Barely Standing

When the dust finally settles, you see Wheepinbell staggering left and right, barely standing. The vines have already retreated back into Weepinbell.

"Phew! Are you alright?"

It looks at you, still wobbling, but it gives you a nod. I should try to get a status move-off. Should I go for poison or paralyze mhmm...

"Okay, Wheepinbell, keep your distance and use Acid."
"Dodge and finish it with Karate Chop."

Weepinbell darts around the arena, spitting purple, slimy balls of acid at Machop. Machop manages to dodge most of them, but just before closing in, Weepinbell's attack finally connects.
Machop manages to put up one arm to protect its body, causing it to suffer only minimal damage. After shaking its arm a few times, the acid splashes on the ground.
You didn't realize this before, but your Weepinbell is now cornered with no room for escape. Argh, this stupid mask is limiting my vision. Why do we have to wear them anyway?
Now that you think about it, they never told you what these masks are for, and the only times you're allowed to take them off are for eating and taking a shower. But you have no time to think about that now. You have to win a pokemon battle.

"You won't escape this time, Karate Chop."
...

I'm sorry, but this is the only way. You patiently wait for Machop to be almost in striking range before you shout.

"NOW, USE STUN SPORE"
"Hold your breath, Machop!"

Weepinbeel inhales. The Karate Chop strikes Weepinbeel straight in the stomach, causing it to exhale orange and yellow spores all over Machop.
This has to work... please...

Weepinbell falls to the ground, unable to continue the battle. As you recall your Pokemon, you take a few seconds to look at Machop, hoping the Stun Spore attack worked. But it seems uneffected. SHIT

"You did great. Time to rest. Magnemite it's your turn again."
"Ha, are you stupid? Ray taunts you as you send out your already injured steel Pokemon vs his fighting-type. "Are you even Trying to win?"

"Magnemite use Spark."
"One more time, Karata Chop."

Magnemite's body emits tiny sparks of lightning as it charges at Machop. You know you just sent Magnemite on a suicide mission. But this is the only way to make sure your attack connects. Machop runs towards Magnemite before leaping into the air, raising its arm above the head, ready to chop at Magnemite. The moment the Karate Chop connects, two things happen. Your Magnemite is beaten into the ground, unable to continue. While at the same time, all the electricity that Magnemite had build-up jumped over at the fighting-type Pokemon. Machop is shaking. Smoke rises from its body. Its muscles randomly spasm, seemingly effect by Magnemite's attack. You take a deep breath before you recall Magnemite. One more hit! I can do this! Rhyhorn will win! Ray has 2 Pokemon, but Machop is almost down. It's... barely standing.

Author's Notes: My sleep schedule was all over the place for the last 2 days, so this chapter is a bit short. Honestly, I have no idea why I started this "prequel" with a battle, but next chapter should wrap up the training session. This means it's almost time for plot and other things.