Looking at the Pokémon released by Erika, Robert was not surprised. After all, this Tangela was practically a veteran fighter in her gym battles.
"In that case, Pikachu, you'll take the lead," Robert said, glancing at his partner.
Although using a Fire-type Pokémon against a Grass-type opponent would have been the obvious choice due to type advantage, Robert had other plans. Charizard was his strongest Pokémon, and he preferred to let Pikachu and the others gain experience from this battle.
"Pikapi!"
Pikachu let out a confident cry and dashed onto the battlefield.
"Oh, you're not using a Fire-type Pokémon but an Electric-type?" Erika observed. "It seems you have confidence in your Pokémon."
She studied Pikachu closely, noticing its well-groomed fur and sharp eyes. The meticulous care was evident, proving Robert wasn't an ordinary rookie trainer.
"Not bad," she admitted. "Alright then, Tangela, use Energy Ball!"
"Pikachu, counter with Thunderbolt!"
Both Pokémon launched their attacks simultaneously. The two moves clashed in mid-air, their energy colliding fiercely. However, only Robert knew that Pikachu's strength far exceeded that of Tangela's.
As expected, Pikachu's Thunderbolt overpowered the Energy Ball effortlessly, dissipating it before surging forward toward Tangela.
"Oh no! Dodge it, Tangela!" Erika commanded.
She hadn't anticipated such raw power from Pikachu's Thunderbolt. Tangela barely managed to leap to the side, evading the attack as the Thunderbolt struck the ground, scorching the battlefield.
Seeing Tangela evade the attack, Robert smirked slightly. He wasn't going to let it escape so easily.
"Pikachu, use Agility, then Quick Attack, followed by Iron Tail!"
A textbook speed strategy—get in close and strike hard. Even a Rock-type Pokémon wouldn't withstand the impact.
With dazzling speed, Pikachu executed the command flawlessly. Before Tangela could react, Pikachu's Iron Tail struck it directly, sending it flying across the field. It landed with a thud, eyes swirling, unable to continue the battle.
"Tangela is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! Gym Leader Erika, please send out your next Pokémon." The referee waved the flag, declaring the round.
"I didn't expect your Pikachu to be this fast, even without a natural Speed advantage. And Iron Tail too? Impressive," Erika remarked, recalling Tangela.
She had barely reacted before Tangela was knocked out. This realization confirmed that Robert was no ordinary rookie. In fact, he might be stronger than the other two trainers from Pallet Town who had challenged her before.
"Thank you, Gym Leader Erika," Robert responded humbly. "But Pikachu's progress is thanks to its hard work and training."
"Pika!" Pikachu cried out excitedly, pleased with the compliment. It knew that much of its power came from the training regimens Robert had designed, along with the TMs that helped it learn powerful moves.
"This isn't just a compliment, it's a fact," Erika stated. "Since you have such strength, I should step up my game too."
Originally, she had planned to use another Pokémon on the rookie level, but she changed her mind. From her pocket, she retrieved a Great Ball, a clear indication that this Pokémon was one of her strongest.
"Come forth, Vileplume!"
A flash of red light materialized into Erika's next Pokémon—Vileplume.
The Pokémon's indigo body and delicate limbs contrasted with the massive red-petaled flower on its head, dotted with white spots. Its small, piercing eyes showed a calm yet powerful presence.
[Vileplume] [Category: Flower Pokémon] [Type: Grass/Poison] [Height: 1.3m] [Weight: 18.6kg] [Gender: Female] [Ability: Chlorophyll (Doubles Speed in sunny weather)] [Stats: HP (30), Attack (29), Special Attack (31), Defense (29), Special Defense (28), Speed (26)] [Moves: Absorb, Growth, Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Stun Spore, Petal Dance, Sweet Scent, Energy Ball, Aromatherapy, Solar Beam] [Held Item: None] [Strength: Elite Intermediate]
Vileplume let out a low, confident cry, ready for battle. The scent from its petals wafted through the battlefield, carrying a subtle yet calming aroma.
Robert remained unfazed. "Alright, Pikachu, let's keep going."
Erika smiled. "Then let's see how you handle this! Vileplume, use Stun Spore!"
Vileplume shook its petals, releasing a golden mist that spread rapidly toward Pikachu.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack to evade!"
With a burst of speed, Pikachu darted across the battlefield, narrowly escaping the cloud of paralyzing spores.
"Now, counter with Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu's body crackled with electricity before unleashing a powerful Thunderbolt toward Vileplume.
"Vileplume, block it with Energy Ball!" Erika commanded.
Vileplume quickly formed a sphere of green energy and launched it at the incoming Thunderbolt. The two attacks clashed mid-air, resulting in a brief but intense explosion.
Robert narrowed his eyes. Vileplume was indeed strong—it had successfully neutralized Pikachu's Thunderbolt. But he wasn't done yet.
"Pikachu, get in close with Agility!"
Pikachu blurred into motion, zigzagging at high speed towards Vileplume.
"Not so fast! Use Petal Dance!"
Vileplume spun on its tiny feet, sending out a barrage of swirling pink petals that shot toward Pikachu like a floral storm.
"Dodge and use Iron Tail!"
Pikachu jumped high, flipping mid-air to avoid the petals before bringing its tail down, hardened like steel.
The impact was direct. Vileplume staggered backward, wincing from the hit. However, Erika wasn't about to let Robert dominate the fight so easily.
"Vileplume, use Sleep Powder!"
A new wave of spores drifted toward Pikachu.
"Pikachu, blow it away with Thunderbolt!"
Sparks crackled as Pikachu fired a Thunderbolt, creating a shockwave that dispersed the spores harmlessly.
Seeing this, Robert knew it was time to end the battle. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt, full power!"
Electricity surged through Pikachu's body before it released an immense burst of energy, striking Vileplume dead-on.
Vileplume let out a sharp cry as the electricity surged through its body. Its eyes swirled before it collapsed.
"Vileplume is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! The challenger Robert is victorious!" the referee declared.
Robert grinned as Pikachu jumped into his arms, squeaking happily.
Erika returned Vileplume to its Poké Ball and walked over, smiling. "That was an incredible battle. Your Pikachu's strength and speed are impressive."
"Thank you, Gym Leader Erika. It was a great match."
She nodded and held out a small case. "As proof of your victory, I present to you the Rainbow Badge."
Robert accepted the badge, admiring its intricate design before securing it in his badge case.
"Good luck on the rest of your journey, Robert. I have no doubt you'll go far."
With another Gym victory under his belt, Robert left the Rainbow Gym, ready for the next challenge that awaited him.