“You know, a win isn’t just a win. That’s not the way I’m trying to beat the Pokemon League!” Gary scolded.

Hitmonchan mumbled under his breath, his arms crossed, glaring at the ground with his back to his Trainer.

“All of our hard work for you to come out, uncalled, and start rampaging for absolutely no reason? Can you even answer what was the point of that?? What did I do? What if you had lost from a bad type matchup??”

“Hitmonchan.” Hitmonchan looked up to the sky.

“I’m sure you think you’re Mister Bad Ass and can handle any Pokemon out there, but one, that’s not true.” Gary paused. No, that’s not the right attitude, now is it? Gary considered.

Hitmonchan looked over his shoulder to Gary.

“Alright, that’s not true. Of course you can beat anything you fight if you give it your all. That’s not what I meant. But not like that. You cannot just take it upon yourself to do things like that! I’m the Trainer! You listen to me!”

“Hitmonchan!!” Hitmonchan said loudly, facing Gary. “Hitmonchan!”

“Rather than training, we’re here fighting over nonsense! Over things that are avoidable and that you shouldn’t be doing to begin with! Now, I’d like to consider using you on the Rock Field next, but not if you’re being disobedient! I told you about being impulsive!”

“Chaaaaan,” Hitmonchan growled.

“Grrrr right back atcha,” Gary responded.

“Okay, okay, I think you both get the message, right?” June walked in between them and placed a hand on each one’s shoulder. “Gary, let’s take it easy.”

“Me?! I’m the one-!”

“And Hitmonchan, we all know you’re just showing how much you care,” June continued. “I think enough has been said, and we should be preparing for the next battle.”

“Well, I think getting control of my Pokemon is one important step of that.”

“And I think there’s no real problem. The way you and that... princess were talking, you were bound to lose with such a lack of concentration,” June rolled her eyes, sneering.

“Lack of concentration?? I was killing it!” Gary burst out. “Sabrina went in! And I was gonna send out Charizard to wrap up the match! No way that Pumpkinboo was gonna survive!”

“Assuming she wasn’t going to just send out a Blastoise or something, Gary,” June stared at him expectantly.

Gary waved her off and looked away.

“I’m just saying, you two seemed awfully comfortable with each other. Who knew you were such a smooth talker?” June was now eyeing the grass below.

“A smooth talker? What are you talking about?” Gary could feel his face heating up now.

“You haven’t spoken to the princess since? I was sure one of you would have looked each other up on the database and tried to track each other down. I’d be very surprised if she’s not in the audience at your next match.”

“Will you shut up?!” Gary barked at her.

June just closed her eyes and raised her shoulders. “I’m just trying to help you control your Pokemon. Understanding what happened is an important step.”

“I don’t think you understand anything about what happened.” Gary returned Hitmonchan. “Just cut your crap,” he said to the Poke Ball.

“So are we battling?” June asked.

“Yeah. I’m a little upset Charizard hasn’t participated in a match in a while. I don’t want him to fall out of shape. How’s about Electivire against him?”

“Don’t you think a win will get you better Experience than a loss?” June smirked.

Gary was dying for a response to come to his mind for a moment. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. We should get as much of the little Experience off of you as we can.”

“That the best you’ve got?”

“Tell me, do you get more Experience using a disobedient Pokemon?” Gary teased. “Or is he just trying to help you focus?”

“Getting better,” June nodded. She walked away from Gary and went to her bag.

Gary stepped back, watching as she went through her bag and came up with a Poke Ball. He grabbed his own and tossed it.

Charizard landed with a roar and stretched out his wings.

“As always, let’s take this as serious as a League match! Full power!!” Gary ordered.

“Electivire, let’s win this, together!” June sent out her Pokemon.

“ELECTIVIIIIIIRE!!” Electivire roared and flexed his arms. His horns sparked. With a shout, Electricity fired from them and into the sky.

The sky darkened and the air cooled as lightning flashed, and then several streaks of lightning crashed down between Charizard and Electivire.

“Charizard, be careful!” Gary called.

Charizard stumbled back from a couple of crashes of lightning that were close to him. He bared his teeth, perfectly fine.

“Flamethrower!”

Charizard roared and attacked, blasting at Electivire.

“Electivire, Protect!” June ordered.

“Electiviiirrrre!” Electivire growled, raising his hands. His body was covered in a turquoise barrier. The Flamethrower hit, but Electivire was Protected. When the Protect vanished, Electivire looked back briefly, his eyes glowing blue.

June screamed as she was tossed back and grunted hard as she landed on her back.

“JUNE!” Gary shouted to her.

The sky returned to its normal, blue color with a few white clouds, the heat of the day also coming back.

Electivire faced Charizard, and the Flying type’s body was outlined in blue.

Charizard groaned as he was held up in midair, struggling against the Psychic attack.

“We have to beat this thing this time, Charizard!” Gary insisted. If this thing ever loses, maybe he’ll listen for a change? Or will that just make things worse? Either way, there’s no better opponent out there right now. If I can’t beat him, how can I be a Pokemon Master?

Charizard groaned as he was slammed down. His body still outlined in blue, he ascended and then came back down again.

“CHARIZARD!” What do I do against a Psychic?? “Charizard, blast Electivire with Flamethrower! Get out of there!!”

Charizard got his jaws open and let out a powerful stream of fire.

“Lectiiiivire.”

The Fire was then outlined in blue and stopped right in front of Electivire’s face!

Everyone gasped, even June who had managed to sit up, her hand on her head.

The Fire turned around and headed back for Charizard!

Charizard roared as he was hit in the belly, sounding as if it were a Water move striking him!

Gary bared his teeth, feeling helplessly overpowered. And this is a disobedient Pokemon! It’s not even June doing this! Gary thought bitterly. Focus, man! He shook his head. If we can’t break free, we need to come up with something else.

The blue around Charizard went away! He dropped.

“Charizard-!” Gary started.

“VIIIIIIIIIRE!!!” Electivire sent two bolts of lightning from the two horns on his head and zapped the released Charizard.

Charizard roared in pain and finally remained on his back after the attack was over.

“CHARIZARD! GET BACK UP!! COME ON!!”

Charizard flinched, reacting to his Trainer’s voice, and he managed to stand again. He let out some angry noises at Electivire.

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

June moaned as she stood up. She frowned at Electivire and mumbled something.

Electivire used another Thunderbolt!

“Charizard, GO!” Gary urged.

Charizard moved swiftly, flying to the side, the bolts missing him and hitting the ground.

“Use Flamethrower!”

Electivire vanished from the spot, avoiding the hot move that came for him. He reappeared in one spot, and then disappeared before returning in a new spot.

“It’s Quick Attack!” both Trainers exclaimed.

Electivire leaped and tackled Charizard down.

“Grab him and use Sky Drop!” Gary decided, noticing how close the two were.

Charizard grabbed Electivire’s arms and flew into the air with him!

Electivire struggled to free himself, but Charizard tightened his grip on his arms. The Electric type’s horns sparked. “Vire??” His Thunderbolt was cut short as Charizard made a sudden dive, got close to the ground, and then released him, flying off into the sky. He got up easily and dusted his arms off, smiling up as Charizard flew around.

“Yeah! We’re only getting warmed up, now!” Gary hyped up his moment.

June just stared bitterly at Electivire.

“Now use your Dig attack!” Gary instructed.

Charizard roared and flew straight for the ground, clawing through it in a filthy explosion of dirt.

“Electivire, pleeeease!” June cried. Her face looked like she was ready to break down at any moment.

Electivire ignored June, gazing around downward, wondering where Charizard might pop up.

The ground began to rumble.

Here he comes! Gary thought, waiting eagerly.

Electivire spread out his arms, awaiting the impact!

There was a roar mixed with an explosion of dirt and Charizard burst out, slamming into Electivire’s back, catching him by surprise!

Electivire howled as he flew in the air. He came back down on his back.

“Now’s your chance for Fire Blast!”

“Electivire, use Protect again!” June begged.

Charizard Blasted Electivire.

Electivire’s horns sparked, and then his entire body was covered in yellow electricity. His body then fired a large beam of lightning at Charizard’s Fire Blast.

Both moves met in midair, blowing up and clouding the area.

Gary and June covered their faces, waving feebly at the smoke.

Charizard landed on his feet and growled, trying to find Electivire.

Electivire burst through the smoke, snarling! One fist was raised and sparking!

Charizard raised one fist that glowed white and collided with the Thunder Punch. Electivire’s other fist sparked, and Charizard’s other fist glowed, and the two swung for each other repeatedly. Some hits were blocked, while others were dodged altogether. There were some blows that got Electivire, while Charizard also got caught a few times. Still the two kept on going.

Electivire flinched for a moment during one of the hits and his body flashed blue. This didn’t stop him for long as he went back to swinging on Charizard. One Thunder Punch landed at the same time as Rock Smash and both Pokemon were stunned. Charizard stumbled back while Electivire took only one step back and flashed blue again.

“Electivire’s Defense is lowering,” Gary saw. “We can do this! Charizard-!” Gary ended up gasping.

Charizard’s tail flame blew up into a high, powerful blaze, and his body was outlined in red.

“Blaze Ability!” Gary realized in shock. “Oh, no! We have to give it our all, then!” But with what move? How do we end this now?? A million different moves, the conflicting situations at hand, all flooded Gary’s mind. But there was no time to think about it all! “Fire Fang!”

Charizard stomped towards Electivire and his jaws were covered in Fire.

Electivire was outlined in white and he reached out for Charizard. He grabbed at Charizard’s neck and held the beast back while the dragon Pokemon snapped for Electivire viciously, sparks from this floating through the air.

The entire scene was frightening, as if it were more than just a Pokemon battle, but something much more dangerous. Personal. Decisive.

Charizard roared and moved in forcefully.

Electivire couldn’t hide the surprise on his face. And then, “EEEELEECTIVIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRE!!!” Electivire roared as Charizard got in and bit him on the shoulder. The flash of white confirmed it was a Critical Hit! Electivire stumbled backwards out of the bite and growled. He closed his eyes and his arms dropped as his body began to glow white as he used Meditate. With a roar, Electivire was snapped out of it as he was covered in flames!

June gasped.

“A Burn!” Gary smiled. “This is it! We can do this, Charizard! FIRE BLAST!!”

Charizard roared a roar to tremble the ground, and then blasted Electivire with a giant blast of powered up heat!

Electivire was hunched over as the flames hit and took him down.

“Electivire?!” June called out to him.

He was still breathing hard, not out yet. He shakily stood up.

Something white shot out from a Poke Ball of Gary’s. “Hitmonchan!” Hitmonchan appeared! He leered out to Electivire and adjusted the Yellow Scarf on his neck.

Electivire looked to Hitmonchan. He leaped at Hitmonchan!

Gary gasped...

June gasped...

Charizard gasped as...

...Hitmonchan leaped after Electivire!

Electivire’s fists became Fire! He swung at Hitmonchan.

Hitmonchan went with Close Combat to battle Electivire!

It was a brutal combat between the two as punches were thrown all over the place.

Electivire was on fire again as he sustained another Burn, and Hitmonchan leaped back.

Hitmonchan’s eyes glowed yellow, using Foresight.

When Electivire could fight again, he went at Hitmonchan with Thunder Punches this time.

Hitmonchan ducked, leaned back, swerved, and practically danced his way around everything Electivire threw at him, knowing what was coming, where it was coming from, and when. Knowing when Electivire would stop, Hitmonchan lunged at him in that moment and kneed him with High Jump Kick.

Electivire was in raged pain as he slid on his back but sat right back up.

I can’t believe this! Gary was furious, but also intrigued by this fight. “Hitmonchan, we just spoke about this!! This isn’t even your fight! What happened to Charizard??!”

Charizard was exhausted while watching the fight, a confused look on his face.

“Hitmonchan!” Hitmonchan came at Electivire with another High Jump Kick.

Electivire used Meditate again, his body glowing white for a bit. Then, his body was outlined in white for Strength attack. Hitmonchan landed the blow, but Electivire didn’t budge! He wrapped his arms around Hitmonchan!

“Chan?” Hitmonchan gasped, his breath snatched away.

Electivire then fell flat on the ground, slamming Hitmonchan!

Hitmonchan groaned out helplessly.

Electivire got up and swiftly kicked at Hitmonchan repeatedly.

Hitmonchan cowered up, twitching, Flinching!

“Hitmonchan! Break out of that!” How is that thing still fighting?? Gary questioned. It’s as if he hasn’t just battled my Charizard! “Hitmonchan, use your Counter!” Wait, why am I giving him orders?! He shouldn’t even be BATTLING!!

Electivire pulled his foot back again to kick Hitmonchan.

Hitmonchan’s body was outlined in red.

Electivire kicked Hitmonchan, and both Pokemon flew back from each other! Electivire tumbled, stopping on his front. He then screamed out as the Burn kicked in again.

Hitmonchan pushed his fists into the ground to lift himself up, but he didn’t get to his feet.

Electivire groaned but stayed down.

Hitmonchan looked over to Electivire. “Chan.”

Electivire groaned and lifted his head towards Hitmonchan. “Elect.”

Both Pokemon stood up.

“Electivire, please! Wait! Hold on!” June pleaded.

Electivire used another Meditate, his eyes closed.

Hitmonchan kept his fists near his face and his body was outlined in crimson, his arms and legs thickening, strengthening from Bulk Up.

I don’t see why we can’t do this, then, Gary thought. “Focus Punch! Get ready!”

Hitmonchan stood staring at Electivire, but he didn’t move a muscle.

Electivire continued to use Meditate, powering up his Attack strength.

“Hitmoooooooooooon!” Hitmonchan’s fist started to glow light blue. “HITMOOOOOOOON!!” Hitmonchan charged for Electivire and swung!

Electivire’s eyes opened and there was a powerful SOCK sound as, with a grunt, he raised one palm, blocking the blow! Despite the frightening sound that was made, Electivire didn’t seem affected.

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

“Electivire, follow up with Ice Punch!” June tried again.

Electivire shoved Hitmonchan’s fist away.

Hitmonchan took a step back.

Electivire moved and slugged him in the face.

Hitmonchan dropped easily.

Electivire towered over Hitmonchan.

Hitmonchan squinted up at the opponent. He sighed, letting out his breath, and closed his eyes. “Hitmonchan...” He held out his fist.

He’s done, Gary recognized. He needs a break. This is the stuff we need to train for more. These times when he needs to break. We need to find a way around that. Will Electivire leave him alone? Is this not what Hitmonchan asked for, jumping into a fight I never sent him out to do?

Electivire let out enraged pain as another Burn sapped his health. He fell to his knees and his hands pressed against the ground, but he shook his head hard and looked up, smiling as if he weren’t suffering.

The two touched fists.

There was a large spark between them, and Electivire was covered in the Electricity. It went away as he turned from Hitmonchan, to Charizard, and then stood up! Chuckling, Electivire spun both arms around in circles, amped up now as several sparks bounced around his body. Soon, he was outlined in Electricity as well.

He got boosted by Hitmonchan’s Thunder Punch! His Ability gave him more Speed! Gary noted. Was that done on purpose? Does he still want to battle???

Electivire shouted out and ran at Charizard!

“CHARIZARD, UP!” Gary shouted.

Charizard flew, moving just out of reach as Electivire tried to grab him.

“Come on, this isn’t fair!” Gary complained. “He got an Electric boost from Hitmonchan!” He pointed at his own Pokemon.

“Hitmonchan.” Hitmonchan grumpily looked away from Gary.

“I guess we both have a Pokemon to work on, huh?” June lowered her head.

Gary raised his hand to his forehead and sighed, closing his eyes.

Electivire began darkening the sky again to use Thunder, trying to strike down Charizard once and for all.

Charizard flew by beams of lightning, trying to survive with all he had left.

“Gary, this match is too much! You’re right, it’s unfair! Let’s call everybody back!” June held out Electivire’s Poke Ball. “RE-!”

“VIIIIIIIRE!!”

June shrieked, hit by a bolt of lightning, and she collapsed, the Poke Ball rolling out of her hand.

Gary bared his teeth at Electivire. “THIS HAS TO STOP!! CHARIZARD!!!”

Charizard had a matching look of fury, just like his Trainer.

“Let’s put an end to this already!” Gary opened his mouth to give his order.

Charizard let out a tremendous roar, and his body was engulfed in fire!

Gary’s eyes widened and his mouth hung open instead of talking.

Charizard curved around another Thunder bolt and dove low, flying right for Electivire!

“Electi!!” Electivire’s eyes widened. “VIIIIIIRRRRE!!” Electivire was tackled down by the blazing dragon and eaten up by the fire that held Charizard!!

There was a wild fire that blazed for a moment, roasting the two fighters.

When the flames died out, Electivire was on his back.

Charizard stood tall. Then, he flinched as red sparks surrounded his body, and he dropped down to his face. The red around his body went away, and his tail flame died down by a lot.

Electivire lifted his head and smiled at the defeated Charizard. “Vire...” he snickered. “Viiiiire!” He screamed from his Burn and then fell out on his face.

Hitmonchan stared with hard eyes at Electivire.

“R-r-r-return!” June finally was able to recall her Electivire. Her head fell back to the grass, her hair an electrified mess. “So you’ve finally met your match, huh?”

“His match? Don’t tell me you’re counting that as any kind of a win!”

“I mean, it's a draw, at least.” June was too tired to get up.

“It took two Pokemon to pull that off, one of which wasn’t even listening to me half the time,” Gary argued. “That was about as cheap as they come! No way am I counting that! We can have a rematch later. When all of our Pokemon are listening! At this point, I don’t know who I’m gonna be using on the Rock Field, now!” He turned to Hitmonchan. “If we’ve got a problem, then maybe I don’t need you at the League! I thought we had a dream together! If you don’t want to be a part of it, let me know now! This League was supposed to be everything for us! What happened, man?!”

Hitmonchan stared back at Gary solemnly.

“What changed? Did I do something to you? Am I not enough anymore or something?”

Hitmonchan didn’t say anything.

“If there’s something else you want, tell me or something! But don’t try and wreck my dreams! We’re supposed to be here for each other! Pokemon and Trainer!”

Hitmonchan’s eyes suddenly began to tear up.

“Hitmonchan?”

At once, both Trainer and Pokemon moved towards each other. Hitmonchan stumbled and tripped, but Gary reached him in time and fell to his knees with him, holding the Pokemon by his back.

Gary rubbed Hitmonchan. “Hitmonchan. It’s okay.”

“Hitmoooon... Hitmonchan,” Hitmonchan started. “Hitmonchan! Hitmonchan Hitmonchan Hitmonchan. Hitmon!”

“He’s so sorry for his behavior,” June explained. She had managed to get into a sitting position. “He didn’t mean to be stubborn. He wants to win the League with you. He wants to accomplish both of your dreams together, and be the strongest with you. He’s really sorry.”

“Hitmonchan, Hitmonchan!” Hitmonchan continued, looking up at Gary. “Hitmonchaaaaaaan!”

“He said to please forgive him. He won’t misbehave again. He doesn’t want to waste-” June stopped, squinting at Hitmonchan. “He doesn’t want to... waste the time you guys have left.”

“Huh?” Gary squinted at Hitmonchan, and then to June, and then back to Hitmonchan.

“Hitmonchan! Hitmonchan!” Hitmonchan spoke.

“Before the League is over. I mean, I guess after the League is done, he thinks this is all over,” June elaborated.

“Hey, Hitmonchan. First of all, once we beat the League, this, isn’t just over, okay?” Gary told his Pokemon. “This is far from over just like that. The journey continues forever. We’ll never be over! You, me, Charizard, everybody. We’re in this ‘til the end, man! Don’t chu know that?” He smiled and placed his hand on Hitmonchan’s shoulder, giving him a soft push. “Don’t be crazy. It’s all good as long as you’re with me. You, and the rest of the guys! We’re family!”

Hitmonchan cut off Gary’s breath in a tight hug, crying against his shoulder.

Gary choked out but smiled, hugging Hitmonchan back.

A pair of guys walked by the kids and the Pokemon, smoking a cigarette each. One of the guys was particularly shorter than the other, and he watched Gary and his Hitmonchan before turning away.

“Come on, let’s go check on Charizard, okay?” Gary groaned out.

Hitmonchan loosened his grip on Gary and wiped his face off on his Trainer’s chest before fully releasing him and staring at him with dry, determined eyes. He nodded. “Chan!”

Gary stood up, Hitmonchan also standing, and they walked over to the beaten Pokemon.

Charizard sat up. He scratched his head and let out a loud sound.

“First thing’s first. Wanna explain what that last move was?” Gary laughed, pulling out his Pokedex.

Flare Blitz. This is a very powerful Fire type move, but with the consequence of recoil damage on the user.

“NO WAY! You learned a new move?! CHARIZARD THIS IS GREAT!!” Gary wrapped his arms around Charizard’s neck and pressed his head against it. “Congratulations!! Flare Blitz sounds so cool!! Great job!”

Charizard smiled and cried out happily.

“We are so set for the League, now, guys!” Gary released Charizard suddenly, startling the Pokemon. “Then we should make sure all of you guys are fit for fighting before the match begins! Charizard, thank you so much! RETURN!” After recalling Charizard, he faced Hitmonchan. “Let’s do this, okay, Hitmonchan?” He grinned, nodding.

Hitmonchan wiped at his face and smiled back determinedly. “Chan!”

Gary returned Hitmonchan. His shoulders then slumped. “I can’t lie, that battle beat my ass, too! You really... well, Electivire really put it down.”

June lowered her head, sitting cross-legged now. “I just don’t know what to do anymore... It’s really becoming painful for me to keep this up with him.”

“I can only imagine... I’m sorry, June.”

“Even as an Electric Trainer, this just isn’t what I signed up for! I’ve tried everything I can think of!” June was getting really worked up.

Gary didn’t know what to suggest, but he wished he had some kind of thoughts about the situation. I’ve been able to work through so much with all of my Pokemon with different attitudes and personalities, but I can’t say anything to June right now? What would you do in her shoes? Where nothing else is working for her? Gary stared at a tree not far away from them and walked over to it, wanting to lean on something. As he got closer, he tried to come up with something. “You know, June.” He stopped at the tree and turned to face her. “I wish I knew what to say about this. To help. To give you some guidance or something. Something you don’t already know.” He reached out an arm to lean against the tree. “But what I do know, is that you-YYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!” Gary was on the ground, twitching and flinching about weakly.

A white, squirrel-like creature was running off, out of Gary’s sight.

June screamed with pleasure, hearts and stars in her eyes. “CUTIEEEEE!” She took off after the animal, full of energy all of a sudden. She disappeared out of Gary’s paralyzed sights as she chased after the thing.

*

The Rock Field was a field littered in jagged, enormous boulders and small pebbles.

Gary ran to his metal platform and was soon trapped within and it ascended.

“And first up is Gary from Pallet Town, looking ready for anything in his third battle here at the Indigo League!!” the announcer yelled out.

This should be interesting, Gary thought as he took in the field. Getting around the rocks should be a bit of a challenge. We'll make it all the way through, though. We’re taking the whole League! Let’s do this, guys! He grabbed his first Poke Ball choice. We’ll start off with you, Baltoy.

“And we’re just waiting for the opponent, Psychic Charlie!” the announcer stated patiently.

Gary stared out at the field, anticipating his opponent to come out.

The crowd was loud, the air hot but with a slight gust of wind blowing on occasion.

Minior would be great, depending on what’s next to deal with. And maybe Ivysaur in case this guy wants to bring out a Rock type. Nah, Dugtrio would do great here. It all depends, of course. Gary turned around, eyeing the crowd, trying to see if he could maybe spot Robin, or Aly, or June. Anyone that he knew. Tiffany, maybe? He gave up after a quick sweep, not expecting to actually spot anyone in such a full audience, and he sighed and looked back to the metal platform still stuck in the ground, waiting for a person to stand on it. Gary twisted his waist to each side, not actually cracking anything.

“And we’re still waiting for Psychic Charlie to appear! He seems to be running a little late!” the announcer said.

“Where is this guy?” Gary muttered. “Is he really a Psychic? Pfft. Might expect a Psychic to be on time.” He snickered and then leaned back, pressing his hands into his lower back. He groaned and then straightened up, letting out his breath. If he’s a Psychic Trainer, then he should be bringing Psychic types to the field. Baltoy might just be a better choice than I thought. I don’t think I have anything that would be good against it, though.

The referee was in brown shorts and a black T-shirt, black and white sneakers on his feet. His hair looked freshly cut, low and even on his head.

“Psychic Charlie might have been reading his cards wrong, or he forgot to set an alarm, because-! OH, WAIT! HERE HE COMES NOW!! PSYCHIC CHARLIE HAS FINALLY MADE IT!!”

The crowd erupted in cheers as a grown man ran onto the field with a trimmed goatee, wearing an all purple suit, even down to the shoes, with a pink tie and shirt underneath. He stopped outside of the metal platform and stared down at it. He inhaled sharply, but didn’t move.

What’s he waiting for? Gary wondered. Get in and let’s battle already!

The man looked up at Gary sternly.

Gary stared back and swallowed.

Psychic Charlie closed his eyes and lowered his head, shaking it. He pressed his thumb and index finger to his eyes and rubbed at them before squinting back up at Gary. After nodding, he then inhaled deeply. “I FORFEIT THE MATCH!!” his voice echoed in the middle of the stadium.

It wasn’t long before cheers lowered to whispers, and those whispers then were silenced.

“AS AN HONORABLE PSYCHIC, A PREDICTION WARNED ME AGAINST THIS BATTLE, AS I WILL LOSE!! I KNOW THIS IS HARD TO HEAR, BUT I HOPE YOU ALL UNDERSTAND AND CAN FORGIVE ME!!” He waved to the crowd and then turned and walked out of the stadium.

Gary’s mouth dropped open, not believing his own ears. He couldn’t trust them.

“Due to a forfeit, the winner of this match is the Red Trainer, Gary!” The referee waved the red flag to Gary.

The crowd was silent. Nobody moved. A few claps started up, followed by some others, but they all died out soon after. Boos started up next, but these few calls also ended quickly.

“And due to... a... psychic prediction, the Psychic Trainer has taken his own advice and quits the match!” the announcer said hesitantly. “One must wonder if that was a genuine psychic reading, or a result of one’s own self doubt!” He laughed a little.

Gary’s platform started to lower, and the gates around him slid into the ground. After a big, embarrassed inhale, he released a long sigh. He clipped his Poke Ball back on his belt and left the stadium.

*

“Rough day, huh?” June asked. “That crazy battle we had earlier, I lost that Pachirisu that zapped you, and that Trainer forfeit on you. But, at least you didn’t lose, right?”

“This isn’t how I wanted to win! I’d rather-!” Gary shut his mouth, not sure if he was being completely honest with the way he planned to end that sentence, but also knowing he really was hating how his last two matches went. Would I really rather lose, though? It’s not like I cheated to win or something. This isn’t my fault... At least, not the last match. The one with Hitmonchan, maybe could be blamed on me somewhat...

“Hey, I’m sure you’ll do great for your next match!”

“Yeah, let’s just find out who it is,” Gary grumbled. “On the road to Viridian Ci-tyyyy!” Gary sang to the music blaring outside. “What a classic song!”

Him, June, and Raichu were walking through the Pokemon League Village, on the way to the building to get set up with his next opponent for round four. The journey was taking longer than it should have as June kept stopping to buy things like dolls and snacks.

The “oldie but goodie” song, Viridian City, gave an added boost of energy and fun to the crowded streets with kids and adults running around, some with their Pokemon. Booths filled up the edges of the street on both sides, people shouting from them to grab the attention of potential buyers. The booths themselves had things from dolls, to food, to performances, to balloons.

The balloons made Gary uncomfortable. Once he was cleared of them, he ended up stopping at a giant screen that showed a Pokemon battle.

Some people were also stopping to watch, others having already been there earlier.

The screen showed the face of a young blonde boy.

Gary’s eyes widened and he gasped, pointing. “HEY!”

The screen then showed the determined face of... ISH!

June gasped after Gary. “It’s Ish!” she blurted out.

“And Ace! The Smeargle guy!” Gary added.

“Who?”

“Remember? I mentioned him to you some time ago. He has the Smeargle pack who knows Legendary Pokemon’s signature moves.”

“Ooooooh! So that’s him! I can’t believe it! He’s made it this far, then.”

“They both have!”

Smeargle and a Pokemon Gary didn’t recognize were facing each other on the Rock Field.

“What’s that Ish’s got?” Gary asked.

“I can’t believe it! Can you?” someone asked close to Gary.

He looked back to the guy.

It was a man wearing a lightweight, light-blue jacket, though it really wasn’t needed in this weather. He kept his eyes on the screen. “What a battle! I’ve been following that Ace kid. Uses the signature moves of Legendary Pokemon, and this newcomer, Yishmael. He wasn’t bad to begin with, especially with that crazy new Pokemon he’s got. But the fact his Carbink mutated into the Mythical Pokemon, Diancie?! He’s a contender for the top!”

“ISH HAS A WHAT?!!” Gary exploded. He pulled out his Pokedex and turned back to the screen.

Carbink. The Jewel Pokemon. This Pokemon can sleep for a million years underground, but despite this, they are not hard to find. They are sought after as food by Sableye.

Diancie. The Jewel Pokemon. This Mythical Pokemon is not an evolved form of Carbink, but when a female Carbink undergoes a rare mutation, she will become Diancie. They can easily create diamonds by compressing the carbon in the air. Their pink, glimmering body is said to be the most beautiful sight in the world.

Gary looked back and forth between his Pokedex and the Diancie that was battling Smeargle.

Smeargle cupped its hands and a huge, multi-colored glowing ball formed and grew larger than the Pokemon itself.

“WHOA!” Gary was shoved hard from behind and fell to his knees, his Pokedex falling out his hands.

People were crying out, shouting, causing a fuss.

“Gary, are you okay?” June knelt beside him.

Gary grabbed his Pokedex and stood up, looking around.

There was something making its way through the crowded streets.

“MY PURSE!!! SOMEONE STOLE MY BAG!! SOMEONE STOP HIM!!! HEEEEELP!!!” a female voice bellowed.

Suddenly, there was a commotion a distance ahead, and the crowd started to gather by it. There were shouts, and a fight seemed to be breaking out.

Gary and June tried to see what was going on, but they were unable to get any closer, and were too short to see over the heads of the adults.

“BREAK IT UP!! BREAK IT UP!! THAT’S ENOUGH!! WE’VE GOT IT! BREAK IT UP!!” shouted more voices. “THIS IS AN ORDER TO BREAK IT UP!! THIS IS THE POLICE!! BREAK IT UP!!”

“YISHMAEL WINS THE MOST STARTLING VICTORY!!!”

Gary’s attention was grabbed back to the giant screen as he fought against the grain of the crowd trying to see the problem with the police.

Ish was hugging his Diancie as the crowd roared for him, the announcer praising him.

So Ish has a Legendary Pokemon, Gary thought to himself. A Mythical. And he even defeated that Ace kid...

Ace was shown on his knees, his beaten Smeargle now standing beside him rubbing its Trainer’s back, its own head down sadly. The Ace Trainer rubbed at his eyes and glared over at Ish as tears rolled down his cheeks. His face broke and he covered his face as he cried.

Gary felt pain in his chest, a sadness for how badly the kid was taking his loss. In a way, I guess he got his wish, Gary thought. He wanted so bad to battle Tobias and his Legends. He may not be Tobias, but Ish got him with a Legendary Pokemon. And that means... Gary’s hand tightened around his Pokedex, the other becoming a fist. That means... He shook his head and took a deep breath. No! He looked to June and nodded at her. “Come on! There’s no time to be goofing off!”

“Huh?” June looked confused.

Gary took off, pushing through the crowd, skipping around people, and finding his way to the building to register. The door opened automatically as Gary stopped in front of it. He jumped in surprise!

Someone came bursting out, crying openly. A blonde girl, her hair flying behind her.

Gary stared after her and thought about Tiffany. He sighed and looked back into the building.

Inside were several booths, but only a few of them had someone behind them, three in total.

Gary spotted the prettiest one to him and then looked back at the other girl and the man. He nodded nervously at them all, trying to not make it too obvious where he was headed, and why. It’s so obvious how much... Gary froze as he approached the girl he liked the most. His head began to throb. He stopped and looked around him. No Hitmonchan. He let out his breath. But now, I look like a freaking weirdo! His eyes went to June before he realized it.

She stood still with her arms crossed, staring expectantly at him.

Raichu had a matching stance, but was smirking.

Gary sighed. I really need to work on my traveling team... He walked over to the guy, placing the safest bet, and smiled reluctantly. “Hey, I need to find out who I’m battling next...” he told him with a total lack of enthusiasm.

“Sure thing, sir! May I see your ID?” he smiled warmly.

Gary handed him the Pokedex.

The guy slipped it into a slot in a machine on the desk, typing on a keyboard in front of a laptop, his eyes on the screen. He handed back the Pokedex and smiled. “Mr. Gary, if you’ll head over to that booth, you'll find a game. You’ll learn who you're up against there.”

Gary went over to a flat table that resembled a pinball machine. It was off, but when Gary got there, it instantly flashed on.

June and Raichu followed him but kept their distance.

It wasn’t pinball, but it was some sort of game. Like Tetris, shapes fell from the top of the screen and stacked up as they hit the bottom.

Gary didn’t understand what this game was, because it was not Tetris, and he pressed on the control pad to move a flying craft around the screen, another circular button used to shoot at the shapes.

When hit, the shapes would break apart into two new shapes and continue falling. When those were hit, they would explode into tiny little bits of squares and fall faster to the bottom. As time went on, the new shapes at the top of the screen would fall faster and faster, and at one point, they would shoot back!

Gary was now desperately shooting and being shot at, while trying to make the shapes as small as he could before they landed. Was he winning? He couldn’t tell, but he played for his life until he was finally hit and the screen flashed red and blue before the screen went black.

The game was still on, and the words I-12 showed up in red.

“I-12?” Gary turned to the man. “What’s I-12?” he called and then walked back over to him with June.

The man typed on the keyboard and then pointed at the screen above his head. “And your opponent will be...”

Ish's face popped up on the screen! He had a cool, relaxed smile on his face, his eyes looking out sleepily.

Gary gasped and backed up, his heart going insane, beating his chest like a mallet.

“Oh!” June gasped.

“Rai?” Raichu stared in shock at the Trainer, Ish.

Ish's face smiled back at them.

Gary swallowed. Of course... He could feel his heart sinking.

He didn’t want to believe that Ish was the top contender of the Indigo League. Aly, Robin, and himself, and so many other Pokemon Trainers who worked so hard to get where they were, didn’t deserve to be counted out just because of a Legendary Pokemon.

Gary believed that to become a Pokemon Master, you had to be able to beat any Pokemon, Legendary, Mythical, or otherwise.

Gary believed that all the competitors were just as good as each other, and should all be taken as seriously as each other.

Gary also believed: Legendary Pokemon, were Legendary Pokemon.

For a reason.