Gary and Paul kept their eyes on each other like seasoned rivals meeting up again. Things were already serious between them, Paul having dismissed June’s credentials but finding a common ground of agreement with Gary and accepting the challenge for his Gym Badge.

  The referee, who was originally seen as the gardener, raised his one hand high. “This match is between Paul of the Sinnoh region’s Veilstone City Gym, and Gary, of Kanto’s Pallet Town, the winner keeping the Strength Badge! This will be a full six-on-six battle! Only the challenger is allowed to substitute Pokemon! There will be no time limit! Let the battle begin!” His hand came down swiftly.

  Gary grabbed Charizard’s Poke Ball. No point in not starting off strong against a strong Trainer, Gary thought. “Let’s go!”

  Paul looked behind him briefly. “Stand by!”

  As Gary threw his Poke Ball, it was Magnezone who flew past Paul.

  Once released from his Poke Ball, Charizard roared strongly.

  “ZONE!” Magnezone responded.

  “Magnezone, use Supersonic right now!” Paul jumped right in immediately, his energy commanding and relentless.

  Magnezone let out a shrill cry that made Gary yell out and cover his ears. He leaned forward, using all of his strength not to drop before finally giving in and falling to one knee.

  June had her own ears covered, wailing out, her eyes shut with pain.

  Paul grunted briefly, closing one eye, but other than that he was fine.

  His Pokemon behind him all reacted negatively but remained upright.

  The three men in the bleachers all cried out, their fingers in their ears.

  The referee covered just one ear, his other hand in a fist in front of his stern face as he watched the Pokemon, withstanding the aggravating noise.

  June’s Electivire’s eyes closed as he garbled out in annoyance and put his hands to the sides of his head.

  Charizard roared, covering his ears and shaking his head as he stumbled backwards. When the move was over and silence returned, his eyes were red with Confusion.

  Gary’s ears were still ringing and he rubbed his ear tragus into the hole, but this only made it hurt worse and he cried out, moving his hands away.

  Paul’s Magnezone’s body sparked with several lines of electricity before a large beam shot out with an explosive spark.

  Charizard was lit like a lightbulb, roaring in agony from the super-effective attack. He fell to his knees as remaining sparks bounced around his body briefly.

  “Charizard!!” Gary called out.

  Charizard was breathing hard, but he wasn’t down. In fact, his body was now outlined in red! The flame on his tail also had ignited to a tremendous height.

  “Charizard, it’s your turn now!!” Gary shouted breathlessly. “FIRE BLAST!!”

  Charizard got to his feet and inhaled, puffing out his chest.

  “No way!” Paul reacted.

  Gary’s Pokemon opened his eyes and they were both blazing with fire as he roared and sent out a huge, symbolic shape of flames that collided with Magnezone!

  “MAGNEZOOOONE!!” Magnezone yelled out in unison with Paul.

  The blaze consumed Magnezone and even Paul raised up an arm and moved back, the heat taking over the entire Gym.

  There were cries and groans of surprise from everyone, including Gary, as the heat brought everyone to their limits.

  When the heat finally eased, the Fire fading, Paul lowered his arm and shouted out, “INCREDIBLE!”

  Gary wiped at his face that was running streaks of sweat.

  The three guys Paul was with stood on their feet, not believing the scene, their faces matching June’s Electivire’s.

  June sat watching apprehensively.

  The referee raised his hand to Gary. “Magnezone is unable to battle! Charizard wins!”

  “YES!! Alright!!” Gary cheered. “That’s the heat, Charizard! Way to go!!”

  Charizard groaned out noisily, looking disoriented, still Confused.

  Paul retreated his Magnezone back into a Great Ball and then stared in silence at it. “Perhaps Blaze was too much added power, even for you. Hmph.” He moodily slipped the ball into his pocket and leered at Gary.

  Gary’s smile was gone again, nervousness filling his chest at the mere stare of the Gym Leader. He took in a breath to speak bravely, but he just couldn’t do it and swallowed it down instead.

  Paul looked behind him and nudged his head, ordering, “Stand by!” and then stared back at Charizard.

  There was a puff of smoke from behind Paul, and then another on the battlefield, Greninja now taking the stage in front of Charizard. “Grrrreninja!” it growled.

  “Of course,” Gary muttered. “Greninja, a Water type. But that won’t mean much! Charizard, keep it hot! We might as well with Blaze on! Flamethrower, now!”

  A Flamethrower like none other came out of Charizard’s jaws, creating more sweat for Gary.

  “Greninja, use Quick Attack to avoid that and get into the air!” Paul ordered.

  Greninja was gone in an instant, appearing at the side of the dangerous line of Flames. It then vanished again, appearing at the opposite side of the move. It was gone just as fast as it had been seen, appearing close to the Flames but safe from them, gone again in another instant only to reappear in the air now!

  “Water Shuriken! Douse those flames!” Paul instructed.

  Gary’s eyes widened. He used Quick Attack to ensure a safe spot in the air to attack from?! “Charizard, don’t stop!! Counter that!!”

  Greninja formed a shuriken of Water between its hands and tossed one, two, three, four of them into the Flamethrower.

  Gary was quick to growl, but this concern faded to happiness as his Charizard overcame the Water attacks, the stream of Fire from Flamethrower barely shaken and plowing through to hit Greninja, taking it down! “Whoa!” Gary smiled big.

  Paul looked furious, baring his teeth. His eyes went from his Greninja that was laid down on its back, to Gary’s Charizard. “So it’s that strong, huh?” Paul remarked.

  “Greninja,” Greninja grunted and it jumped back to its feet readily, striking a cool pose.

  “Greninja.” And that was all Paul said. He just stopped talking, staring at Charizard.

  “Charizard!” Gary cried out. “Stop!”

  Charizard was now behaving bizarrely. He was actually punching himself in the face! The punches were sharp and hard, each one a few seconds apart.

  “Spikes!” Paul said loudly.

  Greninja spun around in a blur and bright Spikes came out and hit Gary’s side of the battlefield.

  “Charizard! STOP IT! Snap out of it!!”

  “Spikes!” was all Paul said, watching as Charizard took his time slugging himself again.

  Greninja repeated the move.

  Spikes, Gary thought. He’s setting up!

  With a weakened groan, all at once, Charizard’s powerful tail flame went down, his eyes stopped blazing, and his body was no longer outlined in red as he collapsed.

  “Charizard is unable to battle! Greninja is the winner!” the referee ruled immediately, holding his hand out to Paul.

  Paul didn’t even so much as smirk, his cold eyes on Gary. He was just waiting for the next Pokemon.

  Gary sneered back at the guy. He ain’t that tough. He’s not tougher than Jupiter. I can beat him. “Charizard, great work! We got a great hit there! We’ve got this!” He stared at Greninja and then reflected on his team. “Totally,” Gary decided, grabbing the Poke Ball. He sent out his second choice.

  “Bell! Bell!” Weepinbell bounced on the Gym floor. Immediately, the ground underneath Weepinbell blew up, damaging the Pokemon.

  “Greninja, Spikes once more!” Paul let out strictly.

  Observing the field, taking in the situation, Gary felt frustrated. That’s the third time. I’m fucked. Screwed. No. It’s far from over yet! “Weepinbell, Growth right now!”

  Weepinbell was surrounded by light-green energy and he grew a little, looking a whole lot healthier; greener.

  “Growth again!” Gary braved, seeing that Paul didn’t make a move.

  Weepinbell repeated the action.

  Paul remained silent, harsh eyes on Gary himself.

  What is he doing? Is he - waiting? He leered back at Paul, telling himself, Don’t think about it. Take the chance! “Growth!!” Gary shouted once again.

  Paul now let out his breath, glaring at Gary and crossing his arms.

  There’s no way he can be so confident. Is this a mental trick? Am I overthinking this? “Growth again!”

  Weepinbell was looking his best, a healthy green glow on the slightly taller plant.

  Paul remained quiet, waiting with an impatient look.

  Gary wanted to ask what the Gym Leader was waiting for, but he decided it would only show his concerns. This guy is testing me on something here, Gary told himself. Fine. I can keep powering up until he decides to make a move. By then it’ll be too late for him! “Growth!” Gary repeated. “Growth!”

  Weepinbell had maxed his Attack stat, as strong as possible.

  “Now use Razor Leaf to finish it!”

  “Get ready for Shadow Sneak!” Paul said strongly.

  Greninja didn’t move an inch.

  Weepinbell sent out a flurry of Leaves for Greninja.

  The attack hit Greninja, but rather than falling to the damage, Greninja vanished in a puff of white smoke! “Greninjaaaa!” From behind Weepinbell, Greninja appeared in another puff of white smoke! It put its hands together in front of its body and stayed still as a long Shadow came out from underneath it and went for Weepinbell.

  “Weepinbell! Look out!” Gary pointed.

  “Bell?” Weepinbell’s body turned, seeing Greninja and the Shadow that was heading for him.

  But the Shadow was already underneath him and reared up behind the Grass type, attacking quickly.

  “Ice Beam!” Paul went.

  “Weepinbell! Sleep Powder! GO!” Gary cried out.

  Greninja extended its cupped hands at Weepinbell and a light-blue ball of energy charged up and fired out a Beam at Weepinbell.

  Weepinbell grunted against the move but was silenced as Ice formed around his body! In seconds, he was Frozen!

  “Weepin-!” Gary started.

  “Acrobatics!” Paul continued.

  Greninja moved at terrifying speeds, assaulting the Ice block with kicks before running past, reappearing at close range to punch, and then flipping out of sight only to return in the blink of an eye for more hits.

  Finally, the Ice shattered loudly, making Gary jump and freak out on the inside at the sudden noise, Weepinbell screaming out. Greninja’s body made a complete circle to deliver a final kick that took Weepinbell down. He slid along the floor and remained still.

  “Weepinbell is unable to fight! Greninja wins!” the referee ruled.

  “Not you, Weepinbell!” Gary called out. “NO!” Gary let out his breath wearily. “No way... To a Water type...” He looked at Greninja.

  Greninja stood tall, looking just fine.

  “I don’t understand!” Gary complained to Paul.

  “Greninja used Substitute to avoid damage from that Razor Leaf. I told him to ready up Shadow Sneak and he knew exactly what that meant. My Pokemon know what to do when I give orders.” Paul’s tone was so harsh and seemed to be mocking the kid.

  Gary shuddered internally, but his body also gave one hard shake. He made us look like fools, then? He allowed us to max out our Attack just so it would mean nothing? Shit! Gary was having trouble processing this. That means, no matter what I did, attack or power up, Paul was ready for me. He swallowed hard and shakily got Weepinbell’s Poke Ball and returned him. His hand then fell as he stared blankly at Greninja.

  “Well? Where’s your next Pokemon?” Paul called out sternly.

  Gary inhaled, bringing air back into his body and focused his brain and eyes on the match. Right! Next! I have to use- Gary struggled to think of who he had brought with him. Water against Water would be good... But I also have to think about his other Pokemon and which he’ll bring. He said he won’t use his Legends. He growled to himself, frowning. His eyes lit up as they widened. Hold up! Of course! If typing won’t give me the edge, maybe this will! He got the Poke Ball and, “GOOO!!”

  Tyranitar was now out! He roared at Greninja, and a sandstorm started, just like Gary wanted. At the same time, Tyranitar was floored as an explosion underneath him took him down!

  “Spikes!” Gary remembered.

  Paul was smiling evilly, seeing how surprised Gary was.

  “Shit,” Gary whispered. “Tyranitar, use Earthquake!!” he then shouted.

  Tyranitar roared and then raised one foot, slamming it into the floor.

  The Gym floor cracked under Tyranitar’s impact, and the entire building rumbled.

  Greninja cried out, hit by the move, and it slid on its back.

  June was clinging to the bleachers, the dark-skinned men along with Electivire grunting lightly under the impact.

  Paul and the referee moved somewhat but seemed to be just fine.

  Gary was rumbling more than anyone, kneeling to keep his balance.

  Greninja got up and leaped into the air. Gary noticed that the Pokemon’s pupils were in horizontal slits now. This gave it the appearance of having closed eyes, but they were in fact still open.

  Paul ordered, “Toxic Spikes!”

  “Greeeeeen!” Greninja raised its cupped hands over its head and a purple orb formed. It tossed the orb into the sandy air, purple streaks coming off of it.

  The explosion released smaller magenta orbs that carried a dark-purple aura around them. They hit the floor and sank into it. A ring of magenta remained where the balls disappeared, but the rings left right after.

  I haven’t seen that move since... Gary’s eyes widened. Electrode... That was how I-

  Gary’s first battle with June at her old Gym in Kanto ended up between June’s Electrode and Gary’s Primeape.

  Gary’s Beedrill's Toxic Spikes from the beginning of the battle was still Poisoning any Pokemon who entered the battle on June's end of the field.

  The second Electrode landed, the Poison set in and triggered its Explosion, blowing it up.

  Killing it.

  Gary had only a moment to reflect on this memory.

  “Toxic Spikes!” Paul repeated.

  “Huh??” Gary snapped out of his thoughts as Greninja repeated the same move! “Oh, no!” Using it twice makes the Poisoning worse! Gary knew. “Fuck!” Gary whispered loudly.

  “Now use Hydro Pump!” Paul demanded.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Greninja cupped its hands, squinting through the billowing sand that was slowly damaging it, and then held its hands out. As Water blasted out from them, Greninja itself was forced backwards. It maintained a cool pose, completely in control.

  Tyranitar cried out in pain as he was taken down to his back. He got to his side, shaking badly.

  This can’t be it! Gary thought frantically, his eyes squinting. “GET UUUP!!” Gary begged.

  “Water Shuriken!” Paul added.

  Greninja attacked once, twice, thrice, ending up in a total of five times!

  Tyranitar dropped hard and didn’t move after this was all done.

  “Tyranitar is unable to fight! Greninja wins!” the referee stated.

  “Tyranitar?” Gary felt completely stuck.

  “What’s next?” Paul spoke up impatiently.

  Gary blinked at the guy. “Wait. Wait! I’m not done! Just hold up!” He recalled Tyranitar and grabbed another Poke Ball, not even sure what was inside of it anymore as he sent it out.

  “Eeeempoleoooon!” Gary’s Empoleon shouted out and swung his fins multiple times, shouting hard and looking intimidating.

  But Gary couldn’t help but feel his Pokemon was showing off too hard, possibly.

  Empoleon wailed out as Spikes exploded underneath him. He fell over but stood back up and puffed out his chest, calling out proudly and slapping at his chest.

  At least he can’t get Poisoned as a Steel type, Gary was somewhat comforted.

  “Shadow Sneak!”

  “OH! Aqua Jet, then!” Gary was panicking and not thinking straight at all. Snap out of it, man! he insisted

  Greninja stayed still in the midst of a wild sandstorm, its Shadow Sneaking for Empoleon.

  Empoleon’s body was covered in water and he leaped a bit and flew for Greninja! The Shadow stopped short in front of Greninja and reached out of the floor, attacking Empoleon! He was taken out of his Water covering, wrapped around by the shadow, and slammed into the floor! Gary’s Pokemon groaned out painfully as he bounced.

  “Empoleon, get up!” Gary urged.

  Empoleon groaned, struggling back up.

  “Swords Dance!”

  Empoleon cried out strong and multiple, light-blue Swords appeared around him and circled him. The Swords stopped and the ends leaned to Empoleon before disappearing. A red aura burst out of the ground, making Empoleon glow a lighter shade of red.

  Just the one boost, Gary thought. That Greninja’s gotta be tired. “Let’s finish this! Drill Peck!”

  “Empoleon!” Empoleon’s crown glowed gold and he jumped at Greninja, his body spinning in a blur.

  “Take it out with Grass Knot!” Paul responded.

  Greninja’s eyes glowed light green.

  The ground quaked lightly before vines burst from the floor and wrapped around the twirling Empoleon!

  Empoleon ripped right through the bunch of the vines easily.

  “YES! GOOOO EMPOLEON!!” Gary cheered.

  The vines didn’t stop, though. More kept coming for Empoleon.

  “Empoleon?!!” The Grass Knot finally got through and trapped Empoleon, revealing the Pokemon, but not before Empoleon would slam into Greninja!

  “Gren!” Greninja grunted as it was hit and fell back.

  “Poleon!!” Empoleon remained wrapped up, the Grass Knot slamming Empoleon to the Gym floor. He didn’t move.

  “EMPOLEON!!” Gary screamed.

  “Pol...” Empoleon’s body trembled.

  “Empoleon! Get up!!” Gary demanded.

  Empoleon forced one fin to the ground and raised himself up. “Empoleon...” Empoleon slowly, shakily, managed to stand again.

  No. “Return, Empoleon!” Gary called back his Pokemon. Staring hard at the ball, he thought to himself, I need you, Empoleon. Rest up. Looking back to the battlefield, Gary worried, But Spikes is at max power out there. Can Empoleon handle that one more time? Shit! That might have been a huge mistake! Please, Empoleon. Heal up some! he begged, gripping the Great Ball hard. And who should come out now, anyway?

  Greninja was sitting up, breathing hard, sand continuing to rush into it.

  “STAND UP! STOP LOOKING SO LAZY OUT THERE! YOU’RE NOT DONE YET!” Paul barked. He reached in his pocket and came out with a rounded object the size of his hand. Without a word, he chucked it at Greninja.

  June gasped.

  Gary’s mouth just fell open.

  Greninja didn’t even look behind it. Rather, it closed its eyes. Waited another second. And reached out behind it, catching the thrown item! Greninja’s eyes opened and it held the rock in front of its face. Letting it go, it stood and looked back to Paul.

  “What do you think you’re doing?!” June screamed, on her feet. “You could have really hurt Greninja! Who do you think you are throwing rocks at Pokemon like that?!”

  “A Gym Leader who can keep their job,” Paul smirked at her nastily.

  June hesitated to respond at first.

  Did she hear him? Gary began to worry.

  She finally inhaled and said loudly, “I’ll report you! You’ll be fired in no time!”

  “If my Pokemon aren’t prepared enough for surprise attacks, I’ve failed as a Trainer. I put them through the worst to be prepared for the worst,” Paul told June bluntly and with full confidence in what he was saying. “If something were to happen to me and they had nowhere else to turn to, they’d know how to survive. Can you say the same about your Pokemon? Are your Pokemon only strong with you? Or are they perhaps better off without you?”

  June was completely speechless, her mouth open and desperate to respond.

  Gary blinked hard, thinking about what Paul had just said.

  “Now enough wasting my time.” Paul turned back to Gary. “You’ve stalled enough in the sandstorm and it’s out.”

  Indeed, the sandstorm from Tyranitar had just gone out, and Greninja was still standing but appeared low on energy.

  “Wait! That wasn’t on purpose!” Gary let out. “June, shut up! Let me fight!” he yelled at her.

  June shut her mouth and glared at Paul, sitting down. Letting out her breath, she lowered her head and closed her eyes.

  Regret began to seep into Gary’s brain and run throughout his body. I shouldn’t be talking to her like that. Rather than think on this further, he put it aside and stared at his Poke Balls. “Now.” I’m fucking up bad here. I should have chosen better Pokemon. I didn’t really expect a full six-on-six... Please. I’m counting on your power! He grabbed a Poke Ball and sent out his choice. “Deino!”

  “Deino!” Deino seemed to be looking ahead at Greninja.

  Greninja stared back, still breathing hard, its pupils wide again.

  “Deino!” Gary cried out as a pair of explosions went off underneath him, one of which gave off purple energy. He tumbled along the ground and stayed down, his face flushed purple as purple sparks and waves ran along his body.

  Damn it, Deino! Gary thought angrily. What do we do?! Greninja’s gotta be on his last leg. We have to attack! “Deino, let’s do it! Focus Energy!”

  Paul waited for a moment before calling out, “Ice Beam!”

  Deino’s body became outlined in red and Greninja charged up another Ice Beam. Deino bounced around excitedly as the Ice Beam came out. “Deino!” The first blast missed because Deino was bouncing actively, but now he was jumping out of fear, afraid of getting hit! “Deino!”

  “Deino!! Get out of there!! Run like mad and take Greninja out!” Gary pleaded. Oh my gosh. Is that how desperate I sound? Is that my plan?? Gary couldn’t believe how... pathetic he sounded now!

  Deino took off, running side to side, jumping randomly, and trying to escape any hits from the Ice move. Considering he was Badly Poisoned, Deino was moving pretty well!

  Paul was motionless, just watching this dance of sorts from the almost blind Deino. “Don’t move,” were the next words Paul spoke.

  “Deino! Go straight ahead and use Headbutt!”

  “Dein!” Deino said sharply but also tiredly, and he leaped, slamming his head into Greninja’s middle!

  “Grennnn...” Greninja groaned as it was dropped down.

  “Deino! Deino!” Deino stood on top of Greninja and cried out happily. “Dein,” he then said with exhaustion and collapsed, resting on Greninja.

  “Deino!” Gary called out with concern, taking a step forward and then looking to the referee.

  The man had one hand out to Gary. “Greninja is out! Deino is the winner!”

  Paul recalled his Greninja quickly and sucked his teeth with a sneer as he shot the ball a dirty look before he put it away.

  Deino let out a cry as the Pokemon he was using as a mattress was removed from underneath him and he hit the ground lightly. Groaning, the Pokemon struggled to his feet, stumbling from one side to the other.

  “Deino! You can-!”

  “Porygon2! Stand by for battle!” Paul said loudly, not looking behind him.

  Porygon2 glided into the field, hovering.

  This should be interesting... Gary thought. “Deino! Hang tough! Go for Crunch!”

  “Hover over it!”

  Deino leapt with his jaws glowing white, but Porygon2 ascended smoothly and Deino missed. Porygon2 then lowered itself down again.

  “Get it now!” Gary pushed him.

  Deino tried again, but Porygon2 just rose again, Deino missing, and Porygon2 lowered itself back like before.

  New plan, Gary knew. “Dragon Pulse!”

  Aiming upward, Deino sent out the multicolored, dragon-shaped blast and caught Porygon2!

  “ALRIGHT!” Gary cheered.

  Porygon2 tumbled through the air but remained floating, letting out a low, solemn buzz.

  “Now please! Slam attack!”

  “Use Trick Room!” Paul said quickly.

  Deino ran for Porygon2.

  Porygon2 gave a determined buzz and its eyes glowed white.

  The entire battlefield was then filled with a light-blue rectangle with light-blue-and-white transparent walls and ceiling. This vanished soon after it appeared.

  That move, Gary recognized. It makes the faster Pokemon slower, but... Is Porygon2 slower?

  Deino was running faster than ever!

  Porygon2 was in slow motion!

  Deino reached Porygon2 easily and grabbed one of its appendages in his mouth. Whipping his head to the side, he Slammed Porygon2 down hard!

  Porygon2 even let out a nasty sound, like a computer glitching, and it flashed white where it landed, confirming a Critical Hit!

  “YES!!” Gary cheered, even jumping once, his hands in fists.

  “Deino!” Deino smiled, looking at Gary. And then his smile came off as he dropped.

  “Deino is unable to battle! Porygon2 is the winner!” the referee ruled.

  “Deino!” Gary couldn’t believe it, but he also knew it made sense. He was so hurt from the Poison, he told himself. He went through so much. “Thank you, Deino! That was awesome work! We’ll keep this match going!”

  While recalling Deino, Paul taunted Gary. “Keep it going how? You have only two Pokemon left, and one is in bad condition. If you sent it out, it’d almost certainly faint from Spikes alone. If that’s the case, you have one Pokemon left to take on my four Pokemon. What can you possibly do?”

  Gary didn’t like this guy’s words, attitude, intimidation, or behavior one bit. But he’s right, isn’t he? Gary knew. If he were wrong, if I even stood a chance, I would be happy to try and kick his ass. But the way things look, I can’t win. But even if I do lose, I can learn from it. There’s no excuse to give up. Right? And I can’t stop believing in myself or my Pokemon. Porygon2 is already hurt, so-

  “Send out your Pokemon or forfeit!” Paul cut into Gary’s thoughts. Paul then snickered, a sneaky look on his face. “Don’t overthink it. I’m just toying with you. Your Pokemon can be faster than mine all they want. It won’t make any difference.”

  Gary’s eyebrows narrowed. Trick Room is slowing down his Pokemon! But he doesn’t care! I’ve gotta think! Don’t let him pressure you. Don’t let it get to you. He stared at his belt of Poke Balls. Then what do I do? he wondered. Breathing out after he made a decision, he picked a ball and tossed it. “Kirlia!”

  “Kirl! Kirlia!”

  The Trick Room revealed itself for a moment before vanishing again.

  Paul squinted at the Pokemon. “Hm,” was all he said.

  “Kirlia!!” Kirlia was taken down by the explosive Spikes and Toxic Spikes, but got to his feet, breathing strongly now.

  Trick Room should stay in effect for a bit, Gary thought. But what’s his deal? Is it like he said? Am I overthinking this? Is he really just toying with me?? Staring at Paul with growing discomfort on his face, Gary felt sure the guy knew exactly what he was doing. Making angry fists, Gary demanded, “Dazzling Gleam, Kirlia!”

  “Hyper Beam, now!” Paul shouted.

  Gary grit his teeth. Kirlia, please!

  Kirlia’s body glowed with multiple, gorgeous colors, and the colors expanded.

  In the back of Gary’s mind, he couldn’t help but silently snicker and joke, The rainbow. A male Pokemon in a skirt. Heh heh.

  Porygon2 was hit by the move and sent back.

  Kirlia’s horn glowed light blue. “Kirlia...?” He looked back at Gary as the glow vanished, making the Trainer’s eyes widen.

  “Kirlia? What’s wrong?” Gary asked. He swallowed nervously.

  Kirlia had a hard look on his sick, Poisoned face.

  Kirlia? Gary kept in his head. What’s-? He looked to the fight. “KIRLIA!”

  “Kirl?” Kirlia turned as a pale, pink beam with bright, white energy around it came at him from a white orb with a pale pink center that Porygon2 had been charging.

  “Kirliiiiiiaaaaaaa!!” Kirlia was sent flying backwards. He slid on the floor and stopped close to Gary.

  “Kirlia!” Gary knelt down near his Pokemon and he reached out to him.

  Kirlia’s eyes opened and he stared sadly at Gary.

  “Hey! You okay, Kirlia?” Gary asked.

  Kirlia’s eyes closed. “Kirlia,” he breathed out uneasily and then flinched painfully, suffering from the Poison as purple sparks bounced around his body briefly.

  “Please! Can we keep going? Before that thing can move again. I need you, Kirlia! That’s why I chose you!”

  Kirlia’s eyes opened and stayed on Gary’s.

  “Please. You’re my last hope,” Gary said desperately. “We have to win this!” He glared at Paul now. “We can’t lose to a guy like that.”

  “Kirlia,” Kirlia whispered, and he got back up. He returned to his place with speed.

  Porygon2 remained still and silent, bobbing in the air at an unnaturally slow pace.

  Paul was almost as robotic as his Pokemon. Emotionless.

  Gary stood up and pointed at the opponent Pokemon, a dead-serious look on his face. “Dazzling Gleam again!”

  “Kiiiiiiiiiirlia!” Kirlia attacked once again, sending out a bright set of colors.

  The opponent didn’t move, stuck recharging its energy, and was sent tumbling.

  “OKAY!! ONE MORE TIME NOW!!” Gary made fists.

  “Hyper Beam again!” Paul said, sounding almost impatient now. Maybe even bored.

  “Kirlia! PSYCHIC!!”

  Kirlia’s eyes instantly went light blue.

  Porygon2 was outlined in light blue and ascended in the air. Yelling out mechanically, it was slammed all over the floor at a horrifically startling speed, over and over again.

  “KIRRRRLIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAA!!” Kirlia let out before his eyes went back to their normal red.

  Porygon2 toppled on the ground like nothing more than a toy, letting out an echoing, weak hum before going silent.

  “Porygon2 is unable to continue! Kirlia wins!” The referee’s hand was raised towards Gary.

  Gary breathed out in a huge, audible sigh of relief, his smile unescapable. But he’s Poisoned... Badly... Gary kept in his head. Shit...

  Paul returned Porygon2. “As planned. Time to finish this up.” Right after those words, he pointed. “Kommo-o, stand by!”

  Kommo-o walked onto the field and roared hard, making Gary jump and Kirlia turned away from it.

  Trick Room kicked in visually again before disappearing.

  NO! Gary thought, and he opened his mouth to encourage his Pokemon. “Kirlia!”

  Kirlia’s horn glowed light blue before he looked to Gary. A determined look took over his face before Gary could speak another word, and the Pokemon stood tall and brave, facing Kommo-o. “Kirlia! Kirlia!”

  “Did you just say ‘as planned’?” June screamed before Gary could also question those words. “You planned on Porygon2 being taken out??”

  “Will you shut up already?!” Paul snapped at June, making everyone but the Pokemon lower their heads in discomfort.

  The match! The match! Gary looked up, not wanting to be distracted. “Kirlia! Let’s get this going! Psychic attack! We’ve got this! Before Trick Room ends!”

  “Straight through that! Then use Payback!” Paul spoke strictly.

  Gary’s body jolted. Payback! he remembered the move. It doubles in damage if the attack goes last! I’m sure Kommo-o is faster than a Kirlia normally. Paul was definitely waiting for this moment. He’s steps ahead of me, like he’s been this entire match.

  Kirlia’s eyes glowed light blue, moving faster than his opponent.

  “Kommo...” Kommo-o’s body was outlined in the light-blue energy. Growling, Kommo-o then took a step forward! This was followed by a second step!

  “Whoa!” Gary couldn’t believe his eyes.

  “Kirlia!” Kirlia was also surprised, but he kept his glare and reached out his arms as if to keep the Pokemon back, calling out strongly.

  Kommo-o moved at a slow, sluggish pace.

  But... Is it moving slow because of Psychic? Or is it Trick Room? Gary began to wonder, panic rising in his chest. If it’s only because of Trick Room, then that means-! “Keep on the Psychic pressure, Kirlia!” Gary kept pushing while Kirlia was visibly straining, using all his strength to stop Kommo-o.

  “End it!” Paul commanded.

  “KOMMOOOOOOO!!!” Kommo-o roared to the ceiling of the building as it raised its arms at a completely normal speed!

  Trick Room had ended!

  Kommo-o’s body was outlined in black, the light-blue color from Psychic now removed.

  “Whoa!” Gary exclaimed.

  Kirlia also cried out but his eyes remained glowing. The Psychic move wasn’t working on Kommo-o!

  When the intimidating roaring was done, Kommo-o lunged at Kirlia, ramming its head into Kirlia’s and sending the Pokemon screaming and tumbling across the room, past Gary, and sliding shortly on his side.

  Kirlia was silent and motionless.

  “Kirlia is unable to battle! Kommo-o wins!” the referee called.

  “Kirlia!” Gary ran over to him and knelt down. “It’s alright, Kirlia! It’s okay!”

  “Kirl...” Kirlia managed weakly, squinting at his Trainer.

  “It’s cool. Thank you for your efforts. Relax now.” Gary recalled Kirlia and then stood up. He grabbed at his chest, trying to stop his heart from hurting. Glaring at Paul, he swallowed as he got back to his spot. There was only one thing on his mind.

  “What’s your move, Gary?” Paul spoke out impatiently.

  No, Gary thought to himself. I-.

  “You know this is over, right?”

  Shut up, Gary thought, feeling himself getting angrier.

  “If you send out Empoleon in its condition with Spikes on the field, it’s not likely to survive,” Paul kept on going.

  “Shut up,” Gary mumbled, shutting his eyes, narrowing his eyebrows.

  “And knowing that, the blame would fall on you and your irresponsibility as a-”

  “I KNOW THAT!!” Gary exploded, glaring at Paul. “I KNOW!” He and Paul were leering hard at each other, Gary breathing hard. “I know,” he said in a lower but still angry voice. “I risk losing Empoleon for nothing, all because of my pride, or my stupidity, whichever. I would never put Empoleon, or any of my Pokemon, in that uncertain of a situation. Empoleon was on his last leg.”

  Paul grinned devilishly at the boy’s words. “So?”

  Gary bared his teeth, growling. Knowing what he had to say. “So I forfeit!” Gary’s head fell and his eyes closed, his shoulders slumping. Tears filled his eyes, and he wrestled between keeping them in or just letting them fall. It was all he could do to keep himself from crashing to his knees, but he refused to sink so low. I’m doing this for my Pokemon, he told himself. This is commendable. Honorable. I won’t fall. I love my Pokemon. Gary’s eyes opened, fury within them for Paul. They did a great job! That’s right!

  There was silence in the building for a minute.

  Finally, the referee raised his hand to Paul and announced, “Due to forfeit by Gary, Veilstone City’s Pokemon Gym Leader retains the Strength Badge!”

  The three men who were working out with Paul clapped as they approached him, cocky grins on their faces.

  “Nice one, Paul.”

  “You da man.”

  “Another win. No sweat.”

  Gary silently sucked his teeth and lowered his eyes, hearing the guys continue to praise Paul.

  June remained seated, her fists in her lap, glaring at the Gym Leader.

  Gary swallowed, a nasty look on his face, and he turned away.

  There was a cry from Paul’s side of the room.

  There was then another noise, a shout, from a different area, and a flash of yellow.

  Gary’s eyes widened and he looked back to the battlefield. “Huh??”

  “Hey!!” June jumped up, out of the bleachers. “Electivire!”

  June’s Electivire was in the middle of the field, glaring outward at - Paul’s Electivire!

  Paul’s Electivire calmly strolled onto the field as well! Moving on its own time, it stopped only feet from June’s Electivire.

  “Electivire!” June called again, walking closer.

  “No. We’ll battle,” Paul said quickly. “Fight me, Gym Leader.” Paul’s eyes shot over to June, his head remaining still.

  Gary’s face tightened at the way Paul had said “Gym Leader.”

  June also looked irritated, but she stayed quiet.

  “If you win, I’ll reward you with the Strength Badge. If I win, your Electivire is definitely worth the Experience Points. I can tell,” Paul smirked sinisterly, his entire attention on her Pokemon.

  June inhaled hard but didn’t let it out. She seemed so furious now.

  “Or I can fight it by myself, with no Trainer, if it fights better alone. Or maybe Gary should use it,” Paul kept taunting June. The broadening, sick smile on his face showed this was intentional.

  June growled now, her fists at her sides, and she stomped onto the battlefield. “MOVE IT!!” she raged at Gary, and then she swatted at him with both hands.

  “Hey! Whoa! Stop! June!!” Gary backed away while raising his arms in defense, although June never did end up touching him.

  June now stood facing Paul with a look of being fed up. She’d had enough. “Paul! Your Badge is mine!” she declared.