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TCQ ch 12
Well, it looks like i'll be slowing down production of these chapters by one chapter a fortnight. Hopefully, you guys will get the tim to read and reply. Anyways, time for chapter 12:
Chapter Twelve – Hurried Hunting
<Sap is one weird kid, Hawey,> Bubbles said, slightly bemused as they watched Sapph melt into the crowded, colourful carnival.
"You said it… so, what are we going to do? We can't leave without him and I don't have any inclination to just sit around doing nothing until his dumb tournament on Saturday," Haley agreed.
<So what will you do 'til then, Hawey?> Bubbles queried as they meandered through the festive game stands.
"Well, I think it'd be a wonderful thing to catch some more Water Pokémon," Haley mused. "If only we could get a boat…"
"I believe that could help you there," a male voice called out from one of the stands.
Haley turned to see a large man with a full beard and twinkling black eyes smiling at her from the all you can eat stand.
"Really? You could?" Haley asked, taking in the man's large size and even larger beer belly.
"I heard that you needed a boat in hopes of catching some Water Pokémon," the man continued, moving out from behind his stall to talk to Haley more freely. "And I'm sure that Roni for one wouldn't mind taking you out in my boat for the afternoon. Hasn't had a free moment since the carnival began, poor kid…"
"Really?" Haley said once more, all starry eyed. "That is only too incredibly awesome!"
"Well," the man said genially, rubbing his chin. "There is one thing I'd like you to do for me first…"
<Oh, bwother, there always has to be a snag in the walks,> Bubbles groaned.
"I just want to see you battle my kid," the man said.
"Hunh?" Haley said, momentarily as stupefied as Sapph usually resorted to be when caught off guard or Mongle when Chansey hit him and doesn't quite understands how.
<That's it? A ballel?> Bubbles echoed, equally wrong-footed.
"That's right, a battle. One on one," the man agreed. "The carnival's fun and all, but it's just work for me and Roni. A really good battle would help me get my pep back before I hit the bay again."
"I suppose that's all right, right, Bubbles?" Haley said. How hard can it be to battle a baby goat? She asked herself.
<Sure!> the Water Hare Pokémon piped up.
"Excellent! Oi, Roni! Get out here for a minute will ya son?" the man called out.
A boy of a tall and slight build came into view. His dark red hair framed his long and highly freckled face.
"Yeah, Dad?" Roni asked, scratching the back of his head as he approached his father.
"Nice tan," Haley commented.
"They're freckles, stupid," Roni corrected her.
<A lotta fweckilies,> Bubbles added as Haley sweat dropped.
"Hey, don't you rub it in, you wussie rabbit!" Roni snarled.
"Wussie rabbit?!" Haley yelled.
<Wat wussie, Hawey?> Bubbles asked.
"Now now, Roni!" Roni's father chided with a faint chuckle. "Let's have none of that before a match!"
"Aww, not again, Dad!" Roni groaned. "Do I have to battle everybody who wants to use the boat? It's kinda…you know, annoying?"
There is absolutely no way I'm letting this little twit ruin my chances of catching another Water Pokémon, Haley thought in an annoyed tone.
"Hey, if you're chicken, just say so!" Haley pouted airily.
"What did you call me?" Roni said, taken aback.
"Shall I spell it out for you? I called you a C…H…I…C…K…E…N…chicken!" Haley said slowly and deliberately.
"Chicken? Me?! No way! Let's battle out back!" Roni retorted angrily, pulling out and enlarging a pokéball.
"Excellent!" Roni's father boomed out yet again. "Let's go!"
Behind the rows of opposite stalls was a strip of green grass about six feet wide and stretching as far as the stalls were erected. Haley and Roni stood about twelve feet apart and prepared to battle.
"I will be the judge of this one on one battle," Roni's father said, raising both hands. "Let the match begin!"
"Let's play, Bubbles!" Haley said, rallying her first Pokémon to take to the field.
"Go get 'em, Marill!" Roni countered, chucking his pokéball onto the field.
A round Pokémon with cute round ears took shape out the field. As it rubbed its light blue fur, it waved its thin, zizgzagged tail which bore a large bubble similar to Bubbles's on the tip.
"You raise a Water type too, hunh? Well let's just see who's the better Water Pokémon Master!" Haley said.
"You're on! Marill, use Rollout attack!" Roni yelled.
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After forty minutes of steady stumbling over rocky trails and rough terrain, Sapph finally found the path that led to the abandoned power plant.
Finally! Sapph thought triumphantly, readjusting his backpack and setting forth down the now dusty trail.
"Hold on there, you!" a brisk voice called out to him from behind a particularly wide boulder.
Sapph turned around to see a thin, weedy guy in a white shirt and wire-rimmed glasses step out from behind the boulder.
"What is it, nerd?" Sapph said impatiently.
"I'm no NERD!" the young man retorted.
"Really?" Sapph asked sceptically.
"Really…I'm a SUPER NERD!" the man exclaimed, puffing his chest and chin out proudly.
Sapph sweat dropped.
"Yep, you got that right," Sapph muttered sarcastically. "Whoo boy, you sure told me off, all right," he added rolling his eyes.
The Super Nerd could hear him.
"And even then, I'm not your regular super nerd," he continued in a tone that suggested that he had mystical powers.
What are you, then? A hyper nerd? Sapph thought dejectedly.
"Yes! I hold the key that'll light up your path in the near future… and if you want it, you must battle me for it!" the super nerd ranted on.
This is such a total waste of time… how the heck do I lose this guy? Sapph thought desperately, thinking of how much time he was wasting there.
"Uh, Super Nerd? Super-Nerd-with-the-key-that'll-light-up-my-path?" Sapph said slowly.
"Yes? Will you battle me for the key?" he asked hopefully.
"Not quite, but I'll tell you something… call it advice you really need," Sapph said again in his slow voice. "Go away, keep outta your medicine cabinet and quit being a retarded delinquent!"
"So you don't want the key?" the nerd asked curiously.
"NO, I DO NOT WAN'T NOR DO I NEED THE DARNED KEY! JUST LET ME GO ON MY WAY WITHOUT LOSING ANY MORE BRAIN CELLS THAN I MAY ALREADY HAVE DONE BY NOW, OKAY?!!!" Sapph yelled, storming off for the old plant.
"Are you sure you don't want the key?" the nerd said in a slightly whiney voice.
Ten minutes later…
"Just what kinda Dark Pokémon can't see in the dark, anyways?" Sapph asked Mogshex, seriously annoyed with his Night Cat Pokémon.
<Hey, being a Dark Pokémon does NOT mean that I can see in the dark, okay?> Mogshex shot back, equally ticked off at Sapph for trying to make her lead him into the dusty power station.
"Mogshex, you're a cat for crying out loud! You can see in the dark!" Sapph said exasperatedly.
<I woulda tried harder if you hadn't forced me down that dirty corridor,> Mogshex said with a shudder.
"Honestly, if there were another life form on this planet as so totally annoying as you, I'd…I'd…," Sapph spluttered.
"Hello there! Are you back for the key?" an annoyingly familiar voice called out to Sapph from atop another boulder.
Sapph froze, closed his eyes as though praying for patience and grit his teeth.
Don't tell me he's still here, Sapph moaned. "Yo! Why don'tcha go back to where all nerds come from and stay there?!"
"Yoohoo, over heeere!" the Super Nerd called out in an annoyingly high pitched yodel that'd would have Ledyba screaming for mercy on his sensitive feelers.
<Persistent guy, isn't he Sapph?> Mogshex smirked. <Think he's gay?>
"DON'T start, Mogshex! And you?" Sapph said, addressing the nerd. "Fine. FINE! Let's get it over with already!" Sapph yelled.
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"Now Bubbles! Finish it off with another Water Gun!" Haley said cheerfully.
"Marill, look out!" Roni yelled.
Marill, curled up in a ball and rolling at high speed towards Bubbles was helpless to stop as Bubbles fired a icy blast of cold water at his left side, sending him spinning into a wooden stall post.
As Marill uncurled itself and staggered to its tiny feet, it tottered around a few steps. Apparently, the Aqua Mouse Pokémon had met the post head on. Literally.
After a tottery Teeter Dance, Marill finally gave up and fell forward in defeat.
"Marill is unable to battle any further," Roni's father cried, lifting a hand in Haley and Bubbles's direction. "The winners are Haley and Bubbles!"
"Good job, Bubbles," Haley cheered.
<Ah hunh, ah hunh, I so…kick bum! Ah hunh, ah hunh…> Bubbles sang, dancing around in a little circle.
I guess I need to talk to Sapph about how much contact Mongle has with Bubbles, Haley thought resignedly, sweat dropping at Bubbles' antics.
"Guess I'd better get the boat keys dad," Roni said, returning Marill. "Good match, Hazey," he added, Proffering his hand to shake hers.
Haley did a double take at Roni's last word.
"The name is Haley," she said through slightly clenched teeth.
<And don' you… foget it! Nuh hunh, ah hunh…we so kicked… sa…> Bubbles chanted, still dancing around and getting progressively dizzier as she did so.
"Alright, no more cotton candy for you, Bubbles," Haley said, only a little annoyed as she returned her Water Hare Pokémon to her pokéball in a slightly irate mood.
"Quite a funny bunny you got there," Roni's father said as his son went into the tent.
"I'd call it negative peer pressure," Haley muttered dryly.
"Hey, are we going or not?" Roni called, twirling a bunch of keys around his index finger.
"Yes, of course," Haley said
"I left Marill inside," Roni went on to his father. "If you need me back in a hurry, just send Wingull."
"OK, Roni. Take care now," his father said with a nod.
Roni and Haley set off up the aisle between the carnival stalls to a side alley.
"So, erm," Haley said slowly, wanting to break the silence before Roni's seemingly sour mood developed into a grudge. "So what d'you and your dad do when not at the festival?"
"What, you think I'd really harbour a grudge because I lost to you once?" Roni said stoically. "I'm not strictly overflowing with that masculine pride you ladies say we're filled with, ya know."
Haley felt distinctly awkward at that pronouncement. She wasn't usually seen through like that and didn't think she enjoyed the experience.
Roni, seeing the look on Haley's face, went on calmly, "Dad's a fisherman and I'm a Junior Sea Ranger."
The duo had reached the marina. About a dozen ships stood moored along the docks whilst scores more dotted the bay. Sails and flags of all colours fluttered in the brisk breeze.
Whilst Haley glanced around, Roni went to the harbourmaster's cabin and returned in about ten minutes with the key to his father's old boat. When he'd returned, Haley had let out her Aquari for some fresh air.
"So, is a Junior Sea Ranger a full time job?" Haley asked curiously, the wind gently playing with her reddish blonde hair.
"Sort of," Roni told her, leading the way towards a part or the dock where their transport was moored. "We mostly assist our supervising Pokémon Rangers out at sea. We'll use my boat," he added nonchalantly.
"Your…" Haley began.
"Don't worry, I am licensed to call it that. You should see dad's new boat. Forty footer catamaran. Simply beautiful," Roni rambled, lost in thought as he stared at Haley.
"Uh, Roni? Why are you staring at me?"
"Hmm? N-no, I'm not!" Roni said, turning away to hide his burning cheeks.
"Yes, you… oh, forget it," Haley said resignedly.
"So, are you into the league?" Roni asked Haley, as they reached a coble; a flat-bottomed, high-bowed fishing boat with a single sail which was blue and gold.
Why do boys think of nothing but the league?! Haley thought exasperatedly. "No, I'm just aiming to be a great Pokémon Researcher," Haley went on hesitantly "and to find a certain…someone."
"Oh, that's cool too, I guess. It's just that with you being so strong back there, I just thought…" Roni said, his voice trailing away into nothingness. He then proceeded to lower the Pokémon Ranger flag at the top of the single mast and raised the anchor, carefully performing all these tasks without Haley seeing his face.
"So," Roni went on, blushing faintly as he bent over, looking for his fishing rod. "Met anyone at the festival yet?"
Haley noticed, and tried to keep the conversation away from that aspect of her life as she gratefully accepted the fishing rod Roni gave her to use.
"You mean, like a boy?" Haley said nonchalantly, though inwardly seriously flushed.
"Uhm, yeah!" Roni said, almost enthusiastically.
"Oh. Uh, not necessary. It's just that…"
"What? I'm not being too direct, am I?" Roni said quickly, blushing some more. "I mean, of course, not that it matters, just that… boy, wind's sharp today…" Roni mumbled, his cheeks bright pink.
Haley and Bubbles exchanged a look before Haley said, smiling faintly and placing a hand on her new friend's arm and said "Roni, you're a nice guy. Really. It's just that, I'm, uh, on assignment with this guy. Research work," she added quickly, letting her hand drop and turning back to watch the sea scenery pass by with Bubbles.
Roni looked slightly unsure. "Do you really have to go around Corei with him if you don't want to?"
Now that, Roni is a good question, Haley thought, watching her trainer unusually carefully. One not even I can make up her mind about answering from time to time…in more ways than one…
"I suppose so," Haley said dismissively, watching her line for a bite as the float made little ripples in the water as it bobbed up and down. "I don't really have many options for travel mates though, do I, Roni?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Roni said, looking defeated.
Haley went on, smiling. "It doesn't mean, however, that we can't talk to each other."
Roni looked up to see Haley offering him a scrap of paper with a number scrawled on it, a grin on her face.
Roni grinned back and took it, returning his attention to steering the boat out to sea.
"So, Roni," Haley called back to the 'helmsman', the wind throwing the sound of her voice around. "What's biting in these waters?"
"All sorts," Roni called back. "Few are really interested in the ecology of the bay. That's why it's our job to maintain it."
Haley turned to Bubbles and saw her smiling.
Uncertain that she wanted to know the answer, Haley asked anyway. "What?"
<Wooks like you have your weekend all pwanned out, Hawey,> Bubbles giggled.
"D-don't be ridicu- WHOA!" Haley said, starting as her line gave a hearty tug.
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"OK, Mogshex, we're almost there! Finish it with Faint Attack!" Sapph yelled, pumping his fist with gusto.
Mogshex began to sprint towards her opponent, fading from view as she ran. The Virtual Pokémon the Super Nerd had called forth to battle furiously scanned the battlefield for any trace of dark energy before Mogshex landed a hard slash to its right leg, followed by a headbutt to the neck and a second strike to the Porygon 2's right flank.
The Porygon 2 flew back slightly, shaking off the brunt of the attack. It still looked ready to fight although the consistent damage it had kept receiving from Mogshex's surprisingly powerful punches did leave it looking worse for wear.
"Almost there doesn't quite mean you're there, Twinkle toes!" the Nerd yelled back. "Take a good look at your little kitty!"
Sapph stole a quick glance and saw that Mogshex had developed some serious cuts and bruises from continual connection with Porygon 2's sharpened body. Mogshex panted slightly as she tried to stay up.
Crap, this is bad! Sapph thought worriedly. No wonder he let us hit him over and over again!
"Mogshex! Can you keep fighting?" He called out to his Pokémon.
Sapph's request stung Mogshex almost as much as her injuries. In an indignant voice, she hollered back. <Of course, Sapph! I'm not exactly a baby, you know!>
The Nerd brought the focus of attention back to himself as he declared loudly, "Sharpen doesn't only sharpen the user's body surface, it raises attack power too! Watch this… Porygon 2, use Psybeam!"
Sapph stood dumbfounded for a second as the Virtual Pokémon began to charge up psychic energy around its 'beak'. Then he smiled. Slipping his hands into his pockets, he calmly said, "Mogshex, relax."
Mogshex spun around and stared at her trainer in disbelief. <Say what?>
Sapph's smile broadened. As the psychic energy reaches a crescendo within the Porygon 2, he enforced his command with a simple, "Trust me."
As though Sapph had mentally told his plan to the Night Cat Pokémon, Mogshex smiled back trustingly and braced herself.
Not knowing what was going on seemed to drive the Super Nerd into a greater frenzy. Spit flying from his gums, he screamed "Given up, eh? That's too bad. Porygon 2, fire!"
Porygon 2 complied, releasing a psychedelically-hued beam of energy straight for Mogshex. Rocks seem to split on either side of the rocky pass as the Psybeam raced towards its stationary, smiling target. As Sapph watched serenely, the Super Nerd stared fanatically, his features enhanced almost bestially. The Psybeam connected and Mogshex squealed in pain. Her body rigid as though receiving an electric shock had taken on the many flashing colours of the Psybeam attack.
The Super Nerd screeched in triumph. "Ha, HAAH! I win!"
Sapph's only reply was to laugh. "Do you really think so?" he tutted his opponent.
<AAAAARGH! The pain! Make it stop! Make it…just kidding!> Mogshex mewed playfully.
"Wh- Wh- Whaa-" the Super Nerd stuttered in disbelief. "How?"
Sapph smiled became a toothy grin as he answered. "Moron," he said happily, leaning against a large boulder and crossing his arms. "Don't tell me you've forgotten Mogshex, as a Dark Pokémon is immune to psychic attacks?"
"No!" The Super Nerd screamed, clutching his hair.
"Mogshex, let's finish this one at long range," Sapph went on, flipping his Pokédex open and scanning for any useful attacks Mogshex could utilise against his opponent. "Ah… this looks promising. Dark Pulse!" he said the last two words with a ringing force.
Mogshex's dark red eyes contracted as they became bathed in black energy as waves of darkness emanated from them. The concentric rings widened like ripples on a pond's surface which caught the Porygon 2 in no time flat. This time it was the Virtual Pokémon's turn to screech as it had its programming reassembled. The waves of darkness continued to pour out from Mogshex and into Porygon 2, causing the latter much discomfort, its outer edges becoming blurred.
After a few more seconds, Porygon 2 stopped screeching and fell limp. With a careless flick of her face, Mogshex tossed it aside like a rag doll where it passed out. Mogshex turned and smiled a wicked smile on her face as though to say "That was fun."
All Sapph could do was stare. So did the Nerd for a second, before returning his fallen Pokémon and walking towards the victorious pair.
Stopping in front of Sapph and Mogshex, he reached into his shirt pocket and brought out a small disc, similar to the one Sapph had been given by the engineer in Nightspark City, although this one was grey.
"Here," he said moodily, thrusting the disc into Sapph's chest. "You've won Flash. Now go away and leave me alone!" He screamed his last words as he turned and ran back to town. He turned back and screamed "MEANIE!"
Sapph and Mogshex could only stare at his repeating back with comically large eyes.
"<Okay…Freak!>" They said in unison and laughed.
"You weren't too shabby back there, Mogshex!" Sapph commended his Pokémon as he scanned the disc.
<Being good at something doesn't necessarily mean you enjoy it,> Mogshex said sagely. She suddenly winced in pain and shouted <Ouch! What was that for?!>
The Pokédex answered: Congratulations, your Mogshex has learned Flash.
"Sorry, Mogshex… should have warned you about that…" Sapph said apologetically. "Well, shall we?" he resumed in a businesslike tone, turning back to the yawning opening of the power plant.
<Whatever…> Mogshex grumbled, her lamplike eyes glowing yellow as she stepped into the plant, Sapph close on her heels.
"So… I heard Magnemite live here… they'd be cool to catch," Sapph mused as Mogshex rolled her eyes, making the pools of light issuing from her eyes to run all over the ceiling.
<What's so cool about Magnemite?> Mogshex said drily.
"Well, as steel types, they have the edge over a ton of other types they'd serve well as a defensive wall. Hey! I think they don't suffer from poison attacks either! What a way to cut down on antidote-spending money!" Sapph said in transported delight.
<Hmph…chiseller,> Mogshex said scathingly, smiling nonetheless. <Hey!> She went on in a Loud yell as something small and silver rammed her unexpectedly from the side.
<Go back! Intrudersss…> the small creature droned in a mechanical voice as it levitated before an awed Sapph and a smarting Mogshex. It looked almost alien with its metallic, spherical body which had what looked like a screw arising off the top of his head and two horseshoe magnets, one on either side of its body. What would give kids the willies would be its one eye which flashed angrily at the pair.
"Mogshex…" Sapph began, his voice barely keeping in his excitement.
<I know, I know…> Mogshex said with a bite of exasperation in her voice. Her eyes narrowed as the familiar waves of darkness began to wash over the Steel-type Pokémon. The attack this time had a woefully low effect as Magnemite pointed out in its mechanical drone
<Eight percent health loss… Are you serious?> It taunted, blasting Mogshex with a distractive Thundershock which hit its mark, leaving the Night Cat Pokémon smoking.
<Okay, that's it… hope you like 'em fried, Sapph,> Mogshex muttered, her eyes contracting to slits of fury.
<Intensity… increasing twenty-fold… losing HP… rapidly… forty percent lost… fifty percent lost…sixty percent… seventy… eighty… ninety percent…> The Magnemite squealed as though issuing from a badly-tuned radio, its body seemingly heating up in the pain the attack was putting him through, its one eye losing focus.
"Okay, Mogshex! I'll take it from here! Go, pokéball!" Sapph yelled, tossing a red-and white orb at the creature. As the ball hit the Magnet Pokémon with a metallic PING it cracked open, spilling red light all over the Pokémon and drawing it in.
Sapph clenched his fists convulsively as the sphere hit the dusty floor with a thud. The boy and Pokémon watched in tense apprehension as it rocked from side to side, the button in the centre of the orb flashing furiously. Soon however, fate had its say and the pokéball struggled no more.
<There… One Magnemite, medium rare,> Mogshex smiled tiredly as she watched Sapph literally bounce around the room in sheer yippee. Then she passed out, too spent to go on. Sapph spun around and picked up his third Pokémon gently and started to sprint out of the building, casting a wistful glance at the darkening walls, wishing he had more time.
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The Litaire knew her species weren't suited for living in open wasteland spaces where there were no juicy bugs to chew on, nor was city life her style (that was for filthy Murkrow)… she just wanted to know more about the boy from the woods. As she flapped on over the rocky landscape into which the youth had vanished, the last two days of fatigue and self-starvation got to her as she began to lose consciousness.
<Oh… craaaap… > She groaned as she tail spun into the ground where she crashed ungainly into the dirt. Panting heavily, she attempted to lift herself up onto her wings to keep flying… when a loud howl rent the air. She went rigid in shock as a trio of Poochyena came loping out of hiding, their red eyes gleaming maniacally as they liked their chops with their slobbering tongues
<Looks like this is it…> the Litaire thought bravely, closing her eyes. She wasn't afraid; she'd never had been before and wasn't about to start now…
The three doglike Pokémon closed in on their nightcap, growling when suddenly a loud cocky voice called out <Three on one? Now that's not very nice, is it chaps?>
The Bite Pokémon's eyes widened in horror and, inexplicably, all three turned tail and ran back into town as a smaller Pokémon leapt down nimbly and trotted over to the Flying type. She gazed blearily up at his ruby red eyes for a second and fainted.
"Is it OK?" Sapph asked his Leaf Squirrel Pokémon as he skidded down the slope, panting.
<I guess,> Mongle replied, taking a cautious sniff and effecting a playful recoil. <It's alive, at least.>
"Not funny," Sapph said exasperatedly, reaching the place where the bird lay exhausted. Picking a new pokéball off his belt he bent over the Litaire.
<Are you sure she'll be OK with this?> Mongle said, arching his brow.
"If I don't, it'll die out here," Sapph said firmly. His face flashed red as he drew the Litaire in, making it his own to raise. "From hunger, exhaustion… or worse." He ended, picking himself up and returning Mongle to his ball as well. He then yawned, the lateness of the hour catching up with him.
It's late, Sapph decided silently. Better rest up at the Center and pick up Ledyba tomorrow…
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The next day, although Friday, was treated like a Saturday to Sapph…
…meaning he slept in.
Yawning widely, Sapph picked up his clock and saw with a start that it was already eleven a.m. Sapph, ran a hand through his messy hair and climbed out of bed, rummaging blearily for his towel.
Half an hour later Sapph came out looking refreshed and raring to go.
"Good morning, Sapph! Sleep well?" Haley said, looking up from her breakfast and smiling slightly. "You were out late, Nurse Joy just finished with your Pokémon, their at the desk with Chansey," she went on, turning back to her meal.
"Thanks," Sapph said cheerfully. He suddenly froze and said uncertainly. "Haley?"
"Hmm?" She said calmly, turning around to face him.
"Could you pinch me?"
"I could slug you, if you'd like," Haley said with an understanding smile, her face still radiating kindness.
Sapph sweat dropped as he chuckled nervously. "Uh, no thanks."
"You'd better get moving," Haley advised, turning back to her tea and toasted sandwiches. "Registration for the tournament ends at twelve noon today… I'd say you have…"
"WHAT?!" Sapph exploded. "Grandma Rose told me it ended at six!"
"It did," Haley conceded nonchalantly. "Thirty years ago."
Sapph went cold as stone.
"I gotta go!" he yelped, grabbing his pokéballs from Chansey, who'd just waddled out towards him from behind the counter with his Pokémon containment devices nestled in a special tray and rushing out with a hurried thanks to her and Haley, one of whose sandwiches he'd pinched on his high-speed exit.
Chansey blinked confusedly as she turned to Haley, who smiled back at her. She then dropped her happy façade as she stared into the dregs of her tea, a worried frown creasing her forehead.
Sapph weaved in and out of the procession floats and concession stands frantically. According to his watch, he had twenty five minutes to register all his Pokémon and the carnival wasn't helping. It came as an immense relief as Sapph found the old-looking Town Hall and ran up to the registration desk eight minutes later, behind which sat a lady who looked like she was in her early thirties with sea green hair.
"Hello!" the cheery lady at the desk greeted. "Here to register for the tourney?"
"Yes, my name is Sapph Manson from Cherrygrove Town, Johto. I've got a Mongle, Ledyba, Mogshex, Magnemite and Litaire," Sapph rattled of in a rush.
"Oh-kay! You're all set, Sapph!" The woman went on, inputting his information onto the computer on her desk and handing Sapph a competitor's ID card. Your match details for tomorrow are all on the back of that card. Good luck!
"Phew…" Sapph exhaled in relief walking down the Town Hall steps, relieved that the process ended quickly to meet a surprise waiting for him: Nora with a pokéball clutched in her hand and Haley, who leaned against the steel banister.
"Hey guys!" Sapph called out, waving as he jogged down the rest of the stairs towards them. "Just finished registering!"
"That's great, Sapph!" Haley beamed. "Nora here came looking for you just after you left," she added, nodding towards the other girl who approached Sapph with what he noticed was unwonted nervousness. Sapph immediately grew apprehensive.
"Nora? What's wrong? Nothing happened to Ledyba, right?" Sapph asked her worriedly. Nora's only response was to hold out a pokéball Sapph instantly recognized as his Ledyba's.
Sapph took it and squeezed it gently, releasing its contents onto the sidewalk. The light that spilled onto the pavement took a form Sapph remembered seeing not too long ago, but before he'd registered what the Pokémon was the light faded out and Sapph's jaw dropped.
'Ledyba' now stood at four foot three inches and his squat face was now oval. His goggly eyes were now near-completely masked by blue, visor-like lenses. His six arms now were reduced to four, the last two now ending in red feet and arose from what seemed to be a reduced stomach.
Sapph could only splutter. "Y-you're… You-you've… "
"Evolved." Haley completed in awe.
<I… what?> Ledian said uncertainly. His voice wasn't squeaky anymore, but if anything softer and much more mature.
"B-but… why? When?" Sapph stammered on.
"It was last night," Nora explained apologetically. "After we'd finished clearing up our equipment, Ledyba got into Grandma's Essence du Rare…" Nora tried to go on, but just shook her head.
"Essence du Rare? What's that? Mind if I… What's the matter with you, Sapph? Aren't you glad?" Haley asked, as she watched Sapph slump onto the lowermost step and grip his hair.
Ledyba looked worried and hovered over to Sapph, muttering <I'm sorry, Sapph.>
"No, that's OK, Ledyb- I mean, Ledian," Sapph corrected himself. "I just wished I was there when you evolved… you being the first Pokémon I'd ever caught and all… "
Sapph continued to groan slightly as the girls exchanged a look before turning to Sapph.
"Uh, Sapph?" Nora said tentatively.
"Yeah?" Sapph mumbled listlessly, not looking up.
Haley picked up the slack. "You registered Ledyba for the tournament, right?"
Sapph only nodded.
"Well, now, it's a Ledian…" Nora resumed.
"… it won't be allowed to compete." Haley finished.
Sapph just sat there for another three minutes without moving.
"Sapph, listen… I caught a couple more Water types in the bay," Haley pressed on. "I know it's too late to try finding another Pokémon before twelve," She went on, looking up to stare at the large building's clock face which read five minutes to. "So how about I lend you one of…"
"No."
"Sapph, you haven't got much op…" Haley pressed on a little angrily, but Sapph chose this moment to stand up. His head bowed, he returned Ledian to his ball and clenched his fist around it.
"You don't understand… when I make a promise, I intend to keep it with my own strength," Sapph said quietly.
"Sapph this is no time to start acting cool!" Haley stormed. "You haven't got the time to catch another Pokémon, you can't use your registered Ledyba because it evolved, why can't you just…"
"Alter your registration?" a male voice said from behind them.
The trio turned around to see a boy with black hair standing on the other side of the banister. For a moment Sapph thought it was Reg due to the boy's all-black attire, but a second glance showed that the boy's jacket went up to his shoulders and continued in orange short sleeves. The words "Kazuto National Academy" were embroidered on the left breast part of the jacket and at his feet stood a small, coffee brown quadruped with large black eyes and a tail similar to Mogshex.
"The name's Brian," the boy went on, sweeping the trio with his dark eyes. "This is Eaves, my Eevee."
<Hey there, pardners!> The Eevee drawled in a Southern accent.
"Did you say, 'alter my application'?" Sapph asked incredulously.
"Is that possible?" Haley asked sceptically.
"You've lived here and you're asking him that?" Sapph asked her incredulously.
"Anyways," Brian went on quickly, eager to stop an argument from starting. "Most Pokémon around here evolve quickly. So in case a Pokémon evolves after registration but before the tournament, the trainer can alter their registration before the deadline, which happens to be about one and a half minutes from now."
Sapph stared for a few seconds, blinked and said "Really?"
"Sapph, is you brain stuck or something?" Haley screeched. "Move!"
Sapph bolted up the stairs again.
"Thanks so much!" Nora said graciously, bowing slightly in Violet City fashion.
"A pleasure, I'm sure," Brian said warmly.
Haley still looked sceptical. Folding her arms, she cast him a distrustful look. "I'll bet. Why'd you help Sapph anyway? Aren't you competing?"
Twitching his coat back to show three more pokéballs fixed to his belt, Brian answered. "Nope, not enough Pokémon. I'm from Quartzstone City, Kazuto," Brain said cheerfully. "I'm here in Nightspark as a tourist and Corei in training to take over my dad's gym. There's no Dark-type gym in Kazuto, and I plan to start the first…"
"Ah, a fellow Dark type lover! That's what we like to see, right boys?" A loud drawl called out.
Brian, Haley and Nora turned to see the Dark Pokémon Trainer's Club assembled there, Reg in the front and centre, smiling.
"Want to join the club?" Reg went on, proffering his hand in a friendly fashion. "We could make you an honorary member…"
"And a fat lotta good that'll do him," Sapph answered with a smile, although his eyes remained slightly frosty. "If he wants to be a loser."
"So! Still here, are ya?" Reg drawled in a bored tone. "Didn't think you would take the risk of being totally humiliated in front of your damsel in distress," he went on in a nasty sneer, making Nora go scarlet and Sapph go a little pink.
"We'll see," Sapph said coolly walking past him without bothering to look at him. "By the time this is over, even Nora'll be able to kick your… never mind. See you Saturday. Don't wimp out."
The others all stared at Sapph in awe.
You're going down, kid! Reg thought viciously.
Not bad, Brian mused with a smirk.
No one insults Reg, you weenie, the boy in the Straw hat thought acidly, watching Sapph's retreating back.
Wow! He's so cool! Nora thought, watching Sapph admiringly.
"He's so asking for trouble," Haley muttered as she, Nora, Brian and Eaves followed the boy trainer up the street.
Finally, the Corei-Dex!
Pilepux
Corei-DEX Number: 208
Species: Sparkle
Element: Electric
Name Derivation: PIka+LEPUX (variation of Lepus, latin word for rabbit)
Height: 2'07"
Weight: 78 lbs
Evolution Line: Pilepux don't evolve
Artist's/Author's Note: Pilepux is essentially a yellow rabbit with black paws, ears and tail which has a yellow lightning bolt passing through it. Pilepux has black stripes traversing his back and a black underbelly.
In Fic: Pilepux was my original idea for Sapph's Electric Pokemon. Originally uncaptured due to dislike of the concept, it teamed up with Sapph to beat the 'bad guys' in the league. When Sapph returns to Nightspark for his sparring rematch with Arlene, he'll battle Pilepux and catch it.
well, zat's zat!
Gotta run,
L@er!
Well, it looks like i'll be slowing down production of these chapters by one chapter a fortnight. Hopefully, you guys will get the tim to read and reply. Anyways, time for chapter 12:
Chapter Twelve – Hurried Hunting
<Sap is one weird kid, Hawey,> Bubbles said, slightly bemused as they watched Sapph melt into the crowded, colourful carnival.
"You said it… so, what are we going to do? We can't leave without him and I don't have any inclination to just sit around doing nothing until his dumb tournament on Saturday," Haley agreed.
<So what will you do 'til then, Hawey?> Bubbles queried as they meandered through the festive game stands.
"Well, I think it'd be a wonderful thing to catch some more Water Pokémon," Haley mused. "If only we could get a boat…"
"I believe that could help you there," a male voice called out from one of the stands.
Haley turned to see a large man with a full beard and twinkling black eyes smiling at her from the all you can eat stand.
"Really? You could?" Haley asked, taking in the man's large size and even larger beer belly.
"I heard that you needed a boat in hopes of catching some Water Pokémon," the man continued, moving out from behind his stall to talk to Haley more freely. "And I'm sure that Roni for one wouldn't mind taking you out in my boat for the afternoon. Hasn't had a free moment since the carnival began, poor kid…"
"Really?" Haley said once more, all starry eyed. "That is only too incredibly awesome!"
"Well," the man said genially, rubbing his chin. "There is one thing I'd like you to do for me first…"
<Oh, bwother, there always has to be a snag in the walks,> Bubbles groaned.
"I just want to see you battle my kid," the man said.
"Hunh?" Haley said, momentarily as stupefied as Sapph usually resorted to be when caught off guard or Mongle when Chansey hit him and doesn't quite understands how.
<That's it? A ballel?> Bubbles echoed, equally wrong-footed.
"That's right, a battle. One on one," the man agreed. "The carnival's fun and all, but it's just work for me and Roni. A really good battle would help me get my pep back before I hit the bay again."
"I suppose that's all right, right, Bubbles?" Haley said. How hard can it be to battle a baby goat? She asked herself.
<Sure!> the Water Hare Pokémon piped up.
"Excellent! Oi, Roni! Get out here for a minute will ya son?" the man called out.
A boy of a tall and slight build came into view. His dark red hair framed his long and highly freckled face.
"Yeah, Dad?" Roni asked, scratching the back of his head as he approached his father.
"Nice tan," Haley commented.
"They're freckles, stupid," Roni corrected her.
<A lotta fweckilies,> Bubbles added as Haley sweat dropped.
"Hey, don't you rub it in, you wussie rabbit!" Roni snarled.
"Wussie rabbit?!" Haley yelled.
<Wat wussie, Hawey?> Bubbles asked.
"Now now, Roni!" Roni's father chided with a faint chuckle. "Let's have none of that before a match!"
"Aww, not again, Dad!" Roni groaned. "Do I have to battle everybody who wants to use the boat? It's kinda…you know, annoying?"
There is absolutely no way I'm letting this little twit ruin my chances of catching another Water Pokémon, Haley thought in an annoyed tone.
"Hey, if you're chicken, just say so!" Haley pouted airily.
"What did you call me?" Roni said, taken aback.
"Shall I spell it out for you? I called you a C…H…I…C…K…E…N…chicken!" Haley said slowly and deliberately.
"Chicken? Me?! No way! Let's battle out back!" Roni retorted angrily, pulling out and enlarging a pokéball.
"Excellent!" Roni's father boomed out yet again. "Let's go!"
Behind the rows of opposite stalls was a strip of green grass about six feet wide and stretching as far as the stalls were erected. Haley and Roni stood about twelve feet apart and prepared to battle.
"I will be the judge of this one on one battle," Roni's father said, raising both hands. "Let the match begin!"
"Let's play, Bubbles!" Haley said, rallying her first Pokémon to take to the field.
"Go get 'em, Marill!" Roni countered, chucking his pokéball onto the field.
A round Pokémon with cute round ears took shape out the field. As it rubbed its light blue fur, it waved its thin, zizgzagged tail which bore a large bubble similar to Bubbles's on the tip.
"You raise a Water type too, hunh? Well let's just see who's the better Water Pokémon Master!" Haley said.
"You're on! Marill, use Rollout attack!" Roni yelled.
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After forty minutes of steady stumbling over rocky trails and rough terrain, Sapph finally found the path that led to the abandoned power plant.
Finally! Sapph thought triumphantly, readjusting his backpack and setting forth down the now dusty trail.
"Hold on there, you!" a brisk voice called out to him from behind a particularly wide boulder.
Sapph turned around to see a thin, weedy guy in a white shirt and wire-rimmed glasses step out from behind the boulder.
"What is it, nerd?" Sapph said impatiently.
"I'm no NERD!" the young man retorted.
"Really?" Sapph asked sceptically.
"Really…I'm a SUPER NERD!" the man exclaimed, puffing his chest and chin out proudly.
Sapph sweat dropped.
"Yep, you got that right," Sapph muttered sarcastically. "Whoo boy, you sure told me off, all right," he added rolling his eyes.
The Super Nerd could hear him.
"And even then, I'm not your regular super nerd," he continued in a tone that suggested that he had mystical powers.
What are you, then? A hyper nerd? Sapph thought dejectedly.
"Yes! I hold the key that'll light up your path in the near future… and if you want it, you must battle me for it!" the super nerd ranted on.
This is such a total waste of time… how the heck do I lose this guy? Sapph thought desperately, thinking of how much time he was wasting there.
"Uh, Super Nerd? Super-Nerd-with-the-key-that'll-light-up-my-path?" Sapph said slowly.
"Yes? Will you battle me for the key?" he asked hopefully.
"Not quite, but I'll tell you something… call it advice you really need," Sapph said again in his slow voice. "Go away, keep outta your medicine cabinet and quit being a retarded delinquent!"
"So you don't want the key?" the nerd asked curiously.
"NO, I DO NOT WAN'T NOR DO I NEED THE DARNED KEY! JUST LET ME GO ON MY WAY WITHOUT LOSING ANY MORE BRAIN CELLS THAN I MAY ALREADY HAVE DONE BY NOW, OKAY?!!!" Sapph yelled, storming off for the old plant.
"Are you sure you don't want the key?" the nerd said in a slightly whiney voice.
Ten minutes later…
"Just what kinda Dark Pokémon can't see in the dark, anyways?" Sapph asked Mogshex, seriously annoyed with his Night Cat Pokémon.
<Hey, being a Dark Pokémon does NOT mean that I can see in the dark, okay?> Mogshex shot back, equally ticked off at Sapph for trying to make her lead him into the dusty power station.
"Mogshex, you're a cat for crying out loud! You can see in the dark!" Sapph said exasperatedly.
<I woulda tried harder if you hadn't forced me down that dirty corridor,> Mogshex said with a shudder.
"Honestly, if there were another life form on this planet as so totally annoying as you, I'd…I'd…," Sapph spluttered.
"Hello there! Are you back for the key?" an annoyingly familiar voice called out to Sapph from atop another boulder.
Sapph froze, closed his eyes as though praying for patience and grit his teeth.
Don't tell me he's still here, Sapph moaned. "Yo! Why don'tcha go back to where all nerds come from and stay there?!"
"Yoohoo, over heeere!" the Super Nerd called out in an annoyingly high pitched yodel that'd would have Ledyba screaming for mercy on his sensitive feelers.
<Persistent guy, isn't he Sapph?> Mogshex smirked. <Think he's gay?>
"DON'T start, Mogshex! And you?" Sapph said, addressing the nerd. "Fine. FINE! Let's get it over with already!" Sapph yelled.
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"Now Bubbles! Finish it off with another Water Gun!" Haley said cheerfully.
"Marill, look out!" Roni yelled.
Marill, curled up in a ball and rolling at high speed towards Bubbles was helpless to stop as Bubbles fired a icy blast of cold water at his left side, sending him spinning into a wooden stall post.
As Marill uncurled itself and staggered to its tiny feet, it tottered around a few steps. Apparently, the Aqua Mouse Pokémon had met the post head on. Literally.
After a tottery Teeter Dance, Marill finally gave up and fell forward in defeat.
"Marill is unable to battle any further," Roni's father cried, lifting a hand in Haley and Bubbles's direction. "The winners are Haley and Bubbles!"
"Good job, Bubbles," Haley cheered.
<Ah hunh, ah hunh, I so…kick bum! Ah hunh, ah hunh…> Bubbles sang, dancing around in a little circle.
I guess I need to talk to Sapph about how much contact Mongle has with Bubbles, Haley thought resignedly, sweat dropping at Bubbles' antics.
"Guess I'd better get the boat keys dad," Roni said, returning Marill. "Good match, Hazey," he added, Proffering his hand to shake hers.
Haley did a double take at Roni's last word.
"The name is Haley," she said through slightly clenched teeth.
<And don' you… foget it! Nuh hunh, ah hunh…we so kicked… sa…> Bubbles chanted, still dancing around and getting progressively dizzier as she did so.
"Alright, no more cotton candy for you, Bubbles," Haley said, only a little annoyed as she returned her Water Hare Pokémon to her pokéball in a slightly irate mood.
"Quite a funny bunny you got there," Roni's father said as his son went into the tent.
"I'd call it negative peer pressure," Haley muttered dryly.
"Hey, are we going or not?" Roni called, twirling a bunch of keys around his index finger.
"Yes, of course," Haley said
"I left Marill inside," Roni went on to his father. "If you need me back in a hurry, just send Wingull."
"OK, Roni. Take care now," his father said with a nod.
Roni and Haley set off up the aisle between the carnival stalls to a side alley.
"So, erm," Haley said slowly, wanting to break the silence before Roni's seemingly sour mood developed into a grudge. "So what d'you and your dad do when not at the festival?"
"What, you think I'd really harbour a grudge because I lost to you once?" Roni said stoically. "I'm not strictly overflowing with that masculine pride you ladies say we're filled with, ya know."
Haley felt distinctly awkward at that pronouncement. She wasn't usually seen through like that and didn't think she enjoyed the experience.
Roni, seeing the look on Haley's face, went on calmly, "Dad's a fisherman and I'm a Junior Sea Ranger."
The duo had reached the marina. About a dozen ships stood moored along the docks whilst scores more dotted the bay. Sails and flags of all colours fluttered in the brisk breeze.
Whilst Haley glanced around, Roni went to the harbourmaster's cabin and returned in about ten minutes with the key to his father's old boat. When he'd returned, Haley had let out her Aquari for some fresh air.
"So, is a Junior Sea Ranger a full time job?" Haley asked curiously, the wind gently playing with her reddish blonde hair.
"Sort of," Roni told her, leading the way towards a part or the dock where their transport was moored. "We mostly assist our supervising Pokémon Rangers out at sea. We'll use my boat," he added nonchalantly.
"Your…" Haley began.
"Don't worry, I am licensed to call it that. You should see dad's new boat. Forty footer catamaran. Simply beautiful," Roni rambled, lost in thought as he stared at Haley.
"Uh, Roni? Why are you staring at me?"
"Hmm? N-no, I'm not!" Roni said, turning away to hide his burning cheeks.
"Yes, you… oh, forget it," Haley said resignedly.
"So, are you into the league?" Roni asked Haley, as they reached a coble; a flat-bottomed, high-bowed fishing boat with a single sail which was blue and gold.
Why do boys think of nothing but the league?! Haley thought exasperatedly. "No, I'm just aiming to be a great Pokémon Researcher," Haley went on hesitantly "and to find a certain…someone."
"Oh, that's cool too, I guess. It's just that with you being so strong back there, I just thought…" Roni said, his voice trailing away into nothingness. He then proceeded to lower the Pokémon Ranger flag at the top of the single mast and raised the anchor, carefully performing all these tasks without Haley seeing his face.
"So," Roni went on, blushing faintly as he bent over, looking for his fishing rod. "Met anyone at the festival yet?"
Haley noticed, and tried to keep the conversation away from that aspect of her life as she gratefully accepted the fishing rod Roni gave her to use.
"You mean, like a boy?" Haley said nonchalantly, though inwardly seriously flushed.
"Uhm, yeah!" Roni said, almost enthusiastically.
"Oh. Uh, not necessary. It's just that…"
"What? I'm not being too direct, am I?" Roni said quickly, blushing some more. "I mean, of course, not that it matters, just that… boy, wind's sharp today…" Roni mumbled, his cheeks bright pink.
Haley and Bubbles exchanged a look before Haley said, smiling faintly and placing a hand on her new friend's arm and said "Roni, you're a nice guy. Really. It's just that, I'm, uh, on assignment with this guy. Research work," she added quickly, letting her hand drop and turning back to watch the sea scenery pass by with Bubbles.
Roni looked slightly unsure. "Do you really have to go around Corei with him if you don't want to?"
Now that, Roni is a good question, Haley thought, watching her trainer unusually carefully. One not even I can make up her mind about answering from time to time…in more ways than one…
"I suppose so," Haley said dismissively, watching her line for a bite as the float made little ripples in the water as it bobbed up and down. "I don't really have many options for travel mates though, do I, Roni?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Roni said, looking defeated.
Haley went on, smiling. "It doesn't mean, however, that we can't talk to each other."
Roni looked up to see Haley offering him a scrap of paper with a number scrawled on it, a grin on her face.
Roni grinned back and took it, returning his attention to steering the boat out to sea.
"So, Roni," Haley called back to the 'helmsman', the wind throwing the sound of her voice around. "What's biting in these waters?"
"All sorts," Roni called back. "Few are really interested in the ecology of the bay. That's why it's our job to maintain it."
Haley turned to Bubbles and saw her smiling.
Uncertain that she wanted to know the answer, Haley asked anyway. "What?"
<Wooks like you have your weekend all pwanned out, Hawey,> Bubbles giggled.
"D-don't be ridicu- WHOA!" Haley said, starting as her line gave a hearty tug.
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"OK, Mogshex, we're almost there! Finish it with Faint Attack!" Sapph yelled, pumping his fist with gusto.
Mogshex began to sprint towards her opponent, fading from view as she ran. The Virtual Pokémon the Super Nerd had called forth to battle furiously scanned the battlefield for any trace of dark energy before Mogshex landed a hard slash to its right leg, followed by a headbutt to the neck and a second strike to the Porygon 2's right flank.
The Porygon 2 flew back slightly, shaking off the brunt of the attack. It still looked ready to fight although the consistent damage it had kept receiving from Mogshex's surprisingly powerful punches did leave it looking worse for wear.
"Almost there doesn't quite mean you're there, Twinkle toes!" the Nerd yelled back. "Take a good look at your little kitty!"
Sapph stole a quick glance and saw that Mogshex had developed some serious cuts and bruises from continual connection with Porygon 2's sharpened body. Mogshex panted slightly as she tried to stay up.
Crap, this is bad! Sapph thought worriedly. No wonder he let us hit him over and over again!
"Mogshex! Can you keep fighting?" He called out to his Pokémon.
Sapph's request stung Mogshex almost as much as her injuries. In an indignant voice, she hollered back. <Of course, Sapph! I'm not exactly a baby, you know!>
The Nerd brought the focus of attention back to himself as he declared loudly, "Sharpen doesn't only sharpen the user's body surface, it raises attack power too! Watch this… Porygon 2, use Psybeam!"
Sapph stood dumbfounded for a second as the Virtual Pokémon began to charge up psychic energy around its 'beak'. Then he smiled. Slipping his hands into his pockets, he calmly said, "Mogshex, relax."
Mogshex spun around and stared at her trainer in disbelief. <Say what?>
Sapph's smile broadened. As the psychic energy reaches a crescendo within the Porygon 2, he enforced his command with a simple, "Trust me."
As though Sapph had mentally told his plan to the Night Cat Pokémon, Mogshex smiled back trustingly and braced herself.
Not knowing what was going on seemed to drive the Super Nerd into a greater frenzy. Spit flying from his gums, he screamed "Given up, eh? That's too bad. Porygon 2, fire!"
Porygon 2 complied, releasing a psychedelically-hued beam of energy straight for Mogshex. Rocks seem to split on either side of the rocky pass as the Psybeam raced towards its stationary, smiling target. As Sapph watched serenely, the Super Nerd stared fanatically, his features enhanced almost bestially. The Psybeam connected and Mogshex squealed in pain. Her body rigid as though receiving an electric shock had taken on the many flashing colours of the Psybeam attack.
The Super Nerd screeched in triumph. "Ha, HAAH! I win!"
Sapph's only reply was to laugh. "Do you really think so?" he tutted his opponent.
<AAAAARGH! The pain! Make it stop! Make it…just kidding!> Mogshex mewed playfully.
"Wh- Wh- Whaa-" the Super Nerd stuttered in disbelief. "How?"
Sapph smiled became a toothy grin as he answered. "Moron," he said happily, leaning against a large boulder and crossing his arms. "Don't tell me you've forgotten Mogshex, as a Dark Pokémon is immune to psychic attacks?"
"No!" The Super Nerd screamed, clutching his hair.
"Mogshex, let's finish this one at long range," Sapph went on, flipping his Pokédex open and scanning for any useful attacks Mogshex could utilise against his opponent. "Ah… this looks promising. Dark Pulse!" he said the last two words with a ringing force.
Mogshex's dark red eyes contracted as they became bathed in black energy as waves of darkness emanated from them. The concentric rings widened like ripples on a pond's surface which caught the Porygon 2 in no time flat. This time it was the Virtual Pokémon's turn to screech as it had its programming reassembled. The waves of darkness continued to pour out from Mogshex and into Porygon 2, causing the latter much discomfort, its outer edges becoming blurred.
After a few more seconds, Porygon 2 stopped screeching and fell limp. With a careless flick of her face, Mogshex tossed it aside like a rag doll where it passed out. Mogshex turned and smiled a wicked smile on her face as though to say "That was fun."
All Sapph could do was stare. So did the Nerd for a second, before returning his fallen Pokémon and walking towards the victorious pair.
Stopping in front of Sapph and Mogshex, he reached into his shirt pocket and brought out a small disc, similar to the one Sapph had been given by the engineer in Nightspark City, although this one was grey.
"Here," he said moodily, thrusting the disc into Sapph's chest. "You've won Flash. Now go away and leave me alone!" He screamed his last words as he turned and ran back to town. He turned back and screamed "MEANIE!"
Sapph and Mogshex could only stare at his repeating back with comically large eyes.
"<Okay…Freak!>" They said in unison and laughed.
"You weren't too shabby back there, Mogshex!" Sapph commended his Pokémon as he scanned the disc.
<Being good at something doesn't necessarily mean you enjoy it,> Mogshex said sagely. She suddenly winced in pain and shouted <Ouch! What was that for?!>
The Pokédex answered: Congratulations, your Mogshex has learned Flash.
"Sorry, Mogshex… should have warned you about that…" Sapph said apologetically. "Well, shall we?" he resumed in a businesslike tone, turning back to the yawning opening of the power plant.
<Whatever…> Mogshex grumbled, her lamplike eyes glowing yellow as she stepped into the plant, Sapph close on her heels.
"So… I heard Magnemite live here… they'd be cool to catch," Sapph mused as Mogshex rolled her eyes, making the pools of light issuing from her eyes to run all over the ceiling.
<What's so cool about Magnemite?> Mogshex said drily.
"Well, as steel types, they have the edge over a ton of other types they'd serve well as a defensive wall. Hey! I think they don't suffer from poison attacks either! What a way to cut down on antidote-spending money!" Sapph said in transported delight.
<Hmph…chiseller,> Mogshex said scathingly, smiling nonetheless. <Hey!> She went on in a Loud yell as something small and silver rammed her unexpectedly from the side.
<Go back! Intrudersss…> the small creature droned in a mechanical voice as it levitated before an awed Sapph and a smarting Mogshex. It looked almost alien with its metallic, spherical body which had what looked like a screw arising off the top of his head and two horseshoe magnets, one on either side of its body. What would give kids the willies would be its one eye which flashed angrily at the pair.
"Mogshex…" Sapph began, his voice barely keeping in his excitement.
<I know, I know…> Mogshex said with a bite of exasperation in her voice. Her eyes narrowed as the familiar waves of darkness began to wash over the Steel-type Pokémon. The attack this time had a woefully low effect as Magnemite pointed out in its mechanical drone
<Eight percent health loss… Are you serious?> It taunted, blasting Mogshex with a distractive Thundershock which hit its mark, leaving the Night Cat Pokémon smoking.
<Okay, that's it… hope you like 'em fried, Sapph,> Mogshex muttered, her eyes contracting to slits of fury.
<Intensity… increasing twenty-fold… losing HP… rapidly… forty percent lost… fifty percent lost…sixty percent… seventy… eighty… ninety percent…> The Magnemite squealed as though issuing from a badly-tuned radio, its body seemingly heating up in the pain the attack was putting him through, its one eye losing focus.
"Okay, Mogshex! I'll take it from here! Go, pokéball!" Sapph yelled, tossing a red-and white orb at the creature. As the ball hit the Magnet Pokémon with a metallic PING it cracked open, spilling red light all over the Pokémon and drawing it in.
Sapph clenched his fists convulsively as the sphere hit the dusty floor with a thud. The boy and Pokémon watched in tense apprehension as it rocked from side to side, the button in the centre of the orb flashing furiously. Soon however, fate had its say and the pokéball struggled no more.
<There… One Magnemite, medium rare,> Mogshex smiled tiredly as she watched Sapph literally bounce around the room in sheer yippee. Then she passed out, too spent to go on. Sapph spun around and picked up his third Pokémon gently and started to sprint out of the building, casting a wistful glance at the darkening walls, wishing he had more time.
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The Litaire knew her species weren't suited for living in open wasteland spaces where there were no juicy bugs to chew on, nor was city life her style (that was for filthy Murkrow)… she just wanted to know more about the boy from the woods. As she flapped on over the rocky landscape into which the youth had vanished, the last two days of fatigue and self-starvation got to her as she began to lose consciousness.
<Oh… craaaap… > She groaned as she tail spun into the ground where she crashed ungainly into the dirt. Panting heavily, she attempted to lift herself up onto her wings to keep flying… when a loud howl rent the air. She went rigid in shock as a trio of Poochyena came loping out of hiding, their red eyes gleaming maniacally as they liked their chops with their slobbering tongues
<Looks like this is it…> the Litaire thought bravely, closing her eyes. She wasn't afraid; she'd never had been before and wasn't about to start now…
The three doglike Pokémon closed in on their nightcap, growling when suddenly a loud cocky voice called out <Three on one? Now that's not very nice, is it chaps?>
The Bite Pokémon's eyes widened in horror and, inexplicably, all three turned tail and ran back into town as a smaller Pokémon leapt down nimbly and trotted over to the Flying type. She gazed blearily up at his ruby red eyes for a second and fainted.
"Is it OK?" Sapph asked his Leaf Squirrel Pokémon as he skidded down the slope, panting.
<I guess,> Mongle replied, taking a cautious sniff and effecting a playful recoil. <It's alive, at least.>
"Not funny," Sapph said exasperatedly, reaching the place where the bird lay exhausted. Picking a new pokéball off his belt he bent over the Litaire.
<Are you sure she'll be OK with this?> Mongle said, arching his brow.
"If I don't, it'll die out here," Sapph said firmly. His face flashed red as he drew the Litaire in, making it his own to raise. "From hunger, exhaustion… or worse." He ended, picking himself up and returning Mongle to his ball as well. He then yawned, the lateness of the hour catching up with him.
It's late, Sapph decided silently. Better rest up at the Center and pick up Ledyba tomorrow…
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The next day, although Friday, was treated like a Saturday to Sapph…
…meaning he slept in.
Yawning widely, Sapph picked up his clock and saw with a start that it was already eleven a.m. Sapph, ran a hand through his messy hair and climbed out of bed, rummaging blearily for his towel.
Half an hour later Sapph came out looking refreshed and raring to go.
"Good morning, Sapph! Sleep well?" Haley said, looking up from her breakfast and smiling slightly. "You were out late, Nurse Joy just finished with your Pokémon, their at the desk with Chansey," she went on, turning back to her meal.
"Thanks," Sapph said cheerfully. He suddenly froze and said uncertainly. "Haley?"
"Hmm?" She said calmly, turning around to face him.
"Could you pinch me?"
"I could slug you, if you'd like," Haley said with an understanding smile, her face still radiating kindness.
Sapph sweat dropped as he chuckled nervously. "Uh, no thanks."
"You'd better get moving," Haley advised, turning back to her tea and toasted sandwiches. "Registration for the tournament ends at twelve noon today… I'd say you have…"
"WHAT?!" Sapph exploded. "Grandma Rose told me it ended at six!"
"It did," Haley conceded nonchalantly. "Thirty years ago."
Sapph went cold as stone.
"I gotta go!" he yelped, grabbing his pokéballs from Chansey, who'd just waddled out towards him from behind the counter with his Pokémon containment devices nestled in a special tray and rushing out with a hurried thanks to her and Haley, one of whose sandwiches he'd pinched on his high-speed exit.
Chansey blinked confusedly as she turned to Haley, who smiled back at her. She then dropped her happy façade as she stared into the dregs of her tea, a worried frown creasing her forehead.
Sapph weaved in and out of the procession floats and concession stands frantically. According to his watch, he had twenty five minutes to register all his Pokémon and the carnival wasn't helping. It came as an immense relief as Sapph found the old-looking Town Hall and ran up to the registration desk eight minutes later, behind which sat a lady who looked like she was in her early thirties with sea green hair.
"Hello!" the cheery lady at the desk greeted. "Here to register for the tourney?"
"Yes, my name is Sapph Manson from Cherrygrove Town, Johto. I've got a Mongle, Ledyba, Mogshex, Magnemite and Litaire," Sapph rattled of in a rush.
"Oh-kay! You're all set, Sapph!" The woman went on, inputting his information onto the computer on her desk and handing Sapph a competitor's ID card. Your match details for tomorrow are all on the back of that card. Good luck!
"Phew…" Sapph exhaled in relief walking down the Town Hall steps, relieved that the process ended quickly to meet a surprise waiting for him: Nora with a pokéball clutched in her hand and Haley, who leaned against the steel banister.
"Hey guys!" Sapph called out, waving as he jogged down the rest of the stairs towards them. "Just finished registering!"
"That's great, Sapph!" Haley beamed. "Nora here came looking for you just after you left," she added, nodding towards the other girl who approached Sapph with what he noticed was unwonted nervousness. Sapph immediately grew apprehensive.
"Nora? What's wrong? Nothing happened to Ledyba, right?" Sapph asked her worriedly. Nora's only response was to hold out a pokéball Sapph instantly recognized as his Ledyba's.
Sapph took it and squeezed it gently, releasing its contents onto the sidewalk. The light that spilled onto the pavement took a form Sapph remembered seeing not too long ago, but before he'd registered what the Pokémon was the light faded out and Sapph's jaw dropped.
'Ledyba' now stood at four foot three inches and his squat face was now oval. His goggly eyes were now near-completely masked by blue, visor-like lenses. His six arms now were reduced to four, the last two now ending in red feet and arose from what seemed to be a reduced stomach.
Sapph could only splutter. "Y-you're… You-you've… "
"Evolved." Haley completed in awe.
<I… what?> Ledian said uncertainly. His voice wasn't squeaky anymore, but if anything softer and much more mature.
"B-but… why? When?" Sapph stammered on.
"It was last night," Nora explained apologetically. "After we'd finished clearing up our equipment, Ledyba got into Grandma's Essence du Rare…" Nora tried to go on, but just shook her head.
"Essence du Rare? What's that? Mind if I… What's the matter with you, Sapph? Aren't you glad?" Haley asked, as she watched Sapph slump onto the lowermost step and grip his hair.
Ledyba looked worried and hovered over to Sapph, muttering <I'm sorry, Sapph.>
"No, that's OK, Ledyb- I mean, Ledian," Sapph corrected himself. "I just wished I was there when you evolved… you being the first Pokémon I'd ever caught and all… "
Sapph continued to groan slightly as the girls exchanged a look before turning to Sapph.
"Uh, Sapph?" Nora said tentatively.
"Yeah?" Sapph mumbled listlessly, not looking up.
Haley picked up the slack. "You registered Ledyba for the tournament, right?"
Sapph only nodded.
"Well, now, it's a Ledian…" Nora resumed.
"… it won't be allowed to compete." Haley finished.
Sapph just sat there for another three minutes without moving.
"Sapph, listen… I caught a couple more Water types in the bay," Haley pressed on. "I know it's too late to try finding another Pokémon before twelve," She went on, looking up to stare at the large building's clock face which read five minutes to. "So how about I lend you one of…"
"No."
"Sapph, you haven't got much op…" Haley pressed on a little angrily, but Sapph chose this moment to stand up. His head bowed, he returned Ledian to his ball and clenched his fist around it.
"You don't understand… when I make a promise, I intend to keep it with my own strength," Sapph said quietly.
"Sapph this is no time to start acting cool!" Haley stormed. "You haven't got the time to catch another Pokémon, you can't use your registered Ledyba because it evolved, why can't you just…"
"Alter your registration?" a male voice said from behind them.
The trio turned around to see a boy with black hair standing on the other side of the banister. For a moment Sapph thought it was Reg due to the boy's all-black attire, but a second glance showed that the boy's jacket went up to his shoulders and continued in orange short sleeves. The words "Kazuto National Academy" were embroidered on the left breast part of the jacket and at his feet stood a small, coffee brown quadruped with large black eyes and a tail similar to Mogshex.
"The name's Brian," the boy went on, sweeping the trio with his dark eyes. "This is Eaves, my Eevee."
<Hey there, pardners!> The Eevee drawled in a Southern accent.
"Did you say, 'alter my application'?" Sapph asked incredulously.
"Is that possible?" Haley asked sceptically.
"You've lived here and you're asking him that?" Sapph asked her incredulously.
"Anyways," Brian went on quickly, eager to stop an argument from starting. "Most Pokémon around here evolve quickly. So in case a Pokémon evolves after registration but before the tournament, the trainer can alter their registration before the deadline, which happens to be about one and a half minutes from now."
Sapph stared for a few seconds, blinked and said "Really?"
"Sapph, is you brain stuck or something?" Haley screeched. "Move!"
Sapph bolted up the stairs again.
"Thanks so much!" Nora said graciously, bowing slightly in Violet City fashion.
"A pleasure, I'm sure," Brian said warmly.
Haley still looked sceptical. Folding her arms, she cast him a distrustful look. "I'll bet. Why'd you help Sapph anyway? Aren't you competing?"
Twitching his coat back to show three more pokéballs fixed to his belt, Brian answered. "Nope, not enough Pokémon. I'm from Quartzstone City, Kazuto," Brain said cheerfully. "I'm here in Nightspark as a tourist and Corei in training to take over my dad's gym. There's no Dark-type gym in Kazuto, and I plan to start the first…"
"Ah, a fellow Dark type lover! That's what we like to see, right boys?" A loud drawl called out.
Brian, Haley and Nora turned to see the Dark Pokémon Trainer's Club assembled there, Reg in the front and centre, smiling.
"Want to join the club?" Reg went on, proffering his hand in a friendly fashion. "We could make you an honorary member…"
"And a fat lotta good that'll do him," Sapph answered with a smile, although his eyes remained slightly frosty. "If he wants to be a loser."
"So! Still here, are ya?" Reg drawled in a bored tone. "Didn't think you would take the risk of being totally humiliated in front of your damsel in distress," he went on in a nasty sneer, making Nora go scarlet and Sapph go a little pink.
"We'll see," Sapph said coolly walking past him without bothering to look at him. "By the time this is over, even Nora'll be able to kick your… never mind. See you Saturday. Don't wimp out."
The others all stared at Sapph in awe.
You're going down, kid! Reg thought viciously.
Not bad, Brian mused with a smirk.
No one insults Reg, you weenie, the boy in the Straw hat thought acidly, watching Sapph's retreating back.
Wow! He's so cool! Nora thought, watching Sapph admiringly.
"He's so asking for trouble," Haley muttered as she, Nora, Brian and Eaves followed the boy trainer up the street.
Finally, the Corei-Dex!
Pilepux
Corei-DEX Number: 208
Species: Sparkle
Element: Electric
Name Derivation: PIka+LEPUX (variation of Lepus, latin word for rabbit)
Height: 2'07"
Weight: 78 lbs
Evolution Line: Pilepux don't evolve
Artist's/Author's Note: Pilepux is essentially a yellow rabbit with black paws, ears and tail which has a yellow lightning bolt passing through it. Pilepux has black stripes traversing his back and a black underbelly.
In Fic: Pilepux was my original idea for Sapph's Electric Pokemon. Originally uncaptured due to dislike of the concept, it teamed up with Sapph to beat the 'bad guys' in the league. When Sapph returns to Nightspark for his sparring rematch with Arlene, he'll battle Pilepux and catch it.
well, zat's zat!
Gotta run,
L@er!
