Chapter 4: Battle on the Bridge
The wooden bridge stretched across a narrow gorge, with a gentle river flowing far below. The air was crisp, the breeze cool, and the sun cast long shadows from the trees. It would've been a peaceful moment.
If not for the trainer blocking the other side.
He was about Ren's age, maybe a year younger, with spiky hair, an oversized jacket, and a smirk that looked permanently glued to his face.
"I said," the boy repeated, arms crossed, "Bidoof? Really?"
Ren raised an eyebrow. "You're still stuck on that?"
The boy shrugged. "I mean, hey, it's your journey. But don't say I didn't warn you. Normal-types don't cut it out here. Not when you're up against the real starters."
He tossed a Poké Ball into the air.
"Let's go, Chimchar!"
A flash of red light burst open in midair, and a fiery-furred Chimchar landed in a crouch on the bridge, flames flickering behind its back.
Ren sighed, glancing at Bidoof beside him.
"Well, guess this is happening."
Bidoof looked up at him. His expression said: This is your fault.
"Don't give me that look," Ren muttered, stepping onto the bridge. "You were the one who tackled a Starly out of the air. You've got skills—you just don't like using them."
The boy called out from across the bridge. "One-on-one. No items. Unless you're scared?"
Ren smirked. "Scared of a Fire-type? I'm using a Normal-type, remember?"
The other trainer narrowed his eyes. "Suit yourself. Let's go!"
---
"Chimchar, Ember!"
The little fire-monkey leapt forward, spitting a small stream of fire straight toward Bidoof.
Ren's eyes narrowed. "Roll left and close the distance!"
Bidoof did—barely. The fire grazed the edge of his fur, but he tanked it with a grunt and rolled to the side, closing in fast.
"Tackle—aim for its side!"
"Chimchar, dodge and use Scratch!"
The two Pokémon collided at the center of the bridge. Chimchar leapt high, claws glowing, but Bidoof caught him with a low-body tackle that knocked him off balance.
Chimchar hit the ground but recovered quickly, backflipping to his feet with a showy spin.
The other trainer snorted. "Lucky shot."
Ren called out, "You okay, Bidoof?"
Bidoof grunted.
He didn't look like much—fur scuffed, breathing a little hard—but his eyes were locked in now. Focused.
Ren noticed.
That's new.
"Alright, let's play it your way. Bait him."
Bidoof tilted his head.
"Act slow. Make him come to you."
The opposing trainer shouted, "Chimchar, get in close and end it with Flame Wheel!"
The monkey spun forward, fire whipping around him in a tight spiral.
Ren held his breath… then called it.
"Now—step back and tackle from the side!"
Bidoof, as if he had predicted it all along, stepped sideways, letting Chimchar pass just inches in front of him—then slammed into his exposed flank.
Chimchar tumbled hard, rolling into the bridge railing with a thud.
"Chimchar!" the trainer called.
The fire-type struggled to his feet, eyes swirling.
The boy gritted his teeth, then growled. "Tch—return."
---
Ren blinked.
He… won?
Bidoof waddled back over, panting lightly, fur a mess.
Ren knelt down, smiling wide. "That was amazing. You listened. You fought."
Bidoof gave a small nod.
It wasn't enthusiastic. It wasn't emotional.
But it was a nod.
A real one.
"Not bad," the boy said, walking over. He looked less smug now. "I mean, I still think Normal-types are weak, but… you're decent. I'm Kai, by the way."
"Ren."
"You headed for Sandgem?"
"Eventually."
"Well, if you ever want a rematch—"
"I'll be ready," Ren said with a grin.
Kai smirked. "Next time, Chimchar's not holding back."
He turned and walked off down the trail.
---
As the sun dipped below the treetops, Ren and Bidoof sat at the edge of the bridge, feet dangling above the river.
"You were great today," Ren said quietly.
Bidoof didn't answer. But he leaned just a little closer.