Pokémon : Black Rising

41. Back to the Basics

" So Margret, " Tiyana began, "You should think about catching more Pokemon. You don't wanna be anywhere near the Gyms without at least, let's say, three. "

I yawned as they spoke. Ever since we left Santalune City at eight, the two in front never stopped talking. Chatting about random things and being typical girls.

Margret replied, " I don't know... I don't think Gym Battles are my thing anymore... "

" Why so? " I interrupted. Man was I glad to finally speak out.

Margret twirled her silver hair, "Battling is a weird concept after my whole...repentence thing. Doesn't it hurt Pokemon, contradicting the whole love- your-Pokemon thing? "

Riolu voiced his veto and commenced crying out parts of his name for a full minute. Margret looked at the blue fox with confusion. I chuckled, "Lemme translate. See, battling shouldn't be seen that way. Sure, it hurts Pokemon a little, sometimes a lot, but it's an art of bonding with your Pokemon. Each time you battle, the trust between you and your Pokemon grow immensely. At a later point, you practically don't have to give orders as they understand your thoughts. "

Tiyana interjected, " Just like Tyler."

" Hold on. I give orders quite a lot."

" Says who? Believe it or not, you're practically dead silent when your Pokemon battle. "

" Wha-? You're joking. I scream out attacks a lot. Like a heck lot. "

" That's just you imagining. Trust me, you don't speak much when battling. "

I grinned, " I'll take your word on that then. " Margret was looking down during our conversation. I asked, " What's down? "

" Oh, it's nothing. I was just wondering about what you said... Anyway, I don't think I'm cut out for battling. So I'm thinking of becoming something else... Something to assist Pokemon. "

To be honest, I was surprised by this change. A single rebellion from Pokemon could change a person this deeply. " In that case, assist Nurse Joy or something. You could also think about being a teacher at Pokemon school. Well, the opportunitues are endless."

Margret nodded, " Yup. And Tiyana, I'll take your suggestion and catch some extra friends. "

Everything was silent for the next few minutes. I broke it,"Well, let's see the basics shall we?"

" Like right now? " Margret asked.

I nodded in reply. She itched her cheek and nodded with firm determination. I grinned, " Okay, Margret Lowence! I challenege you to a Pokemon Battle. A one-on-one! "

She nodded and flung her Joltik's Pokeball. Riolu jumped into battle. Tiyana watched us from the sidelines. I began, " Fine. You are repeating what you have already done. The difference being, you are fighting alongside partners, not tools. Got that? "

She nodded. I continued, " Now, you have to figure out your battle style. Mine is strategic bruteforce, which is using perfect attacks at perfect timings."

Tiyana added, " I use status infliction and bruteforce. Basically it is using stat reducing moves like Growl, Roar, things like that. "

I nodded, " You have to figure out your own battle style. And battling is the best way for that. You ready? "

She looked battle ready. Joltik was looking forward for a battle, "Joltik! Joltik! " she cried. I smirked, "You get the first move. Remember, stay calm and collected. Panicking will lead you nowhere. "

She thought and said, " Joltik, String Shot! "

A webbed ball formed around Joltik's front legs. A string shot forward aiming at Riolu. Riolu evaded the strings but some of it got stuck on his feet, lowering his speed somewhat. Margret ordered again, her voice rising, "Now, Electroweb! "

The same ball, this time humming with current, shot a six feet wide web. I was surprised at the size of the web. So user's size doesn't matter after all. I countered, " Riolu, use the wind pressure from Focus Punch to deviate the web! "

The white energy filled his paws and the punch, along with the wind, caused the web of static to fly away. I ordered, " Now Brick Break! " Riolu became a flurry of dust and darted for Joltik. Margret screeched, " Agility! "

Joltik easily evaded the quick punch. Furrowing its four eyes, an Electroball smashed into Riolu inducing him with significant damage. Margret was deep breathing during this, muttering something to herself.

I smiled, " I must say. That was quite the quick thinking. "

Margret blushed and scratched her elbows, " Umm. Thanks. "

" But the battle's not over yet. Riolu, CopyCat! " Riolu formed the ball of electricity and flung it at Joltik. She was not ready for that and took the hit head on. Riolu raced forward for another attack only to find that Joltik had disappeared. Riolu and I looked around for the tiny critter. It was too late to spot her under Riolu's tail because Margret yelled, "Discharge! "

Joltik cried and let the static electricity zap Riolu. Riolu was unable to get her off and the Discharge took care of his remaining energy. I had lost.

Margret was standing there, totally stunned as Joltik hurried past the fallen Riolu and scaled onto Margret's shoulder. I scopped Riolu and laughed, "That was a great trick Margret. You got me good this time. Congrats."

" D-did I w-win? " she stammered. Riolu tried raising his thumb up, except he didn't have any. I grinned, " Course you did. Felt any differences this time? "

She looked at the Joltik who was cuddling up to her cheeks, " Y-yeah. I felt more... Alive. Like, I could feel Joltik's conviction to win the battle. "

Tiyana patted her back, " You've nailed it. That's what you were supposed to feel. Not to be poetic or anything but when we battle, we feel as if our Pokemon's energy is being poured onto us. The adrenaline to win, the anxiety of losing, the mutual trust between us, everything. It's an awesome sensation. "

I commented, " You sure sound poetic to me. "

" Hey! I said- " she was interrupted by Margret's sudden group hug, pulling us all in with ferocious strength. She sobbed, "Thank you for showing the way... I don't know what I can do to repay you for this. "

Personally, I felt extremely conscious that I was in contact with two girls. As soon as Margret was done, I retracted back, my face red, " Yeeeah. Don't think about it. It was nothing. Er, it is our job to take care of our friends right? So... Yeah. No worries. Don't get too emotional here. And before I forget, here. " I dug my pockets for Pokedollars to pay up.

Margret flat out refused, " No, no! I don't want money from you guys. "

I shrugged, " You think I'm poor? Gimme a break. This is the proof that you've beaten me in a battle. Hold your head high and accept it. It's the rules anyway. Just so you know, this rarely happens so be happy. "

Margret hesitated but finally accepted the thousand Pokedollars. Tiyana giggled, "Tyler, how deep are your pockets?"

I grinned, " Deeper than you think. Anyway, figured out your style Marge? "

She blushed when I said that, "Oh umm... I can take Joktik's size to my advantage...for now. So stealth it is. "

" Great. Let's be on our way. We're late as it is. "