Pokemon: A Gym Leader's Rise(SI)

The warm glow of the television flickered against the walls of a cozy living room. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as Erza stretched lazily on the couch, her fiery red hair spilling over her shoulders. Across from her, Ben adjusted his reading glasses, leaning forward with mild interest as the news broadcast continued.

"—and in today's segment, we talk about the digital revolution that's changing the very way trainers interact with the world!" The reporter, an energetic woman in a bright yellow suit, stood in front of a massive screen displaying statistics and trends.

"With the rise of Pokébook, PokéGram, and PokéLinkedIn, trainers from all across the region are connecting like never before. Whether it's sharing battle strategies, showcasing their Pokémon, or, of course, indulging in a few quality memes—the pokénet has never been more alive!"

The screen shifted, now showing clips of trending battle videos. One particularly intense battle between a Charizard and a Dragonite was playing, the camera zooming in dramatically on each of their movements. But then—

*THUD.*

The Dragonite, mid-attack, tripped on a stray rock and faceplanted straight into the ground. The broadcast cut to a massive overlay of the words:

"WHEN YOUR SPEED EVS ARE MAXED, BUT YOUR EYESIGHT ISN'T"

Ben and Erza erupted into laughter.

The reporter continued, barely containing her laughter. "Of course, it's not just intense battles getting attention—sometimes, it's the moments in between that go viral. Let's take a look at some of the best battle fails and memes circulating right now!"

The screen cut to a battle scene where a Snorlax was using Rest in the middle of a League match. The opponent's trainer was yelling, but the Snorlax just continued snoozing.

Meme text:

"When your team is getting wiped in a raid, but you used all your revives."

[A/N: P.S There are Pokemon games in the Pokemon world too]

The audience chuckled as another clip played. A Poliwhirl stood ready for battle as its trainer yelled, "Poliwhirl, use Hypnosis!" Poliwhirl did… but instead of hitting the opponent, it looked in a mirror-like surface on the battlefield and put itself to sleep.

Meme text:

"Me trying to be productive but end up taking a nap instead."

Ben snorted. "Classic."

The next clip showed a Machoke flexing dramatically in the middle of a match, only for a *Kadabra* to hit it with Psychic and send it flying out of the stadium.

Meme text:

"When you think you're the main character, but the opponent already read the script."

Erza actually let out a chuckle at that one. "Poor guy never saw it coming."

Ben was now laughing openly. "Oh man, I love that one!"

Erza shook her head but smirked. "You're worse than the kids."

The broadcast then showed an elderly couple watching the meme clips, both of them wiping tears from their eyes as they laughed. The old man chuckled. "This thing is funnier than the comedy shows we used to watch!"

His wife added, "That little guy reminds me of our grandson when he tried to spray the garden hose."

The studio audience laughed again as the reporter grinned. "And that's why PokéBook and PokéGram are taking over—because sometimes, you just need to see a Machamp fail at life to make your day better."

Ben chuckled, shaking his head. "Kids these days…"

Erza smirked. "You know, even the old folks are getting in on it."

The next segment featured elderly trainers reacting to the videos, their wheezing laughter filling the room. One old man wiped a tear from his eye. "Ohh, that Dragonite… That was me in my youth."

A stern-looking woman beside him added, "This PokéGram thing is pretty fun. I posted a picture of my Flareon and got 500 likes. I don't even know what a like is, but my grandson says I'm 'going viral.'"

The reporter grinned. "It's not just memes and battles, folks! PokéLinkedIn has also revolutionized the professional world for trainers, ensuring that skilled individuals find jobs suited to their strengths."

The screen switched to an interview with a newly appointed Beach Police Officer. Standing beside him was his loyal Poliwhirl.

"I always had a talent for handling Water Pokémon," the officer explained, rubbing Swampert's head. "But it wasn't until PokéLinkedIn that I found an opening that matched my skill set. Now, thanks to my Poliwhirl's ability to sense underwater disturbances, we've been able to stop three smuggling operations in the last month alone."

Another segment showcased a trainer with a team of Alakazam working as data analysts for a major research company. The trainer adjusted his glasses, looking almost smug. "My Alakazam's IQ is over 5,000. He finished a week's worth of calculations in 30 minutes. The company hired me on the spot."

Erza raised an eyebrow. "Huh. So even non-battlers are finding their place."

Ben leaned back, arms crossed. "And who do we have to thank for all of this?" He glanced at his wife with a knowing smirk.

Erza rolled her eyes. "Oh, don't say it."

Ben grinned wider. "Our son, the genius."

Erza groaned, sinking further into the couch. "Don't boost his ego any more than it already is."

Ben chuckled. "But you have to admit, what he's done is nothing short of amazing. A full social media ecosystem for trainers? Even the League is using it to track rising stars." He whistled. "The money flowing in is no joke, either. Trainers are paying premium fees to be listed on PokéLinkedIn, and businesses are pouring in cash for ad space on PokéBook and PokéGram." He rubbed his temples dramatically. "I swear, our son has already made more money than I have in my entire life."

Erza snorted. "That's not exactly a high bar."

Ben feigned a hurt expression. "Excuse you. I worked very hard for my decent life."

Erza just smiled and asked "Did you hear from Gwen?"

Ben stiffened as he embarassedly told about his last talk with Gwen "Well, She completed her Kanto Gym Circuit a month ago as you know. She has since traveled to Johto in search of a particular Pokémon, following the advice of a certain someone—"

Erza's eyes narrowed. "Who's 'a certain someone'?"

Ben scratched his cheek, looking nervous. "Uhh… Agatha?"

*BANG!*

Erza slammed the table so hard that the coffee mugs jumped. "THAT WITCH?"

Ben winced. "I knew this was coming…" He knew that Erza and Agatha had a complicated history and neither could stand each other. Well mostly, Erza can't stand Agatha.

Erza stood up, hands on her hips, eyes blazing with fury. "That old hag has her schemes! I just know it!" She clenched her fists. "I will pay her a visit. I will get answers."

Ben sighed, rubbing his temples. "Honey, please. I just fixed the last hole in the wall."

Erza scowled but sat back down, arms crossed. "I don't trust her one bit."

"Noted," Ben muttered.

After a few moments of silence, Ben shifted the conversation. "So, how's Gladion doing?"

Erza's expression softened slightly. "He's doing well. He's completed his circuit and is training hard for the League. He is probably going to win it too." She turned slightly, smirking. "Isn't that right, Arsenal?"

A loud, guttural roar echoed through the room.

"MAG—MARRR!"

In the corner of the room, Arsenal, now a big Magmar, stood. His red-and-yellow body flickered with heat as he grunted in what could only be described as frustration.

'Finally!' He was finally going to reunite with his trainer!

Arsenal had nothing against Erza—she was strong, skilled, and commanded the respect of Fire Pokémon. But by Arceus, she was also a taskmaster! Training under her had been a non-stop barrage of fire drills, intense sparring, and "if you're not sweating lava, you're not trying hard enough" speeches.

The Magmar was thrilled to go back to Gladion, his trainer. At least he wouldn't push him to literal combustion levels.

Erza smirked at Arsenal's enthusiasm. "Oh? Excited to escape, are we?"

Arsenal quickly tried to look neutral, but the fact that he was practically vibrating with anticipation made it obvious.

Ben laughed. "Poor guy looks like a prisoner about to be released."

Erza rolled her eyes. "He should be thanking me for making him stronger."

Arsenal, however, was just praying that Gladion's training methods wouldn't involve dying every day.

----Author Notes------

Thankyou Jack Allen and KO for supporting me!

Y'all can read 12 extra chapters on my pat*reon.

https://pat reon.com/mrmime24

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