Lanturn, Pikachu, Blitzle, Eevee, Ampharos, Manectric, and Galvantula were eating relatively quietly, watching the two Pokemon cautiously.

Rotom and Magneton hovered above, bobbing without a sound, also watching.

Charmeleon, Weepinbell, and Kingdra were eating away, Baltoy standing by them, all eyes on the attractions.

Primeape was already finished, growling lowly as he eyed what was important to him.

June sipped on her tea she had prepared by the fire in front of them, lowering the cup down and staring past the flames, toward the two Pokemon.

As long as they don’t fight, it’s a win, Gary thought, eating a bag of candy. We can work on stopping them from intimidating each other another time. As long as they don’t fight...

Tyrogue shoveled food into his mouth even though it was still stuffed with previous food, and chewed for a moment before tossing in more.

Electivire filled his mouth with food and chewed, swallowing shortly after and then refilling it.

Both Tyrogue and Electivire kept their eyes on each other the entire time they noisily ate.

Insects sounded from all directions.

Other than those sources, it was kind of quiet.

Several minutes of awkwardness clogged the air.

It was unclear to June or Gary who stood up first, but Tyrogue and Electivire were now on their feet, both chewing on what was in their mouths. They swallowed together and then smirked at each other, flashing their teeth.

Tyrogue grabbed at his yellow scarf and adjusted it around his neck. And then, “TYYYYYYYYYYYY!!” Tyrogue leaped at Electivire.

“VIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRE!!” Electivire jumped at Tyrogue.

All the Pokemon backed up, clearing some space.

“NO!” Gary barked.

“Electivire, stop it!” June insisted.

Tyrogue’s body was outlined in red as he reached out.

Electivire slugged him with Thunder Punch, getting rid of the red glow and dropping Tyrogue.

“Tyrogue...” Tyrogue was on his hands and knees, shaking his head. He stood up and crossed his arms in front of him, glowing light red.

Still in the air, Electivire’s horns sparked, and then his entire body, and he zapped Tyrogue with Thunder!

Tyrogue screamed out from the blast, his Counter having no effect against a Special Attack move. His body sparked, now Paralyzed, and he leered at Electivire.

Electivire finally landed and grinned at his opponent. His horns sparked again and he sent out another jolt.

“WWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!” June was dropped by Thunderbolt, also dropping her cup and spoon, spilling her tea. “O-o-ouch?” June shivered, her hair outstretched like her arms and legs.

“Whoa! What was that about?” Gary glared at Electivire.

“TYROGUE!” Tyrogue leaped at Electivire with High Jump Kick.

“Electivire!” Electivire simply reached out one hand to grab at Tyrogue. “Vire!” His entire arm was forced back by the impact of the kick and he grabbed his wrist. He looked in surprise at Tyrogue.

Tyrogue landed, his back to Electivire, and he looked back at him with hardened eyes.

Electivire nodded. “Electiviiiiire!” He flexed his arms.

Tyrogue turned his body to him.

Both Pokemon immediately shot at each other, one with Bullet Punch, the other with Thunder Punch!

Tyrogue flew back from the power of Electivire, Electivire continuing to plow through. He slid on his back and opened his eyes, his mouth wide open in shock.

Electivire was still moving through the air with his sparking fist. The Electric energy around it vanished and he reached out with his other hand to grab at Tyrogue as his body started to glow white for Strength.

Tyrogue held out his hands as his body glowed light red.

Electivire grabbed Tyrogue but was thrown back hard from Counter!

Tyrogue tumbled several feet but stopped as his fingers dug at the ground.

Electivire’s back slammed into a tree and he slid down it. He used his powerful, large hand to get back up and shook his head.

Tyrogue charged forward with Tackle.

Electivire glowed white for Strength and stomped slowly towards Tyrogue.

Tyrogue leaped forward, his arms reaching out.

Electivire opened his arms and embraced Tyrogue! As Tyrogue slammed into Electivire’s stomach, the Electric type wrapped his arms around Tyrogue, as if in a hug. But his arms tightened, and it was quickly seen that this wasn’t a hug, but a display of Strength attack! “VIRE!!” Electivire made a quick twist at the waist and opened his arms, slamming Tyrogue into the ground.

“LEAVE HIM ALONE!!” Gary ran up to Electivire and right past him, to his Baby Pokemon. He was stopped short, being yanked back by the shoulder. “HEY!” Gary reached out to Tyrogue as he was pulled backwards through the air by Electivire! He soared high and wailed, squirming and kicking out as he came back down hard. He sprawled out flat on his back, his eyes closed tight, his body aching. “Ooooooooohhh,” Gary groaned, turning over. “Tyrogue.” He squinted to see what was happening with his Pokemon.

Tyrogue was on his knees, looking up at Electivire.

Electivire looked so imposing, towering over Tyrogue.

Tyrogue was also smiling!

June was on her knees and holding herself up by one arm, her hair looking crazy.

Tyrogue got to his feet, and both Pokemon extended a fist to each other.

“ROOOOOOGUE!!” Tyrogue was zapped by Thunder Punch and fell over to his back.

Gary gasped and crawled towards his Pokemon. “Tyrogue! Come back right now!” He held out his Poke Ball and- “OOOOOOWWWWWWW!!!”

Tyrogue was now on his feet, but not before having punched Gary right in his face!

Gary was on his back again instantly.

“Tyrogue?” Tyrogue stared at Gary with wide eyes. “TY-!”

“MEEEEEEEL!!!” Charmeleon roared, attacking Tyrogue with Flamethrower.

“PRIIIIIIIIME!!!!” Primeape was in the air swinging punches as he came for Tyrogue.

“DOOOOOO!!!” Kingdra used Hydro Pump.

“BELL!!” Weepinbell swung out with Vine Whip.

“Baltoy!” Baltoy didn’t seem to be attacking, just spinning wildly in place.

“VIIIIIRE!!” Electivire’s eyes glowed blue as he stepped in front of Tyrogue.

Hydro Pump and Flamethrower were outlined in blue and turned in midair, about to hit Electivire, but instead collided with each other, both moves becoming white fog!

Vine Whip was then outlined in blue and wrapped around Primeape until he was no longer even visible! Primeape and the vine holding him dropped, Weepinbell watching in disbelief.

Electivire crossed his arms, his serious eyes on Gary’s Pokemon. “Virrrre...” he growled.

Holding his throbbing, swollen face, Gary sat up, feeling disoriented. “Guys!” he tried. “Everybody!” He stood up and took a few steps forward.

Electivire whipped around to face him, growling.

Weepinbell’s vine released itself from Primeape.

Primeape and Charmeleon were the first to move, leaping high and heading for June’s powerful Pokemon.

Charmeleon’s claws glowed white.

Electivire’s horns sparked, followed by his body.

Surprisingly, both Primeape and Charmeleon’s eyes widened. They both wailed out, their arms and legs flailing to keep themselves back in vain, knowing what was coming.

Lines of Thunder created by Electivire blasted much of the area.

The screams were loud, and they were many.

Charmeleon and Primeape fell hard.

Kingdra cowared, looking away from the blast.

Weepinbell and Eevee tried getting away but were caught in the streams of Electricity.

Baltoy spun and twirled its way from the dancing bolts like it was a game.

Rotom and Magneton flinched against the blast, but otherwise seemed to take the attack well enough compared to Pikachu, Galvantula, Ampharos, and Manectric who were all howling in pain.

Blitzle and Lanturn merely frowned at Electivire, unaffected due to their Abilities.

June and Gary were also given a dose of Electivire’s power.

When the move ended, the area was filled with pained groans from people and Pokemon alike.

“Tyrogue!” Tyrogue ran up to Gary and stared down at him. “Tyrogue!” He extended a hand.

Gary couldn’t react, stuck to the ground, feeling unable to move, his breathing even feeling like it was controlled by some external force that wanted to toy with how much oxygen he could get, changing it every inhale and every exhale. “Wh-Wh-Wh-Wh-at was the punch f-for, tho-o-ough?” he stammered.

“Tyrogue! Tyrogue!” He shook his head wildly, holding out his hands. “Tyrogue! Tyrogue Tyrogue! Tyrogue!”

June mumbled something, but was incapable of speaking clearly.

Tyrogue pulled Gary’s arm around his shoulder and hoisted him up a bit. A majority of Gary’s body still on the ground, Tyrogue dragged him over to a tree and sat him up against the trunk. “Tyrogue.” He reached up and pressed lightly underneath Gary’s left eye.

“Aaaaahh...” Gary gasped and managed to push Tyrogue back. “My face... Come on.”

Tyrogue looked sorrowful and backed up a little.

“It was an accident...” June sighed.

Gary turned to her.

She was shakily getting to her feet, her knees practically knocking into each other repeatedly. Her arms were outstretched at her sides. She was looking at the ground, but talking to Gary. “Tyrogue didn’t mean to hit you like that.”

Gary nodded, exhaling sharply through his nose. “Figured.” His mouth opened and he took in a deep breath, then closed his mouth, exhaling through his nose again.

The familiar sound of a Pokemon being recalled to its Poke Ball came with Electivire being retreated, glowing in red light.

“Think it’s time to call it a night,” June suggested, moving to her large black duffel bag and placing Electivire’s Poke Ball inside. She scooped up more Poke Balls and returned more Pokemon while Gary did the same with his.

Once all the Pokemon were gone, the area cleaned up, Gary and June were all alone, avoiding eye contact.

“It’s bleeding,” June brought up.

“Huh?”

“Your eye. Where you were hit.”

“Oh...” Gary reactively reached up a hand but then put it down, not wanting to touch it.

June went in her bag and came out shortly with a white rag. She walked over shakily to Gary and knelt by him, and then pressed the rag under his left eye.

Gary grabbed it in his left hand and held it there, but June didn’t let go. He moved his head noticeably to let June know he had it under control before she finally moved away. “So, you couldn’t tell my Dimensia Badge was a Pokemon, huh?” Gary spoke.

June turned back to him, unsure of how to respond. The answer was simple, but just how angry was Gary at her for this?

“Crazy, isn’t it?” Gary continued. “Four Badges to go, not three. With only a few more months left to the League. I guess the pressure is on. And we’re still a bit away from Dark City. Another day or so.”

June nodded.

“Let’s call it a night and try and get through by tomorrow perhaps.”

June smiled. “Sleep sounds good. Tomorrow we can plan ourselves better.”

Gary removed the rag and stared at the lightly bloodied middle. With a sigh, he gripped the rag in his hand and crawled over to his set up sleeping bag, getting in. He turned his back to June and curled up, resting his face against the rag he put on his pillow, and then closed his eyes.

June poured water over the fire.

*

Tyrogue shoveled food into his mouth even though it was still stuffed with previous food, and chewed for a moment before tossing in more.

Electivire filled his mouth with food and chewed, swallowing shortly after and then refilling it.

Both Tyrogue and Electivire kept their eyes on each other the entire time they noisily ate.

Insects sounded from all directions.

Other than those sources, it was kind of quiet.

Several minutes of awkwardness clogged the air.

It was unclear to June or Gary who stood up first, but Tyrogue and Electivire were now on their feet, both chewing on what was in their mouths. They swallowed together and then smirked at each other, flashing their teeth.

Tyrogue grabbed at his yellow scarf and adjusted it around his neck.

“Here we go!” Gary accidentally dropped his snack bar as he leaped to his feet, but he didn’t care.

“Electivire, hold on!” June also stood up, more carefully than Gary to not spill her cup of tea.

Both Trainers eyed each other.

“Tyrogue, use Bulk Up!” Gary ordered.

“Electivire, Thunder Punch, now!” June instructed.

Tyrogue’s body was outlined in crimson and he flexed his arms, the muscles on them bulging out.

Electivire connected with Thunder Punch!

“It worked?” Gary exclaimed.

“It worked!” June gasped.

Tyrogue was tossed back, landing on his back. He groaned but got up.

“Tyrogue, hang strong!” Gary called.

Tyrogue looked back at Gary with a solemn face and nodded. “Rogue!”

“Now let’s use Bulk Up again!”

Tyrogue repeated the move, his muscles increasing even further.

“Electivire-!” June was interrupted as her Pokemon ran forward, his body outlined in white. He reached out and grabbed at Tyrogue’s shoulders and hoisted the little buff Pokemon into the air!

Tyrogue struggled in the grip of Electivire, but even after his Bulk Ups, he wasn’t able to get free.

Electivire released one shoulder, releasing the other one only when punching Tyrogue in the face!

Tyrogue grunted as he flew through the air, landing hard.

“Tyrogue, get up, man!” Gary urged. “Use Bulk Up once more! Let’s power up and deliver a worthy blow!”

Tyrogue grabbed the ground with one hand and propped himself up on that arm, squinting at Electivire.

Electivire laughed lightly.

“Electivire, I want you to use Thunder Punch!” June tried.

Electivire leaped forward with Thunder Punch, socking Tyrogue before he could get up.

“He listened again!” Gary smiled at June.

June’s sad face rid Gary of his joy for her as she shook her head. “He moved before I even finished... He’s not listening to me.”

Tyrogue used Bulk Up while being down and used the added power to strengthen himself to get up.

“Tyrogue, you’re a lot stronger now! We can take and deliver! Show him that High Jump Kick and really make it count!”

“Rogue!!” Tyrogue soared for Electivire with the powered up move.

Electivire extended his broad hands out. “Vire!!” Electivire’s hands were forced back into his chest and the Pokemon stumbled back several feet.

“YEAH! Tyrogue, another High Jump Kick!”

“Electivire, please! Go for Ice Punch this time!”

Gary held his tongue, ready to tell Tyrogue to look out, but unsure if Electivire would even listen.

Electivire’s body was outlined in white and he bent his knees and arms, preparing to catch Tyrogue.

“TYROGUE!” Gary shouted. “It’s a trap!”

It was too late.

Tyrogue landed the hit, right in Electivire’s stomach.

Electivire took the blow but followed up by forcing his open palms into Tyrogue and forcing him into the ground with Strength, a huge crater engulfing the little guy. He stared down at the worn out opponent with a big, toothy grin.

“Tyrogue, High Jump Kick right up!” Gary pushed on.

“RRRROGUE!!” Tyrogue soared right out of the hole created for him and kneed Electivire in the face!

“VIIIIIIIII!!” Electivire was actually toppled over this time!

Bulk Up, or keep going in? Gary pondered for a second.

Electivire hopped back up and flexed his arms.

“Bullet Punch!”

Tyrogue zipped forward, catching Electivire right in the cheek before he could make another move.

Electivire groaned from the punch but held his footing.

“Now let’s try that Foresight!”

Tyrogue’s eyes glowed yellow for a moment before returning back to normal.

“LECTIVIIIIIIIIRE!!” Electivire zapped the area with Thunder.

Tyrogue looked in various directions; right, left, up, all around, and followed each glance by running, bouncing, jumping, rolling out of the way of various bolts from Thunder!

June gasped, her hands to her cheeks, smiling. “Look at that! His Foresight is just wonderful!”

Electivire bared his teeth, growling. He let out a snarl and used Thunder yet again, only this time, while jolts came after Tyrogue, June also shrieked as she was hit!

She dropped to her knees, and then to her face, smoke rising from her body. “Oowwww...” she croaked.

“JUNE!” Gary couldn’t believe it! He growled and turned to Electivire.

Tyrogue had managed around a number of bolts, and then one last bolt caught him. He was forced to his knees from the zap.

“Electivire!” Electivire called out.

“Tyrogue, hang in there! You’ve got the stamina!” Gary insisted. He took in a deep breath, pausing on his next words. “You can beat this thing! If anyone has got this, Tyrogue, you do!”

Tyrogue’s head lowered and he let out a sigh. His head then came up quickly, smiling bravely.

“Alright, Tyrogue!” Gary congratulated his Pokemon.

Tyrogue got to his feet and moved side to side, bouncing to a rhythm.

Electivire was not pleased, hardened eyes on his opponent. But he nodded.

Tyrogue swung a couple of punches at the air.

Electivire then stormed forward.

“Tyrogue, hold steady!”

Tyrogue tightened his eyes and waited as Electivire got closer.

Electivire bared his teeth, only a few feet away.

“Counter!”

Electivire stopped at Tyrogue, pulling back his foot and swinging out.

Tyrogue’s body was outlined in light red and he grunted on impact, dropping to his knees and grabbing painfully at where he was Low Kicked.

Electivire was flung backwards.

June finally rose her face from the ground and stared in shock at her Pokemon lying facedown. “Elec-!”

Electivire shoved his palms into the ground and rose to his feet. He was beaming fresh, looking strong and raring for more.

Tyrogue nodded expectantly, and though it seemed more of a struggle for him to stand, he remained up.

Electivire slammed into Tyrogue with Quick Attack.

Tyrogue was injured from that and remained down.

“Tyrogue?” Gary frowned. “Get up! Get up now! Send it right back! High Jump Kick!”

Tyrogue coughed and looked up at Electivire and he stood up once more.

Electivire growled and sent a strong Thunder his way.

“Tyrogue!” Gary hesitated.

Tyrogue was hit, his body levitating as he took the blast.

Gary closed his eyes, knowing he had cost Tyrogue that hit, and with that, the battle. Damn it, he thought.

“Vire?”

“Huh?”

Gary’s eyes opened, and then further widened.

Tyrogue, his buff arms shaking, was pushing himself up! His head down, he stood again!

“No way!” Gary smiled, laughing a little. “He’s got that spirit!”

“But...” June stopped, unable to find further words.

Electivire grinned and punched his fists together, each hit creating sparks.

At once, both Pokemon charged for each other!

“Tyrogue! I didn’t give you an order!” Gary yelled.

“No! Please, Electivire! Enough!” June pleaded.

Both Pokemon stopped in front of each other, breathing hard, leering.

Electivire held out a fist to Tyrogue, but didn’t strike.

Tyrogue smirked and reached out a fist to touch Electivire’s. “ROOOOOOOOOOOOGUE!!” Tyrogue was electrified and fell over, hit by Thunder Punch.

“Tyrogue!!” Gary ran to his Pokemon.

“Electivire, enough!” June sounded fed up as she returned her Pokemon. “Gary, I’m so sorry!”

Gary knelt by Tyrogue. Staring at him mournfully, he said, “But, why?” He looked at June. “This isn’t the first time Electivire pulled that crap.”

“Gary, I’m so sorry for that,” June apologized. “I don’t know what else to say.” She sighed sadly.

Gary shook his head. “Not your fault. It’s just weird. After all that battling, Electivire could at least end the match a little less sleazy.”

June, still on her hands and knees, lowered her head. “I know.”

There was a moment of silence between them.

“Tyrogue listens just fine to you,” June mentioned. “I’ll be honest. I had hoped Tyrogue was just as rogue as Electivire. Maybe, if so, you could have shown me how to work over Electivire. Since I can’t figure this out on my own...”

“June...” Gary couldn’t respond to this, feeling pity for her.

“You’re so great at being a Pokemon Trainer. What am I? I just need help with him... I’m truly no good at this.”

“June, Pokemon training was never going to be easy. It’s hard for so many. For everyone!”

June remained silent, her eyes shut tight. She began to sniffle.

“Hey, don’t cry. If you cry, your Pokemon’s just gonna think you’re a bitch.”

June’s head shot upward at the voice that came from out of nowhere.

Gary also whipped over to the new voice.

Tyrogue looked over as well.

A tall, young guy stepped out from the grass and trees. He was a much lighter complexion than Gary, but still darker than June. He had a full beard reaching up to his sideburns and a trimmed mustache despite his very young looks. His face wasn’t serious, but he wasn’t smiling, either. He was rather nonchalant, in fact. His face was also noticeably swollen and bruised. In his arms, he held a large capsule, the bottom and top yellow, the middle clear.

Inside of this capsule was a folded beige blanket underneath a huge brown egg with a yellow spot.

Gary got to his feet.

June got to her feet.

Tyrogue sat up, squinting at the new guy. “Rogue...?”

“What’s good?” the guy nodded casually.