Jen sat in the Pokémon Centre's cafeteria and started to worry. James had refused to come out of their room ever since his second loss to Chuck, and nothing Jen nor Quilava did to rouse him had worked. The Fire-type had resigned himself to demolishing half of a small roast beef sandwich meant for his trainer, but Jen wasn't ready to give up as easily. Eventually, she lost patience and walked into the room, Quilava at her heels.
“James, you've been pretending to be asleep since we got back here. It's time to get up.”
“Go away.”
“Don't give me that. You can't just hide out just because you lost again. C'mon, Quilava ate half your sandwich already, you should grab it before he eats the rest of it.”
“I don't want any. Quilava can have it.” Jen groaned at her friend's stubborn behaviour.
“I can't believe this. What happened to that spirit? What happened to I can't lose this one?” Jen waited for a response, but got none, and threw her hands up in defeat. “Fine! Mope around all afternoon, why don't you? It's not gonna help you beat Chuck, but what do you care?!” James just rolled over to avoid her, and Jen walked out of the room in a huff.
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James never did get up after Jen's coaxing, and Jen was so angry with him that she didn't bother going back to their room to sleep. She slumped into an armchair in the trainers' lounge with Quilava at her feet, and she looked so worn out that Nurse Joy didn't rouse her, instead leaving her to rest. As morning approached, Quilava stirred and poked her leg with his nose.
“No, Mom, I don't wanna go to school today,” she muttered in her sleep. Quilava shrugged at this strange behaviour, and slunk out the double doors to the yard behind the Centre, in full view of the water.
The fights against Poliwrath and the other opponents he'd faced had taken a lot out of the Fire-type. It wasn't really the physical strain of battle that was the problem—he felt he'd proven, time and again, that he could take a hit and give one back, and be no more the worse for wear later. It was the disappointment after a loss that really bothered him, as if he could have done more to help his trainer. Quilava didn't blame James for sending him up against opponents with a clear advantage, because that was part of the game. If he could just find that extra willpower, that final burst of energy that would put them over the top, they could stop anyone who challenged them. As he slumped on the ground again, Quilava heard the Centre doors open, and soon felt a hand scratch his ears.
“What are you doing out here, buddy? I thought you were with Jen.” Quilava looked up to see James standing next to him, looking out at the ocean. The Fire-type yawned and stretched, and James smiled. “You wanted to enjoy the view, huh? Can't say I blame you.” He knelt next to his starter as he continued. “Listen, buddy, I'm gonna let you sit out the next match with Chuck. We've got to try a different strategy if we're gonna beat him.” Quilava growled in protest, but James shook his head. “I know you want to beat Poliwrath yourself, but Elekid or Pidgeotto have a better chance because of their moves.” Quilava shook his head and tensed, as if ready to fight right then and there. “Sorry, pal, but it's the only way. We've gotta get this badge and get back on track.” James stood up and turned towards the Centre. “I'm gonna go wake Jen up, and then apologize to her for yesterday. You can stay out here if you want to.” James stepped back through the doors, and Quilava just slumped even lower.
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Jen jerked awake when James shook her shoulder in the trainers' lounge, and then glared at him when she spotted him.
“So, are you going to spend all day in the room again?” she asked, an edge to her voice.
“No,” James answered, stung. “I came to say I was sorry, Jen. I've acted like a real jerk the past few days.”
“I'll say you have,” Jen replied, looking away.
“Well, I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?” Jen considered, then smiled.
“I guess so. You're my best friend, after all...well, besides Magmar. There's no point in staying mad.” James smiled, and her face turned serious again. “Just try to keep it together this time, okay? You can't get hung up over a loss like that, it's no good for you.”
“I will,” James answered, and Jen got up and followed him vack out the doors to where Quilava was waiting. “So, you want to help me practice? I've got to get my team ready for our next fight with Chuck.”
“Sure,” Jen replied, adjusting her shirt. “Is Quilava gonna fight again?”
“No, I'm letting him rest for this one,” James said. “Chuck's seen all his moves, and I need to pay better attention to the matchups. Elekid and Pidgeotto can pick up the slack, and Haunter needs to train as well.”
“Okay,” Jen said, letting her team out. “I need to practice some more, too. I asked at the Centre, and they said that the Olivine Gym Leader is back from her vacation. We can challenge her once we get back to the mainland.”
“Sounds like a plan,” James said, and the practice session began.
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As the morning slid into afternoon, Jen noticed something strange. An older girl was watching their training closely, focusing on James' team in particular. After an hour or so, Jen walked over to her and asked what she was doing there.
“Oh! I'm sorry if I was bothering you,” the girl said, brushing her red hair from her face. “It's just, I couldn't help but overhear you guys talking about the Cianwood Gym, and I was interested in a couple of your friend's Pokémon.”
“Why's that?” Jen asked. The girl shuffled a little, then answered.
“Well, how much does he know about his Graveler and Haunter?” she asked.
“Umm, I don't know,” Jen said truthfully. “Hey James, come over here a minute!” James broke off from showing Elekid how to rush Graveler and push him off balance to talk to the two girls.
“What's up?” James asked, nodding to the newcomer.
“Uh, not much.” the girl said. “Oh, I've been so rude, forgive me. My name's Kaya.” Both youngsters acknowledged her, and she continued. “So, how long have you had your Graveler?”
“I caught him in the Dark Cave when he was still a Geodude.” James said, and the girl nodded.
“And your Haunter?”
“In the Sprout Tower. Why?”
“Well, I'm sure you're aware of how they evolve, right?” James looked puzzled.
“I've got to keep training them, right? That's how these things usually work.”
“Not those two,” Kaya replied, and James' puzzled look became more pronounced. “You see, most Pokémon evolve when they've received enough care and experience, but some species have...special means of evolution. Some evolve when they come in contact with certain special items or stones, and others, like Graveler, evolve when you swap them with another trainer.”
“Swap them?” James asked. He didn't like the idea of giving Haunter or Graveler away.
“Have you ever been part of a Pokémon trade?” Kaya asked, and James shook his head. “Well, it works just the way it sounds. Using a special machine, two trainers can exchange ownership of different Pokémon, just like you'd swap cards or chocolate bars.”
“I...I see.” James said, and Jen nodded along. “So...what does this have to do with Haunter and Graveler?”
“Well, if you wanted to, you could trade them with someone to evolve them. They'd become much more powerful, but their moves and potential power levels wouldn't change much.”
“And?”
“And nothing much else. I think there's a trade machine in the Centre, if you guys wanted to try it.”
“We'll take a look a little later,” Jen said, smiling. “Thanks for letting us know, Kaya.” The redheaded girl smiled back and walked away, and James and Jen went back to their training.
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Kaya darted a short way from the Centre and found an older woman waiting for her.
“Did you tell them?” she asked, and Kaya nodded.
“They said they may try the process later. The boy didn't seem convinced, but the girl seemed kind of enthusiastic.”
“The girl I'm not worried about, it's the other one who's been having trouble. Giving him a boost can only help him.” Kaya bowed to the woman, and they both went their separate ways.
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“So, James,” Jen said as the sun got lower in the sky, “d'you want to test out that trade evolution Kaya told us about?” James shook his head, and Jen's eyes widened. “What? Why? It sounds so cool...”
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“I don't know, I guess I want to take down Chuck with the team I've got. I'm not sure I can handle a new team member this close to a match.”
“Oh, come on,” Jen said, frustrated. “You and I both know you can handle it; remember when Geodude evolved before you fought Whitney? And you could use as much firepower as you can get right now.”
“Jen...I just don't know. If I was going to evolve anyone, it would be Haunter, and I've only just gotten used to his new abilities. He is the centre of my battle plan for tomorrow, after all.”
“But getting used to new team members and experiences is all part of being a trainer,” Jen argued. “The sooner you get used to things like this, the stronger you can become.”
“I...” James thought for a moment, then conceded. “Alright, you win. We'll try it in a few minutes. I'm gonna talk to Haunter and let him know what's going on.”
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The trade machine sat in a dusty corner of the Pokémon Centre, looking like it hadn't been touched for a long time. Jen searched for a switch on the side of the tarnished machine, and the machine let out a sound like straining metal before sparking into life.
“For some reason, I'm not sure about this,” James said, holding Haunter's Pokéball. “This thing could eat our Pokémon, and we'll each be one team member short.”
“Will you stop worrying?” Jen said as she pressed a few buttons. “It just needs to warm up a little...” She stopped as yellow text appeared on the screen.
-Please insert Pokéballs into the trading slots.-
“That's our cue,” Jen said, dropping one of her Pokéballs into a receptacle. James hesitated, then placed Haunter's ball in the other slot. A green light hummed beneath each ball, and more text appeared, along with images of Haunter and...
“You're sending me Tentacruel?” James asked as the Jellyfish Pokémon's picture flashed up.
“We'll trade right back, don't worry.” Jen read the text on screen, then looked at James. “Ready?”
“If you like.” Jen pressed the TRADE button, and both Pokéballs shot upward into a tube above the trade slots. The images of Haunter and Tentacruel switched places, and the balls materialized again, Haunter's glowing briefly as it emerged. James moved to pick up the one on his side, but Jen stopped him.
“I'm sure the evolution will work if we switch again. That way, we can do it in one shot.”
“Right.” James watched as Jen keyed the machine again, and the process repeated in seconds. The youngsters picked up their Pokéballs, and Jen switched the old machine off. Once outside, James took a deep breath and tossed out his Ghost-type.
The ghost looked little like a gas cloud now. Instead, a round-bodied creature with spikes down its back floated in midair before his trainer. His red eyes stared just as mischievously as ever, and his mouth was open in a toothy grin. The warm evening air seemed to cool instantly, and James remembered Morty's Gengar and its heat sink effect. He smiled quietly, realizing that he'd gained an even stronger team member now.
“Alright, Gengar,” he said as the ghost yawned. “We've got a lot of work to do, and not a lot of time to do it. Let's get moving.” Gengar yawned again, and the team jumped right back into their training.
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The next morning, James woke up early and sat in the trainers' lounge, waiting for Jen and Quilava. The previous day's training with Gengar and the others had given him hope for this round, and he was ready to finally claim the gym badge and move on to the next challenge.
Jen met him about an hour later, and after some toast and orange juice, they started walking towards the Gym. As the building hove into view, they saw a familiar face standing by the Gym door.
“Kaya!” Jen called as they approached. “What are you doing here?”
“I was going to challenge the Gym Leader, but they said someone was already set up. I'm assuming that someone is you?” she asked, looking at James.
“Yeah,” James said, and Quilava growled as well. “Sorry if we messed up your plans, Kaya.”
“No, no, it's okay. I'll have my battle tomorrow.” Kaya looked down at her shoes, then up again. “Is it...okay if I watch your match, though? I want to see how the Gym Leader battles so I can plan my strategy.”
“That's fine by me,” James said, and Jen smiled at her.
“You can sit with me, Kaya. It'll be fun.” Kaya smiled, and they entered the Gym together. The attendant met them at the door.
“Ah, you've returned once again. I trust you're prepared?” James grinned.
“You bet. No way am I losing three times in a row.”
“Excellent spirit. The Gym Leader is eager to match wits with you again.” Jen and Kaya left James to run to the stands, and James followed the attendant into the battlefield once more. Chuck stood waiting at the other end this time, grinning broadly.
“Hello again, son! Ready to go another round?”
“You know it.” James looked around for a moment, then turned to Chuck. “Listen, is it okay if we make it a one-on-one battle this time? I've got a strategy I want to try.”
“That's okay with me! Roy, you heard the kid.” The attendant looked oddly at Chuck, then relaxed.
“If both sides are in agreement, then a one-on-one battle it is.” Up in the stands, Jen leaned on the railing in surprise.
“What's he thinking?” she asked Kaya. “He never said he was going to pull something like this.”
“We'll just have to wait and see.” said Kaya simply, and both girls watched for the first move.
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“Okay, if we're just using one Pokémon, then I'll use Poliwrath!” The Water- and Fighting-type flexed as usual, and James looked down at his side.
“Quilava, get in there.” Quilava looked shocked, and James smiled. “Go on, buddy. You're the only one I want to get this job done.” The Fire-type grinned and ran onto the field, igniting his fire vents in challenge, and Poliwrath's eyes narrowed. In the stands, Jen nearly jumped out of her seat.
“What is he doing?” she asked, her voice harsher than she wanted. “What happened to using Elekid, or Pidgeotto? Did he have this planned all along?”
“He sure had us fooled if he did,” Kaya murmured. Jen gave her a surprised look, but Kaya was unfazed.
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“Okay, Quilava, let's start off with Quick Attack!” Quilava rushed at Poliwrath and slammed into it with blinding speed.
“Poliwrath, knock it away with Ice Punch!” Poliwrath's fist glowed blue, and it swung hard at Quilava, sending the Fire-type rolling along the floor. “Now, use...”
“Flame Wheel!” Chuck's command never came, outpaced by a torpedo of fire that drove Poliwrath backward. “Good work, Quilava! We've just got to keep them off-balance, and they can't pump themselves up!”
“So that's what your game is, eh?” Chuck called, impressed by the youngster's strategy. “Well, let's see if you can keep that pace up! Poliwrath, Body Slam!” Poliwrath jumped into the air and fell towards Quilava, who tensed in anticipation.
“Just like we practiced, buddy! Use Quick Attack to dodge!” Quilava raced out of the way, and Poliwrath thumped to the floor. “Okay, now use Dig!”
“Quick, Poliwrath!” Chuck shouted as Quilava dove underground. “Use Belly Drum before they emerge!” Poliwrath made ready to pound its stomach, but Quilava emerged underfoot seconds later and tripped it. “They're in close! Dynamic Punch!”
“Flame Wheel!” Quilava ducked the frog's glowing fist and drove into its body, surrounded by flames. This time, the flames moved from Quilava's body and surrounded Poliwrath, driving it to its knees. “All right! Looks like you've burned them, pal!”
“That won't stop us! BubbleBeam!” A stream of glowing bubbles buffeted Quilava, and he crouched low to the ground. “Okay, time to power up! Use...”
“Quick Attack!” Poliwrath's move was interrupted again as Quilava slammed into it, pushing it back again.
“Poliwrath, we're going to have to do this gradually. Bulk Up!” Poliwrath flexed and its body glowed red, then glared at Quilava. “That'll take the sting out of those head-on attacks too.”
“Gotta be careful now,” James murmured. “Quilava, Dig!”
“Poliwrath, fire Water Pulse into the hole!” Poliwrath formed a shimmering orb and shoved it down after Quilava, who emerged surrounded by water. Poliwrath's body was briefly wrapped by flames as the burn effect continued. “Great! Okay, now use Ice Punch!” Poliwrath's cold punch sent Quilava rolling across the floor, struggling to get up.
“Are you okay?” James called to the Fire-type, and Quilava pushed himself up and the flames on his body intensified. “Let's take the fight back to them, then! Flame Wheel!” Quilava surrounded himself with fire and charged at Poliwrath anew. Chuck grinned as Poliwrath tensed for the impact.
“Time to wrap this up, I think. Poliwrath! Let it hit you, then use DynamicPunch!” Poliwrath's fist glowed red as it relaxed, letting Quilava drive into its body.
“Get clear with Quick Attack!” Poliwrath swung hard, but the powerful attack missed. Quilava landed and readied himself. “Finish it off! Flame Wheel!” Quilava crashed into Poliwrath again, and the flames from the attack joined the ones from the burn effect. Poliwrath sank to one knee...shuddered...then fell flat on its face, beaten at last.
“Poliwrath is unable to battle! Quilava wins, and the victory goes to James from Violet City!”
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“YES!” James leaped up and punched the air as the attendant counted Poliwrath out. He'd done it, he and Quilava had finally gotten past Poliwrath, and the badge was theirs. He ran onto the field to meet an exhausted Quilava, who had slumped to the ground from fatigue. “You okay, buddy?” Quilava growled, tired but happy after the win.
“Your Quilava was magnificent, son.” Chuck had walked over and recalled his fighting frog. “And your rush tactics were an inspired move. Poliwrath barely had time to react.”
“Thanks, Chuck. I knew we had to stop Poliwrath from powering up, and Quilava had the moves to do it.”
“Well, you've earned this badge.” Chuck handed James the fist-shaped badge, and James smiled.
“It was hard to get, and we're going to learn from all our matches. Thanks for the battle, Chuck.” Jen and Kaya emerged from the stands a moment later, and Jen hugged James and Quilava.
“You guys were awesome! I didn't think Quilava could pull it off, but he did it!” Kaya smiled as well, and turned to Chuck.
“I guess you'll have to train harder, then?” Chuck nodded.
“Seems like it, Kaya.” James spun around as he heard Chuck's words.
“Wait, you guys know each other?!” Kaya flushed as she looked down at her shoes, and Chuck gave the boy a confused look.
“Of course we do. Kaya is my niece, visiting for the week. Why?”
“We met Kaya yesterday. She told us about the trade machine in the Pokémon Centre so I could evolve my Haunter.”
“Huh. Go figure.” Chuck and the youngsters walked out into the lobby, where an older woman was waiting. Jen's eyes widened and she whispered to James.
“That's the woman we saw the night we got here.” James raised an eyebrow, and watched as Chuck stopped short.
“Dear? What are you doing here?”
“I came to see how your latest Gym match went. How did it go, Chuck?”
“I, er,” Chuck scratched his head as he gave his wife a sheepish look. “I lost this one, I'm afraid. Kaya was watching, too.”
“I see.” The woman looked sternly at Chuck, then her face broke into a smile. “Well, you'll have to train even harder now. Good thing, too; you needed to lose some weight, after all.” Chuck grinned and turned to James.
“Looks like your victory made my wife happy, too. Well done indeed, son.” James grinned back, and he looked down at Quilava.
“You ready to go, buddy? You've earned some rest.” Quilava looked at his trainer, then darted out the Gym doors. “Hey! Where are you going?” James followed the Volcano Pokémon out the door, with Jen, Kaya and Chuck in tow. Quilava looked ready to collapse, but he growled again as his body began to glow. “No way...not now...” Quilava's bulk increased as his body expanded, and the fur near his hindquarters extended out. When the glow faded, a badger-like creature stood in Quilava's place, a ruff of flames around his neck.
“Quilava evolved into Typhlosion!” Jen watched in fascination as the process took place, and James immediately scanned his newly-evolved friend.
“Typhlosion, the Volcano Pokémon, and the evolved form of Quilava. Its hot fur can create explosive blasts of heat, and it will set nearby objects on fire if its anger is roused.”
“Wow,” James said as he watched Typhlosion yawn. “Looks like I've got another new team member to work with.”
“You guys will be fine,” Jen said, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Since we're facing Steel-types next, Typhlosion will be really helpful.”
“Yeah.” James turned to Chuck. “We'd better get ready to go, Chuck. Good luck with your next battles.”
“And to you, son.” Chuck waved goodbye, and James, Jen and Typhlosion headed for the Pokémon Centre for some rest.