Hello one and all to a new episode of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet the animation where today it's time for Nemona's Gym battle with Kofu but will her arrogance and worries get the best of her, or will she be able to succeed?
Here are the current movepools of Pawmo and Fuecoco as of Chapter 25.
Pawmo: Arm Thrust, Discharge, Bite, Dig
Fuecoco: Incinerate, Bite, Thunder Fang, Snarl
Without ado, let's begin.
Cover Story 28: Road to Reunion 2: Practice makes perfect part 2.
Last time, May and Serena reunite in the Paldean city of Porto Estalar to train together for the Duo World Championship for a chance to enter the main Duo World Championship in Levincia as the final challenge and so they began to train while Max looked on with his Pokemon.
From what they learned of the tournament and the main tournament, it will be a tag team tournament battle where trainers will use one Pokemon of theirs and battle the opponent using combination moves from each other with the occasional use of regular moves, but any repeated efforts will dock them points. The winner is determined by the user's number of points, not for who gets knocked out first which intrigues Serena.
The two trainers decide to figure out which combination of Pokemon works for them to mixed results:
The first attempt was using Serena's Sobble and May's Blaziken for a Fire Spin + Water Pulse combination but Sobble was a bit nervous due to Blaziken's size and her stage fright causing her to faint and only produce a small bubble.
The 2nd attempt was using Serena's Pancham and May's Vikavolt for a Dark Pulse + Zap Cannon combo but Serena remembers that Pancham is sick so that attempt failed.
Attempt 3 seems to be the charm as they find their first successful combination with Serena's Delphox and May's Glaceon with Glaceon using Shadow Ball and Delphox using Mystical Fire to create what they call 'Swirling Shadow' where the Mystical Fire swirled around before it exploded. The next move combo they tried was an Ice Shard + Psychic combo as Glaceon launches multiple Ice Shards and Delphox controls them via Psychic and works like a charm.
However, they were mocked by two other performers named Carol and Manuel as weak getting both Serena and May angry as the two rival performers says that their Pokemon will outshine them in this tournament and go off. It's when Serena and May decide to focus and do their best with one other duo being Serena's Flaffy and May's Reuniclus with their first combination they try out is Flaffy's Thunderbolt with Reuniclus's Expanding Force with Thunderbolt reflecting off of the inside of Expanding Force which surged through the dummy they were using.
They use one last combination being Reuniclus's Energy Ball and Flaffy's Fire Punch by jumping in the air and punching the ball to the ground either attacking the opponent or creating an explosion of energy which creates a Grassy Terrain thanks to the energy within Energy Ball. With the success of their training, May and Serena decide to continue training with other potential combinations while Max watched on training on his own.
A couple of days later, the tournament begins with the bracket featuring 10 teams including Manuel and Carol which May and Serena scoffed at, and May hopes to face them in the tournament as the tournament begins with them against an fraternal twin duo named Brac and Ket as the tournament begins.
To be continued
Cover Story 29: Hau (and friends) bizarre adventure 3: the mysterious women part 2
Last time, Hau and his classmates discover a young woman who was knocked out on the school yard alongside her concerned Metagross and Espeon. After healing her up, the woman remembers that she's a detective investigating the Aether Foundation which leaves the gang confused as Lillie doesn't expect corruption until the woman says something about the 'Altar of the Moone' which confuses everyone due to their being only an 'Altar of the Sunne'. The gang now think that this individual is from an alternate universe as Lusamine's Clefable runs in revealing some statistics about from an Ultra Wormhole and the woman also reveals her name to be Anabel, the same name as the Battle Frontier Brain, once more, she's of a different age than the current Anabel.
With that, Lusamine has said that she's investigating this Ultra Wormhole alongside Wicke and Burnet and that they'll update when they find out more details. Until they update, Kukui suggests she stay at his place as he has a spare loft and the class also decide to help out and the past couple of days have been rather good for as she's bonding with the class over her own personal adventures, has been a great babysitter to Lei and Ash's Alolan Pokemon immediately love her.
One day, Hau and Lillie come over with Lillie wanting to know what happened in Alternate Anabel's (or Bell as Anabel preferred due to the other Anabel) universe and Hau (helping Lillie with her groceries). Anabel explains that in her universe, she's a detective working for the international police who received a request to investigate the Aether Foundation while undercover on rumors of corruption and use of illegal materials at the Aether Foundation. Lillie and Hau are surprised to say the least, but Lillie decides to ask what this Lusamine is like.
Anabel mentions cold, unforgiving and when Lillie, Gladion, alternate Hau and alternate Ash tried to stop her, Lusamine was more abusive towards Gladion and Lillie saying 'they should be put in their place', 'pathetic', 'trash', 'ugly' and that 'they were both compared to Feebas' which shocks everyone but confuses Hau on the last one to which Kukui explains that a Milotic is beautiful while it's pre-evolved form is not which causes Hau to clench his fist angrily upon realization. Bell reveals Lusamine captured this cloud Pokemon which evolved for the purposes of finding 'Mohn'.
Bell decided to help alternate Ash and Lillie reach them by going to the 'Altar of the Moone' and upon this blood red Pokemon being revealed (who Lillie reveals is Lunala), she blacked out and ended up in this universe.
Lillie asks what that Ash is like and before she could reveal it, a call was heard from Lusamine that they must hurry to their mansion before it's too late before connection abruptly cuts off. Confused, Lillie heads off causing Hau, Anabel and Ash's Lycanroc (Kukui stays to watch his son) to follow her. A little while later, they reach the mansion where they see a different Lusamine where her hair is a bit shorter and is controlled by Nihelego who was cornering Mohn who was protecting Hobbes and a knocked out Magearna. Anabel realizes this is the Lusamine she's searching for as Lillie looks on in shock as she turned to them.
"Scrap." she said as she rushes towards them as the gang now have to battle this new Lusamine.
To be continued
Main Story
We see the gang at a battlefield as Penny watched from the sidelines with her Greavard, Sprigatito and Umbreon while Ash was on the sidelines watching a training battle with Arven's Sneasel and Applin against Nemona's Teddiursa and Fuecoco.
"Alright Teddiursa, catch up to Morada and use Slash and Fuecoco focus on the offensive and use Bite on Appy!" Nemona says as the Pokemon nodded and rushed towards the Pokemon as Teddiursa rushed towards Morada while Fuecoco's jaws glowed and rushed towards Appy.
"Alright Morada dodge with Quick Attack and Appy use Withdraw!" Arven calls out as the Pokemon nods and Morada runs backwards at quick speed avoiding Teddiursa's Slashes and Appy goes into his apple and hardens it with Fuecoco biting onto it trying to damage Appy to no avail. Nemona appears to be getting slightly irritated and calls out her next move towards Fuecoco.
"Don't give in and use Incinerate!" Nemona says as Fuecoco looked nervous but nodded and launches an Incinerate from his mouth launching Appy far out and damaging him as Arven got a bit worried, Ash appears to be impressed towards that technique and the way Nemona used it.
"That was an impressive strategy Nemona." Ash says encouragingly as Nemona smiles, "Thanks, I learn from the best!" Nemona says excitedly as Appy gets up slightly hurt but determined.
"You alright Appy?" Arven asks his new partner who nods, "Good, now use Tera Blast!" Arven says as Appy nods and launches a white energy blast from his mouth as Nemona prepares herself. "Fuecoco counter it with Snarl!" Nemona yelled out causing a sleepy Fuecoco to panic and launch a smaller Snarl towards Tera Blast which collided but some of Tera Blast still went towards Fuecoco hitting him square on and causing him to tip over worrying Nemona.
"Fuecoco!" Nemona yelled out worryingly as Fuecoco got up and appeared a bit scared, "Fuecoco, I'm glad you're alright but you need to focus, and you shouldn't get distracted so often." Nemona said as Fuecoco got a bit more nervous, and Ash noticed.
"Nemona, give him some time, every Pokemon is different when it comes to battling." Ash says as Nemona scratched the back of her head and nodded, "Right. You can do this Fuecoco, I can sense your determination right now." Nemona says but Fuecoco appeared to be more nervous than anything else shaking and sweating nervously but Nemona doesn't notice as she thinks Fuecoco is excited.
"Alright then, Fuecoco, Teddiursa, switch with each other. Teddiursa you focus on close range offense and Fuecoco, you focus on far ranged offense." Nemona says as the Pokemon nod and switched places with one another. "Alright Teddiursa, use Play Rough against Appy and Fuecoco use multiple Snarls against Morada!" Nemona said confidently as Teddiursa rushes towards Appy while Fuecoco launches a dark energy pulse towards Sneasel.
"Morada, dodge it and get close to Fuecoco and use Withdraw again Appy!" Arven yelled out as Sneasel runs towards Fuecoco dodging the multiple projectiles from Fuecoco while Appy went into his apple blocking the multiple hits from Teddiursa. Nemona gritted her teeth but tried to stay calm.
"We won't let you get too close; use Incinerate on the ground!" Nemona yelled out as Fuecoco nodded and launched a fireball onto the ground creating a smokescreen causing Sneasel to stop and look around her surroundings. "Now in the air!" Nemona yelled out as both Arven and Morada looked up in the air preparing for an attack from above.
"Sike! Thunder Fang from where you're at!" Nemona says as Fuecoco rushed in and created an electrical jaw to bite at Morada as Arven became more alert, "Metal Claw let's go!" Arven says as Morada's right claw glowed but instead of metalizing, it instead glowed purple surprising everyone.
"That's Poison Jab!" Ash says in surprise as Morada strikes Fuecoco quickly sending him on his back surprising Nemona, "Fuecoco!" Nemona yelled out worringly as Fuecoco tries to get back up but faints causing Nemona to get slightly irritated.
"C'mon Arven, you had to go for that didn't yo-"
"Nemona! In addition to you adapting to the scenario at hand, an opponent may do the same and so you must always be ready for that." Ash scolded causing Nemona to put down her head regretfully, "Right, sorry Ash, sorry Arven." Nemona says apologetically as the gang looked worried for her.
"Nemona, is it about the other day that you're worried?" Penny says which surprised Nemona but she nods, "Yes, ever since my lose against Carmine, I've been so worked up about trying to win everything even during training, so I want to succeed in order to battle Carmine with success once again." Nemona says with ambition as Ash nods but looks to her seriously.
"That's understandable, we all go through this sort of thing, and it doesn't get easy the first time but through more efforts through training and learning more about yourself and your Pokemon, you'll be able to make it through. However, those worries shouldn't take control of you during battle but adapt to it through your own ways." Ash says informally as Nemona looked away nervously before nodding.
"Right." Nemona says with some confidence but still has nervousness within her voice as Ash nods approvingly.
"Alright, we have an hour before we go to your Gym Battle, so how about we continue your training until then?" Ash suggested as Nemona got excited and nods, "Alright, Pawmo you get in there too! I'm having all 3 of you train!" Nemona says excitedly as Pawmo says his name excitedly and gets onto the field but Ash notices Fuecoco appearing a bit nervous.
I know that look, the look of not wanting to disappoint their trainer in a way. I can tell that Fuecoco is determined to catch up to his friends in terms of battling, but I hope it doesn't affect him long term. Ash thought to himself as he got on the battlefield and prepared to train.
We see the gang walk towards the Gym with Nemona having some nervousness in her stomach, Ash looks to her in concern and had a serious expression on his face about the whole ordeal.
"Nemona, are you sure you're ready for this?" Ash asks in concern as Nemona puts up a smile and gives a thumbs up, "Of course I am! I'm prepared for anything that's about to come!" Nemona says with some confidence in her voice with a hint of nervousness as she prepares to walk through the doors of the Gym until the doors opens to reveal a running Kofu who runs through the doors in a panicked hurry causing Nemona to spin like a tornado as the gang look on surprised.
"Vaultin Veluza! I'm going to be late to the sales, I need that chili pepper for my chili! Oh, wait a minute, that's next week, so why am I panicking?" Kofu says as he turns around to see the surprised group and a dizzy Nemona.
"Oh, hey there, I didn't notice you there. Are you alright Nemona, it looks like you've seen a tornado?" Kofu asks as the dizzy Nemona nods, "I think I did." Nemona says as she stops moving around dizzily and faces Kofu who nods.
"I see you're here for the Gym Battle, but I must stress this enough, are you sure you're prepared for this Gym Battle? I can wait until you get enough badges." Kofu asks as Nemona scoffs and smirks.
"I can take it!" "Paw!" both Nemona and Pawmo say with spunk in their voice as Kofu looks on suspiciously at her before turning to her friends who look on worryingly especially Ash.
I can tell by their expressions that they're concerned for Nemona, I don't want to overwhelm challengers, but I must do my duty on giving them a challenge and a lesson so I must continue with her request. Kofu thought to himself as he nods.
"Very well, how many Pokemon do you have?" Kofu asks as Nemona looks to him, "I have 3 sir." Nemona says as Kofu nods.
"Very well, we shall have a 3 on 3 battle, I hope you're prepared. Follow me." Kofu says as he ushers the gang to an elevator like platform, the gang look at the bottom to see a crowd of people watching in anticipation and a battlefield where the battle takes place in.
Nemona is still nervous and breathes in.
This is it Nemona Helena Banderas, nothing to be afraid of it's just a Gym Battle. We trained, I have everything in check but, why am I acting this nervous? Is this how I truly feel or is it just my demons taunting me? Nemona thought to herself as the platform arrives to their destination and everyone gets off. Kofu helps Ash, Penny and Arven to the sides so they can watch the match while Nemona walks up the platform and breathes in.
Kofu interacts with fans with glee and joy in his voice and expressions promising his fans a delightful meal later that day and goes to talk with a referee before Kofu goes to his position and so does a refferee who looks to both of the trainers.
"You can do this Nemona!" Ash says encouragingly as Nemona turns to him and her friends who were cheering her on and gives a nod before smiling.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a luxurious battle here today between the challenger Nemona Banderas and Gym Leader Kofu. This will be a 3 on 3 battle and only the challenger may switch out Pokemon if needed. Whenever you're ready, please send out your Pokemon!" the female referee says as Kofu grabs his Pokeball and nods.
"Time for a morning stretch Floatzel." Kofu says as he throws the Pokeball to reveal a stretching Floatzel ready for battle, Nemona smirks and sees an opportunity and looks towards her Pawmo on her shoulder but Ash panics.
"Please don't pick the obvious." Ash says worryingly, "Pawmo, get in there!" Nemona says as Pawmo is eager to fight but Ash face palms.
"You picked the obvious." Ash said disappointingly as Pikachu rubbed Ash's neck while Arven and Penny looked confused, "What do you mean Ash, isn's Pawmo strong against Water types." Arven asks as Ash nods.
"Yes, but it's her only Pokemon that has an advantage over Water types while her Teddiursa doesn't know any Grass or Electric moves and Fuecoco is weak against Water types but has Thunder Fang. Think of it this way, while it's a good idea to use a Pokemon that has the advantage, an opponent may know some moves that may counteract the super effective individual like a Ground move or having a type that's neutral, immune or has an ability that ignores this effect so it's best to use a Pokemon neutral against a target first so you can know more about your target and use that to your advantage." Ash says as Arven finally gets it.
"So essentially, she should've waited on using Pawmo and used Teddiursa for this first Pokemon?" Arven says as Ash nods, "Hopefully she stays calm during this battle." Ash says as Kofu nods to Nemona.
"You may have the first turn." Kofu says as Nemona nods, "Alright then, Pawmo use Arm Thrust!" Nemona yells out as Pawmo rushes towards Floatzel as fast as he can as Floatzel cracks his neck side to side.
"Alright Floatzel, use Double Hit!" Kofu says as Floatzel's arms glowed and rushed towards Pawmo with both of them clash with Floatzel clashing with Pawmo's thrust attacks twice before Pawmo sees an opening and lands two smaller attacks to send Floatzel back a bit. Nemona calls out her next course of action.
"Use Bite!" Nemona yells out as Pawmo jumps and Pawmo's jaw glows preparing to bite Floatzel who grins, "Use Aqua Tail!" Kofu says as Floatzel's tail glows blue and spins to land their attack on Pawmo before he bites onto Floatzel's tail.
"Wha-" Kofu looks on surprised but stays focused, "Spin your tails!" Kofu says as Floatzel's propellor tails spun but Pawmo stayed on which surprised the gang over Pawmo's endurance.
"I'll give Nemona this, she's certainly practiced enduring such things after her last couple of battles." Penny says as Ash and Arven nod in agreement as Kofu sees an opportunity, "Slam him!" Kofu yells out as Floatzel lifts his tail in the air and prepares to slam which causes Nemona to freeze up. She remembers her battle with Carmine where her Samurott slammed Nemona's Pawmo to the ground following latching on to one of Carmine's moves and didn't want that to happen again.
"Use Dig when he slams down!" Nemona says as Pawmo nods and let's go of the tail quickly and digs to avoid the damage as the crowd look on surprised and Kofu now appears to be interested.
"Impressive, stay focused Floatzel and keep an eye on their movements." Kofu tells his Floatzel who nods, "Float." Floatzel says paying attention to the ground movements as Nemona smirks.
"Alright Pawmo, let's do what we do best with our digging techniques!" Nemona yells out as Pawmo dug up to create a fake hole but unlike other opponents, Floatzel was staying focused and didn't seem fazed by the holes which confused Nemona over this.
"Alright now Pawmo!" Nemona yells out as Pawmo prepares to dig up as Kofu notices, "Prepare an Aqua Tail!" Kofu yells out as Floatzel's tail glows and prepares to attack as Pawmo fakes out Floatzel and digs another hole which Kofu smirks at.
"To your left!" Kofu yells out surprising Nemona and Pawmo as Floatzel hits Pawmo with Aqua Tail and sends him flying, "Pawmo!" Nemona yells out as Floatzel prepares another attack.
"Now Ice Beam!" Kofu yells out as Floatzel launches a beam of ice towards Pawmo hitting him as Pawmo falls to the ground, "Pawmo! Are you ok?" Nemona says worryingly as Pawmo gets back up injured but ready to go once more.
"How did you-" Nemona didn't finish as Kofu spoke up, "I've been around for a long time, so I've seen many strategies come up and while do say your digging techniques are unique, I've learned not to fall for fake outs, so you'll have to try really hard to surprise me. Don't always rely on unpredictability because someone will always catch on." Kofu says as Nemona looks on shocked and remembers her battle with Carmine some more.
"How weak."
"How utterly pathetic, why even go on a journey when you know you'll just lose more battles. Give up."
"Is that it?"
"You're not competent to be a great trainer."
Nemona keeps hearing these words from Carmine and starts to grit her teeth which the gang take notice of, "C'mon Nemona, don't let some words get to you." Ash says worryingly as Nemona wasn't having any of it.
"I won't let you undermine me, Pawmo use Discharge!" Nemona yells out as Pawmo launches 4 electrical beams towards Floatzel who stays there waiting, "Rain Dance." Kofu says simply as Floatzel claps his hands together two times to make rain clouds appear and rain on the battlefield, Floatzel then dodges quickly avoiding the Discharge catching Nemona off guard.
"What the- that's-" Nemona says as Ash sighs, "Swift Swim, an ability that boosts the user's speed in the rain. Always be wary of those Abilities." Ash says as Floatzel moves fast and quickly in the rain as Kofu calls out his next attack.
"Use Double Hit!" Kofu yells out as Floatzel rushes towards Pawmo as Nemona panics, "Defend with Arm Thrust!" Nemona yells out as Pawmo strikes Fllatzel's first hit with Arm Thrust but due to Floatzel's swift movements in the rain, his 2nd hit landed on Pawmo's side and sends him flying.
"Pawmo! Catch yourself!" Nemona yells out as Pawmo is able to land on his feet and still able to move, "That's the spirit, use Bite!" Nemona yells out as Pawmo rushes towards Floatzel and tries to bite but Floatzel dodges each bite attack as Nemona starts to get furious.
"Multiple Aqua Tails in quick succession!" Kofu says as Floatzel's tails glow blue and strikes Pawmo with light but quick strikes like a shadow as Nemona and Pawmo tried to pay attention to Floatzel.
C'mon Nemona focus, where is Floatzel going to strike next? Nemona thought to herself as she tries to pay attention until she sees an opportunity at the right moment, "Grab on to that tail!" Nemona says as Floatzel prepares to strike but Pawmo grabs the tail surprising everyone.
"Now judo flip him." Nemona says with confidence as Pawmo jumped and using his strength, throws Floatzel to the ground behind him causing everyone to be impressed, "And through Swift Swim too, I'm impressed." Kofu says as Pawmo prepares for his next attack.
"Use Discharge!" Nemona yells out as Pawmo charges up his electricity and launches it towards Flaotzel, "Dodge it!" Kofu yells out as Floatzel swiftly dodges the oncoming attack but when the Discharge lands, it creates a dust like storm effect causing the battlefield to be misty and not one trainer could see each other. The gang look on impressed.
"I never thought Nemona would try out that strategy, that's some good thinking." Penny says impressed, "Vard." "Tito." Penny's Greavard and Sprigatito say in agreement as Nemona panics.
I did not plan for this, what am I- wait a minute, of course. maybe this mist or dust like effect isn't clearing up fastly and so Floatzel might not be able to move fast. Nemona thought to herself, "Pawmo, keep searching in this mist until you find a figure on the battlefield." Nemona says with confidence as Pawmo nods and tries to search through the mist until he finds a shadowy Floatzel.
"Paw, Paw!" Pawmo says as Nemona smirks, "Alright Pawmo, use Discharge!" Nemona yells out as Pawmo launches 4 electrical beams clearing out the mist and landing on Floazel who is damaged by the Dicharge and falls over.
"Floatzel are you ok!?" Kofu asks his Floatzel who gets back up and nods, Nemona smirks and calls out her next attack.
"Use Dig!" Nemona yells out as Pawmo dig underground and Kofu gets an idea, "Use Ice Beam against the holes!" Kofu says as Floatzel jumps and launches Ice Beam against the holes including one where Pawmo is about to dig up which Nemona notices.
"Get back down there!" Nemona yells out as Pawmo quickly digs back down but the hole is frozen up much to her surprise.
What's the old geezer planning? Nemona thought to herself as we see Pawmo covering himself with his arms cold and stuck in there causing him to dig upwards, "Say Nemona, did you bring a coat along for the weather?" Kofu asks as Nemona looks confused.
"A coat? It's around early- Wait, dig back down Pawmo!" Nemona yells out but it's too late as Pawmo comes back up to the surface and shivers from the cold, "Double Hit!" Kofu says as Floatzel rushes towards Pawmo and hits him twice sending him in the air and to the ground.
"Pawmo!" Nemona yells out as the dust clears to see a knocked out Pawmo to which the refferee goes to Pawmo and checks before nodding, "Pawmo is unable to battle, Floatzel wins!" the referee says as the crowd cheers except for Nemona's friends.
"That's one down, I hope Nemona is able to make it through this next one." Penny says a bit worried as Nemona picks up Pawmo and returns to her spot and lays him down to her.
"Thank you Pawmo, get some rest." Nemona says to her day 1 partner who nods and sits up to watch the battle, Nemona then grabs her Pokeball and breathes in.
"The rain's still active but as Ash says, I might as well adapt to this. Teddiursa let's go!" Nemona yells out throwing her Pokeball to reveal a battle ready Teddiursa, "Alright Teddi, Floatzel has Swift Swim which will make things slightly difficult, are you prepared?" Nemona asks her Teddiursa who turns to her and nods causing Nemona to softly smile.
"That's the spirit, use Covet!" Nemona says as Teddiursa rushes towards Floatzel, "Dodge and use Double Hit!" Kofu says as Floatzel quickly dodges and avoids Covet before attacking Teddiursa twice with Double Hit. This exchange happens a couple of times as Nemona is struggling to think of an idea to attack Floatzel and grits her teeth in frustration as a result.
Floatzel's fast as a Ninjask, there's no way I keep up to Floatzel unless- Nemona stops her thought to see Floatzel who despite dodging quickly like a flash, notices that Floatzel hops to Nemona's right and gets an idea.
"Teddiursa, back off from Floatzel for a bit and come back." Nemona says as Teddiursa nods and hops back to Nemona's location, "Here's my plan, when you're about to jump and attack, follow Floatzel's movements by hopping in their direction as they move then attacking them, gotcha?" Nemona asks as Teddiursa looks confused but nods.
"Alright, Teddiursa, prepare to use Slash!" Nemona says as Teddiursa nods and rushes towards Floatzel who prepares to dodge, "Dodge it!" Kofu yells out as Floatzel dodges to his left but as he did so, Teddiursa jumped to Floatzel's left and blindsided him with Slash sending Floatzel back a bit leaving Kofu surprised and impressed.
So, she's following my pattern, eh? Time for action is needed. Kofu thought to himself, "Alright Floatzel, dodge again backwards!" Kofu says as Teddiursa rushes toward Floatzel who jumps behind and Teddiursa dashes toward Floatzel.
"To your right!" Kofu yells out as Floatzel prepares to jump to his right, but Teddiursa also does the same, "Block it with Double Hit!" Kofu says as Floatzel strikes with Double Hit while Teddiursa uses Slash, they continue this a couple of more times with Floatzel dodging and Teddiursa catching up with both colliding their attacks together, but every time Teddiursa has the chance, Floatzel usually dodges because of Swift Swim.
Teddiursa rests there for a moment trying to catch her breath, "You alright Teddiursa?" Nemona asks Teddiursa who looks at Floatzel angrily who's still swifty because of the rain. Teddiursa, not determined to give up, grits her teeth and runs as fast as she can towards Floatzel surprising both trainers.
"Teddi?" Nemona says as Teddiursa's feet glowed green and Kofu gets right into the action, "Floatzel, dodge to your left!" Kofu says as Floatzel tries to rush towards his left, but grass started to appear around Teddiursa and she ran as fast as she can at Floatzel creating a trail of grass as she caught up to Floatzel and striked at Floatzel staggering him a bit and surprising everyone.
"That was Trailblaze, amazing!" Arven says catching Ash's attention, "Trailblaze?" Ash asks.
"It's a Grass type move that makes the user fast with their footwork which boosts the user's speed." Arven informs Ash who looked interested.
"Alright, now that's what I'm talking about! Use Trailblaze!" Nemona says as Teddiursa rushed towards Floatzel again, "Block with Double Hit!" Kofu says as Floatzel nodded and clashed with Teddiursa's Trailblaze. This happens a couple of more times until the rain starts to clear up and Floatzel no longer felt as swift as before causing Floatzel to panic but both Nemona and Teddiursa smirked and called out her next attack.
"Multiple Trailblazes!" Nemona yells out as Teddiursa nods and rushes towards Floatzel, "Dodge!" Kofu yells out but without the rain, Floatzel felt slower than before and was hit by Trailblaze around 3 times as Teddiursa ran back and forth before sending him in the air with an uppercut Trailblaze.
"Now finish things off with Play Rough!" Nemona yells out as Teddiursa jumps real high in the air to Floatzel's level, "Defend with Aqua Tail!" Kofu says as Floatzel's tail glows but was too late as Teddiursa hit Floatzel sending him flying to the ground, knocking him out. The referee walks over to check on Floatzel and nods.
"Floatzel is unable to battle! Teddiursa wins!" the referee says as Nemona squeals in exciement and Teddiursa goes to hug Nemona as the crowd cheers on but Ash seems rather anxious about all this.
It's good your happy but remember to stay calm, you only knocked out one Pokemon. Ash thinks to himself as Kofu returns Floatzel to his Pokeball and nods, "Thank you pal, you've done your best, now get some rest. I must say Nemona, you've impressed me thus far, I was skeptical at first over your number of badges but I do see potential in you, try not to lose it now."
"I promise you, I won't." Nemona says with spunk in her voice as Kofu grabs his next Pokeball, "Very well, Crabominable, come on out and smash the scene!" Kofu says throwing out his Pokeball to reveal Crabominable which surprises the audience, and they talk amongst themselves.
"He's using his strongest Pokemon right away?"
"Is he going to Terastalize?"
"That girl is toast."
Nemona looks on worried but smirks seemingly gaining confidence.
No worries, if he's going to Terastalize right now, I might as well use Teddiursa's new technique to my advantage. Nemona thought to herself as she calls on her next move, "Alright Teddiursa, use Trailblaze!" Nemona yells out as Teddiursa nods and runs towards Crabominable with grass trailing behind her as Kofu stays calm and calls out his attack.
"Ice Hammer." Kofu says calmly taking everyone by surprise as Crabominable's right arm glows a light blue with ice surrounding the fist as he slams his fist to the ground causing the ground to have cracks and Teddiursa to stumble not being able to land their Trailblaze. "Teddi!" Nemona yelled out worryingly.
"Now use Thunder Punch." Kofu says calmly once again as Crabominable left fist electrifies and punches a tripped Teddiursa in the air who lands back down heavily injured, "Teddiursa! Are you ok!?" Nemona says worryingly as Teddiursa gets back up tired but ready to fight.
"That's the spirit!" Nemona says as the others look on worryingly, "So Kofu isn't holding any punches, not even Terastalizing to finish things off." Arven says as the battle rages on.
"We'll just need to keep pushing forward, use Slash but lighter and quicker." Nemona says as Teddiursa nods and rushes towards Crabominable at full speed as Crabominable waits to attack, "Stay there and endure it for a bit ol pal." Kofu says as Crabominable nods and stays there and endures the Slash attacks from Teddiursa which were light on power but quick in amounts. Teddiursa rests there for a moment before jumping once more and Kofu sees his opportunity.
"Use Crabhammer." Kofu says calmly catching Nemona and Teddiursa off guard as Crabominable's fist glows and slams his fist into Teddiursa, "Now Thunder Punch." Kofu says as Crabominable launches an electrfied punch at Teddiursa sending her flying towards Nemona.
"Teddiursa!" Nemona yells out as the dust clears to show a knocked out Teddiursa which the referee walks ove to confirm, "Teddiursa is unable to battle, Crabominable wins!" the referee says as the crowd cheers, yet the gang look on worryingly.
"Only one more, can she make it through?" Penny asks as Ash looks on with worry and stays silent. Nemona softly smiles and returns Teddiursa to her Pokeball nodding towards the ball.
"Thank you, Teddi, get some rest." Nemona says as she looks to Kofu, "If you're going to defeat me, you got to stop pushing forward with your attacks and think of new ways to counter my Pokemon." Kofu says as Nemona grits her teeth.
"Once again, I won't have you undermine me, Fuecoco come on out!" Nemona says as she throws her Pokeball to release Fuecoco who, like before was nervous. "Alright Fuecoco, I can sense your determination! Let's do our best to make it through!" Nemona says with determination as Fuecoco shivers and starts remincing about times before.
"Cmon Fuecoco, don't sleep on the battlefield!"
"You need to focus, and you shouldn't get distracted so often."
"I can sense your determination, determination, determination, determination, mination, nation, tion."
All those words rang through Fuecoco's head, and he sweats nervously, "Coco." Fuecoco said rather scared which the gang and Kofu took notice of.
Poor little guy, he's nervous about battling but over my many years, I can tell he's trying to make his trainer happy. Kofu thought to himself as he called out his next move.
"Crabominiable, use Brick Break!" Kofu calls out as Crabominable rushes towards a distracted Fuecoco but appeared a bit slow, "Fuecoco, wake up and dodge!" Nemona yells out as Fuecoco wakes up from his daydreaming to dodge quickly.
"Now use Incinerate!" Nemona yells out as Fuecoco launches a fireball that hit Crabominable's side.
"I think it's thankful that Fuecoco was able to dodge in time thanks to Ice Hammer." Arven says getting Ash's attention, "Why's that?" Ash asks.
"Ice Hammer is an Ice move that's powerful but lowers the user's movement speed after use so Fuecoco was likely able to dodge fast enough thanks to Ice Hammer." Arven says as Nemona looks at Fuecoco a bit irritated.
"C'mon Fuecoco, you can't act like this, you need to focus on your skills in battle like with Teddiursa and Pawmo and not goof off." Nemona says as Fuecoco looked on heartbroken and this causes him to snort angrily with fire coming out of his nose briefly which concerned Nemona and she realized what she said.
"Fuecoco? I- no forget what I said, I didn't mean to-"
"Coco!" Fuecoco said angrily as Crabominable turns to Fuecoco, "Use Thunder Punch." Kofu says calmly as Crabominable rushes towards Fuecoco as Nemona panics.
"Err- use Snarl!" Nemona says as Fuecoco launches Snarl angrily which stops Crabominable in its tracks, "Now use Thunder Fang to-" Nemona didn't finish as Fuecoco rushed towards Crabominable without listening to Nemona and his fangs glowed with electricity as Crabominable quickly launches Thunder Punch sending Fuecoco away and wasn't able to land his attack on time.
"Fuecoco!" Nemona yells out Fuecoco gets back up angrily as Ash sighs.
So, it's come to this again? A Pokemon angry towards their trainer, where have I heard that before. Ash thinks to himself as Fuecoco turns to Crabominable as Nemona got worried.
"C'mon Fuecoco, I know your better than this, your sweet, your goofy and I know your better than this with your attitude right now, please stop!" Nemona says worryingly as Fuecoco turns Nemona and Pawmo and glared at them and Ash and Kofu knew what was happening.
Throughout my time as a trainer, I know what Fuecoco's thinking right now with Nemona's words. Just by his look, he feels he's sidelined by Nemona often compared to Pawmo and Teddiursa. Every trainer and Pokemon have their quirks, but they shouldn't be forced to lose them, no matter how different they are. I just hope this message reaches her in the future. Kofu thinks to himself.
Pawmo tries to reach out Fuecoco in worry but Fuecoco growls at him, Nemona looks on worryingly but tries to stay optimistic.
"We'll figure out this problem together Fuecoco, just please focus on the battle, use Snarl." Nemona says but Fuecoco launches a Snarl angerily instead as Crabominable dodges the attack which causes Fuecoco to get angry and rush towards Crabominable angrily with Thunder Fang but both Kofu and Crabominable stay calm, but Ash looks on worryingly.
"Fuecoco no!" Nemona yells out.
"Pikachu, I don't want this to happen, and I don't want to do this action but if Fuecoco were to attack anyone, use Iron Tail." Ash whispered to Pikachu who nods, "Crabominable use Thunder Punch." Kofu says as Crabominable launches his fist towards Fuecoco but unlike before, he is able to latch on to Thunder Punch and Crabominable is unable to get him off.
"Crabhammer." Kofu says as Crabominable slams Fuecoco to the ground causing Fuecoco to be hurt, "Multiple Crabhammers." Kofu says once more as Crabominable hits Fuecoco a couple of times with Crabhammer causing Nemona to be worried.
"Fuecoco! Get out of there!" Nemona yells out but Fuecoco doesn't llisten as he sees an opening and uses Incinerate point blank blindsiding Crabominabe before attacking with Thunder Fang angerily. This causes Nemona to grab her Pokeball.
"Alright Fuecoco, that's enough! If you don't stop and listen to me, you'll go back to your- Pokeball..." Nemona stops upon seeing Fuecoco cry causing Nemona to tremble a bit, "Fuecoco, I-"
"COCOOOOOOOO!" Fuecoco yells out as a blue light surrounded Fuecoco and started to grow a bit taller with a bit more roundness to the body and gained some sort of nest on its head with an egg on it with the blue light disappearing to reveal an aloof looking Pokemon which astonishes Nemona.
"Fuecoco, you- you evolved." Nemona says as she grabs her Rotom phone to scan it.
Crocalor, the Fire Croc Pokemon, a Fire type and the evolved form of Fuecoco. The combination of Crocalor's fire energy and overflowing vitality has caused an egg-shaped fireball to appear on the Pokémon's head.
Nemona tried to reach out to Crocalor but turned away rather aloof and sets his eyes on Crabominable, "Crocalor no-" but Nemona's call wasn't heard as he rushed towards Crabominable with fury in his eyes as Kofu sighed and frowned.
"Thunder Punch." Kofu says as Crabominable launches a punch towards Crocalor who was sent flying towards Nemona with swirls in his eyes, "Crocalor!" Nemona yells out as a referee goes to Crocalor and nods.
"Crocalor is unable to battle, Crabominable wins, and the winner of this battle is Kofu of Cascaraffa!" the referee yells out as Nemona and Pawmo immediately go to Crocalor in worry. Though Nemona was tearing up, she was more concerned for her Crocalor.
"Crocalor! Crocalor! Are- are you o-" Nemona tries to hug Crocalor but bites her causing her to yelp in pain but ultimatly hugs him, "I know, you're angry at me for whatevery happened and whatever it is I'm sorry, I want to work things out with you. If you can tell me what's going on, 'll understand."
"You're pressuring him." both Ash and Kofu say as Nemona looked up rather teary eyed, "Wha-"
"You were so focused on your issues from two days ago that it effected your performance in battle, and you were being too overconfident." Ash says rather sternly as Nemona looks down, "I thought being overconfident was the way to go." Nemona says as Ash pinches his nose.
"No Nemona. Being overconfident won't get you anywhere, in fact, it will only hinder you if rely on brute force all the time. You got to trust in yourself and your Pokemon's quirks, abilities and strategies to make it through otherwise, it feels like you're not trusting them. From what I can tell, Crocalor was nervous throughout the entire day because he wanted to make you proud, and he was happy about himself over his uniqueness and yet you made it feel like he shouldn't be proud of who he is as an individual and instead act like Teddiursa and Pawmo who're more 'focused' as you say." Ash says as Nemona's eyes widen and looks to Crocalor and starts to tear up.
"Is this- true Crocalor?" Nemona says in shock as Crocalor sadly looks away confirming Nemona's fears causing her to hug him tightly, "I'm so sorry Crocalor, I didn't mean to make you feel that way about yourself. I'm proud of who you are, and I don't want you to change based on my expectations, I want you to be happy." Nemona says as tears dropped from her face, but Crocalor still looks away.
"Crocalor." Nemona says sadly as Ash sighed, "It's not permanent, I've seen this behavior before with my Charizard back when he was a Charmeleon and continued as a Charizard for a while. It will take some time for him to trust you but it's not out of hatred and could mellow out through training, you just need to trust and bond with Crocalor." Ash says as Nemona looks to Crocalor sadly. Kofu goes and Crabominable go to Crocalor and Kofu leans down holding an Oran Berry.
"Here you are Crocalor, an Oran Berry should help heal you of your injuries and your hunger." Kofu says with a soft smile as Crocalor eats it and nods in thanks surprising the group, "It seems like Crocalor is somewhat fine with others, but I guess it will take some time with me." Nemona says as she tightens her hands.
"Crocalor, I promise you; I'll work my hardest to get your trust in me again even if I have to run up the tallest of hills or fight the toughest of opponents, I'll help you no matter what no matter how much you ignore me!" Nemona says with determination as Crocalor looks on eyes sparkling but looks away and goes to his Pokeball.
Nemona gets up and turns to Kofu, "Mr. Kofu, I'm sorry for my behavior and my Crocalor's behavior today, I promise you that next I'll train to get stronger and take on you with a clear mindset." Nemona says as Kofu softly smiles.
"Nemona, I can tell that you are determined at times throughout the battle such as coming close to Floatzel's speed, relying on more lighter attacks for quick profit and even creating that dust/mist effect. I think that shows that you are determined and even prepared but need a bit more refinery before you can perfect it and go in without any issues plaguing your mind. I'd suggest you take on Brassius's Gym in Artazon, he may be a challenge but I'm sure you'll make it through." Kofu says as Nemona wipes away her tears and nods.
"Thanks."
"Not a problem, why not you all come to the restaurant for brunch, my treat." Kofu says as the gang nod and they head off.
We see the gang and their Pokemon eating brunch as Penny and Sprigatito look at Penny's phone when she gets a notification.
"Oh, it seems like Clive managed to get all the details in place over Giacomo's base." Penny says as Ash nods, "Alright, we'll take a look at it after lunch." Ash says as he turns to Nemona and looks at her worryingly.
"Nemona?" Ash asks as she looks to her Crocalor who eats his food normally compared to before in Nemona's vision. "Typically, Fuecoco likes to indulge himself in his food or sleep with his food nearby, but it seems like he's trying to grow up. I should be happy for him growing up but it also feels like I'm trying to force him out of what he loves just because of earlier. I really messed up today and ignored your advice." Nemona says with a hint of melancholy in her voice as Ash sighs.
"I'm sorry for my tone earlier Nemona, I just didn't want you to-"
"No, I understand, you were only trying to usher me into the right direction to not end in failure. I still have a lot to learn from being a horrible trainer to a successful champion like me."
"You're not horrible Nemona, your far from it but you need to focus on the road ahead and not let your issues plague your thoughts onto the road ahead and not get too confident."
"And what if it does Ash?"
"Then use that to your advantage."
The advice causes Nemona to look on surprised, but she nods and decides to ask another question.
"Say Ash?"
"Yeah?"
"Before you leave the region one day, I want to have one last battle with you using your all-star team." Nemona says with confidence in her voice as Ash looks on surprised, "My all-star team?" Ash asks.
"A team made up of your strongest Pokemon of different regions you went to." Nemona says with intrigue in her voice as Ash then realizes what she means and nods.
"Oh, I get it. I can definitly do that, but I'm keeping that a secret until I leave as to what that team is." Ash teased as Nemona groaned but laughed as the gang continue to enjoy their brunch.
A little while later at a hill, we see 4 Team Star members and a boy with headphones and a large dark jacket who seemed rather serious.
"So, you saw Nemona in the city the other day you say vice-captain Pedro?" the headphone boy says seriously to a nearby male grunt who nods, "Yes, and it seems she's traveling with 3 other trainers including Ash Ketchum Giacomo sir." Attilis says as Giacomo nods.
"Ash, you say? Ohmigoodness, ohmigoodness, he's actually in this city, I can't wait to meet him. Err- um, I want you to find Nemona and bring her to the base, don't fight her or try to get caught." Giacomo says as the grunts nod.
"And what about the others sir?" Pedro says, "Leave Ash to me, the other two don't worry about but if Nemona's with them, lure her away." Giacomo says as the other grunts look on worryingly.
I hope Giacomo doesn't take this too far because of what happened, but he wouldn't go that far right. a female grunt thought to herself as Giacomo pointed towards Cascaraffa.
"Time to 'reconcile'" Giacomo says.
END
With that, we made it to the end of another chapter. As the intro says, I will be taking a break to prepare for another semester of college and to plan out my future chapters.
When we get back however, we will focus on the first Team Star base as Ash, Nemona and Clive go in to rescue Nemona from Giacomo who is angry over what happened a year prior. Can Ash, Penny and Nemona reach out to him before he goes too far and find out the emotional plot going on or will Giacomo lose himself.
Sayonara.
Sneasel's current moveset:
Poison Jab (learned), Brick Break, Metal Claw, Quick Attack