Turquoise and Fluttershy were on the road to Olivine City but first, they stopped by a nearby Pokemon center to rest. Turquoise was in the middle of training her Meganium and Vespiquen.
“Meganium use Petal Dance. Meganium unleashed her Petal Dance which was aimed at Vespiquen. “Vespiquen use Pin Missile. Vespiquen unleashed her Pin Missile which collided with the Petal Dance and caused both moves to cancel each other out.
“What exactly is this accomplishing?” Fluttershy asked.
“I’m trying to work on making both Meganium and Vespiquen stronger since we are now past the halfway mark on our journey and the gym leaders and coordinators ahead will be much stronger,” Turquoise said before a man with muscles approached them.
“Sorry for eavesdropping but I couldn't help but overhear you saying you were looking to make your Pokemon stronger,” The man said.
“I did and why are you so interested?” Turquoise asked.
“Because I can help you with that,” The man said before introducing himself. “My name is Don Frank and I run a pokemon training center here in town.
“I heard about something similar in Unova you should do it,” Fluttershy said.
“Sure we sure could use the help,” Turquoise said. Sometime later Turquoise and Fluttershy was now inside what looked like an ordinary gym with workout machines designed to allow both trainer and pokemon to workout side by side. “This place looks amazing.
“Glad you like it now what is your aim for becoming stronger?” Don Frank asked.
“I want my Meganium and Vespiquen to catch up with the rest of my team since we will be facing some tough competition further down the road,” Turquoise said.
“Well then let's get started,” Don Frank said. Turquoise and Maganium were then taken to a treadmill that was wide enough for both of them to run on together. “First let's work on Meganium this will improve her speed and stamina.
“Sounds cool but why am I doing this as well?” Turquoise asked.
“It's important for both trainer and Pokemon to work side by side. It helps strengthen the bond and teamwork between them,” Don Frank said before starting the treadmill. The speed settings started on a low setting for a light pace to start things off and then it increased slightly which made both Turquoise and Meganium run a bit faster. As soon as it reached the medium setting it became too much for both Turquoise and Meganium which sent them flying into the wall behind them. “The two of you need to learn to move in rhythm with the speed changes. Turquoise and Meganium got back up and tried again. This time they managed to move in sync with the treadmill’s speed changes. By the time the training for Meganium was complete she learned Body Slam.
“That was intense,” Turquoise said while she and Meganium were drinking some water.
“Now that we finished that session time to let Meganium rest and move on to Vespiquen,” Don Frank said before giving Turquoise a few minutes to rest. As soon as her break was over Don frank showed her to a wind tunnel which was where Vespiquen was going to train.
“Come on out Vespiquen,” Turquoise said before calling out Vespiquen.
“All right for this training, we will be strengthening Vespiquen’s wing power and endurance,” Don Frank said before activating the wind tunnel. Vespiquen began flying against the air current while pushing through it. She managed to make it past the first level of the exorcise with no problem. Don Frank increased the power which pushed Vespiquen to the point of learning Air Slash.
“Amazing you learned a new move,” Turquoise said with joy.
“And that's not all we also have a battlefield,” Don Frank said.
“Sounds good,” Turquoise said as he showed her and Fluttershy to the battlefield. As soon as they got there there was someone Turquoise was not expecting to see here. Standing on the other side of the field was Rick who looked ready to battle. He suddenly saw Turquoise.
“Long time no see ms champion,” Rick said playfully.
“Rick? What are you doing here?” Turquoise asked.
“I decided to challenge the Jhoto League, I assume you're here to do the same?” Rick said.
“I am along with the Grand festival,” Turquoise said.
“How many badges do you have so far?” Rick asked.
“I already got four of them along with two ribbons,” Turquoise said while showing Rick her badges which shocked him after seeing the fog badge.
“You already beat Morty?” Rick said in shock.
“I’m guessing you haven't yet?” Turquoise asked.
“That’s why I'm here to train up and get stronger for a rematch,” Rick said.
“I’m here because I want to make sure all of my pokemon are strong enough for the challenges ahead,” Turquoise said.
“Are you using the pokemon from your last journey or starting fresh?” Rick asked.
“Mostly starting fresh,” Turquoise said.
“Can I see what you got so far?” Rick asked.
“Sure,” Turquoise said before calling out her team. Rick was impressed with them.
So far,” Rick said.
“Not a bad lineup you have so far,” Rick said.
“Thanks but I’m not so sure about how well we are doing in contests,” Turquoise said.
“I know it's not my place to ask since I’m not a coordinator but what makes you think you are doing bad?” Rick asked. Turquoise explained everything that happened up to this point before Rick gave his opinion. “Sounds like you are overthinking things.
“And that's a bad thing?” Turquoise asked.
“Here is something I learned from my first journey,” Rick said before continuing. I won the Unova League and was preparing to face Shauntal of Unova's Elite Four. During the battle, I racked my brain trying to think of the best way to counter her Ghost-types and as a result, I lost without taking out a single one of her pokemon.
“Yikes, And I thought Prima was tough,” Turquoise said.
“How did that battle go by the way?” Rick asked.
“I lost mostly due to a field disadvantage but she did point out my one flaw which was my lack of patience,” Turquoise said.
“I did notice you tend to want to end things quickly,” Rick said.
“I was told to strike while the iron is hot not wait until it cools,” Turquoise said.
“Listen in a battle waiting for the right moment to strike is important since it could ensure you the win or take it away,” Rick said. “That said why not have a battle with me since we are on a battlefield.
“Sure,” Turquoise said before recalling her team and taking her position on the opposite end. Don Frank took his position on the ref’s spot.
“The battle between Turquoise and Rick will now begin. Both sides will use five pokemon with substitutions allowed and the battle will end once all five pokemon on one side are unable to battle, do both sides agree to the conditions?” Don frank asked.
“No complaints here,” Rick said.
“I agree to the terms,” Turquoise said.
“Good, now you both may call out your first pokemon,” Don frank said.
“Go Ampharos,” Rick said as he called out a yellow bipedal creature with black stripes, beady eyes, and a red gem on its head and at the tip of its tail. Turquoise pulled out her Pokedex for more info.
“Ampharos, The Light Pokemon, The tip of its tail shines brightly. In the olden days, people sent signals using the light from this Pokémon's tail,” The Pokedex said. Turquoise wasted no time deciding who to send out first.
“Go Meganium,” Turquoise said as she called out her Meganium. The battle began and Rick made the first move.
“Ampharos use Electro Ball. Ampharos opened its mouth and unleashed a ball made of electricity which was heading for Meganium.
“Meganium use Petal Dance to stop it. Meganium unleashed her Petal Dance which managed to form a spiral around the Electro Ball and both moves canceled each other out. “Now use Body Slam. Meganium rushed towards Ampharos before leaping at it and crushing it under her weight.
“Not bad but we are not out yet. Ampharos use Discharge. Ampharos unleashed a bunch of blue electricity which zapped Meganium for some decent damage while also getting her off of it. “Now use Thunder Punch. Ampharos charged at Meganium with its arm covered in yellow electricity before landing successfully which left Meganium with barely any energy left and triggered her overgrow ability.
“I see you gotten stronger as well but we still have some fight left,” Turquoise said before giving her next command. “Meganium use Magical Leaf with all you got. Meganium unleashed Magical Leaf which had its power boosted by Overgrow.
“We won’t fall that easily. Anpharos use Power Gem. Ampharos unleashed a blast of red energy from the gem on its head which pushed against the Magical Leaf and overpowered it thus delivering the final blow to Meganium and finishing her.
“Meganium is unable to battle Ampharos is the winner,” Don frank said while pointing his left flag at Rick.
“Return Meganium,” Turquoise said while recalling Meganium. “You did well now rest. Before Turquoise could make her next choice rick recalled Ampharos which made sense to her since it sustained a lot of damage from the battle. “ Go Umbreon. Umbreon came out ready to battle.
“Go Gliscor,” Rick said as he called out a big purple flying scorpion with red membrane and yellow eyes. Turquoise pulled out her Pokedex for info.
“Gliscor, The Fang Scorp Pokemon and the evolved form of Gligar, It observes prey while hanging inverted from branches. When the chance presents itself, Gliscor swoops!” The Pokedex said.
“Umbreon use Dark Pulse. Umbreon unleashed his Dark Pulse which did not faze rick in the slightest.
“Gliscor use X-Scissor. Gliscor crossed its arms before unleashing a moss green X-shaped slice that broke through the Dark Pulse and nailed Umbreon for a ton of damage.
“Umbreon use Shadowball. Umbreon unleashed his shadow ball which was just the first step to what Turquoise was about to do. “Now use Dark Pulse while spinning. Umbreon unleashed dark Pulse in the way Turquoise instructed him to which resulted in the two moves combining into a Shadowball with black rings spinning and moving around it like a dark atom.
“That won’t change anything, Gliscor use X-Scissor again. Gliscor repeated the same move as last time but this time the Dark Pulse Shadowball combo was pushing back before successfully landing and dealing a massive amount of damage which was enough to finish Gliscor off in one hit.
“Gliscor is unable to battle Umbreon is the winner,” Don frank Said while pointing his right flag at Turquoise.
“Return Gliscor,” Rick said as he recalled Gliscor. “You did your best now rest.
“You return as well Umbreon,” Turquoise said as she recalled her Umbreon who was looking tired. Turquoise gave it some thought since Rick could either be starting over or using some of the other pokemon he used before. She then made her choice. “Go Vespiquen. Vespiquen came out looking ready to go.
“Interesting choice but can she beat my next pokemon? Go Houndoom,” Rick said as he called out his Houndoom which looked mighty vicious. “Houndoom let's start with Flame charge. Houndoom stomped around before rushing at Vespiquen.
“Dodge and use Air Slash. Vespiquen managed to dodge and unleashed a bunch of blades made of air which nailed Houndoom from behind. “Now use Pin Missile. Vespiquen unleashed her Pin Missile while not very effective did manage to deal some damage.
“Houndoom use Payback. Houndoom glowed before striking Vespiquen with double the power. Suddenly Vespiquen began to feel a new power inside her and then unleashed it in the form of a red beam of light that nailed Houndoom for some big damage that knocked it out.
“It looks like you just learned Power Gem,” Turquoise said with joy.
“Houndoom is unable to battle Vespiquen is the winner,” Don frank said while pointing his right flag at Turquoise.
“Return Houndoom,” Rick said while recalling Houndoom. “You did great now rest. I must say I was not expecting that Power gem.
“Neither was I,” Turquoise said.
“But we won’t lose that quickly,” Rick said before pulling out another Pokeball. “Go Yanmega. A Yanmega appeared and looked raring to go.
“Can you still keep going?” Turquoise asked Vespiquen before she nodded yes. “Then use Power gem. Vespiquen unleashed her Power gem expecting a one-hit KO but rick looked unfazed.
“Dodge and use Ancient Power. Yanmega dodged the Power gem and unleashed a flash of white energy that was super effective on Vespiquen which knocked her out.
“Vespiquen is unable to battle Yanmega is the winner,” Don frank said while pointing his left flag at Rick.
“Return Vespiquen,” Turquoise said as she recalled Vespiquen. Turquoise was in a bind since neither her Espeon or Umbreon could win against Yanmega nor keep up with its speed boost ability so everything was down to her only other flying type. “Go Hunchkrow. Hunchkrow came out and looked ready to go.
“Yanmega use Steel wing. Yanmega flew at Hunchkrow with wings of metal and managed to deal small damage.
“Hunchkrow use Assurance. Hunchkrow struck back while covered in black energy which managed to deal a great amount of damage but Yanmega was still flying.
“Not bad but let's see how you handle this. Yanmega use Bug Buzz. Yanmega began flapping its wings hard enough to create a loud noise which caused some small damage to Hunchkrow.
“Hunchkrow use Wing Attack. Hunchkrow’s wings glowed as she managed to nail Yanmega for the final blow that beat it.
“Yanmega is unable to battle Hunchkrow is the winner,” Don Frank said while pointing his right flag at Turquoise.
“Return Yanmega,” Rick said as he recalled Yanmega. Rick knew he had only one way to beat Hunchkrow and pinned everything on it. “Go Ampharos. Ampharos came back out but still looked tired from its battle with Meganium. As for Turquoise, she decided to stick with Hunchkrow since this would be quick.
“Ampharos use Thunder Punch. Ampharos put everything it had into this thunder Punch which did not faze Turquoise.
“Hunchkrow use Wing Attack. Hunchkrow attacked with glowing wings. The two moves crashed into each other resulting in an explosion. As soon as the smoke cleared both Ampharos and Hunchkrow were knocked out.
“Both pokemon are unable to battle so this round is a draw,” Don Frank said while crossing his flags. Both Rick and Turquoise recalled their pokemon before going into thought. Rick only had one pokemon left while Turquoise had two left. Rick wasted no time in calling out his final Pokemon.
“Go Serperior,” Rick said as he called out his ace pokemon. As for Turquoise, she decided to go for broke on this one.
“Go Umbreon. Umbreon came back out and despite still being tired looked ready to go. “Use Shadowball. Umbreon unleashed his Shadowball which did not faze rick.
“Use coil. Serperior coiled himself which increased his defense and allowed him to withstand Shadowball while taking minimal damage. “Now use Leaf Blade. Serperior then tried to attack Umbreon with the glowing blade at the end of his tail.
“Dodge and use Dark Pulse. Umbreon dodged and managed to nail Serperior from mid-distance which dealt some decent damage.
“Not bad but now it's time to get serious. Serperior use Leaf Storm. Serperior unleashed a massive spiral of leaves that managed to hit Umbreon and finish him off.
“Umbreon is unable to battle Serperior is the winner,” Don Frank said while pointing his left flag at Rick.
“Return Umbreon,” Turquoise said while recalling her Umbreon. “You did great now rest. Turquoise was now down to her last pokemon which meant the end of the battle was near. “Go Espeon. As soon as Espeon came out she looked ready to go. The battle resumed and Serperior was moving faster than before while dodging Espeon’s attacks. Turquoise was beginning to feel impatient until she remembered what Prima told her. Suddenly she noticed that Serperior was beginning to feel tired and saw her opening. “Espeon use Psybeam while Spinning. Espeon unleashed her spiraling Psybeam which managed to nail Serperior for some big damage but not enough to finish it.
“Not bad but we are not out yet. Serperior use Frenzy Plant. Serperior unleashed his Frenzy Plant which did not faze Turquoise since she now understood what Prima was talking about.
“Espeon use Morning Sun. Espeon’s body began to glow thus recovering some of her energy before being hit by the thorny vines. Espeon managed to survive the attack which gave her a chance to strike back since Frenzy Plant’s drawback is the recharge time. “Now finish this with Psychic. Espeon unleashed her Psychic on Serperior which was able to deliver the final blow.
“Serperior is unable to battle Espeon is the winner which means victory goes to Turquoise,” Don Frank said while pointing his right flag at Turquoise.
“We did it,” Turquoise shouted full of joy.
“That was a great battle especially near the end,” Rick said.
“When I noticed how tired Serperior was getting I finally understood what Prima was trying to tell me,” Turquoise said before continuing. “I need to observe my opponent’s movements and look for any weak points I can exploit that is what she meant by being patient.
“Now that we have settled let's return to the pokemon center for the night,” Rick said. As soon as they returned to the Pokemon Center and had their pokemon healed they decided to call it a night.
To Be Continued