Beyond the Adventure - A Pokémon Story

Chapter 6: Clear Skies, Clear Soul pt4

                The news stuns me.  With how good he is, I never thought Darius could lose to Whitney.  I know she is tough, but he was almost the Unova champion!  He beat their Elite Four!  How could he lose to a mere gym leader?

                I wish Liz a good night.  She smiles and kisses me on the cheek.  Normally, I would spontaneously combust, but I am more concerned about Darius.  I guide Darius inside my apartment as he just shuffles his feet.  The poor guy looks really bummed.

                We sit on the couch and I fetch us some water.  I sit next to him, handing him his water, and ask “So what happened?”

                He does not take his eyes off the floor.  “I… don’t know,” he says.  “I obliterated her Clefairy easily, but when her Miltank came out, it Body Slammed Talonflame into paralysis.  It somehow survived her Brave Bird attack, healed with Milk Drink, then used Roll Out.  I know it’s a Rock-type move, and Talonflame is double-weak to Rock, but I didn’t realize Miltank could learn that.  Talonflame went down… and the rest of my Pokémon couldn’t do a thing.  She rolled over them all.”

                I place a gentle hand upon his shoulder.  I try to console him, but as he sits there, feeling sorry for himself, a revelation dawns upon me, and suddenly, the words Lugia spoke to him makes sense.  *Do not neglect them.  Raise them well, and you will achieve that which you desire.*  As I remember this, I also realize that I have never seen Darius use his other Pokémon in battle.  So that is what Lugia meant!

                “Darius,” I say.  “I think this is what Lugia meant.”

                Darius lifts his head and looks at me.  “What?”

                “Remember?” I remind him.  “It said not to neglect your Pokémon.”

                “Hey!” he shouts.  “I take damn good care of my Pokémon!”

                “No, bud,” I say.  “Not neglect in the abusive sense.  It meant in training.  How often do you use your Pokémon in battle aside from Talonflame?”

                “I…” Darius starts, but then hesitates.  I think he finally realizes it as well.  “You… you’re right.  I only ever seem to use Talonflame.  I guess I just never saw a need to use the others.  Plus, she is my favorite… I really HAVE been neglecting the others.”

                “What happened in the battle with the Unova Champion?” I ask.  “You know… uh… whats-his-name.”

                “Alder,” he says.  “It came pretty close.  I took out his Accelgor fast, followed by his Escavalier, then Vanilluxe, and finally, his Volcarona.  Three Bug-types and an Ice-type don’t do so well against a Fire/Flying-type.  Then his Bouffalant came out, which was not much different than a Tauros, but it had Stone Edge.  Fortunately, Talonflame easily dodged those and took it out.  Finally, his Druddigon came out and that was where we lost.  Every time Talonflame hit it, she would injure herself on its rough hide, and fire doesn’t do much to Dragons.  She ended up wearing herself out.  The rest of my Pokémon just couldn’t cut it.  I didn’t even bother using Eevee.  I would hate to see her shiny coat ruined.”

                I nod.  “There’s the problem,” I say.  “You rely too much on Talonflame, and you’ve forgotten the rest of your team.  They are there to help you out as well.”

                Darius suddenly stands up, fists balled.  “You’re right!” he shouts.  “Crono, thank you!  I needed that!”  He starts heading toward the door.