Chapter 75:
A Washed Up Plan
Max sits with Bonnie on the bench and goes through his idea for Bonnie's rematch. She's shocked to hear him come up with something so stupid. "Use Braixen and Donphan first?!" she asks, incredulously. "But this is a water type gym, and those two will be weak to his pokémon." Max nods. "Exactly," he replies. "A detail I completely overlooked last time is the fact that in the single battle, only 3 pokémon can be used. But, in the double battle, you can use as many pokémon as you want. So, I think you should send out your pokémon who are weak to water first, and take as much stamina from Juan's pokémon as possible. Then, once the double battle starts, Dedenne, Shiftry and Manectric will be fully healed and ready to go." Bonnie thinks about Max's plan. Now that he's explained his reasoning, she has to admit it's pretty clever. "But, what if he wipes the both of them out in one go?" she asks. "Eevee is still a baby, so she can hardly handle herself against Juan's pokémon."
"So, in that case," says a voice behind them, "you train their resistance to water!" Max and Bonnie wheel around, to find Clemont and Korrina coming towards them. Bonnie leaps to her feet and runs over to them, embracing the two of them in a big hug. Max also stands up, but he doesn't run over and hug them like Bonnie does. When Bonnie lets them go, the two of them join them on the bench. "What are you two doing here?" Bonnie asks. Clemont's smile falters a little bit. "Ah, well," he says. "We need to return to Kalos." Bonnie stares at him. "What?" she asks. "Why?" "Because we're Gym Leaders," Korrina replies. "And the Kalos League is coming soon. So, more trainers are going to be trying to challenge our Gyms. We need to be there for that." Bonnie nods in understanding, but she still looks down sadly. "Hey, don't worry," Clemont tells her, "we'll still be here to see you compete in the League." "That's one of the reasons why we're here," Korrina adds. "We wanted to see you compete in your final gym before we left."
At this, Max goes red, while Bonnie looks at him with a hint of annoyance. "This is only my 7th badge," she replies. Both Clemont and Korrina look at her quizzically. "What? How?" they both ask. Max explains what happened in Fortree, and his theory that Team Terra might lay a trap in Mossdeep as well. So, to avoid this, he decided to bring Bonnie to Sootopolis first, and then head to Mossdeep. Clemont and Korrina listen to his explanation in silence. When he finishes, Clemont sighs. "Those guys really are determined to catch you," he says. "Don't you dare tell me I can't travel with him anymore!" Bonnie suddenly snaps at him. "Because I'm sticking with him until the end!" Korrina giggles at this. "Until death do you part?" she asks. "Exactly!" she exclaims, which causes both Clemont and Korrina to laugh. Bonnie suddenly realises what Korrina meant. "Hey!" she cries. "Not like that!"
After that conversation, the four of them spend the day on the coast outside of Sootopolis, working on Braixen and Donphan's defence against water type moves. Bonnie also takes the time to train up Eevee a bit more. She hopes to develop her bond with her as well, and maybe get a Sylveon like Serena, but that doesn't happen. "It'll take much longer than that for this Eevee to evolve," Max tells her. "Especially since Eevee is just a baby." Bonnie nods in understanding. "I figured that would be the case," she replies. "But I was hoping that I could get her strong enough to withstand the battle more." Max nods as the two of them watch Eevee play with Dedenne. "So, you want her to be a Sylveon then?" he asks. Bonnie shrugs. "I don't care what she becomes," she replies. "I'll leave it up to her. Whatever she wants, that's what she'll be." Max smiles at this. "Like what Chloe did," he points out. Bonnie nods again. "Exactly," she replies.
They end up spending the entire day working on this plan. By the time Bonnie is confident it will work, night has begun to fall. So, she and Max decide it will be best to challenge the Gym tomorrow. As they head back into the city, Clemont sidles up to his little sister. "So, I noticed you have a Manectric," he says casually. Bonnie nods eagerly. "I caught him recently," she replies. "He almost won the battle in this gym earlier." Clemont chuckles at this. "Well, I'd say I have something to make it a little easier," he says. Bonnie visibly recoils at this. "It's not a new invention, is it?" she asks warily. "What? No," he replies, fishing something out of his pocket. "Since I probably won't see you on your birthday, I figured I may as well give you this now." Then, he tosses a small crystal to her. She catches it and gasps. "Manectricite!?" she exclaims. "Had a spare one," he explains. "So I figured you should have it." Bonnie squeals in delight and hugs her brother. "Thanks big bro," she says. Clemont smiles and returns the hug. "You're welcome," he replies.
The next morning, the four of them set out from the Pokémon Centre and head to the Gym. When they get there, they find Juan waiting for them at the door. He sees them approach and grins. "I figured you'd be here in the morning, so I took the liberty of opening the Gym a bit earlier than normal," he tells them. "How did you know?" Bonnie asks. Juan grins. "Your little friend informed me," he replies. Max goes a bit pink. "Thanks Max," she says. Then she turns back to Juan. "I'm ready for our rematch!" she declares. Juan nods, then turns around and begins walking into the Gym. "Well then, let's do it," he says, and leads the way in. Max gives Bonnie's hand a reassuring squeeze, which makes her smile. Clemont notices this and smirks. Once they let go of each other, Bonnie leads the way into the building.
They once again stand in the arena of this gym. Max, Clemont, and Korrina go to the spectators' area, to watch Bonnie's rematch. As they sit and wait for the match to begin, Clemont leans into Max's ear and says, "Don't think for one second that I missed the way you held my sister's hand." Max goes scarlet and sputters out some barely conceivable words. Clemont laughs at this, then refocuses on the match, as Juan has finally reached his side of the arena. He turns around and faces Bonnie again. "So, up for round 2 are you?" he asks. "Well, don't think for one second that I'm going to go easy on you." Bonnie smirks at this and pulls two pokéballs from her belt. "Good," she replies. "Because I would be insulted if you did!" "That's the spirit," he says back. "Then get ready." Then, he sends out Seaking and Sealeo once more. Bonnie looks up at Max, smiles, then sends out Donphan and Braixen.
If Juan is surprised by her choice, he doesn't show it. Instead, he has Sealeo use Water Pulse, while Seaking uses Water gun. Both of Bonnie's pokémon dodge the attacks, then Braixen uses Psybeam on Seaking while Donphan uses Thunder Fang on Sealeo. Clemont had a spare TM for the move as well, so she was able to teach it to Donphan during their training yesterday. Sealeo reals from the super effective attack. Meanwhile, Seaking takes a bit of damage, but not as much. It retaliates with Waterfall, which Braixen isn't able to avoid this time. She cries out, but manages to stay on her feet. She fires back with Psyshock, which further adds to the damage done to Seaking. Meanwhile, Donphan uses Thunder Fang again on Sealeo, who takes it, but then sprays her with water while her jaw clamps on it. Donphan cries out and lets go, allowing Sealeo to knock her back with Water Pulse. Donphan is still standing, but barely.
Braixen isn't doing much better. After landing the Psyshock, she tries to do so again, but Seaking is able to avoid it in time. Then, it strikes back with Water Pulse. Braixen takes this in the chest, but manages to stay on her feat. She uses Psychic and, like with what Shiftry did yesterday, throws the pokémon around like a ragdoll. Seaking is thrown at different walls, the floor, and the ceiling. But somehow, by the end of that barrage, it's still conscious. It uses the last of its strength to hit Braixen with one last Water Pulse, then collapses to the ground. Braixen tries to avoid the attack, but she's struck in the face by it, which takes her out as well. Bonnie returns her, thanks her, then releases Shiftry. She knows that the plan is for Eevee to be next, but if she manages to take Sealeo out and Eevee is in play, she has to use her. So, she takes this gamble, and keeps going. With one last order, Donphan charges at Sealeo one last time with Thunder Fang. Sealeo goes to dodge it, but Shiftry wraps it up in vines to prevent it from escaping. So instead, it blows a Water Gun right into Donphan's mouth. Donphan very nearly collapses, but stays conscious just long enough to finish off the attack. Sealeo cries out in pain, then slumps to the ground, just as Donphan does the same.
With that, it is on to the 3 on 3 battle. Juan grins at this, as he chooses his first pokémon. "I'll admit, I'm impressed you came up with such a bold strategy after 1 day," he says. "But, you've still got the 2nd half of the battle to contend with, and I don't plan on lightening up anytime soon!" Then, he sends out Luvdisc once more. Since Donphan is down, Bonnie leaves Shiftry out just long enough to use Vine Whip on Luvdisc. Then, Bonnie returns him before the Luvdisc can retaliate, and sends out Dedenne instead. The attack that was meant for Shiftry ends up going for Dedenne instead, but he's able to dodge it, then run in with Quick Attack, before swapping with Nuzzle. Luvdisc is unable to avoid this, but is able to quickly use Flail to shake Dedenne off, but not before being paralysed. Luvdisc uses Charm on Dedenne, which once again confuses him. Then, it hits Dedenne with Takedown. Dedenne is thrown backwards by the attack, but manages to land a Thunderbolt before he hits the ground. Now thoroughly weakened Luvdisc dives beneath the water to avoid anymore attacks. Dedenne gets to his feet and runs around the pool, trying to figure out a way to hit the Luvdisc. Meanwhile, Luvdisc is able to strike Dedenne over and over again with Hydro Pump. Eventually, Bonnie gets an idea of her own, and orders Dedenne to jump into the pool and use Thundershock. Dedenne does so, but unfortunately hits himself in his confusion. He tries again, doing the same thing, and taking a Tackle from Luvdisc. Just when it seems like Dedenne will lose again, he manages to finally use the attack, thoroughly defeating Luvdisc.
"Luvdisc is unable to battle!" the ref declares. Bonnie sighs in relief at this. Then she immediately becomes worried again when Whiscash comes out next. Max's plan is to swap Dedenne out for Shiftry, but Bonnie figures it would make his job easier if Dedenne is able to damage Whiscash at least somewhat first. So, she decides instead to keep him in and use the classic Quick attack to Play Rough combo. Dedenne rushes in and strikes Whiscash with Quick Attack, before swapping to Play Rough. Whiscash whips its tail around to knock Dedenne off, then uses Mud Shot, which hits Dedenne square in the face. Couple that with all the damage he took during his fight with Luvdisc, and it's no surprise to anyone when Dedenne faints.
"Dedenne is unable to battle!" shouts the ref. Bonnie runs over to him and picks him up, then puts him in her bag. Then, she releases Shiftry into battle. Whiscash sees this and immediately dives into the water. Bonnie curses at this, then orders Shiftry to use Vine Whip to drag it out. Whiscash darts around the pool to avoid the vines. So, changing the strategy, Shiftry uses Leech Seed and begins to fill the pool with the seeds. They start to sap Whiscash's strength, forcing it out of the pool. When it hits the arena, Shiftry immediately assaults it with Leaf Blade. Whiscash tries to fight back with Mud Shot, Water Gun, anything it can use, but Shiftry keep relentlessly attacking it. Eventually, Whiscash manages to escape from the onslaught and keeps its distance while shooting ranged attacks. Shiftry dodges around them, then sends out Razor Leaf. Whiscash tries to shoot them down, but is ultimately unsuccessful. It's covered in the leaves and quickly taken out.
"Whiscash is unable to battle!" the ref announces. Juan returns Whiscash, then grins. "Well, seems like you've improved since yesterday," he comments. "But, I still have the chance to turn the tide!" Then, he sends out Milotic. "Shiftry, return!" Bonnie calls, as Shiftry returns to his ball. Then, Bonnie readies her bracelet, and sends Manectric out. "Ready for your rematch buddy?" she asks him. Manectric howls in anticipation. Juan just smiles. "Well, this is interesting," he says. "Seems like we'll be having a repeat of our previous battle." Bonnie grins. "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure," she replies. Then, the two of them raise their hands to their wrists, touch the bracelets, and cry, "Milotic/Manectric, mega evolve!" With that, the power of mega evolution flows from the bracelets and into the pokémon. Everyone eagerly watches as both pokémon change forms. Soon, Mega Manectric roars as his form changes, making him bigger, and more powerful. But he isn't able to enjoy the sensation of mega evolution for long, as Milotic sends out 3 Water Guns at once.
Manectric dodges it, then uses Thunderbolt. Milotic tries to avoid it, but it clips her tail. It damages her, but only a little bit. Not wanting to let Milotic have a chance to use Recover, Manectric charges in and uses Thunder Fang. Milotic cries out from the pain, and tries to squirm her way out of this attack, but Manectric holds on tight. Eventually, Milotic manages to pull Manectric into the water, forcing him to let go of her. She swims away, then uses Twister again, throwing Manectric to the sky. But this time, Bonnie is ready for this. Before Milotic can throw Manectric away, he fills his body with electricity and sends it flooding back into the water, which practically fries Milotic. Manectric falls back into the water, then swims over to Milotic, using Thunder Fang to throw her out of the water and onto the land, where she falls unconscious.
"Milotic is unable to battle!" calls the ref. "Making challenger Bonnie Citron the winner of this battle!" Bonnie punches the air at this, as Manectric runs up to her, running around with glee. The mega energy dissipates from his body as he jumps up onto Bonnie in triumph. Max vaults over the stands to join her. Clemont sees this and goes to take a picture, but Bonnie catches him in time. While Juan is distracted telling Milotic she did a good job, Bonnie quickly sends out a pulse of Aura at Clemont's phone, sending it flying out of his hand and smashing into a wall. "Oops," she sends innocently, before turning her attention back to Juan, who starts approaching her. "Well, that was certainly quite the battle," he says, holding the Rain Badge out. "I do believe you've earned this." Bonnie takes the badge and punches the air again, before hugging Max for his help. Then, she runs out of the gym to greet Clemont and Korrina. Max stands there stunned for a few seconds, before Korrina shouts, "Hey lover boy, quit standing there staring and come on!" Max shakes his head slightly to wake himself up, blushes at Korrina's comment, then runs after Bonnie.
When the four of them reunite in Sootopolis outside of the Gym, Bonnie gives her brother a hug. "Thanks for watching my battles," she says. Clemont chuckles as he returns her hug. "Hey, I didn't get the chance to do that while in Kalos," he says. "So of course I was going to watch them here." "And don't worry," Korrina adds, "we'll be sure to be back here in time for your League matches." Clemont nods at this, then leans in to Bonnie's ear. "And besides, I still have years of you asking girls to marry me to get you back for." Bonnie blushes like mad as her eyes dart to Max, who's absentmindedly staring at some Wingull that fly by. Clemont then turns to Max to say something. But before he can, Bonnie quickly grabs Max's hand and pulls him away towards the port. "Well, it was nice to see you again big brother. Unfortunately Max and I need to go now bye!" "Uh, bye!" Max adds as he's pulled away by Bonnie. Clemont and Korrina watch them go, laughing while they do. Then, they check their maps to see where the nearest airport is.
So, I actually have a good reason this time for why this came out on Wednesday instead of Tuesday. My schedule was so packed yesterday that I didn't even have enough time to eat lunch, much less write a chapter. It also would help if I had an exact plan for it. Like the next one, if all goes to plan. So, I'll see you on Friday for that!