Happy Thanksgiving!
Episode 15
A Glimpse
xxxxx
"Does this usually happen when she overexerts her psychic powers?" Gary inquired with narrowed eyes. Ash gave him an irritated glance. Does he have to use words like that for everything? Can't he just say, is she always this tired? At least he's back to normal. That's something, I guess.
"Yes, and it happens far too often for my taste," Erika said, laying another wet rag on Sabrina's forehead. The door opened with a hissing sound. Mr. Fuji gave them a small, gentle smile and waved a greeting. The old man had a bandage above his right eye, and a few black spots on his shirt white shirt. Otherwise, he looked untouched by the battle he had just won.
Talc swaggered in after his trainer with a triumphant gleam in his dark eyes. One of his thick, brown arms had gauze wrapped around it, and his chest and belly were covered in tiny cuts. Likely the work of a few Zubat and Golbat. Ash couldn't help but swallow when he noticed that those were the only wounds the old Marowak had. Talc nodded at the gathered trainers with far more respect than he had earlier. Marowak were tough, given their size they had to be, they'd earned his respect with their victory.
"No matter how much stronger I become, I can't stop these things," Erika whispered, her green eyes filling with unshed tears. Ash averted his eyes, feeling like he was intruding on something private. He wasn't the only one judging by Gary's fiddling with something small. Mr. Fuji cleared his throat quietly.
"Well, boys, why don't you join Janine in the cafeteria?" Mr. Fuji offered, his smile widening. Ash nodded and pushed off the wall. The boy glanced at Sabrina's pale, sweat covered face before speeding through the door.
"Thank you for coming to help us," Gary said quietly. He shut the door when he received a half-hearted nod.
"Sabrina's not changed much since she was a girl," the old man said shaking his head. "Always so reckless, just like her father," he added with a sigh.
"I'm going to go check on my girls and Houndour," Ash stated tugging on the bill of his hat.
"Good idea, I'll go with you," Gary decided with a nod.
"Nah, you're hungry, so eat," the raven-haired trainer retorted with a dismissive wave. "I'll check on your team too," he snapped when Gary looked ready to protest. The gray-eyed boy's belly gave a rumble that made him flush and Ash snicker.
"Come now, our center has the finest sandwiches in Kanto! Meat brought in from Fuschia, vegetables from Celadon's greenhouses, Seafood from the waters of Cerulean!" by the end of the old man's declaration Gary was nearly drooling as he was led to the cafeteria.
"Jeez, he kinda sounds like he's advertising," Ash muttered as he strode to the room the nurse had set up for their least injured members. Room 214. He sighed heavily as he opened the door. Even after five years, the healing pods still baffled him. Some of them could expand so dramatically that they could even hold many adult ground and normal-type Pokemon could fit. Well, obviously not including powerful Donphan and Pokemon like Rhyperior, Golem, or emergencies. The idea of someone trying to put an Onix in one elicited a smirk from him.
Crowie's right wing was wrapped in a gauze, but aside from that, she only had one small bandage on her middle. Eevee didn't look to have been hit at all. She'd likely collapsed from the strain of their day. Gaari was laying in her pod with her thick, red tongue hanging out and her eyes shot. Ash grinned at her. Saur didn't appear as hurt as Ash knew he was. Taking a full power Mega Punch, and a tail swipe from Nidoking had to have at least broken a rib. Diglett had several, nasty bruises that resembled Nidoking's claw around his middle. Mercifully, the mole's ribs and innards hadn't taken any major damage. Gore, Aria, and Hopper weren't in the room.
He sighed, disappointed. The trainer hadn't expected them to be but it still made his chest ache. Aria's body had probably already started to adjust to the monstrously strong ghostly energy in the Noble Town. She wasn't in danger of dying, but there was a strong possibility she would be bound to her bed up for another day. Ash took off his hat and ran his hand through his hair. Gore had more broken ribs than regular ribs. The Piloswine's body may as well have been one massive bruise. Gore would be healing for at least a week, and would have to take it easy for a couple weeks afterward. Which means we'll likely be here for bout a month.
Hopper took a Poison Sting from one of the greatest predators in Kanto. It was in that moment that Ash realized how fortunate he was to have a team so strong against poison. Elite Four Koga didn't have much more power than the average master, but his poison put him on par with a fully realized Champion. Houndour and Bulbasaur were immune by virtue of being dark and poison-types, Gore could be affected, but the sheer amount necessary to put him down made it foolish to try. Only King and Vulpix were truly vulnerable to poison, but their armor and psychic shields gave them excellent defenses.
Shaking his head, he decided to check on the rest of his team. Vulpix had several, small cuts along her lithe form that already looked to be healing. She would be up and moving after a single night. King had tried to stop his impact with the house with his right claw. The claw had snapped off. It would regrow in a day, so he too would be in for a single night. Houndour had as many cuts as Vulpix, but for his much sturdier frame it wasn't nearly as bad. The stones he had taken from Nidoking weren't nearly as big as the ones Saur and Gore had endured, but they still managed to bruise his ribs. The dog would be fighting fit in about a week, by his estimate.
Finally, he turned to Bulbasaur. He was shocked to find two, large, pink eyes staring back at him curiously. The trainer gave her a stilted chuckle. She was awake the whole time, wasn't she? "So, how are you feeling, oh slayer of Nidoking?" Ash asked, crossing his arms over his chest and smirking. She tilted her head to the side, before turning and pointing at Houndour's pod with her vine. "Yeah, they did great, but you're the one that finished him, so people are going to give you all the credit," the trainer explained as he moved to release her from the pod.
Bulbasaur's face scrunched up in confusion. Where's King when I need him? "People are idiots," he said as he lifted her onto his shoulder. She snorted in agreement. Ash settled himself into a chair with a sigh. He hissed as the strain of his day settled in his calves. Over the course of about seven hours; Gore had killed another Pokemon, they fought at least forty Pokemon, and defeated a young Nidoking. And it's not even three yet. But there is one good thing.
"You did really good today," he began staring into pink eyes. "I know I said it was too early, but you did really well, and I'm, uh, really proud of you," Ash continued averting his eyes. Bulbasaur narrowed her eyes and tilted her head to the side. "What I mean is, I-I picked out a name for you and-" his declaration was cut off by her head butting his cheek. "Can't you go back to licki-" Bulbasaur started to lick his cheek enthusiastically. Ash lifted her off his lap and held her at arm's length. "Just hit me gentler," he sighed. She cooed and held her legs out expectantly.
"Ya gonna lick me?" Ash inquired bringing her closer. Bulbasaur snorted. "Good, now for your name, I picked something that really I think fits you personally and type wise," he said as he settled her into his lap. The saurian shuffled impatiently. Ash suppressed his smirk with great difficulty. Apparently, he didn't do well enough because Bulbasaur narrowed her eyes at him. "Anyw~ay…. The name I picked for you is…." She cuffed him with a vine. "It's Willow, damn it! Your name's Willow!" the trainer declared with a wince. I swear I can't get away with anything.
Her eyes narrowed again. "Willow trees aren't the biggest or the toughest. They bend, but don't break, and endure no matter what comes their way," Ash babbled. Bulbasaur stared at him as though he had grown a second head. "L-look I've some others, so ya know, if you want to hear them," he offered averting his eyes. A dark green vine poked his forehead. Ash flinched before turning back to her. She poked his head again more insistently. He furrowed his brow and reached for the thin appendage.
The boy shook it lightly noting how her eyes seemed to light up. Ash smirked. That's right, just like when we met. Four months ago, she had been too frightened to even try fighting, but now, she was willing to fight with a Nidoking to protect her herd. Every member of his team had changed really. Pride swelled up in him until he was certain his chest would burst. But have I gone anywhere? Ash deflated with a sigh. Looking back at their struggles with the Rockets, he could only see flaws.
He should have told Gore to use mud from the start. He should have had a talk with Houndour the moment he had an opportunity. Ash flinched as a vine slapped his forehead. Bulbasau- Willow now - nuzzled his cheek, making him smile. "Am I that I easy to see through? That a berry lovin' mini dino and a baby Piloswine can see through, for shame," he sighed his shoulders slumping. She snorted at him, unamused by his jest. "Fine not my best," Ash admitted shrugging his shoulders.
"But, er, it's not like I'm worried or anything, but you do like your new name right?" the trainer asked. Willow warbled, amused by his anxiety. They blinked as excited whimpers met their ears. Houndour was pawing at the clear glass of his pod. Ash glanced down at the saurian. The Bulbasaur snorted and hopped onto another chair. The dark and fire-type Pokemon pawed at the glass and whimpered more insistently when he drew closer. "Easy boy!" he snapped. The glass was thick, but he would rather the dog not leave scratch marks on them.
The boy released Houndour. The dog leaped up, wrapped his paws around the boy's neck, and licked him vigorously. Ash sputtered and backpedaled quickly. The boy squawked as he tripped. He hit the ground head first. Ash groaned, it felt like Gary had hit him with his bat again. Houndour blinked and tilted his head to the side. The dog huffed before returning to licking his new trainer. "Bulba- Willow, help me out here!" The saurian looked between her trainer and Houndour, then she turned away and curled up in the chair. "Traitor!" Ash cried as he shoved Houndour's muzzle away.
"You want a name boy? If you get off me, I'll give you one!" the trainer offered while trying to keep his mouth squeezed shut. A vine sprung out and slapped his forehead lightly. Ash winced and glared at Willow. The Bulbasaur didn't even deign to uncurl herself as she retracted her vine. Vindictive little grass-type. "That's why you're so excited right?" the dog panted happily. "Alright then, what about Firestarter?" Houndour looked confused. "Bones? Biter?" his offers were met with the same blank look. He considered offering Sir Lick's A Lot, mostly as a joke, but decided to keep it to himself. Ash was too tired to keep up with the energetic dog.
The trainer bit his lip. Long ago people had believed the howls of a Houndoom to be the call of the Reaper. They were called the hounds of hell, he believed. Hellfang… "Hellfire?" Ash offered focusing on the anxious dog again. Houndour's dark eyes lit up so strongly they almost shone with his happiness. "Hellfire it is then," he said with a smile. Ash pushed the dog lightly when he tried to lick him again.
"Let's go get some food."
xxxxx
Mr. Fuji has excellent taste in sandwiches. Ash considered thanking the man for his recommendation, but opted not to in favor of shoveling more food in his mouth. Gary was inhaling food at such a pace, that Ash was certain their mother would pop up and chastise him. Janine's face was steadily becoming blue and she had tears in the corners of her eyes. Ash had seen her eat several peppers whole in succession, but he hadn't seen her stop to breathe yet. In hindsight, the decision not to pack food for their visit to Lavender was a miscalculation. One so severe that it made them eat at a speed his Piloswine would beam at.
"If you hadn't saved the town I'd have to call your parents," Mr. Fuji pointed out his tone dry.
"Good thing we didn't tell you our last names then," Ash whispered with a snicker.
"Especially true for you," Gary put in giving him an amused look. Ash twitched when his Pokemon and Janine turned to the boy with interested looks. "A couple years back Ash and Gore broke into the Diner - our mom owns a diner by the way - and they ate about a month's worth of pizza!" Janine snickered and the girls barked amusedly. Hellfire blinked, confused and scratched himself behind his ear.
"Yeah, well, Aria set the tapestry on fire!" Ash snapped, narrowing his eyes at his traitorous Pokemon. Willow snorted and hid her face behind a small leg. Vulpix huffed and puffed herself up before turning back to her pork. I get the feeling the pork thing could be an issue somewhere down the line.
"First of all it was drapes! Secondly the only reason she set the drapes on fire is because Gore was goading her!" Gary countered glaring at him. "He stole her lunch three days in a row! Maybe if you took better care of him the drapes would still be here," he said with a shrug and a smirk.
"You think you could do better?" Ash snarled clenching his fists.
"Uh, guys-" Janine tried to intervene, but Mr. Fuji grabbed her shoulder gently. She turned to the old man with a furrowed brow. He simply shook his head and motioned for her to sit down.
"I don't think I can, I know I can," his brother boasted with a laugh. He's standing before he's even fully aware of having moved. His fist crashed into Gary's cheek before the gray-eyed boy could react. Hellfire yelped as the boy was flung onto him and knocked him over. Willow and Vulpix stared at their trainer wide-eyed, then they bolted and hid behind Talc. The old Marowak glanced at the boys without interest.
The raven-haired boy dove at the groaning trainer with a snarl. Gary squawked as his brother wrapped his hands around his throat. He grabbed a Pokeball from his belt and slammed it into his Ash's temple, knocking him off his brother. Gary brought his elbow down onto the other boy's head, forcing his chin into the floor.
"Shouldn't we be doing somethin'?" Janine whispered, glancing between the veteran trainer and the wrestling boys.
"No, no, I'm sure they'll be fine," Mr. Fuji responded taking a bite of his sandwich. The veteran tilted his head away from a Pokeball Gary had launched at his brother. "You see boys have their own way of communicating with one another. Each punch is a declaration of brotherly love and proof of their bond," Mr. Fuji explained with a small smile. Janine winced when Ash shoved Gary into the wall.
"I hope a boy doesn't care that much for me anytime soon," the kunoichi muttered with a shudder.
"I imagine Koga and Jane feel the same way!" the veteran said with a laugh.
"How did you know?" the girl asked stiffening.
"Ah, so you don't remember me then, well you were rather young, I suppose," he said stroking his chin. "We met when your parents, Aunt Aya, and I helped to calm the Great Kangaskhan nearly eight years ago," Mr. Fuji told her leaning back in his chair.
"Oh! I remember now, you're the old guy who gave me all that chocolate!" Janine chirped bouncing in her seat. "How've ya been?"
"Retirement has been treating us very well, thank you," Mr. Fuji answered the lines around his eyes crinkling as he smiled. Talc gave his trainer a dry look before returning to his meal. "Though, I do feel some of us haven't taken kindly to slowing down," he continued giving the Marowak an amused look. Janine frowned.
"Where's your Crobat? She didn't get hurt did she?" the kunoichi's tone bordered on demanding.
"My Crobat, Abira, is feeling her age. She's resting with Beryl and Mariah, that's our dear nurse, and her Poliwhirl," the old man explained, holding a hand up to halt any further panicked inquiries. "I'd best be going and getting them in a moment or I won't be having dinner here," Mr. Fuji said rising with a grunt. Talc gave them a curt nod, then he turned and sauntered after his trainer.
Ash gasped and pushed his palm against his brother's cheek weakly. He collapsed onto the other boy with a groan. "I-I yield," Gary groaned. He grinned triumphantly before slumping completely. "You were suppose' to get up!" his brother cried pushing him weakly. Ash just grunted and trapped his hands. He wasn't moving until his breathing evened. Not even the Reaper could make him move.
"S~o this is what ya do after not seeing each other for months," Janine observed staring at them as though they were doing something ridiculous.
"Yeah, what'dya think we'd do, hug?" Ash inquired with a scoff. Girls are clueless. Then a violent shaking came from the earth, sending him sliding off Gary. He heard Janine shout and Hellfire yelp as a table was knocked onto its side. Another wave of vibrations sent Willow, rolling onto her trainer's face. There was a roar, then screams came from the direction Mr. Fuji had disappeared in. "What the hell was that?" the trainer demanded as he pushed himself to his feet.
"It has to be an Earthquake attack!" Gary growled, pushing a chair off his head. "And a really strong one if we can feel it here!" Talc gave a cry and Abira shrieked as they rushed to engage their opponent.
"I-I've never felt one this strong before," Janine admitted crawling out from underneath her table. "He's probably gonna need our help! Go on ahead, I'm going to go get Gaari and Crowie!" she cried over her shoulder as she raced to her Pokemon.
"Ready?" Ash asked giving his team a sharp look. Hellfire whined and shuffled before pushing his wet nose against the trainer's hand. Earth manipulating Pokemon could easily smother fire attacks with their mud moves, and crush the far smaller fire-types with their bulk and stones. His fear was understandable. Vulpix was staring in the direction Mr. Fuji had disappeared in with trepidation. Willow pushed her head against Vulpix's gently. The vixen gave the tiny dinosaur an unreadable look, then she gave Ash a bark.
"We're good too," Gary declared with a wince as another tremor made itself known. Wedge whirred its agreement. The magnet looked reborn after absorbing electricity from the center. A surge of guilt surged through him. Ash had been so elated with Willow finally receiving her name that he had forgotten the brave magnet Pokemon.
"Use as little fire as possible! Hellfire you'll hang back and guard us," he told his Pokemon. A cracking sound reminiscent of the Kingler knocking down trees made the group flinch. "There's something incredibly tough out front too!" the trainer cried his tone incredulous. "The old man'll have to handle himself, we've gotta take care of that thing!" Ash said clenching his jaw. "Let's go y'all!" His Pokemon barked and raced after their trainer.
"Again with the orders," Gary muttered. "Let's go make sure the idiot doesn't kill himself," he told Wedge rolling his eyes.
xxxxxx
Ash's heart froze as he stared at the massive blade of ice before them. The blade was far larger than he was tall, and thicker than the members of his team put together. The chill it gave off left the stone surrounding it covered in a layer of frost. "It went clean through the center wall," Gary observed with a harsh intake of breath.
Hellfire narrowed his eyes before he spat shot of flame at the blade. Ash yelped and dove away from the Flame Burst. The boy hissed as a stray spark hit his jeans. In the back of his mind, the trainer was aware of his Houndour yelping in agony. He threw some of the sleet onto the lit pant leg. Ash sighed in relief when the spark went out. "Let 'im go it was an accident." Willow stopped slapping a whimpering Hellfire with her vines with visible reluctance. The Houndour shot his team an apologetic look.
Ash patted the dog's head before rising with a grunt. Glass shattering made the group flinch. A shard of ice had been shot through the center's large front window. "It's taunting us," Ash snarled.
"This ice feels familiar somehow," Gary noted with a furrowed brow. "But… well, it doesn't matter, I suppose, you go first, Ash, then Wedge'll use his Supersonic on them." Ash nodded and gestured for his team to follow him as he crept to the center's door. There was a faint vibration and a shriek that sounded a great deal like Gaari. Talc must be countering the Earthquake with his own.
"Bulb- Willow, I want you to hang back this time," he instructed giving her a quick glance. The Bulbasaur cooed in a tone that sounded relieved. The trainer flattened himself against the center's wall, then he turned to peek beyond his shield. Ya know, I'm not really sure how much this is going to help against that Icicle Crash. Standing several yards away from the steps, was a giant, angry looking Piloswine. The size of its great tusks proved it was a boar. His eyes were almost obscured by his thick, brown fur. His every exhale sent a small burst of snow from his nose.
"That can't be," Ash whispered wide-eyed. The mature Piloswine made his partner look like an errant Swinub. The giant Piloswine snapped his attention to them making him curse. Vulpix and Willow were shivering slightly. Hellfire glanced between where Gore was and the powerful swine with a bewildered look. Piloswine turned to the green-eyed aristocratic man with pale skin, and green hair and grunted. The swine's trainer wore a white suit with the black and red symbol of Team Rocket on it. His shoes cost more than all the money I've earned in the past four months. His green eyes, which were a shade lighter than Erika's deep emeralds, sharpened as the swine grunted.
"Ash what species is it?" Gary called with trepidation. It wasn't often he saw Ash hesitate.
"Come out now!" the green-haired man barked. He kinda looks like that guy we fought with the Houndoom and Electabuzz. "Do you know who I am?" he asked. "I am former Executive Archer! Come out now, or my friend here will make you!" The Piloswine puffed out his massive chest and snorted snow. Ash narrowed his eyes. There were several claw marks and two large, red marks on his chest. Are those from Hellfang?
"Executive?" Ash whispered, giving Gary a sharp glance. The gray-eyed boy flinched.
"Archer, that guy was the one who fought on par with Master Surge," Gary whispered with a harsh swallow.
"Very well, then, draw them out," Archer ordered with a sigh. Piloswine grunted and shut his eyes. Five icicles as long as the first materialized above the swine. Ash paled, then he backpedaled so rapidly he tripped. Piloswine jerked his neck, and the blades soared at them with such speed that they were little more than blurs. Something thin wrapped around his waist and yanked him through the air, drawing a yelp from him. He flinched when a sound like thunder assaulted his ears.
"L-lady Erika!" his brother cried, making his eyes snap open. Bloom the Meganium crooned at him before lowering him and Willow to the ground.
"T-thanks," Ash said with a relieved sigh. Willow gave the mighty saurian an adoring coo. Erika smiled at him as she and her partner strode to the door. Though the Meganium weighed at least a ton, he found her saunter no less graceful than the Ninetales. A small Ninetales and a taller than average Mr. Mime sauntered after them. The powerful vixen gave his Vulpix and Hellfire a haughty look as she passed them. Could that be Vivi?
"Our opponent is a Piloswine!" Gary called, eyeing one of the icicles that had landed near him warily.
"Piloswine," the Gym Leader repeated quietly with narrowed eyes. Bloom sniffed the air insistently, then growled deep in her throat. Erika patted her side lightly as they strode through the center's doors. Gary scrambled past him to the window. Ash cursed and forced himself to his feet. He didn't care how dangerous it was - he wasn't missing this fight. Willow raced past Gary then she lifted herself onto the windowsill with her vines.
"Erika and Bloom eh? Then, I expect Sabrina and Glace are the ones in the back," Archer said with a frown. Piloswine snarled and pawed at the ground. Bloom gave the Piloswine a cold glare and extended her vines. Ash grinned, his excitement, so great his fists were shaking. She's fairly young but many grass-types have been known to grow quickly. I finally get to see it, a Master-Level battle! "A shame we won't be able to use our full teams today, but our partners dueling alone works just as well I suppose," the green-haired man stated his frown becoming a small, cold smile.
"Archer, Tundra, I should have known you were the ones behind this. Only you would be low enough to attack a city of mourning," Erika said her green eyes resembling stone. "I suppose It can't be helped, with your skill only a Gym less city couldn't repel you." Archer's eyes green narrowed and Tundra snarled.
"Tell me Erika, has your city recovered from the incident in the Game Corner?" the former Executive inquired his smile becoming sly. "My brothers, killed so many of yours that they lost track, but if I recall correctly, you lost around twenty Pokemon and a couple trainers correct?" Ash and Gary swallowed when Erika stiffened. A shiver raced up their spines that had nothing to with the Piloswine.
"Erect a barrier," the Gym Leader ordered quietly, her green eyes blazing. Archer's smile widened as Vivi and Mr. Mime's eyes glowed pink. Erika does have the high ground and Meganium specialize in manipulating leaves and petals, so they don't have to get too close to his tusks. But, that Tundra definitely has an ice nature and definitely has Frost Breath or even Ice Beam. If Bloom gets hit her reflexes will dull. Her advantage is overwhelming but... Ash tugged on the bill of his hat. Not to mention that Icicle Crash of his is stronger than Tiny's Stone Edge.
Bloom stomped her feet and produced countless petals from her flower. The Meganium blasted the petals with a snarl. Tundra growled deep in his throat before blasting a burst of powdery wind with the force of a blizzard at his foe. The howling winds and impossibly sharp petals seemed to roar as they met. Ash's eyes widened as one by one the petals fell covered in frost. Bloom roared, sending the hairs on the back of his neck standing, and stomped her giant foot. "Peace," Erika murmured giving the saurian a sharp glance.
Bloom growled, but assented, abandoning the petals for a barrier that covered her front and flanks. That's a Light Screen? Tundra roared and squared himself, an action that reminded Ash of Gore activating Avalanche. The winds split into two and moved to attack the saurian's flanks. Bloom's barrier expanded so it enveloped her completely. She dug in her heels as the Blizzard crashed into her barrier. The wall cracked and bent under the force of the swine's relentless wind, but the Meganium's will refused to be broken. Tundra huffed, disappointed.
The swine took several steps away from the white steps, with his eyes trained on his opponent. Archer mimicked the movement, but opted to move to the right. Ash furrowed his brow as he watched the ground ripple around him as he moved. Bloom turned to Erika with a snort. "Don't get carried away now," she said quietly. The Meganium gave her trainer a dry look as she turned to stride down the steps.
Tundra jerked his neck, sending a shard of ice at the distracted saurian. Ash's warning was cut off when a small barrier materialized in front of the Meganium. The Ice Shard smashed into the barrier with a terrible crack and exploded into countless pieces. Bloom gave the swine a haughty look as she reached the bottom of the stairs. He squealed and stomped a hoof. A layer of frost began to develop beneath Tundra's great hoof. "Do it," Erika commanded.
Bloom squared herself before exhaling heavily. The Piloswine grunted in a tone he believed to be confused. "Stop her, you fool!" Archer cried slapping his face with his palm so hard Ash could hear it. Tundra inhaled deeply, making his great chest expand even further, then he blasted another massive gust of howling, snowy wind at his enemy.
Thorny vines, too many for him to count in his stunned state, larger and thicker than Bloom herself shot from the earth in front of their master. The raging wind slammed into the vines making them wither almost immediately. Ash and Gary gaped while Willow cheered as the vines grew to a height comparable to Wave. The vines reared back like an Arbok, then they struck with a speed too great for the swine to react. Tundra squealed as three of the vines slapped him off the earth and onto his side.
He righted himself quickly, only to find his other side assaulted by vines. Bloom snarled, and a vine wrapped around each of Tundra's stubby legs. Incredibly, more vines emerged from near Bloom's feet and shot out toward the struggling Piloswine from his flanks. "Crash Cutter!" Archer commanded his jaw clenched.
Tundra roared and a large, spinning, Icicle Crash with an edge sharper than any blade formed in front of him. But, before he could fire it, Bloom's Frenzy Plant came upon the Piloswine like a wave crashing onto a beach. Tundra's roar of agony made Ash wince, but a larger part of the boy was filled with relief. He sighed, his shoulders slumping as he did, and hugged his Bulbasaur tightly. Ash frowned when he realized tiny saurian's form was tight with tension. The trainer turned back to the fight with a sense of dread. The giant blade of ice was still growing, and had increased the speed of its spinning.
"Solarbeam, maximum power!" Erika ordered narrowing her eyes. Bloom tilted her upper body back to the point that her massive flower faced the sun. Ash felt his Pokemon stiffen further as a yellow glow began to emanate from the Meganium's flower.
"Mow it down!" Archer commanded with a wave of his arm. The blade whistled as it shot at its master's bindings. The Crash Cutter cleaved through layer after layer of massive vines with distressing speed. Bloom narrowed her eyes and sent her vines out behind her. Then the Meganium tilted herself back so she was standing on her vines and her hind legs. It was the most impressive feat of vine strength Ash had ever seen. "It'll use Solarbeam the moment you're free!" the green-haired Executive barked.
The blade stilled as a large hoof burst from the Frenzy Plant. Another stubby leg broke free, then the ice hacked at the vine below the limb. The light Bloom's flower gathered swiftly gathered at its mistress's maw, becoming even more radiant as it was concentrated. Ash watched with bated breath as the ice was sent soaring to the sky. There was a moment of stillness, then Tundra sprung from his prison with an infuriated squeal and a white orb in his maw. Bloom roared as she fired the energy of the sun at the Piloswine.
Tundra abandoned his Ancient Power mid air with a jerk of his giant head. The moment he landed, the Piloswine slammed his front hooves into the earth with such force that Ash was certain the ground would give. The earth beneath his hooves cracked, then it erupted, throwing the giant boar into the air. Bloom tried to swing her head toward the airborne swine, but the Solarbeam clipped the platform and detonated. The boys stared with wide eyes as the platform was consumed by smoke and Tundra was sent careening through the air.
Hellfire and Vulpix howled at the display of power, while Willow continued to stare at the Meganium with something near worship. The sun was the source of power for fire and grass-types. To utilize such a powerful Solarbeam with utter ease must have made the panting Meganium appear to be a goddess to the young Pokemon.
"I can't believe it," Gary whispered in a tone filled with reverence. The Piloswine's platform and many of the giant vines had been obliterated. The ground where the beam exploded had been blown into a crater. Tundra roared furiously, though the swine's sides were bleeding heavily and he had hit the ground with a thud, the swine was far from broken. The Piloswine's shaggy fur had been moved, allowing his furious, dark eyes to be better viewed.
"Maintain yourself! Freeze it!" Archer snarled, doubtlessly recognizing his partner's need for a firmer hand. Tundra shot a howling, freezing wind at Bloom with a roar fiercer than a blizzard's winds.
The Meganium rolled her neck in a full circle as she released a countless of her petals. The petals shot out several yards away from their mistress, then they began to whirl around Bloom as though she was the eye of a hurricane. The attack of snow, sleet, and wind hit the swirling shield with a crack. Tundra gave an annoyed rumble when the barrier of petals held. He abandoned shooting more of the Blizzard, in favor of sending what he had created to trap the Meganium on all sides. "Up the speed!" Erika ordered. The petal's speed increased to the point that they seemed to be linked.
"Do it," Archer commanded in a tone colder than any of his Piloswine's attacks. Tundra jerked his head up, sending the entirety of the Blizzard at the front of the Petal Dance. Then he slammed his hooves into the earth with a bellow.
"Up!" the Gym Leader cried, her face paling. Bloom reared back, drawing her petals with her, with a roar. The massive blade of ice pierced the shield of petals with ease, making Bloom's eyes widen in horror. The blade sliced through the thick hide of her underbelly with ease, drawing a shriek from the saurian. Bloom's vines shot out behind her to steady the stumbling Meganium. Tundra bellowed triumphantly as he blasted a white beam at the grass-type. Bloom shut her eyes, making a sense of dread grow in Ash's belly, then a gigantic vine erupted beneath her. The Ice Beam hit the vine's stem covering it with a layer of ice and making it wilt.
"Bomb!" Erika commanded as the Meganium's vine fell. Bloom leaped from the Frenzy Plant with a battle cry and spat several seeds at the swine.
"Beam," the Rocket countered in a tone that made it seem he was discussing the weather. His Piloswine was equally unmoved by the display as he a white beam that froze the seeds. Bloom shrieked, and created a barrier that blocked the Ice Beam. She landed next to her opponent with a wince, then she spat glowing seeds into Tundra's side. The swine hissed as he kicked the saurian away. She shrieked as she was thrown off her feet by the blow. A scarlet light engulfed Bloom before the Piloswine's tusks could gore her. Tundra snarled and stomped his hooves furious with his victim's escape.
Erika threw a Pokeball to the bottom of the steps with a scowl. When it hit the ground, a Tangrowth that stood about a foot taller than Vinya was released. Ash flinched as Willow buried her head in his neck. Did Bloom losing really bother her that much? His eyes widened in alarm, when Vulpix ducked behind his legs and Hellfire hid his face behind his paw. Wedge had sunk to the point that he was hovering only inches off the ground. "W-what's wrong?" The trainer demanded, panic in his tone. The worry in him grew, when they refused to reply, and his Bulbasaur started shaking.
"He's exhausted, Ivy, let us help him get some rest," Erika suggested with a dark smile. The Tangrowth clapped her hands and hopped from foot to foot. Ivy didn't seem bothered by whatever was affecting the boys' Pokemon. Mr. Mime, though, was sweating profusely, while Vivi's eyes were darting around the center before settling on the sky. Ash followed her gaze and gasped at what he saw. The trainer blinked when he realized there wasn't anything there. I don't get it, what could be bothering them?
He shrugged, it didn't matter at the moment. The monstrous Piloswine with an incredible advantage over Ivy mattered. The boy shuddered as a chill worked its way down his spine. Hellfire and Vulpix whimpered as they lay against the ground. Ash swallowed as he watched the dog and vixen push against the ground, but they were unable to rise. A screeching from next to him made him wince. Wedge too! "What's wrong?" Gary cried in a tone as panicked as Ash felt.
A strong, gust of cold wind crashed over the raven-haired boy making him shiver. Ash turned to the window with cold sweat developing on his brow. Hovering mere inches away from the center was a Pokemon the likes of which Ash had never seen. The Pokemon, a ghost or dark-type, was a dark purple, it had haunting red eyes and a gold marking on its forehead that resembled a third eye. It was a Gengar, or at least it was related to the family line, judging by the large spikes running down its back. But where most Gengar had stubby limbs, this ghost's three-fingered claws led to thick, biceps, and it appeared to have no legs. Instead, its lower body was covered in a reddish purple that seemed to flow back into a tail with three large spikes on it.
Could it be….. Darkrai? Ash heard harsh panting that he recognized in the back of his mind was his own. No, it can't be the Reaper, it's only found in Sinnoh! "You- you're the Black Fog," the boy stammered, as he began to tremble. He sank to his knees and brought his unmoving Bulbasaur to his chest. This can't be real! The trainer clenched his fists as shame burned in his heart. Ash forced himself to look the grinning beast in the eye.
"W-what do you want?" Gary asked, gasping. Like Ash he had been forced onto his knees. Perspiration covered the other boy's pale face and his eyes were half shut. He looked as pitiful as Ash felt. The Gengar (and that could only be what she was) tapped where her chin would have been thoughtfully.
"What I want, is a world for ghosts!" a woman's ringing voice stated as the Fog's eyes narrowed and her grin faded. Ash recoiled with wide eyes. Gary inhaled sharply and his Pokemon whimpered. The legendary ghost's eyes danced with mirth. "First time meeting one of us with the ability to project our "voice"?" The Fog inquired tilting her head to the side. "But certainly not the first time you've met a Transcendent, no, in fact, you both have met with him, of all Pokemon," the Fog continued eyeing them like they were a puzzle. "I wonder what he could want with you boys-" the Gengar twitched as a pink circle slammed into her back.
Vivi panted lightly as she glared at the great ghost. The Fog turned to level the defiant vixen with a disinterested look. Mr. Mime stood at her right with both hands extended. Standing next to Erika, was a saurian creature of the same size as Bloom, that had what looked to be bananas hanging from its neck, and several, giant leaves that looked to be wings. Ash recognized it to be a Pokemon from the Hoenn region, Tropius. A grass-type with equally powerful wind manipulation that were reputed to be gentle. Gentle was the last word Ash would have used to describe the species, if he were to go off this beast's baleful glare.
The Fog cackled, as though several beasts capable of leading a herd was no more a threat than an angry Caterpie. "Ivy, you're on your own! If I see you so much as glance away, I'll cut your sunbathing time in half!" Erika vowed her apprehensive gaze locked on the Fog. The Tangrowth gave an enthusiastic chirp in response. The trainer braced himself when light vibrations hit the center. Relief washed through him as he came to a realization. Mr. Fuji and Janine are still up and fighting.
The Gengar glanced between the boys and Erika with amusement dancing in her eyes. Then she floated so she was standing in the direction Ivy and Tundra were fighting. The Fog beckoned the panting vixen and sweating Tropius with a claw. Tropius roared furiously as it took to the skies. Vivi and Mr. Mime blasted pink circles of psychic energy at the legendary ghost Pokemon. The Fog shot black lightning from its eyes, that tore through the Psywaves with ease. They yelped and hurried to create Light Screens. The barriers cracked and bent under the attack's force, but held.
Ash's eyes widened when Tropius fired a Dragon Pulse at the Fog's back. The Gengar soared around the attack with ease and laughed. Purple flames engulfed her fists as she surged at the saurian. Vivi blasted a flare of flames, while Mr. Mime shot an extremely thick barrier at the Gengar. The Fog gave them an annoyed look before blasting another, thicker Night Shade at their attacks. The moves crashed into one another, resulting an explosion of light left Ash and Gary blinking rapidly.
Tropius roared before flapping its now glowing leaves furiously. Vicious winds assaulted the Fog making her twitch. The Gengar flipped away from the Twister with a cackle. She cocked her flaming fist back then she launched the Will-O-Wisp enhanced Fire Punch. Tropius's eyes widened in alarm when it noticed she escaped his Twister. The saurian shrieked as the fist smashed into its cheek sending him careening through the sky. "Vivi do it! Imprison, full power!" Erika cried her tone nearly panicked. The Fog cackled at the dazed saurian as the detached hand continued its assault.
Mr. Mime narrowed its eyes, and directed its hands towards the Fog. Ten rods of light materialized next to its head, it flicked its wrists, and the Imprison launched itself. Vivi inhaled sharply, then she leveled a glare at the distracted Gengar. The ghost blinked as her arm was crushed against her side by the psychic grip's pressure. She flexed her arm slightly breaking the hold with ease. Then a portion of the Fog's chest exploded into gas making Ash flinch.
"What was that?" Gary asked, propping himself up against the windowsill.
"An incredibly strong Extrasensory!" the trainer whispered eyeing the newly evolved Ninetales with respect. Her powers don't seem to have been limited by the ghostly energy here a bit. Tropius landed on the center's red roof with a huff. The saurian glared at the now reformed Fog and rumbled deep in its throat. Tropius's brown hide was covered with patches that had been burnt to the point he could see muscle tissue. The leaves that were its wings were burned to half their original length. Ash's eyes widened when he realized the wings were already regenerating. Why isn't she attacking? He clenched his fists. Just like Ninetales, we're just a game to her.
The Fog regarded her opponents with her head tilted, and a curious gleam in her red eyes. "Don't bother with anymore psychic attacks, Vivi, and no defensive barriers!" Erika ordered as she released what Ash assumed to be her last Pokemon. It was an orange, an insectoid Pokemon with three pairs of legs. The front pair of legs were pincers bigger than King was tall. The Parasect gave its comrades with a gurgle before stiffening. It turned to the Fog with a fierce glare, the only sign of the great bug's anxiety was the slight shaking of its pincers. "Stay with me, Parri." The Parasect kept its eyes trained on the Gengar as it moved to stand in front of its trainer.
Ash winced as a wave of howling wind made itself known. It seemed Tundra still had quite a bit of fight in him. The boy gnashed his teeth when he heard his Pokemon whimper again. The Fog giggled and beckoned her opponents. The legendary ghost had become sick of waiting. Tropius fired a thick, green beam at the specter. She propelled herself above the technique, forcing the saurian to jerk its head after her.
Balls of purple flame formed on each of the ghost's claws. The Fog shot the several orbs of Will-O-Wisp at Tropius with a grin. A pink wall and a large stream of flame met the specter's move before it could near the grass-type. Tropius squawked as it fell onto its side, forcing it to abandon its attack when one of the now tiny balls hit its side. She must have used Hex on it to increase the pain its attack would cause. Gengar can only produce enough fire for a Fire Punch, which means she's combing at least three attacks while moving!
Black lightning far smaller than the previous blast, shot from her eyes at the groaning saurian. Vivi and Mr. Mime blasted a thick Reflect and a stream of purple flame, respectively at the Night Shade. Again, the attacks cancelled one another out, but this time the Fog was ready. Her grin widened to a near maniacal degree as her claws shot out, pinning the struggling vixen and mime against the center's walls by their necks. "Ball!" Erika shrieked. The Gengar shot a large wave of sludge while Parri gathered energy between its pincers.
A giant, green and brown form threw itself in front of the Sludge Wave. Tropius shrieked as parts of its hide were melted off by the Gengar's poison. The saurian was consumed by a scarlet light. Parri fired an enormous Energy Ball at the Fog. The ghost sent a small Night Shade into the orb making it explode prematurely, and obscuring her from his sight. A large, purple glob of poison was shot at the insect, drawing a pained shriek. The claws holding Vivi and Mr. Mime faded. Then the Fog exploded from the smoke in a blur. Her arms became black blurs as she slammed them into the disoriented Pokemon. Dust and stone flew as the center's wall gave, and their defenders were sent tumbling to the other side of the center. They hit the wall with a crunch before descending limply to the earth.
The legendary Gengar gave the unconscious Pokemon an unreadable look. Parri leaped through the hole in the wall with its claws glowing yellow. The Fog shrieked in alarm as the pincers slashed at her back. Countless vines slapped the ghost making her squeak and flail. Ash coughed, and held his motionless Bulbasaur to his chest as he crawled away from the battle. He forced his body over Hellfire and Vulpix with a gasp. It wasn't much, but it might be enough to save their lives. Gary...
The Fog grabbed one of Parri's claws with one hand, while the other produced a Will-O-Wisp to ward off Ivy. Even though it knew its vines didn't feel pain, the Tangrowth's instinctual fear of fire made it back away with a squeak. The Gengar held the Parasect away from her as though it was diseased. She glared at the defiant insect before throwing it at Ivy. The Tangrowth caught the flailing insect with ease with her arms. The Fog waved her right arm and a wave of pink energy sent Ivy flying. The Tangrowth shrieked as she was sent sailing through the wall. Ash's vision was overcome by dust and smoke as the center's front was blown away. Something heavy landed onto his back, and he felt a sting in his torso. A dull ache grew in his chest when he heard a woman give a pained scream.
With a wave of the Fog's arm, the smoke was cleared. Ash inhaled sharply when he saw his brother. The brown-haired boy's eyes were shut, his leg was pinned beneath a rock, and his clothing was covered in white dust. He found Erika lying prone, and still outside the center with red in her beautiful, raven hair. Were it not for the slight rise of their backs Ash would have believed them to be dead. The trainer furrowed his brow. His chest felt a bit wet, it hurt when he breathed, and his head was throbbing. It doesn't matter. Ash snarled as he pushed the stone off his back.
The boy flinched when he heard a crash from the back of the center. The Fog stiffened before staring at the center's roof with a frown. A black and white form wreathed in shadowy energy landed next to Erika. Another, mighty, and unseen force weighed upon him, but it brought no despair. Ash gave a weak smirk, even as his breathing became even more difficult. He's already in Nasty Plot! Hellfang snorted and nudged Erika with his nose gently. Ghostly energy won't bother a dark-type, but the force behind her attacks will be a problem. He's still pretty hurt too. When the Gym Leader failed to respond, the Houndoom turned to stare in his direction.
Ash's breath froze in his lungs. No longer was the legendary dog cheerful and playful. His blazing, golden eyes seemed to pierce the boy's very essence. Hellfang's eyes narrowed and the air heated when he saw Vulpix and Hellfire. Finally, the armored dog turned to his foe with a glare. The Fog regarded him with an unnerving calm. After a moment, she pointed over Hellfang's shoulder.
He growled before turning and leaping. The dog Pokemon landed about several yards away from the center steps. Ash gaped, but the Fog seemed to have expected the incredible feat. She gave Archer and his Rhyperior a sharp look as she floated down the steps. The large Rhyperior rumbled, it seemed all too happy to move away from the titans. The Drill Pokemon surprised him by creating a barrier of stone. "It-it has to be to protect Archer," Ash mumbled furrowing his brow. The idea of a three-ton beast of stone needing a shield was absurd.
Right?
The ground beneath Hellfang cracked as he was wreathed in purple flame. Ash's eyes widened when he saw the dark wisps in the fire. He's using Nasty Plot and a Will-O-Wisp and Flame Charge combo? The Gengar gave a bloodthirsty grin and beckoned the Houndoom. Hellfang blasted a wave of flame wide enough to envelop the center. The Gengar cackled before launching herself into the sky. The Fog narrowed her eyes, as a black orb surrounded in dark lightning built in her palm. Hellfang's eyes widened in alarm when he saw the orb, then he abandoned his flame.
The Fog blasted her Shadow Ball as the Houndoom spat an orb of fire. Ash flinched as the energies met, mixed, and detonated. Black smoke and dust obscured the dueling Pokemon from view. Hellfang erupted from the smoke with a bark, that sent a wave of energy, darker than a moonless night at the ghost. The Fog shrieked and extended her arms rapidly. Black wind whirled around the ghost with such speed that the boy failed to locate the Fog.
The Snarl crashed against the barrier of wind and washed over it harmlessly. Hellfang, barked undeterred and charged with purple fire in his jaws. The Fog waved her arms in a circle, then she thrust them toward the Houndoom. The Ominous Wind howled as it moved to form a great vortex in front of its mistress. The Gengar blasted her wave of wind with a shriek. Hellfang leaped over the Ominous Wind making the Fog's eyes widen in alarm.
The Fog shrieked as the dog Pokemon ripped her arm off. The specter spun away from the dog. Black Lightning shot from her eyes sending Hellfang sailing through the wall of a nearby home, and making him yelp. The Fog hissed as another Shadow Ball with more black lightning surrounding it grew in her palm. Ash gasped as the orb grew too large to be held in her palm. The Houndoom leaped through the hole he had sailed through, only to be greeted by the Fog's Shadow Ball.
The orb exploded with a sound like thunder, drawing a cry of pain from Hellfang, and making Ash wince. The trainer opened his eyes as quickly as he could. There was now a crater longer than the house and several feet deep where the home had been. Cold hands gripped his heart. You've gotta be kidding me, a two-story brick house in one go?
The Fog had her eyes shut and a frown firmly etched on her face. Black energy began to swirl around the Gengar, then a new arm shot from her body. The house behind the crater exploded in a tornado of ghostly flame. The vortex of Will-O-Wisp grew further still, making the Fog's eyes widen in alarm, and create another shield of spinning, black wind. The fire coiled like an Arbok and struck with speed too swift for him to process as more than a blur. The shield howled as the flames crashed into it, making the fire wash over the shield as it was beaten in. Hellfang barked, urging the pressure behind his flames to intensify, and the Fog's shield gave.
The Fog gave a haunting scream as the vortex engulfed her. Ash's eyes were wide and his breathing quick, as the ghost's purple form was obscured by the screeching tornado. A great, black and purple form leaped into view. Hellfang howled, and it was that moment, that Ash could truly see the Houndoom as an agent of death itself. On their master's command, the flames molded into a giant, spinning, spherical prison.
A black beam carved through the flame, and drilled into Hellfang throwing the great dog through the air. He skidded a few yards before digging into the earth with a claw. Ominous Wind erupted from the prison with a howl. The Fog glared at the Houndoom with such acidity that her red eyes gleamed in the setting sun. Ash watched with a vindictive triumph welling in his chest when purple, poisonous gas fizzled from the Gengar's chest. The armor on the Houndoom's left side had been melted slightly, and blood dripped from his right ear. Hellfang panted lightly for a moment, then slammed his paw into the earth creating a crack similar to a spider's web. His breathing evened when he turned to the Fog and his form was still wreathed in an armor of flame.
The Houndoom was far from finished.
"That's enough!" Archer called raising his voice. The green-haired man was flanked by two tall men with pale, aristocratic features, and green hair. Ash's eyes narrowed. "My brothers will make you pay!" Luke's brothers… Could it be they're Archer and Proton? He had no doubt the tallest man with a cruel smirk was Proton. Not many trainers in the world had a Rhyperior and a Crobat behind them. Ash bit his lip. Janine and Mr. Fuji… If they lost, then they're… He shook his head, then hissed when his temples throbbed harder.
"Should we continue this struggle, Lavender Town will cease to exist," Archer explained when the legendary Pokemon turned sharp eyes on him. The ground beneath Hellfang cracked and he took a menacing step toward the Rockets. The Rocket Boss stood his ground even as cold sweat developed on his forehead. Luke and Proton panted heavily before they moved to lean on, their brother's larger Rhyperior for support. Proton's Rhyperior gave a threatening rumble that only made Hellfang glance at it. Its type advantage meant little to the Houndoom. Proton recalled the beast of stone before it picked a fight it couldn't possibly win.
"It is true, we violated this place of mourning - though unintentionally - that has stood for over twelve-thousand years, yet there is no need for it to be further damaged," Archer continued peering into Hellfang's golden eyes. Ash stared at him with his jaw clenched. He's the reason this is all happening in the first place! "If you continue this duel, this town, the people, the Pokemon, and those buried here," Hellfang narrowed his eyes dangerously, "Will be destroyed… I, and mine, will not return to this town, if you will allow us to leave in peace," the Rocket Boss swore placing his hand over his heart. The Fog gave the human an annoyed look before moving to float by the Rhyperior.
Hellfang glared at the man for a moment, seeming to peer into his very soul. Then the Houndoom barked and sat on his haunches. "A decision Champion Karen would have approved of," Archer said bowing his head slightly. Hellfang snarled, and spat a stream of fire that reduced a nearby house, its impressive yard, and the house behind it to ashes. The Boss swallowed before nodding and climbing onto his Pokemon. The Drill Pokemon gave the dog a hesitant nod, then it turned and raced down the street as fast as it could. Ash sighed and slumped.
"Ash!" a girlish voice cried with worry. Janine slid to a stop next to him a moment later. There was a small cut above her right eyebrow, and her hair had been torn from its usual ponytail. Relief flooded him making him sigh. The kunoichi would be fine. Well, she wouldn't be if her face kept getting paler.
"Say something!" Mr. Fuji demanded as he and Talc strode into view. Nurse Joy and her Jigglypuff were a step behind him. Ash blinked blearily when his vision began to blur. A nap would be good. "Stay awake," the veteran urged patting his cheek lightly. The boy opened his right eye slightly. How rude. Ash exhaled heavily, and embraced the sweet relief of unconsciousness.
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Reviews
Thank you to my guest.
About Pokemon abilities in a story setting.
Does anybody know how to make sense of Flash Fire? From what I can tell from Anime!Charizard vs Blaziken the heat wasn't the problem so much as the force the fire was hitting them with. How can Pokemon with Flash Fire be immune to the force behind a Flame Burst? It doesn't make sense.
Ditto for Motor Drive.
Same with Static, really. Every strong electric Pokemon should be able to affect others with their electricity on contact. Paralysis on contact should be a thing for all of them.
Point is, there will be special circumstances that allow Pokemon to get boosts from their elements, but I'm gonna try and make them semi logical. (Or to have their powers limited by other elements.)
A.N. For what was once chapter 16.
If you didn't know who the Reaper was, then go sit in a corner… Unless you've not played the Sinnoh games, then all is forgiven..
I had a lovely conversation with a reviewer, who pretty much schooled with his game knowledge tbh, about Houndoom vs Magmortar and the Houndoom family in general. He made several very valid points about their game uses, but I can't use it in story. Because, in a game setting your opponent can't Teleport… or dodge. And eternally painful flames don't help if you can't burn something. I can, however, make sense of Nasty plot, so there's that.
If there are any techniques you think are cool, and would like to share them with me, I will try to make a logical use for them in the story.
Teleport and flight are seriously broken. Thank god for rock-types being all but immune to heat or Charizard and Magmortar would be game breakers. As it is, they're just a huge problem for their opponent. To be fair, all the starters are all truly monstrous.