After defeating Sabrina and earning the Marsh Badge, Robert did not linger in Golden City. Determined to keep moving forward, he silently practiced his Psychic abilities along the way and maintained a steady pace toward Rainbow City.
Thanks to his consistent progress, he reached the outskirts of Rainbow City within two and a half days.
Rainbow City was famous for its exquisite perfumes, but beyond its fragrant reputation, it was also a thriving metropolis with a well-developed economy. Upon arriving, Robert was greeted by towering skyscrapers, their facades adorned with massive billboards. Most of the advertisements promoted different varieties of perfumes, but there were also a few showcasing the latest in technological advancements. The city's lively atmosphere was palpable, filled with the scent of floral fragrances drifting through the air.
As he stepped into the bustling streets of Rainbow City, countless shopkeepers called out to passersby, promoting their businesses. Robert, however, paid them no mind. His priority was the Pokémon Center.
Having spent two and a half days in the wilderness, Robert wasn't lacking in food or rest, thanks to the convenience of the System Pokémon Mall. However, there was one major downside—there was no place to take a proper hot shower.
So, without hesitation, he made his way toward the Pokémon Center, intending to spend the night there. A long, relaxing bath and a good night's sleep would help him recover from his travels and prepare for his upcoming Gym Challenge.
Upon arriving at the Pokémon Center, Robert approached the counter and handed over Charizard's Poké Ball, along with the rest of his team, to Nurse Joy for recovery. Meanwhile, he used the nearby phone booth to call Uncle Fu at his villa, checking in to let him know he had arrived safely.
Their conversation covered family matters and Robert's recent adventures. Before he knew it, an hour had passed. Once their call ended, Robert retrieved his Pokémon from Nurse Joy, thanked her, and stepped outside onto the lawn behind the Pokémon Center.
As dinner time arrived, Robert and his Pokémon sat together on the grass, enjoying their meal. The sight of his team happily eating beside him filled him with a sense of contentment. After finishing dinner, he recalled all his Pokémon into their Poké Balls, except for Pikachu, who always stayed by his side.
That night, Robert lay quietly on his bed in the Pokémon Center's dormitory, staring at the plain white ceiling. His mind wandered as he reflected on his rebirth into this world of Pokémon, the events of his journey so far, and the challenges that still lay ahead. Before he knew it, his thoughts faded, and he drifted off to sleep, Pikachu curled up beside him.
The Next Day
Bright and early the next morning, Robert stood before a massive building resembling an enlarged Vileplume. This unique structure was none other than the Rainbow Gym, home to Rainbow City's Gym Leader.
Stepping inside, Robert approached the front desk and spoke politely to the staff.
"Hello, I'm a Rookie Trainer from Pallet Town. May I request a Gym Challenge now?"
The staff member, a kind-looking young woman, smiled warmly. "Of course! Our Gym Leader is available. Please present your Pokédex for registration, and once completed, I will guide you to the battle area."
"Thank you! I appreciate your help," Robert replied, handing over his Pokédex.
"It's no trouble at all." She processed his registration quickly, then led him through the Gym's corridors.
After walking for a short distance, Robert found himself in a beautifully maintained garden. There, seated on a small stool, was a young woman with short black hair. She wore a green-furbished top and a flowing red Han-style skirt. She carefully trimmed the flowers in front of her, seemingly absorbed in her work.
This was Erika—the Gym Leader of Rainbow City, a specialist in Grass-type Pokémon, and an expert in floral arrangements. Known for her love of nature, Erika was both a respected teacher of flower arrangement and a highly skilled Pokémon Trainer. She preferred to train only beautiful Pokémon, and to her, all Grass-types fit that description perfectly.
The staff member stepped forward and respectfully addressed Erika. "Gym Leader, this is Robert from Pallet Town, a Rookie Trainer here to challenge you."
Hearing this, Erika paused and turned to face Robert. A flicker of curiosity crossed her serene expression.
"A Rookie Trainer from Pallet Town? If I remember correctly, this makes you the third one from there this year. Impressive—Pallet Town seems to be producing some outstanding trainers lately. Very well, I accept your challenge." She stood up gracefully and walked toward Robert, observing him briefly before offering a slight smile.
"Thank you for the opportunity," Robert said, bowing slightly in gratitude.
"There's no need to thank me. As a Gym Leader, it's my duty to accept all challengers. Follow me," Erika said, leading him deeper into the Gym.
After a few minutes, they arrived at the Rainbow Gym's battle arena. The battlefield resembled a natural garden, enclosed by transparent glass walls. Lush green grass covered the ground, with a few small rock formations scattered throughout. Gentle sunlight filtered in, creating the perfect environment for Grass-type Pokémon to thrive.
Erika turned to face Robert. "Before we begin, let me explain the rules of the Rainbow Gym Challenge."
She continued, "This will be a 3-on-3 battle. The match ends when all of one side's Pokémon are unable to continue. As the Gym Leader, I will not switch my Pokémon during the match, but you, as the challenger, may switch yours at any time. Do you understand?"
Robert nodded confidently. "I understand."
"Good. Then let's begin!" Erika declared, throwing a Poké Ball into the air.
A flash of red light erupted, and when it cleared, a Pokémon covered in thick, tangled vines appeared. It had stubby feet and a pair of large eyes peeking out from its vines.
"This is my first Pokémon—Tangela," Erika announced.
[Pokémon Information:]
Tangela
Category: Vine Pokémon
Type: Grass
Height: 1.0m
Weight: 35.0kg
Gender: Female
Ability: Chlorophyll (Speed increases greatly in sunny weather)
Stats:
HP: 30
Attack: 29
Special Attack: 28
Defense: 25
Special Defense: 28
Speed: 27
Moves: Bind, Ingrain, Sleep Powder, Absorb, Growth, Vine Whip, Poison Powder, Energy Ball
Held Item: None
Strength Level: Peak Ordinary
Robert analyzed the Pokémon in front of him. Tangela's Chlorophyll ability could pose a threat if Erika used Sunny Day to boost its speed. He had to be strategic in his approach.
Reaching for his belt, Robert took a Poké Ball in hand, a determined glint in his eyes. "Alright, let's do this!"
The battle was about to begin!