At long last, I feel like the 'Potential Pokemon' List has gone down and I will be accepting recommended Pokemon for Charles, Alice, Flo and Leaf. However, I do have to request that each person sends 2-3 recommendation per character as I don't want to be overwhelmed again.
Thank you :)
pokemonking0924 - Thank you, I've been meaning to do a Flo chapter for a while now. Alice is getting along with her new machoke, much to Apollo's annoyance. I would have to do a special chapter about them. Atlas is very fun to write and the photo of Nurse Jenny will appear some time in the future. There may even be a possibility for Flo to dress up as Officer Joy. Ichigo and his gloves looking like strawberries, I have to note that down somewhere, because that's brilliant. Epione is so lovely although very forgetful. She kind of reminds me of the blissey that Jessie was friends with at the chansey school.
Thanks so much for reading and I hope you will enjoy the next chapter.
SkullGreymonX - It sure did, but thankfully everything turned out alright. I had a great time writing Rey Zobes. I know characters shouldn't be two-dimensional and more complex, but it was nice and easy writing somebody who was just horrible. He is very much like Mr Krabs, but even he had showed compassion ever so often. However, Rey will return and will get revenge on the team...after he paid off all those ticket fines. Oh and I agree, Atlas does talk like Jude. It was strangely fun to write. Thanks for reading.
djinn - Thanks so much, I need to think of chapter where they all dress up as police officers. You're spot on, change is very difficult especially for people who have done things in a certain way for so long. Hope you enjoy the next chapter.
Kunoichi69 - I know right, I needed to make sure they all had names otherwise I would be just as lost. Flo was excellent this chapter. While she did know how to basically run the Centre; she still lacked proper experience to run it effectively. She still has far to go, but she is more then capable of achieving. You also raised a good point about Epione and Blissey, I have to make a note of it somewhere.
While Alice had quite a hard day, although she did bond with Atlas when they were paining the Centre. And yes, the Nurse Jenny will resurface in the future as well as the possibility of an Officer Joy. A scrap book sounds like a lovely idea, they can have one for each region they go to. Thanks for reading and I hope you'll enjoy the next chapter.
TurboDriver07 - Thanks so much. I based Ray Zobes on Jeffrey Bezos. I took the last part of 'Jeffrey' (Rey) and mixed up the letters in Bezos (Zobes). I didn't want to include his name directly but aw well, what's he going to do? Sue me? The Nurse Jenny picture idea sounds really funny, I have to remember it.
Generic Guy - I thought so too. Plus, it's not the first time one of my characters have subtly broken the 4th wall.
Guest2 - Yes, I believe it was djinn who suggested it. It sounded like a strong name for the tyrogue. Thanks for reading.
Guest - Flo was great in this chapter. Confident, but knows when she needs help. I have good plans for the Alice chapter and I can't wait to present them. Thanks for reading.
Guest (2) - Good point. I have remedied it. Thanks a lot.
Thank you all for reviewing, hope you'll enjoy the next chapter
Chapter 29: The Floral Dance
Celadon City Pokemon Centre
("No. Absolutely not. No way, Jose,") Titania firmly denied, glaring up at Charles.
"Come on. It's a really effective move," the trainer said, trying to convince the Sylveon in his lap, "Not only do you damage your opponent, but you regain your health."
("Listen, moron,") Titania growled, her ribbons pointed threateningly at him, ("I ain't kissing anybody. I don't care how effective the move is.")
The team had arrived at Celadon City, the most populous city in the whole of Kanto even exceeding Saffron City. However, while Saffron was nothing but tall buildings, motorways, and concrete, Celadon was more open and greener and boasts being the cultural capital of the region. There was its famous shopping district, a number of entertainment venues like bowling alleys and arcades and, finally, there was the botanical garden located at the city's gym. It was a lovely city and the team couldn't wait to explore it.
Before they set off, Flo wanted to call home and Alice was busy planning their route, so Charles decided to let his Pokemon out in the waiting area until they were ready to go. While Cleo, Miko and Tyche kept Marina entertained at Charles' feet and Mahad was sleeping on the sofa beside him, Charles and Benny were trying to convince Titania to expand her move set. Although, it wasn't going well.
Benny rolled his eyes, ("You're not kissing them, per se. You're just sapping their health to restore your own health.")
("Through my lips.")
("Well, how else are you suppose to do it?") Benny asked.
Charles chuckled and scratched under Titania's chin, making her purr, "Don't think of it as kissing them, but rather weakening them so you can defeat them. You will be more powerful in battles."
Titania closed her eyes and enjoyed the petting for a few more seconds before snapping out of it and using her ribbons to pull his hand away, ("I hate it when you scratch me there,") she muttered, ("Fine, I'll think about.")
'Aww she's a total softie,' Charles and Benny cooed in their heads.
They wouldn't dare say it out loud.
Not in front of her at least.
Flo came over to them, a bright smile on her face, "Just called mum and explained what happened with my grandmother. She's glad that everything was sorted out and she's so happy to meet Epione."
"Where is she?" Charles asked, looking around.
Flo lifted an eyebrow, "What do you mean she's right-"
She stopped mid-sentence when she realised that the chansey was no longer by her side. She looked around in confusion before she heard rapid footsteps behind her.
("Sorry,") Epione cried as she ran up to Flo, ("I got a little turned around. I haven't been to a new Centre in ages.")
Flo gave her an amused smile, "You got lost, huh. We'll work on that," she said as she put her back in her pokeball before turning back to Charles, "Oh and I just got a message from Professor Oak. He's ready to do a transfer."
Marina perked her head up at that accidentally tripping Tyche with her tail, ("Transfer?")
"Great," Charles said before looking down at Cleo, "Are you ready to go?"
She nodded, ("Yep, let me just-")
("Big sister!") Marina cried interrupting her, ("Where are you going?")
The persian blinked in surprise before leaning down to her level, ("I'm going to Oak's lab, so Ichigo can be with the team, sweetie,") she answered warmly.
("Can I go with you?")
("I'm sorry, sweetie. But you need to stay here,") she told her much to her disappointment, ("I thought you wanted to travel with your mama.")
Marina looked from her to Charles, ("I do. But I want to travel with mama and big sis.")
Cleo sighed and frowned a little, ("I know that we are important to you. But Ichego has to have his gym battle.")
Marina gasped in shock when she said that. Marina was bright and happy dratini and she loved a lot of things. Her mama, her family, water, sunny days and so on. But there was one thing she despised: battles. Ever since she saw Cleo get beaten up at the Saffron City gym, she hated gyms leaders and battling and couldn't understand why her mama liked it. It just didn't make sense to her; why would you want your family to get attacked?
The young dratini's eyes started to water and she shook her head violently, ("No!") she shouted, surprising everybody, ("NO! DON'T WANT BATTLE!")
Charles instantly kneeled by her side, "Marina, what's wrong?"
He tried to reach out for her, but she moved away and wrapped around Cleo's leg, ("NO!" NO BATTLE! NO BATTLE!") she shouted as tears rolled down her face.
The trainer was slightly taken back by this. This was the first time Marina has ever had a tantrum and he wasn't quite sure what to do. Luckily, Titania off the sofa and wrapped her ribbons around Marina. The dratini's screams eventually got quieter and quieter as Titania's soothing effect took hold of her until Marina loosed her grip on Cleo. While she was calm, Charles put her back in her pokeball so she can have a small rest.
"What happened?" Flo asked, looking around the Centre and giving an apologetic look to the other visitors.
"I think Marina got a bit upset," Charles sighed, as the other Pokemon gathered around, "I think she hasn't gotten over what happened in Saffron."
("Oh dear,") Miko uttered as Tyche nodded sadly.
Flo rubbed the back of her neck, "Maybe you shouldn't send Cleo back. Just until after the battle."
Cleo shook her head reluctantly, ("No, no. It wouldn't be fair to Ichigo. I need to go back to the Corral anyway and make sure everything is in order.")
Charles hummed, "Cleo says that she needs to go back," he translated to Flo, "We'll have to keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't get upset again. Sorry Cleo, that's all I can think of at the moment."
("It's fine,") the persian said with a strained smile, ("Let's do the transfer now. I wish I could have said goodbye to her though.")
("I'll tell her,") Tyche suggested, waving his leaf hands excitedly.
("And I'll supervise him,") Miko added.
("Do I need to be supervised?")
("Yes.")
("...oh okay then.") Tyche said, seemingly not bothered.
Charles returned Cleo to her pokeball, "I'll make the switch now. I'll be back in a moment and then we can meet up with Alice," he told them as he walked away towards the machine.
Although you couldn't tell from his words, they noticed the lack of enthusiasm and emptiness in his tone. It was clear that Charles was upset over Marina, but there was nothing they could do about it.
Benny sighed as he watched his brother leave before he turned to Titania below him, ("So you were pretty eager to jump in with your ribbons.")
The sylveon stiffened slightly before she turned her head away from him, ("I can't help it. It's a compulsion,") Benny gave her a look, ("Alright, maybe I did want to help her...a little bit. But it's mostly compulsion.")
("Whatever you say,") Benny said with a shrug, earning an annoyed frown from Titania.
Celadon City Shopping District
Charles, Benny, Flo and Alice walked through the pleasant shopping district, exploring the range of products they have to offer. Alice was the most eager of them, darting into every shop and spending ages trying to find the cheapest deals in the bargain area until the Charles and Flo couldn't hold anymore bags. Charles had to ask Mahad to teleport some of Alice's hoard back to the Centre at least dozen times. Despite this, they were all having a nice time in Celadon. However, what happened with Marina still weighed on Charles. He tried his best to be cheerful as he didn't want to ruin his friends' day, but Alice and Flo noticed anyway.
"Is he alright?" Alice whispered to Flo as they walked down the road a few feet behind Charles, "He's been acting kind of...off."
"He's worried about Marina," Flo whispered back, "She didn't like the idea of him doing another gym battle."
Alice nodded in understanding, she had been informed of the incident earlier "You think we should do something?"
"No, it might be best to get his mind of it."
Alice hummed before she noticed a shop down the road, "Hey, there's the perfume shop. I've been telling you guys about," she said, pointing in its direction, "Let's go in. I heard they make bespoke scents."
Charles perked up at that and looked at Benny on his shoulder, "We do need to pick up a perfume for mum."
("Let's go,") the shiny pikachu agreed as they headed towards the shop.
Flo gave Alice an appreciate nod before they two followed them into the perfume shop. As soon as they entered, they were hit with a pleasant, floral odour they reminded them of spring meadow or a garden. It was a little overwhelming at first, but the kids soon got over and looked around the spacious store. The entire shop was filled with bottles of all shapes, sizes, and colours with each containing a different scented perfume. Three female shop assistants leaned against the front desk, but stopped their chat when they heard the door open and smiled serenely at the customers. They all looked to be in their late teens and wore pink dresses as uniforms. One of the assistants had green hair tied up into two large ponytails and blue eyes whose name, according to the name tag, was Yves. Another assistant had purple bushy hair and brown eyes with a name tag that said she was called Coco. While the last assistant had short blond hair which came down into two bangs and blue eyes whose name tag said she was called Dior.
"Hello, welcome to Floral Scent-sation," Yves greeted.
"Are you browsing?" Coco continued.
"Or are you just browsing?" Dior asked before frowning, "Oh damn, sorry. We swapped lines, didn't we?"
Coco sighed in irritation, "Dior, we practised this."
"I know, sorry. Should we take it from the top?"
"There's no point," Yves said, "Just say your line."
"Right sorry again," Dior apologised before clearing her throat and turning back to the customers, "Or are you looking for something in particular?"
The team sweat dropped at their behaviour, but Flo and Alice stepped forward, "We're browsing actually. Do you mind if we smell some samples," Alice requested.
"Not at all," Yves said, "If you like to follow Dior and me to the back of the shop," she said as the two assistants led the two girls away.
"Hey," Dior whispered to Yves, "Why did we swap lines again?"
"It's because Coco says 'particular' weirdly and it's very off-putting," Yves whispered back.
'How can you say 'particular' weirdly?' Flo wandered as she and Alice followed them to the back.
Charles and Benny walked up to the remaining shop assistant, "We were wondering if you can recommend a perfume to us. Do you do perfume designed for Pokemon?"
Coco frowned slightly, "Designed for Pokemon? Err...I don't think we-"
"That sounds like quite a challenge," a new voice interrupted her.
Charles looked to their left and saw a pretty woman in her late teens. She had fair skin and green eyes that shone kindly at them. She wore a intricate shimada-style dark haired wig, a red yukata, a green and gold obi around her waist and finally a blue-purple kimono. She stepped elegantly towards them and smiled graciously.
"I never had anybody ask for a perfume for a pokemon before," she said, "They must be very special to you."
"She is," Charles said as Benny nodded, "She's raised us since we were young. Can you recommend a perfume for a blissey? I know she would love something."
("Probably one that reminds her of us,") Benny commented.
The woman hummed in thought, "Quite interesting. If may need some extra details about your special blissey. Coco, I'll take it from here."
"Of course, Miss Erika," Coco said with a bow of her head before she walked off. However, something she said caught Charles' attention.
"Wait, Erika?" he said, "As in the Grass type gym leader?"
The now named Erika giggled, "Indeed, I am also the manager of this shop. We make the perfume at our botanical gardens at the gym and sell them here. Let me guess, you are hoping to have a gym battle."
"I am. We just arrived from Saffron and Sabrina recommended to visit your gym next."
"Oh how lovely," Erika said, before she gave him a nervous smile, "She doesn't still have that...doll, right?" she asked hesitantly.
"Not anymore, she's fine now," he reassured.
Erika sighed in relief, "Oh thank Arceus. That thing was scary," she uttered, before remembering that she was in front of customers, "Ahem, I mean...That's so good to hear. If you like to follow me," she said as she quickly made her way to another part of the shop.
Charles and Benny shared a look, before they followed her.
Meanwhile, Flo and Alice were sampling the types of perfumes Yves and Dior had to offer. One of the assistants would spray their wrist and they would take a sniff of it, humming happily at the ones they liked.
"And this is Chandelure No 5, " Dior said as she sprayed Flo's wrist, "What do you think?"
Flo sniffed and nodded, "Oh that one was good."
"Oh, Flo sniff this one," Alice said, lifting her wrist up to her, "This one's called Calvin Arcanine One."
"Mmm that's-"
"Flo? Alice?" a familiar voice called out.
They turned and saw Misty at the door with Ash's pikachu in her arms. She walked with a small wave, taking in the delightful odour of the shop.
"Misty," Flo called out before she scratched pikachu behind the ears, causing him to squeak cutely, "and hello to you pilachu. Did you just arrived?"
"Got here this morning? We would have come sooner but we had a…run in with a primape," she told them with a grimace, "What about you guys?"
"We arrived last night," Alice answered, "Isn't this city great? We've just been shopping and I picked up so many bargains."
"And we have to carry it all," Flo murmured, "Where's Ash and Brock?"
Before Misty could answer, Yves looked towards the shop window and pulled a disgusted face, "Is that guy drooling on the window?"
The three girls and Pikachu turned to where she was looking at and sighed when they saw Brock with his face pressed against the window. He seemed to be in some sort of daze with his mouth slightly opened as he watched Yves and Dior.
"There's one," Misty muttered.
Suddenly the door to the shop slammed open and Ash stormed in, gagging slightly as he smelt the shop.
"Misty, Pikachu, what are you doing. Perfume is nothing but a rip-off," he cried.
"…And there's the other one," Misty sighed as she rolled her eyes.
Ash's eyes widened in surprise when he saw a couple of familiar faces, "Oh hey guys, what are you doing here? I thought you would know better than to waste your money here."
"Ash," Flo sternly said as she cast a look at the annoyed shop assistants, "Don't be rude. This is their livelihood."
The young trainer snorted, "I'm not being rude. I'm being honest. Perfume is stupid. There are way better things you can buy."
Flo, Alice and Misty hummed in worry as they saw Yves and Dior glower at the young trainer, Even Pikachu buried himself in Misty's arms in embarrassment. However, before they could act a strict voice cut through the tense atmosphere.
"Excuse me," Erika fiercely said as she made her way over to him, followed closely by Charles and Benny, "Did you just insult my product, young man."
Charles got in front of Erika and smiled sheepishly at her, "I'm really sorry about my friend here. He's...special," he glared at Ash, "Apologise now."
"For what?," Ash snorted, "perfumes are dumb and they turn guys into zombies like him," he said pointing at Brock who was still drooling at the window.
Erika glanced at Brock, "Can somebody make him stop. I just had those windows cleaned. And I'm going to give you one last chance to apologise or else you're banned from this shop," she threatened with a glare that frightened Ash a little bit.
"Ash," Charles uttered under his breath, "If you want to have your next badge then you need to apologise to her now."
Since everybody was so distracted, Charles didn't realise that one of his pokeballs opened and Marina appeared on the floor. She looked around for a moment before darting under a table and watched the scene play out.
("Yeah, Ash. Stop being so stubborn,") Pikachu agreed.
"Even you Pikachu," Ash cried, "No, I'm not apologising. I meant everything I said."
Erika pointed sharply at the door, "Leave immediately and don't you dare come back onto my property again."
"Like I would want to come here again," Ash muttered, turning his back to them and pushing open the door, "I'm going to get my next badge which is something way more important then stupid perfume."
And with that, Ash stormed out of the shop leaving them behind to head to the gym. Charles shook his head in despair and turned to a fuming Erika with a sheepish look.
"You're...going to ban him for the gym, aren't you?"
"Yes, yes I am," Erika simply said.
Flo glanced over Charles and Erika curiosily, "What do you mean by that?"
"Oh right," Charles realised, "Guys, this is Erika, the Celestine City gym leader. The one Sabrina was talking about."
Erika bowed her head to them elegantly, "A pleasure to meet you."
A look of recognition appeared on Flo's, Alice's, Misty's and Pikachu's faces as they were greeted by the graceful gym leader. However, Marina, who was still under the table, glared at Erika angrily at the mention of her running the gym.
"Nice to meet you too," Alice said, before realisation dawned on her, "Oh, so that was probably not the best first impression of Ash."
"No," Erika sternly answered with a small frown, "We take pride in the perfumes we make and we don't take lightly to people like him. I offered him a chance to apologise, but I see no reason why I should accept a battle from him."
Alice hummed in concern, "Isn't that a little harsh. I know he was really disrespectful, but he's come all this way to have a battle."
"He gets what he deserves," Misty argued, "How dare he come in here and starts insulting people."
"I agree. Ash has to learn to be respectful of others even if you don't like them. Hopefully, this will be enough to get through that stubborn, thick head of his," Flo added.
Charles had to agree with them. It may be a little harsh, but he shouldn't have done that. As long as he doesn't do anything stupid or rash, then maybe Erika would forgive him and let him do a battle. But they were talking about Ash here, so who knows.
"Good riddance," Coco muttered.
"We don't want him at the gym," Dior agreed.
"We work hard making and selling these fragrances," Yves said.
As soon as she said that, Marina had an idea.
('If they like their perfume,') she thought, ('then if I break them, they won't let mama into gym,') she decided as she pictured Charles and Erika, as childish drawings, with Erika pointing accusingly at Charles and the broken bottles of perfume, ('Mama will be sad though. But I won't let my family get hurt!')
"Anyway," Erika chirped, retiring to her cheerful mood, "Shall we continue finding a perfume for your blissey."
"Oh right," Charles said, "Why don't we-"
("Hey Charles,") Benny interrupted, ("What's that sound?")
He frowned in confusion and listened carefully. It didn't take long to hear what he was referring to; it sounded like a rapid gust of wind and it was growing louder and louder. It kind of reminded him of when Marina used...
Suddenly, a display table close by rocketed in the air by a small tornado and hurtled across the store smashing into one of the display cases. They turned in shock and saw Marina using the move Twister.
"Marina no!" Charles yelled, but it was too late.
With a mighty cry, she hurled the vortex of wind at another display case on the other side of the shop, making it shatter into pieces and sending glass and perfume flying everywhere. Luckily, everybody had taken cover, but when they looked up again, Erika and the shop assistants gasped as they saw the destroyed display while Charles ran over to the proud dratini and scooped her up in his arms.
"Marina no," he firmly scolded, "bad girl. Why would you do such a thing?"
Marina huffed and looked away from him, much to his shock and despair. He turned back to Erika who was inspecting the destruction wearily.
"I am so sorry, Erika. I have no idea what got into her. Apologise right now, young lady," he ordered, but Marina huffed again and looked away from her, "Don't use that tone with me. I told you to apologise to her."
"She's never done anything like this before," Alice insisted.
"We'll pay for everything," Flo told her.
Meanwhile, Marina chuckled to herself, thinking that she had achieved her goal. However, she, and everybody else, was not expecting Erika to turn back to them with a kind smile.
"It's fine," Erika told, "No harm done."
"It is?" everyone questioned. Even the shop assistants looked baffled.
Erika giggled and nodded her head, "Indeed, we manufacture quite a few bottles a day so they can easily be replaced. Not only that, but I have the opportunity to create more experimental fragrances, possibly ones aimed for Pokemon," she said with an excited giggle. She leaned down to Marina's height, the dratini glaring at her irritably, "Besides, I'm sure there was a perfectly good reason why she acted out. Maybe the smell of the perfume was too distressing for her."
Marina responded with an annoyed look before she turned away with an angry sigh.
"Why was she out of her pokeball in the first place?" Misty asked curiously.
Charles hummed and looked down at his pokeball belt, "She must have left without me noticing. I heard of some Pokemon breaking out of their pokeballs."
("They are pretty cramped in there,") Pikachu mused.
("I wouldn't know. I never been in one,") Benny commented.
Charles hummed, "I suppose so."
Erika clapped her hands excitedly, "This is the perfect opportunity to make new fragrances. Charles, you clearly share a close bond with Pokemon so would you mind coming over to the gym and using your insight to help design more Pokemon perfumes?" she asked much to Marina's horror.
"That's sounds awesome," Alice said, "Can we come too."
"And me!" Brock shouted eagerly, seemingly jumping out of nowhere.
Erika giggled, "Of course, I can give you a tour of our botanical gardens if you like?"
Charles thought for a moment before nodded, "That's sounds great. Thank you so much."
"No problem," Erika told him before pointing at the mess behind her, "Although, I will need your help clearing up."
"Oh right, of course," Charles said as he raised Marina's pokeball up to the dratini, preparing to return her.
She growled angrily as she was zapped into the pokeball.
This was not over. Not yet.
Pokemon Centre
Since they had still had shopping they needed to drop off, Charles, Flo and Alice told Misty and Brock to go on ahead to the Celadon City gym and they'll catch up later. As Flo and Alice were organising the stuff they brought, Charles was down in the foyer, having released Ichigo from his pokeball. The tyrogue stood proudly before him, his face filled with determination.
("A Grass type gym,") he mused, ("But I have the disadvantage,") suddenly his eyes widened in realisation, ("Of course, you want me to exceed my limits by putting me in the disadvantage. Pushing me to break through my barriers and become even stronger. I trust your judgement, sensei. I will not disappoint you today!") he boldly declared.
"Actually, we're not having it today," Charles corrected, "we just having a look around the botanical gardens."
("...oh,") Ichigo uttered, ("But when I will eventually have my battle I will not disappoint you.")
"Thank you Ichigo," Charles said with a bright smile, "Your best is all I ask for."
Benny frowned slightly, ("Wait Ichigo...as in strawberry.")
The tyrogue hung his head in despair as soon as he said that while Charles gave his brother a scornful look.
"Well, well, well," a familiar voice said in a mocking tone, "Looks like we meet again."
They looked around to see the blond, chubby boy known as Thackeray Bud standing behind them with his hands on hips. Charles could see that he had caught a few more Pokemon since they last met on the cruise, judging by the number of pokeballs on his belt. He sneered down at them tauntingly, expecting Charles to respond back with a quip of his own.
"Oh hi Thackeray," Charles greeted casually, "Long time, no see."
Thackery's sneer dropped in disappointment, "Don't greet me so casually! We're adversaries! Rivals! Mortal enemies!"
("Moral enemies?") Benny questioned with a sweat drop, ("This is the like the third time we met.")
Charles awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, "I don't really see each other as...well that. Anyway, I didn't see you when the St Anne sank, you weren't hurt were you?"
"DON'T ACT CONCERNED FOR MY HEALTH!"
Meanwhile, when they were distracted, Marina released herself from her pokeball again and silent slithered away behind a potted plant. Her plan was a bust, but this time she will stop her mama from going to that gym. She looked around trying to see if there was anything when suddenly a flash of blue light at the window caught her attention. She sneaked her way to the window, jumped up to the sill and looked out over the Centre's training yard. It was a fairly large sectioned of area at the back of the Centre where trainers and Pokemon could practise their moves. Currently, there was one female trainer out in the yard with a Pokemon that resembled a purple clam shell. The shell was opened to reveal a dark face with two eyes and a pink tongue that stuck out of the shell.
"Shellder," the trainer ordered as she pointed to a target, "Use Ice Beam again."
The shellder took a deep breath before it fired a blue beam of light at the target. Marina's eyes widened as she saw the beam hit the target and encased it in a thick layer of ice. The trainer wiped her brow and gave her Pokemon a smile.
"Nice one. I'm going to get us something to drink, so take it easy for a few minutes, okay?"
Shellder nodded and the trainer soon left. Marina squeaked in interest as she thought about that move and saw the frozen remains of the target. She looked back at the Centre and saw the automatic front doors before getting an idea. She cleared her throat, stood up straight and opened her mouth wide as she attempted to force out an Ice Beam...
...However, nothing happened. She coughed and tried again...
...Still nothing. She tried again and again and again, but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't force an Ice Beam. She frowned crossly before looking back at the shellder still out in the yard. Suddenly, Marina gasped in joy as she got another idea and made her way out to the yard and towards the Pokemon.
Shellder was minding his own business, resting his eyes with the clam shut, when he felt something tap against his shell. Opening up, he curiously looked up to see a pink dratini looking down at him with big innocent eyes.
("Can I help you?") he asked.
She wiggled excitedly, ("Teach, teach,") Marina chanted.
("Teach?") he questioned before she saw her point at the frozen target, ("Oh, you want me to teach you Ice Beam?") she nodded enthusiastically, ("Well, I mean it's quite hard. You need to feel it build up in your stomach and think of cold thoughts until you know when you're ready to release it. Sorry, it's quite hard to describe. Why don't you try?")
("Cold thoughts,") Marina mused before she nodded and turned to the target. She tried to feel the power in her stomach and tried to build it up as best she could. She felt it get bigger and bigger until she opened her mouth and...
...only one small snowflake left her mouth.
("Huh,") Shellder uttered, ("Maybe you're a bit too young to be using that sort of move,") he told her much to her disappointment, ("Why do you want me to teach you anyway?")
Marina's head perked up; she thought of another idea.
Outside the Pokecentre
("You want me to freeze what?") Shellder asked as they both stood outside the Centre's automatic door.
("The door,") Marina repeated.
("What why?")
Marina stopped, ("Umm...errr...") she stammered, trying to think of an excuse, ("...fun.") she answered uncertainly.
...
...
...
Shellder looked at the door and hummed, ("Alright, I do it. I've been looking for an excuse to freeze a door.")
('He has?') Marina thought in confusion, but decided to not voice her opinion.
Shellder turned the door, closed his eyes and began charging up another Ice Beam. Marina smiled eagerly, her round eyes looking between Shellder and the automatic doors eagerly.
('I can stop mama now,') she thought.
However, there was a snag.
Suddenly, the automatic doors slid open and Thackeray stepped outside.
"I guess I have to challenge Erika first, then we'll see who's the bett-" was all Thackeray could get out before he was hit with Shellder's Ice Beam.
Thackeray was sent flying back by the power of the attack, past the foyer and down one of the hallway. Charles, Benny and Ichigo, who had their backs turned to him as they tried to ignore him, heard his sentence cut off and turned around to see what had happened. However, they saw nothing except, strangely enough, a few snowflakes drifting around. Charles blinked in confusion.
"I guess he left," he said, earning a nod from Benny and Ichigo.
Outside the Pokecente
Meanwhile, outside Marina and Shellder grimaced as they saw what they had done. Not quite sure how to react as the automatic doors slowly closed.
("I'm...going back to my trainer,") Shellder hurriedly said as he hopped away, earning a small sigh from the dratini.
Inside, Flo and Alice came down the Centre's stairs and met up with Charles in the foyer.
"Hey, ready to go?" Flo asked.
Charles looked around for Thackery one last time before nodding, "Err...yeah," he said as he returned Ichigo to his pokeball.
The trio plus Benny left through the front door where Marina was hiding to the side. She waited for them to pass before slithering quietly behind Charles and jumping up into her pokeball. She was miserable that another of her plans failed, but she wasn't giving up just yet. It would seem she just needed to try harder to stop her mama.
Pokecentre
Meanwhile, Thackery was frozen in a block of ice in the middle of the hallway. He moved his eyes around, but couldn't find anybody around.
"Hello," he called out, although it was slightly muffled "I'm stuck. It's so cold."
Nurse Joy will eventually find him and set him free.
Celadon City Gym
The Grass type gym was, by far, the nicest gym the team had ever visited. It was large round building located in the middle of a luscious green park and the roof had six giant red and white spotted bulbs encircling a silver cone-like chimney as well as four giant orange leaves that stuck out over the side. All together, it looked like the flowery head of a gloom. It was colourful and welcoming and ever surface had some sort of plant growing freely and bloomed beautiful flowers. The team awed at the floral building, taking in the sights and smells.
Unfortunately, it was ruined by Ash who was banging on the front door with his fists.
"Come on, let me in," he complained, "I want to battle the gym leader."
A blue haired teenage with short blue hair and blue eyes opened up the door and glared down at him. She wore a uniform that consisted of a khaki shirt and shorts and a bright red tie.
"How many times do I have to tell you, you're banned from entering the gym. Go away!" he ordered.
"But I was only banned from the shop," Ash complained.
"And the gym is part of the shop. Now get lost before I call the police," she fiercely said. However as soon as she saw the team, her anger filled frown morphed into a welcoming smile, "Hi, you're Charles, right? Miss Erika has told me we were expecting you."
"Yes, that's me," Charles replied brightly, much to Ash's horror.
The blue haired woman opened the door for him, "Welcome, my name is Armani. Miss Erika is waiting for you with your friends."
"Thank you," he said but before he could enter, Ash grabbed onto his coat and held him back.
"Charles, they won't let me in," he complained.
"Well, I did tell you to apologise," he scolded, pulling his coat out of his grasp.
"How was I suppose to know she was the gym leader?"
Flo rolled her eyes, "Even if she wasn't, that is no way of speaking to somebody. I'm sorry Ash, but there's nothing we can do."
("Maybe we can get him a souvenir,") Benny suggested.
Ash grabbed onto Charles' coat again, "But they can't deny me a gym battle. Isn't it like...a law or something."
"No, gym leaders do have the right to reject any trainers as they wish," Alice told him, "But I'm sure if you just apologise-"
"I'm not apologising!" Ash shouted.
Charles sighed and pulled his coat out of his grasp again, "Then you can't come in. Sorry Ash."
As soon as they entered the gym, Armani slammed the door shut to make sure Ash doesn't get in. The young trainer continued to pound on the door, shouting at them to come back. They were lead into the brightly lit hallways towards a door where they could see the gardens though a small window. Standing just outside it were Misty, Brock and Pikachu who waved to them as soon as they caught sight of them.
"Hey guys," Misty called out.
"Is Ash still out there," Brock asked wearily.
Charles hummed, "He sure is."
The older boy shook his head, "Honestly, he's so stubborn sometimes. Erika said that she'll let him battle if he just apologises."
"This will teach him," Misty muttered, "Anyway, have you figured out why Marina destroyed the shop yet?" she asked in concern.
He shook his head, "No. She's not even speaking to me. I don't know what to do with her, she's never done this before."
"Do you think she was upset about Cleo?" Alice asked.
"I think there maybe more then that," he told them.
Before they continue, the door the gardens opened up and Erika stepped through. She had taken off her wig to reveal her blue hair held back with a red headband and now wore green and white knee length dress. They guessed that she only wore the yukata for when she worked at her shop, but when she was at the gym she opted for something more comfortable. She greeted them with a warm smile that made Brock blush and drool slightly.
"I'm so glad you came," she said gracefully, "We should start with the tour of the botanical gardens before we move onto the lab. How does that sound?"
Before they could answer, another worker with long blue hair tied in a ponytail rounded the corner, "Miss Erika, Gloom has just knocked out some intruders. Two adults and a meowth."
Erika sighed in irritation, "Send Tangrowth to throw them out please, Estelle."
"Of course, Miss Erika," Estelle said before she left to find the Pokemon.
"More nuisances," the gym leader muttered before she turned back to the group with a smile, "If you would like to follow me please," she said as she led them through the door and into the gardens.
As they were walking, Benny, who was on Charles' shoulder, looked over to Pikachu in Misty's arms, ("So you decided to leave Ash behind.")
Pikachu shrugged, ("I didn't get banned.")
("Fair enough.")
Botanical Gardens
It has been a few hours since they arrived and they were enjoying the Celadon City gym. First, Erika took them around the gardens and all the Grass Pokemon who live in it. The Pokemon were all very friendly especially Erika's favourite Pokemon Gloom. They had also met up with Yves and Coco who was putting a small puppet show for the Pokemon. Afterwards, Erika showed them the lab where they create the various fragrances that they sell at the shop. Charles tried his best picking out the best scents that appealed to Pokemon. He chose various berries, grains and roots and Erika seemed more then pleased with the results.
Currently, they were all sitting on the grass in the garden having tea. Charles petted Erika's Gloom's flower head, the Pokemon humming delight at the attention.
"Thank you so much for your help Charles," Erika said with a happy smile, "I cannot wait to launch my new line. Oh and of course, I will send you a bespoke perfume for your blissey as soon as I can."
"Thanks Erika," Charles said before looking down at the Gloom, "I've got a couple of oddish on my team who are hoping to evolve into bellosomes soon."
"Oh how delightful," Erika said.
"However, they need to evolve into glooms first," Charles said, "So I was wondering if they are any tips for them."
Erika hummed, "You don't need to do anything special; they are quite independent. You just have to make sure to show them a lot love and support. Isn't that right Gloom?"
("Yep,") Gloom chirped ("I couldn't ask for a better friend,") she said, earning a small giggle from Erika.
"Speaking of Gloom," Misty spoke up, "I thought they give off a horrible odour, but I don't smell anything from her."
("Bit rude") Gloom muttered.
"They only give off the odour when they feel threatened," Erika explained, "But Gloom is relaxed and cared for here and so emits a sweet smell."
"That's really interesting," Brock commented.
Charles nodded before he noticed Alice frowning thoughtfully next to him, "Is everything alright, Alice?"
The young Officer Jenny snapped out of her thoughts and gave him a reassuring smile, "Yeah, I was just thinking about Ash. Don't you think he suffered enough."
"That's really not up to me," Charles sighed.
"Yeah, I know," Alice uttered, "Just feel a little bad for him, that's all."
He hummed as he considered what she said, 'I guess she's right. But what can I do?' he thought before coming to a decision. He turned to Erika and said, "You know Ash isn't all that bad. He just gets a little excited that's all."
Erika raised a questioning eyebrow, "I'm aware that he is your friend, but he was very rude. I will agree to have a battle with him once he apologises."
'There's no way that's going to happen without a battle,' he thought, "Well...why don't we have a battle now. If I win, you will let Ash have a battle and I guarantee that he will apologise to you. But if you win, you don't to let him battle."
"You're going to have your battle now," Flo asked as the others looked at him in surprise.
Benny tapped his leg, ("Hey, we're not done planning.")
"We've got...at least 90% of plan. Trust me," Charles whispered back.
Erika raised an eyebrow at that, "Hmm are you sure. I take my battles very seriously."
He nodded, "I'm sure. I may need five-" Benny shook his head at him, -ten minutes to prepare and then we'll be ready."
Erika gave him a curious look before she stood up and nodded gracefully, "Very well. We will meet at the pitch in ten minutes," she told him as she and Gloom walked away to prepare her own Pokemon.
Charles stood up as well and took Marina's pokeball of his belt, "You guys, can go on without me. I...have something to do."
"Oh okay," Misty said as the others got to their feet, "hope the planning goes well."
Charles nodded in appreciation and waited until he and Benny were the last people there. He released Marina from her pokeball and kneeled down to her height. The young dratini looked around curiously at the scenery before looking away from his with an annoyed pout.
"Marina," he hesitated slightly, "I know that you hate battles and you really don't want me to challenge Erika, but..."
("Why?") Marina sniffed, ("Why would you want to hurt our family, mama?") she asked, looking at him with tear streaming down her eyes.
The sight of her broke Charles' and Benny's hearts.
("Your mama doesn't want us to get hurt,") Benny told her, ("It's just that...it's a...it's just an occupational hazard.")
Marina's large eyes narrowed angrily, ("I don't want our family to get hurt. Stop it, mama, please.")
"I know it looks like our family is getting hurt, but-"
("No!") Marina shouted, ("No! I don't want you to do it!")
"Marina please-" Charles begged.
However, the dratini set her sights on his pokeball belt. Her eyes narrowed in anger and sadness as she hurled herself at Charles' stomach. It was so unexpected that Charles was sent onto his back painfully and Benny flew of his shoulder and into a bush. Marina didn't stop there, however, as she used her mouth to grab onto the belt and pulled it with all her might until it snapped off him. She jumped back with the pokeball belt and took off as fast as she can into the foliage and out of sight. Luckily, Charles had recovered slightly and reached out to grab at the belt, but he only managed to grab a single pokeball which came off in his hand.
"Marina no! Come back!" he yelled as he got to his feet and took off after her.
("I won't let you hurt our family!") the dratini screamed from somewhere in the garden.
Benny had recovered from his tumble, caught up to Charles and leapt onto his shoulder, ("Was that belt made of cooked spaghetti or something? How did it snap?")
"Why do you think I brought a new one today? Forget about it, we need to find Marina now," Charles said as he ran deeper into the garden.
A few minutes later and they still hadn't found the dratini. It felt like they've searched the entire area, but there was too much vegetation for her to find her. Benny couldn't even use his heightened scent of smell as there was just too many odours around them.
Charles was barely keeping to together. He should have done more to help Marina, but instead his daughter is lost and his was expected to battle Erika in a few minutes. He was so stressed out that he couldn't even think of a strategy to go against the gym leader.
They were just about to check another bush when they heard rapid footsteps coming towards them.
"There you are," Alice sighed as she and Misty stopped next to Charles and Benny, "What have you been doing, Erika is waiting for-" she stopped when she noticed the desperate look on their faces, "What's wrong?"
"Marina is gone," Charles sighed, "and she's taken my pokeball belt."
"Why would she do that?" Misty asked.
Charles rubbed his forehead as Benny petted his head comfortingly, "She didn't want me to battle and...we...we got in an argument and I'm really stressed out because my baby is gone and I have to fight in a battle now...and...and..."
"Charles calm down," Alice firmly told him as she held his shoulders, "You can't panic, okay. Just take a few deep breaths."
The trainer took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.
"Feeling better?" she asked. Charles nodded in reply, "Good, I can see that you have one of your Pokemon in your hand," she said nodding down at the pokeball clutched in his sweaty hand, "Use that Pokemon and Benny and battle as best as you can. Misty and I will find Marina."
Misty nodded in determination, "Focus on winning against Erika. We promise we'll find her, okay?"
Charles took a shaky breath and nodded, "Okay. When you find her, please tell her I'm sorry."
"We will. Now go," Misty said as she pointed in the direction of the battle pitch.
He took a deep breath and quickly jogged through foliage to where Erika is, leaving the two girls behind to find Marina.
("You really think we can beat Erika with only two Pokemon?") Benny asked.
"I don't know," he admitted, "But we have to at least try."
Battle Pitch
Erika hummed boredom as she waited for Charles to arrive. Being at senior member of the gym, Yves was the referee while Coco, Flo, Pikachu and Brock were stood on the side lines. Yves looked at her watch before giving a questioning look to Flo and Brock.
"He should be here at any moment," Flo reassured sheepishly.
"Yeah," Brock agreed, "He's not somebody who would be late...usually."
Suddenly, they heard the sound of rapid footsteps coming there way. They looked up to see Charles with Benny on his shoulder running to the pitch.
"I'm sorry I'm late," he called out as he jogged to his end of the pitch, "there were some...complications."
Flo and Brock gave him a curios look but Charles shook his head as if to say that he'll explain later.
Erika smiled gracefully, "It is quite fine," she said before nodding at Yves.
The shop assistant/referee cleared her throat, "This a Pokemon gym battle between the Celadon City leader Erika versus the challenger Charles Roberts for the Rainbow Badge...and to let Ash get a chance to battle with the gym leader...although he really doesn't deserve it," she muttered the last bit, "Each participant will battle with three Pokemon each and the challenger is allowed to make substitutions. Can you please release your first Pokemon."
The gym leader giggled and took out a pokeball from off her belt, "Victreebel, show off your radiance," she said.
The pokeball opened up to release a tall yellow bell-shaped Pokemon that resembled a pitcher plant. It had a gaping mouth at the top with pink lips and two sharp teeth covered by a giant leaf which stem grew out of its back like a tail. On either side of it's body was a giant leaf that resembled hands and underneath the rim of its lip were two sharp eyes that glared at Charles and Benny.
The trainer took out his pokedex:
Victreebel: Said to live in huge colonies deep in jungles, although no one has ever returned from there.
("That's a...horrifying description,") Benny muttered before turning back to Charles, ("Do you know whose in the pokeball you grabbed.")
"No," Charles whispered back as he put on his goggles, "I just hope I got Ichigo...or Miko," he said as he released the Pokemon only to flinch when he saw it was neither of them.
Titania blinked as she stepped onto the pitch, causing Yves and Coco to squeal in joy.
"She's so adorable," Yves gasped.
"I've never seen that porticular Pokemon before," Coco added.
Flo sweat dropped, 'Wow, she really does say 'particular' weirdly.'
"Hey Flo, what's going on? Why is he sending Titania out?" Brock whispered.
The young Nurse Joy shook her head, "I don't know."
The sylveon looked at the victrebell plainly before looking back at Charles, ("You do realise Fairy types are weak against Poison types, you moron?") she coldly asked.
"I know," Charles told her reassuringly, "It's a long story, but I really need you to fight."
Titania sighed and rolled her eyes, ("Fine, I don't mind taking this overgrown vegetable down," she said facing her rival.
("You're awfully rude,") Victreebel remarked.
(Battle Start)
"Let the battle begin!" Yves announced and Erika instantly made her first move.
"Victreebel, use Chlorophyll," she commanded.
The light in the giant greenhouse seemed to brighten up as the Pokemon started to glow green for a few seconds. Once it had dimmed down a little, Victreebel looked like it had grown stronger.
"Chlorophyll is an ability that raises the Pokemon speed," Brock mused, "Charles needs to be careful now."
Erika pointed sharply at Titania, "Use Poison Jab."
One of Victreebel's hand leaf started to glow purple as it zoomed towards Titania, aiming a devastating blow at the Sylveon.
"Dodge and use Disarming Voice," Charles instructed calmly.
Before Victreebel could hit his mark, Titania used her ribbons to push herself off the ground and forward flip over her opponent. She landed gracefully on her feet, turned around and opened her mouth wide. From out of her mouth came a charming cry that rang out throughout the room, causing everybody to relax slightly. Victreebel, who was hit directly by it, seemed to slump slightly and swayed slightly back and forth.
"Great," Flo said, "That move effects the Pokemon emotionally. Victreebel's movements will be slower now."
However, Brock shook her head, "Something tells me that Erika had seen this one coming."
The gym leader smirked, not at all bothered by her Pokemon's vulnerable state. Instead she gracefully raised her hand and commanded, "Gastro Acid."
Suddenly, Victreebel opened his leaf mouth and spat out a green and purple ball of fluid at Titania. Caught of guard, Titania was hit by the fluid splattering all over her.
("AH!") she cried, ("What did you spit on me, you disgusting freak!") she yelled at her opponent.
"Gastro Acid," Charles muttered to himself as he saw Victreebell sat up straight and glare at Titania again, "It removes the effect of her last attack."
Benny leaned in close to his ear, ("Charles, I know you worried about Marina, but get your head in the game. Titania is at a disadvantage.")
The trainer nodded and took a deep breath, focusing on the battle in front of him. However, it was Erika who called out the next move.
"Use Poison Powder," she ordered as a purple spray of powder shot out of Victreebel's mouth at Titania.
"Titania use Misty Terrain," Charles ordered.
Before the Poison Powder could reach her, a plume of smoke erupted from Titania covering the entire pitch with low-lying mist. Erika and Victreebel were confused by the move, but even more confused when the Poison Powder hit Titania, but seemed to have no effect on her. The sylveon grinned as she got into a battle stance, ready to continue fighting.
"What was that?" Brock whispered to Flo.
"Misty Terrain," she answered, "It nulls the effects of any Status moves for a while. Victreebel can no longer use his Poison Powder, Gastro Acid and a sheer majority of his moveset."
"But doesn't that mean Titania can't use any Status moves either?"
"Unfortunately yes."
Erika hummed as she inspected the Misty Terrain, "Interesting, but that's not going to stop me. Victreebel use Razor Leaf."
The Grass Pokemon swung his leaf hands and launched a sharp leaf at Titania. However, she dodged out of the way in time. Erika ordered another Razor Leaf and another, trying to put pressure on Charles, but the trainer intensely watched Titania as she dodged leaf, after leaf, after leaf. Finally, he saw that she was close enough before giving another order.
"Use Swift."
Titania opened her mouth and release a barrage of stars at Victreebel, however Erika was prepared for this.
"Use Vine Whip to swat away the Swift, Victreebel."
("Okay!") it shouted as two vines zipped out from its leaf hands and batted away the stars.
"Damn," Charles muttered as Erika smirked.
Swift was the only long-ranged attack Titania knew, but if that could be easily taken down then he will have to think of something else. Erika meanwhile waved her hand gracefully and ordered.
"Now use Leaf Tornado."
Victreebel yelled and created a tornado of leaves that encircled Titania. She greeted her teeth as the sharp leaves attacked her from all angles until it finally stopped. Although she was cut and bruised the slyveon stood on her feet firmly, glaring at her opponent in determination. She noticed that the Misty Terrain had worn off and nodded at Charles, causing the trainer to smile and to look up at Erika.
"That looked like a powerful move," Charles commented.
Erika giggled, "Thank you. We've been practising that move for years now."
"Oh really? I guess we have to see for ourselves," he said, earning a confused look from her, "Use Copycat."
Titania glowed for a second as she copied her opponent's last move. Once she had learned it, she yelled and created a Leaf Tornado of her own that circled around Victreebel, causing him to yell and shout in agony. Since the Grass type move was more effective on Victreebel then on Titania, the Leaf Tornado was slightly more damaging, causing him to go slightly dizzy as it dispelled. This was the opportunity, they needed.
"Titania keep on using Quick Attack. Don't let him rest," Charles ordered.
The sylveon zoomed to her target, hitting him with her body accurately. Victreebel couldn't keep up as the small Pokemon hit him again, and again, and again at every angle. Until finally, Charles ordered again.
"Use Takedown."
Titania yelled as she ran at her opponent with all her might and slammed into him. Victreebel was sent flying back before skidding on the ground and coming to a full stop. Titania jumped back onto her feet, but flinched in pain as the after shock of the Takedown took effect. Everybody waited in suspense as they stared at Victreebel. Some of them hoping that he will stay down and admit defeat while others hoped that he will get up. After a few seconds of nothing Yves was just about to declare that the Pokemon had feinted when suddenly:
("No!") Victreebel yelled as he slowly sat up, ("I'm not done yet.")
Titania, Charles and Benny hummed in frustration while Coco whooped in joy. Erika smiled proudly at her Pokemon before she swiftly ordered, "Use Magical Leaf."
Charles eyes widened when he heard her instruction while Benny grimaced, ("There's no way of escaping a Magical Leaf.")
"I know," the trainer murmured as a glowing lead shot out from under Victreebel's leaf towards Titania, "Brace yourself, Titania. You can't escape this attack."
("Damn it,") Titania muttered as she closed her eyes and took the attack head on.
It sent her flying back and she skidded on the floor. Titania gritted her teeth in agony, but tried to get up. However, it was too late.
"Victreebel use Poison Jab," Erika instructed.
The Pokemon's giant lead hand glowed purple again as it zoomed towards Titania and struck her on her torso. The sylveon was knocked back again, but now she could feel the poison taking effect on her. She skidded to a halt and grimaced as the poison caused her great pain.
"Oh no," Flo muttered.
"What's he going to do now?" Brock asked as they both stared at the injured sylveon.
Erika smiled sadly at Charles, "You and your Pokemon fought very well. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough," she said to a distraught Charles, "I will give you another chance at a gym battle another day when you're stringer. Until then, Victreebel finish her off Slam," she ordered.
...
...
...
However the Pokemon didn't move. Confused, Erika looked at her victreebel to see what was wrong, only for her eyes to widen. The Grass Pokemon swayed in a love-sick manner as his eyes glowed pink with love hearts surrounding him. He cooed gently as stared down at the annoyed Titania as if she was the most beautiful thing he's ever witnessed.
"Victreebel, what's wrong?" Erika asked.
"That would be Titania's ability Cute Charm," Charles calmly explained, "If she's hit with an attack that makes contact then there's a chance that Victreebel would become infatuated."
"Oh no," Erika gasped, "Victreebell snap out of it!" she yelled fruitlessly.
("So beautiful,") Victreebel sighed.
Meanwhile, Benny whispered into his ear, ("What do we do now? Titania's too injured to continue.")
Charles frowned thoughtfully, however, unexpectedly, the sylveon shakily got onto her feet. She grimaced in pain as the poison made her feel worse, but with all her remaining strength she ignored and glared at Victreebel in determination.
("Hey moron!") Titania shouted, ("Order me to use Double-Edge.")
"Absolutely not" Charles denied, "I hate that move. It causes too much damage to the user."
("I'm already damaged,") Titania argued with a wince, ("It's a powerful attack that should take out Victreebel. If I'm going down, I'm taking him with me.")
Charles wanted to argue back, but the drive and focus was clear on her face.
She wanted to do this. A warrior until the end.
Taking a deep breath, he nodded and ordered, "Use...Double-Edge."
Titania smirked as her body glowed brightly. She took off swiftly and, before Erika could do anything, she rammed herself into Victreebel sending him flying back. The Grass Pokemon skidded on the ground before eventually coming to a stop. Judging by the swirls in his eyes, he had been knocked out by Titania's Double-Edge.
Titania saw this and grinned triumphantly before she fell onto her side. The damage caused by the poison and the Double-Edge was too much for her and she too was knocked out.
Charles and Erika sighed sadly as they returned their Pokemon to their pokeballs, both saddened by how things had turned out.
"Both the gym leader's and the challenger's Pokemon had feinted," Yves announced, "Can both battlers bring out their next Pokemon."
Charles looked around the area and frowned when he didn't see neither Alice or Misty with Marina, "It looks like they haven't found her yet," he murmured before he turned to his brother, "I know we haven't prepared but can you-"
("Say no more,") Benny told him leaping down onto the pitch, ("Electric type moves are little effective against Grass types. Don't worry, I'll win this.")
Charles hummed and nodded, "Alright, I trust you."
"The challenger sends out a pikachu," Yves declared, "can the gym leader send out her next Pokemon."
Erika nodded and produced another pokeball from her belt, "My sweet Tangela, show them your power," she proclaimed as she released the vine Pokemon.
As soon as Tangela left the pokeball, its vines bristled fiercely and a low growl could be heard.
("Alright punk, bring it on,") she mocked, glaring at Benny intensely.
("Are all tangela so aggressive or is it just the ones we've met?") Benny asked out loud, thinking back to Leaf's tangela.
Yves cleared her throat, "Let the next battle commence!"
"Tangela use Stun Spore," Erika immediately ordered.
The Pokemon shook her vines and created a green cloud that drifted quickly towards Benny. However, the pikachu saw this coming and instantly used Dig and avoided the attack. Charles smiled proudly, thankful that Benny was able to dodge the move.
Erika frowned slightly, "Keep your eyes open, Tangela. The pikachu could emerge anywhere."
("Come out and fight me, you coward!") Tangela shouted, shaking her vines.
"Sorry about her," Erika apologised to Charles, "She gets really into battles."
"I understand," Charles waved off before he tapped his foot on the ground.
Suddenly, Benny burst out of the ground behind Tangela, his tail turning silver as he swung an Iron Tail at her. The attack connected and the Grass Pokemon was thrown of her feet. When she recovered, Tangela glared up at Benny furiously.
("I'm going to get you back for that,") she growled.
("We'll see about that,") Benny mocked.
Charles nodded, "Use Double Team," he ordered as Benny ran circles around Tangela.
He got faster and faster until there were several copies of Benny surrounding the Pokemon. Tangela looked around, trying to find the right pikachu, but there were too many to keep track of.
"Tangela use Vine Whip. Try to find the right one," Erika instructed.
Tangela produced two vines from her body and whipped them at one of the copies. She got rid of another, and another until there were only two copies left. While the Grass Pokemon kept her eyes on one of the copies, the real Benny ran up from behind Tangela, his cheeks sparking as he prepared to use Spark on her.
However, Erika just smirked.
"Use Stun Spore," she ordered unexpectedly.
Just before Benny could attack, Tangela wiggled her vines and he ran head first into the green cloud. He cried out as the attack took effect, making him lose his focus and miss Tangela with his attack.
"No Benny," Charles gasped as he saw his brother fall onto the ground and gritted his teeth in agony.
"Use Power Whip!" Erika ordered as Tangela sent a glowing vine at Benny, throwing him up in the air, "and then use Mega Drain."
Tangela caught Benny midair with her vines and began snapping the energy out of the pikachu. Benny grimaced and tried to get out of the strong grip, but it was no use.
Charles racked his brain, trying to think of a way to get his brother out of the hold, but he couldn't think of anything.
"I'm sorry Charles," Erika called out, "But I did say I take my battles seriously."
He hummed in annoyance before he got an idea, "Benny, use all your remaining strength and use Thunderbolt."
Benny, who was almost unconscious, heard him and took a deep breath and with his remaining energy, he sent a powerful electrical shock down the vines and to Tangela. The Grass Pokemon screamed in pain and dropped Benny onto the ground. The pikachu tried to stand up, but his legs gave way and slumped onto the hard ground with swirls in his eyes.
"Pikachu has fainted," Yves announced as Coco celebrated, "Miss Erika is the winner."
"A noble attempt," Erika complimented as Charles walked over to retrieve Benny.
Although, she did give a cautious look at her own Tangela who was still suffering the effects of the last attack.
Charles scooped up Benny and walked over to Flo, "Do you mind looking after him?"
"Not at all," Flo quietly said as he passed him over to her.
Pikachu, who was on Brock's shoulder, leaned down and petted his head comfortingly, ("Hang in there buddy.")
Charles gave a sad sigh and turned away but before he could go back, Benny reached out and grabbed his sleeve, ("Charles, what are you going to do? Our team is still missing,") he said weakly.
Charles frowned slightly, "There's nothing I can do…but to admit defeat."
"No," Flo gasped.
"You can't do that," Brock added.
Charles sadly shook his head, "I have no choice. We'll think of something later. At least it was a good battle, huh."
Benny tiredly nodded, ("Yeah. Would have preferred it if we one, though,") he said causing Charles to chuckle.
Unknown to them, Marina watched them from under a nearby bush with the pokeball belt in her grasp. She couldn't help but go and see the battle herself and her fears were confirmed. Two of her family members were hurt and in serious pain. This was exactly why she didn't want her mama to participate, she doesn't want her family to be hurt.
However, there was something else.
Marina may be young, but she's so cleaver and she discovered a side to battling that she never seen before. Titania wasn't forced to take hit after hit until she admitted defeat. She knew that she was doomed and so she made the most of it and made sure her opponent went down first. While Benny kept on going despite being in pain, pushing harder to win. He may have failed in the end, but at least he didn't quit either. And then there was her mama, who celebrated every success and looked devastated with every failure. He encouraged his team, cared for them, supported them and come up with so many strategies.
Charles, Titania and Benny challenged themselves. They fought on against the odds and all so they can show of their skill. That's when Marina realised that this how a battle should be fought. Not by randomly slugging each other until one opponent falls, but with strategies, bravery and the aim to carry on despite the circumstances.
The young dratini sighed sadly. She had been trying to stop this all day, but she never once realised why her mama or his team battle in the first place. Just like how Ash was rude to Erika, just because you don't understand why someone would like something, doesn't mean it's not important to them. And now her mama was going to lose his battle.
All because of her.
She looked up and saw Charles standing proudly at his end of the pitch, trying not to show his despair. Marina whimpered at the sight before she frowned determinedly.
("Mama will not lose!") she declared before she slithered out of the bush.
"Can the challenger please present his next Pokemon," Yves prompted.
Charles hummed sadly, "Unfortunately, I-"
Suddenly, Marina appeared out of nowhere and jumped on the pitch in front of Charles, surprising everybody especially Charles.
"Marina, what are you doing?"
The dratini turned to him, ("I want to battle.")
"But you've never battled before," Charles countered, "Marina, it's fine. I don't mind losing."
("No!") Marina shook her head, ("I want to battle like my family.")
Charles eyebrows raised at that. He never seen her with so much conviction in her eyes. It was head to believe that she was the same Pokemon that he watched hatch not too long ago. Yves cleared her throat to get his attention.
"Are you battling with your dratini?" she asked.
Charles glanced at her before he looked down at Marina's large eyes. After a few seconds of consideration, he nodded with a trusting smile.
"Yes, I will battle with her," he told her.
"Err…has he ever battled with Marina before," Brock asked Flo. She shook her head, "Oh right…I don't think this going to end well."
Erika giggled, "Well then, this will be very interesting."
("I don't mind beating a kid,") Tangela shrugged, earning a glare from the dratini.
Yves nodded and announced, "Our third battle is between the challenger's dratini and the gym leader's tangela. Let the battle…commence!"
"Let's make this quick, Tangela. Use Poison Powder," Erika told her Pokemon as she shook her vines and created a purple mist at Marina.
The attack hit her straight on, causing her to crying in pain.
"Oh no!" Flo cried.
"A direct hit," Brock uttered, "and she barely had a chance."
However, Charles was not worried and smiled pleasantly, "You didn't think it was that easy, right?" he called, much to Erika's and Tangela's confusion.
Suddenly, Marina began to glow for a few seconds before it disappeared. Marina sat up straight up completely fine with her skin brightly shining as if it was just polished.
"Are you feeling better, Marina?"
("Yes mama,") she chirped back before focusing on Tangela again.
Charles chuckled before he looked up at Erika, "Marina has an ability called Shed Skin. It allows her to recover from Status moves."
"Meaning Poison Powder or anything won't work," Erika hummed.
"Exactly," Charles confirmed before he pointed at Tangela, "Use Wrap."
Marina shot towards Tangela and wrapped herself around the Pokemon, squeezing her tightly and earning a strangled cry.
"She must have learned that from Boa," Flo commented proudly.
"Now use Thunder Wave," Charles ordered as Marina sent a jolt of electricity at the trapped Grass Pokemon, stunning her, "Finish her off with Twister!"
Marian released her hold on the tangela and jumped away. She cried as she created a hurricane of air above her head which got bigger and bigger.
"Tangela get out of the way!" Erika ordered, but the Pokemon couldn't move.
The Thunder Wave had stunned her in place, making her a sitting psyduck for Marina's Twister as she hurled it at her. Tangela was knocked off her feet and sent flying onto the other side of the pitch, landing painfully on the ground. As the Twister disappeared, Yves looked over and saw the swirls in Tangela's eyes, showing that she has been knocked out.
"Tangela has fainted; dratini is the winner of this battle!" the referee announced, causing the young Pokemon to jump in joy.
Charles chuckled proudly, however they were still in the middle of a battle, "Marina, don't celebrate too soon," he reminded, "We have one more battle left. Ideally, I wouldn't let you battle twice in a row, but...we have no choice."
Marina nodded firmly, ("I'm ready for anything,") she said turning back to Erika.
Charles couldn't help but smile proudly at that.
"Can the gym leader release her last Pokemon," Yves said.
Erika returned Tangela and smiled proudly, "Thank you, you fought very well," she told it before replacing it with her the last pokeball on her belt, "You've done very well Charles. One last battle stands between you and your badge. However, this may be the greatest challenge you will face today. Vileplume, bloom bright for all of us!" she declared as she released her vileplume.
Once she was released, the Grass/Poison type looked around before setting her sight on Marina.
("Oh dear, you're awfully young,") she gently said, ("Are you sure you want to battle?")
Marina nodded, ("I'm doing this for my mama.")
("Oh how sweet of you,") Vileplume said with a delightful giggle.
"The last battle is between the gym's Vileplume and the challenger's dratini. Let the battle begin!" Yves announced.
"Vileplume use Grassy Terrain," Erika ordered before the Pokemon began to glow.
From out of the battle pitch, grass sprouted and grew quickly until the entire field was like a freshly grown lawn. Marina inspected the grass curiously, wondering what sort of attack was this.
"I never heard of Grassy Terrain before," Flo murmured as she looked over the pitch, "Is it similar to Misty Terrain."
Coco nodded, "Exactly. It only lasts for a while, but the power of Grass type moves are increased by 50%. Miss Erika is taking this battle very seriously. More seriously than usual."
"This could be bad for Marina," Brock mused, "I hope Charles has a plan."
Charles looked over the grass with a careful eye, "Trying to decrease of advantage before we even begin?"
"I'm just taking a leaf out of your book," Erika responded, giggling at her little joke, "Vileplume use Petal Blizzard."
Vileplume produced a barrage of petals that swirled in the air around her for a moment before they shot towards Marina. She tried her best to avoid the attack, but several petals hit her causing her to cry out in pain. Charles hummed angrily as he saw his daughter get hit, but he kept his cool and simply gave the next command.
"Use Twister," he instructed as Marina made another tornado and hurled it at Vileplume.
"Dodge it," Erika told her Pokemon.
Vileplume managed to get out of the way in time and smiled victoriously. However, while the Grass Pokemon was distracted with the Twister, she didn't see Marina had got in close to her.
"Use Thunder Wave," Charles ordered.
Vileplume was not able to get away from it this time as Marina electrocuted her. The Grass Pokemon yelled in pain and felt herself become paralysed.
"Now use Twister," Charles instructed as Marina began to build up another tornado.
"It takes a while for her to use those attacks, doesn't it," Erika mused before she ordered, "Vileplume use Aromatherapy."
Vileplume began to emit a soothing scent that made everybody relax slightly. However, it did mean that the Grass Pokemon was healed by the Thunder Wave before Marina had a chance to use her attack. Eventually, the dratini hurled the Twister at Vileplume, but both her and Erika were prepared.
"Use Petal Blizzard to knock away the Twister," Erika ordered as Vileplume created a flurry of petals that met the Twister head on. The move, powered by the Grassy Terrain, was able to dispel Marina's attack, much to Charles' shock, "It looks like you two need to practise more. Vileplume use Moonblast!"
"Marina dodge!" Charles shouted, but it was too late.
The air around Vileplume started to give off a silvery glow and eventually an shiny orb appeared in the Pokemon's hands. Once it was ready, the orb shot at Marina hitting her dead on and knocking her back a few feet.
"Marina are you alright?" Charles asked in slight panic.
The dratini slowly got up, wincing in pain slightly, but she nodded wearily.
Erika hummed, "I think it's time to finish this battle. Vileplume use Absorb."
The Grass Pokemon cried out as it took away more of the Marina's health and got back the energy she lost earlier. Meanwhile, Marina grew even weaker until she could barely lift her head up.
("Sorry about this sweetie, but it was a good effort,") Vileplume gently said.
"Marina, you have to return now!" Charles cried out, "We can just come back tomorrow! You don't have to prove yourself to me! You're still my baby if you win or lose!"
Marina looked back to him sadly. She knew that giving up was an option, but Titania didn't give up and neither did Benny. She needed to fight on until then end and she thinks he might know away. She thought back to the Ice Beam attack Shellder had showed her and if she can just do it once, she could weaken Vileplume.
('Cold thoughts,') she thought to herself as she closed her eyes and concentrated, trying to reach for the power within her, ('think cold thoughts'.)
Erika shook her head, "Use Absorb one last time," she commanded.
('Cold thoughts,') Marina thought.
Charles gritted his teeth. He wanted nothing more to put Marina back in her pokeball, but his senses were telling him to wait and trust her.
('Cold thoughts.')
"What's he doing?" Coco uttered, "He needs to get her out of there."
Flo hummed, "I think they have a plan, but...I just don't know."
('Cold thoughts,') Marina thought as she opened her mouth wide, ('Cold thoughts,') she thought as Vileplume was about to carry out the last attack, ("COLD THOUGHTS!") she yelled as her eyes turned blue and she fired a jet of icy snow out of her mouth.
Vileplume was caught unawares and was knocked back by the icy wind, causing her the shout in agony. The attack kept coming as snow and ice shot out of her mouth, singlehandedly lowering the temperature of the entire greenhouse. Everybody raised their arms up to the faces and fought back against the gale.
"What's that!?" Coco cried out over the roaring wind, "Is it Hail!?"
"No, it's more powerful then Hail!" Brock answered, "It's Blizzard!"
The attack continued for a few more seconds before Marina closed her mouth and the stopped the typhoon of ice. Everybody lowered the arms and saw that the entire battle pitch was covered in an inch of snow. Marina blinked and looked up at the effects of her attack before she saw Vileplume frozen in place, shivering and chattering her teeth.
"No Vileplume!" Erika cried as she saw her Pokemon, "Can you still move!?"
("N-n-n-n-n-n-no,") the Grass Pokemon stammered in reply,
Charles couldn't believe it, but he knew that if he didn't act now then Erika would order Vileplume to use Aromatherapy, "Marina, one more time, use Twister!"
Using all her remaining strength, Marina cast another tornado above her head and threw at Vileplume. The Grass Pokemon tried to move out of the way, but she couldn't move away in time. The Twister hit her dead on making her fly back and off her feet, she hit the ground hard and skidded to a halt. After a few tense seconds, the Pokemon didn't get up and Yves saw that she been knocked out.
"Vileplume has fainted. The challenger and his dratini has won the gym battle!" she announced, causing Flo, Pikachu and Brock to shout in celebration and for Erika to sadly return Vileplume.
"You fought amazingly, thank you Vileplume," she kindly said to the pokeball,
("I did it! I did it!") Marina cheered as she jumped into Charles' arms.
"You really did," he said swinging her around and making her giggle, "I'm so proud of you, Marina. How did you learn an Ice type move? You know what, who cares, you did it."
Marina giggled again before she looked down sadly, ("I'm sorry mama. I've been mean to you and my family.")
Charles sighed and rubbed her head comfortingly, "That's quite alright, sweetheart. I should have been more understanding to you're feelings. However I do think there's somebody else you need to apologise to," he hinted, nodding at Erika who was making their way over to them.
Marina looked up at the gym leader before she bowed her head to her, ("I'm sorry,") she softly said.
"She wants to apologise about smashing your shop," Charles explained.
Erika giggled and gently rubbed the dratini's head, "It's quite alright. I already forgave you remember. Besides, you fought every well for your first battle and so I would like to reward you with the Rainbow Badge," she said, taking said badge out of her pocket and handing it to Charles.
The Rainbow Badge was shaped like a flower with each petal a different shade of the rainbow. Charles and Marina admired it for a moment before he put it away in his pocket.
"And you will accept Ash's gym battle?" Charles asked, earning an irritation sigh from the gym leader.
"Fine, I suppose-"
The sound of loud barking interrupted her as Apollo burst through the bushes before he ran over to Charles and pointed with his nose at Marina.
("I found her! I found the perpetrator!") Apollo announced much to the dratini's confusion.
"You hear that!" the voice of Alice called out through the foliage, "I think Apollo found her!"
"Great," the voice of Misty called back as they ran out of the forest, "Let's get her back before Charles..." she trailed off when they saw Marina safely in Charles' eyes. The trainer himself giving the two girls an annoyed glare, "...starts...his...battle," she finished awkwardly.
Alice and Misty smiled sheepishly as Charles sighed and shook his head.
Celadon City Gym Foyer
After getting Benny healed up and back on Charles' shoulder, Erika, Coco and Yves led the guests into the foyer so they can bid them farewell. Flo had checked up on Titania and removed the poison that was still causing her pain, however she concluded that she needed rest and told Charles to send her back to the Corral as soon as they get back to the Centre. He immediately agreed and started making plans to swap her with Pyro.
"Thank you all for coming to the Celadon City gym," Erika told her guests, "I hope for all of you to return and I wish you luck on your journeys."
"Thank you for-" Charles began to say before he was rammed out of the way by Brock.
"I don't have to leave if you don't want me to," Brock said, kneeling before her dramatically, "I can stay here and are love will bloom- Ah ow ow ow!" he cried as Misty dragged him away by the ear.
"I'm sure she wants you as much as a gardener wants an annoying little weed," Misty muttered, causing the others to roll their eyes at their antics.
Erika smiled and turned to Charles, "I hope to see you at the league. I'm sure Marina will be much stronger by then."
"Does that mean you're going to be at the Indigo Plateau?" Flo asked.
"All the gym leaders are invited," Erika explained, "We close up just before the season starts and we go and watch the final."
"I see. That means we'll probably meet Flint and Misty's sisters again," Flo mused.
"As well as Lt Surge and Sabrina," Alice added, making Erika shiver slightly.
"A-anyway, might I recommend visiting Koga in Fuchsia City. It's a bit of a trek as you have to go through a Safari zone, but I'm assure you it will be worth it," Erika told them.
Charles nodded in appreciation, "Thank you, we'll set a course for it. And you promise you'll give Ash another chance."
The assistants groaned slightly, but stopped with a sharp look from Erika, "I promise. If you think he deserves it then I guess he's not...all that bad."
"Sure, he can be hot-headed and stubborn," Flo said.
"And sometimes bratty and immature," Alice added.
"But he's a hard worker," Charles finished as Benny nodded in agreement, "And I assure you he can be rational."
Suddenly, the doors to the gym opened as three people walked in. The children and the two pikachu turned and gaped as they saw, of all people, Ash Ketchum dressed in an orange dress and wearing a blond wig. He was flanked by Jessie, who was dressed in a pink yukata and her hair tied up in an elaborate style, and James, who wore a green shirt under a black jacket as well as a bald cap and glasses. Judging by how James' shirt wiggled ever so often, Meowth was hidden inside it.
"Hello," disguised Jessie called out, "We were hoping for our daughter Ashley to have a battle with the gym leader."
"Indeed," James agreed, "She loves perfume and flowers and err..." he trailed off.
"All girly things," Meowth whispered from his shirt.
"...and all girly things," James finished with a broad smile.
'Ashley' hesitantly walked up to Erika and bowed her head in greeting, "Hello ma'am," he said in high pitched voice, "I would like to have a battle, please."
...
...
...
Coco giggled, "Of course you can, sweetheart," she said, obviously fooled by the disguise, "If you like to-ow!" she stopped as Yves elbowed her in the arm and shook her head at her.
Erika gave a deadpanned look at Charles, causing him to gulp, "Rational, huh?"
"Err...one moment," he said before leaning into 'Ashley's' ear, "Ash, what are you doing?"
'Ashley' sputtered and waved his hands in front of him, "Who is this Ash you are speaking of. My name is Ashley and I would like to-"
"I managed to convince Erika to let you have a battle."
"You did?" 'Ashley' said dropping his high-pitched voice.
"Yep."
"So, I can drop the act?"
"I think everybody would prefer that."
"Oh good," Ash sighed as Pikachu jumped from Misty's arms into his, "Team Rocket made me do this."
Team Rocket flinched when he said that, "Damn it, twerp. Why would you foil are disguise!?" Jessie yelled angrily.
"They are not much of a disguise," Alice pointed out.
Flo hummed, "Except for James'. His disguise is actually the best one we've seen so far."
"Thank you, nurse twerp," James genuinely said.
"Shut up!" Jessie shouted at him before she pulled of her disguise to reveal her Team Rocket uniform, "Prepare for trouble."
James ripped off his disguise, "And prepare for trouble."
"To protect the-"
"Benny," Charles interupted.
("On it,") the pikachu said as he jumped and sent a bolt of electricity at them.
The trio screamed in pain before they, somehow, exploded and was sent rocketing into the evening sky.
"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they shouted as they became nothing but a twinkle in the distance.
Erika shook her head and approached Ash, "That was...interesting. Yes, I will give you a battle, however I still-"
"Yeah, I know," Ash sighed, "I'm sorry for calling your perfumes stupid and a waste of money. I wasn't being respectful of the things you put a lot of effort into making."
The gym leader raised an eyebrow, but smiled nonetheless, "Return tomorrow in the morning and you can battle. From now on, you are no longer banned from properties owned by the gym."
"Alright!" Ash cheered happily, "I can finally get my-"
A flash of light made him stop as he turned and saw Alice holding up a camera to her face, "That's so definitely going in the scrap book."
"Oh yeah," Charles said before he, Flo, Benny and Alice ran to the door, "Bye guys, see you in Fuchsia City!" he called out as they ran as quickly as possible away.
"Wait! What scrapbook!?" Ash shouted in horror as he ran after them, "Alice give me the photo! GIVE ME THE PHOTO!"
And cut. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. This has been officially the longest chapter I have ever written with over 15,500 words!
In the original draft, Marina was actually going to Hail as it is a lower level than Ice Beam. However, after I did a bit more digging, I realised that Hail effects everybody on the pitch, meaning that Marina would also be effected due to her being a Dragon type. Instead, I changed it to Blizzard. It may be a higher level then both Ice Beam and Hail, but I'm sure nobody will arrest me.
In the original show, Erika's shop assistants didn't have names so instead I named them after famous perfume brands. Yves after Yves Saint Laurent, Coco after Coco Chanel, Dior after Christian Dior and finally Armani after Giorgio Armani.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter and I'll see you next time.
Thanks :)
Potential Pokemon List:
Charles
Nidoran (Female)
Gastley
Ponyta
Drowzee
Goldeen
Tauros
Aerodactyl
Flo
Psyduck
Nidoran (Male)
Kangaskhan
Cubone
Diglett
Alice
Venonat
Farfetch'd
Rattata
Poliwag
Tangela
Omake
Pokemon Corral
Titania arrived at Oak's lab and limped towards a pillow that Cleo had set out for her on the porch. She laid on it and sighed in relief when she no longer needed to put anymore pressure on her aching feet. The Poison Jab and the Double-Edge were gone, but she was still feeling the after effects. Normally, she would deny the luxury of the pillow, but she decided to accepted for now and looked over the rather spectacular Pokemon corral.
("My, my what's this,") a familiar voice called out much to her annoyance, ("I knew that you evolved but this is just too good to be true.")
("Go away Fleur,") Titania muttered as she looked up at, ("Can't you see I'm-") her sentence was caught in her mouth as she took in the sight of the oddish.
Well...actually, she wasn't an oddish at all...not anymore. Fleur had evolved into a Gloom, but that seemed to be the only difference. She was still the aggressive, bitter Pokemon that she always has been.
("Oh look at that, you have a little bow and ribbons as well. How cute. It's so unlike you,") Fleur mocked with a grin.
Titania blinked at her before she raised an eyebrow, ("You know know your insults would be more effective if you weren't drooling right now.")
("IT'S NOT DROOL!") Fleur shrieked as she jumped up and down, ("IT'S NECTER! HOW DARE YOU IGNORE MY INSULTS, YOU LITTLE...")
As Fleur continued to scream at her, Cleo calmly walked up to Titania and regarded the Pokemon wearily, ("I just found they evolved as well. According to Boa it happened during their performances. Shame it hadn't fixed that attitude of hers.")
Titania shrugged, ("Some things never change. Wait, you said 'they'. Does that mean-")
THWACK!
Titania and Cleo turned at the sound of something being hit to see Fleur completely knocked out. Lilly, the perpetrator, stood over her in her newly evolved form. She was exactly the same as a Gloom, but instead of a red flower and a blue body, Lilly had a golden flower and a green body. She waved welcomingly at Titania.
("Good day, Titania,") she greeted elegantly, ("Look, I have arms. They are much more effective then my leaves.")
Titania and Cleo looked down at a knocked out Fleur before nodding.
("Yeah they sure are,") Titania remarked.