Notes- Another three months, another chapter. Shew. I hope a trend does not develop. The good news is that College is over for now, and I have a lot more time to work on the story! I'm very excited for the opportunities that this summer will bring and I hope you will join Chris as he continues his journey into Ecruteak City. A ton of action is bound to occur with a partner in tow and a city full of tradition before them. Thank you for joining me again for the next chapter in his travels. Please Review and Subscribe!
Chapter 22
The trip down the hill to Ecruteak was quiet enough for Chris to sink back in to a reminiscing mood. The sun reflected brightly off the highest tower's roof, and placed its dazzling glow into Chris' vision. The trainer shielded his eyes with a hand as he tried to look over the rest of the city more closely. The pond that rested in the back corner of the city could still be seen from their high vantage point. Fond memories of feeding the Water-type Pokémon resurfaced.
"Are you always this quiet?" Anna's patience was nonexistent.
"Not usually, I guess," Chris caught the girl eyeing him with a perplexed expression. "I just have a lot of really good memories of this city, it being my hometown and all."
Anna nodded and stayed quiet for several seconds. "Has it been a while since you've been back?"
The trainer shrugged and caught sight of the Kimono Girl's theater. His family had only gone to one performance the entire time they had lived in Ecruteak. Chris' memory of it was fuzzy at best. "Been about eight years."
"That long!" the young woman scratched her head, as if trying to comprehend that amount of time. "I can't imagine being away from home for more than a month!"
"But," now it was Chris' turn to be baffled, "how are you going to obtain the badges if you don't travel more?"
"Psh," Anna waved off the question, "what do you think the Magnet Train is for?"
"So you're from Goldenrod?" Chris guessed.
"Born and raised!" pride filled the young woman's tone.
"Don't know how proud of that I'd be," Chris mumbled, shuttering at the thought of the chaotic streets.
"Hey dickhead," Anna delivered a sharp jab to Chris' side, making the trainer double over. "Can't talk shit about my city."
"I think you broke my kidney," Chris managed to articulate through a series of coughs.
"You only need one to live anyway!" Anna chuckled as she delivered a slap to Chris' back. "Ecruteak doesn't make you folks tough like Goldenrod. Can't show any sign of weakness or you'll be eaten alive where I come from!"
"A lovely speech," Chris tried to regain his composure and save what little dignity he had left. "You're so lady-like!"
"Likewise," Anna smirked, seeing the defeated look on Chris' face. "You were saying?"
Chris did have a question in mind to ask before the conflict had occurred. "What about the two gyms to the west?"
"Why do you think I'm on foot now?!"
"Gotcha," Chris' focus had trailed off as they walked through the welcome gate.
Chris' eyes scanned everywhere as they entered the city. Though it covered much more space than a town, Ecruteak still somehow kept the atmosphere of a quaint, unassuming village. Unlike Goldenrod, with its four-lane sprawling interstates, Chris' hometown held modest two-lane roads. The buildings were spaced out enough so that plenty of side-walk space could be given to the little traffic that existed. The city did not stretch very far north, meaning that a half hour stroll could get you to the towers. Even though they were now entering the heart of the city, the trainers could still see the towers gleaming overhead. Chris looked to his right and could make out the Pokémon Center in the not so-far off distance.
Chris turned to Anna, who had also been taking in the sights. "I may heal up my team, if that's alright?"
"Don't you think I might want to also?" Anna gave him a playful smile.
"Let's get to it!"
There was no line at the center, much to Chris' relief, and the two trainers handed in their weakened Pokémon. Chris took note of the six Poké balls that Anna handed in, revealing herself to be a dedicated trainer.
"I'm surprised there aren't more people here in the middle of the day," Chris said aloud as his Pokémon were returned to him.
"Our Gym Leader will be out of town until the end of this week," the nurse informed him. "That's usually the only frequent trainers we get here. The Kimono Girls occasionally send trainers here after a defeat also."
"There's something to do till Morty gets back!" Chris grinned at the thought of challenging the heralded Kimono Girls.
"Don't think you could just walk over today and beat them!" Anna retorted, throwing a punch into Chris' shoulder. "I don't watch much theater, but I've seen the Kimono Girls in action before. These are highly skilled, experienced trainers."
"I'll do it," Chris smirked, "just because you told me that."
"Actually you can't," the nurse chimed in, much to Chris' surprise. "The Kimono Girls are putting on a show tonight at nine at the theater. They've been preparing for it for months."
"That's great," Chris clapped his hands. He turned to Anna, "No better way to show you the best of Ecruteak then to go to a world-renowned battle display!"
"You'll probably lose me long before then," Anna shook her head, but kept a smile. " But I am a little intrigued."
The trainer could feel excitement building in his stomach. Never would he have dreamed he would see the Kimono Girls in action so soon. It took a special type of trainer to be able to battle while putting on show. Chris wouldn't be opposed to picking up a few pointers himself. To do that though, Chris would need a ticket.
"Chances aren't good for there being tickets available," Anna beat him to the punch.
"It wouldn't hurt to check it out," the male trainer shrugged as they exited the center. "Let's head that way and find out!"
The duo raced north, with Chris leading the way. After several minutes of walking though, Chris stopped.
"What's the deal?"
"I'm not actually sure how to get there," Chris let out a nervous laugh, and opened up his PokéGear. "Like I said, it's been a few years."
"It's an old building right?" Anna placed her hands on her hips.
"Yeah."
"Double deck, blue roof?"
"Indeed."
Anna pointed over the building beside them. Chris caught sight of the structure he had just described and reluctantly followed Anna to the location. Upon arriving, the trainer's jaw dropped at the sight of a line that wrapped around the entire structure.
"The show will be over before we get through this line," Chris grumbled.
The two trainers found the back of the line and had waited approximately ten seconds before Anna had exhausted her patience.
"Move it or lose it!"
Anna did not verbally threaten people out-of-the-way. Nor did she lightly shove those ahead of them. The girl who barely stood over five feet began to bulldoze through anyone in their way. The look on her face must have been quite frightening, because no one dared oppose her forceful cutting. Chris kept his head low and tried to keep up with the angry force of nature before him. He almost ran into her when she suddenly stopped.
"I'd say this would be a desirable and fair place to settle," her back was to Chris, but the trainer knew a smug look covered Anna's visage.
The trainer from Cherrygrove looked over his shoulder and saw a path of destruction mimicking that of a tornado. Bodies were scattered against the wall, on the sidewalk, and on the street. People were looking on in fear towards the young trainer that stood in front of him.
"What have we done?" Chris could feel his heart breaking for the people they had harmed.
"Look where we are in line," sarcasm dripped off Anna's voice.
"Awesome!" Chris was entranced by how close to the ticket office they had gotten. "Only ten or so people ahead of us!"
"Your welcome."
After they had gotten the tickets, and narrowly avoided several officers who had arrived on the scene, the duo stopped in an alley to decide their next move.
"Might be best to lay low until it's showtime," Anna announced, much to Chris' relief. "Any idea of where we might could go?"
"I know it's supposed to be a popular destination," the male trainer began, "but if we could get inside the Burned Tower, we'd be out of sight from any watchful authorities. And we could scope the place out too."
"That could work," Anna nodded, "think you can actually find it though?"
This isn't going to get any easier.
Lucky for Chris, even a burned down tower is still quite easy to see over the cityscape of Ecruteak. The trainers inconspicuously made their way to the tower which seemed empty from the outside.
"Think we should give it a shot?" Chris eyed the construction equipment scattered around the outside of the tower.
"We better after coming this far!" Anna confidently strolled toward the tower entrance.
Chris raced after her and the trainers entered the tower through the still open doorway. Immediately, they heard several construction workers taking a break on the second floor.
"Might be best to leave," Chris whispered.
"Not after traveling all this way," Anna crept along the wall to their left, leaving Chris to reluctantly follow.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm checking this place out!" Anna hissed.
Chris finally took his attention off Anna and surveyed the inside of the tower. A very impressive reconstruction process was underway. The interior had been cleaned and polished up significantly. Cases had been set up for potential artifacts and detailed plaques lined the walls. The floors and ceiling looked brand new, but held a very traditional look. At this pace, the Burned Tower would soon be gone; and the Brass Tower would be back in its rightful place.
"Wonder what this tarp is covering?" Anna pointed to a large cloth covering a section of the wall. She reached it before Chris could object and slid around it.
A terrified scream came from behind the tarp, almost causing Chris to fall backward. He sprinted forward, pulled back the cover, and almost jumped backwards when he was met by a familiar face.
"Hello," the low, soft voice resonated with Chris, just as it did at the Trainer School in Violet City. This man was the same tall, middle-aged individual who had escorted Chris out of the school when he had tried to return the fishing rod. The man was still wearing a very nice suit, even with the heat of the day trapped in the tower. "I'm afraid this is not the place for you. Could I help you two?"
Chris noticed a calm Anna standing beside him, watching Chris' reaction closely.
"Hello sir," Chris decided, in an instant, to act as if they have never met. "We were just visiting town and really wanted to see these towers."
"Fair enough," the man nodded in understanding. "I suppose when you're young, warning signs and construction mean very little."
"We thought it might make a romantic spot for a date," Chris did not look at Anna, but he could feel the woman glaring daggers at him. "I guess that would be tough to do with hammers and drills being used in the background."
The man let loose a hearty chuckle, which surprised Chris. "Ah, the wonderful power of love." He extended an arm towards Anna. "May I?"
Anna nodded slowly and gave the man her arm. He escorted her to Chris, who quickly took her arm in his own. As soon as the man walked past them, she spun her held arm around Chris' and delivered a blow to his side.
"If you are looking for a nice date spot," the man motioned for them to follow him, "I would suggest the pool in front of the other tower. The lights should be coming on now and it reflects beautifully off the water."
"That sounds wonderful," Chris threw on a forced smile as they reached the exit. "Thank you sir."
"Not a problem." Chris knew the next words before he spoke them. "Have a nice day."
The duo kept their arms linked until the tower's entrance disappeared behind them. Anna broke away from Chris and scowled at the trainer.
"That was a smooth cover up," she shook her head, "but you're still a jackass."
Chris threw his hands up. "I wasn't the one who wanted to keep exploring."
"That's because you're a pussy!" Anna chuckled.
Chris tried to think of something to retort with, but could only laugh at the female trainer's insult. "I guess you have me there." He looked to the east It would be nice to stop by the fountain and see the lights again."
"Lead the way Casanova."
As evening overtook the city, Chris looked towards their destination, and was blown away by the horizon behind it. As the sun dropped behind the trees, the sky had become a mixture of orange and pink. These colors were split open by the piercing mountain line of Mt. Mortar, and the towering peak of Mt. Silver. The secrets and Pokémon the mountains held would soon be brought to light by the trainer from Cherrygrove.
Once they arrived at the fountain, Chris could understand why it held such an appeal. A multitude of rainbows reflected off the water from the lights surrounding the pool. The area around the fountain was swamped by several couples, forcing Chris to stand back as Anna went to work. After some verbal threats, the duo were standing by the pool side, admiring the wondrous lights. As the lights turned a magnificent gold, the water became so bright that Chris was forced to avert his eyes upward. As he did so, his sight locked on to the tower in front of them. No lights were on in the tiered structure, but Chris still could not look away from the unassuming, quiet tower.
"Maybe we could check out that," Chris nodded toward the towering structure.
"I think I've had enough of towers for a day," Anna frowned. "Besides, we should get back to the theater if you wanna catch the show."
"Good call," Chris spun away from the distracting spire and set off towards the theater, with a frustrated Anna attempting to keep pace.
Once they arrived at the theater, Chris was surprised by how quickly they were able to get in. Once inside, Chris was not shocked to discover that all of the floor level seats were taken, leaving the duo to look for seats in the balcony. They were pleased to find seats facing the middle of the stage, even if they were closer to the back. From what Chris could recall, the theater had not changed much since he had last been here. Then again, in this city, that might as well have been the mantra.
It wasn't long before the lights dimmed and the crowd became silent. The open stage was suddenly illuminated by torches that hung on the back wall. The previously empty stage was now occupied by five individuals. Through several, meticulously choreographed dance sequences, the Kimono Girls unleashed their Eeveelutions. The Pokémon unleashed attacks at one another, but somehow none of them found their mark. The entire show looked as though it was absolute chaos, with Chris struggling to see any cohesive performance at all. He finally decided to focus on one Pokémon, and for no particular reason, chose Espeon. The lilac hued Pokémon seemed to effortlessly dodge several attacks thrown its way and counter with a barrage of Psybeams. Chris noticed that the beautiful creature always moved away and returned to the group through a series of incredibly quick, but smooth movements. The Pyschic type's trainer seemed to be spinning around the action, with the rest of her sisters, somehow avoiding the Eeveelutions' powerful attacks. The girls, along with their Pokémon, appeared to be gradually moving to the right. After seeing this, Chris finally pulled his focus back out to the entire performance and was blown away by what he saw.
The Pokémon's movements mirrored that of a surging river, with waves crashing to-and-fro. The Kimono Girls' dance could be seen as leaves falling around the chaotic rush of water. Or perhaps they represented the landscape being overtaken by the rush of water? Chris wasn't entirely sure, but he was completely mesmerized.
The rest of the show went on for quite a bit longer, though Chris never checked his PokéGear once. As soon as they finished, and the torches were abruptly extinguished, Chris and Anna stood with the crowd to give the performance an ovation.
"I have to say," Anna grinned, "that was quite a treat to watch. The way they can dance and lead their Pokémon fluidly is beyond me."
"The dancing part I would excel at," Chris' words were met by Anna's laughter.
"I honestly believe that," she admitted as they headed towards the theater's exit. "I'm sure you're a better dancer than battler."
"Hey now," Chris chuckled, "that's a pretty insulting compliment. Pretty sure we already determined who the better battler was!"
"Whatever."
The duo managed to beat most of the crowds and found themselves outside the closing theater. Chris had no idea what the female trainer's plans were, but he knew that his battle with Dobbs was only two days away; training was a must.
"What's your next move?" Anna said the words before Chris.
"I'm gonna train in Ecruteak for a while," Chris explained. "It'll be nice to do some more sight-seeing also."
"That sounds like you," the trainer from Goldenrod nodded. "I'll be heading west tonight."
"Really?!" Chris was dumbfounded. "You've never really been west, right?"
"Nope."
"And you realize that the next route will not be well-lit at all?"
"Makes sense." Anna pointed to the night sky.
"So why leave now?"
Anna took a step towards Chris. "It's sweet and all that you care for my safety but," the woman raised a fist, "I don't need anything to protect me but my fists and my Pokémon."
"I believe you!" Chris stepped back and gave a nervous laugh. "It's just easier to get lost traveling at night. Plus it really slows down your progress."
"Thankfully I have an acute sense of direction," Anna coolly responded, "and if by 'slow progress', you're making a short joke, I'll beat your head into the pavement."
"Fair enough," was Chris' exasperated reply. "I wish you the best."
"Thank you," Anna stepped forward again, this time, surprising Chris with a hug, "for everything."
Chris remained silent as the girl released the embrace, punched his arm, and disappeared into the night. Once she was out of sight, Chris glanced at his surroundings and rubbed his arm. "Ow."
Chris headed east soon after his goodbye with Anna. The trainer had remembered that the Ecruteak Pokémon Center had a lodge for trainers to stay in. Once he had checked in to his room, he opened up his backpack and prepared several bowls of food.
"A late dinner tonight," Chris explained to each Pokémon as he released them. The trainer rubbed his head, realizing how crowded the small room had become.
"Scy," the Mantis Pokémon stopped his eating to give the trainer a concerned look. The other Pokémon joined the Bug type with equally worrisome expressing.
"I'm alright guys," Chris chuckled as he collapsed into the small bed. He stared up at the ceiling and tried to think of the best words to say. "Today has been a roller coaster of emotions and experiences. We woke up late, so I felt rushed this morning. Then we battled Anna and narrowly came out on top. I'm sorry you guys didn't get a chance to be out of your Poké balls more. I went nonstop in Ecruteak as soon as I stepped into the city. I was able to do some sight-seeing with one tower and a beautiful fountain that I'll have to show you guys." Chris took a breath. "I wish you guys could have seen the theater performance. The style and precision they displayed... I want us to be that exceptional when it's all said and done."
"Nido!" the Poison type roared and lifted its horn high.
"You're right!" Chris sat up. "We can be even greater!"
"Karp!" the Fish Pokémon voiced his support, despite being only able to flop on dry land.
"Oh, sorry!" Chris quickly apologized, returning the water-dwelling creature to his Poké ball. "Magikarp is right to believe in us though!"
"Quil!" the Volcano Pokémon's head lit up in flame. "Lava!"
"We can shoot for the very best!" the trainer stood tall once more as his Pokémon began to jump excitedly around him. This was the simple moment of bliss that he had associated with Ecruteak. He was back home.
"Scy!"
The Mantis Pokémon tripped over an excited Nidorino, almost decapitating Chris with its scythes. If not for Crobat's quick move to push Chris away, the trainer might have been in two pieces. Chris fell to the floor in shock as the rest of his Pokémon stared anxiously at him.
"Perhaps we should turn in for the night," the trainer's suggestion was met by nods. "This small room can't contain all this energy."
"Quil?" the starter Pokémon glanced around at the other Pokémon before looking back at Chris.
"You think you guys can handle sleeping in here or would you be more comfy in your Poké balls?"
Crobat found the coat hook at the opposite end of the room as an appealing sleeping location. Scyther and Nidorino were too large to sleep in the small room, and thus returned to their Poké balls. Quilava settled at the foot of the bed and waited for Chris to do his nightly hygienic routine. The trainer slid into bed and quickly typed out a message to his mother on his Poké Gear. She would worry tremendously if she didn't hear from him every day or so.
Chris' thoughts were quickly fading into his subconscious. "Tomorrow should be a great day."
The trainer was actually quite happy to hear an alarm the next morning. An early start to the day would be important for his training. The trainer fixed himself a quick bite to eat and used the center's community shower. Afterwards, he packed his gear and headed back west. A fog had settled over the city, which was just beginning to come back to life. Chris' footsteps echoed along the nearly empty street.
"Thursday morning is an odd time for a city to be slow," Chris mumbled to himself.
The trainer could not remember if the city had always been this relaxed or if Cherrygrove had gotten him use to loud noises and busy sidewalks. Chris figured it would be alright to let his Pokémon travel the open sidewalks with him.
"I'll have to give you guys the grand tour," Chris announced as the team marched along. He wondered if Luke had checked out all of the sights and was still in the city. He mumbled, "Doubt he could stay here for more than a couple of days. Guy like him probably can't stay still for long."
"There is the most famous tower on the planet!" Chris motioned to the ten leveled structure. "But for now," Chris nodded towards the three-storied tower coming into view, "we'll be seeing a lot more of that one."
Upon arriving outside of the tower, Chris found the open space in front of the tower unoccupied. The trainer described the Kimono Girl's show to his Pokémon; he explained the precision and power that the performance captured. Perfecting their techniques and battling would be crucial for the last five gym leaders. "Not to mention, we also have a battle with Dobbs tomorrow." He found Quilava's gaze. "That battle will be for pride."
"Quil," the fire starter nodded, an intense focus in his stare.
"Let's go ahead and start some sparring."
Chris pointed to Nidorino and Crobat, who were fascinated by the construction machinery nearby. "Let's focus guys. Need to get our stretches in first." Chris brought Magikarp out of his Poké ball to participate in the warms up also. His worst fear was having a level gap appear among his team. He wanted every member to be equally capable of achieving their dream.
Once they had finished stretching, Chris set up his Pokémon into sparring matches. He paired Quilava with Crobat, realizing that the match would be good for improving Quilava's speed. He paired Nidorino with his newly captured Scyther mostly to prevent tensions from flaring between the aforementioned Pokémon and the Bug type. The increased strength of his team members also meant that each Pokémon's endurance should improve. The trainer would also work on his reaction time and in-battle commands. He needed to be just as sharp as his Pokémon, just like the Kimono Girls. Chris and his Pokémon worked on these practice battles until noon, with Chris cycling Magikarp into the battles to ensure equal growth. As the summer heat began to take over, Chris slumped to the ground, covered in sweat.
"Lunch break," Chris announced as he wiped sweat off his arms. The trainer brought out food for his Pokémon and placed a vitamin by each pile. "Let's refuel." As he rummaged through the supplies, Chris realized that they were running low on Pokémon food. He made a mental note of the shortage and then turned his focus back to the sparring. The trainer had experienced difficulty in helping his Pokémon react in time to Crobat and Scyther's incredible speed. Even Quilava seemed to have difficulty countering the Bat Pokémon's speed at first. Nidorino fared a bit better, facing an opponent that wasn't quite as quick. The Poison Pin Pokémon had really grown comfortable in his larger body. All of his Pokémon had seen a significant increase in speed since they had joined Chris' team. Even Magikarp's reflexes had improved, as seen through his spar with Chris. He wanted to run Luke and Dobbs' teams off the battlefield.
The team's endurance had drastically improved as well. His Pokémon still seemed very fresh, even after several hours of straight battling. Even Chris felt like his endurance had increased ten fold. Training with Pokémon had proven to be a better regimen than Chris' pre-journey routine. "If I can keep this up," Chris chuckled, "I'll have a sculpted body that'd make a Machamp jealous."
"Quil," Chris could hear sarcasm in the Volcano Pokémon's voice.
"Hey," Chris shot the Fire type a stern look, "you don't have to voice your envy."
"Lava!" the fire starter stood up and flexed its developing muscles, projecting fire from his head.
"Let's go!" Chris stood up and pounded his chest. What little fatigue he had experienced earlier had now been replaced by adrenaline. He couldn't pass on hyping up the usually even-tempered Fire type. "If you think you can take me, bring it!"
The Volcano Pokémon charged forward and leaped on to Chris, who stood ready for the blow. The two fell to the ground and began to playfully try to pin the other. As Chris wrestled with Quilava, he noticed a large grin on the Volcano Pokémon's face. Their dynamic was evolving each day. No longer did Chris feel like he possessed a business partner. Wherever their path led them, they would go down it as friends.
Chris gained the upper hand and managed to pin Quilava on his back. "Give me a count Nidorino!"
The Poison Pin Pokémon rushed to be by the action. Nidorino stomped his foot into the ground.
"One!" Chris announced. He glanced at Scyther who carried an amused expression on his visage. Another Nidorino stomp. "Two!" The Volcano Pokémon was attempting to squirm out of Chris' hold. Crobat had flown closer to examine the contest. A third, final thud from Nidorino's foot. "Three!"
"What a finish!" Chris let go of Quilava, who still held a grin. Nidorino ran over to his trainer and lifted Chris' arm into the air.
"Nido!" the Poison type did his best to keep a stoic, professional look as he declared Chris the victor.
"I'd like to dedicate this match to my biggest fans," Chris pulled Crobat and Sycther to his sides. Both Pokémon looked at Chris as though he had lost his mind. "And most of all," Chris raced over to Magikarp, who seemed oblivious to Chris' actions, "to my trainer, Magikarp." Chris lifted up the Fish in one arm and pointed to his head with the other. "He gave me a lot of bumps and bruises over the past couple of weeks, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. He taught me the true meaning of toughness!"
All the Pokémon had a good laugh though the ordeal. Chris sat down beside Quilava as the Pokémon got back to eating. The trainer scratched his starter's ear as the Fire type continued eating. "I don't know how much longer I'll be able to handle you in a match like that," Chris smiled. "I have to take these wins while I can get them!"
While Chris conversed with Quilava, Crobat and Nidorino were once again enticed by the construction equipment. The two slipped away and approached the equipment. Scyther eventually realized they were heading towards the tower, but before he could tell Chris, another force had stopped them.
"Hello again!" Chris froze after hearing the softly spoken words. "Decided to train with a view, hm?"
The trainer turned around slowly and noticed the grey haired suit wearing man was escorting two of his Pokémon back to him. "Hello sir!"
"I see you are training solo today," the man looked at Nidorino and Crobat, "besides your team of course. I hope I didn't scare away your date!"
"Of course not!" Chris' shoulders relaxed. "She just had to move on to bigger and better things."
"I see," he shook his head, "but she was mistaken." Chris gave the man a quizzical look. He pointed towards the Burned Tower. "Once we finish rebuilding this structure, Ecruteak will hold the two tallest towers in the Johto Region. Can't do much bigger than that!"
"So you are over the rebuilding process?"
The man nodded. "I'm currently the Head Supervisor of Construction in the Johto Region." He tapped the gold pin on his suit. "Our goal is to return Johto to its natural glory. This is one of the few reconstruction projects we are currently focused on."
"That's pretty cool," Chris could respect a group that was dedicated to bringing back the beauty and tradition of the region. "What other projects have you done?"
"Heard of the Goldenrod Tournament?"
Chris smiled. "Yeah, I was actually a participant."
"We tore down an old building there and remodeled the entire island," the man looked to his left, as if reconstructing the process. "We put in a lot of work on that stadium."
"It was fantastic!" Chris exclaimed, remembering the majestic stadium and beautiful brick pavement. He thought back to the tournament itself. "Do you know who ended up winning, sir?"
"Call me Oliver," the man extended a hand which Chris quickly shook. "I feel like I owe you that much after spoiling your date." He turned away from Chris and took several steps forward. "There were a lot of powerful trainers at that tournament as I'm sure you're aware. A young man, a few years older than yourself, actually took home the trophy. He hailed from this very city. I believe his name started with a 'c'."
"Huh," Chris scratched his head, "kind of a random winner, eh?"
"Indeed," he nodded. "However, he showed up to the tournament with the Blackthorn City Gym Leader, Clair. I believe he was a student under her."
"That makes a bit more sense."
"Anyway," Oliver glanced at Chris' Pokémon, "am I correct in assuming you've gotten a good deal stronger since that tournament?"
"I believe so," Chris gulped, unsure of what to expect. The trainer could tell the man was clutching something in his left hand.
"I couldn't help but notice your training from the tower," he turned back to the trainer. "You seem to have a sharp mind for such a young trainer. I can tell you learned a lot from others before beginning your journey."
"I did have help," Chris thought back to his brother's lessons and his father's recent guidance. "I'm sure all the greats do."
"To be a Master Trainer is your goal?" Chris was a little surprised by the straightforward question.
"Uh, yeah," he replied slowly. "I think that should be the goal of every trainer."
"What does that title mean to you?" the last thing the trainer had expected to get into was philosophical questioning.
"To be one of the greatest, most powerful trainers in the world," Chris thought back to his brother's success at the Silver Conference. How close he had gotten to challenging the Elite Four and potentially becoming one of the greats. "Most importantly though," Chris smiled slowly at Quilava, "I believe it means sharing the heart and goals of the Pokémon you train and care for."
"That's a very honest answer," Oliver opened his hand and Chris noticed a Poké ball resting on his palm. "I wish I had more time to discuss these things with trainers like yourself. A lot of good could come to this world." He maximized the device in his hand. "Would you care for a short battle before I get back to work. I would love to see your philosophy in action."
"Absolutely," Chris knew he could not turn down this challenger. The man's questions had motivated Chris to truly put his words to the test. "Any Pokémon you'd like to see battle in particular?"
"Seeing how Crobat evolves through happiness," the Bat Pokémon flew to Chris' side, "I think it would be a perfect choice."
"Sounds good," the trainer motioned for the Poison/Flying type to fly forward on to the makeshift battlefield. "And you?"
Oliver pressed the button on the device and a red beam of light revealed a Pokémon Chris had never seen. The trainer brought out his Pokédex and pointed it at the small, bipedal bird-like Pokémon. "There is no data on this Pokémon."
"What?" Chris was stunned. A creature that the ultimate Pokémon encyclopedia had no info on.
"I'm not surprised your device has no record of this creature," the older trainer announced, sparking Chris' curiosity. "The Kalos region is quite far from here. It's a region with a unique isolationist policy."
"The Kalos region huh." Chris had heard of the region, but like Oliver had said, they were a people who preferred to keep their culture to themselves.
"This is a Hawlucha," the masked Pokémon gave a bow. "Are you ready to see it in battle?"
"Your move," Chris motioned for the battle to begin.
"Hone Claws," Oliver's battle voice was indistinguishable from his usual tone.
"That's a status boosting move," Chris explained to Crobat. "Hit it with Wing Attack before it can finish!"
Crobat's speed never ceased to amaze his trainer. The Bat Pokémon launched himself forward and caught the small Kalos native with two direct strikes. The blows seemed to shake Hawlucha, who managed to finish his boosting move.
"Strike back with your own Wing Attack!" came the opposing trainer's counter.
Hawlucha's speed surprised Chris, as the masked bird struck back with its own wings before Crobat could retreat.
"Counter with Crunch and get out of there," Chris figured that being patient would help him better learn the Kalos Pokémon's strengths. His Pokémon quickly carried out his command.
"Eat your berry!"
As Crobat flew away from his opponent, he exchanged a confused look with Chris. The masked Pokémon, who had been clutching a berry in one of its hands, quickly consumed it.
"I've never considered giving my Pokémon a berry to hold in battle," Chris acknowledged to the trainer, "it seems like it would hinder their movements."
"You'll be amazed at how much it aids Hawlucha," Oliver smiled as the Flying type flexed the muscles across its small frame. "Flying Press."
Chris had never heard of the attack, but he began preparing for a counter. Strategy flew out the window once Hawlucha shot upward and disappeared. The trainer and his Pokémon urgently scanned for their adversary.
"I have never seen a Pokémon move that quickly!" Chris was filled with complete amazement.
"Hawlucha's Unburdened ability doubles its speed once it uses its item," Chris' amazement turned to terror at the thought.
"Your Pokémon was already fast," Chris noticed a shadow fall over Crobat. He finally caught sight of a dive-bombing Hawlucha above his Pokémon. "Hawlucha is above you!"
Chris' warning was to no avail as the Flying type was moving much too quickly to be avoided. With arms spread wide, the masked bird body-slammed Crobat, driving the Bat Pokémon into the ground.
"Hit it with Crunch before it can escape!"
Oliver laughed. "Seems inexperience is catching up with you," Oliver's words were accompanied by his Pokémon stopping Crobat's attack with its hands. "Hawlucha is known as the Wrestling Pokémon. Being part Fighting-type, it can brawl with the best of them. Deliver some Karate Chops."
Chris winced as the Wrestling Pokémon began landing blows on Crobat. Even though Crobat held a four times resistance to Fighting moves, the Hone Claws boost and several Critical Hits were taking effect. The trainer was receiving a beat down and lesson at the same time. "Shake it off with Confuse Ray!"
The Bat Pokémon managed to issue out its status inducing attack, momentarily crippling the Wresting Pokémon. Hawlucha fell beside Crobat, allowing Chris' Pokémon to gain an advantageous position.
"Now that I know it's part Fighting type," Chris was excited to see a surprised look on Oliver's face, "let's dish out some Wing Attacks!"
It was Crobat's turn to unleash an unrelenting punishment upon his opponent. Oliver tried to calmly regain control of his Pokémon, but Hawlucha seemed unresponsive, swinging wildly in all the wrong directions.
"Now go in for a Crunch Attack!" Chris knew it was risky move, since Hawlucha resisted Dark-type moves. However, the opportunity to lower Hawlucha's defense was too good to pass up.
Crobat lashed out with his fangs and delivered the blow. Chris realized that now was his chance to end the battle.
"One final Wing Attack!"
"Wing Attack also!" Oliver's voice rose slightly..
Hearing multiple voices command the same attack seemed to help Hawlucha finally make a decision. As Crobat brought his wings down to strike, Hawlucha swung its own upwards. The Pokémon exchanged blows simultaneously, sending Crobat sprawling to the ground as Hawlucha collapsed on its back once more.
After several tense seconds, it was clear that neither Pokémon could continue the battle. Chris rushed over to Crobat and sprayed his wounds down with a potion.
"You did excellent!" Chris helped the Bat Pokémon sit up. "Even when it seemed we didn't have a chance, you managed to turn the tables on 'em!"
"Cro!" the Poison-type returned his trainer's enthusiasm, but Chris could tell that Crobat had received an equal portion of damage. A draw would have to count as a victory today.
Silence from the other side of the battlefield fell on Chris' ears. He was being studied. Looking up, he noticed Oliver's eyes trained on Crobat.
"You have a well-trained Pokémon there," he gently scooped up Hawlucha and patted it. Returning the creature to its device, he brought his attention back to Crobat. "Even when defeat seemed certain, he responded to your commands immediately. As inexperienced as you are, you seem to possess certain intangibles- qualities that I see in many good trainers."
"Thank you sir," Chris tried to contain his pride. The team still had a long way to go.
"Just remember to never give your Pokémon a reason to doubt you," a knowing smile crossed his face. "Once again, I'm sorry for interrupting your training session. Old habits die-hard, I suppose."
"We can always use the training!" Chris laughed. "Anytime you see us out here, feel free to stop by!"
"Certainly," he waved and disappeared back into the Burned Tower.
Chris' Pokémon joined his side. Each of them watched Chris closely as the trainer looked over the tower. They waited for his response.
The young man from Cherrygrove thought over the battle and Oliver's words. The last bit of advice he gave seemed off to Chris. "I never want any of you to think of me as a master. I'm at the same point on this journey as all of you." The trainer noticed that the sun had sunk behind the ruined tower. It was approaching mid afternoon. "We have work to do."
I hope you enjoyed Chris' reintroduction to his old home. Sad to say goodbye to the spunky Anna, but I have a feeling she can take care of herself! With Dobbs' battle looming and Morty MIA, what will Chris' future hold? I hope to see you back here for the answer to that question in the upcoming chapters of Heart and Soul! See you soon!
