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Pokémon Double-J Adventures
42-Total Draconic Reversal

42-Total Draconic Reversal

Hours later, the three youngsters sat at a table in the Pokémon Centre's canteen, discussing the next phase of their journeys. Even though she'd had plenty of time to calm down, Jen was still furious.

“I mean, what's the point of battling a Gym Leader who's not even going to follow the rules?” Jen asked for what seemed like the eighth time that afternoon. “She lost fair and square, even if it wasn't a blowout, so why...”

“Jen, will you give it a rest already?” James groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I've got a plan to take her down and get us both a badge, so can you just drop it for now? You're giving me a headache.” Jen went red, then sighed.

“Okay. I'm sorry. I should feel like I accomplished something big right now, but I'm just really worked up, you know?”

“You did accomplish something big,” Hunter chimed in. “It's not your fault Clair can't get over the loss. With the team you've got, taking out a couple of dragons is huge.” He suppressed a laugh as Jen's eyes narrowed.

“What d'you mean, the team you've got? Are you saying...”

“Can the pair of you knock it off?” James cut in, making both Jen and Hunter jump. Hunter looked at him in surprise.

“What's wrong with you?” James shook his head and got up, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

“I'm just tired, is all. I'm going to turn in early.” He headed for his and Jen's room at the Centre, Typhlosion at his heels. Jen watched him leave, then looked back at Hunter with a guilty look.

“Now I feel bad. I've piled all kinds of pressure on him for tomorrow, seeing as he has to win now. I knew the last gym would be the toughest, but I never imagined something like this.”

“He'll survive,” Hunter answered, though his face had fallen too. “We've seen him fight his way into and out of trouble before. I don't doubt he'll find a way to do the same tomorrow.”

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James didn't sleep well that night, and ended up heading for the training area just after six the next morning, intending to talk to his Pokémon before their match later on. The sun was only just peeking out over the hills near Blackthorn as he released all six team members.

“Okay, guys, this is the plan. Ursaring, you're in the lineup today, so no funny business. Use that aggression of yours properly, and we've got a good chance to win.” The bear snarled, and James turned to the others. “Pidgeotto, you're in too. Your aerial skill can cause Dragonair some problems.” He scanned the other four. “Which leaves my last slot. Elekid, I know I use you a lot, but you're my best option against Gyarados and Kingdra. Kingdra may not be weak to electricity, but you're able to get in close and stop it from getting a good shot off. You up for it?” Elekid grinned and began spinning his arms, sparks flying from his horns. “Settle down. Save the lightning for the battlefield.” He looked at the full team, and grinned despite himself. “We've got this. Let's get some last-minute work in, then we can get that badge.”

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As the group entered the gym later on, they noticed a middle-aged man with shoulder-length white hair talking to the receptionist. He wore a blue tunic over beige leggings, and his eyes were a stormy grey. As they approached, he spotted them and gave them a small nod.

“Good morning. I presume you are here for a gym challenge?” he asked. James nodded back.

“I'm taking on Clair today. Is she here?”

“Oh, yes. I'm here to observe her match.” Jen looked confused.

“Do you know her?” The man's face remained impassive.

“Let's just say I've been keeping track of her progress. I'm...something of a dragon trainer myself.” Jen remained confused, but shrugged.

“Okay, then. Hopefully you'll see James take her down.”

“I look forward to it.”

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James entered the battlefield, while Jen, Hunter and the stranger took seats in the stands. After a few minutes, Clair emerged from the other end of the high-ceilinged room, and almost looked nervous as she scanned the room.

“Welcome back, challenger. I hope you have trained hard for this battle. I do not intend to give up the Rising Badge without a major fight.”

“Don't worry, I'm ready to go. You'll be handing those badges over and apologizing to my friend once this is done.” Clair's lip curled.

“Then let us dispense with pleasantries, and begin.”

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James Enfield

A: ★★★

D: ★

S: ★★★

Clair

A: ★★★

D: ★★

S: ★★

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Clair snapped her fingers, and the battlefield revealed the pool of water underneath. As the last platform bobbed to the surface, she tossed out her first Pokéball.

“Gyarados, go!” The sea serpent splashed down and glared down at James, who refused to flinch.

“Gonna have to go by the book here. Elekid, you're up!” The Electric Pokémon landed on one of the platforms, and grinned at Gyarados without fear.

“Another Elekid? Upstarts of a feather, I suppose.” Before James could retort, Clair began her attack. “Dragon Dance!” Gyarados' body glowed dark red, and it swayed from one side to the other. “Now, Bite attack!” The sea serpent swam forward and struck out, attempting to snap Elekid up in its wide maw.

“Brick Break!” Elekid delivered a forearm strike to Gyarados' jaw, knocking it off-balance. Gyarados recovered quickly, though, and made to bite down again; this time, Elekid crossed his arms, and a shimmering greenish bubble surrounded his body. The bubble's surface distorted and sparks flew from the impact, but Elekid looked unhurt. “What was that?”

“You and your friend have an annoying habit of developing new skills in the middle of a fight.” Clair answered, her voice shaking. “Your Elekid knows how to use Protect, a useful way of blocking damaging attacks. It won't work if used constantly, so you'll have to learn how to time its uses.” She turned to Gyarados. “Sweep the area with Aqua Tail!” Gyarados' tail fin glowed, and soon James and Typhlosion were ducking for cover as water sprayed everywhere. Elekid was knocked off his platform and into the water, and Gyarados took aim at him again.

“Elekid, Thunderbolt!” Elekid's body sparked, and the whole pool glowed as he generated a current. Gyarados thrashed in pain as the current ran through the water. “I guess she did us a favour. Give them another!”

“Gyarados, Aqua Tail, straight down now!” Gyarados' attack smacked into the water, sending Elekid skyward as the impact splashed upward. Gyarados' body shook as it waited for Elekid to descend. “Take careful aim, then finish it with Hyper Beam.” Glowing energy gathered in the sea serpent's mouth as it followed Elekid's trajectory.

“We're not going down that easy! Elekid, Thunderbolt!” As he gathered himself, Elekid generated another strong current, then fired it down towards the water. Gyarados thrashed again as the current ran through its body, and the Hyper Beam shot towards the ceiling, blasting a hole between two arches in the ceiling. Elekid, distracted by firing off his attack, faceplanted onto one of the platforms, while Gyarados fell forward and landed inches from him, splashing even more water everywhere. James leapt backward, while Typhlosion took off for the edge of the room. Once the chaos had subsided, Gyarados' eyes bore the dazed look of defeat, while Elekid pushed himself back to his feet, his arms shaking with effort.

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“No...not again!” Clair recalled Gyarados with a frustrated groan. “I suppose I should not be surprised. Gyarados is not a true Dragon-type, after all.”

“It's not a...huh?” James stared at the Gym Leader, confused. “What are you talking about?”

“Gyarados is a Water- and Flying-type Pokémon. It is considered an acceptable choice by Dragon trainers because of its appearance. Many ancient civilizations believed it to be a dragon, before its typing was discovered centuries later.”

“That explains why Elekid took it down so quickly,” James murmured to himself. “Those electric blasts would be double-strength against that type combination.

Up in the stands, Jen looked worried despite the early win.

“That was too easy,” she said to no-one in particular. “She led with Gyarados to give James momentum, or at least to make him think he had it.”

“Opening the pool doesn't help him either,” Hunter added. “Elekid may be nimble enough to jump between those platforms, but if he uses Ursaring like he wants to, are they going to take his weight? He might have to change plans now.” He looked at the stranger, who was leaning on the railing with his hands folded. “This guy looks real interested. Maybe he's scouting Clair for a challenge.”

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Almost as if he'd heard Hunter, James recalled Elekid and looked at the field.

“Well, Ursaring, you're gonna have to wait for your first match. Clair's decided to have a pool party, and she forgot to invite you.” He took out another Pokéball and looked at the dragon trainer. Clair looked put out, almost as if she wasn't fully concentrating on the match. “Gonna have to get creative. Gengar, let's go!” The air chilled as the Shadow Pokémon emerged, yawning and then grinning wickedly at Clair. The Gym Leader simply took out her own Pokéball and released her next choice.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Kingdra, go!” The big sea horse glared down its cannon-like snout at Gengar, who waggled his tongue mischievously back. “All right, open with BubbleBeam!” A stream of glowing bubbles shot at Gengar, who floated carelessly away from them. “Okay, now Dragon Pulse!”

“Shadow Ball!” Kingdra's turquoise energy blast was met by a sparking black sphere from Gengar. The attacks met in midair and burst, showering the area with smoke.

“SmokeScreen!” Thick, black smoke burst from Kingdra's snout, shrouding the entire area. James coughed and shut his eyes against the smoke, but could barely spot anything. Gengar's red eyes glowed in the swirling vapour, giving James an idea of where everyone was.

“Kingdra probably won't move much. Gengar, get above the smoke!” As the eyes floated upward, a stream of water cut through the smoke just inches from where Gengar had been. James ducked to avoid the attack.

“Kingdra, aim upward. Burst fire Hydro Pump!” James looked up too, and saw intermittent water streams shoot into the sky towards Gengar. Gengar floated around at his ease, almost taunting Clair with its movements. “Mock us, will you? Full-spread Twister attack!” As the smoke began to fade, James watched Kingdra float to the centre of the pool, then saw its eyes glow. A powerful tornado whipped up and extended to the edges of the pool, catching up water and spinning fiercely as it blew away the remaining smoke. The current shot upward, a swirlwind that threatened to overwhelm anyone caught in it. Gengar watched the twister approach with a nervous look in his eyes. James looked down; though it was generating a wide area of effect, Kingdra was wide open.

“Drop down, Gengar! Get directly above Kingdra!” Gengar did as he was told, and grinned down at his opponent. “Now, Shadow Ball!” The attack smashed right down on the top of Kingdra's head, and it winced from the impact.

“Kingdra, recover and use Dragon Pulse!” A turquoise sphere shot up and caught Gengar full in the face. “Excellent! Another!”

“Shadow Punch!” Gengar zipped down and struck Kingdra with a swift jab, but Kingdra was ready for it. It delayed its attack until Gengar struck, then fired its next pulse directly into the ghost's retreating back. Gengar was thrown forward and landed right in front of James, and he didn't get up from there.

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“I don't believe it,” Jen said quietly as she watched James pull Gengar. “Gengar didn't last long, did he?”

“Your friend made a mistake in letting his Pokémon get too close to Kingdra.” Jen turned to her left and nearly jumped out of her seat. The long-haired stranger had moved to sit next to her and Hunter, and they hadn't noticed him at all. “If Kingdra is allowed to get a clear shot, it will swiftly take down any opponent it fights.” Jen nodded, still a bit spooked.

“I've seen its power first-hand. It took two of my Pokémon to put it away, and that was after poisoning it. If my Elekid didn't learn ThunderPunch in the middle of the battle, I might have lost to it.”

“Well, you're gonna see James lose if he doesn't pull it together quick,” Hunter said, gesturing towards the battlefield. “His last pick better be a good one.”

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"Elekid, let's go!" Elekid landed on a platform, and spun his arms to build up power. "Thunderbolt!" The electric blast struck the water, and Kingdra winced.

"Kingdra, stay strong! Use Dragon Pulse on each platform!" Kingdra fired one turquoise orb after another, blasting the floating platforms out of the water as Elekid jumped between them. As he reached the last one, Kingdra floated forward with its eyes glaring in fury. "Hyper Beam!" A yellow-orange beam of energy blasted the platform up towards the ceiling. Elekid tried to use the wall as a push-off point, but he slammed into it face first and landed behind a stunned James and Typhlosion.

"Elekid!" The Electric Pokémon growled quietly before slumping down, beaten by the fearsome attack. As he recalled Elekid, Clair smirked.

"That's the kind of victory we expect, Kingdra. Well done indeed." James breathed deeply as he took out his last Pokéball. This last choice had to take down two of Clair's Pokémon by itself, and he hoped it was the right one.

“We're behind, but we've come back from this kind of thing before. Let's do this thing, Pidgeotto!” The Bird Pokémon's red-feathered crest fluttered as she emerged, glaring haughtily down at Kingdra, whose eyes merely narrowed further. Clair watched Pidgeotto with interest.

“So, a second-stage Flying-type is your final choice? Bold. I will admit that I admire your persistence.” She turned back to Kingdra. “Dragon Pulse!”

“Pidgeotto, up!” Pidgeotto spread her wings and flew towards the ceiling in a flash. The turquoise Dragon Pulse flew harmlessly past her, and she squared herself to Kingdra as she reached a comfortable height. “All right, Gust attack!” Pidgeotto flapped her wings hard, whipping up a swirlwind that surrounded Kingdra and made it wince. Another Dragon Pulse flashed past, and Pidgeotto flew a little lower. “Quick Attack!”

“Hydro Pump!” Kingdra fired a stream of water at the oncoming Pidgeotto, but she rolled to one side and avoided the attack. She collided with the sea horse's forehead, and swiftly flew out of reach as another Dragon Pulse rocketed past. “Don't let it escape! Keep up that Dragon Pulse!”

“Another Quick Attack!” Pidgeotto maneuvered through Kingdra's increasingly wild attacks, and took aim again. “Go over its head!” The bird trilled in confusion as she adjusted her trajectory and raced over Kindgra. “Now, flip and hit its back!” Clair's eyes widened as she realized what James was up to.

“Turn quickly and blast it, Kingdra!” Before Kingdra could adjust, Pidgeotto flew headlong into the back of its head, and the impact drove it headfirst into the water. The end of its snout slammed into one of the floating platform, and it struggled to regain its composure before its eyes glazed over. Kingdra fell backward into the water, beaten again. “No, no, no! Kingdra!” James grinned as he watched the victorious bird fly toward him.

“Way to go, Pidgeotto! You really came through.” Pidgeotto trilled, then, without warning, she flew up toward the ceiling again. As both James and Clair watched, her body took on a bright glow. Her wings and feather crest lengthened, and her whole body grew to almost double its previous size. As the glow faded, her crest had become mostly yellow feathers, and her tail feathers had extended like a red fan. Her sharp eyes now had a black marking behind them. James stared, then took out his Pokédex.

“Pidgeot, the Bird Pokémon, and the evolved form of Pidgeotto.” the device recited. “This Flying-type is capable of kicking up violent windstorms with just a few beats of its wings, and it is capable of reaching flight speeds of up to twice the speed of sound.”

“A timely evolution, challenger,” Clair said as she took out her final Pokéball. “I must be honest, though. This is the...”

“Last bit of luck I'll have? You said that to Jen.” James looked at Pidgeot. “I think Pidgeot has what it takes to take out whatever you throw at us.” Clair's face turned a deepening red, and she snapped her fingers again, making the battlefield close over the pool.

“Then let us finish this contest. My last Pokémon will make sure you leave empty-handed.” She tossed out her last Pokéball, which sailed nearly the length of the field before opening and releasing its occupant.

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The creature that emerged towered over both James and Clair. It had a heavy-looking orange body with a lighter underbelly, and two batlike wings opened out from its back. Two antennae floated out from its single-horned head, and its arms and feet ended in three claws. James hadn't put his Pokédex away, so he pointed it towards the new opponent.

“Dragonite, the Dragon Pokémon, and the evolved form of Dragonair. This Pokémon is said to have near-human intelligence, and is known to guide ships in distress to safety.” James finally stowed the device and looked at the dragon's calm face.

“So that's a Dragonite. This ought to be good.” He looked at Pidgeot. “Don't stay close to it and we'll be okay! Gust attack!”

“Twister!” Pidgeot's and Dragonite's wind attacks collided, cancelling each other out. “Now, Wing Attack!”

“Hit it with your own Wing Attack!” Dragonite's wings glowed as it moved in, but Pidgeot dove down and then rocketed back up, cuffing the back of the dragon's head. “Good hit! Now use Quick Attack!”

“Slam!” Dragonite spun in midair and met Pidgeot's headfirst charge with a swing of its tail. Both Pokémon were pushed back by the impact.

“Another Quick Attack!” Pidgeot's body was followed by a bright streak of light as she charged in. Dragonite's face split into a grin.

“Sidestep them, Dragonite!” Clair shouted, and the dragon obliged, watching Pidgeot sail past at breakneck speed. “Catch them in a Twister!” The violent wind attack buffeted Pidgeot around, and she trilled in panic as she struggled to keep her balance.

“Pidgeot! Try to counter with Gust!” Pidgeot fought to regain control, but she couldn't concentrate long enough to generate a countering wind attack.

“Enough games! We end this now! Dragonite, Outrage attack!” Dragonite's eyes glowed red, and it rushed towards Pidgeot, driving its forehead into her back. Pidgeot tried to get away, but Dragonite kicked out at her, knocking her down towards the floor. More attacks came in quick succession, and Pidgeot's pained cries echoed through the gym.

“Hang on, Pidgeot!” James watched helplessly as Dragonite and Pidgeot reached the ground. Pidgeot lay still, and Dragonite stood over her, swaying a little. “Pidgeot!” Clair smirked.

“It looks like we're just about done here. I admit it was a strong challenge, but I do not...” She cut off as Pidgeot raised her head, then wobbled to her feet, her eyes mere slits as she glared at the Gym Leader. “This cannot...I don't...how...?” James grinned.

“We've got them on the ropes, Pidgeot! Wing Attack!” Pidgeot forced herself into the air, then cuffed Dragonite around the head with her wing again. Dragonite swung a fist wildly at her in retaliation, but nearly overbalanced in the attempt. “All right! Now Quick Attack!”

“Slam, Dragonite!” Dragonite swung its tail, but only managed to lose its footing and fall onto its front. “Dragonite! Snap out of it!” Pidgeot clipped Dragonite as she flew past, and returned to attack position quickly.

“Finish it, Pidgeot!” Pidgeot flew at Dragonite, gathering speed as the dragon tried to raise its head. She smashed headlong into it, and flew up towards the ceiling, vocalizing triumphantly. Dragonite's whole body shuddered, and its head dropped, signiying its defeat.

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“No. No, no, no, no!” Clair stood in shock as she watched Dragonite fall. She balled and unballed her fists, opened and closed her mouth rapidly, and grabbed at her cape as it gathered around her shoulders. “Two defeats in two days? The Blackthorn Clan would strip me of my rank if they heard of this!” She composed herself, recalled Dragonite, and walked towards James. “Well, young challenger, you have won, and a deal is a deal. Call your friend over, and I will hand over your prize.” As if on cue, Jen appeared at James' side and gave him a quick one-armed hug.

“You did it!” she cried as she released him. “And Pidgeot evolved too, that's useful. You'll have an easier time at the Pokémon League with her.”

“And you'll need these to enter the League,” Clair added, holding out a hand. Two badges shaped like dragon's heads sat in her palm. “This is the Rising Badge. It represents proof of victory at the Blackthorn Gym. You have done well to...” Clair went pale, and James turned to look where she had begun to stare. The odd stranger he'd met in the lobby was walking towards them.

“You have seen sense, Clair.” he said. “I hope you have learned a lesson today.”

“M-master,” Clair responded, inclining her head. “Yes, I have given these children their due. I still maintain that...”

“You are wrong to do so,” the stranger cut her off. “Your status as Master of the Blackthorn Clan does not render you invincible. We have discussed this before.”

“I...I understand, my master,” Clair mumbled, looking anywhere but at the stranger. “It is...not easy to accept defeat, but accept it I must.”

“Indeed,” the stranger said. “Though we set ourselves apart, the Dragon Clans are no stronger trainers than any other. We can fail and fall as easily as anyone.” He turned to James and Jen. “You two have done well to defeat a Dragon Master. You should feel proud of your achievement.”

“Thanks,” Jen answered. “It wasn't easy, believe me. Clair and her dragons were pretty awesome.” Clair smiled in spite of herself.

“I appreciate your kind words, young one. I hope you both do well at the Conference Tournament.”

“Good luck in the future, Clair,” Jen answered, and she, James and Hunter left the building.

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Later on, the three youngsters were back in the Pokémon Centre canteen, working out their next plans.

“So, Hunter, are you going to go back tomorrow and take on Clair?” Jen asked, as James gulped his water. Hunter shook his head.

“You know, I'm gonna stick around and train a little more. You guys have your last badges, and I don't want to hold you up.”

“You sure?” James asked, setting his glass down. “We can hang around and watch, we don't mind the delay.”

“Nah. I've got a lot more work to do than you guys. After seeing those dragons twice, I've got to really tailor my tactics to hit them hard.” James shrugged, and Jen nodded.

“Well, if that's what you want to do, go for it. We'll say goodbye in the morning, and then we'll see you at the Silver Conference.”