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78.44% Pokemon: A life worth living / Chapter 87: C087 - Jasmine the Olivine Gym Leader

Capítulo 87: C087 - Jasmine the Olivine Gym Leader

It was finally the day for Jasmine to become the gym leader of Olivine City. Preston, a grey-haired man dressed in a granite colored three piece suit and a fedora and with an ever present smile that gave him deep wrinkles, invited Jasmine for a last match of sorts, completely throwing away any pretense of having someone else take over his gym.

The audition he originally planned therefore became an exhibition match only, where his old ace pokemon could go out with a last hurrah. After a long lifetime of battles in the gym, his gigantic Rampardos, Golem, and Tyranitar were covered in battle scars all over and looked plenty menacing.

Rampardos was even Preston's very first pokemon. As a small boy, his father, who used to work as an adventurer and cartographer, found a small and lonely Cranidos in the mountains and gifted him to his son. It grew so powerful with age that at some point, Preston simply stopped using him to not overwhelm his young challengers.

A fate that might soon befall his opponent in battle: Mega Torterra. The pokemon was simply too powerful to be left to its own devices. Unless a challenger had their own mega evolved pokemon, Jasmine could likely not use it to battle challengers.

The second battle would be a doubles match: Golem and Tyranitar versus Steelix and Gliscor. The battle would likely be hard to observe since all four pokemon strived in a Sandstorm, but not using the move would be too limiting for both sides.

Before the first match was on its way, the audience slowly filled into the empty stadium and filled barely two rows on one side of the stadium. Preston wished for this match to be a private affair, and Jasmine was very much grateful for that.

So the audience 'only' consisted of Pete, Vivian, Benny, Professor Elm, who arrived a few minutes ago with his Xatu, Courtney, Valerie, Valentino, Jasmine's entire family minus Lucifern's wife, and Preston's family: his son Greg, his granddaughter Antonia or simply 'Toni', and an old Growlithe who didn't want to evolve with a Fire Stone and simply liked staying around Preston to keep him company.

"Can't believe it took us this long to meet," Lucifern, a well dressed young man, said as he sat next to Pete. Isabelle, the Feelgood family's mother, sat on Pete's other side.

"It's been quite busy on my farm, but if you ever have the time, I'll gladly host you and your wife! Could she not make it, by the way?" Pete replied with a polite smile as he looked to the man who looked exactly like his father except the missing platinum blonde handlebar mustache and slightly darker hair.

"Oh, Chloe is a little skittish around pokemon battles, an old trauma you see. She'll join us back at home," the eldest son of the family explained.

Isabelle chimed in, "And I hope she isn't cooking. I told her to just relax, but knowing her, I bet she already cut up a mountain of salad enough for thirty guests in preparation."

"Should have roped her Togetic in if you really wanted her to sit back. It took me a full week before she finally agreed to close her restaurant in Fuchsia for three days so we could come to cheer on our baby sister. I bet her hands are already getting restless," Lucifern suggested with a laugh.

"Who do you think is going to win, Pete?" Isabelle asked as she chose to change the topic. The woman was fidgetting in her seat, clearly more nervous than her own daughter. She simply spoke anything that came to mind as a distraction.

"Hmm, I think Mega Torterra has a great chance to clinch out a win. I've never seen Preston's Rampardos, but Torterra should even be the favorite. The typing is in its favor, as well as the fact that it is mega evolved. But I think for the doubles, Jasmine's pokemon are going to get schooled. Preston's Tyranitar and Golem have a lifetime of experience, and just because Jasmine takes great care of her pokemon and gives them plenty of opportunities to grow stronger, the fight is still stacked against her team. Preston wasn't gym leader for this long without reason."

Which was exactly what happened. Rampardos had the abilities Mold Breaker which made it so mid-battle stat increases for defenses were largely ignored if properly trained and defensive abilities were less effective and Sheer Force which increased the damage of moves with secondary effects like flinch and status effects in favor not inflicting those same secondary effects.

In battling terms, Rampardos was what people called a 'tank breaker', yet the old dinosaur looking pokemon finally met its match in his last gym battle. Mega Torterra turned out to be too much of a tank for it to break. Potentially getting hit with super effective attacks from both of its typings, Mega Torterra was the clear favorite over Rampardos to begin with.

Tanking an onslaught of Head Smashes at the start of the short fight, one of which was even a clear critical hit despite Mega Torterra's ability Shell Armor, which should prevent critical hits if it wasn't for Mold Breaker, the continent pokemon set up enough to pretty much three-shot the rock pokemon after the ability Overgrow activated.

Overgrow powered up grass moves the more damage a pokemon had taken in a battle. With it active, a frighteningly calm Mega Torterra first unleashed Grass Knot, which dealt more damage depending on the weight of a pokemon and rooting it in place, followed by a special attack Leaf Storm with leaves the size of a sheet of paper which was finally followed up with a glancing blow of the physical attack Wood Hammer.

Pete, who watched the fight from the sidelines, started sweating heavily. He wasn't entirely sure if Rampardos would have survived a full hit of Wood Hammer, especially if it crit. Both Leaf Storm and Wood Hammer were 120+ power moves after all and together with Overgrow, Torterra had used quite a few set up moves starting with Reflect and Stockpile, then Nasty Plot, Ingrain and Grassy Terrain. Rampardos, especially one this big and old, was on the heavier side, too. So, Grass Knot was sure to have hit for quite a lot as well.

Preston wasn't too mad about this result. Clearly, he expected this and never lost his signature smile. After congratulating Jasmine for the spectacular performance of Torterra, it was finally time for the doubles battle. And just like Pete had suspected, her team lost. And despite nobody getting a clear look through the heavy Sandstorm, it was clear that Steelix was taken out by a flurry of super effective fighting moves by Golem after the two tried brawling it out. Despite the heavy hits Steelix inflicted with super effective steel moves on its own, Golem's repeated use of Rock Smash followed by a Seismic Toss that made Steelix eventually faint was too much.

On the other hand, Tyranitar somehow managed to hide the fact it was using setup moves from Gliscor and took it out with a singular critical four times effective Ice Punch when the pokemon came close from an angle it thought Tyranitar wouldn't expect.

From what Pete could see, barely any doubles battle tactics even happened because all Tyranitar did after taking out Gliscor was propping the fainted enemy pokemon against a rock, sheltered from getting peppered with more sand, and keeping said Sandstorm up for the other two pokemon still fighting.

To congratulate her, Preston held a little speech with misty eyes after the second battle that ended with, "For all my remaining years, I will be happy to know that my life's work is in good hands. You'll make an exceptional Gym Leader, though do keep in mind to train a few pokemon over the years. Those three we just saw are going to give you the impression that no challenger will ever be worthy of the Olivine gym badge. And finally, stay as you are and treasure your pokemon, for they are the source of your strength. Oh, and if you ever need me, I'll move in with my son, and he lives right across the street, haha!"

Preston and Jasmine were both happy with the result of the fight. Preston was now rest assured that his choice in successor was correct. And while Gliscor getting taken out in one hit was a bit of a shame, the opponent's cunning Tyranitar imparted Jasmine's Gliscor a valuable lesson. Namely that Gliscor's usual hit-and-run tactics wouldn't always work, even if it used Agility and Double Team first midair.

Preston and his family agreed to follow the Feelgood family back to their home in Violet City and so Pete found himself talking to the old gym leader and his son in the mansion's garden while the women chased everyone out of the house to prepare a lavish dinner under Chloe's guidance, who clearly did not heed her mother-in-law's warning and already prepared most of it.

Pete had just shared his theory on Shuckle being one of the most busted rock pokemon there ever will be with the old retired gym leader which resulted in the man's smile vanishing for the first time in a long time.

"I can't believe it. If a Shuckle is properly trained to pull that combo off quickly enough, it would be unstoppable... you really know how to make an old man feel inadequate," Preston offered in disbelief.

Pete showed a shy smile and quickly said, "No, no. I read up a few of your training tips on rock pokemon that the professor has in his library. There's no way you should feel like that at all. You are and were very meticulous in your care of rock pokemon."

"Don't worry, Preston. I know how you feel," Professor Elm chimed in with a big smile. "I still count my blessings that Pete decided to travel all the way to my lab despite the storm all those weeks ago."

Toni, the elementary school student who hid behind her father's leg, clearly heard Pete's explanation and while she couldn't fully comprehend everything that went into Shuckle being powerful, she swore to herself to become a trainer worthy of her grandfather's name.

One that trained a completely busted Shuckle.


Capítulo 88: C088 - Jasmine's big week of surprises

After two days of hosting his in-laws at his farm after the party, with the parents only moving back home to Violet City for sleep, Lucifern and Chloe, and Lily, Tom and Emily using the last empty guest houses, and the remaining sisters all bunking together in Sophie's room, Pete found himself alone in the kitchen with Buddy, Jasmine's older brother and future head of the family's seed company.

"Those Rinka Berry cross-breeds you created with Oran and Leppa Berries are a huge hit in the medical community, you know. The saplings you've provided us are going out for whatever price we demand," the young man started.

Pete, who had just washed and prepared some of those berries for breakfast-jam looked up in surprise, "Really? I thought they'd just help with sore throats, hoarseness, and stuff. What makes them so special?"

"Well, you know that a full berry diet is too much for humans, right?"

"Sure, eat three Oran Berries in a day, and you have diarrhea for a week."

Buddy looked at Pete with thin lips and continued, "Well, whatever you did with the crossbreed, that effect doesn't kick in, even when a small child has to consume multiple berries for the symptoms that are getting treated to be gone."

"So I accidentally created the perfect cure for colds and remedy for the flu?"

"Pretty much, yeah. Just find a berry that quickly unblocks a stuffed nose, and we're golden," Buddy said with a laugh, not realising that Pete might just do as Buddy suggested.

"How long before your competitors sell the berries?"

"Eh, Sunkern&Oddish Logistics out of Kalos already does. At least they weren't shameless enough to claim they invented it. Probably because they didn't want to mess with you. We did attach your name to it in the catalog after all," Buddy answered with a shrug.

"Wow, how did that happen so fast?" Pete asked as he started making a huge serving of scrambled eggs with the plants his Arcanine brought over with his shiny Jumpluff riding on her back.

"I'm guessing they either posed as one of the legitimate buyers or bought it off them with a price they couldn't refuse. The list is short, and we're already investigating since we only sold ten mature saplings so far. And can I just say? That Miltank looks way too intense for simply making breakfast," Buddy offered in reply before finally getting weirded out by the shiny Miltank in the kitchen.

Pete looked to the 'head chef' and explained with a laugh, "Don't mind her. She's just always giving her best. She only recently joined the kitchen, so she doesn't really do glass half full yet. Full throttle or none, that's her modus operandi."

"Which is a very admirable trait for a chef," a new voice interjected from behind the two.

"Ah, good morning, Chloe. Did you sleep well?"

Chloe immediately felt at home in the kitchen and started helping out the Alcremie in making dough for pancakes. "Yes! I can't believe my husband had to drag me here! If only I had known, I wouldn't have made it so difficult for him. And I still can't believe my sister-in-law's husband-to-be turned out to be THE Recipe Professor."

"I can't believe you didn't know," Buddy countered with a laugh.

"Eh, I don't really care for the news, I only care about good food - sue me," Chloe replied with a wink before turning back to making breakfast.

"How did you hear that nickname then?"

Chloe looked to Buddy and asked, "Do recipe books count as news?"

"Uh, no?"

"Then my point still stands. Luci brings me some books for new inspiration ever so often, and the most recent bestsellers all feature this 'Recipe Professor', though the moniker only appeared in the latest two books, it only ever read Pete Lang before. I never bothered to look you up, though. No offense," Chloe answered before turning to Pete for the last part, who simply shrugged. Becoming a famous chef or something similar was never his intention to begin with.

Sophie, who uncharacteristically woke up earlier than any of her sisters, sneaked up on him and whispered into his ear, "So, excited for tonight, Pete?"

"Well, she won't say no, but I'm honestly more nervous than excited anyway."

"Nah, you got this. It was very nice of you not making two days ago all about you but left the day for her only. And like this, you'll make this a week she'll never forget. But we're all here and judging you, so you better have a good plan," Sophie continued with a giggle.

"What are you two giggling about like little school children?" Another voice asked as it joined them in the kitchen. Isabelle had just arrived with her husband and wanted to help out with the breakfast.

"Ah, you know what," Sophie answered as she pumped her eyebrows suggestively.

Isabelle shook her head and looked to Pete, "Don't let her get under your skin. My daughter will say yes, and you'll do great. I'm sure of it."

"Thanks," Pete meekly answered as he pointed to the fridge. "I think most of breakfast is covered. You could make some drinks?"

The breakfast was a hectic but fun event like always with so many people present and set the mood for a great day. Later in the night, just after sunset, the event Sophie teased Pete for was about to happen.

Pete led his girlfriend to the lake, the moon hanging over their heads in clear skies and reflected on the calm surface of the waters. On the beach, there was a small table with some drinks and two chairs waiting for them.

"What is this for, Pete?" Jasmine shyly asked as she sat down with Pete holding her chair.

"A surprise," Pete only offered with a mysterious smile as he poured drinks for the two and sat down in front of her.

"Hmm, the moon's really beautiful today."

"It really is, I chose well."

Jasmine took a moment to regard her boyfriend. There was an inkling of what might be happening in the back of her mind, but in case she was wrong and got her hopes up for nothing, she suppressed those thoughts and simply enjoyed the thoughtful gesture.

Finally, she simply asked, "What did you choose well?"

"The timing, I guess. Look over to the lake. The surprise isn't over," Pete pointed out with a chuckle.

When she looked over, she saw hundreds of Butterfree and Yanmega flying over the lake thanks to the moonlight. But the moonlight wasn't necessary to see them because all these flying pokemon started using Tail Glow. It gave the impression of additional stars lighting up in the skies, especially with the reflection of the lake. Them moving around, however, gave this scene a supernatural beauty all of its own.

"Is that why Valentino spent so much time on that Butterfree isle since coming over? Or Bay Island, you called it? Was he convincing the...m? Pete?"

As Jasmine soaked in the beautiful sight, she slowly looked back to Pete but didn't find him on his chair. Instead, her partner kneeled next to the table and looked at her with a warm smile, holding a ring in his outstretched hand. He was all confident and handsome like usual, but Jasmine, before blanking out, noticed how his hand was shaking a little.

"I've put this off a little too long for my liking. All kinds of excuses ran through my head. 'The farm isn't done', 'there's still so much research to be done', 'your career is about to start' and so much more, but I didn't feel like waiting anymore, I couldn't. There's no doubt in my mind that I want to spend the rest of my life at your side. You're kind, smart, driven, so, so beautiful, and so much more. Not a day has passed that I didn't feel blessed waking up next to you. Which is why, with your parents permission and them likely waiting just behind that dune," Pete proposed as he pointed his free hand over to the side and finally asked, "I want to ask you to be my wife. Will you marry me?"

Coinciding with the question, Mega Milotic jumped out of the lake with her tail fins glowing in a translucent pink and blue, leaving behind a sort of rainbow arc with the five colors of Pete's affinities in the air in the middle of the night. It was a neat trick they found out about a little after the mega evolution.

Jasmine was taken aback. It was the question of her inkling after all! In a lucid moment, she quickly snatched Pete's ring from his hand and put it on. The ring was a simple weaved band with inscriptions inside that she didn't read because of the dim light. But she was enchanted with the color of the ring and the perfect fit.

The ring was something Pete created together with Klinklang and Metagross. The two steel pokemon turned out to be the perfect goldsmiths with their minute control. The inside of the ring that rested against the skin and held the inscription was smooth, yet the outside held braided gold and bronze wires that together formed a warm earthen, golden brown reminiscent of the ground typing color.

"I... uh, can I take that as a yes?" Pete cautiously asked after Jasmine admired the ring for half a minute yet stayed silent.

The young gym leader snapped her head in his direction, lunged herself at his kneeling form, and gave him a deep kiss as they held each other in the cool sand.

"Yes, gladly," she finally whispered after the kiss simmered down into soft, loving pecks.

With a wide smile, Pete picked himself and his fiancee up and was about to continue kissing her when Vivian and Isabelle ran to them and hugged the two lovebirds in a crushing group hug. Sophie, Lily, Courtney, Valerie, and Chloe soon joined.

Only Rose, Jasmine's older sister, and her girlfriend looked on with an awkward expression. Getting married or not was a big point of conflict in their relationship, so while Rose felt happy for her baby sister, she couldn't show it.

The men in the group all looked at this mountain of women with wry yet content smiles, though none of them joined in. Something Herbert would later regret when his wife peeled herself out of the hug and to look at him with disapproval, mouthing the words 'ugh, men' at him with disdain.


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