Three weeks passed. Just like that.
Most trainers would've rushed to challenge the Oreburgh Gym the moment they stepped into town. But I wasn't interested in an easy win. Roark's Cranidos wouldn't have posed the kind of challenge I was looking for.
So I waited.
I gave him time to evolve it. Let it become the Rampardos that I remembered. To let it reach its potential.
In the meantime, I focused everything on training.
Larvitar had finally grasped the basics of Iron Head. It was clunky at first, making her redirect her momentum into her skull without throwing off her balance, but she learned fast. Now, the attack struck cleanly. Deliberate, like a hammer falling into place.
Elekid added Thunder Wave to his arsenal. His early attempts were wild, sparks flying uncontrolled, misfires all over the place. But he refined it. Tightened his timing, sharpened his focus. The move wasn't flashy, but it created openings that he or his teammates could abuse. Opportunities to strike with precision. Team synergy, that's something he's starting to understand better.
As for Chimchar... he surprised me.
Truthfully, I didn't expect him to pick up Dig so quickly. But with Gible's help, he caught on fast. He learned to tunnel deep, to pivot mid-movement, to launch strikes from below in an instant. The real value of the move wasn't just in its damage, but rather that it gave Chimchar a whole new way to reposition during battle. That alone was worth the effort.
And Gible? She'd adjusted quickly. Fit right in with the team. Still had that bratty edge to her, but she knows battles aren't the place for that behavior. Her instincts in battle were impressive. She was ready.
Unfortunately, I had to give most of my attention to Ursaring.
His raw strength wasn't the problem, it was everything underneath. The anger, the pressure. Helping him redirect that took time. A lot of it. That meant I couldn't always be there for the others.
But I didn't have to be.
Larvitar stepped up. Calm and reliable, she helped Gible stay grounded.
And Chimchar and Elekid had changed too. Not just as battlers, but as teammates.
I didn't have to push them. They started pushing each other. They're closer now than they were before.
That kind of growth was worth more than any move learned or stat improved.
All things considered?
I'd call these last three weeks a massive success.
Which brings us to where we are now.
The Oreburgh Gym.
By now, Roark's Cranidos should've evolved. That means it'll be a Rampardos. It'll be faster, and his raw physical power will be dramatically increased. Rampardos' attack stat is one of the highest even among legendaries.
But his other Pokémon likely hadn't changed. He'll probably have Onix and Geodude to round out his Rock-type core.
The safe play would be to bring Larvitar, Gible, and Ursaring. They'd tear through his team without much trouble.
Larvitar and Gible have the type advantage, and Ursaring knows Hammer Arm. It would be incredibly easy.
But that's not the kind of battle I want.
This isn't about crushing Roark.
It's about testing the team I've built.
So I'm taking Chimchar, Elekid, and Gible.
None of them are perfect counters to Roark's team. Chimchar's weak to them. Elekid's Electric attacks won't do much to the ones that are dual ground/rock type. So he'd have to lands his Fighting-type moves. And Gible? She's got potential, but this'll be her first real trainer battle.
And that's exactly why I'm bringing them.
A Gym Badge earned through effort means more than one handed to me on a silver platter.
I glanced down at the Poké Balls on my belt, fingertips brushing lightly over each one.
"Alright," I murmured. "Let's see how much progress we've made together"
The Oreburgh Gym didn't look like a Gym.
It looked like the mountain itself had opened its mouth to challenge me.
The entire facade was carved straight into a massive rock face, jagged and raw, like nature hadn't been tamed so much as redirected. Towering stone spires jutted up from the ground like crude spikes, casting long shadows in the early light. It wasn't polished or sleek. It was sharp.
Steel-framed red double doors were set into a dark cave-like opening, with a short staircase leading up. Oreburgh City's mining roots on full display.
No pretense here. This Gym didn't pretend to be anything it wasn't.
I pushed the doors open and stepped inside.
The interior was surprisingly modern. Sleek, clean, and cool-toned, in stark contrast to the rugged stone exterior. Blue lights lined smooth walls. The floor gleamed. Rows of blue bleachers framed the far end, a viewing area built for spectacle.
The battlefield itself was a rectangular arena filled with sandy terrain, designed to replicate a rocky wasteland. Scattered across the field were various rock mounds and jagged boulders, creating natural cover and obstacles for strategic battles. Perfect terrain for Rock-type Pokémon to thrive.
Roark was already waiting at the far end, arms crossed, red hard hat tilted slightly forward.
"Welcome to the Oreburgh Pokémon Gym," he said, stepping forward, adjusting his red hard hat. "Name's Roark. I'm a trainer who chose to walk the path of Rock-types with pride."
I met his eyes without flinching.
"I'm Paul, from Veilstone City."
Roark continued, voice calm but firm. "As a Gym Leader, I'm here to test more than your strategy or your strength. I need to see your bond with your Pokémon. Your endurance. Your toughness."
I gave a small, confident smile. "That works for me. We've trained too hard to back down now."
Roark's grin widened just a little.
The green haired referee stepped into place.
"I am Ian, and I'll be officiating this match. This will be a three-on-three battle. The challenger, Paul of Veilstone City, is allowed to switch Pokémon during the match. The Gym Leader may not."
I let out a slow breath through my nose and stepped into my position.
Roark pulled out his first Poké Ball. "Let's start solid. Geodude, you're up!"
The orb burst open with a flash of red light, revealing the familiar form of a Geodude, its rocky fists clenched, eyes focused.
"Elekid. Let's go."
My partner burst onto the field, crackling with built-up static.
"Low Kick."
Elekid lunged forward, ducking low and sweeping his leg under the rock Pokémon. Geodude crashed into the ground with a heavy thud.
Roark stayed composed. "Stealth Rock."
The ground on my side of the field rumbled. Jagged, glowing shards of stone burst up around the edge of the arena, hanging in midair like hovering blades. Traps ready to tear into whatever Pokémon I switched in next.
That was unexpected, I didn't think he'd use a move like that.
"Brick Break."
Elekid surged forward again, hand glowing with a white energy. The karate chop struck clean, cracking into Geodude's rocky frame.
"Sandstorm," Roark said smoothly.
Wind whipped through the arena, sending dust and grit spiraling into the air. Visibility dropped. I squinted slightly as the sand lashed against the field.
Rock-types benefit in a sandstorm. Their Special Defense gets boosted. Many grass and water type moves are special attacking, so this would deal with two of his team's weaknesses.
"He's not attacking," I muttered under my breath. "He's just setting up?"
I narrowed my eyes.
"If he's not going to attack us, we'll end it before he gets a chance. Brick Break again."
Roark's voice cut across the battlefield like a whip.
"Explosion."
My eyes widened.
"Elekid! PROTECT NOW!"
Geodude's body ignited with a blinding white light, pulsing outward in a concussive blast that rocked the entire Gym floor.
Elekid braced and threw up a shimmering green barrier just in time, but the shockwave still hit hard.
Even through Protect, the force of the explosion sent Elekid skidding backward, teeth grit against the blast.
The dust cleared.
Geodude was down. Fainted. The referee confirmed it, but I was still watching Elekid.
He was breathing hard, one knee bent.
But he was still standing.
Barely.
Roark chuckled quietly. "You know, most Trainers panic when they're about to come face to face with an Explosion. You didn't even flinch, well done Paul."
I crossed my arms. "I've seen that trick before. You used Geodude like a trap. Set the field conditions in your favor, then self-destruct to break your opponent's momentum."
"Exactly," Roark nodded. "But that was just the warm-up. Let's see how you handle what's next."
Roark reached for his next Poké Ball.
"Anorith. Let's rock."
The red light exploded onto the field, materializing into a small but sharp Pokémon. Its flat, armored body hit the sand with a metallic clatter, thin claws gleaming. Its wide, ancient eyes narrow as it clicked its mandibles and crept forward with unsettling speed.
Anorith, huh?
I raised an eyebrow. That's definitely not what I thought Roark would send out for a gym battle, but it sort of fits. He goes excavating for fossils, so using a fossil pokemon makes sense.
Roark must rotate his team based on the challenger. It's normal that a gym leader adapts in battle.
Anorith's typing neutralizes a lot of the usual Rock weaknesses. Its Bug typing covered its bases against Grass and Fighting-types. And while it's still weak to Rock, Water, and Steel, none of that is relevant to me right now.
Elekid already took chip damage from Geodude's Explosion, and Stealth Rock is still active. If I pull him back, he won't survive another switch-in. I have no choice but to keep him in this fight until the end.
I clenched my fist.
"Elekid, you're staying in!"
The little Electric-type sparked, fists crackling with static as he locked eyes with his new opponent.
"Thunder! Hit it from a distance."
Lightning split the air, a jagged lance of raw energy slamming down toward Anorith.
"Ground it with Metal Claw!" Roark called out.
Anorith reacted fast, slamming its silver claws into the rocky earth. The electricity struck, and arced violently through its body, but most of it was siphoned away into the ground.
Still, a flicker of electricity still coursed through Anorith's shell, and it staggered back, just slightly.
Then came the reminder.
The gritty wind continued howling across the field, fine grains slashing at Elekid's arms and face. He squinted, blinking through the stinging haze.
The damage tradeoff isn't worth it though. With the Sandstorm still up, we can't do enough damage with Thunder for it to be worth it.
I narrowed my eyes. "We're switching it up. Thunder Punch, go in close!"
Elekid charged forward, fists lit with electricity. Sparks snapped across the battlefield, briefly illuminating the cloud of swirling sand.
"Ancient Power, intercept!"
Rocks rose from the battlefield, glowing faintly as they orbited Anorith in a tight ring.
The projectiles shot forward like bullets.
Elekid ducked one, sidestepped another. A third clipped his shoulder, spinning him slightly, but he pushed through.
Thunder Punch connected with a thunderous crack.
Anorith reeled, armor flashing with static as the blast surged through its body. It skidded back across the sand, claws dragging furrows in the dirt.
"Tch." I clicked my tongue. That should've done more. But the sandstorm's reducing Elekid's power output. And Anorith's got bulk in all the right places.
"Now, consecutive Fury Cutter!"
Anorith's claws lit up with a shimmering green aura as it lunged.
"Counter with Brick Break!" I ordered, trying to match the momentum.
Elekid swung, his arm glowing white, but—
A sudden gust of sand caught him in the eyes. His strike veered wide.
The first slash hit clean.
Elekid staggered.
The second strike followed, harder now, stronger with momentum.
And the third, relentless.
"Use Protect!" I barked. "Create space!"
But the fourth strike landed before he could put up Protect. It struck like a guillotine.
Elekid hit the ground hard, rolling through the sand, sparks flickering around him.
He tried to rise, pushed himself halfway up.
But his arms gave out.
The referee raised a hand.
"Elekid is unable to battle."
I exhaled slowly through my nose.
He gave everything.
I reached for his Poké Ball. "You did good," I said under my breath as the red light recalled him. "You wore it down."
I looked across the field.
Anorith was panting now. Its movements were slower, its armor cracked and scuffed from the Thunder Punch.
Roark adjusted his hard hat slightly.
"Your Elekid hits harder than most I've seen. If that Brick Break landed this might've ended differently."
I didn't respond. I didn't need to.
Elekid did his job perfectly. Anorith is worn down, it'll be easy to finish it off.
I grabbed the next Poké Ball from my belt.
"Chimchar, you're up."
The flash of red light faded, revealing the fire monkey crouched low on the field, his tail flame flaring with anticipation. But the moment his feet touched the battlefield…
Invisible shards materialized midair and slammed into him, glowing white as they pierced the sandstorm. As a fire type, the entry hazards hit Chimchar harder than it would most pokemon.
Still, he gritted his teeth and stood tall.
On the opposite side, Anorith clicked its mandibles. Its claws twitched, digging into the sand. Still standing, but barely.
It still had fight in it.
But not for long.
Anorith's Bug typing might have patched up its usual Rock-type weaknesses, but it lost a Fire resistance in the process.
I would get more value from letting Chimchar use his fire type attacks against Anorith rather than letting Chimchar fight last against Rampardos.
"Fire Punch, let's go!"
Chimchar lunged forward, fist erupting in flame as he charged.
Roark didn't hesitate.
"Anorith, Aqua Jet!"
What?
A shimmer of blue water coiled around Anorith's form, and with a burst of propulsion, it shot forward like a bullet.
Damn. I didn't know his Anorith had Aqua Jet.
"Cancel Fire Punch, use Flame Wheel instead!"
Chimchar didn't slow down. He twisted his stance, and his tail flame erupted. Fire spread in a burst, curling around him as he spun forward, body cloaked in a spiraling inferno.
Water and fire met in the center of the battlefield.
The collision was explosive.
A white plume of steam shot into the air, masking the exact outcome for a moment.
But Chimchar powered through.
He burst from the steam cloud like a meteor, the Flame Wheel still burning strong. Anorith's Aqua Jet had lost its edge. Too little power. Too much damage already done.
Chimchar hit like a comet.
The Flame Wheel smashed into Anorith's chest and launched it backward. It tumbled across the field, legs flailing, skidding across the rocky floor with a soft screech.
The referee raised a hand.
"Anorith is unable to battle."
I lowered my gaze to Chimchar, a small grin spreading across my face. "That was excellent, Chimchar."
He looked over his shoulder at me. A smirk played on his lips as he started bouncing on his heels, hungry for more.
Two down.
One left to go.
Roark returned Anorith to its Poké Ball with a flick of his wrist.
But he wasn't frowning.
He looked excited.
"That was good," he said, eyes sharp. "Most Trainers fold when Anorith gets rolling. Once Fury Cutter stacks up or Aqua Jet keeps the pressure going, the momentum usually crashes right through them."
He let out a short laugh. "But you kept your composure and counterattacked."
His hand hovered over his final Poké Ball.
"I hope you're ready, Paul."
A smirk stretched across my face, a thrill coursing through me. "Bring it on." This is what I've been waiting for. It's time for his Rampardos to come out.
Roark's final Poké Ball hit the field with a heavy thunk.
"Let's finish this strong, Rampardos!"
The red light flashed, then bent outward to form a massive silhouette. When it cleared, the hulking form of Rampardos stood on the field, breathing slow and heavy.
Its blue skull gleamed in the light, jagged horns lining its forehead like a living battering ram. Thick tail, stocky arms, red eyes sharp as blades.
Rampardos stomped once and spiderwebbed cracks split across the ground around it.
I narrowed my eyes.
It was even more imposing in person.
The Sandstorm still whipped across the arena, a low howl rolling over the battlefield. My coat tugged against my shoulders.
Chimchar dropped into a low stance beside me, bracing himself against the wind. His flame flickered, but didn't falter.
"Ready?" I asked.
He nodded, eyes locked on his massive opponent.
"Let's start simple. Ember."
Chimchar inhaled, then spat a stream of small fireballs forward. They sizzled through the sand, cutting a short path toward Rampardos.
"Flamethrower," Roark responded calmly.
Rampardos unleashed a wide torrent of flame that consumed Chimchar's Ember with ease. The two fire-type moves collided, but Rampardos's power overwhelmed Chimchar's in seconds, forcing him to dodge wide.
Flamethrower? On a Rampardos?
I guess he has that to counter Grass and Steel types.
"Don't let up, Fire Punch!"
Chimchar lunged in, fists igniting as he closed the distance.
Roark's voice cut through the wind. "Zen Headbutt!"
Rampardos's forehead glowed bright blue, and with a flick of its massive tail, it launched itself forward like a cannonball.
"Dodge it!"
But Chimchar didn't have time.
The Zen Headbutt hit square in the chest, launching him back. He hit the ground hard, rolled, and slid to a stop. Groaning, but still up.
That tail-flick, Rampardos was fast. Way faster than something that size should be.
Still, we weren't out yet.
"Flame Wheel!"
Chimchar burst into motion, tail flame wrapping around his body as he spun into a blazing spiral. He zigzagged across the field, weaving through the sandstorm with controlled chaos.
"Intercept it with Headbutt!"
Rampardos charged head-on, skull lowered. The two collided mid-field, fire against brute force.
Chimchar was blasted back again, rolling end over end through the sand.
He caught himself, this time. Legs shaky. Chest heaving.
But he was still in it.
I glanced at Rampardos.
It didn't even look winded.
"Fire attacks won't cut it," I muttered. "Not enough raw damage. But maybe..."
I raised my voice. "Taunt!"
Chimchar darted toward one of the larger boulders near the edge of the field, stopping just in front of it. He raised his arms and shouted, eyes wide with a toothy grin, tail flicking mockingly.
Rampardos's eyes flared. Muscles tensed. Its claws scraped the ground, rage boiling.
Roark's jaw tightened. "Rampardos, Head Smash!"
There it was.
The move I was waiting for.
Rampardos roared and charged, its massive skull cloaked in a violent aura of red and black energy. It barreled forward, full-force.
And right before the moment of impact—
"Dig!"
Chimchar vanished into the dirt in an instant.
Rampardos slammed full force into the massive boulder that was behind Chimchar.
Stone shattered. Dust exploded into the air. The rock split down the middle from the sheer impact.
Rampardos staggered back, reeling from the recoil. It wobbled slightly as it shook debris off its skull, still on its feet but definitely hurt.
"Now attack!"
The ground beneath Rampardos erupted as Chimchar burst upward like a rocket. His fist slammed into Rampardos's exposed underbelly with everything he had.
Rampardos let out a pained roar and stumbled back another step.
Chimchar dropped into a crouch, panting hard. The sandstorm raged around him, biting at his skin.
Rampardos was still standing.
And Chimchar wouldn't survive another hit. He'd done more than enough.
I returned Chimchar to his Poké Ball.
"That was perfect," I said quietly. "The Taunt. The Dig. You rattled Roark's ace. That's exactly what we needed."
"You did your job, Chimchar. And you did it well."
Now?
Now it was time to finish this.
Roark's been using the Sandstorm all battle. Boosting his Rock-types defenses, wearing me down with chip damage.
But he's not the only one with a plan for the sand.
I pulled out my final Poké Ball.
"Gible, let's finish this!"
Red light hit the field. My newest teammate appeared, claws curled, eyes squinting into the wind.
The sand whipped around her, but she didn't flinch.
She growled low and braced herself.
This was her first real Trainer battle.
Roark raised an eyebrow. "A Gible, so that's your last Pokémon."
I smirked at him, "You'll see why."
His eyes narrowed slightly. "Rampardos, Flamethrower!"
The moment the words left his mouth, Gible moved.
"Dig!"
Rampardos's jaws belched a roaring column of flame, but it hit empty air. Gible had already vanished underground.
Roark clicked his tongue. "Watch your footing!"
"Strike from below!"
The earth beneath Rampardos erupted, Gible burst from the ground, fists raised. She slammed into Rampardos's gut like a cannonball, sending the dinosaur stumbling back.
But we weren't done yet.
"Bite!"
She latched onto Rampardos's tail, gnashing down with jagged teeth. The Rock-type roared and shook violently, finally throwing her free.
Roark recovered fast.
"Zen Headbutt!"
Rampardos lunged, head glowing blue.
"Use the sandstorm and dodge it!"
Gible retreated further into the swirling sandstorm, her outline shimmered and she was gone.
Rampardos missed completely, slamming into the ground with a bone-rattling crash that cracked the battlefield.
That's Sand Veil.
"So that's what you're playing at," Roark murmured, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
"Exactly," I said coolly. "All this battle the sandstorm's been on your side. How's it feel, when it's working to my advantage?"
Rampardos let out a frustrated roar, dust swirling around it in a furious vortex.
"Then we'll end this, Head Smash!"
Rampardos charged, horn glowing with deadly energy, its entire body moving like a warhead.
"Dragon Rage!"
Gible planted her feet.
Inhaled.
A flash of unstable, purple-blue energy exploded from her mouth, slamming square into Rampardos's chest.
But Rampardos didn't fall.
It powered through the hit fueled by fury and momentum.
"Gible, dodge!"
But it was too late.
Rampardos twisted mid-charge and clipped her with its shoulder, sending her tumbling through the sand.
She hit the ground hard.
But unlike Chimchar, she bounced back.
Quickly.
"Dig, now!"
Gible vanished underground again, just as Rampardos turned to finish her off.
Seconds later, the earth split.
She burst upward beneath Rampardos once more, striking it clean in the chest.
That one landed hard.
Rampardos's knees buckled.
It staggered backward, eyes dazed, trying to stay upright.
Then, with a low groan...
It fell.
The dust settled.
Silence.
The referee raised his flag.
"Rampardos is unable to battle. The victory goes to the challenger, Paul of Veilstone City!"
I let out a slow breath. The hum of the sandstorm finally faded.
Gible clenched her small fists, trembling with adrenaline. Excited. Proud.
She won her first battle.
And not just any battle, a Gym battle.
I knelt down, my eyes meeting hers.
"That's how it's done. You fought with heart and determination, and you came out victorious!"
She bounced in place, tail wagging as she stood tall in the aftermath.
Roark recalled Rampardos, his posture steady.
But his eyes?
They held respect.
He stepped forward across the dusty battlefield, each stride deliberate. "That was one hell of a battle," he said. "Smart use of your Gible, and the sandstorm. You turned the field I built against me."
"She'll grow to become even stronger," I said simply, voice level.
Roark let out a quiet chuckle. "I don't doubt that."
He reached into his jacket and pulled out a case, flipping it open with practiced ease. Nestled inside was a badge featuring a central brown, hexagonal shape encased within a light blue, stylized frame.
"This is the Coal Badge," he said, holding it out. "Oreburgh's mark of victory. You've earned it."
I took it without hesitation, feeling the weight settle into my palm.
But Roark wasn't finished.
"In fact," he added, reaching into his other pocket, "I don't usually do this. But you impressed me today."
He handed me a small metallic disc.
"This TM contains Stealth Rock. It's a move that chips away at opponents who switch into battle. Dangerous if used right. And I noticed you've got a Pokémon who can learn it."
I turned the disc in my fingers. I knew the potential. If trained properly, a move like this could change the flow of any battle.
Roark nodded. "Teaching the move is one thing. But training it, refining it—that's where the real work begins."
I tucked the TM away and glanced at the badge one more time. Let the shape of it settle in my memory.
A flicker of pride stirred in my chest.
One down.
Seven to go.