Swanna Song, Sung Throughout Sinnoh

“TYRANITAR CANNOT BE HARMED BY ANY KINDS OF ATTACKS!!!” Gary bellowed at Tyranitar not far from Oreburgh City, surrounded by grass and trees and waving the Pokedex in the air. After arriving at Oreburgh City and healing and feeding all the Pokemon he had, he left the city again, stopping just outside of Oreburgh Gate, deciding to get some things off his chest, his anger aimed at Tyranitar. “YOU HEARD IT YOURSELF, YOU-!!” Gary stopped himself. Why should I?? This worthless piece of sh-!!

“Gary, is that you??” a voice called.

Gary had gritted teeth, not wanting to even face whoever had spoken. He inhaled hard, glaring at his sad Tyranitar.

Tyranitar’s face went from being ready to cry, to looking up with a mix of sadness and surprise at who had just spoken out.

Electivire had his arms crossed, watching and listening to the yelling with a frown, but now turned to see who was coming.

Breathing out, Gary turned to see who was approaching. He couldn’t believe it! “ROB!!”

“HA HA HA HA HA!! It is you!!” Robin’s laughter was cut short, his smile lessening. “I’m surprised, though. I mean, yeah, you’re the one with the short temper, but at your Pokemon?”

Gary, now embarrassed, lowered his eyes. “I’m just... dealing with some confusion, I guess.”

“With a Tyranitar, though? How bad could it be? Is it disobedient?” Robin let out heavy laughter.

“Not that, no. Just...” He stared at Tyranitar, but the giant refused to look back, staying in a sitting position and looking feeble. “We’re just learning stuff about each other,” Gary finished bitterly. While his blazing anger finally began to die down, he could feel himself starting to feel a little dizzy; tired. Confusion began to trickle into his heart and he gave his head a couple of hard shakes. Whoa. Am I sick? I don’t feel too good right now, Gary thought. It wasn’t but a second after thinking that, that he felt just fine. He inhaled hard through his nose and exhaled while Robin kept talking.

“All Pokemon are different. I don’t have a Tyranitar myself, but I believe they’re supposed to be hard to raise. Like how Gyarados are? Hey, how many Pokemon have you caught so far? I’m up to ninety-nine altogether! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!”

Gary narrowed his eyebrows at Robin. What is so funny? Silently sucking his teeth, he rolled his eyes, smirking, and then lowered them down, thinking about his own captures. Ninety-nine? That’s crazy! What do I have?? He punched buttons on his Pokedex. Breathing sadly out of his nose, he stared sadly at his device. His heart began to beat faster as he stared longer at the number. “Only sixty-f- three total...” he said glumly. “Sixty-three.”

“Sixty-three is great, bro! What’s wrong?? Aha ha ha ha ha ha!”

Gary sneered a little, looking down for only a second. “So, well, how many Badges do you have?”

“Only one, man.” Robin looked disappointed now, frowning down but looking back up quickly. “June was right. Sinnoh’s League is a lot tougher, I hate to admit. I can’t even beat Roark, but I’m not beaten, yet! Ha ha ha haaa!” He was back to smiling again.

Gary swallowed uncomfortably at the mention of June’s name but pondered on Robin’s words about her. “You lost to Roark?”

Robin nodded. “He gave me a three-on-three, and I did beat two of his Pokemon, but Roark’s prepared. You’ll see.”

“What does he have?” Gary insisted.

“You know, I’m the type to go into a Gym battle without all the facts. I like it that way. I feel like it challenges me better,” Robin kept smiling. “I think that’s the best way to go about it, because when we get to the League, we won’t know what our opponent is gonna bring. Even using the League database isn’t gonna promise us the Pokemon we’ll face. So, no better way to prepare for unknown circumstances than to start early, against the Gyms!”

Gary nodded. That does make sense, but...

“How many Badges do you have?”

“I’m up to two so far.”

“Class!” Robin exclaimed happily.

“Yeah... Um, so I’m heading over there now. I saw Aly. She beat Roark.”

Robin laughed awkwardly. “She did the best out of all of us in Kanto after all, right?”

“Yeah, ha,” Gary agreed. “Hey, you wanna have a battle??”

“Can’t! Need to get to the Pokemon Center, but after that, maybe by the time you beat Roark, let’s have a go!”

“Deal! And I will get that Badge!”

“That’s why I said it! You’ve got it, bro!”

“Right!”

“And after that, I’ll take on this Tyranitar!” Robin smiled at the beast.

Tyranitar raised his head up and let out a low but light grunt.

“You wanna fight him?” Gary asked, looking surprised.

“That’s right! Right after, come over to the Pokemon Center and heal up, and we’ll go!” He held out one hand and Gary took it, the two shaking challengingly hard.

“I’ll be back quick!” Gary promised, and he took off.

“YEAH!” Robin shouted, laughing after Gary.

*

Oreburgh City Pokemon Gym Leader: Roark

The Man Who Loves Offense!

Past this sign sculpted out of stone were rocky cliffs upon rocky cliffs leading down to the entrance to the Oreburgh Gym. The path leading to it was lined by towering boulders, and smaller rocks up a steel set of stairs stopped at metal doors. They opened mechanically, displaying a blue room with a desk and a computer. There was a glass display case by the desk filled with shelves holding things that looked like rocks. Or maybe even fossils? Plastered on the front of the display was a sign that read: Replicas only!!

A man stood behind the desk in a black turtleneck. He stepped from around the desk, and it was hard to tell if the guy was in a bodysuit, or his black shirt and black tights were just that indistinguishable. His skin also nearly matched the darkness of his outfit, his feet in plain black shoes. The slim man smiled warmly. “Welcome to the Oreburgh Gym! You must be a challenger!” he spoke in a voice Gary didn’t expect. He didn’t sound light, but manly. He didn’t walk with sass, but determinedly.

Gary had expected a man similar to Vincent of Celadon City’s Gym, a guy who came off flamboyant and feminine. On the contrary, this guy sounded ready for war!

“Uuuuhhhh! Hi! I’m here to fight Roark?!” Gary got out nervously.

“Right! He just so happens to be here now, and has no other challengers. I’m sure he’ll be happy to face you.”

*

Gary and Electivire stood at the room the battle would take place in, full of boulders and a steel ceiling.

The man in all black who escorted them in, named Wells, was the referee for the match.

A Rock type Gym, Gary told himself. I’ve got this all with my pal Weepinbell. His eyes went over the bleachers, a white stand that the referee who had greeted him inside of the building stood by, and a bench on either side of the field.

Electronic doors on the opposite side of the room where Gary stood, opened.

A man walked in, the doors closing behind him. He was wearing square glasses and a red hard hat with a light in the middle that was still glowing. Under the helmet was dark-red hair that reached down his back. His muscles were bulging inside of a gray, sleeveless shirt. His gray sweatpants had a yellow stripe on the pocket of each leg. His feet stood in gray and black boots. He stopped on the other end of the battlefield, and Gary knew that this must be the Gym Leader. “Hello!” the guy called out with a distracted look. Like he had other things to be doing. “I’m sorry but I hope to make this quick! I’m a little busy at the moment! Perhaps you’ve heard about my issues with keeping the Sinnoh Underground from being demolished!” The man was talking quickly, trying to get to the point.

“I have!” Gary nodded with wide eyes.

“Good! Then perhaps a one-on-one match will suffice!” He raised a Poke Ball.

The metal ceiling split noisily in two, slowly revealing a blue sky.

Wells raised his arms in the air.

“Hey, wait! Just a one-on-one?” Gary complained.

“I’d hoped you’d understand with my issues concerning the Sinnoh Underground! They’re planning on demolishing it by next month! Please understand my position!”

“But your position is as a Gym Leader!” Gary argued.

“Well, my job is not solely as the Oreburgh City Gym Leader!” Roark barked. “While I take this job as serious as just about anything, I’m also the foreman of the Oreburgh Mine, and the chief of the Ancient Pokemon Expedition Operations! The Sinnoh Underground is as important to me as anything else I have under my care! Third only to my son and wife! Tieing with the love for my own Pokemon! Even my own well being comes after the Sinnoh Underground! I must return to saving it! It’s in my family name to keep it standing, and I won’t let it die! Not due to this! The threats theorized to live there are nothing compared to what the future Pokemon world can learn and grow from them! It outweighs the risks!” The determination in the man’s voice was not only heard, but felt strongly from his heart, to Gary’s.

Wow. That shook my core, Gary admitted. As Roark opened his mouth to speak again, Gary cut in. “Please! I understand how you feel! We can’t let that monster destroy our dreams, Roark! We have to make sure that what we love isn’t put on hold, or destroyed, by the fears of the people fearing her, but-” Gary paused for a moment to think. “Sir, that means you can’t stop doing your job over her, either! You have a duty as a Gym Leader! Don’t let her make you battle me as any less than that! Prove to her, and to the people who are afraid of what’s going on, that her appearance changes nothing for you! Uphold your title as a Gym Leader, and defend the Sinnoh Underground! Do both! I didn’t come all the way from Pallet Town, from Kanto, to see that this is how the Sinnoh region works. If I’m that much stronger than you, I’ll even defend the Sinnoh Underground on my own and you can sit it out! I might just have my own business to handle there, actually, so I don’t mind. And it won’t stop my journey, either! I’ll show you!” Hey, that wasn’t bad, Gary thought. Good way to finish! But will it work on him?

Roark’s eyes softened, widened with surprise. He finally smirked at the child. “I’ll give ya a two-on-two, then. Can we settle on that?”

“A three-on-three, Roark!” Gary insisted. “Like you gave to my friend Rob! Please! I’ve been through so much. Including running into that monster, and surviving!”

Roark gasped. “What?!”

“You beat my friend Rob recently, and I was wrecked by your father. I want to see the true strength of your family. Byron loved his Gym more than anything else, from what I could see, but you aren’t giving me that same respect. I’m sure he must love you, yet his constant focus was his Gym and his Pokemon. Is it truly not the same for you??”

Roark shut his eyes, narrowing his eyebrows. Soon after that, he chuckled and looked at Gary warmly. “You’re one well-spoken kid, you know that?”

Gary stared at Roark hopefully.

Roark turned to Wells and nodded.

Wells arms never went down. He beamed happily at Roark before yelling, “This will be a three-on-three battle between Roark, Oreburgh City’s Rock type Gym Leader, and Gary, from the Kanto region’s Pallet Town! The winner will receive the Coal Badge! There will be no time limit, and only the challenger may switch Pokemon! Let the battle begin!” His arms finally came down.

“You better not let me down after such a motivating set of words, Gary!” Roark enlarged his Poke Ball.

“It’s an honor to be here, Roark! I faced your father and lost harshly! I expect the same kind of treatment from you, but I’m more prepared this time!”

“You sure about that?! I’ve learned plenty from my old man, after all!” Roark smiled, his long hair over some of his face.

Gary smiled back. “Show me what you’ve got, then!”

Roark tossed the ball, sending out his first Pokemon.

With a huge, explosive roar, a Steelix appeared.

“Oh, wow!” Gary swallowed uncomfortably and reached for his Pokedex.

“Electivire!!” Electivire stepped up beside Gary.

“NO!” Gary grabbed Electivire’s shoulder. “Do not. I’m not using you. Let my Pokemon do this.” He narrowed his eyebrows. “Electivire.”

Electivire kept his eyes on Steelix just a bit longer before finally glaring at Gary. He growled, not budging.

“Come on, man. This isn’t the time. Please.”

Electivire looked again to Steelix. “Vire,” he huffed and walked backwards, away from the Pokemon.

Gary smiled and nodded. “Thank you. Now.” He grabbed his Pokedex. “Back to you.” Steelix isn’t a Rock type. This might be a lot more different than I thought.

Steelix. The Iron Snake Pokemon. Onix’s evolved form. It is both Steel and Ground type. It is said that should an Onix live over one hundred years, its composition becomes more and more diamond-like.

That data was more for an Onix, not Steelix, Gary thought. And... Onix evolves by a Metal Coat. Does this mean that naturally, they can just evolve by themselves if they live for so long? No. How can I listen to the Pokedex? Tyranitar aren’t supposed to be able to take damage at all according to it! But that obviously can’t be true. It must not mean Pokemon attacks. But then what’s the-?

“Steelix, use Stealth Rock now!”

Multiple glowing Rocks appeared from out of nowhere and rose around Steelix. The Rocks then stopped glowing and flew for Gary!!

“AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!” Gary ran backwards several feet, stopping and raising his arms to protect himself, knowing it would do nothing. “AAAAAAAHHH!!!”

The Rocks made an explosive noise as they crashed into the side of the field where Gary’s Pokemon was meant to be.

Gary shut his eyes against the rise of dust and pebbles.

Before the noise ended, Roark continued, “Now go for your Curse attack!”

Steelix’s body was outlined in purple for a while as it roared to the open skies.

“Wait! Hold on!” Gary grabbed one Poke Ball. “I wasn’t ready!”

“That’s your fault! You’ve given me two chances to set up! This battle is as good as over!” Roark said determinedly.

Well that’s not very fair! Gary frowned. Whatever. At least we’re battling. I can’t depend on typing at this Gym. I might just have to start off with the one Pokemon I was sure I’d not use. He enlarged the Poke Ball in his hand. “Charizard! SET IT OFF!!” He threw the ball hard.

Charizard came out with a big roar. He landed on one of the stones from Stealth Rock!

The Rock glowed orange and blew up, downing Charizard!

“CHARIZARD!! NOOOO!! HOW COULD I FORGET?!!” Gary couldn’t believe that he didn’t consider the Stealth Rock reaction! I just saw it used! he yelled at himself. Already this is going bad!

Charizard got up shakily, dropping Gary’s heart down further. But his tail flame still looked good. He made tight fists and glared at the tower of a Pokemon.

“Charizard, use Flamethrower!”

After letting out a roar, Charizard attacked, hitting the middle of Steelix with Fire!

“We won’t be beaten with something as simple as a type advantage!” Roark insisted. “Steelix, set up the Sandstorm!”

Roaring, Steelix caused the field to become a sudden storm of wildly blowing sand!

Gary raised an arm to shield his face, grunting as he struggled to see.

Charizard took a step back, grunting as well in the face of the storm.

“Don’t give in to that! Use Fire Spin next, Charizard!!” Gary ordered.

Charizard attacked with Fire, the flames becoming a spiraling tower that held Steelix captive for a while. In the meantime, the Fire type was annoyed by the constant sand that was hitting him and slowly wearing him down.

“Steelix, get ready to get out of that one! You better brace yourself, Gary!” Roark was smiling big now. “My bet is you’re out by the next hit!”

“What?? I don’t think so, Roark!”

The Fire Spin gave out finally and Steelix was still standing and looking ready for more.

“Head Smash!!”

Steelix’s body was covered in a whitish-blue aura that made Steelix look black and white, like a colorless panel of a manga. Roaring, Steelix lunged for Charizard and crashed into his stomach.

Charizard roared painfully and came down easily. While Steelix stood, Charizard remained down.

That looked bad! Gary thought, watching his Pokemon’s dwindling tail flame. And Steelix looks just fine!

“Huh?” Roark looked to the referee with surprise after a moment of silence.

Instead of staring at either of the men, Gary smiled with immediate understanding. “Blaze time!!”

The flame on Charizard’s tail suddenly burst brighter than ever! Charizard managed back up, his body outlined in red, and he turned his blazing red eyes on his opponent. He shook his head against constant heavy sands flying everywhere and then roared to the open sky above, his powerful voice echoing.

“Electivire.”

Electivire’s mumble made Gary glance back for a second, and he smirked a bit at the engaged look on Electivire’s face for Charizard. But we’re not gonna make it in this Sandstorm, he knew, looking back to the match. It’s now or never. DO IT!! “CHARIZARD, FLARE BLITZ!! GOOO!!”

Charizard roared and became consumed in flames as he shot forward at Steelix.

“Steelix, use Hardeeeen!!”

Steelix straightened up a little and its body glowed light blue.

Charizard slammed into Steelix!

Steelix roared, unable to remain standing, and both Pokemon fell, landing next to each other.

Wells raised both hands high and then held them out to each Trainer. “Both Charizard and Steelix are unable to battle!”

“Ha! Wo-ha-how! I can’t believe this!” Roark smiled. “You even got by my Steelix’s Hardened body! Even with a Fire move, that is in no way an easy feat!” He recalled Steelix. “That was a well-deserved victory for those two, but we earned something as well, huh? Thank you, old friend.” He then got a second Poke Ball out and tossed it hard. “Rampardos, it’s your turn now! Let’s go!”

A monster appeared in the middle of the ongoing sandstorm, looking ugly and ferocious. It gurgled out angrily and challengingly.

“Electiviiiiiire!!” Electivire stepped forward, approaching Rampardos.

“Electivire!!” Gary grabbed both of his shoulders and tugged. The Trainer knew that Electivire could easily shake him off and just fight Rampardos but was allowing himself to be stopped. “Hey, man. Your time will come. It’s just not now! It’s not here! Let me handle this. I don’t even really know what this Pokemon is! Please! Just leave this to me. I don’t think I’m doing too bad, myself. Let me take charge.”

Electivire grumbled and then shut his eyes. He turned from Rampardos and, rubbing his eyes, walked back behind Gary. Once there, he managed to open one eye but kept rubbing at the other.

Gary smiled at him, sighing and shaking his head before turning back and recalling Charizard. “Charizard, excellent! Thank you. We’ll let another one handle this new Pokemon.” He took out his Pokedex. “Soon as I find out what it is...” he mumbled.

Rampardos. The Head Butt Pokemon. The evolved form of Cranidos. This is a Rock type Pokemon. Its skull is harder than steel, and a foot thick. With this kind of cranium, it can topple virtually anything to destruction, including a skyscraper or better.

No way! Is this the Dex being wrong again?? Gary panicked. Looking to the ground, he found himself thinking about Scientist Gary and how against the Pokedex he was. Sneering, he shook his head. I’m nothing like that guy, that’s for sure. But some of these claims are just... “Whatever,” he whispered. He closed his eyes against blowing sands as he thought, So it’s actually a Rock type this time. Perfect. Grabbing a Poke Ball, he smiled and stared ahead. “GOOOO!” He threw it.

“Bell!” Weepinbell jumped in place repeatedly. “Bell!”

Rocks near Weepinbell blew up, harming him!

“Stealth Rock! Oh, damn it!” Gary screamed angrily.

“Ha ha ha ha! Forgot again?” Roark laughed. “Well, you’ve got a Grass type this time. Let’s get interesting now, shall we?” There was an almost childlike excitement to him now, Gary thinking to himself that the man had a much more youthful face than earlier. “Sunny Day, Rampardos!”

Rampardos called out to the blue sky above.

Weepinbell was being pummeled in the sandstorm before it came to a quick end.

The light from the sun took over, filling the sky entirely, hiding the blue completely.

The temperature in the building also rose drastically, and Gary found himself wanting to remove his coat. Sunny Day? But, why? That move’s... His eyes lit up, but then his eyebrows narrowed in confusion. That move helps out moves like Solar Beam to automatically strike, and also increases the power of Fire moves! There’s no Fire types here. Why is he using Sunny Day? I’m the only one who can benefit from that!

“Now use Fire Blast!!”

“Fire Blast?!!” Gary couldn’t believe what he’d just heard!

Rampardos inhaled and then let loose one of the most powerful Fire type moves, looking blindingly bright, overwhelmingly hot, and devastating to the extreme due to the boost.

“WEEPINBELL!! GET OUT OF THERE!”

Weepinbell had already jumped out of the way, the move just barely catching him. “Beell!” he groaned out from the singe as he hit the ground.

“Weepinbell! Use your Growth!” Gary said determinedly.

Getting up immediately, Weepinbell was outlined in light green. When the glow ended, he appeared a little taller, healthier, fresher! “Bell!” Weepinbell glared.

“There we go!”

“You won’t be lucky twice! Fire Blast!” Roark repeated.

“Solar Beam!”

Rampardos inhaled.

Weepinbell’s mouth opened wide, his body glowing with a faint yellow, and several yellow balls appeared out of nowhere, swirling around a larger ball that had formed in front of the mouth. A big beam fired for Rampardos.

Rampardos unleashed Fire Blast.

Both moves would avoid each other, the Solar Beam soaring over Fire Blast, or perhaps Fire Blast going lower than Solar Beam, or even a combination of the two. This time, both moves hit their target!

Both Pokemon soared back against the power of their opponent’s move. Both Pokemon curled up in pain, unable to get up right away.

“Weepinbell!!” Gary called out as sweat started to roll down each side of his face.

“Rampardoooos!!” Roark shouted, sweat on his forehead.

Weepinbell flinched, along with Rampardos.

“Rampardos! Fire Blast again!!”

“SOLAR BEAM!”

Both Pokemon looked up towards each other. Both Pokemon’s heads fell again.

Oh, no! Another draw! Gary realized.

With a twitch and a long groan, Weepinbell struggled back up.

Gary gasped. “Weepinbell! GO!”

Weepinbell’s body glowed a light yellow and several yellow balls appeared, spinning around a larger yellow ball in front of his mouth.

“STOP THE MATCH!!” Wells commanded suddenly, raising both hands high.

Weepinbell stopped glowing, the balls all disappearing.

“RAMPARDOS IS UNABLE TO BATTLE! WEEPINBELL IS THE WINNER!!”

“WHOA! NO WAY!!” Gary let out in surprise, wiping at the sweat still coming down.

“Electivire!” Electivire uttered, his hands raised a little, stunned by the way things ended.

Weepinbell was breathing hard, looking ready to collapse.

“Unbelievable! That’s some kind of strength, Gary!” Roark smiled at the kid, wiping the sweat off his face. “I’m glad I chose this team for you. I could tell you were experienced!” He returned Rampardos and smiled at the Poke Ball. “You did your job, Rampardos! That Weepinbell is high-grade material! It’s gonna take work to beat it, but you put it to the edge! Thank you!” Roark then got his last Poke Ball and enlarged it, finally tossing it.

Gary couldn’t hide his surprise at what he saw.

The Tyranitar roared! The heat died down quickly enough, bringing instant relief to everyone, and was replaced by another sandstorm! Tyranitar’s Sandstream had begun!

“No way!” Gary held his arm up again against the storm. And Weepinbell’s so weak, too. What should I do? Retreat? I am allowed.

Tyranitar was growling at Weepinbell.

That thing sure looks mean, Gary admitted. Nothing like how my Tyranitar acts, but this seems like how a Tyranitar should. “Weepinbell, let’s start off with Sleep Powder!”

Roark didn’t react aside from frowning and baring his teeth.

Weepinbell spewed out light-green spores into the air.

The spores were blown around, mixed in the loose sands and wind.

Tyranitar watched as some of the Sleep Powder still managed to land on it. It kept its nasty, angry face as it swayed in place before crashing down to its face.

“YYYEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!” Gary cheered. He raised happy fists close to his face, looking at the referee expectantly.

Wells kept his eyes on the match, and eventually did a doubletake to Gary. “Huh?”

“Huh?” Gary responded. “What? I win, right? It’s Asleep! I win! Oh, wait!”

“For putting it to Sleep?” Wells laughed. “I’m sorry, but it’s not that simple, Gary.”

“No, no! Forget I said anything! I knew that already!” The rules in Kanto, during the Indigo League! Of course it’s not the same here! Gary told himself. “I’m just confused! Never mind! I’m so, so sorry!” He stared at Roark with embarrassment.

Both Wells and Roark were smiling at him with sympathy.

“Don’t worry, Gary!” Roark assured him.

“Please forget I said that!” Gary pleaded desperately.

“Will do, Gary! At the moment, you have the time to attack!” Roark nodded kindly.

“Right! Then we should have time for Solar Beam! GO!” Gary tried to look serious to get rid of how stupid he felt he had just looked.

Weepinbell charged up the move, struggling against the blowing Sandstream effects.

Tyranitar snorted, looking so angry in its Sleep.

Finally, Solar Beam attacked!

Tyranitar roared out as it slid backwards on its back but then stayed still and quiet.

Gary held his breath. Is that it? Did we get it? Three Badges?

There was a long moment of silence in the Gym until Tyranitar grumbled in its sleep.

It’s not out, Gary realized, and he opened his mouth to order another move.

Tyranitar’s eyes suddenly opened wide. It got up easily and finally roared at Weepinbell.

“Damn it,” Gary whispered.

“And we’re back! I knew you would take that!” Roark nodded. “Now go-!” Roark’s eyes widened in shock.

“Weepinbell!” Gary gasped as his Pokemon fell backwards.

“Weppinbell is unable to fight! Tyranitar wins!” Wells ruled.

“Weepinbell.” Gary held out his Poke Ball and returned him. “That was awesome, man. You did so well out there. The sand was just too much in the end, huh?” he smiled. Attaching the Poke Ball to his belt, he stared at Tyranitar with a mix of worry and determination. What can beat it? What evens the playing field? I do have Primeape, and against Dark and Rock, he’s best! And yet... “Hey!”

Electivire stopped beside Gary. He didn’t turn from Tyranitar, but he allowed his eyes to slide over to Gary.

“I’ve got this, man. Leave it to me.”

“VIRE!” Electivire kept walking past Gary, approaching the field.

“HEY!”

Electivire froze, crossing the line onto the field.

“I’m gonna be the best Pokemon Trainer in the world. Isn’t that what we agreed on? You’d give me that chance?”

Electivire finally turned to Gary.

“Let me prove what I can do. I have the best Pokemon in the world! Don’t intrude on my journey if you want to face me at my best!” Gary insisted.

Roark watched this all in awe.

Even Wells’ eyes were wide while watching.

“Elec.” Electivire walked away, stopping behind Gary.

“Just trust me,” Gary muttered, his eyes focusing hard on Tyranitar through the storm. He grabbed a Poke Ball, making a tight fist around it. This one has to prove his worth to stay on my team. He’s messed up enough as it is. I need this Badge, but I need to know who on my team is a total waste of time or not, too. He enlarged the Poke Ball and then threw it.

Whoa, Gary, he thought, thinking back on his words. What are you saying? If you don't think he can do it, why use him? That’s like setting him up for failure. And for what?

Tyranitar appeared, roaring strongly.

“Whoa! A Tyranitar, too? Awesome!” Roark chuckled.

But, staring at the two, Gary couldn’t help but notice just how powerful and threatening Roark’s looked, and how friendly, soft, and curious his Tyranitar looked by comparison.

“Well, let’s see which one is stronger! Tyranitar, use your Power-Up Punch!” Roark ordered.

“Tyranitar, go for Earthquake!”

Roark’s Tyranitar balled up both fists and they were surrounded by a golden orb. It roared and swung on Gary’s Tyranitar with one of them.

Gary’s Tyranitar roared, dropping hard.

Roark’s Tyranitar glowed red as its Attack was boosted.

“GET UP!!” Gary freaked out. I don’t think we even know that move! His mind was going rapidfire as his Pokemon stood and attacked with Earthquake.

There was plenty of stumbling around, but no one was floored, including Roark’s Tyranitar who ended up bent over, one hand on the ground, and then stood back up.

Why is his Earthquake so damn weak?! Like against that kid the other day! Gary was getting ticked off now.

“One more Power-Up Punch!” Roark pointed out.

No time to waste! Gary knew. “Okay! Bulldoze!”

Roark’s Tyranitar socked Gary’s Tyranitar in the face, dropping him quickly.

You’ve gotta be kidding me!! Gary exploded silently, grabbing his head with both hands. “COME OOON!!”

Gary’s Tyranitar shook his head and looked to his Trainer.

“DON’T LOOK AT ME!! GET THE HELL UP!!!” Gary raged, releasing his head after his fingernails scraped against his head as they became fists.

Tyranitar looked to the ground sadly but got back up, keeping his head down.

“Gary-” Roark started.

“NOW DO THE DAMN BULLDOZE LIKE I TOLD YOU!!” Gary’s voice cracked with a mix of continued anger and added panic. He stomped forward a couple of steps, stopping himself from continuing forward. But I should, he told himself. What he needs is a swift kick in the ass if he’s having too much trouble continuing the battle!

Gary’s Tyranitar looked up with narrowed eyes. His body was surrounded by an orange aura and he stomped on the ground with one foot.

An orange ring of energy expanded along the ground, causing the Gym to shake, and Roark’s Tyranitar was hit by it.

Roark’s Tyranitar took a couple of steps back but kept standing. It also shuddered a bit.

Its Speed is lowered, Gary knew. So maybe... “Now Earthquake again dammit!”

His Tyranitar made the Gym tremble with Earthquake.

Roark’s Tyranitar stumbled before dropping, but everyone else seemed to manage to stay standing.

“Tyranitar! Get up and use Earthquake to end this!” Roark urged.

“NO! EARTHQUAKE AGAIN!!” Gary demanded.

Roark’s Tyranitar stood tall, but Gary’s was moving a little faster than Roark’s now. Both Pokemon raised a leg, but Gary’s slammed down first.

Roark’s Pokemon didn’t fall over though, sustaining the damage while still on one foot.

Rather, Gary toppled over while trying to keep his balance. The fall seemed to wake something up in Gary that he didn’t even know was... off? It was a sudden realization, and he felt himself coming down, like he had been emotionally high, but in a bad way. Like something extremely stressful and enraging was seeping out of him rapidly like a balloon full of air with someone loosely holding the open mouth. In just a couple of more seconds, he instead felt exhaustion, weariness, and confusion. He stared around him and gasped, blinking right after, and his hands swiftly rose to his face.

Gary’s heart was beating like mad, realizing that, somehow, he had stepped beyond the line and onto the field, still several feet behind his Pokemon. What happened? When did I get here? How? Did I get this into the fight?? And... He wiped at his cheeks, rubbing moistened sand between his fingers. The sand on my face is wet. Why am I crying...? What is-?

“YOU BETTER MOVE, GARY!! HERE IT COMES!!” Roark yelled.

“Electivire!!” Electivire also yelled out.

“OH!” As Gary scrambled to his feet and ran out of the middle of the ongoing sandstorm, remembering he was in the middle of a battle, he called back, “FOCUS BLAST!!”

Gary’s Tyranitar cupped his hands and formed an orange orb as Gary reached his proper place.

Roark’s Tyranitar stomped the ground with tremendous force!

With this rumble, Gary, his Tyranitar, Electivire, Wells, and Roark were forced to the ground!

No... Gary choked out a hard cough. Tyranitar... It’s over. He sighed in defeat but didn’t get up, instead just looking over wearily to his downed Pokemon.

Gary’s Tyranitar ROARED determinedly from his side, still holding the charging Focus Blast, and tossed it!

The move soared through the air and spun around wildly, lazily.

Gary got to his knees, watching with eyes as wide as his open mouth. It’s gonna miss! he knew, but kept a desperate hope he was wrong.

Wells got up on one knee, one hand still on the ground.

Roark jumped up to his feet.

Electivire got to his feet.

Roark’s Tyranitar watched the move carefully. At the last second. It leaned back!

Focus Blast flew over its head!

“NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!” Gary erupted.

The Focus Blast suddenly dropped straight down into Tyranitar’s face!

As Roark’s Pokemon dropped, the upper part of its body was forced through the Gym floor!

“TYRANITAAARR!!” Roark stepped forward a few steps before stopping.

The sandstorm finally blew itself out, and there was just a cloud of dirt and filth clouding Roark’s Pokemon.

Everyone else was on their feet in seconds, waiting to see what would happen next.

The dust finally did clear.

The referee cleared his throat, and raised his hand to Gary. “Roark’s Tyranitar is unable to battle!”

Gary inhaled hard through his nose. It worked!

“Gary’s Tyranitar is the winner!!”

Electivire yelled out joyously, tossing his fists into the air. And then he glared and crossed his arms, looking down and away. “Tivire,” he mumbled.

“This makes Gary, from Pallet Town, the winner of the Coal Badge!” Wells finished.

“Tyranitar!” Roark got to the field and stopped by his Pokemon. “I can’t believe this! I was sure-” He stopped himself and smiled at Gary’s Tyranitar. “How interesting,” he ended up chuckling.

Gary walked over to his Pokemon.

Electivire was right behind him. “Vire! Vire!” Electivire nodded sternly at Tyranitar.

Tyranitar stood up shakily but fell to his knees. With a cheerful cry, he grabbed them both and pulled them closer to hug them tightly with his short arms, stealing their breaths.

“Hey! Hey!” Gary rasped out painfully.

“Elect!” Electivire also complained, but broke himself free with his large body.

Gary was the one who ended up stuck, Tyranitar now squeezing him in both arms! “Tyranitar!” He inhaled what could possibly be his last breath, desperate to break free.

Laughter resulted from the mouths of everyone except Gary, causing Tyranitar to finally release him, and the Trainer to be able to breathe as he fell to his knees.

Gary gasped at a hand that was held out to him, an object in the palm.

A Badge! It was circular at the top but the bottom was more squared. It had a silver outline with brown inside. Added with the design in the middle, the Badge strongly resembled a Poke Ball.

“I got the Coal Badge!” Gary managed to let out as he stood up. He cleared his throat before adding, “We did it, guys!” Gary then did something he hadn’t done in a long, long time. He sent out all of his Pokemon!

“Deino? Deino!” Deino looked around, his face stopping at Gary. He then looked away and decided to chomp on a rock!

Charizard stretched out his wings.

“Bell?” Weepinbell focused on Gary.

“Ri!” Riolu smiled at Gary and then looked around.

“Primeape! Prrrrime!” Primeape hopped in place, looking around.

“Guys! We got it, guys! We’re three Badges in! The Coal Badge! Look!” Gary held the Badge high. “We all got this, together. Let’s keep supporting each other and keep climbing higher to get our last five Badges!”

All six Pokemon cheered for their victory and future endeavors.

“It’s great to see just how much you all care about each other! Thank you for such a motivational battle!” Roark said. “I haven’t felt so good from a battle in a while.”

“If I may say so, you haven’t looked so happy in a Gym match in a long time, Roark,” Wells chimed in, appearing close by Gary.

Roark laughed at this. “I’ve been so stressed lately. Ironically, this battle was like the vacation I needed! I feel as good as new!”

Thinking about the battle, Gary’s face suddenly went serious. “Roark, if I may ask, what do you know about the Sinnoh Underground, exactly?” Gary questioned.

“Huh?” Roark looked surprised, his smile disappearing.

“Sir, I’m on a hunt for this monster creature that’s been terrorizing our world. It means way more to me than any Badge to stop her, but getting these Badges is only gonna prepare me more for when I meet her. I need to know where she went, and they’re saying that she may have gone into the Underground through Canalave City. What can you tell me about the possibilities of that?”

Roark stared sternly at Gary. “Gary, the Sinnoh Underground is everything to me. And I mean that from the bottom of my heart. It’s a place for everyone. The things we’ve discovered, and the freedom of anyone being able to explore it and do their own research can’t be stopped! There’s too much valuable assets down there to just throw it all away!”

“Aren’t they saying there have been accidents down there?”

“Yes,” Roark admitted quickly, “but accidents can happen just crossing the street. Just being a Pokemon Trainer can be a threat!”

Team Solace, Gary thought to himself quickly.

“We can create laws or something to protect people, have liabilities of some sort, whatever! But we can’t just shut down the Sinnoh Underground! What it stands for means everything to me! I’d leave my position as a Gym Leader if it meant preserving the Underground forever!”

Gary nodded. “So you don’t know anything about the monster going there?”

Roark shook his head. “No. I’m sorry I can’t help you on your quest to get that thing. But I do think it’d be best that you didn’t try. Whatever exactly that thing is, it’s really dangerous.”

“I know what I’m doing. I’ve met her before. Several times now.”

Roark nodded. “You did say that earlier. So that’s what your business is with the Sinnoh Underground. So you’ve survived multiple encounters with that thing. But you still don’t understand anything about it at all?”

“Not really, no,” Gary shook his head. “But I know she’s a threat to humanity. I know she’s... not a Pokemon.”

Roark’s eyes widened. “I thought that was still up in the air.”

Gary smirked. “Remember, I can say I’ve met her and survived. I think I can make a better judgment call than others. Not many can claim what I can.”

Roark nodded seriously.

Gary stared at his Badge, his smile fading. “Thank you, Roark. I’ve gotta head off and figure out where to go next.” He turned his back on the man, but didn’t move. “Please, tell your father I said hello. I hope he’s okay.” He returned all of the Pokemon except for Electivire, and they both walked away from Roark, heading for the doors.

“You know, it just hit me all of a sudden who you are!” Roark called out.

Gary stopped walking and held his breath, Electivire stopping afterwards. Great. He must recognize me from the news. Viridian City. Pewter, even. One of my numerous encounters with the law. Saffron City.

“Your Electivire!”

Gary was so surprised by his words that he looked back.

“Electivire?” Electivire also turned back.

“That’s the one my father fought, isn’t it? You’re the Trainer my father spoke about so enthusiastically!”

Gary smiled and nodded. “Yeah.”

“Vire...” Electivire grumbled.

“Well I’ll be damned,” Roark chuckled. “Also, I might recommend heading to Eterna City from here. You’ll face a pretty powerful lady who uses Grass type Pokemon. Her name is Gardenia.”

“Thanks! I’ll look into that.”

“It’s just north of here. And as a personal recommendation, south of here is Oreburgh Mine.” Roark winked.

Gary laughed lightly. “Thanks again, Roark.” Gary and Electivire turned and left. As he exited the building, he thought to himself a number of things that he absolutely had to do, even before leaving Oreburgh City.

Things that had just popped into his head.

Things he had put off, trying to figure out how to go about them.

Things he wished he could just forget had ever happened, but knew he never could.