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Vines of Deceit	By : Manifest Destiny Category: Pokemon > General Views: 14165 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. Pokemon is copy write by GameFreak, INC. and Nintendo. I make no money from this story, nor do I seek any.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
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Chapter 4: Triple Threat
—————
The sound of a tiny voice came from the device on his wrist, sounding disappointed and confused. [“But Tristaaaan… You said you’d be in town by now!”] The scene behind the blonde girl’s head showed that she was in the lobby of a Pokémon Center. Bianca pouted heavily, impatiently waiting on her still-late friend to give an excuse.
Over the background noise of where he was sitting, Tristan thought he could hear Cheren make a remark. He tapped the armrest of the bench absentmindedly, “I know, I know. It’s my fault. Totally woke up late this morning,” Tristan said, giving a convincing yawn. “What time is it now?”
Bianca pouted, [“It’s nearly noon! You said we’d go get lunch together…”]
Cheren struggled to angle the camera to focus on himself, settling on an upside down viewpoint, [“Just how far away are you, Tristan? We’ve been waiting here since we talked to you about finding your Snivy.”] Out of the three of them, Cheren had always been the one to ask questions. He picked up on the slightest hint or subtlety, and jumped at it. Tristan had to make sure he gave a suitable answer, or he’d be dodging his friend’s questions all afternoon.
“I’m not too far out, I don’t think. The roads are getting nicer the farther I go, so we’ll be there soon. Definitely by lunch, alright Bianca?”
Bianca’s face filled the screen again, [“Yay! Hurry up though, alright? I wanna meet your mystery Snivy.”]
“She’s not a mystery, just…” he glanced down at his lap. “She’s just one surprise after another.”
[“Hmph, whatever. Just hurry up, okay? And hey, we’ve got some good news for you too!”]
“What do you mean ‘news’?” Tristan asked.
[“Uhm… Kinda important… But just hurry up and get here if you wanna find out.”] Bianca said cutely. If she was worried about her father constantly chasing her and intent on keeping her at home, she didn’t show it. [“Well, we gotta go. Just ask the reception for our room and meet us here, okay?”]
“Alright. I’ll see you then.”
Tristan canceled the video feed and set his XTransceiver back to its idle mode. He leaned back, stretching his arms up and cracking his knuckles one by one. The hard material of the park bench he sat on caused a few joints in his spine to pop as well, leaving him sitting up straighter as he righted himself.
“You just lied to the two of them,” said Draya. She stood up on his lap and pointed to the rows of buildings not far from Striaton Park. The two were on the edge of the public space, sitting on a bench with most of Tristan’s travel gear piled on it. “We walked through the city this morning.”
“Right, and then something came up and I had to make this detour before we went to meet up with my friends. I told you that already.” He finished stretching and checked the time once more.
“You didn’t say what it was though. We’ve just been sitting in this park staring at the fish in the ponds all morning.” Draya jumped down to the ground and held her head high, looking away from her human companion. “If your friends are so important to you, why’d you lie and say you’d meet them later? What ‘came up’ that you had to lie?”
“You stopped talking,” Tristan said.
“I— What?” she looked up at him.
“The second you noticed more people around us, you quit talking back to me.”
“Whaaat? This again?”
“Draya, come here,” Tristan held his arm down to the ground. “Please?”
Draya sighed and climbed up his arm and sat in his lap again.
“Thank you.”
“I’m not talking to them,” Draya said, turning away. “I already said, not unless I have to.”
“I really think we should let them know.”
“Why? It’s not like I can’t keep up my normal act.”
“What, like how you kept it up with me around?” he asked. Tristan could see her almost wince at that mention. “You’re going to be around them a lot very soon, Draya. I think it’ll save us a lot of effort explaining it by accident than if you just come out with it. Besides, I’ll feel bad knowing something this important and keeping it from them.”
“And what if something bad happens?” she asked. “What if they overreact and make a scene, and people come to take me away? That’s the whole reason I want to keep it a secret. It almost happened before…”
Tristan poked her head playfully, “That’s what I’m here for. We talked about this back in Accumula, remember?”
“I do…”
“Besides, they are my friends. I trust them completely.”
“Yes, Tristan…”
“I don’t understand why you’re fighting it so—”
“I’m not fighting it! I said yes!”
“Really?”
She looked up at him and poked him in the chest, “But since you wanted it so badly, you’re going to have to explain it. But…” she trailed off. “…can you make something up?”
“What? Why?”
“Tell them you taught me how or something.”
“I can’t, because I mentioned you were mute, remember? What’s wrong with you telling them exactly how you learned how to talk?”
“I don’t know… just feels weird.”
“You told me.”
“Fine! I’ll tell them!” Draya huffed in frustration, “Why’re you so obsessed with this?!”
“Whoa, what’s the matter?” Tristan asked.
“Can’t you just let me hide it like I used to…?” she sulked.
“It’s better to tell the truth, Draya.” He gently rubbed her back, “They’ll understand what you went through and why you hid it. I did.”
Draya brightened up a bit at that. “You think so?”
“Of course. And it’s up to you how much you want to reveal about yourself, too. If you want to keep your past something you only share with me, it’s your choice.”
“Alright. I’ll think of something.”
“Good. Now,” he moved her up to his shoulder, “let’s get a move on. We’re going to have to take the long way around so it’ll look like we’re just headed into town, just in case they’re watching for us.”
“Would they do that?” asked Draya.
“Bianca does. She’s always anxious about meetings and dates and such.”
He brought up a map of Striaton City on his XTransceiver as he gathered his things to try and find a back way to the main road. As they walked, Tristan and Draya talked sparingly. While she had decided on giving Tristan’s friends a chance, all these strange, unfamiliar faces intimidated her to no end. More than a few times, Tristan was given the odd glance as he rounded a corner mid-sentence, awkwardly waiting on a response until the two were far enough away.
Tristan tried to tell Draya that she was attracting more attention to herself with her constant shifting and looking around, but she ignored his advice. Their path took them through a few alleys and narrow streets, but kept them out of sight for the most part.
When they could talk, Tristan began to teach her the basics of the Pokémon League, and the Gym Circuit. “They hold the challenge every year, lasting all year. It’s pretty tough, especially once you get all eight badges.”
“What happens after that?” asked the Snivy.
“We challenge the Elite Four. They’re on a whole other level then the Leaders. And if you can beat them, then you face the current Champion for the title.”
“Sounds fun! Didn’t you say this town had a Gym?”
“That’s right. It’s a pretty odd one by regular standards though.”
“How?”
“I’ll tell you once we meet up with Cheren and Bianca. I need to discuss how we’re taking turns for the badge anyway,” Tristan said.
—————
In their shared room on the second floor of the Pokémon Center in Striaton City, Bianca sat on the side of her bed, mulling over what her friend had just told her. She fumbled with her green hat, staring at no particular spot while she thought. It sounded right, things always made sense whenever Cheren explained them, but she just couldn’t come to think it herself. She sighed and fell back on the bed, closing her eyes in protest.
“No.” she said. “He wouldn’t just lie to us.”
“It’s pretty obvious, when you look at it. You don’t see trees that well-kept, or clean benches out in the wilderness,” explained Cheren. He took off his glasses for a moment to clean some grime and dirt from the lens. “We went to the park yesterday, you saw the place. That’s where he was when you called him.”
“Oh come on, the trees? You remembered the trees?”
“I notice everything,” said Cheren. “I have—”
“Yeah yeah, a ‘photographic memory’. That’s cool and all, but I still trust Tristan. If he was already at that park, then he could already be halfway through Route 3 by now. He wouldn’t just ditch us. Why would he?”
“To get back at us for leaving him behind, maybe?” Cheren sat down in the chair by the window. “I don’t know…” His eyes focused on the crowds of people entering and leaving the building below, looking for his friend. “I agree that it doesn’t seem like him, but it sure looks like it.”
“It can’t be like that!” she bolted up. “Tristan’s our best friend! He wouldn’t just… Even if he did, he would only do that if he had a good reason.”
“I guess the only question now is,” Cheren said, “where is he now?”
“What do you mean?”
Cheren leaned forward, pushing his glasses back up to his face. “Is he actually coming, or did he leave us?”
“No! He’s going to show up! He said he would!” Bianca shoved her beret onto her head, and started for the door. “I’m waiting for him in the lobby! You’ll see.” She turned the handle and shoved the door open, but it stopped only a fraction of the way, colliding with something that responded with a pained cry.
“Ah! Wh—What the—?” Tristan pulled the door open the rest of the way, holding the left side of his face while his eyes watered in pain. “Nice to see you too, Bianca.”
“Tristan!” Bianca immediately grabbed at Tristan’s hand, “Oh I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I’m sorry! Let me see.” She pulled his hand away from his face, bursting into more apologies at seeing the large, red streak across his face.
“Cheren,” she called into the room, “please go down and ask for an ice pack!”
“Bianca!” Tristan pulled her to face him. “It’s okay! I’m fine.”
Cheren pushed passed them, “I’m getting that ice pack…”
“Hey,” Tristan stared after him. “What’s up? No welcome to the group hug? No reunion talks?”
“Oh I think we’ll have plenty to talk about,” Cheren said. “Go on back to the room, I’ll be quick.”
“What—?” his protest was cut off by his right arm being roughly pulled back.
“Come on! He said he won’t be long.” She pulled him into the room, intent on making sure her friend that she had just injured was comfortable. As she was about to take off his backpack, she noticed a green and yellow blur pass over his shoulder.
“Oh?” Bianca spun him around, but the green blur crawled around his stomach before she could catch it. She repeated this process two more times before Tristan fell backwards onto the bed from dizziness. The green blur had no choice but to retreat to his chest.
“There she is! Come here you cutie!”
Through his dazed state, Tristan saw it coming. But despite his best efforts to try warn her, Bianca ended up collapsing onto of him on the bed as she missed her dive to pick up the agile Snivy. The impact violently expelled the air from his lungs, causing his state of awareness to further deteriorate.
“Oh, I’m so sorry Tristan!”
He opened his eyes, finding them even with Bianca’s green eyes.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to—”
Someone cleared their throat at the doorway. Tristan and Bianca both turned to see Cheren standing there, patiently tapping his foot, looking down at the two of them on the bed. His expression was calm and calculating as usual. “You two may have a room, but I’d recommend closing the door first.”
Bianca quickly looked down at her compromising position and bolted upright. Her face quickly brightened in embarrassment. “Shut up! It isn’t like that! It was an accident!”
“Calm down,” he passed Tristan the ice pack as he righted himself. “I was just joking around.” Cheren gave Tristan a look as Bianca began fixing her tussled hair. “So long as you two were.”
Tristan just gave him a similar look and placed the cool gel-filled package against his face. Cheren nodded, understanding.
“So,” Cheren started, closing the door and leaning back against it. “I think, before we get to our celebration over our reunion, you should explain something to us, Tristan.”
“What? What’s all this about?” he asked. “Is this the news Bianca mentioned this morning?”
“No,” Cheren said, folding his arms. “It’s about this morning. Were you, or were you not, in Striaton Park when Bianca called you?” He kept his gaze on his friend, watching for his exact reaction.
“What makes you say that?”
“Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” Cheren asked accusingly. “Clearly, your surroundings didn’t fit where you said you were. You had already been through town, but didn’t tell us. You flat out lied. Didn’t you?”
Tristan held the ice pack against his head and said nothing.
“Answer me!”
Tristan looked on, feeling trapped. He said nothing, but felt a pair of hands grasp his.
“Tristan…” Bianca said. “Don’t lie. Please don’t.”
Seeing her face destroyed any drive Tristan had at keeping up his false alibi. “Alright…” He turned around on the bed.
Draya had, since she had leaped out of harm’s way, retreated behind the pillows at the head of the bed. She had been intently watching the events unfold, unsure of what to make of most of it. She was surprised when she noticed the focus in the room was drawn toward her. Tristan motioned for her to join him where he sat. Cautiously, she crept to his side, watching carefully as the two new humans followed her movements.
“If anything,” Tristan began, “this just goes to show I should be more careful with video conversations when you’re around.”
“Don’t dodge the subject,” Cheren warned.
“Okay, okay.” Tristan took a deep breath, “I made it to town early this morning.” He felt Bianca's grip suddenly tighten around his hand. “But—before you two think anything—please understand that I had my reasons. It’s all settled now though, and I’m here.” Tristan returned Bianca's worried grip, “I’m here Bianca. I’m sorry I had to sneak around like this but I didn’t see any other way.”
“But… But…”
“Tristan,” Cheren interrupted. “Why don’t you tell us why, so we don’t have to assume the worst.”
“Why, Tristan? What’s so important that you couldn’t come to us about it first?” Bianca cried.
“It’s… I’ll explain it.” He let go of Bianca’s hands and turned to his side. He looked to Draya for confirmation, and she nodded. He let Draya into his lap, “But first, I’d like to introduce you all. These are my friends, Bianca and Cheren. And guys, this is Draya.”
“Tristan… Your little ‘show and tell’ can wait,” Cheren said. “Just tell us what you’re hiding.”
“I am telling you.” said Tristan. “Say ‘hi’ to my friends, Draya.”
“Tristan, enough!” Cheren stepped forward, pointing down at the grass snake. “We’re not talking about your Snivy! We’re talking about why you avoided us! Besides, you said your Snivy was mute. I remember. This is just pointless stalling so you won’t—”
“No, you’re just pointlessly interrupting him when he’s trying to tell you the truth!” Draya blurted out. “Just shut up for two seconds and listen to what he’s saying.”
“I don’t need any side-commentary from…” Cheren's face lost all intensity as he began to drink in what he had just witnessed. “What?”
“You.” Draya stood and pointed at him. “You’re so sure of yourself when you ‘see’ or ‘hear’ things, you don’t even consider for one second that what you remember could be wrong, even if you’re remembering it right.”
“What!”
“Tristan! She’s talking! To us!” Bianca exploded into her excited and happy state instantly. This time, her efforts to catch the small green snake were successful. She brought her into a tight hug and affectionately cuddled Draya into her chest. “That’s sooooooooo cute!”
“Hey! Get— Hey, stop it! Tristan help!” Draya tried to escape the girl’s grip, but couldn’t manage to break free. Tristan merely broke into laughter at the sight.
“What!? Tristan? Anything?” Cheren stood utterly flabbergasted, trying desperately to piece together a solution to the puzzle laid out before him.
“Bianca, easy does it,” Tristan said. “She’s uneasy about this whole thing as it is without you suffocating her.”
“But this is too precious! How’d you teach her? We heard she couldn’t talk at all!”
“He didn’t teach me,” Draya said, finally relaxing in Bianca's arms. “I’ve learned by watching humans.”
Cheren kneeled by the bed and came close to Draya, adjusting his glasses as he inspected her. “You taught yourself? How long did that take you?”
“Oh, now you’re interested in ‘show and tell’?” Draya laughed.
“What? This is something I’ve never seen before. Of course I’m interested.”
“Well… before I tell you, apologize to Tristan. Both of you,” she leaned her head up to Bianca. “Yeah, he lied to you, but he did it because of me. I’ll explain it all.”
“Wow,” Bianca said. “She’s very…”
“…smart.” Cheren finished. “You say she found you, right?”
“I did. But apologize, or I’m not telling,” said Draya. She was let free of Bianca’s arms, but stayed by her side, patiently waiting.
“Tristan?” Bianca asked.
“Yes?”
“As relieved as I am that this turned out to be something like this, please… please don’t lie to us like that again. I’m sorry we assumed the worst, but we were… I…”
“It’s okay, Bianca. I didn’t want to do it, but I felt like I had to.” Tristan turned to Cheren, “Don’t worry about it either, man. I know you had your reasons to suspect me.”
“He has to apologize too,” Draya pointed out.
“Fine.” Cheren folded his arms again and looked to Tristan again. “I’m sorry for doubting your intentions. Next time, just know that you can trust us.”
Draya hopped to Bianca’s shoulder and patted Cheren's face. “There, that wasn’t so bad, was it?”
The group, save Cheren, gave into a fit of laughter.
“Yes, yes, I’m sorry. Now spill it,” Cheren dragged the arm chair from the window to the foot of the bed.
“No!” Bianca stood up and pulling Draya into her arms again. “We’ve got to go to lunch!”
The enthusiasm quickly drained from Cheren's face, replaced with his normal bored look. “Really, we’ve got to plan more before we—”
“Nope! Lunch!” Bianca pulled Tristan to his feet. “Come on, we’ll explain on the way. It’s our good news!”
—————
Tristan thought he had recognized the structure of the building as they walked towards it, being in its shadow only confirmed his suspicions. In front of the building were tables with umbrellas to cast shade onto those who sat and ate their meals. A red awning hung over the main entrance, above which was the image of three differently colored diamonds, lined and connected with gold. Two Poké Ball statues flanked the stairway to the place, being the only official decoration that would distinguish this diner from a similar one in any other city.
“This…” Tristan said. “This is Striaton Gym.”
“Yep! I told you!”
“I thought you said we were going to lunch.”
“Oh, that’s right. I forgot to mention,” Bianca looked to Cheren, “We came by here one day while we were bored and we found out some interesting stuff about this gym.”
“For one,” Cheren said. “The rules have changed. The three Leaders no longer accept one-on-one battles. Challengers are required to team up and participate in a triple battle.”
“What? Really?” Tristan asked.
“It actually makes a lot of sense. It helps beginner trainers get the idea of teamwork and apply it to a real life situation.” Cheren pushed his glasses up farther onto his face, “A time saver too.”
“Anything else?”
“Yes! Cheren just doesn’t like it.” said Bianca.
“I just think it’s unnecessary,” he retorted.
“Well,” Bianca continued. “Either way, the good news is: If you win your Gym Badge you get a free meal!”
“Sounds fun!” Draya said, surprising Tristan. She never talked very loudly in public. “Just point me where I need to hit.”
“Hmm, she seems eager,” Cheren said.
“Why not?” Bianca asked. “Free lunch! Also, we get to win our first badges together! This’ll make up for our delayed departure, right Tristan?”
He smiled, “Easily. I think between the three of us—and our Pokémon—we can pull through.”
“You seem optimistic,” Cheren said as they walked up to the door. He put a hand on Tristan’s shoulder, letting Bianca walk ahead of them into the building. “How much training did you two do on your way up here?”
“Oh you know, Patrats and Lillipups. The occasional trainer challenge too. Why? What’s up?”
“Just wondering how prepared you two are,” he pulled out his own Poké Ball. “Bianca and I sparred a bit, on top of what you went through. Teamwork will be hard to manage if one of the members is lagging behind.”
“Then don’t fall behind. Just watch us,” Tristan said. There was something odd in the way Cheren worded things. It almost always balanced between insulting and worried questioning. “She’s fast. Faster than you could believe.”
“Good.”
“Come on, you two!” Bianca yelled across the lobby of the restaurant, drawing attention to the two of them. “Let’s win so we can eat!”
Cheren sighed, “I think she’s looking forward to the meal more than us winning our first badge… That’s a good sign…”
“Good, you’re back to making those jokes of yours, even better.” Tristan clapped him on the back, walking Cheren forward while taking in plenty of awkward stares from the other patrons. “She’s got something she wants, so she’s going after it full force. We should follow her example.”
“Wouldn’t that be the day?” Cheren managed a chuckle.
When the two boys made their way to Bianca, she was already talking to a waiter behind a podium. “… yes, I think that will be acceptable. Oh,” the green haired young man looked up as they approached, “are these the two you mentioned then?”
“Yes. Cheren and Tristan.”
“I see. Luckily for you three—” the waiter snapped his fingers. At the moment, a second voice spoke up from behind Tristan.
“– we just finished up our regular reservations for the day. So—” This waiter slammed his fist into his opposite hand in anticipation. His curly red hair spiraled upward like a flame and he wore a smile that exuded confidence.
“—we’d be happy to take your challenge.” The third stepped up behind Cheren, calmly standing with his arms behind his back. He moved a lock of long, blue hair out of his face in a single fluid movement, transitioning into a gesture pointing to the large double doors set into the wall behind him.
The green haired man stepped away from the podium, and walked with the two to the doors. They each turned on the spot in sync with one another, and addressed the indoor crowd.
“Attention customers! We are proud to announce that we have an official Pokémon League Gym Challenge for you all today! These three; Bianca, Cheren, and Tristan, will be battling for our very own Trio Badge, as well as our complimentary free meal.” The three all snapped their fingers, and the doors slid, rather than swung as they appeared to allow, revealing a high ceilinged gymnasium, illuminated by a glass roof, streaming sunlight into the indoor battleground. The battlefield was custom designed to suit three on three battles, shaped like an elongated octagon with bleachers on each side.
“Patrons wishing to spectate are welcome to take their plates into the stands!” the waiters called.
“Now, to introduce ourselves,” the green haired waiter started. He gestured with both hands out to his sides. “My name is Cilan—”
“—Chili!” the red haired waiter yelled, fist in air.
“—and I am Cress.” The calm waiter waved to his two partners, “We three brothers are the Gym Leaders of Striaton City. Please—”
“Enjoy the battle we are about to serve!” they said in unison. With a bow, the three brothers filed to their positions on the battle field.
The three trainers stood in place, stricken with awe at the sight they were seeing. People were filing in from all around them, taking seats in the bleachers, commenting on the battle to come. Many even wished the three trainers luck in their oncoming debut match. The three stood, watching, listening, and taking in every bit of their very first battle together—their first Gym battle.
“Well?” Tristan asked. “Let’s go.”
“Let’s win.”
Tristan looked to his shoulder, noticing Draya confident and excited expression.
“Yeah, let’s get out there and win.”
“Easier said than done,” Cheren added.
“Stop your worrying,” Bianca prodded. She began pushing Cheren toward his space at the edge of the battle field, “Just concentrate on winning that lunch!”
“Badge!”
“Whatever. Tristan, you too!”
Tristan nodded, taking up his own position in the right side box. Bianca took the center, leaving Cheren with the left.
The referee for the match took his place mid-field, preparing to announce the battle. “Challengers, your attention please. This League sanctioned match will be held on the terms of a three-on-three battle. Each trainer may use one Pokémon. Should one or two of the challenger’s Pokémon be unable to continue, the trainer is not disqualified. Each side of the battlefield represents a team. Only one Pokémon is required on either side to guarantee a victory for the team. However, victory can only be claimed by knocking out the entire opposing team’s Pokémon. Are these rules acceptable?”
They all returned an affirmative.
“Very well. Gym Leaders of Striaton will reveal their Pokémon first, and once all Pokémon are present, the match will begin at my signal. Leaders,” the referee walked to the sidelines of the battle field, “choose your Pokémon!”
The three Leaders of Striaton each revealed a Poké Ball, and tossed them into the air with their own personal style. Cilan’s underhanded toss, Chili’s quick and forceful pitch, and Cress’ graceful flourish of the hands were all timed perfectly. Their Poké Balls exploded in unison, revealing each a matching simian for the trainer.
“The Gym leaders have chosen Panpour, Pansear, and Pansage for battle! Challengers, your Pokémon, if you will.”
Bianca gave a simple toss, and an orange and black pig materialized onto the battlefield. The small Tepig stamped its hoof twice, and expelled a few quick embers; a show of confidence. Cheren only kept the ball in his hand and tapped the activation button. The creature that appeared stood half a head taller than Tepig, but was much prouder in its stance. Its tiny arms were folded, staring fiercely into the eyes of its opponents. Oshawott glanced to Tepig and nodded, then glanced over to Tristan’s corner of the ring.
Tristan kneeled and set Draya on the ground beside him. “Draya,” he said. “Before we begin, I’d like to say something.”
“What?”
He chuckled, “That right there. I’m very proud that you’re just… talking in front of people. Even how you got along with my friends. I have to say, I wasn’t really expecting it so quickly.”
“Hey, it’s on you to protect me if something goes wrong, so I’m just holding you to that. You haven’t proven me otherwise yet, so…”
“Thanks,” Tristan said.
Draya merely smiled back at him and rushed out to join her newfound teammates on the battlefield. Cheren and Bianca’s Pokémon watched her carefully as she approached, unsure of what to make of the newcomer. The three exchanged a few quick words in a small huddle, and then took up their ready positions. Their trainers signaled the referee, and the raised a green flag.
“Alright. Ladies and gentlemen, this Striaton City Triple Gym Battle begins,” he brought the green flag down in a quick motion, “now!”
“Pansage, Vine Whip!”
“Scald, Panpour!”
“Incinerate now!”
The three commands came at the same time, and so did their following attacks. The swiftness and precision of the attacks caught the three trainers off guard, unable to give a command in time. Luckily, Cheren's Oshawott was quick to move, dodging the Vine Whip, and taking the brunt of the Scald attack for Tepig, saving its teammate from such a hard hit. Draya easily sidestepped the oncoming flames, deftly landing safely away from the blast of heat.
“Damn… they’re quick,” Tristan muttered.
“Don’t just stand there,” Cheren called. “We need to go on the offensive. Oshawott! Water Gun on Pansear!”
“Uhh… Chao, Tackle Pansear as well!” Bianca commanded.
“No, concentrate on Pansage, Bianca!”
“O—Okay!”
“Draya,” Tristan called, “Go after Panpour, try and keep it away from the group!”
“Good thinking, Tristan!” Cheren yelled.
The three Leaders stood and watched as the three novice trainers began to fumble around the battlefield. Charging in with hastily made tactics and confusion between the three of them.
Cilan glanced to his right, “They’re learning quickly, don’t you think Chili?”
“They’ll need to spice things up soon unless they want to get burned! Pansear, Incinerate again!”
Cress sighed, “Don’t join them in their head-on tactics, brother. Perfectly timed attacks are what we need now.”
The tactic of ‘divide and conquer’ was nearly working for them. Draya was quick enough to prevent Panpour from rejoining its teammates, quickly pushing it back into a corner of the battlefield. Cheren's Oshawott was trading blows with Chili’s Pansear, parrying a flurry of Fire Punches with its Razor Shell. Bianca’s Tepig seemed to be having the easiest time of the three battles. Cilan’s Pansage was spending its time dodging the rapid fire Ember attacks, unable to get an attack in.
“You know,” Cilan said. “If this keeps up, we’ll be out quicker than I’d like.”
“True,” Cress agreed.
“I’ve got an idea, brothers,” said Chili.
“So do we,” the other two replied.
“Hey, you three!” Chili called to the other side of the battle field. Battle quieted for a moment as the hot-headed Gym Leader commanded the attention of the entire arena. “This Gym has one specific theme, even though our battle style, or type specialty might change. Do you three know what it might be?”
Without much surprise, Cheren spoke up. “It’s to teach beginning trainers the concept of type compatibility. How moves will affect certain types of Pokémon in different ways.”
“Nice one, four-eyes! Now, for a Gym that specializes in type effectiveness, do you think that we wouldn’t plan for your little tactic here? You won’t get the advantage just because your Pokémon’s natural type trumps ours. You’ve got to plan ahead! With the right move, anything can happen!”
All together, the three brothers pointed to their Pokémon, and issued a command.
“Panpour, Acrobatics!”
“Pansage, Dig!”
“Pansear, Solar Beam!”
Without the three rookie trainers realizing it, Chili’s Pansear had executed a Sunny Day attack, leaving very minimal preparation time for the Solar Beam attack. Oshawott tried to block the lance of white energy with its scalchop, but the power was too much. The tiny scallop shield shattered on contact, leaving most of the energy to still impact Oshawott in the chest. The force from the blast sent the small otter reeling back.
Distracted by the brilliant flash of light, Bianca’s Tepig didn’t see Cilan’s Pansage dig down into the earth battleground, only noticing too late that his opponent was nowhere to be seen. The green, foliage-topped monkey burst from the ground and hit Tepig in the chest. Unable to maintain consciousness any longer, the small fire pig collapsed to its side.
Draya, however managed to dodge Panpour’s wildly executed aerial maneuver. After another hard tackle, the blue monkey staggered backward, and fell onto its back, defeated.
The referee stepped into the ring. “Challengers Bianca and Cheren's Pokémon are unable to battle, as is Leader Cress’ Panpour. Trainers, please recall your Pokémon.”
“That… Dammit, I should have seen that coming.” Cheren said under his breath. He recalled his Oshawott and glanced over to Tristan’s corner.
“I’m so sorry, Chao…” Bianca solemnly held her Tepig’s Poké Ball in her arms, cradling it. “It’s up to Tristan now.”
Draya cautiously backed away from her two opponents, keeping them in her line of sight. She slowly edged her way close to Tristan. “Uh… This is scary now, Tristan. What do I do now?” she asked.
“Well… You’ve got to beat two opponents, and we win.”
“Really? I hadn’t noticed…”
“Just keep calm, Draya.”
“Tristan?” she asked.
“Yes?”
“Are you counting on me?”
“I… yes. We all are. Win this, and we all win it. It’s up to you.”
“What happens if I lose…?”
Tristan took a deep breath, “Don’t worry so much about that. We can always try again.” He closed his eyes, trying to think of a solution. “Oh. Draya. Remember back before we got into town? We were ambushed by those two Purrloin?”
“Yeah?”
“You beat those two easily back then, all you have to do is do it again.”
“Yeah, sure. Problem solved, I’ll just do it again…” She sighed, and began to start back to the middle of the battlefield. “Just like those two cats. Except one breaths fire now… Cool. Wait…” She laughed quietly to herself as she played out the idea she had just thought of. “That could work…”
“Draya!” Tristan called.
She turned around, “Yeah?”
“I trust your judgment over mine right now. If you’ve got an idea, go for it.”
“I do!” she called back. “You really want to risk the match with my idea?”
Tristan merely nodded, and smiled back at her. He then looked up and noticed the Gym Leaders’ startled faces.
“I’m wondering if that’s entirely fair,” Cress said.
“What the— Your Pokémon can talk!? Hahaha, now that’s a new one!”
“A fresh new taste added to this already bountiful battle,” Cilan mused. “It’s certainly suits my palate. How about you, Chili?”
“I’m burning to find out how good this talking Snivy is, that’s what!”
“Agreed. Well then, Challenger, we’ll let you have the first move,” said Cilan.
“Alright,” Tristan said. “Draya, go!”
Draya darted forward, aiming straight for Pansage. The speed of the attack caught the monkey by surprise, knocking it back a few paces. The two began to exchange attacks, but Draya was easily the quicker opponent. None of Pansage's attacks landed.
“Enough! Pansage, Dig!” Cilan called and The Grass Monkey Pokémon dodged the Snivy’s latest attack, and took cover underground.
“Let’s end this, Cilan! Together! Pansear, Fire Punch!”
Chili’s Pokémon lunged forward with a flaming fist, but Draya ran forward to escape its reach.
“Again!”
Around the battlefield, Draya and Pansear danced around each other, both hoping the opposite would soon give in. Pansear began focusing his attack on her front, leaving her only able to back away from the flames. Just as she stepped back to dodge another fiery attack, she felt the ground beneath her start to tremble. She didn’t have time to second guess the sensation, so she hoped the maneuver worked.
As Pansage burst through the earth behind her to strike her back, Pansear swung wide to hit her front. But Draya had been hoping the fight would shift to close quarters. Just as with her win with the two Purrloin, she planned to use their greater numbers against them. She ducked under Pansear’s swing, wrapped her tail around his arm, and redirected the attack straight into Pansage, who had been coming full force with its Dig attack. The Fire Monkey’s burning fist collided with Pansage’s face, while the remaining force Pansage had carried him into his partner.
Lying flat on the ground, Draya avoided both attacks entirely, and then stood up next to her two collapsed opponents, victorious. For the first time, Draya heard the sounds of humans screaming for her, not at her.
The referee raised his red flag high. “Leader Chili and Leader Cilan’s Pokémon are unable to battle! The winners are the challenging team of Cheren, Bianca, and Tristan, from Nuvema Town!”
“Yes!” Tristan yelled.
“Oh my god… Tristan! Draya! Yay!” Bianca ran over and threw her arms around Tristan in a gleeful hug. Draya scampered back to her trainer’s side to receiver her own praise for securing the win.
Cheren just stood, staring at the battlefield, and thinking how completely implausible the outcome had turned out to be. “Something’s off…” he muttered to himself. He started for his friends to join in the celebration. “Something, but what?”
Leaders Cilan and Chili both recalled their two Pokémon, and joined their brother on their side of the field.
“Well, I’ll say it. I’m impressed with them,” Cilan said.
“To think they’d turn our tactics on ourselves… It’s just beginner’s luck—” Chili said.
Cress interrupted, “Not luck, at least not entirely. There’s got to be some experience to draw from before you think of a move like that.”
“Tricky little Snivy, though,” Cilan added.
The three brothers turned, and walked toward the three celebrating trainers.
“Congratulations,” they said together.
“You three bested us in battle,” said Cilan.
“You showed that you’re knowledgeable on type compatibilities,” continued Chili.
“And you see the true value of cooperation and teamwork. It’s with these three criteria that we three Leaders recognize and approve that—” Cress added.
“—You are victorious. We would like to reward the three of you with these, Trio Badges.” the Leaders finished.
The three trainers all took their badges, and took a moment to admire them. Cheren deftly pulled out his trainer case, and pressed his into its proper slot. Bianca pinned hers to the flap of her purse. Tristan pinned his to the inside of his jacket. The three trainers were now one step closer to their goal on the road to the Pokémon League.
“Hey… wait a minute…” Bianca said cautiously.
“Yes?” the three brothers asked.
“What about our free lunch?”
Cheren sighed, “Bianca… I swear…”
—————
Two figures in identical outfits marched through the woods. One led the other, though their orientation on this path did not reflect their ranking otherwise. They stood as equals, working to see the absolution of the same goal. The first merely had more of an understanding of the wilds than the second.
“Are you sure we should be doing this?” the first asked.
“What’s the matter?” the second responded. “You heard our orders.”
“It just sounds…” the first paused in thought for a moment. “…odd.”
“Think of the reward though! We’ll be made proper Knights!”
“I know that, but I don’t understand what this mission has to do with what we stand for.”
The second clasped his hand on the first’s shoulder, causing her to turn around. “Listen. In all of my time in our King’s service, I have never once questioned that man’s plans. Lord Ghetsis’ orders only further the realization of Plasma’s goal. He hasn’t steered us wrong yet.”
The second pulled away a branch, looking down on the ruined facility that was their target. “And I won’t start doubting him now.”
—————
To Be Continued…
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Vines of Deceit