Dark City lay between the Wild Plains and Cinnabar Island. Though its economy lagged behind, its proximity to the Plains meant the surrounding natural environment was exceptionally well preserved.
Canyons. Open fields. Wetlands. Lakes.
Agriculture remained the city's backbone. It was an old settlement where people rose with the sun and rested at dusk, maintaining a delicate balance with Pokémon and nature alike.
The residents were not wealthy. Their lives were simple, even plain—but peaceful.
A seasonal wind from the southern Kanto sea swept past Cinnabar Island, carrying a trace of volcanic warmth across rivers and mountains. Filtered through stretches of forest, the breeze finally drifted into the lowland plain outside Dark City.
The wind stirred Kael's long hair.
He wore a black high-collared short-sleeve shirt, light blue jeans, and red-and-white canvas shoes. Seated calmly on Rhydon's broad left shoulder, he watched the distant figures gathering on the plain.
A silver-patterned hairband secured his long ponytail, which swayed gently in the breeze.
Two forces assembled opposite one another.
On one side stood Kaz Gym, clad in tight blue uniforms. On the other, Yas Gym, dressed in green suspenders and matching attire.
Under their respective leaders, each disciple wore a mix of anger at being slighted—and fear of the towering Rhydon ahead.
One man challenging two gyms.
The loser leaves the city.
When Ann Chovy delivered those words to Yas, even the usually composed, lanky gym leader had smashed several cups in fury. Arrogant. What does he take us for?
Yet pride gave way to pragmatism. If Kael wanted to settle everything at once, then so be it.
Yas had rushed overnight to Kaz Gym. Though joining forces against one opponent was shameless, neither wanted the official League Gym qualification stolen by an outsider. Pride could wait. Survival came first.
Kaz Gym had nineteen members including Kaz himself. Yas Gym brought sixteen including Yas.
Thirty-five trainers in total.
Kaz and Yas exchanged looks. With such numbers, their confidence swelled. Even if Kael possessed that enormous Rhydon, they had overwhelming manpower. Strength in numbers would crush him.
...
On a nearby hillside, three five-year-old boys crouched in the grass.
"Gian, stop pushing! It's about to start!" said a freckled boy peering through binoculars.
They were all local kids from Dark City.
Gian grinned. "Who do you think will win, Suneo?"
"Doesn't matter. Gym owners are all bad people. I hope they knock each other out," Suneo spat.
"I hope the long-haired guy wins," muttered the bespectacled boy, Nobita. "He doesn't look like a bad guy."
Suneo scoffed. "You're such an idiot. Don't you remember how people from Kaz Gym and Yas Gym always take fruit from your family's store without paying?"
"I still think he's not bad!" Nobita insisted stubbornly.
"Stop arguing—it's starting!" Gian pointed toward the plain.
...
"Go, Geodude!"
"Dodrio!"
"Nidorino!"
"Pidgeotto!"
"Machoke!"
Across the vast plain, Poké Ball flashes burst in rapid succession. Pokémon of all shapes and types materialized in dazzling white light.
Most were common species—but gathered in such numbers, they created an overwhelming pressure.
"Electabuzz!"
"Scyther!"
Kaz and Yas released their aces as well.
35 trainers. 35 Pokémon.
Even if most were mediocre, sheer numbers could bury even a powerful opponent.
Kael leapt down from Rhydon's shoulder. With a flick of his hand, three white flashes appeared before him.
Lulu. Weavile. Chansey.
Four against 35.
No one knew how this clash would end.
Facing a mob made up largely of thugs and inexperienced trainers, Kael felt no anxiety. The only real threats were Electabuzz—and Scyther.
"Weavile, Swords Dance."
He would give them no chance. Unless he crushed them decisively, these people would never accept defeat.
"Everyone, attack together!" Kaz roared. "Today we drive this outsider out of Dark City! The official Gym title belongs to Kaz Gym—!"
"Electabuzz, use Thunderbolt on that black cat!"
Kaz had never seen Weavile before and didn't know its name. But that battle dance—it could not be allowed to finish.
Swords Dance was a terrifying buff. Left unchecked, even a weaker Pokémon could overturn stronger opponents after a single boost.
Brilliant yellow electricity burst from Electabuzz's twin antennae, arcing across the sky with a sharp crackle toward Weavile mid-dance.
Swords Dance stimulated muscle tissue, swelling and energizing it to greatly enhance physical attack power. Its flaw was obvious—while performing the dance, the user could not move, making it an easy target.
Any competent trainer, upon seeing Swords Dance, would immediately launch a full assault.
If the dance completed—
The battle might as well be over.
***************************
Read advanced chapters ahead of everyone else on my P@treon.
P@treon/GodDragcell