Chapter 34: Visu Versus
Marie stared down across the table. Solosis stared back blankly. Marie cut a piece of pancake, making sure to scrape her fork against the plate as hard as she could. The scraping noise didn’t affect Solosis in the slightest. Marie held the pancake in front of her face and grumbled. She then held out in front of Solosis’s mouth, to which it gratefully ate it up, making it squeal in delight.
Marie sighed. “Why did you have to get Solosis C?”
“Still salty about it?” asked Ceailean from across the table, absorbed in a mobile game on his pokédex.
“Yeah, obviously. Just look how cute it is. Eating up those pancakes like an adorable little baby. Plus, you aren’t even interacting with it.”
Ceailean sighed. “I’m all out of interaction today. Yesterday was stressful enough.”
“Trying to break up an argument between Solosis and Noibat is too much for you?”
“I just thought they settled their differences already when we got their story straight. But they still got some beef with each other. It’s annoying.”
Marie went to cut another piece of pancake. “Well, you don’t gotta work through it by yourself, you know. I’ll help you too.”
Ceailean looked away from his pokédex. “Thanks Marie.”
“Mm-Hm.” Marie went for a bite of the pancake.
Crisis then forcefully grasped her hand away from her face. “Dah! Careful!”
Marie was startled. “C-Crisis? Where did you come from? And I’m not some child, I think I can eat off a fork just fine.”
“There is something else of concern,” said Crisis. “Do you see that residue on your fork?”
“Solosis spit? I mean I guess but I’m too bothered by it-”
“This is a special case. See, the gel-like substance Solosis is made of is highly toxic to anything but itself. If even a little bit is on your fork, you’ll no doubt be affected by it.”
“So what you’re sayin’ is-”
“You have just forfeited your entire dish to Solosis.”
Marie collapsed dramatically onto the table. “Aww man! I still wanted to eat more.” She sadly pushed the plate over to Solosis. “Here, I make sure to be careful next time.” Solosis jumped for joy as it dug in. “Lucky lil’ thing, being all cute like that ‘nd stuff.” Ceailean smiled at the sight
Suddenly, an explosion rang out. The dust cloud appeared in the window and spewed over the tree line. The shockwave rattled the silverware as well as the windows.
Crisis got ready to move. “Of all times-” He then noticed Ceailean and Marie ignoring it, as if it never happened. Crisis crossed his arms. “You two…”
“I didn’t hear nothin’” said Marie.
“Me neither.” said Ceailean.
“Uh huh.” Crisis tapped his foot waiting. Only the sounds of Ceailean’s mobile game and Solosis munching away filled the air. With a check of a watch, another explosion rang out, this time closer.
“It doesn’t have to be us this time, right C? Hopefully Officer Jenny is nearby.” Ceailean remained silent.
Crisis overheard a conversation behind him. “Wigglytuff, man the counter while I’m gone. I’ll go deal with this.” Crisis looked to see Nurse Joy leave the counter and head outside. He then gave Ceailean and Marie one last look.
“Mmm, fine! Marie, come on.”
“Noooooooooo……” she said defeatedly. Ceailean got swiftly while Marie did so sluggishly.
“Solosis, you’re gonna have to finish it later.” Solosis pouted as it was called back into its pokeball.
“It would seem we have quite the affinity of attracting explosions,” said Crisis.
“Yeah, our lives are like a Micah Jay film,” said Ceailean.
“I am unaware as to who that is.”
Ceailean sighed. “It's just a reference.”
“I got it,” said Marie, raising her hand.
“Yeah, but that’s too easy. Come on, let’s go.” With that, the entire group vacated the pokemon center.
Another explosion rang out. Not as big as the others but shouting could be heard. The three started to run until the voices could be heard.
“-did I say about training during lunch hours!?”
“Sorry Nurse Joy. You just can’t contain the spirit of a prime battler.”
“Is anything the matter Nurse Joy?” asked Marie, running up to Nurse Joy’s side.
Nurse Joy put her hand on her cheek and sighed. “Oh. Nothing to concern yourself with. It’s just-”
“Ay yo, who’re they?” said a voice. The group couldn’t find the origin of it.
“They were eating back in the Pokemon center. Your session is quite ‘distressing’. So I hope you’ll-”
“You guys trainers?”
“Yes,” said Crisis.
“Yeah!” answered Marie.
“Kinda…” said Ceailean, twisting his hand side to side.
“That’s cool.” From the trees above, a person dropped. It was a boy, seemingly a little older than Ceailean and Marie. His black skin glistened with sweat. An orange jacket was tied around the waist of his tan cargo shorts and white tank top. He faced the three with excited amber eyes and blew one of his many dreadlocks away from his face. “Name’s Ace, best remember it.”
“Like the card?” asked Marie.
“Nah,” he said, putting a hand up to his head. “Spelled A E I S E. You know, parents tryin’ to be unique ‘nd shit.” Marie shuddered. Aeise pointed to her, “Wass her deal?”
“She uh… doesn’t take too well to curses.” explained Ceailean.
“Bit flaky huh? I’ll try my best but I don’t guarantee anythin’.”
Marie grew a little angry. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Aeise shrugged. “I call it as it is, lady. Ain't nothin but sharin the truth.”
“I mean, you didn’t have to be so blunt.”
Aeise crossed his arms. “Mh-Hm.”
“Ahem! I believe our introductions are in order.” said Crisis.
“Oh yeah.” Ceailean then held out his hand, “My name's Ceailean.”
Aeise took his hand and pulled him in for a bro hug. “Sup homie.”
Marie held out her hand. “And I’m Marie.” Aeise gave her a bro hug as well.
“And I am Crisis. Third admin to Team Harmonious.” He said with crossed arms.
“Dang bro, sick name you gave yourself.” Aeise held out his arm for Crisis, but he did not offer it. “Aight, you tough. I get it.” Aeise said, dropping his hand to his side. “What’re ya doin’ here?”
“We’ve had a few incidents that started with explosions that required our immediate attention. So we were just checking if everything was alright.” explained Ceailean.
“What, is Micah Jay followin’ ya?”
“That’s what I said!” Ceailean and Aeise shared a laugh.
“HaHa, Nah. I’m out here trainin’ wit ma partner. We’re gonna take over the entire Kalos league ourselves.”
“Oh? Are you participating in the Kalos League?” asked Marie.
“Yea. I already rocked four gyms.” Aeise took out his badge case and showed it to Marie.
“Whoa! He already went against the Leverre, Lumiose, Santalune, and Coumarine Gyms!” exclaimed Marie.
“You sure do know what ya talkin’ ‘bout.” complimented Aeise.
“Of course! I’ve wanted to challenge the Kalos league for so long!”
“Oh? So y’all are goin’ for it?”
“Um actually, it’s just-”
Aeise pointed to Crisis. “How ‘bout you tough guy? Wanna battle?”
“I refuse.” Crisis said plainly.
“Man! You been given’ the cold shoulder eva since you got here ‘nd sh- uh, stuff.”
Crisis raised his hand. “I assure you that it is not of a personal grievance. I only do not cooperate because I simply do not find satisfaction in pursuing this conflict.”
Aeise gave him a confused look. “What are you, a walkin’ encyclopedia head-ass? Talk normal bruh.”
“Ahem!” said Marie.
Aeise realized his mistake and wiped his mouth. “Yeah uh, sorry cuz.” He then pointed to Ceailean. “How ‘bout ‘chu then? You willin’ to throw down?”
Ceailean put his hands behind his head. “I mean I could, but I’m pretty sure somebody else would much rather take my place.” He then looked at Marie. Aeise followed his gaze.
Marie smiled and put her hands behind her back. “Please?”
Aeise gave a slight exhale. “Aight I guess.” he said, throwing up his hands while walking away.
“Yes!” said Marie, jumping with joy. “I haven’t had a battle with another trainer since… since I left Snowbelle!”
“What about me?” asked Ceailean, putting his hand to his chest.
“You don’t count. You never put your full into it anyway.”
Ceailean took a step back and acted overly offended. “Ahh!” Marie giggled at him.
“You two can battle if you like, but please do it a little bit farther from the pokemon center.” said Nurse Joy. “About 500 feet should do it.”
Marie saluted her. “No problem Ma’am!”
“Thank you. I’ll be returning to the Pokemon center.”
Marie waved goodbye. “Bye! Cya!” She then grabbed Ceailean by the hand. “Let’s go C! I want you to see my debut battle against a normal trainer!”
Ceailean resisted her tug. “Hold on a sec-”
Marie sharply inhaled through her teeth. “Ow! Ow ow ow ow ow ow…”
“Marie! I'm so sorry!”
“Nah, it’s fine,” said Marie with a strained voice, “I shouldn’t have rushed you.”
“You’re leg. You know you still can’t strain it that much. You need to be more careful.”
“I know, I’m fine. Just give me a minute.”
Unbeknownst to the group, Aeise's ear perked up to their conversation.
“Aeise, hope you don’t mind but Marie hurt herself.” said Ceailean, “Could you hold on a bit?”
Aeise put his hand on his shoulders. “Hm, whatever ya say cuz.”
It would only be a couple minutes before the group were able to move on.
----------------------------------------
() “How’s this?” asked Aeise, gesturing around a clearing.
“This’ll be perfect!” said Marie excitedly. Ceailean and Crisis walked off to the side.
“Okay, I’m pretty sure you guys will wanna see this.” said Ceailean. He took out his pokeballs and released all his Pokemon. Scorbunny looked around curiously, but Noibat knew exactly what was going on. It flew up and cheered as loud as it could for Marie. It’s mood was killed however when Solosis called from down below saying to calm it down. Noibat scowled and turned its head away.
“Their conflict still resides,” said Crisis.
Ceailean sighed, “I can see that. I don’t want to force them to make up but, it seems a little petty to me.”
“I agree. Unless you know how to interject, I suggest you leave them be. Lest you end up creating more conflict.”
“Uh-huh.” Ceailean crossed his arms and leaned against a tree. Scorbunny looked between Noibat and Solosis. It wanted to help have them get along, but now wasn’t the time. There was a battle to be had. It stepped forward and also provided its support.
Aeise clapped his hands together, “Aight lil’ girl, how’s trips sound?”
Marie scratched her cheek. “Actually, I only have two pokemon right now. Could we do duo’s?”
“Thas it?” Aeise sighed, “Aight I guess.”
“Thanks. I would have one more but SOMEBODY just didn’t wanna let me.”
“Yeah Crisis, why would you do that to her.” Ceailean said nonchalantly.
Crisis stared at him. “Your attempt at humor is unamusing.” Ceailean smirked regardless.
“You first.” said Aeise.
“Okay. Snom, you’re up!” Marie took off her beanie and plopped Snom onto the ground. It looked drowsy.
“Oh… aight… okay.” said Aeise as he started to fumble around his jacket pocket. He pulled one out and carefully observed it. “This one should be fair.” He tossed it out and out came a Maractus.
“Maractus! I’ve never seen one before.” said Marie excitedly.
“So that’s what it’s called,” said Ceailean.
“Do you not wish to learn more with your pokedex?” asked Crisis.
Ceailean thought for a moment. “Mmm, nah.”
Maractus shook with anticipation, rattling every time it moved. Aeise crouched by its side and said, “Don’t stress yourself out too much.” While the others couldn’t hear, Noibat could hear what he said. Noibat eyed them suspiciously from up high.
“You ready?” asked Marie.
Aeise stood up. “Yeah, ready. You first though.”
“Don’t regret it later!”
Aeise smiled to himself. “Oh I don’t think I will.” he said under his breath.
“Snom! Use Icy Wind!” commanded Marie. Immediately, Snom shook off its drowsiness and fired an icy wind.
“Secret power.” Aeise said calmly. Maractus then grew long vines out its needle like vines and batted away the icy wind, making it explode into an icy cloud.. “How you like that? Gonna have to try a bit harder.” Maractus however, had to shield its eyes from the ice particles.
“Gotcha! Snom, get in there!” Snom flew up with a blast of icy wind, taking Aeise by surprise. Snom then aimed and flew straight down towards Maractus, landing smack on its face.
“What?! Get it off with needle arm!” Maractus’s thorns on its arms grew big and swung at Snom.
“Icy wind again!” Snom shot down a blast of icy wind on Maractus’s face, flying away just before the needle arm hit its own face. “Ohohoho! Now struggle bug!” Snom exploded into a green sphere, enveloping Maractus in its energy. Then an explosion sent it flying back, making it clip a tree before disappearing under the bushes.
“What the hell is this?” Aeise said under his breath. He looked through the smoke to where Marie’s silhouette was. He smiled. “Aight, I admit it. I thought you was jus some lil’ girl starting out on her journey. But now you got my attention. Time I got serious.” Aeise combed back his dreads.
“You see now? I am quite capable.” said Marie, pulling her beanie and having it snap back to her head. As the smoke cleared, Maractus jumped out from the bushes and shook off the leaves, rattling as it did so. “It looks like it can take a hit. Be careful Snom, this will take a bit longer than we thought.” Aeise smiled, practically asking for Marie to go again. “Snom, icy wind!”
“Sucker punch.”
“What?!” Maractus sprang forward with astonishing speed and gut punched Snom before it could fire. “Snom!” Snom toughed it out however and fired point blank, blasting them both away from each other.
“Oh?” said Aeise. Maractus skidded to a halt next to his feet. “I jus realized somethin. I’ll show you in a bit.” Maractus nodded in understanding.
Marie caught Snom in the air. She held it up to her face. “You okay?” Snom shook the ice off its head and blasted off her palm. Though Marie’s face was blasted with ice, she quickly recovered. “Go Snom! You can do it!”
“Here goes.” Aeise said quietly.
“Snom! Get in there!”
“Block with needle arm!” Snom launched itself directly into Maractus’s thorny arms, stunning it. Then Maractus slammed it into the ground. “Solar beam!” Maractus thrust its arms in front of Snom’s face and started charging Solar Beam.
“Like we’ll take that lying down! Push it back with struggle bug!”
“I figured. Ride that wave!”
“Huh?!”
Maractus braced itself. Snom exploded with green energy, but Maractus was able to ride just outside it by using the solar beams energy as a shield.
“Finish it.” said Aeise as Maractus landed next to him. Maractus fired its solar beam right at Snom. The area was enveloped in light before it exploded into a huge plume of dust. The group all had to shield their eyes from the wind. Scorbunny held its paws in front of its shocked open mouth. Noibat flew back down and landed on Ceailean’s shoulder, cheering in spite of the grim looking circumstances.
“Your pokemon only knows two moves, doesn’t it?” asked Aeise through the dust.
“H-How did you know that?” asked Marie.
“Marie!” said Ceailean, clearly indicating she did something wrong.
“‘Cause you just told me, stupid.” Aeise crossed his arms. “This battle is over.”
Marie smiled. “Still selling a lil’ short aren’t you?” Aeise raised his eyebrow. “Icy wind!” Through the dust, a blast of icy wind swept Maractus away before they could react.
“What you doin’!?”
“Icy wind again and again!” Marie said, throwing her fist in the air.
“Dodge it this time!” Maractus sidestepped, letting this icy wind barely graze its body. Then it rolled to fully dodge the second one. As the dust began to settle, a glowing white light shined through. “What is that?”
There stood Snom, covered in a shining white shield of scales. “Hehe,” Marie put a finger upon her lips, “Not telling this time.”
“Ice scales.” Ceailean thought to himself, “How could I’ve forgotten?” Scorbunny and Noibat roared their support for Snom.
“Whateva, I don't need no help.” said Aeise as he watched Snom’s ice scales dissipate with rapid flashes as each one disappeared. “I’m done playin’ games. Use needle arm!” Maractus rushed in.
“Get outta there!” commanded Marie. Snom blasted itself away, leaving behind a trail of ice. “Stay in the air, I’ll direct you.” Snom voiced its understanding.
“Just gonna run now?” asked Aeise.
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“Seeing how your moves aren’t optimal for long range engagements, I thought I’d change it up a bit.”
“I showed all my moves already?” Aeise said to himself.
Marie smiled. “Give it all you got! Sweep it up with Icy wind!”
“Watch out now!” Maractus dodged the initial run, but Snom was able to make quick turn arounds for efficient bombing runs. Snow began to envelop the area. “It’s coming back, use sucker punch!” Maractus set its sights on Snom, flying directly toward it. It flew forward.
“Left!” Snom immediately barreled out of the way. Maractus was shocked as it flew way off target and punched the side of a tree instead.
“Aw come on bruh! Stop messin’ around and get down here, Maractus!” But he noticed something. Maractus was struggling to move. It’s arm was lodged in the wood.
“Now! It’s exposed! Time for struggle bug!” Snom came rocketing in, landing next to a shocked Maractus before it exploded into a green energy. The blast knocked Maractus straight to the ground, creating a shallow trench as it skidded to a halt.
Aeise was now quiet. His anger was starting to build. This brat has no idea what she’s up against. He would make sure of that. He looked up to the sky and watched Snom fly around the battlefield. That was when he noticed that he was shivering. Was it because he was intimidated? That can’t be right. He felt his arms and found out why. His skin was dusted with snow.
“Grr, I hate the cold.” he grumbled to himself. He untied his orange jacket and put it on. It was now much warmer, but that moment made him realize something else. “Would that work?” he said to himself. “Maractus, ya good homie?” Maractus struggled to stand. Once it did, it lost its balance for a moment and had to catch itself with its arms. It was breathing heavily. “I got a plan, stay wit me for a moment, aight?” Maractus nodded and stood up straight.
“Okay, Snom! Same deal! Keep gun running til’ it’s worn out!” said Marie excitedly. Snom closed in.
“Stay next to the tree line and dodge!” ordered Aeise. Maractus jumped back to the tree line and dodged every attack it could.
“Huh? What for?” asked Ceailean.
“I suspect it's because Snom cannot fly through the forest very well, despite its agility in the air. This will make sure that it stays in sight.” responded Crisis. “See how it propels itself backwards using the force of icy wind? It could also be possible that it cannot see where it's going very well. Hence why I’ve only seen it flying in wide open areas.”
“Makes sense.” Ceailean then looked at Marie and whispered, “Be careful.” Somewhat unknowingly, he was clenching his fist nervously. Noibat and Scorbunny continued their song and dance. Even Solosis was starting to become semi-interested.
“Don’t stop! We’ll get it cornered eventually!” urged Marie. Snom was relentless with its attacks, blasting icy wind everywhere. But Maractus focused all its efforts into dodging. “Come on! Too scared to fight back?”
“Getting cocky aren’t we?” said Ceailean to himself. Crisis overheard him and couldn’t help but subtly nod to this.
“We jus gettin’ started. Now Maractus, use needle arm to climb that tree!” Aeise pointed to the tree scarred by the struggle bug. Maractus immediately sprung into action and clinged onto the sides of the tree, making its way up.
“Just what are you planning?” Marie said to herself. “Get it off with icy wind!” Snom soared in and blasted icy wind at Maractus.
“Move! Use the tree as a shield!” Maractus quickly moved itself to the farthest end of the tree away from Snom. The icy wind breezed off harmlessly. Ice deposits began to form. “Keep goin’! All the way to the top!” Maractus doubled down on its efforts.
“Don’t let him! He’s planning something!”
The two pokemon went back and forth. Ice blasts hit the tree but Maractus kept climbing.
“Almost there.” Aeise said to himself.
“Forget it! Get ahead of it and use struggle bug to knock it back down!” Snom flew towards a higher part of the tree.
“Thas it! Don’t let ‘em get near! Swat ‘em back with secret power!” Maractus’s arms shined a white energy for a split moment before turning into a vibrant green energy. Vines grew out of its arms and it whipped at Snom, forcing it to dodge.
“Try again!”
“Nah! Get outta here!”
The two pokemon went into a slightly different dance as Snom struggled to get close. Then, Maractus lost grip on a particular swing.
“Now Snom, blast it with icy wind!” Maractus couldn’t move in time and was forced to take the full force of icy wind.
“Tough it out! You’re not done yet!” shouted Aeise. Maractus growled with effort. It powered through the icy wind and continued up. Eventually, Snom could hold its position anymore and it flew off to readjust. “You’re right there! Jump for it!” Maractus thrust itself upward to the top of the tree. It flew so high that it almost over shot the tree entirely. It landed on the tip and balanced on it like a bowl on a chopstick. Looking down made Maractus nervous. “Now! Charge solar beam!”
“What?! You’re just gonna leave yourself exposed like that?” asked Marie, “We’ll take it! Snom, go and attack with struggle bug!”
“Jus watch!” Maractus watched as Snom got closer with alarming speed. “Jump Maractus!” Maractus shouted back, asking if he was crazy. “Jus do it!” Maractus closed its eyes and leapt off before Snom could reach it.
“You’re gonna try and hit Snom? Ha! Good luck!”
“We’re not aiming for you.”
“Huh?!”
“Hit the weak spot of that tree!” Aeise pointed to where the struggle bug scar was. Maractus fired its solar beam into it. The resulting blast splintered the tree apart. It began to fall right on top of Maractus.
Marie began to grab at the sides of her head. “Ahhh! Just what is your plan?! It makes no sense!”
Aeise watched intently as the tree fell. Then the tip caught the branches of other trees. Maractus fell to the ground with a ploof due to the small layer of snow on it. But now its attention was on the falling tree. It panicked and covered its face with both its arms. But the tree stopped just before it touched Maractus. Maractus gave a sigh of relief, only to be buried with a bunch of snow that the tree had on it.
“So… So, y-you just wanted a roof over your head?” asked Marie, utterly confused.
“I have to agree with Marie on this one. Crisis, the heck is happening?” asked Ceailean.
“I haven't the faintest idea, what could he-?” That was when his eyes grew wide. “T-That has to be it!”
Ceailean’s gut brewed with anticipation. “What?”
“So maybe we was? What’chu gonna do about it?” taunted Aeise.
“Snom, land down and blow icy wind underneath!” Snom landed down upon the snow and blew icy wind into Maractus’s face just as it had wiped the snow of its face.
Maractus pleaded to Aeise as to what to do. “Tough it out, almost there!”
“Bury it! Fly to the other side and use icy wind!” Snom blasted itself into the air, free falling over the tree.
“Damn, then it’s decided,” said Crisis quietly.
“What?!” exclaimed Ceailean.
“Now! Secret power to the sky! Smite this foo!” shouted Aeise. Maractus gathered all its energy. It’s arms shone a bright white light, almost blindingly so. Then it shot that energy upwards. The beam was so intense that it shot straight through the trunk of the tree, splintering it in half. Snom had to use icy wind to dodge the beam, missing it only by inches.
“Whoa! That was a really powerful attack! Thank Arceus it missed though.” Marie then gazed at Aeise, who’s attention was still up towards the sky. “What the-!” Marie saw in the sky a great black swirling cloud.
“Here it comes.” Crisis said calmly. Just then, huge chunks of packed snow began to fall from the sky.
“I-Is that avalanche?!” asked Marie, bewildered. “Snom hurry! Get outta there!” Snom blasted a full power icy wind in an attempt to get out. But the avalanche was too much. A slab of snow hit Snow dead on and shot it down to the ground. “Snom!” cried Marie. The attack didn’t let up, eventually burying the entire clearing in snow.
Once the attack stopped, the area was barely discernible from an area in Snowbelle where a bunch of kids played in the snow. Aeise took a deep breath, shivering from the cold. His breath was visible in the air. “Damn, I hate the cold.” he said to himself.
Marie looked across the entire clearing. “Snom! Are you okay?” she called with her hands cupped around her mouth to amplify her voice. “I can’t see you! I-If you’re out there, use struggle bug to get all the snow off you!” After a couple moments, a green sphere of energy blasted out from the ground, spraying snow everywhere. “Snom, you’re okay!” Marie instinctively started to wade through the snow towards Snom.
“Yeah, thanks for letting us know,” said Aeise. “Get in there and use needle arm!” Maractus waded through the snow towards Snom.
Marie had completely forgotten that she was in a battle. “W-Wait! Snom, use icy wind and get out of there!”
“Like hell!” shouted Aeise loud enough for Marie to hear. She flinched upon hearing it. “Use sucker punch!” Snom was able to take off, but sucker punch was too fast. Maractus was able to position itself right above a shocked Snom. Maractus punched hard, flinging Snom off to its left. It plowed through the snow before bouncing on the ground and bashing against a tree, stripping it of its bark around the impact zone. There Snom fell limp with swirls in its eyes. It had fainted.
“Snom!” shouted Marie. She ran over to it.
“W-What just happened?” asked Ceailean.
“Secret power is a move that has a changing effect depending on the environment.” explained Crisis, “Earlier it had an effect similar to vine whip. But after coaxing Snom to cover the area in snow, it was able to change it to have a similar effect to the move avalanche. Avalanche has a huge area of effect, making it quite difficult to dodge.”
“So this guy is no joke.”
“Not in the slightest. A brilliant mind, if only a little crass.”
Marie picked up Snom and cradled it in her arms. “You did great. Sorry for failing you.” Snom shook its head weakly, snuggling closer to Marie to say it was alright. “We’ll win it, for sure.” She then placed Snom under her beanie.
Ceailean had walked up beside her. “Marie?”
She stood up and turned towards Aeise. “No more games now.” She threw out a pokeball. “Fennekin, you’re up!” Out came Fennekin with a sparkle.
“A shiny Fennekin? Ha, you don’t see many of those.” complemented Aeise. “I’ll almost feel bad for ruining that fur.” Fennekin’s teeth clenched at this comment.
“This guy is serious business Fennekin. Be on your guard.” instructed Marie. Fennekin nodded and assumed a battle stance.
“Hmph, Maractus return.” Aeise returned Maractus to it’s pokeball.
“Who’s next?” Marie said to herself.
Aeise shuffled through his pokeballs before deciding on one. “Aight, I respect you enough for this one. Rockruff, get on it!” Aeise tossed out a pokeball and out came a Rockruff.
“Dang, this isn’t good.”
Aeise pointed at Marie. “Marie, wasn’t it? I like you. I can see you aint playin’ no more. So I decided that I ain’t playin’ either. I’ll finish it quick.”
“We’re not gonna give up!” shouted Marie. Ceailean was somewhat surprised at her sudden conviction. “One day I’ll be a trainer everyone looks up to! The coolest and most awesomest of them all! And my story will begin here with you here, right now!”
Aeise started to laugh. “Wit me? You wildin’ if you think Imma let you use me as a steppin’ stone. This world revolves around results, and I’ll be sure you get none here! I’ll promise you that.”
Marie's eyes sharpened. “Fennekin, use howl!” Fennekin howled at Rockruff, blowing back the snow around it. Rockruff stood determined. From there, the two stared each other down.
“Go!” said Ceailean under his breath.
“Fennekin, scratch!” shouted Marie. Fennekin charged it with elongated claws.
“Challenge it with bite!” ordered Aeise. A projection of teeth formed in front of Rockruff as it charged. The two came to a head, bashing against each other's attacks.
“Looks about even.” Marie said to herself. A big clash canceled out each of the pokemon's attacks, blasting them away from each other. “Psybeam!”
“Rock throw!” Fennekin shot a blue beam while Rockruff threw rocks twirling around its tail. The attacks collided and exploded, a big dust cloud covered the area. “Run through that dust and use bite!” Rockruff charged through the dust.
“Get rid of it with howl then contest with scratch!” Fennekin howled loudly, immediately clearing the area of dust to Rockruff’s surprise. That was when Fennekin leapt in for the attack. Rockruff was forced into the defensive as it had to use the energy of the bite projection to block Fennekin’s scratches.
“On the back foot already?” said Aeise, “That’s enough of this. Jump back and use sand attack!” After blocking one more attack, Rockruff jumped back. Fennekin aggressively followed but Rockruff swept its tail across the ground and threw sand in Fennekin’s eyes, stopping it in its tracks. “Now jump and use crush claw!” Rockruff howled as its paw exploded into gleaming talons. It jumped up high with the intent to crush Fennekin.
“Fennekin hurry! Get back!” shouted Marie. Fennekin had finally rubbed the last of the sand out of its eyes just in time to jump back from Rockruff’s attack. The crush claw immediately pierced through the ground and broke it apart. The shockwave tripped up Ceailean, Scorbunny, and Noibat.
“What the heck! That attack is nuts!” exclaimed Ceailean. Noibat fell off his shoulder, hitting the ground. Scorbunny rushed over and asked if it was okay. Noibat nodded. Solosis however, took humor in its mishap. Noibat only growled in disapproval.
“Get out of there!” shouted Marie. Rockruff kept up its assault with crush claw. Fennekin made sure to keep its distance. With every swing of crush claw, a tree would be splintered apart, boulders cracked, and the ground caved. Then an opportunity arose once Rockruff made a wide miss. “Now Fennekin! Counter witch scratch!” Fennekin rushed the wide open Rockruff.
“No choice now. Crush claw on the other paw!” shouted Aeise. Rockruff formed another crush claw on its other paw and blocked Fennekin’s scratch. “You’re done! Do it now!” Rockruff then thrust its crush claw into Fennekin. Though it was able to block it, Fennekin was thrown back and smashed against a tree. “Now rock throw for good measure!” Rockruff’s crush claws dissipated as it shot rocks at Fennekin, all exploding into dust on contact.
“Fennekin!” shouted Marie.
Aeise clapped to himself. “First blood.”
“A-Are-!” Marie then noticed bushes rustling behind the clearly winded Rockruff. She smirked. “Fennekin, use howl!” A loud howl blew Rockruff away from the bushes. “Now ember!” Fennekin jumped out of the bushes and shot an ember cloud into Rockruff's face, making it stumble back from the smokey explosion. “Now rush it with scratch!” Fennekin yelled as it charged. Its claws were now glowing with white energy.
“Fight back wit bite!” Rockruff projected teeth in front of it, only for Fennekin to strike as hard as it could to smash apart the projection. “What!” Fennekin went to town, scratching the guard broken Rockruff. Then with one big swipe, Rockruff was sent tumbling across the ground.
“Ha! How you like them Applins?”
Aeise growled. “Crush claw!”
“AAAaoooooowwwww!” viciously howled Rockruff. It’s paws exploded with gleaming talons and it charged ahead.
“Try it! Intercept with scratch!” Fennekin rushed in, clashing attacks with Rockruff. However, Rockruff was easily able to bat away Fennekin, forcing it to jump back.
“Keep going! Bash it down!” Rockruff charged ahead.
“We’ll never catch up to that anytime soon. So keep it back with ember!” Fennekin shot an ember.
“Wack! Bash it away!” Rockruff batted away the ember like it was nothing.
Marie growled. “Ready for a gamble Fennekin? Rapid fire ember and psybeam, don’t stop!” Fennekin interchanged between embers and psybeam attacks.
“We’ll plow right through!” Rockruff met every attack head on, batting them away with ease. Slowly but surely, Rockruff moved in close. Once it was close enough, Aeise shouted, “Sand attack! Then go in for the kill!” Rockruff threw sand at Fennekin with its tail. Fennekin countered with an ember, exploding it into a billowy smoke. Then Rockruff jumped through, close enough to slash Fennekin across the face.
“Fennekin no!” shouted Marie. But as Rockruff swiped, its crush claw dissipated just before it hit Fennekin’s shocked face. There it collapsed on the ground, gasping for air.
“What happen?!”
Marie sighed. “Oh thank Arceus! N-Now scratch!”
“No! Use bite!” Rockruff gathered what energy it had to attack with bite, but it was too drained to form a projection now, only making its fangs glow. Fennekin went in and scratched it across the face, then again, and again and again and again. Eventually pushing it back against a tree where Fennekin gave one last flurry of scratches powerful enough to slash the tree behind Rockruff, splintering bark everywhere.
Stubbornly however, Rockruff remained standing, clenching its teeth and closing its eyes with determination. “R-Rockruff, don’t let ‘em do that to you! Use rock throw!” shouted Aeise. Rocks swirled around Rockruff’s tail.
“It’s over now!” said Marie, “Point blank psybeam!” Fennekin stood close and charged a psybeam in front of Rockruff's face. Before it could even react, Fennekin attacked. The blast rocked the area, enveloping the two pokemon.
The group all had to shield their eyes from the wind. “Is it done?” asked Ceailean.
“Enough questions Ceailean.” said Crisis, “Just watch.” Finally the wind let up. As the dust cleared, Fennekin jumped back, shaking off the dust in its fur when it landed.
“Yes!” Marie cheered, “Ahahaha! Yes!”
Ceailean tried to see past the dust. “Does that mean Rockruff-?” The dust finally cleared and there laid Rockruff in a shallow crater, its eyes swirled to signify its defeat
“Fennekin!” said Marie with her arms outstretched. Fennekin happily accepted her embrace. “We did it! We actually did it!” Aeise tsked and returned Rockruff to its pokeball.
“What? No words of encouragement?” asked Ceailean.
“It should know what I think.” said Aeise.
“What a way to interpret that…”
Crisis calmed down the cheering Marie. “Isn’t your celebration premature, Marie?”
Marie stopped and looked at Fennekin. “You’re right, there’s still one more.” Marie and Fennekin nodded to each other in understanding. She tossed Fennekin back into the clearing and it assumed a battle stance once more.
Aeise stared down Marie with a cross expression. No longer was his posture relaxed. He took out Maractus’s pokeball. “I make good on my promises.” he said to himself as he gripped the pokeball so hard that it started to squeak. “We gotta get results. Maractus! Les’ finish this up!” Maractus came out of its pokeball. Fennekin and Maractus stared each other down, both breathing heavily. “I’m first this time! Needle arm!” Maractus leapt forward.
“Scratch Fennekin!” ordered Marie. Fennekin charged ahead. Maractus swung its thorny arm, but Fennekin batted it away easily. “We’re stronger! Go for it!” Fennekin slashed its claws across Maractus’s face, sending it spinning back like a top.
“Back away and use secret power!” shouted Aeise. Maractus dodged another scratch and sprouted vines from its arms.
Marie’s eyes widened. “No more snow! Fennekin back off!” Fennekin tried to jump back from its initial assault, but Maractus was too fast. Its vine whipped Fennekin away. “Dang it! Alright, listen close! Short hop!” Maractus swung low and Fennekin hopped over the vine. Maractus kept swinging. “Back! Right! Jump! Roll!” Fennekin did as it was told.
“You messed up now!” shouted Aeise.
“Wait what?!” said Marie, her eyes full of shock. She had paid too much attention to the vines and had not noticed that Maractus had gotten closer.
“Do it!” Maractus swung its arms upward with such force to send Fennekin eight feet up. “End this foo!” Maractus yelled into the air and whipped Fennekin up fiercely while airborne.
“Fennekin!” cried Marie.
“Now the finisher!” Maractus wrapped its vine around Fennekin's body, ready to slam it into the ground.
Marie then gasped. “Fennekin! Bite the vine!”
“Huh?!”
Fennekin shook off its daze and bit down hard on Maractus’s vine. It yelped out in pain and began to run around the clearing, crying hysterically while trying to shake Fennekin off.
“Yeah! Don’t let go!”
“Maractus come on! Hurry up!” shouted Aeise. Maractus continued to run around in a panic. “The ground stupid ass!” Marie quickly covered her ears at this. Maractus then focused and tried one last desperate swing.
“Now Fennekin! Use ember!” Through Fennekin’s clenched teeth, a great fire burst forth. The area ignited with a great yellow light, forcing the group to shield their eyes. Maractus screamed and finally released Fennekin from its grip. Fennekin landed on its paws and watched Maractus reel back its vines. Maractus collapsed on the ground, blowing on its arms in between gasps for airs with tears in its eyes.
“Maractus!” Aeise called. Maractus gave him a reluctant glance. “We gonna bet it all on one! Hurry!” Maractus continued to sit there and breath heavily. “Now! Charge a solar beam!” Maractus flinched at Aeise’s raised tone.
“Tch, you’re starting to remind me of someone.” Ceailean said to himself. Maractus nodded obediently. It struggled to stand up. Marie waited patiently for it to do so. Maractus was heaving for air, even struggling to keep both eyes open. It shot its arms into the air, which Fennekin quickly braced for. A small ball of light formed.
“It can’t possibly take any more! Finish it with psybeam!” commanded Marie, throwing her hand out. Fennekin charged up its attack.
“Move lef-ack! You're left!” Maractus quickly dove to its left right as Fennekin shot its attack, impacting a tree and blasting its bark away.
“Again!” Fennekin shot again.
“Left!” Maractus practically tossed itself to the side, once more dodging the attack. All the while making sure to keep the solar beam safe above its head. Fennekin went for one more psybeam, but Marie threw her hands out.
“Wait, stop! If you go again, you might hit us!” Fennekin’s eyes widened when it noticed this was true. “J-Just go in with scratch!” Fennekin spit out the remnant psybeam energy and rushed Maractus.
Suddenly, the ball of light clicked like the ring of a sword. Maractus placed the ball between its hands and prepared to fire it at Fennekin.
“No!” shouted Aeise. He pointed down, “The ground!” Maractus gave him the most confused look. Noibat also wondered what was going on. It looked at Aeise to see his eyes not on Fennekin, but on Marie. It tried to gain everyone’s attention, but they were too absorbed into the battle. Fennekin was closing in fast. “J-Just trust me!” Maractus closed its eyes and cried desperately as it shot its solar beam straight into the ground at full power.
The initial shock rode straight through the ground. Fennekin’s eyes widened as it saw that a wave of rock and dirt followed it. It tripped upon the parting floor and tumbled straight into a jagged chunk of earth. The group was also caught up in the attack. A crack split apart just between Marie’s legs. The ground rose on her right, forcing her to jump down on her left, sending a searing pain through her leg.
“AAAAGH-HAH!” she shouted from the pain. Scorbunny held onto Noibat’s legs as it flew up to avoid the attack. The shadows of the trees revealed a faint light pouring out of the cracks. Ceailean and Crisis were further back and were less affected, but Ceailean realized what happened.
“Marie!” he ran forward to help her.
“Ceailean, get back!” warned Crisis, to no avail. Ceailean jumped upon the rising rocks on his way to Marie. Then the ground underneath her completely pulverized into dirt, making her fall back. Ceailean reached his hand out and caught her just before her head hit a jagged rock. Though having to stop her fall on a dime strained Ceailean left shoulder, sending a sharp pain through that as well.
“Ow! *ssssss* Ow, it hurts so much!” cried Marie, grabbing her thigh.
“I gotcha. J-Just try and let it pass.” Ceailean said through a strained voice.
Finally the attack let up. A small surrounding area around Maractus had turned as rocky as a mountainside. Noibat let Scorbunny down as they began to explore the spectacle. Crisis ran over, worried for Marie.
“Will she be okay? Perhaps we should get to a hospital-”
“I’ll be fine.” assured Marie through her own strained voice. Maractus turned around to see the destruction it had caused, growing genuinely worried for Marie once it saw what happened.
“Maractus.” called Aeise. Maractus turned tiredly towards him. He pointed to a particular point in the rubble. “We’re not done yet.” Maractus looked to where he was pointing. There laid Fennekin, trapped between two pieces of rock unable to move. “Finish it quick with solar beam.” Maractus exhaled and limped over to where Fennekin was. No matter how much Fennekin tried, it couldn’t move. It could barely see Maractus at the corner of its eye.
“Fennekin,” said Marie, “How’s Fennekin?”
Ceailean looked. “Uh, not great.” He pulled Marie up a bit to where she could see Maractus charging a solar beam right above Fennekin.
“Fennekin’s stuck!” said Marie, instinctively trying to get up. However, her pain flared up again and she was forced to lean back. “F-Fennekin! If you can hear me! Use psybeam and try to blast yourself out!” Noibat protested however. Trying to call off the battle as best it could. But nobody listened. Even when it shook Scorbunny’s shoulders, Scorbunny only stared at the battlefield in awe as it asked what it thinks they should do.
Fennekin shot a psybeam into the air. It was no good. Its head couldn’t aim towards the ground. Maractus finally charged its solar beam. Just before it fired it, Noibat cried out to it, insisting that the battle was already over. This was enough to get it to hesitate, but Aeise was quick to respond.
“Hurry up! Let’s get it done!” Maractus nodded back. It yelled and shot down the solar beam straight on Fennekin, much to Noibat's pleas. The beam completely enveloped Fennekin. With the ground loosened, the beam's power was able to pour out of it in giant spiraling pillars of light.
“Fennekin!” cried Marie. Ceailean and Crisis watched as the area exploded with light. However mid attack, a flash of purple cleaved through the pale light and bashed straight into Maractus. Noibat had relied on itself to take action. It had dragon rushed into Maractus, sending it skipping across the ground three times before smashing its back upon a tree. The bark of the tree flew out all over from the impact. Maractus’s shocked expression quickly grew limp as it slid down the tree. It slumped down to the bottom with swirly eyes, indicating a knockout.
“What the hell are you doin’?!” shouted Aeise. Noibat slid to a stop on the ground and pointed at him accusingly, absolutely berating him. “You got some nerve talkin’ to me like that you lil bi-”
“Noibat,” called Marie, “W-Why did you do that?” Noibat was absolutely appalled. It rambled on trying to explain itself and how Aeise should be the one to blame. Solosis however, kicked the barrel. It said that Noibat must’ve gotten so salty that Fennekin lost that it couldn’t control itself and ended the battle itself. Saying so with a smug face. This made Noibat’s blood boil. Scorbunny tried to assure Solosis that this wasn’t the case, but Solosis continued on. It said for Noibat to just calm down, it was just a stupid battle after all. This sent Noibat over the tipping point and it retaliated against Solosis with air cutter. Solosis was quick enough to duck under it, letting it pass and hit a tree, leaving a cross pattern scar on the trunk. Solosis was now angry. It began to throw insults Noibat's way, but Noibat wasn’t having it. It exploded into dragon rush and charged towards Solosis.
“Okay! Alright! I think that’s enough interaction between the two of you!” shouted Ceailean. He quickly returned Solosis and Noibat to their pokeballs. Noibat’s pokeball vibrated violently as Ceailean put it back in his duffel. Scorbunny stood alone, sad that it couldn’t get its friends to make up with each other.
“Y’all need to get y’all Pokémon to chill out, fer real.” said Aeise.
Marie ignored this. “Where’s Fennekin?” she asked.
“I’ll investigate,” said Crisis. He made his way over to the impact site. After stepping over holes and jagged rocks, he came upon where Fennekin was. It laid deep in a crater, knocked out on top of the bedrock. “Decidueye,” he took it out of its pokeball, “Please retrieve Fennekin for us. It had just been in a hard fought battle, so do try to be delicate.” Decidueye nodded and slid down the side of the crater. As it moved, Crisis looked upon Aeise returning Maractus to its pokeball. “You have done well. That was truly a great battle.”
Aeise looked upon his pokeball. “Finally showin’ me some respect, tough guy? ‘Bout time.”
“Do you think you are deserving?”
“Hmph, whateva man. I’m outta here.”
“W-Wait,” said Marie. Aeise turned around and humored her. “I may have lost today. But I’ll get stronger, you’ll see. When we meet again, let’s have another battle.”
“Sure, but only when it’s at the league. I got places to be. See y’all.” Aeise walked off. Once he was far enough away, he took a big sigh of relief. He looked at his two pokeballs for a moment before placing them back in his jacket pocket. Crisis watched him off. Deep down however, he knew his compliment was for the one who did the battling.
Decidueye flew up from the crater with Fennekin being held gently in its talons. “Bring it to Marie please, if you would.” directed Crisis. Decidueye nodded and flew over to Marie.
“Oh Fennekin.” said Marie, reaching her hands out for it. “Sorry for not being a better trainer.” Fennekin opened its eyes weakly and nuzzled against Marie, assuring her everything was alright. “Oh Fennekin.” she said again, trying to stifle a sob.
“Let's hurry and get you and your pokemon to the pokemon center,” said Ceailean.
Marie wiped a tear from her eye and nodded. “Yeah, let’s go.” Ceailean then picked her up in a princess carry, stunning her slightly. “C? What’re you doing?”
“You can’t walk anymore, can’t you? Or is it that you’re just so repulsed by me that you’d rather have Crisis or Decidueye carry you?”
Marie blushed. “I-I never said anything like that!”
“Cool, then stop complaining and let’s go.”
“A-Alright.” Marie let Ceailean take her away to the pokemon center. She relaxed her body and laid her head against him. It was a cold and warm feeling at the same time. She was shivering but didn’t want to move away. Fennekin could feel this and looked at Marie. It noticed her staring and Ceailean's face from time to time, and that was when its eyes grew wide with realization. Marie looked back to Fennekin and noticed its expression.
“What?” she mouthed. Fennekin gestured to Ceailean and tugged on Marie’s shirt. Marie blushed slightly. “Oh.” she smiled and put a finger on her mouth. “Shhhh. Don’t tell anyone.” she mouthed again. Fennekin gave a warm smile and weakly nodded. It closed its eyes, drifting off to a deep sleep in Marie’s embrace.