The Grass Champion

As planned, we took the train from Icyshore to Redhem City. I'm bracing for Noel to keep nagging at me but he just tag along quietly, playing with Shaymin. Within 2 more hours we arrive in our destination. I must say I was impressed with Leyn, we were really expected here since we were met by the event organizers at the train station. We went directly to a hotel and were briefed with how the program will be held tomorrow. I didn't even have to register to join since they all took care of that for me; I mean for us, well Noel seemed to be joining as well. I'm participating in the event so other than what time it will start; I really don't know what it is all about. One thing is clear, once something went wrong, say like if Havoc attacks during the event, I'll be in the front row of the battle.

It didn't take much time after and we're resting in our room. Yup, room in singular since we get to share one. Geez. It was pretty spacious with two beds on both side and a study table in the middle. Shaymin jumped off my chest and went straight to the bed in the right side.

"Careful," I called out as I followed it. Noel jumped into the other one without another word. Wow, this is the longest time he's been silent since we travelled together. I'm actually getting worried now.

I wasn't really in the mood to do anything so I did the same and just lay down the bed. Shaymin was already snoring lightly and the aroma of that alien flower started to fill the room. Noel noticed it as well.

"What is that?" Noel asked.

"Sweet Scent." I answered.

I waited for him to press on it but he didn't. Weird. There was a brief moment of silence before he speaks again.

"Who are you?" he asked.

That surprised me. I wasn't really expecting a question like that.

"I'm Jessaise." I answered though I know what he meant.

"Of course I know you. I'm not that stupid." He answered. Ok, maybe that was a bit rude of me. He did save my life earlier so at least he deserves to know.

"Who said you're stupid?" I said. I don't know where to start so I just cleared my throat. "You said you're so lucky you met two members of the GEF today right? Well, I'll make you even luckier because as of this time, you officially already met three of them."

Noel bolted right up. I don't know what to expect since I never tell anyone about me so I'm not sure what reaction I will get. But I'm pretty sure he'll think I'm going nuts.

"Seriously?" he said. He seemed to be in deep thought. "That explains everything. The inclination to grass types, the daycarer, the licence of flight, the affiliation with other GEF. I always thought you're not an average trainer. But why didn't I think..."

Ow, that seems to go over well. Was revealing yourself that easy? Noel seems to be lost in his thought so I just closed my eyes and decided to sleep.

"Waaaah..." Noel shouted which startled me.

"What is wrong with you?" I said as I sit up and look at his direction just to get startled again. Noel was already standing in front of me holding out a pokeball.

"Jessaise, Grass Champion of the GEF, I challenge you to a battle."

Shaymin was perched on my chest as I stood on the right side of the battlefield near Redhem Hotel, Noel on the other. It was early night but only a few people can be seen around. It still amuses me that he believed my story that easily without any doubt.

"It's not every day I get to challenge a GEF so I'm really excited." Noel called out.

"Let's just get this done and over with. Keep in mind that I won't go easy on you." I answered. Shaymin was just watching us. I wonder if it's pissed it was dragged out here by Noel's childishness. "I'll be choosing first." I added as I withdrew a pokeball from my pocket. "Sceptile you're up." Sceptile got out of the ball and stood on our side of the field with a very confident look.

"Ok, then go Pinsir!" Noel said as he threw out Pinsir's pokeball. Pinsir came out with a slight smug on its face as it caught sight of its opponent. "We'll show you our type advantage can let us win, right Pinsir?" Pinsir answered with a growl.

That made me raised an eyebrow.

"Hmmmm...well then, let us show you that it takes more than type advantage to win." I answered.

"I'll go first, Pinsir use X-scissor!" Noel ordered.

Pinsir lunges towards my unmoving Sceptile, its claws lighted. Sceptile stayed uprooted until Pinsir's X-scissor connects.

"Bull's eye! And it's Super Effective!" Noel exclaimed.

"I'm not so sure of that," I said. Noel stopped his blabber and looked closely as the field was cleared of impact smoke. PInsir's lighted claw was locked with Sceptiles extended leaves that were glowing with the same light.

"How was that possible?" Noel muttered.

"Lesson No. 1. Never ever take your attention off your opponent. Sceptile, use Aerial Ace!" I ordered.

Pinsir tried to shake off Sceptile but it was no avail. Sceptile somersaulted and charge with full power towards Pinsir and hit it straight into his torso, sending it flying back. Noel seemed to be in total surprise.

"It seems Pinsir is unable to continue." I said.

"Just one hit." Noel muttered to himself. "You were awesome, Pinsir, have a long rest."

"Come on, bring it on." I taunted.

"Golett, you're up!" Noel called out as he threw his pokeball. Golett appeared on the other side as ready as ever.

As I assumed, he only got three on him now and as I remember, the remaining two are both weak to grass types.

"Interesting." I commented.

"I'm a fast learner. We'll show you that it takes more than type advantage to win." He said echoing my words earlier.

"Oh, now that I've seen Golett again, I think I haven't thanked it properly yet for saving me. Thank you." I said sincerely. Golett waved happily at me.

"Ok now back to business, let's start with Sandstorm!" Noel commanded. Golett started to spin and a strong sandstorm suddenly brewed. It was so strong Shaymin was covering its eyes to shield away the dust. But in all fairness, my Sceptile is unnerved and stood its ground.

"Whoah, that Sandstorm is really commendable." I praised.

"We're not done yet, Golett now Dig!" Noel followed up. Now it gets my attention. Golett has gone into the ground and the sandstorm acts as cover making it hard to predict where Golett will be striking. Sceptile remain standing waiting for my command. It could've been a really wicked tactic if wasn't for all the battle experience I've got. And man I have a lot.

Noel was smiling now. I just waited and waited until a sign of shaking ground before I made my move.

"Now Sceptile, jump!" I ordered. Sceptile obeyed and jumped high just as Golett emerge from the ground behind it.

"What the!" Noel exclaimed suddenly. "Use Dig again!" Noel ordered. Golett quickly dug another hole on the ground. The sandstorm is still raging but now the hole was in plain sight.

"Don't think I'd let it go that easily. Sceptile Energy Ball into the hole!" Sceptile landed by the hole and projected an Energy Ball into the hole. Seconds later, Golett was blasted out of the ground unable to continue, the sandstorm also subsiding. Sceptile resume his position on the field.

"Ah." Noel said. "Not again." He withdrew Golett into its pokeball.

"I'm not kidding when I said I'm going all out on you." I reminded him.

"Who asked you to hold back? We're not done yet. Dewott, stand by for battle!" Noel said calling out his last pokemon.

"Dewott as an Oshawott was my very first pokemon. We've trained hard so we will do our best."

"That's what I'll expect, Sceptile use Leaf Blade!" I ordered not waiting for another trick he might have. Sceptile lighted the leaves on its arms then charge.

"Use Razor Shell to interfere!" Noel called out. Dewott remove it's scalchop from its legs and was able to deflect Sceptile's slash.

"Keep on it." I said. Sceptile keeps the Leaf Blade and began slashing into its opponent.

"Dewott keep on Razor Shell too!" Dewott obeyed and absorbed every hit of Sceptile with its scalchop. It was able to keep up at first but it was apparent that Sceptile is faster and with more stamina and in another moment Dewott was already panting and staggering back. I took this chance and give a little push. Noel noticed it too and got a little worried.

"Leaf Blade maximum power!" I called out.

Noel looked at me in surprise.

"What?" I asked.

"There is something more max than those earlier?" he asked innocently.

It made me chuckle and I saw that Shaymin was laughing too. Sceptile step back and stretch its arms back as far as it can extend. Dewott was catching its breath from when it engages Sceptile earlier and was on its one knee on the ground for support. It was just looking helplessly, waiting for Sceptile's Leaf Blade to hit it.

"Now." I said and Sceptile begun its charge towards Dewott. Just a few inches before it collides with the target I heard Noel shouted.

"STOP!"

Sceptile stop in mid attack that instant.

"Stop. I, I... I surrender." Noel said as he rushed towards his injured Dewott.

Sceptile move aside and I withdrew it back to its pokeball. Shaymin was already on its way to Noel as I started towards him.

"Lesson No. 2. Know your pokemon's limitation. And always, always put their welfare on top priority." I said as I pat him on the back. He was petting Dewott in the head and complimenting it for its hardwork. "But it's nonsense for me to recite it to you, 'cause you already know it by heart." I added as I pick up Shaymin and put it back on my pocket. "Let's head back."