<Gather ‘round everyone, for we have a winner. The timeline which has been selected to continue is… This one!>
The four onlookers were unsure how to react, though Chad had a strong enough reaction to cover them all as he burst into tears, wailing loudly. Lucielle, keeping her head on straight, asked the important question. “So, what does that mean for the three that aren’t… this?”
<Well, I was planning to just terminate them. No use having four simultaneous timelines running in parallel, not like we’re in a multiverse story after all.>
“YOU LITERALLY PULLED ME FROM ANOTHER WORLD!” Chad shouted between the tears, the room shaking in his anger.
<Ow. No need to yell, child. As I was saying, I was planning to, but recent events have dictated that I keep them running. The Author will be focusing on us, here in this timeline. But, as it stands, us three adults believe we may need to lean on at least one of the adjacent timelines in the future.>
No use sugar coating it, Narrator. Your other half? Their story’s core concept is beginning to wobble. Worst case scenario? It’ll take all four timelines’ teams to address it.
<Yes, so while you may be distraught over how things played out, Chad, you need to remember there are three other Chads who are getting this same speech.>
“Wait, are you saying every Chad thinks he’s the principale timeline?” Ginette inquired while attempting to console her teammate.
<Yes. And yes, you asked that question in two of the other three timelines.>
“Why not the third?”
<Things… are not going as anticipated. Chad is currently enacting a sort of zombie survival scenario in that one. It’s best if the rest of us continue and they can catch up later. Now with that being said, we should continue the story.>
“Wait, if there’s four timelines, doesn’t that mean you also have four problems which would each need four timelines each to resolve?” Chad raised, now seemingly starting to feel a little better with it out of his system.
<…Poppycock. Right, forget that plan, we’ll just go with this one timeline and hope for the best. Shame, I anticipate you would’ve had an interesting reaction to Buff Charizard. I highly suggest you keep that mega stone I gave you, just in case. You can unwrap it later, I still need to have a holder made for you.>
“Can it be a gauntlet?”
<No, you aren’t going to cosplay as Thanos. Maybe a necklace, or a helmet. Considerations for later; right now you need some practice in your new body.>
<Chad, feeling the need to practice in his new form, set up the room’s television to show a series of battles involving the Lumiose Gym Leader, Clemont. Whether it was habitual or not, Lucielle took notes on which pokemon appeared, and what kinds of moves they demonstrated. Meanwhile Alexandre could only point out the flaws and openings he saw, completely missing the point of the exercise. Gaston noted that Clemont didn’t rely entirely on electric attacks, and they may want additional counters.>
“Hey, Narrator?” Ginette asked while the group watched a matchup of a familiar young boy with a Delphox against Clemont’s Magneton. “I didn’t get to ask, but why am I able to read Chad’s handwriting, but not anything written by humans?”
<Because it was necessary for the subplot– >
“D''accord, but will we or won’t we be able to read Lucielle’s notes?” Ginette pushed the issue, holding up a page of scribbles and wiggly lines.
<...Admittedly I was hoping you and the readers would overlook that minor detail.>
“So we can’t actually read, or write?” Lucielle clarified, putting the pencil down.
<Only Chad''s, and that is due to odd rules that I have no control over. I highly suggest you ask Chad nicely for lessons if that is a skill you wish to learn.>
Lucielle decided not to let the small speed bump stop her, and stood off to the side of the screen. “I noted that you may want secondary coverage for his likely team. First, Magneton–” she pointed at the screen, where Delphox was forcing the metal pokemon to decide between being hit by fire, cooked by fire, or melted (also by fire). “If we can teach you a fire move, that’d give you a surprise option. Next, he likes to use an Emolga, which appears to be part flying type, so Gaston could help you with a rock move. Lastly, while not strictly necessary, I can teach you a fighting move for coverage against his other likely choices for the third slot.”
Alexandre grinned at the list, pounding his fists together with a solid thunk. “Sounds like vous may not even get a turn, Gaston.”
The brown dinosaur eyed his pink rabbit compatriot before clearing his throat. “We need to verify, but so far Clemont has used both Emolga and Magneton in every battle. I would posit that they are guaranteed matchups, as he seems to always start with an Emolga. Thus, I propose I take the vanguard position and tackle the cute squirrel, attempt to wear down his second choice, and pass the baton to Alexadre to finish the match.”
<A polite chime sounded in the room, coming from an inconspicuous speaker in the ceiling. “Would the trainer of the Charizard please come to the training area? Pokemon are not allowed to be left to train unsupervised, especially right after a fresh evolution.” A young woman announced, likely the same nurse at the front desk.>
Ginette lightly struck her forehead with an open palm. “Lucielle, go help Chad; take his trainer ID with you. The rest of us are going to brainstorm some strategies for Clemont.” Her girlfriend nodded, grabbing the plastic rectangle from the backpack and rushing out the door.
<After Lucielle managed to defuse the situation downstairs, the group decided to call it a night. The next morning but before setting out for Route 13, Chad made an apology breakfast for the pokecenter staff who quickly forgave him for the previous night.>
<As a compromise between Ginette’s desire for flight, and Chad not wanting to run afoul of League rules, Chad agreed to fly through Route 13 but close to the ground with the blue frog riding on his back. With no trainers along the way to battle, the flight took only a few hours rather than two days.>
Chad came to a soft landing at the entrance for Lumiose City, lifting up his flight goggles as Ginette (who was very exhausted from the excitement) returned to her ball to rest.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
<The city seemed more upbeat and lively this time around; it was likely the power issue was fixed, which meant more businesses were open. The giant tower at the center of the city, the gym, was lit up and clearly open. Chad managed to find his way to one of the pokecenters in the city, where his benefactor was magnanimous enough to assist with reserving a room. Logging in to one of the public kiosks, Chad attempted to register for a gym battle. There appeared to be a one week wait, so Chad registered a slot. Before forgetting, Chad also remembered to sign up for flying certification lessons a few days before said battle.>
<The team would have a while to explore the city and prepare for the match. Ginette quickly stole away Lucielle to show her around the city for the rest of the day. Gaston and Alexandre were itching for some practice bouts, so Chad escorted them to a nearby practice field to wear off some energy. By nightfall, the five reconvened for dinner, having earned a few extra pokedollars for their troubles.>
<This routine repeated itself for the next few days, allowing Chad to save up their winnings while giving Alexandre time to hone his ground moves and learn Flamethrower, Stone Edge, and Power Up Punch while he was at it. Gaston used the time to finish mastering Crunch and Earthquake.>
<As the fateful day arrived, Chad found himself in a more relaxed mood since his evolution. He strode through the city with confidence, as several others took pictures while he walked past. Flying would have been more convenient, but as Chad learned during his early lectures these past few days, there were stiff penalties for violations in crowded areas.>
<The double glass doors slid open as Chad walked into the gym, his belt on full display with his signature white scarf wrapped around the base of his neck. His appearance caused a stir among the waiting trainers, but a quick exchange of his trainer ID with the front desk led to his passage into the waiting elevator. The challenge this time was a series of three minor trainer battles, which Lucielle and Chad tackled without breaking a sweat.>
<As the doors of the final elevator cracked open, Chad sauntered into the arena, where Clemont was waiting for him on the other side. “Greetings challenger– Wait, am I being pranked?” The young boy asked, glancing around in confusion. The waiting referee beside the field coughed to clear her throat. “Oh, you’re the one the other gym leaders have been talking about. Finally, it’s my turn!”>
<The ref pressed a button on a simple remote, causing four pillar-shaped devices in the arena’s corners to hum to life, as energy fields began to take shape around the arena. “This will be a three on three battle with one switch, between Lumiose Gym Leader Clemont and the challenger Chad. Trainers, are you ready?” Both Clemont and Chad nodded simultaneously, each palming a pokeball. “Then on the count of three; one, two, three, begin!” Clemont’s Emolga took to the field before taking to the air, climbing into the sky and circling the field.>
Just a single song for this gym, one that really embodies the feeling of an unstoppable rampage. "Exile" by LukHash and Shirobon
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/22slFj2pqpufMr5ksC4Jjo?si=417d6ce783ef4113</a>
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm1Zsr2uRAE</a>
As Gaston solidified, he looked to the skies, eyeing his already airborne opponent. “You can do this, Gaston. Show me the might of the Emperor!” Chad encouraged, as Gaston flared with magenta energy as he grooved out a quick haka.
<”I see, smart choice, but did you know Volt Switch doesn’t count as a switch? Emolga, zap him!” Clemont shouted, as the ref facepalmed before clarifying that no, Volt Switch would count. Clemont, confident in himself, chose not to hear her as his flying squirrel began to charge up and dive down.>
Gaston barely had to shift to dodge the attack, continuing to dance in place. Weaving the movements in, he was able to continuously evade the squirrel and enrage the opposing trainer. After the fifth pass, Gaston struck a pose, taunting Emolga to try once more. “Are you really slower than this old fossil? Such a shame.”
<Clemont, clenching his teeth in frustration, swept his arm in front of him. “Emolga, switch it up, use Aerial Ace!” The airborne rodent climbed high into the sky before coating it’s body in sky blue energy and falling for an immediate dive at their foe.>
Gaston merely stood in place waiting, and in the blink of an eye there was a resounding ‘thwack’ as the speeding squirrel came to an immediate stop upon crashing into a stone slab that had not been present before. Emolga peeled off backwards, before righting themselves and leaping back into the air. “Hmm, more durable than I expected. Very well, let us test your agility and pattern recognition.” Gaston sounded impressed, before stomping on the ground to raise dozens of small pebbles into the air.
<Emolga climbed higher, trying to put some distance between itself and the rocks. “Try again, Emolga! Show him you’re too fast to be hit by a simple rock!” Clemont commanded, fire in his eyes as his partner coated themself in light blue energy again, preparing for another dive.>
The pebbles arranged themselves into two diagonal rings before slowly beginning to orbit around Gaston, crossing from his upper left to lower right, and upper right to lower left. “Ah, this takes me back,” Gaston commented, as the rocks began to whip up wind from how quickly they orbited him. Once Emolga reached the peak and began to dive, Gaston began firing the pebbles one at a time, forcing the squirrel to take evasive maneuvers on the way in (and thus slowed their approach).
Emolga looked ecstatic when it was just within a meter of Gaston, locking eyes with the dinosaur as it celebrated the victory of finally landing a hit– only to be sent off-course by a rock to the face at an unavoidable last second. The rodent crashed into the ground, rolling and tumbling, only to be squished between two stone ‘hands’ that rose from the field to make a clapping motion.
<”Emolga is unable to battle! Gym Leader Clemont, please send out your next pokemon!” The ref called from the sidelines, as Clemont returned his fainted pokemon. He didn’t bother to say anything, releasing his second pokemon as a Magneton took to the field.>
“How bad is this, Chad?” Gaston asked, using the moment to spin up another ring of rocks.
“Bad; it’ll resist everything you have except Earthquake, and unless it’s touching the ground that won’t do much. You’ll have to ground it to hurt it.” Chad laid out the issues, crossing his arms in frustration. “Just do what you can, you’ve achieved your goal already.”
<Clemont clenched a fist, holding it in front of him with his forearm aimed skyward, like some sort of protagonist. “You may have beaten my fastest, but now you face a wall. Magneton, charge up the field and start blasting!” The flying steel balls gave a response in the form of a high-pitched screech, as the very air in the field began to ionize.>
Gaston flung a barrage of stones at the floating machine in raw defiance, as the pebbles plinked upon making contact without even a scratch to show for it. After the tyrannosaur’s ring of stones was empty, Magneton wiggled its magnets and a massive yellow spike of lighting shot down on Gaston. It came and went, leaving the fossil charred and smoking as he fell to the ground unconscious. “Good show, Gaston; you’ll get your chance to shine soon enough.” Chad promised, recalling his fallen teammate before releasing the next one.
<Clemont adjusted his glasses, unfamiliar with the pink rabbit that appeared across the arena from him. Maybe a fighting type evolution of a Nidorino? With muscles like that, it had to be. “Interesting choice of a poison type, but unfortunately for you my Magneton is immune to poison!” He shouted, as his pokemon began to charge up another Thunderbolt.>
Alexadre rolled his shoulders, cracked his neck, then began to slowly walk across the field with the most nonchalant expression possible. When the first lighting bolt hit, he leaned back in surprise with his arms shaking as he shouted in pain. When it faded, he continued to approach the floating steel type. The process kept repeating, as he ‘tanked’ each attack and continued to advance with relentless endurance. The final bolt stuck as he was almost in arm’s reach of his opponent, at which he laughed mid-shock, and grappled the Magneton in his hands. “Gotcha!” He whispered menacingly, before his hands glowed an earthly brown and he shoved the three spheres into the dirt. Point-blank, he spat a gush of hot flames from his mouth, super-heating the metal pokemon caught in his grip.
<Clemont was caught off-guard; he’d never seen a pokemon take so many of his Thunderbolts and keep going! It was almost as if– “Oh, wait that’s a ground type, isn’t it? No matter; Magneton, use Mirror Shot instead!” He commanded, adjusting his glasses. Magneton glows a bright white, as the beam smashes into the Nidoking’s chest at point-blank.>
“Hah, I almost felt that!” Alexandre laughed, as he once more dragged his opponent through the dirt in a circle around him. With a grin, he smacked the ground with his tail, causing the field to rumble and shake as the vibrations transferred into the steel type. Its eyes began to swirl as it stopped resisting the firm grip.
<”Magneton is unable to battle! Gym Leader Clemont, please send out your final pokemon!” The ref called, as Alexandre lifted the fallen pokemon up to be recalled by the signature red energy beam. “You are tough, I can admit that. But just because you can ground my charge, doesn’t mean I can’t overpower your resistance!” Clemont shouted in the most corny way possible, as a yellow lizard with a black head appeared on his side of the field.>
Alexandre laughed, seeing his opponent was barely half his height. “You look like a fast one, just try not to end this match quickly.” He warned, his words dripping with malice as Heliolisk flared its hood with a hiss. The little guy bursts forward, slamming into Alexandre with a burst of white… only to bounce off harmlessly. Disappointed, the pink rabbit placed both fists on his hips, leaning over to tower above his opponent. “Well?”
<Heliolisk, aware of the goliath he stood before, suddenly decided that delaying the inevitable wasn’t worth a day in the pokecenter, and signaled their surrender. Clemont was flabbergasted, as the ref signaled for Chad’s victory. As the ref pressed another button on their remote, the energy around the field began to fade as the devices wound down. “I suppose the others weren’t over-selling it, you are quite different.” Clemont admitted, walking into the field and gently patting his lizard on the head.>
Chad met him at the halfway point and shook hands with the gym leader, accepting the Voltage Badge and adding it to his case. “Though, I wish I had the chance to fight you earlier; I enjoy the second badge fights the most. Shame the power wasn’t stable,” Clemont admitted with a shrug, before waving goodbye as the referee escorted Chad and Alexandre to the exit.
<As the pair strode out from the gym, Alexadre was gawked upon by dozens of adoring eyes, as his raw power radiated with every step. The two were even stopped by a Pansear who suggested Alexandre go apply to work part-time at a pokemon cafe in the city, providing the address and insisting he could get a lot of fans. Chad promised Alexandre they could drop by after getting Gaston medical attention.>
<Later that day, as the sun began to set, the team of five headed out for the pokemon cafe they had heard about to celebrate their victory. As described, the cafe had no humans inside, and a wide variety of different patrons. A Sylveon hostess guided the five of them towards a table just inside, where they could still see the sunset, as well as enjoy the upbeat ambiance of the place. Alexandre, after some hushed words with their hostess, was led towards the back.>
After having barely a minute to read over the menu, an elegant Dragonair slid over to their table, balancing a tray on its head with five glasses of water. With a practiced flourish, the noodle grabbed each with their tail and arranged the glasses around the table, smiling the whole time. “Welcome to Eevee’s Choice, what can I start you with tonight?”