Through the afternoon and evening, James was pushing Nidoran and Blue harder than ever. Hunter's victory hadn't been easy, but it illustrated how far behind his rival James really was. Starting with just two team members had seemed like a good idea at the time, but Hunter still had the team he'd finished the Silver Conference with, and would probably roll through the next few gyms with ease. Not every gym would have the limitations of Cerulean's, and he could employ his heaviest hitters with abandon.
Blue eagerly bit through everything James threw to her. Sticks, berries, even a rock that popped up from one of her landings, she attacked them all with vigour. Her attacking moves were limited, but she'd built up her bite force to a tremendous degree; not many opponents would want to find themselves anywhere near her jaws. Nidoran, for his part, kept trying to improve his mid-air control. Seadra in particular was extremely accurate, and if Nidoran couldn't reduce his hangtime, he would be an easy target for the sea horse. The Poison-type's Double Kicks were shattering the rocks James tossed up to him now, forcing everyone to duck as bits of shrapnel and dust scattered everywhere.
Off to the side, but key to the battle, was Elekid. Typing aside, he was the strongest of James' planned lineup for the gym. He'd proven that he was nimble enough to navigate the platforms in Blackthorn City's pool, and would put that skill to use here too. His ThunderPunch had increased in force, nearly knocking Typhlosion out cold with a left hook. James was looking forward to using Elekid's wider set of moves, rather than just relying on Brick Break as usual. He was in a position to use his Electric-type attacks much more freely than in past matches, and that could only help.
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As the group approached the Cerulean Gym the next day, Jen noted the large number of people leaving the building.
“What do you think they were there for?” she asked as they walked through the doors. “Gym matches don't usually have such a big crowd.” Her answer came courtesy of some of the people walking out, who were talking excitedly.
“Did you see that flip from Daisy?”
“See it? You couldn't miss it! It was perfect, I tell you.”
“D'you think Lily would autograph my poster?”
“If you can beat the rest of the crowd to her, maybe. Violet's better-looking, anyway.”
“Man, that's a cold take if I've ever...”
“Something to do with Misty's sisters, I guess,” James told Jen as they worked their way through the crowds. They found the reception area, and spoke to the young woman manning the desk today. “Hey, we're here for a gym battle?”
“Just a second,” the young woman said, tapping out something on the keyboard. “Okay, that's done. You're here for a match? I'm afraid you'll have to wait a little bit, since the set needs to be taken down.”
“Set?” Jen asked. “Set for what?”
“For my sisters to show off,” Misty's voice said behind her, and all three youngsters and Typhlosion jumped. The Gym Leader was wearing her yellow t-shirt and long jeans today, and she looked annoyed. “C'mon, we can wait in my office until the place clears out.”
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“My sisters,” Misty said, rolling her eyes as she sat down behind her office desk, “are more interested in their water ballet than in actually running this gym. Of course, they never really took Pokémon battles particularly seriously anyway. They couldn't hand me the Gym Leader title fast enough.”
“Then why do they stick around?” James asked. “If they don't like running a gym, what's keeping them here?”
“Well, they've been doing the whole modeling and performing thing for most of their lives.” Misty waved an indifferent hand towards a set of framed pictures on the far wall, all of which depicted her sisters in varying outfits. “This gym also happens to be the biggest indoor venue in the city...well, it's really the only one, but that's beside the point. I'm sure if they could flood Marine Stadium, they'd use that instead. Anyway, I'll admit that they have a certain...flair, and their shows sell out in minutes, but it's not really my kind of....”
“Isn't that you in one of their shows?” Jen cut in, pointing to the picture directly behind Misty's desk. In it, the Gym Leader was wearing an aqua-coloured mermaid costume, her red hair longer than it was now. Misty nodded.
“Yeah, it is. I mean, I'll be part of their show on occasion, but like I said, performing wasn't ever my thing. I was more into studying Water-type Pokémon, and I really got into competitive swimming when I was old enough. I've spent most of my life in the pool...not that I'm complaining.” She smiled as she reminisced. “My dad knew I didn't really care for performing, and he encouraged me to do my own thing. He was always my biggest cheerleader, and my toughest critic. He's still the swim coach at the university, and they've won four regional championships.” She giggled. “It's funny. My mom is more involved with the other three and their activities, but Dad's the one who started calling us the Sensational Sisters...”
“The three of us, of course. You're not quite as Sensational as we are.” All three youngsters turned around to look at where the voice came from, and Misty's smile disappeared. Daisy had entered, standing halfway in the door. “Hey, Viv wanted me to tell you that, like, the pool's back to normal and stuff, so you guys can have your battle now.” She grinned. “Me, Lily and Violet are going to the mall. Violet wants a new clutch, and Lily saw the cutest shoes on sale at...”
“Hang on!” Misty broke in. “I need you to officiate! You can't just go rushing off to...”
“Just get Viv to do it,” Daisy retorted, checking her watch. Misty sighed in annoyance.
“Viv's not a qualified referee yet,” she began, “and I need her to run the reception...” Before Misty could finish, Daisy rushed out the door, and it swung shut with a bang. “...desk.” Misty groaned, then rose slowly from her chair. “I guess Viv's refereeing. Whatever. It's not like the Indigo Conference is going to do anything to us. They've got more important things to worry about than receptionists calling battles.” She moved past the group towards the door. “Give me ten minutes, and we'll get started.”
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Jen and Hunter found seats in the stands, and James told Typhlosion to join them. The Fire-type was only too glad to obey; he didn't want to risk getting splashed anyway. As James took out his first Pokéball, the woman called Viv walked into the pool area and mounted the official's platform. Her short green hair offset her dark eyes, which flicked from James to Misty as the Gym Leader ascended to her own platform.
“Um, okay then,” Viv said, sounding unsure. “This is an official Cerulean City gym match! The challenger is James from Violet City, and he will face our Gym Leader, Misty!
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James Enfield
A: ★★
D: ★
S: ★★
Misty
A: ★★
D: ★
S: ★★
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“Each trainer may use three Pokémon. The match will end when all three Pokémon on either side are rendered unable to battle. Only the challenger is permitted to substitute.” Deb looked at Misty. “Was that all right?”
“It'll do,” Misty said, giving her receptionist an encouraging smile. She turned to James. “Well, if you're anywhere near as good as your friend Hunter, this should be a fun match. Ready to start?”
“Always,” James answered, tightening his grip on the Pokéball in his hand. Mistys smile widened, and Viv signalled with her arm.
“Begin!”
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“Misty calls Staryu!” The Star Shape Pokémon emerged and let out a shout at James, who grinned back.
“Just like against Hunter, huh? Should be an interesting test. Let's go, Blue!” As she emerged from her ball, Blue growled menacingly at Staryu, which just stood in place.
“Okay, challenger goes first. Come on!” Misty called, and James nodded.
“Blue, Poison Sting!” Blue screwed up her face and shot a volley of toxic barbs at Staryu.
“Rapid Spin!” Staryu began spinning until its body became a whirling gold-ish blur, deflecting the poisonous spikes. “Now, get after it!” It bounced into the air and rushed Blue.
“Counter it with Tackle!” Blue pushed off and met Staryu in midair. The two Pokémon collided, and Blue was knocked back and nearly fell into the pool. “Hang on!”
“Keep after it, Staryu!” Staryu raced towards Blue again, and she looked wildly around. James pointed to the pool.
“Start jumping to the other platforms!” Blue nodded and leaped to the nearest platform, and Staryu splashed into the pool. As Blue jumped to another platform, Staryu emerged from the water and landed awkwardly in front of her. “Bite before it recovers!” Blue rushed at Staryu and bit down hard on one of its arms. “Awesome! Don't let go!”
“Staryu, back in the pool!” Staryu fought to try and shake loose from Blue's jaws, but she held on tight. “C'mon, Staryu! Fight it off!” Staryu lurched forward, and managed to drop into the water, pulling Blue in with it. James' eyes widened.
“Get out of there!” Blue paddled to the surface, but looked down to see a violet glow underneath her. “Oh, no...”
“Power Gem!” The attack blasted Blue out of the pool, and she landed hard on a platform, breathing hard. Before she could recover, Staryu had jumped up and landed right in front of her. “Okay, finish it with Swift!” Blue was buffeted by a series of star-shaped projectiles, and her eyes glazed over as her legs gave way.
“Nidoran is unable to battle! Staryu wins!”
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“Blue didn't last long, did she?” Jen murmured as James recalled the Poison-type. “She fought hard, but Staryu was way too fast.”
“And she's not the jumper that the other one is,” Hunter added. “Harsh as it is to say, James might have to wait until she evolves to really use her in this kind of match.” Jen gave him an annoyed look.
“Don't say it like that. Blue's like her trainer. She's determined...not to the really dumb degree that James is, granted, but she does her best. He'll turn this around.”
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
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James pulled Blue and grimaced.
“Thanks, Blue. You fought hard.” He took out his next Pokéball and tossed it out. “Let's go, Nidoran!” Blue's counterpart emerged and stared at his trainer. “No, don't look at me!” James pointed to Staryu. “Focus! We have a match to win! Use Leer!” Nidoran pulled a nasty face at Staryu; the effect was impossible to tell. “Now, get after it with Horn Attack!” Nidoran hopped between platforms as he aimed his horn at Staryu. When he was only one platform away, he leaped high into the air.
“Staryu, Rapid Spin!” Staryu began spinning on its axis again, and crashed hard into Nidoran before he could begin his descent. Nidoran slammed down hard on a platform, growling in frustration.
“Settle, Nidoran! Try it again!” Once more, Nidoran jumped up, and this time, he drove his body down towards Staryu much more quickly, reducing his time in midair. The attack hit home, and Staryu was knocked into the pool.
“Big mistake, letting Staryu back in the water. Power Gem!” Staryu began generating another violet energy blast, and James growled in annoyance.
“Up, and prep Double Kick!” Nidoran grinned, and jumped even higher than before, his hind feet beginning to glow. Staryu's Power Gem exploded beneath the platform, and it hopped back out of the water. Nidoran chose that moment to plummet out of the air and deliver two swift kicks to Staryu's central gem. Staryu fell onto its back, and James grinned. “Okay! Now use Horn Attack!” Nidoran prepared to spring up again, but James shook his head. “No! Just hit it on the ground!” The Poison-type growled before charging headfirst at Staryu. The attack jolted it back to a standing position, and the two Pokémon squared up to one another.
“Water Gun, Staryu!” Staryu bent its top arm and shot a stream of water at Nidoran. Nidoran sidestepped the jet and aimed another Horn Attack. “Rapid Spin!” Nidoran was knocked aside as Staryu began spinning again.
“Easy! Focus Energy!” A shimmering light surrounded Nidoran, then slowly focused onto the point of his horn. “All right! Get after it with another Double Kick!”
“Counter with Gyro Ball!” Staryu spun on its other axis now, and a blue-white light encircled its body. It met Nidoran's twin kicks with a crash, and both Pokémon fell onto separate platforms. Nidoran was visibly struggling, but Staryu worked itself up, though its limbs were shaking. “End it! Water Gun!”
“Get out of there!” James shouted, but Staryu's jet of water knocked Nidoran into the pool. James, knowing the outcome, recalled the Poison-type before he was left unconscious in the water.
“Nidoran is unable to battle!” Viv shouted. “Staryu wins!”
James looked at Staryu and stared in disbelief. The Water-type had set both Nidoran down without that much of a fight. Winded as it looked—it was impossible to tell when your opponent had no face—it would take a big hit to put it out of commission. He reached for Elekid's Pokéball, but hesitated to throw it. He worked to compose himself, and thought about his father's advice. When you're behind the hitter, he had said, don't panic. Focus on throwing strike one. It was time to put that advice to use.
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“That wasn't in his plans, was it?” Jen watched with concern as James pulled Nidoran. “I really thought Nidoran's power would take Staryu down.”
“He can't really get a solid hit in when he's running for his life, can he?” Hunter replied, watching next to her. “I thought he'd do better too, but Staryu's just too fast.” He watched as James sent Elekid out to face the Star Shape Pokémon. “He's going to have to get a quick takedown, and hope Misty's next picks don't draw out the match.”
Nearby, Typhlosion watched intently through the railing. Elekid had been his teammate for a while, and he knew how strong he was. He'd fought opponents multiple times his size and strength, and if he hadn't won, he'd made them earn the victory/ Still, he'd need to put every amp he had into this fight, or James would have to do this all again.
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Elekid appeared on the field and spun his arms with a grin. James relaxed a little; Elekid's constant confidence was a welcome antidote to his nerves.
“Ready to keep going?” Misty asked, and James nodded. “Okay, Staryu, Rapid Spin!” Staryu spun like a wheel and rushed at Elekid.
“Sidestep, then ThunderPunch!” Elekid waited until the last moment, then spun away from Staryu's attack. His right fist glowed yellow, and he punched Staryu hard in the back. Staryu flopped forward, the momentum from its own attack carrying it over the edge of the platform and into the water. After a moment, it floated back up to the surface, face down. One hit had been enough to put it away.
“Staryu is unable to battle! Elekid wins!” As Viv counted Staryu out, James let out a long, slow breath.
Strike one.
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Misty recalled Staryu with a frown.
“Rest up, Staryu. You toughed it out like a pro.” She turned back to James. “I'm impressed with your Elekid's power. Staryu didn't stand a chance.” Misty took out her next Pokéball. “But can you keep up the pace? Misty calls Seadra!” The Sea Horse Pokémon glared at Elekid, who just grinned back as sparks flew from his horns.
“Let's keep the momentum up, Elekid! Thunderbolt!” Elekid generated a blast of electricity and fired it at Seadra.
“In the air and use Hydro Pump!” Seadra jumped out of the water and shot a stream of water at Elekid. The water nicked Elekid in the side, and he staggered a little. “Okay! Now Dragon Pulse!”
“Thunderbolt!” The electric blast shattered Seadra's unstable turquoise sphere, causing a small explosion. “Alright, get close and use ThunderPunch!”
“SmokeScreen!” Seadra covered the area with thick black smoke, and Elekid's blow missed the mark. “Now, Hydro Pump!” Elekid was hit in the side again, and he nearly fell into the pool.
“Hang in there, Elekid!” James called, hearing the Electric Pokémon's frustrated yell. “Gotta clear this smoke...or hope Seadra drops into the pool...”
“Twister!” Misty cried, and Elekid was buffeted by wind and debris. The tornado cleared some of the smoke, and Seadra was just visible two platforms away.
“Okay, get after it!” Elekid nodded and jumped to the first platform. Just as he prepared to leap to the next one, Seadra made the mistake James had been hoping for.
“Elekid, shock the pool!” he called as Seadra dropped into the water. “Thunderbolt!” Elekid spun his arms, then fired his next electric blast straight into the water. James thought he could hear Seadra groan as it felt the full force of the blast, and watched it struggle to the surface.
“No way that's finishing us! Seadra, Dragon Pulse!” Seadra began charging another sphere of draconic energy, but Elekid was on top of it in an instant.
“ThunderPunch!” Elekid's fist glowed yellow again, and it slugged Seadra right under its snout. The uppercut sent Seadra flying back, and it landed hard on a nearby platform. Its eyes were glazed over, and its body bore scorch marks from the electric attacks. Viv observed its condition, then made her call.
“Seadra is unable to battle! Elekid wins!”
Strike two.
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“That's quite the comeback,” Hunter said as Elekid finished off Seadra. “I mean, okay, type advantage and all that, but Elekid's really improved if he can take out two opponents that quickly.”
“He's beaten a few opponents pretty solidly,” Jen replied, watching Elekid. “James has the momentum now, so he's got to make it count.”
“Misty's Starmie will be a tough ask. That's if she uses it at all. We don't know what she'll use next.”
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“Man, Elekid's strong,” Misty said to herself as she recalled Seadra. “I've really got to break out the big guns if we're gonna take it down.” She took out her last Pokéball. “You're doing pretty well, James. But don't think we're finished yet. My last Pokémon should be tough enough to beat you and Elekid.” She tossed the ball into the water. “Misty calls Gyarados!” A truly massive sea serpent emerged from the water, large enough for its body to rest on the bottom of the deep pool. Elekid just grinned again; he'd beaten Clair's Gyarados, and even though he'd lost to Matt's Tyranitar, he'd put up a good fight.
“Okay, Elekid, let's move! Thunderbolt!” Elekid's electric blast hit Gyarados full-on, but the sea serpent barely seemed to notice.
“Gyarados, Dragon Dance!” Gyarados' body swayed back and forth, and a dark red light briefly surrounded it before fading. “Okay, now Aqua Tail on the pool!” The sea serpent's tail fin glowed blue, and it smacked it straight down into the water. Elekid flattened himself onto his platform, holding on as water splashed over him. “Okay, get after it with Tackle!” Gyarados rushed Elekid with surprising ease, and laid a solid hit on the Electric Pokémon.
“ThunderPunch!” Elekid slugged Gyarados' underbelly, but this attack didn't seem to register either. “Okay, try Brick Break!” Elekid's left arm sparked, and he karate chopped Gyarados in the side; again, Gyarados seemed unmoved. “Don't give up! Brick Break again!” Misty grinned.
“Fighting-type moves will get you nowhere against Gyarados. Bite attack!” Gyarados tried to catch Elekid's arm in its maw, but Elekid jumped away just in time. “Okay, now Aqua Tail!”
“Protect!” James breathed a sigh of relief as the shimmering barrier blocked Gyarados' attack. “Now...”
“Headbutt as Protect drops!” Misty shouted, and Gyarados' attack was timed perfectly. The Atrocious Pokémon drove its crested forehead squarely into Elekid's face, and Elekid was knocked away, landing in the water just feet away from the next platform.
“Elekid! Hang in there!” Elekid struggled to get out of the water, and Gyarados slammed another Aqua Tail into the water. The Electric Pokémon was dumped onto the platform as the water formed another wave, and he got to his feet briefly, then dropped to one knee.
“Looks like Elekid's tired out,” Misty said. “Gyarados, let's finish this quickly. Hyper Beam!” A yellow-orange orb of light formed in Gyarados' mouth, and it aimed carefully at Elekid.
“Elekid!” James cried. “You've got to hold on! I know you're tired, but we've got a badge to win!” Elekid's legs shook as he got up, but nearly dropped again. “Hey! You've got this! Don't forget all the matches you've won before! We just need one good burst to win this!”
Gyarados released the energy it had generated, and the destructive energy beam headed straight for Elekid's face.
“Elekid!”
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Moments later, an explosion splashed a lot of water out of the pool; Misty and James both braced against the deluge, and both were soaked when the wave subsided. As the smoke and water cleared, they looked at the impact site. Gyarados stood stock still in the middle of the pool, and standing on a platform in the now much shallower pool was...Elekid. Just like against Tyranitar, he had used Protect to block the attack, and was grinning in spite of his fatigue. His barrier dropped, and he fell to one knee again. James couldn't believe it.
“Elekid! Can you keep going?” Elekid let out a defiant yell, and his body began to glow. “No way...” Elekid's body grew taller, and his head and body became much more distinct from one another. A long tail grew out, and his power plug-shaped horns became a pair of antennae with yellow spheres at the ends. Black stripes ran up his arms and tail, and fangs sprouted at the corners of his mouth.
“Your Elekid's evolved.” Misty gulped. “Something tells me I'm in big trouble here.” Electabuzz grinned, and his horns began to spark.
“Let's wrap this up, Electabuzz. ThunderPunch!” Electabuzz ran and jumped up at the immobilized Gyarados, his fist taking on its yellow glow. He delivered a ferocious overhand punch directly between Gyarados' eyes, and the impact knocked Gyarados backwards. The sea serpent crashed into the pool, his head resting just in front of a stunned Misty. Viv waited for Gyarados to respond, but it never did. She raised her arm.
“Gyarados is unable to battle! Electabuzz is the winner, and the victory goes to James of Violet City!”
Strike three. Misty was out.
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James' face broke into a triumphant grin as he rounded the pool towards Misty. The redheaded Gym Leader recalled Gyarados with a sad smile.
“Well done, Gyarados. That was a tough match, but you battled hard. Get some rest.” She turned to James. “I'll tell you this, that Electabuzz is strong. And even though they didn't manage to beat Staryu, both your Nidoran were difficult to take down. Keep training them, and you'll have no trouble winning the next badges.” She handed him the blue teardrop badge. “Your Cascade Badge. You did well to earn it.” She saw Jen and Hunter descending from the stands, Typhlosion close behind them.
“Good work, James,” Jen said, smiling. “Elekid evolved just in time.”
“He was putting up a good fight until then,” James said, a little more defensively than he would have wanted. “All he needed was an energy boost.” He took out his Pokédex to scan his newly evolved Electric-type. The device whirred a little before announcing its data.
“Electabuzz, the Electric Pokémon, and the evolved form of Elekid. Electabuzz is consistently searching out lightning strikes in order to absorb the electricity. It can also cause blackouts by consuming the electricity produced by generators and power stations.”
“Well, I'm not going to go looking for lightning,” James said, a little worried, and recalled Electabuzz. “Still, having Electabuzz is going to really help. With him, Typhlosion and the two Nidoran, we can cause some havoc in the next few gyms.” Jen nodded, then turned to Misty.
“I guess it's my turn next,” she said, and Misty smiled.
“I'll expect nothing less than your best.”
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Back at the Pokémon Centre, James dropped his team off with Nurse Joy before joining Jen and Hunter in the canteen. As she sipped her water, Jen looked thoughtfully at the ceiling.
“What's up?” Hunter asked her, and she shook her head. James raised an eyebrow.
“Something wrong?” Jen shook her head again, and took another sip of water before looking at them.
“I've decided to do something different in my gym match tomorrow.” James and Hunter looked at each other.
“Different how?” Hunter asked. Jen smiled.
“It's beyond time for this one. Pichu's going to participate in her first battle.”