"Whoa~ A little one I've never seen before, wanting to challenge me?"
Chuck's eyes lit up with interest.
"A challenger trainer, I've seen plenty. But a lone Pokémon challenging me? That's a first. Alright then, I'll play along."
"It's up to you now! Hitmonchan!"
Unsure of the strength of this mysterious new Eevee evolution, Chuck decided to send out Hitmonchan—a second-string team member, much like Machoke from earlier.
"Mach Punch!"
Hitmonchan launched its attack almost as soon as it landed. The punch was so intense that the gust it generated howled past the spectators. The strike hit Umbreon squarely on the side of her face.
However, the blow didn't send Umbreon flying.
Instead, the dark-furred Pokémon smirked, returning a malicious grin at Hitmonchan.
"Umbr-ee!"
With a twist of her neck, Umbreon unleashed a swirling, dark shockwave at point-blank range.
Dark Pulse!
Hitmonchan crossed its arms in an X formation, blocking the attack. Though its skin bore minor scratches, the Fighting-type Pokémon remained unharmed.
Chuck was momentarily taken aback.
"A new-type move... but it doesn't seem very effective against Fighting-type Hitmonchan. Hmm~ I should take note and report this to Professor Oak later."
Chuck had a good relationship with Professor Oak, having been close to his late son. Oak had even mentioned plans to send his grandson to train with Chuck once the boy grew older.
Umbreon stepped back swiftly, thinking:
This guy's punch doesn't hit as ridiculously hard as that purple rat from last night, but it's surprisingly painful.
So this is what they call "type advantage"?
With that thought, Umbreon's right forepaw lightly dug into the sandy soil.
Smack!
The next moment, she flung a burst of yellow sand at Hitmonchan's eyes—
Sand Attack!
Used to obscure the enemy's vision and lower its accuracy!
Hitmonchan instinctively raised its red-gloved hands to shield its eyes from the sand.
Umbreon's gaze sharpened. White light emanated from her body as she propelled herself forward in a flash—
Quick Attack!
"Hitmonchan, Fire Punch—upper left!"
Despite its obstructed vision, Hitmonchan had its trainer to guide it.
A skilled trainer paired with a strong Pokémon could achieve synergy far greater than either could alone. Many Pokémon disobeyed their trainers, believing they could fight better without commands.
But Hitmonchan didn't hesitate. Its right fist ignited in flames as it swung at a 45-degree angle, aiming for the approaching Umbreon.
"You're good," Chuck remarked as the fire-covered fist closed in on Umbreon, just inches from its forehead.
"But without a trainer, it's hard for you to unlock your full potential."
Suddenly, Umbreon tilted its head and unleashed Dark Pulse upward at the ceiling.
"What?!"
Chuck and the spectators gasped.
Using the recoil from Dark Pulse, Umbreon forcibly altered her mid-air trajectory, narrowly evading the Fire Punch.
The attack not only dodged the punch but also shattered the gym ceiling, sending debris tumbling down toward Hitmonchan.
"Protect!"
Chuck commanded.
Hitmonchan raised its arms, generating a translucent, semi-circular shield of faint green energy.
The falling rubble was effortlessly deflected by the barrier.
Protect—the game-defining move.
Although not as overpowered in real life as in games, for a gym leader's Pokémon, blocking falling rocks was child's play.
"Hey! It's attacking again!" a spectator shouted.
Umbreon landed on the ground and clenched her small but sinewy forearm into a claw, charging at Hitmonchan with surprising strength.
Surprise Attack!
"Bullet Punch!"
Chuck countered.
Hitmonchan retaliated with its priority move. Normally, Bullet Punch would strike first, but having just used Protect, Hitmonchan was a bit slower this time.
The two attacks clashed!
Umbreon felt as though her claws had collided with an impenetrable steel barrier, unable to advance further.
"That last move to avoid the Fire Punch using recoil—did you think of that, or was it your trainer?"
Chuck asked with a smile, hands on his hips.
"But it's not enough. Bring your trainer next time. On your own, you can't defeat my Hitmonchan."
Umbreon's gaze sharpened.
I'm getting stronger so I can keep up with my trainer!
A faint silver light shimmered in Umbreon's black fur once more.
Another Quick Attack!
"Too predictable—Bullet Punch again!"
Chuck commanded.
Hitmonchan's fists gleamed with a metallic sheen as it stepped forward with agile footwork, aiming a well-timed punch.
But Umbreon twisted her head, unleashing Dark Pulse again and using the recoil to shift direction mid-air.
"Hitmonchan, bottom-right!"
Chuck quickly adjusted.
Reacting instantly, Hitmonchan adjusted its angle and delivered an uppercut, landing a solid blow.
"This trick won't work twice on a gym leader," Chuck said smugly. "Watching your mouth's angle gives away your movement."
But then, Chuck noticed something unusual.
Umbreon had three limbs crouched on the ground, while its fourth—her rear right leg—was bracing against Hitmonchan's punch! Her muscles had become more defined.
When did she power up?
In the blink of an eye, Umbreon spun into the air, striking Hitmonchan on the side of its head with a glowing, silver tail.
Smack!
Hitmonchan was sent flying into the wall, creating a large dent.
"Hitmonchan, are you okay?"
Chuck called out.
"Cha!"
Hitmonchan emerged from the dust, replying in assurance.
Luckily, none of Umbreon's moves had been particularly effective against it.
"Was that... a Steel-type move? Did it learn that just by observing Hitmonchan's Bullet Punch a few times?"
Chuck marveled.
Steel, like Dark, was a newly categorized type in the League's curriculum. Chuck didn't even know what to name Umbreon's move.
But Umbreon staggered, her paws buckling under her weight. She had reached her limit.
"Umbree~"
With a deep, determined look, Umbreon leaped into the stands, then onto a gym window. She gazed down at the people below before jumping out.
My trainer is probably coming back soon. I can't stay here any longer.