Sorry for taking so long to update, but I wanted to plan out more of the story to get the plot going. Plus, I had to rewrite the chapter when it got deleted. But now that I know which direction I'm taking this story, updates should be coming sooner and more regularly! "Eevee, Quick Attack!" The little brown Pokémon dashed towards his opponent, a wild Stantler, almost faster than the eye could follow and slammed into it's side. The Pokémon staggered but stayed upright, and tried to attack with a Stomp. It was a young Stantler, so it did not have the stamina to keep up with the captive Pokémon. Eevee easily sidestepped the attack, then another, and ran through the Stantler's legs to appear behind it. "Jump onto it's back and use Bite!" The Big Horn Pokémon had no time to react as Eevee leapt and buried it's small, sharp teeth into the back of its neck. Stantler bucked in an effort to knock it's small opponent off of it, but the thrashing only made Eevee bite harder. With a groan, the Stantler collapsed onto the ground, defeated. Eevee climbed off of its back and jumped into it's Trainer's arms, pushing him back. "You did great, Eevee! Your stamina is getting a lot better, Quick Attack barely tired you out." It had been two days since the start of their journey. Marek, Erick, and Jony had gotten out of the forest at dusk, and decided to sleep in Serenity Town's Pokémon Center. Before the others had woken up, Marek decided to go back into the forest's edge to train. The sun was barely starting to illuminate to sky, the various Flying types that nested in the trees beginning to wake up. Marek could see how Serenity Town got its name, it was a peaceful place, rare in today's modern world. As Marek walked along the path, searching for more Pokémon to battle, he felt as though he was being watched. Turning around, he saw the source of those sensations. Standing between the trees was a Pokémon on all fours with shaggy, white fur. With three claws on each foot, dark blue tail, and a sharp, wicked sickle shaped horn, it could easily take on any Pokémon in these woods, Marek included. 'Absol, the Disaster Pokémon. Absol have the ability to foretell the coming of natural disasters. It lives in a harsh, rugged mountain environment. This Pokémon very rarely ventures down from the mountains and has a life-span of 100 years...' Marek stopped listening to the rest of the information his Pokédex read aloud. He froze as the Absol's blood red eyes met his. They seemed to stare through him, inspecting his very being. For a moment, Marek sensed this Absol was not a regular Pokémon. He couldn't quite figure it out, but there was something abnormal about this one compared to other Absol he had seen in pictures. He was broken from his trance however as Absol let out a loud, bone chilling roar. Marek was startled, and every Pokémon that was asleep had woken up. The tranquility of the woods was disturbed, and Marek almost tripped over his own feet as he ran from the beast and towards the town. He decided that there had been enough training for the morning. xXx "Hmm, no trainer has reported seeing an Absol at any time in the woods." Said the Nurse Joy, as she handed back the two Pokéballs to Marek. "You sure you didn't get it confused with a different Pokémon?" "Positive, I even scanned it with my Pokedex." " There are some hills around here aren't there? Maybe it came down from there." Inquired Erick, leaning on the desk. "Well there is, but no Absol have been recorded as living there." As the cousins continued to talk to Nurse Joy, Jony sat in the lobby, rolling a Pokeball around in his hand and reading a flyer that was on the coffee table. "78th annual Estival Cup!" headlined the paper in large bold letters, with more information spread out across the red-orange paper. "Continuing on with the Solacian tradition, the 78th Estival Cup, which will take place in Triton City, will be held in preparation for next year's Solacian Zenith Conference! From June 1st to June 31st, Trainers eligible to compete will from far and wide and battle for the chance to lift the Estival Cup! To participate, you must meet the following requirements: ●Valid Trainer's License ●At least 4 western Solacian Gym Badges ●Register before the May 15th deadline "Hey Jony, we leaving yet?" The older boy looked up from the flyer at Marek, who had gotten back his Pokémon. "Yeah, let's go. We should make it to Hurlyburr City by the evening if we leave now." Folding the flyer in half and putting it in his pocket, Jony stood up and joined the other two by the door. The three trainers walked out the doors and walked west, towards the rocky hills. As they left the town behind them and marched across the terrain, Erick had a thought. "Hey guys, what day is it today?" "March 22nd." Said Jony, looking ahead at the path. "And when is the Estival Cup?" "June 1st." "So we have... about two and a half months to get ready for it." Said Marek, joining in on the conversation. "You two want to compete in the Cup?" asked Jonny, looking at the trainers. "Yeah!" Exclaimed Erick. "Not just compete, we want to win." Marek told Jony. "You guys do know that this is a tough tournament, right? No age divisions. Two months isn't enough time for you two to prepare for that level of competition." "Jony, me and Marek will do great! We've been planning on participating in the Estival Cup ever since we wanted to be Trainers." Erick said, now with a serious tone. "Okay." Sighed Jonny, throwing his hands up. "Suit yourselves." xXx "So this is Hurlyburr City." Said Marek, although he could barely be heard over the sounds of the city. As the trio walked to the Gym, they were surprised at how loud the city actually was. There were crowds of people everywhere, walking by or gathered around on the sidewalk. The buildings weren't very tall, but every block was packed with stores and restaurants, and a steady stream of customers entered and left the businesses. The metropolitan city was alive with activity, the fact that it was almost 7 p.m and the traffic jams not bothering the pedestrians milling about. After walking around the city, getting lost, losing and later finding Erick, the trio finally arrived across the street from the Gym. As they walked forward to the building, a familiar face came out the door. "Hey Marek, isn't that Oziel?" Erick asked, pointing towards the direction of the trainer. "Oziel!" The trainer dressed in black quickly looked up when he heard his name, and relaxed somewhat when he saw who called out to him. He tensed up again however when he saw an unknown trainer with Marek and Erick. "Jony, this is Oziel. We graduated and got our starters at the same time." Marek introduced the two, who only nodded at each other. "Did you challenge the Gym Leader?" "Yeah." Oziel simply answered. "What type do they use?" asked Erick. "Fighting types. I gotta go to the Pokémon Center now, later guys." With that, Oziel turned his back and began walking across the street. "Hopefully you can give me a rematch soon! I've been getting better!" Erick called out to him, only receiving a thumbs up in response. "He sure is friendly." Jony's sarcastic comment went ignored by the other two. The three trainers walked into the Gym, and the city's noise was replaced with rock music, grunts and clanking. The Gym apparently served as an actual gym, with various sweaty adults on treadmills or lifting dumbells. As they walked around, they approached a man who was bench pressing what Marek thought was more than his weight. "Umm excuse me, do you know where we can find the Gym Leader?" Marek asked. The man finished his set and sat up, red faced and sweaty. He wore Navy blue sweatpants with two gold stripes down both legs, a tight long sleeved shirt that was also Navy Blue with a figure of man in a karate stance in gold on the chest, and running shoes. He looked to be in his mid-40's but in good shape, with gray stubble. "You're looking for me then kid. I'm Derek, Hurlyburr City's Gym Leader." Derek wasn't much taller than Marek, but his muscular frame made him look much bigger. "Then I, Marek Castellan, challenge you to a Gym Battle!" "And so do I!" Said Erick, moving next to Marek. "Alright then, I'll take both of you on at the same time." Said Derek, scratching his chin. "What about you Twiggy, wanna make it three on one?" He said to Jony. "No thanks, I'll take you one on one." "Suit yourself then. Come on, I'll show you to the battlefield." xXx Derek led them to the back of the Gym, where the rectangular field made of packed earth was located. Derek stood on the far side of the field, while Marek and Erick stood on the left and right of the other side. Jony was seated at the bleachers on the side of the room, along with others who had stopped working out to watch the battle. "This will be a two on one Double Battle between the Hurlyburr City Gym Leader Derek, and challengers Marek and Erick Castellan of Kelso City!" The referee announced. Erick stared at the man reciting the rules not paying attention. He tapped his foot impatiently, nervous and excited for his first Gym battle. He turned to Marek, who was staring at their opponent with a serious facade and determined look, but could see the nervousness in him as well as his arms shook. "Each Trainer will use one Pokémon with no substitutions. May the battle begin!" Before the referee's flag was all the way down, Derek sent out his chosen Pokémon. Facing Erick was a gray skinned Pokémon the size of a small child. 'Machop, the Superpower Pokémon. It hefts a Graveler repeatedly to strengthen its entire body. Its muscles never cramp however much it trains. Average height: 2'7". Average weight: 43 lbs.' Erick turned to scan the other Pokémon Derek sent out. It had purple skin, three fingers, and looked to be dressed like a wrestler. 'Tyrogue, the Scuffle Pokémon. It is famous for its eagerness to fight and always nurses injuries from challenging larger foes. To make itself stronger, it keeps on fighting even if it loses. Average height: 2'4". Average weight: 46 lbs.' "Are you two runts gonna send out your Pokémon or just stand there? I'm cooling down!" Derek called out, taunting them. "Eevee/Bulbasaur, go!" As both Pokémon materialized in front of their trainers, they spotted their opponents and waited for orders. "Machop use Bullet Punch! Tyrogue, Rock Smash!" Before Bulbasaur could react Machop sprung forward and landed a punch on its cheek. Eevee had more time and leapt back, Tyrogue's fist cracking the ground in front of it. "Eevee Double Team and Tackle!" "Bulbasaur hit it with Vine Whip!" Eevee ran around Tyrogue in a circle, leaving 5 identical copies surrounding it. Machop parried the first Vine that struck out at it but didn't see the second Vine, which hit his chest and sent him stumbling back. "Feel the ground when it attacks and use Counter Tyrogue! Machop, Mega Punch!" Tyrogue laid it's palm flat against the ground and tensed up, awaiting impact. Machop raised it's fast, which glowed with a white light, and charged Bulbasaur. As Eevee ran into Tyrogue's back and pushed him forward, the Fighting type turned around in the air and managed to grab onto it, slamming his for onto the ground and pinned it. "Close range Swift!" The nervousness in Marek was apparent now as his voice shook. "Bind and Poison Powder!" Eevee stopped squirming and unleashed a stream of star shaped energy into Tyrogue's face. The Pokémon was blown back but did not take too much damage. Meanwhile, Bulbasaur managed to immobilize Machop with it's vines and lifted him into the air. From it's bulb, the Seed Pokémon released a cloud of poisonous spores. Once the Machop had inhaled the particles, Bulbasaur slammed him into the ground. Machop got up faster this time, let out a cry and began flexing his muscles. He seemed more energized now, despite having been poisoned. From the bleachers the spectators cheered on the Gym Leader and taunted the challengers, expecting him to end the battle soon. "Ya should've trained more before challenging Derek with those baby Pokemon, shrimps!" One muscly viewer jeered, earning a roar of laughter from the others. Jony sat silently, and paid attention to the man's fighting style. 'He's all about overpowering them with brawn rather than using technique, which is what makes Fighting types so formidable.' "Now you've done it kid, you've activated Guts! Machop, back him up with Dual Chop and don't let up! Tyrogue, feint and Rock Smash! Let's wrap this pre-work out up!" Machop let out another cry and charged forward once more, both of its hands glowing with energy. Bulbasaur dodged to the sides and parried with its vines, but Machop was quicker and landed two hits. Tyrogue meanwhile feinted moving left, but pivoted to the spot Eevee moved to and landed a hard left hook across it's face. 'Tyrogue knows which side Eevee dodges to, it's got us figured out now.' Marek took a quick look towards Bulbasaur, who was also having trouble dodging Machop's onslaught. 'From the looks of it Bulbasaur is also having some trouble. I know how to fix this.' "Erick, switch places with Eevee and reset!" Erick picked up on what his cousin had in mind, a double battle strategy they had worked on for such occasions. Ordering Bulbasaur to move across the field, he now had Eevee in front of him and facing Machop. The child sized Pokémon was shaking, feeling the effects of the poison. "Bulbasaur Skull Bash!" "Eevee, circle around and use Quick Attack!" "Counter Tyrogue!" Lowering it's head, the Grass type raced forward and crashed into Tyrogue. Tyrogue managed to wrap his arms around its torso, and both Pokémon went tumbling. On the other side of the field, Eevee dashed around Machop erratically, before catching him off guard. As the brown furred Pokémon slammed into it's side, Machop tried to catch it in his arms but was not used to Eevee's speed. Eevee pulled back and repeated the attack. While Tyrogue was wrestling with Bulbasaur's vines, the Grass Pokémon Tackled him unexpectedly. Tyrogue was flung back, and struggled to get back on its feet. "Machop, Mega Punch that little rat!" Derek hollered, the prospect of losing the battle making him raise his voice. Machop was also stressed, and swung carelessly at his opponent, missing wildly and went stumbling. "Headbutt!" Eevee took advantage of the opening and clashed heads with Machop with a crack, who fell face first into the ground, fainted before he even landed. "Tyrogue and Machop are unable to battle! Marek and Erick Castellan are the winners!" The referee announced the obvious to those watching who sat in silence. Recalling his Pokémon, Derek walked across the field towards the two trainers and clapped them on their shoulders. "What a battle!" He laughed. The spectators broke the silence with loud cheers and claps, content with the underdog victory. "Switching sides and throwing me off my strategy isn't something many newbies know to do!" Reaching into his sweatpants pocket, Derek pulled out two circular badges. It was metallic and all dark blue, outlined in gold, and had the same Karate stance figure in gold at the center. The two cousins stared in awe, admiring their first badges and handling them with care. They both pinned them into the inside of their coats. "Along with the physical badge, a digital one will be uploaded to your Trainer's Account as proof in case you lose those." Derek walked the two to the front of the Gym and to the door. Marek then realized Jonny wasn't with them. "Your friend wants to face me one on one now. I suggest you go heal your Pokémon and come back to watch the remainder of our battle. He'll need a cheering section." With a chuckle, Derek pushed them out the door. Marek and Erick began silently walking towards the Pokémon Center. After a while, it was Erick who broke the silence. "We just won our first Gym battle." He said simply. "Yup." After another brief silence, they both broke out in laughter, happy and excited that they were closer to qualifying for the Estival Cup. And that was the first Gym Battle! As the story progresses I want to go deeper into the region's history. Oziel has been established as a "bad guy" and our hero's goal has been set. Also, an Absol appears to Marek, could that be a bit of foreshadowing...? Keep reading to find out! Thanks for viewing, don't forget to comment any thoughts or questions and review!