Jen and her Pokémon had trained hard for their battle at the Goldenrod Gym. Despite the relative inexperience of Togepi and Pichu, the group continued to try and impress their trainer so they could participate in the coming match. James, for his part, was still distracted by Quilava's illness, and spent half the time staring at the blank wall of the Pokémon Centre, unable to drive the worry from his mind.
As they headed for their room at the Centre, James looked mournfully towards the treatment rooms, knowing his best buddy was still in there. Nurse Joy would obviously have him back in fighting form by the morning, but he still felt lousy about the whole state of affairs. Jen noticed this and patted him on the arm to try and comfort him.
“James, Quilava's gonna be fine. Don't worry so much, it's no good for you.”
“I know, but I can't help it. Quilava's put himself through so much, and it hurts to see him like that. Maybe it's my fault, I don't know.”
“It's not your fault, James. You trust Quilava, and he trusts you. These things happen all the time, and all you can really do is get used to it. Believe me, Quilava's a powerful Pokémon and he's also your best friend. Don't let it get to you.”
“Yeah,” James said quietly, but in the back of his mind he couldn't help but ask “why always me?”
----------------------------------------
The next morning dawned, and Jen woke to find James up and out already. Knowing exactly where to look, she headed for the trainer's lounge, near the hallway leading to the treatment room. She spotted him slumped in a vacant armchair, half-asleep and exhausted. Shaking her head, she walked over to him and shook him lightly.
“Hey, wake up, will ya?” James stirred and looked around for a few seconds before focusing on her. “C'mon, you couldn't just sleep in the room? You'd have been more comfortable there.”
“I couldn't sleep, so I came out here, but then I fell back asleep when I sat down. Sorry if I surprised you, I didn't want to wake you up this early.”
“James, I know why you're up so early and I understand. You're super-worried about Quilava, so you wanted to see him as soon as you could. I only got up early because I'm challenging the Gym, so I wanted to get some last-minute stuff done.” At that moment, Nurse Joy came up to the pair with her usual smile on.
“I knew I'd find you here, James. Quilava has recovered quite nicely, and once he wakes up I'll bring him out.”
“Thanks, Nurse Joy.” James was relieved to hear that Quilava wasn't ill anymore, although he knew that his starter would still have to sit their upcoming Gym challenge out. “We'll be right in here when he's ready to come out.” Joy bowed and moved towards the treatment area, while James slumped back into the chair.
About half an hour later, Joy returned with the Volcano Pokémon at her heels. James jumped up when he heard the Fire-type's distinct growl and ran over to greet his friend.
“Hey, buddy, you're okay!” James hugged Quilava tightly, and Quilava growled happily at being reunited with his trainer. “I was so worried about you, Quilava, and I'm so happy you're alright.” Jen smiled at the scene as Pokémon and trainer shared the moment.
“They really do care about each other.”
----------------------------------------
A couple of hours later, the two youngsters walked along the bustling main street towards the Goldenrod Gym. They went slower than they usually did; Nurse Joy had told them to slow down a bit after Quilava's illness, especially with the Volcano Pokémon's stubborn refusal to go inside his Pokéball. Jen didn't mind so much, either; it was a good opportunity to do some sightseeing along the way, something they hadn't done in most of the cities they'd visited so far.
The Gym hove into view, and the first thing they noticed was its simplicity. Very few decorations adorned the dome-like building; it had little in common with the tower in Violet or the greenhouse-esque structure of Azalea's. Jen reasoned that since she'd heard that the Goldenrod Gym Leader used Normal-types, the lack of decoration fit. James simply nodded; he was more concerned with how the Gym Leader battled.
They reached the sliding doors of the building and entered to find two people standing there in deep conversation. One was a dark-haired young man who was flushed in the face, his hands shaking. The other was a pink-haired girl wearing what looked like a softball shirt and striped socks that nearly reached her knees.
“So that's a no?” the young man was saying, looking bitterly disappointed. The girl shook her head.
“I wish I could, but I'm too over my head with challengers. Being a Gym Leader is hard work, you know. I'm really sorry.” The young man just nodded and ran past the two youngsters, looking crushed. The girl watched him leave, then turned to them. “Oh, hello there, I didn't see you right away. Are you here to issue a challenge?”
“Yes, I am. My name's Jennifer, and I'm from Violet City. I'd like to challenge you to a battle.”
“Awesome stuff. I'm Whitney, the Goldenrod City Gym Leader. But everyone calls me The Incredibly Pretty Girl! It fits, right?” She winked at them and pointed towards another set of doors. “The battlefield's this way, guys. Let's get started, huh?”
“Yeah,” Jen said, and followed Whitney to the field while James and Quilava went to find a place to sit in the stands.
----------------------------------------
The battle judge in this Gym was a young woman dressed similarly to Whitney, and she looked to both opponents before beginning her rules explanation.
“This Goldenrod City Gym battle between Jennifer of Violet City and Whitney, the Goldenrod Gym Leader is about to begin!
----------------------------------------
Jen Richards
A: ★
D: ★
S: ★★
Whitney
A: ★
D: ★★
S: ★★
----------------------------------------
The prize will be a Plain Badge! Each trainer may use three Pokémon, and the challenge is over when all three one side's Pokémon are rendered unable to continue. Furthermore, only the challenger is permitted to make substitutions. Trainers ready?”
“I'm ready!” Jen called, preparing a Pokéball. “I've trained too hard to be beaten here, count on it!”
“I like your enthusiasm. But don't think I'm going to be easy to take down. My Pokémon are really strong, starting with this one!” Whitney tossed out her first Pokéball, releasing a small pink Pokémon with a star-shaped body and black-tipped ears. It waved its arms rhythmically, and squealed happily at the chance to battle.
“Wow, what's that?” Jen said as she drew her Pokédex.
“Clefairy, the Fairy Pokémon. Clefairy tend to congregate during a full moon, and those who witness this are said to be granted happiness.”
“So that's a Clefairy, huh? No problem for us! Magby, let's go!” Magby emerged and spit out a mouthful of flames as a statement of intent.
“A Fire-type? Should be fun! Alright, Jennifer, you get the first move.”
“Right! Magby, use Smog!” The Live Coal Pokémon expelled a large cloud of toxic gray smoke, which Clefairy jumped over easily. Magby growled in annoyance and ran after her opponent.
“Clefairy, Pound attack!” Clefairy punched Magby on the shoulder, knocking the Fire-type away. Magby retaliated with a rapid-fire Ember attack, catching the Normal-type in the back. Clefairy crashed to the ground, and Jen saw her opening.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“Don't let up, Magby! Fire Punch!” Magby's fist blazed as she slammed it into Clefairy, pushing her opponent hard into the ground with the force of the strike.
“Keep going, Clefairy! Use Sing!” Clefairy's soothing melody started up, but Magby held her claws in her ears until it stopped again.
“That's it, Magby! Give it another Fire Punch!” The flame-enhanced blow hit home, and Clefairy lay on the battlefield, out cold.
“Clefairy is unable to battle! Magby is the winner!”
----------------------------------------
“That was quick,” James murmured as he watched the proceedings. “Magby's really gotten a lot stronger, and she didn't need Jen to tell her how to block that Sing. They really look more confident.” Quilava growled his agreement, lying on the ground next to his trainer. “She'd better stay focused, though. Whitney's not a Gym Leader for nothing.”
----------------------------------------
“That was a good effort, Clefairy. Take a rest.” Whitney recalled her Pokémon and looked across at Jen. “Your Magby is really strong, Jennifer! Clefairy usually doesn't go down that quickly.”
“We've trained really hard.” Jen answered. “And we're ready for whatever else you throw at us!”
“You'd better be. I'm not giving up that Plain Badge easily.” Whitney took out another Pokéball and threw it. “Furret, you're up next!” This time, a long Pokémon with brown and tan stripes emerged, briefly jumping up onto its hind paws in a show of force. Jen saw this and giggled; Furret may have tried to look intimidating, but she found it too cute to be convincing. Magby simply spit out some more flames in challenge. Jen quickly flipped her Pokédex open to scan Furret.
“Furret, the Long Body Pokémon. This Normal-type is able to squeeze in and out of tight spaces with ease, and is very fast and agile.”
“We're gonna have to counter that speed, then. Magby, Fire Punch!”
“Dodge it!” Furret dropped to the Gym floor, and Magby's punch missed by inches. “Now, knock it over!” Furret swept its tail at Magby's feet, tripping the Fire-type and sending her crashing to the ground.
“Magby, don't let it knock you down! Use Ember!” Magby launched more fire bolts, but Furret just raced away. After a few moments, it rocketed at Magby and ploughed into her with a lightning-fast Quick Attack. “The Pokédex said it was fast, but this is something else!”
“We've trained hard to make Furret even faster than normal. That means we're able to dodge almost everything our opponents try to hit us with.” Jen groaned and recalled Magby.
“Sorry Magby, but we're just not gonna be able to take Furret down from the ground.” She pulled another Pokéball out and tossed it, releasing Zubat. “Zubat, we're gonna need your speed to take down Furret!”
“No way a bat's gonna beat us! Now, Furret, Quick Attack!”
“Intercept with Air Cutter!” Zubat sent the sharp air current at Furret, who shrank back a little before leaping after its target. The move struck Zubat in passing, and Furret dropped towards the ground. “Quick, another Air Cutter!”
“Use Dig!” Furret hit the floor and dove underground, just managing to avoid the cutting air. Jen was confused; she knew Dig was a Ground-type move, and wouldn't have any effect on Zubat. Zubat simply flitted back and forth, waiting for its opponent to emerge.
“Zubat, locate Furret with Supersonic!” Zubat unleashed the sonic wave, then flew over to the left of Furret's hole.
“Furret, come out of there and use Slam!” Furret leaped out of the hole and smashed its tail into Zubat's head. Zubat hit the ground and struggled to get back in the air. “Now, Quick Attack!”
“I don't think so! Bite, Zubat!” Zubat sank its fangs into Furret's foreleg as the attack hit home, and Furret flinched slightly. “All right, Air Cutter!” The bladed current barely missed Furret, who knew what to do.
“Finish it, Furret! Slam attack!” Another strike from Furret's tail sent Zubat crashing to the ground and out of the match.
“Zubat is unable to battle! Furret wins!”
----------------------------------------
“No way,” James couldn't believe how easily Whitney eliminated Zubat's aerial advantage. “Zubat should've been tougher to hit from the air, but Furret took it out just like that! Jen's got her hands full now.”
----------------------------------------
“Zubat, return!” Jen was shocked at the Bat Pokémon's defeat, but refused to give in. She took out Magby's Pokéball and tossed it out, releasing her first Pokémon for another crack at Furret.
“Alright, Furret, you know what to do! Use your speed to run rings around it!”
“Not a chance! Magby, use SmokeScreen!” The black smoke hid most of the battlefield, and even though Furret was faster, it couldn't see Magby anymore.
“Furret, keep calm! Wait for it to emerge, then use Slam!” Furret waited for Magby to charge, but when it turned to face her, it was caught in the face with a flaming punch. “Okay, we got hit, but we can still pull this off! Quick Attack!”
“Ember!” Magby sent the flurry of fire bolts right into Furret's path, and it slid toward Whitney's technical area. “Alright, we've got it on the ropes! One more Fire Punch!” Magby crashed her fist into Furret's midsection, putting it away.
“Furret is unable to battle! Magby wins!”
----------------------------------------
“That's the way,” James murmured. “Furret's fast, but it can be fragile. Magby just needed to get a couple of solid hits in, and she won easily. She'd better recover quickly, though. Whitney's last Pokémon could be trouble.”
----------------------------------------
“Way to go, Magby!” Jen jumped up in excitement, knowing she was one win away from the badge. “Keep this up and we'll win for sure!”
“Don't count your Torchic until they hatch, Jennifer!” Whitney called out. “I've still got my strongest Pokémon ready, and she's always set for a battle! Out you come!” This time, a large cow-like Pokémon burst from the ball, letting out a joyful cry as she landed. Her pink body ended in black-tipped limbs, and her thin tail had a black sphere on the end. “Jennifer, meet Miltank!”
“Wow,” Jen murmured as she drew her Pokédex again and trained it on the new opponent.
“Miltank, the Milk Cow Pokémon. This Pokémon prefers not to battle, and its nutritious milk is well-regarded for its restorative properties.”
“Alright, it may be docile, but it doesn't look like a Pokémon to mess with...” Jen breathed hard, then refocused. “Magby, go after it! Start with Smog!” The dark cloud hit Miltank, but the Milk Cow Pokémon stood firm.
“Miltank, Defense Curl!”
“Magby, Fire Punch!” Whitney smiled as she saw Magby charge, then sprang into action.
“Miltank, Rollout!” Jen, realizing what was going on, shouted a warning to Magby, but it was too late. Miltank crashed into Magby and left her lying on the field, taken down by the super-effective attack.
“Magby is unable to battle! Miltank wins!”
----------------------------------------
“Miltank knows how to use Rollout?” James had jumped from his seat when he recognized the tactic he usually used with Graveler. “Man, that was unexpected. Jen's got her hands full now.”
----------------------------------------
“Take a long rest, Magby. You deserve it.” Jen was taken aback by Miltank's power, but she wouldn't let it faze her. She took out her last Pokéball and gripped it tightly, knowing her hope for the battle lay in this last choice. Throwing the ball, she pushed all doubt from her mind. “Elekid, let's roll!” The Electric Pokémon spun his arm as he emerged, glaring at Miltank with narrowed eyes.
“An Electric-type next, huh? This should be fun. Miltank, Rollout again!” Miltank curled up and sped at Elekid, who waited for his command.
“Elekid, use Quick Attack to dodge!” Elekid used the move's speed to sidestep the Rollout, and followed his opponent's path. “Now, ThunderShock!” The electric burst caught Miltank and stopped the Rollout cold. “Keep it up, Elekid! ThunderShock again!”
“Miltank, don't let it stop you! Use Rollout again!” Miltank's attack hit home this time, sending Elekid flying, but Miltank pulled up after the contact with yellow sparks playing across her body. “Oh, no, not that!”
“That's Static!” Jen couldn't believe her luck. Static would leave Miltank paralyzed, slowing her down and leaving her open to attack. “Alright, Elekid, ThunderShock again!”
“Miltank, use Stomp!” Miltank tried her best to comply, but the paralysis didn't let her move quickly enough. Elekid leaped through the air and fired the ThunderShock from between his horns. The electric blast caught her and left her on her knees, panting hard. “Miltank, are you okay?” Miltank weakly called an affirmative, but any observer would see she was tiring.
“Miltank looks gassed,” Jen murmured, thinking on how to take it down. “Okay, Elekid, let's show off our secret weapon! Brick Break!” Elekid's fist sparked as it leaped at Miltank, who waited for Whitney to command her.
“Miltank, meet that Brick Break with Rollout!” Miltank's rolling strike hit home, while Elekid's forearm crashed into Miltank's body and left it reeling from the super-effective move. “Don't give up, Miltank!”
“Time to end things, Elekid! One more Brick Break!” Elekid slammed its forearm into Miltank's forehead, knocking the Milk Cow over. Miltank pulled herself up, but then slumped forward, done for the match.
“Miltank is unable to battle and Elekid is the winner! The victor is Jennifer from Violet City!” Jen leaped up in delight, but then noticed Whitney with her head down.
“Whitney, are you okay?” Whitney didn't answer, but shook uncontrollably instead. Inexplicably, she had burst into tears.
“How? Why me?” she wailed, unable to restrain herself. “Miltank worked so hard, but we couldn't beat this challenger. I'm a failure of a Gym Leader.”
“No you're not...!” Jen was about to comfort the suddenly miserable Leader, but then she saw the judge standing beside her.
“Don't worry about Whitney,” she said. “She always cries when she loses, but she'll calm down eventually.” Jen nodded, still feeling sorry for Whitney. After about a minute, Whitney stopped crying and looked at Jen with only a slight sniffle.
“Oh, goodness, I'm so sorry. I just can't stand it when I lose...but anyway, that's not the point. You beat me fair and square, and it was a fun battle.”
“It sure was,” Jen answered, glad to see Whitney had stopped crying.
“And since you beat me, here's the Plain Badge!” Whitney took out a small yellow square edged in gray. “It really was fun, Jennifer. I only hope your friend is as much fun to battle with.”
“Trust me, he will be.” Jen giggled as James emerged from the stand with Quilava in tow. “Hey, James, you'd better be ready. Whitney's a tough customer.”
“So I saw,” James answered with a grin. “I can't wait to battle you, Whitney. Your Pokémon should be a solid test for my team.”
“I'll be looking forward to it.” The Goldenrod Leader laughed, and the challenge was set.