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After the whole Team Rocket incident, Kai and Erika weren't really in the mood to challenge a Gym right away.
It was already midday, and his Pokémon had used up quite a bit of energy in the earlier battle. Kai decided they'd take the rest of the day to relax, then face Whitney tomorrow morning.
Keeping his word, he spent the afternoon showing Erika around Goldenrod City. Every tourist spot listed in the travel guides, they visited snapping photos, shopping, and sampling plenty of sweets.
By the time evening rolled in, they found a cozy hotel near the Gym and checked in for the night.
After breakfast the next morning, they headed straight back to the Goldenrod Gym.
Unlike their first visit, Whitney was actually there this time.
Led by a Gym staff member, Kai entered the battlefield and saw her: a cheerful girl with bright red pigtails.
True to her preferred battle type, the arena was a no-nonsense Normal-type setup tiered seating for spectators surrounding a hard-packed dirt floor, with white chalk lines marking the battlefield.
"Welcome to the Goldenrod Gym! I'm Whitney, the Gym Leader," she greeted warmly.
Kai took a good look at her. She seemed about sixteen or seventeen bright-eyed, youthful, and undeniably cute in a white T-shirt, denim shorts, and green-and-black striped socks. She radiated energy.
"Hello, Whitney. I'm here to challenge the Gym," Kai said directly.
"I know who you are," Whitney grinned. "I watched you in the Indigo League, and I've heard from other Gym Leaders how strong you are. I've been looking forward to meeting you!"
Then she added, "Oh—and thanks for taking down Team Rocket yesterday and rescuing all those hostages."
"You heard about the TV station incident?" Kai asked in surprise.
"Of course. In a city with a Gym, very little escapes the Leader's notice. I would've helped, but I was out of town. By the time I heard, you'd already handled everything perfectly."
Clearly, unlike some of the other Gym Leaders he'd met, Whitney already knew a bit about him. That meant today's battle would have to be the second, more challenging format.
"It was nothing," Kai said with a faint smile. "I just happened to be nearby and stepped in. If possible, I'd like you to use your strongest Pokémon against me."
"No problem!" Whitney nodded enthusiastically. "I was hoping for the same thing—an all-out battle with a Champion-level Trainer!"
She then turned her gaze to Erika. "And you must be Erika. You're even prettier in person. I've heard you're a Gym Leader as well?"
"You're too kind," Erika replied with a polite bow. "You're very beautiful yourself. Yes, I am a Gym Leader, traveling with Kai at the moment."
The exchange was the usual friendly flattery between two women meeting for the first time, though Whitney noticed the subtle warmth in Erika's eyes when she mentioned "traveling together."
She wasn't naïve she could guess their relationship was more than casual.
A stylish female referee stepped to the center of the field.
"Here are the rules," she announced. "Each side will use three Pokémon. The first to knock out all of the opponent's Pokémon wins!"
Kai nodded, and Erika wished him luck before taking a seat to watch.
They took their positions at opposite ends of the field. As Gym Leader, Whitney sent out her first Pokémon.
The Poké Ball burst open in a flash of blue light, revealing a pink, cow-like Pokémon.
"This is my most trusted partner Miltank!" Whitney declared.
Miltank looked much like an actual dairy cow, though cuter and more vibrant in color. This species was always female; its male counterpart was Tauros.
Milk from Miltank was famously nutritious; trainers said a child who grew up drinking it would grow strong and healthy. It was a staple product on ranches all across the region.
Kai discreetly pulled out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Pokédex: "Miltank, the Milk Cow Pokémon. A Normal type. Gentle and non-confrontational by nature. Its milk is prized for its rich nutrients. A child raised on Miltank's milk is said to grow up healthy and strong. Though commonly kept on ranches, Miltank can also be a surprisingly formidable battler."
The Pokédex entry gave little about its battle prowess, but Kai knew better than to underestimate it. He remembered the anime episode where Whitney's Miltank famously swept Ash's entire team it was a powerhouse.
And here she was, leading with her ace. That meant she really was going all out, just like she promised.
After a moment's thought, Kai made his choice. He tossed out his own Poké Ball, and a Tyranitar emerged with an earth-shaking roar, staring down Miltank.
"A Tyranitar, huh?" Whitney smiled. "Looks like you're not holding back either."
The referee raised her flags.
"Battle between Challenger Kai and Gym Leader Whitney, Goldenrod City Gym Badge match begins!"
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