Training with Maniacs
The miserable defeat that Red got after his last Gym Battle ran deep in his mind. He was quite bothered by it because he lost mostly due to his overconfidence at the end and believed his newly evolved Pokemon could easily take on Sabrina.
Red clenched Nidoking's Pokeball as he wandered around the city. All of his Pokemon where fully healed but he still decided not to use any of them after enduring a match today.
Red didn't know what to do for the rest of the day as he walked the city streets that were becoming scarcer since it was becoming dark. He was alone in his thoughts.
He considered that he should train but where was the question. He came upon a simple wooden bench along the sidewalk. Red plucked himself on it as he tried to figure out what to do since he felt walking around aimlessly wasn't going to help him at all.
"You know what. Come out here, Eevee," Red said as he released his Pokemon. Eevee shouted in glee of being let outside and was then in awe as she saw the tall buildings that lay before her. Red realized that he was close to the end of the city where greenery was more common and in front of him was the great city of Saffron.
Well, she must be in shock because never in her short life has she seen such tall structures. I can relate because I remember when I saw a tall building at a young age and I was simple speechless, Red empathized with his Pokemon.
Red plucked Eevee from the ground and placed her on his lap. Cracking open a can from his backpack, Red began to feed Eevee. His Pokemon was grateful and happily nibbled on the food from his hand. A wonderful scene of a trainer feeding his pokemon it was but of course, all good things have to come to an end.
The screaming of an adult man broke the calm moment. "AHH, it is you the kid who I met before!"
Red felt like his ear drums were going to burst. Looking up Red saw it was man in white pajamas with a black belt tied around his waist. He did look quite familiar to him though.
"How has my punching technique fair you so far?" the man asked.
Technique... Wait a minute? Red got a clear look at the guy's face and it triggered his memory.
"...Ken," he uncertainly said but got a smile from him meaning he was right. "Hey, it's been a long time."
"I know. Anyways, what are you doing here all by yourself?" he asked.
Red took a moment to figure how to respond. "I'm out here mostly because I got nothing to do. I had no idea so I decided to take a walk to clear my head."
"That's no good way to spend your time," Ken said. "You got to train now that you got the chance!" Ken began to punch the air frenziedly.
"But-"
"No buts!" Ken rudely cut Red off. "Come with me and I'll take you to my training dojo."
Red returned Eevee back into her Pokeball so he could travel more efficiently. He took his time by going at his own pace but the man he was following was jogging. Red realized he wasn't wearing any shoes at all and only that had karate getup his own piece of clothing.
"If you can't keep I will have to leave you behind!" Ken shouted back. Red sighed and sped up until he running
Once Red reached Ken, the bulky man unexpectedly stopped. Red ran straight into him and was pushed back onto his butt. He looked up and saw the sign that read 'Fighting Dojo.' He realized it was the place close to the Pokemon Gym building and also he was only a few feet away. He felt amused that he ran just to come here.
Ken approached the entrance which he slammed open. Red entered the place and found himself in a large room that was full of guys dressed in clothes similar to Ken. They were spread out each busy with their training. In the middle of the place were blue mats connected to form a large sparring area were a few people were practicing as well as some fighting Pokemon. Near the walls, there were punching bags and dummies as well as different weapons that littered the ground.
"This is the greatest dojo ever to exist in the world for people and Pokemon," Ken exclaimed. "This is the perfect place to perfect your punching techniq-."
"Well, it isn't my pathetic rival!" another voice cut him off.
"Damn, he's here," Ken muttered under his breathe and frowned. He turned around to face a another student of the dojo that also happened to be the man that Red met in Pewter City.
"Koul!" Red exclaimed.
"Ahh well it isn't my young student who I taught the valuable move Mega Kick!" Koul proudly said.
"What?! You took lessons from him?!" Ken yelled.
"Of course he will take fighting lessons from, Ken," Koul spat on the same. "I am the second greatest karate master in this world. I taught one of his Pokemon Mega Kick."
Ken faced Red with a furious face. "How could you betray, boy? After I taught your Pokemon Mega Punch, I never would have thought you would go to him for his stupid techniques."
Red was now very confused. "What do mean betray you? And why do you guys hate each other so much?"
"Grr…shut up kid!" Koul roared getting the whole dojo's attention. "You think you can swindle us of our powerful moves and get away with it. I can never forgive you know since you trained under that Punching freak."
"I can't believe you trainer under a guy that only uses his legs for fighting," Ken dramatically muttered. "You have turned apart me and my rival's pride. We will both now fight you for your treacherous actions!"
"You got that right, Ken! We will fight you in a Pokemon battle here right now!" Koul declared. Without another word both men jumped back and landed on the blue mats that was now cleared for the battle.
"What's going on?" Red blinked. He just knew he was challenged to battle by two karate maniacs who take their fighting style to serious.
"Come out here, Hitmonlee," Koul said.
"Get ready, Hitmonchan," Ken said.
Two figures appeared before Red, both with humanoid bodies.
Koul's Pokemon had a brown body similar to a human's only it lacked a head and its eyes were at the top of its torso making Red's skin crawl. It had to two cream colored, long legs that seemed like they could stretched out due to the many segments it had. Lacking and mouth, ears, and nose were the only things that make seem human but the rest of him was fine.
Ken's Pokemon was much less creepy than Koul's. It rose up its fists that had bright red boxing gloves on. It stood on two skinny legs with feet that resembled purple shoes. It looked like it had on a purple kilt and its shoulder were quite broad looking like it had on shoulder pads.
"Hitmonlee: the Kicking Pokemon. Hitmonlee's legs freely contract and stretch. Using these spring-like legs, it bowls over foes with devastating kicks. After battle, it rubs down its legs and loosens the muscles to overcome fatigue.
"Hitmonchan: the Punching Pokemon. While apparently doing nothing, it fires punches in lightning fast volleys that are impossible to see. Its punches slices the air and pulverizes concrete."
Red quickly returned his Pokedex. He needed to decide on his two Pokemon. These Pokemon needed to get close to be able to do some heavy damage. He figured that Gible and Charmeleon were right for the job since they could perform long range moves and they also needed some experience. He thought about Pikachu but he figured he was probably still resting.
"Standby for battle, Charmeleon and Gabite," Red shouted.
Charmeleon immediately showed disgust when he figured out who he was going to be fighting with. –"Grr… you better not get in my way you pudgy guy,"- Charmeleon dangerously warned.
-"Huh? Is Charmeleon cranky today?"- Gible asked picking up on his irritable tone. –"Do you need a hug?"-
-"Blah! I don't need a hug,"- Charmeleon insolently replied.
Both trainers instantly shouted their attacks catching Red off guard.
"Fake Out, Hitmonlee!"
"Mach Punch, Hitmonchan!"
Both Pokemon moved before Red could call out an attack. Hitmonlee jumped towards Gible at near blinding speed and appear right before the Dragon Pokemon. He clamped his hands together right in the slow Pokemon's face and created a large shockwave that struck Gible's face pushing him back. Gible cringed from the move and placed his hands over his face as to cover himself from any other attack.
Hitmonchan sprinted to his target with a glowing gloved fist at an incredible speed that even Charmeleon couldn't help but admire. He then swung his Mach Punch right into his gut and even got a little smoke to escape his mouth. The fire-type staggered backwards in shock and in pain.
"Mega Punch!"
"Mega Kick!"
The two different fighting types responded with their trainer's signature move. Hitmonlee spun around and brought his glowing foot right into the stunned Gible's side. The powerful kick sent Gible sailing into the air. Hitmonchan skipped towards the recovering Charmeleon and landed another power right into his face sending spiraling to his left. Both of Red's Pokemon collide with each other in the middle, toppling the ground with Gible on top.
"I have to say. I never have I seen a kick that fast in my life," Ken complimented.
"Haha, and I've haven't seen a perfectly executed punch like that in ever," Koul replied with his own compliment.
How can they become such good friends in just mater of seconds when they hate each others' guts? Red wandered.
"Charmeleon and Gible we got to make a comeback or you'll both end up being beat up to pulp," Red said.
-"Heh easy for you to say. You're not the one who has to get back up after taking a punch to the face twice,"- Charmeleon spat.
"Alright, let's keep the momentum going, Hitmonchan! Mega Punch once more!" Ken shouted.
"You too Hitmonlee, High Jump Kick!" Koul roared alongside his companion.
"Gible dodge the incoming kick while Charmeleon block with-with," Red couldn't think fast enough to think of a solid strategy. His opponents moved to fast for him to think. He watched Hitmonlee jumped high in the air with his leg outstretched and also noticed Hitmonchan approach his Charmeleon with a glowing gloved fist. "Metal Punch!" Red spluttered trying to at least give his starter a command.
Charmeleon reacted with a Metal Claw but saw he didn't have time to attack and raised his left metallic claw to catch Hitmonchan's blow that was aimed at his head. Seeing Hitmonchan's stunned face after having his right fist caught in the crushing grip, Charmeleon thought it his time to return him the favor. He rammed his own Mega Punch directly into Hitmonchan still to stun to move.
Hitmonchan was knocked back after the powerful move. He was quite shock by the sudden turn of events but quickly recovered the pain and got back up ready to get revenge for the humiliation of getting hit by his own move.
Red's was starting to see the battle beginning to change from him losing horribly to a more balanced setting. He also saw that his Gible was able to dodge the incoming attack from Hitmonlee leading to Koul's fighting type to crash straight into the floor.
Gible saw his foe was down and pounced at him with teeth barred at him. He chomped down right onto Hitmonlee's head which also could be considered as his torso.
-"Yeeeahhh!"- Hitmonlee cried in pain as he sprung to his feet. He tried to pluck off the annoying creature off him by using his hands but no matter how hard he tried, Gible wouldn't budge.
-"Get off me you little runt!"- Hitmonlee cried.
"Hitmonlee, stop trying to use your useless hands and use your feet to get that monster off you," Koul harshly ordered.
"Feet are useless in his situation," Ken spat. "He would have done a much better job if would have been trained in using his hands more than his feet."
"What do you mean feet are useless in this situation?!" Koul shouted outrage by such a response. "Just watch fool." On cue, Hitmonlee stretched out his extendable leg and managed to get to hit Gible, making him let go. He then spun around to kick Gible as if he was a soccer ball.
Koul gave his partner a sly smirk but Ken ignored him. "Hitmonchan, don't let him get you again and attack him with a Drain Punch then Sky Uppercut."
Hitmonchan complied which he did by ramming his fist straight Charmeleon's chest. He watched his fiery foe cringed as he drained some energy out of him to restore some of his energy. Once the Punching Pokemon had enough, he upper-cutted him with his other gloved fist.
Charmeleon landed right next to Gible. He cursed under his breathe. He couldn't believe he was getting a beating this bad. He saw his partner and noticed he also had received a terrible pounding.
-"Screw this crap. I can't take this humiliating defeat!"- Charmeleon cried, getting back up.
"Woah, calm down!" Red said seeing Charmeleon sending a blast of fire straight into the air. "Control yourself, buddy!"
-"Don't tell me to control my anger until you realize we have no chance against these guys,"- Charmeleon vilely said.
-"Can't give in yet,"- Gible muttered weakly getting back up. –"I will still battle…"-
Red admired Gible's courage to keep fighting. He glanced at his starter. "You can't give up, yet. There were many battles that we fought and you never gave up. What happened to that spunk you had when you were a Charmander? Though, it is still your choice if you want to keep on fighting."
Charmeleon widened his eyes. It seemed he was about to hesitate but he quickly spun around and glared at his opponent. –"Let's keep going then."-
"Alright, that's the spirit," Red cheered. "Lets try this one more time. Flamethrower and Dragon Rage!"
This time both of Red's Pokemon managed to fire their attacks before the fighting duo could react. Both fiery attacks merged with each other doubling the size of the fire but it now turned into a light blue stream of fire with sparks of red and white escaping the combined move.
The merging of attacks was so unexpected for Trainer Red. The blend of colors were stunning to him and it reminded him of Vladimir and Electra's own combo moves they created.
Combos…? The word seemed mysterious but Red finally figured out that could be his key to beating Sabrina. A woman who could read his mind but her ability would be render useless if she didn't know what the commands meant.
The unanticipated combo hurled Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee unable to block the powerful attack. Charmeleon and Gible seized their attacks and admired their handy work. Both guys were quite satisfied with their combo because they placed all of their strength and emotion into that one attack. They were so glad it totally changed them, literally.
Red gasped when both of his party members were engulfed in a white glow that could only meant one thing for a trainer. "Their-Evolving!"
Gible, who was the first to finish evolving, doubled in size. He now was much more skinnier than his previous pudgy version and stood on two strong legs armed with longer arms with one tipped claws. He also now had a more distinguishable neck and head. Sharp teeth protruded from his mouth and having mean looking eyes made his image more intimidating and serious. He also adopted a new scale color more similar to his Dragon Rage attack.
Charmeleon, by Red's standards believed as the more drastic change, grew until he was taller then his trainer. His belly also grew making him twice as wide as Red and grew thicker legs to support his new heavy weight. His tail extended so far that it flopped on the ground, not having enough muscle to keep it up. The most noticeable new feature was the two large wings that sprouted from his back with teal insides. He also obtained a new skin color which was a bright orange instead of the deep shade of red.
Red took out his Pokedex and first pointed it at Gible's evolved form more curious of his form than Charmeleon.
"Gabite: the Cave Pokemon. Gabite is a territorial creature. To protect their homes, they will run at high speeds, slashing any enemies out of their way as they go. Also, they are known for their scales that is said to have medicinal properties and can heal most illnesses."
"Charizard: the Flame Pokemon. Its wings can carry this Pokémon close to an altitude of 4,600 feet. It spits fire that is hot enough to melt boulders and it is said that Charizard's fire burns hotter if it has experienced harsh battles."
-"What?! Why am I fat now?!"- Charizard exclaimed patting his pot belly. –"I don't like my evolution now."- Charizard groaned and faced his comrade who when from pudgy to skinny. He now envied him for he was more intimidating him.
"Dragon Claw and Air Slash," Red read out loud the moves from his Pokedex. "Alright, we got this guys."
"See! Your weak punching moves didn't stop them from evolving," Koul snapped at his rival.
"What do you mean it's my fault?" Ken barked back. "It's your silly kicking techniques that failed us!"
"My attack aren't useless an I'll show you right now," Koul said back. "Hitmonlee, Rolling Kick. Show them what you're made of."
"Don't fail me now Hitmonchan and show our lesser rival your power with Drain Punch!" Ken ordered.
Red was now excited wanting test his new Pokemon power and moves. "Charizard, use Air Slash while Gabite go for a Dragon Claw."
Hitmonlee hopped forward and spun around before lashing out his extendable leg. However, his long legs got in the way of Hitmonchan, who sprinted right into the leg, got his throat caught on the limb. The Punching Pokemon collapsed on the floor gasping for air.
-"That's what you get you punching maniac,"- Hitmonlee rudely said.
-"I'll get you for that you kicking buffoon,"- Hitmonchan coughed.
"Tell your freaky legged creature to not get in my way," Ken scolded.
"What do you mean? He did your guy a favor but not letting him make a fool of himself," Koul laughed.
Red had to stop himself from face palming himself. Sometimes, I think I'm fighting a bunch of kids instead of two hardcore black belts, Red thought. He realized his Pokemon haven't moved yet.
-"Why am I so fat and sluggish now,"- Charizard whined. He finally began to move step by step, making small tremors after every step he took, fueling his annoyance of his newfound weight. He extended his large wings which felt quite weird for Charizard. He never figured he would get a chance to have wings this quick and so wasn't prepared for this sudden change.
A white glow took over his wings as he prepared his new attack. The moved tickled his wings but he kept concentrated on the arguing torso with bendy legs. Them being distracted was a blessing for Charizard or else he never would have pulled off this move. He swung his left wing at Hitmonlee in a slicing manner, firing a large crescent-shaped blade of air that slashed Hitmonlee causing him to cry in pain.
-"Woah!"- Charizard struggled to regain balanced having thrust a little to far and his body weight was shifting forward.
Hitmonchan saw his partner fall to an Air Slash but also saw this as an opportunity to fight back at the giant dragon-like Pokemon. He swiftly got onto his feet and charged at his intended opponent. He swung a glowing fist and it met a glowing blue claw.
-"What the fu-!" Hitmonchan got a slashed across the face by Gabite's Dragon Claw.
Charizard breathed a sigh of relief when he finally got back onto his feet. –'Thanks you saved me there,"- Charizard thanked haven seen his rescue. His response was simple nod of his head .
-And it seems he also has become more serious. That's a change that I can accept because I couldn't really stand his goofy demeanor,"- Charizard smirked.
"Grr…Hitmonlee get back in there and Mega Kick!"
"Hitmonchan, you got to Mega Punch them!"
"Charizard catch Hitmonlee's foot with Metal Claw and Mega Punch him back while Gabite strike with Dragon Claw," Red ordered.
Hitmonlee swung his right leg aiming for Charizard's head but the strong attack was blocked by a sturdy Metal Claw. Charizard smirked at his now defenseless foe and struck back with a Mega Punch to the fighting Pokemon's face. The incredible Kicking Pokemon was knocked out having endured too much for its body to handle.
Meanwhile, Gabite experimented with his newfound agility and dodged the Mega Punch. He went low to strike with a Dragon Claw in an uppercut fashion to end the Punching Pokemon's reign in this battle and bring this fight to a close.
"Hitmonchan!"
"Hitmonlee!"
Both karate guys fell onto their knees devastated by their defeat.
-"Hehe, that was some speed you got their,"- Charizard remarked. –"I actually enjoyed your assistance for this battle."-
Gabite turned around him with sinister smile but somehow it turned into a goofy smile. –"Yay, Charmeleon is now Gabite's best friend! We can be rock biting buddies and bite rocks all day long!"-
Red remembered that goofy look all to well. He may now have a different form but he still retains his goofy attitude. He was quite happy with that but knew he was going to expect more painful headaches in the future.
-"Ughh…Dammit,"- Charizard cursed not happy of him still having a stupid personality. –"Well, I guess you can't erase stupid from Pokemon even with evolution."-
"I would have won if you weren't in my way," Ken pointed an accusing finger at Koul.
"Hey, I was the doing all of the work!" Koul defiantly said raising a fist. Ken saw that as an intent to start to fight and got up to his feet, raising his fists as to fight.
"Ken and Koul please stop your bickering," cried out a loud voice. Everyone in the dojo feel silent and from the only door in this sweaty place was a tall, muscular man that put Ken and Kiyo to shame with their bulk size. He also had karate guy garments on but he had the sleeves ripped off.
"Karate King!" both karate freaks shrieked and got on their knees bowing to him.
"Karate…King?" Red uncertainly said.
Ken overheard him. "Yes this guy is the greatest man ever to live. He has mastered over 30 types of martial arts. People from all over the world come here to get a chance to be trained by him but only the best get that chance," Ken dramatically said. "Also he was before Saffron's Gym Leader until that cheater of a woman with her Psychic Pokemon took his position.
"Yes, I am Kiyo the Karate King and the owner of this fine dojo," Kiyo announced. "And I still seem two of my best students are still fighting over their different fighting styles."
Ken and Koul began to ask for forgiveness but Kiyo silence them with his hand.
"Enough for both of you! Now step aside as I greet our new guest," Kiyo sternly said. The grown men grimly sat on the outskirts of the floor padding joining the other students that were sitting.
"I welcome you here kid and speak your name," he said admiring his Pokemon that were still on the field.
Red returned his Pokemon thanking them for a great match. "I'm Red Ketchum from Pallet Town. I'm a trainer striving fro the title of Pokemon Champion of Kanto!"
"Hmm…strong goals you have there," he remarked. "I like that! Unlike other kids I met, you're the only one who I can see the determination in their eyes and soul."
Red took that as a compliment. "Thank you, sir!"
The Karate King produced a red and white Pokeball. "Now that you have fought my two greatest students, let's see if you have what it takes to take on me, the Karate King," Kiyo said, outstretching his muscular arms to show off the rather worn Pokeball probably due to the extreme training he has been.
Red felt quite honored to be challenged by a powerful trainer. He didn't know how well he would fare against him but accepted either way.
"You got it!"
"Let's not waste any time," Kiyo said already releasing his starting Pokemon.
Standing five feet tall was a very muscular, pale blue Pokemon with four arms on its torso. It was also the first Pokemon Red saw that sported human clothing since it had black underwear with a large belt around it. Flexing all four arms it was hyped up for a good battle.
Red flipped opened his Pokedex to gather more data besides already knowing it was a fighting type.
"Machamp: the Superpower Pokemon. With four arms that react more quickly than it can think, it can execute many punches at once. Machamp is known as the Pokémon that has mastered every kind of martial arts. However, this Pokémon tends to leap into action before it thinks."
Red felt like this was a powerful Pokemon and knew it mainly used fighting attacks. He didn't wanted to use his hurt Pokemon so he choose one that resisted Fighting attacks and could fight back with raw power.
"Standby for Battle, Nidoking!" Red shouted releasing his Poison/Ground-type Pokemon.
Appearing firmly on his hind legs, Nidoking saw his opponent and immediately brought his claws together.
-I'm not going to lose this time. I've evolved which means I'm far more powerful, and I shall not let my mobility hider me this time,"- Nidoking thought determinedly taken one step forward.
"You have the first move," Kiyo said.
Red nodded and took this time to examine his options. He could just have Nidoking charge into attacking him but instantly saw that as a bad idea. He figured that he was going to have to get Machamp to attack first so he can retaliate more efficiently.
"Alright, Nidoking, we are going to start with a Focus Energy," Red ordered.
Nidoking gritted his teeth realizing that his trainer didn't wan him to move yet. –"How am I going to learn to use my body if I don't move,"- Nidoking muttered under his breathe. He was thinking about dismissing his trainer's order but ultimately decided to go with it trusting his judgment. He closed his eyes and lowered his head as he began to concentrate as his body began to emit a white glow.
"Looks like we are free to attack, Machamp," Kiyo said, giving the air a few punches and ending it with a high kick. "Dynamic Punch!"
Machamp lowered his lower right arm and concentrated all of his strength into that fist. Once the fist was charged with power which it showed by glowing a red-orange color, Machamp broke into a run. He dashed towards Nidoking at a rather fast pace. As he got closer, he lifted his radiant fist.
Red bite his lip as he watched from afar. He then noticed Nidoking's body returned to normal. He didn't waste a second to shout his next command. "Now Horn Attack, Nidoking!"
Nidoking's eyes snapped right opened just time to see his opponent reeling his hand back ready to punch at full force. That, however, left him in a very susceptible position. The Superpower Pokemon's chest was wide open and focused all of his strength into that one attack. The evolved Pokemon shoved his large, purple horn right in the middle of his foe's chest.
"Ack!" Machamp grunted as the horn pierced his chest. He lost his focus and tried to walk away but then felt his body being lifted. He looked down and saw that he was being hauled up by Nidoking and with a sharp twitch of his head, threw him straight into the air.
Machamp roughly landed on the mats head first. He quickly recovered and rolled back onto his feet. He was a bit shaken but was still ready to battle. His right hand was placed across his chest in the place Nidoking attacked him.
Red noticed small, purple drops were leaking from his Pokemon's horn. Could this mean…that he managed to poison Machamp, Red wondered remembering his Pokemon's ability.
Kiyo also took notice on the fact that Nidoking could have poisoned his Pokemon. "It seems that my Machamp has been poisoned which may seem dreadful as first, but this also helps me."
-"When does being poisoned ever help?"- Nidoking grunted.
Machamp smirked. –"It's useful when you have my ability,"- he replied, to which Nidoking snarled.
"Machamp, with Guts ability now activated, attack with a boosted Close Combat!" Kiyo shouted.
"Nidoking brace the attack. I know that you can," Red said.
Nidoking held his ground and crossed his arms as Machamp sprinted towards him with a four of his hands raised into fists. He did a slight hop when he was close enough and landed with his first punch that his foe managed to block first with his arm but that was the only punch Red managed to clearly see. After that, Machamp began to furiously clobber Nidoking with an array of punches from all of his fists. He arms moved so fast that they all seem a blur to Red.
"Nidoking, you got to push him away. Use arms or your horns. Anything!" Red pleaded watching helplessly as his Pokemon was being beat to pulp.
-I'm at the mercy of his assault,- Nidoking thought as he tried to move only to be brought back by a single punch. Not even his hard hide could save him from the pain of every single punch which felt like a sledgehammer being drop onto him a hundred times all over his body. He tried to shove his shoulder into Machamp but failed and was nearly knocked onto his back by an uppercut to the face. Luckily, he was saved by his tail with its massive bulk and strength kept him on his two feet.
-"Wait! My tail!"- Nidoking remembered his large rear extension carried most of his strength in his body. Keeping that in mind, he tried to find an opening to strike back. Thanks to his Focus Energy he was able to see the punches more clearly as if they were slowed down, watching every single fist collaborate with his tough hide.
-"Now!"- Machamp leaned back to get enough momentum for one of his punch when Nidoking decided to move. He swiftly spun around and swung his mighty tail at Machamp. The expert fighting-type couldn't do anything to stop the incoming tail that had more than enough force to knock him back and crash into the wall.
Machamp left a large crater in the wall and drop onto the ground. After taken a powerful blow like that, everybody was surprised that Machamp still managed to get back right up on his feet but drop to his knees feeling the poison course through his body.
"Uhh…sorry for the hole in the wall," Red apologized.
Kiyo shook his head. "Don't be boy. That was an excellent maneuver performed by your Pokemon, and for that, I won't make you pay for the repairs."
Red sighed in relief. Crap, that would have been bad to pay for a damaged wall. Nidoking needs to be gentler, Red thought.
"Don't keep your eyes off this match for a second!" Kiyo shouted making Red jump.
"O-sorry," Red said. "Alright, Nidoking fire an Ice Beam!"
Nidoking felt a bit bitter still not being able to move but went with his trainer's orders. Lowering his massive head, Nidoking fired his Ice Beam from the tip of his horn.
"Machamp, block it with you're arms!" Kiyo unnecessarily shouted his command even though Machamp was a few feet a away from him. He than repeated his Pokemon's movements of arms being crossed in defense.
Machamp caught the Ice Beam in his defending arms and grunted as he felt his four arms become coated in a thick layer of ice. All of his forearms were stuck together thanks to the ice that encased them. Machamp endured the coldness and struggled to break the frozen water.
Now's our chance! Red raised a finger to Machamp. "Quick Nidoking, Tackle him while he is frozen!"
-"Finally,"- Nidoking smirked, breaking into a slow sprint. He nearly stumbled over his own feet but was able to regain his balance. He felt like he was getting control over his new form which gave him some sense on accomplishment so far.
The Superpower Pokemon tried to pull out his arms of the icy handcuffs but t no avail. Seeing Nidoking approach him to take advantage of his defenseless position, Machamp decided to use raw power to get out. He brought the ice down to his body and lifted his right leg up, striking the ice with his bare knee. It was successful for cracks began to appear on the surface of the frost. He quickly did it again breaking the encasing which was a victory for him but a victory for Nidoking.
-"Take this!"- Nidoking shouted ramming his whole body into Machamp. He carried his opponent's body and wanted to ram him into the wall.
Red felt nervous when he saw Nidoking kept going. He didn't want to pay for a brand new wall. He had to stop Nidoking.
"Machamp, Vital Throw him now!" Kiyo said cutting Red off. The karate Master leaped back as if he was expecting something big to come his way.
-"Hehe, don't think that you got me,"- Machamp sneered. He firmly planted his feet on the ground and grabbed Nidoking's back. Using the momentum that Nidoking provided with his tackle, Machamp easily picked up his heavy foe, flipping him upside down, and spun around using the ball of his feet as a pedestal. Once he came around, he slammed his Poison foe onto the mats with all of his force.
"Wah!" Red felt the floor shake beneath him. He couldn't help but awe in the spectacular counter move that Machamp has just preformed.
Nidoking's groans alerted Red of his situation. -"Gah! That really hurt," Nidoking gasped, who got the air knock right out of him.
Machamp towered over him proudly but then he clutched his chest squinted his face in agony. The powerful Pokemon was again feeling the effects of the poison.
Even in pain, Nidoking took noticed of his opponent letting g his guard down. Without his trainer's command, Nidoking flicked his tail which happened to be right next to Machamp and swept him of his feet. He quickly, and awkwardly, got back onto his feet.
"Machamp, quick attack him with Close Combat," Kiyo shouted. "It's getting close and I can feel it in my blood that this will be an epic final battle."
Grr… I think I can let Nidoking use that move. I just hope this time he would be more in control with having a Focus Energy up, Red revealed. He figured he had to fight power with power.
"Nidoking, use Thrash on him!" Red shouted.
Nidoking's eyes nearly popped right open. He turned towards his trainer to make sure his ears weren't still disoriented form the fall. –"But I won't be able to control myself."-
"I believe that you can control your strength this time because you still have Focus Energy with you to help you," Red said, nodding his head.
-"Hmm….yeah! That could work,"- Nidoking excitingly said. From within his body, Nidoking pulled out an enormous amount of rage. His eyes turned red as well as his body.
-"You alright, pal,"- Machamp backed away from the transformed Nidoking.
-"Prepare to feel real pain,"- Nidoking snarled. In his eyes, everything seemed to have a red tint to it but he was able to see his opponent more clearly with his elevated focus. He still had anger running through his mind but it didn't completely cloud his thoughts to the point its blind rage.
Machamp took that as a challenge was first to move. Nidoking roared and pounced at his muscular foe. Machamp took a punch to the face but he was nimble to respond with another punch to his foe's gut. He thought that he was going to win because he was much faster than his bulky opponent but what he didn't know was that during Thrash, Nidoking's speed also increased. He was taken surprise when Nidoking jabbed his left fist right into chest knocking back.
"Come one, Machamp! That's not a ruthless assault!" Kiyo shouted.
Machamp spat out dry saliva and attacked Nidoking with all four fists. Nidoking and Machamp exchange blows at an incredible speeds to which seem as complete blur to Red and the rest of the people watching.
The two ended their scuffle in stalemate, with Nidoking's fist each caught by two of Machamp's hand. The fighting-type was struggling to keep the quivering poison-type in place. Both fighters shook their heads to get rid of the sweat build up on their face. Nidoking snarled in Machamp's face to which he act in response by pushing back the massive Drill Pokemon a few feet.
"Come on, Nidoking! Push back will all of your strength!" Red cried.
-"Grr…"- Nidoking barely heard his trainer's words. He tried to push back but it was no use. He hated how he couldn't even make this guy move an inch.
-Why can't….you just fall?!- Nidoking furiously thought. –I don't know why Red thought I was the right Pokemon for the job. Why couldn't he have chosen Charmeleon or even Gible!? I far too weak to handle anything now…-
Red heart jumped a beat when Machamp managed to push him back a few more feet and it seemed like Nidoking was going to give in. "Nidoking, don't give up now! I know you probably didn't want to fight since you still don't know how to use your body yet, but I placed into this battle because I knew you had the power to defeat this guy. I entirely believe you have the strength to fight this guy. I placed my faith in your own power."
Nidoking's arms were getting weaker by the second. –Really? He actually believes I have that much power…? Nidoking strengthen his claws around Machamp's own hands. He still felt quite angry sue to being in frenzy mode but that didn't stop him from feeling quite proud that his trainer believed in him. He finally overcame the anger in him and transferred it from meaningless rage but onto a goal. He forced all of his anger and power into his goal to defeat his opponent.
-"What?!"- Machamp hand's were in the crushing grip of his rival. He tried to pull back but were locked into placed. He attempted next to free himself by ramming his knee into Nidoking gut but was lifted up before he could so.
Nidoking swung Machamp like a rag doll from side to side. He then changed it by throwing in the air a couple feet and caught him by the torso. His many armed foe squirmed in his grip but Nidoking had a grasp that could stop a train from leaving the station. He raised him high up and in split second brought him to the ground.
Kiyo cringed when he felt the floor shake from the impact. He gasped when he saw that his ultimate Pokemon was completely knocked out.
-"Ugh…I don't feel so well,"- Nidoking muttered, his evil aura now gone. He clutched his head feeling the aftereffects of using Thrash which as a bothersome headache. –"But I did it, Red."- He twisted head towards Red, and gave him the best smile he could muster.
Red nodded back with his own smile. "You did well, Nidoking I knew you could do it. Now, take rest." Red returned him back into his Pokeball.
"I can't believe this! The Karate King lost!" Koul exclaimed, pulling his hair out.
"This can't be happening!" Ken cried with tears in his eyes.
"Silence!" Kiyo shouted, getting everybody in the small room to shut up. He peacefully returned his fainted Machamp back into his Pokeball.
"Ken, please bring me one of those expert belts," the dojo's owner ordered.
"But sir, those are you only meant for the students that manages to pass the dojo's final exam and that kid isn't even a student here," Ken said.
"Stop!" Kiyo shouted. "This trainer's Pokemon has defeated my most valuable team member. His Nidoking is the one deserving the Expert Black Belt to show the world he has defeated the Karate Master."
Ken nodded and retrieved a long black belt and handed it to his master.
"Give this to your Nidoking as a reminder of his win against the Karate King's Machamp," Kiyo said handing over the belt into Red's hands.
"Thank you, sir," Red said.
"Stay close to your dreams Red and I'm sure you'll get there with such good Pokemon on your side," Kiyo smiled. "But as for you two."
Ken and Koul cringed when their teacher turned around to face them.
"You guys are still fighting over your fighting styles," he sighed. "You guys could take a few notes from Red who in fact took both of your moves and managed used them together on his team."
Ken and Koul bowed their heads to Kiyo in understanding.
"I'm sorry master," Ken apologized. "I'll try harder to get along with my rival."
"As will I master," Koul spoke up. "I will embrace my rival's battling style."
Red thanked the karate master for a great training session. He managed to evolve two of his Pokemon but that alone didn't guarantee the win for him in his upcoming rematch. He wanted to practice his combos.
"You're going to go far kid," Kiyo bowed his head to Red and he did so also.
Red left the hot dojo into the cool outdoors and tried to figure the way to the Pokemon Center.
The Karate King turned to his students ready to make a speech once Red left. "Alright, you fools get out of here! It's closing time for me!" he said.
