Chapter 17: Battling in the Pokémon League

Boy was I bushed. We had been walking for about 10 straight hours. All uphill.
"Why did they have to make Indigo Plateau so high up?" I groaned.
After another 5 hours of walking, we finally made it. After getting onto level land, I dropped like a rock.
"Hey get up! We're almost to the League! You can rest up there" Zach told me.
After 15 minutes of trying to move my arms & legs, I finally got up. It was about another hour before we could see the League gates.
"Whew ::cough:: Finally! ::pant:: We're here! ::Wheeze::" I said in between breaths of exhaustion.
After showing the woman my 8 badges, she let me in. Josh, Zach & Megan had to pay $50 each to get in though, since they had no badges. I finally got to rest on a nearby bench. Zach went to find out where we were staying at while the rest of us rested. We saw numerous trainers walking by. Zach finally came back and showed us to our resting place in the League Village. It was a large, individual cabin, almost like a real house. I wearily walked inside and slept on the bed. Josh & Megan got something to eat while Zach watched some TV. Pichu & Zubat played outside. After dozing off for what felt like months, Zach woke me up, saying I should head down to the arena to find out who my first opponent will be. After much resistance, Zach finally got me up. I was still sleepy as I walked in. A woman behind the counter served to us.
"May I see your Pokédex?" the woman said.
"Uh sure." I replied, handing her my Pokédex.
She checked up to make sure I was a legal trainer.
"OK. You're checked in" she said.
"So who do I battle first in the Stadium?" I asked.
"Huh? Don't you know you have to fight in the 4 element fields first? They said that at the orientation" the woman told me.
"Wha? I missed it? Just perfect!" I told myself.
"Yea. I tried to get you up but you were sound asleep" Zach said.
"Aww. Anyway, where do I battle first?" I asked.
The woman pointed me to a screen above her, where four symbols, Water, Rock, Ice & Grass, were shown. She told me to press the button in front of her and choose the field. I pressed it and the light around each of the fields spun wildly. I stopped it a minute later and the light rested on the green area. The Grass Field.
"Grass Field it is. Now the computer will choose your opponent" the woman said.
The screen showed my picture then a picture of a young girl with long, greenish-black hair.
"Ah. You have Jeanette Fisher. Your battle will be at 2PM. Don't be late" the woman said.
"Don't worry. So that's who I'm gonna beat eh? Well, right after my nap" I said.
Zach, Megan, Pichu & Josh all fell down. We got a bite to eat later at a restaurant near our rental house. Even with such low energy, I can't resist food and gobbled 5 plates full of food in less than a minute.
"You could lose a hand in there" Josh said, who was sitting right next to me. He looked at Megan & Zach as if to say "Help!"
Even with a full stomach, I got to sleep right away as soon as we got back. Zach set the alarm for 1:30, so we wouldn't be late. 1:30 came, and Zach spent 5 minutes trying to get me up, until he said I was going to be late. Then I was out the door & running to the Grass Field in less than a minute. Zach, Josh, Megan & Pichu sat up in the stands & watched. The battle before mine was between two trainers on their last Pokémon. One had a Weepinbell and the other had a small, tan creature with short legs, a green "necklace" like thing around its neck, and a large leaf on its head. This Pokémon was called Chikorita. The Weepinbell used its Razor Leaf, but Chikorita smacked them away with Vine Whip & tackled Weepinbell, finishing it off. The announcer congratulated Chikorita's trainer and they walked off into the stands.
"The next match is set to begin. Will the next to trainers please step onto the field" the announcer said.
"We're up Zubat" I said to my friend as I gulped. Nervously, I stepped out.
"On the Green side we have Matthew from Vermillion City!" the announcer bellowed, "and on the Red side, Jenette Fisher from Princeton City!"
The crowd roared as Jenette came out. Her Akido tactics had given her a good rep here in the League. The ref on the field raised the two flags and told us to call out our Pokémon.
"What do you think Matt will use?" Josh asked.
"Probably Flareon. It is powerful against Grass types" Megan said.
"My Pokémon will create quite a buzz. Go Beedrill!" Jenette said.
"OK then. Flareon! I choose you!" I shouted.
The two Pokémon stared each other down as the ref raised his flags, beginning the match.
"Beedrill! Twineedle now!" Jenette shouted.
"Flareon! Dodge it and Quick Attack it!" I bellowed.
Beedrill shot forward and tried to land its stinger in Flareon's head, but using Quick Attack, Flareon got the first move & rammed Beedrill. Beedrill tried ramming Flareon again, but Flareon's Ember attack from its tail stopped it. Using Agility, Beedrill dodged and tried to give Flareon a Poison Sting. Flareon was back to a wall. I had to act.
"Flareon! Flamethrower now!" I said.
Flareon opened its mouth and shot out a huge flame at Beedrill, who fainted instantly. Jenette recalled her bug and sent another one, Scyther. I just grinned.
"Heh. Matt's at a huge advantage. He knows all of Scyther's limitations thanks to me." Zach said.
"Flareon! Quick Attack now!" I shouted.
As I expected, Flareon's Quick Attack was easily dodged by Scyther's speed. Scyther slashed Flareon hard with its claws. I ordered Flareon to use Ember, and Flareon spun around & unleashed embers from its tail. Scyther used Quick Attack to dodge them. I told Flareon to use Flamethrower, but Jenette told Scyther to use Double Team to dodge it. Suddenly, Flareon was against 3 Scythers. Each of the Scythers attacked from different directions, making it hard for Flareon to hit them. All three attacked at once and sent Flareon into the air. Flareon looked down and saw all three coming at it.
"Flareon! Use Fire Spin!" I shouted.
Flareon sent down a spiral column of flames and toasted the Scythers. With just 1 more to go, I thought it would be an easy win. Jenette threw her last Poké Ball and out popped a...Bellsprout.
"Huh? That's all she has left?" I asked myself.
I didn't have time to wonder cause the battle began. I told Flareon to use Flamethrower, but Bellsprout rolled into a ball and dodged it, coming straight at Flareon. It then jumped up & kicked Flareon into the wall, knocking it out. I quickly returned Flareon, wondering what was going on. I decided to use Zubat. Zubat flew down & tried to Bite Bellsprout, but missed. I told Zubat to Whirlwind it away, but Bellsprout's roots held it firmly against the ground as the wind whipped through. I only had one chance left. I yelled for a Wing Attack. Zubat flew down, but Bellsprout jumped up and slammed down hard against Zubat. One more kick was all it needed before Zubat was out. I ran onto the field and picked up my friend. Returning to the podium I realized I didn't have much choice. I needed a Pokémon that was not weak to Grass, but had attacks that Bellsprout couldn't dodge & a good defense. Seeing my choices, I decided to fight fire with fire, so to speak.
"I choose YOU!" I shouted as I threw my Poké Ball.
The ball opened up and a large figure loomed over Bellsprout. As the figure took shape, a large flower could be seen, and that the figure was a bluish-green color.
"Saur!" the giant Venusaur roared.
"Huh? Venusaur? When did he swap Pokémon?" Zach wondered.
"Maybe he did it while we were up here." Josh said.
"Bellsprout! Low Kick!" Jenette shouted.
Bellsprout flied towards Venusaur, but Venusaur recoiled the kick and sent Bellsprout flying across the field. Bellsprout tried kicking again & again, but Venusaur took all of it.
"Venusaur! Stomp the ground now!" I shouted.
Venusaur did as it was told, and stomped the ground. The shockwaves caused Bellsprout to jump in the air and release its Razor Leaves. Venusaur's Vine Whips took care of that and wrapped around Bellsprout. Venusaur then threw the living root high in the air. I then ordered Vensuaur's ultimate attack. Venusaur fired the Solar Beam at Bellsprout. Even though it was a Grass type, Bellsprout couldn't handle Venusaur's powerful Solar beam, and fell down, exhausted. The ref held up a green flag. I won my first match! Excitedly, I ran down and hugged Venusaur, who hugged me back using Vine Whips. Zach, Megan & Josh ran down to congratulate me. After being interviewed by some TV crews on my victory, I went down to the main lobby to see where I was fighting next.
"You'll be fighting in the Water Field. Your opponet will be a man named Duke." she said.
"So who are you going to use?" Zach asked me as we were walking back to get something to eat.
"Umm I dunno. Raichu & Gyarados have advantages in the water, but I may decide to use Zubat" I said.
"Well, you may want some versatility. Your opponet may use an electric type too. And if Raichu faints, what are you gonna use?" Josh asked me.
"You have a point." I said to Josh.
"Well, why not get your most versatile Pokémon and teach it some element moves?" Megan suggested.
That wasn't such a bad idea, and I knew the perfect candidate.
"Hey Josh, I need to see your TM kit" I said.
"Uh sure." Josh said as he handed me his kit.
I searched and searched and finally found the TMs I was looking for. With these, Duke wouldn't stand a chance. But all that searching made me tired, and I settled for a nice, long, interrupted sleep on a bed. Ah, that felt good.
The next morning, I quickly hurried down to the stadium. Just my luck, I woke up late again! Luckily, our rental wasn't far away from the Water Field, so I was able to get in quickly. I got in just as the battle was about to start. I scarfed down the last of my delicious breakfast, toast & Pop-tarts, and managed to fix my hair before heading out. When I finally managed to get up onto the green podium, I saw my opponet. He had on a Jr. Trainer uniform, but it was red & black. Sorta looked like a living ad for Coca-Cola. The field was comprised of a large pool with four large pads for non-water types to battle on. The ref then raised his flags to call out our Pokémon & start the match.
"All right! Jolteon! I choose you!" Duke shouted.
"Go! Raticate!" I shouted.
"Huh? Raticate? But aren't all of Raticate's attacks up close? How can it battle on this field?" Megan asked.
"I dunno, but I have a feeling this is why he wanted my TM kit." Josh answered.
The battle began.
"Jolteon! Beat that thing down with Double Kick!" Duke shouted.
"Raticate! Focus Energy! Then Double Team to escape!" I yelled.
Jolteon lept towards Raticate, but Raticate quickly focused, then split into 3 forms. Jolteon dissapated one when it landed, but was confused as to which one was which.
"Jolteon! Blast both with Thunderbolt!" I shouted.
"Raticate! Jump up and use your Jump Kick!" I screamed.
Jolteon let loose its bolts, and Raticate had a hard time dodging them. Finally, Raticate managed a clear path and flew at Jolteon & kicked it hard. Duke told Jolteon to concentrate and let loose a Pin Missle. I decided to use one of Raticate's new attacks.
"Raticate! Water Gun! Now!" I shouted.
Raticate launched a stream of water which flew past the needles and smacked Jolteon into the air. I told Raticate to Slam it to the ground, and within moments, Jolteon was gone.
"Jolteon! You did your best! Return!" Duke said, "Looks like I need to get an easy win! Go Kingler!"
A large crab with a huge claw appeared next to Raticate. I knew this Pokémon was slow but it still wouldn't be an easy fight.
"Kingler! Bubble! Now!" Duke shouted.
"Raticate! Throw them back with Water gun!" I yelled.
Raticate managed to throw the bubbles back but Kingler dived underwater. Raticate didn't know what to do when Kingler jumped out of nowhere & grabbed Raticate with its large pinsir.
"Hah! It's all over! Guillotine now!" Duke said.
Oh great. Guillotine would faint Raticate instantly.
"Raticate! Thunder!" I shouted.
Raticate charged up and let loose a thunder strike. Still covered with water, this attack hurt even more until Kingler fell down, beaten. Duke returned it and sent out his last Pokémon. It was a huge, blue turtle with cannons coming out of its shell.
"Blast-toise!" shouted the Pokémon.
"Hang in there Raticate! You can do it!" I shouted.
Blastoise started out by using Hydro Pump. Raticate was knocked against my podium and fell into the water. It managed to swim back to the platform but Blastoise was ready and Surfed onto Raticate. It tried again as Raticate came up but Raticate dived underwater and swam over to Blastoise's platform and dunked him in while Raticate got out. Raticate tried a Thunder, but Blastoise's Withdraw prevented damage. Things were looking bleak. I decided to even the odds with a Super Fang. Luckily, Raticate managed to grab a hold of Blastoise's arm and chomped down. Blastoise reeled back in pain, and shook Raticate off. The rat wasn't finished and took the pause Blastoise made to use Quick Attack. This time it was Blastoise who was against the wall, and this time it had spirals in its eyes.
"Blastoise has been beaten! Raticate is the winner!" the ref said, holding up a green flag.
"All right Raticate! You did it!" I shouted as I hugged my Pokémon. I was so happy. Zubat gave its cry of cheer. Zach, Megan & Josh congratulated me & Raticate on the job well done. We decided to celabrate by having lunch in one of the resturants. After all, I had such a filling breakfast. Since I was an early match, I got to see some of the other matches of trainers. One trainer used a Seaking's Horn Drill against a Tentacruel & won. There were some other matches, mainly against water-types or grass-types. Barely anyone used electric types, which surprised me. Guess they saw how Jolteon lost to Raticate. After the matches I went over to see who I was gonna battle next. I found out I was battling on the Rock Field. After seeing my opponet, I decided on which Pokémon would suit me best. Raticate, Graveler & Gyarados. After that I got some more sleep. I missed so much getting up here it became my League pastime!
The next day I managed to wake up early for my match. Megan thought I must have had a rough night. Josh said that eternal cramp in my brain woke me up. Josh then had a huge lump on his head thanks to me. We got some breakfast at one of the eateries, then headed down to the Rock Field. As my friends went up to their seats in the stands, Zubat & I made our way to the locker rooms.
"You think I can win Zubat?" I asked my faithful pet.
"Zuuuuubat!" the bat answered.
That was all I needed. Just then, the announcer came on asking me to get onto the field. I ran up & got on the green podium. A female trainer got up on the red podium. The announcer gave the signal and we began.
"Go get them Snubble!" she shouted.
"What is that?" I asked. After seeing that it was a normal type, I sent out Graveler.
Snubble started off with a Mega Punch, but Graveler's was stronger & knocked Snubble into a rock. Graveler stood there, waiting for the next attack when Snubble charged forth and bit down on Graveler's arm. It took off a couple jagged pieces, but didn't hurt Graveler much, who grabbed Snubble and Seismic Tossed it into another rock, fainting it. The trainer recalled her Pokémon and sent out a small, round Pokémon with round ears & tail.
"Ma-ma-ma-Marril!" the Pokémon shouted.
The battle began and ended quickly. Graveler rushed Marril but the puffy Pokémon jumped up and Water gunned Graveler. Weakened, Marril poured on the water until Graveler fainted. I recalled Graveler and sent out Raticate. Raticate & Marril both used Water Gun, but none could overcome the other. Raticate lept up from the blast the tackled Marril. Marril bopped it with its tail, then slapped it. Raticate decided enough was enough and thundered it, fainting Marril. The girl recalled her Marril.
"Now it's time for you to be beaten! Cubone! Go!" the girl shouted.
The battle began. Raticate Water gunned, but Cubone Leered Raticate before getting the attack off, allowing Cubone to use Bonemerang and hit Raticate hard. Cubone then headbutted Raticate into a nearby rock and managed to faint it. I recalled my Pokémon and sent out Cubone's worst nightmare. The 6 meter tall giant, Gyarados. Gyarados loomed over Cubone, who was shaking in its helmet. The trainer told Cubone to use Bonemerang, but Gyarados batted the bone away, then tackled it. Cubone jumped up and headbutted Gyarados. Gyarados tried to bite Cubone, but the fiesty Pokémon thrashed at Gyarados. I thought it was time to end it, so I called for a Hydro Pump. With one spray Cubone was history. I won my 3rd match! I was so happy! One more to go! I celebrated with Zubat while my friends came over and congratulated me. As usual, we celabrated at the resturant, pigging out. Afterwards I found out my last field was on the Ice Field with a trainer named Kouru. I found out he was a mainly bug-type trainer. Anyway, I decided to use Flareon, Raichu & Zubat for the match, or switch depending on what happens. Then I got some shut eye.
Once again, I overslept and was almost late. I arrived on the Ice Field just before they were gonna have me forfeit. Zubat glided up to the podium & I quickly climbed it and scarfed down my Pop-Tart. I looked and saw my opponet. He wore a red shirt with jean shorts, and had a hair style that makes you think he had about a gallon of hair gel in there. Kouru threw out his first Pokémon, Beedrill, out already, so I called Flareon.
Beedrill started off with a Twineedle strike, but Flareon barely managed to dodge the blast. Flareon flamethrowered, but missed Beedrill thanks to its Agility. Flareon tried again and burned a hole through the ice. Flareon kept using its flame, but Beedrill kept dodging it. I called for a wide-range Ember attack, but Beedrill sped right to Flareon and Fury Attacked it right into the water hole it made. Beaten, Flareon was recalled. I next decided to choose Raichu. Beedrill tried to poison Raichu, but a simple Thunderbolt and Beedrill was gone. Kouru recalled his Beedrill and sent out a Heracross. Raichu tried to use Thunder, but Heracross was faster and Quick Attacked Raichu. Down but now beaten, Raichu threw some Swift stars at Heracross. It didn't do a whole lot of damage, so I called for a Thundershock. Raichu was about to strike, but Heracross Leered Raichu. Heracross then got Raichu in a Fury Attack, then finished with a Megahorn, which ended up making my electric type faint. I recalled it.
"You're my last hope! Go Zubat!" I yelled.
"Why did he choose Zubat? Graveler would be better." Megan said.
"Cause the Water is too dangerous, and Heracross is faster than Raticate. Though I would use Gyarados for this one." Zach said.
Zubat flew down to Heracross and used Take Down. Heracross got back up and tried its Counter, but Zubat was too fast. Using its speed, Zubat managed to make the ice melt. Now it was time. I called for a final Whirlwind. Zubat flew up and unleashed a powerful wind attack. The wind created a tidal wave over Heracross, fainting it instantly. Kouru recalled the bug quickly, stared at me, then threw his Poké Ball. Out popped a large, purple, moth.
"VENO MOTH!" the creature cried.
Venomoth tried to end it with a Psybeam, but Zubat dodged it. Zubat hit it with Gust, but it didn't do a whole lot of damage. Since it was a bug type, I told Zubat to use Wing Attack. Zubat bopped Venomoth repeatedly with its wings, but Venomoth managed to throw Zubat into the water. Zubat flew out quickly and tackled Venomoth. The bug tried a Stun Spore cloud, but Zubat dodged it. Unfortunately, Zubat was hit with a Psybeam while dodging. Seeing as how Zubat wasn't strong enough phsycially to beat Venomoth, I had to resort to deviltry. Zubat used Supersonic before Venomoth sent out its next Psybeam, and ended up hitting itself with it. Venomoth shook off the confusion and used a Stun Spore again. This time I was ready. I told Zubat to Whirlwind. Sure enough, the spores hit Venomoth. The bug crashed onto the remaining ice float, paralyzed. Angry, Kouru recalled Venomoth. I had won my final field match! I jumped up happily and hugged my Zubat. I was so happy!
This time we didn't celabrate by eating lunch. We celabrated by going on a shopping spree. Unfortunately, we only had about $25 between the four of us, so we didn't get much, and ended up pigging out anyway. Later that day, I went to find out who my next opponet was. The woman handed me a fish pole and I fished out a Magikarp with the number combo "A-7". The woman typed the number in, and selected my opponet. I couldn't believe it. It was, of all people, Randy! I could finally have a rematch and show him what I learned. I wanted to see the smile on his face when I beat him.
The next day was an off day, so we spent the day looking around the village. There were parades, magic shows, and all sorts of things happening. For me, the next day couldn't come long enough. I really wanted to show that know-it-all a thing or two. Finally, that day arrived. I got there an hour early to be sure not to be late this time. Randy showed up at the exact time and was excited too.
"Now I get to beat you again! I really didn't expect you to come so far just to be creamed!" Randy said.
"Oh yea! I'll show you!" I replied.
The ref started the match. I sent out Raichu first. Randy called Primeape. Raichu used its Thunder right off the bat, but Primeape dodged it with Agility. Knowing how fast it was, I told Raichu to throw Swift against Primeape. Primeape was knocked back, but quickly got up and Mega Kicked Raichu hard. Raichu leaped into the air and rained down thunderbolts, but Primeape dodged them all and seismic tossed Raichu hard to the ground, then low kicked it for good measure. Raichu was down before it knew what happened. I recalled Raichu and sent out Flareon. Flareon saw Primeape and growled. The ref began. Primeape tried to Mega Punch Flareon, but the fire type dodged it and Quick Attacked the giant ape. Flareon flamethrowered Primeape before it could get up, but Primeape quickly recovered and used Thrash. It attacked wildly, so I needed to contain it. Flareon understood and used Fire Spin to trap Primeape. After the fire was gone, Primeape laid there, unconsious. Randy recalled his Pokémon.
"Not bad, but now let's see how you deal with Golduck! Go!" Randy shouted.
"I knew I shoulda saved Raichu" I said to myself.
Things didn't look good. The two Pokémon sized each other up. The battle began with Golduck rushing with Fury Swipes & Flareon running with a Quick Attack. Golduck was hit first, then tried to swipe Flareon repeatedly. Flareon got hit a couple times and was sent back. I told Flareon to use Flamethrower and Golduck used Hydro Pump. Amazingly, the two blasts were canceling each other out. The struggle for control lasted minutes. Flareon's flame was stronger than Golduck's water, but the natural force canceled that out. I thought they were gonna go on forever when both stopped and breathed hard. Flareon tried to spew more flames at Golduck, but all that came out was smoke. Golduck could only spit out droplets. Both had used their special power to their limit. Without its Hydro pump, Golduck used its Fury Swipes over and over. Flareon managed to dodge most of them and give Golduck a few bites to send it reeling. Flareon used Agility to up its speed, then charged Golduck. Golduck used Confusion to send Flareon back, but Flareon lept up and tackled Golduck to the ground. Golduck & Flareon continued to exchange blows.
Golduck managed to get an opening and was pounding away on Flareon. Flareon got angrier & angrier until it coughed up a huge cloud of smoke. Flareon had enough energy left to use Smog. It stepped back from the confused Golduck, then charged with all its might and rammed Golduck into the wall, beating it once and for all. Randy, baffled, recalled his Golduck. Flareon was super happy but also super tired. Randy decided to use his ultimate Pokémon: Farfetch'd. Farfetch'd dodged Flareon's tackle easily and hit it hard with its leek, fainting it. I told Flareon to rest and put it inside its Poké Ball.
"OK then. Graveler! Go get---" I was about to say when Zubat rushed onto the battlefield. It had a score to settle.
"All right then! Zubat! Use Gust!" I shouted.
Zubat created a huge tornado, but Farfetch'd dodged it with Agility. It hit Zubat with its leek from behind its back and threw it at Zubat. Zubat was ready and dodged it, but biting into the leek, slicing it in half. Farfetch'd, for the first time, was worried. Zubat came at it and tackled Farfetch'd, but the bird pecked Zubat off. It tried to blind Zubat with Sand Attack, but it didn't work since Zubat has no eyes. Instead, Zubat Whirlwinded the sand back at Farfetch'd, blinding it. While it struggled, Zubat tackled Farfetch'd. Deciding the time was right, I called for Leech Life. Zubat bit down hard, and sucked up Farfetch'd's life energy. Farfetch'd tried to retailiate, but it still couldn't see. Finally, it limped down, beaten. Randy stood there shocked. He walked over and picked up Farfetch'd while I jumped up & down. Randy then exited when I wasn't looking.
"All right Zubat! You did it!" I shouted and hugged my friend.
Zubat cried happily as Megan, Josh & Zach came down to congratulate me. Pichu was so excited it let loose a couple bolts by accident. I think I jumped up & down about the win for about 5 minutes. I took Raichu, Flareon & Zubat to be healed and went to see who my next opponet was. I had to choose the same way, this time fishing up "C-2". The woman punched the number in, and got up a kid wearing a yellow cap, yellow jacket, red shirt & black undershirt. The woman said his name was Hiro. The woman also told me the next battle would be 6 on 6. I thanked her. I was super excited. I couldn't believe how much that training had paid off! A couple more wins and I would be champion! I could hardly wait for the next day, which was near the end of the tourney. I could barely sleep.
I finally got to sleep and woke up at around 1:30 PM. Ack! I was late again! I woke Zubat up, got dressed, got a bag of Pop-Tarts, and ran out the door. I got to the field just before the match started. Megan, Josh & Zach decided to sit in the bench on the field and were shaking their heads. I just stared at them. Hiro came in through the other side and stepped into his box. The ref let us begin.
"Get 'em Hitmontop!" Hiro shouted.
"Go Flareon!" I cried.
Hitmontop was obviously a relative of Hitmonchan & Hitmonlee. It had three Hitmonlee-like legs and a face & body like Hitmonchan's. It prepared for battle. Flareon rushed at it with a Tackle, but Hitmontop jumped and unleashed a Rolling Kick, slamming Flareon hard. Flareon jumped back up and used Flamethrower, but Hitmontop plowed through it and used High Jump Kick. Flareon, hit hard again, was out. I recalled it and sent out Gyarados, since it was a flying type. Gyarados loomed over Hitmontop, who used Rolling kick to no evail. Gyarados lunged back and let a Hyper beam which almost obliterated Hitmontop. Needless to say, Hitmontop was down. Hiro recalled it and sent out a new Pokémon, Furret. It looked like a large racoon-like animal, with one long body with ears, arms, legs, & a tail sticking out. The Pokémon seemed harmless.
Furret rolled into a ball and slammed into Gyarados, but bounced off. Gyarados lunged forward and tackled Furret hard. The thing flew through the air until it was hit with a Hydro Pump. Furret landed hard on the ground and was down. Hiro recalled Furret and sent out an electric type: Flaffy. This one looked like a sheep that could stand on two feet & was only partly covered in wool. Flaffy walked up to Gyarados. Gyarados used Hydro Pump, but Flaffyused a Thunder attack and it traveled up the Hydro Pump, shocking Gyarados. Because of its dual nature, Gyarados was down from the electric attack.
"Crap. Return Gyarados! Go Graveler!" I shouted.
The giant rock thing stood in front of Flaffy. The pink Pokémon used Thunderpunch, but was thrown back by Graveler's Seismic Toss and slammed up in the air with an Earthquake. A Rock Throw was all it needed for Flaffy to faint. Hiro called back Flaffy and sent out a water type: Totodile. It looked like a small blue alligator. Graveler charged forth with a Tackle, but Totodile used Water Gun to push it back. Graveler tried to hit it with Earthquake, but Totodile jumped up and hit it with Bubblebeam. Graveler was down. I recalled it.
"Come on! Raichu! You're up!" I said.
The electric mouse stared at Totodile. The small croc tried to bite Raichu, but it was slapped away by Raichu's tail. Raichu charged with Quick Attack and hit Totodile, who retailiated with a Slash. Down but not out, Raichu jumped up and used a Thunder. Almost instantly, Totodile was out. Hiro was starting to be frustrated now, as was I. Hiro sent out a small, anteater like thing, Cyndaquil. The Pokémon looked to be asleep. When it "saw" Raichu, its back lit up with flames, ready to fight. Raichu thunderbolted Cyndaquil, but the rat thing rolled aside and embered Raichu. Hurting from the burns, Raichu didn't see Cyndaquil roll up and tackle Raichu hard. On the recoil, Cyndaquil unleashed a Flamethrower which incerated Raichu. I recalled my mouse and sent out Raticate. My rat tackled Cyndaquil, but the fire type rebounded and embered away. Raticate was hurt, but used Hyper Fang to hurt it a lot. Cyndaquil jumped back and prepared a Fire Blast.
It shot out the powerful attack, but Raticate used Water gun to cancel it and douse Cyndaquil. With the fire type wet, it could no longer fight. Hiro recalled its fire type. He had only one Pokémon left. He sent out his Chikorita. Now I remember! I saw him battle on the Grass Field before I did! No wonder he seemed familiar! Chikorita wasted no time and Vine Whipped Raticate. Raticate tried to get closer to use its attacks, but Chikorita's Vine Whips wouldn't let it. Finally, Raticate was beaten. I recalled it.
"It's all up to you! Go Zubat! Take care of it!" I said to my bat.
Zubat rushed forward and tried to hit Chikorita with a Wing Attack. Chikorita dodged it and used Razor Leaf. Zubat dodged them easy enough and then tackled Chikorita. Zubat then hit it repeatedly with its wing. Chikorita jumped back and used Vine Whip, but Zubat flew up and used Supersonic. Confused, Chikorita hit itself with the vines. The plant type shook it off however.
"Chikorita! Heal yourself up!" Hiro shouted. Chikorita understood. It surrounded itself in various grass-like characterisitcs and healed its wounds. I knew I was in trouble. Fully healed, the plant leaped for Zubat and pinned it to the ground. A quick bite released it, but it gave Chikorita time to power up. Chicorlita jumped up and unleashed its ultimate attack: Solarbeam. Zubat, before it knew what had happened, was hit. Even though it had an advantage, the beam was too strong and when it was gone, Zubat was out. Hiro was declared the winner. I couldn't believe it. I picked up Zubat and walked away.
"Hey bro. Don't feel bad! You made it this far! Not many trainers do that!" Zach said.
"Yea, and besides, you now know what not to do when facing those new Pokémon again" Megan said.
"Pi! Pichu!" said Pichu.
I thanked everyone for their help. A few days later, the closing ceromonies began. I walked out with Zubat and waved to my friends. Then the president, Mr. Goodshow, gave everyone a special badge to wear to show that they were in the Red County Pokémon League. Afterwards, there were some awesome fireworks. Later, after everyone left, I stood watching the stadium, thinking of all that happened. I knew there were new adventures waiting for me. As Zach & my friends called out, I ran to them, knowing they would lead me right to those adventures.

To be continued...

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