//------------------------------// // Chapter 15: Will vs. Paul // Story: The Trainer of Friendship // by darkmage1997 //------------------------------// There was an awkward silence, as what Paul had said had gotten through to Will and the others, "Now hold on!" Cindy said, getting out in front, "You can't just challenge him like that!" Cindy demanded. "We weren't talking to you, shrimp," Silver said. "Now hold on, lets not get nasty!" Twilight demanded. "Besides, Will doesn't battle anymore!" Toby added. "When we heard that Will was one of the strongest Pokemon Masters there was, we came all the way to Mahogany Town, just for the chance to battle him," Trip said. "Hold on," Will said, as he approached the three boys, "You say you came all the way out to Mahogany Town, just to battle me?" he asked, surprised. "I came all the way from Numeva Town just for the chance to battle you," Trip replied. "And I came all the way from the Sinnoh region to face you," Paul said. "And you came from your hometown, as well?" Will asked, turning to Silver. "Yeah," Silver bluntly stated. "Well, sorry guys, but Will doesn't battle anymore," Rainbow Dash said. "Now hold on, I never said I would decline their challenge," Will replied. Everyone looked at him with widened eyes. "You mean, you're going to accept their challenges?" Twilight asked. "Just look at them. With the fierce determination these boys are showing, how can I refuse?" Will replied. "Alright, so, how does six on six battles sound?" Paul asked. "Sounds good to me," Will replied. "And I've mastered Mega Evolution, so I'd like to take on one of your Mega Pokemon," Silver demanded, showing his Mega Medallion. "As do I," Paul said, as he showed Will his Mega Ring. "I don't have any Mega Pokemon, but I want to battle one too," Trip stated. "Very well. I'll go ahead and get six Pokemon for each of you to battle," Will said, as he went over to the Pokeball storage area. A little later, The family and the three new boys were waiting at the battlefield for Will to come back with the six Pokemon for the three boys to battle. Eventually, Will had arrived with a box containing eighteen Pokeballs, "Alright boys, who wants to battle me first?" Will asked, looking at the three challengers. Paul stepped up. "I'll go," Paul replied, his angry expression not changing. "Alright. Silver, Trip, you guys ok with that?" Will asked the two other boys. "Fine with me," Trip replied. Silver just shrugged his shoulders. "Alright, Will, if its ok, I would like to referee," Cindy called to her brother. "Fine with me," Will replied. "Alright, now then, here are the rules! Both trainers have the use of six Pokemon for this match. The battle will be over when all six of either sides Pokemon are unable to continue. Furthermore, the exchange of Pokemon on both sides will be permitted. In addition, the sixth Pokemon on both sides will be ones that can Mega Evolve. That sound fair?" Cindy asked. "All cool with me," Will replied. "I'm alright with it," Paul said. "Alright, trainers, CHOOSE YOU POKEMON!" Cindy called. Both Will and Paul threw their Pokeballs at the same time. Paul's Pokeball release a Ninjask, while Will's Pokeball release a pale tan Pokemon with a face on its belly, a head that looked like a fez with a red dot for an eye, and large arms and hands. "Oh wow, a Dusknoir!" Nathan exclaimed. Twilight took her Pokedex out, and pointed it at Dusknoir. "Dusknoir, the Gripper Pokemon, and the final evolved form of Duskull. The antenna on Dusknoir's head is said to receive transmissions from the spirit world," the Pokedex said. "Alright, battle begin!" Cindy called. "Alright Dusknoir, use Mean Look!" Will called to the Ghost Pokemon. Dusknoir shot a ring of darkness at Ninjask. "Strange, it doesn't look Mean Look didn't do anything," Shining Armor commented. "No, it did do something," Nathan said. "What do you mean?" Kelly asked. "Well, in Pokemon Battles, switching out Pokemon is a good strategy. It gives trainers the opportunity to tip battles in their favor. But Mean Look is a move that prevents the exchange of Pokemon, which is one of the reasons why Will had Dusknoir use Mean Look," Nathan explained. "I see, so that Paul kid can't switch out Ninjask for a Pokemon that has an advantage against Ghost Pokemon. That's a good strategy," Twilight commented. "On top o' that, Ninjask's bug type moves don't affect ghost types like Dusknoir very much," Nathan added. "Ninjask, use Shadow Ball!" Paul called to Ninjask. Ninjask fired a black ball of dark energy at Dusknoir. "Uh-oh, ghost type moves like Shadow Ball are super effective against Ghost type Pokemon," Nathan commented. "Dusknoir, block the attack!" Will instructed his Pokemon. Dusknoir held its hands out, and the Shadow Ball exploded on contact, but Dusknoir was still fine. "That Shadow Ball hit Dusknoir, but it doesn't look like it did much to it," Toby commented. "Dusknoir must have really high defense," Timmy commented. "Alright Dusknoir, its time to use Trick Room!" Will called. Dusknoir's red eye glowed a light blue color, which summoned a room made of psychic energy around the battlefield. "What's Trick Room?" Bolt asked. "Just wait," Nathan replied. "Alright Dusknoir, use Shadow Punch!" Will called again. Dusknoir's fist became cloaked in shadow energy, and appeared next to Ninjask in an instant, and punched Ninjask. "What was that?!" Rainbow Dash asked. "The effect of Trick Room," everyone looked at Nathan curiously, "See, Ninjask is much faster than Dusknoir. But in Trick Room, that's reversed. And with Ninjask's Speed Boost ability, it'll be even harder for Ninjask to land a solid blow ta Dusknoir," Nathan explained. "I see, so Trick Room lets the slower Pokemon move first?" Rarity asked. Nathan nodded. "And a good way for Paul to make a direct attack is to switch out with an even slower Pokemon, but he can't with Mean Look," Nathan added. "Clever move, but I'm not done yet. Ninjask, use Fury Cutter!" Paul called to the ninja Pokemon. Ninjask's claws glowed with a red energy. But as Ninjask flew towards Dusknoir, it was moving too slow. "Dusknoir, use Thunder Punch!" Will called. Dusknoir's fist became cloaked in electricity, as it quickly appeared in front of Ninjask, and punched the Ninja Pokemon. Ninjask fell to the ground with swirls in its eyes. "Ninjask is unable to battle, the winner is Dusknoir!" Cindy called. Paul recalled his Ninjask. "Good job Dusknoir, why not take a breather?" Will asked. "Ok Will," Dusknoir replied, as Will recalled the Gripper Pokemon. "Magmortor, stand by for battle!" Paul yelled, releasing a large Pokemon with the color scheme of fire on it. Rainbow Dash pointed her Pokedex at the fire Pokemon. "Magmortor, the Blast Pokemon, and the evolved form of Magmar. Magmortor live in volcanoes, and its arms can shoot fire balls of nearly 1500 degrees Fahrenheit," the Pokedex said. "Looks to be a fire type," Clover commented. "Which means Will should send out a Water, Rock, or Ground type," Trinity added. "Alright then Gigalith, I need your assistance!" Will called, releasing a large blue rock Pokemon with orange crystals growing around its body. Applejack pointed her Pokedex at Gigalith. "Gigalith, the Compressed Pokemon, and the evolved form of Boldore. The crystals growing around Gigalith's body catch the suns rays, which it then converts into power for its attacks," the Pokedex said. "Battle begin!" Cindy called. "Return Magmortor!" Paul called, recalling his fire Pokemon. "Why switch out?" Crystal asked. "Well, Fire type Pokemon like Magmortor have a disadvantage against rock types like Gigalith, so Paul is most likely going to go with either a Grass, Water, Steel, or Fighting type. On top o' that, Trick Room is still in effect for a few more turns, so Paul may want to exchange for a slower Pokemon," Nathan explained. "Hariyama, stand by for battle!" Paul called, as he released a large sumo wrestler Pokemon with very large orange hands. "Whoa, that Pokémon's huge!" Shining Armor commented. Rarity pointed her Pokedex at the massive Pokemon. 'Hariyama, the Arm Thrust Pokemon. One blow from this Pokémon's hands is powerful enough to snap a telephone pole in two,' the Pokedex said. "Gigalith, you'd better return!" Will called out to his Pokemon. "Hold on! I want to try to battle this one," Gigalith called back. Will looked unsure for a moment, but then smiled. "Alright, battle, begin!" Cindy called. "Alright, lets first strengthen our defenses with Iron Defense!" Will called. Gigalith then turned a lustrous shade of silver. "What was that?" Toby asked. "Its called Iron Defense. Its a move that sharply raises the defense o' the user. Mah guess is that Will is planning on keeping Hariyama's fighting type moves at bay, while whittling its strength," Nathan explained. "I see. But what if Hariyama's attack power is too strong?" Twilight asked. "Well just have to wait n' see," Nathan commented. "Alright Hariyama, use Arm Thrust!" Paul called. With that, Hariyama began hitting Gigalith with its large hands, but Gigalith held its ground. "Looks like Iron Defense is working," Celestia commented. "Alright Gigalith, use Earthquake!" Will called. With that, Gigalith slammed its feet down on the ground, causing the ground to shake. Hariyama stumbled because of shaking, "Alright, now use Hyper Beam!" Will called, prompting Gigalith to fire an orange beam at Hariyama. When it collided, Hariyama fell to the ground with swirls in its eyes. "Hariyama is unable to battle, the winner is Gigalith!" Cindy exclaimed. "Just one hit!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "Gigalith is one tough Pokemon," Nyx commented, as Paul recalled Hariyama. But Paul was smirking, which made Will very confused, but he shook it off. "Alright, Electivire, stand by for battle!" Paul yelled, as he released a large yellow gorilla Pokemon with wires for tails. Fluttershy pointed her Pokedex at the Pokemon. "Electivire, the Thunderbolt Pokemon, and the evolved form of Electabuzz. Electivire attacks by pressing the tips of its tails against its opponents," the Pokedex said. "Electivire looks a formidable opponent for sure," Cadence commented. "Will could switch Gigalith out for a ground type," Nathan commented. "If I were to guess, electric type moves don't work on ground types?" Twilight asked. Nathan nodded. "Gigalith, you fought valiantly. Go ahead and take a rest," Will said, recalling Gigalith. He then pulled out a Heavy Ball, "Alright, now Steelix, I need you help!" Will yelled, as he threw the Heavy Ball. Out of the Heavy Ball came a giant snake like creature that looked like it was made of steel, with spikes on its boulders. "Its Steelix this time!" Melody commented. Paul didn't seemed fazed by this. He seemed downright pleased. "What's Paul planning?" Toby pondered, as the battle began. "Alright Steelix, use Iron Tail!" Will commanded. Steelix's tail then started to glow. It then swung the glowing tail at Electivire. "PROTECT!" Paul commanded. Electivire then put up a green barrier, which deflected the Iron Tail. "What was that?" Celestia asked. "Its called Protect. Its a move that keeps the user from takin' damage. Of course, if used in excess, the chances of it failing increases," Nathan explained. "Good on ya Paul, but lets see how you handle Steelix's Dig!" Will yelled, as Steelix burrowed its way underground. "Will made the right move usin' Dig like that. Now Electivire can't attack, while also not being able to attack Steelix," Nathan said. "And if I were to guess, Dig is super effective against electric types, right?" Cadence asked. Nathan nodded in response. Just then, Steelix came up from out of the ground, striking Electivire. Electivire hit the ground hard, but was still standing. "We'd better go for broke. Electivire, use Brick Break!" Paul commanded, as Electivire charged at Steelix. "Counter that move with Iron Head!" Will commanded. Steelix became cloaked in a white energy, as it charged head first at Electivire, who karate chopped at Iron Head, only to get the full force of the attack. This in turn knocked Electivire to the ground, completely unconscious with swirls in its eyes. "Electivire is unable to battle, the winner is Steelix!" Cindy exclaimed, as Paul recalled Electivire. "Alright, Magmortor, stand by for battle!" Paul exclaimed as he rereleased Magmortor. "Fire Pokemon have an advantage over Steel types," Nathan said. "Yeah, but given the show that Steelix gave against Electivire, I doubt typing will do much," Rarity commented. "You want to take a breather Steelix?" Will asked. "Yeah, I would," Steelix replied, as Will recalled Steelix. "Alright, Pangoro, I choose you!" Will exclaimed, releasing a large, angry looking panda Pokemon with a bamboo sprig in its mouth. "Whoa! I've never seen that Pokemon before!" Nathan exclaimed. Rarity pointed her Pokedex at the panda Pokemon. "Pangoro, the Daunting Pokemon, and the evolved form of Pancham. While it possess a violent temperament, it does not put up with bullying. It uses the bamboo sprig in its mouth to sense its opponent's moves," the Pokedex said. "According to this, Pangoro is a Fighting/Dark type," Rarity commented. "Alright, battle BEGIN!" Cindy called. "Magmortor, use Flamethrower!" Paul ordered. Magmortor then pointed its hand at Pangoro, and fired a stream of fire at it. "Pangoro, counter that with Stone Edge!" Will ordered. Pangoro slammed its fist on the ground, causing blue colored rocks to sprout up from the ground, completely blocking Flamethrower, "Follow up with Dark Pulse!" Will ordered. Pangoro complied by firing a stream of dark rings at Magmortor. "Magmortor, block that with Rock Tomb!" Paul ordered. Magmortor summoned pillars of rock in front of it. It appeared to stop the Dark Pulse, only for the aforementioned attack to break through the rocks, and hit Magmortor head on, sending it skidding back. "Pangoro, use Focus Blast!" Will ordered. Pangoro complied, by launching a ball of energy at Magmortor, sending the latter flying back. It got back up, still able to fight. "Magmortor, use Fire Blast!" Paul ordered. "Pangoro, use Protect!" Will ordered. A green barrier appeared around Pangoro, as Fire Blast slid right off of it, "Let's finish up with Stone Edge!" Will instructed. Pangoro slammed its hands on the ground, and the blue rocks from before sprouted up. Magmortor didn't have time to dodge, as one of the rocks hit it, sending in flying to the ground. "Get up!" Paul ordered. Magmortor slowly got back up. "Pangoro, use Dark Pulse!" Will ordered. Pangoro then launched a stream of dark rings at Magmortor, who was unable to dodge in time, as the rings hit, knocking it back to the ground, with swirls in its eyes. "Magmortor is unable to battle, the winner is Pangoro!" Cindy exclaimed, motioning to Pangoro and Will. Paul recalled Magmortor, and held another Pokeball. "Honchkrow, stand by for battle!" Paul called, throwing the Pokeball, releasing a large crow like Pokemon, who looked like a mob boss. Fluttershy pointed her Pokedex at Honchkrow. "Honchkrow, the Big Boss Pokemon, and the evolved form of Murkrow. Honchkrow recruits many Murkrow to go and find it food, while it stays home, preening its amazing feathers," the Pokedex said. "Sounds like a Pokemon a guy like Paul would have," Cory commented. "You battle valiantly Pangoro, take a quick break," Will said, recalling Pangoro. "So now Will should go with Pokemon that are strong against Flying types?" Twilight asked. "Yeah, so he can choose between a rock Pokemon, like Gigalith, or an electric type, like Luxray or Ampharos," Nathan replied. "Alright, Dragonite, I need your assistance!" Will called, throwing a Luxray Ball, releasing a large, orange dragon Pokemon. "Wow, a Dragonite!" Nathan exclaimed. Twilight then pointed her Pokedex at the dragon. "Dragonite, the Dragon Pokemon, and the evolved form of Dragonair. Despite its bulky physique, it can circle the globe in just 16 hours. It is an extremely friendly Pokemon that guides lost ships into port," the Pokedex said. "Dragonite is able to use ice and electric type moves, so it should be a match for Honchkrow," Nathan commented. "Battle, BEGIN!" Cindy called. "Honchkrow, use Sky Attack!" Paul ordered. Honchkrow then became cloaked in light. "Dragonite, use Thunder!" Will ordered. Dragonite then unleashed a powerful lightning strike against Honchkrow. "Snap out of it! Unleash Sky Attack!" Paul ordered. Honchkrow complied, charging at Dragonite. "Dodge it!" Will ordered. Dragonite moved out of the way, just as Honchkrow closed in. Honchkrow then circled around, and charged back at Dragonite. The attack collided with Dragonite's back, but Dragonite seemed unfazed by this. "Use Night Slash!" Paul ordered. Honchkrow's wing then became cloaked in dark energy, as it charged at Dragonite. "Dragonite, use Ice Beam at the last second!" Will instructed. Dragonite then waited as Honchkrow closed in, before firing a bolt of cold energy at point blank range. Honchkrow then fell to the ground, encased in a block of ice. When the smoke cleared, Honchkrow had swirls in its eyes. "Honchkrow is unable to battle, the winner is Dragonite! The winner of part one of the match is Will!" Cindy declared. "Excellent work Dragonite!" Will said. "Thank you Will," Dragonite replied. "Now then, if I may ask both trainers to bring out their Pokemon so we may begin the Mega Evolution challenge?" Cindy asked. "Aggron, stand by for battle!" Paul called, releasing a large, iron Pokemon, wearing a necklace. "An Aggron, eh?" Will commented. "So Aggron can Mega Evolve too," Nathan commented. Rainbow Dash pointed her Pokedex at Aggron. "Aggron, the Iron Armor Pokemon, and the evolved form of Lairon. Aggron's diet consists of iron. It uses its horns to smash bedrock as it searches for iron," the Pokedex said. "Who would've thought there was a Pokemon that eats iron?" Scootaloo asked. "Now lets see what Pokemon Will chooses," Sweetie Belle said. "Alright, Salamence, I need you assistance!" Will called, throwing a Timer Ball, releasing a large blue Dragon Pokemon with red wings. Around its neck was a necklace with a Mega Stone. Applejack pointer her Pokedex at Salamence. "Salamence, the Dragon Pokemon, and the final evolved form of Bagon. Its dream of someday flying triggered a mutation in its cells, causing it to grow wings," the Pokedex said. "So its gonna be a battle between Mega Aggron and Mega Salamence," Nathan commented. "Key Stone, respond to my heart, and help my partner achieve greater power. Beyond Normal Evolution!" Will chanted, as he touched the Key Stone, "Salamence, Mega Evolve!" Will called, as energy seeped out of both stones. Salamence then began to Mega Evolve. Its two wings became one large crescent shaped wing. Salamence roared after it finished Mega Evolving. "So that's Mega Salamence," Shining Armor commented. "Now we get to see Mega Aggron," Celestia said, looking at Aggron. "Alright Aggron," Paul said, touching his Key Stone, "Mega Evolve!" Paul called, as energy seeped out of both their stones. Aggron became more larger in size, and appeared to have even more armor on. Aggron roared, showing its new power. "Mega Aggron is way larger!" Nyx commented. "According to this, Aggron, before Mega Evolving is a Steel and Rock type," Twilight said, looking at her Pokedex. "Does it say if it gained a new attribute?" Nathan asked. "Actually, as Mega Aggron, its just a Steel Type Pokemon, with the ability Filter," Twilight replied. "Wait, so certain Pokemon loose a type when Mega Evolving?" Nathan asked. "Are they not supposed to?" Pinkie asked. "Not usually, but lets get back to the battle," Nathan replied, looking at the battle field. "Salamence, use Flamethrower!" Will ordered. Salamence then launched a blast of fire at Aggron. "Aggron, use Iron Defense!" Paul ordered. Aggron then glowed with a blue outline. The Flamethrower hit, but some of the flames slid off. "Looks like Aggron gets a boost to its defensive power," Applebloom commented. "Aggron, use Ice Beam!" Paul ordered. Aggron let loose a beam of energy at Salamence. "Dodge it!" Will instructed. Salamence expertly dodged the oncoming Ice Beam, "Now, use Draco Meteor!" Will commanded. Salamence then launched a ball of orange energy into the air. Once it was high enough, it exploded into smaller comets that were headed straight for Aggron. "Wipe them out with Flash Cannon!" Paul ordered. Aggron fired a beam of white energy at the meteors. Some of them were destroyed, but the rest were able to hit Aggron. This caused Aggron to skid back a few paces, "Snap out of it! Use Ice Beam again, and aim for the wings!" Paul ordered. Aggron fired another Ice Beam, but it never hit Salamence, who was too fast for Aggron to aim at. "Alright Salamence, use Fire Blast!" Will ordered. Salamence fired a star shaped burst of fire at Aggron. When the attack hit, Aggron was engulfed in flames. "What's going on?" Rarity asked. "It an added effect of Fire Blast. There's usually a chance that the Pokemon hit by it will be afflicted with burn status," Nathan replied. "'Burn Status'?" Twilight asked. "Yeah, its a status that cuts a Pokémon's attack power," Nathan replied. "Alright Salamence, use Flamethrower!" Will ordered. Once again, Salamence fired a blast of fire at Aggron, causing a massive explosion. When the smoke cleared, Aggron was down on the ground, reverted back to its original form, with swirls in its eyes. "Aggron is unable to battle, the winner is Salamence! Which means the victor is Will!" Cindy declared, as Salamence reverted back to its original form as well, landing next to Will. "Good job Salamence," Will said, petting the dragons head, "Paul, I did enjoy our battle. Your Pokemon are well trained, for sure, but I feel your Pokemon are destined for even greater heights," Will said, commending Paul. "Thank you Will," Paul said, bowing in respect. "So, which of you two wants to go next?" Will asked Silver and Trip. "If its alright with you, I'll take the next battle," Silver said to Trip. "Go for it," Trip replied.