Chapter 120: Out Cold

Chapter 120: Out Cold

Both trainers are only allowed to use three pokemon! I cant let this get too heated! Lorelei said from where she stood between us.

Pryce sniffed and opened his coat, ignoring the freezing temperature and displayinghis pokemon belt. I reached straight for the greatball on my necklace. I knew how this had to go. I not only had to win, but also in such a way that it taught him a lesson. My choice gave Pryce pause, and he switched his hand to a pokemon further back along his belt.

Titan! GO! I brought forth my starter and he emerged onto the frozen clearing with a snort. He flexed his claws slightly and tested his footing. His eyes swept the area, looking for his opponent.

Go Dewgong! ordered Pryce, his pokemon appearing and barking as only a seal ccould at my pokemon. Titan snorted, and the Dewgong glowered.

Water-Ice versus Darkness-Rock. I clicked my tongue, and Titan shifted to keep Dewgong in his sight while giving me some attention. I tapped my chest and then pointed at him. Titan nodded, repositioning himself so he was fully facing forward and blocking sight of me from Pryce.

He wanted to deny the importance of a bond? Id grind it into his face.

I called up my energy, and instead of there being just a freezing plain with chilling winds, there was now a dark mountain. A mountain that loomed over the landscape.

Shadows crept around Titans eyes and he rolled his shoulders.

Lorelei stiffened at the feel of the energy that was pulsating out of us. It had taken a lot of work to get the balance right, and the empowerment was in truth, only a five percent boost.

Oddly enough, the work that I had been doing with Jormungandr had made it easier of late to call up my energy and link it to Titans to boost him. It also made us far more in tune with each other.

Itd probably be nothing compared to the power that would come from mega evolutions, Gigantimax, or Z moves that would be found in the future, but five percent at Titans level of strength wasnt something to be dismissed lightly.

Begin! Lorelei called.

Ice Beam! barked Pryce.

Without saying a word, I knew what Titan wanted to do, and I agreed with his assessment. Titan dove into the frozen earth, and I walked to the side, allowing the attack to harmlessly pass me by. I felt the chill, but what was a chill to a mountain?

It was merely part of it. All mountains grow cold.

Cracks formed underneath Dewgong, announcing that Titan had already gotten underneath his foe. Aqua Tail up into the air! ordered Pryce, making his pokemon leap into the air.

Titan broke through the ground a moment later in pursuit, and his jaws snapped shut just behind the tail that Dewgong had tucked into itself.

As gravity asserted itself I grunted out, DP.

Titan exploded with dark energy that slammed into Dewgong and sent it soaring up again as the hit connected.

Titan landed and caused a shockwave. He stood next to the broken earth of his tunnel hed dug out of and flexed his claws into the ground. His eyes tracked his opponent as it fell, slightly out of sync with himself.

Dewgong plummeted to the ground, only for Pryce to click his tongue. Aqua tail again; control yourself! Dewgongs tail began to glow blue, and it swung itself around as though to slam into Titan.

Protect, I said carefully, making a shell of hexagonal energy build up around my pokemon and stopping the hit.

Dewgongs Aqua Tail slammed into it but it didnt break through. This forced Dewgongs landing to be slightly off and it sprawled when it hit the ground instead of using its attack to bleed off momentum.

Titan, grapple and throw it up again! I said, causing my pokemon to break the defensive shell and grab the other pokemon before spinning and throwing the pokemon up into the air. Dewgong hurtled away. Gooooong! It cried before slamming into a tree.

Perish Song! Pryce ordered as his pokemon struggled to continue to rise and fight .

Stone Edge! I ordered, making my pokemon launch stone pillars. Dewgong opened its mouth only to take a barrage of boulders that saw him crumpling.

Dewgong is unable to battle! Lorelei announced it neutrally, but most of her attention was turned to her grandfather, observing how he would react. He merely sniffed and returned his pokemon.

Go Lapras! he said for his second pokemon. I smiled. A Lapras was a good choice, it was also something that Titan had a lot of experience fighting against.

Hail! ordered the older man as his pokemon whipped up a torrent of ice. I hummed in thought. A field effect, eh? Something that was much more effective in this environment. Titans usual impact on a field was already much slower, but by cracking the frozen field, we had a much easier time of calling up rock, as well as getting through the earth with moves like Dig.

Stone Edge, I ordered, causing boulders to once again be ripped up from the ground and be hurled at his foe. Lapras took it much more stoically, only turning himself so his shell took most of the hit while growling in annoyance.

Blizzard! ordered Pryce, his pokemon then exhaled even more frozen air from its maw. I knew the frozen air wasn't the real threat, however, and instead flicked a glance up to see where the true threat would come from.

Incoming! I called to Titan.

Titan understood what I meant without having to look and threw himself into the ground burrowing down and out of danger by digging.

Surf, Pryce said sternly as his pokemons Blizzard slammed into the ground ineffectively. Follow up with Ice Beam, he said, causing a wave to form.

I huffed, a classic one-two of moves that even I preferred with my pokemon.

Titan emerged from his earthen voyage to a greatly changed battlefield. There were great spikes of ice embedded into the ground, and hail fell, causing Titan to bristle in annoyance. The frozen wave also changed the field, with elevation and an icy barrier now in play.

Return Lapras, Pryce said, surprising me with his choice to return his pokemon instead of keeping it out. Go Sneasel, he said.

I tilted my head as a much smaller pokemon took to the field. Pryce chuckled at my look of confusion. Im aware of how you like to control the battlefield Brock, I have my own methods of control. Sneasel use Quick Attack!

His pokemon blurred forward and slashed across Titans flank faster than either of us could react. The pokemon then darted away and back into the spikes of ice that now looked like mirrors. Shapes flickered across a number of them, and I now understood just how Pryce had set the field up to favour himself.

Hmmm impressive, I said, happy to compliment him for his set up.

Hone Claws, into Fury Swipes. Make him feel the bite of winter! Pryce said firmly.

Heh, I said, knowing the next attack would be coming a bit slower. Stone Edge Encirclement, I ordered Titan, making him stop glancing about and instead drop and throw a punch into the ground that caused the earth to break around him and for spears of stone to erupt like a star fortress.

Sneasel just so happened to be mid-leap when the spears caught him in the chest and blew him backwards.

On your feet, Sneasel! Youre better than this! barked Pryce. Sneasel kipped up to his feet and readied his claws.

Youve got speed, but you dont have everything sorted out Pryce. Titan, go under the frozen wave and use DP hard again! I ordered, making my pokemon throw himself backwards and into the earth.

Hone Claws again Sneasel. Well get our chance in a moment. Pryce said haughtily.

No, you wont, I said firmly as Titan launched himself into the base of the wave before exploding it with a Dark Pulse. The ice wave blew out, and ice rained down across the field. Titan stoically endured it with a snort, while Sneasel wasnt so lucky, the icy blocks beating down on him.

Fury Claw! barked Pryce, making the pokemon slash his way through the threat. Sneasels claws flashed and slabs of ice became small ice cubes as it swept its claws back and forth. It was an impressive display of control, power, and speed.

Stone Edge, I said not willing to ignore an opportunity in the face of an impressive showing.

Quick Attack! demanded Pryce.

Instead of throwing itself into action, Sneasel flinched and turned towards the oncoming boulder. The moment of hesitation caused it to be clipped by a falling ice block before being slammed into by Titans attack.

The Stone Edge was more than strong enough to flatten it.

Sneasel is unable to battle! Lorelei said.

Pryce grimaced as he withdrew his pokemon. He scowled across at my pokemon as Titan snorted as more hail tinkled down onto him.

You dont trust your pokemon, I called out to him as he reached for his Lapras pokeball.

You merely have a stronger pokemon where mine didnt follow orders.

Is that what you think it is? Seems like Sneasel didnt trust you. Being a pokemon trainer is a two way street after all, I said as his Lapras emerged. Lapras locked eyes with Titan and my pokemon shook his head as snarled as Lapras snapped its beak in a threat display.

Titan! Advance! Trust me!

Tyran! Tar! Titan barked as he moved forward.

How quaint! Pryce snorted. Hydro Pump! His pokemon spat a huge ball of water straight at titan

Left step! I shouted straight away. Titan stepped to the side without even a hint of hesitation. He did so fast enough that the Hyro Pump whiffed past him and slammed into the landscape.

Hydro Pump again! snarled Pryce as he leaned forward.

Fairy! Cle! cheered my smallest pokemon from close to Titans foot. Bertha nudged him, and he laughed happily.

In the morning, I had them up and exercising in a different environment. Don and Zephyr struggled with the colder air not allowing them to ride thermals with downdrafts sweeping in from the mountains. Sanchez, as ever, had a blast rolling around in the snow.

When we wrapped things up and I had returned my pokemon a timid little girl approached with a quivering snowrunt at her side. The little pokemon must have had a clue how strong the pokemon Id had out throwing snowballs at each other were. Hey you! Wanna fight? she said while jutting out her chin.

I inspected her. She was young, too young to be an official trainer and her clothes were a little patched in places indicating she wasnt well off.

I pointed at her. This is not a Gym challenge you realise?

She blinked. Gym Challenge? Youre too young to be Pryce though? she squinted at me.

I tilted my head. Huh, you didnt watch my match against Lance?

We dont have a television. I heard about a match against Lance where he fought Gym Leader she stared at me as she made the connection. Oh my gosh! I had no idea! Im sorry!

I waved it off. Its fine. Im not in Pewter right now, obviously, so I shouldnt expect people to recognise me. Your Snowrunt against my Clefairy?

I saw that! Why do you have a Clefairy!? Youre a boy! she declared fiercely.

Clefairy are pokemon that can fill a specific niche in my team. Hes going to be a powerful addition. I released my pokemon. First match Clefairy!

Cle! he said fiercely.

... really? But hes pink? Thats a girls colour? she said, still stuck on that one point.

I dont mind, I said honestly as Clefairy bristled. Snowrunt strutted out feeling much more confident.

Snowrunt use Double Team!

Evade the attacks coming in Clefairy, use your ears and keep your eyes on the ground not the after images! I said clearly.

Headbutt! said the girl and her pokemon responded well shooting forward and trying to smash itself into mine, only for Clefairy to catch sight of the attack and dodge.

Hold for now Clefairy were playing a waiting game! I said to keep him calm. I also didnt want to just smack her down. Clefairy might be my weakest pokemon, but he still trained with me and my Elite team.

Ice Shard! the girl cried out.

Drop down and skate to your left! I ordered, my pokemon paused for a half second before following through. He just evaded the attacks and I hummed. Not bad, wed have to work on that.

Now Sing, I ordered, happy to wrap this up. Clefairy opened his mouth and sang his song causing Snowrunt to fall asleep.

Now Pound, I said causing Clefiary to shoot forward and punch out the other pokemon. Snowrunt got up groggily and stumbled around.

Snowrunt! the girl cried out before putting herself in front of her pokemon. No more! I forfeit!

I nodded. Good call, and well fought. Youre a good trainer.

I still lost though she said as she hugged her slightly bruised and depressed pokemon to her chest.

Eh, did you learn anything from our match? Thats sometimes worth more than any money you lose. I then held up a hand to stop her reaching into her pouch. Not that I want payment. Clefairy is my weakest personal pokemon but hes still strong.

Cle! said my little puffball proudly. The girl giggled.

Consider how accurate your moves are and see if you can tighten them up some. You have a good bond with your pokemon but it can get better. Building that trust can take a while but it pays out big when you make it work. I knelt down and rubbed Clefairys head. Isnt that right buddy?

He shot the girl a thumbs up and she giggled.

See? Keep it up though. I think you have some real promise!

The girl opened her mouth only for a much sterner voice to cut her off. Indeed you do young lady. I looked up and found Pryce walking towards us. He nodded to me and then looked back at the girl. Come around the gym later, Id be interested in what you and your pokemon have been doing I might have some pointers for you but Gym Leader Brocks advice is sound.

I shot him an unimpressed look. Sound was certainly damning me with faint praise, not that Pryce cared as the girl vowed that she would be darting away. Pryce then turned to me.

I came to ask you to forgive my rather poor showing with manners and pokemon battle yesterday. It was unbecoming.

Hmmm, that so? I said, amused that he hadnt actually said he was sorry, merely that I should forgive him. Him and Agatha were certainly cut from the same cloth. Or at least the same period of cloth.

Yes and thank you for showing me what Ive been missing. You were right that I didnt bring my best against Lance. I couldnt at the time and that shows. I am no longer Champion for good reason.

I merely shrugged. Well, yeah. At our level not having good bonds with your pokemon is a terrible drawback; its only obvious that it played out like it did.

Indeed. I look forward to what our partnership brings and while it is not something I truly put faith in I will continue to look for my starter. Perhaps youre right and he is merely lost and not something else. He didnt meet my gaze and instead look into the distance where the girl and her Snowrunt were skipping down the pathway.

I know hes not. No way a pokemon that spent that long with you just gave up on you. Not with the bond you two must have had.

Indeed, he said before nodding his head. I wont keep you and thank you, he said before turning and marching away quickly.

I snorted. Oh yeah, him and Agatha are a real pair, I said to myself. I double checked my bags and sent a message to Lorelei announcing my departure.

I withdrew Zephyrs pokeball and released him. Lets go Zephyr! To Mt Silver! He leapt upwards and soon we were underway heading east.

Don once more came out when we got close so he could ward off any others. We made for a specific mountain but as we came in I caught sight of a number of Fearow flying about. Hmmm seems like a migration? I said to Zephyr.

He eyed the pokemon and hooted in annoyance while Don snarled in challenge. Easy there Don. You can take them but theres enough there to give you some trouble. Ten of them Id back you, twenty or more? That makes it a bit dicier.

He screeched in rage but stayed close as we landed. I then quickly returned him and released Titan. He emerged, inspected the clearing we were in and roared to announce himself. Zephyr hooted and hopped around a little as various other pokemon called back only for an equally loud roar to announce that the Empress had heard us.

It only took five minutes for her to emerge from the trees. She locked eyes with Titan and once more they tentatively inspected each other. Then Titan stood taller and barked something happily. Empress reared back in surprise before turning to me. I reached out with Yolandas gift. Within the frame Yolanda and Terra smiled back happily with a collage of different pictures and situations.

The empress inspected it for a bit before taking it in her claws only for the glass to start to crack. She handed it back to me and growled at herself? Ah, she was annoyed; she was too strong with her claws.

She considered me and then the photo for a moment before tossing her head and indicating the way shed come from. Tar! Tyranitar! she barked before moving away.

Titan stiffened only to then turn and indicate that we should follow her. I returned Zephyr and quickly jogged along as we moved through the trees to another part of the mountain. We came down the side a few hundred metres before we reached a slope that cut back into itself to reveal a hidden cave that Empress leaned down to enter. Titan followed her and I brought up the rear after giving the area a look over.

No pokemon were present. The only pokemon I could see where the flock of Fearow heading north. I turned back and found the cave itself to be oddly smooth along the edges. In fact, the entire structure struck me as odd with how soft it was. Perhaps the constant usage by Empress had seen the cave walls worn down?

I moved after the pokemon, moving down a slight slope and having to channel darkness to my eyes as we moved further into the darkness. When it leveled out I came upnon a fairly large cavern that had a grove where Empress had formed a nest of softs. Soft earth had been piled around a number of eggs with a large groove around them.

Empress lay in the recess and wrapped herself around her eggs. I noticed she did so with extreme care. I noticed a few of the egss had cracks in them. Something that struck me as very, very odd. Most eggs were stronger than that. I stared at the scene.

She had to be slow and careful lest she hurt her own children. Perhaps she hadnt simply gifted Titan and Terra off. What if she was gifting them to us because she had difficulty raising her own brood of eggs? I had never thought to ask the Rangers how many hatchlings she had. Id never thought Empress glanced over her eggs and hesitantly laid the tip of a claw on one. When she grimaced it was clear to me, she must have trouble keeping them warm.

I reached into my bag and pulled a stone that Flint had idly given me a while back. It radiated warmth but wasnt actually a fire stone. It was merely a rock that held and radiated heat. I presented it to Empress and she sniffed it before her eyes widened in surprise. I gestured to the nest and she considered me, scrutinising me for a long while before looking to Titan who ndoded.

She inclined her head and I nodded back.

Slowly, oh so slowly I reached over her tail and laid the heat stone in the middle of the clutch where it could keep the sand warm. I withdrew my hand and she leaned in. She sniffed her eggs. Long deep sniffs of interest before she dug a claw into the sand. She smiled at me then and I chuckled in relief.

I put the picture of Yolanda against the wall where she could see it and stepped away. The nest and picture made the place look a little homey. Especially with the lines and shapes that ran across the walls.

I blinked. Hang on whats on the walls? I said as I looked at them properly. Dark vision was allowing me to see them, but the colours werent as clear, so I raised up my pokenav and turned on the torch.

A tapestry of cave art unfolded before me.

It depicted a scene of people and pokemon cowering at the base of a mountain. People with Ursaring, Mightyena, and even Tyranitar amongst their numbers.

All cowered in the face of the pokemon atop the mountain.

At the peak of the mountain, in faded golds and reds a bird of fire loomed huge over the artwork. It glared down at all it looked upon. And from the skies fire rained down with many a man and pokemon burning in the face of true power.

This was an artwork of Moltres ruling the Mt Silver region.