Chapter Four: Mapleleaf City Gym
Kari gulped as the Gym loomed into view. It's large, silver doors contrasted with it's flaming red walls. The large cement steps were well kept and the windows were sparkling clean. This place would have seemed inviting, but Kari had an odd feeling that only defeat was to come out of this place.
She walked into a large lobby. She was a few trainers milling about, all looking quite dejected. One looked up at Kari and chuckled darkly.
The trainer walked over to her and said, "Well, lookie here! Looks like Guy's for some fresh meat to beat on instead of us."
"Huh?" Kari said, perplexed.
"Oh, leave her alone Janet," said a blond boy. He walked over as well, his crystalline blue eyes shining. "Don't mind Janet," her said in a low tone. "She's just sore after another failed attempt at beating Guy. My name's James, by the way. James Johnson."
"I'm Kari. Kari Matthews," Kari introduced herself.
"Well Kari, I hope you have better luck than we've had," James said, pointing Kari through a pair of glass doors.
She walked through the doors to find a very muscular man patting a Hitmonlee. He had dark brown hair and was very tan. All he was wearing was a pair of white training pants and a white headband, so his washboard abs and bulging biceps were visible. He turned a pair of warm, brown eyes on Kari.
"Are you the Maleleaf Gym Leader?" Kari asked, her voice echoing in the empty battle arena.
"Yes, I am. My name is Guy, are you here to challenge me?" the muscular man said with a smile.
"Yes!" Kari cried, taking up a traditional battle stance.
The man chuckled. "I accept your challenge Miss-"
"Kari. Kari Matthews." she cried across the field.
"Well then, Kari. We'll each use two Pokemon to battle." Guy said calmly.
"Make is a Two on One," Kari said more softly now, her fingers fiddling with the single Pokeball on her belt.
Guy was a compassionate person, and knew this was probably Kari's 1st Gym battle, even one of her 1st battles in general. He thought a moment and said, "I know I'll probably kick myself for this later, but it's a One on One."
Kari beamed at Guy and shouted, "GO! Aria!"
Guy shouted "Go, Hitmonchan!"
Guy's Hitmonchan was the picture of perfection. It flexed its muscles and gave the air a couple of quick punches. It looked down on Kari's small Vulpix menacingly.
"My, my, what an interesting Vulpix," Guy called at her. Kari smiled.
"Aria, let's start off with an Ember Attack!"
"Hitmonchan, use your-" Guy started.
He never finished. Flames exploded from Aria's mouth as she cried out. The flames badly scorched the punching Pokemon, but it quickly regained its composure. It growled low in it's throat awaiting a command.
"Hitmonchan, COMET PUNCH, NOW!" Guy cried angilly.
"Aria! Dodge it, use Agility!"
Hitmonchan's closed fist was soon a mere whir of red. One of Hitmonchan's lightning fast punches struck Aria, but she was gone before another could make contact. Aria began darting and dodging faster and faster, making it hard for Hitmonchan to follow. Only about 30 of all the punches it threw hit home.
"Enough fooling around!" Guy shouted. "Thunder Punch, NOW!"
Hitmonchan's normally red boxing glove suddenly glowed yellow. Sparks flew from its tightly closed fist. It's aim was perfect. Hitmonchan grunted as it swung at the tiny Vulpix with all it's might. Aria flew across the field.
Aria screeched as she struck the wall. She slowly rose, wincing in pain. Hitmonchan looked down at the Vulpix smugly, winding up for it's final punch.
Suddenly, Aria's eyes flashed red. With a small yell, a tornado of intense flames erupted form her mouth. The fiery cyclone engulfed Hitmonchan.
When the flames and smoke cleared, a severly scorched Hitmonchan fell face first onto the ground.
That was a Fire Spin! Kari thought, amazed at the tiny Pokemon's power.
Guy recalled Hitmonchan in a flash of red light. He strode across the battle field and extended a muscular arm.
Kari shook his hand, wincing at the firmness of his grip. She then bent down and pick Aria up, crooning and congratulating her.
"I knew I'd slap myself for making it a One on One," Guy chuckled. "You're good, Kari. I know you can be a Pokemon Master. You sure chopped me down a size or two," he paused, as if the next part pained him. "You're the 1st one to beat me in quite awhile. And, as proof of your victory, here is the Strength Badge."
Kari took the crystalline structure and examined it. It looked like a boxing glove. It was blood red, just like Hitmonchan's. She pinned the badge to her backpack strap. She left the battle arena nearly skipping.
They did it! Kari and Aria had won their 1st Gym badge!