Upon A New Horizon Part VI
Katie once again found herself within the misty woods of the Slumbering Weald, barely able to see even the silhouettes of the trees ahead of her.
She wadded through the tall grass down the pathway as there was no one but herself alone.
There were no signs of any wild Pokémon. Note even the cry of a Rookidee.
Just then, she stopped to a halt in midstep as she noticed a large, quadruple form lumbering towards her through the thick fog. The creature crept closer and closer, its slender, scarred lupin features becoming much more visible.
The blue Pokémon (at least, she believed it was) gazed down at her with a neutral look on its wolfish face, its yellow eyes unreadable.
Katie took a nervous step back, only to stop when she spotted a similar wolf-like scarred Pokémon with red fur.
The fog grew thicker around her and the mysterious Pokémon as they blocked her only known exits.
Katie reached into her pocket to grab her PokéBalls to call out Nalu and Glimmer in case the strange creatures were going to attack. But… she couldn’t find them. As though she had forgotten to bring them.
Just as Katie was about to panic, neither of the strange Pokémon were showing any aggression towards her nor were they going to attack her.
“Wh-who are you?” Katie asked nervously, trying to keep her voice steady. “What do you want? Are you Pokémon? Why are you here?”
The Pokémon in front of her threw back its head and let out a thunderous howl which practically shook the entire forest. The other Pokémon followed suit.
Katie clapped her hands over her ears from the loud howling. She grimaced when she noticed the fog was growing thicker until she couldn’t even see her own hands.
She was starting to fear for the worst when-!
###########################################################
A face full of a Water Gun attack jolted her awake.
“GAH! Nalu! Again?!” Katie sputtered as she sat up in bed, groaning. “We do have an alarm clock, you know.”
“Pop! Pop!” Nalu yapped nervously.
“Yeepers Creepers!” Alicia gasped, woken up by Aki who did a Water Pulse attack on her. “Aki, you know I washed my hair yesterday.”
“Dewott!” Aki said worryingly.
Katie sighed as she brushed back her soaked bangs.
“It was because I was having that dream, wasn’t it?” She asked as she noticed Nalu and Glimmer’s worried expressions.
“You had this weird dream again?” Alicia asked while she dried her hair in the bathroom while her Pokémon took care of her clothes and stuff.
“Yeah…” Katie sighed. “It’s about those weird Pokémon again. At least… I think they were Pokémon.”
“I had a similar dream.” Alicia spoke.
Katie dried her hair in the bathroom and got dressed while her Pokémon handled her wet pyjamas.
“I’m starting to think these dreams are not random.” She said slowly while picking up her hat. “It can’t be a coincidence if they’re the same thing about these Pokémon.”
Alicia puts her own hat on as she's ready to go. She put on her backpack with Trix resting on top of it.
“I think you're right. The dreams feel like a vision rather than a normal dream you have.” Alicia stated before Aki grabbed her small bag. “It's like they want us to visit a certain place.”
“I have a feeling you’re right.” Katie agreed, adjusting the strap of her own backpack before picking Nalu up.
Alicia wanted to respond but the constant knocking on the door interrupted their conversation.
“Rachel….” Alicia sighed.
“Looks like she’s itching to get to her first Gym Challenge ASAP.” Katie confirmed.
“Guys, wake up before the pancakes are gone!” Rachel yelled on the other side of the door before a shy voice asked her to stay quiet because the other students were still sleeping in their rooms.
“We're wide awake Rachel.” Alicia said while she rubbed sleep out of her eyes before the door to her and Katie's room finally opened.
“To spare the other students sleep deprivation, you could have texted…” Katie stated before she yawned.
“Yeesh, speaking of sleep deprivation, you guys look like you haven't slept in weeks.” Rachel commented. “Did you guys have a rough night?”
Alicia shook her head in response as she said, “Nah, I’m good.”
“Just had a weird dream, that’s all.” Katie smiled shakily.
“Was it because of the Gym Leader Challenge?” Meadow sheepishly asked.
“Y-yeah…” Katie answered. “I mean, it’s rather unnerving and exciting at the same time.”
Alicia nodded in agreement before she closed the door behind her as she, Katie and their Pokémon entered the hallway.
“Seems like we're not the only ones wide awake.” Alicia pointed out.
Two older students discussed the Gym Leader they had to face while their partner Pokémon were a Prinplup and a Combusken.
“Man, this Gym Challenge is gonna be tough.” The student with the Prinplup sighed. “I know we had trained long and hard for this, but it won’t be easy given how strong most of the Gym Leaders are.”
“At least you don't have to face Byron next.” The other student responded.
“Seriously, he’d be small potatoes in comparison to Raihan.” The first student shuddered. “Whoever’s facing him, I’d wish them the best of luck. With its Gigantamax form, his Duraludon would squash any Trainer’s Pokémon flat.”
“Prinplup.” The penguin-like Pokémon sighed.
Alicia wasn't sure if she should be happy or not about it. Raihan is known for his tactics in battle.
After all he’s the second strongest Trainer in the Galar Region.
“He’s not wrong there.” Katie mused. “Raihan is said to be Leon’s biggest rival and tried to beat him for the title as Galar’s Champion for quite a while. He’s even among the few Trainers to beat most of Leon’s Pokémon except for his Charizard.”
“Yep, I remember seeing a battle between him and Leon but Leon has always won the battle.” Alicia mentioned.
Katie smiled gently. “He’s not known as the unbeatable Champion for nothing.”
“Yeah! But I'm known as the unbeatable Champion of eating pancakes.” Rachel boasted.
“T-try not to eat too much…” Meadow spoke up. “You don’t want to get a tummy ache before your match with W-Whitney.”
Alicia agreed with her. “I prefer to eat a fruit bowl in the morning rather than a stack of pancakes.”
“Yeah, pancakes are nice on certain occasions.” Katie agreed. “For now, I’m more in the mood for a croissant.”
“I wonder if the croissants in Kalos taste different from the ones we have here?” Rachel wondered.
Katie shrugged. “I think it all depends on the recipe.”
“Totally.” Alicia said. “My family has a family recipe for a special kind of croissant you won't get in Kalos.”
“Th-that’s a-amazing…” Meadow spoke.
“What are you guys waiting for? I'm starving!” Rachel exclaimed.
The girls picked up some trays and gathered up some food for themselves as well as for their Pokémon before finding Arturo at a table.
“Morning, Arturo.” Alicia greets him.
“Good morning.” Arturo acknowledged. “I see you’re all up and early.”
“Thanks to a certain someone.” Alicia said.
“Dewott.” Aki agreed with her trainer.
“Given her enthusiasm, I can't say it's her fault since Whitney’s Gym is literally right next door.” Arturo stated as Rachel was tackling her stacks of pancakes.
“Still, we have plenty of time before we have to go.” Alicia added.
“And I’m sure Whitney’s not much of a morning person herself.” Katie added. “It’s not like she’s going anywhere.”
“Even Gym Leaders have a life outside of their Gyms.” Meadow nervously mentioned.
“Eevee vee!” Eevee barked, looking up from her bowl.
“Nessa, the Water-Type Gym Leader is a model.” Katie spoke up. “She actually makes time to balance her modelling career and still be a Gym Leader.”
“I’m not sure about Brock.” Alicia murmured “Isn't he a doctor?”
“Oh, you mean, a Pokémon Doctor?” Arturo inquired. “I believe so, but I haven’t heard much about his process given I heard rumors he gave up his promising career to co-work at a restaurant with someone.”
Rachel looks a little bit confused. “ Wait? Really?” She mumbled.
“Come to think of it… a student had posted something on the social media that he has a thing for girls he deems most beautiful.” Katie said slowly.
She got out her Smart Rotom Phone to show a photo of Brock at the academy with the other Gym Leaders last week, flirting with Nessa. The Pewter City Gym Leader had a lovestruck look on his face, his squinted eyes transformed into bright pink hearts while Nessa could only stare as she was in an awkward position.
Katie then awkwardly swiped on the screen again to show another photo of a Croagunk jabbing Brock in the side with a Poison Jab attack, causing Brock to painfully tip over, falling to the ground. Another swipe shows a photo of the frog-like Poison and Fighting-Type dragging Brock away by one of his legs.
“Oh jeez….” Alicia cringed as Meadow squeaked while grabbing Eevee for a hug.
“Dewott…” Aki winced in agreement as the other Pokémon sweatdropped.
“Wait, ain't you battling him first, Ali?” Rachel asked. Her smirk wasn't hard to miss.
Alicia sweetly responded, “Y-Yeah but I doubt he will flirt with someone like me.”
“As flattering it would be to have a guy complimenting you, I have to be honest, I would be a bit overwhelmed with such advances. Especially if it’s from someone I haven’t even met.” Katie agreed.
“Well, let's hope Whitney won't cry like she always does if she loses.” Alicia shyly responded. “My father said she's a little bit sensitive about losing to challengers. Although she eventually calms down.”
“M-maybe she grew out of it?” Meadow suggested.
Rachel shrugs in response before she places her tray away and tossed her half eaten apple in the same trashbin where the Grimer from yesterday is in.
“Grimer!” It happily accepted the half eaten apple from Rachel.
“Is that… usually a normal thing?” Katie asked awkwardly.
“Maybe it's from the academy's wild zone?” Alicia suggested. “Or it belongs to someone working in the kitchen.”
“Perhaps.” Arturo considered.
The others followed suit before they entered the main entrance of the academy to follow a group of students outside the academy.
“Looks like everyone is preparing to leave for their first Gym Challenge.” Katie observed.
Alicia nodded. “Yep, it's time to leave the academy to get our very first Gym badge.” She confidently said, walking out of the main entrance leading to the very park-like area where Alicia first met Katie and Rachel.
“Dewott!” Aki walked in front of her challenging Anubis the Riolu into a running competition.
“Riolu!” Anubis accepted the challenge and ran side by side with Aki.
Trix on the other hand remains on top of Alicia’s backpack.
“I-it’s almost rather c-convenient that one of our G-Gym battles starts right here.” Meadow spoke up.
“I’ll say.” Katie agreed. “Having a Gym in the same city seems like it’s the easy part, the drawback is how ridiculously strong the local Gym Leader is…”
“Yeesh, what’s with all the frequent reminders and negativities?” Rachel claimed, rolling her eyes. “You guys gotta stop being so worried about it.”
“All that we’re saying you still need to think things through.” Katie cautioned. “We know you like challenges, Rachel, but you can’t depend on just strength alone. As a Trainer, you still need to plan ahead with a strategy and look for a new angle.”
Alicia agreed with her. “My father always says it's good to have a strategy for each battle.” She added in while petting her Zorua. “He uses different battle tactics in every battle he takes part in.”
As Alicia spoke Aki, her Dewott won the race challenge against Anubis the Riolu.
“Dewott! Dewott!” Aki happily cheered while Anubis was a little bit exhausted from all the racing.
“Riolu…” Anubis mumbled, collapsing down into a sitting position on the ground.
“Come here, Anubis.” Alicia picked her Riolu up from the ground while she followed the others to the Gym.
“I still find it hard to believe that the academy is built and established in the same place as the Goldenrod City Gym.” Katie commented.
“Yeah, it's kinda weird.” Meadow admitted as they spotted the Gym just around the corner with one of their Teachers waiting at the front door.
“Is that Mr. Smith?” Rachel asked, curiously looking at the person talking with a much shorter female.
“Strange, I wonder why he’s here…” Arturo spoke.
“Didn't Mrs. Kay told us every teacher is visiting each region?” Alicia asked while she held her Riolu Anubis in her arms.
Curious, the group walked up to the Gym to witness the argument between their PE Teacher and the Gym Leader of Goldenrod City Whitney.
It seems like the Gym Leader is crying.
“Oh, for crying out loud, Miss Whitney!” Mr. Smith groaned. “You know how it goes when you battle with a challenger: if they’re able to defeat you, you’re supposed to congratulate them for their victory and hand them the badge they have earned. There is no need to cry over spilled Moo Moo Milk about it!”
“Oh, brother…” Alicia sighs as she and the others walk up to the conversation.
“I mean, all of the Gym Leaders have lost battles against several challengers who have worked and trained hard to earn those Gym Badges, but you don’t hear or see ‘em crying about it!” Mr. Smith reprimanded.
Rachel blinked in response. “So…. You guys weren't kidding about her crying habits.” She nervously gulped.
“Well, she's a crybaby if someone defeats her Pokémon.” Alicia added.
“So much for outgrowing it…” Katie sighed as she sweatdropped.
Whitney continued to cry before she calmed down long enough to sheepishly hand over the Gym badge to a senior student and his Infernape.
“Here you go. You’ve earned a Plain Badge for a job well done.” She sniffled.
“T-Thanks.” The student said, awkwardly receiving the badge.
“Infernape…” his Infernape sweatdropped like its trainer does before going to the next Gym.
Mr. Smith spotted the group while Whitney wiped the last few tears away.
“Speaking of it, here comes your next challenger.” Mr. Smith announced.
The group approached the front of the Gym, Rachel up front.
“Hi! My name's Rachel!” Rachel introduced herself.
“O-oh! I remember, you’re the Trainer I had picked to battle last week.” Whitney beamed. “Your teachers said, you like a tough challenge. You’re quite the spitfire from what I’ve heard.”
“She sure is.” Arturo agreed.
“I just hope you have trained hard, because I won’t go easy on you just because you’re a junior student.” Whitney warned.
“Funny, I was about to say the same thing.” Rachel smirked.
“Scorbunny!” Rachel's Scorbunny was ready to battle.
“That's the spirit!” Mr. Smith laughed. “Well, let's not stand still, we’re here to see a battle!”
#########################################################
The group entered the Goldenrod City Gym, following the Gym Leader Whitney and the PE Teacher Mr. Smith to the battlefield.
“We should watch from the sidelines.” Alicia said.
The group walked further back and stood on the sidelines to watch the battle.
Rachel on the other hand stood on the battlefield, PokéBall in hand.
“I hope you're ready.” She smirked.
“As I’ll ever be.” Whitney claimed. “Prepare yourself.”
The Gym referee stepped forward to state out the rules.
“Each opponent will use up to two Pokémon each. The challenger is allowed to switch out their Pokémon in between battles. If both Pokémon on either side are unable to battle, the opponent automatically loses.” He explained. “Ready? Battle begin!”
Rachel chose her partner Scorbunny first.
Whitney takes out a PokéBall and kisses it for luck before she throws it, crying out, “Let’s go! Blissey!”
“Blissey!” The Pokémon cried with a serene smile.
“Woah!” Alicia gasped. Her PokéDex App reacts.
“Blissey, the Happiness Pokémon, a Normal-Type and the evolved form of Chansey. Anyone who takes even one taste of its egg becomes unfailingly pleasant to everyone.”
“Let's see how this will go.” Arturo studied the battle from afar. “Fire-Type moves are usually effective against Normal-Type.”
“And Scorbunny also knows Double Kick, a Fighting-Type move that’s super effective against Normal-Types.” Katie confirmed.
Scorbunny uses the said move against the Blissey, landing a critical hit.
“Blissey!” Blissey wailed, stumbling back.
Whitney gasped. “No Blissey!”
Blissey groaned before pulling herself upright. She might have taken some serious damage but she can still fight.
“It’s not going to be easy. Is it?” Alicia inquired.
“No…” Arturo said grimly. “Blissey may not be as strong as Miltank, but no doubt she will still put up as much as a good fight.”
“Blissey, use Double Slap!” Whitney yelled.
“Blissey!” Blissey frowned, determined before she charged towards Scorbunny and repeatedly slapped him across the face with two slaps. “Blissey! Blissey!”
“Scor!” Scorebunny yelped in pain.
The rabbit-like Pokémon bounced across the battlefield and hit the ground.
“Scorbunny! You okay?!” Rachel cried.
“Scorbunny!” He responded, jumping back onto his feet.
“Okay! Use Ember!” Rachel ordered.
The Fire-Type inhaled before releasing a stream of small embers out of his mouth. The small fireballs pelted Blissey, who painfully tried to shelter herself with her arms. But it was hit on impact, causing it to be defeated.
“Blissey is unable to battle! The victory goes to Scorbunny!” The referee announced.
“Sh-she really d-did it!” Meadow gasped.
“It ain’t over.” Mr. Smith reminded. “Whitney still has her ace for Rachel to deal with.”
As Mr. Smith said that, the Gym Leader released her last Pokémon.
In a burst of light, a large pink bipedal bovine-like Pokémon emerged from the ball, landing on her legs.
“So, that’s the infamously powerful Miltank…” Katie spoke as her own PokéDex app analysed the Pokémon.
“Miltank, the Milk Cow Pokémon, a Normal-Type. Miltank produces nutritious milk, so it’s been supporting people and other Pokémon since ancient times.”
“Hmmm, that would make sense.” Alicia said.
“It looks a-adorable.” Meadow squeaked. “It’s almost strange that some challengers w-would be so afraid of battling it.”
“Looks can be deceiving…” Alicia said with caution, remembering what John had gone through during his Gym battle with Whitney in the past.
Whitney smirked before she commanded, “Miltank! Use Attract!”
“Miltank!” The Normal-Type winked before blowing a kiss, sending a large pink heart flying towards Scorbunny’s direction.
“Scor!” His eyes turned into the shape of hearts as he had fallen in love with Miltank due to the events of Attract.
“Scorbunny!” Rachel panicked. “Snap out of it buddy!”
“And now use Roll Out!” Whitney yelled.
“Mil!” Miltank curled into a ball before rolling towards the Scorbunny. “Tank!”
“Scor!” Roll Out landed a critical hit on Scorbunny, causing him to fly across the battlefield.
“Ugh! A direct hit!” Katie winced.
“Pop!” Nalu yelped, covering her eyes with her flippers.
Sadly, Scorbunny wasn't able to battle as another Roll Out attack struck him.
“Scor……” Scorbunny collapsed on the battlefield, falling into unconsciousness.
“Scorbunny is unable to battle! The victory goes to Miltank!” The referee announced.
“Oh my gosh!” Katie cried.
“Oh, dang!” Alicia exclaimed.
“Y-Yes her Miltank is g-g-good!” Meadow agreed.
Arturo remains silent as he informs the group about Rachel's other Pokémon she recently caught.
“As a quick reminder to you all her second Pokémon is a Hawlucha. A Fighting-Type.”
“True, but he’s also a Flying-Type, which makes him vulnerable to Roll-Out.” Katie cautioned with worry.
“Unless Miltank can't reach Hawlucha.” Alicia stated, confusing everyone but Mr. Smith.
“W-what do you m-mean?” Meadow asked, not understanding.
“Remember the battle we had yesterday?” Alicia responded.
“Yeah. What about it?” Katie replied.
“Well, Rachel's Hawlucha rarely stays on the ground as we battled.” Alicia explained. “Most of the time Hawlucha was in the air and that's a good case to win this battle here.”
Mr. Smith agreed, “Yes she's right. Roll Out won't reach Hawlucha if it's in mid air which makes the battle harder for Miltank.”
“S-so Rachel w-would have a chance of winning?” Meadow asked hopefully.
Hawlucha was released from his PokéBall as the group spoke about the strategy Rachel could be using against Whitney's infamously known Miltank.
“A Hawlucha?” Whitney responded in surprise rather than shock. “Oh well, it won't stay on the battlefield for long.”
She smirks before ordering her Miltank to use Attract once again.
“Miltank!” The Normal-Type sends another heart bubble towards the Wrestling Pokémon.
“Not this time!” Rachel smirked. “Hawlucha use Wing Attack!”
Her Hawlucha responded by flapping his wings to create a strong gust of wind.
The heart-shaped bubble vanishes on impact with the attack.
“See? That's what I mean.” Alicia said while Aki and Anubis were watching the battle. Trix woke up from the noise.
“That’s quite impressive.” Katie commented.
“Popplio.” Nalu added in.
Hawlucha struck a few wrestling poses, flexing his winged biceps.
“Now use Brick Break!” Rachel ordered.
“Hawlucha!” Hawlucha charges forward to deliver the blow.
“Milllltankkk!” Whitney's Miltank cried out as she got hit with a critical hit.
“And now we're finishing it with Flying Press!” Rachel confidently said.
She even turned her basecap around to look even more serious.
“Miltank use Roll Out!” Whitney yelled.
She wasn't ready to lose so soon. Not after her last match with the other student and his Infernape.
“Miltank!” Miltank turned into a ball again, trying to roll over the Hawlucha.
“Lucha!” But the latter dodged the attack right on time to strike with a powerful Fighting-Type move.
“That's a critical hit.” Alicia.
“Keep it up, Hawlucha!” Katie cheered.
“MILTANK!” Whitney wailed worryingly as Miltank uncurled from her balled up form and crashed to the ground in a burst of a dust cloud.
As the dust cleared, Miltank was sprawled flat on her back, completely knocked out.
“Miltank is unable to battle! The victory goes to Hawlucha and Rachel from the Coconut Academy!” The referee announced.
“Nice one Rachel!” Alicia yelled.
“You did it!” Katie cheered.
“Pop! Popplio!” Nalu beamed, clapping her flippers in congratulation.
“Dewott!” Aki clapped too.
“Eevee vee!” Eevee barked happily.
“Yay.” Meadow said softly as Arturo applauded.
Hawlucha folded his winged arms, his head held high like the proud and victorious wrestler that he is. “Hawlucha.”
“Way to go Rachel!” Mr. Smith congratulated her for her very first Gym victory.
“Thanks, Mr. Smith.” Rachel said. She walks over to Hawlucha. “You did great out there, Hawlucha. You’re so awesome.”
Hawlucha posed, flexing his muscles with pride. “Hawlucha!”
Whitney sniffled as she got out Miltank’s PokéBall and recalled her. For a moment, it looked like she was going to bawl her eyes out again, but…
“Congratulations, Rachel. You really fought well today.” She said happily instead. “You’re actually among the few rare Trainers who actually manage to defeat me on the first try. True, I can be quite a crybaby when it comes to my losses, but hey, having a good cry is healthy.”
She giggled sheepishly while Mr. Smith sweatdropped with a groan.
“And for once, I’m more impressed by how well-trained Pokémon have been and how well they have fought for you.” Whitney spoke. She walks over to Rachel and presents her with a Plain Badge. “To commemorate your victory, I present to you the Plain Badge.”
Rachel smiled as she held the badge in her hand. “Yeah! I got the Plain Badge!”
“Scorbunny!” Her Scorbunny cheered, jumping up.
“Hawlucha!” Hawlucha crowed, posing and flexing his muscles.
“Congrats Rachel!” Alicia said.
“You did great out there!” Katie added.
“You learned fast from your mistake.” Arturo responded. “Looks like I’m the next one.”
“Y-you’re going to battle Falkner of the Violet City G-Gym, right?” Meadow asked.
Arturo nodded. “Yeah, his Gym is in Violet City.” He responded.
“We could use the bus for fast travel.” Alicia suggested. “Or the Magnet Train.”
“You know, I’ve always wanted to go on their Magnet Train.” Katie spoke up.
“Good thing we don't have to pay for a ticket.” Rachel informed the group.
“Yeah, we're allowed to go the train without paying for a ticket.” Alicia agreed.
“One of the perks of having a Trainer’s pass.” Katie smiled.
“Well, you should head to the train station before you lose the train in time.” Mr. Smith informed as he pointed to his watch.
“We’d better get going.” Arturo said urgently,
Alicia nodded. “Yeah, let's go!”
“Thanks for the badge, Whitney!” Rachel yelled over her shoulder as she and the gang and their Pokémon hurried out of the Gym to get to the train station.
Whitney waved the group goodbye. “Good luck with the next Gyms!”
##########################################################
The group arrived at the train station in Goldenrod City just in time.
“Phew! We made it!” Alicia sighed in relief as she rushed inside the train leaving for Kanto with a stop leading to Violet City.
“Riolu!” Anubis sighed in response to her reaction.
The rest of her team were relieved to be inside the train rather than seeing it departing in front of their eyes.
“Just in time, too!” Rachel claimed, running on ahead. “C’mon, let’s get onboard!”
“Coming!” Arturo panted, following.
His Fennekin followed him inside the train. Katie, Alicia and Meadow hurried up from the rear, their own Pokémon not far behind.
Katie groaned in exhaustion as she sat down onto an empty seat by the window, Nalu sprawled on her lap.
Alicia picked up a seat on the opposite side. Aki rested on the seat next to her.
As everyone rested in their seats, a news jingle was heard, making them look up to see the built-in television from the ceiling of the train.
“Wait, is that…?” Arturo wondered.
“It's Rocket News!” blasted the television screen as the words appeared on the screen followed by a woman with pinkish long hair.
The woman is wearing a pale pink suit with a matching skirt in place of pants, a pale buttermilk yellow blouse, a light teal silk scarf around her neck, a gold bracelet on her left wrist, green spherical earrings and magenta pumps.
“Hello, and welcome everyone to our news program. My name is Jessie, the ever so fashionably fabulous and ever so fashionably fashionable reporter of Rocket News.” The woman informed. “Today, we are live here at Hammerlocke in the Galar Region where we’re taking a live interview with the local Gym Leader before he departs for the dazzling city of Wyndon for the finals.”
“Wait, since when has Team Rocket a news television show?” Rachel asked.
“Well… after Giovanni had disappeared and Team Rocket had disbanded, most of the grunts either went into hiding themselves, were arrested or some actually decided to reform and start a new life with a much more humble career.” Katie stated. “At least… I think some of them had a change of heart.”
“Now without further ado, let's go over to my partner James interviewing the Hammerlocke Gym Leader Raihan.” Jessie announced before the screen showed a man with Raihan standing behind him.
James has short blueish hair and green eyes, wearing a dark blueish-black suit, a white dress shirt, a violet necktie and polished dark brown dress shoes. He also has a teal pochette in the left breast pocket on his jacket and what appears to be a red rose pin on his lapel.
“Well, a wonderful hello from Galar, dear viewers.” He greeted. “Today I’m here with a very special person, the number two, the second strongest Trainer in the whole Galar Region. Raihan himself!”
The Hammerlocke Gym Leader casually greeted the viewers with a casual smile, showing a small fang and pulling one of his hands out from the front pocket of his draconic hoodie to wave.
“So, Raihan. The rumors must be true about your next challenger, right?” James asked the Hammerlocke Gym Leader.
“I wonder who it is.” Rachel wondered.
“Maybe Diantha?” Alicia suggested.
“Or there’s even Cynthia.” Katie added in.
“Looks like it could be James Powell.” Arturo informed the girls
“Well, I would love to have Leon as my next opponent but sadly it's James Powell.” Raihan answered with a shrug.
“James Powell? The former Indigo League Elite Four member?” James asked. “He must truly be a worthy opponent. Especially with such a handsome name like ‘James’. I should know, I just happened to be named James myself.”
James puffed out his chest with pride as he said this, making Raihan give him an awkward face that screams, “Ah, okay…”.
“Oh boy.” Alicia groaned.
“Katy, one of the Paldea Gym Leaders has a name just like mine that is spelled differently, but you don’t see or hear me making a big deal out of it.” Katie said, sweatdropping.
“Popplio…” Nalu sighed with a blunt look.
“Speaking of strong opponents, James Powell definitely has a strong ace on his side.” Raihan admitted, with sweat drops on his face. “His Garchomp and Blaziken are not easy to defeat.”
“H-he’s right. Mr. Powell’s P-Pokémon are really st-strong.” Meadow said.
Alicia nods before she and Raihan spotted the Mega Ring James wear.
“Since when does he have a Mega Ring?” She wondered.
“Huh? He does?” Rachel frowned.
“I don’t seem to recall any members of Team Rocket having any Pokémon capable of Mega Evolving” Katie said. “Not even Giovanni has any ace Pokémon that Mega Evolve, much less a Mega Ring of his own.”
“Doesn’t James have a Pokémon able to Megaevolve ?” Arturo asked.
“I think a Pokémon photographer had taken an accidental snapshot of them blasting off while taking pictures of Flying-Types via a balloon.” Katie mused. “In the photo, there was a Chimecho with them.”
She got out her Smart Rotom Phone and searched through it until she showed her friends an online photo of Jessie and James in their old Team Rocket uniforms, which were white with black boots and gloves instead of the signature black suits and grey boots of gloves the notorious organization were known for. They even lack the hats.
The two were comically soaring through the sky with a Meowth, a Seviper, a Cacnea, a Wobbuffet and indeed a Chimecho.
“Well, it seems to me they changed for the better.” Alicia added.
“D-didn’t they try to steal a boy’s Pikachu back then?” Meadow asked.
“Yeah! They're after his Pikachu if I’m not wrong.” Rachel pointed out.
The group then returned to their attention to the interview as Jessie and James were talking to Raihan about the finals and his upcoming battle with James Powell.
“Since the finals will happen in a few hours, is there any advice you like to give young trainers?” James asked, smiling in the camera before he shoved the microphone near Raihan’s mouth.
“Well, since the junior students at the Coconut Academy in Johto are starting their Gym Challenge, I wanna wish ‘em the best of luck.” Raihan replied.
He then smirked over at the camera with casual confidence, as though he was acknowledging not only the students watching the interview but also Alicia’s group, almost knowingly.
“Especially to the Trainer I’m gonna pick. And I think I know exactly WHO that lucky trainer’s gonna be.” He concluded.
Alicia gulped all of a sudden.
“You okay?” Katie asked in concern.
“I don't know why, but I have this feeling he means me.” Alicia answered, a bit nervous.
“Oh, what?” Rachel scoffed. “C’mon, Ali, you can’t know that. I mean, he has a pick of any student in the academy.”
“On a scale of one to ten, he could pick any one of us other than you.” Arturo stated.
“He is keeping it rather… vague.” Katie added.
Alicia agreed with her friends, but still she has the feeling the Dragon-type Gym Leader wants to battle with her.
“Now that's an intense answer.” James chuckled. “Thanks for for the interview Mr. Raihan and good luck with the battle.”
“Thanks, I’m gonna need it.” Raihan replied. “He may have retired from the Elite Four business, but James Powell is still a real tough customer.”
“Yeah! No kiddin’!” A different male voice with a Brooklyn accent piped up in agreement from offscreen.
“Wobbuffet!” A Wobbuffet’s voice chimed in.
“Wait a minute, is that Meowth talking?” Rachel exclaimed in surprise.
“Didn’t you know?” Katie asked in confusion. “Team Rocket has always been seen with a talking Meowth. He even disguises himself to often pass himself up as a human alongside Jessie and James whenever they’re trying to con Trainers out of money or rob them blind of their Pokémon.”
Katie showed off several photos of the trio in disguises on her phone. Even their Wobbuffet was in on the disguising as he was dressed up as a girl with braided pigtails and thick red framed glasses.
They also had an Inkay poorly disguised as a Pikachu as Jessie and James attempted to pass themselves up as ten-year-old kids judging from the outfits and the wigs styled to look like those of children.
“How some people are so easily fooled by such paper-thin disguises is beyond me.” Katie said, rolling her eyes.
“Tell me about it.” Rachel agreed. “Even the blindest Woobat can tell that’s an Inkay badly disguised as a Pikachu. What kind of Trainer would actually fall for such a LAME disguise like THAT?”
“And that’s all for now! This is Jessie.” Jessie announced.
“And James!” James chimed in as he slid in at her side, holding his microphone in a suave manner as though he was holding his signature rose in the past.
“Rocket News will be blasting off for even more big action packed news!” Jessie declared.
“Stay tuned and be in for now!” James concluded.
“Meowth! That’s right!” Meowth piped up.
“Wobbuffet!” Wobbuffet popped up with a salute, his face practically filling up the screen.
The Psychic-Type was pulled back by his teammates as Jessie strained, “And now the weather!”
The screen changes to the next station the train will arrive at.
“Violet City central state is our next stop.” Alicia informed the others.
“You do know which Pokémon you’re going to battle Falkner’s, Arturo?” Katie asked.
“He uses Flying-Type Pokémon right?” Rachel added in.
Arturo nodded as he explained, “While I do have Fennekin and Absol, I’m sure they can put up a good fight with their types, but I had caught a Shinx a while back, so an Electric-Type should give me a proper advantage.”
“Yep, Electric-Types are very effective against Flying and Water-Types, yet they’re weak against Rock and Ground-Types.” Alicia explained while petting Trix her Zorua.
“Zorua.” Trix crooned, content with being petted.
“I just hope Glimmer will do well against my battle with Korrina.” Katie said. “Her Lucario is also a Steel-Type and Psychic-Types are not very effective if I’m not mistaken.”
Rachel responded with a confident smile on her face. “You sure will, Kate.”
“Y-you showed to be a great Trainer and you worked really hard to be prepared.” Meadow added in.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” Arturo concluded.
“Attention dear passengers! We will arrive in Violet City in a few minutes!” The loudspeaker announced the arrival of the next station.
“We should probably get up and be ready to depart the train.” Alicia explained while picking up her things as she spotted the Sprout Tower.
“We definitely should.” Katie agreed, adjusting the straps of her backpack when she slipped it on.
The others followed suit before the group stood in front of the doors as the Magnet Train arrived at the train station of Violet City.
As the train came to a stop the group noticed a man standing at the train station.
“Wait a minute, is that-?” Rachel started.
“Falkner?” Alicia ended her sentence.
“The V-V-Violet City G-G-Gym Leader?!” Meadow stuttered, overwhelmed with shock and anxiety of seeing a Gym Leader of all people in the middle of the train station.
And she wasn’t even the student to battle him.
“Vee?” Eevee squeaked as the anxious Meadow held her tight.
“Dewott?” Aki tilted his head in confusion.
“Riolu?” Anubis followed suit.
“What is he doing here?” Katie whispered in surprise and concern.
“I don't know?” Alicia responded to her question. “Maybe he waited for Arturo?”
“I suppose that would make sense…” Arturo considered, holding his chin in thought.
The train doors open for the group and the rest of the passengers to leave the train or enter it. The gang exited the train as Falkner slowly approached them.
Behind or rather by his side unnoticeable at first was Mr. Smith with his partner Pokémon Skarmory in his Mega Evolved.
“Huh?” Katie spoke. “How come Mr. Smith’s Skarmory is in his Mega Evolved form?”
“Because it's faster that's why.” Arturo explained while he showed Katie the exact PokéDex entry for Mega Skarmory. “As the PokéDex mentioned, it's way faster than its normal state.”
“So that explains why he didn’t come on the train with us.” Rachel confirmed in realization. “Mega Evolution’s so hardcore.”
“Honestly I kinda guessed it.”Alicia sheepishly responded.
As the gang walked up to the Gym Leader of Violet City and their PE Teacher Mr. Smith the Gym Leader welcomes them to Violet City.
“Welcome to Violet City.” Falkner greeted. “I'm the Gym Leader of this city and you must be the students of the Coconut Academy right?”
“Y-yes sir.” Katie replied.
Falkner chuckled a little bit as he said, “You don't have to call me sir. Falkner is alright with me.” He then spotted Arturo among the group. “I trust you must be Arturo, the student I chose to battle, correct?”
Arturo nodded. “Yes Falkner. I'm prepared to battle.”
“That’s good to hear.” Falkner confirmed. “Would you all care to follow me back to my Gym? Unless you wish to rest for a moment. It had been quite a train ride over here.”
Alicia wasn't tired. The train ride was relaxing enough for her to continue to the Gym. But she didn't know about her friends.
“Nah, I’m good.” Rachel said casually, folding her hands behind her head.
“Umm… I-I-I’m fine…” Meadow stammered.
“I think I can manage, thank you.” Katie said in reassurance.
“To be honest, I’m ready.” Arturo stated.
“It seems the students are ready to see the next Gym battle Mr. Falkner.” Mr. Smith responded to the Gym Leader’s question.
Skarmory screeched in agreement with his Trainer and the students.
Falkner nodded curtly. “Then, let us be on our way.”
The group of students nodded before they followed the Gym Leader and the teacher to the Violet City Gym for Arturo’s Gym Challenge.
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