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Chapter 62: Third Gym (2) and Guy's True Strength
🕑 Added 2024-12-28 17:39:38 +0000 UTCThe gym fell silent after Guy's spectacular takedown of Electrode. Lt. Surge's expression shifted from surprise to something closer to excitement
"Jolteon," Surge called, "you're up!"
The electric-type evolution of Eevee materialized on the battlefield, her sleek, sharp-edged fur bristling with electrical energy.
Gladion looked at the Jolteon and thought 'Hmm, So a jolteon that means he is not going to use an electabuzz in this match. It's a pity since I wanted Zeus to look at his second evolution but whatever. That means his last Pokemon would either be a Raichu or a Magnezone.'
While Gladion was thinking about all of this, Surge was not idle.
"Quick Attack!" He commanded his Jolteon.
Jolteon darted forward, a blur of yellow and white. But to Gladion, who had witnessed his mother's Arcanine - a Pokémon that could create afterimages with its speed - this attack seemed almost pedestrian.
Guy stood his ground, arms spread wide.
Just like with Electrode, Jolteon found herself caught in the Machoke's muscular embrace. For a moment, everything seemed frozen.
Surge's eyes glinted, he was not going to let the thing that happened with Electrode happen with Jolteon too
"Double Kick, NOW!"
Jolteon twisted mid-capture, her powerful legs striking Guy's torso. The impact forced Machoke to release her, sending her skidding back across the battlefield.
"Charm!" Surge called next, a tactical move designed to throw off any male opponent that Jolteon faces.
Jolteon's eyes suddenly sparkled with an irresistible cuteness. Guy's expression transformed, his battle-ready stance melting into a lovestruck gaze.
Several trainers in the audience chuckled, expecting the Machoke to be completely in love and in mercy of Jolteon.
But Gladion had other plans.
"Guy!" he shouted dramatically,
"Do you really love that Jolteon?" Gladion asked as Guy nodded.
"But does she love you? I don't think so. But you can show her your love. Show her the POWER OF YOUR YOUTHFUL LOVE! HUG HER! " Gladion shouted at the end of it.
The entire gym went silent as Gladion's words made even Surge look at him as if to ask 'What the hell kid?'
Guy's lovestruck expression suddenly transformed. [YOUTH!] he bellowed, channeling pure, unbridled passion. [TRUE LOVE IS NOT ABOUT CUTE LOOKS, BUT THE FIRE OF DETERMINATION!]
Before anyone could process what was happening and what the lovestruck Machoke was speaking, Guy launched into action. With a speed that defied his muscular build, he wrapped Jolteon in a comically tight bear hug.
[THIS IS MY DECLARATION OF LOVE!] Guy proclaimed as Jolteon struggled to get out of his hug.
Gladion, playing perfectly into the moment, shouted, "SHOW HER THE SEISMIC TOSS OF PASSION!"
In one fluid motion, Guy spun Jolteon around - still locked in his embrace - and slammed her into the ground with such force that the ground seemed to vibrate. When the dust cleared, Jolteon lay completely knocked out.
The gym was stunned into silence.
Lt. Surge's was stupified himself 'What in the world just happened?'
His carefully planned Charm strategy had been utterly demolished by what could only be described as the most bizarre display of affection he'd ever witnessed.
More over, both of his Pokémon had been defeated in just one hit. Both of his Pokemon were used against trainers who had won 6 badges and yet they lost to the Machoke after just one hit.
'6 badge challenge to have fun? My ass.' Surge cursed internally
That Machoke wasn't just strong - it was exceptional. The power, the control, the unexpected tactics - this was beyond a Six star Pokémon.
'At least 7 badge level. No, maybe even 8,' Surge realized. 'This kid doesn't even seem to understand the true strength of his Pokémon. At least his sister knew the strength of her Gengar and used it ruthlessly to beat my three badge team.'
Most ten-year-old trainers would be struggling with basic commands. This trainer had a Machoke that could catch high-speed electric Pokémon, resist charm moves, and execute fire punches that could knock out Pokemon after just one hit
'The Vortex legacy,' he thought. 'It really runs deep. You must be proud watching them, old coot.'
Surge had known Maren, had fought alongside him. Maren was his commanding officer back in the early days of his army career. He knew that he would be proud of seeing his grandchildren demolishing him.
A smile broke out of his face and a decision crystallized in his mind. Regardless of the battle's outcome, Gladion and his Machoke deserved recognition and a true challenge.
He would use an 8-star Pokémon for the next round. A true test of strength.
'I would award the kid the badge regardless of the outcome but since the kid wants some fun who am I to stop him from having it.'
"Raichu," Surge called with a grin as he tossed a Pokemon ball that was not in his belt for the match, his final Pokémon materializing on the battlefield.
----Meanwhile----
Gladion was himself lost in thought. His Machoke - no, Guy - had just demolished two gym Pokémon with an ease that both shocked and humbled him.
'I've been comparing him wrong this entire time,' Gladion realized.
For years, he had unconsciously measured Guy's strength against his mother's Pokemon, who were undoubtedly powerhouses and made him look quite weak.
But this battle revealed a truth he had overlooked: Guy was far more exceptional than he had ever given him credit for.
Gladion realised that he had spent five years developing Guy - not just training, but building a foundation of strength that went beyond mere battle techniques.
Guy was bound to be pretty strong. It was only logical. In fact, Gladion should be questioning why was Guy only this strong? Should not he already be at the level of an ace Pokemon since he had been training constantly for past 5 years?
From the earliest days of Machop, Gladion had been meticulous. It wasn't just about learning moves or gaining experience. He had systematically developed Guy's reflexes, core strength, and battle awareness. The gravity training with Chansey, the constant physical conditioning etc, Guy did it all. So why was he still only this strong?
Trainers would be able to develop a Pokemon to this level by the end of the league stage with in an year and they would be proud of that fact.
But Gladion knew better. He understood that true strength came from years of dedicated, intentional training. Good trainers could indeed elevate a one-star Pokémon to a seven-star level within a year. But Gladion had invested something more profound - time, patience, and a holistic approach to development.
But increasing the strength from past 9 badge level was pretty difficult. In fact, most trainers have their Pokemon stuck there.
This would not be the case for Guy though since he had build a foundation strong enough to overcome any roadblocks.
'Heck, I am pretty sure that once Guy evolves into Machamp, he would be unstoppable and at least be ace level Pokemon. The same strength Collosus would have once he evolves into a Tyranitar.' Gladion thought giddily
'I've been looking at him wrong,' Gladion admitted to himself. 'Guy isn't just strong. He's extraordinary.'
The battle with Surge had stripped away Gladion's preconceptions. Guy wasn't just a supporting member of the team and his ace being Collosus. He was a potential cornerstone, a Pokémon whose strength defied conventional classification.
Surge's Pokémon - trained by a gym leader, backed by years of experience - had fallen to Guy's unique combination of strength, technique, and sheer willpower.
As he looked at his Machoke - standing proudly, flexing after his victory - Gladion felt a surge of pride and understanding. This wasn't just a Pokémon. This was a partner he had grown with, trained meticulously, and had fun with since he was a kid.
