Chapter 12: Coal Badge Conundrum
Dawn sat quietly on a weathered bench near the edge of the marketplace. Her mind was still grappling with the recent defeat she faced at the hands of Roark.
The Coal Badge, symbolizing her first step on the path of a Pokémon journey, lay untouched in her pocket.
Around her, vendors called out their wares in lively voices. Some offered fresh berries and herbs, their colorful displays attracting Pokémon and trainers alike.
Others showcased tools and accessories tailored for Pokémon training, from Poké Balls to potions and training manuals.
As Dawn slumped in her seat, she couldn't pinpoint exactly why she felt so down. True, she hadn't defeated Roark in battle, she hadn't defeated Roark in her battle, but his words echoed in her mind—he had acknowledged her skill, stating she was worthy of the badge. He had even compared her favorably to other challengers he faced regularly.
Yet, despite that, she couldn't help but feel so empty. Like it was a hollow victory.
The girl sighed deeply and lifted her gaze to the sky. Above her, a flock of Starly soared gracefully, their wings cutting through the clear blue expanse.
"Starly..." Dawn murmured softly. "He didn't stand much of a chance against Onix, but he gave it his all. Went down swinging, she added with a wistful smile. As she spoke, she straightened up in her seat. "And Chimchar, and Shinx too," she continued, her tone growing more animated. "They faced tough opponents and they lost, but they showed their strength, they showed their determination," she said, her hand tightening into a fist.
"And so didI," Dawn declared firmly, rising from her seat with self-assurance. "I may have lost, but there's no point in sitting here and sulking about it," finally, she reached into her bag, pulling out the Coal Badge. "I deserve this badge, I earned it fair and square."
She glanced at the time displayed on her Pokétch—it was 1 PM. A few hours had passed since her gym match. Dawn knew her Pokémon were likely finishing up their recovery at the center.
"You deserve this badge..." Dawn whispered to herself, the forced smile she was wearing spreading across her face as she returned the badge to her satchel.
As she walked through the busy marketplace, a small commotion caught her attention. Nearby, a little girl stood before a delicate necklace with longing, but it was clear she couldn't afford it.
The vendor, a kind-hearted elderly woman with silver hair tied back in a bun, noticed the girl's distress. "Oh dear, what's the matter?" she asked gently, her voice carrying concern.
The little girl sniffled pointing to the necklace, at the center was a small heart-shaped pendant, intricately formed from polished stone resembling agate. "I-I want it," she managed say between sons. "But I don't have enough money..."
The vendor's expression softened even more as she picked up the necklace. "Don't worry sweetheart," she said reassuringly, placing the necklace into the girl's hands. "Consider it a gift from me to you. It'll look lovely on you."
The little girl's eyes widened in disbelief, her tears transforming into a wide-eyed look of joy. "Really?" she gasped, clutching the necklace tightly.
The woman nodded with a warm smile. "Of course, dear. It's yours. Now go on, show it off!"
With a beaming smile, the little girl hugged the necklace to her chest and then hugged the vendor tightly. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" she exclaimed before running off into the crowd, her laughter echoing through the marketplace.
Dawn remained rooted to the spot, her eyes following the girl's departing figure with a subtle focus.
She reached into her bag, fingers curling back around the Coal Badge nestled inside. With a firm grip, she withdrew the badge and held it up to the light, its edges catching the sun's rays. Her gaze hardened with resolve as she stared at the badge, her mind reflecting on what she needed to do next.
Dawn stood in front of the restroom mirror in the Pokémon Center, her reflection staring back at her with a mix of frustration and doubt.
She reached into her bag, fingers brushing against the cool metal of the badge. Memories of her recent experiences flooded her mind—her struggles in battles, the encouragement of others despite setbacks.
But as she held the badge in her hand, doubt gnawed at her. Did she truly earn it? Or was it merely a token of pity, akin to the vendor's gesture with the little girl in the marketplace?
The girl's heart raced as she considered her next move. Without fully understanding why, she stepped into an empty stall, the badge clutched tightly in her hand. The sound of running water echoed softly in the background as she stared at the badge.
Her gazed shifted uneasily from the tarnished badge to the toilet before her, a porcelain bowl streaked by water stains and specks of old grime clinging to its edges.
Dawn closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath as if to steady herself. When she opened them again, they were filled with a steely resolve. With a determined exhale, she reached out her hand and dropped the badge into the toilet.
The badge hit the water with a dull splash, sending ripples through the murky surface. It sank slowly, twisting and turning, before settling at the bottom amidst the hard water stains.
She narrowed her eyes and placed her foot on the flush, not wanting to touch it with her hand. With a firm push, she activated the lever. The toilet sprang into action, water swirling around rapidly in a spiraling vortex.
The badge spun wildly in the current, skimming the surface before being dragged deeper into the whirlpool. Dawn watched intently, her stern expression beginning to waver. Her brows furrowed, and her lips pressed together tightly, then relaxed slightly as if she was reconsidering.
As the badge tethered on the edge of disappearing into the drain, Dawn's eyes widened. Her poker face dropped, and she instinctively dropped to her knees, plunging her hand into the swirling water. Just in time, she managed to grab the badge before it could be sucked down, her fingers closing tightly around the wet metal.
Her heart raced as she pulled the badge back, feeling the conflicting rush of emotions. In the rush of the moment, she suddenly realized where her hand had been, and a wave of nausea surged through her.
She staggered back from the toilet, her face pale and contorted with disgust. Bile rose in her throat, and she doubled over, heaving violently. Her body convulsed with each retch, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she emptied her stomach into the swirling water below.
When it was finally over, she slumped against the stall wall trembling and overwhelmed by a mix of emotions.
Dawn hurried over to the sink, her hand still clutching the badge tightly. She turned on the faucet and let the cold water flow over her hands, sleeves, and token, washing away the remnants of her impulsiveness. As she scrubbed vigorously, her eyes drifted up to the mirror above the sink.
In the reflection, she saw her own weary face—pale, with a trace of vomit still smeared around her mouth.
Frustration boiled up within her, a mix of anger at herself and the situation she found herself in. Without a second thought she leaned in and gave the mirror a sharp shove with her palm. The glass rattled in the frame as her reflection momentarily distorted.
Dawn stared at her own reflection for a moment longer, breathing heavily, before turning away abruptly. She dried her hands and sleeves with a paper towel, gripping the now-clean badge once more, unsure of what to do.
The playground buzzed with the lively chatter and laughter of children. They dashed around the open field, their bright voices creating a joyful circus.
Some clambered up slides and jungle gyms, their shrieks of delight echoing in the air, while others took turns on the seesaws and merry-go-rounds, faces glowing with excitement.
A small group of kids huddled around a Bidoof, laughing as the Pokémon performed playful antics, rolling and tumbling on the rough ground.
The swings were set slightly apart from the main play area, they creaked softly under the weight of their occupants. Most swings were occupied by children pumping their legs to reach the sky, giggling all the way. But one swing moved more gently, its occupant lost in thought.
Dawn sat quietly, her feet barely grazing the ground as she swayed back and forth. The noises of the playground seemed to blur into the background. Her hands gripped the cool metal of the chains, a subtle anchor amidst her swirling thoughts.
Despite the lively scene Dawn's mind was elsewhere, tangled in contemplation and uncertainty. The cheerful chaos of around her felt distant, like a backdrop to her introspective reverie.
As the other children continued their likely play around her, Dawn's swinging gradually slowed to a gentle sway. She sat quietly, feet skimming to the ground, lost in her thoughts.
The sounds of laughter and shouts faded into the background as she took a moment to herself.
After a brief pause Dawn extended her arm, tapping the screen of her Pokétch embedded in the sleeve cuff of her jacket. She navigated to her contacts; her mother's name appeared as the sole entry.
With a sigh, she selected it, bringing the device to her ear as she waited for the call to connect.
The Pokétch screen blinked, and after a few moments a voice answered on the other end. "Hey," came the reply, with a tone that was unusually curt.
Dawn took a deep breath, her heart sinking slightly at the abruptness. "Mom, I need to talk to you about something—" she started, hoping to convey the urgency of her call.
But before she could continue there was a brief pause on the line, followed by a set of instructions. "If you're trying to sell me something, I got four little words for you. Do not call here. But if you're cool, leave it at the beep." Then, a beep sounded, indicating the start of a recording.
Dawn hesitated, feeling a pang of disappointment and hurt. Without saying another word, she pressed the button to end the call, the silence that followed feeling heavier than before.
She reached into her satchel and retrieved her small notepad where she meticulously kept all her contacts. Flipping through the pages her gaze settled on a familiar number, and she quickly memorized it before keying the digits on her Pokétch.
The Pokétch began to ring again, and after a few seconds a voice finally answered on the other end. "Hello, Pearl residence. May I ask who's speaking?"
"Hey Auntie Gilda, it's me!" Dawn exclaimed, happy to hear from the woman.
"Dawn, is that you sweetheart?" Gilda sounded pleasantly surprised on the other end of the line.
"Yeah, it's me!" Dawn replied with a hint of relief in her voice. "I got this thingy called a Pokétch a few days ago, that's how I'm calling. Is now a good time to talk?"
"Of course, absolutely!" Gilda exclaimed, her voice warm and inviting. "How've you been? How's your journey so far."
"Oh, you know, this and that," Dawn answered thoughtfully, her voice reflecting a mix of intensity and uncertainty. "I've caught a few Pokémon, battled a few trainers. And I can feel it, my Pokémon are getting stronger."
She paused briefly, gathering her thoughts. "But, something happened. I was gonna call her Mom to talk to her about it, but since she was a coordinator and you were a trainer, I figure maybe you could give better advice on this."
"What's the matter, hon? Don't tell me anyone's picking on you? Let them know you have an aunt who'd set them straight!"
"No, it's nothing like that," Dawn reassured her.
"Oh, don't tell me," Gilda teased, her tone playful, "you and my Barry are finally an item?"
"W-what?" Dawn exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "N-no, that's not even close!"
"Then what is it?" Gilda asked, her voice turning serious and attentive. Dawn could almost picture her aunt leaning forward, ready to listen and offer support.
"It's just, I had my first gym battle, and well, my Pokémon did excellent, but we still lost," Dawn said somberly, her voice barely above a whisper as she gazed at the ground, scuffing the dirt with her shoe.
"Oh, well Dawn, don't beat yourself up over that," Gilda replied gently, her tone filled with understanding and warmth. "Every trainer, heck, even my husband, they all lose battles at some point." There was a slight pause before she added, "I'm sure even Cynthia Shirona has."
"Actually, that's not what has me so upset," Dawn explained, frustration beginning to build in her voice. "I mean, I understand losing is just another component of being a trainer as winning is, but after I lost to the Gym Leader, he still gave me the badge. He said he thought I earned it... and, I just don't feel like I did. So, what would you do?"
"I guess I never thought of that," Gilda mused, her voice thoughtful. "I only managed to collect five badges in my time as a trainer, and sure, I lost against some of them on a few different occasions, but every time I did, I would come back and battle them with twice the effort." She paused, reflecting on her own experiences. "But this is different. Sure, you lost, but if at the end of the day you have the badge, then what difference does it make?"
Dawn considered her auntie's words, biting her lip in contemplation. "If Barry was in my shoes, what do you think he would do? Do you think he would accept it?"
Gilda was silent for a moment, the line cracking slightly. Finally, she answered, "No, I don't think he would accept it."
Dawn gave a faint smile and nodded her head, feeling a sense of clarity wash over her. "I agree," she said softly. She closed her eyes and let out a deep breath, thinking some more before opening them with a renewed determination. "Look, thank you, Auntie. I think I know what I'm going to do now."
"Sure," Gilda said, her voice warm and encouraging. "You'll make the right choice, you always do."
"Alright, well, I'm gonna get going. Thanks for talking with me about this," Dawn replied, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.
"Oh, anytime, honey," Gilda replied. "Don't be a stranger. Anytime you wanna chitchat, just give me a call, okay?"
"I will, thanks. Bye-bye," Dawn said as she ended the call, a small smile on her face.
Suddenly, a frisbee soared through the air and landed near her feet. She glanced up to see a group of kids nearby, waving enthusiastically.
"Hey, you wanna play with us?" one of them called out, grinning from ear to ear.
A small smile tugged at Dawn's lips as she picked up the frisbee. "Sure!" she replied, her voice cheerful.
She stood up gracefully and tossed the frisbee back to the group. The kids laughed and ran to catch it, and Dawn jogged over to join them.
The next day, Dawn stood outside Oreburgh City Gym, her hand lightly resting on the door handle.
The morning sun broke through the clouds, casting a warm glow over the gym's rugged exterior. She hesitated, thoughts swirling about her recent battle and Roark's words of encouragement.
It was 10 in the morning, and Dawn had already stood there for a good 15 minutes without moving a muscle. Passersby began to take notice, their curious glances lingering on the girl standing outside the Oreburgh City Gym.
Her hand hesitantly crept towards the gym door handle. With a soft creak, the door cracked open under her touch. She peered inside, her expression uncertain. A flicker of hesitation crossed her face, and then with a decisive nod, she gently shut the door.
After her moment of hesitation, Dawn turned away from the gym, her heart heavy with uncertainty.
Days slipped by, but with each passing moment her faith grew stronger. Every morning at 10 o'clock sharp Dawn found herself facing new challengers at the edge of town. Her Pokémon stood at the ready, their conviction matching hers as they faced opponent after opponent.
Passersby couldn't help but notice the intensity in her gaze, the way her team moved in perfect synchrony with her commands.
With each hard-fought victory, the sound of coins clinking into her pouch became a satisfying jingle. She watched as her earnings grew, not just in currency but in the bonds of trust and camaraderie she had with her Pokémon.
In the quiet moments between battles, Dawn sought refuge in Pokémon Centers along her journey. There, the welcoming hospitality of fellow trainers and nurses became her solace. She watched as her weary Pokémon were revitalized and restored to full strength, ready to face the challenges of another day.
One sunny afternoon, amidst the cheerful chaos of the local park, Dawn found herself drawn into a game of hopscotch with a group of local children. Their laughter and playful energy were contagious and momentarily lifted the weight of her journey from her shoulders. For a moment, she was simply a kid again.
In the marketplace, she paused at a vendor stand adorned with colorful Pokémon cards. Her fingers traced the edges of each pack, imagining the potential additions to her growing team. She selected a few packs, savoring the thrill of the unknown that each new card promised.
Each night, Dawn found respite in the simple comforts of village inns. She'd check her Pokémon in for healing, exchange stories with fellow travelers, and reflect on the day's battles and lessons learned as she settled into bed, her Pokétch casting a soft glow.
As the days passed, Dawn grew stronger and more confident. Eventually, bolstered by her experiences and newfound skills, she felt ready to challenge Roark once again.
Roark glanced at the clock on the gym wall, its hands nearing the 7 o'clock mark. With a bisk stride he made his way to the front door, flipping the 'Open' sign to 'Closed'.
"Closing up shop, Charlie," Roark called out to his referee who to his referee, who was organizing his Poké Balls near the counter. "Time to hit the mines."
The referee looked up with a knowing smile. "You've got the drive. Gotta respect that. Tomorrow's another round, eh?"
Roark nodded, a hint of weariness in his eyes. "Another day, another dive. You know where to find me."
The referee chuckled, clapping Roark on the shoulder as he headed for the door. "Take care out there, Roark. Don't let those rocks get the best of you."
With a wave, Roark watched his officiant disappear into the evening shadows. He turned back to the counter, where his mining gear awaited, a sturdy helmet, protective gloves, and a back pocket filled with essentials.
He switched off the lights in the gym, plunging the space into darkness. As he reached for his trusty pickaxe, a faint creak broke the silence—the sound of the door slowly opening behind him.
Roark froze, his grip tightening on the pickaxe handle. He turned sharply, the beam of his headlight revealing the door inching open on its own despite being securely closed moments ago.
Heart racing, Roark scanned the shadowy gym, the faint light struggling to piece the thick darkness. "C-Charlie? That you?" he called out, unease coloring his tone. His senses heightened, he strained to hear any movement or sound over the faint hum of the ventilation system.
Before he could react, a voice rang out from the darkness. "Boo!"
Startled, Roark jumped back, his heart racing as he stumbled against the wall. His eyes squinted as he recognized the culprit. "Dawn?" His surprise was evident as he saw her mischievous grin emerge from the shadows. "You scared the daylights out of me!"
Dawn's laughter rang out, causing her to double over slightly as she clutched stomach. "Sorry, sorry," she gasped out amid giggles, "I just couldn't help myself."
Roark looked away, shaking his head in disbelief before turning back to Dawn. "What are you even doing here? I would've guessed you'd be in Eterna by now."
"I'm afraid not," Dawn answered confidently. "You see, ever since our match, I've been doing nothing but nonstop battling. It's been, what,a week since we battled? I've battled 30 trainers since our last meet—won 23 of those battles, lost against 4, and tied with 3."
"30 trainers in one week?" Roark said in surprise. "You're making me look lazy, Dawn."
Dawn smiled as her hand crept into her bag. "Just remembered, I have a gift for you," she claimed, tossing something towards the Gym Leader.
Though it was dark, Roark managed to catch the object with cupped hands. He could barely see it, but he could feel its shape. It was badge.
"What is this?" he asked, puzzled.
"Look," Dawn began, her voice steady. "I appreciate how you gave me the badge, but I didn't think I earned it. I lost to you. I didn't even manage to get past your Onix. So, I want a rematch."
Roark's mouth cracked a smile. "A rematch?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, a rematch," Dawn repeated firmly, her eyes gleaming with conviction. "I don't want some pity badge."
"Dawn, that was not a pity badge," Roark explained, his tone sincere. "I gave you that badge because you deserved it. I don't get challengers like you very often. You really surprised me." He paused, looking at her intently hoping she understood the genuine respect he had for her.
"Oh, I see how it is," Dawn said, crossing her arms as she began pacing back and forth. "You don't think I'm a real trainer, right?"
"I-I never said that," Roark gasped, taken aback by her accusation.
"You think I'm just some weak woman who can't stand alongside the big boys, that's what you think, right?" Dawn's voice rose, feigning frustration.
Roark rubbed his forehead, feeling the conversation spiraling. "I feel like we're having two different conversations," he muttered. "Fine, if it means so much to you, I'll rematch you."
Dawn's frown elevated into a triumphant smile. "Yay, that's what I was hoping to hear!"
Roark glanced at the clock on the wall. If he didn't leave now he'd be late for work. "I've got gotta get going to work, I work graveyard. Just meet me here tomorrow first thing in the morning, we'll do it then, okay?"
"Whaaat, I don't wanna battle you tomorrow, I wanna battle you now," Dawn argued, not taking no for an answer.
"What am I supposed to do, call out?" Roark frowned, mulling over his predicament. "Plus, in case you haven't noticed, I don't even have a referee right now! It's against the rules to have a gym battle without an officiant present."
"Rules were meant to be broken, Roark," Dawn retorted. "Besides, who needs a referee when we both know I'm gonna win anyway?"
Roark shifted his weight from one foot to the other and glancing at the clock again. "Look, I gotta pay my bills, and frankly, the mine pays more."
Dawn sighed, running a hand through her hair as she weighed her options. "Fine, I guess it can be helped," she said, turning around and lowering herself to the floor with a resigned shrug.
"Uh, Dawn, what are you doing?" Roark asked, confusion in his voice as he watched her make herself at home in his gym.
"Oh my gosh," Dawn suddenly exclaimed, reaching into her bag. She pulled a pack of Pokémon cards with a Swampert on the wrapper. "I just remembered I bought these the other day and never opened them."
Roark blinked, taken aback. "W-what's the plan here," he began, "if you think you can camp out here until I get back, then you're mistaken. You can't do that," he muttered, his brows knitting together.
"Sure I can," Dawn replied with a grin, tearing open the pack. "After all, patience is virtue, or so they say." She flipped the first card to the back of the stack, just like the pros do.
She glanced up at the stunned Gym Leader, a playful glint in her eye. "Anyways, no need to worry, don't let me keep you waiting, Roark. I'll be here, making sure your gym doesn't get lonely without you!" She winked, turning her attention back to her cards, clearly settling in for the long haul.
Roark sighed deeply, with a hesitant nod, he raised a finger signaling for Dawn to wait a moment. Pulling out his flip phone, he dialed a number and walked towards a quieter corner where the light was better.
"Hey, it's Roark, I'll be delayed tonight. I promise it won't be more than 20 minutes," after a contemplative pause and a quick glance back at Dawn, he adjusted, "Make that 30 minutes."
He listened briefly to the response on the other end, nodding in acknowledgement before ending the call and slipping the phone back into his pocket and turned his attention back to Dawn. He met her gaze solemnly before turning over to the gym's entrance, flicking on the light switch, illuminating the gym's interior with a practical glow.
"I fold, Dawn," Roark said, his voice steady and decisive. "We can have that battle now."
Dawn's face lit up with a bright smile at Roark's words. She nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Awesome! I knew you'd come around," she exclaimed, enthusiasm evident in her voice.
The two moved purposefully across the gym floor towards their respective positions on the battle arena.
Roark, with his steady gait and focused demeanor, took his place behind the gym leader's podium.
Dawn, excitement bubbling up within her, approached the challenger's side with a confident stride.
"I'll go first," Roark declared, reaching for a Poké Ball and releasing it onto the battlefield.
The ground trembled slightly as a tall, rock-covered creature emerged from the Poké Ball. Its body was encased in rugged, earthly plates, each segment pulsating with latent power.
"Woah... that looks a lot like Geodude," Dawn observed, she swiftly retrieved her Pokédex, aiming it at the Pokémon.
"Graveler, the Rock Pokémon. It rolls on mountain paths to move. Once it builds momentum, no Pokémon can stop it without difficulty."
Roark smiled confidently and explained, "It's the evolved form of Geodude. If you really insist your stronger, then I'll judge that with higher level Pokémon."
"Of course, I wouldn't want you to hold back, anyway," Dawn retorted, her determination clear to see as she enlarged a Poké Ball and tossed it. "Shinx, I choose you!"
With a burst of energy, Shinx materialized on the battlefield, his mane bristling as he let out a low growl that echoed through the gym. His Intimidate ability had an immediate effect, subtly reducing his opponent's physical strength.
"Starting off with Shinx this time around," Roark remarked with a nod. "Alright Graveler, let's set up Stealth Rock!"
"Dodge it Shinx!" Dawn commanded eagerly.
Shinx, with his keen instincts, eyed the barrage of rocks hurtling towards it. As the stones approached, Shinx prepared to dodge, but to his surprise, they passed harmlessly by, sinking into the ground as if they were intangible.
Dawn furrowed her brow, confused by the unconventional attack. "Roark, those rocks didn't even come close to hitting Shinx," she said turning towards the Gym Leader. "Not that I'm complaining about that."
Roark chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Don't worry about it, Dawn. But if you want a move that'll hit Shinx, I've got just the thing for you. Graveler, Brick Break!"
Graveler reacted swiftly to Roark's command, leaping into the air with surprising agility for its size. With a swift and precise motion, it brought its hardened hand down sharply on Shinx's neck, sending the electric Pokémon skidding across the arena floor.
Shinx struggled to regain his footing, shaking off the impact.
"Now, Rollout!" Roark continued the onslaught.
Graveler tucked its body into a tight ball, spinning rapidly as it gained momentum. With a thunderous roar, it shot forward like a boulder launched from a catapult, smashing through the fragile ground beneath it. The force of its Rollout attack left a trail of shattered earth in its wake.
That's almost like Chimchar's Flame Wheel, Dawn watched intently, noting the speed and power in its movement's. "Shinx, dodge!" she shouted urgently.
Anticipating the attack, Shinx leaped into the air narrowly avoiding the crushing force of Graveler's Rollout. As Shinx descended, Graveler adjusted its trajectory, aiming to intercept Shinx's landing.
With a deft twist in mid-air, Shinx managed to avoid a direct hit, landing squarely on Graveler's rocky back. The Flash Pokémon struggled to maintain his balance as Graveler continued to roll forward with incredible speed.
"S-Shinx!" Dawn's cry rang out in shock as the battle took an unexpected turn.
Shinx, agile and swift, struggled to maintain balance atop Graveler's rolling form. His paws slipped and scrabbled against the rocky surface he fought to stay on.
"Throw him off, Graveler!" Roark's command pierced the air, prompting it to execute a sudden sharp turn. With a swift maneuver, the Rock Pokémon flung Shinx off, sending him hurtling towards a nearby boulder.
Shinx's back collided with the solid mass, breaking it into a shower of rubble. Covered in debris, the electric-type shook off the rocks, revealing his resilience.
"Now, Slam onto Shinx!" Roark's voice boomed, urging Graveler to continue its assault.
Dawn's face lit up with a confident smile. "Alright, Shinx! I Use Spark and hit it head-on!"
Electricity crackled around Shinx as he sprang into action, leaping skyward with energy swirling around his body.
"What, have you forgotten electric-type moves don't work on ground-types?" Roark shouted in disbelief as Graveler closed in.
The girl's smile twisted into a knowing smirk. "Okay, now that you're close, switch to Double Kick!"
The electric aura surrounding Shinx faded as he suddenly shifted tactics, launching into a powerful upwards kick. His hind legs connected with Graveler's uncurling form, propelling the rock-type into the ceiling.
But Shinx wasn't done yet. In a flash of speed, he appeared above Graveler once more, delivering another precise kick that sent his opponent crashing back down. Graveler's impact with the ground kicked up a billowing cloud of dust and debris, obscuring the battlefield.
Through the settling dust, Dawn could discern a faint silhouette. As the haze subsided, it revealed Shinx standing triumphantly atop a defeated Graveler, electricity flickering around him in a victorious pose.
Suddenly, Graveler began to fade away from beneath Shinx's feet in a flash of red light as he was returned to his Poké Ball. "Good work, Graveler," Roark commended, retracting his Poké Ball and turning his attention to his challenger.
"That Graveler of yours sure is a glass cannon," Dawn remarked, raising a playful V-sign. "It can dish out a lot of damage, but it can't take it very well, can it?"
"Maybe..." Roark mused, retrieving his next Poké Ball. "Or maybe your Pokémon are just that much stronger," he replied with a grin, tossing his next Poké Ball forward.
With a sharp screech, Roark's Onix emerged onto the battlefield, its massive form almost touching the ceiling. The ground shook under its weight as it stared down Shinx.
Shinx watched, his gaze intense, memories of his previous defeat to the same Pokémon flooding his mind.
There it is, Roark's Onix, Dawn thought, a serious expression crossing her face. This guy took out Shinx, Starly, and even Chimchar last time we battled. My Pokémon are stronger now, but if we don't take this seriously, history might repeat itself.
"Shinx, you're a lot stronger than you were than when you were last time, so give it everything you've got," Dawn commanded passionately to her Pokémon.
"Shinx!" the electric-type Pokémon barked in response, courage gleaming in his eyes as he prepared for the upcoming round.
"Alright Onix, let's avenge Graveler's loss, start with Bind!" Roark commanded.
Onix's tail, resembling that of a massive snake, coiled with a menacing hiss before lunging forward with alarming speed. The rocky appendage moved with surprising agility for its size, aiming to ensnare Shinx in its powerful grasp.
"Dodge!" Dawn shouted urgently, her voice tinged with concern.
Shinx reacted swiftly, his nimble form dancing to the side just in time to evade the sweeping tail. However, Onix's attack was relentless, and after a brief evasion, Shinx found himself ensnared in the grip of Onix's tail. The serpent-like coil tightened around him, squeezing tightly as Shinx struggled to break free.
"Oh no!" Dawn cried out in dismay, he hands clenching into fists.
Shinx strained against the constricting bind, his efforts to escape only intensifying Onix's grip. The massive rock snake loomed over him, its eyes gleaming with conviction as it prepared for its move.
Roark smirked, adjusting the glasses with a flick of his finger. "Now Onix, use Dig!" His voice carried a hint of satisfaction at the unfolding domination.
Dawn blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of what Roark just called out. "Wait, what?" Her mind raced as she tried to grasp the strategy behind Roark's commands.
With Shinx still firmly wrapped in its tail, Onix's colossal form began to burrow into the ground. The earth them trembled and cracked as Onix's tail, still tightly wound around Shinx, dug deep into the soil. The super-effective attack inflicted tremendous pain on Shinx, who cried out as he bulldozed into the ground, the compacted earth adding to his discomfort.
Finally, with a powerful heave, Onix's tail emerged from the ground, hurling Shinx upwards with incredible force. As Shinx soared towards the ceiling, Dawn's expression shifted from worry to realization.
She glanced up at noticed the sprinklers lining the ceiling of the arena, a glimmer of opportunity sparking in her mind.
"Now, use Thunder Shock!" Dawn commanded with a self-assured smile, her voice cutting through the tension of the air.
Shinx, surrounding himself with electricity, unleashed a bolt of Thunder Shock towards the sprinklers. The electrical attack surged through the air, hitting its mark with precision. The sprinklers responded immediately, activating with a burst of water that cascaded down onto the battlefield, soaking everything in its path.
Onis screeched in agony as cold water cascaded over his rocky form, causing it to shiver involuntarily.
"H-hey! I gotta go to work after this!" Roark, also soaked, protested, realizing the inconvenience this would cause him later.
"Well , I'm not too thrilled about getting wet either," Dawn complained, teeth chattering from the sudden chill. "I saw a similar technique to this on a TV show!"
Shinx landed on the battlefield, a satisfied grin on his face despite his panting and slightly trembling limbs from the Dig attack's impact.
"Shinx, come here boy!" Dawn called out eagerly.
With nimble strides, Shinx hurried over to his trainer. Dawn knelt down, patting her Pokémon affectionately.
"Good job, buddy. You showed me just how much stronger you've become. Why don't you take five?" Dawn praised warmly, returning Shinx to his Poké Ball.
Standing up, Dawn focused her attention back to Roark and Onix, the sprinklers' downpour gradually coming to a halt.
"Fixing my lights after our last was a nightmare," Roark sighed. "Please, don't make me have to repair the sprinklers too."
"Sorry, Roark. Sometimes I can get carried away when I see a strategy," Dawn admitted, her expression softening with sympathy. "Did you... have to cover the repairs out of your own pocket?"
Roark nodded with a hint of resignation, "Yes," he stated matter-of-factly.
Dawn's certitude strengthened, a determined grin forming on her face. "No need to worry! Once I become champion, I'll pay you back every last dollar," she promised resolutely before tossing her next Poké Ball into the air.
"Starly!" the flying-type cried as descended gracefully onto the battlefield. As he landed, a sudden jolt of pain shot through his talons, causing him to wince in pain and nearly stumble.
"What's wrong, Starly!?" Dawn exclaimed, her worry mounting as she noticed her Pokémon's struggle to maintain his balance.
Roark grinned knowingly, his gaze fixed Starly. "Remember earlier? The Stealth Rock? It didn't miss—it's still lurking there, ready to inflict damage on any Pokémon you send out."
Dawn frowned, incredulous. "Jesus, how can a move like that exist?" she muttered, both impressed and wary of her opponent's cunning.
Starly gritted his teeth, shaking off the discomfort, and fixed his gaze on Onix. The colossal Rock Snake Pokémon responded with a thunderous roar that momentarily lifted Starly off the ground with sheer force.
Chimchar, Starly, and Shinx, as formidable as they are, Dawn clearly got unlucky with me being her first roadblock. I'm the worst possible first Gym Leader she could've had, considering her team's composition, Roark thought, assessing the situation. "This battle will conclude the same way our last did. Onix, use Rock Throw!"
Rocks began to swirl around Onix like a dual asteroid field, their velocity caused them to glow with intense heat. As they reached peak speed, friction igniting the rocks, transforming them into blazing projectiles that seared through the air with a fierce, fiery glow. Almost like a fire-type move.
Dawn tensed, her heart racing with fear. "Starly, you've got to dodge it!"
Starly darted across the battlefield with agile movements, narrowly evading the hurtling rocks. Each blazing projectile smashed into the ground, creating fiery explosions that sent shockwaves through the arena.
The impact left craters and ignited small fires on the battlefield, intensifying the chaotic scene.
"Don't let up, Onix! Keep up the Rock Throw!" Roark screeched, his voice echoing through the gym.
More rocks formed around Onix, spinning faster and faster, each one moving with incredible speed. The sheer velocity of the rocks created a deafening whistling sound as they approached Starly, slicing through the air like missiles.
"D-dodge with Quick Attack!" Dawn screamed, her voice filled with urgency.
Starly's speed boosted instantly, transforming into a streak of light as he raced across the ground. The Starling Pokémon zigzagged with lightning agility, evading the deadly projectiles that shattered the ground upon impact, creating fiery explosions.
"Slam!" Roark yelled, his eyes glinting with resolve.
Onix raised its massive tail and attempted to smash Starly with a powerful swing. But Starly, using Quick Attack, dodged the attack with remarkable grace. He leaped to the wall, running across it with such speed that sparks of friction ignited against the surface.
Starly's movements became a whirlwind of speed, circling the entire gym so rapidly it created a swirl of wind, almost resembling a tornado. The air pressure intensified, and Dawn could feel the gusts pushing against her. Starly's speed was so immense that he seemed to vanish and reappear in different spots around the gym, leaving afterimages in its wake.
Dawn, her dress and scarf whirling intensely in the powerful winds created by Starly's Quick Attack, felt her confidence soar. "Okay, Starly, now slam Onix with all that speed!"
With a forceful leap off the all, Starly cracked the surface slightly, propelling himself toward Onix with blinding speed. The impact was so immense, as Starly slammed into Onix with all his might, the collision creating a shockwave that echoed through the gym.
However, despite the powerful display, Onix stood firm. Starly bounced off Onix's rocky body and hit the ground hard, doing no damage to the Rock Snake Pokémon.
The impact created a miniature crater in the ground, the force of the fall evident in the cracked and sunken floor.
"S-Star..." Starly screeched in pain, a rash forming on his head from the impact.
"Starly, no!" Dawn cried out, her voice permeating the gym.
"Don't tell me you've forgotten," Roark declared, crossing his arms confidently. "As powerful as that Quick Attack was, normal-type moves aren't very effective against rock-type Pokémon." He extended his arm forward, "Now Onix, use Bind!"
Onix's tail began to slither slowly toward the immobilized Starly. The sight was almost creepy, as the tail snaked its way across the ground, inching closer and closer to Starly, who could barely twitch his head in response.
Finally, the tail wrapped around Starly, lifting him off the ground with a terrifying ease.
"N-no, Starly!" Dawn gasped, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Alright now, end this with Slam. No need to be gentle!" Roark commanded, seizing the opportunity.
Onix smashed Starly into boulder after boulder, the impact shattering them completely. Each collision sent shockwaves through the gym, and the sounds of rocks breaking filled the air.
Starly's cries of pain echoed as he was swung around, his body battered by the relentless assault. Finally, Onix raised its tail high into the air, then plummeted down like a roller coaster, smashing Starly headfirst into the ground with a devastating force crumbling the floor and kicking up a thick cloud of smoke.
"Starly, no!" Dawn cried out in shock, her voice breaking with emotion.
The smoke slowly cleared, creating a suspenseful moment as everyone strained to see what happened. Onix raised its tail, revealing Starly's battered and bruised body lying on the ground, covered in scratches.
Dawn's eyes saddened as she raised a Poké Ball toward Starly. "Alright, Starly, you did great. Get a good rest—"
Her extended arm wavered as she noticed Starly's body shaking. Despite his injuries, Starly began to slowly get up, his determination shining through. Using sheer willpower, he pushed himself up from the ground. "Star..." he murmured, his voice filled with grit.
Suddenly, Starly let out a loud screech, "Staravia!" His body began to glow with a brilliant blue light.
"What the heck is going on!?" Dawn muttered, shielding her eyes from the intense light.
Starly's form was enveloped in the radiant glow, his silhouette growing and changing. Sparkles surrounded him, creating an almost ethereal aura. The gym was filled with a dazzling display of light and energy.
Roark watched with a knowing smile, closing his eyes in admiration of the scene.
In Onix's eyes, the reflection of Starly could be seen, his form growing and shifting within the brilliant light. Finally, the glow subsided, leaving behind a much different-looking Starly, his wings still crooked but his spirit unbroken.
Standing before Dawn was the same Pokémon Barry had utilized against her during their battle, the evolved form of Starly: Staravia.
Dawn looked on in awe, having never actually seen a Pokémon evolve before her eyes, aside from on the news or in picture books. It was beautiful. A smile formed across her face and she shifted her feet on the floor excitedly before jumping up in the air with an arm raised high. "You did it, Starly, you actually evolved into Staravia!"
"Star," Staravia chirped with a nod of his head. His mind flashed towards the Staraptor that had taken care of him for most of his life; he wondered how proud she'd be if she could look at him now.
The Starling Pokémon dropped his happy expression, glaring towards Onix. The intense look in his eyes made Onix feel a shiver of intimidation before shaking his head and letting out a roar.
"Congrats on the mid-battle evolution, Dawn, but it won't be enough," Roark declared, undeterred by the sudden turn of events. "Onix, once more, use Slam!"
Onix's tail whipped towards the ceiling, aiming to crush Staravia with its massive weight and force.
"Dodge it!" Dawn's urgent cry filled the gym.
Remaining steadfast, Staravia stood his ground with a confident smile until the last moment. Onix's tail grazed the feathers at the top of Staravia's head just as he vanished from sight.
Onix's eyes widened in shock as it felt a sudden, sharp impact. Slowly turning its head, Onix saw Staravia reappear in a flash, wings gleaming momentarily like steel as it executed a new move with remarkable speed and precision.
"T-that was Steel Wing!?" Roark exclaimed in astonishment, his voice echoing through the gym. Dawn nodded in affirmation, her confidence growing further.
Onix staggered back, a mix of pain and frustration evident behind its eyes. It roared defiantly, attempting to regain its composure.
Unfazed, Staravia remained poised and focused. Dawn's grin widened "Staravia, use Steel Wing again!"
With amazing agility, Staravia spun like a whirlwind, his dangling wings shimmering brightly as he slashed Onix once more with Steel Wing. Each strike left visible marks on Onix's rocky hide, sending tremors through its towering frame.
Onix bellowed in agony, its movements becoming sluggish as fatigue set in. It struggled to maintain its stance, its massive tail swaying unsteadily.
Not willing to give in, Onix let out a deafening roar right in his foe's face, its massive body trembling with fury. Staravia, undeterred, lightly tapped Onix with a single talon. Onix's colossal body leaned forward, its eyes closing as it succumbed to unconscious.
Staravia leaped back avoiding the fall, the entire ground trembling beneath Onix's weight.
"Alright, you're amazing, Staravia!" Dawn's voice echoed with pride and admiration, her eyes sparkling with the joy of victory.
Roark simply raised his arm, recalling Onix to its Poké Ball. "You held up for a long time Onix, why don't you get some shut-eye, I'll handle the rest," he said, casting a glance towards Dawn. "Wow, would you look at that, I'm already on my last leg. You've really grown, haven't you?"
"What, when I told you I got stronger did you think I was lying?" Dawn responded with a quip, giving a thumbs-up.
Roark gritted his teeth, checking the clock. It was 7:20; 15 minutes had passed since their battle began, and he had another 15 to wrap up and get to work.
"This next Pokémon of mine, it's my strongest," Roark declared, pulling out another Poké Ball.
Dawn's surprise was evident in her widened eyes and parted lips, before she narrowed gaze. "Oh yeah, show me!" she taunted.
Roark tossed the Poké Ball, as it landed on the battlefield, it released a screech. It was a gray, dinosaur-like creature with a spiked, dome-shaped head and stout claws.
Dawn looked on in awe, not at all familiar with the Pokémon. "What the heck is that?" she asked, scanning it with her Pokédex.
"Cranidos, the Head Butt Pokémon. A lifelong jungle dweller from 100 million years ago, it would snap obstructing trees with head butts."
Drool oozed from Cranidos' jagged maw as it locked eyes Staravia, teasingly beckoning the flying type forward with a wag of his finger.
Staravia remained vigilant, refusing to be baited by his foe's provocation.
A charged silence stretched between both trainers, broken only by Roark's commanding voice. "Headbutt, now!"
With a primal roar, Cranidos launched itself forward with explosive force, aiming to collide head-on with Staravia like a battering ram.
Staravia reached with lightning reflexes, springing into the air and narrowly evading Cranidos' crushing assault.
"Grab it!" Roark's voice cut through the air.
Cranidos' massive claw swiped through the air, clenching around Staravia's outstretched talon, ensnaring the flying-type in its vicious grip.
"Now, use Slam!" Roark's order resonated with a mix of triumph and ruthlessness.
Staravia was hurled mercilessly into the ground, the impact rattling the battlefield. Cranidos repeated the brutal assault, slamming Staravia against jagged boulders that exploded on impact, showering the area with debris.
"Stay strong, Staravia!" Dawn's voice quivered with worry, watching her Pokémon endure the punishing blows.
The final slam sent Staravia skyward, a stark contrast to the brute force that had battered him moments before. The flying type's form crashed back down, shaking the ground beneath.
"Now, Rock Smash!" Roark's voice carried a cold edge of command.
"Cran!" Cranidos growled, its eyes gleaming with predatory focus as it unleashed a devastating blow. Staravia's head collided with the shattered ground, the force creating a cloud of dust and debris.
"Star..." Staravia's groan was filled with pain, struggling but determined to rise despite the overwhelming power of his opponent.
Dawn winced, her mind racing for a strategy. "Fury Attack!" she blurted out, forgetting normal-type moves effectiveness against rock-types in her fright.
Staravia's rapid kicks and slashes rained down on Cranidos's unyielding form, the fury of the attacks apparent, yet the Headbutt Pokémon remained steadfast, shrugging off the barrage with hardened menace.
"Now, seize Staravia!" Roark's command was swift and decisive.
Cranidos reacted instantly, its muscular arm wrapping around Staravia's neck in a vice-like grip, interrupting the flying-type's assault.
"Now, let's end this," Roark declared with chilling certainty. "Thunderbolt, now!"
"W-what did you say!?" Dawn gasped in disbelief, the idea of a rock-type using a move even her Shinx didn't know was unfathomable.
As Cranidos tightened its grip around Staravia's neck, a crackling shroud of electricity enveloped its study body. Arcs of lightning danced around Cranidos like a menacing aura, casting eerie shadows across the arena.
Staravia's eyes widened in shock and pain as the electric currents surged through his body, every nerve ending tingling with agony. He screamed in anguish, the sound piercing through the charged air. It was a pain unlike any he had ever experienced.
The electric energy discharged from Cranidos in a final surge, and Staravia, now limp and defeated, dropped heavily to the ground.
"Staravia, return!" Dawn's voice trembled with concern as she recalled her fallen Pokémon to its Poké Ball. "You fought bravely. You've shown that strength isn't just about flying—it's about resilience and heart. Thank you." She shot a fierce glare towards Cranidos.
Cranidos met Dawn's gaze with a chilling grin, its red eyes gleaming with primal satisfaction at its victory.
Roark smiled, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Impressed?"
"To be honest, I never would've guessed you had a Pokémon even stronger than Onix, but there's no mistaking it, Cranidos is on a whole other level," Dawn admitted, respect coloring her tone. She retrieved her next Poké Ball from her bag. "Chimchar, I choose you!"
"Char, Char, Chimchar!" Chimchar cried, landing swiftly on the battlefield with a determined look in his eyes. He skidded to a stop, his fiery tail flickering as he surveyed his opponent.
His face contorted with pain as he staggered, almost losing his balance. His body swayed unsteadily, and he clenched his fists, trying to push through the agony that shot through him.
Darn it, I completely forgot about that stupid Stealth Rock, Dawn thought, a wave of frustration hitting her. It's super-effective too, isn't it?
Across the field, Cranidos glared menacingly, its red eyes glowing with a fierce intensity. The rock-type stomped its feet, creating a small quake that reverberated through the arena.
"Start with Headbutt!" Roark screeched, his voice echoing through the stadium.
Cranidos responded immediately, its powerful muscles tensing as it charged forward.
With a resounding roar, the Pokémon lowered its head, aiming its hard, helmet-like skull directly at Chimchar.
"Dodge it, Chimchar!" Dawn shouted in fear, her voice rising above the clamor of the battlefield.
Chimchar leaped at the last moment, his hand grazing Cranidos's head as he spun through the air. He landed smoothly, poised for the next move.
"Now, Ember!" Dawn shouted.
Chimchar leapt into the air, his eyes locked on Cranidos. With a fierce cry, he unleashed a torrent of blazing embers from his mouth. The flames shot forth with intense heat, illuminating the battlefield with their fiery glow as they raced toward Cranidos.
"As I mentioned earlier, moves like Ember won't do you much good here," Roark declared. "Cranidos, deflect it!"
Cranidos swung its powerful fists with ferocity, knocking aside the blazing Ember flames that shot towards it. Each punch sent the fire spiraling off course, leaving a path of singed air as Cranidos effortlessly deflected the attack.
As Cranidos crushed the last ember with a powerful punch, it looked up in surprise, only to find Chimchar had vanished from its line of sight.
"Char!" the rock-type heard from behind. Just as it pivoted on its feet, Chimchar's Rock Smash struck with a resounding crack, echoing through the arena as it delivered a powerful sucker punch to Cranidos' face.
Cranidos was hurled to the ground, bouncing and rolling uncontrollably. It collided with a jagged rock, the impact sending rubble cascading down and burying it beneath the debris.
"Yes, that was super-effective!" Dawn cheered, fist pumping with excitement. "Keep it up, Chimchar!"
"Chim!" Chimchar cried, giving Dawn a thumbs-up. He then turned his attention back to his opponent hearing Cranidos struggling to rise from the rubble.
The Headbutt Pokémon violently kicked a rock off itself, sending it skidding across the battlefield. As it burst from the rubble it let out a piercing, spine-chilling scream. The sheer intensity of the roar sent shockwaves through the arena hurling the remaining rocks away in all directions.
Chimchar straightened up, his stance sharp and confident. He assumed a dynamic battle pose, with one arm slightly bent in front and the other held back, ready to strike.
"Alright, Cranidos, use Thunderbolt!" Roark commanded, his arm slicing through the air with authoritative precision.
Cranidos's body once more surged with raw electrical energy, with a burst of power, it unleashed a Thunderbolt that roared through the arena like a lightning storm. The crackling, blinding surge of electricity rushed forward with overwhelming force, tearing through the air and crackling with a thunderous intensity.
"Dodge it!" Dawn cried out, her eyes widening as the crackling electricity reflected off them.
Chimchar executed a swift cartwheel to the side, his body spinning gracefully through the air.
The bolt of lightning surged past him, missing its target by inches as he landed neatly on his feet, evading the Thunderbolt with precision.
"Headbutt!" Roark bellowed, commanding Cranidos into action.
Cranidos leaped into the air, with a sudden burst of speed, it propelled itself forward, slamming its head down in a powerful Headbutt.
Dawn's voice cut through the air. "Dodge it, pull back!" she yelled, her voice tinged with urgency.
Chimchar sprang backward into the air with a burst of agility, his limbs extending as he leapt away from the oncoming threat. He arced gracefully through the air, narrowly avoiding the collision with Cranidos' Headbutt.
The Cranidos looked up, its eyes narrowing into a menacing glare. A wicked smile spread across its face, revealing sharp teeth as it heed its trainer's next command.
"Now, grab Chimchar and use Slam!" Roark commanded, his voice echoing with intensity.
Cranidos leapt into the air, the force of his jump shattering chunks of the ground beneath him. He grabbed Chimchar by the neck with a powerful grip, lifting him high before slamming him down with a bone-jarring chokeslam.
Chimchar cried out in pain as the earth beneath them trembled and cracked, the impact sending shockwaves through the arena.
"O-oh no, Chimchar!" Dawn exclaimed, her voice filled with concern and awe at the devastating power behind Cranidos's attack.
The hand gripping Chimchar's neck loosened, and Cranidos released him with a rough shove. Standing over the exhausted and injured Chimchar, Cranidos loomed imposingly.
Cranidos tried to suppress its laughter, but a low, rumbling chuckle escaped its throat. The sound grew louder and more confident as it continued, transforming into a full-blown cackle.
Dawn's jaw tightened in frustration as she watched the scene unfold. Her eyes were locked on Chimchar, and she noticed a glimmer of hope when Chimchar's hand twitched slightly.
Suddenly, Chimchar's arm reached out slowly towards Cranidos trembling slightly with effort. As he drew closer, a faint, pained smile appeared on his face. With a final burst of defiance, he pulled down one eyelid and stuck his tongue out
"C-Cranidos!?" Cranidos yelped in bewilderment before its frustration turned to anger. The Pokémon clenched its jaws tightly, visibly seething as it tried to control its rising rage.
"Chimchar clearly can't take much more of this, I say we end this round," Roark exclaimed. "Finish this with Rock Smash!"
Cranidos leaped into the air with a fierce burst of energy, a vein throbbing on its forehead. Its powerful arm, clenched tightly, was poised to deliver the finishing blow. As it descended, the move seemed to radiate with an intense, crushing force, threatening to shatter everything in its path.
"Quickly, Chimchar, listen to my voice!" Dawn screeched, sweat trickling down her face. "You have to dodge, now!"
Chimchar's eyes widened with alarm as he rolled to the side, barely avoiding the devastating impact. Cranidos's fist smashed into the ground with a resounding crack, shattering the earth and sending debris flying in all directions.
"W-what, he could move so fast even when that fatigued!?" Roark exclaimed, astonished.
"Now, give that brute another taste of our Rock Smash!" Dawn shouted.
Chimchar leaped towards Cranidos with his will driving him forth, he surged forward, driving his fist into Cranidos' gut with such force that the impact made Cranidos spit out a spray of saliva.
The force of the blow sent Cranidos hurtling at breakneck speed, smashing through two boulders in rapid succession. Each collision shattered the rocks into debris, sending fragments flying as Cranidos crashed through them, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
The rock-type splattered against the wall with a loud crash, the impact so forceful it sent a shudder through the structure. The wall trembled slightly as Cranidos slumped down, clearly dazed from the violent collision.
Chimchar lowered his fist, his arm trembling slightly from the exertion. He stood there, breathing heavily with rugged pants, each breath coming out in short, uneven bursts.
Dawn's thoughts raced as she observed Chimchar's labored breaths. Chimchar's not doing so hot, she noted, her gaze shifting to Cranidos who was struggling to rise with a noticeable limp. But neither is Cranidos. They're both on their last legs.
Roark and Dawn locked eyes, their glares sharp and unyielding. The intensity of their stares crackled in the air like static electricity.
Both the trainer's bodies trembled with tension, the energy of the moment coursing through them. With a sudden, synchronized shout, they roared, "Rock Smash!"
Chimchar and Cranidos sprang from the ground with explosive force, their bodies slicing through the air in a high-stakes collision course.
The two Pokémon met mid-air, their Rock Smash attacks colliding with a thunderous boom. The impact was explosive—Chimchar's burning, glowing fist connected with Cranidos' rock-hard fist with a resonating crack.
The force of their blows sent ripples of shockwaves through the air, shaking the ground below. The intense clash between their powerful strikes created a blinding flash of light and a resounding echo that reverberated through the arena.
Dawn and Roark, unable to bear the blinding light and the sheer intensity of the clash, instinctively turned their heads away.
The girl shielded her eyes with a trembling hand, her face set in a grimace of concentration as she tried to protect herself from the overwhelming radiance.
The Gym Leader, eyes narrowed and brows furrowed, averted his gaze with a clenched jaw, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a tense, worried frown.
Finally, both trainers turned to see a colossal haze of smoke billowing near the ceiling, its tendrils swirling and filling the arena with a dense, opaque fog.
The air crackled with residual energy from the intense clash, and dust particles danced in the beams of light that filtered through the settling haze.
"Where the heck are they?" Dawn asked, worry in her voice as she peered through the swirling haze.
"Wait, right there!" Roark yelled, pointing through the thick smoke.
From the swirling smoke, both Chimchar and Cranidos plummeted to the ground.
Chimchar stood with his head hung low and his arms drooping, his breathing ragged and labored. Despite the heavy toll of the battle, he managed to stay upright, though he was clearly on the brink of collapse.
Cranidos, equally exhausted, glared at the nearly defeated Chimchar, each Pokémon's resolve hanging by a thread.
Suddenly, a strange steam began to rise from Chimchar's body, curling around him like a ghostly shroud. His head lifted slowly, revealing eyes now glowing an ominous red.
Cranidos stared into Chimchar's glowing red eyes, a shiver of fear running down its spine. The rock-type staggered, its legs trembling as it struggled to stay upright. Despite its effort to remain standing, Cranidos's strength gave out, and it collapsed forward, crashing face-first into the ground with a heavy thud.
Dawn's eyes widened in shock, her mouth falling open as she witnessed the dramatic turn of events. Roark's jaw dropped, and he stared in disbelief at the intense scene before him.
At that moment, Chimchar winced in pain, his face contorting as he closed his eyes and took a shaky step back. Every muscle in his arm ached intensely, when he opened his eyes again, their fiery red hue had faded back to their usual color. Exhausted, Chimchar finally collapsed to his knees before toppling over, lying flat on the ground.
Roark finally cleared his throat, the first to speak. "Okay, it appears both Cranidos and Chimchar are knocked out, meaning..." he took a deep breath, "This battleis a tie."
Dawn smiled, taking a step forward as she recalled her starter. "Chimchar, that was awesome, it was like a dream," she praised affectionately. "Oh, and that nonsense Roark just said about this being a tie, don't listen to him, cause we actually won."
"I-I'm sorry?" Roark questioned before Dawn reached into her bag.
She gave Roark a strong glance before revealing another Poké Ball. "Don't go forgetting now, I still have Shinx, you never actually beat him, remember?"
"You're right!" Roark exclaimed, realization dawning on him. "Y-you actually did it... you really managed to beat me!?"
"Heck yeah I did," Dawn shouted, walking up to the Gym Leader. "So, how was I compared to Barry?" she asked, unable to hide her curiosity. "You know, the blond boy who beat you last week?"
Roark rubbed the back of his head, his expression thoughtful. "Compared to the level he was at when he challenged me, you'd probably be on par with him," Roark admitted. "Possibly even stronger. Either way, you've truly earned this," Roark claimed, revealing the Coal Badge.
Dawn's eyes lit up as she held out her hand. Roark grabbed her wrist, placing the badge into her palm with a firm grip.
"Congratulations, Dawn," he said sincerely. "Do you remember when you told me in the mine that you wished to become champion?"
"Of course, how could I forget?" Dawn muttered, her eyes reflecting the memory.
"Well, I truly believe you will be one... one day," Roark revealed, his voice filled with conviction.
Dawn's eyes glistened, she looked away from the Gym Leader briefly, closing her eyes to compose herself before looking back. "Thank you, Roark. Um, look, I know you really didn't want to battle me right now. Maybe I could've waited till tomorrow. I'm sorry."
"Nah, don't worry about it," Roark said, waving his hand dismissively. "This was totally worth being a few minutes late. Anyway, you oughta head to Eterna if you want your next badge."
"Eterna City, I've heard of that place," Dawn replied thoughtfully. "I'd have to travel through Jubilife again though, right?"
Roark nodded, then added, "And just a fair warning. The Gym Leader is a good friend of mine named Gardenia, and compared to her, I'm nothing special."
Dawn raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh, really. Well, you know I never shy away from a fight," she said with confidence.
Roark extended his arm in a gesture of goodwill. "Good luck, Dawn Platinum. Stay safe."
Dawn smiled, gripping his hand firmly in a handshake. "Yeah, same to you, Roark, be well," she said warmly before turning to leave the Gym, her Coal Badge gleaming in her hand.
As dawn broke, the sky turned from indigo to pink and orange. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of dew. Pokémon began to sing, and sunlight painted the landscape in gold, heralding the start of a new day.
It was Dawn's final morning in Oreburgh. Stepping out of the inn where she had spent the night, she strolled down the busy street. Passersby easily recognized her as the gutsy trainer who had been challenging every willing opponent in town.
As Dawn walked, her eyes caught sight of Roark's imposing gym, prompting a smile to spread across her face.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" Dawm exclaimed, reaching into her bag and pulling out her pack of Pokémon Cards from the previous day.
"I opened these yesterday but I didn't get to look at them all," she remarked excitedly, flipping through the cards one by one.
Her fingers stopped at the last card, and a delighted giggle escaped her lips. Holding it up towards the gym, she proudly displayed a holographic Chimchar card.
Here I am, staying up till 4 AM to finish this chapter, and my longest one yet for that matter.
Fair warning, the next one is probably also going to be on the longer side, and the chapter after that too, but afterwards, I'll try and refrain from super long chapters... I hope.
Okay, if you're reading this, as I always say, please leave a review, let me know what you guys like and dislike about this story, and what I can do to improve.
—yonas813, out.