Margaret's Pokémon Diamond Nuzlocke

Chapter 23: The Big Switch

It was a nice morning out as we left the Pokemon Mansion, the sky left cloudless from the previous downpour. The whole team, even Cole, managed to get up bright and early so we could finally finish off Route 212 and get to Hearthome City. The rest of the way was a stroll in the park compared to yesterday, with nothing more than some eager trainers and easily avoidable patches of tall grass. A surprisingly short distance away was the gateway to the city, and I don't think I've ever been so relieved to see one.

A few steps in and I could already smell the not particularly pleasing smell of the city, but at this point I liked it better than the scent of rain and mud I had been dealing with. Evan, still knowing the city like the back of his hand, led us all to the pokemon center, where we all healed up and settled down for a team meeting.

"So, we're back in Hearthome, and this time for more than just sightseeing!" Aline proclaimed as she perched herself on top of my head. "Time to take on the next gym, right Maggie?" She looked down at me with a smile.

"Ah... About that..." I said nervously as everyone eyed me with concern. "Well... I was looking up some information about the gym here, and this time we'll be dealing with Ghost-Types." Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Cedric slump his shoulders in disappointment.

"...And...?" Cole asked in his typically snarky voice.

I waited just a moment to answer. "By the looks of it, we don't have a great standing against them. The only one on the team with a move they're weak to is Aline with Bite, but that's it! I'm not taking any risks this time. So..." I sighed, looking down to the floor. "I'm gonna have to box some of you." I cringed a bit, waiting for some sort of reaction. To my surprise, I got nothing until Gloria spoke up.

"Well... If that's what you think will benefit the team, then... I'm okay with that Maggie!"

"Yeah!" Aline agreed, "It's always good to have a few back-up pokemon trained. Just do what you need to do!"

Relieved, I smiled, "Oh, good...! Thanks for understanding guys! Now, I'm not gonna force any of you to stay out of the fight. If you need to, take your time to think about-" In the middle of my sentence, Cedric abruptly stepped forward, raising his hand.

"You'll do it?" I asked, and he replied with a nod.

"Let's be honest here, Cedric would get creamed out there against Ghost-Types." Cedric shot Cole a nasty glare. He shrugged,"Just stating facts here."

Knowing he was right, Cedric lowered his head as he faced back towards me.

"Hey, don't worry! After the gym I'll get you right back on the team, and you'll be back in action in no time! Promise."

He gave me a dissatisfied look as he returned himself into his pokeball.

"Well, that was much easier than I thought...! Now, let's see who we've got in the box."

I looked through my options, and after having a few minutes to think about who would be best, I sent Cedric into the PC and took out the new pokemon.

I turned around with a smile and announced, "Everyone, say hello to our newest team member, Danielle!" I sent the Murkrow out to meet everyone, and it was a little funny how strikingly smaller she was compared to everyone else. Regardless, Danielle was welcomed with open arms with a wave of "Hello!" and "Nice to meet you!" or just about any other greeting you could think of.

She bowed her head modestly, "Thank you all for the warm welcome! I promise to do my best here."

"Alright, that's the spirit!" I smiled as I knelt down to her. "You're a bit behind in levels compared to everyone else, so lets get to training right away."