5 Administrative inquiry and criminal investigation

"Mr., you have three scheduled battles this afternoon."

"Gym Leader, you have unread mail from the League in the past few days, with instructions about your upcoming moves."

"Azurion, you haven't signed the documents I requested during yesterday's meeting."

A cacophony of different voices accompanied me since I entered the gym to start this new day.

As I walked towards my office at the heart of the gym, the inquisitive looks of the staff briefly crossed. The pressure was palpable, but I was accustomed to the daily hustle and bustle of life as a gym leader.

"Give me the profiles of today's trainers you'll send to my office. I'll tell you which gym trainer will be dispatched within the next 30 minutes."

"As for the League emails, sort out what's important, and I'll read it later. What isn't, I'll handle when I have time."

"Cassandra, your documents are signed. Come with me to my office. I forgot to give them to the front desk yesterday."

"Alright ×3."

The employees dispersed, carrying out my orders, while Cassandra followed me.

"How are the repairs from yesterday's damage going?"

"Well, it'll be finished by the end of the afternoon, according to the report the construction company gave me." She searched in her bag for the estimate provided by the company.

"Azurion, your grandfather is costing us a lot. Repairs to the gym two to three times a week aren't free." Cassandra flipped through the document before looking up at me.

"It's not a problem. If one day these destructions become an issue, I'll ask a wealthy person on the island to take care of the repairs. They all want me to take their children as interns in my gym or build a relationship with me." This island, though sparsely populated, has many wealthy residents, whether they live here or have a second home here. Cassandra nodded, realizing that money is not an issue for this gym.

We went up to the 4th floor of the building where my office is located. My gym is arranged as follows: the first floor is where the reception is located on one side and the new field that I plan to have built with a water basin; the second floor is where the gym's employees are located; the third floor is the floor of my trainers, about ten in total, and besides them, there are my 5 elite trainers.

They are more or less my close guard, but in reality, they are more like students than a guard. It's a position that every Gym Leader must fill with trusted aides to protect the region and its assigned area in case of war, but nowadays, it's not really relevant.

I conceived the design of my gym. From the outside, it looks like the Palace of Versailles, with one difference: my floor is elevated compared to the rest of the building to not obstruct my view.

I've amassed a small fortune with the sale of some dragons and my consecutive victories in Sinnoh, Indigo, and Hoenn. Moreover, the Battle Tower is a gold mine for any competent trainer.

My office is on the fourth floor, one extra floor compared to the rest of the building. It's very spacious, featuring a billiard table, a foosball table, a fridge, a sofa, a TV, and the entire wall is glass, allowing me to see the city and the sea beyond. Obviously, I didn't mention it, but there's a level -1 where the flaming field is located, constantly monitored and highly secure. After all, it's a stadium suspended above magma. Behind the gym, on the mountain, slightly higher, there's a battle arena surrounded by stone pillars – that's the Dragonic field.

I step out of the elevator and finally reach a large double door. On the right door, a Ninetales, and on the left door, a Dragonite, the only Dragon-type Pokémon in the Kanto region. This is my office. On the side of the door, there are a few chairs in case several people want to meet me at the same time, but for different matters. Yes, I've created a waiting room.

I open the door, cross the room, and finally settle behind my desk, stacked with letters and files, witnesses to the responsibilities that come with my position as Gym Leader.

"Here, Cassandra, the documents you asked for." I take a few stacked sheets from my desk and hand them to her, which she graciously accepts.

After handing over the documents to Cassandra, I give her a series of instructions regarding the management of the gym.

"While I'm here, I'll let you handle the first floor. In case of administrative issues, contact Lucie. If a situation requires violence, contact Edgar. He enjoys that kind of situation and knows when not to go overboard. Also, tell Matthieu that if he wants to battle with Jordan, and Jordan agrees, they should do it on the Dragonic field. The flaming field will be used later, and we won't have time to repair it if they damage it. Inform Anais, Edgar, Matthieu, and Lucie that I'll choose one of them for a mission later, and they should be ready." I throw these instructions at her barely after returning the documents, and she eagerly accepts.

"Very well," Cassandra replies before leaving the office. She's an extremely efficient employee, and I'm confident I made the right choice in hiring her. She considerably lightens my workload, allowing me to take some time off now and then. I watch her leave and then immerse myself in the documents in front of me.

As I quickly go through the profiles of the trainers my employees have sent me, a smirk forms on my face. Mentally, I'm already visualizing the strategies I'll deploy against these trainers.

"The documents requiring my signature are swiftly signed, a routine I handle with ease. As I mentally prepare for the upcoming battles, an assistant knocks on the door, enters with permission, and approaches with a tray bearing a steaming cup of tea. It's a brief welcome moment of respite before the hustle of the battles.

While savoring this break, I reflect on the League's letter, noting the imminent arrival of an inspector who will assess the arena's condition. It's been almost two years since I've been managing this gym, and they're coming to check that everything is in order: my combat skills, administration, finances, and the living conditions of the Pokémon in my gym. It will be delicate because if they deem a gym leader too weak, they can replace them, although that's not a concern for me.

However, the financial aspect could cause me trouble if there are discrepancies in the statements. The evaluation of the Pokémon's living conditions is also a concern, but sanctions remain theoretical and rarely enforced. After all, the perception of what constitutes well-maintained Pokémon can vary between individuals. As long as my Pokémon are not starving and are not on the verge of death due to neglect, I don't expect to encounter problems in this regard.

After about 20 minutes, I pick up the phone on my desk, allowing me to contact other parts of the gym.

"Yes, sir?" An employee answers the phone."

"Tell Anais to organize two trainers, in addition to herself, to battle the trainers before I arrive. Challengers are coming to challenge for their 4th, 4th, and 7th badges." I look at the profiles of the challengers as I speak to the employee.

"All right, anything else?" Seeing that I haven't hung up, the employee inquires.

"Tell Edgar to come to my office. I have an important mission for him."

"Yes, it will be done." I hang up and then look at another document that concerns me a bit.

The police have sent me a notification that a member of Team Rocket has been spotted in the vicinity. It seems he's not acting like a simple thug but is moving with specific orders, his movements too precise.

I cross my arms and swivel my chair to observe the view of the sea and the city. They should be trying to search for clues about Articuno, if I'm not mistaken. But I'm not sure. In the games, Articuno is found near my island. However, my grandfather told me how he became a fire-type specialist. He got lost as a child while walking in the mountains and nearly died of cold. A Pokémon with fiery wings helped him find his way. Since then, he has had boundless love for Fire-type Pokémon. This means it could be Moltres. In any case, it's not good news, neither for me and my island nor for the region. I get lost in my thoughts when someone knocks on the office door.

----------------

"Come in," resonates a calm and assured voice, responding to the employee's call that Azurion had an important mission for me.

I open the door and step into the room, closing the door behind me. With confident steps, I approach the chair in front of his desk and settle into it comfortably, all while enjoying the magnificent view that his elevated position provides.

"Hey, Azurion, you called me?" I notice he is appreciating the view from his desk. He has truly invested in redefining the arena to an exceptional level.

Azurion is an outstanding trainer, but at the same time, he is also a close friend and my superior. Despite that, I find it challenging to afford him the same formality as others. From our first meeting, I've been too familiar with him. We crossed paths in Johto during his tour of the region. Currently 22 years old, I am slightly older than him, but at that time, I had no defined plans for the future. My starter Pokémon was a Mareep, and that suited me perfectly. Coming from an affluent family, I didn't have to worry about the future. My parents had given me a Pokémon with potential but not particularly powerful, knowing that I didn't have a marked interest in Pokémon battles. My life was comfortable, and the need to become strong was not felt.

Our first encounter happened in Goldenrod City, where Azurion had just obtained his third badge. I was in the casino, and so was he. His propensity to constantly lose money surprised me, but as soon as our eyes met, an incredible pressure emanated from him, stopping me in my mockery. Admiration settled in me; being able to exert such pressure with just a gaze was impressive. I wasn't afraid but rather fascinated by this powerful aura. Azurion looked at me in astonishment, surprised by my lack of fear, before coming over to talk to me.

In the end, we became good friends. He noticed my Mareep and thought. That's when he explained that this Pokémon had dragon blood, and he asked me if I was a trainer. We sat on a bench in a park, and the conversation lasted for hours. At one point, I asked him a question.

"Tell me, what drives you to become such an exceptional trainer? Especially as a specialist in Dragon-type Pokémon, right? From what I know, Dragon-type Pokémon are often considered difficult to tame. Despite their power, their nature makes trainers hesitant. What motivates you to persevere so much? Why do you seek to become strong?"

His reaction and words will remain etched in my memory. He flashed a broad smile before standing up, clenching his fist against his heart, while continuing to speak calmly.

"Tell me, don't you have that deep aspiration within you? That force that propels you to look into the distance? It's something so intimate that we hesitate to share with anyone. I'm talking about a dream. It's our dreams that propel us forward. I have a dream. It makes me happy to have one. This world is so vast, so magical. How can you not have one? Imagine for a moment. Being born by chance into this world and leading a purposeless existence. It would be a nightmare. I could never bear it."

At that moment, a shiver ran through me. His words touched me, echoing my own reality. My life seemed bland. The fleeting pleasures associated with women and money were no longer enough. I sought something more, a distraction that would last throughout my life.

"Have you ever considered specializing in Dragon-type Pokémon?" He extended his hand, that seemingly innocuous gesture that altered the course of my destiny. I accepted his invitation, and from that day forward, I underwent intensive training by his side. We traveled the region together, accompanied by another person who was already journeying with him. Our paths diverged after the Indigo League, each of us following our own way. Later, I learned that he had achieved the status of Gym Leader. When he invited me to join his five fighters, I accepted without hesitation. He is a friend to whom I owe a great deal.

I turn my gaze to Azurion, who also turns toward me.

"Edgar, everything okay?" He gives me a smile.

"Well, if you want to know, that girl at the front desk is really amazing. I've had a few dates with her, and I plan to seal the deal soon. And you, how's it going with 'her'?" I tease him on a delicate subject, and my suspicions are confirmed when his smile fades, giving way to a somewhat awkward expression.

"She and I don't have that kind of relationship, Edgar. She's just a... friend." I was sure, his legendary shyness.

"Sure, if you're just friends, then I love men, and everyone knows that's not true." As adept as Azurion may be in Pokémon battles, he remains awkward when it comes to the girl he's interested in.

"Well, I didn't summon you to discuss my love life." He grabs a file from his desk and opens it.

"So, your mission, if you choose to accept it—and you'll accept it because you don't really have another choice—involves a collaboration with the police." He closes the file and hands it to me, tapping lightly on it. I grimace, aware that I don't really have a choice, but the excitement of finally letting loose takes over.

"What does it involve?" I take the file, quickly open it, and scan its contents.

"The Team Rocket has been spotted around the island. I want you to assist the police in this investigation. You have a blank check on the budget for this mission. Organize the details with Jordan. If possible, avoid direct confrontations. Pull back if necessary. You can choose two partners. Your mission is an investigation, not an elimination operation. No need to take unnecessary risks."

"A blank check?" My gaze sharpens. Even though the gym has considerable resources thanks to the generous donations from the island's wealthy, it doesn't mean we can squander money recklessly. If Azurion is giving me a blank check, it's a clear signal that this matter is being taken very seriously. Moreover, he allows me to choose two trainers to accompany me. While he might consider them weak, these individuals have managed to obtain all eight gym badges and participated in the Indigo League. Even if they didn't win the tournament, it doesn't diminish their skills.

"Yes, the island is not easily accessible. Many wealthy people come here for vacations due to the beautiful scenery and the low number of visitors. The cost of travel means nothing to them. If Team Rocket is lurking around, it doesn't bode well. Moreover, there's no guarantee that they don't have a more sinister plan than just stealing from a few rich individuals.

Listen, the police might not be taking this seriously, but I believe this mission is of utmost importance. We need to understand their intentions and stop them before they cause trouble. Use the necessary resources, but be discreet. I don't want an incident that draws attention to our island."

"Understood, Azurion. I'll take care of this mission." I close the file, determined to protect the integrity of the island and the gym.

Azurion stands up from his seat. "Good. Coordinate with Jordan and choose your trainers wisely. Once you're done reading the file, inform him of what you need and your intentions. Coordination with the police is crucial. Keep me informed of every development. Remember, I don't want any incidents. We'll soon have a visit from an inspector, and I won't be able to handle both an incident and their visit."

He escorts me to the exit and opens the door.

"Alright, based on the level of danger in the mission, can I request the assistance of Jordan, Matthieu, Lucie, or Anais?"

He thinks, rubbing his chin, then nods.

"As reinforcements only if the situation requires a quick resolution, but try to avoid that scenario. They each have their own tasks to accomplish. Anyway, if the mission is deemed too dangerous, we'll report the situation to Indigo, and they'll send a team. If you want, you can choose a Pokémon from the gym. I know I'm putting many restrictions on you, and I apologize for that, but the goal of this mission is a simple investigation. I don't want you to engage in conflict with Team Rocket."

"Alright, alright, got it." I shrug, not too concerned.

I leave Azurion's office, file in hand, ready to conduct the investigation.

I embarked on the mission to find Jordan in the lower floors of the gym. After a few minutes of searching, I spotted him in the training room, overseeing a group of young trainers as they prepared for their journey with their starters.

"Jordan, Azurion assigned me a mission in collaboration with the police. Can you spare a couple of minutes?" He momentarily interrupted his teaching to the young trainers and followed me to discuss in private.

"What's it about exactly?" he immediately inquired, maintaining his professionalism, which made him somewhat rigid. I handed him the file for a quick review.

"An investigation. Team Rocket is suspected to be in the vicinity of the island. Azurion wants us to investigate but without causing any incidents. Coordination with law enforcement is crucial. I need to choose two trainers to accompany me; I have permission to take a gym Pokémon, and the operation's budget is unlimited," I quickly summarized. He furrowed his brows upon hearing the phrase "unlimited budget."

"Alright, who are you thinking for the trainers? And which gym Pokémon do you plan to take? I'll have to inform Azurion of your choices. He might have forgotten about a battle for the 7th badge earlier and could strategize based on the Pokémon you choose," he continued swiftly, accustomed to this rapid-fire of questions.

"I plan to bring Nicolas and Tom, our most competent and closest secondary trainers to our main trainer position. As for the gym Pokémon, I'm leaning towards either Charizard or Dragonite. I need a flying Pokémon since my team currently lacks one," I replied.

Jordan added humorously, "Your team looks more like a squad specializing in Water-type Pokémon than dragons. Seadra, Milotic, and Ampharos. You only have one future Dragon-type Pokémon, and your choices don't even share a common type between two Pokémon, except for Water type."

"I know, but Dragon-type Pokémon aren't exactly commonplace around here, you see."

"Why not buy one from Azurion? We're fairly well paid; we have the means. Both my Flygon and Altaria come from his breeding," he suggested, handing me the file related to the investigation.

"There are already plenty of those Pokémon around here. I want something a bit more unique. But well, we're getting off-topic," I conceded, redirecting the conversation back to the mission.

Jordan nodded, understanding my perspective, and then turned to organizing the mission.

"Alright, for Nicolas and Tom, I'll inform them and get them ready. As for the gym Pokémon, I'll talk to Azurion to prepare either Charizard or Dragonite. We'll get this set up quickly. Do you have any idea which direction you want to take for the investigation?"

"No, not yet. I'll first gather information from the police on what they've already discovered and devise a strategy accordingly. We need to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary confrontations. Azurion insisted on that," I replied.

"Heard you. I'll let you handle that. If you need anything, feel free to reach out."

"See you back here in a few hours with the others. Make sure Nicolas and Tom are well-prepared."

After that brief discussion, we went our separate ways to carry out our respective missions. I headed towards the police headquarters, determined to gather all the necessary information for this delicate investigation.

--------------------

I close the door after Edgar leaves. He's a powerful fighter, but the fact that his team isn't complete is a major flaw. That's why I emphasized the investigative nature of the mission rather than direct confrontation.

I settle behind my desk and reopen the investigation folder. The presumed presence of Team Rocket in the vicinity cannot be ignored. These criminals are known for their ingenuity and determination. As the leader of the gym, the safety of the island and its inhabitants rests on my shoulders, and I can't afford any mistakes. However, for now, I've entrusted the investigation to Edgar, in whom I have complete trust, and I'll move on to other responsibilities.

Before diving into my other tasks, I pick up the phone on my desk and contact an employee.

"Yes, Azurion, are you looking for me?"

"Cassandra, the League has just informed me that an inspector will be arriving to check the gym. I want everything in order administratively. Regarding finances, contact our experts. I want a detailed report on the gym's finances for the last two years within four days." As I handle these administrative details, I also think about the mission I just assigned to Edgar.

"Also, inform the other trainers that two of our secondary trainers will be leaving with Edgar for a mission. Advise them to exercise caution and avoid injuries over the next two weeks, as they might potentially be called for a mission."

Cassandra responds confidently, "No problem, Azurion. I'll take care of everything. For the trainers, I'll convey the message and ensure they are ready in case of a summons. You can count on me for the administrative and financial organization."

I hang up the phone, knowing that Cassandra handles these aspects with impressive efficiency. It reassures me to know that I can delegate some important tasks and focus on the challenges at hand.

After putting away the investigation folder, I stand up and head towards the gym. I just received a notification that it's my turn. It's time to devote myself to my true passion: Pokémon battles. The trainers who have come to challenge my gym are here, and I feel the excitement building within me.

As I leave my office, I think again about Edgar's mission. I hope everything goes well and that Team Rocket does not pose a serious threat to the island. My duty to the security of this place that I cherish so much is paramount.

I take the elevator and go straight to the -1 floor. The heat increases suddenly, making me sweat slightly. Upon exiting the elevator, I take the usual path leading to the stadium. Cheers echo, indicating the presence of at least a hundred people. It's surprising because it's not a particularly important match, yet the attendance is massive. This highlights the growing popularity of the gym.

I approach the gym door, where two trainers from the gym are busy putting on gloves. The handle is scorching, enough to cause injuries if touched without protection. It testifies to the surrounding heat.

"AZURION, AZURION"

"AZURION, AZURION"

They each take a handle and then open the doors for me. I enter the gym to the cheers of the crowd, and in front of me, my challenger looks at me, feeling the pressure. I step forward, and once halfway, I raise my hand, causing the crowd to fall silent.

Then, I snap my fingers, the sound echoing in the air. The stadium is immediately surrounded by pillars of magma that appeared suddenly. The challenger is afraid of being touched by a few drops of the flying magma, but I smile. The magma is controlled by my grandfather's Magmortar and Magmar. It's all staged to make it spectacular.

The magma descends back into the fiery lake just below, but two trails flow from both sides of my feet, not touching me but creating a pathway. I walk slowly, putting pressure on my opponent, the light from the lava making my face and smile shine. Once in position, I take out a Pokéball, and my opponent does the same.

"AZURION, AZURION"

"AZURION, AZURION"

The crowd resumes the cheers with even more fervor. A referee arrives with a Charizard and lands on the pillar serving as the referee's perch.

"The battle between Gym Leader Azurion and challenger Florian is about to begin. Trainers are allowed to use 3 Pokémon each. However, the Gym Leader cannot switch Pokémon during the battle. Let the battle begin."

"Go, Sandslash!" It's a Pokémon resembling a combination of a badger, an armadillo, and a pangolin, with a yellow body and a pale white belly. It has two black eyes, two large pointed ears, and a yellow horn on its head. Its back is covered in large brown spikes extending from its head to the lower back.

"Go, Altaria!" Altaria emerges from her Poké Ball with elegance, sporting a somewhat indifferent look at the prospect of being called into battle, as she doesn't particularly enjoy fighting. She's the second wife of my Dragonite.

"I'm sorry, Altaria, but you match his power level the best." I apologize to Altaria, who seems to forgive me with a reluctant nod.

"All right, use Flamethrower, Altaria!" Flames erupt from Altaria's beak and head towards Sandslash.

"Rapid Spin!" Sandslash starts spinning rapidly, skillfully dodging the Flamethrower flames.

"Altaria, use Acrobatics!" Altaria soars gracefully into the air and swoops down on Sandslash from above.

"Fury Swipes!" Sandslash retaliates by using its claws with lightning speed, slashing the space around it, preventing Altaria from landing a hit.

"Swift!" Altaria retreats in the air and then releases a rain of stars that falls onto Sandslash.

"Dodge." Sandslash dodges the first few stars but eventually gets hit.

"Keep it up, Dragon Tail." Altaria charges at Sandslash, who is a bit disoriented from the previous hit.

"Now, Poison Jab, Sandslash!" Sandslash regains composure and narrowly dodges Altaria's attack. Its claws turn purple as it slashes Altaria's belly, causing her to groan in pain.

Despite the pain, Altaria doesn't give up. "Flamethrower, Altaria, give him back what he did to you!" Flames erupt from Altaria's beak and head towards Sandslash, who backs away with small hops.

Florian reacts quickly, "Sandstorm, Sandslash!" Sandslash creates a swirling sandstorm around him, absorbing Altaria's Flamethrower, reducing the impact of the attack, and making the surroundings difficult to discern.

Altaria, however, doesn't back down. "Tailwind!" Altaria summons Flying-type energy, creating wind that pushes her from behind, enhancing her speed and mitigating the visibility issue caused by the sandstorm, though not completely nullifying it.

With visibility somewhat restored, albeit still hindered by the sandstorm, Altaria takes advantage to launch a new assault with Acrobatics.

"Rapid Spin, Sandslash!" Florian counterattacks by commanding Sandslash to spin rapidly, creating a shield of sand that deflects Altaria's assault.

"Hurricane." I extend my hand toward Sandslash, instructing Altaria to sweep everything away with a powerful Gust.

She vigorously flaps her wings, accumulating a massive amount of energy around them, then unleashes a surprising gust that even impresses the spectators.

Altaria's gust is so powerful that it instantly disperses Sandslash's swirling sandstorm. The windstorm sweeps through the arena, eliciting exclamations from the audience. Sandslash is violently struck and sent airborne.

Taking advantage of the confusion, Altaria swiftly approaches Sandslash and initiates a new attack.

Flames burst from Altaria's beak with increased intensity, directly targeting Sandslash.

Sandslash, struggling to recover from the windstorm, desperately attempts to evade, but it's too late. The flames reach Sandslash, enveloping it in a sea of fire.

"Sandslash, he's close enough, Metal Claw!" The trainer raises his hand in the air, transforming it into sharp claws, then strikes the air.

A scorched Sandslash disperses the flames by spinning rapidly, then locks onto Altaria within reach, extends its metallic-gray claws, and grips her by the neck, inflicting a severe cut to her back.

Altaria, wounded and weakened, emits a cry of pain.

"Altaria, use Swift! Target Sandslash!" I attempt to create distance between the two Pokémon to launch more ranged attacks. Altaria gathers her energy and unleashes a rain of stars onto Sandslash.

Despite its proximity to Altaria, Sandslash, still clinging on, is hit by several stars, but it persists in its assault, staying latched onto the Dragon-type Pokémon. The stars fail to have the intended effect of neutralizing it.

"Sandslash, Metal Claw once again! Don't give her time to recover!" shouts the opposing trainer, taking advantage of Altaria's current vulnerability.

The Ground-type Pokémon strikes again with its sharp claws, seeking to exploit the situation to its advantage. Despite Altaria's tenacity, she shows signs of fatigue in the face of Sandslash's relentless attacks and struggles to break free from its grip.

She lets out a final cry before collapsing, and Sandslash jumps off Altaria's back to avoid crashing with her.

Altaria crashes to the ground, and once the dust settles, her condition is revealed for all to see.

"Altaria is knocked out, so the first round goes to Florian," announces the referee, raising a flag in Florian's direction, who cheers on his Sandslash.

"SANDSLASH, SANDSLASH!"

"SANDSLASH, SANDSLASH!"

"Come back, Altaria. You fought well. Alright, Charmeleon, let's do this!"

Roaaar

A roar, though not very ferocious, echoes, receiving cheers from the crowd.

"You send out a Charmeleon; you could have sent out a Charizard. I feel insulted," declares Florian, not very pleased with this decision, but I respond with a smile.

"Don't underestimate this little Pokémon; he's full of surprises." Charmeleon roars in agreement.

"We'll see about that. Sandslash, Poison Jab!" A weary but determined Sandslash charges towards my Pokémon.

"Charmeleon, Counter." Charmeleon roars, takes Sandslash's hit, and immediately strikes Sandslash's head like a hammer, knocking it out instantly.

"Sandslash is out, Charmeleon wins this round." The crowd roars in encouragement for Charmeleon, who flexes his muscles for a show. Florian is left surprised by his Pokémon's swift defeat.

"Are you surprised? It's normal. Altaria doesn't like to fight much, but him? He's a real powerhouse," I say, watching the spectacle of Charmeleon breathing fire to showcase his strength to the spectators.

"Come back, Sandslash, you've earned it. You're right, I underestimated him, but it won't happen again. Come, Golem." Golem's body is covered in a spherical rocky armor. Its head is low, at the same level as its arms, and features reptilian traits. It stands on two short legs, and its hands have three clawed fingers.

Charmeleon stops looking at the audience to observe his opponent, then chuckles, puts one hand behind his back, and taunts Golem, making it angry.

"What does that mean?" Jordan asks.

I put my face in my hand, a bit embarrassed. "He wants to face Golem with only one hand. Let's just say this little Pokémon is... a bit arrogant." Florian furrows his brow and gets annoyed.

"Fine, if he wants to play with one hand, I won't show mercy. Golem, Stone Edge."

Golem, promptly responding to its trainer's command, unleashes its Stone Edge attack with imposing force. Sharp rocks hurtle toward Charmeleon, who laughs and dodges them by jumping and rolling.

"Charmeleon, counter with Flamethrower!" I command.

Charmeleon moves agilely to avoid most of the rocks. He approaches, dodges Golem's punch, then releases a powerful Flamethrower toward Golem.

The Rock-type Pokémon takes the hit head-on, but its protective armor allows it to withstand the attack. Golem, barely shaken, prepares for the next move.

"Charmeleon, Fire Punch!" Charmeleon concentrates its energy into its fist and hurls a flaming punch toward Golem, aiming directly at its head.

Despite its imposing stature, Golem skillfully dodges the Fire Punch with surprising agility. The crowd cheers their names rhythmically.

"Golem, Earthquake!" Florian commands, determined to regain the initiative. In response, Golem strikes the ground with its powerful legs, causing seismic waves to ripple toward Charmeleon, who quickly retreats.

"Charmeleon! Don't get hit. Jump into the air and then propel yourself with Fire Blast. Take advantage of the blast in the ground to soar high into the air!" I exclaim, anticipating the attack. Charmeleon leaps high, then inflates its lungs before spewing a powerful fire attack into the ground, propelling itself high into the air.

The seismic waves shake the arena, but Charmeleon manages to avoid the attack.

"Golem, in the air, he can't escape, use Stone Edge."

Golem surrounds itself with small sharp rocks and hurls them at Charmeleon still in the air.

"Fire Blast!" Charmeleon takes a deep breath, then exhales a massive amount of flames that destroy all the rocks thrown at him and even reach Golem, who is thrown backward.

"Metal Claw!" Charmeleon had time to land, then in a single leap, he charges at Golem.

"Golem, Thunder Punch!" Golem slightly lowers itself and then strikes Charmeleon. A duel of claw and punch ensues; however, Golem begins to get frustrated. The reason? Charmeleon is only using one limb.

Despite his disadvantage, Charmeleon skillfully dodges Golem's blows and inflicts consistent damage with his Metal Claw. The energy in the arena reaches its peak as the two Pokémon clash with fierce determination.

The repeated clashes of sharp claws and powerful punches resonate in the arena, creating an electric atmosphere. Charmeleon, despite using only one limb, proves to be incredibly agile and fast, skillfully evading Golem's attacks.

Golem's rage increases as the battle rages on. His eyes gleam with a determined light, and he intensifies his attacks. Golem's Thunder Punch strikes with renewed force, but Charmeleon, resilient, continues to counter with Metal Claw.

The crowd is in a frenzy, captivated by the spectacle of two powerful brutes clashing with increasing intensity. However, it becomes evident that Charmeleon's determination and skill more than compensate for Golem's raw power.

"Charmeleon, Will-O-Wisp!" I command. Taking advantage of Golem's proximity, Charmeleon exhales a breath of ethereal flames that surround Golem. Golem's visibility is reduced for a few seconds, creating an opportunity for Charmeleon to launch his next attack.

This time, Charmeleon's claw struck Golem violently, catching him by surprise and making him groan as he stepped back a few paces.

"Golem, no, don't stop!" Florian shouted to his Golem, seeing the danger approaching.

Charmeleon grinned, striking a ninja pose with one hand extended to the side and the other in front of his face. He took a breath, then followed up with a combo of dual-handed Metal Claw, breaking his promise, lifting Golem off the ground with each strike, propelling him higher and higher. The attacks unleashed at a monstrous speed, not giving Golem a moment to breathe. Then, Charmeleon performed a spinning jump, slashing Golem violently, sending him behind him. Golem fell with a thud as Charmeleon maintained the pose, both arms extended, head lowered, and a smirk, though he was out of breath.

The referee assessed Golem's condition before announcing the winner.

"Golem is unable to battle, the winner is Charmeleon." The referee raised the flag in my direction to declare my victory. I smiled and looked at Charmeleon, who was seeking the audience's attention. This little Pokémon has a lot of potential and might even join my team.

"Golem, come back, you fought well. Marshtomp, it's your turn." The blue and orange amphibious Pokémon, Marshtomp, made its entrance. It has long arms and short legs, with two dark blue fins on its hips and a blue crest on its head.

"Marshtomp, use Rain Dance, then Hydro Pump."

The arena undergoes a sudden change as Marshtomp, with grace, starts to dance, summoning raindrops falling from the ceiling. The Rain Dance effect increases the power of Water-type attacks and reduces those of Fire-type, completely altering the battlefield.

The rain comes into contact with the scorching arena floor, creating a vapor that makes the area even hotter. It's like those days when it rains, but it's hot, and you don't know how to dress because the heat trapped in the ground rises with the rain.

"Charmeleon, watch out! He has changed the battle conditions. Stay focused!" Marshtomp, taking advantage of the rain, gathers water in its powerful jaws to prepare its ultimate attack.

"HYDRO PUMP!" The built-up water pressure is released in a powerful jet toward Charmeleon, who must face a Water-type attack amplified by the Rain Dance. The attack's power is formidable, and the impact sends Charmeleon sliding backward on the wet arena floor.

"Charmeleon, are you okay?" I called out, closely observing my Pokémon's reaction after Marshtomp's devastating attack. Charmeleon got back up, not without damage, roaring and ready to fight to the end.

"That's enough, we're done. Come back, Charmeleon." I recalled him into his Poké Ball as he protested, claiming he could still fight. I ignored him and forced him back.

"The Gym Leader withdraws Charmeleon, so the score is 2-2. Only one Pokémon remains for each trainer." The referee raised the flag in Florian's direction to equalize the scores.

"Gabite, go."

"Marshtomp, use Water Pulse." Marshtomp created an unstable water ball with its two hands and threw it at Gabite.

Gabite, swift and agile, deftly avoids Marshtomp's Water Pulse by making lateral movements. Unlike Charmeleon, Gabite is more silent, emitting no sound from its mouth or movements. It locks eyes with Marshtomp, positioning itself as the hunter facing its prey.

"Scald." Marshtomp spews a jet of boiling water toward Gabite.

Gabite, still as agile and swift, elegantly dodges Marshtomp's Scald. Its speed is astonishing, and it avoids each of Marshtomp's attacks without showing apparent difficulty.

"Marshtomp, don't let it dodge! Follow up with Waterfall!"

Determined, Marshtomp launches a rapid series of Water-type attacks at Gabite, but the latter continues to move with impressive agility, dodging every jet of water.

Florian begins to show signs of frustration at the difficulty of hitting Gabite. The crowd watches attentively, captivated by the spectacle of the Dragon-type Pokémon's agility and speed.

"Use Rock Smash." Marshtomp concentrates energy into its fist and delivers a series of strikes toward Gabite, who once again dodges by slightly moving its neck. The two Pokémon being very close, they exchange glances, but Gabite doesn't attack and simply stares at Marshtomp.

The rain ceased, rapidly drying the field under the influence of the ambient heat. Florian gritted his teeth, despite his evident misfortune, and persisted in giving orders.

"Again, Marshtomp, don't let him counterattack." Marshtomp continued its assaults, but Gabite skillfully dodged each one, observing Marshtomp destroy the field with each attempt to land a hit.

"Why aren't you fighting anymore? Are you planning to evade indefinitely?" Florian, annoyed, began to question my strategy.

"No, I'm simply showing you what a true Dragon-type Pokémon is. They are proud creatures, predators. Some may be arrogant and enjoy showcasing their strength by toying with their prey, but others..." I glanced at Gabite, who responded with a determined gaze.

"... Are proud and see no purpose in conversing with their prey, ending the match in a single strike." I raised a finger, signaling the final command.

"Dragon Claw." Gabite bared its teeth, positioned itself firmly, and lunged at Marshtomp.

"Dodge, Marshtomp, quickly!" Marshtomp stepped back and evaded in the arena, but Gabite followed closely, anticipating every movement and change of trajectory.

Once in proximity, Gabite, whose eyes had been focused on its prey since the beginning of the match, delivered a precise blow to Marshtomp's throat, sending it out of the field towards the stands. Marshtomp crashed to the ground, and its condition was immediately evident.

"Marshtomp is out of the battle; the victory goes to the Gym Leader and his Gabite." The referee raised the flag in my direction.

Florian, shocked, gazed at his unconscious Pokémon, displaying a wound on the throat, although not fatal. His gaze then shifted to Gabite, who, for the first time, diverted its attention from its prey before glowing red and returning to its Poké Ball.

"Gabite is a hunter. It doesn't appreciate prolonged exchanges like my Charmeleon would. It prefers to conclude with a well-placed single blow, letting its prey exhaust itself while analyzing its movements, the way it moves, and breathes. It trains a lot alongside Garchomp and has adopted some of its habits."

With the battle concluded, I handed over the badge. "Well done, Florian. Your Marshtomp is exceptional, and its skills and power are impressive. A strategic match that highlights the strength of your bond with your Pokémon," I declared as I approached him.

I extended the Gym Badge as a token of acknowledgment for his fierce battle and well-executed strategy. "Congratulations, you've earned the Volcano Badge. It's an honor to award you this badge, and I'm confident you'll continue to shine in your Trainer journey. Remember, the Gym is always open for rematches or training."

The crowd, initially surprised by the swift conclusion of the battle, then applauded, acknowledging Florian's demonstrated skill.

"If you have any questions or want to discuss strategies, feel free to reach out. And most importantly, take good care of your Pokémon. They've shown a remarkable performance," I added with a friendly smile.

"However, I recommend you train with some trainers from my gym. I granted you your badge because I recognize your qualities as a trainer, but there are still aspects to refine. For instance, you seemed to constantly aim to attack Gabite without realizing it was analyzing your Pokémon. You should have slowed the pace and devised a more effective strategy. You and your Pokémon still have a long way to go to earn the rest of the badges."

The crowd continues to applaud, expressing their respect for the intense battle they've just witnessed. Florian bows to me, showing his gratitude, before turning to the crowd with a broad smile, although deep down, a hint of bitterness remains at the thought of Gabite ending his Pokémon in a single blow.

I then return to the back of the arena, ready to welcome new challengers and continue assisting Trainers in reaching their full potential.