Chapter 17: Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary
The first light of dawn filtered through the thin curtains of the Trainer's Lodge casting a soft glow across the modest room.
Dawn stirred awake, her MP3 player lying beside her on the narrow bed with her earphones still connected to her ears. The bed was covered with a faded quilt, and the room's furnishings were simple—a wobbly nightstand, a wooden dresser, and a threadbare carpet.
The girl blinked sleepily, remembering how she'd managed to catch some much-needed shut-eye here after a long visit to the Pokémon Center the night before. She turned off her MP3 player, its melodies fading to silence.
Dawn slowly got out of bed, her feet touching the cool, worn carpet. She yawned and stretched feeling the slight stiffness in her limbs from the previous day's travels.
With a quick glance around the room she spotted her red coat draped over a wooden chair near the door. She walked over, picked it up, and slipped it on, next, she wrapped her scarf around her neck adjusting it snugly against the morning chill.
She bent down to pull on her socks, the fabric soft and comforting against her skin. With her socks in place, she slipped on her sturdy, lace-free boots, ensuring they were securely fastened.
Dawn walked over to where her red coat was draped over a wooden chair. She picked it up and slipped it on, feeling its warmth embrace her. Next, she wrapped her scarf around her neck, adjusting it snugly against the morning chill.
She bent down to pull on her socks, the fabric soft and comforting against her skin. With her socks in place, she slipped on her sturdy, lace-free boots, ensuring they were securely fastened.
Standing in front of a small, grimy mirror, she reached for her beanie and settled it comfortably on her head. She then fastened her pink hair clips into place, securing her hair neatly. As she gazed at her reflection, the thought crystallized in her mind: Today's the day... the day I get my second gym badge.
Dawn grabbed her bag from the floor beside the bed, slinging it over her shoulder. With one last glance around the modest room of the Trainer's Lodge, she opened the door and stepped outside.
The crisp morning air greeted her, and for the first time in days, it felt invigorating rather than stifling. As the door clicked shut behind her, Dawn paused on the threshold, taking a deep breath. The weight of the past few days—filled with stress, fear, and relentless nightmares—seemed lighter somehow. Her recent battle with Cheryl had rekindled her spirit, giving her a newfound sense of purpose and determination.
As Dawn walked through Eterna City, the bustling streets came alive with morning activity.
The city's architecture blended modern structures with historical charm, cobblestone paths winding past vibrant shops and cafes.
Passersby hurried about their morning routines, some with Pokémon companions at their side. A Cacnea basked in the sunlight near a fountain, while a playful Chingling chimed softly from a nearby tree.
Dawn weaved through the crowd, her senses filled with the sights and sounds of a city waking up to a new day.
Reaching the Eterna Gym, Dawn paused to take in its exterior. The building stood out with its large glass dome, allowing sunlight to flood the lush, verdant interior that could be glimpsed through the transparent walls.
Vines and flowers clung to the outer structure, giving it a wild yet inviting appearance. The gym's entrance was framed by ivy-covered arches, and a sign bearing the Gym's emblem—a vibrant green leaf—hung above the door, swaying gently in the morning breeze.
Dawn took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenge ahead. With a determined look, she pushed open the entrance and stepped into the Eterna Gym.
Inside, the Eterna Gym had a natural, earthy ambiance. The floor was covered with soft moss, and tall trees stretched up towards the ceiling. Sunlight filtered through the foliage, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Wooden pathways meandered through the greenery leading to different sections of the gym.
Dawn walked around, eyes wide with wonder. "Woah, they weren't kidding when they said this is a grass-type gym,"
Near the entrance, Dawn spotted a small pond surrounded by vibrant flowers. A wooden sign pointed towards the arena, but Dawn noticed a side path that seemed to lead to a greenhouse.
Curiosity piqued, she followed the path and found herself in a cozy, sunlit area where vibrant plants of all kinds thrived.
As Dawn stepped into the greenhouse, she noticed shelves lined with potted plants, from small succulents to towering ferns. In the center, a woman with brown eyes and short, half-brown, half-black hair was carefully watering the plants.
She wore a black long-sleeved crop top that showed her midriff under a green cloak with a black "X" mark in the center, brown knee-length khaki shorts, and green boots with black laces.
The woman looked up, her eyes lighting up with a warm smile. "Oh, hello there! Are you interested in some lovely ferns or perhaps a flowering plant? They're great for brightening up any space!"
Dawn blinked, momentarily taken aback by the sudden sales pitch. "Hold on a 'sec, what?"
The woman continued enthusiastically, pointing to various plants. "We have these beautiful ferns that add a touch of nature to any room, or maybe a flowering plant to bring some color into your life? And if you're looking for something low-maintenance, succulents are a great choice!"
"Wait, what is this?" Dawn asked, her confusion evident.
"Well, we have these beautiful ferns that add a touch of nature to any room," the woman began, gesturing to a nearby display. "Or maybe a flowering plant to bring some color into your life? And if you're looking for something low-maintenance, succulents are a great choice! And if you're looking to surprise a special someone, how about a romantic plant? This one," she said, picking up a delicate flowering plant, "is perfect for expressing your love."
"I-I'm sorry, I was under the impression this was a gym?" Dawn replied, tilting her head slightly.
The woman's shoulders slumped slightly, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "Oh, you're here for a gym battle," she muttered, setting the plant back on the shelf.
Dawn nodded slowly. "Yeah, I was told a strong Gym Leader named Gardenia resides here. Do you know anything about that?"
The woman's eyes twinkled with amusement as she flashed a warm smile. "You're looking at her, kiddo."
Dawn blinked in surprise. "Wait, you're Gardenia!?" Her voice wavered slightly, her eyes widening as the realization sank in.
Gardenia chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in her voice. "That's right, darlin'. I'm Eterna City's Gym Leader and the keeper of grass-type Pokémon. Surprised?"
"Yeah, a little," Dawn admitted, her initial confusion giving way to curiosity. "I didn't expect the Gym Leader to also run a plant shop."
"Well, a girl's gotta have hobbies," Gardenia replied with a playful wink, leading Dawn towards the gym's battlefield.
The Gym Leader led Dawn through winding paths adorned with vibrant blooms and fragrant herbs. They soon arrived at the serene arena nestled among tall trees and lush greenery, standing apart from each other.
Gardenia turned to Dawn with a warm smile. "I don't believe I caught your name?" she asked politely.
"Dawn. Dawn Platinum," Dawn replied, her voice steady with determination.
"It's a pleasure, Dawn Platinum," Gardenia said, nodding. "So, this is where the magic happens," she remarked, gesturing around the gym with a proud sweep of her hand.
Dawn nodded in awe, taking in the natural ambiance of the gym. "It's amazing," she said with genuine admiration. "The blend of nature and battling... it's like nothing I've seen before."
Gardenia chuckled softly. "I'm glad you think so. This gym is more than just a place for battles. It's a sanctuary for grass-type Pokémon and a testament to the beauty of nature."
"I can see that," Dawn agreed, her eyes lingering on the vibrant blooms and verdant foliage that surrounded them.
"You know," Gardenia continued thoughtfully, "between you and me, I much prefer tending to my garden than Pokémon battling. Sometimes I wish I was born as a grass-type Pokémon, or better yet, a plant."
"That's quite a dream," Dawn mused, her eyes reflecting her own aspirations. "Do you want to know what my dream is?"
Curious, Gardenia smiled warmly. "Sure, enlighten me."
"To defeat you and get that badge," Dawn declared with determination.
Gardenia's eyes sparkled with amusement and approval. "I like your spirit, Dawn Platinum," she replied warmly. "Let's see if you have what it takes to make that dream a reality. Are you ready?"
With her shoulders squared, and a confident nod, she affirmed, "When you are."
The Gym Leader clapped her hands once, calling out, "Lucinda, get over here!" A moment later, a woman appeared, dressed in a professional uniform with black and white vertical stripes. She approached Dawn and Gardenia with a purposeful stride.
"This will be a three-on-three battle between challenger Dawn Platinum of Twinleaf Town and Gym Leader Gardenia of Eterna City," the referee announced, her voice carrying through the gym's tranquil ambiance. "Only Dawn Platinum may make substitutions during the battle. The match will end when one trainer admits defeat or all Pokémon on one side are unable to battle."
She paused, then continued, "Do both parties understand and agree to the rules as I have stated?"
Dawn nodded confidently; her eyes focused on Gardenia with determination shimmering in her gaze. "Yup, sounds good to me," she affirmed, her voice steady with resolve.
Gardenia grinned warmly, a glint of playful challenge dancing in her brown eyes. "Great," she responded cheerfully, adjusting her stance slightly. "Let's see what you and your Pokémon can do, Dawn."
Nodding in acknowledgment, the referee declared, "Alright, let the battle begin!"
Enlarging a Poké Ball from her belt, Gardenia tossed it forward with a flick of her wrist. The Ball spun gracefully through the air, releasing a burst of light that formed her first Pokémon.
The Pokémon emerged from the Poké Ball, revealing two purple petals that enveloped its deep pink body. Atop these petals, a short purple stem and a green leafy sepal sprouted, framing its eyes located near its short legs.
"That Pokémon..." The girl's eyes widened with curiosity as she reached for her Pokédex, focusing intently as she aimed the screen at the mysterious creature to initiate a scan.
"Cherrim, the Blossom Pokémon. If it senses strong sunlight, it opens its folded petals to absorb the sun's rays with its whole body."
Dawn smiled confidently, swiftly retrieving a Poké Ball from her bag and tossing it forward. "Chimchar, I choose you!" she exclaimed.
The Poké Ball burst open in a flash of light, revealing Chimchar, who landed gracefully on the ground. The fire-type began a short breakdance, spinning on the ground with agility and style. After a few quick rotations, Chimchar leaped back onto his feet with a confident stance, exclaiming, "Char!"
Gardenia's eyes narrowed slightly as she fixed her gaze on Chimchar, she closed her eyes momentarily, a serene smile spreading across her face.
"Starting with a fire-type, huh," she remarked softly before calling out, "Alright Cherrim, let's begin with Bullet Seed!"
The small flowers on Cherrim's head shivered, and suddenly, seeds shot forth with incredible force. Each seed whistled through the air, leaving a trail of rapid movements akin to small, precise slices.
"Dodge it!" Dawn's voice pierced the air with urgency.
Chimchar's instincts kicked in swiftly; with a nimble leap, he dodged under the first speeding seed, feeling its gust brush past his fur. Agile and focused, he dashed to the side, swift feet dancing over the mossy ground.
Cherrim's petals rustled sharply, tracking Chimchar's movement as it adjusted its aim, petals swishing through the air as it attempted to catch the evasive fire-type.
With swift agility, Chimchar vaulted onto a nearby tree, using its trunk as a springboard to propel himself high into the air.
As he descended towards his opponent, flames ignited around its small body, flickering with intensity. Dawn's eyes gleamed with confidence as she commanded, "Now, use Ember!"
Chimchar landed gracefully, his eyes narrowed in focus. Flames erupted from his mouth in a torrent of fiery energy. Each Ember burst forth like miniature meteors, trailing streaks of fiery brilliance through the air.
"Dodge it!" Gardenia commanded sharply.
As Ember after Ember rained down around it, the Blossom Pokémon moved with almost supernatural agility. Its petals shimmered as it weaved between the fiery projectiles, each step precise and fluid. Embers sizzled and sparked as they narrowly missed their mark, leaving trails of glowing embers in the air.
Dawn watched in amazement, struck by Cherrim's elegant defense. It's so fast, the girl fret.
As the final Ember faded, Cherrim stood calmly, its petals still gently vibrating with the energy of its movements.
"You handled that beautifully, Cherrim!" Gardenia complimented. "Now, use Razor Leaf!"
Cherrim responded swiftly, its movements almost a blur as it unleashed a flurry of Razor Leafs. The sharp-edged leaves sliced through the air with alarming speed and precision, glinting dangerously in the sunlight.
"Dodge it, fast!" Dawn yelled urgently.
Chimchar sprang into action, evading the majority of the Razor Leafs with acrobatic agility. He darted left and right, performing nimble flips and spins to avoid the deadly projectiles.
However, one Razor Leaf curved unexpectedly, catching Chimchar off guard. It struck Chimchar squarely in the face with a sharp impact, causing the Chimp Pokémon to stagger back in surprise.
As Chimchar reeled back from the impact of the Razor Leaf, it sensed a sudden rush of wind behind it. Turning swiftly, Chimchar's eyes widened in astonishment to find Cherrim already there, its form a blur of speed and agility.
"Now, Energy Ball!" Gardenia seized the opportunity, her voice carrying a note of resolve.
Cherrim's petals glowed intensely as it conjured an Energy Ball at close range. The sphere of pulsating green energy grew rapidly, crackling with power as it surged towards Chimchar. With a resounding release the Energy Ball exploded with force, sending Chimchar hurtling like a rocket through the air.
The blast lifted Chimchar off his feet, spinning wildly before crashing into the ground with a thud. Dirt and debris kicked up around it as it skidded across the ground, finally coming to a stop in a cloud of dust.
Dawn called out with concern, "Chimchar!"
The dirt and debris settled around Chimchar as he emerged, shaking off the impact. His fur was slightly singed, and a bruise marked his cheek, but his eyes gleamed with conviction.
With a defiant grin, he wiped away the dirt from his face, revealing a small scrape. "Char," Chimchar snickered through gritted teeth.
Dawn breathed a sigh of relief, her worry easing slightly at Chimchar's resilient response. "You can do this, Chimchar," she encouraged softly, her voice filled with unwavering faith in her Pokémon.
Chimchar nodded back at her, the brief moment of reassurance strengthening his resolve.
The girl's eyes narrowed as she focused intently on her opponent's Pokémon. Man, that thing's even faster than Chimchar, Dawn worried as she assessed the situation. "But we're not going down so easily," she spoke aloud. "Chimchar, use Fury Swipes!"
Chimchar surged forward with blinding speed, a streak of orange racing toward Cherrim, his claws extended in readiness.
"Don't let it hit you, Cherrim!" Gardenia's urgent command echoed across the gym.
Cherrim responded with grace and agility that belied its appearance. As Chimchar closed in, slashing with repeated fury swipes, Cherrim's movements were fluid and precise. It ducked and weaved, each dodge executed with a dancer's grace.
"Now, Bullet Seed!" Gardenia's voice rang out again, seizing the opportunity.
Cherrim's response was swift. Small seeds launched from its flowers with rapid fire, each one finding its mark at point-blank range. The Bullet Seeds struck Chimchar with pinpoint accuracy, each hit causing his head to recoil from the impact. Despite his resilience, Chimchar stumbled backward and fell onto his back, the force of the hits pushing him down.
With a grunt, Chimchar flipped back onto his feet, putting some distance between himself and Cherrim. He breathed heavily, fatigue evident in his every breath, despite not having landed a single blow on his nimble opponent.
Lost in thought, Dawn's gaze swept across the gym's surroundings searching for any advantage she could exploit. Her eyes lit up as she noticed the tall trees that dotted the gym's natural arena.
"Chimchar!" she called out with sudden inspiration. "Use the trees to your advantage!"
Chimchar met her determined gaze with a nod, understanding her plan. He dashed towards the nearest tree and with a deft maneuver he grabbed hold of a sturdy branch, using it to propel himself upwards. The fire starter flipped himself onto the branch, balancing with ease.
Gardenia smiled knowingly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "The trees won't save you now," she remarked with a hint of playful banter. "Cherrim, blast it with another Energy Ball!"
Cherrim responded swiftly to Gardenia's command, gathering energy into another pulsating sphere of vibrant green and shimmering yellow. The air around it crackled as the Energy Ball grew in size, its power shaking the very foundations of the gym.
With a thunderous roar, Cherrim unleashed the Energy Ball. The sphere hurtled through the air with incredible speed, leaving a trail of sparkling energy in its wake.
"Dodge!" Dawn cried out.
In a split-second maneuver that seemed impossible, Chimchar's body dropped upside down, only to reveal that he was still securely hanging onto the branch with his feet. His agility and dexterity were on full display as he swung left and right, cackling mischievously.
Pulling down an eyelid and sticking out his tongue, Chimchar taunted Cherrim, adding insult to injury.
The Blossom Pokémon growing visibly frustrated with Chimchar's antics, responded to Gardenia's command without hesitation.
"Cherrim, use Razor Leaf!" Gardenia's voice rang out sharply with intensity.
Once more, Cherrim launched Razor Leaf with astonishing speed and precision. The leaves sliced through the air like a whirlwind of sharp blades, aiming to overwhelm Chimchar with their sheer ferocity.
But Dawn was ready. "Use the vines to dodge!" she commanded.
Chimchar leaped onto the nearest vine, his movements fluid and graceful. With expert timing and agility, he avoided each incoming leaf, swinging and twisting through the air with finesse.
"Alright!" Dawn exclaimed with a triumphant fist pump. "Now, Ember!"
The Chimp Pokémon reacted instantly to Dawn's command. With a burst of fiery energy, he launched Ember towards Cherrim. The small fireballs streaked through the air like miniature comets, leaving trails of glowing embers in their wake.
"Dodge it!" Gardenia's urgent command cut through the tension in the gym.
Cherrim's response was nothing short of astounding. With blinding speed, it evaded each Ember, its agile movements a blur that seemed to defy the laws of physics. As the last Ember fizzled out harmlessly, Cherrim believed it had dodged the danger.
But before it could react, Chimchar sprang into action from behind on the vine.
"W-what!?" Gardenia gasped in surprise, her eyes widening at the unexpected turn of events.
"Awesome, now use Rock Smash!" Dawn's voice rang out, seizing the moment with unwavering determination.
With a primal roar, Chimchar lunged forward, his fist charged with the force of Rock Smash. The blow connected with Cherrim propelling it upwards like a launched rocket towards the glass dome ceiling of the gym.
The impact was so forceful that Cherrim soared through the air, almost reaching the ceiling before gravity took hold. It crashed back down with a heavy thud, landing on the ground in a heap.
Dawn seized the moment. "Now, Flame Wheel!" she commanded with unwavering resolve.
Chimchar responded immediately, his body igniting with fiery energy. He rolled forward with incredible speed, sparks of friction trailing behind him and smoke billowing from his flaming body.
The fire-type launched himself into the air and stomped down upon Cherrim with Flame Wheel. The intense heat and force of the attack ground against Cherrim, causing it to cry out in pain.
With a final burst of momentum, Chimchar launched Cherrim towards a nearby tree. The collision was fierce, the force of Cherrim hitting the tree headfirst causing the sturdy trunk to snap in two like a toothpick. Cherrim slumped to the ground defeated, unable to continue the battle.
"Cherrim is unable to battle!" the referee announced loudly, her voice echoing through the gym. "Gym Leader Gardenia, please reveal your second Pokémon!"
Dawn smiled, "Alright Chimchar, youdid it!" she praised warmly.
Chimchar grinned triumphantly, puffing out his chest confidently. He tilted his head to the side, making a sharp cracking sound with his neck.
"Cherrim, excellent job sweetie, now get some rest," Gardenia said affectionately, recalling Cherrim into her Poké Ball. She looked up at Dawn with a nod of respect. "I must say, you and Chimchar make quite the dynamic duo. Impressive battling out there."
Dawn grinned broadly. "Thanks! I knew Cherrim was way too fast for us to land a meaningful hit on it, not unless we were able to distract it and catch it off guard."
"You won't be able to do the same with my next Pokémon!" Gardenia exclaimed, her voice filled with determination. With a swift motion, she hurled her next Poké Ball into the air, releasing a burst of light as the Pokémon emerged.
The newly summoned Pokémon was a stout, quadrupedal creature with a thick, brown shell covering its back. Large, leafy extensions sprouted from the sides of its head, resembling green earmuffs, and its eyes gleamed with a calm but resolute expression.
Dawn, intrigued, remarked, "That looks like a bigger version of Lucas' Turtwig." She swiftly retrieved her Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon for more information.
"Grotle, the Grove Pokémon. It knows where pure water wells up. It carries fellow Pokémon there on its back."
Gardenia smirked at Dawn before calling out to her Grotle, "Alright Grotle, start with Seed Bomb!"
"Grotle!" The Grass-type Pokémon cried out, its voice echoing with determination. It stomped the ground with its sturdy feet, causing several large seeds to erupt from the soil around it. With a powerful swing of its head, Grotle launched the seeds straight towards Chimchar, aiming to overwhelm it with the explosive force of Seed Bomb.
Chimchar's agility was on full display as he danced through the air, evading the explosive Seed Bombs with acrobatic finesse.
He twisted into a graceful backflip to dodge the first bomb, followed by a quick series of side flips to avoid the next barrage. As the final Seed Bomb hurtled towards him, Chimchar executed a breathtaking move—a daring backflip that spun a full 720 degrees. He landed safely on the ground unscathed by the explosive onslaught.
"Now, Rock Smash!" Dawn commanded, her voice ringing with determination and urgency. She clenched her fists, willing every ounce of strength and speed to flow into Chimchar's next move.
In the blink of an eye, Chimchar vanished from his spot, reappearing right in front of Grotle with his fist flying toward the larger Pokémon. His movements were a blur, a testament to his incredible speed and agility, leaving only a streak of orange in his wake.
Gardenia's smile widened, a confident and calculating glint in her eyes. "Catch it with Bite!" she ordered.
With swift reflexes Grotle's massive jaws snapped open. As Chimchar's fist drew closer, Grotle lunged forward and clamped down on Chimchar's arm with crushing force. The impact was immense, effectively neutralizing the power of the Rock Smash.
Chimchar's eyes widened in shock and pain as Grotle's powerful jaws held him in place. He screamed, the sound echoing through the entire gym.
Gardenia's eyes glinted with confidence as she issued her next command. "Grotle, throw Chimchar into the air!"
With a powerful heave, Grotle hurled Chimchar high into the air. Chimchar soared upward, helpless for a moment as he reached the apex of his flight.
"Now, use Leaf Storm!" Gardenia yelled, her voice brimming with authority.
The Grove Pokémon unleashed a ferocious Leaf Storm, summoning a whirlwind of razor-sharp leaves that spiraled with incredible speed and force. The storm coalesced into a violent tornado, each leaf catching the gym's lights with a menacing glint as they tore through the air like a barrage of tiny, lethal blades.
Dawn tried to shield herself from the intense wind, her hair whipping wildly around her face. She raised her arms in a futile attempt to block the onslaught. She finally looked up, eyes narrowing, "Counter with Ember!" she cried out desperately.
Chimchar, still midair, opened his mouth and unleashed a powerful Ember attack. The small fireballs sped towards the swirling vortex of leaves, glowing brightly as they met the Leaf Storm head-on. But to their shock, the Ember was swallowed by the whirling leaves.
The Leaf Storm engulfed Chimchar, its immense power blasting him with an unforgiving force. He was battered by the onslaught of razor-sharp leaves, each one cutting through the air with deadly precision. The force of the attack sent him spiraling downward, unable to regain control.
"Now, slam it into the dirt!" Gardenia commanded with a triumphant tone.
Grotle obeyed instantly, seizing Chimchar as he plummeted. With a powerful swing, Grotle slammed Chimchar down into the ground, creating a huge dust cloud upon impact.
"Chimchar!" Dawn screamed, her voice full of desperation and fear.
The smoke from the Leaf Storm slowly began to clear revealing the battered battlefield. Gardenia, with a composed yet slightly sympathetic expression, called out, "Chimchar is strong, but it was pushed to its limit during its battle with Cherrim. Sometimes, sheer will isn't enough."
Just as the words left her mouth, a fierce roar cut through the tension. "Char!" Chimchar roared, leaping out of the smoke with both claws extended. His eyes burned with a primal fury, his movements animalistic and raw.
Grotle's eyes widened in shock, barely registering the sudden attack as Chimchar slashed across its face with Fury Swipes.
The Gym Leader's eyes widened with concern as she commanded urgently, "Grotle, use Leech Seed! Quickly!"
Grotle complied, releasing seeds that quickly planted into the ground. Vines erupted and coiled around Chimchar, binding his limbs and even wrapping around his neck.
Chimchar struggled fiercely, his body thrashing as he tried to free himself. Dawn's heart pounded in her chest as she shouted, "Chimchar!"
A faint green energy began to seep out of Chimchar's body, siphoning into Grotle. His eyes grew drowsy, his fierce spirit dimming. As he began to succumb to the draining effect of Leech Seed, Chimchar mustered one last burst of strength.
With a final, defiant cry, he slashed Grotle across the face before his head drooped low. The roots slowly uncoiled, releasing their grip as Chimchar fell softly to the ground, exhaustion overcoming him.
The referee took a step forward, carefully analyzing Chimchar's slumped body. After a moment of consideration, she raised her arm and declared, "Chimchar is unable to battle! Trainer Dawn, please send in your second Pokémon!"
Dawn recalled Chimchar with a soft, grateful murmur. "Chimchar," she said, looking at his Poké Ball, "you did a good job, thanks a bunch."
She carefully stowed it away, her thoughts lingering on Chimchar's fierce, primal effort against Grotle—almost like a lesser version of the power he used against Machop.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she tossed her next Poké Ball with determination.
The Poké Ball burst open, and Staravia soared into the arena, talons skimming the dirt as he landed with a soft skid. With a piercing glare, Staravia unleashed a commanding screech, "Star!"
The sheer force of his presence seemed to project an invisible wave of intimidation towards Grotle. The turtle Pokémon flinched, its resolve wavering momentarily as it shook its head, trying to shake off the unsettling effect of Staravia's imposing stance.
Gardenia's eyes narrowed as she observed Staravia's entrance. A flicker of realization crossed her face, and she thought to herself, Was that Intimidate?
Dawn's smile widened as she commanded, "Okay, start with Quick Attack!"
In an instant, Staravia exploded off the ground, his body a blur of motion. It seemed as though he had dematerialized from his starting point, only to reappear in the blink of an eye directly in front of Grotle.
With a powerful surge Staravia collided with Grotle, the impact sending the Grass-type skidding backwards across the gym floor.
Gardenia's voice rang out with urgency. "Bullet Seed, let's go!"
Grotle unleashed a barrage of Bullet Seeds, each seed launching rapidly from its mouth like a machine gun, filling the air with a relentless storm of green projectiles.
"Dodge it, Staravia!" Dawn shouted with determination.
Staravia sprang into action with dazzling speed. He launched himself into the air, narrowly evading the oncoming seeds. His movements were a blur as he twisted and turned, he dodged between the seeds as they pelted the ground around him, his feathers ruffling with the force of the close calls.
Gardenia's eyes narrowed in suspicion as she glanced at Staravia's rapid dodging. Wait, why isn't it flying? she wondered, her mind racing to adjust her strategy.
"Fury Attack!" Dawn's voice boomed, her voice sharp.
Staravia sprang into action, its talon lifting in a swift, powerful kick. The kick connected squarely with Grotle's face, sending the Pokémon reeling.
Without hesitation Staravia followed up with a relentless barrage of rapid, high-impact kicks. Each strike landed with a sharp, resonant thud, sending vibrations through the ground with every impact.
Gardenia's eyes narrowed as she observed the furious assault. She noted Staravia's crooked wings, clearly not using them for flight or attack. A realization struck her. Staravia... can it not fly? she thought, piecing together the clues.
Staravia's final kick propelled Grotle across the battlefield. The force of the blow sent Grotle skidding across the dirt, finally coming to a stop just inches away from a nearby tree.
"Alright, once more use Leech Seed!" Gardenia commanded, her tone firm.
Grotle complied, launching a fresh volley of seeds into the dirt. The seeds burrowed into the soil before sprouting thick, tenacious roots that erupted from the ground with a powerful force. They twisted and snaked through the air, stretching and expanding with a menacing speed.
"D-dodge it!" Dawn screamed, her voice strained with urgency.
Staravia responded instantly, leaping into the air with all its might. However, the roots extended high and far reaching out with determined precision.
"Cut them with Steel Wing!" Dawn shouted, desperation in her voice.
Staravia's wings gleamed with a brilliant metallic sheen as he executed a spinning maneuver, the steel-tipped feathers slicing through the vines with sharp, decisive cuts. The roots hissed and snapped as they were severed, but despite Staravia's best efforts, a few of the tenacious vines managed to ensnare one of his talons.
With a violent jerk Staravia was flipped mid-air, his head facing towards the ground. The distance between him and the earth felt perilously close.
As Staravia struggled, a faint light green energy began to siphon from his body, flowing through the roots and into Grotle. The draining effect was visible, a steady stream of vitality leaving Staravia and strengthening Grotle.
Dawn's eyes widened in panic as she saw Staravia's energy being drained. "Staravia, no!" she screamed, her voice cracking with desperation.
"Had Staravia been able to fly, it would have easily been able to avoidd those vines," Gardenia remarked, her tone carrying a hint of smugness.
As Grotle absorbed the light green energy his appearance underwent a noticeable transformation. The once-dull sheen of his shell began to shimmer with renewed vibrancy, and his eyes sparkled with a newfound alertness.
Dawn's voice cut through the chaos, her fear evident as she screamed, "You've gotta break free, Staravia!"
Determined to escape, Staravia began to flex his talon, trying to break free from the constricting vines. His beak clamped tightly, and with a fierce battle cry, he wrenched his talon upward. The vines groaned and creaked, fighting against his strength.
Pulling with all his might, the flying-type could feel the vines loosening slightly. With one final, desperate push, he managed to tear through the last of the roots binding his talon.
Staravia began plummeting towards the ground. In a split-second reaction, he twisted his body midair, using every ounce of his remaining strength to redirect his fall.
He landed with a solid thud on both talons, his feet digging into the dirt as he skidded to a stop. The ground shook slightly from the force of his landing. With a triumphant screech that echoed through the gym, Staravia asserted his presence.
Gardenia's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Not bad, Platinum, not bad," she said, acknowledging Dawn's Pokémon's strength.
Dawn grinned, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Thanks, Gardenia. But I've noticed something—Grotle's strong, but speed isn't exactly his forte, is it?" She turned to Staravia, raising her voice. "Alright, Staravia, let's use Double Team!"
Staravia darted around the battlefield, rapidly creating a swarm of around twenty identical afterimages. Grotle's eyes widened in confusion as it desperately tried to track the real Staravia among the shifting illusions.
"G-Grotle!?" it cried out, its head swiveling in an attempt to focus on the countless Staravia's now surrounding it.
Gardenia's eyes darted around frantically as she assessed the swarm of Staravia afterimages. Realizing the predicament, she called out, "Don't sweat it, Grotle! Strike them all with Bullet Seed!"
Grotle responded to her call, turning its head and opening its mouth to release a flurry of Bullet Seeds.
The seeds shot out in rapid succession, starting from one side and moving in a sweeping circle. The relentless barrage tore through the illusions, each afterimage being hit by the heaven-piercing seeds.
Seizing the moment, Dawn's voice ringing with determination. "Alright, now strike with Fury Attack!"
In perfect synchronization, all twenty afterimages of Staravia surged forward, each one appearing to launch a powerful talon kick. The flurry of identical attacks created a disorienting and confusing spectacle. Grotle spun around, trying to defend against the barrage.
Many of the afterimages phased through Grotle, but the real Staravia struck true. His talon kick connected with such force that it created concussive shockwaves, each impact lifting Grotle slightly off the ground.
With a final, powerful kick, Grotle was launched through the arena, tumbling backwards from the impact. As he skidded across the ground Grotle dug his legs into the dirt, trying to halt his momentum.
The effort kicked up thick clouds of dust, shrouding the battlefield in a hazy fog. Finally, Grotle came to a stop, its sturdy legs buried in the ground, bracing himself for the next move. The dirt clouds slowly settled revealing Grotle's determined stance as he faced Staravia once more.
Dawn taunted, "What's the matter, can't keep up with our speed?" She then commanded, "Now, disorient it with Quick Attack!"
Staravia became an almost invisible blur, racing around Grotle in a circle with astonishing speed. His movements were so rapid that they generated powerful gusts of wind, creating a tornado of dust and debris. The sheer force of his Quick Attack was so immense that a nearby tree was uprooted, lifted from the ground by the incredible velocity.
Grotle looked around frantically, his eyes wide with confusion and disorientation as he struggled to track Staravia's blindingly fast movements.
Gardenia shielded her face from the fierce winds, her clothes billowing wildly in the turbulent air. She squinted through the whirlwind and saw the tornado Staravia had created. A confident smile spread across her face.
"That's perfect, Grotle," she called out over the roaring wind. "Use your Leaf Storm!"
Bracing itself against the intense winds, Grotle's eyes focused and determined. With a deep breath, it unleashed a powerful Leaf Storm, sending a torrent of razor-sharp leaves spiraling into the air.
The leaves mixed with the tornado created by Staravia's Quick Attack, transforming it into a fearsome leaf tornado. The sheer force of the combined attack was immense, far stronger than the Leaf Storm Grotle had used on Chimchar.
Despite Staravia's resistance to Grass-type moves, the relentless assault was overwhelming. The leaf tornado raged for several seconds before finally subsiding, leaving a trail of shredded foliage in its wake. As the winds died down, Staravia fell dramatically to the ground, unconscious.
"S-Staravia, no!" Dawn called out in disbelief, her voice trembling.
"Staravia is unable to continue!" the referee announced. "Trainer Dawn, if you will, release your final Pokémon!"
Grotle panted heavily, its breaths coming in ragged bursts. "Grot... Grot... Grot..." it muttered, its legs wobbled slightly, but it stood firm, eyes still focused on Dawn and her next move.
Gardenia quickly returned Grotle to its Poké Ball, the red beam retracting him with a soft whoosh.
The referee stepped forward, raising an eyebrow. "Trainer Gardenia, only the challenger can return Pokémon during battle."
Gardenia shook her head, a look of resignation in her eyes. "I'm forfeiting Grotle from the fight," she explained calmly. "He's far too damaged to continue, and he's on the verge of defeat. Let's just say I'm also on my final Pokémon."
The referee nodded, acknowledging Gardenia's decision. "Understood. Grotle is officially withdrawn from the match!"
Dawn's expression softened as she recalled Staravia into his Poké Ball. "Staravia," she murmured, her voice tinged with concern, "you did a good job, boy. Get some rest."
As she slipped the Poké Ball into her bag, her gaze sharpened, locking onto Gardenia with renewed determination.
Gardenia smirked, her tone playful but edged with respect. "You've got some real fight in you. Let's see if you can handle my next Pokémon!" she declared, confidently tossing her next Poké Ball.
The ball burst open to reveal a striking, bipedal Pokémon with a mix of rose-like and masquerade features. It had white rose petals framing its head, a leafy green cape, and held red and blue bouquets in each hand.
Dawn's eyes widened in curiosity as she quickly pulled out her Pokédex. "What Pokémon is that?" she asked, scanning the new Pokémon.
"Roserade, the Bouquet Pokémon. Each of its hands contains different toxins, but both hands can jab with near-fatal power."
Rade," the Roserade said, its voice smooth and refined, its red and blue bouquets fluttered slas it fixed its piercing gaze on Dawn.
Dawn took a deep breath as she reached into her bag, her hand closing around the final Poké Ball. Alright, this will be my last Pokémon, she thought, her eyes narrowing with resolve. Cheryl wasn't kidding when she said Gardenia was tough. But it doesn't matter, 'cause there's no way we're gonna lose this.
"Alright, Shinx, I choose you!" Dawn exclaimed, swinging the Poké Ball with enthusiasm.
A crackle of electricity burst forth from the ball, illuminating the battlefield with a vibrant blue flash. The electric charge danced across the arena, swirling and sparking with raw energy. From within this electric storm Shinx materialized, his fur crackling with residual volts.
He let out a powerful howl that echoed through the gym, his eyes glowing fiercely as he prepared for battle.
crackling electricity around him subtly affected Roserade, making the elegant Pokémon flinch ever so slightly. Gardenia's eyes narrowed with realization before a knowing smile spread across her face.
"I see," Gardenia remarked, her voice laced with admiration. "Both your Staravia and Shinx possess the ability Intimidate. It lowers the opponent's confidence and makes them less effective in battle."
Dawn looked up, puzzled. "What are you talking about? I mean, Shinx has it for sure, but—"
"It's subtle, but I noticed the ability activate earlier," Gardenia's smile widened as she explained, "You've been liberally using that Pokédex this entire battle. Well, heads up—Pokédexes can identify the abilities of Pokémon you own. I strongly advise you keep that in mind."
Dawn fumbled slightly, "W-well, I knew that!" She tried to sound confident, but her flustered expression made it clear she was caught off guard. Shaking off her embarrassment, she quickly grew serious. "Alright Shinx, let's begin with Thunder Shock!"
Shinx's eyes glinted as electricity crackled around him. He released a sharp, crackling beam of electric yellow from his body. The Thunder Shock shot through the air, sizzling and flashing brightly as it raced toward Roserade.
Roserade was briefly jolted by the electricity, a faint wince crossing its face before it straightened up with a composed demeanor.
"Surely you must know that grass-types resist electric-type moves," Gardenia said, her voice steady. She then commanded, "Alright Roserade, use Magical Leaf!"
Roserade lifted its arms gracefully, summoning a dazzling array of leaves. Each leaf was vibrantly colored like a fragment of the rainbow, surrounded by a faint, shimmering aura. They spun and swirled in a mesmerizing dance, creating a powerful, radiant storm of swirling foliage that surged toward Shinx with unstoppable force.
"Dodge it!" Dawn cried, her voice urgent.
Shinx leaped into the air with agile grace, soaring above the swirling Magical Leaf attacks. The colorful leaves whizzed by beneath him as he maneuvered in midair.
"Pin Missile!" Gardenia commanded sharply.
Roserade unleashed a barrage of glowing, needle-like projectiles, each darting straight toward Shinx, who was still suspended in the air.
"D-dodge it, Shinx!" Dawn yelled, her eyes wide with concern.
In a display of impressive reflexes, Shinx darted between the incoming Pin Missiles, evading most of the attacks with deft midair maneuvers. He even managed to land on a few of the missiles, using them as stepping stones.
As he executed a swift flip over one of the incoming missiles, he was caught off guard by another, which struck him from an unexpected angle. The impact sent Shinx crashing back-first into a nearby tree, causing it to shake violently. Shinx slid down the trunk slowly, his body aching from the collision, until a ripe apple fell from the branches above and bonked him squarely on the head.
"Keep it up, Roserade! Use another barrage of Pin Missile!" Gardenia ordered, her voice commanding and confident.
Roserade complied, releasing a new wave of Pin Missiles. The projectiles streaked through the air with a sharp, intimidating hiss, each one cutting through the space like actual missiles. The sheer number of missiles overwhelmed the area, creating a formidable display of power.
Dawn watched with growing fear as the missiles hurtled toward Shinx. She shouted urgently, "Shinx, you've got to dodge!"
Just as one of the missiles was about to hit Shinx, still slumped against the tree, he vanished in a flash of electricity, narrowly avoiding the attack. The missile struck the tree instead, exploding on impact and causing debris to scatter. Shinx reappeared in midair, weaving skillfully through the barrage of missiles. His movements were dynamic and fluid, darting between the projectiles with a mix of agility and precision. Gradually, he closed the distance between himself and Roserade.
Dawn's eyes glinted with determination. "Alright, now use Bite!"
Shinx leaped forward with fierce determination, his sharp teeth bared as he aimed to sink them into Roserade. Gardenia, however, remained composed, a knowing smile on her face.
She raised an arm with a practiced gesture. "Sleep Powder, let's go!"
Roserade lifted one of its bouquets, and a thick cloud of Sleep Powder burst forth, enveloping Shinx in a soft, drifting haze. As the powder settled, Shinx's eyes grew heavy and drowsy. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't resist the overwhelming sleepiness. With a final, weary blink, he collapsed into a deep slumber right before Roserade.
Dawn's face fell with worry. "No, Shinx!" she cried out, her voice filled with concern as she saw her Pokémon succumbing to the effects of the Sleep Powder.
"You know something, Dawn," Gardenia said, crossing her arms with a smirk. "You're actually a decent challenge, but I'm afraid our battle ends right here, right now. Roserade, let's end it—use Solar Beam!"
Roserade turned its gaze upward, peering through the glass dome ceiling at the sun. The sunlight streamed through, casting a golden hue across the battlefield. Roserade's eyes reflected the sun's radiance as it focused its energy.
A small, yellow orb of light materialized in front of Roserade's outstretched arm, growing with each passing second. The orb expanded, intensifying with a blinding brilliance that bathed the arena in a harsh, yellow glow.
Dawn's eyes widened in terror as she saw the enormity of the attack forming. "Shinx, wake up!" she screamed, desperation evident in her voice.
Shinx lay sleeping softly, oblivious to the impending danger. "Shinx… Shinx…" he snoozed, undisturbed.
The yellow orb in front of Roserade swelled to an intimidating size, casting a shadow over Shinx. It hovered menacingly, the energy within it crackling and pulsating with raw power. With a sharp motion, Roserade directed the orb toward Shinx, its expression unwavering.
Suddenly, the orb unleashed its fury. A colossal beam of pure energy erupted from the orb, slamming into Shinx with an earth-shaking force. The beam was immense, a blistering, concentrated column of light that seemed to tear through the very fabric of reality. Shinx was engulfed entirely, his cries of pain drowned out by the deafening roar of the Solar Beam.
The arena shook violently as the beam crashed into the dirt, sending up a cataclysmic explosion of debris and smoke. The sheer force of the blast left a crater where Shinx had been, the once bright and fierce energy now settling into a devastatingly powerful aftermath.
Dawn's eyes were wide with shock and horror as the dust and smoke began to clear. Her heart pounded in her chest, her breath caught in her throat. "No… no way…" she whispered in disbelief.
As the smoke dissipated, Shinx was revealed at the center of the crater. His body was covered in burn marks and bruises, his fur singed and matted. The once vibrant Pokémon lay motionless, utterly spent and unable to move a muscle.
The sight was devastating. Dawn could barely process the scene before her, her resolve wavering as she took in the full impact of Roserade's overwhelming attack.
The referee took a somber step forward, his eyes fixed on Shinx's defeated form. After a moment of deliberation, he declared in a clear, authoritative voice, "Shinx is no longer able to battle. Challenger Dawn is out of usable Pokémon, meaning the winner is Gym Leader Gardenia!"
Gardenia's smile broadened with satisfaction as she approached her victorious Roserade, while Dawn's face fell, the weight of the battle's outcome settling heavily on her shoulders.
gazed at the sphere in her palm, a bittersweet smile touching her lips.
"Thank you, Shinx. You did fantastic out there," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. "Go and get some rest now."
With a renewed determination in her eyes, Dawn looked up at Gardenia who returned her gaze.
"I've never seen an attack like that before; it was strong, plain and simple," Dawn uttered in awe.
Gardenia extended her arm towards Dawn with a smile. " Glad you're impressed. Solar Beam's a crowd-pleaser, isn't it? But don't worry, you'll get your chance to shine again. Your skill is impressive; keep honing it, and you'll be a formidable trainer."
Dawn gave a nod, shaking Gardenia's hand firmly. "You haven't seen anything yet. Just wait for the rematch."
Gardenia laughed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I look forward to it."
Yup, Dawn lost. Also, if any of you guys have read the original story, you'd know I've made a lot of changes to Gardenia's character. Like, A LOT. But anyway, that's this chapter.
Oh yeah, the title of this chapter is a reference to an old nursery rhyme I used to like as a kid. It's pretty simple and relates to Gardenia's character in a way. I don't have much to say other than please leave reviews if you're enjoying this story.
—yonas813, out.
