Scene 22: Rival
Lyrik Arc
Lyrik is now 8 years old. She's gotten herself a little reputation as a tough Trainer, taking out any Trainers passing through. Thanks to Tucker's tips, Lyrik has become quite the strong Trainer. But her battling style leaves much to be desired. She's become a bit harsh with her Pokémon. Though she's never out-right brutal, she works them all to the bone everyday; however, after growing up with her, they know just how kindhearted can be.
Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur are all in agreement on what they want most: to be as strong as they can be in order to please Lyrik… They're sure to never lose a match.
One day, Mr. Fuji's old friend comes to visit from Cinnabar Island. He brings along with him his granddaughter, Nikki, and her friend, Marcy. Marcy is in-training of becoming Blaine's personal lab assistant. Blaine has heard about Lyrik's skills as a Trainer. The old man turns to the child, looking her up and down. He remembers her mother as a young girl. He gives Lyrik a wise smile and asks, "So… do you plan to start a journey of your own? Just like your parents did?"
Lyrik flinches at the mention of her parents. Fuji looks down at his granddaughter- Blaine's obviously touched a nerve.
But Blaine is also sure to taunt his little protege. Without saying anything, Blaine planned on using this as a sort of "final test" for Marcy. As the day progresses, it takes one snide remark after the other that forces Marcy into a corner. After all, this young child had beaten every Pokémon Trainer that has passed through Lavender Town… Blaine leans back in his chair, seemingly carefree as he speaks, "But what have you done to prove yourself exactly?" He catches Marcy's eye.
"Who knows? Maybe little Lyrik is actually much better than you…" The room is silent. Nikki squints her eyes hatefully at her grandfather for saying such things. Lyrik may be taking the complement well, but she's still confused as to why he's being so rude. Marcy looks uncomfortable. Mr. Fuji tries to bring the conversation back around, but before he can get another word out Marcy is on her feet. She looks across the table at Lyrik, "In that case, I'll prove it." Lyrik meets her gaze.
"I'll prove that I'm stronger than some kid." Blaine chuckles to himself at Marcy's words. Just as he had hoped. Nikki and Mr. Fuji sigh. They've resigned themselves to keep out of the fight. Lyrik stands to face her challenger. She grins, "Alright then. Let's have a battle."
Something in Mr. Fuji's face seems a bit worried. Lyrik's gotten cocky. He had wondered about Blaine's sudden visit and figured he might be up to something. His old friend hasn't changed in all these years.
The girls head outside. Marcy battles against Lyrik's Pokémon. Lyrik knows that she's a tough Trainer- She uses their brute force in order to win her battles, but she may have finally met her match…
Charmander jumps straight into the battle, but Marcy's Magnemite named Sketchy has a strange ability to levitate. Lyrik isn't used to this type of battle. Charmander is unable to land any moves. Marcy is clever with her battling style- calling out the attacks then quickly retreating into the air before Lyrik has time to counter. Soon enough, Charmander is KO'd… But Lyrik isn't done yet.
The 2nd match is against Squirtle and Marcy's Growlithe named Berry. Lyrik laughs. She has the Type-Advantage now. The two go back and forth, attack after attack, Water Gun versus Ember. And although Lyrik thinks she has this match in the bag, Growlithe is too quick for them to catch. After a powerful Tackle Attack from Growlithe, Squirtle is knocked unconscious.
Lyrik returns Squirtle to his Pokéball. She's never been pushed this hard by the other local Trainers she battled. Mr. Fuji is watching the two girls closely just as Nikki is. Fuji knows that it was a selfish set-up by Blaine to pit the two girls against one another, but maybe this will be good for Lyrik.
Lyrik throws her next Pokéball to reveal Bulbasaur. Marcy returns Growlithe. She pulls out a new Pokéball and closes her eyes. Marcy takes a deep breath, centering herself before the next battle. Her next Pokémon is a Zubat named Gordon. Lyrik isn't happy to be fighting against another Pokémon that can take flight. She calls out the first move. Bulbasaur's Razor Leaf manages to hit its target. He runs forward to attack. Briefly, Lyrik thinks that she's winning, but in the end, Marcy turns things around. Zubat swoops in and out of their predictable counter moves and is able to confuse their opponent. Bulbasaur is hurting himself! Lyrik doesn't know what to do.
Standing beside her grandfather Nikki shakes her head. She calls out to the small girl, "Call Bulbasaur back! There's no point if it's just hurting itself!" Lyrik doesn't want to believe it… Has she really lost..? Zubat is soaring above them; Bulbasaur tries to attack but runs into a tree instead. Lyrik hesitates.
A soft hand is on her shoulder. Lyrik turns to see her Grampa Fuji kneeling down beside her. He smiles, "Sometimes it takes a loss for you to grow stronger." After a moment's hesitation, Lyrik nods. She pulls out her Pokéball and returns Bulbasaur. Marcy is smiling up at Gordon as he comes in for a landing on her shoulder. Blaine joins her, leaning in and whispering something in her ear.
Marcy's proven herself to Blaine by using her smarts in order to win against the tough little Lyrik. She's passed her final test and she's feeling on top of the world. Nikki, on the other hand, doesn't like the relationship they've developed recently and it shows on her face. She crosses her arms, clearly annoyed. Though she doesn't know exactly what it is they've been working on at the Pokémon Mansion back on Cinnabar Island, she still worries about them…
That night, Mr. Fuji talks with his old friend. They sit together on the porch while the girls are enjoying themselves over some dessert. The match seems to have broken the ice and they're now getting along well.
Mr. Fuji is a bit upset that Blaine is still working for that no-good Team Rocket. Blaine, on the other hand, is disappointed that the Doctor Fuji he once admired is gone. Mr. Fuji looks in on the girls sitting inside, "Is she?" Blaine follows his gaze. He nods, "Yes. It's so hard to find help these days. Especially someone good enough to fill your big shoes…" Mr. Fuji turns back to his old friend, "You knew that I couldn't stay there… Not after Amber…" They sit in silence for several long minutes.
"I wasn't sure until I got here, but I guess my old friend really is gone." Blaine sighs, "But maybe's it's for the best. You always were soft." Mr. Fuji gives him a look. Blaine smiles at him, "Don't you worry, old pal. Your cozy little secret's safe with me." They promised a long time ago to go their separate ways, and although they have very different beliefs now, they're still friends.
The following day, Blaine sets out with Nikki and Marcy to return to Cinnabar Island. Lyrik is standing with her Grampa Fuji sending them off. She and Marcy shake hands.
"Just you wait. I'll become a better Trainer, and next time, I'll win." Marcy raises her eyebrow, "We'll see about that." Blaine starts laughing heartedly, "It's always good to have a rival pushing you forward!" Lyrik waves them off as they head out. Mr. Fuji can see the slight difference in her eyes. It's softer. And after that match Lyrik starts to think… maybe there's more to Pokémon Battles than just power..?