Ties that Bind Chapters 1-5

[Alister Sylvara† 0]

That fateful day in March began with the obnoxious ringing of an alarm clock. Alex pounds the alarm button furiously, muttering obscenities to himself before pushing back the sheets. “I hate having to give up precious time to sleep.” he mutters before standing up. He smelled the scent of bacon coming from downstairs and trailed it back to its source. “You know exactly how to wake me, Mom.” muttered Alex as he rubbed his eyes. “I raised you for 15 years by myself. I know what makes you tick!” proclaimed his mother as she smiled. “You've got an hour before you're due at the Pokemon Center today.”

 

“I know mom.. I was up a little later than I should have been last night considering who to choose.” Alex said lazily before grabbing a plate from the cubboard. He then focused his attention to the TV, which showed a battle between the current Champion and his latest challenger. He has a Blaziken, a Pokemon not native to Cerulean City, or Kanto for that matter. “Markus, the challenger, has fought hard, but he seems stonewalled by Garret's Blaziken! The battle isn't over yet! Let's see if his Blastoise can make a comeback!” The announcer proclaimed to the world. “Blaziken, finish this with Sky Uppercut!” Garret commanded. The Blaziken then charged furiously at the Blastoise. “Blastoise, put everything you have into Hydro Pump!” the challenger declared. The Blaziken swiftly sidestepped the powerful blast, homing in on its target and sending it dozens of feet in the air with a jaw-dropping punch. The Blastoise crashed to the ground next to it's trainer, it's shell slightly cracked.

 

The challenger's expression changed from shocked to solemn, before reaching for his partner's Poke Ball and aiming it at the monster. “Blastoise.. you fought magnificently over the course of our journey. You've earned your rest. Return.” A red light emerged, absorbing Blastoise and inserting him inside the ball. The trainer tapped the button, shrinking the ball before returning it to his belt and making his way towards the center of the arena to be congratulated by the Champion. “You've grown strong, fellow trainer, but there are still new heights you can reach. Continue strengthening the bonds between you and your partners and you will reach them.” The challenger's face gently changed to a gentle smile as he shook Garret's hand and calmly made his way to the exit.

 

Alex stared in awe of the champion as commercials began airing before the closing ceremony of the annual Pokemon League tournament. He quickly made himself dressed and presentable for a trip to the Pokemon Center, realizing he had spent too much time watching television. “Bye Mom!” He yelped as he bolted out the door and onto his bike. The Center was several blocks away from where he lived, with the Gym being nearby as well. Cerulean is a huge city, and had the population to prove it. Alex weaved his bike through the crowds, desperate to reach his destination in time.

 

Impulsively, Alex parked his bike in front of the Pokemon Center and rushed in to get to the Transfer System, but in his blind dash, he ran into a tall man with a lean physique, with raven black hair flowing down his back. He turned to see what had hit him, looming down with an irritated look on his face. “Just a whelp.” He said as he calmly left the Center. Alex, after getting his focus back, quickly entered the room where his fate would change. After identifying himself in the computer console, a video appeared of a tall man who appeared to be in his fifties. He wore a white labcoat with a maroon undershirt. “Hello there, Alex. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Professor Oak, Pokemon Researcher. I still have plenty of Pokemon for you to choose from.” The Professor then shifts the view to a table with three Pokemon sitting on top of it. “These are the parters you could be with. The one on the left is Bulbasaur, a grass type Pokemon. The Middle one is Charmander, a fire type, and the one on the right is Squirtle, a water type. I'll give you some time to think of your choice, and feel free to ask questions about your choices.”

 

Alex then smiled gently and nodded, before pondering for a few minutes on who he wanted his partner to be. “The Charmander looks cool, but that's about it.. Bulbasaur seems to be more natural, and it reminds me of when Mom and I lived on the outskirts of Viridian forest.. before Dad left us. Squirtle looks like an interesting choice, and he'll remind me of Cerulean, but.. I think I've made my choice.” Alex then looked up at the Professor, his eyes brightening at the sight of his choice. “I pick Bulbasaur, Professor.” He said as a grin came across his face. “As many new trainers as I've seen, I had a feeling you'd choose him.” the Professor said as he called Bulbasaur back to his ball. “Don't worry, you two will have trainers as well.” He then disappeared from sight, and the transfer machine began to activate moments later. A Pokeball emerged on the table next to the monitor before Oak returned to the screen. “I got a feeling you two will go far in your journey, Alex.” Alex quickly picked up the ball and called out Bulbasaur, eager to meet his new companion.

 

The Bulbasaur emerged from the ball, staring quietly at his trainer with a disoriented look on his face. Alex then attempted to reach over and pet it, but Bulbasaur swatted his hand with a Vine Whip. The Professor then laughed. “It's going to take some time to get warmed up to you. It's different for each trainer.” He explained. Alex rubbed his hand to ease the pain before calling Bulbasaur back to it's ball. “Thank you for the Pokemon, Professor!” Alex exclaimed. “It's my pleasure, Alex. He simply doesn't know you very well yet. It's natural that he wants some space. With that said, I must prepare for the others that are on their way.” The Professor then waved to Alex, before the monitor went blank. The beginning of yet another trainers journey had begun..

 

Chapter 2

 

Alex quickly left the Pokemon Center, planning his next course of action . He was preparing to travel the region, so he mounted his bike and headed home. It seemed to take longer than it did heading to the Pokemon Center because of the crowds. His hand still ached a little from Bulbasaur's “greeting” earlier. Finally, he had arrived home.. and he wouldn't be back for quite a while. He slowly opened the door to find his mother folding clothes in the living room. She smiled gently as she watched her son enter. “Hi hon.. I was just getting some laundry ready for your journey. I put everything into a backpack for you. I also bought a few Pokeballs while you were away, a basic survival book, and a first aid kit.” She said as she folded the last of his necessities. “By the way, where is this new friend of yours?” She said with a bit of surprise in her voice.

 

“He's right here Mom, but he still isn't used to me yet.” Alex exclaimed as he enlarged the Pokeball and called out Bulbasaur. The Bulbasaur looked around the room in confusion, then glanced at Alex and his mother in the same manner. He then bolted behind the couch, shivering. “Aww, he's shy!” his mother proclaimed. “Don't get too close to him yet Mom.” Alex suggested as he showed his mother the bruise on his hand. Without hesitating, she quickly got a wet cloth and a bandage to take care of the injury. “Son, I think I know how to help earn the little guy's trust.” she said as she tended to her son's hand. “As they always say.. the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I think the same advice will work on Pokemon too. I don't want to make him sick with our food, so you need to go by the Poke Mart and get some special food for him.”

 

Alex grinned excitedly and nodded at his mother's advice. She then gave him money to pay for a bag of food. “Thanks!” He said as he quickly opened the door and rushed to his bike. He hastily made his way to the store, eagerly opening the door and searching for a bag of morsels for his new partner. He quickly grabbed some and placed it in front of the clerk. “Young man, we have multiple flavors to suit particular tastes and growth. What kind of Pokemon is this for?” She asked kindly. “It's for a Bulbasaur. The little guy doesn't quite... know me yet, so he's being reclusive.” He responded. “Oh! Then you should get the grass type blend. It has fertilizer mixed in that will help with the bulb on it's back. You should slow down and think young man. That was the electric variety you picked up. The food has a special charge that would shock other Pokemon.” She said as a bead of sweat rolled down Alex's face in embarrassment.

 

Alex made his way home, to find his mother relaxed with the Bulbasaur tucked in her lap underneath the noonday sun. “How did you..” said Alex as he shut the door. “He's a plant, dear. The Sun is food to him.” She interrupted. “You really must learn to slow down and think things through.” She added.

Alex, feeling mortified, went to the kitchen to get a bowl to place the food in. The Bulbasaur quickly made it's way to the food and chowed down. Alex slowly placed his hand on the Bulbasaur and petted him gently. The Bulbasaur smiled softly. Alex knew at that point that his newfound friendship had truly begun..

 

Chapter 3

 

Alex awoke the next morning earlier than usual. He had been awoken by his new partner, asleep at the foot of his bed, for the third time that night. He learned something interesting about the Bulbasaur. He snored. Loudly. It sounded like an Ursaring was sleeping in his room. He heard his mother downstairs, so he quietly made himself decent and walked downstairs. He saw his mother watching the news, a bothered look on her face. “Mom, is everything alright?” Alex said softly. “Yes dear, I'm just... worried. You're going to be journeying, wandering into danger frequently. You could be killed..” She then wrapped her arms around her son. Tears slowly rolled down her eyes as she embraced him.

 

“I'll be fine Mom..” Alex said to his mother, a hint of confidence in his voice. “I'm not going to be by myself.” She loosened her grip, wiping the tears from her eyes. “On the other hand... this will be a good experience for you. After all, a caterpillar doesn't become a butterfly without a struggle.” she commented. Suddenly they heard thumping coming from the upstairs. Bulbasaur had awoken, so Alex went upstairs to retrieve him, since the plant monster's legs were too short to go downstairs. He piggybacked his companion downstairs, welcomed by the sight of his mother preparing pancakes.

 

Alex prepared Bulbasaur's meal then rubbed his head gently as he waited for his mother to finish. After eating one last time before the journey began, Alex gathered his necessities and met his mother at the door. “He's grown so fast..” his mother thought as she watched her son place his things at the door. “Almost too fast.” Alex then looked at Bulbasaur, then reached down the grab his Poke Ball. “Sorry, but you need to get used to this. You'll be too big someday to walk beside me everywhere.” He then called his friend into his new home. “Don't worry.” He said as he placed the ball on his belt.

 

“You should go to the cape first hon. You're not ready for the gym yet.” said Alex's mother. “I've got a grass type. Won't the gym be easy?” Alex replied. “Son, you have a lot to learn, but that's one of the reasons why you're taking this journey.” She remarked. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. “I love you son.” She said, trying to hold back tears. “I love you too Mom.” Alex said. He then grabbed his backpack and mounted his bike, waving goodbye before heading towards the cape. The city was quiet, but then again, he had never been out this early before.

 

The sun had just begun to rise as Alex reached the bridge. The mist covered the river that ran underneath. Alex noticed the Cerulean Cave as he crossed, a place known for having horrifyingly powerful Pokemon, one of which is rumored to be strong enough to defeat the Champion. A chill ran down Alex's spine, thinking that such a monster lived so close to him. At the end of the bridge, he arrived at a small meadow, which had large rocks and patches of tall grass painted across the landscape.

 

In the distance was a grove of trees, and the coast could be seen further beyond that, as well as a small home. Even at this time of the day, he could hear faint rustles of tall grass from wild Pokemon. Suddenly, a gleam of yellowish gold caught Alex's eye in one of the trees. He slowly approached the creature, realizing it was an Abra upon closer inspection. It was nibbling an Oran berry, seemingly unaware of the spectator nearby. Alex silently reached for a spare Poke Ball, and threw it at the target. Just before the ball reached the psychic, however, it opened an eye, revealing a bright red light, then teleported away. Alex, confused, took a few steps into the grove before being pelted by a berry. Alex, rubbing the back of his shoulder, turned to see the Abra in another tree.

 

Alex reached for the Poke Ball of his partner, throwing the Poke Ball towards the grass in front of him. Bulbasaur emerged as the ball returned to Alex's hand, letting out a yell of confidence. “Leech Seed!” Alex proclaimed. The Bulbasaur then fired a small seed from it's bulb at the Psi Pokemon. The Abra then swatted the seed away with it's tail, then turned and slapped it's backside towards Alex. “Razor Leaf, Bulbasaur!” Alex commanded. Instantly he slung dozens of razor sharp leaves towards the Abra. The blades of fury made it halfway towards the target as the Abra decided to teleport. Suddenly, Alex hears giggling coming from behind him.

 

Alex turned around to see a girl wearing a red suit, black stockings, and red shoes. Her raven colored hair was fastened into a ponytail and her mouth was covered to muffle the giggling. “You must be a novice trainer if you can't even handle a simple Pokemon like Abra.” She said. “I've been watching this entire time to entertain myself with a good laugh. Look kid, didn't you notice something strange when you tried to use Leech Seed?” She added. Alex stopped and thought for a second, dumbfounded, before a light went off in his head. The Abra didn't teleport like it had done earlier.

 

“Looks like you figured it out, kid. Look, I feel a bit sorry for you, so I'm going to help you with some advice. You need to learn to think outside the box and pay close attention to details even in the heat of battle if you want to be a decent trainer.” the trainer commented. Alex nodded, then began to think of a way to capture to Abra. An idea struck moments later. “Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!” He commanded. Without hesitation, the Bulbasaur launched it's whips in the Abra's direction. The Abra swifly used Teleport at that moment. “Alright, now find it and use Sleep Powder!” The Seed Pokemon knew it couldn't have gone far, so he quickly located it in a branch before aiming it's bulb and spraying countless spores at the Pokemon. The Abra slowly nodded it's head, signaling that it had fallen into a deep sleep. Alex eagerly reached for another spare Poke Ball and hurled it at the Abra, watching it as it struggled slightly before succumbing to capture.

 

Alex stepped over to the ball and placed his newfound companion onto his belt before turning to the Ace Trainer. “I never got your name.” He said calmly. “Tell me yours and I'll tell you mine kid.” She retorted. “I'm Alex.” He replied. “Not bad. I'm Samantha.” She said. “I'm hear to challenge this region's Elite Four, but I need to go through the process of getting the badges... again.” She said with a look of disgust on her face. “I'm from Sinnoh, but I've been through their league, as well as Hoenn's. I've challenged the Elite Four of both, but I have yet to beat them, so I head elsewhere to gather experience and train. Misty is known for coming to the cape with her date, and seeing that she's not at the gym at the moment.. I came to check.”

 

Alex nodded, then went through the grove towards the shore. Across from the house, he saw a boy and a girl with flowing, burnt orange hair, embracing lovingly. The two trainers slowly approached the lovestruck couple before they took notice. They quickly stood up. “I see we have company. I'll call you later honey.” The boy said as he made his way back to the city. The girl glared at Alex and Samantha with the eyes of a demon. “Don't tell me you two want a gym battle at this time in the morning.” She snarled. The two slowly nodded as a shiver ran down their spine. Misty then looked towards the gym and looked at them. “I will NOT play nice with you two when I get back!” she snapped as she bolted off towards the gym. The two realized that they had opened Pandora's Box at that moment...

 

Chapter 4

 

Alex was nervous. He was about to have the first major battle in his life. Samantha looked behind her, noticing some sweat on Alex’s forehead. “Kid, I can tell you’re stressing way too much. If you’d like, I can give you a battle to warm you up.” She said as she reached for a Great Ball on her belt. “I’ll even hold back to give you a fighting chance. This one Pokemon versus the two you have. What do you say?” Alex nodded, curious and eager, but at the same time, a little hesitant.

 

“I’m ready when you are!” She exclaimed, tossing the ball into the air. A bulky, pink Pokemon with a shell on it’s tail emerged, the blank stare and the gaping maw on it’s face made it appear as if it was a few cards short of a playing deck. “Is that Pokemon OK?” said Alex, a bead of sweat rolling down his cheek. “What, you’ve never seen a Slowbro before? Sheesh, they’re native to the Seafoam Islands of Kanto! You’ve got so much to learn it’s not even funny, kid.” Samantha commented. “You shouldn’t judge on appearances, especially when dealing with Pokemon.” She added. Alex then reached for his Poke Ball. “Bulbasaur, come out!” He proclaimed as he tossed the ball.

 

“I’ll let you have the first move kid.” Samantha explained. “Bulbsaur, use Vine Whip!” Alex announced. Bulbasaur then pulled it’s whips out, raising them in the air before slamming them down on Slowbro’s head. The Pokemon, despite being bruised, wasn’t even fazed and simply chuckled at the attack. “Calm down Bulbasaur. We can’t win this if we let it get to our heads.” Alex mentioned, noticing that his companion was frustrated by it’s efforts having little effect. “Headbutt, Slowbro!” Samantha proclaimed. The Hermit Crab Pokemon lowered it’s head, lumbering towards Bulbasaur. “Get out of the way!” Alex said to Bulbasaur. Unfortunately, despite being unable to see it’s target, the Slowbro changed directions, delivering a powerful strike to Bulbasaur’s abdomen. “Kid, in case you haven’t noticed, those aren’t the only eyes that Slowbro has. The Shellder on the tail “directs” it as it’s hosts eyesight is useless.”

 

Bulbasaur struggled to get back on it’s feet, in deep pain yet driven by it’s will to fight. Alex then ran to his side and rubbed Bulbasaur on his head. “Are you alright?” He asked. Bulbasaur nodded, ready to fight as long as it was conscious. “Leech Seed!” Alex commanded. “We can wear it down quicker. Doesn’t look like Bulbsaur can take another his like that, though.” Alex thought. Bulbasaur fired the parasitic seed towards the lumbering shellfish, only to be left in shock as it ate the seed without hesitation. The Slowbro chuckled again, awaiting orders from it’s trainer. “I wouldn’t call this much of a battle, but at least he got a snack out of it.” Samantha said as she chuckled. “Let’s get this over with. Zen Headbutt Slowbro!” She announced, confident this would be the final blow.

 

“I’m not falling for that twice.” Alex thought to himself. “It looks like it’s having trouble hefting that shell around... that’s it!” “Bulbasaur, Vine Whip it’s legs!” Alex announced. Bulbsaur nodded in understanding, cutting Slowbro’s attack short by making it trip. “Now, Leech Seed!” Alex commanded. Bulbasaur fired another seed, this one nailing Slowbro on top of it’s head. Slowbro was using most of it’s energy to get back on it’s feet, so the Leech Seed finished it. Samantha was dumbfounded. “He may be a kid, but his ability to learn and his ingenuity is amazing... even if I did hold back.” She thought to herself.

 

Samantha looked at her fallen companion for a few moments then reached for his Poke Ball. “You’ve done well, old friend. Return” She said as the light absorbed him. Samantha then approached Alex, hand outstretched to congratulate him. “You’ll make a fine trainer ki-.. I mean Alex.” She said as Alex shook her hand, the expression of nervousness having left his face. “Your Bulbasaur is aching quite a bit. You may want to have him healed as soon as possible.” She added. Alex nodded, rushing towards the Pokemon Center. “Wai-.. fine, I’ll be there in a moment.” Samantha muttered to herself. A few minutes later, Alex rushed through the doors of the Center and placed his team on the counter. “Looks like you had a close call.” The nurse said. She then picked up the balls, placing them into slots on the healing machine. The balls flashed for a few moments, then she pulled them out and returned them to Alex. Alex looked inside Bulbasaur’s ball, seeing that he was good as new.

 

Suddenly, the silence was broken by the sound of a girl’s voice coming from the communications room. “You’ve been through over five regions, fought with and against countless mythological Pokemon, saved the world numerous times, and you STILL haven’t gotten me a new bike yet?! You need to learn to pay your debts A-... he hung up!” The girl let out an angry scream before storming out of the Pokemon Center. Alex recognized her, having just seen a taste of her anger a couple of hours before. It was Misty. Samantha then walked in as she had left. “I thought I was about to walk into a dragon’s den when I heard that roar, you know?” She said to Alex as she approached the counter.

 

Alex nodded, and slowly headed towards the Gym. It was only a few blocks from the Pokemon Center. It had been expanded over the years, giving the gym a special room for gym battles. The glass roof allowed natural light to shine down on the crystal clear waters of the pools. The gym also doubled as an aquarium in the basement, allowing visitors to see Misty’s collection of water Pokemon. As Alex stepped into the gym, he gazed in awe of the immense size of the building, the dim light of the morning Sun pouring in.

 

Alex made his way towards the gym challenge area, where he could hear splashing coming from the pool. Alex pushed the door open and saw Misty swimming with several of her Pokemon. “Erm.. Misty?” Alex said, fearful of invoking her wrath again. “You’re that kid from before. I’m sorry for my temper.. a quick swim usually cools me down a bit.” She said as she smiled gently. “You want your gym battle, right? How many badges do you have?” She added. “This is my first gym.” Alex said, showing her an empty badge case. Misty then pulled herself out of the pool. “I’m ready when you are. This will be a two on two single battle.” She explained. “Staryu, come out!” Misty yelled as an orange starfish-like Pokemon exploded from the water’s surface and onto the side of the pool. Alex reached for a Poke Ball, a feeling of excitement overwhelming him...

 

Chapter 5

 

Alex tossed the ball into the air, releasing Bulbasaur at the water's edge. Misty, however, didn't even seem fazed by the type advantage. "You first, challenger!" She exclaimed. Alex, still flowing with confidence, commanded Bulbasaur to use Razor Leaf. "I'm not going to play nice with you simply because you're a beginner, kid. Staryu, under the water and use Tackle!" Misty commanded as the starfish bolted under the pool's surface, preventing the blades from making contact. Before Alex could react, Staryu quickly bolted out of the water, hurdling rapidly towards Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur, caught off guard by his speedy opponent, was knocked on his side by the assault. "Are you alright?!" Alex shouted to his partner as he rushed to help him up.

 

Alex returned to where he was standing, his Bulbasaur ready to fight again. "That little guy... girl? Is fast. I need to figure out how to stop it.. or slow it down.. that's it!" Alex thought. Sleep Powder, Bulbasaur!" Alex shouted as the Seed Pokemon quickly responded, spreading a cloud of spores into the air. "Staryu, into the water and use Water Gun!" Misty said as Staryu bolted back into the pool. Alex, having another thought, waited patiently for Staryu to get into position. As Staryu began to rise up and fire shots, Alex made another command to his companion. "Use Vine Whip to pull it out of the water!" Bulbasaur quickly fired it's vines at the Starshape Pokemon, hurdling it into the cloud of sleeping powder. "You're pretty clever for a novice, boy." Misty commented.

 

Alex grinned at his opportunity. "Leech Seed then Vine Whip as hard as you can, Bulbasaur!" He shouted as Staryu laid motionless on the tiling. It then stood up, attempting to muster the energy to move before falling back. "You've won the first round, Alex, but I'm just warming up!" Misty announced, reaching for a Poke Ball and returning Staryu. "Golduck, time for battle!" Misty beckoned. A huge splash appeared in the middle of the pool as a large, blue creature with a duck's bill and a scarlet gem on it's forehead emerged from the depths. "I get the first turn this round, Alex. Aqua Jet!" Misty shouted as Golduck leapt into the water and torpedoed towards it's target. It leapt out of the pool and tackled Bulbasaur, sending it hurdling into the wall. Alex was shocked, as Bulbasaur seemed to be struggling to get up. Bulbasaur, panting from it's expended energy, rose up from the broken tile and concrete from the impact.

 

Alex was at a loss on how to fight this formidable foe. "Are you going to attack or not?" Misty said, irritated from impatience. Alex nodded and commanded Bulbasaur to use Razor Leaf. Golduck, unable to jump into the water in time, blocked the leaves, though he was cut several times from the attack. Alex noticed that the Golduck's forehead began to glow at that moment, and a strange voice came into his mind. "This girl trusted me enough to put up with my troubles and hardships as a mere Psyduck for years.. in this form, I will make them worth her while. There is no way I'll allow an upstart like you to defeat us!" His forehead began to shine brighter, and Bulbasaur began to levitate. "Bulbasaur, quickly, use Leech Seed!" Alex shouted as his partner hovered in the air, but it was too late. The Golduck made a motion towards the wall with his webbed hand, and Bulbasaur was tossed like a toy, knocking him out.

 

"Nice job, Golduck, but after the battle, you're doing two thousand laps around the pool for acting without my orders!" Misty scorned. Golduck turned to his trainer and nodded in understanding before turning towards Alex to await his next opponent. "You did great for your first gym, buddy." He said softly before returning Bulbasaur to his ball. Alex then reached for Abra's ball, a little hesitant since this would be his first battle. "I hope he makes the match for us." Alex thought as he threw the ball to the floor, the Psi Pokemon emerged, but he seemed to have just woken up. He looked around in confusion as to where he was, before locking onto Golduck. "Erm.. Abra, Confusion!" Alex commanded. Abra paused, then turned his head towards Alex, making a rude gesture to him in the process. Misty smirked at the display. "This is going to be a pushover, Golduck. Aqua Jet!" She shouted. Golduck nodded and repeated the same process as he did with Bulbasaur. The Abra quickly teleported to another side of the pool, reading the Golduck's movements. Golduck stopped, confused about where the Abra went. As he turned around, he screamed as he was hit by a large object. "Golduck, are you alright?!" Misty shouted, the Duck Pokemon nodding slowly as he rose up from the debris. Golduck then realized that the Abra has used Confusion to throw one of the platforms from the pool at him. "That Abra may be a defiant creature, but he's extremely powerful for being a first stage Pokemon! If Alex is able to bond with him..." Misty thought to herself as she snapped back to her senses.

 

"Abra, please use Confusion!" Alex begged. The Psi Pokemon shook him head, and calmly fixed his sights on the attacker. "Golduck, you can't hit Abra physically. Use Confusion!" Misty commanded. Golduck then attempted to attack, but Abra teleported before the space became distorted. Abra reappeared on the diving board. Golduck, infuriated, attempted to use Hydro Pump to destroy Abra in a torrent of water, but missed again as Abra swiftly teleported from harm. The Psi Pokemon's eyes began to flare up from a mixture of boredom and irritation, and used Confusion to subdue his opponent with a major migrane. It then raised it's hand, causing another platform to levitate. Golduck looked with shock, realizing the end of the battle was near. "Alex, this isn't over yet. Dodge it, Golduck!" Golduck then struggled to fight off the Confusion, evading all but a glancing blow from the platform. Abra looked at his victim from the other side of the pool, his eyes shutting again as the Psi Pokemon calmed down.

 

Golduck, struggling to press on, slowly stood up, before collapsing to the floor. The physical and mental strain he had endured was too much for he to handle. Alex began to grin with excitement as he has conquered his first gym. "Alex.. I'm not sure whether or not you've earned this after that little display.. but I want to see how far you will go." Misty then walked over to her challenger, placing a droplet shaped badge into the palm of his hand. "Golduck, after that, you've earned yourself four thousand laps around the pool.. but you can do that after you rest." She remarked as she returned him to his ball.

 

"For a novice, I'm pretty impressed, Alex." Alex then looked towards where the voice came from to see Samantha coming to congratulate him. They were so focused on the battle that he didn't notice her enter the arena. "Why don't you sit back and watch me show you how a professional battles?" She asked Alex. He nodded, then went to the bleachers where Samantha was sitting. Samantha then told Misty about her experience before requesting a gym battle. "I'll be ready after some rest. We'll begin in one hour." Misty instructed to her next challenger. Samantha looked at Alex, beckoning him to follow her. "Come on. Let's get some fresh air before the match begins..."

 

 

Well, that's it for now. I tend to write on it when the mood strikes me, even though I should write on a more consistent schedule. Anyways, enjoy! : 3