“...and then after Olivine, I headed out here. I could have done without the backtracking, but Johto isn't like back home, where it's more straightforward.” James, Jen and Hunter were sitting in the Pokémon Centre's cafeteria, and Hunter had been recounting his exploits since they had last seen each other. The Kanto native gulped some water. “So...that's my story. How's it been with you two? I haven't seen you guys since we trained in Azalea Town. Anything interesting happen?”
“Not really,” Jen answered, as James shook his head. “Well, unless you count Togetic winning me the Glacier Badge. She really stepped up for me.”
“So you have seven badges too? Cool.” Hunter took out his own snowflake-shaped badge. “I won it a few days ago, but I've been training just outside of town. I'm going to move on to Blackthorn City soon.”
“So you must have been the challenger Pryce was talking about. He mentioned having someone lined up.” Hunter nodded, and James grinned. “I'm taking him on tomorrow. I've got a lot of options against Ice-types, but this match is going to take some strategy.”
“Don't I know it?” Jen murmured, looking down at the table. “I wasn't prepared for him the first time, and I lost.” Hunter smiled sympathetically.
“He's a tough one to figure out. It took everything I had to beat him.” He looked at James. “Strategy? From you? Last I remember, you were all about hammering your opponent until they broke down...or until you did.”
“I still prefer straightforward tactics. Now that I've seen his lineup twice, I know how hard I can hit him, and what he's planning to throw at me.”
“Just don't get overconfident. Pryce is pretty calculating, and he might not even use the same lineup again.”
“What else could he possibly use? There aren't all that many Ice-types native to the region.” Hunter looked thoughtful as he sipped his water.
“There's several different ways he could approach it. Of course, he didn't expect me to break out a Grass-type, but that's what happens when you toss a Dewgong into the fight.” Hunter grinned. “Oh, I never mentioned that part. Bulbasaur is fully evolved now.”
“Is he? How long did that take?” Jen asked.
“He evolved into Ivysaur just before we went after Whitney, and then into Venusaur when we battled Jasmine. I've only caught one more Pokémon since we last met, but it's a solid one. I can show you if you want.”
“That sounds good,” James said, setting his own glass of water on the table. “My team's rounded into shape pretty well too.”
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Besides Venusaur, Hunter had evolved his Wooper into Quagsire, kept Onix, and added what looked like a metal-shelled bug. Hollow spikes protruded from his red inner shell, and metallic plates rested on the top and bottom of his body.
“What's that, Hunter?” Jen asked as she tried to detach Pichu from her ankle. “You didn't have it when we last saw you.”
“The bug is Forretress. I spent a while trying to knock him out of a tree in Ilex Forest when he was still a Pineco. He's really useful for setting up traps, and can explode if things get a little dicey.” Forretress' eyes glinted, and Hunter held up a hand. “No, I didn't tell you to explode. Get a grip on yourself.” Hunter sighed. “He also happens to be the most trigger-happy Pokémon I've ever met. You've got to be careful what you say around him, because he'll go off at the slightest excuse.” James nodded.
“Sounds like a handful. But if anyone can hold him back, it's you.”
“Maybe.” Hunter surveyed James' team. “I see you fully evolved your Gastly.”
“Yeah, we used the trade machine in Cianwood City. Chuck's niece put us on to it.”
“Why didn't you evolve Graveler as well?” Hunter indicated the Rock Pokémon, who was meditating off to one side. “A Golem would be even more powerful and useful.”
“I didn't want to make too many changes at once,” James answered. “I had planned to use Gengar against Chuck, but I changed my mind at the last second.”
“What does that mean?”
“I decided to go one-on-one with Chuck's Poliwrath with Quilava. He won, and then he evolved right after the match.” Hunter looked bewildered.
“Really? Why would you do that?”
“I'd already lost to Chuck twice, and I wanted to test out a new tactic.” Hunter's eyebrows briefly slid upward, then he shrugged.
“I guess it must have worked in the end. Anyway, if you were interested in evolving your Graveler, you could help me out at the same time.”
“How's that?” James asked. Hunter walked over to his bag, rummaged around in it for a moment, then returned, carrying a small, heavy-looking metal cylinder.
“Know what this is?” James shook his head, and Jen made a small noise of confusion. “This is a Metal Coat. One of the trainers I met in Olivine City gave it to me. It powers up Steel-type moves, and it can also make certain Pokémon evolve.”
“I'm guessing you're talking about Onix?” Jen asked, finally managing to pry Pichu's arms from around her leg. “There. Pichu, why don't you go play with the others?” Pichu tried to re-attach herself, but Jen's Elekid ran over and led the Tiny Mouse over to the rest of her team. Jen smiled a little. “Sorry about her, she's still really shy. Anyway, Onix. I was wondering why you hadn't evolved yours yet. Jasmine's Steelix was a load to handle.” Hunter nodded, then looked at James.
“Here's my thinking. You can take down Pryce, then we'll pull off the trade. Both our Pokémon will evolve, and we'll both be in stronger shape. What do you say?” James considered, then nodded.
“That sounds like a plan. We'll do it after the match.” He looked around at his team, and smiled to himself. “This is gonna be fun.”
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The next morning, the trio headed across town to the Gym, where James entered the battlefield with Typhlosion at his side. Pryce waited on the other side, leaning on his staff. Jen and Hunter settled into the stands, waiting for the match to start.
“I trust you've prepared, young one?” Pryce asked as James and Typhlosion settled in their technical area. “You will find this challenge no easier than your friend did.”
“Don't worry, I'm ready to go,” James called back, scratching Typhlosion's ears. “We're going to win that badge, no questions asked.”
“I look forward to your challenge, then. Let us begin.”
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James Enfield
A: ★ ★ ★
D: ★
S: ★ ★
Pryce
A: ★ ★
D: ★ ★ ★
S: ★
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Pryce smiled as he revealed his first Pokémon.
“Sneasel, go!” An unfamiliar feline creature appeared, sharp claws extended in menace. Several red feathers formed a tail, while its dark fur was offset with oval-shaped yellow marks. James scanned the creature as it bared its teeth.
“Sneasel, the Sharp Claw Pokémon,” the Pokédex announced. “It has a vicious, predatory nature, and uses its razor-like claws to inflict serious damage on its targets.” James stowed the Pokédex and tossed a Pokéball to the field.
“Gengar, let's go!” The shadowy ghost emerged, and James felt the already-cold temperature drop even lower. “Should have thought of that...Gengar, let's open up with Shadow Ball!” Gengar fired the pulsing energy blast, but Sneasel took it easily. “Fire another one!”
“Take the hit, then use Swords Dance.” The second Shadow Ball burst with little effect, and Sneasel's claws glowed brightly as it began to run in place. “Excellent. Now, Metal Claw!”
“Dodge and use Shadow Ball!” Gengar floated away from Sneasel, but the feline weasel darted closer and caught him on the side with a slash. The Shadow Ball fizzled and died. “No way! Sneasel can't be that fast!”
“Icy Wind.” Pryce commanded. As Sneasel fell away from Gengar, it blew a freezing gust at Gengar, who shrank back and looked slower after the attack. James raised Gengar's Pokéball.
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“We've got to shift gears here, Gengar. Return!” Pryce's lip curled as he watched.
“Pursuit.” As Gengar disappeared in the ball's red light, Sneasel dashed forward again and cut at the light. James felt the Pokéball shudder as it shrank down.
“That can't be good,” he murmured as he took out another ball. “We'll attack head-on this time. Elekid, let's go!” Elekid spun his arms as he emerged, sparks flying from his horns. “Okay, gotta keep Sneasel from getting too close...Thunderbolt!”
“Avoid the attack, then Slash!” Sneasel skipped to its left, letting the electric blast pass by, then sprinted at Elekid with glowing claws, almost skating on the icy surface.
“So much for keeping our distance. Counter with Brick Break!” Elekid's arm sparked, and it swung hard at Sneasel. Sneasel ducked the blow and delivered a sharp cut to Elekid's side. “Don't let it get away! Brick Break again!”
“Evade, Sneasel.” Sneasel began to backflip away as Elekid's frustrated shouts echoed through the cold Gym. “Now, Ice Shard!” A glowing ball of ice formed between Sneasel's upraised claws, and it fired the resultant shard at Elekid.
“Thunderbolt!” Elekid's electric blast shattered the Ice Shard, sending shimmering crystals flying around the area. Sneasel sprinted towards Elekid again, and the Electric Pokémon turned to face it. “Get it, Elekid! Brick Break!” This time, the Fighting-type move connected, catching Sneasel full in the face. Red sparks flew from the feline weasel's body as it flew backward.
“Sneasel! Can you continue?” Pryce's words seemed to bring back Sneasel's focus, and it squared back up to Elekid, a manic grin spreading across its face. “Excellent. Use Quick Attack!” Sneasel raced at Elekid, who tensed.
“Relax, Elekid! Let it come close, then hammer it with Brick Break!” Elekid waited until Sneasel was about to hit him, then swung another Brick Break at it. The move sent Sneasel flying again, and this time it didn't get up.
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Elekid spun his arms in triumph as Pryce recalled Sneasel. The Gym Leader smiled as he looked at his challenger.
“Well done, young one. I thought sending Sneasel out would surprise you more, but you adjusted well. However, do not expect the rest of this contest to be easy. You have seen my frozen cadre before, but they are ready for anything you bring.”
“I'm ready too! We won't lose this match!” Pryce nodded as he revealed his next choice.
“Jynx, you're up!” The strange humanoid creature began to sway as she emerged, and James breathed hard before recalling Elekid.
“I'll probably need you later, so rest up.” He took out Gengar's Pokéball and tossed it out, but the ball fell to the floor with a clunk. “What happened? Gengar, this is no time to take a nap!” The ball remained on the floor. “Gengar!”
“It's no use, son. It appears Gengar is done for the day.”
“But how? Gengar was fine when I pulled him.” Pryce's smile reappeared.
“That Pursuit must have been enough to finish him.” James looked confused as he picked up the ball.
“What does that mean? I...” James' eyes widened as it clicked. “The ball shook when I pulled Gengar! He must've been knocked out as he returned!”
“Well reasoned. You see, Sneasel is a combination Dark and Ice-type. Pursuit is a Dark-type move, and would have a strong effect on a ghost like Gengar under normal circumstances.”
“But how did it take Gengar out that way?”
“I was getting there. Pursuit does much more damage to a retreating Pokémon. Combine all the factors we have discussed, and that was enough to finish Gengar. As such, we are each down to two Pokémon each.” James shook his head, then took out Elekid's Pokéball again.
“Looks like you're gonna have to go a little longer. Elekid, go!” Elekid returned the the battlefield, and looked at his trainer in confusion. “I know, you didn't get a lot of rest, but I know you can do this! Stay focused and let's go!” Elekid nodded, and his arms spun in anticipation.
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“Jynx, open with Fake Tears.” Jynx's body shook, and tears flew from its eyes, which never blinked. Elekid's body relaxed a little, and James groaned.
“Hit it with Thunderbolt!” Elekid recovered, then fired an electric blast right at Jynx. Jynx stopped her false crying as the attack hit, and she focused back on Elekid.
“Psychic.” This time, Jynx's eyes glowed blue, and a similar glow surrounded Elekid. A flash erupted, and Elekid was knocked off his feet.
“Hang in there!” Elekid's angry shouts resumed, and James shook his head. “Hey! Quit yelling and focus! We're still in this thing!” Elekid glared at Jynx, who continued to sway. “Get after it with Brick Break!”
“Counter with Ice Punch.” Elekid's arm slammed into Jynx's frozen fist, and the two opponents fell back. “Continue our attack with Powder Snow.” Jynx's attack knocked Elekid to his knees, a misty powder floating around his body.
“Elekid! Hold on!” Elekid struggled to his feet, and sparks flew from his body. “Okay! Blast it!”
“Jynx, use Lovely Kiss.” Jynx waddled towards Elekid, and planted a kiss on the top of his head. Elekid's furious shouts subsided, and he dropped off to sleep.
“Hey! Elekid, wake up!” Elekid snored in response, and James groaned again. “Come on, we don't have time for this.” Pryce nodded in satisfaction.
“I think this round is about done. Jynx, use Wake-Up Slap.” Jynx picked Elekid up in one hand, then slapped him across the face with the other. Elekid crashed to the floor.
“Elekid!” The Electric Pokémon woke up and looked at James, right before his eyes glazed over. “No way. That attack...” James recalled Elekid and closed his eyes. “Thanks, Elekid. You hung in there despite everything. We're not gonna let that effort go to waste.” He looked down at Typhlosion. “It's up to you now, buddy. Give it everything you've got.” Typhlosion grinned and nodded, before running out onto the field.
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“So, your Fire-type is last.” Pryce nodded. “I look forward to seeing his power for myself. He looks a strong one.”
“He's gotten me through a lot of matches before, and he'll win this one.” James pointed to Jynx. “Hit it with Flamethrower!” Typhlosion blasted a stream of flames at Jynx, who didn't bother getting out of the way. “That's the way!”
“Jynx, Rain Dance.” Jynx began to sway, and James reacted instantly.
“Don't let it set up! Quick Attack!” Typhlosion sped forward and crashed into Jynx before it could summon any rain clouds. “Now, close-up Flamethrower!”
“Get it off you with Ice Punch!” Jynx's blue-glowing fist struck Typhlosion's stomach, but he blasted more flames at her, and the super-effective attack made her shudder. “Another! Force it away!”
“One more Flamethrower!” The flames surrounded Jynx, and she fought to compose herself. “Finish it off! Flame Wheel!” Typhlosion jumped towards Jynx, and his body became a familiar burning torpedo that slammed the Human Shape Pokémon to the ground. Jynx stirred feebly, but didn't get up again.
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Pryce nodded calmly as he recalled Jynx.
“A quick victory. Nicely done.” He took out his final Pokéball. “But you still have one more opponent to defeat, and you had best be ready.”
“We're ready for anything! Let's do this thing!”
“Very well. Go, Piloswine!” The porcine Ice-type landed and pawed the ground, and Typhlosion grinned in response. “Begin with Amnesia.” Piloswine's body glowed a strange turquoise colour, which faded after a few seconds. “Now, Icy Wind!”
“Flamethrower!” Typhlosion's stream of fire crashed into Piloswine's frozen air current, and the resultant cloud of pale smoke obscured the whole battlefield. “Stay focused! I think we just made things worse for ourselves!”
“Stone Edge.” A barrage of pointed stones hammered into Typhlosion's side, and he looked around widely for his attacker. Piloswine emerged briefly and slammed Typhlosion with a full-on tackle, then disappeared back into the smoke. James tried to locate his opponent in the mist.
“Steady, Typhlosion! Keep your eyes open!” Typhlosion relaxed a little, then watched for any movement.
“Icy Wind.” A frigid gust caught Typhlosion from his left this time, but he reacted quickly and rushed at what he thought was the source.
“Flame Wheel!” Typhlosion's body was surrounded by fire, and he rocketed forward, but Piloswine wasn't there.
“Mud Bomb.” A glob of slurry splashed just short of its target. “Now, Blizzard!”
“Out of the way, Typhlosion!” The Fire-type rolled to one side as a mass of snowballs flew overhead, and the mist began to fade. “Okay, we can see a little better. Find Piloswine!”
“Stay hidden, Piloswine. Fire Stone Edge if it gets close!” Typhlosion slipped a little on the ice, but kept searching for his target. Stones flew sporadically from the mist, but it faded quickly, revealing Piloswine behind him. “Quickly!”
“Turn around and use Flamethrower!” The stones broke through the flames and struck Typhlosion, driving him to the ground. “No! Hang on!”
“Now for our decisive charge. Take Down!” A gold aura streaked behind Piloswine as it rushed in, lowering its head for a full-on slam. Typhlosion struggled to get up, and James called to him.
“C'mon, focus! You can close this out!” Typhlosion pushed himself up, and squared his body as Piloswine bore down on him. “Counter that hit with Flame Wheel!” Typhlosion's body was surrounded by fire once more, and the two Pokémon collided. The fire rolled off Typhlosion and covered Piloswine's body, then a small explosion drove the Swine Pokémon backward. The fur over Piloswine's small, beady eyes flew up briefly, then dropped as Piloswine collapsed to the floor, beaten at last. Pryce looked for a sign of movement, then recalled his premier Pokémon.
“Well fought, young one. The Glacier Badge is yours.”
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“Way to go, buddy!” James ran onto the field and hugged the exhausted Typhlosion. “You really stepped up today. Thanks for the effort.” Typhlosion growled quietly, and James walked over to Pryce, who handed him the snowflake-shaped badge. “And thanks for the battle today, Pryce. You weren't easy to beat.”
“Nor were you. You adapted quickly and gave us a hard time throughout. Congratulations on your victory.”
“Thanks,” James said, and ran with Typhlosion towards the door, where Hunter and Jen were waiting. “Hey! What did you think?”
“Impressive stuff,” Hunter said, grinning. “Of course, you had a big type advantage at the end, but that Piloswine was something else.” Jen nodded in agreement.
“You weren't overconfident this time, which helped. You put that one away really well.”
“Thanks, guys.” James scratched Typhlosion's ears. “I'd better get these guys to the Pokémon Centre, then we can prep for the next town.”
“Don't forget, we've got a trade to pull off,” Hunter reminded him. James nodded.
“Right. We can do that while Nurse Joy is taking care of the others.”
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The trade machine in Mahogany Town's Pokémon Centre looked a lot newer than the one in Cianwood's. It worked the same way, though, and within minutes, James and Hunter had run Graveler and Onix through the process and back again; both Pokéballs glowed briefly as their trainers collected them. Both of them headed for the small training area before revealing their newly-evolved team members.
On Hunter's side, a familiar metallic snake grinned down at the group. On James', a creature resembling a rocky turtle stood calmly before them. Interlocking rocks formed a shell, and its limbs ended in sharp claws. James scanned his newest team member.
“Golem, the Megaton Pokémon. Its body can withstand even a dynamite blast, and it is known for rolling down mountains as a result of earthquakes.”
“Looks like we've upgraded our power, huh?” James said as he watched Golem. Jen smiled, and Hunter recalled his new Steelix.
“We've all got one more badge to go. Let's rest up, then go make it happen.”