Chapter 29:The Dojo of Indecision
The group neared Ecruteak City. The shadows of the two well-known towers of Ecruteak City could be seen in the distance. Nathan whined. He was thirsty and plopped on the grass of Route 37. He was slurping at his water. A Pidgey caught his eye.
"Isn't that the same Pokemon you have Phillip?"
"Yeah."
"You think if I caught one I could get it stronger than yours?"
Phillip smirked.
"You can sure try."
Nathan grabbed his stuff and neared the tall grass where Pidgey was. Before he could get too close a Spearow landed within feet of Pidgey. Pidgey screamed at Spearow. Spearow screamed back and then Pecked at Pidgey. Pidgey jumped back and then attacked Spearow. Spearow flew a few feet away from the Pidgey. Pidgey attacked Spearow again. This time Spearow flew up and screamed out for the entire woods to hear.
Several more Spearow flew down from the trees. Pidgey backed down. A couple Spearow were bullying Pidgey. The Pidgey did a small Gust attack. Suddenly a large bird appeared to defend the Spearow. Nathan pulled out his Pokedex.
"Fearow, It has the stamina to fly all day on its broad wings. It fights by using its sharp beak."
Phillip called out to Nathan in a slight whisper.
"We need to go. This is going to get bad."
Pidgey flew deeper into the woods to try to escape the Spearow and Fearow. They chased after him.
"We gotta help him!"
Phillip exhaled in annoyance. He then called out Mareep and Charlie. Kathy called out Kadabra. Ashley was hesistant, but called out Ledyba. Nathan called out Totodile and Cyndaquil. They all ran after the flock of Spearow. As they descended into the woods. They all fired various attacks scaring the Spearow and Fearow away. Nathan was alone with Pidgey. Pidgey was jumping around in an odd fashion. Nathan prepared to challenge to capture Pidgey.
As he ran towards the Pidgey he triggered a trap. All four trainers and their Pokemon tumbled down a dark hole. The hole was a slide that sent them in all sorts of twists and turns. They finally plummeted into a wooden cage. Once they all recovered Phillip recalled all of his Pokemon to keep them safe. Phillip growled.
"Team Rocket!"
A bald elderly man with a long, white, braided goatee and a mustache approached the cage wearing a black yi-fu.
"What is a Team Rocket?"
Phillip recognized the man, stood up, stepped forward and bowed to the man.
"My apologies grand master. We were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. You see my friend here was trying to catch a Pidgey, then that same Pidgey was attacked by a flock of Spearow."
The man peered into the cage.
"You seem to know me, but do I know you?"
"No sir. But I recognize the emblem on your yi-fu. You have helped many trainers develop their fighting type Pokemon."
The man stared in silence for a moment longer. His arms behind his back. He was analyzing everyone and everything in the cage.
"You don't appear to bear any ill will."
He looked over his shoulder and cried out into the shadows.
"You may open the cage my dear."
The cage door swung upward. Everyone exited the cage slowly. Out of the shadows a beautiful teenage girl with blue hair pulled into long pigtails that hung down to the middle of her stomach, and big brown eyes stepped out of the shadows. She wore a similar black yi-fu to the old man. It was a short robe bearing the same emblems and a neckline that sunk to just above the middle of her chest. It bore no sleeves and she was wearing red shorts that came below her robe just above her knees.
"This is my granddaughter Orleena. My name is Achamp. Welcome to my dojo."
Nathan and Kathy bowed a little to say hello. Ashley curtsied as if she was in a royal court. Phillip and Orleena stared deep into each other's eyes. Orleena moved her bangs out of her eyes as she blushed and giggled. Achamp said something to Phillip, but he was so captivated by Orleena he didn't even hear him. Kathy dramatically cleared her throat to get his attention.
"He asked you a question Phillip."
Phillip blinked a few times realizing people were talking to him. He coughed.
"I'm sorry sir. I didn't quite hear you."
The old man laughed.
"O-ho-ho. I bet you didn't. I asked you if you would like to go upstairs. But you can stay down here if you'd prefer."
Phillip turned red as a tomato with embarrassment.
"No sir, upstairs would be nice."
Achamp turned to Orleena.
"Do you mind?"
She smiled.
"Not at all grandfather."
Orleena walked up to Phillip. She interlocked her arm with his and led him towards the stairs. Kathy blew her hair out of her face and crossed her arms. She mumbled under her breath.
"Is that really necessary?"
Nathan turned around and spoke very loudly to Kathy.
"What'd you say?"
While Achamp, Phillip and Orleena were looking forward Kathy raised her hand behind them as if she was going to hit Nathan. Nathan ducked to protect himself. Ashley giggled. Kathy put her hand down, crossed her arms again, and began mumbling under her breath indiscernibly. Once they arrived in the main training room Achamp turned around to the group.
"So, you mentioned that you all are on a journey to train your Pokemon and compete in the Johto League tournament, eh?"
"Yes sir." Phillip said.
"May I take a look at your Pokemon?"
All the trainers looked at each other and nodded. They all released their Pokemon. Tyrogue, Pidgeotto, Mareep, Charlie, Delta and Wooper surrounded Phillip. Exeggcute, Bayleef, Kadabra, Hypno, Oddish and Smoochum surrounded Kathy, Bellsprout and Wobbuffet were sent back to her home when she captured over six Pokemon. Heracross, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Furret, HootHoot and Hoppip surrounded Nathan. Ashley and Ledyba stood next to each other. Ashley was staring at the ground embarrassed that she only had one Pokemon compared to the many everyone else had.
Phillip saw Ashley holding back tears and went over to her.
"Did you know that for the first four years of my time with Pokemon it was just me and Tyrogue? Now he's my best friend and I couldn't imagine journeying with anyone else."
Orleena joined Ashley and Phillip and squatted down.
"I too, only have one Pokemon. It's not about how many you have, it's about how well they are trained."
Orleena and Phillip stared into each other's eyes and smiled at one another. Ashley was starting to cheer up.
"Can I see your one Pokemon Ms. Orleena?"
Orleena stood up and nodded. She threw out her Pokeball and out popped a bipedalamphibianPokemonwith a spherical body. It had bulbous eyes that were protruding from the top of its head. A black and white swirl covers its belly. It appeared to have white gloves on its hands and rounded, digit-less feet. Nathan's jaw dropped as he pulled out his Pokedex.
"Poliwhirl, This Pokemon's sweat is a slimy mucus. When captured, it can slither from its enemies' grasp and escape. Staring at the swirl on its belly causes drowsiness. This trait of has been used in place of lullabies to get children to go to sleep."
"He looks really strong." Ashley said.
"She is very strong. I have fought many Pokemon that would appear stronger than her. The bond between a trainer and their Pokemon is unspeakable. With the proper training, and quality time together, a trainer and their Pokemon can feel what each other feels, think what each other are thinking, and anticipate their next moves. It takes intentional time and commitment, but it can be done."
Orleena looked back at Phillip. He was smiling as he watched her coaching Ashley. Kathy was getting visibly frustrated when she called out to Achamp.
"So what do you think grandmaster?"
He was analyzing every Pokemon in his dojo. For some reason he kept circling back to Tyrogue. Achamp looked at Phillip.
"You said you've had him for four years?"
"Yes sir."
"I'm confused. He appears to work out far more than the normal Tyrogue. I can tell you feed him very healthy and wholesome food. He appears to be very happy. I can tell that you love him very much..."
Phillip was confused now too.
"…I don't understand your confusion grandmaster."
"Why hasn't he evolved yet?"
Phillip and Tyrogue looked at each other. Then they looked back at Master Achamp.
"We never really tried to, I guess. It was never a conversation or a thought."
"But don't you want him to get stronger?"
"He's pretty strong."
"I can see that… but he could be stronger…"
The old man was poking his head as if he was trying to think of something.
"May I test you both?"
Nathan interrupted the conversation.
"What's with all the focus on Tyrogue? How do the rest of our Pokemon look?"
The grandmaster was irritated. Phillip and Kathy were embarrassed by Nathan's lack of respect. Achamp stroked his beard as he did another quick look around. He cleared his throat.
"Well… the young lady's Exeggcute needs more reps. Her Hypno, Kadabra and Bayleef are newly evolved, so they will take some time to adapt to their newfound strength. The little Smoochum is a new born, but overall if she continues doing what she's doing she should be find."
"Your Cyndaquil and Totodile are exceptional, but may be being held back by a rookie trainer. Hoppip and HootHoot are still young, and Heracross and Furret are not being pushed enough. You will need to step up your game and your time with them young man."
"The little girl… well she just needs to learn a few things and I believe she will be fine."
"And Phillip… well all his Pokemon are exceptional and being held to a very high standard. A couple of them are about to evolve. These Dratini… they are unique and strong in the way they are being developed, but as is the case with all dragon Pokemon, evolution will take time. Phillip must be an exquisite trainer. This is why I am so confused about Tyrogue…"
Nathan began turning red with anger. He was clenching his fists. Kathy was covering her mouth to hold back her laughter. Nathan approached Achamp ready to battle.
Achamp ignored him and walked towards Phillip and asked again.
"May I test you guys?"
Phillip looked around. He knew Achamp was a legendary trainer with several powerful fighting Pokemon. He looked at Tyrogue, hesitant to engage Achamp. Tyrogue stared into Phillip's eyes with intensity. Phillip knew that Tyrogue felt like he had something to prove. He didn't want to, but knew that Tyrogue would be insulted if he didn't. Phillip groaned.
"If that's what you want Tyrogue."
"Splendid!" Achamp shouted. "I know just the Pokemon."
Achamp turned and went into a back room. Orleena faced the group.
"Follow me."
As she was walking, she began to explain.
"For the last two years I have been the only person my grandfather has wanted to battle. You may not realize this, but this is a truly special thing."
"It's an honor." Phillip said humbly.
Orleena led the team to a training room covered in medals, title belts, and pictures of his award winning Pokemon. She led Nathan, Kathy and Ashley to a side where they would sit on the floor and watch the battle. Phillip went to the far side of the room. While they were waiting for Achamp, Phillip took a knee and looked at Tyrogue.
"Hey buddy… I know you may feel like you have to prove something, but you don't have to prove anything to me. I never wanted you to evolve if you didn't want to evolve. You're my best friend. I love and support you no matter what… This guy… he's a legend… if at any point you feel like you can't go on, I will recall you. You don't have to win me over in anyway."
Tyrogue looked at Phillip. Phillip knew that the look in his eyes meant he was going to fight until he couldn't anymore. Tyrogue flexed his arms and shouted at the top of his lungs.
"TYY-ROOOOGUE!"
Achamp walked in and took his place on the opposite side.
"Are we ready?"
Tyrogue jumped forward and assumed a martial arts position. Achamp threw out his Pokeball, and out popped a tan,humanoidPokemon. There were five blunt protrusions on top of its head, and it had structures resembling pads over its shoulders. It appeared to be wearing a light purple tunic and kilt, as well as red boxing gloves and light purple boxing shoes. Nathan scanned it with his Pokedex.
"Hitmonchan, its punches slice the air. They are launched at such high speed, even a slight graze could cause a burn. When Hitmonchan twists its arm while throwing a punch, the blow will pulverize even concrete. The Pokemon rests after three minutes of fighting."
Phillip glanced over at Nathan. The Pokedex just gave him his strategy. If he could use Tyrogue's quickness to outlast Hitmonchan for three minutes, he may be able to hit a big move or two and win the battle. Achamp called out his first move.
"Agility Hitmonchan!"
Hitmonchan punched his fists together and stood up straight as a purple light shone around him. Phillip muttered something to Tyrogue discreetly.
"Focus your energy."
Tyrogue struck a martial arts pose. A white light shot from under him and encircled him. Hitmonchan darted across the field of battle. Phillip recognized the move. The Mach Punch just missed Tyrogue. He felt the heat of the move. Hitmonchan turned around to face Tyrogue. His fists began to burn with fire.
"Fire Punch!"
"Fake Out!"
Two images of Tyrogue appeared as he shifted his feet away from Hitmonchan. Phillip knew if he stuck around too long Hitmonchan's Close Combat attack could really hurt Tyrogue. As if their minds were one Tyrogue did a back handspring away from Hitmonchan. As soon Tyrogue put space between them Hitmonchan slid after him on a single leg. As soon as Tyrogue stopped Hitmonchan's fists began to glow with electricity.
"Thunder Punch!"
Tyrogue dodged the attack. Some of the electricity caught him. He was sent flying across the room towards Phillip. Phillip gasped. Hitmonchan froze. Tyrogue got up slowly. He refused to get up. Almost a minute had passed. Tyrogue struck another defensive martial art pose. Achamp called from across the room.
"Bullet Punch!"
Hitmonchan jumped at Tyrogue. Phillip watched carefully counting in his head. Tyrogue could also be seen counting in his head.
"Now! Counter attack!"
Hitmonchan soared through the air with his fists flying rapidly. Tyrogue spun around Hitmonchan's momentum. His elbow slammed into Hitmonchan's back. Hitmonchan crashed face first into the ground. Hitmonchan got up. As he was turning towards Tyrogue, Achamp's voice could be heard.
"Close Combat!"
Hitmonchan moved at the same time Achamp finished his word. Before Tyrogue and Phillip could react Hitmonchan's shot an uppercut into Tyrogue's stomach. Tyrogue tried to block. Two more punches completed the combination. Tyrogue was falling. Hitmonchan stepped back. Phillip knew that Hitmonchan was going to win the next exchange but he had to try. Achamp and Phillip called out at the same time.
"Mega Punch!"
Both Tyrogue and Hitmonchan leaned back. Their fist following their motion. Both Mega Punches collided. Hitmonchan fell to a knee. Tyrogue rolled across the floor. Phillip grunted.
"You're so close!"
Tyrogue got up slowly again. Hitmonchan stood up slowly as well. A mutual respect could be seen between the two fighters. Phillip knew he had to kill another minute, but didn't know if Tyrogue had the durability to be on the defense for another minute. He only had one option. He had to attack and hope that Hitmonchan would tire before Tyrogue did.
"We're almost there Tyrogue. Don't give up!"
Kathy, Nathan, Orleena and Ashley were on the edge of their seats. Their mouths were all hanging agape. Orleena spoke to them.
"I had no idea an unevolved Pokemon could hang with its evolution for so long."
"That's because Phillip is the best trainer I've ever met." Kathy said in a matter-of-fact way.
"Come on Tyrogue. It's our turn now."
Tyrogue was ready to attack again.
"Low Kick!"
Achamp could be heard groaning. Tyrogue slid on the ground towards Hitmonchan. Hitmonchan looked surprised. Tyrogue's kick smashed into Hitmonchan's leg. Before Tyrogue's attack finished Phillip called out again.
"Low Sweep!"
Tyrogue spun the opposite way. He kicked Hitmonchan's other leg. Tyrogue's leg bounced off. Tyrogue jumped away following his leg. Tyrogue landed. Tyrogue bounced back up.
"High Jump Kick."
Tyrogue's foot connected with Hitmonchan's jaw. Hitmonchan slammed onto the ground. Tyrogue stepped back. Both Hitmonchan and Tyrogue were visibly exhausted. Three minutes had passed.
"Now Tyrogue! Vacuum Wave!"
Tyrogue spun towards Hitmonchan.
"Quick Guard!"
Hitmonchan brought both arms up. Tyrogue's fists ricocheted off Hitmonchan's arms. Tyrogue was repelled back.
"Focus Punch!"
Hitmonchan was surrounded by a white light that had the appearance of a shell. Hitmonchan's fist collided into a falling Tyrogue. Tyrogue bounced off the ground and rolled. He tried to push himself off the ground. He had no more strength. Tyrogue passed out. Phillip darted towards him.
"Tyrogue!"
Nathan and Kathy jumped up. Nathan was in shock. Kathy started to cry. They had never seen Phillip lose before. They didn't even know if Phillip could lose. Achamp sped towards Phillip and Tyrogue. He handed Phillip a mega potion.
"That was most magnificent young man. I can't remember the last time I had a match that I thought I might lose."
Phillip quickly fed Tyrogue the potion. Once Tyrogue awoke Phillip pulled him close to his chest. Tyrogue stared into Phillip's tear drenched eyes. He whispered something to Phillip.
"Is that what you want Tyrogue?"
Before Tyrogue could respond Achamp interrupted.
"I sense that Tyrogue is heartbroken for losing. He feels as though he has let you down. That maybe if he evolved, he would have won the match."
Phillip looked up at Achamp.
"That's quite a sense."
"Thank you, my boy, but I must say… after having battled you. I don't believe Tyrogue needs to evolve. He is one of the most exquisite fighting Pokemon I have ever witnessed. It will be a bit of a struggle, but I believe that if you continue to work and train with him as hard as you have he will be able to take on any level three or level four Pokemon he may encounter."
The words of the great grandmaster hung in the air for another long moment. Phillip looked back into Tyrogue's eyes.
"It's up to you… are you prepared to work twice as hard as anyone else?"
Tyrogue jumped up.
"Ty-Ty-Roooguuuue!"
Everyone laughed. Phillip looked at Grandmaster Achamp.
"It seems Tyrogue has made up his mind. He does not want to evolve, instead he wants to outwork everyone."
"Indeed, he has. Why don't you all stay with us for the night? Ecruteak is less than an hour's walk from here. That seems to be the next stop on your journey."
"Thank you very much Grandmaster."
Our party has finally arrived in Ecruteak City. What does this city of mystery and legend have in store for our heroes?
To be continued…