NOVEL WEB Chapter 100: Earth Badge
"It seems you weren't joking when you said his Pokemon is a monster."
"…I said his Azumarill was. But it looks like his Pikachu is, too."
On the hot springs by the mountainside, Xilonen and Mavuika were staring at the Pikachu on screen who knocked down Hippowdon almost instantaneously.
Hippowdon is a Pokemon with 104 HP and 109 Defense. It would have been barely acceptable if Pikachu used a special attack to knock him down, but 2 physical attacks? Even Rampardos, the non-Mega Pokemon with the highest Attack (132), won't be able to do that!
"By the looks of it, you will have another rival for the Champion position in the future."
Xilonen teased Mavuika. However, Mavuika just grinned as she looked at the teenager on the screen.
"Better to have strong competitors, than none at all. Besides, with his number of Pokemon now, it would take at least 4 years before he can build a full team. At that point, the World Champions would have just ended and any strong new blood would be a welcome one."
—
"No way…Mr. Pacal's Pokemon, so easily defeated!?"
"Does this Pikachu have the same Huge Power as Azumarill?"
"Stupid! Pikachu can only have Static and Lightning Rod as an Ability!"
"My, my allowance! Please make a comeback, Mr. Pacal!"
With the audience all under varying emotions, the 2nd round began under the referee's signal.
"Pikachu, use Rain Dance!"
"Sandslash, Earthquake!"
But after hearing Dante's order, a look of astonishment flashed on Pacal and all the onlookers' faces.
Rain Dance, Sunny Day, Sandstorm, Hail, and Snowscape. These are the five famous moves that can change the weather. Theoretically, any Pokemon can learn at least one of these moves.
But in reality? Except for the most talented, only a few Pokemon can learn a weather-changing move. It's the reason why Pokemon with Sand Stream or other weather-changing Abilities are so popular.
Not only are they born with the innate Ability to change the weather, but they can do so with ease compared to Pokemon who have to learn them.
Of course, the price of weather-changing move discs costing more than 10 million credits is another factor.
Pikachu began to dance weirdly amidst the sandstorm. Water elemental energy was diffused and controlled through his movement, gathering above the arena and scattering the Rock-type energy around.
Opposite him, Sandslash pushed his claws on the ground and caused an Earthquake. The floor shook and Ground-type energy spewed out of the earth, with most heading straight towards Pikachu.
At this time, Pikachu was still controlling the Water-type energy. On top of the battlefield, clouds have already begun to form. But from the speed of its formation, it'd still take quite a few seconds.
Dante on the sidelines just crossed his arms as he watched Sandslash's attack reach Pikachu. His face had a calm smile as if all this was part of the plan.
---
"I see! Indeed, it's a brilliant idea!"
In the hot springs, Mavuika clapped her hands as she looked at the young man on the screen in admiration.
"Hmm? What? Did you see through Dante's purpose?"
"Hahaha, yes. His main goal isn't to let it rain. No, it's to make the sandstorm stop! So long as there's no more sandstorm, then Sandslash's Sand Rush can no longer be used. At that point, even if Pikachu faints, his Azumarill can take care of Sandslash with ease!"
Xilonen's eyes widened in understanding. Indeed. A Sandslash in a Sandstorm is a massive threat, with its Speed boosted to 115.
If Dante is not careful, then Pacal may be able to reverse his loss and defeat his 2 remaining Pokemon. But by sacrificing Pikachu, he would be able to cripple Sandslash and ensure his win!
However, the next scene they saw on the screen left the two women dumbfounded.
---
The ground underneath Pikachu began to quiver and shake. From the cracks, Ground-type energy gushed out and attacked the yellow rodent. Then, something happened that everyone watching won't be able to forget for the rest of their lives.
Atop the quaking earth, a lone Pikachu calmly danced, his chubby body shaking with the ground and forming a somewhat comical yet awe-inspiring scene. At this time, the sandstorm had already stopped and raindrops began to fall from the sky.
Pikachu stopped dancing and turned to look at his opponent. Even when soaked under the rain, Pikachu appeared as energetic as ever, as if summoning the thunderstorm and taking the Earthquake head-on had no effect on him.
"Let's finish this, Pikachu. Surf!"
"Dig underground! Sandslash!"
With the earlier increase in speed from Trailblaze, as well as the abundant Water-element energy around him, Pikachu summoned a huge torrent of water toward Sandslash without needing any preparation.
Sandslash tried to dig and avoid Pikachu's attack. But without the speed boost from the Sandstorm, he only managed to get half his body under the earth before being swept away by the powerful wave of water.
On the sidelines, the Pokemon officials hurriedly activated the barrier around the arena, fearing that this Pokemon wouldn't be able to control their move. However, their worry was for naught.
Just as the wave reached the edge of the battlefield, it began to disappear, leaving only the unconscious body of Sandslash on the ground.
"S-Sandslash is unable to battle! Gym Leader Pacal has no more Pokemon! Therefore, the winner of this match is Trainer Dante!"
After the referee confirmed Sandslash's condition, he raised the flag in Dante's direction. He looked in awe at this young Trainer who defeated two of a Gym Leader's Pokemon using only one.
Pacal took Sandslash back into the Pokeball and lowered his head. Slowly, his shoulders began to shake before he let out an uproarious laughter.
Everyone looked at him in confusion as he walked towards Dante. He tried to say something but failed due to laughing.
"You alright, Mr. Pacal?"
"Hahaha! Haaa, ha, yes. Whew, hold on, let me, let me just catch my breath."
Pacal held his knees as he recovered. After taking a few deep breaths, he finally stood straight.
"Hahaha, frankly, when I learned that you applied to me for a challenge, I was excited. After all, it's not every day you get to fight such a powerful Shiny Pokemon."
Pacal looked wistfully at the Pokeballs on Dante's waist before continuing.
"But how ironic that the sandstorm team I planned for this match wasn't even able to get past your Pikachu. Here, have this. You have proven yourself more than worthy of it."
He took out an Earth Badge and handed it to Dante with a jovial smile.
"I look forward to the day we fight again in the Champion's Tournament; if I'm still the Gym Leader by then, of course, hahaha!"
Dante took the volcano-shaped badge Pacal handed over with a faint smile.
"Thanks, Mr. Pacal. And yeah, you don't have to wait long. I also look forward to fighting against your main team in 2 years."
"Oh? You plan to participate in the next Tournament?"
Seeing Dante nod, Pacal laughed loudly once more.
"I would say it's impossible, but you and Pikachu already proved me wrong today. Well, I hope you can prove me wrong again, young man."
After patting Dante's shoulder in encouragement, Pacal began to walk back to the Alliance officials to discuss the result of this match.
"Pikachu?" (How was it, Dan? Do you think I can be as famous as Azumarill after this?)
Pikachu hurriedly asked after seeing Pacal finally leave.
"Hah! I'd wager you would be even more famous."
Danite rubbed Pikachu's head with one hand, while the other tightly clenched the Badge in his palm. With this, he is now 2 Badges closer to qualifying for the National Tournament. In addition…
Looking back, he saw Focalors walking over while holding Teddiursa in her arms. As soon as they got close, Teddiursa jumped onto Dante's arms.
"Ra!" (You were amazing, big brother Pikachu! I want to become as strong as you, too!)
"Hey, did you forget about Dad so quickly?"
"Ursa!" (You were awesome too, Dad!)
Dante chuckled as he rubbed Teddiursa's head. Focalors fondly smiled as she looked at the interaction between the two.
A/N: The Gym Battle mini-arc is finally coming to a close! Next, we'll have the Guild Expedition Arc. And Dante and Focalors finally got the Earth Badge! However, how about Shinobu and Mualani? Can Shinobu really win just as Dante believed? By the way, here's the current stats of her Accelgor vs. Victreebel
Accelgor (Bug)
Ability: Unburden
HP: 70
Attack: 53 Defense: 30
Sp. Atk: 75 Sp. Def.: 45 Speed: 104
Victreebel (Grass/Poison)
Ability: Chlorophyll
HP: 80
Attack: 102 Defense: 65
Sp. Atk: 100 Sp. Def.: 70 Speed: 70