Summer and her friends traveled across the ocean to find more information about Rayquaza and participate in the remaining Gym challenges. Along the way, Summer and Yuki visited Shoal Cave and rescued a Spheal that was undergoing treatment at the nearby rehabilitation center. The Hoennese also found a strange orb at the bottom of the cave, but it was lost during the rescue. The group refocused their attention after they reached Mossdeep City. They visit a familiar regional attraction, but will they be able to find out more about Rayquaza there?
Chapter 49- Preparing for a Battle Launch
Yuki and I enjoyed breakfast at the Mossdeep City Pokémon Center cafeteria. As our Electric types enjoyed their favorite Berries, I looked at my Pokégear.
"It looks like we have fifteen minutes until we meet up with Aster. It's too bad she didn't want to stay in the Pokémon Center with us."
Yuki smiled. "She likely wanted to sleep somewhere similar to Meteor Falls. Though…I'm not sure if a place like that exists on the island."
"I don't think there is, but I'm sure she was able to find a suitable enough place."
We finished our food and headed outside, waving goodbye to the blue-haired nurse, Tokusane. The city was waking up earlier than what I've seen on the mainland, but it was likely due to it being one of the easternmost cities in the region. We headed towards the rising sun on the path leading to the famous Mossdeep Space Center. In front of the iconic white boulder near the building waited a slightly sleepy Aster.
"Oh," she greeted with a yawn. "There you two are. Good morning."
I gave her a wave. "Good morning, Aster. You don't look too good. Where did you end up sleeping last night?"
She fixed her hair. "It was at a house owned by a nice man with light blue hair. He was not using it for a few days, so he offered to let me stay there for free. Although it was not in a high place, the displays of rare stones inside made me feel at home. I do wish I got his name though."
Smirking knowingly, I replied, "I'm sure he's a great person."
Yuki looked at the nearby futuristic building. "The Mossdeep Space Center will likely have the information we're looking for, but will they give it to us?"
"I am not entirely optimistic, but it is worth the try," the Draconid reasoned. "In any case, I am curious to see what the place has to offer and how it differs from my clan's knowledge."
We walked up to the building and saw the visitor hours on the door.
I frowned. "It won't be open for another two hours… Should we wait around or-?"
"Oh, visitors already?" a boy behind us asked in a serious tone.
A girl next to him giggled. "They must be eager to get in."
We turned around and saw two dark blue-haired kids in matching light blue kung fu uniforms with red trim. Based on their similar appearances, including their white hair ties and haircuts, I assumed they were fraternal twins.
The girl gasped. "Oh my gosh! It's Summer Scorcher and Yuki Mizu!"
The boy scanned us carefully. "Are you sure it's them, Liza?"
"Of course it's them, Tate! They even have a Raichu and Minun!"
Liza? Tate? Wait… "You're the Mossdeep City Gym Leaders, right?"
Liza squealed. "I knew she recognized us! It's so nice to finally meet you in person, Summer!"
Yuki and I shook her hand while her brother crossed her arms.
"Come on, Liza. We need to get the exhibits set up before it opens today," Tate said after Aster introduced herself.
His twin smirked. "This is the first time I've seen you so responsible, Tate. Especially since you're younger than me."
"By a few minutes!" Tate looked at us. "Well, since Liza will likely want to talk to you two, I guess you and your friend can come in with us."
Yuki beamed. "Thanks, Tate. Let us know if we can help."
The twins let us inside, and we were amazed at the sight. Not only were there displays showing various astronauts and space artifacts, there were also interactive exhibits simulating various aspects of space travel. The long line of windows at the northern end showed the shuttle launch pad and wonderful views of the ocean.
The Gym Leaders were able to set up the museum by themselves, so we wandered around nearby. Aster marveled at the otherworldly exhibits.
"It is truly fascinating, is it not?" she said with a gleam in her eye. "The wonders of space…"
"Are you interested in traveling to space, Aster?" Yuki asked.
"A little. Though it would be impossible for me due to my limited experience. But modern technology was able to make this happen. How incredible."
As Yuki and Aster zipped in between the cases, I wistfully looked at the displays. I wish Weldon was here… He was looking forward to seeing the center; I hope he's able to do so while traveling with Lapis and the others.
After unlocking the doors to let visitors in, the twins came over.
"So," Liza said. "What brings all of you to the Mossdeep Space Center?"
Aster smiled. "I am looking into any… What is the word, Summer?"
"Data," I answered. "We're looking to see if we can get any ozone data within the last month."
Tate rubbed his chin. "Ozone data? Why do you need that?"
Liza gasped. "That's a little rude, Tate."
"No, it's not. You know Dad doesn't hand over that data so easily."
"You're right, but you still could've said it in a nicer way."
He shrugged, ending their argument.
The Lorekeeper chuckled. "I do understand that information is sensitive. If possible, I would like to speak to your father about it in private. Maybe I can better convey the requested information that way."
The Gym Leaders looked at each other. After a few seconds, Tate responded, "I guess that makes sense. I can take you to Dad's office, Aster."
"Thank you, Tate."
After the two left, Liza beamed. "Do you have any questions about the exhibits, Summer and Yuki?"
"Not really, they're very detailed and informative," I responded.
Yuki, however, pointed at the interactive ones. "Have you tried those exhibits, Liza?"
"Of course! Tate and I do them whenever we have time. We hope to become the first twins to go to space!"
I giggled. "That's a really good goal to have. I hope it comes true."
"Thanks!" The Gym Leader then changed the subject. "So, when are you planning to challenge us, Summer?"
"As soon as I can. Why do you ask?"
"Well, due to the impending crisis, the Pokémon League Association wants to try a new battle format option for our challenge."
"Oh? What will that be?"
"Hey!" Tate shouted as he and Aster returned. "Are you telling them about the new battle format without me?"
She laughed. "I knew you were coming back soon, so I was setting it up."
He sighed. "If you say so."
"So what is this battle format?" I asked.
"A multi battle!" they replied simultaneously.
I raised an eyebrow. "You mean a double battle with two Trainers on each side?"
"That's right!" Liza exclaimed. "It's a more efficient way for challengers to get our badge."
"And you don't have to be paired with a Gym challenger to do it," Tate added. "That way, it helps Trainers get more experience in double battles. We still offer our traditional double battle if you want to do that instead."
It would be interesting to do a multi battle. I looked at my companions. "What do you think? Do either of you want to battle with me?"
Yuki mused this. "I would, but I'm still not comfortable doing a Gym battle just yet. Aster?"
"Hm. I have always been interested in battling a Gym but never had the chance to do so. Until now." Aster slightly bowed. "I would be honored to battle alongside you, Summer."
"Thanks, Aster."
"Then it's settled!" Liza handed me a pink ticket. "This will let the receptionist on duty know you selected the multi battle format when you check in."
"Great, thanks, Liza. We should strategize for the Gym battle, Aster."
The Draconid nodded. "All right."
"You two go ahead," Yuki said. "I'd like to look at the exhibits some more. And I have a feeling Liza wants to learn more about my last Contests."
I laughed after seeing the Gym Leader's eager expression. "Okay. Let me know when you're done."
We waved goodbye to the twins and Coordinator and headed towards the beach. After finding some shade under a thick palm tree, we began our planning.
"What Pokémon are you thinking about using, Aster? From what I remember, the Gym will be a Psychic type one."
The Draconid leaned back. "Hm… I may use Athebyne."
"Athebyne? Why not your Altaria, Tiayi?"
She looked at me with eager eyes. "What is your reasoning, Summer?"
"Well, Tiayi can Mega Evolve, right? Wouldn't that give us an advantage?"
The purple-haired woman chuckled. "It certainly would, but Athebyne is my first Pokémon. I want to battle with him, even with his handicap."
"I can understand that. But how come Athebyne can't use Dragon type moves, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Not at all, though it is more accurate to state that Athebyne will not use Dragon types rather than cannot." She gathered her thoughts. "It was after he evolved into a Flygon. He was able to use Dragonbreath with ease until he lost against a Salamence. He kept using the move, but the Salamence always overpowered him until Tiayi intervened. I am afraid that loss made him believe he was not worthy as a Dragon type and refused to use Dragonbreath again."
I pondered Aster's story. "In that case, why don't we teach Athebyne a stronger Dragon type move? Maybe that will help him conquer his fears."
"That might help. But what move?"
"I'm not sure, but we can figure it out during our training."
She nodded. "All right. What about you, Summer? Which Pokémon will be battling alongside you?"
"Good question. The suitable Pokémon I can think of are Rocky, Aurora, and Olive."
The Lorekeeper smiled. "How about Olive? This would be an excellent way for her to gain more battling experience."
"That makes sense. Still, I'm a little worried since this will be her first official Gym battle."
"I know she will do just fine, Summer. Like what I said during our first encounter, that Grovyle has great potential."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Aster. All right, I'll use Olive. Let me read the Gym Leaders' biography on the PLA website."
"The youngest Gym Leaders in Hoenn, Tate and Liza have exceeded expectations as the first Gym specializing in double battles. From birth, the twins have a special mental connection, giving them the title of 'The Mystic Combination'. This translated into their shared interests in Psychic type Pokémon and outer space. After finding their signature Pokémon, Solrock and Lunatone, in a chance encounter by the famous white rock on Mossdeep Island, Tate and Liza are determined to become astronauts to visit their Pokémon's original home for themselves.
Note: Due to the potential crisis, Tate and Liza's Gym battle will allow a choice between a traditional double battle or a multi battle with another Trainer. This Trainer does not have to be a current participant in the Hoenn League. The multi battle option does not pertain to Lapis Eurig, the Nuzlocke Trainer."
That sucks for Lapis. "Since we're doing the multi battle, we'll likely be up against Tate's Solrock and Liza's Lunatone," I surmised.
Aster nodded. "Those Pokémon indeed make sense for those two. Solrock and Lunatone are rumored to have originated from outer space."
"The bio did hint at that. Let me see what the Pokédex says."
[Solrock, the Meteorite Pokémon. Solar energy is the source of this Pokémon's power. On sunny days, groups of Solrock line up facing the sun and absorb its light. Lunatone, the Meteorite Pokémon. It becomes very active on the night of a full moon. This Pokémon was first discovered 40 years ago at the site of a meteor strike.]
Sighing, I said, "Even though the Pokédex has mixed information about it, I would agree with you, Aster."
"Oh? Why is that?"
"Well, I found that these entries have, and have not, helped me during my travels, so it's nice to also hear other people's knowledge about Pokémon. That way, the entries can be updated over time."
Aster glanced at my Pokédex. "Still, a portable encyclopedia is quite an achievement. As well as portable phones, computers, translation devices… The world has truly advanced far greater than I ever expected."
I looked at her longing expression. "If you'd like, Aster, I can help you become better acquainted with modern technology."
Beaming, she replied, "Thank you for your kind offer, Summer. But let us focus on our training first. We need to make sure Athebyne and Olive can work well as a team."
I got up and grinned. "Then let's go before it gets too hot."
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, Hypnosis, Air Slash, Heat Wave
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, Double Team, Mega Drain, Quick Attack
Yuki's Pokémon:
Momo (Wartortle, male): Quiet Nature, Torrent Ability, moves: Water Pulse, Rapid Spin, Blizzard, Aqua Tail
Ume (Swellow, female): Adamant Nature, Guts Ability, moves: Steel Wing, Wing Attack, Double Team, Swift
Ichigo (Minun, male): Sassy Nature, Minus Ability, moves: Discharge, Encore, Helping Hand, Rollout
Kiui (Jumpluff, female): Jolly Nature, Chlorophyll Ability, moves: Sunny Day, Silver Wind, Solarbeam, Giga Drain
Mikan (Quilava, male): Bold Nature, Blaze Ability, moves: Facade, Flame Wheel, Brick Break, Smokescreen
Koko (Vaporeon, female): Rash Nature, Water Absorb Ability, moves: Rain Dance, Haze, Iron Tail, Water Pulse
Questions for the Chapter:
What did you think of the Mossdeep Space Center?
What did you think of Tate and Liza?
What did you think of the multi battle option?
How will Summer and Aster do during the Gym battle?
