"Today is the day." Leaf said in the mirror as she clapped her cheeks while washing her face. It has been two weeks since she and Red had decided to train and now, she was ready to have her rematch against Erika. Leaf had a huge smile on her face as she went into the living room, seeing her Pokeballs on the table with Kim who was watching TV.

"Never thought I would see you challenge Erika being so soon." She said while drinking some tea, her Delcatty jumping onto her lap. "I thought you were going to wait for a few more weeks."

"Oh no. I'm perfect. I got everything I need." The brunette said as she made a thumbs up, Kim noticing Red's gloves on her hands before she shook her head. "Hmm. We'll know. You heard any word from Red?"

"No. He decided to continue training. He's been MIA for a week now. He has been texting me to tell me that he is alright so I guess that he's also practicing archery." Leaf said, raising her own Pokegear that had a dial tone. The brunette then picked up her Pokemon party, a smile on her face as she swung up her bag onto her back. "I hope that he's alright."

"I'm pretty sure he is. Hope he bathes though." Kim said as she turned off the television before the two of them went to the Pokemon Gym.

"I came here to barga-I mean battle." Leaf announced her presence as she kicked the doors of the gym open. All of the gym trainers looked at them while training with some of the Draconite members or tending to the garden which surprised the two girls, Kim deciding to speak her mind. "Huh? Thought Erika would be tending to the garden herself."

"Well, you see…" Julia scratched her cheek and let out a nervous chuckle. "Erika is sleeping right now. She had a lot of work to do the past days."

"More like she's been flirting...should we get the prince?" One of the girls snickered before Julia lightly smacked her on the head. "Shh."

"Seriously?! I was so excited for today." Leaf groaned, falling to her knees which got a laugh from everyone in the gym. The brunette was about to leave with a disappointed mood before she heard a voice telling her to stop.

"I'm awake, Julia." Erika said as she came out of the backroom before she looked at Leaf. "Plus, Miss Leaf has been looking forward to this so I can't disappoint."

"Awesome! Let's get this fight started!" Leaf said as both girls went to the battlefield, Julia acting as the referee.

"We have our gym leader, the beautiful Erika versus Leaf from Viridian City! This battle will be a four-on-four Pokemon match. Subs are allowed. Any questions?" Julia stated, waiting only to see Leaf shake her head before she held her hand up into the air.

"Without further ado, now the Celadon Gym battle will begin!"

"Jumpluff, take some sunlight!" Jumpluff appeared on the field, the Pokemon enjoying the rays of the sun. Leaf watched the Pokemon who hopped around the place before she took up a Pokeball. 'So a Jumpluff. It's Flying along with Grass and it's super quick and flexible sooooo…'

"Let's crush them." She threw the capsule in the air which released a quadrupedal canine who was covered in short, reddish-orange fur with tufts of yellow fur around its neck and tail. Everyone was surprised by the Pokemon, Leaf having a cheeky grin as she introduced it. "Watch as my Flareon sweeps the floor with you!"

She turned to Erika who was sleeping, much to the brunette's shock and anger. "You couldn't have done that at another time?!"

Erika yawned and rubbed her eyes, droopily looking forward to her opponent's Pokemon before she let out a gentle smile. "Oh. Amazing...you have a Flareon."

"I…my…introduction…" Leaf rubbed the tears bubbling in her eyes before she made her command. "Flareon…Double Kick…"

Flareon dashed forward and going around Jumpluff then lunged forward with rear legs glowing which caught the Grass-type off guard, pushing it back before it saw the red canine approaching with another Double Kick.

"Block…it…" Erika said in her sleep, Jumpluff putting its cotton limbs in front of it which made Leaf smirk. "Stop and use Curse."

Flareon stopped in its tracks, its body letting out smoke, Erika waking up at the moment. "Acrobatics."

Jumpluff quickly flew towards the Fire-type, surprising Leaf when it smacked Flareon back. "Man, it's fast."

"Another one…" Erika commanded, her Pokemon immediately swooping in for another attack. Leaf gritted her teeth in nervousness before it turned to a smirk the moment Jumpluff got close.

"Fire Spin!" Flareon's fur burst into flames, creating a shield of fire that caused the Grass-type to retreat. Jumpluff then shot two Energy Ball which was knocked away by Flareon's Double Kick. Going for an Acrobatics, the Pokemon went on the offensive as the Fire-type speedily evaded its strikes, much to everyone's surprise.

"Woah! Despite using Curse, it's almost as if it never lost its speed at all."

"Yeah. Did she find a workaround?"

Kim watched the battle with a small smile on her face when she saw Flareon dodged another Energy Ball before it used Curse again. "Well, it makes sense. Leaf's been training extra hard for this battle."

"Energy Ball!" Jumpluff launched a barrage of Energy Ball, Erika quickly commanded her Pokemon to use Substitute which Leaf noticed. "Not so fast! Fire Spin!"

As its paw burst into flames, Flareon swung it at the projectiles coming towards it, unleashed a wave of flames that turned into a vortex that trapped them and dispersed, surprising Erika before he noticed in front of her Pokemon in an instant.

"Acrobatics!"

"Take Down!"

Both Pokemon tackled each other which caused a shockwave that sent them back, Flareon able to keep on its feet with no bruises while Jumpluff took a while to get back up. Erika was surprised by the strength and durability before she heard her opponent laughing.

"I got you to wake up now." Leaf said confidently before she puts her hands on her hips. "Now that I have your undivided attention. Don't hold back because I'm going to get serious from here."

"I don't intend to." Erika smiled as her Pokemon went for an Acrobatics towards Flareon who stayed still which confused the gym leader before she realized the situation. "Jumpluff, stop!"

'Bingo.' Leaf smirked victoriously before she made her move. "Burn up!"

Flareon's fur burst into flames, catching Jumpluff off guard and burning it as the cotton Pokemon retreated.

"Oh no, you don't! Take Down!" Flareon wasted no time and dashed forward, crashing into Jumpluff and sending it across the battlefield. Quickly recovering, it shot a barrage of Energy Ball which its red opponent dodged before it kicked it into the air with Double Kick, getting hit by an Energy Ball in the process.

"Such power!" Erika commented before she noticed her Pokemon covered in bruises. 'She's too weak to use Substitute. Then…'

"Use Energy Ball."

Jumpluff charged a huge Energy Ball, Leaf watching the move before she nodded at Flareon. The Fire-type covered its front legs in swirling flames along with its mouth lighting aflame. As the Grass-type launched the Energy Ball at the fire Pokemon, it swung its arms and shot a Fire Spin that stopped the Energy Ball. the flames then travelled around the projectile before it burned Jumpluff, much to everyone's surprise. Despite its injuries, Jumpluff shot the Energy Ball which knocked back the Fire-type.

"Now Take Down!"

"Acrobatics and go into the trees."

Flareon leaped towards Jumpluff who was about to reach the trees before its body ignited in flames, the Pokemon crying loudly in pain as it suffered from the fire. Erika's eyes widened at this, unable to make a move when Flareon hit it with a Take Down, sending the Pokemon into the air before it fell to the ground unconscious.

"Woah!" Julia gasped in surprise, everyone else sharing her expression. Smiling victoriously while Erika returned her Pokemon, Leaf crossed her arms with a smug look on her face before she made her declaration. "Now that's a knockout!"

"Indeed. You've caught me off guard, much more than I want to admit." Taking out another Pokeball, her expression became serious. "I'm very proud of you but don't think this is over."

"Oh, I'm not. I'm just getting started."

"I hope so. Ludicolo, it's your time." Erika said as she called the Pokemon on the field. Leaf looked at Ludicolo who is dancing around the place as she took out her Pokedex.

"Ludicolo, the Carefree Pokemon. Ludicolo begins dancing as soon as it hears cheerful, festive music. This Pokémon is said to appear when it hears the singing of children on hiking outings."

Leaf read the information before she made Flareon stay on the field which surprised everyone, including Kim who took out a bag of chips from her bag. "Wasn't expecting her to keep Flareon out. Ludicolo is part Water after all."

"Yeah. She's probably trying to get chip damage with the Fire Spin."

"You might be unto something there but it's the first time I've seen someone trick Erika this much apart from the boss and Sabrina." Everyone turned to Havoc who was watching the battle, Julia giving the signal for the second match to begin.

"Start!"

The two waited for the other to attack, Leaf seeing the Pokemon dancing around the field, Erika not making a move which made her worried. 'I guess I have to make the first move since they're playing the waiting game.'

"Fire Spin!" The brunette commanded, her Pokemon using the move which Ludicolo dodged rhythmically. Clicking her teeth, she went for another, enveloping the flames around its body before it sprinted forward with Take Down.

"Ludicolo." Erika called, her Pokemon doing a twirl to evade the move before retaliating with an Energy Ball which hit the Fire-type but it was burnt by the Fire Spin. Using Scald, Ludicolo was able to retreat from the flames.

"I knew it wasn't gonna be easy but this…" Leaf muttered to herself as she watched Ludicolo continuing to dodge her Flareon's attacks. The Grass and Water-type blocked a Double Kick before it grabbed Flareon and flung it into the air and launched a Scald at it.

"Fire Spin!" Flareon breathed a Fire Spin that clashed with Scald, the two attacks cancelling each other before it went forward and attacked with Take Down, encasing itself in flames. Ludicolo shot a blast of water that doused the fire before it hit the plant with a full force tackle, knocking it back.

"Ludicolo! Energy Ball! Rush!" Ludicolo charged two Energy Ball in its hands and rushed towards its opponent, trying to hit it with the move. Flareon evaded the move, knocking away one of them with Double Kick as Ludicolo shot the other Energy Ball, the Fire-type's tail bursting with fire before it used Fire Spin to burn it. It then launched a Scald that knocked back Flareon.

"Erika's Ludicolo is difficult to deal with. In fact, I would say Flareon met its match!" Kim commented, her Mawile coming out of its Pokeball and cheering for Leaf. The other gym trainers were enjoying the battle before one of them made a comment when they saw Leaf made her Pokemon block an Energy Ball.

"Leaf's holding her own though. She's not playing around." One of the gym trainers said as they saw Flareon hit Ludicolo with a Double Kick.

"Scald!" Ludicolo used a Scald which was stopped by a Fire Spin shield that covered Flareon's body. It then went for a stronger blast of water which hit the Fire-type, making it shiver in comfort which caught Erika off guard. "What the?"

"Flareon's unaffected by the water?!" Some of the gym trainers gasped in shock.

'She's smart. Using the fire to heat up the water so that it does not affect Flareon since it's a Fire-type.' Havoc thought until he heard Erika commanded another move. "Ludicolo! Icy Wind!"

As Ludicolo used the move along with Scald, Flareon able to endure the move until the water got colder which made it start to have an effect on Flareon, much to Leaf's surprise when she noticed what is happening. "Flareon! Get out of there, quick!"

Flareon tried to move but it was too slow as the attack pushed it back.

"There goes the side effect of using Curse. It strengthens a Pokemon but it slows it down. Surely you would know of its effects, Ms. Leaf." Erika commented, her Ludicolo continued to use Scald on Flareon. "Or is this one of your schemes?"

"Maybe…" Leaf winked at her, her Pokemon erupted into a pillar of flames as it evaporated the water. "I could be…"

"You're a very tricky trainer." Erika sighed happily, her and the onlookers unaware of the sweat drop coming down Leaf's face as the girl's expression gets serious as she looked at her Flareon who was starting to pant. 'I'm glad that I have good acting skills. It's also good that I was able to use Double Kick strategy to increase her speed but I can't keep this up for long. It's incomplete but I'll try this.'

"Zen Headbutt!" She heard Erika's command, Ludicolo clasped its hands and closed its eyes before its head started to emit a blue ethereal energy. It then ran towards Flareon like a rocket, Leaf surprised by this before she made her move. "Double Kick to dodge the attack."

Its feet glowed, boosting the Fire-type's speed as it dodged Ludicolo's attack but the Grass-type followed it, catching it off guard when it rammed into the Flame Pokemon. As Flareon was pushed back, the Water and Grass-type unleashed a barrage of Energy Ball which Flareon dodged until it was hit by a Scald and Icy Wind combination.

"You can do this, Flareon. Let's go!" Leaf said as she cheered her Pokemon who managed to move out of the way of the blast.

The battle continued through the battlefield, Ludicolo shooting a barrage of projectiles which hit Flareon until it deflected one of the Energy Ball to hit Ludicolo, much to Leaf's elation. "Fire Spin to create a wall."

Using Fire Spin, Flareon lashed out with a wave of flames that warded off its opponent and destroyed the barrage of Energy Ball, Erika lifting her hand over her face as she was surprised by the sheer power of Flareon's firewall. "Wow. Such a brilliant fire."

The onlookers watched the scene with differing expressions of shock and awe. "I wasn't expecting such an extreme display of power."

"That is Leaf. It's either she goes all out or she does nothing at all." Kim said, both her and her Pokemon letting out nervous chuckles before she saw the huge cheeky smile on the brunette's face as she laughed loudly. "She can be a carefree hero or a cheeky villain."

"Scald to douse the flames." Ludicolo went to work as it doused the flames with Scald, showing Flareon who was using Curse, much to the gym leader's concern. "Shoot multiple Energy Ball!"

"Now Flareon!"

The pineapple duck unleashed a barrage of Energy Ball and Scald towards the fire canine who crouched down and spun its tail in the air. Everyone was surprised when rings of fire swirled around its tail that got bigger.

"You like dancing, huh? Hope you're a fan of Tiki dancing!" Leaf said before she made her command, her Flareon using Fire Spin from its tail which trapped the Energy Ball into a fiery vortex, surprising everyone as the orbs are flying within the veil.

"What the hell?!" All of the gym trainers said in unison, including Kim who started to cheer for her friend. "Nice one, Leaf! All according to plan!"

"That worked! That worked!" The brunette jumped excitedly before she noticed everyone giving her judgmental stares which made her clear her throat as she composed herself. "I mean-of course it would work. Are you ok, Flareon?"

Flareon nodded as it wagged its tail, the brunette smiled before she voiced her move. "Alright, go!"

Her Pokemon threw the veil that grew bigger, Ludicolo about to use Scald before it was hit by a Take Down which sent the Grass-type back. The pineapple duck looked around to see that it was trapped within a fiery cage, the Pokemon about to use a move but it was hit by an Energy Ball.

"Ludicolo!" Erika shouted before she saw the spheres swirling around the flaming vortex. "This isn't good. Ice Wind and Zen Headbutt."

It tried to use its move before it was hit by a Take Down from Flareon which made it get hit by an Energy Ball. While it was being bombarded by the barrage of Energy Ball, Ludicolo fought against the projectiles and Flareon, able to dodge the projectiles and able to hit its opponent with an Ice Wind before it was kicked repeatedly with Double Kick and pushed into the Fire Spin which burned it.

"Woah!"

"Leaf is on fire!" The gym trainers all looked at the fight, seeing both Pokemon fighting aggressively, getting bruises as the battle continued.

'I knew she got strong but this…' Erika thought as she tried to command her Ludicolo to fight off Flareon which failed when it was knocked back by an Energy Ball that left it open for a Take Down and then a Double Kick. 'I was not expecting her to become this strong.'

As the battle continued, the Fire Spin cage started to get smaller which made Ludicolo not enough room as it was battered by the projectiles while getting beaten up by Flareon.

"Scald!"

The Pokemon followed the gym leader's command as it launched a geyser, creating a cloud of smoke that spread through the whole gym. There was silence around the gym as both trainers waited for the fog to disappear.

"Take Down!"

Everyone was caught off guard, Erika looking to see Flareon charged towards her Pokemon at a slow pace. 'That's the problem with Curse. It trades speed for power. She's not gonna reach-'

Within an instant, Flareon tackled into Ludicolo with a Take Down, catching everyone off guard which sent it into a tree. Everyone was caught by shock when the Pokemon fell to the ground before it collapsed on the ground.

"Awesome, Flareon!" Leaf celebrated, her Pokemon giving a smile before it fell to the floor, much to her surprise. "Flareon!"

She ran to her Pokemon, petting it with a smile as she congratulated it for a good fight before returning it. Erika recalled her Pokemon as well, a smile on her face when she saw Leaf returning to her side of the field. "I must say, Miss Leaf. You have done well. You have expertly dealt with my two Pokemon but now…"

Erika threw her Pokeball in the air that released Roserade who landed on the field. "…I'm not holding back anymore."

"I've been waiting for this." Leaf readied her capsule and threw out Roselia who immediately got into a battle stance. Everyone watched as both trainers stood still, Erika staying still before the brunette made her move.

"Poison Sting!"

Selia moved forward, its speed surprising everyone when it was right in front of Roserade, Julia decided to speak. "When did she-"

"Dodge, Roserade." Roserade barely dodged a Poison Sting, it then noticed its opponent behind him. The gym leader was amazed and shocked by her opponent's speed before she heard Leaf. "Like that? Took us a lot of training to get to that speed but there's more where that came from."

"What?" Erika's eyes widened before the brunette snapped her fingers. "Continue."

Selia went on the offensive, sending a barrage of strikes at its opponent who barely avoided until Roserade retaliated with a Poison Jab which caused both their attacks to clash. As the battle between the two Pokemon resumed, Kim was confused at the lack of attacks and movement from Roserade. "Why isn't Roserade attacking?"

"It's not that it doesn't want to attack." Havoc folded her arms, everyone looked at her while she was watching the match. "It can't attack."

"What do you mean?" Kim asked before she watched the battle, noticing Roserade trying to use Hidden Power but it dispersed when Selia thrusted a Poison Sting which it had to dodge. "Leaf understands how strong Roserade is and how versatile its attacks are. So because of that, it looks like Leaf's strategy is making sure that it does not get the chance to attack."

While being on the offensive, Selia pushed back Roserade before twirling around and hitting its opponent with an uppercut. Not missing a beat, Roselia grabbed its opponent with its vines and then slamming it into the ground before rushing forward with a Poison Sting that started to catch fire which Erika noticed. 'Fire? Is it that fast?'

Roserade retreated before it retaliated with a wave of energy in order to ward off Roselia, the Pokemon charging a Weather Ball that became a huge fireball. It then shot the attack, Roselia's flowers lighting aflame before it responded with its own attack which created a flaming shockwave.

"Hidden Power!" Roserade shot a barrage of blasts which Roselia rhythmically dodged and deflected until it noticed Roserade charged a Weather Ball.

'This isn't good.' Leaf thought, Roselia was about to use its move before vines came out of the ground and wrapped around it.

"Oh no! Get out of there with Poison Sting!" Roselia was too late when it was hit by the attack, creating a cloud of smoke. Erika smiled before she noticed Selia emerging from the smoke with barely any injuries on her body as she held a serious expression on her face.

"What the hell happened? What did she do as training?" One of the gym trainers said when Selia dusted itself off before it blocked a Poison Jab, retaliating with a Weather Ball. Roselia went on the defensive when Roserade attacked with Poison Jab and Hidden Power, the smaller Pokemon managed to parry Roserade's moves.

'I'm impressed by the level of skill her Roselia has. But now…' Erika thought, seeing Selia able to land a couple strikes until her Pokemon retaliated with Hidden Power. Being pushed back, Roselia noticed a Weather Ball approaching it which it dodged by pushing itself into the air with its vines before it lunged towards Roserade.

"Stun Spore!"

"Stay back, Roserade!" Erika said before she noticed the smirk on Leaf's face which surprised her but she stayed on alert. Roselia immediately stopped itself by sticking its vines into the ground. "Growth."

"What?" The gym leader was caught off guard until she saw Roselia's body glowing intensely before the woman made her move. "Weather Ball."

"Go into the air." Leaf commanded, her Pokemon unleashing vines which Erika noticed are much bigger as it latched onto the surrounding trees and pushed itself in the air which made it avoid a Weather Ball. Erika smiled as she watched the two battled it out, Selia using its surrounding as footholds before it landed on the ground.

"Isn't Selia a bit stronger than usual from using Growth?" Kim thought aloud when she saw Roselia spun around and dodged a Hidden Power before it smacked its opponent in the face with Weather Ball surging on its hand. Not missing a beat, it wrapped its vines around Roserade and flung it into the ceiling before shooting a Weather Ball that created an explosion.

"Here's my new move! Weather Mace!" Leaf commanded, thorns coming out of Roselia's flowers before they glowed intensely and lit aflame, its hands looking like two flaming orbs with spikes coming out of them. Seeing the move in display, Erika's eyes sparkled when she saw the new move, a huge smile on her face. "What a beautiful move!"

Everyone watching the fight were surprised by the new move as Kim made a huge smile. "Woah! What a move."

"An interesting move combination."

"Was not expecting that."

"Using Growth to increase its attacking power along with having precise control of Weather Ball and Poison Sting."

Dashing at Roserade, Roselia battled against its opponent who had to dodge against its Weather Mace until one connected to his face which made Leaf extremely happy. "Nice! Shoot."

Roselia shot a barrage of flaming needles that burnt Roserade, continuing on the offensive by striking Roserade's stomach and knocking the wind out of it. Erika was caught off guard when she saw her Roserade fell in front of her, the Pokemon heavily burnt. "Are you ok, Roserade?"

Nodding, her Pokemon rose to its feet, the raven-haired woman letting out a sigh of relief before she heard Leaf. "How do you like them apples? I've been training hard for this. This is my battle style!"

Hearing that, Erika's eyes widened before she looked at her Roserade and then to the sky. The woman felt the rays of the sun a smile on her face before she started chuckling. "Miss, Leaf, do you know what I love about nature and Grass-type?"

"Huh?" Leaf raised an eyebrow before the gym leader continued. "Nature is not something that can be maintained. It's free. Serene and beautiful. Pokemon need nature to survive."

"What are you getting at?" The brunette said as Erika outstretched her arms and took a deep breath. "It's simple, Leaf. Nature has its own order and should take its course."

The raven-haired woman twirled around, Leaf was surprised by the woman's carefree nature until she noticed the smile on her face as she became half asleep. "I must say, Leaf. I'm proud of how much you have grown and you did get the better of me however…"

Erika relaxed herself before her eyes are half-lidded and she had a drowsy expression. "…nature is also unpredictable."

"What's happening?" Kim said as she sat up, one of the gym trainers also a bit terrified by her demeanor. "For Erika to do this, this isn't good."

"Erika is a special person." Everyone turned around to see Tony who walked into the gym, giving a wink to Erika who looked away in a blushed expression. "She's a great battler but unlike her sister and father, she becomes more of a headache to fight when she's 'one with nature'."

"One with nature."

"You know Erika is a master marksman and one of the best archers in Kanto, right?" Tony asked as he sat down close to them, getting a nod from the bluenette before he continued as he watched the fight. "Just know one thing. Her sleepiness isn't because she has low energy. That's how she meditates. That Leaf girl is gonna have a bad time if she ain't careful."

Erika started chuckling before she made her move. "Roserade! Hidden Power!"

Unleashing a shockwave that pushed back Roselia, Roserade created a huge purple orb, lifting it into the air as it waited for Erika, Leaf surprised by the sheer power of her opponent. "She still had that much power despite its injuries. Where was this before?"

The brunette's eyes widened when she Roserade's injuries starting to heal, immediately making Selia launched a Weather Ball which created a huge explosion. Leaf watched the smoke that erupted before she noticed Roserade coming out of it with no injuries on its body.

"H-how?" Leaf was extremely shocked until she noticed a black glow around Roserade's body like a suit of armor. Erika clapped her hands in an elated expression before she voiced her move. "Weather Ball."

Her Pokemon quickly shot a huge flaming which Roselia blocked by raising a wall of vines. Hopping over the vines, Roserade shot a barrage of Hidden Power bullets that Selia deflected by spinning around with its Weather Mace attack, creating a ring of fire until it clashed with Roserade.

After both Pokemon were knocked back by the collision, Roselia quickly grabbed Roserade who exploded into flames, burning the vines before it went for a Weather Ball which the pre-evolution blocked by wrapping itself in a veil of vines. Seeing the shield taking on the huge fireball, Erika squinted her eyes playfully before her expression became serious. "Let's blow up the shield. Go down!"

Roserade dug into the ground with its vines before the vines lit aflame, the ground under Roselia erupted into a pillar of fire, surprising the brunette. "Weather Ball to blow the flames."

Selia spun around and pushed back the fire until it noticed Roserade coming towards it and fired Hidden Power, the Pokemon retreating to dodge the move. It then noticed more spheres coming to it, Selia deflecting them before Leaf noticed various living vines on the ground which made her shocked. "Selia! Look out! Go to the left!"

The Thorn Pokemon twirled around the vines as it rhythmically battled against its evolution, Leaf able to make it hold its own but it was naught when it grabbed by Roserade's vines and then hit by a Weather Ball that sent it into a wall.

"Woah…" Kim was slightly scared, some of the gym trainers sharing her reaction. "I wasn't expecting this. Erika is so strong."

"It's not just strength." Everyone turned to Tony who opened a can of soda. "Erika's so focused that she can barely be caught off guard. Her absolute focus is very dangerous."

"Absolute focus?"

"It's her state of mind." Julia answered when she saw the battle, another collision creating a shockwave as she continued. "It's Erika's way of handling Sabrina. It's a state where you make sure not to fill your mind with thoughts."

"When you fight a person who can read your thoughts, her answer is to clear your mind and fight like it's a response than a thought." Tony said, Kim extremely surprised. "That's…insane."

"Now the question is: how's your friend gonna deal with it?" Tony said before he drank his can of soda.

Seeing Roserade coming towards it with energy swirling around its body as its limbs went aflame, Leaf was awestruck by the sheer power of her opponent.

"Even with all that training, I can't even compare with it power…" Leaf mumbled before she turned to her Pokemon who was slowly getting to its feet, panting as it went into a battle stance. '…Roselia is not giving up so neither should I.'

She took a deep breath and slapped her cheeks before she made a smile before she kept her eyes on Roselia. Seeing a Weather Ball, Roselia prepared itself as Leaf made her move.

"Giga Drain! Catch it!" Roselia lashed out its vines and caught the fireball, Leaf's eyes still on Selia before she looked at its vines. "Keep hold of it and keep your feet planted."

Roselia did as told when it kept a steady stance, the vines lighting aflame as it held the fireball. Erika made her Roserade stay still and charge a Hidden Power, the woman hearing Leaf's command. "Trap Roserade and throw the ball then spread the attack."

Selia threw the fiery projectile, unleashing a wave from its own Weather Ball that quickly came towards Roserade. Roserade was about to dodge the fire but vines came out of the ground and wrapped around, the thorns on the vines glowing purple before they stabbed into Roserade before it slammed it into the Weather Ball, creating a huge explosion.

"Nice!" Leaf celebrated, everyone was surprised by the move. Erika did not falter, noticing vines going towards branches on the ground. "Throw the branches."

Roserade threw the branches and logs, Roselia hands lit ablaze before it shot a barrage of flaming needles which ripped through the branches and logs, surprising Erika. "Ohh! That's...great..."

Thorns came out of the ground and stabbed Roserade before they burst into flames which made the brunette smiled before she saw that Erika has not faltered. "Remember what I said, Leaf."

Leaf raised a brow before the woman smiled a serene one as she continued. "Nature can be unpredictable. Weather Ball!"

All of the fire surrounding Roserade swirled around it before it went between its hands, getting bigger by the second which surprised Leaf. 'So quick in such a short time but-'

She looked at Selia who was panting heavily as it fell on one knee. Leaf could see the expression on the Pokemon, punching the ground as it wore a frustrated look. 'This isn't going to be pretty but...'

"Charge your own Weather Ball!" Leaf said which surprised Selia who looked at its trainer. "We trained for this and we're not giving up. Our final hurray!"

Selia's hands burst into flames, putting its arms together which transformed into a ball of fire that grew bigger but the size was nothing compared to Roserade's sphere. Everyone watched in awe as both Pokemon charged their attacks, two blazing waves of fire facing each other as their trainers had to back away from the intense heat radiating from the Weather Ball.

"Fire!"

As both trainers made their command, their Pokemon shot their attacks. The fireballs collided with each other, clashing with each other before they exploded into a pillar of flames that spread across the battlefield, pushing back both trainers and turning on the sprinklers which doused the fire. As the flames died out, everyone was surprised when they saw both Pokemon on the field still on their feet.

"Selia…"

"Roserade…."

The two trainers said to their Pokemon, Roserade starting to move as it slowly went to Roselia which made Leaf frustrated as her hands balled into fists. "Even after all that…all her training…"

Suddenly, Roserade collapsed onto the ground, surprising everyone as Roselia started to fall forward as well before it landed on one foot. "Selia…"

Roselia weakly lifted its hand into the air before it turned to Leaf with a smile on its face which made Leaf smile widely before she ran to the Pokemon and hug it.

"Selia, you won!"

Erika let out a sigh as she petted Roserade before she recalled it with a smile and turned to Leaf who was hugging her Pokemon.

"You have done well, Leaf. You've made considerable progress." Erika commented to which Leaf nodded in respect. The brunette then looked at her Roselia who was still conscious but unable to move which made her return it. "Good job…take a rest."

"You have one final wall and you'll get your fourth badge. Are you ready?" Erika said as she took out a Pokeball from her kimono, Leaf smiling as she took out her Pokeball. "Whenever you are."

"Bellossom, I need your help!" She threw a capsule, releasing Bellossom who twirled before it stayed still. Leaf was about to go for a Pokeball before the capsule opened, a ball of light flashed on the field which formed into an orange, chicken-like, bipedal creature who immediately raring to fight.

"Combusken! You need to calm down. You're going to fight, ok?" Leaf said to which her Combusken nodded before it hopped in place in excitement. Erika was surprised before she smiled and clapped her hands. "So your Torchic evolved? That's lovely."

"You shouldn't be celebrating since it will take your Bellossom down." Leaf said with a confident smirk.

Seeing the sun shining brightly and Bellossom who stood still, the brunette wore a serious expression before she contemplated her move. 'With this situation, Combusken's my best bet. Especially with its Chlorophyll ability now active.'

"Hidden Power!"

"Ember!"

Bellossom dashed forward and launched a wave of dark energy towards Combusken who countered with an Ember. The Grass-type used Hidden Power to dissipate the fire before shooting another which the Fire-type evaded and landed a Low Kick that knocked the flower off balance.

"Flame Charge." The chicken crouched to the ground, its arm enveloped in flames before it hit Bellossom back with an uppercut, much to Erika's surprise. 'It's fast and that is a good way of using Flame Charge.'

"Aerial Ace!" Not missing a beat, Combusken dashed forward, dodging Bellossom's attacks before it kicked its opponent.

"Nature Power, Bellossom!"

Able to get its footing, the flower made its move which changed to Energy Ball as it shot a barrage of them at Combusken who dodged the orbs with Aerial Ace. Reaching in front of its opponent and about to attack, the orange chicken was caught off guard when it was hit by a blast that sent it back, Leaf was surprised to see Bellossom dancing while its body starting to glow.

"Oh crap! That's Quiver Dance! Combusken, attack with Flame Charge and then use Ember!" Combusken sprinted towards Bellossom and shot an Ember which went through Bellossom, surprising Leaf before she noticed the Grass-type being behind Combusken.

"A mirage?" Kim stated in shock, Tony looking at Bellossom who charged a huge Energy Ball before slamming it into Combusken, sending the chicken into a tree. 'Sunlight. One of Erika's more elaborate weapons. It's even more annoying with her Bellossom but…'

The man looked over to Leaf took a deep breath before she had an unfaltering look on her face. '…let's see what you can do.'

"Alright! Change of tactics! Combusken, use Flame Charge!" Combusken wrapped itself in flames before it sped off like a bullet, Bellossom dodging its move.

"Again!" It then stopped, spinning around and dashing forward again which missed when Bellossom evaded the move. She continued to repeat the tactic until Erika noticed the Pokemon getting faster, its move slightly grazing her Bellossom.

"Stop it with Hidden Power!" Bellossom stopped Combusken in its tracks with Hidden Power before it lifted its hand which started to surge with energy until it punched Combusken across the field. The fire chicken hopped onto its feet as it started to become excited, much to Leaf's surprise. "Nice. Let's go. Flame Charge."

"Is she able to handle that speed though?" One of the gym trainers wondered, Kim let out a chuckle when she saw Leaf's grin. "We're about to find out."

"Now let's start with Aerial Ace!" The brunette made her command, the fire starter rushed towards like a rocket and hit Bellossom. As the Grass-type was about to retaliate, Combusken retreated with Flame Charge to dodge a Hidden Power. This continued for a while, the orange chicken went around the place like a pinball as it managed to land a few hits on Bellossom, much to Erika's surprise. 'Smart. Using Aerial Ace to precisely attack Bellossom and dodge attacks while using Flame Charge to gain distance. A great strategy to deal with the speed she's accumulated.'

"This is getting old. Bellossom, let's stop it!" The gym leader voiced her move, Bellossom unleashed a wave of psychic energy that stopped the chicken. Leaf then noticed something as she continued the fight before looking at the sun, a smile on her face. 'The sun's starting to cool which means.'

She saw Bellossom moving slower, making it get overwhelmed by Combusken's strikes until the flower retaliated with a Hidden Power that stunned the Fire-type, Erika decided to make her move. "Good. Alright, Solar Beam."

'Since the sun's not out, it should take some time before she can fire that.' Leaf thought as she made her move. "Combusken, Aerial Ace."

As Combusken was about to use the move, it was immediately hit by a Solar Beam, catching Leaf off guard until she saw her Pokemon passing by her and sent through a tree and capsizing it.

"Combusken!" Leaf ran to her Pokemon only to be shocked when she saw that it was knocked out. "There's no way…that was fast. How was the Solar Beam so fast?"

Erika giggled before she stretched her arms. "Every move has their uses. Through training, even attacks that you think are disadvantageous can have their advantages."

Leaf could only grunt in frustration as she recalled her Pokemon. "I could barely do anything. She's not making this easy."

Returning to the field, she thought about the situation while looking at her party. 'Damn, I was doing so good but, in an instant, she knocked me down to my last Pokemon. Alright, with how strong it is and that Solar Beam fiasco, there is only one Pokemon I can go for.'

"Lopunny, come out!" She sent out Lopunny onto the field. Erika was surprised by the Pokemon who was stretching itself and hopping into the air. 'Interesting. So her last Pokemon is Lopunny. Makes sense since the rest of her team is not great against Grass.'

"Alright, Nature Power!" Hearing the gym leader's command, Bellossom rushed at its opponent while charging two Energy Ball in its arms.

"Lightning Spin, Lopunny!" Lopunny's ears burst with electricity before it spun around quickly, knocking away the projectiles. As one of them was smacked into the ground, it exploded which knocked the combatants back before Bellossom received a flurry of kicks that ended with a Jump Kick.

"Woah!" Everyone was watching the fight with excitement as Lopunny nimbly dodged Bellossom's attacks until it vanished instantly before landing a Thunder Punch that sent the flower flying back, Tony whistled in surprise. "Now that's speed."

"Yeah. Leaf's really giving it to her." Havoc said as he saw Bellossom taking another strike.

"I'm surprised that she went for Lopunny and not her Nidoqueen."

Kim smile fell before she noticed Lopunny quickly tapped its legs on the ground. "She can't use Nida since it won't obey her. Plus, it's better for Lopunny to be in this situation."

"Huh?" Everyone looked at the bluenette who simply smirked, her Mawile eating some of her chips. "You'll see."

Erika clicked her tongue before she tried to use another Energy Ball which was knocked away by a Return and then hit the Grass-type with drop kick. Bellossom quickly surrounded itself with several Energy Ball and launched them towards the rabbit who used Agility to dodge them until it hit the flower with a spin kick that sent it rocketing into a tree.

"Hidden Power!" Erika said, her Bellossom immediately coming in front of Lopunny who tried to hit it with Thunder Punch which missed before it was hit by a barrage of Hidden Power bullets. Being pushed back by the blasts, everyone's eyes widened when they saw there was barely any injuries on its body. 'It took that a lot better than expected.'

"Let's go with Quiver Dance!"

"Go for Thunder Punch!"

Bellossom used the move as such before it charged an Energy Ball that grew bigger while Lopunny charged its Thunder Punch. Both Pokemon went forward and used their attacks, creating a clash that unleashed a blast of wind that surprised the gym leader.

"I didn't expect her Lopunny to be this powerful."

"C'mon. Hang in there." Leaf mumbled.

As the clash resumed, Lopunny ultimately won the clash before it followed up with an uppercut that sent its opponent into the air, leaping towards the flower with Agility. Seeing its opponent coming towards it, Bellossom created an Energy Ball before throwing it towards its opponent.

"Change direction!" Leaf made her command.

Responding quickly, Lopunny used its ear as a foothold and hopped off it to jump into another direction to evade the attack. Everyone was surprised by the sudden move, Erika as well as she mumbled. "Amazing reflexes."

"What in the hell of parkour?" Tony said in pure shock. Leaf smirked and felt triumphant before her and her Lopunny caught by surprise when Bellossom shot a Solar Beam that sent the rabbit to the ground.

"Remember Leaf, nature is unpredictable." Erika said as her Bellossom turned around. "Never celebrate too early because you never know what your opponent has in their pocket."

The Pokemon shot a smaller Solar Beam to the ceiling to jettison itself towards Lopunny while charging its arm with Hidden Power before it punched Lopunny that cracked the ground and bounced the rabbit into the air. Landing on the now destroyed and rocky ground, Erika made it use Nature Power which turned into Earth Power, the Pokemon punching the ground which erupted with energy that hurt Lopunny.

"How did it change?" Kim raised a brow, unaware of the smiles from the gym trainers.

"Lopunny!" Leaf yelled until she saw Erika who was extremely focused as her Bellossom landed in front of her. "What will your next move be, Miss Leaf?"

"There goes my flawless win. You good, Lopunny?" Leaf clicked her tongue, seeing her Pokemon hopped into the air and gave her a nod which made her smile. She then looked at the situation before they both made their move.

"Return!"

"Hidden Power!"

Both Pokemon rushed forward, their attacks colliding with each other as Leaf commanded her Lopunny to use Thunder Punch with both of its ears. Seeing this, Bellossom dodged their moves before it coated its arms with Hidden Power and stop Lopunny's attack. As the two continued with their struggle, Bellossom was knocked to a wall, using Nature Power that changed into Tri Attack as it sent the attack towards the rabbit.

"Ok, seriously. How is she able to do that?" Kim thought aloud, Tony looking at the girl as he finished his soda. "It's one of Erika's little tricks. Since Nature Power is a very volatile move that can change depending on the situation. She trained herself to be able to learn the move and use it with barely any side effects. Just like her, her Bellossom can focus for a singular moment and quickly siphon the energy of any surface it touches which is what is needed for Nature Power."

"Oh." Kim blinked before she had an impressed look on her face. "That's very..."

"Genius, yes." Tony said before he watched the battle. "Don't sell your friend short though. She's managing better than I expected."

"Lopunny, Lightning Spin!" Lopunny spun as the Tri Attack hit it which caused the move cloaked around it, causing its Thunder Punch to get stronger as the lightning encasing them became more blinding.

"What is this?" Erika was caught off guard before she smiled when she looked at Leaf. 'Nice. She's now finding her own way.'

"Solar Bea-"

"Don't let her get the chance." Leaf made her command. Within a moment, Lopunny hit Bellossom in the face with its empowered Thunder Punch that sent the Grass-type sliding back. Not missing a beat, the rabbit went for Return in the form of a kick that deflected the flames from the Tri Attack back at the flower, burning it.

"Wow…" Erika mumbled before she smiled and made her move. "Nature Power!"

Recovering quickly, Bellossom charged an Energy Ball that clashed with Lopunny's ice encased hands which created an explosion that pushed both Pokemon back. Seeing her Bellossom stopped itself with Hidden Power and dashed forward, Erika made her command as Lopunny went in front of the flower. "Hidden Power to send yourself into the air."

Using the move to send itself in the air, Bellossom was above Lopunny, dodging the rabbit's punch in the process.

"Solar Beam."

"No…" Leaf could only watch as her Lopunny got hit by the blast which sent it into a wall. It tried getting up which failed, the Normal-type arms starting to shake as it lifted itself from the ground, Bellossom walking towards it while charging a Solar Beam.

"Don't give up…" Leaf watched in concern as her Pokemon then fell back to the ground.

"You can do this..." Looking back at its trainer, Lopunny's eyes widened before it mustered all the strength it could until Bellossom shot a Solar Beam that hit it, Leaf could only watch in pain.

"I…lost again…" She said, looking to the ground and balled her hands into fists out of frustration. Erika watched the scene with a calm demeanor, watching until she noticed the Pokemon was nowhere to be found. "What?"

"Where did it go?" The gym trainers looked around the place until one of them pointed into the air. In midair was Lopunny who was ascending towards the ceiling, much to Leaf's surprise before she did not waste any time. "Jump off the roof and use Jump Kick."

Lopunny did not waste any time as it bounced off the ceiling, rocketing towards its opponent as it went for a drop kick.

"Hidden Power!" Erika voiced her move, Bellossom unleashed a blast that travelled towards the rabbit, Leaf not faltering. "Cover yourself with your ears and spin!"

The Normal-type quickly covered itself with its ears before spun quickly. The blast hit the rabbit who started to clash against the attack, creating a shockwave that to push back both trainers. As the clash resumed, Leaf watched as her Pokemon was slowly getting pushed back by the Hidden Power. "You can do it, Lopunny!"

'Looks like this match is at an end.' Erika watched as Bellossom's attack got stronger, pushing back Lopunny to the ceiling. On the other hand, Leaf was starting to panic before she remembered. "Coat yourself with Thunder Punch! Lightning Spin!"

Her Pokemon surged with electricity as it continued with its attack, the rabbit looking like a drill as it begun to push back against the move. The fight continued as Lopunny slowly started to get closer to Bellossom, using Nature Power which turned into Energy Ball which empowered its blast.

"Bellossom, end this fight!"

"Give it all you got, Lopunny!"

Both Pokemon did not falter or gave up as they continued with their attacks, everyone could only watch the fight in awe. After a while, Bellossom started to feel fatigue as its body was pushed back, Erika noticed but she was too late as it descended towards the flower.

"Go!" Leaf shouted, Lopunny landed a powerful kick onto Bellossom that slammed it into the ground, creating a crater. The entire gym was silent as they watched smoke coming from the crater, the tension very strong as no one tried to blink.

As the smoke cleared, everyone was surprised to see both Pokemon knocked out on the ground unconscious. Leaf's eyes widened at what happened but she shook herself out of her trance before she ran to her Pokemon who could barely get up. "You did great, Lopunny. Even though we lost, you did awesome out there!"

"Both Bellossom and Lopunny are knocked out." Leaf heard the announcement from Julia, the brunette let out a sigh as she fell to the ground. 'I guess I los-'

"With one Pokemon still able to fight, Leaf Green from Pallet Town wins the match." Leaf was completely surprised when she heard the announcement before she looked at the referee in pure confusion. "W-what?"

"You won." She turned to Erika who walked towards her with a smile as she let out a hand which Leaf took, the woman lifted her back to her feet. "Your Roselia is still fighting fit despite it being tired. See, you took my lessons into mind. You use your numbers and your mind to win a battle. You even created your own battle style."

Kim hugged the brunette who was still baffled. "You did it, Leaf! You won the battle!"

"That was a spectacular battle, Leaf. And for that…" The gym leader said with a smile on her face as Julia gave her a case which Erika opened, showing a badge in the form of a rainbow-colored flower. "…you get the Rainbow badge."

Leaf picked up the badge, a huge smile on her face as she lifted the badge to the sun. "Finally…I got it. Man, I thought I lost. Another badge."

Suddenly, the doors to the gym opened, everyone looking to the front to see Red who entered the gym with his Luxio and Meowth beside him, Togepi riding the latter. Erika and Tony noticed the serious demeanor of the raven-haired teen as he approached the battlefield.

"Red, I got the Rainbow badge!" Leaf announced her achievement, Red smiled as she hugged him. He then spun around her before he gave her a wink. "I knew you could do it."

He then saw Erika swapping out her Pokemon team before she turned to him as Leaf let him go.

"So I take it that you're here for the Gym challenge, Red?" Erika asked to which Red nodded. She then smiled as she prepared her capsule. "Alright. Let's get started."

The two eyed each other as Julia made her announcement.

"Alright! Red Fires challenge to Gym Leader Erika will happen soon."

This chapter is done. Yep, major update to Leaf's team. Also, Roselia got her rematch. This fight took a moment for me to write up. It's funny because I had to write this along with several other fights which is why it took so much. Fun fact, Combusken being on Leaf's team was because of some postcard I saw with Leaf and a Combusken. Hope you guys enjoy the battle. Next chapter is a fight between a primary color and nature. Stay safe, guys.

Enigma out!