Proton was a bit taken aback. His memory wasn't bad, and he definitely remembered seeing this dark-clad youth on the S.S. Anne.
Upon investigation, it turned out this person was indeed a trainer from Rota Gym and the Gym Leader too.
But the words he was saying...
Since when did Gym Leaders of the Pokémon League become so shameless?
"Young man~ that joke isn't very funny."
Proton's face twitched slightly as he tried to maintain his usual facade of a smiling tiger.
"As a Gym Leader of the Pokémon League, stealing someone else's Pokémon is quite unethical."
Proton's tone was laced with undisguised sarcasm.
"Tsk~ Proton, do you have any evidence?" Dylan raised an eyebrow.
"You say I stole your Pokémon, but do you have any proof?"
"???"
Proton was amused. Did he really need proof? Look at the destroyed door and the broken safe.
Calling you a robber wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Legitimate League members storming a Team Rocket base would be arresting members left and right.
But you? You just came in and started looting, didn't you?
"Young man, isn't Darkrai right beside you? And you took its Poké Ball too."
Yes, this black Pokémon was indeed Darkrai!
"That's right." Dylan nodded nonchalantly.
"But do you have any proof that Darkrai belongs to Team Rocket? Why don't you call it and see if it responds to you?"
Dylan glanced at Darkrai, which was also looking at him.
This Darkrai seemed off, not only physically weak but also mentally exhausted. Who knows what it had gone through?
"..." Proton's eyes darkened.
There was no way Darkrai would respond to him. It was a blessing that Darkrai hadn't attacked him.
"Young man, you..."
"What do you mean, you? I have a question for you, Proton."
Ignoring Proton's dark look, Dylan took a step forward, speaking loudly and righteously, cutting off Proton's words.
"What is Team Rocket's deal? Locking my Darkrai in your safe?!"
Proton was stunned into silence as Dylan's voice boomed.
"If you don't give me a satisfactory explanation today, Proton, you'll be spending some time in jail!"
Sensing their trainer needed support, Nidoking and Salazzle stepped forward. Nidoking wore a fierce expression, and Salazzle sneered. The atmosphere changed instantly!
Full Villain Mode.jpg
"You!"
Proton was shocked!
Good heavens! This was the first time he had seen a Gym Leader from the Pokémon League act like this!
You're falsely accusing me with such audacity, and you don't even blush! Who taught you this?!
"Fine, fine, fine!!!"
Finally regaining his composure, Proton's sinister face twisted as he pulled down his hat brim.
"It seems you won't be returning Darkrai to us, so be it. I find you quite interesting as well."
Proton's voice turned cold. He wasn't a saint.
Two Poké Balls opened, revealing Crobat and Weezing.
"Tsk~ just right, your bounty in the League is quite high too." Dylan smiled brightly.
Capturing him and handing him over to the League would surely enhance Dylan's performance record, resulting in richer rewards.
"Heh~" Proton sneered.
This kid really had no idea of the danger he was in. Just because he defeated Archer with help, he thought he could handle Proton too?
Such laughable arrogance!
Darkrai remained silent, seemingly invisible, but as the two were about to battle, its blue eyes flickered, focusing on Crobat.
This Crobat wasn't unfamiliar. Darkrai's eyes grew more complicated.
"Crobat, Air Slash!"
"Weezing, Psybeam!"
Proton stepped back to a safe distance, holding a Poké Ball ready to throw, and quickly commanded his two Pokémon.
This wasn't a standard battle, and Proton, as an experienced trainer, knew it well.
He couldn't be sure of this youth's street-fighting experience, but from his shameless words, he could guess he was a rogue.
"Feeble attack."
Dylan glanced at them and clicked his tongue.
"Nidoking, Thunderbolt."
Nidoking roared, its burly body crackling with electricity. Golden lightning shot towards the Air Slash and Psybeam.
Electric-type Thunderbolt!
Boom!
The three attacks clashed violently, but in the next moment, Thunderbolt broke through Air Slash and Psybeam, shooting towards Crobat and Weezing.
Crobat dodged quickly, flying up, while Weezing was hit directly, crying out in pain.
"This power? Something's wrong."
Proton kept retreating, shielding his face from the blast. His expression soured as he struggled to keep his eyes open.
But the key issue was how this Nidoking's Thunderbolt could be so strong?
Sheer Force ability?
Sheer Force removes the additional effects of moves but boosts their power by 30%. It's a powerful ability for battle.
As the smoke cleared, Proton noticed something was wrong. A long, dark shadow leapt out, flames building in its mouth.
"Crobat! Watch out!"
Proton quickly warned Crobat.
A fiery pillar surged towards the airborne Crobat, slamming it against the wall.
Fire-type Flamethrower!
Boom!
The flames erupted, leaving Crobat covered in embers, nearly knocked out by the Flamethrower.
Salazzle landed gracefully, sneering at Crobat with mocking eyes.
"..."
Proton's face darkened, his eyes flickering.
He didn't expect his Pokémon to be hit so quickly.
The atmosphere grew tense.
Tap, tap~
Footsteps echoed as Dylan emerged from the small room, standing in the wider hallway, staring at Proton.
Nidoking kept its massive body between Dylan and any threat.
Darkrai hesitated but slowly floated after Dylan.
"Mr. Proton, it seems your strength is lacking." Dylan smirked.
"Heh~ Don't get cocky, young man. Let's see who laughs last."
Proton was enraged but sneered. This guy dared to mock him during battle? How did such an uncivilized person become a Gym Leader?
What were the League's inspectors doing?!
"Such a hard mouth, but Mouthpiece isn't here." Dylan sighed, missing little Leah's sharp tongue.
If Leah were here, she would be spitting verbal bullets by now.
"Something's off about this guy's strength."
Compared to Dylan, Proton felt immense pressure, discreetly pulling out a communicator.
Dylan noticed Proton's subtle move but couldn't stop him. No problem. Unless Giovanni himself came, no one could save Proton today.
A buy one, get one deal would be even better.
And if Giovanni really risked exposure to come, it wouldn't matter. The Articuno above wasn't for nothing.
It would be a perfect chance to see Lance and Giovanni clash! Dylan had even prepared a camera for this possibility.
Meanwhile, Proton urgently sent a distress signal to Archer.
'Danger! Urgent rescue needed! .jpg'
(End of the chapter)