Chapter 14

It has been almost a month since Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu started their journey through the Battle Frontier. Since that time, they have passed Pewter City, Mt. Moon, and Cerulean City before ultimately taking a road that leads them straight to the Battle Factory. But as they continue on their journey, they are utterly unaware that Jessie, James, and Meowth are secretly following them in their hot air balloon. The Team Rocket gang has been extra careful to keep their distance from the two trainers and Raichu out of fear of being noticed and sent blasting off so far by the trainer's Pokemon that they might lose the trail to their real target.

It is a half-hour before noon when Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu find themselves standing in front of a large building that looks like a factory. They stare at it silently before Timothy turns to Coovers.

"Alright, talk to me. Is this the place?" he asks.

Coovers looks at his Pokenav while holding the egg container with his other arm and nods with a smile.

"Yep, this is the place: the Battle Factory," he says confidently.

"Finally," Timothy says with a sigh. "For a while, I was beginning to wonder if we took a wrong turn."

"Well, it doesn't look that way. I can see the symbol for the Battle Frontier above the front door," Coovers says happily. "So, let's go in and have a battle already."

Timothy nods and walks to the front doors and gives it a knock. The two men and Electchu wait patiently for a moment before it opens to reveal none other than Scott with a welcoming grin.

"Timothy, Coovers, glad to see you made it," he says.

"Scott? What are you doing here?" Coovers asks, surprised.

"As representative of the Battle Frontier, it's my job to meet the trainers here and observe their battles against the Frontier Brains," Scott says.

"I see," Timothy says with a raised eyebrow. "So, is the Frontier Brain for this place here?"

"He sure is," says a man appearing from behind Scoot with a friendly look. "I'm Noland, the Factory Head, which also makes me the Frontier Brain."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Coovers," Coovers says with a friendly smile as the two men shake hands.

"Likewise. Are you the challenger, Coovers?" Nolan asks.

"Nope, that's me," Timothy says, stepping in. "I'm Timothy Durbin from Pallet Town."

Timothy reaches out his hand to shake Noland's, but the Frontier Brain stares at Timothy in shock, confusing the challenger.

"H-hang on," Noland says. "Are you the same Timothy Durbin who defeated Lance, the bi-regional champion?"

"Ah, word of my accomplishment has been spreading," Timothy says with a proud grin.

Noland continues to stare at Timothy before turning to Scott.

"Why didn't you tell me that's who was coming this way?" he asks.

"Oh, I thought it would be more fun to surprise you, Noland," Scott says. "Besides, when have I ever told you who is coming to your factory?"

Noland blinks in shock for a moment and sighs.

"That's true," he admits before bringing back his confident face. "But if that's the case, then I want this battle to be extra special, just like with Ash."

Scott's smirk grows while Timothy and Coovers look at each other confused.

"So, I guess you're saying what I think you're saying?" Scott asks.

"Yes," Noland says before turning to Timothy. "Timothy, I want our battle to be whatever Pokemon you choose against me and my friend, Articuno."

Timothy and Electchu's eyes widen in shock while Coovers looks at them, confused.

"Wait, you have an Articuno?" Timothy says in disbelief.

Noland laughs and says, "No, I'm just good friends with a wild Articuno that lives around this area. Sometimes I like to fly next to it with my plane, and after having a great battle with it against this trainer named Ash, I ask it to be my partner sometimes depending on the challenger. And, I think Articuno would agree that battling against a trainer who defeated the bi-regional champion is an opportunity too good to pass up."

Timothy stares at Noland, still shocked, and says, "Uh...thanks, but did you really use this Articuno after having a battle against Ash?"

"Uh-huh. Do you know Ash?" Noland asks.

"We've met," Timothy answers. "Scott kind of used him to convince us to go on this journey through the Battle Frontier."

Noland smiles, in understanding where Coovers is still looking at everyone confused.

"Wait a minute. What's an Articuno?" he asks.

"You mean you've never heard of Articuno?" Scott asks, surprised.

"No, I haven't," Coovers answers bashfully. "You see, I'm from the Unova region. Not Kanto."

"Oh, I see," Scott says. "Articuno is one of the three legendary bird Pokemon from Kanto."

"Legendary bird Pokemon?" Coovers asks quizzingly before he puts down the egg, takes out his Pokedex, and types the name "Articuno."

"Articuno, the freeze Pokémon," his Pokedex says. "Articuno lives deep within mountain ranges, and is said to be able to fly by gracefully waving its tail."

"Articuno may be able to fly gracefully, but this Articuno can be pretty fast in battle," Scott warns. "My best advice is to choose a Pokemon that can handle its ability to fly, and also has good speed. If you don't have a Pokemon that you want to use against it, I can give you a ride to the Pokemon Center nearby so that you can switch one of your Pokemon out."

"That would be great, Scott," Timothy says appreciatively. "Although, I'm not sure which of my other Pokemon would be the best choice against a legendary Pokemon."

"Rai, rai, raichu," Electchu says, tugging on Timothy's shirt.

"I don't know, Electchu," Timothy says hesitantly to his partner. "I'd like to think we have a better option than that."

Electchu frowns and starts saying a round of "Rais" and "Raichus." Scott, Nolan, and Covers look at each other, confused as the Raichu appears to be making a big argument to its trainer who scratches his chin in thought as it speaks.

"Well, when you put it like that, I guess he would make the most logical choice out of all of my bird Pokemon," Timothy admits. "Alright, let's do it."

"Uh, I take it that means you know what Pokemon you're going to choose?" Scott asks quizzingly.

"I sure do," Timothy answers before turning to Noland. "We'll just be right back after I switch one of my Pokemon with the one I will be facing you and Articuno with."

"Sounds great, Timothy," Noland says excitedly. "I'm looking forward to it."

*********************************************************************************

After waiting for about half an hour inside the Battle Factory's battle area, Noland and his assistant, Sergio, see the doors open from the other side of the arena from where they are to find Scott, Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu coming back. The Factory Head grins excitedly while Sergio, Coovers, and Electchu walk over to the sidelines of the area, and Timothy stands on the platform opposite from Noland's. The man in the "H.A.K." shirt looks down at the ledge to see the battlefield far down below him and Noland, showing that the field is designed for flying type Pokemon.

"Are you ready to go?" Noland asks.

Timothy looks up to face his opponent and says, "I am," Timothy answers.

"Alright," Noland says before letting out a loud whistle. "Articuno, I need your strength!"

For a couple of seconds, everything is quiet until Timothy hears a loud bird cry as an Articuno flies over from the open roof and sores down to hover in front of Noland. Coovers and Electchu stare at the legendary Pokemon with awe while Timothy looks at Articuno with an intrigued look.

"Well, I'll be," he whispers to himself before he takes out a Pokeball and throws it into the air. "Go, Blitzwing!"

The Pokeball opens to reveal a Braviary much to Noland's surprise.

"Whoa, I've never seen that Pokemon before," he says, surprised. "What is it?"

"It's a Braviary," Coovers answers. "It comes from Unova."

"That's right. And if you want to know anything else about it, you'll have to find out yourself with a battle," Timothy adds.

Noland smirks and says, "Alright, if that's how you want to play it. Go ahead, Sergio."

Sergio nods and raises his left arm high.

"This is a one-on-one battle between Noland the Factory Head and Timothy, the challenger!" he announces. "The battle will be over when the Pokemon from either side is unable to battle! Are both sides ready?!"

"Ready!" Noland and Timothy say simultaneously.

"Alright, battle begin!" Sergio declares.

"Alright, Blitzwing, let's start things up with Brave Bird!" Timothy orders.

Blitzwing charges at Articuno with blue fire surrounding its body. The fire slowly turns light blue as it gets closer to its opponent.

"Dodge and use Steel Wing!" Noland orders.

Articuno's wings glow white, and it dodges Blitzwing's attack before hitting the Braviary in the gut with its attack. Blitzwing flies into the air, crying in pain, making Timothy uneasy.

"Now, Articuno, use Water Pulse!" Noland commands.

"Dodge and use Brave Bird again," Timothy commands back.

Articuno summons a ball of water from its mouth and releases it toward Blitzwing. The Braviary dodges the attack and charges toward Articuno with blue fire surrounding its body. This time, Blitzwing rams into Articuno, and it falls toward the ground before quickly regaining its altitude. Blitzwing takes a deep breath to resist showing the damage it took to its opponent.

"Good hit," Noland compliments. "But you're gonna have to do better than relying on Brave Bird to take down Articuno."

"Duly noted," Timothy says bluntly. "Blitzwing, use Aerial Ace!"

Blitzwing flies down to Articuno's level and charges after it.

"Articuno, use Mist!" Noland says.

Articuno lets out a large cloud of white smoke and disappears into the mist. Blitzwing stops its attack and searches for its opponent in confusion.

"Now, use Ice Beam," Noland orders.

Timothy and Blitzwing only have a moment to react before blue beams emerge from the mist and hit Blitzwing. The Braviary cries out in pain as it crashes to the ground with a block of ice attached to its back.

"Oh no, Blitzwing!" Coovers cries out, worriedly.

"Raichu!" Electchu cries out.

"That's not good," Scott says with his arms crossed. "Ice Beam is super effective against flying types. I'm not sure how Timothy is going to pull through with that block of ice on his Braviary's back.

Timothy frowns as Blitzwing struggles to get up.

"Can you keep going, Blitzwing?" He asks.

Blitzwing manages to get up on its talons and nods at its trainer.

"Alright, then let's show them what you're really made of and get rid of that ice while we're at it!" Timothy says with a grin.

"Brav!" Blitzwing shouts.

"Not bad," Noland says, smirking. "But I wouldn't count on it staying up for long. Articuno, use Steel Wing one more time."

Once again, Articuno's wings glow white, and it charges straight toward Blitzwing. The Braviary stands with its eyes fixed on its opponent while waiting for a command. Timothy watches the legendary bird Pokemon charge at his Pokemon carefully before closing his fists and shouts, "Now, use Brave Bird!"

Without hesitation, Blitzwing jumps into the air and charges at Articuno with blue fire surrounding its body once again. The attack melts the ice in its back while the Braviary comes toward its opponent even faster than before. It rams into Articuno, causing it to cry out in pain.

"Blitzwing, don't let up! Use Aerial Ace!" Timothy commands.

Ignoring the new scratches on its body, the Braviary nicknamed Blitzwing flies down to Articuno's level once again and flies straight at it with inhuman speed. This time, Articuno is so stunned from the last attack that Blitzwing's Aerial Ace successfully hits it.

"Articuno, use Ice Beam quick!" Noland cries out.

"Dodge it and use Crush Claw followed by Steel Wing!" Timothy instructs.

Articuno fires another Ice Beam at the Braviary, but Blitzwing avoids the attack before it charges at Articuno with its claws glowing red, and it smashes its claws square into Articuno's chest. The ice Pokemon shuts its eyes and cries out again before Blitzwing's wings glow white, and it smacks Articuno in the head with both of them.

"Don't hold back, Blitzwing! Use Steel Wing multiple times!" Timothy shouted.

With Articuno incapacitated in midair from the hit on the head, Blitzwing smacked it with its glowing wings multiple times. The freeze Pokemon screams in agony as its ice-type body grows weaker from the steel-type attack.

"Articuno, use Mist quick!" Nolan shouted.

Articuno's eyes snap open and it spreads its wings, creating another cloud of mist just before Blitzwing could hit it again.

"Now, use Water Pulse!" Nolan shouted.

"Blitzwing, fly up to dodge it!" Timothy shouted.

But before Blitzwing could make a move, a blue orb of energy hits it on the side. It cries out in pain, but remains airborne.

"Now, use Ice Beam again!" Nolan shouts.

Before Blitzwing knows it, light blue beams hit in the chest and its body becomes covered in a block of ice. Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu's hearts sink as Blitzwing crashes into the ground in its ice prison with a thud.

"Blitzwing!" Timothy calls out.

"Raichu!" Electchu shouts.

Scott furrows his brow and says, "This is not looking good for Timothy. I expected more from a trainer with such big accomplishments."

"Now, Articuno, finish it with Steel Wing!" Nolan shouts.

Timothy grows uneasy and he shouts, "Blitzwing, use Brave Bird to free yourself and dodge, quick!"

For a moment, Blitzwing remains still as its opponent flies toward it. Then, light blue fire begins to cover its body, and the ice melts from the inside. Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu watch in suspense, silently praying for their friend to escape in time. Finally, Blitzwing bursts out of the block, still covered in fire, and with a sharp flap of its wings moved away, missing Articuno's wings by a few inches.

"Yes!" Timothy yells. "Now, use Crush Claw!"

Blitzwing's claws glow red again, and it smashes its claws into Articuno's back from behind just as Articuno is about to fly up. Timothy and Nolan see both bird-like Pokemon huffing, and struggling to stay airborne with cuts and bruises all over their bodies. They then look at each other and nod, silently agreeing the next move will decide the match.

"Articuno, use Ice Beam!" Nolan shouts.

"Dodge, and use Steel Wing!" Timothy shouts.

Articuno takes a couple of breaths before it fires a fourth Ice Beam. Blitzwing flies up, barely avoiding the attack, and charges at its opponent with its wings glowing white for the final time. It's right wing successfully hits Articuno, and the freeze Pokemon cries in agony before it crashes into the ground. Articuno lifts its head, trying to fight the pain, but it could only hold its head for a moment before it passed out.

"Articuno is unable to battle!" Sergio declares. "Blitzwing is the winner, which means the victory goes to Timothy, the challenger!"

Timothy sighs in relief while Coovers and Electchu cheer excitedly from the sidelines. Scott nods with a smirk, pleased with the end results from the battle. Noland, meanwhile, climbs down to the ground and runs over to Articuno's side.

"Articuno, are you okay?" He asks.

"Cuuuuuuuun," Articuno replies weakly, earning a sad smile from its friend.

"You were great, my friend. Let's get you all rested up," he says as he carries the bird Pokemon out of the arena. Everyone waits patiently until Noland comes back, smirking at Timothy.

"Articuno is healing as we speak," he says. "I must say that was an interesting battle. I'm impressed by how you used Brave Bird to free Blitzwing."

"Yes, it was a risky move," Scott says while walking over to Noland, Timothy, and Blitzwing with Coovers and Electchu.

"Risky, but it was all I could do in that situation," Timothy says. "When things look sour, my Pokemon and I do everything we can to turn things around, knowing that it's victory or bust. Isn't that right, Blitzwing?"

"Braviary," Blitzwing says with a nod.

"I see," Nolan says. "In any case, you have beaten me and Articuno fair and square. Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to present to you the Knowledge Symbol as proof of your victory."

"And here's a case you can use to hold on to all of your symbols, Timothy," Scott adds as he hands him the case.

"Thank you," Timothy says as he takes the Knowledge Symbol and puts it in the case before putting the case in his backpack. "So where to next?"

"That would be the Battle Area, where Greta is," Scott answers. "I just added the location on Coovers' Pokenav."

"He's right," Coovers says while holding out his Pokenav with one hand while carrying the egg contained within the other. "And the Battle Arena is not far from here too."

"Perfect," Timothy says. "Then I guess all we have to do now is head to the Pokemon Center so that Blitzwing can rest up for the night, and then head straight to the Battle Area."

"Sounds good, Timothy," Scott says. "I'll look forward to seeing you two there."

"Indeed," Noland says, offering his hand to Timothy. "Best of luck to you, Timothy."

"Thanks, Noland," Timothy says. "Give my regards to Articuno for a good battle."

"You bet," Noland says. "Take care."

"See ya," Coovers says as the two of them leave.

"Rai!" Electchu calls out.

Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu exit the Battle Factory, and Timothy sighs again as soon as the door closes behind them.

"One down," he says.

"And five more to go until we get to Brandon," Coovers adds while holding the egg container with both hands. "Which hopefully includes finding out whether or not he has found the Gieldanstone."

Timothy nods in agreement before they begin making their way to the Pokemon Center. Meanwhile, Jessie, James, and Meowth snicker behind one of the nearby bushes as they watch the two men and the Raichu walk away.

"So, he defeated Articuno," Jessie says.

"And now, he's going to the Battle Area, making him one step closer to leading the Gieldanstone right to us," James adds.

"See? What did I tell you guys?" Meowth boasts. "This clueless bozo is going to soar through the entire Battle Frontier, and then we liberate the jewel and gain endless praise from da boss before we know it. We'll be living the high life without a hitch."

The Team Rocket Trio giggles mischievously again before they proceed to go back to their hot air balloon quietly. But as they leave, a cloaked figure watches them from the roof of the Battle Factory."

"So, this trainer has some skills," the figure says quietly to itself. "But he and his friends still have much to prove that they can be trusted."