Pokemon: Gym Leader

Boom!!

A deafening explosion erupted across the battlefield, as Ferrothorn's Explosion engulfed everything in its vicinity. The blinding flash of the blast left both trainers and onlookers squinting in disbelief.

Tyranitar, who was already hanging on by sheer willpower, was utterly unprepared for the overwhelming force. The destructive energy swallowed it whole, leaving no time to counter or dodge.

Blue's face darkened considerably. He knew all too well how devastating Explosion was. While it was a Normal-type move and thus resisted by Tyranitar's Rock typing, it didn't matter—not when the attack was that powerful. With Tyranitar already running on fumes, even a resisted hit was enough to seal its fate.

As the dust began to settle, the battlefield revealed a massive crater. At its center, both Ferrothorn and Tyranitar lay motionless, fainted.

"Ferrothorn and Tyranitar are both unable to battle!" the referee declared.

Blue silently recalled Tyranitar, his expression a mixture of frustration and helplessness. He was down to his last two Pokémon—his severely weakened Arcanine and his Blastoise. And against Dylan's grass team, Blastoise didn't stand a chance.

In the Stands

"Guess it's over, huh?" Selene giggled. Her expression was light and carefree, fully enjoying the spectacle.

"Of course! Big bro Dylan is invincible!" she added, her voice brimming with pride.

Asha nodded, her tone carrying the same confident energy. "Yep, Arcanine and Blastoise won't be able to do anything here."

On the Battlefield

"Impressive work, Blue. You've come a long way since our last battle," Dylan praised sincerely.

In their previous encounter, Blue had only managed to take down one of Dylan's Pokémon. This time, he'd taken out two.

"However, it seems like today isn't your day to win just yet," Dylan added, his voice tinged with regret.

Blue, of course, refused to let his pride waver. "Tch, don't get too cocky, Dylan. This battle isn't over until it's over! There's still a chance for me to turn things around!"

Even when faced with near-certain defeat, Blue's confidence refused to falter. His pride wouldn't allow him to admit defeat—even if it was staring him in the face.

"Is that so?" Dylan chuckled softly, finding Blue's stubbornness both amusing and admirable.

"In that case, I'll treat this more seriously. Your third opponent is ready to go, Blue," Dylan announced, tossing his next Poké Ball.

"Rillaboom, let's show them what we've got!"

A large, muscular gorilla emerged from the light. Standing tall, it pulled a pair of wooden drumsticks and a tree stump drum from its back, pounding rhythmically as it prepared for battle.

'Beep!'

Pokédex Entry:

Rillaboom, Grass type, the Drummer Pokémon.

Ability: Grassy Surge

Moves: Boom Burst, Wood Hammer, Grassy Glide, Knock Off, High Horsepower...

Description: Though calm and kind by nature, it strictly disciplines those who disturb its harmonious surroundings.

Blue's expression grew serious. "A pure Grass type, huh? I won't underestimate it. If it's one of Dylan's main Pokémon, it must be strong."

After some hesitation, Blue sent out his severely weakened Arcanine. The Fire-type stood ready, but it was clear from its unsteady stance that it was barely hanging on.

Arcanine let out a low growl, activating its Intimidate ability to lower Rillaboom's Attack stat.

"Intimidate is such an annoying ability," Dylan remarked casually, his tone tinged with mock frustration.

Blue, however, had no patience for small talk. He was still fuming from Tyranitar's dramatic exit. Explosion? Seriously?!

"Rillaboom!" Dylan called out.

Rillaboom roared, spreading its arms wide as a lush green aura surrounded it. The battlefield transformed in an instant as fresh green grass sprouted from the ground. Grassy Surge had activated, creating a Grassy Terrain that would benefit all grounded Pokémon.

Small motes of green light floated up from the grass, entering both Rillaboom and Arcanine's bodies. The terrain's natural healing properties slightly restored their health.

Blue, however, didn't feel reassured. If anything, it only reminded him of how much of a disadvantage he was at.

"Arcanine, Flamethrower!" Blue barked, refusing to give up.

"Fake Out," Dylan commanded smoothly.

Rillaboom moved like a blur. Before Arcanine could launch its attack, Rillaboom dashed forward and slapped it sharply across the face.

SMACK!

The attack left Arcanine dazed, forcing it to flinch and cancel its Flamethrower.

"Grassy Glide," Dylan followed up, not missing a beat.

Rillaboom glided forward with blinding speed, propelled by the energy of the Grassy Terrain. It delivered a powerful sliding kick straight to Arcanine's chest, sending it flying backward.

BAM!

Arcanine hit the ground with a heavy thud, skidding to a stop. It tried to stand, but its legs gave out beneath it.

"Arcanine is unable to battle! Rillaboom wins!" the referee announced.

"Grassy Glide, boosted by terrain and priority—too fast and too strong!" the psychic trainer exclaimed, shaking his head in awe.

"And don't forget Fake Out—it totally shut down Blue's Flamethrower," the bird keeper added.

Blue sent out his last Pokémon, Blastoise. Though it was in perfect condition, the pure Water-type didn't inspire much hope in its trainer—not against a Grass-type powerhouse like Rillaboom.

The match was a foregone conclusion. Even though Blastoise put up a valiant fight, its Ice Beam was unable to overcome Rillaboom's relentless offense. In the end, Grassy Glide brought the battle to a decisive close.

"Blastoise is unable to battle! Rillaboom wins!"

"Challenger Blue's team has been completely defeated. The match goes to Gym Leader Dylan!"

Blue stood silently for a moment, staring at his fainted Blastoise before recalling it. Though frustrated, he couldn't deny that Dylan was the stronger trainer.

"That was an excellent match, Blue," Dylan said, walking over with a smile.

Rillaboom followed behind him, its powerful body bearing the faint marks of Blastoise's Ice Beam.

"Battling someone as skilled as you is always a pleasure," Dylan added.

"Tch, well, I'm not exactly thrilled," Blue muttered.

Still, his frustration couldn't completely mask the glimmer of determination in his eyes.

"I'll admit it, Dylan. You're one hell of a trainer," he said grudgingly. "But don't think this is the end. Next time, I'll beat you for sure!"

Dylan chuckled. "I'll be waiting, Blue. You're welcome to challenge me anytime."

Before Blue could leave, Dylan held out a small velvet box. Inside was the Grass Rota Badge, its elegant green design catching the light.

"What's this supposed to mean?" Blue asked, frowning.

"You've earned it," Dylan replied. "You're a talented trainer, Blue, and I recognize your potential. This badge isn't a handout—it's the starting point of your journey to collect all my badges."

Blue hesitated, his gaze shifting between the badge and Dylan. After a long moment, he snatched it from the box, his lips curling into a smirk.

"Well, since you insist… I'll take it!"

Not long after, Blue posted a photo to his social media account.

In the photo, he and Dylan stood side by side, the Grass Rota Badge prominently displayed between them.

The caption read: "Got the Grass Rota Badge! First step to proving I'm the best!"

Comments poured in almost immediately:

Gary, you're so cool!

Congrats! Wait, you beat Dylan?!

Amazing!

A Rota Badge? Those are crazy rare!

Red also left a single comment:

"?"

Blue responded immediately:

"???"

And thus, Blue's victorious spirit was reignited—ready to take on the next challenge.

(End of Chapter)