Chapter 102: Cianwood City, a Fierce Showdown
"Cianwood City, a city in the sea surrounded by raging waves," Ruby said, reading from the sign.
After battling the gym in Olivine City, Ryan and his companions took a break and immediately sailed to Cianwood City, just across the sea.
Seeing Ryan eager to challenge, Rosa said with some concern, "Ryan, challenging two gyms in one day is a bit too much."
"It's okay," Ryan said, flexing his muscles. "I'm full of fighting spirit. Besides, it's almost four o'clock in the afternoon. Let's finish the gym battle as soon as possible and go have a seafood feast."
As he finished speaking, Ryan was about to head to the Cianwood Gym when he was immediately bumped into by a middle-aged man who rushed out from around the corner. Ryan rubbed his sore forehead and looked over to the man, who was also rubbing his forehead. He was shirtless, wearing only loose white training pants, and accompanied by a Machoke.
"Hey, you're Chuck, the Cianwood Gym Leader, right?" Ryan said.
"Oh, you know me," Chuck said, straightening his back, though his protruding belly betrayed the effects of middle age.
"Yes. I'm Ryan from Pallet Town. These are my travel companions, Ruby and Rosa. I'm here to challenge the gym," Ryan said.
"Haha. You're most welcome! But first, have a good meal. I can already feel your muscles complaining of fatigue! A balance of work and rest is the best way!" Chuck laughed. Without giving Ryan a chance to explain, he put his arm around his neck and led him towards his gym.
Ruby and Rosa exchanged a glance, then reluctantly followed.
Arriving at the Cianwood Gym, Ryan and the others also met Chuck's disciples and his wife. Chuck's wife served the food and said, "You're the challenger this time! Do your best to defeat my husband."
Ryan and the other two were puzzled, but then they were drawn in by the aroma of the food. Chuck poured each of them a large bowl of rice and said with a laugh, "You're all still growing, so eat more and eat heartily!"
He began to eat, and indeed, he ate with gusto. He finished his bowl in no time, and then another large bowl. Ryan took a bite and his eyes lit up. The food was delicious, just as good as his own cooking. It was low in fat and high in protein, and the other dishes were easily digested. This kind of cuisine was perfect for replenishing the stamina of both humans and Pokémon. However, eating too much could still lead to weight gain, as Chuck could attest to.
After finishing three large bowls of rice, Chuck wiped his mouth and said, "I'm full! How about a digestion-enhancing battle?"
Ryan and the others also finished their bowls, wiped their mouths, and nodded in agreement.
Arriving at the gym battle venue, one of Chuck's disciples stepped out to act as referee. He announced, "The gym challenge now begins. Each trainer may use only two Pokémon, and the match ends when both Pokémon are unable to battle."
"Then, Ryan, I'll be using Primeape and this Machoke," Chuck said, sending out his Primeape and patting Machoke beside him.
"Since you're a Fighting-type specialist, Chuck, I'll send out a Fighting-type as well," Ryan said with a smile. "Lucario, I'm counting on you once more."
Lucario appeared, saw Primeape on the other side, and bowed respectfully. Primeape, seeing this, clasped his hands in greeting. Chuck smiled, "Your Pokémon are well mannered, right? Then let me see what you're capable of."
"I won't let you down! Lucario, Metal Claw!" Ryan declared.
Lucario's claws gleamed with metallic energy as he struck at Primeape, who blocked it with a single punch. Steel-type moves aren't super effective against Fighting-types, but Chuck, seeing the force behind the attack, rubbed his chin and said, "Impressive power. Interesting."
"Use your strength! Force Palm! Show them your power!" Ryan abandoned complex techniques and decided to engage in a straightforward fighting match.
"Interesting, then! Let's do it! Primeape, let's not mess around with fancy tricks. Close Combat!" Chuck laughed proudly.
Lucario and Primeape's attacks clashed, with Lucario gaining the upper hand. Primeape retreated two steps, but Lucario remained steady. Then, Lucario unleashed a barrage of Bullet Punch attacks!
"Counter it! Fight back!" Chuck said.
Primeape lunged with a Brick Break attack. Lucario ducked, countering with Force Palm, forcing Primeape back. Then, with a burst of speed, he reached Primeape and struck it with a double-handed Close Combat.
Primeape also withstood the blow, swinging its fists at Lucario. The relentless fighting style made Chuck's disciples, Ruby, and Rosa chuckle: "Is this a Pokémon match? Why does it feel like a boxing match?"
Under the continuous blows, Primeape was exhausted and collapsed, unable to fight. Lucario was also breathing heavily, and his eyes looked at Primeape with mutual respect.
"Haha, come back, Primeape! Machoke, use Dynamic Punch!" Chuck laughed, and Machoke began shadowboxing with Chuck, synchronizing their movements.
Ryan shook his head. It's better not to imitate such training methods. Even though Ryan's current physical condition was quite impressive, he wouldn't dare to say that he could withstand Pokémon attacks directly. This also showed that Chuck was definitely a formidable martial artist in his youth; otherwise, he wouldn't train like this with Fighting-type Pokémon.
"Come back, Lucario. It's your turn, Pheromosa." Ryan recalled Lucario and sent out his Pheromosa.
"My Pheromosa is very powerful and extremely fast. Chuck, you should be careful," Ryan said seriously.
"Haha, bring it on!" Chuck laughed.
"U-turn." Ryan started with a hit-and-run tactic.
Pheromosa moved with blinding speed towards Machoke. Machoke narrowed his eyes and unleashed a Dynamic Punch, but Pheromosa had already struck and retreated before he could connect.
Ryan activated his bond with Pheromosa, connecting telepathically. Pheromosa dodged Machoke's Cross Chop and then lifted her leg, sending Machoke flying with a High Jump Kick.
Machoke adjusted his stance in mid-air, then lunged forward upon landing, unleashing a Bullet Punch at Pheromosa. Pheromosa, at full speed, transformed into a streak of white light, and before Machoke could react, launched him into the air.
"What?! Such incredible speed!" Chuck exclaimed in astonishment.
The white streak of light ricocheted off the surrounding walls, striking Machoke repeatedly. Machoke stood no chance and was knocked unconscious by Pheromosa's aerial kick. He fell to the ground, unable to battle.
"Machoke is unable to battle! So, challenger Ryan wins!" Chuck's disciples stared at Ryan in astonishment, wondering how Ryan could possess such a powerful Pokémon.
Accepting Chuck's Storm Badge, Ryan thanked Chuck.
Chuck didn't mind, instead lamenting his lack of exercise lately and declaring he needed to begin his special training regimen again. Seeing that it was getting late, Chuck asked Ryan and the others to stay the night and leave tomorrow. Ryan and the other two readily agreed.
(End of Chapter)
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