COMPLETE: Jim: Blaze of Glory (EVERYONE)

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 21
The Black Hero​

Jim and friends no sooner exited the Gym, however, when he felt that something was…well, he couldn’t quite put a name on it. It was a kind of vague uneasiness in his bones, a sort of tension in his blood, as if he could sense that something was amiss. There was something in the air that didn’t agree with his insides…

Looking at June, he saw that she was looking skyward, a tense, stern look on her face as she stared at a gathering collection of storm clouds to the north.

“You feel it too, huh?”

“Mm-hmm. Something isn’t right…”

“What’s wrong, Jim?” asked Leanne.

“I’m not sure. It just feels like…like something’s wrong in the air…It’s like a feeling in my bones.”

Leanne looked confused at this. It seemed she didn’t feel what Jim felt. Then, all of a sudden,

“Yes…the time-”

“-Has finally arrived. The Black Hero-”

“-shall come unto his own.”

Jim nearly jumped out of his skin, and Leanne fairly shrieked. Whirling around, they found themselves face to face with the three identical ninja-dressed persons they had nearly been assassinated by in Nacrene City over the Fossils: the Shadow Triad of Team Plasma. Jim instinctively reached for a Poke Ball.

“Put away your Poke Balls. Violence is not necessary,” said one.

“Oh, I’m sure you were thinking that when you tried to kill us at Nacrene City,” said Jim.

“All in the past,” said the second.

“We are here on a…diplomatic mission,” said the third.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” asked Leanne, in a tone both cautious and angry.

“We bring a message-”

“From our king. He would not-”

“Have you miss his ascension.”

“Your king? You mean N?” asked Jim.

The three nodded in unison.

“And what do you mean by ascension?”

“How little he knows…”

“Yet the world shall finally see-”

“The Black Hero rise once more.”

“Black Hero?” said Jim, puzzled. “What are you talking about?…”

He had heard that phrase somewhere before, but where?…

…No.

No, it couldn’t be…

It was impossible…

But if he was supposed to be…

Did they mean N was…

“The Black Hero…” Jim muttered, in realization. “Are you saying…”

“He sees it now…”

“We knew you were not dim.”

“Now come, the time is near.”

“Come where?”

“Dragonspiral Tower, the summit-”

“Of the dragons, the shrine-”

“Of the Heroes Black and White.”

And wordlessly, as if they were mere shadows, the three disappeared into thin air.

“Jim?…” asked Leanne, apprehensively, “what does this mean?”

“…It means we’re about to see history in the making…”

With a growing uneasiness in the pit of his stomach, he cast his eyes back toward the bank of dark clouds, hanging above what must have been the so-named Dragonspiral Tower…What was he going to see when he got there, and what would come afterward?…

***​

Though Jim was not a lad accustomed to running, he sprinted with all the haste he could manage toward the area where the clouds were thickest, out of Icirrus City and through a thick wood of pines. He could hear Leanne panting right behind him, and both knew neither could slow down, if the time was so near for…for whatever was about to happen.

At last, they found themselves before a towering pillar of gray stone, like the Celestial Tower, only it showed much more evident signs of age and decay. Its structure was uneven and cracked, and from back there, Jim could see that the roof was incomplete. The clouds were extremely thick overhead and beginning to swirl, as if a tornado was on the way. A lightning bolt even flashed out once or twice.

“Do we really wanna do this?” asked Leanne, pensively.

“I know I don’t…” said Jim, “but if this has Team Plasma or even N behind it, we have to…”

“I was afraid of that…”

Without waiting another beat, they rushed into the tower door, finding themselves in a ground floor chamber decorated with statues of dragons, several worn with age, cracked, and even broken. It was almost as if some great catastrophe had taken place to bring the tower to such a state.

A winding stairway ran from one wall upwards, just like the Celestial Tower. The two Trainers took this and sprinted up it, their hurried footsteps echoing obnoxiously in the still, silent chamber. Up, up, up it went, even higher than the Celestial Tower. Each floor was dedicated to more dragon statues, or, on one floor, a pair of humans standing before two enormous dragons. One was hewn from black stone, the other from white.

At last, they came out upon the top floor with the incomplete roof, and what Jim saw made his jaw drop.

N was standing in the midst of the chamber, the stormy winds whipping his hair. In his hands, held upwards, he bore a spherical stone, like a black orb, which was emanating a steady, pulsing glow.

“N!” Jim yelled, over the tumult.

N didn’t turn around or move, but he spoke over the winds,

“I’m glad you’ve arrived, Jim. I wouldn’t have you miss this.”

“What are you doing?!”

“Fulfilling my destiny, Jim. This is what I was crowned king of Team Plasma to become…It is within my born rights to inherit the Dragon of the Black Hero…the Dragon of Ideals…Zekrom!”

A bolt of lightning seared the sky and struck the orb in N’s hands, and its glow grew more intense. A ray of light shot from it into the clouds, piercing a rent in it. Through that rent, a massive bolt of lightning struck the center of the chamber, shaking the whole tower. Jim felt Leanne topple against him from behind, and then felt her tighten her grip around him, shivering. He put an arm around her in turn, though his gaze never changed.

Another bolt struck the stone, and the black glow intensified. All of a sudden, a voice, deep and powerful, spoke up through the tumult.

“What is the ideal you seek, bearer of the stone?…”

“The ideal I seek…” said N, in a voice of complete calm, “is to see a new world born, a world where Pokemon are free, and they and humans live together in true happiness. That is what I seek!”

“…An honorable ideal…”

There was a blinding blaze of electric-blue light, follwed by an unearthly roar, forcing Jim and Leanne to shut their eyes. When they were finally able to open them, what they saw was too incredible to believe…

An enormous dragon was standing in the middle of the chamber, right before N. It was jet-black in color, with imposing red eyes, wings on its back, and an enormous tail that looked like a jet turbine. Every now and then, it flickered with the same electric-blue glow.

“Zekrom…” said June, in a breathless whisper.

“Heaven help us…” whispered Oshawott.

“You are the true heir of my former master,” said Zekrom, in its rumbling voice, “I am at your command.”

“No. Not command. Say rather that we are allies,” said N.

“…Most admirable.”

“N…what does this mean?” asked Jim. “What are you going to do?”

N finally turned to face Jim.

“I am going to spread my word to all of Unova, Jim. I am going to tell them all of my ideals, my hope to see a world where humans and Pokemon truly coexist in harmony.”

“But…you’re not going to-”

“No.”

N’s answer was short and stern.

“I do not intend to use unnecessary force. If it must come to a battle, and an unavoidable one at that, then that it what it must be, but I will not commit the same sins that the old Black Hero did…As I do not doubt you won’t, when you come into your own.”

Jim was struck dumb with astonishment.

“Do not be so shocked,” said N. “It is plain to me that if I am born to inherit Zekrom, then you are in line to wield the power of Reshiram. I can see it in your eyes…I always knew you were an exceptional Trainer, Jim Stevens.”

Jim said nothing; he couldn’t say anything. He was flabbergasted by N’s powers of perception.

“I hope that when that time comes, we meet as allies, and not on the verge of war…”

And with that, he climbed onto Zekrom’s back. Zekrom roared again, crouched, and took off into the sky, disappearing into the quickly vanishing bank of storm clouds.

And just like that, he was gone.

That had really just happened.

N had disappeared into the sky on the back of a dragon of legend.

…Jim honestly wished this was all just a fever dream.

“Jim?…” asked Leanne, weakly.

“…I have no idea, Leanne,” supplied Jim. “I honestly have no idea…”

***​

“Personally, I find your lack of forwardness in this situation most distressing!” said Oshawott, when they were sitting in the Pokemon Center lobby. “Why not summon Reshiram yourself and stop him before he does something drastic?”

“That would require me actually knowing how to summon him,” said Jim, “and I haven’t the slightest clue.”

“Well, think back to how N summoned Zekrom. He was holding some odd stone that seemed to be what called him forth.”

“And where do you suppose I’ll find a stone like that?” asked Jim, rather snippily. “Do you know the way to the nearest ‘Dragon-Summoners Accessories’ store?”

“Well…I suppose there’s sense in that.”

“If a black stone was used to summon Zekrom, wouldn’t it be safe to say a white stone would be needed for Reshiram?” asked June.

“That does follow some logic,” said Jim, “but again, where would we find such a stone?”

The doors suddenly swung, and, breathless and panting, stood…

“Cheren?”

Indeed, it was him himself, but in a profound agitation.

“Jim! Is it true? Did I just see…?”

“What did you see?”

“A black dragon soaring out of a bank of thunderclouds! It looked like the depictions of Zekrom I’ve seen! Is it true? Was that really…?”

“Yes. Leanne and I saw N summon him and claim him.”

“N? That green-haired boy who talks to Pokemon like you?”

“You’ve met him?”

“Once or twice. He was rather grating on my patience. He told me I had a close friendship with my Pokemon, but that I pushed them much too hard in battle. Who does he think he is to tell me that, when I’ve never seen him with the same Pokemon twice in a row?…But you’re telling me he’s the new Black Hero??”

“He’s more than that,” said Jim. “He’s Team Plasma’s mastermind.”

Cheren’s eyes popped open.

“The…the mastermind? Jim, are you pulling my leg?”

“No. He told me himself back in Nimbasa City, after our…well, our dispute.”

Cheren looked uncomfortable at the mention of this, and placed his hand on his cheek, where June had whipped him.

“I had no idea…But what’s there to do?”

“The only way to combat Zekrom is with Reshiram, and N himself is convinced that I’m the one to inherit him…”

“But how would one go about doing that?…”

“With some stone, like the one N used to call Zekrom, it seems.”

“It would require the Light Stone, the counterpart to the Dark Stone,” said a voice from the entrance.

Everyone looked up. A man was standing in the doorway, with sandy-tan hair, a goatee, and rather thick eyebrows. Jim had the distinct feeling that he recognized him from somewhere.

“Don’t I know you from somewhere?” asked Jim.

“Yeah, I feel like I’ve seen you before,” said Cheren.

“Well, I wouldn’t doubt that, boys, although it’s been quite a while since I’ve been in the neighborhood.”

And then, Jim gasped.

“Hold the phone…Professor Cedric!”

“Aha! I knew you’d recognize me, Jimmy! Put ‘er there, son!”

Jim shook his hand warmly.

“And Cheren, good to see you too!”

“Professor Cedric!” said Cheren, dumbfounded, shaking his hand in turn. “I don’t know what to say! This is so abrupt!”

“And this, sir, is my friend Leanne, from Accumula Town.”

“Charmed, my dear, immensely,” said Cedric, shaking her hand.

“Professor Cedric?” asked Leanne. “As in Professor Cedric Juniper, the great explorer?”

“And the father of Professor Aurea Juniper back in Nuvema Town,” said Jim.

“How is that girl of mine?” asked Cedric. “I regret leaving my old X-Transceiver back home.”

“She’s great,” said Jim. “She’s responsible for pairing me up with June here.”

Cedric shot a look at the Snivy on Jim’s shoulder.

“Ah!” he exclaimed, stroking her chin with one finger. “Oh, she’s a beauty of a Snivy, Jimmy, and she’s seen you all the way here to Icirrus.” Here, he cleared his throat. “But we’re forgetting business. I’m afraid it’s as you boys predicted. Zekrom has returned, and its new master has revealed himself.”

“He said I’m the one to inherit Reshiram, then,” said Jim.

“You?” asked Cedric, with a raise of his eyebrow. “That’s quite a profound claim to make, my boy.”

“I haven’t wanted to believe it myself, sir,” said Jim, “but the evidence keeps stacking itself against me…all because Reshiram saved June and me from being attacked when we first met.”

“Oh?…Fascinating…”

“You don’t mean you actually believe it, do you?”

“Jimmy, when you’ve devoted your life to finding what makes Unova tick, you learn to believe anything extraordinary.”

Cheren looked from Jim to Professor Cedric, as if some doubt of this whole fiasco was still lingering, and was being dispelled by Cedric believing in it.

“But what was this about a Light Stone and a Dark Stone?”

“Both are artifacts constructed by the Hero of Truth and Hero of Ideals, as a means of keeping control over their dragons. The Dark Stone corresponds with Zekrom, and the Light Stone corresponds with Reshiram.”

“But where are we supposed to find the Light Stone, then?”

“I have reason to believe that it may be hidden at the Relic Castle back in the desert between Castelia and Nimbasa.”

“The Relic Castle?…Wait a minute…That’s where those two Sages were!”

“Come again?”

“Leanne and I met two Sages of Team Plasma out in the desert! They said they had business there, and tried to silence us by siccing a Darmanitan on us!”

“They didn’t!” said Cedric, shocked.

“They did! Maybe that’s what their activity there was! Maybe they got the Dark Stone from the Relic Castle!”

“A very reasonable hypothesis,” said Cedric, stroking his goatee.

“But what are we supposed to do? That desert’s clear across the other side of Unova.”

“Don’t you fret. I have some accommodating transportation that may suit our needs.”

“Huh?”

“Follow me, kids, and hurry!”

What else could they do? Exchanging confused shrugs, they followed Professor Cedric out of the Pokemon Center, where they were astonished to find a single-propeller airplane, large enough to seat 4 people, sitting just outside the Pokemon Center.

“Where did you get that?” asked Jim.

“Borrowed it from Skyla. It’s only 2 days overdue,” he added, breaking into a hearty laugh.

“Now I remember,” muttered Cheren, “he always was a little…kooky.”

“Maybe, but the man’s a genius,” said Jim.

“Oh, no doubt about that.”

“Well, kids, climb aboard! The sooner we take off, the sooner we can track down that Light Stone!”

Still unbelieving that he was being roped into this, Jim entered the little plane, followed by Leanne and Cheren, who took their seats with him in the passenger seats as Cedric got into the pilot’s seat. He put on a headset and a pair of aviation goggles.

“Clear for takeoff,” he said, turning on the ignition.

The propeller buzzed to life, and with a jerky bounce, took off into the air, leaving Icirrus City far below.

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 22
Relic Castle​

The plane ride took, at the most, two hours, in what would have taken Jim days, maybe even weeks, to traverse across this expanse of Unova. Nobody said a word, not even Professor Cedric, who was always known to be an amiable chatterbox. To be fair, he most likely had to concentrate on flying the plane.

The three Trainers sat silently, Jim and Leanne holding June and Oshawott on their laps. From time to time, Jim would glance at Cheren, sitting across from them, and when he saw that Cheren was glancing at him, both looked away. It was true that Cheren had shown no hostility or resentment towards them when they met, but Jim couldn’t help suspecting that this was caused by his excitement over seeing Zekrom take flight. He didn’t want to tread on thin ice with assumptions, so he kept to himself.

Cheren, for his part, was inscrutable in countenance. What was going on in his head? He’d looked rather troubled when Cedric invested his belief that Jim might be the one destined to wield Reshiram. This whole idea had been one of the fundamental building blocks of his resentment towards his old friend, that everything good kept happening to him…but if N, the only other person he had met that could speak to Pokemon, if only on a few occasions, had summoned and tamed Zekrom, shouldn’t it stand to reason that Jim, who had so many similar qualities, might tame Reshiram?…

And on top of that, Jim said this N was the leader of Team Plasma! Team Plasma, this fast-spreading threat to Unova, now had Zekrom under their control…Was it worth staying angry with Jim when he really might be destined to save Unova from their threat? Was resentment for incredible fortune worth losing his best friend in the face of real danger?…

***​

At last, with a rough jolt, the plane landed, and upon looking out the windows, the Trainers were greeted with an expanse of yellow sand.

“Welcome, passengers, to Route 4!” said Cedric, in the attitude of a flight attendant, “Sand and sun as far as the eye can see, and home to the scenic Relic Castle! Everybody off!”

Everybody clambered out of the little plane, and Jim found that, thankfully, as the sun was setting, the heat was not nearly as oppressive. They had landed right beside the pit Jim and Leanne had encountered Rood and Bronius. Now that they could get a good look inside it, they found that several slanting bridges led all around the circular pit, leading down to an enormous, archaic structure that seemed to be suspended halfway down the crater; an old, yellow-stone temple or castle.

“That?” asked Leanne.

“That is the Relic Castle,” said Cedric. “That is the ancient stronghold of the Heroes of Truth and Ideals, and hopefully, where we’ll find the Light Stone.”

“If anything remains since its last desecration.”

Everyone jumped. This voice, deep and wise in tone, came from right behind them. Turning, they found themselves face to face with a tall, burly man, standing with arms crossed. He had wild, fiery red and orange hair, arranged into points like the rays of a sun or star, with a ponytail in the back. He had a wise, gentle face, though it was lined with age.

“Alder, sir!” exclaimed Cheren.

Jim felt a leap in his insides. Alder?? This was the Unova League Champion?? He was honestly meeting him face to face?…

“Ah! I recognize you! You’re the boy I met outside Chargestone Cave! Cheren, was it?”

“Yes, sir! I’m glad you remembered me.”

“Well, I hope you’re not still mad about how our battle turned out.”

“Oh, no, sir. I’ve had some time to reflect on what you told me, and while I don’t think I’m quite there yet, I’m doing my best to take it to heart.”

“Good man!” said Alder, heartily. “And who are your friends here?”

“Oh, this is my old friend, Jim, from Nuvema Town, and his friend Leanne, from Accumula. And I’m sure you must know Professor Cedric Juniper.”

“Pleased to meet ya!” said Alder, genially, to the two Trainers.

“I-It’s an honor, Alder, sir,” stammered Jim.

“Yeah. Likewise,” said Leanne.

“Professor Cedric, you have my best personal regards,” said Alder, shaking his hand.

“The pleasure’s all mine, Mr. Champion!” said Cedric.

“I take it you’re taking part in the League challenge?” asked Alder, to Jim and Leanne.

“I am, sir,” said Jim, “and I’ve just received my 7th badge at Icirrus Gym.”

“Nice work, kid! You’re doing great! Can’t wait to see how it all boils down in the League this year!”

“Me neither, sir.”

Here, Alder slapped a hand to his brow.

“Ah! Here I go, prattling on as if we were cozy in a sitting room when we’ve got bigger matters at hand! Team Plasma! I followed a couple of those preachy hounds out here to this very pit.”

“You know about Team Plasma, sir?” asked Leanne.

“I do. I’ve been tracing a circuit around Unova, and I’ve seen these guys several times.”

“And what’s your perception of them?” asked Jim.

“They talk a good talk, but they walk a pretty bad walk. Striving for freedom and peace for Pokemon is all well and good, but you don’t preach if you need force to back it up.”

“Exactly!” said Jim. “You have no idea what I’ve been through because of them!”

And he related to Alder a summary of his encounters with Team Plasma: the meeting in Accumula, kidnapping a little girl's Deerling, the theft of the fossils, Lilligant’s abduction, the attempt on their lives in this very desert, cornering them in Driftveil’s Cold Storage, and rescuing Larvesta from them outside Chargestone Cave. Alder heard all with grave attention, stroking his chin contemplatively.

“You’ve had quite a ride, Jim, I daresay,” he finally said. “I knew there was something unsavory about these guys, but I didn’t know what it was…So now they plan to use the legendary dragons to achieve their goals…No wonder they were here last time.”

“So, what do you suggest?”

“The only thing that can be done: to venture in and put a stop to these lunatics before they go any farther.”

“You’re going with us?” asked Cheren.

“Certainly. I didn’t become Champion of Unova because I didn’t take action when it was called for. Do I have your assistance?”

“Unquestionably!” said Jim.

“Undoubtedly!” said Cheren.

“Definitely!” said Leanne.

“This is what I live for, Mr. Champion,” said Cedric, “so of course I’m in!”

“Excellent. Tread carefully, then. This is an old structure, so it may prove unstable.”

And with perfect calmness, he began to tread down one of the sloping bridges leading to the ancient castle. Single-file, Cedric, Cheren, Jim, and Leanne followed behind, down into the pit.

***​

The failing sunlight didn’t help to illuminate the interior of the castle, despite the numerous chinks and gaps in the wall that must have acted as skylights. Therefore, the five explorers found themselves plunged into an unsettling darkness.

“Leave this to me,” said Cheren, taking a Poke Ball out. “It wouldn’t hurt to have some backup muscle anyway. Emboar, come on out!”

Out of Cheren’s Poke Ball came an enormous boar-like Pokemon, very burly and barrel-chested. Its fur was reddish-orange, with black on its forearms and a band of black with yellow swirled symbols across its midsection. A wreath of flames surrounded its neck, like a fiery beard, which gave off a steady glow of illumination around it. Interested, Jim brought out his Pokedex.

“Emboar, the Mega Fire Pig Pokemon, and the final evolved form of Tepig. Emboar possesses a beard made of live flames, which flares up when its fighting spirit is roused. It is adept at using many fighting moves.”

“Wow, Cheren,” said Jim, “you and Tepig really came a long way.”

June gazed, stupefied, up at the huge Pokemon that had once been her little playmate. Emboar gazed down at her, and his imposing, tusked face broke into a small smile, and he reached down and stroked her head. June smiled warmly in return, glad to see he still recognized her.

“Thanks, Jim,” said Cheren. “But he was still no match for Alder.”

Alder laughed. “Oh, don’t be like that. It was a close fight. I was actually a little worried.”

Cheren gave a small, embarrassed smile, then, clearing his throat and adjusting his tie in a business-like way, said,

“Emboar, I want you to lead the way, to both give us light to go by, and to be at the ready if we’re attacked.”

Emboar grunted in an affirmative way and took the lead of the party as they moved further into the dark, imposing castle.

***​

It was plain to see that this place had seen much better days. The walls were dusty and coated in cobwebs, and the floors were cracked and chipped here and there. Not a breath stirred. Only the sounds of their footsteps sounded in the corridors as they went along.

Leanne kept very close behind Jim, and he kept a firm hold on her hand as they went. Cedric, for his part, kept referring to an old book he had taken from his backpack, reading it from the light of Emboar’s beard.

“If my research is correct,” he said, “this corridor should lead to the main chamber, where the stones are said to be kept.”

Suddenly, they came to a halt at a crossroads, where the corridor split into two paths.

“Professor Cedric?” asked Jim.

“Mm…this is disquieting,” Cedric muttered, “I don’t remember this crossroads…I suppose all that can be done is to split up.”

“That seems to be the best idea,” said Alder. “Cheren, you and Professor Juniper take one way, I’ll stick with Jim and Leanne.”

“Right,” said Cheren. “But do you guys have a Pokemon for lighting?”

“Of course,” said Jim, pulling out a Poke Ball. “Missy, come on out!”

In a burst of light, out came the pudgy Emolga.

“Missy, we’re gonna need a little light to go by.”

In response, Missy perched herself on Jim’s head, and with a spark of her cheeks, a glow like a lantern surrounded her body, illuminating the corridor further.

“Good thinking!” said Cedric. “You’ve got some very resourceful Pokemon, Jimmy.”

“Thanks, Professor Cedric,” said Jim, before turning to Alder. “Will this do, Alder, sir?”

“Absolutely!” said Alder. “Looks like we’re set. Hopefully, we’ll all meet up again soon.”

“Good luck,” said Jim.

“Same to you,” said Cheren.

With that, the five split into two groups: Jim, Leanne, and Alder heading down the left path, guided by the electric light of Missy; Cedric and Cheren going down the left path, led by the flaming light of Emboar…

***​

“So, Alder, sir, will you be in attendance of the upcoming League?”

“Certainly. Wouldn’t be the League without the Champion to oversee. The Elite 4 does get pretty steamed when I do my little circuits when a conference is on the horizon. Personally, I think they need to lighten up.” He chuckled.

“I’ve only heard and seen snippets of the Elite 4. What are they like?”

“Well, every region has its own best and brightest Trainers to act as the top of the League, and Unova’s no exception. There’s Marshal, he’s a Fighting type master. I’ve heard him call himself my ‘apprentice’ once or twice, though personally, I think he just came up with that himself. Come to think of it, your friend Cheren reminds me a lot of him, always putting emphasis on the importance of power.

“There’s Caitlin, who uses Psychic types. Breathtakingly beautiful, but a real terror when she’s angry; her Pokemon aren’t the only ones with Psychic abilities…

“There’s Grimsley, master of Dark types. He comes from a very prestigious family, but it’s fallen on hard times. Now he’s developed a bit of a gambling problem. Poor fellah…

“And then there’s Shauntal, who uses Ghost types. She’s a famous author on the side. In fact, some of the few books I actually sit down to read are written by her.”

“Wow. And do the challengers ever face them?”

“I’m afraid not, at least not in the conferences like this upcoming one. There’s a special challenge tournament for facing members of the Elite 4.”

“Ah, I see. And when is this one being held?”

“Within the first official week of Spring, so I hope you know where you’ll wait out the winter.”

“Do you have any recommendations?”

“Oh, of course. Undella Town’s always sunny, always beautiful. Not much activity there, but that should offer you some peace and quiet.”

“Great!”

They continued on in silence for some minutes, and then, a new thought struck Jim.

“Alder, sir, I have a question, really more of a favor to ask.”

“Ask away!”

“Are you familiar with Cirque de Pokee?”

“Of course! I remember their shows fondly.”

“Well, through a very complicated happenstance involving Team Plasma, Leanne and I ‘inherited’, as you might put it, three of the performing Pokemon.”

“Oh really?”

“Really. They’ve been practicing a routine for a long time, a tribute to Meloetta.”

Alder stopped, a strange, almost thoughtful look on his face.

“Did you say…Meloetta?”

“Yes, sir.”

“…How long’s it been since I heard that name…I remember hearing about the day it disappeared. ‘As if the entire world had lost its own tune’…”

“Well, they want to perform a tribute to her, and only need a venue to do it at. What I’d like to ask is, might we have the honor of hosting it as part of the opening ceremony to the League?”

This put Alder into a reflective mood, stroking his chin.

“Hmm…interesting…You know what? Why not?”

“Really??”

“I’d be honored to have three former Cirque de Pokee performers pay a tribute to one of the region’s most beloved and renowned Pokemon. I may not have seen this act, but I’m one of those guys who likes to see the finished product, without spoilers.”

“Thank you, sir! This’ll make them very happy to hear of your approval!”

“It’s the least I can do, sport. So, tell me, what’s your dream?”

“My dream?”

“What are you aiming for in challenging the League?”

“Well…I partook in the League challenge so that I could see the rest of Unova, meet new Pokemon and new people. After the League, I hoped to settle down back home, keep it cozy.”

“Very admirable. Many Trainers, once they complete one journey, always find themselves infected with wanderlust and have to go on another. It’s hard to find people who know when to stop. I think you’ve got the right idea, Jim.”

“Thanks, sir.”

Suddenly, Missy let out a squeak of terror, and Jim felt her weight leave his head.

“Missy?? What is it?!”

He whipped around, and what he saw made him give a cry of alarm.

A shadowy, vapory hand, more like a wisp of smoke than anything, had snared Missy, and she was struggling with might and main to free herself. The arm, one of four, was extending from the slightly ajar opening of something that looked like a blue and gold sarcophagus, but which possessed a very sinister face, with glowing red eyes and a toothy mouth. Jim brought out his Pokedex.

“Cofagrigus, the Coffin Pokemon, and the evolved form of Yamask. Cofagrigus disguises itself as a real coffin to ensnare trespassing robbers. It has an affinity for eating gold.”

“So it thinks we’re robbers?…” asked Leanne, in an uneasy tone.

“So it would appear,” said Alder, grimly. “I hadn’t counted on a guardian of this old castle, but it looks like times have changed…”

“I’d hoped we could have gotten through this without a fight,” muttered Jim. “Makes me wonder how Cheren and the Professor are handling things…”

***​

“So, Professor…do you really believe Jim could be the next White Hero?”

“Hmm? Oh, I think it’s possible. Don’t you?”

“…I don’t know…”

“You don’t know?”

“…I didn’t want to believe it.”

“Why not? Wouldn’t it be amazing to think that your best friend is destined to inherit a legendary dragon?”

“…If I can be honest with you, sir, that’s just the thing. I wasn’t happy about that.”

“Why not?”

“Because it feels like everything good always happens to him! He can talk to Pokemon! He’s become famous for foiling Team Plasma all the time! Everything always turns up roses for him! I’ve had to toil hard every day of my life to get where I’m at, and what do I have to show for it? What does he have to show for his life?”

Cedric said nothing for a while, but his face expressed genuine concern at Cheren’s heated outburst. Even Emboar looked disconcerted.

“…I think I understand what you’re saying, Cheren,” said Cedric. “You don’t think it’s fair that Jim has had all this amazing stuff happen to him out of the blue, while you’ve had to get where you are the old-fashioned way.”

“…”

“Well, think about it from a different perspective. Jim’s still traveling Unova on foot, isn’t he? He’s not trying to get ahead of the game by going by car or boat or the like, is he? Have you ever heard of him using any special enhancements on his Pokemon?”

“What’s your point?…*ahem*, Professor.”

“My point is that Jim is still training his Pokemon the way a normal Trainer would. He’s still going about his quest the way a normal Trainer would. He’s still trying to maintain a level of normality.”

“But…but what about Team Plasma? Or Reshiram? What about being able to talk to Pokemon?”

“Well, I don’t know how to answer that last one, but I will say this. Jim’s always been a boy with a…well, let’s say ‘noble’ heart. He hates seeing anyone put down or mistreated. You know that, don’t you?”

“Well…yeah, he always was the kind of guy who would get in your face if you started picking on somebody.”

“I remember his father being the same way: good-natured, well-meaning, but quite irascible if someone he cared about was being wronged. When Team Plasma made that big speech in Accumula Town, I reckon Jim’s heart went out to all of those poor people who didn’t want to lose their faithful Pokemon to preachy nonsense like that, so he stood up in the name of Trainers and Pokemon everywhere. It sealed his fate with them, yes, but he was thinking of them and not himself. Have you ever wondered, Cheren, if he’s really happy about being a celebrated hero?”

Cheren remained silent for quite some minutes.

“…Now that I recall, he was always one of the most humble boys I ever knew. He hated being in the limelight.”

“So what makes this any different?”

“…I don’t know…” said Cheren, in a miserable tone. “I’ve been making a big mess of things, haven’t I?…I was just so angry that things seemed to be going so easy for him, I never even considered how he must have really felt… Oh, Professor Cedric, how could I have been so callous?…How could I throw away my best friend so easily?…”

A pair of tears sparkled in his bespectacled eyes, but Cedric put a hand on his shoulder.

“It’s all right, Cheren…It’s easy to get mixed up in your feelings when the extraordinary mounts up. All you can do is move on and try to make reparations.”

“But how can he ever forgive me?…”

“If I know Jim, and if you know him, it won’t be difficult for him to let bygones by bygones…”

He smiled down at Cheren, who, slowly but surely, smiled in return.

All of a sudden, Emboar let out a growl, holding out his arm to stop the two humans.

“What is it?” asked Cedric.

“I think he’s spotted something,” said Cheren.

Emboar snorted a blaze of flames from his nostrils, and the stream illuminated the path ahead, before a new light, shimmering and blue, mingled with it, blocking off the fire.

The corridor had widened into a large chamber, and floating in the midst of it was a very bizarre Pokemon. It had a spherical, oddly-patterned body with what looked like a pair of eyes in the center, an elongated black appendage on top with a single, similar eye, two yellow wings with multicolored tips, similar wings like a ‘tail’ at its bottom, and two smaller back ‘wings’ at its sides. The blue light had come from a shield it had generated.

“What is that?” asked Cheren, perturbed.

“A Sigilyph,” said Cedric, grimly. “Guardians of old cities and fortresses. It looks like this one’s determined to keep us from going further.”

“Oh dear…”

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 23
The Light Stone​

“Missy, get out of there!” yelled Jim. “Use Discharge!”

Missy tensed up, and finally unleashed a burst of electricity that blasted Cofagrigus, making it release her in surprise and pain. She immediately soared over to Jim, who protectively enveloped her in his arms.

“You ok, girl?” he asked.

“It was…so cold…” shuddered Missy, nuzzling deep against Jim’s chest. “It was like ice…”

“It’s ok, Missy…I’m here now…”

Cofagrigus, however, had recovered, and it looked plenty mad.

“You kids go on,” said Alder, in a serious tone of voice. “Leave this to me.”

He reached up to the odd necklace he wore about his neck, and to Jim’s surprise, he saw that the spherical baubles were actually Poke Balls. Drawing one from the string, Alder gave it a toss.

“Bouffalant, go!”

From the Poke Ball came a large Pokemon resembling a brown buffalo with huge, curved horns extending from a sizeable afro on its head. Jim brought out his Pokedex once again.

“Bouffalant, the Bash Buffalo Pokemon. The afro of hair on Bouffalant’s head absorbs damage from direct attacks. It charges wildly and headbutts anything in its path with enough force to derail a train.”

“Use Stone Edge, Bouffalant!” ordered Alder.

With a deep bellow, Bouffalant summoned a ring of jagged stones around its body, which fired at Cofagrigus, striking against its shiny surface.

“Go!” ordered Alder, turning to the two Trainers. “Don’t worry about me! I’ll keep it occupied!”

Knowing there was no need to be told twice, the two Trainers rushed down the corridor as Bouffalant and Cofagrigus squared off.

“Should we have really left him by himself?” puffed Leanne.

“He’s the Champion! He wouldn’t be if he couldn’t handle himself!” said Jim.

“Good point.”

Suddenly, they came to a halt. The corridor had led them straight into a dead end.

“Oh no! What do we do now?…” groaned Leanne.

“There!” shouted Oshawott, pointing to a section of the wall. Some of the stones had come loose, leaving a small hole, but still large enough for the passage of an average-sized human.

“Ah! Leanne! Oshawott found a hole we could get through!”

“Great! Ladies first!”

Before Jim could react, Leanne had shimmied her upper body through the little aperture. Unfortunately, that was as far as she got. She hadn’t counted on the size of her plump little belly, which, unfortunately, was a bit bigger than the hole, and now had stopped her in her tracks, wedged like a cork in a bottle. She kicked against the floor and pushed against the wall with her hands, but she didn’t progress an inch.

“It’s…kinda…snug…” she said, in between strained grunts, as her stomach pressed against the hole’s rim, unwilling to let her through.

“Snug’s an understatement,” said Jim, grimly. “The fact is, you’re stuck.”

“Stuck? Aw, no, I can’t be! Not with that thing on the loose!”

“Don’t have a panic attack, we’re gonna get you out,” said Jim. “As if I was gonna leave you to the mercy of that thing.”

“Oh, heh…thanks, Jim.”

“But, uh…if I’m gonna get you out,” said Jim, in an embarrassed tone, “then I’m gonna have to…you know, put my hands on your…well, your rear.”

“I really don’t care right now, just get me out!”

“Point taken.”

He placed his hands on her rump, an action that mounted the color to both of their faces, and gave a shove against it. Leanne’s stomach still refused to budge, even as she pushed frantically against the wall.

“Come on…” she groaned. “Don’t do this to me now, belly…”

“Ugh…it’s…no good…” groaned Jim, as he stopped to take a breather. “You’re not budging…”

“Well, she’d better start budging posthaste,” said June, surveying the passage they had undergone. “Look!”

A black and purple ball of light blasted against the wall around the bed, and they heard the tramp of something thudding along. Cofagrigus was closing in!

With a thrill of panic, Jim pushed against Leanne with a new vigor.

“Suck…it…in!” he strained.

Leanne seemed to hear him, as she took a deep breath, reducing the size of her gut momentarily enough for it to push through, leaving her now only stopped at her rear, which, unfortunately, was also slightly larger than the hole. At that moment, there came the renewed sound of thudding footsteps. Around the corner came Cofagrigus, turned over onto its back, and walking on its hands like a crab, only adding to its creepy factor.

Such a sight drew a cry of terror from Jim, and he hurriedly went back to heaving against his plump pal’s jammed rear, in a desperate bid to protect her from the creepy Ghost.

“Do something!” he gasped to June, Oshawott, and Missy.

They needed no further prompting. As Oshawott spat a Water Gun, June formed and loosed an Energy Ball, while Missy somersaulted and unleashed an Electro Ball, all three attacks striking and throwing back Cofagrigus, who flattened against the wall like a real sarcophagus.

At last, with a surge, Leanne fell through the hole, and Jim tumbled through after her. June, Oshawott, and Missy leaped through in their turn. They had come out into a sandy-floored chamber, immense in size, with many murals on the walls.

“Thanks, Jim,” gasped Leanne, enveloping her friend in a close hug.

“Don’t mention it,” said Jim, putting an arm about her.

“Guess I gotta drop a few pounds, huh?”

“Nonsense. It’s not your fault that hole was too small. You’re perfect the way you are.”

Leanne smiled and blushed at this. Suddenly, through the hole, they heard Alder shout,

“Bouffalant, Head Charge!”

There came an approaching tramp of hooves, and in the next instant,

*BOOM!!*

The wall crashed open, throwing everyone forward from the impact. Bouffalant had smashed the wall in with one tremendous headbutt. Alder rushed into the chamber beside it.

“Are you kids ok?”

“Yeah. No sweat,” said Jim, getting up and helping Leanne to her feet. “Where’s Cofagrigus?”

“Oh, it’ll be back,” said Alder, grimly, “but I think we gave it a good scare for now.”

“I hope so…” said Leanne. “I wonder what happened to Cheren and the Professor…”

***​

“Emboar, Flamethrower!”

Emboar snorted a stream of flames, but Sigilyph floated out of the way. Then, its single eye glowed a vivid blue. The same glow surrounded Emboar, who suddenly flinched, as if stricken, and flew backwards with a crash.

“What happened?” asked Cheren.

“That was Psychic,” said Cedric. “Sigilyph is a Psychic-Flying type, so Emboar’s at a bit of a disadvantage.”

“True…Emboar’s part-Fighting…“ mused Cheren. “…Well, I didn’t hear any rules barring a substitution. Liepard, go!”

Cheren tossed another Poke Ball, and his lithe Liepard appeared, growling as its eyes fell on Sigilyph. Emboar staggered back to his feet.

“Use Shadow Claw!”

Liepard lunged, its claw glowing a smoky purple. This time, Sigilyph was unable to evade, and found itself struck and flung across the passage, against the wall. It regained itself, however, and began flapping its odd wings, which gave off a light blue glow.

“A little Gust isn’t going to stop us!” said Cheren. “Liepard, Night Slash!”

Liepard darted forward again, its claws glowing a more luminescent purple this time, and raked them across Sigilyph’s body, making it cease its Gusting antics. Sigilyph tried to wobble back into the air, but crumpled to the floor.

“Goodness!” said Cedric. “Down with only two super effective attacks! You’ve really raised your Pokemon to an admirably strong level.”

“Thanks, Professor,” said Cheren, who absent-mindedly began scratching behind Liepard’s ears. “To tell the truth, though, being strong and aiming to be number 1 had been my major priority…I suppose it was also why I was mad at Jim: I thought he would surpass me before I’d even got far enough…”

“I quite understand, Cheren, but, remember, Jim’s never been the type to want to overshadow anyone, at least if it was within his own power to prevent it.”

“Yeah…”

Suddenly, a loud crash from somewhere behind the wall ahead drew their attention to the end of the passage.

“What was that??”

“I don’t know, but if Jim, Leanne, and Alder are on the other side, they might be in trouble.”

“Then let’s make a shortcut! Emboar, Hammer Arm on that wall!”

Emboar dashed for the opposite wall and drew his arm back, which began to glow red. Then, just when he was right in front of it, he swung!

*CRASH!*

The wall collapsed into a pile of rubble, and the two found themselves standing within the very same sand-floored chamber Jim’s group had already stumbled into. And lo and behold, they had arrived just when Leanne was questioning their safety.

“Cheren! Professor Cedric!” said Jim, relieved.

“Thank goodness you’re all ok!” said Cheren. “What happened?”

“We had a bit of a run-in with a Cofagrigus. It was a really narrow escape…”

“A Cofagrigus? Well, it was probably buddies with that Sigilyph we just knocked out. We didn’t count on this place being guarded by Pokemon like that.”

“Well, the important thing is that we all made it out all right.”

“Definitely.”

“Oh, blast it, blast it, BLAST IT!”

Everyone turned to Cedric, who was cudgeling his brains with his fist in agitation. He was standing before an enormous, elaborately-decorated doorway that stood in the center of the two ruined spots in the wall.

“Two punctures in the fabric of a historic landmark, and the door to the very room we were looking for was right here!…”

His four companions gave each other wearied, bemused looks at his frustrations. Only a true exploration buff could understand the poor man’s pain…

And then, a new sound assailed Jim’s ears.

A sound he had heard before.

A slow clapping, one normally reserved for irony’s sake.

And then,

“Well, well, well…what a motley crew you’ve assembled, Jim Stevens…You really do know how to attract a crowd…”

Jim felt his blood flare as he turned in the direction of the voice. Sure enough, there stood Ghetsis himself, flanked by many Plasma guards. Not only that, but two other Sages were with him, one dressed in brown robes, the other in purple, but both with iron-gray hair and large mustaches.

“It is as we predicted, Ghetsis,” said the one in brown.

“The Stevens boy would assuredly come here once Lord N had gained Zekrom,” said the other, “in the hopes of emulating him…”

“Yes, Giallo, Ryoku, you were quite right,” said Ghetsis, in a wearied voice, as if he wanted nothing more than for them to shut up, “and I had known this already. If there’s anything I’ve always been right about, it’s knowing how these noble, ‘knight-hearted’ types function…”

“I suppose you’re here to finish what you started,” said Jim, stonily. “You want the Light Stone after you stole the Dark Stone.”

“My, my, aren’t you perceptive?” said Ghetsis, patronizingly. “You never miss a beat, do you, Stevens?…However, jumping to conclusions like that will only net you in trouble…”

“Oh, please,” said Cheren, “from what I’ve seen of your grunts, conclusions about you aren’t jumpable, but easily validated.”

“Quite a sharp tongue you have, young man,” said Ghetsis. “Am I to assume that you are Stevens’ friend, the one three of my grunts warned me about not too long ago?…”

“Yes, I am. Jim may have added some embellishment to my reputation, but the fact stands that I’m not one to let you get away with what you’ve attempted, either!”

“I see…”

“So, I take it you’re the one who’s behind these armored weirdoes traipsing around Unova and screwing with everyone’s minds,” said Alder, crossing his arms with a furrowed brow.

“Ah!” said Ghetsis, in what sounded like pleasant surprise, “Do my eyes deceive me? Can it truly be the Champion, Alder, himself? It is an honor to be in your presence…”

He gave a gracious bow, though Jim had a feeling it was purely ironical.

“Save your sycophancy, sir,” said Alder. “I know you think you’re out to help Pokemon everywhere, but I don’t quite approve of how you’re going about it…thievery, kidnapping, and attempted murder don’t quite sit well with me as helpful to your cause.”

“Such strong words, sir…” said Ghetsis. “Who has told you such things? If it was these children, I will say I’m not surprised. As we are not on the best terms, it can be said that they would not make reliable sources…”

“I happen to trust these kids,” said Alder, coldly, “more so because I’ve seen evidence for myself that your actions are less than noble. One doesn’t circumnavigate Unova without witnessing one thing or another.”

Ghetsis’ expression briefly darkened, but he still retained a fawning smile.

“Of course…how thoughtless of me. How could I have forgotten your tumultuous past, oh Champion? My sincerest apologies…”

Alder’s face was like stone, but Jim could barely pick out a slight working of his mouth to show that he was agitated.

“Sir,” said Alder, “I’ll ask you to leave out past occurrences that don’t concern you. What I’ll also ask is for you to vacate these premises immediately. This is a sacred temple, and your presence is a stain upon its legacy.”

“We completely understand, Mr. Champion, and we shall leave as soon as our business is finished.”

“You’ll leave now.”

Alder’s words were calm, but stony. Bouffalant pawed the sand, ready to charge if the need arose. Emboar cracked his knuckles, and Liepard gave a low growl. Even June, Missy, and Oshawott looked ready to duke it out if there was any trouble. Ghetsis remained perfectly calm, but the Plasma grunts and the two other Sages looked at each other uneasily.

“Are you attempting to disobey the Champion, Ghetsis?” asked Jim, icily.

“The Champion of Unova is not its king,” answered Ghetsis, coldly, “and I follow no ruler but Lord N.”

Jim was about to retort that, as far as he knew, Ghetsis followed his own rules, but thought he’d land N in trouble if the truth of his disdain of Team Plasma’s actions came to light, so he bit back his words.

“Wait. What’s that?” asked Cheren, pointing at a spot in the sand.

Right between Jim and Ghetsis, a circular spot in the sand began to glow with a whitish light, and also began to sift, like a sinkhole. Then, like a bubble, an orb of burning white light emerged from the spot, shining like a beacon. Everyone’s eyes widened at the sight of it, and a triumphant smile appeared on Ghetsis’ face.

“Yes…yes! There it is! The Light Stone has finally revealed itself!”

He approached it, reaching out his hands for it. All of a sudden, there was a burst like cannon fire, a blaze of fire, and Ghetsis was thrown back with a cry of pain that was quite feral in tone. His entourage grouped around him in an frenzy of horror. During this, the Light Stone floated over to Jim and settled slowly into his hands. It felt…warm. Not searing hot, but cozily warm.

Ghetsis had gotten into a sitting posture, the right side of his body covered in scorches and burns, though all anyone could really see was the damage to his robes. He took one look at Jim, and the Light Stone in his hands, and his entire face changed. Whatever color had been in it before completely drained, until he had the look of a man who had aged 100 years in 5 seconds.

“No…No!” he croaked, in a strangled voice mingled with fury. “Not him…Not him!! Guards! Eliminate him! Get that Stone!”

His voice had become a manic shriek of rage and horror, and to hear him was to obey, as the guards rushed at the heroes in a body. Suddenly, with a loud thunk, something landed in front of them after having sailed over the heads of Jim and friends. It was tall and oblong, and had four shadowy arms.

Cofagrigus!

Now its attention had been turned to Team Plasma, who jumped back at the sight of it.

“What are you doing, you fools?!” yelled Ghetsis. “Stop him! Stop him!”

Next, with an unusual cry, Sigilyph came flying into the chamber, the two Pokemon barring the way to Jim and friends from Team Plasma.

“Go…” came a low voice from Cofagrigus. “Escape now…”

“The White Hero…returns…” came the unearthly voice of Sigilyph.

Jim wasn’t sure why they had suddenly decided to defend them, but knew they mustn’t waste time.

“Let’s go!” he said to the others. “Missy, light the way!”

“Emboar, keep behind her,” instructed Cheren, who called back Liepard.

Alder called Bouffalant back, and the next instant, the Champion, professor, and three Trainers darted out of the chamber, leaving Team Plasma at the mercy of Sigilyph and Cofagrigus.

And Ghetsis? He perceived the escape of his foes, which, coupled with the loss of the Light Stone and the blast he had received, completely obliterated his calm façade for the moment, and he let loose a cry of rage that rang all throughout the Relic Castle, one that pierced Jim’s very marrow as he ran down the passages…The consequences would be dire from this venture, and no mistake…

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 24
A Friendship Rekindled​

It wasn’t quite leaving the dark to return to the light of day, but it was a great relief to Jim to finally be out of the musty Castle and back into fresh air. The sun had long set, and a pale full moon hung in the air. Besides that, Missy and Emboar were still giving off their own lights, and the stone in Jim’s hands was also giving off a steady glow.

“That…was a close one…” panted Leanne.

“Exactly what I live for, my dear!” said Cedric, who was the only one in immediate good spirits. “I’m still a little sore about having to punch in another entrance when there was one in the first place, but still, you can only keep a Juniper from the thrill of the hunt for so long!” He burst into a hearty laugh.

“I wouldn’t be so jovial just now,” said Alder. “When Team Plasma finally manages to get away from that Sigilyph and Cofagrigus, they’ll be coming for us like a swarm of angry Durant.”

“Ah. Good point,” said Cedric. “We’d better be off, then.”

“Are you coming with us, Alder, sir?” asked Jim.

“No thanks. I don’t put much trust in flying machines. I prefer going by foot anyway. I wish you all the best of luck, though, and can’t wait to see you in the League. Bring your best.”

He extended his hand, which Jim shook heartily. After extending the same sentiments to Cedric, Leanne, and Cheren, he took his leave down the stretch of sand, disappearing over the nearest dune.

“He’s an odd man,” said Cheren, “but there’s a reason he’s the Champion.”

“Oh, no doubt about that,” said Jim.

Then followed an uncomfortable silence. Jim realized that he was standing right next to Cheren with the Light Stone in his hands, incontrovertible evidence of being chosen by Reshiram, as if being rescued by him long ago (it felt like ages since Jim first set out) wasn’t glaring enough. Now Cheren had visible proof of Jim’s unnatural fortune and a visible reason to feel resentful towards him. He awaited the tirade that would come from this…but none came.

Instead, Cheren, shifting his tie uncomfortably, said,

“Jim, listen…Ever since this whole dragon business started, I…well, I know I’ve been anything but supportive, and that’s putting it nicely. I should have been happy for you, ecstatic at the idea that my best friend was destined to wield the power of the great Reshiram, and believe me, I wanted to be…instead, I let myself get jealous. Not just jealous because you seemed to be endowed with incredible luck, or because you could talk to Pokemon, or because everyone always seems to like you…but because, deep down, I’d hoped it could have been me…”

Jim’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Do you remember when you first read us that legend of the dragons? I said that the next Black Hero or White Hero would have to be impossibly perfect, and you said I was pretty near perfect, so maybe I would be one of the next Heroes…It was a silly idea at first, but in the end, I liked the idea. When I began to piece together that it was going to be you instead of me…my internal reactions were much like Ghetsis’ back in the Castle. ‘Why Jim’, I thought to myself, ‘why does it always have to be Jim?’…It didn’t feel fair. I trained my Pokemon to their maximum, to be the strongest that could ever be…and you still somehow manage to leave more of an impression. I’d even left before you to get a head start before you, and yet you still manage to keep right behind me…”

Here, Cheren’s voice became choked, as if he were fighting back tears.

“But now, Jim…now I just can’t fight it anymore. I don’t know how or why it has to be you, but somehow, it just seems fitting…I don’t want to go on hating you, Jim…I don’t want to lose what we had as friends…I don’t want Bianca to be torn by us anymore…I want to go back to the way things were…”

Jim just stood there, stunned, regarding his friend as he let his emotions break out all at once. Mixed in with the strong pity and sympathy he felt for him, there was also an immense lightening in his heart. He had been waiting forever for Cheren to finally admit his own faults, when he himself had been more than willing to see this whole business put to rest.

With a sympathetic smile, he put a hand on Cheren’s shoulder, making him look up.

“Cheren…if you think I’m going to hold any of this nonsense against you know, you’re out of your mind. All this time I’ve been wanting to put this whole business to rest. How could I ever want to lose one of my best friends since childhood? I never wanted to overshadow anybody. All I’ve wanted was to travel Unova, see and meet new Pokemon, like my dad used to do…I don’t want to lose what we had any more than you do…You’re right, we haven’t been fair to each other, or to Bianca. We can’t lose that over something like this…”

He held up his hand in front of Cheren. He seemed to perceive what it meant, as a grateful smile came to his face.

“…Jim…”

There followed their handshake: high-five, fist bump, thumbs up.

“Bros forever, Cheren,” said Jim.

“Bros forever, Jim,” said Cheren.

It was a simple sign, but one that spoke volumes. Two old friends, separated briefly and bitterly by a misunderstanding and jealousy, had come back together once more, now able to see each other eye to eye.

Cedric and Leanne, who had been watching this whole development, smiled proudly, Leanne wiping at her eyes. June, Missy, and Oshawott exchanged looks of happy relief to see them finally set aside their feud. Even Emboar clapped a big burly hand on Cheren’s shoulder, smiling proudly down at his Trainer. Cheren returned the gesture with a grateful pat on his hand.

“I really hate to break up this friendship-fest,” said Cedric, “but we need to make tracks before Team Plasma comes out of Relic Castle.”

“Ah! Right, of course!” said Cheren. He pulled out a Poke Ball. “Emboar, you did an amazing job! Return!”

Emboar disappeared into his Poke Ball. Jim picked up Missy.

“Good job, girl. You get a good long rest, all right?”

She licked the tip of his nose in response, and he recalled her into her Poke Ball. June clambered back onto his shoulder, and Leanne picked up Oshawott, and they all clambered back into the plane.

“So, folks, where to?” asked Cedric.

“Hmm…I know!” said Jim, after a moment’s thought, “can you take us to Opelucid City?”

“Great idea!” said Cheren. “We can both get our final badges!”

“Can do, boys! Can do!” said Cedric, starting the ignition. “Next stop, Opelucid City!”

Leanne, who was looking out the window, suddenly cried out in alarm.

“Here they come!!”

“What?! Aw, no!”

“Hang on, kids! We’re booking it!”

With a jerk, the plane lifted up and off into the air. Down below, Jim could just barely pick out a mob of figures down below, and saw the vivid green hair of Ghetsis. They had made it out just in time…

“Something tells me they’re going to make their revenge big and fierce,” said Jim, looking down at the Light Stone in his hands. “This isn’t something they’re going to let fly easily.”

“I quite agree,” said Cheren. “For the meantime, I’d suggest tucking that away in your backpack. It wouldn’t do lugging it around for all to see.”

“Good point.”

With that, Jim opened his pack and carefully placed the Light Stone within it, where it nestled comfortably among his clothes.

“There. Out of sight, not quite out of mind.”

“So, Professor Cedric, how long will it take to get to Opelucid?”

“Oh, about an hour or two, Leanne, but that’s easily passed over. I might as well spend the night there myself. I’d like to have a word with Drayden myself.”

“Drayden?…Where have I heard that name before?” mused Jim.

“Isn’t he the Opleucid Gym Leader?” asked Leanne. “The one Iris mentioned in Castelia City?”

“Oh yeah! Now I remember!”

“Drayden happens to be a leading authority on the legend of the dragons,” said Cedric. “Opelucid City itself is steeped in ancient history.”

“Really? Then it sounds like this Drayden’s someone worth meeting for more than a Gym Badge.”

The ride continued smoothly from there on, and as the night wore on towards the midnight hours, they had long left the desert behind, and were approaching Opelucid City, the northern center-point of Unova…

***​

Back on ground level, Ghetsis remained where he was, supported by Giallo and Ryoku, his eyes fixed on the spot where his enemies had disappeared to. His face was a mask of inexpressible rage, all the more terrible because he didn't give voice to it. He had been duped out of the Light Stone, at a chance to finally one-up Jim, and he had suffered injuries to both his physical self and his pride...

"What is your bidding, Ghetsis?" asked Ryoku.

"...We shall return to our base," said Ghetsis, quietly. "This is only a minor setback...They shan't know what hit them when we finally strike...Enjoy your reprieve while you can, Stevens, for when you see what we have in store for you...you'll wish you'd stayed quietly at home..."

So saying, he allowed himself to be supported away by his faithful entourage into the dark of the night.

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 25
Drayden​

The travelers were too exhausted to look about them when they arrived in Opelucid City, and went straight for the Pokemon Center to rest up for tomorrow. It can be safely said, however, that no one was disappointed about that in the least.

Opelucid City was indeed, as Cedric had said, a town steeped in ancient history. All of the original foundations and structures of the town were still in place, giving it the appearance of a town that had been preserved in a snow globe or a photograph. When Jim first took a look about, he found it to his liking. He had always admired the archaic or ancient; it was quite interesting to him to see how things were and worked back in older days.

***​

The foursome exited the Pokemon Center bright and early the next morning, looking out at the gray stone houses and buildings.

“Intriguing…” muttered Cheren. “It’s as if time has stopped altogether…”

“Opelucid and its sister-city, Lacunosa, have a profound history connected to the dragons, a history they preserve with pride,” said Cedric.

“So, where do we find this Drayden?” asked Jim.

“Well, he happens to be the mayor of Opelucid, so I daresay we’d find him at home.”

“He’s the mayor and the Gym Leader? Isn’t there one Gym Leader in Unova not living a double life?…”

This wearied question brought a laugh out of Cedric.

“If there’s anything the Unova Leaders pride themselves on, Jimmy, it’s versatility.”

“Versatility isn’t the first word that comes to mind,” muttered Jim, “but lead the way, Professor.”

“All right, then. Follow me, kids!”

And Cedric led the way from the Pokemon Center down the main street of Opelucid, down the long line of ancient, preserved homes, coming at last to a house that stood out tall and prestigious among them all, a veritable mansion among them. A plaque on the door read, “Mayor Drayden”.

Cedric knocked, and the door was opened by a face that made Jim cry out in recognition.

“Iris!”

So it was! Iris, the girl who had helped them rescue Lilligant in Castelia City.

“Hey! I know you!” she said, a big smile on her face. “You’re the guys from Castelia! What’s up?”

“We’re here to speak to Drayden, my dear,” said Cedric. “Is he in?”

“Yeah. He’s downstairs training his Pokemon, but I can go fetch him if you want.”

“Please do, but only if it’s convenient for him.”

“Ok! I’ll be right back.”

And she shut the door.

“You know that girl?” asked Cheren.

“She helped us in Castelia City, when Leanne’s Lilligant was kidnapped by Team Plasma.”

“What?! Those scoundrels…But who is she?”

“From what we heard, she’s Drayden’s protégé, and a Dragon user. We saw her use an Axew admirably.”

“Hmm…”

The door opened again, and Iris appeared again, but this time she was accompanied by a man who must have been Drayden. He was a tall, brawny man, white-haired, with the lower part of his face hidden by a beard that more resembled a mask.

“Professor Cedric,” he said, in a gruff but civil voice, “if I’d known you would be stopping by, I would have been better prepared.”

“I do apologize, Drayden,” said Cedric, “but this was an impromptu arrangement, and an urgent matter. May I present Jim Stevens, his friend Cheren, and his friend Leanne, all Trainers.”

“Charmed,” said Drayden. “Welcome to Opelucid, young ones. What can I do for you? As mayor, I shall exercise whatever request you may ask, within my capacity.”

“We have two things to ask of you, sir,” said Cheren. “First, Jim and I wish to challenge you for our final Gym Badges.”

“Aha!” said Drayden, in a pleased tone, “splendid! I’ve been waiting for a new challenge for quite some time. Not many people pass through Opelucid these days, so I’ve seen fewer and fewer challengers.”

“And the other thing,” said Jim, “is that we’d like you to tell us what you know about the legendary dragons.”

Drayden raised an eyebrow.

“The legendary dragons?”

“Yes, sir. I have something in my pack that may explain our request, but we’d rather we spoke of it in privacy.”

“I see…Very well, you may come in.”

The four travelers stepped inside. Drayden’s home was of strict, almost militaristic architecture, very few decorative items except for a few knickknacks. They all took seats on a sofa facing Drayden’s armchair, and Iris sat cross-legged beside Drayden himself, who sat with arms crossed.

“Now, as I recall Iris telling me, two of you were in Castelia City when she was, and helped halt the escapades of Team Plasma.”

“Yes, sir, that was Leanne and me,” said Jim.

“Mm…I haven’t seen them personally, but from what Iris tells me, they’re low human beings…”

“They were!” said Iris. “They were gonna take away that poor Lilligant as if they had the right to!”

“You haven’t heard the worst of it, Iris…” said Jim, grimly, “but we’ll get to that later.”

“Yes, quite right,” said Drayden. “Now, you said you had something that would explain your reason for coming?”

“Yes, sir. It’s…this.”

And Jim slowly drew the Light Stone from his pack.

Drayden’s mouth was hidden beneath his beard, but the widening of his eyes plainly told his shock and amazement at seeing it. Iris, for her part, gaped with wide open mouth and staring eyes.

“The Light Stone…” murmured Drayden. “But then…if you have it…What does this mean?…”

“Please, sir, we need you tell us all you can, about the dragons, the heroes, and these stones, and what impact this has for us.”

“…Profound…Very well, you shall hear all. Now, let me see…”

Everyone leaned forward, eager to hear what Drayden would say.

“You are aware of the legend of the Heroes and the Dragons, then?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then you know that Reshiram sided with the Hero of Truths, and Zekrom sided with the Hero of Ideals.”

“Yes.”

“But were you aware they were once one dragon?”

“…I dimly remember that, sir,” said Jim.

“As do I,” said Cheren.

“Well, then, what many people do not know is that, when that dragon split into Reshiram and Zekrom…a third was created as well.”

Jim and Cheren’s eyes popped wide open.

“A third dragon??” asked Cheren. “But we never heard that in the legend!”

“That is because this dragon is shrouded in inconclusive mystery, but I have faith in this hypothesis. This third Pokemon, a ‘leftover’ of the diffusion, you might say, became Kyurem, a dragon of ice.”

“Kyurem?…”

“An ice dragon?”

“It currently resides in a cave outside Lacunosa Town, which is the very reason it possesses a high wall around it, in fear of a rampage. No one dares go near its dwelling, no one dares leave the protection of the walls…”

“Gosh…” breathed Leanne.

“But Kyurem has been silent for many years. There is no danger of it these days. In any case, we are straying off topic. You know how the legend goes from there?”

“We believe we do, sir,” said Jim. “The brothers fought, but the dragons, since they were once one, couldn’t beat each other, and ended up ravaging the land. They then went their separate ways, only for the feud to be renewed by their sons. After that, they once more dispersed, only to be summoned when the next in line to inherit them called them forth.”

“Nicely summarized,” said Drayden, “but that is where this stone, and its counterpart, come in. These stones were constructed so that Reshiram and Zekrom would only be called when the true bearer gained possession of it. Anyone else who attempted to take it, if they were of a particularly dark nature, would be repelled.”

(Just like Ghetsis...)

“There’s more to it, though. The hero must prove himself to be one who followed truth or ideals. Reshiram or Zekrom would only ally itself with the one who summoned it if they satisfied it with their answer.”

“Then N did satisfy Zekrom,” said Jim.

“What was that?”

“Drayden, sir,” said Cheren, “what he means is that the next Black Hero has already revealed himself.”

“W-What?! How? Who?”

“His name is N,” said Jim. “He’s…the leader of Team Plasma.”

“The leader?…Most troubling…”

“We saw him summon Zekrom with the Dark Stone up at Dragonspiral Tower.”

“A fitting place of summons, but no less disconcerting…to think Zekrom now roams free under the command of a human, let alone one affiliated with desperate renegades…And you, Mr. Stevens, since you possess the Light Stone…am I to assume you are the next White Hero?”

“So it would appear, sir,” said Jim, “but I really wish I wasn’t…”

Drayden raised an eyebrow.

“You really want me to say why? It should be clear why! I only wanted to be a normal Trainer, to travel Unova, see what it had to offer, compete in the League! Instead, I’m touted as some kind of idol, a perfect Trainer! All this fame surrounding what I’ve done has been causing me nothing but trouble since Day 1...Some days, I just don’t know why I go on…”

He put his face in his hands, while Cedric, Cheren, Leanne, and Iris looked at him with sympathetic expressions. Drayden, in a kinder tone, said,

“You have a humble heart, Jim, a heart full of truth…Perhaps that is why you were chosen. I understand your frustration at being cast into this situation, but it is nothing that can be amended. All you can do is take it in stride. When the time comes, all will become clear. For now, I would not summon Reshiram until it becomes absolutely necessary.”

Jim raised his head to look into the wise face of the Dragon master, and knew he was right.

“…Thank you, sir.”

“And this is all you can tell us, Drayden?” asked Cedric.

“For now, it is. This is all extraordinary, to think I would live to see a day like this. I sense dark times ahead, but all we can do is wait and take them as they come…”

There was a moment of silence for everyone to let this sink in, and all faces were grim. Though levels of understanding varied, all knew that Drayden was right, and no one liked to think of what the end result was going to be…

Drayden finally cleared his throat.

“Well, I know this isn’t an easy subject to break off from, but you boys also wished for a Gym Battle?”

“Yes, sir,” said Cheren, looking relieved to be on an easier topic.

“Well, normally, I would have you face me one at a time, but I have a better idea. One of you may face me, and the other…” He put a hand on top of Iris’s head. “can face Iris.”

“Huh?? Me?” asked Iris, surprised.

“Yes, my girl. You’re going to be my successor one day, are you not? Well, I want you to have a taste of what being a Gym Leader is like. Will you do it?”

“Yes, sir! I’ll do it!”

“Excellent! Does this suit you, gentlemen?”

“Very nicely,” said Jim. “If I may make a request, sir, can I choose to battle Iris? I’ve no doubt Cheren would want to battle you the most.”

Cheren looked at Jim in surprise, as if he never expected him to make this kind of sacrifice.

“A very noble decision,” said Drayden, approvingly. “Are we agreed, Cheren?”

“A-Agreed!” said Cheren, finding his voice. “I’d be honored to battle you, sir!”

“Then come to the Gym when you’re ready. Jim, Iris will lead you to where you will battle, and I shall do the same with you, Cheren.”

“Thank you, sir,” said both boys at once.

“And thank you very much for your time,” said Cedric. “Your talk has been most helpful.”

“Glad to have been of service. I hope to see you soon.”

And the group of 4 left Drayden and Iris, all with buzzing minds over what had taken place.

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 26
Jim vs. Iris​

“Are you sure, Jim? You could always battle Drayden.”

“Nah, Cheren. You deserve it much more than me. I’ve got a feeling Drayden’s gonna be a tough customer, but your Emboar looks just as tough.”

“Flattery only gets you so far, Jim, but I appreciate that. Good luck against Iris.”

“Thanks. You too.”

The two had returned to the Pokemon Center to evaluate their strategies, and, after a couple hours of pondering and evaluating, were now standing outside the Opelucid Gym, an imposing edifice of white stone, flanked by imposing, open-mouthed dragon statues. Leanne had accompanied them, wishing to watch Jim’s battle.

For Jim’s part, he didn’t have anything that was super-effective against Dragon-types, so he would have to go for power and tactics for the most part. He knew that Dragons were extremely resilient, except against Ice or their own type, and that, like Normal types, could learn a myriad of attacks. Still, he knew well enough to avoid thinking of using Pokemon that wouldn’t produce much of an effect. He was banking on standard damage if he couldn’t have it any other way, and Spade had just that.

He did, however, have Rok, who knew Dragonbreath, and was a powerhouse in himself, so he swapped him for Echo before leaving. Therefore, he was banking on Rok and Spade. Moreover, when trying to pick his team, Torrent had hinted at getting in on the fight, due to having an ‘ace up his sleeve’, one he had been working on while he and Torch were at Professor Juniper’s. What else could he do but trust him?

The doors opened, and there stood Drayden and Iris.

“Welcome,” said Drayden. “You both have come a long way to make it this far, and it’s now time for your final Gym challenge. Jim, follow Iris. Cheren, come with me.”

The two walked inside into an elaborately decorated chamber, like a foyer, with two doors branching off, each set into the mouths of stone dragons in the walls. Iris led Jim and Leanne through the door on the right, where they found themselves in an enormous room with no floor, but a stone battlefield held up by immense chains in the walls, the walls themselves lined with torches.

Jim couldn’t help but gulp as he looked at the dark expanse below, an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. Iris, on the other hand, leaped skillfully across the battlefield and onto the other side, a big grin on her face, as if this was all a game.

“I hope you’re excited about this as I am!”

“Well, I am fired up to battle,” said Jim, “but is this pit necessary?”

“Oh, don’t worry. Drayden wouldn’t risk Trainers losing their Pokemon down there. We’ve got a recovery Pokemon at hand if that ever happens.”

She gestured to something standing against the wall, which Jim had assumed was a decorative statue, but threw a scare into him when it suddenly turned its head to look at him and held up its hand in greeting, making Leanne yelped in fright. It was 9 feet tall, made of blue stone, wearing what looked like Roman armor and an odd patch on its chest. Jim brought out his Pokedex.

“Golurk, the Automaton Pokemon, and the evolved form of Golett. Golurk is said to have been the protector of the people who made it. If the patch on its armor is removed, the energy within it will go out of control.”

“So, that thing rescues Pokemon on the off chance that they fall off?”

“Yep! Watch!”

Golurk, all at once, tucked its arms into its shoulders, and its legs into the skirt of its armor, and began hovering in the air from roaring, fiery jets made from the apertures made from the retracted limbs. Jim and Leanne stared in astonishment, even after Golurk settled back into its old position again.

“Well, that’s comforting, I suppose,” said Jim.

“Great! So we ready?”

“Yeah. Let’s do it.”

“Yay! Leanne, do you think you can be our judge?”

“Huh? Me? Well, sure, I guess.”

“All right! Golurk?”

Golurk took off into the air once more and hovered right over to Jim and Leanne, floating within the expanse of the pit so that its head and shoulders were level with them. Leanne stared at it in puzzlement.

“I think it wants you to get on its shoulder,” said Jim.

“W-What?!”

“Go on!” said Iris. “It’s safe, I promise!”

“Oh, man…”

“Go on, Leanne. They’d never put anyone in danger on purpose. I’m sure this Golurk knows what it’s doing.”

Golurk gave a slight nod in affirmation, and Leanne, tentatively, with a look on her face that said she’d rather be doing anything else at the moment, eased herself onto Golurk’s shoulder. June and Oshawott opted to stay with Jim, neither one looking very trusting of Golurk. The Automaton Pokemon then floated back to its old spot, and Leanne called, from her spot,

“The, uh, Gym Battle between Jim Stevens and Opelucid Gym Leader-in-training, Iris, shall now begin! Uh…how many Pokemon?”

“Classic three on three,” said Iris.

“All right, then. This shall be a three on three battle with no time limit. The battle will end when all of one of the combatants’ Pokemon is unable to battle, and only the challenger can make substitutions. Go!”

Jim smiled. She had learned how this went from all the previous Gym Battles they had experienced.

“Then let’s go!” said Iris, drawing her first Poke Ball. “Deino, go!”

Out from Iris’ Poke Ball came a quadruped dragon, blue in color, but covered with a coat of black hair or fur over must of it, even over its eyes. Jim brought out his Pokedex again.

“Deino, the Irate Pokemon. Deino is unable to see, so it viciously attacks anything it senses before it. It possesses a voracious appetite.”

“A Dark Dragon…” muttered Jim. “Well, I’ve got a Pokemon who could take that. Spade, you’re up first!”

From Jim’s first Poke Ball came his faithful Excadrill.

“Ooh, an Excadrill!” said Iris. “Drayden always said Excadrill are one of Unova’s most versatile fighters.”

“Really? He does look like the kind of person who understands the power of Pokemon.”

“Definitely! He told me the best way to know a Pokemon’s true fighting strength is to experience it for himself. That’s why he trains his Pokemon by wrestling with them.”

“He wrestles with them??” asked Jim, bewildered.

A sudden flash went through his head of Drayden pinning a Beartic down to a wrestling mat effortlessly.

“Well, let’s go!” said Iris.

“Oh! Uh, right. Spade, start off with Drill Run!”

Spade encapsulated himself within his own claws, spun rapidly, and shot straight at Deino.

“Use Slam!”

Deino charged at the incoming Excadrill and rammed against him. Both were thrown back from the impact, and Spade unfolded himself.

“Wow. That’s one tough little dragon,” muttered Jim.

“We’re just getting started! Dragon Pulse!”

Deino breathed in, then exhaled an enormous stream of bluish-purple flames right at Spade.

“Dodge it, and go in for Metal Claw!”

Spade sidestepped, barely dodging the blast, and dashed at Deino, claws glowing silver.

“Crunch!”

Deino lunged and snapped its fangs down on one of Spade’s paws. This led into a struggle of wills, both pushing against each other to come out on top to make the next strike. Jim, however, already had an idea.

“Put a stop to this struggle, Spade! Rock Smash!”

Spade drew one arm black, claws glowing red, and socked Deino right in the face, making it release its hold. Deino snarled.

“Don’t like that, do you?” asked Jim. “Go back in for Metal Claw, Spade!”

Spade’s claws glowed silver again, and, with a swift swipe, raked them across Deino, tossing it back across the field.

“Hang in there, Deino!” encouraged Iris. “Use Dragon Pulse again!”

Deino breathed another bluish-purple flame, this time blasting Spade and throwing him back. Thankfully, this was Dragon fire and not ‘Fire’ fire, so Spade didn’t take any super effective damage.

“Shake it off, Spade,” said Jim. “Use Rock Smash!”

“Use Slam, Deino!”

The two Pokemon leaped at each other, Spade’s claws glowing red. Deino struck first against Spade’s chest, but Spade struck with his claws, throwing Deino back.

“Ok, Spade, give it another Drill Run!”

Spade once more bulleted for Deino in drill-shape, as Deino struggled back to its feet.

“Use Dragonbreath!” shouted Iris.

Deino let loose another blast of flames, only this one was white, and completely enshrouded Spade as he rocketed forward. He slammed into Deino regardless, who flopped across the battlefield, lying in a slump at Iris’ feet.

“Deino is unable to battle!” said Leanne. “Excadrill wins!”

“Good job, Spade!” said Jim, as Spade uncurled himself.

However, he suddenly flinched in a spasm of pain as electric sparks surrounded him.

“Spade?? What happened?!”

Iris laughed as she recalled Deino. “You may have taken Deino down, but it still left your Excadrill a little present: paralysis!”

(That Dragonbreath! Just like it did against The Guy’s Scrafty when Rok used it…How could I have forgotten that?)

“Now you’re gonna get it,” said Iris, as she pulled out her second Poke Ball. “Druddigon, go!”

The ball burst open, and the Pokemon that came forth really threw a startle into Jim. It was a bipedal blue dragon, but extremely intimidating in appearance. It was almost entirely covered in spikes and sharp ridges on every surface: its arms, its legs, its tail, even its wings were jagged. Its red head was a mass of sharp points, within which were two glaring yellow eyes. Jim brought out his Pokedex.

“Druddigon, the Cave Pokemon. It charges through narrow caves, catching prey in its sharp claws. The skin of its face is more resilient than stone.”

“Spade,” said Jim, “why don’t we switch you out? You might not be able to take this.”

“Ah’ll be fine, Jim,” groaned Spade, still sparking. “Ah ain’t out of the runnin’ yet…”

Jim couldn’t help looking at the plucky Excadrill with admiration for his stoutness, then said,

“Ok, do what you can.”

“Go!” said Leanne.

“Use Metal Claw!” said Jim.

Spade ran for Druddigon, claws glowing silver, though his movements were a lot jerkier, and a constant cringe was on his face as he ran.

“Druddigon, use Dragon Claw!”

Druddigon drew its arm back, the white claws on it glowing blue, and slashed at Spade, who struck with his Metal Claw at the same time, the attacks glancing off each other.

“Rock Smash!” said Jim.

Spade slammed a red-glowing claw into Druddigon’s underside, but all it did was flinch briefly. Its hide was tough…

Use Flamethrower, Druddigon!” commanded Iris.

(Flamethrower?! Oh no…)

Sure enough Druddigon breathed a stream of red-hot flames at Spade, who yelled out in pain as he was blasted back. Another surge of sparks surrounded his body, and he remained stock-still where he was.

“Oh no…”

“Oh yes! Druddigon, finish him off with Focus Blast!”

Druddigon pulled its arms back, a glowing blue ball forming between its pointed claws, then lobbed it straight at Spade, bowling him over and sending him onto his back.

“Excadrill is unable to battle! Druddigon wins!” said Leanne, in a rather regretful tone.

“Good job, buddy,” said Jim, recalling him. “You did a great job. Your defeat’s not gonna be in vain.” He drew a second Poke Ball. “All right, let’s show this Druddigon what happens when it messes with Team Jim! Rok, go!”

With a burst of light and a prehistoric caw, Rok appeared. Iris gasped, wide-eyed.

“No way! An actual Archeops! You are so lucky!”

“A little gift from the folks at Nacrene City. He’s gonna show you what happens when you take one of his comrades down.”

Rok unfurled his wings and cawed.

“Oh, really? Let’s see then,” said Iris, a big competitive smile on her face.

“Rok, start us off with AncientPower!”

Rok leaped into the air, cupping his claws together to form a glowing white orb between them, which launched for Druddigon.

“Focus Blast!”

Druddigon launched another glowing blue sphere from its claws, colliding with the AncientPower and creating an explosion of smoke.

“Now, Rok, Aerial Ace!” called Jim.

Rok soared through the smoke and struck against Druddigon, though he recoiled back a mere moment later with a cry of pain.

“Rok! What happened?”

“Druddigon’s Rough Skin,” said Iris. “Pokemon can’t make physical contact with it without getting damaged in return.”

(In hindsight, that should have been obvious…)

“Ok, Druddigon, use Flamethrower!”

“Rok, counter with Dragonbreath!”

Druddigon breathed a stream of red flames, but something happened with Rok. Rather than the white flames of Dragonbreath, he spewed a blast of bluish-purple fire, overwhelming the Flamethrower and blazing over Druddigon, who roared in pain.

“Rok…was that Dragon Pulse??” Jim asked.

“Yep! Me do good, Jim-friend?”

“Good? This could save our battle! Atta boy, Rok!”

“Oh, we’re not through yet!” said Iris. “Druddigon, Dragon Claw!”

Druddigon lunged, claws glowing blue.

“Use Crunch, Rok!”

Rok lunged himself, fangs glowing white. Druddigon swung, just missing Rok, as he arched his neck out of the way, and Rok bit down on Druddigon’s arm. Druddigon roared in agony, but in retaliation, struck at Rok with another Dragon Claw, knocking him away.

“Easy, Rok…”

“Druddigon, use Focus Blast!” commanded Iris.

“Dodge and use Dragon Pulse!”

Druddigon fired another Focus Blast, but Rok leaped into the air and sent another jet of flames down from above.

“Now, give us a big finale, Rok! AncientPower!”

Rok formed another glowing white orb between his claws, which he launched right at Druddigon.

“Druddigon, use Toxic!”

Jim’s eyes widened in surprise. Toxic??

Sure enough, Druddigon spat a glob of nasty purplish sludge just before the AncientPower struck it and knocked it flat, and Rok was splattered in the stuff. A sickly purple hue emanated from the Archeops’ body, and he looked ill.

“Rok!”

“Druddigon is unable to battle!” said Leanne. “Archeops wins!”

“But at a price…” muttered Jim. He looked at Iris, who was beaming proudly at how clever her last-ditch ploy had been. She recalled Druddigon.

“Rok, maybe we ought to switch out. You can’t keep up if you’re poisoned.”

“No, Jim-friend,” said Rok, in a groaning voice. “Me keep going…me still fight.”

“You sure?…”

“Me sure.”

“…You’re a staunch fighter, Rok. I’m proud to call you a teammate.”

Rok smiled, but it turned to a grimace from the poisoning.

“You’ve got some really gutsy Pokemon,” said Iris. “Although I’d say they’re more stubborn.”

“Well, that just goes to show you can’t keep them down, Iris,” said Jim. “Paralysis, poison, we’ll tough them all out!”

“Then tough it out through this!” said Iris, bringing out her last Poke Ball. “Fraxure, it’s all up to you!”

A Fraxure, just like the one Jim had faced in the Wonder Launcher challenge, appeared on the battlefield.

“Is that the Axew we saw in Castelia City?” Jim asked.

“It sure is!” said Iris. “I’m so proud! Now he’s a force to really be reckoned with!”

“Then let’s do this!” said Jim. “Rok, Dragon Pulse!”

“You too, Fraxure!”

Both Pokemon breathed streams of blue-purple flames, and Jim felt confident that, even though he was Poisoned, Rok would still come out on top, being fully-evolved. However, much to his bewilderment, Rok’s Dragon Pulse was overcome easily by Fraxure’s, and he was blasted backwards.

“Rok?? What happened?!”

Rok let out a groan of pain. Mixed in with the purple glow of the poison, there was also a sickly reddish glow unknown to Jim. He brought out his Pokedex.

“Defeatist, an Ability exclusive to the Archen family. When its stamina is depleted by half, Attack and Special Attack are halved.”

“What kind of Ability is that??” asked Jim, in a tone of mingled outrage and bewilderment. “Then again…maybe it’s to regulate his power. What a downer…”

“Not gonna try another attack?” asked Iris. “Then we will! Fraxure, Dragon Claw!”

Fraxure leaped at Rok, claws glowing blue, and slashed at him, throwing him even further back, right to the edge of the platform. Jim’s heart banged painfully in his chest as he saw Rok try to steady himself, one foot grasping the edge…

It was no good. Weakened by Poison, his own Ability, and the onslaught of Dragon attacks, Rok toppled over the edge.

“ROK!!!” Jim screamed.

“Oh no!” gasped Iris. “Golurk, rescue!”

In a blink, Golurk had activated its jets and descended into the pit, Leanne giving a yelp of surprise and fear as it did so. After several tense moments of looking into the blackness, Jim was relieved to see Golurk rise, carrying Rok in its arms. He was already out cold, unfortunately.

“Archeops is unable to battle,” said Leanne. “Fraxure wins.”

Rok was set down in front of Jim, who immediately dug into his pack and fed him a Pecha Berry followed by his usual Nepi Berry dip. After chewing it all up and finally swallowing, Rok opened his eyes.

“Rok, I’m so sorry…I shouldn’t have let you keep battling in your condition.”

“Not your fault, Jim-friend…Me wanted to battle. Me dumb one.”

“I still shouldn’t have let you go through with it…I hope you can forgive me.”

In response, Rok planted a big sloppy lick on Jim’s cheek and nuzzled his head against him. Smiling warmly, Jim hugged him around the neck, then held out his Poke Ball.

“You get a good rest, buddy.”

Rok vanished into the Poke Ball, and Golurk re-stationed itself in its former place.

“Well, Iris, for your first Gym Battle, you’re already keeping me on my toes. We’re both down to our last reserves. Drayden would be proud.”

“Aww, thanks,” said Iris. “You’re really giving me a good fight, too!”

“Well, then, it’s time to make this count,” said Jim, tossing his ball. “Torrent, let’s take it home!”

The Simipour appeared on the battlefield, arms crossed, all coolness and complacence.

“A Simipour? All right, then, let’s go! Fraxure, use Dragon Claw!”

“Torrent, Brick Break!”

Both Pokemon lunged at each other, claws and arm glowing. Unfortunately for Fraxure, Torrent’s arm was longer, and so he managed to land the hit first, avoiding contact with the Dragon Claw.

“Never mind, Fraxure. Use Dragon Pulse!”

“Use Scald, Torrent!”

Fraxure sent another blast of bluish fire while Torrent spat a stream of boiling water. The two attacks struck, but the draconic flames overcame the steaming jet of water and blazed over Torrent, who shielded his face with his arms.

“That’s it, Torrent. Take it like a champ!”

“You think you’re gonna get out of this easily? Think again! Fraxure, Dragon Dance!”

Fraxure suddenly stood quite still, closed its eyes, and raised its arms and head. At the same time, it began spinning in place like a top, sparking black electricity and red orbs of light swirling around it.

“What the heck is going on?” Jim asked, bewildered.

“Dragon Dance is an ancient practice of Dragon types,” said Iris. “A secret dance of power known only to them, making them stronger and faster.”

“Stronger and faster? Uh oh…”

“Now, Fraxure, Dragon Claw!”

Fraxure launched himself at Torrent at blinding speed, striking another hit on him.

“Torrent!”

“Again!”

Fraxure went in for another hit.

“Torrent, use Acrobatics! Get out of the way!”

This time, Torrent managed to somersault out of the way, Fraxure’s attack missing and nearly sending it over the edge as well. Then, all of a sudden, Torrent cupped his paws by his side, and an icy-blue ball formed within it. In the next instant, Torrent fired a bolt of the same color straight down, blasting Fraxure all the way back to its side of the field. Jim’s jaw dropped as Torrent landed back down.

“Torrent! Was that…Ice Beam??”

“You got it, Jim-bro!” said Torrent, with a grin. “How do you dig my secret weapon?”

“Oho, I dig!” said Jim, enthusiastically. “This couldn’t have come at a better time!”

“Oh, no fair…” groaned Iris, who did not looked pleased. “Does every Water type brought to the Gym have to know an Ice attack?…”

“Are you ok?” Jim asked.

“I just…don’t like the cold very much,” said Iris. “Ice types in general don’t sit well with me…”

“Well, I’m sorry for that,” said Jim, sincerely, “but shouldn’t a Gym Leader be ready to face anything? Even if it’s not in them to just hand a victory over, a Leader should at least be ready to face the odds when they look bad.”

Iris remained silent for a moment, weighing this in her mind, and then, finally said, with a smile,

“Yeah! You’re right! A little cold’s not gonna stop me!”

“Good! Then let’s go!”

“Fraxure, let’s do it! Dragon Pulse!”

“Dodge, Torrent, then use Scald!” said Jim.

Fraxure sent another blast of bluish flames, but Torrent leaped up to avoid it, firing a stream of boiling water from above. Fraxure was struck, but it didn’t just end up soaked. The dragon cringed, as a reddish glow surrounded it, much resembling flames.

“Fraxure! What happened??” asked Iris.

“Looks like Scald left a Burn behind,” said Jim. “Now your Pokemon has a pain that’s going to linger. It’s what you get for paralyzing Spade and poisoning Rok!”

Iris frowned. She didn’t seem to like that this was being amounted to payback for her earlier tactics.

“All right, then,” she said, in a serious voice, “it’s all or nothing, now. Fraxure, Dragon Dance, and then use Giga Impact!”

Jim gulped. Another boost of power, plus an already super powered charge attack?…

“Torrent,” he said to the Simipour, “get an Ice Beam ready. Give it everything you have, and I mean everything. I wish I didn’t have to keep asking this of you guys, but at this point, we have to take a few chances.”

“Got it, bud,” said Torrent, already geared for what was to come.

He cupped his paws at his side, brewing another glowing ball of icy energy at his side, which began growing bigger and bigger every second, as Fraxure performed its ancient dragon’s dance once more.

At last, Fraxure stopped and stood with feet spread apart in a belligerent stance, the red and black light around it blazing into a golden aura. By now, Torrent’s Ice Beam ball had grown to side of Druddigon’s Focus Blast, and the sweat was standing out on his brow.

“GO!” yelled Iris.

“FIRE!” yelled Jim.

Fraxure launched itself at Torrent like a missile, shrouded in golden fire. At the same time, Torrent threw his paws forward, an enormous icy bolt shooting from the sphere of energy, so cold that Jim felt it like a winter blast…

The beam and the impact struck right in the middle, frozen in midair as the two powers struggled for dominance, moving this way and then the next. Then, slowly but surely, to Jim’s disconcertion, Fraxure began inching closer and closer, cutting off the distance between it and Torrent little by little…

“Torrent…” Jim muttered in desperation.

Closer and closer…inch by inch…the pressurization of the Ice Beam being forced back was creating a frigid back draft that made Jim shudder. Torrent’s teeth were clenched in the effort to keep it together.

Then, all of a sudden, Torrent let out a yell that Jim had never heard him use before, and the Ice Beam seemed to surge forth with added power. The light and coldness intensified, and with a burst, exploded forth in a blast of blinding light, with the sound of a bomb.

Jim, despite shielding his face, felt his heart thump madly at the thought that Torrent might have toppled in from the recoil, and none of them would be able to see him soon enough to retrieve him…

The light and smoke died down, and the first thing Jim saw, to his unlimited relief, was that Torrent was still standing, inches from the edge of the battlefield, arms still held forward, panting heavily, dreadlocks disheveled. A long track was scratched across the surface of the field from the sliding impact of a body…Fraxure’s body. The dragon was sprawled out, out cold, so to speak.

Iris gasped, and Leanne called out, rather jubilantly,

“Fraxure is unable to battle! Simipour wins, which means the victor is the challenger, Jim Stevens!!”

He had done it…

They had done it…

They’d beaten their final Gym Leader challenge!

It took several moments for Jim to fully let it sink in, but when it finally struck, he let out a jubilant whoop that echoed throughout the chamber. Torrent, smiling weakly, very nearly tumbled off into the pit, but Jim caught him and dragged him over to their side.

“Torrent, you did it! We won! We won our final Gym challenge, all thanks to you!”

“No sweat, bro…” said Torrent, calm even in his state of weakness.

Jim embraced him with brotherly warmth, reciprocated by the faithful Simipour.

Iris, meanwhile, had helped Fraxure up, putting her arms around it.

“You were wonderful, Fraxure. Good job…”

Golurk, meanwhile, had set Leanne down, who immediately ran to Jim and pounced on him with a wild, ecstatic hug.

“You did it, Jim! You did it!”

To add to it, she even planted a kiss on his cheek.

“Thanks, Leanne,” said Jim, patting her back. “It wasn’t easy, but we made it…”

Feeling a pressure on his shoulder, he turned to see that June had regained her usual spot. He stroked her head.

“We made it, girl, and it all started with you. You saw me through to the very last Gym.”

“And I’ll see you through to the end of the League, and beyond that,” said June, warmly nuzzling his cheek. Iris crossed over.

“You were unbelievable, Jim!” she said. “I may have lost my first Gym Battle, but that was still awesome! You’re gonna go do great in the League!”

“Thanks, Iris. You really gave me a touch-and-go battle for your first time. I’m sure Drayden would have been proud to watch.”

Iris beamed, and then, clearing her throat, she held out her hand and said, in a more official tone,

“As apprentice Gym Leader of Opelucid City, it’s my honor to present to you, Jim Stevens, the Legend Badge.”

The badge in her hand was black, bordered with gold with a red spot within it, slightly resembling a medieval mace. Jim picked it up and held it up.

“And with that, this makes all 8: the Legend Badge!”

Somewhere, in the back of his head, Jim could swear he heard something like a victory tune playing. Such a momentous occasion did, to him, warrant some kind of fanfare…

“Well, gang, shall we go see how Cheren’s doing?” he asked, putting the badge away.

“Yeah, let’s!” said Leanne. “I’ve a feeling we missed a lot of it, though.”

“If I know Cheren, there’ll still be some fight left between him and Drayden…”

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 27
Cheren vs. Drayden
​

While that battle was going on, Cheren and Drayden had entered into their own battlefield. It looked very much the same, except Drayden’s had a whole, complete floor, and no bottomless pit. There were, instead, towering dragon statues and the same torches lining the walls. Drayden and Cheren took their spots on the field.

“Well, Cheren, you’ve come a really long way to get this far, and you may consider this your final test before the League. Do you believe you’re ready?”

“I know I’m ready, Drayden, sir,” said Cheren, confidently.

“Good! That’s what I like to hear! Now, we don’t have an official referee, as that was one of Iris’s duties, so I shall have to serve as mediator as well.”

“I have no problem with that,” said Cheren, adjusting his glasses.

“Good.”

Drayden cleared his throat, and said, in a booming voice,

“Today’s battle between the challenger, Cheren of Nuvema Town, and myself, Opelucid Gym Leader Drayden, shall now begin! This will be a three-on-three battle with no time limit. Only the challenger can make substitutions. Now, let the battle begin!”

Both drew their first Poke Balls.

“Gigalith, go!”

“Zweilous, you’re first!”

From the Poke Ball’s bursts of light appeared a Gigalith, recently evolved from Cheren’s Boldore, and a quadruped dragon, blue-scaled and covered in a thick coat of black hair or fur over most of its upper body, its necks and heads, except for its fanged mouths. Yes, the plural, because this creature possessed two heads on two long necks. A pair of thin wings covered its back. Cheren brought out his Pokedex.

“Zweilous, the Hostile Pokemon, and the evolved form of Deino. Zweilous’ heads do not get along, and every meal time is turned into an all-out battle. Because of this, Zweilous always overeats.”

“A Dark and Dragon type…” muttered Cheren, “then maybe I haven’t chosen wrong. Get ready, Gigalith!”

Gigalith stomped the field aggressively. Zweilous’ twin heads snarled.

“Let’s go, then!” said Drayden. “Zweilous, Dragon Rush!”

Zweilous swept into the air with its thin wings and, surrounding itself in a fiery blue veil that seemed to take on the shape of a dragon’s head, shot for Gigalith.

“Gigalith, Iron Defense!”

Gigalith tensed itself, and its entire body became enshrouded in a metallic silver glow. Zweilous bashed against it, moving it only a few inches.

“Most impressive,” said Drayden.

“Now, Power Gem!”

Gigalith opened its mouth and fired a beam of reddish light, blasting Zweilous backwards.

“Admirable tactics,” said Drayden, “but we have our own tricks up our sleeves. Zweilous, Earth Power!”

Zweilous reared up and slammed its front feet down hard on the ground, sending a line of geyser-like explosions straight for Gigalith, pausing before blasting him with one huge eruption from beneath. Gigalith cringed from the blow.

“Hang in there, Gigalith…” said Cheren. “Fight back with Earthquake!”

Gigalith raised one foot and slammed down on the ground, causing a violent tremor that sent Zweilous up into the air.

“Zweilous, Dragon Rush from above!”

Zweilous regained itself, swept its wings, and rocketed for Gigalith, once more cloaked in blue flames.

“Catch it in midair, Gigalith!” said Cheren. “Power Gem!”

Gigalith fired another red-colored blast from its mouth, striking Zweilous in midair, but it blasted right on through it, slamming into Gigalith and sending it back once more.

“That’s one tough Zweilous,” muttered Cheren, “but we’re just as tough!”

“All right, Zweilous, use Dragon Pulse!”

Both of Zweilous’ heads breathed streams of bluish-purple flames at Gigalith.

“Counter it with Flash Cannon!”

The crystals covering Gigalith’s body surged with red-orange light, and a glowing ball of silver light formed in its mouth, firing into a beam of the same color. The two attacks struck, but this time, Gigalith came out on top, the Flash Cannon blasting through the dragon flames and blasting Zweilous, who flew back and landed heavily on its feet.

“Keep it together, Zweilous,” said Drayden. “Use Earth Power once again!”

“Earthquake, Gigalith!”

Both Pokemon stomped the ground at the same time. However, the geysers from Zweilous’ Earth Power seemed to redirect themselves in the nauseatingly shaky tremors; the Earthquake was disrupting their path. In fact, it swung in an arc right back around and ended up blasting Zweilous from beneath instead.

“Impossible!” said Drayden.

“Now’s our chance, Gigalith!” said Cheren. “Flash Cannon!”

Gigalith fired another silver beam straight for Zweilous, blasting it right in midair. It dropped right to the ground, and did not get back up.

“Zweilous is unable to battle!” said Drayden. “Gigalith is the winner!”

He recalled Zweilous.

“Wonderful, Cheren. You’ve already demonstrated incredible power.”

“Thank you, sir. Gigalith has been one of the backbones to my team during my travels.”

Gigalith glanced at its Trainer upon hearing this.

“Excellent to hear. It certainly shows. However, my dragons and I have been through just as much, and more, over the years. This match is far from over! Druddigon, you’re next!”

Drayden tossed another Poke Ball, and out came Drayden’s own Druddigon. Cheren brought out his Pokedex.

“Druddigon, the Cave Pokemon. It charges through narrow caves, catching prey in its sharp claws. It rejuvenates its energy by absorbing sunlight through its wings.”

“Interesting,” remarked Cheren. “Let’s keep going, then, Gigalith!”

Gigalith growled and stomped its foot.

“Get ready, Druddigon,” said Drayden.

Druddigon growled and bared its claws.

“Gigalith, start us off with Power Gem!”

Gigalith fired off another reddish beam of energy from its mouth.

“Druddigon, dodge and use Superpower!”

Druddigon spread its rough-edged wings and dashed to one side, the beam blasting past it. Then, raising its arms with a rising roar, its entire body became surrounded by a bluish aura, and its body seemed to bulk up. It then charged at Gigalith, drew its arm back, and socked it right in the face, sending it skidding backwards.

Cheren grimaced. Superpower was a Fighting-type attack, and Gigalith’s Sturdy Ability only applied to attacks that could take it out in one hit at full health. Still, he couldn’t stop now. He had to press on. He shifted up his glasses and said,

“Gigalith, fight back with Earthquake!”

Gigalith raised one foot and slammed it against the ground, rocking the ground and sending Druddigon skyward with the force.

“Druddigon, use your vantage point to attack with Draco Meteor!”

Druddigon twisted itself around so that it was looming over Gigalith, then opened its mouth wide, a red-golden orb of light forming within it. With a bang like a cannon shot, the orb fired from its mouth, and as it traveled down, suddenly burst like a firework into countless streams of miniature missiles which curved like the bars of a cage and all converged on one point: Gigalith.

There was a reverberating explosion as Gigalith was thrown off its feet and onto its side, with a fall that shook the ground like another Earthquake. It did not get back up.

“Gigalith is unable to battle!” said Drayden. “Druddigon wins!”

Cheren, amazed at what he had just witnessed, recalled Gigalith.

“Good work,” he said. “Get a good rest.”

He pulled out his second Poke Ball.

“I was hoping I wouldn’t have to resort to this, but it looks like I have little choice. Beartic, you’re next!”

A Beartic, much like Brycen’s own, appeared on the battlefield. Drayden raised an eyebrow.

“Going for super-effectiveness, are we?” he asked.

“Type effectiveness doesn’t make a Pokemon the best on a team, Drayden,” said Cheren, “but it still makes it a force to be reckoned with.”

Beartic cracked its knuckles.

“Very well said,” said Drayden. “Let us get to it, then!”

“Gladly. Beartic, Ice Punch!”

“Druddigon, Superpower!”

Beartic lunged forward, its fist glowing with a frosty light, while Druddigon charged for Beartic, its body glowing blue. As Druddigon struck Beartic, Beartic swung its fist, slamming the Cave Pokemon right in the jaw. As Druddigon regained itself, it looked like it was already wearing down.

“Of course,” muttered Cheren, “Superpower packs a ferocious punch, but it also drains a Pokemon’s fighting force…We may have a chance.”

“I wouldn’t get too many ideas,” warned Drayden. “Yes, Superpower and Draco Meteor drain a Pokemon’s power, but that’s what the ‘dragon’s provision’ is for. Druddigon, Dragon Dance!”

Druddigon closed its eyes, relaxed its body, spread its wings, and began spinning in place, a smoky red and black aura surrounding it, supplemented by red orbs. When it finished, it let out a roar, the aura dissipating in a kind of shockwave. It didn’t look tired anymore…

“Smart move,” said Cheren, “but we’re far from finished as well! Beartic, Brine!”

Beartic spat a wild stream of water from its fanged mouth.

“Dodge, Druddigon, and use Dragon Tail!”

Druddigon leaped into the air upwards and forwards, the Brine soaring beneath it, and then somersaulted, swinging its tail, which had began to glow blue, and smacked Beartic on the back of the head with it, sending it flat onto its face.

“Come on, Beartic, hang in there…” urged Cheren.

Beartic struggled back onto its feet.

“That’s the spirit!”

“Your Pokemon are resilient, but that shall soon come to an end,” said Drayden. “Druddigon, Dragon Tail, once more!”

Druddigon launched itself once again, tail glowing.

“Dodge it, Beartic, and use Ice Punch!”

Beartic swerved out of the way as Druddigon swung its tail, narrowly missing, and then slammed its frosty fist into Druddigon’s face, sending it flying backwards, where it landed heavily. It shakily got back to its feet, growling.

“Yes, that’s the way!” said Drayden. “Keep that fighting spirit blazing, Cheren! That’s what I love to see! Druddigon, end this! Draco Meteor!”

Druddigon sprang up into the air, a golden-red orb forming between its jaws once more.

“Beartic, counter with Ice Beam!”

Beartic reared up, an icy-blue ball forming between its own jaws. The two Pokemon fired their attacks, the Ice Beam striking the Draco Meteor before it could split off. It blasted through it, en route for Druddigon, but unfortunately, this action split the meteor into several firework-like streams nonetheless, which rocketed toward Beartic. Both sides were struck in explosion-generating blasts, and when the smoke cleared, both Druddigon and Beartic were sprawled out on the battlefield, out cold.

“Both Druddigon and Beartic are unable to battle! This round is a draw!” announced Drayden.

“Shame,” said Cheren, as he recalled Beartic. “I was counting on you to see me through a little further in this battle.”

“Good work, Druddigon,” said Drayden, recalling Druddigon. “Get a good rest.” He then said, aloud to Cheren, “Well, Cheren, we’ve both reached our final combatants. Let’s hope you brought your best for this final round.”

“I always do!” said Cheren, drawing his last Poke Ball. “Emboar, see me through to victory!”

In a burst of light, the enormous Emboar appeared, fiery beard blazing brightly.

“Ah, an Emboar. A true powerhouse. And now I shall reveal mine…”

Drayden drew his final Poke Ball.

“Haxorus, go!”

From the Poke Ball came a towering, intimidating draconic Pokemon, covered in greenish-yellow armor with black on portions of its underside. Two tusks, shaped like axe blades, protruded from its mouth. Cheren brought his Pokedex.

“Haxorus, the Axe Jaw Pokemon, and the evolved form of Fraxure. Despite being relentless in guarding its territory, Haxorus possesses a kind nature. Its tusks have the power to slice through steel beams without losing any of their sharpness.”

“Two titans duking it out in a final confrontation,” said Cheren. “A perfect climax!”

“I couldn’t agree more. Let us begin! Haxorus, Earthquake!”

Haxorus raised its heavy tail and slammed it against the ground, creating a violent tremor throughout the arena, just as it had when Gigalith had done it. Emboar gritted its teeth and stood his ground, though he was jostled unpleasantly.

“Hang in there, Emboar,” encouraged Cheren. “Use Head Smash!”

Emboar scraped at the ground with his foot, like a bull about to charge, and indeed did charge, a whitish light surrounding his head like a shield. He bashed right into Haxorus, knocking it back and making the claws on its foot scrape against the stone of the battlefield.

“So, that’s what you throw against us, is it?” asked Drayden. “Splendid. Haxorus, Outrage!”

Cheren felt an involuntary tremor go through his frame. Outrage was one of the most devastating Dragon attacks, next to Draco Meteor, all the more dangerous because it left the user confused after it had ceased.

Haxorus snarled, a red aura surrounding its body, and even its eyes glowing red. With a roar, it pounced at Emboar, claws bared, and began striking at him with a fury and vigor horrible to behold, like a wild beast in the jungle attacking its prey. Emboar was struck left and right, holding his bulky arms up to try and stave off the onslaught.

“Emboar!” yelled Cheren. “Fight back! Use Hammer Arm!”

Emboar had Haxorus in a furious stalemate, claws locked and pushing at each other back and forth for dominance. At last, however, Emboar managed to through Haxorus off, raised one of its arms, which began to glow a fiery white, and slammed it full force on Haxorus’ skull, knocking it for a loop. Emboar took a second swing to knock it away again. Haxorus swayed on the spot, dazed, but shook its head vigorously to clear its senses.

“Most impressive,” said Drayden. “Your Emboar possesses exceptional strength. Keep it going! Haxorus, Earthquake, once again!”

“Jump, Emboar, and use Flamethrower from above!”

Haxorus once again slammed its tail against the ground, but Emboar leaped up into the air, avoiding the attack. From there, he snorted a wild stream of flames from his snout down at Haxorus, who growled and shielded itself with its arm against the onslaught.

“Now go in for another Hammer Arm!” commanded Cheren.

“Dodge it, and use Dragon Claw!”

Emboar dived toward Haxorus, arm glowing once again, but Haxorus sidestepped, causing the blow to miss, and struck at Emboar with its glowing-blue claws, tossing it back across the field. Emboar re-steadied itself, but it looked worn out, tired. It was panting heavily, and its body was scuffed here and there.

(Emboar’s losing steam. Chances are Drayden’s going to pull one super-powerful finishing move. If he does, then I’ll have to go all out…)

“This battle has gone on long enough,” said Drayden, “and it’s time to see the final result of this clash of the titans. Haxorus, prepare for Giga Impact!”

(And there it is…)

Haxorus crouched, body tensed and ready, and a white fire began to surround it.

“Emboar, you’re gonna have to give it everything you’ve got here,” said Cheren. “Time to break out Wild Charge!”

Emboar nodded, stomped the ground, and tensed himself as well. An electric aura began to surround his hulking frame…

Both Pokemon launched themselves at each other at the same time, Haxorus rocketing forward like a flaming missile, Emboar dashing forward shrouded in lightning. Neither Trainer nor Gym Leader kept their eyes from what was about to happen…

There was a tremendous explosion that rocked the entire arena, the fire of the Giga Impact and the lightning of the Wild Charge culminating in a blinding flash that left both Cheren and Drayden unable to see. There was, also, a deep cracking noise, as if the stone floor had actually split from the impact.

It took a while for both to finally adjust their eyes, and what they saw when they did left them silent with anticipation.

Emboar and Haxorus had stopped with their heads pressed together, glaring into each others’ eyes, both looking very battered. Neither of them moved. Neither of them even appeared to be breathing. They were as still as statues, as if the scene were a recreation of the climax of some terrific war.

Then, all of a sudden, Emboar finally managed to back up, and Haxorus, without the support, toppled forward and crashed to the ground. Cheren clapped a hand to his mouth, and even Drayden looked stunned, but at last, he boomed,

“Haxorus is unable to battle! The winner is Emboar, and the victor of this match is the challenger, Cheren!”

Cheren’s dumbstruck face slowly altered into a look of wild joy, and he let out a jubilant laugh as he threw his fist skyward. He rushed over to Emboar, helping the faltering Mega Fire Pig to stay on his feet.

“Well done, Emboar! You did it! You won us our final badge! I’m proud of you, partner.”

Emboar weakly smiled and put a half-supportive, half-brotherly arm around Cheren. Drayden, meanwhile, recalled Haxorus.

“Well done, old friend,” he muttered. “You put up a magnificent fight.”

He then crossed over to Cheren.

“Well, Cheren, you told me you would bring your best, and I was not disappointed. If you continue to battle like this, the League is going to have a new Trainer to watch out for. Well done.”

“Thank you, sir. I’m honored to have had the chance to battle you,” said Cheren.

Drayden held out his hand, a badge in his hand, resembling a black and gold medieval mace.

“As the official Gym Leader of Opelucid City, it is my honor, duty, and pleasure to confer onto you the Legend Badge!”

With a trembling hand, Cheren accepted it, holding it up to look at it.

“Finally…” he muttered. “I’ve made it. I’m league-bound! Watch out, Alder, here I come!”

Emboar gave an affirmative grunt, a shower of sparks snorted from its snout.

“Well, Cheren, shall we see how Jim and Iris have fared?” asked Drayden.

“Let’s!”

Cheren recalled Emboar, and the two stepped out of the battle-scuffed arena, Cheren’s heart swelling and his mind afire with wild hopes.

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 28
Enter Paradise
​

By an extraordinary chance, both Trainers met each other in the lobby at roughly the same time,

“Jim!”

“Cheren!”

“How did you do?”

“Great! We won! See?”

Jim held up his newly-acquired badge.

“Excellent! So did we!”

And Cheren held up his own badge.

“Awesome! We’re league-bound, pal!”

“My thoughts exactly, old friend!”

And the two exchanged a hearty handshake. Drayden and Iris approached each other.

“I’m not sure how the battle went, since I wasn’t present,” said Drayden, “but I’m quite sure you performed splendidly, my girl.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Iris, humbly.

“And now, gentlemen,” said Drayden, turning to Jim and Cheren, “as you might know, the League will commence at the opening of spring, so I hope you have plans for where to spend the winter. It’s a long way back to Nuvema Town from here, and the winter frosts are already approaching.”

Iris shivered and wrapped her arms around herself.

“I hate the cold,” she said.

“I’m not a fan of it, either,” said Leanne.

“Well,” said Jim, “Alder told Leanne and me that Undella Town might offer a good wintering locale.”

“Alder? You’ve met the Champion himself?” asked Drayden, in reverent interest.

“He helped us in securing the Light Stone,” answered Jim.

“Astounding…Well, then, yes, I would trust to the Champion’s judgment. He is a man of the world, and knows his way around. With that said, I wish all three of you the best of luck, and hope to hear of how you do in the League.”

“Good luck, you guys!” said Iris, in a chipper voice.

“Thanks, both of you,” said Jim. “Take care.”

And the three Trainers exited the Gym, the doors closing with a satisfying finality behind them.

“We did it, Jim,” said Cheren, in a satisfied tone. “As of now, the League has two new Trainers to worry about!”

“I couldn’t agree more, Cheren,” said Jim. “What do you say we see if Professor Cedric can help us beat the freeze, after we heal up?”

“Good idea,” said Cheren. “We might as well tell Professor Juniper about our accomplishment as well.”

“She’ll flip when she hears,” said Jim, with a laugh.

“That’s an understatement,” said Cheren, laughing in turn.

It can be said, despite this joviality, that Leanne was the happiest among the three of them, as it warmed her heart to see these two laughing freely with each other, just like the old times that must have been before that dramatic day outside Nacrene City…

“8 badges?? You and Cheren both?? That’s unbelievable news!”

It was indeed an understatement that Professor Juniper would ‘flip’ when she heard the news. She looked absolutely thrilled, and Jim could even see Echo flapping behind her, his bat face aglow with joy.

“You two have come such a long way,” the professor went on. “Your parents will be so proud when they hear. I know I certainly am.”

“Thanks, Professor,” said Jim, “but it’s all thanks to my team that I even got this far. Speaking of which, as soon as Rok is healed up, I’m going to send him back for Echo.”

“All right. Did you get to see his secret weapon?”

“I sure did. I had no idea he’d learned Dragon Pulse!”

“You can imagine my surprise when he first used it here…in the lab…” she added, regretfully.

“Oh. Oops.”

“Well, no one said looking after a prehistoric Pokemon would be a bed of roses. If he helped you win, though, he must be coming along great.”

“He really is, Professor. Anyway, we’re planning to beat the winter by spending it in Undella Town.”

“Undella Town! Wonderful idea! It’s gorgeous there, and there isn’t usually that much activity outside of summer. You should enjoy some peace and quiet there before the League.”

“Exactly what we want,” said Jim. “Well, we’ll talk to you again later, Professor. Give our best to the folks!”

“You bet, Jim! Take care, both of you!”

“Bye, Professor!” said Cheren.

The X-Transceiver feed winked out, just as the Pokemon Center intercom rang. Jim and Cheren retrieved their Pokemon, and Jim carried out the exchange of Rok for Echo. Then, he called forth all of his Pokemon for Cheren to see. He seemed particularly impressed to see Spade an evolved Excadrill.

“Well, guys,” said Jim, “we did it. We’ve gotten past the 8th Gym, and we’re set to take on the League in the spring!”

Jim’s team gave a clamorous cheer, exchanging high-fives and hugs all around.

“I want to thank all of you,” said Jim, his voice growing husky. “I know we’re not at the League yet, but you guys made it all possible for us to get this far…You’re more than my Pokemon, you’re more than my team…You’re even more than my friends…You’re my family.”

The six Pokemon seemed struck by these warm-hearted words. Of course, they had known that they were part of Jim’s Pokemon team, but to be directly called part of his family? Cheren and Leanne looked at Jim in awe.

“I mean every last word,” said Jim. “The 7 of us, Jolt, Rok, even Croco…we’re all in this together, and I love each and every one of you.”

The more sentimental Pokemon (Echo and Missy) grew teary-eyed when they heard this, while those of stronger natures (June, Spade, and the Simi Brothers) merely smiled.

“We love you too, Jim,” June finally said. “Through all of our trials and tribulations, you’ve stood by us and never gave up on us…We owe as much to you as you owe us…I think I speak for all of us when I say we too see you as family…”

“Aw, you guys…” said Jim, the huskiness in his voice becoming more pronounced.

“Group hug!” cried Missy.

Without further preamble, Jim was tackled into a sitting position by Missy, and the rest of his team swarmed him in a warm group hug, much like the one that comforted him after the disastrous argument with Cheren in Nimbasa City, with the exception that Spade was where Croco had been. Jim was able to worm his arms free to envelop the group in an embrace of his own.

Her eyes moist with tears, Leanne cradled Oshawott to her chest, Jim’s words having revived the thought of her closeness with the little Water-type. Oshawott, stoic but not above affection, warmly nuzzled his mistress. Cheren, for his part, watched the whole scene with a smile on his face. While seeing Jim’s treatment of his team made him regret even more the coarse way he had once thought of him, it also gave him a feeling of pride for his old friend. Even in his youth, Jim had been a boy of a big heart, and this display of familiar love for his Pokemon was a true display of that trait, one of those he’d always admired in him.

When the group finally broke up, Jim stood up and said,

“Until it’s time for the League, we’re all going to Undella Town to spend the winter.”

“Radical!” said Torrent. “Sun, surf, and sand! Just the way I like it!”

“Ah! Speaking you two,” said Jim, looking at Torch and Torrent, “a little while ago, we had the distinct honor of seeing the Champion, Alder.”

The group of Pokemon gasped. Those who hadn’t been present looked to June for verification, since they knew she was always at Jim’s side.

“It’s true,” she said.

“I told him about the act you guys have been trying to revive,” Jim went on, “and do you know what he said?”

Torch and Torrent looked at each other, unsure where Jim was going with this.

“He said he would be honored if you two and Lilligant could perform for the opening ceremony at the League.”

The two Pokemon’s eyes popped wide open, utter shock and bewilderment on their faces. They looked as if they did not believe they had heard what they had just been told.

“What do you think?” asked Jim. “Now you guys can pay your tribute to Meloetta, just like you wanted.”

“Jim…that…I don’t even…the League…” stammered Torch.

Then, with a swooning sigh, he collapsed onto his back and fainted. Torrent, though he was of a sturdier nature, followed suit without a word.

“I think they’re excited,” said Leanne, while Cheren stared in utter bemusement.

***​

Professor Cedric was very pleased to hear of the results of the boys’ Gym battles, and was also more than happy to ferry them to Undella Bay. He thought the idea of wintering there brilliant, and praised the ingenuity of Alder for coming up with it. He, himself, had other plans, but would drop them off there, see that they got situated, then be on his way again. Therefore, later that day, the three teens once again piled into the little plane, and they took off from Opelucid, flying eastwards towards Undella Bay, a trip that would take at least 5 hours, by Professor Cedric’s reckoning.

This time, the ride was much more relaxed than the previous flights, and the three chatted freely about this and that. Now that they were on good terms once more, Jim and Cheren compared each others’ journeys up to that point, marveling at Jim’s accounts of his misadventures with Team Plasma, the way he had befriended and built up his team, and how he conducted his Gym battles. Some of the things he seemed most impressed with were acquiring Rok, fighting the Scolipede in Pinwheel Forest, his performance in the Nimbasa Battle Tournament, how maturely he had handled trading Croco for Spade, his encounters with Team Plasma, and of course, the way he handled his Gym battles.

As for Cheren, before he had encountered Alder, he had made it his goal to train his Pokemon to be the most unstoppable fighting forces he could rear. This wasn’t to say that he had been a hard master; he cared about his team greatly, but he admitted that he had let his drive to become the next Champion cloud his better judgment. Still, his descriptions of his harrowing Gym Battles filled Jim and Leanne with amazement, as they carried a combination of brute force and tactical thinking. He also had not seen Bianca since Nimbasa City, which Jim explained for him, since she had gone back toward Nuvema Town on request of Professor Juniper. Cheren, too, was puzzled why she had been asked for such an errand, but never knew the professor to give a request without a good reason. He hoped they’d be able to meet up again sometime before the League.

Evening was falling when the plane finally touched down on a long strip of sandy beach. They had finally arrived in Undella Town, a small but lovely tropical town, at the easternmost end of Unova. It overlooked a picturesque bay said to hold ancient ruins in its depths, so deep-sea divers often haunted Undella Town in the hopes of uncovering new treasures or artifacts in these ruins. As Jim and the others had hoped, despite the oncoming winter, the weather wasn’t hot, nor was it cold, but possessed a pleasant coolness in between. The little beach town was dotted with beautiful villas and small houses overlooking the seaside. Jim had even heard rumors that Undella Town was going to be the starting point of an ambitious future project to create an underwater passageway to the very northeast of Unova. Jim had never heard of what was up there, but thought the idea was pretty neat.

The group exited the plane, glad to finally have a chance to stretch their legs and step out into Undella Town.

“I’ll see that you kids are situated,” said Cedric, “before heading off.”

“Where do we go, though?” asked Leanne. “Is there someone we talk to?”

Before anyone could offer an answer, someone ran up to them from across the way: a tanned man in a Hawaiian shirt and swim trunks.

“Excuse me,” he said. “Are you Jim Stevens, Leanne, and Cheren?”

The three looked at each other in astonishment.

“Yes, sir,” said Cheren. “How do you know?”

“I’m the mayor of Undella Town,” said the man. “We received a visit from the Champion himself not too long ago, and he asked me to be on the lookout for three young Trainers who would be spending the winter in our little town. He has asked to me inform you that your stay has been generously paid for by none other than himself.”

Jim’s jaw dropped. Leanne put a hand to her mouth, and Cheren wiped his glasses on his shirt.

“He…he did?” asked Jim.

“Quite a surprise to me, as well,” said the mayor. “You must be well acquainted with him.”

“We have met, yes,” said Jim, “but I never expected him to do something like this. We’ll have to thank him when the time comes.”

“In the meantime,” said the mayor, “let me be the first to welcome you to Undella Town. The villa reserved for the three of you is that one over there.”

He pointed to an attractive beachside villa, two stories, sitting in a grove of palm trees.

“3 bedrooms, two bath, all the fixings already prepared. If you find yourself needing anything, we have a few stores in the urban part of the town. Incidentally,” he added, “you’ve come at a wonderful time. We’re hosting our annual winter festival over the Christmas week. You don’t want to miss that.”

“We certainly won’t,” said Jim. “Thank you very much.”

“My pleasure,” said the mayor. “Here is the key to the villa. Do enjoy your stay during its duration.”

He handed Jim a key, shook hands with all three of them, and then departed.

Jim turned to his friends, who all looked mystified.

“…Well,” Cheren finally said, “this is a most welcome surprise.”

“Yeah!” said Leanne. “That was really nice of Alder to pay for a whole villa for us!”

“Well, who are we to look gift horses in the mouth?” asked Jim. “Let’s check out the villa!”

***​

The villa, from the inside, was like paradise. Comfortable, cool, decorative, it had everything they needed. The rooms were clean, the hard floors slick and shiny, the carpeted floors freshly vacuumed. There was a patio in the back with a pool attached, and a balcony on the second floor. There was a large living room, a kitchen, a dining room, the three bedrooms, and the two bathrooms.

It was perfect.

Cedric gave a low whistle.

“Well, kids, you’re going to be more than well provided here,” he said.

“I can hardly believe it myself, sir,” said Cheren. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like to stay? Someone as busy as you must need a rest.”

“As much fun as that sounds, my dear boy,” said Cedric, “I’m afraid someone as busy as me doesn’t have time to rest. I’m going to take a stopover in Nuvema Town, though, and see how that girl of mine is faring. It’s been months since I saw her last. You three take care of yourselves, all right? I want to hear good things about you when the League comes around.”

“We’ll make you proud, sir!” said Jim, and he and Cheren both heartily shook Professor Cedric’s hands. Leanne shook his as well, but not with so much energy.

“It was great to meet you, Professor,” said Leanne.

“And it was an equal pleasure of mine, Miss Summers,” said Cedric. “Well, I’ll be off then. See you again, kids!”

With a merry wave, Cedric made his way down the beach and back to the plane. With a loud, sputtering rumble, the plane rolled off down the beach and took off into the sky westwards. Just like that, he was gone.

“I’m sorry to see him go,” said Jim. “He’s a lot of fun.”

“Assuredly,” said Cheren.

“Well, boys,” said Leanne, clapping her hands together, “we’ve got the whole winter before us, and a beach villa to spend it in! What do we do first?”

“Dinner and bed, I’d reckon,” said Jim, letting loose a loud yawn. “I’m exhausted…”

“Let’s make a meal out of our provisions at hand,” said Cheren. “We can walk down to the city part of Undella and purchase some groceries tomorrow.”

“Good idea,” said Jim.

And the three went back inside the villa, shutting the door behind them. Their winter break had begun.

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 29
Unexpected Company​

How can those long weeks in Undella be described?

Jim had never felt so relaxed in all his life. Ever since he left home, he had been continuously wandering, hardly ever stopping to stay in one place. Now that there was nowhere else he needed to go until it was time for the League to begin, he had the chance to finally kick off his shoes. There were no battles to have, no cities to travel to, no badges to seek: just complete and utter rest and relaxation. He could almost hear his feet crying with joy when he first let them dip into the cool waters of the villa pool.

The warmer weather and nicer climate also finally gave him the chance to change his wardrobe. Nowadays, he could be seen around the villa or on the beach in a T-Shirt and shorts, his jacket and pants packed away. He also invariably wore his hat still, whenever the weather suited him.

What satisfied him, moreover, was seeing his friends unwinding. Cheren had always been stuffy and a little uptight, but even he couldn’t stay buttoned up in such a tropical paradise. He finally hung up that snappy jacket and tie and reverted to a beach ensemble much like Jim’s. He looked rather embarrassed to be in clothes outside his usual element, but he and Jim had a good laugh over it.

As for Leanne, she had always been dressed a little more casually than the boys, but that didn’t stop her from changing her wardrobe as well. She reverted to a T-Shirt, one that was a bit looser on her pudgy frame, and a pair of shorts, like her male friends, but often spent the day in a green one-piece swimsuit. It took an effort for Jim not to stare at her when she was wearing this; not because her round figure was more pronounced, but because she also let her hair down, and he had to admit that she looked…even more attractive when her hair was out of its ponytail.

If the humans were relaxed, it was nothing on how their Pokemon felt. With no battles to tire them out, they enjoyed complete and utter bliss, as Jim and Leanne let all of theirs out of their Poke Balls. Cheren did, invariably, let out his team, but not often, since his whole team was composed of larger, fully-evolved Pokemon that would have made the villa cramped, and then, only to train, so Jim only caught fleeting glimpses of his team: Emboar, Gigalith, and Beartic were all he saw at any given time.

June and Oshawott spent most of their time together, and Jim rarely saw her for most of the day for a good majority of their vacation, mostly seeing her at mealtimes or if she should chance to relax at the beach or the pool. Then, she would curl up on his lap or chest, and he would stroke her smooth, scaly back. Jim didn’t feel hurt by her absence, however. On the contrary, he was glad she was able to spend some real quality time with her lover. She seemed…happier, more free with herself, more apt to laughing. Oshawott was still his usual charismatic self, but now he had someone almost as jovial as himself.

Echo, too, was scarce much of the time. He would spend his time either sleeping in the trees or flying around with Tranquill. Ever since that battle with Skyla, the two had grown very close, and sometimes would merely sit together, nestled side by side, looking out at the sea, and at the aquatic Pokemon that would often breach its surface. It made Jim smile to see his Courting Pokemon courting his own mate, as it appeared. Tranquill, too, showed signs of complete contentment whenever she was with her goofy companion.

Missy was one of the Pokemon Jim couldn’t seem to be away from for long. Wherever he was resting and she was nearby, she would snuggle up next to him or on his lap, looking very cozy. He didn’t mind. In fact, he felt as though he had been neglecting her lately, with the others being the more frequent battlers. Therefore, he spent much of the time she was with him idly petting her, giving her belly rubs, occasionally feeding her a bit of fruit or her Pokemon chow. Leanne, too, would show her every care and devotion, and spent long whiles brushing her soft, short fur.

Torch and Torrent spent much of their time down at the beach with Lilligant. Sometimes, Jim noticed, they would play around at the edge of the water, laughing, more than they probably had in ages ever since the accident. Other times, they seemed to be going through deliberate dance steps and different tricks with their attacks, Torrent directing them. He could only guess that they were trying to make sure everything went perfectly when they performed for the opening ceremony. Still, it made his heart swell to see Torch no longer meek and timid, but beaming and jovial. Lilligant, too, looked very happy and was quite chatty with them. Torrent was his usual calm, complacent self, but Jim knew deep down, he was the happiest of all of them.

Spade also spent a lot of his time down at the beach. He would spend hours at a stretch digging long tunnels, slowly and deliberately, with his broad claws, or making sand sculptures. Jim was surprised at how talented he was at this sand art. Within a week’s deliberate sand-packing, he made scale models of Jim’s whole team, including Rok and Jolt, which must have taken ages, given how they were the tallest members of the crew. His attention to detail was also astonishing; he got everyone’s facial features exactly right, something that couldn’t have been easy with such big claws. He even made Missy’s little bow around her neck. Cheren was the most interested in his work, and although he couldn’t talk with him on the same level as Jim could, he would sit and watch Spade work, the Excadrill appreciating the company.

Ever since the skirmish in Chargestone Cave, Zorua and Larvesta seemed to have grown fond of each other. Both were roughly the same age, Zorua just a cub while Larvesta was barely a hatchling, and so would spend a lot of their time together. Zorua would amuse Larvesta by transforming into the others, while Larvesta continually worked to try and get some of his moves down. He already knew Flame Wheel, but also demonstrated having learned Bug Buzz recently, something the gang found out in an unpleasant surprise, when he displayed it one night at dinner, rattling their dishes and silverware nearly to the point of shattering. Still, no one could fault the little guy for progressing, and Leanne was especially proud.

Whenever the quiet of the beach got to them, the three of them would take a walk down to the more urbanized part of Undella Town, taking a walk down its main street and browsing past the shop windows. In these walks, they found out more about the upcoming festival during the Christmas week. It was to feature a swap meet, live battles, Musical demonstrations, and much more. Most prominent of all was the chance to meet Trainers outside of Unova. It definitely sounded like something Jim would like to see.

It was mid-November when the gang came to Undella Town, and it was mid-December, one week before the Christmas festival, when something truly wonderful happened.

Jim was at the beach, stretched out on a lawn chair, wearing sunglasses. June was curled up on his lap, her tail splayed out to catch the sun’s rays on her tail leaf. Leanne was reading in a chair next to him, Oshawott scribbling something on a piece of paper. More poetry, most likely.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over Jim, and June shifted restlessly, the presence of the sun absent from her. Jim looked up. He couldn’t see who was in the way, but it looked like a medium-sized Pokemon.

“Can I help you?” he asked, drowsily.

He lifted his sunglasses, and found himself looking up at a Dewott, who was looking at him intently and silently.

Leanne set her book down to look curiously at the Dewott, Oshawott looking at it with faint dislike.

“What does he want?” Leanne asked Jim.

“I don’t know,” said Jim, puzzled. “I don’t know any Dewott, do I?”

“If he’s expecting a handout,” said Oshawott, grumpily, “I wouldn’t be surprised. Some Pokemon can be such unscrupulous beggars.”

The Dewott didn’t say a word. Finally, June, in irritation, woke up to see who was blocking their sun. As she did so, she caught its eye, and she gave a slight gasp.

“What is it, June?” asked Jim.

“Do you know this intruder, darling?” asked Oshawott.

“…I think I do,” she said, “but it’s impossible…You’re Bianca’s Dewott, aren’t you?”

The Dewott, with a slight smile, put a paw to its chest and bowed its head in a noble way. Jim was very much confused, and so was Oshawott.

“Bianca’s? But then, what are you doing all the way out here?”

“That’s Bianca’s Dewott?” asked Leanne, equally surprised. “But that doesn’t make any sense! If he’s here, where’s his Trainer?”

There came a giggle from just behind Jim, a giggle Jim recognized. He turned in his seat, and there, beaming like the sun, was-

“Bianca!!”

So it was! Bianca herself! But somehow, she looked…different. Gone were the white shirt and orange stockings, or even the blouse she usually wore. She was now wearing green pants that were rolled up a little below the knee, sort of like Leanne's jeans, and was wearing a white tank top over a black shirt, with a small, open orange jacket over that. Her hair was more neatly arranged under her beret, and…she was wearing glasses. She looked…older, more mature, and Jim had to admit he’d be lying if he said the look wasn’t cute for her.

Jim sprang to his feet, and the two threw their arms around each other warmly.

“Fancy seeing you turn up like this!” said Jim, laughing. “I’ve missed you, Bianca.”

“I’ve really missed you too, Jim!” said Bianca. “You’ve no idea how much I worried about what you might be up to.”

“What’s been going on?” asked Jim, holing her before him at arm‘s length. “You look…different.”

Bianca smiled, a faint blush to her cheeks. She turned to Leanne.

“Hi, Leanne!”

“Hello, Bianca!” said Leanne, getting up and grasping her hands. “It’s great to see you again! What have you been up to?”

Before Bianca could answer, a voice from behind startled them.

“Great Scott! Bianca, is that you??”

“Cheren!”

Bianca rushed at Cheren, nearly knocking him off his feet as she hugged him. He smiled and hugged her in return.

“Is…is everything ok now?” asked Bianca, looking up at him in a worried way.

“Hmm? Oh! That. Yes, Jim and I have long patched things up.”

A look of relief flooded Bianca’s face, and tears stood out in her eyes.

“I’m sorry you had to endure it,” said Cheren, regretfully. “It wasn’t fair to you to have to be in the middle of it all.”

“We’re both sorry,” said Jim, crossing over. “Can you forgive us?”

“Forgive you?” asked Bianca, in light astonishment. “I was never mad at either of you to begin with! I knew one day that you’d stop being such big goofs and work things out!”

“Aw, Bianca,” said Jim, glad to see she was still her old self despite her new attire.

“So what’s been new with you?” asked Cheren. “Jim told me you went back home from Nimbasa, but what happened afterwards? I’ll hazard a guess it has something to do with your new look. It suits you well.”

“I think so too,” said Jim.

“Oh, that!” said Bianca, blushing from the compliment. “Well, it took me a little while to get back to Nuvema Town, but Professor Juniper was happy to see me, especially with that package.”

“What was in it?” Jim asked.

“The professor said it was a special kind of Poke Ball,” said Bianca, “but she told me she was more pleased with the fact that I was able to bring it to her in one piece. She said it showed just how trustworthy I could be, and…” She paused, seeming to be on the threshold of a big revelation. “She invited me to become her lab assistant!”

Jim and Cheren stared.

“What?” Jim finally blurted. “Her assistant? Bianca, that’s incredible!”

“I know!” said Bianca. “I had no idea she’d even considered me as a candidate, but she said it was because of my interest in seeing all the Pokemon I could. She told me I was perfect for helping her with field work.”

“And she’s been making wonderful progress ever since.”

Jim and Cheren stiffened. There was another familiar voice.

Professor Aurea Juniper had come up from behind them, and was smiling down at them.

“Professor!” said both boys at once.

She put both arms around the two of them, clasping them to her sides with aunt-like affection.

“Good to see you two again,” she said. “X-Transceiver conversations just aren’t the same after a while. You two have really made me proud in how far you’ve gotten. I can’t remember seeing any Trainer get all 8 badges in such a short span of time.”

Jim and Cheren grinned. Professor Juniper turned to Leanne.

“And you must be Leanne, Jim’s friend.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Leanne, shaking her hand. “It’s good to finally meet you in person. Jim’s said so much about you.”

“And he’s said much about you,” said Juniper, smiling. “He tells me you’re quite the Trainer yourself.”

Leanne flushed in pleased embarrassment.

“How are things back home?” asked Jim.

“Pretty quiet, actually,” said the professor. “Without you boys around, it’s almost too quiet. When you told me you were wintering in Undella Town, I knew I had to get away from Nuvema Town and join the fun. Lucky I didn’t go right away, or I would have missed Papa dropping by to visit.”

“Oh, good, so he did make it,” said Cheren. “He’s an excellent pilot, but I worried he’d be a little more reckless without us to worry about.”

Juniper laughed lightly. “Yes, he’s a little bit of a handful. I keep warning him not to go putting himself in peril at his age, but the old Backpacker spirit is still strong in him. Well, he told us you’d gotten a suite as a gift from the champion! How did you manage that?”

Jim and Cheren both launched into the story of N inheriting Zekrom, meeting Alder at Relic Castle, the narrow escape from the Cofagrigus and Sigilyph, meeting Team Plasma, and Jim acquiring the Light Stone. Professor Juniper listened to it all with rapt attention, one hand to her chin in contemplative thought.

“…Fascinating,” she said, when they had concluded. “Absolutely fascinating. I knew there was something more to you, Jim. So it wasn’t just chance that sent Reshiram to your aid.”

“No, ma’am,” said Jim. “I can see that now. All I want right now, however, is to be able to relax like a normal Trainer and not some prophesized hero.”

Professor Juniper smiled. “Good answer, Jim. You have no idea how often people with access to great power let it cloud their better judgments. You have the right mindset, however. Good for you.”

“So, you’re staying over the winter too?” asked Cheren.

“Oh, yes,” said the professor. “Partly to see you, partly to visit this festival coming up. I’ve already booked a villa for the three of us. And don’t worry about the lab. I asked Fennel and Amanita if they could look after it, and they agreed to readily.”

“Great!” said Jim.

Then, what the professor said fully sank in, and he became puzzled.

“Hang on…you said ‘the three of us’, but I only see you and Bianca. Did Professor Cedric come too?”

“As much as I’d love to have him just sit down and rest for even a day,” said Professor Juniper, “no. I think you’re in for a real surprise, though.”

She turned around and beckoned to someone who was apparently in the clump of trees close by, and they stepped out into the open. Jim let out a sharp gasp.

It was his mother.

Jim stood, stock-still, unable to say a single word. Mrs. Stevens, however, smiled warmly at him, tears rimming her eyes.

With a choked cry, Jim rushed to her, and found himself enveloped in her loving arms. Tears were dotting his cheeks as he felt her kiss his forehead.

“My brave little boy,” he heard her say, tenderly. “I’ve missed you so much…”

“I’ve missed you too, Mom,” Jim croaked. “I had no idea I’d be seeing you here, of all places.”

“Professor Juniper kindly offered to bring me along,” said Mrs. Stevens, “when she told me you would be staying here, too. I’m so proud of you, Jim, and I know your father would be, too. Even he didn’t get all 8 of Unova’s badges as quickly as you did.”

“Well…” Jim began, embarrassed, but then his mother said,

“Oh! I almost forgot. There’s someone else who I think you’ll be happy to see again.”

While Jim looked at her, confused, she called out,

“Come on out, dear!”

Jim nearly laughed aloud in delight at what he saw. Audino, the very one he had sent to keep his mother company, shuffled shyly out from the clump of trees. She was looking a little plumper than when Jim had sent her off, but she was smiling, beaming at him.

“Audino!” Jim said.

He hurried over to her and got on his knees to be more at her level. The two embraced like old friends, as indeed they seemed to be. It felt like an eternity since that unfortunate skirmish at the Dreamyard.

“You’re looking great,” said Jim, holding her out for him to see.

“As do you, Mr. Jim,” said Audino. “When Mrs. Stevens said she would be coming to Undella Town to see you, she invited me to come along, so of course I said yes. I owe so much to you, Mr. Jim,” she added, with tearful passion. “Your mother is one of the nicest women I’ve ever known, and she’s allowed me to fully realize my true dream. If I couldn’t be a nurse, I’d be a housekeeper.”

“And you like it?” asked Jim.

“I do,” said Audino. “I feel just like one of the family.”

“You are one of the family, Audino,” said Jim. “I knew that as soon as I saw how happy Mom was to receive you.”

Audino smiled wider, the tears standing out even more. Jim got to his feet and let her walk beside him. Mrs. Stevens was just being introduced to Leanne.

“I want to thank you,” said Mrs. Stevens.

“For what, ma’am?” asked Leanne.

“For helping keep my Jim out of trouble.”

“Oh, well,” said Leanne, blushing slightly, “it’s not easy, with Team Plasma harassing him.”

“I know,” said Mrs. Stevens, regretfully. “They came to Nuvema Town not too long after he and his friends left. I didn’t like the look or sound of them at all.”

“Rotten to the core,” said Professor Juniper, grimly. “Especially that ‘Genesis’.”

“Ghetsis, ma’am?” asked Cheren.

“Yeah, him,” said the professor. “A real vampire, if ever I saw one.”

“But all the same,” said Mrs. Stevens, to Leanne, “Jim has a wonderful friend in you, dear.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” said Leanne, blushing even more, “but your son’s pretty amazing, too.”

“Aw, you’re gonna make me blush,” said Jim, who had come over with Audino. Everyone laughed.

“And here I thought this vacation couldn’t get any better,” said Cheren. “Now we have the rest of winter to spend with each other. It’ll be just like back home!”

“Exactly what I was thinking, Cheren,” said Professor Juniper.

And Jim, in his heart, wholly agreed.

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 30
The Winter Festival: Enter Roxie​

Jim didn’t know it could have been possible, but somehow, the presence of Professor Juniper, Bianca, and his mother made their stay even more enjoyable than it already had been.

He was eager to introduce his Pokemon to his mother, as she had only been introduced to June before, and was glad to see that she was happy with all of them. Recognizing that she was the parent of their Trainer and friend, they showed her every care and devotion, to the point that she joked that they were spoiling her. She was especially fond of Missy, whom she would baby, exactly what the chubby Emolga loved. Jim joked that, when the League came around, he’d have to put her back into shape, something that brought a good laugh from them all.

Professor Juniper spent a good part of her time, when she first arrived, with June, marveling over how much she had improved and grown ever since she had left the lab. She was almost unrecognizable from the cold, distant Snivy who had turned down countless Trainers before. With Jim there as her translator, she plugged her with question after question, which June never failed to answer, and the professor was pleased with what she heard. It didn’t even matter to her that June didn’t want to evolve. On the contrary, she saw it as a testament of her true nature, and was very proud of her and Jim.

Having Bianca back made Jim feel like they had returned to the good old times. They were as happy and carefree as they had been before they set off on their journeys. Thankfully, Bianca’s stuffier attire was only used when she went out to town with them, and on the beach, she reverted to an orange one-piece. Jim couldn’t remember the last time he saw Bianca willingly without her favorite hat, and had to admit that the look suited her nicely. Cheren, too, seemed a lot more at his ease now that Bianca was back. He even had proclaimed aloud that ‘the three Musketeers of Nuvema Town are together once more’. This brought a good laugh from his two friends, and they spent hours catching each other up on what had happened during their travels.

Having Audino around was another saving point. She gladly cooked for them every night, and every dinner made under her careful paws was absolutely delicious. She would also bustle around the villas, picking up whenever someone accidentally left something laying around. Jim told her she didn’t have to do all of that, that they were on vacation and she could relax. Audino, however, persistently, but good-naturedly, said she didn’t mind. Nothing Jim said could sway her, so he just let her be. If she was enjoying herself, who was he to interfere?

At last, one week after the surprise arrival, news reached their ears that the winter festival had arrived.
Bright and early the first day, the band of vacationers, with their Pokemon except June, Oshawott, and Audino called into their Poke Balls, headed out into the urbanized part of Undella Town to have a look.

The main street was packed with excited, chatting people. Colorful booths had been set up along either side, advertising different trinkets and items for sale, fortunes, games that tested your luck, and one especially auspicious one advertised the professional opinions of S-Class Connoisseur Kale Thyme.
Jim was intrigued with what was being put up for sale in these booths. They all showed Pokemon that he had never seen or heard of in Unova, and indeed, upon asking, he was told they were all native to the four other regions: Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh. He didn’t ask which was native to which, because he was also told that, in many cases, some Pokemon from one region could be found in some of the others.
These new Pokemon vastly fascinated him. They were plastered all over posters, made their appearance as balloons, and Jim even saw some live ones owned by Trainers as they went by.

He saw one Trainer being mystified by the sly words of a man standing by a booth with a glass tank full of water. Inside the tank was an orange fish with wide, staring eyes and long whiskers. It didn’t look very remarkable, but Jim overheard the barterer say that, not only did the Pokemon, called a Magikarp, lay thousands of eggs which could be worth a fortune, but it also evolved into a fearsome Pokemon called Gyarados, which he pointed out. Jim turned to look where he was indicating and nearly had a heart attack. The Pokemon, advertised on a huge poster, was a blue sea serpent with glaring eyes and a gaping mouth full of sharp teeth. That fish Pokemon evolved into that??

A little ways down, he saw another Pokemon, one he thought he recognized…

“Yes,” whispered June in his ear, “that’s a Pikachu.”

It was about the size of an Emolga, and similar in build: short and stocky. It had vivid yellow fur, brown eyes that sparkled cutely, pointed ears with black tips, a tail shaped like a lightning bolt, and red circles on its cheeks. The crowd around it were apparently native to Unova, and thus had never seen a Pikachu before. They crowded around it, petting its fur and scratching under its chin, the little Pokemon clearly enjoying the attention.

Suddenly, June was overcome with a fit of violent coughing, and in the next instant, so was Jim. A thick cloud of greenish gas was clouding their vision.

“What the-??” Jim choked.

He whirled around, and saw the source at once. Another new Pokemon was floating before him, resembling a purple ball covered in tiny funnel-like nubs all over its body. It had a goofy grin on its face, and a pattern like a skull and crossbones on its front. The gas was pouring from the funnels.

“Cut that out, you noxious gas bubble!” snapped June.

In response, the Pokemon merely expelled more gas, laughing in a trollish way as it did so.

“Why, you…!” snarled June.

“Hey, you!”

The voice, a young , tough female’s, came from behind Jim. He turned, and saw a teenage girl, holding a big black and purple guitar in the crook of one arm. She had a very wild appearance: bushy white hair done up in a ponytail on top, wearing a large blue and purple striped sweater that stopped in a frayed fashion above her knees, functioning like a kind of short dress, as well as large black boots. She looked like a punk rocker.

“Me?” Jim asked.

“Yeah, you! Are you bothering my Koffing?”

“Koffing? Is that what it’s called? What an apt name,” grumbled Jim. “It was bothering us!”

Koffing stuck its tongue out at them.

“Well, there’s only one way to settle this,” said the girl. She played a few squealing chords on her guitar and shouted, “Battle time, baby!”

“A battle? Here?” asked Jim, bewildered.

“No, on the slopes of Mt. Silver,” said the girl, sarcastically. “Yeah, here! You insulted my Koffing, and now you’ve got to pay the price!”

“It started it!” snapped Jim, pointing at the Koffing, who was grinning smugly.

“Makes no difference,” said the girl. “You’re about to see the true ferocity of the namesake of Koffing and the Toxics!”

This cry seemed to draw attention from everyone else around them. They crowded around excitedly to see what was going on. Jim’s other companions, who had wandered on ahead, backtracked to see what was keeping him.

“Did she say Koffing and the Toxics?” asked another girl.

“Oh my gosh, it’s Roxie!” said a boy.

“She’s awesome!” squealed another girl.

“Roxie? Koffing and the Toxics?” asked Jim. “I remember hearing about you, but don’t remember hearing about a Koffing.”

“I was a solo performer before traveling to Kanto,” said Roxie. “That’s where I met my Koffing, and it inspired me to start a band. Koffing and the Toxics! Yeow!”

She played some more high-pitched chords on her guitar.

“Jim,” said June, in his ear, “let me deal with this.”

“Huh?” asked Jim, bewildered. “But it looks like a Poison type. You’re a Grass type!”

“It insulted me and drenched me in its foul bodily fumes,” June said, coldly. “I cannot let that abide…”

Jim sighed. Sometimes, the tenacity he admired in his Snivy was too much like stubbornness…

“All right, partner. If you’re so dead-set on it, I won’t stop you.”

June stepped down to face Koffing, who guffawed.

“You’re gonna face me with a Snivy?” asked Roxie, amused. “It’s your funeral, hotshot. Make your first move.”

“Gladly,” said Jim. “June, Energy Ball!”

June twirled one finger in the air, forming a glowing green and yellow ball at the tip of it, which she then tossed at Koffing. Koffing was struck and floated sharply backwards, flinching slightly.

“Huh??” Roxie looked surprised. “Well! Your Snivy’s got a bit of oomph to back it up, but a fat lot of good that’s going to do you. We’ve got the advantage! Koffing, Sludge Bomb!”

Koffing spat a glob of purplish slime straight at June.

“Dodge and use Aerial Ace!” Jim commanded.

June leaped upwards, spreading her arms like wings, the Bomb splattering disgustingly on the ground below her. Then, she swooped into a somersault and soared at Koffing, sweeping past and striking it once, twice, three times. Koffing only barely flinched, however. It seemed as if it had a tough hide.

“Gyro Ball!” said Roxie.

Koffing began to roll rapidly, a thin blue line surrounding it like a planet’s ring, and it bowled straight for June, knocking into her and throwing her back. She slammed against Jim’s leg, and got unsteadily back to her feet.

“Now use Clear Smog!” said Roxie.

“Leaf Tornado!” said Jim.

Just as Koffing expelled a blast of white smoke from its mouth, June rose up and began twirling like a top, generating a vortex of leaves around her, which she then tossed at Koffing. The Smog was sucked up into it, and Koffing as well, so that it was tossed around and buffeted by the sharp leaves. It was tossed out once the leaves dispersed, looking scratched and bruised.

“Oooh, you’re a tough little stinker, aren’t ya?” said Roxie, a gleam in her eyes.

June bristled, apparently disliking being called a ‘stinker’.

“But we’re gonna win this one yet!” Roxie went on. “Koffing, Flamethrower!”

Both Jim and June blanched. This thing knew Flamethrower??

So it did, for Koffing expelled a stream of flames from its mouth, and June barely had time to shield herself as the fire swept over her. She didn’t let out a cry of pain, but Jim could tell it was really paining her.

“June!” he yelled. “Get out of there!”

And so she did. She leaped up out of the flames and threw her paw into the air. The next instant, another Energy Ball, bigger than the last, appeared in her palm, and she chucked it at Koffing, the explosion of it knocking it out of the air and onto its back, unconscious.

There was a tumult of cheers for Jim, and Roxie looked stupefied at the outcome. Finally, she recovered enough to recall Koffing.

“You’ve got one tough little Snivy there,” she said. “She held her own pretty nicely for being at a disadvantage.”

“Thanks,” said Jim. “She’s always been my little star player.”

June gave him a small smile.

“Still, I’m thinking she needs a little more of a punch to her power,” said Roxie, musingly. She stroked her chin in thought for a moment, then shouted,

“Yeow! I’ve got it!”

She played a long riff on her guitar that set the crowd cheering.

“I’ll teach that little firebrand of yours a new move!” she said.

“Huh?” asked Jim, astonished. “Just like that.”

“She’s shown me what a tough little fighter she is,” said Roxie, “and I love toughness. So, whaddya say? Mind if I take her off your hands and give her a new ace?”

“Well…” Jim looked uneasily at June, who was quite as bemused as he was. However, she turned to him and said,

“I benefited nicely from Cruise’s Servine teaching me Aerial Ace. I’d like to see where this goes.”

“…Well, if you’re sure, I’m not gonna stop you.” Jim turned to Roxie. “Deal. Meet us at the beach when you’re done. We’re staying at the villas.”

“Awesome!” said Roxie, and she picked up June. “And don’t worry, guy,” she added, “I may like to rock, but I care about Pokemon, too.”

Jim smiled. It was good to know that even obnoxious Trainers could still have good hearts.

“I trust you, then,” said Jim.

Roxie winked at him and disappeared into the crowd, followed by a throng of excited fans. Jim’s friends and mother finally joined him.

“How lucky are you!” said Professor Juniper.

“What do you mean?” asked Jim.

“Didn’t you know?” asked Bianca. “Not only is Roxie a rock star, but she’s a Unova Gym Leader!”

“A…A Gym Leader??” spluttered Jim. “But I thought there were only 8!”

“Normally, yes,” said the professor, “but in certain cases, some Trainers can’t reach certain Gyms, so there are other Pokemon Gyms in that eventuality. Roxie’s the Poison-type Gym Leader of Virbank City in the west.”

“Western Unova? I’ve heard stuff about that place,” said Cheren, musing. “The cities there are rather new in development, but they’re expanding nicely. It might be worth checking out…”

Jim looked at where Roxie had departed to. He’d entrusted June into the guidance of a Gym Leader? Somehow, he felt his confidence rise ever so slightly at this; at least she was in capable hands…

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 31
The Winter Festival - New Moves​

After Roxie took June away for training, Jim rejoined his companions as they continued to walk around the festival. Jim knew his Snivy was in safe hands, but he still felt uneasy without her at his shoulder. It almost felt she was a part of him, and he felt…oddly exposed without her at her usual spot.

“I say!” called Oshawott, sitting atop Leanne’s hat. “Look there, Jim, old boy! There’s a combat going on!”

Jim craned his neck to look where Oshawott was looking. On a stage, two Trainers were facing each other, both with foreign Pokemon. One looked like a large blue beetle with an axe-shaped horn, and the other resembled a big green dragonfly with large clear wings and red eyes.

“Yanmega, AncientPower!” said the Trainer with the dragonfly Pokemon.

A glowing white orb formed between the creature’s feet, which launched at the beetle.

“Heracross, Brick Break!” said the other Trainer.

The beetle drew its arm back, which began to glow white, and it punched right through the AncientPower, making it explode.

“Air Slash!” commanded the Yanmega Trainer.

Yanmega beat its wings rapidly, sending buzz saw-like blasts of winds at Heracross, slicing at it and making it fall onto its back, where it lay and did not get back up. The crowd cheered for the Trainer with the Yanmega, while the one with the Heracross sulkily recalled it.

“There’s some pretty interesting Pokemon in the other regions, isn’t there, Professor?” asked Jim to Professor Juniper.

“I think Pokemon of every region are interesting,” she answered, “but yes. I always find it fascinating to observe the Pokemon of lands outside ours. That Heracross was from Johto, and that Yanmega is from Sinnoh, but the Pokemon it evolves from, Yanma, is native to Johto.”

“What?” asked Cheren, surprised. “Pokemon from one region can evolve into Pokemon from another?”

“Amazing, isn’t it?” asked Juniper, her face aglow.

“Very,” said Cheren. “I ought to look into this further…”

“You can swing by the lab anytime,” said Bianca. “The professor has a bunch of really neat studies on international Pokemon! She corresponds with all of the great Pokemon professors: Professor Oak, Professor Elm, Professor Birch, Professor Rowan-”

Jim’s attention, however, was diverted to a curtained stand off to the side of the battle stage. It read ‘Tutoring: Move Suggestions and Teachings’. It piqued his interest for more reasons than one. He had often been thinking about how his Pokemon would perform in the League with the moves they currently had. He was already confident in how well they did, but he didn’t think it would hurt to change his strategy up a bit, especially if he was going to face anyone who had already seen how his Pokemon operated.

“I’ll be right back,” Jim said, and he made his way through the crowd toward the tent, making sure the others saw where he was going. He peered into the tent, cautiously, and was surprised to see that he recognized the woman sitting behind the table.

“Miss LeClaire!”

So it was! Katherine LeClaire, the S-Class Connoisseuse he had battled in Nimbasa City!

“Ah! Mr. Stevens! Wonderful to see you again,” she said, in a stately, genial tone.

“You’re a move tutor? I thought you were a Connoisseuse.”

“I am, but often times, we find ourselves in a position where we can make suggestions to moves we feel can bring out the best in a Trainer’s Pokemon. But where is your Snivy? I expected to see her at your shoulder.”

“She’s undergoing some tutoring,” said Jim, “and that’s why I came to this tent. I thought it would help me prepare for the League.”

“But of course,” said LeClaire. “Many Trainers reassess their battle strategies, especially when they know they may be facing old rivals. One would not want to keep the same old strategies when their foes have already become used to them.”

“I should think not,” Jim agreed. “So, do you think you could look at my Pokemon?”

“Certainly. Unfortunately, I have an appointment coming soon, so if we could make it brief.”

“Oh! Of course! Let me see…”

Jim fumbled around his Poke Balls, and clicked two. Luckily, it was Echo and Missy that appeared, standing at LeClaire’s desk.

“Well, well!” said LeClaire. “The very Swoobat that narrowly conquered my dear Maractus.”

“I hope it’s doing well,” said Jim.

“It is, thank you for asking. Now, let me see.”

She motioned for Echo to step forward, which he did. LeClaire gazed steadily into his eyes, then held his leathery wings open between her delicate fingers. There was an odd twinkle in her eyes.

“…Extraordinary,” she breathed. “The bond between you and your Swoobat is very much apparent. I can see it in his eyes, though I had only a glimpse of it during the tournament. What moves does he know, currently?”

“Well, let’s see…” said Jim, thoughtfully. “Confusion, Air Slash, Shadow Ball, and Heart Stamp.”

“I see…I may know just the move he needs to add spice to his move set, but first, let me see your Emolga.”

She brought Missy forward, and a kind smile came over her slightly lined face. She softly stroked Missy’s fur between her fingers, gazing intently into her little eyes.

“…Wonderful,” she said, in the same breathless voice. “This Emolga bears a strong affection towards you. I see it clear as day. You two must have been through much together.”

Jim smiled.

“What moves does she now?”

“Erm…Discharge, Acrobatics, Double Team, and Shock Wave, I believe. She hasn’t seen many battles.”

“So I see,” said LeClaire, gently prodding Missy’s belly, making her giggle. “With my help, however, she can still be your lovable Emolga while also being a force to be reckoned with. Return tomorrow, and you shall see the results of my professional opinion. Good day, Mr. Stevens.”

“Er, good day, Miss LeClaire.”

He exited the tent, the same feeling of nakedness increasing now that two more Pokemon were taken from his team. However, he felt much more confident in leaving them in the hands of a professional like Miss LeClaire; she would look after them, and who knows? He might be genuinely surprised at what she decided for their new abilities.

“What happened in there?” asked Leanne, as they rejoined each other.

“Just getting some expert consultation,” Jim said. “Missy and Echo are going to be given some new moves, if all goes well.”

“Really!” said Cheren, intrigued. “Good for you! It’s always a good idea to keep your more persistent opponents on their toes, make them feel like they’ve got you pegged, and then wham!” He slapped his fist into his palm. “Hit them with a curve ball!”

“Exactly what I was thinking,” said Jim, smiling. “By the way, you know who was in there?”

“Who?” asked Leanne.

“Katherine LeClaire.”

“LeClaire??” asked Bianca, surprised. “The Connoisseuse you battled in Nimbasa City? The one with the Maractus?”

“The same,” said Jim.

“My word,” said Cheren, equally astonished. “I’ve never heard of a Connoisseuse being a tutor as well. Then again, if they base their suggestions on Pokemon-Trainer relationships, then it makes sense.”

“You should see her, Cheren,” said Jim. “She’s really smart, and I’ll bet you have great relationships with yours.”

“You know, maybe I will!” said Cheren, brightly. “It wouldn’t hurt to spice up my battle strategy. Thanks, Jim! I’m gonna go scout around for some tutors!”

And he left the group, passing through the crowd in search of other advertisements for move tutors.

“Now that’s a very decent thing to do: giving your opposition an equal chance.”

Jim jumped. He knew that rough, coarse voice from anywhere. He whipped around to see none other than The Guy standing over him, looking quite out of place in his ragged trench coat and with his unshaven face.

“Guy!” Jim cried. “I didn’t expect to see you here!”

“Funny how that works out, isn’t it?” said The Guy, with a rough grin. “Feels like wherever I go, I run into you eventually. Ah! Leanne, Bianca. Good to see you two again.”

He turned his attention to the two girls, who smiled.

“And are these friends of yours?” he asked, turning to Professor Juniper and his mother, all three of whom looking warily at him. Jim couldn’t blame them; he looked very outlandish.

“You could say that,” said Jim. “This is my mother and Professor Aurea Juniper from Nuvema Town. Mom, Professor, this is…well, he prefers being called Guy. We’ve met a few times out across Unova, and he’s been a big help.”

At being told this, Mrs. Stevens relaxed. If this man had helped her son out, he couldn’t be as bad as he looked. She held out her hand, which he shook.

“Pleased to meet you, ma’am,” said The Guy, gruffly. “Your boy is a remarkable Trainer.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Mrs. Stevens, not really sure what to say.

“Professor Juniper, my humblest regards,” The Guy then said, respectfully, to the Professor.

“Thank you,” said Juniper, still not entirely sure what to make of him.

The Guy looked back at Jim, and seemed to scrutinize him for a moment or two, then said,

“Where’s your Snivy? She’s usually perched on your shoulder. Gone to join the excitement of the festival?”

“She’s undergoing some tutoring, actually,” said Jim. “Someone named Roxie took an interest in her and said she wanted to teach her a move she’d really benefit from.”

“Roxie, eh? So she’s back in our part of Unova. Ever since she moved to Virbank, the only traces we’ve seen of her are on one of her concert tours.” He gave a slight scoff. “I was never a fan of that rock n’ roll stuff…So she’s teaching June something, is she?”

“Yes, sir. I’m not sure what it could possibly be, though.”

“Well, given Roxie’s reputation, you can bet it’ll be something that’ll really add a trump card to June’s arsenal. And unless I’m mistaken,” he added, shading his eyes as he looked over at the tent Jim had just left, “you’ve gone to see Miss LeClaire. I had no idea she was in town.”

“I know! She’s tutoring Echo and Missy.”

“Sounds like you’re really taking your League preparations seriously,” said the Guy, approvingly. “So, tell me, who’s left in need of a new move?”

“The last three Pokemon I have on me,” said Jim. “Torch, Torrent, and Spade.”

“Spade?” asked the Guy, puzzled.

“Oh, that’s right, you haven’t met him!” said Jim, realizing, and he briefly explained about trading Croco for Spade back in Driftveil City.

“Interesting…” murmured the Guy. “You’ve got a good heart, Jim. You put your Pokemon’s needs ahead of your own, something a good many Trainers have yet to fully understand. So you’ve got an Excadrill now?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Well…I think I may be able to remedy your dilemma.”

Jim stared, not sure he understood.

“How’s that, sir?”

“If you’ll allow, that is, I think I’ll take it upon myself to spruce up the rest of your team. Roxie’s giving June a new wildcard tactic, LeClaire’s focusing on the Pokemon which have a strong attachment towards you, so I think I can take a crack at your hard-hitters.”

“You’d really do that, sir?” asked Jim, amazed.

“I’ll certainly see what I can do,” said the Guy, “if you trust me with them.”

“Of course, sir!” said Jim. “Of course I trust you! You’ve always known what you were doing, haven’t you? You’ve seen enough of Unova to know every which way to go!”

The Guy gave a rough bark of a laugh.

“I’m only human, kid. Everyone makes mistakes. Still, I appreciate the comment, and I’m glad you trust me. Where are you staying during your vacation?”

“The Undella Villas,” answered Jim. “How long would it take to teach them?”

“Oh, that all depends. Could be anything from a few hours to a few days.”

Jim felt a slight twinge of uneasiness within him. Without his Pokemon for what could be a few days? It made him feel as if he was losing his protection. What if something happened, something that necessitated having a Pokemon on him, and he was unable to do anything about it?…Still, he also knew that someone like the Guy, just as much as Roxie or LeClaire, could be trusted, and wouldn’t put Jim in any real danger if they could allow it…

Slowly, he pulled out the three Poke Balls containing his remaining Pokemon and handed them over into the Guy’s weather-beaten hand.

“And they will be safe under you?” Jim asked.

“As secure as gold in a sealed tomb,” said the Guy.

Jim grimly remembered the fierce protectiveness of the Cofagrigus in the Relic Castle.

“I’ll be working at the beach anyway,” said the Guy, “so I won’t be far from where you’re staying.”

“Oh, good,” said Jim, relieved.

“I’d better be off to get started, then. Good seeing you kids again. Ladies.”

He gave a polite nod to Mrs. Stevens and Professor Juniper, then swept out of the crowd.

No one spoke for a moment or so, and then, Mrs. Stevens said,

“Jim, you’re sure you can trust that man? He seems so…wild.”

“He’s a little fierce, yeah,” said Jim, “but he’s been around the globe a few times. He’s seen a lot, and knows a lot. He’s saved us once or twice, and has always been helpful. I trust him.”

“So do I,” said Leanne.

“And me,” said Bianca.

He certainly seems friendly with you, Jim,” said Professor Juniper. “Almost reminds me of your father.”

“I had that same impression, come to think of it,” said Mrs. Stevens, in slight surprise. “In a way, he reminded me much of Luke…”

She became very quiet, a look of sad remembrance on her face. Jim put a comforting hand on her arm, and Professor Juniper nodded knowingly.

The tender moment was interrupted, however, by a loud cackle, and several people screamed as loud, cracking smoke bombs went off, flooding the street with a dark haze.
Everyone coughed and spluttered, and the crowd vanished in a twinkling, leaving a lone figure standing in the smoke. As it cleared, Jim saw that it was a Team Plasma grunt, though he could see by the face within the mesh hood that it was a woman, sneering coldly at him.

“I’ve been watching you, little bratling,” she jeered, haughtily, “giving away your precious Pokemon and leaving yourself defenseless. Well, now, ‘Plasma’s Bane’, you’re mine! When Lord N hears that I’ve secured you for him, he will be so delighted with me!”

She said this with a fond, manic zeal, and Jim actually laughed, snapping her out of her reverie.

“Got a crush on your king, have you?” Jim asked. “Well, I think you’re out of luck. Seems to me he’s more into Pokemon than women. Some people are just married to what they know best.”

“Watch your mouth, you insolent whelp!” snarled the grunt. “It doesn’t change the fact that you have no Pokemon to protect you!”

“Horrid woman…” Jim heard his mother breathe, aghast.

“He’s not defenseless!” said Bianca suddenly, stepping forward. “He has me!”

“Does he?” asked the grunt, tauntingly. “Well, I suppose I can play around with you, little girl, before I decimate Stevens…”

“Decimate…” repeated Mrs. Stevens, her face white. Jim felt pained to have to keep her hear to listen to such venomous talk.

“Mandibuzz, go!” shouted the grunt, and she tossed a Poke Ball, revealing a Pokemon resembling a large, black vulture. It had a ruff of cream-colored feathers around its neck, its bald, pink head topped with a tuft of black feathers decorated with a bone, and a skirt of what also looked like bone around its waist. Jim brought out his Pokedex.

“Mandibuzz, the Bone Vulture Pokemon. It flies in circles in the sky to find prey, swooping down to snatch it and bring it back to its nest. It protects itself with bone armor, and all Mandibuzz are female.”

“Dewott, go!” shouted Bianca, and from her Poke Ball came her faithful, stoic Dewott. The grunt sneered.

“That’s what you’re going with? Very well, then. Mandibuzz, Air Slash!”

Mandibuzz reared back, its wings glowing blue, and it slashed at the open air, sending a wave of buzz saw-shaped blasts at Dewott.

“Use Aqua Jet!” commanded Bianca.

Dewott became enshrouded in a capsule of water and rocketed off the ground, dodging the blasts of air. He soared straight for Mandibuzz and collided against it, knocking it back.

“So you have some fight in you,” consented the grunt, “big deal. Mandibuzz, Bone Rush!”

Mandibuzz raised one wing, and what looked like a glowing blue bone appeared in its feathers, gripping it like fingers. It dived at Dewott and swung at him, clubbing him hard across the skull with it. He staggered, dazed.

“Dewott!” yelled Bianca.

Mandibuzz raised its bone for another blow, but Bianca, regaining her senses, shouted,

“Razor Shell!”

Dewott instinctively grabbed at the scalchop pair at his hips, and as he drew them, the curved glowing blades sprang to life. He crossed them in front of him, catching the glowing bone inches from his own face. Mandibuzz pushed against them, trying to make Dewott yield, but Dewott pushed back so forcefully that the bone dissipated, throwing Mandibuzz backward.

“Dark Pulse!” commanded the grunt, almost screaming in frustration at the resistance.

Mandibuzz reared its head back, and spat a blast of what looked like black fire from its beak right at Dewott.

“Dodge it, Dewott, and use Ice Beam!” commanded Bianca.

Dewott leaped into the air, dodging the blast of flame as it struck the ground beneath her. Then, he cupped his paws in front of him, an icy blue ball forming between them. He threw his paws forward, and a bolt of icy lightning shot forth, striking Mandibuzz on the spot, and encasing it in a block of sheer ice.

The grunt looked horrorstruck at what just happened, but Jim and Leanne were cheering for Bianca and Dewott, the latter settling back on the ground and calmly sheathing his scalchops.

“As you can see,” said Jim, calmly, “I’m far from unprotected, even without my Pokemon. I think it’s time you left. Your king is waiting…”

The grunt looked as if she wanted to make a bitter retort, but words failed her. She recalled her Mandibuzz and, in another blast of smoke, vanished.

The crowd began to return, all talking excitedly about what happened, many glancing over at Bianca and her Dewott. Mrs. Stevens, on the other hand, was much less enthusiastic.

“All of those horrid things she was calling you, Jim,” she said, breathlessly. “It made me want to attack her myself…”

“It’s all right, Mom,” said Jim, reassuringly. “I’ve endured worse than a few nasty taunts. They’re not worth getting worked up over. They’re practically scared of me these days.”

“And they ought to be,” said Professor Juniper. “Bianca’s just shown them that your friends are to be feared just as much as your Pokemon.”
Bianca’s cheeks flushed scarlet.

“That was an impressive bit of battling, Bianca,” said Jim. “Dewott handled that Mandibuzz like it was nothing.”

“Thanks, Jim,” said Bianca, humbly. Dewott bowed his head, respectfully.

“Well!” Jim said, clapping his hands together. “Shall we continue on? I want to see what that guy at that ‘Hoenn’ counter’s selling. Looks like big red chicken statues on two feet!”

 

[TPrower]

Chapter 32
Christmas​

It was, coincidentally, Christmas Eve when Jim and his friends first attended the festival, and by the time they returned to the villas, their arms weighed down with bought trinkets and souvenirs, the sun was already sinking toward the sea horizon. However, they were all too excited to want to go to bed, especially after the day they had just had. They were still talking about Jim’s battle with Roxie and Bianca’s battle with the Team Plasma Grunt. Indeed, the latter was even more discussed, as the crowd had been ousted forcibly during that instance, and became the buzz of the festival as they continued their walk through it. Many were worried about a 2nd attack, and wondered where that grunt had come from. Cheren, who had returned to hear all of this after leaving to find a move tutor, was all for trying to pursue the grunt back to the source, but she was long gone by that point, and had to contend that Team Plasma had evaded them again…

That night, upon an idea by Professor Juniper, they decided to have a cookout on the beach, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows in the heat of flames Leanne’s Larvesta generated himself. Even more, Jim felt oddly deprived without any of his Pokemon at his side, especially June. She had always been that comforting presence by his side. Oshawott, seated between him and Leanne, also looked rather lonely without his love by his side. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be too long, yet.

“Hey, Mom,” Jim said, after a while, “do you remember that old Christmas story you used to tell me when I was a kid?”

“Hmm?” asked Mrs. Stevens, looking up.

“Aw, come on, you can’t have forgotten,” said Jim, grinning. “Right before I went to sleep, you used to tell me about Santa Claus, riding on his sleigh, driven by…what was it again?”

“Oh, yes!” said Mrs. Stevens, fondly. “‘8 mighty Sawsbuck, their fur as white as snow and as brown as the winter wood.’”

“And at the head of the team?” asked Jim.

"A little Winter Deerling to guide the way,’” the two said together, in fond reminiscence.

Professor Juniper was smiling broadly, while Cheren, Bianca, and Leanne leaned in, interested.

“And whenever he flew by, people and Pokemon everywhere felt a lot happier. And why was that?”

“Because of the string of Soothe Bells he hung on his sleigh,” said Mrs. Stevens, with a smile.

“So that near or far, awake or asleep, everyone felt the joy and peace of Christmas as he soared by on Christmas Eve night,” said Jim. “They’d hear the jingle of the bells, and the clop of hooves on the rooftops, but whenever they looked out the window-”

“All they saw was the snowy trees, because his team blended in so easily,” Mrs. Stevens finished for him.

“But they would hear something else, as he took off again.”

“His merry old voice booming out-”

And mother and son said together,

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Both laughed, and Mrs. Stevens wiped at her eye.

“Oh, I remember how your father used to boom it out right behind us, when we weren’t expecting it.”

“All those years, and we never grew wiser to his little joke,” said Jim, laughing.

Mrs. Stevens sighed, and as Jim leaned against her, she put her arm around him.

“I’m really glad you could come, Mom,” Jim said. “It just wouldn’t have been Christmas without you.”

“Nor without you, honey.”

Mrs. Stevens kissed her son’s forehead, and for a moment or two, Jim forgot all about the weight placed on his shoulders, the inevitability of calling Reshiram to his command, the war he had started with Team Plasma. It was Christmas, and everything was right with the world for once…

The sun had wholly disappeared by now, the beach only lit by the crackling fire. The company had grown too sleepy to talk, and eventually, Jim drifted off to sleep.

***​

He had a rather bizarre dream. He dreamed he was back at home, standing outside in the snow as flakes fell all about him. Oddly, he did not feel cold at all, though he did not know why.

Suddenly, the air was filled with the sound of ringing bells, a sound immediately pleasant and relaxing. Looking up into the sky, he saw an old-fashioned sleigh soaring through the air. An enormous bag was packed into the back, right behind the driver, a little old man dressed in red and white. Pulling the sleigh was a team of 8 Sawsbuck, their antlers bereft of leaves or buds, but their brown coats possessing a ruff of snow-white fur at the chest and hooves. At the head of the team, its tiny legs swinging in the air as it soared, was a little brown Deerling. The ringing was coming from a strand of silver bells hanging near the runners of the sleigh. The notes were sweet, but at the same time, unearthly. They filled Jim with an odd, expanding feeling in his chest.

As the sleigh swept out of sight, the notes of the bells continued to reverberate, and instead of growing quieter, they seemed to be growing louder. The notes were becoming more unearthly, more spine-tingling, until Jim could feel his heart banging against his ribs.

There was a sweep of wings, and something enormous and white soared over the treetops. Jim stared, aghast, and saw that it was a gigantic white dragon, hovering in the air with its vast, feathery wings, gazing down with eyes blue and piercing. There was a reddish, fiery glow emanating from its tail. Jim had the distinct impression that he had seen this creature before, in another dream…

The dragon opened its mouth wide, and from it poured the same string of unearthly notes Jim had heard from the bells, but put into the vocal capacity of its draconic vocal chords. There were no words, only the unexplainable melody. And yet, somehow, Jim felt he could hear lyrics put to it…

Your journey nears its end

But your task is not yet done

At the brink of rising war

You must end what is begun

Two that were once one

Will battle, yet in vain

They must recollect their past

Lest history repeat again…

There was a burst of flame, and the dragon soared upwards, straight into the snow-dropping clouds. Jim wanted to call out to it, to ask what the song meant, but it was too late. The dragon had disappeared.

Then, all of a sudden, the ground began to shake uncontrollably. The snowy trees parted, falling away, and from the ground rose a massive, towering structure, a castle, made of grim, black stone. At the topmost tower, Jim saw another dragon soaring around it, and recognized it as Zekrom; it was unmistakable. However, there was something else on top of the tower, standing atop its spire. Jim couldn’t tell what it was. It looked vaguely insect-like, but it was oddly hunched, and had something on its back.

There was a gleam of red eyes from the creature above, and a glowing orb of burning white light. Before Jim could react, before he could back away, before he could even cry out, there was a noise like cannon fire, and a blinding light enveloped everything…

***​

With a yell, Jim sat bolt-upright. He had somehow ended up back in his own bed in the villa, and daylight was streaming in through the window.

“Merry Christmas!”

Jim jumped. Cheren and Bianca had burst in, beaming, and wearing festive sweaters.

“Merry Christmas, guys,” said Jim, smiling. “What are you wearing?”

“Cheren got this for me,” said Bianca.

“And Bianca got this for me,” said Cheren.

Bianca’s was blue and had a stitched Dewott on the front, wielding both scalchops. Cheren’s was red and had an Emboar snorting flames.

“Nice!” said Jim, laughing.

“And we got this for you,” said Cheren.

“From both of us!” said Bianca.

She flopped a lumpy package onto Jim’s lap. Curious, he ripped the paper away, and found his own sweater beneath. It was green, with a Snivy emblazoned on it.

“Oh, wow!…Thanks, guys. I wish I’d gotten you something as cool as this.”

“Don’t sweat it,” said Cheren. “We knew you’d like it.”

“But I do have some things for you guys,” said Jim, getting up. Cheren and Bianca looked at each other, puzzled.

“I think they might be in this bag…” muttered Jim, rummaging through one of his market shopping bags. “Aha!”

He drew out a pair of handsomely-carved wooden figurines, a Pikachu and one of the chickens Jim had observed earlier.

“Pikachu and Blaziken,” Jim explained, handing the first to Bianca, the second to Cheren. “I thought you might like them.”

“Ohh, Jim, it’s adorable!” cooed Bianca, looking at the little wooden mouse in her hands. Cheren, meanwhile, was examining the Blaziken with interest.

“Fascinating,” he breathed. “Thanks, Jim! This is wonderful craftsmanship!”

“Only the best for my besties,” said Jim, pleased to see them enjoying their gifts. He slipped on his new sweater, admiring the Snivy on it.

“Come on!” said Bianca. “Let’s go meet with your mom and the professor!”

“Good idea. Let me just grab what I got them, and I’ll join up with you.”

***​

They found Mrs. Stevens, Professor Juniper, and Audino waiting for them in the living room of their own villa, the Professor looking quite festive, and even Audino wearing a wreath around her head.

“Merry Christmas, kids!” said the professor! “Come on in!”

The three stepped inside, Jim bearing gifts. There was already a pile of wrapped presents sitting at the feet of the two women and Audino.

“Merry Christmas, Mom,” said Jim, handing one of the ones he was carrying to his mother.

“Oh, Jim, thank you! What could it be, I wonder?”

She unwrapped it, revealing a small, velvet-covered box, like a jewelry box. Curious, she opened it, and let out a gasp. Inside was a tiny, glittering fish scale, glimmering like a rainbow, hanging from a silver chain. She took it out for all to see, and everyone but Jim drew in a sharp breath.

“Jim…” breathed Mrs. Stevens. “What is it?”

“A Prism Scale,” said Jim. “The saleslady told me it’s used to evolve a ‘Feebas’ into a ‘Milotic’. It’s really rare.”

“Sweetie, this is so wonderful…Thank you!” said Mrs. Stevens, drawing her son into a tight hug. When she released him, she put the chain around her neck, the Prism Scale glittering on her neck. It looked wonderful.

“And for you, Professor,” said Jim, handing another gift to Professor Juniper. “This one is from all 3 of us.”

“Oh, you didn’t have to do this, kids,” said Juniper. She ripped the paper away, and looked in curious interest at what looked like a bound manuscript inside. “What’s this?”

“A collaboration on the info on Unova Pokemon Cheren, Bianca, and I have found out,” said Jim. “Believe it or not, not every Pokedex entry is the same when you scan the same Pokemon. We put it together between the three of us.”

“Oh, wow! That’s unbelievable! Thank you, kids!”

Cheren and Bianca beamed.

“And now, I’ve got something for each of you,” said Juniper.

She handed each of them a small, wrapped box. When opened, it turned out to be what looked like a computer chip. It looked vaguely familiar to Jim.

“They’re upgrades for your Pokedexes” explained Juniper. “I had to pull a few strings with some of the other Pokemon professors in my contacts, but they should allow you to be able to scan Pokemon not from the Unova region.”

“Awesome!” said Jim.

“Excellent!” said Cheren.

“Sweet!” said Bianca.

“Thanks, Professor!” all three said at the same time. Mrs. Stevens stood up.

“And this is for you, Jim,” she said, handing a gift to him. “From Audino and me.”

Interested, Jim opened it to find a little, leather-bound book inside. He flipped it open, and felt his jaw drop.

It was a photo album, and each page was full of photographs of not just him and his mother, from as young as when he was a baby, but of him and Cheren and Bianca, and…
Jim felt a moistness in his eyes as he gazed knowingly down at the pictures containing…his dad.

There he was with him and his mother, when he, Jim, had only been a baby. There he was helping an older Jim to ride a bike. There the two of them were, laughing at something they were watching on television. There they were in front of the TV again, cheering as an old battle was underway, Jim just able to see that it was a Stoutland battling a Krookodile. There he was showing an intrigued Jim a trinket he had brought back from one of his travels. An entire section was devoted to the three Stevens, ending with two more photos: Jim and his mother, before he had set out, and his mother and Audino.

Jim looked up at his mother, who was watching with an expectant smile.

“…Mom…how long have you had these?…”

“Years. I wavered on when the right time would be to give them to you, and I think now is the right time. Do you like it?”

“Like it?…Mom, I love it…”

“Merry Christmas, sweetie…”

Now it was Jim’s turn to pull his mother into a hug, and, from a signal from him, Audino joined in as well. The Professor, Cheren, and Bianca watched on with warm smiles on their faces.

“Hel-LOOOOOOOO!”

Everyone jumped. Someone was shouting from outside, in a voice that rang loud and clear even through the closed door. Jim, however, recognized it.

“Roxie,” he said. “She really knows how to make an entrance. I’ll be right back.”

He stepped to the door and opened it. There, on the beach, stood Roxie, drumming her fingers on her hips, her Koffing floating beside her.

“There you are, dude!” she crowed. “Been wondering where I might find ya!”

“Merry Christmas, Roxie,” said Jim, stepping out to join her.

“Right back at ya. Didn’t even realize yesterday was Christmas Eve when we battled. Funny how things work out, huh? So, I’ve got a bit of a gift for ya, but I bet you already know what it is.”

“A solo performance?” Jim asked, in an innocent tone, though he was kidding around.

“Ha!” laughed Roxie. “Sorry, dude, I don’t take requests. Nah, I’m talkin’ bout your Snivy.”

And sure enough, from behind Roxie’s leg peered June, beaming.

“June!”

The little Snivy leaped into his arms, planting a lick on his cheek.

“Merry Christmas, partner,” she said.

“Same to you,” said Jim. “So, what new weapon do you have to throw at the competition?”

“The most dangerous move a little firebrand like her can learn,” said Roxie. “Toxic!”

She played a few squealing chords on her guitar, while her Koffing gave a wheezy ‘toot’ from its spouts.

“Toxic, huh?” asked Jim, intrigued. “Never would’ve thought that of you, June.” Then, with a sudden, unpleasant thought, he asked Roxie, “Er, is it still safe to, you know, handle her?”

“Of course, dude,” said Roxie. “She knows a Poison move, but that doesn’t mean she’s poisonous to the touch.”

“Ah, right. Well, thanks a bunch, Roxie.”

“No biggie, dude. Knock ‘em dead at the tournament!”

She played another loud, reverberating chord on her guitar, then walked away with her Koffing at her side.

“June? Is that you, darling?”

Jim turned. Oshawott was standing in the door to the villa, gazing out.

“Merry Christmas, darling!” June called, leaping lightly out of Jim’s arms and running towards him. The two embraced, Oshawott planting a kiss on her snout.

“I can’t wait to see what new daring moves you’ve learned,” he said. “I’ve no doubt you’re going to turn quite a few heads at the tournament.”

“Oh, stop it,” said June, coyly.

Jim laughed, but was interrupted by a flutter of wings. He turned, just in time to have something collide with his chest. He was knocked onto his back, and when he looked up, he saw Missy sitting atop him, looking gleeful. The little Emolga nuzzled him deeply, as Echo came flapping down to sit beside Jim’s shoulder.

“Hey there,” said Jim, pleasantly, stroking Missy’s fur. “I didn’t expect you guys to come alone.”

“Miss LeClaire said it would be easier this way,” said Echo. “But she sends her regards.”

“Great. What did she teach you?”

“Missy actually learned a couple moves,” said Echo, indicating her with his wing. “Miss LeClaire said she’d rarely seen a Pokemon with such force behind a Return attack.”

“Oh?” asked Jim. “She learned Return?”

“And Iron Tail!” said Missy, proudly.

“But it’s her Return that’ll really wow the crowds,” said Echo. “She tested it out on me, and it was devastating…”

He unconsciously rubbed at a spot on his furry chest, most likely where Missy had struck. Jim stared at Missy. He vaguely remembered seeing LeClaire’s Maractus use Return against him. LeClaire had said that Return was stronger if the attachment between Trainer and Pokemon was strong. He loved Missy, of course, but he was both surprised and touched to think she loved him that much…

“And how about you, Echo?” Jim asked.

“Thunder Wave!” said Echo, in a dramatically confident voice.

“Thunder Wave?” asked Jim, bewildered. “You can learn that?”

“Guess so,” said Echo, shrugging. “I never knew I could, but Miss LeClaire said it would add the perfect spice to my moveset.”

“Oho, it definitely will!” said Jim, proudly, ruffling the top of Echo’s head. “They won’t see it coming!”

Echo beamed.

“Howdy, Mr. Jim!”

“Merry Christmas, bro!”

Jim, Missy, and Echo looked up. Striding up the beach, grinning, were Torch, Torrent, and Spade.

“Hey there, boys!” called Jim. “Where’s Guy?”

“He had stuff he had to do,” said Torch, “but he says ‘Merry Christmas’.”

“Well, good,” said Jim. “I wouldn’t wanna keep him from what he might be busy with. So, how did it go?”

“He really knows his stuff, Mr. Jim,” said Spade. “Ah don’t think Ah’ve ever met someone so wise. Ah’d always thought mah pappy was the smartest, cuz he knew the world from the underground up.”

“He is an enigma, that man,” agreed Jim. “So, what did he teach you?”

“He re-taught me Dig,” said Torch, proudly.

“Really?” asked Jim. “How did he come to that?”

“When I showed him what I had, he told me Flame Charge was unnecessary, so he said I’d do good with Dig. I don’t think he knew I used to know it before. I didn’t want to contradict him.”

“I don’t think he’d have understood anyway,” said Jim. “He may know the world, but I don’t think he can speak Pokemon.”

“True,” assented Torch.

“How about you, Torrent?”

“I’d say I was stoked about what he taught me,” said Torrent, grinning, “but I can’t, cuz I don’t have Scald anymore.”

“Then what did he teach you?”

“Hydro Pump, baby. Hydro Pump.”

“Hydro Pump? Awesome! You’re gonna make some wreckage in the League, pal!”

“Right on!” said Torrent, giving a double thumbs-up.

“And Spade?”

“He figured Rock Smash was a kinda soft option,” said Spade, “and taught me X-Scissor instead.”

“Neat! That’ll throw them off their guard.”

“Ah thought so, too,” said Spade, grinning.

“This is perfect,” Jim said, as June returned to their side. “From what I hear, all 6 of you have got some great new moves under your belts. Now, listen.”

Everyone drew in close around him.

“Once the year’s over, we’ve got about 2 whole months to prepare. I’m not saying we need to dedicate every single hour to it, but we need to make a conscious effort to make sure we’re ready when the League rolls around, that we’re all whipped into shape and prepped for action.”

Missy, who had looked down at her protruding middle, tried to suck it in to look tough, an act that drew amused smiles from all around.

“Good attitude, Missy,” said Jim, also grinning.

As he spoke, he became very animated, walking in front of them, gesturing and slapping his fist into his palm.

“By the time the League rolls around, those who think they know what we’re gonna throw at them are gonna need forklifts to pick their jaws off the ground! They’re not gonna expect a Snivy to throw a Toxic their way, or a Swoobat to blast them with Thunder Wave, or even a Simisear to blow them away with Solarbeam! We’ve made this journey together, and we’re gonna finish it off with flying colors, because I know you guys are the best darned team I could ever ask for! Are you all with me?”

“Yeah!!” chorused his Pokemon.

“I can’t hear you!” crowed Jim.

“YEAH!”

“One more time!”

“YEAH!!!”

And far away, on a secluded strip of sandy beach, seated alongside his own team, The Guy raised his head, put a hand to his ear, and smiled.

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 33
League-Bound At Last​

As the end of the year came and went, Jim was fully ready to carry out his training intentions. Before that, however, Echo, Spade, Torch, Torrent, and Oshawott had decided to celebrate the new year out on the beach, singing and dancing, and Torch had even uncovered, from Jim’s villa, a secret stash of Oran Juice, nicely matured. The air was full of songs Jim recognized, some he’d never even heard of, and much laughing and shouting.

“Utterly disgusting,’’ grumbled June, watching Oshawott recite poetry in a giddy, tipsy way, a glass of bluish-purple Oran Juice in his paw. Her glare was icy. She wasn’t the only one, however. Bianca’s Dewott was sitting with folded arms, observing the festivities with stern disapproval.

“Oh, let them have their fun,” said Jim. “You guys are gonna be in for the long haul for the next couple of months. We’re gonna start the day after New Year’s. Best to get it out of your system while you can.”

“I suppose,” assented June, sourly, and all she could do was watch the boys make goofs of themselves by campfire-light, singing loudly and raucously into the starry night, celebrating another year gone...

***​

Jim was wise to set the start of their training for after New Year’s. That day, his partying Pokemon lay around, drowsy and ill-looking, trying to sleep off the Oran Juice. If Jim was surprised at all, it was from the fact that Missy and Echo hadn’t indulged, seeing how lively they were. Echo, however, said he never liked the taste of the stuff, and Missy claimed it gave her gas. All Jim could do was put his poor Pokemon into the shelter of the villa and let them sleep off their partying. Maybe he should have intervened after all...

If he had had any disquiet about his team showing possible reluctance to the training after such a celebration, they were immediately dispelled the morning after. When he woke up, it was to find them all wide awake,crowded around his bed. It made him feel proud to see them all grouped about, smiling expectantly at him, ready to begin.

Jim divided their training into segments: each day of the week, from Monday to Saturday, he would train one of them for that day each. Sunday was unanimously agreed upon as a day of rest for all. However, he made it clear that just because one Pokemon was being trained that day, it didn’t mean the rest of them could just slack off. He expected them to exercise on their own time as well. He also impressed upon Torch and Torrent the need to practice their routine for the opening ceremony to perfection, which they wholeheartedly promised to do.

As the training commenced, the Pokemon Jim saw the most improvement in was Missy, and not merely because of her new moves, though they themselves were impressive. Iron Tail encased her fluffy tail in a coating of glimmering metal, which she then struck at the opponent with. It would give her something to use against not just Rock types, but a useable attack against Ground types as well. Return, as Jim had already known, was a headlong collision attack, empowered by ties of affection between Pokemon and Trainer. When he saw her hurtle along like a missile, it gave Jim a feeling of warm, paternal love towards her to think he mattered that much to her. No, Jim was remembering a time when he had had to yell at Missy to take training seriously. Seeing her take to it so readily really made his heart bound. More than that, Missy was slimming down, gradually losing the large belly she had had, until at last, though she still had a small, cute tummy, she was much slimmer, much fitter, much faster. Jim never stopped expressing how proud he was of her for such progress.

Echo, for his part, was showing vast improvement as well. Not only were his Air Slashes striking faster and swifter, and his Shadow Balls becoming bigger and more explosive, but Jim noticed something odd happening to his Confusion attack. When he was using it now, it was turning from purplish to blue, and he could grab more at once, from farther away, throw it further, and stop projectiles earlier. One check of his Pokedex solved the mystery: Echo had learned Psychic, one of the strongest Psychic-type attacks out there. Now he had that in his arsenal, plus Thunder Wave, a blast of blue lightning that paralyzed an opponent on the spot, giving them less of a chance to attack. Additionally, whenever Echo went out to train, Tranquill came to watch, and Jim wondered if that was what added the extra ‘oomph’ to the Swoobat’s attacks. He made a mental note to tell Leanne to make sure Tranquill was in the stands whenever Echo was part of the fray.

With Torch having relearned Dig, his moveset didn’t vary as much as the others, but he made up for it by honing his present skills to their maximum. His Flamethrower became so fierce that, no matter how far back Jim stood, he could still feel its heat from far away. He practiced his Dig in as much terrain as he could: dirt, sand, and mud, to make sure he was ready for any eventuality. His Solarbeam shone like gold, but had the force to splinter palm trees in half, and with his Acrobatics, he could perform a backwards somersault into a tree top 10 feet into the air, and nearly the same distance away. From being one of Jim’s meekest Pokemon, he had become one of his most agile, a huge leap no doubt brought about by the reconciliation between him, his brother, and his friend.

Torrent, too, showed little change in his moves, though he honed Brick Break until he could smash through boulders, and perfected his Acrobatics like Torch. His new Hydro Pump was a pressurized blast of water, like a Water Gun taken up to 11, but was shot from the palms of his hands rather than from his mouth. His biggest innovation, however, was in his Ice Beam attack. He had worked out a way to change up how he used it. He could either fire it the old-fashioned way, but his new and favorite way was to shoot a double-blast of ice in a way similar to playing cowboy, where he would ‘fire’ from his fingers. He had dead-eye accuracy whenever he pulled this off, shooting a soda can placed on top of a boulder from 50 feet away, all with the ease and coolness he always possessed.

If Torrent’s moves were strong, though, they were nothing on Spade. Jim, out of a sense of precaution, took him to a more isolated spot where he could practice his moves in peace, a quarry full of stones and boulders. Here, Spade put himself through his paces, honing his skills tenfold. With one swipe of his Metal Claw, he could shred entire boulders to smithereens, the same result as when he came up from underneath with his Dig-Drill Run combo. His new X-Scissor, too, was a force to be reckoned with. He’d charge at his target with his claws crossed in front of him, glowing with purple fire, before uncrossing them with a sharp swipe, creating a flaming purple X where he struck and leaving long gashes in the stone. Jim had every hope that, if power was needed rather than tactic, Spade would pull them through admirably. If only Croco could see him now...

Invariably, Jim would call in Jolt and Rok, to give them a bit of training as well. Both found the tropical atmosphere agreeable, and both showed themselves well prepared for the occasion. Jolt’s Thunderbolt and Wild Charge Attacks were still forces to be reckoned with, but he had picked up two new moves over at the lab. Like Torch, he had replaced Flame Charge with a new move: Overheat. This blazing, high-octane attack was like Flamethrower turned to full power, and Jim was overwhelmed with stupefaction when he used it for the first time, and not just for the fact that he never expected to see a zebra breathe fire. The only downside was that, if he used it too much, its power would diminish each time, so he had to use it sparingly. The other attack he had learned was Thrash, a wild charging attack that he became locked into when he used it, and though powerful, left him confused by the end. Like he had with Spade, Jim felt that Jolt could be relied on for brute force when nothing else was left. It was almost ludicrous to think that his loyal Zebstrika had started as such a rowdy Blitzle...

Rok, for his part, hadn’t changed much but for one move. His Dragon Pulse was still fierce, he was still soaring high and fast with Aerial Ace, and his Crunch was still ferocious, but he had swapped AncientPower for the more powerful Rock Slide. This attack sent showers of stones from seemingly nowhere out of the sky down onto the battlefield. It wasn’t always accurate, but the sporadic nature of its projectiles was still to be feared. Otherwise, he remained the same happy-go-lucky Archeops, unaware of his own size and strength every time he pounced on Jim, spending his Sundays asleep on the top of a palm tree, which bent beneath his weight.

Last, but most certainly not least, was June. She, too, had made minor changes to her movesets, while increasing the ferocity of her old attacks. Her Energy Ball was still as explosive and speedy as ever, and she still soared like an eagle under the force of Aerial Ace. For her new Toxic attack, Jim had assumed that she would spit it like most snakes would, however uncouth that would look. However, June seemed to have found a way to overcome that aesthetic. She instead formed a ball of globby, mud-like purple sludge above her palm, then lobbed it at her target. When she first threw it at a large palm leaf, Jim was excited and a little nervous to see the Toxic eat right through it with a sizzling noise. June’s other new move, however, was one she had picked up naturally, in place of her once signature Leaf Tornado: Leaf Storm. This was a concentrated storm of glowing leaves thrown at the target, as Jim had seen Burgh’s Leavanny use. Like Overheat, if used too much, it would lose strength, so it would have to be used sparingly. However, Jim was proud of how much she had progressed, and felt confident in proving Nigel’s old misconception wrong about Snivy’s available moves.

***​

All in all, by the end of two months, Jim felt immensely proud of the progress his Pokemon had made. He had no doubt that Cheren was putting the same kind of effort into his team’s training, but he had never seen him at work. He seemed to be determined to keep his methods a secret, and that’s just what Jim wanted. He felt it would have been wrong to know what Cheren would use against him before the League, if they even were matched up against each other. They were on even ground, just how he felt it should be.

Professor Juniper had arranged for a ferry to take them from Undella Town, around the peninsula, and up to the Victory Road outpost. That journey would take a week, and they would reach the site of the League in a day or so’s walking. Jim liked this plan, as it would give him more of a chance to make last-minute preparations before they got there. At least, he hoped he would, if they would let him train on the deck.

On the eve of their departure, he gathered them all together (Jolt and Rok would be returning to the lab).

“You all should be patting yourselves on the back,” he said. “I’ve never seen such dedication to training. You’re all going to do amazing in the League. They’ll think they’ll know what we’re going to throw at them, but you wanna know something? They don’t know jack!”

His Pokemon cheered enthusiastically.

“After tomorrow, we’re going to be on our way to the Pokemon League, but we’re gonna keep reviewing when we can. This is gonna be the big one. It’s not just another Gym Battle. It’s not even another Nimbasa Battle Tournament. This is the Unova League Competition, the biggest thing we’re gonna be a part of. We gotta pull out all the stops on this one. Now let’s go get them!”

Jim put his hand in, and, one by one, they all piled their paws, claws, hooves, and wings on top. With a shout of a cheer, they thrust them up skyward.

“Sounds like you’re all ready for the big battles, Jim.”

Everyone looked up. The Guy was standing over them, his Scrafty at his side.

“Hey, Guy,” said Jim. “Hey, Scrafty.”

Scrafty grinned and nodded.

“Listen,” Jim went on, “I really wanna thank you for all the help you’ve been giving us-”

The Guy waved his hand dismissively.

“Don’t go sweating the gratitude. I’ve got a good feeling about you, sport. You remind me a lot of myself when I was your age. I just hope the little I gave you will help out.”

“Oh, it definitely will,” said Jim. “Are you coming along? You could come with us on the ferry.”

“I don’t think so, kid. I’d rather get their my own way, but don’t worry, I’ll be there for sure. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

He roved his eyes around Jim’s group.

“I’ve caught glimpses of you all training, and I gotta say, íf 110% really did exist, you all exemplified it perfectly over these 2 months. Put it to use in the League, and you’ll do find. Don’t just do me proud, do Jim proud.”

They all nodded.

“Good. Well, until then, Jim.”

“So long, Guy.”

And the enigmatic traveler turned on his heel and started down the beach, Scrafty following close beside him.

“Mr. Jim!”

Jim turned around. Audino was running towards him.

“There you are! You’d better get inside! Everyone else is packing, and we don’t want anything left behind, now do we?”

“Definitely not. Thanks, Audino. Let’s go, team.”

Jim got up and followed Audino back toward the villa, his faithful companions close behind, talking excitedly.

***​

Many people taking vacations would say that the end of their respites came much too quickly for their liking. Jim, however, had been anxious for it to be over. He was itching to finally get to the Pokemon League and compete, and the rest of his team felt just as energized as he did.

So, that next day, with their bags packed, their Pokemon tucked away into their Poke Balls (with the exception of June and Oshawott, of course), and their villas emptied of all the belongings they had brought with them, Jim, Cheren, Bianca, Professor Juniper, Mrs. Stevens, and Audino left the villa compound behind them, making for Undella Bay, where the ferry that would take them to Victory Road would be departing. It was an attractive little boat, sleek and pearly-white, almost like a Swanna. The captain, when they had gotten on board, confirmed Professor Juniper’s estimation that they would reach the Victory Road outpost within one week. He even, to Jim’s delight, allowed him to let his Pokemon practice their attacks on board, as long as they exercised caution and did not damage anything. Jim gave him his solemn word on the subject.

At a quarter to 11, then, with a blast on its whistle, the boat pulled away from the harbor, and Jim looked out one last time at Undella Town. He really enjoyed the time he had spent there, but the time for rest was past. It was time to finally get to the League, to put everything he had worked and sweated for together to get to the top, or as far as his skills would allow him. He wasn’t even worried about Team Plasma, because now, more than ever, he had a team that was up to any challenge he could conceive of. He was well and truly ready...

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 34
An Overseas Attack​

During that day, they left Undella Town and Undella Bay behind, and began rounding the peninsula on which the former was situated. After that, it was a fairly straight course north to the outpost. According to Professor Juniper, it was something like a final marker before heading to the mountain path leading to the Pokemon League plateau. It was guarded by strong Pokemon, and thus was a popular spot for Trainers to get in some final battles before the competition. It was also rumored that something even stronger guarded those Pokemon, something like a guardian of the mountains. When Jim heard this, he had a vague suspicion that it might be the missing Sword of Justice, Terrakion, but it was only a hunch.

Those days on the ferry passed in bliss. Jim spent most of his time out on deck, gazing out at the water and the landscape on the horizon. Occasionally, he would see aquatic Pokemon breaching the surface: the heads of male or female Frillish and Jellicent, gazing with eerily hopeful eyes at the ferry; red and blue Basculin, glaring at the boat and snapping their teeth ferociously; and a new Pokemon Jim hadn’t seen before: a large pink fish with large, wing-like fins on its top and bottom. He turned to his Pokedex for information.

“Alomomola, the Caring Pokemon. It gently embraces wounded Pokemon its fins. The special membranes covering its fins then heal the Pokemon’s wounds.”

(Sounds like a seaworthy Audino, thought Jim.)

Speaking of Audino, even on a boat, she still continued to fuss over him and his mother as if she had been a maid for them for years, offering to fetch food for them or clean their cabins. Jim didn’t want to discourage her enthusiasm, but he wanted her to be able to relax. She was always so kind, and smiled so endearingly at him, that he just didn’t have to heart to say no to her offers.

As the days went on, the ferry’s pilot, Captain Hugh Lowell, informed Jim that, if the weather held out, they might make the Victory Road outpost ahead of schedule. Indeed, Jim had never seen such obliging conditions. The sky was a perfect blue, spotted with the occasional shade cloud, the sun shone, and the sea was calm and uniform. He didn’t see what could go wrong.

***​

5 days after they had left Undella Town, Captain Lowell came onto the bridge and pointed out a spot of land on the horizon to Jim. By shading his eyes, Jim could make out a rising mountain, thickly wooded at its base, and at its peak, barely visible, was what looked like a stadium.

“There’s the League Plateau!” said Captain Lowell. “And that’s Victory Mountain, which the Road cuts through. We should arrive at the outpost tomorrow.”

Jim stared up at the colosseum on top of the mountain, amazed and excited. They were so close already...

Suddenly, he jumped in his skin as a shriek pierced the air. Jim and Captain Lowell whipped around to see Leanne, pointing out to the patch of water behind them, white-faced.

“What is it?” asked Jim, abruptly. “What did you see?”

“Team Plasma!” she breathed. “They’re after us!”

“What??”

Jim rushed to the stern of the ship and looked out to where Leanne had been pointing. Sure enough, he saw, speeding towards them, a sleek black and silver boat, the Team Plasma insignia embossed on the front.

A surge of heat surged through his veins at the sight. To think that they would still antagonize him even now, when they were so close to their goal was infuriating!

“What?! Them here, even now?!”

Jim turned. Cheren had joined him at his left, no doubt alarmed by Leanne’s scream, and was voicing the exact same thought running through his head.

“Very inconvenient, isn’t it?” asked Jim, grimly.

“Oh, I don’t know,” said Cheren, with a slight grin. “Come to think of it, I could always get in a little extra practice.”

“Guess that’s one way to look at it,” said Jim.

Bianca came up to Jim’s right, looking shaken at the sight of Team Plasma approaching. However, as she shaded her eyes to look out at them, she frowned in a puzzled way.

“What’s up, Bianca?” Jim asked.

‘It’s weird,” she said. “The boat belongs to Team Plasma, but the people on board don’t look like Team Plasma...”

Jim and Cheren shaded their eyes as well. As the boat came nearer, they saw that Bianca was right. These people looked nothing like the Team Plasma grunts Jim had been used to. Gone were the armor and mesh hoods. They were now wearing black uniforms and caps with masks over their mouths. They looked laughably like common burglars.

“At least they’re not wasting time trying to convince us they’re noble,” said Jim. “I have to say I like this change better.”

“I don’t,” said Cheren. “All it tells me is that they’re not going to bother messing around. What is N playing at?”

“What’s Ghetsis playing at?” asked Jim. “He’s always been more of a head honcho than N. Do you think he knows about this?”’

“Maybe they’re rebels,” said Leanne. “They might be acting on their own, against his orders.”

“Maybe, but it’s a weird thought,” muttered Jim.

The boat was coming level with theirs.

“I’m afraid I can’t outspeed them,” said Captain Lowell. “They’re too fast.”

“Don’t worry about outrunning them,” said Jim. “Let us handle them. We’ve had experience with this. Just keep the boat on course, and make sure my mother, the professor, and Audino are safe.”

“Of course.”

Captain Lowell disappeared into the ship, as the four Trainers took their places along the starboard railing. The Team Plasma boat was coming level, and Jim could see four grunts on the deck.

“There’s no use trying to escape us, Stevens!” called a male grunt. “We have you cornered!”

“Are you even Team Plasma anymore?” Jim called. “I have to admit, I admire that you’re at least being honest about what you really are: thieves and crooks.”

“And does your master know what you’re up to?” asked Cheren.

“What Lord N doesn’t know won’t hurt him!” cackled a female grunt. “Now surrender, Stevens, or we’ll use force!”

“We already planned to use force,” said Jim, “Because apparently, you people don’t understand the meaning of the words ‘get lost’. June, get ready.”

June nodded and stood at the railing, glaring icily at the Plasma grunts.

“Oshawott, you too,” said Leanne, and the stalwart Oshawott joined his love’s side.

Cheren and Bianca drew their own Poke Balls, while the Plasma grunts did likewise. With four bursts of light, four vicious-looking Liepard appeared on the deck of the Plasma boat, while Cheren and Bianca released a male Unfezant and a Musharna, respectively.

“Hyper Beam!” commanded two grunts together.

The two middle Liepard opened their fanged mouths wide, and glowing balls of white-hot light appeared inside them. With a burst like cannonfire, they fired straight at the boat.

“Musharna, Protect!” commanded Bianca.

Musharna flew straight in between the two boats, and a massive greenish bubble expanded around it, the Hyper Beams bouncing off of it and ricocheting in different directions.

“Retaliation time,” said Jim. “June, Energy Ball!””

“Oshawott, X-Scissor!” said Leanne.

As June formed a glowing green orb at the tips of her fingers, Oshawott leaped up into the air, scalchop drawn, the blade it formed glowing purple. June lobbed the Energy Ball at one of the Liepard, and at the same time, Oshawott struck two vicious strokes in the air, sending diagonal streaks of purple fire at another Liepard. The one June hit skidded back several inches, but the one Oshawott struck howled in pain as it flew back and slammed into the opposite railing.

“Of course,” Jim muttered. “Liepard are Dark types. Bug and Fighting are gonna be the most useful...I can’t risk using Spade, though, not over water.”

“We’ve got that covered,” said Cheren. “Unfezant, U-Turn!”

“Musharna, use Signal Beam!” said Bianca.

Unfezant swooped upwards, spreading its great wings, its body becoming surrounded by a greenish glow. Musharna, meanwhile, was raising itself up, a rainbow of colors glimmering in the hole on its trunk that usually emitted Dream Smoke. Unfezant dove for one of the Liepard that had fired a Hyper Beam, seeing as it needed to recharge, while Musharna shot a brilliant beam of multi-colored light at its companion. Both were thrown back, yowling with pain, as Unfezant rammed one and Musharna blasted the other. In another burst of green light, Unfezant suddenly vanished and returned to its Poke Ball.

“Part of the move,” said Cheren, in answer to Jim’s bewildered expression. “Once U-Turn strikes, the Pokemon that uses it returns to be swapped for another.”

“Pretty neat,” admitted Jim.

“Shadow Ball!” commanded one of the grunts to a Liepard still standing. It began charging a ball of purple and black electricity.

“June, Leaf Storm!” Jim shouted.

June rose up, her arms lifted skyward, as a mass of glowing leaves surrounded her. With a swift motion, she sent the leaves blazing at Liepard, overcoming it and throwing it backward, the Shadow Ball vanishing.

“Why are we losing to these brats?!” snarled the female grunt. “Always the same!”

“Their luck will not hold out,” said a male grunt. “We will dominate them in the end. Our lord shall see to that...”

“We must contact him!” said another grunt. “We need his guidance!”

“Are you mad??” asked the first male grunt. “He will punish us for being out here against his will! It is now or never!”

“What are you complaining about now?” asked Jim. “Afraid to go any further without your king’s permission? I should have known you cowards didn’t have that much backbone.”

“Silence!” barked another male grunt. “You will not speak to us that way! We will sink you to the depths if we have to! Team, all of you! Hyper Beam, full power!”

The four Liepard, though shaky and buffeted, regained their positions, and again began charging up their blasts.

“You had to antagonize them, didn’t you, Jim?” asked Cheren. “And you wonder why they never leave you alone?”

Jim ignored this. He was already calling June back and pulling out another Poke Ball.

“I don’t know if we can count on another Protect,” he muttered. “Torch, Solarbeam!”

He tossed the ball up, and the Simisear appeared. The moment he did so, he began charging up a ball of golden-green light.

“Emboar, Flamethrower!” commanded Cheren, tossing his own ball up. The massive Emboar made the ship tilt slightly, but it steadied again, as he took a deep breath, embers twinkling in his nostrils.

“Zorua, Dark Pulse!” shouted Leanne, throwing up a ball of her own. Zorua landed lightly on the railing, opened his little fanged mouth, and began charging a ball of purple and black fire.

“Musharna, Signal Beam!” said Bianca. She was the only one who hadn’t swapped a Pokemon. Musharna began to charge up another rainbow-colored light on its trunk.

The eight attacks fired at the same time, meeting in mid-air over the water: the four blinding white Hyper Beams, the golden-green Solarbeam, the fiery red and orange Flamethrower, the purple and black Dark Pulse, and the rainbow Signal Beam.The effect was almost instantaneous: an explosion that rocked both boats violently, and sent the sea below into a mass of ripples, spraying in both directions.

With one hand on Torch’s arm, Jim grabbed out to keep Leanne from toppling into the water. With a great grunt, Cheren’s Emboar gripped the railing and pulled back, trying to steady the boat, which Bianca’s Musharna also seemed to be attempting with Psychic powers. June had her vines wrapped around Oshawott, who was dangling over the railing, and reeled him in.

“Thanks, love,” he gasped.

“You guys ok?” Jim asked.

“Y-Yeah,” said Torch, keeping a tight hold on Jim’s arm. “I’m ok.”

“I think I’m all right” gasped out Leanne. Then she cried, “Zorua! Where’s Zorua?”

For one panic-stricken minute, Jim worried the little Zorua might have fallen into the water, but a movement somewhere above him told him that he was perched safely on Leanne’s hat, his fur soaked from the spray, but clinging tightly. Leanne let out a breath of relief and reached up to stroke Zorua’s fur. He caressed her hand gratefully.

“Everyone else ok?” Jim asked.

“Just fine,” said Cheren, who was steadying Bianca. She looked green in the face.

“I could be better,” she groaned.

Across the water, Jim looked at Team Plasma. The four grunts were slammed against the wall of the boat, and their Liepard were sprawled on the deck, unconscious.

“Jim! Are you all right?”

“What’s going on?”

Mrs. Stevens, Professor Juniper, Audino, and Captain Lowell had appeared on the deck, no doubt scared out of their minds by the explosion that had rocked the boat.

“We’re fine, Mom,” said Jim. “Sorry about that, but we had to engage in a bit of overseas warfare.”

Professor Juniper stared out at the Plasma grunts as they regained their footing.

“That’s Team Plasma?” she asked. “It can’t be. They always dressed like knights.”

“Exactly what we were puzzling about,” said Cheren. “We don’t know what to make of it, and it’s not likely they’re going to be open enough to tell us.”

“Y-You...You will pay for this, Stevens!” growled one of the grunts.

“Like I haven’t heard that before,” said Jim. “What are you gonna do, let these Liepard loose and find more Pokemon to sic on me?”

He felt his mother’s pressure on his shoulder, and put his hand to hers reassuringly.

Before any of the grunts could answer, however, an angry voice, oddly magnified and metallic, as though coming from a radio, roared out,

“WHAT ARE YOU IDIOTS DOING?!?”

Everyone on the ferry gasped as a holographic image of Ghetsis’ head, blue-tinted and livid, blossomed over the heads of the grunts.

“S-Sage Ghetsis!” stumbled the female grunt, petrified. “W-We were hoping to ambush Stevens and his friends as they-”

“Haven’t I already told you?!” growled Ghetsis. “He is not to be touched! Lord N commanded that he be left to him and only him!”

“But Sage Ghetsis!” said a male grunt. “Why?”

“Do not ask me to fathom the reasons of our most gracious leader!” snapped Ghetsis. “I am ordering you to pull back, NOW!”

And the image of Ghetsis vanished instantly.

Without another word, but with terror on every face, the four grunts recalled their Liepard, disappeared into the boat, and turned it around, speeding off in the opposite direction.

“What in blazes was all that about??” asked Captain Lowell. “Who was that spook who just appeared?”

“Sage Ghetsis of Team Plasma,” said Jim, recalling Torch. “He’s on par with N when it comes to leadership. What I wanna know is what N is up to. He wants me to be ‘left to him and only him’?”

“He must want it on equal terms,” said Cheren. “Him being the Black Hero and you the White Hero. A duel dragon to dragon, and wants nothing to spoil it.”

“Maybe...” muttered Jim, while the girls looked at each other in stunned surprise.

This change of pace for Team Plasma really did give Jim food for thought. Why had they gone against Ghetsis’ orders in the first place? Why were they dressed so differently, if they were so determined to keep up their facade of peaceful diplomacy? What was N really after in saving Jim for himself? Was he still an ally, or had he changed tack now that he had Zekrom under his control?...

As Jim sat pondering all of this, the rest of his friends recalled their Pokemon while Captain Lowell returned to the bridge.

“Jim? Come with me, please.”

Jim looked up. His mother was standing over him, Professor Juniper and Audino at her sides. There was an odd expression on her face.

He stood up and followed the three into a cabin that had been set aside for them, and Audino closed the door and shut the porthole swiftly.

“What are you-” Jim began, but his mother cut across him, forcing him into a sitting position onto the bed.

“James Charles Stevens,” she began, in a tremulous, rather stern voice, “I’ve been patient with you up to this point, but I’ve reached my limit. Ever since this whole adventure started, you’ve had too many brushes with danger. You nearly get attacked by Unfezant in the woods, nearly get scorched by Reshiram’s flames, almost get savaged by a wild Scolipede and a wild Darmanitan, are attacked by Pokemon of the Relic Castle, and worst and most important of all, all of these brushes with Team Plasma! You’re only 16, Jim, and these are full-grown men and women! They’ve been trying to get you out of the way, to kill you! Do you think I want my only child being preyed upon by such desperate criminals?!”

Professor Juniper and Audino were looking at each other uncomfortably, but Jim wasn’t going to have any of this. He jumped to his feet, towering over his own mother.

“If you think I’m just going to turn back around when we’re not even a day away from the Victory Road outpost-”

“But Jim, this is insane!” said Mrs. Stevens, in a pleading tone. “You’re only a boy! How can you be expected to fight a man’s battle like this, against an entire cult of fanatics? You can’t just-”

“Do you think I don’t know what I’m up against?!?” Jim exploded. “Don’t you think I’ve been brooding over this ever since this started?!”

Mrs. Stevens staggered back, alarmed at her son’s tone.

“Do you think I like having such names held over my head like a crown?! The White Hero? Plasma’s Bane? Do you think I enjoy the attention, the special treatment? I don’t! All I want is to receive the same treatment and respect as any other Trainer, just to have my own journey like Dad had, but...”

He faltered, his eyes beginning to swim with angry tears.

“But it just can’t be...Reshiram chose me, Mom. It chose me to wield its power the same way the White Hero did. I can’t explain why; I still don’t know why. All I know is it’s plunged me into nothing but trouble ever since I began my journey, and it’s all been beyond my control. Team Plasma’s after my blood not just because I disagree with their theories, but because their king inherited Zekrom!”

Mrs. Stevens’ eyes widened in shock. Professor Juniper and Audino looked thunderstruck.

“It’s destiny that chose this for me, Mom,” Jim went on, his voice becoming choked. “I hate it, but I don’t have a say in the matter...I already lost Cheren for a while because of it...Please don’t tell me I’m going to lose you, too...”

Mrs. Stevens gasped, putting a hand to her mouth, tears springing to her eyes as well.

“Jim...” she breathed, her voice choked. “Oh, Jim...I had no idea...I’m so, so sorry...”

She collapsed against Jim, putting her arms around him, crying into his chest, and Jim hugged her in turn, the tears running down his face.

“Of course I don’t want to lose you,” she said. “That’s why I’m so afraid for you...I can’t lose you like I lost your father...”

“You won’t, Mom,” Jim muttered softly. “I promise...If they want to pick a fight, it’s their problem, not mine...I’ve survived this far, haven’t I?”

“Yes, yes you have,” said Mrs. Stevens, with the ghost of a smile in her voice. “Despite everything I said, I’m still proud of how far you’ve made it, and I know your father would be, too...”

She leaned up and kissed his cheek.

As they continued in their mother-son embrace, a soft, pink light began to surround them. Looking up, they saw that Audino, tears sparkling in her blue eyes, had her paws held up, and the light was coming from them in soft waves. As it continued, Jim felt an immense weight being lifted from his heart. She was using Heal Pulse to ease the pain between them.

When she saw that they had broken apart and were observing her, she gave a slight squeak and put her paws guiltily behind her back. Jim, however, smiled.

“Come here, Audino,” he said, holding out his arm. With a relieved smile, the plump Audino came over and accepted Jim’s grateful hug. Mrs. Stevens and Professor Juniper looked at each other.

“I’m sorry, Aurea,” said Mrs. Stevens. “I shouldn’t have made such a scene.”

“It’s fine,” said Professor Juniper. “I would have been surprised if you hadn’t. You’re just looking out for your kid like every mother should. I don’t like the danger he puts himself in any more than you do, but in all seriousness, every Trainer needs to come to expect that. Charles did.”

“I suppose so,” said Mrs. Stevens, looking at Jim.

He had sat down on the bed, and was letting Audino try on his glasses. They all laughed as she blinked through them, her blue eyes magnified behind them. The tense atmosphere that the argument had created had dispelled almost as if it were fog blown away by the wind, and as far as Jim remembered, the issue was never brought up again, thank goodness...

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 35
The Road to Victory​

“Prepare to disembark, passengers! We are approaching Victory Bay!”

Just as Captain Lowell had predicted, early the next day, several hours earlier than intended, the boat docked in a small harbor, connected to a small town, really just a couple of houses and a Pokemon Center, standing at the entrance of the dense forest covering the slopes of the mountain ahead. They had finally arrived at the Victory Road outpost.

The group of travelers disembarked from the boat, all thanking Captain Lowell for the transportation, and Jim apologized for the attack yesterday.

“Nothing you could do about it,” he said. “Ratty scum. Never liked those Plasma cowards. Keep safe from them, everyone.”

And with that, he steered his boat back the way they had come, heading off toward the horizon.

“Well, everyone,” said Jim, looking out at the forest, “here we are.”

“I can’t believe it came so soon,” said Leanne.

“Me neither,” said Bianca.

“Well, we’re not quite there yet,” said Cheren. “We still have to get through Victory Road and up to the plateau.”

“You make it sound like we’re walking into an ambush,” said Jim.

“Don’t you remember what Captain Lowell said? There are tough Pokemon up this way. We have to be on our toes.”

“Ah, right. With the whole Team Plasma thing, I nearly forgot.”

“Why don’t we stop in the Pokemon Center first?” asked Mrs. Stevens. “Rest for a bit before going on?”

“Sounds good to me,” said Professor Juniper. “I want to check on Fennel and Amanita anyway.”

So they directed their steps into the Pokemon Center. Inside, they found a number of Trainers talking excitedly amongst themselves, giving pep talks with their Pokemon. Professor Juniper left to use the video phone, while Jim looked about. Some Trainers had Pokemon not native to Unova, though he had seen most of them at the Winter Festival. Jim wondered if all of them were there for the League, and inwardly hoped they were as he’d loved to see them battle.

“Pokemon League?” asked a woman at the counter.

“We are,” said Jim, indicating himself and Cheren.

“Excellent! Come over here and I’ll verify your entry.”

Puzzled, the two boys approached the counter.

“Let me see your badges, as well as your I.D.s,” she said.

Both boys took out their Pokedexes and the eight badges apiece they had earned. The woman inspected them closely, and looked at their Pokedexes screens.

“Jim Stevens and Cheren of Nuvema Town,” she said. “Is that correct?”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Cheren.

She took out, from under the counter, a boxy machine with different slots, both identical to each other on each side: a thin, long one, and eight shaped just like the badges. She placed the Pokedexes and badges in accordingly. A screen overhead lit up, and Jim and Cheren saw their own faces. A computerized voice said,

“Jim Stevens of Nuvema Town. Cheren of Nuvema Town. Verification complete.”

“Very good,” said the woman, handing everything back. “You are now clear to go.”

“Thanks, ma’am,” said Jim, gratefully, and they rejoined the others. “Did you know we had to do that?” Jim asked Cheren.

“Not in the slightest,” said Cheren.

When Professor Juniper came back from her call, she had a troubled look on her face.

“Fennel gave me a weather update for our area,” she said. “Storm-force winds and lightning along Victory Road. We’d be safer going through the tunnels. She told me it’s a shortcut. But she also said the storm’s not naturally made.”

“What does that mean?” asked Leanne.

“According to her,” said Juniper, “it’s a sign that Tornadus and Thundurus are on the prowl.”

“Tornadus and Thundurus?” asked Cheren. “You mean the legendary storm Pokemon?”

“That’s right.”

“The ones who savaged the land before being quelled by Landorus?” asked Jim.

“The very same. Fennel says it means something’s got them agitated, but about what, neither she nor I have any clue. All she said was to keep away from them and keep to the caves.”

No one had any objections to this, naturally. As they prepared to depart, however, Jim wondered what it was that was making the legendary storm makers act this way, and where could Landorus be if it wasn’t keeping them in check?...

***​

The Victory Road Caves were about half a mile north of the outpost, through the trees, and into the mountain itself. According to Professor Juniper, it was actually a shorter route to take than actually going up the side of the mountain, but the caves still had some dangerous Pokemon within. They would therefore have to proceed with caution.

As they went, they kept glancing up at the sky, and could see a dense, velvet-black bank of clouds hanging over the path they would have taken. There were loud, booming cracks of thunder coming from it, and, once in a while, a jagged fork of lightning would shoot downwards. If Jim strained his eyes, he imagined that he could just make out shapes moving about in the cloudbank: humanoids with clouds covering their lower bodies, with very long tails. Those must have been Tornadus and Thundurus. Jim was tempted to try and see what the Pokedex would say about them, but a bolt of lightning struck all too close to them as they were thinking this, and decided against it.

To everyone’s relief, they managed to reach the Victory Road Caves without further hassle, and were glad to hear the sounds of the storm dying away as they went.

“I still don’t understand,” said Cheren. “What is it that has them causing a storm over Victory Road?”

“Hopefully it’s not an omen,” said Leanne. “I don’t want to think of anything going wrong during the tournament.”

“You and me both,” said Jim, grimly.

“It is highly unusual,” said Juniper, thoughtfully. “They’ve been at peace for many years since their last great conflict.”

“When was that?” asked Jim.

“When the sons of the Heroes battled again,” said Juniper. “The violent combat between Zekrom and Reshiram agitated them, and they started adding their own brand of power to the equation. They would have gone on even after the battle between the dragons was called off, if Landorus hadn’t arrived to settle them.”

Jim gulped inwardly. Did that mean Tornadus and Thundurus could already sense a battle between the dragons again? But how could that be? N was soaring the skies of Unova on Zekrom, and Reshiram was dormant somewhere, waiting for the call of the Light Stone. How did they know for sure?...

At that moment, Jim felt June’s grip on his shoulder tighten. He looked at her, and saw her ruby red eyes gleaming in the dark, alert and watchful.

“What is it?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” she whispered. “But I think we’re being watched...”

Jim turned his head this way and that, but couldn’t see anything. He could, however, hear a funny rustling sound, as if a number of bugs was scurrying about, and a metallic clinking noise. By the looks on everyone else’s faces, they could hear it too.

“Professor?” asked Bianca, anxiously.

“...Durant,” said Juniper, grimly. “I know that sound anywhere. Jim, Cheren, get your Fire types out. They’re Bug and Steel, so they can ward them off easily.”

The two boys nodded, and drew their Poke Balls.

“Torch, go!”

“Emboar, go!”

Once again, the Ember Pokemon and Mega Fire Pig Pokemon appeared, the latter’s flaming beard casting a reddish glow over the cavern.

And then Jim saw them: the Durant, at least twenty.

They resembled ants, but were made entirely of metal. They had glaring red eyes and razor sharp mandibles, snapping viciously. Leanne and Bianca gave yelps of fright. Mrs. Stevens held tight to Audino, looking pale. Jim brought out his Pokedex.

“Durant, the Iron Ant Pokemon. It makes its home in interconnected maze-like tunnels in mountains. It is protected by a metallic armor.”

They were advancing, snapping their pincers with metallic clanking noises. Leanne leaped away as one nearly bit her on the ankle. Jim wasn’t about to let that pass.

“Torch, Flamethrower!” he ordered.

Torch breathed a stream of roaring flames, sending the offending Durant scuttling away, hissing in anger.

“Emboar, Flamethrower!” said Cheren.

Emboar snorted his own blast of fire at the crowd of Durant, and they backed away, cowed by the fierce flames.

“Go on ahead!” Jim ordered. “We’ll head them off!”

Mrs. Stevens looked like she was about to object, but Professor Juniper gripped her arm and tugged her away, Audino at her side. Bianca and Leanne hesitated.

“Go!” said Jim. “‘Before more of them show up!”

Obviously not wishing to encounter more of the little vermin, the girls hightailed it away from the cavern after the grown women. The two Fire type Pokemon kept up a steady stream of double Flamethrowers, the Durant not daring to come any closer.

“Keep at it,” said Cheren, “and start backing away. The minute we tell you to stop, run!”

Torch and Emboar obeyed, and as the four edged backwards toward the continuation of the tunnel, they did not let up their pyrotechnic onslaught for one instant.

“Stop!” Jim and Cheren said at once, and the two Pokemon, ending their attacks, sprinted after their masters down the tunnel.

Moments later, over their pounding footsteps, they could head more rustling and clinking, just behind them meaning the Durant were regrouping for another attack, or more were arriving on the scene, or both. The path they took wound on and one, twisting in a serpent-like fashion this way and that.

“I hope the others haven’t met any more,” panted Jim.

“So do I,” panted Cheren.

Suddenly, they skidded to a halt. They had reached a dead end in the rock wall, save for a narrow crack in it. To his relief, Jim could see that the women had already gotten there, and were sidling through it. Professor Juniper and his mother had already made it through, and Bianca was just disappearing into it when they arrived, her hips brushing the rough stone. Audino, however, was not so lucky. She tried to slip through sideways like the others, but found herself brought to a halt, her great belly pressed uncomfortably against the other side of the fissure and refusing to budge.

Jim and Cheren rushed over, where Leanne, still on their side of the crack, was trying to console the wedged Audino, who was apologizing profusely.

“It’s not your fault,” she said. “How does anyone expect to make it through this thing? Not every Trainer’s going to be petite.” She stroked Audino’s head gently. “Just stay calm and we’re gonna get you out.”

“You’d better hurry with that,” said Cheren, grimly, “because we’ve got company!”

Jim whipped around, and saw, with an unpleasant jump in his insides, that Cheren was right. Even more Durant than the ones they had cornered were streaming in, glaring at them with their red eyes!

Immediately, Torch and Emboar began trying to hold them off with more Flamethrower attacks, but they couldn’t stop the ones approaching from the side, which began to approach Leanne, still pushing against Audino’s side to try and force her through the crack. They would be upon her in seconds.

With a yell, not even thinking about what he was doing, Jim leaped Leanne and the Durant, arms spread open.

“Jim! What are you doing?!” Leanne shouted.

“You just focus on getting her through!” Jim said, and he kicked out at the Durant with one foot. “Get back! Get away from them!”

His foot caught one in the forehead with a clanging blow that sent shudders down his leg from the impact. In retaliation, it clamped its mandibles on Jim’s foot, making him howl in pain. Leanne screamed, but, with a supreme effort, she managed to shove Audino through to the other side. She then hesitated, looking from the crack to Jim, who still had his foot in the Durant’s vice-like grip. Then, determined anger in her eyes, she drew a Poke Ball and shouted,

“Let go of him, you little beast! Larvesta, Flame Wheel!”

The Torch Pokemon appeared in a blaze of light, and immediately, he began revolving rapidly in the air, cloaking himself in flames. He tossed himself at the Durant, slamming onto its back. Jim could feel the heat of the attack on his leg. The Durant let go and backed away, its steely back glowing red from where Larvesta had struck.

“Good one, Leanne!” said Jim, gratefully. “Thanks!”

“Your welcome,” breathed Leanne, now squeezing through the crack herself. She had to suck in her gut to sidle through, but she was going to make it just fine. She recalled Larvesta as she disappeared through, and he vanished in a red light.

The Durant had regained itself. Hissing furiously, it advanced on Jim, ready for another strike.

“Don’t you touch him!” snapped June.

She raised one paw, twirling it, and forming a glowing Energy Ball in her palm. She lobbed it, and it struck the Durant square in the face. However, Steel was resistant to Grass, and, after shaking off the blow, continued on them. Torch was preoccupied with keeping six at bay at once, and he was looking tired out. Jim couldn’t risk kicking again; he might injure his other foot...

*WHAM!!*

With a blow like a piledriver, Emboar’s fist came crashing down right on top of the Durant, knocking it flat and out cold, its eyes rolling dizzily. Jim looked up at the Mega Fire Pig standing over him.

“Thanks, Emboar,” he breathed.

Emboar grinned and nodded, before turning back to aid Torch with the other Durant.

“Jim!” called Cheren. “Get through that gap! When you do, recall Torch through it! I’ll do the same with Emboar.”

“Right,” said Jim, and he began inching his way sideways through the crack. He had to drag his injured foot along behind him, and it throbbed painfully. He could have avoided being so careless and stupid, but all he had been thinking about was protecting Leanne and Audino.

At last, he made it through, finding himself in a cool, dimly-lit chamber. Before doing anything else, he stuck his arm through the gap, Torch’s Poke Ball in his hand, and called,

“Torch, return!”

He saw the narrow beam shoot through, saw Torch vanish inside, and then pocketed the ball before slumping down, his foot still aching.

“Jim, are you all right?” asked his mother, anxiously.

“Fine,” said Jim. “One of those little buggers bit my foot, though.”

Audino rushed to his side, kneeling down beside him.

“I can fix it, Mr. Jim,” she said.

She gingerly removed his shoe, and everyone winced when they saw the puncture marks through his sock, and the blood standing out. Audino whimpered.

“It’s my fault. If I hadn’t gotten stuck, you wouldn’t have had to defend me like that...”

“Don’t be silly, Audino,” said Jim. “I shouldn’t have tried to kick that thing in the first place. I wasn’t thinking straight. You did nothing wrong. Like Leanne said, they can’t expect everyone to get through that little crack.”

Audino didn’t answer, but smiled gently and brushed Jim’s fringe in a motherly way. She put one paw to his foot, and a pink, pulsating glow surrounding it. In an instant, Jim felt the pain recede, and then vanish all at once. Even the blood disappeared from his sock.

“Thanks, Audino,” he said, in a grateful tone, putting his shoe back on.

“Always happy to help, Mr. Jim,” she said, kindly. Mrs. Stevens was smiling warmly. It was so heartwarming to see the two of them so close in friendship. When they finally got home, she was confident they would go on happily this way.

Cheren came bustling in through the crack, hand held out behind him, a Poke Ball in it.

“Emboar, return!” he called.

The light was sucked into the Poke Ball, and he pocketed it.

“Well!” said Cheren, brightly. “That was exciting.”

“I could do without that kind of excitement myself,” said Bianca, still trying to catch her breath, her glasses askew.

“This is more Papa’s field,” said Juniper. “He was always the one for narrow escapes. I’ve gotten too used to comfortable lab work.”

They shared a laugh at this, but then, suddenly, Oshawott lunged forwards, drawing his scalchop.

“What’s with him?” asked Cheren, perplexed.

“Who’s there?!” Oshawott bellowed into the darkness ahead. “Come out and fight, you cur! We have you outnumbered!”

Jim stood up, hastily.

“He’s saying there’s something up ahead,” he told the others.

They hurried over to his side, not wanting to be near whatever Oshawott was threatening. His Razor Shell blazed into life, and the bluish glow formed a beacon to illuminate the cave.

There was indeed something in the cave with them...something huge.

An enormous gray ox was standing crouched in the shadows, its great, angled horns sharp and pointed, glaring at them through the dark.

Professor Juniper gasped.

“Terrakion...” she breathed.

Jim felt a thrill of mingled panic and excitement run through him. He was finally face-to-face with a Sword of Justice, Virizion and Terrakion having been only seen silhouetted, but, at the same time, he knew they were in deep danger, as June and Oshawott had said the Swords of Justice were enemies of humanity.

“Why are you intruding in my chamber?” Terrakion boomed, in a gruff, male voice.

Everyone gave a start, Jim along with them, though this normally should have been no shock to him. Terrakion’s lips weren’t moving, but he was still speaking to them, through some kind of telepathic voice, one everyone could hear, even the others. Jim had never heard of anything of the kind.

“Stand and fight!” Oshawott yelled. “I’m not afraid to take you on!”

“Oshawott...” moaned June. Jim looked at Leanne, and saw that she was pale-faced, wishing for Oshawott to back down.

Terrakion regarded the impetuous Water type for a moment, holding his Razor Shell challengingly.

“Put that toy away before you hurt yourself,” he rumbled.

“Toy?!” spluttered Oshawott. “I will not stand for such insults! En garde!”

He leaped at Terrakion, raising his blade to strike. However, Terrakion was quicker. To everyone’s amazement, an orange, curved blade, glowing just like Oshawott’s Razor Shell, materialized from out of his forehead, and, with one swift stroke, knocked the scalchop out of Oshawott’s paw. Oshawott landed back on the ground, looking astonished and a little scared. Terrakion leered down at him, but didn’t move as Oshawott grabbed his scalchop and rushed to Leanne’s side, clinging to her leg while glaring at the great Pokemon.

“We didn’t mean to disturb you,” said Jim, trying to keep a brave tone. “We were just trying to get away from a swarm of Durant.”

“And why were you in the tunnels in the first place?” asked Terrakion, the blade still glowing. “Trainers take the path up the outside of the mountain.”

“Because it’s storming out,” said Jim. “Tornadus and Thundurus-”

“Tornadus and Thundurus?” asked Terrakion, sharply. “Well, that’s different, I suppose. Those two don’t care if they hit anyone or anything while they’re messing around in the air...”

“So, er...can we pass through?” asked Jim, tentatively.

Terrakion gave him a swift look, and his great eyes seemed to bore right into Jim’s.

“You’ve got a lot of nerve asking that of me, kid,” he growled.

“W-Well,” stammered Jim, “I know you and the other Swords of Justice aren’t too keen about humans. Your companions gave me quite a scare in our travels, and Keldeo-”

“How do you know about Keldeo?!” boomed Terrakion, suddenly. Leanne and Bianca squeaked in terror.

“We saw him on the Moors,” said Jim, not daring to look away. “He and Oshawott here had a close swordfight, which ended in a draw. He, Keldeo, that is, fought very well.”

Terrakion continued to glare at him for a while. Eventually, however, a rough smile creased his face.

“You’ve got guts, kid,” he said. “I’ve never met a human who could stand up to me like that. It’s not just that, either. I saw the way you helped your Audino friend a moment ago. I haven’t seen a human protect a Pokemon like that in years...Tell you what: I’ll walk you to where the tunnel leads out to the plateau, but no farther. Is that clear?”

“That’s more than enough,” said Jim, glad to have gotten on Terrakion’s good side.

“Good. Then stay close.”

He turned around and began lumbering off, while Jim and Company, hardly able to believe their luck, followed behind.

***​

They went along silently, no one speaking. Jim didn’t want to annoy Terrakion with any questions he might not want to be pestered with, so he held his tongue. Oshawott was looking particularly stony, though Jim guessed it was probably from being disarmed so easily. June, seeing this, had climbed down off Jim’s shoulder to walk beside him, and he did seem to cheer up with her at his side.

Professor Juniper, meanwhile, was typing madly into a little keyboard attachment that was included with her X-Transceiver, taking notes about what she had just witnessed in meeting the legendary Terrakion. Jim didn’t doubt her fellow professors and scientists would be plenty jealous...

Eventually, however, Jim grew curious about something. He cleared his throat.

"Er, Terrakion?"

"Mm?" Terrakion grunted.

"Can you tell me anything about the rest of the Swords of Justice? Cobalion and Virizion, and maybe Keldeo?"

Terrakion gave him another swift, sharp look, but then said,

"You're one bold kid, you know that? Not everyone's got the courage to ask something like that."

Jim smiled weakly.

"Well, Cobalion can be a real stick in the mud, but he's a natural-born leader. Never loses his head in a crisis. He's saved my hide more than once." Terrakion chuckled roughly. "And Virizion? She practically lives and breathes the forest. Very graceful, swift as an arrow and just as deadly."

"Oh!" said Jim, interested. "So Virizion's a she? I never knew that."

"Not many do," said Terrakion. "And Keldeo...he's one special little colt. We found him all alone, driven away from a forest fire caused by some of your lot..."

"Oh...I'm sorry. I had no idea..."

"Well, we took him in and raised him to be one of us. He's on his way, though not quite there yet. He's still gotta grow into his sword."

"Huh?"

"The secret weapon of a Sword of Justice: Sacred Sword. Once he masters it, he'll finally be ready..."

"Wow..."

At last, Terrakion stopped before a stone archway.

“This is as far as I take you,” he rumbled. “Take care not to come stumbling into my chamber again, or I might not be so accommodating.”

“We’ll bear it in mind,” said Jim. “Thanks.”

Without another word, Terrakion turned and lumbered off back into the darkness.

“Can you believe our luck?!” squealed Professor Juniper, girlishly. “Terrakion! The Terrakion! He talked to us, and escorted us! Bianca, this is going to be big, big, big!”

She grabbed Bianca’s hands and whisked her around, both of them laughing excitedly.

“That could have gone so much worse,” said Cheren. “We were lucky.”

“Lucky we had Jim,” said Leanne. “I couldn’t think of anything to say to that thing.”

“I was quite lost for words myself,” said Cheren.

“I don’t need any thanks,” said Jim, modestly. “Let’s just get to the stadium.”

They stepped out through the archway, and found themselves standing on a rocky cliff. Miles and miles below, they could see the dense forest, and were surprised to see that they were above the dense patch of clouds where Tornadus and Thundurus were still causing a disturbance. It made Jim feel a bit dizzy to imagine being up this high.

Tearing his eyes away, he joined the others as they walked around the bend in the path, and there, up a sloping incline, towering before them, was the ornate Unova League stadium, rather ancient in appearance, though the air was already full of the buzz of chatter.

They had made it at last...

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 36
Old Friends​

Jim and his companions weaved their way through the crowd of people flocking to the stadium, all of whom were talking excitedly about the start of the tournament. Jim didn’t know how many were competitors and how many were just there to watch, but he could feel the charge of excitement and anticipation running through them like an electric current. It seemed to pervade his very veins.

Suddenly, Leanne grabbed his arm.

“Oh my gosh!” she cried. “Jim! Look!”

She was pointing wildly to the Pokemon Center, situated separately from the stadium, and which was the size of a department store.

“Holy cow,” breathed Jim. “That’s the biggest Pokemon Center I’ve ever seen!”

“Not just that, but look who’s nearby!”

Jim looked in the direction she was pointing, and felt his jaw drop. Two boys were standing by the Center, probably to get away from the crowd, and he actually recognized them! The fair-haired boy, dressed in earthy green and brown, was Cruise, and the skinny, taciturn boy, his face framed by black hair, was Solomon, the two he had made acquaintances of in Nimbasa City!

Jim pushed his way to the crowd towards them, the others doing their best to follow.

“Cruise! Solomon! What are you guys doing here?”

Both boys looked up, and both looked equally amazed.

“Jim? Jim Stevens?” asked Solomon. “Fancy seeing you here!”

“Jim!” called Cruise, waving energetically. “Long time no see!”

Jim shook hands with both of them, still dumbfounded.

“I didn’t know you guys were in the League challenge!”

“Indeed we are,” said Solomon. “I was just telling Cruise I didn’t know he was competing, either.”

“And I was saying the exact thing to Solomon!” said Cruise. “Isn’t that hilarious?”

“Very,” said Jim. “You remember Leanne and Bianca, right?” he added, ushering the two girls forward.

“Hi again!” said Cruise.

“Nice to see the two of you again,” said Solomon, chivalrously. “Although I must say, Bianca, you look a tad different than I remember.”

“Hey, yeah!” said Cruise. “You look...smarter!”

Bianca smiled and blushed.

“And this here’s my other best friend, Cheren,” said Jim.

Cheren shook hands with both boys.

“My mother, our Audino, and Professor Juniper. This is Cruise and Solomon, everyone. We competed in the Nimbasa Battle Tournament. Cruise is actually the one who taught June Aerial Ace.”

“I was wondering who the mastermind of that was!” said Professor Juniper. “I should have guessed, with you having a Servine that knew it. Very smart!”

Cruise’s ears went red with embarrassment.

“Well, isn’t this just the day of reunions? I see you all managed to make it after all.”

Everyone turned. Nigel was striding towards them. Jim noticed that Solomon and Cruise were both glaring at him. It seemed they hadn’t met him before coming here. and their feelings towards him hadn’t altered.

“There’s no need to look so sour,” said Nigel, looking at the two. “You could stand to be a little more cheerful on a day like this.”

Neither of them said anything, so Nigel turned to Jim.

“Stevens. Glad you made it. This tournament would have been downright dull if you had failed to show up.”

“No surprise to see you’re here, Nigel,” said Jim. “I had a feeling you’d be one of the first to arrive.”

“And just in time, too,” said Nigel. “Have you heard about that awful weather on the mountain path? How did you get here?”

“Through the tunnels. It wasn’t easy. We got swarmed by Durant.”

“Ugh! Nasty little insects. I had just the Pokemon for them, too. My-”

He stopped suddenly, and a sly grin appeared on his face.

“Aha...” he said, waving a finger at Jim. “Pretty clever, Stevens...”

“What?” asked Jim, puzzled.

“You almost made me let slip what I have in my party. That’ll have to wait, however. Nice try.”

“What, you think I planned that?” asked Jim, amused. “I’m completely in the dark.”

“So you say, so you say,” said Nigel. “But don’t bother dropping hints about what you’ve got. I like a good surprise before I trounce my opponents.”

“Oho, we’ll see,” said Jim.

“Yes, we shall,” said Nigel.

His eyes roved over Jim’s friends and mother.

“Your posse?” he asked, lightly.

“Oh!” said Jim. “Well, you remember Leanne and Bianca.”

“I do indeed,” said Nigel.

The girls weren’t sure what to say. Neither of them had very good memories of Nigel, though Leanne had been a witness to his recent change in attitude.

“This is Cheren, my other best friend, my mother, our Audino, and I believe you know Professor Juniper.”

“Ah, yes, certainly,” said Nigel, a slight frown coming over his face.

Jim didn’t feel too pleasant, either. He was on tenterhooks to see if Nigel would follow up on the insults he had bestowed upon the Junipers so long ago.

“I have nothing against you and your father, Professor,” said Nigel, “but I merely express regret that your immense talents didn’t lead you to settling down in a city more...more suited to persons of your status.”

Professor Juniper looked at a loss for words.

“Well, we like Nuvema Town just fine,” said Professor Juniper. “The hustle and bustle of big cities never quite did it for me. Papa’s always on the move, too, and he loves Nuvema Town. I don’t think I could see myself just packing up and moving away.”

Nigel said nothing. Jim wondered if he was biting back what he would have said in his earlier days.

“Of course,” he merely said. “Well, I should be off. I wanted to get a good look at the stadium. Until we meet again, Stevens. A pleasure meeting your little band.”

And he walked away back toward the stadium.

“...Is that really Nigel Richmond?” asked Cruise. “What the heck happened to him?”

“It’s obvious, isn’t it?” said Solomon, who had kept his head. “When Jim beat him in the tournament, he put him in his place, showed him what he gets for being such a snob. I quite welcome this new Nigel Richmond myself.”

“Travel has a way of purging the immaturity out of a fella.”

Everyone wheeled around. The Guy had just come up behind them, though he looked more weatherbeaten than ever, his coat ragged and rain-stained.

“Hey, I know you!” said Cruise, excitedly. “You’re that guy with the card-playing Scrafty!”

The Guy chuckled. “Glad you remember me for something like that. I recognize you two, sure enough. Weren’t you the kid who battled me with a Duosion?” he asked Solomon.

“Quite,” said Solomon, “and didn’t you trounce it with your Palpitoad?”

“I might’ve. My memory’s not too good, getting older.”

He turned to Jim.

“And here you are, Jim. Glad to see you made it up safely.”

“Thanks, Guy. Did you have to go through the storm?”

“Yeah,” said the Guy, grimly. “Sprang up on me while I was almost halfway up. Rotten luck, eh?”

“Pretty rotten, yeah,” agreed Jim. “But Professor Juniper reckons it’s Tornadus and Thundurus causing it.”

Cruise and Solomon looked astonished at this news.

“Tornadus?” began Solomon.

“And Thundurus?” finished Cruise.

“Very intriguing,” said the Guy, looking at Professor Juniper. “You’re sure?”

“The signs are similar to when they last had a skirmish, yes,” said the professor. “Of course, we have to make allowances for exceptions. The tension of the League could just be exciting them.”

“I hope that’s what it is,” muttered Jim.

“Don’t you worry about it, son,” said the Guy, clapping him on the shoulder. “This year’s gonna be one heck of a tournament. I’ve seen quite a few flocking in with Pokemon from outside Unova. Should be interesting.”

“And when does the tournament start?” asked Cheren.

“Well, the opening ceremony is tomorrow, and-”

“The opening ceremony!” shouted Jim, clapping a hand to his forehead. “I almost forgot! Leanne, we have to find Alder!”

Leanne looked puzzled for a moment, then her face lit up with realization.

“Oh, right! Yeah! Do you think we’ll be able to find him?”

“He shouldn’t be too hard to find. Come on! We’ll see you guys later!”

And the two rushed off towards the stadium, leaving the others watching after them, bewildered and completely unsure of what the excitement was about.

***​

It wasn’t easy finding him. The stadium lobby was packed with people, and, even if Jim thought it would be easy to find someone as tall or with as wild a hairdo as Alder, they came up empty. It didn’t help that a lot were wearing wigs styled like Alder’s signature style, though none of them had his presence.

They were just thinking of checking the Pokemon Center, when they heard voices from a door they were passing by. It was ajar, and a hushed but eager conversation was going on from within. Jim doubled back, taking Leanne with him, and put his ear to the crack.

“No sign of them at all?” asked a female voice.

“None whatsoever,” came a voice Jim recognized as Alder’s. “It’s a bit disquieting that they’ve been hushed up for this long.”

“They probably know we’d be onto them,” said a tough, deep voice. “They wouldn’t dare muck around with us on duty.”

“Even so,” came a dignified voice, not unlike Nigel’s, “we should post extra security, just to be safe. We have to expect everything from them, even the ludicrous.”

“How you talk, Grimsley,” said the female voice. “You speak as if they’re going to pop out of the ground!”

“It’s not such a strange theory, Shauntal,” said a younger, dreamy female voice. “They are rather desperate and, well, rather strange, too.”

“Let’s not argue about this,” said Alder. “If they remember who we are, they shouldn’t have the guts to try any funny business with us watching.”

“Exactly,” said the deep voice.

“We’ll let the tournament go as planned. We’re not letting a little thing like some cult of kooks put a stop to an annual competition. Agreed?”

“Agreed,” said the other four voices.

“They’re keeping an eye out for Team Plasma,” whispered Leanne. “And they’ve heard nothing? What about that boat attack?”

“Probably a minor thing compared to other stuff they’ve done,” Jim whispered back. “I don’t like the fact that they’re being this quiet, either...”

They jumped away as footsteps approached, and Alder stepped out. He stopped as he spotted them.

“Oh! It’s you two!” he said. “Made it through that storm all right? Excellent!”

“We were looking for you, Alder, sir,” said Jim. “Since the opening ceremony is tomorrow, and our Pokemon are performing-”

“Oh, right, right!” said Alder, grinning. “I remember now! Are they primed and ready?”

“Yes, sir,” said Jim. “All we require is access to the song they wish to dance to.”

“Oh, that can be provided for easily,” said Alder, waving a hand. “The ceremony begins at noon tomorrow. After your Pokemon perform, we’ll announce the first matchups, then dismiss the crowd to get ready for next day’s battling.”

“Sounds great! And where should our Pokemon be?”

“Follow me,” said Alder.

He led the way through the crowd, many people jumping past as he went, giving him a wide berth, and saying things like, “Excuse me, Alder, sir,” and “Hello, Mr. Champion.” At last, after taking them up a flight of stairs, he led them out onto a platform jutting out over the entire stadium, in front of the announcer’s booth, like a diving board over a gigantic pool.

“You should have sufficient room to perform here”

“Oh yeah, this is perfect!” said Jim. “Thanks a lot, Alder, sir!”

“It’s no trouble,” said Alder. “I’m just raring to see what you’ve got in store for us. I need to get going, as there’s some minor details I have to look over as Champion, but I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Definitely!”

And the threesome went back inside, Alder going in one direction, Jim and Leanne the other.

“Do you even know what they’re going to perform?” asked Leanne.

“They haven’t told me the details,” said Jim. “All they mentioned was the song I should play. They said wintering in Undella inspired them, but that’s all they said.”

“Well, it’s their performance. I guess they know best,” said Leanne, with a shrug.

They managed to rejoin the others back at the Pokemon Center, and spent the rest of the day getting Cruise and Solomon up to speed on what had been going on ever since they parted away. Jim didn’t think it honest to conceal his connection with Reshiram from them, and so reduced them to open-mouth stupefaction when he told them all about getting the Light Stone, and N receiving Zekrom. They regarded Jim as if he were a hero out of a storybook, sprung from its pages to regale them with his tales of bravery. For once, though, Jim didn’t bother to resent the attention. It felt good, relieving, even, to fill them in on their exciting, bizarre happenings, but, even as he went to bed that night in the spacious sleeping quarters of the Center, he wondered if any of it would equal the battles they were about to undertake over the next few days...

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 37
Let the Games Begin​

“Now, you’re sure you guys are ready for this?”

“Of course! We’ve been ready for weeks!”

“We’ve been over it, man. We are capital R Ready.”

“All right, all right, I just wanna be safe about it. There’s a big difference between practicing and performing the real deal.”

“We know that, bro. We’re circus Pokemon, remember?”

“You could say it’s in our blood.”

“Oh, yeah. Nearly forgot.”

“And you’re ready, Lilligant?”

“Uh-huh. I’m ready, Leanne.”

“Good. You’re going to be wonderful.”

“Thank you.”

There was a knock at the door, making them all jump. Jim and Leanne had been in the announcer’s booth, getting Torch, Torrent, and Lilligant prepped for their big performance, and hadn’t even noticed Alder approach from outside. He opened the door.

“Everyone ready?” he asked, looking in very good spirits.

“As we’ll ever be, sir,” said Jim.

“You’ve got your song prepared?”

“Loaded and ready for playing.”

“Excellent! Now let’s get this show on the road!”

As he came inside, he was followed by a man Jim thought he knew. Then, with a sudden jolt, it came to him: Richard Burton, the announcer of the Nimbasa Battle Tournament!

“Mr. Burton!” said Jim. “I didn’t know you’d be here!”

“Ah, Mr. Stevens! Fancy seeing you here!” said Burton. “Yes, my job has me all over the place. I announce a lot of tournaments across Unova. Gets unbelievably hectic, believe me.”

He and Alder took seats behind a pair of microphones on the desk. Jim looked out through the window, and could see that the stands were jam-packed, so that all of the people seated looked like multicolored blurs.

Burton pressed a button, and a sound like an extravagant fanfare played through the loudspeakers. The crowd cheered loudly.

“Good afternoon, Unova!!” boomed Burton. “And welcome to the annual Unova League Conference, held here at scenic Victory Mountain! I’m your co-host, Richard Burton, here with the champion himself, Alder!”

“Hello, Unova!” said Alder. “It warms my heart to see so many Trainers and spectators here to witness one of the most anticipated events of the year. You’ve all come a long way to see it and take part in it, and now it’s time to earn your reward for such perseverance.”

“Before we get down to the nitty-gritty,” said Burton, “we have a special treat for you all, as part of the opening ceremony. We have here with us Jim Stevens of Nuvema Town and Leanne Summers of Accumula Town, who have graciously volunteered to give a performance via their Pokemon. What makes this truly special, however, is that these Pokemon are former members of the traveling troupe, Cirque de Poké!”

Even wilder cheers, and some excited murmurs, erupted from the crowd at this. Jim looked at the three Pokemon, who were beaming with anticipation.

“So, without further ado,” went on Burton, “I give you Torch, Torrent, and Lilligant, performing...” He paused. “Mr. Stevens, what is it they’re going to perform?”

Jim leaned forward, speaking through Alder’s mike.

“I’m glad you asked, Mr. Burton. They’re going to be paying a tribute to Meloetta.”

Many people gasped, and even more murmurs went through the crowd.

“A tribute to Meloetta?” asked Burton, amazed. “Astounding! Well, let’s not waste any time, then, shall we? Ladies and gentlemen, the Cirque de Poké trio in a tribute to Meloetta!”

Leanne made a small gesture to the Pokemon, ushering them forward, and they stepped out to tumultuous applause, the loudest of which came from those who recognized them. As Jim reached over to start the music, however, June reached down with a vine and, sweeping it across his belt, activated the rest of his Poke Balls. Echo, Missy, and Spade appeared in the booth. She did the same with Leanne, and she and Oshawott were joined by Tranquill, Zorua, and Larvesta.

“They shouldn’t miss this,” she explained to Jim.

“Ah, right,” said Jim, smiling at her for her forward thinking. He reached over to the console and pressed a button to start the music.

At once, a tropical, partially synthesized, beat began to play, but as it continued for several seconds, it was joined by the unmistakable sound of orchestral string music.

As the two melodies melded, the three Pokemon began to dance, Lilligant performing a kind of hula, while Torch and Torrent rolled their fists and stamped their feet to the music, stepping backwards and forwards as they did so.

Then, they stopped, as Lilligant began to perform a much more elegant solo dance, a mix between hula and ballroom, as the music swelled beautifully. As she danced, everyone gasped as Torch blew a steady Flamethrower over her head, while Torch fired an Ice Beam from between his paws. The two attacks arced gently over the dancing Lilligant, melding to create a silvery mist from the melting ice around her. Everyone ‘ooh’ed and ‘ahh’ed. Jim, Leanne, and their Pokemon were wide-eyed and gaping in amazed admiration. Alder and Burton looked transfixed with wonder.

The melody turned again to its chorus, and the three resumed their first dance routine, but this was cut in half this time, as the music became elegant and ballroom-like again, and Torrent, taking Lilligant in his arms, swept her along into a beautiful ballroom dance while Torch watched, smiling. Jim looked over at Leanne, who was wiping at her eyes. Lilligant’s pale face was absolutely aglow as she danced with Torrent. It was almost impossible to see them without imagining them in a ball gown and a tuxedo on a spotless dance floor.

Then the elegant dance ended, as Torrent gracefully released Lilligant, allowing her to spin by herself, and he hopped over to his brother. The music became tropical and synthesized once more, and the two engaged in a goofier, jerky dance one might expect to see at a club dance. Laughter and applause rippled through the crowd at their antics.

Finally, they returned to one last play of the chorus, but this time, it ended differently. As the music reached its end, Lilligant held her arms wide, and Torch and Torrent, to the astonishment of all present, unleashed a Solarbeam and Hydro Pump at the same time. The two moves arched gracefully, the sun mixing with the water and forming a great, bright, beautiful rainbow, lingering even as the song ended.

The stands erupted with wild cheers and applause. Inside the booth, Jim and Leanne were clapping so hard their hands numbed, and their Pokemon were cheering fight to burst. Alder and Burton just stared, amazed at what they had just witnessed.

As Jim applauded, however, he could have sworn he spotted something in the air, barely visible against the rainbow: a tiny, human-like figure, like a woman with long, waist-length green hair, wearing what looked like a long black dress which opened out like a flower, showing her thin legs. Her eyes were bright blue, and there was something like a microphone earpiece on the side of her head.

Her eyes seemed to be glistening with tears, though she was smiling. She blew the performers a kiss, and in the next instant, before Jim even knew what was happening, she was gone. Torch, Torrent, and Lilligant, too busy waving to the crowd in the midst of a three-Pokemon hug, hadn’t noticed, and neither, it seemed, had anyone else. Had that been Meloetta?...

“Absolutely amazing!” roared Burton through the microphone. “I’ve never seen such choreography in my life! Meloetta would be very proud, my friends, very proud! Let’s give it up, once more, for the Cirque de Poké Trio!”

After taking one last bow, the three Pokemon stepped inside to rejoin their Trainers. Leanne gave Lilligant a big hug while Jim gave a double high-five to the Simi Brothers. Missy, Echo, and Spade crowded around the two, voicing their admiration and enthusiasm.

“Unbelievable!” said Echo.

“Amazing!” said Missy.

“Right purty!” said Spade.

“You three were incredible!” said Jim. “I’ve never seen anything like that!”

“We have you to thank for it, Jim,” said Torch. “You gave us the chance to do this at last.”

“Yeah, man. We owe it all to you,” said Torrent.

“Aw, you guys...” said Jim, modestly.

He then turned to Leanne.

“Let’s skedaddle. We ought to be with the rest of the crowd when the first matches are selected.”

“Good idea,” she said.

After recalling all of their Pokemon, the two Trainers took their leave of the announcer’s booth, and made their way through the packed seats until they finally reached the spot Mrs. Stevens, Professor Juniper, the Guy, and Bianca had reserved for Leanne. They waved energetically to Jim as he went to join Cheren, Cruise, Solomon, and Nigel among the other innumerable Trainers who would be competing in the competition.

“Quite the performance, Stevens,” said Nigel. “I’m impressed.”

“Thanks, Nigel, but it was all them. I never even saw them during practice.”

“You mean that was self-practiced?” asked Solomon, incredulous. “Incredible!”

“The way they made that rainbow at the end with Solarbeam and Hydro Pump!” gushed Cruise. “Really cool!”

Jim looked at Cheren, who just beamed at him, clapping a hand to his shoulder. It was all the praise Jim really needed.

“Well, once more, ladies and gentlemen,” said Burton, “welcome! Those of you who have participated in any previous Unova League Conferences should know the rules already. We have 128 total contestants in attendance this year, so this tournament will be split into six rounds, plus the preliminary round. The preliminary round, which will take place immediately after the opening ceremony, will consist of a single Pokemon battle, one on one. After that, Rounds 1 thru 3 will consist of three on three battles, and the three final rounds will consist of full six on six battles. Make sure you have all Pokemon on hand during those battles; incomplete teams will not lead to disqualification, but might prove a disadvantage, so be wary. After the completion of each round, the next match up will be chosen via random selection among the winners of that round.”

Jim kept his eyes forward, ready for when he would appear in the brackets upon the big screen.

“The grand prize,” Burton went on, “is the Unova League Cup, a prize of $10,000,000 Pokes, and the opportunity to battle Champion Alder himself!”

Wild applause rang through the crowd at these words, and Jim felt a thrill pulse through his veins.

“That’s right, Burton,” said Alder, “and I look forward to seeing that on lucky Trainer make it all the way to the top! So give it all you’ve got, everyone, and let’s get to it!”

More wild cheers rippled through the audience, and the big screen finally lit up.

128 images, like miniscule playing cards, appeared, each depicting one of the competing Trainers. Jim briefly glimpsed his own before they all flipped onto their backs. Thin, silvery brackets extended around them, making 64 pairs. The cards then flipped over again, completely swapped around. Jim saw that he was in the 7th battle of the day, and his opponent was a very pretty young lady with long, silver-blond hair. He looked around to try and spot her, and found her. She was wearing a black tank top, a crimson skirt, and white stockings. She caught his eye, smiled, and winked. Jim managed to weakly smile back.

“Memorize your matchups, folks,” said Burton, “because we’re about to get this party started! Our first match up will be Wesley Palomino vs. Nestor Goldthwait! Competitors, make your way to the field. Everyone else, please wait outside the ring until you are called. Thank you.”

Jim joined the others not participating along the railing to the battlefield, standing among his friends.

“Can you imagine my luck?” groaned Nigel. “I’m paired for the 28th preliminary battle, and with that troll over there.”

He jerked his thumb to an enormous Trainer with a square-ish shape and a jutting jaw. He certainly did not look like a people person.

“How did you luck out on getting that pretty girl?” asked Cruise. “Just like when you got paired with Miss LeClaire in Nimbasa.”

Jim merely shrugged, turning his attention to watch the battle.

***​

Even for battles that only consisted of one Pokemon on either side, Jim had to admit that there were plenty of close shaves in the battles before and after his. It seemed that, as these were the battles that decided who would even go on to the first round, the Trainers were exerting themselves even more to avoid being the unlucky loser.

At last, it was Jim’s turn, as he heard his name being called over the intercom.

“Our next preliminary match: Jim Stevens vs. Julie Farrow!”

“Good luck, Jim!” called Cruise, as he went out onto the battlefield to face his opponent, Julie.

“I know you,” she said, when they were facing each other. “You’re the guy who keeps ruining Team Plasma’s plans. Hard to believe they keep losing to a boy.”

“First you call me a guy, then a boy,” said Jim, wryly. “How nice.”

Julie giggled. “I’m just saying it like it is. You may be ‘Plasma’s Bane’, but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna go easy on you.”

“Believe me, Miss Farrow,” said Jim, “I would have been insulted if you did go easy on me.”

Julie merely grinned and pulled out a Poke Ball.

“Samurott, go!” she called, throwing it up.

In the blaze of light from it, an enormous, intimidating Pokemon appeared. It looked like a great blue sea lion, standing on four thick legs. Cream-colored adornments on its forelegs resembled sword scabbards with hilts sticking from them. It had a pointed snout, bristling white mustaches and a beard, and stern red eyes. Its short tail was shaped like a seashell, and it was wearing a spear-pointed conch shell as a helmet.

Jim brought out his Pokedex.

“Samurott, the Formidable Pokemon, and the final evolved form of Oshawott. One stroke of its seamitars is enough to strike down its toughest foes. Its glare and mighty voice quell the most disobedient of Pokemon.”

Jim stared up at the imposing Samurott, which glared down at him haughtily.

“June, feel up to this?” asked Jim.

“Always,” said June, and she leaped down onto the field.

There was a loud murmur from the crowd. Obviously, they did not see the sense in sending out a tiny Snivy against an enormous Samurott. Julie was smirking confidently.

“Hold your horses, folks,” said Burton. “Those who have seen Mr. Stevens during the Nimbasa Battle Tournament will remember that this is no garden-variety Snivy. He may be sound in his judgement after all.”

“Darn right I am,” Jim muttered.

The referee, standing in the middle, raised his flags.

“Begin!” he bellowed.

“Ok, June, start us off with Energy Ball!” said Jim.

June leaped into the air, a glowing green and yellow ball forming in her palm, which she then lobbed at Samurott. Samurott, however, didn’t move. The Energy Ball struck against it and exploded, but it didn’t even skid backward from the recoil.

“Uh-oh,” muttered Jim.

“Samurott, Ice Beam!” commanded Julie.

A glowing ball of icy-blue light appeared at the tip of Samurott’s helmet, and a jagged bolt of blue lightning shot at June.

“Dodge it, and use Aerial Ace!” shouted Jim.

June swerved to the side to avoid the blast, and, in the process, soared straight at Samurott, gliding above the ground. She flew upwards and struck it straight across the face, this time making it step back a pace or two, but it regained itself quickly, glaring at June as she swept back to her former spot.

“Keep using Ice Beam, Samurott!” said Julie.

“And June, you just keep dodging!” commanded Jim. “And while you’re at it, chuck some Energy Balls for good measure!”

Samurott fired blast after blast of icy lightning, but June was too quick. She leaped from side to side, the blasts just missing her, and once in a while, she’d throw another Energy Ball, which exploded against Samurott.

“Speedy little Snivy, isn’t she?” teased Julie. “But we’re gonna get you in the end! Samurott, Megahorn!”

Several spectators gasped. The spear of Samurott’s helmet began glowing green, and lengthened until it resembled a javelin. Jim was so surprised that he didn’t give a command, and Samurott struck so swiftly that June didn’t even think to dodge. The Formidable Pokemon rammed her with its spear, throwing for a loop and sending her sprawling. The attack looked like it had taken a lot out of her.

“JUNE!” yelled Jim. “Are you ok?!”

June slowly struggled to her feet, looking weakened.

“This could be big trouble for Jim,” said Burton. “Megahorn’s a powerful Bug type attack, and it looked like it did a number on Snivy.”

“It would have been a lot worse if Samurott were part Bug,” said Alder. “The same-type attack bonus it would gain might have ended this fight on the spot.”

Jim bit his lip. Samurott was highly dangerous with both Ice Beam and Megahorn. If he didn’t do something quick, he was going to be knocked out of the competition, and only in the preliminares, too!

“I should have figured this would be a piece of cake,” said Julie. “Guess Team Plasma’s just a bunch of wusses, because you’re not that strong. Samurott, finish this up with another Megahorn!”

Samurott’s spear began to glow green again. Jim, however, was ready.

“June, dodge it, and then...use Toxic!”

Many spectators gasped at this command, and Julie looked stunned. Samurott struck, but June leaped up into the air, and, swirling her hand in midair, formed a bubbling ball of purple goo, which he tossed at Samurott. It struck home, and the Formidable Pokemon, though it straightened up, suddenly began to glow with a sickly purple hue, and a weakened look came over its proud face.

“No!” squealed Julie. “What have you done?!”

“What was that you were saying about me?” asked Jim. “That I wasn’t that strong? Well, allow me to prove you otherwise! June, Leaf Storm!”

June began to twirl in midair. A mass of glowing leaves surrounded her body, which then launched straight for Samurott. The tidal wave of leaves blasted against it, knocking it off its sturdy legs and onto its side.

“Samurott! Get up!” yelled Julie.

Samurott twitched, and made as if to rise, but its body glowed a sickly purple again, and the next instant, it had flopped back onto its side, out cold. The referee raised one flag.

“Samurott is unable to battle! Snivy wins, which means the victor is Jim Stevens!”

Tumultuous cheers rang through the crowd as Jim lifted June up into his arms.

“Atta girl!” he said. “I knew you were the right choice for our start into the League.”

June merely smiled and nestled against his chest. Julie recalled Samurott, looking crestfallen. However, she did manage to smile at Jim.

“Good match,” she said. “That’s one heck of a Snivy you have there.”

“Yeah, well, your Samurott was pretty tough, too,” said Jim.

“Good luck!” said Julie, and she left the battlefield, Jim doing the same, rejoining his friends.

“Great work, Jim!” said Cheren.

“Did you see that Aerial Ace?” asked Cruise. “She’s got it down pat!”

“I must admit, I was a tad nervous,” said Solomon.

“A tad?” asked Nigel, with a slight laugh. “Your knuckles were ghost-white, Solomon.”

“Not as much as yours,” retorted Solomon.

Before the two could get into an argument, however, Solomon was called for his match, as he had been selected to fight right after Jim. Jim, for his part, sat back with June curled up against him to watch the rest of the preliminary matches, glad that he had least made it past the first round...

***​

Author's Note: The song envisioned for the performance is Coconeru's "A Tropical Octav3" =)

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 38
A Battle of International Proportions​

Jim wished he could have brought a video camera. The rest of the battles in the preliminary round were as harrowing, or even more so, than his own, and sometimes, he felt as if they ended much too quickly. He was also itching to see more new Pokemon, perhaps some not native to Unova, and he always had his Pokedex at the ready, like a drawn gun ready to fire. Half of the time, he completely forgot about it, so mesmerized was he at the bouts that were going on.

To his relief, Cheren, Cruise, Solomon, and Nigel all passed their preliminary battles as well. Cheren’s Emboar completely flattened his opponent’s Klang, and Nigel had made his unsightly rival’s Watchog look like a joke against his Simisage. Cruise’s Swadloon seemed to have evolved into a Leavanny, and duked it out with a Boldore, while Solomon’s Liepard made short work of a Cofagrigus. The sun was low over the horizon by the time the final bout was completed.

“And there we have it, folks!” said Burton. “This concludes the preliminary round, and we wish to extend our appreciation for those who participated but did not make it. You showed amazing skill in getting this far, and that’s what matters.”

“Indeed, Charlie,” said Alder, “and now, turn your attention to the board to see who you will be facing tomorrow!”

Everyone looked up at the giant screen. There were now 64 mugshots spread across it. These flipped over, glowed, then flipped back over, swapped and linked by brackets. To his surprise, Jim saw that he was in the first battle of the next day, and his opponent was a boy in a dark-green overcoat, his long silver-blonde hair concealing half of his face. Jim searched him out and found him, standing with folded arms and an impassive expression. His steel-gray eye flickered momentarily on him, then returned to the screen.

“The battles start at 9 sharp tomorrow, so be early and be ready!” said Burton. “This is Charles Burton-”

“And Alder-”

“Wishing you good luck for tomorrow!”

***​

“You guys all made your battles look so easy,” Jim said over dinner, as he sat with Leanne, Bianca, Cheren, and his tournament pals. Mrs. Stevens and Professor Juniper had a table to themselves nearby, while The Guy was at another table, playing cards with Scrafty.

“It was rather pathetic, if you ask me,” said Nigel, taking a bite out of a chicken salad sandwich. “Watchog are so predictable, and besides, I kept myself fired up by inwardly telling myself that I wouldn’t let that ugly brute continue through the tournament. Not on my watch, at any rate.”

“I wouldn’t go so far as to call them pathetic,” said Cheren. “They did make it this far, didn’t they?”

“Perhaps,” conceded Nigel, “but they have to learn that the League expects much more out of a Pokemon they’ve seen a thousand times before. Variety is the spice of life, after all. Now, you, Stevens,” he said, turning to Jim, “your Snivy pulled off a very close victory. I take it that Toxic was a recent acquisition?”

“It was, courtesy of Roxie.”

“Roxie?” asked Solomon, surprised. “Roxie of Virbank?”

“Yeah, why?”

“She’s one of the most lethal Poison-type Trainers in Unova. She combines the dangerous effects of Poison with raw power, all with the energy and drive of a rock concert.”

“Sounds like she makes battles a heck of an event,” said Leanne.

“It’s a great ace up the sleeve, at any rate,” said Cruise. “Even if it’s not always a sub-type of theirs, most Grass types ought to have a Poison or stunning move at the ready.”

“Well, if it comes from your mouth, Cruise,” said Bianca, “it’s gotta be true. You’re like the expert on Grass types.”

“Aw, shucks, Bianca,” said Cruise.

“It looks like you’re going to be our first battler tomorrow, Jim,” said Cheren. “I took a look at that guy you’re paired up against. Seems like you always get the interesting ones, huh?”

“Yeah!” said Cruise. “Miss LeCaire, that guy in the Watchog outfit, that girl from today, and now this dude. How do you keep getting so lucky?”

“You call being matched up against the most noticeable of people lucky?” Jim asked, incredulous. “As if I wanted any added attention.”

“Oh, come on,” said Solomon. “We’re only poking fun. You’re going to do just fine.”

“Ha!” came the Guy’s voice. They turned to see him lay down his hand. “Full house! What do you say to that, smart-aleck?”

Scrafty smirked and laid down his hand: four of a kind. The Guy stared, then turned to the group and said,

“Sometimes I think I taught him too well.”

***​

“Good morning, ladies and gents! This is Charles Burton-”

“And Alder-”

“And welcome back to the Victory Mountain Conference! We hope you’re all wide awake and ready, because it’s time to proceed with Round 1! Now that we’ve gotten past the preliminaries, it’s time for the true showdown to begin!”

“That’s right, Charlie, and our first match of the day is going to be Jim Stevens against Artemis Kirk!”

Amid shouts and cheers from the crowd, Jim stepped out onto the field, the early morning sun bearing down on him and making him squint. He’d passed an uneasy night, but he felt ready. His opponent, Artemis Kirk, was already facing him, his face still half-shrouded by his hair.

“Jim Stevens,” he said quietly. “They speak of you even from where I come from. You are quite famous.”

“Er, thanks,” said Jim. “Should I know who you are?”

Artemis chuckled.

“I think not. I am not the sort of Trainer who clouds himself in fame and adulation. I work best in solitude, honing my skills to their apex. I have come a long way to take part in this tournament, to show the people of Unova Pokemon they have not laid eyes upon before.”

Jim raised an eyebrow, a little bemused by his opponent’s behavior. Artemis drew a Poke Ball.

“But enough talk. Let us begin! Gengar, you’re first!”

From the Poke Ball came a truly creepy-looking Pokemon. It was purple, with stubby arms and legs, pointed ears, and rigid spikes running down its back. Its eyes were red and sinister, and it had a wide, toothy grin that looked quite evil. Jim brought his Pokedex.

“Gengar, the Shadow Pokemon. Gengar steals heat from wherever it is hiding, so a drop in temperature is a sign that it is nearby. It lurks in the shadows, its sinister grin the only thing visible.”

“And Artemis Kirk’s first Pokemon is a Gengar!” said Burton. “Quite a rare appearance, wouldn’t you say, Alder?”

“That’s right, Charlie,” said Alder. “Gengar’s a fully-evolved Ghost/Poison type native to the Kanto region. It seems Mr. Kirk has been far and wide to have found it.”

“Ghost/Poison, huh?” Jim muttered. “Interesting combination. All right, then.”

He pocketed his Pokedex and took out his own Poke Ball.

“Echo, come on out!”

The ball burst open, and the faithful Swoobat appeared.

“And Jim Stevens starts off with a Swoobat!” said Burton.

“Interesting choice,” said Alder. “Swoobat is a Psychic/Flying type. Both Pokemon have their strengths and weaknesses to exploit against each other. Swoobat’s Psychic abilities may take a toll on Gengar’s Poison typing, but Gengar is still a Ghost type, something Swoobat ought to be wary about.”

“Begin!” yelled the referee.

“Echo, start off with Air Slash!”

Echo swept up, his wings shining blue, and he flapped them sharply, sending buzzsaw-shaped blasts straight for Gengar.

“Dodge it, Gengar, and use Shadow Ball!”

Gengar swept upwards, the Air Slash blazing past beneath it, then cupped its hands together, forming a sparking black and purple ball, which launched at Echo.

“Dodge, Echo! Then use your own Shadow Ball!”

Echo ducked as the Shadow Ball sailed overhead, then drew one wing back. A Shadow Ball of his own formed in front of his face, which he whacked toward Gengar with his wing. The attack struck it full in the face and sent it backwards, but it was still grinning wickedly.

“Gengar, Dark Pulse!”

Gengar cupped its hands in front of its face. A glowing black and purple fireball formed between them, and the next instant, a blast made of the same substance fired from it.

“Don’t let it hit you, Echo!” Jim shouted.

Echo swooped upwards, just narrowly avoiding getting his tail hit.

“Again!” commanded Artemis.

Gengar fired again, and Echo darted to the side, but the Dark Pulse just grazed his left wing, and he grimaced in pain. Jim flinched, and Artemis grinned darkly.

“Your Swoobat is quick, but can it dodge this with a damaged wing? Gengar, Thunderbolt!”

Jim’s eyes widened in horror. Thunderbolt?!

Sure enough, Gengar’s body became surrounded with electricity, and it fired a massive bolt straight at Echo.

“Echo! Get out of the way!” yelled Jim.

Echo tried to swerve aside, but having his wing struck had slowed him down. He was struck full-force, letting out a cry that rang through the stadium, and which made Jim’s blood curdle. The poor Swoobat crumpled into a kneeling position, supporting himself on his wings.

“Echo! Hang in there!” Jim encouraged.

“It’s over, Stevens,” said Artemis. “It was unwise to send out a Pokemon I fully expected to dominate...Gengar, end this pathetic scene. Shadow Ball!”

Gengar once more cupped its hands, forming a black and purple ball between them. Jim’s mind reeled as he tried to think of a way out of this. Then, to his utter relief, Echo, wobbling slightly, managed to take off once again, flapping slowly and unsteadily.

“It matters not,” said Artemis, seeing the look on Jim’s face. “Your Swoobat is too weak to take much more. Gengar, fire!”

Gengar launched the Shadow Ball.

“Oh yeah?” asked Jim. “Echo, dodge, then use Thunder Wave!”

A gasp rippled through the ground, and even Artemis looked surprised. Echo barely managed to swerve away from the Shadow Ball as a bolt of bluish lightning fired from his body, hitting Gengar full on. The Shadow Pokemon’s body sparked, and it grimaced in agony.

“Gengar, no! Fight back! Thunderbolt!”

Gengar tensed, but the sparks only intensified, and it was forced to stop, cringing.

“Dark Pulse!” Artemis yelled in desperation.

Again, Gengar tried to move, but the sparks only flared up even more, keeping it unable to move. Artemis growled in frustration.

“Now, Echo, use Psychic!” Jim commanded.

Echo swooped into the air, his body becoming surrounded by an intense blue aura, his eyes gleaming with the same glow. There was a burst of whitish light, and Gengar stiffened, looking stricken, eyes wide and pupils shrunken. The Psychic had sent a powerful stunning blast straight into its mind.

“No!” Artemis roared.

“Yes!” crowed Jim. “Finish this up, Echo! Shadow Ball!”

Echo pulled one wing back, forming another Shadow Ball. Artemis, however, seemed to have come to a decision.

“Gengar, if you’re going down, take that Swoobat with you! Destiny Bond!”

Jim felt his heart freeze. He had heard of Destiny Bond, a Ghost-type move that took the opponent down along with the user. If Gengar fell, then so would Echo!

Too late to attempt anything, Jim could only watch as Echo fired the Shadow Ball, and at the same time, Gengar’s entire body glowed with a red light, and something like a shadow streaked along the battlefield, merging with Echo’s shadow, and casting him in the same red light.

“NO!” Jim yelled.

Gengar was struck by the Shadow Ball and crumpled. A stricken look came over Echo, and he too fell to the ground, unconscious. Everyone in the stands looked stunned at the sudden development. The referee raised both flags.

“Both Gengar and Swoobat are unable to battle!”

“What an upset!” said Burton. “Swoobat takes out Gengar, but was the victory truly worth it? A very dastardly ploy, using Destiny Bond.”

“Dastardly indeed, Charlie,” said Alder. “It looks we’re in for quite a battle if the first match-up was this intense.”

“Good job, Echo,” said Jim, recalling his poor Swoobat. “Get some rest.”

Artemis recalled Gengar. “Not too shabby, Stevens,” he said, “but that was only the beginning...”

He drew his next Poke Ball.

“Sudowoodo, you’re next!”

In a burst of light, a Pokemon resembling a lanky tree appeared. It had brown, yellow-spotted skin, a simple face, arms with three green spheres at the end of each for hands, and a Y-shaped adornment on top. Jim brought out his Pokedex again.

“Sudowoodo, the Imitation Pokemon. It disguises itself as a tree to avoid being attacked. However, it hates water and flees from rain.”

“And Artemis sends out his second Pokemon,” said Burton, “and while not as ominous as Gengar, it is still an oddity of the Pokemon world.”

“Very true,” said Alder. “Sudowoodo looks like a plant, but it’s actually a Rock type. Many Trainers make that common mistake, and it is no fault of theirs.”

“A Rock type?” Jim muttered. “Well, isn’t that lucky?”

He drew out his next Poke Ball.

“Torrent, go!”

The complacent Simipour appeared in a blaze of light.

“Jim Stevens seems to be going for type advantage,” said Burton, “and has chosen a Simipour.”

“Let’s hope he’s not being cocky about this,” said Alder. “Simipour would have an advantage, but Sudowoodo is also a devious Pokemon with a lot of tricks up its sleeve.”

“Begin!” shouted the referee.

“Sudowoodo, Stone Edge!”

Sudowoodo crossed its arms, rings of jagged stones surrounding its body. It threw its arms out, and the stones launched at Torrent.

“Use Hydro Pump!” Jim shouted.

Torrent cupped his paws, a ball of water forming in a swirl between them, then threw them forward, sending a massive jet of pressurized water from them. They blasted back the stones and struck Sudowoodo full-force. However, it still looked ready for more.

“How’s that possible?” Jim asked, surprised. “Hydro Pump’s one of the strongest Water attacks! That should have dealt major damage!”

Artemis smirked unpleasantly. “My Sudowoodo’s Ability is Sturdy. An attack that would have normally taken it down in one strike no longer has that power. Show that Simipour what you’re really made of, Sudowoodo! Earth Power!”

Sudowoodo raised one arm, a golden glow surrounding its body, and punched the ground. Deep cracks began moving along the ground toward Torrent.

“Dodge it with Acrobatics!” Jim ordered.

With a deft somersault, Torrent leaped away, the cracks ending where he had stood.

“Now, while you’re up there, use Ice Beam!”

Torrent cupped his paws again, an icy blue light forming between them, and when he threw them forward, a jagged bolt of icy lightning shot from them toward Sudowoodo.

“Protect yourself!” yelled Artemis. “Stone Edge!”

Sudowoodo once more summoned rings of jagged stones, the Ice Beam striking against them. Though the stones became encased in ice, Sudowoodo was unharmed.

“Whoa,” muttered Jim. “Clever.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” said Artemis. “Sudowoodo, Hammer Arm!”

With unbelievable dexterity, Sudowoodo bounded straight up toward Torrent, raising one glowing arm up over its head.

“Torrent!” yelled Jim. “Look out!”

Too late. With a swift downward swing, Sudowoodo smacked Torrent with its arm, sending him crashing to the ground, flat on his face, generating an ‘Ooooh!’ of pain from the crowd. Sudowoodo landed deftly as Torrent unsteadily got back to his feet.

“Hang in there, buddy,” said Jim. “Shake it off.”

“‘Shake it off’, don’t make me laugh,” said Artemis, sneering. “My Sudowoodo is more than enough to take you down. Wood Hammer!”

Sudowoodo leaped toward Torrent again, arm raised and glowing blue.

“Dodge it, Torrent!” yelled Jim.

Torrent leaped to the side as Sudowoodo swung, narrowly missing. It swung again, and Torrent managed to dodge once more.

“Now retaliate! Brick Break!”

Torrent drew his arm back, which began to glow white, and he let loose with a punch that sent Sudowoodo flying far back to its side of the field. Several spectators gasped, others cheered. Artemis stared in amazement, then smirked in a mocking way.

“Impressive,” he said. “Your Simipour has its share of tricks, but it’s not going to save you. Sudowoodo, Earth Power!”

Once again, Sudowoodo raised its arm and slammed its hand against the ground, sending golden cracks towards Torrent.

“Get around them, Torrent, and use Hydro Pump!”

Torrent skirted to the side of the cracks, cupped his paws to his side, and let loose another large blast of water at Sudowoodo.

“Break through it with Hammer Arm!” commanded Artemis.

To everyone’s amazement, Sudowoodo sweeped his glowing arm at the Hydro Pump, knocking it away and into the wall to its right. Jim’s jaw dropped.

“And now, Stone Edge!”

Another ring of stones appeared around Sudowoodo, and launched at Torrent.

“Acrobatics!” yelled Jim.

Torrent somersaulted into the air, the stones clattering harmlessly below.

“Now, give him an aerial Brick Break!”

With a frown of determination, Torrent dove for Sudowoodo, bringing his arm back and spinning it like a pitcher about to throw a baseball, a white blaze surrounding it.

“Intercept it, Sudowoodo! Wood Hammer!”

Sudowoodo brought its arm back, glowing blue once again, waiting for Torrent, who was coming closer and closer, his arm a blur of white fire.

There was an air-splitting, indefinable noise, as Torrent struck Sudowoodo square in the face with Brick Break, but Sudowoodo struck Torrent full-on with Wood Hammer. Torrent was thrown back, where he landed heavily on his feet, looking battered, while Sudowoodo teetered, wobbled, and ultimately, fell flat onto its back, out cold. The referee raised one flag.

“Sudowoodo is unable to battle!” Simipour wins!”

“Unbelievable!” Burton roared over the tumult of the crowd. “After taking a Wood Hammer head-on, Simipour was still able to take out Sudowoodo with a super-effective Brick Break!”

“That Wood Hammer didn’t help any either, Burton,” said Alder. “That recoil damage added on to the damage done by Brick Break. It looks like Mr. Kirk would have done better with a Sudowoodo that had Rock Head for an ability.”

Artemis did not look pleased, and he recalled Sudowoodo.

“You ok, Torrent?” Jim asked.

“I’ve got a few buffs,” said Torrent, “but I can keep going. Don’t worry about me, bro.”

“That’s my boy.”

“Well, well, well, Stevens,” said Artemis. “You’ve actually forced me to resort to my final Pokemon. I never imagined it would go this far, but what can you do? Now you must face the fury of my final combatant!”

He held up his third and final Poke Ball as he said this.

“Lickylicky, it’s up to you!”

Jim stared in dumbfoundment at the Pokemon that appeared. It was large, pink, and enormously fat, with a great, round, ball-shaped body, marked with yellow stripes and a white cloth-like pattern extending from its neck. It had an odd curl atop its head, beady eyes, and an enormous tongue protruding from its mouth. Jim thought that it looked like some swollen children’s toy, perpetually mocking him with that tongue. He brought out his Pokedex.

“Lickylicky, the Licking Pokemon. The saliva produced from its tongue can dissolve any substance. The numb feeling caused by its saliva does not dissipate.”

“And Artemis Kirk’s final Pokemon is a Lickylicky!” said Burton. “Quite an oddity!”

“An oddity is right,” said Alder. “Lickylicky’s a Normal type from the Sinnoh region, but the evolved form of the Kanto Pokemon Lickitung. The Lickitung line has quite a history.”

“A Normal type, eh?” Jim said. “Nothing a few Brick Breaks can’t handle.”

“Begin!” yelled the referee.

“All right, Torrent, go in for Brick Break!” shouted Jim.

Torrent dashed forward, arm aglow once more. Artemis, however, was smiling unpleasantly.

“Not this time, Stevens! Lickylicky, Power Whip!”

Lickylicky stuck out its enormous tongue even further, whipped its head around so that its tongue followed, then sharply snapped its head back to its normal position, sending the tongue, now glowing bright green, right at Torrent. It struck him a hard blow, stopping him short and throwing him back, where he crumpled before trying to shakily get back up.

“Aw, no...” Jim muttered. “Power Whip’s a Grass attack. This isn’t good...”

“End this pathetic scene, Lickylicky,” said Artemis. “I can’t stand seeing a Pokemon suffer when hope is lost. Focus Blast!”

Lickylicky sucked in its tongue and took in a deep breath. A blue light was shining in its great fat belly, working its way up its chest, into its throat, and then, with a noise like cannonfire, it spat out a great glowing blue ball. It was too late for Torrent to do anything; he was blasted full-force and thrown into the air, from where he landed with a sickening smack back into the ground and did not get back up. The referee raised a flag.

“Simipour is unable to battle! Lickylicky wins!”

With a heavy sigh, Jim recalled Torrent as the crowd rang with cheers and groans.

“Good work, Torrent. You deserve a nice long rest. Now...what do I have that can combat that thing? Spade could withstand Power Whip, but that Focus Blast would mean big trouble...”

As he pondered this, he ran his hand along his Poke Balls, and as it came to rest on one, it jittered, making him jump in surprise. Before he could stop it, there came a burst of light, and none other than Missy appeared, bow and all. Many females in the audience ‘aww’ed at her. She turned and smiled sunnily at Jim, but he didn’t feel like smiling at all. In fact, he felt as if the bottom of his stomach had disappeared..

“Missy! What are you doing?! I didn’t choose you!” he snapped.

Missy’s smiled vanished, and her ears drooped, a hurt look on her face. Jim winced, knowing he’d gone too far...

“Missy, I didn’t mean it like that...Look, just come back and we’ll go with-”

“Ah-ah-ah,” interrupted Artemis, wagging a finger. “You’ve made your final choice, and now you have to go with it. A substitution now would call for disqualification.”

“W-What?! But-”

“Rules are rules, Mr. Stevens,” said Artemis with a shrug, though he was looking very self-satisfied.

“And in an odd turn of events,” said Burton, “Jim Stevens has chosen an Emolga as his final Pokemon.”

“Very odd,” agreed Alder. “Emolga’s an Electric/Flying type, but can its smaller size and higher speed be enough to take down a defensive powerhouse like Lickylicky?”

Jim sighed. He had no choice.

“Ok, Missy, it looks like we’re just going to have to go through with this. I’m counting on you, all right?”

She turned to look at him, a lingering of the hurt from his harsh words still in her eyes.

“Please, Missy...I really need you to pull out a win for us...”

She considered him for a moment, then nodded determinedly.

“I won’t let you down,” she said, and turned to face Lickylicky, who was looking down at her in a mocking way.

Jim smiled. Missy was willing to give it her best; he couldn’t have asked for better.

“Begin!” yelled the referee.

“Start us off with Discharge, Missy!”

An electrical aura surrounded Missy’s body, and she let loose a powerful blast of lightning. Lickylicky didn’t bother trying to dodge or defend; it just took the blast with only a minor grimace. Jim gulped.

“That’s some strong flab,” he muttered.

“Use Rollout, Lickylicky!” commanded Artemis.

Lickylicky bounced into the air, curled up into a ball, then began rolling straight toward Missy, gathering speed as it approached.

“Get out of the way, Missy!” Jim yelled.

Missy flew to one side. Lickylicky rolled past, veered sharply, and came right back at her.

“Keep going!” Jim shouted. “Don’t let it get you!”

Missy flew this way and that, trying to avoid being struck, but eventually, she failed to notice Lickylicky right behind her, and it bowled her over, knocking her for a loop. It then came for a second hit, and another, and another. Jim tugged down on his hat in anxiety.

“Oh, this isn’t good, Charlie,” said Alder. “Rollout increases in power every time it lands a hit. It might be lights out for Emolga.”

Lickylicky’s last hit sent Missy flying back to her side of the field, as the bulbous Pokemon uncurled itself.

“Missy! You ok??”

Missy struggled to her feet, looking scuffed, but being struck like that seemed only to have strengthened her resolve. Her eyes glinting with a steely light, she tugged the ends of her bow sharply, and then drew up her little tummy with her paws, letting it plop back down with force. The sight of such bravado brought the smile back to Jim’s face.

“Atta girl! Now, give it an Iron Tail!”

Missy soared into the air, her black tail gleaming with a silver sheen, and even taking on the appearance of polished metal. Swinging it, she flew straight for Lickylicky.

“Intercept it with Power Whip!”

Lickylicky whipped its tongue out again, sending it flying and glowing green at Missy. Missy swung her tail at the same time, the two attacks colliding. A look of revulsion came over Lickylicky’s face, and it drew in its tongue again, gagging and spluttering. Artemis looked dumbfounded, but Jim laughed.

“Ha! Looks like Missy’s Iron Tail left a sour taste in Lickylicky’s mouth!”

The crowd laughed. Artemis did not looked pleased.

“I will not allow jokes at my or my Pokemon’s expense!” he snapped. “Lickylicky, Focus Blast!”

“Dodge it with Aerial Ace!”

Lickylicky spat out another glowing blue ball, and Missy swerved to avoid it, flying straight at Lickylicky. Unfortunately, when she struck, she only bounced off its gut and was thrown back.

“Sheesh, what’s that thing made of?” Jim muttered.

“Power Whip!” Artemis commanded.

Lickylicky whipped its tongue at Missy again. This time it hit home, Missy covering herself with her arms as she was swept backwards, electrical sparks flying from her body. Then, all of a sudden, Lickylicky jerked, a stunned look on its face. A flurry of sparks ran up its tongue and into its body. Lickylicky flailed and crumpled onto one knee, looking pained.

“What the-?!” shouted Artemis, looking thunderstruck.

“My oh my!” said Burton. “It looks like Emolga’s Static Ability has kicked in! Lickylicky is paralyzed on the spot!”

Jim stared, dumbfounded, from Missy to Lickylicky. Static...of course! Physical contact induced paralysis! Lickylicky’s chances of attacking were halved!

“Yes! We might have a chance now! Missy, use Iron Tail!”

Grinning broadly, Missy soared at Lickylicky and, her tail shining silver again, struck it full in the face, throwing it back. Artemis growled.

“Don’t let it do that to you!” he yelled. “Rollout!”

Lickylicky tried to curl up into a ball again, but the sparks redoubled, and it was forced to stop. Artemis looked livid.

“No!” he yelled.

“Yes!” said Jim. “Missy, Discharge!”

Missy let loose a massive electrical attack on Lickylicky, blasting it full-on. Artemis had gone very pale, his one visible eye wide and burning with anger, his teeth clenched.

“I refuse to let you get the best of me, Jim Stevens!” he hissed. “Lickylicky, Hyper Beam!”

Those simple words instantly wiped the smiles from Jim and Missy’s faces, especially when Lickylicky was actually able to move. It opened its mouth wide, a glowing golden light forming within it. Then, with a resounding, ground-shaking boom, it fired, straight for Missy.

“GET OUT OF THERE, MISSY!!” Jim yelled.

He had no time to see if his command had reached her, as he had to dive out of the way as the Hyper Beam went roaring past, blasting the wall behind him. Many people screamed and shrieked, and the ground shook with the blast.

When the shaking had stopped and the smoke began to clear, Jim looked about desperately.

“Missy?...Missy?? Missy!”

“Up here, Jim!”

Startled and relieved at the same time, Jim looked up. Missy was hanging in mid-air, floating gently down with the aid of her gliding membranes. Lickylicky was still standing, but looking stiff as a statue, sparks still emitting from it.

“Of course!” Jim said, an epiphany striking. “Moves like Hyper Beam need recharging after use! Missy, use Return, quick!”

Missy nodded and crouched low, her body tensed.

“And remember, I’ve got faith in you.”

She jumped at the sound of this and turned to look at him. He was smiling warmly down at her.

“I know you can do this. You may have gotten into this battle by accident, but I know we can win this together! You’ve gotten this far...Take it home, girl.”

Tears filled her little eyes, but she nodded in determination, smiling, and turned to face Lickylicky again. A white, blazing glow surrounded her body, and Jim also had the impression that little hearts were floating in the light as well. Then, like a stone launched from a catapult, Missy barreled forward, blazing straight for Lickylicky, but instead of its rotund gut, she aimed straight for its face.

There was a great *BOOM!* as Missy collided with Lickylicky, an explosion of light vaguely shaped like a great heart exploding from where she made contact. Lickylicky wobbled on its stubby feet, waving its arms for balance, but for naught. It fell backwards with a great crash, and did not get back up.

Artemis looked absolutely dumbfounded, unable to comprehend what had just happened. The referee raised his flag.

“Lickylicky is unable to battle! Emolga wins, which means the victory goes to Jim Stevens!”

The stands exploded with tremendous cheers and shouts. Jim whooped and threw his fist into the air, doing a kind of wild victory dance on the spot. He stopped, however, when he saw Missy standing before him, looking battered but very happy. Grinning from ear to ear, he stooped down and scooped her up.

“Congratulations, girl!” he said, drawing her into a close hug. “You got us into the next round! I never should have doubted you when you came out! Can you ever forgive me?”

In answer, Missy planted a big lick on his cheek and nuzzled herself against his cheek. Beaming, Jim continued to hold her as Artemis approached, looking very solemn.

“Congratulations, Stevens,” he said, civilly, holding out his hand. “The better man won.”

“Thanks, Artemis,” said Jim, shaking his hand. “Your Pokemon were something else, though. Those regions are definitely worth an exploration one of these days.”

“Trust me,” said Artemis, with a flicker of a smile, “you would not be sorry for it.”

With that, he took his leave, amid the cheers of the crowd and Burton yelling himself hoarse about ‘the example I want to see in all of you!’ Grinning and still cradling his beloved Emolga, Jim turned and made his way back to the stands, ready for some much needed R&R and for the chance to watch the battles instead of making them.

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 39
Cheren's Power​

When Jim returned to the stands, everyone crowded around to congratulate him and Missy, going from shaking her little paw to ruffling her fur to giving her a hug (Mrs. Stevens, Leanne, and Bianca were especially enthusiastic to perform this latter expression of congratulations). It must have been a universal feeling of astonishment among them that this adorable little Emolga had taken down such a formidable-looking Pokemon as a Sinnoh Lickylicky. June seemed the proudest, as she enveloped her in a warm embrace.

“Missy, you were unbelievable! I can’t believe you took down that brute single-pawed!”

“Jim was counting on me, June,” said Missy, “and I wasn’t about to let him down.”

Both Jim and June smiled proudly at this statement, then sat back to enjoy the remainder of that day’s battles.

***​

When Cheren was called, he almost dashed out of the stands, so eager was he to get started. Jim had never seen him so energized before. His opponent, one Clarissa Trelawney, was a bold-looking girl, wearing a dark-blue midriff top and black pants, her bushy red hair done up into one big ponytail. She had a tough, gang member look to her.

“Hope you’re ready for a thrashing, poindexter,” she said.

Cheren merely raised an eyebrow and said nothing. Clarissa scoffed and drew out a Poke Ball.

“Gothorita, go!”

The Pokemon that appeared resembled a little human girl, nearly completely black and white in coloration, save for its purple face, blue eyes, and red lips. It had two large bunches of hair on the sides of its head decorated with bows, as well as bows down its front. It had spindly arms and legs, and looked like it was wearing a short dress. Jim brought out his Pokedex.

“Gothorita, the Manipulate Pokemon, and the evolved form of Gothita. Gothorita draws its power from stars. It arranges rocks in the same positions as the stars, and uses its Psychic powers to control people and Pokemon alike.”

Cheren adjusted his glasses and drew his own Poke Ball.

“Accelgor, go!”

Cheren’s Pokemon had a...distinctly mummified appearance. Its body looked as if it were wrapped in strips of gray cloth. Its head was covered by something like a pink helmet, curled at the back like a snail’s shell. This helmet was striped with green and marked with a black star-like marking. In a gap in the helmet shone two eyes. Jim brought out his Pokedex again.

“Accelgor, the Shell Out Pokemon, and the evolved form of Shelmet. Losing its shell has given Accelgor incredible, ninja-like speed. It weakens if its body dries out, so it wraps itself in strips of membrane to stay moisturized.”

“Begin!” said the referee.

“Accelgor, start off with Bug Buzz!”

Accelgor crossed its arms, causing a red glow to surround its body, then threw its arms out wide, releasing a barrage of red shockwaves accompanied by an unpleasant rustling sound, like the call of a thousand cicadas.

“Gothorita, counter it with Psychic!”

Gothorita opened its arms, a blue glow surrounding its body and emanating from its eyes. A series of blue shockwaves shot from it, meeting the red midway down the battlefield. With a burst like glass breaking, the Bug Buzz overpowered the Psychic and swept over Gothorita, throwing her backwards.

“Gothorita!” yelled Clarissa.

“Whoa,” muttered Leanne. “That’s some explosive Bug power.”

“You’re telling me,” said Jim.

“Gothorita, use Faint Attack!”

Gothorita, floating back into the air, soared toward Accelgor, but vanished halfway there. It reappeared behind the Shell Out Pokemon and sent it flying with a swift kick from behind. Clarissa looked pleased with herself, but Cheren did not look fazed at all.

“Now give it a Psyshock!”

Gothorita brought its hands forward, a blue and purple ball forming between them. This ball then shot straight at Accelgor.

“Accelgor, dodge it and use Giga Drain!”

With astounding speed, Accelgor righted itself in the air, then strafed to the side as if it had teleported, the Psyshock sailing past. Then, a venomous green glow filled its eyes and surrounded its body. The same glow surrounded Gothorita, who looked stricken, as green orbs flew from its body and absorbed into Accelgor’s. Clarissa did not look pleased.

“I’m not going down that easily!” she declared. “Gothorita, use Psyshock again!”

Gothorita formed and fired off another blue and purple ball of Psychic energy.

“Use Bug Buzz, Accelgor!”

Once more, Accelgor let loose a barrage of red shockwaves with the unpleasant accompaniment of the cicada-sound. It completely overpowered the Psyshock and threw Gothorita off of its feet, where it crumpled onto the ground, unconscious.

“Gothorita is unable to battle!” called the referee. “Accelgor wins!”

“Unbelievable!” cried Burton. “Such raw power! Accelgor took down Gothorita like it was nothing!”

“Cheren’s certainly trained his Pokemon to its apex,” said Alder. “Let’s see if Miss Trelawny can pick herself up after this.”

With a slight huff, Clarissa recalled Gothorita as Accelgor settled back on the ground.

“Cheren has this in the bag,” said Jim, smoothly. “No way he’s gonna lose this early.”

“I’m with you, Jim,” said Bianca. “GO, CHEREN!”

Cheren seemed to hear the exuberant shout for him, as he turned in the direction of the stand and waved to his pals. Clarissa, meanwhile, had chosen her next Pokemon.

“Go, Mienshao!”

The Pokemon that appeared looked like a large weasel. It was tall and slender, colored light purple with darker purple accents. It had long whiskers and even longer fur on its arm, extending far beyond its paws. Jim had his Pokedex out once again.

“Mienshao, the Martial Arts Pokemon, and the evolved form of Mienfoo. It attacks by whipping opponents with the long fur on its arms. Once it goes into a combo attack, it cannot be stopped.”

“Begin!” said the referee.

“Accelgor, Focus Blast!”

Accelgor drew an arm back, a blue glowing ball forming beneath its hand, which was then lobbed right at Mienshao.

“Bounce!” commanded Clarissa.

With the agility of a grasshopper, Mienshao leaped into the air, the Focus Blast sailing away beneath it. From way up high, it came plummeting down, striking Accelgor right on the head with enough force to briefly squash it downwards. At the same time, a flurry of electric sparks were unleashed. Cheren’s jaw dropped as Clarissa smirked.

“Uh oh!” said Burton. “This doesn’t look good for Accelgor and its early lead! Not only is Bounce a super-effective Flying attack, but it has a chance of invoking paralysis!”

“Oh boy...” groaned Jim.

“Now I’ve got you,” said Clarissa, deviously. “Mienshao, Poison Jab!”

Mienshao lunged, its fist glowing a sickly purple.

“Dodge it, Accelgor!” Cheren commanded.

Accelgor tried to move, but a blast of sparks issued from its body, and it was unable to get out of the way as Mienshao socked it in the chest with its glowing fist. Cheren gritted his teeth briefly.

“Recover!” he shouted.

Accelgor stood stock still, closed its eyes, and a calming greenish glow began to surround its body, before another flurry of sparks shot from it. It cringed, and the glow faded.

“Oh, no...” Cheren muttered. “The paralysis is even keeping Accelgor from finishing a Recover.”

“That works perfectly for me,” said Clarissa. “Mienshao, finish it off! Jump Kick!”

Mienshao crouched, arms held out like wings, then dashed right for Accelgor. It leaped and kicked it hard with one foot, which had turned a violent, fiery orange. Accelgor crumpled and flopped onto its back, unable to move.

“Accelgor is unable to battle! Mienshao wins!” said the referee.

Clarissa looked mightily pleased with herself as Cheren recalled Accelgor.

“Not bad,” he said, calmly. “We’re both one for one. Don’t think I intend to go out so easily, however.”

“Yeah, yeah,” said Clarissa, carelessly.

Cheren drew his next Poke Ball.

“Go, Darmanitan!”

In a burst of light, a Darmanitan appeared on the field, beating its chest fiercely. Jim felt a slight spasm go through his insides at the memory of a particularly terrifying moment in the desert. The feel of Leanne’s hand over his own seemed to confirm that she had not forgotten as well.

“Begin!” said the referee.

“Jump Kick!” commanded Clarissa, and Mienshao came dashing at Darmanitan.

“Fire Punch!” Cheren commanded.

Darmanitan drew back its arm, its fist becoming ablaze with flames. It let loose a wild punch, its reach out-matching Mienshao and sending it flying back across the field.

“Ooh, hold on!” said Burton. “It looks like Cheren’s getting his second wind!”

“Yes!” said Jim. “Keep it up!”

“Mienshao, Bounce!” commanded Clarissa.

Mienshao once more bounded into the air.

“Not this time,” said Cheren. “Darmanitan, Smack Down!”

Darmanitan cupped its hands in front of its face, forming a glowing orange and silver orb in between them. This fired from between his hands like a cannon, striking Mienshao in midair and sending it plummeting straight down, as if a magnet had called it to Earth.

“No way!” shouted Clarissa.

“Way,” said Cheren.

“Mienshao, go in for another Jump Kick!” commanded Clarissa.

Mienshao lunged again, but Cheren called,

“Darmanitan, Psychic!”

Quite a few people in the crowd gasped, and even Jim gave a double take. Darmanitan could know Psychic?!

Sure enough, Darmanitan, strangely, got into a sitting position, as if it were meditating, calm and complacent as if it weren’t in a battle at the moment. All at once, almost imperceptibly, a wave of bluish energy emanated from its body, and Mienshao stopped dead-still where it was in the air, a stricken look on its face.

“Mienshao!” cried Clarissa.

“Finish this, Darmanitan!” said Cheren. “Superpower!”

Darmanitan flexed its arms, a red aura surrounding its body, then leaped straight at the immobilized Mienshao, shoulder first. He rammed hard into it, flinging it all the way across the field, where it slammed into the opposite wall. There it slumped, unable to get up again. The referee raised a flag.

“Mienshao is unable to battle! Darmanitan wins!”

“Amazing!” crowed Burton. “Cheren’s Darmanitan, while not in Zen Mode, still managed to implement a surprise Psychic attack! He really seems to be prepared for any circumstance!”

With a growl, Clarissa recalled Mienshao.

“You’re really starting to get on my nerves, poindexter!”

“Why? Because I’m displaying skill and tactics?”

“Because you keep coming up with these ‘perfect’ movesets against my Pokemon!”

“I beg your pardon, madam?” asked Cheren, raising an eyebrow. “I merely make it a point to keep my movesets as diverse and as accommodating to all battle situations as I can manage.”

“Well, I’m gonna wipe that smug look off your face, mister!” said Clarissa, holding up another Poke Ball. “Go, Alomomola!”

In the characteristic burst of light, an Alomomola appeared. Through some odd contrivance that Jim couldn’t quite comprehend, it remained upright, suspended in the air. Cheren, however, smiled.

“I see how this is going to play,” he said, “and it’s not going to work. Darmanitan, return.”

To everyone’s amazement, Cheren held out Darmanitan’s Poke Ball and called it back. Clarissa did not look at all pleased.

“You can’t do that!” she raged.

“Actually, I can,” said Cheren. “Substitutions are not against the rules.”

He brandished a new Poke Ball.

“Go, Stoutland!”

A Stoutland, its shaggy coat shiny and silky down to its massive plumed mustaches, appeared on the field. Clarissa shrugged.

“You’re going to go with that? Suit yourself.”

“Begin!” said the referee.

“Alomomola, use Hydro Pump!”

Alomomola reared back, then released an enormous jet of water from its mouth at Stoutland.

“Dodge it, Stoutland, and then use Thunder Fang!”

Stoutland crouched and leaped, dodging the Hydro Pump effortlessly. As it dived at Alomomola, it opened its mouth, and its fangs began to spark and glow a luminescent yellow. It bit down hard on the Caring Pokemon, sending an electric shock all throughout its body. Clarissa looked very displeased.

“You rotten stinker!” she huffed. “We’re just getting started! Alomomola, use Wish, followed by Ice Beam!”

Alomomola closed its eyes, and a soothing blue glow surrounded its entire body. After it faded, its eyes snapped open again, and it shot a bolt of icy lightning from its mouth. Stoutland was struck square in the chest, and it skidded back a few inches.

“That’s it, Stoutland, shake it off,” encouraged Cheren. “Use Crunch!”

Stoutland lunged for Alomomola again and bit down on it once again. Alomomola cringed, but at that moment, the soothing blue glow returned to its body, intensified this time. Stoutland released its hold, both it and Cheren looking puzzled as Alomomola’s injuries seemed to fade away.

“What on Earth?” Cheren muttered.

“Behold the power of Wish!” said Clarissa, proudly. “Given a little time, my little Alomomola regains some of its pep, and for a Pokemon already renowned for having high stamina, that’s just bonus points for me!”

Cheren furrowed his brow, adjusting his glasses.

“Getting a little cocky, isn’t she?” Leanne asked Jim.

“It’s gonna bite her in the butt, believe me,” said Jim. “Cheren’ll strongarm that Alomomola into defeat, just watch.”

“Thunder Fang!” Cheren commanded.

Stoutland charged for Alomomola, its fangs sparking and glowing again.

“Not this time!” said Clarissa. “Alomomola, Wake-Up Slap!”

Alomomola’s hand-like fins glowed with a blue light, and all of a sudden, it began spinning like a top, slapping Stoutland multiple times in the face with its fins. Stoutland slid backwards, the fur on its face mussed and a disgruntled look on its eyes.

“Aww, did I make the puppy angry?” teased Clarissa. “Good! A little Fighting type slap ought to teach you some manners! Alomomola, Hydro Pump!”

Alomomola shot another jet of water at Stoutland, but surprisingly, Cheren didn’t order a command for it to dodge or retaliate. The Hydro Pump blasted right into Stoutland, who didn’t seem very much fazed. Cheren had been anticipating this, but why?

“Reversal!” he commanded.

Stoutland crouched, a spiraling coil of white light surrounding its shaggy body, then charged, barreling right into Alomomola, who came out of the impact looking distinctly battered.

“What?!” shouted Clarissa. “What did you do?!”

“Reversal gains more power the less stamina a Pokemon has,” said Cheren, sagely. “I figured you’d use something powerful after that Wake-Up Slap, so I let you do the work for me. Much obliged.”

Clarissa growled, grinding her teeth.

“I’m gonna make you stop making a fool of me! Alomomola, Wish!”

“Sorry, but it’s time this battle ended,” said Cheren. “Stoutland, Giga Impact!”

Stoutland crouched once more, a fierce golden glow surrounding it, then barreled right at Alomomola, leaving a flaming streak behind it. With a tremendous *CRASH!*, it slammed Alomomola so hard that it slammed flat against the opposite wall, leaving a life-sized imprint of it in the concrete. It remained there for only a moment or two, before it slid off and fell flat onto its side. The referee raised a flag.

“Alomomola is unable to battle! Stoutland wins, and the victory goes to Cheren!”

The crowd exploded into wild cheers as Cheren merely smiled and waved in response to this adulation. Stoutland came padding over, and he stroked its furry head.

“Good work, Stoutland,” he said. “Excellent job.”

Stoutland barked in a pleased way in response. As for Clarissa, she recalled her Alomomola and stomped off without another word.

“Man, Cheren, that was incredible!” said Jim, once Cheren had returned. “And you still had Darmanitan left! That was way better than I did!”

“It just goes to show, Jim,” said Cheren, “that blowhards are never to be frightened of. Now, let’s see how this next match plays out, shall we?”

“Gladly!”

As Jim settled back to enjoy the rest of the day’s matches, however, he couldn’t help thinking that Cheren would be one tough customer to contend with, should it turn out that they would have to face each other sooner than later...

 

[TPrower]

CHAPTER 40
Old Wounds Die Hard​

The competition ended earlier than yesterday, due to less battles. However, besides Jim and Cheren, Cruise, Solomon, and Nigel all managed to make it past their battles as well. Only Cruise had a truly close shave, his Bug and Grass Pokemon faced against a Trainer who specialized in Ice and Rock types. Solomon breezed through his with his usual calm and careful thinking, while Nigel made his opponent look like an utter joke once again.

“Well, folks, once again, we must close out another day of battles here at the Mt. Victory Pokemon Conference,” said Burton, at the conclusion of the final battle.

“That we do, Charlie,” said Alder, “but first, let the match-up randomizer commence!”

This time, the screen was occupied by only 32 mughosts. They flipped over, glowed, then flipped again, swapped around with each other. Jim looked eagerly up to see who he was matched against, but felt faintly disappointed. The Trainer he had been pitted against, this time for the third match of the day, had very pale skin, curly brown hair, and a rather weak expression on his face. Jim sought him out and found him. He didn’t look excited about the results. As a matter of fact, Jim wondered if he was even aware of what was going on. He looked like he needed to be in a hospital instead of a tournament.

“As always, this is Charles Burton-”

“And Alder-”

“Signing out!”

***​

“I know what you’re gonna say, guys, and I don’t want to hear it, because I already agree with you.”

It was dinner once again, and as before, they spent the whole meal discussing the matches. Of course, Jim’s and Cheren’s were of the utmost interest, primarily due to Missy and Cheren’s brute force.

“Your opponent looks like one good blow could put him out of commission,” said Solomon.

“He reminds me of a sickly lad I knew when I was in school,” said Nigel. “Always ill with something, could never focus properly. That might work to your advantage, Stevens.”

“But if he can’t focus,” said Leanne, “how did he manage to get this far?”

“Dumb luck?” Nigel suggested, shrugging.

“He didn’t look like he was even aware of what was going on,” said Jim. “He sure didn’t look pleased about the matchup results, anyway.”

“That’s cuz he knows he’s gonna lose,” said Cruise. “With the way you’ve been battling, he probably realizes it’s a lost cause.”

“That’s what I’d say,” said Bianca. “You’re a force to be reckoned with, Jim, and we want you to prove that to him tomorrow.”

“Well, with such support, how can I refuse?” Jim said, chuckling, bringing laughter about around the table.

“You’re letting your guard down too easily, kid,” said the Guy, from his table in the corner. Jim turned to look at him. “In the years I’ve wandered this planet, I’ve found that it takes all types to fool you into a false sense of security. That kid looked ill, sure, but Leanne’s right: he has to have some brains to have been able to get this far. Watch out for him, hear me?”

“Got it,” said Jim.

“Oh, lighten up, Guy,” said Cruise. “Jim’s gonna wreck him! You know that, don’t you?”

“I’ve got complete confidence in him,” said the Guy. “I’m just saying it’s too early to count your chickens. The smallest people can often hide the biggest surprises. Mind that.”

“When you’re finished predicting Armageddon,” said Nigel, dryly, “we’re ready to move on to dessert.”

The Guy shook his head and returned to his own meal. Jim, however, became meditative as dessert was passed around. He wondered whether if, after all, his opponent really did have an ace up his sleeve that he’d have to watch out for. Perhaps he should pack a tough Pokemon just in case. He’d see Professor Juniper about it before turning in.

***​

“Sawk is unable to battle! Beheeyem wins, which means the victory goes to Nigel Richmond!”

Nigel had been pitted for the second match of the day, just before Jim. He hardly changed his expression as he commanded his Pokemon, and for good reason. His Jellicent and Beheeyem alone made short work of his opponent’s team, consisting only of Fighting types. With a bored look, he recalled Beheeyem and returned to the stands as his crestfallen opponent slumped away.

“Great job, Nigel!” said Jim. “That was awesome!”

“Thank you, Stevens, but honestly, unless I get a real challenge sooner or later, I may drift into a malaise,” said Nigel, almost petulantly. “I entered this competition to test my skills. How can I properly do that if no one gives me a proper challenge?”

“You’re too good, that’s why,” said Solomon.

“Precisely! It almost feels like a curse, I must say...”

“And now for our next match of the day,” said Burton, “Jim Stevens vs. Cody Halleck!”

Jim got up and headed down to the field, amid tumultuous applause. Moments later, Cody Halleck joined him, still looking slightly out of it.

“...Jim Stevens,” he said, softly.

“Yes?”

“I’ve heard about you. You make Team Plasma run away like scared babies.”

“Er, well, I wouldn’t go that far-”

“I was sick all winter,” said Cody, interrupting him. “Pneumonia. My brother helped train my Pokemon for me, but I’ve always loved hearing the stories of how you kept saving Unova from them.”

Jim felt himself go red in the face, in spite of himself. This kid was sounding like a fan boy, though his words were quiet and dull in tone.

“Uh...thanks, I guess.”

“I had always hoped I’d see you in person,” Cody went on, “and now I have that chance. Please, show me the power that vanquished Team Plasma.”

He drew his first Poke Ball.

“Go, Eelektross!”

In a burst of light, there appeared a Pokemon so grotesque in appearance that Jim felt his stomach flop. It looked like a greenish-blue eel, but it stood on two beige fins and had long, club-shaped arms with clawed hands at the end. It had a long dorsal fin, red eyes within yellow markings, and a circular, sucker-like mouth armed with pointed fangs. Jim brought out his Pokedex.

“Eelektross, the EleFish Pokemon, and the evolved form of Eelektrik. It latches onto prey with its sucker-like mouth and discharges electricity into it through its fangs. It crawls out of the ocean using its arms, ready to capture and drag away unsuspecting prey.”

“Its Ability’s Levitate, too,” Jim muttered. “So Ground attacks won’t work on it...Well, here goes nothing.”

He drew his own Poke Ball.

“Rok, let’s do this!”

With a burst of light and a shrill cry, Rok appeared on the field. There came many gasps and excited murmurs from the crowd. Last night, Jim had made the decision to swap Echo with Rok for this match, so he had asked Professor Juniper to contact Fennel so he could make the exchange. It would just be for this match, until he knew what he was going to face next.

“Do my eyes deceive me?!” asked Burton, excitedly. “Jim Stevens’ first Pokemon is a live Archeops!”

“Very interesting,” said Alder, in a curious tone. “Our young friend is more than meets the eye.”

“Wonderful,” said Cody. “I had heard that you had an Archeops, but I thought my brother was just making it up. I’m so glad to see it’s true.”

“Well, I hope you’re ready,” said Jim, “because his strength is no fairy tale.”

Rok flapped his wings mightily.

“Begin!” said the referee.

“Eelektross, use Discharge!”

A bubble of electricity surrounded Eelektross, which burst out into a massive blast.

“Take to the sky, Rok, and use Dragon Pulse!”

Rok soared upwards into the air, his tail narrowly avoiding being hit by the electrical blast, and breathed a blue-purple flame straight down at Eelektross.

“Flamethrower!” said Cody.

Eelektross breathed a steady stream of red flames, which struck the Dragon Pulse and cancelled the two attacks out.

“Go in for a Crunch now, Rok!”

Rok dove sharply, his fangs bared and glowing white.

“Dragon Claw!” said Cody.

Eelektross pulled one arm back, the claws on it glowing blue. Both Pokemon struck at the same time; while Rok sank his fangs into Eelektross’ arm, Eelektross struck Rok across the face with his claws. Both Pokemon backed off, marked where they had struck each other.

“Shake it off, Rok,” said Jim, bracingly. “Now, give him another taste of Dragon Pulse, close-range!”

Cody didn’t even have time to react. Rok let loose another blast of dragon-fire, blowing Eelektross back across the field. It shook it off, however, and got back into a fighting stance.

“It’s useless,” said Cody. “Eelektross has no weakness. All you can do is chip away at it.”

“Then that’s just what we’ll do,” said Jim. “Rok, use Crunch again!”

“Use Dragon Claw again, Eelektross!”

The two Pokemon lunged at each other, fangs and claws glowing, but just as they were about to connect, Jim yelled,

“Pull up, Rok!”

And just like that, Rok swooped up into the air, Eelektross lunging at empty air now, causing it to fall flat onto its face.

“Clever,” said Cody. “Not many Trainers have the forethought to pull out in the middle of an attack. Still, we intend to win. Eelektross, Discharge!”

Eelektross got back up, its body sparking with electricity.

“Rok, use Rock Slide!”

Rok raised his wings above his head, and several rippling white waves emitted from his body. As they spread out, what looked like white pools of light appeared in midair, and from them came tumbling enormous rocks and boulders. Eelektross let loose its Discharge, but they were blocked off by the tumbling rocks. Several bounced off its head, dazing it, but most of them created a sort of wall around it, sealing it off from the rest of the battlefield. For the first time, Cody looked surprised.

“No way,” he muttered.

“Now that we’ve got him cornered, Rok,” said Jim, “finish this with Dragon Pulse!”

Rok breathed another large blast of purple-blue flames straight down.

“Block it with Flamethrower!” said Cody.

Eelektross breathed its own stream of fire, meeting the Dragon Pulse in midair. This time, however, Rok’s attack slowly but surely overpowered it, forcing it down and filling the whole enclosure with dragon fire, creating a forceful blast that knocked the stones away. By the time it cleared, there lay Eelektross, out cold. The referee raised a flag.

“Eelektross is unable to battle! Archeops wins!”

Archeops pulled a somersault in the air, letting off one of his shrill victory cries, causing Jim to smile at his antics. Cody recalled Eelektross.

“Excellent,” he said. “That’s exactly the power I wanted to see from you, Jim. Now, let’s begin Round 2. Go, Vanilluxe!”

He tossed his next Poke Ball out, and from it appeared a Pokemon that looked like a Vanillish. However, the ‘cone’ body it had had was now like a dish, and the Pokemon had two snowy heads, one of which had an appendage like a straw poking out. Jim took out his Pokedex again.

“Vanilluxe, the Snowstorm Pokemon, and the evolved form of Vanillish. It makes snow clouds inside its body by swallowing large amounts of water. If both heads become angry, it can unleash a violent blizzard.”

“Think you can handle this one too, Rok?” Jim asked.

“Me try, Jim-friend,” Rok answered.

“Atta boy.”

“Begin!” said the referee.

“Start us off with Rock Slide, then!”

Once more, Rok raised his wings, sending off white waves from his body, which sent boulders plummeting from the sky.

“Vanilluxe, Blizzard!” said Cody.

Vanilluxe’s entire body became surrounded by a whitish-blue light, and the next instant, what looked like a shockwave of snow and ice burst forth from it, coating the falling rocks with ice, but they didn’t stop there. The ice continued on, striking Rok where he floated. He fell to the field, covered in icicles and shivering.

“Rok! You all right?”

Rok shook himself dry like a dog, growling at Vanilluxe.

“Show it your stuff, boy!” said Jim. “Dragon Pulse!”

Rok reared back, then flung his head forward again, spewing dragon fire once more.

“Mirror Coat!” said Cody.

Vanilluxe’s body became surrounded by a translucent, rainbow-colored shielding. The Dragon Pulse was absorbed into it, then expelled back in a beam of the same rainbow-coloring. Rok was struck full force and thrown back, slamming against the wall.

“Rok!” Jim yelled.

Rok slumped to the ground, eyes rolling dizzily. He was out.

“Archeops is unable to battle!” said the referee. “Vanilluxe wins!”

Jim felt dumbfounded as he recalled Rok. This kid really was aware of what was going on, despite his sickly appearance. He was calm and polite in tone, but he still had the mindset of a true Trainer: decisive and tactical.

“Good work, Rok,” he said, then drew another Poke Ball. “Time for your League debut, bud. Spade, go get ‘em!”

From the ball burst Spade, who stood with arms spread out, claws glinting.

“An Excadrill,” said Cody, simply. “This could mean trouble for me.”

“You bet it does,” said Jim, smirking. “Spade, Metal Claw!”

Spade dashed at Vanilluxe, one of his claws shining with a metallic sheen.

“Ice Beam!” Cody commanded.

Both heads fired bolts of ice lightning from their mouths, but Spade shielded himself with his glowing claws, and so the attack bounced right off. He lunged and raked his claws over the Snowstorm Pokemon’s body, sending it flying. It righted itself, looking battered.

“Now that’s how we do it!” said Jim.

“Use Flash Cannon, Vanilluxe!” said Cody.

A ball of silvery-white light appeared in between Vanilluxe’s twin faces, growing brighter and larger each second. It then fired as a massive beam straight for Spade.

“Drill Run underground!” Jim commanded.

Spade jumped up, inverted himself, clamped himself into his drill shape, and burrowed straight under the ground, the Flash Cannon shooting past and missing. In another instant, Spade burst up right underneath Vanilluxe, still spinning and knocking it for another loop.

“Now bring it on home with a Slash!”

Spade, whose momentum had carried him up higher than Vanilluxe, raised one claw up, which began glowing white and lengthening, then struck at Vanilluxe, sending it plummeting straight down, where it crashed against the earth battlefield. Spade landed nimbly, while Vanilluxe had made a crater upon impact, knocked unconscious.

“Vanilluxe is unable to battle!” said the referee. “Excadrill wins!”

“Spade, you are a wrecking machine!” said Jim, approvingly.

Spade smirked appreciatively at his Trainer as Cody recalled Vanilluxe.

“Do you want to know something, Jim?” asked Cody.

“What?”

“I don’t even care if I win or lose. All that truly matters is that I was able to recover soon enough to be able to face you in battle.”

“Well...gosh, I’m honored, Cody,” said Jim, awkwardly.

Cody drew his last Poke Ball.

“Let’s make this worth it,” he said, decisively. “Go, Scolipede!”

Sure enough, from the Poke Ball came a Scolipede, but one that possessed an extremely stark contrast to the already intimidating Pokemon Jim had encountered before. A long, jagged dark coloration ran from its left eye down its underbelly, like a scar, which also created a discoloration in the sclera of its normally yellow eyes. Jim didn’t know why, but there was something unsettlingly familiar about that Scolipede. For that matter, as soon as it laid eyes on him, its eyes narrowed to slits, and it pawed the ground with its feet, as if longing to gore him with its pincers. But why?

“Jim!!”

Jim knew that voice, but not its tone. It was Oshawott, but he sounded like he was in terror, a mood he had never experienced the stalwart Oshawott as expressing before.

“Jim! I know that beast! It’s the same foul insect that beset us in Pinwheel Forest! Mind yourself!”

Scolipede seemed to hear Oshawott’s voice, and it let out a feral roar, stomping the ground in sudden agitation.

Jim felt his blood freeze.

No way...it just couldn’t be possible. How did a kid like Cody come across that murderous Bug? How had it survived that tumble down the cliff? What was it doing here?!

“Begin!” said the referee, jarring Jim out of his mental wanderings.

“What? Oh! Right! Spade, bring that Bug down! Drill Run!”

Spade once more clamped himself into a drill shape and launced himself.

“Block it off with Megahorn!” said Cody.

Scolipede bent itself down, the horn-like feelers on its head glowing green and extending like drawn swords. Spade collided with the horns, and eventually ground to a stop within them. With a thrust of its head, Scolipede threw him off, whereupon he unfurled.

“Ok, try Metal Claw!” said Jim, and Spade dashed at the Megapede Pokemon, claws gleaming.

“Earthquake!” commanded Cody.

Before Jim could call the attack off, Scolipede reared up like a horse and slammed its front feet on the ground, sending a violent tremor through the battlefield. Spade was tossed skyward, flailing his arms.

“Spade!” Jim yelled.

“Now, finish it with Aqua Tail!” said Cody.

Scolipede arched its twin tails upward, and two jets of pressurized water blasted from them straight at up Spade. They struck home with the force of a cannon blast, and he plummeted straight down, landing with a cringe-inducing smack on his back, where he lay unmoving.

“Excadrill is unable to battle!” said the referee. “Scolipede wins!”

Jim recalled Spade, his stupor over the return of a Pokemon of his nightmares coming back at him.

“How did you find that Scolipede?” he asked, trying to sound casual.

“I was at Pinwheel Forest, and I saw it lying at the bottom of a cliff,” said Cody. “It was bruised up and was bleeding, so I captured it and took it to a Pokemon Center to heal it. I meant to let it go once it was restored to health, but it took a liking to me, so I kept him.”

Jim felt another shock of numbness go through him. His and Leanne’s Pokemon had injured the thing that badly? But it had tried to kill them, so why should he have cared about that? Still, if it was able to express gratitude for being healed, maybe it wasn’t completely monstrous...

“So are you going to choose your next Pokemon?” asked Cody.

“Wha? Oh! Right, yeah, sorry.”

Jim fumbled around on his belt, reaching for the Poke Ball he needed now more than ever. He found it and grabbed it.

“Torch, do me proud!” he shouted, tossing it.

The faithful Simisear appeared in a flash. He blanched briefly at the scarred Scolipede’s visage, but regained his composure and raised his fists in a ‘put ‘em up’ fashion.

“And, begin!” said the referee.

“Scolipede, Poison Jab!” commanded Cody.

Scolipede charged with a vigor and ferocity Jim reckoned grimly had something to do with him, its pincers glowing a sickly purple.

“Torch, dodge it with Acrobatics!”

Torch crouched, then leaped into a spinning somersault right over Scolipede’s head. However, Cody smiled.

“Aqua Tail!” he said.

“Oh, nuts,” Jim muttered.

Another pair of water jets shot from Scolipede’s tails, spraying Torch right in midair, sending him tumbling back down, where he landed with a hard *Wham*.

“Hang in there, Torch,” Jim encouraged.

Torch got shakily back to his feet.

“Use Poison Jab again!” said Cody, and Scolipede charged once more.

“Not this time!” said Jim. “Flamethrower, Torch!”

Torch took a deep breath and spat a raging stream of fire at Scolipede. The flames washed over it, and though it snarled in pain, it didn’t stop. Through the fire, Jim could see a gleam of madness in its eyes. That thing was out for blood...

“Torch! Get out of there!” Jim yelled.

Too late, for Scolipede charged right through, covered in burns, and struck, sinking one of its pincers into Torch’s stomach. The Simisear reeled, clutching his torso, but it didn’t look like he had been poisoned. Scolipede was not done, however. With a mad roar, it tried to spear Torch with its feelers, but he managed to evade them narrowly.

“Scolipede, enough!” called Cody, who suddenly looked pensive. “I didn’t order you to keep attacking!”

Scolipede reared up and stomped the ground, sending another Earthquake out and tossing Torch into the air. It then shot another Aqua Tail straight up.

“Scolipede, stop!” Cody yelled.

“Torch! Block it away with Solarbeam! Hurry!” Jim shouted.

Torch shook his head vigorously to regain his senses, cupped his hands by his side, and fired a beam of golden-green light from them. It was not as big as a normal Solarbeam, but it did the trick. The Aqua Tail jets were pushed back and neutralized, and Torch landed safely back on the ground, while Scolipede was still stomping about in an agitated way.

“Scolipede, what’s gotten into you?” asked Cody. “You’ve never disobeyed me before!”

“I think I may have something to do with it, Cody,” Jim confessed.

“Huh?”

“I’ve got reason to believe that that Scolipede is one I encountered in Pinwheel Forest. I angered it by accident, and it went a little beserk. We fought back, and it fell off a cliff, which fits with where you found it. I think it’s having a tough time letting go of that grudge.”

“Oh...” said Cody, mystified. “So my Scolipede knew and fought you before I met it?”

“It would seem so.”

Scolipede was hearing none of this, however. It was still stomping and raging, sending off more blasts from its Aqua Tail.

“This is turning into quite the interesting battle,” said Burton. “Unless Cody gets his Scolipede under control, it could mean game over for either him or Stevens!”

“I agree,” said Alder. “A dangerous Pokemon like Scolipede is a threat to anyone if unchecked in its wrath.”

“Then it looks like there’s only one option,” said Cody, quietly.

“What?” asked Jim.

“You have to defeat it.”

“W-What?!”

Jim was utterly stunned. Cody was asking him to beat him?!

“Cody, that’s not how this is supposed to work!”

“It’s all right, Jim,” said Cody, calmly. “I told you, I don’t care if I win or lose. All I care about is that I had the chance to see, meet, and battle you. I knew I could never truly beat you if you were really were Jim Stevens.”

Jim stared at him. Cody was speaking in complete good faith. He was giving up his chance to continue in the League to stop his Scolipede’s rampage...

Scolipede seemed to have had enough waiting. With a roar, it lunged at Torch, pincers glowing once again.

“Torch, you heard Cody,” said Jim, decisively, “take down that Scolipede! Use Flamethrower! Give it everything you have!”

Torch nodded, took a very deep breath, and breathed the biggest Flamethrower Jim had ever seen him pull off before, even bigger than he was! The flames washed over Scolipede, and though it still tried to charge through, it eventually began to slow down. On it came, slower and slower, until finally it stopped mere inches from Torch, and collapsed onto its stomach, finally tranquilized.

“Scolipede is unable to battle!” said the referee. “Simisear wins, which means the victory goes to Jim Stevens!”

As usual, the crowd went wild with applause, but all Jim felt was a slightly sick feeling. He’d won, yes, but had it truly been his victory? He had been asked to win, so did it truly count?

It didn’t stop him from giving Torch a good high-five when he turned to face him.

“Good job, pal,” he said.

Cody had recalled Scolipede, and was crossing over to him.

“I know what you’re feeling, Jim,” he said, “and don’t worry. You did earn this victory. I don’t want you thinking any other way.”

This seemed to ease the tension inside him. Jim allowed himself to smile.

“Thanks, Cody. I’m glad I could grant your wish of facing me.”

Cody smiled, the slightest hint of color finally allowing itself into his pale face, then turned and walked off. Jim went to rejoin his friends. Leanne was beside herself.

“That Scolipede! How did that Scolipede, of all Scolipede, find its way here? I thought it was going to kill you!”

“I thought so, too,” said Jim, as June crawled back onto his lap. “Believe me, I was worried it was gonna start attacking the crowd.”

“So you met a crazed Scolipede in Pinwheel Forest, and it ended up coming back to haunt you here,” said Nigel, in an amused tone. “Whatever shall you surprise us with next, Stevens?”

“Oh, give it a rest, Nigel,” Jim muttered. “I’ve had enough surprises for one lifetime...”

***​

At long last, mid-afternoon, the final battle ended, and Burton and Alder were giving their end-of-the-day announcements.

“And that wraps up Day 3 of the competition!” said Burton. “Things are starting to heat up as we narrow down our competitors!”

“That they are, Burton,” said Alder. “Now, let’s take a look at the match-ups for tomorrow’s competition.”

Once more, the mugshots appeared on the giant screen, reduced to only 16 now. They flipped over, shone, and flipped back once again. Jim was now in the second match of the day, and his battle was against...

Cruise?!