Pokemon: Gym Leader

"What is your truth…?"

Dylan, though puzzled as to why Reshiram found him so quickly, couldn't help but admire the white dragon's keen eye.

That's right, choosing me is the right decision! I'll take you to beat Zekrom and N! All you need to do is cheer the whole way, and we'll effortlessly claim victory in this 'Truth vs. Ideals' battle.

"My truth? Of course, it's… Hey? White Dragon, are you still there? Where'd you go?"

Dylan pondered seriously for a moment, deciding to use his truth to attract the true dragon god.

However, when he finally thought of some grand words to respond to the mysterious voice, he realized that Reshiram was completely gone, as if the 'voice of truth' he had just heard was nothing but an illusion.

Dylan fell into deep thought. Was this white dragon just messing around and leaving?

"Huh? Who's talking?"

Suddenly, Lillie's surprised voice echoed.

"What's wrong, Lillie?" Dylan asked, startled.

"Brother, did you hear a voice just now?"

Lillie looked around with a puzzled expression, speaking softly.

"What did you hear?" Dylan's eye twitched, but he still held onto a sliver of hope.

"It was something like 'your truth,' I think. I was just checking the route to Icirrus City and didn't listen closely."

Lillie tilted her head in confusion, not noticing her brother's expression had turned blank.

Well done, White Dragon!

Lillie is just a child! She's not even a Trainer, and you're trying to mess with her?

Dylan began to understand that something was off with this truthful white dragon, though he didn't know exactly why.

After finishing their meal, Dylan and Lillie paid the bill and left the restaurant, heading back to their hotel.

"Hey, handsome!"

However, they hadn't walked far before a cheerful voice called out from behind.

Turning around, Dylan saw Rosa and Hilda, with Rosa energetically waving at him and Lillie.

"Hello, may I help you?"

Dylan smiled politely and nodded at the two girls, then curiously asked.

Although he was quite interested in getting to know the protagonists from the Black and White series, he didn't want to force an encounter. But now that the two had approached him, it seemed rather strange.

"Hi~ I'm Rosa from Aspertia City. I just started my journey this year, and my goal is to become the Unova Champion!"

Rosa was lively and cheerful, introducing herself with a bright smile.

"Hello, Mr. Dylan, and this lovely young lady. I'm Hilda from Nuvema Town, also a Trainer who started my journey this year."

Compared to Rosa, Hilda was more composed and spoke politely to Dylan and Lillie.

"So, you've recognized me? Has my reputation already spread to Unova?"

Hearing Rosa and Hilda's introductions, Dylan understood that they must have found out about his status as a Gym Leader.

But this was odd. Although the Rota Gym was quite famous in Kanto, it shouldn't be known all the way in Unova.

Let alone being recognized by someone on the street.

"Hehe~ Someone actually posted about you online, Mr. Dylan," Rosa said mischievously, her laugh sounding adorable.

"?" Dylan and Lillie were taken aback.

"It's like this, we saw a post on the forum while we were eating. It was titled 'Chance Encounter with a Wild Rota Gym Leader, Dylan.'"

Hilda blinked and took out her phone, explaining to Dylan.

The post included an official photo of Dylan and some basic information about his preferred battle styles and Pokémon types.

Hilda immediately recognized the young man dressed in black sitting at the table behind them as Dylan. With his handsome features and signature black clothing, he was quite recognizable.

So, she and Rosa decided that it would be a missed opportunity not to say hello, especially since encountering a Gym Leader from Kanto in Unova was quite a rare occurrence!

"???"

Dylan glanced at the phone, unable to resist twitching his mouth.

The challengers in Kanto were getting more and more outrageous! He had just been out for a few days, and they had already posted a 'missing person notice' in another region's forum?

"This… Brother?" Lillie was shocked but also found it amusing.

It didn't really matter; if anything, it was increasing Dylan's fame in a different way.

"No problem. So, what brings you two here?"

Dylan smiled at Lillie, then turned to Rosa and Hilda.

"Of course, we want to challenge you! Since you're here in Unova, don't you want to experience the authentic Unova challengers?"

"Hehe~ Let us show you the difference between Trainers from Unova and Kanto," Rosa said, her expression becoming both bold and determined.

There was no way they could let such a rare encounter with a Kanto Gym Leader go to waste! They had to seize this chance.

"Oh?" Dylan raised an eyebrow.

"We've never left Unova before, so we're curious about Gym Leaders from other regions. Please give us a chance to learn from you, Mr. Dylan."

Compared to the straightforward Rosa, Hilda was more mature and articulate.

"It's not impossible, but we just arrived in Unova today. What do you think, Lillie? Or would you prefer to rest?"

Dylan didn't immediately agree, instead turning to Lillie for her opinion. After all, he wasn't traveling alone and needed to consider his sister's feelings.

"It's fine. I'd love to see how strong the Trainers in Unova are." Lillie's eyes sparkled as she flashed a playful but reserved smile.

Even though she was a bit tired, the thought of seeing Unova's challengers battle her brother was too tempting to pass up!

"Alright then, let's find an indoor battle arena."

Dylan agreed, smiling warmly at Hilda and Rosa.

This Gym Leader is so gentle!

Both Rosa and Hilda had the same thought. Dylan's attentiveness to his companion showed he was a kind and considerate person.

Who knows how strong he is, but he must be good if the people in Kanto are posting about him.

With Rosa and Hilda leading the way, the four headed to an indoor battle arena, as it was already late and outdoor battles weren't convenient.

"So, who's up first, ladies? I should warn you, my badge won't be easy to earn."

Dylan turned around to look at the two youthful and charming girls across from him, smiling as he spoke slowly.

"Ha? I just love challenging Gyms with a bit of difficulty! Hilda, step aside. I'll go first and set an example for you!"

Rosa stretched her limbs, then forcefully pushed her best friend out of the challenger's area, grinning widely.

"You better not mess this up," Hilda said, twitching her lips but still teasing her friend.

"Huh? Mess up? What nonsense are you talking about, Hilda?"

Rosa pouted. It was just a Gym challenge—how hard could it be? Even if it was a Gym Leader from Kanto, there shouldn't be any issue!

Could it be that the Gyms in Kanto are somehow more prestigious than those in Unova?

"Gym Leader Dylan, let me remind you not to underestimate us. You'd better give it your all, or I won't hold back!"

Rosa gripped a Poké Ball tightly, her smile radiant and her tone full of confidence.

"I see. I'll keep that in mind," Dylan raised an eyebrow and then held up four fingers on his left hand toward Rosa.

"?" Rosa tilted her head in confusion. What did that mean?

"Actually, my Gym currently offers four different type-based teams for challengers to face, plus a special team. However, that special team isn't quite convenient to use without the rotation gimmick."

"So, Miss Rosa, which of these four types would you like to challenge?"

Dylan explained in a gentle voice.

Hearing this, both Rosa and Hilda were taken aback. But then they recalled that the Striaton Gym had three different Gym Leaders for different types, which was somewhat similar.

"Then I'll choose the third one." Rosa thought for a moment and opted for the third option.

"The third one is the Ghost type. You're in luck, Miss Rosa," Dylan chuckled softly.

"Ghost, huh… troublesome type." Rosa's delicate brows furrowed but soon relaxed as she grew eager for the challenge.

It wasn't that troublesome; it was just a Gym battle, after all. She could easily win this!

"Now, we'll begin the Gym battle for the Rota Badge. The match will be between Gym Leader Dylan and Miss Rosa."

"The battle rules are 3 vs. 3. Gym Leader Dylan will send out his Pokémon first, and he cannot switch them out. The first to have all three Pokémon unable to battle will lose."

"Let the battle begin!"

Lillie raised her hand to announce the battle rules. Though her voice wasn't loud, it was clear enough for both Dylan and Rosa to hear.

"Now that the battle is starting, Miss Rosa, allow me to formally introduce myself."

Dylan gracefully adjusted the collar of his shirt, a habit of his before every match. His unhurried and confident demeanor was captivating.

"My name is Dylan, the Gym Leader of Rota Gym, and I'm a multi-type Trainer."

"Today, I'll be using Ghost-type Pokémon to battle you. Are you familiar with Ghost types?"

Dylan took out a Poké Ball, his smile warm yet with a hint of mystery.

"Their battle techniques are unpredictable and varied. Even without overwhelming power, they can toy with their opponents effortlessly."

Rosa scrunched her pretty face. His lines made him sound so impressive...

It seemed like she'd need to get a bit more serious!

"Please experience it for yourself, Miss Rosa. Here's my first Pokémon."

Dylan casually tossed the Poké Ball in his hand.

"Mismagius, prepare for battle!"

In a flash of white light, a purple Pokémon floated in front of Dylan, its golden eyes gazing eerily at Rosa.

It looked as if it was wearing a hat resembling a wizard's and had a slender body draped in what appeared to be a cloak, with three red gems embedded in it.

It was the evolved form of Misdreavus, Mismagius!

'Beep~ Mismagius, Ghost type, Magical Pokémon.

Ability: Levitate

Moves: Perish Song, Shadow Ball, Mean Look, Pain Split, Protect, Hex, Will-O-Wisp, Curse, Destiny Bond…

Description: Feared for its mischief and ability to spread curses, Mismagius also whimsically uses runes to help humans.'

Reading the Pokédex entry, Hilda's pupils dilated slightly. Were those really Mismagius's usual moves??

Rosa!!!

(End of the chapter)