POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

Akro, the part-time gym leader of EMI Gym and full-time painter, exuded an artistic atmosphere. Unfortunately, his personality traits—arrogance, vanity, and lechery—left much to be desired. No wonder his position would eventually be taken over by Cai Zhong in the future; there was likely a story behind it.

Currently, however, Akro was dealing with complaints from gym apprentices who had been soundly defeated by Rax.

Rax simply shook his Poké Ball and addressed the gym leader.

"Let's get started, gym leader!"

The referee began explaining the rules.

"This gym challenge is a 3-on-3 singles match. The battle ends when all three Pokémon of one side are unable to battle or if one side concedes. The challenger is allowed to switch Pokémon freely during the match.

"Now, let the battle begin!"

"Haha, young man, don't be too cocky! Go, Lurantis!" Akro called.

Rax ignored Akro's taunt and released his first Pokémon.

"Marowak, let's do this!"

Lurantis, a Grass-type Pokémon resembling a raincoat-clad lady, was at a disadvantage against Flying-type moves. Rax had confidence in Marowak's versatility.

Akro didn't make the first move, so Rax took the initiative.

"Use Stone Edge!"

"Marowak!"

Marowak swung its bone club, summoning three sharp stones that shot toward Lurantis in a triangular formation.

"Lurantis, use Leaf Blade gracefully!" Akro called with dramatic flair.

Rax sighed. What's with all the theatrics?

Despite Akro's overly long command, Lurantis moved swiftly, slashing the stones out of the air with precision. However, it didn't launch a follow-up attack—Lurantis wasn't a Pokémon built for offense.

Meanwhile, Marowak took advantage of the distraction and closed the distance.

"Use Aerial Ace!"

"Lurantis, use Psychic to stop it!"

Lurantis activated its telekinetic powers, halting Marowak mid-attack.

Rax realized that Akro's long-winded commands were part of a strategy to disrupt the opponent's rhythm.

"Stomp, Marowak!"

"Marowak!"

Marowak slammed the ground, sending shockwaves rippling outward. Lurantis, already struggling to maintain its balance, stumbled.

"Now, Aerial Ace again!"

Before Lurantis could recover, Marowak delivered a decisive blow, knocking it out.

"The winner of the first round is Marowak!" the referee announced.

Akro chuckled, shaking his head. "Tsk tsk, such ruthlessness. No girl will like you with that attitude."

Rax resisted the urge to roll his eyes. I just want this battle to be over so I can sleep.

Akro released his second Pokémon, Grotle, the second stage of Sinnoh's Grass-type starter.

Rax recalled Marowak and sent out Skiploom.

As Skiploom floated onto the battlefield, a gentle breeze surrounded it. Its innocent expression and round eyes contrasted sharply with its latent power.

"Such a charming Skiploom! Kid, I might have underestimated you," Akro said with a smirk.

"Grotle, use Razor Leaf!"

Grotle launched a flurry of leaves, but Skiploom effortlessly dodged and closed the distance.

"Grotle, use Curse!"

Grotle's speed decreased as it bolstered its attack and defense stats. Akro anticipated Skiploom's next move—but he didn't expect what happened next.

"Use Toxic!" Rax commanded.

Skiploom spat a glob of poison at Grotle, striking it squarely. The poison immediately took effect, sapping Grotle's energy.

Instead of attacking, Skiploom began a hit-and-run strategy, weaving in and out of Grotle's range.

The battlefield grew silent as Akro realized what was happening. Grotle's health was steadily draining, and Rax wasn't giving it any opportunities to counterattack.

"Grotle, use Synthesis!"

"It's useless; the poison will get you," Rax said coolly.

Akro glared. "You're making it hard for anyone to like you, kid."

"But you're the one who stopped attacking," Rax retorted with a sly grin.

Frustrated, Akro recalled Grotle.

"You win this round. Go, Shiftry!"

A red light flashed, revealing Akro's final Pokémon, Shiftry. Its sinister appearance and confident stance marked it as the gym leader's ace.

Skiploom's expression grew serious as it faced the formidable opponent.

"Shiftry, use Foul Play!"

"Skiploom, Substitute!"

Skiploom quickly created a decoy, dodging Shiftry's powerful attack.

"Shiftry, follow up with Feint Attack!"

"Use Toxic again!"

Shiftry destroyed the substitute but was hit with another dose of poison. Its movements slowed as the toxic effect worsened.

"Shiftry, use Hurricane!"

"Skiploom, Protect!"

Skiploom shielded itself from the devastating storm, frustrating Akro further.

By now, the toxic strategy had taken its toll. Shiftry struggled to stay upright as the poison drained its strength.

The gym leader could only watch helplessly as his ace fell victim to Rax's calculated defense.