Chapter 54: Clearing The Wall

The sliding doors to the Cyllage city gym opened slowly. The warm air from the inside washed over Marie, Ceailean, and Crisis, all standing outside.

“It’s your day today, Marie.” said Ceailean, encouragingly.

She smiled. “Let’s do it.” she said with conviction, walking ahead of the other two. Once inside and through the entrance hall, they were met by a colorful rock wall.

Ceailean gave it a puzzled look. “What is that?” he asked, pointing to it.

“You’ve never seen a rock climbing wall before?” asked Marie.

“Well no, that’s why I’m asking.”

“It is a constructed wall full of brightly colored stones that is supposed to be climbed on,” said Crisis. “Usually climbed by recreational hobbyists or children in parks that have them.”

“Uhhhh…” Ceailean looked all the way up to the top, “Does he want us to climb that? Like… what happens if some elderly person challenges the gym?”

“If I may-” said a voice behind them.

Marie jumped with a slight yelp, quickly turning around with a faux-battle stance. “Whoa! Grant?”

Grant scratched the back of his head. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Oh, it's alright.” Marie said with a sigh. “Anyway, you were gonna say?”

Grant cleared his throat and walked towards the rock wall. “Life is full of obstacles, walls if you will. This place is a representation of such things and it is a test of whether or not you have the drive to overcome them.”

“I find this test highly inadvisable.” said Crisis. Grant gave him a confused look. “Your injury would give you a massive disadvantage.

Marie gave a determined look at the wall. She turned her foot on her toes. “I can do it.” she said.

“Are you sure?” asked Ceailean. “No need to let pride take over what you wanna do.”

“Yeah well, I’m gonna do it anyway.” Marie said, giving Ceailean the side eye.

Ceailean sighed. “Guess I’ll work smarter, not harder.” He brought out Noivern, who spread its wings enthusiastically.

“I see Noibat has evolved since I’ve last seen it. We do have an elevator, if you’d be so inclined.” Grant said, gesturing to his left.

Ceailean and Noivern looked at each other. “Nah.” He said, quickly hopping aboard Noivern and taking off to the top.

“Aren’t you going to stop him?” Crisis asked.

“I’d rather only encourage.” Grant said, scratching his cheek. “Last time we had someone fly up there, they set off the sprinklers. I wouldn’t like to have to ban flying altogether because of it. He should be careful is all I’m saying.”

“Heh, you’re telling the wrong person.” said Crisis. He boarded the elevator, waiting for Grant.

“Go on ahead, I’ll be climbing the wall as well.” Grant said with a wave.

Marie cracked her knuckles. “Alright, let’s go!” she said, immediately throwing herself at the wall, rushing upward a few feet in just a couple seconds.

“Suit yourself.” Crisis said, moving up in the elevator all on his own.

Ceailean and Noivern peered down from the top. “You doing okay, Marie?”

“I’m doing fantastic!” she said back, choosing her path carefully.

“Indeed you are, keep up the great work.” Grant said, casually climbing past her as if it were as easy as walking.

“Hey! Wait up!” said Marie, trying to quicken her pace. But as she reached for the next rock, her hand slipped. She yelped and held on to other rocks as tightly as she could.

Grant chuckled. “Be careful, Marie. This isn’t a race, you know.”

Marie reached for the next rock. “Easy for you to say. Look at you flying up there.”

“I am only moving at a pace I’m comfortable with,” Grant said, climbing further up the wall.

Marie did her best to keep up, but her breath became heavy and sweat dotted her forehead. Ceailean, now joined by Crisis, was tapping his finger on his crossed arms anxiously.

“Don’t they have harnesses in this place?” he said.

“You are welcome to go back down and help her if you so desire.” Crisis suggested.

“I mean… I could. But, you know… I’m already up here… and maybe she’d see it as pity.”

“It’s never a crime to show you care, Ceailean.” Ceailean scoffed and looked away. Crisis kept looking. “Why do they not have harnesses?”

Marie had reached 3/4ths of the way to the top, but her stamina was critically low. She stood still to catch her breath every few steps. Ceailean was visibly gripping his arms tightly. Noivern watched him. It could see that words were just at the tip of his tongue. When it was sure no one was looking, it patted him on the back hard.

“Hey!” said Ceailean. Noivern gestured to Marie down below, encouraging him to speak up. “Alright! Alright…” Ceailean peered over the edge once more. “Marie, do you need any help?”

“Noooo…” she said, winded, “I’ll be up… in just a second.”

Grant reached the top and looked down with the rest of the group. Silently observing.

Marie’s fingers were burning. Each joint felt like it was going to snap into pieces. Maybe she shouldn’t have done this, but the lingering voice of pride refused to accept defeat. She made a reach for the next rock. Her fingers slipped. Her hands were so sweaty it was like trying to hold a wet rock on a waterfall. With a yelp, she fell down a foot lower, just barely wedging her foot on a rock below her.

Ceailean’s head went into full panic mode. “Noivern, go get her!” he said with a wave of his arm. Noivern spread its wings and dove straight down.

Everything went blank in Marie’s head. All she could see was the next rock upward. She had to do it, she needed to prove herself. It weighed on her mind so much that it was almost shameful. She reached one more time, leaping as high as she could, only for her foot to slip. On instinct, she clawed on the wall hoping that one of her limbs would stop her fall. Unfortunately, it was her left foot. With the sudden stop, the pain flared in her leg, making her grunt in pain. Then without meaning to, she relaxed her leg in an effort to relieve the pain, only for her body to tilt away from the wall. It was out of reach. She was falling.

Ceailean gasped with his hands on his head. Noivern made a reach for her and hovered midair. Ceailean couldn’t see behind Noivern and waited in anticipation as if he were only the plank of a pirate ship. Noivern rose, and Marie’s blonde hair became visible. Ceailean’s mood came crashing back down to earth in relief and he stepped away from the ledge. Noivern gently placed Marie on the ground, where she was catching her breath.

“Dang it…” she said between breaths, “I was… so sure…”

“It was careless,” said Crisis, “What was the point if there were much more viable options available to you? Do you simply wish to prove you could brute force such a task?”

“No,” said Grant, “I believe she had a much more personal reason. Would you care to share?”

Marie’s eyes darted towards Ceailean. “I thought… if I can handle myself… I wouldn’t have to rely on anyone else.”

“A noble effort. Though I must say it may be… misguided.” said Grant.

“What do you mean?”

“When did you gain this motivation for your own independence?”

“Huh? A couple of days ago, I think.”

Grant eyed Ceailean while he wasn’t looking. “Could you think of a memory for me? Anyone who has helped you immensely in the past, how did it feel, in the moment?”

Marie drifted back to when she was with Christianson. “I-I guess I was… shocked at first. Surprised that they came all that way just for me. Then I was scared… then relieved. It all worked out in the end. But… I want to be better, so that the circumstance I was put in never happens again.”

Grant smiled. “I understand your struggle, Marie. I strived to do similar things before I became who I am today.” He started to walk to the far end of the battlefield, his pace full of confidence. “But is it truly right to say that anyone’s greatest potential can be reached alone?” A referee, who had been browning casually on their phone, suddenly perked up and ran to the battlefield. Ceailean and Crisis saw that it was best to step out of the way.

“I guess not.” said Marie, standing up, “But what are you getting at?”

“I’m not here to spoil that for you.” Grant said confidently, “Your mind is clouded with dissatisfaction, personal weakness. But you’re one of us, Marie. A trainer. For people like us, we are most at home in the moment.” Grant threw out a pokeball and an Onix crashed down onto the battlefield. The referee started stating the rules, which Marie already knew inside and out from the countless videos she’s seen.

“I think you are more capable than you realize, Marie. But in the end, only one person could truly decide whether or not to accept that.”

“- it’ll be a two on two battle!” said the Referee, “The first to lose both Pokémon will be considered the loser and the opponent the winner! Do you understand?” Both Grant and Marie nodded. The Referee threw his hand down.

Marie held up a pokeball, raring to go. “Show me.” she said, immediately throwing herself off the leash by having Snom pop out of its pokeball. “Use icy wind!” Snom blasted off towards Onix, looking to land first blood.

“Use flash cannon!” commanded Grant. Onix lurched its head forward, firing a huge silvery beam.

“Dodge it!” shouted Marie.

“Follow it!” said Grant.

Snom flew off to the side like a bottle rocket, Onix’s laser chasing close behind. Snom climbed up as high as it could. Onix’s laser carved a trench in the roof, letting rocks fall below. Soon, Snom was directly above Onix way up above.

“Dive down and use struggle bug!” said Marie. Snom circled the laser all the way down, glowing with green energy.

“Take a moment and fire again!” said Grant. Onix curled up close to the ground, observed Snom’s movement for a split second, then fired again. Snom gasped as the laser came straight at it.

“Get away, Snom!” shouted Marie desperately. Snom shot out a big puff of icy wind, launching it to the side. But it wasn’t soon enough. The laser looked like it was going to connect. But then at the last second, icy scales appeared around Snom, deflecting the laser with the sound of a ricocheting bullet. Snom was knocked away with damage taken and the laser hit the wall of the gym harmlessly.

“Interesting. I’ve never seen that before.” said Grant, rubbing his chin with his fingers as he pondered what he saw.

“Now Snom, use struggle bug!” said Marie.

“On your guard!” said Grant. Onix rose its head high, looking for Snom. But everywhere it looked, it couldn’t find it. Then out of nowhere, Snom came right underneath it’s jaw like a homing missile and exploded in a great green blast. Onix recoiled from the attack, uncurling itself as it tried to remain balanced.

“Now use icy wind on it!” said Marie. Snom flew high and blasted icy wind down on Onix. It turned its head away to weather the storm, ice forming all over its body.

“Snom’s actually gonna do this?” asked Ceailean, in awe of Marie’s battle prowess.

“It is uncertain to say.” said Crisis, “Onix is much stronger physically and much larger, but also visibly much slower. In a war of attrition however, I estimate that Snom simply doesn’t have the firepower to outlast it.”

“But you’re still gonna root for her right?”

Crisis sighed. “Of course, Ceailean.”

Onix continued to resist the icy wind. “Onix, use rock tomb!” Onix opened its eyes and summoned a circle of rocks above its head.

“Time to move, Snom!” said Marie. Snom blasted off right as the rocks came falling down on its location.

“Use rock polish!” said Grant. Onix focused its gaze and its body began to glitter with silvery sparkles.

“Dang it, they set up on us! We can’t let that happen again!” said Marie, “Full offense! Charge in with icy wind and use struggle bug!” Snom leapt out from behind a rock and flew straight at Onix.

“Dodge that!” shouted Grant. Onix tilted its head right as Snom arrived, just barely dodging the attack. Snom quickly turned around to resume the offensive. “Now knock it back with flash cannon!” Onix fired its flash cannon, hitting Snom’s ice scales and deflecting elsewhere. But Snom was still knocked out of the sky and tumbled to the ground.

Marie grit her teeth. “I can’t let him knock us around like that. The reduced damage is nice, but it won’t matter if I don’t hit anything!” she said to herself. “Snom, fly straight up!” Snom shot straight up, creating a misty tree of icy particles. “Now rain down icy wind!”

“Shoot back with flash cannon!” said Grant. The two Pokémon met their attacks head on, fighting against each other in a beam clash. But Onix was quick to ramp it up, putting double the effort into its attack, swiftly overtaking Snom.

“Slip right down, Snom!” said Marie. Snom flipped just over the flash cannon right as it reached it. Using its ice scales, it surfed straight down the edge of the attack straight to Onix’s face. “Now struggle bug!” Snom skated across Onix’s forehead, blowing it up with a blast of green energy as it passed by.

Onix’s head whirled as it fell to the ground, crashing with a huge rumble. “Did she win?” asked Ceailean. Crisis didn’t answer, choosing to wait in anticipation. Soon, Onix raised its rocky head, clearly looking damaged.

“Just a little more.” said Marie.

Grant smirked. “Use rock polish!”

“Shoot! Snom, stop it!” Snom blasted off towards Onix as fast as it could, but it moved out of the way easily. “No, get away!” Snom immediately, but Onix was hot on its tail.

“Use flash cannon!” said Grant. Onix’s head hovered around Snom as it flew, shooting flash cannons whenever it had a good shot. Snom swirled round and round, trying to keep its distance.

“Go up in the air! It can’t reach you up there!” said Marie. Snom went straight up. Onix fired one last flash cannon, just barely missing Snom before it was truly out of range. “Come back down hard! We’ll finish it with this one!” Snom let out a cry as it descended down on Onix.

“Big mistake.” said Grant, “Use iron tail!” Before Marie could even react, Onix whipped Snom out of the air with its silvery rock tail, sending it flying across the battlefield where it crashed into a boulder.

“No, Snom! Are you okay!?” Snom peeled off the rock like a wet piece of paper and flopped to the floor. It shook off its dazing head, ready to keep going. “Oh thank Arceus. Snom, return!” Marie recalled Snom to its pokeball.

“Huh, she can do that?” asked Ceailean. “And also, why?”

“Challengers of a gym battle can return their Pokémon whenever they please.” said Crisis, “The Gym Leader is unable to switch Pokémon however. Marie must be planning something.”

Ceailean gave him a confused look. “So you don’t know either?” Crisis remained silent.

Grant smiled. “I’m quite impressed, Marie. You’re quite difficult to keep up with.”

“You know, I try,” said Marie, panting slightly.

“Harder than ever it seems.” said Grant with a swipe of his nose.

“I remember what my friends told me that day. And I’ve worked harder ever since!” Marie tossed out a pokeball and Scolipede stomped onto the battlefield.

“A Scolipede!” Grant said with amazement, “Truly an achievement to catch such a strong Pokémon. Your work is paying off.” He then gave a confident glare, “However, I wonder where your head lies now.”

“Huh?”

“Your quest for independence. Why do you feel the need to face your challenges alone?”

“Because… I feel weak. I feel… like a burden. If I could just be stronger, hold my own when things get tough, then maybe… I dunno, I wouldn’t drag everyone down.”

Grant frowned, “Is that what you truly think?” Marie couldn’t come up with an answer.

Ceailean caught a glare from Crisis, “Not a word. Remember my goal.” Ceailean said.

“I believe it is more complicated than you make it out to be.” said Crisis plainly, remembering how Ceailean faced Kade alone, “How long can you play hero before it crushes you?” Ceailean grunted and didn’t say a word.

“I… I need more time to think,” Marie said.

“Very well,” said Grant, “Onix! Use iron tail!”

“Fight back with megahorn!”

Scolipede’s horns and Onix’s tail glowed with silver energy and they charged straight at each other. Onix threw its tail down right on Scolipede, but it caught the attack and flung the tail off the side then swept Onix to the ground with a swiping horn strike.

“Now use bulldoze!” said Marie. Scolipede raised its front hooves right over Onix’s head.

“Back it up!” shouted Grant. Onix quickly slithered away before Scolipede could slam down directly on its head, but the resulting shock wave from hitting the ground still made it stumble on the ground again.

“It’s still slippery, isn’t it?” Marie said to herself. “After it with megahorn!”

“Keep your distance and use iron tail!” said Grant.

The two Pokémon clashed attacks. Onix came in, jabbing Scolipede with whatever damage it could. Scolipede did its best to meet each attack head on, but Onix wasn’t playing the raw strength game anymore. With each jab, Onix would retreat just far enough away from Scolipede before it could retaliate.

“We can’t get a hit in!” Marie said to herself, “What can I do?” The idea then hit her like a truck. “Duh! I have that move!” she said, smacking herself in the head, “Use toxic spikes!”

Scolipede shot a purple projectile in the air, which burst and littered the entire battlefield with poisonous mines. Noivern couldn’t help but smirk at the action.

“Mmm, that really put a hamper in our strategy,” said Grant, analyzing the situation.

“Now, use cross poison!” said Marie. Scolipede’s horns burst with a sickly purple energy and it charged in. Onix instinctively tried to move out of the way, but its huge body detonated several toxic spikes, sending plumes of noxious gas into the air and poisoning Onix. Scolipede then came in before Onix could recover and gave it two quick flashes of its horns across Onix’s body. Onix recoiled from the attack and fell on its back.

“Can you continue, Onix?” asked Grant. Onix struggled to lift its head. It grit its teeth and stared at Scolipede, who whipped its horns to the side to dissipate the cross poison as if flinging blood from a blade. Onix fully stood up, but winced in pain as the poison began to exact its toll. “We can’t wait long. We’ll finish it in one swift plan.” Grant said confidently, “Use rock tomb!”

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Onix summoned a ring of boulders around its head and rained them down around Scolipede, trapping it.

“Dang it! Be ready for anything, Scolipede!” said Marie. Scolipede scanned the surrounding rocks as much as it could, anticipating an attack.

“Charge straight in, Onix! Use flash cannon!” Grant commanded. Onix slither full speed ahead, ignoring all the toxic spikes it was setting off. It fired its flash cannon straight into the rock tomb wall, demolishing a section and slithering right inside. In a mere moment, Scolipede found itself surrounded by Onix’s coiling body. “Now Onix, charge up your most powerful flash cannon and bring it down right on Scolipede’s head!” Onix held its head directly over Scolipede and drowned the inside of the rock tomb in silver light.

“You gotta get outta there, Scolipede!” shouted Marie, “Use megahorn!” Scolipede slashed at Onix’s body in an effort to bust through. But Onix’s body only coiled more and more, closing in so much that Scolipede couldn’t move around very well anymore. “Shoot! How do I get out of this?!” Marie looked all around. Scolipede couldn’t go up and it couldn’t go out the sides, so why not go down? “That’s it! Scolipede, use bulldoze straight down! Absolutely everything you can muster!” Scolipede nodded and slammed its hooves as hard as it could into the ground.

A shock wave passed through the ground like a tossed bed sheet. The area around the rock tomb immediately caved in and the two Pokémon both fell into the pit. Onix accidentally gulped the charged flash cannon and it detonated in its mouth, leaving its entire head smoldering. It fell to the ground, dazed and exhausted.

“Let’s finish this up!” shouted Marie, “Use Megahorn!” Scolipede roared as its horns burst with silver energy. It charged straight into Onix’s face, dragging it right of the pit they were in, smashing three boulders on the way, then flung Onix as far as it could. Onix slid across the ground with a huge thud, stopping with Grant confidently standing within its open mouth.

The Referee ran over and inspected Onix. “Onix is unable to battle! Scolipede is the winner!” Noivern and Ceailean cheered loudly while Crisis remained stoic.

“Don’t celebrate too early.” Marie mumbled, panting, “Still got one more to go.” Scolipede huffed steam out of its nostrils, ready to take on the next opponent.

Grant returned Onix to its pokeball. “You did well,” he said to it, “Though the fault is mine. I was in too much of a rush to defeat Scolipede.” He pocketed the pokeball and put his hands on his hips. “Well done, Marie! You proved that you could overcome that wall with ease. Have you taken the time to gather your thoughts?”

“Yeah,” Marie said confidently, “It still feels… weird. I know my friends wouldn’t help me out of some sort of obligation. I mean something to them, and I could never thank them enough for that.” Marie held a fist to her chest, “But still, it gets me thinking. They’ve done so much for me, yet I feel like I haven’t done much of anything for them. Is that fair? Couldn’t I also be relied upon?”

Grant pondered for a moment. “Where do these thoughts stem from, Marie? I’m sure you’ve been more than reliable on several fronts. Being a friend is more than keeping each other’s debts even with each other at all costs. As long as you are there for when your friends need you most, that is enough. No need to compare with each other.”

“Well that’s just it, isn’t it?” Marie mumbled to herself. She gave a subtle glance to Ceailean, who was watching intently. “I want to keep going!” she said to Grant.

“Very well,” Grant threw a pokeball, “Tyrantrum! It’s up to you!” Tyrantrum fell onto the battlefield, shaking the ground upon impact. Scolipede even lost its balance for a moment.

“There it is,” Ceailean said. Noivern eagerly kept its eyes on Tyrantrum, wondering what it was really capable of. But before anyone could act, toxic clouds exploded from the ground around Tyrantrum's feet. “Toxic spikes!” exclaimed Ceailean, “How did I forget about them already?”

Marie wasn’t fazed by this however. As the fumes cleared, Tyrantrum's eyes glared like headlights from a car. Though it was poisoned from the very start, it was still going to be one of the most, if not the most, difficult foe she’s ever faced.

“I’ll be starting off this time.” said Grant, “Use crunch!” Huge jaws projected out from Tyrantrum's mouth and it charged wildly.

“He’s still going aggressive?” Marie said to herself, “Use megahorn!” Scolipede’s horns burst with silver energy and went to face Tyrantrum head on. Their attacks collided, creating a metallic whirring screech as the two tried to go through each other. As the two pushed, their feet dug into the ground, fracturing it and sending cracks throughout the battlefield.

“Two powerhouses going at it,” said Ceailean, “But who’s stronger.”

“It isn’t so simple, Ceailean.” said Crisis, “Surely you know that.”

Finally, the attacks exploded. Both Pokémon backed away and awaited each other’s next move. Tyrantrum grunted as purple bubbles popped above its head.

“Head smash!” shouted Grant. Tyrantrum roared and rushed forward in a blue mach cone.

“Scolipede, side step it then use megahorn!” said Marie. Scolipede lept to the side then swept Tyrantrum off its feet with megahorn. “Now cross poison!”

“Use dragon tail!” shouted Grant. Tyrantrum’s tail was enveloped in energy scales.

“Don’t get hit by that!” shouted Marie, “Block it!” Scolipede slid to a halt as it blocked Tyrantrum's dragon tail with its own attack. Tyrantrum kept the pressure up, whipping at Scolipede two more times, but Scolipede managed to stave off both. Then Tyrantrum went for a big overhead slam. Scolipede’s eyes flashed with confidence. It swung its own attack right as Tyrantrum collided with it, parrying it and sending Tyrantrum staggering back. Scolipede then sent one last slash across Tyrantrum's chest, making it reel back in pain.

“Yes!” Marie said with a fist pump.

“Stomping tantrum!” said Grant. Tyrantrum roared into the air and stomped its feet on the ground. Shards of rock flew out like a shotgun blast with each and very stomp, peppering Scolipede in painful pricks.

“Stop that with bulldoze!” said Marie. Scolipede weathered the onslaught and slammed its hooves into the ground. A wave through the ground dropped Tyrantrum to its knees. “It’s wide open! Go in with megahorn!” Scolipede rose charged in, its horns bursting with more silver energy than before.

Grant considered his options. His gaze turned to the left over rock tomb boulders. “Tyrantrum, use dragon tail on those boulders!” Tyrantrum glanced at one and whipped around, hitting it towards Scolipede with dragon tail. Scolipede’s eyes widened as a huge boulder crashed right into it, shattering upon impact. Its head was knocked away and its megahorn dissipated with a pop.

Ceailean saw Grant’s gaze sharpen. “I think he figured something out.” He looked worriedly towards Marie, “Come on, tell me you saw that.” he mumbled.

“Tyrantrum, jump as high as you can and use crunch.” said Grant. Tyrantrum leapt high up in the air, much higher than anyone than everyone else thought possible.

“Defend yourself with megahorn!” said Marie. Scolipede caught the entire weight of the attack as it came crashing down on it. It struggled greatly, but still managed to push Tyrantrum away.

“Now Dragon tail!” said Grant. Right as Tyrantrum landed, it swung its dragon tail. Scolipede blocked it with ease. “Now bite.” Grant said with a cheeky tone. Marie was thrown for a loop. How could Tyrantrum know 5 attacks? Tyrantrum opened its jaws, prompting Scolipede to take a defensive. But it was a fake out, as Tyrantrum only nipped in its direction and then brought down dragon tail on Scolipede's head as hard as it could. Scolipede had its guard broken and it staggered back. It’s megahorn dissipated again.

“This is it! Use crunch!” said Grant, thrusting his arm to the side. Tyrantrum leapt forward like a rabid Houndoom, catching Scolipede within its jaws. It then shook Scolipede around like a toy, then slammed it head first into the ground with a meaty crack.

“Scolipede!” shouted Marie.

The referee ran over to inspect it. Its eyes were swirled and its speech was dazed. “Scolipede is unable to battle! That makes Tyrantrum the winner for this bout!”

Marie grunted in disappointment, throwing her fists to her side. “You got me.” she said bitterly. She returned Scolipede to its pokeball. “You did great. Leave the rest to us now.”

Grant smiled. “I’ll admit, Marie. Even I have my own fair share of debts. But-”

“Let’s finish this, Snom!” Marie interrupted. She sent out Snom. It shouted a war cry as soon as it landed.

“Marie…?” asked Grant, confused.

“Let’s keep going,” Marie said, “I’d hate to yap while your Tyrantrum is still affected by poison.”

Grant looked at Tyrantrum. It was breathing heavily. With each bubble that pops over its head, more of its stamina is drained away. “Hmph, as you wish.”

Ceailean overheard Crisis give a frustrated grunt. “What? Does it bother you that Marie won’t take that kind of advantage.”

“Yes. Though I cannot say it surprises me.” said Crisis, crossing his arms, “Marie’s pride as a battler would not allow her to do such a thing. Her honor is worth too much.”

Marie stood tensely. With it all down to the wire, any mistake would be very costly. And Snom is 4 times weak to rock type attacks. So one hit with head smash and it would be game over almost guaranteed.

The only way out was through.

“Icy wind!” shouted Marie. Snom shot a jet of icy particles, hitting Tyrantrum like a bullet. It roared angrily in retaliation.

“Head smash!” said Grant. Tyrantrum barreled forward in a blue mach cone. Snom shot the ground propelled itself high up in the air. Grant watched closely from below. “Now, how am I going to catch this little Cutiefly?” he said to himself, “Use stomping tantrum!” Tyrantrum stomped the ground, sending rock shrapnel up into the air. Snom gasped. It evaded the best it could, flying between the sharp plumes of dust the fragments made when they hit the roof.

“Use icy wind on the stomping tantrum!” shouted Marie. Snom swung around and shot the incoming shrapnel with icy wind. Ice formed around each one and they came down as a hail of knives. Tyrantrum was forced to duck its head and weather the attack all the way through.

“Dragon tail on the boulders! Once more!” said Grant. Tyrantrum bashed another up in the air. Snom darted out of the way, but the impact of the boulder made it explode and caught Snom in the pieces. Snom was blasted away and fell straight to the ground with a small thud. “Now head smash!” Tyrantrum stormed through the battlefield, looking to end Snom in one blow.

“You gotta get up, Snom! Use icy wind and get out of there!” said Marie. Snom yelped as it whipped right out of Tyrantrum's way, singeing the ground Snom had just stood on. “Run and gun, Snom! Don’t stop!”

“Don’t let it get away! Use crunch!” said Grant. Tyrantrum turned around and charged right at Snom, catching Snom within its open maw and projected jaws. Snom managed to get away from the mouth with a huge puff of icy wind, but the crunch still hit Snom, causing it to fly back in a tailspin. Tyrantrum kept up the offensive and Snom managed to recover. The two played Delcatty and Maushold across the entire battlefield. Snom took pot shots when it could and Tyrantrum destroyed any ground that Snom had been standing on.

Marie watched the battle closely. Each and every move Snom and Tyrantrum made. Tyrantrum's huge gaping mouth was proving hard to avoid on the ground. Flying up in the air was risky as it seemed like Snom didn’t have a definitive advantage there. There had to be something she was missing. As Tyrantrum missed another crunch, Marie felt the gust of air from the attack blow her hair slightly, and a revelation came to her mind.

“Snom! I have an idea!” she said, shouted through her cupped hands. “You have to let Tyrantrum get close!” Snom gave a super confused cry, wondering if Marie had lost her marbles. “Just trust me! I see an opening!” Snom reluctantly agreed after dodging another attack.

Crisis looked at Grant, who remained silent with a confident grin. “Will he not switch tactics? Marie gave away her plan for everyone to hear.”

“I think he’s curious,” said Ceailean, “He wants to see it.”

Snom chose a good spot to hold its ground. Tyrantrum leered over Snom’s head and came straight down upon it with crunch. “Now jump in its mouth and use struggle bug!”

Grant gasped at this. Snom launched up with icy wind and forced Tyrantrum's jaws open with a persistent struggle bug.

Tyrantrum roared up into the air as its mouth and even nostrils overflowed with green energy. It tried to reach inside to claw Snom out, but its super short arms couldn’t even reach its bottom lip. Snom put in every ounce of power it could, yelling loudly.

“This is it!” said Marie, “Just keep going then we have this in the bag!”

“Don’t count us out yet!” said Grant, “Tyrantrum, focus! Use crunch and bring it down on Snom!” Tyrantrum stopped flailing around and doubled its efforts into closing its jaw. Snom let out a strained voice as its struggle bug attack began to shrink.

“No, Snom!” shouted Marie, “I believe in you! If anyone can beat Grant, it's you!” Snom yelled even louder, bursting with even more energy than before. This stopped Tyrantrum's advance, but now the two were caught in a stalemate. Both strained themselves to the brink in hopes that the other would run out of steam sooner. “C’mon c’mon c’mon!” Marie said under her breath.

“We’re still in control here,” said Grant, “Tyrantrum! Jump as high as you can and slam your jaw on the ground!” Both Marie and Snom gasped. As Tyrantrum leapt high in the air, they both knew that this would spell out doom.

“Snom! You have to get out of there!” shouted Marie desperately. Snom tried, but it could feel Tyrantrum's jaw still outputting a huge crushing force. Snom wouldn’t have the time to get out. Tyrantrum started to fall, aiming its head in a way that would let it hammer its jaw into the ground. “Snom! Please! You gotta move!” Marie called again. But Snom saw no way out. It could feel itself falling towards the ground. All it could do was output as much power as it could and brace for impact.

“No no no! Snom! Move!”

Tyrantrum hit the ground hard, slamming its jaw shut with a meaty crunch. Marie could only watch in horror. Tyrantrum stood up and snorted through its nostrils, huffing icy particles as it did so. Seeing that seemingly spelt the end of the battle for Marie and she fell to her knees in despair.

“Damn it…” Ceailean said to himself, slamming the guard rail with his fist.

“How unfortunate.” said Crisis, “Perhaps this was simply one struggle that Marie could not face on her own.”

The referee ran over to Tyrantrum. “Tyrantrum, if you could spit out Snom please? I need to see it in order to confirm the match.” Tyrantrum nodded and opened its mouth, but what came out wasn’t Snom, but a bunch of icy particulate and fuzz. The referee backed away in disgust, “By… By Arceus…”

Marie cried out in horror, “SNOM!”

“What the hell?!” said Ceailean half tempted to sprint onto the battlefield.

There before them all was Snom, seemingly ground down to mush on the floor.

“Oh no!” said Grant, running over. Tyrantrum's eyes also widened in disbelief. Could it have really done that? Grant climbed up Tyrantrum's body and opened its mouth to look for any more shreds.

Noivern roared into the air and immediately burst into its dazzling dragon rush, angrily yelling at Tyrantrum for hurting its friend in such a way.

“Snom! No, Snom!” cried Marie, running over to the mush. She ran her hands through it, not caring that her fingers were covered in hot sticky saliva.

Grant hopped down and pointed to Ceailean and Crisis. “You two, get Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy on the phone, now!” Everyone went into panic mode as they all scrambled trying to help. But Marie couldn’t move.

She could only see the icy much that laid before. This mush used to be a Pokémon. One with a snarky attitude and love for riding on top of people and Pokemon's heads. Now Snom was no more. Marie felt the heart wrenching sobs overwhelm her body. Through her tears, she picked up a piece of the mush and inspected it closely.

She sobs stopped on a dime. She mixed her finger through the mush a little more. Would Snoms body really be this fibrous? The mush was a bunch of strings tangled together in wet, sticky saliva. It was almost like cotton in a way. It wasn’t even cold, like Snom usually is. Marie sifted through the mush even more and gasped. She picked up a torn piece of fabric. Snom didn’t wear anything. The piece was light green and soft, almost like a doll.

She gasped. “Guys! Wait!” she shouted, “I-I think Snom is still here!”

“You’re sure?!” asked Ceailean, “Then what is that?!” He gestured to the white mush.

“S-Snom! Use struggle bug!” she shouted. Nothing happened. For a moment, everyone felt great pity for her, but Marie insisted. “SNOM! USE STRUGGLE BUG!”

From behind Tyrantrum, streaks of scaly particulate shot out from the ground and homed in like missiles. Each one exploded like M80 fireworks on Tyrantrum's back. Tyrantrum turned around and roared ferociously at whoever shot him. And there, standing on the other side of the battlefield was Snom, crying out into the air triumphantly.

“Impossible!” said Crisis, “Then what is that Tyrantrum spit out?!”

Grant ran over to Marie and she handed him the fabric. “Of course! It’s substitute! Your Snom learned substitute!”

“Did you really, Snom?!” Marie asked excitedly. Snom nodded.

“Hm, ready to keep going?” Grant asked.

“You bet,” answered Marie, “Just try not to scare me like that, Snom!” Snom rolled its eyes, but agreed. Everyone made their way back to where they were. Marie was thinking up a strategy. Both Snom and Tyrantrum both had to be exhausted. And substitute costs a lot of stamina to use, especially when first learning it. She guessed that Snom probably has one more in it before it can’t use it anymore, so she was going to have to make it count.

“Are both challengers ready to resume?” asked the referee. Both Grant and Marie nodded. “Then begin!”

“Dragon tail!” shouted Grant.

“Icy wind!” said Marie. Tyrantrum swung its tail and Snom flew out of the way. Tyrantrum grit its teeth, annoyed by how hard to hit Snom is. On its own, it used dragon tail to shoot two more boulders at Snom. They both flew past harmlessly. Marie noticed that there was only one rock tomb boulder left and came up with an idea. “Now use struggle bug in your new way!”

“Strike back with stomping tantrum!” said Grant. Snom’s struggle bug missiles collided with the stone shrapnel, canceling each other out with a bunch of firecracker pops. Dust poured over the battlefield, obscuring Snom from Tyrantrum. It looked around, trying to find it. But all the sudden, purple bubbles popped over its head. It grunted in pain and fell to one knee.

“Now’s our chance! Fly in and use struggle bug!” said Marie. Snom emerged from the dust near the floor, looking to hit Tyrantrum right under the jaw with a direct impact struggle bug.

Grant knew that Tyrantrum couldn’t move very well anymore, so he only had one choice. “Use crunch to defend yourself!” Tyrantrum sent out its projected jaws, ready to bite down on Snom. Right as it lunged, Marie swung her arm to the side.

“Substitute!”

Tyrantrum’s jaws came clamping down, but Snom disappeared in a puff of white smoke. Grant gasped. When Tyrantrum rose its head out of the smoke, there was a rock tomb boulder stuck in its mouth. “No way!” Grant said, “It’s just like-”

“Use icy wind to shut it up for good!” shouted Marie. Snom appeared above and rained down a huge draft of icy wind. Tyrantrum's eyes widened as its jaws were welded shut with ice. Boulder, teeth, and all. “Finish up with struggle bug!” Snom blasted itself towards the icy boulder, glowed an intense green, then detonated on impact. A huge cloud of icy and green particles flowed through the air. “Did we get it?”

Tyrantrum's foot stomped on the ground, then its chest, and finally its head with a big crashing thud. Its huge eyes were swirled.

“That’s it!” shouted the referee, “Tyrantrum is unable to battle! That makes Snom the winner, and the challenger, Marie, victorious!”

Marie let out a huge sigh of relief and let her knees collapse into a sitting position. She did it. She really did it. It felt like a dream. Snom came flying over and went straight into Marie’s chest like a sandbag, knocking the both of them over. The two laughed together. “I know! I know! We did it! Everyone, come out and see!” Marie called out all of her Pokémon. Fennekin and Fomantis immediately joined the dogpile, cheery as all can be, while Scolipede watched happily, still exhausted.

Ceailean and Noivern came over to join them. “Marie! You won! H-How do you feel?”

“Never better!” said Marie, sitting up.

“Come on guys, why don’t you all congratulate her.” Ceailean called out his own Pokémon too. Solosis immediately flew over for an affectionate nuzzle while Raboot gave an approving nod.

“Marie.” called Grant. Marie saw him with a lean in his stance. She stood up with all the Pokémon respectfully letting her go. “Do you have your answer?”

Marie was still breathing heavily. She thought for a moment, but nothing came. Still, it felt like there still was something to say. She spoke, letting the things that first came to her mind come forth.

“I know my friends have faith in me. We promised that we would trust each other, no matter the situation. I guess in the end, I didn’t have faith in myself. I’ve had a recent losing streak and it really got to me. I started doubting my ability as a trainer, and even as a friend.”

“Marie…” Ceailean said under his breath.

Marie giggled slightly, “But I never stopped trying. One day, I hope to not only be a strong trainer, but also be someone who can help my friends! They’ll protect me, and I’ll protect them.

I, for everyone else!”

Ceailean was starstruck by this. Marie had become so amazing. It left him almost speechless.

“I admire your words, Marie,” said Grant, smiling warmly, “You speak confidently and wisely. It is my honor that I award you with this.” Grant received a case from the referee and opened it in front of Marie. “The Cliff Badge. Proof of your victory over the Cyllage City Gym.”

Marie took the badge delicately. Its 3 stair pillars gleamed in the light. “Thank you! Thank you so much!”

“Don’t thank me, Marie. I gave you everything I had, and you still came out on top. This victory is yours.”

Marie smiled, small tears streaming down her face. “Well thanks for the opportunity anyway.”

“Anytime.” Grant returned Tyrantrum to it’s pokeball, “Just remember that life isn’t linear. There will be time you struggle. So if you need another talk, you know where to find me.”

“Of course!”

The Pokémon cheered up another storm for Marie’s victory.

----------------------------------------

()It was now late in the day. The sun was setting, the forest was growing dark, and the cool air only enhanced the smell of the salty sea over the hills.

Ceailean, Marie, and Crisis walked along the path on the very outskirts of the city. The city would disappear over the next hill they climb. Marie however, was still inspecting her badge, eyeing it like it was a precious gemstone.

“You’re gonna trip over a rock if you keep looking at it like that.” said Ceailean.

“Shut it, C. I earned this so I get to admire it all I want!” said Marie.

“Back to bickering already?” said Crisis, “How unusual.”

“Why’s that, Crisis?” asked Ceailean.

“I feel it is strangely comforting. Perhaps it is an unusual symbol of the peaceful moments of our journey.”

Marie stuck the badge to her vest. “Well, a lot has happened.”

“More than you think,” Ceailean said under his breath.

“But it feels so good to be back on the road again. I can’t wait to see what else might happen. Oh! And I get first dibs on the next wild Pokémon we find!”

“Like heck! Last time I checked, you left me with a deficit of one Pokémon!” argued Ceailean.

“Hey! I caught it fair and square! And I apologized, didn't I?! How was I supposed to know what happened?!” Marie argued back.

“Yeah, just remember that next time you let Fomantis out. I got a pretty solid guess who it will choose to be lunch buddies with.

“You two, enough.” Crisis said somewhat sternly, “Look.” He gestured back to the city. The golden lights had just started to turn on and the sun's reflection skated across in a line across the ocean.

Marie’s eyes sparkled, “So pretty…”

“Yeah,” Ceailean added.

Marie then raised her hands and waved. “Goodbye Cyllage City! Despite everything, I still had a lot of fun!”

“No one but us is gonna hear that…” said Ceailean, but still, he felt a subtle longing for the city. He felt like he'd been there for so long. “By the way, why are we going to Shalour City next?”

“‘Cause duh, it’s the nearest place with a gym,” said Marie.

“But didn’t you say that the gym leader has access to Mega Evolution? You’ve seen first hand what they’re capable of. We may have come a long way, but have we come far enough to handle something like that?”

“I concur,” said Crisis, “I admit, even I would have speculations of my own ability when it comes to such a thing. That Mega Tyranitar was… something else.”

“Guh…” squealed Marie. Though her confidence wavered, she was determined to push herself to the limit. “Everyone come on out!” All of Marie’s Pokémon were called out. They all curiously stood at her side, wondering what she was gonna do. “For the next gym guys, we’re gonna need all the training we can get! So, let’s do roadwork for the rest of the day! And the last one to stop running gets double portions of food once we’re done!”

All of her Pokémon immediately became determined to win.

“Ready, set, go!” Marie and her Pokémon took off down the path. Snom opted to use icy wind instead.

“I beg your pardon Marie, but I do not believe you get to control the rations for as long as I am the only one supplying them,” said Crisis.

“Oh!” Marie yanked something out of her pocket as she ran, “Company card! It’s all on me, so don’t worry about it!”

“Rigorous training right before a meal or sleep is highly ill-advised!” Crisis continued to argue.

Marie had stopped listening at that point. “And the first one that stops running has to help wash dishes!” All her Pokémon chanted in agreement and doubled their efforts.

Crisis put a hand over his heart. “Ugh… What am I going to do with these children? Armageddon, I wish you were here to guide me.”

Ceailean tightened his duffel bag “Well, we better not get left behind! 1, 2, 3, go!” He took off running as well. Soon after, Raboot released itself from its pokeball and boosted away in a flash. “Hey! That’s not fair! I can’t do that!”

Raboot zipped right by Marie. “Raboot! No moves!” Raboot skid to a halt and pointed to Snom flying in the air. “Well… Snom can’t run at all. If it tried, it'd be moving a centimeter an hour. Plus, this is about endurance, not distance. If you can improve yourself now, your flame charge will only be more powerful for it!” Raboot accepted the logic and continued on without flame charge.

Crisis watched as the kids grew smaller in the distance. “What particular people. Competition would only serve to sever our unity as a species.” There was a rustle in the bushes nearby. Crisis looked over to where it was. He swore he saw a pink glaring eye in his direction before it quickly retreated behind the brush. Was it his imagination? Probably not. What Pokémon had pink eyes? The answer wasn’t obvious to him. Still, he had an uneasiness in the pit of his stomach. Best not get separated from the others.

He took off as well. Following Ceailean and Marie across the landscape.