"Hahahahaha! I remember you. You performed well in the Sandstorm Contest. You deserve to be here. Let's have a clash between men!"
As soon as Byron saw Rax, his laughter echoed throughout the gym. His infectious energy made it hard not to smile. Rax, however, simply glanced at Skiploom standing by his side.
Sorry, Gym Leader Byron. My Skiploom might be too much for you.
Both sides quickly took their positions as the referee solemnly announced the rules.
"This gym challenge is a 2-on-2 singles match. When both Pokémon on one side are unable to battle, or one side surrenders, the match ends! The challenger may switch Pokémon freely during the battle. Now, let the match begin!"
---
Round One: Skiploom vs. Graveler
Two flashes of red light revealed Skiploom and Graveler facing off on the battlefield.
Rax wasn't surprised to see Graveler. Oreburgh Gym was traditionally a Rock-type gym. Byron had only shifted focus to Steel-types after moving to Canalave City.
Since this wasn't a Steel-type battle, Rax knew he had a solid chance. Moreover, the gym's rules prevented Byron from using Pokémon above the advanced tier during a challenger's first attempt.
"Graveler, use Rollout combined with Explosion Impact!"
"Skiploom, Cotton Spore!"
Graveler expertly rolled across the battlefield, its direction constantly shifting and making it difficult for Skiploom to aim a direct Toxic attack. Rax, unbothered, decided to focus on slowing Graveler down. Skiploom spun its cottony puffs, releasing a flurry of white spores that spread across the field.
---
"Graveler, press on with indomitable momentum!" Byron's enthusiasm was contagious, his voice booming like a fire-type Gym Leader's. Graveler's rolling momentum created a protective airflow, scattering the Cotton Spore and pushing Skiploom back with ease.
But the light, agile Skiploom moved effortlessly with the airflow, dodging Graveler's charge.
"Hahaha! Keep rolling, Graveler!"
Rax's expression turned serious. Graveler's Rollout gained speed and power with every rotation. Compared to Roark's Geodude, this Graveler was on a completely different level.
I can't keep waiting! Rax thought.
"Skiploom, Protect!"
A shimmering green barrier appeared around Skiploom, halting Graveler's rolling assault in its tracks.
"Toxic!" Rax commanded.
"Knock Off!" Byron countered.
Toxic hit its mark, coating Graveler in a corrosive, purple liquid. Graveler winced as the poison took effect. At the same time, it swung with Knock Off, sending Skiploom crashing to the ground.
"Rock Blast!" Byron shouted.
"Substitute, Grassy Terrain!" Rax responded calmly.
Graveler fired three consecutive Rock Blasts at Skiploom. But before they hit, Skiploom quickly created a substitute, shielding itself from the attack. At the same time, the field transformed into a lush, green meadow as Grassy Terrain activated, surrounding Skiploom with restorative energy.
---
Graveler's rolling speed slowed due to Cotton Spore's lingering effect, while the poison inflicted continuous damage. Meanwhile, Skiploom steadily regained strength thanks to Grassy Terrain.
"Graveler, don't give up! Roll again!" Byron roared, his voice brimming with determination.
"Protect!" Rax ordered, unfazed.
The cycle continued: Graveler charged, Skiploom defended. Each passing moment drained more of Graveler's strength as the poison took its toll. Finally, Graveler collapsed.
"Graveler is unable to battle! Skiploom wins!" the referee announced.
---
Round Two: Skiploom vs. Bastiodon
Byron recalled Graveler, his cheerful expression replaced by an intense glare. But instead of frustration, his eyes gleamed with admiration.
"Impressive. You defeated my Graveler without a single offensive move. But let's see how you handle this!"
With a thunderous roar, Byron sent out Bastiodon, the Steel/Rock-type titan. Its towering frame and steel armor radiated power.
This is my first gym challenge, and he's sending out a fully evolved Pokémon? Rax thought, feeling a mix of irritation and excitement. But his lips curved into a smile.
"Let's go, Skiploom! Show them what you're made of!"
---
"Bastiodon, use Iron Tail!" Byron shouted, his energy undeterred.
"Substitute, Cotton Spore!" Rax countered.
Bastiodon's steel-plated tail slammed into Skiploom's substitute, shattering it with one powerful blow. However, Cotton Spore clung to Bastiodon's massive frame, reducing its speed significantly.
"Bastiodon, use Roar!"
Rax raised an eyebrow. Roar? That's unusual…
---
The battlefield shifted as Bastiodon's thunderous voice echoed across the gym. Skiploom stood firm, its strategies already laid out.
The poison may be gone for now, but Skiploom has other ways to win.
"Let's finish this!" Rax declared.