Gladion handed Daisy the Moon Badge as a symbol of her victory.
Daisy held the badge carefully, her fingers tracing its smooth edges. She couldn't believe it, she had won her second badge, and at a six-badge difficulty level no less and that too without losing a single Pokemon.
"Very well fought," Gladion said. A smile crossed his face. "Your switching tactics were brilliant. It's not often I'm on the other side of being dominated on the battlefield."
Daisy blushed, her cheeks turning pink. "You flatter me, Gym Leader. We both know you went easy on me." She paused, then added, "Any advice for me?"
Gladion crossed his arms, his eyes studying her thoughtfully. "You used the switching tactic quite well. But don't rely on it too much. If the League sees you and other trainers misusing it, they might just make the rule disappear."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone turning serious. "In fact, they already did. There used to be no limit on switches in battles, but some trainers took full advantage of it, swapping Pokémon endlessly to stall or confuse their opponents. To prevent the misuse, the League changed the rules. Gym challengers are now allowed only two switches in gym battles, and even in full 6-v-6 battles, trainers are limited to two switches."
Daisy nodded, absorbing his words. She had relied heavily on switching Pokémon during the battle to counter Gladion's strategies, and it had worked. But his warning made sense, overusing any tactic could backfire if the rules changed.
"That said," Gladion continued, his smile returning, "I can see you'll grow into a strong trainer. Let's have a battle again when you become an Ace Trainer."
Daisy's eyes lit up. "I'd love to fight your main team, Gym Leader Gladion," she said, grinning.
She hesitated for a moment, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, as if debating whether to say something else.
Gladion noticed her expression and raised an eyebrow. "What is it? You seem to have something in mind."
Daisy looked down, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "If it's not too much… can I see your main team Pokémon, please?"
Gladion gave her a long look, then chuckled softly. "Well, why not? I don't have any more gym battles scheduled today." He gestured toward the back of the gym. "Follow me."
"Thank you, Gym Leader!" Daisy's face brightened, her excitement bubbling over as she followed him.
They walked through a set of double doors at the back of the arena, entering the gym's ranch area.
The area was divided into different habitats, each designed to suit the needs of the gym's Pokémon, from grassy fields to rocky caves to small ponds.
This was where Gladion kept not only the gym's battle Pokémon but also his main team, his mother's Pokémon, and even some belonging to his sister, Gwen.
Gladion stopped at a grassy clearing and released Zeus and Arsenal, his Electivire and Magmortar, from their Pokéballs.
The two Pokémon materialized with a flash, their massive forms towering over the field. Zeus's electric sparks crackled in the air, while Arsenal's fiery arms glowed faintly. "We'll continue your training tomorrow," Gladion told them. "Rest for now, both of you."
But the two Pokémon had other ideas. Zeus locked eyes with Arsenal, and the air between them seemed to spark.
Zeus growled, his voice deep and rumbling. [My Thunder was so strong today, it paralyzed you in fear without even hitting you.]
Arsenal scoffed, flames flaring briefly from his shoulders. [Please. My Flamethrower was way stronger. It clearly overwhelmed your pathetic sparks.]
Gladion rubbed his temples in exasperation, letting out a long sigh. Daisy watched awkwardly, unable to understand the Pokémon's words but clearly picking up on their bickering. Their gestures and glares were enough to tell the story, Zeus and Arsenal were like two siblings just liker her and Gary who couldn't stop arguing.
"Shut it, you two," Gladion snapped, his voice sharp. "We have a guest, and you don't want to wake Collosus from his sleep. Do you?"
As if on cue, a massive roar echoed from one of the nearby caves, shaking the glass windows of the gym.
Daisy froze, her eyes widening at the sound. It was deep and guttural, like the rumble of an earthquake.
Zeus and Arsenal, despite their size and power, yelped in unison and darted behind Gladion, trying to hide. It was comical to see two such large Pokémon cowering behind a human, their bulky forms barely concealed.
Zeus glared at Arsenal, muttering under his breath, [It's your fault, hothead. Your annoying voice woke up the big boss. We're in for a rough pounding now.]
[How is it my fault?]Arsenal hissed back, keeping his voice low as if afraid of triggering another roar. [You're the one who annoyed me first.]
They peeked cautiously from behind Gladion, their eyes fixed on the cave. When no further roars came and Collosus,the alpha Tyranitar didn't emerge, they let out simultaneous sighs of relief.
Daisy couldn't help but laugh at their antics. 'These two big guys are so funny', she thought, her earlier nervousness replaced by amusement.
Gladion chuckled too, shaking his head. "Since you two are clearly not in the mood to rest, let's introduce Daisy to the other Pokémon together."
Zeus and Arsenal nodded, their rivalry momentarily forgotten as they followed Gladion and Daisy deeper into the branch area.
The grassy field around them was filled with Pokémon. Daisy spotted Oddish waddling through the underbrush, their tiny leaves bouncing as they moved.
A group of Bellsprout swayed gently in the breeze, their roots digging into the soil. Nearby, a Rattata scurried past, chased by a playful Pidgey flapping its wings. A Pichu sparked excitedly as it hopped onto a stump, and a Beedrill buzzed overhead, its wings a blur. Daisy even caught sight of a Chikorita nibbling on some grass, its leaf swaying gently.
'These must be the gym Pokémon that can live in a grass area', Daisy thought, her eyes wide with wonder. The variety of Pokémon was incredible, and it was clear that Gladion took great care to ensure they were all healthy and comfortable.
Further along, Daisy's gaze fell on two Venusaur lounging under a cluster of trees. One was covered in scars, its thick hide marked by years of battles, while the other looked younger and more playful, rolling a berry between its vines. Gladion noticed her staring and said, "That scarred Venusaur belongs to my grandpa. The younger one is Gwen's. They're in charge of this area to make sure no one causes trouble."
Daisy nodded, impressed. The two Venusaur exuded authority, their massive forms radiating strength. She could imagine them keeping the smaller Pokémon in line with just a glance.
Her attention was drawn to a massive Pokémon in the distance, its long neck and leafy wings standing out against the horizon. It was a Tropius, its banana-like fruit swaying gently as it stood in the sun. Daisy's jaw dropped at its size, it was even bigger than she'd expected.
"That's my Tropius, Elder Green," Gladion said, following her gaze. "As for why he's not in charge of this area, well… he's extremely lazy."
As if to prove Gladion's point, Elder Green let out a loud yawn. Daisy stifled a giggle, picturing the Tropius dozing off instead of patrolling the area.
"Alright, let's move to the next area," Gladion said, motioning for Daisy to follow. She hurried after him, still in awe of the powerful Venusaur and the mammoth Tropius, her heart racing with excitement at the thought of seeing more of Gladion's Pokémon.
-----Author Notes------
Y'all can read 20 extra chapters on my pat*reon.
https://pat reon.com/mrmime24
[No Space in pat*reon]
Thankyou for your support!