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Pokemon Opal and Garnet

Discussion in 'Literature Library' started by oghond, Jun 11, 2017.

  1. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
    Level 15
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Posts:
    248
    PokéPoints:
    ₽633.8
    Are we allowed to post stories with your own original Pokémon in it? Because if so, here's the prologue to my Pokémon fanfiction, Pokémon Opal and Garnet! Enjoy!

    Prolouge: How They Made the Devolver

    The day was dawning in a Pokémon laboratory, far off in the region of Feluv. It was a place that contained all sorts of new Pokémon and, as far as Pokémon scientists knew, was extremely close to Kalos. In fact, you could actually take a bridge from Feluv’s Medela City to Kalos’s Lumiose City. For many years, scientists in this lab had created all sorts of new, industrial technology. They made the Talking Spirits, which were devices that could allow Pokémon speech to be translated. They made the EvoPhone, a music-playing device that could detect- and show new animations for- evolutions. And they made the Obstructive Binocular System One, or OB-1, which was an EvoPhone app that could allow you to get in touch with released Pokémon. Now, they were working to answer an age-old question: Why, after a Pokémon evolved, did it have to be stuck in its evolved form? The scientists wanted an answer to this question, as it would be critical to their research for a new device that would allow them to do the impossible.

    They wanted to devolve a Pokémon.

    However, it seemed as though there was no way it would ever be done. No matter how many tests they did, it merely looked impossible. Often, the scientists would find themselves wallowing in their sorrows over one of their failed tests. Still, no matter what happened, the scientists were optimistic. They kept on trying, always hoping that they would someday find a way to devolve a Pokémon.

    One day, the scientists were hard at work, looking at DNA samples of Mega Evolved Pokémon in hopes of finding out why devolution was possible in them, but not in regular Pokémon. As the scientists were working, though, they suddenly heard a cry from across the room.

    “I FOUND IT, GENTLEMEN! I FOUND IT!”

    At this, the scientists in the room all stopped what they were doing and turned to see their chief executive running towards them. He stopped in the middle of the lab as the others crowded around him, curious.

    “You found it?” asked one of them. “Found what?”

    “The cause of non-devolution!” the scientist announced, waving papers he was holding up in the air. “I’ve been researching why Pokémon can’t devolve for years now, and I believe that I have found the solution.”

    The other scientists in the lab gasped. This had been what they’d waited for for years. If this were true, then this would be a major scientific breakthrough.

    “What is it?” one of them asked.

    “Simple,” the chief scientist explained. “The whole reason why a Pokémon can’t devolve is because after evolution, its DNA changes completely.” He handed the papers he was holding to another scientist, then continued: “I have recorded DNA samples from a Larvell and a Bellcoon, and as you can see, their DNA structure is entirely different. There can be only one solution.”

    “And that is…?”

    “That is, we switch the DNA of the Bellcoon with the DNA of the Larvell. Once the Pokémon’s complete DNA genetic combination has been restored, devolution will be an absolute guarantee.” The chief scientist reached into his pocket and pulled out a card, which he then showed to all the other scientists. “I have scanned this card and have loaded the complete DNA structure of a Larvell. If all goes well, we will find the solution we have been searching for for 20 years. And now…”- he turned on his TST device- “for the test. Bellcoon, go!”

    At those words, he threw a Master Ball onto the area that had been used for testing in past experiments. A blue light shot out of it, which then formed itself into a pink cocoon-like Pokémon resembling a small bell. On either side of its body were huge, yellow eyes that seemed to be constantly closed, as if it were in a deep slumber. Four lines connected the eyes. Underneath its bell-like body were two, yellow, much smaller bells. It seemed to float in mid-air, like some kind of bell-shaped alien spaceship. The Bellcoon looked around for a bit, confused as to where it was, it looked at the scientists, and automatically a monotone, female voice spoke out of the Talking Spirit device.

    -Okay, three things: where am I, why am I here, and what are you planning to do with me?-

    “Simple, my little Jean-Marie,” the scientist replied, addressing the Bellcoon by its (or, rather, her) nickname. “I’m going to be using you for devolution testing.”

    -You mean you’re going to try and make me a Larvell again?- Jean-Marie replied, a bit skeptical. She scoffed. -Not possible.-

    “Ah, but it will be,” the scientist corrected. “Assuming everything goes well, we’ll have you back to being a Larvell in no time at all! Now… FOR THE TEST! DEVOLUTION ACTIVATE IN 3… 2… 1!”

    He slashed his card. Instantly, a green light shot out of the card as it transferred the Larvell’s DNA to Jean-Marie, who all of a sudden began to glow in a green light. Her body suddenly began to spin like a tornado, as the light grew brighter. DNA strands began flying everywhere as the scientists all looked on, hope and anxiety evident on their faces. Could this be the devolution they’d been waiting for? The light grew brighter still, and eventually got so blinding that the scientists had to cover their eyes. As this was happening, the green ball of light suddenly began to shake uncontrollably. Then, before any of the other scientists could make a move-

    KA-BOOM!

    The green ball of light exploded, covering the entire lab in smoke. The scientists coughed for a few minutes as the smoke cleared. When it finally did, the scientists looked around the room- and gasped as they saw that Jean-Marie was gone. Had she escaped, they wondered? Worried, the chief scientist began searching the lab, calling out his Pokémon’s name.

    “Jean-Marie! Oh, Jean-Marie! Where are you?”

    Then- a signal. A high-pitched female voice spoke.

    -I’m under your desk! Wow, everything seems so big…-

    Hopeful, the chief executive looked under the table. But instead of seeing a Bellcoon, a different Pokémon caught his eye. This one was a caterpillar like Pokémon that was also pink and also had two yellow eyes. It didn’t have real legs, per se, but it had bells for legs instead. This Pokémon was a Larvell, the pre-evolved form of Bellcoon. The chief scientist suddenly recognized this. His eyes were wide with shock as he began to fully comprehend what had happened.

    “J-Jean-Marie?” He stammered. “Is it really you?!”

    -Yes, it’s me, it’s me!- Jean-Marie cried cheerfully. -I’m so happy to see you again!-

    The chief scientist’s eyes filled up with tears as he realized it. He had accomplished the impossible. This was the same Jean-Marie that had been his test Bellcoon. He had actually devolved a Pokémon. Happily, he picked up the Larvell Jean-Marie and held her up in the air, crying out one word:

    “SUCCESS!”

    A major scientific breakthrough, indeed.
     
  2. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
    Level 15
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Posts:
    248
    PokéPoints:
    ₽633.8
    A question for the fans: can you guess what the Feluv region, The Dusknoir of the Nimbasa Theatre, and the Pikachisney company are based on?

    Pokémon Opal and Garnet
    Chapter 1: A Bell Ringing Conscience
    The Feluv region. It was a place far off from any other Pokémon region- except for Kalos. The people and Pokémon in Feluv visited the people and Pokémon in Kalos quite often, and vice versa. In the world where Feluv was located, strange creatures known as Pokémon inhabited the land. They could be found in all corners of the globe, from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans. Humans and Pokémon had a strong bond with one another, and the Pokémon would often be used for play or for battle.

    Trainers began their journeys at the age of fifteen, and started their journey in Komoka Town. The town itself was usually a busy one, for a town. Today, however, it was mostly silent. Nobody had gotten up out of their beds yet, except for a young aspiring Trainer. And the only sound that could be heard in any of the houses was that Trainer’s TV blaring the opening lines of the title song in The Dusknoir of the Nimbasa Theatre.

    The Trainer that was watching this whole scene unfold on the TV in front of her was a fifteen-year-old Trainer named Kaylie Rogers. Kaylie was tall for her age, with dirty blond hair and bright blue eyes which she inherited from her dead father. She was a very optimistic, excitable person who was always focused on the positive side of life. More than anything, she longed one day to have a Pokémon of her own, and now that she was fifteen, her dream was finally about to come true. She also was an avid fan of musicals, and The Dusknoir of the Nimbasa Theatre was her personal favorite.

    As the second verse of the song began, Kaylie sat up in bed and turned off the TV. She then let out an excitable squeal. Today was finally the day that her journey would begin, and she couldn’t wait to get a Pokémon of her very own. Excited, she turned to her mother’s Pikachu and squealed again.

    “Isn’t this exciting, Pikachu?!” she gushed happily. “I’ve been waiting so long to get a Pokémon of my own, and my time has finally arrived! I’ve got to head over to Professor Maple’s lab right away!”

    “Chu ka~!” Pikachu cried happily, waving to her. (Good luck!)

    “Thanks!” Kaylie called back, and with that, she immediately grabbed her Dusknoir DVD case and rushed off to the lab- without forgetting to say goodbye to her mother, of course.

    Kaylie was about halfway to the lab when she suddenly heard a voice call out from behind her.

    “Excuse me, are you Kaylie Rogers? I’ve been expecting you.”

    Startled, Kaylie turned and saw the professor of the Feluv region, Alexandra Maple. Professor Maple was a young woman with dark hair and glasses, and who always wore a crazy outfit. Today, she was wearing a Pokéball-patterned shirt with Pikachus on it. Kaylie had heard a lot about Maple, including how she gave out the three starter Pokémon of Feluv. While Kaylie had never seen them, she knew their names: Watorse, Emberhund, and Graswinemodo. Upon seeing the professor, Kaylie gasped with excitement.

    “Professor Maple!” she exclaimed. “Oh my gosh, I’ve heard so much about you! Can I get my Pokémon now? I can’t wait to see them! I bet Graswinemodo’s going to be SOOOOOOO cute!”

    “Well, actually,” the Professor laughed, “I didn’t come here to give you your Pokémon yet, so just wait a little bit. What I did want to give you, however… were these.” She reached into her purse and took out three items. The first one looked like a small watch, but without the clock face. The second resembled an iPod or cell phone, with dials showing the Pokémon types on the front of it. Underneath the dials, there was an icon with binoculars on it. The third was a card with an image of a Pokémon devolving etched on to it. Kaylie stared down at these three items in amazement. She’d heard of them before. They were the Talking Spirit Device, the EvoPhone (and its OB-1 app), and the Devolver. Now more excited than ever, Kaylie screamed with happiness again.

    “OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH IT’S THE TALKING SPIRIT DEVICE MAY I PLEASE TRY IT OUT?” she screamed.

    The Professor laughed. “Of course you may, just as soon as we get into the lab. Now please, follow me,” she said, as she lead an extremely overjoyed Kaylie inside the lab. “I’m sure Graswinemodo, Watorse, and Emberhund would be delighted to meet you.”

    “Really?!” Kaylie cried.

    “Of course they would,” Professor Maple assured her. “It’s just that… my Graswinemodo seems to be a bit shy. Then again, all Graswinemodo are. But this one is so shy that he doesn’t even want to interact with Trainers.”

    Kaylie suddenly felt her heart sink. The poor Pokémon didn’t even want to interact with Trainers?

    “Poor thing,” she muttered. “Do you think he’s going to be alright?”

    “I’m sure he will.”

    Professor Maple opened the doors and led Kaylie into the lab. As soon as she saw the inside, all of her sadness towards the Graswinemodo disappeared completely. The place was amazing! It was certainly unlike anything she’d ever seen before in her life. There were books and machines everywhere, as well as posters of DNA samples. Kaylie wondered what those could be for. Eventually she saw them: the three PokeBalls sitting at a table.

    “Are those the Pokémon?” she asked.

    “You bet they are, and now it’s time for you to choose which one you’d like to take on your journey with you,” the Professor announced. Immediately, Kaylie felt her heart go out to the Graswinemodo. She didn’t want to see a Pokémon so shy that he wouldn’t interact with Trainers. It would just make the poor little Grass-type miserable…Then again, she hadn’t seen the other two Pokémon yet, and she certainly hadn’t tried out the TST device. It seemed so cool that Pokémon speech could actually be translated. Professor Maple, meanwhile, walked up to the table and picked up a Pokéball.

    “Here it is, Kaylie,” she said, “the Water-type starter Pokémon of the Feluv region. Go, Watorse!”

    She tossed the Pokéball into the air, and blue light shot out of it. Kaylie watched in awe as the blue light slowly formed into an adorable Water-type that resembled a horse. The front half of its body was a dark blue color, while its lower half was light blue. Its hooves were the same light blue color as its lower body, and they had teardrop-shaped markings on them. Its mane was white and puffy, almost like a cloud, while its shining blue tail resembled a waterfall. Kaylie looked at it in amazement as the Watorse started playing with its own Pokéball as though it were a seal.

    “Oh my gosh! It’s so adorable!” she cooed. “Can I use the TST device now?"

    “Sure, Kaylie,” Professor Maple told her, and handed her the watch-like device. Kaylie put it on her wrist and turned it on. As soon as she did, a hologram-like symbol came out of the faceless center. It resembled an 8-bit image of a blond woman, but Kaylie didn’t know who it was. She suddenly found that the Watorse was smiling at her happily, and she bent down to pet it.

    “Hey, cute guy,” she said.

    -I’m a girl, actually.-

    Kaylie blanched. She was sure she had just heard somebody say “I’m a girl, actually,” but it sort of echoed. It was in her head. The only question was… where had the voice come from?

    “W-was that you?” Kaylie gasped, staring at the Watorse in shock.

    -Yep! I’m so happy to meet you!- the Watorse cried cheerfully.

    Wow, Kaylie thought. So that’s TST.

    “Well… okay,” Kaylie said, still unable to believe it. She then turned to the Professor and asked, “So who’s next?”

    “I’ll show you,” she said, picking up another Pokéball. “Emberhund, go!”

    She threw the second Pokéball into the air. The blue light this time formed into a light orange Dachshund-like Pokémon with flames coming out of its back. There were two red spots on both of its ears, and on both sides of its body there were three black dots. Kaylie gasped.

    “Wow! That’s such a cool Pokémon!” she cried.

    -Cool?- scoffed the Emberhund. -I’m not cool! I’ve got flames coming out of my back!-

    “You know what I mean,” Kaylie laughed. The Emberhund wasn’t amused.

    “Well, that means there’s only one Pokémon left,” the Professor announced as she picked up the last Pokéball, “and I’m assuming you already know who it is. Go, Graswine-”

    This time, however, when the Pokéball opened, there was no blue light that shot out of it. Kaylie and the Professor both looked confused.

    “-modo?” Professor Maple finished.

    “Graswinemodo!” Kaylie called, her heart pounding. “Where are you?” Frantically, she searched everywhere for the Grass-type, but could find no sight of him. At that moment, however, she heard a voice which seemed to come from behind the desk, and crazier yet, it was singing:

    #Gras swineswine gras modo gra swine gragraswine mo do
    #Graswine gras gra swinemo do modo swine#


    Kaylie gasped. She knew that song: it was “Out There” from her favorite Pikachisney movie of all time, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. She’d seen that musical too many times to count, and knew all of “Out There” by heart. If the Graswinemodo was singing it, he had to be lonely. She desperately wanted to finish his verse for him, but found that she couldn’t bring herself to do so. So instead, she just said in disbelief, “Was that… ‘Out There’?”

    She heard the Graswinemodo gasp. Kaylie looked down and saw his tail: it had a line coming through it, with one half of the tail being light green and the other half being dark green. There was grass coming from its tail, which had a bell at the end of it. Kaylie then heard the Graswinemodo’s voice again:

    “Gra swine mo do gra gra gras swineswine?” (How did you know what I was singing?)

    “I’ve seen Hunchback for years,” Kaylie responded, seeing the translation come up on her TST device. “You must be very lonely. So, why are you hiding from me?”

    “Gra… do mo.” (I… don’t know.) He sounded so helpless…

    “Well, why don’t you come out so I can see you?”

    The Graswinemodo suddenly panicked and hid behind the desk leg again.

    “MO! Do gra swine gra mo gra gra!” (NO! Don’t have me come out from there!)

    Kaylie turned on her TST. Immediately a hologram of an 8-bit image of a young boy showed up, and the Graswinemodo’s thoughts came through in her head.

    -I-I’m… ugly.- He hid behind the leg a little more. Kaylie’s heart sank. There was no way he could even think of himself like that!

    “Why would you say that?” she asked, concerned.

    -Because I am. I’m a pig with a hunchback. You’ll hate me for it.-

    A pig with a hunchback? Kaylie thought. Like- like Quasi-

    She gasped before she could finish her thought. She’d realized it.

    “So that’s why they call you a Graswinemodo!” she exclaimed. “Don’t worry, I’ve seen hunchbacks before, and… I actually like them. I’m not going to hate you just because of that.”

    -Well… okay,- he relented. But still, he sounded so miserable…

    Reluctantly, the Graswinemodo stepped out from behind the desk leg, and Kaylie saw him for the first time. He was a light green, pig like Pokémon with two leaves on his head, and- as his species name implied- a camel-like hump on his back that was covered in grass. Half of his body was a light green, but the lower half was a dark green, and was shaped to resemble the outline of the front of Notre Dame. At the end of his tail was a light green bell. The Graswinemodo trembled.

    -Hi,- he muttered.

    “Hi,” Kaylie said back, waving.

    “Seems like you and Graswinemodo have already started to bond,” the Professor remarked. “Is that the one you want to take on your journey with you?”

    “Yeah,” Kaylie said, staring into the pained eyes of the Graswinemodo. “This is the one.”

    -Should have been me,- Emberhund scoffed.

    -Don’t worry,- Watorse told him. -Kaylie and Graswinemodo go great together. Besides, I’m sure that you’ll get picked by another Trainer who loves you just as much as Kaylie loves Graswinemodo.-

    “Alright then,” the Professor told her, reaching into her pocket. “Here are ten PokeBalls and a Pokédex for you.”

    “Wow, these are great!” Kaylie cried. Immediately, she took the Pokédex from the Professor and scanned all three starters:

    “Watorse, the Aqua Horse Pokémon. It is an extremely playful Pokémon who gets along well with humans. Its greatest dream is to fly, and as a result it is often friendly towards Flying-types and Pokémon such as Bagon.

    "Emberhund, the Flame Hound Pokémon. It enjoys battling in fiery places, and is very moralistic. If it sees anyone hurt, it can’t help but defend the hurt Pokémon and battle its opponents for its fallen companion.

    "Graswinemodo, the Bell Pig Pokémon. Extremely shy and docile, it loves helping out its friends. Many see this Pokémon as ugly, but the hump on its back is the only thing 'ugly’ about its appearance.”


    I’ll say, Kaylie thought as she put away her Pokédex. The Graswinemodo shouldn’t think of himself as ugly. I actually think he’s kind of cute.

    “So, now that you’ve picked out your Pokémon,” the Professor told her, coming forward, “would you like to give your Pokémon a nickname?”

    “Yes! Of course I would!” Kaylie cried excitedly. “Now let’s see… You’re shy, and you have a hunchback…” She brightened. “So why not I name you after your namesake hunchback Quasimodo? He was just as shy as you are!”

    -Quasimodo?- The Graswinemodo thought about it for a second, then nodded. -Sounds good to me! Quasimodo it is!-

    Kaylie smiled. Up until now, she’d never seen the newly-dubbed Quasimodo look this happy. She turned towards the Professor and began, “Professor Maple, I’ve decided on the nickname 'Qua-’”

    “Quasimodo?” the Professor asked. “Yes, I heard. That is a very fitting nickname indeed. Though to tell you the truth, I think this Quasimodo is more shy than his namesake! No offense.”

    -Oh, n-none taken, Professor,- Quasimodo replied respectfully.

    “Don’t worry, Quasimodo,” the Professor told the shy Graswinemodo. “I’m sure that you and Kaylie will get to be great friends.” She turned to Kaylie and asked. “Now, do you know why I gave you that Pokédex?”

    “I do,” Kaylie replied. “I’ve heard that trainers get the Pokédex so that they can collect data on all of the Pokémon in Feluv. Seems like I’ve already collected data on three!”

    “Right you are!” the Professor told her. “But it’s more than that. Scan Quasimodo again, please.”

    Kaylie did as she was told. Instantly, data came up showing Quasimodo’s moves, ability and nature.

    “Wow, this is so cool!” she gasped. “Let’s see… it says here that he’s a male, with a Timid nature- of course- and the Ability Overgrow. His moveset is Tackle, Tail Whip, Vine Whip, and… Bell Chime?” Kaylie looked up at the Professor, confused. She’d never heard of that move before. “What’s Bell Chime?”

    “Bell Chime is an extraordinary move,” the Professor explained. “At the end of a battle, when you’ve collected all your money, this move will heal not just every Pokémon on your team, but every Pokémon on the opponent’s team as well- with full HP! With a move like this, what do you even need Pokémon Centers and Potions for? Oh, and get this, every time all of your Pokémon faint before all of the opponent’s do, Bell Chime automatically reheals every member of your team for you, without doing the same thing to the opponent. Isn’t this move great?!”

    “Yeah, it sure is!” Kaylie exclaimed, before turning to Quasimodo, who was sitting on her shoulder. “So, Quasi, are you ready to start this journey together?”

    -Sure!- replied Quasimodo happily.

    “Alright, then! Let’s go!” Kaylie cried. She turned to the Professor. “Thanks for everything!”

    “Good luck on your journey, Kaylie!” the Professor called. “But before you go, one more thing. Your Graswinemodo can undergo an amazing process called Mega Evolution when it fully evolves into a Kurugrasig. In order to Mega Evolve it, you’ll need a Mega Stone called a Kurugrasigite. I don’t have one with me, but I do know a place where you can get it.”

    “Where is it?” Kaylie asked.

    “The Graswinemodo Tower. In Lumiose City, in Kalos,” the Professor told her. “Believe me, you can’t miss it.”

    “Thank you!” Kaylie cried. “I can’t wait to see this 'evolution’ thing myself!”

    With that, she grabbed her technology and her Dusknoir DVD before leaving, waving to the Professor the whole way. As soon as she was out, she beamed over at Quasimodo, who was still sitting on her shoulder. Her journey had only just begun, and she couldn’t wait to start it.

    -Oh, by the way,- Quasimodo asked her as they left.

    “What is it, Quasi?” Kaylie asked.

    -W-what’s a battle? It sounds painful to me.-
     
  3. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
    Level 15
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Posts:
    248
    PokéPoints:
    ₽633.8
    From here on out, you have to have at least some knowledge with the 1996 animated film version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame to get any of the references. And now, a short guide to PokeLatin:
    ü= "oo" as in "food"
    ï= "eye" as in "pie"
    i= "ee" as in "feed"
    ch= "sh" as in "ship"
    zj= "zh" as in "vision"
    sj= "ssszh"
    au= "ow"
    ike= "eeksh"
    ïke= "eyeksh"

    Enjoy!

    Pokémon Opal and Garnet
    Chapter 2: The Court of Virtues
    Kaylie and Quasimodo had been searching the tall grass in Feluv for hours for their first Pokémon. In their attempts, they’d noticed that Capyall- a capybara-like rodent Pokémon- was extremely common in this region. It was like the Rattata of Feluv. Still, Kaylie had been begging to know what the Flying-type Pokémon in the region was like, and as they were searching for what felt like the hundredth time she and Quasimodo discussed this.

    “I can’t WAIT to see it!” Kaylie gushed. “What’s it going to look like? Maybe it’ll be a finch, or a woodpecker! Oh, I LOVE woodpeckers!”

    -W-well, actually,- stammered Quasimodo, -I d-don’t think that

    “Oh, come on, Quasi!” Kaylie laughed. “You’re always scared.”

    -I-I-I…- Quasi began, unable to say anything that could possibly defend himself.

    Alas, however, poor Quasimodo never got to finish his statement. At that moment, they heard another voice, one that was thickly accented and yet was in the high pitch of a man trying to imitate a child. If we were to describe the accent phonetically to you, it would be nearly impossible to do so. However, the closest approximation that we can make out is partly French, partly Russian, and partly uncategorizeable. Even crazier, however, was that it was singing not in English, but in a completely different language altogether, one that Kaylie could not identify:

    -#Clike au rüt beüt nati chok ka rüt neü mok
    (#The bells ring for everyone, but not for me)
    -#Jok lit nayta canaü bonidon#-
    (#I live away here hidden#)

    “Out There,” perhaps? It had to be; Kaylie would know that melody anywhere. But who was singing it, and what did those words mean?

    “Hello?” Kaylie asked.

    Startled, the speaker of the voice stopped singing and turned around to face Kaylie. At that point, Kaylie gasped in shock as she saw that it was a Pokémon, and for that matter one she had never seen before. It was a green, toucan-like Pokémon with two leaves on its head, as well as a leaf shaped pattern on its belly. Its huge black beak had two green lines on it. There was a black triangle and a black half-circle on either side of its eye. It saw Kaylie and broke out into a big smile. Kaylie couldn’t help but laugh. In stark contrast to how miserable poor Quasimodo looked, this Pokémon seemed as happy as a lark!

    -What Pokémon is that?- Quasimodo asked her.

    “I’m not sure,” Kaylie replied, “but I think this is the Flying type Pokémon we’re looking for.” She took out her Pokédex and scanned the new Pokémon:

    “Touceet, the Toucan Pokémon. This Pokémon is very common, and loves to dance. If it ever hears music, it will always be singing along to it. Type: Grass/Flying. Gender: Male. Nature: Jolly. Ability: Keen Eye. Moveset: Peck, Leech Seed, Wing Attack, and Guillotine.”

    Guillotine?!

    “You know Guillotine?” Kaylie asked.

    -Yes, I do!- the Touceet cried happily. -It’s my best move!-

    “Your best move, huh?” Kaylie asked. “Of course it is! That’s a one-hit KO move! I’ve never heard of a Flying-type Pokémon using Guillotine before! How did you learn it?”

    -It’s an Egg move,- the Touceet explained. -I could use it since I was born. I know, pretty unusual. But hey! I can use a one-hit knockout move, so that makes me an extremely good battler, am I right?! Not to brag. Of course, considering the fact that my battle style involves me singing

    -E-e-excuse me,- Quasimodo stammered. -What’s a battle?-

    The Touceet suddenly let out a huge gasp.

    -You don’t know what a battle is?!- he cried. -Well, allow me to tell you just what it is, mok am!-

    -Mok am?-

    -It means “my friend” in PokeLatin; I’ll tell you what that is later. Now, back to our battle conversation. Basically, a battle goes like this: One Pokémon inflicts damage on another Pokémon by using its moves until that Pokémon faints.-

    Quasimodo shivered.

    -Oh? What’s the matter, mok am?- the Touceet asked. -It’s not even cold in here.-

    -P-p-p-p-physical damage?! As in, it… h-hurts the other Pokémon?-

    -Well… yes, if you want to put it that way,- the Touceet replied. -But still, we do it for friendly competition- and for fun!-

    -For fun?!- Quasimodo gasped. -Oh, no. I-I-I’m never battling.-

    Kaylie giggled and knelt down beside Quasimodo. “Well, you’ll just have to get used to it,” she told him.

    -I’m sorry, I never asked for the Graswinemodo’s name,- the Touceet suddenly apologized. -What is it?-

    -M-m-my name?- Quasimodo stammered. -Oh, i-i-it's…- He practically mumbled -Quasimodo,- so softly that the Touceet couldn’t hear him.

    -What was that?- he asked.

    -I said, it's…-

    “Quasimodo,” Kaylie told him. “He said his name was Quasimodo.”

    -Quasimodo!- the Touceet exclaimed. -Quasimodo, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME! I should have known! Hello, mok am Quasimodo! I absolutely LOVE Hunchback!-

    “You watch Hunchback?” Kaylie gasped. “No kidding! So do I!”

    -Well, that is a huge coincidence!- the Touceet remarked. -Now, not to be rude or anything, but I need to ask you why Quasimodo was… well, talking a bit too quiet for me to hear.-

    “He’s shy,” Kaylie explained. “Just like his namesake. He’s still trying to break out of his shell, if you know what I mean. Get this: when I first met him, he didn’t even want to interact with a Trainer.”

    -Oh.- The Touceet looked down sadly.

    “I’ve never battled before either, so thank you very much for explaining,” Kaylie said. “Quasimodo and I have to go now. We really should be on our way-”

    -You’re leaving?- the Touceet cried, following them. -You can’t leave! I’m probably the Pokémon that Quasimodo needs in order to gain confidence!-

    Kaylie gasped. This was the Pokémon that Quasimodo… needed?

    “Are you saying… you’d like to come with us?” Kaylie asked.

    -Of course I’m saying that! What else would you think?-

    Kaylie squealed happily.

    “FINALLY! I’m going to have another Pokémon!” she exclaimed, taking out a Pokéball. “Well, if that’s what you want… Pokéball, GO!”

    The Pokéball opened up and enclosed the Touceet in bright blue light. It then fel to the ground and shook three times. Kaylie and Quasimodo looked at it in wonder for a few seconds. Would the Touceet be caught?

    PING!

    The middle of the Pokéball flashed a bright red. Kaylie let out an excited squeal as she picked up the Pokéball, knowing exactly what this meant.

    “Oh my Arceus,” she gasped as she stared at it in wonder. “I’ve… DONE IT! I CAUGHT A TOUCEET! Quasimodo, this is amazing! Now let’s see… what to call him…” Kaylie thought about it for a few seconds, then snapped her fingers as the perfect name came to her, almost out of thin air. “I’ve got it! Go… CLOPIN!”

    She threw the Pokéball, and the blue light formed into the newly dubbed Clopin, who jumped and danced around happily. Quasimodo approached him.

    -Did you find out your nickname yet?- the shy Graswinemodo asked.

    -No,- Clopin told him. -What is it?-

    “Clopin,” Kaylie responded.

    -Clopin?! As in…- He started singing again, presumably in that “PokeLatin” language he had mentioned earlier. It wasn’t “Out There” this time, but it was a song from Hunchback, and one that Kaylie knew as soon as he started singing, even though she didn’t know the language:

    -#Kozjet anüet, au païkan parugït
    (#Every year, the people celebrate)
    -#Kozjet anüet, ka quku ompinut ro
    (#Every year, they all inverse it)
    -#Kozjet païk hokt majüküsjig sois rizjtüs
    (#Every person who’s ugly is recognized)
    -#Chikonut, sois dïzjkütrïzjküt dar#-
    (#Finally, it’s the day of insanity#)

    “Yes,” Kaylie giggled, “as in that Clopin.”

    -I knew it!- Clopin cried. -I absolutely knew

    -Well, look at this. A Graswinemodo and a Touceet- two little wimps with no place to go.-

    They had been interrupted. Kaylie looked up and found herself face-to-face with another Pokémon that she had never seen before. It was a medium-sized, quadrupedal capybara-like Pokémon with buck teeth and a red spot on its head. Most interesting of all, it had on its body a symbol of a river enclosed in a red circle. Quasimodo, scared of it, immediately trembled and hid behind Kaylie’s leg while the latter took out her Pokédex and scanned the new Pokémon:

    “Capyarge, the Large Capybara Pokémon and the evolved form of Capyall.” There it was again, that “evolution” word. What was it exactly? “It spends its time mainly in rivers, but can be seen on land occasionally. This Pokémon is the largest of the Rattata clones. Type: Normal/Water. Gender: Male. Ability: Intimidate. Moveset: Super Fang, Water Gun, Leer, Pound.”

    -H-h-he looks mean,- stammered Quasimodo.

    -What did I tell you? Wimp!- the Capyarge jeered. Quasimodo trembled again.

    “Quasimodo’s not a wimp!” Kaylie scolded. “He’s just shy, that’s all.”

    -Well, he may not be a wimp, but he is only in his first stage.- The Capyarge grunted. -Seems to me you’re a Hunchback fan, since you named your Graswinemodo ‘Quasimodo.’ Let me guess, you named that equally terrible Touceet of yours ‘klop-pin.’-

    -It’s not 'klop-pin,’- Clopin corrected, stepping forward. -It’s 'kloh-PAH~(n).' And, please, I am not as terrible as you think I am.-

    -Oh, but you are, 'kloh-PAHN,’- the Capyarge grunted, mispronouncing Clopin’s name again.

    -'PAH~~(n).' You have to make the ’-in’ a bit more nasal than that, mok am.-

    -Whatever,- the Capyarge scoffed. -So, you ready to battle or what?-

    -You better believe I am,- Clopin shot back.

    Kaylie was mortified. The Capyarge had just challenged Clopin to a battle? She’d never battled before and had no idea what to do. Worse yet, Quasimodo didn’t even like battling.

    “Clopin… what do I do? I’ve never battled before!”

    -It’s simple, mok am!- Clopin called back. -You just tell me to use an attack!-

    “But which one?”

    -Guillotine! Try Guillotine!-

    “Alright,” she replied. “Clopin, use Guillotine!”

    But Clopin didn’t use Guillotine. Instead, he stepped back and looked at Kaylie with a look of determination on his face.

    -Now… for my battle style.-

    “B-battle style?! What do you mean, battle style?”

    -You’ll see what I mean once you turn off the TST.-

    “Um… okay.” Reluctantly, Kaylie turned off the TST device. As soon as she did, Clopin immediately began to dance around the battlefield, singing yet another number from Hunchback that Kaylie knew.

    #Ceetceet touc tou ceet ceet touceettou ceet
    #Ceet ceet toutou ceet Ceettou touceet ceet ceet ceet
    #Ceetceet touc tou ceet ceet ceetceettou ceet
    #Tou ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc-
    #Toutou, tou ceet!#

    Seriously?! Kaylie thought. THIS is his battle style?! Singing “Court of Miracles” in PSP?

    Apparently, Kaylie wasn’t the only one to think this was strange. The Capyarge was staring down at Clopin, giving him a strange look as he continued singing:

    #Ceet ceet ceet tou touc
    #Ceet ceet touc tou ceet
    #Ceet ceet ceetceet ceet touc
    #Tou touc touc ceet ceettou tou ceetceettou ceet touc tou
    #Ceet ceet ceet ceettouc touc ceet ceet ceettoutou
    #Ceettou ceet Touceet touceettouc ceet ceet
    #Ceet ceet ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc
    #Touc ceet ceet ceetceettouc ceet tou ceet touc ceetceet#

    -Are you SERIOUS?!- the Capyarge cried. -He battles by singing?!-

    “I guess,” Kaylie replied. “That’s his battle style.”

    #Touceet ceet ceet ceet ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc
    #Ceet ceet ceet touctouc touc ceet ceet ceet tou…#

    “Come on, Clopin,” Kaylie pleaded. “Could you please just use Guillotine already and stop with the singing? I know it’s your battle style, but-”

    “Ceetceet ceet touc?” Clopin suddenly broke in.

    The Capyarge didn’t respond to Clopin.

    “Ceet ceet tou touc ceet.”

    #Tou ceet ceet ceet tou ceet ceettouceet-

    “Ceet! Ceet touceet!

    “Touceettouc!

    "Ceet touceet!

    "CEETCEET!"

    The Capyarge laughed. -Dang, he’s good.-

    #Ceet ceet tou toutouceet ceettouceet… ceet ceet ceet touc ceet ceet tou…#

    And then it happened. Clopin’s wings suddenly glowed a bright blue and sharpened as he ran towards the Capyarge, not even stopping to notice that the Capyarge’s eyes were focused on the cowering Quasimodo. Kaylie watched in amazement as Clopin jumped up into the air and started to slash the Capyarge’s head with his wings as he sang the last line:

    #TOU TOU CEETCEET TOU-#

    -STOP!- the Capyarge yelled suddenly.

    Startled, Clopin jumped back and landed safely on the ground, while Kaylie turned the TST device back on.

    -Why should I stop?- Clopin asked.

    The Capyarge glared over at Quasimodo, who was still trembling.

    -Why isn’t that Graswinemodo over there battling?- he asked. -Don’t you want to battle me?-

    Quasimodo trembled, nervously shuffling his leg.

    -Oh, I-I would never battle,- he stammered. -I wouldn’t want to hurt my… friends.-

    The Capyarge stared down at him, confused.

    -Your friends?- he asked. -Do you think I’m your friend?-

    -W-well, of c-c-course I do,- Quasi stammered again. -All wild Pokémon I meet are my friends. You’re… y-y-you’re right, though, about me being a wimp. I am a wimp. I c-c-can’t even battle because I don’t want to hurt other Pokémon!-

    He turned away, sobbing. Kaylie suddenly felt more sorry for Quasimodo than she’d ever been before. First he thought of himself as ugly, but now he was thinking of himself as a wimp…! Feeling bad for Quasi, Kaylie turned and looked over at the Capyarge, and was surprised to see his expression soften. She watched in awe as the Capyarge walked over to Quasimodo and nudged him.

    -You want to be… my friend?- he asked.

    Quasi turned back.

    -Y-y-y-y-yes,- he stuttered shyly, turning away while still in tears.

    -I…- The Capyarge appeared shocked. He looked down at the poor Graswinemodo, and Kaylie could see it in his expression: He had realized that Quasimodo actually cared. He wanted to be the Capyarge’s friend. The Capyarge looked down sadly and muttered:

    -I’ve never had a friend before.-

    Quasimodo looked up at him. Kaylie stared in shock. The Capyarge had never had a friend?

    “Oh, no,” she gasped.

    -N-n-n-never?!- gasped Quasimodo. -Oh, no. That’s a terrible thing. You really should have a friend, you know. It would make your life so much better.- Looking back down, he added, -Is that the reason why you were being such a bully to me?-

    The Capyarge looked down.

    -Yeah,- he muttered sadly. -That’s why. Sorry about that, by the way. It’s just that I’ve never had a real friend before.-

    Quasimodo approached him timidly.

    -Well, maybe… I could be your first.-

    Touched, the Capyarge burst into tears. Quasimodo looked up at the large Normal-type and smiled shyly.

    -I-I-I would love that!- he sobbed. -Thank you so much!-

    Quasimodo trotted over to the Capyarge, and they hugged each other, still crying. Kaylie couldn’t believe what she had just seen. Quasimodo had tamed a bully Capyarge with his utter compassion. She was overly touched, and she, too, burst into tears.

    -So that’s why that silly little Capyarge was acting like a bully earlier!- Clopin cried. -All he wanted was for someone to be his friend!-

    Kaylie realized it, too. She turned back to Quasimodo.

    “Quasi?” she asked.

    Quasi turned to her.

    -Y-yes?-

    “What you just did… was absolutely beautiful. You are the kindest Pokémon I’ve ever met…” She wiped a tear from her eye. “Quasimodo, you really are exactly like your namesake.”

    Quasi smiled, and then lunged into Kaylie’s arms. At that moment, though, Kaylie noticed something falling down from the sky. She put Quasimodo down and looked up to see what it was. As the object got closer, she noticed that there wasn’t just one object: there were two. They both were medal-like objects, but one of the medals had a picture of a heart on it, while the other had a picture of a party hat and balloons. She gasped as the medal with the heart attached itself onto Quasimodo’s neck, as though it were a necklace. The medal with the balloons did the same for Clopin. Once they were on their necks, the center of the medals shimmered in a bright light: the heart glowed in a bright pink and colored itself in as such, while the balloons and party hat glowed purple and colored itself in as such. When it was all over, Quasimodo and Clopin looked down at their necklaces in shock, confused as to what they were or where they came from.

    -Kaylie… what are these?- Quasimodo asked.

    -I’ve never seen anything like this before,- Clopin remarked. He saw the center of the medal and gasped. -It’s PURPLE! My favorite color!-

    Kaylie giggled and picked up Quasimodo again.

    “Honestly, I don’t know what those necklaces are either, Quasimodo,” she said, “or what they mean. But I do know that we’ve got a new friend in Clopin.” She turned back and saw the Capyarge waving at Kaylie and Quasimodo, and Quasi waved back with his hoof.

    “Oh, yeah,” she laughed. “And him, too.”

    -So, where are we going next?- Quasimodo asked.

    “I know where.” She turned to Clopin, who was jumping around happily. “Hey, Clopin?”

    Clopin stopped.

    -Cheüt, mok am?- he asked.

    “Ever heard of the Graswinemodo Tower? I hear it’s someplace in Lumiose City.”

    -Of course I’ve heard of it! It looks exactly like Notre Dame, but with a Graswinemodo statue. Why do you need to go there?-

    “To get this Mega Stone called a Kurugrasigite. It’s necessary for this thing called Mega Evolution.”

    -Mega Evolution?! I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that before. Sounds like it might be related to Pokémon evolution, which I don’t think you’ve ever heard of.-

    “I haven’t.”

    -Believe me, it is extraordinary. You’ll be amazed when you do see it.-

    “Is it as extraordinary as that necklace?”

    -WAY more so, mok am!- Clopin cried.

    “Then let’s go!” Kaylie cried, determined.

    -Yes!- Clopin exclaimed happily, before bursting into song again, in PokeLatin:

    -#Canc au clike, clike, clike, clike, clike, clike, clike, clike…
    -#CLIKE ZJÜ NOTRE… DAME!#-

    “Kalos, here we come!” Kaylie exclaimed.
     
  4. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
    Level 15
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Posts:
    248
    PokéPoints:
    ₽633.8
    WARNING: You may cry.

    Pokémon Opal and Garnet
    Chapter Three: God Help the Tower Outcasts​

    -#CLIKE ZJÜ NOTRE-#-

    “Clopin?” Kaylie’s voice interrupted the singing of her newly-caught, hilarious Touceet. She, Clopin, and Quasimodo had been traveling on a bridge to get to Kalos’ Lumiose City for hours now, and right ahead she could see the Prism Tower. Startled, Clopin looked up at Kaylie.

    -What is it, mok am?- he asked. -Are we there yet?-

    “We are~!” Kaylie squealed. “Look, guys!”

    Clopin and Quasimodo looked ahead, and they saw what Kaylie was seeing: the huge Kalosian city of Lumiose. It was packed to the brim with people, and some of them were riding Gogoat through the city streets. Taxis were parked everywhere. There were multiple cafes, a Pokémon Center, an art museum, the Sycamore Lab, and, of course, the Prism Tower, which was the symbol of the city and the home of the 5th Gym Leader of Kalos, Clemont. Clopin and Quasi gasped in awe at what they were seeing.

    -Wow!- Quasimodo cried. -This place is…AMAZING!-

    -Aumbotin!- Clopin agreed.

    -What does that mean in PokeLatin?-

    -It means “agreed.”-

    -Oh.-

    “I agree with you, too, Quasi,” Kaylie told him, “but we’re supposed to be looking for the Graswinemodo Tower right now. We need to get that Mega Stone!”

    -You’re looking for the tower?- Clopin asked. -Well, I think I can see it from right where I’m standing, mok am.- He pointed with his wing to what appeared to be the top of Notre Dame, but with a Graswinemodo statue. Seeing the statue, Kaylie suddenly gasped.

    “That’s it!” she cried. “That’s the tower! Come on, guys, let’s go! We gotta find that Mega Stone right away!” She rushed towards the tower, with Quasi and Clopin following her from behind while talking.

    -D-d-do you think they’ll let us in?- Quasi asked.

    -Of course they will, mok am. Why wouldn’t they?-

    -Well, I’ve been thinking.- Quasi stopped, then looked up at the tower. -And I’ve decided I’m going to sing “Out There” from the top of that tower!-

    -“Out There”?- Clopin laughed. -Why “Out There,” of all songs?-

    -Oh, w-w-well, i-i-it’s…- Quasi seemed less confident now. -It’s just that I

    “Oh, Quasi~!” Kaylie called. “You need to see this!”

    Hearing Kaylie’s voice, Quasi and Clopin ran to her side- and that was when they saw it. They gasped in awe at the sheer brilliance of the Graswinemodo Tower. Clopin had been right: the tower, apart from its rosary being colored in as a Pokéball and the Graswinemodo statue on top of the tower, looked exactly like Notre Dame. Quasimodo couldn’t keep his eyes off of it.

    -So…beautiful…- he gasped.

    “Oh, come on, Quasi,” Kaylie laughed. “We have to find out about this Mega Evolution thing!”

    -O-oh, right…- Quasi muttered. -I-I-I’m sorry. I

    “You don’t need to apologize,” Kaylie replied cheerfully. “Now let’s go!”

    With that being said, Kaylie and Clopin rushed into the tower, with Quasi following close behind. He wasn’t as fast as the other two, however. He was too distracted by the sheer essence of the tower. However, he knew that they still had to find the Mega Stone, so he picked up the pace a bit.

    Eventually, all three of them entered the tower, and they gasped. The inside of it, Kaylie thought, was even more beautiful than the exterior. It had beautiful stained glass mirrors with pictures of Conkeldurr, Chesnaught, Druddigon, and other Pokémon with self-proclaimed “hunchbacks.” Shiny diamonds were everywhere, and the only thing that seemed out of place was balloons of all different colors surrounding the tower. Quasimodo was quickly distracted.

    -Wow…- he gasped. Then he remembered. -Oh. The Mega Stone. Right.-

    Quasi started to follow them, but at that exact moment, he heard something coming from the belfry. It sounded to him as though someone was singing, but… was it a person or a Pokémon? He listened again, and sure enough, he heard it:

    #Lar vell vell lar vell lar vell vell
    #Lar lar lar vellvell lar

    -Do you hear that?- he asked. Kaylie and Clopin turned to him.

    “I didn’t hear anything,” Kaylie said.

    -I did,- Quasi replied. -Just… listen. You’ll hear it, too.-

    Clopin and Kaylie came forward to where Quasi was, and that was when they heard it, too. It was clearly a Pokémon singing.

    #Lar vell vell lar vell vell larvell
    #Vell lar larvell larlar
    #Vell, lar vell lar lar lar velllar
    #Lar larvell lar vell vell
    #Vell lar vell vell lar lar larlar:
    #Lar vell vell lar velllar, vell?#

    “‘God Help the Outcasts,’” gasped Kaylie, recognizing the song.

    -Wow,- gasped Quasi. -Should we go see who it is?-

    “Sure,” Kaylie replied.

    The three of them all rushed to the belfry, following the voice as it continued to sing:

    #Lar vell lar velllar
    #Vellvell lar lar
    #Vell lar lar larvell
    #Lar lar vell lar lar
    #Lar vell lar larvell
    #Vell lar lar vell vell
    #Lar vell lar velllar
    #Lar larvellvell vell#

    Once they got there, the Pokémon that was singing had finished the first chorus of “God Help the Outcasts.” Kaylie looked up to find the Pokémon that had apparently been singing: a pink caterpillar like Pokémon with huge yellow eyes and bells for feet. It was looking down sadly at the floor of the Graswinemodo Tower. Kaylie took out her Pokédex, and it scanned the data of this new Pokémon.

    “Larvell, the Bell Caterpillar Pokémon. It enjoys using its Psychic powers to help other Pokémon in need. Although it is weak, it has dreams of evolving into its final form, a Mothibell. Type: Bug/Psychic. Gender: Female. Nature: Modest. Ability: Shield Dust. Moveset: Tackle, Bell Chime, String Shot.”

    “Wow,” gasped Kaylie. “A Larvell. I better go ask what this evolution thing is.”

    The Larvell then finished her song:

    #Lar lar vell vellvell
    #Lar lar vell lar
    #Vell lar lar lar larvell
    #Lar vellvell vell lar
    #Lar vell lar vellvell
    #Lar lar lar velllar
    #Lar vell lar lar lar
    #Vell velllar lar lar
    #Lar vell lar velllar
    #Velllar lar…lar
    #

    -Wow,- gasped Quasi. -That was…beautiful.-

    Upon hearing Quasi’s compliment, the Larvell turned to him. Kaylie, eager to hear what she might say, turned on the TST device.

    -Thank you,- she replied. -Not to brag, I’m a very good singer. “God Help the Outcasts” is my favorite song of all time.-

    -Is it REALLY?!- gasped Clopin.

    -It is,- the Larvell affirmed.

    “Wow, that’s so cool!” Kaylie gasped. “I love that song, too.” She looked down at her Pokémon, then remembered. “Oh, I’m sorry! I completely forgot to introduce myself. I’m Kaylie. I’m a rookie Pokémon trainer.” She picked up Quasimodo. “And this is Quasimodo. He’s just as shy as his namesake is.”

    -I see. Hello, Kaylie,- the Larvell replied. Then, looking down at Clopin, she asked, -Who’s the Touceet?-

    “Oh, that’s Clopin,” Kaylie told her. “He’s… well…”

    -I’m just like my namesake!- Clopin interrupted. -Not to brag.-

    “Yeah, he’s just as hilarious as his namesake is. He speaks PokeLatin, you know.”

    The Larvell looked at Clopin in surprise. -Y-you do?-

    -Cheüt, mok am! I do indeed!-

    -That’s nice,- the Larvell replied. -Why are you three here?-

    “We’re here to get the Mega Stone Kurugrasigite,” Kaylie explained. “It’s for this thing called Mega Evolution that we haven’t even heard of. I haven’t even heard of evolution at all.”

    -You haven’t?- gasped the Larvell. -Well, I’m sure the bell-ringer can tell you everything. He knows a lot about that kind of stuff, and I bet he can tell you what evolution and Mega Evolution are. I haven’t heard of those things either.-

    “Who’s the bell-ringer?”

    -A Kurugrasig,- the Larvell told her. -I’ve heard a Graswinemodo can evolve into a Kurugrasig after it goes through another stage. I just don’t know that much about evolution.-

    “In other words, he’s a hunchback.”

    -Yes,- the Larvell laughed. -If you want to put it that way, then he’s a hunchback.-

    “Of course.”

    -S-so, what are you d-doing here?-Quasimodo asked. -Do you live here?-

    The Larvell looked down at the floor sadly, then sighed before crawling out of the belfry.

    -Yes,- she sadly replied, -and I’ve lived here for the past 2 months.-

    Immediately, Quasimodo noticed that something was up. Maybe it had to do with gut instinct, or it could have been because of the necklace he’d received, which he had no clue about. Either way, he suddenly felt extremely bad for the Larvell. Suddenly, she seemed just as miserable as he had been when Kaylie first reached out to him.

    -Are you…okay?- he asked, approaching her.

    The Larvell turned away, shaking her head. -Oh, I’m fine.-

    -N-no, I-I don’t think so. W-what is it?-

    The Larvell sighed again. She looked up at the belfry, then asked, -Do you know why I came here?-

    “No,” Kaylie replied. She, too, was beginning to feel sorry for the young Larvell. “Why?”

    -Because I had no place else to go. You see, when I was first hatched, I…- She sighed again. -I was bullied really badly.-

    Kaylie’s heart sank.

    -Oh, no,- gasped Quasimodo.

    “Why were you bullied?” asked Kaylie.

    -Because…of this.- She held up one of her bell-like legs, and Kaylie got closer to inspect it. As she did, she could see the difference. All the other legs the Larvell had were shaped like bells, except for this one. It resembled that of a huge yellow circle, as if her leg were swollen. The truth dawned on Kaylie: This Larvell had been born deformed. Just like Quasimodo’s namesake. In the human world, this would be the equivalent of somebody who was paralyzed from the waist down. Kaylie gasped in shock when she saw the swollen, disfigured leg.

    “Oh, no,” she whispered. “That must have been awful.”

    -It was,- the Larvell told her. -The other Larvell teased me for it. They called me a “Limpvell,” and once, they even tied me to a tree and taped my legs with duct tape. The bullying felt absolutely terrible, and I couldn’t take it any longer. So when I heard that they had just opened the Graswinemodo Tower, I ran away from my home and took to the tower for sanctuary. And that’s…- She paused, then looked down sadly as she finished, -That’s why I live here now. To avoid all the bullies that exist in this world.-

    Kaylie, Quasimodo, and Clopin looked at her in shock. Never before had they heard such a sad story.

    “Wow,” Kaylie said. “I’m really sorry. That must have felt terrible. Is that… is that why you sing 'God Help the Outcasts’?”

    -Yes, that’s why,- the Larvell said. -And I would do anything to help those who were just like me.- She looked up at Kaylie, Quasimodo, and Clopin and smiled sweetly. -May I take you to the bellringer now?-

    Kaylie picked up the Larvell and smiled at her, with tears forming in her eyes.

    “Yes,” she sobbed. “Yes, you may.”

    The Larvell led the three of them up to the belltower, and as they were walking, Kaylie couldn’t help but think of how terrible that poor Bug-type must have felt when she was getting bullied. She couldn’t believe that those other Larvell had been so mean. If she had been there, she certainly would have defended the poor Larvell. As she, Quasimodo, and Clopin finally approached the belltower, they suddenly heard a voice:

    -Well, well, well. What have we here?-

    Startled, Kaylie and the three Pokémon looked up and saw two Pokémon who looked extremely menacing. One of the two was a blue, ninja-like frog Pokémon who had its tongue wrapped around its neck. The other resembled a hellhound, with two curved horns, ridges on its back, a skull pendant, and a long, curved tail ending in a triangular tip. And they both looked very, very intimidating. Kaylie didn’t need to look up them in the Pokédex- she knew what these two Pokémon were.

    “Greninja,” she gasped. “And Houndoom, too.”

    Quasi, scared as anything, hid behind the door leading to the belltower. The Larvell gasped in shock, then stared down the Houndoom angrily.

    -What have you two done with the bell-ringer?- she demanded.

    -Oh, simple,- the Houndoom laughed menacingly. -We’ve captured him and stuck him in a cage. We’re the bell-ringers of the Graswinemodo Tower now.-

    Kaylie gasped.

    -How could you?!- the Larvell snapped. -Why, you’re nothing more than-

    -Trespassers! SPIES!-

    Clopin! Kaylie thought in amazement.

    Sure enough, the hilarious Touceet stepped forward. Only… he didn’t look so hilarious. In fact, he was downright livid. But the Houndoom didn’t pick up on it and laughed.

    -We are NOT spies,- he replied.

    -How dare you refer to us as spies! There is no way

    He didn’t have time to speak before Clopin cut him off.

    -DON’T INTERRUPT ME!- he screeched. Kaylie looked at the Larvell knowingly.

    “Oh, boy, here it comes,” she told her.

    -What?- the Larvell asked.

    “You’ll see.” Kaylie grinned in determination and waited for her cue:

    -…you won’t live to tell the tale.-

    “Alright!” she cried out, turning off the TST. “Clopin, use Guillotine on Greninja!”

    -Guillotine?!- the Greninja gasped.

    He had no idea what was to come for him at that moment, as Clopin burst directly into his “Court of Miracles” battle routine:

    #Ceetceet touc tou ceet ceet touceettou ceet
    #Ceet ceet toutou ceet Ceettou touceet ceet ceet ceet
    #Ceetceet touc tou ceet ceetceetceettou ceet
    #Tou ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc-
    #Toutou, tou ceet!
    #Ceet ceet ceet tou touc
    #Ceet ceet touc tou ceet
    #Ceet ceet ceetceet ceet touc
    #Tou touc touc ceet ceettou tou ceetceettou ceet touc tou
    #Ceet ceet ceet ceettouc touc ceet ceet ceettoutou
    #Ceettou ceet Touceet touceettouc ceet ceet
    #Ceet ceet ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc
    #Touc ceet ceet ceetceettouc ceet tou ceet touc ceetceet#


    The Greninja and Houndoom were staring down at Clopin with confused looks on their faces, wondering how this was a battle.

    -How is THIS-?!- the Greninja gasped.

    “Just wait.”

    Clopin then continued:

    #Touceet ceet ceet ceet ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc
    #Ceet ceet ceet touctouc touc ceet ceet ceet tou
    #Ceet ceet tou ceet ceet ceettou toutou ceet ceetceet
    #Ceettou ceet ceet ceetceet touc ceetceet ceet tou#

    “Ceetceet ceet touc?”

    No response.

    “Ceet ceet tou touc ceet."

    #Tou ceet ceet ceet tou ceet ceettouceet-

    “Ceet! Ceet touceet!

    "Touceettouc!

    "Ceet touceet!

    "CEETCEET!

    "Ceet…

    #Ceet ceet tou toutouceet ceettouceet… ceet ceet ceet touc ceet ceet tou…#

    -Really?- the Greninja scoffed. -Is that the best you can

    But at that moment, Clopin’s wing turned a bright blue and sharpened. He jumped up into the air, his wing aimed on a terrified looking Greninja as he sang the last line:

    #TOU TOU CEETCEET TOU CEET!#

    As soon as Clopin struck, a huge cloud of smoke formed. It blinded Kaylie’s view, but she still had the sight to turn the TST device back on. When the smoke cleared, Clopin jumped back, and the Greninja was on the floor with swirls in his eyes. The Houndoom saw this and growled at Clopin. He clearly hadn’t expected this.

    -And my work here is done.- Clopin laughed diabolically.

    -You… HOW COULD YOU?! I thought you were SINGING, and then you just plummet my friend to the ground with a Guillotine! What’s the last line of that stupid song you sang?-

    -"So you’re going to hang.”-

    The Houndoom bared his teeth and glared at Clopin, who flinched back in fear.

    -You’re the one who’s hanging,- he growled. -NOT me!-

    -AAAAAHHHHHHHH!- Clopin screamed, as he ran away from the raging Houndoom. Kaylie looked over at Quasimodo, who was absolutely shivering in fear.

    “Quasi?” she asked.

    -Y-yes?- Quasi stammered.

    “You should fight that Houndoom.”

    Quasi gasped in shock.

    -Me? Oh, I couldn’t. That Houndoom has the advantage. He’s much bigger and stronger than I am.-

    -He’s got a point,- said Clopin.

    “Well, that’s true,” Kaylie replied. “But still, that doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t have any battle experience! Come on, Quasi!” she urged the shy Graswinemodo.

    -O-o-okay, t-then…- Quasi stammered.

    Slowly, reluctantly, he came out of his hiding place, still shivering in fear. When he did, he found himself face-to-face with a very angry looking Houndoom. Quasi looked up at him in sheer terror.

    -Well, look at this,- growled the Houndoom. -It’s a Graswinemodo. What are you, afraid?-

    -Y-y-y-yes…- Quasi stammered. -B-b-but I came here to battle.-

    The Houndoom laughed.

    -You came here to battle me?! That’s ridiculous. What moves do you know, huh?-

    At this, Quasi stepped back and ran towards the Houndoom, bumping into him, yet not causing a single bit of damage. The Houndoom scoffed. -That was one lousy Tackle. Why won’t you battle me with a little more, oh, I don’t know, FORCE?!-

    -Because I-I-I don’t want to hurt you.-

    -WHAT?!- gasped the Houndoom. -But that’s the whole POINT of a battle! We HAVE to hurt each other. It’s for fun.- He scoffed. -Why would I battle an absolute WIMP like you?!-

    Quasi teared up.

    -Well, look at this. Now the Graswinemodo’s acting like nothing more than a crybaby.-

    Kaylie was furious. She knew Quasimodo wasn’t a crybaby in the least- he was just extremely shy. She desperately wanted to call the Houndoom out and tell him what everybody knew- that Quasi was shy- and not to bully her Pokémon. However, before she could say a word, the Larvell spoke up.

    -Quasimodo is NOT a crybaby.-

    The Houndoom simply laughed in her face.

    -Well, of course he is,- the Houndoom laughed. --

    “What?!” gasped Kaylie, now more furious than ever. “How dare you stereotype Graswinemodo like that! I’m certain that none of them are wimps like you say. They’re shy, sure.”

    -But they are NOT wimps!- the Larvell added, infuriated. -Take THIS! TACKLE!-

    At that word, the Larvell charged towards the Houndoom at full speed, knocking him down to the floor. Kaylie was in absolute awe, as were Quasi and Clopin. They’d never have guessed that a Larvell could be this good at battling. Groaning, the Houndoom got up and looked his opponent directly in the eye.

    -I gotta admit, I didn’t see that one coming,- growled the Houndoom. -Still, I’m three times bigger than you, AND I’ve got the type advantage. I’ll be able to take you down in two seconds flat!-

    “No!” cried Kaylie.

    -Fire Fang!-

    The Houndoom’s fangs started to glow a bright orange and soon burst into flames. He began to chase after the Larvell, trying to attack her. The Larvell, however, immediately turned back to face him.

    -Nice try, Houndoom. String Shot!-

    And at those words, silk shot out from the Larvell’s mouth and held the Houndoom’s jaws shut. The Houndoom growled, but it was muffled. Clearly, though, the look on his face said, -I’ll get you for this, Larvell!-

    -ALRIGHT, LARVELL! YOU’VE GOT HIM NOW!- Clopin cried out, before jumping down to face the Houndoom. -Now… allow me to finish this. HOUNDOOM~?-

    The Houndoom looked down.

    -Any last words?- Clopin asked.

    There were a few muffled growls from the Houndoom. Clopin giggled diabolically.

    “Here it comes,” Kaylie whispered to the Larvell. And sure enough…

    -THAT’S WHAT THEY ALL SAY!- Clopin cried, as both of his wings glowed a bright white. White energy shined off of them, and the Houndoom looked on in terror as Clopin slammed him with his wings. Kaylie looked on in shock as another cloud of smoke went up. When it faded, she could see that the Houndoom had been knocked back. He tried to stand back up for a moment, but eventually fell back to the ground with swirls in his eyes. Kaylie let out an excited squeal and high-fived Clopin, while Quasimodo looked on in wonder.

    “You did it, Clopin!” Kaylie cried. “That was some great battling out there! You too, Larvell and Quasimodo,” she added, turning to the other two.

    -Oh, t-thank you,- Quasi replied. -Though… I didn’t really battle that much, to be honest.-

    Kaylie giggled.

    -Hey, look!- the Larvell cried out. -It’s the bell-ringer!-

    Kaylie looked ahead of her, and saw a steel cage. Inside the cage, there was a dark green pig-like Pokémon with light green leaves on both of its ears and antennae ending in leaves coming out of its head. It was bipedal, with one eye slightly smaller than the other. Its dark green pig-like nose had nostrils in the shape of bells, and its long tail had two long leaf blades coming out of it, ending in a huge light green leaf. On its chest there was a light green pattern, containing a circle surrounded by leaf patterns. In the middle of the circle was an image of Notre Dame. Finally, it, like Quasimodo, had a gigantic hump on its back, covered in grass. It also had light green wings that were incapable of flight. Kaylie looked down at the Larvell in shock.

    “What kind of Pokémon is that?” she asked.

    -A Kurugrasig,- the Larvell replied.

    “Wow,” Kaylie gasped. The Larvell walked over to the cage containing the Kurugrasig and opened it up, while Kaylie scanned the Pokémon with her Pokédex:

    “Kurugrasig, the Hunchbacked Pig Pokémon and the final evolved form of Graswinemodo. It can occasionally be seen roaming Kalos’ Graswinemodo Tower. Shy and docile, this Pokémon will always help out a friend in need. Type: Grass/Fairy. Gender: Male. Nature: Docile. Ability: Overgrow. Moveset: Leaf Storm, Bell Chime, Grass Sanctuary, Vine Whip.”

    “Grass Sanctuary?” Kaylie asked, putting away her Pokédex. “Never heard of that move before.” She looked up and saw that the Kurugrasig was out of his cage, then looked on in awe as the Kurugrasig walked towards her. He stopped and hugged Kaylie.

    -Thank you,- he said.

    “You’re welcome,” Kaylie replied. “But, really, don’t thank me. Thank Quasimodo.” She picked up the Graswinemodo, then added, “It was his first battle ever.”

    -Really?- gasped the Kurugrasig. -Well, thank you very much, Quasimodo. I saw the whole thing from inside the cage. You were a really strong battler out there, you know.-

    -W-well, to tell you the truth… I didn’t really b-battle…- stammered Quasi. -I actually didn’t battle at all…-

    -You did,- the Kurugrasig assured him. -You battled with your heart.-

    Quasi- and Kaylie- stared at the Kurugrasig in shock.

    “Do you really think that?” asked Kaylie. The Kurugrasig nodded.

    -Thank you,- Quasi replied.

    “Yeah, thanks!” Kaylie agreed. “That was really nice of you to tell him that.”

    -You’re welcome. So, what brings you here?- the Kurugrasig asked.

    “Oh, right! We came here to get this thing called a Kurugrasigite. I hear it’s for this thing called Mega Evolution. Do you know what that is?”

    -To tell you the truth, I don’t know that much about it,- the Kurugrasig replied, and Kaylie’s heart sunk. She had wanted to know more. At that moment, though, she saw the Kurugrasig pick up a dark green and light green stone with a bright yellow DNA symbol on it. He walked over to Kaylie and asked, -But I assume you mean this.-

    “I think that’s the Kurugrasigite!” Kaylie cried out, as the Kurugrasig gave it to her. “Thank you so much!”

    -You’re welcome,- the Kurugrasig replied, smiling.

    “Before we go, though, I need to ask you something. I’ve been hearing about this 'evolution’ thing. Not Mega Evolution, just plain regular evolution. Could you please tell me about that? I’ve never seen it before.”

    -Evolution is one of the most amazing processes ever,- the Kurugrasig explained. -During it, the Pokémon’s appearance changes, and it gets a lot stronger.-

    Kaylie and Quasimodo gasped in shock, as did the Larvell.

    “Its appearance changes?!” Kaylie gasped. “Wow, that’s so amazing! I can’t wait to see this thing for myself!”

    -Um… Excuse me…- Quasi muttered. -I-I don’t mean to interrupt, but is evolution… painful?-

    -Painful?- the Kurugrasig laughed. -No, Quasi, not at all. It doesn’t hurt in the slightest. Believe me, I should know. I used to be just like you once.-

    -You did? D-did you evolve?-

    -Twice.-

    “Whoa,” gasped Kaylie. “That’s amazing! Thank you so much! We really need to get going now. I can’t wait to catch some more Pokémon!” She picked up Quasimodo and put the Kurugrasigite in her purse, before walking off, waving to the Kurugrasig. “Bye!”

    -Goodbye, my friends! Thank you so much!- the Kurugrasig responded, waving back the whole time.

    Kaylie left the belltower feeling absolutely elated. She’d done what she needed to accomplish. Her goal had been achieved, and so it was time for her to go on to the next city and capture some more Pokémon. She couldn’t wait to tell the Professor. As she left, however, she looked down at the Larvell and remembered her inspiring story of how she was bullied. Suddenly, she began to feel a little bit crestfallen. Kaylie couldn’t believe that she would have to leave this incredible Pokémon behind…

    -Kaylie, look!- Clopin cried out suddenly. -We’re back in Lumiose~!-

    Kaylie looked up and saw the city skyline out in front of her. She let out an excited squeal.

    “Wow! I can’t believe we actually got to see the Graswinemodo Tower! This trip has been amazing!” She turned to the Larvell. “We need to be going now, Larvell. I really loved your story, though.”

    -You’re leaving?-

    -Yeah,- Quasi responded sadly. -W-we have to go. I-I’m sorry.-

    -Oh.- The Larvell looked down. -Well, I was just wondering… if I could come with you guys.-

    Kaylie looked at her in amazement.

    “You really want to do that?” Kaylie asked.

    -Of course I do! This way, I can continue fighting for peace!-

    Kaylie was touched. She really wanted to take the Larvell with her now. But before she could say anything, she saw a familiar-looking necklace fall from the sky. It looked exactly like the necklaces Clopin and Quasi had, except that this one had a peace symbol on it. Floating down, it attached on the Larvell’s neck, and the peace symbol colored itself in a brilliant fuchsia. The Larvell looked down at her necklace in awe.

    -Wow…- she gasped. -What is this?-

    “We’re still unsure,” Kaylie replied. “Quasi and Clopin have necklaces like it, too. We still don’t know where they came from, but that peace symbol has to mean something. In the meantime, though, since you want to come with me…” She took out one of her PokeBalls and cried out, “Then I guess I’ll go with you, too! Go, Pokéball!”

    She threw the Pokéball at the Larvell, who was encased in a bright blue light. The light went inside the Pokéball, and it fell to the ground, shaking three times as Kaylie and her Pokémon watched. Then…

    PING!

    The center flashed a bright red, indicating capture. Kaylie picked it up and cried out in excitement.

    “YES! I JUST CAUGHT A LARVELL!” she screamed.

    -You did!- Clopin cried out happily. -And a very inspirational one at that! I wonder what you’re going to nickname her!-

    “Oh, I’ve already got one,” Kaylie said, looking at the Pokéball. “Welcome to the team…”

    She smiled.

    “…Esmeralda.”
     
  5. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
    Level 15
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Posts:
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    PokéPoints:
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    Kyrie eleison...

    Enjoy the latest chapter!

    Pokémon Opal and Garnet
    Chapter 4: An Evolutionary Justice
    Quasimodo had been wanting to display his singing talent to Kaylie for days now. Granted, he'd already done it before, but he wanted to show her that he knew all the words, not just an entire line. So he was absolutely over the moon when, during her quest to gather more Pokémon, Kaylie asked Quasi if he wanted to sing something to the group.

    -Oh, of course I do,- he replied. -"Out There"?-

    "Yes! I would LOVE to hear that!" Kaylie replied happily, turning off the TST. "Go ahead!"

    The other Pokémon gathered next to Kaylie as Quasimodo looked up and began:

    #Gras swineswine gras modo gra swine gragraswine mo do
    #Graswine gras gra swinemo do modo swine
    #Gra gra swine swine gras gra gra gra swine mo swine gramo
    #Graswine do gra swinemoswine gra mo swine
    #Gra gra swine swine gramoswine gra grasgras
    #Moswine gra gra gra swine grado mo swine
    #Gra gra swine swine grado gra swine swine do gras gra gra
    #Gra gragras gra
    #Gra gra do gra...
    #

    He hadn't even reached the chorus when, at that moment, he heard a voice.

    -Well, it seems to me like someone has a penchant for singing.-

    "Who was that?" Kaylie asked, suddenly looking up and turning on the TST.

    As if to answer her question, the speaker suddenly appeared from out of the bushes, and Kaylie saw that it was an Emberhund, much like the one she had seen at the lab.

    "It's an Emberhund!" she gasped. "Just like the Pokémon I saw at the lab!"

    -Indeed,- the Emberhund replied. -My species is one of the greatest Fire-types there is. Although, of course, that does sound like bragging a bit, and I despise the very thought of me bragging, lest I end up like...- He trembled. -...him.-

    -Who's "him"?- Clopin asked.

    -My worst enemy. Such a monster, that man is. Doesn't care about human lives in the slightest.-

    "Who is he?" Kaylie asked. "Hitler?"

    -Close. My worst enemy is actually...- He paused, and then whispered, -Judge Claude Frollo.-

    Kaylie gasped. Granted, she'd been close- they both had had the same motives- but she certainly hadn't thought that the Emberhund's worst enemy was a fictional character from a Pikachisney flick.

    "Frollo? As in, the cruel judge from Hunchback?" she asked, in disbelief.

    -Yes, that Frollo,- the Emberhund confirmed. -I would much rather see him die than ever be like him.-

    -I don't blame you,- said Esme. -He was as cruel as cruel could be.-

    -Indeed,- the Emberhund agreed. Then he stared up at Kaylie and gasped. -Oh, goodness. My most sincere apologies- I never did ask for your name, now, did I? Please forgive me for that. If it helps, I'd like to know the nicknames of your other Pokémon as well.-

    "I'm Kaylie," Kaylie began, introducing herself. "I'm a rookie Pokémon trainer from Komoka Town. The singing Graswinemodo you heard- that's my starter Pokémon, Quasimodo." She picked up him and added, "He's just as shy and gentle as his namesake hunchback."

    -Quasimodo, eh? Well, a pleasure to meet you indeed. She says you're just as shy as your namesake?-

    -Y-yes,- Quasi replied.

    -Well, I must add you have a true singing talent. Very sonorous. And, Kaylie, might I add... who might the Touceet be?-

    "That's Clopin."

    -I see. Pretty fitting. Pardon me, but do you speak PokeLatin?-

    -Cheüt, mok am! Jok deü!- Clopin replied happily.

    -Is that so? Interesting. Now, what did she say your name was again? Kloh-PAHN, was it not?-

    -Künek sjine,- Clopin responded. -You got the 'kloh' right, at least.-

    -And how exactly is that second part pronounced...?-

    -'PAH~n.'-

    -PAH-?-

    -PAH~n. You essentially- how should I put this?- pinch down the ending, almost, and then let the air escape through your nose.-

    -Ah, now I get it. It's nasal.-

    -Indeed, mok am! It is!-

    "Oh, and while we're at it..." Kaylie added, picking up Esmeralda. "This is Esmeralda. We just caught her. She was in the Graswinemodo Tower for two months because she had been terribly bullied. They tied her to a tree and called her names. She has a swollen leg, if you can't already tell." As Kaylie showed the swollen leg to the Emberhund, he came forward to examine it.

    -I see. Edema, perhaps.-

    "What's edema?" asked Kaylie.

    -The condition of-- the Emberhund began, but before he could say anything more, a sudden jet of water launched over the Emberhund's head, and a long, sticky tongue reached out and grabbed Quasimodo. Seeing Quasi get captured, Kaylie cried out in terror.

    "Quasi! Oh, no!" Kaylie cried. "Come back!" She tried to get Quasi back, but it was too late. The tongue had already snatched up Quasimodo. Panicking, she turned to the Emberhund and asked, "Was that a Greninja?"

    -No, it was not.-

    "Well, what was it, then?"

    -A Lanroack.-

    "A Lanroack?" Kaylie asked.

    -Yes. I've seen Lanroack before. They may look friendly, but you don't want to mess with them.-

    "What does a Lanroack look like?" Kaylie asked.

    Her question found itself answered moments later. At that moment, a bipedal, blue frog-like Pokémon stepped out, carrying Quasimodo in its tongue. Its webbed hands and feet were tipped with pink circles. Around its neck was a pink, scarf-like object that resembled a tongue; unlike Greninja, however, this was not its real tongue. Kaylie immediately took out her Pokédex and scanned it.

    "Lanroack, the Sticky Tongue Pokémon, and the evolved form of Ribbongue. It is sometimes mistaken for a Greninja, and will often catch other Pokémon in its tongue. Type: Water. Gender: Male. Ability: Unaware. Moveset: Lick, Water Gun, Water Shuriken."

    "Water Shuriken?" asked Kaylie in confusion. "I thought that was the signature move of Greninja."

    -It ussssssed to be,- a soft voice suddenly hissed. -Until Lanroack like me learned that we could ussssse it, too.- The voice was low and menacing, like a snake's. Kaylie looked up and saw herself staring deep into the eyes of the Lanroack.

    "What are you doing with Quasimodo?!" she cried.

    -Ssssssimple. I'll be taking the Grasssswinemodo myssssself, if it'ssssss alright with you.-

    "No!" cried Kaylie. "I can't have you do that! Clopin, use-"

    -Allow me,- the Emberhund suddenly broke in. -Please forgive my interruption, but I would like to battle the Lanroack if it's alright with you.-

    -He's got the advantage!- squeaked Quasimodo. Although he was trapped in the Lanroack's tongue, he was still able to speak.

    -I am very much aware of that, Quasimodo. However, you must know that I will battle even those opponents who are strong against me.- He turned to the Lanroack, anger surging through him. -Now... put Quasimodo down.-

    -Defending the Grassssswinemodo, I ssssssee?- hissed the Lanroack. -Of coursssssse you would. You're hissss friend, I pressssume?-

    -I am,- the Emberhund growled back. -But you were warned already, so it's too late for you now. Fire Fang!-

    And at once his fangs glowed orange and burst into flame as he bounced up onto the Lanroack's leg and bit it. The Lanroack flinched visibly as the Emberhund jumped down, but he still eyed the Emberhund with a cold glare.

    "Alright!" cheered Kaylie, jumping up and down. "Great one, Emberhund!"

    -That wasssss a good one,- the Lanroack admitted. -However, your attemptssssss to burn me are nothing sssshort of feeble. Take thisssss! Water Ssssshuriken!-

    At once, a shuriken of water formed in the Lanroack's hand, and he threw it at the Emberhund, who was hit and got knocked back. Kaylie gasped as she saw the Emberhund trying to stand back up.

    "Emberhund! Are you okay?" she cried.

    -Yes, I'm fine,- the Emberhund replied, but he was visibly flinching. -You'll have to use another Pokémon, though; that Water Shuriken hit me pretty hard.-

    Kaylie nodded. "Got it." She turned to Esmeralda. "Esmeralda, you ready?"

    -Yeah,- Esme replied.

    "Alright! Esmeralda, use String Shot!" Kaylie ordered.

    -You got it, Kaylie!- Esmeralda cried, and she shot two silk strands out of her mouth which grabbed on to the webbed hands of the Lanroack, then another one which grabbed on to the legs. The Lanroack cried out when he saw the String Shot attack, and he glared over at Esmeralda.

    "Yeah! Great job, Esmeralda!" Kaylie cried. "Now, Clopin, use Peck on the Lanroack's tongue to free Quasimodo!"

    -LIMER CA, TOK SANPUT!- Clopin cried out, his beak glowing white as he ran towards a terrified Lanroack. When he got close enough, Clopin jumped up and pierced the Lanroack's tongue with his beak. The Lanroack cried out in pain, unwrapping his tongue and freeing Quasimodo, who jumped down safely. Seeing Quasi, Kaylie and the other Pokémon all ran towards him, concerned.

    "Quasi!" cried Kaylie. "Are you alright? You could have been really hurt."

    -I'm fine, thanks,- responded Quasi. -How's everyone else?-

    "They're fine, too," Kaylie told him.

    -You had me SO worried! I literally just had to use Peck to save you, Quasi!- cried Clopin. -But... you already saw that, didn't you? Oh, never mind. We have a much bigger problem. That nasty Lanroack might just attack you or one of us again.- He stared up at the Lanroack, who had recovered from all of the pain he was in. Quasimodo gasped.

    -Oh, no,- he cried. -I don't want to see any of you get hurt. Who's going to battle it?-

    Clopin thought for a second, and then-

    -Why, how about you, mok am?- he asked.

    Quasi staggered back in shock.

    -M-me?!- he cried. -Oh, no thanks. I don't really enjoy a battle.-

    -But if you don't battle, you'll never be able to get any stronger, mok am!- Clopin protested.

    -I know that. But no thanks, really. I'll just... let you guys battle it.- With that, Quasi hid behind Kaylie, the way he always did. The Lanroack laughed.

    -Sssssseemssss to me like thisssss Grasssswinemodo doesssssn't want to battle,- he hissed.

    -He's always been that way,- Clopin told him. -Every time someone tries to get him to battle he always lets one of us do it.-

    -What a coward,- the Lanroack replied.

    -Coward?! Well, I wouldn't really call him a coward, mok am, he's just-

    -QUASIMODO IS NOT A COWARD!- Esmeralda suddenly cried out in anger.

    The Lanroack turned his head. Esmeralda was staring him down angrily. She glared at him, and as she did, her eyes suddenly glowed in a bright red, as did her whole body. Just as suddenly, the Lanroack's body glowed in a bright red, as did his eyes. Kaylie watched in awe- she'd never seen a move like this before. The Lanroack was suddenly moving all over the place, as though Esmeralda was controlling him with her mind. Startled, Kaylie took out her Pokédex, and a message flashed on it in all caps:

    YOUR LARVELL HAS JUST LEARNED CONFUSION.

    Confusion? thought Kaylie, bewildered.

    As she looked back at the battle taking place before her, she saw the Lanroack get thrown onto the floor by Esmeralda's mind control. She gasped as the red lights faded out from both of the Pokémon's bodies, and when she got closer, she could see that the Lanroack had fainted. Quasimodo moved out of his hiding place and approached Esmeralda.

    -Was that... Confusion?- he asked. Esmeralda nodded.

    -Yeah. I just learned it now, actually,- she replied.

    "Wow, Esme, that was AMAZING! I've never seen that move before!" Kaylie squealed. "With a move like that, you just made the battle go by pretty quick!"

    -Yeah, I guess I did,- Esmeralda replied. -Except... Quasi?-

    Quasimodo turned.

    -It would have gone by a LOT quicker if you had decided to battle that thing.- She didn't sound at all disappointed in Quasi when she said this; it was more as though she had been hoping to see a little bit more action from Quasi. Quasimodo, however, was devastated. To him, this was the equivalent of Esmeralda calling him a flat-out coward to his face. Starting to tear up, he turned to Kaylie, in hopes that he wouldn't get the same response. Kaylie, however, just shook her head.

    "I hate to admit it, but Esmeralda's right," Kaylie agreed. "You were the one trapped in the Lanroack's grasp, after all. Had you decided to battle the Lanroack, the battle may have ended sooner." The other three Pokémon all nodded in agreement, and Quasi gasped in shock. Were they trying to say he was a coward, too? It seemed that way to him, and he didn't want to consider himself a coward in any way. Now extremely devastated, Quasi looked up at Kaylie in tears. Kaylie noticed.

    "Quasi?" Kaylie asked. "What's the matter?"

    -Y-y-you...- He hesitated. -You think I'm a c-coward, don't you?-

    Kaylie gasped. She hadn't intended for her words to come off that way. She certainly didn't think that Quasi was a coward.

    "No! Quasi, of course I don't!" she pleaded. "I'm really sorry if I came off that way to you! I-"

    But to her surprise, Quasi turned away, still in tears.

    "Quasi?" Kaylie asked.

    The tearful Graswinemodo didn't respond. Instead, he just stood there, sobbing loudly. Finally, he spoke.

    -The Lanroack was right,- he sobbed. -I'm nothing more than a coward. I'll never be brave enough to battle on my own without backing out.-

    -Wha-?!- gasped Clopin.

    Kaylie, too, was dumbfounded.

    "Quasi!" she called out. "Wait up!"

    But the poor Graswinemodo refused to look at her and just ran away in tears. Kaylie and Clopin, as well as Esmeralda and the Emberhund, stared at him, concern and sadness evident on their faces. Finally, they just decided it best to leave Quasi alone, and they all sadly walked away, with Clopin casting one last forlorn look in Quasimodo's direction.

    The Emberhund, however, was the only one in the group who didn't leave. Instead, he looked out in Quasi's direction and thought about what had happened during the battle. There had to be some other reason why the poor Graswinemodo didn't enjoy a battle, other than the fact that he didn't want to hurt the opponent.

    The only question was... what was it?

    Quasimodo couldn't sleep all night. He was feeling too saddened by what had happened during the battle against the Lanroack. Esmeralda and Kaylie's words were replaying over and over again in his head, and the more he thought about it, the more he cried. The Lanroack had been right. He was nothing more than a coward. He wouldn't be able to last one battle until the very end. Sadly, and still thinking about the words that Esmeralda and Kaylie had said, he looked up at the moon and began to sing:

    -#For so many days out there
    -#I've watched a fighting pair
    -#Of Trainers battling in the night
    -#They had a kind of fire within them
    -#A fire that surely was burning bright
    -#But me, I'll never know
    -#That burning, fiery glow
    -#Though I do wish with all my might
    -#No Pokémon as shy as I am
    -#Was ever meant for that fiery light
    -#No, I don't like to battle, it's not within me
    -#To hurt all of my friends just gives me fright
    -#I wouldn't dream that I could battle if I try
    -#And as I sit out here tonight
    -#That fire inside's not burning bright
    -#I'll never see that burning light...#-

    Quasi finished his song and sighed. He knew that, no matter what, he wouldn't be able to battle like the rest of the Pokémon in the world...

    -Quasi? Is everything alright?- a voice suddenly asked.

    Quasi looked up. It had been the Emberhund's voice. Sadly, he looked back down.

    -I-I'm fine,- Quasi replied. -What are you doing here?-

    -I came here to talk to you about something,- the Emberhund said, walking over next to Quasi. -The battle yesterday, against the Lanroack... I noticed that you... well, you didn't really want to battle it. Why is that?-

    Quasi sighed. He knew he had to tell him.

    -Well, it's just that I...- He hesitated for a moment, then finally managed to stammer out, -I just don't want to hurt the opponent. I'm too afraid.-

    The Emberhund laughed, as though he thought it was funny that Quasimodo didn't want to hurt anyone.

    -Well, that's the whole point of a battle,- the Emberhund explained. -You're supposed to hurt the opponent. It's for fun.-

    -That doesn't make things any better,- said Quasimodo sadly. -W-what good will that do...?-

    He couldn't take it anymore, and burst into tears. Feeling badly for poor Quasi, the Emberhund licked him a few times to comfort him.

    -Now, now, Quasi, it's alright. Perhaps there's something else that may be the cause of you not choosing to battle.-

    -T-there is!- wailed Quasi, unable to hold back his tears. -I-I'm afraid! Afraid that if I make one move to hurt the opponent, they'll hate me for it! And what's worse, it means I'll take pleasure in someone else being hurt, and I don't want to do that.- He calmed down a bit, but his voice was still cracking from the tears. -That'll make me a...a...-

    -A masochist?- the Emberhund finished.

    -Yes, that's it, thank you,- said Quasi. -A masochist. And being a masochist is a very bad thing. I wouldn't want to be the one who takes pleasure from watching others in pain. Who knows? In the future, I could become evil.-

    -Quasi, listen to me,- the Emberhund said, sitting down next to the shy Graswinemodo. -Even though you will hurt the opponent, they're certainly not going to hate you because you hurt them. Very rarely does a Pokémon ever do that in a battle. Furthermore, hurting another Pokémon won't automatically make you a masochist. Personally, I love battling. It's been one of my number-one hobbies since I was born. I've been in more than 1,000,000 battles throughout my lifetime. Yet despite all that, I have never- in any way- considered myself a masochist.-

    Quasi brightened.

    -Really?- he asked.

    The Emberhund nodded. -Of course. It's friendly competition, Quasi, and nothing more. Just because you hurt somebody doesn't mean they'll hate you for it. The opponent will actually enjoy the battle, too. My advice to you is to at least try to battle, so that you can get a glimpse of what it's like. In fact,- he continued, standing up, -we'll do it right here, right now.-

    -R-right now?!- gasped Quasi. -In the middle of the night?-

    -Why not? Just try it out, Quasi!- the Emberhund urged. -You'll never know that you'll like something until you try it.-

    -W-well... okay,- Quasi stammered, moving to one side of the tall grass. -I guess it'll be worth a try...What do I do?-

    -Well, what moves do you know?- the Emberhund asked.

    -Let's see... Well, I know Bell Chime, of course,- said Quasimodo. -I know Vine Whip, too, and also Tackle and Tail Whip and... I think that's everything.-

    -It has to be,- the Emberhund replied. -A Pokémon can only know 4 moves at a time. Now, all you have to do is use one of those moves on me, and then I'll fight back. Just be warned, I've got the advantage.-

    -I know that,- Quasi replied. -Let's see... Tackle!-

    At this, he charged towards the Emberhund at full speed, suddenly feeling a burst of energy coursing through his body as it had never had before. He tackled right into the Emberhund, who was thrown back and struggled to get up. Quasi winced.

    -Oh, I-I'm sorry,- Quasi apologized. -Are you alright?-

    -Yes, I'm fine, thank you,- the Emberhund replied as he stood back up. -That was a pretty good hit, but I, of course, have other plans. Fire Fang!-

    The Emberhund's fangs glowed orange with fire, and he rushed straight towards Quasi. Startled, Quasi quickly dodged it, then jumped up into the air and cried out:

    -Vine Whip!-

    And at this he let loose two vines out of the hump on his back and grabbed onto the Emberhund's neck with the vines. He looked at where he had put the vines and gasped, then quickly relocated them to the Emberhund's tail.

    -Why did you do that?- the Emberhund asked.

    Quasi smiled shyly.

    -I didn't want to strangle you.-

    The Emberhund smiled back, and Quasi picked up the Emberhund by the tail and threw him across the tall grass with the vines. The Emberhund once again was thrown back and struggled to get up, and Quasi winced again.

    -S-sorry,- he stammered nervously. -Should we stop?-

    -That would be perfectly fine with me,- the Emberhund responded. -I think we've had enough battling for today.-

    -Alright then,- Quasi replied. -Bell Chime.-

    The bell on the end of his tail suddenly glowed a bright green and began to ring as though it were a real bell. Soon afterward, both Quasi's body and the Emberhund's body were surrounded by the same bright green light, which slowly restored all of their HP and healed all their injuries. Finally, the green light faded from their bodies as well as Quasimodo's tail bell, completing the healing process. The Emberhund walked over to Quasi once he saw that he had all his HP back.

    -Well,- the Emberhund asked, -what did you think?-

    Quasi smiled.

    -To be honest with you... that actually wasn't half bad!- he remarked happily. -I feel stronger already!-

    -What did I tell you?- the Emberhund replied, laughing. -If you eventually decide to battle more often, you'll become even more fond of battling, perhaps just as fond as I am.-

    -Thank you so much!- cried Quasi, waving to the Emberhund. -I'll try to battle more often from now on! Good night, Emberhund!-

    -Good night, Quasimodo,- the Emberhund replied, before leaving back into the bushes.

    Quasimodo kept waving, and once the Emberhund was out of sight, he looked back up at the moon. He actually had enjoyed that battle, and he had felt a lot stronger while doing so. Eventually, he decided that the Emberhund was right: he wasn't automatically going to become a masochist because of a Pokémon battle. Battling, as it turned out, wasn't so bad after all.

    He couldn't wait to show off his new battle skills to Kaylie, Esme, and Clopin.

    The next day, the group of Pokémon were happily eating a delicious breakfast. Quasi was trying very hard to not tell the other Pokémon about the conversation- and battle- between him and the Emberhund the night before. He wanted to surprise Esme and Clopin with his newfound battle skills. While they were eating, Kaylie scanned the Emberhund with her Pokédex to see what kind of moves he could learn. Almost immediately, data came up on her Pokédex screen:

    "Type: Fire. Gender: Male. Nature: Bold. Ability: Blaze. Moveset: Fire Fang, Ember, Leer, and Smokescreen."

    "Wow," remarked Kaylie, as she put away her Pokédex. "That's a pretty great move set, Emberhund. You know Smokescreen?"

    -I do,- the Emberhund confirmed, -and I have been able to use that move to my advantage in battles. It's one of my biggest defensive moves.-

    -What does Smokescreen do?- Quasi asked suddenly.

    -It blinds the opponent with smoke so they can't see anything and lowers their Speed stat,- the Emberhund explained. -Stat-lowering moves like this one are an absolute must.-

    -They are indeed,- a familiar voice hissed out.

    The group looked up, startled. It was the same Lanroack from the day before, and he was out for revenge. The Emberhund growled angrily, and Quasi gasped.

    -You!- the Emberhund growled. -What are you doing here? I thought you had fainted!-

    -I had,- hissed the Lanroack, -but one of my Chimecho freindsssss usssssed Bell Chime on me. And now...- He glared at the Emberhund, and then added menacingly, -I'm out for revenge.-

    -I thought you might,- snapped the Emberhund. -But this time, you will be going down! Smokescreen!-

    At that word, he opened his mouth and let loose a cloud of thick smoke, which blinded the Lanroack. Kaylie, seeing that the Lanroack was now distracted, decided to use her ultimate weapon: Clopin's battle style. She turned to the excitable Touceet, who was staring down the Lanroack in determination.

    "Clopin, you ready?" she asked.

    -You better believe I am,- said Clopin. -That Lanroack's not going to live long enough to tell the tale!-

    "Alright!" Kaylie cried, turning off the TST device. "Clopin, use Guillotine!"

    On that command, Clopin immediately began to sing:

    #Ceetceet touc tou ceet ceet touceettou ceet
    #Ceet ceet toutou ceet Ceettou touceet ceet ceet ceet
    #Ceetceet touc tou ceet ceet ceetceettou ceet
    #Tou ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc-
    #Toutou, touc ceet!
    #Ceet ceet ceet tou touc
    #Ceet ceet touc tou ceet
    #Ceet ceet ceetceet ceet touc
    #Tou touc touc ceet ceettou tou ceetceettou ceet touc tou
    #Ceet ceet ceet ceettouc touc ceet ceet ceettoutou
    #Ceettou ceet Touceet touceettouc ceet ceet
    #Ceet ceet ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc
    #Touc ceet ceet ceetceettouc ceet tou ceet touc ceetceet
    #

    The Lanroack suddenly coughed, and Kaylie looked over and saw that the cloud of smoke had faded. When the Lanroack looked over at the dancing Clopin, he blanched and visibly flinched in shock, unable to speak. Kaylie grinned knowingly over at Clopin, who continued the song:

    #Touceet ceet ceet ceet ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc
    #Ceet ceet ceet touctouc touc ceet ceet ceet tou
    #Ceet ceet tou ceet ceet ceettou toutou ceet ceetceet
    #Ceettouc ceet ceet ceetceet touc ceetceet ceet tou
    #

    "Ceetceet ceet touc?"

    The Lanroack, it seemed, had finally found his voice.

    -How do you even consssssider thissss a battle?!- he gasped.

    Clopin laughed.

    "Ceet ceet tou touc ceet."

    #Tou ceet ceet ceet tou ceet ceettouceet-

    "Ceet! Ceet touceet!

    "Touceettouc!

    "Ceet touceet!

    "CEETCEET!

    "Ceet...

    #Ceet ceet tou toutouceet ceettouceet... ceet ceet ceet touc ceet ceet tou...#

    -Now what are you planning to do to me?- the Lanroack scoffed.

    He looked ahead and immediately got his answer as he saw Clopin's wings sharpen and glow a bright blue. The Lanroack gasped.

    -That Touceet knowsssss Guillotine?!- he cried out. -Imposssssible!-

    "Oh no, it's not," Kaylie retorted.

    At that moment, the Lanroack looked up and gasped as he saw Clopin about to hit him with a Guillotine move while singing the last line:

    #TOU TOU CEETCEET TOU-#

    -Clopin?- Quasimodo suddenly asked.

    Clopin suddenly jumped down as Kaylie turned the TST back on.

    -Yes, mok am? What is it?- Clopin asked.

    Quasi stepped forward, suddenly determined.

    -I'm going to battle the Lanroack!- he cried out.

    Everybody, except for the Emberhund and the Lanroack, gasped in shock. Kaylie, however, was the most stunned of all. Here was Quasimodo, of all Pokémon, getting into a battle. He usually never decided to enter a battle- he would always back out of it!

    "Quasi... are you serious?!" she gasped.

    -I've never been more serious in my life,- Quasi replied.

    -Heyyyyy, look at you~!- Clopin remarked. -I like this! You go, Quasi!-

    -Thanks,- Quasi replied, before turning to the Lanroack. -Now let's get this battle started! Vine Whip!-

    Two vines came out from his hump, and he began hitting the Lanroack with them. The Sticky Tongue Pokémon was thrown back, crying out in pain. Quasimodo winced visibly.

    -Oh... s-sorry,- he stammered. -I-I-I had to do it. It's what you do in a battle.-

    -Of courssssssse it issssss!- the Lanroack hissed. -You don't need to apologize to me. I'll just hit you right back! Water Gun!-

    He opened his mouth, and a jet of water shot out of it. Quasi saw it and quickly dodged the attack. The Lanroack gasped.

    -He dodged?!- the Lanroack gasped. -But he'ssss only a Grasssswinemodo!-

    -I am a Graswinemodo, but that doesn't mean I can't dodge.-

    -It doesssss mean that you can't sssssurvive thisssss new attack I've learned, though!- the Lanroack retorted.

    -What?!- gasped Quasi.

    -Allow me to introduce you to... AERIAL ACE!-

    -Aerial Ace?!- cried Esmeralda.

    The Lanroack suddenly jumped into the air in a burst of energy, becoming surrounded by a clear aura. Terrified, Quasi tried to run away, but the Lanroack was hot on his tail. Soon, the Lanroack had him cornered, and glared at Quasi, who was trembling in fear. He drew back his arm, which was surrounded by the same clear aura, and-

    -NOOOOOOO!- shreiked Esmeralda, suddenly jumping in front of Quasimodo.

    At that exact moment, Esmeralda began to glow brightly in a blue, diamond-colored light that was almost translucent. Kaylie, Clopin, Quasimodo, and the Emberhund all gasped in shock, as did the Lanroack, who jumped back and ceased the Aerial Ace attack.

    "Esmeralda!" gasped Kaylie. "W-what's happening to you?!"

    -Here, let me see,- said Clopin, stepping forward until he got close enough to Esmeralda to see what was going on. -Hello? Esmeralda, mok am? Is everything--

    That was when he saw it. As he was staring at Esmeralda, Clopin soon noticed what was going on: Esmeralda's tail was starting to shrink. Her bell-like legs were also begginning to fuse together, while the swollen leg grew even bigger. Clopin saw this and screamed, then backed away and ran over to Kaylie, breathing heavily.

    "What is it? What did you see?" Kaylie asked.

    -You will not believe what I saw-- gasped Clopin. -Her tail-it was shrinking-I may have even noticed that her legs were fusing together-I don't know what's happening to her at all.-

    "What?!" gasped Kaylie. "What-what's going on?"

    -I don't believe this,- gasped the Emberhund. -She's... evolving.-

    Evolving?! thought Kaylie in disbelief. So this is what the Kurugrasig meant!

    At that moment, Kaylie suddenly heard a beeping noise which seemed to be coming from her EvoPhone. Confused, she took it out, and she clearly saw a message reading EVOLUTION DETECTED flashing on her screen, interspersed with images of a Larvell and a black silhouette, which appeared to be that of a bell-like Pokémon, flashing back and forth between each other on her screen. Shocked, Kaylie looked up at Esmeralda, who she noticed was already beginning to change.

    As Kaylie and the other Pokémon watched in awe, changes began happening to Esmeralda's caterpillar-like body as it slowly became less caterpillar-like. The tail sucked back into the body, and four of Esmeralda's bell legs fused together into one larger bell, which moved to one side of her head. Three other bells did the same, fusing into a slightly larger bell and moving to the other side of the head. As the legs slowly fused together, the tail completely shrunk back into the body, as though it were a tadpole's, leaving only Esmeralda's head, the two bells, and her one swollen leg left. Her body had suddenly become a lot more bell-like. The swollen leg suddenly grew a bit bigger, before a string suddenly manifested itself, connecting the bell-like body to the swollen leg. Esmeralda's once wide-open eyes suddenly closed, and four horizontal lines suddenly replaced her previous nose and mouth, connecting the eyes together. Within seconds of the transformation beginning, it ended just as suddenly, the blue light exploding into pinpricks of glistening blue material and revealing Esmeralda's new form to the world.

    What Kaylie- and the other Pokémon- saw left them completely speechless. Where not moments before there had stood a pink caterpillar-like Pokémon, there now resided in her place an entirely new creature. Esmeralda was now a pink cocoon-like Pokémon resembling a floating bell, with two smaller, yellow bells underneath. She still had her huge yellow eyes; however, they were now tightly closed, and they were connected by four black horizontal lines. Kaylie gasped in shock at the transformation that had just taken place before her, and took out her EvoPhone. At once the black silhouette faded in, revealing the same Pokémon that now stood before Kaylie. Confused and amazed at the same time, Kaylie took out her Pokédex and scanned Esmeralda's new form.

    "Bellcoon, the Bell Pupa Pokémon and the evolved form of Larvell. It barely moves much and never opens its eyes, however is still able to see by using psychic powers. Type: Bug/Psychic. Gender: Female. Ability: Shed Skin. Moveset: Confusion, String Shot, Tackle, Harden."

    "Wow," gasped Kaylie. She had noticed that after evolving, Esmeralda had forgotten Bell Chime and learned a new move: Harden. It wasn't too much of a concern to her; after all, Quasimodo could use Bell Chime already. Still, it had been pretty cool to see an evolution for the first time. Clopin had been right: evolution had been more amazing than she'd ever imagined. As she began to fully comprehend what had just happened, Kaylie let out an excited squeal and ran over to Esmeralda.

    "Oh my gosh, I can't believe it! Congratulations, Esmeralda!" cried Kaylie happily, hugging Esmeralda. "Evolution looks so cool!"

    -I'm glad you're so happy,- said Esmeralda, and Kaylie noticed that her voice had gotten deeper and slightly monotone. Quasimodo, shocked, backed up and examined Esmeralda's new form.

    -Wow,- gasped Quasi. -You look... AMAZING! D-d-did that hurt anywhere? It was pretty weird-looking to see your tail shrinking...no offense.-

    Esmeralda laughed. -No. It really didn't hurt at all, actually. It felt pretty enjoyable.-

    -Oh, good,- said Quasi, with a sigh of relief. -I was worried for a second there.-

    -Well, it's great that you enjoyed my evolution, but we still have a battle to finish,- said Esmeralda, looking up at the Lanroack. -Who knows what that Lanroack's going to do next?-

    -You're right,- Quasi agreed. -Should you go first?-

    -No thanks, you go first,- Esme responded.

    -Alright, then!- cried Quasi. -Vine... huh?-

    He was about to use Vine Whip, but the move he used instead was one unlike any other Grass-type move in existence. Instead of two vines coming out of Quasi's hump, twelve vines burst forth instead, almost as if it were a jungle gym of vines. Quasi looked on in shock as the vines twisted themselves around the Lanroack's neck as if they were trying to strangle him. But they didn't; instead they glowed a bright green color, and as they did, the Lanroack cried out in pain. He flinched as the vines came shooting back into Quasimodo's hump, and Quasi suddenly felt stronger. However, he was also extremely confused.

    -W-w-what move did I just use?- he stammered. -That certainly wasn't Vine Whip.-

    -It wasn't,- Esmeralda replied. -You just learned Vine Drain.-

    "Vine Drain?" Kaylie repeated, confused.

    -It's a move where vines wrap around the opponent's neck and drain it of some of its HP, while restoring some of yours as well,- explained Esme.

    -Cool!- cried Quasi happily. -Well, except for the strangling part...-

    -Thissss... thisssss is unbelievable!- the Lanroack hissed. -Firssssst the Larvell evolvessss, and now the Grasssssswinemodo learnssss Vine Drain?! Well, it'sssss time you learn not to attack me! Water Sssssshuriken!-

    The shuriken suddenly formed in the Lanroack's hands, but just as he was about to throw it-

    -String Shot!- Esmeralda suddenly cried, letting loose silk strands which destroyed the Water Shuriken attack and tied around the body and arms of the Lanroack. Shocked, the Lanroack fell to the floor and tried to free his arms from the sticky silk in vain. Esmeralda nodded at Quasimodo, who turned back to her and nodded. Then all of a sudden, he launched out at the Lanroack in the final attack:

    -TACKLE!-

    And at this word he charged towards the Lanroack at full power, smacking into him with enough force to send the Lanroack flying through the air until he was long gone. When the Lanroack was finally out of sight, the other Pokémon cheered and ran up to Quasimodo to celebrate the defeat of the Lanroack.

    -You did it, mok am!- cried Clopin happily. -You totally defeated that Lanroack~!-

    "Oh my gosh, you were amazing!" Kaylie squealed happily. "I seriously never thought for a second that you would ever want to battle! How were you able to gain all that confidence?"

    -W-well, actually,- stammered Quasimodo, -I never would have gained confidence in my abilities as a battler had it not been for the Emberhund. We had a practice battle last night, and he was the one who made me see that battling wasn't going to make me an evil masochist.-

    Kaylie looked at the Emberhund and gasped.

    "R-really?!" she cried. "It was you this whole time?"

    The Emberhund nodded.

    -Yes,- he replied. -Not to brag, but it was me who helped Quasi overcome his fear.-

    -Well, so much for my claim that I was the Pokémon Quasi needed- it was you!- Clopin replied cheerfully. -Bïloktaknüt, mok am!-

    "Yes, thank you so much!" Kaylie agreed. (Clopin had taught her some PokeLatin on their journey, so she now knew that "Bïloktaknüt" meant "thank you.") "I never thought Quasi could be such a great battler!" She turned to Esmeralda and added, "Oh, and congrats on your evolution, Esmeralda!"

    Esmeralda giggled. If she'd been a Larvell, she would have blushed.

    At that moment, Kaylie thought of something.

    "Hey, Emberhund!" she called out.

    The Emberhund turned.

    "You wanna come along with us on our journey?" Kaylie asked, holding out a Pokéball.

    The Emberhund looked at it, completely speechless. He'd never been asked that question before. Looking over at Quasi, he suddenly remembered how he had changed the Graswinemodo's life, and realized that if he joined Kaylie's team, he could continue to change lives and spread honor throughout Feluv.

    He nodded.

    "Really?!" Kaylie squealed.

    -I would be honored.- The Emberhund bowed.

    "Alright, then!" cried Kaylie. "Go... Pokéball!"

    She threw the Pokéball, and the Emberhund was sucked up in blue light before the Pokéball fell to the ground and shook three times. Then...

    PING!

    The center flashed a bright red, and Kaylie gasped as she picked up the Pokéball.

    "YES! I JUST CAUGHT AN EMBERHUND!" she shreiked. "Go, Emberhund!"

    She threw the Pokéball back out, and the Emberhund came out of it. He looked up at Kaylie in confusion.

    -I must ask you why you brought me out of my Pokéball after capturing me,- he said.

    "So I could give you your nickname, of course!" Kaylie replied. "Now let's see... Well, it says in the Pokédex you've got a Bold nature. And you want to know who else was pretty bold?"

    -Who?-

    "Frollo, of course! But not in a good way," Kaylie replied. "So how about it?"

    The Emberhund looked at her, appalled.

    -Frollo?!- he gasped. -Why Frollo? Out of irony? I'm nothing like the judge. I am not cruel; I would never lock anyone up; I would not discriminate against Grass-types.-

    "Well, of course you wouldn't," Kaylie replied. "And yes, it may be a bit ironic. But I chose that name because, even if he was this in a bad way and you were this in a good way, you are both aggressive. You're moralistic, but you're also more prone to battling than any other Pokémon on this team."

    The Emberhund thought about it.

    -Now that I think about it, I am a bit more aggressive than the others when it comes to battling,- he replied. -And not only that, but we both have something to do with fire. Very well, then,- he agreed, smiling. -I'll take it. But let my name not be associated with my character, for I am nothing like the cruel judge who said that He shall smite the wicked and plunge them into the Distortion World.-

    Kaylie giggled.

    "It's a deal!" she replied happily. "I won't let anyone judge you, Frollo!"

    The newly-dubbed Frollo rushed over to her and licked her hand, and Kaylie giggled again. At that moment, though, she looked up, as did Frollo, and they both saw the same strange medal that Quasi, Clopin, and Esme had gotten. This one, however, had an image of a judge's mallet on it. As it attached itself onto Frollo's neck, the judge's mallet colored itself in a bright red. Frollo looked down at it.

    -Interesting,- he mused. -I might have heard of these things before; I just don't remember what in the world they're called.-

    "I have no idea what those medals are, honestly," Kaylie replied. "My other Pokémon have medals just like that one." She held out the heart, party hat, and peace sign medals, and Frollo looked at them all in deep thought.

    -Hmm,- he muttered. -Well, I guess there's no point in focusing on them now. We have to get back to Feluv so that you can have your first Gym Battle.-

    "You're right, Frollo," said Kaylie, putting the medals away. "You ready to go back to Feluv, guys?"

    -YEAH!- cheered Quasi, Esme, and Frollo.

    -CHEÜT!- cried Clopin.

    "Then let's go!" cried Kaylie.

    Happily, all the other Pokémon followed her. Quasi, however, stayed behind. He knew the Lanroack was still out there somewhere, and he didn't want to leave him hurt and trapped in a String Shot. He closed his eyes, and the bell on his tail glowed a bright green, as did his whole body. When he opened his eyes again, he saw a similar green light in the distance and smiled. Then once the green light had faded from Quasi's body, it faded from the distance as well. He looked out and smiled, happy to have healed the Lanroack with his Bell Chime move.

    -Quasimodo?- Clopin suddenly called. -Are you coming, mok am?-

    -Oh, I-I'm sorry,- stammered Quasi, turning back. -I-I-I'm coming.-

    He turned back and started following the other Pokémon and Kaylie. However, he found that he couldn't stop staring at Frollo and remembering their practice battle. He slowly smiled as he realized that not only had Frollo changed his life, he had changed Frollo's. If it hadn't been for their friendship, Frollo wouldn't have wanted to join Kaylie's team in the first place. Nor would Quasi have ever overcome his fear of battling. His first battle had felt like the best thing in the world, and he still had the sweetest heart. Excited, he ran up to the other Pokémon and suddenly felt as though nothing in the world could ever beat this moment.

    Finally, he'd seen that burning light.
     
  6. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
    Level 15
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Posts:
    248
    PokéPoints:
    ₽633.8
    The main team is complete! Behold Phoebus, the Watorse of the Guard, as Chapter 5 of Opal and Garnet comes your way! Enjoy! PS: will shipping occur?

    Pokémon Opal and Garnet
    Chapter 5: The Watorse of the Guard
    Ever since what had happened the day before, Kaylie could not stop talking with Quasimodo about battling. She had had no previous inkling of Quasi ever being a strong battler, and she was shocked to see just how much confidence he had grown since talking with Frollo (though Quasi still apologized to the opponent for damaging him, as he always did). However, it was Clopin who was more impressed with Quasi's battling skills than anyone else. That day, as the group was crossing a long bridge that led from Kalos to Medela City, site of Kaylie's first Gym Battle, Clopin could not stop talking to Quasimodo about his battles.

    -That had to be the most amazing thing I have ever seen, mok am!- he told Quasi happily. -I cannot believe how much Frollo's conversation has helped you. He really taught you something. Although, as you no doubt know by now, neü beüt ce sois kirümetük.-

    "Um... what does 'neü beüt seh sois kirümetük' mean?" Kaylie asked, though she mispronounced the "ce." Clopin, of course, was happy to point it out.

    -It means "not everybody can be a teacher." And, for clarification, that's a "keh." Like "keg," but without the "g."-

    Kaylie smiled.

    "Well, you sure are a teacher, Clopin!" she replied. "And a good one at that! You could write an entire book on this PokeLatin thing!"

    -Or I could join the IPPA,- he added.

    "The... what?"

    -IPPA. International PokeLatin Phonetics Association.-

    "Oh."

    -E-excuse me, Kaylie,- Quasimodo suddenly asked. -W-what's that?-

    Kaylie, as well as her other Pokémon, turned in Quasimodo's direction, and they suddenly saw something round and blue sticking out from one corner of the bridge. Kaylie squinted, then turned to Quasimodo.

    "I don't know what it is," she replied, "but I'm going to find out."

    She ran over to the round blue thing in curiosity, as did her Pokémon. As they got closer, what they saw shocked them.

    It was an egg.

    A dark blue egg that had a light blue river-like symbol on it, as well as two white teardrop shaped markings. Kaylie picked it up and examined it curiously, while her other Pokémon stared at it in shock.

    "An egg?" Kaylie asked in confusion. "Which Pokémon is it?"

    -I'm not sure,- replied Esmeralda.

    -One thing's for sure, though,- Frollo added. -It's a Water type.-

    "It has to be," Kaylie added. "Otherwise it wouldn't have those teardrop shaped markings on it. Now, what should we do with this egg? It doesn't seem like it belongs to anyone..."

    At that moment, though, the egg began shaking. Kaylie and her other Pokémon gasped in shock.

    -W-what's going on?- asked Quasimodo.

    -There's only one thing that can be going on,- Frollo explained. -Whenever a Pokémon egg starts shaking like that, that means it's hatching.-

    "Hatching?!" gasped Kaylie, putting the egg down and letting out an excited squeal. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe it! I wonder what Pokémon it's going to be!"

    The other Pokémon all crowded around the egg, and it suddenly began to flash in a bright white color. Within seconds, it began to glow brightly in that same white color. Kaylie gasped. As she and her Pokémon stared at the egg, it began to take a new form. Legs, a tail, and a horse-like head sprouted, complete with a fluffy, cloud-like mane. The other Pokémon were in shock. Finally, the light faded out, revealing the newly-hatched Pokémon.

    "OH MY GOSH!" Kaylie shreiked. "It's a Watorse! Oh my word, he's adorable!"

    It was indeed a Watorse. However, this one was a bit different from the one Kaylie had seen at the lab. This one was a darker blue color, with the bottom half of its body being a slightly lighter blue. The teardrop markings on its body were white, while its tail was black, and its puffy mane was a light blue. Kaylie wasn't even sure if it was a male, though it sure seemed that way considering how the other, female Watorse looked at the lab. But just to make sure, Kaylie pulled out her Pokédex and scanned the newly-hatched Watorse.

    "Type: Water. Gender: Male. Nature: Hardy. Ability: Torrent. Moveset: Tackle, Water Gun, Tail Whip."

    The data confirmed it: This was indeed a male Watorse. Kaylie suddenly looked down at him, and slowly, he opened his eyes, staring directly at Kaylie.

    "Look! He's soooooo cute~!" Kaylie gushed.

    -He is, mok am!- Clopin cried.

    The Watorse looked up at Kaylie and tilted his head in confusion. He looked to each of the Pokémon, and then asked:

    -Where am I?-

    "You're on the bridge to Medela City, of course," Kaylie replied, laughing. "I found you, and you just hatched. Hello there! I can't believe I get to keep you!"

    -Who are you?- asked the Watorse.

    "My name's Kaylie," Kaylie responded, introducing herself. "I'm a Pokémon Trainer from the Feluv region."

    -Who's the Graswinemodo over there? He seems fun to play with.-

    Quasi laughed.

    "That's Quasimodo."

    -And who's the Touceet?- he continued.

    -Clopin,- Clopin answered.

    -Kloh-PAN?-

    -Well, you could call me that, but I would prefer it if you go full Kalosian: "kloh-PAH~n."-

    -Oh.-

    "And the Bellcoon over there is Esmeralda," Kaylie added, holding up her newly-evolved Bellcoon. "She was born with a swollen leg and lived in the Graswinemodo Tower in Kalos for two months before we caught her."

    -Was she bullied?- the Watorse asked.

    "Very much," Kaylie said sadly. "The other Larvell called her names and tied her to a tree. That's why she left for the Graswinemodo Tower. She just evolved, by the way."

    The Watorse looked at Kaylie. It suddenly hit Kaylie that since this Pokémon had just been hatched, he probably didn't know that much about evolution, if anything at all.

    "Oh, sorry," Kaylie apologized. "You haven't heard of evolution before, have you?"

    -Of course I have!- responded the Watorse happily, to Kaylie's surprise.

    "Really?" she asked. "Wouldn't have expected that."

    -I've heard of evokophobia, too,- the Watorse added.

    "What's evokophobia?" asked Kaylie.

    -The fear of evolution, of course,- Frollo suddenly interrupted. -It's a very ridiculous fear, if you ask me. Specifically, evokophobia is the fear of evolution due to a belief that evolution is painful. There's also persokophobia, which is the fear of evolving due to a change in personality, and adakadaphobia, the fear of evolving due to adaptation.-

    -Wow, you know a lot!- the Watorse remarked. He then looked up at Kaylie and asked, -Who's he?-

    "Frollo," Kaylie responded.

    The Watorse gasped.

    -Frollo?!- he cried. -Is he as cruel as his namesake?-

    Frollo shook his head. -Not at all.-

    -That's a relief,- said the Watorse, breathing a huge sigh of relief. -I really don't like that guy. He may be fictional, but he did some really terrible things.-

    "Well, you're not alone in thinking that," Kaylie responded. "Frollo feels the same way about his own namesake. He doesn't want to even think about becoming like him." She paused. "So, how about I give you a nickname, since I found you and caught you?"

    -Cool!- cried the Watorse happily. -What nickname should you give me?-

    "Let's see... How about Phoebus?"

    -Phoebus? As in, Frollo's captain of the guard?-

    "Sure!" Kaylie cried. "You could be the Watorse of the guard."

    The Watorse and Kaylie both laughed.

    -Sounds good to me!- the Watorse replied happily.

    "Alright, then! Phoebus it is!" Kaylie cried.

    Happily, Phoebus began jumping around and playing with Quasimodo, and Kaylie looked at the two of them and smiled. At that moment, however, a thought suddenly came to her.

    What was a Gym Battle, anyways?

    Frollo had mentioned it, but she had no idea of what it was. She also didn't know how many of these "Gym Battles" she would have to face.

    "Excuse me, Frollo?" she called out. The Emberhund at once turned to her.

    -Yes?- he asked.

    "What's a Gym Battle?" asked Kaylie.

    Before Frollo could say anything, though, Phoebus suddenly interrupted.

    -Sorry to interrupt, but do you mean to tell me that you have no idea what a Gym Battle is?- he asked. -I know a lot about Gym Battles and Pokémon Gyms- when you're in an Egg, you can hear everything. Gym Battles are an extremely special kind of Pokémon battle where you face this person called a Gym Leader, and if you defeat them, you win money! You have to defeat 8 Gym Leaders from 8 different cities in order to challenge the Pokémon League. The first Gym is right across this bridge, in Medela City. The Gym Leader there, Lepida, uses Bug-type Pokémon. They evolve very quickly. I hear that Lepida is fond of EvoPhone apps like the OB-1 and ClipCorder. I haven't met her, but I know that she'll be awesome! By the way, would you like to know about type matchups?-

    Kaylie was dumbfounded. She hadn't expected a Pokémon who had just hatched to know anything about Gym Battles.

    "Um... sure," Kaylie responded, impressed by Phoebus' knowledge.

    -Well,- began Phoebus, -every type of Pokémon is strong and weak against another type of Pokémon. In Lepida's gym, you wouldn't want to use a Pokémon like Quasi, since Grass-types are weak to Bug-types. You would, however, want to use a Pokémon like Frollo or kloh-PAN--

    -PAH~n,- Clopin corrected.

    -Okay, okay,- Phoebus laughed. -You'd want to use someone like them, since Fire-types and Flying-types are good against Bug-types.-

    "But Clopin's part Grass!" Kaylie protested.

    -True,- Phoebus replied.

    "Then again, he does know Guillotine."

    Phoebus was so shocked he did a double take.

    -What. Did. You. Say.-

    "He knows Guillotine."

    Pheobus nearly fainted, and it was no doubt he would have had they not been interrupted a few seconds later by a male voice.

    "Hey! That Watorse is MINE!"

    Startled, Kaylie and the others turned around swiftly, and before they knew it they found themselves face to face with a male Trainer. He had short, sandy-brown hair and hazel eyes, and was wearing a blue and red Pokéball shirt. The strangest thing about him, however, at least to Kaylie, was a strange-looking metal bracelet he had around his arm, which contained a small, yellow and red marble-like object. Kaylie looked at it in confusion.

    "What's that bracelet for?" asked Kaylie.

    -And what do you mean, Phoebus is yours?!- Clopin shouted, jumping in front of Phoebus. -We found him, so he is our friend, which means that you cannot take him because he is not going to listen to you; he is only going to-

    "For your information, he is my Pokémon," the male Trainer retorted. "I had a Watorse, too, and that Watorse has been missing for days."

    "He can't be your Watorse!" Kaylie protested. "We found him in an egg!"

    "Mine was in an egg, too," the Trainer replied. "And I will do anything to get my Watorse back, even if it means getting into a battle with you. As for this bracelet..." He looked at it, and then took out a Pokéball. "Well, you'll see what it does in a minute. Now, you ready to battle?"

    Kaylie looked back at the male Trainer with a determined glare on her face.

    "Bring it on," she responded.

    "Alright, let's get this battle on," the male Trainer began. "Go, Beedrill!"

    He threw a Pokéball, and instantly the blue light that shot out of it formed itself into a medium-sized, bee-like Pokémon. It looked almost exactly the same as a regular bee, with two red eyes, a sharp pointed stinger at the bottom of its body, and four oval-shaped wings. Instantly, Kaylie took out her Pokédex and scanned its data:

    "Beedrill, the Poison Bee Pokémon, and the final evolved form of Weedle. These Pokémon are extremely territorial, and no one should ever approach their nest- or else. Type: Bug/Poison. Gender: Male. Ability: Swarm. Moveset: Twineedle, Poison Sting, Tackle, Guillotine."

    -Oh, no,- Phoebus gasped. -That's a Bug-Poison type! If you get hit by one of his moves, your Pokémon will get poisoned, and you'll begin losing HP!-

    "What? No!" gasped Kaylie. "Which Pokémon should I use?"

    -Use Esmeralda!- Pheobus cried. -She's a Psychic-type, so she'll be strong against Poison-type Pokémon!-

    "Alright," Kaylie responded. "You ready, Esme?"

    The Bellcoon nodded, determined, and floated onto the battlefield. Seeing her, the trainer on the other side of the battlefield stared at her in confusion.

    "A Bellcoon? Really?" he asked.

    "She's part Psychic-type," Kaylie replied. "So she'll be able to defeat your Beedrill with ease! Esmeralda, use Confusion!"

    -Alright!- cried Esme, and at once her body, as well as her eyes, glowed red. The Beedrill's eyes and body did the same, and suddenly he found himself being thrown around by Esme's mind control. Eventually, the Beedrill found himself being thrown across the field as the red light faded, and when he hit the ground, there was a large cloud of smoke.

    "Beedrill!" gasped the male Trainer.

    When the smoke cloud faded it was easy to see why he was so concerned. Beedrill looked just about ready to faint at any second, and was struggling to get himself back up. Eventually, he managed to fly back into the air, but it was clear to see that he had taken quite a bit of damage from the Confusion attack. The male Trainer ran up to him, clearly concerned.

    "Beedrill! Are you okay?" he asked. The Beedrill turned back and nodded. Kaylie found it weird that he hadn't spoken yet. Maybe he was extremely quiet. Esmeralda stared down at the male Trainer in determination.

    -It's over,- she said. -One more move and that Beedrill will be done for.-

    The male Trainer suddenly looked at the bracelet on his arm and laughed.

    "Well, we'll just see about that, because THIS is what my bracelet is used for!"

    And at those words he held up the bracelet and pressed the stone that was in the bracelet. As soon as he did, a brilliant yellow light emitted from the stone, and it was here that Kaylie noticed that the Beedrill had a necklace around his neck, which had a stone of its own; however rather than being multicolored, this one was clear. The Beedrill suddenly glowed in a blue light, and the blue light suddenly fused with the yellow light. Kaylie and all her other Pokémon looked on in shock.

    -Whoa,- gasped Pheobus.

    "What... is this?" asked Kaylie.

    "Mega Evolution," replied the male Trainer.

    At once, Kaylie remembered what the Kurugrasig had told her in the Graswinemodo Tower. He had said that Mega Evolution wasn't that known, and yet this Trainer had actually heard of it before. Kaylie was stunned.

    "You know about Mega Evolution...?!" she gasped.

    "Of course I do. I wouldn't be using it otherwise."

    "But how do you...?"

    Kaylie suddenly found herself unable to speak, as she was distracted by a bright orange light that was coming from the Beedrill. As she and all her other Pokémon watched in awe, the Beedrill suddenly began to change.

    His size remained relatively the exact same, however his antenna were the first to transform. They grew a bit shorter, then a bit thicker, and then slowly but pulled themselves forward and back over his head with what was like a sharp tug. The conical stingers grew larger and longer, and the legs also started to change shape. One of them twisted and straightened out, and as Kaylie watched in shock, the same leg suddenly pushed up. The end of said leg shook slightly, and then all at once the leg pushed back down again, then thickened out. The tip came to a point; the sharp edges rounded out until they were nice and smooth at the sides...

    It was all a bt uncomfortable to watch, but by the end of it, the leg no longer looked insectoid; it was now as conical as the stingers were. The other leg quickly did the same thing: it twisted and straightened out nicely; it pushed up, and then down; the sides of the leg thickened; the end of the leg slowly came to a sharp point, and the thickened, bumpy surface rounded out. Slowly, the edges, as before, rounded out smoothly. The other leg was now conical as well.

    The wings split into three, and the rounded bottoms of the wings straightened. An appendage sprouted that connected the head to the thorax, and then another that connected the thorax to the abdomen. The abdomen itself grew larger, before slowly grooving in. Kaylie was in absolute shock at how incredible the transformation was. It looked painful, but it probably wasn't. As everyone watched, the final transformation occurred as the stinger on the end of the Beedrill's abdomen sharpened. The orange light at once exploded off of the Beedrill's new form, and as it did, a green DNA symbol suddenly appeared, then quickly faded.

    Kaylie, Quasimodo, Frollo, Esmeralda, Phoebus and Clopin gasped in shock.

    The Beedrill now looked slightly different. His red eyes looked much sleeker, his antennae shorter, and his body longer. His abdomen was now grooved and covered in black stripes; in fact, his whole body was covered in black stripes. Now, he resembled more of a wasp than a bee. While Kaylie was at a loss for words, however, the Beedrill spoke for the first time in the entire battle:

    -*buzz* How's this for- *buzz*- MEGA EVOLUTION?! *buzz*-

    Kaylie couldn't help but laugh- the Beedrill was speaking and buzzing at the same time. It reminded her somewhat of the Lanroack's hissing pattern. The Beedrill, however, was not amused.

    -*buzz* You think that's funny? *buzz* Well, watch out, 'cause Mega Beedrill's coming for you! *buzz buzz*-

    No one was laughing after that- not only did this Mega Beedrill know Guillotine, but he was as menacing as anything. Esmeralda stared down the Mega Evolved Pokémon angrily, while Quasimodo (true to his nature) cowered. Kaylie suddenly stared up at the Mega Beedrill in shock.

    "Wow, he's menacing. I'm going to need a different Pokémon." She turned to Frollo, knowing that since he was a Fire-type, he'd be strong against Bug-types. "You ready, Frollo?"

    -Of course I am,- Frollo responded, taking Esmeralda's place on the battlefield. -Believe me, you may be Mega Evolved, but you're no match for me!-

    -Oh, man! It's about to go down!- Phoebus cried.

    "Big time," Kaylie agreed, and sure enough, as she turned back towards Frollo, she saw that her Emberhund was using Fire Fang on the Mega Beedrill. The latter let out a sharp buzz and flinched back in pain. Then, all of a sudden, Kaylie noticed something. As soon as the Mega Beedrill flinched, he became surrounded by a large fire, and cried out in pain. Kaylie and Quasimodo both gasped.

    "W-what's going on? What's happening to the Mega Beedrill?" Kaylie gasped in shock.

    "No way!" cried the male Trainer. "My Mega Beedrill's been burned by that Fire Fang attack! Well, this isn't going to stand. You inflicted my Pokémon with a status condition, so now it's time for my revenge! Mega Beedrill, use Poison Sting!"

    The Mega Beedrill buzzed twice, and at once the stinger on the end of his abdomen glowed in a bright purple color. Frollo looked on in terror, but as soon as the stinger was about to hit him, he suddenly grew determined, jumping up and biting the stinger with his fangs. The Mega Beedrill gasped.

    -*buzz* What?!- he cried. -*buzz* How- could he-? *buzz*-

    Frollo threw the Mega Beedrill across the battlefield, and the latter cried out in pain. At once, the burning flame from Frollo's Fire Fang attack shot up again, hurting the Mega Beedrill more. Frollo walked over and glared at the Mega Beedrill.

    -Simple. It's a defense mechanism,- he growled.

    The male Trainer stared at Kaylie, impressed.

    "Wow," he gasped. "I gotta admit it, your Emberhund fights well."

    "Thanks," Kaylie replied, blushing.

    "Still though, that doesn't mean I won't be able to find a way to defeat you and get my Watorse back!" the male Trainer cried. "Mega Beedrill, you ready?"

    The Mega Beedrill nodded.

    "Use Guillotine!"

    Somehow, Kaylie had had a feeling that the male trainer would be using Guillotine as a last resort. At once, the Mega Beedrill's stingers glowed in a bright blue color and sharpened. Frollo looked around, and found that there was absolutely no way to get out of this. He'd have to accept his fate. He looked away, cringing as the Mega Beedrill's Guillotine attack hit him...

    -DON'T INTERRUPT ME-!-

    Except it didn't. Frollo looked up in awe and saw that Clopin had successfully stopped the Guillotine attack. Kaylie looked at the male Trainer, who was staring at Clopin in shock.

    "And... how experienced are these Pokémon exactly?" he asked.

    "Well, let's just say they haven't even had a Gym Battle yet," Kaylie laughed nervously. Taken aback, the male Trainer gasped in shock at this statement.

    "You're serious?! They haven't even had a Gym Battle yet, and yet that Touceet is able to stop my Mega Beedrill's Guillotine attack?!" He looked over at Clopin and sighed with disbelief. "Well, all I can say is- you are going to absolutely crush Lepida in Medela City."

    "Thanks," Kaylie responded. "But I'll let you in on a little secret." She turned off the TST device and added, "Clopin knows Guillotine, too."

    "A-are you serious?!" the male Trainer gasped.

    "See for yourself!" cried Kaylie. "Clopin, use Guillotine!"

    And on those words, Clopin broke immediately into his "Court of Miracles" battle style:

    #Ceetceet touc tou ceet ceet touceettou ceet
    #Ceet ceet toutou ceet Ceettou touceet ceet ceet ceet
    #Ceetceet touc tou ceet ceet ceetceettou ceet
    #Tou ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc-
    #Toutou, touc ceet!
    #Ceet ceet ceet tou touc
    #Ceet ceet touc tou ceet
    #Ceet ceet ceetceet ceet touc
    #Tou touc touc ceet ceettou tou ceetceettou ceet touc tou
    #Ceet ceet ceet ceettouc touc ceet ceet ceettoutou
    #Ceettou ceet Touceet touceettouc ceet ceet
    #Ceet ceet ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc
    #Touc ceet ceet ceetceettouc ceet tou ceet touc ceetceet
    #

    As everyone always did when Clopin used this routine, both the Mega Beedrill and the male Trainer looked at Clopin in confusion.

    "Okay... I don't see how singing in PSP is battling," the male Trainer said.

    "You'll see by the end of the song~!" Kaylie cried happily.

    "What's going to happen by the end of the song?"

    "Just wait."

    Clopin continued:

    #Touceet ceet ceet ceet ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc
    #Ceet ceet ceet touctouc touc ceet ceet ceet tou
    #Ceet ceet tou ceet ceet ceettou toutou ceet ceetceet
    #Ceetceet ceet ceet ceetceet touc ceetceet ceet tou
    #

    "Ceetceet ceet touc?"

    The Mega Beedrill buzzed in confusion.

    "Ceet ceet tou touc ceet."

    #Tou ceet ceet ceet tou ceet ceettouceet-

    "Ceet! Ceet touceet!

    "Touceettouc!

    "Ceet touceet!

    "CEETCEET!

    "Ceet..."

    #Ceet ceet tou toutouceet ceettouceet... ceet ceet ceet touc ceet ceet tou...#

    "Now!" Kaylie cried.

    #TOU TOU CEETCEET TOU CEET!#

    At that last line, Clopin hit the Mega Beedrill with his Guillotine attack, and the male Trainer gasped in shock. Mega Beedrill was thrown back, and a huge cloud of smoke went up. As Kaylie got closer, she found that the Mega Beedrill had fainted. To her surprise, however, the Mega Beedrill glowed in a bright orange light, and suddenly, the stinger legs twisted back into insectoid legs again, the antennae elongated, the abdomen grew smaller, and within seconds the Mega Beedrill was back to being a regular Beedrill again. Kaylie looked up at the male Trainer in shock as he returned his Beedrill back to his Pokéball, and then stared up at Kaylie.

    "How did your Touceet know Guillotine?" he asked as Kaylie turned her TST device back on.

    "It was an Egg move," explained Kaylie.

    "That's interesting," the male Trainer replied. "All I can say is... you're going to totally crush Lepida. I can guarantee you that." He took out another Pokéball and then declared, "But it'll be hard for you to defeat this next Pokémon of mine! Go, Yakocks!"

    He threw the Pokéball, and at once the blue light instantly formed itself into a gray, yak-like Pokémon. It had brown hooves, a huge brown ram-like horn, and three large diamonds coming out of its back. Having never seen this Pokémon before, Kaylie took out her Pokédex and scanned its data.

    "Yakocks, the Yak Pokémon. The three diamonds on its back aren't just used for visual appeal- they're also used for this Pokémon's battle style. Type: Rock. Gender: Male. Ability: Sturdy. Moveset: Rock Tomb, Tackle, Mud Sport."

    "A Rock-type Pokémon?" Kaylie asked. "What's it weak against?"

    -Grass and Water-type Pokémon,- Phoebus responded.

    "Alright, then! Quasimodo, you ready?" asked Kaylie, turning to the Graswinemodo. Quasi nodded.

    "Then let's do this!" the male Trainer cried. "Bring it on!"

    -Don't worry, I'll bring it on,- Quasi responded. -Tackle!-

    He slammed into the Yakocks with his whole body, and the latter was brought back, clearly in pain. As usual, Quasi winced a bit.

    -S-sorry,- he stammered.

    -That's alright,- the Yakocks replied. -I'm fine. You don't need to apologize to me, though.-

    "He always does that," Kaylie explained to the male Trainer. "Every time we battle, he always apologizes. He's a Graswinemodo, so he doesn't enjoy hurting other Pokémon. He likes battles, though."

    "I see," the male Trainer replied. "Still, even though that was a pretty hard hit, it's not enough for me to forgive you for stealing my Pokémon."

    -I'm not your Pokémon.-

    It was Phoebus, who was trying to defend himself. He was now standing in front of Quasimodo.

    The male Trainer shrugged.

    "Yeah, right. That's what I keep hearing. But you're wrong. You are my Pokémon."

    -No, I'm not,- said Phoebus firmly. -And even if I was your Pokémon, it wouldn't matter anyway! I would never be loyal to you!-

    "W-what?" gasped the male Trainer. "Why not?"

    -Because Kaylie is the first person I ever knew. She's the one who treated me with kindness and respect.- He glared at the male Trainer. -Unlike you.-

    "Are you insane?! I don't treat my Pokémon like tools!"

    -I know you don't. But accusing someone else of stealing a Pokémon that wasn't even yours is wrong.- With that, he glared at the Yakocks, and cried out, -Water Gun!-

    "Water Gun...?" the male Trainer suddenly asked himself.

    He paid no attention at all to the fact that a jet of water was suddenly shooting out of Phoebus' mouth and hitting the Yakocks, knocking him back. At that moment, the male Trainer suddenly gasped.

    "Wait a minute!" he cried out.

    Kaylie and the other Pokémon suddenly stopped the battle as the male Trainer walked up to Phoebus.

    "You... can't be my Watorse."

    He said it with absolute horror and regret over what he'd done.

    "Of course he can't be your Watorse! I found him!" Kaylie replied.

    "It's not that," the male Trainer protested. "It's that... my Watorse doesn't know Water Gun."

    "What?!" gasped Kaylie.

    "And besides, I just remembered," the male Trainer added, returning the Yakocks back to his Pokéball. "My Watorse is a Shiny."

    "What's a Shiny Pokémon?" Kaylie asked, confused.

    "It's a Pokémon with an alternate color scheme. A Shiny Watorse is a slightly lighter blue. God, I didn't know what I was thinking. I'm really sorry about that. Can you ever forgive me...?"

    "Kaylie," Kaylie told him. "I'm on my way to Medela City right now."

    "Are you? Well, I should expect to see you and your Pokémon crush Lepida. My name's Patrick, by the way."

    "Hi, Patrick," Kaylie replied. "By the way, I've been meaning to ask you something. How did you know about Mega Evolution? I went to the Graswinemodo Tower, and the Kurugrasig bell-ringer told me that nobody knew anything about Mega Evolution."

    Patrick laughed.

    "Well, actually... I'm not from Feluv," he admitted. "I'm actually from Kalos, where everyone knows about Mega Evolution. I came to Feluv for a visit so that I could introduce Mega Evolution to the region. I guess I certainly introduced it to you."

    "Yeah, you did!" Kaylie cried happily. "I can't wait to tell Professor Maple all about it!"

    "So," said Patrick, who was petting Phoebus, "this is a pretty loyal Watorse, huh?"

    "You bet!" Kaylie affirmed. "Didn't you hear what he said? He'll always be loyal to me. Right, Phoebus?"

    -Of course I will!- Phoebus replied, jumping into Kaylie's arms. -I was loyal to you from the moment I met you!-

    Kaylie and Patrick both laughed, but all of a sudden, Patrick looked up and pointed at the sky.

    "Hey, Kaylie, what's that?" he asked.

    Kaylie and her Pokémon looked up, and they saw another medal float down from the sky. This one had a medal on it, and as the others watched, it attached itself onto Phoebus' neck, and colored itself in a bright blue. Kaylie and Phoebus both looked extremely confused.

    -What is this thing?- Phoebus asked.

    "I don't know," Kaylie replied. She looked up at Patrick. "Do you know what these are?"

    Patrick shook his head.

    "That's weird," Kaylie said. "My Pokémon have been getting these strange medals with different symbols on them, but I don't know what they are for."

    -I'm telling you, I know I've heard of these medals before,- Frollo insisted. -For the life of me, though, I can't remember what they're called.-

    "Maybe the people over in Medela City know more about them," Kaylie suggested.

    -I highly doubt it,- said Frollo.

    Kaylie looked at Patrick.

    "Well, Patrick, I guess we have to go now," she said. "It was nice to meet you!"

    "Nice to meet you, too," Patrick replied. "I hope we can meet again someday."

    With that, he walked off. Kaylie and all of her Pokémon waved goodbye as he left until finally, Patrick was long gone. Once he had left, the group turned back and continued on their journey to Medela City.

    -Well, Patrick seemed nice,- said Quasimodo.

    "He sure did," Kaylie replied, laughing. "But you know... there's just something about him..."

    -OH SNAP!- gushed Clopin. -Kaylie's in love~!-

    "What? No! Ew!" Kaylie laughed. "Clopin, he's not my boyfriend."

    They all laughed, and then continued to Medela. However, Kaylie couldn't help but think about Patrick. She didn't want to admit it, but... she thought she had a crush on him. For now, though, she decided to put it off of her mind. She was so happy to not only have gotten a new Pokémon- Phoebus- but that she had also seen Mega Evolution for the first time. She couldn't wait to tell Professor Maple. However, as she left, a question suddenly began burning in her mind:

    What, exactly, was the real meaning of those medals?
     
  7. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
    Level 15
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Posts:
    248
    PokéPoints:
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    Just as a warning: you WILL cry. Especially if you lost someone due to cancer.


    Pokémon Opal and Garnet
    Chapter Six: Esmeralda Takes Flight​

    "Oh my gosh, it was amazing! You should have seen it!"

    "Really?" Over the phone, the voice of Professor Maple came from the other end of the line. Kaylie and her Pokémon were on their way to Medela City, and Kaylie was talking to the Professor about what her journey had been like so far. Right now, she was discussing Mega Evolution.

    "Yeah, it was soooo cool to actually get to see a Mega Evolution!" Kaylie responded happily. "I can't wait to use this Kurugrasigite!"

    The Professor laughed.

    "Well, that's great news!" she exclaimed. "What else have you been up to?"

    "Get this," Kaylie cried happily. "I caught a Touceet, a Larvell, an Emberhund, and a Watorse! And during one of our battles, my Larvell evolved into a Bellcoon!"

    "Congratulations!" the Professor cried happily. "I wish I could have been there to see it! Are you on your way to Medela City?"

    "We are~!" Kaylie squealed. "I can't wait to battle Lepida!"

    "That's so cool! I can't believe you're going to have your first Gym Battle! That'll be amazing! But before you go, I want to tell you something. There's going to be a carnival happening in Medela City tomorrow. Believe me, it'll be so much fun! You need to see it!"

    -A CARNIVAL?!- Clopin suddenly shreiked, getting on top of Kaylie's head. -TOMORROW? Oh, this is my lucky day!-

    Kaylie laughed.

    "That's Clopin, my Touceet," Kaylie explained. "He loves parties."

    "Clopin, huh?" the Professor responded. "I think there's a theme going on here..."

    -Oh, there is, believe me,- said Clopin.

    Kaylie laughed.

    "Alright, then," she said. "I guess we need to go now. I've got a long Gym Battle ahead of me, and I need to prepare for it. I'll make sure to go to that carnival tomorrow! Bye, Professor!"

    "Bye, Kaylie!" Maple responded.

    All the Pokémon waved back, and Kaylie turned off her OB-1 app. She turned towards Clopin, who was still jumping around in excitement.

    "Wow, I didn't even know about this carnival," she told him. "What day's tomorrow, anyways?"

    -Are you serious? January 6th, of course!- Clopin cried happily. -It's Medela City's annual FoF celebration! Aren't you excited?-

    Kaylie gasped.

    "Wait... Tomorrow's the Feast of Fools? As in, from Hunchback?" she asked, and much to Clopin's surprise, she didn't say it with that much excitement. She said it more with despair in her voice. Confused, Clopin tilted his head.

    -Yes. What's wrong with that? You should be excited. It's going to be great!-

    But Kaylie didn't think so. It wasn't because of what happened to Quasi's namesake at the FoF in the movie, though. At once, her life flashed before her eyes up until when she was five years old, when all of a sudden it just- stopped.

    Completely.

    Kaylie wasn't the least bit excited anymore. She now looked extremely depressed, and as the other Pokémon stared at her with concern evident on their faces, Kaylie sadly looked down and walked away, sitting under a tree. Quasimodo, Clopin, and the other Pokémon all followed, yet said nothing. Kaylie sighed.

    "Yeah," she muttered sadly, "the Feast of Fools will be the greatest day of my life."

    The other Pokémon looked at her with concern. It wasn't like Kaylie to be this depressed. She was usually excited and cheerful. Clopin turned to Quasimodo and whispered in his ear.

    -She doesn't seem excited,- he whispered, concerned. Quasi nodded and approached his Trainer.

    -Kaylie?- asked Quasi. -Is something wrong?-

    Kaylie shook her head, not wanting her Pokémon to know anything about what was bothering her.

    "Oh, no. I-it's fine, Quasi," she lied quickly. "I'm pretty excited about the FoF." She was smiling on the outside, but deep inside she was about to burst into tears at any moment.

    -You don't seem excited to me,- Clopin said.

    She wasn't. As soon as Clopin said that, she knew it was true. The fake smile quickly faded from her face.

    Clopin stared at her. What was going on?

    -Hello~? Kaylie, mok am?- he asked, approaching her. -What's the matter? You should be excited about this! I am!-

    His cheerfulness wasn't working. Kaylie was so sad that she wasn't even looking at him. Now Clopin knew things were seriously bad- Kaylie always had something to talk about.

    "I'm... not excited." She didn't mutter, either. Now Clopin was desperately concerned.

    -Why not?- he asked gently. -Why aren't you excited, mok am?-

    Kaylie still wasn't answering. Clopin smiled gently and nudged her with his wing.

    -Oh, come on now,- he said. -You can tell Clopin anything. What's the matter?-

    That broke her. At once, all the memories started flooding back to Kaylie, and every one of them had something in common.

    Her father.

    She couldn't last a single Feast of Fools without thinking of her father. They had had so many good times together, but just like that, when Kaylie was only five years old- he was gone. She hadn't even been old enough yet to understand the concept of death, but all she knew was that her and her father had many great times together. It all ended on that one fateful day in Kaylie's childhood, when she got the sad news that her father had been killed by a crab...

    Well, at least she thought it was a crab. Now, however, she was old enough to know the name of the "crab" that had killed her father. Flooded with the harsh truth, she burst into tears.

    -Kaylie, mok am... It's okay,- Clopin reassured her. -Go on! What is it, hmmm?-

    Kaylie was still crying. Clopin stared straight into her eyes, and Kaylie looked up at him. When he spoke next, he was still smiling gently, but his tone was dead-serious, though still sympathetic.

    -Kaylie,- he said. -It's alright. You can tell me, cheüt?-

    Kaylie was surprised. Usually, this was the kind of comforting that Quasimodo would do. Clopin doing it, though... somehow, it allowed her to express her feelings about her father more. It was so different, and yet, somehow, it worked.

    Kaylie looked up sadly.

    "Clopin?" she asked tearfully.

    -Yes, mok am?- he asked.

    Kaylie sighed.

    "I haven't celebrated the Feast of Fools for ten years," she admitted tearfully.

    Clopin was so shocked by this, he let out the largest gasp any of them had ever heard.

    -Why not?!- he gasped, incredulous. -Don't you like it? You should! It's so much fun! You've been missing out!-

    "I do like it," Kaylie replied. "It's just that... I'm reminded every year of what happened to him."

    Clopin stared at her, confused.

    -Who's "him"?- he asked.

    Kaylie was in tears now.

    "My father," she sobbed.

    Quasimodo gasped.

    -Oh, no,- he gasped. -What happened to him? Where is he?-

    Kaylie paused. She didn't want to tell them what had happened to her father. She hadn't been able to accept his death for ten years now, but she knew she should have done so a long time ago. Finally, she looked up at the sky with tears falling down her face.

    "He's dead," Kaylie sobbed.

    The others looked at her in shock and sadness.

    -D-dead?!- gasped Quasi. -What did he die from?-

    "A crab killed him."

    -What was its name?-

    Kaylie looked down sadly, and a few moments later she muttered:

    "Cancer. And it was when I was just 5 years old."

    Touched, Clopin and Quasimodo suddenly teared up.

    -KAYLIE, MOK AM...!- wailed Clopin, sobbing uncontrollably. -I'M SO SORRY! WHY DID HE HAVE TO GO...?-

    -Oh, no,- sobbed Quasi. -That's terrible. I-I... I'm sorry.-

    -By far, cancer is one of the most deadly diseases of our time,- Frollo observed. -The fact that it killed your father is simply nothing more than a tragedy. I pray that your father rest in peace.-

    -Me, too,- Phoebus said sadly. Then, he suddenly looked up at Frollo and asked, -Is cancer really a crab?-

    -It is if you're referring to the astrological horoscope,- Frollo explained. -However, the cancer that killed Kaylie's father is a mass accumulation of cells, or in other words, uncontrolled mitosis. It is deadly, but people have made several major advancements in treating it. More likely than not, Kaylie had heard of the horoscope first, and that's why she thought cancer was a crab when she was a kid.-

    -Oh,- said Phoebus. -Still, it is terrible that your father had to die from it.-

    -It is,- Esmeralda agreed. -I'm really sorry that he died. I don't know much about cancer, but you can guarantee I'm going to research it at some point.-

    Kaylie looked up.

    "You are?" she asked.

    Esmeralda nodded. -And I'm going to do something about it.-

    Kaylie was so touched, she burst into tears of joy and smiled at Esmeralda. The Bellcoon nodded at her Trainer. However, before Kaylie could say anything more-

    She was blinded. Shocked, Kaylie looked up and saw a brilliant blue light emitting from Esmeralda's body, and so did everyone else. At once, Kaylie knew exactly what this meant: Esmeralda was evolving. Again.

    "No way!" she gasped, taking out her EvoPhone, which was flashing between the images of a Bellcoon silhouette and the silhouette of another Pokémon. "Esme, that's amazing! You're evolving again!"

    And sure enough, she was.

    As everyone looked on in shock, Esmeralda's body didn't really change all that much. Instead, the bell-like body remained exactly the same, except that the string in the middle vanished, and one of the two smaller bells swelled up. As the group watched in awe, the bell-like body suddenly sprouted a circular head with two long antennae, two bell-like arms, and two large, bell-shaped wings that, despite being hollow inside, were perfectly capable of flight, unlike the wings of a Kurugrasig. The change in species here took a much shorter time, and it was only a matter of 5 seconds before the blue light snapped off and exposed Esmeralda's new form: a pink and yellow butterfly-like Pokémon with pink eyes, a yellow head and antennae, a pink body, yellow bell-like arms and legs, along with one swollen leg, and two large, bell-like wings. Kaylie looked down at her EvoPhone in shock as the image of this Pokémon flashed onto her screen, then held up her Pokédex to examine its data.

    "Mothibell, the Moth Pokémon and the final evolved form of Larvell. This Pokémon mainly appears in the daytime, despite its name. It uses its psychic powers for anything. Type: Bug/Psychic. Gender: Female. Ability: Compound Eyes. Moveset: Confusion, String Shot, Harden, Tackle."

    Unlike Esmeralda's first evolution, this new evolution kept all of her moves. Still, though, this was a huge moment for Kaylie, who finally had her first fully-evolved Pokémon. Happily, she hugged the newly-evolved Esmeralda, though she wasn't as excited as usual about it.

    "Wow, congrats, Esme!" she cried happily. "You evolved again."

    -I know.- Her voice now was extremely angelic. -But, for some reason, you weren't as excited as you were when I evolved the first time.-

    -It's your father, isn't it?- Quasi asked.

    The memories were really coming back to Kaylie now. She was now starting to remember more and more of the good times her and her father had together, and her absolute sadness over finding out that he had died. Saddened, Kaylie turned away.

    "Yes," she said, with despair in her voice. "But right now I don't want to talk about it."

    -But if you don't talk about it, then you'll never be able to finally accept your father's death!- Quasi protested.

    "I don't want to believe that he's dead!" Kaylie suddenly snapped.

    Quasi was so shocked, he jumped back in tears. The other Pokémon were all stunned, too. Sadly, Esmeralda flew towards Kaylie and tried to comfort her.

    -Kaylie-- she began, but Kaylie stood up and snapped at her before she could have a chance to respond.

    "No! He- he's not dead! Just go! Leave me alone!" she sobbed, turning to leave. Quasi gasped in shock and started to run after her.

    -Kaylie, wait!- he cried. -We want to talk to you about this!-

    But it was too late. Kaylie was long gone. Saddened, Quasi stared down at the floor and started to cry. The other Pokémon all gathered around him and stared out at where Kaylie had been with concern.

    -She's... gone,- gasped Esmeralda.

    -What are we going to DO, Esmeralda?!- cried Clopin. -Kaylie has to accept her father's death somehow!-

    -You're right, Clopin, I know that,- Esmeralda replied. -And not only that, but there has to be a way to help all of the other people in the world who may have this cancer disease.-

    -Well, what ideas do you have, mok am?-

    Esmeralda thought about it- then, slowly, she got an idea.

    -I've got it!- she exclaimed. -We'll set up a cancer fund!-

    -A cancer fund?- Quasi asked.

    -Sure! We'll go to Medela City and interview people to see if they have any relations to cancer. Then, once that's done, we'll set up this cancer walk where people can not only raise money in support of Kaylie's father, but also help support cancer patients from all over the Pokémon world!-

    The other Pokémon looked at each other, suddenly inspired.

    -LET'S DO IT!- they exclaimed.

    -Alright, then!- declared Esmeralda, who was already flying off. -Follow me! We're going to Medela City!-

    The other Pokémon happily followed Esmeralda, who was flying over them as they crossed the bridge to Medela. They knew that this cancer fund would not only help those who currently had cancer, but that it would also help those who were nearly dying from it, or even those who survived cancer. One thing was true for sure, though: it was going to change the world.

    And that was a given.

    Kaylie was sitting under a tree, crying endlessly. She knew it had been ten years, but she still didn't want to accept the fact that her father had died. It had happened when she was only five years old, too. As she sat there crying, she still could remember distinctly what had happened on that fateful day...

    FLASHBACK

    Kaylie was extremely worried. The poor girl hadn't seen her father for five days. She was wondering when he would get home, and had by this point simply assumed what any five-year-old girl would assume: that he was on a long buisness trip for work. Her father worked in Kalos, which was not that far away from the Feluv region, so she presumed that maybe his boss had sent him away to Unova, or even farther away, Kanto. That was probably why he was taking so long to get home...

    "...Oh, no. No, this can't be happening. He can't possibly-"

    It was her mother. She had come downstairs and was talking to somebody on the phone- but why was she crying? Had something happened? The poor child watched as her mother broke down into tears for a long time, then finally said "Thank you... Yes, of course... Goodbye," before falling to her knees and crying. What was going on? Confused, Kaylie ran to her mother.

    "What's wrong, Mommy?" she asked. "Who was on the phone? Was that my daddy?"

    Her mother shook her head, sobbing. "No, sweetie, it wasn't Daddy."

    "Then who was it?"

    Her mother paused, cried for a few seconds, and then said:

    "That was the Pokémon Center. They tried to do the best they could on him, but in the end..." She sobbed.

    "What happened? Where's Daddy?"

    Her mother looked at her with tears in her eyes, and struggled to answer. Then, finally, she responded with a single word:

    "Dead."

    The poor girl looked at her mother in confusion. She wasn't old enough to grasp the concept of death yet. She didn't even know what killed her father.

    "Where's 'Dead'?" she asked, innocently unaware of what her mother meant.

    Her mother laughed and shook her head.

    "No, you don't get it. Daddy's dead."

    "What's dead? What happened?"

    Her mother paused. How was she going to explain this to her child? The poor girl didn't even know a thing about death. Finally, an explanation came to her.

    "Well, you know what it means when a Pokémon faints, right?" she asked.

    Her daughter nodded. "It means they get really really tired and fall asleep and then you take them to a Pokémon Center to wake them up."

    "Well, death is like that. Except..." She paused. "They don't come back."

    "Why not?"

    "Because they can't. They never will."

    "Never ever?"

    "Nope. They're gone forever. That's what happened to Daddy."

    Uh-oh. This didn't sound good.

    "Forever...?" The young girl was starting to cry now. Her mother nodded sadly. As she finally realized what had happened, the young girl ran into her mother's arms, and they both cried. She couldn't believe it.

    No- she didn't want to believe it.

    She didn't want to believe that her father could have died so young. She knew he'd come back someday. Her mother was wrong. He wasn't dead.

    He wasn't dead.

    He wasn't dead...

    END FLASHBACK

    She still remembered it, even after all those years. And even now, she still didn't want to believe he was dead. Somehow, her mind wasn't willing to accept it yet. Saddened, Kaylie continued to sit under the tree, alone.

    There was no way it was possible.

    After about an hour's worth of travel, Esmeralda and the gang had finally reached Medela City, the site of Kaylie's first gym battle. It was a very large city, with a Trainer's School, a few Pokémon Centers, and more. By now, the Pokémon group had put up signs telling Kaylie's sad story, and they were everywhere: on telephone polls, on doors, and even on one of the windows of the Gym. People from all over Medela City were staring and pointing at the posters, talking to one another excitedly.

    "Did you see that poster?"

    "Oh my gosh, it's so sad!"

    "What do you think we should do about it?"

    "Do you think Lepida knows?"

    The comments kept on coming, and meanwhile, Esmeralda was trying to get people in Medela City to notice them. Clopin was on a stage with a microphone, advertising the cancer walk:

    -ATTENTION, PEOPLE OF MEDELA CITY! Do you know someone who has or has died from cancer? Do you yourself have cancer? Are you a cancer survivor? Or are you just someone who supports cancer research? If you answered "CHEÜT" to any of these questions, then we would like to hereby invite you to be a part of Medela City's first annual Walk for Cancer, which- in a strange mood whiplash- will take place the day before the Feast of Fools! So if you're ready, come with us and help us FIGHT! FOR! CANCER!-

    The message blared through everybody's TST devices, and when they heard Clopin's words, about 30 people crowded around the stage, prepared for an interview. Clopin jumped down off the stage after giving his speech, and held out the microphone to interview people.

    -Yes, hello? Anyone here a cancer supporter?-

    One of the people in the group raised their hands, and Clopin handed the person the microphone. It was an African-American, young male with short black hair. He thanked Clopin, and then spoke into the microphone.

    "Um, hi. My name is Derek Mucheski, I'm 23 years old, and I can't believe I'm talking to a Pokémon."

    The crowd laughed. Derek continued.

    "So anyway, I have been a cancer supporter for 4 years now, and this whole thing started when my mother died of breast cancer at the age of 60. I've been in many cancer donations throughout the Pokémon world. In fact, I actually was diagnosed with cancer myself when I was 20- and survived."

    -Did you?!- gasped Clopin. Derek nodded, and the group of people burst into applause.

    "So I want to ask you," Derek began as the applause died down, "Why exactly are you doing this? What made you get this idea to advertise this cancer walk in the first place?"

    -Well, it actually started because of our Trainer, Kaylie,- Esmeralda explained. She was on stage promoting the walk, too. -Her father died of lung cancer when he was very young, and so we decided to come all the way here to Medela City and advertise this cancer walk. We also plan to give a speech to everyone who comes here about Kaylie's father and what cancer is as a whole, as well as why more people should be aware of it.-

    "Wow, that is amazing," Derek replied, and the entire group of people applauded loudly. Once the applause had died down, Derek handed Esmeralda a yellow card that had his name and phone number on it. "Well, I would absolutely love to come to this cancer walk, so as soon as it starts, please give me a call. I will make sure to inform my family and friends about this, and may your Trainer's father rest in peace. Cancer truly is one of those diseases that kills millions, so let's hope that this cancer walk will help those in need."

    He left. Excited, Clopin turned towards Esmeralda with delight.

    -He's going to come here!- he gasped. -Esme, don't you know what this means?!-

    Esme shook her head.

    -It means that WE HAVE BUISNESS!- Clopin cried out, holding the microphone back up. -That's right, païkan, BUSINESS IS BOOMING AND WE'RE STARTING TO GET WALKERS! IF ANYONE ELSE IS INTERESTED PLEASE JOIN US IN THE FIGHT FOR CANCER! IT WILL BE TRULY AMAZING! HAVE FUN!-

    At once, swarms of people came up to the stage, waving advertisements in the air frantically. While Clopin and Esmeralda were advertising the whole thing, Quasimodo, Frollo, and Phoebus were planning a special tribute to Kaylie's father.

    -So... how do you think we should do this thing?- Phoebus asked.

    -I don't know,- Quasi muttered.

    -Well, one thing's for certain,- Frollo observed. -Kaylie never told us that her father got a proper funeral, so we can safely assume he didn't.-

    -What's a funeral?- asked Phoebus.

    -A memorial to the dead, of course!- snapped Frollo. -You should know that!-

    -Oh,- said Phoebus. -Sorry. I hadn't heard of it. So what's your point?-

    -The point is, since Kaylie's father never got a proper funeral, we're going to perform one ourselves.-

    -But we don't even have the body!- squeaked Quasimodo.

    -True. However, funerals do NOT simply involve watching people's coffins pass by. More often than not, people will be giving eulogies for those who have died. Additionally, they will often play videos of the person who has died, as well as play funeral music. And we're going to do all that. It'll be the biggest way to finally get Kaylie to accept her father's death at last.-

    -Cool!- Phoebus said happily. -But... how will we know what songs to play?-

    -I already have a song.-

    -Which one?-

    -The ultimate funeral procession song: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."-

    -Wow!- gasped Quasi.

    -But it won't just be played. It'll be sung.-

    -By who?-

    -You.-

    -M-me?- stammered Quasimodo. -Oh, I don't know...-

    -Why not?- asked Frollo. -Are you not one of the best singers this team has?-

    -Well, I am a good singer...- Quasi replied. -Okay, then. I guess.-

    -Good.- Frollo nodded, and then looked around. -Now all we need to do is set up this thing, and then alert Kaylie of this.-

    -But how?- asked Phoebus.

    -WITH THE OB-1, OF COURSE!- Frollo screamed.

    -Oh. Right.-

    Frollo sighed. -We have a long way to go.-

    The same could not be said, however, for the advertisers. By this point, Esmeralda and Clopin had brought in tons of walkers. Every single one of them was excited to hear Kaylie's story and help fight for cancer. Over the next few hours, money jars were put in place, and a large circular track was set up. Food and drinks were put out, and Quasi, Frollo, and Phoebus began work on the technical set-up: the lights, the videos and photos, the music.

    And then finally, finally, after hours of work, the call could be made.

    Kaylie was still saddened by the memories of her father's death. It was as though she couldn't spend a second without thinking of him. He'd never been given a proper funeral, but her family still thought of him every second of the day. Kaylie, however, consistently tried to deny that her father was dead. She just wasn't ready to accept it yet. They had had so many good times together, and then just like that he was taken away from her...

    BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

    It was a call on her EvoPhone- where had that come from? Confused, Kaylie took out her EvoPhone and saw that she was getting a call on her OB-1 app. She pressed the OB-1 icon, and at once she heard a familiar voice blare through her device.

    -KAYLIE, MOK AM~! You need to come here~!-

    Clopin- how could she have forgotten about him?

    "Clopin?" she gasped. "Where are you? Where is everyone?"

    -In Medela City, mok am!- Clopin replied cheerfully.

    Medela City?

    "What?!" gasped Kaylie. "How did you- What are you doing there?"

    -There's no time to explain.- It was Esmeralda's voice this time. -You have to come to Medela City now. We have a surprise for you.-

    "A surprise?" Kaylie was suddenly interested.

    -Cheüt, mok am, a surprise!- Clopin affirmed. -Now get moving! MEDELA CITY'S WAITING FOR YOU~!-

    At those words, Kaylie suddenly sprinted away from the tree and back on the bridge to Medela. She ran so fast that she didn't even stop to look back. For now, all memories of her father left her mind. Right now, she was only focused on one thing: making it to Medela City so that she could see the surprise that awaited her.

    She looked ahead. The skyline of Medela City was spread out in front of her. For the site of her first Gym battle, it looked to her like a very large city, something that could easily be compared to Kanto's Celadon or Kalos' Lumiose. She ran faster- the skyline of Medela was getting closer- she could see the entrance- she quickly ran up and burst through the doors-

    What she saw next astounded her. There were literally thousands of people crowded around her, asking her many different questions. She didn't even know which one to answer first.

    "Do you know how amazing your Pokémon are?"

    "Have you any idea of how much I cried at your story?"

    "Are you a cancer supporter?"

    They were so fast she could barely make them out. All she needed to know was what was going on. Demanding answers, she walked up to a man and tapped him on the shoulder.

    "Excuse me, can you tell me what's going on?" she asked.

    The man turned around.

    "Sure," he began. "Your Pokémon are-"

    -SURPRISE!-

    The entire group was silenced. Confused, Kaylie stepped forward into the bustling city, then looked up- and was given the shock of her life. On stage, waving to her, were all five of her Pokémon, surrounded by a large gray track. Money jars and food were everywhere, and behind the stage was a large PowerPoint screen saying MEDELA CITY'S FIRST ANNUAL CANCER WALK on it. The kicker, however, was the gigantic neon letters above the stage which read FIGHT FOR CANCER. Kaylie watched in amazement at what was in front of her, then slowly put two and two together and realized what her Pokémon had done for her. Right then and there, she burst into tears on the spot and ran up to her Pokémon, hugging them.

    "Thank you," she sobbed. Clopin hugged her back.

    -Oh, you are very welcome, mok am,- he said. -But there's no need to thank me. Thank Esmeralda. She's the one who started this thing in the first place.-

    Shocked, Kaylie looked up at her newly-evolved Pokémon.

    "You...?" she gasped.

    Esmeralda nodded.

    Sobbing, Kaylie hugged Esmeralda, who hugged her back. After about a minute's worth of hugging, Clopin handed Kaylie a microphone.

    -Well, mok am, do you want to do the honors? The cancer fund's just about to start!-

    Kaylie didn't know what to say. She still couldn't believe that her Pokémon had done this all just for her. She stared down at the microphone, and realized that Clopin wanted her to tell her story to all the people in the audience. Finally, she nodded and took the microphone. The audience listened intently.

    "Hi, guys," Kaylie began. "My name is Kaylie Rodgers, and I am a beginning Pokémon trainer from Komoka Town. Out of all the relationships I have had with my family, I would say that the biggest one was with my father. He was such a kind man, and he was actually the one who taught me about Pokémon in the first place. Ten years ago, however, I got the news from my mom. My dad..." She started to tear up, and then finally managed to sob, "He died. From lung cancer."

    The audience gasped. One audience member even fainted from shock. Kaylie continued, still sobbing.

    "I didn't even know he had it. I found out much later in life that my father- well, let's just say that he did a lot of bad things that none of you should ever be doing."

    A few people in the audience laughed.

    "I still remember my father," Kaylie continued. "And I never even got to say goodbye to him. We never gave my dad a funeral, but every member of my family knows without a doubt that he should have had one. He was a great father, but he had to die so young... and it was all because of cancer." She sobbed again. "I'm sorry. I'm getting a bit emotional here."

    The audience stared at each other in shock. Kaylie found she couldn't take it anymore, and burst into tears right then and there. Her Pokémon all stared at her with concern. However, it was Quasimodo who approached her.

    -Kaylie,- he said sadly. -I'm so sorry. Your father's death was terrible, and I know that. But Esmeralda... she came up with this cancer fund for a reason.-

    -And that reason was so that you could accept the fact that it happened, mok am,- Clopin added. Kaylie looked down at the two of them in tears.

    "How can I...?" she sobbed, heartbroken.

    -You have to,- Clopin replied. -You just... have to. I know that your father dying from cancer is something you don't want to accept. But it's something you have to accept. It's something that all of us have to accept.- Seeing how pained Kaylie was, he added, -Look, if it makes you feel any better, your father would have been proud of you.-

    "Why?" Kaylie asked.

    Clopin smiled.

    -For being an amazing Pokémon Trainer.-

    That was the comfort that Kaylie needed. She sobbed on stage, finally able to accept after 10 years what was so: her father wasn't coming back. He was dead. Sobbing, she hugged both Quasimodo and Clopin, and the latter hugged her back.

    -It's okay,- he whispered. -It's okay.- He paused. -Well, it's not okay that your father died, but it's okay that you're expressing your emotions because of it!-

    Kaylie laughed.

    Finally, once she had gained control of her emotions, Kaylie set both of her Pokémon back down again. Clopin looked at her.

    -Oh, don't start now. You're going to make me cry,- he said.

    Kaylie laughed again, and the crowd "awwwwww"'d. Once she was fully in control of her emotions, Kaylie continued:

    "The point is, cancer is a very horrible disease," Kaylie explained. "And it could happen to anyone. You may even have cancer right now. If you know someone who has cancer, I urge you: please help. Doctors still haven't found a cure for cancer, and we need your help in supporting cancer research. Esmeralda and all my other Pokémon created this cancer walk for a reason, and that reason was to help others and raise cancer awareness. So please, if you can, help us find the cure so that things like what happened with my father don't happen again. We are part of the change that leads to the future, and today we can be that change. Thank you."

    She left the stage in tears, and the crowds of people applauded loudly. Kaylie looked back and suddenly realized that her speech had led to a standing ovation. Happily, and with both tears of joy and sadness rolling down her face, she waved and blew kisses to the crowd. Clopin, at that moment, took the microphone from her as the crowd was still cheering and cried out:

    -Alright, you heard it first, from the girl herself! Get ready to WALK! FOR! CANCER!-

    And as soon as he said it, a loud cheer went up, and the people all started walking. The event attracted thousands of walkers, and each time a lap around the track was completed, a person put money in one of the money jars. Music such as The Band Perry's "If I Die Young" and Martina McBride's hit "I'm Gonna Love You Through It" played in the background, and the event continued long into the night. At this point, the neon lights started showing up, and every single person had completed the walk. When it was all over, Clopin grabbed the microphone again.

    -Alright, everyone! If you're done, please meet me in the center!- he cried.

    At once, thousands gathered around the stage, and the conversation died down. Clopin then continued.

    -You think this party's over?- he asked. -WRONG! We have another surprise for Kaylie here tonight!- He turned to her, and then continued, -So, Kaylie, we know that your father never got a proper funeral. Well, we're going to change all that tonight! That's right, Kaylie, your father will finally get the tribute he deserves!-

    Kaylie gasped.

    "Oh my gosh, are you serious?" she squealed.

    -Yes, we are!- cried Clopin. -Get down there, if you will!-

    Sobbing with gratitude, Kaylie jumped down off stage as Clopin now addressed the audience of thousands:

    -Alright, people, we're just about near the end of our show, but before this all ends, we'd like to close it all off with a tribute to Kaylie's father. So now, with a performance of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," please welcome to the stage: QUASIMODO! And everyone, please turn off your TST devices!-

    The audience applauded as Quasimodo stepped out onto the stage. A single spotlight fell on him as he faced the audience. Everyone in the crowd, including Kaylie, turned off their TST devices, and the audience quickly silenced as Quasimodo began to sing:

    #Graswine modo gras swinedo

    #Swine gras swine

    #Mo gra gra gra gra mo do

    #Gras swine swine gragraswine

    #Graswine modo gras swinedo

    #Gra swine do

    #Gra gra swine gra do gra mo swine

    #Swineswine do gra mo#

    His voice was pure as it had ever been, and as he sang, Kaylie looked up at the huge PowerPoint screen in front of her and burst out crying. There, playing on the screen, were video clips of her and her father. There were clips of them opening up presents on Christmas Day, clips of him teaching her how to play baseball, and clips of him and her feeding Pokémon together. It was everything she could have ever wanted: a chance to relive the memories of her and her father. As Kaylie continued sobbing at the video clips, Quasi continued to sing:

    #Gragra gra swine moswine gra gra

    #Gra gra mo gra gra mo gra gra swineswine swine

    #Gra dogras gra gra swinemo gras

    #Gra gra moswine gra swinedo gras

    #Gras gra do swine swine#

    The videos on the screen then switched to pictures of either Kaylie's father or of Kaylie and her father, which made Kaylie burst into tears even more as the memories started to flood back. As Quasimodo continued to sing, Kaylie suddenly realized something that she had completely forgotten about when he had started, and burst into tears afterwards.

    How could she have been so stupid as to forget that this was her father's favorite song of all time?

    As Kaylie continued to sob, Quasimodo finished the song.

    #Graswine modo gra swinedo

    #Modo swine

    #Do swine modo gra swinedo

    #Swine, gra, do swine gra swine?#

    Finally, as Quasimodo got to the final line, he wasn't alone. Even though it was in PSP, every single person in the audience, sans Kaylie, sang with him on the last line:

    #Swine graswine domo modo swine swinemo gra swinedo

    #Swine, do, swine, gra swine?#

    As Quasi hit the last note and the audience burst into applause, Kaylie looked up and saw the final image of herself and her father fade out into a gigantic billboard reading SUPPORT CANCER TODAY on it in pink letters. Underneath the billboard, there was a huge pink cancer ribbon and a link to the website for Cancer Centers of Unova. Kaylie sobbed, and the audience burst into more applause. From up on the stage, Quasi and all of Kaylie's other Pokémon looked down and saw Kaylie sobbing. Then, at once, all of them jumped down and landed on top of her, hugging her like crazy. The audience continued to applaud- and Kaylie continued to sob in gratitude- as Clopin got back up on stage, along with Esmeralda, to give the closing speech.

    -Alright, ladies and gentlemen, THAT IS IT! Thank you so much for coming to Medela City's first annual Cancer Walk! Special thanks to Esmeralda for organizing this event, but even more special thanks to our Trainer, Kaylie Rodgers! If it weren't for you, Kaylie, we never would have come up with the idea for this cancer fund in the first place! I hope that your father rest in peace- it wasn't fair for his life to be cut short by a disease as horrible as cancer.-

    Kaylie sobbed.

    -Oh, don't start crying now, Kaylie! I'm sure that your father's smiling down on you from- well, wherever he's smiling down on you from!- He laughed, and soon, so did Kaylie. She couldn't stay sad whenever Clopin was around.

    "Thanks, Clopin!" Kaylie called.

    -Oh, you are most certainly welcome, mok am!- Clopin responded. -And thank YOU to this amazing audience for coming out here today in support of cancer! Let's hope that one day, we'll be able to find the cure! Until tomorrow: GOOD NIGHT!-

    After the walk had ended, Esmeralda, Clopin and the rest of Kaylie's Pokémon bounded out of Medela City, happy that the cancer walk had been a success. Excitedly, Esmeralda turned to Clopin, who was still celebrating the cancer fund.

    -So, how much money did we raise?- asked Esmeralda.

    -Get this: $2,000,000!- exclaimed Clopin, and Esmeralda, Quasi, Frollo and Phoebus gasped in awe. -We raised $2,000,000 for cancer- how amazing is that?!-

    -That's awesome!- cried Phoebus. -That means that the cancer fund was a huge success!-

    Clopin nodded. -It certainly does!-

    "Guys! That was amazing!"

    The group stopped talking and turned around to find Kaylie running towards them, with tears of joy in her eyes. Happily, the group of Pokémon ran up to their Trainer, and everybody hugged. Once the group hug was over, Clopin excitedly jumped up and down.

    -Kaylie, mok am! You'll never guess how much money we made~!- he cried happily.

    "How much?" Kaylie asked, interested.

    -$2,000,000!- Clopin announced, and Kaylie gasped in awe.

    "Are you serious?!" she gasped. "Oh my gosh, that's so amazing! That cancer fund was a huge success!" She looked at each one of her Pokémon, with tears in her eyes. "Hey, listen. I just wanted to say... thank you. All of you. You five Pokémon are the sweetest things I have ever met. That cancer fund that you did... it finally made me accept my father's death. I hadn't done that for a long time. I can't wait to see the look on my mom's face when she finds out about what you did! Thank you so much!"

    -You're welcome, Kaylie,- Quasimodo replied. -Though this whole thing was really Esmeralda's idea.-

    Kaylie laughed.

    "I know," she said. "Thank you, Esmeralda."

    Esme smiled. Kaylie looked at each of her Pokémon.

    "You know, I'm really going to miss my dad, but I know he's happy- wherever he is. But the thing is... he didn't really die."

    -What do you mean, he didn't really die?- Clopin asked.

    "What I mean is, his spirit lives on in each of you. Quasimodo, my dad had your kindness and love of everyone and everything. Frollo, he had your sense of honor and moralistic beliefs. Phoebus, he had the same undying loyalty that you do. Clopin, he had your positive energy and fun-loving persona. And Esmeralda... he had your sheer generosity and tolerance for all people. He believed that all people were created equal, just like you. So essentially... I feel as though all five of you were there to replace him. And who knows? Maybe when I catch another Pokémon, he'll be just like my father, too."

    She burst into tears and stared down at each of them.

    -Kaylie... Thank you so much,- Quasimodo replied. -We all know how you feel about your dad's death, and it was so sad of him to die in that way. But I know he's watching.-

    Clopin looked up at her. -We all do.-

    "Oh, you guys are the best!" sobbed Kaylie, breaking down into tears and giving all of her Pokémon a big group hug. "Thank you so much!"

    The hug seemed as though it would last forever, but when it finally did end, Kaylie wiped away her tears and looked back towards Medela, then at her Pokémon.

    "Alright, guys!" she cried. "Gym Battle #1, here we come!"

    -YEAH!- all her Pokémon exclaimed.

    With that, the group of Pokémon rushed back towards Medela City, and Kaylie started to follow them. However, she stopped at the last second and looked up at the sky. Finally, she was able to accept her father's death. She knew that she would miss him, but also knew that each one of her Pokémon contained an aspect of his personality. Thinking about her father, and all that her Pokémon had done for her, she smiled, with tears of both joy and sadness streaming down her face.

    Rest in peace, Dad, she thought.
     
  8. Wings

    Static
    (Shinx)
    Level 100
    Joined:
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    1,022
    PokéPoints:
    ₽677.2
    Is it bad that I cried a little bit at Chapter 6? :(That was so sad...but in a good way! Your writing style is so pleasant to read! All of the sentences flow into each other and make each paragraph sound so well connected. I have minimal background knowledge on The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but all the same I enjoyed your story a lot! I don't usually read fanfictions with original Pokémon because sometimes it can be hard for me to picture them if drawings aren't included, but your descriptions of each Pokémon were very detailed and made it easy to imagine them. Also, I'm sure the title Pokémon Opal and Garnet will tie into the story later- or maybe I missed a reference (like I said, I have minimal background knowledge on The Hunchback of Notre Dame) but I thought maybe it would cool if you used a title that had a more direct connection to the title of the Disney movie! When will you be posting Chapter 7?:)
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  9. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
    Level 15
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
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    Soon! Thanks for the review!
     
  10. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
    Level 15
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Posts:
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    PokéPoints:
    ₽633.8
    Kozjetpi sois dïzjkütrïzjküt ou au sanpüt dar... Here's Chapter 7 for you! Enjoy!

    Pokémon Opal and Garnet
    Chapter 7: The Medala City FoF
    There was absolutely no sign that it was winter in the air as the sun rose high over a large amusement park in the middle of Medela City. The amusement park was just like any other, for the most part: it had a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, fun arcade games, balloons everywhere, and photo booth. However, there was also something that made it different from most other amusement parks: it was only up for a single day. This one.

    January 6th, 2016- the Feast of Fools celebration.

    And as Kaylie and her Pokémon gasped in shock at Medela City's carnival, Clopin, the celebration's emcee (of course), was jumping around, overjoyed.

    -Look at this place!- exclaimed the Touceet happily. -Oh, I can't believe I get to emcee this thing, mok am! Just as my namesake did in the movie!-

    "I know!" Kaylie cried. "Isn't that exciting?"

    -It is!- Clopin cried.

    At that moment, trumpets sounded, and Clopin, realizing that this was his cue, happily ran to the carnival and got ready to get up on stage. Meanwhile, the people who were already on stage began to sing the PokeLatin version of "Topsy Turvy" from Hunchback, which was a staple in the celebration.

    -#Sja üne, sja qükü
    (Come one, come all)
    -#Aut tok cüpse et sja har
    (Leave your homes and come here)
    -#Ta au güt parüga gard
    (To the best celebration ever)
    -#Sja üne, sja qükü
    (Come one, come all)
    -#Cheüt, au güt parügar
    (Yes, the best celebration)
    -#Sois sjaki tok retibar
    (Is coming your way)
    -#Bïlokvü ta au sanpüt...#-
    (Welcome to the fools'...)

    -DAR!- (DAY!) Clopin cried out, jumping on stage as confetti and balloons flew everywhere. Kaylie and her Pokémon applauded, and Clopin began to sing:

    -#Kozjet anüet, au païkan parügït
    (Every year, the people celebrate)
    -#Kozjet anüet, ka qükü onpinüt ro
    (Every year, they all inverse it)
    -#Kozjet païk hokt majüküsjig sois rizjtüs
    (Every person who's ugly is recognized)
    -#Chikonut, sois dïzjkütrïzjküt dar
    (Finally, it's the day of insanity)
    -#Kozjet sjtan dar soiüt ko garmarükt ko sjmet
    (Every other day isn't as amazing as this)
    -#Kozjet sjtan dar soiüt ko sjküron ko sjmet
    (Every other day isn't as crazy as this)
    -#Kozjetpi sois dïzjkütrïzjküt ou au sanpüt dar!#-
    (Everything is insanity on the fools' day!)

    The crowd erupted in cheers, and began chanting:

    -#Dïzjkütrïzjküt!#-
    (Insanity!)
    -#Kozjetpi sois konpüron har!#-
    (Everything is weird here!)
    -#Dïzjkütrïzjküt!#-
    (Insanity!)
    -#Kozjetpaïk sois sjküron har
    (Everyone is crazy here)
    -#Tok dït gret "aug" et pokün "narar"?
    (You call trash "gold" and weeds "flowers"?)
    -#Ki, pacüme ro sois ou dïzjkütrïzjküt dar!#-
    (Well, that's how it is on the day of insanity!)

    "Great work, Clopin!" Kaylie called out from the audience. "How does it feel to be emceeing this thing?"

    -I already told you, mok am!- Clopin cried. -This is the greatest day of my life! I can't believe I'm doing this! I- OH MY ARCEUS LOOK AT THAT OVER THERE!-

    The music stopped abruptly as Clopin pointed with his wing to a large booth. All eyes followed to where he was pointing, including Kaylie's. What she saw was a large booth with a yellow banner and a group of Pokémon seated behind the booth. On the yellow banner, there was bright black writing that read on it THE IPPA IS HERE! COME LEARN POKELATIN TODAY! Excitedly, Clopin jumped down off of the stage and started hopping around in front of Kaylie, pointing to the booth.

    -Do you know what that is?- he gasped.

    Kaylie shook her head.

    -That's the sign-up booth for the IPPA!- Clopin cried happily, jumping up and down. -Oh, I've always wanted to meet the IPPA! To see this booth here is like a dream come true for me!-

    "What does the IPPA do again?" Kaylie asked.

    -They teach PokeLatin, of course!- Clopin replied. -They're the organization in charge of PokeLatin in the first place! I can't wait to meet them here tonight!-

    "That's nice," Kaylie responded, as the music began to play again in the background. "I think they're calling for you, Clopin."

    -They are?- gasped Clopin, jumping back up on stage. -Well, then let's do this thing! Hit it!-

    And at once the crowd chanted:

    -#Dïzjkütrïzjküt!#-
    (Insanity!)
    -#Kügt au drakkt et blü au trisjget!#-
    (Beat the drums and blow the trumpets!)
    -#Dïzjkütrïzjküt!#-
    (Insanity!)
    -#Sja et synt au païkan har pet
    (Come and join the people here that)
    -#Arïbüt frok Chartres ta Caular!
    (Arrived from Chartres to Calais!)
    -#Zjït dar sois au sjküret nek
    (This day is the craziest when)
    -#Sois ou au hext ef Janüek
    (It's on the sixth of January)
    -#Kibüston sois dïzjkütrïzjküt dar!#-
    (Because it's the day of insanity!)

    The crowd erupted in cheers, but before Clopin could sing anything else, they were suddenly interrupted by a loud scream from the IPPA booth:

    -We said, NO! WE DON'T APPROVE OF MISSHAPEN Pokémon LIKE YOU!-

    The crowd gasped. Clopin, stunned, turned towards the booth. Tentatively, he began walking towards it- and gasped.

    There, on the other side of the booth, nervously trembling, was a Pokémon unlike any other one he had ever seen.

    Patrick was on his way to Medela City, aiming to come there for his first badge in the Feluv region. He'd informed Kalos that he would now be traveling in the Feluv region, and was starting it off with his Yakocks. However, he found that as he was walking, he felt as though someone in his life was missing. Saddened, he sat down, and his Yakocks approached him.

    -Hey, what gives?- he asked. -Why are ya so... down tonight? Ya do know there's a carnival goin' on, right?-

    Patrick sighed.

    "Yeah, I know there's a carnival going on. Medela City's celebrating the Feast of Fools. It's just that... she isn't there with me."

    -Who's "she"?- the Yakocks asked.

    "You know. Kaylie. The trainer we battled two days ago?"

    -Oh, ya mean that cute girl with the Watorse and the singing Touceet? Yeah, I don't think life's going to be the same without your...- He giggled. -Girlfriend.-

    Patrick flinched back in disgust.

    "What?!" he scoffed. "Yakocks, she's not my girlfriend. We're just good friends."

    -Oh, come on, ya know it!- Yakocks teased. -Admit it- you're in love.-

    "I'm not in love with her," Patrick groaned. "But... I do miss her."

    -Well, then why don't ya just go to the carnival in Medela and see if she's there?- the Yakocks suggested. -I mean, I did see an advertisement saying that that singing Touceet would be the emcee, so my guess is she's there.-

    Patrick stood up, brightening.

    "Of course!" he exclaimed. "Why didn't I think of that before? Come on, Yakocks- we've got a carnival to go to!"

    -And a girl to find!- cheered the Yakocks, as both of them happily ran towards Medela City's FoF carnival, with Patrick feeling more elated than ever. He couldn't believe that he was going to see Kaylie again. While it had only been two days since they had last seen each other, it felt more like two months had gone by without her around.

    He didn't want to admit it, but Patrick was starting to really like Kaylie.

    Clopin stared in shock at the Pokémon that was trembling before him. It was a Capyall, clearly, but this one didn't look the same as any other Capyall he'd seen. This Capyall had a huge wart on the top of his head à la Joseph Merrick, along with a slight cleft lip. Additionally, it didn't have the red spot on its head that most other Capyall were known for. It suddenly dawned on Clopin that this Capyall was more deformed than Esmeralda, and he had been applying for a spot in the IPPA. And the IPPA had denied him, simply because he was a disfigured Capyall...!

    -What did you do that for?!- Clopin snapped.

    One of the IPPA members, a Chesnaught, turned to him.

    -Oh, it's quite simple,- he said. -He's a malformed Capyall, and we don't allow Pokémon with deformities to join the IPPA.-

    -You can't do this to me!- the Capyall squealed. -I mean, I know PokeLatin pronunciation and everything! I--

    -SILENCE, YOU WARTED BEAST!- the Chesnaught roared.

    Clopin saw red.

    If he had had enough time, he would've used his "Court of Miracles" routine on the foolish Chesnaught. However, he never got the chance to do so, for at that moment, Kaylie and the other Pokémon looked over at the scene, confused as to what was going on.

    "What's happening?" Kaylie asked.

    -Didn't you see what they just did?!- Clopin cried. -That Capyall is more disfigured than Esmeralda, and yet they didn't allow him a spot in the IPPA! This is what you call dis-crim-i-na-tion, mok am! Big time!-

    -How could they?- Quasimodo gasped.

    -Simple,- Frollo responded. -They are nothing more than a bunch of simple-minded bullies who don't have any time in this world.-

    "This is just like what happened with Esmeralda," gasped Kaylie, staring down at the Mothibell, who was glaring over at the IPPA members. "Only this time... it's worse."

    -What are you going to do about this?!- Phoebus cried.

    -Stand up to them myself, if that's alright with you,- Clopin said, glaring at the IPPA members. -Kaylie, turn off the TST.-

    Kaylie did so, and everyone waited in anticipation for Clopin to do his "Court of Miracles" routine.

    Except... he didn't.

    What he did do was start using Wing Attack on every single IPPA member, screeching out in anger as he did so. The IPPA members all fainted from the attack, and Kaylie and the other Pokémon looked over at Clopin in amazement. Never before had they seen anything like this. The Capyall stared at Clopin in shock as well as Kaylie turned the TST device back on.

    -And my work here is done.- Clopin turned to the Capyall, who was still staring at him in amazement, and handed him an IPPA badge. -Welcome to the International PokeLatin Phonetics Association... tok nom?-

    -Switeuk,- the grateful Capyall squeaked happily. -And thank you so much! I don't know what I would have done if it hadn't been for you! What's your name?-

    -Clopin,- the Touceet replied. As was expected, Switeuk struggled with it.

    -Kloh...?-

    -PAH~n. It's like "pan," but a bit more nasal.-

    -Kloh-pan, then.-

    -I only said it was like "pan." It's still "PAH~n." You have to essentially take the ending and give it a sort of tight, nasal pinch. "PAHHHHHHHHHHH"- that's where the pinch comes in- and then "~n." You barely say the "n," if at all. It's under your breath, at least. Does that help?-

    Switeuk nodded. -Kloh-PAH.-

    -There you go,- Clopin giggled. -Not full Kalosian, but künek sjine!-

    -Yay!- cheered Switeuk, laughing. Quasimodo, who had been the most concerned aside from Clopin, approached him.

    -I-I'm sorry,- he muttered sadly. -It didn't have to be this way. They shouldn't be doing anything like that to you.-

    -I know,- Switeuk responded. -But... I was born like this. You shouldn't be expecting them not to hurt me, because I'm not like them.- He cowered. -I'm a monster.-

    -What?!- Clopin gasped. -N-neüt! That's not true at all!-

    -Yes, it is!- sobbed Switeuk. -You don't know how much I want to be accepted in this world! But they've bullied me so much that I feel as though I can't be accepted at all!-

    -Well, we accepted you, didn't we?- Clopin asked.

    Switeuk nodded.

    -Besides, you're here at this carnival, so you'll have plenty of fun here! Speaking of which, the next event's about to start! Do you want to see it?-

    -Sure!- Switeuk chirped happily. -What is it?-

    -The dancing, of course!- Clopin cried. -Featuring the absolutely lovely Esmeralda!- He turned to the Mothibell, who bowed.

    -Wow!- gasped Switeuk. -Is she good?-

    -Very much so, mok am!-

    The trumpets sounded, and both Clopin and Esmeralda got up on stage. While Esmeralda got ready, Clopin sang the next few lines of the song, and Switeuk stared at him, enthralled.

    -#Sja üne, sja qükü
    (Come one, come all)
    -#Bïlokvü ta au plakk qenq
    (Welcome to the place where)
    -#Ca sois zjüpület et amenq
    (There's mystery and romance)
    -#Sja üne, sja qükü
    (Come one, come all)
    -#Zjï Kalos du kintenüs
    (Now Kalos' finest)
    -#Sois har mit nok tanevüs
    (Is here with us tonight)
    -#Aut ou, Esmeralda...
    (Go on, Esmeralda...)
    -#DAKNÜS!#-
    (DANCE!)

    And at once Esmeralda started dancing, and the crowd went wild with applause as Clopin bounded off the stage in front of Kaylie, who pointed at Esmeralda and let out an excited squeal.

    "Wow, Esmeralda's amazing!" she gasped, pointing at Esme. "Wouldn't you say, Clopin?"

    Clopin nodded and started to say something, but at that moment was cut off by a familiar voice:

    "Yeah, I'd say."

    Startled, Kaylie turned around, and suddenly found herself face-to-face with...

    "P-Patrick?!" she gasped. "Wow, I wasn't expecting to see you here! What are you doing here?"

    "Oh, nothing important," Patrick replied. "I just came to check on how you were doing."

    "I'm doing great!" Kaylie cried excitedly. "This carnival is amazing! But... there was quite the scandal..."

    "Really?" Patrick asked. "What was it?"

    -Get this, mok am,- Clopin began. -Just a few minutes ago, a group of IPPA members beat up and denied registration to my friend Switeuk, simply because he was a disfigured Capyall!-

    "WHAT?!" Patrick gasped. "That's CRAZY! They shouldn't have done something like that to the poor Pokémon! How disfigured are we talking about here?"

    -I'll show you,- Clopin replied. -Switeuk~?-

    Timidly, Switeuk stepped forward and gazed up at Patrick, who stared back down at him in shock. Not only could Patrick not believe that Switeuk really looked like that, but he also couldn't believe that the IPPA would deny him entrance because of it.

    "Were you... born like that?" he asked in amazement.

    Switeuk nodded.

    "Wow," gasped Patrick. "They really shouldn't have done that. You're something special, kid."

    -Really?!- Switeuk gasped. -Thank you so much!-

    "Excuse me?" a voice suddenly interrupted.

    It was a female voice, but it certainly wasn't Professor Maple's. Confused, Kaylie and the others turned to see a tall woman dressed in ladybug print. On her head was a helmet resembling a ladybug pattern as well. She was carrying an EvoPhone, and on her shoes were roller skates. She appeared to be in her late teens to early twenties.

    "Who are you?" Kaylie asked.

    The woman smiled.

    "I am Lepida, the Gym Leader of the Medela City Gym," the woman replied. Kaylie gasped. This was the Gym Leader?

    "Oh my gosh!" Kaylie gushed. "I've heard so much about you! I can't wait to battle you! What are you doing at the carnival?"

    "I came to congratulate you and your Pokémon for your incredible cancer fund yesterday," Lepida responded. "That speech you gave moved me to tears. I just HAD to record it! I also wanted to tell your Touceet congrats as well, for defending that Capyall. No one should ever be treated that way. You are a strong battler, you know."

    -You really think that?!- gasped Clopin.

    "Yes," Lepida said. "I saw what you did out there. It was truly amazing! I have a feeling that you'll be a worthy opponent in our Gym Battle. Hope to see you there!"

    She left.

    Clopin, Switeuk, Kaylie, and Patrick gasped in shock.

    "WOW!" Kaylie exclaimed. "I can't believe that we actually got to talk to the Gym Leader!"

    -Me either!- Clopin gasped. -And I can't believe we were complimented!-

    "Not to mention CONGRATULATED!" Patrick added. "That was even more amazing!"

    "Yeah," Kaylie agreed. "That was pretty awesome! I can't wait to battle the Gym Leader tomorrow!" She turned to Patrick and asked, "By the way, do you want to watch the Gym Battle tomorrow?"

    "Are you kidding?!" Patrick gasped. "You bet I do!"

    Kaylie squealed with happiness at Patrick's response, and the two of them hugged each other. Patrick's Yakocks and Clopin giggled.

    -What's so funny?- Switeuk asked.

    -Ya honestly don't get it?!- the Yakocks cried. -They just hugged each other! I smell love in the air!-

    -Wait. Are you saying they're... boyfriend and girlfriend?!-

    -DUH! What else would we be saying?- He looked at Switeuk for a second, then nudged him. -By the way... great mask ya got there. I'm sure you'll be crowned the KoF with something like that!-

    -What's the KoF?- Switeuk asked.

    Clopin laughed.

    -Why, au sanpüt chige, of course!- he replied. -The King of Fools! And I know without a doubt they'll see how good you are!-

    Switeuk smiled. This was going to be fun...

    Hours passed, and soon it was time for the final event of the celebration: the Crowning of the KoF. In all the hours that had gone by, Switeuk and Clopin had developed a good relationship. They had played games together, battled together, and had even had an entire PokeLatin conversation. Quasimodo gave Switeuk a few singing lessons, too. Kaylie and Patrick talked about how fun the carnival had been and what the Gym Battle was going to be like, and Kaylie mentioned that she couldn't wait to show Lepida Clopin's "Court of Miracles" battle routine. After more than 4 hours had gone by, the trumpets sounded, and Clopin jumped up happily.

    -That's my cue!- he cried. -The final event is here! And Switeuk, you're invited!-

    Switeuk gasped.

    -Me?!- he gasped, clearly not expecting this in the slightest.

    -Cheüt, mok am!- Clopin cried. -You're going to be up for contention to be crowned the KoF! Now get up there!-

    Switeuk was so happy he couldn't speak. Finally, here was his chance to be accepted by the public, the way he'd always wanted! Happily, he followed Clopin up on stage and got in line along with a bunch of other Pokémon who were wearing masks. Also on stage was Patrick's Yakocks, who was going to decide the KoF. As the final event began, Clopin began to sing the next verse:

    -#Har ro sois, au memïp tok peüt kotan
    (Here it is, the moment you've been waiting for)
    -#Har ro sois, tok fig ji sjati har tanevan
    (Here it is, you know what's coming here tonight)
    -#Zjï au cliev nok metois huger nok fantion
    (Now's the time we laugh until we faint)
    -#Zjï au cliev ta coron au chige sanpüt!#-
    (Now's the time to crown the King of Fools!)

    The crowd erupted in cheers. Switeuk beamed with happiness on the stage.

    -#Sja zjï et mit au frackkt pacüme grotares
    (Come now and make a face that's terrifying)
    -#Mit au frackkt pacüme ghrot majüküsjes
    (Make a face that's extremely ugly)
    -#Kibüston au majüküsjig frackkt sois au chige sanpüt!
    (Because the ugliest face is the King of Fools!)
    -#Pïet?#-
    (Why?)
    -#Dïzjkütrïzjküt!#-
    (Insanity!)
    -#Majüküsjig ünet, derget tok mekle#-
    (Ugly ones, forget your meekness)
    -#Dïzjkütrïzjküt!#-
    (Insanity!)
    -#Tok weü ret soissja chige!
    (You will soon become a king!)
    -#Rer tok majüküsjig frackkt zois har
    (Put your ugliest face out here)
    -#Sois chige ou dïzjkütrïzjküt dar!#-
    (Be a king on the day of insanity!)

    The crowd cheered happily, and Clopin winked at Switeuk, who winked back. The Yakocks then went to each of the Pokémon and took their masks off, and everybody booed at every one of them. As the crowd expressed their disapproval, the Yakocks kicked each one of them out by using Take Down, but each time he did so, flinched in pain- was it just from the recoil damage, or was it something more? Finally, he approached Switeuk, the only Pokémon left on the stage. He tried to pull Switeuk's "mask" off, but as he found that it wasn't even budging, he was suddenly hit with the realization.

    This was no mask.

    And just as Esmeralda's namesake had done in the movie, the Yakocks gasped in shock and pulled away from Switeuk. The crowd, seeing Switeuk, gasped in shock as well. The huge smile on Clopin's face quickly turned to a look of distress as the crowd began pointing at Switeuk, recoiling back in shock.

    -Wait a second. That's no mask,- gasped a Shiny Watorse in the crowd.

    -It's his face!- screamed a Monferno. -Look at him! He's hideous! Just hideous!-

    -That- that's the Capyall from the IPPA scandal!- a Chespin cried, recognizing him.

    Gasps and screams could be heard everywhere, and Switeuk suddenly realized it: The crowd hated him. Humiliated, he turned away sadly, and the crowd was still muttering about him:

    -Oh my word, he's so ugly!-

    -Did you see that huge wart? He's like the Donphan Man!-

    "If you ask me, I wouldn't be wanting a Pokémon as ugly as him on my team!"

    Clopin looked around, despaired. This wasn't supposed to be happening to poor Switeuk. There was only one thing he could do now, and if it didn't work...

    He smiled and took center stage, not even noticing that one of the people in the crowd had a tomato in hand.

    -Païkan! Ladies and gentlemen, don't panic!- he pleaded. -We asked for the--

    "Take this, you wanted beast!" the person who had the tomato screamed. All eyes were now on him, and he threw the tomato right at Switeuk.

    It hit him in the head.

    The crowd gasped.

    "HOW ABOUT THAT, HUH?!" the person who had thrown the tomato screamed.

    Switeuk looked at Clopin in dismay, praying that this would end soon.

    It didn't.

    -HAIL TO THE KING!- cried a Phanpy in the crowd, throwing another tomato at Switeuk. At once, the crowd roared with laughter and began throwing whatever they could at him: vegetables, fruits, rice, their EvoPhones... you name it, they were throwing it. The only exceptions were, of course, Kaylie, Patrick, and their Pokémon, who were watching in horror as the whole scene unfolded. Clopin looked on in shock as jeers started coming in from every corner:

    -Take this, you fool!-

    -You're so ugly that that Graswinemodo over there would be considered normal!-

    -BÏLOK APÜTES!-

    -Need Psyduck tape to get rid of that hideous bump?!-

    -Wait, stop, please!- Clopin pleaded, but it was in vain. No one heard him over the mocking shouts coming from the other Pokémon, who had now gone so far as to tie Switeuk up with rope. Clearly Esmeralda had to be experiencing childhood flashbacks in the midst of all this terror. Horrified, Switeuk looked around at the jeering crowd, terrified of what was going to happen. He didn't want to experience this any longer.

    -Clopin!- he cried. -Help me!-

    Wasting no time, Clopin used Wing Attack on the ropes, freeing Switeuk. Humiliated, and sobbing loudly, the poor Capyall ran off-stage with tears flowing down his face. To add insult to injury, the crowd was still roaring with laughter. Shocked and saddened, Clopin looked down at Kaylie and her Pokémon. They, too, were stunned by how horrible this was. Poor Quasimodo looked as though he was about to burst into tears.

    -This was not supposed to happen,- Clopin muttered in disbelief, staring at the curtains in front of him.

    There was nothing else he could do about it. Without a moment's hesitation, Clopin flew backstage.

    Quasimodo ran right after him.

    -Switeuk...?- asked Quasi, as he and Clopin entered the backstage corridor. -Are you okay? We saw everything.-

    When they entered, both of them found themselves looking at a sobbing Switeuk, whose back was turned. Quasimodo and Clopin exchanged concerned glances, but it was Clopin who approached the sobbing Capyall.

    -Switeuk-- he began.

    -It was terrible,- sobbed Switeuk. -It was awful.-

    -It was,- agreed Clopin sadly. -But hey! You were nearly crowned the King of Fools, so that would have been a good thing!-

    -Well, if I'm going to be crowned anything, it'll be the worst Pokémon in the world,- wailed Switeuk. -I thought for sure that after all these years, they would love me. But they berated me instead! And what's worse, you didn't even try to help!-

    -I did!- Clopin insisted. -I freed you!-

    Switeuk sighed.

    -It doesn't matter. I deserve to be hated.-

    -Oh, no, you don't,- Clopin said. -You are so much better than what they think of you. There's no reason for you to feel bad about yourself, now is there?-

    Switeuk nodded sadly.

    -You're wrong!- Clopin insisted, hugging Switeuk. -There is no reason at all for you to feel bad about yourself like this! Just try to listen to me. You are--

    -No, you listen!- snapped Switeuk, jumping out of Clopin's wings.

    Clopin stared at him in shock.

    -Switeuk...- he muttered.

    -Just go!- Switeuk yelled, still in tears. -Go on and crown me the King of Fools! Go on and throw vegetables at me and tell me I'm ugly... and that I'm a monster... and that I deserve to be plunged into the depths of the Distortion World! Because if you ask me, I DESERVE IT!-

    He glared at both of them angrily, then ran off in tears. Concerned, Clopin and Quasimodo gasped and ran after him.

    -Wait! Switeuk!- cried Quasi. -We want to talk to you about this!-

    But it was too late, and they soon found, much to their dismay, that Switeuk was gone. Clopin looked down sadly.

    -Switeuk...- he muttered. -He's gone...-

    -What are you going to do now?- asked Quasimodo. -Now he won't be able to be crowned the KoF!-

    They suddenly heard it then: the sound of the crowd continuing to laugh mockingly, even after Switeuk had gone. Clopin was shocked: how could they do this? They were still making fun of him, even though he'd left! Now filled with rage, Clopin ran off.

    -Clopin?- asked Quasi. -What are you doing?-

    -I'm going to use my Court of Miracles routine on them,- responded Clopin.

    -What?!-

    -Verbally. No one should ever be hurting Switeuk like that. And if they have a problem with it, then I'm going physical.-

    He flew back onstage in anger. Quasi looked on in shock.

    -Wow,- Quasi gasped. -He's not kidding... is he?-

    He wasn't.

    Outside, the crowd was happily celebrating Switeuk's humiliation, with a few exceptions. Kaylie, Patrick, and their Pokémon were staring at each other in awe. They couldn't believe what they had just witnessed.

    "If you ask me, we call the police immediately," Patrick told Kaylie. "This is a crime that needs to be investigated."

    "What?!" Kaylie gasped. "Patrick, there are no phones anywhere, and everyone's EvoPhones have no service! How are we supposed to call the police?!"

    -And for that matter, why do you even need to call the police?- jeered a Drillbur.

    Esmeralda glared at him.

    -Because you just humiliated that poor Pokémon the same way that the other Larvell in my hometown humiliated me,- she snapped.

    -And this is just straight-up injustice!- Frollo snarled.

    -FORGET INJUSTICE!- laughed the Drillbur. -We did the right thing, right, guys?-

    "YEAH!" everyone cried.

    "That Capyall deserved it!" a Trainer cried.

    "No, he didn't," snapped Patrick.

    "Um, yes. Yes, he did," the Trainer shot back. "And we have no regrets."

    Kaylie looked up.

    "Well, you're going to have some soon," she retorted, seeing Clopin come on stage.

    -That's impossible!- screamed the Drillbur.

    And at those words, shouting came from every corner. It almost seemed as though another fight was going to break out, until...

    -PERMÏTUK!- screamed Clopin.

    Everyone fell silent, and all eyes were on Clopin.

    -What were you thinking?- he snapped. -You shouldn't have done what you did out there! Because of you, Switeuk ran off, and is sobbing right now because of all of the mean things you said about him!-

    -Serves him right!- jeered the Drillbur. -That Capyall was a moron!-

    -That Capyall IS MY FRIEND!- shouted Clopin, and the Drillbur was so shocked, he stopped talking. -What you did was the worst thing you could have possibly done to him! It was nothing but ignorant and selfish, but more than that, it was WRONG! It's as though you think that being the King of Fools is a bad thing! Well, it's not! It's a good thing! It means that you are being hailed for your appearance, and that you are being accepted! So stop judging people and Pokémon simply based on their appearance and start accepting them for who they are, because what you did WAS FLAT-OUT INJUSTICE!-

    The crowd gasped in shock.

    As Clopin suddenly turned to leave, someone else in the crowd yelled out, -SEIZE HIM!-

    It was the Chesnaught leader of the IPPA. The crowd looked on in shock as every single IPPA member got up on stage and started hitting Clopin with all of their moves. There was no escape. Clopin tried to use his "Court of Miracles" routine on the IPPA members, but it was in vain. Kaylie and Patrick looked at each other.

    "We're calling the police," Patrick told her.

    "For sure," Kaylie agreed.

    While Kaylie and Patrick searched for a phone to call the police, Clopin was screaming in pain, and the crowd was booing: even they didn't like the IPPA members. At that moment, the Chesnaught drew back his arm, ready to punch Clopin...

    ...but found himself hitting a gigantic facial wart instead.

    It was Switeuk, who had come out from backstage to defend Clopin. The Touceet looked up, and when he saw Switeuk, he breathed a sigh of relief. Switeuk winked at him, and while the IPPA members stopped their attacks and stared at Switeuk in confusion, Clopin got up and gave Switeuk a huge hug. Once it was over, Switeuk glared at the IPPA members.

    -Now... to deal with you.-

    The IPPA members looked on in shock as Switeuk charged right at them with a powerful Tackle move, hitting each member with the gigantic wart on his head. First he took out the Rhyperior, then the Excadrill, and finally the Chesnaught. Each member was thrown back to the IPPA table, and when it was all said and done, Clopin and Switeuk gave each other a high-five.

    Clopin and Switeuk looked back at the members, and saw to their delight, that the police had arrived, and were arresting them. Quasimodo ran out from behind the curtain and hugged Switeuk.

    -You did it, Switeuk!- he cheered. -That was amazing!-

    Switeuk smiled.

    -Well, let's just say that I couldn't see Clopin in danger,- he replied.

    At that moment, however, Quasimodo looked up at the crowd, and his face quickly changed to that of despair. He nudged Switeuk and pointed with his hoof out to the crowd. Every single face was that of dismay and embarrassment. Switeuk didn't have a clue what was going on, but he didn't like it.

    -Oh, no, not this again,- he gasped, hiding from the crowd.

    At that moment, however...

    "SWI-TE-UK! SWI-TE-UK!" the crowd chanted. Quasimodo nudged him again.

    -Switeuk, look!- he told him happily. -They're chanting your name!-

    Tentatively, Switeuk stepped out from backstage, and when he got out on stage, a huge cheer went up from the crowd. People even had out their EvoPhones and were taking pictures of him. As Switeuk looked around him, it suddenly dawned on him that the crowd's despaired looks had only been out of deep regret for what they'd done to him earlier. They were finally accepting him at last! Clopin and Quasi hugged him, and soon, Kaylie, Patrick and the other Pokémon ran up on stage to do the same. Tears of joy ran down Switeuk's face as he looked down at the cheering crowd.

    -Bïloktaknus!- he cried. -Bïloktaknus, everyone!-

    -Look!- cried Clopin, pointing.

    All eyes on stage turned, and a Pokémon Kaylie had never seen before came up on stage. It was a black ram Pokémon with red horns and hooves, and it looked metallic. Kaylie turned to Patrick.

    "What Pokémon is that?" she asked.

    "A Rampeler," Patrick replied. "It's a Steel-Fighting type. I've heard they can be stubborn and destructive, but this one doesn't look it."

    The Rampeler walked up to Switeuk. It was clearly a male, as evidenced by its voice when it (he, rather) spoke to Switeuk.

    -Greetings. I am Rancorpüjin, the president of the IPPA,- he told Switeuk. -I was quite apalled by my clients' actions towards you today, and I am happy to report that they have all been fired.-

    -Thank Arceus!- cried Switeuk.

    -What you did out there tonight was the true definition of an IPPA member. It is due to this, and the fact that you are fluent in PokeLatin, that allow me to say to you...- He took out an IPPA badge and pinned it on Switeuk's body, and Switeuk gasped in awe as Rancor finished, -Welcome to the IPPA.-

    -Are you serious?!- gasped Switeuk. -BÏLOKTAKNÜT!-

    The crowd cheered, and Clopin hugged Switeuk tightly as the elated Capyall saluted Rancor. The Rampeler nodded at him with a warm smile, then left. Clopin turned to Switeuk happily.

    -Congratulations, mok am!- he cried. -You're an official IPPA member!-

    -I know!- gushed Switeuk. -And I've been accepted by the crowd, too!- At that moment, though, his mood suddenly turned crestfallen, as he looked down sadly. Clopin stared at him.

    -Switeuk?- he asked. -What's the matter, mok am?-

    Switeuk began sobbing.

    -I'm going to miss you,- he admitted.

    -Well, so am I,- Clopin responded. -But still, that doesn't mean we can't see each other again! In fact, dit tok ji: you're invited to the Gym Battle tomorrow.-

    -Really?- gasped Switeuk.

    Clopin nodded.

    Happily, Switeuk ran into Clopin's wings and hugged him again as the crowd cheered loudly. Kaylie, however, cheered loudest of all: not only had Switeuk been accepted, but thanks to Clopin, she would have a new attendee for her Gym Battle. Once the hug was over, Switeuk looked up at Clopin.

    -Clopin?- he asked.

    -Cheüt?- Clopin replied.

    Switeuk smiled.

    -Go on. Crown me the King of Fools,- he said. -Because if you ask me... I deserve it.-

    Clopin smiled, then turned to the crowd.

    -Alright, païkan, you heard it first!- he cheered as the trumpets sounded. -Ladies and gentlemen... OUR NEW KING OF FOOLS!-

    The crowd cheered loudly as Kaylie, Patrick and her Pokémon held Switeuk up in the air and carried him through the crowd. Confetti flew everywhere, and as Switeuk looked out at the crowd, they and Clopin sang the final verse of "Dïzjkütrïzjküt":

    -#Kozjet anüet, au païkan parügït#-
    (Every year, the people celebrate)
    -#Bü ta au chige!#-
    (Hail to the king!)
    -#Kozjet anüet, ka qükü ompinut ro#-
    (Every year, they all inverse it)
    -#Cheüt, lob nok chige!#-
    (Yes, he's our king!)
    -#Kozjet païk hokt majüküsjig sois rizjtüs#-
    (Every person who's ugly is recognized)
    -#Lob shikonut har#-
    (He's finally here)
    -#Kozjet an ou dïzjkütrïzjküt dar!#-
    (Every year on the day of insanity)
    -#Kotan qükü nob fig, lob au güt
    (For all we know, he's the best)
    -#Et sois au dar nob coron nobbüt plat chige
    (And it's the day we crown ourselves a new king)
    -#Ompinüt kozjetpi, et pit nopare
    (Inverse everything, and have fun)
    -#Kozjet an, nob am ta sja et
    (Every year, we love to come and)
    -#Pit bübon mit kozjetpaïk et
    (Have a ball with everyone and)
    -#Mit kozjetpi nok mit ou zjü dar
    (Do everything we do on this day)
    -#Zjï, har au chige hokt rer au 'dï' qa
    (Now, here's the king who'll put the "top" in)
    -#Dïzjkütrïzjküt!#-
    (Insanity!)

    And that was when a tearful Switeuk was crowned as the song ended:

    -#Dïzjkütrïzjküt
    (Insanity)
    -#Au konpüret et sjküret
    (The weirdest and craziest)
    -#DÏZJKÜTRÏZJKÜT DAR!#-
    (DAY OF INSANITY!)
     
  11. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
    Level 15
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Posts:
    248
    PokéPoints:
    ₽633.8
    It's time for a Gym Battle, ladies and gentlemen! Chapter 8 is here!

    Pokémon Opal and Garnet
    Chapter 8: A Gym Battle Matchup Sanctuary
    Kaylie and her Pokémon had been training for hours for their Gym Battle against Lepida that would be occurring the next day. They'd come up with a bunch of different battle strategies that they believed would help fend off Lepida. For now, though, they were having some trouble getting motivated for the battle, so they decided it best to stop and take a break. Fatigue was starting to set in, anyways.

    -Now THAT was a lot of battle training,- Phoebus remarked, flopping onto the grass. He was more tired than anyone else. -But I would say it was worth it.-

    "I agree," said Kaylie. "Most likely we're going to beat Lepida in that Gym Battle, but..." She looked at all of her Pokémon. "I don't think we're getting motivated enough. Does anyone here have any suggestions?"

    Immediately, her Pokémon jumped in with lots of them.

    -I know!- cried Phoebus. -How about an obstacle course?-

    -I-I don't know if that's really g-going to help,- stammered Quasimodo. -I-I'm... not really sure about that. We could do yoga.-

    -And who else here knows yoga?- Frollo asked.

    Quasi trembled.

    -N-n-nobody,- he stammered. -Nobody else.-

    -Don't worry about that, mok am!- Clopin cried happily. -I have an even better remedy: MUSIC~!-

    -Music?- Quasi asked, brightening. -You mean, a motivational song?-

    -Cheüt!- Clopin responded. -Who here knows any motivational songs~?-

    -Oh, I've got one,- Frollo responded. -And all of you know this one by heart.-

    "Which one?" Kaylie asked. "What is it?"

    Frollo looked over at her, then cleared his throat and began:

    -#Don't you see that we can win?
    -#This is the time to act as one
    -#Tomorrow it's our first Gym Battle
    -#And I bet it can be won
    -#When they fight you with their moves
    -#Fight them back with the fire within
    -#Tomorrow this Gym Battle starts
    -#And we're gonna win!#-

    -Ooh, LesMiz!- Clopin cried. -Good one! Do you know this one, Quasi?-

    Quasi nodded.

    -#Do we wish to be the very best like no one ever was?
    -#Is getting to the Feluvian league our ultimate cause?#-

    Phoebus then joined in:

    -#Then we'll win this battle against those Bug-types with their flaws!#-

    The team, as well as Kaylie, all cheered, before Clopin picked up the Feluvian flag, and all started singing:

    -#Don't you see that we can win?
    -#This is the time to act as one
    -#Tomorrow it's our first Gym Battle
    -#And we bet it can be won
    -#When they fight us with their moves
    -#We'll fight them back with the fire within
    -#Tomorrow this Gym Battle starts
    -#And we're gonna win!#-

    Now it was Clopin's turn, and true to his singing abilities and his namesake, he belted it out:

    -#What'll happen if we lose this? Well, there's no need to be cross
    -#For I know that it'll be fun, no matter win or loss
    -#I guarantee it'll be better than those in Kalos!#-

    He picked up the Feluvian flag and began waving it in the air much like the actual movie, and the whole group gathered together for their final chorus:

    -#Yes, indeed, we're going to win
    -#This is the time to act as one
    -#Tomorrow it's our first Gym Battle
    -#And we bet it can be won
    -#When they fight us with their moves
    -#We'll fight them back with the fire within
    -#It'll be the best battle yet...
    -#CAUSE WE'RE GONNA WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!#-

    It only was one day more, but the next day, the Gym Battle had officially begun. Kaylie was facing Lepida, and each Trainer would use a different number of Pokémon in battle. On the sidelines, watching the whole battle unfold, were Switeuk, Patrick, and Phoebus. The referee of the battle was giving the rules to both Trainers:

    "The Gym Battle between Pokémon Trainer Kaylie and the Gym Leader Lepida is about to begin! Please keep in mind that the battle is over when one team of Pokémon on either side is unable to continue. Trainers, are you ready?"

    "I'm ready to battle whenever you are," said Kaylie, looking at Lepida with determination.

    Lepida nodded, signifying that she was ready for the battle as well. With both Trainers ready, the referee blew his whistle and shouted:

    "BATTLE BEGIN!"

    "Alright, let's get this show on the road!" cried Lepida, throwing a Pokéball. "Metapod, get ready for your recording!"

    The Pokéball opened, and the blue light that shot out of it quickly formed into a green, cocoon-like Pokémon. Having never seen this Pokémon before, Kaylie took out her Pokédex and scanned it.

    "Metapod, the Cocoon Pokémon and the evolved form of Caterpie. It is generally motionless as it prepares its body for evolution, but its shell is said to be harder than steel. Type: Bug. Gender: Male. Ability: Shed Skin. Moveset: Harden, Tackle."

    "Really?" Kaylie inquired, putting away her Pokédex. "Those are the only two moves it can learn? Well, then, this battle should be a breeze!" She took out her first Pokéball, and cried out, "Frollo, let's get 'em!"

    At once, Frollo's Pokéball opened, and the noble Emberhund took shape in the blue light. Within seconds, he was growling and staring the Metapod down. Lepida giggled.

    "An Emberhund? Well, you're a good battler!" she complimented.

    "Thank you," Kaylie replied.

    -But you're still no match for me,- the Metapod boasted in a deadpan, monotone voice.

    Frollo smirked.

    -Am I?- he asked. -I have the advantage, you know! Take this! FIRE FANG!-

    His fangs glowed a bright orange and burst into flames, while he ran over to the Metapod to bite him. And bite him he did- the Metapod visibly flinched, and then suddenly burst into flames himself. Lepida gasped.

    "NOOOO!" she shrieked. "You burned my poor, poor Metapod!"

    -Ow. Ow. Ow. That hurts,- he droned.

    -Of course it does,- Frollo replied.

    -Well, it won't hurt for long. This is my Shed Skin ability.-

    And at that moment, the Metapod- well, shed his skin, revealing a new skin free of a burn. Kaylie stared in shock, and Frollo growled in frustration.

    "What just happened?!" Kaylie gasped.

    -I should have known,- growled Frollo.

    "Huh?"

    -That's Shed Skin, Metapod's ability,- Frollo explained. -It has a 30% chance of healing a non-volatile status condition, such as poison, sleep, burning, or paralysis.-

    "And in this case, it healed the Metapod!" Kaylie gasped. "What are we going to do now, Frollo?"

    Frollo growled in determination.

    -Keep fighting that Metapod, of course!- he growled. -Ember!-

    But as Kaylie watched, Frollo didn't use Ember. He did release a flame from his mouth, but this flame was much larger than one that Ember could produce. To top it all off, when it hit the Metapod, it exploded in a cloud of thick black smoke that visibly damaged him, knocking him back. Frollo looked up in surprise.

    -Or... Darkfire.-

    "Or WHAT?!" Kaylie echoed.

    "Darkfire!" Patrick cried from the stands. "No way! Frollo, you just learned a new move! That was amazing!"

    "What's Darkfire?" asked Kaylie.

    "It's a very powerful Fire-type move that reduces the Pokémon's accuracy, while also doing damage at the same time," Patrick explained.

    "Really?!" gasped Kaylie.

    -Indeed,- Frollo replied. -In fact, it was so powerful, it knocked out the Metapod.-

    Shocked, Kaylie turned back towards Lepida's Metapod and saw that, indeed, he had been knocked out.

    "YEAH!" Kaylie cried. "Great work, Frollo!"

    "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Lepida wailed.

    The referee raised a red flag, signifying that the Metapod had fainted. Sobbing, Lepida returned the Metapod to his Pokéball.

    "I must say, your Pokémon fight excellently," she remarked, wiping away her tears.

    "Thank you," Kaylie replied, blushing.

    "But it won't be enough for my next Pokémon!" Lepida exclaimed, taking out another Pokéball and throwing it into the air. "Scyther, get ready for your recording!"

    The blue light here formed into a Pokémon that was much larger than Frollo, but about as tall as Kaylie. This one was a green, bipedal praying-mantis like Pokémon with sharp blades and huge wings that were incapable of flight. It glared down at Frollo, who growled back. Kaylie had seen this Pokémon before, and she knew how fast Scyther could be, as well as how powerful they were compared to other Bug-type Pokémon. She knew that if she had any chance of defeating this Pokémon, she'd have to use some really powerful moves, but was saving Guillotine as a last resort.

    "Scyther, huh? Well, I have just the move!" she cried, determined. "Frollo, use-"

    She never got to finish her sentence, however. At that exact moment, she heard Lepida give her own command to Scyther.

    "Use X-Scissor!"

    -Oh, no,- gasped Switeuk. -I'm worried about this.-

    He had a very good reason to be worried. As Kaylie and Frollo watched, the Scyther saluted its Trainer, before jumping up into the air. Its scythes glowed a bright blue, and it crossed them in an "X" formation. A magenta colored energy shaped like an "X" appeared in front of it, and at full speed it slammed towards Frollo, hitting him with such great force that he was knocked back. Kaylie gasped.

    "Frollo!" she cried.

    Lepida giggled.

    "You still do not understand, do you?" she asked. "X-Scissor is one of the most powerful Bug-type moves in existence. Don't be surprised if one more move from my Scyther knocks your Emberhund out!"

    -Just like a Gym Leader,- growled Frollo in frustration, pushing himself back up. -I should have known she'd use X-Scissor to start the battle off.-

    Kaylie sighed with relief upon seeing that Frollo was okay. The Scyther, on the other hand, gasped in shock.

    -WHAT?!- it cried. -There's no way he could've...!-

    It was a male, based on the voice. Kaylie looked over at Lepida with determination.

    "Oh yes, he did!" she cried. "Frollo, use Darkfire!"

    Frollo complied immediately, letting loose the same large flame that he shot forth earlier right at the Scyther's face. To his shock, however, the Schyther dodged the attack, jumping up into the air and staring down at Frollo with a smirk on his face.

    -Oh, sweet Arceus! I can't look!- Switeuk squealed, turning away.

    "Frollo! Look out!" Kaylie cried.

    Frollo looked up at the attacking Scyther and dodged immediately, quickly moving aside and spewing forth the large flame that belonged to the Darkfire attack. The opposing Scyther, as well as Lepida, looked on in horror as the flame hit the Scyther and exploded in a huge puff of dark black smoke. Switeuk looked up and, seeing what Frollo had just done, cheered loudly.

    -Alright!- cried Switeuk happily.

    "Great strategy, Frollo!" Patrick cheered.

    The Scyther was thrown back, damaged from head to toe. He groaned in severe pain, and Lepida gasped and ran over to him.

    "No! Scyther, are you okay?!" she cried hopefully. "Say something!"

    -Yes... I'm fine,- groaned the Scyther, pushing himself back up and glaring at Frollo while doing so. -But that little Emberhund's not going to get away with this.-

    He sure doesn't sound fine, Kaylie thought.

    Frollo growled.

    -Take this, you Emberhund wimp!- growled the Scyther menacingly, crossing his blades and jumping up into the air. -X-Scissor!-

    "No!" Kaylie cried.

    Startled, Frollo tried to bite the Scyther back, but soon found he was no match for the Bug/Flying type's unmatched speed and power. There was no escaping the magenta-colored energy coming from Scyther's blades. Frollo couldn't do anything- the Scyther was getting closer- this was it...

    He was hit.

    He suddenly found himself being thrown back, in severe pain. Kaylie gasped in shock as a huge dark cloud of smoke went up. When it faded, Kaylie gasped, as she could clearly see Frollo lying on his side with swirls in his eyes, not moving, not doing a thing. From the stands, Switeuk and Patrick both gasped.

    "Frollo! No!" Kaylie cried.

    "Frollo is unable to battle," the referee announced, holding up a red flag. "Scyther is the winner!"

    "YES!" cried Lepida, giving a high-five to her Scyther as Kaylie solemnly returned Frollo to his Pokéball. She glared with determination over at Lepida's Scyther. He had been majorly damaged, but something told her that he was going to be a hard Pokémon to beat.

    "You thought Frollo was something?" she asked.

    "He surely was," Lepida replied with a giggle.

    "Well, you haven't seen my next Pokémon!" Kaylie cried, taking out her next Pokéball and throwing it in the air. "Go, Esmeralda!"

    The blue light formed itself into the Mothibell with the deformed leg, who glared over at Scyther.

    -I know what you did,- she snapped at him. -And you most certainly won't get away with this.-

    -How would you know?- scoffed the Scyther. -You've got a swollen leg.-

    That got Esmeralda riled up. She glared at the Scyther again, then suddenly glowed a bright red. At the same time, the Scyther glowed red as well, and began to float into the air. He looked down and was clearly taken aback.

    "Alright!" Kaylie cheered. "You show him, Esme!"

    -W-what?!- the Scyther gasped. -What are you- GAAAAAHH!-

    Those were the last words he said. All at once, Esmeralda's Confusion move threw him to the floor as the red light faded out. Lepida looked at him in concern as he attempted to push himself back up- but it was in vain, as he at once collapsed back on the floor with swirls in his eyes. Lepida gasped.

    "YEAH!" Kaylie exclaimed. "You did it, Esmeralda!"

    "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! You took out my most powerful Pokémon!" wailed Lepida.

    As the referee raised yet another red flag on Lepida's side, and Lepida returned her Scyther to his Pokéball, Patrick and Switeuk looked on from the stands in shock.

    "Well, that was fast," Patrick remarked.

    -I agree,- Switeuk replied. -Frollo fainting must have really hurt her. Still, just think about it: Lepida's only got one Pokémon left!-

    "Yeah, that's... pretty amazing," Patrick agreed, smiling at Switeuk. "So which one is it?"

    -Her Mothibell.-

    Patrick gasped.

    "Wait, Lepida has a Mothibell, too?!"

    -Yep.- Switeuk nodded.

    "Wow," gasped Patrick, staring down at the battlefield. "Let's see how this plays out."

    As they turned their attention back to the battle, Lepida giggled at Kaylie and Esmeralda.

    "Well, that's two Pokémon down," she told them as she took out her final Pokéball. "Still, though, I don't think it'll be enough to defeat my precious Mothibell! Get ready for your recording!"

    She threw the final Pokéball, and the blue light formed into a second Mothibell, but this one didn't have a swollen leg. It was a Mothibell-on-Mothibell battle, and the two Bug/Psychic types were staring each other down.

    "Alright, Esmeralda, you ready?" Kaylie asked.

    Kaylie's Mothibell nodded, averting her steely gaze from the opposing Mothibell on the other side of the battlefield.

    "Then let's do this!" Kaylie cried. "Esmeralda, use String Shot!"

    -You got it, Kaylie!- Esmeralda replied, and instantly shot out a load of silk from her mouth, which enclosed Lepida's Mothibell. To her shock, however, Lepida's Mothibell instantly broke free, her wings breaking the silk casing surrounding her. Kaylie gasped.

    "She broke free!" Kaylie exclaimed. "How was she able to do that?"

    "Simple," Lepida responded. "My Mothibell is stronger than yours, and I've trained her to break free from this move by using her wings."

    Kaylie groaned.

    "I'll have you know I have an ace up my sleeve," she said with resolve, referring to Clopin. "But I don't think I'll be using him just yet. For now, I'll do whatever I can to defeat your Mothibell with mine! Esmeralda, use Confusion!"

    Esmeralda nodded, and at once her eyes and body glowed a bright red color. At the same time, the same thing happened to the other Mothibell, who looked around her, startled. Esmeralda's psychic powers were now controlling the Mothibell, and she was throwing her all over the Gym. Lepida looked on in despair.

    "Again?!" she gasped. "Come on, Mothibell, snap out of it!"

    But Lepida's Mothibell wouldn't. In a few seconds she found herself thrown across the field and on the ground, as the red psychic energy from both Mothibell faded. Lepida's Mothibell, however, was able to get back to floating off of the ground, while shooting a glare at Esmeralda.

    "Great job, Esmeralda!" Kaylie cheered. "You got her!"

    -You won't be getting me for long!- cried the other Mothibell. -Take this! HYPNOSIS!-

    Kaylie and Esmeralda gasped.

    "She knows Hypnosis?!" Kaylie exclaimed. "No! Esmeralda, look out!"

    Esmeralda turned towards the opposing Mothibell- and saw, to her shock, two blue orbs coming out of the opposing Mothibell's eyes. She tried to escape from the attack, but wherever she went, the blue orbs seemed to follow. The two orbs then got closer and closer together until they were a single orb, which spun and spun, faster and faster. Kaylie knew she had to do something, and fast.

    "Esmeralda, return!" she commanded, holding up her Pokéball. In a flash, Esmeralda's form dematerialized into a white mass of light, which reentered the Pokéball. At once, the orb exploded, having nobody to hypnotize. There was only one Pokémon that Kaylie knew she had to send out now- and it wasn't Quasimodo.

    "I told you I had an ace up my sleeve," she began, holding up Clopin's Pokéball. "Well, here he is! Go, CLOPIN!"

    She threw out the team's secret weapon, and the blue light materialized into the talkative Touceet. The foe's Mothibell was staring at him in confusion.

    -What?- asked Clopin.

    -I'm sorry... what did she say your name was?- Mothibell asked in confusion.

    "Here we go again," Kaylie laughed.

    -It's Clopin,- Clopin responded. -And just so you know, it's pronounced "kloh-PAH~n." What you have to do, mok am, is give the "-in" enough nasality so that it sounds properly Kalosian.- He got into a battle stance and looked over at the Mothibell. -But enough with the chit-chat. We've got a BATTLE to fight! LIMER CA, TOK SANPÜT!-

    And with that one PokeLatin declaration, Clopin jumped up, his beak extending out while glowing in a blue light. At once, he began fiercely pecking the opposing Mothibell. It was the harshest Peck attack that Kaylie had ever seen, and the Mothibell cried out in pain due to the damage caused by the supereffective attack.

    Lepida gasped.

    "Your Touceet knows PokeLatin?!" she cried. "Well, I must say, I am impressed! I haven't heard any Pokémon who is so fluent in the ancient language."

    Clopin blushed.

    -Bïloktaknüs,- he replied.

    "Still, though, like you said, there's a battle I must fight!" Lepida shouted. "Mothibell, use Psychic!"

    Immediately, the Mothibell was happy to oblige. Kaylie noticed that the attack looked very similar to Confusion, except for the fact that the light this time was blue rather than red. As she watched, Clopin was thrown all around the Gym, then was thrown to the floor with a huge crash. The blue light instantly faded, and as Kaylie got closer, she could see that he was on the ground- had he fainted?

    "Clopin!" she gasped. "Are you okay?"

    -Cheüt,- Clopin muttered weakly. -Jok sois bïlok.-

    "That's good," Kaylie sighed in relief. "Alright, Clopin! Use Wing Attack!"

    -LIMER CA, TOK SANPÜT!- Clopin shrieked, as white energy suddenly shined off both of his wings. He ran over and began slamming the Mothibell with them, but suddenly saw a blue orb coming towards him. He gasped in shock as he realized that the Mothibell was using Hypnosis on him- without being commanded to. Kaylie gasped.

    "No!" she cried.

    At once, Clopin felt drowsy. He floated back down onto the floor and within seconds was fast asleep. Kaylie ran over to her Touceet and began shaking him in desperation.

    "Clopin, no!" she cried. "Please wake up!"

    However, her attempts to wake up the sleeping Touceet were in vain, as Clopin still wasn't getting up. Kaylie knew she had to do something. She had to send out a Pokémon to be there if Clopin fainted... and there was only one Pokémon that would fit the ticket.

    "Let's go, Quasi!" Kaylie cried, throwing out the shy Graswinemodo's Pokéball.

    As soon as the blue light formed itself, Quasimodo looked around in amazement. He had never been inside a Pokémon Gym before. It was surreal to him. Then, just as quickly, he saw Clopin's sleeping form, and all amazement vanished, replaced with fear and worry. Was his best friend okay? Timidly, Quasi approached Clopin and touched him with his hoof, only to find that he wasn't moving. Scared, he looked up at Kaylie, fearing the worst.

    -D-did he...?- he stammered.

    Kaylie shook her head. "No, he didn't faint. He's just asleep."

    -Thank Arceus,- said Quasi, breathing a sigh of relief. -So what should I...?-

    Kaylie winked. "Just make sure he's okay."

    -Okay!- Quasi replied happily.

    At that moment, though, they heard Lepida giggle. Both Quasi and Kaylie looked up at Lepida, startled to find that she was about to command her Mothibell.

    "I hate to say it," she laughed, "but your Touceet will be fainting very soon! Mothibell, finish him off with Tackle!"

    -No!- cried Quasi. -Don't do it!-

    But his pleads were in vain, and it seemed as though the Mothibell wasn't listening. At once, she flew towards the sleeping Touceet at rapid speeds. It was unlike any other Tackle that either Quasimodo or Kaylie had ever seen before. As soon as she hit Clopin, he woke up, and screamed with pain as he was thrown back onto the ground. Extremely concerned, Kaylie and Quasimodo rushed over to him.

    "No! Clopin, please!" cried Kaylie, shaking her Touceet.

    Like before, all was in vain. Kaylie sat there, in tears, holding Clopin. She wasn't going to be able to use her ace now. Quasimodo was in tears, too. He stared down at Clopin, sobbing.

    -No,- he pleaded quietly.

    "I'm sorry, but he's fainted," Lepida responded.

    Quasi looked up at her Mothibell, trembling. There was no way he could accept the fact that his best friend had fainted. The referee hadn't raised a red flag yet. He couldn't have fainted. Everything that Lepida was saying was a lie. He trembled again, but this time, it wasn't in fear.

    It was in anger.

    Sheer, pure anger, unlike anything he'd ever experienced before. Kaylie looked up, too, and gasped when she saw Quasimodo ready to charge. This would be expected from a Pokémon like Frollo, but this was Quasimodo- he looked as though he was about to deal major damage to the Mothibell! That was something he'd never do!

    "Quasi..." Kaylie gasped, at a loss for words.

    But Quasi wasn't going to take it anymore. He couldn't believe that his best friend had fainted. Now was the time to deliver an extremely powerful Tackle.

    -NOOOOOOOOOO!- shreiked Quasimodo.

    The delivery of that line was so startling that Clopin sat up immediately. He had been damaged, but not enough to cause him to faint. Clopin gasped, staring in awe at the Graswinemodo charging towards Lepida's Mothibell with an extremely powerful Tackle.

    Except it wasn't a Tackle. As all watched in shock, Quasimodo began moving at lightning-fast speeds, then suddenly began to glow blue. He was going so fast, in fact, there appeared to be two afterimages. When he hit the Mothibell, it was harder than he had ever hit before. It threw the Mothibell back and crashed her down to the floor with such a hard hit that Lepida gasped. And all this was accompanied by Quasi yelling out three words, yet one Hunchback reference:

    -SANCTUARY! SANCTUARY! SANCTUARY!-

    Every trainer and Pokémon gasped in shock at this new move that Quasi had just learned. Quasi stopped once he had gotten past the Mothibell and immediately found himself facing that said Mothibell- but she was extremely damaged and on the floor. All of Quasi's anger at once faded, once again replaced by shock and horror. Seeing what he had just done, Quasi burst into tears.

    -Oh, no,- he sobbed, rushing over to the Mothibell. -I-I-I'm sorry. I hadn't meant to do that. I was supposed to use Tackle, but it turned out to be something much more... Are you okay? Is Clopin okay? And... what move did I just use, anyways?-

    -I'm fine,- groaned the Mothibell, standing back up, -but barely. The Touceet survived.-

    Quasi, ecstatic, turned towards his Touceet friend. Sure enough, he was standing there ready to fight. Happily, Quasimodo rushed over to his best friend to hug him.

    -Clopin!- Quasi cried happily. -Thank Arceus! I'm so happy you're okay! What move was that?-

    -Acrobatics,- Clopin replied.

    -Acrobatics?- Quasi repeated, confused.

    "It's a super-effective Flying-type move," Patrick explained from the stands. "It deals massive damage if the opponent is not holding an item. That's how come the Mothibell took so much damage from the attack. In fact, she's nearly close to fainting."

    -Nearly close to fainting?!- Clopin cried happily, turning towards Kaylie. -Then I guess there's only one move left to use, isn't there?-

    "You got it, Clopin!" Kaylie cried, turning off the TST. "Clopin, use... GUILLOTINE!"

    "WHAT?!" gasped Lepida. "He knows Guillotine?"

    "Yep," Kaylie replied. "And here's his battle style."

    With that, Clopin began singing:

    #Ceetceet touc tou ceet ceet touceettou ceet
    #Ceet ceet toutou ceet Ceettou touceet ceet ceet ceet
    #Ceetceet touc tou ceet ceet ceetceettou ceet
    #Tou ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc-
    #Toutou, touc ceet!
    #Ceet ceet ceet tou touc
    #Ceet ceet touc tou ceet
    #Ceet ceet ceetceet ceet touc
    #Tou touc touc ceet ceettou tou ceetceettou ceet touc tou
    #Ceet ceet ceet ceettouc touc ceet ceet ceettoutou
    #Ceettou ceet Touceet touceettouc ceet ceet
    #Ceet ceet ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc
    #Touc ceet ceet ceetceettouc ceet tou ceet touc ceetceet#

    The Mothibell, as would be expected, simply stared at him.

    -That's his battle style?- she asked. -Singing?-

    "Yeah," Kaylie confirmed.

    -Is this supposed to put me to sleep?-

    "No."

    -What does it do?-

    "You'll see at the last line!" Kaylie cried.

    -Okay.-

    Clopin continued:

    #Touceet ceet ceet ceet ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc
    #Ceet ceet ceet touctouc touc ceet ceet ceet tou
    #Ceet ceet tou ceet ceet ceettou toutou ceet ceetceet
    #Ceettou ceet ceet ceetceet touc ceetceet ceet tou#

    "Ceetceet ceet touc?"

    Nothing was said.

    "Ceet ceet tou touc ceet."

    #Tou ceet ceet ceet tou ceet ceettouceet-

    "Ceet! Ceet touceet!

    "Touceettouc!

    "Ceet touceet!

    "CEETCEET!

    "Ceet...

    #Ceet ceet tou toutouceet ceettouceet... ceet ceet ceet touc ceet ceet tou...#

    -Now what?- the Mothibell asked.

    But like all the other opponents Clopin had faced, her words were suddenly interrupted by the sight of Clopin's wings glowing blue. The Mothibell looked on in horror as Clopin jumped up, slashed the Mothibell with his wings, and sang the last line:

    #TOU TOU CEETCEET TOU CEET!#

    The Mothibell was thrown back instantly, and Clopin jumped back down onto the floor. As Kaylie turned her TST device back on, a cloud of smoke went up, and as Kaylie got closer, she could see that Lepida's Mothibell had in fact fainted. Lepida herself was at a loss for words- and at a loss in battle. Kaylie, overjoyed, cheered loudly and high-fived all of her Pokémon, knowing to her delight that she had won.

    "ALRIGHT!" cried Kaylie. "We won!"

    "YEAH!" Patrick cried, echoing his joy from the stands.

    -You go, Kaylie!- Switeuk exclaimed.

    "Mothibell is unable to battle," announced the referee, holding up a red flag, "meaning that the winner of this battle is the Pokémon Trainer Kaylie, and her amazing Touceet..." He suddenly interrupted the celebration by asking Clopin, "...Name, please?"

    -Clopin,- the Touceet responded.

    The referee looked on in confusion for a few seconds.

    "What he said!" he cried, quickly moving back to his boisterous tone. "What an amazing battle that was, am I right, Lepida?"

    "Yeah, it was great!" Lepida agreed, returning her Mothibell to her Pokéball. "Honestly, Kaylie, I had a feeling your Touceet would do good in our Gym Battle. Bïlokhosget to you both!"

    "Thanks! Um... what does 'bïlokhosget' mean?" Kaylie asked, confused by the PokeLatin word.

    -It means "congratulations,"- Clopin informed her. -And really, you shouldn't be letting so much air through with that "h." Lepida said it right: it's "bye-lohk-HHHos-get."-

    "'Hos-get'? I don't..."

    Kaylie was still confused. Looking down, she saw Clopin staring up at her, and the whole group laughed, happy that their first Gym Battle had been won.

    Later that day, after Quasimodo had used Bell Chime to heal every single one of both Kaylie and Lepida's Pokémon, both Trainers met outside to allow Kaylie to receive her Gym Badge.

    "I must say, that was one of the greatest battles I have ever seen," Lepida remarked. "You should be proud of what you and your Pokémon accomplished." She reached into her pocket and pulled out what looked like a small ring box, but when she opened it up, Kaylie saw that inside was something entirely different. Inside the box was a small badge shaped like a bug's wing. The wing itself was a bright blue with red veins. Amazed, Kaylie ran over to it and picked it up, staring at it in wonder.

    "Is this...?" she gasped.

    Lepida nodded. "That's the Butterfly Badge, my friend! With this badge, you're one step closer to the Feluvian League!"

    "WOW!" Kaylie screamed, taking the badge immediately and putting it in her badge case. "Thank you so much!"

    "Kaylie!"

    Upon hearing the sound of her name, Kaylie turned and saw Patrick running towards her. He stopped when he saw her.

    "Wow, congratulations!" Patrick exclaimed. "You just won your first Gym Badge!"

    "Thanks!" Kaylie responded. Then, noticing that something wasn't right, she asked, "Hey, where's...?"

    "Switeuk?" Patrick finished for her. "Yeah, he and I formed such a close bond with one another that..." He held up a Pokéball, and Kaylie, realizing what this meant, gasped in shock.

    "You didn't!"

    "Yep. He's all mine now."

    -That's amazing, mok am!- Clopin cried.

    -Congratulations!- exclaimed Phoebus.

    "Yeah, that's great news!" Kaylie replied.

    Then suddenly, she stopped.

    She'd thought about asking Patrick to travel with her for a while. Now, however, seemed like the best time. Not only was he standing directly in front of her, but he also had Switeuk, meaning that he and Clopin could travel together. She took a deep breath, then walked over to talk to him.

    "Hey, Patrick?" she began.

    "What is it, Kaylie?" Patrick replied.

    "I've been thinking about it, and I want to ask you something."

    "Go ahead."

    She paused, then:

    "Would you like to... come on my Pokémon journey with me?"

    Patrick brightened.

    "WOULD I?!" he shreiked happily. "I would love to! This way, I can see more Pokémon in the Feluv region, and I'll have someone to share it with!"

    "That, and Clopin and Switeuk get to be together as well," Kaylie laughed.

    "Speaking of which, you wanna see him?" Patrick asked.

    "Sure!"

    "Alright, then!" Patrick cried, throwing Switeuk's Pokéball into the air. "Let's go, Switeuk!"

    The instant the ball hit the ground, the blue light formed into the deformed Capyall. He stared around him in wonder, but once he saw the familiar face that was Clopin, he brightened instantly.

    -Clopin!- he cried.

    -Switeuk!- Clopin responded, just as happy.

    The two ran up to each other and hugged, their journey together only just beginning. Kaylie laughed, then looked over to see Lepida holding up her EvoPhone, ready for a photo.

    "This is an AMAZING moment!" she cried. "Who's ready for a picture?"

    -"WE ARE!"- yelled everyone, running over to the camera. Kaylie opened up her badge case and showed the newly-acquired Butterfly Badge to the camera.

    "Alright, everybody," Lepida giggled. "Say cheese!"

    SNAP!

    One new journey about to begin for Kaylie, Patrick, and their Pokémon: check.
     
  12. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
    Level 15
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Posts:
    248
    PokéPoints:
    ₽633.8
    WARNING: "GOOD WILL HUNTING" REFERENCE AHEAD!! Enjoy chapter 9!

    Pokémon Opal and Garnet
    Chapter 9: An Electric Genius
    Last time in our story, Kaylie and her friends
    Beat the bugs in Lepida’s gym
    Now as the group’s next epic journey begins
    A mystery surrounds them:
    What’s the meaning of the five strange medals?
    Are they used for good or for harm?
    And could they have something to do with the Pokémon themselves?
    They themselves are confused by the charm…



    -I’m sorry. Did ya say it was… kloh-pan?-

    -No, listen to me, mok am. “Kloh-PAH~n.” It’s a bit more nasal than that. You don’t pronounce the “n.”-

    -Oh, it’s “kloh-PAH.”-

    -Künek sjine.-

    Kaylie laughed. As usual, Clopin and another Pokémon were having a conversation on how to pronounce the hilarious Touceet’s name. This time, it was Patrick’s Yakocks. Patrick himself was listening in on their conversation, too, and he laughed after hearing it. He turned towards Kaylie.

    “So… does this always happen?” he asked.

    Kaylie nodded. “Yeah, pretty much. Whenever a Pokémon first meets Clopin, they’ll usually pronounce his name wrong.”

    “I see,” Patrick laughed. “So… what city are we going to next?”

    “Well, according to my map, the next city that has a gym is Cinderite City,” Kaylie responded. Upon hearing the name “Cinderite City,” both Clopin and the Yakocks turned towards their Trainer.

    -Cinderite City?!- gasped Clopin. -That’s a Fire-type gym!-

    “Figured,” Kaylie responded. “Who’s the Gym Leader?”

    -Vulcan,- Frollo responded. He, too, was out for a walk with the group. -I hear that he’s a world-class pyrotechnic who loves to shoot off fireworks. He’s also horrible at PokeLatin pronunciation.- Looking up at Clopin, he added, -I bet you know what this means.-

    Clopin giggled.

    -Cheüt! It means I’ll have to teach him PokeLatin, mok am!- Turning to Patrick’s Yakocks, he asked, -Speaking of which, do you know any PokeLatin?-

    The Yakocks nodded. -One word: bïlokhosget.-

    Clopin tilted his head.

    -What?- asked the Yakocks in confusion.

    -You’re not saying it right,- Clopin replied.

    -What do ya mean? Of course I am!- the Yakocks responded.

    -Neüt, you’re not. The “h” is supposed to be said like the “ch” in “loch.”- Seeing the Yakocks still staring at him in confusion, he laughed. -Ryküte jïlu mok, alright? “Bye-lohk-HHHos-get.” Now you say it.-

    He was still confused, but after a moment, the Yakocks decided to give it a try.

    -Bye-lohk-hos-get.-

    -No. “HHHos-get.”-

    -Huh?-

    -Like this. You have to make this sound- it almost sounds like you’re coughing up a furball. It’s gutteral. You have to say it in the back of your throat. It’s “HHHos-get.” Get it? “HHHHHH.”-

    -I think so, but… what do I have to do to make that sound?-

    -Simple. All you have to do is close up the opening of your throat tightly, so that air can’t pass through. It’s called a… a…- He racked his brain for the correct term. -For the life of me, what’s it called?!-

    At that moment, he was suddenly interrupted by a voice.

    -Excuse me, but I think the term you’re looking for is called a voiceless velar fricitive.-

    Clopin, startled by the voice, looked around.

    -Who was that?- he asked.

    Then, he looked down- and saw the speaker. It was a yellow, badger-like Pokémon with two lightning bolts for a tail. Its ears were both lightning bolts as well. The lower half of its body was a darker yellow than its upper half. Kaylie and Patrick, as well as their Pokémon, all looked down at this strange new Pokémon.

    “Wow, what Pokémon is that?” Kaylie asked.

    She was about to take out her Pokédex to scan the creature when he immediately responded.

    -A Sparkadger, of course.-

    “A… Sparkadger?” Kaylie asked in confusion.

    The Sparkadger nodded. -Indeed. And not to mention the greatest genius that the Pokémon world has ever known. It’s been said that our species helped Thomas Edison invent the lightbulb, meaning that we Sparkadger were part of an absolutely incredible discovery.- He flicked his tail. -Which makes me the best Electric-type Pokémon there is.-

    Kaylie looked over at Patrick in slight annoyance.

    -So, now that I have introduced you to my true greatness,- the Sparkadger boasted, jumping over to Frollo and Clopin, -may I ask you for your names?-

    Clopin laughed.

    -Of course, mok am, but my name is a bit harder to pronounce than Frollo’s,- he replied. -Frollo’s the Emberhund, by the way. And my name’s Clopin.-

    -Clopin, huh? Interesting. I’m pretty sure I pronounced that correctly, since I am, after all, a genius.-

    Clopin nodded.

    -Cheüt, mok am! You most certainly did! Good for you!-

    The Sparkadger grinned.

    -Thought so. Call me an expert. I would have enough sense to know that that name contains a Kalosian nasal vowel.-

    “So, Sparkadger…” Kaylie began.

    -Cheüt?- the Sparkadger responded in PokeLatin.

    Clopin gasped.

    -You speak PokeLatin?!- Elated, the Touceet rushed over to the Sparkadger and hugged him. -Oh, I like you already, mok am! You and I are going to be great friends!-

    Kaylie laughed.

    At that moment, however, she opened up her bag and noticed something: five glittering medals. She took them out and stared at them, recognizing that they were the medals that Quasimodo, Clopin, Frollo, Phoebus, and Esmeralda had recieved. The only question she wanted to know was… what were they used for?

    “Sparkadger?” Kaylie asked.

    Sparkadger turned to look at her.

    -Yes?- he asked.

    “Can you… help me?” She knelt down at his level and presented him with the five medals. “These are medals that my five Pokémon recieved. If you really are a genius, then you should know something about what these medals mean.”

    Seeing the medals, Sparkadger rushed over to them and examined each of them for a long time, deeply in thought. Clopin, Frollo, and the Yakocks all stared at him, wondering what he would say or do. Finally, he spoke, looking up at Kaylie and Patrick.

    -I’ve seen these before,- he said. -I know I’ve seen medals like these before somewhere. I just have no information thus far on their origins or what they are collectively called. However, there is no denying that I have absolutely seen these before.-

    -That’s great, mok am!- cried Clopin happily. -Is there any way you can find out about their origins?-

    -As a matter of fact, there is!- cried the Sparkadger. -Follow me, fellow comrades! We are going to the place where I have always been able to show off my true genius: MY PERSONAL Pokémon LABORATORY!-

    He bounded off, shrieking with delight, and everybody else followed. Clopin happily bounced over to Frollo, who was eyeing the Sparkadger with a look of sheer disgust.

    -Did you hear that, mok am?! He’s got a laboratory! This will be so much fun!-

    Frollo was still glaring over at the Sparkadger.

    -I’m not sure if I like him,- he growled.

    Clopin gasped.

    -WHAT?! Why not, mok am?-

    Frollo’s eyes narrowed. -His arrogance detests me. This so-called “genius” only thinks he’s the best species there is. What he doesn’t know is that even geniuses like him are prone to mistakes.-

    Clopin laughed.

    -That doesn’t mean he can’t be our friend, silly!- he giggled.

    -Well, I wouldn’t want to be friends with someone as arrogant as him, would you?!-

    With that one interrogation, Frollo angrily walked off, glaring at the Sparkadger. Clopin stood there, in pure sadness. No matter how much the Touceet wanted to be the Sparkadger’s friend, he knew Frollo was right about one thing: the electric badger was extremely arrogant. Someone, whoever it was, needed to teach him otherwise about his bragging. Now saddened, Clopin trudged after the others, looking down.

    -Maybe Frollo’s right,- he said to himself. -Maybe it wouldn’t be right to be his friend.-

    He looked back up- what was he thinking? Immediately, he laughed his own doubts off as a smile came back to his face.

    -Oh, who am I kidding? That Sparkadger knows PokeLatin! Of course he’s my friend!- Clopin exclaimed, laughing.

    Now back to his usual happy-go-lucky persona, the Touceet bounded after the other Pokémon and Trainers, who were all chatting excitedly about getting to see the Sparkadger’s lab (except for Frollo, who still despised him). Seeing the Sparkadger in front of them leading the way, Clopin decided to talk to the Sparkadger. Arrogant though he was, there was no doubt he wanted to be his friend…

    -Prïket, mok am!- Clopin greeted Sparkadger cheerfully.

    The Sparkadger turned around to see the Touceet happily bouncing.

    -Prïket,- he responded. -I’m certain that since you’ve come here, there’s only one thing you want to know about.-

    -What’s that?- asked Clopin.

    -My true genius,- bragged Sparkadger.

    Clopin felt like groaning at the Sparkadger’s arrogance, but managed to stay positive. He laughed nervously.

    -That’s… nice,- he responded. -But no. I didn’t come here to learn about your true genius. I just came to talk to you.-

    The Sparkadger looked at him in surprise.

    -Talk to me?- he asked.

    -Cheüt, mok am!- Clopin exclaimed happily. -As a friend!-

    -A… friend?-

    -Cheüt. What’s the matter with that?-

    The Sparkadger looked over at Clopin.

    -Oh, nothing,- he responded. -I’ve had plenty of friends over the course of my life. It’s not as though I’ve never had a friend before.-

    -Well, I’m sure that Quasimodo will be delighted to meet you, mok am!- Clopin exclaimed. -He’s willing to open up to anybody!-

    -Of course he’d be delighted to meet a genius like me,- boasted the Sparkadger.

    Frollo groaned.

    At that moment, the Sparkadger stopped and looked up. At once, he broke out into a huge smile.

    -Well, here we are!- he exclaimed. -MY AMAZING Pokémon LABORATORY!-

    Kaylie, Patrick, Clopin, Frollo and Yakocks all looked up and gasped at what they saw. In front of them was a huge sign which read on it TESLA LABORATORY. The laboratory itself was a square building with colorful wires coming out of every side. Kaylie looked up at the laboratory sign in awe.

    “Tesla Laboratory… So this place was owned by Nikola Tesla?” she asked.

    -Nope,- the Sparkadger replied, shaking his head. -It’s owned by me. I built it, because my species is awesome.-

    Frollo growled at him. Clopin, on the other hand, rushed up and hugged him.

    -So your name’s Tesla!- he exclaimed. -Ironic, because you said your species worked with Edison. But no matter! It’s so amazing that you own a laboratory!-

    -There’s bound to be some mistakes in that thing,- Frollo stated.

    Tesla blanched.

    -Mistakes?!- he gasped. -No, that can’t possibly be! I’m a genius. I never make mistakes.- He bounded ahead of them. -Now follow me, and prepare to be amazed!-

    With that said, he entered the lab. Kaylie and Patrick looked at each other.

    “Should we go in?” asked Kaylie.

    “If he wants us to,” replied Patrick. “Gotta say, though, that Sparkadger is as arrogant as can possibly be. I wouldn’t go around trying to catch him anytime soon.”

    Kaylie nodded. “Yeah, I agree.”

    They looked over at their Pokémon, before all of them entered the lab together. As soon as they opened the door and saw what was inside, they gasped in shock.

    “Wow!” Kaylie gasped. “Look at this place! Professor Maple’s gonna be so jealous!”

    Frollo rolled his eyes.

    Indeed, for a lab created by a Pokémon, it was extremely advanced. The lab itself had, among other things, wires coming out of every corner, strange machines, and a gigantic chalkboard with calculus equations on it. The one thing that really caught everyone’s attention, however, was a laptop computer in the middle of the lab. Tesla was sitting at the computer, loading images of the five medals into the computer’s database. Seeing their amazement, he turned to them.

    -Well?- he asked. -Am I not an incredible genius?-

    Kaylie laughed.

    “You’re… pretty good,” she admitted. “And I know some other Pokémon who’d definitely like to see this lab!” She took out her other three PokeBalls and threw them into the air. “Quasimodo, Phoebus, Esmeralda, let’s go!”

    As soon as the three balls hit the ground, Quasi, Phoebus and Esme all appeared in a flash of blue light. Seeing the lab, they looked around them in amazement.

    -Whoa,- gasped Phoebus.

    -What… is this place?- Quasi asked.

    -Only the most amazing Pokémon lab in all of Feluv,- Tesla responded, bounding towards them. -And I should know, because I built it.-

    Quasi gasped.

    -Wow!- Phoebus exclaimed. -That’s so cool! Who are you?-

    Clopin laughed.

    -That’s Tesla, of course!- he exclaimed, happily jumping next to the Sparkadger. -He’s a Sparkadger, and he’s my friend!- Then, turning to Tesla, he added, -Oh, this place is amazing! I can’t believe you made this place, mok am!-

    -Hang on, let me get this straight,- Esme suddenly interrupted. -An arrogant Sparkadger made this whole lab all by himself?-

    -Cheüt!- Clopin exclaimed cheerfully.

    -And you consider him your friend?-

    -Cheüt.-

    -Wow,- Esme remarked. -That’s… something.- Seeing the five medals loading up on the computer, she squinted. -Hey, wait a second… Aren’t those the five medals that we recieved? Why are you loading them up into a computer?-

    -So I can find out more information about them,- Tesla explained.

    Esme turned to Kaylie. -More information?-

    “He’s trying to find out what those medals do and what they’re called,” Kaylie explained.

    -Exactly,- Tesla confirmed. -And I will only find out that information once I finish loading up the databases.- At once, a LOADING bar came up on screen. As everybody crowded around the computer to look at it, they found that the bar had only reached 1%, and was loading up the database on Quasimodo’s heart medal.

    “1%?” Patrick cried.

    -These things take a long time to load,- Tesla explained.

    “Well, what should we do while we’re waiting?” Patrick asked.

    Clopin suddenly got an idea, and immediately jumped up, landing next to Tesla and hugging the Sparkadger.

    -Oh, I have the best idea yet~!- he cried. -Tesla, does this place have a basement or anything?-

    -Cheüt,- Tesla responded.

    -Thought so!- Clopin cried happily, grabbing Quasimodo and hugging him. -I’m going to go down to the basement, then!-

    “What are you going to do there?” asked Kaylie.

    -I’m going to teach Quasimodo a bit of PokeLatin!- Clopin responded happily. -It’ll be so much fun! Plus, Tesla will get to help too!-

    Kaylie laughed.

    “Alright then!” she replied, waving. “Have fun!”

    -Bïloktaknüs, mok am!- Clopin responded, and with that being said, the three Pokémon all headed down to the basement. On their way there, Tesla looked over at Clopin and smiled.

    The two of them were going to be great friends.

    -I-I’m sorry… how are you supposed to pronounce that “sj” sound? I-I d-don’t think I’m saying it right…-

    -Because you’re not.- Tesla confirmed Quasimodo’s beliefs. They were in the basement, teaching Quasimodo how to pronounce some PokeLatin sounds. Right now, the one they were working on was “sj.”

    Quasi trembled. -Oh, no.-

    -Don’t worry, mok am!- Clopin exclaimed. -Tesla and I will teach you everything. Now, you listen closely, alright? It’s said like this: “ssss-ZH-eye-nay.”-

    -“Shy-nay”?- Quasi tried.

    Clopin shook his head.

    -Neüt. “Ssss-ZH-eye-nay.”-

    Quasi only looked at Clopin in confusion.

    -They’re two separate sounds,- Tesla explained. -In the PokeLatin language, an “sj” is the combination of a voiceless alveolar sibilant and a voiced palato-alveolar sibilant. To put it in more simple terms, it’s an “s” and a “zh” combined.-

    Quasi thought about it.

    -So… it’s “zh,” then.-

    Tesla shook his head again. Dejected, Quasi slumped down onto the floor of the lab.

    -Well, how am I supposed to say it? There’s gotta be something that’ll make it easier.-

    -Easier…- Tesla suddenly gasped. -That’s it! I have just the thing!-

    -What?- Clopin asked. -What is it?-

    -I’ll show you in a bit, Clopin, you’ll see,- Tesla responded. -Here, Quasi. My true genius qualities have come up with something that will seemingly make this easier for you. Now try this: imagine that you’re in a desert area and a wild Ekans is hissing at you.-

    -What does an Ekans have to do with PokeLatin?- asked Quasimodo. -They aren’t even found in the desert!-

    -Just go along with me here,- Tesla advised. -As I was saying, there’s an Ekans hissing at you. You got that in your mind?-

    A hissing Ekans? It seemed completely unrelated to the concept at hand, but Quasi somehow had a feeling Tesla was on to something. He tried to imagine himself in a desert with Kaylie, face-to-face with a hissing Ekans in a Pokémon battle.

    -I-I think so.-

    -Good. Now imagine that that Ekans’ hissing is interrupted by a gigantic Boeing 727.-

    -What’s that?-

    -It was an airplane that the soldiers used in WWII to defeat the blind German people,- Tesla explained. (“Blind German people” was Pokémon terminology for “Nazis.”)

    -Oh.-

    All of a sudden he could see it- the Ekans was hissing at him and Kaylie had ordered him to use Razor Leaf, but all of a sudden they heard the ZHHHHH of the motors of a gigantic Boeing 727, which interrupted the “sssss” that was the Ekans’ hissing.

    Wait a second…

    That was what Tesla was doing: he was using imagery to help Quasi get the correct pronunciation. He suddenly found it much easier to pronounce now that Tesla had explained it.

    -Oh, so that’s what you’re doing!- Quasi exclaimed, finally getting it. -So it’s “sssss-ZH-eye-nay.”-

    -Exactly!- Tesla confirmed. He sighed. -I always knew my genius would come in handy.-

    Clopin’s beak dropped open in shock- how had Tesla done it? Somehow, a story that was completely irrelevant to the conversation at hand had allowed Quasi to pronounce a PokeLatin word correctly. He may have been arrogant, but sometimes Tesla knew what he was doing. Stunned, Clopin looked over and saw Quasimodo light up.

    -Yay!- he cried happily. -I said it right! Oh, thank you, Tesla. That little trick you gave me really helped!-

    -Of course it did, because I am a genius,- Tesla replied. -And I did happen to show my true genius there. You don’t need to thank me- thank my incredible genius skills instead. I am the best.-

    Clopin laughed nervously again.

    -You certainly are!- Quasi agreed happily. -I’m gonna go look at as many pronunciation guides as I can! See you!-

    -Bye!- Clopin replied, waving to Quasi with his wing.

    Happily, Quasi bounded off. As soon as he was gone, Clopin took Tesla aside and stared at him in shock. He was still unable to believe what he’d just seen.

    -How were you able to do that?- he asked.

    -Simple,- Tesla replied. -Mnemonics.-

    -Mnemonics?- Clopin asked.

    -They’re memory devices that are meant to help aid your memory. Popular examples include the usage of acronyms and analogies as mnemonics. Linkwords are also commonly used as mnemonics for finding the meanings of foreign words. In case you don’t know, allow a genius like me to explain it to you. Linkword mnemonics connect a foreign word to an English word that sounds similar.-

    -Wow,- Clopin responded. -You definitely know a lot, mok am.-

    -Of course I do. What else would you expect from a genius?-

    Clopin sighed. Even he was starting to get annoyed a bit by Tesla’s constant boasting and arrogance. At that moment, though, both of them heard a sound coming from the first floor.

    BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

    -What’s that?- asked Clopin.

    -It’s the database!- exclaimed Tesla. -Finally it’s finished loading! Now come along with me, so that my true greatness can finally be shown to both of you!-

    He left.

    -Hang on, mok am! I’m coming!- Clopin called. -QUASI! THE DATABASE IS FINISHED!-

    Hearing Clopin, the Graswinemodo rushed out of his studies and followed the other two back up to the first floor. When they got there, Kaylie, Patrick, and the Pokémon were waiting for them.

    “So how did it go?” Kaylie asked.

    -It went great, mok am!- Clopin cried. -Tesla here sure knows a lot! Him and I are going to be great friends!-

    “Well, that’s great!” Kaylie cried. “The database has finally finished loading, so you can find out the origins of those medals!”

    -I am aware!- Tesla exclaimed, jumping up to the laptop. -And I, the ultimate genius, will find out just what they are for!-

    Frollo growled and glared over at Tesla. He’d had enough of the Sparkadger’s arrogance. As Tesla typed some things up into the laptop, Frollo suddenly stepped forward, glaring over at the Sparkadger.

    -Not yet, you won’t.-

    Tesla, shocked, spun around immediately.

    -Excuse me?!-

    -Not unless you quit that bragging and boasting that you keep doing!- Frollo growled. -You claim that you’re the ultimate genius, but you’re not! Not even a genius like you knows everything! Why, with your arrogance, you’re about as bad as my namesake!-

    “Frollo…” Kaylie gasped.

    -No! That can’t be!- Tesla cried, shocked.

    -Oh, yes it can! In fact, I have half the mind to tell you how much I do NOT want to be your friend, and how much no one else here wants to be your friend!-

    -T-that’s not true! Clopin is my friend!-

    Frollo looked back at Clopin in shock.

    -You’re his friend?- he asked.

    -Cheüt,- Clopin responded. Angered, Frollo stuck his nose up in Clopin’s face.

    -You shouldn’t be.-

    Clopin gasped. Tears were forming in his eyes. He looked down sadly, knowing in his heart Frollo was right. Tesla was arrogant, and someone needed to tell him off. Clopin, reluctantly, steeled his courage and glared over at Tesla. He really didn’t want to do this, but Frollo’s actions made him feel pressured into doing so. Besides, he felt it was for Tesla’s own good, anyway.

    -Frollo is right,- Clopin snapped. -Your arrogance needs to stop.-

    Tesla stared at him.

    -C-Clopin?!- he gasped. -You… you were my friend!-

    Clopin turned away from him coldly.

    -Not anymore, I’m not.-

    Everyone in the room gasped, including Frollo. At once, he deeply regretted what he said to Clopin. He hadn’t intended to pressure Clopin into doing something he didn’t want to do. Tesla’s eyes filled up with tears as Clopin continued to not look at him.

    -No… Clopin, no! Please!- he begged.

    But all Clopin did was leave and slam the door to the lab behind him angrily. Tesla looked on in shock- how could Clopin do this to him? He looked at Kaylie, Patrick and the other Pokémon, who were all shocked by what they had just seen. However, all they could do was shake their heads and leave as well, leaving Tesla all alone in his lab, staring down a database file with the five medals and their functions on it. Seeing everyone leave, he got up from his lab chair and hopefully chased them.

    -Clopin, come back, please!- he pleaded. -YOU WERE MY FRIEND!-

    But he and the others were long gone. Saddened, Tesla looked down at the lab floor in tears.

    -And now… you’re not…- he sobbed sadly.

    Extremely downtrodden, all Tesla could do was sit down on the lab floor, look down in regret… and cry.

    On the other side of the door, another Pokémon was saddened by what he had just done. Clopin was looking down at the ground in sadness as the group left the lab. Seeing Clopin depressed, Quasimodo approached his best friend and nudged him.

    -Clopin…- he muttered sadly.

    Clopin sighed.

    -Well, I did it,- Clopin said, saddened. -And that was about the hardest thing I’ve ever done.-

    -B-but why did you do it? You shocked all of us- even Frollo.-

    -That’s just it. Seeing Frollo do that made me realize that he was right about Tesla. I never wanted to lie to him, but I… just felt like I had to. I thought it was the only thing that could make Tesla see otherwise.-

    -I didn’t intend to pressure you, Clopin,- Frollo responded.

    Clopin looked down.

    -I know you didn’t,- he said.

    That night, Tesla sat in his laboratory alone, staring at his data. He felt extreme regret for his arrogance. The poor Sparkadger certainly hadn’t intended for Clopin- the one Pokémon he’d ever considered a true friend- to leave him. But now he knew that that was what happened to arrogant people.

    And arrogant Pokémon like him.

    KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

    He stopped and looked up.

    -Who interrupts my studies?- he droned miserably. -Go away; I’m nothing more than a horrible Pokémon who deserves no friends.-

    The door opened, and from the other side came a clearly concerned Clopin. Quasimodo was with him, too. Tesla looked at both of them in shock. Then, seeing Clopin, he ran over to his friend and burst into tears.

    -Clopin…!- Tesla sobbed. -Forgive me, for I have failed you!-

    Concerned, Clopin hugged Tesla.

    -Oh, no, silly, you didn’t fail me,- he reassured the Sparkadger.

    -Indeed I have! You said you wouldn’t be my friend anymore!-

    -Cheüt. I know. I lied.-

    Tesla looked up in shock.

    -You…?- he gasped.

    Clopin smiled.

    -Think of it this way, mok am,- he reassured him. -Is there ever a universe where I would somehow stop being your friend?-

    Tesla shook his head, but he was still sobbing.

    -If you had decided to leave me, though, I would understand. This whole mess was all my fault. I was extremely arrogant towards you.- He sighed. -Then again… that only happened because my first Trainer was extremely abusive and raised me to be as arrogant as he is.-

    Clopin gasped, and so did Quasimodo.

    -Oh, no,- Quasi muttered. -That must have felt awful.-

    -It was,- Tesla confirmed. -I knew I wasn’t a genius. I knew there was stuff I didn’t know yet. But he made me believe that. I became extremely arrogant and self-centered from that point on. So arrogant, in fact, that he released me. I was happy to be released. So happy, in fact, I built my own lab and tried to show others what a genius I thought I was. They all left early.- Looking up at Clopin, he added, -Except you. Truth is… you’re the only Pokémon I’ve ever met who’s considered me a true friend. But this is all my fault.-

    He looked down again in sadness. Touched, Clopin lifted his friend’s chin.

    -Look at me, mok am. It’s not your fault.-

    Tesla sobbed.

    -Yes, it is.-

    -No, don’t say that. It’s not your fault.-

    -At all,- Quasi added.

    Tesla shook his head.

    -It’s not your fault,- Clopin repeated.

    Tesla was in tears now, and he pushed Clopin away. Quasi approached the poor, sobbing Sparkadger.

    -Don’t look at me,- Tesla sobbed.

    -It’s not your fault.-

    Tesla broke down. He couldn’t take this anymore. Clopin and Quasimodo hugged him, and poor Tesla continued sobbing.

    -It’s not your fault,- whispered Clopin.

    From outside the lab, Frollo and Patrick’s Yakocks were watching the whole scene unfold. Hearing Clopin’s words to Tesla, the Yakocks turned to Frollo.

    -Did he just reference the R-rated movie with the therapy kid?!- Yakocks asked.

    -Yes, I believe so,- Frollo responded.

    -Has he ever seen the R-rated movie with the therapy kid?-

    Frollo looked back at the scene unfolding before him.

    -Just that one scene,- he said.

    Eventually, Tesla was able to gain control of his emotions. The hug ended, and the Sparkadger wiped away his tears.

    -You know what?- he asked. -You’re right. It isn’t my fault that I ended up like this. Still, though, you telling me that you didn’t want to be my friend anymore… it taught me something. Arrogance won’t get you friends. And as much as I know, that’s something I have to admit I didn’t know before.- He laughed. -I guess even geniuses don’t know anything.-

    -You’re right, they don’t,- Clopin responded.

    Tesla suddenly stood up and looked at the sky with resolve.

    -But I do know how to fix this,- the Sparkadger affirmed.

    Clopin smiled, and so did Quasimodo. At that moment, however, all three of them looked up at the sky, and they noticed something. Another medal, this time with a lightbulb on it, was falling from the sky. As everyone watched in awe, the medal stuck itself onto Tesla’s neck, and the lightbulb in the middle colored itself in a bright yellow. Gasping, Clopin and Quasimodo stared at it.

    -This is…- Tesla gasped. -This is another one of the medals, isn’t it?! We need to load this one into the database pronto!-

    -Cheüt!- Clopin agreed. -Let’s load this one up!-

    They rushed to the laptop in the middle of the lab immediately, and the databases on the other five medals appeared. Tesla then inserted his medal into a case that was connected to the laptop, and instantly a loading bar came up on screen. Clopin squealed happily.

    -Here it is, mok am!- he exclaimed.

    -I can’t wait!- Quasi cried.

    The loading bar finally finished loading, and info on the sixth medal appeared on the screen. Then, info on all six medals combined came up on screen, and Tesla immediately took out a pair of reading glasses and a notepad. Clopin and Quasimodo gathered near him.

    -W-what’s it say?- Quasi asked.

    Tesla laughed.

    -Something amazing,- he replied.

    The next day, the info on the six medals had been collected, and Clopin and Quasimodo were talking to all the other Pokémon about Tesla and how he had recieved his. Upon hearing the news, Kaylie, Patrick, Phoebus, Esmeralda, and Switeuk gasped.

    -You’re kidding!- Phoebus cried.

    “Tesla got a medal, too?” Kaylie asked. “That’s interesting. But what’s even more interesting is how only my Pokémon seem to get these medals. Patrick… none of your Pokémon have gotten any.”

    “That is odd,” Patrick remarked. “I wonder if it has something to do with how good of a Trainer you are?”

    Kaylie laughed.

    At that moment, however, Tesla burst through the door of the lab, waving his notepad and medal in the air. All eyes were suddenly focused on the Sparkadger, who bounded over to everyone else.

    -EUREKA!- he cried. -EUREKA! I FOUND IT!-

    “What?” Kaylie asked.

    -The origin of the six medals!- Tesla cried.

    “You didn’t!” Patrick gasped.

    -He did indeed!- Clopin confirmed. -Actually… we found it, right?-

    Tesla laughed.

    -Why, yes,- he responded. -Yes, we did.-

    “What did it say?” Kaylie asked.

    -According to the notes I took, it says that these medals were created by Arceus himself a long time ago,- Tesla recited. -He made them to be given to 14 different Pokémon, each one representing a personality aspect. Via the combination of these aspects, it will someday save the world. And according to Clopin and Quasimodo’s studies…- He turned to the duo, and both of them stepped forward.

    -We found out last night…- Clopin began.

    -…that these 6 medals…- Quasi added.

    -…ARE CALLED VIRTUES!- they both exclaimed.

    Everyone gasped.

    “Virtues…?” Kaylie muttered in amazement.

    -There are 14 total, but only 6 are known: the virtues of kindness, fun, loyalty, tolerance, honor and intelligence,- Clopin explained.

    “Really?” Patrick asked. “So they all represent a different personality aspect, and when they come together they can save the world?”

    -Yep,- Quasi replied.

    Patrick laughed. “Sounds familiar.”

    “6 virtues…?” Kaylie suddenly gasped.

    She looked at each one of the medals, then at each of her Pokémon. She gasped.

    “We’re the chosen ones,” she muttered.

    Everyone looked at her.

    “My Pokémon are the holders of five of the virtues!” she exclaimed. “And I know exactly who’s who!”

    “What do you mean?” Patrick asked.

    She took the medal with the pink heart on it and held it up into the air.

    “The virtue of kindness- the one who tamed a bully Capyarge with nothing but compassion- is represented by Quasimodo!” Kaylie declared.

    She put the medal around Quasi’s neck, and he smiled. Kaylie then held up the medal with the purple party hat on it.

    “The virtue of fun- the one whose very style of battle is enough to get you to smile- is represented by Clopin!”

    -Yay!- Clopin exclaimed as Kaylie put the medal on him. The next medal she held up was the medal with the fuchsia peace symbol.

    “The virtue of tolerance- the one who defended Quasimodo when others thought of him badly- is represented by Esmeralda!”

    Kaylie put the medal around Esmeralda’s neck, and the Mothibell smiled. Afterwards, Kaylie held up the medal with the red judge’s mallet.

    “The virtue of honor- the one who would never discriminate against anyone and would do anything to not be like the namesake he despises- is represented by Frollo!”

    The Emberhund bowed as Kaylie put the medal on him, before she then held up the medal with the blue medal.

    “And the virtue of loyalty- the one who would always stay loyal to me because I found him first- is represented by Phoebus!”

    She knelt down and put his medal on him. Patrick looked over at her.

    “That’s only five medals,” he said. “What about the sixth?”

    Kaylie smiled.

    “That’s the virtue of intelligence,” she responded. “It belongs to someone who is smart and resourceful enough to not just pull through for their friends, but to admit to others when they’ve done something wrong.” She looked over at Tesla, who gasped in shock.

    -You mean…- he gasped.

    Kaylie nodded. “I heard the entire conversation you and Clopin had last night.”

    -Then how come you didn’t see me get my medal?- Tesla asked.

    “Because I never got to see it. I left just before you got the medal."

    -I see.- Tesla sighed. -I believe William Shakespeare himself once said something about regret, and believe me, I regret what I did to all of you very deeply. I never should have been so arrogant. I know it was due to an abusive Trainer, but after he raised me to be that way, I never looked back on my actions and how they would happen to affect my relationship with the first true friend I’ve ever had.- He bowed. -Can you ever forgive me for what I have done?-

    Kaylie smiled and held up a Pokéball. “I already have.”

    Tesla gasped.

    “Welcome to the team, virtue of intelligence.” Kaylie put the medal with the lightbulb on it on an excited Tesla’s neck, before throwing the Pokéball in the air. “Go, Pokéball!”

    The ball opened, and Tesla was at once sucked into it with a flash of red light. The ball landed on the ground and began shaking. Everyone’s eyes were focused on the ball.

    3, 2, 1…

    PING!

    The center of the ball flashed a bright red, signifying Tesla’s capture. Happily, Kaylie picked it up.

    “YES!” she cried. “I CAUGHT A SPARKADGER!”

    -And that Sparkadger is one of my best friends,- Clopin added with a smile.

    Kaylie smiled and threw Tesla’s Pokéball.

    “Go, Tesla!” she cried.

    At once, the Sparkadger appeared in a flash of blue light. He still had his medal on him, and as soon as he saw Clopin, he hugged the Touceet. Clopin hugged back.

    -Thank you,- Tesla said.

    -You are most certainly welcome, mok am,- Clopin replied. -Or should I say… the virtue of intelligence?-

    They all laughed, and the group left Tesla’s lab for good to continue on to Cinderite City. Finally, the secrets of the six medals had been discovered.

    And there were still 8 more before they would save the world.
     
  13. Wings

    Static
    (Shinx)
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    The whole virtues idea is really cool! If I may suggest, every time Clopin begins to sing when he uses Guillotine, there's always a big block of text of him singing, which I think is fine the first couple of times. But in the other chapters, maybe you could just say, "Clopin began to sing, filling the air with his warm tenor voice and upon the last verse, his wings started to glow a bright blue color," and then explain the rest of the move to add more variety to the descriptions.
     
  14. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
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    Thanks for the feedback! Don't worry; you'll only see that big block of text one more time
     
  15. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
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    Chapter 10 is up! Prepare for a lesson in PokeLatin pronunciation!

    Pokémon Opal and Garnet
    Chapter 10: A Very Rocky Start, Part One
    Ashkï e Feluv, au cïtï avaik
    Ta au clïke zjü Notre Dame
    Au poiterpaïk poitet, au bükerpaïk bükt
    Ta au clïke zjü Notre Dame
    Ta au grand clïke, saem bois saem au bolter
    Ta au petit clïke, füwe saem salm
    Et ka dït au münt zjü au cïtï au tolbet au clïke
    Au clïke zjü Notre Dame...


    -THE IPPA ARE COMING! THE IPPA ARE COMING! Oh, mok am... this has got to be the greatest day of my life!-

    "What do you mean, the IPPA are coming?" Patrick asked, confused by Clopin's antics- as usual. He, Kaylie and their Pokémon were on their way to Cinderite City, site of Kaylie's next Gym Battle. They'd decided to stop to take a break for the day, and as of this moment, Kaylie's fun-loving Touceet Clopin was jumping around happily like his namesake gypsy leader. Hearing Patrick, he stopped and looked at him.

    -I assume you haven't heard the news, then?- he laughed. -Get this: the International PokeLatin Phonetics Association has decided to stop by Cinderite City. They're going to the Gym to teach Vulcan how to speak the PokeLatin language, and they'll also be setting up the biggest PokeLatin school in not just Feluv, but the entire Pokémon world!- He jumped up happily. -Isn't this amazing, mok am?-

    Patrick laughed. "It certainly is." Then, all of a sudden, he turned to Kaylie and whispered, "Okay, this may sound stupid. I've heard your Touceet's name before, but just to clarify... kloh-PAN, right?"

    Kaylie laughed.

    "Here we go again," she giggled.

    Clopin looked up at him.

    -Don't think I couldn't hear that, mok am, because I certainly did,- he responded. -The "kloh" part you have right, but it's "kloh-PAH~(n)," not "kloh-PAN."-

    "Kloh-PAH?"

    -PAH~(n),- Clopin corrected.

    "What's the difference?" Patrick asked.

    Frollo growled under his breath.

    -They really should know by now how to pronounce it,- he muttered.

    -Fear not, my fellow compatriot,- Tesla responded. -If there is ever a mnemonic for remembering the pronunciation of Clopin's name, I can assure you that Clopin will come up with it eventually.-

    -Oh, I did!- Clopin chimed in happily. -I was just telling Patrick about it now, actually.-

    -Wait, you actually came up with a pronunciation mnemonic on your own accord?!- Tesla gasped.

    -Two days ago,- Clopin confirmed. -It's simple, really. All it is is two words: "close pang." You say "close" without the "-se" at the end, and then "pang" without the "-ng" at the end. Kloh-PAH~(n). That should help them.-

    -"Close pang"?- Tesla repeated.

    Clopin nodded. Tesla thought about it for a moment, then suddenly realized the meaning of the mnemonic.

    -That is absolute GENIUS!- he exclaimed. -Why, I bet if you were to explain that mnemonic to any Pokémon who misprounces your name, they'd get it almost immediately!-

    Clopin blushed.

    -Bïloktaknüs, mok am,- he replied.

    "Anyway..." Patrick burst in suddenly, "we really should get back to the concept at hand here... Cinderite City? Why does it want to organize a PokeLatin school anyways, huh? Is it, like, the PokeLatin capital of the world or something?"

    Clopin giggled.

    -You could say that,- the Touceet replied.

    "Yeah, Clopin basically told me that Cinderite City has the largest population of PokeLatin speakers in the entire world," Kaylie added. "They set up that school to not only teach the people of Cinderite City how to speak PokeLatin, but also to teach Vulcan as well."

    Patrick laughed.

    "Well, at least they're one step ahead of 'kloh-PAH,'" he replied, again mispronouncing Clopin's name. The Touceet giggled.

    -Ah, künek sjine,- he laughed.

    At that moment, however, the group was interrupted by a loud rumbling sound coming from above them. Kaylie turned to Patrick.

    "What was that?" she asked.

    "I don't know," Patrick replied, "but I think it might be-"

    -WHOA!-

    At that moment, something fell down from the top of a nearby hill, eventually crashing right in front of the group. A small cloud of smoke came up, and when it faded, the group could clearly see a Yakocks in front of them, similar to the one Patrick had. Kaylie approached it, a bit concerned.

    "It's a Yakocks," she gasped. "Just like the one you have, Patrick!"

    "Yeah, but it's a bit different," Patrick replied.

    Kaylie looked at it more closely. She couldn't see anything different about this Yakocks. "What do you mean?"

    "Look at its hooves."

    Kaylie squinted, and that was when she noticed. Patrick's Yakocks had black hooves, but this Yakocks had brown hooves. Looking closer, she also noticed that its back crystals were a slightly lighter blue. She gasped.

    "It's a Shiny," she realized.

    The Yakocks suddenly shook itself awake and stood up.

    -Well, of course I'm a Shiny!- it snapped- or rather, he. -What else wouldja think I am?-

    Clopin giggled, approaching him.

    -You certainly look good for a Shiny, mok am,- he said, smiling.

    -I do?- the Yakocks asked. -Well, thank you- wait, did you just speak PokeLatin?!-

    Patrick nodded. "Yeah, he's basically fluent. I don't know any PokeLatin, to be honest with you. Most of the time I can barely understand a word he's saying, except, of course, when he says 'mok am.' That's 'my friend,' obviously."

    -He won't even mention me by name now,- Clopin remarked with a laugh.

    -Well, what is it, then?- the Yakocks asked. -I mean, ji sois tok nom?-

    Clopin gasped and screamed happily.

    "Wait, you know PokeLatin, too?" asked Kaylie.

    The Yakocks shrugged. -Only about 20 words of it. So anyway, buddy, what's your name?-

    -My name?- Clopin asked. -Well, how about we get your name first? Ji sois tok nom, mok am?-

    The Yakocks looked at him for a minute, then suddenly realized what Clopin was asking for.

    -Oh, you want my name?- he asked. -Mok nom sois Rocky.-

    -Rocky?- repeated Clopin.

    The Yakocks nodded. Clopin immediately ran over to shake his hoof in excitement, while the rest of the group laughed at how happy he was.

    -Well, prïket, Rocky! It is very nice to meet you indeed! We've never seen a Shiny Pokémon before in our lives! How many words of PokeLatin do you know, mok am?-

    -Oh, I don't know. I'd say about... venüt words or so. Maybe venütipent.-

    -Only venütipent words?!- Clopin gasped. -Well, that is certainly not enough, mok am! I myself can hold an entire PokeLatin conversation. There has to be someone out there who can teach you!-

    "Excuse me, but what does venütipent mean, exactly?" Kaylie asked. "I assume that venüt means twenty..."

    Clopin nodded. -Cheüt. And how many sides does a pentagon have...?-

    Kaylie scoffed. "Five. That's easy." Then she realized it. "Ohhhhh... so it must mean 25... Wait, you know only twenty-five PokeLatin words?!"

    Rocky laughed nervously.

    -Ch-cheüt...- he replied, stammering.

    "Wow. You really need a tutor. But don't worry! Tesla and Clopin are PokeLatin experts. They'll help you learn PokeLatin in a flash."

    Rocky lit up with excitement.

    -They will?!- he gasped. -That's so awesome! Finally, I'm in a situation where I won't get the same teacher every single day!- Then, he suddenly looked up at Kaylie in confusion. -Wait, Tesla and who are PokeLatin experts? Who's Tesla, first of all?-

    Kaylie giggled. "Tesla's the Sparkadger. And the Touceet you just met is... well..."

    -Clopin,- the Touceet interrupted.

    -Kloh-WHAT?!- Rocky gasped.

    Clopin giggled. -That's why I let you say your name first.-

    -Huh?-

    -You see, whenever we run into a person or Pokémon, they'll usually get my name wrong. Doesn't help that my name is a Kalosian one. But nevertheless, allow me: it's pronounced "kloh-PAH~(n)."-

    -"Kloh-PAN"? What the-?-

    As with most Pokémon, he got it wrong the first try. Clopin giggled.

    -You didn't get the second syllable right, mok am,- he said.

    Rocky just stared at him.

    -Don't get it? Allow me to show you, then,- Clopin began to explain. -Take the ending- that "PAN" part that you said- and give it a sort of nasal pinch. Another way you could think of it is like the word "pang," but without the "-ng" at the end. Go on, just try it.-

    -"Pang" without the "-ng"? Then this should be simple. It's "kloh-PAH"... right?-

    Clopin giggled.

    -Good, but with a pinch. "PAHHH~~." Did you hear how that was tightly nasal? That's how it should sound, with a slight bit of nasality at the end, almost as if you're holding your nose while saying it. Just remember that it should sound like "pang" without the "-ng," which is "PAH~(n)"- the "n" is barely even pronounced. Then, all you have to do is push the air out through the nasal cavity while saying it and you're good to go!-

    -Excuse me,- Tesla tried to interrupt, -but I actually think it involves a lowering of the soft--

    But he never got to finish his statement. All of a sudden, Rocky for some reason looked extremely startled.

    -Rocky, mok am?- Clopin asked. -Are you alright?-

    He did nothing except stare for a moment, then all of a sudden-

    -Wait, did you just say "nasal cavity"?!-

    Clopin nodded. Rocky promptly screamed.

    -THERE'S A TOOTH UP MY NOSE!- he shreiked, running around and banging his nose on things such as wood, the Pokédex, and even Frollo. -HELP ME! GET IT OUT! GET IT OUT! I THINK I MIGHT NEED SURGERY! GET IT--

    Clopin laughed.

    -Silly, there's no tooth up your nose,- he said.

    Rocky immediately stopped freaking out and turned to him.

    -Wait, there's not?- he asked.

    Clopin shook his head.

    -Neüt. It's just one of the nasal passageways.-

    Rocky breathed a sigh of relief.

    -Oh, thank Arceus! I really thought there was something stuck up my nose for a second. Thank goodness you and Tesla are going to teach me that PokeLatin business. Like I said, I won't be stuck with the same teacher every single day, and I think that just might be the best thing in the world.-

    -Why?- Clopin asked.

    "Who's your teacher?" Kaylie asked. "Is he a bad teacher?"

    Rocky shook his head sadly.

    -Oh, very much so. My father's tried to teach me the PokeLatin language every single day. You see, I was born in Cinderite City, and my father's always believed that if you're from Cinderite, you have to learn PokeLatin. He set out on a quest to teach me, but... dumb ol' me, I just kept getting every one of the words wrong... I couldn't pronounce PokeLatin words to save my life- well, with the exceptions of the words for "yes," "no," "what is your name?" "my name is...," and all the numbers up to 25- and every time I would get a word wrong- well, my father just had no patience.-

    "So what did he do?" Kaylie asked, now getting a little scared of the answer.

    Rocky sighed.

    -He beat me.-

    "Wait, WHAT?!" gasped Patrick. "Your father... BEAT you?! As in, he whipped you with a belt or something?"

    -No, he didn't whip me with a belt, but he did whip me with his tail and ram me with his horns and bite me a lot. He even threatened to burn me with Flame Wheel. It hurt really bad, but I knew that my father was doing it to teach me. It was for my own good.-

    "'For your own good'? He can't be more crazy! That's not doing anything for your own good, that's just straight-up corporal punishment and child abuse! Why would you think that he was ever doing that for your own good?"

    -Well, that's what my father always said, and I eventually came to believe it. Still though, my father was a terrible teacher. I absolutely hated him, but was forced to tell him that I loved him.-

    "That's emotional abuse! Man, your father's ought to be reported to Child Protective Services or something like that. He's not just a terrible teacher, he's a terrible father."

    "Um... Patrick, there is no CPS in the Pokémon world," Kaylie told him.

    "Then how the heck are we going to stop this abusive father that Rocky has?!" Patrick exclaimed.

    "Simple," Kaylie replied with determination, holding out a Pokéball. "We're gonna get him on a Pokémon team. My team."

    Rocky gasped at the sight of the Pokéball.

    -Wait, I get to be on a Pokémon team and have an actual Trainer and everything?!- Rocky exclaimed happily.

    Kaylie nodded.

    -AWESOME!- Rocky cried. -Count me in!-

    "Alright, then!" Kaylie exclaimed, throwing the Pokéball into the air. "Go... Pokéball!"

    She threw the Pokéball in the air, and at once, Rocky was encapsulated into the ball in a flash of blue light. As everyone watched, the ball shook three times, then flashed a bright red in the center, indicating capture. Kaylie gasped in excitement.

    "YES!" she squealed. "I just caught a Shiny Yakocks! My first Shiny Pokémon!"

    -Isn't that also your seventh one overall?- Frollo asked.

    "Yeah," Kaylie replied. "So?"

    -So shouldn't it go to a PC box?-

    Tesla turned to him.

    -Have you forgotten that the same scientists who invented the Devolver and EvoPhone also broke the six-Pokémon limit?- he reminded him. -Trainers can now carry as many Pokémon as they want- why else would you think there would be 14 virtues?-

    -Oh, yes,- Frollo muttered, lowering his head. -I did forget that for a moment. Forgive me, and hope that I have not ended up like my namesake.-

    Patrick laughed.

    "Are you serious, Frollo? Of course you haven't."

    Frollo breathed a sigh of relief. -That's good.-

    -Anyway, Kaylie, can you please let out Rocky now?- begged Clopin, bouncing with excitement. -I want to get this PokeLatin lesson plan out of the way!-

    Kaylie laughed. "Sure, Clopin. Alright, Rocky, come on out!"

    She threw the Pokéball in the air, and Rocky suddenly materialized from the blue light. Seeing Clopin, he ran up to him and laughed happily.

    -Oh, man, this is so awesome!- he cried. -I can't believe I'm actually on a Pokémon team! Are we going to start learning PokeLatin now? I can't wait!-

    Clopin giggled. -Cheüt, mok am. Nok sois.-

    -What does "nok sois" mean?-

    -We are.-

    Rocky jumped up. -AWESOME! This is going to be the greatest day of my entire life!-

    Kaylie smiled. She knew that Clopin would be the greatest teacher that Rocky would ever have- definitely better than that abusive father of his. And not only would he be learning the PokeLatin language, but so would she and Patrick.

    It was the ultimate preparation for Cinderite City.

    -Alright. Now where is it...?-

    The group was now in a field, where Rocky would begin his PokeLatin lessons. Clopin was flipping through one of his many PokeLatin books. This one was a book of tongue twisters, designed specifically for pronunciation. Eventually, Clopin found what he was looking for and stopped on a page near the middle of the book.

    -Ah, here it is!- he cried, opening up the book and showing it to Rocky. -Alright, Rocky, I think it'll be best if we start with pronunciation before moving on to grammar, and I always like to get the most difficult ones out of the way first. The "p" sound in particular is an extremely common one that many first-time speakers get wrong. Anyway, Rocky, I'd like you to read... that.-

    He pointed to a sentence in the book, and Rocky sat up to read it.

    -Alright, then... "Posütan sois perdeet, paikan parügeet qa pritkey,"- he read, mispronouncing some of the words. Clopin shook his head, and pointed to one of the words in the book.

    -You see that word, right there? "Perdït"?- he asked.

    Rocky nodded.

    -You aren't pronouncing the "ï" right. If you were saying "perdeet," that would be spelled with a regular "i." On the other hand, if you see the umlauts- those two little dots over the "i"- then it's pronounced like the letter "i" itself. So rather than being "perdeet," it's "per-dyt." And it isn't "par-oo-geet," it's "par-oo-gyt." Get it, mok am?-

    -I think so.-

    -Good. Now read that again.-

    Rocky looked at the sentence again and took a breath before reading:

    -"Posütan sois perdït, païkan parügït qa pritkey."-

    Clopin smiled.

    -Better, mok am, but there's still a few mistakes in your pronunciation.-

    -Like what?- Rocky asked.

    -Well, first of all, you're saying the last word as "pritkey." The "i" is actually said like a double "e," as in "feed," and the "e" isn't said as "ee," but rather "ay." So it'd actually be "preet-kay." But the biggest mistake you're making is the biggest mistake that probably everyone makes regarding the "p" sound- you aren't aspirating correctly.-

    Rocky looked at him in confusion.

    -Aspirating? What the heck do you mean?- he asked.

    -What I mean is, whenever you say the "p" in PokeLatin, you have to say it with a slight puff of air. This happens in English, too, but you aren't using PokeLatin-level aspiration. Right now, you're using as much aspiration as you would in English when saying a word like "pritke." It's not "pritke," though. It's "pritke."-

    The second time around, Clopin practically spat out the "p," behavior which would normally get met with looks of confusion in English but was accurate pronunciation in PokeLatin. Rocky jumped back, startled.

    -Hey, watch it, bud!- he exclaimed. -You almost spat on me!-

    Clopin laughed. -That's how it's supposed to sound, mok am.-

    -Oh.-

    -It's "posütan sois perdït, païkan parügït qa pritke." Now you try.-

    Rocky took a breath.

    -"Posütan sois-"-

    -"Posütan." Breathe in first- it doesn't have to be a deep breath, but just breathe- and then force out the air along with the "p" sound. You're going to get a lot more aspiration that way.-

    Rocky took another breath.

    -"Posütan"...?- He sighed. -I did it again, didn't I?-

    -Don't worry, mok am, you're fine!- Clopin reassured him. -You just need a bit more practice with that, that's all. Try this: just say "païk." It means "person" in PokeLatin.-

    -"Païk"?-

    -No, no, no. "Païk." Like I said, breathe in and then force it out until you get a nice "pah" at the start.-

    -Force it out?-

    Clopin nodded.

    -How the heck am I supposed to do that?- Rocky asked incredulously.

    -Well, you know how I said it's supposed to sound like you're spitting on someone?- Clopin asked.

    Rocky laughed. -Of course I do.-

    -Did your- oh, I don't know if I should ask this question- it may be personal...-

    -No, it's fine. Go ahead. Ask away.-

    Clopin looked at him for a second, then whispered:

    -Did your father ever spit on you? Or at you?-

    Rocky nodded. -You kidding? He did that loads of times. He did that every day.-

    -And did you ever feel so angry at your father that you wanted to spit at him right back?-

    -You better believe it!-

    -Well, pretend that your father is here, and he's berating you for not pronouncing PokeLatin words correctly. You should get so angry that you just want to spit out something that calls him out for his bad behavior and abusive nature towards you. When you do get to that point, say "païk"- and that should get you to the correct pronunciation.-

    Kaylie, Patrick, Frollo, and Tesla watched nervously, wondering if it would work. Tesla turned to Frollo.

    -Well, this is certainly a genius idea if I've ever seen one,- the Sparkadger whispered. -He's using Rocky's hatred of his father for motivation- and as a working mnemonic.-

    Frollo nodded. -An excellent strategy. I would be stunned beyond belief if it doesn't work- and I rarely ever get stunned.-

    The two of them turned back towards Rocky, whose eyes were closed. He tried to think of what Clopin had said- he was back home, in the Cinderite City valley, with his abusive father watching him with a glare and berating him for his PokeLatin. He could almost hear his father's words, cutting through him like a knife through his heart:

    -You little punk! Don't you know how to pronounce PokeLatin words?!-

    It was an immediate flashback to home. His father would do this to Rocky every single day, and in the past, he'd be submissive. But not this time. Oh, how much he wanted to learn the PokeLatin language, but he couldn't stop hating his father for what he'd done to him. He was getting angrier by the minute, by the second, as he kept hearing in his head the same words that his father had said to him many times before.

    -When I was your age, I knew every single word in PokeLatin and could pronounce every sound! Do I have to beat you?! DO I HAVE TO?! Because I will! Oh, no, Rocky, don't you dare start crying! A Yakocks never cries! You're just a wimp, aren't you?!-

    A wimp? He wouldn't take that. He was boiling. He felt like he would burst at any moment. His father's words continued.

    -Now turn around and THANK me for the punishment that you will receive, and that you so deserve, and tell me you love me. Say it.-

    He wouldn't say it. He hated his father. And for the love of Arceus, he didn't want to ever deny that again!

    He couldn't take it anymore. He wanted to snap right back at him.

    No- he was going to.

    -Say it! SAY THAT YOU LOVE ME!-

    -PAÏK!- Rocky exploded, breaking his thoughts of his abusive father completely.

    And in that one moment, he'd finally done it: achieved enough aspiration to correctly pronounce the PokeLatin "p" sound; the air and spit shot right out of his mouth and landed on Clopin. Tesla and Frollo were numb with shock as Rocky took a breath, looking up at Clopin, who was covered in his spit. He shook it off, then looked at Rocky, who immediately dropped his anger and looked up at him...

    Clopin smiled.

    -You did it, mok am.-

    Rocky gasped with happiness, a smile of his own coming to his face.

    -YES!- he exclaimed happily. -Aw, man! I did it! First lesson of PokeLatin COMPLETE! No denying it- you are the greatest teacher I have EVER had! I can't wait to get back at my father with this news! "Posütan sois perdït, païkan parügït qa pritke!" I DID IT AGAIN! WHOO-HOO!-

    Clopin laughed. Tesla and Frollo looked on, smiles of their own coming to their faces, along with Kaylie and Patrick, who were beaming with pride.

    "Alright, Rocky!" Kaylie cheered. "You did it!"

    Rocky smiled.

    -So, what's next? Man, I can't wait for the next lesson!-

    Clopin laughed nervously.

    -Well... let's just say that even I had trouble with this one... Are you up for a challenge?-

    Rocky stared at Clopin with determination.

    -You kidding? Count me in!-

    It was now time for Rocky's second PokeLatin lesson, and he, Clopin, Kaylie, Patrick, Frollo and Tesla had now moved to another field. As Clopin flipped through the same book of tongue-twisters, Tesla turned to Frollo, who was clearly impressed by what he had just seen.

    -I must say, Clopin is certainly proving himself to be one of the best PokeLatin teachers I have ever seen,- the Sparkadger remarked. -He's a lot more patient than Rocky's abusive father by a long shot.-

    Frollo nodded. -Indeed. I wonder what the next lesson is going to be.-

    -Well, I had thought based on Clopin's previous comment that it was going to be the PokeLatin "h" sound, which is pronounced like the German "ch," as in "Bach." But then I realized that Rocky knew the first 25 numbers in PokeLatin, meaning he could pronounce it already: heqst, hept, and decihept are examples.- He grinned. -Meaning there's only one sound Clopin's going to teach him next, and it's the hardest sound in the book.-

    Frollo's eyes widened.

    -You don't mean...-

    Tesla nodded. -Oh, I mean. Just wait, Frollo. He's going to tell Rocky the story of the Ekans and the Boeing 727 faster than you can say "sjïne." Or, as they would say in PokeLatin, the Boeing hept-dït-hept.-

    They turned back towards Rocky and Clopin, the latter of which had found his page and was now holding the book open. Rocky was squirming with excitement.

    -What's the next sentence going to be?! I can't wait to see it!- he gushed.

    Clopin laughed and held open the book to Rocky. -Alright, I'll show it to you. Read this one, if you will.-

    Rocky squinted.

    -Okay, let's see... "Jok zjok shok, chok jok am ta..." what?-

    He got tripped up when he saw the last word, "sjüzjüsjon." He had heard that the "sj" sound was hard to pronounce, but he didn't think that he could even say that. Confused, Rocky looked up at Clopin hopefully, who laughed.

    -Ryküte jïlü mok, alright?- Clopin told him with a giggle. -"Jok zjok sjok, chok jok am ta sjüzjüsjon." Now you try.-

    -How the heck are you even supposed to say that last word?!- Rocky cried.

    -Like this. "Ssss-zhoo-zhoo-ssss-zhon."-

    -Uh... WHAT?!-

    -Here, I'll help you. The "sj" sound in PokeLatin is a combination of two different sounds: an "s" and a "zj." Really, it's not so much of a single "s" as it is a prolonged hiss, followed by ma regular "zj" sound, which is "zh." You know, like "vision." Hence, "ssss-ZH." You get it?-

    -Maybe...- Rocky sounded unsure of himself.

    -Well, here's how I first learned it. It had nothing to do with an Ekans and a Boeing 727- I'll explain what that is later. The way I learned it is like this: At first, say the two sounds so that they're clearly seperate. Most of the time your instinct will be to combine the two sounds into a "ch." Except it's not a "ch," it's a "sj." So, you have to pronounce the two sounds with a clear separation, like this. "Ssss-ZH."-

    -SSSS-zhhh...?-

    -Ah, not quite, mok am,- Clopin laughed. -You made them seperate, that's for sure. And that's good- keep doing that! It's just that the hiss is slightly different.-

    -What do you mean?- asked Rocky.

    -Well, here's the thing: your teeth should be slightly parted, but your tongue should stay in the exact same position. Right now, when you're doing the hiss, you're just doing it regularly. No one really ever parts their teeth while hissing- except for, oh, I don't know, Houndoom?-

    Rocky laughed.

    -But in the PokeLatin language, you have to do that,- Clopin explained. -It should almost sound a bit breathy when you say it. After that, just follow it up with a regular "zj" sound, and be careful not to combine the two into a "ch." I'll explain how you can do it quickly while still keeping them seperate later. For now, though, do that hiss again, exactly the way you did it before.-

    -SSSS...- hissed Rocky.

    -Good. Permïtuk.-

    Rocky continued to hiss.

    -I mean "stop,"- Clopin explained.

    -Oh.- Rocky stopped hissing.

    -Now part your teeth slightly and do it again.-

    Rocky did so, slightly parting his teeth while still clearly looking as though he was hissing. Eventually, he hissed for real, and just as Clopin had said, the hiss was a bit breathier this time. Clopin laughed happily.

    -Excellent! Permïtuk, mok am, permïtuk. Good. Now, say "ssss-ZH" again, but with the hiss you just learned.-

    -Ssss-ZH.- Rocky gasped, realizing it. -Ohhhh...-

    Clopin laughed again.

    -There you go, mok am!- he exclaimed happily. -I knew you could do it! Now, here's the somewhat tricky part. Many first time PokeLatin speakers, like I said, will say "sss-ZH" so quickly that it blends into a "ch" sound. You don't want that to happen. What you want is for the sounds to be said quickly, but still kept seperate.-

    -So it's still "ssss-ZH," just said quicker?- Rocky asked.

    Clopin nodded. -And here's a way to keep them seperate- and to help you remember the pronunciation.-

    Tesla turned to Frollo knowingly.

    -Here it comes,- he whispered. -The Ekans and the Boeing 727.-

    Frollo nodded. The two turned back to Clopin and Rocky, and sure enough, the Touceet was explaining Tesla's mnemonic:

    -Imagine that you are in a desert- this will probably never happen, but just go along with me here- and there's a wild Ekans hissing at you.-

    Rocky closed his eyes and tried to imagine the scenario in his mind. He'd heard this mnemonic plenty of times before, but had never done it in action- until now. Within seconds, he was in a desert, and sure enough, there was a wild Ekans on the other side of the battlefield, hissing menacingly.

    -Okay,- Rocky told Clopin. -It's in my head.-

    -Good. Now imagine that you are just about to battle that Ekans, when all of a sudden, you are interrupted by the motors of a huge Boeing 727.-

    -What's that?-

    -An airplane used by the blind Germans during World War II.-

    Rocky found it much easier to picture the scenario now that he knew what a Boeing 727 actually was. He was on the battlefield, staring down the hissing Ekans, just about ready to fight it with Rock Tomb or Stealth Rock or some other move, when suddenly...

    "Sssss-"

    *ZHHHHHH*

    And there was the Boeing 727, flying overhead of the Ekans and startling it into interrupting and stopping its hissing. Rocky opened his eyes with a start.

    -Ssss-ZHHH,- he said.

    Clopin nodded. -Yes, that's good... Now say it again, faster.-

    The scene replayed itself again, except a bit faster this time.

    -Ssss-ZHH.-

    -Faster.-

    -Ssss-ZH.-

    -Keep them seperate. Faster.-

    -Sssszh.-

    -Bïlok! Permïtuk.-

    Rocky looked up.

    -Sssszh...?- he asked. -Is that it?-

    Clopin laughed happily.

    -It certainly is, mok am! I knew you could do it!- He took out the book of tongue twisters again. -Alright... let's see if you can read this sentence correctly.-

    Rocky happily breathed a sigh of relief, before leaning over as Clopin took out the book and held it in front of him. Meanwhile, Tesla and Frollo looked on, impressed by what they had just seen.

    -I knew it would work,- Tesla said, grinning at Frollo. -That's the second success that Rocky's had today.-

    Frollo nodded. -Simply amazing. Then again, it all depends on how he pronounces--

    -"-sjüzjüsjon."-

    It was Rocky who said that. Startled, Tesla and Frollo turned towards Rocky, who had just finished rereading the sentence in the book. Clopin was beaming with happiness as Rocky looked up at him, and soon he laughed happily, running up to hug his pupil.

    -That's it! You did it, mok am!- cheered Clopin.

    Rocky hugged him back, excited as all get out.

    -I did, didn't I?!- he cried happily. -And it was all thanks to you! You wanna know the best part?-

    -What?- Clopin asked.

    Rocky jumped up happily.

    -Since I already knew how to pronounce the rest of the PokeLatin letters, that means that with this... I'VE OFFICIALLY MASTERED POKELATIN PRONUNCIATION!-

    "Awesome!" Kaylie exclaimed, running up to Rocky in excitement. "See? I told you Clopin would be the best PokeLatin teacher you'd ever have!"

    Rocky laughed.

    -Hey, you were right,- he admitted.

    Kaylie smiled.

    All of a sudden, however, she suddenly heard loud footsteps coming toward her. Patrick, Tesla, Frollo, and Clopin were just as startled, and turned toward the sound.

    "What is that?!" Kaylie gasped, unsure of what to think.

    -I don't know, mok am...- Clopin told her, just as terrified.

    Rocky suddenly turned to the sound, and all of a sudden he seemed more terrified than the rest, practically shivering out of his wits. Kaylie and Clopin both noticed.

    -Rocky! Are- are you alright, mok am?- Clopin asked, concerned.

    "What's the matter?" Kaylie asked, just as concerned. "Why are you shaking?"

    Rocky trembled with fear.

    -Because I know exactly who that Pokémon is,- he said with quiet anger. -I'd know those footsteps anywhere.-

    Kaylie was suddenly met with a terrible thought. If Rocky knew who that Pokémon was...

    "No," she muttered, shaking her head. "You can't mean..."

    Rocky nodded.

    Kaylie stared in absolute shock at the Pokémon that was coming forward. As it got closer, she could see that it was a gray-colored yak Pokémon, with gigantic brown horns on its head and a long tail made up entirely of rocks. The most striking feature about this Pokémon, however, was the huge yellow excavator coming out of its back. It was glaring down at Rocky angrily with a look that melted his heart of steel- and his normally bold exterior. The usually brave and determined Rocky was now cowering in extreme fear. Clearly, this Pokémon was Rocky's abusive father. Terrified out of her wits, Kaylie took out her Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon.

    "Yakodigger, the Digger Ox Pokémon. The huge excavator claw on this Pokémon's back is useful for digging into the ground. It is often favored by construction workers due to its usefulness. Type: Rock/Ground. Gender: Male. Nature: Rash. Moveset: Rock Blast, Flame Wheel, Stealth Rock, Mean Look."

    Kaylie trembled. "I'm guessing he used Mean Look on you a lot of times, Rocky."

    -Y-yeah,- Rocky stammered. -He-he's doing it right now...-

    Patrick's eyes went wide. "There's no way that can be a good sign."

    Rocky stepped back, terrified.

    -P-p-prïket, Püdre,- stammered Rocky. -J-jok sois... bïlok, cüme sois t-tok?-

    Kaylie turned to Clopin.

    "I assume Püdre means 'Dad'?" she whispered.

    Clopin nodded. -"Father," actually.-

    The minute he heard Clopin, Rocky's father's menacing eyes turned on the Touceet, who was scared out of his wits. He then looked at Kaylie, then Tesla, then Frollo, the only one who didn't seem scared- in fact, he looked just about ready to battle Rocky's father and defend his son- before turning back to Rocky, glaring at him menacingly.

    -Rocky,- he boomed in a low, angry voice, -WHO ARE THESE?!-

    Rocky was extremely terrified, but managed to sputter out a nervous answer.

    -Oh, t-they're my friends... The Sparkadger is T-Tesla, the Emberhund is... w-well I don't know his name, a-and the T-Touceet... w-well, he taught me PokeLatin pronunciation... and the girl is K-Kaylie... she's my T-Trainer...-

    That set his father off on edge.

    -TRAINER?!- he boomed. -YOU HAVE A TRAINER?! AND FRIENDS?!-

    Rocky flinched.

    -Well... y-yes...- he admitted.

    His father glared at him, getting up in his son's face.

    -Did I not specifically say to you NOT to make friends?!- he snapped. -And NOT to get a Pokémon Trainer of your own?! You were TOLD BY ME to stay in the valley, and you went and disobeyed a direct order of mine! "Friends" are a BAD INFLUENCE, Rocky! TRAINERS are a bad influence! I've heard stories about Trainers who bully their own Pokémon, who ABUSE their own Pokémon! All Trainers are like that, Rocky! I told you that multiple times, and did you listen to me?!-

    -W-well- I...- Rocky stammered.

    -NO!- his father shouted, getting in his face. -You DIDN'T!-

    Kaylie watched the whole scene in shock- how could his father think that? Apparently, it wasn't just bad PokeLatin mispronounciation that caused Rocky's father to abuse him- he didn't want his son to have a Trainer- or make friends! Kaylie was extremely angry now- never before had she seen such emotional abuse.

    "Why the heck do you tell your son these things?!" Kaylie cried. "Having a Trainer isn't a bad thing, and neither is having some friends who care about you! For the love of Arceus, haven't you ever watched My Little Ponyta: Friendship is Magic?! It's right there in the title! You're abusing your own son!"

    Rocky's father turned to her and glared.

    -Okay, kid, three things: first, I am not abusing my son, I am teaching him good parenting and life skills. Secondly, I have watched MLP:FiM. And third of all... friendship is BLACK magic. The worst type of magic there is. It never helps anything, it only prevents your child from getting further along in life!-

    "You don't get it, do you?! Trainers aren't all bad!"

    -YES! Yes, they are, you numskull! Stop trying to defend my son!- He turned back to Rocky, glaring at him. -You know what's coming, don't you?-

    Rocky gulped and nodded nervously.

    -Turn around,- Rocky's father ordered.

    "Oh, boy," Patrick muttered.

    Rocky obeyed submissively, while his father took three paces back, all the while glaring at his son.

    -And stay where you are. You must be thankful for the punishment I am about to give you- and that you so deserve.-

    Rocky bowed his head sadly. -Cheüt, Püdre. Furgït mok.-

    Kaylie was shocked. Rocky's father had abused him so much that he had to submit to his own father's words without question. So this is how bad he's been abused, Kaylie thought, shocked.

    Rocky's father glared over at his son again, then suddenly cried out:

    -FLAME WHEEL!-

    He jumped up into the air and somersaulted, and as he did, his body was covered in flames. Slowly, he began rolling towards his own son, who didn't move an inch. The others looked on in shock, but Frollo wasn't going to stand for this. He knew injustice better than any other Pokémon on Kaylie's team- and this counted.

    -DARKFIRE!- he growled, shooting a fireball from his mouth which exploded in a puff of smoke.

    But alas, it did nothing. Fire couldn't beat fire, and as the other Pokémon watched in awe, the Flame Wheel got closer and closer towards his own son. Tesla tried to step in, the tip of his tail sparking with electricity, but then...

    -Oh. That's right. I'm no good,- Tesla muttered.

    "Yeah, but we can't just stand here and let Rocky get abused like this," Kaylie responded, enraged by what she was seeing.

    The Flame Wheel was getting closer and closer, but finally... it hit.

    The moment it hit, Clopin immediately sprang into action, jumping up into the air, his beak growing longer, shouting out -LIMER CA, TOK SANPÜT!- as Rocky cried out in extreme pain as he was burned from head to toe... which didn't last long as Clopin used Peck on Rocky's father, which flew him back and stopped the Flame Wheel.

    "Alright, Clopin! You got him!" Kaylie cheered.

    -Why, you HEATHEN!- Rocky's father boomed, glaring at Clopin. -Allow me to give my son the punishment he deserves! FLAME--

    -You are not doing that.-

    It was Frollo. He had stepped forward in defense of Rocky. Rocky's father angrily glared at him.

    -Why not, you little punk?- he asked.

    -Because,- Frollo growled with anger, -you are physically and emotionally abusing your own son, and worse, for trivial things! For beneficial things, even! Never in my entire lifetime have I ever seen a Pokémon who is so much like my namesake- do you idolize Judge Claude Frollo?!-

    Rocky's father shook his head.

    -No. I idolize Lusamine. She was the greatest parent I have ever known.-

    -The leader of the Aether Foundation?! She's just as bad a parent as you! Okay, admittedly it was because she was under the neurotoxins of a Nihilego Ultra Beast, but still! Lusamine is an abusive parent! You are an abusive parent!-

    Rocky's father glared at Frollo.

    -You're a heathen!- he snapped. -Defending my son! I don't need to see any of you- I'm out of here! And for your information, I am NOT an abusive parent! I am trying to teach my son how to get ahead in life!-

    He stormed off. As soon as he was gone for good, the whole group rushed over to Rocky, extremely concerned.

    "Rocky!" Kaylie cried. "Are you alright?!"

    Rocky groaned.

    -I don't think so,- he muttered, clearly in pain.

    At that moment, Rocky was ingulfed in a burst of flame. Kaylie gasped.

    "Oh my gosh, you've been burned!" she cried. "Don't worry, though- I know someone who can heal it. Go, Quasimodo!"

    She threw a Pokéball into the air, and the shy Graswinemodo came out in a burst of blue light. He looked around for a second, then noticed Rocky.

    -W-who is that?- he asked.

    "That's Rocky," Kaylie explained. "He's a Shiny Yakocks that I just caught. He was burned by his abusive father."

    Quasi gasped.

    -A-abusive father?!- he cried. -Burned?! Oh, no!- He ran over to Rocky, concerned. -I am truly sorry for you. Let me heal it. Bell Chime.-

    The bell on his tail glowed a bright green and rang, and Rocky was surrounded in the same green light as well. Eventually, his burn was healed, the green light faded, and Rocky breathed a sigh of relief.

    -Oh, thank you so much,- he gasped. -I feel a lot better.-

    -Are you okay?- Quasi asked, concerned. -I heard you have an abusive father.-

    Rocky nodded. -He just beat me again.-

    -Wow. He's just like Frollo's namesake.-

    -That's exactly what I said,- Frollo told Quasi.

    -But, hey! Listen to this,- Rocky broke in happily. -Jok ce parlü PokeLatin.-

    Quasi gasped.

    -Wow! You know PokeLatin?- he asked.

    Rocky nodded. -Yeah. Well, I was only taught pronunciation. My teacher and I still need to work on grammar.-

    -Is your teacher Clopin?-

    Rocky nodded. Quasi turned to Clopin.

    -You taught him well!- he called.

    Clopin laughed.

    -Bïloktaknüs, mok am!- he replied happily.

    Rocky ran over to Clopin happily.

    -So, what are we going to learn next?- he asked, eager as ever. -I can't wait!-

    -Grammar, mok am!- Clopin exclaimed happily. -Just as you said!-

    -AWESOME!- Rocky cried. -I can't wait to finally get the courage to tell my own father just how abusive he's been to me after I fully master the PokeLatin language! Don't worry, I betcha that someday, he'll learn the true meaning of friendship! And having a Trainer too,- he added, looking at Kaylie.

    The group laughed, before Quasi came over to Rocky.

    -So, Rocky... how do you feel now that you've mastered PokeLatin pronunciation?- he asked.

    Rocky laughed.

    -Are you kidding me, Quasi?- he replied happily. -This is the greatest day of my entire LIIIIIIIIIIIIFE!-

    TA SOIS CONTÏNÜM...

    TO BE CONTINUED...
     
  16. Wings

    Static
    (Shinx)
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    Aww, poor Rocky. I guess I feel more sympathetic to him because I also have a Pokémon named Rocky in my story- maybe I'm just biased, lol. May I ask where you got the idea for PokeLatin? I'm wondering if you compiled words from a bunch of languages because I've been trying to figure out what language it's based on!
     
  17. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
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    Yep! It's derived from a bunch of different languages, namely Swedish, French, and English.

    Yeah, poor Rocky. ):

    What did you think of the "close pang" mnemonic? I assume that you never pronounced Clopin's name correctly while reading the fanfic (after all, you do have little experience with Hunchback, and I don't know if you've ever taken French or not).
     
  18. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
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    It's coming! Pokémon Opal and Garnet, Chapter 11 is here! Behold a PokeLatin grammar lesson! Enjoy!

    Pokémon Opal and Garnet
    Chapter 11: A Very Rocky Start, Part 2
    Pitc we au nev nek not lïben we sütom

    Ou au dückt drot Notre Dame

    Quad peri nüzjget hrat silüte surom

    Au dückt drot Notre Dame

    Chok au bobt, ro pit sja kot au nüzjget

    Et ka lim gret en per et türom

    Ju païkan hokt clücem we ferrüme saem au clïke

    Au clïke zjü Notre Dame...

    -So about this whole PokeLatin grammar thing... is it as complicated as other languages are?-

    -Oh, no, not at all, mok am!- Clopin responded happily to Rocky's inquiry. -Don't worry, the grammatical structure of the PokeLatin language is extremely simple.-

    Rocky smiled. -Man, that's a relief.-

    It was the second day of Rocky's PokeLatin lessons, and he, Clopin, Kaylie, Patrick, Quasimodo, Frollo and Tesla were all sitting outside in a field. Next to Clopin was a gigantic black chalkboard, as well as a piece of chalk and a book on the PokeLatin language. While yesterday's lesson had been on pronunciation, today's was on grammar. However, earlier that day, Rocky had had another pronunciation breakthrough- the "close pang" mnemonic had finally gotten through to him, and he was now saying Clopin's name correctly, with accurate French (or, as it was referred to by Pokémon, "Kalosian") pronunciation. As of now, though, Clopin was about to explain to Rocky just what was so simple about PokeLatin grammar- and Kaylie and Patrick were wondering the same thing.

    "I wonder what the heck is so simple about the grammatical structure of PokeLatin," Kaylie asked Patrick as they were watching the lesson. "It's probably exactly the same as English, if anything." She turned to Clopin. "Right?"

    Clopin looked at her. -Hm?-

    "It's exactly like English, isn't it?" Kaylie asked. "PokeLatin grammar, I mean."

    Clopin laughed.

    -Why, you're one step ahead of me, mok am!- he remarked. -But it's more than just exactly the same as English. Take a look at this.- He wrote on the board a long sentence in PokeLatin, which read: NEÜ BEÜT CE SOIS KIRÜMETÜK. Kaylie remembered him talking about that sentence on the day she had first met Pheobus- it meant "not everybody can be a teacher." Of course, Clopin could.

    Rocky looked up at it.

    -Neü beüt ce sois kirümetük,- he read. -So?-

    Clopin laughed.

    -I'm about to show you, mok am,- he replied. -Now, as you may- or may not- know, this sentence, "neü beüt ce sois kirümetük," means "not everyone can be a teacher." But it means this- now get this- literally. "Neü" means "not," of course- don't confuse that with "neüt," which means "no"- "beüt" means "everyone"- "everybody" would be "beütnati"- "ce" means "can," "sois" is "to be," and "kirümetük" means "teacher."-

    He had been writing this all on the blackboard as he said it. Underneath the phrase he had previously written was NOT EVERYONE CAN BE A TEACHER. Rocky squinted.

    -So... you're saying it's a word-for-word translation of what it is in English?- Rocky asked.

    Clopin nodded. -Cheüt, mok am! In fact, that's how it is with every PokeLatin sentence.-

    Rocky squinted harder. Something was missing from the original sentence.

    -Then... how come there are five words in the original sentence, and six words in the translation?- he asked.

    Clopin gasped.

    -Oh, yes! I am very glad you brought that up, Rocky, because I was just about to tell you,- he said. -As you no doubt have noticed by now, there is no word for "a" in this sentence. That's because the PokeLatin language doesn't have a word for "a" in their entire dictionary.-

    Rocky squinted.

    -Then how come it's translated as such?-

    -Excellent question. Well, here's the thing- if we were going to translate this literally word-for-word, it would mean "not everybody can be teacher." And that- that is caveman talk. And I don't think that in English, we could get around saying "not everybody can be teacher" without people giving us strange looks.-

    Rocky laughed.

    -So, it's understood that an "a" is meant to be there,- Clopin continued. -That would be proper English grammar, after all, and since English grammar and PokeLatin grammar are essentially the same, it's translated with an "a." That's why "kirümetük" means both "teacher" and "a teacher."-

    -Oh. Well, that makes sense,- Rocky said.

    -In fact, there's only one article in the entire PokeLatin language, and that's "the"- it's "au" in PokeLatin. You know, like "au païkan."-

    -That means "the people," right?- Rocky asked.

    Clopin nodded. -Cheüt, mok am! It does!-

    Rocky laughed.

    -Okay, so PokeLatin is essentially a word-for-word translation of English, except there's no "a." That means that the grammar lessons are over, right?-

    -Ah, not quite, mok am!- laughed Clopin. -There's still more things we need to talk about.-

    -Like what?- Rocky asked.

    -Like negation, first of all,- Clopin responded.

    -Negation? You mean, like making a sentence negative?-

    Clopin nodded. -And I think you'll notice something they all have in common. You know how in English, we use contractions for negation? Well, PokeLatin has an equivalent to that. In order to make a word negative, you simply have to add "-üt" to the end of it.-

    -So... like neüt?-

    -Well, "neüt" doesn't exactly follow that pattern. Without the "-üt," it's still negative, because "ne" means "not." I'm talking about words such as "de," "ce," "we," "wo," "sois"...-

    -"Sois" can be negative?!-

    -Cheüt.- Clopin nodded. -Then you'd have "soiüt," which means "isn't," as in "Lob soiüt har."-

    -Meaning... he's not here, right?-

    -He isn't here, yes. There's also "deüt," which means "don't," "weüt," which means "won't," "woüt," meaning "wouldn't"...-

    -"Ceüt"?-

    -Can't.-

    -So that means "we," "ce," "de," and "wo" mean "will," "can," "do," and "would"?-

    -Cheüt, mok am!- Clopin replied.

    -Is there a word for "did"?-

    Clopin nodded. -That's "de," too. "De" can mean both "do" and "did," and "deüt" can mean both "don't" and "didn't." There isn't really any past tense in PokeLatin.-

    Rocky laughed.

    -What about "haven't"?-

    -Well, "to have" is "pit," so "haven't" would be...-

    -Oh! "Pitüt."-

    Clopin nodded. -Cheüt, mok am! It also means "hadn't," by the way.-

    -Okay. That's fine, but what about the other contractions? You know, like "I've" or "let's"... are those contractions in PokeLatin, too?-

    Clopin laughed.

    -I'm glad you asked, mok am,- he said, -because I was just about to get to that. For contractions like those, you don't have PokeLatin equivalents. Basically, if you want to say "I've," you'd literally say "I have," so you'd be saying "Jok pit." Likewise, if you were to say "let's," you'd literally say "let us"- which is "perm nok." But the really cool thing is, it doesn't always have to be that way.-

    Rocky stared at Clopin in confusion.

    -What do you mean, exactly?- he asked.

    -What I mean is, sometimes you don't even need to include the verb in order for it to make grammatical sense,- Clopin explained. -"Jok wo sois akkto" and "jok sois akkto" both mean the exact same thing: "I'd be accepted." In the case of "I'd," you're literally saying "I would"- "jok wo."-

    -Does this only happen with contractions?- asked Rocky.

    Clopin shook his head. -Neüt. It can also happen with other things, too. Take, for example, this phrase: "Jok sois cürügra." If you were to remove the "sois," and just say "Jok cürügra," it would still make sense. The same thing goes for "Jok sois cürügratus" and just "jok cürügratus."-

    -Okay, so I know "cürügra" means "hunchback"...-

    Clopin nodded. -It does.-

    -Then... what does "cürügratus" mean?-

    -It means "hunchbacked."-

    -So that means that "-tus" is like the "-ed" in the PokeLatin language.-

    -It certainly does.-

    -But I thought you said that there wasn't any past tense in PokeLatin!-

    -Oh, no, this isn't for past tense, mok am. This is for creating adjectives that end in "-ed."-

    -Oh. So you mean that "worried" is...-

    -Anqtus.-

    -Anqtus? Like "anxious"?-

    -Cheüt, mok am! Oh my Arceus, you're so good at this etymology thing, I bet you could join the IPPA one day.-

    Rocky tilted his head. -What's the IPPA?-

    Kaylie was just as confused- but not about the IPPA.

    "What's etymology?" she asked aloud.

    Clopin laughed.

    -Okay, first of all, Rocky, the IPPA, or International PokeLatin Phonetics Association, is a company that teaches PokeLatin. It's an organization in which I have a few friends of mine that are members, and I'd like to become one myself.-

    Rocky gasped in awe.

    -Whoa!- he cried. -Sounds awesome! Can I become a member?-

    -Sure,- Clopin replied. -That is, if Rancorpujin notices you. He's the president of the IPPA, and he is a somewhat intimidating Rampeler.-

    -He sure sounds intimidating,- remarked Rocky. -How can you get him to notice you?-

    -Oh, I don't know... by displaying an act of bravery? At least that's how Switeuk became a member of the IPPA.-

    -Switeuk?-

    -He's a disfigured Capyall who was crowned the KoF at the FoF,- Clopin explained. -I'll introduce you to him later. And Kaylie, to answer your question, etymology is pretty much the study of word origin.-

    "Cool!" Kaylie responded happily. "Are you gonna teach us more about PokeLatin etymology?"

    Clopin laughed.

    -Oh, certainly,- he assured her. -But we have to talk about conjugation first.-

    -Conjugation?- asked Rocky. -Is that hard?-

    Clopin shook his head. -Not at all, mok am, because there's practically none.-

    Rocky blinked.

    -Okay... that was the easiest lesson of my entire life,- he said.

    Clopin laughed.

    -Well... I still have to show you what exactly I mean by that. Basically, conjugation is changing the spelling of a verb to match its subject, and PokeLatin basically has no conjugation whatsoever. It's much more akin to English conjugation than a language like, say, Kalosian. In Kalosian, you have all these different verb endings and irregular verbs and so on, and you have all these different forms of irregular verbs...- He laughed nervously. -It's complicated, mok am. The good news is, in PokeLatin, you won't have to worry about any of that.-

    -So there aren't any verb endings I have to worry about?- Rocky asked hopefully.

    -Not for irregular verbs, no,- Clopin responded. -The word "sois" is an irregular verb, and its Kalosian counterpart is "être." In Kalosian, you would get all these different forms of être depending on the subject: je suis, tu es, and so on. "Sois," however, is extremely straightforward: jok sois, tok sois, lob sois, chob sois, nok sois, ka sois... The funny thing is though, it didn't use to be that way.-

    Rocky looked at him in shock.

    -Wait. Are you saying... "sois" used to be conjugated?!-

    Clopin nodded.

    -Yep, that's exactly what I'm saying,- he said. -This was back in the really old days of archaic PokeLatin, when all verbs were conjugated and there was such a word as vok.-

    -"Vok"?-

    -The plural form of "tok," meaning "you."-

    -Oh. I see. It's not in use anymore?-

    Clopin shook his head.

    -No, it isn't. It fell out of favor and eventually disappeared from the language altogether. Now we just use "tok" for both singular and plural forms.-

    -Okay. Anyway, you were saying?-

    -Oh, yes! "Sois" used to be conjugated back in the olden times. In archaic PokeLatin it used to be: jok med, tok med, lob/chob rübt, nok medt, vok medt, and ka soisk. Yes, those words existed. But as time went on, those words, just as vok had, fell out of favor, and eventually, conjugation itself fell mainly out of favor with PokeLatin speakers. Nowadays, it's just "sois."-

    -So what about the times where there is conjugation?- Rocky asked.

    -Well, actually, it's only for regular verbs,- Clopin explained.

    -Huh?-

    -That is, verbs that follow a pattern, such as "canc." It's straightforward: jok canc, tok canc, lob canct, chob canct, nok canc, tok canc, and ka canc. But here's where the conjugation comes in: These words all sound the same, but at the end of "lob canct" and "chob canct," there's a "t." It's silent- a "t" is almost always silent at the end of a word.-

    -So... "lob" and "chob" are the only two subjects that require conjugation?-

    -Cheüt.- Clopin nodded. -For regular verbs, at least. And there's a reason for that. Remember what I said about etymology?-

    -Yeah.-

    -Well, it's not just the study of word origins,- Clopin explained. -It's also the study of the history of languages.-

    -Wait... we're gonna learn about the history of PokeLatin?!- gasped Rocky.

    Clopin nodded. Rocky excitedly screamed.

    -AWESOME!- he exclaimed. -Lay it on me, Clopin!-

    Clopin laughed.

    -Okay, then,- he giggled. -Besides, I was just about to, anyway. Back in the old days, when TST was still first being used, the only language that was translated from the Pokémon speak was the language of PokeLatin, when it was still archaic and had conjugation for every verb. However, as more and more Pokémon were caught by Trainers, they noticed that most of those Trainers spoke a completely different language from theirs.-

    -That language was English, wasn't it?- Rocky asked.

    -It certainly was, mok am!- Clopin replied happily. -And as Pokémon spent more and more time around these English-speaking Trainers, the TST devices slowly picked up on the grammatical style of the language. More and more Pokémon were being translated into English, and as time went on, English eventually became the default setting language.-

    -What happened to PokeLatin?- Rocky asked.

    -It went extinct.-

    Rocky blanched in shock. The fact that PokeLatin had once been an extinct language was something he hadn't been expecting.

    -Wait, WHAT?!- Rocky gasped.

    "PokeLatin went extinct?!" Kaylie cried out, just as shocked as Rocky.

    "Then how come you speak it?" Patrick asked.

    -Because a few years after it went extinct, it was rediscovered by a group of Pokémon scientists trying to add more languages to the TST device,- Clopin explained. -They could barely believe that this language had once existed, and they were determined to learn it. So they researched every single aspect of the PokeLatin language, from grammar to pronunciation, and within a month, they were fluent in the ancient language.-

    -And then?-

    -Then the scientists were so impressed that they just knew they had to include PokeLatin as a language option. And thus, the PokeLatin language was added in as a language option in the TST device, and Pokémon began to relearn the language until there were some extremely fluent speakers.-

    -Like you!- Rocky pointed out happily.

    Clopin laughed.

    -Yes,- he said, -like me. PokeLatin was extinct no longer, but it was still extremely rare. Many Pokémon didn't know it even existed. So, a group of fluent PokeLatin speakers made it their goal to teach the language to Pokémon and people all across the world- and that's how the IPPA came into existence. However, more Pokémon were now speaking English than PokeLatin, and as time went by the IPPA were inspired by the grammatical structure of English and decided to change a few PokeLatin grammar rules.-

    -What did they do?- Rocky asked.

    -Well, they ditched the irregular verb conjugation that had been going on for years, and instead restricted it to only regular verbs. They noticed that in English, the present tense form of a verb with the pronoun "he" or "she" would always have an "s" after it- "he drives," "she sings," "he dances"- that kind of thing. So, inspired by that, they decided to do the same thing for PokeLatin- except they used a "t" instead of an "s." Hence, "lob vïst," "chob canct," "lob vïkt," "chob promt"... The only exception to this rule is if the word you're talking about already ends in a "t"- like "rüt." It's always "rüt," no matter which subject you're talking about.-

    -Okay, I get it,- Rocky replied. -The history of PokeLatin is pretty cool, though. Man, I can't believe PokeLatin was almost an extinct language...-

    -Hard to imagine, right?- Clopin giggled.

    Kaylie and Patrick, who had been watching the entire thing, looked at each other as Rocky and Clopin continued their PokeLatin lessons.

    "Wow..." Kaylie gasped. "I can't believe it. PokeLatin was almost an extinct language."

    "Yeah," Patrick replied with a grin. "It's just like he said- hard to imagine."

    "Very," Kaylie agreed with a laugh. "Still, though... I can't believe Clopin would give up all this time just to teach Rocky the PokeLatin language. He's such a sweetheart, isn't he?"

    Patrick nodded.

    The two of them looked back out at Clopin and Rocky, who were continuing with their PokeLatin grammar lessons. On the board was written POKELATIN ETYMOLOGY in big bold letters. Kaylie gasped.

    "PokeLatin etymology!" she cried happily. "This is definitely going to be the best part of this entire lesson."

    Clopin laughed.

    -I would have to agree with you there, mok am!- he said happily. -Anyway, Rocky... PokeLatin etymology certainly is--

    BOOM BOOM BOOM

    They were suddenly interrupted by extremely loud footsteps coming towards them. Clopin and Rocky immediately stopped their PokeLatin lessons and turned towards the sound, while Kaylie and Patrick sat up. The footsteps were getting louder now- but then, all of a sudden, they stopped, and then walked away from the group. Kaylie and Patrick looked at each other, confused.

    "Uh... what was that?" Kaylie asked.

    "I'm not sure," Patrick replied, "but I think we might need to keep our ears open just in case they come back. They sounded dangerous to me."

    -I'd bet that was Rocky's father,- Frollo said, -but even I'm not sure.-

    -Well, if that was your father,- Clopin said, turning to Rocky, -that was certainly a close call! I wonder why he walked away from us, though. But enough talk about your father- are you ready to continue your PokeLatin lessons?-

    -Oh, you bet I am!- Rocky exclaimed with determination.

    Clopin beamed.

    -That's exactly what I like to hear.-

    After hours and hours of grammar lessons, including a full list of nearly every single vocabulary word in the PokeLatin language (except for curse words) and the history of the etymology of PokeLatin, Rocky's lessons were finally complete. The Yakocks was now a fluent speaker, and to celebrate the momentous occasion, Clopin had set up a huge party. Kaylie, Patrick, and their Pokémon were all in attendance, and there was food everywhere. PokeLatin conversations could be heard from every corner of the field, which was abuzz with happiness:

    -Prïket, mok am! Cüme sois tok?-

    -Jok sois bïlok, bïloktaknüs! Cüme sois tok?-

    -Bïlok, jok inver. Cüme sois tok dar?-

    -Ah, ro sois incredïbüt!-

    -Rütomï? Ji derempt?-

    The conversations kept on going, and while everyone was having the time of their lives, Rocky, Clopin, Kaylie and Patrick were the most delighted of all. Rocky in particular was extremely excited- not only had he just learned the entire PokeLatin language, but he had had the best teacher in the world- way better than his father ever was. Happily, he turned to Clopin, laughing.

    -This is the best party EVER!- he exclaimed.

    Clopin giggled.

    -Jok bïlok tok am ro, mok am,- he responded.

    -Bïloktaknüs,- Rocky responded. -But you know what I'm really happy about?-

    -What?- asked Clopin.

    Rocky grinned, running over to hug Clopin.

    -That I got to learn it from someone as awesome as you!- he cried happily.

    Clopin blushed.

    -Bïloktaknüs, mok am,- he responded.

    Rocky smiled, but then-

    -WHAT'S GOING ON IN HERE?-

    They were all startled by a very loud and booming voice. Terrified, Clopin immediately stopped the music and looked up, and saw something that he never wished he'd see again. Rocky's abusive father was glaring down at all of them, but especially at Clopin. Kaylie trembled with fear.

    -You!- Frollo growled.

    Rocky's father glared at him.

    -What are you doing here?!- Clopin cried in anger. -You just interrupted our party!-

    -Yes, I see you're throwing a party,- snapped Rocky's father. -What's it for?-

    -For an absolutely momentous occasion, mok am! Rocky is officially fluent in PokeLatin, thanks to yours truly!-

    Rocky's father's eyes suddenly went wide. Shocked, he looked at his son, then back at Clopin. He was completely silent for a moment, then-

    -You... taught my son PokeLatin?!- he gasped.

    Clopin nodded. -Cheüt.-

    Rocky's father regarded Clopin with shock for a few more moments, before all of a sudden changing that look to a glare of pure anger. Now extremely enraged- and apparently for no good reason- he got right up in Clopin's face, causing the Touceet to blanch.

    -Cüme cu tok?!- he erupted. -CÜME CU TOK?! I am the only one who is allowed to teach my son PokeLatin, and now you claim that you've taught my son the entire PokeLatin language? What is the matter with you, intruder?!-

    -He's not an intruder!- growled Frollo.

    -Quiet, you useless Emberhund!- snapped Rocky's father, before turning back to Clopin. -And as for you... why, you're nothing more than the poster child for why no one should ever have friends!-

    -But didn't you want your son to learn the entire PokeLatin language?!- snapped Clopin.

    Rocky's father laughed.

    -Oh, I did. I certainly did,- he replied, before getting back up in Clopin's face again, glaring. -BUT FROM ME!-

    -But who's to say that someone else who's not you can't teach their son PokeLatin?!-

    -I CAN SAY THAT, thank you very much!- boomed Rocky's father. -I am his father, after all, and if it were up to me, you wouldn't even have a RIGHT to teach him!-

    Angered, he ran up to Clopin- and proceeded to tackle him so hard he was knocked down to the floor.

    Kaylie, Patrick, and their Pokémon gasped.

    "Clopin!" Kaylie gasped in shock.

    Rocky was speechless. He had watched the whole thing unfold before him, and up until this point, he hadn't said a single word, in fear that his father might hear him and try to beat him again. But the sight of seeing Clopin, his PokeLatin teacher, being thrown down to the floor and tackled by his own father was enough to have extreme rage start boiling up inside him. How could his father do that to Clopin?

    -Püdre, what are you thinking?!- Rocky cried in anger.

    Startled, his father turned to him.

    -Excuse me?!- he gasped, enraged.

    -That Touceet you just tackled to the ground is my friend,- Rocky snapped. -You have no right to beat him up like that! Are you insane?! What do you have against him?! What are you planning to do with him, even?!-

    Rocky's father glared at his son, as he had done many times before.

    -Oh, I'll tell you what I'm planning to do with him,- he growled in a low and menacing voice. -I'm going to be taking him away to the Cinderite Valley.-

    Clopin and Rocky gasped.

    -No!- Rocky cried.

    -And then I'll beat him in the very same way I did to you many times before!- Rocky's father laughed maniacally. -AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO STOP ME!-

    With that, he picked Clopin up in his mouth and ran off, carrying him away. Rocky and Kaylie watched on, distraught by what they were seeing.

    -Clopin!- Rocky cried, running after his father.

    But his attempts to rescue his friend were in vain, as his father had gone very far away. The others looked on, despair on their faces.

    "He's gone..." Kaylie muttered sadly.

    -There's no way you can catch him now... is there?- Quasi asked.

    Rocky looked out at where his father had ran off, a determined glint in his eye. He wasn't going to stand for this anymore.

    -No,- he said firmly. -There's gotta be a way we can catch him. And no matter what happens, I will get Clopin back. We will get Clopin back.- He turned to the others, clearly determined. -Come on, guys. We're going.-

    -Going where?- Frollo asked.

    Rocky laughed.

    -My home,- he responded, looking up in determination. -Cinderite Valley.-

    Vïs har au kïtone münt tok pït mert

    Ou au escqt zjü Notre Dame

    Zjï tok wo plüs ca kindrer münt ta tok reg

    Ou au escqt zjü Notre Dame

    Tok ce liert ta toket et tok hanqhomt

    Tok ce dit ci pitüt qualam

    Chok tok neü ce huder ji tok fini frok au vïsï

    Au ki vïsï zjü Notre Dame...

    With that, the group set off on their trip to Cinderite Valley, which as it turns out, was not in Cinderite City itself, but was in fact close to the city. That said, the trip to the valley took a bit longer than expected, and pretty soon, the group was starting to get tired. However, after about 25 minutes of running to the valley, trying to get there so they could rescue Clopin as fast they could...

    -We're here!- Rocky suddenly cried out.

    The entire group looked up, and that was when they saw it: an enormous, craggy valley stretched out in front of them. There were gigantic boulders as far as the eye could see, and the valley itself was nothing short of majestic- probably too majestic for words. The group gasped in shock at the scene that was laid out before them.

    -Wow!- gasped Quasi.

    "This is where you live?" Kaylie asked.

    Rocky nodded. -Used to live, anyways.-

    Kaylie smiled. "It's beautiful."

    -Thanks,- Rocky replied, blushing.

    -Look!- Quasi cried suddenly. -There they are!-

    The entire group looked in Quasi's direction and crowded around the valley entrance. Sure enough, there in the middle of the valley, stood Rocky's father, who was glaring at a clearly trembling and fearful Clopin. The group crowded around to get a better view of what was going on, and Quasi turned to Rocky.

    -Do you have any idea what's going to happen?- he asked, a bit scared.

    Rocky shook his head.

    -I honestly don't know,- he admitted. -But I don't think it's going to be good.-

    They stared in anticipation at the scene that laid out before them. The valley was so big that both of the Pokémon's voices echoed throughout, and it was Clopin's they heard first.

    -There's... no way you can do this, mok am... I haven't done anything wrong in teaching Rocky PokeLatin.-

    He sounded a lot more terrified than usual; clearly it was an indication that Rocky's father was about to do something terrible. As the group watched in disbelief, Rocky's father glared harshly at him, before getting right up in Clopin's face.

    -You have done more than wrong, you useless heathen!- he growled. -You have sabotaged my right as a father to teach my son the PokeLatin language! Once I am through with you, I'll take your "friend" that is my equally useless son and I will beat him to the ground as punishment for all this!-

    Rocky's eyes went wide in anger and shock.

    -What?!- he gasped.

    -That can't happen!- squealed a cowering Quasi.

    Clopin was trembling now, not saying anything. As he watched, Rocky's father glared at him one more time- before taking three steps back.

    Clopin gasped.

    -No! What are you doing? Not to me, mok am, not to me~!-

    -Quiet, you!- Rocky's father snapped back. -I shall see you to the Distortion World if it is alright with me! FLAME WHEEL!-

    With that, he somersaulted again, and was once more covered in flames. Rocky gasped as he saw his own father doing to Clopin what he had just done to him yesterday. Up until this point, he'd always seen his father as a figure to be admired- but to physically abuse his PokeLatin teacher for just teaching him the language ended any admiration of his father Rocky had had up until that point. His father was getting closer and closer to hitting Clopin, who was trembling in fear. Rocky's eyes narrowed with anger, and he jumped right off the edge and into the valley, running as fast as he could...

    -NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!- he screamed.

    With that, he jumped straight in front of Clopin, blocking the Flame Wheel from hitting Clopin and taking the hit instead. He was thrown back almost immediately, burning from head to toe, both literally and figuratively. His father was so stunned that the Flame Wheel stopped almost immediately, and he stepped back in shock at what his son had done. He glared.

    -Let me guess what you're going to do next: chïnjirüt, chïnjirüt, chïnjirüt. Well, you listen to me, young Yakocks, they'll be no claiming chïnjirüt for your sick, pathetic excuse for a--

    -NEÜT! TOK ECOUT TA MOK!-

    It was Rocky, who was on all fours, burn marks everywhere on him- and he didn't even mind. He was now the one glaring- at his own father.

    -Ombegatza mok?!- his father growled.

    "What are they saying?" Kaylie asked.

    -Rocky just said "No, you listen to me,"- Clopin responded. -And his father just said, "Excuse me?!"-

    "Good to know," Kaylie responded. "Well, I expect a big PokeLatin speech will be coming along, so..."

    Clopin smiled. -Don't worry. I have you covered. Now...-

    All eyes were now back on the fight, and sure enough, Rocky was standing his ground. The next few sentences out of his mouth were extremely bitter, directed right at his father, and, just as Kaylie had predicted, in PokeLatin:

    -Tok kümpte dit ca parqe jok we frok Cinderite Citi, jok wo sjüzjüsjon PokeLatin. Chok au drek tok coerc mok ta sjüzjüsjon ro weüt rectpit jok de NEÜT hanc gre kot! Clopin sois gütter kirümetük cü tok! Lob sois au güt kirümetük jok pit etern pitet! Et tok, Püdre... SOIS AU DESPÜT!-

    Clopin, at the same time, provided translation:

    -You always said that because I was from Cinderite City, I would learn PokeLatin. But the way you forced me to learn it was something I did NOT sign up for! Clopin is a better teacher than you! He is the best teacher I have ever had! And you, Father... ARE THE WORST!-

    The minute Rocky ended his speech (which was also when Clopin ended his translation), he immediately charged towards his father, knocking into him with enough strength to knock his father back. Clopin was now in such high spirits again that he happily jumped up and down upon seeing this.

    -Cheüt! You go, Rocky!- he cried happily.

    His father, however, didn't back down, instead glaring at his own son with intense animosity. He stood back up.

    -Oh, you're not getting away with that,- he growled. -How about a one-hit knockout move to send you packing for good?-

    Rocky and Clopin gasped.

    -No!-

    His father grinned menacingly.

    -Bet you didn't know I could use this one, could you?!- he snarled. -FISS--

    "Clopin, use Guillotine!" Kaylie suddenly cried out.

    Rocky's father's eyes went wide.

    -What?!- he gasped. -That puny little Touceet over there knows GUILLOTINE?! THERE'S NO WAY THAT CAN BE RIGHT!-

    Clopin grinned as Kaylie turned off the TST device.

    "Tou, tou ceet ceet," he said diabolically. (Oh, yes there is.)

    And right on cue he began:

    #Ceetceet touc tou ceet ceet touceettou ceet
    #Ceet ceet toutou ceet Ceettou touceet ceet ceet ceet
    #Ceetceet touc tou ceet ceet ceetceettou ceet
    #Tou ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc-
    #Toutou, touc ceet!
    #Ceet ceet ceet tou touc
    #Ceet ceet touc tou ceet
    #Ceet ceet ceetceet ceet touc
    #Tou touc touc ceet ceettou tou ceetceettou ceet touc tou
    #Ceet ceet ceet ceettouc touc ceet ceet ceettoutou
    #Ceettou ceet Touceet touceettouc ceet ceet
    #Ceet ceet ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc
    #Touc ceet ceet ceetceettouc ceet tou ceet touc ceetceet#

    Rocky's father, as it were, was dumbfounded with anger and shock.

    -This isn't Guillotine, you fool!- he snapped. -This is just you singing some stupid number to yourself in PSP!-

    "Ceet tou ceet," laughed Clopin. (Just you wait.)

    Rocky's father just rolled his eyes, as Clopin continued singing.

    #Touceet ceet ceet ceet ceet Ceet ceet Ceetceettouc
    #Ceet ceet ceet touctouc touc ceet ceet ceet tou
    #Ceet ceet tou ceet ceet ceettou toutou ceet ceetceet
    #Ceettouc ceet ceet ceetceet touc ceetceet ceet tou#

    "Ceetceet ceet touc?"

    -No!- Rocky's father snapped. -I've got no last words for you, idiot! I'm living!-

    Clopin giggled.

    "Ceet ceet tou touc ceet."

    #Tou ceet ceet ceet tou ceet ceettouceet-#

    "Ceet! Ceet touceet!

    "Touceettouc!

    "Ceet touceet!

    "CEETCEET!

    "Ceet...

    #Ceet ceet tou toutouceet ceettouceet... ceet ceet ceet touc ceet ceet tou...#

    Rocky's father glared at him.

    -Alright, that's it!- he snapped. -PUPPETS? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! WHY YOU ARE JUST ABOUT THE MOST IDIOTIC TOUCEET I HAVE EVER--

    He charged forward, not realizing that at that moment, Clopin's wings had already grown longer and sharper and had turned a bright blue, not anticipating Clopin jumping into the air, coming towards him, and screaming out the last line:

    #TOU TOU CEETCEET TOU CEET!#

    He didn't realize it until it was too late. The Guillotine had hit, and as he slowly realized that he was going down, Rocky's father let out a scream of pain, until he passed out on the ground, swirls in his eyes. Kaylie turned on the TST device again, and she, Patrick, and their Pokémon all rushed down to the valley to get a good look. Sure enough, Rocky's father had finally had his last hurrah. Rocky jumped up happily.

    -Alright!- he cried. -Take that, Püdre!-

    His father groaned and raised his head.

    -Why... you puny little...what are you going to do with me now?-

    He groaned in pain again, too weak to even get up by himself. Kaylie laughed.

    "Oh, we know exactly what to do with you," she laughed menacingly, turning to Tesla knowingly.

    Tesla took out a phone, and nodded. -It's payback time.- He then dialed a number, and from there the conversation began:

    -Yes? Hello, Officer...-

    "I must thank you very much, ma'am. I don't know how we would have caught this criminal if it hadn't been for you."

    Kaylie smiled. "No problem, Officer."

    The group was standing back on the road, outside the Cinderite Valley. A couple of police officers had found Rocky's father, and upon recognizing that he was a wanted Pokémon criminal, along with having heard of his history of child abuse, he was promptly arrested. He was now locked up in a police car, shouting at the officers who had arrested him. One of the officers took out a notepad and turned to the other.

    "What's he getting arrested for this time, chief?" he asked.

    The police chief smiled.

    "Oh, I don't know... 5,527 counts of child abuse, 2 counts of attempted force-fainting, and many, many other criminal charges," she responded.

    "Force-fainting?" Kaylie asked, concerned.

    -In the human world, it's attempted murder,- explained Tesla, who was standing next to Kaylie.

    The police chief nodded. "Yep. And it would have been attempted murder in the Pokémon world, too, if Pokémon were still able to actually die. Those genius scientists who invented the TST devices and the Devolver also happened to create an immortality device that prevents all Pokémon from dying of natural causes or disease or any of that stuff about the 'circle of life.' The only way a Pokémon can die now is if it gets struck by an Yveltal- and the chances of that happening to any of your Pokémon are slim to none."

    "Yeah, especially for your Shiny Yakocks there," the male officer remarked, kneeling down to Rocky's level. "He certainly displayed great courage in standing up to his own father like that. And I won't blame him. His father's a criminal!"

    The two officers laughed. Rocky blushed.

    -B-bïloktaknüs,- he muttered.

    The chief gasped.

    "No way!" she cried. "It speaks PokeLatin!"

    Rocky shrugged. -I was taught.-

    "Well, I must say, you certainly are a hero in our eyes, bud," the police chief remarked. "You just arrested one of the most wanted criminals in the Feluv region, you know that?"

    "Dear Arceus, that Yakocks deserves a medal or something like that," added the male officer.

    The chief laughed.

    But as suddenly as the prospect of a medal was mentioned, Kaylie suddenly saw it: another one of the 14 virtues, falling down from the sky. She gasped and pointed in the distance.

    "Speak of the devil!" she cried. "I think I see one!"

    She began running off in the direction of the medal, and soon, so did Patrick and their Pokémon. The officers cast a quick look at each other, before deciding to follow them. They stopped, and soon, they all saw it too- a medal falling down from the sky with a mountain on it. As everyone watched, it attached itself to Rocky's neck, before the mountain symbol colored itself in a light brown. Rocky looked down in shock.

    -Whoa,- he gasped. -What is this?-

    -Your virtue, mok am!- Clopin exclaimed happily.

    -My... virtue?- Rocky asked, confused.

    "All my Pokémon have one," Kaylie explained, pulling out the other six medals. "Seems like you're the latest edition, Rocky. But... what virtue is that?"

    -Hang on, let me see,- Tesla said, pulling out a small object that resembled a metal detector. He walked over to Rocky, and immediately began scanning his medal. A screen came up, and data about the medal appeared on the screen. The others crowded around Tesla.

    "What does it say, Tesla?" Patrick asked.

    -It says here that this is the virtue of dedication,- Tesla responded. -It's given to someone who is extremely dedicated and hardworking, and doesn't give up no matter the challenge. I would say that he got it not due to his dedication in learning the PokeLatin language, but rather his dedication in trying to save Clopin from his father.-

    Kaylie smiled.

    "Well, one thing's for sure- that certainly fits Rocky!" she replied happily.

    The police chief laughed.

    "Yep, it certainly does," she responded. "Alright, then. We might as well carry this Yakodigger away to where he belongs."

    The male officer nodded. "Will do, Chief."

    The officers immediately got back in their police cars, and drove off with Rocky's father, whose eyes suddenly went wide in shock upon realizing where he was. He looked around to find himself in the back of a police car.

    -NOOO!- he cried. -Unhand me, you idiots! I'll get you for this one day! I'LL GET YOU ALL FOR THIS...!-

    The police car eventually drove out of sight, and by the time it was gone, the group giggled maniacally.

    -Serves him right!- Rocky laughed.

    "Agreed!" Kaylie added. Turning to Patrick, she asked, "So... now that Rocky's got his virtue, where do we go next?"

    "Well, if you ask me, I say we go to Lumiose City in Kalos to get some rest and training before we head on to Cinderite," Patrick suggested. "It'll be nice to get away from all the drama of what happened with Rocky's father."

    Kaylie nodded.

    "Yeah, I think we should do that," she agreed, turning to her Pokémon. "So, what do you say, guys? Lumiose City?"

    -YEAH!- they all agreed enthusiastically.

    Kaylie laughed.

    "Alright, then!" she cried. "Lumiose City, here we come!"

    With that declaration, the group set off, with Clopin and Rocky happily in the lead. Rocky looked back at his PokeLatin teacher for a moment and smiled. He was so grateful to have the opportunity to have a PokeLatin teacher as incredible as Clopin- and indeed, a Trainer as incredible as Kaylie. And he was even more proud to be the holder of the virtue of dedication- an honor he knew for sure he'd be dedicated to. A whole slew of new adventures were waiting for him, and as he, Kaylie, and the rest headed off on their next adventure, Clopin was in front, joyfully singing:

    -#Zjï har sois rykütü bïlot frok au canct

    -#Zjü au clïke zjü Notre Dame:

    -#Hokt au zoiskan bükt? Hokt ios au Seine?

    -#Canc au clïke, clïke, clïke, clïke, clïke, clïke, clïke, clïke

    -#Clïke zjü Notre... DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME!#-
     
  19. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
    Level 15
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Posts:
    248
    PokéPoints:
    ₽633.8
    WARNING! POSSIBLE CONTROVERSY! TRUMP ALLEGORY AHEAD! IF YOU ARE EASILY ANGERED BY ANTI-TRUMP COMMENTS I STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU NOT VIEW THIS CHAPTER! (sorry)

    Anyways, here's Chapter 12! Enjoy!

    Pokémon Opal and Garnet
    Chapter 12: Just How Huge Is the Galaxy?
    Before the group heads off to old Cinderite

    It's to Lumiose City

    But when they reach Medela, they get quite a fright

    Near the new observatory

    A group of Alolan Pokémon

    Can't reach Feluv, to their alarm

    For a tyrannical liar has set forth a fire in the bells

    AND THE JUDGE OF NOTRE DAME... (the other one)

    "So, Patrick, now that we're getting near Medala City... do you have any idea what we should do next?"

    Patrick shook his head. He, Kaylie, and their Pokémon were on their way to the bridge connecting Medala City to Lumiose City, where they would rest before Kaylie's next Gym Battle against Vulcan. Seeing Patrick's response, Kaylie thought about it for a minute.

    "Well, if you don't have any ideas... then what should we do?" she asked. "Just cross the bridge?"

    Clopin laughed. He was standing right next to Kaylie, cheerful as ever.

    -Oh, silly,- he giggled. -We can't just cross the bridge! If anything, I say we get to truly exploring the city. The last time we were here, you only got to see the center square where the FoF was held!-

    "And the Gym, of course," Kaylie added.

    -True,- Clopin agreed. -But still, mok am, there's sure to be a lot of things we've yet to see in the city!-

    -Indeed.- Frollo nodded. -Medala is a huge city, so there's bound to be some things we haven't seen yet.-

    Kaylie smiled.

    "Okay, then," she responded. "You're right- there's probably all sorts of things we haven't seen yet in Medala."

    "Hey, guys?" Patrick asked.

    The others turned to look at him.

    "We're here," he replied, pointing.

    Immediately, all eyes turned to the skyline in front of them, and sure enough, there was the unmistakable skyline of Medala City, complete with the Gym, Trainer's School, City Square, and the bridge leading to Lumiose City in Kalos. The entire group gasped in awe and excitement, delighted to be back in Medala- but it wasn't long before something in the distance caught Kaylie's eye. It was something she hadn't seen in Medala before, and it resembled a long spire that went thousands of feet into the air. On the top of the spire was a satellite dish. Kaylie squinted.

    "What is that...?" she asked.

    But no one heard her. They were too ecstatic to be back in Medala. Clopin happily danced around, while Quasi, Frollo, Esmeralda, and the rest all stared in awe.

    -Wow...- Quasi gasped.

    -It feels like yesterday since we last visited this place for Kaylie's first Gym Battle,- Esmeralda remarked.

    -I've never seen this city before in my entire life!- Rocky gasped. -This place is amazing!-

    The others laughed.

    At that moment, however, Kaylie pointed to the spire in the distance.

    "Do any of you know what that is?" she asked.

    All eyes turned towards the spire. Quasi tilted his head in confusion, Clopin gasped, and Frollo stood there looking at it thoughtfully. Patrick turned to Kaylie and shook his head.

    "No," he replied. "I have no idea what that is."

    -I certainly haven't seen that in Medala City before,- Frollo mused. -From what I can tell, it seems to have just been built.-

    -Do you think we should check it out?- asked Quasi.

    Frollo nodded. -What else do you think we would do?-

    "Come on, guys," Kaylie told them. "If we're gonna find out what that thing is, we better get a move on."

    At once, her Pokémon nodded at each other, and they, Kaylie and Patrick rushed off in the direction of the spire in front of them. As they got closer, they were able to see large crowds of people surrounding the spire, and eventually saw, to their shock, that the spire was actually part of the top of a new building that they had never seen in Medala City before. It was a gigantic yellow observatory, with blue doors and a gigantic red telescope sticking out from the top at an angle. Right next to the telescope was the tall spire with the satellite dish on top. Judging by the number of people crowded around the building, it had either just opened or was an extremely popular building. Either way, one thing was for sure- it was new, and the sight of it made Kaylie and her Pokémon gasp in awe.

    "You're kidding!" gasped Kaylie in excitement.

    -It's an observatory, mok am!- Clopin exclaimed. -And a brand-new one at that! Seems to me as though they just opened!-

    -They must have,- Frollo observed. -Otherwise they wouldn't have this many people visiting it.-

    -What are those bridges for?- asked Quasi, curious.

    The others looked in Quasi's direction, and eventually they saw what he was talking about. From either side of the observatory, two bridges stretched out in different directions. One of these two bridges went straight to the nearly unmistakable sundial in Anistar City, in the Kalos region. The other went to the Mount Hokulani observatory in the Alola region. Kaylie hadn't known that Feluv was so close to the Alola region before, but all of a sudden, she understood the meaning of the satellite on the top of the observatory.

    "It's a joint operation," she gasped.

    -A what?- asked Phoebus.

    -A joint operation,- explained Frollo. -It's when a company can connect with and work with another company far overseas. In this case, Feluv, Alola, and Kalos are all in a joint observatory with one another.-

    -So, what you're saying is, this is jointly owned and operated by Feluv, Kalos and Alola?- Phoebus asked.

    Frollo nodded. -That is exactly what I'm saying.-

    -Wow,- Phoebus gasped. -That's amazing!-

    "It is, isn't it?" Kaylie agreed.

    She headed off, clearly about to go in the observatory to see what was inside, and her Pokémon eagerly followed her. However, that was when they suddenly heard upbeat mariachi music and lots of eager chatter in the distance. They stopped.

    -Mariachi music?- asked Frollo. -Whatever could that be for?-

    -No idea,- responded Phoebus.

    -Whatever it is, we're checking it out!- Rocky exclaimed happily. -I wanna go see more of the city, and more likely that not, there's a big party going on back there!-

    -A party?!- gasped Clopin. -Count me in!-

    The Pokémon excitedly began running in the direction of the bridge, but Kaylie stopped them with a laugh.

    "Actually, that's not a party," she giggled.

    Clopin sighed.

    -I was hoping that it was,- he muttered sadly.

    -B-but if it's not a party,- Quasi asked, -t-then what is it?-

    Frollo looked over at the source of the mariachi music, which seemed to be getting louder. It was coming from the bridge. He got closer, and as he did, he could just make out small black and green shapes on the bridge. The rest of the Pokémon turned in his direction, as did Kaylie and Patrick.

    "Looks to me like some sort of parade," Patrick muttered.

    "That's because it is a parade!" Kaylie responded cheerfully. "That's a group of Pokémon who are crossing the bridge from Alola to Feluv!"

    -But why would they be having a parade on that bridge?- Clopin asked.

    "I don't know that yet," Kaylie responded. "But I'm pretty sure we're gonna find out. To the bridge!"

    On cue, she, Patrick, and their Pokémon made their way through the crowd of people surrounding the observatory, and for the first time, finally got to see what was going on on the bridge from Alola to Feluv. Crossing the bridge, with smiles on their faces, was a group of Rattata- but these didn't look like regular Ratatta. They were dark black in color, had mustache-like whiskers, and walked on two feet, as opposed to four like a regular Ratatta. There were also several Exeggutor that looked like palm trees, with incredibly long necks, and Sandslash that were bright white in color with ice crystals on their backs. The Ratatta, as it turned out, had been the ones playing the mariachi music, and all wore sombreros. Wanting to know what was going on, Kaylie ran up to the group of Alolan Pokémon and started frantically waving her hands in the air to get their attention.

    "Excuse me?" Kaylie called. "Could you please stop playing that music?"

    The mariachi band of Ratatta stopped, and all eyes were now focused on Kaylie and her Pokémon. One of the Alolan Exeggutor tilted his head.

    -Why do you want us to stop?- he asked. -We just found ourselves a new land of opportunity here!-

    The rest of the Alolan Pokémon nodded their heads. Kaylie looked extremely confused.

    "Huh?"

    The leader of the Alolan Pokémon, an Alolan Raichu, floated forward and laughed. It had blue eyes, unlike most Raichu, its ears were yellow in color, and it used its tail as though it were a surfboard. It bowed to Kaylie.

    -You see, dude, we were being persecuted over in Alola. The other Pokémon who saw us hated us for who we were. Then we heard about the incredible region of Feluv... and duuuuuuuude, you know we had to come here!-

    -A region full of peace and harmony!- cheered an Alolan Sandslash.

    -Wait a minute,- Quasi suddenly interrupted. -I-I don't mean to interrupt, but... did you just say you were persecuted?-

    The Alolan Sandslash nodded. -Yeah, the Kanto Sandslash hated our species. We were being pursued all over the land. There were campaigns made to wipe out all Alolan Pokémon in the entire world- and crazier yet, Alola is the only region that hasn't yet been introduced to that immortality potion thing. If we were gone, we were gone for good.-

    Quasi gasped. -Oh, no.-

    Frollo looked down solemnly.

    -Well, I feel a great sympathy for you coming here,- he said. -You Alolan Pokémon are certainly not deserving of persecution- a horrible injustice. We of Feluvian descent certainly wish to welcome you to this region.-

    The eyes of the Alolan Pokémon lit up.

    -Really?!- gasped the Alolan Exeggutor.

    Esmeralda smiled.

    -Of course,- she agreed. -Believe me, I know what it's like to be bullied, and if anything, you deserve more than the experiences you had in Alola.-

    -Welcome to Feluv, mok amt!- Clopin exclaimed happily.

    The Alolan Pokémon looked at each other with tears of joy coming to their eyes. Cheering loudly, they happily continued to cross the bridge, while Kaylie, Patrick and their Pokémon waved and cheered.

    But no sooner had they continued to cross than all of a sudden, a bush next to them began to shake. All eyes were now on the bush, and as they watched, a large mongoose-like Pokémon bounded out from within. It stood in front of the Alolan immigrants and eyed them all with a clearly grouchy look on its face. The Alolan Pokémon trembled staring up at the Gumshoos, who sniffed.

    -Illegal immigrants,- he grumbled. -How sad.-

    Kaylie and her Pokémon stood there in shock. A million questions were running through their mind: namely, who was this Gumshoos, why did he think these immigrants were illegal, and what about them was so sad?

    -Excuse me?!- Frollo growled, angered. -Illegal immigrants? I beg your pardon. These are completely legal immigrants crossing the bridge from Alola to Feluv, and they are looking for new opportunity.-

    The Gumshoos sniffed again.

    -Wrong,- he retorted.

    "What do you mean, 'wrong'?" Kaylie asked, confused.

    -You are a sad, sad Trainer,- the Gumshoos retorted. -These are illegal immigrants who have come here to terrorize the Feluv region. They have directly broken rule number 13,769 under my rule, and--

    -Your rule?- growled Frollo. -What do you mean, your rule?-

    Again, the Gumshoos sniffed. Frollo groaned in annoyance.

    -I am the president of the Feluv region,- the Gumshoos responded. -I make the rules here. And according to rule number 13,769, illegal immigrants are banned from entering into the Feluv region.-

    Kaylie was burning with rage. This was so unfair- how could this idiotic Gumshoos become president of Feluv, and how could he sign a law saying that these Alolan Pokémon, who certainly deserved a better chance here, could be deported?

    -President?- Quasi asked, confused.

    -Yes. I am the greatest president that there ever was in Feluv's history. I am the absolute best. No question. All the Alolan Pokémon here will tell you that.-

    Frollo glared at him.

    -Liar,- he growled.

    The Gumshoos seemingly ignored him, and turned to the Alolan Pokémon.

    -Look at that,- he boasted. -That idiotic Emberhund thinks I'm a liar. Sad.-

    -No,- Frollo growled in anger. -I know you're lying. Feluv hasn't had a president in its entire history. How could you have possibly been elected?-

    -I ran an entire campaign all across Feluv,- the Gumshoos claimed. -Everyone loved me. They voted for me. Everything I have ever told the people and Pokémon of Feluv is representative of true Feluvian values.-

    "Well, trying to say that these Alolan Pokémon don't belong here certainly isn't!" Kaylie cried out, enraged. "What is it that you have against Alolan Pokémon?"

    -Oh, I hold no grudges towards Alolan Pokémon,- the Gumshoos boasted.

    -Then why are you trying to send them out of the region, you liar?!- Frollo snapped.

    -I just told you, they're terrorists, and they're going to build an ultimate weapon like the one in Kalos and use it to burn down the entire Feluv region.-

    -WHAT?!- Frollo gasped in anger.

    "These innocent Pokémon?!" Kaylie added, incredulously.

    -How in the world are you possibly going to keep them out?!- Esmeralda challenged, glaring at the Gumshoos.

    The so-called "president" sniffed again.

    -It's just as I told them in my campaign,- the Gumshoos responded. -I am going to build a gigantic wall over the ocean- or rather, over this bridge- and I will have Alola, its Pokémon, and its citizens pay for that wall.-

    Esmeralda gasped in shock. A gigantic wall would be built to keep out the Alolan Pokémon? How in the world could that happen?

    -You can't do that,- the Mothibell snapped.

    -Why not? I'm the president of Feluv. I can do whatever I want.-

    -You are not the president of Feluv, you liar!- growled Frollo, getting up in the Gumshoos's face and baring his teeth. He looked more menacing than Kaylie had ever seen him- and right then and there, Kaylie knew he meant business. -I'll have you know that I am the virtue of honor, and I absolutely cannot have this injustice happen!-

    The Gumshoos scoffed.

    -Injustice?- he retorted. -What kind of injustice? Obviously, you're crazy. I'm not committing an injustice of any sort.-

    -You are, you idiot!- growled Frollo. -You cannot build a wall across the Feluvian-Alolan border! That's basically the same thing as persecution and racism. Besides, you would need approval and money!-

    The others nodded, but the Gumshoos ignored them and walked away.

    -Too late. I already have,- retorted the Gumshoos. -And there's nothing you can do about it- I signed rule number 13,769 into law, after all.-

    Frollo growled and glared at him.

    -There is something I can do about it!- he snapped, as the Gumshoos continued to ignore him. -If it's alright with you, I will call up my lawyer, and we will take this case to court!-

    Kaylie, Patrick, and all the Pokémon gasped- Frollo was getting serious. The Gumshoos suddenly got interested, and turned back towards Frollo.

    -Court?- he asked.

    Frollo nodded and walked towards the Gumshoos defiantly.

    -Yes,- he said sharply. -We battle in court. If I win, you free the Alolan Pokémon and plead guilty to lying about your status as the Alolan president.-

    The Gumshoos snickered.

    -And if I win, which I know for sure I'm going to do, because every one of these Pokémon loves me?-

    Frollo glared at him.

    -If you win, then I give you my virtue medal and $20,000 cash.-

    The Pokémon gasped. Knowing Frollo, if he lost the court case, he'd stay true to his word no matter what. The Gumshoos thought about it, then nodded his head.

    -Alright. Deal, then,- he agreed. -But don't think you're going to win, because I am an incredible businessman and I know what I'm doing.-

    He swaggered off, clearly believing he was going to win. Frollo, on the other hand, growled at him.

    -Don't get your hopes up,- he warned. -I am going to win, because not only do I have my friends and Trainer on my side, but I also have the greatest lawyer in all of Feluv, and he will refute everything you have to say.-

    But the Gumshoos didn't hear him. He had already walked off the bridge.

    Frollo growled at the Gumshoos for a few minutes, before eventually turning back to Kaylie, Patrick, and the group of Pokémon. All were staring at him in absolute shock and confusion. None of them- especially Kaylie- could believe that Frollo had just asked a Gumshoos to battle him in a court of law. Kaylie shook her head in disbelief, then approached Frollo.

    "You're going to court?!" she gasped.

    Frollo nodded. -It's the only way I can get the world to see this injustice. There's no way that a liar like him could possibly be a so-called "president."-

    "But... where are we going to find a court?!" Kaylie asked, extremely confused. "And who the heck is your lawyer? I didn't even know Pokémon could have lawyers."

    -Exactly!- Clopin agreed. -There's only one court in all of Feluv, and I bet you know what it is!-

    Frollo shook his head.

    -Silly you. It's not the Court of Miracles.-

    -I know, I know!- laughed Clopin. -It was a joke!-

    Frollo sighed.

    -There's a very famous courthouse right here in Medala City,- he explained. -The Court of Pokémon Opinion, or CPO. They are the number-one judicial organization in Feluv- and among their many lawyers and judges is my hero- and my personal lawyer.-

    "Who is he?" asked Kaylie.

    Frollo looked up in admiration.

    -Andro,- he said.

    "Andro?" repeated Kaylie, confused. "Who is that?"

    -Why, he is only the greatest lawyer in all of the Feluv region,- Frollo explained. -Legend has it that he solved the greatest mystery in the entirety of Feluv, and has also helped free the innocent from jail, as well as solved several human murder trials. He is my idol, and arguably a true inspiration- nothing like the cruel judge who I am named after.-

    Kaylie smiled.

    "I'll say," she remarked. "This Andro certainly seems like one. He's a Pokémon, right?"

    -Of course he is.-

    "I figured. What kind of Pokémon is he?"

    -A Galaxamole.-

    "A Galaxamole?"

    -It's a Ground/Psychic type from Feluv that looks like a gigantic mole. You'll find out more when you meet him.-

    "Cool!" Kaylie exclaimed. "Where does he live?"

    -Here, of course,- Frollo scoffed. -It should be obvious. Of course, given his feats, it'd be even more obvious that I'd have him on my defense team.-

    -You're having ANDRO on your defense team?!-

    It was the Alolan Sandslash. The sheer enthusiasm of his voice caused every head to turn, and as soon as they laid their eyes on him, the Alolan Sandslash let out an extreme squeal of delight. Frollo laughed.

    -Yes, I am,- he confirmed.

    At this response, the ecstatic Alolan Sandslash ran up to him, squealing with delight.

    -Then you are soooo gonna win this!- he exclaimed. -Oh, man, you must be so lucky to have Andro on your side! He's only the greatest Galaxamole lawyer in all of Feluv!-

    "He is, isn't he?" Kaylie agreed with a laugh.

    -But, sir...- The Alolan Sandslash suddenly had a look of saddening disbelief on his face. -What'll happen if- if you do lose this case, and you'll have to give the Gumshoos all your money? You can't just let this Pokémon build a wall on our border! We're trying to get in!-

    The other Alolan Pokémon nodded in concern. Frollo looked down, a look of solemn contemplation on his face.

    -I know. That's why Andro and I need to win this. For you and you alone.-

    -There's no way you should be the target of that horrible Gumshoos,- Quasimodo agreed sympathetically. -You should be free to cross the bridge from Alola to Feluv, and I don't think there's any way that Frollo and Andro are not going to let that happen to you.-

    The Alolan Sandslash brightened.

    -Really?!-

    Kaylie smiled.

    "Oh, I'm sure of it," she assured him.

    -Well, I certainly hope you win!- the Alolan Sandslash cheered. -You and Andro and your entire defense team.-

    Frollo bowed. -So do I.-

    -Don't you worry, mok am!- Clopin reassured them. -We are going to win this court battle no matter what! That is, as soon as we have information about who exactly this Gumshoos is, of course...-

    -That is a factor indeed,- Frollo agreed. -However, Andro can easily find this Gumshoos' files and use them as evidence against him.-

    "Awesome!" Kaylie gushed. "This is going to be the greatest court battle ever!" She paused. "But... when are we going to meet Andro?"

    Frollo grinned.

    -Right now.-

    Frollo had been leading the group around Medala City for an entire minute, trying to desperately find Andro's house. While he was searching, the rest of the group got an exclusive tour of the rest of Medala City. Arguably, it was unlike anything they had ever experienced. Kaylie was looking around at all the sights surrounding her in shock- she hadn't thought that Medala City was that big!

    "You're kidding!" she gasped. "Patrick, look at this place! I've never seen the city outside of the town square before!"

    Patrick grinned excitedly. "Yeah, me neither."

    At that moment, Frollo stopped.

    -Alright,- he told the rest of the group, looking up at the house in front of him. -Here we are.-

    The rest of the group stopped and looked up at the house in front of them- and were stunned not because it was a house that made them gasp in awe, but because of how ragged it looked. For the home of the most acclaimed Pokémon judge in the entire Feluv region, his house certainly did not show his wealth and power. If anything, it resembled more of a hut than the fancy mansion they had been expecting to see. Kaylie glanced at Frollo, a bit skeptical.

    "Are you sure this is the right house?" she asked. "It looks kind of... ragged."

    -Believe me, I know what Andro's house looks like, and I know this is it,- Frollo assured her. -Now all I need is his approval for this case, and then I can take it to court.-

    "Okay..." Kaylie replied, still uncertain.

    With that, Frollo went up to the ragged door of the hut and knocked on it with his muzzle. Almost immediately, a low-pitched voice spoke from inside the hut. It was even lower than Frollo's.

    -Who is that who enters my humble adobe?- it asked.

    Frollo cleared his throat.

    -Sir...- Frollo paused. -I certainly hope you don't mind but I would like to ask of you that you please take this case.-

    There was a pause.

    -A case?- asked the voice, with a bit of interest. -What case do you speak of?-

    -Sir, it is the court case of Alolan Pokémon v. Gumshoos,- Frollo explained. -It is a case of terrible injustice if I am to say so myself, seeing as though I am the holder of the virtue of Honor.-

    Another pause.

    -I'm sorry, but did you just say the virtue of Honor?-

    Frollo nodded. -Indeed I did, sir.-

    There was another pause, before all of a sudden an ecstatic scream of delight came from inside the room. The speaker- who was apparently Andro- could no longer contain his emotions upon hearing the words "virtue of Honor."

    -Come in, sir, come in! I am delighted to be speaking to the holder of the virtue of honor!- Then he paused. -Wait a second...-

    His voice seemed as though he knew who was on the other side of the door. Frollo tilted his head in confusion.

    -Yes? What is it, Andro?-

    There was a gasp from the other side of the door. All of a sudden, the group heard the sound of feet rushing to the door, before it flew open. The Pokémon that met the group's eyes on the other side of the door certainly did not look as though it should have such a deep voice. Yet it had to be Andro, for it looked exactly like what Frollo described. Andro was an extremely heavy Pokémon that, as Frollo had said, resembled a giant mole. His face was a bright pink, with two pink crescent moon-shaped horns on the top of his head. His snout was brown in color, and his eyes resembled two black swirls. The rest of his body was a purple color, with galaxy and star motifs all over. To top it off, he had a brown tail with a pink galaxy symbol on it, brown claws, and extremely small feet. In short, he did not look like the kind of Pokémon that could be a lawyer. He smiled broadly and gasped the minute he saw Frollo.

    -Frollo, my friend!- he exclaimed. -I am so happy to see you again.-

    Frollo bowed. -And so am I, Andro.-

    Kaylie gasped as she stared up at Andro.

    "Wow," she muttered, taking out her Pokédex. "So that's a Galaxamole."

    As she looked up in awe at Andro, the Pokédex scanned his data:

    "Galaxamole, the Cosmic Mole Pokémon and the final evolved form of Staramole. This Pokémon is able to glow in the dark like the stars in the night sky. Galaxamole is able to see far beyond the observable universe. Type: Psychic/Ground. Nature: Adamant. Ability: Inner Focus. Moveset: Psychic, Kinesis, Calm Mind, Meditate."

    "So Andro only knows one attacking move?" Kaylie asked, putting away her Pokédex. "Interesting. I assume he doesn't battle that often."

    Andro shook his head.

    -Not on the battlefield, no,- Andro admitted. -I much prefer to battle in court.- Turning to Frollo, he smiled. -Please do come in. I haven't had visitors in quite a while, I must admit.-

    He opened the door. Frollo bowed to him, and he, Kaylie, Patrick, and the rest of the group walked inside. As Andro shut the door behind him and returned to his seat, Kaylie looked around the interior of the building in awe. With all the many certificates and awards on the walls, as well as the desk that Andro was using, it looked much more like the kind of office an attorney would have. Andro looked up at Frollo and cleared his throat.

    -So, Frollo... what exactly are the terms of this case you speak of?- he asked.

    -May I have Kaylie tell you?- Frollo asked.

    Andro nodded. -Is Kaylie your Trainer?-

    -She is indeed, and she is on my defense team. Kaylie, if you please.-

    He turned to his Trainer. Kaylie stepped forward, a bit hesitant.

    "Hello, Andro... sir..." she began. "We were on our way to Lumiose City when we saw the new observatory in Medala. You know, the joint operation. We saw a group of Alolan Pokémon trying to cross the bridge from Alola to Feluv, and we knew after hearing their story that we had to let them into our region. The poor Pokémon were being taunted and bullied by their Kanto relatives, and weren't having good lives. They wanted to find opportunity in Feluv. But no sooner were they about to cross the bridge than a huge Gumshoos leaped out of the bushes and said they were illegal immigrants."

    Andro tilted his head. -Go on. What did he have to say?-

    "He told them that he was the president of Feluv, and he called them terrorists," Kaylie explained, fear creeping into her voice. Andro looked up, intrigued. He had been taking notes on everything Kaylie was saying.

    -President?- he asked.

    Kaylie nodded. Andro looked down in disbelief.

    -No... that can't be right...- he muttered. -Feluv has never had a president in its entire history...-

    -Which is exactly why you have to take this case,- Frollo told him. -If anything, that Gumshoos is a liar if I've ever seen one. He even claimed that he has nothing against Alolan Pokémon, yet he clearly does. For Arceus's sake, he wants to build a wall across the Alolan-Feluvian bridge. A wall! How much of an injustice is that?!-

    Andro thought about it.

    -Certainly a big injustice if I've ever seen one. A Gumshoos that wants to build a wall to keep out Alolan immigrants...-

    He gasped.

    -EUREKA!- he exclaimed, quickly going to his computer and typing in some information. Kaylie leaned in.

    "What?" she asked. "What did you just realize?"

    -Do you have any idea who he is?- Frollo asked.

    -Why, yes I do!- Andro replied, clicking on a link. -There's only one Gumshoos who I know of who's been able to deceive in this way. And his name... is DJ KIRIFUDA!-

    He showed them what was on his computer. It was a picture of the Gumshoos they had encountered at the bridge. Next to this picture was information saying on it: NAME: DJ KIRIFUDA. Pokémon: GUMSHOOS. NOTES: COMPULSIVE LIAR. HAS MADE A LOT OF MONEY. HATES ALOLAN Pokémon AND WILL DO ANYTHING TO GET RID OF THEM. IS NOT A DJ DESPITE THE NAME.

    Kaylie stared at the information in awe.

    "So- so this is the Gumshoos who terrorized those poor Alolan Pokémon?!" she gasped.

    Andro nodded.

    "What else does it say about him?"

    -It says here that he has had a history of lying about other people and Pokémon and placing his blame on other people,- Andro explained. -Whenever he apologizes for something, he doesn't mean it. He has a Bibarel wife and Bidoof and Yungoos children. He claims he is Feluvian, yet everything he has made has come from other regions. And the police have been searching for him for decades now. They've had no success.-

    -Wow,- Clopin remarked. -That is a bad record.-

    -It is, isn't it?- Andro asked. -And the fact that he isn't allowing these innocent Alolan Pokémon to enter the Feluv region, then lying about his own beliefs isn't helping. Tell one lie, it won't do that much damage. Tell a few more and you may lose trust. But tell too many and it could ruin your reputation. I don't think Kirifuda realizes what his lies are doing.-

    -And if anything, these Alolan Pokémon need to be freed,- Frollo added. -That's why you need to take this case and meet me in court. I made a bet with Kirifuda that if I won, he would admit to what he had done, and if he won, I would give him money and my virtue medal. There's no way I'm giving up on that bet.-

    "Please, sir," Kaylie pleaded. "You need to help us!"

    Andro thought about it.

    -I haven't done a court case in 3 years,- he said.

    Kaylie's face fell. She'd been hoping that he'd take the case. Then, all of a sudden, Andro looked back up and smiled.

    -But I'll do it,- he agreed.

    Kaylie brightened.

    "Really?!"

    Andro nodded. -Of course. What happened at the bridge is a terrible injustice, and it needs to stop.-

    The Alolan Pokémon cheered.

    "YES!" Kaylie exclaimed happily. "Thank you so much, Andro!"

    Andro smiled.

    -You are very much welcome,- he said. -Now, Frollo... before we take this case to the CPO, may I please be so kind as to be introduced to the rest of your defense team?-

    -Oh, certainly,- Frollo responded, turning to Esmeralda and Clopin. -The Mothibell over there is Esmeralda, holder of the virtue of tolerance. She was born with a swollen leg, and ever since then she has dedicated her life to helping other Pokémon who were bullied like her.-

    Esmeralda flew forward and bowed. Andro looked at her thoughtfully.

    -Well, I must say, she is certainly fitting for a case like this,- he remarked. -And the Touceet? Who's that...?-

    Frollo laughed, knowing just what would happen after Clopin's name was said.

    -Can I just have Kaylie write it down for you?- he asked.

    -Oh, sure,- Andro nodded. -Go right ahead.-

    With that, Frollo turned to Kaylie, who nodded as she took out a pad of paper and pen. She then proceeded to write down Clopin's name before giving it to Andro. The Galaxamole took one look at it and immediately looked a bit confused.

    -Let's see here... "klop-pin"? Why'd you want that name to be written down? Seems extremely simple to me.-

    Clopin laughed.

    -Oh, mok am... this always happens, doesn't it?- he giggled. -It's not quite as simple as it looks. You're saying it wrong, mok am.-

    Andro gasped.

    -Am I? My most sincere apologies, sir- I never did mean to offend you.-

    -Offend me?- laughed Clopin. -Oh, no, not at all! Don't worry, I get that a lot. Ryküte jïlü mok, alright? "Kloh-PAH~(n)."-

    -Kloh...?- Andro looked at him in confusion.

    -PAH~(n).-

    -PAN?-

    -Neüt, mok am. "PAH~(n)."-

    -How in the name of...-

    Clopin giggled.

    -Here. I'm pretty sure this is going to help you. My name is a Kalosian one, and it ends in a Kalosian nasal vowel, which is notoriously difficult for others to pronounce. So I came up with this little mnemonic device. Basically, I want you to say the word "pang." Can you do that?-

    Andro nodded. -"Pang."-

    -Good. Now say it again, without the "-ng" at the end.-

    -"PAY"?- tried Andro.

    -No, no, no. It needs to be cut off all the way. "PAH~(n)." See? You still get a little bit of extension at the end when "-PAY" is said. You don't want that. You want a "PAH~(n)," which is sharply cut and sharply nasal. Now you.-

    -"PAH." Any better?-

    Clopin laughed.

    -Cheüt, mok am!- he giggled.

    Andro smiled.

    -Alright then,- he said. -Thank you for being involved in this trial... kloh-PAH.-

    -Künek sjine,- Clopin responded with a laugh. -Et tok bïlokvü. I do trials every day, so...-

    Andro looked at Clopin skeptically. The Touceet giggled.

    -Well... kind of...- he laughed nervously.

    Andro laughed.

    -"Kind of" is good enough for me,- he responded. -I can tell you're going to be an incredible attorney.-

    Clopin blushed.

    -Bïloktaknüs,- he said.

    Andro looked at the rest of the group, grinning with determination.

    -Well, what do you say? TO THE CPO!- he exclaimed happily, throwing his claw up in the air.

    "TO THE CPO!" everyone else cried.

    And with that, the group of Pokémon and people rushed out of Andro's home, an exciting court battle awaiting them. As they left the building, Kaylie turned to Patrick, smiling.

    "You think they're gonna win?" she asked.

    Patrick scoffed.

    "Course they are," he responded. "I mean, with an attorney like Andro on their team, what have they got to lose?"

    "Not to mention the fact that Kirifuda is a complete and total idiot! And a liar," Kaylie added.

    But all of a sudden she paused, suddenly nervous. Kirifuda was a liar, for sure, but what about his defense team? For all she knew, they could be manipulative, lying to the court with believable lies that would ultimately make them rule in their favor instead of Frollo's! She turned to Patrick, nervous.

    "Patrick?"

    "Yeah?" Patrick asked. "What is it?"

    She motioned for him to come closer, which he did. Then, a bit hesitant, Kaylie whispered in his ear:

    "What about the rest of Kirifuda's defense team?"

    Patrick recoiled.

    "Huh?"

    "Well, I mean, they could be extremely manipulative liars," Kaylie explained. "They could make the court believe that they're right."

    Patrick suddenly realized what Kaylie meant, and got a look of pure terror on his face.

    "And then..." he began warily.

    Kaylie nodded. "Then they could make Frollo lose the case. We gotta watch out for them if they are extremely manipulative."

    Patrick nodded. "Agreed."

    -Hello~?- they suddenly heard Clopin call out from outside. -What are you two doing? We have a court case to get to!-

    "We're coming, Clopin!" Kaylie called. "Come on, Patrick. We gotta follow them to the courtroom!"

    Patrick nodded, and with that, both Trainers followed in the direction of the large group of Pokémon to the CPO. As she ran, Kaylie looked around nervously. Only one thought was going through her head at that exact moment.

    I just hope to Arceus that Frollo wins this case.

    A short time later, the group had arrived at the Court of Pokémon Opinions, and were already seated, gazing around the courtroom as the trial began. Kaylie was absolutely awed by the sights around her. The entire court was covered in stain-glass windows, and right in front of them was the judge's seat, along with the jury right next to it. Above the judge's seat was a huge clock reading 1:10. Kaylie gasped.

    "Wow!" she whispered. "This place is amazing!"

    Patrick grinned. "I know, right?" Then, seeing something ahead in the distance, he pointed. "Hey, look, Kaylie, there he is!"

    Kaylie turned to where Patrick was pointing. Right to her left, staring impatiently at the judge's seat, was Kirifuda himself, along with his defense team: a Rhyperior, a Granbull, a Wobuffett, and a Bibarel, presumably his wife. Kaylie glared over at him, an aura of hatred filling her mind.

    "Kirifuda," she whispered angrily. "And his defense team."

    Patrick nodded. "God, I hope that Frollo and Andro win this case."

    "Me too," Kaylie agreed. "But we shouldn't talk about it for too long. The trial's about to start."

    They turned their attention back to the trial, and all of a sudden, the judge entered and took his seat. Said judge was a extremely short man with a 1700's-style powdered wig. He slammed his gavel, and the trial officially began.

    "We, the Court of Pokémon Opinions, situated in Medala City, present the case of The Alolan Pokémon v. DJ Kirifuda," the judge began. He turned to Kirifuda. "Will the prosecution please state their opening remarks?"

    Kirifuda stood up.

    -Thank you, Your Honor,- he began.

    "He doesn't mean that," Kaylie whispered to Patrick out of earshot. Patrick nodded, and they turned back to Kirifuda as he continued his opening statement.

    -As you no doubt know, 10 years ago Alolan Pokémon and their Trainers hijacked a plane and proceeded to attempt to crash into the Castelia City Gym,- began Kirifuda. -While the Gym was ultimately defended by the Gym Leader and his Pokémon, the sheer terrorism of the Alolan Pokémon could not be forgotten. Now, 10 years later, another group of vicious Alolan Pokémon terrorists have attempted to enter the Feluv region for one reason and one reason alone- to attack the Feluv region.-

    The Alolan Pokémon on the defense began screaming in protest. The judge slammed his gavel.

    "Order in the court!" he demanded. "Order!"

    The room quieted down. The judge turned back to Kirifuda, who continued.

    -So, in order to stop this terrorism from continuing, I, the president of Feluv, have come up with an idea to keep them out. I will build a great wall over the Alolan-Feluvian bridge, and I will have Alola pay for that wall.-

    Andro raised his claw.

    -Objection, Your Honor,- he declared.

    -Overruled,- Kirifuda retorted.

    Andro glared at him.

    -You are not the judge,- he snapped. He turned back to the judge, who nodded.

    "Objection sustained," he responded. "Andro, you may speak for your clients."

    Andro stood up.

    -Thank you, sir,- he said.

    He got up and walked over to Kirifuda, pointing directly at him.

    -There is no way that this Gumshoos can possibly be telling the truth,- he proclaimed. -I will admit that there was an attempted terrorist attack on the Castelia City Gym 10 years ago, but it was not done by Alolan Pokémon, and if you paid attention to his opening statement, you should know that. As I recall, Kirifuda specifically proclaimed that he was the president of Feluv. First of all, if there was a president of Feluv, there is no way a Pokémon could ever hold the role, and second, even more importantly, there has never been a president in the entire history of the Feluv region.-

    Kirifuda's defense team stood up in anger.

    -Objection!- cried the Rhyperior.

    -Huge objection,- agreed Kirifuda. -There is a president of Feluv. I am right. I am always right, and I have extremely compelling evidence right here.- He took out a small ballot. -I had an entire campaign, and I have this ballot here to prove it.-

    -Objection!- cried Frollo.

    "Objection sustained," the judge responded. Frollo rushed over to Kirifuda and looked at him directly in the face.

    -You don't even know how a court works, you idiot!- he snapped. -You're not supposed to give any evidence until you are asked by the judge if you solemnly swear to tell the whole truth, nothing but the truth, so help you Arceus!-

    The Gumshoos sniffed.

    -Wrong. I can give any evidence I want.-

    -We're still doing the opening statements! It's not even cross-examination time!-

    -The Galaxamole did it,- Kirifuda responded. -Why shouldn't I?-

    -Physical evidence, you idiot!- Frollo snapped. -Andro hasn't given any physical evidence!-

    "Order!" the judge proclaimed.

    The room was silenced. The judge turned to Frollo.

    "The defense may now continue with their opening statements," he said.

    -Thank you, sir,- Frollo said, standing up. -We believe that what Kirifuda is trying to do is promote racism across the Pokémon world, and we cannot let that happen. We firmly believe that with our convincing evidence, we will stop this injustice from happening.-

    "Thank you," the judge said. "Please be seated."

    Frollo sat down. The judge turned back to Kirifuda and his defense team.

    "Will the prosecution please rise for cross-examination?" he asked.

    Kirifuda stood up.

    "Raise your right hand," the judge ordered.

    Kirifuda did as he was told.

    "Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Arceus?"

    -Yes,- said Kirifuda.

    "Alright then. Proceed."

    -Thank you, Your Honor.- Kirifuda took out the ballot from earlier. -Now, I understand the defense over there thinks I'm lying about me being the president of Feluv. Well, I have huge evidence that will convince you otherwise. This ballot won me the presidency, and it is 100% legitimate. I had an entire campaign all across the Feluv region. I should know, because I won.-

    -We were there,- the Rhyperior added. -We voted for him in the election.-

    The jury gasped. Frollo growled- obviously, he was lying about all this. Apparently, though, his evidence was convincing to the entire jury, and his entire defense team was stating that they were at the so-called "election." He looked on, angered, as the jury discussed the findings amongst themselves:

    "That is some pretty compelling evidence."

    "Do you think he might have a point in sending those Alolan Pokémon away?"

    "Possibly."

    All eyes were now back on the Rhyperior, who was now taking out a piece of parchment. He turned to the jury and judge.

    -But that's not all the evidence we have to prove that we are making the right decisions for the Feluv region,- he declared. -Allow me to read this excerpt from the Alolan-Unovan Constitution: "Any and all Alolan Pokémon and Unovan Pokémon should remain inside their borders at all times, and are not allowed to spread their beliefs to any other region."-

    The looks of the jury suddenly changed to that of confusion and disbelief. Frollo growled.

    -Liar,- he thought. -They never said that in the Alolan-Unovan Constitution.-

    -And,- the Rhyperior added, -the Feluvian Constitution says that "all illegal immigrants from Alola are prohibited from entrance into the Feluv region."-

    -That wasn't in the Feluvian Constitution, either,- Frollo muttered to Andro under his breath.

    Andro nodded. -We've got a lot of evidence against them.-

    -Finally,- the Rhyperior concluded, -when the Unovan Declaration of Independence was written, it should be noted that it was referring to Unovan Pokémon only. Therefore, we believe that what we are doing is purely good for the Pokémon world and entirely symbolic of Feluvian beliefs. These Alolan Pokémon are terrorists, and they must be stopped.-

    He sat down.

    -Hear, hear!- cried a few of the Pokémon in the court.

    "Order! Order!"

    The room quieted down when they heard the banging of the judge's gavel. The judge turned to Clopin.

    "Will the defense please rise for cross-examination?" he asked.

    Clopin stood up.

    "Raise your right hand- er, wing."

    Clopin did.

    "Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Arceus?"

    -Cheüt,- Clopin responded.

    The judge gasped.

    "Oh my Arceus!" he cried. "It speaks PokeLatin!"

    Clopin laughed. Then he turned to Kirifuda.

    -May I please have a look at the ballot you brought in for evidence?- he asked.

    -Sure,- Kirifuda responded.

    He gave Clopin the ballot. Clopin immediately took out a magnifying glass and began examining it, muttering PokeLatin words under his breath. After a few moments, he put the magnifying glass on the floor and held up the ballot.

    -It is a fake!- he cried. -This is clearly a forgery!-

    The jury gasped. Clopin giggled.

    -Ah, you are wanting evidence, are you not?- he asked. -Well, observe: if this ballot really had been made by the government of Feluv, it would be copyrighted FELUVIAN GOVERNMENT. But rather, the copyright on this ballot... IS THAT OF DJ KIRIFUDA HIMSELF!-

    He showed the ballot to the jury. Sure enough, on the bottom of the ballot was a message reading DJ KIRIFUDA, INC. The jury gasped and began to mutter to themselves.

    "Is that all the evidence you have?" the judge asked.

    -Oh, far from it, mok am!- laughed Clopin. -There is also the fact that the number of votes for Kirifuda is 13,769. What is the significance of this number, you ask? Well... it just so happens to be the number law that the prosecution apparently signed in order to keep the Alolan Pokémon out of the region!-

    He glared at Kirifuda. The jury gasped again. A few of the people and Pokémon seated in the courtroom whispered amongst themselves.

    -This only proves that only one person voted for Kirifuda: HIMSELF!- Clopin declared. -He cast all 13,769 votes! Meaning all of the statements of the prosecuting attorneys are nothing but blatant lies! He has hired a group of liars to be his prosecution! I ask you, gentlemen, do you think that truly represents Feluvian values?-

    There was more whispering. Clopin turned to Esmeralda.

    -And now, on to Esmeralda for the second point of our argument.-

    With that said, Esmeralda stood up and flew over to the middle of the courtroom as Clopin sat down.

    -Thank you,- she said.

    She turned to the audience.

    -I hold the virtue of tolerance for a reason,- she began. -I know personally exactly what it is like to be bullied, and it is one of the worst things that can happen to a person or Pokémon. The idea that someone could be bullied and cast out solely based on their region of origin is absolutely insane.-

    -Hear, hear!- cried the Pokémon in the court.

    Esmeralda turned to Kirifuda, anger suddenly overtaking her.

    -But the idea that someone is trying to keep out these poor Alolan Pokémon, who are clearly innocent and have done nothing wrong, is even more so!- she protested, turning to the jury. -Gentlemen, do these Pokémon look like terrorists to you?-

    There was some whispers among the jury. A few of the members shook their heads.

    -And that is why these Pokémon should be free to cross the bridge from Alola to Feluv freely,- she declared. -These Pokémon do not deserve to be treated like this, and Kirifuda should be arrested!-

    "Hear, hear!" cried a slew of people and Pokémon in the courtroom.

    Kirifuda looked on, dumbfounded.

    -There's no way she could think that,- he muttered. -I do not deserve to be arrested. That Mothibell is wrong.-

    Frollo glared.

    -You'd better think again,- he growled. -I am just about to go up there and present my evidence along with Andro, if it's alright with you. Evidence that will surely prove you need to be arrested.-

    Kirifuda only scoffed in response.

    Esmeralda floated back to her seat, her argument finished. Frollo and Andro turned to look at each other and nodded in determination. This was their time to present the final argument, and they knew they would go out with a bang.

    Frollo got up out of his seat and glared over at Kirifuda.

    -As I recall, you stated in your defense that the Feluvian Constitution supposedly said that "all illegal immigrants from Alola are prohibited from entrance into the Feluv region." I say supposedly because the Feluvian Constitution does not say that at all. I must remind you, gentlemen, that Kirifuda swore to tell the truth, and he has lied under oath throughout this entire trial.-

    The jury looked at each other in disbelief. Frollo grinned.

    -But you are probably wondering: If the Feluvian Constitution does not say that, then what does it say? Well, allow me to quote from the Feluvian Constitution for real: "All Pokémon, regardless of region, can travel from one region to another freely, without fear of prosecution."-

    His eyes were now on all the members of the jury, who it appeared were starting to be convinced. A few whispers could be heard as the jury discussed Frollo's evidence. But Frollo wasn't done yet.

    -In addition,- he added, -the Alolan-Unovan Constitution does not say what Kirifuda claimed either. Rather than stating that "any and all Alolan Pokémon and Unovan Pokémon should remain inside their borders at all times, and are not allowed to spread their beliefs to any other region," it instead guarantees freedom of religion and freedom of speech as the first amendment in the Bill of Rights.-

    -Stupid Emberhund,- Kirifuda grumbled under his breath.

    It was here that Frollo turned to Andro, and the latter rose, determined to give his evidence to the court. He walked in front of the jury and took out a piece of paper.

    -I must admit that Kirifuda was right about one thing,- Andro admitted. -At the time the Pokémon Declaration of Independence was written, the phrase "all Pokémon are created equal" did indeed refer to Unovan and Alolan Pokémon only.-

    Kirifuda grunted in triumph.

    -However,- Andro refuted (and here Kirifuda's look changed to that of shock), -that was in 1776. Nowadays, our definitions have changed, and now we intend this phrase to mean "all Pokémon regardless of region of origin." But that is not the largest piece of evidence I have against Kirifuda.- He held up the paper he was carrying. -As you can see, I am carrying in my claw Kirifuda's previous record, and let me say that in the past, he has done some... interesting things.-

    He said the word "interesting" as though there was nothing in the world he hated more. One of the members of the jury stared at Andro in confusion.

    "Like what?" asked the jury member.

    -Like... repeatedly lying under oath in this trial, lying under oath multiple times in different trials, breaking out of jail, forgery, and many, many other crimes. This Pokémon is a liar, gentlemen, I tell you, and these Alolan Pokémon need to be free to cross the bridge!-

    Angrily, he stepped forward in front of the jury, before charging towards Kirifuda.

    -Kirifuda has lied repeatedly, and he has arguably told so many lies his reputation might as well be ruined! One of the most frequent questions I have asked in my trials is "just how huge is the galaxy of lies?" In other words, how many lies can a person tell? The answer is that the galaxy of lies is huge, but that's nothing compared to the absolute idiocy of Kirifuda's lies! So, Kirifuda, I ask of you: just how huge is the galaxy of lies in your mind, you idiotic Gumshoos? JUST HOW HUGE IS THE GALAXY OF LIES IN YOUR MIND?!-

    He was raging in Kirifuda's face now, and the normally haughty Gumshoos now looked absolutely terrified. The message was sent throughout the room: Andro was not a Galaxamole to be messed with. A gigantic cheer went up, and shouts of "hear, hear!" could be heard from all over. The judge slammed down his gavel.

    "Order! Order!"

    The room quieted down, and Andro sat back down along with Frollo. Kirifuda still had a look of absolute terror on his face- clearly, the feeling of what he had just experienced wouldn't be going away anytime soon. The judge turned to the audience.

    "We will return with the verdict," he said. "Case dismissed."

    At once, chatter buzzed around the courtroom as the swarms of people and Pokémon got up from their seats. Nervously, Kaylie turned to Frollo.

    "Do you think your evidence was enough to win?" she asked.

    Frollo bowed his head.

    -Dear Arceus, I hope so,- he said. -But with Andro on my side, I assure you that we have convinced the jury enough.-

    With that, he and Andro, as well as the slew of Pokémon, left. Kaylie turned to Patrick, still anxious.

    "They will win... won't they?" she asked.

    Patrick shrugged. "Probably."

    Kaylie looked up, a nervous glint in her eye.

    "I really hope so, Patrick," she whispered. "I really hope so. That's all I can say."

    Outside of the courtroom, Frollo and Andro were seated next to each other, discussing the events of the trial. Nearby, sitting around the two of them, was the group of Alolan Pokémon, who appeared to be nervous. Kaylie and Patrick were listening in, too. Only one thing was on all of their minds at this moment: would Frollo and Andro's evidence be enough to win the case?

    -I must say, Frollo, I'm pretty sure you convinced them,- Andro remarked. -You had some incredibly compelling evidence.-

    "Well, so did you," Kaylie told Andro with a smile. "I'd be shocked if that evidence doesn't guarantee you'll win."

    -Agreed,- Andro responded. -But then again, if it were to make me lose, I honestly wouldn't be surprised.-

    Kaylie suddenly grew concerned. Why would Andro not be shocked if he lost the case?

    "What do you mean?" she asked. "Have you lost cases before, Andro?"

    Andro shook his head.

    -No, I haven't lost one yet,- he said. -But in recent years...- He sighed, and looked up. Kaylie noticed that his eyes were flashing blue, which was his way of communicating that he was sad. After all, his eyes could show no emotion other than dizziness.

    "What is it?" Kaylie asked, her concern growing.

    -In recent years I honestly feel as though I'm not getting as big a reputation as I used to get,- Andro responded sadly. -Nowadays, people usually think that all lawyers are liars, and sometimes, when I step outside or into a courtroom, I get booed. That's why I immediately accepted Frollo's offer for me to be his personal lawyer when we first met. It meant that I was finally being treated as a lawyer, and an honest lawyer at that. Not as a liar.-

    He looked over at Frollo, who smiled.

    -Andro... I will always treat you as an honest lawyer,- he reassured him. -I have known for many years now that you are sometimes not treated that way, and to me, that is one of the worst injustices in the world.-

    "Yeah, I agree," Kaylie said. "They shouldn't be seeing you that way. I hope the court doesn't see you that way, either- and they honestly shouldn't, seeing all the compelling physical evidence you guys gave at the trial."

    -You're amazing, Andro!- the Alolan Sandslash gushed happily.

    At this, all the Alolan Pokémon crowded around Andro to give him a hug. Andro smiled down at all of them, his eyes now glowing blue- he was crying tears of joy.

    -Thank you,- he muttered. -Thank you all.-

    -Mok amt~-

    The group broke up their embrace, and all eyes turned towards the obvious speaker. Sure enough, the group saw Clopin happily bounding over to them. He finally stopped when he reached Kaylie, before looking up at all of them.

    -The jury's come back with the verdict~!- he cried excitedly.

    Andro looked at him.

    -Are you serious?- he asked.

    Clopin nodded.

    "That quickly?" Kaylie gasped. "Oh, I'm really getting nervous now..."

    -No need to be,- Frollo responded, walking off. He turned back to Kaylie. -As long as the jury has heard our evidence and taken it into consideration, we'll win this case.- With that, he started off for the court again. -Now let's go.-

    Andro nodded and followed Frollo, and he was quickly followed by Clopin and the Alolan Pokémon. Kaylie looked off after them, getting more nervous by the second. She didn't know if they would win if the jury had come back with the verdict that quickly. And considering the reputation that Andro and other lawyers in Feluv had been getting...

    She sighed and followed the group nervously.

    It was now or never.

    The court was back in session, and it was finally time for the final verdict. As Kaylie looked around the courtroom, she was sweating everywhere. Patrick and the Alolan Pokémon seemed nervous, too, and straight ahead of them was Kirifuda, who had a look of nothing but triumph on his face. A horrifying thought came to Kaylie: did Kirifuda know he had won? Had he won, even? The very thought of Kirifuda beating Frollo and Andro made Kaylie sick to her stomach. Eventually, the judge arrived and slammed down on the gavel. The room quieted down, and the judge turned to the jury.

    "Gentlemen," he asked, "have you reached a verdict?"

    "We have, Your Honor," said a member of the jury, taking out a piece of parchment.

    Kaylie, Patrick, and the Alolan Pokémon held their breath. Frollo solemnly looked out at the judge and jury, whereas Andro's eyes began spinning and turned green, a sign that he was just as nervous as Kaylie and Patrick were. The jury member began to read:

    "We, the jury of the Court of Pokémon Opinions, find that the Alolan Pokémon are not now, nor have they ever been, ineligible to freely cross the bridge from Alola to Feluv..."

    The court erupted in cheers. Andro's eyes immediately stopped spinning and turned a bright yellow, flashing in that color before glowing blue and running over to Frollo, who was smiling in triumph, as the two of them hugged. Clopin and Esmeralda high-fived each other happily, and Kaylie, who had been the most nervous of all, breathed a huge sigh of relief- before looking up and suddenly realizing it.

    They had won.

    Happily, she jumped up out of her seat and ran up to Patrick.

    "Patrick, we did it!" she exclaimed. "We won!"

    Patrick laughed happily and hugged her.

    And as for the Alolan Pokémon? They couldn't contain themselves. They were jumping up and down, hugging each other, and screaming at the sight of this huge victory. Kirifuda was extremely shocked by this win, and the courtroom was so delighted by this victory that even the judge was smiling. The noise was so loud that no one heard the rest of the verdict:

    "We hereby award $30,000 to the Alola region and order DJ Kirifuda to leave the Feluv region and go back to Alola as soon as this court is over... We also declare that Kirifuda is banned from visiting the Feluv region, that he is not the president of Feluv, and that we have already called the police and informed them of his whereabouts... Kirifuda will be arrested and finally brought to justice for his crimes."

    Kirifuda was shocked, and meanwhile, the Alolan Pokémon rushed up to Frollo and Andro, hugging them.

    -Congratulations, Andro!- the Alolan Exeggutor cried happily. -You won the case!-

    Andro smiled.

    -You're very welcome,- he responded. -I must say, this is a huge victory for both the people and Pokémon of Feluv and Alola. Kirifuda has finally been brought to justice.-

    Frollo nodded. -He has indeed.-

    The celebration was still continuing, and when the judge slammed down his gavel and declared "Case dismissed," the entire courtroom rushed out in an excited frenzy. Kaylie couldn't believe it. After all this time... finally, the Alolan Pokémon were allowed to cross the bridge from Alola to Feluv without fear of prosecution. She looked over at the ecstatic Alolan Pokémon and smiled broadly. Kirifuda had, indeed, finally been brought to justice- but it was more than that. An entire race was officially protected by Feluvian law, and Andro's reputation was going to be back to the way it was.

    This wasn't just a huge victory- it was one of the biggest victories that Kaylie had ever experienced. It was better than any victory Kaylie had ever had in battle, because this victory had been won for a good cause.

    It was a day she would never forget.

    Some time after the court battle was over, the gigantic WELCOME TO FELUV banner was put up, Kirifuda had been arrested, and the Alolan Pokémon were all the way on the other side of the bridge in their native region. It was finally time for them to cross the bridge from Alola to Feluv. Kaylie, Patrick, Frollo, Andro, Clopin, Esmeralda, Quasimodo, and Phoebus were all standing on the Feluv side of the Feluv-Alola bridge. Kaylie looked ahead, crying tears of joy, as she heard the mariachi music playing and saw the group of Alolan Pokémon cross the bridge. She knew for a fact that this time, there would be no tyrannical Gumshoos to stop them. Clopin, Andro, Frollo and the other Pokémon were waving at the Alolan Pokémon as they got closer and closer to Feluv. And all the while, no threats came out to prevent them from returning to their native region.

    Then, finally- they reached Feluvian ground.

    And the moment they did, a huge cheer went up as the Alolan Pokémon who had previously been persecuted were now happily welcomed into the Feluv region. Clopin was happily jumping and dancing around, ecstatic to see these newcomers enter their new home.

    -Well, I can officially say it- WELCOME TO THE FELUV REGION, MOK AMT- he cried excitedly.

    The Alolan Pokémon looked around at all of the Feluvian Pokémon, crying tears of joy.

    -Thank you, everyone!- sobbed the Alolan Exeggutor. -Thank you so much!-

    -You're very welcome,- Andro responded. -You certainly seem to be an emotional one, don't you?-

    The Alolan Exeggutor laughed.

    -Oh, I'm so happy you don't have to be persecuted in Alola anymore,- Quasi said with relief. -You really shouldn't be treated like that. I heard the news, and I'm so happy you won the court case.-

    The Alolan Sandslash blushed.

    -Aw, don't congratulate us,- he said. -We didn't win the court case. It was Frollo and Andro who won it for us.-

    "Yeah," Kaylie agreed. "If anything, they should be the ones who should be congratulated."

    Quasi smiled and turned to Frollo and Andro.

    -W-well then... congratulations,- he stammered. -I can't believe you won. This must be a huge victory for you.-

    -It is,- Frollo responded. -Especially considering that Andro's reputation is now better than ever.-

    -Yes,- Andro responded. -And speaking of which, I need to go. I have a whole slew of new cases to get to now that my reputation as an honest lawyer is back.- He turned to the group of Alolan Pokémon and smiled at them. -To you Alolan Pokémon: I wish you the best of luck in Feluv.-

    -Same here, dude!- cried the Alolan Raichu.

    -Indeed,- Frollo agreed. -I must thank you for working on this incredibly case with me.-

    "Thanks so much, Andro!" Kaylie called. "I'm so happy for you! Take care!"

    -Bye!- cried all of Kaylie's Pokémon as Andro left for the Court of Pokémon Opinions to get to work on all his new cases. Finally, when Andro was long gone, Kaylie turned to Patrick.

    "Well, Patrick, I think we ought to be going, too," Kaylie said.

    Patrick nodded. "Yeah," he agreed. "We've got to get on our way to Lumiose City before your next Gym Battle."

    -Good luck, Kaylie!- called the Alolan Raichu.

    -Thanks for all your help!- added the Alolan Exeggutor.

    Kaylie smiled.

    "Same to you," she said.

    -You're leaving?-

    It was the Alolan Sandslash. He had run up to the group and had a pleading look on his face. Clearly, he didn't want Kaylie and Frollo to leave, especially after what he had seen in that case. Quasimodo noticed and smiled sadly, nodding.

    -Yeah, we have to,- he said. -I'm sorry. Kaylie has a big Gym Battle to look forward to.-

    -You can't leave!- the Alolan Sandslash pleaded. -After what I just saw in that case... needless to say, I'd love to work with Frollo again. He saved our lives!-

    Kaylie shook her head.

    "Sorry. I really need to get going. But we'll come and visit you any chance we get. Medala City's not too far from Lumiose, after all."

    The Alolan Sandslash brightened.

    -Really?- he gasped. -Oh, thank you! But... gee, Frollo, I sure am gonna miss you...-

    Frollo smiled.

    -Well, so am I. But Kaylie has a Gym Battle to get to in Cinderite City. If you were to be caught by her... well, you wouldn't really do so well against Fire-types.-

    The Alolan Sandshrew laughed.

    -Well, then, if that's the case... Thank you, Frollo. For everything. I sure would like to see you again someday. Tell Andro I said thanks, too.-

    Frollo nodded. -I will.-

    With that, the group set off for the bridge from Medala to Lumiose City- their next destination. The group of Alolan Pokémon gathered around the Alolan Sandslash and waved goodbye as Kaylie and the gang set off on their next adventure. Smiling, Kaylie looked down at Frollo. She felt very proud of him for what he had done in the court case by standing up for all those Alolan Pokémon. What had happened with Kirifuda was a huge injustice, and she was delighted it had been stopped.

    And meanwhile, the Alolan Pokémon looked out in the distance until Kaylie and the group were long gone. They all left, chattering excitedly.

    Except for Spero- for that was the name of the Alolan Sandslash. He had other plans.

    With no one else noticing, he took off in the direction of Lumiose City.
     
  20. oghond

    oghond Black Belt

    Germany
    (Butterfree)
    Level 15
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
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    If anyone reads the above chapter and sees anything I got wrong about the way the American court system works, please inform me of my errors. Thank you! Chapter 13 is coming soon! If you know French, you might understand a bit of what is being said, and if you ARE French, you might enjoy the ending...
     

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