The screen spun fast until it slowed down, and the names for the matches were chosen:

Erika vs. Bugsy

Lt. Surge vs. Jasmine

Janine vs. Falkner

Sabrina vs. Morty

Misty vs. Chuck

Brock vs. Whitney

Blaine vs. Clair

Giovanni vs. Pryce

The crowd erupted in a mixture of gasps and cheers as each pair appeared. Some were matchups no one had expected, others, dream battles fans had talked about, when trying to decide who was stronger

Up in the stands, Lance leaned forward slightly, the corners of his mouth lifting just a bit. "Interesting…"

Back on the field, the Gym Leaders looked at one anotherm, some giving nods, others smirking, a few clearly caught off guard by who they'd be facing.

Whitney spun toward Brock with a huge grin. "Welp! Looks like I'm gonna break a Rock-type wall today!" she said, winking.

Brock sighed with a half-smile. A part of him would have slumped, but he was too worried about the rest. "We'll see. Let's have a good battle, but I won't hold back just because of what happened before."

Over in another corner, Chuck cracked his knuckles and grinned at Misty. "Let's see how well Water-types hold up to a real punch!"

Misty raised an eyebrow, flipping her wet ponytail over her shoulder. "Right. I'll show you just how strong I've gotten since we last met."

Nearby, Morty stood silently, eyes closed, his scarf fluttering slightly even without wind. Across from him, Sabrina met his gaze, expression calm, but unreadable. The two didn't speak. They didn't need to. There was already an eerie tension between the Psychic and Ghost specialists.

Lt. Surge, meanwhile, barked a short laugh. "Jasmine, huh? Don't take it personally when I short-circuit your steel cans."

Jasmine looked up at him and gave a small bow, her voice soft but firm. "I'll let my Pokémon speak for me."

Blaine looked at Clair and nodded. "Clair, I hope you're ready."

Clair flipped her hair and narrowed her eyes. "Dragons don't burn that easily."

But the last matchup made the crowd fall almost silent.

Giovanni vs. Pryce.

The camera panned over to the two Gym Leaders. Pryce gave a small, polite wave to the crowd as he tried to move in his wheelchair. Giovanni, meanwhile, adjusted his tie and looked around, just watching as he sat down.

Mary's voice brought the crowd back to life. "The first battle will begin shortly! Erika versus Bugsy, both Trainers, please make your way to the arena!"

Erika walked forward gracefully, stepping onto the platform, her kimono fluttering as she approached her spot.

Bugsy jogged to the opposite side, energetic as ever, a net slung across his back as he jumped onto his side.

"This is going to be fun," he called out. "Hope you're ready, Erika!"

Erika gave a small, respectful bow. "Of course. Let us begin."

Mary's voice rang out clearly. "Begin!"

Bugsy was quick. "Let's get aggressive, Scizor, to the field!"

A flash of red light revealed the metallic, mantis-like form of [Scizor], its claws clamping as it let out a metallic screech.

Erika closed her eyes a moment, calm, as she held out a Pokéball. "Whimsicott, if you would."

The [Grass/Fairy]-type Pokémon floated onto the field, cotton fluff drifting in the breeze. It spun mid-air and released a sparkling chirp.

"Scizor, [Bullet Punch]!" Bugsy called out quickly.

Scizor blurred forward with intense speed, a fist gleaming silver.

But Erika was ready. "Let's start with [Tailwind]," she said softly.

Whimsicott flared up a gust behind it just as Scizor closed the gap. But because of Whimsicott's ability, Prankster, she moved quicker. setting up the wind and narrowly using that speed to dodge the [Bullet Punch].

Erika then smiled and held out her hand. "Now, [Stun Spore]."

The spores puffed out like pollen. Scizor darted to the side, trying to avoid them, but a few clung to its carapace. It twitched and seized with a few sparks it was [Paralyzed].

Bugsy bit his lip and quickly returned Scizor. "Okay then, let's try something else. Shuckle, let's go!"

The light appeared, and on the field the small, yellow-shelled Pokémon emerged, blinking up adorably at the crowd.

Erika smiled slightly. "Then I'll change too." She returned Whimsicott to her ball. After all, Whimsicott had done her job, all she needed to do was set up the [Tailwind] for the rest of her team.

Erika calmly chose her next Pokéball and released it in a flash. "Tangrowth, to the field."

The massive, vine-covered Pokémon thudded down with a roar, vines whipping around its bulbous body. The [Tailwind] from Whimsicott was still blowing strong behind Erika, so things were in her favor.

Bugsy didn't hesitate. "Shuckle, use [Sticky Web]!"

The bug slowly opened its shell, ejecting glowing strands that began to lace across Erika's side of the field. The next Pokémon she brought out would be slowed down significantly.

But Erika wasn't going to switch just yet. "Tangrowth, use [Leech Seed]."

A seed launched forward, embedding itself into Shuckle's shell and sprouting vines that wrapped and drained.

Bugsy smirked. "Fine, then let's make it harder for you. [Power Split]!"

A strange glow passed between the two Pokémon. By the end of it, Tangrowth felt much weaker than before.

But Erika's expression never wavered.

She knew Bugsy's game: stall, wear her down, break her rhythm.

"[Sleep Powder]," Erika called out.

Tangrowth's vines shook violently before releasing a fine blue-green dust. Shuckle tried to move, but it was too slow. The powder settled around it, and after a few seconds, its eyes fluttered shut.

"Shuckle's asleep!" Mary shouted from the commentator's booth. "That [Leech Seed] is going to be draining him every turn! Can Bugsy recover?"

Bugsy clicked his tongue and made a choice. "Shuckle, return!"

In a flash of red light, Shuckle vanished. "Let's take this up a notch. Beedrill, you're up!"

Gasps broke out as Bugsy's ace emerged in a brilliant flash, his [Beedrill] already mid-air, wings humming with speed.

Bugsy held up his arm and the Mega Bracelet gleamed. The Mega Stone on Beedrill's neck pulsed, light erupted, and in seconds, there flying was [Mega Beedrill].

Erika narrowed her eyes, and Tangrowth stood ready.

"[Drill Run]!" Bugsy barked.

Mega Beedrill dove with a blazing spin, its twin stingers glowing. Tangrowth barely braced before being slammed into by the move. The ground cracked under the force, and Tangrowth let out a heavy grunt, but held on.

"[Knock Off]," Erika replied quickly.

Tangrowth's vine lashed out, catching Mega Beedrill across the side, sending it reeling slightly, but Bugsy was already moving.

"[Poison Jab], now!"

Beedrill looped and dove again, stingers glowing purple this time. The attack struck true. Tangrowth shuddered and finally collapsed, it was still up, but not for long.

Erika quickly held out the Pokéball and returned it before it could be knocked out. "You did great…" she whispered into the Pokéball.

Then she reached down and pulled out another Pokéball. "Come forth, Cradily."

In a bright light, [Cradily] jumped out and landed. Its long tendrils waved gently, eyes blinking as it anchored to the ground.

Bugsy's eyes widened slightly, but he focused on ending this quickly. "Beedrill, don't give her time, [X-Scissor]!"

Beedrill dove with blades extended, but Cradily didn't move.

"Brace yourself with [Ingrain]," Erika commanded softly.

Vines shot into the battlefield beneath it, Cradily rooted itself just as the [X-Scissor] hit. Cradily staggered back, but didn't move from that spot.

"Now, [Recover]," Erika called.

A glow enveloped Cradily, restoring some of the damage taken. [Ingrain]'s passive healing added to that.

Bugsy frowned, but pointed his arm out again. "[Poison Jab], quick!"

Beedrill flew up and shot back down to stab into Cradily.

But Erika wasn't worried, as she called out, "[Ancient Power]!"

Rocks erupted from the ground, glowing, spinning, and slammed into Beedrill. It twisted away with a cry, barely avoiding full damage, but then Cradily glowed faintly. It got the omni boost.

Bugsy cursed under his breath. "We can't let it keep healing! [Poison Jab], but this time try to tear them out of the ground!"

Mega Beedrill dove again, striking hard at the roots, but Cradily stayed rooted. The [Ingrain], the [Recover], and now the boosted defenses were holding it together.

"Finish this with [Stone Edge]!"

Cradily raised its head as chunks of rock broke from out of the ground and shot toward Beedrill. Beedrill was stuck diving, so it couldn't dodge too well as the spikes broke up and stabbed into Beedrill's stomach.

As Beedrill got hit, it was sent flying back and landed on the ground. For a moment, it tried to get back up, but it fell again. When it landed the second time, its form flickered, and it reverted out of Mega Evolution. [Beedrill] was knocked out.

Mary stood up in the booth. "Beedrill is unable to battle! The winner of this match is Erika from Celadon City!!"

The crowd exploded into cheers.

Bugsy looked stunned for a moment, before exhaling and smiling faintly. "Dang… That was awesome." He returned Beedrill. "You were amazing, buddy."

Across the field, Erika gave a small, graceful bow. "You fought well, Bugsy. It was a pleasure."

The scoreboard lit up:

KANTO – 1 | JOHTO – 0

As Erika and Bugsy stepped off the stage and returned to their sides, Mary got on the mic again:

"Up next: Lt. Surge vs. Jasmine! Both Trainers, please proceed to the battlefield!"

Lt. Surge and Jasmine stood from their spots on opposite ends and walked up to take their places across from each other. Surge stomped into the arena with a toothy grin, throwing a fist into the air.

"Alright, it's my turn to show you all how it's done!" he boomed, drawing cheers and chuckles from the crowd.

On the other side, Jasmine took her spot and gave a small bow. "I see. Let's have a good match, but please don't underestimate me."

When the referee raised the flag and waved it, both had their Pokéballs ready. Lt. Surge stretched one shoulder.

"Alright, I'm good to go. Let's go, Electivire!"

The massive Electric-type landed with a thud, roaring as crackling bolts flickered across its muscular arms.

Jasmine stared and took a breath, holding her Pokéball. "Alright then, let's do this, Bronzong."

A flash of light released the levitating, bell-like Steel/Psychic Pokémon. Its red eyes glowed softly as it hovered into place, locking eyes with Electivire across the field.

With that, the match began, and Surge took the first move.

"[Thunder Punch]!"

Electivire dashed forward, electricity crackling from its fists.

Jasmine raised her arm, pointing forward. "[Reflect]!"

Just before the punch landed, a shimmering barrier appeared in front of Bronzong. The blow connected, but was dulled by the screen. Bronzong rocked slightly in the air but remained steady.

Then Jasmine swiped her arm. "Now, [Trick Room]!"

The space around the battlefield shimmered as a hexagonal grid pattern appeared, enclosing the field in a glowing cube, warping the dimensions and flipping speed priorities.

"Aw, not this again," Surge groaned. "Fine. Let's play that game. Electivire, return!"

He swapped out, throwing another Pokéball. "Go, Electrode!"

The sphere-shaped Pokémon burst onto the field with a pop, spinning rapidly.

Jasmine tilted her head slightly, almost apologetically. "[Heavy Slam]."

Bronzong shot forward with surprising speed, thanks to [Trick Room], spinning like a massive hammer as it slammed into Electrode hard.

Electrode bounced back violently, sparking as it barely righted itself.

"Electrode, [Double Screens] up! Then get outta there with [Volt Switch]!" Surge commanded.

A glowing field surrounded Surge's side of the field, putting up both the [Reflect] and [Light Screen]. Then Electrode dashed forward, electricity sparking as it slammed into Bronzong, before bouncing back into Surge's Pokéball.

Surge swapped Pokéballs and threw Electivire back out. "Alright, now let's stop any more tricks, [Taunt]!"

Electivire slammed its fists together and gave a smug smirk at Bronzong, who let out a deep, irritated hum. The bell Pokémon looked visibly annoyed and more aggressive, effectively locking it out of any non-attacking moves.

Jasmine saw this and sighed but continued calmly. "Okay then, [Earthquake]."

Bronzong dropped like a hammer. The arena quaked violently. Electivire grunted, taking the full brunt, but thanks to the [Reflect] screen, the damage was significantly reduced.

Surge smirked. "Now we're talkin'. [Flamethrower]!"

From Electivire's mouth came a stream of fire. The flames licked across Bronzong's body. It let out a groaning, metallic sound, its ability was Levitate, not Heatproof, so it took super effective damage from this

"Bronzong, back," Jasmine said, recalling it swiftly. "You did wonderfully."

Then she looked back at Surge. "Okay then, it's my turn, Steelix!" she called out as she threw her next Pokéball.

But she wasn't done. Raising her wrist, she revealed a glowing rainbow-hued Keystone. "Let's take it up a notch, Mega Evolve!"

As she pressed the stone, Steelix began to glow. Its massive form grew, armor shifting and spiking, until its [Mega] form towered over the battlefield, gleaming under the arena lights.

"Huh…" Surge muttered, staring up, then smirked. "Guess it's time to go all in!"

"[Ice Punch]!" Surge called, hoping to end it quickly.

But [Trick Room] was still active, meaning Steelix, despite its size, moved first.

"[Sandstorm]!" Jasmine called.

Steelix's tail slammed the ground. A swirling storm of sand erupted, cloaking the battlefield in a blinding haze. [Ice Punch] still connected, slamming into Steelix's plated hide, but its monstrous Defense absorbed most of the damage. Plus, [Reflect] was still active from earlier. Surge winced. He'd kinda forgotten about that.

Electivire landed and stumbled back, trying to create distance, but Jasmine gave no breathing room.

"Now, [Heavy Slam]!"

Steelix raised its head and crashed down like a hammer. The protective screens flickered, then shattered, as Steelix slammed onto Electivire with a massive bang.

Electivire groaned under the weight of the attack. Dust and sand exploded upward from the impact. The [Sandstorm] whittled away at its health, but somehow, Electivire managed to grip Steelix's head, still holding on. Barely.

Surge grunted and pulled out the Pokéball. "Electivire, return," he said quickly, recalling the bruised Pokémon. He was too low; one more hit would end it. But Surge still had one more option.

He tossed his next Pokéball high into the swirling storm. "Let's get some payback, Jolteon!"

With a sharp crack, the spiky yellow form of [Jolteon] emerged, crouched low and sparking rapidly, fur bristling like electrified needles.

Jasmine gave a calm nod, brushing some hair behind her ear. "Still under [Trick Room]," she reminded gently.

"Yeah, yeah, I got eyes," Surge shot back with a grin. "Doesn't mean I'm outta moves. Jolteon, [Shadow Ball]!"

Jolteon crouched and launched a swirling orb of ghostly energy. It sailed through the sandstorm and smashed into Steelix's side—

Steelix let out a low, guttural rumble but was fine. Jasmine wasted no time and called out, "[Earthquake!]"

Steelix slammed its huge body down again. The whole battlefield shook violently. Jolteon shrieked as it was launched upward from the shockwave, barely landing on its feet. It was super effective, and despite Jolteon's speed, it was frail, it skidded to a stop, barely standing.

Surge clenched his hands. "Alright, quick thinking time, [Wish]!" he called out quickly. "Now [Double Team]!"

First, Jolteon cried into the air as a star shot upward, if Jolteon survived one more round, it would get that HP back. But just as Jolteon was about to start splitting itself into clones, Jasmine didn't let it happen.

Right on the last turn of Trick Room, Jasmine called out, "[Heavy Slam], let's end this!"

Steelix moved way too fast, appearing in front of Jolteon and slamming down on it, causing the ground to crack beneath them, just as the twisted dimensions returned to normal.

When it raised its massive metal head, there was Jolteon, lying on the ground with spirals in its eyes, it was knocked out. And it happened right before [Wish] could take effect.

As everyone tried to process what just happened, the ref raised both flags. "And that's it! The winner is Jasmine from Olivine City!"

The crowd cheered wildly, many amazed at how cool and composed Jasmine had remained throughout. And Jasmine finally let herself take a deep breath, truth be told, she had only pretended to be composed. She was actually completely stressed.

To be honest, this wasn't just about Jasmine being super strong and talented, there was also a bit of Surge underestimating her. After all, she had only become a Gym Leader about two years ago.

And Surge was an Elite Four–rank trainer. Sure, he had to use a weaker team here, i mean he didn't bring out Raichu for that reason, but it was still strong. He was experienced. If he had taken her seriously from the start, he might have won. But he had a bad habit of underestimating people younger than him.

He didn't mean to, it's just, when you're built like a tank and you meet a kid half your size, it's kinda hard to believe they might be as strong as you.

But Surge wasn't going to make excuses. This was partly his fault, and that's the point of this entire thing. Besides, winning wasn't ever his top priority.

Jasmine, meanwhile, gave a shy smile and bowed politely to Surge. "Thank you. You battled very well. I was lucky to have Steelix hold out," she said, as in the background Steelix finally returned to normal form. She recalled it into its Pokéball so it could rest.

Then the scoreboard lit up again:

KANTO – 1 | JOHTO – 1

It was tiring, but that was only two matches. There were more to come, and even more surprises no one was expecting. But right now, the only thing anyone was thinking about was the next battle:

Janine vs. Falkner.