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Lanny scrolled through the rental list on his device.
First, he filtered out any rare or exotic Pokémon. Borrowing rare species from the organization carried risks if the League later investigated, they could trace unusual sightings back to him.
Next, he narrowed it down to Electric-types with strong potential. This wasn't a life-or-death mission, just a Gym match, and with his experience, type advantage alone could be enough to win.
After several filters, only two remained: Luxio and Flaaffy.
Luxio had higher speed and mobility. Flaaffy, on the other hand, was praised for sharp battle instincts and the ability to adapt mid-fight.
He could afford both but taking more than one rental for such a small battle would be suspicious.
He hesitated briefly, then pressed the Confirm button.
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At the heart of Cerulean City stood the Gym a gleaming structure of clean white concrete walls, its roof crowned by two massive glass pyramids that caught and scattered the summer sunlight. A clear moat-like waterway surrounded the building, lined with lush greenery.
Inside, the battle arena featured a massive circular pool, dotted with rugged brown rock platforms.
"The rules for this battle are three-on-three, rotating format! No items allowed!"
The voice was bright and clear, carrying across the arena.
On one side stood the Gym Leader Misty. Her clear blue eyes held a gentle sparkle, long lashes framing her determined gaze.
Freckles dotted her fair skin, her orange hair tied loosely into a ponytail. She stood with hands on her hips, toned legs braced, the picture of confidence.
Lanny gave her a small nod, signaling he understood.
"Great then I'll take the first move!"
With a flick of her wrist, she pulled a Dive Ball from the pouch on her denim shorts and tossed it high.
Splash!
A plump white-and-orange form dropped into the water with a graceful dive Goldeen.
Lanny's eyes narrowed. 'Perfect this is where Flaaffy comes in.'
His plan was simple: open with the rented Flaaffy to take down one or even two opponents through type advantage, use his strongest partner Quilava for a high-level reversal, and decide the third Pokémon based on the situation.
Tossing the Poké Ball, he called his choice.
Flash!
Kael, the Flaaffy, landed on one of the rocky platforms, blinking against the sudden sunlight. The sharp scent of chlorine and the sight of Goldeen glaring from the water clued him in fast this was a Gym match.
'Would it kill them to at least let me meet the trainer before throwing me into battle? Dark Star doesn't waste time, it seems' he thought dryly.
Still, his focus sharpened. This was his first mission outside, and a strong performance could earn him more resources from the organization.
On the other side, Misty's eyes lit up at the sight of him. Glossy pink coat, visible sparks under the wool, bright tail orb… this Flaaffy's been trained well.
"Goldeen Water Gun!"
The fish Pokémon took a deep breath, condensed a shimmering orb of water in its mouth, then fired a pressurized jet straight at Kael.
"Dodge it!" Lanny called.
Kael, however, didn't move. Instead, a strange clarity settled over him. Not as strong as I thought.
From the sideline, Lanny's brows knit. 'Don't tell me I got a dud. Rentals are supposed to be vetted!'
Before he could call again—
Zzzzt!
Yellow arcs of electricity exploded from Kael's body, lighting the whole arena.
Misty raised a hand to shield her eyes.
"Thunder Shock!" Lanny Said.
The stored power lashed forward, a blinding bolt tearing through the air. It met the Water Gun head-on, shattering it into a rain of droplets before slamming into Goldeen with a deafening CRACK.
Electricity surged over the fish Pokémon's body, locking its muscles and burning through its defenses before finally fading.
When the light cleared, Goldeen floated belly-up, with faint scorch marks on its scales.
"Goldeen is unable to battle! Flaaffy wins!" the referee announced.
Lanny's jaw tightened in impressed disbelief. 'That level of output from a Flaaffy? Dark Star sent me a gem.'
Misty silently recalled her Pokémon, her expression more serious now.
So it's not just well-trained… that single Thunder Shock nearly ended the match instantly.
She pulled another Poké Ball from her belt, mind already working through counters.
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~Support with 200 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter
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