Gary stared at his Poke Ball, his hand tightened as much as possible.

“You’ll be helping June out a whole lot, and we’ll still be around each other all the time, hanging out,” Gary recalled a little earlier in the day when he was talking to one of his Pokemon. “So, as long as you’re cool with this, as I am, this is all for the better.”

His Pokemon nodded and seemed excited about the trade about to take place.

“Y’all heard about Team Solace in the news the other day?” Ish brought up. Out of nowhere.

Taking Gary out of his head.

June whipped her head to Ish.

Ish was just as calm as ever. “They actually managed to capture a Victini and use it for themselves.”

“A what?” Gary’s full attention was on Ish now more than ever before.

“It’s a Mythical Pokemon from Unova. Sadly the footage isn’t any good, but that was definitely a Victini they had. I know it. It can grant unlimited power to those it chooses. They were using that power to destroy the National Park in Unova, where it’s said a bunch of other Mythical Pokemon, Genesect, reside. The story goes that Team Solace used a Victini, or its powers, to power up weapons they had and attack the park, and this triggered retaliation from the Genesect. Luckily, a really powerful Trainer appeared and helped put a stop to it all before it got out of hand and went way beyond the park.”

“A Trainer intervened?” Gary asked.

Ish nodded. “Some guy, yeah. And he just left after. We don’t have great footage of him from the cameras at the park, but you can see him. Some white nigga.”

June and Gary stared at Ish silently for a second.

“I like Team Solace, though,” Ish went on.

While it was silent, it was the loudest silence ever.

June and Gary had hard eyes on Ish.

He shrugged. “I don’t agree with what they’re doing. Killing Pokemon and triggering Pokemon to attack, but I understand what they’re representin’. I feel what they’re about.”

Sure, birds chirped from hidden spots. Wind blew lightly, the sky not entirely gray, the sun trying to show itself through the gloom.

“That guy’s a hero. Saved a lot of lives. Only a couple were lost in the struggle. But, man, taking on a pack of angry Genesect while fighting Team Solace powered up by Victini? Unova got lucky. They lucky that nigga figured something out.”

“What’d he do?” Gary questioned.

Ish just shrugged. “You can’t make out much from the chaos in the footage. And the dude left immediately after it was all good.”

Wonder who that was, Gary thought.

“Well, good luck with your trade, you two.” Ish held out his hand, giving Gary that strange handshake he still couldn’t pull off.

There wasn’t much to it. Just slapping palms and clinging to the other by the fingers, pulling back, pushing forward, and then locking together the four fingers and flicking away. But Gary always got lost somewhere along the way.

“Also, if you lose to Aurora, consider the Gym in Viridian City, since it’s so close to here.”

“Wait, what do you mean? If I lose? I lost to her a while back. Like a year ago. I’m ready now!”

“Yeah, well, her track record remains the same. Nearly five years and not one lost match. She’s been training harder than you to maintain that score. I’m telling you, skip Pewter. Viridian City, man. Peace mah nigga. And June.” He nodded and gave her a wave, turning away without waiting for her response.

She huffed and started to turn away before realizing Ish hadn’t even waited to see what she’d do, which made her even angrier and she puffed her face.

Five years and she’s still undefeated? Gary couldn’t believe this. Aurora’s really incredible. He let out a sigh and then inhaled.

“You’ll beat her, Gary. You’re no beginner anymore. You’ve earned all seven of your Badges. You’ll earn the eighth.”

Gary nodded, exhaling noisily. “I never knew there was even a Gym in Viridian... Nobody told me this.”

“A Bug Gym if I remember right,” June told him.

Gary shuddered. “Well, good thing I won’t need to go there. We end this here, at Pewter City!”

“That’s the spirit, Gary!”

He nodded. “Let’s check if the trade machine is free now.”

“You’ve made up your mind about this? You’re sure?”

“We’re sure, June,” Gary smiled.

*

“So, you’d like me to hold onto Lanturn in the meantime so it can swim and live more freely and healthier,” Prof. Oak understood.

“Please, sir. It’s been driving me nuts having her with me battling on land, seeing her struggle,” June told him. “This has been killing me for a little while now. As I’ve grown as a Trainer for the past few days, I’ve just been trying to figure out a way to solve this issue, and I think that, since I don’t have my own Pokedex or professor, giving her to Gary for now and allowing her to live at your lab for a bit is the only real option, for her own sake.”

“She’ll be in good hands. Right now, we’re giving her a lookover but I’ll be sure to update you two on her progress here.”

June wiped at her eyes and snorted tearfully, more tears running hard down her face. “Thank you, oh great Prof. Oak!”

Prof. Oak’s eyes widened. “Uh...”

June covered her face and ran off in tears, letting the phone receiver drop.

Gary took her seat and held the receiver to his ear. “Hey, sir.”

Prof. Oak smiled. “How are you, son?”

Gary nodded. “Eh.” He snickered.

Prof. Oak nodded and started to speak again.

“Sir!” Gary jumped and leaned in closer to the screen. “Barboach! Where-?!”

Prof. Oak nodded and raised a hand, cutting Gary off. “I was going to bring her up. She’s recovering slowly. Gary, what happened to her??”

“We don’t know. Me, June, Prof. Cozmo and his parents, and the Trick Master found her and a bunch of other dead fish Pokemon on River Beach.”

“Prof. Cozmo? The Trick Master?” The professor’s eyes were wide. “His parents?”

Gary nodded. “Wait, do you know them?”

Prof. Oak hesitated on his words and sighed. “For one thing, no. I’ve never met them all. I’ve met Prof. Cozmo only one brief time, but the Trick Master is an eccentric celebrity who hasn’t been heard from in many years. And, Gary, you couldn’t have met the professor’s parents.”

“No, I did,” Gary nodded. “I met them a few times now. I was staying where the Trick Master and Prof. Cozmo and his parents stay at somewhere here in Kanto. Not too far off from Lavender Town.”

The old man was now squinting hard at Gary, his eyebrows narrowed. He shook his head. “I had no idea they were living out here... But, you just couldn’t have seen his parents, Gary.”

“Sir, I totally did! In fact, their friends also came over and we all-” -had drinks?? Gary yelled in his head, holding his breath. Skip that! “-we all had a get-together because they’re all friends.”

“But, son, his parents died.”

“What?? There’s no way! I saw them!” Gary shouted.

“His parents divorced when he was a young child. Prof. Cozmo stayed with his mother but saw his father as often as his work allowed. The mother died with some other man while he was driving drunk, and his father got sick after finding out. Most likely he died from failure to keep himself together after his ex-wife’s death. The divorce alone was Hell for him. He went to drinking, not eating, did little work, and became mentally unstable. He just fell apart and was found dead somewhere outside.”

Gary couldn’t believe this. He just shook his head. “Then, who have I been meeting? He’s referred to them as his parents! Mom and dad! So did the friends of theirs!”

“He was very young when his parents died. Perhaps he had godparents.”

“Maybe...” Gary looked down. “I have to call him later.” He looked up at the professor. “I have a phone, by the way! The Trick Master gave it to me! So I can contact him and Prof. Cozmo if I run into...” He stopped talking.

“You have a phone now?”

“I’ve had one for a while. It turns out those two are trying to track down that monster thing. They asked for my help since I actually encountered it. But, I haven’t been much help so far...”

“They want you to go after that thing?!” Prof. Oak looked angry now.

“No! No! It’s more like, since I met it once, and more than once so far, just... We’re just keeping each other in the loop if we happen upon it or learn anything new. That’s all.”

The professor was shaking his head now. “I don’t like this, Gary. Don’t you try too hard trying to learn about that thing and end up in a bad place. You see it, you run!”

“Of course, sir! No one expects anything more from me!” Gary lied.

“Good.” He closed his eyes and shook his head before looking back to Gary. “Had I known you had a phone, I’d have called you myself before all this.”

“Well, you can update me on Barboach now. And anything else. That’s cool.” Gary tried a smile.

Prof. Oak nodded solemnly. “And other things. Tracey and I haven’t been having the easiest time with your Primeape and Kingdra.”

“Wait, what? Why?”

“They’ve been especially violent, even in comparison to others of their own species. I suspect they miss you. When Kingdra first got here, she was quite enraged. She used her Twister attack in my lab and destroyed some very sensitive equipment. Even out of the lab, in the pond, she would fight all of the Pokemon who came near her.”

“Oh, no!” Gary shook his head, shocked.

“Luckily, I’m experienced with Pokemon being separated from their Trainers, as well as violent Pokemon, but Tracey isn’t as used to it. He’s taken some time off at my personal insistence after what he withstood from Primeape, which is only making my work a lot more harder and honestly, nearly impossible.”

“Sir!” Gary felt devastated at this news.

“I could hire temporary help, but the experience I need isn’t easy to come by. You of course have a close bond with Primeape, and clearly with Kingdra, as well.”

Gary nodded. “Yes! I love them! We get along great!”

Prof. Oak nodded. “Well, this may be a case of separation anxiety.”

“Really?” he gasped. “You mean, you think she's afraid or gets uncomfortable whenever she leaves my side?”

“Pretty much, Gary.” Prof. Oak stared at him roughly, his hard eyes tearing through, making the boy’s heart beat sharply. “It may be that they desire to stay with you at all times.”

Gary’s shoulders slumped. Of course, he realized. After trying to release Kingdra like that, and then just sending her off to the lab out of nowhere. “Prof. Oak, I'm so sorry for the trouble she's caused you. It’s just... owning so many Pokemon now... It’s just really hard to keep track of everyone and give them the attention they need. Should I take them back?”

“Only if you can. Don’t worry. I’m used to this, as I’ve told you already. I’m sorry for loading so many new Pokemon onto you at once.”

“This is my job, sir!” Gary told him loudly. “I’m here to capture like, a thousand Pokemon!” He smiled at the old man. “I can handle this.”

“Raising one Pokemon is just as important as raising a thousand,” Prof. Oak replied.

Gary just stared at him, taking in his words, a little bit lost on them but believing he understood some of it. He also felt there was more to it.

“We all believe in you, Gary.”

“I’ll call you once I’ve got my final Badge.” He beamed happily.

“Relicanth,” Prof. Oak started. “A body, mind, and spirit unchanging, for the sake of survival. Gary.”

This made Gary smile even bigger, though he cringed on the inside. “Alright, sir. We’ll be speaking soon.”

“Good luck.”

Gary hung up and watched the screen go black.

*

The enormous, stone structure looked exactly the same as the last time Gary had been there, almost one year ago. Him and June stopped in front of the large, stone door. PEWTER CITY GYM was engraved on it.

Gary inhaled and knocked on the door, only dull knocks being heard. He kept going for several seconds before stopping. “Is she here?”

“She was dealing with so much yesterday. Helping the police make sure people were okay and getting the help they needed. Even getting the Golem back home safely. Digging out those grooves that let the Golem into Pewter City in the first place. You can tell she really cares about this city and the people and Pokemon in and around it.”

“You can tell she wears the pants in her household, too.”

June laughed lightly. “Can’t blame her husband. When that’s your wife, ‘happy wife, happy life’ is survival.”

“Happy what?” Gary’s eyes bulged as he stared at June, taken aback at this unfamiliar phrase.

“Excuse me!” someone said loudly, startling both young Trainers.

Gary and June jumped and turned to see, in gray sweatpants and a tucked in, stained, white tank top, standing in black sneakers, Aurora!

Her hair was a bit of a blonde mess, strands in her face. She brushed some of it out of her dark brown eyes which narrowed at the two. “I’m busy! What are you two doing in front of my Gym? Are you challengers?”

Whoa, Gary thought, all the energy and confidence he had built up for this battle deflating sharply. “Yes?” he squeaked and then swallowed.

Aurora’s eyes went to his.

Gary then cleared his throat and glared hard back at her. “Aurora!” he spoke much stronger. “I, Gary, have returned! As promised!”

Aurora’s face softened into confusion. “Gary? Gary who?”

His mouth dropped open in shock. “WHAAAAT?!?!?!” He nearly collapsed in shock before her! “Gary, from Pallet Town!! I challenged you almost a year ago! You defeated me three times and told me to find another Gym to battle! I promised you I'd return and now I'm back!”

Aurora wiped her forehead and sighed. “Listen, um, Gary. It's been nearly five years since I've lost a match. What you just described is pretty much how most of my battles are like. I'm afraid they just aren't very memorable anymore. I'm thinking the only thing left for me to do is to try to become the Pokemon Champion here in Kanto.”

Gary gaped at Aurora for a bit, but then let out his breath through his nostrils, his lips pressing against each other, his eyebrows narrowing with determination. With a shake of his head and a firm growl bringing his confidence back, his fists clenched hard. She doesn't even remember me, he thought bitterly. All this time, I've never once forgotten her, but she can't pick me out of a lineup. “YOUR KABUTOPS NEARLY KILLED MY PRIMEAPE! I BEAT YOUR GRAVELER WITH MY MANKEY, AND HE LOST TO YOUR KABUTOPS RIGHT AFTER EVOLVING INTO PRIMEAPE!”

Aurora tightened her eyes on him.

“Then, I came back and you beat me with only Graveler! You beat my Primeape, and Charmander! Then, I came back once more and you beat my Hoothoot, but Primeape beat Graveler! Then Kabutops came out and took out my Primeape again!! I promised my return and here I am!! I demand a battle! And this time, I'm leaving with your Badge!!”

Aurora stared at Gary silently. Her face softened and she smiled. In the next instant, she burst out laughing. She reached out an arm and held the front of her Gym, taking a couple of steps to lean her forehead against it.

Gary stared at her in disbelief.

“Hey! What's so funny?” June demanded.

Aurora kept chuckling hard, waving her hand in the air. She looked into her opponent’s face. “I remember you now! When you told me what happened in our battle, for some reason, I remembered again!”

Tears built up in Gary’s eyes, ready to slide out, enraged from the disrespect he was being shown by the Gym Leader. There was also sadness from embarrassment mixed in there as well.

“And?? What’s so funny about that?” June asked impatiently, crossing her arms. Her voice was rising.

“He actually came back!” Aurora shrugged, giggling uncontrollably. She turned to June. “And you even brought along a little girlfriend to support you! This is amazing! I was having such a bad day between yesterday and now. The damage to the museum really brought me down. Boy, did I need this!”

“SHE'S NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!” Gary stomped the ground, which seemed to cause Aurora to burst out hysterically.

“Hey, what kind of Gym Leader are you, anyway?” June screamed. “You sure are rude! As a Gym Leader, you should be much more courteous to your challengers! You're a disrespect to the Gym Leader profession! As a previous Gym Leader, I am appalled, ma’am! And to be quite honest, you make me sick. Someone like you can't possibly be all that strong of a Trainer. I think you just got lucky against a few new Trainers. You won't win this time.” June took a deep breath. “You're pitiful!”

Aurora's laughter ended abruptly.

It ended so fast, in fact, that Gary gasped at the sudden silence and the stone cold glare on Aurora's face.

She straightened up, towering over June.

June's face filled with fright immediately, looking like she had regretted letting her emotions come out and purposely antagonize Aurora.

“Previous Gym Leader?” Aurora asked snarkily.

June didn't reply. Her mouth opened, but it didn’t move, and nothing came out.

“And may I ask exactly why you are no longer a Gym Leader, young lady?” Aurora continued, a sarcastically expectant look on her face.

Gary swallowed hard, actually gulping out loud just trying to keep his heart down.

Aurora had become absolutely terrifying.

June still didn't speak, trembling now.

“I asked you a question,” Aurora sneered, stepping forward.

Gary could no longer swallow. He was ready to ball up on the ground and beg for mercy, and he wasn’t even the one being spoken to!

“I-I-I-I-I quit,” June stammered.

“Why??” Aurora snarled.

“I-I-I,” June stuttered, “was no good.” Her last three words came out in a squeak of fear.

“Oh, is that so?” Aurora said, bending her knees so her face was right in front of June's. “So, a puny little girl who couldn't even handle being a Gym Leader thinks she can rate me, huh? Does this mean you wish to battle me? Maybe prove just how weak and poor of a Trainer I am? How 'pitiful' I am? WELL???”

“No, ma'am,” June said, tears running down her cheeks.

“Then next time, how about you speak more respectfully to those who can do their job properly and learn from them instead of talking from a place you could end up getting kicked.”

June’s bottom jaw dropped.

Gary’s mouth remained shut, but his eyes were as open as they possibly could be at Aurora’s last words.

Tears continued flowing down June’s eyes.

Aurora turned to Gary. “Little boy, if you want to battle, follow me!” She walked to her stone Gym door and pulled out a set of keys. Slipping them into the hole, she opened it with ease and disappeared into the darkness of her Gym.

Gary stood frozen in place.

June sniffled and wiped her eyes, trying to clear her constantly oncoming tears from her face. She finally gave up and just covered her face as she cried silently.

It was June crying that gave Gary the strength and the courage to feel that he could move at all. He took a shaky breath and turned towards the opening to the Gym. Aurora will not get away with that, he promised. He slowly let out his breath as he stepped into the building. As he entered, he heard a loud clap and a couple of lights flashed on. Gary blinked against the sudden, dim lights.

Bleachers lined the two sides of a rectangular battlefield in the middle of the Gym. The battlefield was filled with broken, crushed, and sharp, jagged boulders.

A tall man stood outside of the battlefield wearing dark jeans, a white T-shirt tucked in, and black sneakers.

Aurora stood on one side of the battlefield, glaring at Gary, her arms crossed over her chest.

The inside of the Gym was a little bit hotter than it was outside.

Gary turned back to stare outside at June.

June was looking inside the Gym, her eyes finally landing on Aurora. She gazed at her and then turned to Gary.

No one spoke a word.

June inhaled deeply and exhaled as she stepped inside, a determined look on her tear-covered face. She wrapped her arms around Gary, pulling him into a hug. Her lips got close to his left ear and she whispered, “This is your final Badge.” She pulled away from him and walked towards the bleachers to the right and took a seat.

Aurora was still looking at her opponent.

Balling his fists, he stepped onto his side of the battlefield. My eye’s stopped twitching, he realized, rubbing against it anyway.

“Well then, little boy. It's been a long time. What will you do after you lose again?”

“I'm not coming back to this Gym to battle for your Badge,” he told her, his eyes locked on hers. “Because I won't be losing this time!”

“And when you do?” Aurora asked. “Because trust me, you will.”

Gary grabbed a Poke Ball and pressed the button to make it larger. “The Boulder Badge is mine this time, Aurora!”

Aurora grabbed her own Poke Ball. “State your name and place for the record.”

“Gary, from Pallet Town! Recognize it!”

Aurora’s eyes seemed to actually flash at him as her eyebrows narrowed, flustered by his words.

“The battle between Gary from Pallet Town and Pewter City’s Gym Leader, Aurora, will now begin,” the man in jeans said. “This will be a two-on-two battle. Only the challenger is allowed to substitute Pokemon. The Trainer to defeat all of the opponent's Pokemon will be declared the winner. Let the battle begin!”

“LET’S GO! DO IT!!” Gary threw a Poke Ball hard as if aiming for Aurora herself.

It bounced on the ground once before popping open loudly.

“Clamperl!” The new Pokemon appeared, his shell open, revealing what was inside.

“Graveler,” was all Aurora said as her Poke Ball rolled out of her hand and hit the ground before releasing her Pokemon.

“Gravelerrrrr,” Graveler growled.

Gary’s teeth clenched.

Graveler bounced off Primeape’s back and spread its arms and legs, slamming down hard on Primeape with a powerful Rock Throw.

*

Graveler leaped in the air again and landed on top of Charmander. It then rolled off of him, leaving him as practically a pancake.

First thing’s first, Gary thought bitterly, recalling his second match with Graveler. He inhaled hard. “Clamperl!” he choked out, breathing in too hard, too fast.

“Rock Throw!” Aurora jumped in.

Graveler leaped into the air and descended upon Clamperl.

“Barrier!”

A blue barrier surrounded Clamperl and Graveler slammed into it.

Both Pokemon shouted out in surprise as they flew backwards, away from each other.

“Use Rollout!” Aurora went.

Graveler curled up into a ball and rolled at Clamperl with sharp speed.

Rollout collided with the Barrier.

Clamperl wailed out as he was tossed back as if he had taken the hit directly!

“No!” Gary groaned through gritted teeth.

Graveler rolled away from Clamperl and then remained in place, still spinning. It then flew forward again!

“Now Iron Defense!”

Clamperl shook on the spot, looking weary somehow with his seemingly constantly closed eyes and little detailed face. As Graveler got closer, Clamperl’s shell slammed shut and his body was outlined in light blue. A white shine went up his body and his shell turned to solid iron!

Graveler met with the Barrier first. It was forced back again, but this time, Clamperl only slid back against the floor, not lifting from it.

An audible growl came from Aurora. “You won’t be able to stall your way out of this one, little boy! Destroy it! MOVE!”

Graveler was now faster than ever, headed for Clamperl.

“I-” Gary tried.

“Clam!” Clamperl was hit, toppling over. “Pearl...” Clamperl straightened up and shook his head. “Clamperl!” he said strongly to Graveler.

“Iron Defense!” Gary tried again.

But Graveler was too fast, striking yet again!

This time, Clamperl soared through the air, wailing out. Iron Defense was used and he landed hard in his shell.

Graveler was on the move, moving at a blinding speed.

“Pearl Pearl Pearl Pearl Pearl Pearl Peeeearl!” Clamperl tumbled as he was hit again.

Graveler rolled back to its spot and unraveled, standing up.

“This is enough already! CRUSH THAT THING!” Aurora barked.

Graveler stomped forward a few feet and then leaped high, dropping down onto Clamperl.

His Defenses are maxed out now. It’s time to strike back! “Here we go! Open up!” Gary said, focus on his face as he stared at Graveler.

Clamperl’s shell opened wide.

Aurora’s eyes widened.

June stood up.

“CLAMP!” Gary burst out.

Graveler landed.

Clamperl’s shell closed.

The only sound in the building now was Graveler’s pained grunts.

Aurora’s jaw was agape.

“AHAHA!” June let out, shocked.

Even the referee was blinking repeatedly.

Gary had his teeth together in the biggest smile of his life. “WE CAUGHT IT!! YYYEEEESS!!! NOW BLAST IT!! WATER GUN!!!”

Clamperl put Graveler through some pain as he held onto it and further sprayed it with the Water move.

Graveler couldn’t escape from the Clamp that was adding extra damage!

It’s working! Gary kept to himself. We’ve got it trapped with Clamp, and we can freely attack for a little bit!

Aurora stomped a foot, the sound echoing. This seemed to grab the attention of everyone in the Gym, including the Pokemon.

Clamperl stopped spraying Graveler.

Graveler stopped screaming from the Water Gun attack.

A growl came from the Gym Leader, the volume of it rising quickly into a furious scream.

What’s going on with her?? Gary began to panic on the inside, his eyes wide.

“How dare you think you can come into my Gym with such a pathetic strategy and believe you can win! Graveler, fire back with Rock Blast right now!!”

Graveler looked to Clamperl with a grin. “Graveler!” Graveler's head glowed silver and, from its forehead, multiple silver shots hit Clamperl’s exposed body inside the shell.

“Peeearl!” Clamperl ejected Graveler in reaction to the Rock Blast, basically spitting it out.

“Now Earthquake!”

Aurora’s quick response caught Gary off guard. Did she expect that to happen? he wondered. I can’t let her keep control of this battle. “Whirlpool, go!”

Graveler jumped into the air and headed back down to rock the Gym.

Clamperl’s shell repeatedly opened and closed rapidly and a huge whirlpool of water formed entirely out of thin air!

The Whirlpool moved forward and stopped right under Graveler, catching it!

Graveler shouted out as it was taken in and helplessly swirled around inside of it.

Can we...? Gary wondered, watching Graveler. Can we really risk this??

“GRAVELEEEERRR!!” Aurora looked ready to jump in that Whirlpool just to kick her own Pokemon’s ass!

“AAAAAAAAAHHHH DO IIIIIIIT!!” Gary decided out loud. “SHELL SMAAASH!!!”

Clamperl left his shell behind, standing in his light blue body with extensions holding a pink head in the center with white patches on the cheeks. He looked so naked and vulnerable. The Pokemon glowed white. This energy then cracked and broke off of the Pokemon, causing him to glow red.

“GRAVELEEEEERRRR!!!” Aurora threatened.

Graveler suddenly peeked over the top of the Whirlpool angrily.

“CLAMPERL!” Gary called. “WE NEED SOMETHING STRONG, HERE! THIS IS OUR ONLY SHOT! CLAMP ATTACK!!”

“GRAVELER, GET OUT OF THERE AND SQUASH IT DEAD!!” Aurora commanded.

Gary lowered his eyes to the Gym Leader, stunned by her words. Is she insane?? What kind of order is that??

Graveler grunted and seemed to struggle, but somehow, the Rock type actually seemed to be holding onto the top of the Whirlpool as it spun around in it!

Clamperl’s closed eyes narrowed, and he leaped for Graveler!

Graveler climbed over the top of the Whirlpool and leaped down for Clamperl as the Whirlpool dissipated!

One Pokemon was rising for the other while the other was descending on the first.

Clamperl! Gary tightened his fists as he watched.

“Pearrrrrrrl!!”

“Graaavelerrrr!!”

Clamperl then fired a huge stream of water from his mouth. The water curved upward and ascended, and Clamperl landed on the water, the wave carrying him up to Graveler! “Pearrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrll!!”

“Clamperl learned a new move!!” June shouted, still standing.

Both Pokemon met with each other.

Clamperl screamed as he was downed.

Graveler screamed as it was knocked back.

Both Pokemon slammed to the rocky floor of the Gym.

Neither one moved.

The referee ran over to Graveler and stared. Then, he moved over to Clamperl. “Clamperl and Gr-!”

“Graveler!” Graveler leaped up out of nowhere as if completely healthy and landed hard, smiling, the ground quaking lightly. It had a smile on its face as it stared down at Clamperl.

A light sigh came out by Aurora, so light it wasn’t entirely clear it had come from her at all. The Gym Leader had her own pleased smile, staring at her Pokemon.

“Oh! Excuse me! Clamperl is unable to battle! Graveler is the winner!” the referee corrected himself.

“Clamperl,” Gary said shakily.

“Little boy, you’ve made the same mistake four times,” Aurora said nastily. “Entering my Gym. A year later, and nothing has changed. You haven't grown. You haven't learned anything. If you care about your Pokemon at all, go elsewhere. I don't care where.”

“Aurora.” Gary grabbed a Poke Ball and held it out. His eyes were on the Gym Leader. “You have no idea how wrong you are. Clamperl, you did amazing. Rest up for now. We’re getting this Badge, finally.”

Clamperl glowed red as he was returned.

Gary never took his eyes off of Aurora.

Aurora returned the favor.

“Your reign of wins ends with me.” As his right eye started to twitch yet again, he nodded, sure of himself. He closed both eyes but held his right eye shut extra tight to try to stop it before opening it again. I can’t lose to someone like her. She has to be stopped. Now. Gary then grabbed a Poke Ball and held it high in the air. “THIS ENDS NOW!!” Gary threw the Poke Ball and sent out his final Pokemon as his eye twitched some more.

“Hitmon! Hitmonchan!” Hitmonchan threw out several punches through the air at a wild speed. He then bounced on his feet, ready to go.

“Earthquake!” Aurora decided.

“Bullet Punch!” Gary responded.

Before Graveler could move, Hitmonchan forced it to the floor by appearing right in front of it with a powerful, super effective punch.

Graveler was taken off its feet and slammed through a large boulder on the field. It was hidden by debris for a minute.

“Graveler is unable to battle! Hitmonchan is the winner!” the referee declared.

“YEAH!” Gary cheered, but on the inside he became like jello, his right eye continuing to quiver like the substance. This wasn’t the only win he wanted.

The big one was next. The main event. The undefeated.

Aurora recalled Graveler, glaring at the young boy who continued smiling back. She grabbed her final Poke Ball. “You know what's next.”

Gary’s smile faded and his face hardened. “What I've been waiting for all year long.”

“One year later, your long awaited defeat is here.” She threw her Poke Ball at the ground, and it sent out her final Pokemon.

“Kabuuuuuuuutops!” The deadly Pokemon swiped each scythe through the air.

“Hitmon?” Hitmonchan’s eyes widened and he straightened up, staring in surprise at Kabutops. He then spun each arm separately for a few seconds, spun them for a bit longer together, and finally raised his fists, narrowing his eyes. “Moooon.” He punched multiple times in front of himself.

“That’s the spirit, Hitmonchan! Don’t back in! Let’s GO!”

Hitmonchan moved in, sending out a variety of punches. The blows were hard. His attacks were precise. The punches were calculated. The technique was perfect. The speed was unmatched, faster than anyone there could count, a blur of moves and swerves, hooks and jabs. He was so fast, it kind of looked as if Hitmonchan was standing still at some points, perhaps merely flinching a bit, and at other times he was more clearly maneuvering about.

All the while, Kabutops was actually blocking a lot of the punches with its scythes! Moving as if it were a long practiced dance between the two finally being displayed onstage, Kabutops moved with Hitmonchan. It was a lot slower and couldn’t possibly counter every hit, but the load of punches that did land either merely made it flinch some or didn’t seem to bother it at all!

But we’re landing hits, Gary noted. Kabutops may be acting like it’s not hurting, but it’s losing Hit Points. It has to be! We just have to keep going! “Don’t give in, Hitmonchan! You’re doing it!!”

Aurora hadn't spoken nor moved. She had simply allowed the two to continue their scary motions and attacks.

Gary, seeing this, grunted in confusion and bared his teeth. Is she just gonna stand there? She must know if we keep this up, we win! She wouldn’t give in that easily. She isn’t stupid. Something’s going on! Gary’s eyes widened. What is she up to, then??

Aurora stared at the Pokemon patiently.

“Hitmon...” Hitmonchan said. He stopped attacking!! Hitmonchan took a step back, still facing his opponent, but he was breathing hard. He shook his head and bobbed his body, swaying side to side, but he was no longer throwing blows.

“HITMONCHAN! Why did you-?!”

“Tops!” Kabutops was terrifyingly quick, swinging its scythes at Hitmonchan.

“Chaaaaaaan!!” Hitmonchan stumbled backwards and then leaned forward, his gloved hands against his middle. Pain was on his face.

Blood had stained the floor.

“WHAT HAPPENED??!!” Gary panicked.

“Put it down,” Aurora said smoothly but harshly.

Kabutops swung with its scythe, but backwards, hitting Hitmonchan in the face with the outside of it, rather than the more deadly inner piece.

Hitmonchan toppled over. “Chaaannnn...!” he grunted in his new position, suddenly underneath Kabutops!

Kabutops had moved before Hitmonchan had even landed. Its scythe was now at Hitmonchan’s throat.

“Finish it,” Aurora said in a voice of ice.

“Chaaaaaaaaan!!” Hitmonchan was trying not to even breathe, or swallow, or do anything that could move his throat.

Kabutops had jabbed forward, pushing into Hitmonchan’s throat, but not breaking the skin.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING???!!” Gary bellowed, enraged. He ran onto the battlefield, stopping right by the two combatants. He noticed that a lot of the Gym’s floor was getting stained in blood, but he couldn’t spot where it was coming from! “GET OFF OF HIM!!!” he let out at Kabutops and then looked to Aurora. “YOU CAN’T DO THAT!! YOU’LL KILL HIM!!! STOP IT!!!”

“What’s that?” Aurora smirked and raised her eyebrows, an amused look on her face. “I can’t? Is that what you think? That I can’t kill your Pokemon right here and now?”

“YOU CAN’T!!” Gary was now horrified at her. He couldn’t understand why she was smiling, and he didn’t get what she was trying to say with her last sentences. Is she trying to intimidate me?? Is this a freaking game to her?? What kind of Gym Leader is this??

“Killing a Pokemon in battle is entirely legal,” Aurora said without a hint of care.

Gary took a long, sharp gasp.

“Pokemon die. It can be an accident, or it could be even intentional. It teaches the Trainer how real life is.”

“How real life is??!” Gary was disgusted at this point. She’s out of her mind! I’m reporting her to the authorities! She can't be serious!!

“Should a Charizard end up in the ocean, if it’s not strong enough and the flame on its tail goes out, it dies. Should it battle a wild Water type Pokemon, or even a criminal Pokemon Trainer, do you think they will hesitate, in the name of survival or crime, to spare that Charizard’s life? To do whatever it takes?”

Gary opened his mouth to speak, but he froze up.

“The real world isn’t fun Pokemon battles that last until the other faints. It’s life or death,” Aurora went on strictly. “It’s my job to make sure you know what the fuck you’re getting yourself into and how to survive those less considerate than you might be. Ask your little girlfriend if I’m lying. I’m allowed to kill your Hitmonchan right this second! And let me tell you, little boy, don’t think your Hitmonchan would be the first I’ve killed in battle.”

Gary couldn’t believe what his ears were letting him hear.

“I’ve ended lives over far better battles than this horrible one.”

“Okay!” Gary raised his hands. “Okay. I get it.” He lowered his head and hands and closed his eyes as they started to water up. A moment later, his hand extended outward, a Poke Ball held in it.

“Hit... Mon...” Hitmonchan choked out.

Gary lowered his Poke Ball that now had his Hitmonchan inside of it.

Aurora walked around the blood on the floor, over to the only remaining Pokemon and stopped behind it.

Gary opened his eyes and looked up to Aurora with tears.

Her eyes and Kabutops’ remained on Gary, matching in intensity. “I am the strongest Gym Leader in the entire Kanto region, little boy. I'll prove I am the strongest Trainer on the planet. I won't lose to you.” She sneered. “NOBODY will defeat me!”

Kabutops was silent.

“Don’t come back again. You’ve been warned.”

Gary nodded shakily and ran.

Ran like he never ran before.

Ran to the Pokemon Center.

Not just for his Pokemon.

But also, for himself.

*

“I think she was testing you. I think she knew.”

Gary didn’t look away from his Hitmonchan.

“She’s a Gym Leader. It’s not just her job to know about her own Pokemon, but it only helps to understand all Pokemon, too. I think she understood that you didn’t know a lot about your Hitmonchan.”

Hitmonchan was breathing hard, but he kept bouncing on his feet. He threw one punch, which Charizard caught with a raised claw and shoved away lightly, and his shoulders slumped tiredly. Both of his gloved hands, wrapped entirely in white gauze, hovered over the ground at his sides. Blood was visible, soaking the wrappings.

“She knew I didn’t know what I was doing,” Gary admitted. “When they were both fighting, she knew right then that I was a damn idiot.”

“Gary, she’s just a-”

“She’s a damn good Trainer! Don’t waste your time trying to put her down. She knew I sent out Hitmonchan and let him fight like that because I didn’t understand. She knew I didn’t know they tire out after only a few minutes, and was just waiting for it to kick in. Then she utterly embarrassed me.” His eyes began to tear up.

Hitmonchan looked back to Gary and frowned, grunting. He looked back to Charizard. “Chan!” He threw a punch and Charizard shoved it back, grunting.

Gary rolled his eyes, sneering. Get over it, will ya? he thought. He sucked his teeth. “And this one can’t appreciate what I did for him, which isn’t helping either of us!”

June’s Raichu had his ears down as he sat on the ground wearing his sunglasses though it was nighttime. “Rai...” he said sadly, listening to the negative energy.

June smiled at her newest Pokemon and got on her knees beside him. She rubbed his head.

Raichu was not only visibly delighted, but vocal about it, crying out happily and wiggling about.

June kept her smile as she looked at Hitmonchan. “I’m sure he understands why you had to forfeit.”

“He understands, alright. He’s just being a sour-” Gary stopped himself and shook his head. “I’ll get her next time, though. I just haven’t had time to train with all the dumb crap happening around me. Team Solace, the stupid Golem, it’s always something! I shoulda taken more time to train before facing her. It’s my fault. But we won’t make that mistake again. Hey, June, let’s battle with Electivire.”

June looked up to him. She blinked. Blinked twice. “Alright. Then we have to go back to the Pokemon Center where I left him and the others. You don’t want to just use Charizard?”

Charizard and Hitmonchan were staring at the two Trainers.

Gary stared at his Fire type. He didn’t say anything.

Charizard stared back.

“I just thought maybe because of their friendship, their drive, they’d battle better. I feel like Hitmonchan isn’t quite himself without Electivire. Mmmmm okay, new plan. Let’s make this something more of our Pokemon can enjoy. A tournament of sorts. We’ll narrow it down to one victor, and whoever makes it the furthest on my team, I’ll try and come up with a strat to defeat Aurora once and for all.”

June stood up and walked to Gary. She wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

Together, Raichu, Charizard, and Hitmonchan with them, they headed back to the Pokemon Center.

*

Gary walked ahead of June, but he was taking his time.

June had a worried look on her face. She’d voiced all of her concerns during their training last night and repeated them until Gary demanded she shut up already.

Now, the next day, Gary was still going over who he should use against Aurora, uncertain no matter which of his six Pokemon he chose, and thinking on the others he could remember back at the Lab. Seeing the building, he inhaled and held his breath. I guess this is it. Charizard and Weepinbell. Charizard may have ended up losing to Electivire, but these two made it the furthest in our tourney last night. They’re powerful. Weepinbell’s got a giant type advantage against them both, and Charizard has got what it takes to make up for his weaknesses, can fly, and has good variety in moves both physical and special, and different types of moves. Yeah. Yeah...

“What?”

Gary exhaled upon June’s sharp whisper and looked up. He had to squint at what he saw, and a moment later, was sure he had to be having a nightmare.

New words were etched on the door. It now read: PEWTER CITY GYM. CLOSED!

PERMANENT!

“Wait, what is this??” Gary pushed against the door, knocked, and kicked at it. “HEY!! OPEN UP!! AURORA, I’VE COME FOR MY REMATCH!!! OPEN UP THIS DAMN DOOR!!!”

“Why would she...?” June spoke in a low voice.

“You kids haven’t heard, huh?” someone said.

June and Gary turned quickly to see a man behind them.

He stood in a tan shirt and gray sweatpants, his feet in black slippers. His eyes were shut tight, his hair looking freshly cut. “She’s gone,” the guy told them. “Aurora left her duties as a Gym Leader, intending it to be permanent.”

“But why would she do that??” Gary’s shoulders slumped.

“She wants to be the world’s greatest Pokemon Master,” the man answered.

“Huh? Pokemon Master?” Gary’s face scrunched up in confusion.

“She already earned her minimum eight Badges. She’s collected every Badge in Kanto, actually.”

Gary’s eyes stretched wide open until it hurt.

“Took her years. She’d go on little breaks here and there and collect before returning. She had a battle just yesterday. Said she was ready to compete in the Pokemon League, now. Win that and compete in the Champion League to defeat the Elite Four and face A.J. for the Champion title. Felt after five years of constant wins, there was nothing left for her to do.”

Gary fell back against the door of the Gym and slid down, unable to stand. He could have dropped dead right there. Nothing made sense. Everything was wrong. He wanted to cry. Scream. Punch his way through the stone door.

“Sir, who are you? You seem to know a lot about her,” June questioned.

“Oh, I’m Forrest. Her husband,” the man grinned broadly, his cheeks flushing.

“You’re her husband!!” June screamed unnecessarily.

Gary was pretty surprised himself, but the news he received about being unable to face the Gym Leader kept him from reacting as June had and instead, he kept quiet. He couldn’t believe the situation he was in. He blinked out tears of frustration realizing he would never be able to obtain Aurora’s Badge.

Blinking again, he grabbed at the door and got himself up. He strengthened his face and made two fists. This is okay, he accepted. This may even be better.

The next time I face Aurora will be at the Pokemon League, live, in front of everyone.

I can get my revenge then and ruin her record.

Live.

In front of everyone.