Chapter 9: New Rivalry

We were sitting by the campfire, flames crackling in the calm breeze. I stood up and stretched, taking in the view from the cliff. Below, Viridian City glimmered in the early morning light like it was teasing us with the safety of civilization just out of reach.

"Let's pack our tent, Mia," I said, rolling my shoulders to ease the tension from sleeping on the hard ground.

Mia groaned softly, her hands still buried in her hoodie pockets. "Let me have breakfast first."

I grinned, tossing her an apple from the bag. "Make it quick. We've got a long walk ahead of us."

The morning felt calm—too calm, really. But in the wilderness between Pallet Town and Viridian City, calm never lasted. Not with Pokémon trainers lurking in every shadow, eager to test their strength.

As if on cue, a boy emerged from the forest. He looked about my age, maybe a little younger, with a cocky grin plastered across his face. His eyes lit up the moment he spotted us.

"Finally, more people!" he exclaimed, striding over like he owned the place.

I glanced at Mia, then back at the guy. Something about him screamed trouble. "Do you want something?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.

He crossed his arms. "I need a Pokémon battle. Which one of you is the trainer, or both?"

I stood up straighter. "I am. She's not."

The boy smirked. "I'm Danny. Tell me your name, and let's use one Pokémon each."

Mia looked over at me, already knowing where this was going. "Why? We were just about to leave," she said, frowning.

Danny snorted. "Does she not know the rules?"

I sighed and turned to Mia. "Mia, you forgot. According to the rules, we have to fight if another trainer challenges us, especially out here."

"What if we don't want to?" Mia asked, clearly annoyed.

"If your Pokémon's unconscious or you've got a valid reason, then fine," Danny cut in, "but I doubt you do."

Mia glared at him. "We do have a reason."

Danny shrugged, his grin widening. "Not one that matters. City's close. If your Pokémon gets knocked out, you'll reach the center in time."

I gritted my teeth, already regretting this. I stood up, meeting Danny's eyes. "I'm William, and this is Mia. We're from Pallet Town."

He nodded, almost like he was sizing me up. "Alright then, William. Let's get started."

I gestured for Mia to step back as we moved toward an open patch of grass. Danny wasted no time, pulling out his Pokéball. In a flash of light, his Magmar appeared, flames licking at its skin, making the air around it shimmer with heat.

"Magmar?" I muttered, eyes narrowing. "I'll be damned."

I pulled out my own Pokéball and tossed it. With a burst of energy, my Mankey materialized, bouncing on its feet, already itching for a fight.

"You sure about that choice?" Danny asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah," I replied, cracking my knuckles. "Let's do this."

Danny's voice cut through the still air. "Ready, Magmar?"

Magmar growled, flames flickering along its body. My heart thudded, but I kept my face calm. "Mankey, Thunder Punch!"

Mankey launched forward, its fist crackling with electricity. But at the same time, Danny shouted, "Fire Punch, now!"

The two Pokémon clashed mid-air, electricity meeting flame with a deafening crack. The force of the impact sent a shockwave through the trees, leaves scattering as both Pokémon were knocked back a step. But neither relented.

"Mankey, don't give him any space! Leer, then Scratch!" I barked.

Mankey's eyes glowed, locking onto Magmar with an intensity that made the fire-type hesitate. It was only a split second, but that was all Mankey needed. He slashed across Magmar's side, claws ripping through the flames.

Danny's eyes narrowed. "Magmar, Smokescreen!"

Thick, black smoke poured from Magmar's mouth, engulfing the battlefield in a dense fog. I cursed under my breath, losing sight of both Pokémon.

"Don't panic, Mankey! Feel the ground, listen for him!" I called out, my voice steady despite the nerves knotting in my stomach.

The sound of impact echoed from somewhere in the smoke. Magmar's fiery fists collided with Mankey, sending him skidding across the forest floor, dirt and leaves flying in his wake.

Danny grinned. "Finish him—Toxic!"

I saw the flash of purple from Magmar's mouth. "Dodge, Mankey! Counter with Mega Punch!"

Mankey leapt just in time, avoiding the poisonous liquid. His fist glowed with raw power as he spun mid-air and delivered a devastating punch straight to Magmar's chest. The fire-type staggered, knocked back several feet.

But Danny wasn't done. "Confuse Ray!"

Magmar's eyes lit up with swirling colors. Mankey froze, faltering mid-strike, his movements erratic. It was like watching a boxer lose his balance after too many blows.

Danny seized the moment. "Magmar, Fire Blast!"

A massive star-shaped burst of flame erupted from Magmar's mouth, tearing through the battlefield. I barely had time to react.

"Mankey, Leer!" I shouted, hoping against hope.

Even through the confusion, Mankey's fierce gaze cut through the flames, causing Magmar's attack to falter. But it wasn't enough. The blast slammed into Mankey, sending him tumbling backward through the trees, crashing toward the cliff's edge.

The battlefield had shifted. Mankey was battered, but he stood, sparks still crackling from his fur. Magmar growled, flames burning hotter as the fight dragged on.

"This is our last shot," I muttered. "Mankey, Thunder Punch—aim for the cliffside!"

Danny's eyes widened. "Magmar, Fire Punch! Be ready to dodge!"

Mankey charged, his fist crackling with electricity, but instead of aiming for Magmar, he struck the ground at the cliff's edge. The earth split open, rocks tumbling toward the city below. Magmar struggled to keep its footing.

Danny acted fast. "Magmar, Flame Body—ignite the debris!"

The falling rocks turned into a river of molten lava, heating the air around us. Mankey teetered on the edge, struggling to regain balance.

"Now, Fire Blast!" Danny ordered.

The star-shaped inferno shot from Magmar's mouth, colliding with Mankey. I watched, helpless, as my Pokémon tumbled into the molten rock below. The ground shook as the smoke cleared, revealing Magmar standing victorious at the cliff's edge.

Danny's voice was soft, filled with respect. "Good battle, William."

I clenched my fists, jaw tight. "Yeah…you earned it."

I recalled Mankey into his Pokéball, turning to Mia. "Let's go. We need to reach the Pokémon Center."

She wrapped her arms around mine, her voice small. "You okay? You lost your first battle."

I gave her a small, tired smile. "It won't be the last time."

Danny returned Magmar to his ball and walked over, his expression less cocky than before. "You fought well. Let's head to the city together. I've got some strategy ideas we can talk about."

I nodded. "Alright, let's go."

Together, we started walking, the city lights of Viridian drawing us closer.