“Pika Pika!!”

“Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka!”

“Chu! Chu! Pikachu!”

“Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka!”

One Pikachu stood atop a large rock, pointing in one direction, giving out orders.

A certain collective of Pikachu ran off to where a set of construction workers and other people were gathered.

At Pikachu’s word, more Pikachu went to other areas of Dark City, carrying wood, using their Electric moves against wiring and tools pressed against their cheeks by professionals, running through small, tight areas for various reasons because the adults couldn’t get through, and doing multiple other tasks.

Gary and June walked by the reconstruction efforts between the people, the Pikachu and the Raichu.

The dusty city was like an Old Western movie, with even tumbleweeds rolling across the ground. There were no roads or walkways, just a sandy ground being pushed wildly, mixing with the air thanks to wild winds today. The sky was blue and clear.

Gary’s sole goal was the location of the Pokemon Gym, which Nurse Joy had informed him was right behind the Pokemon Center. She also let him know that the Gym had been cleared just yesterday for bombs and was safe to use. With that weight off of his heart, Gary was ready to obtain his latest Badge. And that woman, Gary thought, squinting through the air, remembering the beautiful lady with the Bisharp. She’s the Gym Leader. Cleopatra. That was her. I’ll have to face that scary Pokemon. Gary sighed with some concerns, but also felt a lot of excitement pumping through his blood flowing through his body. I haven’t had a proper Pokemon battle in so long. Heck, maybe I should have prepared a bit before just jumping into a Gym match. Where has my head been at all this past week?

“Gary!”

“OH!” Gary tripped and hit the ground, landing on his hands and knees. He looked back to see a Raichu. “Raichu!”

Raichu was getting to his feet, looking to Gary with an innocent look.

“Hey, sorry, man.” Gary got up and held out his hand apologetically before turning away.

“And the Gym’s right here,” June told Gary. She was several feet behind him, standing by a building. She had one hand over her eyes, as if that were helping her against the dirt blowing everywhere.

“Oh. Right.” He walked back over to her.

“Nervous, huh? It’s been a while since you’ve gone for a Badge.” She smiled, being sure to keep her mouth closed in this environment.

Gary shook his head defiantly. “I’m more than ready.”

“We could have a battle first. To get the blood flowing?”

Gary smiled small. “I’ve got this.”

The two stood outside of a one story, wooden building. A nail was hammered in the door through a rope that held up a wooden sign proclaiming: Dark City Pokemon Gym.

Gary turned to Raichu, who was still in the same spot.

His ears perked up and he blinked a couple of times.

Hope he isn’t upset at me, Gary thought. He doesn’t seem mad. What’s he want, though?

There was a sharp yell suddenly, followed by a furious cry, all coming from inside the Gym!

Gary turned to the building and stepped atop the wooden platform it stood on, walking over to the door.

“Gary, be careful!” June warned.

There were more determined yells, a grunt, and a hard slam.

Gary grabbed the wooden door handle and pulled it. Looking inside, Gary gasped.

The place was very spacious, naked light bulbs hanging brightly from the ceiling. Although the building was just a story tall, the roof was a long distance up. Several windows lined the walls, all of them glowing mildly from the outside lighting.

It was the middle of the room that held the attention of everyone. Black paint outlined a battlefield. But inside weren’t Pokemon. Rather, two humans were fighting with each other! Two women! One being Cleopatra, Gary soon recognized.

To add to this, it was the Bisharp who stood outside of the battlefield, watching the two women.

The other woman had shorter hair than Cleopatra, like most women, honestly. Her dark brown hair stopped above her shoulders. She was wearing baggy black sweatpants and a white T-shirt. Bouncing on her toes, her breasts caught Gary’s eyes as they bounced freely under her shirt. The woman lunged her foot out to kick Cleopatra.

Cleopatra moved to the side, getting in closer to the opponent.

Swiftly, the woman sent out a left punch at the same time Cleopatra leaned in to deliver her own left blow.

Cleopatra cried out as she was dropped by the hit.

Not slowing up, the other woman moved and dropped to one knee, forcing it against Cleopatra’s throat.

The Gym Leader raised her knees and delivered them into the woman’s back, toppling her over to her stomach. As she leaped up, kicking her feet up into the air and landing strongly, one leg from the short haired fighter extended and connected with Cleopatra’s cheek, forcing her down again.

The shorter woman swiveled, sliding her body on the floor and smoothly returning to her feet and taking a stance with her hands in front of her, waiting for Cleopatra.

Cleopatra shook her head from the floor and her tongue ran along the side of the inside of her mouth. She swallowed and smirked at the woman. With a sigh, she stood. They both bowed before turning at once to Gary. “So you’re back to challenge my Gym,” Cleopatra stated. “I remember you from yesterday. Thank you for your... most unique resolution.”

Gary wanted to smile, but Cleopatra was so intimidating. Even her beauty couldn’t compare with her seriousness. He settled for nodding. “Thank you, Cleopatra. I, uh... Thanks for your help.” Gary was still trying to take in what he had just seen take place.

“I do my best to take care of this city when things go a little awry. Anyway, let’s begin our match, shall we?” Cleopatra and the woman split, Cleopatra taking her place at one end of the field, Bisharp walking over and standing beside her.

The other woman stood where Bisharp had been, revealing herself to be the referee.

Gary took a deep breath and walked to the other end.

Metal chairs were set a short distance from the battlefield, a set on each side.

June looked to both sides before taking a seat opposite the side of the referee, choosing a seat near the middle. Her eyes were wide as she paid attention to what was taking place.

“State your name and residence for the record, Trainer,” Cleopatra spoke.

“My name’s Gary! I’m from Pallet Town!” he responded boldly.

“This Gym match is between Gary from Pallet Town, and Dark City’s Gym Leader, Cleopatra,” the referee stated. “This will be a three-on-three Pokemon match. No time limit. The first Trainer whose Pokemon are defeated is out! BEGIN!!”

“Sneasel, go!” Cleopatra threw a curious kind of Poke Ball that Gary had to squint at to make out.

“Sneasel!” Sneasel appeared from its Ultra Ball and raised its claws, looking ready to strike whatever Gary chose to send out.

Sneasel. The Sharp Claw Pokemon. Using their sharp claws, they climb trees to raid Pidgey nests for eggs. These claws also make dangerous weapons.

She must be saving her best for last, Gary thought as his eyes went from Sneasel to Bisharp and back to Sneasel. Or next up. He grabbed a Poke Ball. “Primeape!” He tossed the Poke Ball, a surge of nostalgia, familiarity, and joy rushing throughout his body as a smile came over his face. I’m back home! he felt inside. “GOOOO!”

“PRIIIIIMEAPE!!” Primeape was bouncing all over, punching his fists out, looking outwardly how Gary felt on the inside.

Alright! This is it! Gary thought. This is what life is all about. “Cross Chop, let’s go!”

Primeape dove in with crossed arms in front of his body. The arms started to glow white.

“Sneasel, Agility,” Cleopatra said in a calm tone that surprised Gary some.

“Sneasel!” Sneasel moved quick, running towards Primeape!

Primeape slammed to the floor of the Gym as Sneasel moved to the side sharply, but he got up easily, growling.

Sneasel was running circles around Primeape, Primeape unable to keep his eyes on it.

If that’s the case, every hit we send has gotta matter when it delivers, Gary figured. “Focus Energy!”

Primeape’s breathing became more angered, his face glowing red, and the color spread out through his entire body. He punched his fists together, grunting, growling, snarling!

“Beat Up! Now!”

“Snnnneeeeeeeeeesaaaaaaal!” Sneasel yelled, pointing out to the infuriated, energized Primeape.

From the Poke Balls on Aurora’s side, two beams of white light shot out and two more Pokemon stood around Sneasel!

Gary couldn’t believe it, his mouth wide open in shock. He had to back up just to visually take in one Pokemon in particular.

Pangoro. The Daunting Pokemon and Pancham’s evolved form. As intimidating as it looks, it poses a threat to no one unless they are doing wrong, like picking on the weak or other injustices. It uses the bamboo sprig in its mouth to detect things in the area.

Pangoro was a tower compared to the rest on the field, Drapion also out.

In the next instant, all three Pokemon charged at Primeape.

Primeape’s furious face switched to surprise as he saw the mini stampede. “Prime?”

The three opponents all pummeled Primeape.

“HEY!” Gary yelled. “WHAT-?!” Gary had turned to Cleopatra but returned back to Primeape when suddenly the two new Pokemon started to glow red and were returned back to their Poke Balls!

Sneasel simply scooted back to its position away from Primeape.

“That was a move called Beat Up, Gary,” June explained to him. “It allows all the Pokemon in the Trainer’s party to come out for a moment to... basically beat up the opponent. It’s totally allowed and doesn’t break the rules of the match.”

She sounds like she’s been through that rule before, Gary thought, nodding at her, fully accepting that ruling. As a previous Gym Leader, it’s no surprise. He looked back to Primeape. “Primeape, how do you feel?”

Primeape got up, rubbing the top of his head and leering at Sneasel. His fists collided with each other and he repeatedly jumped, each time coming down hard as if trying to go through the floor, still red faced and pumped up off of Focus Energy.

“Cross Chop again!”

Primeape went for it a second time, leaping high and coming down with fury.

Sneasel waited until the last second to take off, running out of the way of the impact.

Primeape made another collision with the floor that he quickly recovered from.

We’ve gotta catch this thing somehow! Gary thought impatiently. What can we do?

“Screech attack!” Cleopatra went.

Sneasel opened its mouth and out came a wild screeching that pierced into Gary’s brain!

He and June covered their ears and wailed, helplessly bending over against the pain.

“PRIIIIIIIIIIIME!!!” Primeape struggled, his fists to the sides of his head as he stumbled about before falling to his knees.

Cleopatra, her Bisharp, and her referee didn’t seem to react at all, the Gym Leader even having a slight smirk.

Primeape sliding on his back and stopping close to Gary was what got Gary to open his eyes and notice that Sneasel’s Screech had actually ended. “Primeape! Oh, no!” He must have been attacked without me even hearing Cleopatra, Gary realized, looking up to see Cleopatra standing cooly with her arms crossed, her hip out to the left. “Can you go on?” he asked his Pokemon.

Primeape grunted, getting back up, and he hopped in place. “Primeape!”

“That’s the spirit!” Gary cheered. But, what can we do with this thing outspeeding us? Gary’s eyes lit up from the lightbulb over his head.

“Use Beat Up again!” Cleopatra pushed on. “End this at once!”

“Right! Rage, now!” Gary nodded.

Cleopatra squinted, her eyebrows tightening.

Primeape moved as fast as he could with determination.

Sneasel shouted out, calling out the other Pokemon who all appeared around it.

Primeape pulled back a fist and punched Sneasel in the face.

Right after that punch, all three Pokemon jumped Primeape with kicks and punches. Two of the Pokemon returned back, Sneasel remaining.

Primeape was facedown, but his body had a red glow to it now.

Cleopatra didn’t look confused or surprised, grimacing at Gary’s Pokemon.

“Attack boost!” Gary beamed, looking up to the Gym Leader. “Rage’s effect to boost Attack after taking damage. With your three attacking, we’re three times boosted!”

“Use Slash to end this!”

“Seismic Toss counter!” Gary was waiting for an opportunity like this.

Sneasel’s claw glowed white as it brought it upon Primeape.

Primeape reached out and grabbed its arm!

“Sneas?” The glow of its arm vanished. “Sneas!”

Primeape took Sneasel off its feet and started spinning in a circle!

Sneasel was screaming, its feet in the air as it was taken for a ride against its will. Its voice increased when Primeape finally let go and it was soaring through the air! “Sel!” Sneasel finally met with a wall and then hit the floor, its eyes closed painfully, and it let out its breath.

“Sneasel is out! Primeape is the winner!” the referee stated.

Cleopatra ran her right hand through her hair before reaching out to recall Sneasel. “Very well. You know who my Pokemon will be, so let’s get through this.” She grabbed a second Ultra Ball and out came Drapion.

The Pokemon wasn’t tall by general standards, though taller than Primeape, but it was intimidating and had a threatening roar.

“Alright, keep it up!” Gary smiled. He had a plan he was sure was gold. “Rage, now!”

Primeape shot forward and hit Drapion with a punch in the stomach area.

Drapion wasn’t fazed, maintaining good footing, staring down at Primeape.

“Swords Dance,” Cleopatra responded easily.

Gary grit his teeth. Damn it. What a waste, he thought bitterly.

Drapion’s arms glowed purple and it swung them in a strange fashion that seemed to have no intentional rhythm or purpose before the glow went away. Its body glowed red for a moment, its Attack sharply raised, as its claws opened and closed as if giving a warning.

I can’t let her do that again, Gary knew. We tried to take advantage of an anticipated act. Instead, she took advantage of my Rage as an opening to power her Pokemon up.

“I hope you are seeing I won’t fall for the same trick twice,” Cleopatra sneered.

Gary didn’t respond to her. Okay. If she won’t come to boost us, we’ll do the next best thing. “Primeape, use Screech!” Gary’s palms forced themselves over his ears.

June quickly did the same thing with a gasp.

Primeape used his Screech, his voice forcing its way through Gary’s blockade and making him grit his teeth and shut his eyes.

Gary managed to open one eye and see Drapion with its claws at the sides of its head, screaming to the ceiling.

June was on her feet, still covering her ears and shouting as well.

Neither Cleopatra, her referee, nor her Bisharp raised their arms, but Cleopatra’s eyes were closed, frowning.

The referee was squinting with disdain, a look on her face that could have meant a disgusting taste was in her mouth.

Bisharp just held cold eyes to the field.

Gary waited impatiently.

Primeape finally stopped.

Gary’s hands dropped. “GAH! CROSS CHOP, GO!!”

Primeape ran forward with crossed arms. They glowed white and Primeape shouted out, rushing into Drapion.

Drapion roared, flashing white where it was hit.

There it is! The Critical Hit! Focus Energy! Gary couldn’t have been paid to hide that smile.

Drapion collapsed.

“Drapion is unable to battle!” Even the referee seemed very surprised by this. “Primeape is the winner!”

Cleopatra looked confused and surprised at once. Her mouth was open, simply taken aback. She suddenly gave Gary a very ungrateful look and recalled Drapion. She took in a deep breath and grabbed her last Poke Ball. “You may think you’ve done well, and you have exceeded my expectations exceptionally, young man. However, I have just the one for someone of your level.” She tossed a darker Poke Ball to the field that Gary had never seen before.

Before he could get a better look, it popped open and Pangoro was released. “PANGOROOOO!” Pangoro stomped one foot forward and roared at Primeape.

Primeape raised an arm against the foe and then lowered it. “AAAAAAAAAAPE!!” Primeape’s voice couldn’t match Pangoro’s, but he put his all into it and Gary could tell.

“Let’s go all in, Primeape! Close Combat and end this one!” Gary started.

“PRIIIIIME!!!” Primeape was in the air and first delivered a kick to Pangoro’s face. Pangoro roared, attacked by punches and kicks from Primeape that didn’t let up. The final punch got it right in the stomach and it flashed white, signaling another Critical Hit.

“YYEEEAAAAAAAH!!” Gary celebrated. We got this Badge. I’m doing it! I’m fulfilling my goals. Melissa. Melissa, this is for you. For us!

Pangoro bent over, just about falling... but it didn’t! Instead, Pangoro stood tall, looking just fine, in fact.

Primeape shivered on the ground, his body glowing blue, before straightening up.

His Defenses just dropped, Gary knew. I can’t believe Close Combat wasn’t enough for a Dark type. “Let’s go for broke! One more Close Combat! We’ve got this!”

Primeape raged and went for more of the same, jumping at Pangoro.

“Fling attack.” Cleopatra spoke as if she had prepared for this moment.

“Pangoro!” Pangoro reached out with one paw and scooped Primeape from midair! “PANGOOOOOOO!!” The claw continued upwards, tossing Primeape higher up!

“Now, Sky Uppercut!”

Pangoro’s fist glowed blue. It bent its knees and soared up to where Primeape was, catching him in the back.

Primeape was hurt bad from that and both Pokemon came down.

Primeape bounced on his back as he landed.

Pangoro bent its knees on the landing and stood right up.

“PRIMEAPE!! Get up!! We’ve got this, man! Use Cross Chop!” Gary went on.

Primeape rolled over and groaned to get back to his feet. He crossed his arms. When they glowed white, he screeched out like crazy and leaped at Pangoro.

“Power-Up Punch!” Cleopatra ordered.

Both of Pangoro’s fists tightened and then glowed with a golden aura. It swung on Primeape, connecting with Cross Chop.

“PRIIIIIIIIIMMMME!!” Primeape flew backwards, his arms returning to their normal color. He was no match for Power-Up Punch.

Pangoro flashed with red for a moment.

“Gary, Power-Up Punch boosts the Attack with each hit it lands!” June warned. “Please be careful!”

That’s what that was... Gary cursed.

Primeape was down, on his face.

“Primeape, we can’t be that far off from winning this fight!” Gary encouraged his Pokemon. “Let’s take this one all the way! Use Screech to wear it down!”

“Use Taunt now!”

“Taunt!” Gary uttered through gritted teeth.

Primeape took in a deep breath, looking up at Pangoro.

“GOOOOOO!!” Gary urged, covering his ears.

Pangoro’s eyes flashed and it nodded at Primeape with a sneaky grin.

“PRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME!!!” Primeape ran to Pangoro, throwing punches all the way down to it.

Pangoro stood there, snickering at Primeape.

“DAMN IT!!” Gary burst out, his hands slapping his legs.

Primeape got close and threw a sharp punch.

Pangoro used Power-Up Punch, sending Primeape flying back and increasing its own Attack again.

Primeape was livid and got back up, lunging for Pangoro with Cross Chop this time.

Pangoro kept its smile and used Power-Up Punch once more, continuing to overpower Primeape and powering itself.

Primeape landed on the Gym floor, twitching.

“Another Power-Up Punch ought-”

“No!” The referee held out a hand to Cleopatra. “Primeape is down. Pangoro wins the match.”

“What??” Gary shook his head and ran onto the field. This wasn’t possible! He knelt down by his Pokemon.

Primeape was still.

“Primeape! Hey!”

Primeape’s eyes opened slowly. They blinked once. “Ape Ape...” They closed.

Gary put a hand on his partner’s body. “Take it easy. You did so amazing. Two Pokemon all on your own! You’re the man! We’ve got it from here.” He recalled Primeape to his Poke Ball and stood up. Keeping stern eyes on Pangoro, he backed up until he was in his spot.

“Your Primeape was good, Gary. But it was too rambunctious,” Cleopatra said. “Me and Pangoro could read all of its actions quite easily. Countering it was little more than a few moments of observation and taking a couple of swings here and there.”

Gary let out a sharp breath from his nose. Whatever, bitch. He grabbed his next Poke Ball. “Yeah, well read this!” Gary tossed it.

“CHAAAAARR!” Charmeleon shot flames into the air and then growled at Pangoro.

“Another hothead?” Cleopatra questioned.

“Like none other, Cleopatra! Let’s go! At a distance, Flamethrower!”

“Chaaaaaaaaarmeleon!!” Charmeleon let loose flames to Pangoro.

Pangoro roared from the impact that engulfed it.

The flames faded away after several seconds.

Pangoro was still standing, glaring at Charmeleon.

“Do it again, Charmeleon!”

“Pangoro, Taunt again!”

Charmeleon opened his jaws.

Pangoro nodded, its eyes gleaming for a second.

“Char?” Charmeleon closed his mouth and bared his teeth. “CHAAAAAAAAAARRRRRR!!!” He attacked wildly with Flamethrower this time! The move shot out at random places, none coming near Pangoro! His next Flamethrower reached for the opponent Pokemon, but Pangoro moved aside, remaining safe and smiling the entire time.

“Charmeleon, use Rock Smash! That should do it!” Gary tried.

Charmeleon roared and came at Pangoro with Slash attack. He jumped head-on at Pangoro. Pangoro dodged again, and Charmeleon went right by it. Gary’s Pokemon stopped smoothly and whipped around immediately.

“Charmeleon, you need to take it easy! Don’t fall for the Taunt! Use Dig to get out of there!”

Charmeleon growled, his voice getting louder as his eyes glowed white and his tail flame exploded with more power.

“Dragon Rage? Charmeleon!”

Charmeleon sent out a huge flame.

“Vital Throw!” Cleopatra shouted.

Pangoro charged to Charmeleon as he attacked. The flame hit Pangoro, but it continued right through it! It did grimace against the impact, but didn’t slow down much. “PANGOROOOOOO!!” It stomped straight on through and the back of one paw smacked Charmeleon right in the head.

Charmeleon flew backwards.

Pangoro whipped around on the spot so its other arm caught him! “GOROOOO!” Pangoro SLAMMED Charmeleon into the floor!

“Charmeleon is unable to battle! Pangoro wins!” the referee nodded.

“CHARMELEON!!” Gary closed his eyes and lowered his head, his lips tight together. He shook his head. “Charmeleon...”

“This wasn’t the same as with your Primeape, Gary,” Cleopatra let Gary know. “Taunt causes the Pokemon to go out of control with attacks, but even before Taunt, your Primeape was too rampant. You and your Charmeleon’s style, even when under Taunt... I wouldn’t call it rampant. It fought very well. This situation was more your Charmeleon being overpowered by Pangoro than anything else.”

Overpowered... Gary thought angrily. Charmeleon. “Thank you, Charmeleon. You did a lot to wear out Pangoro. This Badge is ours!” He recalled his Pokemon. But, now who? Kingdra? Certainly not Baltoy... Weepinbell? Tyrogue? Gary grabbed a Poke Ball and stared at it. This might be really crazy, but... He looked at Pangoro.

The big bear looked just fine, not showing the slightest wear.

It must be putting up a front, Gary thought. There’s no way! He held out the Poke Ball. “I choose you!”

The white beam sent out Gary’s final Pokemon.

“Tyrogue!” Tyrogue tightened his Yellow Scarf and then held up his hands and bounced on his toes.

“Tyrogue??” June looked to Gary and back to Tyrogue, and then returned to Gary. Her face was a mix of anger and disbelief.

Cleopatra’s eyes were wide, but she didn’t speak.

The referee had wide eyes and a cocked head.

Even Bisharp looked less intimidating and more startled by the Baby Pokemon sent out.

“Just watch us!” Gary nodded strongly, shaking off his own surprise at the choice he made. “Fake out, right away!”

Tyrogue held out his hands and they glowed orange. He clapped them, and a large shockwave came out, hitting Pangoro.

Pangoro grunted as it closed its eyes and turned its head away from Tyrogue, but it looked like this was an effort. As if it didn’t really want to look away.

“Follow up with the High Jump Kick!” Gary continued.

Tyrogue jumped and gave a strong kick with his knee into Pangoro’s stomach.

Pangoro roared but didn’t even budge!

“Our time. Poison Jab,” Cleopatra told her Pokemon.

Pangoro raised a fist that began to glow purple. It swung on Tyrogue, catching him in the face.

“ROOOOOOOGUE!!” Tyrogue slid until hitting Gary’s feet.

“TYROGUE! NO!!” Gary pleaded.

Tyrogue’s face was flushed purple from a Poisoning! He shook his head and got up, hobbling around and leering at Pangoro, resembling a drunkard.

“Now Power-Up Punch,” Cleopatra added.

Pangoro took several steps, approaching Gary and Tyrogue.

Gary looked up at the monster and began to quiver. “Tyrogue, PLEASE! WATCH OUT!!”

Tyrogue flinched against the pain of the Poison. He then was hook punched and tumbled. “Rooouge!”

Pangoro flashed with red, its Attack higher than ever.

“Use Fling, toss it high!”

Tyrogue looked up from the floor as Pangoro stomped towards him. His eyes closed and he fell to his face.

“TYROOOOOOGUE!!” Gary called out helplessly as his Pokemon was scooped and tossed into the air.

“TYYYYYYROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOGUE!!!!” Tyrogue almost touched the ceiling! He took a breath and let out another scream as he came back down.

“Sky Uppercut!” Cleopatra had a strange face, as if she were trying to hide a smile.

Gary’s face tightened, his eyes focusing, his lips pressing against each other, and his fists clenching.

Pangoro’s fist glowed blue, and it bent its knees. “GORO!!” Pangoro leaped for Tyrogue.

“Let’s do it, Tyrogue!” Gary insisted.

Tyrogue looked to Gary as he stopped screaming.

Cleopatra also looked to Gary.

Gary caught this from the corner of his eye and looked to her, smiling. “COUNTER!!”

“TYROGUE!” Tyrogue smiled.

“IT WON’T BE ENOUGH!!” Cleopatra barked. “You’ll never survive it!!”

Both Trainers, June, Bisharp, and the referee had their eyes up as Tyrogue’s body was outlined in light red.

Pangoro connected with Tyrogue.

Both Pokemon let out their shouts, and both Pokemon flew sharply for the floor, crashing painfully.

Everyone in the room was watching for who would stand up.

Gary.

Cleopatra.

Bisharp.

The referee.

June.

And Electivire.

In turn, some taking longer than others to realize, all capable eyes went to the random Electivire for a second, but the battle was so good, everyone returned back to the match.

Tyrogue grunted.

Pangoro groaned.

Both Pokemon managed back up and faced each other.

Tyrogue was hunched over, barely able to stand.

Pangoro stood tall and raised its claws, roaring.

Are you kidding me? Gary thought, stunned.

“What a stupid mistake, bringing a Baby to a Gym match, young man,” Cleopatra sneered.

“You say that, but we’re still here! That Badge is ours! It’s time to give it up!” Gary fired back. “Bullet Punch, NOW!”

“We won’t be losing to such an amateur Trainer! Power-Up Punch!” Cleopatra demanded.

Tyrogue caught Pangoro in the face with Bullet Punch, moving like lightning, but Pangoro followed up right away with Power-Up Punch.

Both Pokemon went back, Tyrogue dropping.

June stood on her feet.

“Electivire!” Electivire uttered.

Tyrogue was on his back, twitching wildly from the Poisoning.

Pangoro never fell over, maintaining its balance.

“TYROGUE!” Gary shouted.

Tyrogue groaned, no longer twitching, but he didn’t get up.

Nobody moved in that Gym.

Nobody spoke, either.

All eyes were on Tyrogue.

Wait, Gary realized. It can’t be over... He looked over to the referee who still hadn’t said a word, and soon found that Cleopatra was also staring at her!

Cleopatra was in fact glaring at the referee!

June had her hands over her mouth.

Bisharp didn’t move its body, its sharply focused eyes starting on Tyrogue and shooting over to the referee for only a second before sticking to Tyrogue.

It’s not over! Gary knew. “TYROGUE! YOU’RE STILL UP! GET UP!! HIGH JUMP KICK RIGHT NOW!!”

Tyrogue didn’t move.

The referee made a sudden movement, shaking her head. She let out her breath and smiled.

“TY!” Tyrogue’s hands pushed against the floor and he sat up!

The referee gasped loudly and covered her mouth, angry confusion on her face.

Cleopatra’s mouth was open in a huge snarl, as if she wanted to eat Gary’s Tyrogue.

Tyrogue managed up and looked back at Gary with a stern face. Right after that, he charged at Pangoro.

“THEN USE VITAL THROW!!” Cleopatra bellowed.

Pangoro came at Tyrogue with wide arms.

Tyrogue kneed Pangoro in the face.

Pangoro whipped around and slammed Tyrogue through the floor! It then kept turning and landed next to the hole, crashing through the floor as well!

Silence returned to the Gym.

Gary ran.

The referee ran.

June ran.

Electivire ran.

Only Cleopatra and Bisharp stayed where they were.

Those who ran forward looked at where the two Pokemon laid.

“I don’t need to see anything further,” Cleopatra spoke quickly from where she stood. “I saw Pangoro go down. And Tyrogue did, as well. This match is a tie, and as such, I have the right to judge that you, Gary, are the winner.”

Gary’s mouth had dropped wide open. At first, it was to argue. But at Cleopatra’s final words, it was in awe. He looked down, seeing Tyrogue’s opened eyes.

Tyrogue smiled and gave a wink to his Trainer before his body scrunched up painfully. His body then settled.

*

Gary, June, and Electivire stepped out of the Gym and squinted through the sand blowing around.

“Good thing we’re done here. I’m sick of this place already,” June complained.

“Same here,” Gary said. “Let’s get Tyrogue and the others all healed up, grab some food, and hightail it out.”

June turned to Tyrogue with a smile. “So cute.”

Tyrogue was awake, but worn out in Gary’s arms, hanging over his Trainer’s right shoulder. His Poison was taken care of.

Electivire’s large hands hung lazily by his sides.

If only June and Electivire were on good terms, Gary thought, not staring at either of them as he led the way to the Pokemon Center. This is flat out creepy having this thing following us. He didn’t answer June why he came out, but it’s obvious he’s here for Tyrogue. But, why? At least he didn’t shock anybody this time.

Gary suddenly stopped walking and looked behind him. His eyes closed against the blowing crap in his face. What was that sound? he wondered.

June suddenly screamed.

Gary forced his eyes open and watched her.

She had her ears covered.

“June?”

“Electivire.” Electivire was staring back at the Gym.

At Electivire’s voice, Tyrogue stirred.

BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!

The four were sent flying.

Tyrogue screamed as he flew out of Gary’s arms.

They all hit the ground hard.

His body aching, Gary lifted his head.

“Gaaaaaaah!!” June was screaming wildly.

Gary’s mouth widened for a huge gasp, taking in a lot of dirt and making him choke instantly.

The Gym! Most of it was completely destroyed! The entire top half was eliminated, the remainder of it shredded, blown apart, but standing. Something had just went off and destroyed the Gym Gary and his friends had just come out of.

Something then appeared from the inside of the wreckage, hovering above it. This thing was outlined in blue, sparking light. The being was thin and very long and tall. The arms were shorter than the legs, but still extended to a noticeable point. While hairy, they were a lot less so than its muscular legs. The fingers were startlingly stretched. Strange red patterns were on the front of this thing’s body, like diamond shaped tattoos. Its legs, though hairy, visibly contained a couple of larger diamond symbols. The being had large breasts on its chest. They had a blatant, diamond shape to them. The nipple area was completely flat and even darker than the rest of her solid-black skin. They each held the shape of half a diamond, and had they been pressed together, would have been a complete one. The stomach and chest were covered in the lightest amount of hair. The neck was long and hairless and resembled a snake how it curved, one diamond design on each side. The hair on its head reached down its back.

No matter how many times Gary eyed the monster up and down, he was unable to make sense of what he was seeing. He couldn’t even think up a word trying to process what this could possibly be.

The eyes of it held his attention more than anything. The rectangular shape of the skin around the eyeballs. The space that was between the skin and the eyeballs. How the eyes were almost entirely black pupils! The blue light around its body would flash to white on occasion, returning back to blue immediately. The monster screamed and slowly moved closer to Gary, still floating but descending a little.

June was shrieking at this point, but Gary couldn’t turn from the horror in front of him. He shook his head. This bitch... Gary bared his teeth. Killed my fucking sister!! Rage took over his body and mind, and before he knew what was going on, he jumped at the thing. “GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!” Gary felt his body thump, and in the next instant, he found himself twitching helplessly, painfully on the ground.

The monster lowered itself down in front of him and the blue, crackling sparks around it disappeared. It took two steps forward, its feet by Gary’s waist. It bent over very slightly, just enough so that it could reach Gary with its long arms, and it dug its sharp nails into Gary’s cheeks, gripping his face.

The hold hurt, Gary whimpering more from terror than the pain, though.

Its grip tightened, and its entire hand, palm and fingers, were crushing half of Gary’s face.

“GgggggghhhhhhhaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!” Gary was forced to wail as he felt his face being forced to cave in against his struggling.

The monster opened its mouth. “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!” it screamed with Gary. Inside the mouth was a big, fat, pink tongue that looked like it barely fit, curled and folded over itself as it slid around like a slug. “HUMAAAAAAAAAAAAN!! CONTAMINAAANT!!” Its voice crackled like electricity and fire in a swirling, raging hurricane. It seemed that it spoke with more than one voice, each one at varying frequencies. It was hard to tell how many voices were possibly being heard.

It sounded like nothing Gary had ever heard before. He screamed at the top of his lungs, his eyes wide with fright hearing this thing actually speak English!

June continued hollering.

Gary’s face was suddenly released! Though he wanted to move much quicker, he couldn’t, his shaky hands slowing moving up to his sore face and holding it delicately.

The monster had let go of him and turned to June!

June was still letting out the loudest noise possible from her mouth.

The monster didn’t move.

After a moment, June closed her mouth and was shivering on the spot, her eyes closed. She was on her knees, her hands to her head, gripping it tightly. Her eyes cracked open and then burst open wide at the sight of the monster. She let out a short shriek and stopped.

Both June and the being stared at each other in silence.

The being’s body became engulfed in blue sparks. It reached out for June, taking long, swift, scary strides.

June screamed.

“TIVIIIIRE!!!”

A yellow blast hit the creature, and the blue around it went away.

It looked over to see Electivire step past June.

“Electivire...” Electivire growled. He flexed his arms and used Thunder, lightning bolts firing not only from his body, but also landing on the ground from the quickly darkening sky! “ELECTIVIIIIIIRE!!!” he roared.

“Electivire, get back!” June insisted. “Get away from that thing!!”

“ELECTIVIRE!!”

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!” June was hit by a bolt from Electivire’s body and collapsed, her body sparking.

Electivire and the monster never broke eye contact.

Thunder rumbled from above, and soon after, the sky lightened up again, the lightning storm going away.

The creature, to Gary’s surprise, then smirked! A small but clear smile crossed the thing’s face, raising the already well extended cheekbones protruding from its face. It seemed to let out its breath. The darkness of its skin actually faded to a lighter tone! In an instant, the creature was as white as paint! The hair on its body also faded to a more white-blonde color, except for what was on its head. Its originally darkened nipples were white, but still clearly darker than the rest of its body. The red diamond patterns on its body became a much darker shade. “Yes, then.” The tone of voice had changed. It didn’t carry the crackling anger of the first time. It now sounded lighter. Clearer. Friendlier. It still seemed to contain multiple voices within, but this was a lot less threatening.

“AAAAAAAAHH!!” June let out, remaining down but slamming her hands to her ears.

“ELECTIVIRE!!!” Electivire lunged at the thing in front of him and swung with Thunder Punch.

June grunted, sitting up.

The creature caught Electivire’s fist, its body lighting up from the attack, but it didn’t seem to react to it! Its entire eyes flashed with the color purple, and a purple squirt came out of each eye, hitting Electivire in his own eyes! It released Electivire’s hand.

Electivire backed up, clawing at his own face and whining in pain! His own eyes were now both all purple!!

“Electivire!!” June watched her Pokemon in disbelief and terror.

What...? What is this thing?? Gary thought in a panic.

Electivire stumbled about, crying and snarling. He got closer to the creature.

The creature made a swift movement, turning its back to Electivire only to deliver a kick to his face!

“Tivire!” Electivire stumbled backwards and fell over.

“NO!” Gary finally sat up and grabbed a Poke Ball, forcing himself through the stun he had received trying to fight this thing. “HELP US!!” He threw the Poke Ball.

“TYROOOOOOGUE!!!” Tyrogue soared through the air and landed in front of Gary.

A white beam of light appeared next to Tyrogue, and Charmeleon appeared. “Mel??” Charmeleon gaped at the monster in front of them. He turned to Tyrogue and then Gary.

“TYROGUE!” Gary shouted. “GET BACK!! Charmeleon, please! Don’t get close to that thing! Use Flamethrower from a distance!”

“Charmeleon!” Charmeleon, with his still wide eyes on the monster, nodded. He was breathing heavy and leaning forward a bit, still beaten from his fight with Pangoro.

Maybe not Charmeleon, Gary realized. I’m not thinking straight!

“TYYYYY!!” Tyrogue flew at the opponent with High Jump Kick!

“TYROGUE, STOP!!” Gary grabbed for his Poke Ball.

“CHARMELEOOOOOOON!!” Charmeleon used Flamethrower.

Its eyes back to their all black color, only the edges purple, the creature moved to the side, Tyrogue missing his hit, and it grabbed Tyrogue’s other leg and with one swift motion, slammed him to the ground! It then held out one hand and let the Flamethrower hit it! Charmeleon’s flames met with the thing’s open palm, but it simply stood still, taking the hit without the slightest reaction!

When the flames died out, Charmeleon growled. “CHAR! CHARMELEON!! CHAAAAAAAAAAAR!!” Charmeleon used Flamethrower again!

“Charmeleon, be careful, please!” Gary begged. “This thing is dangerous!”

This time, the creature’s body was lit up once again with blue electricity, and it flew into the Flamethrower! The Fire curved around the electricity around its body, doing absolutely nothing to it. It easily grabbed Charmeleon’s jaws with one hand and simply shut it!

Charmeleon’s body was zapped by the blue electricity, but he couldn’t even call out for help as this evil entity held his mouth shut.

“CHARMELEON!!” Gary got to his knees, but despite his will, he couldn’t force his body to get up any further.

The monster’s hair stood up high, moving on its own, alive.

NO! Gary thought, grunting as he struggled to his feet. MELISSA!!

The thing’s hair on its head sparked before reaching outward, connecting with Melissa’s face.

She screamed at the top of her lungs as her body was lit by the blue lightning, and her body jumped.

“MELISSAAAAAAA!!” Gary exploded.

“CHARMELEOOOOOOOON!!” Gary stood up.

“CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRR!!!!” Charmeleon raged, his mouth finally opening against the hand of the beast.

The monster’s hair striked out for Gary’s Pokemon like the snake hair of Medusa.

Charmeleon’s body flashed white!

Gary’s arms and shoulders moved back as a powerful energy arrived from his Pokemon’s body, pushing the wild being off Charmeleon as well!

Charmeleon grew, getting taller, wider, and a lot more intimidating even though his design couldn’t be seen. His tail lengthened. Two extra, huge appendages appeared from his back. The light finally faded and a new Pokemon roared! His little arms reached up, his hands barely making it to his head.

“Charizard!” Gary called in disbelief.

Charizard grunted and then actually fell over! He landed on one knee, growling at the monster.

The monster straightened up, looking down upon Charizard. A smirk returned to her face. “I am here for your own clarity.” This time, the voice spoken was different again. It was still pleasant, but it sounded obstructed somehow, almost like it was speaking underwater. “NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!” June’s hands were slammed against her ears as she howled, her body twisted away from the creature in front of them all.

“JUNE!” Gary called to her. “June, what’s wrong?!”

June shook her head rapidly. “NO! NO! NO! NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

The monster’s eyes were back on June now. It narrowed its hairless eyebrows. The monster had one small hole in the middle of its face, and it widened and shrunk repeatedly, slowly.

A nose? Gary wondered. Is it sniffing?

The shape of the hole was vaguely nose shaped. It went large again and remained there.

June finally quieted down and, keeping her hands over her ears, turned very cautiously to view the monster.

The monster stared back silently. Its plump, thick lips with the pulled back look made a sneer and it flashed a set of teeth, some in better condition than others. Many looked like tiny daggers while a few could have passed for a normal human’s under poor care. There were cracks in some, and a lot of discoloration in yellows and dark shades. Its skin went back to black in less than two seconds time, before anyone could really see it happening, and it opened its mouth in another scream. This time, the voice didn’t sound altered or multiplied. It was just one sharp, clear, raging blast of fury.

June reacted, curling into a ball and screaming for her life.

The monster bent its powerful legs and leaped far into the sky, taking off like a rocket into space! Its hair moved as it got higher and formed a ball, billowing out the higher the monster got. Little holes appeared in the hair, making it resemble a hairnet. The thing then stopped ascending and shot off through the sky, disappearing.

Gary hobbled over to Charizard and grabbed his body to help himself up. Both he and his Pokemon glared up into the sky.

The creature caught Electivire’s fist, its body lighting up from the attack, but it didn’t seem to react to it! Its entire eyes flashed with the color purple, and a purple squirt came out of each eye, hitting Electivire in his own eyes!

Electivire backed up, clawing at his own face and whining in pain! His own eyes were now both all purple!!

The creature made a swift movement, turning its back to Electivire only to deliver a kick to his face!

It’s a Pokemon? Gary considered, his heart thumping.

“Electivire? Can you hear me? Electivire!!” June was by her Pokemon, her hands on his chest, trying to shake him awake.

It easily grabbed Charmeleon’s jaws with one hand and simply shut it!

Charmeleon’s body was zapped by the blue electricity.

Was it using moves? Gary lowered his eyes to Charizard.

Charizard didn’t look back, but he acknowledged his Trainer by growling.

Gary then turned to the motionless Electivire June was trying to revive.

He then looked over to his Tyrogue whose eyes were closed as he laid motionless on his back where he’d been slammed.

Gary then moved his eyes to the destroyed Gym. Cleopatra... The referee... Gary thought, his body trembling. He was unable to stand any longer, giving in to his knees.

It was using moves... Gary accepted.

And that means...

That monster is a Pokemon.