Pokemon: Gym Leader

"What a coincidence, Mr. Gary. I just got back from a trip and happened to run into you," Dylan remarked, marveling at the serendipity.

Dylan couldn't help but feel there was some extraordinary, unexplainable bond between him and Gary. It was uncanny!

Or perhaps not necessary at all.

Gary's mouth twitched as he stared at Dylan's overwhelming enthusiasm. He wanted to step back but worried it might seem rude.

"I specifically went to Pallet Town to visit Professor Oak recently. I must say, he's such a dedicated and outstanding mentor. No wonder both you and Blue are so exceptional," Dylan said with sincere admiration.

"Speaking of which, Mr. Gary, where's Blue? I haven't seen him for quite some time and miss him greatly," Dylan asked curiously. After all, Blue had mentioned challenging him again, but two months had passed, and there was no sign of him.

"Blue? He's apparently training in Mt. Silver and hasn't come back yet," Gary recalled.

'This Rota Badge? Once I return from Mt. Silver, I will claim it!'

Back when they parted ways, Blue had said this. Gary wondered how his cousin's training in Mt. Silver was going.

"Oh, I see. I hope Blue returns safely. I'm really looking forward to our second battle," Dylan said, a bit disappointed. Blue was a strong challenger, and their matches were always exciting.

Mt. Silver, located near the Indigo Plateau, was one of the Kanto region's most famous wilderness areas. It was home to high-level wild Pokémon, a challenge even for seasoned trainers. Deep within the mountain, Tyranitars were said to reside.

Thinking back, Blue, as the Viridian City Gym Leader in the games, had a Tyranitar. Perhaps Blue in this world would obtain one earlier.

"So, are you here today to challenge my gym again, Mr. Gary?" Dylan asked with a warm smile.

"I suppose…" Gary glanced at the pristine white dragon standing nearby. Though unfamiliar with the Pokémon, it was clear this was no ordinary creature.

"You don't need to worry, Mr. Gary. Reshiram is part of the Golden Legends team. As long as you don't switch to the Golden side, it won't be an issue," Dylan explained, noticing Gary's apprehension.

Gary's expression softened. That made sense. He had no plans to switch allegiances—his luck had always been solid.

Still, this legendary Pokémon was truly magnificent, exuding elegance and grandeur. Even Gary's cheerleader girlfriends, who were biking behind him, stared at Reshiram with hearts in their eyes.

"Well then, I—"

Gary was about to declare his intent to challenge the gym when suddenly…

"Gym Leader Dylan~!"

A soft, melodic voice called out. Dylan turned to see a graceful young woman in a kimono, her fair complexion framed by long black hair. Her cherry-colored attire was as elegant as ever—Jeanette, a former challenger.

However, Gary's face darkened upon seeing her.

"Miss Jeanette, you're here at Rota as well," Dylan said, surprised. Today was full of unexpected reunions—Gary and Jeanette were his first two challengers since taking over the gym.

"Yes, I happened to be passing by. I wasn't planning to visit since I heard you weren't in, but I decided to check just in case. What a pleasant surprise!" Jeanette's delight was evident as she spoke in her gentle tone.

"You seem a bit different now, Miss Jeanette—more confident and composed," Dylan said with a smile, complimenting her. Compared to a few months ago, Jeanette's demeanor had matured significantly.

"That's thanks to your guidance, Gym Leader Dylan. I've gained clarity and determination about my path. I'm truly grateful," Jeanette said with a graceful bow, her gratitude sincere.

Gary's eye twitched as he listened. About two weeks ago, he had coincidentally encountered Jeanette in the wild. He recognized her instantly, having once secretly watched her challenge Dylan. Back then, Dylan's apparent favoritism irked him.

Jeanette's distinctive appearance made her unforgettable. When Gary saw her, he decided to provoke her into a battle.

And then…

And then he lost.

This seemingly gentle and elegant woman wielded Poison-type Pokémon with terrifying expertise. Gary's team at the time was ill-equipped to counter Poison-types, and he was utterly frustrated by her tactics.

"Dylan, this is all your fault!" Gary grumbled internally.

Rota Gym

As Dylan and Lillie entered the gym, they were greeted by Asha and Selene holding party poppers.

"Welcome back, Gym Leader Dylan and Lillie!" they cheered.

"Surprise, Gym Leader Dylan! Were you expecting this?" Asha beamed.

Colorful confetti rained down as Dylan chuckled, shaking his head. He hadn't informed the girls of his return—they must've heard from Lillie.

"There are challengers here, so get ready," Dylan said, brushing confetti off himself.

"Got it~!"

Asha and Selene noticed Gary and Jeanette behind Dylan and quickly scampered off.

"Apologies for the commotion," Dylan said.

"No need. The gym's atmosphere feels warm and lively," Jeanette said with a gentle smile. Gary just shrugged.

"Now then, who would like to challenge first?" Dylan asked as he led them to the spin wheel. Both Gary and Jeanette were prepared to challenge the Rota Gym.

"Ladies first," Gary said with a hint of chivalry. In truth, he was curious to see how Jeanette, a Poison-type specialist, would fare against Dylan.

"Randomized attributes?" Jeanette asked, intrigued by the wheel. Although she'd been following updates about the Rota Gym online, it had been a while since she last visited.

"That's correct. However, I have a suggestion—if you're both willing to consider it," Dylan proposed after some thought.

"The Rota Gym allows double battles. You two could team up to challenge me in a doubles match," Dylan said with a smile.

Gary and Jeanette exchanged surprised glances, then began contemplating the idea.

"If you defeat me or perform exceptionally, you'll each earn a Rota Badge," Dylan added.

"You mean the two of us against you?" Gary asked, considering the feasibility. Though Jeanette's Poison-type tactics were annoying, he acknowledged her strength.

Jeanette also weighed the suggestion.

"Normally, yes, but today I'd like my apprentice Selene to partner with me for the battle," Dylan said, gesturing for Selene to join them.

"What's up, Gym Leader Dylan?" Selene asked as she approached.

Selene jogged over, her pure, fair face showing a look of obedience. She appeared to be a harmless, sweet girl.

Jeanette curiously observed Selene, while Gary was trying to recall information about the girl. If he remembered correctly, this girl always a member of the cheering squad for Dylan.

"She's also a Trainer?"

"Selene is currently my apprentice. She received her first Pokémon from me about three months ago and will officially come of age in about two months," Dylan explained with a smile to Jeanette and Gary.

"If the two of you agree, Selene and I will team up to accept your Double Battle challenge."

Selene's clean and bright eyes sparkled instantly. A Double Battle with Gym Leader Bro?

Wow!!!

It was perfect timing. She was getting bored of bullying the local Bug Catcher Boys, Shorts Kids, and Hikers nearby.

"I think that's fine. What about you, Jeanette?" Gary asked nonchalantly, furiously signaling to the hesitant Jeanette with his eyes.

Agree! Just agree already!!

This was clearly Dylan handing them a badge on a silver platter. Selene wasn't even an official Trainer yet. Even if Dylan himself was strong, so what?

Could he possibly handle two opponents at once?

Well, if he used his main team, sure, but there was no way Dylan would do that.

Assuming the Pokémon's levels were similar, Dylan wouldn't stand a chance against both of them, right?

It was obvious that Dylan wanted to give his apprentice some training. This was perfect!

"But isn't this unfair? Selene isn't even an official Trainer..." Jeanette was still hesitant, although she understood Gary's reasoning.

Wasn't this a bit too one-sided?

"Ah? It's fine! I'm actually really strong!"

Selene blinked her big watery eyes and looked at Jeanette pitifully, her gaze practically pleading.

"Don't underestimate Selene. Her talent is extraordinary," Dylan chuckled and shook his head. To avoid them underestimating Selene, he even emphasized her abilities by saying "extraordinary" twice.

Selene's talent as a Trainer was comparable to prodigies like Red and Blue.

"Of course, even though we're novice Trainers, we won't underestimate a newbie," Gary said seriously.

"Then... alright," Jeanette finally agreed after hearing Gary's response.

"Yay!!"

Selene was overjoyed. As the apprentice of the Rota Gym, she was finally getting the chance to face challengers in battle.

And she would be teaming up with her admired Gym Leader Bro in a Double Battle!

Seeing Selene's innocent and cheerful expression, both Gary and Jeanette felt a pang of guilt.

They were definitely going to target this girl's Pokémon as their weak point.

"Now, could one of you spin the roulette to determine the type I'll use?" Dylan asked with a smile.

Naturally, Gary let Jeanette take the spin. As long as it didn't land on Gold, they were fine.

Jeanette curiously pressed the button on the roulette for the first time, and it stopped on the Dark type. This meant Dylan would use a Dark-type team for the Double Battle.

With the type decided, the four of them moved to the battlefield. Dylan and Selene stood on one side, Gary and Jeanette on the other.

"This is a Gym Challenge for the Rota Badge! The battle will be a Double Battle between Gym Leader Dylan and Selene versus Jeanette and Gary!" the referee announced.

"The battle rules are 3 vs. 3. Each participant may use three Pokémon. The Gym Leader's team will send out their Pokémon first and cannot switch during the battle."

"Begin!"

The referee declared the start of the battle.

"A Double Battle with Gym Leader Bro and Selene? I wonder how Selene will perform," Gary's sister and Lillie watched from the audience.

Gary's sister seemed a bit nervous—it was Selene's first official match representing the Rota Gym, after all.

"Selene will be fine! Big Bro has always been very satisfied with her progress," Lillie reassured her.

"I know, but... it should be okay."

Gary's sister pursed her lips, recalling the past few days of wandering around Rota and Mt. Moon with Selene, challenging local Trainers. Her expression turned odd.

Apparently, Rota and Mt. Moon had begun circulating rumors about a "terrifying black-haired, straw-hat girl."

Although she looked pure and sweet, her methods were said to be ruthless, even reducing children to tears. Not just one—several! Truly terrifying.

On the field.

"Don't hold me back, Jeanette! This is our best chance to win the Rota Badge!" Gary warned solemnly.

"Don't worry, Gary. You know the team I'm using, right? Just don't get in the way," Jeanette replied confidently.

"Of course, I know."

Gary smirked, glancing at the innocent-looking girl in the straw hat. A Gym apprentice? Laughable!

Wasn't this an obvious weak point? If they defeated all of her Pokémon first, they could legally turn this into a 2 vs. 1 battle. How could they possibly lose?

Victory was guaranteed!

(To be continued)