Introduction:
Hey everyone, so here is chapter 8 so with this new weekly schedule I wanna try to get a chapter out by at least Monday morning and maybe Wednesday Morning so if want times to expect chapters there it is. Again this all might change but I want to have a schedule because that is just the type of guy I am. With school and work being my top priority it definitely gives me less time to work so that's why I made it so one or two chapters a week. I'd rather have one good written chapter a week then a half baked rushed out a chapter every one or two days. Also, this story is also on Archive of Our Own (Ao3) so if that is a more preferred format for you it's on there as well. Nothing different just copied and pasted and updated at the same time as on this website. So really there isn't an advantage it's just personal preference. Also, another thing for updates I will always post on Reddit /r pokemonfanfiction when a new chapter is posted. Okay okay, no more interruptions but I just had a good amount to say but without further ado enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon in any way, this is just a fanfiction. Please support the creators by playing Pokemon Platinum Version wherever sold in your respective area.
AND. HERE. WE. GO.
Guide:
Bolded Italics: Speaking to Audience or Out of Time
Regular Italics: Thoughts
COF: Character(s) of Focus
Chapter 8: The Woman in Black
COF: Lucas Diamond
11 am Saturday Morning
Lucas spent the night at Cheryl's house he finally got that home feeling that he missed. Sleeping in motels wasn't exactly the most comforting in the world so sleeping in an actual house was more than a nice welcome to him. That morning, Lucas ate breakfast and thanked Cherly for her hospitality. Cheryl said Lucas was welcomed anytime and waved as he left her house.
Lucas stepped into Eterna City, it looked bigger than it was on tv. Monferno stayed close to Lucas, he wasn't the biggest fan of huge areas.
"Hey buddy it's alright I'm right here let's go explore alright," Lucas said with a reassuring smile.
Monferno nodded and walked with him.
Lucas didn't know where to start, it was massive but something caught his eye and not in a good way. It was a Team Galactic base in the center of the city, seeing it just made Lucas sick to his stomach. He just stared at him with a glare on his face. He hated Team Galactic even more now that he had seen first hand how much fear they cause people. Lucas would bust right in and kick their asses out but there were those small trees in the way.
"Great, those again how the fuck am I supposed to get through," Lucas said kicking one.
"You'll need the hidden machine Cut," A woman said watching him kick the tree.
Lucas turned around to see a woman in black clothing smiling amusingly at him. He blushed a little and stopped kicking it and walked up to her.
"Heh, sorry about that I just can't stand those people in there," Lucas said.
"I understand I am not the biggest fan of them either, their morals and horrible treatment of pokemon upset me as well," The woman said.
"Exactly they treat pokemon like tools and it angers me to no end, every pokemon should be treated with respect I don't understand how they get away with this" Lucas said.
"Your feelings towards pokemon, it's nice to see someone with morals and don't see pokemon as more than battle partners," The woman said.
"I'm Lucas," Lucas said, extending a hand.
"Cynthia and I see you are a trainer yourself," Cynthia said, shaking his hand and looking at Monferno.
"Oh him yeah we are exploring Sinnoh together I have others but they are resting right now I just trained them pretty hard in Eterna Forest yesterday so I want them to have as much energy as they can for the gym leader," Lucas said.
Cynthia just looked at him. There was something about him, his disdain for criminals, and his love for pokemon, and being a trainer, it reminded her of herself when she was younger, it was kind of admirable. As she was listening, she noticed something in his pocket.
"Is that a Pokedex?" Cynthia asked.
"What, oh yeah you know about this?" Lucas was confused, he thought him, Barry, and Dawn were the only ones with Pokedexes.
"You must be studying for Professor Rowan, it's been a long time since I have seen him, I went on my own adventure when I was younger and he gave me one," Cynthia said.
"How did you ever complete it?" Lucas asked.
"Oh heavens no I got too busy so it had to be put on the side I still have it though, great memories," Cynthia said.
"Yeah, anyway so this HM I need it to cut down these trees?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah it contains Cut," Cynthia told him.
"Looks like that's my next goal then," Lucas said.
Lucas liked to keep a goal in mind whether it be getting somewhere or finding something he needed. Having a goal in mind keeps him motivated and kept from him getting too offtrack.
"Is this your first time in Eterna City?" Cynthia asked.
"Yeah it is, it's bigger than I thought," Lucas said.
"Why don't I give you a tour I come here quite often," Cynthia offered.
"That would be great, thank you," Lucas said with a smile.
Cynthia guided Lucas through the city showing him the bike shop, restaurants, and the gym where he still needed Cut to get past those tiny trees. Lucas told Cynthia about his goal of completing the Pokedex and his run-ins with Team Galactic. Cynthia Cynthia led him to three statues in which Lucas looked at with a sense of curiosity he had never had before.
"These three statues represent three ancient pokemon that shape our world. Dialga the keeper of Time, Palkia the keeper of Space, and finally Giratina the keeper of Chaos," Cynthia said as she looked at the statues.
"Why would you need a keeper of chaos?" Lucas asked.
"You need bad things in this world Lucas, it keeps the balance and really shows the good in people," Cynthia said.
"That's so interesting, it really makes you think," Lucas said.
"Yeah, I love mythology and ancient stuff. It's a huge hobby for me," Cynthia said.
"That's so cool," Lucas said.
"Thanks, hey can I ask you something?" Cynthia asked.
"Yeah what's up?" Lucas asked.
"A lot of people get their first pokemon when they are younger but you just started, why is that?" Cynthia asked.
Lucas told Cynthia how he never had plans to be a trainer but it wasn't until he got his first taste of battle that really opened his eyes and ever since then he has been in love with being a trainer. He went on and on about how thrilling it was to catch a new pokemon and how close he felt with his team. Cynthia just smiled, she had never seen such exciting energy in a starting trainer. Lucas was in the middle of talking when she saw a guy with blonde hair creeping up behind him.
"LUCASSSSSSSSSS," Barry said, shaking Lucas by the shoulders and laughing.
"JESUS FUCK BARRY," Lucas said shocked and quickly turning around.
"You should've seen your fucking face," Barry said laughing.
"What do you want dude," Lucas said, catching his breath.
"I was just in the area and just got my second gym badge," Barry said, showing off the badge.
"Woah that's awesome dude, I just got here last night so I still have to take on the gym. Right now I am trying to get the HM Cut, that building belongs to Team Galactic" Lucas said pointing to the building.
"Oh Cut I got it from some hiker after beating him so yeah good luck I got lucky and snagged one and I was wondering about that building, the scumbags tried to rob the Pokemart yesterday when I got here, of course being as awesome as I am I took care of them. Also, dude congrats on what you did in Floaroma Town, shit was awesome, kicking some Team Galactic ass so I'll hold off on fining you for getting here so late," Barry said and then looking over at Cynthia confused.
"Whose she?" Barry asked.
"Oh this is Cynthia, Cynthia this is Barry my best friend and rival," Lucas said.
"Wonderful to meet you," Cynthia said.
"You too, you're looking at the future best trainer in all of Sinnoh," Barry said.
"I look forward to seeing you," Cynthia said and then looking at her watch.
"Oh my, I have to go. It was nice meeting you two I hope we see each other again Lucas," Cynthia said.
"You too, oh wait can you tell me where to get the HM?" Lucas asked.
Cynthia just had a grin and gave Lucas a disk, it was the HM! Lucas smiled and waved at Cynthia as she left. She was super nice and Luas hoped that they could be friends and that he saw her again on his trip.
"Sooooooo, you banging her or what?" Barry said with an arm across Lucas's shoulder.
"WHAT, NO," Lucas said suddenly.
"Dude she is hot if you're not going for her I will," Barry said.
"Dude she's way out of your league," Lucas said laughing.
"What no way once I become the champion I'll get her," Barry said.
Barry and Lucas spent a little bit catching up and Barry went on his usual tangent about how he is going to be best and such. Honestly, anyone else would hate Barry for talking so much but Lucas had gotten used to it, and looking at it now he still wouldn't change a thing.
"So Lucas, since we are here….." Barry smirked at Lucas.
Lucas just grinned and pulled out a Pokeball. It was time for a battle with his good old rival, Barry.
"Ponyta, let's start this off," Barry said, releasing Ponyta into the field.
"Bibarel, come on out!" Lucas shouted sending Bibarel in.
Bibarel came out and stared right at Ponyta ready to put some of that training to use.
"We've been practicing since our last battle, Ponyta, use tackle," Barry shouted.
Ponyta rushed and tackled Bibarel before he could dodge.
"Bibarel, use water gun and get back to a standing stance," Lucas shouted.
Bibarel did exactly what Lucas said and showered Ponyta with water and even used a tackle himself for extra damage which Lucas was happy to see, Ponyta stammered back trying to get the water off, due to the type advantage it took a lot out of Ponyta.
Barry learned in their last battle that Lucas was the most dangerous when people do not have multiple plans so instead of rushing back in he took a page out of Lucas's book and thought about it for a second.
"Ponyta, use tackle again," Barry said.
"Bibarel, counter with Water Gun," Lucas said, a little confused.
Ponyta rushed right at Bibarel but Bibarel dodged and showered the fire horse again leaving it out of commission. Lucas didn't understand how Barry spent all that time thinking just for that. Before Lucas could even call Bibarel back.
"Roselia, come out and use Mega Drain," Barry said as he quickly released Roselia.
Roselia moved like she already knew the command before Barry said it and latched onto Bibarel and drained it of energy leaving Bibarel fainted. Lucas was shocked, impressed, and in awe. Barry had not only thought about Bibarel's attack but also about what pokemon he could use next, it was brilliant.
"Damn…..nice move," Lucas commented.
"Ha, you aren't the only one with ideas Lucas," Barry said with a smile.
Lucas just smiled, it was humbling to think that Barry learned something from Lucas but it was time to see what he was made of. Lucas was smart but he still had a lot to learn and always loved hard battles; it taught him the most.
"Monferno, use Flame Wheel," Lucas ordered.
Monferno with his new training and was able to hit Roselia with it sending it flying back to Barry.
"Rose, get up and use Stun Spore," Barry ordered.
"Shit, don't let that hit ya Mon, keeping attack from distance," Lucas shouted.
Barry pointed right at Monferno and commanded Roselia to keep going and she took another hit from the flame wheel while running towards Monferno but before she was taken out, she hit Monferno with the stun spore, paralyzing him.
"Shit," Lucas thought to himself.
He didn't expect Barry to sacrifice Roselia for that. Barry was so hard to calculate for Lucas, despite having brilliant tactics of his own nothing could outshine Barry's unorthodox and unpredictable nature. It made it hard for trainers and gym leaders to read him. The only reason Lucas can do it to a degree is that he's known Barry all his life but Barry still found ways to surprise him. You think Barry is going to do one thing and he does the other, in the end making yourself unpredictable for your opponent is a good trait for a great trainer.
"Heh, just as planned, Prinplup, quickly take advantage," Barry shouted as he sent Prinplup out into the field.
"Mon, come on man you gotta get yourself together buddy focus on dodging attacks until you can counter," Lucas shouted concerned for his partner.
Monferno tried to move but couldn't, he had never been paralyzed before and therefore had no gameplan. Before he knew it Prinplup was hitting him with a bubblebeam. Monferno got back up but still couldn't move.
Lucas had to come up with something but he had never experienced a paralysis attack before he had nothing all he could do we take this as a learning experience. Still, he had to keep his cool; he had to show Monferno that everything was gonna be okay.
While Lucas's team was growing up they still depended on him so he always tried to remain calm and set an example for them especially in times like this where the chips are down.
"Monferno, try as hard as you can to land a Mach Punch," Lucas ordered.
He tried his best, he really did but Monferno couldn't move and was hit again with a bubblebeam. It was too much and Monferno was out, he felt so ashamed. He let Lucas down he let his teammates down. Lucas ran over to him and put a hand on his fallen friend seeing his ashamed face.
"Don't worry about it buddy you did great take a break," Lucas said putting Monferno back into his ball.
"HAHA, Prinplup nice work that is what I am talking about up top," Barry said high fiving Prinplup.
"Luxio, let's go," Lucas said, sending Luxio out into the field.
"Prinplup be careful, that Luxio is dangerous," Barry warned.
"Luxio, use a spark and use that speed to ensure it hits," Lucas ordered.
"Shit, there's no way Prinplup can out speed that Luxio," Barry thought to himself.
In Barry's eyes Lucas was a tactician, the ideas he always had and the skill he developed so quickly while being a trainer impressed him. He could predict Lucas but the problem was that Lucas always had like three contingency plans for every move. It was honestly scary how in-depth he goes when he plans.
They were opposites. While Lucas was predictable he was smart and could plan for almost every situation which made him dangerously accurate and very hard to outsmart. Barry, on the other hand, used a lot of unorthodox tactics and made himself unpredictable which made it hard for any trainer to get a leg up on him plus he liked to take risks that trainers would normally stay away from but to Barry if the reward outweighed the risk he took it which made it very dangerous for trainers to underestimate him. They were both great trainers in their own right so when they clashed it was always a strain on both of them to try to get the quickest advantage. One excels in knowledge and planning and one excels in unpredictable attacks and risk-taking methods. It made them perfect rivals.
Luxio outsped Prinplup and hit a spark of electricity down on his head.
"Prinplup, latch onto that Luxio," Barry ordered.
"The fuck?" Lucas thought to himself.
Prinplup grabbed Luxio and held onto him. Luxio tried to shake him off but Prinplup stuck to him like glue.
"Luxio, another spark," Lucas ordered.
"Prinplup, Metal Claw but hold off on it," Barry ordered.
Lucas was trying to figure it out but like always it was no use. Luxio sent a spark of electricity through Prinplup but the electricity carried right into Prinplup's claws. Lucas finally understood but it was too late.
"Prinplup, NOW!" Barry ordered.
Prinplup absorbed the pain and slammed the metal claw filled with electricity down on Luxio, shocking and hurting them both.
Metal is an excellent conductor of electricity and Barry knew that so by absorbing the spark into the Metal Claw not only would it take some heat off Prinplup's whole body but it would make the Metal Claw more powerful on Luxio.
His plan worked and it took both of them out. To Barry sometimes sacrifice was the best course of action and while he loved his pokemon he realized sometimes unorthodox methods are the clear way to winning a battle.
It was down to one more Pokemon each. Both Barry and Lucas sent out their Staravias.
"Okay, Star it's time to end this," Lucas encouraged and started to think of a plan.
"This battle is mine Lucas," Barry yelled.
"Staravia, use Quick Attack," Barry commanded.
Barry's Staravia rushed with amazing speed but Lucas had planned for this. While Barry was unpredictable, sometimes he would slip up and do the exact thing Lucas expected making it easy for Lucas to come up with a counterattack.
"Star, take the hit and slam down with a Wing Attack," Lucas ordered.
"OH SHIT," Barry yelled.
As Barry's Staravia tackled Lucas' Staravia with her training was able to take the hit and slam her wing down and fly up with Barry's Staravia.
"Okay now speed down and slam Staravia to the ground," Lucas ordered.
"Staravia, use Endeavor," Barry shouted.
Lucas was thrown off guard, he had heard of Endeavor; it made the target pokemon's health the same as the attacker. It was a risky move because it could potentially end the battle with one more attack but that was Barry always taking the risks. It worked. Lucas' Staravia was weaker and slowing down and the energy it had holding Barry's Staravia was loosening.
"SHIT," Lucas thought to himself.
"STARAVIA, QUICK ATTACK NOW," Barry ordered.
Barry's Staravia managed to get out of the hold due to a lack of energy Lucas' Staravia had and slammed down on Lucas' Staravia with what little speed it had left.
The battle was over, Lucas had lost.
"HAHAHAHA YES STARAVIA," Barry shouted with excitement and went to hug the bird.
Lucas knelt by his Staravia and smiled at her.
"You did great Star, you'll get 'em next time take a rest," Lucas said, returning her to her ball.
Lucas lost but he was proud of his team. Their training paid off, they improved in their respective areas but they still had some work to do. Barry returned his pokemon to his bag and rushed over to Lucas to help him up.
"Hey, dude nice battle," Barry said.
"Yeah, you too man you finally beat me," Lucas said laughing.
"What do you expect from the future best trainer in Sinnoh," Barry said, putting an arm around him.
"So that's 2 for you and 1 for me," Barry said.
"You're keeping track?" Lucas asked.
"Hell yeah it's good to keep score to see who's better," Barry said.
"So that means I'm better," Lucas said.
"Well um…...shut up," Barry said chuckling.
Barry and Lucas both healed their pokemon and ate dinner together as usual Barry went on and on and didn't even touch his food he just kept talking and even forgot to breathe sometimes it was impressive to Lucas. After dinner, Lucas and Barry went to the edge of the town.
"Well, I'm off to Hearthome for badge numero tres," Barry said.
"I still gotta get this badge and I'll meet ya there," Lucas said.
"Better not be so late again or I'm fining you," Barry said.
"It was good to see ya, glad to see you're getting stronger I was on the ropes for that battle no doubt…..keep it up," Barry said playfully punching Lucas's arm.
"You to bro, stay safe," Lucas said waving as Barry left.
"AT THIS RATE YOU'LL DEFINITELY BE THE SECOND BEST," Barry said as he ran off.
Lucas rolled his eyes and booked a motel room. He didn't want to stay at Cheryl's again. He felt like a burden so he got a room and released all his pokemon to wander.
10 pm
Lucas showered and came in to see his team with frowns on their faces.
"Hey what's with the sad mugs, it was a great battle," Lucas said sitting down in front of them.
They just looked at him with a look that said sorry for failing and Lucas frowned a little himself but lost that frown in a second.
"Guys come on, it was a loss, it happens you don't mope around, you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep going. Look we lost today as a team no one here is at fault if I'm being honest I'm proud of all of you," Lucas said.
Lucas's team just looked with confused looks. How could he be proud of them, they lost.
"Bibarel you improvised and was on the same page as me during that fight, Luxio you took down Prinplup arguably Barry's strongest pokemon that's no easy feat, Star a couple of days ago that one hit you took would have knocked you out but you got back up and carried on and I know if Barry didn't use Endeavor you have kicked that other Staravia's ass and Mon seeing the distance you had and you still landed all your attacks, that was amazing," Lucas said smiling.
His team had some slight smiles. That cheered them up a bit.
"Guys, we can't win them all. It was our first loss and it won't be our last, it's how we grow. Failure is just as important as victory, I'm proud to have you all on my team and I wouldn't give up any of you," Lucas said.
"With that being said what do you guys say tomorrow we kick that gym leader's ass and get our next badge!" Lucas shouted encouragingly.
The whole team roared agreeing with him. The night carried on like most nights, Monferno tackled Luxio and playfully fought with each other as normal. Bibarel snuggled up to Lucas like a giant pillow smiling at him. Staravia also sat with Lucas. Lucas loved moments like these away from the battling and just bonding with his pokemon. He loved all of them and he meant every word he said.
Later that night while everyone was asleep, Lucas stepped outside and looked across the street to see the gym and had one thought in his mind.
Tomorrow he was getting his second gym badge!
A/N:
And chapter 8 is history. I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I had writing it. Leave a review telling me what you liked, disliked, suggestions, etc. Feel free to pm with any questions or if you wanna tell me that your 4-year-old cousin named Rico has a better IQ than me I'll take them all. Short outro this time so until next time everyone I'll see you in the next chapter!
Have a great day and don't forget to smile,
-Shocker
Question of the Chapter: Who is your favorite champion of the Pokemon series? Also, what was your favorite moment of the chapter?
For me it would probably be either Cynthia or Steven, both are really good characters that had a good amount of involvement in their respective stories imo, and while Hoenn isn't my favorite region (still a great one though) I love Steven.
Important Events:
-Lucas meets Cynthia and gets the HM Cut
-Barry beats Lucas (L-2, B-1)
Lucas' Current Team: 4/6
-Monferno: Ember, Mach Punch, Flame Wheel, Leer
-Luxio: Spark, Charge, Tackle, Bite
-Bibarel: Water Gun, Headbutt, Rock Smash, Yawn
-Staravia: Wing Attack, Aerial Ace, Quick Attack, Tackle
Next Chapter: Lucas vs Gardenia