Summer and Weldon went to the Lavaridge Town Gym for not only her next badge, but to also help the Gym Leader, Flannery, who was in trouble with the Pokémon League Association. Despite a less than spirited start from her opponent, Summer was able to bring out Flannery's true battling skills and win the Flame Badge as a result. The pair begin their return trip to Petalburg City for the next Gym badge, but are detoured by an event in Mauville City that piques Summer's interest. What is this event, and what will she learn through it?
Chapter 33- Battling Family Tensions
After I finished packing for the trip back to Petalburg City, I checked my Pokégear for the latest news. A small news article immediately caught my eye.
"Oh, Clara's going to have a one-day art exhibition in Mauville City tonight."
"Are you going to go?" Lightning asked as she scratched behind her ears.
"Most likely. I still need to find out why she doesn't want to see me."
She frowned. "I don't know, Summer. I'm sure she has a reason, but I don't think you being there will make her tell you anything."
"Well, you never know, right? Anyway, it's time to meet Weldon. Ready to go?"
"Yes! It's way too hot here."
I laughed. "Good thing the next Gym is by the coast."
We headed downstairs, and I returned my key to Nurse Fushoku. I then found Weldon sitting on the couch.
"Hey, Weldon."
He jumped. "Oh! Summer! I-I didn't hear you."
"Are…you okay, Weldon? You tend to be jumpy when you're intensely focused on something."
"Y-Yeah, I am… It's just…" After letting me sit next to him, he explained, "My mom told me that the Battling Family Convention will be held in Mauville City, and it'll start tonight."
"What's that?"
"It's a three-day event where batfams meet every two years. There's battles, food, battles, egos, and-"
"More battles?"
He chuckled. "Yeah… I guess that's a running thing for us, isn't it?"
"That is what the families are known for. Anyway, what did Camilla say?"
"She…asked me if I wanted to go. I know I'm on hiatus and I'm in the region, but…knowing what I know now, I realized I never really liked going to those types of events. It's a lot of boasting and bullying, both with young and older Trainers. Something which…I don't do anymore."
"But you're different now. You can still enjoy it without interacting with other batfams."
"I guess, though that'll be hard since I'm a member of the oldest Kanto battling family. Batfams always want to make good relations with the oldest families, especially if the heads have winning records." He sighed, then looked at me sincerely. "Thanks for listening to me, Summer. It means a lot."
"Of course, Weldon. But what are you going to do?"
He clenched his left fist. "I…I'm still not sure yet. I don't want to disappoint Mom, but I do want to meet up with her before the event."
"Or you can meet up with me now, Weldon."
He spun around as Camilla entered the Pokémon Center. "M-Mom?! I thought we were meeting at the Mauville Grande Hotel."
She giggled. "I wanted to say hello to Nurse Fushoku since you two are still in Lavaridge Town."
The aforementioned nurse hobbled over. "Camilla! I hope you've been well."
The two exchanged hugs. "Yes, Nurse Fushoku. I'm happy to see you're doing well too. Thank you for taking care of these two."
The elderly woman beamed. "Just doing the same work I've been doing for sixty years." Nurse Fushoku's Chansey motioned her behind the reception desk. "And that is my cue to leave."
"Of course, I know how busy you are. You take care of yourself, all right?"
"I will, my dear. Farewell to all of you."
We waved goodbye, and we left the Pokémon Center with Camilla.
"Should I call a Tropius Taxi?" I asked.
The head of the Leland family smiled. "Thanks for the offer, Summer, but I know of a faster option." She let out her Salamence.
Weldon crossed his arms. "Are you sure, Mom? Snaps hasn't carried more than two people before."
"Don't worry, Weldon. He's carried far heavier loads on his back before."
"That's right, kid," the Dragon type said in a slightly deep voice. "Don't underestimate me."
Weldon was a little startled, but he remembered his earpiece.
Camilla grinned. "I see that you have a Pokémon translation device, Weldon. It's pretty handy, isn't it?"
"You have one too, Mom?"
She showed off the earpiece in her right ear. "Yup. The batfam heads are helping with the next stages of the testing. It's pretty cool to hear Pokémon talk." She patted the Dragon type. "Anyway, ready to go?"
After returning Lightning, we climbed onto the Dragon Pokémon's back and Camilla guided him south. What would have been a two-hour walk became a five-minute flight to the urban cityscape. We landed in front of a tall fifteen-story hotel with marble pillars lining the entrance. The lobby was equally grand, with marble floors and expensive exotic plants. A lot of people were walking around but immediately stopped when Camilla led us to a separate reception desk. Their intense stares were a little unnerving, but Weldon made sure to keep me close to them.
The female hotel clerk recognized the woman's pin. "Ah, Mrs. Leland. Welcome back to the Mauville Grande Hotel. Your usual suite?"
"Yes, thank you. Can you please send up room service for lunch?"
"Of course. Do you have any preferences?"
"Just your best options."
"Excellent choice." She handed Camilla a key card. "Please take the elevator leading to the suites. Thank you for staying with us."
We followed Camilla to an elevator more elegantly designed compared to the regular elevators. We went inside and headed up to the top floor. Camilla went over to Room 1596 and opened the door for us.
I marveled at the immaculate two-story room, complete with a full-sized kitchen, living room with a large-screen television and leather couches, a small hot tub with a fountain in the center, and sweeping views of Hoenn. Weldon, on the other hand, went straight upstairs.
Camilla pointed to the spiral staircase. "Summer, go ahead and choose one of the four smaller bedrooms."
"There are four bedrooms?!"
"Well, there are seven, but three of them are for the current main family members. The other rooms are still quite roomy and comfortable. And the bathrooms are lovely as well."
"Oh…okay…" I climbed up and saw four open doors and three closed ones down a long hallway. I entered the one at the middle left and gasped at the splendor of the single bedroom. The pristine white walls and tan wooden floors highlighted the queen-sized bed, solid oak desk, and open side closet. I put my backpack on the rolling chair by the desk and let out Lightning.
She had the same reaction I did. "I-Is this how rich people live, Summer?"
"I wouldn't call the Leland family rich, but they do have the influence of one."
The Raichu was about to leap onto the bed, but I shouted, "Wait, Lightning! You should get a bath first before you jump onto the bed. "
"Aww…but I'm clean!" She wiped her fur, only for small puffs of volcanic ash to fly off.
I smiled and pulled out my Pokémon grooming utensils. "Let me give you a brushing downstairs then."
"Yay!"
We headed back to the first floor, and I brushed Lightning by the hot tub.
Camilla came downstairs. "What do you think of the suite, Summer?"
"It's amazing, Camilla. I've never seen a hotel room like this before."
"I'm glad you like it. You have free rein with the amenities while staying with us, including the room service and Pokémon massages."
Lightning's ears perked up. "Can I get a massage, Summer?"
I stroked my chin with the brush. "We can see if it fits in our schedule."
She nodded and returned to the grooming session.
The Leland family head sat next to me and soaked her feet in the tub. "I'm glad to see you're doing well, Summer. How has Weldon been doing during your travels? I hope he hasn't been causing you any trouble."
"Oh, no. He's great, Camilla. I think he's doing better since we started."
She gave a relieved sigh. "That's good to hear. He sounded like he was during our phone calls, but I'm glad to know you confirmed it. Still, I can't help but worry about him. I'm sure he told you why I'm here?"
"Yeah, he told me it's for the Battling Family Convention. Can you tell me more about it?"
She looked at the fountain. "Hmm…where to start? I'm guessing he told you about how the event is for battling families and involves a lot of battling?"
"Yeah, he did."
"Good. The first day of the convention is a semi-formal event, complete with hor d'oeuvres and drinks and a battling tournament. The other two days are dedicated for more battle exhibitions and discussions led by selected batfam heads. There are also exhibits showing each of the main or oldest battling families, so historians and authors are also invited to document the history of the battling families."
"Huh. I didn't expect those people to be there as well."
A knock on the door interrupted our conversation.
"Ah, that must be our lunch. Excuse me, Summer."
As Camilla went to get our food, Weldon came down the stairs and set up the dining table. She placed a large tray on the kitchen island, revealing a nice spread of finger sandwiches, a charcuterie board with various meats and cheeses, bowls of freshly cut fruit and Berries, and a pitcher of Pinap Berry lemonade.
After helping Lighting and myself to the food, we ate at the table.
I nibbled on a sandwich as Weldon stared at his. "Are you okay, Weldon?"
"Huh? Oh, I'm fine…"
His mom gave him a reassuring smile. "You don't have to go if you don't want to, Weldon. I'll be perfectly fine by myself."
"But…I know you really want to do the Parent-Child Tag Battle Tournament."
She clasped his shoulder. "There will be other times. Besides, I'll most likely be too busy socializing to pay attention to the tournament."
Though she laughed, I could feel her heart was heavy. And it seemed Weldon noticed this too.
He took a deep breath and said, "Mom… Let me go with you."
"Weldon… I already said you don't-"
"Please, Mom. I know you want to protect me, but I can't let you do it if it restricts what you want to do."
"Are you sure, Weldon?" I asked, worried. "You'll most likely run into them again, too."
"Oh right, Andy and Viola. Well, it is inevitable, but I'll have to initiate conversations with them." Seeing he was still a little nervous, I made my decision for my event tonight. "I can go with you to the convention, if that's all right."
My traveling companion was stunned. "Y-You don't have to go, Summer. I don't want to drag you into something you're not familiar with."
'It's fine," I replied, ignoring my Raichu's incredulous look. "It's the least I can do for your coaching."
He was still unsure, but he knew I wouldn't back down. "All right, thanks, Summer. I know battling families allow one non-batfam to attend, right, Mom?"
"That's right. It won't be any trouble as long as you're with us, Summer."
Camilla looked at her watch. "Oh, we better get ready to go. We need to get to the convention center around 4:30."
We nodded, but just before I went into my room, his mom motioned me to follow her into her room, which was much more extravagant and amenity-packed compared to my room.
"What is it, Camilla?"
"I have something for you to wear tonight. If you like it, you're welcome to keep it."
She pulled out a stunning knee-length, double pleated dress with short sleeves and black chunky heels. The color scheme ranged from red at the neckline to orange, purple, then black towards the hem, just like a sunset.
"Wow… It's beautiful. But I couldn't possibly take it, Camilla. I do have a dress I can wear."
"I know, but this will fit the event much better. Besides, this is also a present from me for taking care of my son."
Feeling the sincerity in her words, I accepted the gift. "Thank you, Camilla. I'll put it on right away."
She beamed. "Excellent. If you like, I can show you how to put on makeup. I have some samples that are fine if you're only wearing it for one night."
"Sure. I'll come over after I put on the dress."
"All right. I'll see you in a bit."
Taking the new clothes to my room, I eagerly put them on. I looked into the mirror and was surprised to see how well they fit.
As I adjusted the dress, Lightning playfully pushed the skirt. "It's so soft, Summer. I wish I could wear something like that."
I giggled. "If you did, you won't be able to battle."
"That's true… But you look so pretty."
"Thanks, Lightning. Are you mad about me not going to Clara's event?"
"Kind of, but like I said earlier, seeing her may not get the answers you want."
I sighed as I brushed my hair. "Yeah, but I'm a little worried about this event too."
"How come?"
"I don't want to cause too much trouble for Camilla and Weldon. I'm a…what was that word Andy used? A 'normie'? That, and with Weldon's hiatus, I don't want to draw too much attention to them."
"You won't, Summer. Camilla and Weldon wouldn't let that happen to you."
"That's true." I braided my hair and smiled at my reflection. I hope I made the right decision for tonight.
A few hours later…
We walked to the Mauville City Convention Center in our fancy clothes. Though it was fine when I first put them on, the heels were beginning to hurt. Luckily, the event building was just a block from the hotel.
Camilla noticed me struggling and Lightning trying to stabilize me with her tail. "Is this your first time wearing heels, Summer?"
"Y-Yeah. I usually wear sneakers or sandals."
She brushed back her hair and lifted her long green dress to show her much higher heels. "Just walk like me: heel to toe and slow steps. If you need a break, go ahead and take it."
"O-Okay, thanks for the advice."
Weldon adjusted his brown tie. "It's been a while since I've worn one of these. And it's worse because of this heat."
His mom giggled. "Good thing the building will be air-conditioned. We're almost there, so don't give up."
True to her word, we arrived in front of a large white oval building with solar panels on the roof. I was surprised to see no one waiting to enter.
Camilla noticed my confusion and explained, "I'm afraid it's part of our genetics. All batfams have a sixth sense, as you will, that allows them to not only find other batfams, but also urges us to battle them. Because of that, these types of events have dampening devices within the building space and time slots for the families to enter at certain times. Otherwise, battles would break out all over."
"Wow, that battle sense is really crazy."
We entered the lobby and followed the signs to the party. Camilla checked us in at the desk and handed me a sticker with a picture of the world on a gold crest of arms.
"What's this for, Camilla?"
"It's your proof that you've been invited to the event by a batfam."
"Oh, okay."
As I put on the sticker, waiters walked around with food and drinks. I grabbed a plate with a tea cucumber sandwich, teriyaki-glazed meatballs, fresh tomato crostini, bacon-wrapped date, deviled egg, stuffed mushroom, a piece of bacon and cheese quiche, and a caprese salad kabob as well as a mixed Berry lemonade. Weldon and Camilla did the same, though they accepted a glass of sparkling Pecha juice and a glass of white wine, respectively. We found a small table and enjoyed the hor d'oeuvres as more people entered.
The adults approached Camilla and engaged in light conversation while any kids with them just stared at us. I tried to make small talk with the younger ones, but when they saw my sticker, they turned their attention to Weldon, who glanced at his food. The negative perception of non-battling family members was palpable. Lightning became a little overwhelmed, so I let her return to her Poké Ball.
"Well, if it isn't Camilla Leland." A man approached us, giving off an air of false confidence.
He wore a dark blue suit and white tie with a multi-colored handkerchief tucked into his breast pocket. His hair was slicked back, reflecting the smooth look of his glasses and the wine glass in his right hand. As I looked at him more closely, I noticed he was wearing a pin with an Eevee and Kangaskhan forming a prism shape.
A familiar Trainer stood next to the man, wearing a similar suit except with a bowtie.
Weldon frowned. "Andy."
"Leland," the fellow pre-teen retorted, clutching his glass filled with sugar cane cola.
"Andy, be civil," the man scolded.
Camilla brushed her hair back and smirked. "It's nice to see you again, Andrew Ackbar. How have you been?"
Andrew gave a prideful snicker. "Excellent, especially since I entered the Top 16 in the Pokémon World Championship rankings. I'm surprised you haven't stayed active in the competitive world, with your name and all."
"It's not my place anymore. Besides, I'm surprised you still want to one up me ever since we graduated from the academy."
The man twirled his cup, the red wine almost reaching the rim. "Snarky, as always, Camilla."
"There you are, Andrew." A woman with amber eyes and long red hair came over. She wore a form-fitting purple dress with diamond sequins, creating a web-like pattern. That, along with her dignified tone, made her look like a model. She also had a silver pin with an Alakazam surrounding a strange Pokémon, which I recognized was a Porygon2, with psychic power. "And so is Camilla…"
Her daughter came over, and I instantly recognized her. Weldon tried to maintain his composure. "Hello, Viola."
"Weldon," she replied as she flipped her hair back. Her dress was a lighter purple and decorated with matching colored sequins along the bodice. "You're looking...somewhat adequate since we last saw each other."
"Don't remind me…" Andy growled. Viola moved next to him and held his hand.
Andrew then noticed me. "Ah, yes. You're the Trainer who defeated Andy a few months back. What was your name again? Stunner or something?"
"Summer, Summer Scorcher, Mr. Ackbar."
He sneered, "That's Mr. Ackbar, Sr. to you, Ms. Scorcher. Please keep that in mind."
Wow, he's just as mean as his son. "Of course, Mr. Ackbar, Sr. It's nice to meet you as well, Mrs. Voss."
"Hmph." Viola's mom hid her disdain with a silver fan. "Ah yes, the normie who's been causing our young batfams so much trouble. At least she knows some basic manners."
I really hate these people. I can see why Weldon hates these events.
Camilla felt my patience running thin and cleared her throat. "As much as I enjoy our…conversations, Weldon and I need to get ready for the family tag team battle tournament."
Mr. Ackbar, Sr. held back a laugh. "You mean you're going to battle with your second-born? You're definitely going to lose in the first round."
The Leland family head cocked her head. "We'll see then, won't we? We are Lelands, after all."
Knowing he couldn't faze her anymore, the father-son pair left, with the mother-daughter duo following close behind.
Camilla sighed, revealing her real smile. "That was more bothersome than normal. Are you two okay?"
"I'm fine, Camilla. You were really cool standing up to them."
"Thank you, Summer."
Weldon, on the other hand, was nervous. "I still don't know how you keep putting up with those kinds of people, Mom."
She gave him a reassuring side hug. "You learn to handle it the more you experience it. I know it's harder for you to do so, but I know you'll get it soon. Maybe you'll protect me, or even Summer, in the future."
He glanced away. "I-I don't know about that. But I'll do my best during our battles."
"That's the spirit, Weldon." Camilla turned to me. "Summer, go ahead and explore the exhibits. There's some time before the tournament starts at 6."
"Sure, I'd like to know more about the other battling families. I'll see you two later."
After leaving them, I walked down a hallway with rooms designated for battling families from each of the regions. As I weaved in and out of them, I felt people's eyes boring into me and heard snippets of their whispers.
"Isn't she the girl who's traveling with Weldon Leland?"
"I heard she was the one who banned Stanley Leland from competitive battling."
"She may have beaten some batfams, but she's just a normie who got lucky."
"I thought she'd be much better looking. Looks like the dress can't save her from her ugly looks."
For some reason, those last words reopened something from my memories.
"I can't stand her ugly looks."
"Then why do you hang out with her?"
"Duh, for the grades of course!"
Those voices…. They sound so familiar, but who are they?
Unable to take the glares and gossip anymore, I hid myself in a different room and noticed it was strangely empty. The exhibits and maps told me this room was dedicated to the battling families from the Unova Region.
I glanced at the displays and was interested in one.
"The Matadì family is one of the newest battling families from the Unova Region. Their battling ability involves manipulating the environment during matches. Some think the results of these battles can affect that nature nearby, for better or worse. With Guìlán Matadì leading the large family and Eric Matadì being the current heir, their legacy may eventually rival other established battling families."
I looked at a photo of the ten members, and I felt a strange mix of happiness, pride, and regret.
They seem happy, but why does Guìlán look sad? And that man… He looks like he's the oldest, so he's most likely Eric. But I get an eerie vibe from him.
Suddenly, I felt a darker presence in the room. This sensation… It feels…familiar.
I reluctantly looked around the space and sensed where that feeling was coming from. At the center of the main wall, a large exhibit, complete with cases of championship belts and trophies, made it known that family was very important.
I walked over and read the plaque. "The Alaric family is the oldest battling family from the Unova Region. Known for their immeasurable strength and thirst for power, they pass that drive to their Pokémon, allowing them to defeat many strong opponents. It is rumored that their ancestor served the Hero of Ideals, who gave him this coveted battling ability. The current head, Craig Alaric, is a well-known champion kickboxer who has conquered multiple weight divisions. The traits of his ancestor now flow through his descendants."
I looked at the photo and gasped.
Th-That man! I've seen him before!
I tried to back away, but I became surrounded in darkness. The man stepped out of the photograph and gave an evil grin.
"Ah… You're back. I was wondering when you'd foolishly encounter me again."
"So, you're Craig Alaric. Why are you trapping me in these black spaces? And how are you able to interact with me?"
He snickered. "I can't interact with you directly, Guardian of the Beasts. I am only a memory tied to different objects the real Craig Alaric interacted with. As for these spaces, it's just a skill of mine, and mine alone. Just like you'll stay here. Alone."
He approached me, and I tried to run away. But no matter where I ran, there was no endpoint, only nothingness. The heels also slowed me down, and I fell over in pain.
I tried to block out his laughing, but fear crept into my body. I closed my eyes, not knowing if I'll see light again.
Summer's Pokémon:
Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, Blaze Ability, moves: Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick, Sky Uppercut
Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Psychic, Confusion, Hypnosis, Air Slash, Heat Wave (learning)
Aurora (Dewgong, female): Calm Nature, Thick Fat Ability, moves: Water Pulse, Ice Beam, Aqua Tail, Signal Beam
Lightning (Raichu, female): Adamant Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch, Grass Knot
Rocky (Steelix, male): Lonely Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Stone Edge, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail
Olive (Grovyle, female): Timid Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Fury Cutter, Screech, Mega Drain, Quick Attack
Weldon's Pokémon:
Venusaur (male): Serious Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Solarbeam, Body Slam, Sludge Bomb, Vine Whip
Fearow (male): Adamant Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Drill Peck, Steel Wing, Fury Attack, Aerial Ace, Heat Wave (learning)
Golem (male): Bold Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Rock Slide, Earthquake, Rollout, Double Edge
Gyarados (male): Sassy Nature, Intimidate Ability, moves: Surf, Ice Fang, Payback, Waterfall
Arcanine (male): Naughty Nature, Flash Fire Ability, moves: Hyper Beam, Extremespeed, Flare Blitz, Fire Blast
Electabuzz (male): Rash Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunder, Mega Kick, Thunder Punch, Shock Wave
Questions for the Chapter:
What did you think of the battling families history?
What did you think of Andy and Viola's parents?
How will Weldon and Camilla do during the tournament?
How will Summer escape for Craig Alaric?
