him," Adam mumbled, "thinking he was a cranky old man. I'm an idiot!"
"I would definitely check out his granddaughter's operation if I were you!" Chris exclaimed, looking over the green Pokéball in his hand.
"I'd say your Pokémon should be all healed up." Luke reminded Chris.
"Oh yeah!" Chris' mind immediately flipped back into battling mode. A Gym leader was awaiting his challenge.
The group retraced their steps, bringing them back to the entrance of the well.
"I'll go first this time!" Chris declared, feeling the adrenaline of a future battle in his blood.
"Go for it champ!" Luke gave the trainer a short round of applause.
"You know," Chris began climbing, "someday that title will fit me perfectly!"
As Chris began to feel his confidence grow, a frightening howl echoed up towards him.
"Woah!" The trainer latched onto the metallic ladder and waited for death.
"Hahaha!" The sound of laughter soon overtook the previous howl.
Chris slowly brought himself to look down and found that the trainer's and their Pokémon were rolling on the ground in hysteria. An identical howl filled the cavern, and Chris found its source to be Poochyena.
"Better hurry!" Luke called, patting the Bite Pokémon on the head. "There's a vicious beast down here!"
"I'm just a simple guy," Chris could feel his teeth grinding together as he climbed, "trying to get up a freakin ladder. I didn't sign up for the howling, and the fear of heights..."
Chris reached the top and waited for the other two to arrive. Several moments later, the three trainers were reunited above the ground, with Luke having returned his Pokémon to their devices.
"Now that you've had your fun," Chris sighed, "let's get a move on! It's already noon!"
"The Gym doesn't close till nine!" Adam shook his head in amusement as the trainers set off towards town. "I can't fault your spirit, though! I'd be excited too if I were about to battle a Gym Leader."
"You may have to battle your parents," Luke squinted at a cloud of vapor over the tree line, "if that steam in the distance is coming from the inn."
"I'm sure everything is alright!" Adam reassured, but immediately began sprinting. "But it doesn't hurt to check."
"That dude has a set of wheels!" Luke exclaimed as the native quickly disappeared out of sight.
"We may want to step up the pace as well." Chris suggested, breaking into a jog.
"A little exercise wouldn't hurt," Luke agreed.
The trainers' quickened pace brought them to the inn in a short period of time. To their relief, the building was still standing, and no smoke was visible. Before they could make their way inside, Adam emerged, covering from head to toe in ash.
"This time it was the furnace!" The trainer explained, holding his arms up. "It's like this place hates me!"
"At least it's still standing!" Luke pointed out.
"Only a bit of the floor was damaged," Adam informed them, "the fire was put out by ol' Totodile." From within the smoke, the Big Jaw Pokémon emerged, and bit down on its trainer's head.
"Déjà vu is a funny thing." Chris was amazed by the Totodile's wild character. He could not image owning a Pokémon that wild and uncontrollable.
"So you think everything is alright?" Luke asked hesitantly.
"Yeah!" Adam nodded and waved at them. "You guys go on to the gym. I'll try and catch up a bit later!"
"Alright," Chris didn't like leaving someone in a messy situation, but Adam seemed okay. "Hope you can catch our battles!"
"I'll do my best!" The native saluted before rushing back into the inn.
"That guy is something else." Luke smiled, before the two trainers made their way towards town.
The trainers swung by the Pokémon Center and Chris grabbed his healed team. Afterwards, the trainers headed further into town. Downtown traffic had actually picked up, forcing the trainers to stay off the roads. Trucks slashed across lanes, carrying trailers filled with vegetables and lumber.
"Looks like this place has some life to it after all," Chris announced after witnessing the changed atmosphere. "Let's try and get to the Gym before a farmer decides to plow us!"
"Really?!" Luke shook his head in disappointment. "Plow is what you come up with?"
"Hey," Chris took the defensive, "this upcoming Gym Battle has disrupted my pun skills. Don't hate the player!"
"Let's just get to Gym."
The trainers continued West, moving further into the heart of the town. Passing by a lane of houses and several privately owned restaurants, the duo found themselves before the Azalea Gym. Both men entered inside without exchanging words. Once inside, the trainers weren't sure whether they had walked into a gym or a greenhouse. The domed ceiling overhead filtered light into what appeared to be a miniature forest. Trees lined the walls and were greatly dispersed across the gym floor. Bug Pokémon roamed among their branches and crawled through the bushes beneath them.
"If ever there was a Gym Leader who matched his type..." Luke muttered, as the two trainers examined the wild atmosphere.
"Welcome trainers,"a young boy approached them, "to the Azalea Town Gym."
"Are you the Gym Leader?!" Chris asked, remembering that the leader was once a kid younger than them."
He laughed. "Maybe someday!" The boy pointed at several Pokéballs on his waist. "I help Bugsy nurture the plants and Pokémon here."
"Is Bugsy available?" Luke asked, examining the forest around them.
The boy nodded. "He is." He pointed back at the forest behind them. "I'll take you to his office."
The trainers were led through the greenery, weaving around trees and ducking beneath the webs of Spinarak. They were brought to a massive tree, which appeared to be the centerpiece of the gym. "Hey Bugsy," the boy called towards the tree, "there are a couple of challengers here!"
There was a rustling noise in the branches and a large beetle dropped to the ground in front of the trainers. Upon further examination, Chris recognized the Pokémon as a Heracross.
"Hello!" The welcome originated from behind the Single Horned Pokémon.
After a moment, a lanky fellow emerged, carrying a net. The young man approached the two trainers, and Chris realized how tall the leader was. Chris and Luke stood a couple of inches over six feet, but this boy looked to be several inches taller.
"Welcome to the Gym!" The Bug enthusiast dropped the butterfly net and shook each trainers' hand as they introduced themselves. "The name's Bugsy if you didn't already hear!"
You seem very young for a Gym Leader," Chris could not believe that a trainer barely older than himself could become a Gym Leader.
"You should have seen me when I first started!" Bugsy laughed, and brought a hand up to his chest. "I was about this tall!"
"If you don't mind me asking," Luke paused, "how old were you when you became the Gym Leader?"
"Let's see," Bugsy scratched his head, "I'm twenty-two now..." The Gym Leader began counting on his fingers. "That's been eight years ago, so I believe I was fourteen."
Chris didn't know what was more shocking, the leader's age when he started or the man's current age. The spindly trainer looked to be sixteen, definitely not in his twenties.
"What can I say?" Bugsy chuckled upon seeing the trainers' shocked expressions. "I've kept my youthful charm. And most importantly, my passion for Bug Pokémon!"
The Gym Leader snatched up his net, and Chris noticed two Pokéballs inside it. Swinging the net over his shoulder, the devices burst open, releasing two human sized, scythe wielding mantis'.
"You both came for a Gym Battle, right?" Bugsy pointed towards an open space behind him. "me and my Scythers will be waiting on the battlefield for whoever decides to go first!"
As the leader walked away, the trainers broke out into an argument.
"I let you go first last time!" Luke roared.
"You didn't let me!" Chris corrected. "I beat you there!"
"Regardless," Luke relied, "it makes since for me to go first this time. I learned Falkner's strategy by watching your battle, and you can do the same now!"
"I just really wanna battle!" Chris admitted.
"You'll get your chance."
Luke took off towards the opposite side of the grassy battlefield. Chris slowly followed and leaned up against a tree behind his fellow trainer.
"Have you fellas battled many Gym Leaders?" Bugsy inquired, examining each trainer closely.
"This will be our second Gym Battle!" Chris responded quickly. "We battled Falkner a couple of days ago."
"Hm..." Bugsy paused for a moment before asking, "So what brings you to Azalea Town?"
"We're swinging through on our way to Goldenrod." Luke answered, maximizing the Pokéball in his hand. "I've got my eyes set on the Goldenrod Tourney!"
"My goodness!" Bugsy exclaimed. "You're pushing it on time! The tournament begins at noon tomorrow!"
"We're pretty fast travelers!" Chris explained with a shout. "Unless we get sidetracked by cave monsters!"
The Gym Leader released a chuckle. "You guys are determined. How about this?" The Gym Leader pointed at one of his Scyther. "Since you are pressed for time, we'll make this a one-on-one battle. I'll use one of my experienced Scyther to amp up the pressure that a three-on-three battle brings!"
"That works for me!" Luke agreed, before tossing his Pokéball high into the air.
The device burst open while still airborne, releasing Pidgeotto into the sky. The Bird Pokémon turned 180 degrees and brought himself down before Luke.
"Playing to the type advantage again?" Chris sighed in mock frustration.
"It can only help your chances!" Bugsy nodded. "But don't think you've won. I am the walking Bug Pokémon encyclopedia! I know their strengths as well as their weaknesses!"
"Knowledge can't take the place of instinct," Luke replied smoothly.
"This will be a good test of that statement!" Bugsy pointed towards the trainer. "I'll let you make the first move!"
The boy who had welcomed the trainers took his place on the sideline to act as judge.
"This will be a one-on-one battle for the Hive Badge!" The boy announced. "As Bugsy stated, the challenger has the first move.
"Then let's start off fast with Quick Attack!" Luke directed, much to the chagrin of Chris.
The Bird Pokémon shot forward like a bullet, giving Bugsy little time to counter.
"Double Team!" The Gym Leader called out.
At the last possible second, the Mantis Pokémon disappeared. Pidgeotto used his momentum to swing back around, but found himself faced with four different Scyther.
"Knock it down with your Slash attack!" Bugsy commanded.
"Don't give them a chance!" Luke countered. "Fly up to the ceiling."
As the Scyther clones surrounded Pidgeotto and brought their blades forward, the Bird Pokémon soared upward, narrowly avoiding the attack.
"Don't let it get away!" Bugsy exclaimed. "Use Pursuit!"
The green mantis suddenly raced upward at an incredible pace. Luke had no time to warn his Pokémon, who took a full body tackle from Scyther. The blow rocked the Bird Pokémon, causing him to nearly drop to the ground.
"He wasn't kidding about those Scyther being experienced!" Chris was shocked by their strength. "A blow like that would have knocked Cyndaquil out cold when I first got him."
Pidgeotto managed to steady himself in the air, and awaited his trainer's order.
"Did you know that Scyther is the third fastest Bug Pokémon in existence?!" Bugsy suddenly asked, startling Chris with the randomness. "Only Ninjask and Accelgor are faster!"
"That's..." Chris tried to think of a nice response, "informative."
Luke was so locked in that he did not register the information. "Way to recover!" Luke praised. "First, let's get rid of the clone Scyther with Gust!"
The Bird Pokémon brought his wings forward, sending a gale towards Scyther.
"Hold steady!" Bugsy encouraged his Pokémon.
The wind swept through the battlefield, wiping away the three clones. The real Scyther covered her face and stayed low to the ground to avoid being swept off her feet.
"Now Quick Attack!" Luke quickly followed up.
Pidgeotto swooped low as Scyther looked up into the sky to find the bird. Before Bugsy could inform his Pokémon of Pidgeotto's location, the Bird Pokémon slammed his body into the mantis' side. The shot knocked the Bug Pokémon off her feet and sent Scyther towards the base of a nearby tree.
"Bounce off the wood and head into the tree top!" Bugsy managed to get out.
Scyther did as she was instructed, managing to recover and disappear into the dense foliage.
"The coloration of Scyther's body allows it to blend into its natural surroundings!" Bugsy announced in random fashion once more. "It's a trait you find in most Bug types!"
Before Chris could respond, Luke was already on the move.
"Bring it out into the open with Whirlwind!" Confidence layered Luke's voice.
With several flaps of his wings, the Bird Pokémon created a large vortex of air. With one final flap, Pidgeotto slammed the tree with his attack. The tornado ripped apart the branches and made the trainers cover their eyes for fear of debris. Through squinted eyes, Chris could see Scyther spinning through the air uncontrollably. The trainers heard Bugsy yell a command through the wind, but Chris could not make it out.
Syther's wings suddenly took on a bright glow and the mantis slowed her spinning. Bugsy's Pokémon rocketed forward, riding the gale towards Pidgeotto. The Bird Pokémon could not release himself from his attack until it was too late.
"Give it the one-two!" Bugsy cheered on.
The Mantis Pokémon swung its body around and bashed Pidgeotto's face with its wings.
"That's awesome!" Chris was awed by Scyther's control and quickness.
"Don't back down!" Luke encouraged, seeing the Bird Pokémon momentarily dazed. "You're tough as nails! Wing Attack!"
To Chris' surprise, Pidgeotto almost immediately regained his composure. With a deafening screech, the Bird Pokémon brought his wings forward in a boxing motion. Luke's Pokémon slammed the shocked Scyther with both of his wings. The Mantis Pokémon dropped from the air, her body completely limp. Before she could hit the ground, a red beam of light surrounded Scyther. The Mantis Pokémon disappeared into the Pokéball in Bugsy's outstretched net.
"Scyther was withdrawn by the Gym Leader," the young boy motioned towards Luke, "therefore the challenger wins!"
"Great job Pidgeotto!" Luke embraced the Bird Pokémon once he landed before him. "You have the heart of twenty Pokémon!"
The Bird Pokémon nuzzled his head against Luke's side and embraced the trainer with its wings.
"Hard to believe a battler like that has a gentle side," Chris breathed.
"Well that was fun!" Bugsy smiled. He waved at Luke. "I might stay over here and battle Chris before I hand you the badge. Is that alright?"
Luke nodded before withdrawing a potion from his satchel.
Bugsy pointed at Chris. "Then I guess you're up!"
"It's finally time!" The Cherrygrove native laughed.
Chris had decided the day before what Pokémon he would definitely be using. And after watching the previous battle, the trainer realized he had made the correct pick.
"Let's go, Golbat!" Chris mimicked his fellow trainer's high toss, allowing the Bat Pokémon to materialize in the air.
"And you were complaining about me going for the type advantage!" Chris heard Luke call from behind him.
"Another flying type to have to deal with!" The Gym Leader shook his head in disapproval. "That's a bit harsh, don't ya think?"
"I'd say as a Gym Leader," Chris responded, "you should be able to adapt!"
"Maybe you're right," Bugsy replied with a sly grin. The bug enthusiast snapped his fingers and a second Scyther appeared beside him. "Let's see if Golbat can display the same heart and endurance that Pidgeotto showed."
"The rules will be the same for this match!" Bugsy's assistant announced, reminding the trainers of his presence. "The challenger has the first move!"
"I'll show you what we're made of!" Chris roared as Golbat flew to his side. "Let's start off with Bite!"
Golbat took off towards his enemy, who remained motionless. As the Bat Pokémon swooped down to sink his teeth in Sycther, Bugsy made his move.
"Counter with Fury Cutter!" Bugsy commanded.
The Mantis Pokémon swung her claw forward and intercepted Golbat's fangs. However, a dark purple glow suddenly surrounded the exchange of attacks and Syther dropped to a knee.
"Was that," Chris thought back to his Pokémon studies, "Crunch?!"
"Shake it off Scyther!" Bugsy encouraged. "Fury Cutter again!"
Bugsy's Pokémon swung her free scythe forward, catching Golbat across the torso. The Bat Pokémon was forced to release his grip and backed off.
"Fury Cutter becomes more powerful with repetition." Chris was trying to formulate a plan. Golbat was hardly fazed by Bug type moves, but he would a tough time dealing with a powered up Fury Cutter. Chris knew that this attack would leave the bat wide open if it didn't land. "Put some distance between you two and use Confuse Ray."
Golbat flew several feet higher before preparing his move. The Bat Pokémon drew back his wings before releasing a spine tingling shriek. A pale, glowing energy raced from Golbat to the Mantis Pokémon.
"Double Team!" Bugsy excitingly directed.
Scyther suddenly split twice, becoming four different entities. Golbat's attack surrounded the Scyther that stood where the original had moments before, but the target turned out to be a duplicate.
"Scyther are often compared to ninjas in their ability to move and deceive!" Bugsy continued on his tangent.
"Should have seen that coming!" Chris exclaimed through gritted teeth.
"Wing Attack!" Bugsy commanded, seeing the challenger flustered.
The three remaining Scyther shot into the air toward Golbat. They weaved back and forth in a memorizing formation that Chris believed they had practiced before.
"Fly towards the ground!" Chris could feel his instincts taking over.
"Pursue!" Bugsy directed, seeing Golbat attempt an escape.
"Head towards the trees!" Chris realized that an open battle with the clones would not end well. Not unless Golbat was packing a long distance attack like Pidgeotto.
The Bat Pokémon sped towards the line of trees near the battlefield. The troop of Scyther were quickly closing in though.
"Weave between the trees!" Chris needed to split the Scyther up if Golbat was going to have a shot.
Chris' Pokémon followed his trainers command and began to swerve through the trees on an almost reckless course.
"Scyther are very adamant about pursuing prey!" Chris heard Bugsy announce.
"Better hope they don't over pursue," Chris mumbled, noticing that the trio of Mantis Pokémon were only a couple of feet from Golbat. As his Pokémon flew over a low lying tree, Chris made his move. "Drop!"
Golbat halted his flapping and simply sunk beneath the tree branches. The Scyther could not stop their momentum in time, and passed by the tree.
"Wing Attack!" Chris commanded, seeing the Scyther with their backs turned.
The Bat Pokémon blasted out of the tree and delivered powerful strikes to two of the three Scyther. Chris roared in triumph, as one of the targets turned out to be the real Scyther. The Mantis Pokémon reeled in pain, as the last false Scyther vanished.
"Bounce back with Quick Attack!" Bugsy directed, hoping to avoid a momentum shift in Chris' favor.
In a flash, Scyther was upon Golbat.
"Crunch!" Chris prayed that he had called the right move.
The Mantis Pokémon delivered a powerful kick to Golbat's left wing. The struck appendage fell to the Bat Pokémon's side, obviously unusable.
"Hang on!" Chris threw out the words, but did not realize the significance of them.
Golbat could not maintain his flight with one wing and began to fall. Upon hearing Chris words, the Bat Pokémon latched on to the backside of Scyther's bladed arm.
"Knock it off with Fury Cutter!" Bugsy calmly commanded, seeing Golbat's helpless condition.
Golbat began swinging back and forth to avoid the Mantis Pokémon's strikes. Scyther could only use her free claw, providing Chris with a brief period of time to counter.
"Hang in there Golbat!" Chris tried to focus on a strategy and ignore the brilliant pun he had just delivered. Remembering the previous attack he had called, Chris thought he would give it one more shot. "Crunch!"
The Bat Pokémon used his rocking motion to swing up-and-over the mantis.
"Wing Attack!" Bugsy's voice cracked as the leader looked on in shock.
"Bring it down!" Chris cheered on as Golbat dropped towards Scyther with his fangs bared.
Scyther spun quickly, swinging her glowing wings towards Golbat. The mantis' attack drilled Golbat in his injured wing, prompting a painful screech from the Bat Pokémon.
"Golbat!"
Chris felt his body stiffen up as he watched his Pokémon spasm with pain. It was all over.
"No!" Bugsy cried.
The Bat Pokémon sunk his teeth deep into the exposed neck of Scyther. The Mantis opened her mouth, but no sound came out. The two Pokémon spiraled downward as Sycther's wings failed. As they were about to hit the ground, Golbat released his fanged grip and flung himself off of the mantis. Both Pokémon landed with a resounding thud and remained motionless.
"In the case of a draw, "Bugsy's assistant spoke, "the Gym Leader is declared-"
A quiet screech echoed out from the battlefield, prompting all four men to find its source.
"I don't believe it," Bugsy shook his head in disbelief.
Golbat had forced himself up with his one useful wing.
"Golbat is still able to battle!" Chris informed the judge.
"I have a hard time believing that," Bugsy's assistant mumbled. He then noticed that Scyther still had not moved. "However, Golbat is on its feet! And by Pokémon League regulations-"
"Just get on with it!" Chris interjected.
"The challenger wins!"
Chris sprinted over to his exhausted Pokémon as he collapsed. Scooping him up gently, Chris found a smile plastered on the Bat Pokémon's face.
"You were excellent!" Chris was amazed to see emotion on his Pokémon's usually stoic face. Maybe the two were actually bonding after all. "How are you feeling?"
The Bat Pokémon reached towards Chris' neck with his fangs, prompting the trainer to almost drop his Pokémon.
"Woah there!" Chris was relieved to see another smile on Gobat's face. "I know you're excited, but we might need to calm it down!"
The trainer applied a potion to his Pokémon before returning it to its Pokéball. As he tucked away Golbat's capture device, Chris noticed Luke standing behind him.
"You were quiet." Chris nodded at the trainer.
"Not all battles need commentary." Luke grinned. He pointed at Chris' bag. "Your Golbat showed some amazing determination. I was skeptical about your battling at first, but I see now that you bring out the best in your Pokémon.
"I could say the same about you and Pidgeotto," Chris replied politely, "but for now, I'll take all the glory!"
Before Luke could retort, the trainers noticed Bugsy approaching them.
"Those were two of the best battles I've had in a while!" The Gym Leader commended the duo. He withdrew a bag from his safari jacket and handed each trainer a circular token. Chris noticed that the red and black badge was patterned after a Ledyba. "And through these excellent battles, you both have earned the Hive Badge!"
"Thank you." Both trainers humbly replied.
"Now if you don't mind," Bugsy glanced over at a nearby tree, "I may take my leave. There are some Spinarak web patterns that I simply must study. You're welcome to join me though!"
"We appreciate the offer," Luke hurriedly responded, "but we should probably get our Pokémon to the center."
"Ah, of course!" The Gym Leader nodded. "Best of luck on your continued journey. Give it your all in the Goldenrod Tournament!"
The trainers shook Bugsy's hand once more before exiting the Gym. Once they were outside, Chris was shocked to find late afternoon already upon them. The trainers sprinted to the Pokémon Center and quickly handed over each of their injured Pokémon to Nurse Joy. Taking a seat, the trainers decided to strike up a conversation.
"That dude has some issues!" Luke pointed at the Gym badge and shook his head.
"Apparently his mind never caught up with his body," Chris agreed as they walked. "He seems more interested in studying Bug Pokémon than battling with them."
"He's either going to have to get serious about battling," Luke sighed, "or let someone else take over the Azalea Gym."
"On a positive note," Chris brought out the his badges, "that's two down! Only six to go."
"Speaking of two badges," Luke looked out a nearby window and pointed out Adam across the street.
The trainers flagged the young man down, and he came over to stand beside them.
"I'm guessing I missed out on the battles?" Adam lowered his head in disappointment.
"But at least we have something to show for it!" Chris held out the Hive Badge to show Adam.
"How's the inn by the way?" Luke asked.
"Still in one piece!" Adam gave a thumbs up. "I have my very trustworthy Totodile looking after it!"
"The Totodile we saw earlier?!" Luke hesitantly asked.
"Of course!"
"Then I'm sure it'll be well taken care of!" Chris reassured with a smile.
"So what are your plans?" Adam asked the trainers.
"Were you wanting to make some progress through Ilex Forest?" Chris looked at Luke.
"With the tournament being at noon," Luke nodded, "we really don't have a choice. I would like to stop for some supplies first though."
"I can take you to a great shop at the edge of the forest," Adam offered.
"Lead the way!" Chris replied.
The two trainers picked up their healed Pokémon and followed Adam to the far West corner of town. As they approached the store, Chris noticed massive trees rising up before them. The trees had grown so tall that the sun had already fallen behind them, casting a large shadow on the town. Adam had not been lying, as an entrance to the forest was in sight of the small market store.
"I'm going to grab some vitamins," Luke informed Chris. "What are you looking for?"
"Some food sounds great to me," Chris admitted, hearing his stomach rumble.
"They have a nice snack selection over here." Adam pointed out.
Once the trainers had stocked up on necessities, they decided it was time to head out.
"Best of luck to both of you!" Adam shook their hands. He nodded towards the forest. "I'll be back on my journey here in a few days. Hopefully I'll see you guys out there soon. I know we'll meet up again at the Silver Conference!"
"I love the confidence!" Chris laughed.
"Take care of yourself man," Luke waved, "and keep an eye on that wild Totodile of yours!"
"Will do!" Adam answered, as the two trainers headed off.
As the duo approached the entrance to the forest, Chris felt a strong presence overtaking him. The comfort and safety of the small town was fading behind them. A whole world of mystery lay before them.
"Are you ready?"
Luke's voice snapped Chris out of the strange zone he had entered. The trainer looked ahead into the darkening woods before him and took a deep breath.
"Let's go."
Closing- You've just slayed the beast that is Chapter 12! I hope you enjoyed Chris and Luke's adventure in Azalea Town, because now they are off once more. Ilex Forest is all that stands in the way of the Goldenrod Tournament. But with darkness closing in, how will the trainers fair in the unknown forest? I hope to see you in the next action packed episode of Heart and Soul!