"Makuhita, use Arm Thrust! Aim properly!" Brawly commanded with a calm yet powerful voice.
"Maku!" Makuhita's arms glowed faintly as it followed Treecko's movements, but the challenger's Treecko was quick and light on its feet. It dashed across the battlefield, striking with sharp, quick blows that chipped away at Makuhita's balance.
"Now, Treecko—use Pound!" the girl called, eyes burning with focus.
"Counter from behind, Makuhita!" Brawly shouted, trying to recover the tempo.But before Makuhita could turn around, Treecko had already closed the gap. Its glowing tail slammed into Makuhita's back, sending the Fighting-type tumbling across the arena.
"Makuhita is unable to battle! Treecko wins!" the judge raised a flag toward the challenger. "The winner is the challenger!"
"Yes! We did it, Treecko!" the girl cheered, hugging her partner tightly.
Brawly smiled and approached her. "Congratulations. This is the proof that you've cleared the Dewford Gym challenge—your Knuckle Badge.""Thank you!" she said, placing the badge carefully into her small badge case, her Treecko still perched proudly on her shoulder.
Brawly turned to the audience. "Next challenger—Stephen!"He waved in my direction. I stood up, feeling my heartbeat accelerate.
"Alright… it's our turn, guys." I looked at my Poké Balls. "Let's show what we've trained for. "At that moment, a familiar cry echoed through the gym rafters. "Wing!"
The Wingull I'd met back home had arrived, fluttering down to the audience seats. "Wingull! You came on time," I said with a grin. "I'm about to have my first Gym battle now. Watch carefully, okay? If we win, I've got something to tell you."
"Wing~!" It cried in response, settling onto the railing with sharp eyes.
I walked down to the field as the previous challenger waved at me. "You were watching my battle, right? Sorry, I was too focused to notice earlier," she said with an apologetic smile.
"Don't worry," I replied. "Now it's my turn to feel what you just did."
"Heh, I'll cheer for you! Oh—and that Wingull seems close to you. Is it your partner?"
"Not exactly," I said, scratching my cheek. "But… you could say we're connected."
I took my position on the battlefield, and Brawly stretched his shoulders. "You ready, Stephen? Don't worry, I won't use Makuhita this time." He grinned confidently.
"Appreciate that. I'm still a rookie, so go easy on me!"
The referee raised both flags. "The Gym Battle between Leader Brawly and challenger Stephen will now begin!"
Brawly threw his Poké Ball first. "Go, Machop!"
"Mac!" A blue, human-like Pokémon appeared, flexing its arms. Its muscles shimmered under the gym lights.
"Lotad, I'm counting on you!" I called as Lotad emerged with a cheerful cry.
"Lot!"
Brawly gestured forward. "I'll give you the first move."
"Alright! Lotad, use Water Gun!" A burst of water shot straight toward Machop.
"Dodge it, then use Bulk Up!" Brawly countered.
Machop sidestepped smoothly, its body glowing red as its muscles swelled. "Oh no, if that completes, its power will be dangerous! Lotad, interrupt it—keep using Water Gun, adjust your aim!" I commanded quickly.
"Stay focused, Machop! Don't stop your Bulk Up!" The water struck Machop repeatedly, droplets splashing across the arena floor. It flinched under the attacks but didn't yield—the red aura intensified around its body.
I clenched my fists. "This isn't good… its attack and defense are up!"
"Now, Machop—Cross Chop!" Machop's hands glowed white as it leaped, forming an "X" of light.
"Lotad, dodge it!" I shouted, but Machop adjusted midair, twisting its body like a surfer turning with a wave.
"What?! It curved its movement?!""Surfing footwork," Brawly said proudly. "We train balance here!"
The attack struck Lotad directly, sending it rolling back.
"Lotad! Don't give up—Absorb, straight ahead!" Lotad's eyes shone green. Thin vines of energy shot from its body, wrapping around Machop and draining its stamina. But something was different—this wasn't the weak Absorb it usually used.
"That's… Mega Drain!" the girl in the stands exclaimed.
"Mac!" Machop groaned, its strength fading fast as Lotad absorbed its energy.
"Machop, Seismic Toss—now!" Brawly called sharply. Machop grabbed Lotad and leaped high. The crowd gasped as the two Pokémon plummeted.
"Lotad, Water Gun to soften the impact!" I yelled. Lotad turned midair, releasing a burst of water beneath them. Steam exploded as they hit the ground. Smoke filled the arena.
"Lotad…" I murmured.
When the dust cleared, Machop staggered upright—but Lotad was still standing too, breathing hard but determined.
"Good! Lotad, finish it with Mega Drain!" Green vines burst out again, striking Machop. This time, the Fighting-type collapsed completely.
"Machop is unable to battle! Winner—Lotad!" the referee declared.
The crowd cheered. "Alright! You did it, Lotad!" I shouted, running to the field.
Brawly smiled and recalled his Pokémon. "Good job, Machop. Stephen, that was a solid counterattack. But now it's time to see if you can handle this."He threw another Poké Ball.
"Go—Hariyama!"
A massive sumo-like Pokémon appeared, stomping heavily. Its body radiated power and calm strength. "Hari!"
I swallowed hard. "Th-this guy's huge…" I whispered. Lotad turned back and looked at me, as if to reassure me. "Don't be scared, Lotad. We've got type advantage—and more importantly, trust!"
Lotad nodded firmly, its eyes gleaming with determination.
Brawly smirked. "Show me what you've learned, Stephen. Let's ride the waves of battle together!"
I smiled up at it. "Yeah. We'll show you the result of our training—just watch!"