Chapter 15: Poison Vs. Poison

"Where is the challenger?"

Dylan and Ilene entered the Gym but found no challenger inside.

"Emmm... They haven't come in yet; they said they were getting ready."

The receptionist's clear face looked a bit strange as she glanced toward the Gym's entrance.

"?

Dylan followed her gaze.

He saw that the wide-open Gym door suddenly had a red carpet rolling in.

Pink petals slowly scattered, and a girl with long lavender hair, dressed in a kimono, gracefully lowered her head and walked in step by step.

Beside the kimono-clad girl was another girl holding a flower basket, scattering petals with each handful.

Uh...

The receptionist and Ilene were stunned!

Is there really a normal person who would make an entrance like this?

Dylan rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"My name is Jeanette from Crimson City."

The pretty girl named Jeanette finally reached Dylan and the others, offering a polite bow with a gentle and pleasant voice.

"No need for formalities. I'm Dylan, the Gym Leader of the Rota Gym."

Dylan smiled as he returned the greeting.

"Shall we begin?"

"Please."

The two walked into the battlefield.

The receptionist was about to head to the stands to watch the battle when she suddenly noticed the sound of hurried footsteps.

Turning her head, she was speechless.

A large group of cheerleaders burst in through the door, carrying small flags and drums.

Uh...

The receptionist was once again stunned!

"Jeanette! Jeanette!! Go, Jeanette!"

The cheerleaders took their place in the stands, enthusiastically cheering for Jeanette with their drums and flags.

Wow!

Today's challenger is even more over the top than that young master from yesterday!

The receptionist's mouth dropped open, not knowing how to react.

That young master yesterday only had a small group of cheerleaders, but today's girl—her cheerleaders numbered in the dozens!

And they're so well-equipped? They even brought big drums?

These challengers are getting more bizarre each day!

Ilene was equally dumbfounded.

On the field, Dylan glanced at the cheerleaders and couldn't help but chuckle.

"It seems Jeanette is quite charming, with so many people liking her."

Dylan looked at Jeanette with a gentle smile, teasing her.

"I'm sorry if I've caused you any inconvenience."

Jeanette's lips curved slightly as she maintained her elegant demeanor.

To be fair, at least on the surface, Jeanette appeared to be a very polite and graceful girl.

"Not at all. As long as the challenger is sincere, the Rota Gym will never turn them away," Dylan replied with a light smile. His handsome face and gentle tone were equally comforting.

Jeanette blinked, forming a good impression of this gentle-natured Gym Leader.

Rota Gym wasn't the first Gym she had challenged. In previous Gyms, the Leaders would outwardly say they didn't mind the loud cheering of her fans, but their eyes always betrayed a hint of annoyance.

However, this Gym Leader, who was around her age, genuinely didn't seem bothered.

He must have a great temperament~ He must be a kind person.

"We will now begin the Gym battle for the Rota Badge. The challenger is Jeanette from Crimson City."

"The battle will be 2v2. Gym Leader Dylan will go first. The match ends when one side's two Pokémon are unable to continue. The other side will be declared the winner."

"Begin!"

The referee announced the rules and then stepped out of the battlefield.

"Jeanette, let me introduce myself properly."

Dylan adjusted his collar, flashing a bright smile. His magnetic voice resonated as he spoke.

"I am Dylan, the Gym Leader of this Rota Gym. My specialty is the Poison-type, which is what you'll be facing."

"Have you ever faced Poison-type Pokémon? Their power may not be immediately apparent, but they will give you a unique battle experience and... a sense of fear."

"Please experience it for yourself, my Poison-type Pokémon."

Dylan smiled, his left hand in his pocket, while his right hand toyed with the Poké Ball in his hand, exuding a cool and confident demeanor.

Although the boy's smile remained bright and gentle, his aura had completely changed. The calm confidence he exuded was captivating!

"The Gym Leader is so handsome!"

The receptionist was excited as she watched the composed Dylan.

"Today's Dylan... seems different," Ilene remarked, her eyes gleaming with admiration. She had never seen Dylan so carefree and unrestrained before.

"Are you ready, Jeanette?"

Faced with the Gym Leader's final question, Jeanette's eyes slowly lit up.

Although she was surprised that such a sunny-looking boy specialized in Poison-types, she couldn't deny that she was impressed by the Gym Leader's charm at that moment.

So handsome!

"Please."

Jeanette extended her hand with respect.

"I appreciate challengers like you, Jeanette. So then..."

Dylan flipped the Poké Ball in his hand.

"Glimmet! Ready for battle!"

A flash of white light passed by, and a plant-like Glimmet quietly floated in front of Dylan.

"Huh? Is this a new Pokémon?"

The receptionist was surprised to see this unfamiliar Pokémon.

"Yes, it's the one Uncle sent Dylan yesterday," Ilene nodded and explained. She had just seen Glimmet in the backyard; otherwise, she would have been just as surprised.

"Glimmet?"

Jeanette looked at Glimmet in confusion, as she didn't recognize the Pokémon.

"Glimmet is a Pokémon from the Paldea region, a Rock and Poison type."

Dylan thoughtfully introduced Glimmet to Jeanette, as it was understandable she wouldn't know an out-of-region Pokémon.

"I see. Thank you, Gym Leader. I may be inexperienced," Jeanette said, feeling a bit embarrassed as she brushed her hair back, her cheeks flushing.

It's a bit awkward to have the opponent introduce their own Pokémon during a battle, even if the opponent is a Gym Leader, Jeanette thought, blushing.

"Don't worry about it. Please, Jeanette."

Dylan made a gesture, inviting her to start.

Jeanette composed herself, then seriously tossed out her first Poké Ball.

"Go, Nidorina!"

The Poké Ball opened, revealing a light blue Nidorina standing before Jeanette.

Resembling a mix of a porcupine and a rabbit, with red eyes and deep blue patches on its light blue body, this was the evolved form of Nidoran, Nidorina.

'Beep~ Nidorina, Poison-type, Poison Pin Pokémon

Ability: Poison Point

Moves: Superpower, Cut, Toxic Spikes, Fury Swipes, Poison Sting, Scratch, (Skull Bash)

Description: When relaxed in its den, it will retract its spines. This indicates that it is at ease.'

"A Nidorina..."

The receptionist became worried, as Nidorina was a Poison-type!

"I'm sorry, Gym Leader Dylan, but I have a Poison-type Pokémon too."

Seemingly confident in her victory, Jeanette's lips curled into a playful smile as she spoke to Dylan with a girlish charm.

Hmm, quite different from her initial reserved demeanor—this was her true personality.

"I will get that Badge!"

Specializing in Poison-types? Sorry, but everyone knows Poison-type Pokémon can't be poisoned!

"Oh?"

Dylan raised an eyebrow, looking at the kimono-clad girl with a half-smile. 

(End of the chapter)