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~~**XVI**~~

Rematch at the Nacrene Gym

Gwen resolved herself as she entered the Battle Club's training room. She'd lost to Lenora. There was no shame in that. It wasn't a Gym Leader's job to allow trainers to win, but to challenge them. And boy did Lenora put up a challenge indeed. She was a tough one and only the second in Gwen's run of Unova! It was both a daunting statement and an exciting one.

Don George led her to the treadmill she and Growlithe were going to train on. He informed her that she was to participate in the training as well, so Gwen changed into yoga pants and an over-sized T-shirt that she tied at the waist with her spare hair tie. Better to sweat in. Growlithe stood ready at her side.

"This treadmill will help to raise yours and Growlithe's speed and stamina," Don George explained as Gwen tied her hair high behind her head. "Then, we'll work it in tandem with powering up your Pokemon's moves!"

Gwen nodded, turning to Growlithe. "You ready to train hard?"

He nodded and barked confidently. The two stepped onto the treadmill, which was more than wide enough to even fit Iris or Cilan along with them. Gwen almost considered asking Pikachu to join them, but he wasn't the one in need of training, in speed of all things.

"When Lenora and her Pokemon use the Roar and Mean Look combination," Don George started, "a challenger needs to stay calm, focused, and able to make quick decisions. So, as your Pokemon's Trainer, rigorous training is vitally important."

Gwen nodded. "Okay, I'm in! Let's get started!" Don George started up the treadmill and Gwen and Growlithe stepped forward to get the thing moving. The two soon worked it up to an even jog and began pacing themselves. Gwen felt her legs getting into the repetition of the run. It had been quite a while since Gwen had done any sort of training, or even running, like this. Hopefully that wouldn't hinder her. "You hanging in there, Growlithe?" she asked, glad that her voice didn't sound breathy at all. He responded by putting in a burst of speed. "Great!"

"I'm upping the speed!" Don George called.

That was when Gwen really felt the results on her legs and lungs. She had to actively regulate her breathing and pump her legs back and forth, while looking out for Growlithe from the corner of her eye. He was doing fine, breathing in and out and keeping good pace.

"That's enough warm up! Moving on to step two!"

"Huh?!" Gwen didn't have time to react as a red ball shot out from a nearby shooter and went straight for Growlithe. She beamed at him. "Great job!" But then one hit her straight in the face, knocking her off the treadmill.

Gwen hit the floor hard, dazed and seeing stars. "Oww..."

She could hear Don George shaking his head. "Both you and Growlithe need to learn this. In Growlithe's case, to dodge the Shadow Balls coming his way, and you, Gwen, to think on you feet and react quickly to your opponent's strategy."

Cilan had come to Gwen and hauled her up from under her shoulders. "You, okay?"

Growlithe looked worriedly up at her too. "Growl?"

Gwen looked down at her little one. "I'm fine," she answered both of them. "Get back up there and warm her up. I'll be right behind you!"

Growlithe nodded and hopped back on the treadmill, getting it back to its speed. Gwen stretched out her neck and her shoulders, bouncing out the small aches before jumping back in.

She didn't get five steps before a red ball came right at her waist. Gwen twisted out of the way and continued running. Growlithe had to hop and duck and leap to the side to dodge. Being a bigger target and a lot less agile then her Pokemon, Gwen got knocked back quite a bit, but she was learning. One time a ball hit her in the stomach, but she merely grit her teeth and kept her balance. Don George affirmed that even that was a part of training, to not be unbalanced by her opponents.

"Wow!" Iris exclaimed from the sidelines. "You're getting the hang of it!"

"Excellent Gwen!" Cilan complimented. She grinned at them over the railing.

Don George then announced another change to the training. "A little faster and stay on your toes! Prepare for Shadow Balls from behind!"

Gwen heard the shooters rising from behind her and turned to Growlithe. "Counter them with Ember!" she called.

He did so, but the blast did nothing to stop them and knocked the two off the treadmill yet again. Both Gwen and Growlithe slid off the mill, rubbing their aches and bruises. At least Gwen was, Growlithe shook his off. "Looks like we need more power," she murmured to Growlithe.

He turned to her and nodded sharply. "Growlithe!"

"If you both continue to train the way you are, your speed and power will increase," Don George informed them. "But you can only attain that higher state as a team."

Gwen nodded to Growlithe. "And I'm right here with you, okay?"

"Growlithe!"

It was another three tries before they made a consecutive circuit on the treadmill and not falling off. It was hard to gain a lead on what was coming in front of them while concentrating on what may come from behind. Too often Gwen had tried to guess when she would get shot from behind and miss what was coming right in front of her. Growlithe adapted to this a whole lot better than she did and he eventually made to assist her. Gwen learned to notice his cues and make her decisions in tandem with him. When best to dodge, when best to block, when to hold in and block on red ball to strike it against another. It was a risky move that worked...and bump them to the ground with their guard taken down.

Don George commented on that. "Impressive, but a bit too risky. Now, I think it's time for Growlithe to rest."

Gwen sighed in relief. "I certainly hear you," she replied, making to collapse on the ground. She was sweating like no tomorrow.

But Don George grabbed her arm to keep her up. "Not now," he told her. "First, you need to do some warm down stretches, a thirty minute break, and then it's Oshawott's turn."

Gwen knew that was coming, but it didn't stop her tired sigh. Growlithe got a rest, but she didn't. Oh well. She got a break, and then once she and Oshawott were done, they'd both get their rest.

"We'll take care of Growlithe for you, Gwen," Iris told her. Gwen nodded and allowed for Growlithe to follow them with a parting scratch behind his ears.

After the stretching, Gwen surprisingly didn't feel leaden and worn out. That didn't account for everything though as the break did seem all too short before she had put on her swimsuit and as led to the pool area. As she approached the pool, she checked her glasses and the cord now fastened to them. Her special bohemian-style cord that adjusted to keep her glasses on while she swam, even testing them by wiggling her glasses around. They stayed right in place.

Gwen approached the edge of the pool and took out Poke Ball and called out Oshawott. "Come on out, Oshawott!"

"Oshawott!" Immediately seeing the water, he sprung inside, flipping on his back, dipping and swirling underneath.

Gwen laughed at him. "We're not here for you to show off your swimming skills, Oshawott! We're here to train!"

Oshawott popped his head up and looked to her. "Osha!"

"That's right," Don Geroge affirmed. "And you'll both train hard!"

Gwen hopped right in, making a splash and giving Oshawott a reason to grin as he was shifted by the waves. They both chuckled.

"Okay," Don George got their attention, making for the pool controls. "I'm going to create a current in the pool. Swimming against a current will allow you to strengthen your muscles and build up your stamina over time."

Gwen nodded. "We're ready!" she called, already stroking forward with Oshawott right beside her. The water current began flooding toward them and they both worked harder to make a lap around the pool's circuit. While Gwen kept with her forward breaststroke, Oshawott switched around from his wave motions, to backstroke, then to paddling. "Keep it up, Oshawott!" Gwen encouraged.

"Oshawott, swim with everything you've got or you won't be able to keep up with Lenora!" Don George called out.

"Pika pika!" Pikachu gave his own encouragement from the sidelines.

Either Gwen was tiring or the water current was getting heavier. "What the-?" She didn't remember Don George telling her he was upping the current as he did with the treadmill. Besides, he was walking alongside her and Oshawott!

Suddenly, a huge wave surged from the pool and crashed on Gwen and Oshawott, pulling them back and under. Under the water, the current was a bit smoother and Gwen let herself be swept back as she made to reorient herself. She kicked off to surface, spitting out water - her glasses were still perched perfectly on her face - and searched for Oshawott. He was in front of her, pedaling against the current but having little luck. She grabbed him in the crook of her arm as he came closer and held tight. "Gotcha buddy!" she told him. His eyes opened in relief as she smiled down at him.

Gwen looked up at the pool's ramp and had an idea. "Oshawott, try this!" He craned his head to look up at it and turned back to her with a determined expression. Gwen braced herself, "Now, let's go!" and hurled him along.

Oshawott went right up the ramp and gracefully flipped forward as he met nothing but air, changing direction to slide down on his back. He gained much momentum, even to the point of gathering water around himself and shooting onward even as he glided down the ramp.

Gwen was speechless, but Don George knew just what to do. "Now Oshawott, aim for the target!" Gwen turned to see the large target just away from the pool. Oshawott headed right for it, about to make a bull's-eye, when he started drifting down and slamming down on the cushioning beneath. He managed to bounce back on his feet easily.

"So cool!" Iris exclaimed. Gwen hadn't noticed she and Cilan had come to watch. Though with Axew having messed with the controls, Iris must have noticed him missing. "Did Oshawott just use Aqua Jet?"

"Yeah," Cilan stated. "Albeit quite unsteady."

Gwen grinned. "Alright Oshawott!" she beamed at her Pokemon. "I'm so proud of you!"

Oshawott turned and beamed back. "Oshawott!"

Gwen was back at the Battle Club the very next day, despite the state of her muscles upon waking. She did openly groan and complain about how sore she was, but she didn't want to waste any time in getting more training. She and Growlithe were back on the treadmill, running at a quick, agile pace and going on to dodge the oncoming "Shadow Balls". But now they would try something again.

"Try your Ember to knock the ball back, Growlithe!" Gwen called.

Growlithe took in a deep breath, gathering his power and shot at the imcoming balls. The blast of fire hit it right on center and shot it back.

"Great!" Cilan called from the sidelines. "Your training is showing solid results. Growlithe is so much faster now and Ember is starting to show real power!"

"Pika pika!"

Gwen nodded to Growlithe. "We're gonna beat Lenora for sure! Whaddaya say, Growlithe?"

He stared determinedly forward, stepping up the pace and power. He chanted regularly as he ran, going faster and faster until a wave of fire surrounded him. Gwen beamed, the grin on her face almost too big to bear. She knew what that was.

"Alright!"

After some more training with Oshawott, the session was cut short so they could all rest for the battle tomorrow. Don George insisted that going into battle today would be hasty, but all Gwen could do was anticipate it as she lay on her bed.

So, first Oshawott had learned Aqua Jet and then Growlithe learned Flame Charge. Indeed, they were both so much stronger. Not only that, but Gwen was super prepared. She knew this time how to stand on her feet and keep from getting riled by Lenora's battle style.

She couldn't wait!

The door of the room opened and Gwen turned to see Cilan enter. "Hey," she greeted.

"I wanted you to know that Growlithe and Oshawott are getting their rest in the therapy room," Cilan told her. Just with the day before, her Pokemon had been taken to small rooms where Nurse Joy and Audino placed relaxing aromatherapy to tend to them while they slept. Not only would they get their rest, but it also made to soothe their worked out muscles.

"And did Iris and Axew want to try out the pool?" Gwen inquired. Since Axew had played with the pool's controls, Iris thought that maybe he would like to play in the water.

He nodded. "And I brought this for you." He held a tray with a large bowl and a lidded glass of what looked like extremely creamy coffee.

"What is it?" Gwen asked, sitting up at the edge of the bed.

"It's important to have something healthy after a good work out," Cilan told her, placing the glass in her hand. "So I made a pumpkin spice shake." He also gestured with the tray, though kept it held on his hands. "And a salad."

Gwen smiled at him. "Ooo, I like the sound of that." She took a long sip from the straw. "Mmmm, I love the fall and everything about pumpkin. Thanks a lot."

Cilan slid out a fold-out table from between the bed and nightstand and set in front of her, placing the tray on top. Gwen had to admit she was stunned by the service. Cilan sat down next to her. "You trained hard alongside your Pokemon. It's only right for you to get some care as well," he said.

Gwen didn't know why, but his words made her blush. She grabbed the tip of her straw and taking another sip. If only her hair wasn't pulled back and up. Cilan could probably see how red her cheeks were. "Do you think it'll be enough for tomorrow?" she asked, placing the cup on the little table.

"What do you think?" he replied.

She thought about it. She was more prepared for Lenora, and both her Pokemon were much faster and stronger than before.

Yes, she was ready. She pulled the cover off the bowl.

"Wow. This is a really big salad!"

The next morning, an hour before noon, the three were back at the Gym. Gwen faced Lenora and as the day before, she knew she was ready. She would give it everything she got.

She would win.

"I'm not surprised to see you back here so soon," Lenora commented, a smile growing on her lips. "You must have been doing some intense training the last couple days."

Gwen nodded with pride. "We've been working with Don George over at the Pokemon Battle Club."

Lenora nodded back. "And I can't wait to see it on the battlefield! Because you're not the only one who's been training." She took out one of her Pokeballs. "Go, Herdier!"

Gwen started at the changed Pokemon. It's face looked a lot like Lillipup's, but more mature and stern. It's coat also took on a purplish color as well as thicker and coarser. She flipped open her PokeDex. Herdier, the Loyal Dog Pokemon, and the evolved form of Lillipup. Herdier's hard fur softens its opponent's attacks like armor. "So, Lillipup evolved," she murmured. "That does change things, but it's nothing we won't be able to handle." She snapped the 'Dex closed and took out her Pokeball. "Let's do this! Go Growlithe!"

Growlithe stood tall and firm, huffing the slightest Ember from his mouth.

Lenora chuckled. "That's the spirit!" she complimented.

Hawes took his place at the center sidelines of the battlefield. "The Nacrene Gym battle rematch will now go underway between Gym Leader Lenora and challenger Gwen Lucas. This is a two-on-two battle. First move belongs to the challenger! Begin!"

Gwen didn't spare a moment. "Growlithe, Ember!" Growlithe let loose his shot of fire and Herdier didn't even blink.

"Quick, Herdier, use Protect!" Lenora commanded. Herdier stiffened, her hair spiking out and a azure-blue shield formed in front of her, blocking the attack. "Now, Shadow Ball!" Not one, but three sparks of Shadow Balls formed at her mouth and shot toward Growlithe.

"Growlithe, dodge it!" Gwen called. With his enhanced speed from their training, Growlithe side-stepped each of them with a single bound. "Now continue with Ember!" Herdier's fourth Shadow Ball connected with Growlithe's Ember and dissipated.

Lenora blinked and smiled. "Excellent! All that training made Growlithe much faster and stronger."

Growlithe stood tall on Gwen's side of the field. "Offense, Growlithe!" Gwen called. "Tackle!"

"Slow them down with Roar!" Lenora countered. Herdier's Roar waved out just as it did last time and swept Growlithe beaming back to his Poke Ball. Oshawott burst onto the battlefield, still rattled, but not as taken off-guard like last time.

Lenora returned Herdier and called out Watchog and recycled her Mean Look strategy. Gwen didn't even bother trying to return Oshawott. "I have to admit, I don't know whether your reuse of the same strategy is off-putting or not." Gwen had to admit, a part of her didn't expect Lenora to use the exact same strategy as before and so soon as well. "No matter! Oshawott Razor Shell!"

"Dodge it, Watchog!" Lenora ordered. But Oshawott was too quick and landed his hit perfectly. Lenora was momentarily stunned. "Well, it seems Oshawott has gotten faster and perhaps a bit stronger. I see that you've gotten ahold of my strategy, but will it be enough?!"

"We'll see then!" Gwen replied. "Oshawott, Aqua Jet!" Oshawott lept from the ground in a burst of water streaming around him. He lifted up and arched for Watchog, but missed by at least a yard. "Huh?" Gwen murmured. Why was he missing all the time? "Try it again, Oshawott!" The same result came about, instead it was near three feet away.

Lenora smirked slightly. "Wow, even more surprised from the two of you. Oshawott learned Aqua Jet, but it seems to need a lot more work. But this isn't the place! Watchog, Confuse Ray!"

"Water Gun, Oshawott!" Gwen countered, but she was too late. Still in a slight recovery, Oshawott only started his attack once the Confuse Ray hit him. The Water Gun went way off. Oshawott swayed back and forth incoherently. "Oh no!"

"Oh yes!" Lenora replied. "You can train all you like, but if your Pokemon's confused, it won't mean a thing! Now, it's out turn, Watchog! Let's go with Thunderbolt!"

Despite his confusion, Gwen couldn't leave Oshawott defenseless. "Deflect it with your scalchop!" Oshawott managed to raise his scalchop in front of him just as the Thunderbolt connected, but his grip faltered and he was shocked by the residual wave. Since it was the tail end of the blast, Oshawott remained on his feet. "Now try Water Gun!"

But instead of actually aiming for Watchog, Oshawott turned toward the wall...right at Iris and Cilan! Pokemon weren't the only ones needed to doge in this battle! Gwen shouted a short apology and turned back to Oshawott. She couldn't let up for a second. "Try Aqua Jet again!"

"Let's finish this with Thunderbolt, Watchog!" Lenora ordered.

Gwen watched Oshawott, her heart in her throat. Please, let it not miss! Oshawott seemed to go around wildly in his attack, swerving a bit too high before making toward the ground. He was just about...

Right on target! Oshawott hit Watchog dead-center just as he released his attack, creating a smoke-cloud. It took several moments to clear and reveal both Oshawott and Watchog knocked out.

"Oshawott!" Gwen cried.

"Watchog, no!" Lenora called out.

"Watchog and Oshawott are both unable to battle," Hawes announced.

Gwen returned her Pokemon. "I'm so proud of you, buddy," she told him.

Lenora beamed at her from across the field. "Good job, both of you," she complimented. "But your luck is about to run out!" She took out her second Pokeball. "Herdier, let's go!"

"Come on out, Growlithe!" Gwen called. "Now, start with Ember!"

"Protect, quick!" Lenora countered.

Growlithe's Ember connected right with the blue shield and made no damage. But Gwen wasn't backing down. "Tackle, let's go!" Growlithe charged at Herdier, just like on the treadmill at the Battle Club. His speed was enough as his attack hit head on. "Again, Growlithe!"

"Use Shadow Ball!" Lenora ordered. Herdier formed another trio of Shadow Balls and Growlithe sped right past the first two, but lost his focus for the third one.

"Oh no!" Gwen cried out. "Growlithe, are you okay?" He slowly made to his feet again.

Lenora chuckled softly. "Your bond with Growlithe is a strong one indeed," she stated. "He wants to live up to your expectations no matter what! But as Nacrene Gym Leader, I have expectations as well! I must give it all I've got! Herdier, Giga Impact!"

Herdier glowed with power and charged for Growlithe, smashing into him full force. Gwen gasped, praying that her Pokemon could withstand it. "Come on, Growlithe! I believe in you! We can do this! Together!" Growlithe stiffly rose to his feet and barked. "There you go!"

"Herdier, Shadow Ball!" Lenora commanded.

"Dodge it!" Gwen countered. Keeping with his speed, Growlithe swerved out of the way of each of them, more determined than ever.

"Keep up the pressure, Herdier!" Lenora commanded. Herdier kept up with Shadow Ball after Shadow Ball.

"Doge 'em all, Growlithe!" Gwen called out. "Now show them your fire power!" Growlithe picked up the pace and use Flame Charge.

"Herdier, Giga Impact!" Lenora called.

Both Pokemon crashed into each other at full strength, making an even greater smoke cloud than Oshawott and Watchog. Gwen had to shield her face from the blast. When the smoke cleared, both Pokemon were down, but not quite out.

"Growlithe, get up!" Gwen cried. They couldn't lose twice! They trained to hard. "Come on, I know you can do it!"

"Herdier, get up!" Lenora called.

It felt too long as both Pokemon struggled to their feet. Both of them shook like leaves and even Gwen felt her hands shake. "Come on, Growlithe," she murmured.

Neither Pokemon made a move, but glared at each other across the field until Herider collapsed.

Gwen was frozen where she stood. She actually won? She won! "Yes!" she screamed. "You did it, Growlithe! You did it! I knew you could!" She ran onto the field and Growlithe bounded right for her. He jumped into her arms and she held him close. "We did it!" she said, kissing his temple.

"Great job!"

"Pika pika!"

Cilan and Iris met her on the field, Iris reaching out scratch Growlithe affectionately under his chin. Pikachu hopped up on Gwen's shoulder.

"I knew you guys had it in you," Cilan said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You trained hard, and therefore, won hard."

"Connoisseur Boy's right," Lenora stated, approaching them. "You really are something, Gwen."

Hawes nodded in agreement. "I didn't think you would've used Flame Charge when you did. Quite the surprise!"

Lenora beamed. "And I still commend your spirit. May it take you far!"

Gwen nodded. "Thanks very much, Lenora," she replied.

She held out a small tray with the Gym Badge inside. "This is the Basic Badge. You've more than earned it. And best of luck in your future battles."

"I will," Gwen stated, taking the badge. She grinned from ear to ear, holding out badge for her two Pokemon to see. "How do you like this, guys?"

"Pi pikachu!"

"Growlithe!"

The three left the Gym in high spirits and returned to the Pokemon Center to retrieve Gwen's Pokemon Egg.

"Your Egg is in great condition," she told them. "And it should hatch very soon."

Gwen's heart lept in her chest from anticipation. "I can wait!"

Joy nodded. "Yes. And make sure you take good care of it."

"With all my being," Gwen replied. She as she loved each and everyone of her Pokemon.

Outside, Cilan took out his Town Map with Gwen and Iris peering over his shoulders. "Let's see," he started, checking through the system. "The next closest Gym is in Castelia City!"

"The Castelia Gym," Iris added. "So, we're headed there next!"

Gwen nodded. "You bet! Third Badge, here I come! After this challenge, I can face anything!"

"Pika pikachu!"