“Whew,” I said. “That was…chilling.”
I’d just gotten out of Icefall Cave, relatively disappointed. I’d neglected to train Clappy, as I was almost certain I’d find an Ice-type to replace it with in said cave, but nope. I found the only non-Ice-type in the cave: Golbat.
I could almost feel the heat emanating from Blaster. He seemed to be insulted that I described the cave as ‘chilling’ when I had him out throughout the duration of the excursion to provide warmth. He prides himself on his blazing abilities.
I headed to the Blackthorn Pokemon Center and healed my Pokemon. Everyone was worn out. I’d pushed them hard through the cave in an effort to equalize all their levels at a solid Lv. 40. I hoped the results would be rewarding, though.
I checked out the town a bit, finding nothing of interest other than a few Dragon legends. I soon found myself in front of something that interested me greatly, however.
“The Blackthorn Gym,” I breathed. “Here, we’ll get our final Gym Badge and our ticket to the Pokemon League. You ready, Clappy?”
I can’t say Clappy was too happy that I’d planned to ditch him, but he barked an affirmative. Frankly, I was surprised he’d even help me out with the Gym at all. I guess it’s just my irresistible charm….[Kricketunes chirp]….maybe not. But hey, he wasn’t the only Pokemon I was gonna use. I wasn’t totally screwed without him….was I?
-----
“Well, that wasn’t too hard,” I said in a falsely cheerful tone. In truth, I was really worried about the upcoming battle with Clair.
I’d just beaten all the Gym trainers, and I was trying to give my team a pep talk to boost their spirits. They sensed my unease, and it worried them, too. They’d never felt this feeling of apprehension from be before. I’d always gone into my Gym battles confidently. I just didn’t feel the same about this one.
“C’mon, team, we totally wiped the floor with those guys,” I said. “We can beat Clair! I mean, how hard can she be?”
Five pairs of eyes stared at me questioningly.
I sighed. “Alright,” I said, “I know you know I’m not feeling too hot about this match. I can’t pretend otherwise. It’s gonna be rough out there, I’m not gonna lie. But I know if we work together, we can do this. Landslide, you’re up first. I need your help.”
Nuthin’ I can’t smash, master. You want somethin’ rocked, I’m your ‘mon.
“Clappy, you’re my greatest ally in this match. I need you to give it your all.”
You tried to ditch me!
“Aww, the past is the past! Let it go, dude.”
Grrmph…I s’pose.
“Great. Egg ‘em, you’re my secret weapon. You know what to do.”
Three voices answered me:
Hehehe, boom time!
Chill, breh. We got this.
Ummm….she’s got a K-Kingdra?
“Great. You guys ready?”
Varying responses answered me.
“Awesome! Let’s do this!”
-----
“Huh. So you’re my next challenger. Rogue, is it?”
“Um, yeah.”
“So you think you got what it takes to beat me? I’m Clair, Blackthorn City’s Gym Leader. I’m the most powerful Dragon trainer in the world!”
Something about her tone of voice made me doubt the validity of her bold claim. She wasn’t the most powerful Dragon trainer, I could tell you that. I just hoped I didn’t have to face the true Dragon Master.
“Hey, kid! Listen up! I can hold my own against the Pokemon League’s Elite Four without breaking a sweat! Don’t think you have a chance against me. No matter how many badges you have, I am power! Now, prepare for a beating. Gyarados, go!”
ROAAAR!
A monstrous Pokemon appeared before me. Gyarados, the Atrocious Pokemon. I’d dealt with them before, I could do it again. This time, though, I’m taking a more offensive approach.
“Landslide, you can take him! Go!”
My monster boulder appeared, the light of battle flashing in his eyes.
Now, some might question the practicality of sending out a Rock/Ground Pokemon against a Water Pokemon. However, if memory serves, Clair’s Gyarados doesn’t carry any Water moves, and Rock Blast would to a ton to it. It’s the best option.
“Gyarados, Dragon Rage!”
“Landslide, Rock Blast!”
I wasn’t too worried. Dragon Rage always deals 40 damage, and Landslide had the HP to take three. I betted Landslide could take Gyarados out before then.
I was right. Rock Blast left Gyarados in easy KO range, even with just one hit from Rock Blast. Clair’s overconfident air told me she wouldn’t heal, and even if she did, I might get lucky enough to land enough hits to OHKO it even at full health.
As I predicted, Clair neglected to heal her Pokemon, and went for a second Dragon Rage. I chose to repeat my move as well.
“Dragon Rage, Gyarados!”
“Landslide, finish him off with Rock Blast!”
Sure enough, the mighty sea serpent collapsed. Clair’s face contorted with shock. However, she soon regained confidence. “Huh. It’s truly impressive that you’ve managed to take down even one of my Pokemon. But I doubt you’ll fare as well against this one! Kingdra, I choose you!”
“Dammit!” I’d hoped she’d wait to send Kingdra out until later, but I guess it’s better to have my Pokemon in better condition to battle it.
“Landslide, return! Great job!”
I selected my next Poke Ball and tossed it into the air. “Egg ‘em, you got this! Don’t fail me now!”
My three-headed friend appeared before the deadly Water/Dragon Pokemon. With only one weakness, Kingdra would be a pain to take down. I could only hope luck was in my favor.
“Hahaha, you’re in for it now! Kingdra, Dragon Pulse!”
“Oh, crap.” Dragon Pulse did a ton of damage. Egg ‘em was screwed if I missed.
“Egg ‘em, hit it with Sleep Powder! With emphasis on ‘hit’!”
Thankfully, Sleep Powder’s shaky accuracy wasn’t my downfall. Kingdra collapsed into the realms of sleep, helpless.
I knew I had at least one turn to set this up. If I missed, then….let’s just say I’m dead.
“Egg ‘em, use Leech Seed!”
Seeds surrounded the sea dragon. Sprouts erupted from the seeds, latching onto Kingdra and sapping its health into Egg ‘em.
Now, it was Clappy’s time to shine. I made the switch, and it was good that I did.
Kingdra’s eyes snapped open as I swapped Pokemon. “Yes!” Clair said triumphantly. “Kingdra, hit Exeggutor with Hydro Pump!”
Fortunately, I’d already made my switch, and Clappy took the hit like Skarmory takes Tackles from a Magikarp. Leech Seed restored much of the health lost from the move anyway.
While Kingdra’s early awakening was none to helpful, I figured I could still make it. I really had no choice as to my next move, and so I made it.
“Kingdra, finish it off with Dragon Pulse!”
“Clappy, Aurora Beam!”
I had to resist the urge to laugh. Clair stared dumbfounded as Clappy took the hit Clair expected to OHKO like it was nothing. True, Aurora Beam did very little, but hey, Leech Seed helps. Maybe I’ve been giving Clappy too little credit?
[I’m not gonna put down the next three turns, as they’re a bunch of boring repetitions no one wants to hear about. Let’s skip to turn seven (?) of my struggle against Kingdra.]
I was in for a pretty easy win against Kingdra. It was at low health, easily in KO range, and I’d just healed Clappy. No way I was gonna lose now.
“Kingdra! Hyper Beam!”
And I freaking jinxed myself. Even with its high base power, Clappy lives by the skin of its teeth.
“Do it! Clappy, finish off strong with Aurora Beam!”
Sure enough, the move defeated the sea dragon, causing it to fall with a loud bang.
“No!” Clair screamed. “Grrr….you’ve done it now. Dragonair, go!”
Clappy, gone into an adrenaline rush from surviving Kingdra’s Hyper Beam, goes psycho and beats Clair’s two Dragonairs each with a crit (Though not without receiving some incredibly irritating hax of its own. Freaking Thunder Wave).
“Yes!” I yelled! “Yes! We did it! We did it! Awesome work, Clappy!”
I…., Clappy began, I did it! Sweet potatoes and gravy, I won!
“Arrgh!” Clair had practically gone hysterical with her loss. “No….it’s just not possible….”
Regaining some of her composure, Clair seethed, “Grrr….you may have beaten me, but you don’t deserve the Rising Badge! I know….take the Dragon Master’s test! If you somehow manage to pass, I’ll give you the badge.”
“What?!” I shrieked, “You’ve gotta be freaking kidding me!”
Greg ♂ Lv. 17
James ♂ Lv. 17
Ted ♂ Lv. 20
Bijou ♀ Lv. 16
Marla ♀ Lv. 4
Meg ♀ Lv. 8
