Chapter 27- 3/8, Next?

The silence hung heavy in the gym after Nike's slightly more than confirmed knockout. The star of the show herself seemed to be mighty pleased with her achievement. Sure, it was a Tag team with Tiamat, but taking down a third-stage evolution as a first-stage one was still impressive. It took a few seconds before Burgh let out an impressed whistle that also snapped the gym back to the present.

“Well, that was something to see. Ref?” he said even though he was already recalling his Pokemon.

“cough… Leavanny is unable to battle. All of Leader Burgh’s Pokemon are unable to battle. The victory goes to the challenger Nexon!” The referee announced after being called out.

At that, the few people who bore witness to the match started to clap while I made my way to the center of the field to meet with the gym leader. As I got closer, the excited psychic type had already teleported back to me, proving she had more than enough reserve left.

“I must admit I was not expecting that final move. The entire sequence against Leavanny was pretty well thought out. Restricting her movement because you only had slower Pokemon was already impressive, but then using the environment left from the previous battle was a masterpiece.” The gym leader spoke with a smile when we were in hearing distance.

“Thank you very much. We tried our best to do what we could.” I smiled back and petted Nike who decided to perch on my shoulder.

“Now I would usually give some battle advice to those who managed to impress me, but based on what I saw you will barely need them if you continue to progress on your own. Then allow me to give some more general advice, but first, do you intend to make Pokemon training your main occupation?” he asked and I nodded instantly before he continued. “ Good, then my advice is this. Learn to enjoy the battles.”

I blinked. Is that some secret advice? I mean who doesn’t enjoy a good battle?

My thought must slipped onto my face because he chuckled. “ok, let me reformulate. Learn to show your enjoyment for the battles. You have to remember Pokemon Trainers are also entertainers. You seem to be someone who goes in with a plan and executes the plan. It’s an admirable trait but successful trainers also show their passion during battle which you don’t. Although, you started to get it halfway through the battle.” He smirked at the last statement.

At first, I was confused when he talked but then I understood what he meant. It was also then that I noticed that his way of speaking and acting was completely different from when we were battling. During the battle, I had taken him for an excentric, but now it all made sense. He was putting on a show!

Another chuckle reached my ears as I processed what he just said. “Seems like you figured it out. I hope you find what style suits you best and wish you good luck in your endeavors.” He smiled once more.

“Thank you for the match as well as for the advice,” I said with genuine gratitude in my voice.

With that out of the way, we shook hands in the middle of the arena before we each made our way toward our respective exit. He actually gave me a lot to think about. Looking back to online matches, trainers not only express themselves through their tactics but also their actions. It was to a lesser degree than say, coordinators, but very few trainers stayed completely still during their fight.

The most notable I could think about right now was Cynthia because Sera was always looking at her matches online. She often shot her hand forward when ordering an attack which, now that it was pointed out, wouldn’t make sense. It wasn’t like her Pokemon was looking at her at that moment, and someone as experienced wouldn’t need to use such obvious non-verbal cues, right?

Actually, couldn’t you integrate some non-verbal cues in the gesture itself that only your Pokemon would notice? For instance, what if by moving my arms to the side, the number of fingers held out gave a sort of subcommand to the Pokemon? Taking our case, an open palm could mean widespread for Disarming Voice while a closed fist would be the more focused version… but then you go back to the issue that your Pokemon is not always looking at you during the fight.

But wait with Nike I don’t really need it that much… but what about the rest of the team? Like –

“Ground to Nexon do you copy?”

I was pulled out of my thought process by a hand waving right in front of my face. Taking stock of the surroundings, I made my way to the entrance area and even sat down while lost thinking. Nike was still standing on my shoulder and was looking around. Then there was Sera and Mathew who were busy laughing at my focused expression.

“That must have been some groundbreaking advice he gave you.” Mathew laughed.

“Hum… I think?” I wasn’t sure how useful it would be, but it was worth looking into.

“It’s all nice and fine but don’t you need to heal your Pokemon?” Sera butted in.

“Oh crap!” I shot back and looked around before locating the receptionist and nurse who were looking at me strangely.

I rushed off to hand over the Pokeball and also retrieve the prize money. I heard Sera shouting about the waiting room while Mathew was laughing and waved my understanding. I, of course, also took care of forcing Nike to go even if just for a check-up. She tried protesting that she felt fine but that stopped neither me nor the nurse.

Once that was done, I moved over to the receptionist.

“Sorry for the delay.” I started.

“Don’t mind it. It was actually an interesting sight.” He laughed. “Would you like your prize money to be transferred or in cash?”

“I’ll have in cash please,” I answered still embarrassed. I still had a good amount in my account, but I was almost out of cash.

“Here you go. And here is your TR. Have a nice day.” He said politely.

I moved out of the way and took a seat while my Pokemon were getting healed. Since there was not as much traffic as a Pokemon center it shouldn’t take long. In the meantime, I examined the disk that was given to me. It was in a rigid plastic case rather than the case in which I got Teleport. Taking it out, there was a sticker on the non-reflective side that read “Struggle Bug”

“Excuse me?” Looking up, I noticed the receptionist waving at me, so I got closer. “I was told that Leader Burgh forgot to hand you your badge…Again” the last part was whispered but I still heard it.

I was surprised but I did not take long to recover. “Does it happen often?” I asked.

“More than it should be. Although most trainers call him back to remind him.”

That last part was definitely pointed at me. Thankfully I did not take another jab and he produced the small badge. So far it was one of the more intricate badges I had. The badge in its entirety looked like an elytra or a similar wing of an insect. On closer look however the bottom and narrow part of the badge was a green heart, with two vaguely oval shapes on the upper part of the green with the same hue. Each of the green parts of the badge was separated from the others by the same golden highlight sported by all of Unova’s badges.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

I took another second to examine the Insect Badge before storing it in the case. With that, I officially had my third badge. The realization broke a smile on my face before I sat down and waited for my Pokemon. I did not wait long before the nurse called me back and handed me my three capsules. Before I could even minimize them all three of them burst open releasing their occupant.

All three exchanged glances before jumping on me, pushing me to the ground. I started laughing even without wanting to as I saw them jump excitedly. When they finally let me sit up. They went about talking amongst themselves. Judging by Skoll’s smug look I could only assume that they were bragging about what they did during the match. I didn’t have the heart to simply return them when they looked so excited, so I simply herded them toward the stands. With how empty they had been I doubt anyone would complain.

Locating Mathew was easy because he seemed to be waiting for me. My first surprise however was seeing a few of the spectators congratulating me, even those who were further away. The second and biggest surprise was to locate Lilligant outside and sitting next to Mathew. It seemed my Pokemon were not the only ones that were restless.

“Took you long enough.” He said.

“Yeah, yeah, know. Some individuals were busy talking to themselves.”

I sat down and continued to talk with Mathew while we waited for Sera’s turn to arrive. We also did not miss how Skoll puffed himself and kept throwing glances toward Lilligant. Unfortunately for him, she was busy playing a game of hand with Nike. Our combined chuckle earned us a quick glare, so we turned around. Tiamat was the calmest of the bunch as she lay on my knees. She started to feel depressed halfway through because she didn’t defeat anyone but Nike probably reassured her.

“How was she feeling?” I asked Mathew after a while. We both knew how stressed Sera could get.

“Better than I thought with her plan. Also unlike you, she has three Pokemon with the type advantage.” He shrugged.

I raised an eyebrow at that. “Tirtouga will fight? She didn’t strike me as one who likes to fight”

“Beats me.”

We did not have to wait a long time to get our answers. As soon as she entered the arena, she asked the referee to approach, and after a few seconds, Burgh was asked to approach. They seemed to agree as they all nodded and went back to where they stood. Without missing a beat Sera pulled Pokeball and out came Tirtouga.

A few people in the crowd reacted not only because of the fossil Pokemon but also because calling a Pokemon like that gave your hand to your opponent since you revealed one of your Pokemon. Some did it but it was rare. Sera, who had been talking with the fearful Pokemon stood back up and looked toward the referee.

“This match will be between the Gym Leader Burgh of Castelia City and the Challenger Seraphina for a third gym badge. Each trainer will use three Pokemon in a one-on-one format with the Challenger having two switches and the Gym Leader having none. The battle will end when all the Pokemon from one side are rendered unable to battle! Are you ready?” the same referee from earlier announced.

“Let us offer them a magnificent piece of art!” Burgh declared.

“Ready!” Sera announced with a firm tone.

“Let the battle begin!”

---

Aspertia

Arnold stared at his phone, replaying the last part of the match for what seemed to be the hundredth time. A small Pokemon could be seen disappearing and reappearing from boulder to boulder, avoiding the slash from the bug type. Finally, when the chasing Pokemon got tired and sent leaves into a large part of the arena, the small Pokemon reappeared above it before a torrent of purple flame ensued.

Again and again, the video replayed but still, he could feel the cold sweat that it caused him the first time he saw it.

“I bet you are happy you didn’t give him the chance back then.” His new traveling companion, Frank grinned.

He couldn’t help but simply nod.

They had been watching Nexon’s match as it happened and they both had to pick their jaws from the floor when they were done. Especially the final sequence that he kept replaying. The strategy of keeping away while powering their Mystical Fire was one he was a bit too familiar with when he saw it happen.

The situation was similar to the end of his match with Nexon. Back then he had reacted by reflex and took advantage of his Snivy natural speed to counter it. He also thought the strategy wouldn’t work in a real battle but held his tongue back then. The addition of Teleport, however, made this move more than scary enough.

But the thing he was more worried about was that he might have to face the pair again sooner than he would like to. That is if they discover what would happen in Nimbasa. He kept staring at his phone despite the video being already done before he pocketed his device and stood up.

“I’m going to train for a bit.”

Frank for his part could only shake his head and smile ruefully. It was obvious what was going through his head, and he couldn’t blame him. The final attack was one he would have had trouble dealing with in his first year as well. But well, a goal and healthy competition was something that would bring you far as a trainer.

“Sure, let me know if I can help.”

He said so but Arnold walked toward the city’s edge with a steady case that told him he wouldn’t need it. Before he went to his room he heard a chuckle.

“It seems the boy already lit someone on fire, don’t you think dear?” an old voice resounded.

“Oh, hush you. You will create a misunderstanding.” An elderly woman responded.

Turning around, Frank saw what would appear to many as an ordinary elderly couple, but he knew better simply by the Pokemon walking by their side. A Gallade walked in an almost kingly way while a Gardevoir floated calmly behind them. And it seemed they noticed him as well since they were heading straight for him.

“Good afternoon young man. We first would like to thank you for teaching something important to our nutjob of a grandchild.” The woman said and his eyebrow made a break for his hairline. “How about some tea?”

She offered and gratefully obliged. There was no way he was letting the opportunity pass him by.

---

Sera’s match was a foregone conclusion and the only thing that really surprised me was that the two felines seemed to have come clean about their training. Luxio demonstrated a socking (Eh) Thunder Fang against a Dwebble while Litleo used Flame Charge so much that by the time the Leavanny was called onto the arena, he was zooming circles around him.

We kept questioning when Tirtouga would have her turn but as it turned out the answer to that was never. She was purely in spectator mode and Rufflet made short work of the first Swadloon. The match was so unbalanced that she won three to zero and switched her Pokemon every time she knocked one out.

“And that is how it's done.” She declared while flipping her silver hair over her shoulder when we met with her.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at that. It seemed that modesty was a complete mystery to her.

“Yeah, I admit, that was something to see,” I said honestly and seemed to take the wind out of her sail.

She looked at me with round eyes before smirking. “What was that? I didn’t hear you.”

By that point, my vein must have been showing because Mathew laughed and pushed us out of the gym premises. Oh, and Burgh forgot to give her the badge as well until she reminded him and scrambled to hand it to her with an apology.

“What now?” Mathew asked when were outside.

“What do you mean ‘what now’? There is only one correct choice after a gym victory.” I declared confidently but was met with question marks. “Celebration of course! To the restaurant we go!”

Much to the delight of all the Pokemon involved, we quickly located an establishment with a large enough area that even Mathew’s Pokemon would join us. But of course, this was on his dime. I was scared even to find out how Sawsbuck and Mandibuzz could eat. The meal was something out of this world and we all enjoyed it as much as we could.

“So, what are the plans now?” Sera asked me for some reason

“Since when am I the one making the plan?”

“Since I am done with everything I had to do for now.” She said.

I wanted to retort something but decided not to. “Fair. I don’t have anything planned either. Let's just make our toward Nimbasa. As much as I would like to visit Liberty Island it would just be pointless.”

“Why Liberty Island?” Sera asked.

I lowered myself and whispered conspiratorially. “There are rumors of a legendary Pokemon living there.” I dropped.

Mathew was taken by a sudden fit of coughs and he looked at me like I was crazy.

“A legendary.” Sera dropped skeptically.

“Hey, I’m just relaying what I heard.” I raised my hand in self-defense. “Anyway if that was true there is no way people wouldn’t know about that. It’s just an urban legend.”

I lied. I knew for a fact that this is where Victini was supposed to be but there was absolutely no way I would stick my hand in that. Plus if that was true someone would have definitely noticed more than once or twice.

“Anyway, that’s all. Unless you want to explore the ruins and the Relic Castle?” I questioned Sera.

She did take a few seconds to think about it before shaking her head. “Nah. I think I’ll pass for now as well. Let’s just get to Nimbasa and enjoy it there. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of distractions there.”

“Tell me about it!” I started to grin and feel the excitement mounting. “The roller coasters, the Ferris Wheel, the Sports Fields there are so many things there.”

“I think you forgot the gym.” Mathew laughed.

“Ahem. Yes, the gym. I also heard about an Elite battle facility of some kind, but I don’t think we’ll be able to go there.” I sighed.

“You mean the Battle Institute?” Mathew said.

“Batlle Institute?” Sera repeated.

Mathew nodded and continued. “It is a meeting point for trainers that want to hone their skill while battling some of the most skilled trainers of the region. But you are right that you won’t be able to try it since they only accept you if you at least pass the qualification round of the Conference.” He explained.

“So, we have no shot to enter .” I deflated

I really wanted to go there if only to see what some of them can do with their Pokemon and see their style.

“I didn’t say that. Just that you won’t be able to fight anyone there. I can probably take you along for spectating.” He said calmly.

I was about to thank him profusely when my brain caught up to what he said.

“Take us along?” Sera asked in a strained manner.

“You mean?” I asked as well.

“Of course, I qualified for the Conference!” he sounded almost hurt. “I told you I am the top of the top.”

Honestly, my respect for him just skyrocketed. While it might seem trivial to pass the qualification round, it was more than hard. The bare minimum meant that you would be fighting several other trainers who also won their eight badges. And that was just the qualification round.

“Whoa, I think he might really be as good as he said,” Sera whispered, more than loud enough for him to hear.

“I think you are right.” I went along.

“You brats! Anyway… if it's fighting you want, you will be served in Nimbasa. They call it the Entertainment Capital of Unova but it is also called Battle Central for a reason.” He said.

“And that reason is?” Sera asked, having heard the term for the first time as well.

“Battle Institute, Big Stadium, Small Court, the Gym, and even the Musical Theatre since they often host Contests. That should also interest you Nexon.”

Nike perked up at that. After all, we still had our promise. But while Mathew listed all the possible battles he also reminded me of something.

“You forgot to mention the Battle Subway,” I said.

The mood in the room immediately shifted with Sera and Mathew turning toward me. Just as I was about to question what was happening Mathew spoke up.

“If you mean the Gear Station, it is still there but the Battle Subway was closed…” he said solemnly.

“What? Why? Since when?” I asked rapid fire.

“I think it happened a year or two ago… one of the twins disappeared and the other…changed,” Sera added.

“Oh…” I murmured and fell silent.

Then my mind flashed back to the plot of Legend Arceus, the game. It narrated the events in the past. Yet there was one character that people were more familiar with. Ingo. My eyes flicked to Lilligant briefly.

“Oh…”