Mysterious Voice 1: “Guys, he’s waking up…”
Mysterious Voice 2: “Who cares? He’s subdued. There isn’t anything he can do.” Mysterious Voice 3: “He’s so dreamy. Do we have to give him to Sarkany?” Mysterious Voice 2: “Do you wanna know what he’ll do to you if you don’t?” Sythraxx: *groans* “Ugh, what in the…?” I began to wake up and rub my eyes only to not be able to move my arms. I was tied up. That woke me up. My eyes opened nice and wide as I sat up and saw 2 people and a Meowth. I looked around and saw that I was in a hot-air balloon. And I stared nice and hard. Then all 3 of them looked nervous and waved. I recognized these clowns immediately as Jessie, James, and Meowth. Sythraxx: “...what the FUCK!? We’ve talked about this a million times! If Sarkany wants to talk to me, there is this thing called an Xtransceiver…you know, that glorious device that allows you to speak to someone wirelessly over A CONTINENT AWAY.” They looked frightened and were all holding each other. I could feel my blood start to boil, so I simmered down and took a deep breath. Sarkany is the new head of Team Rocket ever since Giovanni disappeared; he took his place 3 years ago. There are those who still believe in the greatness of Team Rocket. Occasionally and all too frequently, he sends these knuckleheads to find me and kidnap me and bring me to his base for a meeting of demands and won’t let me go until I at the least allow one of them. James: “We do our jobs; you do yours.” Jessie: “I prefer you tied up, personally, or we can switch.” Meowth: “Keep it in your pants, Jessie.” Sythraxx: “Jessie, I'm flattered. However, we’ve been over this as well. You’re older now; maybe 15 years ago.” Jessie: *gasp* “Well, I’d never. I hope Sarkany just locks you up this time.” James: “Jessie, you no longer find me attractive? Flirting with men not even half your age.” Jessie: *GASP* “Over half?! I’m 27!” James: “That joke is so old, you know, like you.” I closed my eyes; I knew what was next. I heard a nice stinging *SLAP* as the balloon rocked. Meowth: “Alright, we’re here.” The balloon drifted downwards and came to a halt, then the door opened, Jessie brought out her Poké ball, and a Dustox flew out. It used Psychic and carried me inside a warehouse. We got to the end of the wall and James reached behind a poster and pressed a button, revealing a door. It was actually the entrance into the Team Rocket base. We walked into a big hall, up some steps and into a massive courtyard with a statue of Mewtwo and a few other rare Pokémon. Following another door, we arrived in yet another room, with a man sitting on a throne up high. It was Sarkany. Sythraxx: “Sarkany.” Sarkany: ”Sythraxx. James, cut the rope and let our guest feel welcome.” Sythraxx: “Capturing me and dragging me here is a weird way to establish a feeling of welcome.” Sarkany: “Semantics.” Sythraxx: “Why am I here this time?” Sarkany: “I heard you’re looking for Gym Leaders?” Sythraxx: “Yes, and?” Sarkany: “Don’t make me say it.” Sythraxx: “Yeah...we tried the whole Team Rocket running a Gym before. Been there, done that. Didn't work out so well.” Sarkany: “Leave it in the past...this is the future now.” Sythraxx: “Funny you say that because Team Rocket still stands.” Sarkany: “On the contrary, Team Rocket IS the future.” Sythraxx: “Oh brother, not this again. Tell you what, disband Team Rocket and I’ll consider it.” Sarkany: “Now, Sythraxx, we both know that’s not going to happen, and I won't release you till my demands are met.” Sythraxx: “And what’s stopping me from breaking out of here?” Sarkany: ”And what’s stopping me from breaking your neck?” Sythraxx: “Oooh, feisty.” Sarkany then raised his hand, revealing an Ultra Ball. Sythraxx: ”So that’s how you wanna do it, huh?” In response I raised my Poké Ball. Sarkany then walked down the stairs. Sarkany reacted…a ball was then thrown. A Scrafty came out and tripped over its skin onto the floor. Feeling embarrassed, it quickly scrambled up, pulling its skin up. Sarkany: “Scrafty, use Power-Up Punch!” Scrafty then charged toward Sythraxx. Suddenly an Empoleon appeared and used its wings to withstand the attack, staring at Scrafty with intense eyes. Sythraxx: “Empoleon, use Yawn” Sarkany: ”As expected of you: your unconventional sets. They never cease to amuse me.” Sythraxx: ”Then you’re going to love this one: Empoleon, Feather Dance!” Empoleon danced mystically around Scrafty. Scrafty lowered its guard and began to get drowsy. Sarkany: “Use Dragon Dance!” Scrafty began dancing around in his baggy clothes, chanting as steam began flaring out of his ears. Then he fell flat on his face and snot bubbles started appearing out of his nose. And not even seconds later its skin turned white and cracked. Then Scrafty busted out, looking just fine, raising its hands in the air as its pants fell again. . Sythraxx: “Well…that happened.” Sarkany: “Hi Jump Kick!” Scrafty hopped out the dead skin and ran towards Empoleon and jumped up with its leg outstretched for a kick. Sythraxx: ”Counter it with Scald!” A stream of boiling hot water shot out and stopped Scrafty in its tracks as it fell to the floor and slipped. Sarkany: “Dragon Dance again!” Sythraxx: “Feather Dance!” The two Pokémon began dancing around each other, realizing it was looking a bit silly... Sarkany: “Return, Scrafty. Go, Bisharp!” Sarkany returned Scrafty and brought out Bisharp. He looked unfazed by the Feather Dance. Sythraxx: “Oh, isn’t that a new toy? Well guess who went to the toy store? Return, Empoleon. Go, Samus!” The Pokéball opened up and revealed another Bisharp. Sarkany: “Hmm, interesting…” Sythraxx: “May as well have some fun with this. Some Bisharp on Bisharp action.” At the same time: “Iron Head!” The two Bisharps ran right at each other, headbutting each other, both equal in strength! Samus threw a punch as Bisharp grabbed its hand, then Samus smiled and extended its blade on the other Bisharp’s arm. Sythraxx: “Night Slash!” Bisharp backed up. Samus charged towards the other Bisharp and slashed at the metal as the other Bisharp guarded the blow. Sarkany: “X-Scissor!” The Bisharp retaliated by growing his blades and swiped at the other Bisharp, as their blades made contact. They just started slashing away at each other, blocking blows and taking a few, then Samus got a critical hit on Bisharp’s side and it showed. Looking infuriated, he struck back with an all-out X-Scissor, knocking it back a few feet, to which it responded by charging forward, jumping, and performing a roundhouse kick. The Bisharp grabbed its leg before it made contact. Samus dropped on her hands and spun its torso, shifting Bisharp's weight to its side, and it fell. Sythraxx: “Sorry for the crit. You know how these things happen.” Sarkany:”Iron Head!” Sythraxx: “Sucker Punch!” Samus rushed at the other Bisharp and punched him in his chest, at which he was unfazed, then hhe grabbed the Bisharp and picked it up over his head. The Bisharp's head glowed bright white and he thrust the Bisharp into the blade on its head…from which it lay limp, fainted Sythraxx: “Overkill, don’t you think?” Sarkany: “You’ll heal him; he’ll move on; yada yada.” Sythraxx: “Keep it up, Sarkany, there may not be a position for you. Escavalier, I choose you!” I threw out my next Pokemon: Escavalier rose up and opened its eyes. Sarkany: “Bisharp, use Iron Head!” Sythraxx: “Counter!” Bisharp ran to Escavalier head first. Escavalier brought its lances in an “X” defensive position and waited for the right moment. As Bisharp made contact with the lances, Escavalier launched his head upwards, performed a 360 spin, and jabbed its lance directly into Bisharp’s open chest, launching it backwards, flipping and rolling across the ground to Sarkany’s feet, fainted. Sarkany: ”So it’s like that?” Sythraxx: *Mimicking* “You’ll heal him; he’ll move on; yada yada.” Sarkany: “Testing me is NOT what you want to do. Let’s go, Scrafty!” Scrafty came out of its Poké ball…but this time it stood up with pride. Sarkany:”Now, Scrafty, show him what we are made of! Power-Up Punch!” Scrafty ran up to Escavalier. It pointed its lance as Scrafty punched the tip and yelped back in pain. Sarkany: “Get serious, Scrafty!” The Scrafty shook it off and tried again. It ran up to Escavalier and threw a punch, hopping out of its skin, and leaped over Escavalier and landed a punch on it in the back. Scrafty was then covered in red aura as Power-Up Punch raised its attack stat. Sythraxx: “Megahorn!” Sarkany: “Reduce the damage by using your hide!” Escavalier whipped around and extended its lance and it glowed green. Scrafty lifted its hide and it held it back a bit as Scrafty bounced backwards. Sarkany: “Use Crunch!” Sythraxx: “Retaliate with Counter!” Scrafty rushed towards Escavalier with its teeth wide open and bit on Escavalier. Escavalier, enduring the hit, sidestepped and jabbed Scrafty in the back, holding it down on the ground. Sythraxx: “Use Drill Run!” The lance started spinning, drilling Scrafty into the ground like a jackhammer. Then Scrafty stopped struggling and lay there, fainted. Sarkany: “Return! Good luck beating this one.” Surprisingly, he didn’t pull out a Poké ball, but rather thrust his finger out at me. And then a red Gyarados rose from behind the throne and circled us, stopping behind Sarkany, Intimidating Escavalier. Sarkany: ”You haven’t seen anything yet. Gyarados, Mega Evolve!” Sythraxx: “Resorting to that?” Sarkany reached over to a statue, pressed its eye, and the mouth opened, revealing a Mega Stone. Gyarados opened his mouth, revealing the Gyaradosite. Two massive fins began growing out of his back as the trident-shaped crest began extending into one massive, long spike. Its whiskers began extending to twice the length. The yellow scales on its body turned red as it roared! Sarkany: ”Let’s see how you deal with this: Dragon Dance!” Sythraxx: “Escavalier, return! I need you, Empoleon.” Empoleon burst from his Poké ball once more and took stance. Sarkany: ”Use Earthquake!” The ground erupted and cracked, rumbling the earth. Empoleon could barely stand. Sythraxx “I can’t risk not getting the burn, so use Feather Dance!” Empoleon mystically did its signature dance around Gyarados, harshly lowering Gyarados’s attack. Sarkany: “Earthquake again!” The ground ruptured even further as Empoleon fell backwards, out of stamina, and fainted. Sythraxx: “You did what you needed to do. Thanks, Empoleon. Come back out now! Escavalier! You are my last hope!” Escavalier came out of its ball and with full confidence it took a battle stance. Sythraxx: “Ok, the Feather Dance left you with plenty of oppor-” Sarkany: “Waterfall!” The Gyarados charged forward at blinding speed with a waterfall blazing behind him and tackled Escavalier, and he stood impacted and flinched. Sarkany: “You won’t get the chance to hit me! Waterfall again!” Gyarados rushed forward once again as Escavalier threw up his lances to defend himself and got knocked back further, flinching again! Sythraxx: “Oh, COME ON!!! Escavalier, I need you to focus, read his movements, and use Drill Run!” Sarkany: “Hahahaha, I WILL become a Gym Leader! Waterfall once more.” Escavalier closed his eyes and focused his mind, then opened his eyes and got in position as Gyarados sped up to Escavalier. Escavalier ducked underneath Gyarados, pulled back its lance as it started spinning rapidly as Gyarados passed over him. He jabbed his lance into its stomach and launched it into the air, spinning into the air, hitting the ceiling, and falling back down. Sarkany: “What?!” Sythraxx: “Wrap this up! MEGAHORN!” As Gyarados fell, eyes closed in pain, it opened its eyes to see a horrible sight, as Escavalier’s lance glowed bright green and arched back as it jumped and jabbed it in the face, leaving a large dent in its face as it hung off its lance. Escavalier tossed it to the side and it landed on the floor with a thud, fainted. Sarkany: “Nooooooooooo, ugh, so clearly I'm not getting the position.” Sythraxx: “On the contrary, you have proven yourself worthy enough to represent the league as its Dark Leader. Out of all your attempts, this one backed me up in a corner. I approve. Just keep Team Rocket in line.” Sarkany: “I can deal with that.” Sythraxx: “And for god’s sake, USE THE XTRANSCEIVER! If I as so much HEAR Meowth, I’ll have my new Terrakion rip him to shreds. He’s my official guard dog; you have been warned.” Sarkany: “Fine, you take the fun out of it.” Sythraxx: “This will be your new Gym. Remodel it as you see fit. Now, if you will excuse me, I have work to do.” I walked out the warehouse and turned around and looked at it, thinking: I hope I made the right choice…turned around and walked away.
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Sythraxx: “Alright, Scizor, cut off its path with Bullet Punch!”
Scizor spread its wings and flew at the Staraptor at blazing speed, stopping it from flying away and punching it in the chest, flying downwards. It caught its balance and came in close for a Close Combat, swiftly clawing away and striking with its wings to no avail, as Scizor dodged every hit. Sythraxx: “Scizor, grab it!” Scizor reached behind the Staraptor and held its wings and hovered down to me, as the Staraptor struggled to get loose. I picked up my Ultra Ball and walked up to the Staraptor and tapped his head with the Ultra Ball, as it turned red and into a stream of light into the Ultra Ball. It did its signature shake 3 times and 3 stars popped out. Sythraxx: “Good work, Scizor! Return.” I picked up the Poké ball, as it turned bright white and disintegrated, going to my PC. I pulled out my Pokédex and made a check mark next to Staraptor. Alright, 4 down 2 more to go. Sythraxx: “Pokédex, pull up a list of every Unova Pokemon.” The Pokédex showed me the list, starting with Victini. I scrolled down past Samurott, Liepard, Garbodor, Krookodile, Zoroark, and Gothitelle, then stopped at Terrakion. Sythraxx: “Hmm, I think I found the one. Pokédex, where is Terrakion located?” Pokedex: “Area Unknown. Pulling up reference locations…Clay Tunnel.” Sythraxx: “Alright then, to Clay Tunnel I go. Skarmory, our time in Sinnoh is over. To Unova we go.” I hopped on Skarmory’s back and headed for Unova… **4 hours later** Sythraxx: “Right here. Driftveil City is good enough.” I hopped off Skarmory and returned it to its Poké ball and stepped into Clay Tunnel. It was well-lit inside, with lamps lined up, hanging off the walls. And a few people were walking around. Others were just standing still, motionless like zombies, staring straight forward. Those were the “Try Hard Trainers” who spend their everyday lives just waiting to battle people ready to make eye contact. Sythraxx: “C’mon out, Durant! I caught you in this very cave, so you know it better than me. Where would you think a Terrakion would be?” Durant looked around briefly and started sniffing around a bit, then started walking away, leading me through the cave systems. A few trainers tried to battle me on the way, but I shrugged them off. I had a mission to do. 10 minutes had gone by and then Durant stood atop a boulder and started snapping its jaws together in the air, signaling it found something. I climbed atop the boulder and looked around and there it was: a Terrakion, standing proudly in its domain. I hopped down from the boulder and stood in the open area. Terrakion heard me and looked at me. Sythraxx: “Hello, Terrakion. I wish to catch you and make you mine. I have an ambition that must be realized and you will play a key role in it.” I reached behind me for a Quick Ball and threw it. The second it left my hand, the Quick Ball burst into a sonic boom and shot straight for Terrakion, when all of a sudden something swooped down and swiped the Quick Ball before it could hit Terrakion. I looked at it and saw an Aerodactyl with the Quick Ball in its talon. Mysterious Voice: “Give the man back his Quick Ball, Terrordactyl!” The Aerodactyl flew over my head and released the Quick Ball from its talon and I grabbed it. A man dropped down from another boulder on the far side. He was tall and wearing camo with cave gear. Mysterious Man: “Sorry about that. My name is Justin. It's just I’ve been hunting this Terrakion for a week now, chasing him up and down through these caves. I gotta have him.” Sythraxx: “And what justifies you to catch him over me? I tracked him down in 10 minutes.” Justin: “10 minutes!? How did you-” And at that moment, Terrakion roared loudly into the air, as stones started rising from around its body and shot out towards us. Sythraxx: “Durant, use Rock Slide!” Justin: “Terrordactyl, blow the rocks away!” As rocks fell from the ceiling and Aerodactyl blew the rocks into the Stone Edge, they collided into dust, as the Terrakion charged through the dust. Sythraxx: “Durant, use Iron Head! Keep it at bay!” Durant hopped off my shoulder and zipped towards the Terrakion, shined bright, and headbutted him in the head, pushing him back into the wall, where he lay there, fainted. I threw another Quick Ball, and once again the Aerodactyl swooped in and snatched the ball. Justin: “As I was saying…that’s my Terrakion.” Sythraxx: “I tracked him down. I defeated him. He’s mine.” Justin: “Do you know who I am? I served in the military during the Kanto War, in the front lines WITH the one and only Lt. Surge. My father created suits of armor for the protection of the people until- ” I started walking towards the Terrakion, when the Aerodactyl Roosted down in front of me. Justin: “Are you not listening to me? Fine, if words aren’t your memo…” He reached into his sleeve and gripped an orb. Realizing I wasn't paying attention, I darted my eyes up and saw a similar orb on top of his head. Then I looked down and saw the earth shake and a large stalagmite grew out of its back, another growing out of its chin, wings grew larger, with spiked stalagmites growing from its fingertips, then it opened its eyes and Screeched as Mega-Aerodactyl. Justin: “Winner gets Terrakion.” Sythraxx: “*Sigh* If we must. Durant, let’s go!” Aerodactyl rose from the ground, sending a storm of wind in every direction, and Durant got into position. Justin: “Aerial Ace!” Sythraxx: “Durant, dig into the ground! It’s too fast to dodge!” Durant burrowed beneath the earth, as Aerodactyl landed on top of the hole. Sythraxx: “Quick, Iron Head!” The ground cracked right below Aerodactyl. Justin: “Move out, Terrordactyl!” The Durant rose from the ground like a bullet, as Aerodactyl flapped his wings and flew backwards. The Durant knocked against the stalagmite protruding out his chin and fell backwards. Durant landed on the ceiling. Sythraxx: “Now, Durant, chop off some of those stalagmites on the ceiling!” Durant ran across the ceiling, breaking off stalagmites and rocks towards Aerodactyl. Justin: “Maneuver 37-A.” As the rocks began to fall onto Aerodactyl, the rocks stopped in mid-air, turned around, and aimed at the ceiling, then shot out towards Durant, knocking it down from the ceiling. Sythraxx: “Stone Edge, huh? Durant, Hone Claws.” Durant sharpened its claws and front blades. Sythraxx: “Steady now.” Justin: “Defog!” Aerodactyl cleared the air and debris. Sythraxx: “Seems we both aren’t trying to miss.” Justin: “I like your style. STONE EDGE!” Sythraxx: “Iron Head!” Aerodactyl created pointed rocks from the ceiling and shot them out. Durant glowed bright and jumped up and burst through the rock, right into Aerodactyl's stomach. Aerodactyl’s eyes opened up wide, as it shot away from Durant and fell from the sky into the ground, fainted. Justin: “You did good, Terrordactyl.” Sythraxx: “I specialize in Steel types, so choose wisely.” Justin: “I’m aware of who you are, Sythraxx.” Sythraxx: “Ah, so my reputation precedes me. I’ll be sure not to disappoint.” Justin put on goggles. Sythraxx: “Are those goggles?” Justin: “Yeah, I’d get a pair if I were you. C’mon out, Sand Storm!” He threw his Poké ball and it opened to reveal a Tyranitar, and instantly a gust of sand billowed everywhere, surrounding us. I brought out my forearm and covered my eyes, as the sand rushed all around me. Sythraxx: “So it’s like that, huh? Durant, return! Go, Bossgodora!” I threw out my Ultra Ball and Aggron rose out, punching his fist in his palm. He did his signature Roar proudly. Justin: “Ahh, the 2 Rock titans. This will be fun.” Sythraxx: “Aggron, use Iron Tail!” Aggron slammed his tail against the ground and it extended out and glimmered. Aggron got on all fours and ran to Tyranitar, whipping its tail out to Tyranitar, which grabbed the tail with both hands. Sythraxx: “What?!” Justin: “Use Maneuver 37 A-B!” Tyranitar dug its claws into the steel plating of the tail and threw Aggron into the air, arched its head back, took in a deep breath, and exhaled an enormous blast of flames, shaped like the body of a man, into Aggron. It fell hard into the ground, forming its imprint into the ground. Sythraxx: “Shake that off, Aggron. Charge him!” The two titans ran at each other and collided, grabbing the others hand, testing each others strength. Sythraxx: “Power-Up Punch and return the favor!” Aggron pushed Tyranitar's hands up, reached his arm back, as his hand glowed red, and jabbed him in the stomach, ran to him, grabbed his waist, and threw him to the side. Justin: “Sand Storm, get up and hit him up with an Earthquake!” Sythraxx: “Eat it up. Metal Burst!” Aggron got on all fours and braced itself. The ground tore open and cracks filled the earth, as stalagmites fell down, and Aggron vibrated, stood up, and blasted white light everywhere, blinding everyone. I covered my eyes and waited to get my vision back. The sand and the light finally dispersed. I looked up and saw Tyranitar and Aggron both standing, and they both fell to their stomachs, fainted. At the same time: “Return!” Sythraxx: “Durant, you’re needed again.” Justin: “The odds may be against us, Gamera, but show him our strength.” He threw out his Poké ball and a rush of water erupted from the Poké ball, with a Carracosta jumping out with a fierce look on its face. Sythraxx: “Clean up, Durant. Iron Head!” I threw out my Poké ball and Durant hopped out and immediately dashed out to Carracosta. Justin: “Maneuver Delta 40!” Durant rushed in with an Iron Head, jumped up, and went past its neck into the wall. Then Carracosta’s shell began to crack and pieces fell off, while it got buffer in the arms and legs. Sythraxx: “Damn it, Hustle!” Justin: “Alpha 25!” Carracosta encased itself in water and jetted towards the wall where Durant’s head was still imbedded into and punched it in further and Durant lay, fainted. Sythraxx: “Dang, didn’t think I’d need to use him…let’s go, Scizor!” Justin: “Aren’t you lucky I didn’t bring my Infernox?” Sythraxx: “Your what?” Justin: “My Magcargo.” Sythraxx: “Well, if today isn’t my lucky day, I don't know what is.” Justin: “Carracosta, use Earthquake!” Sythraxx: “Hover above the ground!” Justin:”Aqua Jet, then!” Sythraxx: “Swords Dance!” Carracosta encased himself in water and jetted out towards Scizor, knocking him into the ground. Justin: “Earthquake!” Sythraxx: “Bullet Punch!” Scizor’s hands glowed bright and thrust forward in just enough time to jab its stomach, as more pieces of its shell broke off. It wasn’t enough to stop it. The cave split open further, as the whole cave began rumbling! Sythraxx: “Uh oh…gotta get outta here. Quick, too many Earthquakes: this cave is falling apart! Sorry, dude, some other time. Nice team, by the way.” I tossed Justin a Max Revive. Sythraxx: “You might wanna get outta here. Use that on Aerodactyl.” I brought out Skarmory, hopped on its back, and Justin used the Max Revive on Aerodactyl, as a boulder fell from the ceiling, about to hit Justin. Sythraxx: “Scizor, use Bullet Punch! C’mon, I know a shortcut outta here.” Fast as a bullet, Scizor rushed to Justin's aid and shattered the rock above his head. Justin: “Thanks, let's get out of here.” He got on Aerodactyl's back, I returned Scizor, and we flew out the cave system as it was breaking apart and crumbling into nothing but ruins. Then we found the exit and flew out together. Sythraxx: “Wooo, that was a close one.” Justin: “No kidding. Shame we never got that Terrakion” Sythraxx: “…uhmmm, yeah, about that.” I reached behind me and pulled out a Dusk Ball. Justin: “What?! When did you-” Sythraxx: “In the midst of the Metal Burst-Sandstorm situation, I pretended to be blinded and caught the Terrakion when you weren’t looking. But hey, you may have not gotten the Terrakion, but I have something else for you.” Justin: “And what would that be?” Sythraxx: “You seem to know your way around a good Rock team…wanna showcase your skill for it as a Gym Leader over in the Vinnesia region?” Justin: “Hmm, I’m currently on a mission from my father…but this will make me stronger to help realize his dream. I’ll take you up on your offer. I salute to you, Sythraxx.” Sythraxx: “No need for all of that. I believe I owe you a rematch, and I’ll happily return the favor in your new Gym.” Justin: “Thanks, you’ll expect nothing less than greatness. I won’t disappoint you.” Sythraxx: ”Good, I’ll see you in 5 days at this very spot and we’ll head out.” Justin: “Thanks again.” And we both flew off in different directions, as I clutched the Terrakion’s Dusk Ball in my hand, laughing maniacally off into the sunset… Sitting on my chrome throne, a Bisharp walked over to me with a plate of beef nachos. I told it, “Thank you,” and started eating and thinking to myself. Ok, so we have 1 Gym Leader for Psychic. Good, now what? Where am I going to find another Gym Leader? I could hold auditions, but there is no fun in that. I enjoyed that rush of fighting the Bossman all too much. Hmm, I could talk to Maylene over in Veilstone City; she’s bound to know someone. I walked off my throne and broke into a run and jumped out the 50 story window.
Sythraxx: “Skarmory! Let’s go to Sinnoh.” Skarmory swooped down beneath me, catching me as we flew off, away from Vinnesia. **Later** Skarmory dropped me off at the gym and I walked through the door and looked around. A bunch of guys were punching away at punching bags and spotting each other doing exercises, while a few were over boxing in the ring. Sythraxx: “Yoo, Zekk, how goes it?” Zekk: “Yo, Sythraxx, long time no see.” Zekk was an old friend of mine. I don’t see him much anymore, but when I do he’s usually here in the gym, always training. I looked around a bit more and then I saw her in a separate ring, flinging someone over to the other side of the ring. He tapped out and ran away. Sythraxx: “Yo, Maylene! Can I talk to you for a minute?” She turned around, squinted her eyes, and stared at me, as her face glowed and a big smile showed on her face. She hopped down the ring and ran up to me, jumped on me, and wrestled me to the ground, pressing my wrists against the padded floor. Sythraxx: “What was that for?” Maylene: “That was for kicking my ass last week with your Steel team.” I reached my right leg under her right leg and shifted her weight to the right, as I got on top of her and said: Sythraxx: “You mean like this?” Maylene struggled to get my grip off of her, to no avail. I just laughed, then let her go. Sythraxx: “So…sadly I’m not here for pleasure; this time it’s business, and I was wondering: did you maybe know any good, highly-trained, Fighting type experts? I’m searching for Gym Leaders for my league and I figured you may know someone.” *Boom* The door was blasted wide open, as a man walked through the doors and said: Strange Man: “Wassup, bitches!” Maylene: “There’s your man. He’s my top best; however, he lacks discipline. Shows up whenever and does whatever whenever he wants. However, he can back up his words. I’ve seen him fight. He’s good and goes toe to toe with me. Cr3eps! Come here for a second; I have someone I want you to meet. This is Sythraxx, Steel type Elite 4.” Cr3eps: “How goes it, man?” Sythraxx: “Just fine. I hear you’re an excellent battler.” Cr3eps: “Welllllll, I don’t mean to brag, but I have won 74 tournaments here in a row, so I’d say I'm pretty good.” Sythraxx: “Care to demonstrate? I might have a proposal for you that you can’t refuse.” Cr3eps: “Ehh, not in the best mood right now. I just got back from the Senpai's altar with my bud Mooroo. We tried to get Fidu Senpai to notice us; we failed once again. Maylene: “Don’t worry, Cr3eps, he’ll notice you one day. It took me 5 years to get him to notice me.” Cr3eps: “I guess I’ll take you up on that battle tomorrow morning, in the back training grounds. Sound good?” Sythraxx: “Yeah. 2v2?” Cr3eps: “Cool.” Cr3eps walked towards the door, kicked it outwards, and said: Cr3eps: “Later, bitches!” Sythraxx: “Does he do that all the time?” Maylene: “Sythraxx, that’s our 40th door!” I laughed and we got to talking again. A couple hours later, I headed over to the Pokémon Center and selected 2 Pokémon to bring for the match the next day, then headed out. It was dark now, around 10:00 PM. I looked up, as a jet blazed through the air and a dot fell from the jet, getting larger and larger, as a figure appeared. It landed a meter away from me and it stood up. Sythraxx: “So, I see you’ve made a name for yourself finally.” Mysterious Man: “Yeah, I prefer being a vigilante hero nowadays. The Emblem is my calling. No offense, just the league wasn’t cut out for me. You understand, right?” Sythraxx: “Yeah, it was nice having you around. I didn’t have to wait for you to hop off a Latios at random hours of the night just to talk to you.” The Emblem: “You know how it is. If I have an alter ego, it makes it easier for villains to know my family and friends, and they can use them as hostages, and I couldn’t have that happen.” Sythraxx: “Yeah, yeah.” The Emblem: “So, what brings you to Veilstone?” Sythraxx: “Gym leader hunting. Gortex and Choco are off on Sky Pillar, 'Watching the sunset.'” We shared a laugh together. The Emblem: “You don’t get tired of being the 3rd wheel?” Sythraxx: “I don’t mind it. They do them; I do me.” The Emblem: “Ahh, so who’s the guy?” Sythraxx: “His name is Cr3eps. He’s one of Maylene’s finest. He seems ok. He’s into the whole Fidu Senpai thing.” The Emblem: “Broooo, I’m a vigilante and he STILL hasn’t noticed me. If I could go out in the daylight to the seminar he’d notice me for sure.” Sythraxx: “Yeah, yeah, that’s what they all say haha. Don’t you have a city to save?” The Emblem: “Oh, crap, Goldenrod City! That cat is STILL stuck in that tree. Gotta go, man.” Sythraxx: ”Thought so.” He whistled and walked forward. The Latios swooped down and he jumped, landed on its back an,d headed out in the moonlight. And I headed over to a nearby 5 star hotel, checked into my reserved suite, and fell asleep… **The next day** I headed out to the back of the gym and Maylene was sitting on a bench on the side of the battlefield. Maylene: “I’d be surprised if he showed up on time. We have some time to ourselves…alone we could...you know...-” Cr3eps: “I have arrived!” Maylene: “Ugh! Please take him away from me.” Cr3eps: “Someone needs to retract the pole out her butt. Let’s get this show on the road!” I walked to my corner of the field as he walked to his, and we readied our Poké balls. Cr3eps: “Let’s go, Barry Allen!” The Pokémon bursted open, as an Infernape did somersaults in the air and landed his feet with perfect balance! Sythraxx: “Alright then. Let’s go, Lucario!” I thrust my ball up, high into the air, and a Lucario dropped down and looked up at the Infernape. They stared each other down, analyzing the other, waiting on the Trainer's commands. Cr3eps: “Slow him down with Rock Tomb!” The Infernape rapidly dug into the ground, throwing large rocks all around Lucario. Sythraxx: “Lucario, get out of there. Get in close with Bone Rush!” Lucario leaped out from the rocks caving him in, pressed his palms together, as a steel rod in the shape of a bone emerged like a staff. He dodged the incoming rocks Infernape was still throwing, spun sideways, and jabbed the end of the bone into Infernape’s stomach. As it lurched back, he pulled the rod out his stomach, spun it around, and whacked him in the side of the face, as Infernape fell to the ground. Sythraxx: “That was 2 hits; don’t let me get 5.” Cr3eps: “You talk tough for a guy at a type disadvantage.” Sythraxx: “I appear to be doing just fine.” Cr3eps: “Not for long. Let’s see how you handle this: Infernape, use OVERHEAT!” The Infernape rose up and its fiery hair blazed skywards like a wildfire. It ran at Lucario and shot out a massive blazing fire! Sythraxx: ”Dispell the flames: use Bone Rush!” Lucario spun its bone with the force of a helicopter, as the fire split and went to the opposite ends of Lucario. The Infernape looked tired, then it pulled out a white feather and ate it! Cr3eps: “That was the first Overheat; don’t get hit by the next!” At the same time: “Close Combat!” The Lucario and Infernape ran at each other, towards the center of the battlefield. Lucario threw a punch to Infernape’s face. It dodged swiftly to the right, grabbed its arm, and hurled him over. The Lucario regained his footing and used the ground to propel himself forward, as he kneed the Infernape in the chin, followed by a punch to the stomach. The Infernape fell down, landed on its feet, jumped up just in time to catch Lucario’s tail with both hands, flipped three times, then threw him onto the ground, forming a crater in the ground. Cr3eps: “Infernape, Gunk Shot! In the ground.” The Infernape looked as if it were to vomit, then it released purple sludge onto the ground. It rolled into the crater, as Lucario lay in a pool of the gunk. Cr3eps: “Fun fact: Gunk Shot is pretty flammable. Infernape, use OVERHEAT!” Sythraxx: “Lucario, get out of there: use EXTREME SPEED!” Infernape fired a blast of flames into the gunk pool, as it boiled and incinerated, creating a fiery vortex pillar of flame. Sythraxx: “Lucario, use Iron Tail!” The Infernape turned around and Lucario was right behind him. His tail stuck straight out and shined bright silver. Lucario jumped and spun around, ready to whip its tail into Infernape’s side. The Infernape grabbed the tail before it could strike. Sythraxx: “Lucario, Extreme Speed!” Before the Infernape could even look up, it was all too late. Lucario, at blindingly fast speed, punched the Infernape square in the face. The speed of the blow was too much for Infernape to handle. It bounced back and got up from the ground, panting. Lucario begin to pant as well. At the same time: “Close Combat! Give it your all!!” Once again, the two ran toward each other. Again Infernape threw a punch to Lucario’s face. It dodged, as he went for the gut punch. The Infernape dodged to the right, grabbed Lucario’s head, and dropped it down as his knee came up and bashed its face into its knee. Lucario regained his balance, jumped up, did a somersault, and kicked down on Infernape’s head. Lucario went for a punch, but Infernape retaliated with his own, both punching each other in the face, missing the other fist by an inch, both flying backwards from the force of the blows. Sythraxx: “Lucario, wrap this up with Bone Rush!” Infernape “Slow him down with Rock Tomb!” It happened so fast. The Infernape created rock barriers to block the path. Lucario stumbled over a few, losing momentum. It got in close, created the bone, and swiped sideways. The Infernape bent backwards, swiftly dodging the bone. The Lucario saw his opportunity and swept his foot out. As Infernape lost its balance, it fell to the ground. Lucario spun the bone around and thrust the bone into Infernape’s stomach. Lurched back in pain, Infernape pulled through and grabbed the bone and threw Lucario off of him, taking the bone. Lucario rolled off the ground and created another bone. At the same time: “Go!” It was a sight to see. The Infernape ran to Lucario, striking straight down. The Lucario held his bone horizontally and blocked the blow. Infernape kicked Lucario in his chest. Lucario backed up, turned around in a 360, whipped around fast, struck the Infernape in the side. Then they both got up and struck at each other, back to back, blocking blows, one after another, landing hits until they both stood panting hard, bruised and scratched up. Then they both fell to the ground, as the bones faded away. At the same time: “Return!” Cr3eps: “I never thought I’d be on par with a Lucario. You have yourself a nicely trained Lucario.” Sythraxx: “At this rate, you have yourself a great future.” Cr3eps: “In that case, you’re gonna love this next one. Let’s show him why we’re undefeated, Medicham!” He threw out his Medicham and out it came, balancing itself on one leg. Then he reached behind him and grabbed another Poké ball…or at least that’s what I thought. Cr3eps: “Medicham, we haven’t had to use this for a while. Let’s show him what we’re TRULY capable of.” He threw the ball to Medicham and it reached out without even looking. It caught it and gripped it tight in its hand. Then Cr3eps grabbed another, smaller ball out his pocket and gripped it tightly and raised it into the air. The ground beneath the Medicham began to shake and rumble. The Medicham glowed bright and electricity sparked out from the glowing Medicham. Then a high pitched noise wailed throughout the air, and the light from the Medicham exploded off his body to reveal Mega Medicham. Four ghostly arms loomed out behind the Medicham and they all pointed at me. Sythraxx: “Hahahaha, you just made this FAR more interesting. They want to show us what they’re capable of? Fine, let’s not disappoint. Mawile, time to take over!” I threw my Mawile out into the stage and it rose from being cradled up and stretched, looked over at Medicham, and its eyes widened, intimidated. It took a step back and readied itself. I pulled out my gauntlet and strapped up, touched my orb, and Mawile touched his. The ground rumbled and shook, as cracks formed beneath Mawile’s feet, as that same familiar pillar of light rose into the sky, creating black cracks. It burst open to reveal Mega Mawile. Cr3eps: “And here I was thinking Maylene matched me with a scrub. Psycho Cut!” Medicham clamped all 6 hands together, focused its energy, and thrust its hands out, and a pink scythe-like blade came from its hands, scraping up the ground, as it made its way to Mawile. It reached out its two heads, bit the blade, and crushed it in-between its jaws. Sythraxx: “Mawile, use Power-Up Punch!” Mawile ran towards the Medicham, slid under its legs, and punched it in the back of its leg, and Mawile’s body glowed red. Medicham stumbled forward a bit. Cr3eps: “Use Mega Kick!” Medicham raised its leg up high and slammed down hard on one of Mawile’s jaws, making a crater in the ground, breaking the teeth in the jaws as Mawile yelped in pain. Sythraxx: “Quick, grab its leg! And use Fire Fang!” Mawile turned around, grabbed Medicham's leg, and used its other jaw and bit him in the leg, as his leg burst into flames. Cr3eps: “Get it off! Bullet Punch!” Medicham looked infuriated. Its hands glowed bright white and it kicked high into the air, as the Mawile thrust into the air. Medicham squatted, jumped up, spun around, and all 6 fists released a barrage of Bullet Punches to the chest, head, and hands. The steel casing of Mawile’s body began to crack, as it jetted out into the ground, as a cloud of dust formed. Cr3eps: “That Fairy typing can’t help you forever!” Sythraxx: “And the Psychic won’t save you from this! Mawile, use Play Rough!” Mawile ran out of the dust, blood dripping from its broken jaw, hopped into the air, and got into stance, as it reached out to strike the Medicham. The Medicham dodged to the right, only to trip from its still aching leg, and fell to the ground, but it was enough for Mawile to miss, as it landed next to Medicham. Sythraxx: “Take the opportunity and use Power-Up Punch.” Mawile reached out and punched the Medicham in the face, as it jetted backwards, sliding across the ground. Mawile’s body glowed red again. Cr3eps: “Medicham, Psycho Cut!” Sythraxx: “Sucker Punch!” Cr3eps: “Switch it up: Bullet Punch!” The Medicham got up on its feet, as its hands glowed, and ran at Mawile. Mawile broke into a run, performed a cartwheel, did three backwards flips, and pushed itself off the ground with its hands, as its feet were both aimed at Medicham. Medicham struck Mawile’slLegs and a shock wave emitted from the center of the battlefield from the pure strength between the two Pokémon. Mawile kicked off from the Medicham’s hands, did a backward flip, and landed gracefully on the ground. Sythraxx: “Play Rough! Full power!” Cr3eps: “Hi Jump Kick! Make it count!” Mawile broke into a run, then Medicham lifted its leg up high and slammed it into the ground. The shock wave thrust Mawile into the air. The Medicham saw its opportunity and crouched and jumped skyward, aiming downwards, foot outstretched, heading straight for Mawile. Sythraxx: “It’s going to take more than that to stop Mawile!” Medicham got closer and closer and hit Mawile’s arm. Mawile reacted and grabbed Medicham’s leg. Mawile spun around and threw Medicham against the ground, then went for the kill, as he jumped on top and used Play Rough, as the cloud of smoke befell them both. Then Mawile walked out the cloud, grabbed its other arm. It looked broken and it was bleeding a lot. Sythraxx: “Good job Mawile-” Cr3eps: “Bullet Punch!” Out of the cloud of dust, the 4 ghost hands shot out of the dust at blazing speeds and hit Mawile in the back, thrusting it forward. The clouds dispersed and Medicham was on its knees, bruised and scratched up beyond measure, with 1 arm holding it up, as the other was outstretched, commanding the ghost hands. Then the Medicham passed out, fainted. And Mawile tried to get up, pushing itself off the ground with its one good arm, and finally stood up. Maylene: “The winner is: Sythraxx!” Cr3eps: “You may have won the match but I got the last hit in, hahaha. Good game, man.” Sythraxx: “Indeed, good sir, no one has ever done that much damage to my Mawile. It was a sight truly to behold.” Cr3eps: “So, what was this offer I couldn’t refuse?” Sythraxx: “Oh, that’s right! I have a proposition for you…how would you like to become a Gym Leader of the Fighting type for the Vinnesia Region?” Cr3eps: “Woah, what?! A Fighting type Gym Leader! Maylene, is this true!?” Maylene: “Yes, he came to me yesterday, recruiting for Gym Leaders. I recommended you because I knew you had the skill, and he truly put you to the test.” Cr3eps: “Then I accept your offer, Sythraxx. I will be the best Fighting Gym Leader you have ever seen.” Sythraxx: “I look forward to it. I’ll have a jet pick you up on Friday to bring you to the region. I’ll show you your gym and fill you in on the details.” Cr3eps: “Cool, thanks again. Later.” Maylene: “Good luck with that one. He’s a handful.” Sythraxx: “Nothing I can’t handle. I’m off.” Maylene: “Byeee. Come back and visit sometime.” And I walked away thinking: so, who’s next… **Ring Ring**
Sythraxx: "Yooo, Gortex, wassup?" Gortex: "Choco and I are in Kanto right now. Think you could get here real quick? I think you might wanna see this." Sythraxx: "Sure, I'll Fly over there right now." *Click* Sythraxx: "Let's go, Skarmory, we have work to do." Going across the ocean, a force was weighing in on me and it gradually got stronger the closer I got to Kanto. I had a bad feeling about this. **Ring Ring** Sythraxx: "Gortex, it's Sythraxx. Where are you now?" Gortex: "I'm down at Cinnabar Island...you feel that energy in the air right?" Sythraxx: "Yeah, definitely. I'm dropping in right now." *Click* Sythraxx: "Return, Skarmory." Sythraxx: "Alright, what's the situation here?" Choco: "Well hello to you too, nerd." Choco is the Fire type Elite 4 member. She's the only female higher authority around these parts and she's well known for it. Her hair blew to the right against the wind. She was sitting on her signature Torkoal, which greeted me with a puff of white smoke and smiled. Sythraxx: "Excuse me, where are my manners? Hello, Cupcake." I bowed and smiled. Choco: "Oh whatever." She looked away and folded her arms. For as long as I can remember I've always referred to her as Cupcake, based off Slurpuff. See, me and Gortex...well those are our code names for the league. Our names are Jake and Blake and she was always with us and her name is Maggie, which didn't fit the trio at the time, so it just so happened that a group of Swirlix and Slurpuff were hopping along the plains and I thought to myself, Cupcake. There, now we all rhyme. Jake and I laughed; however, Maggie hated that nickname. She eventually grew on to it, just still doesn't like us calling her that. Sythraxx: "Where's your boyfriend?" Choco: "He's down further, checking out the scene below. Gortex! Sythraxx is here." Sythraxx: "Yooooo." Gortex: "Yooooo." That was our signature way of greeting each other. I've known Gortex ever since we were younger and started the Vinnesia League, He was one of my best friends and had some amazing Electric type Pokémon. As you might've assumed, he's the Electric Elite 4. It was fate how the 3 of us ended up in the league. He was much taller than me, blond hair, wore glasses, and was always fun to be around, but today he had a different look on his face. Gortex: "There is talk going around the island of an oasis that's in the jungle near the volcano. All the Pokémon have left the area because something...or someone lurks in there. Let's go check it out." As we traveled down the mountain, I started to feel a slight headache, and I noticed Choco grabbing the side of her head with a slight pain in her face. We pressed on for a few minutes, quiet, listening for anything, then the oasis appeared and sitting on a rock in the middle of the oasis turned around to be...a Slowbro. Gortex: "Is...is that a Slowbro? That's what's causing all of this?!" Mysterious Voice: "Hmm, seems as if we have brave souls to make it out this far." The voice came from behind us and we whipped around quickly, Poké balls ready at the hand, only to see no one. Looking confused, I turned back around and there he was: a man standing on the opposite end of the oasis accompanied by a Gardevoir and Gallade. He was wearing shades and a white t-shirt and black pants. He looked us up and down, then said: Mysterious Man: "Oh, look here, guys and gals, we have ourselves 3 Elite 4 members. Now what brings you over to my oasis?" Sythraxx: "We've been hearing word around the island that people are getting headaches. There is an eerie energy going around, making people feel uneasy, and we have reason to believe you're the reason behind it." Mysterious Man: "...I have no clue what you're talking about?" Choco: "Cut the crap. We know it's you. Who else would it be?" Mysterious Man: "Ahahahahahahah, you have me all wrong, you see...this is my natural energy." I took a step back and thought to myself, This wasn't a prank or him terrorizing people. This was his pure energy, his strength powerful enough that you could feel it in the air. He was strong and he knew it. He purposefully released his energy into the air to attract strong Trainers—that must be it. Mysterious Man: "My name is Boss, but just call me Bossman." Sythraxx: "So tell me...Bossman, I notice you have a Slowbro, Gallade, and Gardevoir. I can assume you use Psychic types, or did I catch you on a good day?" Bossman: "Ding Ding, you earn yourself a prize." Sythraxx: "How about a battle instead?" Bossman: "A battle with the Bossman?...Sure, why not? Show me what you got." Sythraxx: "I got this, guys, just back me up in case this guy is a little too dangerous." He stood on his end of the oasis; I stood on the opposite side. I reached out for my Poké ball, while he returned the Slowbro back to his Poké ball. Sythraxx: "Not leading with your Slowbro?" Bossman: "Nahh, the Bro can wait his turn." At the same time: "Go!" Our Poké balls bounced off each other into the oasis. The water bubbled and out rose a Meloetta from his side and Aegislash from mine. Bossman: "Predictable, leading with a type advantage. Too bad this one is no use to you." Sythraxx "I wouldn't go that far now." Bossman: "Meloetta, you know what to do." Meloetta's eyes glowed and the oasis around us turned dark. An orb came out of its chest and Aegislash's, and they switched and embedded the others orb into themselves. I pulled out my Pokédex and scanned Aegislash. It was now holding a Choice Scarf. Bossman: "Quite the 'Trick,' huh?" Sythraxx: "I'll manage. Aegislash, use Flash Cannon!" Aegislash spun around, popping the shield into the air, grabbing it with one hand, and its single eye glowed bright white and small lines formed a tiny ball in front of its eye that got bigger and bigger until it released a beam of light. Bossman: "Dodge that, Meloetta!" The Meloetta spun around like a dancer as the beam landed behind her into the water. The force from the explosion jetted her out towards Aegislash. Sythraxx: "Perfect. Now, again, Aegislash, Flash Cannon!" It happened too fast with Aegislash's Choice Scarf; it flew up to where Meloetta was heading and fired another beam of light that hit her square in her stomach, launching her back into the water. Then she burst back out of the water and looked angry. Bossman: "I'll give you props for that; however, we can easily shake that off. Meloetta, use Shadow Ball!" The Meloetta reached out its hands and its eyes turned dark purple, as black electricity formed into a ball and jetted out towards the Aegislash. Sythraxx: "Use Flash Cannon against the the Shadow Ball!" They clashed together until the stream of light burst through the Shadow Ball. Bossman: "Again, Meloetta, keep it up." Meloetta fired off 3 Shadow Balls at the same time. Sythraxx: "Do it again!" It fired off another stream of energy and broke two of the Shadow Balls, while the 3rd one grazed its blade. It was enough to show this wasn't the right place for Aegislash right now. Sythraxx: "Return. Go, Jirachi!" The Ultra Ball flew out above the oasis and down like an angel she fell: Jirachi, the Wish Maker! It opened its eyes and took a battle stance. Sythraxx: "Use Cosmic Power!" Jirachi closed its eyes and opened its arms, as a ring rolled around its body. Bossman: "Oh no you don't. Meloetta, use Shadow Ball." The Shadow Ball fired and bounced right off Jirachi. It barely felt it. Sythraxx: "Jirachi, use Charge Beam!" Bossman: "Meloetta, use Thunderbolt!" The 2 electric charges met up in the center of the oasis, electricity snapping and popping, making the water vibrate and jump up. The force exploded and emitted a shock wave. It blew past me and hit Gortex and Choco, whose hair stuck straight up, clearly affected by the static. Choco: "Ahhhhhhhh, my hair!" Gortex: "Jeez, man. Watch it, will ya?" Sythraxx: "Calm down; it'll settle." Jirachi's eyes glowed. Sythraxx: "Yes, got the stat raise. Jirachi, fire off another Charge Beam!" This time, a more intense beam of electricity fired out. Bossman: "Meloetta, show them the difference in our power! Hyper Voice!" Meloetta lurched its head back, clenched its fist and yelled, as a massive shock wave erupted from her mouth and dispersed the Charge Beam off into a nearby tree, as if it were nothing. Sythraxx: "No time to waste. Another Cosmic Power!" Bossman: "Shadow Ball!" The blast hit Jirachi straight forward and it looked hurt. Bossman: "There is the Special Defense drop; that's gonna cost you." Sythraxx: "Jirachi, use Iron Head!" Jirachi glowed, shining a bright light, and rushed at Meloetta. Bossman: "Push it back with HYPER VOICE!" Again Meloetta clenched its fist and another enormous shock wave erupted, pushing up against Jirachi. The clash pushed the water from the center of the oasis, as Jirachi pushed forward and broke through the Hyper Voice, headbutting the Meloetta. Sythraxx: "Now's your chance. Grab her!" Jirachi grabbed Meloetta's arms, as Meloetta snapped out of it. It was too late. Sythraxx: "Jirachi, Charge Beam FULL FORCE!" Jirachi's eye in the center of its stomach opened and glowed bright yellow, then shot out a massive Charge Beam, firing the Meloetta into the oasis, getting electrified in the water. The Meloetta just lay there, floating in the water, fainted. Bossman: "So this dog doesn't just bark; it bites too. I like it. Return, Meloetta. Go, Gallade!" The Gallade right beside him hopped up and stood in the water. Its blades jetted out from its elbows as it got in its fighter's stance. Bossman: "Use Fire Punch! Use that technique I taught you." The Gallade raised its fist and concentrated as fire began to erupt from its hand. Then it reached out its other hand and slammed it against the other, as the other hand was encased in flames as well. It jumped high, opened its hands, and clapped, as a heat wave roared out from its hands. Jirachi braced itself for the wave, as the Gallade stepped closer and punched through the wave of fire into Jirachi. Jirachi flew back into a nearby tree, fainted. Sythraxx: "A critical hit with the intensity of those flames—I don't even think it mattered. Go, Aegislash!" I sent out Aegislash, back in its shield form. Sythraxx: "Shadow Sneak!" The Aegislash's shadow got darker and rushed over to the Gallade and arose from behind it, ready to strike. Bossman: "Oh no you don't. Go, Gallade, get in close!" Right before the blow was made, the Gallade ran forward. As one Shadow Sneak rose up, Gallade hopped over it. Another came from the side. It did a quick hop, spun around, blades outstretched, and sliced through it, not missing a beat, getting closer. Sythraxx: "Shadow Sneak, Shadow Sneak, again—again!" A shadow rose up from the oasis in front of Gallade and he punched through it and uppercut, as his blade sliced it in half, and he continued running towards Aegislash. Then, a massive shadow rose in front of Aegislash, like a wave of darkness, ready to crash onto Gallade. Bossman: "Use Rock Slide to dampen that wave." Gallade focused its energy, raised its arms into the air, and slammed them down into the water. Rocks fell from the sky onto the Shadow Sneak wave. The Gallade jumped up and hopped off one of the rocks to propel him forward at Aegislash. Bossman: "FIRE PUNCH!" The Gallade's fist arched back, turned bright red, and burst into flames as it charged Aegislash and punched him straight in the blade, as a shock wave of fire stood between them. The Aegislash stood completely still and didn't move. The fire diminished as well, then Aegislash erupted into flames and fell into the water, fainted. Sythraxx: "Return, Aegislash. Go, Metagross!" The Metagross dropped down into the oasis and took a step towards Gallade, which stepped back. Bossman: "Fire Punch again!" Gallade ran towards Metagross, hopped over its head, turned around, and punched it in the back! Metagross lurched forward and caught itself, then it glowed bright and an orb came out of its head and split into 2, and a voice was heard. Voice: "Weakness Policy initiated. The conditions have been met. Enjoy: you are admitted a Swords Dance and Nasty Plot." The 1 orb turned red and the other turned blue and they both went into Metagross. Sythraxx: "Perfect, now use Agility!" Metagross levitated and zipped around at blinding speed, then stopped on a dime and looked at Gallade. Bossman: "Uh oh." Sythraxx: "Use Zen Headbutt!" Its head glowed bright pink and a strong force emitted from Metagross, showing off its power, and before Gallade could react, Metagross zipped towards him and rushed him, knocking him flat out, fainted. Bossman: "Well, this has been fun, kid. Too bad it's over. Let's wrap this up. C'mon, Slowbro." He threw out the Poké ball and once again that same Slowbro was out, looked at me, and waved, with its mouth wide open. I couldn't hold myself back from waving back. Sythraxx: "Metagross, use Earthquake!" The ground ruptured and shook as I held onto the ground to keep myself from falling over. The Slowbro barely seemed affected. Bossman: "The bro walls all...now use Scald." The Slowbro leaned its head back and looked like it was gargling water. Then I saw the steam and knew he wasn't gargling: it was boiling hot water! Then it looked at Metagross and fired a single stream of bursting hot water at Metagross. When the steam faded off Metagross, he was scorched and Burned. Metagross stepped back in pain. Sythraxx: "You got this, Metagross, use Earthquake once more!" This time the Earth barely moved and the Slowbro just continued to stare with that derpy-looking face. Bossman: "Now Slack it Off. He's no longer a threat." The Slowbro just lay back and took it easy, as Metagross flared up from Burn damage and fell down, fainted. Bossman: "Good match, man, you have some skill." Sythraxx: "As do you. One of the strongest trainers I've ever faced...hey, what do you plan on doing? You just roam around, claiming areas?" Bossman: "I'm not doing much, just traveling the world. I've been looking for something new. I've been everywhere around here and nothing amuses me as much as this battle did." Sythraxx: "Well, I have a proposition for you, Boss. My associates here, Gortex and Choco, and I own a league over in the Vinnesia region, just a bit far off Kalos. We're looking for Gym Leaders and I think you fit the part perfectly. Why not make a name for yourself as Psychic Gym leader of the Vinnesia League?" Bossman: "Interesting offer. I do enjoy great battles, may as well get challenged by the best. You got yourself a deal." Sythraxx: "Good to know. Just come to the Elite 4 building and ask for Sythraxx, and I'll show you your gym. Now, if you excuse me, I have to make a phone call to a lil lady who just earned herself the spot as the Vinnesia region's Professor. Let's go, Gortex and Choco, our work here is done." Alright, Ms. Aspen is her name apparently. Alright, let's get this over with... **Ring Ring** **Ring Ring** *Ring Ring*... *Ring Ring*... I peaked one eye open at my phone laying on my pillow beside me. I forgot to charge it and it was hanging on with 3% left. I picked up the phone to hear.
"Hello, Ms. Aspen, this is Sythraxx calling from the Vinnesia Region. I'm calling to inform you that you got the job for the new Professor in the Vinnesia Region. Your jet will be arriving in Littleroot Town to pick you up in 3 hours. See you there." My dream had finally come true: I had been accepted into the Vinnesia Region to teach the newcoming Pokémon Trainers what they needed to know to survive out in the world. I had never gotten dressed so quickly in my life. Minutes turned into hours until I was ready to head off. I hopped on my Togekiss and flew over to Littleroot Town and there it was: a jet flown in by a woman who upon closer inspection was my dear old friend Skyla from Unova. "Hey there, Aspen, long time no see," she said. "No kidding. Let's get this show on the road; I'm too excited." We spent the rest of the trip conversing about what went down in Unova with Neo Team Plasma returning again. I had only seen it on the news and wanted to hear it firsthand. Suddenly, out of nowhere a shadowy figure appeared riding on what seemed to be a Latios, but its wings were larger and its face looked different. It was out of sight as quickly as it came. "What was that?!" "No one knows really. People see it briefly. All we know is that a Trainer controls a strange Latios no one has ever seen before." "Very interesting." I started to jot notes down in my notebook on the strange phenomenon I just witnessed, pondering what it could've been. **2 Hours Later** "Here we are: Xera City. Enjoy your stay, Professor, and once again, congratulations. You'll go far; I know you will." I gave her a hug and said, "Thank you, Skyla. You be careful out there." "Bye." "Bye." **Ring Ring** **Ring Ring** "Hello?" "You're in Xera City, correct? Meet me over near the local Pokémon Center. I'll take you to your lab, where you will be living from now on." "Ok, I'm on my way now." I hung up the phone and started walking around the city. It wasn't big but it wasn't small either. There was a beach nearby on the coast, so I'd be sure to check that place out later. I came across the big red building and there was a man standing against this Pokémon Center. I walked to him to finally meet Sythraxx. "Hello Sy-" "SYTHRAXX! I CHALLENGE YOU TO AN ELITE 4 MATCH!" Next thing I knew there was a teenage boy standing in front of me, with spiky black hair and a black and red robe. He looked about 16 years of age and determination was like fire in his eyes. He really wanted this battle. "Woah there now, can't you see I'm here with my lady friend? She's very tired from her long trip from Hoenn and I'm sure she'd like to get home now. Can we battle later?" "I'm just fine; I have plenty of pep in my step. In fact, I think I'd enjoy seeing the proclaimed Elite 4 of Steel in action. By all means, give me a show." "Alright then, is 3v3 fair?" "Fine with me; I only have 3 Pokémon anyway." I sat down in the grass and watched them get into position. The young boy clenched his Ultra Ball tight in his hand while Sythraxx just stood there watching carefully. Finally, Sythraxx reached for his Great Ball and threw the Poké ball skyward. "Go my winged beast!" The Great Ball glowed bright white and exploded as a figure began to form into wings, a sharp tail and talons, until the white light burst from its body to reveal a Skarmory. Head arched back, it lurched forward and performed its signature Screech. The boy expanded his Ultra Ball and threw it forward. "Make me proud. Go, Haxorus!" The light bursted from the Poké ball as Haxorus emerged, scraping the ground with its claws from the speed of the force being thrown out. "Haxorus, use Dragon Dance!" The Haxorus began to have a red and black aura as it swiped randomly in the air and steam came out of its ears. It slammed its tail into the ground and let out a roar loud enough to make the nearby Tailow and Pidoves fly away in fear. "Skarmory, use Stealth Rock!" Rocks from beneath the Haxorus begin to form into edged rocks that gleamed in the sunlight to prove how sharp they were and they circled around the Haxorus as it watched carefully. "No attack, huh? Big mistake! Haxorus, use Superpower!" The Haxorus squatted down then jumped into the air, forming a crater where it once stood, did 2 flips, brought its fists together, and slammed hard into the Skarmory's back, sending it flying into the ground. *BOOM* A cloud of dust formed. Suddenly, the Haxorus turned red and turned into a beam and returned back to the Ultra Ball. "What!?!?" "Hahaha, nice Endeavor, child; however, I'm no easy task. Let's go, Skarmory! The facade is over." I saw red eyes appear from the cloud of dust. As the Skarmory rose from the dust it wasn't its eyes that I saw were red; it was biting a card, which it let go and it disintegrated. Ahh, so it was the old Red Card trick. "You're going to love this next part!" Without the boy's command, another stream of light came from his Poké Ball and out came a Volcarona. Then, almost instantaneously those floating rocks all pointed at Volcarona and jabbed into the poor bug's skin and tore away at its wings. It looked like a lot of damage. "Skarmory, use COUNTER!" Then, in a blink of an eye the Skarmory rushed the Volcarona at full force and tackled it head on as the Volcarona fell to the ground, unable to get back up. "Noooo, my Volcarona! Return! Go, Raichu!" The boy brought out a Luxury Ball and threw out the ball and clouds began to form above the battle and lightning struck the Luxury Ball, revealing, just as he said, a Raichu on all fours, ready for action, and again, just like the first time, the Stealth Rocks all aimed at Raichu and jabbed at her. "Raichu, use THUNDER!" The ground shook and light appeared in the sky. It was powerful, alright. I was amazed of how fluid the Trainers' moves were. They were both nothing short of excellent Trainers; however, there was a clear gap in power between the two. "Return, Skarmory! Go, Excadrill!" Sythraxx slammed his Ultra Ball into the ground, as light circled around him. The ground erupted a few meters in front of him too, as a speeding bullet shot out of the ground, opening its claws to reveal an Excadrill. The Thunder was done charging and let loose on the Excadrill, who wasn't in the slightest fazed. "Being a Ground type sure has its advantages," Sythraxx said. "Rggh. Hehe, you're as tough as they say, but it's not over yet," the boy proclaimed. "Oh, trust me, boy, this battle is over!" said Sythraxx. "Raichu, use Double Team." The Raichu ran in circles around Excadrill until clones appeared out of thin air. There were 8 in total. "Sigh, people still use Double Team nowadays? No matter, I can still hit all my targets. Bring on as many as you like! Excadrill, use Earthquake!" Sythraxx yelled. Excadrill jabbed its claw into the ground and ruptured the ground beneath it, hitting every clone, but Raichu was gone and no where to be found. The Excadrill looked around for the target. "Hehehe." The boy laughed quietly to himself and smirked. "Don't count me out just yet!" He pointed skywards right up to the sky. Sythraxx, Excadrill, and I all looked up to see Raichu 50 feet in the air! Its fist was glowing against the sunlight. "Uh oh, Excadrill, brace yourself. That's a Focus Punch!" Sythraxx yelled. The Excadrill brought its hands together, got in a defensive stance, and raised its armor as Raichu came down. "Raichu, EXTREMESPEED!" I gasped. The Raichu was gone. Just raging wind from where it once was. I looked down and Raichu was an inch in front of Excadrill, while it was still looking up, chest wide open. "FOCUS PUNCH!" the boy yelled. The Raichu striked! And boy did it strike hard. The Excadrill FLEW, wind blaring from the intensity and force of the blow, past Sythraxx into a rock, as the rock shattered and Excadrill lay fainted. "My word, child, you have laid upon me a great feat. I hearby accept your challenge with FULL FORCE! Let's go, Mawile!" Sythraxx threw his Ultra Ball out to reveal a Mawile. The Raichu stepped back, fearful from the jaws. It was clearly Intimidate doing its job. "Alright, my dearest Mawile, this child has shown me his skill. Let us show him our bond and our strength." Sythraxx pulled off his cape and I saw a gauntlet on his right arm with an orb protruding from the back of his palm. I recognized the stone immediately. I looked over at Mawile as the ground beneath it began to crack and pebbles and rocks began to rise from the ground. The Mawile was wearing a necklace with a similar orb around it. The Mawile touched it and Sythraxx touched his and a brilliant light erupted from them both, bringing the boy to the ground from the sheer force. A pillar of light arose from Mawile. Bright white then black cracks appeared from the light, first 1, then 3, then 8. Finally, it burst open to reveal: Mega-Mawile! With a 2nd jaw appearing right next to the 1st, it then erupted a very loud war cry from both jaws. "What.... is.. this? I've never.... seen this before!" the boy stammered. "This, boy, is Mega-Evolution, an experience only achieved by the bonds between Pokémon and Partner. It gives unfathomable power to the Pokémon, which births from the bond you have with your partner. And this is officially Game Over!" "I've come this far; I won't give up! Raichu, Extremespeed!" The Raichu got on all fours, then in a blink of an eye it was gone, only leaving behind a streak of dust. The Mawile seemed unfazed, then I heard it. "RAIIIIIII!!!" Raichu screamed. I couldn't believe my eyes: the Mawile caught the Raichu in-between both jaws before it could land a hit. "Fire Fang!" The Mawile clamped both jaws onto the Raichu and a burst of flame erupted from the Raichu, then the Mawile spit it out, while it rolled on the floor, scorched from the heat—it was burned. The Raichu tried its best to rise from the ground, but it was clearly at its limit. The boy was awestruck. "Raichu, get up; you can still win. This is nothing; you've taken worse hits than this. GET UP!" As tears started forming beneath his eyes, the Raichu began to actually stand up. "Hmm, you have yourself a well-trained Raichu." "And he's still standing. It's far from over, Sythraxx. I refuse to give up! Raichu, Thunder!" As once before, clouds began forming above the sky, as Raichu jolted and zapped, attracting the lightning to this very spot. "Who will save you now, Sythraxx?" "Mawile doesn't need support: she can handle her own just fine, thank you. NOW, Mawile.... Sucker Punch." The Raichu had fallen into the Mawile's trap: he had readied an attack; now the Raichu was powerless before the next blow. The Mawile ran toward the Raichu, jumped high into the air, twirled around, did two somersaults, and kicked the Raichu in the face, into the ground. As Mawile stood atop the fainted Raichu, it winked at the boy and walked off the Raichu's fainted body. The boy looked down. He raised his Poké ball and returned the Raichu, kissed it, and said, "Good job, buddy, you did your best," reached behind him and reached for that same Ultra Ball he had before. "Are we still doing this? This is inevitable at this point. Are you not aware of the type disadvantage you put yourself in?" "I don't care. I'll win this if it's the last thing I do. Go, HAXORUS!" The Haxorus erupted from the Ultra Ball, confused as to why it was switched out before, but not enough time to react, as the Stealth Rocks aimed at Haxorus and jabbed him all around. "Haxorus, you can do this; I know you can. We're about to conquer an Elite 4 member of the highest caliber. You're my last Pokémon; make me proud." The Haxorus looked at its Trainer then at Mega-Mawile and Roared into the air. "Haxorus, use Earthquake!" Then, to my surprise Sythraxx turned around and looked away. If you were in my position you would too; it was sad. The Haxorus jumped and its feet glowed. As it stomped, the earth vibrated and shook. Cracks formed on the ground, making their way to Mawile, to which it just laughed, jumped in the air, twirled some more, just as before, landed on the Haxorus's head, and jumped off its head, doing more somersaults high into the air. "Mawile, use Play Rough." The Mawile opened up, parachute-style, and dive-bombed. The Haxorus fists clenched. It slammed into the Haxorus, as a cloud formed with stars and hearts and child-friendly squiggle lines and such. Then, the Mawile walked out of the dust and it dispersed, while the Haxorus lay out, fainted. The battle was over: Sythraxx had won. The child fell to his knees and returned the Haxorus into his Poké ball. The Mawile bursted into a ball of energy and originated back into its state. Sythraxx returned his as well and walked across the wrecked battle area to the boy, and lent his hand out. The boy looked up and just said... "Wow." The boy grabbed his hand and got up and just laughed. "I tried my hardest, I really did, but it was no use. You're too good, just as your title implies. It was an honor to face you, sir." "You put up a good fight yourself, kiddo. Practice makes perfect: no one becomes the best in a day. Just keep at it. I expect to see you at my door in the Elite 4 one day." "Thank you, sir, I will take your words of wisdom and practice everyday. You will see me again, promise!" "What's your name, child?" "My name is Noah, sir." "Well, Noah, you better get to a Pokémon Center, can't just leave your Pokémon damaged like that." "Absolutely, sir. Thank you once again for this opportunity." And he ran off to the Pokémon Center. "Now this Ms. Aspen, or should I say Professor Aspen, shall we get going? There is much I must tell you. I hope I didn't take up too much of your time. Shall we?" |