The Rival Duel

Bruised and torn down, the Wartortle collapsed in one of its own made puddles of water on the sodden grass battlefield ahead. Rain began to trickle down from above as rolling grey clouds appeared, menacingly climbing over Mt. Chimney and the Hoenn Sea horizon. Storms were forecast, and the non-stop downpour in the early morning had fended away a lot of local audience members from the first day. Preferring the warmth of their own homes, only the veterans of the game were there watching as their soaking seats began to leak with rainwater. Battles were scrappy, rough and incredibly brutal as powerful attacks collided and sent mud flying everywhere, but for trainers this would be a real test. Could they battle in these wild conditions, or would they beckon down to the weather and vanish in the heat. Most of the trainers still competing had seen it before, won their battles and conquered with ease, however some were nowhere near ready.

A tall dark haired trainer, his skin dripping with sweat and rain beckoned, his airborne Swellow diving around through the whipping winds above, "Use Aerial Ace, finish this off!"

"Wartortle, push it back with Aqua Tail!"

The Turtle Pokemon was now struggling despite the watery conditions as it swung around its majestically white tail and slammed it hard against the oncoming Swellow. Mud spluttered in all directions as Swellow had managed to overpower it once again cannoning hard into the ground. Second of silence with the Swallow Pokemon returning into the sky, feathers falling off its body as the rain pushed them into the ground like daggers, but the battle had been won. One trainer sank to the ground, frustrated and angry with his Pokemon shivering in the cold as it limped away, but one punched the air with joy before rushing into the nearby warmth of the dressing rooms. The crowd applauded, but under the storm nothing could be heard at all with the rain continuing to fall.

Heavy drops of liquid continued to empty from the menacingly grey clouds above as they twisted and turned throughout the battles. A sodden referee wiped sweat and rainwater from his neck, his yellow shirt completely drenched as he tried to remain focussed and professional. Referees would always suffer during poor weather conditions, but the Pokemon were the ones really taking the damage. Weather changed battles, changed the attitudes of how each creature would battle and also the confidence of their trainers. Would you really risk your Fire Types during a rainstorm even if it was your last resort to win a battle? Morals and ethics collided with personality, and referees had seen it all and managed with it all.

Chris was the first trainer to appear on the muddy field, a black poncho flickering in the wind with mud spluttering from all sides as the downpour continued to increase its velocity. Every step left a deep imprint on the grass field and every word muttered was not heard at all with the crowd disappearing to the undercover areas of the stadium, situated high above, as they applauded the upcoming challengers. The screen, perched even higher and fighting with the windy conditions, flashed into life as images of two trainers appeared. Nobody knew of their past, and their names remained strangely unknown to the local crowds. Rivalry was on the cards, but this was kept away from the public eye.

Shattering the tension, Rod had appeared with his usual brown trainer shirt albeit sodden and dripping, already regretting not taking a poncho along to the battle. Preparations had been completed, frustration mixed into a sense of adrenaline and excitement, but he felt ready for yet another three on three duel. Despite the intensive media outlook from his previous battle, Rod felt a strange sense of calm ever since the crack of dawn that morning and he had no idea why. Expectations had been set from the media, but Forrest had forced him to think in a more polar way. He could only impress himself here, and nobody else, and after an impressive first outing, could he continue against a trainer he despised so much? Chris had defeated him back in Dewford Town, his Crawdaunt wiping him apart before Rod could even consider, but how would things work in an official battle?

The weather had grown even worse, but visibility had returned as the morning fog disappeared into the grey cauldron of clouds above. Stirring and continuing to mix colder temperatures to be sent below to a world so mercilessly, Rod trudged his way to his position with minor applauses heard from high above with lights beckoning down to reveal a torn up field once flush and green with grass. Shifting his headband so it soaked some of the rain water, Rod glanced at his rival from across as they stared each other down with stern impressions. No words were communicated as the referee began to chant the usual rules and expectations, but Rod just wanted to begin. He had his three Pokemon ready, and his mind was completely clear for whatever Chris would throw at him. It wouldn't be a clean battle, but he was willing to grind to get the result he wanted.

Lightning flashed high above in the descending clouds, and Rod drew his Pokeball with slight applause ailing from the surrounding seating. Taking a deep breath, he threw it high into the air as it exploded into life, unleashing the power within as it materialised into the four-legged Seed Pokemon of Ivysaur. His Starter Pokemon had experience and a growing bond, capsulated with its recent evolution, Rod had no thought to hold back now. Ivysaur roared loudly, extending its four vines before smashing them into the muddy ground, sending water spiralling around into the whirlwind of rain.

Chris smiled, his arrogant smug something Rod had been familiar with since they first met in what seemed months ago now. The crowd had grown interest, a few bodies perked up in interest despite the conditions, as the trainer from Hoenn released his first Pokemon choice. Flashing into view, Rod squinted as he noticed it stood on its hind legs, stretching taller than his Ivysaur, with its arms soaked in the rain along with leaves bending off it. A long leaf extended off its head, as of which it smacked to the ground in similar fashion to Ivysaur's Vine Whip.

Whipping his Pokedex out, Rod clicked it into life as it spluttered, 'Grovyle, the evolved form of Treecko, and known as the Wood Gecko Pokemon. It is known for its athletic ability to climb and move between trees to deliver powerful attacks.' Athletic and ability to climb, but yet the battlefield barely had anywhere for it to move with the mud and broken boulders from the previous battle. Chris continued to smile, his yellowing teeth showing clearly through the dampen temperatures as he shrugged and glanced at the referee who called for them to make the first move.

It was now or never, and revenge was on the cards, Rod commanded with his arm pointed forwards, "Ivysaur, use Vine Whip!"

Four powerful Vines shot forwards, bending the rain to one side as they heading for imminent contact. Grovyle spat a small twig from its mouth, landing in the ground as it pointed out from the mud, before jumping high into the air with the Vines following quickly. The Wood Gecko Pokemon back-flipped acrobatically as it began to jump on each of the Vines, using them as make shift platforms with Ivysaur growing frustrated below. Chris chuckled, his laugh going straight through to Rod's heart as he felt frustrating brewing, and his arrogant expression continued to shine brightly. Grovyle expertly avoided the attacks before diving down, its head-leaf bending before Ivysaur was caught completely off guard.

The Seed Pokemon screeched in pain as Grovyle landed with a powerful Pound attack, smashing Ivysaur straight on its head, flattening the four legged Pokemon to the ground, its Vines returning quickly. Chris commanded, his voice arcing through the constant downpour from above, "Grovyle, finish this with a Low Sweep!"

Ivysaur had no time to react as it was flipped to one side, Grovyle using its long legs to extend forwards and wiping the Seed Pokemon aside. Rod could only watch in pure annoyance, the two Grass Types were completely different despite their Type similarities. Ivysaur was much more defensive and grounded, whilst Chris' choice was much more agile and able to deal further damage. Another Low Sweep hit again with Razor Leaves and Vine Whips hitting nothing but the drowning air around. Rod had lost the first battle here, in a shocking display of expertness and brilliance from Chris who got his tactics right once again.

Raising his Pokeball, feeling horrible with frustrating bubbling upside coupled with anger, Rod returned his defeated Starter Pokemon and stared down his opposition yet again. Chris laughed, cheekily sticking his tongue out and using his fingers in a "bring it on" movement that Rod shook his head. Choosing to remain silence and trying to relax his mind despite the arrogant opponent before him, he had to completely change up his tactics once again. He needed something much faster and more agile to deal with this challenge, but it couldn't be ground-based, it would be too obvious.

Fletchinder appeared next, the Fire and Flying type hybrid that had evolved on their way to Dewford Island a few weeks back. The Ember Pokemon appeared from within its Pokeball as it exploded into view, unleashing fiery rays into the world that were instantly diminished by the rain. Fletchinder took the air immediately, high above the stadium as the water dampened its feathers and slightly delayed its movements. Rod had to get a win in this round here to avoid having to take on three of Chris' Pokemon with just one. Chris smiled yet again, obviously happy with Rod's choice as he ignored him and awaited for his move.

Adjusting his hat, in a slow and elegant fashion, the crowd applauding his movements and nature, Chris called loudly, "Grovyle, use Bullet Seed! Get it down, come on!"

The Wood Gecko opened its mouth and fired round after round of heavy seeds as they flashed white and appeared in the sky. Under Rod's immediate reply, Fletchinder began to move and dodge the attacks expertly with its clear advantage of space and area to move. Rod was in no mood to play a defensive game now, especially with a Pokemon down, as he retorted, "Fletchinder, use Flame Charge!"

Fire and light exploded high in the murky and dark day as the clouds continued to roll in menacingly above, Fletchinder caught fire instantly and fired towards the ground leaving a trail of smoke in its wake. Grovyle raised both of its arms in a crossing motion, but was soon completely overloaded by the attack in the pouring rain. Rod punched the air in joy at finally landing a proper hit, but the battle was still not over as his Ember Pokemon returned to the sky still glowing with fire before it got extinguished in the rain. Grovyle appeared from the smoke, looking damaged but somewhat fresh to his surprise with Chris now laughing loudly, his voice echoing around the stadium as some of the spectators began to applaud.

Chris shook his head and coughed, "Pathetic! Grovyle, jump and use Leaf Blade! Finish this!"

To Rod's horror, and utter surprise, the Wood Gecko Pokemon bent its legs and hopped its way high into the sky above as Fletchinder was forced to dive back. Grovyle roared loudly, its entire body glowing green before the energy focussed on its arms and leaves. Spinning wildly in a circle, Fletchinder was hit multiple times by complete surprise as it fell to the ground, the rain intensifying above, and hit the mud with almighty splash. The sound of utter finality and defeat as Rod fell to his knees unsure of how this had just happened, but yet he was two Pokemon down to Chris' full team awaiting ahead of him. Applause shattered the silence as Rod wiped rainwater from his brow and neck before looking at a laughing Chris.

His rival called, waving his hands and spitting on the ground, "It's pouring with rain, Rod. Rain and water! Why would you choose a Fire type against me? Pathetic!"

His words stung slightly, and the crowd had gone quiet as a response to the aggressive tone he used by Chris looked completely unpaved and uncaring with Rod on his knees ahead. Fletchinder was returned with Grovyle returning to its starting position and picking up the soaking wet twig from the ground and placing it back into its mouth. It looked bored, arrogant like its trainer, but undeniably strong and diverse with its move-set and ability to dodge and attack quickly. Rod had been completely blown aside, and he could already hear the clicking of cameras for the media to present on the news the next day. The fallen underdog, but he couldn't give up now, not when he had a tournament ahead of him to win.

Drawing out his final Pokeball from his pocket, feeling it vibrate in its hands and knowing what had to be done now. Rod did not want to have to use this Pokemon in a battle with Chris because of the history they had once together, but it was one of his strongest right now. Throwing the ball high into the air, the rain catching it slightly, it opened and unveiled the male Nidoran that Chris had abandoned outside of Oldale Town during their first battle. Landing on the ground, Nidoran showed off its growing horn and screeched loudly as even Grovyle took a step back in surprise. Chris' smile vanished for a second before reappearing, like an animal seeing its prey in the distance, and he coughed, "You're still using that thing?"

Rod raised his hand, pointing it directly at Chris and called, "Nidoran is going to take you out for everything you did to it!"

The crowd looked confused at his words as heads began to turn and individuals shrugging, but the understanding of past history was now there. Chris looked stern as he nodded in acknowledgement and cried, wanting to finish the battle quickly, "Grovyle, use Leaf Blade!"

The Wood Gecko Pokemon swung forwards yet again, firing its twig into the ground, as it picked up speed with mud spluttering in all directions. It's arms glowed green yet again, focussing the energy on its leaves that grew longer and sharper, Grovyle jumped before swinging down, but Rod was ready this time, "Nidoran, use Horn Attack! Push it away!"

The Poison Pin Pokemon roared loudly, its horn flashing white before charging towards the oncoming Grovyle. Before the latter could even swung its arm once, Nidoran had made powerful contact on its chest as it forced the heavier Pokemon aside. Nidoran followed up with a continuous round of Fury Attack, charging the Wood Gecko backwards steadily as it tried to block the moves to no avail. Rod had no mercy on his mind now, and Nidoran looked pumped for this battle, a revenge duel with all their strength focussed on winning the battle.

Chris and Grovyle were not defeated though, his Pokemon still looking somewhat fresh despite all the damage done, its true colours of strength showing. Nidoran followed up with a Poison Sting attack, shattering the rain to one side in the process, as it fired nonstop stingers which Grovyle dodged athletically once again. The mud had started to swell between the Pokemon, the grass and rocky boulders moulding into the ground steadily, and Chris commanded, "Stop messing around and finish it! Grovyle, use Pound!"

"Double Kick!"

The Wood Gecko swung its leaf again, smashing it on the ground as Nidoran dodged to one side and quickly swung its hind legs out. Two solid hits landed in a row as Grovyle screeched in pain, clearly winded from the attacks to its chest, and it sank down slightly with the rain still pouring from above. Sodden and frustrated, Chris' face had gone tomato red in anger as he screamed at the top of his lungs, "Leaf Blade! Leaf Blade! Don't stop attacking!"

A brand new feel of the battle then landed in Slateport City Stadium as Nidoran was forced to undergo a tough few minutes of land-stomping attacks. Chris had decided to show no mercy now with Grovyle firing forwards and striking down hard with any limb it could use. Rod's Poison Pin Pokemon failed to avoid of the attacks as it fell before being flattened even further into the mud, its trainer unable to think of a better strategy. Every single attack that landed sent Chris into a whirl of excitement and happiness, a reaction that most of the ground had begun to not enjoy. Booing had begun in Chris' favour but he ignored them all with Rod struggling to survive the constant onslaught.

Grovyle jumped back, panting in exhaustion from all its energy used in the battle, as Nidoran remained standing but shivering in pain and shock. The Poison Pin Pokemon gasped for air with heavy bruises appearing all over its body as it began to show in the rain with the headlights beaming down from above. Rod was close to tears as frustrating and anger got the better of him, his entire battling strategy had been undone and thrown out of the window. There ahead lay the battlefield where would supposedly succeed, but yet nothing had gone his way here and Chris was close to white-washing his entire team.

Rod looked at his Nidoran and bent to the ground, their eyes meeting before he muttered, "It's okay to stop, Nidoran. You're in pain; we'll beat him next time. I don't want to see you in pain anymore."

The Poison Pin Pokemon shook its head, looking furious and frustration as its entire body suddenly began to glow red. Rod took a step back, unsure what was going on as the crowd gasped in shock along with Chris with Nidoran now flashing white. Grovyle's twig fell to the ground as it landed on the ground and shattered into several pieces in the bright light. Rod called out, turning around but nobody was able to say anything as they all looked in shock as Nidoran roared loudly in pain. True and utter pain as its screams beckoned and echoed around the stadium, pulsating energy exploding from its body with Rod being smacked backwards into the dripping mud oozing below. Hitting the ground hard he glanced up to see something enormous in his sight.

Yelling in shock, Rod scrambled to his feet and ran onto the battlefield as his Nidoran's entire body had disappeared and been replaced by something larger. Evolution…but this wasn't right, not right at all. The lights had disappeared to reveal a Pokemon that stood on its hind legs, smoke-purple in colour with a long powerful tail and menacing claws on its forearms. It roared loudly, tears exploding from its eyes as the crowd gasped and screamed in shock along with the referee who shook his head in disbelief. Nidoking…but from a Nidoran?

Rod had no time to think as the Nidoking roared, flashing red before violently swinging its tail and making powerful contact on its own trainer. Rod yelled as he was launched into the air, hitting the ground and rolling several times before landing against the heavy stone walls. His head hit first, as everything went dark around him, as if the lights of the world had just gone out. The roar of a Nidoking shrouded his mind as he fell into darkness, the crowd dispersing in shock as if they had just seen a true monster…

But they really had.

…

"Double Evolution, it only happens in one in a million Pokemon." Norman had spoken softly, his words twisted and shrouded in thoughts as he shifted through various notes and documents he had brought with him. He had been called instantly after Rod had been brought back to the Pokemon Centre for treatment, his Nidoking immediately knocked out because of how it began thrashing in anger and rage. Rod was forced to forfeit from the tournament, another one he had to forego with yet another of his Pokemon evolving into complete chaos and confusion. Nobody could have expected this, and Rod still was in disbelief as to what had just happened. Losing was one thing, but to see the amount of pain his Nidoran had gone through when evolving sporadically was truly terrifying, and Nidoking was still being treated for damage by Nurse Joy and group of Professor Birch's researchers who had come from his lab with the Professor unavailable. "This is really unique though because Nidoran needs a Moon Stone to evolve when it becomes a Nidorino. It completely skipped this step…fascinating."

Rod muttered, the light above his bed flickering slightly as he moaned in pain and scratched the bandage around his head, "What does this mean now though? Will Nidoking always be in pain? It was horrific, Norman."

"The researchers will find out what happens, but you need to rest up. That was a rough battle as it is, and Nidoking may…not be the same as what you remember."

"What do you mean, Norman?"

"Evolution does many strange things, Rod. Nidoking are known for having quick tempers and ferocious aggressiveness with everyone, including its trainers. Be strong, okay?"

Rod wasn't sure what the Petalburg Gym Leader meant by the words but the sense of worry continued to dwell in his body along with frustration and anger. Fletchinder was the first and now Nidoking next, was it just bad luck or was something else playing on the cards here? Emma and Forrest had spoken to him already before allowing him to rest with his head still throbbing from the heavy blow against the side of the battleground. They were the most shocked, their emotions completely twisted and confused but Rod didn't feel like discussing it with them.

Slateport City finally rested that night as the rain stopped, revealing a beaming moon from above that shown down on the flooded streets and marketplace. Rod closed his eyes as a single silver tear appeared from each that trickled across his face and towards the ground…