Pokémon BW: whiteflareXblackbolt

18: Leader Lenora

"What a weird guy," I said as I entered the museum.

Shiny gasped in delight as she saw the artifacts and Zorua pretended not to be interested.

"I see! Another visitor!" A man greeted us. "I will tour you to the Nacrene Museum!"

"Okay," I accepted the offer.

We went to look at different artifacts like a giant skeleton of a dragon who flew around Unova, a fossilized Pokémon, a set of bones who were once used by Pokémon, a meteorite from space which contains an alien DNA, some masks used by ancient people and a small white stone found in Relic Castle. Finally, we went upstairs. "And this is the library which is my darling wife's gym!" he said.

"Thanks for the tour, mister!" I said.

We entered the library. Mr. Clyde, the gym guide gave me fresh water. "You have to solve puzzles inside the books until you find where Lenora is located."

We battled some School Kids and answered questions about cars, poffins, and Tepig. Of course I read some books about gym leaders and normal-types while I'm at it. Finally, we managed to find a button which opened up a hidden staircase on one of the shelves.

"Creativity at its best," I muttered.

We went down the stairs to find another room full of other artifacts, research papers and books.

"Ah! A challenger!" Leader Lenora said. "It was quite a while before I battled one."

"Expect three more!" I grinned.

"Quite feisty, aren't you?" she laughed. "Well patience help sometimes!"

"Herdier!" she took out a furry dog Pokémon with thick black fur at its back. It is the second evolution of Lillipup.

"Beat 'em up, Umbra!" I took out my Zorua.

"Herdier, Take Down!" the Herdier ran towards Umbra.

Umbra, who had gone pretty smug since we won the Trio Badge and stronger, stepped to one side and dodged the attack. He didn't even bat an eye!

"Umbra, Pursuit!" Umbra smirked at Herdier and hit it critically.

"Herdier, Take Down again!" Lenora said.

"Umbra, dodge again! Use Pursuit!"

"Dodge Herdier!"

"Fury Swipes!"

Herdier tried to dodge but Umbra was too quick. He hit it five times.

"Herdier, Take Down!" this time, the attack hit Umbra.

"Tsk. Use Pursuit again!" Umbra tackled an advancing Herdier.

"Herdier Take Down!" Lenora ordered.

"Run towards him!" Umbra ran to meet Herdier.

Herdier looked confused for a second but continued the attack.

"Jump and use Fury Swipes!" Umbra jumped just in time and scratched Herdier once. Herdier got so surprised and tripped.

"Use a weak Pursuit!" Umbra hit the fallen Herdier. The Herdier fainted.

"Why did you use a weak attack?" Leader Lenora asked.

"Well, Herdier got really hurt when he tripped. Its health is low anyway and I don't want him to get more hurt by using a strong attack," I said.

Lenora smiled. "Such a kind heart but you must learn to never hesitate in a battle," she returned Herdier. "This is not the time to dilly-dally! Go Watchog!"

"Switch, Shiny!" I returned Umbra and took out my Mincinno.

"Watchog, use Hypnosis!"

Unfortunately, Shiny got hit and fell asleep.

"WHAT?!" I can't believe this is happening. More free hits for the opponent.

Lenora smiled. "Attack Shiny!"

Tsk. "Wake-up!!! Shiny WAKE-UP!!"

I got an Awakening, and sprayed it on Shiny. Shiny yawned and woke up.

"Shiny, Wake-up Slap!!! Give 'em your hardest!" How ironic!

Shiny hit Watchog critically.

"Watchog, Hypnosis again!"

"Shiny, look at me!" Shiny stared at me. With her not looking at Watchog, she won't fall asleep. "Close your eyes and use Swift behind you!"

The stars hit Watchog critically.

"Now, Wake-up Slap!" Shiny moves fast and slapped Watchog across the face. Watchog finally fainted.

"Return!" Leader Lenora returned her Pokémon. "Such amazing talent!'

"Thanks, Leader Lenora. Good job, Shiny!" I pat Shiny who is still a bit drowsy.

"I believe you earned the Basic Badge!" Leader Lenora gave me the badge, which I pin in my gray sweater.

"Thanks!" I grin.

I have officially earned my second badge!