Chapter 15: Brawly and Maylene Return Part 1

After visiting the Karate Dojo, the three trainers Paul, Hilda, and Barry are joined by Daisy Oak the granddaughter of Professor Oak.

Paul caught a Sawk while Daisy got Throh, two new fighting type Pokemon that live in Unova.

The four are now going to Wheel Frontier for Paul's next challenge.

Paul and the others went their way to Wheel Frontier to check out something.

Just then an overweight man wearing sunglasses was sitting on the bench drinking tea. "Hold it."

The four stopped. "What do you need?" Hilda asked.

"I wager a guess that one of you is on gonna take on the Wheel Frontier?" The man asked.

"So what if we are," Paul questioned that is until he recognized the man. "Scott, what are you doing here?"

Scott stood up. "Oh, it's been a while since your brother challenged the Battle Frontier sadly he wasn't able to defeat Brando." Paul narrowed his eyes but before he could speak. "However I was told that you were going to do what he couldn't."

Paul was suddenly curious about this. "How did you know I would be here?"

Scott took a sip of his tea... "Heh, I was told by Noland, when I heard your name from him, I remembered that you are Reggie's younger brother."

"Oh, are you in charge of the Battle Frontier or something?" Barry asked looking curious.

"Well, I'm Scott a battle enthusiast, I scout around for trainers that can take on the Battle Frontier." The overweight man explained.

"Does that mean you met Ash before?" Daisy asked.

That detail got Scott intrigued. "Oh, I see you know Ash, I take that four of you are his friends?"

Paul didn't know how to answer that question, but Barry did. "I met Ash before when he was traveling in the Sinnoh Region."

"I see, did you two battle?" Scott asked, intrigued by this detail.

"Yes, our first battle was close but I lost, we also another battle, though it got interrupted." Barry shrugged, he then glanced at Paul. "Also I battled Paul in the Sinnoh

League, however, I lost but I gave it my all."

"Anyway, we're getting off the topic, so that all you wanted to talk to us about?" Paul asked getting a little impatient.

Scott fixed his glasses. "Of course not, I would like to see you battle, after hearing your battles in the past including against Noland, I would like to see your battle in person."

Paul didn't see a problem with that. "I don't mind if you watch or not, honestly I will win no matter what."

That made the battle enthusiast grin. "Heh, I like your attitude." He noticed the research woman, then his face showed great interest. "Interesting Daisy Oak I presume,"

The female researcher was surprised. "Oh, I see you heard of me." She bowed her head. "Pleasure to meet you, Scott."

The overweight man smiled. "Same here, anyway let's get going."

Eventually, they arrived at the Wheel Frontier's dojo doors. "Hey, I'm here to challenge you!" Paul proclaimed.

"I accept your challenge!" The voice answered which was Greta's and doors came flying open.

There Greta was training some students each doing training exercises.

"Looks we got challengers!" A voice rang out.

There stood Brawly. "What is he is doing?" Paul thought looking surprised.

"Who's that guy?" Barry wondered.

"He's one of the Hoenn Region's gym leaders, Brawly, he uses fighting type," Paul explained.

"How did you know that?" Hilda asked curiously but also interested.

"I traveled the Hoenn with my brother Reggie," Paul replied not looking at the girl. "Brawly is strong despite his hobby of surfing."

Scott chuckled. "Oh, surfing also helps his pokemon reflexes, or so I heard."

"I'm here!" A female voice called out, who just ran past Paul and the others.

"Come on, you were late this time again." Brawly sighed looking annoyed.

"Give me a break Brawly, I made here didn't I?" The female pouted.

Paul was beginning to recognize the voice. "No way..."

"Who's that girl?" Hilda wondered curiously, though she would have to guess she's a trainer or a student here at the dojo.

Daisy noticed the look on Paul's face which read "I know her!"

"Us!" Greta yelled.

"Brawly, take it easy." That made the Hoenn fighting gym leader standstill, but Greta turned her attention to the girl. "But he's right Maylene, you two came to get stronger than ever, so stop lagging!"

"Yes ma'am," Maylene muttered.

"Anyway, we got a challenger." Brawly pointed to the ground.

Maylene turned her attention and gasped at one familiar face. "P-p-paul?" That other fighting gym leader glance at her. "Hmm, you know that guy?"

Paul didn't say a word but glared at the vielstone gym leader.

Scott could sense the tension in the air so he stepped forward. "Yes, Brawly, Maylene, Paul would like to challenge Greta to a battle."

That released some tension. "Yes, I want to challenge Greta!" Paul recollected himself.

Greta smirked. "I see, the challenge that called out was from you! Us!" She then bowed her head. "Sorry, I'm busy for the next three days, I'm here to do some training with Brawly and Maylene, both of them are wishing to become stronger! Us!"

"No problem, that should give me some time to prepare for our match." Paul smiled softly.

Seeing a smile from the trainer that trash-talked her was something Maylene didn't expect, that seeing him travel with people wasn't more surprising.

Brawly could tell something was up with his partner, so he turned to Greta. "Greta, I know we promised to battle you, however something just came up, so give us a little more time."

Greta was surprised by this request and was so sudden, however, she looked into his eyes like he was insisting. "Very well! Us! Paul prepare for our battle in a few days!"

Paul nodded as Greta bowed her head and her students followed her.

Brawly turned to the purple-haired trainer. "Paul, I would like to take a walk with you."

The trainers were confused as was Maylene. "Why would I do that?" Brawly placed hands on the boy's shoulders. "I think we need to talk about something, I would like to hear your adventures." That was partly true Paul wasn't getting the picture, however, he had no choice. "Alright, let's go."

Maylene was puzzled but before she could answer Brawly bend down and put his mouth to her ear. "I think I know what's going on, don't hide anything."

With that Brawly left with Paul.

"Huh, what just happened?" Scott asked curiously.

Daisy Oak had a guess. "Maylene, did something happen between you and Paul?"

Maylene was now stiff however she knew Brawly was right about what he said. "Let's go for a walk and I'll explain everything."

Paul and Brawly went to a clearing in the nearby forest.

"What'd you bring me out here for?"

"Well, first off I can tell Maylene was tensed up when she saw you, honestly I would like to know why," Brawly answered while facing away from the trainer.

Paul was a little hesitant to answer however he knew had to explain. "Alright, it's like this."

M

Maylene explained her history to Paul's traveling companions which made them surprised. "So Paul said you were the weakness gym leader," Hilda said in disbelief.

"You lost to him badly because you weren't syncing with your Pokemon," Barry added.

Maylene nodded her head. "Yes, sadly I thought he was right, but Ash and his friends helped me and I got even stronger."

"I had no idea, but aren't gym leaders suppose to be strong," Barry asked which led to Hilda elbowing his arm. "Be nice."

"Anyway, I have a question of mine own, why are you three traveling with someone like Paul?" Maylene asked.

Barry had an answer for that that might help. "Well, first off I know of Ash's history with Paul, they would fight about their battling styles, though I learned something when I battled him."

"What was that?" Maylene asked.

"Well, the more I battled Paul the more I got fired up!" Barry replied with excitement.

"Yes, when I battled Paul, I too was fired up, our battle was intense, I admit I lost big time, but I'll get stronger and I will battle him again someday," Hilda added. "Also he cheered me on when I battled Misty the water type gym leader."

Daisy laughed as she walked to the Sinnoh gym leader. "Maylene, I can tell things were rough between you and Paul, don't let those things continue to bother you, I mean it's not healthy to have hard feelings towards someone."

Scott had a say in this. "They're right, I mean trainers do change as far I can remember there were trainers in my day that were like Paul, but they changed as they have grown, I think he's a good person despite what he was like in the past."

Then an idea came to Daisy. "I think I know of a way of you two becoming friends and respecting each other."

Everyone looked at the other infamous researcher.

M

Paul explained every detail to Brawly. "I see, your battle against her was too easy." The other fighting gym leader said.

"Are you lecture me or something?" Paul guessed.

Unexpected Brawly just laughed. "What's so funny?" Paul asked.

"Well, if I'm being honest I think it's clear you don't understand Maylene at all, while I do admit she wasn't perfectly synced with her pokemon when she battled you," Brawly said still facing the other way. "Fact is, I think she got so determined to win that it clouded her judgment."

That sounded familiar to Paul, when he battled Brandon he felt like he had to win but allowed his emotions to betray him on the battlefield which leads to his defeat. "I see..."

"I also have to admit that I'm not too happy how you looked down on Maylene, however, she didn't give you a challenge due to her the fact she wasn't perfectly synced with her Pokemon," Brawly added almost serious. "But we make mistakes, I'm sure you made quite some too."

Paul hated to admit but Brawly was right, he made quite a mistake even with his former Pokemon Chimchar. "Yes, I intend to learn from that mistake, I won't give up to defeat the battle frontier and do what my brother couldn't."

Again Brawly laughed. "I like your spirit and your determination, reminds me of the little dude Ash!"

That made Paul's eyes widened, Brawly wasn't done talking. "When I met Ash, he was quite the spirited guy, he did get overconfident but he learned something when we first battled, that he shouldn't judge people's battle or training styles even if it does look unusual."

Brawly then turned to Paul, with a serious look on his face. "Anyway, I think I know of a way for you and Maylene to settle whatever tense is still between you two." Paul looked at him in wonder.

The two groups met up together in the park, Daisy and Brawly had a discussion, both thought of the same idea quite a coincidence that the two thought of the same idea.

Eventually, the two agreed on the battle, they both looked at Paul and Maylene. "Listen you two!"

"There will be a battle, between you two!"

Maylene tilts her head in confusion while Paul wasn't phased.

"Paul, you may be still thinking that Maylene isn't strong as you think she is, however this battle should help you think otherwise!" Brawly stated while spreading his arms apart.

"Maylene, this battle should show you how much Paul has improved," Daisy added.

"Makes sense, also this might be good to see what skills and battling style Paul has, including a good warm-up for his next challenge." Scott agreed with a smile.

"I agree, I want to see a battle!" Barry punched the air. "So Paul agree with this or I'll fine ya!"

"What do you say, Paul?" Hilda asked.

Paul gave this some thought, he admits that this battle would be a good warm-up, however, this will show how much stronger he has become. "Very well."

Brawly then went over Maylene and stood by her side. "Maylene, what is your decision?"

The Sinnoh gym leader gave this some thought. "Paul is a jerk when he insulted me, I thought he was right, however, Ash and his friends helped me, I'd become even stronger, I intend to still do so, also-" Images of Paul's traveling companions went through her mind. "If those three claim that Paul has changed then I guess I'll see if that's true or not."

Maylene opened her eyes with determination on her face. "I accept the condition, so about a three-on-three battle?"

Paul smirked. "Fine by me."

"I'll be the referee." Daisy walked into the middle of the clearing.

Paul and Maylene went to their sides of the battlefield, then Maylene got an idea. "Hold on, I have a suggestion." Everyone looked at her. "I know this isn't a gym battle, but I would like for myself not to be able to substitute, I don't want any easy ways!"

Brawly made a small chuckle, glad to hear that Maylene was taken this more seriously.

"Fine by me," Paul said as he took out a Pokeball. "Scyther stand by for battle!"

"Scyther!" The praying mantis said raising its scythe-like arms.

"A Bug and Flying-type, interesting," Maylene said. "Things will be different, go Meditite!"

"Med." The Meditite pokemon said sitting in a yoga position.

"What Pokemon is that?" Hilda took out her Pokedex and scanned it. "Meditite the Meditate Pokemon. Meditite uses meditation to increase its power, never skipping a singly day of yoga training."

"That's incredible," Hilda said.

Daisy chuckled. "Yes, not only that this Pokemon is also a Psychic-type too." That got Hilda's eyes to widened in surprise. "Wow, that's so cool!"

Scott looked with his arms crossed. "Yes, but Scyther is part flying type so, if it knows any flying attacks that might give Maylene problems, though I have a feeling she knows that too."

"Begin!" Brawly announced.

"I shall go first, Meditite use Calm Mind!" Maylene commanded not wasting a second.

"It knows Calm Mind now," Paul questioned.

"Uh oh, that Meditite increased its special attack and defense powers now," Scott said with a calm look.

Brawly was impressed. "Maylene isn't going to hold back, no doubt."

"Two it can play that game!" Paul proclaimed. "Scyther use Swords Dance!"

The mantis Pokemon did a sword-like dance swinging its scythe-like arms which glowed red.

"Now Scyther's attack power is increased!" Hilda pointed out.

"Yes, the question is will that be enough?" Scott wondered.

"Now use Confusion!" Maylene commanded as she mirrored her pokemon's movement.

"Med..med...med." The Meditate Pokemon chanted with glowing blue eyes and moving its hands slowly.

"Use Agility Scyther!" Paul commanded.

The mantis swiftly moved from left to right with high speed to avoid the psychic attack. "Interesting that Sycther's speed has been increased, not only that he used that move to avoid being caught by Confusion," Scott commented.

"Yes, Paul's Scyther has got two power-ups as well," Daisy added.

"We'll do another power-up too, Meditite use Meditate!" Maylene commanded.

Meditite started to Meditate in a yoga position with its eyes closed. "Now its regular attacks will be increased," Barry said.

"Let's attack, Scyther use Night Slash!" Paul commanded.

The mantis flew towards the meditate Pokemon as it extended its scythe which glowed dark which Maylene had a faint smile. "Detect."

Meditite's eyes glowed orange and avoided Scyther's attack in the blink of an eye.

"Scyther?" The mantis Pokemon said in shock.

"Uh oh," Paul muttered.

"Oh yes!" Maylene cheered. "Now Meditite, Drain Punch!"

The Meditate Pokemon pulled its fist which was engulfed in a light green vortex and extended forward to its opponent which landed a hit on the Sycther's stomach.

The mantis Pokemon was sent flying away but recovered from the attack. "Scy-Scyther." It said like it wanted to continue to fight.

"I admit your Scyther is tough," Maylene commented.

Paul didn't answer but gave her a cold stare. "I see, silence as you are, whatever, let's continue."

"My thoughts exactly, but I must admit you're more focused than you were before," Paul said.

Hearing that took Maylene by surprise. "Well, thanks I guess." She shook that compliant or at least it did sound like one. "Meditite go Confusion again!"

Meditite's eyes glowed blue as it motioned its hands out front. "Med...med...med."

"Agility again!" Paul commanded.

The mantis avoided the psychic attack using its speed stat move.

"Scyther! Scyther! Scyther!

Maylene gritted her teeth. "That Scyther is quick, however, I got a secret move." She thought. "Meditite just sit and feel Scyther's movements!"

That got everyone to gasp at the bizarre command.

"Scyther use Quick Attack!" Paul commanded.

The mantis sped up using its speed attack and swiftly flew towards the Meditate Pokemon. Just as the mantis got closer a faint smile appeared on Maylene's face. "Use Fire Punch!"

Meditite's fist was engulfed in flame then pulled its back its fist and then delivered a punch right into Scyther's stomach dealing super effective damage.

Brawly was in awe. "Quite the counter."

"A fire-type move!" Hilda exclaimed.

"Yes, Maylene used Scyther's speed to her advantage, once it got closer she was able to deliver a power Fire Punch at close range," Scott explained.

"I must say that was an awesome strategy." Daisy agreed to share the same feeling.

"Now Meditite use Confusion and send it flying!" Maylene commanded.

The meditate Pokemon used its psychic move to control the mantis and sent it flying onto the ground with a slam, this created cloud of dirt to appear.

"Scyther!" Paul exclaimed.

The cloud of dirt began to clear up showing an unconscious Scyther.

"Scyther is unable to battle! Meditite wins!" Brawly stated.

"You did Meditite!" Maylene hugged her Pokemon which it did in return.

"Scyther return," Paul said recalling the mantis back. "You did good, get some rest."

"Come on Paul, get serious, otherwise I'll find ya!" Barry yelled.

"Don't worry Barry, Paul can win this," Hilda said calmly.

Paul smirked. "I intend to win." Though it was clear to him Maylene wasn't the weak gym leader he claimed her to be but didn't want to give that idea just yet. "Charmander stand by for battle!"

"A fire type, interesting," Maylene commented. "I remembered you had a Magmar, now you got a new fire Pokemon."

"Yes, this Pokemon was given to me by Professor Oak," Paul replied. "I'll make the move this time, Charmander use Flamethrower!"

Charmander unleashed its fiery attack from its mouth which was sent directly at Meditite.

"Quick use Detect!" Maylene commanded.

The Meditate's eyes glowed orange and avoided the flamethrower in a second. "Now use Dig!" The lizard pokemon dug into the ground.

"Uh oh," Maylene said with concern. "In that case, Meditite use Ice Punch once Charmander comes out!"

The Meditite prepared itself as it stood still and then Charmander jumped out in front of it. "Do it now Meditite!"

The Meditate Pokemon used its ice punch once more, but Paul was ready this time. "Use Fire Fang on that Ice Punch!"

Charmander opened its mouth with its fiery fang and bit onto Meditite's ice fist which not only stopped the attack but also did some damage.

"Meditite no!" Maylene yelled in shock.

That wasn't the only thing Meditite's entire body was suddenly engulfed in flames. "Uh oh," Daisy said realizing what was happening now.

"Uh oh is right for Maylene, Meditite is now feeling the effect of Fire Fang which could cause its target to burnt if it makes contact," Scott explained

"Now finish this Charmander and use Dragon Claw!" Paul commanded.

Which the lizard Pokemon did by swinging its claw that was glowing blue and swiped the Meditate Pokemon and send it crashing into its back then fainted.

"Meditite is unable to battle! Charmander is the winner!"

"A job well done Charmander." Paul praised while the lizard Pokemon nodded.

Maylene returned Meditite to its Pokeball. "Good job Meditite, you deserve a nice rest." She took out another Pokeball. "Paul, I admit you got us, this battle has got me fired more than ever."

The purple-haired trainer had a soft smile. "Well, I admit you took one of my Pokemon, so I guess you have gotten a lot stronger too."

Maylene smiled a little. "Yes, but I'm just getting warmed up!" She tossed the Pokeball. "Come out Hitmonchan!"

Paul was surprised. "She never had that Pokemon." Then again she probably did have back then or didn't want to use it until today he began to think.

"What's that Pokemon?" Hilda questioned taking out her Pokedex. "Hitmonchan the Punching Pokemon. Hitmonchan packs an incredibly fast punch that moves so fast than the eye."

"This should be good," Barry said feeling more fired up.

Scott smiled calmly. "Yes, can't wait to see what Hitmonchan can do."

"Indeed, this should be good," Daisy added with interest.

The battle between Paul and Maylene was getting more excited, the question is who will be the winner, in the end, find out in the next chapter.

End of chapter.