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Things between Trainers can be very interesting.
Sometimes, you might take a majestic Pokémon with you when heading out. Trainers with ill intentions might hesitate to challenge you, knowing they likely wouldn't win. However, if you bring along a Pikachu or a similarly small Pokémon, you may find yourself swarmed by challengers hoping to make some easy money. They might think your Pokémon looks easy to defeat, unaware that some of these people might just be setting a trap to catch rule-breakers.
Lost in thought, Evan noticed his Dragonite land gracefully in front of the gym's entrance. The sight of the powerful Pokémon descending caused a stir among the Trainers exiting the gym. They cast curious glances at the Dragonite, wondering if another strong challenger had arrived to test the gym leader. However, they didn't linger long. Instead, they hurried off towards the Pokémon Center, likely seeking treatment for their own battle-worn teams.
Evan strode confidently into the grand palace ahead. Inside, he was greeted by an unusual sight. The entrance hall was adorned with an antique, traditional design, yet a modern computer sat incongruously in the room. A young woman was seated at the computer, ready to assist. The blend of ancient aesthetics with modern technology created a stark visual contrast, leaving Evan momentarily speechless. He couldn't help but think how the gym owner had a knack for theatrics, crafting a setting that felt like a journey through time.
Despite the peculiar surroundings, Evan approached the desk and addressed the receptionist. "Hello, I'm here to challenge the gym. Here are my certificates and ID card," he said, handing over his Trainer credentials.
The young woman nodded in acknowledgment and swiftly began registering his details into the system. Though it was Evan's first visit to this gym, he was well-acquainted with the standard procedure. The process involved verifying his Badge count, which determined the strength of the Pokémon the gym leader would use. Victorious Trainers would earn a new Badge, which would then be recorded in the League's database by the front desk's computer.
With everything digitized, even refereeing was handled by machines, ensuring fairness in every battle. There was no room for bias or leniency from the gym leader—victory had to be earned.
If the system determines that a Trainer is unqualified, any earned Badges won't be recorded in the League's database.
After registering Evan's details, the receptionist returned his ID card. Without looking up, she gestured towards the gym's interior and said, "The battle arena is inside." Then, she returned her attention to the drama she was watching on her computer.
Evan didn't mind her indifference. After all, the front desk staff were there simply to handle registration, not to offer encouragement. Taking his things, he headed straight inside.
As he entered, a battle was already underway in the gym. It was nearing its conclusion, and a line of Trainers waited for their turn to face the leader. Evan observed the ongoing match for a moment. His focus shifted to the battlefield, where it quickly became evident what "one by one" meant in this context. Some Trainers, despite earning a few Badges, were no match for the gym leader. The leader of this Ghost Gym was dispatching opponents with swift and decisive moves.
The leader's efficiency caught Evan's attention, and when his gaze fell on the leader herself, he froze. "Monitor?" he muttered, surprised.
It was Freya, Evan's former college class monitor. Freya had excelled in her Trainer courses, but she had always been second to Evan. During their school years, Evan was unbeatable, earning a reputation as a formidable rival, a "big devil" in the training sessions. What Evan didn't anticipate was that his college classmate would one day become the leader of a gym.
Freya's current battle ended in a clean victory, and she pulled out her phone to check the details of her next challenger. When she saw the name on the screen, she was momentarily stunned. "Evan???" she exclaimed, her eyes darting to the waiting area. Spotting Evan, her expression turned curious and slightly amused.
Freya had long, straight black hair, and though she wasn't as striking as Sophia or Claire, she had an understated charm. Her eyes locked on Evan, and she called out, "Evan! Long time no see."
Evan walked up to the battlefield with a smile. "Monitor, it's been a while," he said warmly.
Freya raised an eyebrow. "I thought you'd given up being a Trainer," she said, intrigued. "What happened?"
She recalled hearing rumors that Evan had stopped being a Trainer due to financial issues, including being unable to afford rare Pokémon eggs. Back then, she thought it was a great loss to lose such a talented rival.
Evan hadn't expected that he would actually find himself at this gym to challenge for a Badge.
"Good guy," Freya muttered, scanning his record. "You've already earned the Water, Rock, and Thunder Badges. And now you're here for your fourth? Is this what people mean when they call someone an 'inappropriate Trainer'?" For a moment, she felt like she had been tricked.
Evan shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Something strange happened. My Pokémon stabbed me in the back. Originally, I wasn't planning to challenge any gyms, but my Pokémon insisted. They practically dragged me here."
Freya raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Evan continued, "Anyway, let's catch up after we battle. You'll take it easy on me since you're my monitor, right?"
Freya's expression turned sharp and almost indignant. "Take it easy? Absolutely not! Not only will I not hold back, but I'll also make sure you don't get this Badge."
She recalled how, back in their training sessions, Evan had never shown mercy. Why should she? For any other classmate, she might consider going easy, but not for Evan. Today, she would make sure he paid for all those "injustices" she suffered in school.
"I'll settle the score today, Evan!" she declared as she threw out her Poké Ball. "Go, Froslass!"
The elegant Ghost-and-Ice-type Pokémon emerged, a frosty aura surrounding it. Freya's determination was written all over her face—she wasn't kidding about going all out.
Evan sighed, though he wasn't truly surprised. He knew his former monitor's character well. "Alright then, real swords and guns it is. Who's afraid of who?" he said, tossing his own Poké Ball. "Charizard, let's go!"
As the flame-winged Pokémon appeared, Freya's eyes widened. "Wait… is this the Charizard hatched from the egg the professor gave you?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Evan's Charizard stood confidently, its brilliant Shiny coloring making it stand out. Even its eyes seemed different—intense and sharp. Freya couldn't help but feel a wave of envy, jealousy, and regret.
How had he gotten so lucky? She thought back to the egg she had nonchalantly handed to Evan. Who would've guessed it would hatch into a Shiny Charizard? She felt like she had missed out on a fortune.
"He gets a Shiny Pokémon from an egg, and now he's here to challenge me for a Badge," Freya muttered to herself, shaking her head. "Well, I guess I have no choice but to take him down."