Pokémon: Indigo League

Battle 5: Hard as a Rock

After witnessing yesterday's intense battle, Niko was doing some training with his Pokémon. Eevee, strength training. Poliwhirl endurance training. Bulbasaur accuracy training. Niko was looking over them to make sure they don't overexert themselves.

Niko: Good work guys. Niko said impressed.

Duplica: Lunch time! Duplica said bringing over some food.

Ditto: Ditto! (Lunch!)

Duplica: I got some tasty rice balls here. The Pokémon look at the food as their stomachs growl. They look to Niko seeking approval to eat.

Niko: Go ahead, guys. You've earned it. He said much to their joy. Now the group was enjoying a good meal.

Duplica: By the way, Niko. I've been wondering for a while. What kind of training are you having them do exactly? She asked.

Niko: Honestly, at first I was just making it up as I went along, but then I realized that the training makes total sense. Eevee's a Normal type and they're not a good match against Rock types, so I'm betting by having Eevee tackle the strongest rocks I can find, that it's strength might go up a bit.

Duplica: I guess that makes sense.

Niko: But, I'm worried it might tire Eevee out too much or it might get hurt, so I'm giving it a break.

Eevee: Vee! (Yup!) It said happily.

Duplica: So, what's your game plan?

Niko: Easy. He said gulping down a rice ball. I'm gonna use Bulbasaur and Eevee for this one.

Poliwhirl: Poliwhirl?! (What) Hearing this was devastating for Poliwhirl who began to sulk against a tree.

Niko: Aw, don't worry Poliwhirl. The next gym I promise I'll use you. Niko said trying to comfort Poliwhirl.

Eevee, Bulbasaur, Ditto & Duplica: 💧

Duplica: But why not use Poliwhirl? Water types are a perfect match against Rock types. She stated.

Niko: I thought of that too. By then I realized something. Brock has probably got a lot of experience against Water types and he'll probably expect me to use one. After watching Trace, I realized that type matchup doesn't necessarily guarantee a match.

Duplica: So you're thinking that using a different type might throw Brock off?

Niko: Yup.

Duplica: Well, then, I hope you can do it.

Niko: Me too. Niko took a big gulp of his water then stood up. Alright, everybody, let's go win us a badge! He said as his Pokémon cheered.

Now standing in front of the Gym, Niko pushed the doors open.

Niko: Brock! He shouted. I challenge you to match! Brock, who was sitting atop a rock, stood up.

Brock: I accept. Your name is Niko, right?

Niko: That's right.

Brock: I hope you know that this battle will test your skills as a trainer. How long have you been traveling? He asked.

Niko: Uh, two weeks, more or less.

Brock: So you're a beginner? Well, let's see if you can put up a good fight.

The two were now standing in the arena.

Duplica: I hope Niko can beat him, Ditto. Duplica said sitting in the stands.

Ditto: Ditto.

Niko: I won't lie, I'm a little nervous, Brock.

Brock: You should be. After what you saw yesterday, I'm sure you're more than aware how different a Gym battle is.