Ponyta stood proudly on the standard battlefield paved with packed stone and earth, its fiery mane flickering brilliantly. Compared to a week ago, it looked noticeably more spirited. Thanks to the dramatic improvement in its meals, its energy and vitality had clearly risen.
Every morning at five, it trained alongside Rhydon and the others. The early drills had built up the muscles along its back, which were no longer soft from malnourishment but slightly firm and defined.
Though anyone could tell at a glance that it was a Fire-type Pokémon, Percy still took out his Pokédex to double-check.
The Pokédex's signature mechanical male voice sounded:
"Ponyta, the Fire Horse Pokémon. Its leg muscles are highly developed, making it an excellent runner. Its hooves are extremely hard and can deliver crushing blows to targets that appear behind it."
Both Percy and Ayan came from modest families. Their parents couldn't afford the annual 100,000 League tax, so their starter Pokémon weren't one of the Kanto region's traditional three.
Percy had started with a Poliwag, which had since evolved into Poliwhirl.
Seeing that the young Gym Leader was using a Fire-type Pokémon, Percy couldn't help but feel secretly pleased. This match was practically in the bag—Poliwhirl's Water typing completely countered Fire.
"Come out, my partner!"
With solemn care, Percy pulled a red-and-white Poké Ball from his jacket and hurled it forward. A flash of white light burst from the ball, and a frog-like Pokémon stood upright on the field, its eyes round like spotlights as it faced Ponyta.
Fire against Water—natural opposites. The moment they locked eyes, the air between them felt charged.
Compared to its final evolution, Poliwrath, Poliwhirl was smaller and far gentler in temperament. Though it had white glove-like hands resembling boxing gloves, it wasn't dual Water/Fighting-type like Poliwrath—only pure Water-type.
"Poliwhirl, strike first! Use Water Gun!"
Before challenging the Dark Gym, Percy had already earned two badges: the Boulder Badge from Pewter City and the Cascade Badge from Cerulean City. He understood the formal rules of Gym battles fairly well.
"Polii~!"
Poliwhirl had long been unable to suppress its instinctive dislike of Fire-types. The moment its trainer gave the command, a small opening appeared at the center of its pale belly—its concealed mouth—and a thick stream of water shot out like a pressurized cannon, racing toward Ponyta.
"Neigh!"
Sensing danger, Ponyta grew restless. Yet without a command from its trainer, it didn't dodge on instinct.
Although Ponyta belonged to Ann Chovy, it had been fed by Kael every day for the past week. The little Pokémon had grown fond of the one who always brought it delicious meals. Combined with Ann's instructions, it temporarily obeyed Kael's commands.
"Jump!"
Kael's voice rang out like music in Ponyta's ears.
"Neigh!"
Ponyta snorted, pawed the ground once with its forehoof, then bent its powerful hind legs and launched itself upward. It leapt more than two meters high. The straight-firing Water Gun streaked past just twenty centimeters beneath its hooves.
"Flame Wheel!" Kael followed up immediately.
Though Ponyta couldn't move freely midair, it could still attack.
If an experienced trainer had been commanding Percy, they would have changed tactics the instant Ponyta jumped—firing another Water Gun at the airborne target. The hit rate would have soared above 90%.
But Percy, barely twelve years old, lacked that level of experience. His battle style remained rigid and formulaic. Only through constant battles could he accumulate experience and break free of such limitations.
Ponyta lowered its head and curled its body. The flames along its mane, back, tail, and hooves suddenly flared brighter. Fire engulfed its entire form as it lunged forward, transforming into a blazing wheel that hurtled toward Poliwhirl.
Percy didn't panic at the sudden counterattack. He had studied his Poliwhirl carefully. Its skin secreted a moist, slick mucus that not only prevented opponents from grabbing it but also effectively reduced damage from Fire-type attacks.
"Poliwhirl, meet it head-on! Use Double Slap!"
There was no time to charge another Water Gun. Close combat was the only option. Percy didn't consider dodging. Against a Fire-type, Poliwhirl could endure.
"Fsssh—!"
Flame Wheel collided with Poliwhirl's body. Flames met slick mucus with a series of sharp sizzling sounds. White steam billowed from the impact point.
Poliwhirl might be small, but it was strong. Enduring the burning pain across its skin, it raised its white-gloved hands and unleashed a rapid barrage of slaps against Ponyta's head and neck.
"Neigh—!"
Driven back by the flurry, Ponyta shook its head and cried out in pain. Taking a full combination of slaps right at the start of battle was no pleasant experience.
"Nice job, Poliwhirl! Press the advantage—use Hypnosis!"
Percy clenched his fist and pumped it enthusiastically.
"Polii~"
Poliwhirl narrowed its eyes and placed its hands on its hips. Its round belly pushed forward, the black spiral pattern beginning to rotate in a strange, mesmerizing rhythm.
Ponyta finally steadied itself and looked up—
Its gaze began following the swirling spiral. Slowly, its body grew light and heavy all at once. Drowsiness overtook it.
Thud!
Ponyta's legs buckled, and it collapsed onto the ground. Its eyes closed, soft rhythmic snores escaping its nostrils.
"So embarrassing…"
Watching from the sidelines, Ann's lips twitched. Ponyta's performance was utterly disappointing in her eyes. Falling asleep just like that—how was this match supposed to continue?
Seeing Ponyta completely asleep, Percy beamed with excitement. The match was won. No matter what move he ordered next, the opponent would have to endure it helplessly.
Kael merely smiled faintly. He withdrew Ponyta with its Poké Ball, recalling the sleeping Pokémon.
That action signified the Gym's surrender. The challenger had won.
"Congratulations," Kael said calmly. "You are now the first trainer to earn a badge from the Dark Gym."