Felicia was bouncing from one point to another, looking all around for a wild pokégirl she could fight. She needed to prove herself to her master.
Noticing how his Alpha pokégirl ignored him, Ranma called out again. “Felicia?”
“Almost there, Master!” Felicia answered with a big smile. The Catgirl turned to Ranma. “Yes, Master?”
“Let’s hurry. That way we can stop and get some lunch,” Ranma said, and started to pick up the pace in his walking uphill. He wanted to get one Gym Battle down, since that IS what Tamers were supposed to do. At least, that’s what Dr. Light kept telling him before he went off on his journey.
Felicia nodded seriously and kept pace with her tamer.
And finally, the two reached the top of the tall hillside, and realized it was the edge of the forest. The other side was completely grass plains that lead down to the parched rock valley, where in the center a rather large mountain was standing. Numerous buildings of all shapes and sizes surrounding the mountain.
“There’s the town!” Ranma said as he pointed.
Felicia squealed and hugged onto Ranma. “We made it, Master!” Not that there was much cause of celebration, but it was their first travel together and they’d reached their destination.
Smiling as Felicia hugged him, Ranma smirked and maneuvered his arms to pick Felicia up in them. “Let’s go!” Ranma said and started running downhill at a fast clip, yet managing to keep his balance as he did so.
Felicia giggled as she was held in Ranma’s arms. It was a new feeling for the pokégirl to be carried around like this.
Finally, Ranma’s running soon came to a skidding stop as they made it to the bottom. Ranma was kicking up dust, but was otherwise fine.
Felicia looked around and nodded. The town was just as she remembered. It had to be anyway, considering she was here just six months ago. After all, Dr. Light did all sorts of pokégirl related research, and thermal energy caused by Fire-types trying to reactivate a dormant volcano counted in that regard.
Putting Felicia down onto her feet, Ranma asked, “So Felicia, shall we stop at the PokéCenter first, or sell Leaf Stones at a store for some cash?”
Felicia eyed Ranma strangely. “You’re the Tamer, Master. You have to take that decision.” It still had her off balance whenever Ranma asked for her opinion on something.
“All right, all right...” Ranma said as he held up his backpack. “Sell these stones first, THEN we’ll get some grub.”
The Catgirl nodded eagerly and leaned on Ranma’s side. “Can we also go to the Gym?”
Ranma nodded. “Sure, but don’t you want to eat first?”
Felicia was about to shake her head in the negative when her stomach gave out a rather loud growl. She blushed and meekly nodded her head.
Laughing, Ranma nodded his head. “All right then. We’ll sell these stones for some cash, and buy something to eat, okay?”
“Yes,” Felicia agreed and fell into step with Ranma.
Smiling, Ranma started walking a few more steps before he suddenly stopped. “Uh, Felicia?”
“Yes, Master?” Felicia asked, wondering what the matter was.
“Just WHERE is the nearest store in town we could sell these at?” Ranma asked, still not used to economics, or even town structuring of this world yet.
“Um... There’s the PokéMart!” Felicia said pointing at a large building with a particular symbol over the entrance, a large ‘PM’. “They all are identical inside.”
“Ah!” Ranma said. “Well, let’s go!” Was his command as he started walking towards the store, making sure Felicia kept close behind him.
Ranma couldn’t help but whistle when the glass-door slid open by itself and upon entering, realized, it was a busy day, a big crowd inside shopping for items of a world that revolved around taming pokégirls. While the village itself looked like a coal-mining town, this store in particular looked like it was a convenience store from modern Japan. “Uh, hello?” Ranma called out as he looked at the man at the cashier’s desk. “Can I get some help here?” Ranma asked once more as he made his way to the man.
The man turned to regard Ranma, giving Felicia a once over, and said, “What do you need?”
Walking over to the man in red, Ranma started to unsling his backpack. “Hey man, while I was making my way through the Green Bush Forest, I stumbled across these. Can I sell them here?”
Ranma then took out five stones of bluish pallor with a green leaf stuck to both sides. He placed them on the Cashier’s table before the man in the red ninja gi and sneakers.
Yes. Genuine Leaf Stones. Evolution Stones of the Plant-element.
The guy’s eyes widened and he looked at Ranma in surprise. “You just found them?”
“My pokégirl did,” Ranma said. “My pokégirl picked a spot to make camp the second night on the trip, and when I was driving a tent-stake into the ground, I found resistance. I dug up the spot to see what was getting in the way, and I found these.”
“Well these are worth some good cash. I’ll take them off your hands,” The man inwardly smirked at the chance to make some good business. It seemed like Ranma wasn’t aware of the true price of these stones.
Ranma watched as the man opened the cashier and started taking out numerous slc notes. One marked ‘5,000’, another with ‘2,000’, and a third marked with ‘500’.
“Here you go. Seven-thousand and five-hundred slc for the Leaf Stones,” The man in the red clothes said offering the bills.
“Hey, thanks,” Ranma said as he accepted them. Turning his head to his Catgirl, Ranma said, “You hear that Felicia? And since you were such a good girl, look around the store and choose yourself something to eat.”
Felicia beamed at Ranma and bounced down one of the aisles.
The man looked at Ranma in surprise. “You’re very easygoing with your pokégirl.”
Ranma nodded his head. “Yeah, I am. But she’s been very good.” Looking at the man, he said, “By the way, mister, do you sell any potions here? I’m going to need some for an upcoming fight, I think,” Ranma told the man seriously.
“The name’s Guy,” The man said as he started to see Ranma as a very good client already. He tended to be friendlier with those. “And we do have potions. How tough do you think the fight will be?”
“I don’t know, I think it depends on what you can tell me,” Ranma said to the Cashier. “By the name’s Saotome Ranma. Nice to meet you, Guy.”
“Likewise. Now what do you mean?” Guy asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Well, I’m asking is what can you tell me about the town’s Gym Leader,” Ranma asked seriously. “I’m going to try to get my first Gym Badge here.”
Guy’s eyes widened at Ranma’s words, as well as those of all those where within hearing range. “You’re what!?”
Blinking his eyes once, twice, Ranma said, “Yeah. I’m here to PokéBattle the town’s Gym Leader.”
The entire room became silent at the proclamation, for the ones that didn’t hear before did now with the silence, for all of five seconds. After that they collectively did the same thing.
“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
Felicia looked all around in confusion, wondering what was so funny.
Ranma blinked his eyes once, twice, thrice. “Hey! What’s so damn funny?”
Guy managed to stop laughing long enough, though he was still chuckling, to answer Ranma’s question. “You going after the Gym leader. That’s what!”
Blinking his eyes, Ranma asked, “Yeah... Isn’t that what Pokégirl Tamers do? They travel around, train their pokégirls, and challenge each other for money and pokégirls and Gym Leaders for Badges?” Ranma asked, practically quoting what Dr. Light had explained to him.
“They do. Everywhere but here,” Guy said seriously. “No one goes against our Gym leader. Not after he went five years straight without losing a PokéBattle, and more than once beating up the Tamer as well as the pokégirl.”
Ranma’s eyes widened considerably. “I though Tamers weren’t supposed to attack each other.”
“They aren’t. But Yagami... He taunted them so bad they attacked him.” Guy shook his head theatrically. “It’s a miracle some of them are still alive. The only reason why Yagami isn’t in jail is because he didn’t start the fights.”
Ranma nodded. “Self-dense.”
Guy snorted. “There’s no self-defense where that guy is concerned. If you know what’s good for you you'll go to another town for your Gym fight.”
Ranma smirked a little. “Well people have always told me I have no common sense. So how about I go anyway?” Smiling he looked over at Felicia. “Think you can handle yourself, Felicia?”
Felicia nodded confidently. “Yes, Master!”
Guy shook his head and muttered, “Your funeral.”
(------)
Ranma whistled appreciatively as he looked up at the Gym. The place looked like a Japanese Samurai Estate. He would have ventured that it was like Kuno Manner, only this place HAD to be larger! Hell, the two front doors were larger than the Tendo Dojo in length!
Felicia looked at the place and instantly made a connection in her mind. “Fighting-type.”
Ranma looked at Felicia. “Fighting-type?”
The Catgirl nodded. “From the looks of the place, I’d say the Gym Leader specializes with Fighting-type pokégirls. There’s a certain feeling to the place that tells me so.”
Again, Ranma nodded his head. “I’ll trust you on this,” Ranma said as he placed both his hands on one of the large metal doors. As he pushed forward, it began to open with a loud echoing sound of grinding metal as hinges that hadn't been moved in years were forced to work.
Felicia helped Ranma push the doors open and looked inside. “Yup, definitely Fighting-type.” The traditional Japanese garden left little doubt to that fact.
Ranma smiled as he looked out into the place. It reminded him a lot of home, only on a far grander scale. “Hmm... Think we should invite ourselves in?” Ranma asked with a small smirk.
Felicia smiled back. “There’s no one to see us in anyway.”
Nodding his head, Ranma’s smile widened. “Too true, Felicia.” Making sure Felicia was out of the way, he then let go, letting the loud doors slam shut with a slam that sounding like a morning shrine gong going off. Ranma nodded as the door sounded like that as it closed. “Well if no one knew we were here before, they sure do now.”
Felicia looked around and noticed what appeared to be a wooden dojo next to the mansion. “Should we go there?”
Ranma nodded his head. “Seems like a good a place as any.”
The Catgirl and human walked to the dojo and entered the building. Inside they could tell the place was huge and well kept.
Ranma whistled once more. “Yeesh. I didn’t know Gym Leaders were so loaded,” He couldn’t help but comment. He knew if Nabiki were here, she’d be trying to milk the man for as much cash as he had.
“Who are you?” A cold male voice was heard from across the room.
Ranma turned his head and zoned in on the source of the voice. From what he could tell about the man who had his back turned to him, had red-hair, a broad-chest, and that crescent-moon sigil on the back of his jacket really stood out. “I’m Saotome Ranma, Pokégirl Tamer. And are you the Obsidian City Gym Leader?”
“Are you here for a fight?” The man’s deep voice carried something Ranma couldn’t really put his finger on. Whether it was anticipation or amusement it was hard to tell.
“Of course!” Ranma said without hesitation, and with a bit of pride. “And with the way everyone’s been acting around town, it better not be all smoke and mirrors.” After all, people back in his time used to overreact to EVERYTHING, and blow things way out of proportion. He was really hoping this was not such a case.
The redheaded man chuckled and turned around, allowing Ranma to see the side of his face that wasn’t covered by his long bangs of hair. Even if he was smiling it was a cold smile, the one given to a deadly enemy about to be killed. The pigtailed martial artist felt the urge to cringe at the coldness in the man’s visible eye. “Is that your pokégirl?”
Standing firm, although his legs felt slightly like they were jelly, Ranma nodded his head. “This is my Alpha Pokégirl. Felicia,” He answered firmly. There was something about this man that didn’t seem right.
Felicia stood forward.
The man nodded and continued to stare at Ranma. “One-on-One Fight. Winner is the last one standing.”
Ranma nodded his head. “I can agree to that. You ready, Felicia?”
Felicia smirked. “You bet, Master!”
The man turned to a shadowed corner of the dojo. “Leona.”
Ranma turned his head to where the Gym Leader was looking. He could make out the outline of a tall woman in the shadows.
Felicia looked on expectantly, wondering how strong her opponent would be.
Stepping out of the shadows was a tall woman, taller than Ranma. Her long blue-haired hung down to mid-back and framed her pale face; her two sapphire eyes shimmering. The green military combat outfit hung tightly onto her muscular, yet still feminine frame.
The blue-haired pokégirl looked towards her Master in utmost seriousness, expecting his command.
Iori smirked. “Care to have a warm-up?”
The pokégirl turned her head to look over the other pokégirl, a Catgirl of all things. “If such is your command, Master,” She said seriously. Personally, she didn’t even think this PokéBattle could count as a warm-up.
Felicia turned to look at Ranma, a slight trace of nervousness in her eyes after seeing who her opponent would be.
Ranma gave Felicia a comforting smile. “It’s okay, Felicia. I have faith in you.”
The Catgirl beamed and bounced to the fighting area of the dojo, ready for battle.
Walking towards the Catgirl, the Leona took off her dog-tags and spun them in one hand, catching them in her hair as to hold up the length of her mane in a ponytail. Getting onto the fighting platform, Leona took a ready stance.
Ranma noticed Iori remain completely silent and away from the battle. He thought it unusual that he'd allow Leona to fight on her own without telling his Pokégirl what to do.
Still, Ranma felt it was best to show his pokégirl his support. Getting closer to the arena, Ranma cheered the Catgirl on. “You can do it, Felicia! Make me proud!”
Felicia smiled widely and charged at Leona, claws extended for the initial strike.
Leona didn’t even flinch as the Cat-like pokégirl came charging. Just striking a hand out and grabbing Felicia’s wrist, Leona pulled the other pokégirl forward and quickly smashed her elbow into the Catgirl’s ribcage before twirling the girl about in a Seismic Toss. She then let go of the Catgirl and let her go skidding across the floor.
Ranma gawked. The precision and ferocity of that attack was incredible. “Felicia!" Ranma shouted out to his pokégirl. “Are you okay!?”
Felicia meowled pitifully as she tried to stand up. Her ribs were cracked and that Seismic Toss had her back in some serious pain. She wasn’t defeated, though. There was no way she was being defeated again so soon. “I’m... fine, Master,” She managed to stutter out as she stood on shaky legs.
Leona nodded her head at the spectacle. The opponent was still standing. Perhaps she was better than the usual trash that came through. Not wasting any time, it was Leona who started the offensive as she began charging the Catgirl.
Felicia growled and prepared to receive Leona with her claws. She just needed an opening, one that was sure to appear when Leona attacked.
However, Leona, before reaching the Catgirl, flipped into the air, and came power-bombing down upon the Catgirl.
Felicia was caught completely flat-footed and stared at the speed with which Leona could move in shock.
Leona saw the Catgirl trying to retreat from her and frowned. “Three strikes. She’s out.” The pokégirl thought as she decided to end this charade now. Gathering her hands together, Leona’s whole body began to glow with the colors of the rainbow as she powered up for one of the most powerful Dragon techniques of all time.
Hyper Beam.
Felicia’s eyes widened in complete shock. “WHAT THE!?!?”
Leona was glowing like Dante’s Inferno as she let loose a powerful projectile beam of energy that went straight for Felicia.
Ranma could only gawk at the power the pokégirl unleashed. No way! It made one of Saffron’s Fireballs look like a fucking candle!
The Catgirl managed to avoid most of the blast, thankfully, but even then she was hit with a lot more power than she could handle. She screamed in unadulterated pain as consciousness was ripped away from her. The pokégirl fell limply to the floor a dozen feet away, her body smoking and her face locked in a mask of pure pain.
“FELICIA!” Ranma shouted in horror as he rushed up onto the platform and kneeled beside his defeated pokégirl. He rolled her over onto her back and felt her neck. He let out a breath of relief as he felt her pulse.
The man looked at the downed form of Felicia and nodded, then turned to Leona. “Good job, Leona.”
“Thank you, Master...” Leona said as she bowed toward her owner.
“Now that you’re done with that pathetic piece of shit we can continue with your training,” Iori said not caring that Ranma was still in the room.
Ranma frowned. Yeesh, with insults like that, it’s no wonder people attacked him. But Ranma was used to this song and dance and refused to fall into such an obvious trap.
Picking up his unconscious pokégirl, Ranma turned and let the building, not sparing another glance towards Iori’s mocking form.
“What do YOU think, Leona?”
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(Posted Thu, 26 Aug 2004 17:42)
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