Pokemon: A Gym Leader's Rise(SI)

As the intense battle between Gladion and Rex continued, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric.

Arsenal, Gladion's Magmar, stood firm, his flames flickering with determination after his recent victory.

Rex, undeterred, recalled his fallen Pokémon.

"You must have won the first battle but it's not over."

Gladion just had a bored look on his face that said 'get on with it already bro.'

Rex with a confident grin, sent out his next Pokemon, a Gyarados.

The massive sea serpent materialized on the battlefield, its scales glistening under the stadium lights. The crowd gasped at the sight of the intimidating Water/Flying-type Pokémon. Gladion, however, couldn't resist a smirk.

"Would you look at that," Gladion taunted, his voice dripping with mock surprise. "You really managed to evolve your Magikarp using Splash."

The audience chuckled at the jest, recalling the infamously weak move associated with Magikarp. Rex's cheeks flushed, but he maintained his composure.

Internally, Gladion assessed the situation. 'This will be a good test for Arsenal,' he mused. 'Let's see how much he's grown after training with Mom and her team. With Gyarados having a type advantage, this will be challenging. But knowing mom, she would have taught him how to take water type moves and not getting immediately knocked out.'

Gladion did not how right he was. Erza trained all her fire Pokémon and even Arsenal by having them bath with a water hose pipe that is used to quench extremely strong fires by fire fighters.

Rex wasted no time as he made his move, commanding his Gyarados

"Use Rain Dance!"

Gyarados began to summon dark clouds, preparing to drench the battlefield and change the weather.

Gladion recognized the impending disadvantage. The water dance moves would increase water type moves damage while reducing the power of fire typeoves. Not to mention since Arsenal body was made of fire and Magma, he would constantly take damage from the rain.

Gladion quickly ordered, "Arsenal, interrupt with Flame Charge!"

Arsenal charged forward, cloaked in flames, aiming to halt Gyarados's move. But before he could make contact, the Rain Dance was completed. Rain poured down, dampening Arsenal's fiery aura. The Flame Charge connected, but its power was significantly reduced by the downpour, causing only minor damage to Gyarados.

Rex smirked, seizing the opportunity. "Gyarados, Aqua Tail!"

With Arsenal in close proximity, Gyarados's tail glowed with water energy as it swung forcefully, striking Arsenal and sending him skidding backward. The super-effective move, amplified by the rain, inflicted considerable damage.

Sensing an advantage, Rex commanded, "Finish it with Hydro Pump!"

As Gyarados prepared the high-pressure water blast, Gladion's eyes narrowed. "Arsenal, Smokescreen V3!"

The V3 was a codeword that Gladion and Arsenal had discussed earlier.

Arsenal nodded, releasing a thick cloud of smoke that enveloped the battlefield. The Hydro Pump shot through the haze but missed its target.

'Using a Smokescreen to hide. Coward!' Rex thought

Taking advantage of the obscured vision, Arsenal emitted a noxious smog by using the poison type move smog, blending it seamlessly with the existing smoke.

(A/N: Smog is naturally learned by a Magmar)

Rex, unable to see through the dense fog, shouted, "Keep using Hydro Pump! We'll hit him eventually!"

Gyarados unleashed multiple Hydro Pumps into the smoke, but each blast went astray. Moments later, Gyarados wavered, its massive form swaying before collapsing onto the soaked ground.

The crowd fell silent, stunned by the sudden turn of events. Rex's eyes widened in disbelief. "What just happened?"

Gladion smirked, the smoke beginning to dissipate. "While part of that was a standard Smokescreen, the rest was Arsenal's Smog attack—a Poison-type move. Your Gyarados inhaled a significant amount, leading to its downfall."

As the battlefield cleared, Arsenal stood tall, though his flames burned dimmer than before. Some of the Hydro Pump attacks had grazed him and the relentless rain had taken its toll on him.

Gladion considered his options. Despite Arsenal's evident fatigue, the Magmar's eyes burned with determination. However, Gladion knew better than to risk his partner's well-being.

"Arsenal, return," he said, holding out the Poké Ball.

Arsenal protested with a defiant growl, but a stern look from Gladion quelled his resistance. Reluctantly, he returned to the ball, the crowd murmuring in appreciation for his valiant effort.

Across the field, Rex's confidence wavered.

'Damn it, I have already lost two Pokémon to Gladion's zero. He has not even used his Machamp yet or even his pupitar. I would have to use him. He is my last chance. Please just listen to me this once.'

He clutched his next Poké Ball, beads of sweat forming on his brow. After a moment's hesitation, he threw it, releasing a majestic Charizard.

The fiery dragon-like Pokémon emerged with a roar, but instead of focusing on the battle, it glanced around disinterestedly, even letting out a bored yawn.

"Charizard, ready for battle!" Rex called out, attempting to sound authoritative.

Charizard huffed, turning its head away, clearly unimpressed.

Gladion chuckled, loud enough for Rex to hear.

'Why am I having a deja-vu? Oh right, the same thing happened with Ash's Charizard.'

"You asked why I chose Squirtle over a charmander back then Rex. That's why I chose Squirtle as my starter. Gaining a Charizard's loyalty? They're just too arrogant."

Rex's face turned crimson. "Come on, Charizard," he pleaded, "I need your help. Please, just this once."

Charizard glanced back at Rex, rolling its eyes, its posture radiating indifference.

'Jeez, if that Charizard doesn't participate in the match, it would get pretty boring and embarassing for Moonwood Town. Now that would hinder my future plans. So what can I do?Hmm...' Gladion thought

Rex's frustration was palpable. "Charizard, please! I need you to focus!" he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation.

An idea sparked in Gladion's mind. He knew that Charizard's pride was both its greatest strength and its most exploitable weakness. If he could provoke Charizard, perhaps he could ignite the fiery spirit within, turning the tide of the battle. He had to take a page out of Nyx's book.

With a sly smirk, Gladion called out, ensuring his voice carried across the arena. "Is that the best you've got, Rex? Your Charizard looks more like a Charmander that never grew up!"

The crowd murmured, sensing the deliberate insult. Charizard's ear twitched, its eyes narrowing as it processed the slight.

Rex shot a glare at Gladion. "What are you doing?" he hissed, confusion and anger mixing in his tone.

Ignoring Rex, Gladion continued, his voice dripping with mock disappointment. "I expected more of a challenge. Maybe your Charizard is just too scared to face me."

Charizard's tail flame flared brighter, a low growl rumbling from its throat. The taunt had struck a nerve.

Internally, Gladion mused, 'Perfect. Just a little more to push it over the edge.'

Feigning a yawn, Gladion added, "Perhaps it's time for a nap. Facing such a timid Charizard is hardly worth my time."

That did it. With a roar that echoed through the stadium, Charizard's wings unfurled, and it stomped forward, flames licking at the corners of its mouth.

Rex blinked in surprise but quickly seized the opportunity. "That's it, Charizard! Show him what you've got!"

Gladion allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. 'Sometimes, a little reverse psychology goes a long way. Nyx is influencing me in all the wrong ways.' he thought

Unaware of Gladion's true intentions, Rex focused on the battle, his confidence bolstered by Charizard's sudden fervor.

And with that Gladion released his next Pokemon.

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

Y'all can read 15 extra chapters on my pat*reon. 3 more than what was offered earlier!!

https://pat reon.com/mrmime24

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