Post by NinjaDeathStrike on May 24, 2010 23:10:21 GMT -5
I think I'm going to start my next Nuzlocke run sometime soon (probably this weekend). As many of you know, I can't draw (otherwise I'd make a comic), but I can write. So to introduce the next chapter in my story, I wrote this. It's going to sets up the story arc for this game and explains why Ninja has moved to Jhoto.
Enjoy
p.s....if you missed the first season you can read it here:
pokemonleagueonline.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=generalpkmnchat&action=display&thread=668
Rules:
1: If a pokemon faints it is dead and cannot be used anymore
2: I can only catch the first NEW pokemon I see on a route
3: Nicknames
4: No legendaries (If I run into one of the dog legit, I can attempt to catch it)
5: Battle style for all important battles (gym, rockets, etc.) is SET
Prologue
Continued in the next post...
Enjoy
p.s....if you missed the first season you can read it here:
pokemonleagueonline.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=generalpkmnchat&action=display&thread=668
Rules:
1: If a pokemon faints it is dead and cannot be used anymore
2: I can only catch the first NEW pokemon I see on a route
3: Nicknames
4: No legendaries (If I run into one of the dog legit, I can attempt to catch it)
5: Battle style for all important battles (gym, rockets, etc.) is SET
Prologue
Prologue
What we lose in the fire we will gain in the flood.
I was happy once. It seems like an eternity ago now. Almost like a pleasant dream in the midst of the waking nightmare that has become my life. In one night I watched it all burn away. Everything I had fought for and loved was taken by random chance. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
I've been told the best place to start a story is at the begging…so let's take a step back.
My name is Matt, but everyone except my closest friends knows me only as Ninja. I took the nickname as a kid and it just sort of…stuck. I'm 19, average height, dark hair, not bad looking to be honest, and once upon I had everything I could hope for. Last year I had a bit of an adventure. I left my hometown, defeated an evil (and crazy) organization, and became the Shinnoh Pokemon League champion. Oh, and I met a girl. No matter what I say it won't do her justice, so I'll just keep it simple and let your own imagination fill in the blanks. Cynthia was blonde, beautiful, and when you looked into her sea green eyes you could see a fire that drew you in like a moth to the flame. I fell for her like a suicide of a bridge.
After becoming the league champion my life was good. With my winnings, I was able to help support my mom. I've been the man of the house for as long as I can remember. I never knew my dad, and my mom doesn't like to talk about him. I did some training for novice battlers to make some spending money on the side, and I still had plenty of free time to see Cynthia and spend time with my friends Percy and Dawn.
Just when I thought life couldn't get any better, everything came crashing down around me. The day started as normal as any other. I spent it outside enjoying the warm spring air. I had a picnic lunch with Cynthia, gave a few light battling lessons in the afternoon, and then went to the lake for a swim with Percy and Dawn before sundown. I returned home just in time for dinner with mom and, after some TV, settled in to bed, tired but satisfied with my day.
I awoke to the sound of Mom screaming my name and a violent orange light flashing all over my room. It only took a minute to snap to and realize what was going on. The house was on fire. Quickly, I jumped out of bed. I looked for my pokeballs and saw them resting on my desk at the other end of the room. As I jumped out of bed to retrieve them, I heard an ear splitting crack directly above me. I looked up just in time to see a large wooden support beam give way and come crashing towards me. I jumped out of the way just in time, but I knew trying to get to my pokeballs was suicide. I quickly put a shirt over my mouth to block the smoke and went looking for Mom. I found her trapped inside of her room, cut off from the exit by a wall of flames. Thinking as fast as I could, I grabbed a blanket off her bed and soaked it with water from the bathroom. Then, I ran back into the burning bedroom, threw the blanket over myself and made a running leap through the wall of flame. I grabbed Mom and together we jumped back to the other side of the room and made our way outside.
By the time the fire department showed up it was too late. Everything was gone. It didn't take them long to put out the smoldering remains of our house. Mom and I stood under the cloudless night quietly. Finally I broke the silence. "Well I suppose we should look for a hotel."
"No!" Mom said quickly. There was panic in her voice. "We can't."
"What!? Why not? What else are we going to do?"
"We need to leave. Tonight. Now. We can't stay here anymore."
"Mom, what's going on?" I asked as a cold chill that had nothing to do with the cool air outside ran up my spine.
"It's better if you don't know Matt. What's important is that we need to get out of here, fast." With that she took a hold of my arm and began to pull me through town. I managed to stop her just long enough to talk to Percy before we left. I told him what happened and about how Mom was freaking out. I told him that I couldn't save my pokeballs before the house came down, but that I'm sure they would be ok. I asked him to look after my pokemon until I could come back. I also asked him to tell Cynthia what happened and to promise to her that I would find a way to reach her once I knew where we were going. I told him to tell her I loved her (even though I hadn't had the guts to say it to her face yet). And with that we were gone.
Mom got us the fastest transport to Canalave City and from there we boarded a boat and set sail for Jhoto. As I sit here and watch the endless flood of waves roll past I can't help but wonder what will become of my life. How will we make money? Mom's health has never been good, and I fear the fire may have worsened it. What about my pokemon? I know Percy will take good care of them, but I feel naked without them by my side. What about my friends? What about Cynthia? I have no way to contact any of them. I guess the only thing to do is wait and see…
Chapter 1What we lose in the fire we will gain in the flood.
I was happy once. It seems like an eternity ago now. Almost like a pleasant dream in the midst of the waking nightmare that has become my life. In one night I watched it all burn away. Everything I had fought for and loved was taken by random chance. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
I've been told the best place to start a story is at the begging…so let's take a step back.
My name is Matt, but everyone except my closest friends knows me only as Ninja. I took the nickname as a kid and it just sort of…stuck. I'm 19, average height, dark hair, not bad looking to be honest, and once upon I had everything I could hope for. Last year I had a bit of an adventure. I left my hometown, defeated an evil (and crazy) organization, and became the Shinnoh Pokemon League champion. Oh, and I met a girl. No matter what I say it won't do her justice, so I'll just keep it simple and let your own imagination fill in the blanks. Cynthia was blonde, beautiful, and when you looked into her sea green eyes you could see a fire that drew you in like a moth to the flame. I fell for her like a suicide of a bridge.
After becoming the league champion my life was good. With my winnings, I was able to help support my mom. I've been the man of the house for as long as I can remember. I never knew my dad, and my mom doesn't like to talk about him. I did some training for novice battlers to make some spending money on the side, and I still had plenty of free time to see Cynthia and spend time with my friends Percy and Dawn.
Just when I thought life couldn't get any better, everything came crashing down around me. The day started as normal as any other. I spent it outside enjoying the warm spring air. I had a picnic lunch with Cynthia, gave a few light battling lessons in the afternoon, and then went to the lake for a swim with Percy and Dawn before sundown. I returned home just in time for dinner with mom and, after some TV, settled in to bed, tired but satisfied with my day.
I awoke to the sound of Mom screaming my name and a violent orange light flashing all over my room. It only took a minute to snap to and realize what was going on. The house was on fire. Quickly, I jumped out of bed. I looked for my pokeballs and saw them resting on my desk at the other end of the room. As I jumped out of bed to retrieve them, I heard an ear splitting crack directly above me. I looked up just in time to see a large wooden support beam give way and come crashing towards me. I jumped out of the way just in time, but I knew trying to get to my pokeballs was suicide. I quickly put a shirt over my mouth to block the smoke and went looking for Mom. I found her trapped inside of her room, cut off from the exit by a wall of flames. Thinking as fast as I could, I grabbed a blanket off her bed and soaked it with water from the bathroom. Then, I ran back into the burning bedroom, threw the blanket over myself and made a running leap through the wall of flame. I grabbed Mom and together we jumped back to the other side of the room and made our way outside.
By the time the fire department showed up it was too late. Everything was gone. It didn't take them long to put out the smoldering remains of our house. Mom and I stood under the cloudless night quietly. Finally I broke the silence. "Well I suppose we should look for a hotel."
"No!" Mom said quickly. There was panic in her voice. "We can't."
"What!? Why not? What else are we going to do?"
"We need to leave. Tonight. Now. We can't stay here anymore."
"Mom, what's going on?" I asked as a cold chill that had nothing to do with the cool air outside ran up my spine.
"It's better if you don't know Matt. What's important is that we need to get out of here, fast." With that she took a hold of my arm and began to pull me through town. I managed to stop her just long enough to talk to Percy before we left. I told him what happened and about how Mom was freaking out. I told him that I couldn't save my pokeballs before the house came down, but that I'm sure they would be ok. I asked him to look after my pokemon until I could come back. I also asked him to tell Cynthia what happened and to promise to her that I would find a way to reach her once I knew where we were going. I told him to tell her I loved her (even though I hadn't had the guts to say it to her face yet). And with that we were gone.
Mom got us the fastest transport to Canalave City and from there we boarded a boat and set sail for Jhoto. As I sit here and watch the endless flood of waves roll past I can't help but wonder what will become of my life. How will we make money? Mom's health has never been good, and I fear the fire may have worsened it. What about my pokemon? I know Percy will take good care of them, but I feel naked without them by my side. What about my friends? What about Cynthia? I have no way to contact any of them. I guess the only thing to do is wait and see…
Chapter 1
Four months later
I woke up from another restless night and walked downstairs to see Mom in the kitchen making breakfast. It had been four months since we moved to Jhoto, and things weren’t going well. I sat down at the table and pushed aside a pile of bills, most of them on their final notices. “Did you talk to Cynthia last night? How are things in Shinoh?”
“Things are fine I guess. Cynthia’s giving private battling lesson along with Dawn and Percy. They’re getting ready to open a private academy. The league is still a mess after Lucian split. She asked when we were coming back…”
Mom ignored the last sentence. “Did you know you were actually born in Jhoto? In Ecruteak city. We moved to Shinoh right after you were born.”
“We? You and me? What about my dad?”
“Well I’ll be working this afternoon. I’m cleaning Mrs. Emmerson’s house this afternoon and the Marlys’ after that,” she said dodging me again. “Today’s the end of the month, so I should have enough money to take care of some of these bills.”
“Yeah mom…about that. I’ve been thinking. Maybe I should get back into battling. I could make plenty of money to cover all these bills.”
“I thought you were done with the league after everything that happened last year?”
“Well, that was before we were about to be homeless.” I had won the pokemon league challenge in the Shinoh reason last year. However, the league’s gym leaders and Elite 4 had become corrupt. Aspiring trainers, myself included, had had pokemon killed by the people who were supposed to be protectors and guides. Since then I had wanted nothing to do with the League. “You of all people know how I feel about the League, but we seriously need money. I’m going to stop by Elm’s lab this afternoon and see if I can get registered and started.”
She looked at me with tears in her eyes. “Matt, I know how hard it’s going to be for you to compete in the league again. I wish there was another way…” She couldn’t continue. I gave her a hug as she cried into my shoulder. After a few minutes she regained control of herself and pulled away.
I walked over to Professor Elm’s lab. On the way I ran into his young daughter Lyra, who was playing with her Marril. I had become somewhat of her idol since I had moved to New Bark Town. After stopping to talk for a few minutes I arrived at her father’s lab. I told him I wanted to get into the league, and he handed me the appropriate paper work. Once I got it filled out he said, “I have four pokemon here Ninja. A Cyndaquil, a Totodile, a Chikorita, or a Ralts.”
“Ralts? Aren’t those pretty rare around here?”
Elm chuckled. “Good eye Ninja, my friend Professor Birch sent me one yesterday. You’re very lucky you decided to come by today.”
“Great,” I said, “I’ll take the Ralts then.” Elm handed me the ball, my pokedex, and some pokeballs. We shook hands and he wished me luck. I decided to name the female Ralts Shinang, which means Faith. I stopped by the house one more time to leave a note for Mom and set out on my way.
My first stop was Cherrygrove City where I picked up a new pair of running shoes for my trip. Professor Elm called me to tell me that his friend and world-famous pokemon professor Oak was in town. I stopped by to meet Oak and was given an egg by his friend Mr. Pokemon.
As I was bringing the egg to Elm, I was stopped on the path by a red-headed boy a year or two younger than myself. He ran straight into me as he was running down the path. He shouted at me and threw out a pokeball. A Cyndaquil came out and leapt at me. Shinang jumped to my aid and beat the Cyndaquil with ease. The boy recalled it, shoved me out of the way, and continued to sprint down the path.
When I arrived back at New Bark I found Elm's lab in shambles. Apparently my redheaded friend had robbed the lab and made off with one of Elm's pokemon. The police were there taking a report. When I told them about my encounter they questioned me about the suspect. When the boy had run away, he dropped his trainer card and I was able to see his name. I told the police his name was Castor.
After telling the police everything I knew, I headed back to Cherrygrove. Before retiring for the night, I searched the nearby routes for some new friends. I found Yeppa the Caterpie and Watcher the Hoothoot. I spent the rest of the night training and then found a guest house to crash in for the night.
Current Party: Shinang the Ralts (lv10), Yeppa the Metapod (lv7), Watcher the Hoothoot (lv 8)
Graveyard: None
Chapter 2Four months later
I woke up from another restless night and walked downstairs to see Mom in the kitchen making breakfast. It had been four months since we moved to Jhoto, and things weren’t going well. I sat down at the table and pushed aside a pile of bills, most of them on their final notices. “Did you talk to Cynthia last night? How are things in Shinoh?”
“Things are fine I guess. Cynthia’s giving private battling lesson along with Dawn and Percy. They’re getting ready to open a private academy. The league is still a mess after Lucian split. She asked when we were coming back…”
Mom ignored the last sentence. “Did you know you were actually born in Jhoto? In Ecruteak city. We moved to Shinoh right after you were born.”
“We? You and me? What about my dad?”
“Well I’ll be working this afternoon. I’m cleaning Mrs. Emmerson’s house this afternoon and the Marlys’ after that,” she said dodging me again. “Today’s the end of the month, so I should have enough money to take care of some of these bills.”
“Yeah mom…about that. I’ve been thinking. Maybe I should get back into battling. I could make plenty of money to cover all these bills.”
“I thought you were done with the league after everything that happened last year?”
“Well, that was before we were about to be homeless.” I had won the pokemon league challenge in the Shinoh reason last year. However, the league’s gym leaders and Elite 4 had become corrupt. Aspiring trainers, myself included, had had pokemon killed by the people who were supposed to be protectors and guides. Since then I had wanted nothing to do with the League. “You of all people know how I feel about the League, but we seriously need money. I’m going to stop by Elm’s lab this afternoon and see if I can get registered and started.”
She looked at me with tears in her eyes. “Matt, I know how hard it’s going to be for you to compete in the league again. I wish there was another way…” She couldn’t continue. I gave her a hug as she cried into my shoulder. After a few minutes she regained control of herself and pulled away.
I walked over to Professor Elm’s lab. On the way I ran into his young daughter Lyra, who was playing with her Marril. I had become somewhat of her idol since I had moved to New Bark Town. After stopping to talk for a few minutes I arrived at her father’s lab. I told him I wanted to get into the league, and he handed me the appropriate paper work. Once I got it filled out he said, “I have four pokemon here Ninja. A Cyndaquil, a Totodile, a Chikorita, or a Ralts.”
“Ralts? Aren’t those pretty rare around here?”
Elm chuckled. “Good eye Ninja, my friend Professor Birch sent me one yesterday. You’re very lucky you decided to come by today.”
“Great,” I said, “I’ll take the Ralts then.” Elm handed me the ball, my pokedex, and some pokeballs. We shook hands and he wished me luck. I decided to name the female Ralts Shinang, which means Faith. I stopped by the house one more time to leave a note for Mom and set out on my way.
My first stop was Cherrygrove City where I picked up a new pair of running shoes for my trip. Professor Elm called me to tell me that his friend and world-famous pokemon professor Oak was in town. I stopped by to meet Oak and was given an egg by his friend Mr. Pokemon.
As I was bringing the egg to Elm, I was stopped on the path by a red-headed boy a year or two younger than myself. He ran straight into me as he was running down the path. He shouted at me and threw out a pokeball. A Cyndaquil came out and leapt at me. Shinang jumped to my aid and beat the Cyndaquil with ease. The boy recalled it, shoved me out of the way, and continued to sprint down the path.
When I arrived back at New Bark I found Elm's lab in shambles. Apparently my redheaded friend had robbed the lab and made off with one of Elm's pokemon. The police were there taking a report. When I told them about my encounter they questioned me about the suspect. When the boy had run away, he dropped his trainer card and I was able to see his name. I told the police his name was Castor.
After telling the police everything I knew, I headed back to Cherrygrove. Before retiring for the night, I searched the nearby routes for some new friends. I found Yeppa the Caterpie and Watcher the Hoothoot. I spent the rest of the night training and then found a guest house to crash in for the night.
Current Party: Shinang the Ralts (lv10), Yeppa the Metapod (lv7), Watcher the Hoothoot (lv 8)
Graveyard: None
Chapter 2
No mercy
The next evening I made my way to Violet city and the first gym of the Jhoto league. Before I went into the city proper, I searched the surrounding area for some new team mates. Stillwater the Bellsprout and Dreamer the Mareep both joined the team. I checked in at the gym, but the leader was out, so I decided to explore the rest of the town. One of the locals told me I should check out Sprout Tower. One of the monks was supposedly giving away a great move.
I made my way up the tower taking on the other monks as I went. I also most felt bad destroying them, but they challenged me. I made sure that Shinang didn’t kill any of their pokemon. When I reached the top of the tower I found Castor abusing the elder monk. “Man this old guy is weaksause. I thought he was supposed to be good, but I smoked him,” he said. “Oh! You’re the guy I fought in Cherrygrove. You were decent. What’s your name?”
“Ninja. And if you’re looking for a good trainer, I’ll be happy to kick your ass again.” Castor scoffed, shoved past me, and left the tower. The monk, who had watched the whole encounter silently, greeted me and told me that if I was able to beat him he would teach me the move flash (oh boy). The battle didn’t last long, Shinang and Dreamer made quick work of his pokemon.
I left the tower and went back to the gym. This time the leader was in. His trainers only had Pidgys, who died quickly. I knew how the league gyms worked now, and I was holding nothing back. I wasn’t going to lose more friends. I told every member of my team not to hold back. The leader Falkner was quite angry by the time I got to him. “Hey man! What’s the deal? You didn’t have to kill my trainers’ pokemon.”
“They would have killed mine if they didn’t suck so much. You and I both know that. I know how the league works. I know you don’t care about challengers. Well I don’t care about you. Let’s battle. Maybe if you’re lucky you’ll still have a pokemon left alive after I’m done with them.”
I’m pretty sure he didn’t. Shinang tore his two birds apart. Falkner led with a Pidgy, which Shinang set up all over. After a few moments of meditation, Shinang’s eye flashed and she blasted Pidgy with psychic energy. It fell out of the air and landed on the floor with a smack. Falkner’s Pidgeotto fared no better. It was also brought down by a single attack from Shinang.
Falkner looked at me horrified. “You…you…what did you do?”
“Nothing you wouldn’t have done yourself. I saw a kid crying out in front of here this afternoon. She had a dead Sentret. Did you have anything to do with that?”
Falkner stammered. “I…just…take your badge and leave.” One down seven to go.
Current Party: Shinang the Ralts (lv13), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv10), Watcher the Hoothoot (lv 9),Dreamer the Mareep (lv11)
Graveyard: None
Chapter 3No mercy
The next evening I made my way to Violet city and the first gym of the Jhoto league. Before I went into the city proper, I searched the surrounding area for some new team mates. Stillwater the Bellsprout and Dreamer the Mareep both joined the team. I checked in at the gym, but the leader was out, so I decided to explore the rest of the town. One of the locals told me I should check out Sprout Tower. One of the monks was supposedly giving away a great move.
I made my way up the tower taking on the other monks as I went. I also most felt bad destroying them, but they challenged me. I made sure that Shinang didn’t kill any of their pokemon. When I reached the top of the tower I found Castor abusing the elder monk. “Man this old guy is weaksause. I thought he was supposed to be good, but I smoked him,” he said. “Oh! You’re the guy I fought in Cherrygrove. You were decent. What’s your name?”
“Ninja. And if you’re looking for a good trainer, I’ll be happy to kick your ass again.” Castor scoffed, shoved past me, and left the tower. The monk, who had watched the whole encounter silently, greeted me and told me that if I was able to beat him he would teach me the move flash (oh boy). The battle didn’t last long, Shinang and Dreamer made quick work of his pokemon.
I left the tower and went back to the gym. This time the leader was in. His trainers only had Pidgys, who died quickly. I knew how the league gyms worked now, and I was holding nothing back. I wasn’t going to lose more friends. I told every member of my team not to hold back. The leader Falkner was quite angry by the time I got to him. “Hey man! What’s the deal? You didn’t have to kill my trainers’ pokemon.”
“They would have killed mine if they didn’t suck so much. You and I both know that. I know how the league works. I know you don’t care about challengers. Well I don’t care about you. Let’s battle. Maybe if you’re lucky you’ll still have a pokemon left alive after I’m done with them.”
I’m pretty sure he didn’t. Shinang tore his two birds apart. Falkner led with a Pidgy, which Shinang set up all over. After a few moments of meditation, Shinang’s eye flashed and she blasted Pidgy with psychic energy. It fell out of the air and landed on the floor with a smack. Falkner’s Pidgeotto fared no better. It was also brought down by a single attack from Shinang.
Falkner looked at me horrified. “You…you…what did you do?”
“Nothing you wouldn’t have done yourself. I saw a kid crying out in front of here this afternoon. She had a dead Sentret. Did you have anything to do with that?”
Falkner stammered. “I…just…take your badge and leave.” One down seven to go.
Current Party: Shinang the Ralts (lv13), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv10), Watcher the Hoothoot (lv 9),Dreamer the Mareep (lv11)
Graveyard: None
Chapter 3
Bugged
I left Violet City early the next morning. I didn’t sleep well again. I traveled south until I came to a place called union cave. I was pretty sure I knew what to expect. Zubats and Geodues. Lots of Zubats and Geodudes. I wasn’t disappointed. I let Watcher out of her pokeball to swat the best away. There were a few trainers blocking my way, but no one of note. Just outside of the city I caught Tweety the Spearow.
When I arrived in Azalea I could tell something was off. I saw an elderly man fighting with someone dressed all in black. After a few minutes of angry shouting, the older man stormed off. I followed him into town. His name was Kurt. When I asked him what was happening he said something about the well at the edge of town and gang activity there. He swore and stormed out of the door. I figured I should probably check it out, so I followed him.
When I arrived at the well I found Kurt lying wounded at the bottom. He had tried and failed to take on the gang members by himself. He told me they were in further into the cave harvesting slowpoke tails.
I made my way into the interior of the cave and quickly saw the gang members hunting down slowpoke. As I approached the first one came forward to challenge me. Watcher put his pokemon to sleep and then defeated them one by one. I took care of the other grunts in the same way. After a few minutes, I arrived at the back of the cave. The gang leader stopped his poaching to look up at me. He seemed surprised. “Oh it’s you!”
“You know me? Who the hell are you?”
“I’m with Team Rocket, Ninja. That’s all you need to know.”
“Team rocket? I’ve heard of you. Your boss Giovanni is supposed to be a real badass. I thought you guys only ran in Kanto though. And how do you know my name!?” The Rocket just laughed and threw a pokeball to the ground. He only had a couple of weak poison types, and I beat him easily.
“Well you don’t disappoint Ninja. We’ll be seeing you.” With that his team left the cave. I wanted to chase them down, but I knew helping Kurt was more important. Once I helped him back to his house I asked him about the gym in town. He told me its leader Bugsy used bug type pokemon.
The inside of a gym looked like a forest. I entered and battled my way through the gym’s underlings. I’ve never seen so many pathetic Caterpies and Weedles. Seriously guys, evolve your pokemon. When I found Bugsy, I was feeling pretty confident. Bugsy was much younger than I expected. He reminded me of Aaron from Shinoh…without the S&M gear. “Hey guy. Are you ready for my awesome bug pokemon to tear you apart?” Cocky. Definitely like Aaron.
“Ok kid. Falkner’s probably back in the grass near Violet somewhere trying scrap together a new team. We don’t have to go all out you know.”
“Are you scared? Heh heh heh. You’re going to be easy prey. Go Scyther!” Bugsy screamed in what I can only describe as a high-pitched whine. Bugsy’s Scyther came out of and flashed it’s deadly blade arms. I knew I had to be careful. I sent out Yeppa and ordered it to but scythe to sleep. I was hoping to take it out of the fight early. As Yeppa unleashed a cloud of spores Scyther tightened its focus. The spores put Scyther to sleep, but it quickly awoke and attacked Yeppa. The hit was far more powerful than I expected and Yeppa was slammed into the ground. She was still moving, but just barely. I recalled her and sent out Dreamer. As she entered the battle field, Bugsy’s Scyther unleashed another powerful attack. Yeppa was floored by the attack. It lay on the ground struggling to get up. I noticed however that the contact with Dreamer’s skin had electrocuted Scyther and slowed it down significantly, allowing Dreamer to get an attack it. The shock did a decent amount of damage, but not as much as I was hoping for. I had to get Dreamer out. Even though Scyther was paralyzed, its speed attack would allow it to finish of Dreamer before she could attack again.
Next out was Watcher. Not wanting to take another super effective hit, Scyther returned to Bugsy. Before he left the field however, he scored a strong hit on Watcher, hurting him badly. I was relieved when I saw Bugsy send out a Metapod. Its measly tackle attacks hardly touched Watcher and gave him time to heal. Soon the Metapod was down and Scyther was back on the field. His first attack was especially fast and powerful. Scyther leapt on Watcher and slashed furiously with its claws. Watcher was severely injured. I returned him and sent out Tweety, not know who else I could go to. Busgy’s eyes narrowed and I saw him grin as he ordered his next attack. There was a flash and before I knew it, Tweety was bleeding on the floor. I knew she was gone, but she had died to save the entire rest of my team. With a free switch I sent in Dreamer. A second electric attack brought Scyther into killing range. Before she could finish it off though, Scyther retreated back to Bugsy and his Kakuna came in.
As soon as this happened I knew the battle was won. I recalled Dreamer and sent out Shinang. Her psychic ability to trace her oppoents’ abilities allowed her to cure herself from poison every time Kakuna attacked. As Kakuna ineptly to poison Shinang, she meditated and prepared to unleash her attacks. After a few turns she was ready. I ordered the attacks and she took out both Kakuna and the weakened Scyther in a single hit. Bugsy was left staring at the empty shells that used to be his pokemon. I took my badge and headed out the door.
Current Party: Shinang the Ralts (lv15), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv13), Watcher the Hoothoot (lv 16), Dreamer the Flaaffy (lv15)
Graveyard (gone but never forgotten): Tweety the Spearow (lv6)
Chapter 4Bugged
I left Violet City early the next morning. I didn’t sleep well again. I traveled south until I came to a place called union cave. I was pretty sure I knew what to expect. Zubats and Geodues. Lots of Zubats and Geodudes. I wasn’t disappointed. I let Watcher out of her pokeball to swat the best away. There were a few trainers blocking my way, but no one of note. Just outside of the city I caught Tweety the Spearow.
When I arrived in Azalea I could tell something was off. I saw an elderly man fighting with someone dressed all in black. After a few minutes of angry shouting, the older man stormed off. I followed him into town. His name was Kurt. When I asked him what was happening he said something about the well at the edge of town and gang activity there. He swore and stormed out of the door. I figured I should probably check it out, so I followed him.
When I arrived at the well I found Kurt lying wounded at the bottom. He had tried and failed to take on the gang members by himself. He told me they were in further into the cave harvesting slowpoke tails.
I made my way into the interior of the cave and quickly saw the gang members hunting down slowpoke. As I approached the first one came forward to challenge me. Watcher put his pokemon to sleep and then defeated them one by one. I took care of the other grunts in the same way. After a few minutes, I arrived at the back of the cave. The gang leader stopped his poaching to look up at me. He seemed surprised. “Oh it’s you!”
“You know me? Who the hell are you?”
“I’m with Team Rocket, Ninja. That’s all you need to know.”
“Team rocket? I’ve heard of you. Your boss Giovanni is supposed to be a real badass. I thought you guys only ran in Kanto though. And how do you know my name!?” The Rocket just laughed and threw a pokeball to the ground. He only had a couple of weak poison types, and I beat him easily.
“Well you don’t disappoint Ninja. We’ll be seeing you.” With that his team left the cave. I wanted to chase them down, but I knew helping Kurt was more important. Once I helped him back to his house I asked him about the gym in town. He told me its leader Bugsy used bug type pokemon.
The inside of a gym looked like a forest. I entered and battled my way through the gym’s underlings. I’ve never seen so many pathetic Caterpies and Weedles. Seriously guys, evolve your pokemon. When I found Bugsy, I was feeling pretty confident. Bugsy was much younger than I expected. He reminded me of Aaron from Shinoh…without the S&M gear. “Hey guy. Are you ready for my awesome bug pokemon to tear you apart?” Cocky. Definitely like Aaron.
“Ok kid. Falkner’s probably back in the grass near Violet somewhere trying scrap together a new team. We don’t have to go all out you know.”
“Are you scared? Heh heh heh. You’re going to be easy prey. Go Scyther!” Bugsy screamed in what I can only describe as a high-pitched whine. Bugsy’s Scyther came out of and flashed it’s deadly blade arms. I knew I had to be careful. I sent out Yeppa and ordered it to but scythe to sleep. I was hoping to take it out of the fight early. As Yeppa unleashed a cloud of spores Scyther tightened its focus. The spores put Scyther to sleep, but it quickly awoke and attacked Yeppa. The hit was far more powerful than I expected and Yeppa was slammed into the ground. She was still moving, but just barely. I recalled her and sent out Dreamer. As she entered the battle field, Bugsy’s Scyther unleashed another powerful attack. Yeppa was floored by the attack. It lay on the ground struggling to get up. I noticed however that the contact with Dreamer’s skin had electrocuted Scyther and slowed it down significantly, allowing Dreamer to get an attack it. The shock did a decent amount of damage, but not as much as I was hoping for. I had to get Dreamer out. Even though Scyther was paralyzed, its speed attack would allow it to finish of Dreamer before she could attack again.
Next out was Watcher. Not wanting to take another super effective hit, Scyther returned to Bugsy. Before he left the field however, he scored a strong hit on Watcher, hurting him badly. I was relieved when I saw Bugsy send out a Metapod. Its measly tackle attacks hardly touched Watcher and gave him time to heal. Soon the Metapod was down and Scyther was back on the field. His first attack was especially fast and powerful. Scyther leapt on Watcher and slashed furiously with its claws. Watcher was severely injured. I returned him and sent out Tweety, not know who else I could go to. Busgy’s eyes narrowed and I saw him grin as he ordered his next attack. There was a flash and before I knew it, Tweety was bleeding on the floor. I knew she was gone, but she had died to save the entire rest of my team. With a free switch I sent in Dreamer. A second electric attack brought Scyther into killing range. Before she could finish it off though, Scyther retreated back to Bugsy and his Kakuna came in.
As soon as this happened I knew the battle was won. I recalled Dreamer and sent out Shinang. Her psychic ability to trace her oppoents’ abilities allowed her to cure herself from poison every time Kakuna attacked. As Kakuna ineptly to poison Shinang, she meditated and prepared to unleash her attacks. After a few turns she was ready. I ordered the attacks and she took out both Kakuna and the weakened Scyther in a single hit. Bugsy was left staring at the empty shells that used to be his pokemon. I took my badge and headed out the door.
Current Party: Shinang the Ralts (lv15), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv13), Watcher the Hoothoot (lv 16), Dreamer the Flaaffy (lv15)
Graveyard (gone but never forgotten): Tweety the Spearow (lv6)
Chapter 4
Humbled
I left Azelia town the same day I beat Bugsy. I was tired, but I felt like pressing on. The next road took me through the Ilex forest. At the entry to the forest I ran into Castor again. He looked arrogant as he walked up. “I heard you beat Bugsy pretty bad. I was hoping I’d run into you here. I’ve got some new team members and I was looking for someone to give me a real challenge.”
“Alright Castor, I kind of want to get out of here, but let’s do this.” I lead with Yeppa and Castor sent out a Gastly. Gastly quickly became confused and Yeppa took it out in two attacks. Castor’s Cyndiquil was next. It proved to be slightly more difficult, but a two pronged attack from Watcher and Shinang. Castor’s final pokemon was a Zubat that fell to a single electric attack from Dreamer.
“Damn. My guys are still too weak. I need more practice; I’ll see you again Ninja.” I had to have to hand it to him. He may be an arrogant prick, but he’s determined.
After the match with Castor I headed into the forest. I found an Oddish shortly thereafter. I caught it and named it Nightwish. I spent some time in the forest training Nightwish and then went north to Goldenrod city. I had heard that Goldenrod was the biggest city in Jhoto but it did compared to Shinoh it was pretty modest in size. I explored the town and then turned in for the night.
The next morning I set out to train before taking on the gym. I wandered north to and ended up at the national park. I was surprised by how beautiful it was. I spent most of the morning preparing my team to take on the gym in Goldenrod. On my way I caught a female Nidoran and named it Hera.
While I was practicing something terrible happened. I was battling a random trainer in the park. He had a hodgepodge of pokemon, most of which caused my team little trouble. His final pokemon was a Voltorb. As soon as it came out it began a rolling attack. I had Nightwish out to face it and ordered a paralyzing attack. This slowed the Voltorb down, but it continued to pound Nightwish without an endless barrage of rolling attacks. Nightwish stood strong and the Voltorb was severely weakened. I ordered one more acid attack. It hit Voltorb dead one, but the stupid thing was already rolling straight at Nightwish. It slammed into and rolled right over him. Both pokemon remained motionless. The trainer and I stared at each other each in disbelief of what had just happened. After a second we both rushed to check on our pokemon. It was too late, Nightwish was gone. I scooped him up and returned him to his ball until I could find an appropriate place to bury him.
No longer in the mood for a walk in the park, and with violence on my mind, I headed for the gym. Goldernrod’s had a normal type gym, so my plan was to just let Shinang overpower everything. The underlings had mostly Sentrets and Clefairies. Shinang wasn’t kind to them. The leader Whitney looked nervous as I approached. “I know you’re here to challenge me,” she said. “be warned though, I’m won’t be easy to beat!”
What ensued was the most annoying battle I have ever fought. Whitney led with a Clafairy. I expected it to use either try to put me to sleep or just start using a bunch of physical attacks, so I ordered Shinang to use double team. Shinang closed her eyes and start making psychic projections of herself throughout the gym. Clafairy wasn’t fooled though. Whitney told Calfairy to use metronome. I laughed. Metronome was a terrible move. Whitney’s Clafairy would be using attacks that it didn’t even know. First Attack? Shadow ball. I’m not even joking. Clafairy shot a blast of dark energy straight into Shinang’s chest. The energy engulfed her and for a moment I lost sight of her completely. For a moment I was worried I had lost her to a complete fluke, but then she stumbled out of the shadowy mist. I could tell she was badly wounded though. I knew she needed to recover some health so I told her to make a wish. Shinang opened her eyes and looked out the window at the sky. It appeared that nothing happened, but both Whitney and I knew she would be healed on the following turn. Whitney yelled to her Clafairy, “Clarfairy, copy it!” Clafairy mimicked Shinang’s moves perfectly and learned how to make a wish as well. I was dumbfounded. I had just taught Whiney’s Clafairy how to heal itself. The followed was both boring and infuriating. Both pokemon continued to wish. Clafairy used more random moves while Shinang continued to cast shadow-selves and calm itself for upcoming attacks. Clafairy somehow managed to use a helpful and powerful attack every other turn. These included: poison tail, thunder wave, body slam, growth, and silver wind. All of which found their mark. Finally Shinang was healthy and powerful enough to make her move. I ordered an attack and the Clafairy finally went down.
Whiney’s second and final pokemon was a Miltank. I knew this could be trouble as well, but was fairly confident Sinang had enough clones to stay protected. Of course, Miltank’s first attack went right through the clones and hit Shinang. Miltank brought its giant hoof slamming right into Shinang’s head. Shinang stumbled back dazed and extremely weakened from the attack. Shinang closed her eyes and regained her composure. She counter attacked by blasting the Miltank with a full strength psychic blast. Both pokemon were having trouble standing and I knew that the entire match would come down to the next move. Miltank lowered its head and charged at my still dazed Ralts. Just before Miltank connected with her attack, Shinang raised her head and looked Miltank straight in the eyes and smiled. She had been faking to lure Miltank in. Shinang’s eyes flashed white and Miltank was thrown across the room telekinetically. It collapsed to the floor, where it remained motionless.
Whitney burst into tears and ran to embrace her fallen pokemon. For the first time in a long time I felt remorse over a battle. I tried to approach Whitney, but she was sobbing hysterically and pushed me away. Finally she stopped crying and turned to face me. Her eyes were swollen and red. “I’m sorry. I’m not usually like this I promise, but Miltank was my friend. I…” she started crying again and I stood and waited, feeling worse about myself by the minute. I thought about putting a hand on her shoulder to comfort her, but felt like it would seem empty after killing her teammate. Finally she was able to go on “…I knew joining up with the League was a bad idea. The standards they used to follow have slipped so much, and now the trainers are starting to learn it’s kill or be killed in gym battles. What happened isn’t your fault. The other leaders would have killed your pokemon without a second thought and laughed about it with each other afterwards. Just know that we’re not all like that. There are a few of us who are trying to change the league from the inside out. Remember that, and be careful on the rest of your journey. Here’s your badge.”
Whitney handed me the badge. I finally worked up the courage to look her in the eyes. “Whitney, I’m sorry. I got carried away. I lost a friend today too. I was looking to make somebody pay and I didn’t particularly care who it was. I’m sorry.” She shook her head and managed a small smile. I left feeling utterly defeated in spite of my win.
Current Party: Shinang the Kirlia (lv20), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv16), Watcher the Hoothoot (lv 17), Dreamer the Flaaffy (lv18), Hera the Nidoran (lv12)
Graveyard (gone but never forgotten) Tweety the Spearow (lv6), Nightwish the Oddish (lv5-15)
Chapter 5Humbled
I left Azelia town the same day I beat Bugsy. I was tired, but I felt like pressing on. The next road took me through the Ilex forest. At the entry to the forest I ran into Castor again. He looked arrogant as he walked up. “I heard you beat Bugsy pretty bad. I was hoping I’d run into you here. I’ve got some new team members and I was looking for someone to give me a real challenge.”
“Alright Castor, I kind of want to get out of here, but let’s do this.” I lead with Yeppa and Castor sent out a Gastly. Gastly quickly became confused and Yeppa took it out in two attacks. Castor’s Cyndiquil was next. It proved to be slightly more difficult, but a two pronged attack from Watcher and Shinang. Castor’s final pokemon was a Zubat that fell to a single electric attack from Dreamer.
“Damn. My guys are still too weak. I need more practice; I’ll see you again Ninja.” I had to have to hand it to him. He may be an arrogant prick, but he’s determined.
After the match with Castor I headed into the forest. I found an Oddish shortly thereafter. I caught it and named it Nightwish. I spent some time in the forest training Nightwish and then went north to Goldenrod city. I had heard that Goldenrod was the biggest city in Jhoto but it did compared to Shinoh it was pretty modest in size. I explored the town and then turned in for the night.
The next morning I set out to train before taking on the gym. I wandered north to and ended up at the national park. I was surprised by how beautiful it was. I spent most of the morning preparing my team to take on the gym in Goldenrod. On my way I caught a female Nidoran and named it Hera.
While I was practicing something terrible happened. I was battling a random trainer in the park. He had a hodgepodge of pokemon, most of which caused my team little trouble. His final pokemon was a Voltorb. As soon as it came out it began a rolling attack. I had Nightwish out to face it and ordered a paralyzing attack. This slowed the Voltorb down, but it continued to pound Nightwish without an endless barrage of rolling attacks. Nightwish stood strong and the Voltorb was severely weakened. I ordered one more acid attack. It hit Voltorb dead one, but the stupid thing was already rolling straight at Nightwish. It slammed into and rolled right over him. Both pokemon remained motionless. The trainer and I stared at each other each in disbelief of what had just happened. After a second we both rushed to check on our pokemon. It was too late, Nightwish was gone. I scooped him up and returned him to his ball until I could find an appropriate place to bury him.
No longer in the mood for a walk in the park, and with violence on my mind, I headed for the gym. Goldernrod’s had a normal type gym, so my plan was to just let Shinang overpower everything. The underlings had mostly Sentrets and Clefairies. Shinang wasn’t kind to them. The leader Whitney looked nervous as I approached. “I know you’re here to challenge me,” she said. “be warned though, I’m won’t be easy to beat!”
What ensued was the most annoying battle I have ever fought. Whitney led with a Clafairy. I expected it to use either try to put me to sleep or just start using a bunch of physical attacks, so I ordered Shinang to use double team. Shinang closed her eyes and start making psychic projections of herself throughout the gym. Clafairy wasn’t fooled though. Whitney told Calfairy to use metronome. I laughed. Metronome was a terrible move. Whitney’s Clafairy would be using attacks that it didn’t even know. First Attack? Shadow ball. I’m not even joking. Clafairy shot a blast of dark energy straight into Shinang’s chest. The energy engulfed her and for a moment I lost sight of her completely. For a moment I was worried I had lost her to a complete fluke, but then she stumbled out of the shadowy mist. I could tell she was badly wounded though. I knew she needed to recover some health so I told her to make a wish. Shinang opened her eyes and looked out the window at the sky. It appeared that nothing happened, but both Whitney and I knew she would be healed on the following turn. Whitney yelled to her Clafairy, “Clarfairy, copy it!” Clafairy mimicked Shinang’s moves perfectly and learned how to make a wish as well. I was dumbfounded. I had just taught Whiney’s Clafairy how to heal itself. The followed was both boring and infuriating. Both pokemon continued to wish. Clafairy used more random moves while Shinang continued to cast shadow-selves and calm itself for upcoming attacks. Clafairy somehow managed to use a helpful and powerful attack every other turn. These included: poison tail, thunder wave, body slam, growth, and silver wind. All of which found their mark. Finally Shinang was healthy and powerful enough to make her move. I ordered an attack and the Clafairy finally went down.
Whiney’s second and final pokemon was a Miltank. I knew this could be trouble as well, but was fairly confident Sinang had enough clones to stay protected. Of course, Miltank’s first attack went right through the clones and hit Shinang. Miltank brought its giant hoof slamming right into Shinang’s head. Shinang stumbled back dazed and extremely weakened from the attack. Shinang closed her eyes and regained her composure. She counter attacked by blasting the Miltank with a full strength psychic blast. Both pokemon were having trouble standing and I knew that the entire match would come down to the next move. Miltank lowered its head and charged at my still dazed Ralts. Just before Miltank connected with her attack, Shinang raised her head and looked Miltank straight in the eyes and smiled. She had been faking to lure Miltank in. Shinang’s eyes flashed white and Miltank was thrown across the room telekinetically. It collapsed to the floor, where it remained motionless.
Whitney burst into tears and ran to embrace her fallen pokemon. For the first time in a long time I felt remorse over a battle. I tried to approach Whitney, but she was sobbing hysterically and pushed me away. Finally she stopped crying and turned to face me. Her eyes were swollen and red. “I’m sorry. I’m not usually like this I promise, but Miltank was my friend. I…” she started crying again and I stood and waited, feeling worse about myself by the minute. I thought about putting a hand on her shoulder to comfort her, but felt like it would seem empty after killing her teammate. Finally she was able to go on “…I knew joining up with the League was a bad idea. The standards they used to follow have slipped so much, and now the trainers are starting to learn it’s kill or be killed in gym battles. What happened isn’t your fault. The other leaders would have killed your pokemon without a second thought and laughed about it with each other afterwards. Just know that we’re not all like that. There are a few of us who are trying to change the league from the inside out. Remember that, and be careful on the rest of your journey. Here’s your badge.”
Whitney handed me the badge. I finally worked up the courage to look her in the eyes. “Whitney, I’m sorry. I got carried away. I lost a friend today too. I was looking to make somebody pay and I didn’t particularly care who it was. I’m sorry.” She shook her head and managed a small smile. I left feeling utterly defeated in spite of my win.
Current Party: Shinang the Kirlia (lv20), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv16), Watcher the Hoothoot (lv 17), Dreamer the Flaaffy (lv18), Hera the Nidoran (lv12)
Graveyard (gone but never forgotten) Tweety the Spearow (lv6), Nightwish the Oddish (lv5-15)
Chapter 5
Down in flames
If I was feeling sorry for the league after my battle with Whitney, Ecruteak’s leader made sure the sentiment didn’t last. Today has been the worst day I’ve had since I moved to Jhoto. I left Goldenrod early in the morning and started north. After a surprising short walk and some training, I arrived in Ecruteak City. On the way, Watcher evolved into Noctowl.
I arrived in the city I was born well before lunch. It was beautiful. There were several ancient temples and the whole city retained the feel of old Japan. I spent the better part of the morning just roaming the around town. After a few hours I located the gym, but the leader was gone. With nothing better to do, I decided to check out one of the temples.
When a entered the temple I accidentally stumbled across a meeting between Morty, the Ecruteak city gym leader, and his ridiculous friend Eusine. I thought the guy was part of a circus judging by the way he was dressed. The two looked up from their conversation when I walked through the door. Before they noticed me I caught a piece of their conversation. They had been discussing some type of legendary pokemon that were rumored to live in the lower levels of the temple. Morty quickly rushed out the door and Eusine stepped out of my way. As I walked further into the temple I had another unexpected encounter.
Castor was waiting for me near the stairs to the lower level. “Hey Ninja. I saw you come in. I was eavesdropping on those two weirdoes by the door, and then when you walked in I figured I’d stick around for a battle before I caught the legendary pokemon downstairs. I dumped some of my weaker team members. It’s time someone put you in your place.”
“You’re too late Castor. I got a reality check yesterday, with no help from you.”
“You sound pitiable. What happened to you? Where’s the old Ninja? Where’s the attitude I was expecting? If you’re really this pathetic at least let me put you out of your misery.” He threw out a ghastly and I sent out my newly evolved Watcher. Watcher quickly took it down with a psychic attack. The same thing happened with Zubat. Castor’s next pokemon was something new, a Magnemite. It looked diminutive, but I knew it had the potential to cause trouble. Its steel typing meant that my psychic heavy team was going to have a lot of trouble damaging it. My best bet was Hera who had a ground attack that would absolutely devastate it. However, as I switched her in, the magnetite sent out a wave of electricity. It struck Hera in the legs, crippling her. I told her to try to get underground to avoid the next attack, but before she could dig a hole Magnemite let out and ear-piercing shriek. Hera was confused by the noise and hurt herself as she tried to attack. I called to her to try and get her to focus, but she continued to make things worse by injuring herself. Soon she was exhausted and Magnemite had yet to be scratched. I called her back and sent out Shinang. Castor anticipated my switch and paralyzed her as soon as she entered the field. Knowing that she had to protect her teammates, Shinang stood strong and traded blows with Magnemite. Even though her attacks couldn’t do a significant amount of damage, she fought through confusion and paralysis to finally defeat the mechanical terror.
Castor smirked at me. “Magnemite did its job well. There’s no way your team is going to be able to handle Quilava now.” Castor’s founding team member came roaring out of his pokeball. I knew he was right too. My best checks were both severely weakened from the fight with Magnemite. I called Shinang back and sent out Dreamer. As she came in, Quilava used a powerful new attack that it had learned since the last time I had faced it. It encircled itself in a wheel of flames and charged at Dreamer. The attack certainly hurt, but Dreamers electrically charged wool once again managed to paralyze her opponent. However, the heat from the flames left her with a nasty burn. Dreamer fired back with a moderately powered attack. The two exchanged one more round of blows and then I had to get Dreamer to safety. I called her back and sent out Watcher. As she came in, Quilava used its fire attack again. Watcher shifted its body to absorb the worst of the blow. She counter attacked with a shot of energy intended to damage and confuse Quilava, but it didn’t hurt as much as I would have liked. Castor ordered another fire attack and Quilava launched itself at Watcher. Watcher tired to avoid the attack, but dodged the wrong way. Quilava caught it by the wing and dragged it to the ground where it viciously tore into Watcher’s abdomen. The attack hit was absurdly powerful. Watcher managed to free herself, but as she attempted to take to the air, Quilava lashed out with its fiery claws. It raked Watcher across the back, scalding it badly. The fire quickly caught on Watcher’s fine foliage and it came plummeting out of the air in flames.
Castor let out a whoop of delight. “Yes finally! I got you!” He actually laughed with joy “Send your next one out Ninja, Quilava will do the same thing to it that he just did to your stupid, weak owl.”
“I don’t think so,” I said completely monotone. I sent out Yeppa who was fresh and ready to finish the battle.
“You’re kidding me right? You’re sending a bug type out to face a fire pokemon? I thought you were decent, but I guess you’re just a weakling like everyone else I’ve faced.”
“Shut up Castor. Someone needs to teach you some humility. From now on, every we battle; I will kill one of your team members. You better start looking for back-ups now.”
“Heh. See that’s the difference between you and me Ninja. I don’t care if you kill my team members. If you kill one of my teammates it’s because they’re weak and useless. I’d consider it a favor instead of balling over a worthless animal like it was actually my friend. Now if you’re done trying to teach me a lesson, let’s go so I can kill the rest of your team and then be on my way.”
“Yeppa, give him something more to think about,” I ordered. Yeppa released a wave of psychic energy that spread across the temple and bounced off the walls rushing back towards Quilava and Castor. As the waves made contact Quilava and Casotr both let out a cry of pain. Castor covered his ears in an attempt to block out the energy but it was too powerful and soon brought him to his knees. Quilava trembled on the floor unwilling to fight any longer. After a few minutes I called off the attack, and returned Yeppa to my side.
Castor looked at me from his knees. “Are you insane!? You could have killed me!”
“Yes, I could have. Very easily in fact. Remember that before you open your stupid mouth next time. You wanted to old Ninja back? Congratulations, you got him.” I walked past him, bumping him hard on the shoulder as I went.
At the bottom of the temple was a large pit. Sitting in the pit was an impressive blue pokemon that resembled a great hound. I froze when I saw it and reached for a pokeball. The beast stared into my eyes for a moment and then, in a single bound, jumped over my head and onto the floor above me. It took off running out the door so fast that I could barely follow it with my eyes.
When I turned around the Eusine was standing behind me. “Do you know what that was?” He yelled excitiedly. “A Suicune! The legendary pokemon of the North Wind. I can’t believe it was really here, and that it stopped to look at you. I must find it.” He turned around and sprinted up the stairs. I followed him slowly.
After leaving the temple I decided I didn’t want to spend the night in Ecruteak if Castor was going to be around. I left the city and made my way towards the coast. Around dusk, I arrived in Olivine City. I found a quiet cliff overlooking the ocean and was finally able to put my fallen friends to rest. I sat late into the night listening to the waves crash into the shore and letting my mind drift back to Shinoh and happier times.
Current Party: Shinang the Kirlia (lv24), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv25), Dreamer the Flaaffy (lv21), Hera the Nidorina (lv20)
Graveyard (gone but never forgotten) Tweety the Spearow (lv6), Nightwish the Oddish (lv5-15), Watcher the Noctowl (lv22)
Chapter 6Down in flames
If I was feeling sorry for the league after my battle with Whitney, Ecruteak’s leader made sure the sentiment didn’t last. Today has been the worst day I’ve had since I moved to Jhoto. I left Goldenrod early in the morning and started north. After a surprising short walk and some training, I arrived in Ecruteak City. On the way, Watcher evolved into Noctowl.
I arrived in the city I was born well before lunch. It was beautiful. There were several ancient temples and the whole city retained the feel of old Japan. I spent the better part of the morning just roaming the around town. After a few hours I located the gym, but the leader was gone. With nothing better to do, I decided to check out one of the temples.
When a entered the temple I accidentally stumbled across a meeting between Morty, the Ecruteak city gym leader, and his ridiculous friend Eusine. I thought the guy was part of a circus judging by the way he was dressed. The two looked up from their conversation when I walked through the door. Before they noticed me I caught a piece of their conversation. They had been discussing some type of legendary pokemon that were rumored to live in the lower levels of the temple. Morty quickly rushed out the door and Eusine stepped out of my way. As I walked further into the temple I had another unexpected encounter.
Castor was waiting for me near the stairs to the lower level. “Hey Ninja. I saw you come in. I was eavesdropping on those two weirdoes by the door, and then when you walked in I figured I’d stick around for a battle before I caught the legendary pokemon downstairs. I dumped some of my weaker team members. It’s time someone put you in your place.”
“You’re too late Castor. I got a reality check yesterday, with no help from you.”
“You sound pitiable. What happened to you? Where’s the old Ninja? Where’s the attitude I was expecting? If you’re really this pathetic at least let me put you out of your misery.” He threw out a ghastly and I sent out my newly evolved Watcher. Watcher quickly took it down with a psychic attack. The same thing happened with Zubat. Castor’s next pokemon was something new, a Magnemite. It looked diminutive, but I knew it had the potential to cause trouble. Its steel typing meant that my psychic heavy team was going to have a lot of trouble damaging it. My best bet was Hera who had a ground attack that would absolutely devastate it. However, as I switched her in, the magnetite sent out a wave of electricity. It struck Hera in the legs, crippling her. I told her to try to get underground to avoid the next attack, but before she could dig a hole Magnemite let out and ear-piercing shriek. Hera was confused by the noise and hurt herself as she tried to attack. I called to her to try and get her to focus, but she continued to make things worse by injuring herself. Soon she was exhausted and Magnemite had yet to be scratched. I called her back and sent out Shinang. Castor anticipated my switch and paralyzed her as soon as she entered the field. Knowing that she had to protect her teammates, Shinang stood strong and traded blows with Magnemite. Even though her attacks couldn’t do a significant amount of damage, she fought through confusion and paralysis to finally defeat the mechanical terror.
Castor smirked at me. “Magnemite did its job well. There’s no way your team is going to be able to handle Quilava now.” Castor’s founding team member came roaring out of his pokeball. I knew he was right too. My best checks were both severely weakened from the fight with Magnemite. I called Shinang back and sent out Dreamer. As she came in, Quilava used a powerful new attack that it had learned since the last time I had faced it. It encircled itself in a wheel of flames and charged at Dreamer. The attack certainly hurt, but Dreamers electrically charged wool once again managed to paralyze her opponent. However, the heat from the flames left her with a nasty burn. Dreamer fired back with a moderately powered attack. The two exchanged one more round of blows and then I had to get Dreamer to safety. I called her back and sent out Watcher. As she came in, Quilava used its fire attack again. Watcher shifted its body to absorb the worst of the blow. She counter attacked with a shot of energy intended to damage and confuse Quilava, but it didn’t hurt as much as I would have liked. Castor ordered another fire attack and Quilava launched itself at Watcher. Watcher tired to avoid the attack, but dodged the wrong way. Quilava caught it by the wing and dragged it to the ground where it viciously tore into Watcher’s abdomen. The attack hit was absurdly powerful. Watcher managed to free herself, but as she attempted to take to the air, Quilava lashed out with its fiery claws. It raked Watcher across the back, scalding it badly. The fire quickly caught on Watcher’s fine foliage and it came plummeting out of the air in flames.
Castor let out a whoop of delight. “Yes finally! I got you!” He actually laughed with joy “Send your next one out Ninja, Quilava will do the same thing to it that he just did to your stupid, weak owl.”
“I don’t think so,” I said completely monotone. I sent out Yeppa who was fresh and ready to finish the battle.
“You’re kidding me right? You’re sending a bug type out to face a fire pokemon? I thought you were decent, but I guess you’re just a weakling like everyone else I’ve faced.”
“Shut up Castor. Someone needs to teach you some humility. From now on, every we battle; I will kill one of your team members. You better start looking for back-ups now.”
“Heh. See that’s the difference between you and me Ninja. I don’t care if you kill my team members. If you kill one of my teammates it’s because they’re weak and useless. I’d consider it a favor instead of balling over a worthless animal like it was actually my friend. Now if you’re done trying to teach me a lesson, let’s go so I can kill the rest of your team and then be on my way.”
“Yeppa, give him something more to think about,” I ordered. Yeppa released a wave of psychic energy that spread across the temple and bounced off the walls rushing back towards Quilava and Castor. As the waves made contact Quilava and Casotr both let out a cry of pain. Castor covered his ears in an attempt to block out the energy but it was too powerful and soon brought him to his knees. Quilava trembled on the floor unwilling to fight any longer. After a few minutes I called off the attack, and returned Yeppa to my side.
Castor looked at me from his knees. “Are you insane!? You could have killed me!”
“Yes, I could have. Very easily in fact. Remember that before you open your stupid mouth next time. You wanted to old Ninja back? Congratulations, you got him.” I walked past him, bumping him hard on the shoulder as I went.
At the bottom of the temple was a large pit. Sitting in the pit was an impressive blue pokemon that resembled a great hound. I froze when I saw it and reached for a pokeball. The beast stared into my eyes for a moment and then, in a single bound, jumped over my head and onto the floor above me. It took off running out the door so fast that I could barely follow it with my eyes.
When I turned around the Eusine was standing behind me. “Do you know what that was?” He yelled excitiedly. “A Suicune! The legendary pokemon of the North Wind. I can’t believe it was really here, and that it stopped to look at you. I must find it.” He turned around and sprinted up the stairs. I followed him slowly.
After leaving the temple I decided I didn’t want to spend the night in Ecruteak if Castor was going to be around. I left the city and made my way towards the coast. Around dusk, I arrived in Olivine City. I found a quiet cliff overlooking the ocean and was finally able to put my fallen friends to rest. I sat late into the night listening to the waves crash into the shore and letting my mind drift back to Shinoh and happier times.
Current Party: Shinang the Kirlia (lv24), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv25), Dreamer the Flaaffy (lv21), Hera the Nidorina (lv20)
Graveyard (gone but never forgotten) Tweety the Spearow (lv6), Nightwish the Oddish (lv5-15), Watcher the Noctowl (lv22)
Chapter 6
Ghost of the past
I called Cynthia the next morning to tell her what had happened. Talking to her put me in a better mood. She encouraged me not to give up and reminded me that my Mom was relying on me. Feeling uplifted, I returned to Ecrutek for my forth badge. Upon arriving I learned that the leader used pokemon from the Gastly family. I pulled Yeppa aside and explained that the outcome of the battle rested on her shoulders. “Here’s the plan I said. Just go in there and put everything to sleep then spam your psychic attacks as hard and fast as you can, if we’re lucky those ghost won’t even know what hit them.” She nodded her consent and we head to the gym.
The gym was nearly pitch black. The only light came from small candles that were lit near the gym’s trainers. It true dick fashion, every time I beat one of them they blew their candles out leaving me to stumble around in the dark. Eventually the leader had pity on me and yelled out so I could follow his voice. When I finally reached him he lifted his hand and a ring of torches lit revealing a battle arena. “Welcome Ninja. It’s been a long time since I last saw you.”
“What the hell? Does everybody in this bloody region know who I am? Do you care to tell me how you know me Morty?”
“I’m a friend of your father. Or I used to be at least, I haven’t seen him for years.”
“So you know my mom too?”
Morty hesitated for a minute. “…Yes. I know her, but we’re not exactly friends. She and I don’t get along. She didn’t want me around after your dad left.”
“Right…do you know where my dad is now?”
“Nope. Even if I knew I’m not sure I’d tell you. I don’t think your dad wants to be found.”
I let out a frustrated sigh. “Awesome,” realizing I was getting nowhere, I changed the subject. “One more thing Morty. Do you know Whitney in Goldenrod? What do you think of her?”
“That little do-gooder? Yeah she’s new. She thinks she’s all high and mighty trying to come in here and tell us all to go easy on the challengers. Crying over the fact that one or two pokemon don’t make it through our test. She’s not exactly popular with most of the other leaders. Only Jasmine in Olivine gets along with her, and she never fit in with the rest of us either. As for me, I don’t care if I kill some poor little kid’s pokemon. Hell my pokemon are already dead. These people need to learn that life is hard, and I’m more than happy to teach them that lesson. Speaking of which, shall we?” Morty stepped back and sent out his first pokemon, a Gastly.
“You ready for this Yeppa? Let’s blast these ghosts into oblivion.” Yeppa came forward. I didn’t even need to give her verbal commands, she knew what to do. The entire battle went exactly like this: Sleep, attack, dead, new oppentent.
“Well done kid, your old man would be proud,” Morty smiled.
“Well then my old man can come and tell me himself. Now if we’re finished here, can I have my badge please?” Morty tossed me my badge and I left the gym. Next stop Olivine. I needed to talk to Jasmine.
Current Party: Shinang the Kirlia (lv24), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv28), Dreamer the Flaaffy (lv21), Hera the Nidorina (lv20)
Graveyard (gone but never forgotten) Tweety the Spearow (lv6), Nightwish the Oddish (lv5-15), Watcher the Noctowl (lv22)
Chapter 7Ghost of the past
I called Cynthia the next morning to tell her what had happened. Talking to her put me in a better mood. She encouraged me not to give up and reminded me that my Mom was relying on me. Feeling uplifted, I returned to Ecrutek for my forth badge. Upon arriving I learned that the leader used pokemon from the Gastly family. I pulled Yeppa aside and explained that the outcome of the battle rested on her shoulders. “Here’s the plan I said. Just go in there and put everything to sleep then spam your psychic attacks as hard and fast as you can, if we’re lucky those ghost won’t even know what hit them.” She nodded her consent and we head to the gym.
The gym was nearly pitch black. The only light came from small candles that were lit near the gym’s trainers. It true dick fashion, every time I beat one of them they blew their candles out leaving me to stumble around in the dark. Eventually the leader had pity on me and yelled out so I could follow his voice. When I finally reached him he lifted his hand and a ring of torches lit revealing a battle arena. “Welcome Ninja. It’s been a long time since I last saw you.”
“What the hell? Does everybody in this bloody region know who I am? Do you care to tell me how you know me Morty?”
“I’m a friend of your father. Or I used to be at least, I haven’t seen him for years.”
“So you know my mom too?”
Morty hesitated for a minute. “…Yes. I know her, but we’re not exactly friends. She and I don’t get along. She didn’t want me around after your dad left.”
“Right…do you know where my dad is now?”
“Nope. Even if I knew I’m not sure I’d tell you. I don’t think your dad wants to be found.”
I let out a frustrated sigh. “Awesome,” realizing I was getting nowhere, I changed the subject. “One more thing Morty. Do you know Whitney in Goldenrod? What do you think of her?”
“That little do-gooder? Yeah she’s new. She thinks she’s all high and mighty trying to come in here and tell us all to go easy on the challengers. Crying over the fact that one or two pokemon don’t make it through our test. She’s not exactly popular with most of the other leaders. Only Jasmine in Olivine gets along with her, and she never fit in with the rest of us either. As for me, I don’t care if I kill some poor little kid’s pokemon. Hell my pokemon are already dead. These people need to learn that life is hard, and I’m more than happy to teach them that lesson. Speaking of which, shall we?” Morty stepped back and sent out his first pokemon, a Gastly.
“You ready for this Yeppa? Let’s blast these ghosts into oblivion.” Yeppa came forward. I didn’t even need to give her verbal commands, she knew what to do. The entire battle went exactly like this: Sleep, attack, dead, new oppentent.
“Well done kid, your old man would be proud,” Morty smiled.
“Well then my old man can come and tell me himself. Now if we’re finished here, can I have my badge please?” Morty tossed me my badge and I left the gym. Next stop Olivine. I needed to talk to Jasmine.
Current Party: Shinang the Kirlia (lv24), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv28), Dreamer the Flaaffy (lv21), Hera the Nidorina (lv20)
Graveyard (gone but never forgotten) Tweety the Spearow (lv6), Nightwish the Oddish (lv5-15), Watcher the Noctowl (lv22)
Chapter 7
Max Power!
I looked at the surviving members of me team. I had never replaced Nightwish, and now with Watcher gone too, I was down to only four members. It was time to reorganize and strengthen my team. The first thing I did was head back to Union Cave. When I had first crossed through it, I had heard a lonely cry coming from the deeper recesses of the cavern. I decided to return and investigate it. As I looked deeper and deeper into the caves I in finally came upon a small underground lake. A large blue pokemon swam majestically across the mirrored surface of the water. I quickly realized it was a Lapras. How she came to be in the cave I had no idea, but I knew immediately that I wanted her. I paddled out onto the water and when the creature saw me, she turned towards me. At first I was terrified; I expected her to crush me with her enormous bulk. As she neared me however, she slowed. She came to a stop right in front of me and reached her long neck down and stared at me with her large, intelligent eyes. We looked into each other’s eyes for a brief moment and then she lowered it further and touched her mouth to the top of my head. I slowly reached into my pack and pulled out a pokeball. I held it up and the monster studied it. Then she touched the tip of her nose to the ball and went inside. I named her Nesse.
For my final team member I pulled up my computer storage and checked to see who I had. Two pokemon in particular caught my attention. I had a Gastly I caught in the Bellsprout tower and a Sunkern from the National Park. I decided to go with Gastly. Even though Morty had tried to murder my friends with one recently, I enjoyed they’re mischievous nature. I spent the rest of the evening training my new members, and toughening up the rest of my team. By the end of the day, I felt confident that I was ready to take on the rest of the league. With my training done, I returned to olivine to do some thinking.
I had a lot to think about after the events of the last few days, so I went to where I always go the think, the water front. I sat on the beach to collect my thoughts. I thought about what Whitney had said about changing the league, and then I thought about Castor, Morty, Lucian, and the dozens of other ruthless and power hungry trainers I had fought. I wish that I could believe Whitney. I wish that the league could change, but I know I can’t let my defenses down. I can’t take it easy and let them eat me alive. I can’t show them mercy.
Current Party: Shinang the Gardevoir (lv31), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv30), Dreamer the Ampharos (lv31), Hera the Nidoqueen (lv30), Discordia the Gengar (lv30), Nesse the Lapras (lv30)
Graveyard (gone but never forgotten) Tweety the Spearow (lv6), Nightwish the Oddish (lv5-15), Watcher the Noctowl (lv22)
Chapter 8Max Power!
I looked at the surviving members of me team. I had never replaced Nightwish, and now with Watcher gone too, I was down to only four members. It was time to reorganize and strengthen my team. The first thing I did was head back to Union Cave. When I had first crossed through it, I had heard a lonely cry coming from the deeper recesses of the cavern. I decided to return and investigate it. As I looked deeper and deeper into the caves I in finally came upon a small underground lake. A large blue pokemon swam majestically across the mirrored surface of the water. I quickly realized it was a Lapras. How she came to be in the cave I had no idea, but I knew immediately that I wanted her. I paddled out onto the water and when the creature saw me, she turned towards me. At first I was terrified; I expected her to crush me with her enormous bulk. As she neared me however, she slowed. She came to a stop right in front of me and reached her long neck down and stared at me with her large, intelligent eyes. We looked into each other’s eyes for a brief moment and then she lowered it further and touched her mouth to the top of my head. I slowly reached into my pack and pulled out a pokeball. I held it up and the monster studied it. Then she touched the tip of her nose to the ball and went inside. I named her Nesse.
For my final team member I pulled up my computer storage and checked to see who I had. Two pokemon in particular caught my attention. I had a Gastly I caught in the Bellsprout tower and a Sunkern from the National Park. I decided to go with Gastly. Even though Morty had tried to murder my friends with one recently, I enjoyed they’re mischievous nature. I spent the rest of the evening training my new members, and toughening up the rest of my team. By the end of the day, I felt confident that I was ready to take on the rest of the league. With my training done, I returned to olivine to do some thinking.
I had a lot to think about after the events of the last few days, so I went to where I always go the think, the water front. I sat on the beach to collect my thoughts. I thought about what Whitney had said about changing the league, and then I thought about Castor, Morty, Lucian, and the dozens of other ruthless and power hungry trainers I had fought. I wish that I could believe Whitney. I wish that the league could change, but I know I can’t let my defenses down. I can’t take it easy and let them eat me alive. I can’t show them mercy.
Current Party: Shinang the Gardevoir (lv31), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv30), Dreamer the Ampharos (lv31), Hera the Nidoqueen (lv30), Discordia the Gengar (lv30), Nesse the Lapras (lv30)
Graveyard (gone but never forgotten) Tweety the Spearow (lv6), Nightwish the Oddish (lv5-15), Watcher the Noctowl (lv22)
Chapter 8
Shoreline Showdowns
The next morning I woke up and headed for the Olivine Gym. I arrived to find the gym empty. Were Jhoto leaders ever in their gyms when they were supposed to be? One of the trainers their told me that the leader, Jasmine, was at the light house tending to a sick pokemon. I climbed the lighthouse and found her at the side of an ailing Ampharos. She seemed relieved to see me. “Finally, someone came to check on me. I’ve been up here for hours. Those idiot trainers have been blocking anyone from getting up here. This Ampharos helps to keep the lights house lit, but it’s fallen very ill. I need to get some medicine, but I can’t leave it alone. Would you mind going to Cianwood City for me? There is a special medicine shop there, and the owner should be able to make a tonic for poor Amphy here.”
I was taken slightly off guard. I hadn’t been expecting such compassion from a gym leader. I stood there stupidly for a minute and then said, “Of course I’ll help. What exactly do you need?”
“Just go to the Cianwood. The medicine shop is really easy to find. Tell the owner you need some medicine for me. He shouldn’t charge you. Just bring it back here when you have it.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” I took the elevator down and then set sail for Cianwood. I arrived and found the medicine shop with little trouble. The owner was more than willing to help when I dropped Jasmine’s name. Before I could return to her, I was stopped on the beach by Morty’s friend Eusine. He accused me of following him and trying to steal Suicune from him. How you can steal a legendary pokemon that is roaming across the continent is beyond me, but I didn’t feel like wasting an explanation on Eusine, so I went along with it and accepted when he challenged me to a battle. I beat him in three moves and continued on my way.
I returned to the lighthouse and gave the medicine to Jasmine. “Thank you so much…um, oh excuse me I don’t even know your name.”
“You can call me Ninja, and you’re welcome.”
Jasmine giggled at my name, “Well Ninja, as I said before, thank you. With this medicine Amphy will be recovered in no time. I’m sensing that your initial reason for climbing the lighthouse wasn’t to play doctor though. You’re here to challenge me aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Very well. When I return to my gym I will be glad to accept. First though, I was hoping we would have a moment to talk. Whitney told me about you…and about your battle”
“Ah, I see. I’m really sorry about what happened.” My heart was rapidly sinking into my stomach. “How is she?” I asked nervously. I was half expecting to hear what a heartless monster I was. It wouldn’t have been completely undeserved.
Jasmine smiled softly. I guess she could see the worry on my face. “She’s doing ok. She told me to tell you again that you don’t need to apologize anymore. She understands. She called to warn me though. She didn’t want the same thing to happen to me. She and I have been trying to push for change in the league for months. Every time we start to make headway, we run into another dead end. It seems there’s something or someone else pulling the league’s strings.” She paused for a minute. I knew she was going to ask for something. “We were ah…hoping that maybe we could recruit someone else to our cause. Someone who is strong enough to take on the other leaders and the league itself if need be. Someone…like you.” She looked right into my eyes. I looked at the floor.
“Jasmine, I’m all for change in the league, but what can we do to stop them? What can I do?”
“We need someone who is free to travel to try and figure out what’s going on. Whitney and I are stuck in our gyms most of the time and any poking we do puts us in danger of reprisal from the higher ups at League Headquarters.”
“I’ll think about it ok? I still have a family to support and a life I hope to return to in Shinoh, but if I dig anything up on my journey, I’ll let you guys know.”
“Thank you Ninja. I’m sure that you’ll be a huge help. Now that the awkward proposition is out of the way, how about a battle?”
“Yes please. I’ll meet you at your gym?”
“You bet! See you there!” Jasmine headed out the door and I took my team out for some pre-match training. Once my team was ready to go, I met Jasmine in the gym. The match went quickly. Hera took out her Magnemites with little trouble and then served as excellent bait to lure her extremely dangerous Steelix into a ground type attack. I took the opportunity to switch in Yeppa who quickly put Steelix to sleep. Nesse came in and quickly defeated it. Jasmine gave me her badge and wished me luck on the rest of my Journey. She told me that the leader of Cianwood City was a fighting type trainer named Chuck.
I returned to Cianwood and found Chuck meditating under a manmade waterfall inside his gym. It was impressive, but it was keeping Chuck from battling me. I turned it off. Chuck was less than happy, but there was little he could do in retaliation. Shinang beat him in two moves. I returned to Ecruteak city to spend the night. New allies and two badges in less than a day? Things were looking up.
Current Party: Shinang the Gardevoir (lv32), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv30), Dreamer the Ampharos (lv31), Hera the Nidoqueen (lv30), Discordia the Gengar (lv30), Nesse the Lapras (lv32)
Graveyard (gone but never forgotten) Tweety the Spearow (lv6), Nightwish the Oddish (lv5-15), Watcher the Noctowl (lv22)
Chapter 9Shoreline Showdowns
The next morning I woke up and headed for the Olivine Gym. I arrived to find the gym empty. Were Jhoto leaders ever in their gyms when they were supposed to be? One of the trainers their told me that the leader, Jasmine, was at the light house tending to a sick pokemon. I climbed the lighthouse and found her at the side of an ailing Ampharos. She seemed relieved to see me. “Finally, someone came to check on me. I’ve been up here for hours. Those idiot trainers have been blocking anyone from getting up here. This Ampharos helps to keep the lights house lit, but it’s fallen very ill. I need to get some medicine, but I can’t leave it alone. Would you mind going to Cianwood City for me? There is a special medicine shop there, and the owner should be able to make a tonic for poor Amphy here.”
I was taken slightly off guard. I hadn’t been expecting such compassion from a gym leader. I stood there stupidly for a minute and then said, “Of course I’ll help. What exactly do you need?”
“Just go to the Cianwood. The medicine shop is really easy to find. Tell the owner you need some medicine for me. He shouldn’t charge you. Just bring it back here when you have it.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” I took the elevator down and then set sail for Cianwood. I arrived and found the medicine shop with little trouble. The owner was more than willing to help when I dropped Jasmine’s name. Before I could return to her, I was stopped on the beach by Morty’s friend Eusine. He accused me of following him and trying to steal Suicune from him. How you can steal a legendary pokemon that is roaming across the continent is beyond me, but I didn’t feel like wasting an explanation on Eusine, so I went along with it and accepted when he challenged me to a battle. I beat him in three moves and continued on my way.
I returned to the lighthouse and gave the medicine to Jasmine. “Thank you so much…um, oh excuse me I don’t even know your name.”
“You can call me Ninja, and you’re welcome.”
Jasmine giggled at my name, “Well Ninja, as I said before, thank you. With this medicine Amphy will be recovered in no time. I’m sensing that your initial reason for climbing the lighthouse wasn’t to play doctor though. You’re here to challenge me aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Very well. When I return to my gym I will be glad to accept. First though, I was hoping we would have a moment to talk. Whitney told me about you…and about your battle”
“Ah, I see. I’m really sorry about what happened.” My heart was rapidly sinking into my stomach. “How is she?” I asked nervously. I was half expecting to hear what a heartless monster I was. It wouldn’t have been completely undeserved.
Jasmine smiled softly. I guess she could see the worry on my face. “She’s doing ok. She told me to tell you again that you don’t need to apologize anymore. She understands. She called to warn me though. She didn’t want the same thing to happen to me. She and I have been trying to push for change in the league for months. Every time we start to make headway, we run into another dead end. It seems there’s something or someone else pulling the league’s strings.” She paused for a minute. I knew she was going to ask for something. “We were ah…hoping that maybe we could recruit someone else to our cause. Someone who is strong enough to take on the other leaders and the league itself if need be. Someone…like you.” She looked right into my eyes. I looked at the floor.
“Jasmine, I’m all for change in the league, but what can we do to stop them? What can I do?”
“We need someone who is free to travel to try and figure out what’s going on. Whitney and I are stuck in our gyms most of the time and any poking we do puts us in danger of reprisal from the higher ups at League Headquarters.”
“I’ll think about it ok? I still have a family to support and a life I hope to return to in Shinoh, but if I dig anything up on my journey, I’ll let you guys know.”
“Thank you Ninja. I’m sure that you’ll be a huge help. Now that the awkward proposition is out of the way, how about a battle?”
“Yes please. I’ll meet you at your gym?”
“You bet! See you there!” Jasmine headed out the door and I took my team out for some pre-match training. Once my team was ready to go, I met Jasmine in the gym. The match went quickly. Hera took out her Magnemites with little trouble and then served as excellent bait to lure her extremely dangerous Steelix into a ground type attack. I took the opportunity to switch in Yeppa who quickly put Steelix to sleep. Nesse came in and quickly defeated it. Jasmine gave me her badge and wished me luck on the rest of my Journey. She told me that the leader of Cianwood City was a fighting type trainer named Chuck.
I returned to Cianwood and found Chuck meditating under a manmade waterfall inside his gym. It was impressive, but it was keeping Chuck from battling me. I turned it off. Chuck was less than happy, but there was little he could do in retaliation. Shinang beat him in two moves. I returned to Ecruteak city to spend the night. New allies and two badges in less than a day? Things were looking up.
Current Party: Shinang the Gardevoir (lv32), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv30), Dreamer the Ampharos (lv31), Hera the Nidoqueen (lv30), Discordia the Gengar (lv30), Nesse the Lapras (lv32)
Graveyard (gone but never forgotten) Tweety the Spearow (lv6), Nightwish the Oddish (lv5-15), Watcher the Noctowl (lv22)
Chapter 9
Rage red
My next stop was Mahogany Town where the seventh gym awaited for me. I set out hoping that things would go as smoothly as they had yesterday, but of course, I had already used up all of my good karma.
The trip to Mahogany town was short, but when I got there, I found the door to the gym blocked (again!). I soon learned that most of the people in town were at the lake. A rare red Gyarados had recently shown up there and was throwing a fit. Several trainers had tried to bring it down. They had all achieved varying degrees of failure. The worst of them had received a broken leg and cracked skull for his trouble.
I headed for the lake, but was stopped at the guard house by a couple of members of Team Rocket. They claimed the lake was now under their authority and tried to charge me an exorbitant entry fee. I snuck around the back instead.
As I got closer I could hear the commotion. A walked through the woods bordering the lake and was faced with scene out of a monster movie. In the middle of the lake a huge Gyarados was thrashing about and throwing torrents of water dozen of meters into the air. The fiend was red. Blood red. There were a half-dozen boats out on the water full of trainers trying to keep the thing under control. It tossed their pokemon about like they were rag dolls. I gritted my teeth started out onto the water. I pulled up in front of the Gyarados and yelled to get its attention. When that didn’t work I had Singang create a psychic link with it, giving it a headache so bad it was finally forced it to face me.
With Gyarados’ attention solely on me I enacted my plan. I sent out Discordia, who was able to easily dodge Gyarados’ thrashing attacks. Discordia floated up to eye level with it and stared deeply into its eyes, calming the great beast. In a few seconds the Gyarados was as peaceful as a new born Happiny; in a few more, it was fast asleep. Discordia proceeded to weaken it while it slept and I was able to capture it with a minimal amount of trouble.
When I came to shore, someone was waiting for me. I stepped back onto solid, if soggy, ground and was greeted by a very strange man. He was tall and thin and his hair was as red and wild as the brightest fire. There was a very impressive looking Dragonite standing behind him. “That was very well done. I heard about the disturbance here, but I see that it’s already been taken care of. My name is Lance, the Jhoto League pokemon champion. My I ask your name?”
“I’m Ninja,” I said, extending my hand.
Lance took a hold of it and shook it firmly. “Well met Ninja. I noticed some suspicious activity on my way through town. There seemed to be a strange radio transmitting coming from the town shop. I think it may have been what caused the Gyarados to go berserk. I could use some help investigating it. Would you be willing to assist me?”
“I suppose so. I can already see I’m not going to get into the next gym until things back in town settle down.”
“Excellent. Meet me at the shop as soon as you are able.” He hoped onto his Dragonite’s back to took off in the direction of Mahogany.
I followed him on foot and arrived at the shop just in time to see Dragonite plaster a helpless rocket grunt to the wall with an incredibly powerful attack. The man hit the floor and didn’t move. I couldn’t tell if he was still breathing or not. Lance turned to the shop owner and yelled at him. “I know something’s going on here. Something that wasn’t cleared with the proper authorities. Tell me where the others or hiding or I’ll make what I did to your friend over there seem like nothing more than a deep tissue massage.”
“There’s a secret door in the back! Behind the dresser!” the owner yelled.
Lance and I found the door and descended into a huge underground complex that had been constructed under the inconspicuous shop. “This place is bigger than I expected. I can’t believe these morons were able to construct it without anyone noticing. We should split up Ninja. I want to find out who’s in charge here. We need to discuss some things.”
I explored the underground compound. I’ve never faced so many weak, incompetent trainers in my life. There were Rattatas everywhere. I think the Rocket grunts were actually more inept than those from Team Galatic, which is saying something. I turned down one hallway and ran smack into Castor. He had seen Lance at the lake and wanted to battle him, so he had followed us. “You followed the guy with the terrifying dragon into the underground layer of the evil organization just so you could challenge him to a battle? Man you have one heck of an inferiority complex.”
“I wanted test my skills against him. I was no match. I need to toughen my team. They’re still too weak.” He shoved past me and headed for the exit. I turned the corner and found myself standing in front of a very nice office. I figured this was where whoever was in charge here worked so I walked towards the door. Before I could open them I was attacked from behind. I didn’t hear them coming, but Shinang sensed the danger and moved me out of the way just before a huge snake struck out where I had been just a second before. When I spun around I saw a severe looking older woman with a sharp face and skin drawn so tight you could see the shape of her skull. “And what, exactly, do you think you’re doing young man? You’ve caused a great deal of trouble, but I’m glad I was able to catch up with you before you did any permanent damage.” She woman and a grunt approached and Shinang and I prepared for a fight. Shinang stood facing down the woman’s Arbok as well as her accomplice’s Drowzee.
Both pokemon charged towards Shinang, but before they could strike a blast of energy tore through the Drowzee evaporating the upper half of its body. Lance’s Dragonite swooped down and landed in the middle of the floor. Arbok turned to face the new threat, but was blasted with pulse of Psychic energy from Shinang. The pair took out the remainder of the enemy pokemon quickly.
“Ariana. I should have known you were behind this. You’ve always been one to look before you leap. You don’t have permission to be here.” Lance said as he came to stand by my side.
“Lance! Impossible! How did you know we were here? Who told you?”
“You stupid woman! Nothing you and your pathetic excuse for Rockets do in Jhoto slips under my nose. Remember your place!”
I could see genuine fear flash in Ariana’s eyes. It was quickly replaced with hate. “You don’t know anything Lance,” She snarled. “You just wait and see what I can do.” Ariana threw something onto the floor and there was a blinding flash. I covered my eyes and when I opened them again she was gone.
Lance and I shut down the power to the facility and cleaned up the rest of the Rockets. When we made it back above ground it was nearly nightfall. “Your assistance in this matter was much appreciated Ninja. Perhaps we shall meet again.” Lance climbed onto his Dragonite and took to the air. I found a room for the night a thought about what Ariana had said before she left. I wondered what else Team Rocket had in store for Jhoto.
Current Party: Shinang the Gardevoir (lv35), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv32), Dreamer the Ampharos (lv32), Hera the Nidoqueen (lv31), Discordia the Gengar (lv35), Nesse the Lapras (lv35)
Graveyard (gone but never forgotten) Tweety the Spearow (lv6), Nightwish the Oddish (lv5-15), Watcher the Noctowl (lv22)
Rage red
My next stop was Mahogany Town where the seventh gym awaited for me. I set out hoping that things would go as smoothly as they had yesterday, but of course, I had already used up all of my good karma.
The trip to Mahogany town was short, but when I got there, I found the door to the gym blocked (again!). I soon learned that most of the people in town were at the lake. A rare red Gyarados had recently shown up there and was throwing a fit. Several trainers had tried to bring it down. They had all achieved varying degrees of failure. The worst of them had received a broken leg and cracked skull for his trouble.
I headed for the lake, but was stopped at the guard house by a couple of members of Team Rocket. They claimed the lake was now under their authority and tried to charge me an exorbitant entry fee. I snuck around the back instead.
As I got closer I could hear the commotion. A walked through the woods bordering the lake and was faced with scene out of a monster movie. In the middle of the lake a huge Gyarados was thrashing about and throwing torrents of water dozen of meters into the air. The fiend was red. Blood red. There were a half-dozen boats out on the water full of trainers trying to keep the thing under control. It tossed their pokemon about like they were rag dolls. I gritted my teeth started out onto the water. I pulled up in front of the Gyarados and yelled to get its attention. When that didn’t work I had Singang create a psychic link with it, giving it a headache so bad it was finally forced it to face me.
With Gyarados’ attention solely on me I enacted my plan. I sent out Discordia, who was able to easily dodge Gyarados’ thrashing attacks. Discordia floated up to eye level with it and stared deeply into its eyes, calming the great beast. In a few seconds the Gyarados was as peaceful as a new born Happiny; in a few more, it was fast asleep. Discordia proceeded to weaken it while it slept and I was able to capture it with a minimal amount of trouble.
When I came to shore, someone was waiting for me. I stepped back onto solid, if soggy, ground and was greeted by a very strange man. He was tall and thin and his hair was as red and wild as the brightest fire. There was a very impressive looking Dragonite standing behind him. “That was very well done. I heard about the disturbance here, but I see that it’s already been taken care of. My name is Lance, the Jhoto League pokemon champion. My I ask your name?”
“I’m Ninja,” I said, extending my hand.
Lance took a hold of it and shook it firmly. “Well met Ninja. I noticed some suspicious activity on my way through town. There seemed to be a strange radio transmitting coming from the town shop. I think it may have been what caused the Gyarados to go berserk. I could use some help investigating it. Would you be willing to assist me?”
“I suppose so. I can already see I’m not going to get into the next gym until things back in town settle down.”
“Excellent. Meet me at the shop as soon as you are able.” He hoped onto his Dragonite’s back to took off in the direction of Mahogany.
I followed him on foot and arrived at the shop just in time to see Dragonite plaster a helpless rocket grunt to the wall with an incredibly powerful attack. The man hit the floor and didn’t move. I couldn’t tell if he was still breathing or not. Lance turned to the shop owner and yelled at him. “I know something’s going on here. Something that wasn’t cleared with the proper authorities. Tell me where the others or hiding or I’ll make what I did to your friend over there seem like nothing more than a deep tissue massage.”
“There’s a secret door in the back! Behind the dresser!” the owner yelled.
Lance and I found the door and descended into a huge underground complex that had been constructed under the inconspicuous shop. “This place is bigger than I expected. I can’t believe these morons were able to construct it without anyone noticing. We should split up Ninja. I want to find out who’s in charge here. We need to discuss some things.”
I explored the underground compound. I’ve never faced so many weak, incompetent trainers in my life. There were Rattatas everywhere. I think the Rocket grunts were actually more inept than those from Team Galatic, which is saying something. I turned down one hallway and ran smack into Castor. He had seen Lance at the lake and wanted to battle him, so he had followed us. “You followed the guy with the terrifying dragon into the underground layer of the evil organization just so you could challenge him to a battle? Man you have one heck of an inferiority complex.”
“I wanted test my skills against him. I was no match. I need to toughen my team. They’re still too weak.” He shoved past me and headed for the exit. I turned the corner and found myself standing in front of a very nice office. I figured this was where whoever was in charge here worked so I walked towards the door. Before I could open them I was attacked from behind. I didn’t hear them coming, but Shinang sensed the danger and moved me out of the way just before a huge snake struck out where I had been just a second before. When I spun around I saw a severe looking older woman with a sharp face and skin drawn so tight you could see the shape of her skull. “And what, exactly, do you think you’re doing young man? You’ve caused a great deal of trouble, but I’m glad I was able to catch up with you before you did any permanent damage.” She woman and a grunt approached and Shinang and I prepared for a fight. Shinang stood facing down the woman’s Arbok as well as her accomplice’s Drowzee.
Both pokemon charged towards Shinang, but before they could strike a blast of energy tore through the Drowzee evaporating the upper half of its body. Lance’s Dragonite swooped down and landed in the middle of the floor. Arbok turned to face the new threat, but was blasted with pulse of Psychic energy from Shinang. The pair took out the remainder of the enemy pokemon quickly.
“Ariana. I should have known you were behind this. You’ve always been one to look before you leap. You don’t have permission to be here.” Lance said as he came to stand by my side.
“Lance! Impossible! How did you know we were here? Who told you?”
“You stupid woman! Nothing you and your pathetic excuse for Rockets do in Jhoto slips under my nose. Remember your place!”
I could see genuine fear flash in Ariana’s eyes. It was quickly replaced with hate. “You don’t know anything Lance,” She snarled. “You just wait and see what I can do.” Ariana threw something onto the floor and there was a blinding flash. I covered my eyes and when I opened them again she was gone.
Lance and I shut down the power to the facility and cleaned up the rest of the Rockets. When we made it back above ground it was nearly nightfall. “Your assistance in this matter was much appreciated Ninja. Perhaps we shall meet again.” Lance climbed onto his Dragonite and took to the air. I found a room for the night a thought about what Ariana had said before she left. I wondered what else Team Rocket had in store for Jhoto.
Current Party: Shinang the Gardevoir (lv35), Yeppa the Butterfree (lv32), Dreamer the Ampharos (lv32), Hera the Nidoqueen (lv31), Discordia the Gengar (lv35), Nesse the Lapras (lv35)
Graveyard (gone but never forgotten) Tweety the Spearow (lv6), Nightwish the Oddish (lv5-15), Watcher the Noctowl (lv22)
Continued in the next post...
