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Finding You - Chapter 9

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Finding You – A Pokemon Black and White Fanfiction – Chapter 9

Take Down

Last chapter, Luna had a heart-to-heart chat with her mom before moving on to Route 3. There, she met and captured a Blitzle who she nicknamed Blaze – however, poor Blaze was extremely frightened and scared of Luna, and so Luna let the little Pokemon go, knowing that he wouldn't be happy in captivity. However, when Luna found herself confronting an angry Throh, Blaze returned to help out his former mistress, and both human and Pokemon finally met eye-to-eye. With this latest addition on her team, Luna teamed up with Zoe on her way to Nacrene City, eagerly anticipating the Gym challenge that awaits her!

***

Journal of Dominic Mond, Eighth Entry

It's only been a few hours since my last entry. I just had to go for a walk.

The boy's name is Grey, and he was the leader of the group of street battlers. Every one of those children came from some kind of bad situation or other, and used the battling as a means to stay out of the house and get away from their less than stellar home lives. Every one of them has a problem – whether their parents are too busy, neglectful, or plain-out abusive.

Grey seemed hesitant to let me know anything about his life, but I promised him I'd come back tomorrow to treat him to another cone. I think I'm getting through to him.

***

Nacrene City had a certain feel that Luna couldn't quite put into words – artsy, perhaps? Its architecture appeared to consist mainly of old warehouses-turned-buildings, giving Luna a whole new, refreshing look at the unusual cityscape.

As his mistress took in the surroundings, Chewy trudged protectively at her side, occasionally giving passersby sidelong glances. Ever since the team had decided to travel with Zoe and Dixie, he seemed to keep even closer to Luna than usual, as if afraid that the fiery duo would lead her somewhere dangerous.

"I dunno about you, but I'm starving," Zoe commented, patting her stomach woefully. "There's a café around here in the city. Wanna eat?"

"Sure," Luna agreed. "You know this place better than I do."

"You better believe it. I've got tons of info about Nacrene, so I can fill you in while we eat dinner."

As the two girls turned a corner, Luna decided that it was probably a strange sight to behold – her, fair-skinned, white-haired, and fairly petite next to tall, tan, pink-haired Zoe.  Not that appearances mattered, but Luna couldn't help but think about it.

The two travelers made a pit stop at the Pokémon Center to drop off their Pokémon before making their way to the restaurant. When they finally reached the Warehouse Café, they were immediately welcomed by a waitress in a yellow maid outfit.

"Welcome to the Warehouse Café," she said warmly. "Would you like to sit at a booth or the counter?"

"Counter," Luna and Zoe said simultaneously.

"Right this way."

When the two girls took their seats, Luna asked Zoe, "Have you been to this café before?"

"Nope," Zoe replied. "First time. But I hear they have great burgers."

After placing their orders, Luna finally felt like she could relax. She told Zoe about her newest teammate, Blaze, and how he had saved her from the Throh.

Zoe was wide-eyed and attentive the entire time, unusually quiet, and without the usual interruptions. When Luna finished, Zoe asked offhandedly, "So what do you think made it act like that?"

"I guess it was just being territorial," Luna said with a shrug. "Why else?"

"But you didn't provoke it or even go near it until it blocked you into the cave. I wonder what could have made it act like that..."

Luna was taken aback by Zoe's sudden solemnity. Though she still didn't know the older girl terribly well, thus far Zoe hadn't seemed to be the type of person to stay on one topic for a long period of time.

"I don't think it's anything to be concerned about," Luna told her hastily. "It was just some kind of...some kind of freak incident. And I'm fine, right? So it's okay!"

When Zoe's thoughtful expression didn't waver, Luna decided it was a good time to change the topic. "You said you know a lot about Nacrene, right? Why don't you tell me about it? Did you grow up here or something?"

The food arrived, and Zoe ate a few fries before responding. "Nope. I'm not even from Unova. I just happen to know a lot about Nacrene because I do a lot of...research. I like trivia and things. Facts.

"Nacrene has a population of about 20,000, and has two school districts. People call this place 'The City of Art' because of its funky cityscape. You saw the buildings, right? Those used to be ancient warehouses, but over the years they've been restored and decorated to give it an artsy feel. It's pretty cool, actually. When we were walking around I noticed some people sitting out with canvases just painting the city for the heck of it. This place attracts lots of artists.

"Nacrene's biggest tourist attraction, though, is the museum – which also doubles as a Gym."

Luna felt a wave of excitement pass over her. "A Gym? Who's the Gym Leader?"

"Her name's Lenora, and let me tell you, she's one tough cookie. She specializes in Normal types."

Normal types? Though she had two of them herself, Luna privately thought that of all Pokémon, Normal Types were probably the weakest because of their lacking special abilities. "But she's still a tough Gym Leader?"

"You bet. The type of Pokémon you have doesn't matter as long as you can work out a good strategy – and that's exactly what Lenora does. I don't really know her fighting style, but I do know that she takes the Normal Type's usual weaknesses and works them to her advantage."

"Maybe she can give me some tips for working with Chewy and Laddie," Luna said excitedly. "I mean, so far I've just been trying to train them up and use their physical strength. But if she has some good strategies..."

She trailed off and took a few more bites of her grilled cheese sandwich in silence. Both girls appeared to be lost in thought as they ate their dinners before Luna finally brought up another topic. "So, Zoe. How long have you been a Trainer?"

Zoe swallowed. "Uh...a few years."

"Wow! I guess you have a lot of Pokémon then...oh, unless Dixie is your only one."

"Nn, yeah," Zoe replied, squirming a bit in her seat. "Dixie's my only Pokémon. But I don't really like to think of her as one of MY Pokémon. More like...my...partner. She and I work together really well.  We get stuff done."

"I guess you haven't taken the Gym challenge then," Luna concluded, feeling slightly disappointed as she said so. Hastily she added, "Um, but I was surprised when you were able to give me tips about Xander and Chewy; you know, when we first met at the Pokemon Center. It worked perfectly. How did you think that up?"

"It wasn't anything. I guess I'm just kind of good with Pokémon and understanding them." Abruptly Zoe stood and stretched. "Aah, that was good food. I'm stuffed. I wonder if our Pokémon are ready for us yet?"

To Luna, it felt as though Zoe was trying too hard to change the subject, but she didn't dwell on it. "Probably."

"Well then, c'mon, we can get rooms at the Pokémon Center before they fill up. After walking through Route 3 all day, I'm pretty tired. And tomorrow, if you think you're ready, you can try for a Badge!"

***

"Well, damn."

"Zoe!" Luna exclaimed.

"Sorry, sorry," the older girl apologized. "Bad language, I know. But just look at it."

The Nacrene Museum was impressive. It looked more like the Parthenon than a museum. Tall pillars held up the establishment around every angle, and a long flight of stairs led directly up. Massive doors at the top led inside, with people spilling out and in all around them. Luna felt small and insignificant gazing up at it.

"I thought you already knew a lot about Nacrene," Luna accused. "Haven't you even seen a picture of this place?"

"No," Zoe admitted. "I've just heard about it. I didn't think it was so huge."

Luna checked the Xtransceiver clock. "It's not even ten o'clock yet, and it's already packed."

"All the more reason to go in now, then." Zoe motioned for Luna to follow her. "C'mon, let's go. I think we should go look at the stuff in the exhibits before you try for your badge."

The inside was even more overwhelming than the exterior. Directly in front of the two girls was a large dinosaur skeleton of some sort. Scattered out in various other areas of the establishment were other exhibits of bones, fossils and other archaeological treasures.

In the corner was a tall, attractive African American woman giving a tour to a group of visitors. She turned and smiled when she saw Luna and Zoe.

"Would you two care for a tour of the museum?" she asked warmly. "We're giving them free today."

"Yes, thank you," Luna said, suddenly feeling shy.

"Well then, just follow me! My name's Lenora, and I'll be your guide for the day. We're going over the exhibits from ancient times..."

For about an hour after that, Luna and Zoe followed the crowd and learned a lot about Unova's ancient times.

"These fossils indicate that Pokemon have been around for thousands of years," Lenora explained, gesturing to some round fossils on display. "But these skeletons here – " she moved to gesture another exhibit "–also suggest that humans may have evolved from the original Pokemon on this Earth. Fascinating, isn't it?"

Lenora turned to face the group of about a dozen who had followed her around the museum. "And that concludes today's morning tour of the Nacrene City Museum! I hope you enjoyed it. Please don't forget to stop by the gift shop on the way out, there are plenty of great souvenirs for your loved ones that you can purchase."

The crowd began to disperse, leaving only Zoe and Luna next to Lenora.

"That was a great tour," Luna gushed. "I-I really loved it. How often are those tours?"

Lenora smiled. "The free tours are once a month, and normal tours are twice weekly with an admission of 100 poke per person."

Maybe I'll come back to get another tour sometime. "Um, so this museum is also the Nacrene City Gym too, right?"

"That's right." Lenora nodded. "And I'm the Gym leader. Are you here to challenge me?"

Luna took a deep breath. "Yes."

"Glad to hear it! It's nice to have a challenger who can appreciate our world's history before leaping headfirst into battle. If you'll come with me, I'll lead you to the arena. It's in the back of the museum, behind the library."

The three of them walked through the now less crowded exhibits and made their way to the back. After climbing a flight of stairs, they reached two large wooden doors that appeared to swing open to the inside.

"Here's the library."

Luna's jaw fell open. The library had perhaps the most books Luna had ever seen in her entire life. Shelves were not only set up in the center of the room, but they also lined the walls. Everywhere, rainbows of bindings filled Luna's vision. It was magnificent.

Luna felt the urge to grab some books off the shelves and start reading them, but she certainly didn't have the time for that. Pushing the books out of her mind, she trotted after Lenora and Zoe, wondering just how much further it would be until she reached the arena.

Finally, the group reached a large pair of double doors at the back of the room.

"This is the arena," Lenora declared grandly, pushing the doors wide open. "Normally, I would have you go through a test that involves finding clues within the library, but since you were inquisitive enough to ask for a tour, I don't think that's really necessary, do you?"

The arena was quite similar to the one at Striaton, but lacking the cameras that had been placed there for the amusement of the café customers. Luna's heart suddenly began beating a little faster, and excitement coursed through her veins. This is it!

Lenora strode briskly to the other end of the room to take her place on the arena. Zoe made her way into the stands and watched from above.

Lenora turned to face Luna. "Let's keep this simple. Two Pokemon each, tag-team style. Are you ready?"

Luna grabbed her first Pokeball. "Yes."

"Then let the match begin!" Lenora tossed a spinning Pokeball to the floor. "Herdier!"

A large terrier-like Pokemon burst from the ball and landed on the floor, immediately on the offensive. Luna recognized it as the evolved form of Lillipup.

If this Herdier is anything like Laddie, then maybe I'll have the advantage here. I know the fighting style.

Luna decided it would be a safe bet to send out her strongest Pokemon first. "Chewy!"

Chewy leaped into the arena, his fur spiking into hackles on his back.

"Herdier, Leer!"

Yes! I can get the first physical hit! "Chewy! Bite!"

As Herdier glared at the tiny Teddiursa, Chewy sprinted forward and reached out to bite it. However, Herdier quickly maneuvered around him and retaliated with a Take Down attack.

Surprise lit Luna's features as she watched Chewy skid across the floor. The attack had taken a slight toll on Herdier too, but Chewy was obviously in pain now and Luna realized that it had been a good hit.

"Chewy, c'mon," Luna encouraged, "I know you can do it!" Herdier was moving in for another Take Down attack, and Chewy was still on the floor.

Chewy just managed to get up, but was not able to get out of the way. Herdier hit him with a second blow, and Luna's hands instinctively flew up to her face as Chewy tumbled across the arena floor a second time. This time, however, he was knocked out for good.

Luna quickly withdrew him into a Pokeball as the referee stated the score.

"Gym Leader Lenora, 1; Challenger Luna, 0. One more Pokemon remains from Luna's team."

Luna thought. Who can I send out next? Chewy is the strongest on my team, and yet he was no match for Herdier. Maybe it's not a matter of strength, though. Maybe I need a new plan altogether. Okay, let's try Xander.

Luna tossed out the Pokeball. "Xander!"

The Oshawott bounced out eagerly, his features twisting into an adorable smile. "Osha!"

"Xander, try Water Gun!"

Water gushed from the otter Pokemon's mouth, aimed straight for Herdier. The terrier-like Pokemon tried to dodge, but for Xander it took only a slight tilt of his head to re-aim, and Herdier was effectively hit.

However, the slight victory didn't last for long. Herdier quickly recovered and dashed towards Xander. The little Oshawott barely managed to dodge in time before Herdier suddenly lashed out with a bite attack.

Whoa! I wasn't expecting that at all! Xander wasn't either, apparently, because his little squeal of pain sounded indignant, as if to say, "No fair!"

Xander leaped back as Luna gave her next command. "Razor Shell!"

With a flourish, Xander threw his Scalchop at Herdier with all  his might, but the Herdier gracefully dodged it, instead moving in for another Take Down attack upon Lenora's command.

However, Xander wanted his Scalchop back, and instead of following Luna's orders to dodge, he dashed over instead to where his precious shell lay, earning him a tough blow from the Herdier.  Apparently, that was the last of his strength, because he finally fell to the floor very similar to how Chewy had been minutes before.

Luna watched in shock as Xander fell to the floor. What?!

"Challenger Luna's last Pokemon is unable to battle," declared the referee. "Gym Leader Lenora wins the match!"

Did I really just lose?

Luna struggled to keep her composure. Of course she had lost. Her battle in Striaton, that was just pure luck on her part. As a rookie Trainer, she had no right to expect to win all the time, especially not so soon after starting her journey.

But something about watching the members of her beloved team fall before her was unsettling. Quickly Luna returned Xander to his Pokeball and cradled it in her hands as Lenora approached.

"Well fought," Lenora told her warmly, placing one hand on Luna's shoulder. "It's not your Pokemon's strength that needs work, but rather, your strategy. Rethink your battle plan a bit, then come back to try again. I know you can manage it next time."

Luna looked up in surprise. "You're...giving me advice?"

Lenora chuckled. "Of course. We Gym Leaders aren't here just to test a person's strength as a Trainer – we're also here to help that person learn and grow so that they can reach their full potential. Now, I suggest you head straight back to the Pokemon Center to treat your Pokemon before you do anything else – they've earned a good rest."

"O-of course! I'll go right away. Thank you, Lenora!" Luna hurriedly trotted to the entrance, her steps quick and anxious to leave.

Zoe caught up with her in the hallway. "Bummer! I really thought you'd win! But hey, that was one great battle. Like Lenora said, all you need is some work on your strategy."

Luna smiled. "How would you know, if you haven't even taken the Gym challenge before?"

Zoe grinned. "Getting cocky, are we? Not so fast! I actually bothered to take a few notes during the battle. I noticed some interesting things about Lenora and her battle style – as well as you. C'mon, we can discuss it after we go get your Pokemon to the Center."

As the two girls stepped into the afternoon sun outside of the museum, Zoe asked, "When are you going to try again?"

"Tomorrow."

There wasn't even the slightest bit of hesitation in Luna's voice. Taken aback, Zoe repeated incredulously, "Tomorrow?"

"Yep. If it really is my strategy, not my strength, that's the problem, then I'll be able to think of something tonight. That, along with your notes, will pretty much guarantee perfection, right?"

Zoe scratched behind her ear. "I guess so. But wow, aren't you confident. You think you can win then, huh?"

Luna smiled. "Well, there's no way I'm going to lose!"

To be continued...
I'm back! 8D

'Kay, so, not a lot to say about this chapter except that Luna finally LOST for once. I mean, she's just a rookie, I've made her win way too many times. ;;

Ah well. A bit of plot relevant stuff here. It's very subtle. :eyes:

Anyway, I'm SO SORRY that I had to hiatus FY for awhile. Depending on my schedule, it may have to happen again, but we'll see. Hopefully I'll be more diligent from now on about chapters... One of my major personality flaws is that while I'm a good student and stuff, I am pretty lazy. And I procrastinate. So FY is going to help me kick that habit. 8D

Anyway, again, so sorry! I hope you all enjoy. <3

Pokémon/Unova (c) Nintendo
Luna and all original characters (c) Me, vera-san
FanFic (c) Me - Do NOT take, copy, modify, or claim as your own.

Chapter 1: [link]
Previous: [link]
Next: [link]

P.S. Not gonna bother with chapter previews anymore. I just don't think there's a point. x)
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MamaMrL789's avatar
Dominic is so nice :'D