Aura Heart Journey Chapter 21 (Patreon)

Hey friends and fans! Kairomaru is bringing you another chapter of Aura Heart Journey! The next round of the Water City Competition! New Pokémon evolution revealed! Plus some strategizing and a look into Misty’s greatest competitor in the Water City Competition!

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So without further delay, please enjoy.

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Chapter 21 – Water City Competition, Rounds 3 & 4

“Misty’s got this in the bag.” Lily smiled as she sat next to Ash in the private reserved booth. The two were watching Misty’s Third Round match. A standard three versus three match and Misty had quickly dominated the first two battles. Now her opponent was on the back foot, with Misty having two Pokémon left while he was on his last Pokémon.

“Her opponent kind of fell apart when she shut down his opening strategy.” Ash agreed. The teen had started out with a Lombre, for the Type Advantage no doubt. Misty had retaliated with her Bibarel. While Bibarel had taken a Razor Leaf at the beginning, she’d been able to connect with Yawn. Lombre’s next Razor Leaf had missed as Misty had instructed Bibarel to dive. A Headbutt followed with a Hyper Fang saw Lombre unconscious and Misty declared the winner of the first match.

Misty’s opponent had then sent out a Slowpoke. The Water/Psychic Type was able to land a Confusion attack but Bibarel powered through and finished it quickly with Crunch. Lily had mentioned that the teen didn’t have proper timing with Slowpoke’s naturally slow response time. She’d trained with her Slowbro long enough that it could react to Battle Commands quickly. Though Lily also did everything in her power to predict her opponent’s moves. Being able to give orders to the Water/Psychic Types a second or two ahead of time made a lot of difference.

The last Pokémon Misty’s opponent sent out was a Gyarados. Bibarel had launched a Rollout attack and connected for a bit of Super Effective damage before being taken down with a Dragon Rage attack.

“Starmie, you’re up!” Misty called out as she released the large purple Starfish Pokémon. “Use Thunderbolt!”

“Stop it with Bite!” Her opponent called out. Gyarados lunged forward to snap its massive jaws on Starmie, but the Water/Psychic Type was faster. With bright yellow sparks surrounding its body, Starmie unleashed the powerful Electric Type attack. Gyarados thrashed in pain as the four times effective attack coursed through its body. The large sea serpent crashed into the water and floated on the surface with swirled out eyes.

“Gyarados is unable to battle!” The referee announced. “Winner of the third match and the battle is Misty Waterflower!” The crowd cheered and Misty praised her Starmie as she returned it to its Pokéball. Misty waved to the crowd before leaving the arena floor. In only a couple of minutes the orangette entered the reserved booth and hugged Lily and then Ash.

“That was a great battle, Misty.” Ash complimented his girlfriend. “You dominated the whole time.”

“Thanks Ash.” Misty smiled at him brightly. “Bibarel did great! She was able to defeat two Pokémon in my first official battle with her! I’m really proud of her progress!”

“Your opponent didn’t seem to have too much strategy beyond Type Advantage.” Lily mentioned with a thoughtful look. “He had poor timing with Slowpoke so he couldn’t play to its strengths. His Gyarados looked strong enough, but he made a bad call to try and use a Dark Type move like Bite. If he wanted to disrupt Thunderbolt it would have been better to go with Dragon Rage.” Ash was reminded that Lily was an Expert Level Trainer as she quickly dissected the battle they’d just watched. The bright, cheery pinkette may not have been as ‘battle minded’ as Misty, but she was easily leagues better than any average Trainer.

“Here he comes.” Misty pointed out as the guy with the Seadra walked out onto the field.

“So that’s him, huh?” Lily looked over the Trainer that looked about a year or two younger than her.

“I’m betting I’ll be facing him in the Finals.” Misty nodded and Ash had to agree with her. This guy, Vince Kenway according to the referee, was most likely the one that Misty would be battling for first place.

“Well, I’m interested to see how he does.” Lily looked on as the battle began.

“Begin!” The referee called out.

“Seadra, come out!” Vince started the battle off.

“Dra!” Seadra called out as it appeared in a bright flash of white light.

“Lanturn, let’s win!” His opponent released the Light Pokémon and the two Pokémon locked eyes.

“Agility then Focus Energy!” Vince called out and Seadra was surrounded by a red glow as it took off swimming through the pool. Seadra was this covered in a white aura as it increased its Critical Hit Ratio.

“Lanturn hit it with Thunder Wave!” The other trainer instructed. Just as Lanturn released the blue current of electricity Vince countered.

“Smokescreen, submerge, Whirlpool!” Vince rattled off the counter he came up with. Seadra didn’t hesitate and it disappeared in the massive cloud of black smoke it spewed for. The Thunder Wave passed through the smoke without hitting anything. The water in the pool began to swirl and Lanturn was caught up in the newly formed Whirlpool attack.

“Lanturn get out of there!” The opponent called out.

“Seadra, Dragon Breath!” Vince called his next attack. Seadra emerged a bit away from the Whirlpool it had created. Without wasting a second it launched the greenish flames at the trapped Lanturn. The attack hit and Lanturn cried out as it was injured. “Again!” Seadra launched a second Dragon Breath and Lanturn was pushed under the swirling waters. Moments later the Whirlpool ended and Lanturn floated back up to the surface unconscious.

“Lanturn is unable to battle! Seadra wins!” The referee raised his flag in Vince’s direction.

“That was fast!” Ash blinked at how quickly Lanturn was dealt with, even having the Type Advantage.

“The second Dragon Breath was a Critical Hit.” Lily stated her eyes not leaving the battlefield.

“That was good field control.” Misty praised her future opponent. “He made excellent use of the pool. He’s probably used to battling in open waters.”

“Green Trainer, send out your next Pokémon!” The referee called as the opponent recalled his Lanturn.

“Let’s go, Carvanha!” The other Trainer sent out the Water/Dark Type. True to its nature the Savage Pokémon looked aggressive and ready for battle.

“Second match! Seadra vs. Carvanha, begin!” The referee waved his flags.

“Signal Beam!” Vince called and Seadra blasted the beam of Bug Type Aura at Carvanha. The Water/Dark Type was struck and instantly sent back into the wall on the opposite side of the pool. The Savage Pokémon was down for the count in a single hit.

“Critical Hit! Carvanha is unable to battle!” The referee announced and the crowd cheered at such an expert maneuver.

“Carvanha aren’t much for Special Defense to be sure, but that was still impressive.” Lily nodded approvingly to Vince’s strategy.

“I guess Seadra can learn Signal Beam too.” Ash blinked at the one and done match.

“It takes the proper training but yes, Seadra can learn it.” Lily informed with a grin. Misty hadn’t taken her eyes off the battlefield. She needed to see everything she could to be able to beat Vince.

“Green Trainer, send out your final Pokémon!” The referee called and Vince’s opponent palmed his final Pokéball.

“Let’s go Azumarill!” The teen called out and the Aquarabbit Pokémon emerged in a flash of light.

“Third Match! Seadra vs. Azumarill, begin!” The referee began the match.

“Azumarill use Play Rough!” The trainer called out. The Water/Fairy Type was covered in a pink aura as it swam rapidly towards Seadra.

“Flash Cannon!” Vince called out. Seadra formed a bright ball of energy in front of its mouth and blasted the focused ray at the charging Azumarill. The Water/Fairy Type was forced below the surface before the water erupted upwards from the blast of the attack. Needless to say the match was once again decided in a single hit.

“Critical Hit! Azumarill is unable to battle!” The referee announced before raising his flag towards Vince. “Winner of the third match and the battle is Vince Kenway!” The crowd cheered and Vince gave his Seadra thanks as he returned it to its Pokéball. With a short bow to the cheering crowd and a one to his opponent Vince left the arena floor.

“Flash Cannon too?” Ash exclaimed as he watched the second one attack battle.

“I thought he was focusing on Seadra’s Dragon Traits, how could it have learned a powerful Steel Type move like Flash Cannon too?” Misty looked shocked at the diverse move pool her future opponent’s Pokémon had.

“That was a TM learned move, no doubt about it.” Lily spoke up. Ash and Misty turned to face the pinkette as she explained. “He’s clearly focused a lot of time and effort on his Seadra. Vince has definitely focused on its Dragon Traits so that it’ll evolve into Kingdra naturally. But he’s also spent a good amount of money on Seadra as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if both Flash Cannon and Signal Beam had been taught through TMs. Though I can’t say I blame him for spending the money on teaching Seadra how to use Flash Cannon.”

“For Fairy coverage when it evolves, right?” Misty asked her sister.

“Yep, Fairy Types are not only Super Effective against Dragon Types, but also immune to Dragon Type attacks. They’re only Weaknesses are Poison Type and Steel Type; so Flash Cannon is a good choice for Seadra.” Lily explained as they settled in to watch the next match.

-Early Evening-

“Hmm, I’m still not sure how I’ll overcome Vince’s Seadra.” Misty mused aloud as she paced around the living room.

“Shouldn’t you be focusing on the match you have before that one?” Violet asked with a grin at her little sister.

“I’ve already come up with a couple strategies for that match.” Misty waved off. “It’s a pretty standard Team to be honest; a Cloyster, a Corsola, and a Mantine.”

“Walk me through it then, Misty, how will you counter?” Violet challenged her orangette sister. Misty turned to her bluenette sister with a cocked eyebrow.

“Are you doubting me, Violet?” Misty questioned.

“Not doubting, checking, don’t want you getting ahead of yourself.” Violet reassured her sister.

“Okay then, so my plan to deal with the Corsola is to…” Misty began to explain her strategy for tomorrow’s battle to Violet. From the kitchen Ash stopped listening in knowing that Violet had helped take Misty’s mind off her worry over Vince’s Seadra.

“She’s in good hands, Ash.” Daisy smiled at him from where she stood in front of the stove.

“I can tell.” Ash smiled back as he resumed chopping the vegetables they’d be steaming in a bit to go with dinner.

That night Misty happily curled up in Ash’s arms and slept soundly. Ash gently ran his fingers through her orange locks until he fell asleep himself. The two were sleeping nude again, since Misty decided she liked it. Ash wasn’t going to complain about being pressed up against his naked girlfriend all night.

-Park Arena ~ Midday-

Misty stood on her side of the battlefield as the referee went through the pre-battle rules and conditions. She was in the semi-finals and her opponent, looked ready. She and Violet had run through the battles to come today and Misty was confident. Speaking of Violet her bluenette sister was sitting next to Ash today in the reserved booth.

“Misty Waterflower of Cerulean City vs Angela Beryl of Azure Town!” The referee announced as the Pokémon League cameras activated and began recording the match. “Begin!”

“Corsola, you’re up!” Angela called out as she threw a Pokéball and released the Water/Rock Type Pokémon.

“Cor!” Corsola called out as it bounced on one of the floating platforms.

“Poliwhirl, let’s go!” Misty called out and her Tadpole Pokémon emerged from its Pokéball and into the water.

“Poli!” Poliwhirl raised a hand as she floated in the pool. Seeing her opponent, the Water Type focused and awaited instruction.

“Hey, Poliwag evolved too!” Ash exclaimed in surprise. “How’d she hide that?”

“She wanted to surprise you with it so we didn’t say anything.” Violet giggled as she saw the smile on Ash’s face.

“Corsola, Spike Cannon!” Angela called out and Corsola’s branches glowed white before firing spikes towards Poliwhirl.

“Submerge!” Misty instructed and Poliwhirl disappeared beneath the surface. “Mud Shot!” Poliwhirl breached the surface and launched compact balls of mud and Corsola. The part Rock Type cried out as the Ground Type attack dealt super effective damage. The Coral Pokémon was also enveloped in a blue glow, showing that its Speed had been lowered.

“Ancient Power!” Angela called out and Corsola glowed before blasting the airborne Poliwhirl with Rock Type Aura. The Tadpole Pokémon hit the water with a splash and submerged. “Iron Defense and Recover!” Corsola seemed to shine for a moment before a red glow showed a sharp increase in its Defense. Then a white glow overtook the Coral Pokémon and the damage from the Mud Shot was gone.

“Poliwhirl, Mud Shot and barrage it!” Misty called out as Poliwhirl resurfaced and quickly launched non-stop mud balls at Corsola. The Rock/Water Type wasn’t very fast naturally; with its Speed already reduced it couldn’t dodge the incoming attacks. Corsola was knocked over onto its side from the barrage and couldn’t right itself to retaliate.

“Corsola, Recover!” Angela called out, hoping to by some time to think of a way out of the barrage. Unfortunately Corsola’s speed continued to drop as evidenced by the almost constant blue glow around it. It couldn’t activate Recover before the damage built up and Corsola fainted.

“Corsola is unable to battle! Poliwhirl wins!” The referee raised his flag in Misty’s direction. “Red Trainer, send out your next Pokémon!” The referee called as Angela returned her Corsola.

“Alright then, Cloyster, let’s do it!” Angela released her Bivalve Pokémon. The Cloyster appeared on another of the floating platforms. The Pokémon smirked at Poliwhirl from within its shell.

“I’m not even going to try busting through that with Physical Attacks.” Misty shook her head and recalled Poliwhirl. “Come on out, Starmie!” In a flash of light Starmie took the field.

“Second Match! Starmie vs. Cloyster, begin!” The referee waved both flags.

“I know all about your trick!” Angela proclaimed with a grin. “Cloyster, triple Iron Defense, submerge, and then Whirlpool!” Cloyster grinned widely at the commands. The Bivalve then slammed its shell shut and appeared to shine as it was surrounded by a deep red glow. While its Defense was still increasing the Cloyster hopped into the water and sank to the bottom of the pool. As soon as it touched the bottom, the water of the pool started to swirl around until Cloyster was sitting beneath the Whirlpool. “Good luck using Thunderbolt now!”

“So you’re going to attack from the bottom of the pool?” Misty asked rhetorically before she smiled. “I can work with that!”

“What?” Angela looked perplexed.

“Starmie use Psych Up!” Misty called. Starmie glowed with a blue light for a moment before it was surrounded by a massive red aura as its Defense maxed out. “Now Psychic!” Starmie’s red, jewel-like core glowed in a rainbow of colors and in seconds Cloyster was yanked out of the water. The Bivalve struggled in the blue aura of Psychic Aura that held it, taking damage the whole time. “Now Thunderbolt!” Starmie sparked and then struck the Water/Ice Type with the Electric attack. Cloyster landed on the platform it had appeared on and opened to revealed swirled out eyes.

“Cloyster is unable to battle! Starmie wins!” The referee raised his flag in Misty’s direction. “Red Trainer, send out your last Pokémon!” The referee called as Angela returned her Cloyster to its Pokéball.

“Mantine let’s turn this around!” Angela called out as she unleashed the Kite Pokémon.

“Man!” Mantine called out as it appeared in the water.

“Third Match! Starmie vs. Mantine, begin!” The referee waved both flags again.

“Mantine use Signal Beam!” Angela called out as soon as the match started. Mantine blasted the Bug Type attack towards the motionless Starmie.

“Protect, Thunderbolt and sustain!” Misty called out. Starmie formed a green dome over itself which the Signal Beam dispersed against. Starmie rotated and spun building up speed before sparking brightly and launching the Thunderbolt straight at Mantine.

“Mantine leap!” Angela called out and Mantine practically flew out of the water to dodge the Electric Attack. The bolt electrified the water of the pool as Mantine soared overhead. “Signal Beam!” The Bug Type attack was fired down on Starmie from above. But, true to Misty’s instructions, Starmie was still spinning and generating electricity. The next Thunderbolt met the Signal Beam midair and the two attacks clashed. Mantine’s body slowly fell back towards the pool as it glided downwards. Misty noticed the Water/Flying Type was struggling to maintain the Signal Beam and took advantage.

“Starmie, Rapid Spin to dodge and into Thunderbolt!” Misty called out. Starmie stopped generating electricity and spun out of the way of the Signal Beam which hit the floating platform. While spinning Starmie sparked again and launched another Thunderbolt. This time the quadruple effective attack landed. Mantine crashed into the water throwing up a splash. To the shock of most the Kite Pokémon was still conscious. This was only due to Mantine’s naturally high Special Defense. Though Misty finished the battle before Angela to try to make a recovery. “Again!” Another Thunderbolt hit the downed Mantine and knocked it out of the battle.

“Mantine is unable to battle!” The referee announced before raising his flag towards Misty. “Winner of the third match and the battle is Misty Waterflower!” The crowd cheered and Misty praised her Starmie for a good battle before she returned it to its Pokéball. With a wave to the cheering crowd Misty left the arena floor to meet up with Ash and Violet.

“Not bad, little sis!” Violet smiled as Misty entered the booth.

“You were awesome, Misty!” Ash praised his girlfriend with a beaming smile.

“Thanks you two!” Misty hugged Violet before pulling Ash into a kiss.

“Get a room, love birds!” Violet laughed at the two.

“This IS a room!” Misty retorted as she stuck out her tongue.

“I agree.” Ash nodded as his arms wrapped around Misty’s waist.

“Not while I’m here it isn’t!” Violet shot back and the couple separated to sit next to each other.

“Spoilsport.” Misty sniffed and Violet rolled her eyes.

“Vince and his opponent are about to take the field.” Ash pointed out and both sisters refocused to watch. If they were lucky this opponent may be able to defeat Vince’s Seadra and reveal another Pokémon on his team.

-Ten Minutes Later-

“Okay…so that was a bust.” Misty groaned as Vince won his semi-final match with just Seadra.

“Does he even have any other Pokémon?” Ash wondered as he watched Vince walk off the battlefield.

“His opponent didn’t do badly, but you can’t defend against Critical Hits very well.” Violet shrugged. Only a handful of moves could block Critical Hits from happening. There were a few Abilities that prevented them too, but none of Vince’s opponent’s Pokémon had them.

“Let’s go home, I need to brainstorm.” Misty sighed as she took Ash’s hand in hers. The trio left the Arena and headed for the Gym.

“Don’t worry so much, Misty.” Violet smiled at her little sister. “We’ll all help you come up with something for tomorrow.”

“Even if it takes all night.” Ash nodded to his girlfriend with a smile of his own.

“Thanks you two.” Misty returned their smiles. “Hopefully not all night though, I’d like to get some sleep before the match after all.” The three chuckled as they entered the Gym. A quick greeting from Brook and they entered the Waterflower home.

A few minutes of explaining what had happened at the Competition to Lily and Daisy saw thoughtful looks on both of the eldest sisters’ faces. The five of them sat around the living room for a while thinking. After a few minutes Daisy smiled at her little sister.

“Have you figured it out yet?” Daisy asked Misty. The eldest sister had a knowing look in her eyes.

“Maybe…” Misty looked thoughtful for a bit longer. “I need to take away his field control. Then hit Seadra with a super effective attack as hard as possible.”

“Exactly.” Daisy smiled proudly at Misty. “Electrify the water to stop any field control. Then use Psychic to throw Seadra out of the water. A single Thunderbolt should finish it off easily. Seadra are powerful attackers but they have rather low Health and their Special Defense isn’t anything to write home about.”

“That makes sense.” Ash nodded as he thought the strategy over. “Seadra can’t move outside of the water. Plus we’ve never seen Vince use any Defense boosting moves of any kind.”

“Seadra don’t learn any moves that boost Special Defense.” Lily shook her head. “Not even from TMs, so you’re good there.”

“This could work then.” Misty smiled at the strategy. “The only things I still have to worry about are his other two unknown Pokémon. Hopefully they’re not as powerful as his Seadra.”

“They very well might be, Misty.” Violet cautioned. “But even if they are you just have to do your best to bring them down.”

“You’ll do great, baby sis.” Lily smiled as she pulled her orangette sister into a side hug.

“Enough serious talk!” Daisy hopped to her feet. “Let’s celebrate Misty getting to the Finals!” A cheer rose up in the Waterflower home and the merriment made all of the Pokémon in the Gym smile, in their own ways. The Milotic that was the Waterflower Sisters’ mother’s raised her head from where she’d been enjoying the sunset. She cooed out a soft, gentle noise at the levity returning to the family home. But the youngest wasn’t ready just yet, in time she’d entrust a child to her, but she still had a ways to go. With that Milotic laid back down as her three Feebas children swam around her.

-Cerulean City ~ Southern Pokémon Center-

“That Waterflower girl, she’s the youngest of the Gym Sisters.” Vince mused as he recalled the information he’d looked up on her Trainer Page. “She may very well best Seadra.” He looked at another Pokéball with a fond grin. “Seems we may have found a challenge to overcome again, my friend.” This Pokéball held his strongest friend and teammate after all. It had been a bit of time since they’d really been forced to go all out. That was especially true when it came to battles with Trainers of Vince’s Advanced Level.

‘To think this Misty girl is still only an Adept Level. She’ll be one to watch out for in the future, that’s for sure.’ Vince thought to himself as he placed his Pokéballs on his belt and stood up. He needed dinner and that steak place he’d passed the other day sounded good right about now.

-End Chapter-

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Misty has won her third and fourth round matches of the Competition! Poliwag has evolved into Poliwhirl! Starmie shows off some new moves! Vince has an even Stronger Pokémon?! What is it? Keep reading to find out!

Ash's Current Pokémon

Pikachu – Static – Iron Tail, Thundershock, Growl, Quick Attack, Electro Ball, Thunder Wave, Volt Tackle, Double Team, Light Screen, Reflect

Lucario – Inner Focus – Foresight, Quick Attack, Blaze Kick, Bulk Up, Copycat, Force Palm, Detect, Double Team, Aura Sphere

Poliwag – Water Absorb – Watersport, Water Gun, Hypnosis, Bubble, Double Slap, Body Slam

Butterfree – Compound Eyes – Tackle, String Shot, Bug Bite, Harden, Gust, Confusion, Sleep Powder, Stun Spore

Pidgeotto – Keen Eye – Tackle, Sand Attack, Gust, Quick Attack, Whirlwind, Twister

Skiddo – Sap Sipper – Growth, Vine Whip, Tail Whip, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, Synthesis, Take Down, Bulldoze

Teddiursa – Pick Up – Covet, Lick, Fury Swipes, Feint Attack, Sweet Scent, Bulk Up

Phanpy – Pick Up – Tackle, Defense Curl, Rollout, Endure

Misty's Current Pokémon

Staryu – Natural Cure – Harden, Rapid Spin, Water Gun, Recover, Psywave, Swift, Bubblebeam, Camouflage

Starmie – Natural Cure - Rapid Spin, Water Gun, Recover, Psychic, Swift, Bubblebeam, Psych Up, Protect, Brine, Thunderbolt

Seaking – Lightning Rod – Peck, Tail Whip, Watersport, Supersonic, Horn Attack, Flail, Water Pulse, Aqua Ring, Fury Attack, Waterfall

Poliwhirl – Water Absorb – Watersport, Water Gun, Hypnosis, Bubble, Double Slap, Icy Wind, Body Slam, Mud Shot

Skiddo – Sap Sipper – Growth, Vine Whip, Tail Whip, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, Synthesis, Take Down, Bulldoze

Quagsire – Water Absorb – Water Gun, Tail Whip, Mud Shot, Slam, Mud Bomb, Protect, Water Pulse

Bibarel – Unaware – Water Gun, Aqua Jet, Headbutt, Hyper Fang, Crunch

Ash will challenge four Gyms besides the eight canon Gyms with Steel Type, Ghost Type, Flying Type and Dragon Type being the four. All four now have OCs planned out thanks to some awesome patrons!

Until I get your reviews, later!