Adapting to an unwanted life

by Swag Striker

A professional biologist uses his knowledge of the adaptative nature of Earth's animals to fight against Pokemon of any kind. He'll need every advantage he can get when he's no longer a human and now has the unfamiliar form of a Weavile. He must get used to it quickly and find the being who did this to him or he'll be stuck like this forever. (Weavile TF)

12. Chapter 12: Castelia City

Chapter 12: Castelia City

A/N: Hi all, I'm going to be keeping the hero's and villain's sides mostly separate and they will eventually get together as the story progresses, but that won't matter for what I have to say next.

This fanfic will be discontinued soon after a few chapters. The reason is that I intended for this fanfic to help me learn writing techniques which it has BY A LOT, but I need to move to something different to progress, most likely short stories. It's been a year and I've written around 100k which is average for a novel. I've loved writing this fanfic. Every time I want to do something fun, I would choose to do this over anything else and it pains me to stop. I won't continue it as I don't have the time. I will say in the chapter before when it will end.

Thank you for all the support and feedback I've gotten, I don't think you realise how much it means. But despite the sad news, you can still enjoy the remaining chapters.

Chapter 12 START

"Holy Arceus." Officer Jenny said as she stared at the different markings on the walls of the warehouse. It was like she was in a scene from one of those movies she watched, but she didn't expect to see it in real life. There were writings of blood that showed the writing of an insane person. This wasn't supposed to happen in this day of age.

On the floor were the cages of the Pokemon who were captured. At least now she had the proof that this was an incident concurred by a terrorist team, whether it was Team Plasma as that girl, Sarah was it, said or a new one remained to be a mystery.

"This is Officer Jenny reporting that this incident occurred between humans and Pokemon and a harsh one at that. The incident will be increased from level G2 to G7… Yes, it's that serious, the rangers with me will show you the evidence soon… Understood."

"Officer Jenny." One of the Rangers said walking up to her.

"Yes?"

"The blood isn't a Pokemon's, our scanners are saying it's a human's."

"I don't understand, what would a human's blood be doing in a place used to cage Pokemon, unless…oh no." A Pokemon severely harmed a human. This is more serious than I thought.

"Take the blood to the lab. There's no body around so hopefully we can find the person who it belongs to and bring them in for questioning."

"Yes, sir."

(In Vikasa's lab)

Vikasa had his legs crossed on top of the desk.

"Yes, and another one down!" He had just beaten the next level of this world's equivalent of COD.

"As expected of my lord," Garland said.

"Yeah, it is. Here, have another granola bar."

"Yes." Garland cheered happily before ripping apart the wrapping and pecking furiously at the snack. Vikasa took a bite of his own before going to the next level.

His doors were slammed open by a furious Ghetsis who looked like has was about to batter him with his cane.

"What's got your ass in a hinch?"

"Shut up, do you know the problems you've caused me, look at this." He brought up a newspaper and read it out loud. Who the hell bothers reading those when we have the technology to bring back extinct Pokemon?

"New terrorist organisation on the rise? Yesterday it was discovered that an organisation had kidnapped trainers' Pokemon from a Pokemon Centre in Nacrene City. Fortunately, a young girl was able to save most of them, but some were taken never to be seen again. Their trainer's are devastated. Aforementioned girl said the kidnappers were Team Plasma, but no proof has been shown otherwise." He looked at Viakasa who kept on playing his game.

"Idiot, now the league is on us. This was the last thing I wanted. If we get discovered for what we're truly trying to accomplish then it's all over and…are you listening?!"

Vikasa paused his game, opened a drawer in his desk, and threw a small vial containing pink powder at him. Ghetsis caught it and inspected it.

"What is this?"

"I told you I would get things done, didn't I?"

"You mean!"

"Yep. It's a powder that when inhaled by a Pokemon, will give you full control over them. Just give a command and it will be done, no matter what it is. Destroy, kill, chaos, it's whatever you want baby. Although, it's only been a week since I was able to mess around with that Kirlia's brain and make the powder. It will only work on weak Pokemon for now, but I'm going to build something that will allow me- I mean you to control stronger ones and eventually a legendary."

Ghetsis just stared at the powder. He had to see it for himself, but he knew Vikasa was telling the truth. He had replaced Colress with him because of his capabilities, after all. He coughed.

"Very good Doctor, but please be discrete with your operations next time. The league does take conflicts between humans and Pokemon very seriously. That girl who was unconscious there has been dismissed and won't say a word."

"My lord does not make any mistakes," Garland said.

"D-did that Pokemon just… I have better things to do. Bring me my results soon Doctor. Do you need more subjects?"

"Nah, Garland here's got that sorted."

Ghetsis left through the front doors and grinned menacingly as he stared at the vile. It was step one of his plan. He could see it now. He would stand in front of Kyurem, the dragon of ice, and everyone in Unova would grovel to his feet. He would be able to do whatever in the Reversal World he wanted.

"I think it's time we go see our new member, don't you? Let's see what you've brought," Vikasa said.

"I assure you, my lord, you won't be disappointed."

(With Team Sarah)

Team Sarah stared at the monstrous structure before them. After 2 weeks of journeying from Nacrene City, they were about to reach Castelia City. All that was left was to cross over this bridge which they couldn't see the end to. It curled over, giving ships enough space to go under it.

"Woah," Sarah said, taking in the sight.

"Impressive, isn't it? Skyarrow Bridge is said to be the largest bridge in Unova, but after we were discovered by the other regions 20 years ago, some say it's the largest in the world," N said. Theodore was confused by his words.

"Discovered…few years ago?" He croaked as his pronunciation was improving, but not quite there.

"Yes. You were a wild Pokemon so you wouldn't know. It's only been two decades since we found out other regions existed. Actually, we did know they existed due to geographical calculations, we just couldn't reach them." N said.

"Satellites?" Theodore asked.

"What's that?" Sarah asked.

"He's talking about the failed project Nexacorp tried to unleash, remember, the one about global navigation and letting us see the rest of the world."

"Oh yeah, I remember seeing that on TV. Dang, I was disappointed when they couldn't get it to work."

"But how do you know about this Theo- no, wait, never mind. You got bored, didn't you? Anyway, the atmospheric distortions caused by multiple legendaries kept destroying the satellite's internal computers so only local ones have become available. They are partly connected to the pokedex."

"Weavile," Theodore said satisfied.

They walked through the bridge. They took in its serenity as many people walked past wanting to see the newly opened mall they left from and take advantage of its grand opening discounts. They ignored the sound of the cars and trucks that had their own section on the bridge below.

The bridge was a long walk, but they eventually saw Castelia City. This was a site that Theodore didn't find captivating. It was a large city, something he would typically find in Britain. For once, a landmark didn't stun him. The buildings themselves were normal with the occasional skyscraper here and there. It is the Pokemon world so there would definitely be some sort of tourist attractions in there.

Sarah, however, was stunned by the city's sheer size.

"I've never seen so many buildings before. Look at that one, it's huge!" She said.

"You said you were from Accumula Town, correct?" N asked.

"Right."

"It is quite the site when seeing it for the first time. I remember the first time I had seen such large buildings and wondered how it was possible to make them. For a moment, I thought I was dreaming."

"It's from the effort of both Pokemon and humans that this is possible. I'm glad we live in the times now compared to 400 years ago."

"Yes, real grateful…" N said in fake exasperation. They both became silent then. Theodore and Eevee talked at the back like they'd been doing for the whole route since the mall.

"Then while I was breaking him out of Team Plasma's cage, I needed a piss, and guess what?"

"What?"

"I left to take a piss on a knocked-out grunt while he was banging for me to let him out, and I'm like, my guy, just chill, sure more grunts are coming and, yeah, you wanna see your children again, but dude, I need my beauty break."

"Every story you say has some kinky shit that creeps me out or makes me want to kiss you, I like that."

"If you weren't on your grand adventure with expert groomer there and those kids then I would have said to come along with us."

"No can do buddy, man's on that grind. Anyway, we're here."

Sarah stretched her arms and sucked in the air that surprisingly had no pollution in it.

"Alright guys, you know where the first stop is. This is Castelia City, known for its famous Castelia Cone and I have to get one." She said. Athena started to jump in place.

"Yes yes, I said I wanted to try out the new mango and strawberry ice cream. I have to have it, you hear me." She said.

"Yeah, and while you guys do that, I'm going to find my target. My horny senses are going off." Eevee said before running off. Theodore awed.

Ice cream sounds good though.

Sarah looked around. The city seemed like a labyrinth.

"Excuse me, sir." She called out to the nearest person. It was a man dressed in a full suit, wore polished shoes, and carried a suitcase. "Could yo-

"Sorry young lady, I need to get to my office." He left.

"Okaaay, I'll just ask someone else. Hey, ma'am, do you kno-"

"Sorry young lady, I have a meeting in ten minutes." She left towards a nearby building. She looked around for someone else and then noticed that almost all of the people around her were dressed in the same way; formal office clothing. They were all moving robotically like they had only one objective in mind.

"That was twice I was ignored now. If I ask another one of these guys where I can find the Castelia Cone stand will they tell me they're busy, are people really that busy?"

"That's Castelia City for you. The city brings in the most GDP for Unova and this is why. Come on, I know where we can ask."

They went towards the middle of the city where the skyscrapers mainly were. The skyscrapers were sparsely packed with a few other buildings spread farther apart. They reached one of the few green areas of the city which was a park with a large fountain in the middle. They went inside and saw people who looked like what Sarah was used to; people who were carefree and wore colourful clothes.

"Excuse me, ma'am." She called to an old woman who was sitting next to the fountain and feeding a few of the Duckletts swimming there. Sarah stayed away from them and tightened her grip on her bag. She remembered what happened over a week ago.

"Yes, dear?"

"Do you know where the Castelia Cone stand is?"

"It's a few blocks away from here. It's near a big staircase. Go that way, then take a right, then the second left."

"Thank you very much!"

They saw a small queue for the stand. It was early in the morning otherwise they would've waited for hours before making their order. After 15 minutes, it was their turn.

"May I take your order ma'am?" The cashier asked. She gave everyone's order. She was surprised that N hadn't ever had one despite coming to the city a few times before. He was reluctant to try one as he didn't want her to pay for it, but she insisted despite the expensive price.

"This is good," N said. Sarah couldn't reply as she was stuffing her face with her cone.

Anubis was excited when he saw his and thanked Sarah. He wanted to see what the sisters were so hyped over. He hadn't tried any other flavour other than chocolate so he got that one again after tasting its deliciousness.

"Wha-" He was bumped by an office worker who was running to his workplace while muttering how late he was, and he'd dropped his cone. He stared at the ice cream that stained the floor. He really wanted to try it.

"Ha, fucking idiot," Theodore said to him as he licked his own before his eyes widened. "This is good!" He kept licking it. Anubis sighed as he stared at the floor, upset from his loss.

Theodore caught Athena staring at him.

"What?" He said. She nodded to Anubis.

He shook his head. This treat is mine and mine alone.

She sighed disappointingly before grabbing Anubis's arm.

"Here, you can share some of mine."

"I-I can?"

"Of course, we're family after all." He smiled as they both started licking the cone. It was a bit awkward with how short Athena was, especially when the ice cream was almost as tall as her. It was nice sharing. It felt warm to him. The flavour was amazing. It wasn't as good as chocolate but it was still good.

Theodore just cringed at the scene and turned away.

They finished their cones in no time.

"I was thinking we should spend today battling a couple of trainers for practice for the gym tomorrow. I've already booked it. Gosh, I can't wait!" She rubbed her cheeks with her hands and started to shake.

There was a battlefield in the park where there were a few trainers already duking it out. She smirked as she saw the battles. The trainers weren't on her level. She challenged one after the pair of trainers had finished their battle. It was a two-on-two, but honestly, she thought she could beat the Pokemon by her human self if it wasn't wrong or illegal to do that. After nearby trainers took notice, they started to challenge her too and it became a manslaughter.

"Yipee." She jumped while clutching her pokedex. "I won so many battles. I've been on fire recently." She saw the figure shown on the screen. "Aaaaand I've made more than enough to pay for the Castelia Cones so you don't have to worry about paying me back N."

"No no, I will pay you back eventually just not now," he said. "But on another note, don't you think you've been acting a little overconfident recently? It first started with your cousin, and now these trainers. I'm saying this because I'm your friend. If you let this winning streak get to your head you'll regret it."

"Where's this coming from N?" She asked not expecting him to say this after winning so many battles. "I beat them without breaking a sweat-"

"You barely beat Isabella."

"And I think I've done pretty well in my journey. I've learned a lot and I'm going to keep doing better. I don't need someone to tell me that I'm doing badly, I'm doing great."

"W-wait, that's not what I meant. You're doing very well, all I'm saying is to tone it down a little."

Sarah just turned around and walked away, using her pokedex to find the nearest Pokemon Centre. At least that was a landmark on the map, unlike the Castelia Cone stand. Anubis and Athena gave a worried glance at the two as Sarah marched forward while N was slowly walking from the back. Theodore found it amusing.

As they got ready for bed, the whole evening was in silence as Sarah refused to even look at N while she wore a frown the entire time. There were two beds in their room. N slept in one by himself while the whole of Team Sarah was cramped in the other. It pissed off Theodore so he went into his pokeball. At first, he was comprehensive about it after the Team Plasma incident, but what could possibly happen here?

"I'm sorry, Sarah, I'm truly not doubting your capabilities. You've surprised me. Despite being a trainer for about a month you're already doing better than some trainers who have been in the circuit for three months. I just don't want to see you be so sad when you experience your first loss and you aren't arrogant enough to say that you won't eventually lose a battle," N said eyes wide awake. He was about to close them after a minute of silence until he heard Sarah say,

"Apology accepted."

When they woke up the next day, Sarah had returned to her normal attitude like she had forgotten the conversation yesterday. Either that or she accepted his apology that easily. He didn't know, it was an equal possibility of each.

She skipped outside.

"Time for the next gym battle, are you guys ready?" She asked.

"Weave."

"Ralts!"

"Riolu!"

"That's great to hear. How about you N? I know you don't like to see Pokemon battles, so…"

"Actually, Sarah, I think this is time I say goodbye."

"W-what? Why, is this because of what happened yesterday, I've already forgotten about that." Before N could stop her she carried on. "I'm the one who should apologise. That was totally childish of me and I'm sorry. You're my friend and I should at least hear you out, it's just…my parents have always been so constricting with how I do things and don't trust me with many responsibilities. That's why I got so peeved yesterday, you sounded like them."

"Sarah." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to apologise, I've already accepted it. Remember when I told you in Nacrene City, I'll be staying in Castelia City. I've heard of some Team Plasma operations around and I need to investigate them."

"Team Plasma! Then I have to come with you."

"No, I can't let you be put in danger for my missions. You've already done and shown more care for Pokemon than most trainers would"

"But I want to help Pokemon too, they're my friends. If they're in danger then I HAVE to help. Humans and Pokemon shouldn't be separated because of a few bad guys." N grimaces slightly.

"Even though we disagree in that part, I'll admit that you've changed my view on some things," he said. "Sarah, you said you wanted a normal journey and see the landscapes of Unova. This is my mission, not yours, so please carry on with your journey."

…

"Fine," she reluctantly said.

"W-where…Eev…ee?" Theodore asked.

"Oh yeah, where is he?" Sarah looked around. He left yesterday and didn't come back.

"I'm right here," an exhausted Eevee said as he limped to the group. It was particularly in his hind legs.

"There you are, we were just about to leave," N said.

"What were you doing?" Theodore asked.

"Who. It's who I was doing." Theodore blushed slightly as he figured out what he meant.

"You disgusting, filthy, sexy motherfucker. High five you baller." He held up his hand to which Eevee tiredly high-fived.

"Anyway, Eevee, we're leaving."

"Shit, already. Well, see you later guys," he said to Team Sarah. Anubis and Athena gave their goodbyes while Sarah hugged him, promising to give him a grooming the next time they meet. Theodore just stood silently before kissing his teeth and looking to the side. He didn't want Eevee to leave. He was the first person in his life who he managed to get along with. Whether it was due to his British roadman behaviour that made him laugh or how he was so laid back or maybe both, it didn't matter.

It's not supposed to be like this, but he thinks he considers Eevee as a friend…A friend, is this what friendship is?

…

Yes. I consider Eevee a friend.

"I can't believe it, for the first time in my life, I, Theodor Nieoldiek, will actually miss someone. Goodbye, Eevee…headbutt?"

"Sure."

*BANG*

They both became disoriented before laughing. N recalled him before leaving while waving goodbye.

Athena smiled at Theodore.

"What?"

"I sense sadness in you when he was leaving. Was Eevee an inferior being?"

"What does that have to do with anything? He was a cool guy, so his power shouldn't matter…oh crap, your right," he said, seeing where she was heading to. He didn't value Eevee off his power, but off his friendship. "I didn't know that was possible. I feels wrong."

"No, it's called being happy."

Team Sarah arrived at the gym. Sarah was told by the receptionist to put at least two of her Pokemon in their pokeballs. At first, she asked why when Lenora allowed it, but then she realised it must have been due to guilt for delaying her gym battle. The receptionist said that it was to make the gym battle seem more equal and that the Gym Leader, Burgh, wouldn't immediately know who he was battling.

She chose Anubis and Athena, despite her reluctance. Sarah thought it wouldn't matter keeping Theodore out when he was their strongest. She did apologise to Athena and promised her a Skittles packet after they'd won.

She and Theodore walked through the hallway when it was her turn. They awed at the many plants and trees that filled the sides of the hallway while they had artificial UV light shining on them. They recognised them from being from Pinwheel Forest.

She saw Burgh at the end of the hallway. He wore red and green striped trousers made of material that couldn't be ripped from cuts caused by sharp blades. His simple green cardigan was also made of that material. On his shown forearms were small cuts probably caused by little sharp thorns on small plants and trees. His face beamed when he saw her and her Weavile like an artist suddenly finding inspiration for a new piece of art.

"Hello," Sarah greeted. "I'm Sarah and you're Burgh, right?"

"I am." He smiled with a gentleness that could only be found in someone who took extensive care for others. "Bug type specialist and extraordinaire."

"Really, I thought you were a grass type specialist from the plants and everything."

"No, bug types and grass types have the most symbiotic relationship compared to any other typing so it's not surprising for them to be interconnected." She didn't know what symbiotic meant. "They're lovely, the trees, aren't they? They're from Pinwheel Forest. We bring two of each species here to preserve them in case there's a big forest fire. But enough about that. You're here for your gym battle."

"Yes!"

"Then let's start."

Each trainer went to their respective stand on the battlefield. The referee called out the rules,

"The Castelia City gym battle between Burgh and Sarah Grace is about to begin. Three Pokemon per side. The gym battle will be completed when one side is unable to continue."

"It's my job as a Gym leader to show my Pokemon first. So, feast your eyes on my glorious Dwebble."

He summoned a small Pokemon that reminded Theodore of a hermit crab but with two fewer legs, and instead of using a shell from an abandoned animal, it used one made from a rock. It was smart to use tools from its environment for its protection.

Sarah got out her pokedex.

"Dwebble, the rock-in Pokemon. After finding a suitable rock, Dwebble digs a hole in the rock's bottom to use for a protective shell."

"I haven't seen a Pokemon like that before. Where'd you got one from, he looks cool." Sarah said.

"He's from a quarry near Pinwheel Forest. I like to spend time in the nature as I don't like the corporate environment here, it's not good for my artistic self. Anyway, let's see who you'll pick."

"I pick Athena." She summoned her. Athena gave her a small glare after being put into the pokeball then diverted that glare towards her opponent. It was someone who was the same size as her for once.

"I'll let you have the first move."

"You may regret that. Athena, use Confusion." Athena sent the yellow ring of energy towards her opponent.

"Dwebble, use Dig." Dwebble, with incredible speed, was able to dig through the hardened ground and disappear, dodging the attack. "I see you're using a strategy where you'll put my Pokemon in a vulnerable state then damage him as much as you can. That's impressive for a trainer who's at their 3rd gym."

Sarah bit her lip. Fudge, he's already figured out my strategy.

"Just because you know, doesn't mean you've won. Athena, be careful, he'll come out of the ground near you."

"Dwebble, use X-scissor."

Athena kept turning and watched the areas near her. Unfortunately, Dwebble was still able to surprise her as he came bursting out of a hole. He raised his huge pointed claws which glowed purple from bug type energy and gave her two horizontal slashes across her body.

"Ralts!"

"And now use Rock Wrecker."

"Athena, get up. Use Double Team." She quickly got to her feet and summoned many clones around her. The huge rock that was larger than both Pokemon had flashed through her and dispersed the clone. Now it was Dwebble who was looking around, wondering which one was the real one. Sarah smiled widely.

"Use Mystical Fire and make it a big one." Each clone copied the charge-up of the attack, so Dwebble didn't have an indicator as to which one was the real one.

It doesn't matter, Burgh thought.

"Use Protect." Dwebble, closed slightly into his shell and raised it. He summoned normal type energy through it and summoned a blue forcefield around himself. All clones attacked and the large flame diverted through the Protect.

A bead of sweat dropped from Sarah's forehead. Another strategy had been crushed. She was planning to use the clones to divert Dwebble's attention while the real Athena attacked him through the opening.

"Dwebble, get close and use X-scissor." Dwebble charged

"Don't let him, use Psybeam to keep him back." While Athena was charging the attack, Dwebble had already been in front of her and attacked. "So fast!"

"Dwebble's shell is made of a special rock that is strong and light. Perfect for a close ranged attacker who retreats back after their attacks. I think it's time to end this, use Rock Wrecker."

"U-use Double Team." Athena summoned her clones again and Dwebble missed. "And now use Mystical Fire."

"Protect." Dwebble quickly summoned the shield which easily diverted the attack again.

Athena went on one knee and huffed. The huge drain of stamina from using Double Team and her water reserves going low from summoning two Mystical Fires took its toll. She's not a fire type, so using that move was more taxing.

Sarah stamped on the stand.

"Come on Athena, you can do better than that, don't be pathetic."

Athena let out a look of shock and disgust at her, never thinking she would hear those words come out of her mouth, the one she was raised with. Sarah realised what she said and put a hand to her mouth She could feel Athena's eyes despite them being covered by her green hair.

"Dig, then X-scizzor." Dwebble dug through the ground and got close then slashed her across the face. She fainted. Sarah got out her pokeball and recalled her.

"I'm sorry Athena, for what I said." She knew she couldn't hear her after fainting, but she'll apologise after she got the badge.

"That's a strong Ralts and has quite the resilience. It's a shame, she would have faired better at one of my other Pokemon, especially with its fire type attack. You should think more about your type advantages and battle-styled Pokemon like a fighting type close ranged attacker is perfect against my Dwebble as bug, and rock type attacks would be weak against it.

"Oh yeah, well get ready for this surprise. Anubis, come on out!"

"Riolu!"

"Did you start your journey in the Sinnoh region? All three of your Pokemon can be found there." He had seen her registration saying she was from Unova so she may have gone to Sinnoh to start their gym circuit then joined Unova's later.

"Huh, I didn't even notice that. Wow, that's freaky."

"Anyway, it seems I was spot on. Now I'm thinking I shouldn't have told you that, but as a Gym Leader, my job is to teach you what you're lacking."

"I'm not lacking anything."

"Hmm, we'll see. Dwebble, start this off with dig."

"Oh no you don't. Anubis, use Swift, make sure it goes through the hole."

He charged his attack, pouring normal type energy into his paws. He sent a link through the hole to where the Dwebble was still digging towards him. He swiped the air in front of him and many stars flew and went into the hole. Dwebble burst through his left side as the attacks pushed him through the remaining ground.

"Now, use Brick Break, don't let him use protect!"

"Quickly, use Protect!" Both sides tried to get moves done in time, but Dwebble was quicker to retract into his shell and summon the forcefield. Anubis was about to send a right hook when he heard Theodore shout,

"No, don't use a right hook! Instead, jab forward with as much power as you can and make it as straight as possible."

It didn't matter that he took 2 seconds longer to get into a better stance and attack. He didn't know why Theodore told him to attack this way but he trusted him. The punch was powerful, but not as much as his hook would have been yet the attack still broke the shield with ease. His punch then hit the little crustacean's thin body and sent him tumbling through the field.

Burgh was speechless.

"B-but how?" Sarah was thinking the same thing. Theodore sent the command after his experience with Protect against Isabella's Servine.

The best way to break it is by using an attack thats vector is perpendicular to the tangent of the shield. His hook, though more powerful, wouldn't have done as well as his jab.

Dwebble fainted.

Burgh recalled him.

"Thank you Dwebble, you did well. That's quite the power your Riolu has, but it won't matter against my Whirlipede."

He sent a Pokemont that was familiar to the two of them which made trainer and Pokemon smile. This was perfect. They had already faced a Whirlipede queen who was strong, so the experience should make this a piece of cake.

"I'll start this off. Anubis, use Brick Break, break that shell of hers."

The Riolu charged forward, smirking. They didn't realise that Burgh was smirking too. When he hit with his full force, it didn't even make a crack on the Whirlipede's carapace.

"You done?" She said with a raspy insect voice.

"B-but how?" Anubis asked. Sarah wondered the same thing.

"I don't know what you were thinking with that attack. Fighting type moves are very ineffective against bug types. Despite your Riolu's power he won't be able to leave a scratch on my Whirlipede's natural armour. Now, use Poison Sting."

"Oh no, dodge it!"

He wasn't quick enough to evade the many small needles of poison type energy that was absorbed through his sweat glands and entered his bloodstream. He was poisoned.

Sarah was nervous. That attack meant she was on a time limit with him and she had to end this quickly.

"We're going to have to go all out. Use Quick Attack."

"Meet that head on with Steam Roller." Whirlipede's specialised long spikes had their tips glow into a steel like material before she spun into Anubis's speeding tackle in the blink of an eye. He was easily overpowered and sent sprawling back to her side of the field. "Do it again!"

Whirlipede turned around and hit him as soon as he was getting up from the back.

"S-so fast," Sarah muttered. This was definitely not like the Whirlipede they faced in Pinwheel Forest. She saw the huge amount of sweat coming down his fur. The poison. It was circulating faster than she thought it would. Anubis steadied himself and his opponents just watched him. He wouldn't fail Sarah. He had won the previous gym for her and he wouldn't fail now.

"Use Solar Beam Whirlipede."

"Use Quick Attack to dodge it." He evaded the yellow beam of energy. "Use Swift. Maintain your distance and keep attacking."

It was a good strategy. He kept sending stars as Burgh ordered many more Solar Beams or Poison Stings. He dodged using Quick Attack as another strike would put him in a terrible situation. The attacks chipped, and then started to show their damage. Whirlipede started to become unsteady on her tiny feet.

"Use Iron Defense," Burgh said. She glowed into a steel exterior for a moment before it vanished. The next group of stars had hit and done absolutely nothing.

Sarah started to shake as she watched. She didn't know what to do, Burgh was taking down her strategies one by one. Did she feed something wrong to her Pokemon or was it just a bad day? She couldn't have done something wrong, could she?

"Let's end their misery, now. Use Steam Roller."

"A-Anubis." She hesitantly called out until she remembered what brought them victory in Pinwheel Forest. That Whirlipede used a similar attack and she knew exactly how to counter it. "Brick Break from the side. Attack its eye."

He charged his right fist and waited until she got close. Before he could land the hook, when it was in full swing, he was launched to the wall.

He fainted.

Sarah recalled him before gripping his pokeball tightly. I'm sorry Anubis, I failed you and Athena both. She looked at the Weavile beside her. Her ace Pokemon. The one who she knew would always bring them victory.

"Theodor-" Before she could say anything, he already jumped into the battlefield.

"Weavile."

"I'll grant you the first attack again," Burgh said. He was confused when she didn't call out an attack and instead, her Weavile had done it on his own. The moment of confusion allowed Theodore to charge a Shadow Claw and cross the distance with speed that rivalled his Whirlipede's.

He attacked the eye, right in the pupil. Whirlipede cried out in pain before rolling back and creating distance. Her eye had surprisingly not swelled up like he expected it to. No, he should have expected it. It was a huge eye, the size of a squid who had the largest eye in the animal kingdom back in his world. Theodore went back to his side of the field. He tried to create as much distance as possible

"Use Steam Roller," Burgh said. Theodore smirked. I knew he would call out that attack. The huge distance would trick Burgh into thinking it was the best move since Solar Beam and Poison Sting were too far away and easy to dodge.

He focused on his organ from the day he fought Isabella's Sawsbuck. He had practised with it afterwards and became familiar with the ice type energy. He brought out his liquid nitrogen reserves and froze a part of the battlefield in front of him. Whirlipede slipped when rolling on it and whizzed past his side into the wall where she got her long spikes stuck.

He yawned, charged up two Shadow Claws and brought down a flurry on her eyes and the gaps in her armour. She fainted while still being stuck in place. Burgh recalled her.

"Behold, the guardian of the forest, I summon you Leavanny." The Pokemon was a lanky bipedal insect that had sharp claws instead of appendages, long mandibles, and wore clothes made of huge leaves and sewn with silk-like string. It was beautiful and majestic, deserving the title of the forest's guardian. "This is my final Pokemon. I'm surprised you've made it this far. Your Pokemon strengths have made up your planning of their opponents. All your hopes are on your Weavile who seems to be battling on his own."

She nodded.

"Well, I believe in him. He is my ace and always wins no matter what."

"Such faith and confidence or is it arrogance and foolishness? Let's see which it is. Leavanny, use Leaf Storm."

Theodore's eyes widened. His opponent had charged the attack quicker than he had anticipated. Many small leaves were conjourned and thrown at him. He dodged it but got some scrapes from a few nicking him. He found something odd with his body.

"And now, use Hyper Beam." She charged this attack even quicker and the powerful beam struck him hard and sent him towards Sarah's stand. He tried to dodge but found something wrong. Due to the lack of battles compared to Anubis and Athena, he hadn't realised the way he used his leg muscles for dodging or going in for attacks. They felt wrong like he hadn't been moving with them properly. It was due to not being completely in sync with this body. That would have to change.

He got up from the floor. At least the distance would give him a chance to dodge any long range attack she'd throw at him.

He used Ice Beam on the area around her. This was to make sure she would stay there. He started to walk around the edges of the battlefield and encircle her. She watched him and became nauseous of his motions where it felt like she was seeing copies then seeing him being around her all at the same time. The information her eyes sent to her brain was too much and she fell to her side, keeping herself upright with her arms.

Burgh watched and was intrigued by the move that he had never seen or heard of before.

He went in with his Shadow Claws and attacked. The insect Pokemon's upper body was small so it could specialize in either long range or rushdown types of battling styles. He attacked her chest and retreated. Her breaths became ragged.

"Ha, what are you going to do now., you've already lost," he said.

"I wouldn't be so sure about that," she said as she got up. Her ragged breaths started to become normal.

"What! But I struck you on the lungs with my Shadow Claws. You shouldn't b-"

"Those attacks didn't hurt that much. It was more of a shock from what you did earlier."

"Use Leaf Storm." Theodore cried out as all of the leaves had caused bruises and cuts on him. "And now Hyper Beam!" A small cloud of dust went up. When it cleared it showed him lying on his side. Fainted.

Sarah watched wide-eyed. In shock.

"I-I…how…I.-"

"That was a nice battle, it was a close one. However, if you had studied type advantages and planned efficient matchups using your Pokemon's battling styles then this gym would have been a breeze for you. I hope you learn this for next time."

Sarah wasn't listening. She unconsciously recalled Theodore and ran through the doors of the battlefield. She ran through the hall, the reception, and then the streets of Castelia City. When she'd run out of energy did she stop, leaning against a wall. She cried. In a place where no one could see her.

"I-I lost…I lost…was mom and dad right, am I not cut out for this? I failed so badly." She cried for about 10 minutes before curling up for another 20. She summoned her Pokemon who looked groggy from the match but at least they were conscious. They were shocked when they saw her miserable face.

"I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry. I failed you guys. N was right. I got cocky and way over my head and started to get angry at you, Athena, for my own mistake. I'm not good enough to be a trainer. If you want you can look for someone else, there's definitely a better trainer in this city who wouldn't have failed so badly, someone better."

What is she talking about, they all thought. She had managed to almost beat Burgh despite the terrible matchups. Theodore had seen her progress over the past month. Her first gym battle in Striaton City was a complete mess where she couldn't even order Athena properly, but in her second gym battle, she used a sound strategy to beat Lenora, a great battler. What is she talking about, a failure, she was genius. And Theodore respected her for that.

Athena sensed through her horn the emotion of self-hatred from within her. She started to cry herself from the overwhelming emotions. She jumped and slapped her face hard. Sarah held on her cheek and looked at Athena in shock.

"So is that what it is, you're just going to give up now! After all the hardship we've been through," she shouted. "Only one failure and suddenly you want to give up. No, I won't stand for that or did you forget the promise we made to our parents that WE would be the champions of Unova." Sarah just listened to the Ralts who showed immense anger when repeating her name over and over again. "I love you Sarah, but I will beat the strawberry sauces out of you if you dare give up now."

"Y-you're right. He he, what was I thinking? I can't give up now." She wiped her tears with her sleeve. "Sorry guys, I just had a weird moment just now."

Theodore wrote down in his notebook,

I OVERHEARD YOUR CONVERSATION WITH ATHENA THE OTHER DAY, THE ONE ABOUT ISABELLA. THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME EXPERIENCING HUGE SUCCESS THEN LOSING IT. YOU'RE BETTER THAN YOU THINK. DON'T BEAT YOURSELF ABOUT IT.

"Wow, a compliment coming from the grumpy Weavile. I think the world's ending."

"I'm…not…grumpy!"

"Anyway, let's get you all healed up, I'm sure those wounds must hurt." She went to the Pokemon Center where they used the Instant Recovery machine. She wanted to go to the library.

Burgh was right, she needed to study matchups better. Anubis stayed in his pokeball and Athena was eating a Skittles packet on the table. Theodore was reading something about anatomy on the side. She sat at the table and read.

After a few hours and a couple of note-taking, she understood how type differences worked. She made a large diagram which made it easier for her to remember them all. Regarding style differences, she read a book from Shauntal, who was the same person who wrote that book she found in the dreamyard. A few pages of that book alone brought her miles ahead of a lot of trainers so studying this book was a godsend.

"I think we're done here," she said. Theodore growled but put down his book. He had made his own notes that were mostly filled with diagrams of certain Pokemon. It was expertly drawn. "I'm buying these two books for you and Anubis. Here, tell me what you think?"

He read their titles. The books were for martial arts. They were of different ones though.

"I thought that after seeing your battles, these would be the most appropriate. I may not be an expert in martial arts but I've seen enough Brycen movies." She said.

Movies don't make you an expert, but let's see what we've got here…

He skimmed through the pages and saw that the martial arts did complement their fighting styles. The book for Anubis was basically Muay Thai but it was called Kraton. It was perfect for his power-based attacks and could make them more devastating. He couldn't wait to see that destruction. His own was a marital art he couldn't recognise but was meant to deliver quick and precise attacks on the opponent's weak points while dodging with efficiency. Add that to his knowledge of anatomy, and he'll become a monster.

He admits that he feels stingy after the loss from the Leavanny and that he should've realised that he would need to train if he wanted to help Sarah win the gym battles.

This reinforced his idea of her. She is a genius.

He put up his hand for a high five. She delivers it.

"This…is…excellent," he said in English. It was improving and he suspects he'll master it in 2 days.

When getting the books scanned by the librarian, she told her.

"I see you're preparing for Burgh's gym. That's good. Most trainer's just go in there without any planning."

"Yeah, I wonder who would do that." She sweatdropped.

"You know, there is a tournament happening at Don George's Battle Club. It would be a good way to get some practice."

"I've never heard of a Battle Club."

"They're run by the George family. They have big tournaments periodically around Unova, but this time, it's a small local one. It will be run in a few days and it will last for only one day."

"Thank you, I'll definitely go there."

It was a short walk since it was only around the block, but she arrived at the Battle Club. it was something she hadn't seen before, it was like some sort of mini gym. She walked through the doors and met a large burly man with a moustache covering his mouth. He wore basic loose trousers and a vest.

"Hello, I'm Don George, the owner of this Battle Club. And you are?"

"Hi, I'm Sarah Grace. What is this place?"

"This is a place where you can train your Pokemon by a substantial amount. In here is training equipment you can't get anywhere else and they're of the highest quality. Are you looking to train your Pokemon?"

"Actually, I heard that there was a small tournament going on here and wanted to join."

"Ah, yes there is. It will be starting in four days. Luckily, for you today is the last day you can sign up. You can sign up at the front desk." She did so. "I would recommend training here till then. With proper training, your Pokemon can reach milestones they couldn't before. Most beginning trainers forget that."

"I will." It was a bit pricey. $20 for a day or $55 for a week. She took the weekly pass despite only going to use the gym for three days as it was a better deal.

Sarah found it more efficient to split the training. Theodore would handle Anubis where they would train their martial arts together while Sarah and Athena would work on her attacks. Theodore had taken him to the fighting boulder battlefield. She would go to the aiming facility.

"Oi, watch where you're going!" She accidentally bumped the shoulder of a similar-aged trainer who dropped the pokeball he was holding. She saw the pokeball and was surprised to see that it was a luxury ball. A black ball with silver and gold linings across it and a ruby like ring on its top. "Do you know how much this costs?"

"Sorry, I should have seen where I was going."

"Yeah, you should have." She could now see his clothing was quite exquisite. He wore a blue shirt with an orange overall. He wore blue jeans that were made of soft fabric. The brands were what caught her eye. 'Leavanny's thread'. That was an expensive clothing company that sold high quality clothing. "Hey, I saw you at the registration. Are you going to compete in the tournament too?"

"Yes, I am. I'm actually going to train for it right now." She smiled.

"I wouldn't bother if I were you."

"And why not." She took offence.

"Because I'm going to win it with my team of rare and powerful Pokemon. We'll mop the floor with every one of you inferiors."

"What's your name?" She asked while grinning on the inside. She would beat this guy to the ground.

"Connor's the name, and don't you forget it."

(With Vikasa)

The Scyther looked nervous as he laid down on the metal table. The lord that Garland described was a human in a lab coat like he'd seen occasionally, but he wasn't as presentable with his scraggly appearance. Vikasa was ruffling Garland's head.

"So, Scyther, I heard you want to become more powerful." The human spoke in a soft voice that calmed Scyther's nerves. He nodded. "Good because I can already see what needs to be changed. First off was the promise that Garland gave, the one where you can speak in human tongue. Have you ever felt annoyance at not being able to convey detailed messages towards your trainer?"

He nodded again.

"Well, I'll fix that. But the most important change will be those blades of yours. They are magnificently sharp for an organic blade." Scyther smirked at the praise. "But it's not enough. You came here to be able to be amongst the strongest of Pokemon, so I will be changing those blades of yours. They will be replaced by metal and have diamond-encrusted edges. Are you sure you want this?"

With a smile that innocent from the Doctor, how could he say no? He was sick of losing again and again. With these promises, he's realized how much of a setback his trainer had been. He won't be weak again.

He nods for a final time which makes Vikasa smile into something that could be called madness, but he quickly hides it before the two next to him could notice.

"Good. Garland, leave while I do this."

"Of course, my lord." He bowed.

He places the mask on Syther and lets him inhale the anaesthesia.

It took a few hours for the surgery to be complete, but the unbelievable adaptation of the Pokemon body allowed Scyther to recover faster than he thought he would. Good, there's been enough failures already.

"How do you feel?" Scyther got up and felt the changes immediately. He was much heavier than before. His blades were indeed replaced by steel that had the same exterior as Garland's sword, and along the edges was a beautiful diamond edge. He didn't expect pipes along part of his arms and his back. "Yeah, those are hydraulics. There's no way you'll be able to pick up those new blades of yours from pure strength so these will help. They will also increase your power and the precision of your cuts due to their rigged movements."

It felt weird. It felt wrong. Maybe this whole thing was a mis-No! I should at least give this a chance. Syther's nervousness was now replaced with excitement as he wondered about the power he had gained and the opponents he would destroy.

"Let's go for testing then." The Doctor gave a hand out of the table where he stumbled. As they walked through the hallway and into a large room that looked like a battlefield, he adjusted against the heavy weight in his arms and back. It would take some time getting used to, but he could do it without the limits of his trainer.

"Here," the Doctor said. "You'll be facing opponents for my rese-I mean for your training."

Scyther nodded.

"In English please."

"U-uunder-st-toood." His throat hurt from his new vocal cords.

"Excellent," Vikasa said while grinning. "You're already doing better than Garland. Anyway." He pressed a button and from the doorway on the opposite end of the field came an Emolga who looked scared for some reason. "You'll be facing against this Emolga. Show me what you've got."

He used Quick Attack. Against an opponent who specialised in manoeuvering and mobility, he had to get in close and personal. Emolga yelped before just about avoiding his swing. He ended up hitting the wall of the battlefield and was shocked when a piece of the concrete wall had cleanly fallen off. The edge of the cut was incredibly smooth.

He pondered on his blade. It was absolutely fantastic. He broke out of his thoughts when he felt a strong shock. Whoops, perhaps he'll leave contemplating for later. This time he used Energy Ball against the Emolga which led to her dodging by moving down.

Perfect. He used Quick Attack again before swinging his blade. To his and the Emolga's utmost horror, when she tried to dodge, he had cut her left leg right off her body. It fell through the air before bouncing along the metallic ground.

"AAAAAHHHHH!"

"What just happened!?" He looked towards the Doctor who was grinning madly. Now he saw his true nature. He was evil. But how, the hemaguard layer should have protected her or at least caused her to faint? It's these blades, they're too powerful for even the hemaguard layer to protect.

Sure, he may be able to beat opponents he couldn't before, but this wasn't how he wanted to do it. It was supposed to be through an honourable contects not through murder.

"Well, go on then, finish her."

"N-no." He looked in disgust at the Emolga who was screaming in pain on the floor as blood kept squirting from her wound. She wasn't part of his food chain so it was a senseless killing. There was no need for it. Something that is considered the highest dishonour amongst Pokemon kind.

The Doctor didn't like that answer.

"Fine then," he muttered before getting out a pink vial from his jacket. "Have it your way then."

He threw it at Sycther who raised his arms to block it. The vial exploded into a cloud of pink dust. Scyther found it hard to think after each inhale of the dust until everything went black. His eyes went from green to blood red.

"Finally. I don't understand this whole honour thing you've Pokemon got going on along with the weak humans of this world. It's so pointless. No matter, finish her off, now."

Scyther, who started to move like a robot, slowly walked towards the Emolga. She kept screaming until she saw, through tear-filled eyes, the Scyther hovering over her. She became silent from fear. He raised a blade and brought it down. The screaming stopped along with her movement. He raised the blade and swung it down again. And again. And again as the mad Doctor watched in delight.

"W-what?" He felt groggy. He blinked away the darkness from the edge of his eyes as he looked at the scene in front of him. He screamed in horror as the Emolga's organs were lying across the floor in a huge puddle of blood.

"You should have seen it Scyther, how badly you wanted to kill that Emolga. You loved the power of your blades and wanted to show your power after countless losses from before. Don't you remember?"

I-is that what happened? When he blacked out, was that from his bloodlust after gaining so much power? He held the sides of his head with his blades.

"Oh no, what have I done? WHAT HAVE I DONE?!" He's disgraced himself as a Pokemon. How could he ever see a reflection of himself again?

He was now in a large cage in a hallway that had many more. This looked like one of those things his trainer described, a prison. He curled on himself, still in horror and shock at what he'd done.

"Hey, it's not your fault." A voice called out from one of the other cages. It was in perfect English. What he saw was a very strange site. It was a Herdier with a Growlithe on top of it except half of the Growlithe's body was missing, the lower half. The upper body was somehow attached to the Herdier's back.

"Yes," the Growlithe spoke. "You were under a mind control. You didn't kill that Pokemon. He did."

"W-what happened to you?" Scyther asked

"It's one of his experiments. Research for his Ultimate Creature project. My body was cut in half and is now connected to Hierdier's here. Our spines are connected and we share some organs."

"T-this…WHAT IS THIS?! GET ME OUT OF HERE, SOMEBODY, PLEASE!"

"Sorry friend, but no one is here. But you should be grateful, most Pokemon die from his sinister experiments. We're the only ones to survive."

"How can you say that? We're stuck here in this maniac's prison and you're thinking about being grateful. Why did I listen to that damn Sirknight, I should have stayed with my trainer."

"It's not Garland's fault. He's been tricked into believing the Doctor's lies. He does keep him away from our training in fear of rebellion though."

Scyther looked out the cage to see two more Pokemon in neighbouring cages.

"Hey," he called out to the one on the Herdier/Growlithe's right. It was an Elektross with machines protruding out of him. The two on his arms reminded Scyther of a Blastoise's cannons. The other ones he couldn't recognise.

"Hey," the elektross said in a weak voice that sounded so lifeless. He also spoke in perfect English. This was wrong.

When looking at the one on the left of Herdier/Growlithe-

"Don't talk to him," Herdier said strongly.

Why not? Scyther thought.

The Heatmoor spoke anyway.

"Oh what fun this is," he said in a crazed voice that reminded him of the Doctor. His eyes were pink-red with the capillaries bloodshot and pronouncing. "A new face, one that I would love to destroy. Burn, rip, just absolute destruction he he he." His cage, Scyther realized wasn't the same as the others. It had a glass exterior instead of the reinforced bars of theirs. Heatmoor started to have crackles of electricity go around him and charged up a large blue fireball that encompassed his entire cage.

It blew up and the whole prison shook. Such power! Scyther thought.

"He's being fed his own species' meat and unlike some bug types, it's destroying his sanity. The Doctor mentioned something called prions and holes in the brain. His powers have been enhance with technology similar to Elektross's."

I should have stayed with my trainer…

Chapter End

I think I've been inspired by the insane world of Pokemon to have a slice of life and horror at the same time. It's weird.