Chapter 150: Rock v Rock! Roxanne's challenge!

Chapter 150: Rock v Rock! Roxanne's challenge!

Houndoom was a giant puppy. Flannery was on her back being licked to death for all intents and purposes as I approached.

Do you need help? I asked semi-seriously as she helplessly batted her hands at the slobbering pokemon.

Houndoom skipped around and narrowed its eyes on me, a small snarl escaped it before Flannery was on her feet, her hand on Houndooms shoulder. Hey, no. Calm down. Fight is over boy; we won, she said. Houndoom eyed me for a moment before barking once and sitting down.

Hmmm, hes well-trained, I said. Flannery nodded before shuddering as she realised how wet her face was.

I raised a hand towards A.J., and he blinked at me.

I made a gesture before sighing when he continued to blink at me cluelessly. The towels in the cupboard we keep for the water battles, A.J.

Oh! A.J. said, turning to the side and grabbing a towel before hurling it at me. Sadly, he overshot and it flapped into Flannery. She still raised a thumbs up to him as she began scrubbing off the slobber her pokemon had left on her.

When she was cleaned up she emerged and grinned at me. Was that a boss fight? Or was that a boss fight?

I chuckled. It was very boss, but I feel like it could have been made easier for you in a few ways.

Flannery blinked at me before coughing, Oh right, yeah, you kind of schooled me a bit, didnt you?

I waggled my hand in a so-so manner. Yes and no. I think you utilised your pokemon very effectively. You had a lot of setups in mind, but you were reckless in relying on power a lot.

I shot her an amused look when she coughed into her fist self-consciously. There were a few instances where you pushed early in the gauntlet. For instance, you could have entered the match against Rocko with your Rapidash, which would have given you more options later on. Torkoal was a bit ambitious as well. Camerupt and Blaziken were your aces, and that showed. Houndoom was perfect against my Solrock I grimaced and inclined my head to the pokemon in question. But using Roar against Rocko really bit you in the backside. He wasnt the right pokemon in that instance.

Houndoom tilted his head in confusion, and Flannery nodded.

Despite that, its impressive that you had plans for fighting against your typing weaknesses. You got shaken around with some of the tactics I used and the denials I had as well but you were able to emerge victorious. Id make sure to cover those gaps, however, as others will exploit them. You need a bit more utility in your fighting style. Have you considered getting a Vulpix for some trickery?

Ah, youre talking about the more classic style of Ninetales that uses Substitute? Confuse Ray, and moves like that? I nodded and Flannery grimaced. Not a style I enjoy using

I nodded. If its not your style, its not your style. Might be worth looking into counters, as I think it would be something that would work well against you at the very least, I said.

I rubbed my chin for a moment before deciding to pull the band-aid off. Where no, how did you find a Lucario of all pokemon? I knew where to find one, which was ostensibly in the Kingdom of Rota, but it wasnt a pokemon that was supposed to be found in Hoenn. The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñòv€l-B1n.

Flannery grinned and made a peace sign while sticking her tongue out. Sorry, thats a secret! Im gonna be grilled by Brawly over this as it is! Hes noticed my training methods with Combusken and always thought it was weird but couldnt work out why it bugged him!

Are you talking about me?! shouted the young man in question as he hopped over the side, Roxanne cradled in his arms. She hopped out of them and dashed forward to wrap Flannery in a hug.

Congratulations! she said before jumping back. Ohmygosh! I might have jinxed you! Brock hasnt given you the badge yet!

Flannery barked a laugh. Eh! No fear there! Hes giving it to me!

I narrowed my eyes and crossed my arms without saying anything.

Flannerys smile faltered, and Houndoom whined.

I snorted. Im messing with you, you did more than enough to earn yourself a badge, congratulations! I turned, expecting that Id need to wave A.J. down, only to find him being escorted down by Rocko while looking rather sheepish.

I shot Rocko a thumbs up as A.J. presented the badge case to me. I took the badge inside and offered it to Flannery officially. Flannery, I recognise your skill as a trainer and hereby award you the Boulder Badge of Pewter City!

Flannery took it in her hand and bowed in thanks. Thank you for challenging me and allowing me and mine to grow, she replied formally.

I tilted my head. Huh, is that something said in Hoenn? I asked as a memory from years ago rose to the forefront of my mind.

Flannery blushed while Roxanne giggled. Flannery rubbed the back of her head. Its an old exchange of respect that some people have when they find that theyve had a good match that we do in Hoenn its kind of silly.

Huh, I kind of like it, I said, smiling at Flannery.

She glanced at me for a moment before looking away and coughing. Roxanne stepped forward with a smirk and nudged her friend. Flannery might like to pretend to be a tomboy, but she has manners and bearing where it matters!

Flannery glared at her friend. Oh, wow, faint praise. Thanks Roxy, she said snidely.

She huffed and turned to Houndoom, I forgive you, though because today has just been that amazing for me. She scratched Houndoom behind the horn. Well, with you now up and strong, boy I think were ready to challenge Sabrina!

I coughed to hide my laugh, but Flannery shot me an unimpressed look. Yeah, yeah, alright! Ill need more than my boy wonder here, she said, patting her Houndoom.

I nodded. Just remember that almost all of her pokemon will know Miracle Eye, which will give her a lot more opportunities to impact your Houndoom.

Flannery shot me a sly look and sidled up to nudge her elbow into me. Are you sure you should be telling me how to beat your girlfriend, Brock?

I raised an eyebrow at her. Is that what you thought I was doing? I said with a smirk. Flannery narrowed her eyes at me which only made me smirk harder. I shook my head and waved for everyone to gather around for Flannery to celebrate her victory.

Flannery raised her hands into two Vs towards Rachel, who was acting as a camerawoman.

Roxannes gonna get crushed tomorrow! One! Two! Three! Flannery shouted.

I grinned as Roxanne shot her friend a betrayed expression right as Rachel took the picture. Flannery shot out of the group to inspect the results. Perfect! Keep it like that, no takebacks! she said while Brawly laughed aloud.

Rachel, sensing a chance for some hype, pulled out her microphone. You heard it here first, folks! The Hoenn Stone Maiden versus our Boy! Brock, the Boulder! she said as I facepalmed.

The crowd murmured at that and I saw a number hustling out to secure their seats for tomorrow. I fully expected a full house tomorrow. Sadly, I could hear a lot of them repeating what Rachel had said, calling me Brock the Boulder.

Yeah good job, Rachel, I said, pleased that shed hyped up the crowd but less than impressed with the epithet shed hitched me with.

Rachel knocked on her head with her fist. Hehehe? she said trying for a cutesy act as she realised shed goofed.

I returned my focus to Roxanne. So? Feel like youre ready? I said, allowing my eyes to lock with hers. She straightened up instantly.

I will be leaving with the Boulder Badge tomorrow, Brock! she said.

I merely nodded, saying, Alright, Ill look forward to it.

Its lunchtime! Lets eat! Brawly said as he wrapped his arms around us. We all laughed, the tension well and truly broken.

The rest of the day thankfully passed quickly enough, and I was more than happy to throw myself into my training with both the Gyms pokemon and my Elite team. I felt like I was making serious progress with Jormungandr, albeit a slow and steady, step by step gradual process.

Empress was getting better at following some of my orders.

I started making her work with me in abstract situations that Id encountered during my years as a trainer. I had her fight in a thin layer of mud before ordering her to skip stones across the top in an attack pattern while Clefairy floated and danced about, avoiding the attacks with Minimise.

A sweep of a flamethrower over the field and a trade-out so she was facing Knight forced things to change.

Then I swapped out Knight for Hypnotoad, forcing her to advance over broken ground.

Jump left diagonally and then kick the rock to fire off a Stone Edge! I ordered making use of earlier rocks that Id had her set up. She did so gradually, and when we broke for a debrief, she looked frustrated.

Ran-tar Tyran! she said animatedly to the other pokemon who looked thoughtful.

I tilted my head towards Titan for a translation, having not grown used to Empress mannerisms enough to interpret what she said. Titan scratched his chin in thought before pointing at Don. Tar, he said simply.

Don shot off a Hyper Beam into the air, and when he was done, Titan pointed at his mother. He then pointed at himself and turned, and unleashed a Giga Impact upon a boulder to crush it with his whole body.

I hummed in thought. She is used to using moves that are more long-range rather than advancing in close? I said.

Titan nodded, and it was my turn to rub my chin in thought. Huh, it might be my bias with you coming through but theres also the standard that most Tyranitars are physical powerhouses. Youre best known for your strong attack and defence more than special abilities.

I waved my hand back and forth. That being said, you do have the capacity to learn some truly impressive moves You have Stone Edge, Outrage, Hyper Beam, Dragon Pulse, and Dark Pulse, along with the typical moves such as Crunch, Dig, Tackle and Earthquake

Hmmmm, is it preference? Or do you think youre stronger with special attacks?

Empress shrugged in a manner I thought was far too casual, and then she nodded firmly.

I contemplated the matter for a moment. Hmmm it might be that Im wrong with how Ive been using you. Empress blinked in surprise at that, and I smiled. Dont be like that. Its not that surprising. Im used to handling Titan and hes a powerhouse physically.

Ty-ran tar! Empress said with a firm nod. She then reached over and pinched Titan.

The rest of my pokemon snapped their heads around with such speed that I knew that something had just been said. Don started cackling, while Titan merely rolled his eyes as the others burst into laughter.

I shot Titan another look, and he huffed and mimed a large circle around himself and a smaller circle around his mother. I blinked. She called you fat? I said shooting Empress a less than pleased look.

Empress merely shrugged and murmured something that might have been a clarification, but the others were all too busy laughing to listen.

I let them laugh for a while before I whistled sharply, and the laughter cut off. I flicked my eyes about before shaking my head and locking eyes with Empress. Titan isnt fat. Hes thickly muscled, which allows him to end matches with single hits while tanking through those very same hits.

Empress nodded, but I could see some doubt in her gaze.

I waved her and Titan to step up. Alright, nows as good a time as any to address this. Titan, Im going to have you spar with your mother.

Titans eyes widened, and he shot me a questioning look. I raised a hand to forestall his complaints. She needs to see that what we do has a serious impact on skill, power, and mentality for making better fighters, I said. Empress straightened up at this and started sizing up her son.

With them standing across from each other, the differences were now very noticeable. Titan was thicker and shorter, Empress age giving her an advantage in height. In comparison, Empress looked lean and sharp with many of her spikes being sharper, more primal.

I slammed my hands together. Were going to do this simple. Only moves that you both know will be used. The pokemon knocked out of the ring loses.

I snapped my fingers towards my starter. Titan! Do not go easy on her. If you do that, youre disrespecting her and doing the rest of us no favours. Youre representing all of us, I said, gesturing around at the watching pokemon.

Titan looked them over before turning and locking eyes with his mother. Empress perked up, and a small smile split her scaly lips before she inhaled and roared in her sons face.

Titan matched her, and I had to put my hands to my ears with how close I was to the two pokemon.

When they straightened, I raised my hands. Begin! I said, slapping my hands together.

Empress surged forward to end the match, a snarl escaping her.

Titan matched her, and Empress had a moment of surprise when his heavier form knocked her back and then carried her straight out of the circle. He then knocked her feet out from under her and roared in her face while she was still recovering.

I whistled and signalled him away. He stepped back and relaxed before turning sheepish. He offered his mother a claw and helped her up. She stared at him as if she were just seeing him for the first time.

Rhy! Perior! said Bertha as she stepped into the circle with a grin. Titan snorted and stepped up next to her.

I raised a finger. I hadnt meant for this training to turn into a sumo matchup. Bertha shot me an infectious grin and flicked her eyes to Empress. Rhy! Or!

I chuckled. She can try again next huh? Bertha shot me a thumbs up with her thumb spinning like a drill.

I chuckled at Bertha and signalled for them to be ready. By the time every pokemon had taken a turn in the circle, I was pretty sure Empress had learned not to underestimate her son, and I had learned some things as well.

I had to admit Teddiursa squaring off against Clefairy was adorable, and Don against Zephyr was particularly memorable with how they battered each other with their wings. I then opened it up to using some moves so Empress could blow people back with her Dark Pulse; she didnt end up ruffling Titan, however, who handled the hit wonderfully and then responded in kind.

Empress lasted longer and longer each time she went into the circle, but after the fifth match, she waved off, sitting to the side with a thoughtful expression.

When I was done being the referee for the unofficial Sumo matches that had broken out, I fetched food for my pokemon. I deposited the plates, and when it was Empress's turn, I smiled up at her. Alright, so tonights dish has Empress snatched the bowl up and swallowed the meal in a few bites before nodding at me. extra spice I said before sighing.

Roxanne, whod left out her Solrock, gasped as I threw out my own Solrock in direct challenge. Then she smiled and raised her chin. I see your game and shall rise to the occasion.

I smirked at her as the flags dropped. Gravity! I ordered straight away, causing a pressure to slam into the field and cast her Solrock into the ground on the first move.

Eh? Solrock! Use Stone Edge to force it to release you!

Drop into the ground and make it shake! I ordered Quirina, making him drop into the ground, subsequently dodging the Stone Edge and slamming into the ground to unleash an Earthquake.

Roxannes Solrock was bounced around before it shakily floated up to glower at my pokemon.

Gravity again, I said.

Flare Blitz! Overcome the gravity with power like we practised! Roxanne said, punching forward.

Spin to the side, I said with a lazy flick of my fingers, making Quirina's barrel roll away before it rotated and oriented itself onto his foe. Sol! Quirina growled.

Tch! Recover!

Explosion! I ordered.

Roxanne to stiffen before shaking it off. Theres no way

Quirina detonated himself, and the battlefield suddenly lit up with force. Was it overkill? Yeah, it would also have her second-guessing herself.

When the field was revealed, both pokemon were knocked out. Roxanne stared at me in shock. But you had an advantage with your pokemon Why sacrifice it?

To teach you a lesson, I said firmly. I could have etched a victory against her in what might have been a slightly longer exchange, but I was starting to wonder if her pokemon werent the issue for Roxanne. I wanted to see if I was right and, in doing so, get a much more important lesson taught today.

Roxanne returned her pokemon with shaking hands. She selected her next pokemon and I did the same.

Go Graveler! she said.

Go Onix! I countered.

The crowd that had been stunned by my earlier choice of plays stirred at the pokemon matchup. It must have seemed a poor choice.

Dip Dig into HH! I ordered cryptically.

Earthquake! Roxanne barked, causing the ground to shake. With the fractured ground, it clattered and shifted a lot.

Onix took a bit of damage before suddenly leaping out of a shallow hole and throwing himself wholesale into the air with High Horsepower to slam himself into Graveler.

Graveler, Rollout to get room!

Rest! I ordered my Onix, making it shut its eyes instantly.

Roxanne faltered once again, caught by surprise. Earthquake again! she said after contemplating for a moment.

Sleep Talk, I said with an evil smirk as my pokemons tail glowed before whipping around and slapping her Graveller with a super effective Iron Tail. That was enough to knock it out.

I raised two fingers and waggled a third at her. It honestly had a lot of implications. That was three of her pokemon now out of the match. I knew shed used two of the three pokemon from Hoenn she was allowed with only one left that she could use.

Instead, she narrowed her eyes and flicked out a pokeball to reveal a Rhydon that snorted and stomped its feet. Use Earthquake! she said. The move tossed my still-sleeping Onix. With the earlier damage from Roxannes aborted Earthquake, that was enough to see my pokemon knocked out.

I hummed and selected my third pokemon. Lets go Shelly! I said, releasing my Omastar, who waved merrily to everyone before settling her attention on the Rhydon.

Surf! I said.

Surf back at them! Roxanne said, surprising me for perhaps the first time in the match.

Both pokemon rose up, and twin tidal waves rushed towards each other.

Roxannes Rhydon then leapt over the wave. Ice Beam! she called out.

I chuckled, knowing she must have picked that up from watching Bertha and I.

Hop off and use Hydro Pump! I responded. Shelly hopped off the wave towards her foe and while in the air unleashed a powerful barrage of water.

Dig! Roxanne commanded, allowing her pokemon to just dodge the attacks, it popped out a moment later covered in mud and grinning.

When Shelly landed I chopped my hand. Earthpower! I ordered, making earth spikes shoot up around the Rhydon.

Fissure! barked Roxanne, her Rhydon instantly reared back a fist and slammed it into the ground

Protect! I said, deciding I wasnt going to risk it against a pokemon that appeared to be styled after Bertha, a pokemon known for her one-hit K.O. abilities.

Instead of causing the ground to slam together around the protective shell, however, nothing rose up. I clicked my tongue in annoyance. Now I looked like I had overcommitted.

Roxanne, instead of being smug, was blushing. It took me a moment to realise shed messed up.

Ah, she hadnt accounted for the destroyed landscape from the Explosion, and the mud defusing the Fissure. She needed to let her pokemon build up more power.

Ah, this is embarrassing, I said laughing at our situation.

Roxanne groaned. Just use Thunderbolt Rhydon. Rhydon unleashed a spark of lightning and Shelly took it before shrugging it off, her shell smoking from the hit.

Hydro pump! I ordered.

Thunderbolt again! Both attacks hit, and once again both pokemon went down, causing me to chuckle as we returned our pokemon. A quick look over the field revealed a muddy, frozen waste. A section of the frozen waves cracked off and slammed into the ground causing me to consider who Id be sending out as my last pokemon.

Roxanne also seemed to be in deep thought. I held off sending out my pokemon, forcing Roxanne to frown and look worried. I smiled and continued to hold off sending out my next pokemon, pointedly dragging it out and stressing her with each second that passed.

As the countdown reached five, I hurled out my Sudowoodo, much to her surprise, before she grabbed another pokeball of her own just as the count reached three. I hummed as she almost flubbed the throw. She wasn't used to being pressured like this and so heavily ted it would seem.

Her last pokemon was an Onix, which rose up and glowered at my Sudowoodo. Low Kick! I ordered.

Dig! Roxanne responded, causing her Onix to dodge the attack that would have caused serious damage. Rise and use Iron Head! Roxanne said with a rising fist.

Her Onix shot up from beneath my pokemon but I merely chopped my hand downward. Hammer Arm!

Both attacks slammed into each other, and my Sudowoodo came off the better with Onix reeling back from the hit. Roxanne grimaced before she perked up. Use Rock Tomb! Deny it mobility!

I chuckled as rocks snapped around Sudowoodos thin legs and held him down. Rock Throw, I said, allowing her the move and setting the bait.

Iron Tail! Roxanne said, making her Onix sweep its tail around to slam into my pokemon.

Reversal! I barked just before it could impact. Sudowoodo slammed into it, taking some damage himself but then paying it back. Onix groaned painfully before slumping to the ground.

My twig of a pokemon stepped over him and raised his branches high. I grinned. If Sudowoodo didnt enjoy the fourth tier matches so much Id have promoted him to the Elite team a long time ago.

Roxanne returned her pokemon and toyed with her last two pokeballs before selecting one. Go! Magcargo! she said. The Magcargo landed a good distance from Sudowoodo, but my pokemon leaned forward, more than ready to charge in close.

Rock Throw! I ordered. Sudowoodo responded by tumbling forward, grabbing up segments of rock and unleashing them as fast as he could.

Gyro Ball! Roxanne ordered her pokemon to tuck into itself and use grey energy to form a ball around itself as it kipped up and began rolling. It powered straight through the Rock Throws and as it closed I could tell it was building up a bit of power.

Heh, Sudowoodo werent that much faster than Magcargo it would seem.

Sudowoodo! Reversal! I said, once again letting my pokemon take the hit before paying it back with interest. Magcargo groaned as it took the hit on its shell. Despite this Roxanne smiled.

Shell Smash! she ordered, causing the shell to detonate energy that made Sudowoodo stumble in shock.

Despite that, I knew no actual damage had been done, apart from lowering Magcargos defences and increasing its speed and power.

Earth Power! Roxanne said, with her pokemon in close. Earth snapped up and around Sudowoodo and knocked him flying. When he landed it stayed down and I recalled him.

Yatta! shouted Brawly and Flannery straight away standing and leading the cheer for Roxanne. Way to go Roxy!

I smirked and reached for a fifth pokeball. Roxannes face blanched, and I stopped and grinned. Im kidding! I only use four pokemon, remember?

Roxanne drew in a breath of relief, and I toggled the podiums to lower. Greta approached me with the badge case, and I signalled for her to join me next to Roxanne.

So, I said as we got close. How do you think you did?

I did rather poorly, you worked out a weakness of mine and rather ruthlessly hammered home that I need to work on reading my opponents or preparing for them more. I also need to improve the strength of the team I caught locally, as some moves did not work.

Uhuh, anything else? I asked leadingly.

Roxanne squirmed. I dont go for the win as quickly as perhaps I could

I nodded. Anything else?

Roxannee fidgeted and shifted. I I she cast her eyes around. Dont pay enough attention to the landscape of the battlefield? she said. I wavered my hand back and forth before raising my hand to stop her.

Correct me if Im wrong, but Flannery does most of the fighting since youve been travelling together? Roxanne nodded slowly. And now that Brawly has joined, would you say you do even less?

Roxannes eyes widened. Im not fighting very much at all

I nodded. Its an issue when you travel with such loud personalities that they draw the attention and the trainers who are looking for fights. People that are more reserved have a bit more difficulty getting as many matches as people that are outgoing; sometimes they can even take matches from the reserved person without knowing it.

I waved a hand in her direction. Youre a solid trainer, but I think your mental awareness and experience are lacking. I think you should start going to battleclubs specifically for yourself, as just travelling around is not getting you as much experience due to people gravitating to or being dragged into Flannerys pace.

Ive never considered it before, Roxanne said.

I smiled. Not many do; I wouldnt comment on this usually, but I know you, and the people youre travelling with, so I can do a bit of a deeper dive. Youre good, Roxanne, but you second-guess yourself. Take some of the skills that Flannery has with being aggressive and some of Brawlys slick moves and try to incorporate them. Sometimes youre a bit stiff.

Roxanne nodded at that. I will, yes, thank you, Brock, she said, offering me a bow.

I grinned and accepted the badge case from Crystal. That being said, I hereby award you the Boulder Badge in recognition of your skill level as a trainer.

Flannery and Brawly led the applause before hopping down to join us for the photo.

When we were done Brawly clapped me on the shoulder. Ready for our rematch this friday?

I tilted my head before chuckling. Are you seriously waiting until Friday for the tropical day at the gym again?

Brawlys grin was answer enough.

I sighed but smiled. Hmmm, two down, with Brawly coming around for another run. I rubbed my chin. It would be interesting to see how he performed with his starter back in action and how much of a difference that made.

Friday couldnt come quickly enough.