Swanna Song, Sung Throughout Sinnoh

There was electricity bouncing around Electivire’s body as he prepared to blast Arbok.

“I’VE GOT THIS!!” Ranger Kai ran in front of Electivire as Swadloon leaped from her arms, Paras jumped from her back, Butterfree flapped her wings to stay in the air, and Porygon-Z hovered by Butterfree. The woman was facing Arbok, her arm held out behind her to Electivire’s chest, but she didn’t touch him. “Arbok! STOP!” Ranger Kai then dug into her little brown bag hanging from her shoulder. She got a huge towel out of it and whipped it open. “HEY!! I said let him go!!” she barked at the Pokemon.

“CHAAAAAAAAAA!!” Arbok hissed nastily, now facing her. Its grip tightened in reaction to Ranger Kai, and Gary was unable to even choke anymore, feeling his body give in as his vision got blurry and dark.

Ranger Kai pointed with her hand that held the blanket. “Psybeam!”

Butterfree flew past Ranger Kai and her eyes glowed blue.

A streaky blue beam with pink circles inside of it came out of the eyes and hit Arbok.

Gary gasped, inhaling so hard it hurt, as he was released and he landed on his back. He quickly got to his knees, desperate to get air into his lungs as he watched the Ranger continue.

“Stun Spore!”

Arbok was at the trunk of a tree it had been forced against by the Psybeam.

Some fruit was laid around it, knocked down after Arbok hit the tree.

Butterfree flew towards Arbok.

Moving swiftly, faster than Gary was comfortable seeing, Arbok scooped up a piece of fruit in its mouth, swallowing the fruit whole.

Butterfree was over Arbok, sprinkling down sparkling orange powder.

Arbok stood tall amongst the falling orange attack, but then bent down, twitching from Paralysis. However, it got back up sharply, frightening Butterfree, and let out a “CHHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

Purple rings of energy came out of its mouth at Butterfree, followed by a wave of purple energy.

Butterfree dodged that attack!

“She dodged Belch!” Ranger Kai cheered. She threw her blanket in the air. “Gary, move! Butterfree, catch!”

Gary scrambled on his hands and knees to her, screaming as he heard Arbok yell behind him.

Catching the blanket in her hands, Butterfree flew towards the Arbok! She dropped it once she was over the foe.

Arbok screamed as the blanket covered it and it collapsed, writhing and struggling underneath.

While all this was happening, Ranger Kai had yanked Gary to his feet. “And we’re outta here!” She ran, still gripping his hand, Paras, Butterfree, Swadloon and Porygon-Z following. “Dunsparce! Do what you do best!”

Gary was stumbling, desperate not to slow either of them down, but his body was still quaking in fear from the ordeal he only barely survived. The ground was quaking continuously, Gary understanding why as he tried to focus his weakened body to keep running.

The path changed from stone to grass as everyone kept moving, an explosion going off behind them.

Eventually, Gary finally fell in the grass, out of breath and unable to keep up with Ranger Kai’s stamina.

“I think we’ll be fine, here. Rest, Gary.”

Swadloon, Paras and Butterfree settled around the two humans, Porygon-Z ascending into the sky while upside down and whining out.

Electivire suddenly strolled into the scene casually, looking displeased.

The Ranger got down and took off her large bag, taking out a bottle of water. “Have some of this,” she said to Gary.

Gary got to his knees and shook his head. “What is that thing?” He tried to elaborate further, but he ended up choking on his dry throat.

Ranger Kai held the water bottle to Gary, and the kid took it and immediately unscrewed it and drank while she spoke. “That was an Arbok, Gary. A Cobra category of Pokemon. I left it paralyzed, and what’s more, under a blanket. A classic and safe way to get away from a snake. And Dunsparce left it in a hole. That was the explosion.” She winked.

Gary pulled the bottle away from his lips and let out his breath noisily. After inhaling, he shouted, “NO! Not that! I’m talking about why is that Arbok chasing me??”

She tightened her eyes on Gary.

“That has to be the same Arbok that’s been following me around for a very long time! Or I’m running into several Arbok out in this region!”

Ranger Kai shook her head immediately. “It’s no coincidence, Gary. There’s no way you keep running into new Arbok. The fact of the matter is, Arbok do tend to follow prey, no matter how long or far. There’s quite a number of Pokemon like that, like Primeape, Cacturne-”

“So I’m right! But that means... That one Arbok from way back that was attacking those Pidgeotto... There’s no way! Really? But, why? I’m prey?!”

“Well, perhaps not. But perhaps so. Who knows!” Ranger Kai smiled.

Gary frowned at her.

“Anyway, you saved Pidgeotto from that Arbok?”

Gary nodded. “Yeah, I-”

“Amazing! Maybe I have been judging you a little too hard.”

“Judging me? On what? What’ve I even done?? Who are you to even judge me??”

“I am the judger of butts. If I can do that as well as I do, surely I can judge pathetic Pokemon Trainers who don’t even like Bug types.”

“HEY!” Gary was glaring at Ranger Kai, but then he looked over to his Bug types.

Paras lowered himself further to the ground, looking down nervously.

“Freeee,” Butterfree said lowly and looked aside.

“Don’t do that,” Gary growled at Ranger Kai, gritting his teeth. “Don’t make things weird. Especially with my Paras! We haven’t even really met and talked about my phobia, and you’re-”

“And that’s what makes it worse! You don’t even rotate your Pokemon properly! And you wanna become a Pokemon Master Trainer?”

Gary was feeling bad now, knowing she had a point, however unfair he felt she was being about it.

A rumbling occured, and then a large section of the ground gave way before a Dunsparce appeared, chittering at Ranger Kai.

“Good work, Dunsparce!” Ranger Kai smiled at her Pokemon. She then looked at Gary moodily. “Forget something, Father?” She pointed.

Gary looked down the hole Dunsparce had made and saw his Egg! “OH! My Egg!” He looked at Ranger Kai, his mouth hanging open.

“Really sad. I think maybe I oughta keep that thing.”

“You dragged me away!!” Gary argued.

“True, true,” Ranger Kai admitted, nodding, “but you totally forgot all about the Egg, aaaand you never said anything while we were running. Admit it!” She crossed her arms and then stood up.

Gary grit his teeth and glared at her, not wanting to say anything, knowing she was right again.

This silence made Ranger Kai smile huge and she pointed at him. “HA! I knew it! You men are undependable!”

“I’ll show you how undependable I am! How about a Pokemon battle?” His strength returning, he got to his feet. “Come on! A whole six-on-six! And a Shift Battle! What do you say?”

“I don’t do much battling, Gary.”

“Why? Come-!”

“Reasons.”

“Reasons?”

“Reasons.”

“What reasons? Your Pokemon are all fine and so are mine. Let’s go! This is an official challenge!”

“And I officially decline, you little child. I’m the elder here, and authority. Law! You have to do what I say! And I’m taking the Egg into my care.”

“So you talk about how high and mighty you are, but really you’re just in a higher place in life. You’re not mighty. You can’t beat me! I’ve got eight Badges from Kanto and competed in the Indigo League, and I have four Badges here and will take over this League here!”

Ranger Kai put her hands on her hips and walked up close to Gary.

His eyes wide, Gary swallowed against his will, hoping the woman didn’t see.

It took her a moment to start talking, but she finally got it going. “I see you need to be taught some manners, Mister. Fine. I’ll use the six Pokemon I have on me right now, and you can use yours.”

“Great!” Gary was ready to prove his worth to her. Maybe she’ll take it easy on me after I win, Gary told himself. Or, knowing her, it won’t do a thing to make me look better and she’ll just continue ridiculing me and being a nutcase. This is gonna be a waste of my time, isn’t it? He walked backwards, checking his back for trees as Ranger Kai also walked backwards with her huge bag in her arms.

“OH!” Ranger Kai cried, hitting a tree, and she laughed a single “HAA!” closing her eyes and sticking out her tongue.

Gary just shook his head. Complete idiot, he told himself. But somehow, a reliable Ranger?

Along with Swadloon, Gary’s Paras had crawled quickly to Ranger Kai. While Swadloon stopped beside her Trainer, Paras hid behind Ranger Kai’s legs, just barely peeking over to look to his Trainer.

“Huh? Hey...” Gary stared at his Pokemon sadly. Watching this made the left side of his chest hurt.

The woman scooped up Paras easily and walked over to Gary. “It’s okay, sweet one.” She set him down at Gary’s feet and stood back up. “But on one condition.” She held up her hand, and Gary’s Butterfree flew to her and settled on it.

Gary stepped back several feet, disturbed by all the Bugs around him now.

Ranger Kai then held her hand up and waved it slightly, letting Butterfree go. “You have to battle me using only your Bug type Pokemon.”

“WHAT??!!”

“Do that and you can have the Egg. Those are the rules. Well?”

Gary was infuriated, but he also knew this was a great opportunity for him. He calmed down but kept hard eyes on the woman. “That’s a deal! Just give me a moment to swap out.” He pulled out his Pokedex and took some time to figure it all out, but he finally got his new team together.

They both moved away from each other again.

Gary pointed ahead. “Let’s start it off, Butterfree!”

“FRRREEEEEE!” Butterfree shot forward.

YEAH! Gary beamed. We can do this, me and these guys. This is the chance to work not only with my Bug types, but with Pokemon I haven’t had the chance to use too much! Ever, in Paras’ case.

“Bug and Flying is great, but there isn’t much you can do against a Pokemon that’s underground! Dunsparce!” Ranger Kai pointed.

Making chittering, chattering, bug-like noises, Dunsparce dug away using the drill at the end of her tail, going underground swiftly, making the ground tremble a bit.

I see. Dunsparce stays underground, so that will limit our moves, I guess, Gary recognized. No problem! “No problem!” He made sure his opponent heard as he smiled at her challengingly.

Ranger Kai remained focused, glaring at Butterfree.

“We’ll take this chance to protect ourselves until Dunsparce wants to return. Harden!”

Butterfree glowed white momentarily, raising her Defense.

“I see. Then let’s get back up!” Ranger Kai ordered.

The ground shook and before Gary knew it, Dunsparce was back.

“Air Slash!” Ranger Kai continued.

Dunsparce’s wings flapped some, and the Pokemon actually levitated, rising into the air!

Several light-blue glowing, saw disc-like energies came out of her wings and hit Butterfree!

“Air Slash?! A Flying move?!” Gary couldn’t believe it! But that’s just a Normal type! I can’t believe it’s even hovering!

Air Slash. A strong Flying type move that might cause the opponent to Flinch if hit.

Butterfree was slowly descending, indeed Flinching!

“Butterfree! Gust!”

Butterfree couldn’t attack while Flinching.

“Butterfree! Pay attention!”

“Another Air Slash, now!”

Dunsparce repeated the move and Butterfree was taken down, tumbling before laying out flat on her front.

“Butterfree, come on! Psybeam attack!”

Butterfree was Flinching again, turning away from Dunsparce with her eyes shut, as if fearing more hits.

“Air Slash, Dunsparce! Go!” Ranger Kai persisted.

Dunsparce obeyed, hitting Butterfree with the super-effective attacks.

Butterfree was a crumpled heat, but she wasn’t out yet. However, she was still Flinching!

“I can’t believe this!!” Gary was mad now. “What is with this??”

“Hey! Don’t you yell at your Butterfree like that! It’s not her fault!” Ranger Kai shouted at the boy.

“I know! I know! It’s an effect. But yo, how are the odds this bad??” Gary argued.

“That’s what I’m trying to say. This Dunsparce’s Ability is Serene Grace. Effects have double the chance of happening if the move comes with one.”

Gary’s shoulders slumped. “Crap,” he whispered. “Now I get it. But...”

“Air Slash! We’ll have to end this battle! Sorry, Butterfreeee!!” Ranger Kai called out sadly, reaching out emotionally to her.

Dunsparce attacked.

“BUTTERFREEEE!!” Gary shouted out helplessly.

Butterfree looked up and yelled out. She tumbled through the air, screaming even louder, and ended up sliding on her back.

“Butterfree!” Ranger Kai ran towards the beaten Pokemon and got on her knees beside her. “Can you forgive us? I’m so, so sorry your Trainer is so inadequate and blamed you for this. It wasn’t your fault, baby.”

“GET AWAY FROM MY POKEMON!!” His hands in tight fists, Gary stomped over to them and knelt down. “Butterfree. I’m so sorry. I was in a bad spot and had no idea what was going on. It was really all my fault. I’m sorry I got mad, but I’m not mad. Not at all. Just got a little frustrated.”

Ranger Kai coughed. “Bullshit,” she muttered quickly before coughing some more.

“You did just fine,” Gary told his Pokemon while glaring at Ranger Kai. “I’m sorry for screwing that up.” He returned his Pokemon and then got back to his spot, not taking his eyes off the woman.

Staring back angrily at Gary, the woman also walked away backwards to her place.

Dunsparce had settled on the ground during this time and had to slide out of the way as she almost got stepped on.

“Alright, one down,” Gary noted out loud. “And we didn’t even hit that thing with one move. What a total waste,” he muttered to himself. He grabbed a second Poke Ball. “Wait,” he mumbled and then clipped the ball back on his waist. “Maybe not him, yet. Depends on how strong her Pokemon are, though. Dunsparce has to be good if it beat my Butterfree. Right?” He grabbed a different Poke Ball this time. “If that’s the case, go!” He threw it.

“Dustoooox!” Dustox flapped in the air.

Gary shuttered. Uuuugh. So creepy how bugs fly.

“You okay, there? You’re not looking so good with all these Bugs around you,” Ranger Kai sneered.

“Duus?” Dustox looked back at Gary.

“Don’t try to throw off my Pokemon with your boring mind games! I’m just fine and we’re gonna win! Ready, Dustox?” Gary stared at his Pokemon determinedly, resisting the urge to scratch at the skin crawling on his shoulder. He rolled his shoulders and made fists as he tightened the muscles in his arms.

“Dustox!” Dustox nodded and faced Dunsparce.

He took this chance to scratch at his arms and shoulders. Ranger Kai never took her cold, accusing eyes off Gary, and he knew she knew what he had just done.

She finally looked away, her gaze softening on the flying Bugs. “This one definitely has Shield Dust, so Flinching isn’t gonna happen, but that doesn’t mean we won’t leave a mark!” Ranger Kai stated.

Gary’s eyes widened. She knows Dustox’s Ability just by looking? Well, the only other Ability is a rare one, so, really, she-

“Air Slash again!”

“Oh!” Gary focused on the match. “Start off with Toxic!”

A stream of purple came out from Dustox’s mouth and hit Dunsparce in the face.

She screamed out in a low yet sharp, creepy voice as her face went a deep purple.

“Venoshock, now!”

Dustox followed up with another spray of purple liquid on the Poisoned Pokemon, severely damaging her.

That was too easy! Gary smiled. Once Poisoned, Venoshock’s damage doubles! This is a great way to test out just how strong Dunsparce is.

Dunsparce shook her head, looked unwell and swaying in place.

“Dunsparce! Are you okay?” Ranger Kai glared at Gary.

Dunsparce flinched, suffering from the Poison, and she dropped.

Gary gasped, smiling big. No way! he almost said out loud, surprised by what had just happened.

“Oh, Dunsparce! No!” Ranger Kai moved, along with her Swadloon, and they stopped at Dunsparce, the Ranger scooping her up. “What a foul way to battle, huh?” She and her Swadloon turned their hard eyes onto Gary.

“Swadloon!” Swadloon added, nodding.

“Me?? Foul?! You had my Butterfree-!”

“Rest here, my sweet Pokemon.” Ranger Kai ignored Gary and walked over to a tree, Swadloon following. She laid Dunsparce down and then dug into her little bag, pulled out a rounded, pink fruit, and Dunsparce ate it.

Dunsparce gave a few shakes and soon looked a lot better.

Ranger Kai smiled and pulled out another Berry and laid it down beside her Pokemon who ate it hurriedly. She looked to Gary and nodded. “You got one, but let’s see how you do against my next Bug!” She and Swadloon returned to their spot. “Ariados, you’re next!”

Descending from an invisible string in the treetops, Ariados lowered itself to the ground. “Aria!”

Gary swallowed. Bug for sure, but Poison too, right? She’s countering me using typing like I countered her earlier with Shield Dust. She really isn’t as brain-dead as I thought. This is why she’s a Ranger. She’s got to be smart to have this position. “Hey, wait!” Something suddenly came to the Trainer’s mind, and he couldn’t help but ask about it now. “You have so many Bug types! Why do you own a Dunsparce?”

“Dunsparce and me go way back, but after saving my life, what really made me keep her was the fact, she’s actually a lot like a Bug, and is considered one in some places in the Johto region.”

“Are you serious?”

“So that’s why Dunsparce is my closest friend.”

Saving your life wasn’t the deciding factor? Gary joked to himself.

“Now, back to the match! Swords Dance, Ariados!”

Several blue, glowing Swords appeared around Ariados. Red and orange energy shot upwards in front of it, and then balls of the same colors appeared in front of it before disappearing, Ariados glowing red briefly, its Attack now sharply raised.

“Dustox, Quiver Dance!”

Dustox did a wild dance, flapping his wings and bouncing in the air as he glowed white and boosted his stats.

“Swords Dance!”

“Quiver Dance, again!”

Both Pokemon strengthened themselves again.

“Gary, you can’t keep up. I’m just warning you. Swords Dance boosts the Attack by two stages, but Quiver Dance-”

“I know what I’m doing, Kai!” Gary interrupted her angrily.

“Oh, yeah? Swords Dance one last time!”

“Quiver Dance, now!”

Ariados’ Attack was at the maximum level after that.

Dustox had a significant boost in Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed.

“Sucker Punch!” Ranger Kai pointed.

“Whirlwind!”

“Huh??” Ranger Kai cried.

Ariados stumbled forward, tripping to its face.

Dustox flapped his wings strongly, and Ariados glowed red as it was returned to its Poke Ball!

A white beam came out from a different Poke Ball on Ranger Kai’s belt and Kricketune was sent out!

Kricketune looked around, possibly startled.

“Now use Gust!”

Dustox used Gust, blowing Kricketune through the air and he ended up tumbling on the ground.

Wait, Gary realized. “Whirlwind again!”

“Kricketune!” Ranger Kai called out, but then looked at Gary as if he were crazy.

This hesitation to make a decision gave Dustox the time needed to blow away Kricketune and what was sent out instead was Caterpie!

Gary, wait, Gary told himself. No. This is the time. He held out his Poke Ball and recalled Dustox. Then, he threw a different Poke Ball.

“Silcoon!” the Pokemon said.

“A Silcoon. Caterpie! Use your Tackle against it!”

“Silcoon, use Harden!”

Caterpie charged and slammed into Silcoon.

Silcoon tumbled but after he straightened up, his body shined bright.

“Harden!” Gary continued.

“Tackle!” Ranger Kai repeated.

The attacks repeated.

This time, Caterpie’s Tackle resulted in the little user flying away!

Silcoon also tilted, but that was all. He seemed just fine after the hit and used his Harden.

Yes! Gary noted. Now we’ve got it. He’s slower than Caterpie, but he’s building up his Defense. “Harden!”

“Tackle once more!”

Everything repeated itself.

Silcoon remained okay, Caterpie seeming just fine but getting worn out slamming into the Hardening Silcoon.

Gary smiled at Ranger Kai, but she was also smiling. Against his will, Gary’s smile changed into a sneer. “Harden!”

“Aaaaalright! It’s time for Bug Bite!”

Caterpie opened its mouth and there was a white glow from within. It leaped at Silcoon and started chomping across his body!

When this move was done, Silcoon used Harden.

“Bug Bite again! End it!”

“Poison Sting while it’s up close, then!” Gary decided.

Caterpie attacked, and while biting, Silcoon’s spikes on his body glowed purple and finally blasted Caterpie off of him with purple darts.

Caterpie cried out and tumbled. Its face was purple and it flinched as it suffered a Poisoning. It then moaned out and fell over.

“Caterpie!” Ranger Kai got to her Pokemon and picked it up. She took out another Berry which was green and round, and she fed her Pokemon, slowly and carefully walking over to where Dunsparce sat.

Soon, Caterpie was just fine, the purple gone from its face by the time its Trainer set it down.

The ranger then laid a pink Berry in front of it before facing Gary and walked back to where Swadloon had remained. She looked down to the green Pokemon and nodded, a serious look on her face.

“Swadloooon!!” Swadloon said with energy. She charged forward and stopped, looking ready to go.

“Silcoon, continue to use Harden!”

Ranger Kai started laughing, cutting it short to command, “Swadloon, use Solar Beam!”

“OH!” Gary gasped.

The top part of the leafy coat around Swadloon’s body glowed a faint yellow color.

Silcoon used Harden again.

Damn it. Solar Beam’s a Special Attack. Boosted Defense won’t mean a thing, Gary knew. We have to strike before it’s too late! “Silcoon!” We have no choice. “Bug Bite!”

Silcoon was the slowest thing possible, swiveling over to Swadloon.

Swadloon was still charging up the Solar Beam.

Silcoon continued making his way to Swadloon.

Swadloon kept charging.

Finally, Silcoon leaped and landed on Swadloon! A white string came out of a spike on Silcoon and stuck to Swadloon.

Swadloon moved against the string, trying to break free, but it seemed that this was Bug Bite, and it was damaging her!

“No worries! Just focus while it’s up close!” Ranger Kai urged.

“Don’t stop, Silcoon! Go all the way!” Gary shouted.

A circle of yellow balls floated above Swadloon’s head as a larger ball floated over those. With a bright flash that combined the balls, a large beam finally came out and hit Silcoon.

Silcoon cried out as he flew backwards and ended up tumbling before coming to a stop.

“Poor thing!” Ranger Kai ran up to Silcoon and picked him up. “Are you okay? Please, forgive me. I’m so sorry for that. I went too far.”

“Hands off of my Pokemon!” Gary demanded and recalled Silcoon right out of Ranger Kai’s hands.

“HEY!” she shouted at him.

“Thanks, Silcoon. You did a lot of work and I couldn’t be more grateful,” Gary smiled at his Poke Ball before replacing it on his hip and looking coldly at his opponent. Swadloon. Bug and Grass. Hmmm. He smiled again, looking down at the one Bug he still had out. That’s great!

Paras looked up at him. “Paaaaarrrr?” he spoke curiously.

“Yeah! Let’s do it, Paras! GO!” Gary pointed.

“Paras. Paaarrrras.” Paras crawled forth to Swadloon.

This will be awesome! “Paras, let’s begin with Growth!”

Paras’ body glowed light green and he seemed a lot healthier and stronger.

“And we’ll use Electroweb!”

Sparking yellow electricity formed in front of Swadloon’s mouth. This spark flew into the air and then opened into a web, coming down for Paras.

I haven’t had the chance to raise Paras since catching him way back at the Indigo League. I don’t really know what to do. “Paras! Go for Slash!”

Paras moved, but Electroweb caught him before he got far, damaging the Pokemon as he struggled against the Electric webbing.

“Now go and use Bug Bite, Swadloon.”

Swadloon moved, going right for Paras.

Gary watched, trying to come up with a plan. But there wasn't one. “Slash!”

Swadloon bit into Paras.

While chomping on Paras, Paras Slashed at Swadloon with a glowing white claw.

“LOOOOOON!!” Swadloon flashed white where she was hit, a Critical Hit being taken, making her tumble and then end up on her side.

“Swadloon, please get up!” Ranger Kai begged.

At her words, Swadloon stirred and rolled over onto her legs.

“Another Electroweb! Slow that thing down!”

We’ll never catch up, now, Gary sneered as Paras was caught again. He took his Pokedex out to scan Paras’ moves, unable to think in the heat of the moment with such an unfamiliar Pokemon.

“Now use Bug Bite!” Ranger Kai continued.

“I don’t think so!” Gary looked up. “Paras, use Slash attack!”

Swadloon was far faster than Paras and bit into him.

Paras Slashed Swadloon, but it wasn’t a Critical Hit.

Swadloon was still forced off of Paras.

“After it with Leech Life! Now!” Paras moved in a motion that creeped Gary out, but he flexed his arms up and forced them down to play off how disturbed he had become. “GOOOOOO!!”

“Swadloon, strike back with Bug Buzz!”

“Oh, no!” This might be it, Gary considered. “Then dive right into it!”

Paras jumped, his entire mouth glowing green.

Swadloon screamed out shrilly, red waves coming off her body.

Gary screamed, covering his ears, one eye shut. He had to struggle to keep the other one open to focus on the battle.

Wailing out shrilly, Paras closed his eyes and continued into the opposing move, reaching Swadloon and biting into him!

The Bug Buzz ended as Swadloon fell back, Paras still clinging to her. With a few cries and a grunt, Swadloon finally fell.

Paras released Swadloon and backed up.

“My Swadloon! NOOO!” Ranger Kai ran to her Pokemon and scooped her up in her arms. Muttering to her, she walked over to Caterpie and Dunsparce and put Swadloon down, leaving behind one Berry.

This Berry was mostly pink, the tops yellow. It resembled a batch of miniature bananas.

“I have to admit, you’re doing so much better than I’d have expected,” Ranger Kai confessed, looking mildly impressed as she returned to her spot. “But we’re gonna call this match right here, right now! Galvantula, it’s your turn!”

Crawling down a tree by Gary was a gigantic spider.

Gary shrieked at the top of his lungs and ran backwards several steps before stopping. He glared at Ranger Kai. “How long has that been there??!!”

She just rolled her eyes. “I can’t lose to someone like you. And using Bug types, at that? No way!”

Galvantula took his place and waved his two pedipalps outward.

Gary reluctantly returned to his spot, moving his arms to rub his armpits, and he glared at the spider. “Paras! Slash!”

“Galvantula, use Sucker Punch!”

Galvantula moved too swiftly, socking Paras.

Paras fell and slid, stopping.

“Oh, Paras! No!” Ranger Kai ran over to Paras and knelt down, petting his side.

Gary closed his eyes and his head fell. Shoot, he thought. “Paras, you really proved yourself! Thank you! Return!”

Ranger Kai got up and walked back to her place when Paras was taken back.

“Alright, then next up...” Gary spoke before knowing what he would do next. Now, there was just silence as he had to think. Finally, he grabbed a ball and threw it. “Come on!”

“Dustox!” Dustox spoke, his wings flapping as he hovered in the air.

Galvantula... Gary thought to himself. “Let’s do this again! Toxic!”

“Out of the way, Galvantula! You’re much faster!”

Indeed, Galvantula did dodge the spray of Poison.

Gary opened his mouth.

“Now go and use your Sucker Punch!” Ranger Kai spoke up, watching Gary.

Gary’s mouth hung open. His lips then formed a smile. Fall back, Gary.

Ranger Kai’s mouth dropped open in shock.

Galvantula ran and tripped, his move failing.

“Now use Psychic against every tree possible!” Gary finally spoke.

Dustox’s eyes glowed light blue and Galvantula was covered in the same color as he rose in the air. Like a pinball game, Galvantula was flung throughout the forest, hitting tree after tree after tree after tree.

Ranger Kai called out for her Pokemon, but there was nothing she could do.

When Galvantula was finally returned and freed from Psychic, his whole body was quivering and rocking as he stood back up.

“Keep it down! Gust!” Gary decided.

“Dustoooooooox!” Dustox flapped his wings hard and blew the Bug away, right into a tree again.

“Gaaaaall...” Galvantula croaked weakly, laying still.

“No way! Galvantula!” Ranger Kai got beside her Pokemon and then looked at Gary bitterly. She carried her Pokemon over to Swadloon and set him down, leaving a Berry beside him before coming back to the battle. This time, she grabbed a Poke Ball and hurled it, revealing her Pokemon.

“Kricketune, use Sing!”

Gary’s eyes widened. Gary, think! “Toxic!”

Kricketune began to strum a melody with his arms, his body glowing white as golden music notes soared around Dustox.

Dustox spewed out some Poison.

Gary slapped his face several times, struggling to stay awake. He was fine when Sing had ended, and his eyes now widened.

Kricketune was Badly Poisoned from Toxic, but Dustox was fast Asleep!

Ranger Kai was smiling wildly. “Infestation!!”

A portion of the grass startled to tremble and shake, and Gary let out a frightful cry. Things were crawling through the grass and soon, black bugs were all over the Sleeping Dustox!

“Go for Aerial Ace now!” Ranger Kai went on.

White streaks came off of Kricketune as he soared for the Sleeping Dustox and slammed into him. Continuing to move at a blinding speed, Kricketune attacked with Aerial Ace again.

Dustox tumbled but didn’t wake.

“COME ON, DUSTOX!! GET UP!! WAKE UP!!” Gary let out desperately. He swallowed hard. Damn it!

“Another Aerial-! Oh!” Ranger Kai raised a hand to her mouth.

Dustox had just taken more damage from the bugs of Infestation, and now, his body was splayed out on the ground. He was knocked out.

“Oh, no...” Ranger Kai started to run forward.

“STAY BACK!” Gary returned his Pokemon and glared at the Poke Ball. “That was a difficult opponent, but thank you for trying. We’ll win this one. Just you watch.” He then leered at Ranger Kai.

The woman stood still, leering right back.

Aerial Ace. Let’s just see. Gary got his next Poke Ball and sent out his choice.

“Illuuu!” Illumise exclaimed happily, soaring through the air.

Ranger Kai gushed out excitedly, her hands clasped together at her face. “Kawaiiiii!”

“Start off with Aerial Ace!”

“Aerial Ace!” Ranger Kai reacted, shocked by Gary’s quick order.

Both Pokemon flew into each other at startling speeds. Eventually they kept back, breathing hard. Kricketune glared up at the floating Illumise from the ground, Illumise glaring right back.

“Use Aerial Ace again!”

“Acrobatics!” Gary ordered. As he expected, Kricketune was the one to land the hit first. He grit his teeth tight, worried as Illumise came down, ready to collide to the ground.

But she straightened up and her body glowed light-blue before she soared right into Kricketune!

Kricketune rolled in the grass and then sprawled out.

“My Kricketune! No way!” Ranger Kai ran up to her Pokemon and cuddled him sadly.

Gary felt uncomfortable as he saw the tears in Ranger Kai’s angry eyes when she turned to him.

Ranger Kai stood and placed Kricketune with Caterpie, Dunsparce, Galvantula, and Swadloon, leaving him with a Berry. “I hate to admit it, but you’ve handled working with Bug types so much better than I would have expected you to.” She walked back to her usual place. “You have two Pokemon left, but I expect this one to take you on just fine!” She released her last choice.

“Aria!” Ariados hissed out.

After this, this is all over, Gary told himself. And I’ve got extra Pokemon if Illumise doesn’t make it. One more. “Use Acrobatics!”

“Ariados, Night Shade!” Ranger Kai chose.

Illumise dove into Ariados, forcing it back.

Ariados focused itself and its horn glowed black and a black beam with red streaks came out to hit Illumise.

Illumise wailed out in pain as she flew backwards through the air.

“Electroweb!”

Electricity sparked in front of Ariados’ white mandibles in front of its face. The move then flew into the air, stopping over Illumise. It opened into a huge, sparking web and came down, wrapping up Illumise and lowering her Speed.

Gary’s eyes tightened as he tried thinking about June’s Galvantula and how well she always got along with Ranger Kai’s. They were both different genders, but was that why they were always so close? They definitely behaved differently with Ariados, whether together or individually, but they were always friendly. There was nothing Gary could think of to make him determine what Ariados’ gender was, and he narrowed his eyebrows. Then this is all a chance, he knew, and bared his teeth, preparing to make his decision.

Ranger Kai spotted his peculiar behavior and her eyes popped open wide. “Sucker Punch, now, Ariados!”

Gary broke into a huge smile at this opportunity and burst out, “Attract!”

Ranger Kai screamed out in disbelief.

Ariados ran but stumbled, the move failing again.

Illumise winked at Ariados and several hearts flew from her body, hitting Ariados.

Love was clear in Ariados’ eyes.

“Ariados, use Bug Bite! Finish her!”

Ariados completely ignored his Trainer, swooning over Illumise.

A white beam came from out of June’s bag, and Galvantula was out from her ball!

Gary stared at Galvantula with wide eyes, confused. “What the hell?”

Galvantula was just staring at the lockstruck Ariados, but didn’t make any sounds or movements.

“GALVANTULAAAAAAA YOOOOOOOOOO!!!” Ranger Kai waved her arms excitedly, raising up a leg.

Galvantula paid the woman no mind, all attention on Ariados.

Grunting irritably, Gary shook his head and looked back to the battle. Whatever, he thought, and took out his Pokedex and scanned Illumise to make sure he wasn’t missing any crucial moves before deciding, “Acrobatics!”

Illumise pummeled Ariados over and over again, Ranger Kai desperately trying to order her Pokemon. “Signal Beam!”

A light-blue ball of energy appeared in front of Ariados’s head.

“Oh, no!” Gary uttered.

A rainbow-colored beam came out of the ball and hit Illumise.

“Air Cutter!”

Illumise hovered above Ariados and flapped her wings hard, repeatedly.

From the tip of her wings came out light-blue, X-shaped blades that slammed into Ariados.

Ariados slid backwards and then rolled. “Ariaaaa...” He finally stopped on his side.

“I can’t believe this!!” Ranger Kai ran to her fallen Pokemon as Gary screamed and jumped with excitement.

“I WON! I WON! HA! I BEAT YOU, KAI!!” Gary cheered. He looked over to June’s Galvantula, but she was nowhere in sight. Huh? After looking around briefly and then giving up, he faced Ranger Kai again.

Ranger Kai scowled from down on her knees, her hands on her spider. “You may have beaten me in battle, and proved you can actually win, and shown you can actually control Bug type Pokemon, and displayed impressive skill and a level head under pressure, but at the end of the day, can you do so little as pet any one of your Bug type Pokemon? Go ahead. Touch your winning Bug, Illumise.”

Illumise turned to Gary happily and flew towards him.

Gary jumped back, raising his hands up with fright and staring at her with apprehension.

“Illu? Ill?” Illumise stopped and tilted her head.

Shaking her head, Ranger Kai’s lips carried a nasty smirk. “Yeah, you got ‘cher money and all that for winning, but I was just testing you out, anyway. Why do you think I had Caterpie keep using Tackle instead of just going straight to the far stronger Bug Bite when fighting Silcoon? I could have won the match a long time ago, but I kept giving you opportunities to see if you could do it. I sacrificed my own Pokemon for the sake of your Bugs.”

Gary kept silent, trying to come up with a response to shoot back at her. He ended up swallowing and gave up. “So you think you’re better than me just because you’re normal.” Normal?? Gary thought. Poor choice of words.

“Huh?” Ranger Kai stood, lifting up Ariados with a grunt.

“You think just because you love certain Pokemon in ways I have to work harder at, that you’re better than me? As a person? Do you-?”

“Yes. Yes. Yes, I do,” Ranger Kai answered easily.

“Wait, what??” Gary shook his head hard in disbelief. He wasn’t expecting that answer at all, and so bluntly!

“I love all Pokemon, and while I may have preferences, you have - you have... dis- You have - Pokemon you don’t like! Therefore I am the superior being ‘kay bye!” She stomped off proudly, her head held high, stopping by her other Pokemon who were looking a lot healthier and more energetic than earlier. “You guys all did amazing. Great work. Let’s call it a night and keep moving in the morning.” She didn’t look at Gary or speak very loudly, giving off the impression she was only speaking for her Pokemon. In the next moments, she had gotten into her sleeping bag, laying on her stomach with her head in her hands and her elbows in the ground, smiling and talking about things to her Pokemon.

Swadloon had curled up in her Trainer’s sleeping bag and closed her eyes.

Dunsparce was on the ground by the Ranger, also curled up to sleep.

Caterpie was on a branch in a tree, eating leaves.

Galvantula was making a web in the trees, Ariados in a tree right next to him, making his own web to lay in.

Kricketune was standing by Ranger Kai, staring at her, seeming to be waiting for something.

“And that’s why I love butts. Goodnight!” Ranger Kai rested her head on her arms and closed her eyes.

Kricketune started to use his Sing attack, playing a lovely song with his arms and his body glowed white as golden music notes came out and swirled around the area.

“Ah, crap...” Gary grumbled tiredly, feeling out of it already.

Ranger Kai was snoring loudly.

Illumise stumbled about, shaking her head and trying to keep awake.

That was the last thing Gary saw before he blacked out.