Chapter 16: Brawly and Maylene Return Part 2
Last time, Paul and his companions arrived at Saffron City along with their friend Daisy Oak and meeting Scott the battle enthusiast.
The gang arrives at the Wheel Frontier to meet Greta, upon arriving, two familiar faces are seen.
Brawly the Fighting-type Gym Leader from Hoenn Region along with Maylene from Sinnoh.
Maylene is caught off guard to see Paul, the gang learns of the history between him and Maylene.
Daisy and Brawly suggest a Pokemon Battle, they hope to rekindle the tension between Paul and Maylene, the two agree and battle.
Paul uses Scyther while Maylene uses her Meditite, though Scyther falls to Meditite.
Paul then calls out his Charmander and wins a victory against Meditite, now Maylene calls out her newly Hitmonchan, now the question is what Pokemon will this time and will the tension between their owners' reform.
Scott had his arms crossed. "This battle is getting more heated by the moment."
Barry grinned excitedly. "Yeah, I like this battle so far."
"Yeah, look at Charmander." Daisy pointed out, seeing the fire in the lizard Pokemon's eyes. "That shows that it's determined to continue."
"I can see what you two kids meant when battling Paul things get heated up," Scott commented, looking impressed.
"This battle is far from over though," Hilda said.
"Hitmonchan Mega Punch!" Maylene commanded.
The punching Pokemon pulled back one of its fists which started to glow white extended forward with great force.
"Charmander stand there and endure the damage!" Everyone gasped at Paul's bizarre command.
The Lizard Pokemon was punched hard in the face but felt its power increase due to Rage. "Keep this up!" Paul called.
"You trying to defeat yourself," Maylene questioned. "Alright, use Comet Punch!"
Hitmonchan repeatedly jabs Charmander with its fist, dealing more damage.
"Paul had better be careful, if Charmander can't hold on anymore, then there might be a problem," Scott said.
"That may be but, Paul isn't reckless." The battle enthusiast glanced at the female researcher. "He must have a strategy up his sleeve."
Maylene couldn't figure out what the purple-haired trainer was up to, however, she had to be cautious. "Hitmonchan, Bulk Up!"
The Punching Pokemon began to pump its body which glowed red from head to toe. "Maylene has increased her Pokemon's attack and defensive power," Barry said.
"That could be a problem." Scott thought, but seeing Paul's calm face told him otherwise.
Paul knew his plan in place, so he took out his Pokeball. "Charmander return."
"Return," Maylene questioned, in confusion.
"What's with Paul?" Hilda wondered.
"I think he wants to save Charmander for later." Scott guessed. "Not only that Charmander has taken a lot of damage too."
"Yes, also I realized that Charmander wasn't just enduring the damage it was taking." Everyone looked at Daisy. "It was using Rage, it's a special rage that increases the user's attack power whenever it takes damage."
"That's the same strategy he used against Noland too," Hilda explained.
Paul then took out another Pokeball and looked at it. "I know this may be too soon, however, I'll just have to gamble on this." He extended his arm backward. "Sawk, stand by for battle!"
"Sawk!" The Karate Pokemon said.
Maylene was surprised. "Ah! A new Fighting-type, this one I have seen before!"
"Sawk, I'm counting you to do your best," Paul said, as the Karate Pokemon nodded. "Use Bulk Up!"
The Karate Pokemon pumped up its body revealing muscles and its body glowed red. "Now its offense and defensive have been powered too," Hilda said.
"Not bad," Maylene said with a smirk. "Now let's end this round, Hitmonchan use Mega Punch!"
"Sawk, Counter!" Paul commanded.
The Karate Pokemon's body glowed orange which stopped the Punching Pokemon's attack in its track feeling its attack power being used against it.
"Ah!" Maylene gasped in shock.
"Whoa, that was impressive," Brawly said, with an astonished look on his face.
Hitmonchan was sent flying backward.
"Sawk uses Karate Chop and use its full power!" Paul commanded.
The Karate Pokemon raised its left hand-delivering a blow right on the Punching Pokemon's stomach dealing massive damage.
Hitmonchan fell to the ground with strong force creating a cloud of dirt to appear where it crashed. "Oh no!" Maylene cried out.
As soon as the cloud of dirt was gone, Hitmonchan was shown laying on its back and knocked out.
"Hitmonchan is unable to battle! Sawk is the winner!" Brawly announced.
"A job well done, Sawk." Paul praised.
Sawk nodded his head with a small smile.
"That was quite counter that Sawk did," Scott said, looking amazed.
"That ended quickly too!" Barry added, looking fired up.
"That's because Counter does back double the damage to the opponent's physical move," Daisy explained. "Which made Hitmonchan feel its attack force against it."
"Yes, not only that, Hitmonchan was wide open after being hit by the force of its attack, so Paul was able to finish it off with a Karate Chop which has a high critical hit ratio," Scott added.
"Hitmonchan return," Maylene said, as she looked at the Pokeball. "You did great, take a nice long rest." She looked directly at Paul. "I must say, you've gotten stronger than I thought."
Paul smiled softly. "I admit this battle is more...fun than our last battle."
Maylene giggled a bit. "Well, I take that as a compliment." She took out her last Pokeball. "Alright come out Lucario!"
"Rrrr!" The Aura Pokemon appeared.
"What's that Pokemon?" Hilda got out her Pokedex and scanned it. "Lucario, the Aura Pokemon. Lucario has the power to detect their opponent's thoughts and actions by reading their aura."
"This is rare to see a Lucario from Sinnoh!" Daisy proclaimed with stars in her eyes. "Such a rare opportunity!"
Barry and Hilda sweat-dropped.
Scott continued to look at the battle. "I admit Paul has shown some amazing talent-" That got everyone to look at the man. "However Maylene's Lucario hasn't battled yet, though Sawk hasn't taken damage there's no doubt that this round gets more intense."
"That's true, Paul has won against that Lucario while using his Magmortar when it was Magmar, though things might be different," Hilda said, somewhat agreeing to what Scott said.
"Lucario use Swords Dance!" Maylene commanded, mirroring move.
"Rrrr!" Lucario grunted as it did the frenetic dance.
"Now its attack status has been powered up but more," Hilda said, looking more.
"Right, Swords Dance can sharply raise its user's attack stat," Scott explained. "Not only that, it can be used three times too."
"Not only that, Lucario is fast and its ability to read its foe's minds and actions might be a problem." Barry pointed out.
"Lucario, use Aura Sphere!" Maylene commanded mirroring the move.
Lucario put its paws together and powered up a blue sphere then fired it at Sawk. "Dodge it quick!"
Sawk dodged the attack in time. "Not bad." Maylene praised, showing no concern. "In that case, Lucario launch a barrage of Aura Spheres using one hand!"
The Aura Pokemon did so, this forced Sawk to dodge them all. "Sawk can't keep dodging, however, that could be opening," Paul said as a faint smile appeared on his face. "Sawk, Low Sweep!"
The Karate Pokemon began to dash towards the Aura Pokemon. "Uh oh, Lucario doesn't let it get close to you!"
Lucario continued to fire more Aura Spheres but Sawk then slid under a few. "Not bad." Scott praised.
Sawk swept its legs underneath Lucario's feet landing a hit.
"Oh no!" Maylene exclaimed with worry but then smirked. "I was expecting that, use Metal Claw!"
Sawk was too close to dodge in time so it took a swipe from the steel-type attack. 'Sawk!" The Karate Pokemon groaned in pain.
"Not bad, when Sawk got close enough, she was able to counter, meaning that she let Sawk get closer to her," Daisy explained looking impressed.
Paul had to admit that was something he would do. "Using my strategy against me, quite impressive."
"Yeah, I learned that from you since you have done that a few times now," Maylene stated, with a smirk.
However, Paul wasn't worried as he noticed the redness on Lucario's left foot but Maylene didn't realize that. "Now use Karate Chop!"
"Lucario Force Calm!"
The two Fighting-Type Pokemon's attack collided which caused an explosion and the two slide backward.
"What collusion of two attacks," Daisy said, looking impressed by the force.
"But are they evenly matched," Scott asked
"Alright, Sawk uses Karate Chop again!" Paul commanded,
Sawk was about to move when it felt electric surges around its body which made it stop in its tracks. "Uh oh."
"That's the effect of Force Palm." Everyone looked at Daisy. "Force Palm is not only an attack but it could also paralyze its opponent if it makes contact."
"That's not good," Barry said looking worried.
Scott had to agree. "No, but that might give Lucario the upper hand."
"Good work, Lucario use Metal Claw!" Maylene commanded.
The Aura Pokemon charged with large steel-like claws. "Sawk Counter that!" But the moment Sawk tried its orange glow disappeared. "Uh oh."
That left Sawk wide open as it got hit by Lucario's steel-like claws. "Sawk!" The Karate Pokemon groaned in pain.
"Sawk, show them your power!" Paul called out, which made his Pokemon open its eyes with determination.
"Sawk!" The Karate Pokemon pulled back its hand which was surrounded by fire. "Sawk!" It delivered a fiery punch right into Lucario's face. "Oh no!" Maylene yelled in shock.
"That was Fire Punch!" Barry exclaimed.
"Not bad, it must've heard Paul's words," Hilda said.
Paul remembered that it didn't know that move before when he scanned it, he hated to admit but maybe bonds are more than he thought, but he shook that off. "Use Fire Punch again!"
"Lucario, we won't lose this round, use Force Palm!" Maylene commanded.
The two Fighting-Type Pokemon collided their attacks and struggled to push each other back.
This caused an explosion, smoke, and strong shockwaves that surrounded the area, causing everyone to cover their faces.
The smoke started to clear up, Lucario and Sawk were seen standing as the two looked at each other for a moment.
Sawk then felt its injuries and fall unconscious.
"Sawk is unable to battle!" Lucario is the winner!" Brawly announced.
"You did Lucario!" Maylene jumped excitedly.
Lucario grinned as it punched the air.
"Sawk return." Paul looked at its Pokeball. "You did well, so get some rest."
"Aw, too bad Sawk lost," Hilda said feeling bad.
"That may be, but Sawk has proved its talent," Scott said with a smirk.
"Yeah, but Charmander is the only one left now." Barry pointed out, looking worried. "And it's still probably tired too."
"We'll just have to wait and see what happens," Daisy said with shrug, showing no signs of worry.
Paul took out Charmander's Pokeball. "Charmander, stand by for battle!"
"Char-Charmander!" The Lizard Pokemon said.
"Lucario, let's finish this!" Maylene proclaimed as the Aura Pokemon smirked. "Use Bone Rush!"
The Aura Pokemon summoned a blue bone in its hands, charged towards the Lizard Pokemon.
"Charmander use Dig!" Paul commanded.
"Figured, Lucario tries to sense Charmander!" Maylene commanded.
The Aura Pokemon closed its eyes and put its hand forward as its body glowed with a blue aura.
"What's it doing?" Hilda questioned.
"Remember that Lucario has the ability since its opponent's aura," Daisy explained. "Meaning that'll be able to find where Charmander is."
"Right, so the moment Charmander pops out of the ground, Lucario will able to counter its next move," Scott added. "So Paul will have to come up with something, otherwise whatever attack Charmander does, Lucario will be able to sense it."
Paul realized this, as much as he hated to admit this was even tougher than before. "Maylene has gotten stronger, guess I was wrong about her." Though it made him feel silly to admit that. "Hmm, no doubt that Ash had this problem when he battled Maylene."
Charmander continued to dig underneath, as Lucario continued to sense where the Lizard was, then its eyes opened abruptly. "Now use Aura Sphere!"
The Aura Pokemon fired its aura-like ball towards the ground and out came in a flash. "Char!" The Lizard Pokemon yelled.
"Uh oh," Paul said looking shocked.
"Now use Metal Claw!" Maylene commanded.
Lucario wiped Charmander with metal-like claws which sending it crashing into the ground. "Charmander!" Paul yelled.
The Lizard Pokemon was on the ground, however, it struggled to get back up which it did. "Quite a gutsy Pokemon," Maylene commented.
Paul had to admit Charmander was proving itself worthy, but he knew that if his new Fire-Type took more damage, it'll be over. "I won't lose this battle..." He gritted his teeth. "Charmander, let's show those two what you're made of!"
Charmander let out a yell, as its body was covered in small flames. "What's that?"
Paul couldn't believe his eyes, he then smirked. "I was hoping for this, but not so early."
"What is going on?" Hilda asked.
"Charmander's ability is Blaze, whenever its endurance is low, its Fire attacks will be powered up," Daisy explained. "That should give Paul the upper hand."
"Takes me back when I saw Ash's Infernape do the same thing," Barry commented, remember how Infernape's blaze was activated at the moment.
"No matter, Lucario uses Bone Rush!" Maylene commanded.
Lucario summoned out its blue-like bone and charged towards the Lizard Pokemon, suddenly it felt pain in its foot. "Rrr!" The Aura Pokemon groaned in pain, it's blue bone disappeared as it knelt in pain.
"Lucario, what's wrong," Maylene questioned, looking worried.
"What did Lucario stop?" Barry asked.
"It's the effect of Low Sweep." Everyone looked at Daisy. "Not only Low Sweep an attack move, but it also causes the opponent to slow down, in other words, Lucario is finally feeling the pain in its injured foot."
"Paul might have a chance of winning too!" Barry said excitedly.
Brawly was impressed. "Looks like Maylene's Lucario is trouble, but I know she won't give up."
"Lucario, stay strong, use Aura Sphere!" Maylene commanded.
"Use Dig again!" Paul commanded.
Lucario fired its Aura Sphere but Charmander dug into the ground before it got hit.
"Lucario sense where Charmander is!"
Lucario did so, once it sensed where its opponent was, it fired its Aura Sphere and blasted out Charmander from the ground. "Quick use Bone Rush!"
Paul's face showed a faint smile. "Just as I thought..." This got Hilda's attention. "Hmm..." She realized Paul had a plan.
"Charmander use Flamethrower now!" The Lizard Pokemon unleashed its fire breath directly at Lucario's chest which made its long blue bone disappear.
"Ah!" Maylene gasped in realization.
"He had Charmander use Flamethrower in the air!" Barry exclaimed.
"Yes, he used Lucario's aura sense ability to his advantage," Daisy stated, smiling but mostly impressed.
"Indeed, Paul knew Lucario would find Charmander as he planned, then that's when he was able to unleash a close-range attack," Scott added.
"Now Charmander charge in!" Paul commanded.
"Lucario quick use Metal Claw!" Maylene commanded, looking nervous.
The Aura Sphere grew steel-like claws, preparing to swipe at the Lizard Pokemon.
"Charmander Flamethrower counter shield!" Charmander began to spin its Flamethrower which hit Lucario multiple times and stopping it in its track. "Now finish this up with Fire Fang!"
Charmander opened its mouth and landed a blow right on Lucario's head with its fiery fang causing an explosion and creating black smoke.
As soon as the smoke cleared Charmander was barely standing, however, Lucario was knocked out.
"Lucario is unable to battle! Charmander is the winner, therefore the winner is Paul of Vielstone City!" Brawly announced.
Maylene was utterly surprised, but she smiled as she walked over to Lucario and picking it up by its arms. "Lucario, you did great, I'm very proud."
Paul walked to Charmander. "Charmander, you did a good job." He smiled softly.
Barry and Hilda ran over to the purpled-haired trainer. "Paul, you never cease to amaze me!"
"I admit you had me worried, so don't scare like that." Hilda jokingly.
"Shut up," Paul said annoyed a bit.
That made the Unova trainer start pinching her friend's cheek. "So mean, I was cheering you on and this how you thank me,"
Just then Maylene and Lucario walked over to Paul. "Hey Paul, I admit I lost again, I gave it my all, though I will get stronger."
Paul smiled softly. "I admit I was wrong, so I-I apologize for what happened before."
Maylene bowed in respect. "Apology accepted, I hope we get to battle again someday." Lucario did the same.
Charmander smiled. "Char-char!"
Brawly walked over to the trainers. "I'll say this battle was awesome than the biggest wave I surfed on!" He shouted excitedly.
Scott was impressed by what display he witnessed. "I admit Paul has more talent than I thought." He smirked. "He might have what it takes to defeat the Battle Frontier."
"What about your challenge?" Barry asked.
Paul already had that answer. "I think I need to do more training after we got a few days before my challenge comes."
Scott had an idea. "Then I might have an idea." He took out a map. "Here's Maiden's Peak, there will be a festival being held there, which always happens at the end of summer, so maybe you guys should check it out."
"Sounds interesting," Daisy said, sounding intrigued.
But Scott wasn't finished. "However before that, I got some else happening two days." The overweight man took out a poster. "The P1 Grand Prix, short for Pokemon Number One Grand Prix!"
Paul was interested in that. "Hmm, that sounds interesting." Though he knew Sawk was no condition to compete so he had another idea. "I'll use my Hariyama."
"I didn't know you had a Hariyama dude!" Brawly said excitedly. "Maybe I come and see you compete so see you dudes in two days."
Brawly and Maylene went their way back to the Wheel Frontier.
Scott chuckled and then walked away but then stopped to glance at Paul. "Hey, Paul." That got the purple-haired trainer to look at the man's attention. "I'll return on the day you battle Greta, I hope to see a good battle."
Paul smiled a little. "You bet you'll see a good battle."
With the bitterness between Paul and Maylene behind them, the gang will get ready for the next part of their journey, which is the P1 Grand Prix and another trip to Maiden's Peak, what more will happen, find out in the next chapter.
End of chapter.