The Cianwood City Gym's tiled roof loomed in the distance as James and Jen headed towards the building. An attendant near the door bowed to them as they approached.
“Hello, and welcome to the Cianwood Gym.”
Hi!” Jen said. “My name's Jennifer, and this is my friend James. We're here for a Gym match.” The attendant looked from one to the other and nodded.
“And which of you is the challenger?”
“Erm...” Jen looked at James for an answer. “Who did we say was gonna go first again?”
“I went first at the Ecruteak Gym, remember? IIt's your turn to go first this time.”
“Okay,” Jen answered, and turned to the attendant. “I'll be challenging the Gym Leader today, sir.”
“Very well. If you would step inside, I will go alert the Leader.” James signaled Quilava, ducked aside and headed for a small row of seats in the main room, while Jen followed the attendant into an antechamber off the foyer. As they entered, Jen heard a steady rushing sound.
“What's that noise?” she asked, and the attendant smiled.
“The Gym Leader meditates under a waterfall each day. He uses this meditation to strengthen both his mind and his body. To be honest, some of us think he meditates too often.” They turned a corner to see a large man with a prominent mustache kneeling beneath a steady stream of water. Next to the water chamber, a control panel flashed green. The attendant stepped into the room and keyed a few buttons on the panel, which began flashing red, and the rush of water slowed and then ceased. The man beneath the waterfall stirred as he noticed the proceedings.
“Eh? Who shut off my waterfall? What's going on?” The attendant's expression didn't change as he answered, as if this was a regular occurrence.
“You have a challenger, sir.”
“Challenger, eh?” The Gym Leader turned to Jen. “Welcome, miss. My name is Chuck, and I'm the Gym Leader here. And what's your name?”
“Jennifer, sir. I come from...well, I live in Violet City.”
“That's quite a hike. So, you think you have what it takes to win my Badge?”
“I hope so. My Pokémon and I have trained really hard.”
“Well, little miss, we'll soon see. Follow my assistant to the main battlefield, and we'll get started.”
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Minutes later, Jen stood across from Chuck, who shadowboxed for a moment before turning to Jen.
“You'll be facing Fighting-types here, Jennifer! They hit hard and don't leave a lot of opponents standing!”
“We'll just have to hit harder, then!” Jen smiled, and both opponents waited for the usual fanfare.
“Attention! This Cianwood City Gym battle featuring Jennifer from Violet City and our leader, Chuck, will now begin!
Jen Richards
A: ★
D: ★★
S: ★★
Chuck
A: ★★★
D: ★
S: ★★
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The prize for victory is a Storm Badge! Each trainer may use three Pokémon, and the match will end when all three of one side's Pokémon are defeated! The challenger is the only participant who may substitute! Now, Chuck, your first Pokémon, if you please!” Chuck pulled out a Pokéball and flung it onto the field.
“Primeape, go!” A big, white-furred creature emerged, shuddering with barely-suppressed energy. Its wrists and ankles bore black metal weights, and its brown arms resembled boxing gloves. A pig-like snout sat beneath its sharp, rage-filled eyes. Jen looked away in fear, but took out her Pokédex to scan the creature.
“Primeape, the Pig Monkey Pokémon. Primeape is the evolved form of Mankey. It has a volatile temper, often flying into an incoherent rage after mere eye contact with another being.”
“Sounds really nasty,” Jen muttered to herself, and she tossed out her own Pokéball. “Tentacruel, get out there!” The blue jellyfish landed on the floor with a splat, and Chuck laughed.
“A Tentacruel out of water? Unusual, but I'm sure you've got a plan. After you, little miss!” Jen turned to Tentacruel.
“Time for that technique we practiced. Use Surf!” Tentacruel generated a small cushion of water beneath its body, lifting it off the gym floor. “Okay, now use Acid!” The jellyfish generated a spray of bright green liquid that splashed over Primeape. Chuck laughed as the attack hit.
“You can handle a little toxic spray, can't you, Primeape! Get in close and use Karate Chop!” The monkey reached Tentacruel in two bounds and swung a glowing arm onto the jellyfish.
“Quick! Poison Jab!” Tentacruel slapped Primeape with a toxin-steepeded tentacle, knocking the creature back. “Now Acid, once more!”
“Get out of the way, Primeape!” Primeape jumped back from the acid spray, but its movements were more erratic, and it shuddered even more violently. “Looks like you're in a prime fighting mood now, old boy! Show us your frustration with a Screech attack!” An unearthly shriek erupted from Primeape's body, causing Jen, James and Typhlosion to cover their ears. Tentacruel, however, looked unshaken.
“Looks like Tentacruel doesn't care how much noise you make!” Jen called.
“Either that, or its ability won't let it!” Chuck answered. When Jen looked puzzled, he elaborated. “One of Tentacruel's abilities is called Clear Body, which prevents reduction of its vital statistics. Moves like Screech won't work at all, so I will need to change my tactics.”
“Oh,” Jen said, then she smiled. “Then we'll take advantage of that! Tentacruel, Poison Jab!”
“Karate Chop!” Tentacruel's glowing tentacle met Primeape's fist, and they both shrank back. “Okay, time for the finisher! Use Cross Chop!” Primeape leapt into the air and dropped towards Tentacruel with its arms crossed in front of it.
“Not gonna happen! Use Constrict!” Tentacruel caught Primeape's leg with an outstretched tentacle and slammed the Fighting-type into the ground. “Way to go! Now get closer with Surf!”
“Step up and use Thrash!” Primeape jumped back up, ran over to Tentacruel and began trying to wrestle it off its cushion of water.
“Blast it with Acid, Tentacruel!” The harsh fluid steamed as it hit Primeape, but the Pig Monkey refused to let go. “Okay, since it's in close, we'll try another Poison Jab!” The poison-steeped tentacle found its mark again, and a small burst of violet smoke erupted from the impact point. When it cleared, Tentacruel remained on its aquatic cushion, while Primeape's twitching body lay a few feet away. The jellyfish readied for a counter attack, but it never came.
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“Primeape cannot battle! Tentacruel wins the round!”
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“Great work, Tentacruel!” Jen watched the jellyfish lazily wave a tentacle, then took a deep breath. “We've still got a long way to go, though, so let's stay focused!” Across the field, Chuck laughed as he recalled Primeape.
“Your Tentacruel is quite an advanced creature. Its Poison subtype in particular is a good way to stave off my Pokémon and their attacks!” He laughed again. “But we'll see if it can keep it up! Machoke, you're next!” A grey, humanoid Pokémon emerged now, a smirk crossing its face. Muscles bulged all over its body, and it wore a belt with a large golden buckle around its waist.
“Looks tough. Okay, Tentacruel, get ready. Spray it with an Acid attack!” The corrosive spray landed just in front of Machoke, who jumped backwards to avoid it.
“Machoke, use Focus Energy, then Bulk Up!” Machoke closed its eyes and its body glowed briefly. “Now, let's roll! Karate Chop!”
“Counter with Poison Jab!” Machoke's extended forearm met a violet-tipped tentacle, and the combatants separated with a crash. “Use Constrict while it's close!” A separate tentacle wrapped itself around Machoke's wrist, but Machoke just grinned.
“You've got Tentacruel right where you want it! Use Vital Throw!” Machoke's powerful legs pushed off from the ground, and it flung a surprised Tentacruel hard onto the Gym floor. “Now, Cross Chop!”
“Try to use Surf again, Tentacruel!” Jen watched helplessly as Tentacruel struggled without its aquatic cushion, and Machoke's attack smashed into its underside. “Acid!”
“Let's finish it off, Machoke. Seismic Toss!” Machoke picked up Tentacruel and began spinning on the spot. After a few seconds, he let the jellyfish go, and Jen screamed as it landed a few feet in front of her. Its eyes were shut tight, and it didn't make another move.
“Tentacruel is unable to battle! This round goes to Machoke!” Jen recalled Tentacruel, shaking a little as she put the Pokéball away.
“Looks like we've got a tough fight on our hands. But we won't give up! Golbat, you're up next!” The bat flew into the air and chittered as it faced up to Machoke. “Let's hit it hard right away! Use Air Cutter!” The bladed wind current cut at Machoke, who shrank back in pain. “Now, dive in and use Bite!”
“Counter that, Machoke!” Machoke let Golbat sink its fangs into its forearm, then delivered a hard punch to its lower body. Golbat went flying, landing awkwardly on its back. “Now, Cross Chop!” Machoke jumped into the air, just like it had done against Tentacruel. Before the attack could hit, though, Golbat managed to fly into the air, avoiding the strike.
“We're not getting beaten that way again! Air Cutter!” Machoke ducked aside as the sharp air whizzed past, and it jumped into the air.
“Hit it! Use Karate Chop!” Machoke swung an arm at Golbat, but missed, and fell towards the ground with panic on its face.
“Put it away, Golbat! Air Cutter, once more!” The attack struck Machoke in the back, driving it face-first into the ground. As Golbat flew back into a ready position, Machoke barely stirred.
“Machoke cannot continue! Golbat takes the point!”
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“She's lucky the type matchups are swinging her way,” James murmured to himself as he watched Chuck recall Machoke. “Machoke and Primeape don't normally have a consistent way to counter a Poison-type. It's gonna be rougher on me when I get out there, but Jen's handling it pretty well. Let's hope she can pull this off.”
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“Your team is well-suited to this gym challenge, little miss.” Chuck called as he took out his last Pokéball. “A combination of Poison and Flying will keep most Fighting-types at bay. But you'll have to work hard to overcome my last Pokémon!” Chuck tossed the Pokéball into the air, and it released a large, dark blue creature with round, narrowed eyes. Its belly was marked by a white circle, inside of which was a black swirl pattern. As it flexed its arms, its white hands balled into fists. Jen didn't take her eyes off the creature as she took out her Pokédex.
“Poliwrath, the Tadpole Pokémon. This combination Water- and Fighting-type is a powerful swimmer, and its muscles do not tire no matter how much Poliwrath exerts itself.”
“Yikes. That thing is as tough as it looks.” Golbat chittered, and Poliwrath kept flexing in response. “Well, we'll have to work hard and take it down, then! Dive in and use Wing Attack!”
“Brick Break, Poliwrath!” The frog's powerful strike hit Golbat's slashing wing, and both Pokémon drew back. “Now, Bulk Up!” Poliwrath's body glowed red as it flexed its arms.
“Now it's even stronger.” Jen muttered. “Golbat! Stay clear of Poliwrath and use Air Cutter!” Golbat's bladed air current cut at Poliwrath, who was undeterred. “Keep that up! Don't let it...”
“Poliwrath, jump!” Golbat kept firing air currents, but Poliwrath bent its legs and leaped high into the air, reaching Golbat's height with astonishing ease. “Now, hit it with an Ice Punch!” Golbat was sent spiralling towards the ground by a glowing blue fist, and it struggled to re-establish itself in the air.
“Don't give up! Recover and get back in the air...higher this time!” Golbat flapped its wings as hard as it could, but it was falling too quickly.
“Poliwrath, use Mind Reader while you're falling!” Poliwrath's eyes glowed blue, and Golbat briefly glowed the same colour.
“I don't know what that means, but it can't be good! Use Air Cutter and try to knock Poliwrath down!” Golbat's wings sent even more air currents up at Poliwrath, but they lacked the power they had in normal flight.
“Okay! When you reach Golbat, hit it with Dynamic Punch!” Poliwrath kept falling, and readied its fist again, glowing red this time. Jen watched in fright as the fist connected, exploding on contact and sending a shockwave through the Gym. Poliwrath stood up and flexed, while Golbat chittered weakly, its battle over.
“Golbat is down! Poliwrath takes the round!” Jen recalled Golbat and shuddered. Poliwrath's power was terrifying.
“Good work, Golbat. Take a long rest.” With her hand shaking, she fumbled with the Pokéballs in her jacket pocket, and nearly dropped them. Once she'd recovered herself, she found the Pokéball she wanted and smiled. “It's gonna be hard to take down your Poliwrath, Chuck. But I think I have a way to do it.” She tossed the ball and revealed Elekid, who grinned mischievously. “Ready, Elekid?” The Electric-type swung his arm in a rapid circle, sparks flying from the prongs on his head. “I thought so. Let's get going!”
“Okay, the final bell is coming! Poliwrath, get in there and use Brick Break!”
“Elekid, Thunder Punch!” Elekid's attack slammed into Poliwrath's and drove the combatants backward. “Get back in there with another Thunder Punch!”
“Counterattack with Ice Punch, Poliwrath!” The next impact knocked Elekid away, and the Electric-type crash-landed with a volley of furious shouts. “Now, get after it and use Submission!” Before Elekid could recover, Poliwrath had grabbed him and began to roll along the ground. Jen saw what was happening and a thought struck her.
“Poliwrath can't dodge or counter while it's got a hold of you, Elekid! Blast it with ThunderShock!” Elekid let fly with a burst of electricity before Poliwrath let him go and tossed him back towards Jen. Poliwrath stood up, shaking from the attack and the recoil from Submission. “Okay, ThunderShock again!”
“Get close and use Ice Punch!” Poliwrath's strike knocked Elekid to the floor, but yellow sparks played across the frog's body. “Oh, boy. Looks like hitting Elekid over and over gave us a little Static overload.”
“Then we'll take advantage! Thunder Punch!” Elekid's strike hit Poliwrath square in the chest, and the frog doubled over from the impact. “Okay, hit it again!” Poliwrath struggled to get up as Elekid landed another heavy blow, and the Static sparks kept jumping off its body.
“Poliwrath, finish this! Dynamic Punch!” Poliwrath's fist glowed red, and it swung at Elekid...missing by inches.
“Thunder Punch!” Elekid wound up and slugged Poliwrath squarely between the eyes. The frog's eyes slammed shut, and it started to fall forward. “Quick! Get out of there before you get squashed!” Elekid jumped backward as Poliwrath's massive form thumped onto the floor. The Gym attendant waited for a few seconds, then raised an arm.
“Poliwrath is down! Elekid wins the round and the match, and Jennifer wins the Storm Badge!” Jen leaped into the air in triumph.
“We did it, Elekid!” The Electric Pokémon whirled his arm around, sending sparks everywhere. Chuck recalled Poliwrath and walked towards his victorious challengers.
“Well done, Jennifer. You fought hard and showed tremendous courage, and you've more than earned this badge.” He handed Jen a badge that looked like a rounded fist. Jen took it and smiled.
“Thanks, Chuck. That battle was the hardest one I've had so far.”
“Well, you passed with flying colours. You should be proud of the way you've raised your team.” As James walked over, Chuck turned towards him. “So you're next up, are you, son? I'm sure if you're half as tough as your friend, you'll be quite the challenger.”
“I hope so, Chuck. We never give less than our best, after all.” Chuck laughed, and the Gym Leader showed the pair out of the building.
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In a side hallway, the gym attendant looked around as if he was expecting someone to appear. Eventually, a middle-aged woman entered the foyer and walked towards him.
“So, how did he do?” the woman asked.
“The girl won the match, but it was a close-run thing.” The woman chuckled at the news.
“He'll have to work harder after that, then. It's been a while since he had a proper workout.” She nodded to the attendant, and they went their separate ways.