The next day, it was around maybe eight or nine o'clock as Hikari and Zoah were in the café having breakfast with Shinx and Chimchar.
Zoah was quietly eating his breakfast while Hikari chatted with Shinx, feeding it small bits of food from her plate. The café was starting to fill up with other trainers and locals.
"Hikari, don't feed it food to upset it's nutritional balance." Zoah says
Hikari pouts slightly, stopping mid-feed, "But it's so cute when it eats! And it likes the food."
Shinx looks at her with big eyes, as if agreeing with her. Chimchar is also watching, waiting for his turn.
"You're gonna keep doing it while I say stop aren't you?" Zoah asked
She grins mischievously, knowing he can't stay mad at her for long.
"Maybe. It's just a little bit of fun." She gives Shinx one more tiny piece of food behind Zoah's back.
Zoah just chuckles with a slight shake of head. Akari walks out from the hallway coming from the trainer rooms as he scans the center and spots the two not before spotting Kai at the lounge petting his Snivy.
Akira's eyes narrow when he sees Kai, remembering their split. He considers going over to him but decides against it, instead looking around more. His gaze then lands on Hikari and Zoah at the café, and a smirk forms on his face.
He walks over to a nearby table, pretending to be casual as he sits down. He keeps glancing at their table, clearly plotting something.
Hikari notices his staring and gives him a wary look. She whispers to Zoah.
"He's watching us again. That kid from yesterday."
Zoah looks over at Akira, recognizing him as well. He maintains his calm demeanor but keeps an eye on him, ready for any trouble.
"Akira was it? The one that was flirting with you? The one that can't take a loss from us from the team battle?" Zoah asks in a muttered voice
Hikari nods, also keeping her voice low, "Yeah, that's him. He's got a problem with losing to us and being rejected."
Akira overhears his name being mentioned and his smirk grows wider, thinking they're talking about him.
"Hey guys." Kai walks up to their table, "I'm gonna part way with you here. I gotta get back to the guild guild master would like to see Akira and I even though we're split. Come by the guild if you can after checking to see if the tower leader is back."
Zoah nods at Kai, acknowledging his departure, "Got it. We'll check on the tower first and then the guild."
Hikari waves goodbye to Kai, "Good luck with the guild master."
Kai turns to Akira, "Let's go Akira, guild master wants to see us."
Akira stands up reluctantly, shooting one last look at Hikari before following Kai. He mutters something under his breath about not wanting to go but complies anyway.
They leave the center together, heading toward the guild building. The guild is located on the east side of Sapphire Town, near the beach area.
Hikari watches them leave, then turns back to Zoah, "Think they'll be in trouble for the split?"
"Who knows. Not our business." Zoah says
She shrugs, finishing her breakfast, "True. Let's finish eating and head to the tower then. I want to see if the tower leader is back. Maybe they know about the diamond thing."
"Hikari...we agreed to not speak about it. Leave it be." Zoah says
She sighs, remembering their agreement, "Right... just curious though. But you're right, we should focus on the tower." She stands up, ready to go.
Zoah stands as well, paying for their breakfast. They gather their pokémon and head out of the café, making their way toward the Water Tower in the center of town.
The tower looms above the buildings, its structure made of sturdy wood and metal. There are several trainers and tourists gathered around the base waiting.
A sign near the entrance reads: "Come in and challenge the tower! Test your skills and earn the Sapphire Badge!"
Hikari reads the sign and looks up at the tower with excitement, "Looks like a popular spot. Should we try to challenge it?"
The two enter as at the counter, a Tower administrator walks up.
"Welcome to Sapphire Town Water Tower. Are you registered for the challenge?" The Female Tower Administrator asked with a smile.
Zoah shakes his head, "No, we're not registered yet. What do we need to do?"
The administrator brings up a pad and types in a few things, "Put your Poké-band's over this."
They both hold out their Poké-bands, placing them on the pad. The pad scans the bands and registers their information.
The administrator checks the data, "Zoah and Hikari, correct? New trainers?"
"Yeah, just a few days ago." Zoah answered as she takes note.
"Yeah, just a few days ago." Zoah answered as she takes note.
"Okay, so here's how the tower works. Every tower has two floors, the Wild Floor and then the Leader floor. The wild floor is where you will have to beat certain amount of pokemon before advancing to the Leader floor." The administrator explains.
Hikari listens intently, taking in the information. She looks at the Wild Floor entrance nearby.
"So we battle wild pokémon first, then the leader?" Hikari asked
The administrator nods, "Correct, now the pokemon are of the type of this tower, for which you should know this is the water tower. Some are dual typing some are pure. For being first time here. You both are required one battle each."
Zoah nods again, understanding the rule, "Understood. What about the rewards for completing the tower?"
"A Tower badge and collect all, you then get to enter the Hōseki tournament." The administrator says
Hikari's eyes widen at the mention of the tournament, "The tournament? That's a big deal!"
"Now I wish you luck. Mizu, our tower leader was out yesterday and came back today looking hopeful as usual." The administrator says
"M-Mizu?" Hikari and Zoah looked at each other as they met Mizu just a day or two ago. The one with the Goldeen.
The administrator notices their reaction, "Yes, Mizu. She's been the leader for three years now. Do you know her?"
The administrator raises an eyebrow, curious about their expression, "Have you met her before? She's quite the skilled trainer."
Hikari speaks up, "We did meet her on Route 3. She was training with a Goldeen near the stream."
The administrator smiles knowingly, "Ah, yes. She often trains there. She's very dedicated to her pokémon. If you meet her again in the tower, she'll probably recognize you."
Zoah seems thoughtful, contemplating if they should mention their encounter with Mizu. He decides against it for now.
"Let's get started on the wild floor then."
The administrator steps aside, gesturing to the entrance to the Wild Floor, "Go ahead. The floor is open. Good luck with your battles."
The two walk forward to the holo-elevator as it takes them both up to the Wild Floor.
Once on the floor, it was so wide as the floor entirely was water itself with some patch islands as makeshift bridges interconnected.
Hikari looks around in awe at the water floor. The water is clear and reflects the lights above, creating a shimmering effect. The bridges are made of sturdy wood, floating on the surface.
"Wow... it's like an aquarium in here."
Zoah and Hikari brought out Shinx and Chimchar.
"I think its best bet we battle from on one of the island patches." Zoah says
Hikari agrees, choosing an island that's closest to them. She positions Chimchar on the edge of the island, ready for any incoming water pokémon.
"Good idea. The water gives them an advantage, but we can use the islands to our advantage too."
"Question is....which pokemon should we go after? Is it by random? We go after?" Hikari asked as they walk up to the closest island patch
Zoah scans the area with his arm band, trying to locate any nearby pokémon signatures, "Let's see... there's a Magikarp school to the left and... a Poliwag family to the right."
What comes walking on the Islet, comes a Corphish. It looks over at the two.
*The Corphish clicks its pincers, sizing them up. It seems to be a guardian of this particular island, standing protectively on the edge.*
Hikari notices it and whispers to Zoah. "Looks like we have company. A Corphish."
"Cor! Cor cor phish!" Corphish calls out as from the water, another Corphish comes out and lands next to it.
Two Corphish now. They both stare at the trainers and their pokémon, getting into a defensive stance. The first one clicks again, as if challenging them to battle.
"Ready yourselves! They're coming!" *Right as Zoah said that, both Corphish open its pincers and shoot bubble beams at them both.*
"Dodge it!" *Both command Shinx and Chimchar.*
The two dodge in time, but the Corphish separate and scurry towards the other and aim to slam its pincer down onto Shinx and Chimchar.
"Shinx, counter with tackle!" Zoah yells
"Chimchar Scratch!" Hikari says
Shinx quickly counters with a powerful tackle, hitting the Corphish's pincer. The impact sends the Corphish sliding back a bit, but it shakes it off and prepares for another attack. Chimchar's scratch lands on the other Corphish, causing it to flinch.
The first Corphish recovers and charges at Shinx with another bubble beam. The second one attempts to flank Chimchar from the side, trying to surround them.
Shinx dodges the beam again, moving swiftly on the island. Chimchar jumps back to avoid the flanking Corphish, keeping its distance. The Corphish are working together, one attacking directly while the other tries to cut off escape routes.
"Damn it...how are we gonna get through the teamwork?" Zoah wonders "Shinx, keep dodging to find an opening to use thundershock!"
Shinx nods and continues dodging, looking for an opening. The Corphish's movements are coordinated, but there's a slight gap between their attacks as they switch positions. Hikari watches carefully, trying to spot a pattern in their teamwork.
"Chimchar, stay alert! Look for any mistakes they make!"
One of the Corphish makes a small mistake, stepping too far forward. It exposes its side briefly, leaving a tiny opening for Shinx to strike.
The other Corphish notices the mistake and tries to cover it, but it's too late. The opening is there for a split second.
Zoah spots the opening immediately.
"Now! Thundershock!"
Shinx seizes the opportunity and unleashes a powerful electric shock toward the exposed Corphish.
The Thundershock hits the Corphish directly, causing it to screech in pain. It stumbles backward, temporarily paralyzed from the electric attack. The other Corphish looks worried for its partner and becomes distracted, its focus split between helping and defending.
"Chimchar, use scratch now!" Hikari calls out.
Chimchar dashes forward while the Corphish is distracted, using the moment of distraction to its advantage. It delivers a sharp scratch attack to the distracted Corphish, hitting it hard on the back.
"Now, Thundershock!" Zoah says
"Ember!" Hikari says alongside sith Zoah
Both attacks hit simultaneously - Shinx's Thundershock and Chimchar's Ember. The Corphish is caught between the two powerful moves, taking significant damage. It falls to the ground, unable to continue fighting. The other Corphish, seeing its partner down, looks conflicted but still determined to protect its territory.
Corphish claw glowed as it darts out at Chimchar for a crab hammer attack.
"Tackle its side Shinx!" Zoah yells
Corphish claw glowed as it darts out at Chimchar for a crab hammer attack.
"Tackle its side Shinx!" Zoah yells
Shinx quickly tackles the Corphish's side as it attempted the hammer attack, knocking it off balance. The Corphish stumbles again, but regains its footing quickly, shaking its head in frustration.
"Ember!" Hikari yells
Chimchar fires another Ember, this time aiming for the Corphish's head. The ember connects with a small explosion, causing the Corphish to wince in pain and become even more agitated.
"And finish it with Thundershock!" Zoah commands
Shinx charges up another Thundershock, building up more electricity. The air crackles with energy as it prepares to unleash it once more on the weakened Corphish.
The Corphish tries to dodge, but it's too slow. The Thundershock hits it dead on, electrocuting it completely. It lets out a final screech before collapsing next to its partner, both Corphish defeated.
On their devices, their was a feature where they are now approved to go to the Leader Floor.
Their devices beep, indicating they've passed the Wild Floor test. A message appears on the screen: "Congratulations! You have defeated the guardians and earned access to the Leader Floor. Proceed to the next elevator for your battle against Mizu."
Hikari looks at the message with excitement and a hint of nervousness, "We did it! Now we get to face Mizu herself."
Zoah nods, recalling Shinx and Chimchar for now. He leads the way to the next elevator, ready for the next challenge.
"Let's hope she's as strong as the Corphish were."
The two make it across the floor to the holo-elevator and ride it up to the top floor. That too was an aquarium as well. No one was there as a plume of water sprouts up as a person comes from it somersaulting and lands. It was Mizu in her one piece swim suit and goggles.
Mizu stands tall, her wet hair slicked back from the water. She smiles when she sees them, recognizing them from before.
"Ah, the new trainers. I was hoping you'd make it up here."
She walks closer, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, "I remember you two from Route 3. Nice to see you again. Ready for your tower challenge?"
She takes a battle stance, preparing herself for the match, "I'll give you a fair warning - I won't go easy on you just because we met. But I do like your determination."
"One at a time okay? Now get ready...whoever wants to go first...take your marks!" Mizu says with a smile as she grabs a pokeball from her waist. "Get set."
Zoah steps up first and takes his pokeball out.
"GO!"
A beam of light shot into the water as Shinx came out from Zoah's side as then a Seaking jumped up splashing swimming around.
"Alright Seaking, Horn drill!" Mizu yells as Seaking leaps out to Shinx as the horn on its head spins.
Shinx dodges the initial Horn Drill attack, but the Seaking is fast in the water. It circles around, trying to get behind Shinx for another strike.
"Shinx, use thundershock before it heads back into the water!"
Mizu smirks, "Iron defense plus Horn Drill in defense to redirect thunder shock!"
Seaking activates Iron Defense, raising its defense. The thunder shock hits the iron-covered horn, causing the electricity to be deflected slightly, but not completely negated. The Seaking then dives back into the water, using the water as a shield against more electric attacks.
"Now, from inside the water, Hydro Pump!" Mizu yells
The Seaking unleashes a powerful Hydro Pump from underwater, sending a massive wave of water toward Shinx. The wave is fast and strong, carrying the force of the attack with it.
The wave crashes down on Shinx, pushing it back. The electric type struggles to stay on its feet, getting soaked by the water and temporarily losing its footing on the wet floor.
"Shinx!" Zoah grits his teeth as he feels like he underestimated Mizu that smirks. She lives up to the expectation of a Tower Leader.
Mizu watches with satisfaction, seeing the effect of her strategy. She knows she has the advantage in this environment.
"You'll have to do better than that if you want to win. Seaking, follow up with Aqua Jet!"
"Shinx, dodge it!" Zoah says as Shinx dodged the aqua jet just in time nearly being hit.
Shinx slides a bit as it has some electricity surging around its fur as Zoah noticed this was the move called Charge. It learned a new move as Zoah smiles.
"We have a chance here....Shinx keep dodging and using Charge!" Zoah says
Mizu notices the electricity surging as well, recognizing the Charge move. She raises an eyebrow, intrigued by Shinx's ability.
"Interesting... trying to build up power. But can it keep dodging forever?"
She signals Seaking to continue the attacks, switching tactics. The Seaking swims in circles around Shinx, trying to confuse it with its speed while looking for an opening to hit again. Mizu keeps a close eye on the charge meter, waiting for the right moment to strike back.
"Seaking, use your Aqua Jet and Horn drill together!" She says
Seaking combines the two moves, using Aqua Jet's speed to propel itself forward with Horn Drill spinning at full force. The combined attack creates a powerful water-drill combo aimed directly at Shinx, who is still dodging but looking more and more tired from the constant movement.
"Now jump and use Thundershock straight down on Seaking!" Zoah says as Shinx jumps dodging the high speed Jet-Drill attack as then unleashing a Thundershock with so much power behind it clashing down onto Seaking. There was an explosion with dust covering the area.
"No! Seaking!" Mizu yells
The dust clears, revealing Seaking lying on the ground, knocked out cold. Mizu looks shocked at the powerful counterattack. She recalls Seaking and sighs, impressed by the Thundershock's strength.
"Well played. That was quite a shock."
"Looks like I underestimated that electric move. You won your challenge...come and get your Sapphire Badge. Yes all the tower badges are named after the towns they reside in." Mizu says
Zoah walks over to her, accepting the badge. He takes it with a nod of respect.
"Thanks. That was a good battle."
Hikari claps from the sidelines, proud of Zoah's victory.
"And now...your companion over there needs her turn. Switch out with her." Mizu says
Zoah steps back, letting Hikari take his place. She steps forward with determination, sending out Chimchar.
"I'm ready."