After Summer and Weldon arrived in Petalburg City for the next Gym battle, they had lunch with her parents. Her mom and dad were nice to the Kantonian, but Weldon's inner emotions surfaced and he abruptly left the restaurant. Summer was worried about him, but her dad was able to calm Weldon down and bring him back. With the family reunion done, Summer finalizes her Gym preparations. She was hoping Errol's new move would be mastered before the battle, but he is still having trouble with it. Will Errol be able to use Heat Wave properly, and will Summer be able to win against one of the toughest Hoenn Gym Leaders?
Chapter 36- A Regular Fire Fight
I wiped my brow. "All right, Errol. Let's do it one more time."
The Noctowl flapped his wings, sweating with every beat. The motion created very tiny wisps from his feathers.
"That's it! Use Heat Wave!"
Errol flapped hard, but the wisps turned into a whirlwind of smoke that knocked him onto the beach. The Flying type coughed out a mixture of smoke and sand.
"Are you okay, Errol?" I asked as I ran over.
"T-Tis just a minor scratch, Ms. Summer," he said, preening his wings.
I scanned the waves bobbing along the shore. "Good thing we're here for training. I don't want to inadvertently start a forest fire."
Errol moaned. "Why do I always have difficulty mastering these types of moves, Ms. Summer?"
I petted him. "It's most likely because they're more complex than the moves you're used to. Remember Air Slash?"
"Ugh… Please do not remind me, Ms. Summer. Though I suppose your assumptions have some merit, as Ms. Lightning had to create those wonderful grass accessories to master Grass Knot."
"What do you mean by 'some merit'?"
Errol turned his attention to Weldon and Fearow, who were training nearby.
"Fearow, use Heat Wave!"
The Beak Pokémon flapped his wings, created a wave of hot air that incinerated some driftwood. When he saw us watching, Fearow smirked at his rival before receiving praise from his Trainer.
Errol pouted, "And we received instruction on this move at the same time… Honestly!"
The Owl Pokémon flew to a nearby tree to sulk. I left him alone since I knew that was the best way for him to calm down.
"Is everything all right, Summer?" Weldon asked as he and his Pokémon came over.
I rubbed the back of my head. "Yeah… It's just that Errol's upset about not mastering Heat Wave as quick as he thought."
Fearow snickered. "Guess his brains ain't doing much for him now, huh?"
"Fearow!" Weldon scolded. "Why would you say that about Errol?"
The Flying type scoffed, "Come on, Weldon. He's not fit to be a proper Flying type Pokémon. Always worrying about his brain power, or whatever. Flying types are all about physical strength!"
"That may be true, but there are Flying types that are better as special attackers than physical. Noctowl is one of those Pokémon. Besides, you're learning a special move, aren't you?"
"Whatever, Weldon. I'm done with training for today." Fearow pressed his Poké Ball with his beak and returned himself.
The Kantonian crossed his arms. "Sorry about that, Summer. I don't know why Fearow's always so hostile to Errol."
"That's all right, Weldon. I know you didn't have anything to do with him acting like that." I stroked my chin. "Though I don't know why Errol and Fearow are so mean to each other. Their species don't really encounter each other in the wild, so I don't know if it's just the pride of being a Flying type that's causing it."
"Don't worry too much about it. I'll talk to Fearow later."
We sat down on the beach as the sun began to set, watching my Pokémon continue to train.
"So, have you decided who to use for the Gym battle?"
I read Norman's online profile one more time.
"Norman accepted the open Petalburg City Gym Leader position a few years ago and moved there from Olivine City in the Johto Region. With his extensive knowledge of Normal type Pokémon, he has established himself as a man in pursuit of power through balance. Norman's preference for offense and defense as well as his ability to adapt to the flow of battle, shown by his ace, Zandaka the Slaking, reflects his place as one of the top Gym Leaders in the Hoenn Region."
I looked at my coach. "It's so hard to choose against a Normal type user. I know Rocky and Blaze are the perfect Pokémon to use, but with Normal types being able to learn so many type coverage moves, they're hard to predict. Plus, I've used Blaze in every Gym battle so far. I don't want to wear him, and the rest of the team for that matter, out by the time the Hoenn League starts."
"You make some good points, Summer. And they don't post the Gym Leader's Pokémon's moves online so that challengers won't have such a big advantage. But, maybe think of it this way." He showed me the list of remaining Hoenn Gym Leaders on his Pokégear. "Since you're not planning to challenge Charmaine or Wally for their badges, the last three will be using Flying, Psychic, and Water type Pokémon. With that in mind, you can get an idea on which Pokémon to use against them and which ones not to use."
"Huh. That's actually a really good plan; I've never thought about it like that. Then in that case, using Blaze will be fine since he'll have a disadvantage against the rest of the Gyms. Rocky should also be fine since he'll most likely only be needed for the Flying type Gym. But for the third Pokémon…"
"Allow me, Ms. Summer!" Errol shouted as he flew back towards us.
I raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure, Errol? I don't want you to feel pressured to battle."
"Yes! And I must test a theory I thought of while I was in my pondering phase in the trees."
Aurora and Olive joined us, with the former asking, "Do you mean your sulking phase, Errol?"
"Oh, my young apprentice," Errol said as he patted the Dewgong on the head. "When you get as old as me, the sulking turns into pondering as you channel your sorrowful emotions into rational thinking."
"Uh huh…"
I crossed my arms. "So what's your theory, Errol?"
"Do you remember the moment when I successfully mastered Air Slash?"
"Yeah. You were saving Swirls and got injured in the process. But I'm not sure how that factors in."
He ruffled his feathers. "Well, the second part is irrelevant. What matters more is the first part. I was in the heat of battle when I was able to master the move. Therefore, I must only be able to master new moves if I am in the midst of a difficult situation."
Weldon tapped his chin. "That does seem to make some sense. Sometimes, facing difficult situations gives you the courage to do almost anything."
"I guess so," I softly replied, touching my necklace. I then said, "Okay. Errol, you can join Rocky and Blaze for the Gym match tomorrow."
"Huzzah! I must continue to ensure the movement is perfect during the battle. Come, my young apprentice! To the ocean!"
"Wh-What for, Errol?"
"To master my flight against the strong air currents…and in case I descend into the water. Now, we must make haste!"
The enthusiastic Noctowl flew towards the ocean, with an annoyed Aurora following close behind.
Olive then turned to me, looking a little nervous. "Wh-What about me, Summer? When do I get to battle a Gym again? I haven't battled much since Meteor Falls…"
"You know, Summer, Olive may be helpful with the last two Gyms," Weldon suggested. "Grass is good against Water, and I've read the Psychic type Gym also uses dual Rock type Pokémon. It'll give you and Olive more time to train together, plus she'll more likely feel comfortable with battling by then."
"That's a good idea, Weldon. What do you think, Olive?"
She thought about this, then answered, "Sure. I want to battle with everyone without weighing you all down."
I chuckled as I rubbed her head. "You go at your own pace, Olive. I'll double check if you're ready then, okay?"
She nodded and returned to the other Pokémon. Now with the team down, it was time to finalize the strategies.
The next day…
Weldon and I walked to the Petalburg City Gym, just a few blocks from the Pokémon Center. It was a white pagoda structure with wooden frames and a dark tin roof. The PLA logo was placed above the tip of the eaves. Behind the building, I could make out a large greenhouse.
"Huh," I mused. "I always thought the architecture of the Gym was out of place when I saw them building it. But now it makes sense since Norman's from Johto."
My necklace softly vibrated in agreement.
I chuckled. It reminds you three of home, doesn't it?
Weldon pushed the door open and let me inside.
It was a room designed in the traditional style with bamboo walls and potted bamboo plants. The pots, as well as the trophy cases, marble reception desk and rest of the décor, were placed in a way that resembled the principles of feng shui. Plaques and pictures showing Norman's major achievements were inside the cases, including several of the Gym Leader and a teenage boy. I noticed someone at the reception desk and realized it was the same teen in the picture. He looked familiar, but I couldn't remember where.
Then, Weldon gasped. "I-Is that…Brendan?"
The young adult looked up, revealing his brown eyes, hair-covering white beanie, and red and black athletic clothes. He blushed and replied sheepishly, "Looks like I've been found out. Though I expected nothing less from a league winner."
Weldon was startled. "Y-You know who I am?"
"Of course. And Summer too." Brendan rubbed the back of his head. "Oh, where are my manners? Let me officially introduce myself. I'm Brendan, the former Hoenn Champion."
I chuckled. "It's nice to meet you, Brendan. No wonder you looked so familiar. But why are you here? I thought you'd be traveling somewhere else."
"Well, I was, but Dad told me someone famous was challenging the Gym today, so I just had to come. I'm glad I did." Brendan then proceeded to check me in. "All right… You're all set, Summer. You can pass through the double doors when you're ready. Weldon, the bleachers are just beyond that door to the right. I'll let Dad know you're here."
"Great, thanks, Brendan."
After he left, I turned to a starstruck Weldon. "You okay, Weldon?" I asked with a giggle.
He cleared his throat. "I-I'm fine, Summer… Just…surprised that we've seen two former Champions in this region alone."
"Oh yeah. I forgot we also met Steven separately."
Weldon gave me a reassuring smile. "Good luck, Summer."
"Thanks, Weldon."
We both entered the next room through our respective doors. The dirt battlefield was within a large, green diagonal-shaped room with wood paneling and windows with thin wooden beams. The bleachers were along the north side of the room while the television screen was on the opposite side.
After I entered the challenger's box, the Gym Leader, Norman, walked to the other end of the field. The man, in his late thirties, had black eyes and slick short black hair. He was wearing a red jacket with black trim, navy pants, and black shoes.
"Ah, you finally made it, Summer," he said in a strong, firm voice. "I was wondering when you were going to come here after your battle with Roxanne."
"Does everyone in this Gym know about me already?"
He smirked. "Well, you are one of the top young Hoenn Trainers, after all."
I blushed. "Th-Thanks… But I'm not that strong."
The Gym Leader laughed. "And modest too." He looked at the stands. "Oh, it seems we have some last-minute guests."
I turned to my right and, to my surprise, saw my parents, Suzy, and Tomoko sitting near Weldon.
"Wh-What are you all doing here?"
"Cheering you on, of course!" my mom shouted.
"I know I told you and Dad about when the Gym battle was happening, but how did you and Tomoko know, Suzy?"
The teacher replied, "Didn't you watch HNN last night? They had a news segment about your upcoming Gym battle against Norman."
"They did?! Well, it was bound to come out sooner or later."
Brendan entered the room and positioned himself in the referee's box.
"You ready, Brendan?" Norman asked. "You need to stay focused on the refereeing and not be a spectator, all right?"
His son sighed. "I know, Dad. You don't have to lecture me on that again." He looked at the stands. "That's weird. Someone else came in before I closed the Gym doors, but it looks like she's not in the stands."
"Maybe she went to the restroom," Norman replied. "Let her come to the stands when she's ready. Kenny and the guard Pokémon can help her out too if she gets lost."
"All right, Dad."
Who is Brendan talking about? Oh well, it's time.
Brendan shouted, "This match is a three-on-three singles battle between Summer Scorcher from Littleroot Town and Da-, I mean, Norman, the Petalburg City Gym Leader. The challenger is allowed to switch her Pokémon and will have the first move. The winner will be decided when the opponent's Pokémon are unable to battle. Norman, please select your first Pokémon!"
Norman took out an Ultra Ball. "Prepare yourself, Saldo!"
A Tauros materialized, pawing the ground.
A Tauros… Weldon has a feeling he knows Earthquake. I should make sure he doesn't have that advantage. "Go, Errol!"
The Noctowl took to the air once he was let out. Saldo glared at Errol, causing the latter's attack to drop.
Norman chuckled. "I see your strategy, Summer. But let's see if you can really stop us."
I smiled. "We'll see about that, Norman."
Brendan waved his arms. "Battle begin!"
I issued my first command. "Errol, Air Slash!"
He nodded and aimed a swirling orb of air at the Wild Bull Pokémon.
Norman smiled. "Saldo, Protect!"
The Tauros created a translucent blue barrier in front of him, causing the orb to dissipate upon contact.
The Gym Leader then went on the offensive. "Saldo, Flamethrower!"
Saldo opened his mouth and unleashed a stream of fire. I was caught a little off-guard, but I regained my focus.
"Errol, redirect the Flamethrower with Psychic!"
The Owl Pokémon's eyes glowed magenta, and he was able to stop the fire before it reached him. He then launched it back at its user.
Norman crossed his arms. "Protect!"
Another protective barrier appeared, causing the combination attack to not pass through.
Looks like I need to change tactics. "Errol, use Hypnosis!"
He flew down a bit and shot several white rings at his opponent. But Norman was unfazed.
The man waved his arm forward. "Saldo, dodge with Take Down!"
Roaring, the Wild Bull Pokémon surrounded himself with white light and charged forward. To our surprise, the Tauros leapt over the hypnotic rings thanks to the increased speed and power from the Take Down attack. He struck Errol in the chest, causing the Flying type to slam into the ground. The Normal type returned to his side of the field, wincing from the recoil damage.
"Are you okay, Errol?" I asked as he returned to his feet.
"Fear not, Ms. Summer. This is the perfect time to try that move."
"That move, huh?" Norman inquired as Errol returned to the air. "I'd love to see that myself."
Oh yeah. I forgot the Gym Leaders have the translator devices now. "Then let's show them, Errol."
The confident Noctowl prepared his wings.
"Errol, Heat Wave!"
Norman softly smiled. "Saldo, Flamethrower!"
Errol furiously flapped his wings as Saldo shot another stream of fire at him. The embers appeared around his feathers, but it didn't create the intended wind of flames. My Pokémon was hit by the Flamethrower but was able to stay in the air.
"Quick, Errol! Air Slash!"
The orb was made so quickly, Norman and Saldo had no time to set up the Protect. The Tauros slid back and shook off the damage.
Norman stroked his chin. "Smart thinking, Summer. But we won't let that happen again, won't we?"
Saldo roared in agreement.
Norman's right. Saldo will just be able to use Protect again. But now that I think about it, his Protect is only the barrier version. I wonder if I can use that to my advantage.
"Errol, use a charged up Air Slash!"
The Flying type raised his right wing and created a much larger orb of swirling air.
Norman braced himself. "Saldo, stop Errol with Take Down!"
The Normal type charged forward ready to jump at the right moment. But it was pointless against a Pokémon in the air. Errol easily dodged the attacking Tauros and shot the orb at him when he landed.
"Saldo, Protect!"
Saldo set up another barrier and stopped the Air Slash. But this time, I wasn't going to let him take full advantage of it.
"Errol, Psychic!"
Once his eyes glowed magenta, the same energy surrounded the confused Tauros. Errol then raised his opponent high in the air before slamming him into the battlefield. Saldo tried to get back up, but he collapsed, unable to move.
Brendan shouted, "Saldo is unable to battle! Errol wins! Norman, choose your next Pokémon!"
"Great job, Errol!" I cheered. He smiled, though I could tell he was disappointed with how the Heat Wave turned out.
The Gym Leader returned his Pokémon and thanked him for his hard work. He then turned his attention back to us. "Good work on determining Saldo's weakness with his Protect. I'm impressed."
So he knew about the weakness of the type of protection barrier his Pokémon can use. Guess he wanted to see if I was able to counter that. He really is one of the top Gym Leaders. "Thanks, Norman."
Then he took out another Ultra Ball. "Now, let's see how you handle my second Pokémon. Prepare yourself, Pínghéng!"
A Spinda appeared, waltzing to his own beat. The red spots on his ears looked like a yin-yang symbol.
Seeing Errol was tired, I returned him so he could get some rest. "Go, Rocky!"
The Steelix towered over the Normal type, but the Spinda continued to smile.
Norman looked up at the Steel type. "It's been a while since I've battled a Steelix. I'm looking forward to seeing what your strategy is this time."
Brendan waved his arms. "Battle begin!"
"Rocky, use Stone Edge!"
He roared, creating swirling shards of stone around him. This caught Norman's attention, but he remained calm as the move reached his Pokémon.
"Pínghéng, Double Team!"
The Normal type created five copies of himself, causing the shards to harmlessly pass through three of them.
Not another Double Team Pokémon… I need to find a counter strategy, fast.
But before I could issue a command, Norman shouted, "Pínghéng, Dizzy Punch!"
A rainbow colored energy surrounded the Spot Panda Pokémon's right paw, and he hit Rocky. Even though the move didn't do much damage, Rocky's pupils turned into the familiar swirl pattern.
Oh no, confusion already?!
"Rocky, snap out of it and use Iron Tail!"
He tried to raise his tail but ended up slamming it onto himself. Rocky winced in pain and tried to focus on my voice.
Seeing that, I commanded, "Rocky, Dragonbreath!"
He opened his mouth and unleashed a stream of green flames.
Norman waved his left arm. "Pínghéng, Double Team, then use Hypnosis!"
The Normal type evaded Rocky's attack again with the illusions, then the three remaining ones aimed white hypnotic rings at the confused Steelix. The tall Pokémon collapsed onto the field, snoring.
"Rocky, wake up!" I shouted. But he was sound asleep.
Norman smiled and raised his right fist. "Now, Pínghéng! Brick Break!"
I stared in horror as Pínghéng jumped up and struck the Steel type with a glowing left paw. Rocky grunted in pain, but he remained asleep.
If this keeps going, Rocky won't be able to last any longer. "Come on, Rocky! Please wake up and use Stone Edge!"
After hearing my desperate voice, he stirred and stood back up. He then slammed his tail on the ground, unleashing pillars of stone that struck Pínghéng. The Spinda was hurled back, but after hitting the ground once, he was able to right himself up and slide back without taking any more damage.
The Gym Leader was intrigued, but he stayed silent on the matter. "Pínghéng, finish Rocky with another Brick Break!"
"Rocky, stop Pínghéng with Crunch!"
Pínghéng jumped onto Rocky's body and ran up with his paw, ready to strike. The Steelix opened his mouth when the Normal type got close, but the Spinda jumped over his mouth and struck his head. Rocky roared in pain before collapsing again, this time staying there for good.
"Rocky is unable to battle! Pínghéng wins! Summer, please choose your next Pokémon!"
"Good job, Rocky," I praised as I returned him. "You deserve the rest. Go, Errol!"
The Noctowl returned to the battlefield. He looked a little better, but I knew I had to keep his health in mind when facing an opponent like Pínghéng.
"Battle begin!"
I need to slow, or even stop, Pínghéng's movements. "Errol, use Hypnosis!"
He focused on the waltzing Spinda and shot the white rings.
"Pínghéng, Double Team!"
The rings passed through the illusions, revealing the real one to Errol's right.
"Pínghéng, Dizzy Punch!"
The Normal type prepared his right fist and jumped up.
I smiled. "Errol, use Psychic!"
Errol took control of the Spot Panda Pokémon's body and threw him into the ground. Pínghéng got up and brushed off the dirt. I could tell he was not moving as fluidly, and Norman noticed this as well.
We shouted simultaneously. "Hypnosis!"
The two sets of hypnotic rings passed through each other and hit their marks. Both Pokémon fell asleep, but Errol took some damage due to him falling from a greater height. To my shock, Pínghéng's eyes opened and he stood up.
"Errol, wake up!" I shouted. Darn it! It's like Rocky all over again!
Norman grinned. "Time to take advantage of our sleeping opponent. Pínghéng, Dizzy Punch!"
The Spinda's fists glowed as he punched the helpless Errol several times. The Flying type exhaled sharply with each attack, but he still couldn't wake up.
I gritted my teeth. "Errol, you gotta wake up!"
"Sorry, Summer. It looks like this is the end for Errol. Pínghéng, Brick Break!"
Pínghéng ran forward, his arm raised above his head. Errol's eyes fluttered open, and he was able to get up before his opponent got too close. When he raised his wings, I knew what he wanted me to say.
"Errol, Heat Wave!"
He took a deep breath and flapped his wings. Though it wasn't a fully mastered version like Fearow's, there were enough flames to cause Pínghéng to stop and hurt him.
Norman crossed his arms and smiled. "Don't give in, Pínghéng! Make Errol fall asleep again with Hypnosis!"
As the Spinda shot the rings, I countered with, "Errol, deflect the rings with Psychic!"
He stopped the rings with the magenta energy just before they hit him.
Norman shouted, "Pínghéng, Double Team!"
Multiple copies of tipsy Spinda surrounded Errol. After looking around once, he smiled.
I nodded. "Aim the Hypnosis back at the real Pínghéng!"
He waved his right wing at the Spinda behind him, and the controlled hypnotic rings followed his direction. They hit the correct one, and Pínghéng fell back asleep as the illusions disappeared.
"Now it's our turn to finish Pínghéng. Air Slash!"
Errol flew back up and hit his sleeping opponent with the swirling air orb. When the dust settled, Pínghéng became limp and drooled.
"Pínghéng is unable to battle! Errol wins! Norman, please choose your final Pokémon!"
After Norman returned his Pokémon and thanked him for his efforts, he laughed. "That was certainly a wild battle. I didn't expect you to be able to use Keen Eye like that. Very smart." He took out a Level Ball. "Now, let's see if you can stand up to my final Pokémon. Prepare yourself, Zandaka!"
A large ape-like Pokémon with brown fur, a pink nose, and a white furry collar around his neck materialized. His tan face matched the color of his chest, hands, and feet. His eyes were half-open, as if he was bored.
[Slaking, the Lazy Pokémon, and the evolved form of Vigoroth. Hordes of Slaking gather around trees when fruits come into season. They wait around patiently for ripened fruits to fall out of the trees.]
This will be tough. Even though Weldon said I should take advantage of his Truant Ability, which makes him not attack every other turn, I know Norman will have strategies to deal with that.
Seeing Errol was okay to continue battling, I nodded to Brendan.
The referee shouted, "Battle begin!"
"Errol, use Hypnosis!"
He eyed the stationary Pokémon and shot three white rings at him.
Norman smiled. "Sorry, Summer. But that won't work on us. Zandaka, cut through the rings with Shadow Claw!"
The Slaking raised his right arm, creating a dark energy from his fingertips. When the rings got close, he cut through them with ease. He then laid on his side, yawning.
I took advantage of the opening. "Errol, Air Slash!"
He threw the airy orb at Zandaka, landing a direct hit. But to our surprise, he brushed off the damage and stood back up.
That was one of Errol's best moves, and he didn't even flinch? Norman must've trained Zandaka to endure any hit to counter the downside of Truant. I need to land one more hit to help Blaze when he comes in.
"Errol, Air Slash, full power!"
As the Noctowl charged up his attack, Norman waved his left arm. "Zandaka, Hyper Beam!"
Hyper Beam?!
The Normal type opened his mouth and created an orange ball of energy. Errol threw the Air Slash at Zandaka just as he countered with a large orange energy beam. The Hyper Beam easily pushed through the larger sphere and struck the Owl Pokémon. Errol fell onto the battlefield and twitched.
"Errol is unable to battle! Zandaka wins! Summer, please choose your final Pokémon!"
"Thanks, Errol," I praised as he went back to his ball. "Take a good long rest."
After getting Blaze's Poké Ball, Norman crossed his arms and smiled. "I have a feeling who you'll use next. I'm looking forward to battling the Pokémon who gave Brawly and Surge a difficult time."
He knows about that too? He really has been following my journey closely.
"Then you better be ready. Go, Blaze!"
The Blaziken appeared and looked at the Slaking, who remained on his feet. Blaze understood the situation and gave me a reassuring nod.
"Battle begin!"
"Okay, Blaze. Let's show them what we got. Flamethrower!"
He unleashed the stream of fire, but Norman and Zandaka were unfazed.
The Gym Leader shouted, "Zandaka, Hyper Beam!"
The Normal type released the orange energy beam. Both attacks collided, but the Hyper Beam was able to push through the flames.
"Dodge and use Blaze Kick!"
The Blaziken jumped over the beam as the Slaking laid on his side. Blaze used the momentum from the jump to land a powerful kick to Zandaka's body. The Lazy Pokémon winced, but was able to grab Blaze's outstretched leg. Blazed landed on the ground with his other foot and prepared for the worst.
"Blaze, Fire Punch!"
"Zandaka, Aerial Ace!"
The combatants attacked with their right hands. Though the flaming fist was able to match the intensity of the white energy-covered hand at first, the Blaze Pokémon couldn't keep up the pressure due to his one-legged posture. Zandaka let go of Blaze's leg and pushed his opponent back. Blaze grunted, but he was still able to stay standing. The Slaking stayed on his feet this time, most likely because he recognized Blaze's strength.
"Blaze, Fire Punch then Sky Uppercut!" I shouted, making the punching motions.
The Fire type ran forward and hit Zandaka with a flaming left first and a right uppercut. The combination burned the Normal type's right cheek and made him buckle.
"Hang in there, Zandaka!" Norman encouraged. When he saw the red mark on his Pokémon's face, he smiled.
I braced myself. He has the same look Brawly had when we battled him. This can't be good.
"Zandaka, Facade!"
My eyes grew wide. "Blaze, get out of there!"
My Pokémon began to move back, but Zandaka was faster. The Normal type used his large hands with glowing orange energy to throw Blaze to our side of the field. The Fire type tumbled before regaining his footing and sliding back to reduce the impact.
"You okay, Blaze?"
He nodded and stood up. Our intense training made him more durable in battle, but I knew he still had a limit.
"All right." I lifted my knee. "Use Blaze Kick, then retreat!"
He nodded and charged forward, slamming his left foot into Zandaka's stomach. The Slaking roared and tried to grab the outstretched leg, but he flinched from the burn. This allowed Blaze to move back without any interference.
Norman laughed. "It's been a while since Zandaka and I have been in this kind of trouble. Guess we'll have to go on the offensive now. Use a combination of Aerial Ace and Shadow Claw!"
The Normal type charged at Blaze, his hands preparing the two different moves.
Blaze and I made a fighting pose. "Blaze, counter with Fire Punch and Sky Uppercut!"
My Pokémon charged his fists and met Zandaka head on. The two engaged in a fierce close combat battle, with both sides taking and dodging hits. They smirked at each other before returning to their respective sides. Blaze and Zandaka were panting, but the latter seemed to be in better shape.
"Blaze, can you keep going?"
He looked back and smiled, "Of course, Summer."
He took a deep breath and recentered himself. As he did, a strong orange energy emanated from his body, and flames appeared around his wrists.
I smirked. "Let's make your Blaze Ability count! Flamethrower!"
"Zandaka, Hyper Beam!"
The two special attacks collided again, however, the Blaze-powered Flamethrower pushed through the Normal type move and struck the Slaking. Zandaka fell to his knees; he wanted to get up but knew he couldn't do much else because of his ability.
I threw a left straight. "Fire Punch!"
Blaze hit Zandaka in the face, aggravating the burn.
Norman gritted his teeth. "Aerial Ace!"
As our opponent raised his right arm, I shouted, "Blaze Kick!"
The Fire type turned his body and did a backwards high kick, dodging the super effective move while striking Zandaka's chin. The Slaking's knees buckled, and he collapsed onto the field.
Brendan observed his dad's Pokémon, then shouted, "Zandaka is unable to battle! Blaze wins, and the winner of this Gym battle is Summer!"
"We did it, Blaze!" I shouted amongst the clapping from the audience.
He grinned as he accepted my hug. "I'm ready for the long break now."
We laughed as Norman and Zandaka approached us. The Slaking's face was looking better thanks to the Rawst and Sitrus Berries he was eating.
The Gym Leader said, "You battled exceptionally well, Summer, just like I thought you would. The strength of your Pokémon and the bonds you share with them tipped the balance of the match in your favor. I'm happy to know you're representing my new home region well. Here's the Balance Badge as proof of your victory here."
He gave me a gray pin with two dark gray loops connected by a dark gray rod.
"Thanks, Norman." After I put my new badge in my Badge Case, I hesitated to leave.
"Is something on your mind, Summer?"
I sheepishly replied, "Actually, yeah. I noticed you were watching Errol very closely during our match."
He stroked his chin. "I always tend to be curious about any Normal types my challengers use. But the reason you're asking why I was is because of Errol's Heat Wave, yes?"
I nodded. "We've been practicing that move for several weeks now, but he hasn't been able to master it."
Norman smirked. "Let me ask you something, Summer. Did you notice a difference in the way Errol used Heat Wave during the match?"
I thought about his question. "Actually, yeah, I did. When Errol took a deep breath before flapping his wings, the Heat Wave was more effective, compared to when he was just flapping."
"There lies your answer."
"My answer?"
The Gym Leader nodded. "Errol has been using his wings too much to execute the move. He's not just a Flying type; he's also a Normal type. Normal types tend to learn coverage type moves if they imitate the motions of a Pokémon of that type. In Errol's case, he needs to perform Heat Wave as if he's a special attacking Fire type. If you do that, in combination with the flapping, that should help Errol master the move quicker."
"That…actually makes sense. Thanks, Norman. I'm glad you moved over here."
He chuckled. "Now you're making me blush. Anyway, you should get going. You don't want to keep your fans waiting."
"All right. Thanks again, Norman."
"Thank you, Summer. Good luck with the rest of your journey. I'm sure you're going to win the Hoenn League if you keep this up."
I shook his hand and returned to the lobby.
"Congratulations, Summer!" Suzy and Tomoko cheered.
I laughed. "Thanks! And thanks for coming to watch."
"Of course!" Suzy replied.
"You were so awesome, Summer," Tomoko praised. "Watching you battle live is much more exciting than on TV."
I grinned at the compliment. Then, I noticed the lobby was quieter than I thought.
"Where are Weldon and my parents?" I asked Suzy.
"Oh, Weldon had to use the restroom. He'll be back in a bit."
Tomoko added, "Your parents went ahead to get a table at Pie Palace. You can go ahead and meet them there if you want."
"Are you sure? We can all go together."
Suzy smiled. "It's all right, Summer. Besides, we need to stay behind so Weldon doesn't get lost."
"W-Well, okay. That makes sense. I'll take a quick detour to the Pokémon Center. See you guys later."
I waved goodbye to my friends and left the Gym.
Tomoko watched the doors to make sure Summer was out of sight.
"Is she gone?" Suzy asked.
The nurse nodded. Then, the teacher peered into the hallway.
"Summer's gone, Weldon."
He entered the lobby, along with the secret visitor, a nervous Tawny.
Suzy gasped. "Tawny?! I thought you said you weren't going to watch Summer's battle."
"W-Well… M-My schedule suddenly freed up, so I… I…" She sighed. "Darn it, I can't keep doing this…"
"What do you mean, Tawny?" Tomoko inquired.
"It's…kind of a long story…"
Weldon crossed his arms. "Suzy, can you let Summer know we'll arrive a little later to her victory party?"
"Sure thing, Weldon."
He then turned to the nervous girl. "Tawny. It's time to stop hiding from us and help Summer meet Clara."
"B-But… Cl-Clara said-"
"Please, Tawny. Summer's been secretly suffering because of this, and I know you don't want to hurt her like this."
She fidgeted.
Weldon then said the words Tawny dreaded to hear. "Tell me everything you know about Summer and Clara's relationship."
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: Razor Leaf, Earthquake, Sludge Bomb, Vine Whip; in rotation- Solarbeam, Body Slam
Fearow (male): Adamant Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Heat Wave, Steel Wing, Fury Attack, Aerial Ace; in rotation- Drill Peck
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 Gym battle?
What did you think of Norman and his opinion about Errol's Heat Wave?
Will Tawny tell Weldon, Suzy, and Tomoko about Summer and Clara's relationship?
