Notes- The fateful battle is finally here! Not much else to say, but thank you again for joining me on Chris' adventure! Let's get it on! Please Review and Subscribe!
Chapter 23
As the heat of the day wore on, a group of Pokémon and their trainer continued to sweat it out. Constant commands were being issued as the five creatures dashed back and forth, delivering a barrage of moves. However, the trainer knew not to work his Pokémon too hard in the hot temperatures. The constant sparring was broken up every half hour by a much needed water break. After a particularly fierce session, Chris collapsed beside his starter and chugged a half-gallon of water.
"I sweat more than anyone on the planet," Chris breathed, wringing out his damp shirt.
"Quil." the fire starter agreed, inching away from the sweaty river his trainer was expelling.
Chris crawled to his backpack and set out another round of food and water, which his Pokémon gladly devoured. "That may be enough training for today," Chris caught a look of relief on his Pokémon's faces. "Not that you guys couldn't handle more!" The trainer glanced back at the tower behind him, half expecting to see eyes watching him. He had come to feel a bit intrusive after meeting Oliver for the second time. Perhaps a change of scenery was needed.
"How about we hit up a park close by?" his Pokémon leaped up, seeming to dispel any exhaustion. "I knew you guys had energy for days!"
The park rested just to the west of the Burned Tower. Night was quickly approaching, bringing with it a mercifully cool breeze. The group found a nice picnic bench to place their supplies on. Chris placed Magikarp into a nearby pond, allowing it to also cool down from the day's events.
Chris got his team's attention. "I'm going to close my eyes and count to five," he spun his finger through the air, "when I'm through, I'm coming after ya. I plan on having the speediest team in the land. You better be able to outrun me!"
After the five count, Chris was happy to see that his Pokémon had hidden well. "Their pride is finally going dow-"
"Quil!"
Chris' eyes landed on his starter, who had stood in the opening behind Chris.
"So much for humility," Chris sprinted towards the Fire-type.
Chris chased around the speedy Pokémon, who seemed to be leading him on a predetermined path. Rounding a tree, Chris almost smashed into Nidorino. The Poison Pin Pokémon dashed from his hiding spot, choosing to run with Quilava. The Volcano Pokémon turned sharply and nodded towards an upcoming tree. Nidorino dashed forward and smashed his horn into the tree. Crobat fell from the branches above and soon joined the other Pokémon as their trainer chased them.
"Exposing each other's hiding places," Chris managed a laugh through his heavy breathing. "Can't fault a winning attitude."
Scyther's hiding spot among a group of bushes was soon ousted. Chris realized that Quilava had used the five seconds to examine and remember where the other Pokémon's hiding spots were. The trainer didn't know whether to be angry or impressed. Quilava led the group to the pond which held the last member of the team. The Volcano Pokémon did not slow down as he approached the small body of water.
"I have you now!" the trainer pushed himself forward with as much energy as he could muster.
Without warning, the Fire-type slammed on the brakes. The rest of the Pokémon attempted to do the same, but wound up tripping over one another. Chris could not slow himself in time and quickly realized he could not hurdle the large pile of Pokémon. The Volcano Pokémon slid to the side as Chris and the rest of the team tumbled into the water. The trainer emerged from the water and realized that Magikarp had been hiding in this location. Quilava stood on the dry ground, sweat covering his body, but a grin on his face.
"I guess a bath couldn't hurt," Chris shrugged. He leaned forward quickly and grabbed the unsuspecting Fire-type. "Let's all go for a swim!"
Chris pulled the squirming Volcano Pokémon into the water. The trainer was faced with a death stare once they both emerged back at the surface. Chris noticed Quilava's glance point towards the water in front of them. A familiar gold locket drifted on the surface beside them. Chris scooped it up gently.
"You guys keep enjoying yourself," Chris' voice drifted as he stepped out of the water. He had never been able to open the shiny locket. Its potential contents captured his curiosity once more. The trainer sat down by their supplies and began to fiddle with it again. He glanced up every once in a while to check on his team, but they seemed engrossed in a game of tag. After several minutes of struggling, Chris finally gave up. Night had arrived and Chris knew that he and his Pokémon needed to be well rested for their battle.
"Let's head back," Chris decided to return his Pokémon to their capture devices. His team had to be exhausted from the day's constant activities. "Who knows what tomorrow will bring?"
After healing his team, Chris prepared himself for bed. Writing an update message to his mother, he sank beneath the covers. He kept a clear head, realizing that he and his Pokémon would be ready for the challenge. It wasn't long before sleep overcame him.
The next morning was an uneventful blur to Chris. He showered and threw on his usual green t-shirt and khaki shorts. No sense in changing up his routine for Dobbs. Not being a big breakfast eater, Chris snacked on an energy bar while his Pokémon ate their meal. An hour before noon, Chris was outside. As he approached the Burned Tower, the trainer fiddled with the capture devices in his backpack. The trainer was just now beginning to realize that he hadn't chosen which Pokémon he would be using.
"He captured Volbeat," Chris mulled over the possibilities. "Wouldn't hurt to prepare for the water, fire, and grass coverage." The trainer managed to quickly make up his mind and felt confident as he stepped onto the familiar opening beneath the crumbled tower. Checking his PokéGear, he saw that noon was just fifteen minutes away.
"Hello there," a soft voice carried through the wind.
Chris spun around, half expecting to see Oliver once more before him. Instead, his eyes found an elderly woman resting on a bench.
"Oh, uh," Chris tried to regain his composure, "hello ma'am!"
"Beautiful day today, isn't it?"
"Yes," Chris was happy to have some way to pass the time. Dwelling in his own thoughts would not be good for his nerves before a battle. "Not a cloud in the sky, but it's not unbearably hot." Chris saw her eyes move to examine the towers behind him. "Do you come here often?"
"Every day that I can make it," she smiled warmly. "I use to play outside this tower when I was a girl. Back before any reconstruction ideas had even been proposed."
"What are your thoughts on that?" Chris really didn't know what to make of it himself.
"No one entered the tower when I was younger," she explained. "We believed that nature had purposefully destroyed it, a symbol, highlighting the arrogance of man towards Pokémon. My grandmother told me that humans and Pokémon had almost severed their connection after countless wars."
"Humans warred against Pokémon?" Chris asked in shock.
"Not quite," she quickly dismissed. "Humans and Pokémon worked together to battle other humans and Pokémon to the death. It was a barbaric partnership that split Pokémon and people alike into countless factions." The elder shook her head in sadness. "The natural destruction of the tower was a startling wake up call. The innocent Pokémon that perished and the departure of the guardians marked a major point in history."
"Guardians," Chris breathed, "of the sky and sea?"
The woman nodded. "I'm happy to see that there are still those who appreciate the lore and philosophy of previous generations." She fiddled with the walking stick at her side. "Thankfully, we've eventually found peace among ourselves. I just worry these villainous organizations may throw off the balance that we have worked hard to keep."
"With trainers like Red and Ethan out there," Chris grinned, "they won't get far." The trainer released his Pokémon from their capture devices and turned back to the woman. "I'm working towards being included in that list!"
"Such a lovely spirit," the elder chuckled. "I hope you never have to find out. A war is no place for a compassionate soul like you." She looked over his Pokémon. "Are you and your Pokémon here to check out the sights?"
"We have been," Chris nodded. "We're actually here to battle someone I met a few days ago." Chris' PokéGear read that it was ten minutes past noon. "He's a little late actually."
"Best of luck!" she threw a small piece of food to a Pidgey standing close by. "Would you mind an audience?"
"Not at all!" Chris laughed, scratching the back of his head. "It'll help my legend spread!"
"Hey now," the older woman chuckled, "I know you've heard that pride comes before the fall!"
The trainer and his Pokémon went through several stretching routines as they waited. Chris figured that it would only help to be warmed up. Thirty minutes passed, prompting Chris to release a frustrated sigh and lay down. Dobbs had probably completely forgotten about their battle.
"Already giving up?" A familiar voice caused Chris to snap to attention.
In the distance stood a tall, portly fellow. He kept his back turned towards Chris as a tumbleweed blew past his feet.
"Are you serious?" Chris muttered.
The man began to slowly back towards Chris, as if trying to keep himself a mystery.
"Hurry up!" Chris jumped at the sound of the elderly woman yelling. "Get a move on you fat ass!"
At the insult, the easily identifiable Dobbs quickened his pace.
"Turn around and walk normal you goofy moron!" The woman was relentless.
Dobbs would not listen to the elder, but mercifully got there at a quick pace. He spun around and flexed the meat on his arms, pausing only to fix his glasses.
"Only forty-five minutes late," Chris let out an exasperated sigh as Nidorino roared angrily at the beefy trainer.
"What can I say bro," Dobbs shrugged, "I like to make a fashionably late entrance."
"Where did you get a tumbleweed?!" Chris nodded towards the diaspore which had been used on the entrance.
"You like that?" Dobbs asked, nudging Chris. He suddenly chased after the tumbleweed as it had begun to blow away. Stuffing it back into a bag, he simply stated, "Don't worry about it, bro."
"So are we going to battle or..." Chris finally brought the conversation to where he had intended.
"Let's do it." Dobbs agreed.
Seeing that Dobbs refused to move back to create space for the battlefield, Chris begrudgingly moved himself and his stuff several feet back to accommodate. "You ready?"
"Yes sir."
"Kick his ass!" the elder's words brought a smile to Chris' face.
"Let's go Nidorino!" Chris announced, prompting the Poison Pin Pokémon to leap onto the battlefield.
Dobbs silently released his Pokémon, which turned out to be the newly captured Volbeat.
"Not a bad matchup," Chris mumbled to his Pokémon. Turning to Dobbs, he announced, "You have the first move!"
"Tackle Attack!" Dobbs threw his fist forward.
Volbeat sped towards the Poison type with surprising agility. Chris waited until he was sure that the Bug type was committed to the move.
"Strike with Peck!"
Nidorino stepped into Volbeat's tackle and threw his horn into the Bug type's side. The super effective blow sent Volbeat reeling in pain.
"That's cheap bro!" Dobbs shook his head.
"What on earth are you talking about?" Chris tried to shake off the comment. "Follow it up with Fury Attack!"
Nidorino dashed forward in pursuit, giving Dobbs little time to counter.
"Quick Attack!" Dobbs managed to get out.
The two Pokémon clashed multiple times, bouncing off each other with each blow. Nidorino swung his horn once more, but Volbeat managed to dodge.
"Too easy," Dobbs clenched his fist.
Volbeat however, suddenly flinched, grasping at its side. A dark purple stain could be seen on its skin where Nidorino's attacks had landed.
"That's Poison Point for ya," Chris smiled, seeing the frustration on Dobbs' face.
"Use Flash, Volbeat!"
The Firefly Pokémon suddenly exploded into a blinding light that forced Chris to shield his eyes. When he regained his vision he noticed Volbeat was on the attack, striking at the momentarily blinded Nidorino.
"Keep calm Nidorino!" Chris instructed. "Listen for its wings. It can't stop that sound without grounding itself."
"Nido!" The Poison Pin Pokémon roared back affirmatively.
"Now use Horn Attack to your left!" Chris directed, seeing Volbeat sway that direction. Nidorino could find it's location from there.
Leaping forward, the Poison type slammed his horn into the Firefly Pokémon's chest, knocking Dobb's creature from the air. Volbeat hit the ground with its back and did not get back up.
"Hm," Dobbs looked over the scene slowly, as if refusing to believe what he had seen.
"Look's like your Pokémon got knocked out, dipshit!" the old woman cackled.
"Thank you," Dobbs' teeth remained clenched. He returned his Pokémon to its device and brought out another Poké Ball. "How about we switch Pokémon after every battle?"
"Sounds good to me," Chris smiled. Dobbs was beginning to crack.
The opposing trainer tossed his Poké Ball into the air, as Chris motioned for Quilava to step forward. A large penguin Pokémon emerged from Dobbs' corner. Chris brought his Pokédex out to scan it. "Empoleon, the Emperor Pokémon. It avoids unnecessary disputes, but it will decimate anything that threatens its pride."
"That's a Sinnoh starter," Chris scratched his head. "Are you from Sinnoh?"
Dobbs nodded curtly. "Floaroma Town to be exact."
"That's awesome," Chris was always amazed by the diversity of trainers he met in his travels. There were so many new areas to explore once his travels in Johto were over. The trainer decided to turn his attention back to the battle. "As before, I'll give you the first move."
"Start this battle off with Bubble Beam!"
The Water type reared back before firing a barrage of lethal bubbles. Chris commanded for Quilava to race beneath the stream. The Volcano Pokémon dashed beneath Empoleon's attack effortlessly, reaching Dobb's Pokémon before Chris had even prepared a move.
"Let's go with Flamethrower!" Chris knew that Empoleon's steel typing would help Quilava's attack to do more damage. This water starter could be defeated by Chris' fire power.
The Emperor Pokémon proved to not be very agile, taking the brunt of the attack head on. Chris was stunned to see the Water/Steel type shake off the flames once the attack was finished. The trainer deduced that the fully evolved starter must carry considerable bulk, particularly on the special defensive side.
"Get back Quilava!" Chris shouted, realizing how close the two creatures were.
"Don't let him get away!" Dobbs countered. "Hit it with Aqua Jet!"
Empoleon immediately shot forward in a jet of water. Chris knew the attack held priority and watched as the massive penguin smashed into Quilava. The super effective blow knocked the fire starter down, but he quickly rolled back to his feet.
"We have him on the ropes now!" Dobbs encouraged. "Slam him with Metal Claw!"
"We aren't even close to being through!" Chris retorted. "Meet the attack with Flame Wheel!"
Quilava cloaked himself in fire before colliding with the Emperor Pokémon's claw. Chris' starter managed to gain the upper hand, knocking Empoleon off-balance.
"Follow with a Quick Attack!"
The Volcano Pokémon pounced towards Empoleon again, delivering another quick strike to the stoic creature. The trainer noticed that the second attack had not fazed Dobb's Pokémon as much as he had hoped for. He had left Quilava open for a counter.
"Shield with Smokescreen!" Chris quickly directed before Dobbs could identify the opening.
A plume of smoke appeared between the two Pokémon, allowing for Quilava to quickly retreat.
"That's so cheap bro," Dobbs voiced his disapproval once more.
"It's... it's strategy," Chris could not believe he had to defend his techniques in the middle of a battle. "I refused to let you take advantage of the opening!"
"Give them no place to hide; use Surf!" Dobbs' tone had become confident.
"That's not good," Chris realized he was dealing with a trainer that skipped over patience in favor of instant results. It was impossible for Chris to make Dobbs over think a situation. As a large wall of water burst through the cloud of smoke, Chris prepared for a counter. "Quilava, into the air!"
The Volcano Pokémon jumped above the crashing wave of water, but Chris knew the Fire type was in a vulnerable position. Chris would have to force a stalemate.
"Bubble Beam once more!" Dobbs was locked in.
"Check it with Flamethrower!"
A stream of fire roared from Quilava's mouth, meeting Empoleon's attack head on. The explosion from the two attacks created a thick layer of steam. Chris could make out his Pokémon's silhouette and managed to stay calm despite poor visibility.
"No breaks!" the portly trainer's voice bellowed. "Hyper Beam!"
"Oh shit," Chris muttered as he realized the current situation. "He's firing blind." Chris noticed the older lady drop to the ground and he chose to follow her example. "Hit the deck!" Chris directed his words toward Quilava, who he knew was much closer to the danger. An orange beam blasted through the steam and arched over Chris and the elderly woman's head. The attack cleared the steam away almost instantly.
"Are you fucking insane?!" Chris heard the elderly woman shout.
Dobbs stood proudly, hands on his hips, as he examined the shock he had created. Empoleon examined the scene as well, though Chris noticed it had yet to look down. Quilava had rolled underneath the Water/Steel type's body to avoid the energy blast. He had given Chris a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of Empoleon's recharging period. The Emperor Pokémon's body also blocked Dobbs' vision of Chris' starter.
"Let's go with a Flamethrower at maximum power!" Chris commanded, seeing confusion appear on the opponent and his Pokémon's face.
Flames burst from Quilava's head and lower back. The fire's intensity swelled as Quilava channeled extra energy into the attack. The air around the Volcano Pokémon began to shimmer, causing a warm haze to mount around the two combatants. Dobbs implored Empoleon to move, but his Pokémon had not recovered from its last move.
"Release!" Chris threw his own fist into the air out of pure excitement.
Bright orange and gold flames leaped from Quilava's mouth, completely encompassing Empoleon's frame. The heat from the attack forced Dobbs to turn away as his Pokémon was assaulted. The fire on Quilava's back lessened as the attack went on. Eventually, both it and the Flamethrower subsided. To Chris' amazement, Empoleon had not fallen to the flames, but stood motionless.
"Dang," was all Chris could say.
"You still ready for battle?" Dobbs asked, doubt actually creeping into his voice.
Empoleon slowly brought a wing out, and gave the trainer a thumbs up. Chris quickly walked over to the water starter and gently shook its extended hand.
"That's the toughest, most determined thing I've ever seen," Chris meant every word. The Emperor Pokémon suddenly teetered backward, but Chris caught it and sat him gently on the ground. "I don't think this guy is fit to battle anymore."
"Nice," Dobbs complimented offhandedly, withdrawing his Pokémon into its device.
"Great job Quilava!" Chris dropped to a knee and high-fived his starter. "If we can beat water types like that, we can handle anybody!"
"'Lava!" the Volcano Pokémon roared in agreement. Seeing Chris' eyes dart back to look at Dobbs', the fire starter sprinted to the sidelines.
"Time for my real power house!" the portly trainer held out a Poké Ball. "Nothing you have will match its strength."
"We'll see," Chris smirked. "Guess I'll have to bring out the big guns also."
"Do your worst!" the strange trainer was simply dishing out every cliché he could think of. He tossed the device into the air. "Let's go!"
"Flop on up!" Chris pointed to Magikarp.
After a flash of light, a Machoke appeared on Dobbs' side. The trainer did not seem very impressed with Chris' selection. He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.
"You're challenging us with that puny fish?"
"Hey-" Chris was cut off.
"Nido!" The Poison Pin Pokémon shouted angrily.
"Cro!" Crobat also vehemently defended Magikarp.
Quilava gave Dobbs a chilling glare that seemed to quiet the loud mouth trainer. The fire starter sprinted over to the oblivious, flopping Water type Pokémon and placed a paw on his side. Quilava seemed to give words of encouragement to the Fish Pokémon before stepping off the battlefield.
"That's..." Chris could feel his face contorting as he fought to hold back tears. He couldn't get any words out so he chose to remain silent.
For a moment, the two trainers and their Pokémon remained completely motionless.
"Battle already!" the old woman directed her words mostly toward Dobbs.
Chris was ready to have some real fun. Dobbs had no idea how powerful the Fish Pokémon actually was. "You know the drill."
"First strike," Dobbs still remained motionless. Now that Machoke was on the battlefield, he seemed to be much more focused. "Start it off with a Karate Chop!"
"Counter with Tackle!" Chris was ready to test Magikarp's power.
The two Pokémon met in a tangle of fists and fins. A crack rang out as Magikarp was sent flying back by a Machoke chop.
"Guess it's still too much to ask for," Chris sighed before finding a smile. The Fish Pokémon still had plenty of room to grow and the trainer could never fault Magikarp's effort.
"No mercy," Dobbs kept a stern look on his face. "Seismic Toss!"
"Fair enough," Chris tried to discern when the best moment to dodge would be. Machoke was in full stride, arms spread wide, and would not be stopped by any of the three attacks Magikarp possessed. "Wait for my command," Chris reassured his Pokémon.
Machoke suddenly pounced forward, throwing Chris completely off guard. The Superpower Pokémon reached forward with its massive arms.
"Up," Chris cringed in anticipation, realizing his direction was too late.
Machoke's arms closed around air, surprising both trainers. In an incredible display of speed, the Fish Pokémon had flipped over Machoke's powerful grasp. Flipping his tail down, Magikarp caught the Fighting-type off guard with a gravity assisted Tackle. The Fish Pokémon bounced off Machoke's skull, sending both Pokémon to the ground. Magikarp was the first to recover, leaving Dobbs' Pokémon vulnerable.
"Give it another Tackle!" Chris decided to stick with the move that brought him to the dance.
"Low Sweep!" Dobbs exuded complete confidence, despite his Pokémon's slow recovery.
Much to Chris' shock, Machoke managed to gather itself and unleash an effective leg sweep. The attack knocked Magikarp back to the ground, and left Chris with a sick feeling in his stomach.
"There goes Magikarp's speed advantage," the side effect of the move had just evened the playing field.
"Karate Chop barrage!" Dobbs could smell blood.
"Avoid it the best you can!" was all Chris could react with.
The Fish Pokémon maneuvered admirably around the strikes, but could not escape them all. After several glancing blows, Machoke began to land heavy shots on the Water-type's body. Machoke finally tired, ceasing its assault, but significant damage had been done.
"Are you still good to battle, Magikarp?" hesitation lingered in Chris' voice.
The Fish Pokémon turned to his trainer and slowly nodded. Despite the answer, the trainer could tell his Pokémon didn't have much energy left. It was time for Magikarp's only other damaging attack.
"Show 'em what ya got with Flail!" Chris figured it was an appropriate choice after all the damage Magikarp had taken.
"Hope you're ready broski," Dobbs squatted low. He tilted to the left, almost falling, but still attempted to stay composed. "Vital Throw."
Magikarp bounced towards Machoke whom held Dobbs' identical posture. The Fish Pokémon unleashed an incredible amount of power through a series of quick, sporadic shakes. The flailing continued on until it appeared Magikarp could no longer keep up the frenzied pace. Machoke remained motionless, leaving Chris to wonder whether the Fighting-type would have the strength to retaliate. Just as Chris was about to questioning its condition, Dobbs threw both arms forward.
"Launch it!"
Machoke's arms stretched out, locking tightly around the Fish Pokémon. Spinning its body very quickly, Machoke used the powerful G's it was creating to sling Magikarp into the dirt. The Water-type bounced off the ground with an ear-shattering thud and did not move.
Chris and his Pokémon sprinted to their companion's side. "Are you alright, Magikarp?"
The Water-type did not respond immediately. He came to after a few sprays from Chris' Super Potion. He nodded to the trainer's question after he repeated it.
"What a great battle!" Chris and the other Pokémon praised the fish's gutsy performance. Magikarp had come along way since Chris had first bumped heads with it. The trainer turned back to his opponent.
"Not bad," Dobbs nodded before shrugging. "There's really no need to embarrass you any further. My Machoke is unstoppable." As he spoke the words, the Fighting-type dropped face first into the dirt. Dobbs' face remained completely serious. "As you can see, after a quick stretch, he would obviously wipe the floor with the rest of your team."
Chris burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. The scene, coupled with the machismo was too much to contain. "Al-alright," Chris stammered, "I guess that'll wrap up a good day of battling."
"It's what I'm here for," the portly trainer tipped his invisible hat. He slicked back his short, sandy brown hair. "You may have what it takes to make it to the Silver Conference. With some luck, you could make for a competent adversary someday."
"I'll take whatever I can get," Chris grinned. "Thanks again for the half-past noon showdown!"
Dobbs waved, returned Machoke to his Poké Ball, and turned to leave. As he began to strut away, the elderly woman rose from the bench.
"Where do you think you're going, ya punk?"
Dobbs picked up his pace after hearing her threatening tone. She began to walk quickly after him, putting even more speed into his step.
"Pussies like you are what is wrong with society!" she brandished her cane.
Dobbs burst into a jog, creating a low-speed chase that lasted until both figures were out of Chris' sight.
I hope you enjoyed a bit more of Chris training and the 'Epic' showdown with Dobbs. I'm just so happy his character is based on someone I know. Makes the confrontation that much sweeter! Where will Chris and the team go from here?! What else does Ecruteak hold in store? I hope to see you back here for the answer to that question in the upcoming chapters of Heart and Soul! See you soon!