Hard Enough-Chapter 156: Ritchie’s challenge

The morning, as had become the case with the later starts, was over rather quickly.

I had enough gaps in my schedule to go out to the front of the gym and talk with some local young trainers using the courts.

I ambled over to observe the kids, more than a little amused that I could do something like this. I was really starting to feel the drop off in the surge.

The kids had been having a rather spirited battle which I got to watch. I could practically see a web of friendly rivalries forming from these fights while others improved their skills.

Id used to be able to do this anytime throughout the year but with the surge, I hadnt been game to tempt trainers.

After all, the mere number of trainers would have all but guaranteed that theyd be throwing challenges at me left and right.

It felt nice to be able to get out and about. I might even go for a walk into Pewter next time this happened!

I stayed around the gym today, however, and instead offered some advice to the trainers, pointing out some useful tactics to look up to trial with the Kakuna and Nidorino they had. I set them up with a free training course with some target practice for their pokemon and then ambled back into the gym in rather high spirits.

Bethany, our elderly receptionist, adjusted her glasses and smirked as I approached the front desk. Hello young man, would you like to book a challenge with our Gym Leader? A strapping young fellow like you might even do alright for yourself.

I paused, having been about to walk around the side.

I cant tell if youre playing with me or you cant tell its me, I said, uncertain of her visual acuity.

Bethany grinned and took her glasses off only to lift up another, even more powerful, set of glasses. Oh! Look at that! Hello there! I didnt see you! she said with a large smile before swapping her glasses back out.

Next to her, the other receptionist giggled at our by-play. I shot the girl a smile, and then a wink to Bethany. If memory served, this girl had been extremely shy during her interview.

I stood around and talked with them to see how things were until my transceiver went off. Id been able to talk with the newest receptionist rather easily and could only conclude that Bethany had been good for the girl. That, or shed gotten used to talking up with all the trainers shed had to face in the last few months and demanding fights with me.

I sauntered on through the back and into the training area. Were all set up? I said as I accepted a tray with four pokeballs. I checked them over and saw that they were the pokemon Id asked for and each seemed to be in good health.

Yeah, the kid thats coming in seems pretty wimpy. Who challenges at the third tier at this stage of the circuit? said A.J. At least he has signed up for the gauntlet so I get a chance to fight him.

Hmmm, said Rocko as he sauntered up and looked over Ritchies profile that we had access to. Seems like hes starting late, says here he had a medical issue that delayed his start. He only started a month ago.

I bobbed my head from side to side before deciding to weigh in with my own thoughts. Hes another trainer that I think Ill be keeping an eye out for.

Ho? Thats what ten trainers that youre keeping your eye on so far? Rocko said.

I waggled my hand back and forth, Thereabouts, there are a few that I think will go the distance, so far my bet's on Brawly to win this year, I said.

A.J. glowered at the entrance. Well he better turn up today cause Im gonna test him! he said firmly.

I snorted. Just dont go too crazy! Keep it to the third tier only! I called at his back as he marched down the stairs to the podium on the field.

I worked my tongue over my teeth. Think hes gonna stick to the third-tier level?

Rocko snorted. Not a chance! This Ritchie kid better be ready for a fight!

I frowned. Hmmmm if A.J. is getting antsy I might need to schedule in some time to take him around to the various other gyms such as Cerulean, Sophia or even I tapped my fingers on the railing in thought. That would be a good excuse to go poking around in Neon City now, wouldnt it?

Talk to Greta and ask if shed be interested in fighting Grey, the Neon City Gym Leader for a match, shed need to have some strategies for a steel-type gym.

Afraid shell take it as an order if it comes from you? Rocko said.

I nodded. Yup! I said, popping the P. I shifted my focus to the entrance as the lights dimmed to draw attention towards it.

Rachel sauntered out and waved happily before waving a hand behind her. And now the young gentleman from Frodomar City! Please give it up for Ritchie! said Rachel, as she introduced the future rival of Ash.

The kid walked out and I had to chuckle at the Pikachu that was riding his shoulder. It had a tuft of hair sticking out. If I didnt know any better, Id have thought he was merely a budget Ash. If anything, he was a mirror with his colour choicesnot that he knew Ash just yet, I assumed.

And facing him oh damn. Sorry kid, fight well! Its our newest, and angriest, trainer! A.J.! said Rachel, drawing some laughter from the people in the crowd while A.J. shot Rachel a scowl.

She still hasnt forgiven him for needing to be carried into the meeting? I asked Rocko.

Yup! he said, mimicking my pop.

Then he sniggered, Which is hilarious cause I dont think he has any thoughts like that in his head right now. Hes so one track its hilarious.

He mimed flexing. Get strong! Strong good! Work hard to get strong! Tired now, sleep! he said with a fake-sounding macho tone.

I shook my head and hid my smile. Rocko just grinned at me.

Go Zippo! shouted Ritchie, sending out a Charmander that growled fiercely at the Rhyhorn that A.J. had sent out.

Both pokemon locked eyes and Zippo growled, but with it being tiny, all it achieved was making itself look cute.

Fire types are a poor choice against rock-ground type pokemon, kid!

Im the same age as you though? Ritchie pointed out with a tilt of his head. I had a momentary burst of deja vu as I imagined Ash copying that exact same pose.

Feh! Thats not the point! Youre obviously underestimating this challenge! A.J. said heatedly.

Next to me, Rocko rubbed his chin. That kid is a natural heel for this. The crowd is getting pretty invested with this banter.

I chuckled as the referee for todays match raised the flags and called the two boys to order.

Zippo, like we practised, Smokescreen around yourself! he shouted. Zippo answered with a gout of black smoke being disgorged from his mouth to create a dense smoke that hid Zippo.

Rock Blast! A.J. ordered causing his Rhyhorn to fire off a burst of rocks into the smoke only for all of the attacks to whiff, as Zippo didnt cry out. A.J. narrowed his eyes, Just going to hide in the smoke eh?

Ritchie shrugged but kept his mouth shut.

Dig! ordered A.J.. He got a nod from me, at the third-tier Rhyhorn wouldnt know Earthquake as that was starting to be what a fourth-tier pokemon was expected to bring to the table. Dig, with the inbuilt tremor sense that allowed a pokemon to know where to attack, would work rather well for him.

Dragon Dance! said Ritchie with a flame brightening and beginning to twirl and shift like a will-o-the-wisp in the smoke as Zippo danced back and forth.

A few tense moments passed before Ritchie shot his hand out. Leap up high! Now! he said. Zippo leapt out of the smokescreen in time for Rhyhorn to leap after it. I whistled. Ritchie had timed that well. Both pokemon glowered at each other as they gained sight of the other outside of the smoke.

As they fell Zippo raised both claws and they glinted with silver energy.

Ha, I said, as I saw the plan unfold with Zippo landing hard on Rhyhorn's face before he savagely slashed down with Metal Claw.

A.J. was forced to withdraw his pokemon as it was soundly knocked out.

A.J. shot me a plaintive look.

Usually, we didnt push for a second pokemon for the first challenge at the third tier, but he looked so desperate to keep fighting.

I sighed and nodded.

A.J. whipped his head back around, beaming as if his birthday had come early. You might have won the first round, but Ive got your number now! said A.J. as he whipped out a Geodude.

Geodude Defence Curl! A.J. said. Geodude curled up tightly as the smoke started to fade, allowing everyone to see what was going on with Zippo.

Dragon Dance! Ritchie said. His pokemon hopped from side to side with a wide grin.

Roll Out hard jag! A.J. said, causing Geodude to shoot to the side and behind a boulder that was on the field.

Rock Smash! A.J. ordered. Geodude whipped its arms around and sent the rock blasting towards Zippo who had to dart behind a boulder of his own.

Smoke Screen again! Ritchie ordered.

Rock Throw up into the air! A.J. barked Arc them high! he said, causing a murmur of confusion to go through the crowd.

Ritchie twitched, revealing that he really didnt like that order. Zippo close!

Ha! Got through your tactics! A.J. said proudly as Zippo rushed forward only to face a barrage of rocks being hurled straight at him now. He darted from side to side, making the most of the earlier Dragon Dances to avoid Geodudes attacks.

Metal Claw! Ritchie ordered as Zippo closed.

Dig dip! A.J. said, copying a command of mine. I was amused when Geodude bobbed into the ground in a small tunnel only to pop back up slightly to the side.

Dragonsbreath! ordered Ritchie, surprising us all as Zippo exhaled a gout of blue flame to knock Geodude back. Geodude must have been surprised with how it was being rather badly hurt by fire, something that it usually disdained.

It shook itself, revealing that it must have been a rather young Geodude with how it reacted. Which probably spoke more of A.J. as a trainer. Did A.J. personally train that Geodude? It had some quick reactions and the specialised commands arent something I use at that level. I said thoughtfully.

Rocko tilted his head. Not too sure on that one bossman, but I think you might be right. Kid has done well both of them that is.

We watched as Geodude regathered itself at A.J.s urging, only to have a Metal Claw knock it out of the fight. The match was called and A.J. returned his pokemon. I noticed he whispered some encouragement before nodding at Ritchie and marching back up the stairs with a glower.

I waved him over as Rachel introduced Rocko. You did good, you worked out his trick with the smokescreen I take it?

Yeah, he has his Charmander lay down so you cant hit it at all if you go for normal straightforward attacks. A.J. perked up and made a swooping gesture with his arm, But by arcing my fire up and down into the smoke it was guaranteed to hit.

He might have also had his pokemon putting its ear to the ground which is how it knew when to jump. If you play back the video youll see that a small flame starts to flare up before Ritchie gives the command. It looked like Ritchie gave the order of when to jump, but it was Zippo giving him the information in truth.

A.J. rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Hes not bad, shame I didnt get to fight him at a higher level.

So challenge him with your own pokemon, I said. I waved my hand. I think he gave himself a very fair assessment of his own skills so far. He has some counters and has used them but I know he wouldnt have handled an Earthquake with that smokescreen trick.

Hmmmm, so you dont mind if I fight him afterwards?

Maybe not directly after his match but throw out the challenge for a friendly match. I think youd both be good in that youd sharpen each other, just leave the taunts for the gym matches, yeah? I said with a chuckle.

Sorry! Rachel suggested I do that he said, earning another huff of repressed laughter from me.

Ill have a word with her, I said, knowing the likely cause of her giving that advice. Maybe hold back in training with Trixie so that you can walk by the end of it?

A.J. squinted at me and for a moment I had to wonder if he was mocking me, then he turned his attention towards Rachel. Is this a girl thing? he said, causing me to facepalm.

No its not but it has something to do with girls so just... stop needing to be carried by Trixie. Rachel is getting jealous. I said, in what I felt was more an attempt to explain things rather than an actual explanation to A.J.

Theyre dating? he said, squinting at Rachel. Rachel must enjoy being carried around.

I pinched the bridge of my nose. Ask Bianca about this. Why dont you go get your pokemon team so you can challenge Ritchie when hes done.

That had A.J. perking up. He rushed away and left me alone with a feeling like Id dodged a very awkward conversation with the kid. He had some serious gaps in knowledge that showed up now and then. Maybe I could force Flint to talk with him, and handle any awkward conversations in future.

Pfft! said Missy from behind me. I turned and gave her a look only to realise that she was easily close enough to have heard everything that wed just said. Hahahaha! she quickly lost control of herself and had to wipe at her eyes. Oh gosh! Im so telling the girls about this! she said, trotting off to no doubt do that as well.

I raised a hand before dropping it. Yeah I wasnt going to be able to stop that from being gossiped around. I toggled the radio. Rachel, we need to talk about A.J. after Ritchies match, I said.

Oh? Sure thing! You ready for your introduction? she said.

I blinked and looked to the battlefield to find that Ritchie had kept Zippo out and used him aggressively to flatten Rockos pokemon to win the match. They were shaking hands in reconciliation now.

Oh damn, I missed all of their match, I said with a sigh.

Rocko used Onix and Ritchie went on the attack, Rachel started to summarise, He got very aggressive with how he attacked. Rocko used Sandstorm and then went for Dragonsbreath against it, Zippo was able to close and take down Onix. It took a fair bit of damage with Sandstorm and Dragonsbreath. Rocko sent out Lairon then but it got fairly wiped out with Zippo unleashing a pretty strong Flamethrower.

Hmmmm so he knows to go for the win and push his advantage? I asked. I tapped one of the pokeballs I had, I was much more confident in my choice of pokemon now. Take a while with the introduction. Ham it up, dont let him use the boosts hes already had with his charmander.

Ice him? she said.

Yup, I replied.

Rachel made a show of toying with her radio set.

She smiled at the crowd. Apologies everyone! We're experiencing some technical difficulties! Please use this time to have a small bathroom break or grab a snack if youd like! She said causing a number of people to sit up and do just that.

Ritchie looked a little surprised and unsure of himself. I toggled the radio for Rocko. Chat with him Rocko, I want to see how he reacts when his flow is stalled out or interrupted, I said as I eyed the Charmander that Zippo was slowly spraying a potion over.

He must have kept it out to make the most of the earlier Dragon Dances hed gotten off with A.J., that was another tick with Ritchie demonstrating a key knowledge of how moves worked in niche settings.

Youre icing him boss? replied Rocko as he paused in his walk out of the arena to glance back at Ritchie.

Yeah, its not the nicest thing but I think he needs it, I said as I moved out of sight.

On paper, a straightforward match of Charmander versus Geodude or Onix was a terrible idea, but Ritchie had done his homework. He had a pokemon with a good list of utility, attack, and traditional moves, but I wanted to see some depth from him.

I waited out of sight for the next five minutes with an eye on Ritchie. After the first few minutes, he started to get a nervous twitch that saw him looking up in my direction to see if I was going to come down. When he noticed that the flame on Zippos tail wasnt burning as brightly he slumped slightly.

While we waited, I toggled a private line to Rachels radio and discussed how she needed to stop messing with A.J. for being a dumb kid. A kid that literally had no idea what a sex drive was, let alone being aware of annoying someones partner.

Shed coughed sheepishly at that and rubbed the back of her head. Sorry boss! she said.

Just, make sure you dont let it happen again; maybe apologise and explain to A.J. why it bugged you as well? Kids not malicious, he just has weird ideas that make him rough to get along with, I said. Now, this has been caught before anything came of it beyond some office gossip, but lets not let this happen again, I said.

Thanks, and sorry boss! Rachel said sheepishly. She sat and squirmed a little before frowning. What do you mean office gossip?

Oh, Missy overheard me talking with A.J.. She understands how dense he is and how youve been fighting back.

Uhhhhhhhh! she said into her hands as she curled up. The girls arent going to let me live this down.

I considered pointing out shed brought this on herself before deciding I didnt need to say anything more. Good luck with that.

A few minutes later, I toggled the radio again to draw Rachel out of her funk. To her credit, she straightened up right away and adopted a megawatt smile as she turned to the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have you make your way back to your seats? The technical issue has been resolved and we will be resuming our schedule soon! she said, without giving anything away.

I straightened up and marched to the edge of the stairs allowing myself to be seen so that It was clear that things were about to resume. The crowd trickled back in, a good number of them had drinks and food from nearby food vendors that had taken up some land outside the gym to sell to trainers. I didnt expect those vendors would have the same profits for long with the trainer surge being over. They would make a tidy profit for people who attended as spectators coming out for food, so perhaps theyd stick around?

I wasnt too worried about it, either way.

That wasnt what we were here for.

Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for bearing with us as we resolved the issue! I hope you had a good break because were going into the big match of the day now with our Challenger facing the hometown hero and our local Gym Leader! Please! Give a loud and proud welcome to your man mountain! Here he is! BROCK! she shouted.

The Stomp stomp clap rang through the gym, and I had to bite my lip to stifle a snicker as I saw a lot of people in the crowd accidentally knock over their food and drink, causing a very disrupted welcome for me.

It still worked to have Ritchie swallow in worry as I launched out over the gap between the edge of the stands and the podium.

As I rose from the heroic landing, I enlarged a pokeball. I apologise for the wait, are you ready?

Ritchie straightened his spine and nodded firmly. Yes! he shouted before sweeping his hand forward. Lets keep up the tempo, Zippo!

I nodded and tossed out my own first choice. Go Corsola! I said, causing Ritchie to stumble in surprise.

Corsola? he said, staring at my fish. You dont use that very often do you?

I shook my head and made a gesture for him to start us off. Ritchie swallowed before clicking his teeth and leaning forward. It looked like he was committing.

Lets go Zippo! Dragon Dance!

Bubblebeam! I said. Corsola inhaled and then exhaled a huge wave of bubbles that shot forth while also expanding out in a large swathe of the battlefield.

Dig! ordered Ritchie.

I hummed and considered my options somewhat lazily. Aqua Ring, I said, causing a ring of water to wrap around Corsola. Go into Surf, I said as a follow-up, knowing that Corsola would have more than enough time to pull off before it could be threatened by Dig.

I was proven right as Corsola hopped back right as a silvery claw swiped at his underbelly, only to miss.

Corsola smirked as he landed in the rising water and Zippo had a moment to poke his head out of the ground only to pale as the wave swept over him.

When the Surf ended I wasnt surprised to find that Zippo was knocked out.

Ritchie returned him with a sigh before eying my Corsola. Rock-water hey? He tapped the Pikachu on his shoulder. Sparky this is all yours then!

Pika! said the little Pikachu with the tuft of hair that stuck out. It landed and locked eyes with Corsola.

I nodded, this was a much better set-up for him, it also sounded like he wasnt caught up in the common misconception that Rock types were immune to Electric-type moves.

Thunderbolt! Ritchie said to start things off. Sparky lit up with electricity and unleashed a huge bolt of lightning at Corsola.

Power Gem! I replied firing off a counter to the attack only for it to wither in the face of the powerful electric attack.

Thunderbolt struck and I leaned forward, hoping against hope that Corsola would have withstood the attack. Sadly, that wasnt the case as Corsola tilted to the side. I hummed. Id need to work with Corsola for some more options, to avoid that fate going forward.

I raised his pokeball and returned him while giving Ritchie a nod. Good to see you have some insight into these matchups.

Rock-water means that electric-type moves are super effective, right? Ritchie said with a tug on his cap. I smiled back before whipping out my next pokemon.

Lets go Izumi! I said causing Ritchie to tense up. I tilted my head. Ho? You recognise her?

Ive read a lot of forums about her and making sure you dont underestimate her! he said.

Izumi perked up at that and did a little happy dance which drew a smattering of laughter from the crowd. I smirked. Theyd be right. Izumi! Rock Throw, put some pressure on!

Agility! Ritchie barked. Sparky leapt into a sprint that saw him avoiding the attacks. With a zig-zag pattern that saw Sparky closing in I knew what to expect and Ritchie didnt disappoint. Iron Tail! he shouted as Ritchie closed.

Defence out! I shouted with a laugh. Izumi didnt disappoint as she recalled the niche move, but cartwheeling out of danger instead of rolling backwards.

Eh!? Ritchie said. Oh damn! he said as Izumi spun about.

Bulldoze, I said sternly. Izumi threw herself straight into Sparky and hurled the Pikachu back. Sparky skipped across the ground and rolled before slamming into a boulder. Sparky shook himself off and stood, earning a nod of respect from Izumi as she pumped her fists back and forth.

Ritchie chewed his lip and considered the field. I could practically see him weighing up his options at a furious pace. Quick Attack! Sprint to the boulders! he said, causing Sparky to blur away from the boulder.

Rock Throw, I said, deciding to keep up some pressure. I suspected that Sparky wouldnt have much left in the tank from that last hit.

Agility again! Ritchie said once his pokemon was out of danger.

Bulldoze! I said. Izumi tucked herself up and surged forward to slam into the boulder, breaking it apart, but before she could nail Sparky he leapt to the side.

Iron Tail! Ritchie cried out with glee as his pokemon came in from the side at pace.

Izumi took the hit like a pro, rolling back with a cry of pain. She glanced at me but I kept my focus on Sparky, signalling that I wanted her to keep fighting.

She kipped up and pumped her arms. Rock Polish, I said. She nodded and a sheen ran over her body, resulting in her speed picking up. That forced Ritchie to pause, as he realised he wouldnt get a onesided trade of blows as long as I kept Izumi close enough to handle Sparky.

Sparky return, he said tightly. I smiled, happy to see him making a change.

Rock Polish, I said as I made the most of the switch out, to make sure Ritchie didnt fall into poor habits.

Go Cruise! said Ritchie as he whipped out a pokeball. It disgorged a very familiar shape with a Larvitar taking to the field.

Izumi blinked in shock and I whistled. Now this was a match-up I hadnt been expecting. Youre a brave kid to send out a Larvitar against me. I hope you can back up that challenge, I said.

Ritchie nodded sternly. I plan to! Cruise! Use Earthquake! he said, causing me to blink. Larvitar should have evolved before getting strong enough to learn that naturally.

Leap! I said to Izumi, making her punch the ground to avoid the danger. This left her hanging in the air and in prime position for Ritchies follow-up.

Stone Edge! he shouted.

I could only stare as Larvitar raised up a sizeable chunk of rock before hurling it straight at Izumi, knocking her out of the air. She landed and looked slightly dazed. I shot her a discreet signal and she stayed down but otherwise stared at the anomaly that was Cruise.

That Larvitar it has every indicator of being strong enough to have evolved already, but it hasnt yet?

Ritchie perked up. Oh wow! You can tell that from just two moves? I knew you were the right person to come talk to about him!

I nodded slowly. I could see what the issue was. He hadnt been able to get his pokemon to evolve, despite all the indicators showing that he should have been able to.

Yeah, I think were going to be talking after this, I said before enlarging my last pokemon. I eyed the Larvitar, knowing that this pokemon was another bad matchup.

Go Slugma, I said.

Ritchie smiled, and as I expected, went for the easiest move to end the fight. Earthquake!

I chuckled, this time I wasnt able to make Slugma jump, and the super-effective move ended the match with a rumble. I chuckled as I withdrew Slugma. Yeah, I think Ive seen enough. I wanted depth, I wasnt expecting a secret ace like that from you Ritchie, I said.

Ritchie grinned and beamed as I opened a box that was offered to me by the referee. Ritchie from Frodomar City? I hereby recognise you as having earned the Boulder Badge.

Yes! I got a Boulder badge! he shouted while holding the badge aloft. He then surprised me by pulling out his badge case and popping it open. I noted that he had the Soul Badge, and the Cascade Badge.

Youve fought Janine? I asked.

Janine? Oh right, shes fighting the trainers that challenge Fuchsia right now isnt she? No, I fought with Koga first, but did so while I was sort of ill. He wasnt pleased with me despite winning. He ended up demanding I stay in his Gym.

Ritchie rubbed the back of his head and I had a momentary feeling of deja vu. It was like I was looking at Ash apologising for attempting poaching pokemon from me.

I met Janine and learnt a lot from spending a while with them but with my late start, I ended up running into a lot of other people as they were coming down from Cerulean into Saffron and Celadon. So I have done things sort of in reverse but I think it has worked out for me? Weve had a tough time of it with the people weve been fighting but were getting stronger! he said, punching his fist forward.

Both Sparky and Cruise copied him, and I chuckled.

I then looked over at Cruise with a serious eye. So, Im assuming your issue is that your Larivatar hasnt yet evolved despite having all the indicators that he should have?

Yes! Ritchie said and I waved him to follow me.

Alright, I have some experience with pokemon like this. Lets go talk with the experts however.

Experts? Oh thats right you have some researchers at your gym dont you? Ritchie said thoughtfully.

I chuckled as Yolanda joined us, Terra wiggled out of her grip and approached Cruise with a cheerful hello. Cruise nodded back and I noted the difference. With Terra, a baby pokemon that was almost out of the early growth phase, it was obvious that Cruise really was ready to evolve.

His body was thicker, and he was taller.

Ritchie, Id like you to meet my sister and fellow Larvitar appreciator, Yolanda. Yolanda, meet Ritchie.

Hi! she said. Nice work with your fight! she said, causing Ritchie to grin at her.

I led Ritchie to the back of the reserve and smiled as he gawked at all the pokemon on display.

Oh wow! he said before whipping out a rather older-looking Pokedex to document the various pokemon.

I smirked before whistling loudly. A roar in response let me know Id been heard.

I turned to Ritchie. You asked about the experts I have? How about a Tyranitar?

Oh wow! said Ritchie as Titan walked up only to gasp as Empress walked behind him. TWO TYRANITAR!?

I chuckled. I did say experts, didnt I? I said. I waved them over, more than happy to spend my lunch break with them talking about Cruise. I planned to make this a very educational session for Yolanda, which I knew Ritchie would benefit from.

With this, I could hit a whole host of flying types with this metaphorical rock.

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