So, I thought my time spent with Team Rocket in the desert was the most ridiculous thing I'd experience around Veilstone City, but what's actually happening inside the city takes the cake.

It's an absolute shitshow around here.

And, it has nothing to do with Team Galactic, or Galactic Energy, even if their giant corporate headquarters looms over the whole city.

"You!" a karate man with a brown belt tied around his waist shouts at me. "You look like a strong trainer. Come battle the Veilstone Gym! If you're able to defeat our wise and powerful leader, you can earn an authentic Cobble Badge, which is needed to challenge the Pokémon league!"

The badge the man holds out between his thumb and index finger looks like the real deal. It's the gym that's the issue. The building behind him looks like someone's house. It has a hastily constructed dirt battlefield, but the ones at the Pokémon Center are better than this.

"I'm going shopping, but I'll think about it," I lie, speedwalking away from the man, who immediately goes to accost the next trainer he sees. This has happened to me multiple other times, as well.

Veilstone City is having a full on crisis with its gym. Lucas and Ursula have been in the city longer than me, and they were happy to give me the rundown of what the heck has been going on here.

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You know Maylene is the gym leader in this city, even though she's only been in the role for a few months now, right?" Lucas tells me.

"Yeah, I've heard," I reply. "Apparently, she's also younger than us, and has hair pinker than Ursula. Are people holding her age against her? Thinking she's unqualified?"

"No one has hair pinker than me," Ursula replies snidely, tossing one of her pigtails for emphasis. "That might have been the issue at the start, but it's been confirmed, because Maylene has been losing matches left and right."

Part of me wants an easy win, after my ill-fated last gym battle, but part of me also wants a challenge. Because that's the whole point of a gym! "So, people are expecting instant success, and getting mad when they aren't getting it? You gotta give Maylene time to grow into the position, no?"

We've chosen a booth to sit at in the Pokémon Center, and Lucas gestures out the window. "You're thinking like a rational person. Veilstone is a proud, stubborn city. It's said the people and Pokémon who founded it broke down a mountain and made it hospitable with their bare hands, determination, and strength."

It certainly sounds like a city that would make their gym a Fighting-type one. Ursula makes a rolling motion with her hands.

"It's like a snowball effect," she explains. "Every loss chips away at Maylene's confidence, and I don't think she's as good at hiding it as I was. And it's like a gut punch to every Fighting-type specialist in the city, seeing their gym being shamed."

"They all figured that they could do much better, and that includes former gym trainers who studied under the old gym leader," Lucas continues. "That's why all these random gyms have popped up. They took authentic badges with them as well."

"Cynthia can't flex her champion muscles and do something about this?" I ask, to which Ursula shakes her head.

"Hardly anyone is going to follow Maylene until her performance gets much better, Champion's backing or not" she says. "The last few battles have been terrible. She got absolutely smashed by two trainers, one with a Dragonite, and one with an Alakazam. Those were the only Pokémon they used, and they wiped out her whole team without breaking a sweat."

"I know there's no shame in that." Lucas takes the words out of my mouth. "But the last battle Maylene took was against a local boy who had come back home, and he destroyed her with a Murkrow, of all things. Then he called her an embarrassment and a disgrace to the city as well as the weakest gym leader to ever hold that title. That was a few days ago, and was the final straw, I think. No ones even seen Maylene since."

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With all that in mind, I really don't know what to expect as I make my way to the official gym, the one that looks the part. If Maylene is really so distraught that she can't bring herself to battle, or if her confidence is so shattered that she's not much of an opponent, maybe I will say yes to one of these karate guys, and get my badge there. I'm not interested in kicking a Lillipup when it's down.

The gym doesn't have the flamboyance of Fantina's contest inspired one, or the natural wilderness look of Roark's or Gardenia's. It's very minimalist. It looks like any basic fighting dojo would.

There is a small crowd at the front, most of them martial artists, shouting challenges to Maylene from outside the gym's walls, or insulting her for being weak. One young man, with his purple hair tied up in a ponytail, stands a short distance away, shaking his head at the scene.

Perhaps he can tell me something. He's wearing the green apron that licensed Pokémon breeders do, which makes me wonder why he's here. All Pokémon breeders need to know how to battle, because that is a huge part of raising certain Pokémon. Maybe he has an agreement with the gym involving that.

I go over and say hello. "Are you confused by all of this as well, or is it just me?"

He seems amused by the question. "No, this tension has been going on for a while. It's only recently that it has exploded into this," he gestures at the rabble in front of us, "and I'm quite familiar with when that happened as well."

"You must be a local then," I infer. "I'm Luna, by the way. Nice to meet you."

"Reginald, but everyone calls me Reggie," the man introduces himself. "I assume you're here to set up a time for a gym battle. Maylene's not in right now. I am surprised you came here, considering you can get a gym battle anywhere these days." There's something in Reggie's voice as he says that which makes me think he's looking for a particular answer.

And from the way he's scrutinizing me. I get the feeling he's pretty familiar with the gym leader; for good reason, because I recognize his name.

"Reggie… you're that famous Pokémon breeder, aren't you? They mentioned to you when I was in Solaceon Town that if I needed some Pokémon expertise, I should look for you."

He doesn't seem embarrassed at all by his minor celebrity. "That was very nice of them, considering they're the best we have in Sinnoh. I cut my teeth in Solaceon Town when I changed careers, actually."

He's kinda young to be having a midlife crisis, and changing careers, isn't he? I'd put him somewhere between seventeen and twenty. Unless he really hated what he was doing in the first place. "To answer your question, I came here wanting to battle Maylene. I thought it was kinda inspiring and impressive, since she's even younger than me, and already a gym leader. But that was before," I wave my hand around. "All of this."

Not to mention, that's what I've been preparing for, and I'd like for all of that not to go to waste.

Reggie's rubbing the stubble on his chin like he's intrigued. "If that's the case, I might be able to help you. Emphasis on the might. Why don't you come over to my place, and we can discuss things?"

It seems that Reggie has some pull within the city, with how good his reputation is. He gives me his address, and after assuring me that my friends can tag along, we part ways.

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When we do go to his house later, it quickly becomes clear that Reggie has a really impressive set up, here on the outskirts of the city. His big ranch has a much larger variety of environments than the flat farmland that Solaceon Town has to offer, but his operation is much smaller and more concentrated.

He's got a few people working for him, who look like they're doing stuff like health checkups, work on the grounds, and playing with some younger Pokémon. The one-on-one tutoring is all being done by what seems to be Reggie's Pokémon.

I catch a glimpse of a powerful looking Drapion, a floating Glalie, and an elegant Lopunny working with other Pokémon. A large Staraptor appears in front of us, and after we tell it we're here to see Reggie, takes us to his house on the property, though it does keep a watchful eye on us the whole while.

"Welcome," the Pokémon breeder greets us, when we reach his not so humble abode. Dude has some cash to burn, considering his house is more like a country mansion. He's set out a bunch of finger food for us, so we settle into his plush couches and help ourselves.

"It seems like you know where Maylene is, Reggie." I get straight to the business at hand between mouthfuls of fruit.

"She's here on the property," Reggie says, popping half an Oran Berry into his mouth and swallowing it before continuing. "I was going to have Staraptor fetch her, if we could come to a consensus."

"Not that you're an important figure in this town, but why would she come here of all places?" Lucas asks, taking his second helping.

"Well, there's a few reasons. One, it's because I have experience with a bad loss. Two, because she's having an even worse issue than all the Fighting-type experts in the city turning their backs on her. And three, but don't tell her I said this, I offered because I felt bad, because I might be indirectly responsible for all of this."

The three of us wait for the pin to drop, because we really don't know what could be worse than the situation with the gym, or what Reggie has to do with it. He's happy to enlighten us on the second issue. "Maylene's most trusted partner Pokémon, Lucario, has stopped listening to her."

"All those bad losses she's been suffering have made Lucario lose trust in her," Ursula commiserates, considering she's had her share of experience with a disobedient Pokémon.

"It's even worse than normal with a Lucario," Reggie adds. "She's had this Pokémon for years, evolved it from a Riolu. That takes an incredibly strong connection. I don't believe it's truly broken, though. I think if Maylene get's her groove and her confidence back, she'll regain the trust of Lucario and be a gym leader the city can be extremely proud of."

"I assume you want me to be the person who battles her next, since you invited me here," I say, scratching my head. "I mean, I guess I can let Maylene win the match." Ursula chuckles, no doubt remembering my plan to sabotage myself during the contest battle between us. "I've tried to do it before."

Reggie shakes his head. "That wouldn't work, because Lucario can sense your intentions. Losing on purpose might even make everything worse."

Well, this is certainly a pickle. I think we need more to go off of. "What did you mean by you being responsible for this?"

Ursula chimes in before Reggie can respond. "And what was that about having suffered a loss? It looked to me that you were a massive winner."

I glance at her. "Where'd you get that impression?"

Lucas points back the way we came. "He has a big trophy room on the left. You didn't see it?"

No? Reggie brushes off crumbs from his apron, standing up. "I suppose a tour will help answer both questions. I'll show you what I used to be."

As soon as we enter Reggie's trophy room, I can't help but let out a loud whistle. Because the mantle and shelves and walls are packed to the brim.

I'm talking framed badge cases, plaques, trophies, pictures taken after victories, newspaper clippings, the whole lot. It's enough for a lifetime, despite Reggie's age. He has fifty-four badges! That's six whole regions worth, and some extra to spare!

Who is this guy? Reggie is looking on with a strange sense of nostalgia about him. "As you can tell, I used to be a pretty accomplished trainer, once upon a time."

He's selling himself extremely short, I'd say. Ursula bumps me with her shoulder, directing my attention to one set of badges in particular. "That one's incomplete."

When I narrow my eyes and focus on it, I see she's right. It's a set of gold symbols, the ones that I thought were extras. There are seven indents. And only six pieces. The seventh is missing.

Reggie's a bit too casual when he speaks up. "Those are from the Battle Frontier, the one between Hoenn and Kanto. I, uh, never got the Brave Symbol."

I know it might be a bit rude, but I'm starting to understand. "You lost that battle and quit being a trainer? Seriously?" Lucas and Ursula turn sharply to look at Reggie at my question.

The former superstar has a tired smile that does a poor job of concealing his hurt. He can't even bring himself to tell us the story, and changes the subject instead. "Ah. Maylene's going that way, I'm afraid, if we don't find a way to turn things around."

None of us push him to expand on what's clearly still a painful memory for him, but I can't help but wonder. What happened in that battle to completely crush his spirit and end his run as a trainer? Even after such a successful career change, it seems like something is a little broken inside Reggie.

"I suppose that's the final reason you have a personal investment in this," Lucas says with finality, nodding his head to a few family photos behind us. Reggie is there, with his two parents, hair just as purple as his, and a younger brother, that's hard to forget.

"Paul's your brother?" I can't help myself. "But you're so-" Luckily, I catch the next word on my tongue before I insult them both.

Ursula doesn't have such compunctions. "Nice?" she suggests.

I glare at her. "What?" she says, crossing her arms. "We were all thinking it." A case of the pot calling the kettle black, I suppose.

"Paul has a Murkrow, doesn't he? Was he the last trainer to beat Maylene, and then call her all those things?" Lucas asks, to which Reggie hangs his head.

"Yes," he groans. "That was Paul. He's always had a mean streak, but it's only intensified once he saw what has become of me. I coached him up for the battle, because I wanted to see him do well. He did, and he destroyed Maylene completely. And it could have been so much worse, too."

I don't know what that means, but I don't ask for more information. "You're not responsible for your brother's actions," I tell him. "But I need to talk to Maylene first, because I don't have any ideas right now, considering the whole 'lose on purpose' plan isn't going to work."

"That's fair," he replies before grinning. "You know, I have to come clean too. Paul told me your name as the trainer who beat him in the Hearthome tournament, and him even acknowledging you is very high praise. I'll pay you back for this, don't worry."

Now, Reggie's talking. As our host opens a window to tell his Staraptor to go find Maylene and bring her here, I rub my hands together. "Was that your Glalie out there? If you were such a great trainer, it must know some pretty powerful Ice-type moves. As it happens, I'm in the market for one."

I can tell Reggie loves his brother, despite how prickly Paul is, and if Paul considers me a rival, or at least someone he wants to beat, I doubt he'll help me too much. Blizzard might be a bridge too far, but could he teach Glaceon Ice Beam? We head back to the living room to wait for the Veilstone Gym Leader's arrival.

He has something different in mind when we sit down again. "You're headed to Pastoria after this, aren't you? To battle Crasher Wake?"

"Yeah, and Ursula here is participating in the Wallace Cup, too. We're going to loop back to Hearthome after. I still have unfinished business there."

Reggie nods in understanding. "Crasher Wake is one of the most difficult gym leaders to battle, you know. He understands the weaknesses of Water-types extremely well, and covers them expertly. Trainer's going in expecting to win because they have Grass and Electric-types are in for a rude awakening."

I remember Crasher Wake specifically having a Gyarados and a Quagsire, back in the games, so I believe what Reggie's saying.

"But, there is one move, that's exclusive to Ice-types, which would give you a huge advantage. It reverses the resistance that Water-types have against Ice by rapidly cooling them. And, I know for a fact that your Glaceon is one of the few Pokémon that can learn it. Any ideas on what it's called?"

Ursula is as stumped as I am. It sounds too good to be true. When I turn to Lucas, it seems that he knows what Reggie is speaking about. "Is it Freeze-Dry?"

"That's the one!" Reggie praises his knowledge. "So, what do you say? I usually charge handsomely for this, but I'll help your Glaceon learn Freeze-Dry in exchange for helping Maylene get her confidence back, and being her next opponent."

This isn't even a trade, to be honest. It's highway robbery. I extend my hand before Reggie can change his mind.

Lucas has a different view. "Isn't that a lot to be putting on Glaceon's plate?" he asks me concernedly. "Some type of Ice-based weather move, Shadow Ball, and now Freeze Dry? All at once?"

I try not to dismiss him too rudely. "No, I think she can handle it. Besides, I need her to be occupied, because Glaceon likely won't be making an appearance in this upcoming gym battle."

He doesn't say anything more, because in lieu of the doorbell ringing, we hear Staraptors's screech, and that's the signal for Reggie to welcome in his fourth visitor of the day.

Maylene looks much like many of the Fighting-type experts I've seen. She's barefoot, for one. She's also wearing something that you would when you were working out; in her case, a pair of sweatpants and tank top. While she's not completely ripped like Bruno or Marshall, Maylene is all wiry muscle. Her body fat percentage is probably insanely low. She's also as young as advertised.

But what stands out is how miserable she looks. Even as Maylene walks into the room and slumps into a chair with a mumbled greeting, her posture is terrible, there are dark circles around her eyes like she hasn't been sleeping, and she doesn't take a thing to eat when Reggie offers, even though she must work out a ton and consume a lot of food as a result.

Worst of all, though, is that the Lucario following her refuses to even look at its trainer, even for a second. Maylene tries and fails to catch its eye multiple times, and I think each failure is another bodyblow for her.

This is not gonna be easy. Thankfully, Reggie is the first to try and speak to her about the situation. "So Maylene, I know you needed some time in between your last gym battle and the next one, but I think when you are ready, I've found a suitable opponent. This is Luna."

Reggie gestures to me and I wave, trying not to look intimidating, but Maylene doesn't lift her eyes from staring at the ground. "Or we could take a page out of Volkner's book and just give her the badge, because we already can predict what the outcome is going to be," she says morosely.

A growl rips from Lucario's throat and it throws a closed fist straight at Maylene. It's so unexpected that none of us have a chance to warn her, but she doesn't need any. Maylene catches the fist with an open palm at the last second, muscles straining because Lucario had thrown that punch with bad intentions in mind.

This girl really needs some help. Her own Pokémon are attacking her! It's not healthy at all. I decide to take a different angle. "So, how did you become a gym leader at such a young age?"

When Maylene doesn't answer, Reggie does for her. "It's an old tradition, dating back to the actions of the first gym leader, actually. The first gym leader took a bunch of disciplines under his wing, and when he decided to retire, he chose one of them to be his successor. Maylene can trace her training all the way back to the original gym leader, actually."

That's really good, but also really confusing. If Maylene has that sort of legitimacy, being chosen by the previous leader, then why did all of her fellow pupils turn their backs on her? Ursula poses another question to Maylene. "Was there a traditional ceremony and everything, where you officially took the mantle?"

The gym leader finally answers us, though she still won't look anyone in the eye. "No, actually. It was odd. Master Yasu came in one day, announced he was retiring, and that I would be his successor." She thinks back to that time. "It was kinda funny at the time. No one thought he was being serious, because he usually isn't."

We all exchange glances. Now we're getting somewhere. If people thought Maylene's appointment was a joke, then it makes sense why they were so quick to leave her behind.

"And throughout all of this, what has Gym Leader Yasu been doing?" Lucas asks carefully.

Maylene shrugs. "He told us not to bother him, so we didn't. We respect him too much to go against his wishes."

It's also a convenient excuse for anyone who's trying to be gym leader, not to go visit their former master and be told that they aren't suitable for the position. After all, if the man isn't saying anything, then their previous words are all one can go by. "Who's the most qualified or respected of the former gym trainers, after Maylene, that people are gravitating to as the next gym leader, Reggie?"

"That would be Jackie," he informs me. "She's several years older than Maylene, an an excellent battler. Actually, many of the pop-up gym leaders have challenged Maylene to a battle, with the stakes being the true title of Veilstone Gym Leader, actually, Jackie being one of them."

Everyone but Maylene sees where I'm headed with this. "But it works in reverse, too, doesn't it? If Maylene can beat them, then they'd have to give up their claim."

I jump as Maylene stands up straight, staring at me with wide eyes. "I can't face Jackie! She's so much better and deserving of the title than me! Especially not now!"

"Don't worry," I try to soothe her, changing the subject. "Where is Master Yasu now, anyways?"

When I pose the question, Maylene winces. She may not want to bother him, but I sure as heck do. A conversation with the previous gym leader, and him telling Maylene that he chose her because of her hardwork and talent and potential, might be the rope that lifts her out of the well she's sunk in. "He's not on Mt. Coronet, training his body to resist the elements or something, is he?"

"Umm… Not exactly…" Maylene hedges.

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Veilstone Game Corner

"Here? Really?" I can't stop my voice from going higher and higher.

Maylene and I have come here alone, though Lucario tagged along without saying anything, but she still can't stop defending her sensei. "Master Yasu deserves time off," she says embarrassedly. "He's been working and training hard all his life."

Yeah, and all that hard work is going down the drain, if he doesn't get his head out of the slot machines. The security guards at the gate greet Maylene awkwardly, and let her, me, and Lucario in.

I will admit, I have been into my fair share of casinos and while this one isn't exactly the stupidly over-the-top ones they have in Vegas, it is pretty good. The walls are lined with slot machines, there are spinning roulette wheels, card dealers waiting to take your money in an assortment of games, and even betting on Pokémon matches.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

The headliner is a match between Cynthia and Aaron of the Elite Four, coming up sometime after the Wallace Cup. I was prepared to lie about my age and put everything I had on Cynthia, but then I was told trainers can't bet on Pokémon battles, because of competitive integrity. Whatever that means.

Maylene steers me away from all of the distractions to her sensei. I would have picked him out easily enough, because he's still barefoot, and he's tied the blue silk bathrobe he's wearing with one of his black belts. He does look above fifty, with his gray beard and his shiny bald head, but he's still clearly in amazing shape.

Despite his orders not to be disturbed, Master Yasu seems delighted to see his protege and successor. "Well, well! If it isn't little Maylene, coming to play with the big boys! Glad to see you, squirt. Gym got you burnt out already?!" He guffaws loudly and slaps his thigh. The Medicham behind him couldn't look more embarrassed.

The current gym leader bows deeply and formally to the previous one. "Not exactly, Master Yasu. The gym isn't, um, exactly doing well. Most of your other students have left, and opened their own gyms, actually. I'm in dire need of your counsel."

"You came to the wrong place," he says, taking a sip from his straw, palming a bowl of what looks like berry juice. "I'm not a gym leader, or a martial arts master anymore. I can't tell what my students they should or shouldn't do anymore. I'm just a rambling, gambling dude!"

I seriously want to facepalm. Dude, retiring from your position doesn't mean you bury your head in the sand and absolve yourself of all responsibility for the mess you've made! People in this city still look at you as a figurehead!

Maylene looks distraught, but Medicham seems defeated, instead, at its trainer's words. There has to be a way to get what we need from Master Yasu. And if he's such an avid gambler, he shouldn't be able to resist this.

I pull out a few bills and smack them down on his roulette table, leaning over it. "How's about I fund your next few games, in exchange for answering a few questions."

Master Yasu eyes the money hungrily. "You drive a convincing bargain, stranger. Ask away."

For once, the prospect of giving away money means I don't beat around the bush with my questions. "Why'd you appoint Maylene as your successor as gym leader?"

He takes a note from me before replying. "Well, why not? It was hilarious! You should have seen everybody's reaction. They had no idea what to think!"

That is not why either Maylene or I wanted to hear! "But you'd thought she'd do a good job, right?" I press him. "You saw something in her, potential, or talent, or whatever, that made you select her as opposed to anyone else under your purview."

I reluctantly hand over another bill when Yasu makes a gesture with his hand. "I mean, sure! I saw a lot of potential in Maylene when I first took her on as my disciple, all those years ago. I figured she'd do fine as gym leader. But so would any number of my students."

Ughhhhhh. I don't even want to look at Maylene at this point. Sliding over another bill, I try a different approach. "Have you even been outside this casino for any extended period of time?"

"The food here is amazing!" he tells me proudly. "The wings are the best in all of Sinnoh. I even own my own private suite in the hotel over there." Yasu waves his arm behind him vaguely. "What do I need to go to the city for?"

"All I have is a couple more questions, then," I say, surprising myself with my calmness. "You have no idea what's going on here in Veilstone, do you?"

"Nooooo?" The former gym leader drags the word out into a question of his own. He tries to squeeze one last bill for himself from under my palm, but I put all my weight on it, making sure he can't. Yasu looks up at me, confused. "Why would I?"

"Because," I start, lacing my voice with venom. "The Veilstone Gym is a complete and utter embarrassment. " I ignore the flinch from Maylene next to me and continue, seeing a stunned look on Yasu's face.

Apparently, the old gym leader still has a little fight left in him, as his expression turns to anger. "What are you talking about? We've had Fighting-type experts from all over the world come to the gym to train, from the Karate King, to Bruno of the Elite Four, to Bea of Galar! It is the oldest and most well-respected gym in Sinnoh!"

"Was," I correct him. "It was. All that prestige and legacy has gone down the drain, funnily enough. All your students have left, to try and open up their own gyms, because they cannot bear the shame of what's happening at your old one. People are winning matches there constantly, and now this gym is easily the worst in all of Sinnoh."

I lean in to really drive home the point. "And you know what the worst part is? Maylene has to shoulder all the blame and ridicule, but you're the one who's at fault. You made a mockery of her appointment. You haven't taken any steps to rectify the situation. And now, you still won't get off your ass when your student is begging for a little bit of support. So, I have one last question before I'm out of here. Are you ok with this?"

He opens his mouth, but no words come out. "I wasn't asking you, anyways," I tell him, staring Medicham in the face. Yasu's Pokémon doesn't waste any time shaking its head no. "That's what I thought." I give him a mocking bow, an imitation of the one Maylene had given him earlier. "Pleasure to meet you," though we all know that it was anything but.

As soon as we're out of the game corner, though, I issue Maylene a proper apology. "I'm sorry for talking to him like that. I know he's your master and everything, but he had me so frustrated back there. I mean, he literally threw you in the deep end, without a life vest, and then pushed your head underwater. I don't think there was any way you actually could have succeeded as the next gym leader."

After a deep breath and sigh, I continue. "I really thought that coming to speak with him would help your confidence, but I don't think it helped at all. You don't have to go through with this duel, if you aren't up for it."

"Those statements aren't a hundred-percent accurate," Maylene refutes after we walk in silence for a bit. "There was one way that this could have all worked out. And that was if I performed as a trainer."

She holds up her hand, so I bite my tongue and let her continue. "Even if I wasn't prepared to become a gym leader, I'm still a trainer. Battling is second nature to me, and I couldn't even do that. I bear some responsibility in all of this."

"Also," Maylene continues. "Gambling is an addiction that warps the mind, as much as drugs or alcohol or anything else. I think Master Yasu still craves competition, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, and that has driven him to gamble. Even the strongest of men can suffer, it would seem."

You know, even if Yasu appointed Maylene because he was trying to be funny, I think he made a great choice. I can really see Maylene becoming a great gym leader, because she has the drive, the compassion, and everything else you need to succeed in that role.

"Fine," I concede. "Seventy-nine percent of the blame goes to him. Six percent to you."

She raises an eyebrow amusedly. "And the last fifteen percent goes to who?"

"They're right behind you, actually."

She turns and sees who I'm referring to. Lucario's hackles rise at the slight. But again, I'm not really intimidated. As an outsider commenting, I'm just telling it like it is. "I don't know if it's your ego or your pride, but you have not been helpful at all during all of this. Maylene's confidence was so down, and you didn't offer any support. You attacked her and cut yourself off when she needed you the most! That's not the way for a Pokémon so closely bonded with a trainer to act."

I can't read the Fighting-type's expression. It's like Lucario is cut from stone. "Will you battle with Maylene in the upcoming duel for the gym leader title coming up?"

It doesn't respond. "Yes or no," I press, and then I finally get an answer. Lucario turns its head to the side and closes its eyes in a clear refusal.

Well. I tried.

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Like most of these hastily constructed gyms, the one that we're challenging is in a regular building. Ironically, this one's in an actual gym. You know, the one where you go to work out.

Reggie and Lucas and Ursula are already here. They can probably tell by my face how our disastrous visit with Master Yasu went, but they ask Maylene if she wants to go through with this anyways.

"Yes," she says firmly. "For myself, and for my Pokémon, I need to take this challenge. And if I lose, I can't think of a better person than Jackie to take the title of gym leader."

I suppose that's that. I was expecting a bunch of weights and machines to greet me when we entered, but instead it's a bunch of roped off mats, punching bags, and people sparring. Most of the noise quiets down as soon as people see Maylene enter, though no one offers her a friendly greeting.

Someone does come up and loom over her, wearing a cut off hoodie that shows off their arm muscles, and bright boxing shorts. I assume this is Jackie, the person who everyone thinks should be the gym leader. It would seem the gym attracts martial artists of all disciplines, lending credence to the prestige that Master Yasu was so proud of.

"You actually came," she says, sounding surprised. "It's a shame that the moment you finally start to act like a proper gym leader, you're going to lose that title."

"We'll see," Maylene says coolly. We're led to a giant raised square arena in the center of the floor, where Jackie and Maylene climb over the ropes inside, we congregate on Maylene's corner, while Jackie's subordinates cluster around her corner.

The gym leader starts wrapping her fists with tape as if she's going to be the one fighting. Reggie adds to the whole feel of the situation, offering her some water.

She chugs the whole bottle and throws it aside before pounding her fists together. Both challengers turn around to face one another.

"We go until one of us submits," Jackie says simply. We all look to Reggie for an explanation.

"It's the way things were done in the old days," Reggie tells us with a wry grin. "No rules, anything goes, until one side says no more."

"A bit barbaric, isn't it?" Ursula asks rhetorically, as both trainers send out their first Pokémon.

"Go, Mienfoo!"

"Go, Hitmontop!"

"I bet she's gonna switch Mienfoo out with U-turn when it can't handle the heat!" someone on Jackie's side jeers, and a couple of his fellows laugh.

"Didn't we just establish anything goes?" Lucas murmurs, watching the two Fighting-types stare each other down.

Reggie grimaces. "Some of the old school trainers think you should fight to the end no matter what, and that retreating with U-turn or a similar move is cowardice."

I swear, this girl cannot get a break. Hopefully, she doesn't listen to them and battles with confidence.

"Fake Out!" Maylene takes the first move, and Mienfoo surges forward at lightning speed and claps its hands in front of Hitmontop loudly, causing the other Pokémon to flinch backwards.

"Now, Axe Kick!" Mienfoo jumps into the air and threatens to bring down a powerful leg on Hitmontop's head.

But Hitmontop is a tricky opponent to actually hit. "Rolling Kick!" Jackie calls. Hitmontop does a backflip so it's balancing on the point on its head and starts spinning like its name implies. Mienfoo brings its leg down, but gets thrown backwards because it slams down on the rapidly rotating Pokémon.

"Mach Punch!" Jackier orders, throwing out a jab. Her Pokémon, somehow not dizzy, flips back to normal (or opposite, I guess, for a Hitmontop) and bolts forward with a glowing fist.

"Quick Guard!" Maylene calls. Mienfoo lands gracefully and immediately gets into a defensive stance, countering the Mach Punch with an open fist.

I clap as Jackie cracks a smile. "Not bad. But we're only warming up! Rapid Spin!" Hitmontop breaks off from Mienfoo, flips over again, and whirls around the arena like a dervish.

Its erratic movement patterns make tracking it a pain, but Maylene is remaining calm for now. "Detect, and then Drain Punch!"

Ok, I like the plan, using Detect to be able to dodge Hitmontop's difficult to track attacks, and then retaliating once you get the chance. Mienfoo is able to stay nimble and light on its feet, sliding out of the way when Hitmontop comes spinning in. Eventually, it stops and flips back upright, and Mienfoo charges it with Drain Punch.

"Revenge!" Jackie commands, with a hint of a personal grudge in there. Hitmontop takes the attack and then lashes out with double the power, throwing Mienfoo into the ropes of the arena. "Bullet Punch!" she orders immediately after, not giving Maylene and her Pokémon a chance to recover.

I think Mienfoo is too winded for Detect to be successful, and Maylene has a similar thought process. "Low Sweep!" she calls out. Mienfoo takes the high speed punch in the chest but it manages to lash out with its legs, sweeping one of Hitmontop's legs from under it.

Unfortunately, it is very hard to throw this Pokémon off balance. Instead of falling on its backside like most Pokémon, Hitmontop simply flips over again, balancing on its head. "Triple Kick!" Jackie orders, kicking in the air for emphasis.

"Detect!" Maylene orders urgently, as Mienfoo tries to navigate the assault of high-speed spinning kicks.

"Body Slam!" Jackie shouts, as her Pokémon once again flips over and throws itself forward recklessly.

"Use Bounce!" The battle has really picked up the pace now. Mienfoo leaps into the air to dodge the attack and gathers Flying-type energy as it starts coming down.

You'd think having a super-effective attack might be the edge Maylene needs in this Fighting-type brawl, but Jackie is no joke. Her next attack is one I've never heard before. "Triple Axel!"

Suddenly, when Hitmontop is upside-down, its three feet are covered in ice. The spinning ice wheel that it becomes easily intercepts Mienfoo's bounce, and Hitmontop even kicks upwards twice more for good measure.

"Here comes the U-turn," someone on the other side says, and I can see Maylene's fists clenching. Come on! Don't let them get to you!

I don't think she would have listened even had I piped up. It's not easy blocking out the outside noise when you've had such a rough time since she's become gym leader. Add to that the tendency of teenagers to get emotional, and it's no surprise what Maylene's next attack is. "Jump Kick!"

It's clear that she wants to leave everything all out there, but her opponent is more than happy to meet force with force. "Mega Kick!" Hitmontop jumps up to meet Mienfoo, and while both attacks connect, only one Pokémon is in shape to take such a powerful attack.

Mienfoo goes down hard, but there's no time for anything but a quick thank you from Maylene, because Jackie is already substituting her Pokémon. She sends out a Hitmonlee next, who does a few experimental kicks, eventually settling on a stance that has it standing on one leg with the other raised and bent at the knee, waiting for Maylene's choice.

Lucario is still adamantly refusing to battle, so she has to call on someone else. "Go, Machoke!" She chooses a muscled brawler of a Pokémon as her second. It flexes its huge muscles at its much skinnier opponent.

This time, Jackie takes the first move. "Blaze Kick!" In an instant, Hitmonlee's feet are on fire, and it extends its legs to lash out at Machoke.

"Stand your ground and use Bulk Up!" Machoke's muscles bulge and get large, even in the face of repeated Blaze Kicks from Hitmonlee. It continues to use the move, increasing its defenses in the face of the fiery assault. Bulk Up also increases your attack power though, which begs the question of what Maylene is waiting for.

"She's trying to get Machoke burned, to activate its Guts ability," Reggie suddenly realizes. "With that sort of power, she might be able to break through Jackie's team!"

His words are proved true when one kick leaves a serious scorch mark on Machoke's torso, But instead of wincing in pain, the Fighting-type lets out a battle roar instead, and a haze of red appears around it as its special ability is activated.

"Cross Chop!" Maylene commands, wasting no time now. Machoke charges forwards, arms in an X shape.

"Mega Kick!" Hitmonlee's leg extends to double its length as it swings it in a roundhouse motion, but Machoke counters the attack with ease and Hitmonlee staggers back. Only a hasty Rapid Spin from Hitmonlee saves it, as it manages to spin away before it gets chopped.

As Maylene calls for a Heavy Slam, Jackie tells Hitmonlee to use Fling. That, I'm a little bit confused by, considering Hitmonlee isn't holding anything to Fling. At least that's what I think. A dark aura appears around the Fighting-type, which coalesces into a ball that Hitmonlee throws at the oncoming Machoke. Of course, Maylene's Pokémon smashes through it easily, but there's a change in Hitmonlee. Its expression relaxes, its limbs loosen, and it looks like its mind has been freed.

When Machoke charges in to slam down, it hits only air and the floor, as Hitmonlee is suddenly gone from that spot. It's suddenly moving and attacking twice as fast as it was before.

"That's a secret technique only taught to disciples of the gym," Reggie educates us. "You unburden your mind of your emotions, and that lets you move like you couldn't before once you fling them away. Jackie knows that burn will wear down Machoke over time, so she is playing keep away with Hitmonlee's superior range and speed."

He's right. Hitmonlee is dancing circles around Machoke, staying at the edge of the ring, avoiding whatever move, be it Facade or Cross Chop or Ice Punch, the other Fighting-type is throwing out.

Every second that passes, I can see Machoke start to slow down, as it starts gasping for breath and wincing in pain from the burn that it was shrugging off earlier.

It's a great strategy from Jackie. The only issue with it is that no one on her side is calling her out for being calculating, or this being cowardice and not fighting honorably, but they're happy to jump on Maylene for possibly using U-turn.

But that's being biased, in a nutshell. The battle gets to the point where Machoke is struggling to move around, and Jackie ensures that her knockout kick, as it were, lands. "Mind Reader, then Hi Jump Kick!" Hitmonlee locks onto Machoke, and then goes in with a flying knee straight to Machoke's chest that finishes Maylene's second Pokémon off.

I know this battle isn't actually over until Maylene finally concedes, but it sure is looking as if Jackie is going to be my opponent instead, barring some insane comeback.

Her last Pokémon is in fact a Hitmonchan, and I can barely see how fast it throws out a few jabs. All three of these would be difficult opponents in a gym battle, Hitmontop with its unconventional style, Hitmonlee with its range and power, and Hitmonchan with the variety of punches that it can throw out.

Lucario is still apathetic to what we're watching, so after Maylene recalls and thanks Machoke, she reaches into her pocket again. What she pulls out though, isn't another Pokéball. It's a clear plastic case instead. Maylene opens it, pulls out a mouthguard, and pops it inside her mouth. She then leans over and grabs a pair of boxing gloves hanging from the side of the area, slips them on, and puts up her hands.

No offense to the great Muhammad Ali, but I don't think even he would have a chance against a Hitmonchan in a boxing match. But Maylene isn't intending to fight a Pokémon.

"She's calling out Jackie," Lucas says. "If there are no rules other than one side admitting defeat, then Maylene can change the format of the battle too!"

"Is this really the way things are done in this city?" Ursula asks. Reggie gives her an apologetic grin.

"We've got a lot of hard heads around here. They need to be, because people like to break things with their heads, on occasion."

"In any case, it's a good move," he continues, turning his eyes back onto the battle, where Jackie has recalled her Pokémon, and is now taking off her hoodie and pulling on her own pair of boxing gloves. "Her opponent would look weak not accepting such a blatant challenge."

Perhaps Maylene has another motive as well. For the first time, Lucario folds its arms and starts to pay attention to the battle. But it seems Maylene has picked up more than martial arts from her time under Master Yasu. Because she's gambling it all; her status as gym leader, whatever's left of her relationship with Lucario, and even her own health, in this one fight.

She does hold out her gloves for Jackie to bump, as a sign of sportsmanship, but the other girl refuses, and rushes forward like a Tauros using Raging Bull.

I'm pretty sure you're supposed to protect your face with your gloves, but Maylene still takes a glancing blow to the side of her head, as well as a couple shots to her midsection. Jackie backs up and while her voice is a bit muddled from the mouthguard she's wearing, her anger comes through loud and clear.

"I should have been the one he appointed gym leader! Not you!"

She rushes forward again but this time Maylene slips a huge haymaker and hits a big left hook that surely has Jackie's ear ringing. "I don't disagree," Maylene grunts, breathing hard. "You were more qualified. But it wasn't my choice, and it wasn't my fault!"

If her intention was to try to get Jackie to relax, it isn't working. Maylene can barely get a jab in, considering she's totally on the defensive as Jackie lays down a barrage of punches, pushing her opponent onto the ropes. "Well, you were certainly happy to take it!" she yells at Maylene, as she's throwing fists left and right. "And now look where the gym is, under your stewardship! The laughingstock of the whole region!"

I'm getting concerned, because we don't have a towel to throw in, in case this gets really ugly. For now, Maylene is still standing somewhat strong.

"I didn't get a fair shot!" Maylene counters, repeating my words to her from earlier. She has her gloves protecting her face, meaning her body is getting battered and bruised. "But if you think that I don't care, that I don't want to be a great gym leader, then you're mistaken!"

She punctuates that statement by ducking under a wild punch and delivering a monster uppercut that has spit spray coming out of Jackie's mouth, and blood dripping from her chin. The older girl wipes the blood and sweat from her chin with an arm and throws the liquid to the ground.

"It's too late for that," Jackie snarls. "And if you won't see sense and hand the gym over, I'll just have to make you!" She charges forward for a knockout punch.

If I hadn't been watching so closely, with such nervousness, I'd have missed the moment. As Jackie closes in, Maylene's right arm explodes like a stick of dynamite, delivering a blow that literally sweeps the other girl off her feet. It doesn't quite knock Jackie cold, but it certainly leaves her groaning and moaning on the floor in pain.

I know what to do here! I slam my hand on the mat and start the count. "One! Two!"

Jackie can barely turn her head, and while her glare is fierce, her body isn't responding. "Three! Four! Five!" She puts a fist to the ground and forces herself upwards, on one wobbly knee.

"Six! Seven!" The second leg comes up, so she's on both knees. She makes her move to get up as I hit eight. "Nine! Te-" Jackie's legs collapse underneath her, and she lays prone on the floor, finally defeated. Maylene walks over and checks on her, eventually whispering something in her opponent's ear that gets Jackie to relax.

The victor comes over to her corner, and though she's smiling, she's not in the mood to celebrate. Maylene nods at us. "Thank you all for the support you've given me," she says warmly. "I'm not going to forget my failures, but I'm going to say that my true career as Veilstone Gym Leader starts today. Is that acceptable?"

She directs that question at Lucario, and as I finally watch Pokémon acknowledge trainer, for the first time since I've met them, only one thought is going through my head.

Pretty soon, I'm going to be in for one hell of a fight.