FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"You helped confirm my hypothesis about the slightly subtleties of Electricity that twist and turn in all sorts of directions. Perhaps we can have a chat later, if you're interested and have the time. I'll send contact detail to your agent and such. Also, I have the feeling that you want to meet Heji, so we can also do that too. I'm headed to Driftveil next." I said, in an attempt to break her out of her 'trance'.

It seemed to work as seemingly she went back into Leader Mode. "Ah, yes, um... well, before you go, I need to give you this badge, the Bolt Badge." She was less official, not that I minded. I also figured that it was probably for the better. I could only imagine the reactions from fanboys and girls, if Elesa did decide to forgo things just for that. But that was a big if.

She handed me the badge, and I graciously accepted it, readying my Badge Case, immediately after she mentioned it. With that out of the way, I gave her a bow and said, "I also would like to meet your Pokémon personally too, as well. I'm sure that Heji has plenty to talk about with them as well. Anyway, thank you for the Gym Battle, I'm going to be heading out now."

Elesa had a sudden realization, apparently still not fully recovered yet. "Hold on, actually... I don't think you can get to Driftveil yet. There has been a lot of traffic recently, and the bridge has been up quite often. Meet me on Route 5, and I'll see what I can do about it. Plus you won't have to pay the toll either."

I found it a bit odd. I mean sure, she was a celebrity but... that had no real authoritative power. The only thing I could think of would be her Clay as a Gym Leader, and the two of them together having Gym Leader Authority over the bridge, considering that it is associated with both of their cities.

"Ah, sure. Thanks. Guess that'd also give us an opportunity to meet without needing to go through the whole agent thing I suppose. But won't that mess with your schedule?" The toll was really no big deal, but I accepted the gesture nonetheless, being polite. In addition, it also gave me the opportunity to test out the fruits of Sally's training in terms of being able to carry passengers.

"Reschedulings happen all the time! Besides... sometimes it's fun to mess with my agent. Nothing too severe, but everything being so routine and precise... it's kinda boring. Anyway, see you there." She said, with a bit of a grin.

This likely explained why a lot of the Gym Leaders were barely in their Gyms. It seems as if the League was much more lax with rules and regulations here. If there was to be a region in which I ever became a Gym Leader, this would definitely be it, considering that I'd be free to move around more. Having the ability to schedule it on my own time would be better than being nearly locked down to the Gym nearly all the time. At the same time, it also made me wonder how much the Gym Leaders were paid compared to the other Leagues too.

"Yeah, see you there." I said, and with that, I headed out of the Gym, and we made our way to the Route 5. This time, both Heji, and Stripes were out, along with Sally. It was a precaution.... This time I planned on scouting out the next city before going, seeing if there was a Team Plasma presence.

On our way to the gate, we were stopped by Bianca.

"Yoo hoo, Kyn!" Bianca shouted out, to try and catch my attention.

"I just checked out the Musical theatre and it is SOOOO cool! Won't you check it out with me? Since you're still here, come on!"

She seemed really excited about me seeing this musical, and I didn't want to really disappoint her. At the same time I felt like it would be interesting to learn more about this sort of thing. I was the tourist here after all, and she was the native.

"Well, not exactly, but if they're anything like Pokémon contests, they should be really fun and interesting to watch."

"A. Mazing. Isn't it?" Bianca spun around in place, accentuating the fact that she was taking in the sights.

Soon, an older looking gentleman approached us, but he didn't appear to be a trainer, nor did it seem like that sort of thing was allowed in here.

"Hello, you two! How do you do? I'm the owner of this theatre. Pleasure to meet you!" I let out a small internal sigh. Another one of those people that always is 'pleased' to meet someone. I nodded politely and bowed my head at the same time, but didn't say a word.

He then looked us over from a few angles before shouting quite excitedly, "Ooh! I must say that you two seem like phenomenal trainers." This made me chuckle, I was reminded of the Day Car man, in the sense of people apparently being able to judge the potential of someone by looks. Again, if I were younger, it probably would have been well received.

"What do we do here? We use Props to make your Pokemon fashionable and glamourous! Do you want to join and play Dress Up? To get you started, here's a Prop Case!" This time I was so close to laugher, I was sure that it showed in my voice. Did I seriously just get invited to play "Dress Up", in a serious sense? Maybe if it'd been ten years ago, but not now. Regardless I took the prop case as was offered.

"It could be interesting... but I think I'm going to be doing something a bit different. Let's see what you've got, Bianca!" I said, trying to fix the potential laugher in my voice by treating it as if I was challenging Bianca to a Pokémon battle.

"Well first off, you need to select a Pokémon!" He said, and of course the one I chose was Stripes. First to see his reaction, and secondly, because I did have something in mind for him that I knew that would be something that caught the attention of people.

I didn't think I'd actually be using the Prop Case that was provided for me, since I had the feeling that their initial selection would be limited. It was free though, so I had an idea that would be simple, yet charming. "Stripes, I believe this would be a good opportunity for you, but, I'm not going to force it on you of course. As well as the fact that I don't think it's something I want to do right now. Perhaps after Clay's Gym or something, maybe. Just like, remind me or something."

Bianca, however took a great deal of time to dress up her Pokémon. I definitely appreciated her enthusiasm, and seeing her smile about something, considering that in her eyes, and many others, she wasn't really a competent Trainer. In this regard, I believe her father was to blame, since from what I've seen in the time I knew her, her father had raised her to be walking stereotype.

I waited at theatre, and even watched her performance, and she seemed to actually have a pretty decent fashion sense, in the sense of dressing up her Pokémon and the rest of the segments. It made me think that perhaps, her strong point would be focusing on non combat aspects of Pokémon interaction, and on making each one's personality shine.

Contests didn't exist in this region apparently, so I was definitely going to give her a brochure for some of the places that did have them.

When she finally returned to us, she seemed to be quite conflicted. "Oh, I don't know what to do! Doing the musical stuff would be totally cool, but there's other stuff I wanna do. OK, that's it! I made up my mind! I'm going to see the sights in Nimbasa! See ya, Kyn!" I'd already sort of 'seen the sights', in terms of Nimbasa, but it make me think back to her father. She'd lived here all of her life, and yet, she never really got to see the sights? It lead me to believe that'd been lead a really sheltered life by her father.

When we exited the building, Bianca's father was there to greet us, or rather, Bianca.

"Daddy?! What are you doing here?"

"I've come to take you home of course! Your mother told me that you'd made it all the way out here. I think that's far enough, don't you?"

"No way! I'm going to keep traveling with Kyn and my Pokémon!"

What happened next blew me away. Bianca of course, backed up, but I didn't know why until her father came near her and... slapped her across the face, with enough force that it clearly left a mark, and resounded against the buildings.

"Absolutely not! Others do things their way, and we do things ours!"

"Is that so? Then, how about you do things your way, and I'll do things mine!"

"That was absolutely uncalled for!" I shouted out, but at the same time, I didn't really want to do anything. I noticed that despite everything, Bianca didn't seem phased by this slap, and I got the sickening feeling that this sort of thing had gone on for quite some time in her household. To see her standing up though, it made me feel proud of her, proud that she was breaking free of such a relationship with her father.

Another surprise awaited us, but at the same time, I should have expected her to be there. Elesa had apparently witnessed more than enough and decided to step in herself as well. "Sweetie, you keep going on your travels."

"Hey! Who do you think you are? This is a family matter! I've had enough meddling!"

"My name is Elesa. I'm this town's Gym Leader. I also happen to be a model."

"Yeah, big whoop, what's that got to do with anything?" He said, stamping on the ground in frustration, quite literally like a child.

"Perhaps if you listen, you'll learn. Bianca, dear, there are many types of people in this world. There are people whose way of thinking may be completely different than yours. Sometimes, this means you may get hurt."

He just couldn't keep his mouth quiet though, and just had to put his five Poké Dollars in. "Of course! That's exactly right! It's because I'm worried about that..."

It was at this point that I started wondering whether or not Elesa had a daughter of son of her own, and that she was speaking from experience. "But it's important to keep trying, to learn about the differences between yourself and others. To learn that being different is Okay. And you shouldn't worry. Trainers always have Pokémon at their side. Pokémon are wonderful. It's not only how cute they can be, but also how much you can depend on them..."

"People and Pokémon grow together. They share in moments of joy, sadness, anger. Triumph and defeat. All of these are vital experiences in growing up, and are no different than what you would experience with a Human friend." I finally added in. It was something that I hoped he'd be able to understand at least that.

"Please! I know there's gonna be painful stuff like you're worrying about! I know! Really, I get it! But, like, listen... There'll be tons of nice people, too. Know what else? Since I've been traveling with Pokémon, I've already gotten tougher, I can totally tell. So... please?"

"Hmm... I guess. If wanting to continue your journey is selfishness on your part, wanting to stop you is selfishness on mine. I'm surprised to find I'm the one being childish--at my age! You and this Gym Leader's comments helped me wake up. Bianca, I'm sure it's better that you take the path you want to take now. I hope that your journey will be fun. Bon voyage! Kynexn, please... Take care of my little girl, OK?"

"Papa, I'll come home after I find out what I really want to do!"

"She's so cool! Hah! I want to be a totally cool woman like Elesa! Mm. I wonder how I'll get there. Well, before that, I guess I need to discover what I really want to do! See you later, Kyn..." Bianca waved to me, seemingly a bit happier than before, and went on her way.

With a great deal of sighing, in relief, frustration, and anger, I waved Bianca off. It was time to head for Route 5, finally. I was also slightly happier after this, considering that not only stood up to her father, but also stood up for herself, and asserted her choice to become a Pokémon trainer.

After what happened with Bianca's father, I really wasn't in the mood for any bullshit getting in the way of our journey at this point. Chances are, we'd likely run into Team Plasma, and if that did happen... I was definitely going to take my frustration out on them. Even still, I would be forced to hold back slightly, since Cilan had been given time to meet up with me again, and he was continuing along with me, to continue observing the dynamic of my team and I.

Cilan was excited to see Heji, since he was not a native Pokémon to this region at all, but not nearly as excited as Elesa was, being the Electric-type fanattic that she was. Eventually I'd probably introduce him to even more of my Pokémon, but for the time being, Heji would likely be the only one I brought out from the group.

On our way to the next Gym, which according to the League Setup here, was Driftveil city, We encountered several interruptions.

"Kynexn! Hold on a second!" A voice cried out. I recognized it as that of Cheren. Seems that he'd recognized me from afar. After all, I did have a very specific set of clothes, as well as a very noticeable hairstyle, even with it never being the same twice in a row.

"Oi, Cheren, you don't have to wake the whole forest, you can just call me, which would be an even easier way to stop me! But I think I know what you're here for." With this statement in mind, I had pulled out my Badge Case, and had it ready for him. I also took the time to keep my badges extra shiny and polished. They were a sign of our accomplishments after all, and it just wouldn't do to have them be tarnished. Yes, technically they were just shiny pieces of metal, but that doesn't mean that keeping them in disrepair is something that I would accept.

"Looks like you've got a Bolt Badge now. I too have a Bolt Badge. Let's see how much I've improved!" I quickly accepted his challenge. All of my Pokémon that were native to this region were rotated semi-equally. The ones that were stronger tended to stay out of the rotation until the others were caught up.

"Well, who's going to go first? Obviously the one who goes first in generally at a disadvantage, like chess, as you'd imagine. Or perhaps would you like to flip for it?" I suggested it since after all, I figured it didn't matter what order we went in, considering that Cheren seemed to be the type to be able to still adapt to situations that would normally have most people at a disadvantage.

"Might as well flip. We're so close right now, I can feel it." Cheren said, with much more confidence. Technically he was right, so in this case, because it was time for the others in the rotation to be brought up to strength level, the only thing that would keep me ahead would be strategy.

"Looks it's tails, I go first." I said, after revealing the Pokétch flip to him.

"In that case, I'll start with Saigo." Kyn said, sending out his Pokë Ball. Of course he heard so he knew he was up.

"We both know you know that I have a Tranquil. We both have them. But I'm not going to do the expected and send out my Tranquil. Instead.... I choose... Liepard." Cheren sent, before sending him out.

"Very well, Saigo, lead with Vine Whip." With Cheren, I had yet to use my second signature approach, but compared to the rest he'd battled, he would have likely recognised that there was no specific direction other than naming the move itself, as opposed to specific orders.

Cheren was actually starting to partially integrate this method of battling into his overall style as well, to the point that he might actually improve beyond the point that even Bianca wouldn't be able to defeat him. It definitely made me happy for him since it seemed that he was going to be able to follow his dreams.

Saigo slightly charged at the Liepard, but at the same time, began zigging and zagging in various directions.

Cheren gave no order to dodge, letting his Pokémon work naturally for the most part. Like me, he also chose to act as a second pair of eyes.

Liepard countered with a Pursuit, which did a decent amount of damage to Saigo, but Saigo managed to take down the Liepard with the second Vine Whip.

"I wasn't really expecting that. Anyway... I suppose it's time to send out my Tranquil now." Cheren said, after he held out his Poké Ball, and returned the fallen Liepard to his Poké Ball, and sending out his Tranquil.

"You think you can handle this, Saigo?" I asked, feeling as if he could definitely use a bit more Super-effectivity training. The experience gained from learning how to counteract a type disadvantage with not just strength alone, but strategy as well was a valuable experience that I put all of my Pokémon through.

"Perhaps, but even still, I know that it's not like you'll let me get fatally hurt." Saigo said, preparing himself for the next round.

"In that case, we'll work on your dodging, and move countering, which of course means that your weights are still going to be on." I said, pointing at his ankles, and tail, even though there were also weights on his arms, legs, wrists, and hands too.

"Let's go ahead then." Saigo said, getting into a battle stance to let everyone that he was ready.

"Your go, Cheren, heh. What do we have up our sleeves hm?"

"Battling you never fails to be interesting. I always learn, I always improve, win or lose." Cheren stated, adjusting his glasses. It was then that he ordered the first attack. "That being said... Tranquil use Air Cutter."

What happened next shocked both of us. Saigo attempted to dodge, and even counter, but it turns out that the way it approached him actually made it work. He was critically injured with the first hit, and I checked him over physically as well as with the Pokédex. "That's enough I think. That was highly unexpected. You, Cheren, Tranquil, remember this, this was a one shot victory. If you'd done that attack twice in a row... I'm sure Saigo would have died."

"I am indeed surprised, but as usual, your judgement is incredible. I'm sure that if Saigo hadn't been trained by you, that attack would have killed a Servine in a similar situation, which I would regret, but it would be the unfortune of how battles can be sometimes, and ignorant Trainers." Cheren stated rather solemnly.

"Well, now it's Pendragon's turn. Of course he's still weak to flying, but we'll be going all out." I said not returning Saigo to his Poké Ball, but sending Pendragon out.

"Pendragon, you're going to be going up against a Flying-type, so we have to make this count. It's highly likely that you'll meet the same fate as Saigo, please don't take this the wrong way." I said, though in a way, I knew that saying things like this would get Pendragon even more pumped for battle. "So if we're going to make this count, why don't you lead off with a Poison Tail?"

Pendragon let out a hmph, and rolled around into a more suitable battle position, before lightly bouncing in place to get himself prepared for attacking a Flying type.

The battle proceeded much like the others, with the except of the fact that Saigo did no damage to the Tranquil. In this case, Pendragon managed to land a very critically injuring poison tail, but he missed on his Bug Bite and I had to return him too, out of battle, to save him from being fatally injured. But the experience gained was highly valuable. Saigo also learned from it.

It didn't take long for Cheren's bird to go down after not only on top of being poisoned, was bitten twice, although non critically, by Lord James. With the first hit, the Tranquil flinched, allowing a second hit, which finished him off.

Lord James managed to take out his Pansage too, but he wasn't without damage, as he took two Seed Bomb attacks during the battle.

Eventually though, with Cheren's Pignite, Lord James's winning streak was finally brought to an end, being as how he'd taken a significant amount of damage, but not without dealing damage to the Pignite.

"Flare, you're up, let's finish this off. Hyper Fang." I ordered. Luckily for the both of us, his Hyper Fang was able to do a significant chunk of damage, and it took caused his Pignite to flinch as the Tranquil had.

A slight surprise greeted us in the form of the Pignite using a Citrus Berry that he no doubt got from Cheren, which made me grin.

Suffice it to say, Flare managed to win the battle after clinching a victory from enduring both a Flame Charge, and two rollouts, and landing one final Hyper Fang.

"You see, Flare, you're stronger than you thought. You thought that I didn't use you because you were weak? Are you still thinking that you are weak? Your Pokémon are strong too, Cheren, even if there was a great type advantage." I said, giving the tiny hog a congratulator patting and a hug.

Cheren let out a sigh, that I wasn't sure if it was contempt for himself, or something along the lines of slight relief that he was doing far better than he expected to do. "I can't believe it! But... you're still as strong as usual."

"Either I'm getting lazy with my training or you're improving exponentially, which would be excellent. You remind me of myself when I first started out. You're going to be a great Trainer." Of course, I knew that it was the latter, since I definitely wasn't holding back anything for Cheren, especially since I had to train them all in a cycle.

Cheren adjusted his glasses again, which was a habit I knew he did when he was analyzing things, or nervous. "I'm glad that you admire me enough to want to step over me... uh... you know what I mean."

Cheren smiled a bit, despite what he said. "It's a little frustrating that I can't beat you, but thank you Kynexn. I'm going to make you proud!"

Elesa, finally managed to meet up with us on route 5, and she came with a smile on her face, having seen our battle lightly. "Oh, you two are friends... That's nice how you're helping him get better by competing. OK, let's go."

"Oh! Why, if it isn't Elesa! Aren't festivals grand? Life should be enjoyed!" A strange, orange haired man greeted her.

Cheren turned to Elesa, through me, and asked quite simply, but very politely, "Who is this man?"

"This is Alder, the Unova region's Champion." She stated rather matter of factly.