1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

The Rise of Team Neos: Chapter 11: Round 2! Fight!

by Psycho Monkey

Psycho Monkey The second round of the tournament, Brian vs Katelyn. Just what kind of fight can we expect to see here?
Chapter 11: Round 2! Fight!

Once again my match was in the evening, so I spent the day in Prof. Himee’s lab to see what I could learn. That and Himee amuses me. However, it didn’t quite go as I planned. Today was Asuna’s day off, so I had the “privilege” of being the errand boy today.

I ran back to Himee’s lab as fast as I could. He sent me to the store to pick up any Whitney Houston CD that had I Will Always Love You on it, and of course now I had half an hour left before my match. I burst through the door to the laboratory and raced up the spiral staircase.

“Here’syourCD!” I said in one breath quickly handing it off.

“Oh good! I’ve been looking for zhis song for a long time. Now could you pick me up some milk?” he asked.

“No time! Need to get to stadium!” I called jumping off the second floor balcony and barrel rolling so as not to hurt myself.

“Damn. Zhere has to be anozher vay.” I heard him contemplating before I ran through the door again where Axel had been waiting outside.

Took you long enough.” Axel said sarcastically. I paid the monkey no mind, grabbing a Pokéball from my side and sending out my Aerodactyl.

“To the stadium!” I commanded hopping on his back with Axel. To get there from the sky was a lot faster than running to the arena. I had the prehistoric Pokémon descend as we got closer so I could jump off safely and call him back as I ran to the rest area with five minutes to spare.

“Damn.” I sighed taking a seat to wait for my name to be called. At least Prof. Himee agreed to pay me for being his runner today. I’ll probably stop by after my battle to pick up my 5000 credits.

“Brian. Katelyn. You two are up.” said the official. My turn already?

Ready to kick some ass tonight?” asked Axel getting battle ready.

“I am, you’re not.” I said straightforwardly.

What!?” yelled the Infernape in shock.

“You thrashed our opponent last night. We gotta let the rest of your teammates have the spotlight once and awhile.” I explained. Axel crossed his arms and looked away grumbling with a sulking look on his face. I think I’ll just let him brood for a while, the battle is starting.

“The second to last match tonight will be between Katelyn and Brian! Please register your Pokémon!” shouted the announcer. I placed a Pokéball and two Great Balls on the registry machine and like last night, my picture and the picture of my opponent, a female with short strait black hair and tanned skin, came on the screen with three question marked silhouettes representing the Pokémon we were using came on the big screen.

“Let’s make this a fun match.” Katelyn said cheerfully with a smile. Finally, an opponent who isn’t a complete dick weed.

“I agree.” I nodded unhinging the Pokéball containing my first Pokémon as she got hers ready. The second the Referee said ‘Go!’ we unleashed our chosen Pokémon. Riolu appeared ready to once again prove himself in combat. His opponent this time was a green frog with yellow toes, small pink cheeks, and a strange curly hair sticking out of its head. The size of the Politoed’s cheeks indicated it to be female.

You’re using the infant over me? Not my fault if you lose.” Axel complained. I ignored him. We both knew that for only being six months old Riolu was one tough little Pokémon. Whether that had anything to do with being a Fighting-type or being able to sense and use aura or a combination of both, I don’t care. He does what is needed and that’s all I ask. Besides, Axel hates fighting Water-types.

“Politoed! Bounce!” called Katelyn initiating the first move. The Frog Pokémon crouched low and pushed itself high in the air with its powerful leg muscles.

“Detect Riolu.” I said calmly. Riolu closed his eyes trying to sense exactly when and where Politoed would land. I looked up watching gravity take its toll on Politoed who came falling right above Riolu. On cue, the Emanation Pokémon opened his eyes and jumped out of the way leaving Politoed to land butt first on solid ground.

“Now Force Palm Rio!” I called. Riolu spun around to face his opponent then thrusted his glowing blue right hand into her, pushing the Frog Pokémon back a few feet with a powerful burst of aura.

“Try a Body Slam Politoed!” Katelyn called. Politoed jumped forward landing belly first on top of Riolu. It was quite disturbing when the amphibian started wiggling around.

“Riolu! Counter!” I shouted. A WTF look appeared on Politoed’s face as she began rising off the ground as Riolu pushed up lifting the Frog Pokémon over his head. Then he threw Politoed and punched her for good measure followed by shaking his arms from the exertion. Politoed got back up and faced her young adversary.

“Try and counter this attack! Bubble Beam!” commanded Katelyn. The amphibian opened her mouth unleashing a flurry of transparent bubbles at Riolu.

“Hear that Rio? She challenged us. Pop the bubbles with Bullet Punch!” I called. The Emanation Pokémon began a rapid assault against the bubbles with his fists. Several got through and hit him, but Riolu managed to pop the majority of them. “Well done!” I complemented.

“That was pretty impressive.” Katelyn acknowledged. “But let’s see if you can do the same with Hydro Pump!” The Frog Pokémon opened her mouth wider than before and shot a river of water comparable to a fire hose at Riolu.

“Quick Attack!” I commanded urgently. Riolu dodged out of the way of the gushing water, disappearing into a blue blur as he circled around Politoed and attacked from behind abruptly stopping the Hydro Pump.

“I’ll admit you got me there, but can your Riolu stand up to my Politoed’s Psychic?” my foe taunted.

“Probably not.” I said humbly. “But he sure as hell can try!”

“I’ll be completely outclassed if he does. Use Psychic Politoed!” she ordered. The amphibian’s eyes began glowing blue and that same blue glow surrounded Riolu as he was lifted into the air.

“Riolu! Endure!” I called. Riolu nodded closing his eyes and crossing his arms to use every ounce of power he had in staying conscious. Politoed violently threw Riolu to the ground and released her hold on the young Pokémon. Moment of truth here. When the dust cleared, Riolu was still standing although completely worn out and covered in scrapes and bruises.

“That’s it Rio. Just hang in there a little longer.” I encouraged.

“So I’m completely outclassed. That is one tough Riolu. I’ll just have to try harder if I’m to beat it! He can’t go on much longer after that!” Katelyn mused. “Finish it with Ice Beam!” The Frog Pokémon opened her mouth again firing a blast of cold breath crystallizing all the water molecules in the air into a solid stream of ice aimed right for the Emanation Pokémon.

“Use Agility followed by Cross Chop!” I commanded. In the blink of an eye, the Ice Beam passed through an after image of Riolu as he was already half way to his target with his arms crossed in an X in front of him. The Frog Pokémon stopped her attack looking down as Riolu was now right under her thrusting his arms into her throat. The amphibian’s eyes widened to their full size as she choked and collapsed. Attacking a pressure point; how strategic.

“What did you do to Politoed!?” Katelyn panicked.

“Relax. Riolu only hit a pressure point. Your Politoed will be fine. Her neck may be sore for a while, but she’ll live.” I reassured. Katelyn looked relieved, but quickly got serious as she called back Politoed.

“At least your Riolu won’t be giving me any more trouble after this. Your turn Honchkrow!” shouted Katelyn sending out a robust looking bird covered in dusk black feathers with red feathers lining the wings and tail, a white chest, and a witch hat shaped head. The Honchkrow spread its wings wide with an intimidating caw upon emerging.

“You’re right, Riolu won’t be fighting any more, but not because you defeated him. Rio, time to exit stage left. Return.” I said holding out his Pokéball. The Emanation Pokémon materialized into a red light as he was sucked back into his protective capsule. I then got one of the Great Balls ready. “Come Vaporeon!” I summoned. A streamlined blue marine mammal with a fish tail and fin-like ears, head crest, and collar came on to the field stretching his paws forward before getting in a sitting position. My Vaporeon; I caught him early in my journey as an Eevee and evolved him as soon as I got a Water Stone. This Vaporeon also fathered my Espeon. It’s been awhile since I used him, I hope he hasn’t gotten rusty.

“Why must you have so many cute Pokémon?” asked Katelyn with that ‘OMG so kyut!’ expression I saw every day with Madison.

“Cuz I do.” I said blankly. “So are you going to attack or should I?”

“Oh, right. Honchkrow! Shadow Ball!” she commanded. The crow began gathering power from all the surrounding shadows in the arena to fuel an ever growing ball of darkness. It didn’t help matters that it was night, and even with the blinding floodlights, there were more shadows than during the day. When the Shadow Ball had reached the desired size, Honchkrow launched it at its target.

“This may be completely mean, but meh. Tear through Shadow Ball with Ice Beam!” I called. The Bubble Jet Pokémon solidified vapor in the air into a frozen beam blasting at the ghostly attack creating an explosion of darkness and ice. That was unexpected, I thought the Ice Beam would have pierced the Shadow Ball and struck Honchkrow. That attack was stronger than I anticipated. “We must be careful with this one Vaporeon.” I warned.

“Now Wing Attack!” I heard Katelyn call through the still lingering smoke from our attacks. The Big Boss Pokémon emerged from the haze smacking Vaporeon in the right flank hard with its wing. It shouldn’t have gotten so close.

“Push it away with Hydro Pump!” I yelled eagerly. I didn’t even see Vaporeon initiate the attack, all I saw was the crow getting carried to the other side of the field on a torrent of water leading back to my marine mammal. Honchkrow crashed into the wall behind its Trainer with the force of a raging river.

“Honchkrow!” Katelyn cried as the water died down causing the bird to fall into a puddle that formed beneath it. Don’t tell me it’s over already. Honchkrow slowly picked itself back up and shook the water from its ruffled feathers. That’s more like it! “So you like playing rough huh? I think I can match you. Sky Attack!” commanded my opponent. Honchkrow flew into the air as it started gathering energy causing to get an eerie white glow.

“This attack may be painful Vaporeon. I suggest we start up an Aqua Ring to heal some of the damage.” I advised. The Bubble Jet Pokémon spun in a circle spraying a Water Gun creating a halo of water around himself. Thanks to his Water Absorb Ability, simple touching the ring will heal some of his wounds.

Honchkrow had just finished charging its attack and dive bombed Vaporeon with a loud caw leaving a ghostly white stream of its energy in its wake. That was definitely freaky looking. Vaporeon braced himself as the crow came inches from his head and struck violently. The marine mammal cried out in pain from the impact, then absorbed his Aqua Ring to restore some of his energy.

“Bite ‘em Vaporeon!” I called. Vaporeon got a mouth full of feathers as he chomped down on Honchkrow’s wing. The bird cawed in annoyance.

“Oh yeah? Peck its eyes out Honchkrow!” retorted Katelyn. Vaporeon closed his eyes tightly and turned his head as the Big Boss Pokémon assaulted him with its beak. Vaporeon released his hold on Honchkrow and the latter flew back to its side of the arena. This is getting pretty entertaining!

“Vaporeon! Water Pulse!” I commanded. The Bubble Jet Pokémon did as told, spitting a shockwave of H2O at his foe.

“Cancel it with Dark Pulse!” Katelyn countered. The crow gathered more shadows, then scattered them with a loud caw. The water and darkness collided midfield causing the respective elements to disperse in all directions. While Honchkrow received no damage by getting splashed with a few harmless particles of water and shadow, Vaporeon was healed, if only a little by the water droplets landing on his skin. Axel yelped and jumped back as a few drops landed on him as well.

“Not… bad…” I said cracking my neck. “But now I’m afraid I’m going to have to defeat your magnificent Flying Pokémon if I plan on winning anytime soon. Aurora Beam!” I called. The marine mammal launched a semi-transparent blast of green, purple, red, and blue that weaved down the arena like the Aurora Borealis.

“Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not done just yet! Dodge it with Fly!” called Katelyn. Honchkrow launched itself into the sky just barely avoiding Vaporeon’s beautiful attack.

“I but we can finish this in two moves.” I challenged, mostly to myself and Vaporeon.

“You think so?” asked Katelyn doubtfully. Honchkrow began its decent.

“Yup! Vaporeon! Sand-Attack!” I commanded. Just as the bird was near ground level, Vaporeon smacked his fish tail across the ground sending dust into Honchkrow’s eyes impairing its vision. The crow cawed as it veered off course and crashed into the ground. “That’s one, and… well forget the second, I think Honchkrow KOed itself when it crashed to the ground.” I said looking at the fainted crow.

“What… What the hell was that?” Katelyn shouted in frustration.

“Every now and then I like to test what my Pokémon can do.” I said flatly. Katelyn looked completely at a loss for words by my statement. She then shook the thought aside and put her focus back on the battle by removing her downed Honchkrow from the field and readying her last Pokémon.

“Whatever, I can still beat you.” she said confidently.

“Are you sure? Riolu was never technically defeated, so in a weird sense it’s three against one.” I pointed out. “Anyway, I hope we can continue having a fun battle.”

“Yeah me too. It’s your turn Gardevoir!” An elegant white Pokémon with a body that flowed like a dress, thin green arms that were proportionally similar to humans, and green hair growing down around the face and neck graced the arena. I really hope that that Pokémon is female. I can’t help but pity male Gardevoirs.

“Tell me, is Gardevoir’s Ability Trace or Synchronize?” I inquired.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” Katelyn taunted. That doesn’t really tell me anything. She’s either baiting me to attack with a Water-type move that would heal Gardevoir because it Traced Water Absorb, or she’s trying to hide the fact that the Ability is Synchronize so that I won’t attack with Water-type moves for fear that it’s Trace. Clever.

“I would like to know, and the best way I can do that is with Aqua Tail!” I commanded. Vaporeon began excreting water from the pores on his tail creating a thin layer of the life giving liquid around the appendage. He then ran up to the Embrace Pokémon and spun around to smack his opponent. The Psychic winced from the attack meaning the move caused it pain meaning its Ability is Synchronize. “Thank you, I got the information I was looking for.” I thanked.

“Don’t go thanking me yet! Give them a taste of Thunder Bolt Gardevoir!” shouted Katelyn. EEP! And another EEP! The Embrace Pokémon’s body began sparking with electricity as it called upon the attack. Gardevoir tensed its muscles releasing the powerful lightning move into the air where it curved around aimed for my aquatic creature. Vaporeon jumped back just as the Thunder Bolt struck, but was sent flying by the explosion caused by the impact on the ground which sent dust and the smell of ozone into the air. The Bubble Jet Pokémon staggered weakly back to his feet.

“It’s not over yet! Vaporeon! Use Hydro Pump on yourself!” I called. Vaporeon tilted his head to the sky then spewed a great surge off water into the sky that went up about halfway to the top of the stadium before raining down back onto the field. As Vaporeon bathed in his self-created shower, his injuries disappeared from his body like they never existed. The rejuvenated Vaporeon stretched his paws forward and yawned as if waking up from a refreshing nap.

“Interesting strategy.” Katelyn complemented.

“Combat is my specialty.” I said bowing. “I live for the trill of a challenge against strong opponents like yourself Miss Katelyn. The stronger they are the more fun I have.”

“Well aren’t you sweet.” said my adversary playfully.

“You won’t be calling me sweet after this. Body Slam Vaporeon!” I called. The marine mammal charged Gardevoir preparing his physical assault.

“Defend with Psychic!” commanded Katelyn. The Embrace Pokémon’s eyes took a purple glow and soon Vaporeon had that same glow around his body as he was lifted off the ground before getting thrown through the air back to his starting point. He landed on his side and slid a few feet before stopping.

“If you’re going to take a beating like that, then I suggest you create another Aqua Ring.” I said as Vaporeon stood. “And make this on last.” I added. The Bubble Jet Pokémon created another water halo around himself to constantly feed him energy for this battle.

“Even with an Aqua Ring you won’t survive this! Use Magical Leaf!” Katelyn called. The Psychic crossed its green arms around its torso, the quickly threw them out sending a barrage of rainbow colored leaves at Vaporeon. “And to plan ahead, Future Sight!”

“Icy Wind!” I commanded. I’d rather stick to the here and now and worry about Future Sight later. Vaporeon blew cold air from his mouth creating snow particles and ice chunks in the attacks range. By the time the leaves struck the Bubble Jet Pokémon, all were frozen and had lost the majority of their velocity rendering them harmless. The Icy Wind continued until it stuck the creator of the previous attack. Katelyn looked as if she was beginning to get frustrated. So long as Vaporeon could produce water, he could continue to regenerate.

“This could take a while.” Katelyn said as if she was planning something. “Gardevoir! Use Wish!” The Psychic put its hands together and began chanting something in its own tongue. I see, with both our Pokémon healing themselves, there will be no end to our battle. Excellent! The only difference is, Vaporeon can recover instantly while it usually takes a minute for Wish to take effect.

“I’ll just have to end this in the next 57 seconds then won’t I? Vaporeon! Brine!” I commanded. The aquatic creature blasted a steady stream of salt water at Gardevoir to irritate her wounds.

“We won’t lose so easily ya know! Double Team!” my opponent gloated. Soon one Gardevoir was ten, and with only 30 seconds left, I didn’t have the time to go through all of them.

“I don’t want to win so easily! Surf’s up Vaporeon!” I retorted. An enormous tidal wave erupted from under the stadium, flowed over Vaporeon, and rushed over the Gardevoirs dissolving all the copies. When the water receded, Gardevoir was laying face down in a puddle. The Psychic stirred a bit and started weakly pushing itself back up. Damn! Only 10 seconds left!

“Quick Attack now Vaporeon!” I called with increased desperation. Vaporeon dashed at his target as fast as his legs could take him. To ensure his victory, the Bubble Jet Pokémon bit Gardevoir upon collision. All of a sudden a giant purple meteor of Psychic energy fell from the sky and crashed into Vaporeon as if it was homed in on him. Of course! How could I have forgotten the Future Sight? When the dust from the impact cleared, both Pokémon lay on the ground. My heart raced in anticipation for the result of this outstanding showdown.

“Both Gardevoir and Vaporeon are unable to continue! By default, the winner is Brian for having two Pokémon remaining!” declared the Ref. I sighed in relief and smiled at the narrow win.

“If only Future Sight had hit even a second sooner. Then Wish would have taken effect and I would have still had a chance of winning.” Katelyn lamented.

“Don’t feel bad. You were a very challenging adversary, worthy of being called one of the strongest 128 people in the world.” I complemented wiping sweat from my brow. “If Vaporeon didn’t have Water Absorb, he would never have lasted as long, even with Aqua Ring. I would have been forced to use my Donphan had he lost, and who knows how that would have gone.”

“Thanks Brian.” said Katelyn happily. “You are a great Trainer, and I’ll be sure to train hard so that next time I can kick your ass.”

I’m glad I didn’t get in the middle of that. Every one of her Pokémon would have destroyed me.” Axel said shamefully as we left the stadium.

“See. I told you, you have to let your partners fight every once and awhile.” I said.
Fishykarp and Aura like this.