//------------------------------// // Flash vs Nemona // Story: Past & Future // by Quillion9000 //------------------------------// South Providence(Area 1) Flash and Spike left Los Platos and moved along the road which would take them to Mesagoza. Among the pokemon they’ve already seen prior, there were Pichu, Bonsly, Bounsweet, Shroodle, and Chewtle. Only the younger student paid attention as Flash was mulling over what happened. “I’ll bring Ruin to Paldea…” Flash pondered. “Does he somehow know of my prior journey across Hoenn and think I’m still that person? I mean, I guess I could be. Sure, I’m a respectable trainer now, but that’s how I started my first journey.” Obviously, even with the travesty that was his journey, Flash would like to think he learned a lot. Even with that, the student couldn’t guarantee he’d remain a respectable trainer. He already fell down the slippery slope before, so it could happen again, despite him not wanting it. While Flash was cognizant enough to know he hadn’t slipped up thus far, would he always be aware? While he was worried, the guy wasn’t spiraling. He was aware that there might be some other explanation, but he couldn’t really conjure one with the information available. “If I ever run into Shadow again, I’ll need to get answers.” Flash thought firmly. Eventually, the boys made it to the gate, and it wasn’t long before Nemona joined them. “Hey guys, I managed to get a great catch, and now I’d like to battle you, neighbor. How about it?” “Sure, I’d like to see how I stack up.” Flash voiced. “Alright, let’s have a fruitful two-on-two.” Nemona declared. The two backed up from one another while Spike moved off to the side. “Given what I’ve experienced with and seen from these two, this is bound to be a good battle.” “I choose you, Ralts!” Flash declared, throwing out his newest capture. The psychic/fairy was now composed from his earlier state. Flash had accepted him as his pokemon, so his pokemon he would be. Nemona was quick to make her selection. “Battle, Sprigatito!” Her starter appeared, ready to battle. Flash vs Nemona (P. I) “Sprigatito, use bite.” Nemona commanded. “Ralts, use shadow sneak.” Flash ordered. Before Sprigatito could move, Ralts’ shadow lunged forward attacking her and interrupting the process of utilizing bite. “Sprigatito, use leafage.” Nemona ordered. “Ralts, double team into hypnosis.” Flash commanded. Many Ralts appeared and encircled Sprigatito who had to take a guess when firing off her leaves. She chose wrong as they harmlessly flew through an afterimage leaving the real psychic/fairy type all the time in the world to nail hypnosis sending the starter to sleep. South Providence(Area 1) “Sprigatito, return!” Nemona recalled her starter with a smile. “Heh, you really know how to take advantage of your status moves.” “It was a hard learned lesson.” Flash alluded seriously. “Now, I know better than to disregard such moves.” Back in his prior journey, Flash came to see such moves as a cheap path to close strength gaps. On some level, he was glad that was the case since there’s no telling how much longer he could have stayed in that prior mindset with moves like these at his disposal. “Well, let’s see how you hold up when I’ve seen them.” Nemona switched her pokeballs. “Battle, Pawmi!” Nemona’s own Pawmi appeared with electricity sparking from his paws. “Oh, Nemona caught her own Pawmi.” Spike noted. “I’ll probably pick up some tricks on how to utilize mine by seeing how she uses hers.” “You still up to battle, Ralts?” Flash asked. Even though he didn’t take any damage, the psychic/fairy type still used up some energy. Despite that, Ralts firmed up. “Ralts!” “Alright, let’s keep battling.” Flash declared. Flash vs Nemona (P. II) “Ralts, use confusion.” Flash ordered. Just because Spike’s Pawmi had natural cure for an ability, it didn’t mean Nemona’s would, and a common ability for electric types was static which would paralysis his pokemon. Not an ideal situation, so a change in strategy was in order. “Pawmi, use fake out.” Nemona commanded. Pawmi did a leap into the air while transparent hands smashed into Ralts’. This doled out some damage and flinched him. “Now, thunder shock.” Nemona ordered. Before the electric type landed, he pointed his paws at Ralts nailing him with the electric attack which damaged him further. “Quick attack.” Nemona declared. At this point, Flash could see her strategy was to overwhelm. Whether it was to beat down Ralts quick or force him into making physical contact, both strategies were sound. The guy didn’t have much choice considering the limited number of moves his pokemon knew at this point. Wasn’t that just the point? Nemona was expertly making use of what her Pawmi knew to overcomes how Flash had just used Ralts against Sprigatito. One thing with this strategy is that fake out could only be used upon being sent out, and it had to be the first move used. This meant it was a strategy with a lot of upkeep and the added risk being that Sprigatito was currently asleep. That made it more likely that Nemona wouldn’t risk constant switching just to take the battle nor did Flash assume that to be her preferred strategy. “It’s abundantly clear how she became a champion.” Flash thought. “Pawmi, use scratch.” Nemona ordered. “Ralts, disarming voice.” Flash commanded. Ralts let loose his voice, imbued with fairy type energy, which damaged and disoriented the electric type before he could scratch the feeling pokemon. “Use thunder shock.” Nemona commanded. “Shadow sneak.” Flash ordered. Given how much damage Ralts has sustained, Flash decided the paralysis risk was worth getting in more damage now. As Pawmi began charging his electricity, Ralts’ shadow surged forward damaging the electric type and disrupting him. Conversely, Ralts was afflicted by static. “Now, follow it up with a confusion.” Flash commanded. “End it with scratch.” Nemona ordered. Ralts tried to summon forth his psychic energy, but paralysis struck stopping him dead in his tracks. The mouse pokemon lunged forward scratching the feeling pokemon who then collapsed with swirls in his eyes. For all the damage Flash dealt, he was still the first to lose a pokemon. South Providence(Area 1) “This puts Flash at a huge disadvantage.” Spike realized. “Even with the damage to her two pokemon, and one of them sleeping, Flash’s last, viable pokemon is Quaxly. Even though he hasn’t battled, both of Nemona’s pokemon have the type advantage.” “Ralts, return.” Flash recalled his pokemon. “You did well, so take a rest.” Flash had already realized every point Spike was thinking. In short, asking his pokemon to attempt a one v two, with more stacked against them than in their favor, was a tall order. “Hey Nemona, I need a moment.” Flash called out. “Hm?” Nemona was a bit stunned before realized why. “Ah, alright. Go ahead.” “Thanks.” Flash pointed his starter’s pokeball to his side. “Quaxly, I choose you.” The water starter was sent out directly next to him, ready to battle, before the guy crouched down next to him. “Hey buddy.” The duckling pokemon turned to his trainer. “Quax?” “Look, we’re up against the wall.” Flash reasoned. “Should you battle, we’re at a disadvantage two times over. Now, it’s one thing to pull out a win once against this. To do it two times, that’s a lot to ask of any pokemon. If you want to try, I’ll help you battle the best I can. If you don’t, I won’t force you and will forfeit. It’s your decision, and I’ll respect whatever it is.” Once again, Quaxly wasn’t expecting this; however, he was just as happy as when Flash encouraged him to dance. He didn’t know what his choice would have been had his trainer not been like this, but the fact that he was made the water starter want to try. Quaxly stepped onto the field. “Quax!” “Whoa, he really cares for his pokemon, and they reciprocate.” Spike noted. Flash vs Nemona (P. III) “Alright Nemona, we’re ready.” Flash announced. “Quaxly, bust a move!” Just like with Sunset and Shadow, Quaxly began his unrefined dance around the electric type. “Here we come.” Nemona declared, her fighting spirit starting to ignite. “Pawmi, use thunder shook.” “Quaxly, wing attack as hard as possible into the ground.” Flash commanded. Flash would have loved steel wing since he knew from experience that created a far stronger ground, but he simply had to work with what he did have. Fortunately, the ground they battled on wasn’t exactly hard meaning his starter’s wing could manage to dig into it. When thundershock hit the water type, it certainly hurt due to his type disadvantage, but it was far less effective by proxy of the electricity quickly being drawn into the ground. This left Quaxly in relatively good shape. “Pawmi, use quick attack.” Nemona commanded. “Quaxly, do what you can to brace yourself.” Flash ordered. Quaxly did what he could to firm his stance before Pawmi sped into him. Between the firmer stance and wing still in the ground, the water type merely skid back inches before coming to a stop. This is exactly what Flash wanted. “Now move your wing up with all you got.” Flash instructed. “Then, water gun.” Before Nemona could issue her next order, Quaxly rose his wing up with all his might. That tossed up ground debris that got into Pawmi’s eyes forcing him to close them. Essentially, Flash had Quaxly utilized a pseudo sand attack which had also coated the electric type’s body. “Paw!” The electric type cried. “Pawmi!” Nemona shouted. In the following moments, Quaxly fired off his water gun which coated Pawmi and saturated the dirt in his fur. That would weigh the mouse pokemon down, but Nemona noted that switching her next move from quick attack, which wouldn’t be all that quick now, to something else. “Pawmi, use thunder shock.” Nemona declared. Quaxly, pound into the ground and pull vault over Pawmi.” Flash commanded. “Then, end this with water gun.” As Pawmi fired thunder shock, Quaxly pounded his wing into the ground and managed to get over the mouse pokemon. The water starter avoided the incoming attack, and once directly above the electric type, fired the water gun down. It nailed Pawmi, doling out just enough damage to finish the electric type off. As he collapsed to the ground unconscious, Quaxly landed making it official. Flash had managed to bring this down to a one on one. South Providence(Area 1) “Return Pawmi.” Nemona recalled her fallen pokemon. “You were great, so take a good rest.” She then smiled at Flash. “You’ve really put your mind’s all into overcoming me, and it’s ultimately led you to doing better than I expected. You’re legit, Flash!” “I’m just doing the best I can with what my pokemon have.” Flash retorted. “Nothing more, nothing less.” “Let’s see how far that takes you against my remaining pokemon.” Nemona grabbed her starter’s pokeball. “Even though she might be asleep now, we’re not giving up. Battle, Sprigatito!” The grass starter appeared, curled up on the ground, snoozing away from the prior hypnosis. “Alright, let’s keep it up Quaxly.” Flash declared. “Back to busting a move!” “Dang, Flash is truly managing to keep pace with Nemona.” Spike thought. “Just what kind of a trainer was he before this?” Flash vs Nemona (P. IV) Quaxly began his unrefined dance as Sprigatito continued to snooze. “Sprigatito, get up and use bite.” Nemona tried. “There’s no telling when she will wake up, so let’s go for the most damage.” Flash nodded. “Quaxly, use wing attack.” Sprigatito continued snoozing making it easy for Quaxly to land wing attack and dole out one powerful blow. This, consequently, was enough to rouse the grass cat pokemon. She was hurting from all the damage she’d taken. In any regard, Quaxly was already back to dancing around her. “Battling you is a blast!” Nemona grinned. “Better pull out my ace in the hole!” “Ace in the hole?” Flash questioned. She pulled out a dark purple pokeball, with a bright blue gem contained within. She wound it back, as it glowed brilliantly, before throwing it out over Sprigatito. The grass starter was awash with beautiful crystals that quickly faded to reveal the starter had changed. The grass type was now coated in green crystal with a crown composed of crystalized flowers atop her head. Flash didn’t know what this was, but it seemed to, in a way, imbue that pokemon with strength. Kind of like a less drastic Mega Evolution. “Whoa, she can use Terastallization.” Spike noted to himself, amazed. “Terastallizing is always a solid strategy!” Nemona declared. “It gives moves of a pokemon’s Terra Type more power!” “That’s not good for us.” Flash noted. “We’ll need to end this fast.” “Sprigatito, leafage!” Nemona ordered. “Quaxly, dodge while drawing close.” Flash instructed. “Then, end this with your strongest wing attack.” Sprigatito fired off larger leaves than at any point prior, but Quaxly was deft enough to twirl out of their way, missing the attack by mere inches. He then moved in close aiming to close the distance as his wings glowed with flying type energy. “Sprigatito, leafage one more time!” Nemona commanded. The moment Quaxly landed wing attack, Sprigatito let off another leafage resulting in both pokemon being pummeled by super effective damage. The former was hit with a stronger super effective move while the latter had been damaged significantly prior. All of this is to say, both pokemon ultimately rendered each other unconscious. South Providence(Area 1) “You fought well, Quaxly.” Flash returned his starter. “Take a good rest.” Nemona has returned her pokemon as well before approaching Flash with a smile. “Look at you, backed into a corner yet managing to overcome the odds to snag a tie. With everything against you, even that is amazing.” “Yeah, I’ve not seen anyone manage a battle like that before.” Spike added as he joined them. “I’m just glad Quaxly hadn’t come up short in the finals turns there.” Flash noted. “If he hadn’t moved enough, we’d have taken that first boosted leafage and lost.” “Now that I think about it, neither of you could Terastallize your pokemon.” Nemona noted suddenly. “Don’t worry, I’ll see what I can do about getting you taken care of. Even then, that was still a fun battle Flash.” “Speaking of that battle, let’s head over to the nearby pokemon center before heading in.” Flash stated. “Our pokemon could use healing.” “Good idea.” Nemona nodded before the trio made their way over. “Besides, there’s tons of hills, stairs, and stuff within the city. A good breather before heading in is warranted.” Mesagoza After ensuring all their pokemon were good, the trio walked in through the gate and tunnel before ultimately ending up within Mesagoza. The place was huge with beautiful architecture. There were plenty of homes, stores, and stands everywhere. That wasn’t even mentioning the various paths one could take to explore the city. Mind you, the entire place was walled off, so you’d likely end up traversing the whole city eventually no matter what way you chose to walk. “Ah, Mesagoza.” Spike took a deep breath. “Even if it was just a short walk down to Caba Poco and back, a lot happened to the point it feels like it’s been days.” “Alright, we finally made it.” Nemona did address both boys, but she was more focused on Flash since he had moved to Paldea recently. “This is Mesagoza, the biggest city in Paldea. It’s been a trade hub for a long time.” “Yeah.” Spike chimed in. “Lots of folks come here to learn about all kinds of things. There’s hair salons, stores, restaurants, and our academy. Not to mention the Mesagoza Research Lab. It used to be headed by Professors Celestia and Sombra.” “These days, it’s headed by Professor Cadence who studies type triangles beyond the commonly accepted grass, fire, and water.” Nemona continued. “What do you want to see first, Flash?” “Can’t deny the research lab might be cool, but there’ll be time to visit that later.” Flash decided to go with his second thought. “Honestly, I could use some food.” “Heh, I didn’t peg you for a big eater, but that’s smart.” Nemona noted. “I mean, you can’t battle well on a growling stomach, right? Hey Spike, why don’t you take him to a good place to eat while I take off to see about getting you two Tera Orbs?” “Sounds like a plan.” Spike nodded while chuckling. “Since I gave the sandwich I bought to Miraidon, I could use a bite to eat myself.” “It’s settled.” Nemona nodded. “Once you two are done, come meet me in front of the academy. Flash, it’s just straight up from where we stand, but you’ll be with Spike who I believe can see you up there in the event you can’t get back here.” “Yeah, no worries.” Spike declared with a confident smile. “I know Mesagoza like the back of my hands, so I’ll see him up there no problem.” “Later then you two!” Nemona took off. “Get pumped for some Terastallizing!” It did not take long for her to be out of sight. “Guess climbing all those stairs wasn’t as tiring as she let on.” Flash commented. “Yeah, guess so.” Spike shrugged, feeling more comfortable around the guy now. “Anyways, Paldea is famous for its sandwiches.” He started walking. “Come on, I’ll show you the best…” “Stop…those…pokemon!” A rather exhausted voice yelled. Spike and Flash both looked left and spotted some guy desperately chasing after a Bergmite, Cufant, and Mudbray. This guy had brilliant vermillion hair and blue eyes. He was wearing spectacles, a white shirt, dark blue blazer, and jeans. “Spike, Fuecoco to ember Cufant.” Flash ordered as he stepped out grabbing two of his own pokeballs. “I choose you, Quaxly and Ralts! Water gun Mudbray and confusion Bergmite.” “Go, Fuecoco.” Spike joined in as Flash ordered. “Ember that Cufant.” All three attacks hit their marks knocking each pokemon out, one after the other. This indicated they weren’t well trained, which was to be expected if they weren’t listening to their trainer. At least, that’s what Flash assumed. The guy who had been chasing these pokemon pulled up just behind the knocked out pokemon and worked to catch his breath while returning them to their respective pokeballs. Once he returned them all, and seemed to have his breath back, Spike approached. “What happened Sunburst?” Spike asked. “Cadence tasked me with letting the new starters into the coral before taking off to meet up with your brother.” Sunburst informed. “Unfortunately, it appears a section of the fencing was weak to the point the three of them working together were able to break out. I tasked the other assistants with fixing the fencing while I gave chase. If I knew just how quick they were, I’d have brought my Cyclizar with me.” He looked at them both. “Thanks for stepping in.” “No problem.” Flash answered. “Anyways, I must cut this short and get back.” Sunburst was quick to leave back the way he came. “Oh, congratulations on getting into the academy Spike.” Spike smiled after him. “Thanks Sunburst.” It wasn’t long before the guy was gone. “Was there something I wasn’t told during my introduction to Mesagoza?” Flash questioned with a raised eyebrow. “Well, it wasn’t all that important in the moment.” Spike reasoned with a genuine shrug. “My brother, Shining Armor, is the champion of Paldea and Cadence is his wife.” “Ah, that would make her your sister-in-law.” Flash understood. “That’s all you got to say about it?” Spike asked, as they started moving along the streets. “Well, it does make me wonder how you didn’t pick up on Nemona using status moves back in your battle at Caba Poco.” Flash responded. “Come on, you can’t expect me to know every little thing about pokemon.” Spike reasoned. “If I did, what’d be the point of entering the world of school?” “Fair enough.” Flash retorted. Flash wasn’t really the type to care who you were related to, like how certain people might be. It’s not like their title meant you were any better than the next person. “Since I answered your question, it’s only fair you answer one of mine.” Spike suddenly declared, seeing his chance. “You seem knowledgeable, so why are you entering Uva Academy?” “No comment.” Flash answered, sternly. “What?” Spike questioned. “You could have said the same to my question yet chose not to.” Flash retorted. “My reasons for entering Uva Academy are purely my own.” “Seriously, what happened to this guy?” Spike thought. “I mean, he seemed to be warming up, but now he’s just back to being cold. What kind of past makes someone like that?” Spike didn’t think he’d get much of an answer, so he chose to focus on what he was going to eat instead. As for Flash, he was partially lost in old memories while being grateful the boy hadn’t pressed him. It was better than being asked questions he likely would answer the same way.