Under the brilliant light of the Fairy-type move Dazzling Gleam, Umbreon's Shadow Ball melted away instantly.
But it didn't end there.
Blinded by the overwhelming radiance, Umbreon couldn't even open its eyes. It cried out in pain as the moonlight-like energy engulfed it.
Gary froze.
He knew Umbreon's endurance well. If it was showing this much pain, the damage must be severe.
What kind of move is this…?
The battle was completely under Sam's control now. Seeing Gary's confusion, he didn't mind explaining.
"Clefairy and Clefable have always been classified as Normal-type Pokémon. But that classification is incorrect. To be precise, they are Fairy-type Pokémon."
"Fairy-type?" Gary repeated, puzzled.
Sam smiled. "Nurse Joy should know about the Fairy type as well."
The referee, Nurse Joy, gave a gentle smile and did not deny it.
Clearly, she was already aware of this classification.
Sam continued, "Fairy-type Pokémon are strong against Fighting-, Dark-, and Dragon-type Pokémon. So it's not surprising that Umbreon, a Dark-type Pokémon, is suffering so much under Dazzling Gleam."
Gary finally understood.
"So that's why…"
On the battlefield, Umbreon—already weakened before evolving—had no way to withstand such overwhelming type disadvantage.
Little by little, its remaining strength faded.
Finally—
"Umbreon is unable to battle. Clefable wins!"
Nurse Joy announced the result.
The match was over.
Gary sighed and recalled Umbreon.
"I thought after this journey I'd finally be able to defeat you… but I still lost."
There was frustration in his voice. Losing repeatedly to the same rival was never easy.
Sam patted his shoulder.
"You've improved a lot, Gary. You're already an outstanding Trainer. I'm sure you'll grow even stronger."
Gary smiled.
"Don't worry. I won't stop chasing you. One day, I'll beat you."
"I'll be waiting for that day."
---
The Next Morning
At dawn, Gary set off once more on his journey.
Sam, meanwhile, headed toward the Fuchsia Gym.
Compared to the Gyms he had previously challenged, the Fuchsia Gym's exterior was extremely simple—almost plain.
Even Pewter Gym looked more imposing.
If someone didn't know its true strength, they might mistake it for an unofficial Gym.
Under the guidance of a Gym apprentice, Sam stepped inside.
The interior resembled a ninja dojo.
Large trees surrounded the battlefield, and numerous Bug-type Pokémon clung to the branches.
He spotted Weedle, Venonat, Spinarak… and even Venipede, a Pokémon native to the Unova region.
After observing carefully, Sam noticed something.
All of them shared a trait—
They were Bug/Poison-type Pokémon.
Of course.
This was a Poison-type Gym.
The Fuchsia Gym specialized in poison.
"Wait."
A cold female voice sounded from directly behind him.
Sam stiffened.
When did she get there?!
Turning around, he saw a girl about his age standing almost right behind him.
A chill ran down his spine.
If she had attacked just now…
He forced himself to remain calm.
"Ninja…" he thought. "Truly terrifying."
"Miss," Sam said evenly, "could you step back a little? I don't like people standing that close."
"Oh?" she smiled with interest. "Most challengers scream when I suddenly appear behind them."
So she'd done this before.
No wonder she looked so practiced.
Sam subtly stepped back to create distance.
"I'm here to challenge the Fuchsia Gym Leader. May I know where Mr. Koga is?"
"Challenge my father?" she repeated.
Her eyes gleamed like she had found prey.
"Not everyone is qualified to challenge him. If you want to face my father, you must defeat me first."
"No problem," Sam agreed without hesitation.
Many Gyms required challengers to defeat assistants before meeting the Leader. Besides, more battles meant more training for his Pokémon.
She blinked, slightly surprised at his quick acceptance.
Then she smiled—this time more sincerely.
"Follow me."
She grabbed his hand and led him toward the battlefield.
"Miss Janine! Miss Janine!" the apprentice called nervously, clearly wanting to say something.
"Oh?" she turned sharply. "Do you have something to say?"
"N-No… nothing. Please be careful."
The apprentice swallowed his words under her glare.
Sam had already figured it out.
There was probably no official rule requiring challengers to defeat her first.
This was her personal decision.
But he had no intention of exposing it.
Offending a ninja who could silently appear behind him?
Not wise.
If all she wanted was a Pokémon battle—
He would gladly oblige.
After all, he had come here to grow stronger.
---------------Author---------------
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