Beyond the Adventure - A Pokémon Story

Chapter 7: Onward! pt5

        Koichi and I stand off, staring each other down.  Knowing he is from Johto instills a kind of rivalry in me; I know he is more experienced than me, but for some reason, I feel like I have to win this, if only for Brawny’s sake.  His Hitmontop stands still, glaring at Brawny, while Brawny grins his typical stupid grin.  He is really enjoying himself here and it makes me happy to know he is happy.  I find another reason to learn battling; both Brawny and Jaws have shown joy in battle.  I still dislike battling, but I am determined to help Brawny win this fight.

        “You have done well to get this far,” Koichi says, “but it ends with me.  Hai-yah!”

        Koichi strikes a fighting pose and Hitmontop follows suit.  Brawny responds by flexing and putting up all four fists.  Koichi snaps his fingers and points at Brawny.  Hitmontop does a flip, landing on his head, and starts spinning, balancing on his head spike.  A whirlwind of legs creeps toward Brawny.  Brawny steps back into a defensive position and waits, watching Hitmontop closely.  Hitmontop spins faster and charges right at Brawny.  Brawny blocks the flurry of spinning kicks, but after several blocks, one kick finds its way through Brawny’s arms and connects with his face.  He steps back and Hitmontop circles around, stops spinning, and flips onto his feet.  Hitmontop dances in place, watching Brawny’s movement.  Brawny rubs his cheek, then regains his posture.  He starts stepping toward Hitmontop.

        “Brawny, move in and Cross Chop!” I shout.  Brawny charges.

        “Low Kick,” Koichi says.  As Brawny swings all his arms, Hitmontop crouches and sweeps both legs under Brawny’s legs, using his leg-like tail to balance.  Brawny loses his balance and falls forward.  He catches himself with his arms, flips over, and gets back to his feet.  He turns quickly and sweeps his arms out at Hitmontop, who crouches and sweeps his legs again, tripping Brawny a second time.  Brawny falls back and lands on his rear.

        “Mega Kick,” Koichi orders.  Hitmontop spins quickly, energy charged at his right foot.  The foot slams into Brawny’s face.  Brawny gets knocked aside and falls to the floor.  Hitmontop leaps back and dances in place.

        “Brawny!” I shout.  “Get up!”

        Brawny slowly gets up, rubbing his cheek.  I begin to wonder if he is getting tired from all the fighting.  I call out and ask him if he is okay.  He responds with a thumbs up and flexes.  I sigh and wonder if he would tell me if he was not all right.  Just then, I feel a tug on my shorts.  I look down and see Jaws has joined me.  He makes a motion toward Brawny.  I furrow my brow, trying to understand.  I look at Brawny, then at Jaws, who makes a wiping motion across his forehead.  I look back at Brawny and then I notice it.  He is panting slightly and has sweat beading on his forehead.  He IS getting tired, but does not want to admit it.  Does he not want to let me down?

        “Brawny!” I shout.  “It’s okay if you’re tired.  You can give up; I won’t be upset.”

        Brawny looks at me angrily and shakes his head.  I frown.  I do not want him to push himself too hard, but the suggestion to quit seems to have upset him.  He flexes and roars, then charges Hitmontop.  He throws multiple punches at Hitmontop, who dances around them, swinging kicks at Brawny, some that miss and some that bounce off his chest.  Brawny ignores the kicks that connect, throwing more punches in a massive blurred fury.  One of the punches connects, stunning Hitmontop, and Brawny takes full advantage of it.  He unleashes a brutal flurry of punches right to Hitmontop’s face, who is helpless under the barrage.  Finally, Brawny grabs each of Hitmontop’s legs, picks him up, and slams him down over his knee.  Hitmontop falls to the floor.  I think he is out and Brawny wins, but Hitmontop manages to roll away and get back to his feet.  He looks battered, but still ready for more fighting.