XxxxX
After another half a day of travelling, with a few training breaks scattered throughout. We were finally nearing Oreburgh and I was starting to feel excited for my first true trial in the world of Pokémon training.
Gym battles.
Well, that and getting this damn research off me so I can finally stop looking over my shoulder.
Shaking my head, 'hah… I need a distraction' glancing over to Dawn who was trailing slightly behind us, I slow down to talk with her for a bit.
"Dawn? I was wondering, since I missed your first contest, where does the next one take place?" genuinely curious as my memory of them were spotty, and the only place they existed in game was Hearthome city.
A smile grew as on her face when I mentioned it, "Well the next one Is in Floaroma town, and it's the next major town were heading to! I can't wait for it! Though, I'm still undecided between both Buneary and Piplup for which I'm going to compete with there…" a thoughtful look took over as she held the two PokéBalls out in front of her, weighing them in thought.
"Hmm. That's a good question actually, all three of you are really starting to get into the rhythm of contests and the combo's you made have actually inspired a few of my own that I plan on using for the gym here." grinning as an intrigued look takes over her face.
"Hah, but I don't think I'll be telling you just yet. It would ruin the reveal, plus my nose is still sore." Smirking as her face went from a pout, to confused and into a blushing pout as she punched my shoulder
"I Apologized for that already jerk! Now come on and tell me!" her complains only furthered my smirk into laughter getting another hit to my shoulder.
Looking at the blue haired girl, I could only think she looked really cute blushing so much, though I could very much do without the shoulder hits, "Hmmm…..Nope~" popping the word as I grinned, seeing her eye twitch a bit in response.
Shaking my head, "how about I give you a hint and you can guess as much as you want before my match? Lets see… I've got a few in mind for a later date, but for Aster it has something to do with my nickname for her, I don't call her a shooting star for no reason." Looking at my silent travelling partners, it seems all three of them are trying to guess what kind of combo move it could be.
"Heh, well good luck trying to figure it out. Oh, Ash, I was meaning to ask you as well, which Pokémon are you planning to use against Roark?" I had spent quite a while trying to remember but it seems like my memory of the show truly is limited, while not a huge problem it will make my presence with my friends (not really a bad thing all things considered) a larger role in my travels. Though, I will certainly be breaking off from them for a while to train. I need to learn about Aura and I need to do it soon.
Shaking my head, I see Ash looking at his team, nodding and grinning at me. "it's a surprise!"
You dare use my own spells against me, Potter?
Feeling my eye twitch, I can tell everyone found it amusing from the chorus of chuckles and giggles coming from a certain fire-type perched on my back. "don't know why your laughing Nova, just means your training extra hard tonight." Smirking at my Partners shocked cry, a smile grows on my face as we continue on towards Oreburgh.
XxxxX
Glancing down over the cliff, we stood taking in the view of the mining hub of Sinnoh. "Looks… industrious?" I really didn't have any other words for the place, it's a mining town that grew into a city, there isn't much to say.
A short hike down the cliffside, where we thankfully found a path into the city.
Rubbing my shoulders as we finally made it back into civilization, I looked over to my friends who were taking in the sights. "Okay, this is where I split off from you guys alright? We can meet up later once I've delivered this data, maybe after I crash at the center to catch up on sleep. Dinner?" asking all three of my companions, getting an agreeing hum from Brock, a nod from Ash but a rather anxious or maybe worried look from Dawn, but I've never been the best at reading people.
"Are you sure your fine to split off from us Rusk? I mean, you were kidnapped when you were alone in Jubilife, shouldn't at least one of use come with you?" rubbing her arm as she spoke, concern in her tone.
A sage-like nod from Brock as he chimed in, "She's not wrong Rusk, I think it would put all our minds at ease if one of use came with you, I know Ash plans on hitting up the gym right away, but Dawn or I could come with." Folding his arms, he hums over the suggestion and nods.
"Actually, I think I'll join you Rusk. Partly because I was Pewter City's rock-type gym leader for a few years, and fossil Pokémon fall into that category, but also because knowing more about fossil Pokémon would let me take care of them better once I've gotten my Breeder." Smiling at me as he speaks.
I suppose it wouldn't hurt to be careful right?
Nodding back to him, I glance over at Dawn who surprisingly looked more annoyed? Again, reading people has never been a strong suit of mine outside in-person Pokémon tournaments and even then that was only predicting moves and patterns.
Looking at her in confusion, I catch her eye and she huffs. "Alright then, Ash and I will head to the gym first!" Marching off as she finished speaking, Ash following her confused at her outburst but excited for the first shot at his badge nonetheless.
Glancing over to Brock, "Any idea what that was about?"
All I got was a small smile in response.
Shaking my head, "Alrighty then, lets head to the museum so I can get this handed over." Pulling out my phone and pulling up the Gps app and ignoring the intrigued hum from Brock, I set the destination to the museum.
Looking back at Brock I see his intrigue, "Ah the phone right? it's something of a… regional commodity from where I'm from. Professor Rowan got some help upgrading it when I arrived and only told me about it back at the end of route 202. I can make phone calls, send messages, access my pokedex data… ah shoot. I never scanned Rukia with it yet." Mentally face-palming myself for not checking. While it's not the most important thing, it gives me a bit more insight into her species than the typical Pokémon center scan that only does a physical exam.
"Here, lets start walking and I'll show you what I mean on the way." Nodding to him, Brock nods back and we start our way to the Museum.
Pulling up the team app, and opening the scanner. I held up Nova's PokéBall, the first ball on the right side of my belt.
Holding it in front of the scanner, I started the scan and waited a moment for it to finish.
{Cyndaquil – the fire mouse Pokémon}
{Cyndaquil is a small, bipedal mammalian Pokémon with bluish fur on top of its body and cream-colored fur on its underside. Its eyes are usually seen closed, and it has a long, thin snout. Its arms are short, but its legs are slightly more developed and have a single nail on each foot. On its back are four red circles that can erupt into flames. When the flames are burning, its back has the appearance of being covered in spines. Cyndaquil is capable of defending itself using these flames, and the fire grows more powerful as it becomes angry or defensive. However, if it is tired, the flames are not able to burn properly. It is usually timid by nature and often curls into a ball when intimidated. Though rare in the wild, it can be found living on Grasslands}
{this Cyndaquil has the ability – flash fire}
{it knows the moves – tackle, quick attack, flame wheel, flame charge, ember, extrasensory, leer, smokescreen, defense curl, double team, will-o-wisp, protect}
"that's incredible, though I wonder, how come more people don't have phones like yours? I know if I had the chance to use one I would, all the details of the Pokémon it lists are extensive, oh! And it even acts as a portable medical scanner for injuries! This would be incredibly useful for just about every trainer on a journey, you wouldn't believe how many times a Pokémon can get injured going from town to town with no proper checkups in between. Though, what region has portable devices like this? Its nothing I've ever seen before?" Brock shouted out excitedly, before curiosity took over as he handed me my phone back with an intrigued look in his eye.
Walking quietly for a moment, 'hah… id really rather not try and find a way to explain my arrival to this world… while I'm glad to no longer be near my mother, I do still miss my dog and my friend… I wonder what Arlo is up to now? I mean, it has been nearly three months since I've been here, well technically two months were working and learning at the lab, so a month since I started travelling... man, the games really make the towns and cities feel close but they really aren't… But still, three months without joking around with that fucker… hah… I guess there are some things I miss about world.'
A red sheen interrupts my thoughts as I see my PokéBalls, 'though, I think the past few months here have truly been for the better… in fact, even including the incident, things have been going better for me here than there…'
Shaking my head slowly, I walk ahead a bit, "Its actually a rather long story… and I'd prefer not to talk about it, it's incredibly confusing and even I'm not fully sure how I got here… from there, though like you've noticed, tech there was far more based on communications and travel than what you have here… though our more scientific things aren't anywhere close to the ones around here, I mean, reviving long passed Pokémon?! That's incredible! The most we could do back at home was simulate what they looked like and did!"
Walking for a while longer as we talked, learning more about Brocks's goal as a breeder, which is essentially a Pokémon vet, groomer, and care-taker. Lots of stuff to learn in his future goal.
And in no time, we had arrived at the museum.
It really had the vibes of one alright, a tall white and ornate building with lots of glass windows on the front but nothing on the squarer side made up of denser looking brick. That's probably the lab, it looks a hell of a lot sturdier than the rest of the building, probably to ensure nothing goes wrong when they revive a Pokémon.
Entering the building, I couldn't help but feel a mountainous weight lift off my shoulders.
We were greeted by several different scientists, none of which introduced themselves only grabbed the research, shook my hand, and ran off into the back.
Huh?
Slowly panning over to look at Brock… the only word to describe my state of mind would be… befuddled.
"That… that, happened yes?" asking him, cause clearly that had to have been some sort of fever dream.
Watching as he slowly nodded his head in the same confusion, "…are we supposed to follow?" I ask, getting only a minor shrug in response.
"I mean, we might as well make sure that wasn't just a group of thieves. Plus, I feel it's only right for us to get to see at least a single revival… it's only fair." Getting an agreeing hum in response, we followed after the scurrying scientists… I'm serious! They scurried like Ratata's!
We talked it over with the least skittish one, and I don't say this lightly, something horrible had to have happened to these people. No ifs. Ands. Or buts. No normal human is this terrified of human contact.
Disregarding the clear panic in their eyes, they let us interact with a kabuto and a Cranidos, which was sick as fuck. I mean, literal dinosaurs (Pokémon ones but it's the thought that counts) and Brock even got a few articles on the care and habitats of the currently known species. It had everything from diet to the necessary humidity levels… boring to me but he was as happy as a clam.
After about an hour we set back out to the city, and the sun was setting so we set out to find our companions, though I let Brock do that, I had a date with the most enticing thing in the world.
A bed.
XxxxX
Waking up, I thanked whatever god decided to create Pokémon centers and their incredible beds and breakfast (mainly the beds cause goddamn!)
Sadly, as an early riser I don't get to experience the blissful sensation for long, a habit ingrained into me from my youth spent living on a farm…
Though, it works well for letting me get extra training time in so I can't really complain much.
Though before that, I should probably let the Prof know that the data's been delivered.
Reaching for my phone on the bedstand, groggily sitting up as I do.
Cracking my back as I sat up, I called the Prof. A few rings slipped by until he answered.
"Ah, Rusk good morning! I just checked my email not a moment ago, it seems the data has finished its journey. Good to hear, now for your rewards." The sound of a PokéBall releasing a Pokémon sounds out, followed by a curious sounding Bronzong.
"There we go! Now just give Bronzong a few minutes to get over there, it's a shame we couldn't have teleported the data like this but there isn't a decent way to circumvent any potential dark-types along the path. Psychic and Dark types mix like water and oil unfortunately, and it ends up causing any teleports to distort around them. great for catching criminals, not so great at keeping things away from them during shipment…" a frown marred his face as he finished speaking.
Sighing, I try and tell Rowan it isn't his fault but the sound of teleportation catches my attention as a Bronzong pops into existence right beside me, causing me to jump.
Patting my chest, as my payment floats out from underneath Bronzong's bell body. Three discs and a single faint shimmery blue stone emanating a chill in the air around it.
Smiling as I grabbed the stone, sliding it into one of the deeper compartments of my bag, once again thankful to Rowan for gearing me up so well at the start of my journey.
Grabbing the Tm case from my bag and sliding the three disc's inside, I take a moment to ensure they are the correct moves. Finding Tm 26 – Earthquake, Tm 68 – Giga Impact, and finally Tm 6 – Toxic. For Nova, Aster, and Aria in that order, though the two former won't be learning them until they have a greater level of training, Aria is already more than ready for a potent poison move like Toxic.
Giving the professor my thanks as I watch Bronzong return to the old man, stowing the case back into my bag. No need to give her the new move already, not with the upcoming gym battle I had called ahead to get an appointment for later.
Stretching, I get ready for early morning training. Something I haven't been able to do much on the road with my companions. While they make for great company and entertainment, they make for mediocre training partners. Ash is helpful for sparring but he hardly has the patience for drawn out training sessions, Dawn is more helpful for coming up with combo moves she has a real knack for it apparently. And Brock… Lé Chef's kiss. That man is an incredible cook and so helpful with taking care of Pokémon.
But… all of these are things Rowan instilled into my preparations… I can cook very well as he showed me how horrible the trainer rations the league passes off as food are… better left unspoken. He taught me the ins and outs of a lot of basic training methods (and some more advanced practices with weights he bough for me upon my request for Nova's practices). And left unsaid is the late-night battle theories of myself and Arlo… the numerous ideas we had about how moves could be used… hah, to bad I can only remember a few, I could have broken so many limits on a large number of Pokémon.
Grabbing my workout clothes, another thing I can't really do around them. training with my team means training with my team, Rowans training had instilled a lesson I follow to a T, he told me a good way to ensure I earn my teams respect was to go through everything with them, training, sleeping, eating, relaxing, we go through everything as a team. Together.
Together we become strong.
Together we can face anything.
And that is another bit of his wisdom that follows me daily… or rather any day I can get it as it has been difficult lately travelling with others.
Shaking my head to clear my mind, I slip on my clothes, check for my training gear, and slip downstairs to go and start our daily grind.
Walking downstairs, I see the center mostly deserted save the nurse joy drooling on the counter, sleeping while she waits for any injured Pokémon.
Slipping out quietly to not wake her up, I make my way to the back of the center where the training grounds sit, not another soul in sight.
Getting some stretches in, I send out my team. "Alright folks! Training time!" four bright flashes of light appear at once as my team pops out, Nova blinking a couple of times to wake up, Aster having no issues with this early hour do to her own species internal clock, Aria just like the latter awaits her training orders, and… Rukia.
Rukia is still perfectly curled up, peacefully slumbering away… "heh…" a mischievous grin grows on my face as I go to get my newest teammate up to speed, no slacking off on morning training, even if it is more of a warm-up for the day. The real workout comes in the afternoon.
One powder snow to the face later, my hair still stuck up frozen. Rukia was up, and being worked the hardest for her insubordination.
My morning training was usually set aside for training moves, as while their type energy can replenish fast throughout the day, the same can't be said for their physical energy, and that's best done near the end of a day, at least to me though until I figure out how to use Aura myself I have to get two physical workouts in… my legs are going to hate my tomorrow…
Plus, I eventually want a Pokémon that can use gravity on my team. I've read nothing on any of the research articles I have access to about trainers using it on their team, but Pokémon are known for one thing one it comes to training, the higher the stress or difficulty the larger the increase in power.
Though, if I do end up looking for one to catch, my options are rather limited… I know the Chansey line can learn it but… I'd rather not have to look for one… and eggs to purchase are not cheap.
Though I think the Duskull line can learn it? Not entirely sure of that though. Something to look into later.
"Cynda!" Nova's call breaks me out of planning. Glancing over, I notice as he points out something on my laptop, one of the first things I picked up when we got here as my monthly stipend arrived on the road over. I got it to better show how moves looked to my team in hopes it would let them understand a bit about them. and it has been paying off incredibly well, their proficiency in their moves has been growing rapidly.
Not that the little training maniacs needed it, they've been growing at an incredibly fast rate ever since Jubilife.
Walking towards it, I notice an alert flashing on the screen.
Pokémon Trainer Matton, Rusk. Your scheduled match will begin in approximately one hour, please make your way to the stadium.
… oh yea. Forgot about that…
"Alright everyone take a break! We've got our match coming up and I hope your all ready!" glancing over as my team comes rushing back towards me, "And Aster, your up first! Remember steel dive once you've gained enough speed and nothing can block you alright?" getting a trill in response as she sped around my head, I grinned.
"Alright guys, Roll Out!" slipping my bag onto my shoulder, and recalling everyone but Nova. No need to give Roark any previews after all.
XxxxX
The whir of the electric door opening, alerting the gym secretary. Prompting me to bring out my trainer I.D to be scanned for the match, I grab out my pokedex. Something I, find little use for besides for things like this, my phone does the same things but better. And after a moment, I'm cleared to enter the locker room to await my challenge.
Sitting on the bench inside, Nova next to me. "Alright bud, remember even If I don't have to call you out, be ready just in case. Your type makes you a bad matchup against Roark, but I know your strength might be necessary, though I wont be putting you through any unnecessary pain if I don't have to. Aster, will lead us off and her speed will level the playing field. After that… we'll figure that out once we come across it."
A ring sounds out, followed by an automated message in a polite but rather robotic tone, "Gym Leader, 'Roark' is ready for your challenge, please make your way to the stadium!" pausing as it played, changing into a deeper human voice as it played what must have been Roark's recorded voice.
'Huh, wouldve thought with how everything seems much more special than in the games, the gym leaders would be able to add a more personal greeting or something… or maybe Roark just couldn't care? I mean, he was more interested in mining than anything else in the game… not sure about the anime though…'
Taking a moment to calm myself, I step out into the blinding light of the stadium lights waiting a moment longer for my eyes to adjust as I hear a crowd roar around me.
Blinking a few times, I look around. While certainly not full, it seems we might have a good turn out for my battle today… though, I'm not sure if that's good or bad, considering I might be on the shit-list of Team Galactic.
Steeling my resolve, I stare forward unyielding at Roark's own warm, but steady glance. It seems he wont be pulling punches here.
Sending him a nod, as I really don't want to seem like an ass, I receive a grin in response followed by a nod to the Referee. It seems the fights about to begin.
Looking over to the Ref, blue hair catches my eye in the crowd. Followed by the sight of a white beanie directly above it. Dawn, and next to her, Ash, Brock, and Pikachu on his trainer's shoulder all cheering me on.
Grinning, I nod at them and give them a thumbs up before finally giving the Ref a nod of my own.
"Alllllll-Rightyyyyy! LADIES AND GENTLEMANNNN! For the first challenge of the day, our challenger...We Have…. RUSK MATTON ONE OF PROFESSOR ROWANS OWN SPONSORED TRAINERSSSSS! AGAISNT THE STRONG! THE STURDY! GYM LEADER ROARK OF OREBURGH!" shouting into the mic as he spoke, hyping the crowd as he waved his arms around towards them.
"Alright! Now for today, it will be a three vs three match with the challenger being allowed to make a single switch! Challenger Are You Ready!" pointing towards me with a dramatic flair, I nod.
"Gyyyymmmm Leader Roark! Are. You. Readyyyyy!" watching as he sighed, reluctantly looked back up at the ref, and nodded.
"Incredible! Now, on the count of three, both trainers will send out their first Pokémon! 3….2….1! Send out your Pokémon!"
Aster's ball already in hand, I throw it spinning into the open air of the stadium and watch as it pauses and a beam of light shoots out into the air, "Come on out Aster!" and coalescing into the form of a Staravia, who clearly heard the Ref's hype up of the crowd as she came out singing and doing a lap around the stadium. My little show-off.
Roark, at the same time grabs an earthy-toned ball of his belt, something I didn't know existed so I have something else to look into after this, and called out "lets Rumble Geodude!" ah, and I need to find a cool catchphrase to use as well it seems…
Thankfully, for this matchup it seems while Roark has the type advantage, he doesn't have the speed.
"Aster, set up speed!" I call out, and watch as she glows a faint light blue, and it seems like the wind behind her picks up no matter where she goes always carrying her on.
My observation was cut short, "Geodude, Stealth Rock!" ah he's going to be a pain in the ass for sure.
Much to my dismay, Geodude launches a volley of pointed stones almost everywhere on the field creating small obstacles around the field, thankfully since Aster was on the field before the stones landed, she'll be safe from them.
Smirking, "Alright Aster, Steel Dive!" watching in glee, as she starts to give off a silver blue light signifying the combinations success, and watching her pick up more and more speed as she spun laps around the stadium becoming a blur of light, nothing can track her as she's leaving a trail of afterimages with her speed alone.
Feeling the sharp winds coming off her, I can't help but grin as I see Roark's surprised look, and surprisingly enough an unfazed Geodude. Little dudes got some spunk.
"Geodude, use rock throw and try to bring that Staravia down!" crying out with an anxious tone, I watched as the Geodude began scooping clumps of the earthen stadium towards Aster, though missing every time as the Rock/Ground type couldn't keep up with her speed.
Waiting a moment as Aster's speed slowly started to stop increasing, "NOW ASTER!" while steel dive is an incredible move, the sheer speeds Aster needs to go to use it can take a heavy toll on her stamina and does some pretty good recoil to her as well depending on how long she charges up for, that being the reason I cut her off before she reached maximum speed. Otherwise any move afterwards would knock her clear out… though, once she evolves into a Staraptor? Hoh, she'll be blasting around left and right with little to no issue other than the recoil. It is essentially a faster and steel type brave bird attack.
Faster then I could blink, a loud crack, and a large explosion of dust shot into the air near Roark's stand. Instantly the entire stadium became silent from shock and awe, they had after all just seen a Pokémon do the near impossible.
Shooting out from the cloud, Aster sung as she flew across the field. With bated breaths from the crowd and Roark, the dust settled and it was clear Geodude was in no condition to continue, knocked out and a few new cracks along its hard body.
"Geodude, return." He called out quietly still shocked at the display of a flying type taking out a rock type so easily.
I watch as his shock morphs into excitement, but instead of grabbing for the next ball on his tray, he grabs one from his belt, "Hooo, your name was Rusk right? I think you've more than proven your skill level to be above the single badge level. Therefore, my next Pokémon wont be from the league-recommended set, but one I'm personally raising for my main team that should be around your current level." Pausing to crack his knuckles and his neck, "Let's rumble Nosepass!"
Sending out his next Pokémon as he spoke, a small boulder of a Pokémon emerges with a stone body and a large red nose. "NOSSSEEEEPASSSSS!" a loud rumble came from its mouth, as it slammed down onto the ground kicking up more dust into the air.
… oh fuck…
Sending a look over to Aster to let her know to play this one safe, Nosepass is not something I was expecting to see. Though it does make sense as later on in the platinum games when you rematch with him he has a Probopass. Ah crap, what about his Cranidos? I never thought to ask Ash if it had evolved… heh, with my luck it most certainly did. I guess that just means I'll either be facing that or… maybe his Onix, a Larvitar or an Aerodactyl? I think… though I think I'd prefer the Onix.
Taking a look over Aster, she seems fine other then some light scratches from her combo and her stamina is definitely on the low end…
Tapping my arm, "Alright Aster, quick wing and try to avoid any electric moves if you can!". I don't really know much about Nosepass's move-set other then the fact it has access to a few electric type ones, though I'm not sure how much training it needs to use one.
Getting a trill in response she barrels off towards the opposing rock-type, steel energy building in her wings as she zooms forward still under the effects of tailwind
"Thunder Wave Nosepass! Knock her out of the sky and into range!" putting his hand on his Hard-hat, and wiping some stray dust off from earlier, he points up at Aster as his Pokémon starts to charge up electricity around itself before launching a large web-like blast of electricity into the air directly in Aster's path causing her to panic as she's going to fast to dodge without hitting something else.
"Shit, Aster don't let that hit you!" crying out too late, as the yellow electricity hits her and paralyzes her, sending her sprawling hard into the stone and earth below with a loud crash from the ground breaking around her.
"ASTER!" shouting out in worry as I grip the handrail holding me back from rushing out onto the field to check on her, my knuckles turning white from the force.
A moment passes as the cloud of dust settles, and Aster's beaten but still standing form is revealed. "STARAVIIAAAAAA!"
"CAN YOU BELIEVE IT FOLKS! OUR CHALLENGERS STARAVIA IS. STILL. STANDING! AFTER A CRASH LIKE THAT I WAS ALMOST CERTAIN SHE'D BE OUT FOR THE COUNT!" the resident loudmouth of a ref shouted out to the crowd, but I couldn't care enough to even register what he had said, Aster was still standing. Not that she'd ever go down without a fight of course, but she had me worried for a moment.
"Alright Aster! You ok?" getting a shaky and wobbly nod in response, I can see the toll the battle has had on her, I suppose that's one more thing to look into for her. Defensive training to lessen the blow from her recoiling moves.
Weighing my options in my head, I nod to myself, "I'm using my switch here!" calling out to the Ref, and interrupting Roark's next command that he was about to call out.
"Are you sure? Ah, alright then! Challenger Rusk is using his one switch for this battle! What Pokémon will he call out next?!"
Glancing down at my belt, I grab my next competitor and throw her ball onto the stage. "Come on out Aria!"
The large arachnid pops out, poison dripping form her fangs. Immediately upon release, several large stones that hidden themselves shot towards her, narrowly managing to dodge the majority of them, but taking several scrapes and this as they fly by.
It isn't the best matchup up, but it's better than Nova's. He'd get hit with the paralysis to quickly and then he'd just be a slow target to one of his bigger weaknesses.
"AND RUSK SENDS OUT AND ARIADOS! WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, NOT ONLY DOES HE START WITH A FLYING TYPE BUT HE EVEN CHOOSES A BUG TYPE TO FACE AGAINST A TYPE-DISADVANTAGE! JUST WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS YOUNG COMPETITORS HEAD? IS HE BRAVE? OR FOOLISH. LETS FIND OUT NOW! START! THE! MATCH!"
God that guy has a mouth… shaking my head, I grin, "Trap setup! Then move onto, grounding it!" too bad its not a ground type… wouldve made for a great pun.
"Rock Throw Nosepass! Slow it down!" I could hear Roark shout out, as Nosepass began to launch several volleys of rock and stone towards Aria who had begun speeding around the arena, leaving behind a trail of webs in the air and attached to the ground on several partially buried rocks. This should hopefully make any electricity he uses on the web or
Watching as she jumped over several of the smaller rocks and jumped off of a larger one to escape the volley, "Alright Aria, that's enough setup. Its time for some stealth!" calling out to her, as she uses shadow sneak disappearing into a purple shadow and vanishing into the ground.
Leaning closer to the field, Roark glares at the ground in front of him, "Keep your eyes glued open Nosepass! Don't let it get a hit on you!" Nosepass did what I assumed was a nod, but looked more like a slight bow.
Out of nowhere, Aria appeared behind the stone head, causing Roark to shout, "BEHIND YOU NOSEPASS!" though unfortunately for the rock-type, it was too slow and Aria blasted it with her still ghostly form. Doing a decent bit of damage to its stone body.
Unfortunately this left her open to an attack, and Roark was more than ready to capitalise on that, "Now Nosepass! Double-Edge!"
Oh Fuck… "ARIA USE PROTECT!" I wasn't idle in my training while I journeyed with my friends, I had ensured they had their moves down and had Nova teach protect until they could all use it in battle, though I had never stress-tested them, I'm really starting to regret not doing so.
The blue sphere of energy managed to fully form around her just as Nosepass blasts forward into it a bright white beam of energy surrounding it, sending a blast of wind around the stadium as it rings out like a gong before a shattering noise can be heard as the protect fails and Aria takes the rest of the attack head-on, sliding backwards only holding on thanks to the web she had set up earlier, though for a much different usage than I thought it would be for.
The webbing snaps under the force, as it wasn't meant for the force behind the move. I could only watch, wide-eye as Aria flew backwards into the sidewall of the arena, opposite where the Geodude had gone down.
Thankfully, while it did some serious damage, Aria's still in the fight. "Aria! Vampire mode!" while not the most creative naming sense, it gets the point across for her combo, a simple Absorb and Shadow Sneak, not normally a good combo for battle, but considering her opponent is a giant rock? Oh it'll hurt and then some.
Disappearing into the shadows once more, I can see Roark glare at the surroundings once more, "Nosepass, don't let it get another leg up on you! Make sure you hit it hard once it appears with Rock tomb! If it doesn't knock her out go for a rock throw!"
Frowning, I can't help but worry about Aria's approach. If she gets the hit off, there's no doubt in my mind it'll go down, it only worries me that if Nosepass gets a hit off before she can absorb the energy and heal, cause she'll be knocked out.
Several quiet moments pass as both trainers and audience wait in quiet watch, then out of nowhere of to the left side of Nosepass a fog of purple shadow appears a pair of pincers forming out of it followed by a stream of green energy being siphoned from Nosepass. "NOSE!" it cries out swinging its body around, as the air starts to glow brown before a veritable hill of earth drops and the slowly forming body of Aria leaps out to bash against Nosepass, trapping them both underneath the attack.
"Aria/Nosepass!" both trainers cry out in worry of their Pokémon, hearing the sound of a muffled warble from under the earth.
A few moments pass as they notice the earth shifting slowly, a few rocks fall down as they leave a small opening and shooting out of it a strand of webbing, and a bruised and scratched Aria. "AriAAA-DOS!" crying out as she pulls herself out with the web.
"CAN YOU BELIEVE IT FOLKS! RUSK HAS MANAGED TO OVERCOME THE SHEER WALL KNOWN AS TYPE DISADVANTAGE TWICE NOW!" a round of cheers and whistles sound from the stadium, "LETS FIND OUT IF IT CAN STAND UP TO ROARKS THIRD AND FINAL POKEMON!"
Reaching down, I watch as Roark grabs the final ball of his belt, "Alright then, I didn't think it would come to this considering how strong I believed Nosepass to be, but you've proven yourself to be quite the challenge Rusk, your certainly one of the strongest trainers I've faced this season alone!" an ecstatic grin forms on his face as he flips the ball onto the stadium, "BUT NOW YOU'LL HAVE TO RUMBLE AGAINST ONE OF MY STRONGEST OF YOUR LEVEL! AERODACTYL, SHOW THEM YOUR POWER!"
An ear-piercing cry sounds out over the stadium forcing those on the sidelines to cover their ears, "AEROOOOOOOOOOO!" a large gray and purple, winged dinosaur appears in the air slowly flying around the stadium near its trainer going higher and higher before hovering, staring at Aria with an almost hungry glare.
"Careful Aria, this guy has your move set limited! Its time for the stealth archer to make her proper appearance!" calling out to her, I receive a chitter in response as she goes shadow mode and Aerodactyl starts to swoop around the stadium.
As it scans the area below itself, Aria pops out of the shadows just behind it sending out a large gob of string shot at the ancient Pokémon. "AAARRIA-DOSSSS" spitting it out, it begins to expand into a large web-like structure with sharp pins of poison needle tied into the outer strands. I call it the fuck you web… well, technically I call it toxic web because the sheer amount of poison needles almost guarantees a poison status but calling it the fuck you web is more fun.
Watching as the beast is too slow to dodge thanks to all the webs Aria had erected during her fight with Nosepass, her attack strikes true and a purple sludge effect notifies everyone that I now hold the advantage. "Aria use Venom Drench quickly!" as long as this hits, I'm certain I can defeat it. It'll be weakened and slowed even further than it already is.
"Aerodactyl, don't let the poison hold you back! Use supersonic and follow it up with ice fang!" swiping his hand forward as he points to a mid-air Aria with no proper way to dodge.
A shocked stare was all I could give as I watched Aria spew a thick venom blast at Aerodactyl completely coating it in venom. Its body tensing from the shock of being weakened so quickly, but still managing to flip around, face to face with Aria who was still falling from her original attack.
"ARIA USE STRING-SHOT AND GET OUT OF THERE!" crying out as I see the sonic waves of supersonic ring out in her face as Aerodactyl managed to turn around and prepare the ice energy, something that should be difficult considering his typing, and bite down as Aria was too confused to make heads or tails of my command.
Watching as it bites down hard on her form, "ARIAAAAaaaaadosss…" her pained cry rings out loud, but goes almost into a whimper, as I watch Aerodactyl throw her into the stadium wall with a loud crash.
"ARIA!" rushing to grab her ball and return her. I know for certain even if she was still standing she'd only hurt herself more after that.
"WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT LADIES AND GENTLEMAN! GYM LEADER ROARK IS CERTAINLY NOT PULLING ANY PUNCHES AGAINST OUR CHALLENGER TODAY! NOW BOTH TRAINER ARE DOWN TO THEIR LAST POKEMON! TRAINER RUSK, SEND OUT YOUR FINAL POKEMON!"
Frozen for a moment in worry, I hadn't expected Roark to give me such a challenge. I mean, it was believed that gym leaders had Pokémon for every challenge level, but it was never spoken that they could adjust their level on a whim!
Tapping my leg in thought, I am struggling to come to a choice between my remaining Pokémon. An Aerodactyl
Feeling the two balls left on my belt, one stands out the most, not because of my own decision of course, but the biting cold touch of the ball shocks even myself. Sending a quizzical eye down at the ball, only for it to wobble in response.
TRAINER RUSK, YOU HAVE THREE SECONDS REMAINING TO CHOOSE A POKEMON! 3…2…1."
Whispering as I held her ball up, "Well, if your certain then I really wont say no." throwing it down onto the field, a large blast of snow took residence over the entire field. Calling down small bits of hail onto the field. As Rukia takes her place in the middle of the storm, her eyes glowing more violet as she glares at the Aerodactyl before her. Thankfully stealth rock isn't as omnipresent as it is in the games, Aria managed to trigger them all upon her arrival, leaving the field clear for Rukia.
I'll have to find out what that's about later, for now though, "Lets end this Rukia! Use Aurora Veil and follow it up with agility!" watching as Roark brows furrow in confusion. It looks like he's never heard of Aurora Veil. Good, that's what I was betting on.
"Aerodactyl! I'm not sure why that Vulpix is white but I'm willing to bet its because its an ice type! Take it down with a Fire Fang!" pointing forward once more the Aerodactyl immediately flies over to Rukia, thankfully much slower then when it first arrived all due to Aria's venom drench, its maw flaring red with fire-like teeth.
Watching as Rukia glows purple, and all her movements speed up drastically, "Rukia! It's time to take the heat out of its bite, use disable!" yipping in response, as an ominous purple wisp starts to form in her maw as Aerodactyl gets close, waiting a moment for it to be in range, she fires it off nailing the large rock/flying type.
"NO! Aerodactyl, back off and hit it with Ancient Power!" flapping its wings to back off from the ice type Pokémon before it, a large pulse of power sends a four decent size rocks careening right at Rukia.
"Dodge and follow it up with a stream of icy wind!" pausing at my command, Rukia narrowly leaps out of the way of the oncoming rocks taking a few rough hits to her side causing her to be thrown down and closer to the fleeing fossil Pokémon. My blood pumping at the state of the battle as I watch Rukia unleash a torrent of ice and snowy wind as she scrambles up towards Aerodactyl, sending it slamming down to the earth below from the sheer amount of snow Rukia created with that attack.
"That was incredible!" cheering out at my newest partner, while she was strong when I got her, her drive to become stronger has really had everyone on my team putting more effort into their practice, I should have them take a break somewhere soon…
Hiding her panting breath as she ignores the praise, I watch as she straightens up and feigns ignorance to my words.
Hah… guess I'm not on her 'favourite people' list quite yet…
Unnoticed by myself and Rukia, Aerodactyl had managed to free itself from the mound of snow definitely hurting from the super-effective attack, "Alright! Get back up in the air and hit them with Iron Head!"
Hearing his call, my head shoots back to where I had seen Aerodactyl hit the ground only to see it no longer there, "Rukia, don't let that hit you! Dodge and hit him with icy wind again!" calling out as I finally see Aerodactyl approaching Rukia, its head glowing with the tell-tale sign of steel energy.
Narrowly escaping the iron head, only getting hit with the fossil Pokémon's wing as it flew by, Rukia once again charged up her attack blasting ice and snow onto the Aerodactyl's back with twice as much force as the last. A critical.
The blast was all it took as Aerodactyl went careening down into the earth, creating a trench in the ground as it slid back towards its trainer with a cloud of ice and snow clearly out of the fight.
"WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, OUR CHALLENGER HAS OVERCOME THE MIGHTY MINING MANIAC HIMSELF! AND WHILE HE WAS USING POKEMON NOT AT THE ONE BADGE LEVEL AS WELL! I THINK WE'VE JUST WITNESSED THE DEBUT OF AN INCREDIBLE TRAINER TODAY FOLKS!"
Watching the red beam recall the downed Pokémon, I call Rukia back. Attempting to rub her head as she trots over. "You were incredible out there girl, especially that last attack!" complementing her as it was rather impressive. Especially because I'm not sure if that counted as a crit, or her just being awesome.
Until I'm certain, it was just her being awesome.
My attempt was dodged, but her chest puffed out a bit at my words so my favourability must have gone up a bit at least.
Sighing I return her back to her PokéBall with whispers of a feast to come for them all, I walk down onto the stadium floor to go get my badge.
Looking over, I see Roark was already there. No doubt giving me time with me team.
Reaching him, he holds his hand out for a shake so I do the same. Looking at his arm, its clear as day the man spends a lot of time in the mines beneath the city. He was pale from his time spent out of the sun, his hand was incredibly tough, and felt like a singular callous… dude was strong as fuck is what I'm getting at.
Smiling at him as we shook hands, I could hear the crowd roar around us, letting go as he cleared his throat, "That was an incredible battle Rusk, had I known your level of strength from the start you wouldve been facing my Larvitar instead of Geodude, not to say Geodude isn't strong but Larvitar is much closer to your level of strength." Frowning for a moment before shaking his head, "Next time for sure. If your interested in a rematch next season I suppose. Anyways onto more important matters."
Holding out his other hand and unfurling it, I see something small and metallic, "This, is the Coal badge. It represents the core beliefs of the Oreburgh gym, Hard Work, Determination and finally, Perseverance. While similar, these words form my own, and many of the beliefs of those on Oreburgh city, we are a hardy people after all." Smiling, he places it gently down onto my own extended palm.
Eyeing the badge, I take in the shape. While not familiar, I think it's a PokéBall and a hardhat in shape, with the PokéBall design being a golden brown in color, with the button being replaced by a gem like shape.
My smile warps into a large grin as I look back up to Roark, "I think those beliefs fit this city pretty well, I haven't been here for long but I've seen how dedicated some people are to their work. Thank you for the battle Roark, it's the most exciting one I've had since com- since I first started in the circuit." Covering my slip-up as its probably not a good idea to advertise yourself as an other-worlder on live television.
Clapping my back, he guides me back to his side of the stadium where I'm directed through to a different hallway then I entered, walking downwards into a room with a large mechanical door.
A little confused, I stopped myself from asking any questions as we walk into what appears to be a training room designed for rock types. The earth was exposed everywhere, and it was huge, a few dozen different rock-types were scattered about doing all sorts of training methods I wouldn't have though about, but considering they seemed more inclined to boosting a rock-types abilities I don't think I'll be able to put them to use any time soon.
Pausing to watch, I fail to notice Roark walking farther ahead into the room. "Ah, is there a reason your showing me this Roark? I mean, a trainer's life-blood is their training methods, and your just… showing me them? I mean, I'm not going to talk about them to anyone of course but, why?" nervous, or, rather confused might be more apt, I hurried over to Roark who was digging through a severely dented filing cabinet… I'm sure there had to have been a better place they could've placed it but who am I to judge.
Waiting for a response as he started opening and closing drawers rapidly, before finally he paused, "Aha! Found it!" turning back towards me with a large smile on his face, "to answer your question, if a Gym Leader sees a new trainer they believe has a lot of potential, there are several things they are allowed to do. One, offer them a sponsorship if they don't already have one. Two, give them some tips on training Pokémon from the gym's specialty. And finally, Three, give them a Tm that the gym leader in question believes is useful on the field or in battle, and for me, that is Stealth Rock.
While most people don't bother with the move, I find its use in battle to give me an edge over my opponents by either giving me an opening to take advantage of, or to get them to not pay attention to what my Pokémon are doing so I can get some stat increasing moves off.
Plus, it's a pretty handy move if you need a quick bridge or something to hold up the roof of a collapsing mine. Well, if the Pokémon using it can produce enough of them that is…" trailing off as he spoke, his tone turning somber.
'I probably shouldn't ask; it doesn't sound like a good memory.' Grimacing, I give the man a pat on the back, hopefully drawing him out of his now somber mood.
"Ah, anyways here." his tone turning a bit more upbeat once more, as he hands me the Tm for Stealth Rock. "Now, you can officially say you've beaten the first step to facing off in the Lily of The Valley Conference… and from what I've faced today? I think you've got a pretty good shot at making it to at least top sixteen, I can't say you'll make it farther as its wayyy to early to tell. But you'll definitely make it that far." Nodding as he clapped me on the back again, and sent me off with that knowledge.
XxxxX
Somehow after getting that bombshell of knowledge dropped on me by Roark, I made my way back to the Pokémon center, and after handing my team over to Nurse Joy to get healed up as they took some pretty good hits in that battle, I was laying on my bed with Nova on my lap.
"-and he figures we'll make it pretty far in the conference, I mean, he might be the rookie of the gym leaders in this region. But! He's still strong enough to be a gym leader, so his words do hold some merit." Slowly petting Nova as I try to understand just how he can believe in us with such gumption, but having trouble explaining it.
"I mean, I know you guys are incredible but me? I feel like I'm stumbling through this half the time… I mean I already explained to you that I'm not from this world, I have no formal understanding of training, I've got no knowledge about Pokémon other than what Rowan taught me before I left on my journey and… I, guess I don't feel like this is… Real. I suppose, I mean, I know its real but, the belief everyone seems to have in me just feels… strange? I suppose." Still petting my partner as I continue to explain my worries and concerns.
Listening to me ramble while occasionally chiming in to stop me from being dismissive about myself or my abilities, Nova finally relaxed as I stopped talking and just let it all sink in as I continued to pet him.
Smiling at him as I rubbed his belly, "You know, you're lucky so cute… I spoil you wayyy too much." Getting an annoyed snort in response only has my smile growing wider.
Its nice, I mean getting to spend time alone with Nova. When I first arrived to this world, I didn't have much. I lost my home, my friend, and everything I had ever known, even if a lot of this world I do know, its just not the same. Not to say I'd go back given the chance. This world has quickly felt more like home than my original one ever did… sans the fact Arlo isn't here… anyways, when I first arrived, all I really had was my phone, and soon after. Nova.
Not to say Rowan didn't become a grandfatherly figure in a way, but its not as close of a connection I share with Nova. He almost feels more like a brother I never had, bugging one another, helping each other, heck I wouldn't have survived that incident with the Spinarak and Ariados shortly after I got here without him… even if he did technically cause it when we were training…
Ah, anyways it has been so long since it has just been us two… first came Aster and then Aria, and I had to start divvying up my time and then with my new friends… the time we've been able to spend together has really slimmed down.
Getting an annoyed huff snaps me out of my thoughts, I must've stopped petting Nova when I started to drift off. "Heh, definitely spoiled." Calling him out as I moved onto scratching his chin.
"Cynnnn-daa…" came his pouting response, looking annoyed as I spoke.
Shaking my head as we just sat there and waited, my friends can wait this once. I think I needed this…
Sitting around for another half an hour until a ring sounded out from my pokedex, alerting me to the fact my team was done healing and ready for me to pick up.
Looking at Nova's sleeping form, I recalled him to not wake him up and made my way down to grab my team.
XxxxX
End of chapter 8 folks! I really hope you enjoyed this as much as I did writing this. I wanted to give more action to the battles and I think I did a pretty good job, and I wanted to give Rusk a break after that whole fiasco in Jubilife.
Anyways, question of the day! What did you all think of the gym battle? Did I do it justice?
Its not going to be for at least a chapter or three depending on how long it takes to get to his next piece of his own plot, but I think it should work well with his team composition.
Finally, I know it's been a while since I posted and I apologize for that but College and work have been throwing me through the ringer as of late. But that shan't hold me back for long, at least as long as I've got motivation that is… anyways, Happy reading and I hope your enjoying the Tale of Rusk!