“Alright, Magmar, Fire Punch!” Jen and her team had been training since sunrise, determined to figure out a strategy to take out Pryce, and more specifically his Jynx. The Human Shape Pokémon had proven to be the Ice-type Leader's wild card, and Jen was determined not to get beaten the same way twice.
Elekid was working particularly hard, launching Brick Break and Shock Wave attacks in rapid succession, giving James' Elekid a workout. His early exit against Pryce's Dewgong had put his trainer in a difficult hole, and he felt like he needed to make up for his failure. James' Elekid occasionally matching attacks with his counterpart, working on his own moves at the same time. On the other side of the area, Magmar was throwing Fire Punches at Graveler, who winced every so often as the blows connected; he may have been resistant to fire attacks, but Magmar was improving her power so much that even a defensive stalwart like Graveler could feel the effects.
“Keep that up, Magmar!” Jen called as she watched her first Pokémon work. “Just like Typhlosion against Poliwrath! If we're gonna put Jynx off its game, we have to get up close and personal. Now that we know what it's capable of, we're ready this time.”
“You're adapting my rush tactics?” James asked as he walked over to her.
“Exactly. You were able to stop Poliwrath from powering up, and I'm going to stop Jynx from using Rain Dance or any of its ranged moves. It didn't look like it was up to a straight-up fight.”
“I'm guessing you're going with the same team as last time? I can't see you tossing Pichu in at the deep end, Golbat's too vulnerable to Ice moves, and Togetic's not...”
“Togetic might just participate today,” Jen cut him off. “She doesn't have the same variety of moves as Tentacruel, but she's more mobile, and her Magical Leaf can help take care of Dewgong, too.”
“She's a Flying-type, though. One good Ice hit and she might be done for.”
“She can handle it if she's needed. It's not like I'm just relying on Metronome this time.” As if to confirm this, Togetic flew over and gave Jen a cheerful squeal. “See? She's all set to go.”
“If you say so.” James answered, but he wasn't so sure.
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As they re-entered the Centre, they caught a fleeting glance of what James thought was a familiar face.
“Hey, Nurse Joy,” he said as he handed his Pokéballs across the counter, “did that trainer who just left have a Bulbasaur with him?”
“Strictly speaking, no,” Nurse Joy said, a confused look on her face. “He had a member of that family, but not a Bulbasaur specifically. Why do you ask?”
“A friend of mine has a Bulbasaur. That trainer might be him.”
“Well, I certainly hope it is. It's nice to meet familiar people along a journey like yours.” She motioned Typhlosion through a gap under the counter. “Your teams will be ready to go in a jiffy.”
“Thanks, Nurse Joy,” Jen said, and they headed for the common area. “So...d'you think that was Hunter?”
“Could be. We don't know anyone else with a Bulbasaur.”
“True enough.” They sat down at a table, and James slumped his head down on the table. “You alright?”
“Yeah, just tired. I didn't realize that travelling the way we have could be such a grind.”
“Well, don't be too tired. We still have to win two more badges each.”
“Right. Gotta concentrate on now.” A chime rang through the Centre, and both youngsters went to recover their team members and rest.
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The next morning, Jen was looking much more confident than she had the first time she'd entered the Gym. She had her plan in place, and she wasn't about to lose to Pryce again. The Gym Leader inclined his head as she entered the battlefield.
“Ah, you've returned. Excellent. I trust you remembered my advice from our last match?”
“Yes, I have. I'm not backing down from this challenge, no way!”
“Your spirit is commendable. But spirit alone does not win a battle. Shall we begin?” Jen nodded, and Pryce tossed out a Pokéball. “Dewgong, go!” The seal barked happily as it landed. Jen considered her choices, then grinned. “Alright, Elekid, you're up first!” Elekid spun his arms as he emerged, staring down Dewgong with vengeance in his eyes. Dewgong calmly gazed back, and Elekid looked even more agitated. “Relax! Start with Shock Wave!” Elekid fired the blue electrical discharge straight at Dewgong, who took it without blinking. “All right, try another one!”
“Aurora Beam!” Elekid's next shock was met by a rainbow energy blast, which smashed through the electricity and headed straight for him.
“Get out of the way!” Elekid dove aside, and the beam missed. “Okay, now use ThunderShock!”
“Ice Shard, Dewgong!” Dewgong formed a glowing ice crystal above its horn, and launched it at Elekid, catching it in the arm. Elekid's ThunderShock dissipated, and he spun his arms in frustration.
“Elekid, get a hold of yourself! You're still in this!” Elekid slowed his spinning, and Jen shook her head. “Let's get up close and personal! Brick Break!”
“Evade, Dewgong!” Dewgong shuffled away from the strike, and Elekid slammed his arm into the ground. Small cracks appeared in the icy battlefield surface. “Don't give up! Brick Break again!”
“Meet that attack with Headbutt!” Elekid's sparking arm caught Dewgong squarely between its eyes, and the extra momentum from its own attack left the seal looking a little dazed. “Dewgong! Recover quickly, then use another Aurora Beam!”
“Elekid, get clear!” Dewgong's next rainbow beam hit just behind Elekid, and he squared back up to his opponent. “Okay then, use Shock Wave!” Dewgong visibly shied back from this attack, and Jen grinned. “It's on the edge now, Elekid! Brick Break!”
“Aurora Beam!” Dewgong fired yet another frigid rainbow, but Elekid forced himself out of the way in midair and delivered another blow directly to the seal's head. Dewgong shuddered from the impact, then fell forward, its eyes glazing over.
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“That's the way, Elekid!” Jen cheered as Dewgong went down. Elekid grinned in response, sparks flying from his horns. “Okay, keep it together. We're not finished yet.”
“Nor are we,” said Pryce from across the room as he recalled Dewgong. “Your Elekid has grown stronger since our previous battle. But relying solely on Brick Break won't be enough to earn victory here.”
“I know that!” Jen looked at Elekid, then murmured under her breath. “It's not like he's got many more options...” Pryce nodded, as if he'd heard her, then tossed out his next Pokéball.
“Jynx, let's go!” The Human Shape Pokémon swayed back and forth, nearly lulling Jen into imitating her before she shook her head and recalled Elekid.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“Can't let them rattle me,” she murmured, taking out her next Pokéball. “Magmar, get out there!” Magmar stared down her opponent and spat a few embers in the process. Jynx merely gazed at her. “Okay, Magmar, just like we practiced! Get in close and use Fire Punch!” Magmar ran at Jynx, her fist catching fire.
“Rain Dance!” Jynx began waving her arms, but Magmar caught her full in the face with the attack, and she shied away in pain. “Stand firm and try again!”
“Fire Punch again!” The next fiery jab his Jynx's shoulder, and the Ice-type squared up to Magmar, all pretence at serenity forgotten.
“That's it, Jynx! Attack back with Ice Punch!” Jynx's right hand glowed blue, and she swung at Magmar's side. Magmar sidestepped the attack, and threw another Fire Punch, which singed Jynx's hair.
“Keep it up! Don't let it out!” Magmar kept throwing flaming jabs at Jynx, who tried in vain to counter with Ice Punches.
“So that's her game. Turn this into a boxing match. But we won't fall for it! Jynx, DoubleSlap!” Jynx ducked under another Fire Punch and began slapping Magmar in the face. Magmar stepped back from the attack, and Pryce smiled. “Now for it! Rain Dance!” Jynx, however, didn't respond, instead readying another Ice Punch. “What are you doing? You need to force Magmar back!”
“Looks like Jynx is mad at Magmar,” Jen said with a grin. “Magmar, use that to your advantage! Smog!” As Jynx rushed forward, Magmar blasted the area with her thick, grey smoke, causing Jynx to back off in surprise. “Now, get in close and deliver another Fire Punch!” Pryce gave Jynx an annoyed look.
“If it's a direct fight you want, we'll give it to you. Body Slam!” Jynx stepped back, then launched herself straight at Magmar. Magmar's fist connected again, and Jynx fell to what looked like one knee, though Jen couldn't tell.
“It's tired, Magmar! Time to finish this! Flamethrower!”
“Water Pulse! Drown that attack!” Jynx began forming a shimmering water orb, but Magmar's Flamethrower smashed directly into her midsection, sending her flying back. “Jynx!” Jynx struggled to her feet, but then swayed on the spot, pitched forward, and didn't get up again.
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“Way to go, Magmar!” Magmar blew a puff of fire in triumph. “We've only got to beat Piloswine, and we've won!” Pryce simply smiled.
“Don't claim victory just yet, young one. You have seen my Piloswine in action, so you know what to expect. But it is still prepared to turn this battle around.”
“We're ready for anything, Pryce! Let's do this!”
“Very well. Piloswine, go!” The brown-furred boar landed with a thud, its snout quivering as it tried to locate Magmar. Magmar simply blew more fire in challenge. “Your move, young one.”
“Magmar, Flamethrower!” A stream of flames exploded across the battlefield towards Piloswine, who simply awaited Pryce's command.
“Piloswine, to your left.” The boar darted to the side, avoiding the flames. “Now, Mud-Slap!” A glob of thick mud materialized below one of Piloswine's paws, and it threw the glob at Magmar, who sidestepped it easily.
“Smog, Magmar!” This time, Magmar created a cloud of grey smoke, which hovered towards her opponent. Piloswine simply stepped aside again, and Pryce grinned.
“Now, Take Down!” Piloswine charged across the battlefield, gaining surprising purchase on the icy surface. The attack surprised Magmar, and she was knocked backward by the strike.
“Don't give in, Magmar! Fire Punch!” Magmar tried to hit back, but Piloswine stepped away again, and the burning jab only hit the floor. “Quick! Another Fire Punch!”
“Dodge, Piloswine.” Piloswine jumped away, and Magmar swung and missed again. “Now, turn to face, then use Take Down once more.”
“Magmar, counter with Flamethrower!” Magmar blew a stream of fire at Piloswine, but the attack only grazed the top of its body. The boar rushed Magmar and smashed hard into her midsection, and she collapsed to the floor. “Can you keep going?” Magmar struggled to push herself up, but she fell back down, overcome by Piloswine's strength.
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“That Piloswine is something else,” James murmured as Jen recalled Magmar. “Even with a major disadvantage, its speed and power are more than you'd think it could handle. Jen had better have picked the right team today...”
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“Elekid, go!” Elekid spun his arms as he re-emerged, glaring at Piloswine. “Remember, no electricity! We've got to get up close and personal!” Elekid looked at Jen, then nodded. “I knew you'd be up for it. Brick Break!”
“Take Down, Piloswine!” Elekid reared back for a strike, but the Take Down knocked him away before he could land the hit. “Now, Mud-Slap!”
“Brick Break again!” Elekid dove in for another attack, but missed, slamming the floor. More cracks appeared in the icy surface. “Keep it up!” Unfortunately, Piloswine's Mud-Slap caught Elekid full in the face, and he angrily tried to wipe the goop from his eyes.
“Icy Wind.” Piloswine generated a frigid air current and blew it towards Elekid. The Electric Pokémon looked visibly chilled from the attack.
“Hang on, Elekid! Another Brick Break!” Another miss, and another impact with the ground. Chunks of battlefield began to fly up from the attack. “Elekid, get a grip! You can't keep...” Jen stopped as she looked at Piloswine. “Wait a minute. If we can break up the field, Piloswine might have to slow down. Elekid! Keep using Brick Break on the ground!”
“Not so fast! Icy Wind!” The chilling wind caused Elekid to shrink back, but he dutifully continued to slam his arm down onto the floor, and the field kept turning to rubble. “Finish it off, Piloswine! Take Down!” Piloswine rushed at Elekid, who swung one more attack at the boar before he was thrown back. The attack hit home this time, and Piloswine shuddered from the damage and the recoil, while Elekid crashed down at Jen's feet, defeated. Jen recalled Elekid with a deep sigh.
“Thanks, Elekid. You battled hard today.” She looked at the battlefield, then at Piloswine. “I really hope this is the right pick.” She tossed out her final Pokéball. “Togetic, let's go!”
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“So she is going with Togetic,” James said, and Typhlosion growled. “Jen knows what she's doing, pal, but I'm not convinced. Togetic doesn't have much of a battle record, and she doesn't have a lot that can take out Piloswine. She's going to have to work hard for this one.”
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“Togetic, you can win this! Start with Charm!” Togetic gave Piloswine a cheery look, and the boar looked a little more relaxed. “Okay, up!”
“Piloswine, Icy Wind!” Piloswine released another chilling wind burst, but Togetic flew so high that she nearly touched the ceiling, and the wind didn't reach her.
“Magical Leaf!” A flurry of rainbow-coloured leaves shot towards Piloswine, who simply took the attack. “Alright, try another!”
“Icy Wind!” The next set of leaves froze in mid-flight, falling to the ground and shattering harmlessly. “Now, Stone Edge!” Piloswine sent a barrage of pointed rocks at Togetic, who began dodging frantically.
“Calm down, Togetic! Fly a little lower!” Togetic obeyed, and dropped a few yards in the air. “Now, use Metronome!” Pryce looked confused as Togetic began waggling an arm back and forth. There was a brief pause, then Togetic unleashed a flash of light that caused everyone in the gym to shield their eyes.
“It looks like your Metronome produced quite the Flash,” Pryce said as he moved his hand from his eyes. “But it won't help you. Icy Wind!” Piloswine released more cold air, but the attack missed its mark.
“Okay, Togetic, Magical Leaf again!”
“Stone Edge!” As the leaves cut at Piloswine, it fired more stones at Togetic, who wasn't ready and was struck full-on. Togetic fell to the floor, and struggled to get back to her feet. “Now, Take Down!” Piloswine began rushing at Togetic, but tripped on the weakened battlefield. “No! Get up quickly!”
“Togetic, back in the air!” The Happiness Pokémon floated back up as Piloswine found its feet, and the two opponents eyed each other. “Okay, that Stone Edge is nasty. We can't get hit that hard again.” Jen looked at the loose battlefield. “But maybe we can use the field to our advantage. Togetic, Headbutt! Attack head-on!”
“Piloswine, intercept with Take Down!” As Togetic aimed her attack, Piloswine began running towards her...and tripped again. “Again?”
“Pull up, Togetic!” Togetic floated a little higher as Piloswine slid to a halt, working hard to regain its footing. “Now, full power Magical Leaf, go!” The glowing leaves hammered into Piloswine's body, and the attack drove Piloswine's head down.
“Piloswine! Can you continue?” Piloswine pushed itself onto its feet and faced Togetic. A moment later, its legs gave out, and it slumped to the floor, overwhelmed by the super-effective attack. Pryce watched for another moment, then he nodded. “It looks like you have defeated Piloswine, young one.”
“I have? Yes!” Jen leaped into the air, and hugged Togetic as she floated over. “Togetic, you were awesome! I knew you were the right pick for today!”
“She certainly was. You took the sting of defeat and turned it into a victory. Well done indeed.” Pryce handed her a small hexagon with lines resembling a snowflake. “I present you with the Glacier Badge, the official token of victory at the Mahogany Gym.”
“Thanks, Pryce. You weren't easy to beat, and I learned a lot from it.”
“And I from you. I look forward to your friend's challenge in due time.” Jen turned towards the door, and met James in the gym's lobby.
“Way to go, Jen. I got it wrong, Togetic really came through.”
“She did,” Jen answered, smiling. “But Elekid breaking up the field let her stay out of too much danger. It really was a team effort.” As they approached the Pokémon Centre, she turned to James. “So, you're up next, huh? You'll probably find it easier than I did.”
“Maybe. Pryce knows how to counter a lot of strategies, though, so I'm not gonna be overconfident again.” They reached the doors, and they slid open, revealing a surprised, and familiar, face.
“Hey, guys,” Hunter said. “I guess I finally caught up to you.”