How to Act as a Pokémon Champion

Chapter 12: Sparks and Support

(Marnie’s POV)

The oppressive atmosphere of the Spikemuth Gym wasn't just the dim lighting or the raucous cheers of Team Yell. It was the weight of my own fear, a cold dread that seemed to seep into my bones as I faced my brother, Piers, across the battlefield. Every gym battle was a step towards my dream, but this felt different. This was personal.

Piers stood tall, his usual carefree grin replaced by a stern battle mask. Family or not, he wouldn't go easy on me. The roar of the crowd was a distant echo as the battle began, my Morpeko facing off against his Obstagoon.

Despite our training, the power gap was staggering. Obstruct, Swagger, Sucker Punch... His Pokémon's onslaught was relentless, every blow cutting deeper into my confidence. With each missed attack, each fallen member of my team, my determination wavered.

That night, after another devastating loss, I couldn't face another practice battle against Team Yell members. Instead, I found myself sitting cross-legged on the floor of my makeshift room, Poké Balls scattered around me, a single video call illuminating the screen of my Rotom Phone.

Ash's face, creased with concern, filled the screen. "You sound down, Marnie. Another rough match?"

I bit my lip, guilt and frustration twisting like a knot in my stomach. "Piers is just… so strong. It feels like no matter how much I train, I can't bridge that gap."

His voice was gentle but firm. "Marnie, you've got the grit, no doubt about it. But sometimes, the problem isn't the power, it's the approach."

That flicker of hope was all I needed. An hour later, we were deep in analysis – replaying my battle footage, dissecting Piers' strategy, brainstorming counters. Ash, with his endless battle knowledge and unwavering belief in me, was relentless.

"Think outside the box," he urged. "What do you know about Obstagoon that Piers might be overlooking? Don't just match his strength, disrupt his rhythm."

The seed of an idea took root. Obstagoon, despite its brute force, relied on timing for its signature moves. If I could break its focus, create chaos…

The Spikemuth Gym was packed, the anticipation electric. Team Yell was louder than ever, their cheers echoing off the gym walls. Piers and I stood across from each other, the tension thick in the air. His Obstagoon was out, its intimidating presence casting a long shadow.

"Ready for another go, sis?" Piers asked, his voice a mix of encouragement and challenge.

"You bet," I replied, my voice steady. "Morpeko, let's show them what we've got!"

Morpeko darted forward, its eyes glinting with determination. The battle began with Piers taking the offensive.

"Obstagoon, use Obstruct!"

Obstagoon's defenses went up immediately, blocking Morpeko's initial Quick Attack. But this time, I was prepared.

"Fake Out, now!"

Morpeko faked a move, causing Obstagoon to flinch and miss its next attack. It was a small victory, but it disrupted Piers' rhythm.

Piers' eyes narrowed. "Sucker Punch, Obstagoon!"

I saw it coming. "Torment, Morpeko!"

Morpeko's Torment hit just as Obstagoon's Sucker Punch landed. Obstagoon's attacks would be less effective now, its rhythm broken. But we couldn't let up.

"Morpeko, Aura Wheel!"

Morpeko spun forward, its electric aura crackling as it slammed into Obstagoon. The hit was solid, but Obstagoon wasn't down yet.

"Obstagoon, Night Slash!"

Obstagoon's claws glowed with dark energy as it slashed at Morpeko. The attack was strong, but Morpeko held on, its fierce determination mirroring my own.

"Keep it up, Morpeko! Another Aura Wheel!"

The second Aura Wheel hit even harder, sending Obstagoon staggering. The crowd's cheers were a distant roar, my focus entirely on the battle.

Piers was relentless. "Obstagoon, Retaliate!"

Obstagoon's retaliatory strike was powerful, nearly knocking Morpeko out. But Morpeko, battered and bruised, refused to go down.

"We can do this, Morpeko," I urged. "Finish it with Aura Wheel!"

With one final, desperate surge of energy, Morpeko's Aura Wheel connected, a blinding flash of electricity. Obstagoon crumpled to the ground, unable to continue.

The crowd erupted. I stood there, stunned, as the realization hit me. We had done it. We had beaten Piers.

Piers recalled Obstagoon, a proud smile on his face. "Well done, Marnie. You really earned that victory."

Stepping back into the dimness of my room, replaying the battle on the screen, something had changed. I wasn't just Ash's student, or Piers' little sister. I was a Trainer with a plan, a spark ignited by a friend who believed in me when I couldn't even believe in myself.