Swanna Song, Sung Throughout Sinnoh

I hope I’m not making a mistake... I just have to rotate my Pokemon more, Gary thought. It’s my job! If Rob and Aly can, I can; and better! I can’t fall behind. I can’t depend on the same six. And who I do depend on, have to be dependable. Right.

He stared at the Gym building that was, while very tall, was even wider of a structure, the moss and vines and other kinds of plant life on it giving it a worn down look.

Electivire by his side, Gary crossed the astoundingly beautiful garden to get to the twin glass doors that slid open into glass walls, and the two stared in awe at the inside.

Cement lined the ends of the floor, tall grass and flowers taking up the rest of the ground! Some small patches had more explicitly beautiful flowers planted than the other areas. There were also towering trees everywhere, along with a couple of far smaller trees. The only thing visible in the garden that wasn’t a plant was a white block off to the side that had a Poke Ball design on it, the top colored in red, the bottom uncolored. The drawing looked sloppy, the red out of the lines, as if it had been done by children.

Even a cactus stood amongst the plants! Oddly, atop the cactus was some kind of old, yellow, rocky crown.

All of these plants got sunlight from the open ceiling, but today was a more dreary day that looked like it could rain.

Gary and Electivire stepped inside, the doors smoothly sliding shut after them, and were greeted by a young, short woman with very smooth-looking skin that practically glowed. Gary wasn’t sure if she was Black or Hispanic, but he knew beauty when he saw it.

“Hi! I’m Bane. Are you here for a battle against Gardenia at Eterna Gym?” she asked in a peppy voice.

“Yes! I’m Gary. I’ve come from Pallet Town, in the Kanto region, to challenge Gardenia for her Badge!” Gary spoke enthusiastically.

Bane nodded, her eyes closing and head tilting cutely. She pointed. “Then please take your place there. Gardenia is just tending to the garden and will be with you in a moment!” She cupped her hands around her mouth as she walked away. “GARDENIAAAAAAAAAA!!!”

Gary and Electivire walked along the cement ground and Gary spotted a big square area of cement that was hidden by the towering blades of grass and flowers. It looked like it was for him to go to, and he assumed Gardenia had her own place opposite him, so he and Electivire went to it.

Little creatures were hiding amongst the grass and flowers, peeking out at them.

A Chikorita, Gary recognized, and smiled at it.

The Pokemon cried out and pulled its head back down, out of sight.

Other Pokemon scurried and slid away, including a bunch of eggs Gary knew was Exeggcute.

In the trees, a Weepinbell hung next to a Victreebel, both on their vine, staring right at him.

Gary smiled a little bigger. Nature is so beautiful, he acknowledged. Staring up into the sky, he saw birds flying, Pokemon or otherwise, he wasn’t sure. His vision lowered as a person was seen walking through the field, and his eyes widened.

“Hey there! You must be the Gary and Electivire I was told about!” The woman had white hair with a pale-yellow coloring underneath it. Her hair was long, reaching far down her back. She looked very basic in the face to Gary, but a little pretty. She wore a green crop top, her flat stomach revealed. Her brown sweatpants had a black stripe on each side, and her feet were bare. She stopped at a particular spot.

Is this Gardenia? She’s like a hippie, Gary told himself. He stared at her stomach. A hot hippie. Or... He now stared at her face. She’s just cute. Suddenly, his eyes widened. “HI!” Gary let out, realizing he hadn’t responded to her. “I’m Gary!” He swallowed. She knew that already, he reminded himself.

“And all the way from Kanto, too? It’s always a pleasure to meet people from faraway locations! Welcome to the Eterna Gym! I’m Gardenia!” The woman had a kind of husky voice, but still pretty light and feminine.

Gary nodded. “Thank you! I’m ready to get my next Badge!”

“And how many Badges do you have so far?” Gardenia asked.

Good question, Gary kept to himself. What am I up to again? Cas’, uh... Jupiter... Not Byron... Roark... “Three Badges! You’ll be my fourth!”

“So I’m the halfway point, huh?” Gardenia chuckled.

She is cute, but she also looks kind of dirty, Gary thought. Like she might smell a little. Like a hippie. Hey! Wake up! Gary shouted in his head.

“Gary?”

“Huh?” Gary shook his head and stared at Gardenia with wide eyes.

“You feelin’ okay?” Gardenia asked in such a strong yet light voice.

“Yes! Please, let’s begin the battle!” He stared at her exposed stomach for a second longer before staring into her eyes.

“Uh, okaaaaay...?” Gardenia said in confusion, smiling at him oddly and looking off to the side briefly. “Is three Pokemon okay to use for us both?”

“Of course! I’m ready when you are!”

Gardenia nodded at Gary and then looked away and nodded again.

The lady, Bane, was standing on the little platform with the Poke Ball drawing. She held both arms out and held a determined look on her face. “This will be a three-on-three battle between Eterna City’s Gym Leader, Gardenia, and Gary from the Kanto region’s Pallet Town! Oh, hello there!”

A tiny little creature was flying up to Bane.

Bane looked visibly uncomfortable and was backing away as the bug flew around her head. “Please... I have a job to do. You can watch but give me some space?” Her smile was as fake as could be. She wasn’t happy with the bug by her.

A Bug Pokemon? Gary pulled out his Pokedex.

Ribombee. The Bee Fly Pokemon, and Cutiefly’s evolved form. A Bug and Fairy type Pokemon. Ribombee are not fond of the rain, as it makes them dirty and dampens collected pollen on their bodies.

Cutiefly. That’s the Pokemon I have, Gary remembered. Melissa’s Pokemon...

“Booomb!” Ribombee cried out. It floated about, side to side.

Bane kept cautious eyes on the Pokemon and chuckled nervously.

“Excuse my girlfriend. She isn’t the most comfortable with Bug type Pokemon,” Gardenia laughed. “She’s so cute!”

Gary’s eyes popped wide. Huh?? “Oh!” Gary said quickly, trying to cover up his surprise at the choice of word Gardenia used. Girlfriend? They’re...? He looked to Bane and back to Gardenia. If that’s true, that is a pretty hippie thing, too, Gary kept to himself, holding back a smirk. “No big deal! I h-” Don’t say hate. Too strong! Gary stopped himself. “-hhaaaave issues with Bug types myself! I’m working hard on it, though! I own a few!”

“That’s wonderful! We do welcome all Pokemon in this garden, but a small variety actually stay. It’s mostly Grass types, obviously. And naturally Bug types, too!” Gardenia explained. “I never knew she was afraid of Bug types when I first hired her, but it became pretty clear over time!”

Frowning, Bane looked down, embarrassed. “Gardeniaaaa...” she growled.

So she hired her... Gary thought. I can’t tell if they’re in a relationship or not. “Hey, it’s all good!” But now, Gary was looking around nervously. If these Bugs are just flying around freely, what if one pops up near me?! I should get Charizard out just as a warning to scare off the Bugs!

“So, let’s get this battle started, shall we?” Gardenia smiled.

“Right!” Bane spoke strongly, holding out one hand. “Like I said, this will be a three-on-three battle between the Eterna City Gym Leader, Gardenia, and Gary from the Kanto region’s Pallet Town! No time limit! Only Gary is allowed to substitute his Pokemon! The Badge at stake is the Forest Badge! Let this battle begin!” Her hand came down strongly.

Ribombee shouted out with delight, frightening Bane and making her shriek and almost fall off her platform.

“So you think I’m your fourth Badge, huh?” Gardenia smiled challengingly.

“After this, I’m only halfway done!” Gary grabbed a Poke Ball. “I’m gonna get through you and everyone else in this region!” He held out his Poke Ball. “I’m starting off with Deino!” He threw the ball, revealing his Pokemon.

Gardenia nodded. “How cool! A Deino! I see you’re not here to play games! You’re playing it smart bringing in a Dragon type! But let’s see what it can do! Cacturne, I’m counting on YOU!” The woman didn’t throw a single Poke Ball, standing completely still, keeping her smile.

Instead, it was the cactus with the crown that had started moving!! Gary gasped as the plant walked across the field and stopped in the middle of it, facing Deino.

“Deinnnn!” Deino growled.

“Cactuurrrrne!” Cacturne returned.

Cacturne. The Scarecrow Pokemon. The evolved form of Cacnea. A Grass and Dark type Pokemon. It rarely is seen moving around in the day in the wild. At night is when it pursues prey in a scary pack, posing as cacti in deserts, waiting for victims to become too tired to fight back before striking.

But wait, where’s the crown? Gary noticed. The Cacturne in my ‘Dex doesn’t have-

King’s Rock. This item is used to either evolve Poliwhirl into Politoed, or Slowpoke into Slowking, and can also be held by Pokemon to make an opponent Flinch.

Whoa! So that’s a King’s Rock on that Pokemon’s head? Gardenia is prepared! Gary admitted. “YEAH!” he spoke energetically, smiling and making fists, inspired by the different circumstance and ready to face it head-on. “That’s what I like to see! Let’s get ‘em, Deino! Let’s start with Dragon Pulse!”

A multicolored, dragon-shaped beam came from Deino’s mouth.

Cacturne ducked and the beam went right over its head, slamming into the building.

Damn, dumb luck, Gary sneered. “Focus Energy!” he continued.

Deino barked at Cacturne and his body was outlined in white for a moment.

“Now use that Dragon Pulse again!” Wait, what’s Gardenia up to? Gary tightened his eyes on the Gym Leader. That’s our third move.

Deino attacked once more.

“Cacturne, use Pin Missile!” Gardenia finally ordered.

From the spikes on its body, Cacturne launched white streams of pins at Deino’s Dragon Pulse.

The moves collided, exploding on impact.

Keeping her smile, Gardenia’s mouth opened and her eyes widened in surprise. “Hey! That’s not bad! You’re keeping up with a pretty experienced Pokemon! I got him from a really good friend several years ago!”

“We don’t slack on my team! We’ve been training since I got him!” Gary smiled at her challengingly. “We live for these kinds of challenges! Deino, use Dragon Breath!” We can bet on Paralysis to help pull up a win! Gary told himself.

“Guess it’s time to test what you can really do, then! Sandstorm!” Gardenia decided.

A Sandstorm started up swiftly, and Cacturne disappeared in the midst of it!

After light-blue waves appeared around Deino, he fired out a light-blue beam of energy. The attack went forth, but Cacturne was nowhere to be seen!

Cacturne suddenly appeared, but nowhere near where the Dragon Breath had gone!

“Right there, Deino! Dragon Breath!!” Gary pointed.

Cacturne was gone again, and Deino was attacking once more. The opponent appeared beside Deino this time!

Deino yelled out in shock, leaping into the air.

“Now Pin Missile!”

Cacturne blasted several blows at Deino from close range, sending him flying.

Pin Missile. A Bug type move that strikes multiple times.

She has Bug type moves??! Gary panicked.

Deino hit the ground and struggled back up.

“Crap!” Don’t let that show, Gary! Focus! Come on! He bared his teeth. “Okay, we’re just fine! Deino! Use Slam! Focus your attention on-! Deino!”

Deino was standing, but was now Flinching!

“With a sandstorm happening, Cacturne’s Sand Veil Ability makes him harder to hit, which leaves you in a tough spot with that Deino’s Hustle Ability which makes it difficult to land a physical move,” Gardenia explained. “Add King’s Rock leaving you Flinching, and this battle is over!”

So that’s what’s going on, Gary understood. Right. Then there isn’t much we can do, is there?! Determination surged through his body. “Then we have no other choice but to WIN!! SLAM!!”

Deino ran through the Sandstorm, suffering constant damage, and lunged for Cacturne.

Cacturne was gone in an instant.

Deino crashed into the ground, leaping up again quickly.

“SLAM UNTIL YOU HIT IT!!” Gary ordered. “I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT, DEINO!! THIS IS ALL WE CAN DO!!”

Deino attacked again, but Cacturne was gone before Gary had even finished speaking, Deino going for the last spot the Pokemon was in.

“Your strategy is to just base your hits on luck?” Gardenia laughed. “That’s really not gonna get you through my strategy, Gary. You’ll never get anywhere trying to bliiiindly force your way through a match. Especially not against a Gym Leader. Let’s use Drain Punch, Cacturne!”

Yellow spirals surrounded Cacturne’s arm as his arm glowed green before he swung at Deino.

Yes! “CRUNCH!!” Gary demanded.

Deino went for Crunch, his open jaws glowing. He was socked in the mouth, but he Crunched on the fist, grunting out against the blow!

Cacturne was wailing out in surprise, shaking his fist, giving up on his attack, but Deino kept a tight grip.

We can’t let it go, Gary knew. We’ve got a hold of it. There’s no escape! “KEEP A TIGHT GRIP, DEINO! CRUUUUUUUUUUUUNCH!!!”

Deino’s jaws flashed and Crunched harder!

Cacturne was flailing, trying to break out of the attack.

“Cacturne, use Pin Missile right now!” Gardenia insisted.

“NO! SLAM IT!!”

Cacturne’s spikes glowed, but Deino flipped his own entire body! Jumping into the air while still gripping Cacturne, Deino flipped, lifting Cacturne into the air and over and around him before finally Slamming him into the ground!

Cacturne’s spikes fired the attack.

Deino, still in the air, finally fell, just in time to actually dodge the attack.

“Now use Dragon Pulse!”

Deino attacked with the move his Trainer instructed.

Cacturne was already gone!

You’ve gotta be kidding me! Gary flipped in his head.

“Not bad, Gary! That was a couple of good tricks! Happy to know you’re not just betting on simple tactics like luck!” Gardenia told him.

But what else can I actually do? Gary wondered. I won’t lose to this thing. Deino can do it!

“Cacturne, Sucker Punch!”

“Deino, Headbutt!”

Deino stomped towards Cacturne, but Cacturne was already in front of him in the blink of an eye, delivering a punch directly to his face!

Deino stumbled backwards, his head lowered.

“GOOOO!!” Gary pushed.

Deino stopped in the sand and then leapt at Cacturne, landing the blow.

Cacturne’s belly flashed white where he was hit. A Critical Hit! After sliding on the ground, Cacturne was now left Flinching!

This caused Gardenia to shout out in shock!

“No escape now! Use Dragon Breath!” Gary pointed.

Deino attacked, causing Cacturne to scream out painfully while leaning backwards.

“Spiky Shield!”

“Let’s go! Dragon Pulse!”

Cacturne got down and pulled his knees into his chest, lowering his head.

Deino used Dragon Pulse.

The spikes on Cacturne extended, and a round, green shield surrounded him. More green spikes came from the shield and protected Cacturne from the Dragon Pulse.

“Then we’ll do it again! No time to waste! Dragon Pulse!”

“Spiky Shield again!”

Deino repeated his move.

Cacturne stayed balled up. But nothing happened! He looked up at Deino and gasped.

Gardenia gasped at the same time.

Cacturne was hit by the attack. He tumbled on the ground and stayed still.

Deino was breathing hard, but so was Cacturne. It was anyone’s match.

“Don’t let up! Use your Slam and end this already!”

“Cacturne, please use your Sucker Punch!”

Cacturne’s body sparked with yellow as he struggled just to get to his knees.

Gardenia gasped. “Paralysis!”

“FROM DRAGON BREATH!!” Gary remembered, his mouth wide with happiness.

Deino Slammed right into Cacturne’s chest, toppling the Pokemon over. He stumbled a little past Cacturne and looked back, shaking his head against the storm right as it finally let up.

Cacturne was laid out, his King’s Rock off of his head.

Bane’s hand reached out to Gary. “Cacturne is unable to battle!! This match goes to Deino!”

“YEEEES!! DEINO!! That was incredible!! Great job!” Gary cheered.

“VIRE VIRE VIRE!!” Electivire pumped his fists into the air repeatedly, thrilled by the win.

“Booooooooooooooomb!” Ribombee wailed out sadly, dipping in the air.

Bane screamed out in disgust and fright, moving away from the Bug.

“Oh, Bane, my love,” Gardenia giggled.

Gary was confused and scratched his head, smirking a little, watching Gardenia gush over her “friend.” He didn’t have long to dwell on this.

There was an outcry from a number of creatures in the area, but the amount of voices heard didn’t match the number of Pokemon seen. Suddenly, a couple of Pokemon came from the trees and grass. One was a Tangrowth, but Gary didn’t recognize the second one.

Serperior. The Regal Pokemon. The final stage of the Unova Starter, Snivy. A Grass type Pokemon. With its glare alone, it ends most any battles or threats. If this is not enough, however, it will use its full strength.

The big snake and the Tangrowth looked down upon the beaten Cacturne. Serperior then slipped the King’s Rock on its head and left.

Tangrowth used its many vines to lift Cacturne and followed Serperior.

“We all take care of each other in this Gym,” Gardenia told Gary.

“That’s really cool, Gardenia.”

She nodded. “Yeah. That Paralysis ended up being my downfall. Great strategy!”

“Thank you. I guess I got a little lucky, though,” Gary admitted.

“Some might think of it that way, but I don’t. Any moves I do with status effects, and any you do, volatile or non-volatile, are all fair game! As a Grass type Gym Leader, I’m very experienced with non-volatile status effects in particular. But enough talk! Next up, I’m going with Victreebel!”

Shrieking so loud, Gary jumped and screamed in fright, a dangerous-looking Pokemon appeared from the trees! It landed in front of Deino and shrieked again.

Victreebel. The Flycatcher Pokemon. A Grass and Poison type Pokemon, and the evolved form of Weepinbell. It is said that they keep Leaf Stones to evolve their previous forms during secret rituals at night.

A fully evolved Pokemon. Should I retreat? Maybe even bring out Weepinbell? Maybe... Well, in the meantime... “Deino, let’s get focused! Dragon Pulse!”

Deino attacked right away, hitting Victreebel.

The Pokemon screeched like crazy and was forced back.

Man, that voice is annoying! Gary thought. Why does it scream like that?

“Oh, even enough to move my Victreebel, eh? Really not bad!” Gardenia said, impressed.

“What are you testing me before you make your move even though you’re faster?” Gary frowned at her.

“I’m here to bring out the best in you and see if you deserve my Badge. That’s what Gym Leaders do! But now it’s definitely my turn! Stockpile!”

Victreebel screamed again as its mouth widened and its body glowed purple.

She’s raising Defenses, Gary recognized. “Use Crunch this time!”

Deino ran for Victreebel.

“Wait!” Gardenia ordered.

Deino lunged at Cacturne with glowing jaws and... missed! He went right past Victreebel and crashed into the grass!

“Stockpile again!”

Victreebel repeated the action.

“We can’t let them do this! Deino, I need you to give this your all! Before that thing’s Defenses are too much!” Think, Gary. STRIKE! “CRUNCH!”

Deino leaped at Victreebel and bit into the Pokemon!

Victreebel was taken down by a Critical Hit!

“YYYEEEEEEESS!! CRUNCH AGAIN!!” A Crit ignores Defense boosts! But we won’t stay so lucky.

“Stockpile!”

Victreebel was way faster, boosting its Defenses one last time.

Deino jumped strongly and bit into Victreebel again, keeping a tight grip.

“Now use Sleep Powder!”

Victreebel caught Deino with ease from how close they were, spraying sparkling blue powder all over him.

Deino let go of the opponent and stumbled around, looking into the air in a daze.

“GET OUT OF THERE, DEINO!!”

Deino used Dragon Breath, just trying to clear the air. But he soon moved a lot slower, wearily, and finally fell to his face with exhaustion. Or rather, Sleep.

“DEINOOOOO!!”

“Now Poison Powder on top of that!”

Victreebel now sent out a sparkling purple powder with green sparkles over Deino.

This left Deino twitching in pain, his face flushed a dark purple.

“Now use your Growth!” Gardenia continued without missing a beat.

Light-green energy surrounded Victreebel, and the Pokemon began to look stronger, healthier, and even a little taller.

“Now Vine Whip it!”

“DEINO WAKE UUUUUP!!” Gary pleaded.

Deino remained Sleeping and was Whipped. He screamed out, waking up!

“Deino! There you go! Time to fight back!”

“Wrap attack!” Gardenia jumped in.

In the next instant, Deino was Wrapped up, struggling against Victreebel’s vine.

“Deino!! Use Dragon Pulse!! FIGHT!!” Gary insisted.

Deino blasted out Dragon Pulse, hitting Victreebel!

But Victreebel maintained its grip, squeezing all it could out of Deino.

“Deeeinooooooooo!!” Suddenly, Deino’s body went limp.

Victreebel’s Wrap let go.

Deino was dropped and didn’t move.

“Deino is unable to battle! Victreebel wins!” the referee ruled, holding out her hand to Gardenia.

Ribombee, and the entire Gym, cheered out.

Bane looked around as more Pokemon than normal appeared, and Gary recognized some, like a Butterfree, Pinsir, Paras, Parasect, some Cutiefly, and a pair of Beedrill.

Beedrill... Gary thought. Beedrill... My old Beedrill...

In the moment, Gary recalled the awkward trade he had made with the young girl back in Native Village, where his aunt and grandmother lived. The plan was to trade and then trade right back, but after finishing the trade, Team Solace had let loose a suffering Charizard to attack the village, destroying the trade machine, and the girl ran off in fear, leaving him with her Kingdra for his Beedrill.

The wild Charizard terrorizing Native Village let out a ferocious roar.

The new Trainer, Drock, standing behind the Charizard, let out a terrified scream and turned to Gary. “JUST KEEP HER!! PLEASE!!” Her head shook frantically as she stumbled backwards. “TAKE GOOD CARE OF HER!! I LOVE HER!! PLEASE!! I’M SO SORRY!!” She ran away as fast as she could.

“Electivire.”

Gary shook his head, returning back to the match, and then he turned to Electivire who was staring back. He inhaled shakily and stared back out at the field, spotting the two Beedrill.

Gary had raised his old Beedrill since he caught it in Viridian Forest as just a Weedle. His third Pokemon ever. The second he had caught himself.

Gary shook his head. This isn’t the time, he told himself, exhaling. “RETURN!” He recalled Deino. “Thank you, man. This isn’t over, though. Keep watch!” Let’s see... A Poison and Grass type. Yeah, Charizard has this handled... In fact, I bet even my Weepinbell could take on this and it’d be great for his morale! But my new guys... We can still do this! I need to raise everyone, right? He got his Poke Ball in his hand. “You’re next!” He threw the ball.

“Kirlia!” Kirlia spun in place and then stopped in a ballerina pose.

“Ah, a Psychic type now, huh? Interesting choice! Just remember, you’re half Fairy, too!” Gardenia winked.

“You just keep the Psychic part in mind, Gardenia! PSYCHIC ATTACK!!” Gary demanded.

“Use Sleep Powder!” Gardenia countered.

Victreebel screeched out, spewing out the Sleep Powder.

Kirlia used Psychic, deflecting the move away and continued straight for Victreebel, harming it and sending it back.

“Victreebel, use your Razor Leaf, then!”

“Teleport!”

Victrebeel waved its leaves, releasing razor-sharp leaves at Kirlia.

Kirlia’s Teleport got him around all of them and he remained safe.

Victreebel’s vine ascended, glowing light green, and the vine swept out for Kirlia.

“Psychic attack!” Gary decided.

Victreebel’s vine was far quicker and hit Kirlia.

Kirlia slid on his back. Grunting out, he sat up and his eyes glowed purple.

Victreebel was surrounded in the same color and held in it as it slowly ascended.

Kirlia groaned with the effort to keep the opponent up.

Victreebel yelled out annoyingly, squirming in the attack.

What seemed like a while passed, Kirlia keeping Victreebel captive.

Gardenia watching with hard eyes.

Gary with the look of determination.

Finally, Kirlia let out his breath with weariness and released Victreebel.

Victreebel collapsed in a heap. And then got back up! It screamed shrilly with power.

Man, that voice is annoying... Gary thought with irritation. I have to get rid of this thing, and hope her final Pokemon won’t be so damn loud. “One more Psychic should end this! GO!” Gary pointed.

“Swallow!” Gardenia said.

Victreebell took a big GULP! and sparkling energy rose up its body. Afterwards, it was hit by the Psychic. It slid along the grass from the blow but got up easily.

“After three Stockpiles, a Swallow fully recovers the health of the user,” Gardenia grinned. “So you know what’s next! Stockpile again!”

Victreebel repeated the move, boosting its Defenses once more.

Gary’s shoulders slumped. This is worse than before with Cacturne, he accepted. If I don’t start thinking, I’m done! But what can I do? Gary racked his brain, trying to make a decision. His eyes widened. Of course! “HYPNOSIS!!”

“Victreebel, Leaf Blade!”

Victreebel’s attack shot out swiftly, taking down Kirlia.

Gary’s teeth tightened. Please no! he pleaded silently.

Kirlia was on his back, shivering in pain, his eyes closed and his face scrunched up. He breathed out, raising his head. His eyes opened, glowing blue, and several illusions of his eyes came out for Victreebel.

“Victreebel!” Gardenia cried.

Hypnosis hit, and Victreebel swayed around in a daze before collapsing, fast Asleep!

“Kirlia! I’m counting on you right now!” Gary’s heart was thumping harder than the police trying to kick down the door to the home of a criminal; louder than gunshots in a gang war! He trembled with the urge to WIN! “You can do this!! Dream Eater!”

“Kirliaaaaaaa!!” Kirlia held out his arms. His eyes glowed red, and a shadow-like version of himself came out from his body and hit the Sleeping Victreebel.

Victreebel jumped, collapsing right after. It was still Asleep!

“Victreebel! Please! Oh, no! Wake up!” Gardenia begged.

Gary couldn’t believe it! They had practiced it back in Kanto and failed, but it finally worked out when needed! “Take full advantage and use it again, Kirlia!”

Kirlia was looking a lot healthier and he used the move again, further recovering his energy by draining health from the Sleeping Victreebel!

Victreebel was still Asleep, meaning he was still able to fight.

“Victreebel!!” Gardenia called.

“KIRLIAAAA!!” Gary pointed.

Kirlia struck yet again.

Victreebel’s eyes popped open and it shrieked out as it stood up. And finally dropped.

“Victreebel is unable to battle! Kirlia is the winner of this round!” Bane determined, holding out her hand to Gary’s side.

Gary was cheering, making tight fists in a challenge to stop them from shaking from excitement. They were clenched so hard it hurt, but he refused to relax them. In fact, he didn’t think he could! The pain was only pumping him up even more, and filling his brain and body with the determined, insistent feeling to get the Badge!

Electivire was grinning big with his huge arms crossed, nodding with approval. “Vire! Vire!”

Ribombee was freaking out Bane with disappointed wails, the other Pokemon of the Gym also showing their sorrow.

Now, it was Tangrowth again returning to the field, this time accompanied by a different Pokemon.

It was a beautiful, walking flower of a Pokemon. While Tangrowth carried the body of the fallen Pokemon, the flower wasn’t doing much of a thing to help, only holding up the long, drooping vine which was so long, it still was dragging.

Lilligant. The Flowering Pokemon. The evolved form of Petilil. A Grass type Pokemon. The effort of care required for a Lilligant’s flower atop their head is extremely difficult and wild ones are said to be unmatched by trained ones, despite even celebrity-level efforts. The aroma the flower emits is said to have relaxing effects on those nearby.

Lilligant and Tangrowth were soon gone, taking away Victreebel.

“I gotta say, you put up quite the effort to make it this far! But believe me, Gary. This last one is gonna give you a run for your money!” She didn’t say anything further, simply pointing.

At once, the ground began to quake.

“What’s going on??” Gary yelled out, trying to keep his balance.

Birds flew off from the tops of a pair of very small trees. Critters ran off the ground that was by those very trees.

All while those two small trees themselves ascended from the ground! That section of the ground itself was rising, shaking the entire Gym! Soon, a face could be seen, along with four stumps like legs under the rising ground. And after all that, the separated ground was stomping towards Kirlia!

Kirlia looked stunned, not believing what he was seeing.

Please, please, please be a Pokemon, Gary pleaded, pointing his Pokedex at the monster.

Torterra. The Continent Pokemon. The final stage of the Sinnoh Starter, Turtwig. A Grass and Ground type Pokemon. Commensalism is common on the back of this Pokemon, providing stable and secure housing for other creatures to live atop. The ancients believed that beneath the Earth, giant Torterra resided, and their sudden movements caused natural disasters like earthquakes.

Oh, thank goodness, Gary breathed out in relief, though still stunned at the moving earth. Grass and Ground, did it say? Gardenia’s making sure I earn this damn Badge! But we can do it for sure! “Hypnosis, once more! Let’s finish this!”

“Torterra, Iron Head!”

Torterra moved frighteningly fast, stomping for Kirlia after its forehead was covered in a bright, jagged, shiny pattern!

Kirlia was using Hypnosis, the several images of his eyes hitting Torterra.

“TERRRAAAAAAAA!!!” Torterra continued charging, ignoring the Hypnosis!

“Kirlia!! Get out of the way!!” Gary shouted, shocked.

“Kirliaaaaaaaaa!!” Kirlia yelled out helplessly.

“RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!” Torterra crashed into Kirlia, sending him flying.

Kirlia tumbled and ended up flat on his back. “Kirrrlll...”

“Kirlia!! You’re okay! GET UP!!” Gary commanded.

“Kirl...” He choked out, sitting up.

Gary’s eyes widened. “LOOK!”

Gardenia gasped, the referee staring in shock.

Torterra landed its hit, but now, it was fast Asleep! Hypnosis had gotten through after all!

“Kirlia! This is it!! Dream Eater right now!!”

Kirlia’s attack got no reaction out of Torterra, who continued snoozing.

“Torterra, can you hear me? It’s time to get up and strike back!” Gardenia called.

“Not before we attack again! Kirlia, once more!”

Kirlia’s eyes glowed red, a shadow version of himself going for the Grass type.

“Frenzy Plant!” Gardenia exclaimed.

Torterra’s eyes popped open. They glowed light green, its body glowing green. It ROOOOOOAAARRRRED!!!

The entire Gym shook powerfully, Gary forced to one knee, one hand also on the ground as he watched.

Giant roots burst out of the ground like a horror movie. They were all covered in huge spikes and shot out towards Kirlia.

“KIRLIA TELEPORT!!” Gary shouted.

It was too late. The roots smacked into Kirlia from every angle.

“Kiiiiiiiiiiirliaaaaaaaaa!!” Kirlia flipped through the air violently, crashing to the ground and laying still.

“Kirlia is unable to battle! Torterra is the winner!” Bane nodded, her hand out to Gardenia.

Gardenia giggled at Bane, her face glowing now as the Pokemon of the Gym celebrated.

Bane looked back with adoration for the Gym Leader. This ended swiftly as Ribombee floated backwards in front of her face and made her swat outward and then scream out as she fell from her platform.

“Bane!” Gardenia called out, an awkward smile on her face as Bane lifted her head a bit.

Electivire was grumbling, shaking his lowered head.

“Kirlia, that was really great work! Take a rest now! Just watch when we win this Badge!” Gary said seriously, returning him. Charizard would mow this thing down, but I’m trying to raise my newer guys, he thought as Bane got back to her spot. Who do I have left? Sabrina... Umm...

If I just go with Weepinbell, I know we’ve got the win. But there’s also one more guy who can fight, who I don’t want to fall out of practice with, and I know this one is one I need to control better than any other Pokemon I own. But is it really wise to bring it out now though? During a Gym match? It’s as unpredictable as they come. Do I need him now? Can I risk it? Can I risk not? He grabbed the Poke Ball. This only benefits us all choosing it. I need everyone to understand how important this journey is for us all. Not just me, but all of us together need to grow. I can’t keep depending on the same guys! Gary pulled his arm back, and while throwing the ball forward, he screamed in his head, We all have to get STRONGERRRR!!

The ball burst open in the air and sent out his final choice.

Its separated head spun over its body, and a powerful, deafening screech erupted throughout the building and into the sky.

Fluttering birds and their accompanying caws passed by in the skies overhead.

Gardenia, Bane, Gary, Electivire, and all the other Pokemon in the Gym screamed, covered their ears or scrambled about in a frenzy!

Electivire was sending out zaps of electricity while freaking out and infuriated.

By the time Porygon-Z went quiet, the entire place was in a daze.

Gary was groaning on his back, his hands over his ears. “Why do I put myself through this all the time...?” he moaned. His eyes moved over the area around him and finally stopped when he saw Porygon-Z. Right in front of his face! Gary screamed, and Porygon-Z screeched again in response to this reaction!

Everyone was made completely helpless to this shrill, ear-shredding noise.

I’m not bringing this brat to a battle again! Gary promised. We are done!

This time, the screeching seemed to be a lot shorter and less stressful.

Gary was breathing hard but steadily. I’m okay, he knew. I can fight through this. But why does it do this?? I should’ve just stuck with-

“Gary, what is that?!” a voice called out.

With his sore ears and dizzy head, Gary wasn’t able to tell who was speaking at first. He managed to his knees and looked out wearily, and his eyes landed on Gardenia.

The Gym Leader was just getting to her feet, still holding the sides of her head. Her eyes were squinted, looking out to Gary. “Is this an actual Screech attack or are you cheating right now?”

“We are not cheating!” Gary insisted, getting to his own feet. “Porygon-Z! Enough of the crap already! It’s time to battle!”

Porygon-Z was floating throughout the Gym, greeting a variety of Pokemon! It even went over to the Ribombee that was bothering Bane. But once it noticed Gary was glaring at it, Porygon-Z seemed to focus, no longer having its face in front of a Gloom, and returned to the battle, now staring at the opponent Torterra.

This is it, Gary repeated. No more after this, Porygon-Z. This warmup thing of yours is too much!

“Electivirrre!!!” Electivire let out shrilly, walking past Gary. His voice might have even cracked, actually, with how high it went. He looked ready to jump into the match and replace Torterra to take on Porygon-Z himself!

Gary grabbed his arm. “Hey! Come on, man! Please!”

Electivire kept stomping forward, dragging Gary who clung to his arm for his life!

“This is for my Gym match! Don’t!” the boy begged, and Electivire actually stopped. Gary got his footing back. “I need him!” Gary was holding back Electivire, taking him backwards one slow step at a time, but he knew the huge brute was able to toss him with a simple flick and was allowing Gary to pull him back, putting up a struggle Gary knew wasn’t even an ounce of his true power. With constant growls from the Pokemon, Gary got them both out of the battlefield. Unable to move the Pokemon back any further, Gary still held on, unsure if he should let go. Scared. “Just let me get this Badge, man. We’re so close.”

“Vire!” Electivire gave a sharp shake of his arm, freeing himself. Gary was sure the Pokemon was going to charge into the match, but instead, Electivire took him by surprise, keeping his eyes on the field but walking away, backwards.

Gary sighed out, watching as Electivire stopped and then crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m gonna fix this, okay? Just trust me.” His eyebrows narrowed and he turned to the battle. This may be it for me and Porygon-Z after today, though. He took his spot. “Porygon-Z! The games are over! Win this match! Start with Zap Cannon!!”

Porygon-Z’s body shivered and sparked with yellow electricity before a black and yellow sparking ball appeared in front of it. With a shrill yell, it shot the ball at Torterra.

It was a perfect hit, landing right in Torterra’s face! But the move did nothing!

Staring closer now, Gary noticed there were a bunch of Pokemon on the back of Torterra! A Spearow flapped its wings but maintained its position while cawing out sharply, a couple of Ledyba flew off the Pokemon’s back and into the other trees on the field, and other things scampered along its back.

“Well that was a waste of a move, Gary. You have a whole free turn to weaken us but forgot that Torterra is part Ground. Electric moves do nothing to him!” Gardenia informed Gary.

“Crap!” Gary let out. “I did forget!”

“That’s right! And that’s gonna cost you! It’s our turn now! Earthquake!”

Torterra stood on his hind legs and then slammed to the ground.

As the ground quaked, causing several in the Gym to scream and fall, Gary wondered how this move would hit his floating Pokemon as he himself was taken down to his knees. It doesn’t have any Ability or active move to keep it up, but it’s still in the air, he watched curiously. Did she make a mis-? “HEY!” Gary couldn’t believe what he was seeing!

Though Porygon-Z was indeed in the air, it looked about itself in confusion and started rocking and tumbling and crying out! It then lowered to the ground and became victim to the Earthquake! Wailing out, it tumbled along the ground.

“Porygon-Z! What happened??”

“Well, you know, that’s the most interesting thing!” Gardenia said cheerfully, her hands on her waist, having kept her balance. “Flying types, Pokemon with the Levitate Ability, and naturally floating Pokemon like Porygon-Z, all have such an interesting relationship with Ground moves! Of the three, the natural floaters are the most susceptible to taking the damage, but can usually avoid it just fine. But in reality, all three just need to be on the ground to take a Ground move like Earthquake! And then there’s the floaters who can fly to get away from Ground moves, but aren’t the Flying type, like Beedrill! Funny, isn’t it?” She let out some laughter.

Getting back to his feet, Gary laughed weakly for only a second, his mind going back to his Beedrill again.

Bane was laughing now, too. That is until Ribombee started laughing and floating closer to her face, and the woman shivered from her head to her toes, leaning back while squeaking out fright.

Gary shook his head lightly, but then his eyebrows narrowed. The match! He turned to the battle.

Porygon-Z was only just getting up from the attack, Torterra watching patiently, not moving.

“Well it hit. That’s what matters. Porygon-Z, get back up! Let’s do this!”

“Only if you’re quick enough! A Frenzy Plant should end this!” Gardenia jumped in.

“Conversion 2!”

Porygon-Z glowed brightly. Its glowing body separated into separate blocks before coming back together, the glow going away. Now, the Pokemon had a beautiful, very light shade of purple color coating its body!

Torterra’s Frenzy Plant started, vines bursting through the ground and smacking into Porygon-Z.

Porygon-Z was taken down but floated back up after a moment, shivering for a couple of seconds.

“Oh, no! It’s changed type! Is that Poison?? No. It’s Flying, isn’t it?” Gardenia looked frustrated.

Awesome! Gary smiled, amazed. So it became Flying. This move is so cool! Even an experienced Trainer like Gardenia is gonna have difficulty battling such a rare Pokemon with such a rare move. This is exactly why I needed Porygon-Z! This is the experience I need, as its owner! To be a true Pokemon Master! And on that note! “Conversion 2 again!”

Porygon-Z used the move again, and when it was rebuilt it was now wearing a green coating!

Gardenia gasped, her hands to her cheeks. After letting out a shrill scream while seeming to float in the air like a fairy, her face glowing with a delighted smile and her happy fists by her twinkling eyes, she squealed out, “And now it’s a Grass type!”

Gary was racking his brain, trying to think of what his next move should be. His eyes widened while he was thinking.

Porygon-Z floated as patiently as ever.

Torterra looked back to his Trainer!

She’s stuck, just like me! Gary realized. Screw it! Just attack!! “Use Tri Attack!!”

There were three dots that appeared, making the ends of a triangle. One was red, another yellow, and the last one blue. They appeared around Porygon-Z’s head. A transparent, white triangle appeared, connected by the dots. Porygon-Z shouted, and the attack flew for Torterra.

“Torterra!!” Gardenia called out as her Pokemon was hit.

Torterra roared out, sliding backwards and settling down weakly.

Doesn’t look like any Status effects occurred, Gary noted. And as a Grass type, there was no STAB, either. So what’s next? Um... Conversion does... Screw it, Conversion 2 changes based on... Uh... Shit! I can’t remember!

“Torterra, use Crunch!!”

“TORTERRRAAAAAA!!” Torterra’s jaws glowed as he stomped for Porygon-Z.

“Conversion 2!” Gary blurted out. I hope it does what I need it to. I can’t remember right now!

Porygon-Z now went a much lighter shade of green. It then wailed out as Torterra’s Crunch landed. It was released and hit the ground weakly.

What is it now? Gary wondered. It’s a much lighter color, but that’s green, right?

“So Porygon-Z has gone yellow-green...” Gardenia was squinting with interest. “It has to be the Bug type, now! Boy, this sure is a mind workout, huh, kid?” She laughed.

It sure is, Gary kept to himself, his face flinching back and forth, in and out of a sneer at his Pokemon. This is downright annoying! I have no idea what I’m doing, really! He pulled out his Pokedex. “Porygon-Z, Recover!” I need more time to think!

“Then we’ll just use Crunch again!”

Conversion. This Normal type move changes the user’s type to the type of one of the user’s specific moves, unless the user’s type is the same as the selected move.

That’s right! Gary remembered now.

Porygon-Z glowed bright gold as it recovered health. But it screamed out again as it was Crunched on by Torterra. Now weakened again on the ground, Porygon-Z started crying! Like a complete baby, its appendages flapped around, smacking at the ground, and its head even collapsed as it whined, wailed, and made absolutely maddening noises!

Gary was so embarrassed and infuriated beyond rage, and wanted to just cry himself! Why now?! Not during my Gym battle!! His eyes teared up. He blinked. No. “NO!” Gary ordered. If I lose it, my Pokemon won’t be able to fare any better! “We do this together, Porygon-Z!” his voice cracked. Get yourself together, Gary! he scolded himself. “Don’t be afraid!” he spoke strongly. “I know it’s a little scary, but don’t let the changes get to you! Let’s figure this out together and pull off this win! Porygon-Z, GET UP!!”

Porygon-Z’s crying lessened significantly.

“This is truly the most cutest thing!” Gardenia gushed. “I hate to make this any worse, but I won’t lose to cuteness! Go for Crunch again!”

Oh, no! Gary watched as Torterra went for his Pokemon with glowing jaws. Tri Attack? We’re not Normal! It’s not as useful! Gary shouted internally. But-!

Torterra was getting closer!

“Porygon-Z! Conversion 2! QUICK!” Gary knew in his heart and mind that he was going for a desperation move, but he also knew that he was throwing off the Gym Leader! Or so he hoped!

Porygon-Z was off the ground in an instant and was transforming, changing its type. Now, it was a very light-pink color!

Torterra’s Dark type Crunch did little to Porygon-Z.

Gary’s Pokemon just floated above, looking down at Torterra, twitching and maneuvering oddly.

Gardenia let out an aggravated grunt, baring her teeth.

This made Gary smile big, watching her.

“Fairy? Fine! Iron Head, now!!” Gardenia responded to the change.

Torterra’s forehead glowed brightly with a jagged, bright, shiny shape in front of it.

Gary’s smile vanished and he focused again on the match. “Use Agility, Porygon-Z!”

With a whine, Gary’s Pokemon moved around the field, letting out a happy yell as if it were on a ride at an amusement park.

Torterra’s Iron Head missed by a mere second!

Gardenia laughed so cutely, delighted. “It’s having fun!!” she pointed at Porygon-Z.

Gary rolled his eyes, his body trembling. “Way too close, Gary,” he mumbled. “Recover again!”

Porygon-Z stopped and used Recover, healing itself some more.

“That will only get you but so far! Iron Head, Torterra!”

They’re not letting up! We need to end this, now! Gary knew. I tried my best, but with all my practicing and studying, I still didn’t prepare enough! This could cost us! “Keep moving!” I need to create space and take our best shot.

Porygon-Z was avoiding move after move from Torterra, originally outspeeding him naturally, but now overwhelmingly too quick.

“Recover!” Gary repeated.

His Pokemon glowed as it circled around and came to a stop behind the large Pokemon.

“Easy... Easy...” Gardenia spoke gently.

Torterra stopped moving as he faced Porygon-Z.

Gary’s eyes widened. “Porygon-Z look out!”

Porygon-Z’s glow went away as it got closer to Torterra’s face.

“Now CRUNCH!!” Gardenia pointed.

This startled all Pokemon and people in the Gym, Torterra lunging forward and gripping Porygon-Z with Crunch! He then released his victim.

Porygon-Z cried out and tumbled on the ground. Its light-pink body now flashed blue for a moment.

“That’s it! Lowered Defense! Just what I was hoping for!” Gardenia sounded excited. “End this match here! Iron Head!!”

“Porygon-Z!” Gary held out his Pokedex. His eyes focused on what he was seeing.

Torterra leaped to deliver the attack, coming down upon Porygon-Z.

Porygon-Z cried out helplessly.

“TAKE THE HIT PORYGON-Z!!”

Electivire jumped, startled by the order.

Gardenia gasped, squinting at the boy. “What??”

“Aim a Shadow Ball at his stomach!!”

A black and purple ball surrounded by black static formed in front of Porygon-Z right when Torterra connected using Iron Head.

Torterra roared out and slid backwards on his feet as he was hit, too. His body then glowed blue!

No way! We got the drop! Gary smiled. The Special Defense drop! “Porygon-Z! PLEASE!!” Signal Beam is Bug, but doesn’t Ground resist that? I can’t remember!

Torterra shook his head.

Porygon-Z remained down.

“NO!! SH-SIGNAL BEAM!!”

Porygon-Z stirred.

“It’s still able to fight!” Gardenia gasped, turning to Bane for a second.

A light-blue ball appeared in front of Porygon-Z's head. Still on the ground, Porygon-Z tilted its head towards Torterra and let loose a rainbow-colored beam.

“TERRRRRR!” Torterra slid back some more but remained standing, rising up the dirt he slid through. He then stumbled and fell over.

Porygon-Z floated up into the air, twisting, leaning, and turning around, keeping its gaze on Torterra.

“It can’t take this! Especially not with a lowered Defense! Wood Hammer! Bring it down!” Gardenia reached out desperately.

Wood Hammer... Gary thought.

Torterra’s body was outlined in a light-green aura and, almost magically, a huge stump appeared over the Pokemon, about half the size of Torterra himself, and also outlined in light-green. The stump came down for Porygon-Z!

So many Grass moves... Gary smiled and took in a deep breath, betting everything on his next words. “Add Conversion, too!”

Porygon-Z started to glow, and then it was hit, a cloud of dust rising as the Pokemon was smashed into the ground.

Everyone watched in awe and discomfort.

“Electivire...” Electivire looked at Gary suspiciously, one eye more open than the other, an invisible eyebrow raised.

“Gary! Did you get confused by how Conversion 2 works?” Gardenia called out. “You were faster! You did the move before we hit you. You took a Steel type move last! So... Wait - I think I’m getting confused myself!” she now was chuckling with her eyes cutely closed, her face getting red with embarrassment. “I mean, either way, you couldn’t possibly survive a physical move that powerful with a lowered De-” Gardenia stopped talking, her face showing she couldn’t believe her eyes.

It was a rather incredible sight to see!

Porygon-Z, now Bug-green again, was forcing itself against the Wood Hammer that had forced it down!

“THERE’S NO WAY!!” Gardenia looked back and forth between Gary and the two Pokemon battling. “HOW??”

“I never said Conversion 2, Gardenia. I said Conversion, also,” the boy winked.

Gardenia looked confused for a moment, but a smile finally crossed her face. She let out a single, weak laugh. “You have got to be kidding me.”

“Signal Beam again!”

Porygon-Z launched the move once more.

Torterra fell back and dropped. His eyes were closed tight.

“Then use Crunch!” Gardenia was starting to look desperate.

“Signal Beam, Porygon-Z!”

Torterra’s eyes opened. They were glowing red. Torterra was Confused!

Porygon-Z launched its Signal Beam, forcing Torterra back so far, Gardenia was able to reach out and she touched his back.

“Torterra! Oh, no! You’re Confused!” She pulled her hand back quickly.

“TOOOOOOOOORRRRR!” Torterra raged, standing and waving his head wildly. He then charged forth, heading for Porygon-Z.

Gary froze, along with Porygon-Z. Now what??

“Electivire!!” Electivire shouted.

Torterra made a turn out of nowhere. “TERRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!” He slammed right into a tree! Groaning, he stumbled backwards, his eyes tight. “Terra... Toooorrr...”

“Signal Beam!” Gary jumped at the chance as Torterra had just hurt himself in his Confusion.

Porygon-Z yelled out and blasted at Torterra again.

“TERRAAAAAAAAAA!!!” Torterra fell hard, ending up on his side. He then fell flat on his stomach.

“Torterra is unable to battle!” Bane pointed out to Gary and Porygon-Z. “Porygon-Z is the winner!”

Gardenia turned to her, her mouth hanging open.

“Sorry,” Bane winked, “but Gary is the winner!!” She turned to Gary with a huge smile.

“YEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!” Gary let out at the top of his lungs, matching with the mournful wailing of the Pokemon of the Gym, and he ran onto the field, leaping towards his Pokemon as it flew into him. Landing on his feet, he kept Porygon-Z in his arms. “I... I can’t...” Gary was crying. He could hardly speak!

“That’s some bond you’ve got with that Pokemon, kid.”

“Huh?” Gary looked up to see that Gardenia had walked onto the field.

She smiled at him. “You said, Conversion, too. Sure. But your Pokemon knew what you were trying to say. Rather than using Conversion 2,” she held up two fingers, “it did Conversion.”

“I didn’t mean for it to be so confusing. It honestly was just an accident! I shouldn’t have said, ‘too.’ That could have been a total failure and a loss. I was betting on a lot during that match. I was learning, and-” Gary stopped talking.

“You were testing me, too,” Gardenia spoke. She walked over and stopped right in front of him. “You took a huge chance and tested an actual Gym Leader, and I failed. I should have known better. I thank you, Gary. You surpassed me in a few ways that I never saw coming.”

“No! I just got lucky, Gardenia!” Gary insisted, shocked by her words. “I hardly knew what I was doing if I’m honest right now.”

“And yet,” Gardenia held out an object she kept in her hand.

It looked like three diamond-shaped, green objects connected to each other. The biggest of the three shapes was in between the other two that matched in size. Each shape was outlined in silver, with a spear of silver coming up from the underside and stopping in the middle of the green.

“The Forest Badge is more than deserved by you and your beautiful team of friends,” Gardenia spoke. “You earned this, Gary. You two have the best connection between a Pokemon and their Trainer that I’ve seen in a long time!”

“But you and your entire Gym have a connection unheard of, Gardenia!” Gary insisted, not sure how he felt about taking this Badge. He knew he earned it, but he couldn’t downplay how lucky he had gotten by pulling a bunch of tricks he barely understood, himself.

“And that’s why I said you two have a great connection. Two.” She raised two fingers on the hand still holding the Badge. “Not, also.” She gave a wink and giggled.

Gary felt like rolling his eyes. I think this joke has gone far enough. He ended up laughing in the moment. Then, he took the Badge from her and smiled as it sat upon his palm. “Yeah. Me and all of my friends!” He grabbed his Poke Balls from his waist, sending out his Pokemon.

Charizard roared, extending his wings and shooting fire into the air.

Kirlia appeared, taking a ballerina-like pose.

Weepinbell bounced in place and seemed to happily take in the forest.

Deino appeared but sat down quickly after, still tired.

Sabrina cawed out strongly and then came down to stand.

Gary held the new Badge high in the air. “Our fourth Badge, everyone! The Forest Badge! WE DID IT!!”

All of Gary’s Pokemon cheered.

Even Electivire was nodding while mumbling to himself with his eyes closed, his large arms crossed over his chest.

A Pokemon appeared from the trees, along with a Tangrowth. This new Pokemon was maybe a foot shorter than Tangrowth. They both helped Torterra up and escorted him off, away from the field and into the trees.

“Oh, Meganium!” Gardenia laughed.

Gary wasn’t sure why she was laughing, but he pulled out his Pokedex to scan the Pokemon that was new to him. But he wasn’t listening to what it was saying.

Rather, he was thinking about what Gardenia had told him earlier.

Questioning just how close he and Porygon-Z really were.

And the true answer to that affecting exactly what happened during Conversion 2.

Versus Conversion, too.