Pokemon Fan Fiction ❯ The Journey Onward ❯ Chapter Ten: Make Wave for Battle! ( Chapter 11 )

Chapter Ten: Make Wave for Battle!

 

 

Krissy gave Kathryn an incredulous look. “What do you mean you don't know!?” Krissy looked up at the large blue creature with white whiskers and the smaller, chubby blue one with white spots. “How can you not know what they are?”

 

“They're a recent discovery,” Kyle supplied, smiling. “Meet Bao and Chu, my Walrein and Spheal.” He gave a smug grin. “Still want to battle?”

 

Kathryn didn't seem so sure of herself, something that worried Krissy. However, she wasn't one to back down from a fight, Pokémon or other. “Yeah and we'll win too!”

 

Kathryn didn't seem so certain but she gave a nod anyway. “From the looks,” she spoke slowly, her voice hesitant, “they're water, maybe ice.” To Nashley she called out, “Be careful, stay alert for any water attacks.”

 

The Houndour gave an affirmative bark and prepared to be on the defensive. She knew as well as Kathryn that she could only take so many water attacks before passing out. Checking out her opponents, she selected the larger one, figuring that Pidgey wouldn't be much good against it. As it was, the little bird probably wouldn't be much help in this fight.

 

Keep to the air! Nashley's command had the Pidgey quickly up and high above the field. Hopefully, if the Pidgey could evade most of the attacks, she wouldn't have to worry about it fainting. The scent of these odd Pokémon, especially the larger one, had her fur on end.

 

“Nashley, use Smog!”

 

“Bao! Use Hail!”

 

Nashley opened her mouth and spewed forth black smoke as the Walrein blew ice straight up into the air. Clouds formed and soon, it began to pelt the Pokémon with shards of ice.

 

“Bao and Chu have thick hides, this is nothing but a light snow to them.” The boast in Kyle's voice grated on Krissy's nerves. “That little bit of smoke isn't going to stop them either, Chu use Growl!”

 

The growling from the blubber ball rose and fell through the smoke. Kathryn pursed her lips, trying to figure out where to go from here. Since she didn't know exactly what those Pokémon were capable of doing, the best thing to do would be defensive. Yet, with Nashley being part fire, that wouldn't be the right thing. A prolonged battle would wear her out and eventually she would get hit. So what could she do?

 

Krissy, meanwhile, was frantically going through her Pokédex, trying to find moves that Pidgey could do. Her eyes fell on one and she quickly called it out.

 

“Pidgey, use Sand Attack!”

 

Pidgey dived down into the dark fog, the smog stirring around it as it initialized its attack. Luckily, the movement wasn't powerful enough to blow the smoke away. A loud roar went up when Pidgey's attack blew into the larger blob, the smaller one having apparently evaded the attack. Soon enough, the smog settled, revealing the Walrein trying to rub at its eyes as the littler Spheal waited for orders.

 

“Nashley, Faint Attack! Aim for the little one!”

 

Nashley grumbled, irritated by the order but she obeyed. Moving quickly, her form all but vanished from sight. Then, she appeared by Chu, slamming into him with a thin dark aura surrounding her. It dispersed shortly after her attack and Chu went rolling with a squeal.

 

“Pidgey, use Gust!”

 

Pidgey hovered in the air, its wings moving fast and hard. A small whirlwind headed towards the Spheal, the Pokémon having just rolled to a stop. Dizzy, he didn't move to evade it.

 

“Bao!”

 

At Kyle's shout, the much larger Pokémon bounded over to take the hit. With a huff, it glared at the Pidgey, the move not doing much to hurt it through its thick hide. “Walrein!”

 

“Bao, use Ice Ball!”

 

Walrein opened its mouth, an orb of bright white forming. A huge chunk of ice materialized and with a loud cry, the Walrein shot it off at the hapless Pidgey.

 

“Nashley! Fire Blast!”

 

Nashley let out the burst of flames, not aiming for the Spheal or Walrein but the ball of ice. As a result, a splash of water just barely reached Pidgey. This left Nashley open for attack, one that Kyle made sure to take advantage of.

 

“Chu! Encore!”

 

The Spheal sat up proudly and began clapping its flippers, cheering. Nashley seemed to have been affected by it but Kathryn couldn't see how. Before she could even try to fathom it, more shatters of ice fell from the sky. All the Pokémon were hit by it but Chu and Bao both seemed to be invulnerable to the attack.

 

“Nashley! Faint Attack!”

 

Nashley went to obey but found that fire was building up inside of her. With a startled bark, she released another Fire Blast, her aim off in her shock.

 

Okay, I guess that's what Encore does then. Kathryn tried to think of a way that they could pull off a win but it was hard for her to think of a way to get around those Pokémon. By now, it was clear they were definitely Water and Ice. She was going to have to change Nashley out but that would leave the one she sent out open for an attack. Not to mention, Krissy was having trouble with her Pokémon. It took her time to decide on attacks, time they didn't have. Looking up, she could see Krissy frantically scanning the Pokédex as she tried to watch the battle.

 

“Wing Attack!”

 

Pidgey flew up and smacked the Walrein right on the nose. Bao wasn't happy with it and tried to do a Body Slam to knock the bird out of the air. Pidgey got by with just a brush, smacking again with his other wing before flying up into the air.

 

“Gust, Pidgey!”

 

“Nashley, aim upward and use Fire Blast!”

 

Krissy threw her friend an incredulous look. “What on are you doing?” Angrily, Krissy wildly gestured towards Bao and Chu. “Aim for them!” When Kathryn ignored her, Krissy became more enraged.

 

Kyle watched as Pidgey used Gust, smacking Walrein with it. Again, it didn't do much beside make Walrein irritated. He had to admit, he was rather disappointed. From the girls' behavior, he expected them to be working together more than working apart. At least they aren't attacking each other, he thought grimly.

 

The Fire Blast shot up, the clouds turning darker as the flames shot threw them. Kathryn gave hopeful look at them before withdrawing Nashley. “Go, Urusaiwan!”

 

Urusaiwan appeared with a low growl. She wasn't pleased with the field conditions, her paws already wet and cold. Quickly, she leapt on a rock that was relatively dry. Her fickleness just saved her from being pelted with a Powdered Snow attack by Chu.

 

“Krissy, get Pidgey away from Bao and up in the air. Have him use Sand Attack. Urusaiwan, on my signal, Thunder!”

 

“Pidgey! Do it!”

 

Pidgey abandoned his attack on Walrein, flying up as he had been bid. Flapping his wings, melted water and dirt flew into the faces of both opponents.

 

“Chu, Bao! Defense Curl!”

 

The clouds, unable to hold their load any longer, deposited all that they had left in one torrential down pour. The ice they had been storing had mostly melted when Nashley had blasted the clouds, the result being a wet, rainy concoction. It was all poor Pidgey could do to keep up in the air with the sudden deposit of water. Everyone got drenched, even the trainers. Urusaiwan made it clear with an unhappy yowl that this did not please her.

 

“Thunder!”

 

With an angry growl, Urusaiwan released her attack. The bolts hit Spheal and Walrein, intensified by the water covering them. With Pidgey in the air and Urusaiwan on her rock, both avoided being shocked by Urusaiwan's attack. The Defense Curl minimized the damage to both Ice Pokémon but enough damage was sustained to knock Chu out and leave Walrein looking rather haggard.

 

“Return!” After having gathered up Chu, Kyle threw out his next Pokémon. “Go, Vapor!”

 

With a shimmer, a Vaporeon appeared on the wet field. With a delicate figure, it padded beside Walrein, eyes glowing. For some reason, Kathryn felt a shiver go down her spine…and it wasn't from the ice water.

 

 

 

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“Hmm, I didn't know all Kangaskhan's are female. How do they reproduce then?” Rachel flipped the page of the Encyclopedia, trying to seek out the answer. Unfortunately, there didn't seem to be anything else on Kangaskhan. With a heavy sigh, she put the book back on the shelf, looking around for a clock.

 

“It's getting late, I wonder where those two have gotten.” Leaving the library, she flipped off the light and wandered down the hallway, just looking around for something to do or entertain herself with. She passed some of the rooms used to keep Pokémon in as they healed and found herself trying to identify what they were.

 

Squirtle, right? No, Wartortle, it has those funny finny ears. The next room she passed she wasn't able to guess what the Pokémon was. It was some weird thing with a trunk and bluish/gray skin. The room after had a Wooper who was eagerly swimming around in a tank. It looked like he'd be able to go home soon with that kind of attitude. Chuckling to herself, Rachel continued on down the hall when a soft noise made her stop. Back tracking, she peered into one of the rooms she had over looked.

 

“Shrew?”

 

It looked to be the same Sandshrew she had helped with earlier. He was lying on the bed, looking out towards her. With a quick glance to be sure Nurse Joy wasn't in the vicinity, Rachel ducked in, smiling as she greeted him.

 

“Feeling better?” The Sandshrew struggled to sit up so she hurried over to put a hand on his head, trying to get him to stay still. “You need to rest,” she scolded, “that shell of yours needs time to heal.”

 

Sandshrew eagerly rubbed his head against her hand, making Rachel smile as she stroked him. “Why don't we check and see what Nurse Joy's charts say about you? I'd really like to know what your name is.”

 

Moving to the end of the bed, Rachel checked the clipboard, making a scornful face. It looked like a Pikachu had grabbed a pen and scrawled all over this! And she thought normal doctor's handwriting was bad…

 

It took several minutes for her to look over the words and figure out where a name and a trainer name were listed. When she finally did, she found the spaces to be oddly blank compared to the rest of the scribbled on document.

 

“Do you not have a trainer?” Rachel gave a puzzled look at the Sandshrew. “Who brought you in then?”

 

The Sandshrew just looked at her blankly and Rachel gave up. It wasn't like she'd be able to understand the answers anyway.

 

 

 

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“Vapor, use Helping Hand!”

 

Vaporeon's eyes began glowing even brighter as its body started glowing faintly. Not only that, but Walrein was also glowing the same color. Bao gave a loud bark and prepared to attack.

 

“Urusaiwan, Thunder!”

 

She shouldn't be using the same attack twice! Krissy furiously thought to herself, watching as Urusaiwan's fur began sparking. They're going to expect it!

 

“Pidgey, Quick Attack!”

 

Pidgey dive-bombed at the Vaporeon, intent on stopping whatever it was the creature was doing. With its burst of speed, it couldn't stop in time when Bao moved in front of the Vaporeon. Slamming into the mass of blubber, Pidgey went flying backward, splashing into the water just as Urusaiwan let loose with Thunder. It might have been Krissy's imagination but she could have sworn she heard Kathryn swear.

 

“Urusaiwan!”

 

Even before Kathryn had shouted her name, Urusaiwan had already abandoned her rock. Racing towards Pidgey, she tried to get there before the electricity hit the water. But even as she tried to run faster, it was clear to the observers that she wouldn't be able to make it.

 

Kathryn felt a cry lodge into her throat. Urusaiwan had to make it! She had to! A shudder ran through her body, a sudden unexplainable shake. Before Kathryn could even question it or what had caused it, she saw Urusaiwan disappear, only to reappear just in front of Pidgey as the electricity began to race through the water. With a quick jerk of her head, she plucked the Pidgey from the water and flung it up into the air just before the electricity channeled into her furry body, making her yowl out in pain. She collapsed with a splash, unable to move.

 

“Return.” Kathryn threw out Nashley again, free from Encore's ability. If she was lucky, maybe Vapor and Bao had been hurt by the attack…

 

Unfortunately, neither had taken any damage. While Kathryn had been focused on getting Pidgey out of the way, Vapor had used Ice Beam to erect a small wall of ice around itself and Bao, blocking the electricity from traveling into the water by instead having it channel into the ice. The ice barrier had shattered afterward, giving Vapor some minor damage with the shards but Bao sustained none due to his thick skin.

 

“Quick! Bao, use Blizzard!”

 

With a blast of icy breath, Bao managed to freeze the water on the ground, the ice trapping Nashley's paws before she had a chance to move. She struggled, trying to crack the ice but to no avail.

 

“Pidgey, Whirlwind!”

 

“What?” Kyle's expression did a complete one-eighty as Pidgey gave a huge and mighty flap of its wings, aiming directly at Vapor. With a shrill cry, Vapor was spun around in the wind vortex, transported back to its Pokéball, and another Pokémon flung forth in its place.

 

“A-Azurill?”

 

“Eh?” Kathryn looked at the bizarre creature. “It looks a little like a Marill…”

 

“It'd be more accurate to say that it's a little Marill.” Kyle ruffled his hair, agitated. How on earth was he going to win with Marble out? “Marble…”

 

Azurill turned to look at him, tilting her head. She had elevated herself with her tail and was bobbing up and down, uncertainly. “Zurill?”

 

“Use Charm.”

 

A light pink aura formed around Azurill, fascinating both Pidgey and Nashley. They found themselves strangely reluctant to attack such a tiny foe.

 

“Bao, Rest!”

 

Bao gave a yawn and closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep. Slowly, he began to recover from his wounds.

 

“Quick Krissy, do an all out assault on Bao!” Now was their chance! Bao couldn't attack as long as he slept!

 

“Pidgey, use Gust!”

 

“Nashley, use Fire Blast!”

 

Nashley let loose with her burst of flames shortly after Pidgey used Gust. The result was a merging of both attacks, a pyre of flames swirling to slam into Bao's sleeping form. It had enough force to topple the chubby Pokémon but he still remained asleep.

 

“Bao, Snore!”

 

Though Kyle commanded it, nothing happened. Grimly, he ordered Marble to use Bubble. Inhaling deeply, Azurill exhaled a blast of bubbles, most of them striking Nashley. She shook it off rather easily, snorting with scorn.

 

Pathetic. Nashley gave a devilish grin, the effects of Charm being surpassed by her anger at the attack. Azurill shook, lowering herself from her lofty position to rest on her tail ball.

 

“Nashley, Faint Attack!”

 

“Pidgey, Quick Attack!”

 

Both Pokémon blurred, Pidgey slamming first into Walrein with its smaller form, followed up by Nashley ramming hard into it, pushing it back with some force.

 

“Marble, Slam!”

 

Marble moved off her tail ball and placed both feet on the ground. She lifted her tail ball up and began swinging it around and around like a lasso, letting go with as large of a battle cry as her tiny form could muster. The tail ball headed right for Nashley, the Azurill following shortly after. The tail ball smashed into Nashley's shoulder but the Houndour simply blinked, looking at the orb. Despite its appearance, it didn't have much weight to it. In fact… it was rather rubbery and light… kind of like a…

 

Ball! Nashley's eyes lit up and she moved to bite onto what she now saw in her mind as a ball. With a shrill cry, Azurill removed its tail and flung itself towards the other side of the battlefield. This only enticed Nashley more as she raced after it, intent on chomping the “toy.” Why, she could even hear it squeaking!

 

“Nashley, heel!” Kathryn tried to gain her Pokémon's attention but she realized it was long gone. There was nothing to she could do to deter her friend from her newly recognized plaything.

 

“Marble, return!” Kyle sighed, a little dejected. “I'll count that as a faint but only because I don't want to see Marble become your Pokémon's chew toy. I'm resending out Vapor, go!”

 

Vapor was released with the same sparkling entry as before. Quickly, Kathryn called out an attack.

 

“Nashley, Faint Attack!”

 

“Vapor, Aurora Beam!”

 

Nashley's attack came too late as Vapor target the Pidgey flying above. A rainbow beam shot out of its mouth with the speed of a cannon and slammed into the bird, knocking him out and causing him to plummet. Before he could reach the ground, Krissy returned him and threw out Pyro just as Nashley plowed into the Vaporeon. With a tumble, Vaporeon rose, angrily hissing at Nashley.

 

“Nashley, Fire Blast!”

 

“Pyro, uh,” Krissy quickly checked her Pokédex. “Ember!”

 

Pyro spun around and wagged his tail, choosing to aim at the provoked Vaporeon. Nashley's Fire Blast and Pyro's Ember made for one hot concoction as the flames swept over Vapor. Even with damage reduced because of the type, Vapor still managed to receive a nasty burn.

 

“Vapor, Water Gun!”

 

Vapor fired water from its mouth in rapid succession, not only trying to hit Nashley but also trying to hit Pyro as well. While most of the blasts were dodged, damage was sustained heavily on both Pokémon's parts.

 

“Bao, Snore!”

 

Instead of having no effect, this time, a loud snore rose from the Pokémon, making Nashley's ears flick back. Pyro covered his own with his paws, flinching at the sound.

 

“Vapor, Quick Attack!”

 

Shimmering and vanishing, reappearing and disappearing, Vapor made a beeline for Pyro.

 

“Nashley, Faint Attack!”

 

Fading from view, Nashley materialized to take the blow from Vaporeon, one that sent her tumbling into Pyro. The two quickly tried to untangle themselves only to find that Bao had awoken from his nap, more irritated than ever.

 

“Bao, Vapor, Hyper Beam!”

 

Glowing spheres appeared at each one of their mouths and quickly, they released the glowing golden beam at Nashley and Pyro. Spiraling together, Kathryn uttered the only attack she could think of.

 

“Counter!”

 

A thin barrier erected in front of Nashley, the impact of the twin Hyper beams crashing into it. Under immense strain to hold the barrier erect, Nashley gave everything she had.

 

“Come on,” Kathryn whispered from the sidelines. She was trembling but she didn't notice it, her focus so intent on Nashley. “Hang in there…”

 

It was inevitable, however much Kathryn wished or Krissy dared to hope, that the Counter would fail under such onslaught. The blasts, weakened by Counter (which deterred some of the force back at the attackers), still prevailed, shattering the Counter and slamming into the defenseless Houndour. Tumbling head over heels, Nashley fell hard onto the battlefields floor. Panting heavily, she struggled to get up.

 

“Call her back, she's had enough.” Kyle shook his head, silently impressed by the Houndour's resolve.

 

Kathryn moved her hands to Nashley's Pokéball, having been about to do so, but something inside her prevented her from doing it. It wasn't pride, just a little voice that said `wait.' Slowly, as though each movement caused her pain, Nashley rose. Finally, standing on all fours, she gave a low growl, glaring at Vaporeon and Walrein with anger and rage. Kathryn could hear her own heartbeat in her ears, could feel something happening.

 

Nashley tilted her head up, her own body feeling strangely uncomfortable, like it didn't fit her any more. Tilting her head up, she gave a ghastly, blood-chilling howl as suddenly, she felt herself changing. Warmth coursed through her, her aches fading as she was blinded by light. Light…coming from her.

 

“Kathryn! What's happening?” Krissy whirled to face Kathryn, only to find she wasn't listening. Kathryn's eyes were half closed and she didn't seem focused on anything. It was only for a moment but it shook something inside her, made her really scared. She almost ran to Kathryn then, to shake her out of it, but the look was gone. Her eyelids blinked slowly, the light coming back to them as though a switch had been flicked.

 

“Kathryn?” Krissy's voice was hardly a whisper but Kathryn still turned to look at her. The smile she gave instantly relaxed Krissy, making her think that she had simply imagined everything. Kathryn's attention turned back to where Nashley stood, now much larger and stronger than she once had been. Krissy noted some huge changes other than just size. Two silver horns now protruded from Nashley's head, wrapping back and curling. Her once stubbly tail had sprouted out, long with a spade tip at the end. Her cubby form was now sleek, her muzzle pointed, longer. With small spew of flames and a proud look in her eyes, Nashley seemed once again eager to fight.

 

A beep on her Pokédex made Kathryn check it, a small smile on her face as she read it. “Alright, Nashley, give it everything you've got! Flamethrower!”

 

“Pyro,” Krissy quickly called after, “Ember!”

 

Eyes shimmering red, Nashley belted out a powerful Flamethrower. Pyro, instead of his typical tail-wagging Ember, opened his mouth and a huge blast of flames erupted outwards. Apparently, someone had decided to try his hand at Fire Blast after seeing Nashley perform it earlier. And, while it wasn't nearly as strong as it might've been with more practice, his flames and Nashley's caused Bao enough damage to make him faint. Now, Nashley had her eye on the Vaporeon.

 

“Vapor, Water Gun!” Kyle had not expected this, not at all! Luck was not with him today, not at all. Returning Bao, he hoped to turn the tide of battle. Even if it was two against one, they had fire and he had water. He would win this match!

 

Vapor's Water Gun was aimed at Nashley but instead of trying to dodge it Nashley used her newly acquired Flamethrower to evaporate the water sprays. While Vapor was distracted with Nashley, Krissy hastily ordered Pyro to attack with Scratch. Scraping his claws over Vaporeon's hide, the water Pokémon quickly turned its attention back to Pyro, preparing to release a close Water Gun attack.

 

“Nashley, Faint Attack, then Bite!”

 

In less than a blink, Nashley had Vapor's neck between her jaws. She held the Vaporeon still, not allowing it a chance to fire off its water assault. Vapor squirmed a little but Nashley's grip tightened enough to persuade it to cease.

 

Looks like I've got one chance with this. “Vapor, Surf!”

 

The ground began to rumble under Krissy's feet, almost knocking her off balance. A loud cracking sound was heard as the earth split open, water erupting forth and heading, in the form of a large tidal wave, towards Vaporeon and its opponents. Dropping Vapor, Nashley grabbed Pyro by the neck and flung him onto her back, trying to escape the deadly wave of water. Vaporeon simply let the water splash over it, eyes glowing dark blue as it vanished into the wave. Just like that, the wave's momentum stopped and hovered, looming tall over the field.

 

No longer pursued, Nashley turned back to face her foe only to find the water still there, unmoving, as though something was holding it back. Lowering her head, she growled, gnashing her teeth in irritation.

 

“Where'd it go?”

 

“Vaporeon has the ability to merge with the water because of its molecular structure.” Kathryn didn't take her eyes off the water as she explained. “It's right there.”

 

“Wait, you mean, it is the water?”

 

“Yeah, pretty much.”

 

“Kathryn, how on earth are we going to beat water?”

 

“Well, I guess there really is only one way…”

 

“And that is?”

 

Kathryn shrugged. “Set the burner onto high?”

 

Krissy took a moment to process that before grinning, getting the idea. “Pyro, Fire Blast!”

 

“Nashley! Fire Blast!”

 

Releasing the blasts, both hit the water, making the wave sway as some of it evaporated. Vapor was quick to retaliate, tendrils of water becoming like whips as they shot out to try and slash at Pokémon. With Pyro still on Nashley's back, they were able to maneuver enough to keep out of reach.

 

“Turn up the heat, Pyro!”

 

Nashley had begun using Faint Attack anytime the tendrils of water reached out to grab or strike at them. Pyro kept up with his Fire Blasts, each one getting stronger as he perfected the technique. The wave was formidable but it was also large, making lots of available area for the flames to hit. Soon, Kathryn and Krissy were able to see the results of Pyro and Nashley's hard work. Bubbles were forming inside the wave, steam rising up off of it. In fact, if Vaporeon didn't abandon “ship” soon, chances were, it would be boiled alive.

 

“Vapor, Ice Beam!”

 

Vaporeon's form appeared inside the water, needing a solid form to perform such an attack. The problem was, by doing this, it lost control of the water.

 

The scalding concoction rushed outward in an attempt to scald everything it touched. Free from water, Vapor aimed its blast downward, freezing the water below it to create a pillar of ice. Perched up there, it lay down, the ice around it melting under the heat from its body. Panting and parched, Vapor took a moment to relax as Nashley and Pyro dealt with the heated water.

 

Luckily, since most of it had been frozen, they were able to out race the rest of it or burn it off with flames. All three were looking worn down now, even Nashley. The trainers looked at each other, uncertain of how to end this. Finally, Kyle spoke his command first.

 

“Vapor, Water Gun!”

 

From its vantage point, Vapor had an easy shot at both Nashley and Pyro. However, its attack wasn't much, just a thin trickle of water. It had run out of energy to use such a move. Swiftly, both Kathryn and Krissy shouted, as one,

 

“FIRE BLAST!”

 

Aiming for the base of the pillar, the combined attacks melted straight through it, causing the ice column to topple and fall, sending Vapor sprawling onto the field. Giving a halfhearted attempt to rise, it simply fell back down, unable to get up. Kyle returned it, reluctantly accepting his defeat.

 

Proudly, Nashley walked over to Kathryn, Pyro wearily slumped over her back. She was tired but her satisfaction over the battle radiated. Sinking to her knees, Kathryn welcomed her into a hug, laughing.

 

Krissy was pleased with herself and her Pokémon. Maybe she wasn't as good at this as Kathryn but she was far from useless! In fact, if it wasn't for her Whirlwind pulling out that little squishy Pokémon, they might not have lasted so long against Kyle's relentless attacks. Sure, Nashley had gotten a whole new look, but come on, this was her first time, after all. Not to mention, Pyro learned a sweet new attack!

 

Kyle approached them, his mouth set in a thin line. He really hadn't expected them to win. They'd managed to work together, though, through their Pokémon, and had pulled off an incredible win. It kind of grated against his nerves that he had lost but even he had to admit there were worst people to lose against.

 

“Here, before I change my mind.”

 

Kathryn looked up, startled when Kyle thrust his hand towards her. When he opened it, her eyes grew wider. Krissy took a peek and wasn't too impressed.

 

“Pins?”

 

“Badges,” Kathryn quickly corrected, accepting one from Kyle's hand. “So you're…?”

 

“Kyle, also known as `Wild Tsunami.'” His broad grin faded when he realized they didn't recognize the significance. “What, you didn't know?”

 

“What about the Cerulean Sisters?” Krissy blankly accepted the badge, momentarily bewildered. A badge? For her?

 

“Vacationing, some kind of sea cruise. They're looking for some new Pokémon and asked me to baby-sit.”

 

Krissy blurted out the first thing she could think of. “The gym's a mess.”

 

At Krissy's condescending tone, Kyle gave what might have been a sheepish laugh. “Yeah, well, the inside's nice…” he arched a brow, “as you both saw.”

 

It was the girls turn to look embarrassed. “That, was my fault,” Kathryn admitted, giving him a wayward grin.

 

Kyle waved it off. “No big deal, Dewgong was happy for the company. Anyway, Zander and James promised to take care of the outside but they've been busy making goo-goo eyes. Been together a year and all that.”

 

Kathryn gave Nashley one more pat before returning her Pokémon. “Hey Krissy, we should get going. We left Rachel alone for way longer than I thought. It's almost dark and both Urusaiwan and Pidgey need to get taken care of.”

 

“Allow me to escort you both.” Kyle gave a mock bow, grinning at them. “You'll have to forgive me for not joining you inside afterwards, I'm afraid you both aren't my type.”

 

Krissy smirked and returned Pyro. “Yeah, alright. Let's go.”

 

 

 

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Rachel awoke with a start, almost falling out of her chair. She frantically examined her surroundings, disoriented. Seeing the barren walls and the bed she had fallen asleep beside, she finally drew up her conclusion.

 

She had gone mentally insane.

 

That joke aside, she stifled her laugh so as not to wake up the dozing Sandshrew. After many attempts to leave, she had finally chosen to stay here. For some reason, the Sandshrew refused to let her leave its sight.

 

“Oh, you're awake.”

 

The sweet voice had Rachel looking up from the bed and towards Nurse Joy. The Nurse was busily examining the Sandshrew, checking over the bandages.

 

“Yeah, I guess I fell asleep.” Rising, Rachel winced as she felt a muscle in her neck protest at her moving. She hated when she slept funny. “How's he doing?”

 

“Well, in a few days I should be able to release him.”

 

“Release him?”

 

Nurse Joy gave a soft sigh. “He doesn't have an owner. The person who found him and brought him in for treatment departed shortly after. When I saw you, I just assumed you were his trainer but the video cameras show otherwise.”

 

“Video cameras?” The Poke Center had surveillance? No way!

 

“We have to be careful of thefts so all the Poke Centers had cameras installed a year or so ago. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to tend to my other patients.”

 

“Wait, are you sure he'll be able to take care of himself?”

 

Nurse Joy gave the Sandshrew a once over. “Notice how his claws are particularly dull? That leads me to believe that this is a wild Sandshrew who is used to burrowing. However, he responds as though he is familiar with humans. I have to assume that he is wild and has been for some time. He must have had some contact with humans, perhaps enough that he tamed. It's really uncertain.” She turned to leave. “I'm sure he'll be fine though.”

 

“What if he can't?”

 

Nurse Joy paused, resting a hand on the doorway. “Maybe you don't realize,” she quietly spoke, “that many Pokémon die daily in the wild. Charizards, for example, eat meat. Pidgeys and Spearows are killed by the dozen to satisfy one Charizard's appetite. Ekans eat Pidgey eggs, killing off a whole generation without a thought. I can only do what I can to help heal the wounded that come in. Once they leave, there is nothing more I can do for them.”

 

“So, whatever attacked him could do it again.” Rachel's voice was rising in anger, making the Sandshrew stir in his sleep. “And it could kill him but you simply don't care?”

 

“If I cared for every Pokémon in here, how many pieces would be left of me? Most of them will never enter these doors again, I'll never know if they're alive or dead. The life span of most Pokémon isn't that long, you know. Maybe thirty, at best, despite what medicine can do.” Nurse Joy turned, her face looking tired and worn down. “Should I give them everything I have and leave myself with nothing?”

 

“You could at least give them a fighting chance!”

 

Nurse Joy shook her head, her pink hair swaying. “That… is exactly what I'm doing.” She gave a slight gesture at the Sandshrew. “Once he's back up to speed, he'll be released. There is nothing more I can do.” She left and Rachel didn't stop her, the anguish in Joy's voice preventing her from saying more. Though she might not like Joy's methods, there wasn't anything she could do. Without a trainer, Sandshrew would be released back to the wild. Perhaps, that was best…

 

“Raaaachel!” Kathryn spun into the room, full of energy as usual. “Nurse Joy said you were in here!” Rachel could almost see the hearts and sequences surrounding her friend. “Gueeeessss what?”

 

“What?” A small smile was already working its way on her lips.

 

Grabbing Krissy from her hiding place out in the hallway, Kathryn proudly displayed her new badge. “Krissy and I both got the Water badge!”

 

“Kathryn, this is a hospital, tone down your voice!” Krissy hissed.

 

“Spoilsport, party pooper!” With a twirl and a gleeful shout, Kathryn went forth to spread her bubbling enthusiasm elsewhere. “I got my baddddge!” Her voice could be heard as she skipped down the hallway.

 

“Kathryn!” Krissy all but shouted as she raced to the door. “Get back here! Kathryn!”

 

Leaving her alone, Krissy bolted after Kathryn. Suddenly, Rachel found herself laughing. Even when Sandshrew woke up and gave her a bewildered stare, she just couldn't stop the mirth from overflowing. Only those two, she thought. Only them.

 

When the giggles finally left her, she turned to grin at Sandshrew. “I think they're rubbing off on me.” A confused look from the little Pokémon made her smile all over again.

 

 

=^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^= =^.^=

 

 

“Come on, lazy butts, up and at 'em!”

 

“Go `way, Rachel. `M sleepin.” Cold water suddenly drenched Kathryn and she gave a shrill shriek, bumping her head on the bunk bed. Tears weld up in her eyes as she gave Rachel a hurt look. “Owie…”

 

“Let's go!”

 

Grumbling, Kathryn pulled her wet self out of the bed and changed clothes, catching sight of the clock as she did so. “Rachel, it's six in the morning. Let me go back to sleep…” Making a beeline for the bed, she was stopped when Rachel moved to intercept her.

 

“Uh-uh, lets go. We have to travel through Rock Tunnel today and who knows how long that will take. Now, move.” Pushing her along, Kathryn just barely had time to grab her stuff. To her surprise, Krissy was already up and in about as good a mood as she was the day before.

 

“I hate you. Both.” Eyes closed into narrow slits, she carried her bag and an attitude. Kathryn quickly cowered but Rachel simply pushed both of them along.

 

“Got your Pokémon? Good. Alright, come on, chop, chop.”

 

“Rachel, are you sure you're just trying to get a head start? It seems almost like you're- Mmph!” The food shoved in her mouth effectively ceased her prattle

 

“Can't forget breakfast, eat up Kathryn! Make sure you chew that toast!”

 

“Mmph!”

 

Out the door and atop their Ponytas in record time, Rachel took the lead, herding her friends towards Rock Tunnel. If they hadn't been up all last night playing video games than they wouldn't be so tired. Urging the Ponytas to go as fast as they could without running, the small group successfully exited Cerulean and made their way to Rock Tunnel.

 

=^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^= =^.^=

 

When Nurse Joy went to check on Sandshrew, she honestly wasn't that surprised to find him missing. With a small smile, she was happy to realize there would be one less Pokémon to be released.

 

 

 

*****=^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==Just A Reminder^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^==^.^=*****

 

Hey everyone, if you've left a comment for the revision of Kathryn's story (now known as, “The Journey Onward”) you can check them out at the live journal account I have (used solely for the purpose of reply to comments and letting you know what's updating next). It's open to the public so feel free to comment there (or here) and get swift results! (Most likely same day)

-CA