//------------------------------//
// Prologue:  Gym Battles Are Awesome! 
// Story: A New World, And A Better Way 
// by Recteik Shade 
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	"Well here we are, Celadon City."  Allen smiled and looked over to the Typhlosion standing next to him.  Normally it would walk on all fours, which was far easier, but at the moment it looked up at the ornate sign that that announced their location on its hindlegs with a fearsome scowl.  The air around it was beginning to shimmer and distort like asphalt on a summers day, as its body temperature sky rocketed.  This was usually enough to bother most trainers, but after nearly fifteen years Allen knew exactly what was going through his partners mind. 

There was a Gym in this town," Nova!"  

The Volcano Pokemon started when he heard his name," Ty?"  He puzzled looking over at his trainer, the shimmer in the air vanished and Allen found himself in a comfortable temperature.

With a laugh he playfully punched his longtime friends forearm," Chill!  I doubt this Gym Leader is going anywhere."  

Nova made a show of rolling his eyes at Allen's choice of words but took a deep breathe anyway.  After a very hard earned victory in Cerulean they had chosen to take the southern road and challenge the Gym in Saffron City.  After nearly a week on foot, and a few late nights thinking up strategies, they had arrived only to find that the cities Gym was closed and the Gym Leader on a quote unquote, vacation to Kalos.  Odds were she was probably looking to get a hold of a mega stone for one of her Pokemon.  

After a few angry words and a rant that had gotten the police called on him, Allen had decided to head for the next closest city with a gym.  Now here they were, staring down at the picturesque city with grins and fire already bringing their blood to a boil.  There was no such thing as a easy gym battle but, it was no secret that the Celadon Gym was all about nature and Grass-Types.  

"Alrighty then!"  Allen said rubbing his hands together," I say we hit the Pokemon Center and get some grub.  Then then we go over the plan and hit the Gym.  Sound good Nova?"

As if on cue the fire types stomach roared its agreement," Typhlo!"  He eagerly agreed.  

With a shared laugh they both started the short trek to the Pokemon Center, it was not hard to find by law they had to be as noticeable as possible because of the nature of the work the Center did.  This one though seemed to embrace the theme of the cities Gym wholeheartedly, it was covered in climbing plants, Morning Glories, Moon Flowers, and all manner of ivies.  Several different types of berry trees grew next to the Center in what must have once been a vacant lot in addition to  a garden that had rows of corn, tomatoes, green beans, bright green peppers that looked extremely spicy, and row after row of lettuce.  

Allen and Nova both smiled as the walked by the fenced in garden, they had seen a lot of these since coming to Kanto.  The whole country seemed to be making a serious effort to be more Eco friendly, it was a movement that had been gaining popularity in resent years all over the world.  It had started up after Teams Magma and Aqua had woken up two sleeping Legendaries that had erupted several volcano's and and caused dozens of tidal waves and floods the world over.  The natural disasters had destroyed nearly all of the world larger farms, not to mention the loss of life, both human and Pokemon.  After that a lot of governments had thought it best to encourage community and private gardens, it had been a slow idea to catch on in many of the larger cities but it really added to the areas charm.

Allen sighed happily as he stepped into the Pokemon Center and was greeted by a pleasant blast of cool air from the the Centers large AC.  Spending all of ones time with a Fire-Type you tended to get used to the heat but, every now and then it was nice to cool down and relax.

The nurse behind the counter smiled up at the pair as they walked up," Welcome to the Celadon Pokemon Center.  How can I help you?"

She looked exactly like every other nurse on the whole freaking continent, which could be really unnerving if you weren't used to it.  Fortunately after more than a decade of travel Allen had been numbed to the strange resemblance they all shared," Afternoon ma'am.  I want to get my Pokemon a checkup just to make sure everything's alright.  And maybe something to eat too."  As he spoke he placed the Pokeballs that contained the rest of his team into a try that the nurse had swiftly set out for him.  

"Of course sir."  She motioned towards a row of restaurant style tables.  " If you'll wait over there?  I'll have Blissey come by and take our order."  

Allen nodded and made his way over to the tables,' Now lets go over this strategy one more time.'





"Sir?"  The soft voice jolted Allen from his the furious scribbling in the small spiral binder, making him yelp as he looked up at the face of Nurse Joy.  She smiled down at him and placed a tray with five Pokeballs in it," Your Pokemon are in fine condition."

Allen had already tuned her out as he stared at the fifth Pokeball in a state of mild shock," Nova let you put him in his Pokeball!?"  From the first day he had been given Nova as a Cyndaquil he had never liked to be confined in the capsule, and in those early years had even burned a Nurse from Castelia  that had tried to do just that.   

Joy continued to smile sweetly," Blissey can be quite persuasive. I'm guessing you will be heading for the Gym now?"

Allen smiled and nodded," That's the plan."  He began to hook his Pokeballs to his belt, as he reached the fifth ball he stood and casually tossed it into the air.  " Alright Nova!  Lets get going!"  Crimson energy poured out of the ball before it coalesced into  the familiar shape of his oldest friend, promptly fixed a hateful glare towards Nurse Joy.  " Nova!  Calm down!"  

Allen's voice was enough to reign in the Fire-types anger and with a deep breath," Ty-phlo!  Typhlosion."  Nova nodded to Allen giving his trainer a clear sign that he was in control.

Allen smiled," Alrighty then.  Lets hit the Gym."  He looked over to apologized to Joy, it seemed however that she had realized she had just made Nova's shit list and had retreated behind the distant counter.   He shot his friend one more disappointed look, to which he hung his head doing a good job of faking shameful expression.  Without another word the two left the Center and made there way towards the Gym.  

The signs made it easy enough to find, most cities with Gyms got a fairly steady flow of aspiring trainers who wanted to test their metal, this however, was ridiculous.  The Gym was nearly another half hours walk from the Pokemon Center and was built in a secluded grove of fruit bearing trees that looked to have once been an orchard.  Allen supposed that made sense, this Gym did specialized in Grass-Types, he looked up to Nova and was pleased to see the air shimmering around him again.  This was a sure sign that he was ready for a the challenge," Alright Nova let's roast these marshmallows!"

"TY! PHLOSION!!!" Nova roared his agreement as the air around him combusted. 

By the time they had made it through the doors, Nova had managed to contain himself though he was fidgeting in anticipation.  It did not even take a full thirty seconds for someone to notice the pair.  A young girl, perhaps fourteen at the most, walked into the room lovingly hugging a Skiploom and stared directly at Nova.  "Are you here to challenge Miss Erika?" 

Allen just nodded, not trying to be rude but Nova wasn't the only one who was all fired up," Ya which way is it?"

The girl flinched at his serious tone," I'll show you where."  She looked down at the Skiploom in her arms," Dandy?  Could you go get Miss Erika?"  

The little Grass-type grinned and nodded, which basically moving its body in an up and motion," Loo- Loom!" It leaped out of the girls arms and drifted through another door.

"Please follow me."  With out a backwards glance the girl girl lead him through a set of doors that opened up to the gym's battle field.  " Please wait here for Miss Erika."  She turned and quickly rushed out the door.

Nova watched her go and felt a small pang of regret.  They had likely scared the poor thing," Typhlo?  Sion, Typhlosion! Ty! Sion!"  

While the the actual words were lost on him Allen was able to feel the weight in Novas attempt to scold him.  After so many years He had learned to hear the tone in Novas voice," I know buddy.  We'll both apologize after this match.  Deal?"

Nova nodded his consent just as the doors at the other end of the field were pushed open.  A beautiful woman in a kimono stepped towards him, her steps were slow and graceful, but at her current pace it would take all day for her just to cross the field.   Deciding to help pick things up he moved to meet her half way, when they where just a few feet apart she smiled and in a sweet and pleasantly squeaky voice said," Hello there.  I am Erika Leader of the Celadon City Gym.  I am told you wish to challenge me."

Allen did his best to smile and seem like a pleasant human being, it didn't quite have the effect he wanted," That's right.  I'm Allen Swans."  

He saw Erika's smile drop and she gave him a hard look," Then let us begin this match."  She spun on her around and briskly walked away, having decided to drop all pretense of grace and serenity.

" What's her problem?" Allen muttered under his breathe.

"Typhlosion"  Nova gave him an 'I don't know' shrug, the two of them quickly retreated to their side of the field as a referee took her position at the edge of the field.

She took a moment to clear her throat and in a loud voice announced," This is an official Gym match!  Each participant may only use three Pokemon!  However only the Challenger is allowed to make substitutions!"  

Erika threw her arms out," I suppose you'll be sending out your Typhlosion right away!  I guess I''ll open with this!"  She threw a Pokeball in an overly dramatic fashion," Go Tangrowth!"  In a flash of crimson energy there stood a interwoven mess of vine-like tentacles.

The flames on Novas shoulders flared up as he stepped towards the field, only to be stopped by Allen's outstretched arms," Ty?"

Allen was not looking at Nova he was staring intently at Erika." I think I get it.  Why she was so snide before."  Some trainers who specialized in one particular type tended to get salty when someone got cocky because they had Type-advantage.  Being a Grass trainer, Erika must of had more than a few idiots show up with a Fire-type thinking they had an easy win.  " Hang back Nova.  I'll need you later."  He reached onto his belt and pulled off the only Duskball he had, and giving it a lazy toss," Drakarus!  You're up!"  

The bright energy condensed and faded to reveal a floating three headed dragon.  It took one look at the Tangrowth standing opposite it and gave a fearsome, defiant roar," HYDREEIIIIIIIGON!!!"  

Erika seemed to pause at this, looking over the Dark-type in surprise.  Allen decided not to give her a chance to puzzle it out," Drakarus use Dark Pulse!"  All three heads opened their jaws and launched a blast of shadowy miasma in the shape of overlapping rings.  With its trainer caught unprepared the Tangrowth acted on its own, trying to dodge the attack.  It was too slow to react and took the blast center mass,  it was pushed back several feet by the force in the Dark move.  Allen found himself impressed that the Tangrowth was still able to stand after taking such an attack, and he gave an impressed whistle," Damn that's one tough plant." 

Erika had finally snapped out of it," Using a Dragon!? I'll give you points for originality but that trick won't work on me again.  Tangrowth use Ancient Power!"   The Vine Pokemon was enveloped in a aura and lifted its arms tearing large pieces of stone from the ground and then lobbing them at the Dragon with all its might.   

"Drakarus get out of there!"  Allen shouted hoping the Brutal Pokemon would be able to dodge the attack.  The Dark-Type however rushed forward taking the full force of the attack, and before Allen could hope to tell him what attack to use, the three mouths were glowing red hot and Drakarus struck out with a triple strike Fire Fang.  This one did serious damage as the Grass-Type was then lifted up and thrown across the field, though somehow it was able to keep its feet.  " Dammit Drakarus." Allen muttered under his breath.  It did not matter that Fire Fang was the next move he was going to call, The Dark-Type should have waited for him.

Erika had a furious look as she saw the state of her Pokemon, but her scowl shifted to a sly grin," Tangrowth use Double Team!"  In the blink of an eye there the Vine Pokemon split up into a few dozen blurred afterimages, with no clear way to tell which was the real Pokemon.  Without waiting for Allen to call a move The Brutal Pokemon opened it's three jaws and lashed out with a swirling energy shot, the Dragon Pulse phased through the translucence clones.  Erika grinned triumphantly," Toxic now!"

No sooner had she spoken the words than the clones vanished leaving the Dark-Type scanning its surroundings frantically trying to find its opponent.  "Drakarus!  Behind you!"  

The Dragon spun around just in time for one Vine-like arm to jab into his gut, not with enough force to do more than sting, but guaranteeing that a massive dose of venom was delivered.

"HYYYDDREEIIGGGOOON!!!"  He roared.

The Tangrowth tried to move away from the now poisoned Drak-Type but its own burns slowed it down, and as it staggered away one of the Dragons extra heads struck like a snake biting and gripping the Vine Pokemon firmly.  Allen could see a violet aura envelope Drakarus as he glared down at his opponent with malice, knowing exactly what was happening he gave Erika a devilish grin.  "Drakarus use Outrage!" 

"HYDREIGON!" Those words seemed to flip a switch as the aura turned to intense flames and each head lashed out biting and shaking at the Grass-Type violently.  After nearly ten of these strikes the Dragon grabbed hold of its opponent with all three heads and threw it at the far wall causing the referee to scream and dive for cover as the maimed Pokemon smashed through the wall.

Climbing to her feet she peered through the broken wall, there was noway this Pokemon could keep going," Tangrowth is unable to battle!  Hydreigon wins!"

"HYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!"  Drakarus gave a mighty roar.

Erika recalled her Pokemon saying kind words as most trainers did, she then chose her next Pokemon," Go! Leafeon!"

"HYYY!" The dragon lunged forward without any hesitation, trying to hit this new opponent with reckless abandon.  

The Leafeon however was fast and began to dodge the barrage of triple strikes, already Drakarus was beginning to slow as the venom in his system sapped his strength.  Erika sensed this and chose to go on the offensive," Leafeon!   X-Scissor!"  It was a good call as the move was powerful against Dark-Types.  However it did put the Leafeon at an extremely convenient position to be bitten, as the Bug move landed Drakarus bit down and twisted its neck with massive force throwing the Verdant Pokemon in the same manner as the Tangrowth.   

The Leafeon however was still strong enough recover and land on its feet, The same could not be said of Drakarus who was laying on his back barely making an effort to get up.   The referee watched as the Dragon passed out and made her ruling," Hydreigon is unable to battle!  Leafeon is the winner!"

"Duh." Allen grumbled under his breath.  "Drakarus return!"  He paused to look at the dusk ball that now contained his fallen Dragon," You know one of these days your gonna pick a fight with something that will take you apart and all I'm gonna say is I told you so."  Maybe not the most inspiring words to say but this wasn't the first time Drakarus had done his own thing and gotten whooped for it.  He felt the air around him heat up rather quickly and turned to see Nova burning up, literally the Fire-Type was almost fully engulfed in flames.  " Alright Nova! You're up."

That was all he needed to hear and he leaped forward," TYPHLOSION!" 

"Let's show um what your made of Nova!  Flame Wheel!"  Allen had seen just how fast this Leafeon was and had already decided that speed was probably the best way to fight it.  

Nova roared again as intense flames once again consumed his body and he curled in on himself rolling forwards only to be propelled to high speed by his fiery cloak.  His opponent was no Slugma either, agilely darting this way and that just barely avoiding Novas attack, but there was one thing that he had learned from all his years traveling with Allen.  That was to see and recognized the right moment to strike, it was a trick he had learned from spending time with a crafty Dark-Type.  Nova was holding back, purposely slowing himself a little to gauge his opponent and feel out their abilities.  With a feigned grunt Nova aborted his attack, confident that he had what he needed.  

As he skidded along the floor this gave his competition an opening to strike," Leafeon! Shadow Ball!"  The Grass-Type reared back as an orb of eerie miasma formed above it. With a flick of its head the ball of ghostly energy rocketed toward Nova, whom was still skidding on the floor and had no way to even try to dodge the attack. 

Nova rode out the attack without any complaints, he had been hit with Ghost moves before and they didn't hurt so much as they just seemed to suck the life out of you.  As he finally lost what remained of his momentum his glanced at Allen and gave the tiniest nod, a signal that most trainers would miss if they weren't looking for it.  With a grin Allen gave the order," Alrighty Nova!  Use Flame Wheel one more time!"  

Once again the flames roared to life around Nova an propelled him forward.  The Leafeon crouched low ready to dodge at the right moment, but before it could evade the burning attack Nova revved up the intensity of his flames adding a sudden boost to his speed.  Leafeon was not able to react quick enough to complete dodge the strike, as it tried to leap to safety the intense flames caught it on its hindlegs sending the Verdant Pokemon spinning like a top.  

Allen watched as the small Grass-Type hit the ground hard," Don't let up Nova!  Use Flamethrower!"  The flames surrounding Nova sputtered out as the Volcano Pokemon used its momentum to carry it into a high jump.  Taking a deep breath to stoke his inner fire, Nova let it build in his lungs as he was carried through the air until he was directly above his opponent.  He loosed his pent up attack with an explosive exhale that bathed the ground below him with red and orange fire, the Leafeon cried out in pain below him.  

When the last few tongues of flame vanished, Leafeon was laying very still, its breathing was rapid and shallow and the referee could see it was severely burned.  It was far to injured to continue," Leafeon cannot continue!  Typhlosion is the winner!"

Normally Nova would have been pleased with himself but not this time, as his fallen adversary vanished in a flash of crimson energy, he realized he had actually hurt it pretty bad.  He moved back to Allen's side ready for the Leader to choose his next opponent, it was not a long wait," Go! Venusaur!"  

"Alright Nova!  This is it!"  

The Fire-type started forward only to stop when Erika called out," I'm not finished yet!"  She reached into the one of the many folds of her kimono and withdrew a small jewel that both Allen and Nova recognized. 

Nova took a step back as Allen gaped," A mega-stone!  This won't be easy Nova, stay sharp!"

`Erika smiled sweetly at the pair," I will give you credit.  Your Typhlosion is very strong.  But i can't help but wonder how it will do when my Veusaur is no longer weak to it's fire moves."  Her sweet smile turned mischievous and she raise the stone up over her head," Venusar sweetie it's time to me-"  Her words ended abruptly as she staggered," Wha?"  The Gym Leader staggered drunkenly before her eyes rolled back in her head and she collapsed.

"Vena!" The massive grass-type turned to go to her aid only to pass out as well.

"What in the world!" Allen  cried out in panic as he saw the referee faint too, " Nova!  What's happening!?" The Volcano Pokemon turned to face him only to sway like a tree in a hurricane before toppling over.  " Nova!"  He made to run towards his friend only to he slammed with a tsunami of exhaustion and falling towards the ground, he managed to catch himself  before he hit his head on the hard floor. 

It was there barely clinging to consciousness that a voice echoed in him mind,' Rest now my children, for when you awake a whole new world shall be your home.'  Darkness crept into the edge of his vision and within moments he fell the remaining distance to the ground.