Saturday morning. Harry would be the first of all Roxanne's opponents that day. More than a couple of his peers had made the list, booked in between the ordinary challenges of those with two or more badges. Lucas' challenge would be one of the final challenges the day after, getting the advantage of numerous viewings of Roxanne to form a plan. Harry would've been jealous. But, he knew he wouldn't spend that time watching trying to plan.

  All his time would be put into raw training. Just like the training they'd done the previous day, straight after finishing their booking, enlisting Lucas' help. Ellie was left with an open invitation to chime in too. But, for a time, she sat at the side of the battlefield, doodling as the boys handled their imminent training.

  Not that it'd stay that way, with Lucas there. More than a couple times, he would take a break to check on Ellie, ask about what she was doing, or if she wanted to help out with the training. After a few attempts too, he managed to twist her arm into giving Harry some harder training. Dodging around Mudkip's Water Pulses was almost like avoiding hurdling rocks, in the way they both hurt a lot if you got hit by them, and in very few other ways.

  With their training concluded, they quickly departed for sleep not long after. And, bright and early, they were all up, at the gym with good time to spare. Time spare enough for Harry to brew on his modest (or, in less kind terms, painfully plain) gameplan in the waiting room, Pokeball rattling in his palm. Treecko sat in the corner of the room, bobbing and weaving with a few punches and a couple swings of its tail. Numel sat on its belly at Harry's feet, staring up at its trainer with the same dopey smile as always, blissfully unaware of the danger ahead.

  Poochyena had taken to pawing at Harry's leg, paw gently trying to stop the shaking. The pooch whined a little, beginning to scamper up onto the bench Harry sat on when the shaking wouldn't stop, occupying his lap. Harry's expression curled into a small smile, hand combing through soft fur.

  "Not sure if you're trying to be a therapy dog, or just desperate for attention," Harry said, beginning to lean more towards the latter being intentional, and the former being accidental. Especially as he had to break the news that Poochyena wouldn't be fighting in their first gym battle. The poor pooch had whined about that for a while, until Harry eventually managed to calm it down with the promise of many dog treats, and freshly grooming its fur after the battle. Which, he supposed he was making do on that promise as of this very moment.

  That moment of peace wouldn't last long, though, as the receptionist poked her head through the door, glancing around before spotting Harry. "Roxanne is ready for you. So, whenever you're ready."

  Harry took a deep inhale, gently lifting Poochyena onto the floor. Jumping to his feet, he craned his neck and cracked his knuckles. "Let's get this thing over with."

  "Alright then." the receptionist smiled, opening the door a little wider, letting Harry walk through, but not accompanying him as he moved through a rather short tunnel. Then, out into the open he walked, all his Pokemon wandering by his side. A few cheers came from the sidelines, Harry keenly observing two particular faces amongst the crowd. Lucas, the most energetic of all the kids giving their applause, his woos distinct from the masses of kids. Ellie went for the more modest clapping that Harry would've expected, with the challenger waving to both as he entered.

  A small flight of stairs, and he stood atop a platform, overseeing a suitably rocky battlefield, long with an amber tinge to its surface. Jagged spikes protruded from the sandstone, always in formations far too high to pose any real danger of harming the combatants of the battle. Slight cracks formed in the formation of the battlefield, alike to the rocks in their seeming inability to sway the match in anyone's favour. Arceus knows there'd be complaints about losing because your Pokemon got their paw stuck in the floor.

  Then, at the other side of the battlefield, stood Roxanne, Pokeball clenched tight in her hand. Harry smiled, taking another deep breath to stow himself. A giant statue of that fossil Pokemon with scythes for hands standing just behind Roxanne didn't really ease his nerves. But, the thought of nerves messing up his chance to finally break away from school did embolden Harry to ignore the anxiety brewing in his chest.

  "Welcome challenger. A recent addition to our cohort, I recall. Harry is the name?" Roxanne tapped her nail against the Pokeball, dragging Harry into a conversation he hadn't really anticipated. Nor, did he have a particular answer beyond a simple nod. But, it seemed to suffice for Roxanne to continue. "Naturally. So, have you enjoyed your time?"

  Harry nearly laughed, choosing instead to smile and snort, an expression he hoped Roxanne wouldn't catch. But, it was pretty obvious to anyone who had eyes that Harry thought humour of her question. Roxanne sighed, dragging her eyes to the side, where the skeletal structure of a large dragon had been carefully sculpted into the wall. "A fair few students have had that response. I don't understand it personally, but I suppose I'm an academic at heart."

  "But, even if you don't have a true desire for formal education, I bring doubt to the thought that you've learned nothing. Even if you may believe that thought. So, now..." Roxanne raised her hand, then swiped through the air, palm flat by her side. "Would you kindly demonstrate what you have learnt about battling?"

  Harry looked to Numel, then back to Roxanne. "Let's do it."

  "Excellent." Roxanne's tensed arm slackened, with her other arm launching her Pokeball across the battlefield. "Geodude, let's teach them a thing or two!"

  The Pokeball tapped against the rocky battlefield with a light clunk. From it, out popped a floating boulder, rough and grey, with rocky fists on either side of its body. Letting out a cry of its own name, its eyes sharpened, focused intensely on Harry. Looking down to his arsenal of Pokemon, his gloved hand settled on Numel's body, petting the back of its hump.

  "Come on buddy..." Harry momentarily returned Numel, then lobbed its Pokeball back onto the battlefield. "Let's get 'em, Numel!"

  The ball snapped open prematurely, Numel popping out once more, landing with a thud that shook the whole battlefield. Pokeball bouncing back into Harry's grasp, the two trainers locked eyes. Roxanne smiled, a stone-cold demeanour about her. The mark of someone who'd done this so many times before, it hardly gave her a pinch of worry. Harry couldn't say the same for himself, still conscious of the slight jittering in his heart. But, now wasn't the time to hesitate.

  I ain't losing.

  "This will be a battle between Roxanne, the gym leader, and Harry, the challenger. Both trainers are permitted to use two Pokemon, items are not permitted, and only the challenger may switch their Pokemon! Are both sides ready?" the referee looked to either side. No objections. "Battle, begin!"

  Harry wasted no time. "Numel, Bulldoze!" he called out. Numel gave a little nod, then followed up with his command. One stumpy leg stamped against the ground. Then, another leg thudded, falling into a constant rhythm with each other. A final jump in the air after about four rounds of stomping, and the ground finally started to ripple. Shudders passed through the sandstone, shockwaves erupting from around Numel's body.

  Roxanne waited a beat. Presumably, she could've acted quicker, before Numel's attack had even come out. But, she waited. "Defense Curl!" she threw out her hand. Geodude muttered a grunt of affirmation, fists tensing up, blocking its face. Another layer of rock began to build atop the surface of its body, its grey edges becoming slightly more pronounced, an extra degree of fortification covering its stone surface.

  The shockwaves rippled near to Geodude, just as its body flashed blue. Geodude let out a cry, dropping its fists, revealing its increase in Defence. But, soon after that triumphant cry, came the rumblings through the ground. It shook the Rock type's body to the very core, face scrunched in concentration to toughen out the attack. Harry clenched his fist, watching Geodude endure the attack, until the shockwaves came to a stop.

  It should've been super effective. And, it seemed, from the reactions of the crowd, that they believed it too. Yet, Geodude stood like it'd just resisted the attack. Strong, hard as rock, just as determined as before. Roxanne smiled, her confidence still as strong as ever. Had Harry...misremembered?

  "Unsure?" Roxanne asked, Harry glancing her direction, but giving the question no further thought. Whatever game she tried to play with his mind. Harry wouldn't be one to fall for it. Ground beat out Rock. Simple as that.

  "Bulldoze!" Harry shouted, content to keep Bulldozing 'till forced to do something else. The same song and dance repeated once more. A steady rhythm of stomped, crescendoing into one final flop that shook the battlefield.

  "Defense Curl!" Roxanne followed Harry's example, drawing the battle to exactly the way it had started. Tensed fists around Geodude's body, bursting open with a fresh coat of reinforced rock, before forced to tense again in the face of the incoming Bulldoze. But, once more, it dealt with the Ground move effortlessly. Even accompanied toughening out the blow with a shrug, just to show off.

  "A little lost, are we?" Roxanne's question sounded more like a taunt now, as if taking revenge for Harry's snicker earlier. It felt even worse when Harry couldn't confidently cry that he had an answer, because his mind seemed to run blank of ideas. The silence lasted a few moments, before Roxanne continued. "Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to rudiment on your mistakes once I finish this battle. Rollout!"

  "Oh, like hell we're going down that easy!" Harry fell for the bait, snarl echoing through the air. Geodude's arms bent and folded close to its circular body, palms opened flat. The Rock type dropped, using its hands to give Rollout a little extra boost. Soon, Geodude began picking up good momentum, hurdling towards Numel. "Dodge it!"

  Numel tensed its stubby legs, waiting a beat to take action on Harry's call, but eventually leaping out of the way. It landed without grace, belly smacking against the rocky surface of the battlefield. But, unharmed it returned, slowly climbing back to its feet.

  "Turn around!" Roxanne cried. Geodude didn't quite come to a stop to do it, however, using the length of the battlefield to make a turn without losing momentum.

  "Dodge!"

  Numel attempted a dodge. But, without solid footing, still getting up after it's earlier haphazard dodge, Numel couldn't find the space to make a successful evasion. Rather, it just flopped onto its side, a sitting Ducklett for Geodude to bowl right through. Geodude struck Numel in its belly, the camel not giving much of a reaction. But, Harry could tell it was a clear hit, with Geodude continuing rolling past.

  "And again!" Roxanne called out, as Geodude arced again, seemingly even faster than before.

  Harry grunted. "Ember!" he yelled, hoping the flames enough to stuff out Geodude's approach. Numel huffed, a flaming magma from deep within its stomach cooling slightly, rising up its throat as a flickering flame. From its mouth, the Ember shot across the battlefield. Geodude rolled straight into the attack, rock hard body colliding against fire. Harry half expected Geodude to continue rolling through like nothing had happened.

  But, to his surprise, the Geodude stopped. The Ember slowed Rollout to a halt, Geodude coming out not looking injured, but just about as bothered as when Harry had used Bulldoze. But...how? That shouldn't have been how the type matchups worked out. Even worse, it seemed Roxanne had exactly the answer to why it was happening. She didn't wince when Geodude stopped rolling, like she was surprised it happened. Just glanced to Harry, searching for understanding in his expression, but finding nothing.

  "Tackle!" Harry attempted to mount an offence, Numel's stubby legs pushing it forward headfirst. Roxanne, once more, didn't let her facade slip. Even more concerning than that, she didn't give a response. Sat there, tapping her fingers against her arm, awaiting the attack to collide. By the time Harry's gut told him to back away, sensing the trap he was running into, Numel had already smacked its head against Geodude's body.

  Geodude smiled, not flinching the slightest in the face of Numel's Tackle. The poor Fire-type even seemed to register something was wrong, a rare sight for the camel. It pushed with even more of its weight, hoping the extra effort would wound Geodude. But, it did nothing of the sort. Roxanne tapped her fingers again. "How about we show them ours, Geodude?"

  The Rock type nodded, one hand smacking away Numel's tackle with the utmost ease. Then, its other arm clenched close to its body, white energy flowing over its entire body. Attempting a rough shoulder barge, the Tackle burst forward, knocking into Numel and sending the camel flying back. It got up without much problem. But, Harry could see the injuries that Numel couldn't feel. They were losing ground, fast.

  "Still stumped?" Roxanne asked, tilting her head to meet Harry's glance. Defeated, Harry admitted to it with a slow nod. Roxanne hummed, "Alright, a small hint for you then. Remember the lecture given on Pokemon's stats? There is one example we use in our curriculum, for a very particular reason. To reward those paying attention."

  Or, to punish him for not paying attention during class. Somehow, Harry felt inklings of regret settle into his mind for not having given a lick of attention to any of the classes. A feat, he had to admit, to make him feel anything negative for ignoring school. His eyes drifted to the crowd, hoping Lucas or Ellie might have the answers that he needed. But, Lucas responded with a couple points that meant nothing, and Ellie seemed to be doodling more than paying attention to their battle.

  Still, the clue was there, even for those who hadn't paid enough attention to class. Something to do with a Pokemon's stats. Maybe something to do with Physical versus Special? That was knowledge he could remember vaguely from that class, and knowledge he'd already accumulated through a few videos online.

  Most Ground moves were Physical attacks, right? So, he could assume Numel's Bulldoze was nothing different. Tackle, just the same. Ember? That seemed like a more Special move. A bullet of flames required little physical fighting. And, that had done much more damage than Harry had expected. Enough to match his Bulldoze. So...

  "I believe that's enough thinking time. Now, Roll-"

  "Numel, return!"

  A small smile crept upon Roxanne's face, as Harry raised Numel's Pokeball, clicking the button on the capsule. Numel looked back for a moment, before its body combusted into a red light, returned snugly back to its Pokeball. Poochyena looked up at Harry, gently pawing at his leg, checking everything was going ok. Harry smiled, ruffling the dog's fur.

  "Don't worry, everything's going fine," Harry's eyes drifted to Treecko, hanging by his shoulder. "But, I'm gonna have to let you off the leash a little earlier than I expected."

  Treecko's feet tensed slightly. But, looking at the battlefield, it nodded, confident in Harry's decision. The young trainer took a deep breath, holding out his arm. Treecko carefully trodded to the end of his palm, like an acrobat atop a tightrope. Then, Harry flung his hand into the air, his gecko soaring high in an arc.

  "Let's get 'em, Treecko!"

  Spinning through the ether above the battlefield, Treecko landed like an action hero, one hand placed on the ground with the other raised high. Ooos and ahhs could be heard from the crowd. Even Roxanne seemed to take amusement in its little stunt, letting out the slightest snicker, before resetting back to her most professional smile. Harry had seen that smile on her face as soon as he'd made the switch to Treecko, though. Organic, which meant something right. Something other than the clearer type advantage.

  "Rock Tomb!"

  Two rocky fists thumped the ground, Geodude letting out a cry as boulders began to form in the air. Then, with great velocity, they hurdled across the battlefield. Treecko reset into a neutral stance, eyeing the incoming attack carefully.

  Harry acted quickly. "Dodge it!"

  Treecko wasted no time acting on Harry's command, watching the slow-moving boulders topple all around. Not all seemed to be aiming directly for the Grass type, however. The rocks looked to more cut Treecko off from moving as freely as it would've wanted, seeking to ensnare the Pokemon before burying it. But, Treecko wouldn't be so easy to catch, slipping into a run with ease.

  Leaving a trail of dust in its wake, Treecko weaved around the rocks with grace and finesse. Twirling through, not slowing down for the world. If a rock came even close, Quick Attack was always there, too. A quick burst of its white aura, and Treecko would blip out unscathed, if a little more tired. But, no matter the exhaustion, Treecko would always be on the move, until Geodude finally came into striking range.

  "Leafage!" Harry's arm outstretched, coiling into a fist. Treecko smirked, smacking the ground with its tail as it ran, a trail of leaves building behind it. Then, with a swish of its tail forward, cutting leaves shot at Geodude. The Rock type let out a low grunt, an affirmation that it had done some damage. But, what Harry presumed to be a really bad type matchup for Geodude, and Treecko's full power Leafage, the Rock Pokemon remained standing. How? Leafage had to be a Special move, it looked just like any other Special move!

  Roxanne chuckled. "I know, it was a surprise for me too," she added, seemingly reading Harry's mind just from his distraught expression. "Maybe think of another move in your arsenal. And, while you think-"

  Roxanne clicked her fingers, Geodude snapping into position, and barging into Treecko for a Tackle. Treecko attempted to dodge, but was caught off guard just as much as Harry, going tumbling back across the battlefield. Treecko's feet skidded against the floor, dragging a hand through the earth to slow its momentum, glaring at Geodude.

  "Rollout!" Geodude compressed into a ball, dropping to the ground and bounding across the battlefield at great pace.

  "Dodge!" Harry's hand swept outwards, Treecko swiftly following his command. Bending its knees, Treecko leapt into the air, dodging cleanly out of Geodude's way. Then, it landed not shortly after, watching as Geodude rolled away. But, with a snap of Roxanne's fingers, it changed direction. Seemed Roxanne was letting Harry know her next move out of courtesy last time. Not that she had to.

  Harry's eyes snapped in every direction, looking for a clear answer. Leafage may work, but he wouldn't chance a Physical Attack slowing down Rollout, if what Roxanne suggested was really true. Mega Drain would be the best option. But, trying to drain an out of control bowling ball sounded like it'd lead to Treecko getting trampled, and not much else. There had to be something else.

  Harry gasped. "Treecko, run back and to the right!"

  Harry's plan came down to how well Treecko knew its lefts and rights. Not the greatest plan, he had to admit. Especially when it was something he'd have certainly never taught his Pokemon. And, sure enough, Treecko had a perplexed expression on its face. But, facing Geodude speeding towards it, Treecko decided it better to get started on moving back. With a little push off from its tail, Treecko sprinted.

  Geodude followed, with every second it spent spinning crucial, gathering momentum enough to start closing in on Treecko. Harry tensed, not quite confident enough to give a clearer command, afraid to give away their plan. But, when push came to shove, Treecko recognised Harry's plan, following his directions and darting to the right. The boulder came hot on its tail, however, not giving Treecko room to breathe. Speeding along, soon moving faster than Treecko. So close it came to clipping the gecko, but...

  "Jump!"

  Treecko turned, tail smacking against the floor, springing up into the air in an acrobatic flip. Geodude kept on spinning. But, not into any free space. Rather, it spun into its own boulders, formed from Rock Tomb. Rock against rock, the Rollout was brought to a grinding stop, the noise unpleasant and echoing through the gym for all to hear. But, Treecko could still make out the next command in the midst of the din.

  "Pounce on Geodude, and Mega Drain!"

  With its momentum completely halted, Geodude only had time to look back, as Treecko burst through the air. Its tail smacked Geodude in the face, a temporary distraction, as Treecko's real attack came from getting a grip on the Rock Pokemon. Geodude shook, readying its fists to strike Treecko from its head. But, the green aura that surrounded the two stopped Geodude dead in its tracks.

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  The Pokemon howled. Really howled. For the first time in the match, Harry seemed to hear the Geodude finally give up and admit to its anguish, still wrestling with Treecko, but finding its energy waning with every second. Treecko batted Geodude twice with its tail, disrupting its thoughts of counter attacking. Until, eventually, Geodude had no more thoughts of resistance, dropping from the air and thudding against the battlefield.

  "Geodude is unable to battle! Treecko is the winner!"

  Treecko kicked off of Geodude's unconscious body, flipping back and landing with a courtesy bow. Faint cheering could be heard from the horde of kids, loudest of which obviously being the only voice Harry found familiar. Taking a glance, he watched Lucas clap and woo, Ellie stealing a couple glances of confusion. She also seemed to be more interested in writing in her notebook, giving a courtesy clap, then furiously jotting something down while stealing glances at the Rock Tomb where Geodude lost its momentum.

  "Figured it all out?" Roxanne raised Geodude's Pokeball, but stalled returning her Pokemon, dragging Harry into another conversation. But, Harry could oblige more willingly this time.

  "All out is a little far, but I think I understand it now. Geodude has high physical Defence, but low Special Defence. So, I just gotta blast Geodude with Special moves, rather than Physical ones."

  "Exactly correct, great answer!" Roxanne chirped, Harry only now realising how much his answer sounded like a kid responding to a teacher's question. He gagged at the thought. "Glad our school could help you learn a little more about battling!"

  Harry gagged again. "Just throw out your next Pokemon already!"

  "Oh, well, if you're so insistent..." Roxanne reached behind her tie, one Pokeball clipped to the back slipping out, while the other slipped in, held there by a tiny magnet. Roxanne swished her hand straight again, before launching it onto the battlefield. "Let's show them the real test, Nosepass!"

  A bright red light formed as soon as the Pokeball tapped against the ground. A much taller figure than Geodude, landing with about five times the weight too, shaking the battlefield as it dropped. A blue, rocky Pokemon, with sharp angles on every edge. Drilled into the side of its head and palms were blackened dots, and a red nose completed the look, facing exactly forward. The Pokemon moved ever so slightly, but in a way so robotically, Harry had half a mind to think it wasn't organic at all.

  Nosepass, The Compass Pokemon.

  The magnet in Nosepass's nose provides an unerring compass, making this Pokémon an excellent partner for Trainers going on a journey.

  Harry hummed, slipping away the Pokedex and looking to the Pokemon again. It trodded forwards slowly, arms swinging in a clockwork motion as it did. It moved without much threat, clearly not the speedy type. But, Harry suspected it'd have ways to fight even without getting close.

  "Treecko, return!" Harry made a split second change, drawing his gecko back to its ball. A surprise change that neither gym leader nor Pokemon was seemingly expecting, Treecko's face scrunching into a pout as it burst into a bright red light. Then, not long after, a Pokeball went slamming into the ground, as Numel was called upon once more. Roxanne hummed thoughtfully, before looking to the referee, who gestured for them to continue.

  "Numel, Bulldoze!"

  "Nosepass, Harden!"

  The ground rippled beneath Numel, sending shockwaves surging across the floor. Meanwhile, Nosepass' already stiff movements grew more tense, focused. Holding out its arms, its palms clasped together suddenly, like two magnets attracting one another. It held the position for a moment, straining and tensing its body. Then, with what seemed like a large amount of effort, it pulled its palms apart, blue wave passing over its body as a new layer of rock shone across its body.

  The shockwaves came, landing on Nosepass without a hitch. But, much the same as Geodude, the Rock Pokemon toughened it out without so much as a grunt. Harry expected so. But, at least now, they had some kind of confirmation that it would be just the same rock hard defence.

  "Ember!" Harry refused to let up on their offence. Numel nodded an affirmative, magma brewing in its body fueling the flames that shot out of its mouth.

  "Rock Throw!" Roxanne countered. Nosepass struck the ground with its foot, forming a giant rock in front of its body. Then, its two arms clasped the rock at its side suddenly, like some kind of magnetic force had attracted the two palms together. Whatever it was, Nosepass' grip held tight on the rock, even as it lifted the rock overhead, then thrust it across the battlefield, falling in an arc towards Numel.

  "Dodge it!" Harry yelled. But, Numel's realization of the attack from above came too late, the camel struck suddenly by the Rock Throw. Flying back from the force of the blow, Numel's side scuffed roughly against the surface of the earth, Harry tensing harder the longer it slid. Numel huffed, beginning to rise back to its feet. But, just as quickly, the injuries it hadn't realised finally put down the camel, lying fainted on the ground.

  "Numel is unable to battle! Nosepass is the winner!"

  Harry stared for a second, eyes widened. "Just like that, huh?"

  The excitement of the crowd seemed just as crushed by that boulder as Numel was. But, taking a deep breath, followed by a dry chuckle, he carried on. He'd just have to try and spot Numel's injuries better next time. No matter. Numel had still done its job, and that is all that Harry could ask of it. Returning it back to its Pokeball, he muttered, "You did great. Your efforts won't be in vain."

  Felt a little hard to say that, knowing Numel's efforts were ultimately so that Harry could ditch school, leaving the Fire type behind. But, Harry couldn't think about that now. They still had a battle to win, after all.

  "I still ain't losing..." Harry assured himself, taking a deep breath. Then, his arm reeled back, lobbing the Pokeball forward. "So, let's get on with it!"

  Treecko exploded from the ball at the peak of its arc, seeking to outdo even its previous entry. With a dive and a flip, Treecko struck the ground with grace, an even more elegant landing than before. Giving a bow, it looked up to Nosepass, attempting to read an expression on its face. Only then did Treecko remember it was fighting the equivalent of a tiki head. Its expression remained flat, only waddling slightly closer to Treecko.

  "Treecko, Leafage!" Harry took first initiative, the Grass type swishing its tail and throwing out clumps of leaves in Nosepass' direction.

  Roxanne's eyebrow cocked, shocked at seeing another Physical move. But, she'd treat it just the same as she had before. "Harden!"

  The leaves passed by Nosepass' body like nothing, blue wave combing over the surface of its rocky body helping stand against the tide of Treecko's attacks. The ineffectiveness of the attack became clear, Treecko putting everything into its attack, but getting nothing for it. But, still, Harry waited, refusing to give another command.

  Roxanne, growing bored of Treecko's attack, cried out. "Rock Throw!"

  Plucking a boulder from the earth, Nosepass' grip tightened around it, before swinging it right through the centre of the battlefield. The incoming leaves were squashed until they resembled nothing more than a green paste, sticking to the rock's cragged surface.

  "Quick Attack!" Harry countered, Treecko's assault suddenly stopping. Taking a moment to strengthen its footing, Treecko pushed off, disappearing into a white blur that narrowly avoided the brunt of the boulder. Taking a second more to readjust, Treecko pushed off, twirling through the air before smacking its tail against Nosepass' head.

  The rock refused to budge. Treecko's eyes widened, certain it would catch Nosepass off guard. But, much the same as before, Roxanne's Pokemon shrugged off any physical attacks thrown at them. "Tackle!" she countered, Nosepass taking a second to tense its legs, before bashing its head against Treecko's body, launching the gecko back. "Rock Throw!"

  "Jump up!" Harry yelled out, as Treecko swiftly leapt back to its feet. Spotting an incoming boulder, it leapt into the air, rock barrelling forward, but ultimately sailing beneath its body. But, the gecko eyed Nosepass readying another rock, hands clasped tight around the rock. Nosepass swung the rock into the air, overhead throw striking Treecko with unbelievable precision. Harry's jaw dropped, watching his gecko whimper in pain, descending into free fall.

  "One of my assistants told me you lost a battle because of careless jumping..." Roxanne noted, Harry's eyes still bulging wide, two making eye contact. The gym leader shrugged. "Learning from that may have done you well."

  Harry's body tensed. A hefty breath left his nostrils, sharp exhales in and out. Roxanne's expression seemed to soften, watching his heavy breaths. But, Harry didn't stare long enough to see the result of that, as his eyes snapped down to Treecko. Laid on the floor, dirt and debris covered the gecko's body. Yet, Treecko refused to give up, wiping its body as it returned to its feet.

  "Treecko, Quick Attack!" Harry yelled out. Roxanne sighed, not even bothering to call for a Harden. Rather, she waited, watching as Treecko dived across the battlefield. A quick blur, and it was at Nosepass' doorstep, smacking the Rock type with its tail. Treecko seemed to think with just the same approach as Harry, too. Tunnel visioning already.

  "Tackle," Roxanne responded unenthusiastically. Nosepass did as it was told. A barge forward, launching Treecko back again. "Rock Throw," she added. Treecko climbed to its feet quicker than before, a faintly green aura enveloping its body that neither trainer nor Pokemon had taken much notice of.

  "Dodge!" Harry barked out, Treecko tucking and rolling around the boulder, before climbing to its feet. Nosepass readied another boulder, ready to fire. But, with Treecko's footing more firmly established, it rolled out of the way of the next as well.

  "Mega Drain!"

  Treecko huffed, kicking from the ground and racing across the battlefield. Without the extra boost of energy from Quick Attack, its speed left a little to be desired, making half the distance as it would've if it used Quick Attack. But, with Treecko's energy already low, it needed the break to just run normally. Nosepass' attacks still managed a way to sail past Treecko anyways, the gecko slipping and dodging around Nosepass.

  "Tackle!" Roxanne called out, as Treecko got within striking distance. Nosepass' movements halted mid Rock Throw, lobbing the rock behind its head. Then, it stood ready, before shooting out head first, looking to barge into Treecko. But, its sluggish movements proved light work for Treecko to dodge, slipping past Nosepass and diving onto the Rock type's back.

  Its smoothened edges made it hard to get a grip on the Pokemon. But, with a little bit of effort, Treecko climbed atop, green aura surrounding both Pokemon. Treecko smirked, as it felt a surge of energy enter its body, leeching off of Nosepass' energy. The Rock-type grunted, body growing tense. Harry smirked, clenching his fist. Even Roxanne appeared panicked. Something about Treecko's positioning compared to where Nosepass stood.

  "Throw Treecko off!" she cried. Nosepass, ever rudimentary in its movement, didn't turn away from where it faced to throw Treecko off. Tensing its legs deep into the ground, ground eroding beneath it to get better grip, Nosepass threw its head around, Treecko desperately trying to cling on. But, eventually, Treecko's hand slipped over Nosepass' smoothened rock, flying across the battlefield.

  The green aura around Treecko faded just as quickly as it went, feeling new life seeping into its veins. But, with that energy increase, came the sudden realisation of Treecko as a threat. Nosepass wasn't going to waste time any longer. And, with it, came the landslide.

  "Rock Tomb!"

  The same move that Geodude had performed earlier. But, instantly, it became clear that Roxanne had taught Nosepass to master it. A slam of its rocky foot, and a boulder soared out of the ground, tossed across the battlefield.

  "Dodg-"

  Harry hesitated at the last second, as the rock narrowly missed Treecko. But, that couldn't have been right. Nosepass had hit Treecko with such impressive aim earlier, it couldn't have missed such a clear target. Maybe, it was a sign of weakness. Of cracks finally showing in Nosepass' rocky surface. Had to be.

  "Keep moving forward-

  Just as Treecko set off, pushing off one foot, a rock slammed in front of its path, completely blocking its approach. Harry hesitated, but ultimately shook his head, yelling out. "Just go to the side!"

  Treecko pivoted from one foot, looking to duck around the boulder right in front of it. But, once more, its path was blocked forward. Head jerking to the right, it noticed another path blocked off. Rocks raining from above, seeking to entrap Treecko from all angles. Harry clenched, fist tightening.

  "Jump atop the boulders!"

  Roxanne smirked. "There!"

  Treecko dug its feet into the earth, taking a deep breath. But, as soon as it emerged over the top of one of the boulders, it was met with the sight of an incoming boulder. Smashing into its chest, the rock flattened Treecko, sending it tumbling down to the earth. Then, another rock followed. Then another. Boulder atop boulder atop boulder.

  Harry watched, jaw loose with shock, hands shaking. The castle kept building atop Treecko, Harry feeling his Pokemon getting crushed deep within his soul. The weight only got heavier, as the sound of rocks thudding against one another shook the building. The crowd went silent. Harry didn't dare to face their gazes either. Rather, he just tensed, and winced every time Nosepass added another piece to Treecko's tomb.

  Roxanne made a swiping gesture. Nosepass went still, waiting. The referee glanced over at the battlefield, watching bits of sediment crumble from the heavy boulders. Harry stared vacantly at the battlefield, heart beating inside his chest. A faint crumbling could be heard from underneath the tomb. But, ultimately, it proved just to be the slipping of one boulder, toppling from the peak of the pile, trudging its way down to the bottom.

  Harry's body tensed tighter, nails digging into skin. His mouth opened to snarl out something. But, what could he say now that would make anything better? With Treecko buried under a ton of rocks, he couldn't exactly call out for another Leafage. Or for a Pound. Or, anything, really. All Harry could do was just...

  The referee raised their flag. "Treecko is unable to battle! Nose-"

  "No..."

  The referee turned to Harry, face gleaming with sympathy. Here came the worst part of it all. The kid who had tried so hard to win, but had fallen short at the last hurdle. For a moment, they allowed him to let out his thoughts, watching Harry's leg shake.

  "We ain't losing!" he began, not daring look in the direction where he could see faces staring back. Even looking to the ground proved heartbreaking, bearing witness to Poochyena's face dropping. Harry tore his gaze away, drowning out his dog's whimpers with more shouting. "And...Treecko! I know you're not giving up either. I'm not giving up, so neither are you! We're winning this thing once and for all, we're moving on to bigger and better things a-and-"

  The first stutter sent a wave of hesitation, so powerful it froze Harry's entire body. His fists remained clenched, but his voice broke. "Please. Let's finish this."

  Silence held the room in a tight grip, not a single sound daring to disturb its intricate balance. Harry took a deep breath, body finally beginning to let go of all the tension left in his body. All the weight of the injuries he knew Treecko had to have taken. All the strain he'd put on his mind just to make it this far. All of the effort Numel had to put in to make it this far. All of it combined, then dissipated, leaving only the bitterness of defeat.

  A leaf, blown by the wind, brushed past Harry's hand, settling into his unclenched grip.

  It sat there, tipping with what little wind remained in that room. A dry chuckle escaped his throat. Some remainder of their failed attacks had come to haunt him. Harry pinched the leaf between two fingers, observing each side. But, it didn't look like a typical Leafage. Those leaves were lighter in colour, resembling that of Treecko's own skin. No, this one seemed darker. Mossier, slightly aged with time.

  Harry's eyes flickered to the battlefield. From the very back of the pile of rubble, of which no life should've escaped, bloomed a swirl of leaves. Brown and green, light and dark, swirled together in one harmony. It started at the base, blowing from the gaps formed in the foundations. Then, slowly, they fluttered upwards from atop the Grass starter's body. Slowly, at first. Then...

  A sudden shot of leaves ascended directly upwards. The boulders cracked, shook, toppled from atop one another. The delicate balance thrown off in an instant, as a tornado of swirling colours dragged everyone's attention to where Treecko should've been buried. The tornado reached its crescendo, the power behind them dwindling, leaving only a collage of colours, dancing through the air, down to Treecko's burial site.

  Well, it was true to say that.

  For, emerging from that tomb, came an entirely new Pokemon.

  The smoothened, soft edges of Treecko had completely disappeared. Three nubs, for both its feet and hands, had sharpened into two-digit claws, tensing as the new Pokemon crawled over the boulders. Its tail had seemingly split apart, replacing a singular tail with a ridge between them with two leaf like appendages sticking out its back. Three leaves dug out from its wrists, tensing and sharpening just the same as its claws.

  Its reddened chest huffed up and down, breathless and exhausted. One long leaf swung from the back of its head, flowing with every small movement. Harry swore he saw a trace of darker crimson camouflaged amongst the rest of its reddened exterior. But, the Pokemon's sharpened yellow eyes reminded him of only one thing.

  "We ain't losing..." he huffed with a grin, before shouting out. "We ain't losing! Not to anyone!"

  The once silent crowd roared alongside his new evolution. Grovyle lapped up the attention, wrists bursting with a new energy, swirling leaves upwards. Roxanne watched with a small smile curling up her lips, turning to the referee, who lowered their flag and took a step back.

  "You still haven't won, need I remind you?" Roxanne's finger clicked against the button of Nosepass' Pokeball, before snapping it shut again.

  Harry smirked. "Guess we haven't. Let's finish this then, Grovyle!"

  Grovyle nodded, wrists glowing a dark green. Its arms sliced through the air, leaves a plenty bursting from where it impacted the air. Then, with a focused hand, the leaves suddenly burst forward, one combined frenzy spinning in a straight shot forward.

  "Use Rock Throw to block!"

  A boulder erupted from the earth, Nosepass' arms gripping the stone tight. The flurry of leaves cut against the rock, eroding the cragged edges away, sending pebbles dribbling onto the ground. The Rock type tensed. But, with every passing second, it felt its defence getting wilted away, until the force of the leaves shattered the boulder to sediment, Nosepass taking the full brunt of Grovyle's brand new attack. One Harry couldn't quite put a name on, until his phone alerted him of it.

  Grovyle learned Magical Leaf!

  Nosepass stumbled, smooth edges going rougher with the influx of foliage flung at its body. The earth opened up beneath its feet, establishing a foothold to keep itself upheld. "Rock Tomb!" its trainer commanded. They had to bury Grovyle quickly if they wanted any chance of winning the battle. See if the momentum from their evolution couldn't be broken.

  Boulders aplenty began to rain from the sky, Nosepass grinded its feet against the earth, popping rocks from the ground and launching them into the air. Harry's fist clenched.

  "Let's go all out! Quick Attack, dodge around 'em!"

  Grovyle's claws tensed into the earth, gently scratching against the earth. Then, it pushed off, disappearing into a blip of whitened energy. The boulders aimed for Grovyle's path. But, every time one came near, the Grass starter would pivot on one foot, and slip out of the way with ease. Heavy breaths escaped its throat, red chest heaving. But, Grovyle couldn't ever imagine wavering. Not now.

  Every move brought them a step closer to victory. Every dodge, artful and elegant, even if the starter struggled to truly comprehend the speed of its new form. Nosepass' throws became more hurried, less accurate than before. At some point, it stopped aimed to entrap Grovyle, and threw the rocks directly at the Pokemon's form, desperate to slow down the overgrowth ready to swallow it whole.

  Grovyle slipped by a boulder, eyes falling upon it for a moment. Striking range approached. Nosepass' eyes traced Grovyle's position, spotting the blips of light darting around the battlefield. No way to get out of it now. Harry smirked, yelling. "Magical Leaf!"

  "Hold the rock to block!" Roxanne quickly responded. Nosepass plucked one last boulder from the ground, clenching the rock tight, preparing for the incoming storm.

  But, the storm never came. Grovyle pushed off of the ground, dashing across the battlefield, arm raised to strike. But, all that came of it was a swing to the earth. Roxanne hesitated, as did Nosepass. The crowd held their breath. Had it missed? At the most crucial moment, finally burnt out of energy? Harry still smirked. There had to be something more to it.

  Vines rippled from beneath the earth. Thick ivy that grew from the most barren battlefield possible, surrounding Nosepass at all sides. Then, as soon as it all connected together, they burst. Leaves of all colours gushed from the ivy like blood from a severed artery. The swirl obscured Nosepass' form, twisting into the sky, until finally, all energy was relieved. The foliage fluttered back down to the ground, as Grovyle huffed.

  Nosepass stood for a mere moment. Then, with a thud that shook the whole arena, it dropped to the earth, swirls contained in its retinas.

  "Nosepass is unable to battle! Grovyle is the winner therefore the victor is Harry!"

  The sound of the crowd became deafening instantly. Harry's body tensed so tight he could almost burst, body clenched, fists tight until his nails broke skin.

  "LET'S GO! LET'S FUCKING GO!"

  Harry screamed at the top of his lungs, pacing the platform, before diving onto the battlefield without any caution for the fall he had to take. The off kilter angle his foot landed at didn't slow him down, though. He ran, and ran all the way, until he met his starter in person. No longer the gecko that could coil around his arm, leap from atop his shoulder. Grown up, matured. Harry's hand swung wide, and Grovyle's matched the motion, smacking together loud enough for the whole arena to hear.

  "Holy fuck..." Harry murmured, bringing Grovyle close for a hug, all restraint for a potty mouth leaving his body, as adrenaline pumped through his veins. Grovyle let out a small cry, and Harry laughed, squeezing his starter even tighter, jumping on the spot. It felt kind of embarrassing to be so visibly excited, in front of such a large crowd. But, the euphoria of winning when his back was to the wall...that was something Harry would remember for a while longer.

  Roxanne's loafers gently tapped against the battlefield, accompanying the sound of returning her Pokemon to its ball. "Language," she reminded Harry, putting a light damper on his mood, the boy pouting as he looked to her.

  "Well, excuse me miss, but I'm just a little excited."

  Roxanne hummed, amusement in her tone. "I could see that without you saying a word."

  Her eyes glanced to Harry's shaking hands, arms barely steadied by clenching onto Grovyle. Not to say Grovyle was calm either, its legs looked close to shaking into collapse. And, soon enough, they did, Grovyle letting out a long groan of exhaustion. Harry sighed, drawing a Pokeball. "Right, take a long rest, we'll celebrate more later."

  Grovyle nodded in agreement, slipping away into its capsule, leaving Harry to stand on his own. A few deep breaths got his shaking in check, eyes darting all over the place, before eventually settling on Roxanne. The Rock type gym leader smiled, stepping forwards, plucking the gym badge hung from her tie.

  "Well, would you say you've learnt a fair bit from your time here?"

  Harry rolled his eyes. Of course it would come back to this. But, he did have to admit, "Yes. I've learnt a little."

  "And, a little will go a long way. Trainers who fight with their heart first, like yourself, may not always get the most out of academic studying. But, more knowledge can never truly be a downside." Roxanne extended her palm, revealing the Rustboro gym badge. Two arrows facing either way, slightly off kilter with one another, with a brand of brown metal drawing the two together. "Still, you've shown great grit and determination today. Many can learn from your passion. So, please, accept this Stone Badge."

  Harry held out his cupped hands underneath Roxanne's palm, the glistening metal dropping into his palm. The brown metal at its centre felt rough to the touch, almost like the texture of the earth Harry walked upon. Craggy, jagged. Fitting of the Rock gym, he supposed.

  "Just, one more thing to add," Roxanne spoke up, drawing Harry's attention away from the gym badge. "While your passion is admirable, you still have to take control of it. Your frustration bled into your thoughts, and you tunnel-visioned on attacking, rather than thinking of the substance behind those attacks. It worked out here. But, there won't always be an evolution, waiting to bail you out."

  "Always having to end on a lecture?" Harry snarked.

  "It may be a lecture. But, it is the most important lecture you'll receive at this school," Roxanne answered, tone a little lower than her usual quizzing voice, enough for Harry to momentarily take in her words. All he could respond with was a slow nod, a little grumbly at her tone putting down his victory. But, re-examining the gym badge brought his spirits back up. His very first gym badge.

  ...

  Wait a minute.

  "I wish you well in your future battles, wherever you go from here." Roxanne spun on her heel, beginning to turn and leave.

  "Wait!" Harry shouted, dragging her attention back. "Is that the team you ordinarily use for trainers with no gym badges?"

  "Oh, no, I used my team for those who already have a gym badge." Roxanne smiled. "I was advised by another gym leader not to put you down as a trainer with zero gym badges. So, I did just that. I thought it'd be better for the both of us that way."

  A small silence echoed between the two, of which Roxanne refused to break, smiling and awaiting Harry's answer. He tapped his finger against Grovyle's Pokeball for a second, clicking his tongue, thinking. "Well, gonna have a talk with Seijo later. Tell him not to sabotage an easy gym badge next time."

  Roxanne lightly chuckled. "All worked out in the end, so maybe..." Roxanne felt a twinge of guilt, placing all the blame elsewhere, when she could've ignored his advice and followed League protocol. "Try not to be too harsh on him?"

  Harry tilted his head from side to side, in something like agreement. "Maybe. I'll be demanding a badge if he starts talking to any other gym leaders about raising the difficulty for me though." Harry folded his arms. Roxanne chuckled.

  "You'd do right."