Chapter 7 - ''Sunrise Showdown'' (Patreon)

The day of the Gym Battle had finally arrived.

Just as Carlos had promised, the battle would begin at sunrise.

The battlefield itself was nothing more than a massive stretch of desert beside Blaze Ranch. No painted lines. No official arena. Just sand, rocks, dry wind, and open land as far as the eye could see.

The cold dawn air brushed across the battlefield as Vivi adjusted the cowboy hat on her head and a piece of cloth around her neck given by Carlos. She also was wearing a thick poncho over her clothes to protect herself from the freezing desert morning.

Meanwhile, Carlos looked completely unaffected by the temperature.

The massive Gym Leader stood calmly with his poncho hanging from his shoulders like a cape, his chest completely exposed to the cold winds and a similar piece of cloth as Vivi's wrapped around his right hand.

A ranch employee acting as battle judge stepped between them.

Several workers from Blaze Ranch woke up earlier and had gathered nearby to watch the match. Even some Pokémon rested near fences and big rocks to spectate.

The judge raised his arm.

—This Gym Battle will follow Blaze Ranch's rules! Victory can be achieved under the following conditions:

He pointed toward the cloth tied around Carlos and Vivi's pieces of cloth.

—First! Removing the opponent’s cloth!—Second! Knocking out all of the opponent’s Pokémon!—Third! Knocking out the trainer!

Several ranch workers laughed nervously at that one.

—Wait, what did you just said?! —Yells Vivi.—Told ya, little miss —smiles Carlos —Cresva's gym battles are nothin' like regular ones.—Fourth! —continues the judge —Voluntary surrender!—Fifth! The challenger may use any number of Pokémon, but only two may remain active at once! The Gym Leader will use only two Pokémon total!—As long as you don't fight dirty, any other meaning to steal the oppnent's piece of cloth is valid!

Vivi tightened the cloth around her neck.

—So this piece of cloth is not just an accessory —Said Vivi slightly worried.

Carlos stared at her for a moment before grinning beneath his beard.

—Well now... y’all sure look confident fer someone about ta fight a Cresva Gym.

Vivi smirked proudly.

—My team and I stayed up all night studying desert combat tactics.

Carlos chuckled.

—That so?

In reality, Vivi had spent most of the night watching old animes while dramatically shadowboxing in the guest house.

Still, Carlos looked genuinely excited.

—Heh... that’s the spirit.

The wind blew across the battlefield as both trainers remained still.

Waiting.

Watching.

Then...

The first rays of sunlight finally rose above the horizon.

Golden light flooded the desert.

The judge immediately swung his arm downward.

—BEGIN!!

Vivi instantly pointed forward.

—Muscles! Marco! Let’s go!

The two Pokémon jumped into the battlefield immediately.

Muscles the Poliwrath slammed his fists together while Marco spun upside down on his head at incredible speed.

Carlos calmly reached for one of his Poké Balls.

But before he could throw it—

FWOOOOOSH.

A massive gust of dust suddenly swept across the battlefield.

Everyone froze.

A gigantic silhouette slowly emerged from the blowing sand.

Heavy breathing echoed through the battlefield.

Then...

King Buta appeared beside Carlos.

The Emboar had somehow crossed the entire battlefield without anyone noticing.

Even the ranch workers looked stunned.

The old Pokémon’s scarred body looked even larger beneath the rising sun. Steam escaped slowly from his nostrils as his tired eye locked onto Vivi.

Silence filled the battlefield.

Carlos stared at the old Pokémon for a few seconds.

Then he smiled softly.

—So that’s how it is, huh old timer?

King Buta snorted once.

Carlos adjusted his hat.

—Looks like King Buta wants ta test ya personally, little miss.

The spectators immediately began whispering among themselves.

—King Buta’s battling?!

—No way...

—He hasn’t fought in years!

Vivi’s eyes sparkled with excitement instead of fear.

Carlos slowly crossed his arms.

—Then King Buta will the only Pokémon I'll use.

He looked at the ancient Emboar beside him.

—You ready, partner?

King Buta answered with a low growl.

The pressure exploding from the old Pokémon instantly changed the atmosphere of the battlefield.

Even Marco stopped spinning for a second.

The judge swallowed nervously.

—Battle... begin!!

The moment the words left his mouth—

—Marco! Dig!

Hitmontop instantly burrowed underground at incredible speed.

—Muscles! Waterfall!

Surounded by a powerful stream of water, Poliwrath blasted toward King Buta.

The old Emboar barely moved.

FWOOOM!!

Flames suddenly erupted from his body, evaporating most of the water before it could even reach him.

—Look out, Muscles! Don’t stop moving! —Vivi shouted.

Muscles immediately rushed forward through the steam while Marco suddenly burst out of the ground behind King Buta.

—Triple Kick!!

Marco spun upside down and launched a rapid series of kicks toward the Emboar’s back.

But before the attacks landed—

BOOM.

King Buta simply stomped the ground.

The shockwave alone threw Marco away mid-attack.

—What?! —Vivi gasped.

Carlos grinned calmly.

—King Buta’s been battlin’ longer than I’ve been alive, little miss. Sneak attacks ain’t exactly new ta him.

But Vivi was already moving.

While Marco and Muscles kept the Emboar distracted, Vivi sprinted across the battlefield through the dust clouds created by the attacks.

Straight toward Carlos.

The Gym Leader noticed immediately.

Of course he did.

Still, he did not move.

—Muscles! Dynamic Punch!

The Poliwrath leapt forward and slammed a powerful fist toward King Buta’s chest.

The Emboar blocked the attack using only one arm.

—Now, Marco! Rapid Spin!

Hitmontop became a spinning blur and charged directly at King Buta’s legs.

The attack kicked up a massive cloud of sand.

Perfect cover.

Vivi burst through the dust cloud and lunged directly toward Carlos’ wrist.

The ranch workers gasped.

She was fast.

Very fast.

But Carlos simply tilted his body slightly sideways.

Vivi completely missed him.

The little girl stumbled forward in confusion.

—Too straightforward, little miss.

Before Vivi could recover, Carlos lightly pushed her shoulder with two fingers.

That tiny movement alone completely ruined her balance.

—WAAAH?!

She rolled through the sand before quickly jumping back up.

Meanwhile, behind her—

BOOOOM!!

King Buta released a wave of fire from his mouth that forced both Muscles and Marco to retreat at the same time.

Despite his age, every movement from the ancient Emboar carried terrifying power.

Vivi wiped sand from her face and grinned.

—Okay... this is AWESOME!

Carlos laughed loudly.

—That’s what I like ta hear! Come on now! Show me what y’all got!

The battle only became more intense from there.

—Marco! Use Triple Kick, again!

Hitmontop launched himself forward like a spinning wheel, his legs striking toward King Buta from multiple angles at once.

At the same time—

—Muscles, Bubble Beam! Keep him distracted!

Dozens of bubbles blasted toward the old Emboar, exploding against the battlefield and filling the area with water and steam.

Vivi immediately used the opening to charge Carlos again from the side.

But the Gym Leader calmly stepped backward before she could grab the cloth.

—Too predictable.

Vivi clicked her tongue.

—Tch!

King Buta suddenly moved.

Despite his enormous body and advanced age, the old Emboar crossed the battlefield frighteningly fast.

—Watch out! —Vivi shouted.

BOOM!!

King Buta slammed both fists into the ground using Hammer Arm.

The impact shook the battlefield violently.

Marco barely escaped by spinning away at the last second while Muscles crossed his arms defensively.

Even then, the Poliwrath skidded backward through the dirt from the sheer force.

The ranch workers watched in amazement.

—That old monster’s still this strong...?—No wonder he’s King Buta...

Vivi breathed heavily.

Everything they tried failed.

Every distraction.

Every feint.

Every opening.

Carlos somehow saw all of it coming.

Frustration slowly started building inside her.

—Marco, Muscles, Circle around!

The two Pokémon immediately obeyed.

Vivi's Pokémon moved around the battlefield, trying to create another blind spot.

At the same time, Vivi charged directly at Carlos herself.

This time, she did not hold back.

She threw a fast straight punch toward his face.

Carlos tilted his head slightly.

The punch missed completely.

Vivi immediately followed with a kick toward his side.

Then another punch.

Then another.

Her movements were actually good for someone her age. Fast, disciplined, and surprisingly coordinated.

But Carlos barely reacted.

Some attacks missed entirely.

The ones that landed barely made him move.

It felt like punching a brick wall.

—Not bad, little miss. I can definitely say your grandpa trained you as well.

Vivi gritted her teeth and tried another kick.

Carlos finally moved.

FWUMP.

He placed a single palm against her chest.

That was it.

But the sheer force behind the movement, like some kind of air blast, launched Vivi backward through the air.

—AAAAH!!

She crashed into the sand and rolled several times before stopping.

Both Marco and Muscles instantly abandoned their attacks and rushed to aid their master.

Carlos’ eyes narrowed slightly.

—King Buta.

The old Emboar moved immediately.

FWOOOM!!

Flames exploded beneath his feet as he charged forward with terrifying speed using Flame Charge.

Marco sensed the danger first and jumped away just in time.

But Muscles was too late.

BOOOOOOM!!

King Buta slammed directly into the Poliwrath like a living cannonball.

Muscles’ eyes widened before the impact launched him violently across the battlefield.

The Poliwrath bounced against the dirt several times before collapsing motionless.

Silence filled the battlefield.

The judge quickly raised his arm.

—Poliwrath can no longer battle! Emboar is the winner!

Vivi slowly pushed herself off the ground, coughing from the impact.

Marco hurried over and grabbed her arm, helping her stand again.

Now both sides only had one fighter remaining.

Carlos stood calmly exactly where he had been before.

Not even breathing harder.

Meanwhile, King Buta remained standing proudly beside him.

The ancient Emboar had not received a single visible injury.

Still...

His heavy breathing had become much rougher.

Age was clearly catching up to him.

And yet, despite that exhaustion...

The old Pokémon looked excited.

Truly excited.

His tired eyes remained locked onto Vivi and Marco with burning intensity.

On the other side of the battlefield, things looked much worse.

Vivi’s poncho was torn and covered in dirt and her hat flew away with the wind, but at least her piece of cloth was still around her neck.

Her arms ached from striking Carlos.

Marco spun more slowly than before, clearly exhausted from repeatedly dodging King Buta’s attacks.

The difference in experience between both sides was overwhelming.

And yet...

Vivi slowly smiled again.

A wild, excited smile.

—Marco...

Hitmontop looked toward her immediately.

Vivi tightened the cloth.

—This is seriously the coolest battle ever.

BATTLE MUSIC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaKH9bywzgQ&list=RDOaKH9bywzgQ&start_radio=1

The desert battlefield had become a complete mess.

Sand covered the air.

Burn marks and cracks spread across the ground from King Buta’s attacks.

Marco spun around Vivi protectively while the little girl wiped blood from the corner of her mouth.

Carlos adjusted his poncho calmly.

—Still standin’, huh?

Vivi grinned tiredly.

—You kidding? This is getting good!

—That’s what I like ta hear.

King Buta released another heavy breath through his nostrils.

Even exhausted, the ancient Emboar still felt overwhelming.

Vivi quickly pointed forward.

—Marco!

Hitmontop instantly dashed across the battlefield in a blur.

—King Buta, Flamethrower.

FWOOOOOSH!!

A massive stream of fire exploded forward.

Marco barely escaped by spinning sideways at the last second, the flames missing him by inches.

—Now use Triple Kick!

Marco rebounded off a nearby rock and launched himself feet-first toward the Emboar’s head.

THUD! THUD! THUD!

Three powerful kicks landed directly against King Buta’s face.

The old Pokémon actually staggered backward half a step.

The spectators gasped.

Carlos smiled proudly.

—Heh. Nice hit.

But then—

BOOM!!

King Buta swung one massive arm forward using Arm Thrust, forcing Marco to retreat immediately before getting crushed.

Vivi breathed heavily.

Marco was getting slower.

They could not keep this up much longer.

Then suddenly...

An idea crossed her mind.

Her eyes widened.

—Marco...

The Hitmontop looked toward her.

A huge grin slowly spread across Vivi’s face.

—Spin as fast as you possibly can!

Marco blinked.

Then nodded confidently.

—TOP!!

The Hitmontop immediately began spinning faster.

And faster.

And faster.

Soon, sand began swirling around his body violently.

The wind intensified.

The entire battlefield shook as a gigantic sand tornado erupted into the sky.

—WHOA!!

The ranch workers shielded their eyes.

The judge nearly lost his hat from the wind pressure.

Within seconds, visibility completely disappeared.

Even Carlos narrowed his eyes.

Sand whipped across the battlefield from every direction.

—King Buta. Don’t lower yer guard.

The old Emboar growled deeply while carefully scanning the storm.

Carlos also watched his surroundings closely.

Waiting.

Listening.

Trying to predict where Vivi would emerge from.

Then slowly...

The tornado began weakening.

The sand finally settled.

And everyone froze.

Vivi was gone.

Marco was gone too.

Only an empty battlefield remained.

Carlos blinked once.

Then his eyes shifted downward.

Toward a large hole in the ground.

The cowboy smiled.

—Well now...

He chuckled softly.

—That’s one crazy idea.

The ranch workers looked confused.

Carlos crossed his arms.

—Usin’ a sand tornado ta secretly set up a Dig attack... and even crazier, the little miss went underground with her Pokémon.

Several spectators gasped.

—She WHAT?!

Carlos looked toward the hole calmly.

—Makes it harder ta steal someone’s cloth if ya can’t catch ‘em in the first place.

Then his expression sharpened slightly.

—But that won’t work.

He glanced toward King Buta.

—Earthquake. Flush ‘em out. And be careful with the girl.

King Buta immediately raised both arms.

Then—

BOOOOOOOOOOM!!

The Emboar slammed the ground with monstrous force.

The entire battlefield violently trembled.

Rocks bounced.

Fences rattled.

Several spectators fell over instantly, including the judge.

Only Carlos and King Buta remained completely unmoved.

The earthquake continued shaking the battlefield for several seconds.

But then...

Nothing happened.

Nobody emerged.

Carlos frowned slightly.

—...What in tarnation?

Then suddenly—

—AERIAL ACE!!

Everyone looked upward.

High above the battlefield—

Marco and Vivi were soaring through the sky together.

Vivi clung tightly onto Hitmontop’s back as they descended from above at terrifying speed.

Carlos’ eyes widened in genuine surprise.

She had tricked him.

The sand tornado had not hidden a Dig attack at all.

Marco had used the storm as cover to leap impossibly high into the air while carrying Vivi with him.

And now—

King Buta’s guard was completely open.

—TOPPPP!!

Marco became a spinning missile surrounded by white energy.

BOOOOOOM!!

The Aerial Ace struck King Buta directly in the chest.

The super-effective hit exploded with enough force to finally knock the ancient Emboar onto his back.

The entire ranch gasped.

—KING BUTA FELL?!

At the same time, Vivi launched herself off Marco’s back.

Straight toward Carlos.

Her fist pulled back.

Her eyes focused entirely on the cloth tied around his wrist.

Carlos suddenly smiled.

—That was an incredible strategy, little miss...

Vivi grinned triumphantly.

Then—

FWUMP.

Carlos’ gigantic hand suddenly grabbed her entire face midair.

Vivi’s eyes widened.

Before she could react—

BOOOOM!!

Carlos slammed her directly into the ground.

The impact sent sand exploding everywhere.

—...But it ain’t enough ta beat me.

Vivi’s body twitched weakly against the dirt.

Dazed.

Hurting.

But still conscious.

Marco instantly rushed toward her.

But before Hitmontop could reach his trainer—

THUMP.

King Buta suddenly stood in front of him.

The ancient Emboar had somehow recovered already.

Marco froze immediately.

King Buta stared silently at him, blocking the path completely.

Carlos slowly walked toward Vivi while adjusting his hat.

—That Aerial Ace was mighty impressive. Even managed ta knock King Buta down.

The old Emboar snorted proudly behind him.

—But knockin’ him down ain’t the same as beatin’ him.

Vivi groaned and slowly pushed herself upward.

Her entire body hurt.

Still...

She forced herself to stand.

Halfway up—

She froze.

Her eyes widened.

Her wrist felt lighter.

Slowly...

Vivi looked upward.

Carlos stood in front of her calmly.

Holding her cloth in one hand.

Silence filled the battlefield.

Then the judge suddenly raised both arms.

—THE CHALLENGER VIVI HAS LOST HER CLOTH TO GYM LEADER CARLOS! GYM LEADER CARLOS IS THE WINNER OF THE MATCH!!Vivi stared blankly at the cloth in Carlos’ hand.

No.

That was impossible.

She had been so close.

Marco looked just as shocked.

The Hitmontop slowly turned toward his trainer as if trying to understand what had just happened.

Then suddenly—

THUD.

Marco collapsed face-first into the sand.

—Marco?!

Vivi tried to run toward him.

But the moment she took a step forward, her own legs gave out.

The exhaustion.

The pain.

The accumulated damage from the battle.

Everything finally caught up to her at once.

Carlos barely managed to catch her before she hit the ground completely.

—Heh... y’all fought hard.

And just like that...

Both trainer and Pokémon lost consciousness.

The next morning...

Vivi slowly opened her eyes.

—Ugh...

Everything hurt.

Her arms.

Her legs.

Even her face.

She blinked several times before finally realizing she was inside the guest house at Blaze Ranch.

Bandages covered almost her entire body.

Honestly...

She looked even worse than Ren had after his own Gym Battle.

Beside the bed sat Marco and Muscles, both completely recovered and immediately excited to see her awake.

—Top!!—Poli!!

The two Pokémon rushed toward her carefully.

Vivi smiled weakly.

—Morning, guys...

Then she noticed someone standing by the doorway.

Carlos.

The giant Gym Leader crossed his arms before suddenly bursting into loud laughter.

—BAHAHAHA!!

Vivi flinched.

—What?!

Carlos wiped a tear from his eye.

—Little miss, I’m honestly shocked ya woke up after just one day.

He grinned proudly.

—Makes ya even tougher than I thought.

With the help of Marco and Muscles, Vivi slowly managed to sit up.

Every movement hurt.

—That was definitely not the kind of Gym Battle I expected...

Carlos chuckled.

—Told ya already. Cresva ain’t fer beginners.

His expression became more serious afterward.

—If ya thought havin’ two fully trained Pokémon and winnin’ a few battles on the road was enough ta challenge a Gym Leader here...

He shook his head.

—Then ya underestimated this region.

Vivi stayed quiet.

—And if by some miracle ya reached the Cresva League with that mindset...

Carlos smiled slightly.

—They’d eat ya alive.

The words hit hard.

Very hard.

For the first time since starting her journey, Vivi truly understood how inexperienced she still was.

Carlos leaned against the doorway.

—Ya got spirit. Lots of it.

Then he pointed toward her forehead.

—But not enough strategy.

Vivi blinked.

—Huh?—That final Aerial Ace plan? THAT was smart. If ya had been thinkin’ like that from the start instead of rushin’ headfirst into everythin’, ya woulda had a much better shot against me.

He smirked proudly.

—Physically speakin’, nobody’s beaten me yet.

Vivi remembered those palm strikes immediately and winced.

—Usually takes careful strategy ta bring me down.

Vivi lowered her head sadly.

Then she hugged Marco and Muscles tightly.

—Sorry, guys...

The two Pokémon immediately hugged her back.

—Top...—Poli...—And... thank you.

She looked toward Carlos afterward.

—You’re right. I got carried away.

Then her eyes sharpened again.

—But I’m not planning to lose to you next time.

Carlos suddenly smiled.

Then—

FWIP.

Something flew toward her.

Vivi barely caught it.

Her eyes widened.

The Ember Badge.

—...What?

She looked up immediately.

—Why are you giving me this?! Are you pittying me?!

Carlos answered instantly without hesitation.

—Pretty much, yeah.

Vivi froze.

—W-What?!—But not only am I givin’ ya that badge outta pity...

Carlos pointed directly at her.

—...I’m givin’ it ta ya as a permanent reminder of yer failure.

Silence filled the room.

Carlos continued calmly.

—The other Gym Leaders in Cresva are just as strong as me. Some are even worse.

He crossed his arms.

—Until ya learn ta take battles more seriously, that badge’ll remind ya of every mistake ya made here.

At first, Vivi clenched the badge angrily.

Part of her hated hearing those words.

But deep down...

She knew he was right.

Slowly, she lowered her head.

And accepted the badge.

Not proudly.

But humbly.

Carlos smiled afterward.

—Still... ya did good, little miss.

Vivi looked up slightly.

—Yer definitely yer parents’ daughter.

Then he laughed softly.

—And yer grandpa’s granddaughter too.

Vivi blinked.

—Grandpa too?—Oh, absolutely.

Carlos glanced outside the doorway.

—That stubborn energy of yers even managed ta drag King Buta outta retirement.

Right as he said that—

THUMP.

The ancient Emboar slowly entered the room.

Vivi’s eyes widened immediately.

King Buta stared silently at her.

Carlos smiled.

—King Buta’s taken an interest in yer journey.

The old Emboar snorted quietly.

—He’s decided ta leave retirement fer one last adventure. Wants ta see how you and yer Pokémon grow.

Vivi immediately panicked.

—W-Wait, seriously?!

She looked at the gigantic Emboar.

This Pokémon was terrifyingly powerful.

Even injured and old, he had completely overwhelmed her entire team.

—Are... are you sure?

King Buta slowly walked closer.

Then gently lowered his massive head toward her.

Despite his intimidating appearance...

The gesture felt strangely warm.

Vivi stared at him for several seconds.

Then slowly smiled.

—...Okay.

She held out her hand.

—I’d be happy to have you on the team, King Buta.

The old Emboar let out a satisfied grunt.

Later that day, outside Blaze Ranch, Vivi prepared to leave Orange Town.

Her backpack rested over one shoulder while Marco and Muscles stood beside her.

King Buta stood behind them like a giant guardian.

Carlos adjusted his hat as he watched them prepare to leave.

—Yer next Gym’s in Grape City.

Vivi nodded confidently.

—Got it.

Carlos smirked.

—And little miss?

—Yeah?

—Try not ta be so explosive in yer next battle.

He laughed.

—Especially against the Gym Leader waitin’ fer ya there.

Vivi grinned confidently.

—No promises.

Carlos burst into laughter again.

King Buta gave one final snort toward the ranch before turning around and following Vivi.

And so...

After suffering a humiliating defeat...

Yet still earning her first badge and gaining a new partner...

Vivi finally left Orange Town behind.

Her next destination awaited.

Grape City.

And Cresva’s second Gym.