Jen's question would eventually be answered the next morning. When she and James walked into the Olivine Gym, the receptionist gave them a sheepish smile.
“I'm sorry, but Jasmine isn't here at the moment. She's at the lighthouse, checking on Amphy.” Jen sighed.
“I've heard that name a few times now. Who or what is Amphy?” The receptionist raised an eyebrow before responding.
“Why not find out for yourself? Jasmine visits the top of the lighthouse all the time, you should be able to go meet her there.”
“O-okay,” Jen responded, and the pair walked out of the Gym. “So, looks like we're heading to the lighthouse. Should be fun.”
“And you can finally find out who, or what, Amphy is,” James said, scratching Typhlosion's ears. “You've been really impatient about it, too.”
“I just want to know, that's all. Everybody but us seems to.” Jen looked up as they walked down a crowded street. “I can already see the lighthouse, it's so tall. At least we won't miss it.”
When they entered the building, they looked at the building's floor plan on the wall. The lighthouse had five floors, but an elevator could take visitors to the upper floors in seconds. Unfortunately for the youngsters, a large sign was taped over the elevator doors.
“Out of order?” James groaned. “Why does stuff like this have to happen? It's going to be a long walk up now.”
“Do you want to walk up? You don't have to come.” Jen said, looking for the stairwell door.
“I'll go, I want to know who—or what—Amphy is as much as you do.” Typhlosion growled as he motioned the pair towards a door. “You found the way up? Thanks, buddy.”
“C'mon, let's go,” Jen said as she pushed the door open. “It's only five floors, how difficult could it be?”
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“Why...do you always have to ask stuff?” James gasped as they reached the third floor landing. “This place is way higher than the Sprout Tower, and they've got more rickety stairs...”
“Just keep going,” Jen panted, as she grabbed the stairwell railing for support. “It's only...two more floors...”
“If they'd keep the elevator working, we wouldn't have this problem!” James shouted as they ascended towards the next floor. “What could possibly be so difficult about that? It's not like...”
“Will you quit complaining?” Jen hissed. “You're wasting more energy shouting than you would just walking up the steps. If we don't talk as much, we can get there a lot faster.” James opened his mouth to say something else, then groaned, nodded and followed her up the next flight of stairs. Eventually, they reached the top floor and a door with a sign affixed to it.
The sign read: “Glitter Lighthouse Lantern Room and Observation Deck. Visiting hours: 9AM-8 PM. Please do not touch glass partition.”
“Partition? What's that?” Jen asked as she moved to open the door.
“It means the glass is separating us from something,” James answered. “I guess they don't want tourists messing around with the light source.”
“Well, let's get going, then. I want to see what's going on up here.” Jen pushed the door open, and nearly let it slam on James and Typhlosion in surprise.
There was a glass wall about fifteen feet in front of her, just like James said there might be. On the other side, Jasmine the Gym Leader sat next to a yellow Pokémon with a red orb on its forehead. Its long tail ended in a similarly-coloured orb, and black stripes adorned its neck, tail and ears. The creature was happily eating some kind of berry from Jasmine's hand.
“So...that's Amphy, I guess,” Jen said, taking out her Pokédex. James leaned over to hear the device's recitation.
“Ampharos, the Light Pokémon.” the Pokédex announced. “Ampharos is the final evolved form of Mareep, an Electric-type. Ampharos' tail can be seen from tremendous distances, and is often used as a beacon for lost travellers or ships at sea.”
“Makes sense that an Ampharos lives here, then.” James said as Jen stowed her device. “Olivine's port couldn't operate properly without a lighthouse nearby.”
“Could any?” Jen asked as she absent-mindedly watched through the glass. Jasmine was stroking Amphy's ears as she looked out over the port, and the Electric-type appeared to be cooing happily. After a few minutes, Jen turned back to her friend. “Well, that was interesting, huh? I've never seen an Ampharos before.”
“Neither have I,” James admitted, “but they're supposed to be pretty strong if you train them right. I was considering catching a Mareep, but we never ran across one.”
“I couldn't see you using a Mareep, to be honest. Elekid seems a better fit for your style.”
“You think so?” Jen nodded, and James turned towards the observation deck. “I guess we can look out at the port, then we can go back to the Centre. I don't know when Jasmine will go back to the Gym...”
“I'll be there around two.” The soft voice of the Olivine leader startled the youngster, who whipped around quickly.
“How long were you standing there?” James asked, while Jen and Typhlosion struggled to keep from laughing. Jasmine smiled as she observed him.
“Only a few seconds. You should pay more attention to your surroundings.” James slumped, and Jasmine continued. “I didn't realize you two had climbed the entire lighthouse. Most people see the 'out of order' sign on the elevator and give up.”
“Well, Jen wanted to find out who Amphy was, so we didn't have much of a choice.”
“Amphy has been my friend since I was little.” Jasmine explained. “My great-grandfather became the lighthouse keeper when the port was established here, and he had the idea of using an Ampharos to light the way for sailors. My grandfather is the official keeper, but since I help take care of Amphy, you might say that makes me one of the keepers.”
“Wow,” Jen said quietly, “that's amazing. You're not just a Gym Leader, you're keeping everybody safe.”
“That's right. If Amphy became ill or was hurt somehow, we might have to close the port, and everything around here grinds to a halt. The navigation systems on the ships that come through here can't detect everything, after all.” She smiled again. “Anyway, I have to get back to the Gym. I hope to see you there so I can take your challenge.” Jasmine headed for the stairs, and the two youngsters and Typhlosion walked towards another door, which led to a small balcony with a high railing. The observation deck looked out over the busy harbour, and Jen pointed out a small cluster of islands in the distance.
“I think the map downstairs said those are the Whirl Islands.” Jen said as she looked over the area. “They sound pretty dangerous.”
“They're treacherous to access,” James answered as he followed Jen's indication. “My dad told me that area's got something weird going on there, with the multiple whirlpools. Some kind of geo-logric...whatever disturbance.”
“Well, we don't have the time to go investigating them. You need to start preparing for Jasmine.”
“Don't worry, Jen,” James said, his usual cocky grin returning. “I've got the firepower, all I have to do is use it.”
“As long as it doesn't turn into another Chuck battle...”
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Hours later, the two youngsters entered the Olivine Gym, Typhlosion at their heels. The receptionist nodded as they passed, and the pair separated as they entered the main battlefield, Jen heading for the stand while James entered his technical area. Jasmine stood at the other end of the field, a calm smile on her face.
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“Welcome back.” she said, bowing slightly. “I don't need to ask if you're prepared, do I? Just your eyes tell me you're ready to go.”
“You'd be right, Jasmine. I'm walking out of here with a Mineral Badge, whatever it takes.”
“Then let's begin.”
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James Enfield
A: ★★
D: ★
S: ★★
Jasmine
A: ★★
D: ★★
S: ★
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“Magnemite, go!” The metallic ball appeared, screws and magnets separating a little from its body. James watched the sparks fly off the side magnets, and took out his first Pokéball.
“Graveler, let's roll!” The ground shook a little as the heavy Rock-type emerged, looking calmly at his opponent. “Okay, Graveler, let's hit them hard right off the jump! Magnitude!” Jasmine watched as Graveler hopped into the air, then called to Magnemite.
“Magnet Rise!” Magnemite's body glowed yellow for a moment, then rose a few inches further from the ground as the floor shook. James let out an indignant shout as Graveler landed, still calm as ever.
“What was that? Some way to avoid Ground attacks...”
“You'd be correct. While Magnet Rise is in effect, you'll have to find another way to hit Magnemite.” She turned to the Magnet Pokémon. “Metal Sound!” The sound of protesting metal resounded through the area, but Graveler seemed unfazed.
“Defense Curl, then Rollout!” Graveler rolled up, then started spinning forward. As he launched himself into the air, Magnemite floated slowly in his path.
“SonicBoom, Magnemite!” A visible soundwave burst from each of Magnemite's side magnets, and both struck Graveler as he surged forward. Graveler simply smashed through the attack and hit Magnemite head-on, forcing it back a little before landing, still spinning in place, on the ground. “All right! Use that momentum and hit it again!” Graveler repeated the attack, and Magnemite was pushed back a little further. “Okay, one more! Really hammer them!” As the living boulder sped towards Magnemite, the corners of Jasmine's mouth rose just a little.
“Mirror Shot!” Magnemite's body began to shine with a bright light, and James immediately realized his mistake.
“Graveler, break off the attack! It's going to...” His words were cut off by a shrieking noise as a greenish beam of light slammed into Graveler. The Rock Pokémon dropped to the floor, shuddering, but not stopped. “Hang in there! Get ready for another Rollout!” Graveler started spinning again and sped towards Magnemite, but Jasmine's smile widened.
“Magnet Bomb!” Magnemite's body glowed once more, and a set of red glowing orbs materialized around Graveler. James' eyes widened as he realized what was going on.
“Graveler, get away from those!” Graveler tried to change course in midair, but the red orbs stayed close, and converged on him as he landed, causing a small explosion. “Graveler!” The boulder did not respond, and James recalled him with a groan. “I've got to pull it together, or we're in trouble. Gengar, let's go!”
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As the Shadow Pokémon appeared, Jen shook her head.
“Does he always have to be the architect of his own undoing? I thought Cianwood would have been more of a wake-up call.” She watched Gengar start his attack against Magnemite, and slumped forward onto a railing. “He'd better step this up soon...”
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Jasmine smiled as Gengar sized his enemy up.
“Magnemite, use Light Screen!” Magnemite's body was covered by a shimmering yellow light, and its magnets glowed a little.
“Gengar, Shadow Ball!” The ghost fired a sphere of crackling energy that caught Magnemite full-on, but the attack dissipated against Magnemite's protective light. “Come on! That should have done something!”
“Light Screen will reduce the damage from Gengar's special attacks. It's a useful move in these situations.”
“Well, it won't work on us! Return, Gengar!” James pulled the Ghost-type, took a few deep breaths, then looked down at Typhlosion. “Get in there, pal. Let's turn this around fast.” Typhlosion dashed onto the field, the flames around his neck igniting.
“Magnemite, ThunderShock!” The resultant bolt of electricity grazed Typhlosion's shoulder, causing him to shrink back.
“Don't let it push you back, buddy! Flamethrower!” Typhlosion unleashed a stream of fire, but the Light Screen effect kicked in again to cut its effect. “I guess Light Screen keeps going for a while. Okay, time for the direct approach! Dig!” As Typhlosion disappeared underground, a worried look crossed Jasmine's face.
“Magnet Rise's effect will cease soon, which means if he's doing what I think he is, we're in big trouble no matter what. Magnemite, get ready!” As the Magnet Pokémon began to lose height, a hole appeared underneath its body. “This is it! Discharge!” James' eyes widened, but he was undaunted.
“Okay, hit it! Flame Wheel!” A large torpedo of fire launched itself out of the hole and slammed into Magnemite from below. As Typhlosion's attack hit home, Magnemite's body unleashed a massive blast of electricity. The resulting flash of mixed orange and yellow light caused both trainers to shield their eyes, and a series of pops echoed through the gym. When the light faded, James uncovered his eyes to see Magnemite lying beaten on the ground, and that the lights in the gym had been blown out by the Discharge attack, darkening the field. “Uh, Jasmine? How are we going to battle in these conditions?” Jasmine recalled Magnemite, and thought for a moment before responding.
“I say we keep going. It could take a while for a maintenance crew to repair the lights, after all. Is that alright with you?”
“I guess so.” James looked at Typhlosion and remembered the battle with Morty. “Hey, Typhlosion, keep your eyes open! It'll be just like the Ecruteak Gym, only warmer!” Typhlosion vocalized an affirmative, and James grinned. “Alright, Jasmine, you're on! Let's keep going!”
“Okay! Skarmory, you're next!” The Armour Bird flew up into the air and turned to face Typhlosion, shrieking a challenge. “Aim for the fire, Skarmory! He's an open target!”
“Typhlosion, blast it! Flamethrower!” Typhlosion's attack hit Skarmory straight on, but the Light Screen effect reappeared. “Hey! I thought taking down Magnemite would make Light Screen fade out!”
“Unfortunately, no. Part of what makes Light Screen so useful is that it carries through to your next team members. You either have to wait it out, or take it out with a move like Brick Break.”
“Of all the times to leave Elekid out...” James groaned. “Okay, Typhlosion, looks like we'll have to be patient here. She wants a waiting game, we'll give her one.”
“We'll see. Skarmory, dive and use Drill Peck!” Skarmory flew right at Typhlosion, its body rotating like a top. James' eyes lit up.
“Wait for it, Typhlosion!” When Skarmory was a few feet away, he called out again. “Flame Wheel!” The two attacks hit, and Skarmory was knocked aside, flames erupting across its body as it crashed to the floor.
“Get out of there, Skarmory! Use Sand-Attack to distract them!” Denied the use of its wings, Skarmory kicked at the ground with a three-taloned foot, sending bits of battlefield into the air.
“Don't let it get away! Flamethrower!” Even with the Light Screen, Skarmory was blasted by the attack, and breathed heavily as it glared at Typhlosion.
“Quickly! Get back into the air!” Skarmory tried its best, but it could barely muster the strength to push off the ground. Typhlosion sensed this and readied for the kill.
“Alright, finish it off with one more Flame Wheel!” Typhlosion rushed at Skarmory, his body becoming covered with flames again, and he smashed headlong into the metal avian, whose head hit the ground as the attack sent it flying towards Jasmine. Its eyes glazed over, and Typhlosion roared in triumph.
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“He's lucky she tried a head-on attack right away. That mistake gave him his opening.” Jen had removed her head from the railing and watched Skarmory's doomed attack. “The good news for him is that Light Screen won't last forever, and Steelix won't last long against repeated Fire-type attacks. The bad news is that if Typhlosion goes down, Gengar might not have enough firepower to take out Steelix. I hope he knows what he's doing...”
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“You did very well, Skarmory,” Jasmine murmured as she recalled the Armour Bird. She turned to James. “I can see what your friend meant. You are a tough opponent.” She took out her last Pokéball. “But can you take out my Steelix?”
“We'll do our best!” Typhlosion roared his own challenge, and Jasmine smiled, really smiled now.
“Let's do this, then. Steelix, go!” The Iron Snake coiled itself up and growled menacingly at Typhlosion. “You first, then!”
“Typhlosion, Flamethrower!” The stream of fire hammered Steelix, but the Light Screen effect still hadn't faded. “How long does that effect last?!”
“Long enough. Steelix, DragonBreath!” Steelix let loose the greenish air current from its mouth, and Typhlosion couldn't dodge quickly enough. When he got up off the ground, his movements were slowed.
“Are you okay?” Typhlosion growled, but it sounded painful. “Don't tell me, you're paralyzed...okay, stand tough! We've got enough in the tank to win! SmokeScreen!” The black smoke cloud that resulted shielded Typhlosion from view, negating the effect of his flaming ruff.
“Use Rock Polish and get ready for trouble!” Steelix's body shone a little, and a lick of flame shot from the smoke in response. “Fire DragonBreath at the spot, Steelix!”
“SmokeScreen again!” More black smoke covered the field, and Steelix's DragonBreath hit nothing but the floor.
“Dissipate that smoke! Iron Tail!” The pointed end of Steelix's tail glowed, and it swung down, making the smoke disappear. Typhlosion stopped preparing another fire attack and stared up at Steelix. “Excellent! Now, use another Iron Tail and slam it!”
“Duck!” Typhlosion flattened himself to the ground as Steelix swung its tail horizontally this time, just missing him. “All right, this party's over! Full power Flamethrower, now!” Typhlosion aimed carefully, then let fly with an even more intense stream of fire. The attack hit Steelix under its chin, this time with no Light Screen to blunt its effect, and lifted it off the ground. Jasmine dove away as the Iron Snake crashed to the floor, shaking the ground. Steelix tried to get up, but slumped down with a dazed expression.
“Steelix! Steelix!” Jasmine tried in vain to get the creature to respond, then recalled it with a sigh. “You fought well. Have a long rest.” She turned to James, who was scratching Typhlosion's ears. “You truly are a strong challenger, James. Congratulations on a well-earned win.”
“Thanks, Jasmine. It was slow going at first, but we managed to pull it together.”
“And you did well to rise to the occasion.” She handed him the silver Mineral Badge. “I wish you and your friend luck during the rest of your journey.” Jasmine walked towards the lobby, and Jen exited the stands to join her friend.
“So, we both have six badges now. We're well on track.”
“It's going to get tougher from here. We've got a long route to travel just to get to the next town.”
“Why don't we rest for a few days before we get going, then? If it's going to take us a long time, we might as well be refreshed when we start off.”
“Sounds like a plan.” The two youngsters left the gym, Typhlosion in tow, ready to make the arduous trek to Mahogany Town.