Chapter 36

After two weeks of riding a ferry from Fuchsia City, Timothy, Electchu, and Coovers make it to Metallica Island, the home of the Battle Palace. The two men and the Raichu gladly get out of the ship after spending so much time in the sea with Coovers feeling seasick as they walk to the nearest Pokemon Center.

"Honestly, Coovers, we've sailed on longer cruises than this one," Timothy says with a chuckle. "You should be used to so much time in the sea by now."

"My stomach declares otherwise," Coovers groans with his face looking green. "I hate that I get sick so easily that I can barely eat the food on the ship. They always have such delicious gourmet stuff to serve for us."

"Raichu," Electchu says with a sigh.

The three of them enter the Pokemon Center, and Coovers suddenly covers his mouth and races to the restroom, ready to hurl. Timothy shakes his head while he and his partner walk over to the front desk where Nurse Joy is waiting for them with a smile.

"Good afternoon. Welcome to Metallica Island," she greets cheerfully. "Would you like for me to look at your Pokemon?"

"That won't be necessary, thank you," Timothy answers politely. "I'm just wondering if you can point me in the direction of the Battle Palace from here."

Nurse Joy lets out a soft "Oh," and says, "Are you the trainer from Pallet Town Spenser is expecting?"

"I am," Timothy answers.

"One moment, please," Nurse Joy says as she takes out a phone and presses a few buttons before briefly talking to someone on the other line and hangs up. Timothy waits curiously until the door to the corridors over to reveal Scott looking at Timothy and Electchu with his signature smirk.

"Timothy, Electchu," he greets. "Surprised to see me?"

"Not really," Timothy answers plainly with Electchu nodding in agreement. "After the first four Frontier battles, not seeing you here to greet us would be the weird thing."

"Raichu," Electchu says, nodding.

Scott chuckles lightly before looking around the hall.

"Where is Coovers?" he asks.

"He's in the bathroom losing his lunch," Timothy says. "He doesn't have the strongest stomach when it comes to traveling by sea."

"Aw, that's too bad," Scott says. "But at the same time, I'm glad I can talk to you alone."

"Oh?" Timothy asks.

"You see, the Frontier Brain of this island, Spenser wishes to have a word with you out in the woods before you two have your battle at the Battle Palace," Scott says.

Timothy frowns and asks, "Why is that?"

"To put it simply, I have told him of your accomplishments like I have with some of the other Frontier Brains, and he is curious about the kind of person you are as a trainer," Scott answers, sounding as if he's unsure of how to best explain his reason.

Timothy looks at Scott, confused, and asks, "If that's so, then why doesn't he find out by battling me? Last time I checked, Pokemon battles are used to express someone's character better than anything else."

"I share your confusion myself," Scott chuckles. "But he wants you to tell him for yourself without your Pokemon. That means leave Electchu and your other Pokemon here at the Pokemon Center."

Timothy looks at the fat man, dumbfounded.

"Go out in the woods without my Pokemon? Is he crazy? There's probably wild Pokemon that might attack me!" He exclaims. "Next, you'll tell me he doesn't want to have a battle after we came all this way."

"Oh no, he is going to want a battle afterward," Scott reassures. "This is something he wants you to do before the battle."

Timothy gives Scott a skeptical look. Then he sighs and reluctantly takes all six Pokeballs from his belt and hands them to Nurse Joy.

"Please take care of my Pokemon while I'm out," he says reluctantly before turning to Electchu. "That means you too, pal."

Electchu nods and hops onto the front desk to follow Nurse Joy to the back door. Timothy then turns to Scott and asks, "Alright, where am I going?"

Scott smirks and says, "Follow the path northwest from here. Spencer's going to be meeting you around that area with his Venusaur."

"Oh great, I have to leave my Pokemon, but he gets to keep his around," Timothy grumbles to himself quietly so Scott can't hear him.

"I'll let Coovers know when he gets out of the restroom," Scott says. "Now, you better get going. And stay away from the deeper parts of the jungle. That's Beedrill territory."

"I'll keep that in mind," Timothy says half-heartedly, still wishing he could take his Pokemon with him.

With his spirits low, Timothy begrudgingly leaves the Pokemon Center and starts following the northwest path through the jungle. He keeps his sour mood, still against the idea of what he's doing while aimlessly following the trial.

"Why does there always have to be at least one person who wants you to do something completely redundant before they accept your challenge for a gym badge or a symbol?" He complains to himself. "What's worse is that this guy wants me to waste time talking while we're on the clock, potentially trying to stop Team Rocket. So for all we know he's risking the lives of who knows how many people and Pokemon just to have some laid back -"

Suddenly, he hears the sound of heavy footsteps coming from deep in the jungle. He stops walking and takes a cautious stance as the footsteps get closer and closer. Timothy mentally debates on whether or not to stay or run for safety until he sees two orange eyes coming from the long face of a dinosaur-looking Pokemon.

"Saaaaaauuuurrrrr," the Venusaur growls.

"Ah, you must be Timothy," says a voice.

Timothy looks up to see an old man with a staff sitting on top of the Venusaur with a friendly smile. He loses his cautious stance and gives the old man a skeptical look.

"Tell me, Spenser, do you meet all of your challengers like this?" He asks.

Spenser gives a hearty chuckle as he gets off the Venusaur to face the 28-year-old man.

"Hardly," he answers. "But then again there isn't a special amount of participants in the Battle Frontier who get this far. At least not frequently enough to have a routine for every time they make it here on my island. No, young man, this is something I prefer to do with you in particular."

"Why?" Timothy questions with incredulity in his voice. "Scott says you wanted me to leave my Pokemon at the Pokemon Center to talk while you are here with your Venusaur."

Again, Spenser chuckles.

"Forgive the misunderstanding," he says. "Venusaur will not be joining us either."

The old man turns to Venusaur and softly says, "We'll see you there, old friend." Venusaur nods before it turns around and walks away, leaving the two men alone. Timothy's suspicion fades while Spenser turns to him and smiles.

"Well then, shall we walk?" He asks, gesturing with his staff.

"Very well," Timothy says plainly.

Thus, they begin to walk quietly down the path with Spenser using his staff for support. Timothy becomes uneasy for a few minutes until he decides to break the ice.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" He asks.

For a moment, Spenser doesn't say anything, making Timothy unsure of whether or not the old man heard him. He opens his mouth to speak again until Spenser suddenly speaks up without looking at the younger man.

"How long have you been a trainer now, Timothy?"

Timothy looks at the old man, confused before he says, "18 years."

Spenser hums in thought.

"That is quite some time spent traveling to various regions to train and compete in Pokemon leagues, isn't it?" He states.

"I suppose so," Timothy answers bluntly.

"It is your dream to win all of the leagues and defeat the Elite Four and champions of every region, correct?" Spencer asks.

"Yes,"

"So, you have only accomplished part of your dream by winning the Johto League and defeating Lance?"

Timothy frowns, not liking the way Spenser stated the fact.

"What are you getting at?" He asks.

Spenser also frowns and finally turns to Timothy with a sad look.

"I'm sorry if you are uncomfortable with me being so forward, Timothy," he says. "It's just that it is rare for someone so accomplished as you are to partake in the Battle Frontier. Why is it you decided to participate when it's not part of your dream."

Timothy keeps his frown, not wishing to tell Spenser that he's only participating to find out what Brandon knows about the Gieldanstone. But then he remembers the deal he made with Ash and makes up a half-lie.

"Mostly because this kid named Ash participated and claimed to have learned a lot about Pokemon battling when he did," Timothy says.

"Ah, Ash," Spenser says with a fond look in his eye. "I had a remarkable battle with that boy."

"You and all of the other Frontier Brains I've faced," Timothy says with a small smirk.

"So, you decided to participate because you thought it might benefit you the way it did for Ash?" Spenser asks.

Timothy doesn't say anything for a moment but reflects on what he first thought of Ash when he met him in Pallet Town.

"He told me how he really improved as a trainer, even to the point of almost winning the Kalos League despite his young age," Timothy explains. "If we are being honest, I was jealous that he was that close to winning a league. I was in my twenties by the time I got anywhere that close, and yet there he is, a boy who lost the final round to a Pokemon league by just one Pokemon - one attack even."

"I see," Spenser says, scratching his chin in thought. "So, you agreed to Scott's offer out of hope that you will grow stronger as a battler in a way that Ash did when he faces the Frontier. Is that it?"

"In a way," Timothy says. "Plus, it sounded like a good way to occupy myself and my Pokemon before we compete in the Indigo League."

Spenser gives Timothy a small smile before he turns serious.

"But what happens if you complete your goal?" He asks. "Say you win all of the leagues and defeat all the regional champions. What would happen next?"

Timothy frowns again and looks up at the sky.

"You know, my friend, Coovers, asked me the same question," he says softly.

"And what did you say then?" Spenser asks.

Timothy stays silent for a few seconds and says, "I just said I didn't know, and I don't have time to think about it. Though, you should know for the record that we were discussing the idea of finding romance at the time because he's really into finding himself a pretty lady friend in his life."

"Oh, is he now?" Spenser says with a hearty chuckle.

"Yeah, one might say he's a little too much into it for his own good," Timothy says, smirking.

Both men chuckle for several seconds before silence overtakes them again as they walk. Then Spenser's face turns serious again, and he gives Timothy a sad look.

"So does that mean you never want anything more than just to battle or be around your Pokemon?" He asks.

Timothy looks at Spenser and sees the concern in the old man's eyes. He thinks about it before giving the best honest answer he can think of.

"It's not that I hate the idea of romance or anything like that. I just haven't had any reason to want it like Coovers does," he says. "I want to be the greatest trainer I can be and get as close to becoming a Pokemon Master as possible. That's what I've always wanted for as long as I can remember, and that's what has always kept me going to grow stronger with each and every one of my Pokemon."

"So, you have never wanted any other sort of companionship outside of being friends with every Pokemon you have ever caught in your time as a trainer?" Spenser asks. "Forgive me for being blunt, Timothy, but it sounds like you are rather close-minded about being open to people as well as Pokemon."

Timothy winces at Spenser's words and admits, "You're not entirely wrong. I love my family dearly, and I miss my grandmother even before she passed away two years ago, but I haven't wanted any sort or friendship outside of my Pokemon. Coovers and his sister, Laura, might be the only people in the world apart from my family that I have been open to. I've only started to be open to Ash and his friends only because Coovers kept encouraging me to. Well, that and one of his friends, Serena, is a nice girl who knew my grandmother. So, I guess you can say I'm barely starting to open up to people like Ash, Serena, Dawn, and Brock."

Spenser nods in understanding, and the two men continue to walk in silence. After a couple of minutes, Spenser decides to speak again.

"I think it's wise that you are slowly opening up to people," he says. "Living your life with your Pokemon is good, but there can be greater value to finding close companionship with people."

Timothy looks at Spenser skeptically and says, "No offense, Spenser, but you seem like someone who doesn't open up to many people either."

"Oh, but I do," Spenser says with a soft smile. "It's always a treat to see Scott drop by, I spend time with the other Frontier Brains whenever we get a chance, Nurse Joy at the Pokemon Center is such a kind and friendly young lady who enjoys talking with me when I drop by, and there are loved ones who are long gone and I miss very dearly. I may be a man who embraces what nature has to offer on this island with my dear Pokemon, but I have lived my life long enough to know when to treasure the companionship I've found with people as well."

Timothy remains silent even after Spenser finishes talking. He turns his head to face the path they are walking on, thinking about what the old man said. Spenser keeps smiling, knowing his point is made clear to the younger man.

"I'm not saying that you're wrong to dream as big as you do, Timothy," Spenser says reassuringly. "I merely suggest that you try to live life with more than your family and your Pokemon being there for you."

Timothy nods lightly, and the two men stay silent while walking. Eventually, the path leads them to walk up a tall cliff. At the top of the cliff lies a Pokemon battlefield where Scott, Coovers, Electchu, and Spenser's Venusaur are waiting for the two of them.

"Ah, just in time," Spenser says. "Looks like we finished our talk before we made it to the battlefield."

Timothy looks at Spenser confused and asks, "So we were on our way to have our battle this whole time?"

"That's right," Scott answers for Spenser. "Spenser was hoping he would time his talk with you so that you two would have met us here by the time you were done."

Spenser nods and turns to Timothy with a friendly smile.

"Now that we have our talk out of the way, what say we have a battle, young man?" He offers.

Timothy's confusion turns into a smirk as he eagerly says, "Alright, what are we waiting for? Scott, Coovers, did you bring the rest of my Pokemon with you?"

"Sure did," Scott says while Coovers and Electchu walk over to Timothy and Coovers hands him all six of his Pokeballs before walking back to where Scott is.

"Alright, Timothy, now this is going to be a three-on-three battle, and only you can substitute," Spenser says. "Having said that, I want you to understand that while we have a battlefield to start battling, the battle might not take place completely in this field."

"What do you mean?" Timothy asks.

"You see, I like to think of this entire side of the island as the battlefield," Spenser explains. "Here we have the jungle, a few mountains, and the beach. This battlefield up here is merely just the starting point. I want to test trainers physically as well as mentally to keep up with the battle because my Pokemon will use the entire island to their advantage, and they will expect your Pokemon to do the same."

Timothy raises his eyebrow intrigued and says, "Okay then, how is the battle going to be judged?"

"Simple, we're going to use Jamero," Spenser answers.

"Jamero?" Timothy and Coovers ask in confusion.

Suddenly, a small, floating, Pokeball-shaped robot appears flying in the air, startling Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu. Spenser and Scott smile at their reactions before the robot speaks.

"Greetings, challenger Timothy and welcome to the Battle Palace," it says cheerfully.

"Jamero is my robotic referee," Spenser explains. "Notice he has a camera in front of him. That's built in so that Scott and your companion, Coovers, can watch from my hot-air balloon."

Timothy turns his head to notice the Pokeball-shaped hot-air balloon standing on the side of the battlefield.

"So, do you think you can handle a battle against me this way?" Spenser asks with a smirk.

Timothy gives the old man a boastful smirk of his own and asks, "Do you?"

Spenser chuckles and says, "Classic comeback, young man. Now let us get this battle going."

"Agreed," Timothy and Coovers say simultaneously.

Thus, Scott and Coovers get in the hot-air balloon while Spenser walks to one side of the field, and Timothy and Electchu walk to the other side. The floating robot, Jamero, flies to the sidelines with Venusaur standing next to it.

"Attention, please. This is the battle between Palace Maven Spenser and Timothy Durbin, the challenger," it says. "This will be a three-on-three battle. The battle will be over when all three Pokemon from either side are unable to continue. Furthermore, only the challenger can substitute Pokemon. Are the contestants ready?"

"Ready," Timothy and Spenser say at the same time.

"Then battle begin," Jamero says.

"Shiftry, to my side!" Spenser calls out as he throws a Pokeball, and a Shiftry comes out, looking ready to fight viciously.

"A Shiftry, huh? Well, that makes my first choice an easy pic," Timothy says before throwing a Pokeball. "Odyssey, come on out!"

The ball opens, and Timothy's trusty Lucario growls proudly and takes an offensive stance.

"Ah, a fighting Pokemon," Spenser says, intrigued. "Smart idea, but typing isn't everything."

"True, but very few people properly use that fact to stop us," Timothy says proudly. "Odyssey, let's see what Shiftry is made of with Aura Sphere."

Odyssey puts it paws close together and summons a ball of aura energy. The Lucario throws the ball at Shiftry, but Spenser just smirks.

"Shiftry, to the jungle!" he calls out.

Shifty jumps high into the air, dodging the Aura Sphere, and runs over to the edge of the cliff and slides down to the bottom. Odyssey looks at where it saw its opponent disappear in confusion and turns to Timothy and Electchu.

"Yeah, apparently, the whole island is the battlefield, and this is just the starting point," Timothy explains with a shrug. "Anyway, follow that Shiftry!"

Odyssey nods in understanding and races after it. Timothy, Electchu, Spenser, and Venusaur slide down the cliff and follow behind while Scott and Coovers watch the match from the hot air balloon.

"Well, that didn't take Spenser long," Coovers comments as he watches the battle through the monitor.

Scott chuckles and says, "Spenser likes to use the entire island to his advantage right away. He's pulled this move on pretty much every challenger he has, including Ash."

As the trainers and Pokemon below run through the jungle, Odyssey catches up with Shiftry. The two Pokemon glare at each other as they try to outrun the other.

"Odyssey, use Aura Sphere again!" Timothy calls out as he runs.

"Shiftry, use Quick Attack!" Spenser orders.

Odyssey fires another Aura Sphere, but Shiftry dodges and with great speed, tackles the Lucario and rams it into a tree. Odyssey gets down on one knee and holds its side while Shiftry grins boastfully.

"Nice try, Timothy, but Shiftry is too fast," Spenser says proudly.

Timothy gives the old man a raised eyebrow.

"We'll see about that," he says. "Odyssey, Extreme Speed!"

Almost as soon as the order leaves his mouth, Odyssey zooms from its spot and starts circling around Shiftry, with incredible speed. Shiftry and Spenser look around, trying to spot where the Lucario is, but can't find it before Lucario rams into Shiftry from behind and sends the wicked Pokemon flying into a tree face first.

"Too slow," Timothy says with both him and Electchu giving Spenser a cocky grin.

Spenser chuckles and says, "Speed isn't everything, young man. Shiftry, use Double Team!"

Shiftry manages to get up and face its opponent again. Then it makes several copies that surround Odyssey, making the Lucario uneasy.

"Odyssey, don't worry!" Timothy commands. "Use a combo of Extreme Speed and Bone Rush to get rid of them all until you get the real one!"

Odyssey creates a bone of energy and races at great speed again, destroying copies of its opponent rapidly.

"Quick Attack, one more time!" Spenser orders.

The real Shiftry steps into where Odyssey is running and tackles it hard. The Lucario tumbles to the ground and lies down on the ground in pain.

"A commendable effort, Timothy, but Shiftry and I learn from our mistakes," Spenser states. "Now, use Shadow Ball!"

Shiftry puts its hands in front of it and creates a purple ball. It appears in its arms, and the ball heads to Odyssey, who is slowly getting up.

"Odyssey, batter up!" Timothy calls out.

Odyssey's eyes snap open, and it sees the Shadow Ball heading straight to it. The Lucario quickly creates another Bone Rush and swings it like a bat, hitting the Shadow Ball and sending it back to Shiftry, hitting it. The wicked Pokemon grunts and snaps its eyes shut for a moment before it glares at Odyssey angrily, looking like it's hardly in any pain.

"Clever," Spenser says plainly with a small smirk. "Shiftry, use Rock Smash!"

Shiftry smashes its hand into the ground and flings several rocks toward Odyssey.

"Odyssey, dodge the rocks and get Shiftry with an Extreme speed and Strength combo!" Timothy orders.

Odyssey's body becomes surrounded in a red aura, and it charges at Shiftry while dodging all the rocks heading toward it. The Lucario keeps dodging rocks while running at amazing speed until it reaches Shiftry, who only has a moment to realize what is going on before Odyssey rams into it again, and then lifts it up and throws it at a tree. Shiftry hits the tree face-first and slides down to the ground while moaning.

"Don't give it a moment, Odyssey. Aura Sphere one more time!" Timothy commands.

Odyssey creates another Aura Sphere and throws it straight at Shiftry, who has its eyes shut and is groaning in pain. Before Spenser can say anything, the Aura Sphere hits Shiftry, and it slams against the tree again before it falls down into the ground unconscious.

"Shiftry is unable to battle!" Jamero declares while taking out a green flag from inside its left top antennae. "Odyssey wins!"

"Yes!" Timothy shouts, shaking his fist into the air.

"Raichu!" Electchu shouts happily.

"Luca!" Odyssey roars triumphantly.

Spenser, meanwhile, returns Shiftry to its Pokeball and smiles.

"Nicely done, Timothy," he says before turning to Venusaur. "Looks like you're up, Venusaur. To my side."

"Saaauuuur," Venusaur growls as it walks over and takes a battle stance.

"Interesting. I had the impression you'd choose Venusaur last," Timothy states as he takes out Odyssey's Pokeball. "No big deal. Odyssey, get some rest."

Odyssey nods obediently, and a pink beam comes out from its ball and pulls it back in. Spenser looks at Timothy, intrigued while the latter takes out another ball.

"Why are you changing Pokemon?" He asks. "Do you think your Lucario was too weak to face Venusaur?"

"Not at all. I just decided to give you another chance to show you're someone who can prove typing isn't everything," Timothy answers with a small smirk before he throws the Pokeball. "Blitzwing, come on out!"

The Pokeball opens, and Timothy's trusty Braviary comes out, letting out a loud "Brrraaaaiiiii!" as it flies.

"Ah, I understand," Spenser says. "You want me to prove Venusaur, and I can defeat your Braviary even though your Pokemon has the type advantage."

"I do," Timothy answers plainly.

Spenser nods and says, "Very well, Timothy, we accept your challenge. Right, Venusaur?"

"Sssaaaaaaauuuurrrrrr!" Venusaur growls.

Meanwhile, Coovers frowns skeptically in the hot-air balloon after hearing why Timothy switched Pokemon.

"He's getting cocky," he says to Scott. "I've seen him act like this with other challengers. When someone makes claims about something like type advantage not meaning everything, Timothy likes to toy with them with something like this, so they have multiple chances to prove they can beat his Pokemon despite their disadvantage."

Scott frowns too and says, "That's not a wise thing to do when you are going up against an opponent like Spenser, especially since he and his Venusaur are a very powerful duo."

"Venusaur, use Razor Leaf!" Spenser commands.

"Dodge and use Brave Bird!" Timothy shouts back.

Venusaur launches several razor-sharp leaves from its back, but Blitzwing dodges them and charges at its opponent surrounded by red fire. Blitzwing hits Venusaur, and the large seed Pokemon is sent sliding several yards and hitting a tree.

"Use Vine Whip!" Spencer calls out.

"Dodge and use Brave Bird once more!" Timothy orders.

Two vines emerge from Venusaur's back and lunge toward Blitzwing, but once again, the Braviary dodges with red fire all over its body. It hits Venusaur hard, sending it crashing into another tree.

"I hope you don't plan to rely on that move completely," Spenser says.

"As you wish," Timothy says with a smirk. "Blitzwing, use Aerial Ace!"

Spenser smirks back and says, "Venusaur, use Tackle."

Blitzwing dives down, and with a powerful flap of its wings, it zooms toward Venusaur, who charges at it. The two Pokemon collide with each other, but despite Blitzwing's speed, Venusaur's force is more powerful. The seed Pokemon sends Blitzwing, flying back and slamming into a tree.

"Blitzwing, are you alright?" Timothy asks.

The valiant Pokemon slowly gets up from the ground and spreads its wings apart to show that it's okay. Timothy and Electchu sigh in relief while Spencer looks up at the sky and smiles.

"Hmm, yes, it's a very sunny day today," he says observantly. "Venusaur, use Solar Beam!"

Venusaur nods and starts collecting sunlight with the flower on its back. Timothy, Electchu, and Blitzwing turn to their opponents, and Timothy frowns with a determined look.

"Blitzwing. Don't give them a chance to use that Solar Beam!" He orders. "Use Crush Claw repeatedly!"

Blitzwing nods in understanding and flies toward its defenseless opponent with its claws glowing red. It starts repeatedly crushing its claws down on its opponent's body relentlessly. Venusaur roars in pain but keeps its focus on collecting all the sunlight it needs.

"Wow, that Venusaur is persistent," Coovers says. "If it uses that Solar beam, then it's a good thing Blitzwing is resistant to grass attacks."

"Don't be too sure," Scott says seriously.

Finally, Venusaur finishes collecting all the sunlight, and Spenser smirks.

"Now, Venusaur, use Solar Beam!" he shouts.

"Dodge it!" Timothy commands.

Unfortunately, Venusaur releases its attack, and the white beam coming out from its flower is so large that it engulfs Blitzwing before it could attempt to dodge. The Braviary screams in pain, and it's sent flying so high into the air that it's sent crashing far past Timothy, Electchu, Venusaur, and Spenser's line of sight.

"Blitzwing!" Timothy shouts.

"Raichu!" Electchu screams.

"Timothy!" Coovers calls out from the balloon. "We saw Blitzwing land close to the beach!"

Timothy doesn't bother to respond to his companion before he and Electchu race to the beach with Spenser and Venusaur following behind. Scott and Coovers follow them in the hot-air balloon with Jameo flying beside them.

"Man, I can't believe the size of that Solar Beam," Coovers says. "That practically sent Blitzwing flying to the other side of the island."

"Yep, that's what I meant when I said not to be too sure about whether or not it can resist Solar Beam," Scott says in a matter-of-factly tone. "Venusaur is pretty powerful, and Spenser has trained it hard to make its Solar Beam so large and so powerful that it is nearly impossible to dodge and typically takes down its opponent with one move. Spenser proved this before when it used Solar Beam to defeat Ash's Heracross when he was participating in the Battle Frontier."

"Well, I hope Blitzwing is going to be an exception to it taking down its opponent with that attack," Coovers says nervously.

Everyone makes it to the beach, and Timothy's heart sinks to find his Braviary lying on the ground. He and Electchu rush to Blitzwing's side to find the valiant Pokemon panting heavily.

"Blitzwing, can you continue?" He asks. "I can have you switched out so you can rest and battle later."

"Braiiiv," Blitzwing groans and it slowly stands up until it's at the same eye level as it's trainer.

"Are you sure?" Timothy asks. "You probably can hold for one more hit at best."

"Braviary!" Blitzwing caws determinedly, spreading its wings apart to show that it wants to battle.

Timothy gives his Pokemon a small smile and says, "Alright, but I'm switching you out as soon as we take down Venusaur. Got it?"

Blitzwing smirks and nods before the two of them, and Electchu faces Spenser and Venusaur, with Blitzwing taking an offensive stance.

"Impressive. Few Pokemon stay conscious after Venusaur's Solar Beam," Spencer says. "But it's risky for you to let your Pokemon keep going in that state."

"Oh, I agree," Timothy says plainly. "But we'll never know for sure until we find out. Blitzwing, use Brave Bird one more time!"

Spenser frowns and says, "Venusaur, use Razor Leaf!"

Once again, Blitzwing's body is surrounded in red fire, and it charges at Venusaur, dodging its Razor Leaf. The bird-like Pokemon rams into its opponent, and Venusaur is knocked off its feet and sent crashing into a larger rock, breaking it into pieces. The seed Pokemon struggles to get up, with several big scratches all over its body after being hit by another powerful Flying-type attack. Spenser stares in shock as he realizes the gravity of the situation. Timothy and Electchu both grin at the old man before Timothy turns to his Braviary.

"Finish it with Aerial Ace," he commands.

Blitzwing nods before it dives down and, with one flap, charges at Venusaur.

"Venusaur, use Tackle!" Spenser cries out desperately.

Venusaur quickly gets up and charges at its opponent again. Unfortunately, when the two Pokemon collide, the grass-type Pokemon is knocked off its feet again and hits another large rock before falling down with swirly eyes. Blitzwing lets out a loud, triumphant call, but it suddenly stops in mid-caw and plummets to the ground, passed out.

"Both Pokemon are unable to battle! It is a draw!" Jamero announces with a green and red flag coming out from both of its upper antennas.

Coovers frowns and says, "Looks like Timothy and Blitzwing's gamble was a mixed bag this time."

"Yes, it was," Scott agrees with a serious look on his face. "What's worse is that Spenser's final Pokemon is much stronger than even Venusaur. Timothy's going to need to play it smartly to stand a chance with this Pokemon."

Spenser returns Venusaur back into its Pokeball and gives the ball a sad smile.

"You were magnificent, my friend," he says kindly before he takes out another Pokeball and throws it shouting, "Claydol, to my side."

Timothy has just finished returning Blitzwing to its Pokeball by the time he notices Spenser's Pokeball opening to reveal a Claydol. He smirks in amusement while Spenser gives him a respectable smile.

"So, what will it be, Timothy?" The old man asks. "Are you going to take out your Lucario, again, or are you going to choose a Pokemon that has a type advantage against my Claydol?"

"Actually, I'm feeling like using a Pokemon that is both strong and weak against your Claydol just to make it interesting," Timothy answers with a smirk while taking out another Pokeball. "That, and Gengar has yet to contribute to the Battle Frontier anyway."

He tosses the Pokeball into the air, and it opens to reveal a Gengar grinning at Claydol mischievously.

"No!" Coovers shouts. "His cockiness is getting to his head. Claydol is a ground, and psychic type and Gengar is weak against both!"

"Actually, Spenser's Claydol doesn't know any ground-type and has only one offensive psychic-type move, which is Psybeam," Scott says. "Even so, Timothy took out Gengar not knowing whether or not Spenser's Pokemon has any moves powerful against Gengar. I hope Timothy has something up his sleeve because Claydol is very powerful, and if he underestimates it, he'll regret it."

"Alright, let's not waste any time," Timothy says. "Gengar, use Dark Pulse!"

"Claydol, Teleport, and use Psybeam!" Spenser commands.

Gengar fires Dark Pulse from its hands, but Claydol disappears right before the attack hits. Gengar looks around in confusion until Claydol appears right behind it and prepares to release a powerful Psybeam from the tips of its arms.

"Gengar, on the ground!" Timothy commands.

Gengar phases through the ground, causing Claydol to miss. This time, Claydol looks around in confusion.

"Now, use Lick!" Timothy orders.

Gengar emerges from the ground and licks Claydol from top to bottom with its long tongue. Claydol whimpers in disgust while Timothy frowns in disappointment.

"Ah, I see. You were hoping to paralyze Claydol with Lick. Looks like you wasted a move," Spenser says, smiling. "Still, it was smart of you to have your Gengar phase from under the ground."

Timothy keeps frowning for a moment before he shrugs and says, "True, there's only a slight chance of Lick paralyzing an opponent, but there's more than one way to get the job done."

"How true," Spenser says, nodding before turning to Claydol. "Claydol, use Hyper Beam on the ground!"

Claydol aims its arms at the ground in front of Gengar and fires Hyper Beam. The attack explodes and knocks Gengar off its feet, causing it to fall down on its back for a moment before it stands back up.

"Clever. Use the ground to hurt Gengar with Hyper Beam even though that is a normal attack and so is ineffective against Gengar directly," Timothy says.

"Correct," Spenser says, nodding. "Once again, the entire island is the battlefield, so I will use any part of it to my advantage."

"So I see," Timothy says. "Gengar, use Shadow Ball!"

"Knock it off with another Hyper Beam!" Spenser commands.

Gengar and Claydol fire their attacks at the same time, causing the Shadow Ball and Hyper Beam to explode on impact, creating a large cloud of smoke.

"Now use Dark Pulse, straight ahead!" Timothy calls out.

Gengar fires another Dark Pulse despite being unable to see anything through the smoke. The attack hits the unsuspecting Claydol, and it howls. When the dust clears, the clay doll Pokemon appears to be in pain.

"Ah, you used the smoke to catch Claydol off guard," Spencer says, impressed. "Claydol, use multiple Psybeam!"

"Dodge and watch out for where it's aiming," Timothy says plainly.

Claydol fires multiple Psybeams, but Gengar hops around, dodging them. The ghost type Pokemon grins mockingly at its opponent while it keeps its eye on where Claydol is firing so that Claydol doesn't catch it off guard with another attack aimed at the ground in front of Gengar.

"Now use Shadow Ball again!" Timothy orders.

"Use Teleport and then use Rapid Spin!" Spencer calls out.

"Rapid Spin?" Timothy asks before he and Electchu look at each other, confused. "Doesn't he know that's also a normal type move which is ineffective against Gengar?"

"Raichu," Electchu nods, looking just as confused.

Claydol teleports away, dodging Gengar's Shadow Ball. It reappears close to its opponent and starts spinning rapidly. Timothy and Electchu stare at the display, still puzzled until Claydol's Rapid Spin creates a large sand twister and sucks an unsuspecting Gengar.

"Gengar!" Timothy calls out worriedly.

"Now, use Psybeam!" Spencer commands.

Claydol fires a Psybeam at Gengar. The attack hits Gengar directly in the chest and knocks it out of the vortex and sends it crashing onto the ground. Timothy and Electchu stare in shock as Gengar struggles to get up.

"You know, it's kind of funny," Spencer says with a friendly smile. "A while back, Ash was in the same position as you are with one of his Pokemon, and I used the same technique I just pulled on your Gengar. Though I don't think you should count on pulling through in the end, Timothy. Unlike Ash, you have an arrogant side that likes to gamble with chance. When we finish off your Gengar, it may as well be over with your Lucario as your last Pokemon who has already taken some damage."

Timothy thinks hard about what to do next. Coovers and Scott grow concerned from the hot-air balloon, and Electchu is starting at Gengar, hoping it will get up.

"No, it wouldn't be," Timothy says.

"I'm sorry?" Spenser asks.

Timothy looks at the Frontier Brain seriously with a determined look in his eye.

"It wouldn't be over," he says firmly. "I know because Odyssey may be weak to Psychic attacks, but you just revealed you only have two Psychic moves with only one capable of doing damage and two normal types that Odyssey is resistant to. It may not be easy, but I believe Odyssey can finish the job if Gengar fails. But I know Gengar won't fail me because you only have one attack that can seriously hurt it, whereas all of Gengar's attacks will affect Claydol. I may get cocky, but that cockiness comes from years of battling and trust in my Pokemon. It got me to defeating Lance and the Elite Four, and I know it will defeat you."

Timothy turns to Gengar, who is still struggling to stand and says, "Come on, Gengar, I know you can do it. Our opponents have shown all of their cards, and I know now how to beat them. I need you to stay strong and show me how fast and powerful you are after all of our years of training and battling."

Everyone watches in anticipation for a few seconds until Gengar starts grinding its teeth and slowly picks itself up. Timothy smirks confidently as the Shadow Pokemon makes another battle stance showing it's ready to give it its all.

"Gengar!" Gengar roars.

"Atta boy, Gengar," Timothy encourages. "Now, phase through the ground!"

Gengar nods and hides underground. Spencer frowns disapprovingly at the challenger.

"And here I hope you were giving me more," he says. "Claydol, use Rapid Spin!"

But Timothy grins and shouts, "Gengar, keep at a distance and wait before you attack with Shadow Ball, followed by Lick!"

Claydol spins around again, causing another twister made of sand, but this time the sand tornado fails to trap Gengar inside. After a couple seconds, the twister fades, and Claydol wonders where its opponent is only for Gengar to emerge from the ground and throws another Shadow Ball at Claydol successfully hitting it. As soon as the Shadow Ball hits the clay doll Pokemon, Gengar extends its tongue and licks its opponent. Once Gengar is done with its combo, Claydol lets out a long moan and yellow sparks appear all over its body.

"Oh, no!" Spenser shouts worriedly.

"Oh, yes. It's paralyzed," Timothy grins. "Don't let up, Gengar! Use Dark Pulse!"

Gengar fires another Dark Pulse, and it hits Claydol, who is growing weaker.

"Let's finish this! Use Night Shade!" Timothy yells.

Gengar's eyes glow red, and it goes a dark crimson beam at Claydol. The attack hits and knocks Claydol off its feet, and it falls into the ground with a loud thud. Spenser stares at Claydol's swirly eyes while Jamero raises a green flag.

"Claydol is unable to battle!" it declares. "Gengar is the winner, which means the victory goes to Timothy, the challenger!"

"Yes! Way to go, Gengar!" Timothy cheers.

"Raichu!" Electchu says happily.

"Gengar, har, har, har, har!" Gengar shouts happily as it dances with glee.

Coovers lets out a sigh of relief and says, "Thank heaven."

Spenser sighs sadly and returns Claydol to its Pokeball.

"You fought well, my friend," he says kindly before walking over to Timothy and Electchu with a smile. "Well, young man, it seems you have bested me in a battle fair and square. Congratulations."

"Thanks, Spenser," Timothy says.

Spenser nods before his face turns serious.

"I must warn you, though, Timothy, your pride, will be your downfall if you're not careful. You and your Pokemon are strong, but there will be times where that won't be enough."

"I'll try to keep that in mind," Timothy says half-heartedly.

'Very well," Spenser says, taking out a symbol from his pocket. "Regardless, you have earned the Spirit Symbol for proof that you have defeated me."

"Thank you," Timothy says.

As Coovers and Scott land the hot-air balloon to meet with Spenser, Timothy, and Electchu, Timothy takes out his symbol case and places the Spirit Symbol inside. He turns to Coovers, who still has a look of relief on his face and presents the case to his friend.

"Only one more to go before Brandon," he says.

"So close," Coovers agrees.

"But you better be careful, Timothy," Scott says. "The sixth one is very tough."

"I'll keep that in mind too," Timothy replies.

"Good," Scott says, nodding. "Then, your next destination will be the Battle Tower located near Tohjo Falls."

"Tohjo Falls?" Timothy says, surprised, while Electchu and Coovers give looks of shock. "But that's all the way to the border between Kanto and Johto."

Coovers' face turns grim, and he says, "That means we'll have to head the entire way by ferry, won't we?"

"Mostly," Scott says, giving Coovers a sympathetic smile.

"Ugh, I don't think my body can take me constantly throwing up anymore," Coovers whines.

"Do you get seasick, Coovers?" Spenser asks.

Coovers frowns and nods like a little child.

"Well, the next ferry won't leave for several hours, so why don't I make something for you while Nurse Joy looks at my and Timothy's Pokemon?" Spenser offers. "I have some herbs that will keep you from getting seasick."

Coovers' eyes widen, and he gives the old man a hopeful smile.

"Really? You can do that?" He asks.

Spenser nods with a friendly smile.

"Oh, thank you so much! You're a saint!" Coovers says in a hysterical voice.

Everyone else chuckles at Coovers' demeanor before Spenser gestures Coovers, Scott, Timothy, and Electchu to follow him back to the Pokemon Center. As the five of them leave, however, Jessie, James, and Meowth emerge from their hiding spots near the trees, giggling mischievously.

"We are so close to finding out the location of Brandon," James says.

"And with finding him, there's endless praise from the boss," Meowth says.

"Speaking of the boss, let's inform him of our progress while those dweebs haven't left yet," Jessie suggests.

The other two Team Rocket members nod excitedly, and Jessie takes out a portable video caller and presses several buttons before placing it on the ground. The three of them stand back and take professional stances before a holographic screen appears revealing Giovanni's face.

"Sir!" They say simultaneously.

"Report," Giovanni commands firmly.

"Sir, as you have requested, we are reporting further progress on our mission," James says.

"Indeed?" Giovanni asks.

"Yes, Durbin has just defeated another Frontier Brain," Jessie says. "Now, he only has to defeat one more so he can learn the location to Brandon."

Giovanni grins evilly.

"Wonderful," he says. "How far away is the next Frontier Brain?"

"She's all the way in Tohjo Falls," Meowth says. "They'll be taking a ferry to head most of the way there."

Giovanni frowns at this information.

"So, it will be some time before those fools get there, much less find out the location of your target," he says observantly. "Very well, we will make do with the time we have. Keep up the good work. If you discover anything of importance along the way, do not hesitate to report."

"Sir, yes, sir!" The trio replies.

Giovanni nods before the image of him disappears. The three Team Rocket members stay quiet for a moment before they start giggling like little children.

"I think the boss is starting to really like us," James squeals in a high-pitched voice.

"He told us to keep up the good work!" Jessie giggles with her hands clasped together. "I could get used to him saying that till the end of time!"

"So, what are we waiting for?" Meowth asks excitedly. "Let's get back on the sub and get ready to follow those bozos all the way to Tohjo Falls pronto!"

"Wobbuffet!" Wobbuffet says with a salute, appearing behind the grotto from its Pokeball again

With that, the three of them run as fast as their legs can carry them, laughing all the way happily. Meanwhile, the figure in the cloak watches them leave and lets out an eager hum.

"They are so desperate to please him," it growls in disgust. "All the more reason to do what must be done."