Chapter 30

Redwald and Eusine were waiting for Greta at the door. Greta was rushing and packing her stuff in the Pokécenter room. Nidoran and Eevee were playing on the ground at the same time. Greta was in such a big rush that she failed to realize the Pokémon and almost stepped on Eevee’s tail. Redwald called the Pokémon back in the Poké Ball to make sure of their safety. When Eevee was gone, Nidoran walked towards her own Poké Ball and called herself back in it.

“You should have been packed from last night, Greta!” Eusine said. He was completely excited about leaving Cerulean City for a brief time to finally meet the person he wanted to see. Greta could understand it completely, but it was barely a reason for her to forget something in there. She was mostly careful about the fresh fruit she managed to buy in the city. No place else could sell such fresh food in Kanto.

She finally made sure that she took everything. Finally, she nodded her head. “I am ready.” She said. Eusine stared at the ceiling. “Finally!” He responded. As he walked outside of the room along with Redwald, Greta followed them, carrying slightly too heavy bag of herself full of many fruits.

Once Greta reached in the lobby, Redwald and Eusine were waiting for her at the gate already. “Come on, Greta. We won’t get there in three weeks if you keep falling behind!” Eusine said. Greta was beginning to get annoyed by Eusine’s talks until she realized something else.

The trainer talking to the nurse and taking her Poké Balls back turned her back unpleasantly. There she was with arrogant hat and daring look on her face, Madison was looking at Greta.

“Great…” Greta thought. She wanted to ignore her completely and walk away, but Madison walked towards her faster than Greta running away. “What a surprise to see you here.” Madison said. “I thought you could just be leaving Pewter City by now.”

“As you can see, we are leaving Cerulean City.” Greta said. “And, my friend over there is already in a big rush, so, if you let me…”

“What is the rush for?” Madison interrupted. She had no intention of letting them go so early. “Do you have a date, Eusine?”

“Enough already.” Eusine responded in high key. “We are sorry, but we have no time for this.” He said. He held Greta’s arm, pulled her and walked towards the gate. Madison knew she had to be fast if she wanted to draw attention.

“You can’t leave!” Madison said. “Greta has promised me. She has to accept my challenge!”

Eusine stopped. Everyone in the Pokémon world knew how important it is for the pride of a trainer to accept a challenge, especially if it is a promise. He had to let go of Greta’s arm. Greta asked. “Why now?”

“I am in Cerulean City for a reason.” Madison said. She was nervous. “I already told you, the reason I am on a journey is to be accepted to the Pokémon Academy. The first written examination will take place in Cerulean City and it is tomorrow morning.”

“I have studied so hard. I am ready to take the exam. But there is one thing I want to do before it all.” She said. “Battle you, Greta.”

Greta was surprised. “Why is it such a big deal for you to battle me, Madison?”

“You are my resolution point, that’s why.” Madison responded. Greta was so shocked that she stepped back. She was not sure what it was meant to mean. “I find the anger and determination inside by thinking about you!”

Greta was not sure if she wanted to hear what she had to say. Madison, however, had no intention to stop at that moment. “You give me inspiration to work even harder, because I know, you will be waiting for me at the end of the road to surpass me.”

Greta felt anger inside growing up slowly but decidedly. “That’s not true!” Greta responded. “I don’t work hard to surpass you! I don’t even care about you on my journey! All I think about is my Pokémon and my family!”

“Then add me in!” Madison responded. “Can’t you see, what we have between us is a gift! People don’t success because they have no reason to be in rage of success! People don’t go on Pokémon journey, because they have no reason for it! Unlike us!”

Greta saw Eusine appreciating Madison. She felt offended. “If this is what you are all about, Madison, all sounds good to me! Battle me and try to surpass me all you want! I will be here, there and everywhere to remind you that there is always someone better than you!”

Greta did not say those words because she thought so. She said it because she wanted it to be real. She wanted to prove Eusine that she is a worthy trainer, just like Madison, whom he appreciated.

Madison nodded her head. Apparently, everyone took a moment to calm down and stop yelling. She showed the backyard of the Pokécenter. “There, on the battlefield. In 15 minutes. Bring your best.”

She walked away, as Greta and the others remained in silence.

Greta, Redwald and Eusine were talking through in the Pokécenter. Greta was nervous about the battle, not only because she thought Madison was an arrogant, selfish person who needed to learn a lesson, but also because Eusine appreciated her, which means, Greta had to bring the best out of herself. She could not stand the idea of Eusine thinking Madison was better of a trainer.

“Just be natural and do what you learned so far.” Redwald said. Greta could easily hear it and walk out, but what if being natural was not going to be enough?

“I need something more, Red! Is this the best you can?” She responded. Redwald was surprised. Eusine put his hand on Greta’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I count on you.” He said. Suddenly, Greta was dumbfounded. “I count on you” part echoed through her ears. “You… Count on me…” She responded. Even she was not aware of what she was doing. Redwald pushed her in the end, hoped that she would come to her senses.

Eventually, Greta faced Madison in the backyard. The two were standing on the other sides of the battlefield. Eusine was standing in the middle as a referee. “The Pokémon battle between the trainers Greta Parker and Madison Dickens will now about to begin.” He said. “As the rules were stated by the trainers, it will be a three on three Pokémon battle. Each side may substitute their Pokémon. Once the three Pokémon of one of each side is unable to battle, the battle is over.”

Madison reached to her Poké Ball in her backpack and threw it to the battlefield. “I choose you, Clefairy!”

When Clefairy appeared on the battlefield, Eusine analysed the Pokémon for a moment. “You have been raising her well, Madison.” He said. “The Pokémon’s fur is somehow different, shining brighter, and her weight seems to be fine, or much better than the last time.”

“Thank you, Eusine.” Madison responded. “I have been trying new recipes for Pokémon depending on their species. A book helps me with it a lot.”

“I would love to see the book.” Eusine said. “My motto is always depending on the typing, because Kanto-exclusive Pokémon are rather complicated for me.”

Greta interrupted them. She threw her Poké Ball as fast as possible and cried out her name. “Bulbasaur, show up now!” Even she knew that she sounded louder than she intended to.

Bulbasaur appeared in front of Clefairy.

“Isn’t this one of the official Kanto starters?” Madison responded. “You can barely find them in the nature. Someone must have given it to you. Who?”

“Professor Oak.” Greta said proudly. But she had no intention for another conversation. “Bulbasaur, fire Razor Leaf!”

Bulbasaur jumped and shook her bulb on her back. Plenty sharp leaves came out of it and were thrown towards Clefairy. Madison was too late to cover it, as she did not expect Greta to order any move at that moment. Clefairy was hit.

“Clefairy, use Pound!” Madison responded. Clefairy began to run towards Bulbasaur to hit her with her whole body. Greta was familiar with that move already. “Oh, Madison. Still the same tricks from the day number one.” She responded. “Bulbasaur, use Growl and counteract it!”

When Clefairy almost reached Bulbasaur, Bulbasaur opened her mouth enormous and growled at Clefairy. The waves caused by the noise stopped Clefairy all of a sudden and she had to cover her ears with her hands. As she stopped, Greta took advantage of it. “Use Tackle!” She responded. While Clefairy was defenceless the most, Bulbasaur hit her stomach with Tackle. Clefairy stepped back and fell down. But she did not faint and was able to continue.

“If you want to see how different we are since the day number one, see this…” Madison responded rather calmly. “Body Slam.”

Clefairy jumped and ran towards Bulbasaur. Her body was decently brighter than usual. Greta knew that was the sign of Clefairy’s body reaction with the move, which means she had enough time to master the move.

“Growl, counteract it!” Greta repeated herself. But Bulbasaur was relatively late to get in action. Once Clefairy hit her, Bulbasaur was dragged on the ground. The brownout covered the air but Bulbasaur was ready to go on.

Greta did not waste any second. “Vine Whip! Wrap her all around!” She said. However, Madison knew what to do. “Thunderbolt! Don’t let her get any closer to you!”

As Bulbasaur let vines out of her bulb, Clefairy opened her arms wide and put them closer in the middle. Her hands quickly created an energy. As she directed her hands forward through, a thunderbolt appeared around her body. Clefairy directed the thunderbolt towards Bulbasaur’s vines. The thunderbolt struck the vines and reached Bulbasaur’s body all around. Bulbasaur was hit.

“That’s impressive.” Eusine responded. “Clefairy doesn’t learn Thunderbolt naturally. You needed a special training for it. But you somehow did it. I am just impressed.”

Greta looked at Bulbasaur. She was still holding on. “Vine Whip, once more!” Greta ordered. Bulbasaur used her vines faster than before. The vines covered Clefairy’s body all around. Bulbasaur lifted her up and let go of her body. Clefairy fell on the ground. She was hit.

“Let’s go, Bulbasaur! Hit her this time!” Greta responded. Madison waited for a second to let Clefairy pull herself together. However, it would take longer than Madison initially thought. Bulbasaur used her vines again and hit Clefairy with them. Clefairy was no longer standing on foot. She lost her balance and fell on the ground. However, she was still not fainted.

“Time to end this for once and all!” Greta said. “Bulbasaur, use Tackle now!” She ordered. Bulbasaur focused on the Pokémon lying on the ground and ran towards her. Before Bulbasaur found a chance to contact the Pokémon, Greta brought the Poké Ball out and called her back. Bulbasaur suddenly ran through red beams and it was too late to stop herself. “I will bring her out when the time comes.” Madison said.

She did not let Greta talk. Before wasting any second, she reached to her other Poké Ball and threw it. “Beedrill, come out now!”

A yellow, giant bug was flying in the air. Greta remembered the tough experience she had to deal with a long time ago. But she did not do anything until Eusine got involved again.

“Is this Kakuna that we have seen before?” Eusine asked. Madison nodded her head. “Right there.” She said. “I was too careful raising him. Eventually, he evolved into Beedrill and saved me from countless troubles already. I am glad to have him by my side.”

Greta called Bulbasaur back. “We exactly know who should be the one to battle Beedrill.” She said. “Butterfree, I choose you!” She threw the Poké Ball. Butterfree appeared floating in the air.

The two Pokémon stared at each other in the eye. They knew about the rivalry they were put in ever since. Their first battle took place at Oak’s Summer Camp competition as Weedle and Caterpie. The battle ended with Caterpie’s victory. They had a rematch back in Viridian Forest, but the battle was interrupted by another situation. Upon evolution, they were incapable of battling as Kakuna and Metapod. The time had come. That was the time for the two to battle with their best. That was the time for an update.

“Use Twineedle!” Madison ordered first. Beedrill’s stingers glowed bright, as the Pokémon flew through Butterfree.

“Dodge it!” Greta responded quickly, but Butterfree was not as fast as an ordinary Beedrill. It did not take too much time and energy for Beedrill to reach the Pokémon and use Twineedle. Butterfree lost her balance in the air and flew from a closer distant to the ground.

“Butterfree, Poison Powder!” Greta ordered. Butterfree flew higher and her wings created the powder of poison. All the powders poured around, and they stuck on Beedrill’s body, wings and stings. However, Beedrill was immune to the move.

“You can’t poison poison-types.” Madison responded. She seemed disappointed. Greta automatically checked Eusine. He did not show any reaction. He was probably not as disappointed.

“Beedrill, use Rage!” Madison ordered. Beedrill raised his stingers and felt the anger inside. The look on his face changed in a cruel way. He flew through Butterfree and hit his body. He seemed stronger.

“What kind of a move is this?” Redwald asked. He was not familiar with it.

“Rage is a move that repeats itself for a while.” Eusine answered. “See, the Pokémon uses it over and over again. Every time it hits the foe, it gets even stronger than before. Eventually, when the body can’t take any more aggressive, the Pokémon stops using it. But it remains just as strong for the rest of the battle.”

“That’s not good for Greta.” Redwald felt sorry for her, but there could be nothing done.

“Use String Shot! Slow him down!” Greta responded. Butterfree opened her mouth and brought strings out. The sticky strings covered Beedrill all around. But Beedrill opened his arms and broke them through.

…He hit Butterfree with Rage again.

“Use Stun Spore!” Greta responded. “Paralyze him and we have the advantage!” Butterfree did what she was told. She flapped her wings and sent the spores out. But Beedrill dodged all of them.

…He hit Butterfree with Rage again.

“You have to find a solution!” Redwald shouted. “Every time Beedrill hits your Pokémon, it gets stronger!” What Redwald said put Greta in a worrying position. She had to come up with something else, but she was speechless. She did not even manage to give any orders.

…He hit Butterfree with Rage again.

Butterfree landed on the ground. She was tired. Once she put her legs on the battlefield, she relieved for a second. Floating and flying in the air was getting more exhausting for her. Greta was still lost in her thoughts.

…He hit Butterfree with Rage again.

Suddenly Butterfree opened her wings wide, looked at the sky and cried out. Greta worried about her Pokémon, but Butterfree was acting different. It almost looked like that she gained energy from somewhere. Because once she was done with crying out, she flapped her wings even harder and flew through the sky. Once she got higher, her eyes began to glow in pink. After that, she used Psybeam on Beedrill. The beams appeared all around her body and she directed them towards Beedrill. The newly improved move was super effective on the Pokémon.

“I’m so proud of you, Butterfree!” Greta responded. The two Pokémon were on the ground. “Don’t get carried away, Greta.” Madison said. “Your Butterfree is still exhausted and my Beedrill is stronger than ever thanks to Rage!”

She looked at her Pokémon. Beedrill was ready to do the finishing move. Madison nodded. “Use Take Down!” She ordered. Beedrill flew through the air and hit Butterfree with Take Down. Butterfree stumbled and fell down. She received the last move and she was fainted. However, things were not any different for Beedrill. Once he hit the move, he fainted along with her.

“Butterfree and Beedrill are both unable to battle.” Eusine responded.

“What happened?” Redwald asked.

“Take Down causes recoil damage on the user.” Eusine said. “He got so strong that he could not take such strong move. He ended up hurting himself as well.”

The two trainers called their Pokémon back. Madison brought Clefairy back. Greta made her move and called Bulbasaur out.

“Bulbasaur was about to win it anyway. It shouldn’t take too long before she faints Clefairy.” Redwald said. “Don’t be so sure.” Eusine responded. “After all, the two had time in the Poké Balls to have a little rest. Clefairy can surprise us no matter what.”

“Use Vine Whip!” Greta ordered. Bulbasaur’s vines hit Clefairy’s head and legs. The Pokémon fell on the ground, but she was ready to go on.

“Body Slam, now!” Madison ordered. Clefairy ran towards Bulbasaur with her tough body. Every step she took, her body got even tougher. In the end, she reached to the close distant and used Body Slam on Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur lost her balance and hit a tree. She was not fainted, but she was hurt.

“Bulbasaur, can you go on?” Greta asked. Bulbasaur rubbed her eyes, opened them, and eventually stood up and cried. She walked towards the battlefield again. Greta admired her battling spirit. “Razor Leaf, now!” She ordered.

Bulbasaur sent leaves out of the bulb on her back and the leaves hit Clefairy all around her body. She felt the pain out of the sharp shaped hard leaves.

“Thunderbolt, go!” Madison responded. Clefairy, once again, created a thunderbolt and hit the foe. The move did not cause a big impact on Bulbasaur. But what came next was unexpected. Clefairy used Pound and Body Slam one after another. Bulbasaur, out of exhaustion, could not take any more damage and fell. She was finally fainted.

“Bulbasaur is no longer able to battle.” Eusine said. “Clefairy wins.” And then, he winked at Redwald in a way of “I told you so”.

Greta was surprised. Losing all this advantage and letting Bulbasaur lose it in the end was painful for her as well. She called the Pokémon back with no further comment. “My last Pokémon will be Paras. Go, dear!” She said, as she threw the Poké Ball. Paras appeared on the grasses. The tiny Pokémon looked like a joke against Clefairy, but Madison knew not to underestimate Pokémon. They could have truly a potential that no one would expect.

“Clefairy, use Body Slam!” Madison wasted no second. Greta knew Clefairy’s body would be too heavy for Paras. She responded fast. “Dig!” She said, short and clear. Before Clefairy reached there, Paras disappeared on the battlefield and got lost underground.

“Focus, Clefairy…” Madison responded. She wanted Clefairy to feel it and know from where Paras will come out. But Paras was better. Once he appeared out of it and hit Clefairy, she lost all her balance and fell.

“Well done!” Greta responded. “Go with Stun Spore now!”

Paras shook his mushrooms. The mushrooms quickly synthesised the spores and the more Paras shook his body, the more they spread all around. Those who stuck on Clefairy’s body made her paralyzed. She could barely move.

“Clefairy, use Pound!” Madison responded. Considering the tone, she used and the move she chose, she was definitely worried. Greta had the evil’s smile on her face. “Slash, go!” She ordered mercilessly. Paras’ nails glowed as he ran towards the paralyzed Pokémon. The nails stuck on Clefairy’s rounded body so hard that Clefairy once cried out and then fell down. She was fainted.

“Clefairy is no longer able to battle.” Eusine responded. “The winner is Paras.”

Madison remained in silence while she called the Pokémon back and brought out the last one. She did not even call out the last one’s name, but that was the first time Greta saw one for real. She scanned the Pokémon right away.

Greta thought this Pokémon was somehow creepy. Madison gave no chance of thinking, however. “Tackle, go!” She ordered. Venonat ran towards Paras and used Tackle on him. Paras felt the pain on his face.

“Use Dig!” Greta responded. She counted on Paras’ strongest move. But Madison, because she could not help it, laughed out loud. “Hold it there.” She responded. “Venonat, use Disable!”

Venonat’s eyes glowed in bright pink after Madison’s order. Paras, who was digging a hole really fast, suddenly stopped. Greta was shocked and speechless for a moment. “What is this?” She asked.

“Disable disables the move Pokémon is using at the time.” Eusine explained quickly. “Paras won’t be able to use it for a while now.”

Greta was annoyed more than she thought she would. “It is no excuse for us.” She responded. “Use Stun Spore, Paras!”

“Use Supersonic!” Madison responded. While Paras was shaking, Venonat opened his mouth and sent supersonic sounds on Paras. Paras suddenly got confused and could not complete his move. He lost the control of his legs and fell on the ground. He bended his leg and it hurt.

“Now use Confusion!” Madison ordered. Venonat’s eyes glowed bright and caught Paras’ attention. After that, Venonat communicated with him telepathically. The move was effective on Paras. Once he came back to real world and became able to hear Greta’s voice again, he felt like he was hit by a truck.

“We can turn things around, Paras!” Greta responded. “Just focus and use Slash! Please try harder!”

Paras listened to what Greta said. He focused on the foe, Venonat, who was staring at him with no emotional expression on his face. He began to walk towards him while his claws once again glowed bright.

“Use Confusion once again!” Madison ordered. Greta came up with another idea, which she had no idea if would work, but she hoped it would be worth to a try. “Don’t keep the eye contact! Focus on the ground while walking!” She said. Paras stared at the ground while he walked towards Venonat. Although Venonat’s eyes glowed even brighter than before, which Greta was afraid that it was an even stronger move, Paras kept no eye contact with him. Once he got close enough, Paras raised his claw and hit on Venonat with no eye contact. Venonat felt the pain and stopped the move immediately.

“Now, you can look!” Greta responded. Paras raised his hand and used his other claw to attack. Venonat cried out after he felt the other claw.

“That’s a direct hit, Greta!” Redwald responded. Paras took back his claws and hit the foe one last time. After the last attack, Venonat could not stand anymore. As he fell on the battlefield and fainted, Eusine raised his right hand and certified the result of the battle. “Venonat is no longer able to move. Paras is the winner. Therefore, the winner of the battle is Greta from Pallet Town.”

Greta shouted in enjoyment and pleasure, as she ran towards her Pokémon. She hugged Paras and thanked him for all the hard job. In the meantime, Madison called her Pokémon back. “Thank you.” She said unexpectedly.

“For what?” Greta asked.

“You accepted my offer although you were in a hurry with your friends.” Madison said. “I might have lost the battle, but I know I am getting better. The battle taught a lot to me for my test tomorrow. I appreciate that.”

Greta was surprised. She probably had never seen Madison that mature before. She would remember her in the way how she annoyed her or tried to irritate for a fight. For the first time, she was appreciating something what Greta would never consider as “beneficial” for her.

“I am glad if I helped you in any possible way.” Greta responded. She wanted to be saying it gladly, but she was still surprised of everything, and thus, she sounded weak. “I mean it.” She said in the end.

Madison nodded her head, expressed a gentle smile, turned her back and walked away, left Greta and her friends in silence for a while.

Humans

 * Redwald Walker
 * Greta Parker
 * Eusine Hunter
 * Madison Dickens
 * Professor Oak (mentioned)