Dream Bringer [Pokémon]

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

       I reluctantly trailed behind the mop of caramel locks. Countess followed suit, screeching "stic!" at whatever observer decided to get too close. I struggled to keep my mouth a straight line as the frenzy of murmuring Guides parted and I came forth. Their eyes seemingly bulged out of my their sockets, mouths hammering away as they leaned over to the nearest Guide. I scoffed mentally, turning and focusing on the sparking tail of Flynn's Ampharos. What was it called? Cherry, Berri, ahh...Merri! That was it. As I so often do when challenged, I observed the odds against both Pokémon.

       Speed was definitely on my side with this matter, no doubt about that. But those special attacks... They could, in theory, bring down Countess' mega-ego. I frowned, trudging along the dirt road that connected the Guide Station and what I presumed was the edge of the cliffs. Hopefully, there was some sort of flat ridge or barrier keeping me from plummeting to my death.

          Whether or not I would make this kid resume that fate was an entirely different matter.

           I puffed out my lips and forced myself to maintain a slight simper. The yellow sheep strutting in front of us quickly jerked its head around and eyed Countess, no doubt in some petty attempt to intimidate her. The Restraint Pokémon stuck out her tongue in response, flicking an ear.

           "Save it for the field, cherie," I sighed, curling my grip around her scruff. "It's going to be worth it."

---

           The so-called 'battlefield' was nothing more than a stony glade, surrounded by flimsy wooden posts and sparse briers. The fact that we were on a cliff overhang did give us a half-decent view of the port in all its sun-bathed glory, but it didn't look too special to me. After slightly pondering a bit, I assumed my battling position with my back to the rocky edge. As long as I didn't back up too much, I'd be fine. Not to mention the sun now dappled the waves to bounce it right into my opponent's eyes.

Better to observe the battle, I figured, than to be blinded by the sight of it.

           Flynn and the Ampharos, who had arrived a few seconds earlier, stomped unceremoniously to the gravelly plateau opposite me. The flaxen sheep waddled out before the lanky boy, baring its teeth and swinging its banded tail threateningly. She let out an angered "Amph!" coupled with sparks before settling into the dirt. Me and my partner Pokémon stole a glance at each other before bursting into laughter.

            The spectators that had swallowed up the rest of the clearing blinked at each other confusedly. Flynn and his Pokémon just stood there, faces intensely flushed.

             "What?" the scrawny Guide screeched finally (after a few more impulsive giggles from us, of course). I threw a look at Countess and heaved a heavy sigh before turning to the thirteen-year old.

            "If that's what you call a battle stance, then you're in for one hell of a beating," I snorted, gesturing to the electric lamb's stiff pose. Merri released a low growl, while her trainer only furrowed his eyebrows in slight puzzlement. I rolled my eyes once more, beckoning to Countess.

            "Show 'em, mon ami."

            The Constraint Pokémon nodded curtly, a smirk clawing across her expression. She began to tiptoe forward tentatively before leaping suddenly into the air. The bipedal cat spun and tucked her paw in, forming some sort of pirouette-like stature as she flew. Countess' eyes flashed, spilling white energy onto the grass below. Oohs and aahs emanated from the horde of twenty-somethings, while my opponent simply huffed and pouted. My companion alighted gently on the plush grass, and topped the performance off with a courtesy. I could quite visibly notice that behind her intimidating look, the Meowstic was beaming with glee.