Chapter 178: Steven Stone v Drake

Chapter 178: Steven Stone v Drake

The sound of growling and gnashing teeth made me stop what I was doing.

Gible! growled Gible.

Munch! said Munchlax.

I gaped openly, watching as Munchlax, who was trying to carry a platter of food, had to dance around a leaping Gible. The little baby pokemons jaws snapped menacingly each time it missed the platter.

After the fifth attempt, he landed rather heavily before he paused. He gave a whine of annoyance for a few seconds with his little limbs pumping up and down. Munchlax didnt spare him any sympathy, causing the baby shark pokemon to suck up his tears and take up the hunt once more.

Munchlax was doing a rather respectable job all told.

It was just a shake that at some point in transporting the platter out to the table, Zubat had obviously found him. Shed landed and taken to gorging herself while Munchlax and Gible unknowingly fought over nothing.

I stepped up and glowered. What do you think youre doing? I said sternly.

Munchlax stiffened in surprise, obviously thinking my words were for him. Gible, unaware of what my tone meant, made another leap for the food only for me to snatch him out of the air.

Gib? Gible! he said, his small stumpy hands and legs pumping in the air as he reached for the platter. He paused when he spotted a rather plump-looking Zubat looking up at me.

Zuuuuu? said the little bat pokemon.

Munchlax dropped the platter and Zubat shrieked in surprise only for Munchlax to loom over her.

Munch! Munchlax Lax! he said he then waved a hand about and started to gesture at me and my family, all of us setting up the outdoor area to observe the coming match between Steven Stone and Elite Four Member Drake.

A few of my siblings walked over and crossed their arms. Suzie nodded along as Munchlax continued to rant about something to do with hard work and stealing peoples effort?

Zubat seemed to be shrinking into herself and had gained a chastised expression while Gible tilted his head in confusion. Gib? he asked.

Munchlax paused and glanced back at Gible in surprise but Suzie took over. Its because youre a baby pokemon! Youre just playing and hungry! Zubat should know better!

I coughed. Actually, I dont think she should. Shes only been caught for a week and we havent had the chance to talk about not stealing food. She typically wouldnt have the chance with the other pokemon she eats with. This is something shes never had an experience with.

I put Gible on the ground and turned him so that he was standing next to Zubat. I opened my mouth to give them a lesson about this only for Suzie to step in front of me.

Listen, little pokemon! Stealing is bad because it takes away from the people who put a lot of hard work in! Food like this, usually gets shared around anyway and that makes for a better taste and a better expedience!

I coughed. Experience, I said out the side of my mouth, correcting Suzie.

Yeah! That! Suzie said pointing at me. She nodded again and flared her nostrils. So, youre taking everyone's food, and a nice moment together she frowned and turned to me.

I took over the conversation knowing Suzie didnt know what else to say. And it makes people angry with you, so instead of sharing something positive, you end up ostracised. Its better to help out. If youre hungry, you just ask for food, youre not a wild pokemon anymore.

I crouched down. So, Gible, while Munchlax was willing to play with you, you didnt need to be doing it over the food everyone was going to share. Gible nodded slowly, his mind working overtime as he worked to lock this into his view of the world.

I turned to Zubat who was trying to look small but with her swollen belly couldnt achieve it. Zubat, you went out of your way to sneak the food out from Munchlax which Im sorry to say, is worse.

Zuuuuuu! wailed the little bat.

I nodded. I know, you didnt know and part of that is my fault. Sometimes it can be something that is picked up through social cues, but it sometimes also needs to be stated instead of just assumed. So, Im not mad or worried, you know about this now, so you wont do it again right?

Zubat nodded only to tilt her head only to quickly shake her head as she understood what I was actually asking. I smiled and patted her on the head. Alright, so just apologise to Munchlax for stealing the food he was bringing and well get this sorted out.

Zuuuuuuuuu! said Zubat, her head bowed and her ears flopping down.

Munchlax rubbed her head and gave her a thumbs up. Munch! he said.

Suzie raised her hands. Hooray! Were all friends again! Suzie turned on the spot only to spin around. What did she eat? she asked.

I looked at the crumbs. It looks like someones cookies, I said.

Suzie giggled. Hahaha Yolanda! Zubat ate your food! she said dashing up to tattle to Yolanda.

I shook my head. When had she started copying Cindy on trying to bait a response from her sister? Yolanda, wise to this, merely glanced over to Zubat. She saw I was there and nodded. Oh, that happens, no problem Ill just have popcorn, she said before returning back to setting out the chairs.

Zubat wobbly flew over and landed on Yolandas shoulder to apologise and I decided to leave that there. Munchlax headed back instead to get another tray of food while Gible rubbed his chin. Giiiiible, he said slowly.

You okay little man? I asked. Gible nodded slowly, sitting down to watch as my siblings and I continued to set up.

Zubat I picked up so she could watch as everyone went about their tasks. When youre feeling up for it, how about you fly up and tell Titan, Bertha and the others that the match is about to start? I asked her when she started to fidget.

Zu! she said, happy to be given a task.

When we were done Gible was still standing off to the side, watching and stroking his chin. I picked him up and deposited him in my lap only to perk up as Rocko led Samuel around. Samuel instantly dragged a seat closer to me to inspect the pokemon in my hands.

Oh my! This is a marvellous-looking pokemon! Wherever did you find him? he said.

I rescued him from Team Rocket recently, I said.

Really? Samuel said producing a pokedex that he pointed towards Gible.

Gible? said the little shark pokemon.

Samuel Oaks pokedex was a much thicker design than the standard forms. It also seemed to have a larger camera and screen on it. Samuel happily took some pictures only to frown. Interesting, Im picking up Ground and Dragon typing in this little one?

Is that so? I said nonchalantly.

Samuel shot me a look. You know something? he said.

I nodded. Ive been looking into other regions and our clashes with them historically. I found a reference about a Dragon pokemon that was considered very strong when fully trained from a place called Sinnoh.

Samuel blinked. I can recall something to that effect but its been years and I was so young even when the continents started to shift. So many people lost contact with each other He sighed and shook his head. I never encountered something like that but I will do some reviews and see what I can find. He stood and released an Alakazam, surprising me.

You dont have to I started to say only for them to vanish. do that now, I finished lamely.

Rocko wandered back over with a pair of plates. Huh? Hes gone already? When I just waved a hand at the empty air Rocko shrugged. Eh, more grub for me. Anyone want some? he offered, causing Gible to leap forward and jostle with Munchlax for the spare plate.

The pair of them ended up dividing it between them. Munchlax tried to use the spoon only for Gible to eat it along with the food the first time it was offered. Munchlax retracted a mangled spoon after Gible was done with it.

I snorted and turned back to watch the warm-up match that was being broadcast. Wallace was battling Watson and surprising a lot of people, as he was winning with his water-typed pokemon.

Tommy bounced in his seat and looked around. So whens Lieutenant Surge coming around?

Flint and I locked eyes, knowing, without saying a word aloud, that if we told Tommy Surge had been arrested and wasnt coming, it would break his heart. The both of us stared at each other and a plan formed in our minds.

He went on vacation! Hes decided to go on sabbatical! I said over the top of Flint. Flint and I shared another look, both of us telling the other to get our acts together.

Tommy tilted his head. Is Sabbatical a place?

I coughed, signalling that Id go first. Its a sort of break from work, so a vacation for a long time! Surge has been working really hard for a number of years and hes decided to take a break.

Oh said Tommy as he processed this.

Salvadore, Cindy and Yolanda shot us knowing looks. I scratched the back of my head. Damn spoink-speak and kids knowing it.

Tommy perked up, causing panic to return to Flint and I as Tommy grinned. Can I call him to come around if hes not doing anything?

No! Flint and I said together. We returned to shooting each other frantic looks.

This time Flint coughed first. Hes not in the region and we wont be able to send him any messages I think he might be gone for a while!

I nodded. Yeah, he let his daughter take over the Gym for him! I said, firming up the hole that Flint and I were digging. This instantly had the other girls perking up with interest.

Daughter? said Cindy.

Tommy groaned. Nooooooo! Not another Girl Gym Leader! There are too many already! Make the Cerulean sisters stop counting! There should only be one Gym Leader for Cerulean! he said plaintively.

I snorted. If things went the way I was expecting, thered be two more by the next circuit. Thanks to the Guardians' discussions I was kept abreast of some of the back-door conversations occurring in the League.

Apparently, a prominent family with some Ace trainers in their number were looking into Goldenrod. The most prominent trainer in their family? A girl called Whitney.

Whereas the Ranger who was holding down Olivine City had suggested his own granddaughter.

Id been rather amazed to learn that Ranger Myron was Jasmines grandfather. With Visquez, the ratio of male Gym Leaders to females was dropping.

Dont let it bother you, I said. This new girl is supposed to have a lot of spunk.

The girls shot me a confused look. Spunk? said Cindy. What even is that?

Its you know? Spunk? Courage or determination?

Hmmm sounds like something an old person would say, Cindy said unknowingly, scoring a critical hit to my pride.

Flint chuckled into his fist. Id call her plucky! he said, deciding to toss his hat into the ring of popular opinion.

Soooo much older! said Tommy. And lame!

Flint doubled over and clutched at his heart. I smirked and took a handful of popcorn, enjoying the change in targets. Heh, thats show him.

A flash of light heralded Sabrina but this time she came with Janine. Both girls' appearances had the children shooting to their feet.

Sabrina! called the girls, leaping up to present themselves to her. She deftly hugged and stroked heads causing a wave of giggles to break out. Yolanda walked up and presented Terra to Ralts.

Tar! said the excitable Larvitar in greeting.

Ralts! chirped Ralts back with an air of smugness. A glow formed around Ralts and a number of rocks rose into the air. I whistled. Ralts was getting stronger.

Janine! called the boys as they too closed in on a new arrival. Then they tried to tackle her. Janine blurred around them and appeared next to me in a cool pose. Naive! she announced to the pile of boys.

This just made her seem cooler to them. Gible squawked in surprise at having her so close so quickly and flapped his stubby arms.

Janine shot me a wink only to frown. Is this the pokemon that you were given by Lance for assisting in the raid? she asked.

I nodded a pleased feeling swelling through me as I stroked Gibles fin, making him croon in delight. Yup, Lance, the Dragon master gave me this Gible.

Janine tilted her head, her eyes narrowing as she took a moment to assess Gible. Gible he is not a Rock pokemon is he?

Hes ground, I said leadingly.

Janine blinked and stared harder at Gibles features. Hes dragon-type? she said in surprise.

I nodded feeling like the Meowth that had just revealed how hed cornered the cream market from his competitors. He is indeed, and if the reading Im doing on historical pokemon like Gible is correct, then hes going to be very strong.

My pokemon lumbered around the corner at that moment, and Zubat who had been darting back and forth trying to hurry them up broke away to zip over to me. Zubat! she cried, brandishing a wing towards my Elite team.

I shot the team a wave and indicated their treats which had been laid out already with Sanchez standing guard over them.

Its faster than Salamence? I said in surprise. I hadnt been expecting Mega-Metagross to outspeed a pokemon known for being fast. Drake's plan of boosting his pokemon suddenly made so much more sense to me.

Had he known about this pokemons stat boosts and determined he needed something extra to match? In that case, Ninjask being the chosen buff pokemon with its greater speed made a lot of sense. But then Drake had said Steven had anticipated this as well?

How would he know his pokemon were slower? I frowned as a suspicion formed in my mind.

Salamance dove, determined to strafe Metagross position with a diving Flamethrower only for Metagross to blur once again, this time the Aerial Ace didnt land but it did put Metagross out of danger.

Steven made a grasping gesture and his pokemon once more exerted Psychic on another pokemon. This time Drake didnt seem to have an answer Hyper Beam! snapped Drake.

Stevens eyes widened as Salamances head locked onto Metagross and unleashed a devastating beam of power that tore up the battlefield. Metagross took the hit face first and for a moment it vanished in the powerful attack.

When the dust settled, however, Metagross was shown, still standing and still locking Salamence in position with Psychic.

Salamence was slammed into the ground where another Icy Wind swept over the dragon pokemon ending the match.

The crowd roared their approval only for the announcer, due to this being an official friendly match to announce a break. The crowd stayed in their seats and Metagross stayed on the field with Steven not walking back to his bunker.

Drake, likewise, didnt move.

Steven is pushing the evolution out, his pokemon took enough damage and has used a number of moves, it should be becoming too strenuous to hold, Sabrina said thoughtfully.

I watched Steven and nodded. It looks like youre right. Steven Stone looked flushed and brow was dripping with sweat as he tried to keep the mega-evolution going. It seemed to be taking a bigger and bigger toll however and the break wasnt to his advantage.

Sure enough, before the match could be restarted, Metagross lost its mega-evolution.

Steven wiped his forehead with a towel that was rushed out to him by an aide. He sighed and slumped a little only to shake it off. He quickly straightened himself out and waved to reassure the crowd that he was right to keep fighting.

This earned him a round of applause as people urged him on. Drake merely gave a single, begrudging nod of approval for Steven to keep fighting.

Drake chose his next pokemon. Go! Swellow! he said, sending out a pokemon I wasnt expecting.

A Swellow? I said.

Janine nodded. He is most well known for his Dragon pokemon but Drake started with flying-type pokemon. He is still trying to get more dragon pokemon onto his roster but it is not so easy to find Dragonite, and rumours have it that he heavily funds research into other regions scouting hoping to find more dragon pokemon.

I hummed. Yeah, he and Lance would get some seriously powerful pokemon the more regions that were opened up to them. I chuckled and stroked Gibles head.

Swellow had to shoot into the air straight away to dodge a Psychic but instead of engaging straight away, the flying type pokemon hovered, beginning to glow from well out of Metagross range.

Steven shook his head. Stealth Rock, he said, forcing Drakes hand.

Again Swellow, said Drake, surprising everyone.

Ah, I said, realising Stevens oversight. That Swellow knows Defog, I said, and sure enough a moment after Swellow had boosted itself up again. It dove and circled the field.

As it flapped its wings hard sending out burst after burst of wind forth, causing the Stealth Rocks Steven had created to achieve nothing.

Drake grinned while he punched forward, and this time Steven flinched as his pokemon took another U-turn to the face.

Swellow disappeared and in its place, an Altaria appeared hovering and ready, and more importantly, not impeded by Stealth Rock.

Take it! snapped Drake and from Altarias maw a huge Fire Blast shot out.

Protect! barked Steven, determined to keep his pokemon in the running for a moment more.

Drake huffed. Ive got you dead to rights this time boy! Youre not escaping me! Drake swept his hands up and Altaria, rather than wait for the Protect to drop shot into the air to circle above Metagross.

Fire Blast once more! Drake said.

The Protect vanished and Steven leaned forward, an intense look on his face.

Metagross shot forward and vanished just before the Fire Blast could hit it. A moment later Metagross appeared in front of Altaria causing the cloud-like bird to shriek in surprise.

Steven pumped his fist in victory, as Metagros caught the flying-dragon-typed pokemon. Both pokemon spiralled to the ground, on the way, bursts of fire and ice shot from both as they hammered move after move into the other.

The tumble became a slug fest.

Around me my siblings shot to their feet and cheered or shouted while my elite roared their approval for the hard scrap.

Neither pokemon pulled out of the death spiral until and when they hit they rocked the stadium.

When the dust cleared both pokemon were revealed to be knocked out.

The crowd rose and roared their approval for the exchange and I had to give it to Steven, it hadnt been a bad idea. He forced a mistake, Drake could have ended it with a weaker move but he wanted to guarantee it with a move that isnt as accurate, I said.

Janine and Sabrina nodded. Giiiiiii! said Gible, staring intently at the screen.

I stroked his fin. Drakes got some strong pokemon, no? I said.

Gible nodded enthusiastically and I chuckled.

Youll be just as strong one day, I said, and Gible grinned but kept his gaze locked for what was to come.

Both Drake and Steven selected their next pokemon.

Steven sent out Claydol.

Drake sent out a Sceptile.

I sat up. Now that was a very interesting choice. Steven seemed stunned by the choice but I had to wonder if Drake didnt know about Sceptiles evolution, for it gained an extra typing when it did. Specifically Dragon-Grass.

Drake knew something, or else he had incredible instincts? I sighed. I really dont know enough about Drake to know how impressed I should be or for what reason, I said.

Janine eyed me. And why do you say that?

Sceptile works for him, I said cryptically, wise to her tricks.

On the screen, Sceptile swept its tail about, causing a cascade of green leaves that then shot towards Claydol.

Dig! barked Steven. Claydol dove into the ground just in time to avoid the attack only for Sceptile to shut its eyes and relax.

I leaned forward watching for what would happen.

Claydol shot out of the ground with its head seeking to gouge into Sceptiles stomach. Sceptile flexed its tail and skipped over the previously hidden pokemon.

Leaf Blade! barked Drake. Green blades of grass energy burst from the leaves on Sceptile's wrists as Sceptile slashed forward in a reverse style.

Claydoll took the hit and tottered back collapsing onto its back where Sceptile pinned it, a leaf blade held over the meeting point of the two main segments.

I whistled, damn that had been a fast reversal with Drake taking out two pokemon fast.

Steven sighed and raised his hand. I withdraw my Claydol from the battle, he said, quickly returning his pokemon before whipping out another. Skarmory took to the field and I hummed. This was a better matchup for him.

Skarmory went in hard but Sceptile was up to the task of holding it at bay.

Steven seemingly had no issue with this though and allowed the match to become a matter of endurance, which saw Sceptile dropping eventually.

In the end, Swellow was left to face off against what remained of Stevens team.

Steven considered his Skarmory for a long moment before returning it and sending out his Aggron, causing me to lean forward.

Behind me, Knight stepped closer to watch his fellow pokemon easily close out the match for Steven Two to Six. Sadly I wasnt going to be getting any critical insights with that match with how Steven simply bombarded Drakes Swellow with Stone Edge to close out the match.

Yolanda stood and stretched. That was a good match! I wasnt expecting the Mega-evolution from Steven and that made it a lot more one-sided than I thought it would be.

There had also been a few unusual moments that I really didnt have enough knowledge of Drake or Steven to make an accurate call about. How well did they know each others pokemon rosters to be able to predict each other like they had?

Drake obviously knew enough about Metagross movepool to have been caught by surprise with Steven teaching it, Aerial Ace.

Sceptile had been a shock for Steven, I was sure, but Drake had seemed to come into the match against Steven. Knowing what Mega evolution would mean.

That meant something, but I felt like I didnt have enough information to judge.

I shook it off, and clapped my hands. Alright gang! Time for bed! I called.

My siblings and Bertha all groaned with sadness. When Bertha joined them trudging towards the house I rolled my eyes along with the giggles from my siblings.

While she wouldnt fit through the doors, that didnt stop me from returning her to her pokeball and then letting her sleep in the loungeroom.

Steven waved to the adoring crowds one last time, a practised smile on his face before he stepped into the tunnel and out of sight. He held the smile for another few seconds before allowing it to drop as he advanced. When he reached the pokemon care facility the team of pokemon handlers he had were all waiting for him.

Excellent battle sir! they said together.

Steven nodded. Yes, thank you for your work today and in the last few weeks, he said as he deposited his pokeballs into various receptacles.

The group of handlers all relaxed and began to comment on what theyd liked the most of the fight. They also began to display graphs and power readings from the fight indicating how well his pokemon had done. Steven half listened, a thought niggling in his mind.

He placed both hands on either side of the table and sighed loudly.

Instantly the room fell silent.

Steven straightened. Everyone but Katrina out, he said.

Everyone marched out, except for the singled-out woman. She stood at attention licking her lips as her eyes darted about.

Sir? she asked as the door closed on the last person.

Steven sighed. Youve been feeding others information on my pokemon Katrina, he said without preamble. For doing a poor job of it, youre fired.

Doing a poor job of it? she said incredulously before shaking her head. Wait! No! I never did that sir! You must be thinking of Glen! Hes always sneaking in here!

Steven held up a finger. No, I did not make a mistake. I have been aware of someone feeding others information for a while. Tonights results confirmed to me it could only be you. Tonight I made the connection to you. But worse? Tonight, Steven drew the word out. impacted the impression of Mega-evolution. It needed to be as good as possible, and you have jeopardised that. You may go, he said, waving a hand.

I jeopardised that? snarled Katrina. Like hell that should matter you money-grubbing

Steven held up a finger and a pokemon appeared behind Katrina. Banette, escort Katrina to security. They will know what to do from there.

Steven shook his head. Honestly, you overplayed your hand. He huffed. And did a second-rate job of it. If you had done it properly Drake would have fallen right into my trap, he said, shaking his head.

Steven stared at the score from his match, that would be what people paid attention to tomorrow. Two to six, with Drake able to claim two of his pokemon despite the mega evolution. Steven sighed and began sending off messages to his companys PR department.

This would need to be managed.

Drake had played his hand well and would garner much respect, with none of the masses aware of the moves made under the table to get him even that far.

Steven smiled despite himself. He had to conclude that it did make the game, that they played more interesting.