Pokémon: Trainer Paul

Time flew by, and soon the awaited day has arrived.

Hearing that Fantina had returned to her Hearthome Gym and reopened for challenges, Paul wasted no time heading there, determined to claim victory.

Unlike other Gyms he had visited, the Hearthome Gym was located right in the heart of the city. From the outside, it appeared to be an ordinary large building—if not for the massive Drifblim statue perched atop, giving away its true nature.

Thanks to its central location, Paul quickly reached the Gym. After announcing his intent to challenge Fantina, he was directed to the spectator stands to wait for his turn.

To his surprise, the stands were already packed with trainers, all waiting for their chance to battle. Being the Gym's reopening day, it seemed Fantina was in for some overtime.

"Hey Paul, over here!"

As soon as Paul entered, he heard a familiar voice calling out. Turning toward the sound, he spotted Barry sitting at the edge of the stands. Judging by his position, Barry must have been one of the first to arrive.

With the order of challengers already registered, there was no risk of cutting in line. Paul walked over silently and ignored Barry, taking a seat beside him.

Barry, irritated by Paul's attitude, was about to make a snarky comment when the referee entered the arena. Realizing the referee was about to announce the day's schedule, Barry reluctantly closed his mouth.

"Welcome, trainers from far and wide!" The referee began. "On behalf of Miss Fantina, I thank you for coming. However, I must deliver some unfortunate news. Due to the high number of challengers today, only ten battles will be held to ensure sufficient rest for the Pokémon."

"I will now announce the challenger list. Trainers not called may either stay to watch or leave and return another day."

A chorus of groans erupted from the crowd.

"What? Only ten battles?"

"I've waited over ten days for this!"

"Can't she appoint a substitute Gym Leader like other Gyms?"

Barry, smugly confident, muttered. "Good thing I was the first to arrive. I'll definitely get my turn."

But before he could finish his boast, the referee announced the first challengers: "The list begins with Paul, followed by Barry…"

Barry's jaw dropped. "What? How is this possible? I was here first! How did you get ahead of me?"

Paul stood up calmly, ready to enter the arena. Without sparing Barry a glance, he replied. "Ever heard of online reservations?"

Barry froze, dumbfounded, as Paul left the stands.

"Hey, aren't you leaving?" A trainer nudged their friend. "We'll have to come back tomorrow."

"No rush." The friend replied, eyes on the arena. "Let's watch this battle first. I'm curious how that Electabuzz trainer handles Fantina."

"Electabuzz trainer? You mean that one?"

"Yeah, the one who wiped out six opponents in a row the other day. Some of those trainers are still recovering from the embarrassment!"

Hearing this, Barry suddenly felt several gazes shift toward him, and his good mood soured.

The referee's voice echoed through the arena: "And now, let's welcome our Gym Leader, the dazzling dancer, Miss Fantina!"

The ornate doors on the opposite side of the battlefield swung open, revealing Fantina in a flowing purple gown. With a graceful spin, she stopped at her designated spot, facing Paul with a confident smile.

"Welcome to the Hearthome Gym." Fantina said. "After a long journey, this day has finally arrived. Show me your strength, challenger!"

The referee outlined the rules: "This will be a three-on-three battle. The match ends when all of one side's Pokémon are unable to battle. Only the challenger may switch Pokémon."

With a dramatic flourish, Fantina tossed her first Poké Ball. "Go, Mismagius!"

A flash of light revealed a dark purple Pokémon adorned with ruby-like gems and a hat resembling a magician. Mismagius floated gracefully, eyes locked on Paul.

Having thoroughly researched Fantina's tactics, Paul wasted no time sending out his first Pokémon.

"Vulpix, to the field!"

"Vul~"

The fiery fox leaped from its Poké Ball, landing with determination. Its six tails swayed, glinting faintly, while its mouth glowed with embers, ready to attack at any moment.

"The challenger has the first move." The referee announced.

"Vulpix, Flamethrower!"

Flames erupted from Vulpix's mouth, spreading in a wide arc toward Mismagius.

"Mismagius, use Psywave!"

"Miiiss~"

Mismagius radiated a blue aura, releasing a psychic wave that dispersed the flames into harmless sparks.

By the time the fire dissipated, Vulpix had closed the distance. Its tails shimmered metallically as it lunged—Iron Tail!

"Not so fast! Mismagius, dodge it elegantly!"

Mismagius' mastery of Levitate allowed it to glide effortlessly, twisting in midair to evade the strike.

"Our turn! Shadow Ball!"

A dark sphere began forming at Mismagius' chest, its ruby gems glowing ominously.

"Now, Gravity!"

At Paul's command, Vulpix's eyes glowed blue, releasing a mysterious energy that enveloped the battlefield.

The sudden increase in gravitational force caught Mismagius off guard. The Shadow Ball veered off course, and Mismagius was forced to the ground, its Levitate rendered useless.

"Now, use Iron Tail!"

In midair, Vulpix twisted its body with the aid of Psychic energy, diving into the gravity field at full speed. Its six tails swung in unison, slamming down on Mismagius.

Under the amplified gravitational force, the power of Iron Tail surged to more than double its usual strength.

"Boom!"

A deafening crash echoed as dust billowed into the air, shaking the battlefield slightly. With nimble agility, Vulpix leaped out of the haze and unleashed a Flamethrower into the cloud.

"Bang!"

Another muffled explosion followed, sending more smoke into the air.

Vulpix used Psychic to sweep away the dust clinging to its fur, then sat patiently on the ground, waiting for the dust to settle.

As the smoke cleared, it was evident that Mismagius, hit by two powerful moves, had fainted and could no longer battle.

"Oh my gosh! That Vulpix actually knows Gravity! What an unexpected tactic! You're impressive, boy," Fantina exclaimed, her face full of surprise. For a Pokémon to master such a niche move was no easy feat.

Take her Mismagius, for instance—it still hadn't learned her favorite move, Hypnosis, despite her best efforts.

But this Vulpix, mastering Gravity? She couldn't help but feel astonished.

"Mismagius is unable to battle! Vulpix is the winner!"

The referee quickly made the announcement, snapping back to attention.

In the stands, the crowd of Trainers erupted into chatter.

"No way! That Vulpix knows Gravity?"

"Gravity's that effective? If I lose my match later, I might just go catch a Vulpix and train it to use Gravity for my Gym challenges!"

"Vulpix is pretty rare in the Sinnoh region. Plus, teaching it Gravity is no easy feat. This guy must have used some unique training method—and it seems like this Vulpix has exceptional talent, too."

"Come on, don't overhype it. The real issue isn't Gravity. That Mismagius was just weak! Two hits and it was down. Watch me crush this Gym challenge later with ease!"

"Big talk, huh? Good luck with that!"

"..."

Fantina recalled her Mismagius, her confident smile unfaltering.

"Gravity really is a tricky move to counter. So, how will you handle my next Pokémon?"

"Battle stance! Gengar, it's your turn!"

"Gehehe~"

A mischievous, purple Gengar materialized from the Poké Ball, hovering midair and flashing a sly grin at Paul. But in the next moment, its smile faltered.

"Expand the Gravity field," Paul commanded.

"Gehehe... Ugh..."

Vulpix's eyes glowed brightly as the small Gravity field expanded to encompass the entire battlefield. The once-floating Gengar was instantly forced to the ground, its gleeful expression replaced with a look of discomfort.

Still, as a Gym Leader's Pokémon, Gengar quickly adjusted its stance, regaining its composure and managing a strained smile.

However, before Gengar could make its move, a red light enveloped Vulpix, recalling it to its Poké Ball.

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