Chapter 23: Meet Silver
Silver was on his way to the Pokemon Center. "To think, Sabrina was that strong, I admit, she was pretty strategic, too bad for her, I was already aware what she would do."
Meanwhile at the park.
Paul was using his Charmander while Hilda was using her Accgelor.
The two were having a training battle.
Daisy along with her Throh was watching the battle.
"Emolga use Energy Ball!"
"Charmander Flamethrower!"
Charmander released a flame breath at the green ball of energy.
The two attacks collided and exploded releasing shockwaves.
"Charmander use Fire Fang!"
The lizard Pokemon lunged towards the Shell out Pokemon while baring its flaming fangs.
"Accelgor use Agility!" Hilda commanded.
The Shell Out Pokemon vanished in a split second just as the Lizard Pokemon got close.
"Follow up with Quick Attack!"
Out of nowhere Accelgor swiftly charged right into Charmander sending it flying away.
"Oh no," Paul said a little shocked.
"I landed a hit, but, Charmander won't go down easily," Hilda thought. "Accelgor, use Giga Drain!"
Accelgor released energy streams from its body and snatched Charmander.
"Oh, my," Daisy said seemingly impressed.
Paul wasn't worried. "Charmander use Fire Fang to get loose."
Charmander opened its eyes and opened its mouth biting on the green energy streams thus releasing itself free.
"What?" Hilda exclaimed.
Accelgor cringed in pain from the super-effective damage it took.
"Now, wrap this up with Fire Spin!"
Charmander released a stream of flames that engulfed Accelgor turning into a flaming vortex.
"Accelgor no!" Hilda cried in worry.
The flaming vortex soon burned out and Accelgor was seen on the ground unconscious.
"Return Accelgor," Hilda recalled. "You take a good rest."
"Shall we continue?" Paul asked looking calm.
"Yes," Hilda replied looking determined but more like fired up. "I choose, Fraxure,"
"Charmander return," Paul said returning the Fire Lizard to his Pokeball, then he took out another Pokeball. "Now, Sawk, stand by for battle!"
"Fraxure, Dragon Claw!"
"Sawk, Karate Chop!"
The Axe Jaw Pokemon raised its left claw which glowed blue.
The Karate Pokemon lift its hand out high which glowed brightly.
The two collided their moves together and they struggled to push each other.
"Looks like their power is matched," Hilda presumed.
Paul just grinned. "Perhaps, but, you know, it's still got a free hand."
Sawk's eyes opened widely and pulled back its right hand. "Now Mega Punch!" The Karate Pokemon delivered a strong punch right into the Axe Jaw Pokemon's mid-stomach.
"Fraxure no!" Hilda cried.
"Now use Close Combat!"
Sawk unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks repeatedly damaging as Fraxure groaned in pain from each of the attacks.
"Is that all?" Paul asked as Sawk's attack was over.
Fraxure's vision was starting to fade like it was about to pass out.
"Your Fraxure is still standing, not bad," Paul praised despite not smiling. "Either way, I won't let my guard down, Sawk uses Bulk Up!"
Sawk's body glowed darkly red and pumped up its muscular body.
"Now Sawk's attack and defense power," Hilda commented.
Daisy had another reason for Paul's move. "He's making up for Close Combat, which the attack is not just powerful but has drawback decreasing the Pokemon's Defense and Special Defense, though...Sawk's defense will only increase."
"Two can play at that game, Fraxure, Dragon Dance!" Hilda commanded.
The Axe Jaw Pokemon began to a mystical dance.
"So, you're powering up Fraxure's attack and speed, not bad," Paul said a little impressed.
"Now use Dragon Claw!" Fraxure raised its claw up preparing to slash its opponent.
"Sawk Counter!" Paul commanded.
As soon as Fraxure's Dragon Claw made contact with Sawk's body, the attack was countered back.
Fraxure felt its power being used against itself as it was sent flying away.
"Fraxure no!"
"Now wrap this round up with Karate Chop at full power!" Paul commanded.
The Karate Pokemon lunged towards its opponent and delivered a karate chop right on the mid-stomach sending it crashing onto the ground as brown smoke brewed.
The Axe Jaw Pokemon fell over with dizzy eyes while laying down on its back.
"Fraxure is unable to battle! Sawk is the winner!"
Hilda walked over to her dragon Pokemon. "Fraxure...you did well...I left myself wide open..." She took out its Pokeball. "Now, return for a good rest."
Paul walked towards Sawk. "A job well done..." He praised despite not smiling.
Sawk nodded with a small grin. "Now return." The purple-haired trainer returned the Karate Pokemon to its Pokeball.
"I think, it's obvious that hasn't given much thought to your battle strategy, if you don't, then you'll lose again," Paul said with a rough look on his face. "If you can't come up with something, then there's no point of you having a rematch...other than that, I wonder if something else is bothering you."
Hilda quietly gasped.
The purple-haired trainer then turned around and began to walk away.
"Where are you going?" Daisy asked.
"Going for a walk, I'll be back a little later," Paul replied not looking back.
Hilda lowered her head with her eyes hidden. "Dang...I have to come up with something, I know Accelgor is a good advantage, however, it's going to take more than type advantage, Sabrina will use the same moves she did before, other than, she could use different strategies too."
She began to ponder for a moment. "Accelgor come out again." The Silk Pokemon appeared out of its Pokeball.
"Let's take a walk together," She said as her Pokemon nodded.
Daisy decided to do something herself. "I'm going back to Pokemon Center, I got to make a call, I'll meet you and Paul back there."
A short time later.
Daisy returned to the Pokemon Center. "Today is becoming intense, I hope Hilda comes to her senses." She then saw a red-haired trainer at the front desk.
"Silver, I'm pleased to tell you that your Pokemon has recovered," Nurse Joy informed with a polite smile.
"Thanks," The red-haired trainer replied even though he didn't return her smile.
He turned around to look at Oak's granddaughter. "..." He stared at her for a moment which seemed like hours.
He continued on his way and walked towards the door.
"That look in his eyes..." Daisy thought. "Where did I see that before?"
Her thoughts were interrupted when the entrance slide doors opened.
Daisy followed the red-haired trainer. "I need to talk to that guy."
Silver continued to walk through the city, as he glanced at the female professor, however, he didn't stop walking instead he turned his head away and process on.
Hilda was sitting on a bench. "Accelgor...I guess, my loss happened when I was getting my winning streak...I won my two gym battles...in the end...I lost...probably because I only cared about my winning streak and this happens." She began to sniffle with shame and regret while lowering her head.
The Shell Out Pokemon looked at her sadly.
Just then footsteps were passing by until they stopped... "Well, lookie here, someone is crying..."
Hilda lifts her head to see a red-haired trainer. "Huh?"
"A girl crying, not too surprising," Silver mocked rudely.
Hearing that made Hilda's moppy go away. "What do you mean by that?!" She asked offensively.
The red trainer looked at her for a moment until her Accelgor caught his eye. "What Pokemon is that?" He took out his Pokedex. "Accelgor, The Shell Out Pokemon and evolved form of Shelmet. Accelgor is much more agile once it evolves and loses its shell, allowing it to move like a ninja when battling."
Silver looked a little interested. "Quite the interesting...I have never seen that Pokemon before."
Hilda stood up narrowing her eyes at the red-haired trainer. "Alright, just who are you?"
"I'm Silver, a Pokemon Trainer from the Johto Region." Silver introduced.
"I'm Hilda, from the Unova Region," Hilda replied.
"Really, how long have you been a trainer?" Silver asked.
Hilda wasn't like the red-haired trainer's attitude. "For a year, I competed in the Unova League, however, I came to the top 8, what about you?"
"I was a trainer for at least 2 years, I started my journey in the Johto Region," Silver replied with a rough smile. "I was at the top 8 at the Johto, and last year the top 6 at the Hoenn League."
Hilda was surprised. "He's more experienced than I am."
"I can see you're still a rookie, however, seeing you at the Kanto League, the chances of that happening are slim to none," Silver mocked.
Hilda growled at the comment. "Hey, I'm only got two badges so far!"
"Looks like you got some catching you up to do," Silver boasted as he showed his badge case, which had the Soul Badge, Rainbow Badge, and Marsh Badge. "As you can I have three badges, also, I have to wager a guess, I'm guessing you already battled Sabrina?"
Hilda gritted her teeth which confirmed the red-haired teen's guess. "That's what I thought, you lost badly, if you can beat her then..." He turned his head away with a rough smile. "You can get lost like a pathetic loser!"
Hilda clenched her fists in anger. "Oh yeah, how about you and I battle, then we'll whose the loser!"
Silver didn't reply for a moment. "..."
"Hey, aren't you listening to me!?" Hilda questioned.
Silver sighed. "I was on my way, but, considering, I never battled Unova Pokemon, I suppose, it wouldn't be a waste of my time."
"Great then-"
"Silver, what are you doing here?" There stood Paul who was just arrived at the scene.
"Paul, what in the world are you doing here?" Silver asked.
Hilda was more confused than ever. "Wait, you two know each other?" She pointed at them.
"It seems so," Daisy's voice said who was walking in the direction Silver came.
Paul sighed. "He's my other brother,"
"Didn't think I'd see you here, I figured you were at the Unova or something," Silver presumed.
"Well, you were wrong, anyway, why are you here in the Kanto Region?" Paul asked.
Silver chuckled a bit. "Can't you guess?"
Paul gazed at his other brother for a minute until it occurred. "I see, you're competing in the Kanto League."
Silver laughed. "Well, still right to point like you always are." He stopped and looked at the two girls. "Though, I'm confused about why you're traveling with these people."
Anime veins were appearing on Hilda's head, which seemed offensive.
"I figured he was somewhat related to Paul," Daisy thought. "Though, it's clear his attitude is harsh."
Silver looked back at Hilda. "Let's cut the chit-chat, are we going to battle?"
Hilda huffed. "You bet, how about just two-on-two, last Pokemon standing is the winner, how about it?"
The red-haired teen smirked. "Very well."
They returned to the park.
"Go Eevee!" Hilda proclaimed.
The Evolution Pokemon appeared from its Pokeball. "Eevee!"
"Interesting I guess, but, predictable!" Silver laughed throwing a Pokeball. "Sneasel stand by for battle!"
Paul's twitched at his battle cry being used by his other brother.
"Sneasel?" Hilda took out her Pokedex and began scanning.
"Sneasel, the Sharp Claw Pokemon. Sneasel can extend or retract its claws instantly during the attack."
"Sounds like he trained it well," Hilda thought. "However, I refuse to back down from his trash talk, Eevee, use your Quick Attack!"
"Predictable, Sneasle use your Agility!"
Sneasel swiftly sped off before it landed the swift tackle. "Eevee?" The Evolution Pokemon said in confusion.
"It's fast!" Hilda exclaimed in shock.
"Night Slash, let's go!" Silver commanded.
Sneasel's claw glowed in a dark glow and rushed toward its opponent.
"Eevee, use Bite!" Hilda commanded quickly.
The Evolution Pokemon successfully manage to bite its teeth onto the Sharp Claw Pokemon's claw seemingly stopping the attack.
"Wow, she stopped Sneasel's, Night Slash!" Daisy exclaimed.
Paul didn't share the same reaction. "Not quite."
"Don't let that Eevee's pathetic bite stop you, slam it to the ground!" Silver commanded.
Sneasel's eyes tensed up and slammed its opponent hard on the ground which released it from its claw.
"Eevee no!" Hilda cried in worry. "Hey, you didn't have to be so rough!"
"You should've used a better attack," Silver advised rudely.
Eevee struggled to get back up despite the injuries. "Eev-Eevee..." She said.
"Eevee, don't give up!" Hilda cheered. "You want to lose the way we did back in our battle against Sabrina, that was of course my fault, I let my winning streak get to me, and it cost me the battle."
She paused for a moment... "But, this time, we'll move forward, and keep getting stronger no matter what, so, Eevee, don't give up, I believe in you!"
Hearing that encouragement sparked something inside Eevee and red cards were summoned.
"What is that?!" Hilda questioned.
Paul was a little surprised. "What the?"
"What is going on?" Silver asked.
Hilda took out her Pokedex scanning the new move. "Trump Card, this move can only be used five times, but, the more its lower Power Points are, the stronger it becomes."
Hilda was happy to hear this. "How awesome, this should turn the battle around, use Trump Card!"
One red card was sent flying directly at Sneasel, which took a little damage.
"Sneasel, come on, don't let this loser get the best of you!" Silver spat. "Now, use Night Slash again!"
"Eevee, use Quick Attack then follow up Trump Card again!"
Sneasel was just close to Eevee, but, as it did, Eevee quickly evaded the attack. "Argh!" Silver growled.
Using the chance, Eevee unleashed another Trump Card, which dealt more damage. "Good job, now use Tackle!"
"Sneasel, use Ice Shard!"
The Sharp Claw Pokemon forms icy projectiles between its hands and launched them at the Evolution Pokemon.
Eevee was eventually hit on the head.
"Don't give up, use Trump Card again!" Hilda commanded.
Using Trump Card for the third time and fired directly at the Sneasel.
"Sneasel use Night Slash to cut through it!" Silver commanded.
Sneasel successfully cut through the Trump Card, which made everyone gasp.
"Now, use Night Slash again!"
Sneasel began to rush towards Eevee with one of its claws glowing in night glow. "
"Use Return!" Hilda commanded.
"Return?" Silver inquired.
Eevee slammed its body against Sneasel with great force dealing much damage.
"Return is a move that is strong depending on how strong the bond between the Pokemon using the move and its trainer is," Daisy summarized.
Paul was a little intrigued by the move. "Is that so?"
Sneasel was panting like it was about to faint, and Silver was getting annoyed. "Sneasel, finish off that stupid Eevee with another Ice Shard!"
The Sharp Claw Pokemon formed more icy projectiles once more.
"Eevee use Trump Card again!"
The fourth Trump Card was summoned and sent directly toward the icy projectiles, though, due to Trump Card's effect, it was able to break through the ice shards.
The fourth Trump Card landed its blow on Sneasel, which KO'd it.
"Sneasel is unable to battle! Eevee is the winner!"
"You did Eevee!" Hilda called out as she hugged her Pokemon.
Paul was a little impressed. "Not bad."
"Sneasel return," Silver growled. "You need to battle harder."
Hilda didn't like the cold comment that her new rival was giving to his Pokemon. "Your Sneasel was strong, no need to be mean because it lost!"
"I need your lecture, let's just continue this battle!" Silver retorted. "Now, Feraligator stand by for battle!"
"Feraligatr!" The Big Jaw Pokemon said.
Hilda was intrigued so she took out her Pokedex again. "Feraligatr, the Big Jaw Pokemon. The final evolution of Totodile. Once a Feraligatr has clamped its powerful jaws around an opponent, it won't let go until the opponent is defeated."
"That doesn't sound good," Hilda thought. "It's best, I just use speed to avoid the jaw."
Eevee still wanted to battle. "I see Eevee, you're still rearing to go," Hilda said happy to see her Pokemon's battle spirit. "Eevee, use Trump Card one final time!"
The Evolution Pokemon summoned a fifth red card and prepared to fire it directly at the Big Jaw Pokemon
"Predictable, use Screech attack!" Silver commanded.
The Big Jaw Pokemon unleashed a sonic screech from its mouth which surprisingly broke through the Trump Card.
"That's strong!" Daisy muttered covering her ears.
Hilda felt the screeching sound waves come across her causing her to cover her ears too. "That hurts!"
Things got worse the moment that Eevee was caught by the current sound waves from the Screech.
"Feraligatr use Slash!" The Big Jaw Pokemon slashed its claws at the Evolution Pokemon causing it to fall hard on the ground and smoke soon covered where it crashed.
"That looked like a critical hit!" Daisy exclaimed.
She was right, as soon as the smoke cleared, Eevee was lying on the ground knocked out.
"Eevee is unable to battle! Feraligatr is the winner!" Daisy announced.
"Eevee return," Hilda recalled as she smiled. "You were great, you take a nice long rest."
"Both of them have one Pokemon each," Paul thought. "I admit, Hilda isn't doing too bad, however, Silver is a strong trainer, regardless that he's like me."
"Time to get serious, Samurott go!" Hilda tossed the Pokeball and out came to her starter Pokemon.
"Samurott!" The Formidable Pokemon said.
"Well, another Unova Pokemon," Silver said taking out his Pokedex and began scanning the new Pokemon. "Samurott, the Formidable Pokemon, Protected by armor, Samurott can defeat opponents with one sword swipe. Its glare can silence them as well."
A rough smile formed on Silver's face. "A glare that silences an opponent, like that oversized rodent can scare Feraligatr, let's defeat that oversized pest now!"
Feraligatr growled menacingly.
"Use Hydro Pump!" The Big Jaw Pokemon unleashed a strong water torrent from its mouth.
"Cut through the Hyrdo Pump with Razor Blade!" The Formidable Pokemon took out two pairs of its scallops creating a water-like blade from each one.
The two water attacks made contact with each other creating a loud boom and mist when the attacks exploded.
"Their attacks are evenly matched," Paul thought.
"Aqua Jet!" Hilda commanded.
Samurott surrounded its entire body in water and lunged at Feraligatr, who wasn't able to dodge the attack in time and was slammed in the chest.
"Good job!" Hilda praised.
Silver just smirked. "You can take it...Slash attack go!"
Despite the damage the Big Jaw Pokemon was taking, he was able to gain the strength to slash the Formidable Pokemon's face thus making Aqua Jet vaporize.
"Samurott no!" Hilda cried.
"Hydro Pump again!" Silver commanded.
Once more, Feraligatr unleashed its strong water pump torrent.
Samurott was eventually hit hard and at close range too.
"Oh no!" Hilda exclaimed in worry.
"Now wrap this up with Ice Fang!"
The Big Jaw Pokemon opened its mouth and two of its fang were covered in ice while rushing towards its opponent.
Samurott was still trying to get up, though, it took some damage and seemingly didn't have much strength left as its opponent was getting closer until it managed to take a bite of the opponent's front right left leg causing it to roar out in pain.
"Oh no!" Hilda exclaimed.
"Now toss away Samurott hard!"
Feraligatr swung its head and tossed Samurott out of its jaw and sent it flying across the field until it landed hard on the ground as a huge cloud of brown smoke brewed.
"Ah, Samurott...NO!" Hilda cried in vain as the smoke slowly subsided revealing her Starter Pokemon was lying on the ground with spiral-shaped eyes.
"Samurott is unable to battle! The winner is Silver!" Daisy announced.
Hilda ran over to her falling Samurott and crouched down. "Samurott, are you alright?" Her Starter Pokemon opened its eyes a little returning a slight smile. "I'm sorry, I should've thought something quick.
The red-haired boy smirked. "Don't make me laugh." He and his Feraligatr approached the two with malicious smiles on their faces. "You think you can beat me, someone, then, you'll living a dream, and pathetic at that, I suggest you get some new stronger Pokemon, perhaps, you'll have a more of chance, but, then again, you probably won't...like forever."
Hilda gritted her teeth. "Jerk..."
"Enough!" Paul approached his other brother looking upset. "You might've won, then, you don't have to rub your win in her face, learn some respect for the ones that don't win."
Silver scoffed. "Like you're one to talk," That made the purple-haired trainer's eyes widen. "You've been doing the same thing in the Sinnoh Region..no...even before that ever since Reggie lost badly to Brandon, and you're lecturing me about respect, I'll never show respect, those that win only deserve it!"
Paul narrowed his eyes while clenching his hands.
"Anyway, I got to get going, I'm planning to continue traveling and get more badges to compete in the Kanto League," Silver said as his Feraligatr followed his master.
Hilda stood back up. "Hold it!" Silver stopped but didn't look back. "I might've lost this battle, next time we battle, I'll be the winner!"
Silver didn't respond instead, he just continued without ever looking back.
Paul looked at Hilda's determination and saw an image of Ash.
"We'll battle again, and I'll win the next time we do!"
Hilda turned to Paul. "Paul, I'll become stronger, so, tomorrow, I'll be ready for my rematch against Sabrina!"
Seeing the determination in her eyes and her fighting spirit, Paul could tell that she was ready, at least, he hoped so. "We'll see, just carefully think out your strategy, otherwise, you'll never win against her."
Hilda nodded her head as she turned to see where Silver was. "Silver, we'll battle again someday, I will make sure to know that it takes more than just strength or fancy moves to win with your Pokemon!"
M
Katie arrived at the Vermillion City
"Traveling through the Orange Islands last year was crazy, though, it was fun to capture some new Pokemon." She said looking at her guildbook. "Now, it's time to enter the Kanto League, looks like my first battle will be the Vermillion City Gym."
For those that saw the Hoenn League series, Katie was a trainer that Ash battled against in a full-on battle, and remember how strong she was. Anyway, I thought, it would be okay to bring her back, bad reviews about that choice won't be tolerated.
End of chapter.