The group ventured further and further threw the dimly lit tunnel. Dodging various deep holes along the floor and being mindful of the off shoots that littered the walls, stopping to check the map each time. Occasionally swarms of Zubats would come shooting out from these off shoots, screeching and screaming as the whizzed past the groups' heads. Although none of them particularly enjoyed this, having to hunker down and cover their heads. Machop especially disliked it, flying into a rage as they zoomed past and flailing his fists at them. Some times he would even hit one only for it to turn around and screech directly at him, the shrill piercing cry of the Zubat being so brutal that it often made him collapse. Eventually, Green just ended up returning him to his ball each time a hoard appeared for his own good. After what felt like hours of wandering through the tunnel systems the tunnel opened up into another huge cavern. This one was a lot more sparse then the previous one, only a handful of Gravellers wandered about. Lazily shovelling rocks and gravel into their mouth, the crunching and grinding of it between their teeth reverberating around the large open space.
Willis closed his map and turned to face Green and Machop with a satisfied grin.
"Well Lass this is it, through that tunnel there," he gestured to a large opening opposite them, "after a short walk you'll be on the out skirts of Cerulean." He explained, slinging off his bag and sitting down on a boulder beside him.
Green slung off her own bag and leaned back against the wall, sighing with exhaustion.
"Thanks Willis, mind if I join you for a bit? I need to recharge after all that walking." She asked cheerfully, scanning the cavern intently.
Before Willis could respond a huge crash interrupted them, shaking the ground beneath them and causing a few stalactites to dislodge from the ceiling. They looked over from where it came from to a huge, muscular man, wearing nothing but a worn pair of baggy white pants with long bushy black hair tied into a ponytail that reached down to his upper back. He stood tall with folded arms and a stern expression as he watched an even more muscular Machamp pick up huge boulders with his four massive arms and crack them over his knee. Each time the boulder struck the Machamp's knee it would crack in two and fall to the ground with an enormous crash. Green watched in awe, the raw power of the Machamp captivating her. Machop, who had been sitting on the ground beside her feet was now up on his feet with his fist clenched in front of him. His teeth gritting in a wide, wild grin as he watched the Machamp. Although, their eyes met as the Machamp moved to pick up a new boulder the Machamp did not acknowledge Machop. Machop's gaze had no effect on him, not even enough to illicit a hint of curiosity. The man was quite the same. Although he did glance at Green as she stared stupidly with her jaw open, he calmly returned his gaze to Machamp. His stone cold expression not even twitching with any sign of emotion.
"You a fan of Bruno's Lass?" Willis asked calmly as he directed his attention to a sandwich wrapped in paper.
Green darted her gaze away from Bruno at the mention of his name, ducking down slightly as she looked at Willis amazed.
"That's Bruno?" She hissed, her excited whispering being louder than if she would have just spoke normally.
Still focused on unwrapping his sandwich, Willis nonchalantly nodded, beaming happily as he removed the paper.
"Aye, he comes here often he does. Even when he was a young man, about your age he's trained here. I've always figured it's because not many people come through here, never been much of a talker he has." Willis explained before taking a bite of his sandwich.
Green nodded slowly, not able to stop herself from shooting glances over at Bruno. She found his body extremely interesting, she didn't know human bodies could become that large. Just standing there, his arms were bigger than tree trunks and his hands looked like they could fit over her face easily. Something about the power his body gave off aroused her slightly, biting her lip gently she admired him. Only to be interrupted by the sight of Machop running up to his Machamp with a wild smirk. Immediately she ran after him.
"Machop! You stupid pokémon don't!" She called out to him but it did nothing to deter him.
Machop ran up to Machamp and flexed his arms at him.
"Chop!" He cried out daringly as he leered at the Machamp.
Machamp stopped and stared blankly at Machop, standing at 4 times his height he towered over him. Unsure, he glanced at Bruno but Bruno did nothing but stare at the Machop with the same cold expression. Quickly, Green scooped up Machop and held him tightly as he struggled to get lose. She awkwardly looked up at Bruno. From a distance he looked tall but up close he was like a giant to Green, who wasn't very tall herself to begin with.
"Uh, sorry... we'll uh go now." Green apologised, slinking away hurriedly with a hyped up Machop wriggling in her grasp.
Bruno said nothing, not even a grunt or a nod or anything. He simply looked back away back to Machamp who, while still looking bewildered returned to his training. Although Green found him hot, Bruno terrified her. Her face was red with embarrassment as she returned back to Willis, Machop had calmed down and was limp in her arms with a defeated expression. She placed him down and scowled at him.
"Buddy you gotta control yourself, you can't just run up to pokémon like that they'll eat you alive!" She exclaimed in a hushed voice, glancing over at Bruno as she did.
Machop looked up at her apologetically, shuffling his feet as he was scolded. Willis chuckled as he took the last bite of his sandwich. He turned on his boulder to face Green as he licked the barbeque sauce from his fingers.
"Lass something you'd better learn about the Machop line if you want any chance of training them is that the buggers have more energy than they know what to do with. Best thing for him when he gets like this is some fighting!" Willis suggested, reaching out his now clean hand and patting Machop on the head.
Green pursed her lips, a little embarrassed that she had to be told that. She looked out at the cavern and saw something that made her smile widely. On the other side of the cavern she saw a wild Machop chasing around Geodudes with a crazed smirk on his face. Green crouched down next to Machop and pointed at the wild Machop.
"Now him buddy, that's more your kind of fight." She explained, smirking at Machop and placing a hand on his shoulder.
Machop's face lit up immediately and he took off, racing across the cavern towards the wild Machop. Green gasped and laughed delightedly as she took off after him. The Gravellers looked up from their rocks and with fearful looks began clambering up to the higher outcropping of rock, peering over the edges curiously as the two Machops met. As Machop barrelled towards him, the wild Machop turned his attention away from the Geodudes and focused solely on Machop. Skidding to a halt, Machop stopped a short distance away from the wild Machop. With narrowed gazes and puffed out chests they began to slowly circle one another. They stomped the ground, banged on their chest and flashed leering grins at one another. Green watched them intently as she analysed the wild Machop. He was slightly taller than her Machop as well as a bit bulkier. Covering his body were scars across his chest, face and arms. As well as a few more recent cuts still healing along his legs. Despite all the abuse to his body, the wild Machop looked as if or more hyped than Green's Machop. His eyes were wild, bloodshot veins seemed to pop as he stared at Machop with a crazed look. Green folded her arms and looked down at Machop with a confident smirk.
"Alright buddy, we've faced worse." She announced, glancing back at the wild Machop with an unconcerned look, "you ready?" She asked.
Machop stomped the ground and took a wide stance, opening out his arms before letting out a bellowing cry. The Gravellers peering down at them winced and shuffled back from the edge a bit, still curiously peeking down at them. The wild Machop assumed the same position and let out his own cry, a much deeper and more guttural cry than Machop's own one. Silence fell over the two of them as their cries echoed out around the cavern before they both pushed off the ground, leaving a cloud of dust behind them as they launched themselves at each other. Machop opened with a punch, attempting to clothesline the wild Machop. However, the wild Machop dropped to his knees, skidding underneath Machop's fist. Quickly, the wild Machop sprung up from his knees and spun around in the air, kicking Machop brutally in the back of the head. Not letting up, the wild Machop continued wailing on Machop with a flurry of quick punches and kicks to the ribs and shins.
"Machop counter! Don't let him lead!" Green yelled out to him, craning her neck as she watched the fight closely.
Machop with a frustrated growl lifted up his arms to block the hits, watching the wild Machop closely from behind his raised forearms. As the wild Machop took another swing, a smirk flashed across Machop's face. He extended out his arm, catching the wild Machop's arm. Machop forced his arm underneath the wild Machop's arm pit and then pressed his other hand down on the wild Machop's nape, locking him in a bent down position. The wild Machop struggled, kicking at Machop's shins and using his free arm to punch at Machop's ribs all while letting out a fierce scream. Machop let out his own cry and winced through the blows as he heaved the wild Machop up and over his head, slamming him down onto the hard rock floor. The wild Machop gasped and cried out in pain as the wind was knocked from him while Machop let go and scrambled up to his feet.
"Yes! Great job Machop!" Green exclaimed, pumping her fist in the air, "remember to concentrate, unleash your aura!" She commanded.
As the wild Machop writhed and struggled to get back to his feet, Machop closed his eyes and took a deep breath, orange essence began to flicker off of his chest and arms. Machop opened his eyes, gazing furiously at the wild Machop. As the wild Machop attempted to push himself up off the ground, Machop rushed forward and grabbed him. He lifted the wild Machop like a rag doll and hurled him across the cavern into the sheer face of a rocky outcropping. The slam echoed out around the cavern and a shower of pebbles rained down onto the wild Machop. The Gravellers above scurried back away from the edge, pulling the smaller Geodude back by their arms. Machop immediately began running towards the downed wild Machop, streaks of orange essence trailing from his legs as he lept through the air and aimed a high jump kick at the wild Machop. However, the wild Machop sprung to his feet quickly as Machop leapt through the air. The wild Machop's eyes and fists burning with an intense orange flame. Before Machop's foot could connect with the wild Machop's chest, the wild Machop leapt forward and struck Machop in the face. A burst of orange flame erupted in a ring around the point of impact as Machop was sent hurtling through the air like a bullet. His body, flailed as he rocketed right into a low hanging steel support beam. The beam bent, the impact leaving an indent where Machop had hit it. Machop went limp as his back slammed into the beam. He spun through the air out of control before hitting the ground, skidding across the gravelly surface like a rock skipping water. Only to be stopped by a rocky pillar, which cracked upon his impact.
"Shit! Are you okay buddy?!" Green called out as she hurried over in a panic, her eyes wide with fear as she crouched over Machop's limp body.
As Green unclipped her pokéball, preparing to return Machop. His body tensed up and his eyes shot open. Green stepped back straight away, seeing the unfiltered rage seething from Machop's eyes. They ignited with a huge, wild burst of orange flame. His body trembled with anger as he stood up, orange sparks spat from his muscles and as his fists tightened they also ignited into a magnificent orange blaze. The wild Machop watched with a cocky grin as Machop rose.
"MA! CHOP!" He screamed out at Machop, sparks spitting from his mouth as he did.
Instantly, the two of them launched at each other once again. The intense flames emitting from their bodies trailing behind them like a comet tail. Once they collided they began exchanging a wild flurry of blows, bursts of orange flame erupted out as they struck each other. A thunderous chorus of booms echoed out like a series of explosions. As Green watched in amazement she could hardly keep track of which Machop was which as they rapidly danced around each other and the flame from their blows concealed them like a blanket. Eventually from the cloud of orange flame one of the Machop flew up into the air, having been hit so hard that it caused him to shoot directly upwards. The other Machop soared after him, jumping high into the air. Green squinted her eyes and craned her neck to try and identify them. As the Machop who had leapt up after the other one, reared back his leg for a kick Green spotted the fresh cuts along his leg. The wild Machop kicked Green's Machop higher into the air, slamming him against the roof. However, Machop braced against the roof and pushed off it. Creating a ring of flame, cracking the roof and dislodging several large stalactites around him. Machop shot towards the wild Machop as he was still falling back towards the ground and kicked him with both feet. The wild Machop cried out as he was fired down into the ground, the impact creating and explosion of gravel and dust. Green shielded her eyes and strained them through the dust to watch Machop rush down through the air towards the wild Machop and punch him hard enough to create a secondary explosion. Almost the entire cavern was filled with dust now. Green coughed and waved her hand in front of her, her eyes watering as she tried to see the Machops through the fog of dust. Yet the only information she could get was the sound of the stalactites crashing down around her.
Eventually as the dust began to thin and settle a blinding orange light pierced through the fog. Two orange figures burned through the dust and as it thinned even more Green could see her Machop and the wild Machop standing at the bottom of a shallow crater. The wild Machop stood slightly hunched over with one arm raised with a tight fist and his other arm limp by his side. The once grey skin along that arm now singed black. Orange flame consumed nearly all of his body, except for his upper arms, thighs and waist. His hands, feet, chest and head were all burning with an intense orange flame that reached up a couple feet above his head. Green's Machop however was standing tall with both fists raised and a ferocious expression. His whole body was covered in orange flame, the tip of which reached nearly 10 feet above his head. Machop let out a guttural scream and the flame flared, the flames surging from his eyes shooting out like solar flares. He breathed heavily and rapidly, the flames surging and flaring with more chaotic intensity. The wild Machop's face dropped and he took a hesitant step back as Machop continued to roar with anger. He stumbled and fell, looking up helplessly at Machop. The orange flame around his body flickered out and for the first time, Green saw genuine terror in the wild Machop's eyes. She watched Machop with a fearful expression as his anger only got more and more intense and the flame got more and more wild. Machop let out another guttural cry, this one lasting much longer than the other. As this kept going and going his body began to glow with a piercing white light. The light consumed his body and the orange flame extinguished as it shone brighter than the flame. Machop's body began to morph and mould, growing much taller and much bigger. Green's eyes lit up with excitement as she realised what was happening, she had seen images of the evolution process during her studies but never had she imagined it would be this amazing in person.
After what felt like a few minutes of this the light died down to reveal a now newly evolved Machoke instead of a Machop. Machoke stood tall, at least 6 feet. His body was bulky and muscular with enormous broad shoulders and giant, powerful arms. His legs were now as long as he was entirely tall as a Machop and were as thick as steel girders. The green ridges on his head now ran down along his forehead, meeting at a point between his eyes. However, they were not exclusive to his head anymore. Long, blood orange ridges ran down his forearms like long gashes. They pulsated with orange essence, synchronising with Machoke's long deep breaths. His eyes opened to reveal an intense, sharp gaze. Around his waist, and on his crotch a huge old belt and black briefs had materialised. Machoke threw his head back and let out a terrifying roar so loud that it shook the walls of the cavern and the floor beneath Green's feet. Green watched in awe, an uncontrollable grin spread across her face as her jaw hung open. Before she even had time to do anything else Machoke took a step towards the terrified wild Machop. Machoke grabbed the wild Machop, his huge hand wrapping around the Machop's torso. With a swing of his arm and another roar, Machoke pitched the Machop into a large stalagmite. Machop crashed through it like a glass pane, sending shards of rock flying through the air and cracking the stalagmite down it's length. Defeated and unconscious, Machop skidded across the ground and came to a stop near Willis who was watching the whole thing with a thrilled look. As Green looked back at him with a look of pure joy he flashed her a grin and gave her a supportive thumbs up.
"Ma... choke..." Machoke grunted out weakly.
Machoke fell to his knees, the orange glow in his arm ridges now gone. His eyes rolled back into his head and he fainted, falling forward onto his stomach. Green gasped and immediately got out Machoke's pokéball, hitting him with the red beam and returning him. She clutched the ball to her chest with a proud smile.
"It's okay buddy, rest up, you did great." She whispered softly, stroking the ball lovingly before clipping it back into her belt.
As Green turned back to face Willis she saw Bruno watching her with the same expressionless face. He said nothing and turned, making his way towards the exit of the cavern. His Machamp followed him, shooting Green a curious glance before exiting the cavern after Bruno. Willis meanwhile, scooped up the wild Machop. His body was singed and bloody, covered in wounds. Green cautiously approached and timidly placed her hand on his chest. To her relief she felt a feint but steady heartbeat. She frowned and looked up at Willis with a worried look.
"Will he be okay?" Green asked, she knew Machops had tough and durable bodies but she wasn't sure even they could recover from something like this.
Gashes ran along his body. There were long scrapes down his sides, back and arms. His hands, feet and face were all singed from the orange aura flame. Shards of rock were embedded in his body and most concerning of all his breathing was shaky. Sharply, he would inhale before exhaling in a long staggering breath. Willis however, seemed unconcerned.
"Aye he'll be fine, I'll go back and take him to Mt Moon's pokémon centre. The Chancy who runs that place has seen worse than this. The little bugger will be up and fighting in time for next year." Willis assured Green while reaching down and hoisting his backpack on.
Green, still with a worried look gave the Machop a gentle pat on the head. With a chuckle Willis turned back towards the cavern's entrance.
"I'll be keeping an eye out for you on the news Lass, I imagine I'll be seein' ya challenging the Elite Four soon." Willis called out cheerfully, throwing a wave back at Green.
Green giggled softly and waved back, pursing her lips slightly as she still watched Machop.
"Bye Willis thank you!" She called back.
Willis disappeared back into Mt Moon, leaving Green by herself. Green let out a long sigh as she sat down on a boulder, taking in the vast emptiness and silence that surrounded her.