Chapter Text
The desert sun beat down on the rocky cliffs of Stow-on-Side, casting long shadows over the sandstone ruins that dotted the horizon. Gloria adjusted the brim of her woolen beret, the only part of her outfit offering some relief from the heat. Her boots crunched against the dirt path as she wandered off the beaten trail, her trusty Perrserker trotting beside her, its sharp claws leaving faint marks in the dust.
“Ye’d think it’d be cooler up ‘ere,” Gloria muttered, fanning herself with her Pokédex. “Not sure how anyone trains in this kind o’ weather.”
Her musings were interrupted by a series of sharp, rhythmic sounds echoing through the canyon walls.
Thwack!
Thud!
The noise grew louder as she ventured further, curious despite herself. Rounding a corner, she came to a flat clearing shaded by towering rock formations. There, under the watchful gaze of a colossal Machamp, was Bea, the Fighting-type Gym Leader of Stow-on-Side. The petite but powerful trainer moved with precision and intensity, her fists striking a hanging punching bag that swung violently from the impact.
“Cor blimey,” Gloria whispered, her blue eyes widening. “That’s some serious training.”
Bea’s brow furrowed as she noticed the intrusion, her movements halting. Her bare feet, dusty from the rocky ground, planted firmly as she turned to face Gloria. “Who’s there?”
Gloria stepped forward sheepishly, Perrserker puffing its chest as if to announce their arrival. “It’s just me, lass. Gloria... Ye know, from Postwick? I didn’t mean t’ interrupt—just heard the noise and got curious.”
Bea regarded her with a neutral expression, her hands dropping to her sides. “The Champion, huh?” She gave a small nod of acknowledgment. “What brings you back to Stow-on-Side?”
“Just passin’ through,” Gloria said with a grin, her thick accent filling the space. “Though it looks like you’re givin’ that punchin’ bag a right thrashin’.”
Bea’s lips quirked into a faint smile. “Training doesn’t stop, Champion or not. Especially not in weather like this—it builds discipline.”
Gloria tilted her head, intrigued. “Does it now? I’ve never tried trainin’ like that meself. Usually leave the heavy liftin’ to me team.”
Bea crossed her arms, the faintest glint of challenge in her gray eyes. “You’d never last.”
“Oh, aye?” Gloria shot back, her competitive streak flaring. “Care t’ test that theory?”
Bea raised an eyebrow. “You want to train with me?” She gestured to the Machamp behind her, who flexed its four arms menacingly. “It’s not exactly for beginners.”
Gloria rolled up her sleeves. “Beginner? I didn’t beat Leon by sittin’ on me hands, y’know. Let’s give it a go.”
With a shrug, Bea gestured toward the shaded clearing. “Fine. If you’re serious, we’ll start with the basics. But lose the boots.”
“Eh?” Gloria looked down at her sturdy hiking boots and wool socks. “Ye want me t’ go barefoot?”
Bea’s expression didn’t waver. “Of course. You can’t feel your balance properly with those on.”
Gloria hesitated but relented, unlacing her boots and peeling off her socks. The ground beneath her was warm and gritty, and she wriggled her toes awkwardly. “Feels strange, this.”
“You’ll get used to it,” Bea said, her tone matter-of-fact. She turned to her Machamp. “We’ll start with basic stances. Machamp, guide her.”
The towering Pokémon lumbered forward, its presence intimidating but strangely reassuring. Perrserker hissed defensively, but Gloria gave it a pat. “Easy, now. We’re just learnin’.”
Bea moved to stand beside Gloria, her feet rooted firmly. “Watch me first.” She demonstrated a low, grounded stance, her arms raised defensively. “This is the kiba-dachi stance. Wide base, knees bent. Try it.”
Gloria mimicked her as best she could, her movements clumsy at first. “Like this?”
“Lower,” Bea corrected, nudging Gloria’s leg with her foot. “Feel the ground. Let it support you.”
Gloria adjusted, wobbling slightly but determined. Perrserker sat nearby, watching with bemused curiosity. Bea gave a short nod. “Better. Now, let’s move into a kata.”
“What’s a kata?” Gloria asked.
“A sequence of movements. Like a battle routine,” Bea explained, stepping forward into a punch. “Follow my lead.”
Gloria tried to mirror Bea’s movements, her punches lacking the fluidity and precision of the Gym Leader’s but brimming with enthusiasm. Machamp stood nearby, demonstrating the moves with exaggerated precision, while Perrserker attempted to mimic them too, its stubby arms flailing.
Bea smirked at the sight but kept her focus on Gloria. “Not bad. But you’re stiff. Relax your shoulders.”
Gloria exhaled, shaking out her arms. “This is harder than it looks.”
“That’s the point,” Bea said, her tone softening slightly. “Fighting isn’t just about power—it’s about control. Discipline.”
As they continued, Gloria found herself slipping into the rhythm, her movements growing more confident. Sweat dripped down her brow, and her feet ached from the unyielding ground, but she pressed on, determined not to falter.
“Again,” Bea instructed, her voice steady. “Focus on your breathing.”
Gloria nodded, inhaling deeply as she threw another punch. “Like this?”
“Better,” Bea said, a hint of approval in her voice. “You’re catching on.”
Perrserker, not one to be left out, leaped into the fray, swiping its claws in mock imitation of the punches. Gloria burst out laughing, breaking her stance. “Look at ‘im! He thinks he’s a right little Machamp!”
Even Bea allowed herself a small chuckle. “Your Perrserker’s got spirit.”
“Aye, that he does,” Gloria said, scratching the Pokémon behind the ears. “Maybe we’ll turn him into a Karate master next.”
The training session stretched on, the sun dipping lower in the sky. By the time Bea called for a break, Gloria’s legs burned, and her arms felt like lead. She collapsed onto the ground, letting out a loud groan. “How d’ye do this every day?”
Bea sat cross-legged beside her, unfazed by the heat or exertion. “It’s not about doing it every day—it’s about wanting to improve every day.”
Gloria tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. “Y’know, I’ve spent so much time battlin’ with me Pokémon, I never thought much about trainin’ meself. Feels good, though. Hard, but good.”
Bea nodded, her gray eyes meeting Gloria’s. “You’ve got potential. With discipline, you could be even stronger.”
Gloria grinned, wiping her forehead. “That a compliment, Bea? I’ll take it.”
Bea smirked. “Don’t get used to it.”
As the shadows grew longer, Gloria pulled her boots and socks back on. Her feet were sore, but her body felt oddly... invigorated. Perrserker stretched lazily, clearly proud of its contributions. Before the two girls parted ways, Bea extended a hand.
“Come back anytime,” she said. “You’re always welcome to train with us.”
Gloria shook her hand firmly. “Aye, I just might. But next time, I’m bringin’ more water. And maybe a basin to wash me feet in afterwards."
Bea’s laugh was genuine. “Deal.”