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As the red light flashed, a Pokémon with short limbs, closed eyes resembling Brock's, and a red-brown flower on its head appeared on the battlefield.
Its shape was similar to the Rafflesia flower found in tropical rainforests.
The stamen on its head was surrounded by four spherical petals, and beneath the massive flower was a body resembling a blue plant bulb.
The air around Gloom was thick with its stench. Even though Kai stood in the trainer's command area, he could smell it from a distance.
Judging from its odour, it seemed to share the same Stench Ability as the Stunky they had encountered the day before.
Kai glanced at his Charmeleon, who, despite the unbearable smell causing it to wince and gag, stood firm, determined not to retreat.
It seemed to have experience battling such opponents before, and its unwavering spirit burned brightly in its eyes.
Knowing the situation would worsen if he delayed, Kai took the initiative. "Charmeleon, start with an attack!"
Charmeleon opened its mouth, unleashing a flame far more powerful and intense than its usual Ember.
"Flamethrower already?" Erika exclaimed, her eyes widening. "Gloom, dodge it!"
Unfortunately for Erika, without Chlorophyll to boost its speed, Gloom's sluggish movements rendered evasion futile. The scorching flames hit their target, engulfing Gloom in a blaze.
As the flames dissipated, Erika called out quickly, "Gloom, use Sleep Powder!"
Recognizing the threat, Kai anticipated her strategy. "Charmeleon, use Smokescreen!"
"Charrrr!"
The black smoke spread across the battlefield, creating a dense veil.
Meanwhile, fine green powder floated from Gloom's flower, mixing into the smoke and dispersing across the arena.
Through the thinning smoke, Erika saw Charmeleon stumble, its movements slowing before it collapsed into a deep sleep.
"Well done! Gloom, use Growth!" Erika commanded.
Gloom's body glowed faintly green as its size increased, and its abilities were further bolstered by the sunlight streaming into the arena.
Kai realized Charmeleon would not awaken without external stimuli, so he remained silent, waiting for Erika's next move.
After a pause, Erika revealed her trump card. "Gloom, use SolarBeam!"
The gloom began absorbing sunlight, particles of light gathering at its stamen.
Within moments, a radiant ball of energy formed, and with a burst of power, it unleashed the SolarBeam.
The beam cut through the remaining smoke, striking Charmeleon squarely. The attack sent it staggering back, nearly knocking it out.
Though Grass moves were only half as effective against Fire types, the boosted power from Growth made the attack devastating.
Charmeleon struggled to rise, its body trembling from exhaustion. But the intense damage also roused it from its slumber.
With a roar, Charmeleon's Blaze Ability activated, igniting its fighting spirit. Without waiting for Kai's command, it charged at Gloom, driven purely by instinct.
"Impressive spirit!" Erika praised. "But with its strength nearly depleted, what can it accomplish? Gloom, use Poison Powder!"
Gloom released a cloud of green powder, forming a toxic barrier. Erika intended to force Charmeleon to retreat, but it pressed forward fearlessly, leaping through the poisonous cloud.
Midair, Charmeleon opened its jaws, its teeth ablaze, and clamped down on Gloom's body.
"Fire Fang!" Erika gasped.
Gloom screeched in pain, flames searing its petals. Erika was about to command a counterattack, but the Poison Powder had finally taken its toll.
Charmeleon wavered and collapsed, succumbing to its injuries.
Erika let out a sigh of relief, but before the referee could declare the match over, something unexpected occurred.
Gloom's body turned bright red, trembling violently.
"A burn!?" Erika exclaimed.
The burn damage from Fire Fang proved too much. Gloom fell, unable to battle.
Both trainers stared in shock as the blue-haired referee finally raised her hand. "Both Pokémon are unable to battle. The challenger wins!"
Kai recalled his Charmeleon, whispering his gratitude. This Gym battle had pushed them both to their limits.
The unexpected burn revealed Charmeleon's true potential, and Kai vowed to nurture it further.
Erika approached with a warm smile. "Congratulations on your victory. Your Charmeleon's determination was truly impressive. You've earned this."
She handed him the Rainbow Badge, a beautifully designed emblem shaped like a blooming flower with petals in rainbow hues.
Kai placed the badge in his case, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Miss Erika. I look forward to our paths crossing again."
As he left the Gym, the Rainbow Badge gleamed in the sunlight a testament to his hard-earned victory.
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