Chapter 68: Fighting against the surge

Chapter 68: Fighting against the surge

Its crazy how something as insane as training pokemon and running a gym can almost become boring if you let it.

I very much sought to enjoy the process, so I usually liked to try different things with varying match ups of pokemon. This could be battle tactics, to pokemon themselves, coming up with unusual moves. I knew that some pokemon had a lot of different moves depending on methods of rearing, training, use of technical machines, and even who their parents were.

There had to be a thousand different variations to use against just as many opponents, and as Gym Leader, I got to take part in lots of battles. As the first gym, this meant that I had the most trainers to challenge me. So I actually had the highest participation rate of challengers in the entire circuit.

However, I didnt just limit my methods of making things fun for myself. On some days, I would have the gym stylized differently, with snacks that we sold taking on different flavours. During the day of the departed, I typically opted to use jack-o-lanterns and provided extra winnings for anyone that used a ghost pokemon during a gym match.

During the warm, sunny days, I notified the crowds that wed be having a tropical day which I used to highlight places such as the Orange and Sevii islands.

In my past life, these would have been known as Hawaiian shirt fridays. People that tried for the Elite challenge on these days unknowingly had a higher chance of me bringing out Bertha due to her ability to surf. Which made for a very interesting situation when Alexa approached me at the start of the day.

Brock I think I better flag a trainer for your attention, Alexa said with her clipboard in hand. Around her neck, a lei rested to go with her otherwise semi-professional attire.

Alright? Whats so special about them? Could this be Ash she was talking about?

His name is Brawly.

Something about that tickled my mind. I knew that name how did I know it though?

Alexa noticed my confused expression. Hes a young trainer that, when I checked his credentials, came up as a trainer that has learnt under Chuck from the Cianwood gym in Johto. Hes challenging you for a fourth level badge but he doesnt have any to his name so far. What did you want to do?

Brawly, trained under Chuck do we have a picture of him? I was getting a suspicion that I did know this guy, only I knew him because of my previous lifes knowledge.

No, but I was there with the new receptionists and worked through his application. He was a rather fit young man with aqua blue hair that stuck out to the sides.

Was he tanned? I said, forming an image in my head.

Umm, Alexa scrunched up her eyes before nodding. Yes, he was. Do you know him?

I think I know of him, I said to evade the question. Hes fine. In the future, trainers who wish to challenge for a higher level dont need to be flagged. This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.

Ill make a note to the front desk. I thought it pertinent to alert you as he is a past gym trainer for another Gym. Youre not worried about him?

I shook my head. As a Gym, were a challenge, not something insurmountable. Alexa nodded and made a note before passing over the days schedule. Shed highlighted Brawly on the list and I hummed.

Huh, it looks like I was going to have the future Gym Leader of Dewford challenge me. Id almost forgotten hed learnt from Chuck. I whistled in surprise and found myself very eager for the day's matches.

I was also deeply amused that Brawly was going to be challenging me on Tropical Friday. It struck me as highly appropriate for the Gym Leader most recognised as a surfer bro sign-up today. Had that been by chance, or by design?

As the third listing, I still had to get through two other matches before him.

The first trainer easily brushed through the gauntlet with a well-trained Growlithe that used its speed and surprised me with a dig maneuver to claim its trainer a badge.

Id then faced off against a young girl with a Poliwag that was easily able to earn her own badge. Shed earned herself a compliment at her out of the box thinking to have Poliwag pound the ground to allow it to effectively jump and dodge or attack in mid-air.

With those matches out of the way, I was actually both disappointed and relieved that Brawly hadnt opted for the gauntlet. Part of me wanted him to run the gauntlet for a serious challenge to some of my trainers. Another relished the chance to go against him without too much foreknowledge of what his team was.

I knew he was supposed to be a fighting-type specialist, but that didnt mean he couldnt have something else. I was an example of that, with my Lapras and Noctowl.

Trainer Brawly, welcome to the Pewter City gym. I settled into my pose. I had a feeling Celia was giggling to herself somewhere, knowing she'd forever made me aware of what I did. I guess Id just have to own it.

Across from me, Brawly sauntered up to the podium with a sheepish expression. Hey there! Gym Leader Brock! I have to say you know how to tempt a guy into sticking around! When I showed up at the start of the circuit I saw your upcoming events and just knew I had to challenge you on your tropical day.

You could have taken the morning slot if you wanted to challenge me earlier. I pointed out.

Yeah, I could have, but Pewter to the coast isnt that far as a Pidgeot flies. he ran a hand through his hair, I couldn't miss out on a morning surf!"

That stumped me. I blinked before realising that in the anime, Brawly had actually delayed facing Ash multiple times due to his love of surfing. I chuckled at that.

Is that so? Cant say Ive done that much. Maybe I should try it when things settle down.

Yeah! You totally should! When I complete the circuit, Im so setting up camp down near Pallet town! That little town is just the choicest place to relax! Nice quiet town thats only two minutes from the beach! Theres gonna be a lot of fun this circuit I can tell! Looking forward to the festival as well!

I brushed off the comment about the festival and instead focussed on something else. When you complete the circuit, eh? I selected a pokeball and looked to the side to find Daniel on the referee stand today. I nodded. Sounds like youre confident. Show me what makes you think you deserve my badge.

Between us, Daniel stepped up and said, Trainers! This is a fourth level gym challenge issued by trainer Brawly! The Gym Leader is not allowed to withdraw his team, but the challenger may! Only six pokemon can be used by the challenger. The Gym Leader has opted to use four pokemon! Both flags went up. Trainers are you ready!?

Yes! Yeah, Im good.

Begin! He dropped his flags and Brawly and I each threw a pokeball forward.

Mine landed and disgorged a tall thin pokemon that bent and flowed like a willow branch.

Sudowoodo! cried my pokemon, pumping its arms back and forth.

On Brawlys side, a heavier pokemon took to the field. It landed with a heavy thump but then instantly bobbed back and forth on its toes. Its arms rocked forward. Champ! Ma-champ!

That got a whistle out of me. I could tell that this was not a pokemon that had just gotten big from time in the gym. Each line of muscle was like tight whipcords, and the air whooshed with each punch.

An impressive pokemon. Are you sure you didnt want to wait and try for the elite challenge?

Ho, I have to admit to being tempted when I saw that set in stone. But I think Ill pass, I have a good team right now, but I dont have one I feel confident in. Especially if you brought out your Tyranitar.

I shrugged and offered up a hand, signalling he should start things off.

Machamp, lets start off strong with Focus Energy! Instantly his pokemon tensed up and a white energy built up just around the pokemons chest.

I nodded. Not bad, Copycat Sudowoodo. My pokemon smirked as it adopted a pose precisely like that of Machamp with the arms cocked back. It was like watching a twiggy nerd flexing on a martial artist.

Machamp growled at the display while my pokemon built up white energy in front of it. Machamp if hes not coming to you, then make him! Use Rock Throw! The four-armed pokemon reached down and grasped the earth. Around it, brown energy ran down its form and into the ground. Then four small boulders tore themself free of the ground to hurtle straight at my pokemon.

I watched them come before announcing my move with a lazy drawl, Dodge them.

Sudowoodo became a willow in the wind and bent around the attacks. Instead of his form being stiff as one would expect, he was fluid and flowed around each attack. Brawly chuckled. Huh, it seems youve taught your pokemon some good balance there Brock! Sure you dont surf much?

Positive, I rock climb instead. Sudowoodo Thunder Punch.

Electricity arced around my pokemons fist and the tree like pokemon grinned before leaping forward at Machamp. The much larger pokemon growled but held his position as we closed.

Mach Punch when theyre close! shouted Brawly

Take a knee and punch into the ground! I counter-ordered, unwilling to let Sudowoodo walk into that sort of punch. Machamp flinched as my pokemon took a swing only to find its fists soaring right over my pokemon and hitting nothing but air.

Now use Low Kick! I said. With my pokemons fist already planted, Sudowoodo spun like a breakdancer and knocked Machamps legs out from underneath it before the other pokemon had a chance to respond.

Fun fact, Low Kick is a move that scales off how heavy an opponent's pokemon is. Machamps typically average in at one hundred and thirty kilograms meaning the move hit for close to full force.

Also? Losing your footing in a match against a Gym Leader and having to take time to get up? Not something Id allow at a fourth-level badge challenge.

Thunderpunch! I ordered again. Sudowoodo smirked as he punched down on the much larger pokemon.

Machamp! Get out of there! Punch the ground and bounce up! the Machamp flexed before doing just that. Two arms rifled into the ground and launched it up. My pokemon was still in close range so Brawly decided to push his luck. Close Combat!

Before the upper arms could snap closed fully and damage my pokemon I stopped him in his tracks. Counter, I replied. Sudowoodo caught both of the reaching hands and bent over itself in a move that made my spine ache just watching. It tilted over itself and once more planted Machamps face into the dirt.

Machamp stopped there like a potted plant. When it fell to the side instead of rising or even twitching, I signalled Sudowoodo away. Daniel raised a flag.

Machamp is unable to battle, Brock wins this round!

The crowd whistled and cheered at this. They were obviously pleased to see a higher-level match and some of the tactics that could be used in a close combat fight. It was always heart-pumping to witness two strong pokemon engage in a physical contest.

Brawly chuckled as he withdrew his pokemon. Damn youre strong! I was kind of annoyed that your guy said you were only going to use four pokemon, but now I think I might just appreciate not having four more like this guy to face off against.

I smirked at that. Ive got some other tricks up my sleeve. Hope youve got some to match them.

Brawly nodded and selected another pokeball. He tossed it out and this time a large blue frog like pokemon emerged. Poliwrath! it announced before punching out.

Im seeing two for two fighting pokemon so far? I said idly.

Brawly nodded. I got a favoured typing, thats for sure. He winked. And some other tricks, dont you worry.

I decided to not remind him that hed already announced that he owned a Pidgeot but I supposed he hoped to not use that pokemon.

Poliwrath, use Body Slam! The Poliwrath launched itself across the field with speed.

Dig! Dont give it a chance to grapple Sudowoodo! My pokemon dove into the ground. Brawlys smirk was all the clue I needed that hed prepared for this.

Earthquake Poliwrath! I clicked my tongue as the pokemon stomped the earth and broke up parts of the arena. Sudowoodo was ejected from the ground and Brawly followed up before it could land. Hydro Pump!

In comparison, my Solrock looked downright tiny.

Begin! shouted Daniel. The stealth rocks that slammed into the Wailord barely seemed to bother it as it merely held its position.

I knew I only had one shot at this but thankfully I had exactly the right type of pokemon to counter this surprise. Sunny Day! I ordered. Quirrina formed up a harsh yellow ball of light that he shot up into the air. It hovered high up before unfolding into a dome that caught and refracted the light harshly down onto the arena.

Wailord! Surf! called out Brawly.

I chuckled at what had to be the most cliche move from Brawly of all people.

Wailord called forth what had to be the entire reserve of water that we had ringing the arena from the grates just outside the arena boundary behind itself. A titanic wave formed up behind it that actually lifted the giant whale up. It sang a happy song as I heard outright manic laughter coming from Brawly.

I stared at the wave before leaning over to press a button on my podium to make sure the barriers were working properly.

Rachel stepped in front of the crowd and smiled hugely, All crowd members currently in the stands, please be aware drying facilities are available in the communal parts of the gym and laundry services can be provided. Thank you, please remain seated and have a nice day. She then scurried to get out of the front row making others suddenly realise they too were in the splash zone.

I turned back in time to brace as the wave dropped onto myself and Quirrina.

Protect, I said as the wave came down on my pokemon. I merely braced for the oncoming wave.

I heard more than a few crowd members cheering at the giant wave before I lost them. The water ground over me and I found myself gripping the railing as I tried to brace against the force. My Rock energy very much roiling within me at being submerged. Thankfully the water withdrew after a second or two.

I shook myself out and grimaced at the way my new attire clung to me.

I shook out my head and looked up to see if anyone needed help. The crowd looked to be in various stages of wetness and shock but they quickly got to their feet and cheered at the experience. I toggled the stadium speakers once more. Please check to make sure no one accidentally swallowed some water around you.

I continued to watch the crowd as the Wailord settled down.

Daniel staggered to his feet and signalled a pause as we checked to see if anything was amiss. Thankfully, none of the actual weight of the water had hit the crowd. The barriers Id installed being up to the task of taking the shock out of the wave. Water had still splashed everyone in the front rows, but that only seemed to make them come more alive. Rachel shot me two thumbs up despite being the wettest person I could see. Apparently, shed tripped on the stairs?

I huffed a breath out before looking over at a very sheepish Brawly.

Sorry! he said, clapping his hands together and bowing his head. I got a bit carried away.

I shook my head. In another gym apart from maybe Cerulean, I would advise against that. Seems no one got more than drenched so it's all good Brawly. I glanced down to find Quirrina floating above the wet ground disdainfully.

Ahahaha! I just wanted to show off a little with my big boy out on display! Thought Id wipe you out on that!

Quirrina floated up and spun about in agitation. Brawly stared in surprise and I grinned. I said he was one of my strongest. That does mean something, you know?

Ready to restart? Brawly nodded dumbly and once more the flags were dropped.

I pointed straight at the giant pokemon. Solar Beam, I said firmly. Instantly a ball of energy formed up and before anyone could do anything else, a beam of energy lanced across to hit Brawlys Wailord right between the eyes.

Wailord cried out and flinched back before tottering over to its side where it cried out. It vanished in a red light leaving Brawly staring across at me. Brawly started laughing, Ah man! Really? Youve really thought of almost everything I swear! Once more another pokeball was drawn out.

I shrugged before grimacing at the feeling of my wet clothes. I was almost tempted to do as the original Brock had done and go shirtless.

I turned that thought over before shrugging and deciding to say to hell with it. I stripped off the jumper and tossed it behind me. A few ladies from the crowd began whistling and some catcalls came out when they realised I was going to fight the rest of the match shirtless.

Brawly seemed amused as he selected his next pokemon.

Go Breloom! Once more a fighting type pokemon appeared. This one looking like a Kangaroo that was formed from fungus. Their thick tail swept back and forth before the pokemons eyes alighted on Quirrina. I tilted my head. I had been expecting Hariyama for Brawlys last pokemon. I had to admit that Breloom on paper would make the most sense however.

Bre! Bre! Loom! RE! it cried out before leaning back onto its tail to kick the air.

My pokemon reacted with an agitated spin and returned with Sol! Rock! Apparently they were having a little smack talk before their fight.

Begin!

Much obliged for the Sunny Day Brock! Use Solar Beam!

I grit my teeth at that. Match it! Solar Beam!

From both pokemon energy balls developed and fired beams of sunlight off in rapid succession. They slammed into each other right in the middle of the field and once more the battlefield felt a shockwave go off.

Both attacks eventually ran out of energy, and Solrock staggered from the back to back attacks. For a moment I was confused as to how the Breloom with the Type advantage for firing off a grass-type move hadnt won out only to spot a single floating rock orbit just to the side.

Id been expecting most of my Stealth Rocks to be swept away with Wailords gigantic Surf, but it seemed one had stuck around and been a bit slow to hit Breloom upon his arrival.

Breloom shook its head in annoyance and glared across, apparently thinking Quririna had done something. Brawly looked confused himself, and I decided to not inform him that there was still a trap in play. Hed have to work it out himself.

Breloom close in and use Mach Punch! Brawly pointed forward. Instantly a glow appeared around the Breloom as it charged across the battlefield quickly.

Cut off its advance with a Flamethrower! I said to Quirina. From Quirina a torrent of flame was loosened onto the field and Breloom had to skid to a halt.

Jump over the flames and take it out with Giga Drain! Breloom crouched low before jumping. The leap seeing it carry itself well over the laid down wall of flame. As it flew, balls of green energy shot forward towards Quirina.

Light it up before it hits! I ordered. Quirina did just that. The mushroom Kangaroo landed while on fire before rolling to get the flames out. It rose just in time for the balls of energy it had released to sweep through Quirina and bounce back, returning energy to the slightly charred pokemon.

Quirina staggered once before falling to the ground with a thump. I raised his pokeball. Another solid performance buddy, I said, pleased at his showing despite his eventual loss.

Quirina is unable to battle! The challenger wins this round! The crowd applauded both of us and I drew up my last selection. I eyed the angry-looking grass type on the field. This wasnt a matchup I was hoping for. I toyed with the idea of declaring that Brawly had demonstrated enough to justify the Boulder badge.

But I didnt want to do that. I found myself enjoying this match. It was tough, it was kind of crazy the back and forth I was having with him but it made me want to bring more to the table.

Go Shelly! I announced.

From the pokeball a small pokemon with a helix shell emerged with multiple tentacles. The crowd cheered at her appearance and she turned to them and began blowing little kisses from her beak as tentacles waved about. My Omantye wasnt as popular as Sanchez but she had a certain charm that won people over.

Oh wow, one of your ancient pokemon? Brawly said, leaning forward on the podium to get a better look. Shelly turned herself back and forth so that Brawly could observe her closer. Showy little thing isnt she? he said. His Breloom turned and growled in annoyance before fluffing at its mushroom cap.

I merely nodded and gestured to Daniel, eager to get the match underway.

Begin!

Breloom! Take it out with Solar Beam while Sunny Day is still in effect! I glanced up and hummed, he was right in that the Sunny Day was barely there. It had maybe a few more seconds. It was yet another tick in Brawly awareness box for field effects. Something that was only marred by his missing the single floating rock. Still, I wasnt going easy.

Use Ice Beam! I countered. Like before both attacks were built up and released. This time it was very obvious that something different was going to play out as Grass-type move impacted with Ice-type move. Shellys Ice beam began to devour the Solar Beam, slowly pushing Brelooms attack back towards the struggling grass kangaroo.

Then, Brelooms attack cut out and I blinked in surprise as the Ice Beam suddenly had no resistance. It slammed into Breloom and threw the pokemon back into the arena wall. I signalled to Daniel worried about foul play.

What happened there?

Daniel held up both flags as he glanced at a screen. He ran through a quick playback that was shown on the big screen. It showed Breloom straining itself against Shellys attack only for a section of charred skin to flare up with fire. I relaxed. For a second I was worried something else had occurred but apparently Quirina had well and truly left a mark on his foe before succumbing.

Brawly had already withdrawn his pokemon but he was looking up at the big screen in surprise. Is that a playback feature?

It allows for video review. Makes sure nothing nefarious occurred such as ghost-type interference.

Brawly nodded slowly. Huh, never heard of something like that before, but it makes sense youd get a lot of people crying foul. Brawly raised his last pokeball up and turned it over. He looked at Shelly before looking once more at the pokeball in his grasp. I was already going through the next few moves. With his Poliwrath hed need to I forfeit.

The words rang out loud and clear, but it still made everyone stop.

I blinked, just as caught out as everyone else. I stared at him. I was finding myself constantly surprised by Brawly. I stared at him for a long time before tilting my head. Are you sure you want to make that call?

Brawly grit his but nodded. I I was cocky. I wanted the badge, and I wasn't able to come with my best team cause my starter got injured yesterday. I thought I had a good enough team to still win but Youve shown otherwise Poliwrath doesnt have the moves needed and Im not going to throw him down just to have him crushed You fought amazingly well, and Ill come back better prepared next time.

I accepted that, gesturing to Daniel. The challenger has forfeited the match. The winner of the match is Gym Leader Brock!

The applause from the crowd was rather muted, and I could understand their reasoning. Theyd had a great match and win or lose it was shaping up to be a very dramatic showdown. I signalled for Brawly to wait before waving for the crowd to remain. Something about what hed said and how hed backed down struck me as highly odd. It was rare that a trainer would give up as he had.

As I approached, I signalled that I wanted some quiet. The crowd complied as I reached Brawly. Brawly. Youre an amazing judge of your pokemon and Im sad that you werent able to bring your best. However, even falling short of that, I have to say you are one hell of a trainer. He made to bow but I stopped him.

Brawly, you have demonstrated the tactics, knowledge, and skills of a pokemon trainer to a high enough degree that I can more than justify you earning the Boulder Badge. Will you accept? I gestured to the side and Daniel approached with a small case with the badge in question revealed.

The crowd stirred at this, surprised but pleased that I was acknowledging a trainer like this. Brawly had certainly earned it.

Brawly rubbed at the back of his head and grinned. Heh! Wow, thats really great to hear, its nice to be recognised like this. He glanced at the badge before shaking his head. But I want to earn it by beating you. He stared at me, and a flicker of battle-lust leaked through. I grinned at him. There was the spark hed lacked a few moments ago.

Very well, I want you to know that I am very much looking forward to that next match. I then pointed to the rock that was now losing its energy. For what its worth I think withdrawing your Poliwrath and not returning it was a good move. Make sure you look out for those traps.

Brawly laughed. Ha! Ill remember to keep more of a lookout for things around me like that in future! He shook his head and inhaled once before exhaling. Ah well! This just gives me more reason to stick around for the festival youre having!

I blinked at that. What festival?

Brawly tilted his head. Before reaching into a backpack. From within it, he drew out a sheet of paper announcing the Celebration of Pewter city! Brought to you by Townhall. Celebrate a month of Pewter city at its finest!

I pinched the bridge of my nose and exhaled. Damn that Mayor! "Urgh!" I exclaimed as I let go of my grip. Looks like I should have been paying more attention to whats going on around me as well.