AN: Regarding the movesets the Pokemon has, that's just the main moves they have. I plan to have them use more later on.
Ch 8 An Admirer?
"Wow, Kirlia is really taking a liking to you, Helena." Flannery smiles at the sight of the Duel-type Pokemon sitting peacefully next to the former Witch. "Did you return Corsola back to the Headmaster?"
"Yeah, this morning." Helena smiles looking down at her new partner. "I'm trying to slowly expose Kirlia to everything one at a time," She explains to her friends what she's doing to Kirlia.
Roxanne placed down a bowl of Pokemon food for Geodude and Nosepass. "That's actually a great approach for Pokemon with trust issues with people." The brunette commented on her actions.
Helena looks at her friends, giving Kirlia a gentle pat. "Well, I believe taking things one at a time proves to be better when it comes to my schoolwork back home." She explains the reason why she's taking this path. "I figured that that strategy might help out in this situation Kirlia is in."
"Whether it's yours or not, it's still a good idea Helena," Flannery added, looking down at her Torkoal eating her food before looking back at her. "Maybe I should try that if you don't mind. I have some Slugmas back at Lavaridge Town that isn't getting along with my family's Pokemon." She shared it with her two girlfriends.
"Well, if this works for Kirlia then it should work for those Slugmas, Flannery," Helena commented to the red-haired girl's own problems back at her home.
Roxanne sat down next to Flannery, listening to their conversation. "But remember to take it at their own pace," The brunette added, "You don't want to make them feel rushed."
Flannery gave a bright smile at the advice they were giving her. "Yeah, I know girls. Thanks!"
Helena smiles before thinking of something. "So, about this afternoon." The girls turn to her, hearing the start of a question.
"Yeah? What about it?" Flannery asked.
"I was wondering what all the commotion in the halls was," Helena asked, remembering walking out of their dorm room and hearing some students talking about the Gym Battle.
"Have you heard? Steven and Brawly are challenging the Headmaster," A young trainer said to his friend.
"Yeah, it's going to be epic. No one has competed in their Gym Mission for a month!" A young female trainer stated.
"That's what the other students were saying in the halls," Helena said, having those conversations fresh in her mind.
The two girls nodded, understanding what Helena was asking. "Well, Headmaster Keith and the rest of the Gym Leaders have this challenge that trainers need to accomplish before facing them," Flannery explains, being told every time in her family's gym own challenge.
"Though each is different depending on the trainer's level. For trainers who just start their journey, they are given a simple maze challenge where they battle Gym Staff or Gym trainers." Flannery continues with her explanation. "But for trainers who want to challenge themselves, Gym Leaders give out something called Gym Missions."
Roxanne looks at Helena, continuing with her friend's explanation. "Headmaster Keith's Gym Mission is a bit challenging; he places his challenges on the school's bulletin board once a month for trainers to check out." She stated.
"Both Steven, Brawly, and I tried the last Gym Challenge last month but…" Flannery cleared her throat, not really like talking about it.
"But…" Helena blinks at Flannery, wondering why she's hesitant.
Roxanne sighs, shaking her head at their last Mission. "The last Gym Mission that we took was a bit of a fiasco in Rusturf Tunnel with a cave-in." The brunette cleared her throat at the last mission they took.
Helena's eyes widen hearing something that is concerning. "W-Wait, you five gotten yourself in a cave-in!?" She stands from her seat.
Kirlia jumps upon hearing her partner's exclamation. "Kirlia!" She scolds her partner for abruptly standing up.
"Sorry Kirlia," Helena apologizes to her Pokemon next to her. She turns to her two friends, curious about what they did in the last Gym Mission. "So what is this about a cave-in you guys were in?" She asked the two.
Both Nosepass and Torkoal look up at their trainers, hearing the last Gym Mission. "Nosepass…"
"Torkoal…" The Fire-type sighs as well.
The two Pokemon sigh continuing eating their food. "Fine, the last Gym Challenge was an Evolution Stone finding mission. It's a project for our evolution topic in our classes." Roxanne explains to the former Witch.
"Yeah, quick story both Brawly and I did something stupid." Flannery scratches the back of her head at their stupid moment a month ago.
"What did you two do?" Helena asked, curious what they did at the Rusturf Tunnel.
Roxanne groans, remembering the explosion clear as day. "Both Flannery's Torkoal and Brawly's Machop cause an explosion by their fire moves while mining for Stones." The brunette explains to the new trainer. "Both were powerful Fire-based moves."
Flannery chuckles, looking down at her food. "It was Machop's Fire Punch and Torkoal's Fire Blast" He admits at their powerful moves.
Helena blinks what both Flannery and Brawly did a month before. She covers her mouth before bursting into laughter, "Hahahahaha! Really? What were you thinking, Flannery!?" She laughs.
"Yeah, laugh it up, Helena." Flannery waves her hand at her laughter. Soon Roxanne laughs as well before Flannery joins in.
The three girls laugh at the story of the past, soon someone walks up to their table. "So Flannery, are you ready for your Gym Battle with the Headmaster?" The same boy that battled Brawly asked the red-haired girl.
"Yeah, you bet Jackie! I won't lose against him this time!" Flannery stated, getting fired up with this battle.
The boy shook his head, "Typical Flannery," Jackie stated before the others agreed with his statement.
Roxanne shrugs her shoulders, "You're right there, Jack." She commented.
Jackie looks down at the new girl who got Kirlia as her partner. He smiles, leaning on the table, "Hey, you're that new girl that started yesterday."
Helena nodded, seeing the blonde trainer. His appearance reminded her of Malfoy back home but with medium spikey hair, "Um, yeah that's me. My name is Helena Potter." She introduces herself to her fellow trainer.
"Helena, what a pretty name." Jackie gave a charming smile, which in turn did not affect Helena. He held out his hand to her as a sign of welcome. "Jack Walker but call me Jackie." He winks at her.
Kirlia sighs at the boy flirting with her partner, not wanting to get involved she continues eating. "Kirlia," She sighs.
Being a kind person Helena shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, Jackie." Helena greeted back.
Jackie gave one last smile before walking away. "I'll see you at the Gym Battle Flannery, good luck." He saluted with his fingers at the red-haired girl.
Steven, Brawly, and Wallace entered the cafeteria as Jackie walk past them. "Steven, Brawly, Wallace," Jackie greeted before walking out of the cafeteria.
The boys looked at each other confused by the greeting the blonde trainer gave them. "What's that about?" Wallace asked.
"Maybe he's just salty that we're battling the Headmaster, bra." Brawly assumes before looking at Steven for his input.
"Or maybe something to do with the girls." Steven saw the girls of their group giggling about something.
The boys went over to the table where the girls sat, curious why they were giggling. "Hey girls, what's going here?" Brawly sat down next to the seat next to Roxanne,
Flannery moves her head forward, looking at the sky-blue-haired trainer, smiling at his sudden appearance. "Hey there you, what took you boys so long to get here?" The red-haired girl asked the boys to join them.
"They were training for this afternoon's Gym Battle. I was dragged along as an extra so that was fun." Wallace sarcastically commented, placing his fist on his cheek.
Steven sighs, sitting next to Helena. "We were training all morning against the Headmaster's Keith's Rock-types. I don't think we don't have a disadvantage against his Pokemon…"
Brawly stretches his arms on the table, tired from this morning's training. "But his creativity on the battlefield is very tricky to get past." He complains about their Headmaster's battle technique.
"Creativity?" Helena blinks, curious how does that work.
Roxanne nodded, taking a sip from her water bottle. "You did some creative battling with Corsola against Kirlia." She looks over to the Emotion Pokemon who was finished with her food. "Right Kirlia? You witness it yourself," She spoke to the Duel-type.
"Kirlia," Kirlia sighs, agreeing with the trainer.
"Oh, that? I was using the moves that were given to me." Helena answers Roxanne. "It was just in the moment kinda deal." She said.
Steven looks at Helena, hearing her first Pokemon battle. "How is it, your first Pokemon battle?" He asked the black-haired girl.
Helena smiles never felt anything like it before. Even quidditch is exciting in its own right, but a Pokemon battle is another level. "It's exciting and fun, nothing I felt when I play a sport at my old school." She commented. "Though having four moves seems limited." She commented.
"Oh, that's not a problem. You can use other moves, but your Pokemon needs to gain some experience to learn some more moves." The Steel-blue-haired trainer explains to the rookie trainer. "When you reach that part, when challenging an opponent you need to prep before entering a Pokemon battle." He explains further.
"I see, it seems that we got a lot of training cut out for us." Helena smiles down at her partner next to her.
"Kirlia," Kirlia nods slightly to her trainer's request.
Steven smiles at the trainer and Pokemon bonding. He can't help but smile at the sight, "Well you're not the only one that is training hard, Helena." He commented.
Helena chuckles at Steven's comment, forgetting that she's not the only one at the Trainer School. "I know, just giving us some motivation." She said to the boy next to her.
"Well, looks like our new rookie is getting adjusted to the World." Wallace smiles brightly, interlocking his fingers.
"It seems so, Wallace," Roxanne added, happy to see their new friend getting comfortable in the school.
Helena gave a small laugh, "You think? Remember I just join the school yesterday." She reminded her new friends of the reality. "I'm still learning."
Flannery smirks at her, "Yeah, but you got the basics already. Like this morning when you memorized the Type-Advantage in our first class." The red-haired girl commented on her achievement in their class.
"It just simply follows the dots, Fire is weak against Water, Water is weak against Grass, and so on," Helena explains what she learned from class and common knowledge from her old World.
"But still, someone who's from the outskirts of the Hoenn Region that quickly picks up so quickly is amazing," Brawly added on her quick learning. "Soon you might become a pro, dudette."
Steven laughs, "Now, now don't go too far, Brawly. Helena is still figuring out what she wants to do yet." The Steel-blue-haired trainer commented on Brawly's complement to Helena.
Everyone at the table laughed, enjoying the conversation they were having. Soon an instructor walks past the table and notices Steven, Brawly, and Flannery sitting at the table with their friends.
"Steven, Brawly, Flannery? What are you doing here?" The instructor steps forward to the table. They turn to the instructor curious why she approach them. "Weren't you three suppose to have a Gym Battle soon?" She asked the three.
Everyone's mouth gaped, quickly got up from their seats. "What time it is!?" Flannery asked the group of friends.
Brawly took out his orange Rotom Phone, checking the time. "Shoot! It's nearly noon, everyone!" The sky-blue haired exclaims nearly dropping his Rotom Phone (If he could).
"We have to meet the Headmaster at the battlefield!" Flannery exclaims, returning Torkoal back to her Pokeball.
The six friends got up from their seats and returned their Pokemon to their Pokeball, Minus Kirlia who was picked up by Helena. "We better get to your Gym match quickly, everyone." Helena held Kirlia carefully in her arms.
"You're right, let's get going everyone!" Steven agreed with the former Witch and headed out of the cafeteria and to the Gym.
The teacher stood there, watching the students leave their table, "Good luck everyone!" She wishes the trainers that are challenging the Headmaster.
Keith stood on a brownstone slab with the Pokemon League Symbol. A Pokeball with the with part extended to a triangle base. He places his hands on top of his cane, prostrated in front of him.
The old Gym Leader looks up to see his students, young and old gather in the stands. "Seems like those three are going to be late," Keith said to himself before hearing a few voices coming into the stands.
"I can't believe we made it!" Keith looks up, seeing Wallace taking his seat with Roxanne and Helena with Kirlia in her arms.
"Yeah, we're almost late for Steven and the other's match." Helena smiles, taking her seat, "Right Kirlia?" Kirlia simply nodded, agreeing with her partner.
Roxanne took a deep breath and smiles, "Well, who do you think is first?" She asked the others.
Keith smiles seeing the three challengers made it last minute. "Welcome spectators to another Gym match, today you're in for a real treat." The old Gym Leader announces to the masses. "Three challengers have completed the Gym Challenge I've set a week ago and now have the right to face me, the Headmaster of the Trainer School, and the Gym Leader of the Rustboro City Gym."
The stands cheered, excited for the Gym Battle coming soon. "Now, may the first challenger please make their way to the Battlefield!" Keith called out the first challenger waiting in the locker room.
The locker room doors opened revealing Steven walking to the other slab across from the Headmaster. On his arm is a red band with a white circle with the number #376 in a bold font.
"Steven Stone, we finally face each other on the battlefield." Keith smiles, closing his eyes. "The last Gym Mission went to an unexpected turn, I'm glad that you were able to complete this one." The old Gym Leader said to the challenger.
Steven grips his Pokeball, smirking at the Headmaster. "Yeah, I've been waiting for a month since I get to face you in battle, Headmaster!" He said with confidence,
Soon a brown-haired Referee steps onto the podium with red and green flags in each hand. "Woah, are those Rotoms? " Helena points to the flying drones with the faces of Rotom.
"Yeah, they are used to broadcast the Gym Battles to the spectators from home." The three friends turn their heads to a familiar face.
"Jackie!" They greeted the blonde boy.
Jackie smirks, sitting next to Helena. "' Sup," He greeted the friends back.
Wallace leans forward, smiling at the blonde trainer who faced against Brawly. "I take it you're here to see the Gym Battle?" He asked him.
"Yep, I'm curious how the battle turns out." Jackie looks at the seat next to the former Witch, placing his hands in his pockets he gave a charming smile at her. "Hey, Helena do you mind if I sit here?"
Helena looks down at Kirlia who seems a bit annoyed with being with a lot of people.
Kirlia sighs nodding to her partner at her new friend's request.
The former Witch nodded to Jackie's request. "I don't mind at all, Jackie. You can seat there," Helena moves a bit to make some room for him.
"Thanks," Jackie sat next to her, smiling at the upcoming battle.
On the battlefield, Steven saw Jackie sitting with Helena. He wasn't sure but he doesn't like Jackie sitting with Helena.
"Challenger Steven," The Referee looks over to the challenger side of the Battlefield,
Steven shook his head, looking at the Referee and Keith were waiting for him. "Mmm? Yes?" He asked the Referee.
"Are you set to continue with the battle?" Keith asked his student challenging him.
Steven nodded, shaking his head from other thoughts. "Yeah, please continue." He said to the two.
Keith nodded turning to the Referee to permit him to proceed with the battle.
The brown-haired Referee nodded, looking at the Rotom drones, "This battle will be two on two, the winner will be decided if either Pokemon are unable to battle." He announces the rules to which both sides agree. "Now bring out your Pokemon!"
Keith smirks, taking his first Pokeball, moving his arm to the side/ "Alright time for a lesson! Corsola, take your stance!" He tosses his Pokeball, releasing the Duel-type into the field.
The light fades, revealing the Pokemon that Helena used during their Gym Mission. "Oh, it's Corsola." Helena smiles, seeing the Pokemon she used.
"Of course, Corsola is one of the two Pokemon that the Headmaster uses in Gym Battles," Wallace explains with a smile.
"It's a way to counter his Rock-type's weakness in most areas. Well, if you use Grass-types then the Headmaster's in a pickle." Jackie added to Wallace's statement.
Roxanne crosses her arms, "But the Headmaster is a veteran Pokemon trainer and Gym Leader."
Helena looks at Steven's side, wishing him luck. "I have faith that Steven and the others will win."
Steven smirks, holding his Pokeball. "Lileep, time for a battle!" He extends his arm, tossing the Pokeball at the field. The Pokeball released a purple flower Pokemon with legs, at the center was black with two yellow eyes.
"Lileep!" The Sea Lily Pokemon cried out with joy.
"Interesting that Steven brought out a Fossil Pokemon for this," Roxanne commented on the Pokemon their friend called out.
Helena took at the new Pokemon she saw, "That's a Fossil Pokemon?" She asked, intrigued by it. The appearance of the Fossil Pokemon reminds her of ancient plants she read at the library back in her old World. "Lileep looks like an ancient plant,"
Jackie chuckles, agreeing with the former Witch. "You're right, those were common back then and at the Fossil Lab in the Devon Corporation building." The blonde trainer added. "Lileep is a Grass-Rock type Pokemon, a good type match up against the Headmaster's Rock-type."
"But didn't Roxanne say that Headmaster Keith isn't one to trifle with?" Helena asked the group.
"You're right, but let's see where the battle takes them." Wallace places his hands on his chin, observing Steven's battle.
"A Lileep, smart move Mr. Stone. But don't let that think you can beat me." Keith smiles.
Steven smirks back, waiting for the signal from the Referee to begin. "Alright, as always Challengers can switch Pokemon and have the first move!" The Referee informed the entire stadium. "Battle begin!"
Steven Stone/ Lileep vs Keith/ Corsola
(Insert Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gym Leader Battle Music (HQ)
Steven held his hand back, "Alright Lileep, let's start off with Astonish!" He punches the air.
"Lileep!" The Sea Lily Pokemon jumps from her place, her lily began to glow a dark hue, and hurls toward Corsola.
"Corsola, dodge please." Keith smiles.
Corsola jumps up in the air as Lileep slams her head on the rocky field and created a crater. "Corsola," The Duel-Type landed on a small boulder, dodging the attack.
"Lileep, behind you! Use Astonish again!" Steven ordered the Fossil Pokemon to attack once more.
Lileep's head began to glow a dark hue once more and leap at the Duel-type. "Lil-eep!" The Fossil Pokemon smashed her head at the Pokemon only to dodge it again.
Keith watches their Pokemon interact, "Attacking me head-on is good, but remember it won't help you that much." The old Gym Leader lifts his crane and hit the floor. "Alright Corsola, use Rock Tomb!" He ordered.
"Corosola!" The Duel-type's numbs raised in the air as rocks rose in the air. Cosola's numbs came down, sending the rocks at Lileep.
Steven swipes his arm to the side, "Lileep, use Ancient Power to counter it!" The trainer ordered his partner.
"Lileep!" The Fossil Pokemon extends her head as rocks with fossils and toss it at the incoming rocks.
The old Gym Leader places his cane forward, "Use Psychic." Keith smiles,
Corsola smiles, her body glowed as the rocks from Rock Tomb share the same hue.
Steven steps back, seeing the rocks spread out like they have a mind of their own. "W-What the-"
In the stands everyone cheered, seeing one of the Gym Leader's unique battle style.
"What a creative way of battling!" Helena smiles, "That move wasn't on my Rotom Phone before." She stated, remembering some different moves that Corolla had.
Kirlia nodded, "Kirlia," she agrees with her statement.
Wallace nodded, understanding what happened. "The Headmaster must've switched the moveset for this battle, you remember what Steven told you before." The teal-haired boy explains to his friend.
Helena then remembered the minilesson from the Steel-blue haired boy telling her around that line. Soon they heard their Headmaster chuckle on the field.
Keith saw the shock on his Challenger's face. "I'm sure you're aware that I'm not like other Gym Leaders," The old Gym Leader said to the Steel-blue-haired boy.
"Yeah, I know Headmaster. You are known to be creative when it comes to challenges." Steven said, remembering what the Challenger Guides on the Gym Leaders. He smirks, not affected by this. "But that won't stop me from winning this battle, Lileep keeps an eye out for the rocks."
Lileep nodded to her trainer's orders. "Lileep," She looks at the Battlefield where the rocks were flying everywhere, circling around the field.
Keith stomps his cane forward, "Now, attack Lileep Corsola!" He ordered his Pokemon.
"Cosola!" The Duel-type moves her little numbs and points to the Sea Lily Pokemon.
The rocks were hurling toward Lileep, "Lileep! Use Double Team to make Corsola confused!" Steven held out his hand to his Pokemon.
"Woah, there's more Lileeps down at the battlefield!" Helena cried out, never seeing that move before.
"That's Lileep's Double Team, an interesting strategy that Steven used." Roxanne smiles at Steven's battle technique.
"Lil!" The Fossil Pokemon quickly move to the side before splitting into many copies of herself.
"Cosola!?" Cosola shook her head before using Psychic to send the rocks at the Sea Lily Pokemon. The rocks were hurled at Lileep's many copies of herself.
Keith frowns, seeing that his Corsola was confused about which Pokemon is the real one. "Corsola keep calm and use your senses-" He stops seeing that it's no use until he figures something out. "Corsola jump on the tallest boulder on the field. Then spin around while using Water Gun!" He ordered her.
The Duel-type nodded, doing what her trainer asked. "Cor!" She got up on the tallest boulder and began to use Water Gun while spinning in place.
"Lileep!?" The copies of Lileep began to disappear upon contact with the water. Steven, however, remained calm despite the Lileep's Double Team being washed away.
Once all the Lileeps had been taken care of, there was nothing left of the Battlefield. "Cosola!?"
"Where's Lileep?" Jackie asked, seeing only Corsola on a dusty Battlefield.
Everyone searches for the Fossil Pokemon on the Battlefield, but with the dust from the water spraying the ground and rocks, it was hard to find her. "C-Corsola?" The Duel-type searches frantically for the opponent.
"Keep calm, Corsola, and keep your eyes peeled-" Keith gasps, seeing Lileep behind Corsola taking in energy. "Behind you Corsola! Use Power Gem to attack!"
The Duel-type turns around as her body began to form small shining rocks. "Cor-"
Steven smirks, raising his hand. "Great, now use Energy Ball at the opponent!" He ordered.
"Lil…" A green ball of energy appeared where Lileep's petals were,
"Eep!" Lileep released the Energy Ball at the Duel-type just when she released Power Gem.
"Sola!" The Power Gem attack was sent flying towards the Fossil Pokemon,
Both attacks passed each other, impacting their targets and causing a small explosion.
Dust covered the Pokemon, unsure which side was the winner. Each trainer stood firmly, hoping which Pokemon 'Come on, Lileep.' Steven thought, hoping that his Pokemon survived that attack.
The stands were silent, hoping the Pokemon they choose to cheer on will be the one standing.
Keith firmly held his cane, sharing the same thought as his student. Soon the dust cloud cleared, revealing that Corsola with spirals in her eyes was the one who was taken out and Lileep still stands.
Soon the crowds cheered at Steven's victory. "GO STEVEN!"
"YEAH! WAY TO GO!"
"THAT'S OUR FUTURE CHAMPION!"
"GO LILEEP!"
Helena stood from her seat, smiling brightly at Steven's victory. "He did it! He got one of the Headmaster's Pokemon out!" She cheered.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia nodded, smiling at the victory.
Wallace smiles, expecting nothing less from his rival. "That's our Stevie for you, he won't be beaten that easily." He stated.
"Great job, Steven. One more Pokemon to go." Roxanne clapped at his first victory.
"The next Pokemon won't be easy," Jackie stated, knowing who the Headmaster's next Pokemon was. "It's his second Signature Pokemon for this Gym."
"Who could that be?" Helena asked.
Back on the Battlefield Steven punches the air at their victory. "Yeah! Great job, Lileep!" Steven cheered for his Pokemon.
Lileep jumps in glee for her trainer being proud of her. "Lileep! Lileep!"
The Referee raised the red flag towards Steven, "Corsola is unable to battle, the winner is Lileep!" He announces the winner. The Rotom Drone floats around the future Champion, recording his victory for the League.
Keith smiles, holding out Corsola's Pokeball. "You did great Corsola, take a good rest." A red beam went to Corsola, returning her back inside. "Well, that impressed me. Not only do you use Type Advantage, but you overcome my creative battle style, Steven."
He took out another Pokeball, ready to throw it. on the field. "But can you handle my ace? Rhydon! It's your turn!" He tosses the Pokeball to the field, releasing a bipedal rhino Pokemon.
"Now, are you prepared to face my ace Gym Pokemon and win your Fourth Badge, Steven?" Keith asked, smirking at his student.
Steven nods, smirking at his Headmaster. "You bet,"
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.