Chapter 157: Cruise on up!

Chapter 157: Cruise on up!

Titan and Empress leaned down to inspect the new Larvitar. Cruise stood ramrod straight as his much larger, much more powerful, final evolutions sniffed at him.

Tar? asked Empress, lowering her head so that she was level with him or at least her fangs were.

La! he squeaked out, causing the older pokemon to sniff dismissively and snort. Cruise curled into himself, and Ritchie was instantly at his side.

Hey buddy, are you alright? He rounded on Empress, Dont you tease him because hes weaker than you! Hell be just as strong. No! Hell be stronger one day! Ritchie said to Empress.

Empress raised a scaly eyebrow of disbelief at that and snorted before huffing in Titans direction. Titan straightened up and rumbled something back to her before waving a claw between Ritchie and Cruise.

Empress gave another heavy snort, and Cruise looked incensed.

I rubbed my chin, trying to piece together what was happening.

Yolanda nudged me, Can I get a translation?

Hmmm, something Cruise said initially had Empress being dismissive or judgemental I looked to Titan, who nodded.

I continued to slowly work through it. She asked him why he hadnt evolved yet? Titan nodded again.

And he said something something she found ridiculous? I said, now eyeing Cruise. So he knows he can evolve soon, but is holding off on doing it purposefully? I said.

This made Ritchie perk up. Huh? Is that true Cruise? You dont want to evolve? He knelt down. I didnt know! I thou

Cruise shook his head back and forth, and I tilted my head. Okay this is a mystery, he wants to evolve but not right now?

Cruise nodded. I snapped my fingers. Are you worried about being a Pupitar? They have a lot of difficulty in the wild due to their restrained linear mobility.

Huh? Ritchie said, pulling out his Pokedex and cycling through to the entry on Pupitar. They possess pods that release jets of gas that propel them in straight lines Oh, that isnt a problem. I can come up with strategies for us Cruise! Dont worry about that.

I hummed, interested that Ritchie had a pokedex, even if it was an older-looking model.

Cruise looked away and I decided to weigh in. It might be an instinctual issue. Most Larvitar will make sure the area is safe as possible or link up with another Larvitar first before they evolve. Being a Pupitar is one of the most critical periods of their evolutionary line with how difficult gathering food, resources, or fending off predators can become.

Ritchie put a hand on Cruises shoulder. And he wont have to worry about that with me and the team to back him up! Isnt that right Sparky?

Pi-pikachu! said the little mouse with a thumbs up.

Cruise gave them a hesitant smile before shifting back and forth. ... lar, vi, lar, tar, larvitar.

Ty? said Titan with a tilt of his head. Cruise turned and addressed Titan, with them talking back and forth.

Yolanda expectantly looked at me while Ritchie raised his face in thought, trying to follow along himself.

I coughed. The issue is not something instinctual. He feels that he is well looked after on the team, and he likes being on Ritchies team. Titan is trying to rule out other issues, such as the timing of upcoming matches and not having access to faster growth with moves, which Cruise is denying.

Titan and Cruise continued their back and forth, and I continued to try and translate.

Titan isnt sure what the issue is but knows that there must be one as something is holding Cruise back. Cruise wants to evolve; he knows he can, but isnt right at this moment.

Titan looked at me and shrugged, while Cruise looked away, not meeting Ritchies gaze.

I rubbed my chin. I considered what Id learned so far and decided I needed to probe deeper. Ritchie how did you get Cruise?

Ritchie perked up. Oh! I found him when I started my journey from Frodomar! I had Sparky and Zippo by that point, and both of them were training, and Zippo was getting frustrated cause Sparky was doing so much better! Zippo ran off into the woods and apparently made a friend with Cruise. I found them and discussed with Zippo that Sparky had been training for a lot longer, which helped him out. Zippo then mentioned feeling a lot better but he said it wasnt just due to me. He introduced us and I stuck it out knowing that Cruise would be an amazing addition to my pokemon team.

Ritchie put his hands on his hips. And I was right! Cruise has been making great strides with his training!

I see, I said, blinking and slowly processing what I had just heard. Ritchie had just unleashed a deluge on me. It took me a while, but I slowly began to get an idea of what might be the issue. What about Zippo? How has he been doing? You already had the Soul and Cascade badge, no? I said.

Ritchie nodded while Yolanda tilted her head, unsure where this was going.

I smiled. Now, you havent been able to challenge Erika but have spent a fair amount of time around Fuchsia with your illness and Cerulean, I should assume? That or youve been on the road, and while there, you encountered a lot of trainers. Trainers that have come for this circuit and have some very strong pokemon.

Yeah! Thats pretty accurate! Ritchie said with a quick nod.

So, youve fought tough battles, I said, drawing up my transceiver and toggling a Gym Leader access point on the pokenet to bring up Ritchies profile.

I scrolled down to where the win-loss ratio was and clicked my tongue. Youve only won forty one percent of your matches? I asked.

Ritchie shifted. They were strong trainers

And youve also spent a lot of time in areas with a high density of water-type trainers as well, havent you? I said, pointing out one of the biggest issues that stood out to me.

Yeah! Ritchie said, his head bouncing up and down.

And if I were to go through and selectively cut out a lot of your wins that came from Sparky against those water-type trainers, how many victories would you have? I said.

Ritchie blinked. Uhmmm Im not sure? he said.

I keyed in a few search parameters on Ritchies profile, and a new number was shown that I showed him. Youve only won twenty-seven percent of the matches you fight when you dont fight with Sparky.

Yolanda and Ritchie gaped at the numbers on display. Yolanda spoke up first. You can do that with the profile pages?

I nodded slowly. Indeed, this allows us good insight into pokemon that Ritchie, or indeed any trainer, can use well, or that are particularly strong. To demonstrate, I brought up my own profile on the Ace circuit and toggled some features that saw pokemon such as Sanchez or Don not fighting.

I had a very good record this year with how hard Id been blowing through several trainers that Id faced. I toggled a different feature for a historical match list during the circuit and demonstrated how match wins dropped when I didnt use Titan or Bertha. Yolanda and Ritchie watched this with intense expressions.

So this feature doesnt get talked about much but it allows a level of analysis that highlights the strength of certain pokemon with their win rates. This can be further analysed to show how certain pokemon we are more comfortable with compared to others. It can highlight our strengths and what we need to improve.

Ritchie and Yolanda nodded, and I coughed slightly put off with how intense they were being. Anyway thats something else, but it does help me point out the true issue. Cruise and Zippo have had a very rough time of your fights with which pokemon you can use against other trainers. Both would have weaknesses, but one of these pokemon would be more impacted.

... Zippo? Ritchie said, with a blank look. I nodded, pleased that he understood which pokemon was struggling. Ritchie blinked in surprise at being told he was correct. But that Why? he asked.

Its sometimes not just a matter of strength that pokemon possess, but also their mental state. Zippo has had some tough fights, Im certain, but hes also had a number of losses.

I then made a circling gesture and brought the group's attention back to Cruise who had been watching this. Now, Cruise here is conscious that his very good friend, Zippo, is struggling and knows that if he were to evolve it would be causing a problem with him also moving past Zippo in strength or development you could say.

I smiled at the wide-eyed Larvitar. Howd I do? That about sum things up?

Cruise shifted from side to side and then slumped. Tar, he said, defeated by my deductions.

Ritchie dropped to the side. Is that really the problem, Cruise? Youre holding yourself back for Zippos sake?

Cruise nodded glumly. Tar, Larvitar, he said.

Titan chuffed and grinned, while Empress merely snorted and turned her head away. Despite her dismissive attitude, I thought I detected a hint of mild approval in how she eyed Cruise.

Ritchie put his hand on Cruises shoulder. Well, thats a great sentiment, but I dont think hell appreciate it buddy. I think I think you should talk with him.

I coughed and reinserted myself into the conversation. Thats a good idea Ritchie, but make sure it happens in a controlled setting. I think its a good idea to have a solution or two in mind before you have the conversation. Remember that Charmander is a line that has draconic pride for all that they arent dragon-typed. Use this moment to deepen the bonds for your team but take a moment to think about it, alright? I said, making sure that Ritchie didnt just run headfirst into another issue.

Ritchie nodded slowly at that, and sat down on the ground right then and there.

I snorted. I suppose I shouldnt be surprised. He rubbed his chin for a moment before releasing his Charmander.

Zippo appeared and looked around, eying his surroundings, only to blanche when he noticed Titan and Empress. Char!? he squeaked.

Ritchie put his hand on Zippos shoulder. Hey buddy, dont worry about those pokemon, theyre part of Gym Leader Brocks pokemon team!

Zippo eyed me and gave me a half-bow before straightening to continue to watch the Tyranitar. Smart little guy, I thought to myself. He understood they were the biggest threats around.

So listen buddy, we were talking with Cruise trying to work out why he hasnt been evolving and the problem is that he is too good a friend, Ritchie said as he started to explain to Zippo the issue.

Zippo looked stunned at the revelation of his friend holding back on account of himself.

Then he started to look frustrated. Ritchie was quick to cut that off before the idea could plant itself properly. The issue stems from me however, he said with a firm nod, causing Cruise and Zippo to both look up in shock.

Lar! Char! they both said in protest but Ritchie shook his head firmly.

No, Ive seen the same information and had my path spelled out. I was using you two in matches where you were literally having to fight an uphill battle against pokemon that had type advantages against you! He made a gesture to me.

The Pewter Gym is a perfect example! I might have a strong team in you guys, but Im failing you. I have created this idea in you that youre weaker than you are, but thats not the case! You're strong, I know that, and soon enough you will know it yourselves and believe it! he said clenching his fist.

He stood and offered a fist for them to bump. Trust in me, and Ill correct this. I want both of you to be strong and not fall over each other to avoid damaging our team. We need to do better!

Cruise and Zippo stared at their trainer like theyd never seen him before but then they cheered and both headbutted his outstretched fist, causing Ritchie to yelp in pain and pull it back. I chuckled and clapped Ritchie on the shoulder.

I think that was well handled. I think youll do alright this year from here on out.

Ritchie laughed. Yeah? Just alright? Im aiming to win the whole thing! he said proudly.

I paused, as a thought occurred to me. Hmmm, yeah I doubt that. I gave his pokemon a blatantly obvious look of dismissal before shaking my head. Ive seen the strongest trainers that have come around, I then looked over Ritchie, and you, Ritchie, are not among them. I gave him a sad shake of the head and raised my hands in a what can you do gesture. Maybe in a couple of years, I said.

Yolanda gaped at me and my words, only to blink when I shot her a wink.

Ritchie vibrated, and as I expected, his reaction didnt leave me wanting.

You! Ill show you! My pokemon team and I arent going to bow down! We had a rough start but were going the distance! Were going to win this years circuit! He all but roared. His pokemon joined him in growling at me.

I crossed my arms and smirked at him. Excellent! Thats the fire I want to see when you make your run. I reached out and tapped him on the forehead. Make sure to use your mind and listen to your pokemon when you can.

Ritchie blinked, and an expression of understanding dawned before he coughed. Hah, thanks for today. I think I got a lot out of it. Way more than just how help to evolve Cruise, he said, shooting his Larvitar a fond look.

I glanced down and chuckled when I saw that Cruise was giving me a dark side-eye.

Ritchie coughed. Could you show me how to do that search function on trainers pokenet profiles? he said. Yolanda inched forward, and I rolled my eyes and waved for them to follow me towards a computer where we could do it easier.

Just as we sat down, A.J. turned up.

Perfect! You and me kid! Lets have a proper match outside on the courts! A.J. growled.

Ritchie grinned, and I knew he was thinking how perfect this was. I chuckled as Ritchie turned from following me, ready to throw down, only for Yolanda to cough. So you dont want to learn about the profile search feature? A.J. you might find this interesting! she prompted.

A.J. twitched, and I watched him shift goals, knowing that Yolanda was a great source of useful information. Search feature? he said carefully.

I snorted and decided to show the kids the neat search feature Id found on trainers' profiles.

Whoever thought it up was a very smart individual who didnt get enough praise.

In the depths of the accounting department of the Indigo Plateau, Auditor Timothy sneezed and glanced around for a tissue.

I showed the kids how to narrow down search features on trainer profiles for a bit, before letting them have a go at it themselves. A.J. and Ritchie slammed into each other in a bid to sit in the chair, only to stop and glare at each other. Yolanda merely slipped in and started tapping away at the keys.

I was rather amused when she brought up Ash, Misty, and then Forrests win records.

Oh! Forrest has a Growlithe now! she said with interest.

I leaned forward myself; he hadnt told me about that.

Yolanda crossed her arms. He didnt tell me about that! she said, causing me to snort at how similar our thoughts were.

Yeah, maybe he wants to surprise us? I said, before realising that it was potentially true. I checked my watch and clapped Yolanda on the shoulder. Can I trust you to take charge here with these two? I said, gesturing at A.J. and Ritchie, who were on either side of her.

Yolanda rolled her eyes at me but waved me off to enjoy my lunch. I trotted back up and settled down on the couch in the trainer lounge.

Greta and the other girls were all there, and they waved. You seen Yolanda around, Brock?

I pulled out the riceballs Id made up earlier while waving a hand towards the computers in the back. Shes learning about the search feature on Trainer profiles and how to use that with A.J. and Ritchie, I said. I took a bite of my riceballs and held in a chuckle.

Mmmmm Jelly donuts.

What search feature? said Missy.

I paused in taking another bite and looked up to see nothing but confusion.

I sighed and shook my head. Ill do a training session on it for everyone, alright? I said while mentally making a note that this might be something Id need to teach trainers during the group rounds at the end of the circuit about. That mollified the girls, but Crystal and Greta still trooped out to find Yolanda.

Shreks Protect dropped away and he narrowed his eyes at the hovering Ghost pokemon.

Big one isnt he? I shouted across to Gertrude.

Gertrude grinned. One of the biggest! Agatha complimented him!

I nodded at that and then slashed my hand straight forward. Hydro Pump!

Dodge and Spite! Gertrude ordered. Her pokemon shifted to the side to avoid the blasts of water while reaching forward with his hands to clench them in Shreks direction. Shrek grimaced and I clicked my tongue.

Spite, a move that reduced how often you could use a move. At least thats how it had worked in the games. In reality, it hampered the energy level your pokemon could draw on for a little while. Gertrude was going to have to move quick if she wanted to make the most of it.

Hypnosis! said Gertrude. Her Gengars eyes glowed.

Shrek mov and youre asleep, I said with a grimace. I didnt hesitate as I raised his pokeball and returned him instantly.

Sunny Day! said Gertrude as I pulled out my next pokemon.

Go! Selene! I shouted. Selene hovered onto the battlefield and her eyes locked with Gengar.

Solar Beam! Gertrude shouted quickly.

Teleport! I shouted with a grin.

Selene began to glow.

The Solar Beam closed in only for Selene to vanish causing the attack to whiff. Selene appeared behind Gengar, her eyes glinting ominously and Gengar stiffened.

Psybeam, I said, instructing Selene to unleash a powerful burst into Gengars back, throwing him out of the battlefield and knocking him out.

Gertrude raised her pokeball and returned him with a scowl. I would call soooo much bullshit if you werent dating Sabrina! she called.

Yeah? And what do you say knowing that? I was curious if she was going to demand a review. It wouldnt end well for her.

Its ultra bullshit, and your girlfriend is ridiculous! she called as she selected another pokeball. In the crowd, people laughed and some catcalled and whistled.

Selene wiggled as she made her way back to me.

Come back out, Blastoise! she said, tossing out her starter once more.

Selene glowered with intent, and I hummed before raising my own pokeball. Return! I barked. Selene shot me a betrayed look, like she wanted to try and solo Gertrudes entire team.

I wasnt game to try that, as I didnt want to give Gertrude a chance to take control of the match I switched out. Sanchez landed with a laugh as Gertrude had Blastoise perform Rain Dance.

Shit! she swore, instantly whipping out her pokeball and returning her Blastoise.

I chuckled, shame, she wasnt going to let me get off the classic Rain Dance-Thunder Combo.

Stealth Rock, I said to Sanchez. He stomped his foot, laughing as the rain poured down over him. A trio of rocks shot up as Gertrude selected her next pokemon. Go Dugtrio! she said, causing me to hum in thought. That was a good pokemon on paper.

Dugtrio appeared and it was instantly sinking into the mud, its trio of heads glowering out as it was peppered with Stealth Rock.

Fissure! barked Gertrude.

Leap! I said instantly as the Dugtrio shot into the ground.

I usually would have scoffed if a trainer used fissure in these sorts of muddy conditions.

Against a pokemon that was known for always being submerged in earth? I wasnt game to bet against it, as a rumble shook the field and a few sections of the mud roiled before being overturned.

I exhaled in relief. Good, it hadnt triggered properly.

Heavy Slam! I barked as Dugtrio started to emerge from the turned over earth.

Protect! Gertrude shouted straight away, causing the attack to crash down without hurting Dugtrio.

Heavy Slam again! I said, resulting in Sanchez spinning up for another attack.

Just as the Protect dropped, Gertrude punched forward. Bulldoze! snarled Gertrude.

Dugtrio surged forward, and both pokemon slammed into each other, resulting in a boom upon their impact.

I knew Sanchez would have the advantage with Heavy Slam, thanks to grossly outweighing Dugtrio, while Dugtrio would have a super effective move.

Both pokemon staggered away from the hit only to glower.

Again! barked Gertrude, very happy about the exchange and willing to trade off again.

I smirked and decided to match her. Sanchez! Go! I shouted.

Sanchez perked up and then with a maniacal laugh, threw himself into a roll that saw him accelerate into a furious tumble.

Around his body, a corona of energy built up just in time for Dugtrio and Sanchez to slam into each other.

If the battlefield wasnt as wet as it was, there would have been rolling clouds of dust. Instead everyone got to watch as Sanchez and Dugtrio stood, locked at the point of impact where they glared at each other, both trying to overpower the other.

Dugtrio blinked first, staggering back and slumping over, only for Sanchez to stagger back as well. He stumbled around. Go! Go Gooooooooooo! he shouted painfully, only to teeter almost all the way over.

Then he snapped back upright and raised his arms up. Golem! he cheered revealing hed just been playing.

The crowd cheered and I saw a few kids wipe their brows in relief. I chuckled and inspected him. His legs quivered and shook even as he tried to stand. He was attempting to portray himself as stoic and cool.

Despite his antics, he really was on his last legs here.

As Gertrude returned her pokemon I did the same for Sanchez. Time to share the limelight buddy! I shouted, causing him to take a bow as the red beam hit him.

Gertrude eyed me, considering her options as I selected another pokeball off my belt. I didnt hesitate to send out another pokemon.

Jormungandr appeared with a mighty bellow of power that shook the field.

Gertrude stiffened, and I could see her thinking she had the answer straight away, as she ripped out her next choice. Go Blastoise! she said, sending out her starter once more.

Blastoise landed with a growl and I hummed. This was not a great match up But I could make it work. Blastoise shrugged off the Stealth Rock that peppered it.

Dig! I shouted.

Surf! said Gertrude in response. Both pokemon moved with Blastoise throwing itself into a forming wave while Jorm dove into the earth.

The wave shot forth and swept across the arena. I crossed my arms, not that worried about it, and I was soon proven correct as Jorm reappeared, in close proximity to Blastoise.

TF! I barked even as Blastoise whipped around and sprayed Jorm with a heavy blast of water.

He endured the blow and carried on to bite down on Blastoise, causing an arc of electricity to lance out of his foe.

BB! barked Gertrude with her Blastoise raising a fist and slamming it down into Jorm, causing him to buckle under the blow as he was forced to release Blastoise.

Dig deep, I said, deciding to go for a stall and recover for Jormungandr. He threw himself into the ground, only for Blastoise to snatch for his tail and catch it with two hands.

Jorm started to pull Blastoise off his feet, but before he could escape the twin water cannons on Blastoise's back reoriented and unleashed a close range Hydro Pump.

I clicked my tongue. Perhaps I should have gone for a quick and dirty Mud Slap with how close I was?

I raised Jormungandrs pokeball and returned him before his body could hit the ground.

Hmmm, that made it one to the three in my favour, with Sanchez in a delicate state as well as Shrek being asleep.

I eyed Blastoise. It was also weak.

Go Sanchez! I shouted, deciding the gambit would be worth it if I could pull it off.

Sanchez reappeared with a loud cackle. He flicked two fingers from his eyes to Blastoise and then clapped above his head. Thunder! I ordered.

Sanchezs grin grew.

Surf! Gertrude ordered. A quick reaction from her Blastoise caused the Thunder to miss.

Dig! I said in response, making Sanchez avoid the wave with a dip into the dirt before popping out behind it. Thunderbolt! I said.

Blastoise landed and pivoted to line up its cannons. It fired off another blast of water at Sanchez and both attacks slammed into their targets.

Sanchez was blown off his feet with a gasp and Blastoise groaned in pain before falling to the ground.

I returned Sanchez, happy that hed gotten off a better combination against Blastoise this time.

Gertrude clicked her tongue. Excellent work Blastoise! she said as she selected another pokeball. She had Ninetails, who was on its last legs, and one, as yet unknown, pokemon.

Go Exploud! she shouted releasing her pokemon.

I hummed and unclipped Titans Greatball off my necklace. Go! Titan! I shouted.

Titan landed and locked eyes with Exploud.

Both pokemon inhaled and roared, and for once, Titans roar was overpowered as Exploud used its natural ability with sound to almost deafen us. I clutched at my ears as I felt a stabbing pain lancing through them and directly into my brain.

I grit my teeth and pushed through the pain.

This had to be an opening move, Hyper Voice perhaps. Titan was certainly reeling as though hed been hit. Worse, I couldnt give any verbal commands. That would be a game breaker for many trainers.

I had already linked my aura to Titan. We were more than ready to mess up her plan.

I saw Gertrudes lips move but I couldnt hear anything over the deafening ringing in my ears. I pushed what I wanted Titan to do into our bond and he responded by twisting on the spot and kicking up a Sandstorm.

He vanished, and the roaring voice of Exploud was swept away by the roar of the winds. I could make out Titan however.

I eyed the slowly drying out land under Titans feet. Damn, too many water moves have been tossed around to get a proper Sandstorm off. Still, it stopped Exploud being so loud, so that was a plus.

I searched the other side only to see a vague shape of Exploud along with a glow that appeared to be where his mouthwas it a she? I thought, before I saw the glow shift as a beam was unleashed.

Protect! I shouted, unsure if I was even speaking properly while pushing an urgent warning through our bond.

Titan clenched up and a Protect formed up in front of him to take the Hyper Beam.

When the beam broke off I glared across at Gertrude. She shrugged, and her mouth moved. I could just make out that there were some words but not what they were. Good, my hearing was slowly coming back.

I snorted. It wouldnt have worked on Titan, I said and noticed that Gertrude reacted. Hmmm so she could still hear fine? I noted that down as an interesting quirk.

As the Protect died away, Titan locked eyes on Exploud.

I raised my hand and pointed. Titan! Go! I shouted, this time projecting a hunger and immediacy to a counter attack.

Titan happily threw himself into a sprint to show Gertrude how to get off a proper alpha-strike.

Titans footsteps rumbled as he hurtled across the battlefield to a spent Exploud. When Titan slammed into Exploud, Exploud crumbled and was tossed like a rag doll by an angry child.

It slammed into the back wall and Gertrude sighed as she saw that yet another pokemon was knocked out. She returned her pokemon and then raised her hands to signal her withdrawal. I rubbed at my ears and got them to pop in time to catch the last of whatever Gertrude was saying

not going to send out my Ninetails to be battered like that. Shed get off an Energy Ball but Im not so sure it would be worth it.

Dennis nodded at that and raised his flags. Ace Trainer Gertrude has withdrawn from the match! Brock is the victor!

The crowd rose to their feet with a roar, and I grinned.

Now that had been a better match, if a bit scrappy in parts. Still, it was much better to be in the fight and enjoying it.

Today was a win in more ways than one.

Now I just needed to share that good vibe around, I thought to myself as I eyed Gertrude. I had a few questions for her, foremost was how shed escaped being deafened by her Exploud.