Note: Any made-up Pokemon you see are my property. No stealy.

Chapter 3: Shock of Reality

"Name of entry?" The lady at the front desk asked Rick.

"Champ," He answered.

"How original....Age?"

"Six months."

"Height and weight?"

"Um, 4'3" and 82 lbs."

The lady swiveled her chair some to get a better look at Champ. "Huh," she said. "Pretty small for a Hitmonchan."

Rick frowned. "He's young."

"I see," the lady replied. "Well you can't enter Champ in the P-1, he has no gloves."

"Erm..." Rick mumbled. "Gloves?"

Suddenly what felt like a big hunk of meat slapped Rick in the back. He nearly jumped out of his skin, even Champ shot up in surprise. The human and Pokemon spun around and were face to face with a bulky bearded fellow who looked like he could eat an Onix for breakfast. Despite his intimidating stature, the man had a kind and jovial expression.

"Ho hah, I can help ya with that!" The man bellowed in a thunderous voice. "I don't mind losing my place in line, come with me, buddy!"

The large man put his arm around Rick's shoulders and started leading him to a plain door. Rick squirmed with discomfort. He looked back and saw Champ just standing there, wide-eyed with astonishment. That man was the largest creature Champ had ever seen.

"Come on Champ, hurry up!" Rick snarled. Champ snapped back to reality and darted after his trainer and that big, hairy monster. Before following the two men, Champ halted and stared at the long metal door knob. Its height was just under his chin. The day that Champ evolved a month prior was the most bizarre experience. One minute he was twisting in pain, and after a brief blackout, he found himself in an adult's body. In a heartbeat his stubby, thin limbs had formed into powerful, lean appendages. He could cover a greater distance in just a few steps and training with a stronger body and Rick, who was closer to his size, became easier and more enjoyable. Champ puffed up in self admiration. He was ready for anything. Or so he thought.

As Champ entered the equipment room with Rick and the bearded man (who introduced himself as Boscoe), a metallic glint caught his eye. He approached the opposite wall and was greeted by a display of unusual training devices; leather belts lined with steel spikes, massive weights, and long rods with knotted ends among other things. They seemed like objects that would be fitted in some machine, not tools. A teenage trainer, whistling to himself and ignoring Champ, strolled up to the wall, took a belt down, and knelt down in front of a small, grey Pokemon with crimson eyes and crests lining its head who looked to be a humanoid dinosaurian, a Machop. Champ watched on in curiosity. The Machop's red eyes glanced at Champ for a moment and then darted to the floor again as its trainer fitted the belt around its waist. The device looked so huge and awkward on the little grey fighter... would Rick ever use that on Champ? Before he could ponder about the contraption any further, Champ felt Boscoe grab one his hands.

"You see these boney caps on the knuckles and finger joints?" Boscoe pointed out to Rick the red, yellow, and pale blue orbs buried into Champ's hand bones. "These are the source of a Hitmonchan's power. They contain the elements of fire, electricity, and ice. Have you ever seen your Hitmonchan demonstrate any unusual powers when training him?"

"No, I've never seen Champ do anything like that," Rick answered. "He's only been a Hitmonchan for a month."

"Wow, he is young!" Boscoe said. "Well anyway, this ability makes Hitmonchan very deadly in combat and it can't enter any legal tournament without special gloves to help contain its power. Let's go pick out something in your price range."

Rick sighed when he heard "price range". As he followed the helpful Boscoe, Champ remained where he was. He looked at his hands and touched the smooth orbs, swirls of varying hues twisting like smoke inside each one. He never knew they had any important function other than acting as shock absorbers for punching. Suddenly, Champ felt something yank his short lizard tail. The Hitmonchan cried out, the unfamiliar sensation sending a jolt up his spine, and spun around. By reflex, he tried to swipe at whatever was behind him, but the nimble tail-yanker just hopped out of the way. Champ grew hot. What was that for?! He demanded. The creature just laughed, it had a feminine air to its voice.

The Pokemon looked similar to a large Tyrogue, but its skin was a greyish-brown taupe color. The three large crests on its head were flexible and flopped forward, indicating it was made of cartilage and not bone. The Bayleef-like eyes were dark blue. Its body had the curves of a teenage female, minus breasts, but the height and head-body ratio of a six year old child. She had unusual diamond shaped cartilage protrusions on her hips and was wearing spring green legwarmers, wrist cuffs, coverings on the chest (similar to Nidoqueen) and what looked like purple stretch pants. The clothed Pokemon seemed amused at Champ, for he was only wearing the waist wrap as usual.

It was to wish you luck, newbie! the female Pokemon smiled. I see you're a Hitmonchan, a close cousin of my kind. What's your name? I'm Aya.

Champ was silent for a moment. What are you?

A Hitmonchik. I'm not surprised you've never heard of us, we're pretty rare.

Oh said Champ, rubbing his hands in a bashful manner. Um, yeah, my name's Champ.

No. That won't do.

Huh?

That name Aya answered. It's so common. Nearly every male Pokemon here is named Champ. I'll show you...YO, CHAMP IN MAKING!

There were several trainers with their Pokemon on the other end of the equipment room with Machops, Machokes, and some Rock types. Only three of the Pokemon didn't turn their heads and looked to see who called their names.

Aya snickered. See? It's too confusing. I want to call you something different. Aya looked Champ up and down.

I like my name said Champ, putting his arms in front of his white chest nervously. He was never modest about his body before, yet having this Hitmonchik eyeing on him made him feel uncomfortable (a Hitmon's reproductive organs are internal in both sexes, so there is nothing physically "questionable").

Wow, you sure are thin Aya observed. She then clasped her hands together. I got it! I'll call you String Bean!

Champ gave Aya a weird look. She snickered. Hey, here come our trainers, String Bean.

Boscoe marched up to the two Hitmon. Aya excitedly jumped on Boscoe's arm and scrambled up to his shoulder. "Hey there darlin'!" Boscoe greeted the Hitmonchik. The two sure were an odd pair, one huge and hulking, the other tiny and delicate. Champ enjoyed the pleasant site, they seemed so happy together.

"Dammit," Rick cursed quiety under his breath. Champ glanced over at his trainer. In one hand he was holding a pair of shiny red boxing gloves, in the other, an empty wallet. He glared at Champ. "Why couldn't you evolve into something that didn't have specific needs?"

Champ just sighed and stood still as Rick shoved those constricting gloves on his hands. He shifted his weight slightly. "Don't move!" Rick hissed. "Mmm... there, that should do. Now listen to me, Champ. I spent my last dime on these gloves, so you HAVE to win this thing. If you don't...well you know what."

Rick got up, gazing intently into Champ's worried eyes. Champ gulped... there was now extra pressure put on him to win this tournament. But what was it really like to fight other Pokemon? Rick and Champ headed to the main room where the battles took place.

"Here we are, Champ!" Rick said. "The point of no return! Now let's go and win us a tournament!"

Rick swung the doors open and he and Champ excitedly ran through. The two slowed their pace and looked around in awe. The colosseum was spacious and dark with several glaring lights illuminating the boxing ring in the middle. The audience surrounding the arena was filled to the max, filling the stadium with chattering commotion. Champ was petrified from both fear and astonishment of the overwhelming activity. Suddenly, a small shot of blood splattered onto the ground in front of Rick and Champ's feet. They faced the ring. It was being occupied by the shaggy swine-monkey Primeape and a beast who looked like a gorilla with a tiger tail and a striped yellow pelt, an Electabuzz. The Electabuzz was leaning against the rope bordering the ring, rubbing the side of its face, scarlette fluid trickling down its mouth. The Primeape was on the other end of the ring panting, its fist out for it had just delivered a powerful blow to the Electabuzz. The Primape's white fur was stained pinkish from the blood of both its opponent and itself.

The Electabuzz snarled. It got down on its hands and feet, swishing its tail angrily. The Primeape took a step back then shot towards the opponent. Electricity flowed over the Electabuzz's body for a moment before it made a surprising leap into the air causing the Primeape to miss its target. The Electabuzz landed on all fours, then took another leap and landed on the Primeape's back. The angry monkey Pokemon screeched as the Electabuzz bit into it. The gorilla- tiger kept letting go and biting, trying to find the Primeape's neck in that mass of thick fur. It snorted in frustration, then started pounding on the wild monkey with its powerful fists.

A red towel flew up from nowhere as a voice called out, "I forfeit!"

A young male trainer climbed over the rope and ran to his Primeape's side. The Electabuzz's trainer, a woman in her mid twenties, congratulated her Pokemon, then held out her hand to the boy. The boy reluctantly shook hands with the victor.

As the announcer claimed "Blitz the Electabuzz" as winner of the match, Rick's mouth was agape in disbelief. He had sparred with Champ, but he'd never taught him to fight like this! While Rick was nervous, Champ was downright terrified. Is this what Rick was expecting him to do?

"Now, ladies and gentlemen," the announcer shouted, "for the ultimate battle of the sexes! The kicking feind, Bruce the Hitmonlee, and the rarely seen Hitmonchik, Aya! This'll be a great match folks!"

Boscoe let Aya out of his arms and she eagerly headed for the ring. "Go get 'em girl!" After seeing what happened in that Primeape and Electabuzz match, Champ felt uneasy. He didn't want to see Aya get hurt.

Aya bounded to the ring with enthusiasm and hopped in. The Hitmonlee slithered into the ring through the border rope with a cat-like flexibilty to his body. As the Hitmonlee got into its fighting stance, Aya started cracking her knuckles and pulling out her fingers one by one so they made a sickening popping sound. She then ran her hand through her crests like it were hair. Aya was just bursting with calm self-confidence.

The bell sounded. The Hitmonlee pulled one leg back, swung it in a circle, then snapped it out. The lithe tendons that connected the cartilage rings in the legs stretched, causing the leg to quickly grow in length, and it rocketed towards Aya's head. She just calmly side-stepped and continued popping her fingers. It was an effortless evade.

Nice shot, Potato-Boy, was it your intention to miss? Aya smirked, not even looking up.

The Hitmonlee's eyes narrowed. His leg retracted, then it shot out again, aiming for Aya's stomach. She quickly hopped up. The Hitmonlee's leg then flipped upwards, but Aya dodged in midair. I think I felt a draft she said when she landed, brushing off non existant dust.

The Hitmonlee was really frustrated now. He ran to Aya, forcing her into a corner, then started rapidly kicking at her. Every time the Hitmonlee kicked, Aya dodged the attack, flipping, rolling, hopping, and even crouching down and running between the Hitmonlee's legs almost on all fours. She was like a swift piece of paper dodging the deadly jabs of a pair of scissors. With each successful miss, Aya shouted out another insult. Good one, Spud! Almost got me that time, dummy! I could do this all day! Ho hum, boooring!

Suddenly, the Hitmonlee jumped up, curled both of his spingy legs against his body, then snapped his deadly limbs right into Aya's side. The impact on her light frame made her fly back and she hit the border ropes hard, landing in a heap. The Hitmonlee watched intensely as Aya struggled up. Her indigo eyes shimmered and tears were beginning to bubble in the corners. The Hitmonlee relaxed his body and approached Aya with concern.

"Finish it, Bruce!" the Hitmonlee's trainer shouted.

Aya looked so weak and pathetic. A stream of tears poured down her face, her small body quivered. The Hitmonlee couldn't help but take pity on her, so he knelt down to her level, one arm outstretched. You ok? he questioned.

Like a bullet, Aya smiled, shot up, and punched the Hitmonlee in the face. Before he could regain his composure, she flipped over his head and performed a quick roundhouse kick in his back. Now the fight was serious. Aya, no longer the graceful evader, was now the powerful aggressor. Even her movements were jerky and erratic, dodging and attacking in unpredictable zigzags. She was a headache to watch. The Hitmonlee managed to get a few kicks in, but Aya always recovered in a bounce and struck back.

Just then, the Hitmonlee aimed his left leg at Aya's feet in an attempt to trip her. She evaded, but didn't predict the Hitmonlee's right leg to swing up over her and smash her in the back. Aya fell into the ground, and the Hitmonlee stomped on her. She curled up. She was in real pain now.

"Aya, remember your training!" Boscoe shouted. Champ held his breath.

Aya, still curled up, started to glow bright red. She quickly folded her legs beneath her body, then pushed up and slammed into the Hitmonlee. The red aura surrounding Aya had now engulfed the Hitmonlee. His eyes bugged out, his body shivered, then he collapsed. Aya stuggled up to her feet and looked down at her opponent. She had used Pain Split.

"YAAAAY, WHOOOOP, ALL RIGHT AYA!" Boscoe hollored right next to Rick's head. He covered his ringing ears. Champ was just as excited as Boscoe, jumping up and shouting, "Hiiiitmonchan!"

Aya happily bounded to Boscoe and he hugged her, his huge arms nearly swallowing her up. When she was finally released, Champ approached her.

Wow, Aya, that was amazing! You're an excellent fighter!

Aya was indifferent to Champ. Yeah, I guess. Heh, you're up next, String Bean.

Huh?! Champ gulped...he wasn't ready yet! He needed more time!

"Next up," said the announcer, "we have Champ the Hitmonchan, progeny of past champion Dharmanyo the Hitmonlee, up against Atlas the Poliwrath! Both are newcomers to the P-1, so I guarentee ya'll are about to witness one exciting match!"

Rick started leading Champ to the ring. The Hitmonchan's apple-green eyes darted from the blood-lined ring, to the limping Hitmonlee Aya beat, to the army of staring eyes watching the ring with anticipation, and focused on his opponent, a massive Poliwrath whose dark blue amphibian skin was oozing with a thin layer of filmy slime. Something about its round eyes and mouthless face sent cold chills down Champ's spine. He dug his heels into the ground as Rick pushed him forward.

"Come on Champ, don't be a sis," Rick said to him quietly through clenched teeth.

Suddenly, the Poliwrath's body expanded, and it let out a deep, vibrating croak. That did it for Champ. Scared, he twirled sharply around and buried his face into Rick's stomach, shaking. Rick was both surprised and disgusted by Champ's pathetic attempt to hide himself. It didn't help much that a few members of the audience were snickering, and one lady exclaimed, "Oh look, the dear thing is frightened! How sweet!"

Rick tried to peel Champ off his body. "Come on, go up there, you're making me look like an ass!" Champ didn't budge. "Ok, we can turn back and go home if you like, but boy, I'll give you such a whallop..."

Rick didn't need to finish his threat. Champ backed away and turned around to face the ring. He inhaled deeply and then proceded forward with hesitant steps, the Poliwrath's bulging oculars watching his every move. Even though Champ only walked a few feet to reach the ring, it felt like the green mile. His heart thumped wildly as he and the Poliwrath got into their fighting stances, waiting for the bell to sound the start of the match.

Ding!

Champ's mind went completely blank. The Poliwrath's massive form rushed towards him, its froggish eyes narrowed. It struck Champ in the face leaving a gooey imprint. Champ was thrown back and his head slammed against one of the poles supporting the plastic-covered rope bordering the ring. Hot, sweet fluid filled his mouth...blood. The taste sickened Champ, but a new feeling was rising up inside him. Rage. Rick's training suddenly flashed back to his mind. Champ growled deep in his throat.

He shot up and glared at the Poliwrath, bouncing back and forth in place. He was ready for anything now. As the Poliwrath shot towards Champ ready to slap him again, he dodged to the left, making it miss. The Poliwrath made a sharp turn, almost slipping in its own slime, and attempted a Karate Chop to Champ's throat. Champ dodged again, feinted to the left, then bounced to the right and struck the Poliwrath right between those round eyes he hated so much.

As the Poliwrath pulled back in pain, what felt like a current of electricity shot through Champ's spine, traveled through his nervous system, and burned in his knuckles. Electric sparks danced across his gloves. Champ quickly rushed to the Poliwrath before it could have a chance to recover and took a swing. The electricity of the Thunder Punch connected to the Poliwrath's moist skin. The smell of amphibian flesh being fried filled the air as the electricity pulsated throughout the Poliwrath's body and its eyes bulged. It then collapsed onto the ground with a liquidy thud. Champ took a step back and watched the Poliwrath's twitching body. Then he looked as his gloves, the burning sensation still pulsing in his knuckles. What the heck did he just do? He looked out into the audience to find Rick, as if he'd have the answer.

"Champ, look out!" he heard Rick's voice call out. Champ spun around, but there was no opponent...only a slimey Poliwrath shaped imprint on the ground. He noticed his shadow rapidly expanding. Champ looked up and saw the Poliwrath plummeting towards him from the air. Before he could react, he felt himself crushed by the mega-tadpole's heavy body. The wind knocked out of him, Champ gasped desperately for air. The Poliwrath's damp body reeked of swamps and sweat. It then got up and slammed down again. It repeated again and again, crushing Champ into submission with its damp, bone-shattering mass.

Finally, the Poliwrath ceased. Champ lay there in a slime soaked heap, trying to recover from that deadly Body Slam attack. He could taste a mixture of marshy sweat from the Poliwrath's skin and his own blood. Champ then felt someone scoop him up. It was Rick. He brought Champ close to his body.

"Chaaan..." Champ whimpered. He looked into Rick's disappointed and angry eyes before losing consciousness.

The sunlight bathed the lush meadow in a golden brilliance. The long grass rippled in the wind. The leaves of the trees shimmered like millions of tiny emeralds as they were tossed by the gentle breeze. The wind, scented with fresh plants and earth, blew puffy silver-white clouds through the cerulean sky over the majestic mountains in the distance.

Champ awoke with a jolt. It was that magnificent dream again. He felt good until he realized he lost the match. Not just any match, his first match. All those months of training and preparation, all those harsh beatings he had to endure...what was going to become of him now?

Judging by the vibrations and the crunching of the asphalt, Champ knew he was in the back of Rick's truck on the way home. He sat up and peered over the side, the wind making his eyes water. They were driving past the fields, now golden under the orange evening sky. A flock of plump Pidgey glided across the grass and floated onto the telephone wires to sleep for the night. Two Growlithe puppies playfully wrestled with one another under the watchful eyes of their mother. They reminded Champ of Fae.

A few nights before, feeling anxious and nervous about the upcoming P-1, Champ entered Rebecca's bedroom (she always kept her door ajar)to find Fae. He really wanted to hear her comforting words tell him how he was going to do just fine and not to worry. It seemed like ever since he evolved, Fae had been avoiding him. Champ discovered why. Laying under the window sill and bathed in moonlight was Fae...with tiny, white, fuzz balls mewing and nursing on her. Champ stepped back. What were those things? He gave Fae a questioning look, but she only replied with a cruel hiss. Champ took one last look at the tiny kittens before turning away and leaving the room. He had no one to turn to now. He was alone.

All alone.

There was the old tree stump with yellow fungus growing on it. Just one more turn and they'd be home. The truck stopped and the ignition turned off. A door slammed. Footsteps crunched on the road. Champ's heartbeat accelerated.

"Champ, come here."

Champ obeyed. He had to. Rick was his trainer and today Champ let him down. He approached Rick with both shame and acceptance. He paused in front of Rick, never looking him in the eyes. Rick sighed.

"Why did I name you Champ anyway? I know for a fact you sure as hell ain't one."

WHACK!