Everyone’s final Gym Battle before taking on the league is always one of the most memorable. Eighth Gym Leaders serve as the border between being a good trainer and a great one. The pride and opportunity to walk around with a full badge case is a feat very few trainers get to achieve, and it’s one that a certain Oreburgh native is currently trying his hand at.
At the young age of 16, this young trainer by the name of Build has risen the ranks and made it to this final frontier before challenging the Pokemon league. With a dedicated team of five, this middle-of-the-pack trainer has made it his lifelong mission to be recognized as one of the greatest trainers of all time.
The walls of the Electric-Type Gym rumbled and shook free of loose debris as a battle raged on between challenger and Leader. Gym Trainers already dispatched were awestruck by the brilliance unfolding before them as the unknown trainer fought tooth and nail with his team toward victory. Before long both trainers were left with their final Pokemon on the field.
“Don’t choke now.” Build whispered reassuringly to himself.
“Dad’s watching, everyone from the mines, my friends from home, not to mention half the region…” Build’s attempts to calm his nerves only served to disturb his thinking even further. Perhaps noticing this, Volkner spoke out, whether it was to rush the battle along, or to help the challenger perform at his best.
“C’mon, we’re both down to our last Partners.” Brandishing a shiny Luxury ball from his holster, the amount of confidence in Volkner’s voice was alarming considering the situation they both found themselves in, thought Build.
“But that doesn’t mean we should go into low power mode now. High velocity until the battery’s run dry!”
But maybe that’s how you have to carry yourself as a Gym Leader. The taunt and cringe Electric-Type puns was just what Build needed. Freeing an inhabited Pokeball from his belt, Build returned the gesture with refreshed motivation.
“Don’t even sweat it! Just thinking about the trip to Victory Road after this! C’mon, let’s do this already.” Of course, the Rotom-Cam caught the very mild-mannered young man’s attempts at being tough for the battle, and the flashes of Dad seeing it on Live TV nearly made him shudder, but there was no time for that, there was a battle to win right in front of him.
“Go, Luxray!”
“Alright let’s go, Machoke!”
The champion level body-building Pokemon made a booming and intimidating appearance before the super charged Luxray which fixed a piercing gaze upon the Machoke, tracking every single move he made with deadly precision. Machoke flexed for the Luxray, Volkner, heck even the camera, quickly becoming lost in the showboating and posturing. Build could only sigh in embarrassment and relief.
“At least there isn’t a crowd or announcer at this one, we’d never be able to get started with this big oaf in here.” The tension was broken in the room as Machoke got down for some one-handed push ups for the Rotom-Cam. Throughout Build’s journey through the Sinnoh region his Machop, now a Machoke, gained local popularity for his overly confident showboating and over the top attitude, but that wasn’t the only thing he was known for.
“Hey this is a Pokemon Battle, not a Contest, get your wires out of a knot and let’s go already.”
Volkner wasn’t the only one getting impatient with Machoke antics, the Luxray went down for a cat nap, many of the Gym Trainers had already begun groaning on the sidelines, even Build who was used to this behavior by now was reaching his limit for this.
“Alright Machoke, you’ve had your fun, now time to get serious.”
Like the flip of a switch, Pokemon assumed a battle stance and planted his pivot foot down with the force to put a small crack in the floor. The showing off was over, this was no more than an involuntary show of strength, one that resounded further than anything that proceeded it. The ground shook and unexpectedly disturbed the napping Luxray, who didn’t take too kindly to being woken in such a manner by a Pokemon it deemed beneath it. The Tiger-esque roar that exploded from the Luxray signaled a boost in power and pulled the eyes of any who had not been watching before, the battle had finally begun.
“That Luxray must be a girl, and she’s got Rivalry, eh? This’ll be a good one.. Alright Machoke, use Low Sweep!”
Hands up and posture lowered, Machoke went in with tight defenses and Boxer-like footwork to swiftly and effectively sweep at the Luxray’s feet.
“Quick, Luxray counter with Nuzzle!”
As the Fighting-Type swiped away at the artful dodger’s paws, a deciding blow to the ankle would be interrupted by a quick jolt of electricity delivered under the cover of a parry. The sudden jolt sent Machoke back a few paces, allowing Luxray space to plan a counter, while Machoke suffered paralysis. The limitation in bodily movement caused the Pokemon to seethe with controlled rage; angry that he allowed himself this injury, and disappointed that he would be potentially letting Build down. Both of which crossed a line the Machoke was not okay with, in immediate response to being paralyzed, the Fighting-Type beat his chest to reassert dominance as his ability Guts took effect.
“Alright Machoke, don’t choke now! Low Sweep, one more time!”
“Alright Luxray, you’re much faster now, dodge it and look for an opening!”
Both Pokemon gave their respective trainers acknowledgement before locking into battle once more. The Machoke began to circle the Luxray, which followed in suit as to not be prey in the situation. It was clear from each occasional stumble that Machoke was suffering from his paralysis, but the Luxray instinctively sensed how that somehow made the Fighting-Type even more dangerous. Pushing through the pain, Machoke gritted his teeth and rushed in and in one swift movement swiped at the Luxray’s two front legs right in the middle of the rhythm of their stare-down, catching the Electric-Type off guard. The Luxray was taken completely off it’s feet and sent into a wall with Machoke’s boost in strength, but it wouldn’t be enough. In shock, Volkner ran over to his Luxray who took its time to recover from the blow.
“Luxray! Are you alright?!” He kneeled to the beast who could no longer lick its wounds out of pride for the trainer who had raised her, she had to make him proud. Putting on a front, the beast put its best foot forward and let out another room shaking roar in response, though the weight shift on one foot to the other would alert the trainers of the injury, and Volker nor Build would serve as an exception.
“Alright… I knew that wouldn’t be enough to take you down girl, now let’s go return the favor, eh?”
“Even with their speed closer to yours now, it’ll still be tough to keep up, how you holding up Cho?”
It was clear the Machoke was having difficulty managing his status ailment, and with the push he gave with the Low Sweep, it’ll be even more of a challenge from here on to maintain that same level of precision. Despite that, Machoke returned Build’s concern with a hearty thumbs up.
“Got it, then hold tight for now, look for an opening and use Close Combat.”
“Don’t think we’ll just take that hit lying down, we’re coming back stronger than ever. Luxray! Play Rough, go!”
Immediately the Luxray rushed in, taking advantage of Machoke’s paralyzed state to whiz about him for a clean hit. However, the Machoke could grit through the discomfort of the residual volts coursing through him, he just couldn’t fight electrical signals in his body, and if he was stationary, no amount of muscle would change that. So there he stood in the middle of Luxray’s Fairy-Type whirlwind with hands and arms tucked defensively while eyes tracked the Electric-Type’s movements with dangerous accuracy.
Both Pokemon waiting for a opening to strike without taking damage, both regarding the other’s strength highly, but both determined to win. The Rotom-Cam hovered just above, streaming the challenge all across the region, bringing trainer and fan alike to the edge of their seat for the final moment.
“GO!” Both trainers screamed in unison has their Pokemon initiated their respective attacks, seemingly without the need of a command. The timing was right, the tension swelled and the moment picked itself. The two forces clashed hard in the middle of the ring. Luxray’s Play Rough aimed to rush in and bombard Machoke with rough play from those heavy paws and lethally sharp claws while Machoke used his supreme offense as a impenetrable defense to parry and strike each blow sent toward him in a flurry of stalemates. Wind was violently displaced, the ground shook beneath their very feet, onlookers held onto their hats and loose items, it was clear this battle had reached a higher level.
“ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA!” Each punch was a fist filled with fury sent forth with the determination of a legendary, as the Fighting-Type roared on. His status ailment had nearly become a memory in the fight, but that was deadly mistake. Before it could even happen, both Build and Volkner reacted with trained eyes focused on their Pokemon, they saw it. The moment Machoke’s punching speed bottomed out for a split second, then the following events of Volkner’s Luxray raining clawed strikes down upon the fighter which lasted for what felt like an eternity. The Luxray came to a screeching halt, leaving the Machoke in the center of the ring a scratched up mess. All eyes were on the bleeding figure as he stood swaying side to side, trying desperately to catch his balance before crumbling to the ground. An automated voice from the Rotom-Cam echoed in the silent hall.
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“MACHOKE IS UNABLE TO BATTLE. VOLKNER WINS.”
The feed ended there.
As the sound of the Rotom’s propellers faded into the distance, Build couldn’t move from his planted position. As the onlookers and Gym trainers slowly exited, still Build remained. Even after Volkner returned Luxray to its Pokeball and approached, Build couldn’t take his eyes off of his fainted Machoke. As if he were stuck in the moment, Build’s eyes replayed the final moments, welling up with tears while he frantically searched for a mistake in his memory. Something had to explain why he lost, when everything leading up to this moment was perfect. His hands trembled, but a firm hand on the shoulder broke through it all and he finally looked up. It was Volkner.
“You fought amazingly, really, no one’s been able to push me and Luxray that hard in a while.” He gave the young trainer a pat on the back as he spoke ineffective words to the boy lost in thought.
“Yeah.. no one except everyone who’s already gotten a badge from you.” The wound was too fresh, and as he finally put Machoke back in his Pokeball, wiping away tears, Build finally moved, shrugging off the friendly gesture and turning toward the exit. “You don’t have to make me feel better… I shouldn’t even have challenged you. I don’t know what I was thinking…”
His voice trailed off as he exited, leaving no room for Volker to respond to his very worthy challenger.
A Sunnyshore sunset would’ve been a welcoming sight after a hard-fought victory, instead it only instilled melancholy tones to the already painful defeat. With his head down and a faint trail of tears behind him, Build slinked woefully to the Pokemon Center for much needed rest for he and his team, especially Machoke who needed to be treated outside of his Pokeball.
Nurse Joy’s muffled voice echoed dimly beside him as he continued processing his defeat, capping his month-long journey in failure. Standing behind the wide glass watching Nurse Joys operating on his Partner Pokemon was traumatic icing on the poffin, even if it was mostly stitching up deep scars, he felt terrible and the reason finally set in. Build unknowingly walked into that battle underprepared and overconfident, and,
‘underprepared, overconfident trainers are unfit to take on the Pokemon League.’
Dad’s words haunted him like Gastly; relentlessly and freezing him in place whenever around.
It’d be another couple hours until Machoke was ready to be returned to his Pokeball, so Build decided to go to the Trainer Quarters downstairs for a much needed after-cry-nap. All PokeCenters contained quarters for traveling trainers to rest while waiting on their Pokemon to recover, this one however, housed more trainers than usual. Some returned after a failed attempt of crossing the sea between Sunnyshore Beach and Victory Road, some needed respite after losing to one of Volkner’s trainers, but none here had actually made it to Volkner. All eyes were on the dark-skinned trainer as he shuffled to an unoccupied bed. His dark blue stare was void of all life, and as he met the gaze of each curious trainer in the room, it was clear that he was in no mood to speak. The room fell to a silent mumble as the boy tried to pretend to be comfortable in such an awkward situation, but before long, the rest of the room would resume their respective conversations, leaving Build in social isolation.
Just when it felt like the sweet release of sleep had nearly embraced him, he was disturbed by another’s weight at the foot of his bed. The whimsical bounce of the seated person on the mattress suggested they were forcefully sitting to gain his attention, which Build provided unenthusiastically.
“Uh, can I help you?” Normally, the boy would be much friendlier than that, but given the day, he just needed to be alone, and the other opposite of him seemed to know that as well.
“Everyone saw it, you know.” She spoke with a sort of tone that immediately got under Build’s skin, but he couldn’t figure out why. Did she think she was better than him? Smarter than him? More talented? Stronger? Negative thoughts swelled in his mind as he sat back up under that bunk. Before responding, the girl continued.
“Your battle I mean. They broadcasted it upstairs, everyone saw you. It was very impressive how you held on til’ the very end. You and Machoke, I mean.”
That was unexpected. He hadn’t considered the fact that he possibly did well despite losing, that maybe he didn’t make any mistakes, and was just faced with a stronger opponent this time. Build still couldn’t speak, or chose not to, which was fine with the bespeckled young girl who worked up the courage to speak to him.
“I’m pretty sure Machoke could’ve won, even.”
Those words lit a fire in Build, one that he didn’t expect to feel this soon. His eyes widened for just a moment before resting upon the girl, looking at her finally. She was young, younger than he, and too young to be this observant, he thought. She was no more than 12, the typical age for a rookie trainer, though she spoke like a pro. Fine, he’d indulge a bit, Build thought.
“How.”
She gasped once he spoke but contained herself before answering.
“Just before the battle started, and after Cho’s show, he assumed a certain stance, right? With his legs, right? Well, I just think that… with enough power… he could…” Her growing enthusiasm was quickly snuffed out by her developing confidence, but Build could put two and two together, and with that realization he returned to his old self.
“Earthquake!” He shouted suddenly in his eureka moment.
“Yes exactly!” She stood, head and shoulders shorter than he.
“If Machoke had used Earthquake instead of Low Sweep to start the match, he could’ve limited Luxray’s movement without contact! No paralysis!” The girl was proud to have helped him to this new idea, even if she couldn’t complete the thought herself, it was enough to have helped at all.
“Even without Guts… the hit would’ve done big damage, who knows what would’ve happened then.” He spoke mostly to himself, before regarding the girl once more. “And you got all of this from just watching? Not even being there in person? Wait, did you say ‘Cho’?” It was clear that Build recognized her talent for observation, and began to wonder what kind of trainer she was.
“I’m Build, from Oreburgh City, it’s nice to meet you…?” He held out his hand to the girl, who met his with a faint blush on her face.
“Oh I already know who you are, I’ve been watching your matches since your battle with Gardenia, back when it was you and Little Cho against the world!” She stared into the distance at an imaginary billboard that read ‘Little Cho and Build’ in neon lights for the world to see. A child’s dream for her hero to be recognized.
“I’m Destine, my older sister and I are fans of you and Machoke! We were rooting for you that whole fight!”
It was at that moment a heavy pair of boots rumbled down the stairs, and before the person was even seen, their presence commanded attention. Suddenly, a strong voice boomed from above. “DESTINE! You’d better not be down there talking with that LOSER!”
With newfound resilience thanks to his new friend, Build turned toward the staircase as the disembodied voice came into view in the form of a teenage girl in the middle of their rebellious phase apparently. Bold leather boots rained down each step in steep contrast to Build’s dusty utilitarian style wear which helped close the distance between them. His brow cocked and his nose pointed upward, strange behavior for someone who just took their first loss.
“I hope you’re not talking ‘bout me.”
She sized him up, eyes about level though it was clear the boy had done work in the past to bless him with a tough physique for his age, not that she was intimidated by him, nor was she looking! “I don’t see any other losers down here.”
The room reacted, and Destine hurried over to her sister’s side to avoid looking like a traitor. The sight hurt Build a little, but being put on the spot like this in front of all the other trainers didn’t sit right with him. “Look, I’m not having the best day right now. Why don’t you try Marnie cosplaying somewhere else.”
As the words left him, regret filled him soon after. Not because the room has basically turned into a peanut gallery, but because the look on the girl’s face suggested things had taken a drastic turn he might’ve not been prepared for. Destine pulled at her sister’s sleeve in sad attempts to disarm the bubbling situation, which proved to be ineffective. She stomped forward and pointed a sharp, painted nail just until the boy's chin.
“You. Me. Outside. Now.”
Before Build could even accept her sudden challenge, Destine had worked up the courage to come between them. With forced defiance, she turned to her older sister with clenched fists and a pouty look.
“Deisy, wait! Build just got back from his battle, he needs to rest!”
“Don’t defend this loser! If he wants to mope around here, making fun of people’s clothes, then he can come outside and fight me!”
“W-what?”
Obviously the cosplay dig struck a nerve, what with all the leather she was wearing, it’d be hard not to make the comparison, still Build couldn’t help but feel at least a little responsible for her rage. He took a step adjacent to Destine, now standing beside her once more, he couldn’t let her continue to speak for him, and with the added pressure of a growing crowd, Build had no choice.
“Fine. Let’s do it. Get out your Rotom-Phone.”
Energy filled the room as the trainers realized they’d be getting a free exhibition match between two reasonably skilled trainers. The change in expression on the boy’s face let everyone know he meant business, and this might be the perfect thing to get him out of his funk.
“Heh, looks like he’s still got some fight left in him. You sure you don’t wanna wait til’ your partner’s all better?” Deisy showed empty concern with a devious smirk as her black and purple Rotom-Phone flew out from her shoulder bag.
Build’s own heavy-duty miners brick of a Rotom-Phone followed suit with noticeably more difficulty hovering than his sleek counterpart. It was a brief relief from the tension swelling between them as the Rotoms approached each other to make the match official.
“I won’t need a full team for this, I’m feeling fired up!”
The room offered a unison reaction to Build’s show of confidence, even Deisy was pleased with his shift in attitude.
“Finally, you’re done with your little temper tantrum. I was worried your heart wouldn’t be in it, now I can crush you without any regrets!” The challenge was issued.
“INITIATING EXHIBITION MATCH. CHALLENGER, TRAINER 566, DEISY. TRAINER 098, BUILD, DO YOU ACCEPT.”
“Yes.”
“THE EXHIBITION BATTLE WILL NOT CHANGE THE STANDINGS OF THE FOLLOWING TRAINERS. TRAINER 098, RANK 258/511. TRAINER 566, RANK 309/511. PLEASE FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN BATTLING.”
Both phones returned to their respective trainers.