Beta(s): Gerald_Of_Revea
Quick Notice:
I'm not using more than 4 moves a Pokemon. This would probably be consistent for any Pokemon fics I write in the future. The main reason for this is I'm not fond of Pokemon knowing a move for every situation. It kills the creativity of using the 4 Pokemon moves to the best of your ability. Having a move to deal with every situation is not for me & I'm not a skilled enough writer to do a compromise well.
I originally had another 300 words because I wanted to do a scene from a Mod POV, but it ended up screwing with the pacing, so sorry if this chapter is a bit short, I'm aiming to get about 4k words a chapter.
Tipsy Tirade!: Popular Streamer's Rant calls Champion Geeta 'Weak' & 'Pathetic'
In a world where livestreams can instantly transform casual conversations into viral sensations, viewers of one stream found themselves caught at the center of a fiery debate. Popular streamer Cloud, known for his analysis of Pokemon, embarked on a tipsy tangent during a late-night broadcast that has left fans and fellow trainers abuzz.
The target of Cloud's unanticipated critique was none other than our Pokémon Champion Geeta, a figure admired for her strategic prowess and remarkable victories in countless battles. During a conversation discussing the strongest and weakest champions, Cloud zeroed in on Geeta's team.
"She has a Gogoat on her team. Keeping it on her team is self-sabotage. Whenever she says she can't hold back in Pokemon battles, you can tell she's lying. Because why else would she have such a trash Pokemon on her team?"
Cloud's comments came as a surprise to many, even his fellow co-hosts, especially given Geeta's reputation as an exceptional trainer. With a track record of a long list of wins, being recognized as the strongest trainer in Paldea, and even earning the title of 'La Primera', she has solidified herself as a force to be reckoned with.
The stream quickly caught the attention of Pokémon enthusiasts across social media platforms, igniting a spirited discourse, along with the previous topics mentioned by Cloud pertaining to Mega-Evolution, Z-Moves & Dynamax.
Supporters of Cloud hailed his right to express his views, even in his inebriated state, while others criticized the comments as disrespectful and unfounded.
'He's a smart person,' one of his viewers comments. 'His analysis of Pokemon and their strengths and weaknesses have always been interesting but he definitely has the wrong take here. When it comes to pro-battling he should really keep his mouth shut.'
Analysts and fans have taken to dissect Cloud's claims, sparking debates about type matchups and team dynamics. Some point out that Gogoat's versatility and Avalugg's surprising bulk can't be overlooked, even in the face of Cloud's candid critique.
Champion Geeta herself, known for her composed demeanor both in and out of battle, has issued a formal response:
"It seems this trainer is entirely misinformed about my Pokemon. While I respect diverse perspectives their assessment of my team is quite detached from reality. It seems only right to educate him on these matters…through first-hand experience."
Cloud has not yet commented on these developments. Many a challenge has been issued to champions, however, the opposite is exceeding rare. It seems the comments made by Cloud has gotten under Champion Geeta's skin.
"When did I call her team pathetic?" I frowned. "Unviable sure, but I definitely didn't call them pathetic."
"Not pathetic, sir," Rotom answered. "Although: 'The only way to make Avalugg viable is to have it as a freezer.' & 'Gogoat is like the smart car of Cyclizers.' comes close."
"Yeah, that sounds about right," I nod, Sonia giving me a slap on the back of the head.
"You need to apologize."
"You know Sonia, you are absolutely right."
"I-I am?"
"No," I replied curtly, batting away Sonia's hand as she tried to pinch my cheek. I scrolled down slightly to see some of their comments, curious about what they were saying about me.
[Larry: Okay.]
[KnockTheOwl: Another person saying they are as strong as a champion. I see this everyday on ForTune, this isn't news.]
[GrimmGambles: Anyone want to take bets on how the apology video will go?]
[MayMayhem: I think drinking alcohol makes you stupider]
[Spike: Honestly, I'm all for Cloud here. I don't care about his content, but screw Geeta. Geeta's trash.]
[TwistedMermaid: I have been waiting 5 years for Geeta to give her villain speech. Since she has not yet done so, it appears to be that she's playing the long game.]
"I knew it!" I cacked. "I knew other people thought Geeta was evil!"
"Cloud," Sonia scowled. "You shouldn't judge people based on appearances."
"Oh?" I asked, my grin getting slightly wider, "When did I say it was based on her appearance."
She froze in her spot, glaring at me before it slowly started to turn into a pout. I held up my finger as I opened up a new tab on the computer with a picture of Geeta.
Clearing my voice, it went a few octaves deeper as I spoke.
"This world is imperfect."
Without my cue, ominous piano music started to play through the speakers.
"If only could wipe away the impurities."
I could see a hint of a smile.
"And make it as beautttiful as me!"
"You are awful," Sonia managed amidst her giggles. Myself quickly devolving into my own burst of laughter. After another few moments, I went back to skim through the article, only for another to catch my eye.
Rookie Trainer Nemona Takes the Gym Circuit by Storm!
In a stunning display of skill and strategy, Nemona, the rising star of the Paldea region, is leaving a trail of awe-struck spectators, earning her sixth Gym Leader against Gym Leader Ryme in Montenevera.
Known for her unique approach to battles, along with her strong line of Pokemon, Nemona has captured the hearts of both fans and fellow Trainers. With an impressive lineup of Altaria, Pawmot, Houndstone, Dondozo, Arctibax & Armarouge, there seems to be no stop for this trainer!
With each Gym badge she claims, her reputation as a force to be reckoned with grows exponentially. Those who have witnessed her battles describe them as spellbinding displays of strategy, innovation, and camaraderie between Trainer and Pokémon.
Rumors have even started to circulate that-
"Something catch your interest?" Sonia asked, looking at me curiously.
"Nemona," I nodded towards the screen. "I've heard of her, but I didn't know what was on her team. Apparently, she's a good contender to be a champion, we'll see in time though if that's the case," I reply, my eyes going to her list of Pokemon. "I'm thinking of getting a few more guys for my team. A Houndstone is an awfully tempting Pokemon to have."
"Most people stop at six y'know?" she asked, her eyes twinkling in amusement. "How many do you have now?"
"Hell if I know," I snorted. "But Houndstone is really good," I reply, searching for the Pokemon up on the computer. "Last Respects. It's his signature move that makes him a beast to fight against. The move does more damage depending on how many of your Pokemon have been knocked out in battle. Or herds in the wild. If you use it as your final Pokemon is a six-on-six battle, it'll do twice as much damage as a Hydro Cannon."
"That's impossible!" Sonia blurted, taking the mouse from me as she went to scour the information on Houndstone.
"You plan on battling her then."
The voice stopped Sonia in her tracks to glance at me.
"Yeah," I whispered, "Yeah I think I will, not with a Houndstone though, it would need some training before I'd consider using one in a champions battle."
"In the name of all things sacred," Sonia exhaled, "Cloud you are undoubtedly strong. But you are arrogant. Astoundingly arrogant to the point it gets on my nerves."
"I'm not arrogant," I frown. "Just confident in my abilities."
"That means the same thing."
"Exactly!" I grin. "Moving on, why aren't you wearing your armor today?"
"It is not necessary," Psyclone replied, swishing his tail around. "We are not currently being watched."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Sonia asked, snapping her head towards Psyclone.
"You are not streaming," he scoffed, Sonia quickly calming down to give Psyclone a glare. His face did not change expression but I just knew the bastard was smirking internally.
Mewtwo always thought he was better than everyone else. He still thinks that, even if he's not nearly as big of an asshole as he used to be.
The Pokemon was utterly obsessed with two things in particular: His power & his genes. I didn't help in that last regard when I explained how IVs and Natures worked.
Now? His obsession is numbers. And making them go up. Part of the reason why he loves RPGs.
"When will you accept the challenge?" He asked during the lull in the conversation.
"Next stream, that means later tonight. If I said I was sorry for saying Gogoat & Avalugg aren't viable Pokemon I'd be lying. I admit you can make any Pokemon a beast if it gets to a high enough level, that's why a lot of people don't talk smack about the champions. However, if an Arboliva & Baxcalibur had the same amount of training as those other two, they would have produced better results."
"I knew it would be a fool's errand to convince you to just apologize," Sonia said, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "What about your schedule? Won't this impact that?"
"What about it?" I grinned. "It's not like I'm doing anything but streaming for the next few weeks, this?" I said, waving a hand towards the article. "This is two things in one. Advertisement and Entertainment. And you know the views are going to go up if we are streaming a match against a champion."
"I hate how that actually makes sense," She aired her annoyance. "Very well, when are we leaving?"
"We are going to need to hash it out with the league first. I don't know if they want this to happen a week from now or a month from now," I mused. " You never know with Pokemon battles."
"Just one question, what if you lose?"
"That's the thing Sonia," I smirked.
"I won't."
"Hey Cloud, there's been something knacking the back of my head all night," Meowth said, spinning a tin of tuna on one of his nails. "I didn't think of it at the time, but the thought ain't leavin' the head."
"...You're going to need to give me a bit more detail than that if you want me to know what you mean."
"Current Champions."
"...What about them?"
"Why did you clarify the strongest out of current champions instead of all champions?"
"Oh, you caught that?" I asked in surprise, getting a huff from the Pokemon. "Well, the strongest regional champion is Cynthia. But there is one more I think is stronger, even if not a lot of people know of him."
"And he was a champion?"
"Indeed," I nodded. "Not for long, I think he quit, but a champion nonetheless."
"But you were defending Cynthia as if your life depended on it last night! You could have easily brought up this guys record to-"
"It's Red."
"Oh."
It's not often you see you're friend instantly close up like that, but I understood why.
Red is strong. In my opinion, he's the strongest trainer alive. However, not many people know about Red, let alone that he became champion. Amongst Gym Leaders & champions, yes, but amongst the common folk, he isn't a recognized name.
A lot of people know Blue became Champion for all of a day. Most thought Lance quickly rechallenged him and got his title back. That isn't the case, but Lance seems content with letting everyone think that. Red's portrait isn't even in the Hall of Fame.
Whether he wants his anonymity or the Indigo League just doesn't like him, I don't know. If I had to guess, it would be both.
Red is scary. Ruthless even. He doesn't speak, he just points at the other guys Pokemon and his Pokemon follows. It had me wondering whether or not he was a psychic. He has taken down Team Rocket more times than anyone else in the Indigo League. And it was very rare for him to lose his cool.
"He became champion then, huh?" he asked bitterly.
"Yeah," I nodded. "I don't know the whole story, but he did beat the Elite 4 a while back. A few months after we met."
"And you didn't tell me?"
"It's a recent discovery," I lied. "Some rumors going around that he is training on Mt. Silver. And I don't think he plans on leaving any time soon."
"We need to go after him, he needs to pay-"
"I'm not doing this again Meowth," I sighed. "Yeah, he's a shitty person but we aren't any better. We go after him, we could have half the Indigo league come after us, it's not worth it."
"Then we bring Mewtwo and skip the battle al-"
"You can ask him, but I sure as fuck won't," I snort. "Besides you should really wait until I find out if the rumor is even true. For all I know, he could be in the Orange Islands or something. But what are you going to do when you find him?"
"Whad'ya mean, what I'm gonna do? I'll beat him up!"
"And then his hoard of high-level Pokemon will come down on you like the IRS." I clapped my hands. "You'll be lucky to come out alive," I said to the stunned Pokemon.
"You think I haven't thought about it?" I continued, frustration entering my tone. "Red's a champion! He's taken down legendaries, caught 'em! His team isn't just strong; it's battle-hardened and disciplined."
Meowth's expression shifted from stubbornness to uncertainty. He clenched his tiny paws, his anger dissipating into frustration.
"Look," I softened my tone, laying a hand on his shoulder, "I get it. He hurt your friend, and you want to stand up for him. But rushing in without a plan won't do anything except get you hurt. The smart thing to do is draw up a plan when Jessie & James are out and work from there. That is if they want to go after him in the first place."
Meowth looked like he was about to argue, but stopped himself from saying anything more.
"Just give it some thought, Meowth," I said gently, removing my hand. "If the opportunity for me to fight him springs up, I'll fight him, regardless of whether or not I have a chance of winning. But I don't want to risk what we have here," I gesture to the house. "So no going on one-man revenge trips in the meantime," I say, ruffling his head, which he just batted my hand away in annoyance.
"Ya know," He bumped into me. "Ya would have done well in Team Rocket." He said, which just made me laugh.
It was the funniest thing I heard all day. Geeta getting wanting a Pokemon battle doesn't even come a close second.
After all, I was a much better thief than Team Rocket ever was.
"Sir, it seems you have received a letter of invitation inviting you to Paldea."
"Already?" I blinked away the surprise. "They know where I live?"
"Not likely sir, what I meant to say is, you've received a letter of invitation inviting you to Paldea…through email."
"What does it say?"
To Cloud ******
You are cordially invited to Paldea with the purpose of engaging in a six-on-six Pokemon battle with our chairwoman of our Pokemon League, Geeta, otherwise known as La Primera.
If you wish to accept this challenge, please send us an email and we can sort out when both parties are available. If you wish to decline, please send us an email saying so.
If you accept, the battle will take place at the renowned Naranje-Uva Academy, a location known for its historical significance in the world of Pokémon battling. This battle is not only an opportunity to showcase your skills but also a chance to be part of an event that will be witnessed by trainers, enthusiasts, and media from all over the region.
Should you accept, we will make all necessary arrangements to ensure your comfort during your stay in Paldea, including accommodation and transportation. We understand the importance of a fair and honorable competition, and as such, the battle will be conducted under the strictest rules and regulations of the Pokémon League.
Paldea eagerly awaits your response. This is an opportunity to showcase your talents and challenge one of the most esteemed trainers in our region. We hope to see you rise to the occasion and make this battle a memorable one.
Please respond at your earliest convenience, and we will be more than happy to make the necessary arrangements.
"That's honestly, a lot nicer than I thought they would be," my surprise being genuine. "Even free transport."
"I believe it is called 'acting courteous', Perhaps I should arrange lessons so you may learn how to do the same?"
"Nah, doesn't sound like something I'd need," I wave him off. "Hold off on sending a confirmation email though, I want to be the first one to announce it on my stream."
"As you wish," he replied, "I doubt they would be happy about this, but I don't believe it will result in any retaliation."
"Might even drum up more hype this way," I grinned and despite not having a physical form at the moment, I could tell he was rolling his eyes.
"There is something that caught my interest," Rotom admitted, and I had a brief flashback to the conversation I just had with Meowth. "What is your opinion on Geeta's Veluza?"
"I'm sorry what?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"The hell is a Veluza?"
"...One of Geeta's Pokemon?"
"She got herself a new Pokemon?"
"No, it was the one Pokemon that you refrained from mentioning in your stream last night."
"She has a what on her team?" I asked, and the confusion in my voice wasn't faked.
"...It's a water-psychic type Pokemon. It has gray scales and purple fins-Sir you seemed assured that you were able to beat Geeta. Do you perhaps believe you are getting in over your head?"
"Just…give me an image of what he looks like," I sighed, and Rotom obliged.
"Wait, Veluza? The fucking fish?"
"It is indeed a fish."
"She has that fucking fish on her team?" I asked askance, feeling offended just looking at the thing.
"Yes, and it seems to have served her well. It's Aqua Jet has-"
"Rotom, set up the cameras. I'm streaming early," I say, getting up from the chair. "Don't bother telling the other guys, we start in an hour."
"Sir, what do you plan on doing?" His tone now cautious.
"Correcting my mistakes."
Bonus Scene: Geeta
Sitting in her chair with a cup of tea in hand, looking at a countdown timer is not how she expected she would be spending her night. Papers needed to be corrected; she could be watching the late-night battles her students have. Yet, here she was, curious and somewhat annoyed, waiting for the countdown to reach zero.
To say she was surprised by the amount of viewers he was getting would be an understatement. She knew Cloud was 'popular', but she expected around two thousand viewers at most. Not the twenty thousand views he was currently getting.
'It seems the controversy has brought a lot of attention to his channel' she mused, reading the comments of the viewers.
[Panther (Mod): TrailBlazer What's worse is he hasn't said anything to any of us.]
[EliteEmpress (Mod): Hehe.]
[Larry: Please don't battle Geeta, I have enough paperwork as is.]
[CurrentlyNotHuman: This is the most amount of people I have ever seen in here. It's making me feel nervous and I'm not even the one streaming, but I would expect there to be more people speaking in chat.]
[MASTER_KOHGA: EliteEmpress, what do you know?]
[FlowerPower: Why are there so many viewers?]
[TropicalShade: CurrentlyNotHuman, It's follower only, Cloud might have set it up that people must have been a follower for at least a week or something can comment.]
[Gerald_of_Revea: Help]
[SkullDude: 10 SECONDS guys!]
Before she knew it, the countdown hit zero.
In the video, the room was empty apart from Cloud. His co-hosts were nowhere to be seen. He was sat down at the table in front of him, his arms laid down on the table in front of him. His face was shadowed by a light that she didn't recall being there in the previous steam.
"I would like to apologize for the terrible comments I made yesterday."
'No bite,' she thought, feeling that her time had been wasted here.
It was a pity. She would have liked to have truly shown how powerful she was, but it seems that wouldn't be happening any time soon. Even his viewers seemed to be disappointed as she quickly glanced at the chatbox.
"They were uncalled for, mean, and not necessarily true."
'Shame some people have common sense,' she idly thought, moving her mouse to close the tab. It was the expected outcome but she was still disappointed by it.
"Avalugg can be used for more than a freezer. Its flat body means it can be used as a table to keep your drinks cold."
She paused in her actions, her brain catching up to what she just heard.
"And I would also like to apologize to you, the viewer. I said that Avalugg and Gogoat were holding back Geeta's team. I misspoke."
Geeta's eyes narrowed at the screen with the slightest amount of intrigue.
"What I meant to say, is her Avalugg, Gogoat & Veluza are holding her back."
...He did not actually just say that.
"Now allow me to give you a 20-minute presentation why."