CHAPTER 20: THE TRUE SITUATION AT THE OTHER SIDE

Ehveret Lee's Monologue

Such a weird guy...

I hoped he won't be a scaredy-cat and does what he promised to do.

For a newbie like him to do such a thing proves his intelligence and dedication.

Should I proposed for him to join the Police's new squad?

But he's interested in working at the Pokemon Research Institute.

Well, I'll just offer him this work and let him decide on what is best for him.

Who knows?

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Archer read once, then twice, until he was sure that he had memorized everything about Girana's four skills. But on these particular training, he was hell-bent on producing two new skills based on these Ghost-type moves.

Hex (Ghost - Special Attack) Base Power: 65 Hex inflicts damage, but if the target has a major status ailment (i.e. is burned, poisoned, paralyzed, asleep or frozen) it will double in power to 130. Lick (Ghost - Physical Attack) Base Power: 30

Lick deals damage and has a 30% chance of paralyzing the target. Electric type Pokémon, those with the ability Limber or those behind a Substitute cannot be paralyzed.

"Sir Ehveret, can you tell Mimi to attack with another Normal-type skill, followed up by a Scratch attack?" Archer inquired.

Ehveret adjusted his cap as he sauntered towards Archer. "Sure thing. Mimi, use Fury Swipes first, then continue with a Scratch attack as your finisher."

"Meowth."

Its hands were blurry as it swiftly lash out three successive hits and paused for a second before striking with its claws bared. "Meowth!"

"Good job, Mimi," Ehveret praised as it patted its head. The cat wagged its tail like a dog and rubbed its body against his leg.

Archer couldn't help but smile as he saw Mimi's antics. No wonder most wanted a Meowth as their pet. Should I get a dog? He stopped his thoughts as he moved closer to Girana to check if it was okay. "Are you alright, Girana?"

...Me, feeling good...thanking Master for the concern...

He grinned as he fed Girana with an apple. "You're my buddy, okay. So don't be surprise if I'm concern since you're family."

...Yes...me and Master...family...

"So going back, can you feel the difference between them?"

...Me...feel the difference...but need several hits to make sure...

"Okay, then." Archer turned his face toward Ehveret and asked, "Sir Ehveret, can your Mimi still last for several rounds? Its Pokessence might just run out."

"No worries. I've got lots of Ether here with me, it can play for the whole afternoon," Ehveret replied confidently as he tapped his bag.

"Thank God. Can you please tell Mimi to repeat the attack routine for three times, at an interval of thirty seconds between each set?"

"Aye, Captain."

The two Pokemon continued their activity as Archer and Ehveret stayed just two meters away from them. As they were done, Archer began his interrogations. "Now, Girana, can you tell the disparity between the two?"

...Yes, Master....the dissimilarity was slight...the Pokessence of Scratch stayed longer...maybe for a second...

"Did both of the Pokemon Essences acted the same way?"

...Correct, Master...

Archer pondered for several minutes before asking Ehveret with, "Sir Ehveret, does Mimi know a Normal Support skill?"

"Mimi knows Growl," Ehveret answered directly, as if catching on to Archer's plan. "You wanted Mimi to replace the Fury Swipes with Growl?"

"Exactly. Same routine, rate, and interval."

"No problem." Archer heard Ehveret instructing Mimi with something. "All done. Just give the go signal."

Archer nodded as he gave a thumb-up sign. "Go!"

After several minutes, Mimi lay flat on the floor as its whiskers swayed. Ehveret fed it with ether as he assisted the wobbling Pokemon to stand up.

"How was it, Girana?"

...There is a big contrast...the first was spreading throughout mine body...Scratch just stayed at center, rotating like a whirlwind...

Archer took down notes as he listened to Girana's explanation. Clapping his hands, he began his speech. "Okay, this is how the training goes for now. First Phase, Mimi will use Scratch for every two seconds instead of ten, for about two minutes without resting. Second Phase, Mimi will attack with Scratch and my Girana will try activating the new combined skill until they both drop down dead."

"You sure can push them to their limits, huh? Why not let them rest and call it a day." Ehveret retorted.

"Eh? But you've already agreed to me that you will take part in Girana's training. I know you'll never back out, considering you're a good guy and - "

"Okay, stop. Better remember what you've said," Ehveret cut him off as he picked his ears, his face still slack and inanimated like a corpse. "I don't want to hear any complaints when it is time to do your part in our deal."

Archer felt butterflies in his stomach when he heard Ehveret's reply. Err..why do I feel something is not right. No matter what, I've just got to make the most out of this time.

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Ehveret began massaging Mimi's shoulders as soon as the training set was done. It was now purring in delight, just like a King being served by his attendant. Archer laughed at the duo as he strolled on his way to Girana.

"Girana, can you tell me what you discovered?"

...The Normal Pokessence stayed...five seconds at most...before it disappeared...

Archer noted this as Girana perched on his head, and asked again. "What about the differences among each second as you attack with Lick?"

...No differences on the first three seconds...but on the fourth...the Normal Pokessence tried joining with my Ghost Pokessence...but failed....

"Uh, huh. That sounds promising. Can you still do it?" Archer asked in concern.

...Yes, Master...Me thinks to improve...Me wants to get stronger...

Archer felt pleased as he listened. "Then, we will do the after-five-second-activate-skill training."

Girana flew back onto their testing area. Ehveret instructed Mimi to attack once again before leaving.

Their activity went on for about twenty times but were unfruitful: Girana's body stiffened before it can execute the Lick attack. Archer was not sure of where the problem lies, but still insisted on several trials before it gets dark. "Do you need another Ether, Girana?"

...Yes, Master...Me needs one...

"Thanks to Sir Ehveret's endless supply of Ether, I guess," Archer commented as he tossed a pill forward.

Girana opened its mouth to directly swallow the pill while floating. Soon enough, its wings beated rapidly and body shook, as if thrilled.

...Master, me ready...

"Let's do it, then."

Girana waited for five seconds after Mimi scratched it with its gleaming claws, then instantly opened its mouth to do the Lick attack. Its tongue, for about half a meter long, was fully covered with a blue-black haze except for its tip which was donned with a white spot.

Archer and Ehveret stood up abruptly in unison, their eyes shining as they saw the scene.

"Was it successful, Girana?"

...Yes, Master...

Archer wrote some calculations on his notebook and made some assumptions before asking, "Hey, Ehveret. Can I attack your Snorlax with the combined skill?"

Ehveret raised his brows as he crossed his arms. "I think Mimi can handle your attack. Don't worry, he is very high-levelled."

"Then don't blame me if Girana trashed Mimi. Let's start again," Archer warned him.

Same thing happened, but unlike before, Girana was now aiming its tongue toward the cat. Mimi's face was distorted as it got hit by the lashing tongue. It tried stepping backward but couldn't do it right away.

Ehveret took out a pill and ran towards the pained Pokemon. After giving it the medication, he patted its head and shifted his attention to Archer and said, "Let's do that five times."

"Are you sure? Mimi looks like he is in agony," Archer squinted his eyes as he stared at Mimi.

"Nothing major. It's just an effect of your skill," Ehveret dismissed. "I just wanted to verify something."

"As long as Mimi's fine, then let's do it."

The Pokemon did what they were told and yielded the same outcome: Mimi was struggling to move as it winces in pain.

"Now, I am sure of it. Your new skill has a Paralyzing Effect like that of a normal Lick attack, the only difference is that it has a higher paralyzing rate and increased damage ratio," Ehveret voiced out his observation as he carried mimi on his arms. "Maybe the Pokemon Research Institute already have a record about it."

Archer waved his hands, grinning from ear to ear. "Even though they have a name for it, but it is my right to give a rightful Skill name it deserves. Hmm...I get it. Let's call it 'Scratch and Lick'."

"Erm, why does it sounds...provocative?"

"Yes, that's what I wanted, anyway. The more provocative it is, the better it is for me," Archer smirked while he was jotting down. "I can't wait to used it when I have a Pokemon that knows Scratch. I'll let Girana lick them to their deaths, hahahaha!"

"Now, you're acting like a madman who was about to carry on with his evil plans," Ehveret remarked as he started walking toward the next room.

"Where are you going? The training is not yet done. There's supposed to be another one, this time for Hex."

"Such a train-freak."

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It was 11:00 pm and the sound of crickets coming from the open window reverberated inside the room. Yet, Archer was still awake as he organized his things and notes for tomorrow's exam. Always on the go, he felt that he was consistently lacking in time, and these reasons made him all the more less sleepy. Sighing deeply, he removed his hands away from the Incubator he received earlier as a gift, and set it on the table.

"Grow up fast, mini Snorlax," Archer said. "Help me survive in this world. Your Papa here needs your aid."

Archer stood up and closed the window that was just before him. Kneading his temple, he lugged on his way as he flopped on the bed, tired from all the strenuous activity and physical training he did right after dinner. Motionless, he just kept staring at the ceiling as he recalled everything that had happened to him.

"I still have a lot to include in my diary, but I'm just too exhausted to do anything, much more stand up and write another journal," he whispered to himself. He couldn't help but think of his situation back on earth, and what his future will be in this world.

Will I get back to Earth?

I know they are not missing me, since I have a Doppelganger they created to represent myself.

Messenger of the Guardians, if you hear me, please let me know how they are doing right now.

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Archer was jolted awake as he felt someone knocking off his head. "OUCH! WHAT THE FUCK?!"

He was about to continue with his rant when he noticed that his surrounding was blinding white. Realizing something, he knew that he was back at the place where he first heard the Messenger of the Guardians inside his dream. "Hey Messenger, whoever you are, why am I back in this area? Are you returning me back to Earth?"

...No silly...the Guardian have heard your prayer, and for the last time will grant what you wanted to know...This will be the last time I could talk with you since some unpleasant things were rather occuring as of this moment...The ball has rolled...

"You don't make sense. Can you please tell me what the heck is happening right now? If you have no plans in returning me to Earth, then please let me go back to my sleep so I can rest well and be in top condition tomorrow."

...Don't worry...I'll just let you hear something that will give you an idea of what is the real situation back in your world...after doing this, I am done with my promise to the Guardians and their Chosen Ones and be off...Please prepare, and listen at all cost...

"What?! Wait, how in the world will - "

A loud trumpet sound interrupted him, almost making him cover his ears. It lasted for about five seconds when it stopped, and chattering voices replaced the booming noise.

...Hey, Trisha, have you seen the news recently?...

...Yes, Archer dear. I never thought that the foreign balls that fell down from the sky five days ago actually contained some sort of monster-looking creatures. It reminded me of Pokemon...

...Crazy, right? It's been five days from now, and balls were popping out like mushrooms....

...Yes, love. Everyone was joining the bandwagon and tried finding one. Even my classes were eventually put on hold as my classmates and friends were keep on absenting themselves to go on hiking, looking for those balls...

...Teehee...actually, I've found one yesterday, just outside my garage...

...Congratulations. Now, we both have those...

...I wonder if these creatures are dangerous, Archer...

...I've asked my parents about it. They even show me the findings of their experiments. Here, read this...

...Fascinating...so they have some sort of an attachment to the first person they see when they emerge from the balls...

...Yes..and Trisha...do not say this, but they have some sort of a weird theory that made me excited...

...What?...

...They think that the Pokemon World is real...

...Why do they think so...

...The DImension Travel I've been part of was not successful, but the next batch was able to contact someone, actually a duo, and they talked with one of them for about ten minutes. It was short yet it proved many things...

...What was the name of the person?...

...Professor Kukui, I believed...

...Wait, Professor Kukui? The Alolan Professor of the Pokemon Sun and Moon?...

...Ironically, yes. The strange thing is he looked and acted exactly like the game...

...And the other one?...

...An ice-colored creature with its nine tails swaying...

...Alolan Ninetales?!...

...Yes...My parents who were against watching animes, reading mangas and playing games were now forcing me to spend my time doing such activities, not that I am complaining...

The voices stopped talking but Archer was still dumbfounded, for the sounds he heard was someone he was really familiar with. Am I listening to my Doppelganger and my girlfriend's conversation?

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CHAPTER 21: BATTLE ROYALE (1)