"Give me more nails, Mawile," said Tet to Mawile, who was holding a box of nails, handing them to him whenever he needed more. Sounds of hammering filled the area as he secured the final missing section of the front wall.
"We're finally finished with the cottage, guys!" Tet said in excitement as he gazed at the completed wooden structure. The log cottage, a two-story building with the second floor serving as an attic, featured a green tiled roof courtesy of the Battle Judge Institute's donation and had been constructed with various building materials, including nails and glass windows. Tet appreciated the support they had received, especially Serena's personal donation of a rustic cast iron fireplace, which would provide them with a sustainable way to heat the interior during cold nights.
The log cottage standing before them had been a project they initiated on their very first day on the island, and now It was finally finished.
The build wouldn't have been possible without the assistance of the staff at the Battle Judge Institute. Some of them were former carpenters or possessed knowledge of carpentry, and they had lent their expertise during the earlier stages of construction, helping Tet with essentials like setting up a foundation.
To Tet's surprise, they had even recommended a "How To Build A Log Cottage - Dummies Edition" book from the institute's library, which proved to be the perfect resource for his needs. He found it particularly weird that such a book was available at an institute primarily focused on Battle Judges, but he was immensely grateful for the unexpected assistance.
Tet diligently consulted the carpentry book at every step of the construction process, ensuring he didn't make a mistake that could jeopardize their efforts. With the invaluable guidance from the book and the support of the Battle Judge Institute staff, the construction of the cottage progressed swiftly.
Add in the presence of Pokémon like Mawile, who was exceptionally helpful, and it made the construction process so much easier. With her sturdy jaws and adept movements, she lifted heavy wooden logs and expertly fitted them into place. Mawile acted almost like a sentient heavy-duty multi-construction vehicle, making the tasks much more manageable.
Despite his initial wish for indoor plumbing, Tet understood the limitations they faced. Hiring professional help was currently beyond their means, but he remained optimistic about the future.
Three months of hard work, dedication, and collaboration later, and the results of their efforts were something Tet was genuinely pleased with.
The cottage, though still missing a door, exuded a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Tet, Mawile, and Seviper had poured their energy into creating a home, and it was a place they could finally call their own.
"Let's install the door after we eat; let's take a break first," Tet suggested, his voice filled with contentment as he looked at their humble abode.
"Mawile!~," said Mawile in agreement.
"Se-seviper!~," chimed in the newly hatched Seviper, its voice filled with a sense of excitement and curiosity as it joined Tet and Mawile. Time had flown by, and it had been three months since the duo's arrival on Bomba Island, with the Seviper hatching a month ago. Their life on the island was progressing steadily, and the bond between the trio continued to grow stronger with each passing day. They even had nicknames for each other; Mawile was called Captain, and since Seviper had just hatched, he called him Squirt.
Next to the cottage stood an outhouse, and in front of it was the designated Pokémon battle arena, its outlines etched into the earth, waiting for the countless battles it would witness in the future. It didn't look particularly impressive at the moment, but like the cottage, Tet and his team were determined to keep working on it, slowly turning it into a place where trainers and Pokémon could test their skills and grow stronger together.
Sitting down on a log just in front of the cottage, Tet opened his backpack and took out three lunch boxes. They were filled with food made by the school's cafeteria. The lunch ladies had grown quite fond of the aspiring gym leader and his Pokémon, so they started preparing lunch boxes for them. This thoughtful gesture meant Tet and his Pokémon wouldn't have to keep going back to the school for meals, something Tet truly appreciated.
He handed the lunch boxes to Mawile and Seviper, who eagerly began enjoying their meals. Tet opened his own lunch box and started eating alongside his Pokémon. The atmosphere was peaceful, surrounded by the serene beauty of Bomba Island, and the taste of homemade food made the moment even more delightful.
"Mawile, I'm thinking of taking the test this coming weekend," Tet said as he chewed on his rice, his voice filled with determination. "I think I've prepared enough."
Mawile beamed at her trainer's decision. Truth be told, she had been getting a bit impatient with their routine of constant training and working on the gym area. While she didn't mind the training, the prospect of opening a gym filled her with excitement. It was akin to having a Christmas present that you couldn't wait to open. The anticipation was almost unbearable.
She nodded in agreement, her large jaws clacking together in an enthusiastic manner. Tet smiled at his Pokémon's eagerness. They had come a long way together, and he knew that Mawile was as ready for this new chapter as he was.
"Seviper!~" chimed in the Snake Pokémon, not wanting to be left out. It had been with Tet and Mawile through all their training and preparations, and it was just as eager to see them succeed as its partner.
Tet rubbed the head of the snake Pokémon which was now almost as tall as his waist and according to Serena, Seviper would just keep getting longer until it would be almost if not longer than himself.
Honestly, I think I was already ready about a month ago, he mused internally. I already had knowledge of the basics from playing the games, so learning has been smooth sailing. I just confirmed whether the knowledge I had was correct or not. I also studied the responsibilities of a gym leader and trainer, along with some additional rules and knowledge that a native resident of the Pokémon world should have.
Me and Mawile also trained and battled the students daily. I had trouble at first adjusting to the fast-paced commands and just said commands out of instinct and panic, which nearly caused us to lose if it weren't for Mawile handling my mistakes like a pro. But I've learned to stay calm, and in situations where panic sets in, I'll just have to trust Mawile. We're partners, after all, Tet thought to himself with a smile.
"We've been training hard too. We've only battled against Serena's students, so I don't know how strong we are, but at least we haven't lost a single battle yet, so maybe we're actually pretty strong." Tet said as he looked at a Level Pokéball in his hand.
It was a gift from Serena, she'd given it to Tet when she learned that Mawile didn't have a Pokéball yet. It was an Apricorn Pokéball crafted by a man named Kurt. Serena had explained that, other than its unique appearance, it didn't offer many advantages over the standard Pokéball. However, due to its challenging manufacturing process and the scarcity of people skilled in creating them, it had become somewhat of a collector's item, making it pricier than the normal Pokéballs.
Tet looked at the Level Ball in his hand, appreciating its unique design. The upper half was divided into two parts: the upper section was black, while the lower part was a vibrant yellow. A red V-shaped symbol adorned the center, making it stand out. Serena had given it to Mawile, believing that it suited the Pokémon perfectly in terms of color and style.
Seviper, too, had a special Pokéball – a Dusk Ball. Its predominant color was green, accented with intricate black patterns. Alternatively, it could be seen as a black Pokéball adorned with green circular spots. Despite the color mismatch, Seviper seemed genuinely attached to it, displaying a fondness for the unique ball.
Tet smiled, appreciating the thoughtful gifts from Serena. It was a reminder of the support they had in their journey to become a recognized Gym Leader on Bomba Island.
With determination burning in his eyes, Tet spoke to his Pokémon companions. "We have to succeed in this, guys, otherwise I'd feel too ashamed to face Professor Oak and Serena," he said, his voice a mix of determination and laughter. Mawile clapped in excitement, and Seviper hissed in agreement.
"Now, let's finish eating and install that door. We have more preparations to make," Tet declared, his tone filled with resolve. With their spirits high, they finished their meal and prepared to build the door for their cottage. Tet was eager to make further progress on their preparations for the Pokémon Gym, knowing that their dreams were steadily becoming a reality.
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The week quickly flew by, and the time had come for Tet to take the League certification test. While he had the option to postpone it, he decided not to. He knew that delaying it would only increase the likelihood of him getting cold feet.
Thanks to the strong recommendation from the renowned Professor Oak and their island's own Professor Serena, Tet breezed through the process. He swiftly moved on to the testing phase, which consisted of a written exam followed by a battle against either a certified gym leader or an elite trainer. Normally, scheduling such an event would have taken weeks, but the support he received expedited the entire process.
Tet found himself in Lilycove City courtesy of Professor Oak's Alakazam. They had arrived at a Hoenn League-owned building, though Tet couldn't quite recall its specific exterior details; he was too tense to take in his surroundings. He simply followed the Professor into the building, and now, they stood together in front of a sizable double wooden door.
"Good luck, Tet. I'm confident you'll do well, considering the effort you've put in," Professor Oak encouraged, giving Tet a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Serena told me about your late-night reading sessions. Just stay calm, and remember everything you've learned."
"Yes, thanks again, Professor," said Tet, expressing his gratitude one last time and calming himself before stepping into the examination room.
Inside, a well-lit room greeted him, featuring a single table and chair. Neatly stacked papers and a pen were placed on the table. At the far end of the room, an Alakazam was staring intently at Tet. It wasn't Professor Oak's; Tet couldn't quite discern the differences between Alakazams, but he had a distinct feeling that this particular Pokémon was one he hadn't encountered before.
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Tet nodded at the Pokémon and promptly took his seat. As he waited for a cue to begin, none came. Deciding not to waste any time, he picked up the pen and started answering.
The first page presented questions about fundamental knowledge every Pokémon Trainer, let alone a Gym Leader, should possess. The inquiries delved into topics like Type Advantages and Status-related effects.
The questions proved to be quite straightforward, so Tet quickly answered them. If it weren't for the tense atmosphere in the room, he might have quipped something along the lines of "Elementary, my dear Watson."
Stop joking, focus, Tet thought, chastising himself for being laid-back and relaxing just because the first few questions were easy.
The second page elevated in difficulty a bit as it contained questions someone who did not read or study about Gym Leaders would have a hard time answering, such as the responsibilities of one, why a gym should be limited to a single type, and rules of how a gym challenge should operate.
As you progress further, the subsequent pages continue to present challenging scenarios. You are asked to determine what kind of action you would take, putting your strategic thinking and decision-making abilities to the test as if you were a Gym Leader yourself. These questions not only delve into a Gym Leader's role in training Pokémon but also emphasize their vital duty to inspire and mentor aspiring trainers on their journey to becoming Pokémon Masters.
By the time Tet finished, he was already feeling tired, but a confident smile adorned his face as he believed he had performed well. As he gathered his belongings, a piece of paper floated toward him, containing directions that he assumed were meant for the next exam area. Grateful, he extended his thanks to the Alakazam and exited the room, following the provided directions toward the designated practical exam area.
Strange, haven't met a single person since I went out the room... How long was I in there even?
Tet continued walking, easily following the directions. He made just one turn, and from then on, it was a straight path. Strangely, there were no other people present throughout his walk, mirroring the situation when he had gone to the first exam area with Professor Oak. The absence of others was likely a measure taken to prevent any form of cheating, he thought.
At the end of the hallway was a door, and beside the door was a man in a suit. He called Tet over and gave him a look.
"Tet Dagon?" asked the man, his gaze fixed on the tablet in his hand.
"Yeah," Tet replied, his nerves tingling.
"Your final test is behind this door. Good luck," said the man, surprising Tet with a sudden grin.
Tet, not expecting such warmth from the initially taciturn-looking man, paused for a second or two before breaking into a smile and saying thanks.
Feeling more at ease, he pushed open the door and stepped into the room. To his amazement, he found himself in a Pokémon arena that filled the entire space, with the walls serving as boundaries. A few glass windows in the walls allowed for viewing purposes.
On the opposite side of the arena, Tet saw a female Pokémon Ranger. She was dressed in all black with an orange vest, and a lasso and belt of Pokéballs were neatly secured at her hips. Tet took in the sight, realizing that this was where his final test would take place.
Tet walked into his designated spot in the arena and was about to offer a friendly greeting when the Ranger beat him to it.
"Hey there, Tet!" she greeted him, her voice carrying a gruff tone. "I've heard some rumors about you."
Tet couldn't help but respond with a weak smile. "I hope they were good things!" he replied, a touch of nervousness in his voice.
"They said you were recommended by Professor Oak and are even being sponsored by Teacher Serena," she continued, grinning in a way that made Tet feel uneasy. "I owe Serena a lot, she's teaching my kid, and Professor Oak is someone I respect. So I'll be seriously judging you. If you aren't up to standard, I'll have to fail you. It'll save both of them their time."
Tet took in her words, realizing the weight of the expectations placed upon him. With a determined expression, he replied, "I understand, and I'll do my best to meet those standards. Let's have a fair battle."
"Yeah, let's!" said the Ranger, her grin widening in approval of Tet's response.
Right on cue, a window in the center of the room's wall opened, revealing a battle judge who promptly inquired, "Are both of you ready?"
"Yeah!" Tet and the Ranger answered in unison.
Hearing their affirmative responses, the judge nodded and declared, "Then, this Pokémon Exam Battle will now begin!"
He raised his voice to make sure everyone could hear. "Both trainers will use one Pokémon with no substitutions. This battle will end when either of each trainer's Pokémon is unable to battle!"
Right after the judge finished speaking, the Ranger wasted no time. She grabbed a Pokéball and hurled it into the arena, shouting, "Show 'em how it's done, Girl!"
In a burst of white light, a Manectric materialized in the arena.
Not wanting to be outdone, Tet swiftly grabbed a Level Ball containing Mawile and shouted, "Let's win this, Captain!"
With another flash of white light, Mawile emerged in the arena, fixing an intimidating gaze upon the Manectric. For a brief moment, the Manectric hesitated and took a step back, but it quickly regained its composure and stood tall, ready for the battle ahead.
"Quick Attack into Bite!" issued the Ranger a command first.
Manectric moved with incredible speed, its body glowing white as it shot towards Mawile, a blur barely visible to Tet's eye.
"Mawile, use Sucker Punch!" he had already planned this move beforehand, aiming to seize the initiative from the start. Mawile, already a high-level Pokémon when they first met, showcased her prowess, her training over the past three months enhancing her abilities further.
The Ranger, realizing the imminent danger, shouted, "Shit! Abort, cancel the move!" But it was too late; the dark glow amidst the white light on Manectric's body signaled the activation of the attack, and she was already too far into the move to stop it. Determined to make the most of the situation, the Ranger committed to the attack, urging Manectric to pounce on Mawile with its jaws wide open.
In a display of marvelous instinct and speed, Mawile swiftly turned in a counter-clockwise motion, evading Manectric's attack and now positioned on the right side of the Pokémon. With precision, she clenched her left fist, gathering dark energy until it reached a breaking point. In a swift uppercut motion, she jammed the dark energy toward the still-open jaw of the oncoming Manectric.
"Mawile!" she screamed as she used her sudden stop from the counter-clockwise motion to fuel her punch alongside her weight.
BAM!
The impact was powerful, sending Manectric flying backward, its attack thwarted.
"Manectric!" screamed the Ranger in worry as her Pokémon took a full-on hit to the jaw with a counter move.
A cloud of dust burst from the area where Manectric landed, it slowly cleared up and it showed Manectric standing up but with knees clearly shaking from the impact, it glared and snarled at Mawile.
"Nice one, Captain! Let's keep it up!" Tet exclaimed, his excitement building as the battle was off to a strong start. Momentum was on his side, and he aimed to maintain it.
"Use Sweet Scent and spread it to Manectric with Fairy Wind!" he commanded, and Mawile promptly followed his instructions.
However, the Ranger was not about to let Tet maintain the upper hand without a fight. She countered, "Oh no you don't! Manectric, use Discharge!" Her tone had shifted to a more serious and determined one.
Manectric, now fully back on its feet, observed the approaching fumes carried by the pinkish wind and thrust its chest forward, emitting a screech. "Manectric!~" From its body, a dome of colored lightning, with a diameter of two meters, surged outward, rapidly shredding the wind alongside whatever it carried with it.
Tet watched as the Sweet Scent and Fairy Wind combination was countered by Manectric's Discharge, resulting in a dramatic exchange of energy and power in the arena. The battle was intensifying, and he knew he had to adapt quickly to the situation.
"Keep using Sweet Scent while running away from Manectric!" Tet commanded, and Mawile obeyed, maintaining a strategic distance from the determined Manectric while continuing to spread Sweet Scent throughout the arena.
The Ranger, equally focused on the battle, shouted her instructions, "Keep away from the fumes, Girl! And use Thunder Wave until it hits!" Manectric followed the orders diligently, pursuing Mawile while firing electric zaps and carefully avoiding the pink-clouded areas where Sweet Scent lingered.
The arena crackled with energy as the two Pokémon engaged in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, with Mawile's strategic use of Sweet Scent and Manectric's relentless pursuit creating a tense and exciting battle scenario. Tet knew that every move counted, and he was determined to outmaneuver his opponent.
This can't go on, Mawile doesn't have the stamina to beat her in a run. The only reason she hasn't even caught up with Mawile yet is because she's busy avoiding the Sweet Scent that's left behind.
Tet, in a sudden change of strategy, exclaimed, "Use Taunt!"
Mawile quickly responded to the command, using Taunt to incite Manectric and provoke a reaction. It proved to be effective as Manectric, in a heightened state of frenzy, rushed toward Mawile with the intention of tackling her, completely forgoing its previous Thunder Wave strategy. However, a single Thunder Wave did manage to find its mark and struck Mawile directly in the body. The electric shock left her paralyzed, unable to move.
In a state of rage, Manectric rushed towards Mawile's paralyzed body, responding to the Ranger's command, "Use Wild Charge!"
With unbridled fury, the electric-type Pokémon didn't hesitate to execute the move, unleashing a devastating force upon Mawile. The Wild Charge struck Mawile with the power of a thunderstorm, sending her small frame flying across the arena. She collided with the right wall, bouncing off it before finally landing on the floor.
"Mawile!" cried out Tet, worried about his partner. He had never seen Mawile this hurt before and it threw him off.
Similar to Manectric's earlier situation, a cloud of dust accompanied Mawile's downed body. Right then and there, Tet would have admitted defeat if not for him seeing Mawile trying to stand up, despite shaking in doing so.
"Mawile! Can you still continue?" asked Tet in a worried tone, a part of him wanted her to give up so she could be treated immediately but another part of him wanted her to continue the battle.
In response to such a question, Mawile just stood up while trembling and looked at the enemy Pokémon, entrusting her back to her trainer.
Tet feeling very proud of Mawile, straightened up and said, "Alright! We've still got more juice left to squeeze!"
"I'm impressed!" the Ranger remarked, her gaze fixed on Tet and Mawile with genuine admiration. "I heard you've only been a trainer for less than 4 months, yet you've already become this strong."
Tet couldn't help but grin at her comment. "You've heard a lot, haven't you?" he replied, with a touch of humor.
She just grinned back at his remark.
"Let's finish this, Captain! Use Sweet Scent!" Tet commanded.
Mawile, unwavering in her trust in Tet, unleashed another cloud of sweet-smelling scent into the arena.
The Ranger, however, remained determined. "Don't you already know that won't work? We're the ones finishing this!" she retorted, pointing forward. "Use Charge!"
Manectric responded by bursting with an electrical aura, crouching down in preparation for a powerful move. The arena crackled with anticipation as both trainers readied their Pokémon for the final showdown.
Tet seized the moment, commanding, "Captain, run forward and use Fairy Wind!"
Mawile executed the move with flair, whipping her head back and then thrusting it forward, blowing the Sweet Scent towards the charging Manectric whilst moving forward.
"Use Thunder!" the Ranger ordered confidently, convinced that victory was within reach.
As Manectric attempted to carry out the command, it stumbled, its eyes swirling as if it were disoriented. Despite their efforts to disperse most of the fumes caused by Mawile constantly using the move, the sweet aroma still lingered in the room, and it eventually overwhelmed Manectric in substantial amounts. This overdose of sweetness caused the Pokémon to become intoxicated. Add to that the recoil damage it had suffered from its earlier Wild Charge move, and it was no wonder that Manectric was wobbling and struggling to maintain its balance.
"Manectric! No way!" exclaimed the Ranger, realization dawning upon her as she witnessed her Pokémon's unsteady state.
Tet seized the opportunity presented by Manectric's disorientation, grinning widely as he commanded, "Finally, now! Use Iron Head!"
Mawile, driven by her trainer's command and her own determination, sprinted towards the wobbling Manectric with remarkable speed. She stepped sideways and executed a quick turn to build momentum, using the force she generated to deliver a powerful Iron Head strike directly to Manectric's head.
GONG!
A loud sound echoed as the Steel-type Pokémon's huge jaws made contact with the drunk Electric-type Pokémon's head. Tet likened it to a fully buffed-out hunting horn that landed a perfect hit on a sleeping Tigrex. Super satisfying.
"Manectric!" shouted the Ranger as her Pokémon's body was sent flying in a complete arc before crashing to the ground, creating a cloud of dust for the third time. "Stand up, Girl!" she called out to her downed Pokémon.
However, as the dust cleared, there was no sign of movement from Manectric this time. It was clear that the Electric-type Pokémon had been knocked out.
"Ah," Tet uttered in surprise.
The Battle Judge waved a flag toward Tet's position and made a loud announcement, "Manectric is unable to battle! The winner of the match is Tet Dagon!"