Scene 37: Fight On!
[ Soon after arriving in the big city, Saffron City, Lyrik meets with the Karate King known as Kiyo. He invites Lyrik to the Fighting Dojo he runs in the middle of town. Kiyo and the rest of his students never thought that a country bumpkin like this small girl would be much of a challenge for them, but they were so wrong…
One after the other Lyrik takes on the strongest Trainers from the Dojo. Although this place used to be Saffron City's one and only Pokémon Gym, after losing their honor to current Gym Leader, Sabrina, the Fighting Dojo is now a Training Facility for those who want to become stronger. These older boys and men may have come a long way to be here, but Lyrik is just as passionate as they are and just as powerful. She proves her worth when she manages to finally defeat Kiyo's top students, even his dear friend, Aaron. Lyrik now stands before Kiyo in the middle of the room, ready to take on the last of her opponents… ]
Kiyo chooses his first Pokémon as Hitmonlee. Each of Lyrik's Pokémon have already battled except for Meowth, but she knows that would be a bad move. Meowth, as a Normal Type Pokémon wouldn't stand a chance against a Fighting-Type Specialist like Kiyo. Although they were all tired, she knew she had to choose one of her Pokémon that had already battled. Charmeleon steps forward before she can make a decision. He gives her a look of confidence.
She had been so upset and worried these past weeks that her Pokémon had yet to evolve. Was it because she wasn't Training them enough? Or maybe it was something she wasn't doing right..? It wasn't until she met with the older Daycare Couple, Toni and Steven, who reminded her that heart had a lot to do with Pokémon Training as well. And ever since then she's tried her best to be kinder to them. And now, finally… after years of being together and Training together, Lyrik's Charmander had finally evolved into a Charmeleon.
He gave a sniff and little sparks of flames puffed out of his nose. Lyrik knew that he was ready to keep fighting. Charmeleon dashed forward at her command, making a swipe for Kiyo's Hitmonlee, but its powerful legs carried him away from the attack. Charmeleon kept at it. Scratch Attack after Scratch Attack, just trying to land a hit. Suddenly, Hitmonlee's leg rammed straight into Charmeleon's gut. He doubled over, "Oh no!" Another kick and Charmeleon went flying. Lyrik and the others thought it was over… But Charmeleon was back on his feet.
Lyrik suddenly remembered something Nurse Joy had told her when she was first given her Pokédex. [ "These little gadgets are actually quite handy for all sorts of things. Not only does it act as your personal identification, it has a collection of data for a whole lot of Pokémon, even the ones you catch!" Lyrik cocked her head to the side, "How does it have information like that?" Nurse Joy smiles as she explains. She flips up the green lid of her Pokédex and pushes a couple buttons, raising the camera in order to scan Lyrik's Charmander. She turns the screen for her to see, "If you look right here it has a complete list of the moves your Pokémon is currently able to use. And as long as you keep this device updated it will continue to collect data, even when your Pokémon have evolved..!" ]
Lyrik reaches around and pulls at her bag. She digs around until her hand finds Dextyn, "I can't believe I forgot!" She points the Pokédex at Charmeleon before he dodges out of range. A screen pops up and Dextyn starts speaking. Lyrik notices a brand new move in Charmeleon's repertoire. She calls to get his attention, "Alright, Charmeleon let's show them just how much stronger you've become!" His tail flame suddenly bursts into the air as he charges up the power. Hitmonlee leaps forward, aiming for another kick. "Now!"
"Use Dragon Breath!" A blast of powerful blue flames surround Hitmonlee, throwing him back. He's been toasted. The room is silent. Kiyo returns his Pokémon, seemingly annoyed. He pulls out another Pokéball, "Not bad. Guess I underestimated you." Lyrik took that as a compliment.
Kiyo's 2nd and final Pokémon was Hitmonchan. Once Dexyn told Lyrik about the Punching Pokémon she had to make a choice. Charmeleon needed to take a break, so which Pokémon should she- Chaaarrrrr!
Lyrik jumped as Charmeleon gave a triumphant roar. He didn't want to stop fighting. But Lyrik wasn't so sure, "You've done enough, Charmeleon. You really should rest." She tried to grab him but Charmeleon pulled away. He stepped back onto the battlefield, ready to take on Hitmonchan. Lyrik sighed and her shoulders slumped. No point in arguing, "Fine then. Use Scratch!"
The match started almost exactly like the previous one. Hitmonchan was quick on his feet, though a little slower than Hitmonlee was. Lyrik and Charmeleon used that to their advantage. They got in a few good hits, thinking that they were pulling ahead, but as soon as Hitmonchan's attack landed- WHAM! Charmeleon went flying!
Just as Hitmonlee's power came from his powerful legs Hitmonchan's fists were extremely dangerous. Lyrik ran to where Charmeleon was struggling to stand. She wanted to call him back- force him to retire from the match, but… she couldn't do it…
Charmeleon pushed past Lyrik and kept going at Hitmonchan. Lyrik knew that Charmeleon was well past his limit, but she didn't think he had realized it. Charmeleon's legs were shaking from just standing and the flame on his tail had gotten low. She knew she should just recall him to his Pokéball, but she also knew how he felt. She could feel how much he wanted to win this battle..!
On and on it went, one dodging an attack and the other following suit. It was a longer match than the others from before. Aaron and all the rest were shocked that Charmeleon was still standing. He had taken several of Hitmonchan's powerful punches and, somehow, was still standing. Kiyo was sweating now. He hadn't expected them to last this long. He knew that Hitmonchan was completely worn out. Both Pokémon were breathing heavily. They stood facing each other, refusing to give in. They knew the match was just about finished…
Lyrik clenched her fist. This had to be the last attack, "Use Fire Fang!" Charmeleon dashed forward. Hitmonchan was there to meet him, "Go! Thunderpunch!" Both attacks were fully charged up and both Pokémon's aim was spot on, but last minute, Hitmonchan collapsed. He had had it. Charmeleon stumbled to a stop, noticing his opponent on the ground. Hitmonchan wasn't moving. His energy had run out first.
Lyrik ran onto the field, hugging Charmeleon. They had really won! Kiyo returned Hitmonchan to its Pokéball, thanking it for such a great match. He looked around at the room. Each of his students stood and bowed before Lyrik. She had proven them wrong. Lyrik, this nobody little girl from nowhere had beaten their top Fighting-Type specialist and had won the challenge. She flushed.
Kiyo stepped forward to congratulate her. As he approached, Charmeleon fell to his knees. Lyrik could feel how hard he was breathing. She was worried. Kiyo kneeled down beside them, "You may have pulled out the win in the end, but Pokémon battles aren't just about power. In order to be truly strong, one must know their limits as well." Lyrik and Charmeleon looked at each other. They were both a little embarrassed to hear that. They may have won the match, but they still had a lot to learn…
Kiyo stepped aside to let Lyrik choose her prize. She had battled against Kiyo's top two Pokémon: Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan. For her prize at winning the Fighting Dojo Challenge she could choose one of these Pokémon to take with her on her journey. She chose Hitmonlee, the Kicking Pokémon. She now had a complete team of 6 Pokémon: Bulbasaur, her newly evolved Charmeleon, Squirtle, Nidoran, Meowth, and now Hitmonlee! With this team she knew she was ready to challenge the real Saffron City Gym Leader..!
Outside, Kiyo and all the rest lined up to say goodbye to Lyrik. Aaron shook hands with Lyrik, apologizing for his rude behavior from before. They had all grown to respect her skills as a Trainer after seeing her battle full-out like that. Kiyo poked again like before, smiling, "Good luck on your Gym Match. I know you're powerful, Lyrik, but so is Sabrina." She nodded. Sabrina must be the name of the Gym Leader. He winked, "You may have beaten me today, but she's on a whole different level." Lyrik only smiled. She cocked an eyebrow and gave him a look, "You should know better than to underestimate me and my Pokémon." Kiyo chuckled. She was right, after all.
She turned to leave, waving to them all once more. As she turned the corner she looked down at her Pokéball. Lyrik thought back to what Kiyo had said. He had meant well, though it had felt an awful lot like a scolding. She gripped the ball even tighter. Lyrik held her head high as she walked on. "I won't stop here- I just can't… I'll continue to grow stronger and stronger everyday with my Pokémon. Challenging the strongest of Trainers and winning all our battles." She gave a grin, "And Sabrina's just another victory waiting to happen..!"