"The strength of an elite intermediate-level Pokémon is almost the same as Pikachu's. In that case, Pikachu, you're up!" After analyzing Vileplume's abilities, Robert decided to keep Pikachu in the battle rather than recalling him.
Aijali smiled confidently. "Then, let's begin the second round of our battle. But be careful—my Vileplume is much stronger than my Tangela."
Robert remained composed. "Come on, Miss Aijali, show me your true strength. I hope you won't let me down."
"Since you're so confident, I'll give it my all! Vileplume, let's go!"
The referee raised his flag. "The second round of battle officially begins!"
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Robert commanded, pointing forward.
Pikachu immediately gathered electrical energy, charging up for a devastating 100,000-volt attack.
Aijali chuckled. "Impatient, aren't we? Vileplume, dodge and counter with Razor Leaf!"
Vileplume responded with a soft chirp, swiftly sidestepping the oncoming Thunderbolt. Swinging its large flower-like head, it launched a barrage of sharp, green leaves at Pikachu.
"Pikachu, quick—evade!"
"Pika!" Pikachu dropped low, tensed its body, and dashed rapidly, dodging each razor-sharp leaf with incredible speed.
Aijali observed calmly. She already knew from their first battle that Pikachu's speed was a major advantage. The probability of her attacks hitting Pikachu directly was only about 30%.
If I want to land a hit, I need to slow Pikachu down first… Aijali devised a plan and immediately gave her next command.
"Vileplume, use Stun Spore—cover the entire battlefield!"
"Vile!" Vileplume bent its head forward and released a dense cloud of yellowish powder into the air.
Robert smirked. "Trying to paralyze Pikachu to limit his speed? A good strategy, but unfortunately…" He had anticipated her move.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt—disrupt Vileplume's attack!"
"Pika!" Pikachu's cheeks sparked intensely. Normally, charging a Thunderbolt took a moment, but thanks to its training and the Electric Bead it held, the attack was unleashed instantly.
No holding back! A massive surge of electricity shot forward, striking Vileplume before it could complete its Stun Spore attack.
Aijali's eyes widened. "Impossible! That speed...! Vileplume, counter with Energy Ball!"
Vileplume ceased its Stun Spore attack and began gathering natural energy to retaliate.
But it was too late.
The Thunderbolt struck Vileplume before it could fully charge its attack. Sparks of electricity coursed through its body, and its movements stiffened. Occasional jolts of static flickered around it—Vileplume was paralyzed.
Robert saw his chance. "Pikachu, take advantage of its paralysis! Charge up and use Thunder!"
"Pikaaa!" Pikachu clenched its fists and summoned an immense amount of electrical energy. The power built up rapidly, culminating in a gigantic bolt of lightning that crashed down onto the immobilized Vileplume.
BOOM!
The explosion of energy shook the battlefield. As the dust settled, all that remained was a motionless Vileplume lying on the ground, its body singed and twitching from residual electricity.
The referee raised his flag. "Vileplume is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! The gym leader must send out her next Pokémon!"
Aijali sighed and retrieved her fainted Vileplume into its Poké Ball. "You fought well, Vileplume. Get some rest."
She turned to Robert, her eyes filled with admiration. "You might be the strongest rookie trainer I've ever faced. Regardless of the next battle's outcome, I'll award you the Rainbow Badge."
Robert smirked. "I appreciate the recognition, but I want to earn that badge with my own strength."
Aijali nodded. "Very well. In that case, I won't hold back. I'll use one of my stronger Pokémon this time."
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a high-grade Poké Ball. If I want to win, I can't rely on third-tier Pokémon anymore...
She threw the Poké Ball into the air, and a large Pokémon emerged in a flash of red light. The massive creature stood on all fours, its green, wart-covered skin thick and sturdy. It had a pair of pointed ears, orange-red eyes, and a large pink flower blooming on its back, supported by a thick trunk-like stem.
Venusaur!
The referee announced the new combatant:
[Pokémon: Venusaur]
Category: Seed Pokémon
Type: Grass/Poison
Height: 2.2m
Weight: 100.0kg
Ability: Overgrow (Boosts the power of Grass-type moves when HP is low)
Moves: Growth, Sleep Powder, Poison Powder, Sweet Scent, Vine Whip, Razor Leaf, Seed Bomb, Take Down, Solar Beam, Petal Dance...
Aijali gave Robert a serious look. "This Venusaur belongs to my second-tier team. Be careful, because this battle is going to be much tougher."
Robert studied Venusaur, carefully considering his options. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Pikachu, are you ready?"
"Pika!" Pikachu's ears perked up, electricity crackling around its cheeks.
Aijali smiled. "Then let's see if you can handle this! Venusaur, prepare to battle!"
The tension in the gym rose as both trainers locked eyes. The real challenge had just begun!