While traveling to Fuchsia City, Summer helped Cassie, a young girl interested in starting a mail service, with finding a Doduo. After battling a gang of bikers, she was able to resolve the potential conflict and made everyone happy. The next day, Summer was about to plan for her next Gym battle when she is attacked by a mysterious person. Who is it and will she be able to defeat the Gym Leader?

Chapter 34: The Pain of Status Conditions

After a good night's rest, Lightning and I wandered around the park in Fuchsia City. The city was known to be a training ground for ninjas, and I could barely see them moving between the trees.

"Where is the Gym, Summer?" Lightning asked while staring at the black-clothed blurs.

I looked at my Pokégear. "It's close to the Pokémon Center. We can head that way when you're ready."

Lightning's eyes kept following the ninjas until she got dizzy. "Uhh...now's...good…"

I giggled and picked her up. I walked out of the park and, after a few minutes, towards a rectangular Japanese style building. Suddenly, I heard some rustling in the nearby bushes.

"W-who's there?" I nervously asked. Lightning stared at the bush, ready to attack if necessary.

Suddenly, Lightning jumped out of my arms. I was confused until four silver ninja stars pinned me onto the dirt road. As I struggled to break free, Lightning angrily yelled at a tree, "What was that for?!"

"Hmph…" a rough male voice with a Japanese accent came from the tree. "I thought you would have quicker reactions based on your reputation."

A man with black spiky hair jumped out of the tree and landed in front of me. He wore a blue ninja outfit trimmed with red sashes. With a quick swipe of his hands, he removed the shuriken, and I was able to stand up.

Brushing off the dirt from my sleeves, I said, "I'm guessing you're Koga, the Fuchsia City Gym Leader?"

The man's frown changed to a small smile. "At least your knowledge is still intact. I believe you have a package for me?"

I took out the brown bag and said, "Here are the mushrooms you wanted from Erika."

I handed it to him, and he looked inside. "Excellent quality as usual, Erika." He then looked at us. "I appreciate you coming here to deliver them."

"If you don't mind, what are those mushrooms for?"

Koga's face became solemn. "I am afraid I cannot tell you. I believe you are not ready to know."

"If this is about Team Rocket, I want to help. My Pokémon are willing to help me."

"But have you mentally improved?" Koga questioned.

I was silent. I wanted to say something, but I wasn't so sure how to say it.

Koga crossed his arms. "Very well. Let us have our battle now. Then we shall see."

I was confused at the sudden challenge. "Okay, let me strategize first and I'll be there in half an hour."

Koga shook his head. "I am sorry, but I am short on time. I only have time for one challenge today."

"Oh, okay," I nervously said. I never went into a Gym without knowing something about the Gym Leader. Lightning saw my worried face and nudged me. I saw her concern and petted her.

I then followed Koga into his Gym. It was a U-shaped building with a lovely rock garden in the center. After passing several wooden doors, Koga slid two wooden doors open, and a large battlefield awaited us. It was well-kept, and the room was covered with Japanese calligraphy posters. A large-screen television hummed awake after it was touched by an unknown source. Suddenly, a ninja referee appeared at the center edge of the field. Koga and I walked to our respective ends of the field. For the first time since my first Gym battle, I felt really nervous.

The ninja referee looked at us and said, "This match will be a four on four singles battle between Summer from Hoenn and Master Koga, the Fuchsia City Gym Leader. The challenger is allowed to switch her Pokémon and will have the first move. The winner will be decided when the opponent's four Pokémon are unable to battle. Do you agree to these rules, Summer from Hoenn?"

I nodded and nervously took out a Pokéball.

"Very well. Trainers, choose your first Pokémon!"

Koga took out a Great Ball. "Come out, Nekode." A purple ball came out and floated in the air. He had a skull and crossbones image on his chest, and he gave a hearty laugh, emitted yellow smoke.

I was about to scan the new Pokémon when Koga shouted, "Summer, I want to you battle without learning what each Pokémon is."

I was about to argue, but the sternness in his face made me think otherwise.

I haven't done something like this in a long time… Not since… No, I can't think about that now… I have to focus.

I looked at the Pokéball I had in my hands and nodded at it. "Go, Swirls!"

She jumped out of her Pokéball and landed eagerly on the ground. She crossed her arms and fiercely looked at her floating opponent. The Pokémon just laughed even more. Both Pokémon and Trainers' pictures appeared on the television screen.

"Battle begin!"

"Let's start out strong, Swirls!" I shouted, calming myself down. "Use Water Gun!"

Swirls took a deep breath and squirted a strong stream of water at Nekode. He easily dodged the attack and laughed again.

Koga closed his eyes and cupped his fingers together to form a Rin hand pose. "Nekode, Smokescreen."

Nekode nodded and released a thick cloud of smoke over the field. The thick smoke made me cough, and I could barely see either Pokémon.

"Swirls!" I shouted, in between coughs. "W-wash the smoke away…with Water Pulse…"

I saw an orb of water thrown into the air and explode, spraying droplets over the field. The smoke instantly disappeared, and so did Nekode. I was shocked that the Pokémon was able to disappear so quickly.

As Swirls and I frantically searched for the floating Poison type, Koga unhappily sighed and crossed his arms. "Nekode, Self Destruct."

"Oh, no!" I concernedly shouted. "Swirls, get away with Water Gun!"

As Swirls was about to release the attack, Nekode appeared in front of her and laughed. Swirls was startled, and her opponent exploded right in front of her, releasing a lot of dust into the air. I covered my eyes, and when the dust cleared, both Pokémon fell to the ground, unable to move.

The referee looked at both Pokémon. "This battle is declared a draw!" Both Nekode and Swirls' pictures went black. "Trainers, choose your next Pokémon!"

As I returned Swirls, I thanked her for her help. I can't believe Koga could pull off a strategy like that… I really need to be more careful… Not like when…

Koga coughed, returning me back to reality. He returned Nekode and took out another Great Ball. "Come out, Amigasa."

Another purple floating Pokémon came out of the ball, but this time, he has a smaller head connected to it. He coughed out thicker smoke compared to Nekode, which made me assume this was Nekode's evolved form.

"Go Lightning!" She eagerly jumped off my shoulder and ran onto the field. Hopefully, Lightning's speed would be advantageous. Both Pokémon's pictures showed up on the screen.

"Battle begin!"

"Lightning, use Quick Attack!" I shouted, pointing at Amigasa. She nodded and dashed towards the Poison type.

Koga again closed his eyes and cupped his hands back into a Rin pose. "Amigasa, Smokescreen."

His Pokémon nodded and emitted a thicker smoke onto the field. I coughed harder and couldn't issue any commands.

This gave Koga the opportunity to attack. "Amigasa, Toxic."

As the smoke cleared, a large, thick glob of poison splattered onto Lightning. She immediately became slightly purple and breathed heavily. I knew she was poisoned, but this was a lot worse than what I experienced before.

"Lightning, are you okay?" I asked. She nodded, but I could tell she was really in pain. "Let's try to do some damage. Use Thunderbolt!"

While Lightning charged her attack, Koga cupped his fingers into a Pyō pose and said, "Amigasa, Sludge."

Amigasa coughed out a purple liquid as Lightning released her yellow lightning bolt. Both attacks collided in mid-air and created a small explosion. The Pokémon braced for the impact, but Lightning was unable to hold her ground. She tumbled backwards, then slowly got up. I was worried about her, as the poison kept sapping away at her health.

"Lightning, use Quick Attack!" I desperately shouted.

Koga noticed the tone in my voice and said, "Amigasa, end this with Tackle."

Both Pokémon charged at each other and collided. Although Amigasa took some damage and was pushed back, Lightning flew backwards and crashed into the wall. I watched in shock as Lightning fell to the floor, unable to move.

"Lightning is unable to battle! Amigasa wins!"

Lightning's picture turned black, and for the first time during my journey, I was losing a Gym battle. I thanked Lightning for her help and returned her.

I can't believe this is happening… Who should I choose now? Should I give up?

An image of a brown bird Pokémon flying away with a baby suddenly popped into my head. The feeling of sadness and worry came over me, like it did five years ago…

"Are you all right, Summer?" Koga asked, lifting his eyebrows.

I snapped out of my thoughts and knew I had to keep going. "I'm fine, Koga." I took out another Pokéball. "Go Rocky!"

Rocky shook the floor when he landed, and his picture showed up on the television. He was ready to avenge his fallen teammates and angrily stared at Amigasa. I slowly regained my composure after seeing Rocky's determination.

"Battle begin!"

"Rocky, use Slam!" I shouted, pointing at Amigasa.

Rocky lifted up his tail and hurled it at the Poison type. Although Amigasa easily dodged the swinging tail, the impact caused dust to fly into the air.

Taking advantage, I commanded, "Rocky, use Dragonbreath!"

"Amigasa, Toxic."

As Rocky breathed out the green flames, the toxic liquid appeared out of the cloud. The flames burned through the Toxic and became stronger. Amigasa was hit by the Dragon type attack and started to deflate.

I happily shouted, "Rocky, finish Amigasa with Iron Tail!"

Rocky nodded and slammed Amigasa with his silver tail. Amigasa fully deflated and was unable to move.

"Amigasa is unable to battle! Rocky wins!"

As Amigasa's picture went black, I cheered, "Great job, Rocky!"

"Thanks, Summer!" he happily roared.

Koga returned his Pokémon and said, "I see your trust in your Pokémon is strong. But I am still not impressed."

My smile disappeared. Rocky growled angrily, but Koga remained unfazed.

Why is Koga trying to show me? I guess I'll know as this battle continues.

Koga took out a Great Ball. "Come out, Hidane."

A Muk landed onto the battlefield and recovered his flexible body from the impact. His picture showed up on the screen.

"Battle begin!"

This should be easier. At least I've seen this Pokémon before.

"Rocky, use Rock Throw!"

Rocky created a rock and hurled it at the Sludge Pokémon.

Koga formed the Rin pose. "Hidane, Minimize, then Toxic."

Hidane smiled and shrunk, avoiding the large boulder. He then spat the purple liquid at Rocky.

"Protect yourself with Iron Tail!" I quickly commanded.

Rocky used his silver tail to stop the attack, but when he lowered his tail, Hidane disappeared.

Not again! I need to be more proactive this time.

I pointed to the floor. "Rocky, use Slam on the ground!"

He roared and smashed the field. A cloud of dust locked up, and to my surprise, the shrunken Hidane used the impact to leap into the air.

"Hidane, Toxic."

Unable to protect himself, Rocky was hit on the mouth by the toxic liquid and started to show the familiar signs of poison.

I gritted my teeth, and as I tried to think of a strategy, Koga shook his head.

"I am afraid you still have a lot to learn, Summer." He stretched out his arm and shouted, "Hidane, Giga Drain!"

Hidane chuckled and absorbed Rocky's energy with a green light. Rocky tried to resist, but the poison added to the stress. Rocky collapsed onto the floor with a loud crash, unable to move.

After the dust cleared, the referee shouted, "Rocky is unable to battle! Hidane wins!"

As Rocky's picture turned black, I thanked him for battling hard and returned him.

"So what will you do now, Summer?" Koga asked as his Pokémon returned to his normal size. The tone in his voice was stern, but with a hint of curiosity.

What canI do? Should I really keep going?

I slowly looked at my last Pokéball, and it gave a slight shake. I slightly smiled and knew, win or lose, I have to keep battling.

"Go, Errol!" I shouted. Errol flew out and firmly nodded at me. I nodded back and shouted, "Let's show them!"

After Errol's picture showed up on the screen, Koga softly smiled. "I look forward to what you and Errol can do."

"Battle begin!"

"Errol, use Confusion!" Errol's eyes glowed magenta and released the psychic energy at Hidane.

Koga cupped his fingers. "Hidane, Minimize, then Sludge."

Hidane once again shrunk, avoiding the super effective attack. He then spat at Errol, who took damage. This time, I knew how to counter Minimize.

"Errol, use Foresight to find Hidane, then use Confusion!"

The magenta glasses appeared over Errol's eyes as he scanned the field. Once he located his opponent, he shot another burst of psychic energy. Hidane was unable to dodge it and was thrown back. He returned to his original size and was panting heavily.

"Great job, Errol! Use Confusion again!"

As Errol charged his attack, Koga smiled and formed a Tō pose. "Hidane, Toxic."

Both Pokémon released their attacks; they passed by each other and hit the respective targets. Hidane roared in pain while Errol was forced to land on the ground. I was tired of the constant poison conditions, but knew I had to make this last attack count.

"Errol, can you do one final attack?" I asked.

He looked at me and firmly nodded. "Of course, Ms. Summer."

"Use Confusion, full power!" I shouted, trying to hold back tears and the memory of the brown bird.

Koga nodded. "I see. We shall not hold back either. Hidane, attack with all of your might with Sludge!"

Both Pokémon launched their strongest attacks and were badly injured when the attacks hit their mark. Both fell to the floor, unable to move. I sighed sadly and slowly walked towards the injured Noctowl.

The referee was about to stop me, but Koga shook his head. The ninja referee silently nodded and disappeared. The Gym Leader silently walked to me.

I…lost… It hurts just as much as when I lost her…

I wiped away some tears, and Errol slowly got up and nudged me.

"I apologize for my rudeness earlier, Summer," Koga solemnly said. "I know you are a strong Trainer. However, you still must learn how to adapt to situations faster. I can see that during our battle, and I would like to help you improve on that."

I gradually got up. "I…I'm not sure if I can improve any further."

Koga's eyebrows rose after hearing my comment. "Oh? What is your reasoning behind that statement?"

I shuffled my feet. "I didn't study battling a lot when I went to school. I never had a Trainer role model. I always did what I felt was right…but as my journey went on, it seems I might not even make it through the first round of the Indigo League. Everyone else seems to be stronger than me, even though I've beaten them. They have strategies I never thought of, and they're so confident in themselves…"

Koga pondered my words. "I see. I have a training regimen that would help you with dodging attacks better, but I sense your reasoning is deeper than what you say. You must come to terms with your feelings before you can unlock your full battling potential."

I forced a smile and bowed. "Thank you, Koga. I would like some time to think about your offer."

Koga smiled. "I look forward to your answer." He then threw a smoke ball onto the ground and when the smoke dissipated, he was gone.

I returned Errol, who looked worried, and trudged to the Pokémon Center. After getting my healed Pokémon, I went to the outdoor battlefield and let everyone out.

All six of my Pokémon were concerned. "Is something wrong, Summer?" Blaze asked. "You've never acted like this since we met."

I hesitated to answer.

"Ms. Summer!" Errol shouted, making me jump. "You must release your feelings; otherwise you can never fully recover."

Everyone else nodded. I took a deep breath and looked at the sky. "I…I have a younger sister."

Blaze was surprised. "You do?! How come I didn't meet her in Littleroot Town?"

"The truth is…she's been missing for five years…."

Everyone was shocked. "H-how come you never told us?" Blaze stuttered.

I started to cry. "I-it's my fault, sh-she's gone… I t-took my eyes off of her f-for a few seconds…and she was no longer there…" I then burst into tears, unable to control myself. "I-if only I-I didn't act so rashly when th-that bird Pokémon came…she would st-still be at home…"

Rocky affectionately curled up around us, and my Pokémon gave me a big hug.

"Summer, I'm sure it's not your fault," Flower comforted. "It sounded like you were very young and not ready to handle something like this."

I kept sobbing. I didn't want to relive that moment again, but I was happy I was able to share it with someone.

I took a deep breath. "Thanks, everyone. Do you think I should take Koga's offer?"

As I listened to everyone's opinions, I thought I saw something blue in the nearby trees. I softly smiled at it, and the Fuchsia City Gym Leader returned my smile.

Pokémon: Blaze (Combusken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Quick Attack, Double Kick, Flamethrower, Focus Energy

Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, moves: Foresight, Confusion, Hypnosis, Peck

Swirls (Poliwhirl, female): Relaxed Nature, moves: Water Pulse, Hypnosis, Water Gun, Doubleslap

Lightning (Pikachu, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Sweet Kiss

Flower (Ivysaur, female): Gentle Nature, moves: Sludge Bomb, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder

Rocky (Onix, male): Lonely Nature, moves: Rock Throw, Slam, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Questions for the Chapter:

Will Summer accept Koga's training regimen?

Will Summer fully recover from losing her sister?