With Shun'ei's group, they were making their way through Area three themselves, not crossing paths with the Titan group on the way.
"With the team you've got right now, Shun'ei, I can definitely see you beating whoever the Grass Gym leader is." Frosta said.
"That was already possible even during the first gym." Shun'ei said. "So what is with Artazon?"
"It's a city of artists. The whole city is like one big art museum." Meitenkun said.
"My, that's certainly interesting." E. Constance said.
"One big art museum, hm?" Shun'ei asked. "Remember one of those guys in the Phantom Thieves? I think he said he's an accomplished artist."
"Yusuke Kitagawa? Indeed he is." Mari confirmed.
"The gym leader and city bringing back memories of him?" Perfuma asked.
"Well, kind of. But mainly what was said about his… Well, former mentor." Shun'ei said. "But I'm glad that he's not tied down by that anymore."
"Ah, right. Ichiryusai Madarame. It was revealed that he was committing plagiarism and art fraud, was that right?" Flamberge asked.
"Yes, and he used his former pupils to do so, until Yusuke, and indirectly was well…I'd rather not say." Mari said sadly.
"Yeah, we should just drop it. That's all behind Yusuke now." Flamberge said, seeing the city. "Oh, we're here!"
Artazon was very beautiful. There were vibrant old time buildings, a giant windmill, and very artistic views everywhere. There were also gardens of flowers and colorful trees scattered around
"Such grandiose beauty, even I am in awe!" E. Constance said.
"This would definitely be a great place for anybody to live." Frosta said. "I see the Gym Building, let's go get you registered for the test, Shun'ei."
The group headed for the rear of the city as they entered the building.
"Welcome to the Artazon gym. Are any of you here for a Gym Battle?" the receptionist asked.
"Yes. My name is Shun'ei." the boy introduced himself.
"So you're the one? You're all registered." the receptionist said, clearing away the information. "Alright then. Are you ready? Your Gym Test here in Artazon will be… a game of Sunflora Hide and Seek!"
"Sunflora Hide and Seek?" Perfuma asked.
"Yes. Sunflora serve as an inspiration for this city. So…you will find the 10 Sunflora around town and bring them to Sunflora Park." the receptionist said.
"10 Sunflora, hm? Might seem a challenge with all these flowers." Shun'ei said. "But I'm up for it."
"Then let your Gym Test begin!" the receptionist said as the challenge was already underway.
"Go for it, Shun!" Meitenkun cheered as Shun'ei went out the building.
"Look for Sunflowers with human faces! …and Legs!" Frosta advised.
Shun'ei searched all around Artazon for the 10 Sunflower Pokémon he needed. As soon as he found one, they would follow him around to make things easier. It took him a while to find all the Sunflora, but eventually he got all 10 to the park in good time, ready to face the gym Leader at the Battle Court by the Windmill.
"Amazing work, Shun'ei!" Perfuma complimented.
"You did great! Now, where's the Gym Leader?" Meitenkun asked.
"Greetings, challenger!" a voice called out as everyone looked to the source. Standing on top of one of the windmill blades with perfect balance was a man with green hair wearing an outfit consisting of a dark red fancy shirt along with black pants and green loafers. A thorny whip was at his side, some of it acting like a belt. He then leapt from the windmill blade and landed perfectly on the battle court.
The Verdant Virtuoso
Brassius
"Ah! Hubert?!" E. Constance asked. "No…they look similar but there's a different air about him." she said to herself.
"I believe you may have me confused with someone else, young lady. I am Brassius, an artist specializing in Grass Type Pokémon, and the Gym Leader here in Artazon." the man introduced before looking to Shun'ei. "I was observing you from the windmill, young man. The perception you displayed in finding all the Sunflora was…oh, how shall I describe it? Yes, it was truly avant-garde! I can only pray you might demonstrate that eye for beauty in our battle as well."
"Ready when you are." Shun'ei said.
"Then let us begin our collaboration at once!" Brassius declared as both trainers took their positions.
"First up, Isla!" Shun'ei said as he sent out his Shroodle.
"Introducing my first Pokémon! Come, Petilil!" Brassius said, sending out Petilil.
"A Petilil, hm? That's quite interesting." Perfuma said.
"Petilil, set the stage for our challenger! Use Sleep Powder!" Brassius said as powder was falling onto Shroodle, making it fall asleep.
"Oh, that does not look good." Shun'ei said. "Good thing I've got a backup plan." he said as he returned Isla. "You're up, Charcadet."
The Fire Child Pokémon was sent out, ready for a fight.
"Take it down before it puts you to sleep! Ember!" Shun'ei said.
With a quick blast of fire, Charadet took out Petilil as it was returned by Brassius.
"A very decisive move. But art takes many other forms. You are next, Smoliv!" Brassius said, sending out the very Pokémon Perfuma recently caught.
"A Smoliv. Looks like this won't be much trouble." Shun'ei said. "Clear Smog!"
Charcadet set the stage by blasting Smoliv with a puff of fog.
"Retaliate with Razor Leaf!" Brassius said as Smoliv struck back at Charcadet, for all the damage it would do against its superior type.
"Let's rack this up with another Ember!" Shun'ei said.
Smoliv was struck by the fiery attack as it soon collapsed. Brassius recalled Smoliv, clearly impressed with Shun'eis performance.
"This has promise! Yes! Let us lead this artistic endeavor to its conclusion at once!" Brassius said. "Behold my masterpiece! Come, Sudowoodo!" he said, calling out the Rock type.
"A Rock Type, bet he'll use the Terastal Phenomenon like Katy did." Mari said.
"Is that a smart play? Sudowoodo's resistant to fire type attacks as it is now, but if Brassius terastallizes it into a grass type, that nullifies its advantage." Frosta noted.
"I feel that Brassius has taken that into account." Perfuma said.
"Now, allow me to touch up this work slightly!" Brassius said, bringing out his own Tera Orb and charging it up. "I call it "Trueleewoodo"!" he declared, throwing it at Sudowoodo as it terastallized, crystallization as it gained an ornament that depicted a vase of different flowers.
"Careful, Shun. He may have changed type, but you shouldn't let your guard down." Meitenkun said.
"Well if Sudowoodo still has its Sturdy Ability, chances are it could endure one of Charcadet's moves once." Mari said.
"It may seem like I'm at a disadvantage now, but despite changing types, My Sudowoodo still has use of the moves of its original type. Ones that your Charcadet will find most unpleasant! Rock Throw!" Brassius called as Sudowoodo used the Rock type move as it chucked stones right at Charcadet.
"Alright. Time to leave a parting gift. Fire Spin!" Shun'ei said.
Charcadet was able to pull off the move just before the rocks hit him as he went down, ensuring that Sudowoodo would still take continuous fire damage.
Shun'ei returned Charcadet. "Isla is still asleep, though… Should I risk it? At this point, all I have left is her and Quaxly."
"Quaxly must've learned a new move that could give him an advantage, right?" Mari asked.
"...Mari's right. At this point, I have to risk it. You're up, Quaxly!" Shun'ei said as he sent out his starter.
"A very bold choice young man, but it might cost you! Sudowoodo, use Trailblaze!" Brassius called as Sudowoodo used the fast paced Grass type move and charged right at Quaxly.
"Oh, this is going to be close. Wing Attack!" Shun'ei said.
Quaxly swung his wings and slashed at Sudowoodo. Both Pokémon took super effective damage, Sudowoodo was able to hang on due to its Sturdy ability, while Quaxly was almost ready to fall over.
"Oh, man!" Frosta said.
"Poor Quaxly!" Perfuma worried.
"Shun! You need to switch Quaxly with Isla now, he can't take another hit like that!" Meitenkun said.
"But she's still asleep due to the Sleep Powder." Frosta said. "This is a dire situation."
Rinkah was watching the battle from afar, fist clenched. 'Don't you dare lose. Not now.' Rinkah thought.
"Quaxly has to finish this battle now. If he can't, it's over." Mari said.
Despite the damage it took, Quaxly was still able to keep going. Not wanting to go down in front of Shun'ei, he stood up, fixed his crest, and prepared for the next go at it. And it was at this moment, something unexpected happened, as Quaxly started glowing.
"What's this?" E. Constance asked in surprise.
"Oh, we know what this means!" Perfuma said.
Quaxly grew bigger till it was about the size of a child. His wings and legs were longer, the former taking on a blue color to them as its hat was longer and more voluminous, now a darker shade of blue with long eyebrows.
"Quaxly evolved!" Mari said as she scanned him. "He is now Quaxwell, the Practicing Pokémon! A Water Type, and as I mentioned, the evolved form of Quaxly! The hardworking Quaxwell observes people and Pokémon from various regions and incorporates their movements into its own dance routines."
"With an evolution, we might have a chance now." Shun'ei said.
"Don't be so sure, young man. All it will take is one more attack, and your Quaxwell's efforts to evolve will be for naught." Brassius reminded.
"One hit is all I need. Double Hit!" Shun'ei called out.
Quaxwell moved in with grace and speed, hitting Sudowoodo twice, finally bringing the Imitation Pokémon down.
"Well now! That was a truly artistic battle. The patterns of your moves, the minute details of your Pokémons' performance! Everything you did was honed to perfection!" Brassius said. "That battle was, in a word, art! If we cannot call that a work of artistry, then nothing else in this world could be labeled as such!"
"I definitely see Yusuke in him more than before." Perfuma said.
"I would definitely say you pass in my artistice sense, without exception. As proof of your artistic prowess, I will award you with the Grass Badge! Would you and your friends like to take a photo with me as well?" Brassius asked Shun'ei.
"Sure thing." Shun'ei said.
After Shun'ei was awarded his second badge, the group all took a stylish Photo together with Brassius.
"Smile!" Mari said, pulling out a holo-camera in front of them as it went off, taking the group's picture. After that, the group left the battle court.
After getting Shun'ei's Pokémon healed up, the group suddenly encountered Rinkah, who smirked upon seeing them.
"You had me worried for a second." Rinkah smirked at Shun'ei. "You almost had me believing you were going to lose that fight."
"I almost did. But when Quaxly evolved, it was like I had a second wind." Shun'ei said.
"So you got one of your Pokémon to Evolve as well?" Rinkah quipped with a brighter smirk. "Good. I was worried the fight ahead might be uneven."
"Guess you don't have to worry about that now." Shun'ei said. "Shall we begin then?"
"Hah! Of course!" Rinkah smiled.
~Cue: Rinkah's Rival Theme (VS. Zinnia - Traditional Japanese Version by Hyuman)~
VS. Rinkah
Shun'ei was challenged by Flame Warrior Rinkah!
"Let's showcase our growth! Salandit!" Rinkah called as she led once more with Salandit, who looked slightly stronger compared to last time.
"Sorry about earlier, Isla. Hope you can make up for it with this!" Shun'ei said as he sent his Shroodle out.
"A face off between two poison types. Interesting." Perfuma said.
"Hmm. Intriguing indeed." Rinkah smiled. "Salandit! Ember!"
"Take the hit, and use Flatter!" Shun'ei said.
While Salandit did get angry and seemed to get stronger, it didn't become confused!
"Huh!? Why didn't-" Shun'ei asked.
"Heh. You think my Pokémon would fall for such tactics? As I found out, my Salandit is Oblivious to any forms of taunting!" Rinkah smirked.
"She's right, her Salandit has the Oblivious ability!" Mari said, checking Salandit's stats.
"Still sticking with my original plan, though. Bite!" Shun'ei said.
Rinkah smirked again. "Time to show you some tricks I wasn't able to last time." Rinkah smiled. "Such as this one. SALANDIT! MUD SLAP!"
Salandit began throwing mud at the charging Shroodle!
"Now, Fury Swipes!" Shun'ei said.
Rinkah watched as Shroodle avoided the super effective Ground type attack and brandished its claws, Rinkah giving a toothed smile. "We can bite just as hard now! But we've got a special bite. FIRE FANG!" Rinkah yelled as Salandit leapt upwards, its fangs coated in flames as it bit down on Shroodle.
"Ouch… That looked like it hurt." Shun'ei said as he returned Isla. "Alright now, you're up Quaxwell!"
"You're pulling out your starter? This early?" Rinkah asked in genuine surprise.
"He's my front man for now. And he's got quite the kick in him too. Aqua Jet!" Shun'ei said.
Salandit was nailed, being OHKO'd by the STAB super effective move as Rinkah returned her with a smile.
"This just got fun." Rinkah smiled as she brought out her next Pokéball. "BURN BRIGHT, FLETCHINDER!"
The evolution of Fletchling came out, looking fierce and ready for combat.
"Start it off fast and quickly! AERIAL ACE!" Rinkah yelled as Fletchinder took flight at unseen speeds!
"Go for it! Water Pulse!" Shun'ei said.
Despite being pelted by the rapid attacks from Aerial Ace, Quaxwell was able to catch Fletchinder right as he was in front of him, and blasted the Fire/Flying type out of the sky!
Fletchinder was tough, recovering mid-flight and awaiting Rinkah's next orders.
"Let's be more tactful then! Start with Flame Charge!" Rinkah yelled as Fletchinder gained speed, literally and stat wise, rushing down at Quaxwell, before at last minute, Rinkah would swap her game! "Now, evasive/offensive action! Acrobatics!"
In a flip of a switch reaction, in case of Water Pulses or other Water attacks, Fletchinder executed Acrobatics, dodging any counter Quaxwell had before finding an opening to attack while still evading.
"Time for a Double Hit!" Shun'ei said. Quaxwell retaliated by smacking Fletchinder down twice.
"Not bad. Get him now! Aerial Ace!" Rinkah yelled as Fletchinder's eyes flared, blitzing Quaxwell again with Aerial Ace.
"Quaxwell doesn't have much energy left. Let's make this count. Wing Attack!" Shun'ei said.
"Acrobatics, now!" Rinkah ordered.
Both Pokémon had the same idea to use Flying type attacks, and they connected, both Pokemon taking out each other!
"They really are even." Shun'ei said with a smile. "All I have left now is Charcadet. You ready for this, little guy?"
"Heh, I've still got two left." Rinkah said as she sent out Litleo, as Charcadet was sent out as Shun'ei's final Pokémon. The Fire Child Pokemon was ready, despite the odds.
"Only one thing to use against this one. Pelt it with Clear Smog!" Shun'ei said.
"Litleo, dodge and go for a Headbutt!" Rinkah commanded.
"Hmm… I might need a new approach here. Let's see if this Terastallization is all it's cracked up to be." Shun'ei said.
"So you did gain that Ability. I've only heard of Terastallization, never seen it myself. Show me what it's about!" Rinkah demanded.
"If you insist." Shun'ei said as he brought out his Tera Orb as it started charging up. "Here we go!" he said as he tossed the orb at Charcadet, crystallizing it as it gained an ornament depicting a stone. "Whoa… It… It really worked!"
"Impressive. Now to see if it can best us! Litleo! Crunch!" Rinkah exclaimed.
"First… A Leer." Shun'ei said.
"Huh!?" Rinkah exclaimed as Litleo was stopped short by the intense Leer from Charcadet, as it whimpered.
"Now, one more Clear Smog!" Shun'ei called out.
With Litleo caught off guard and its defense lowered, there wasn't anything stopping Charcadet from blasting the Lion Cub pokemon hard with another fog blast as it went down.
"Tch. Quite the handiwork." Rinkah said as she smiled. "Alright! Let's see which of our Charcadets are stronger!"
Rinkah's Charcadet landed, looking fiercely ready for battle.
"Let's start things off nice and quickly. Astonish!" Rinkah ordered.
"You use Astonish as well." Shun'ei said.
Both Charcadets hit each other with the same move at the same time, both taking damage.
"Now, another Clear Smog!" Shun'ei said.
Shun'ei's Charcadet blasted Rinkah's first off the exchange of Astonishes.
"Tch." Rinkah growled as she considered her options, trying to figure out what her best plan of attack was. 'That Terastalization… It's really given Shun'ei an edge that I can't compete with. It's still too unfair to send in Reazah… I'm running out of options, and ideas…'
Shun'ei saw his Charcadet start to glow, as it about to use something. "You sure? Well… Okay. Guess it's time to test this out. Tera…Blast!"
Rinkah's Charcadet looked up with fearful eyes as Shun'ei's Charcadet charged up Tera Blast, as he looked to Rinkah in worried.
"I know, I know!" Rinkah exclaimed as she looked at the situation, before thinking of the only thing she could to turn the tides. "...Charcadet! Sync up with me!" Rinkah declared.
The Charcadet nodded before Rinkah powered up, indicated by her flames erupting around her.
"Blaze Forth and achieve glory!" Rinkah yelled.
Flame Dominance Lava Plume
With the last ditch effort in play, Charcadet summoned flames that not even Flash Fire would be able to absorb, a mix of Ghost and Fire as the typing, as massive plumes of fire and lava smashed into Shun'ei's Charcadet in a last ditch effort! Shun'ei's Charcadet was barely standing at the end of that onslaught.
"Whoa… This Terastallization has another benefit. True, Charcadet doesn't have any Rock-types moves to benefit from, but… Terastaillization also changes around a Pokemon's resistances and weaknesses." Frosta said.
Shun'eis Charcadet still had Tera blast charged up, eager to show them something else cool. As he fired it off, a shower of rocks pelted Rinkah's Charcadet, dealing super effective damage as the battle ended.
(end song)
"Wow!" Perfuma said.
"So that was Tera Blast…" Mari said. "The type of the move changes depending on what Tera type the pokemon that has it is Terastallized into."
Rinkah looked down as her Charcadet looked up with saddened eyes, as Rinkah smiled. "You… no, we did all we could, little friend." Rinkah smiled as she called Charcadet back to his Pokéball, as Rinkah rose and smiled. "Just as impressive as last time, no, moreso, Shun'ei. However, don't think you'll have this lead long. I've gotten wind of a way to improve my own Charcadet, its own Evolution path! I've been collecting materials for it with Reazah, and soon, you'll find out what my little guy can truly accomplish!" Rinkah smirked.
"You're really fired up, Rinkah." Frosta said. "But you should really be proud of the battle you put on. You took down Quaxwell despite a disadvantage. If anything, this is really improving the both of you."
"I realize that! And do not misplace my tone, Frosta!" Rinkah said. "I'm fired up to see just how far Shun'ei and I can push ourselves! How strong of bonds we can make! How strong the both of us can truly become! Be prepared, Shun'ei. Reazah is hungry to partake in our next encounter, and she intends to give her all just as the rest of my team has!" Rinkah declared.
"She's right about one thing, Shun. Charcadet can evolve using materials that forge into sets of armor." Meitenkun said. "According to this, you need Bronzor pieces for the Auspicious Armor and Sinistea pieces for the Malicious Armor."
"A chance to evolve Noa as well?" E. Constance asked. "Ahahaha! Shun'ei, I do believe we have ourselves a side objective!"
"So it would seem. I'll definitely make a note of this later." Shun'ei said.
"Well Rinkah, we'd better get going to the next city for Shun'ei to get his next badge. Have fun out there till we see you again." Frosta said.
"Likewise to the rest of you. Train well, Shun'ei!" Rinkah called as she headed off.
"So then, where shall we go to next?" E. Constance asked.
"Hmm… well, the city holding the Electric type gym, Levincia, isn't too far from here." Meitenkun said.
"Though we'll have to find a work around. It's close to Team Star's Fire Crew territory and they have the main path blocked off." Mari said.
"Let's wait until the others clear that up before we head there, then. Any cities we'll run into on the way?" Frosta asked.
"No…but we could take the chance to explore the wilds and look at Pokémon to perhaps capture." Perfuma said.
"Works for me. I'm going to need some for the next few Gyms anyway. These three can only do so much." Shun'ei said.
"Then let's go exploring!" Frosta said. "But speaking of Team Star, I wonder what Mark's group is up to right now…?"