Chapter 156: Ritchie's challenge

Chapter 156: Ritchie's challenge

The morning, as had become the case with the later starts, was over rather quickly.

I had enough gaps in my schedule to go out to the front of the gym and talk with some local young trainers using the courts.

I ambled over to observe the kids, more than a little amused that I could do something like this. I was really starting to feel the drop off in the surge.

The kids had been having a rather spirited battle which I got to watch. I could practically see a web of friendly rivalries forming from these fights while others improved their skills.

Id used to be able to do this anytime throughout the year but with the surge, I hadnt been game to tempt trainers.

After all, the mere number of trainers would have all but guaranteed that theyd be throwing challenges at me left and right.

It felt nice to be able to get out and about. I might even go for a walk into Pewter next time this happened!

I stayed around the gym today, however, and instead offered some advice to the trainers, pointing out some useful tactics to look up to trial with the Kakuna and Nidorino they had. I set them up with a free training course with some target practice for their pokemon and then ambled back into the gym in rather high spirits.

Bethany, our elderly receptionist, adjusted her glasses and smirked as I approached the front desk. Hello young man, would you like to book a challenge with our Gym Leader? A strapping young fellow like you might even do alright for yourself.

I paused, having been about to walk around the side.

I cant tell if youre playing with me or you cant tell its me, I said, uncertain of her visual acuity.

Bethany grinned and took her glasses off only to lift up another, even more powerful, set of glasses. Oh! Look at that! Hello there! I didnt see you! she said with a large smile before swapping her glasses back out.

Next to her, the other receptionist giggled at our by-play. I shot the girl a smile, and then a wink to Bethany. If memory served, this girl had been extremely shy during her interview.

I stood around and talked with them to see how things were until my transceiver went off. Id been able to talk with the newest receptionist rather easily and could only conclude that Bethany had been good for the girl. That, or shed gotten used to talking up with all the trainers shed had to face in the last few months and demanding fights with me.

I sauntered on through the back and into the training area. Were all set up? I said as I accepted a tray with four pokeballs. I checked them over and saw that they were the pokemon Id asked for and each seemed to be in good health.

Yeah, the kid thats coming in seems pretty wimpy. Who challenges at the third tier at this stage of the circuit? said A.J. At least he has signed up for the gauntlet so I get a chance to fight him.

Hmmm, said Rocko as he sauntered up and looked over Ritchies profile that we had access to. Seems like hes starting late, says here he had a medical issue that delayed his start. He only started a month ago.

I bobbed my head from side to side before deciding to weigh in with my own thoughts. Hes another trainer that I think Ill be keeping an eye out for.

Ho? Thats what ten trainers that youre keeping your eye on so far? Rocko said.

I waggled my hand back and forth, Thereabouts, there are a few that I think will go the distance, so far my bet's on Brawly to win this year, I said.

A.J. glowered at the entrance. Well he better turn up today cause Im gonna test him! he said firmly.

I snorted. Just dont go too crazy! Keep it to the third tier only! I called at his back as he marched down the stairs to the podium on the field.

I worked my tongue over my teeth. Think hes gonna stick to the third-tier level?

Rocko snorted. Not a chance! This Ritchie kid better be ready for a fight!

I frowned. Hmmmm if A.J. is getting antsy I might need to schedule in some time to take him around to the various other gyms such as Cerulean, Sophia or even I tapped my fingers on the railing in thought. That would be a good excuse to go poking around in Neon City now, wouldnt it?

Talk to Greta and ask if shed be interested in fighting Grey, the Neon City Gym Leader for a match, shed need to have some strategies for a steel-type gym.

Afraid shell take it as an order if it comes from you? Rocko said.

I nodded. Yup! I said, popping the P. I shifted my focus to the entrance as the lights dimmed to draw attention towards it.

Rachel sauntered out and waved happily before waving a hand behind her. And now the young gentleman from Frodomar City! Please give it up for Ritchie! said Rachel, as she introduced the future rival of Ash.

The kid walked out and I had to chuckle at the Pikachu that was riding his shoulder. It had a tuft of hair sticking out. If I didnt know any better, Id have thought he was merely a budget Ash. If anything, he was a mirror with his colour choicesnot that he knew Ash just yet, I assumed.

And facing him oh damn. Sorry kid, fight well! Its our newest, and angriest, trainer! A.J.! said Rachel, drawing some laughter from the people in the crowd while A.J. shot Rachel a scowl.

She still hasnt forgiven him for needing to be carried into the meeting? I asked Rocko.

Yup! he said, mimicking my pop.

Then he sniggered, Which is hilarious cause I dont think he has any thoughts like that in his head right now. Hes so one track its hilarious.

He mimed flexing. Get strong! Strong good! Work hard to get strong! Tired now, sleep! he said with a fake-sounding macho tone.

I shook my head and hid my smile. Rocko just grinned at me.

Go Zippo! shouted Ritchie, sending out a Charmander that growled fiercely at the Rhyhorn that A.J. had sent out.

Both pokemon locked eyes and Zippo growled, but with it being tiny, all it achieved was making itself look cute.

Fire types are a poor choice against rock-ground type pokemon, kid!

Im the same age as you though? Ritchie pointed out with a tilt of his head. I had a momentary burst of deja vu as I imagined Ash copying that exact same pose.

Feh! Thats not the point! Youre obviously underestimating this challenge! A.J. said heatedly.

Next to me, Rocko rubbed his chin. That kid is a natural heel for this. The crowd is getting pretty invested with this banter.

I chuckled as the referee for todays match raised the flags and called the two boys to order.

Zippo, like we practised, Smokescreen around yourself! he shouted. Zippo answered with a gout of black smoke being disgorged from his mouth to create a dense smoke that hid Zippo.

Rock Blast! A.J. ordered causing his Rhyhorn to fire off a burst of rocks into the smoke only for all of the attacks to whiff, as Zippo didnt cry out. A.J. narrowed his eyes, Just going to hide in the smoke eh?

Ritchie shrugged but kept his mouth shut.

Dig! ordered A.J.. He got a nod from me, at the third-tier Rhyhorn wouldnt know Earthquake as that was starting to be what a fourth-tier pokemon was expected to bring to the table. Dig, with the inbuilt tremor sense that allowed a pokemon to know where to attack, would work rather well for him.

Dragon Dance! said Ritchie with a flame brightening and beginning to twirl and shift like a will-o-the-wisp in the smoke as Zippo danced back and forth.

A few tense moments passed before Ritchie shot his hand out. Leap up high! Now! he said. Zippo leapt out of the smokescreen in time for Rhyhorn to leap after it. I whistled. Ritchie had timed that well. Both pokemon glowered at each other as they gained sight of the other outside of the smoke.

As they fell Zippo raised both claws and they glinted with silver energy.

Ha, I said, as I saw the plan unfold with Zippo landing hard on Rhyhorn's face before he savagely slashed down with Metal Claw.

A.J. was forced to withdraw his pokemon as it was soundly knocked out.

A.J. shot me a plaintive look.

Usually, we didnt push for a second pokemon for the first challenge at the third tier, but he looked so desperate to keep fighting.

I sighed and nodded.

A.J. whipped his head back around, beaming as if his birthday had come early. You might have won the first round, but Ive got your number now! said A.J. as he whipped out a Geodude.

Geodude Defence Curl! A.J. said. Geodude curled up tightly as the smoke started to fade, allowing everyone to see what was going on with Zippo.

Dragon Dance! Ritchie said. His pokemon hopped from side to side with a wide grin.

Roll Out hard jag! A.J. said, causing Geodude to shoot to the side and behind a boulder that was on the field.

Rock Smash! A.J. ordered. Geodude whipped its arms around and sent the rock blasting towards Zippo who had to dart behind a boulder of his own.

Smoke Screen again! Ritchie ordered.

Rock Throw up into the air! A.J. barked Arc them high! he said, causing a murmur of confusion to go through the crowd.

I was proven right as Corsola hopped back right as a silvery claw swiped at his underbelly, only to miss.

Corsola smirked as he landed in the rising water and Zippo had a moment to poke his head out of the ground only to pale as the wave swept over him.

When the Surf ended I wasnt surprised to find that Zippo was knocked out.

Ritchie returned him with a sigh before eying my Corsola. Rock-water hey? He tapped the Pikachu on his shoulder. Sparky this is all yours then!

Pika! said the little Pikachu with the tuft of hair that stuck out. It landed and locked eyes with Corsola.

I nodded, this was a much better set-up for him, it also sounded like he wasnt caught up in the common misconception that Rock types were immune to Electric-type moves.

Thunderbolt! Ritchie said to start things off. Sparky lit up with electricity and unleashed a huge bolt of lightning at Corsola.

Power Gem! I replied firing off a counter to the attack only for it to wither in the face of the powerful electric attack.

Thunderbolt struck and I leaned forward, hoping against hope that Corsola would have withstood the attack. Sadly, that wasnt the case as Corsola tilted to the side. I hummed. Id need to work with Corsola for some more options, to avoid that fate going forward.

I raised his pokeball and returned him while giving Ritchie a nod. Good to see you have some insight into these matchups.

Rock-water means that electric-type moves are super effective, right? Ritchie said with a tug on his cap. I smiled back before whipping out my next pokemon.

Lets go Izumi! I said causing Ritchie to tense up. I tilted my head. Ho? You recognise her?

Ive read a lot of forums about her and making sure you dont underestimate her! he said.

Izumi perked up at that and did a little happy dance which drew a smattering of laughter from the crowd. I smirked. Theyd be right. Izumi! Rock Throw, put some pressure on!

Agility! Ritchie barked. Sparky leapt into a sprint that saw him avoiding the attacks. With a zig-zag pattern that saw Sparky closing in I knew what to expect and Ritchie didnt disappoint. Iron Tail! he shouted as Ritchie closed.

Defence out! I shouted with a laugh. Izumi didnt disappoint as she recalled the niche move, but cartwheeling out of danger instead of rolling backwards.

Eh!? Ritchie said. Oh damn! he said as Izumi spun about.

Bulldoze, I said sternly. Izumi threw herself straight into Sparky and hurled the Pikachu back. Sparky skipped across the ground and rolled before slamming into a boulder. Sparky shook himself off and stood, earning a nod of respect from Izumi as she pumped her fists back and forth.

Ritchie chewed his lip and considered the field. I could practically see him weighing up his options at a furious pace. Quick Attack! Sprint to the boulders! he said, causing Sparky to blur away from the boulder.

Rock Throw, I said, deciding to keep up some pressure. I suspected that Sparky wouldnt have much left in the tank from that last hit.

Agility again! Ritchie said once his pokemon was out of danger.

Bulldoze! I said. Izumi tucked herself up and surged forward to slam into the boulder, breaking it apart, but before she could nail Sparky he leapt to the side.

Iron Tail! Ritchie cried out with glee as his pokemon came in from the side at pace.

Izumi took the hit like a pro, rolling back with a cry of pain. She glanced at me but I kept my focus on Sparky, signalling that I wanted her to keep fighting.

She kipped up and pumped her arms. Rock Polish, I said. She nodded and a sheen ran over her body, resulting in her speed picking up. That forced Ritchie to pause, as he realised he wouldnt get a onesided trade of blows as long as I kept Izumi close enough to handle Sparky.

Sparky return, he said tightly. I smiled, happy to see him making a change.

Rock Polish, I said as I made the most of the switch out, to make sure Ritchie didnt fall into poor habits.

Go Cruise! said Ritchie as he whipped out a pokeball. It disgorged a very familiar shape with a Larvitar taking to the field.

Izumi blinked in shock and I whistled. Now this was a match-up I hadnt been expecting. Youre a brave kid to send out a Larvitar against me. I hope you can back up that challenge, I said.

Ritchie nodded sternly. I plan to! Cruise! Use Earthquake! he said, causing me to blink. Larvitar should have evolved before getting strong enough to learn that naturally.

Leap! I said to Izumi, making her punch the ground to avoid the danger. This left her hanging in the air and in prime position for Ritchies follow-up.

Stone Edge! he shouted.

I could only stare as Larvitar raised up a sizeable chunk of rock before hurling it straight at Izumi, knocking her out of the air. She landed and looked slightly dazed. I shot her a discreet signal and she stayed down but otherwise stared at the anomaly that was Cruise.

That Larvitar it has every indicator of being strong enough to have evolved already, but it hasnt yet?

Ritchie perked up. Oh wow! You can tell that from just two moves? I knew you were the right person to come talk to about him!

I nodded slowly. I could see what the issue was. He hadnt been able to get his pokemon to evolve, despite all the indicators showing that he should have been able to.

Yeah, I think were going to be talking after this, I said before enlarging my last pokemon. I eyed the Larvitar, knowing that this pokemon was another bad matchup.

Go Slugma, I said.

Ritchie smiled, and as I expected, went for the easiest move to end the fight. Earthquake!

I chuckled, this time I wasnt able to make Slugma jump, and the super-effective move ended the match with a rumble. I chuckled as I withdrew Slugma. Yeah, I think Ive seen enough. I wanted depth, I wasnt expecting a secret ace like that from you Ritchie, I said.

Ritchie grinned and beamed as I opened a box that was offered to me by the referee. Ritchie from Frodomar City? I hereby recognise you as having earned the Boulder Badge.

Yes! I got a Boulder badge! he shouted while holding the badge aloft. He then surprised me by pulling out his badge case and popping it open. I noted that he had the Soul Badge, and the Cascade Badge.

Youve fought Janine? I asked.

Janine? Oh right, shes fighting the trainers that challenge Fuchsia right now isnt she? No, I fought with Koga first, but did so while I was sort of ill. He wasnt pleased with me despite winning. He ended up demanding I stay in his Gym.

Ritchie rubbed the back of his head and I had a momentary feeling of deja vu. It was like I was looking at Ash apologising for attempting poaching pokemon from me.

I met Janine and learnt a lot from spending a while with them but with my late start, I ended up running into a lot of other people as they were coming down from Cerulean into Saffron and Celadon. So I have done things sort of in reverse but I think it has worked out for me? Weve had a tough time of it with the people weve been fighting but were getting stronger! he said, punching his fist forward.

Both Sparky and Cruise copied him, and I chuckled.

I then looked over at Cruise with a serious eye. So, Im assuming your issue is that your Larivatar hasnt yet evolved despite having all the indicators that he should have?

Yes! Ritchie said and I waved him to follow me.

Alright, I have some experience with pokemon like this. Lets go talk with the experts however.

Experts? Oh thats right you have some researchers at your gym dont you? Ritchie said thoughtfully.

I chuckled as Yolanda joined us, Terra wiggled out of her grip and approached Cruise with a cheerful hello. Cruise nodded back and I noted the difference. With Terra, a baby pokemon that was almost out of the early growth phase, it was obvious that Cruise really was ready to evolve.

His body was thicker, and he was taller.

Ritchie, Id like you to meet my sister and fellow Larvitar appreciator, Yolanda. Yolanda, meet Ritchie.

Hi! she said. Nice work with your fight! she said, causing Ritchie to grin at her.

I led Ritchie to the back of the reserve and smiled as he gawked at all the pokemon on display.

Oh wow! he said before whipping out a rather older-looking Pokedex to document the various pokemon.

I smirked before whistling loudly. A roar in response let me know Id been heard.

I turned to Ritchie. You asked about the experts I have? How about a Tyranitar?

Oh wow! said Ritchie as Titan walked up only to gasp as Empress walked behind him. TWO TYRANITAR!?

I chuckled. I did say experts, didnt I? I said. I waved them over, more than happy to spend my lunch break with them talking about Cruise. I planned to make this a very educational session for Yolanda, which I knew Ritchie would benefit from.

With this, I could hit a whole host of flying types with this metaphorical rock.