Blazing the Competition - Pokémon SI

Chapter 46 – Interlude Zinnia undergoes draconid trial pt1.

Living in the village got better once big sis Aster started taking care of me. The bigger kids now kept away to avoid getting on big sister’s bad side, daddy compromised with me by replacing Horsea’s old fishbowl with a nice big aquarium that he asked the village’s glass artisan to build, all so my little dragon could comfortably sleep together with me in my room. He even told me that if I said nice things about him to Aster, he’d eventually have a pond built in the yard.

“Mommy we are going out to play!”

“Sea!”

“Be back before dinner!”

Horsea and I went back to the river to practice our moves again. With big sis’ help Horsea managed to learn a bunch of cool moves. Dragon breath, Twister, Agility and even without big sis’ help Horsea managed to learn Bubblebeam all on his own. The last three weeks have been way more fun with big sis coming to see us every day. Sometimes the old grumpy men in weird robes keep her busy for a long time and she can’t come that day. Being alone again during those times was bad but at least Horsea was there to keep me company. The other children still wouldn’t let us play with them, but we’d show them how cool we are someday soon.

“Horsea… we can make more friends right? Brother always says having lots of friends fixes all your problems.”

“Sea…!”

“Little sister, I am back!”

It was around afternoon time. Big sis aster usually had to spend most of her time with the village leaders called the elder council. They made sure that the traditions of the tribe are upheld, but big sister had big plans to open up the village for any prospective dragon type specialist looking to learn more about dragon types. She believed by closing up our borders we were also closing off our hearts to the world surrounding us. I usually don’t understand what she’s talking about, but I would really like it if my brother is allowed to visit the village.

“Big sis! Can we ride around on Dragonair again?”

“Of course, but first I have some exciting news for you. Do you want to guess what it is?”

“We got invited to become participants in the trick house contest?!”

“Nooo! Silly! I got you a spot in tomorrow’s coming of age rite.”

“But I am already really big! Horsea thinks so too!”

“Sea!”

“Not like that! Although I do think you are more mature for your age compared to the other children living in the village. The coming-of-age rite is an event that our tribe holds every year. All the tribe’s children who are deemed to have developed a suitable temperament are allowed to participate.”

“Can we not go? Every time me and Horsea draw too much attention I get scolded at home...”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll have a talk with that father of yours. If he gives you any more trouble he can kiss that position on the elders’ council goodbye.”

“You can do that big sis?!”

“I’ll have you know that your big sister is a bigshot around these parts. Anything I say goes and none of those old fogies can do anything about it.”

“That’s so cool! Can I become a bigshot as well? That way everyone has to play with me!”

“Well… my position is already filled. However, you can be my successor that way you’ll be the little bigshot.”

“You must be the best battler in the whole tribe big sis! That’s how you got your position right?”

“No, there are many people who are more skilled in battle than I am, especially the elders. Their Pokémon are in a completely different league. The reason that I got elected is because of my sky friend.”

“A sky friend…?”

“Yes, he visits me on occasion and everyone in the tribe thinks he’s the best. I met him during my own rite of passage, and we’ve been friends ever since.”

“The rite of passage is for making friends?”

“Exactly, tomorrow you and the tribe’s other younglings will be allowed to enter a very special place. Inside you’ll get the chance to make a lifelong partner who will stick with you through thick and thin.”

“Like me and Horsea?”

“Yes, just like you and this little cutie.”

“Seaa!”

“This is a unique opportunity reserved for the children of our tribe. The parents of your new potential partners won’t tolerate grown adults making the attempt to bond with their hatchlings.”

“Oh! You mean Pokémon friends! I can do that. Back in my old home all the Pokémon really liked me! Our household’s Vulpix always let me touch her tails whenever I wanted, and my brother’s Numel shared his berries with me whenever I forgot to eat my lunch at school.”

“There are differences, fire types are overly passionate while dragons tend to be a bit more prideful, especially the younger ones who are not yet secure in their own power. Therefore, the process of forming bonds also tends to differ. Dragons usually decide to bond with humans based on their adherence to what being “strong” means to them. So, for today’s lesson I’ll teach you all I know about how to get along with wild dragon types.”

“Brother always says that making friends with any wild Pokémon is easy as long as you give it berries and lots of head pats!”

“Sea!”

“See? Even Horsea agrees.”

Big sis Aster suddenly closed in on me to give me an uncomfortable suffocating hug. She did this a lot for some reason.

“Zinnia, you saying that has reassured me that you are ready for the rite. There’s no way a cutie like you wouldn’t walk away with an extra friend with that kind of attitude. Still… there are also the circumstances of the other party to consider. In the wild a Pokémon might be hurt and scared prompting it to lash out at you even though it would love to eat a berry and receive head pats. This is why it’s important to be able to discern a Pokémon’s state of mind before you approach. Dragon types have numerous tells not all of them obvious. Be prepared my disciple! Today I’ll give you a crash course on how to read a dragon’s body language.”

The next morning*

‘Today’s the day! I hope Horsea can get along with the Pokémon I’ll bring back with me.’

Daddy told me that showing up at the rite also shows the rest of the village that the council has already accepted me as an official member of Meteor village. Then he went on about our family’s history and that partnering up with strong dragons is important for our family’s standing in the village. Even Mommy forced me to take a bath last night so I could make a good first impression.

‘I swim together with Horsea in the same river every day. I don't need to shower! If it’s good enough for the Pokémon living here it’s good enough for me also!’

This was the first-time mommy and daddy both made time for me. Holding their hands as they walked me to the yearly festival made me feel like the happiest girl in the village. If there was one thing I’d say that was missing it would be the presence of my nerdy brother and his ramblings.

Today all the villagers grouped up in front of the big tunnel grownups say we aren’t allowed to be in. This event according to Big sister was one of the events the entire village looked forward to celebrating. A kindly older looking lady in antiquated garbs holding a staff with a rainbow-colored stone inserted at the tip was leading the procession. She was currently giving a lecture about letting hatchlings leave the nest.

‘A keystone… brother said you need those to mega evolve a Pokémon.’

Me and two boys were lined up in front of the crowd while the old lady commenced the event with a speech.

“Villagers! Today we gathered here to witness the forming of new bonds. Three of our own have been deemed worthy of taking on this year’s rite of passage. Taking their first steps on their journeys to become dragon masters. Hopefuls come forward!”

‘This is the perfect opportunity for friend making. First to introduce myself by saying something nice to the other party just like Egon taught me.’

“I like your cape, it makes you look like a superhero. My name is Zinnia. What is your name?”

“Nicolas, don’t talk to me so casually. This is a competition between us three.”

“Competition why…?”

“My goal is to partner up with the strongest dragon inside the nesting grounds. Father already told me which one I should be aiming for. If you know what’s good for you, stay away from the Salamence nesting grounds. A larger than normal hatchling Bagon has revealed itself. My aim is to claim that dragon for my own.”

“My brother says size doesn’t matter in Pokémon battles! All Pokémon can be trained up to be just as strong!”

“Your brother is a fool obviously.”

“Take that back! My brother is a genius, he knows everything there is to know about Pokémon!”

“Fine, I accept your challenge.”

“Huh…?”

“You and me a Pokémon battle. After the rite is concluded, together with our new partners of course.”

“Hmpff! You are on! If I win you have to take back the words you said about my brother.”

“Fine and if I win you will relinquish any dragon you manage to acquire over to me.”

It was at this moment that the other boy tried stepping into our conversation.

“Nicolas isn’t that a bit…”

“Shut it, Dray! I don’t care what the Lorekeeper says. This girl was not born inside the village, that makes her an outsider.”

Big sis was watching us from the crowd not stepping in to tell those meanies to behave. She was putting her faith in me to stand up for myself. We made a promise that she would convince the adults and that it would be my job to win over my age mates. The grand elder finally finished giving out her speech and now turned to the three of us.

“Before being granted access to the nesting grounds you must traverse this tunnel without help. You will be watched by an unbiased overseer while doing so. We will leave it up to fate to decide who will gain the privilege of entering first.”

A big grumpy looking man walked up to us holding a covered box. It was similar to the ones they used in flashy game shows.

“Pull your lots. the number denoted on your piece of paper determines in what order the three of you will be setting off.”

“I’ll go first!”

Nicolas stuck his hand in the box first without asking and with a smirk on his face revealed the number he pulled to the rest of us.

“Number one as expected.”

The kind boy Dray went next, pulling out the number two slot. Which left me with number three. The caped granny readdressed us now that the ordering had been determined.

“Nicolas as number one you will go first. When you are ready to enter, make your way to the tunnel’s entrance. The rules are as follows; you are not allowed to use a poké balls, after you’ve entered the nesting grounds proper the next waiting participant will be sent in after you, when the sun starts to go down all participants will be removed from the nesting grounds and brought back here even if they haven’t managed to find a willing partner. The ones that can’t find a partner are allowed to try again next year. If you kids have any questions now is the time to ask.”

“Old lady, are we allowed to bring food with us? And can I bring Horsea with me?”

“Zinnia, you can just call me granny. And no, we don’t want you children trying to bribe a hatchling into going with you. As for your Horsea…”

Big sister moved in close and took the poké ball containing Horsea from my hands.

“I’ll look after Horsea, little sister, don’t worry about him. He can spend his time playing with Dragonair while waiting for you. Just make sure that you find yourself a cute partner. You do remember all the different dragons the clan keeps right?”

“I knoooow big sis!”

“You are still disappointed we don’t have any Hydreigon?”

“My brother didn’t want to get me a deino either! Even though I’d take really good care of it and when it evolves it would be like having two friends in one Pokémon.”

“I am sure you would be an excellent deino trainer but for now keep your focus on the task at hand.”

Nicolas was now standing in front of the tunnel’s entrance waiting eagerly for granny’s go ahead. The meanie was giving me what my brother would call the stink eye, overly confident that he would win our bet. Eventually when the sun broke through the horizon, he did receive confirmation from granny that he was allowed to enter inside.

“Nicolas you can go now.”

The bully gave me one last sneer before running into the tunnel. After his departure, time seemed to slow down making every extra minute I had to wait for my turn seem to take even longer. Mommy came closer to hold my hand whispering words of encouragement in my ear. While daddy was busy trying to start a conversation with big sis Aster. She didn’t seem to be interested enough to engage with him. Her Dragonair wrapping itself around her fending off daddy’s unwanted advances.

Dray’s turn came and after he left the jitters got to me. This would be my first time trying to get a partner of my own. What if I picked the wrong Pokémon and we had to break up afterwards? Egon was much better at choosing partners, Horsea and I fit perfectly together.

‘Egon says that I should pick partners who I share aspirations with. So, a Pokémon who loves battling for sure.’

Dray’s time in the tunnel was comparatively shorter than Nicolas’ and soon my name was called by Granny letting me know it was time to enter the tunnel.

“Don’t worry child, I am sure you’ll find your destined partner inside. When this is over, come visit my house for tea. I want to get to know my youngest grandchild.”

“Granny… you are really my granny?!”

“I have many children and grandchildren. My work on the council keeps me busy on most days but I just love it when one of my grandkids comes for a visit. Aster has told me so much about you. To think my no-good son only just recently brought you back with him into the village. When you come and visit me, I’d sure like to hear what living outside was like for you.”

“Yes! I can’t believe I now have two grannies!”

“Now hurry along dear we can’t have your new partner waiting all day.”

Excited, I ran inside the tunnel leading to the dragon nesting grounds. Meteor falls has numerous little tunnels like these. Big sis and I explored a few of them, most housed a lunatone and solrock pair. The ones hiding dragon types are usually shallow ones situated on the sunny side of the mountain range because dragons enjoyed feeling the sunlight directly on their scales. This tunnel seemed to go way deeper, and the walls had funny looking script painted on. Looking closer I recognized the shapes to be Unown.

‘Brother says that Unown are harmless and likable by themselves but when in groups they grant transient wishes to children experiencing strong emotions. They dwell in ancient ruins pretending to be wall script but also live in their own separate dimension.’

As I walked further along light started streaming into the tunnel from the other side leaving the lettering completely exposed. My hand traced the shapes on the walls leaving me disappointed. The letters showing no signs of activity.

‘Would’ve been so cool if they were the real thing… Wait! I have to get to the nesting grounds. I can't waste my time here!’

For the rest of the way I ignored my surroundings no matter how colorful the inscriptions got. Finally, the tunnel’s exit became visible and I rushed out with all the speed I could muster.

“Amazing…!”

The nesting grounds now being fully visible. I saw all kinds of different dragon types. Some of them wild, others belonging to a tribe member. Big sis said that about half of all the dragons living on meteor falls belong with or have been partners to a tribe member. Dragon types on average lived three or four times longer than humans so it was a good chance some of these dragons partnered up with an ancestor on my father’s side of the family.

“Hold on there for a second young lady. I get that you are all excited to be entering this place for the first time, but I am going to have to inform you on the dos and don’ts as well as help you navigate the grounds layout. Can’t have you upset any of the matriarchs by accident you know.”

“Matriarchs?”

“The mother dragons are watching everything that plays out in the nesting grounds during the rite of passage. If you manage to convince one of their hatchlings to come with you the next step would be to ask for permission from the parent. Although rare, there have been cases where a parent has refused to let their child go.”

“That’s so sweet! Their mommies must love them very much. Please tell me more, Mr. overseer.”

“The nesting grounds are divided into four areas each corresponding with one of the dragon species that are currently nesting here. The biggest area belongs to the bagons, further along you can find a collection of caves housing a colony of noibat, the big lake in the middle accommodates a single dratini if you want to try out your luck. We also have a bunch of Goomy taking up the eastern side of the nesting ground if you don’t mind getting all slimed up. Lastly our newest addition to the nesting ground is a triplet of gible. We haven’t had the time to set up a desert environment for them so try to avoid any moist habitats and you might run into them. They can usually be found playing in the large sandboxes we set up around the outer perimeter. All of the hatchlings living here have an interest to be trained by one of the tribe’s members. It will be up to you to convince them that you are the right trainer for them. I wish you good luck”

With that the overseer left, releasing a perky looking flygon and flying off in(on?) its back. Now having the freedom to choose I thought hard about what kind of dragon type Pokémon would best suit me.

‘Now to pick one and go for it. Noibat are cute, and daddy has a Noivern… we could have training sessions together!’

Having made up my mind I decided to head towards the caves but before I had a chance to even get close my eyes landed on a particular scene.

“Goooom!”

A pale purple blob was being chased by a large thuggish looking Bagon. At first, I didn’t recognize the amorphous shaped Pokémon until I remembered my brother mentioning a Kalosian dragon type who looked just like this one.

‘A Goomy, brother says they start out as the weakest of all dragon types but evolve to become fairly strong. This one must be playing tag with his friend, that's nice.’

“Gooon!”

The Bagon finally caught up to Goomy and started planting its feet on top of Goomy’s head. Instead of the game being finished and Goomy getting to be the one that chases Bagon. The rock head Pokémon kept bashing down on Goomy making the Pokémon slowly lose its shape. The expression of fear on Goomy’s face was harrowing.

“Stop it you bully!”

“Gon?!”

I rushed up to the two and tackled Bagon off his victim. Giving Goomy a chance to escape from the nefarious Pokémon.

“Didn’t your mommy teach you that it’s wrong to hurt others?! That’s a bad dragon BAD!”

“Gooon!”

Ticked off Bagon prepared to blast us with an ember attack judging by the flames flickering out of its mouth. Brother says the best strategy to employ when facing off against a wild Pokémon while you have none of your own is to…

“I am not afraid! I’ll show you the secret battle strategy I learned from my brother!”

“Gon…?!”

“Running away!”

I turned around and instantly made a run for it. Goomy, who was in the middle of her own exit strategy, was too slow, so I closed the distance between us in a few seconds and lifted the Pokémon into my arms.

“Gooom!”

“That’s okay I’ll carry you. Let’s escape together, Goomy!”

Picking up Goomy was like getting a tongue bath from an overly eager growlithe. The mucus began covering my entire upper body as I carried Goomy away in my arms. Bagon, who overcame his surprise, started chasing us. Luckily, I am faster than him due to his stubby legs. We heard him shouting behind us, probably telling me to turn around, but I didn’t stop running until Bagon was completely out of sight.

“Pheew! That was a close one, are you alright Goomy?”

“Goom Goooom!”

Goomy’s face held a happy expression as the soft tissue Pokémon buried itself further into my chest.

“There there… I know what it’s like living with bullies. That’s why I had to step in. Does that Bagon do that to you a lot?”

“Goom…”

“I see, did you try telling on him? I know for sure that if his mother was around, he’d be getting scolded for sure!”

“Gooom…”

“I don’t know what you just said but I feel like it would hurt your pride as a dragon. Am I right, Goomy?

“Goom!”

“That’s okay then you’ll just have to train a bunch and surpass that Bagon! I know you can do it, Goomy! You may start out as the weakest dragon type but you can become one of the strongest if you put your mind to it!”

“Goom!”

“You like leaves, right? Let’s go eat some and then we can play as much as we want!”

Some time later*

Goomy led us to one of her favorite spots in the nesting grounds. The area resembled a swamp with the ground was(being) moist with lots of different kinds of leaves spread around all over the soil. I’ve never heard about naturally occurring swamps on big mountains like this one. This area must be specially made for the Pokémon living here so Goomy and her kind can live comfortably.

“And that’s how I came to live in Meteor Falls. My goal is to become the champion.”

“Goo?”

“The champion is the best battler in all of Hoenn. He protects all of Hoenn from bullies who do bad stuff to the Pokémon and people living here. That’s my dream!”

“Goom! Goo!”

“You like that too? Do you want to become partners with me? That way we’ll be stopping meanies all over from doing bad stuff!”

“Gooooom!”

Goomy was as excited as me at the notion of stopping evildoers.

‘We are going to be just like Zubatman! Noibat are cute but Goomy has a heart of justice!’

“Since we are now partners, I want to know everything about you. What’s your favorite type of berry? What is your family like? Oh! you have to introduce me! Your mother must be a beautiful and kind Goodra!”

“Goom! Goom!”

Goomy motioned me to follow with her antenna. This place must also be home to the rest of her kind and judging by her actions Goomy's mother must surely be living inside this artificial swamp.

“Do you think she’ll like me? I usually don’t get along with grown-ups.”

“Goom!”

Now that we found ourselves in the swamp, Goomy turned into a little speedster, her body perfectly adapted to the living environment. The little dragon type was brimming with excitement bouncing up and down the whole way over to her home. Eventually we came upon a bog filled with mosses and shrubs covered by giant evergreen trees. I looked around for a bit but I didn’t see any other Pokémon.

“Goomy, are you sure your mother lives here? I don’t see anyone.”

As if responding to the sound of my voice a giant figure surfaced out of the water’s edge. Standing as tall as the largest man I’ve ever seen, a large dragon closely resembling my little goomy stepped forward to greet us.

“Dra? Goo!”

Goodra spoke to us in a questioning tone. As if wondering why me and Goomy came to her nesting spot. Gathering up all my courage I addressed the great she-dragon.

“Hello Ma’am! My name is Zinnia. It's really nice to meet you!”

Goomy made some squeaky noises before touching horns with her mother, an intimate act. Aster’s are lessons finally paying off. Goomy would only touch horns with Pokémon and people they truly trust. Goodra seemed to be accepting of my presence here and waved one of her antennae in my direction encouraging me to go on.

“So… ahem. Me and Goomy like each other so I was wondering if we could get your permission to become partners. I’ll treat her like my best friend! She can stay with me in my home if she wants to and I’ll train her up to become the strongest goomy around! And we’ll have slumber parties here and maybe if my Horsea can come over as well and…!?”

Goodra used her big hind horns to pull me in for a big hug. It felt warm…

“Goooo!”

“Thank you! Thank you! Me and Goomy will visit you every time we get permission.”

Goodra gave me a knowing smile as she bowed down picking up goomy and deposited the little dragon into my arms. By now I was completely covered in slime, but I didn’t care I was too happy from making another friend. While all of this was going on I saw a small shadow watching us from behind a nearby tree before quickly retreating into a nearby shrub.

“Do you also feel like we are being watched?”

“Goo?”