Luke entered the Pflugervilla Gym, and saw Serena standing at the end of a long hall that was surrounded by Durant hills, cocoons, hives, and Arceus knows what else. Serena was tall, with a sullen ashy face, as if she spent all her time in this artificial nature. Her hair was long, it fell down to her waist, and silver.
"Hello trainer," Serena said in a smooth voice.
"Hello Serena," Luke bowed slightly, "I'm here to win your badge."
"The Bug Badge? Seems that's all anyone comes here for," Serena sighed, "Well, let's get on with it. Go on out Venipede."
"Go Chimchar! Use Fire Punch!"
Chimchar jumped on Venipede, and punched it with flaming fists. Venipede scurried away, but Chimchar used Ember to knock it out.
This is too easy, thought Luke, If I just keeping using a fire-type like Chimchar, this will be over in another minute.
"Go Beauitfly," Serena said, tossing up a Pokeball. Beautifly came out. Serena instructed it to use Stun Spore. Beautifly flapped her wings, and golden mist made its way towards Chimchar.
"Chimchar! Dodge it! Or use Ember to burn the mist!"
Chimchar froze up, and the mist coated his body. Beautifly then made the mistake of using Gust. It did a lot of damage to Chimchar, but also blew away the mist that was keeping him paralyzed.
"Now's our chance Chimchar! Use Flame Wheel!"
Chimchar roared, although it sounded more like a howl, and spread his arms towards the roof. A wheel of flames danced around his hands. He spun it, then flung it at Beautifly. Serena didn't even have to see Beautifly to know she was unconscious. Dustox was sent out by Serena. Chimchar's Flame Wheel followed up by Ember did the job, and won the Gym Battle.
"Well, you won," Serena shrugged, "So here's the Bug Badge."
Serena flicked a small badge towards Luke.
"Thanks. And Serena, maybe more people would talk to you if you went outside more," Luke suggested. Serena smiled slightly, happy someone cared.
Luke walked out of the gym, followed by Chimchar. Suddenly, Chimchar began to glow. Lights swirled around him, until they suddenly extinguished, revealing a Monferno!
"Chimchar, I mean, uh, Monferno! You evolved!" Luke cried in joy. He set off towards Enigma Town with Monferno, Riolu, and Teddiursa.
"Sonny," an old voice said, "I have some advice for you."
Luke turned to see an old man leaning on a cane.
"Your bond with your Pokemon is strong, as with most trainers, but it could be stronger. Why don't you try giving your Pokemon nicknames?"
"That's a good idea!" Luke agreed, looking at Monferno, Riolu, and Teddiursa. They all nodded, wanting nicknames. So he gave them names. Caesar the Monferno. Aurus the Riolu. Ursa the Teddiursa.