Chapter 27: Glacier Badge

"Emma, wake up."

"Mmm."

"Emma." I felt something shake my shoulder and brushed it away. "Emma, get UP!"

This time, something whacked me in the side. I yelled, my body flailing as it tried to decide if offense or defense was better. I felt like a Donphan as my body curled up quickly before jutting my arms and legs out, hoping to hit whatever it was back. Instead, my limbs got tangled in the sheets and my body, due to momentum, began rolling off the bottom bunk so that I hit the hard floor, groaning as pain began waking me up.

I flipped my body over to see Misty standing over me, her face so much younger than I was used to. Her eyes softened a bit. "I didn't mean to scare you that much. I've been trying to wake you up for the past five minutes. You're worse than Ash."

"Can't imagine why." I sighed.

"We're about to leave for the gym match. Hurry up and get dressed." Misty gently prodded my leg with her shoe before leaving the room.

I looked up at the ceiling. "This is such a good start to the day."

Within minutes, I was dressed and as presentable looking as I ever got. I wasn't one to take time on things like looks. Besides, it was an important day, which is why I decided to run out the bedroom door. If I'd known that'd lead me crashing into Daniel, I would have taken my time. Being from the future didn't give me any insight I actually needed, sadly, which is why I ended up almost falling for my second time in the first ten minutes of me being conscious.

Daniel ended up grabbing my arm enough so I wouldn't face plant and pulled me so I was upright, his face showing his worry as he made sure I was ok until spreading into the smug grin. "So, eager to see me?"

"Eager to see the gym match," I corrected. If only I could go back to bed and start the day over.

"Sure," Daniel said, obviously not believing me.

I hurried my pace towards the Pokemon Center lobby, finding the rest of our friends standing there, past and future alike. Daniel slowed down a little bit when he spotted Anthony and I guess they hadn't really talked since their weird disagreement thing last night. Anthony caught Daniel's eyes and nodded. Daniel nodded back, relaxing.

Boys were so weird.

Ash was talking excitedly about his match as he tied his shoes.

"So, do you have a strategy to battle Pryce with?" Brock inquired.

"You bet! It's a no brainer. I'll use Cyndaquil!" Ash exclaimed.

I had to force myself not to clap my hands together once and let out a dreamy sigh. Daniel noticed and shook his head. Sue me, I loved Cyndaquil.

Misty didn't look very impressed. "Sure, Fire types have a type advantage, but Piloswine is part Ground and Dewgong is part Water. They're really strong."

Ash rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I know that Misty. That's the reason for my perfect plan of attack!"

He struck a pose, grinning ear to ear.

Misty still didn't seem impressed. "So, what is this perfect plan of attack?"

I was wondering the same thing. Ash's pose faltered and his grin disappeared. "Uh..."

Brock covered for him. "The details aren't important."

Anthony looked like he was about to speak up in favor for Misty's logical argument, but Amanda and I shook our heads.

"I thought I might as well help plan strategy. We are older," Anthony mumbled as we all left the Pokemon Center.

"No offense Anthony, but wouldn't that disrupt the time stream?" Daniel asked, sounding half innocent and half mocking. I couldn't really decide how offensive he was trying to be and neither could Anthony, who dropped the subject.

The walk over to the gym was fast and we found Pryce and Shelia talking by the doors.

"Good morning!" Ash greeted them.

"Good morning. Did you all sleep ok?" Pryce asked.

Sure I did. I hadn't had any problems getting to sleep at all. Or nightmares about Caterpie. It didn't even make sense. I loved Caterpie. Why would I even dream of them in such a bad way?

"Yeah, and we're ready for our match!"

"I know you're all fired up for this battle." Shelia put her hands on her hips. "I can't wait to watch it."

We all went through the lobby and towards the room that held the battle field. I had to cover my eyes at the first sight of it. The sun from the glass roof reflected off the giant field's icy surface and giant crystallized boulders. Everyone let out gasps as they studied the sparkling beauty Ash would have to battle on. The only thing not covered with ice was a pool of water right in the center.

"This is going to be a really different experience for you," Misty said, her eyes creased in worry.

"Make sure you use it to your advantage," Brock suggested.

"Yeah, and don't get cold feet," Daniel joked. I hit his shoulder and he winced theatrically.

"You think your dad will be ok? He looks a bit overwhelmed," Amanda whispered to me.

"Yeah, he will be," I said, though my confidence was a bit off.

Shelia made her way over to the center of the field on the sideline. Anthony frowned. "What are you doing, Shelia?"

"Not to toot my own horn, but I just so happen to be a bonafide AAA qualified Johto battle judge!" Shelia started laughing. Anthony's eye twitched.

"Well, I wouldn't have guessed that," Brock said honestly.

"I wouldn't have guessed she could crush boulders with her bare hands but I bet she could do that too," Anthony muttered.

"At least she won't have us all running again," Amanda offered helpfully.

"Very true," Anthony agreed. "Though Daniel might need it."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Daniel asked, frowning.

"Stop, the match is starting." I pointed. "You missed all the rules, two on two until one side's blacked out, and they already called out their Pokemon. Stop bickering."

Daniel huffed impatiently next to me, but studied Dewgong, who was in the center pool, and Cyndaquil. "Hey, why'd he use Cyndaquil first? He should have used Pikachu."

"It's my dad. Just watch the battle," I defended him. But yes, using Cyndaquil was stupid against Dewgong. Everyone knew that.

Cyndaquil started off with a Flamethrower, which was easily dodged as Dewgong submerged. He came back up and fired an Ice Beam, which Cyndaquil tried to get out of the way of, but his feet couldn't find traction on the ice. Cyndaquil became frozen, making me groan. The poor little guy!

"Come on, Ash!" Daniel roared before whispering to me, "You've got to be kidding me. It's been like fifteen seconds and it's going this badly."

I decided to grab his wrist and give it a hard squeeze in reply to his rudeness, making him shake my hand away.

The ice Cyndaquil was trapped in began glowing from the fire on his back. Dewgong began powering up an Aurora Beam, which missed as Cyndaquil broke free. He fired another Flamethrower, which missed as Dewgong retreated into the pool.

"Alright, Cyndaquil. Go after it!" Ash ordered.

"What did he just say?" Anthony leaned forward, perplexed.

I was speechless as I watched Cyndaquil run towards the pool, his flame extinguishing.

"What is he doing?" I was shocked into blurting out, "What the heck is he doing?"

Cyndaquil jumped into the water.

"Cyndaquil can swim?" Daniel asked, gaping at the pool.

"Zuko never could!" My eyes were wide. My dad's Cyndaquil could tolerate water? Since when!?

"Use Headbutt, Dewgong." Pryce looked confident.

So did my dad, though we were all too stunned to think he was being a total idiot until he said, "Use Swift."

We didn't see what happened in the water, but Dewgong crashed out, sliding on the ice with its slippery body.

"Finish it with Flamethrower!" Ash yelled.

Cyndaquil soared out of the pool, flames erupting from his mouth and back. It hit Dewgong squarely in the chest, causing him to faint.

"Dewgong is unable to battle! Cyndaquil's the winner," Shelia announced.

"We did it, Cyndaquil! You were awesome!" Ash proclaimed.

I was staring at them, unable to move. Fire types and water didn't mix. That should have been impossible. Anthony seemed at just as much at a loss of words as I did, but Daniel relaxed and started chuckling, which brought me back to myself.

"Told you Cyndaquil were better than Totodile," I said coldly.

"Are not," Daniel argued. "Water still beats Fire."

"Not my dad's Cyndaquil."

"What about your Cyndaquil? Crikey and I beat you two more times than I can count." Daniel crossed his arms.

"We'll have a rematch then." I crossed my arms.

"Fine by me," Daniel said. "And we'll win."

"No you won't."

"Yeah we-"

"Can you believe how much Cyndaquil trusted Ash to do that?" Anthony asked quietly, causing us to stop arguing.

I looked at my dad and Cyndaquil. "No. For a Fire type to run straight towards a pool of water without question..."

"It's amazing," Amanda filled in for me.

Anthony kept staring at my dad, who was hugging Cyndaquil lovingly. "I'm sorry for last night. You're all my friends and you deserve more trust."

I hadn't been expecting that. "I'm sorry you're here. I really don't deserve all that much trust..."

"Neither do I, Anthony," Daniel said quickly. "I didn't mean to get so... Gyarados on you last night."

"You weren't that bad." Anthony smiled at him. "So we're all good?"

"Yeah." I nodded. "Let's try and trust like that from now on."

"Good."

"For future notice, I will still be pranking people whenever I feel it's necessary," Daniel admitted, not sounding ashamed.

"We'll leave you in the past by yourself then," Anthony said smoothly.

"On second thought, I think I'll turn over a new leaf."

"Guys, you're missing the battle again." Amanda sighed.

We all stared at the field, finding Piloswine and Cyndaquil facing one another. Piloswine started the battle with a Blizzard, an icy tundra shrouding the field. The wind even blew around us, causing me to start shiver. "I really hate the cold!"

"I could help with that if you let me," I heard Daniel murmur in my ear. He sounded annoyed. He already knew my answer before I gave him one.

I shook my head and he didn't bother me again, though I kept shivering, wishing I was a Fire type Pokemon. Instead, I trained my eyes on Cyndaquil, whose fire was the only thing that helped me see him through the snow. Suddenly, he flew back ten feet and I saw Piloswine standing above him after his Take Down attack.

"Cyndaquil is unable to battle. Piloswine wins!" Shelia said.

I stood up quickly, running onto the field and scooping up Cyndaquil. My dad gave me a funny look, but I didn't care. "I'll take care of him, Ash. He'll watch the rest of the battle from my lap."

Ash nodded, putting Cyndaquil's Poke Ball back on his belt. I walked back over to the bench, studying Cyndaquil. "You did a good job. You're so brave to go in the water like that."

Cyndaquil curled his body against me, shivering. Poor thing. I wrapped him closer in my arms, hoping to warm him up. I sat back down next to Daniel, my eyes worried as I studied Cyndaquil's tired frame.

"He'll be alright," Daniel said quietly so only I could hear. "I'm just not sure if you're the person to warm him up if you're already cold."

"I'll manage." I hugged Cyndaquil tightly. "Don't worry."

I watched Pikachu take his place on the field and start off with Agility, realizing the pool of water had frozen over from Blizzard. That changed things. What also changed things were the ice- Pikachu kept skidding out every time he tried to gain speed, hardly dodging a Fury Attack made by Piloswine. A Blizzard started up again. Pikachu used Thunder.

"I don't see how that will do anything." Daniel frowned.

It was still enough to stop the Blizzard, though Piloswine was part Ground and really Electric attacks shouldn't affect it at all. But what should I know? Cyndaquil just defied his nature and jumped in water.

"Alright, use Agility again!" Ash shouted.

"How's that going to work?" Amanda asked.

We watched carefully as Pikachu began sliding from rock to rock, dodging Blizzard attacks.

"Use Blizzard on the whole field!" Pryce ordered.

"Slide under Piloswine and use Thunder!" Ash yelled.

A yellow blur shot under Piloswine, confusing the furry Pokemon. Immediately, an Electric attack went off, causing an explosion. Pikachu escaped from underneath, though Piloswine didn't fall over.

"That was pretty clever. I really do underestimate your dad." Anthony smiled.

"Use Rest," Pryce said.

Piloswine began glowing. Pikachu began a Quick Attack, trying to beat the Rest process, but Piloswine recovered too quickly, batting at Pikachu with Fury Attack and using Take Down, ramming into Pikachu.

Pikachu skidded to a halt, but got to his feet, wincing, before using Quick Attack as Piloswine used Fury Attack. Pikachu followed it up with Thunderbolt, but Piloswine remained unfazed.

"Get really close and use Thunder!" Ash yelled.

"Fury Attack!" Pryce shouted.

Pikachu was too fast for Piloswine, hopping onto his snout and setting a powerful electric attack on his face. Piloswine stomped, breaking the iced over pond, falling in accidentally. Pikachu flew off, landing on the ice as Piloswine tried to swim, but started sinking.

"One more Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu's electricity flew, hitting Piloswine.

"That had to hurt." Amanda winced. "He's covered in water."

Piloswine made it back onto the ice, roaring.

"Well, remind me not to mess with him," Daniel said. "I don't see how that Piloswine is still standing."

"Fury Attack!"

Piloswine's horns hit Pikachu repeatedly, ferociously, not giving him a chance to recover.

"One more Thunder, Pikachu!"

Pikachu, exhausted, let out another wave of excruciating electricity, hitting Piloswine, another explosion taking place. Pikachu flew backwards, landing hard on the ice, unmoving. Piloswine was still standing.

"I know you can do it, Pikachu," Ash said, determined.

Pikachu stood up slowly, looking ready to fall back over.

"Let's give it all you got." Ash's eyebrows came down in concentration. "Try a Thunder-"

A towel fluttered down into the middle of the field, thrown there by Pryce.

"Pryce's Piloswine is eliminated from the match due to a TKO. Pikachu and Ash are the winners!'"

"What's that?" I asked, confused.

"Technical Knock Out," Anthony answered fluidly.

"Of course you know what it means." Daniel rolled his eyes.

"Piloswine's had enough for today." Pryce put a hand on Piloswine. "You battled so fiercely and bravely, my friend. I'm so proud of you."

Pryce turned to Ash, who had his mouth open and still couldn't believe Pryce had basically given up despite Brock whispering in his ear about how Pryce knew when to call it quits. "I believe this Glacier Badge is yours, Ash. It's proof you were victorious in my gym."

Ash took it numbly. "I- I didn't really..."

"Yes you did, Ash," Shelia interrupted. "It's as plain as the nose on your face you know what you're doing out there. You were very impressive and Pryce recognized your abilities."

"Those unexpected strategies wouldn't have worked if you weren't close to your Pokemon. This badge is truly yours," Pryce agreed.

"Really?" Ash's face lit up as Pryce nodded and handed him the badge. "Yes! I got a Glacier Badge!"

"It was a great battle, Ash," Brock encouraged.

"Though it was a slippery slope there for a while." Misty smiled.

Daniel grinned and leaned towards me. "Have I ever said how much I love your mom?"

"Yeah, she's hotter now too, remember?" I said coolly.

"You won't let that go, will you?" Daniel asked.

I tickled Cyndaquil's stomach and he giggled cutely. He was a lot warmer now that he'd gotten some time to rest.

"Alright, one more badge to go!" Ash announced.

"The next gym is in Blackthorn. I know you'll be able to make it to the Johto League." Pryce smiled. "Thanks for teaching me so much about friendship."

"Thanks for the battle." Ash held out his hand and Pryce shook it.

"Are you going to ask him to take us to Celebi?" Anthony murmured to me.

"Yeah." I nodded, watching my dad began freaking out over heading to Blackthorn already. "I'll ask him."

"Oh, Anthony?" Misty called.

Anthony turned.

"Didn't you say you needed to challenge Pryce too? You're so quiet I almost forgot," Misty said sheepishly.

"Oh." Anthony straightened, looking a bit flustered. "I've decided to challenge this gym at a later time."

I could practically hear Daniel's mental snickers at how awkward Anthony sounded.

"Oh. If you say so." Misty shrugged.

Anthony gave me a look as if it was my fault he'd had to go through that. I gave him an innocent face.

"Just ask your dad."

"I will, don't you worry," I reminded him. "It just needs perfect timing."

Hey Time Travelers!

TKO is apparently a thing. Weird, right? That episode... But Cyndaquil are awesome, people. Seriously. Ash's Cyndaquil, Jimmy's Typhlosion- water proof. It's great.

Thanks for reading!

Pokemon Question of the Day: Who is your favorite Ice type Trainer?

Have fun in the present, Trainers. Peace!

-Flips