So, here's the first in a double update! The first and second challenge of Lenora! Enjoy!

~~**XV**~~

The Battle According to Lenora

Gwen had to admit she was curious as to why the Nacrene Gym was in the museum. But why? And more importantly, how? They would surely mess up the exhibits. What was it with Gym Leaders and their misleading Gyms? First a restaurant, then a museum? What would be next?

"Uh, Lenora..." Gwen started. "I'm kinda wondering where the battlefield is."

Beside her, Cilan nodded. "Right. It doesn't seem like it would be here."

Lenora glanced back at them. "You'll see soon enough," she told them with a smile.

They went through the library where people were already scattered around the tables and cases. Hawes and Lenora went to the back door that had a "Permission Only" sign on it. Hawes placed his hand on the sensor next to it. "This part of the library is reserved for rare books and study materials," Hawes explained. "You need special clearance from either Lenora or myself to enter here."

This part of the library was smaller, perhaps even cozy. It even felt pleasantly warm, though not enough to have Gwen shrug off her cardigan. She glanced around the room, impressed.

"This is the finest collection in the entire Unova Region," Lenora added. "You can learn anything about Unova's history and culture right here."

Cilan examined one of the cases, seeming to have found something to perk his interest. "Incredible! You've even got books about Pokemon Connoisseurs!"

"That's because the Unova Region's where Pokemon Connoisseurs got their start," Lenora told him. "Are you interested?"

Cilan turned and smiled. "Of course!" he answered. "In fact, I'm actually on this journey as a Pokemon Connoisseur to meet as many different Pokemon and Trainers as I possibly can!"

Lenora beamed at him. "Well well, there's nothing better than lots of experience! So best of luck!"

Cilan nodded. "Thanks!"

"Now, let's see," Lenora continued, placing a hand on Gwen's shoulder. She'd still been gazing at the books, wondering if anything would truly strike her own interest. "I thought you'd want to study up on the Unova Region before our battle."

Now that wasn't what Gwen was expecting. "Is this a prerequisite or something?" she inquired. Sure, learning more about the region she was in did sound interesting, but not exactly at the moment. She was focused on getting her Gym Battle.

Her partner was a bit confused by that as well. "Pikachu?"

Lenora smiled at her. "Of sorts. You see, the only people allowed to use our magnificent library are either researchers or Gym battle challengers."

"Oh."

Lenora nodded, stepping over to one of the bookcases. "Knowledge can be very important in a Pokemon battle." She tapped her knuckles against one of the books. It was a pretty thick one titled A History of Unova. "I recommend you take a peek at this book."

Just a peek, right? Gwen thought, looking at the thick spine. Lenora didn't expect her to read the whole thing, did she? "Uh...okay," she responded, quite unenthusiastic. "But do I really have to?"

Iris leaned toward her. "I could think of worse things to do than read," she murmured.

Gwen turned and murmured back, "So can I, and I've done them."

"Truth is," Cilan added, leaning in at her other side. "This may be part of your Gym Battle. It's quite possible that everything Lenora is saying and doing is simply her method of testing you."

Gwen glanced up at Lenora. Despite Iris and Cilan's whispering, there was no doubt she heard them and made no move to disprove them. So, this is just a test. Gwen steeled herself. "Okay!" she asserted. "If you want me to read, fine! You can learn something everyday, right?" She approached the bookcase and tilted the book, making to slip it down when a loud noise resounded, causing Gwen to flinch and release the book. Surprisingly it didn't fall out, even as the case began to rise up, revealing a staircase that led down. She turned to Lenora. "Did I do something wrong?" she stammered.

Lenora chuckled. "Gwen, that's the entrance to the battlefield." Gwen's eyes widened.

Hawes joined in her amusmemt. "Tell me, dear, don't you think your young challenger is quite direct?"

Lenora nodded. "I sure do," she answered. "It's just as Connoisseur Boy was saying."

Cilan chuckled a bit nervously. "Connoisseur Boy?"

Gwen giggled, so did Iris. She turned to the younger girl and mouthed, Write that one down! Iris grinned back at her.

"You see," Lenora continued. "I've been testing you since the first moment you walked in here."

"What for?" Gwen had to ask.

"For most challengers, when I recommend they read a book, nine times out of ten, they go to whatever they're most interested in."

Iris let out an airy gasp. "From all of these?!"

Lenora nodded. "Yes, despite showing them the quickest way to get to my Gym. The book that Gwen went right for! You see, most challengers will get side-tracked by reading too much into what I say. So, in order to rush into the Gym, they usually choose to read books they're interested in, or thin books they think they can finish quickly. With that, I can generally tell what a Trainer's going to be like by how they react to this kind of situation."

Iris placed her hands on Gwen's shoulders. "So, what kind of Trainer do you think Gwen is?"

Lenora smiled broadly. "Gwen, you're not afraid for people to see and hear you. You may get beaten back, but you're never beaten down. More straight-forward, but also a bit unconventional. I'm very interested in how this is going to play itself out on the battlefield."

From beside her, Cilan chuckled. "Wow, she's already got you all figured out!"

Gwen chuckled nervously. That was certainly impressive, and a bit intimidating. They weren't even on the battlefield and Lenora was already showing her worth. "Indeed," she agreed. "Hope I don't bore you, then."

Lenora nodded to her. "We'll have to see." She and Hawes then headed down the stairs toward the battle arena. Inside was a set up was a tad different from the Striaton Gym as the field was all flatland and no rocks or small boulders to change movement.

"Now," Lenora continued, coming to Gwen's side. "I've done my research on you. How about making your own?"

Gwen was confused. "What do you mean?"

Lenora smiled. "Don't you want to know what kind of Gym Leader I am?" she asked. "What kind of Pokemon I use?"

"Oh," Gwen breathed. That had been done with the Striaton Gym as she had three Gym Leaders to choose from, but this was different and still unexpected.

"I believe you two have met already," Lenora said, taking out one of her Pokeballs. Watchog appeared out from his Pokeball, crossing his arms as he had the day before.

Gwen nodded. "You bet! Nice to see you again, Watchog!" The Pokemon responded with a light nod.

"He's not all," Lenora told her, taking out another Pokeball. This one released a little, furry and tanned puppy. Its tail and tongue wagged innocently and its eyes were adorably docile.

Iris squealed. "Oh, it's so cute!" She knelt down in front of it. "Hello there," she cooed to the little Pokemon and patted its head. It jumped into her arms and began licking her face. "Cute! I'm so totally in love with your Lillipup!"

"Pikachu!" Gwen's Pokemon leapt off her shoulder and went to play with Lillipup, chasing in circles.

Gwen took out her PokeDex and faced it at Lillipup. Lillipup, the Puppy Pokemon. The long hair covering Lillipup's face is an excellent radar, which senses conditions in the surrounding area.

"So Gwen, these are my two Pokemon," Lenora said, turning to face her.

Gwen nodded. "And they're both Normal-Types."

"Both Watchog and Lillipup are excellent Pokemon who respond well to Lenora's command," Hawes stated. "They're such excellent Pokemon that they also help out with museum security."

Gwen smiled down at Lillipup who settled at her feet and looked up at her. Gwen knelt down and patted it. It leaned into her touch and yipped happily. "Now aren't you friendly?" she murmured.

"Normal-Type Pokemon are perfect for Gym battles," Lenora stated. "Because they don't have any of the limitations of Pokemon that are bound to a certain element. This allows me the flexibility to respond to any strategy challengers may use against me."

Gwen lifted Lillipup in her arms. "I sure hope you're nice to us toady, Lillipup."

Iris scoffed. "Did you even hear what Lenora just said?" she scolded.

Gwen rolled her eyes at her. "Yes. And I know the versatility of Normal-Types very much!" She looked to Lenora. "They bring their own brand of challenge!"

"Not only that!" Cilan commented. "But Lenora's showing her Pokemon before battle. The scent of confidence!" He waved his hands in the fragrant finesse. "A Gym Leader who possesses the combination of testing her challengers first, and then using Normal-Type Pokemon, who in turn possess no overwhelming properties at all! A perfect battle recipe!"

Lenora beamed at him. "I'm so pleased to hear you say that, Connoisseur Boy." Gwen chuckled at the used nickname again. "That's precisely the type of battle I just love!"

"And you overlook the overwhelming property many Normal-Types indeed have," Gwen said to Cilan. "Their outstanding resilience." With that, she looked back at Lenora, sharing her knowing look.

Lenora nodded at her, then turned to her husband. "Now Hawes, if you would please explain the rules."

"Of course, dear." He nodded. "The Nacrene City Gym battle between Gwen, the challenger, and Lenora, the Gym Leader, will begin by each selecting two of their Pokemon."

Gwen nodded. Two. And she knew exactly who that would be as she picked two of her Pokeballs.

"I've decided who to use first," Lenora announced, going to her place at the one end of the arena. "I choose Lillipup." Lillipup jumped from its perch in Gwen's arm and took its stance.

Gwen turned to her friends. "Cilan, Iris, watch Pikachu for me!" They both nodded and Pikachu hopped up on Cilan's shoulder.

"First thing's first," Lenora said, taking out a Pokeball. "Watchog, return!" Her other Pokemon was put on standby for now. "What do you say we start?"

Gwen nodded. "You bet!"

"The Nacrene Gym battle between Lenora, the Gym Leader, and Gwen, the challenger, is about to begin!" Hawes announced. "Both are allowed to substitute their Pokemon at any time. Challenger has the first move! And battle...begin!"

"Lillipup, go!" Lenora called. Lillipup bounded forward, as excited as ever, but as she hit the battlefield, her lips curled into a snarl. She bared her sharp, white teeth and growled threateningly. A quick transition from her docile first appearance.

Gwen heard Iris gasp from the sidelines. "Oh my! Lillipup's tough!"

You're telling me, Gwen thought, just as startled as Iris was. She held out her Pokeball. "Lillipup sure looks raring to go! We are too! Growlithe, I choose you!" Growlithe appeared on the field, giving a snarl and bark of his own. "Now, Ember!"

Just as Growlithe made his attack, Lenora countered with one of her own. "Lillipup, Roar!"

The move paralyzed Growlithe and sent him back into his Pokeball on Gwen's belt. Another flash of red appeared and Oshawott sprung from his Pokeball, startled and confused. And he wasn't the only one shocked. "Whoa," Gwen murmured.

Lenora smirked at her. "So, I assume you've never had Roar used against you." And she was right. "You see, Roar is a powerful move that will force one's opponent to switch their Pokemon. And I'll switch too!" She returned Lillipup and tossed over Watchog's Pokeball. He appeared, raring to go.

Gwen grit her teeth, taking out Oshawott's Pokeball and made to return him.

"Oh no, you don't!" Lenora called. "Watchog, use Mean Look!" Watchog's eyes beamed red and hovering eyes surrounded Oshawott, covering him in some sort of ominous glow.

Gwen's Pokeball made to retract Oshawott, but when the beam hit, it broke off. "Huh? But how?"

"Give it up, Gwen," Lenora called. "You're wasting your time. Mean Look prevents a Pokemon from exiting a battle."

Damn, Gwen thought, biting her lip. This isn't how I wanted it to go at all. Growlithe was supposed to go head first and then have Oshawott come in while Lenora was still reeling. But now I'm reeling!

"It's not all that difficult to see how off-balanced you are right now," Lenora perfectly voiced Gwen's thoughts. She was sure to look just as off-kilter as she felt. "But move on! Oshawott has no choice but to battle!"

Gwen grit her teeth and resolved herself. "Fine then!" She looked at Oshawott. "Let's go Oshawott! We can recover from this! Water Gun!"

But Oshawott was hardly enthusiastic as he shot toward Watchog. The power wasn't even backing hard enough, leaving more than enough room for Lenora and Watchog to counter with Low Kick. The move hit directly with nothing for Oshawott to do.

"Oshawott!" Gwen cried. "Are you alright, buddy? I know you can brush that off!" He picked himself off the ground and stood fast, now completely ready for the battle.

Lenora nodded to them. "That's the kind of spirit I like! And here's a sample of ours! Watchog, use Thunderbolt!" The Normal-Type Pokemon charged up with electricity, shooting it at Oshawott.

"Oshawott, deflect it!" Gwen hollered, knowing he was good at using such. He lifted his scalchop and did just that, dispersing the electricity without taking a hit. "Great job!"

For once Lenora was on the surprise. "So, a Water-Type Pokemon that is able to guard against Electric-Type attacks? I'm officially impressed!"

Gwen felt the elation of finally being in some control of the battle. "Does the same for me all the time! Now Oshawott, counter with Tackle!"

But Lenora was ready. "Watchog, if they want a close-range battle, use Low Kick!" Watchog made to meet Oshawott in the middle, just as Gwen hoped.

She grinned. "Just what I was counting on! Oshawott, jump up and over Watchog!" she called. Oshawott followed the order and leapt perfectly right over Lenora's Pokemon.

"What's going on?!" Lenora gasped.

Gwen grinned. "Now Oshawott, Water Gun!" Oshawott's attack hit right on the mark, having taken both Lenora and Watchog off guard. "Way to go!" she cheered for her Pokemon. "Now, keep it up with Razor Shell!"

"Watchog, knock Oshawott away with your tail!" Lenora ordered, bouncing back. Still on his back, Watchog slung his tail around, swiping at Oshawott and knocking back. The impact also made his scalchop clatter away. "Now, Thunderbolt!" Watchog charged with electricity, and without his scalchop, Oshawott took the brunt of it, effectively knocking him out.

"Oshawott is unable to battle!" Hawes announced. "Watchog is the winner."

Gwen bit her lip. That felt way too quick and sour. She barely got a hit in. Lenora controlled this battle from start to finish and now she only had one Pokemon to Lenora's two. She'd have to make it count with Growlithe. She returned Oshawott. "You did good, buddy," she murmured. "I'm proud of you."

"Watchog, return!" Lenora called, returning her Pokemon. She then called Lillipup.

Gwen nodded, taking out Growlithe's Poke Ball. "It's up to you now," she murmured. "Let's go Growlithe! Use Tackle!" Growlithe went straight for Lillipup at Gwen's command.

"Dodge it, quick!" Lenora countered.

Quick as a flash, Lillipup leapt to the side and Growlithe sailed right past her. Gwen gasped. "Whoa! That's fast!" Gwen exclaimed.

"Use Shadow Ball!" Lenora continued. A purplish black ball formed at Lillipup's mouth and shot right at Growlithe, making a direct hit.

"No!" Gwen cried. "Stay strong, Growlithe!" Growlithe stiffly rose back to his feet. "There we go! Use Ember!" Growlithe made his attack right at Lillipup as Lenora ordered Take Down. Lenora's Pokemon charged right into the attack and didn't back down. It seemed the Ember wasn't even affecting her. "Why isn't Ember working?" Gwen muttered, shaking her head. "No..." Lillipup slammed right into Growlithe, knocking him out.

Gwen stood stunned as Hawes rang out his announcement. "Growlithe is unable to battle. Lillipup wins. And the victor is Lenora, the Gym Leader!"

Gwen looked down at Growlithe. He'd shaken himself off slightly and hung his head down. It reminded her of the day they met and how dejected he'd looked. He'd lost, and the last time that happened to him, his trainer abandoned him. But it wasn't his fault. She went over to him and knelt in front of him. "Hey, Growlithe," she cooed, placing a hand on his head. "You battled hard, that's what counts." Growlithe merely sighed. Gwen did too. "It's my fault, really. You battled as hard as you could, but I couldn't even keep up." She pulled Growlithe into her arms and held him close, rising back to her feet.

"Gwen?"

She turned to see Cilan and Gwen approaching her. "Are you ashamed about the battle?" Cilan asked gently.

Gwen hung her head slightly. "Both Oshawott and Growlithe battled so hard for me, but I failed them."

"You may have lost, but you battled well."

Gwen started at Lenora's words as she and Hawes approached her as well. "As I said before," Lenora went on, smiling. "You're beaten back, but not beaten down."

Gwen nodded. "And I still have a lot to learn," she said, looking down at Growlithe and scratching behind his ears. He nuzzled slightly in her touch. "Thank you very much for battling against us."

Lenora nodded. "I like your attitude, Gwen. You've really got spirit. Come and challenge my Gym anytime."

It was well past midday when the trio were at the Pokemon Center awaiting Oshawott and Growlithe to be done with their healing. Nurse Joy was also checking over Gwen's Pokemon Egg. Gwen stared down at her clasped hands in her lap.

"Gwen?" Iris spoke up. "This isn't like you, getting all sad and depressed like this."

Gwen huffed gently. "How can I not be? You saw the battle. I was totally taken off-guard and nothing I did turned things into may favor."

Pikachu gently nuzzled against her arm. "Pika," he tried to console her. Gwen knew he hated seeing like this.

"Leading off with Roar was quite painful," Cilan commented.

Gwen nodded. "And following it with Mean Look so Oshawott couldn't return. From start to finish, she had to battle in her control. There was no way for me to fight back."

"You were forced to switch Pokemon right out of the gate," Iris told her. "That would have thrown off anyone."

"Yew," Axew commented, popping out of Iris's hair.

Cilan wrapped his arm around Gwen's shoulders. "There's much to be learned from this," he said, giving her shoulder a squeeze. "You would do well to become more adaptable like Lenora so you can deal with anything she, or anyone else, may dish out."

Gwen looked up at him and nodded. "Yeah, you're right."

"You should also train your Pokemon so their power and speed improves," he added. "Growlithe and Oshawott just can't keep up with how things are right now."

Iris nodded. "Yeah! And you need to think on your feet and react faster!"

"Pika!" Pikachu agreed.

Gwen beamed. "And then next time we'll win!"

Nurse Joy then came from the back with Audino, rolling the med-cart with Oshawott and Growlithe. "Your Pokemon are both feeling much better now, Gwen."

Gwen stood in front of her two Pokemon. "Glad you two are alright," she said, placing a hand on their heads. Growlithe nuzzled to her hand and Oshawott beamed. "Now, we're gonna have to do some serious training if we want to face Lenora and win next time!"

"Osha!"

"Growlithe!"

"If you want to do some real training, why don't you visit the Battle Club?" Joy offered.

Gwen's eyes widened in realization. "Of course! That's perfect! Thanks Nurse Joy!"

Joy nodded. "Happy to help!"

The three went straight for the Battle Club, meeting Don George right inside. Gwen made her request to the battle manager.

"If it's battle-related, I'm your man!" he exclaimed. "I welcome you to the Pokemon Battle Club!"

Gwen didn't reply right away. Instead, she looked at the...very familiar person in front of her. It seemed that Don Geroges were just like Nurse Joys and Officer Jennys.

"What kind of battle can I help you with?" Don George asked.

Gwen composed herself. "I challenged Lenora this morning at the Nacrene Gym," she explained, along with the other details of their battle.

Don George nodded. "I understand. So, you were roundly defeated by all of Lenora's tricks. I'm quite familiar with them."

"You are?" Gwen inquired.

He nodded. "And I know just the kind of training your Pokemon need."

Gwen pumped her fist in the air. "Then let's have it!" she exclaimed.

"But I must warn you," Don George added. "This special training is not for the faint of heart."

Gwen grinned. "Just the way I like it!" She was not afraid to do what she needed to do when it came to training.

"Then you'll be ready!" Iris exclaimed, squeezing Gwen's shoulders from behind.

"And learn how to work Lenora's prime strategy to you advantage," Cilan added.

Gwen nodded to them both. "Let's do it!"

A shout out to Whitney of the Goldenrod Gym: the Leader who made or break most Trainer's careers in 2nd Generation! I know she nearly broke mine!