Cerulean Gym.
"Who are you!?"
Lily stared in disbelief at the figure in the distance. In front of her stood three Pokémon — Blastoise, Starmie, and Seaking — each radiating the aura of High-Level Ultra Ball-tier strength, their imposing presence undeniable.
However, Blastoise's body was riddled with wounds, its heavy breathing betraying the pain of fresh injuries. Seaking, a purely aquatic Pokémon, seemed far from its full strength in a dry environment — a disadvantage few could overlook.
Opposing them was the so-called "staff member" who had warned them earlier, now revealed as an enemy. His Machamp, the one that had inflicted the wounds on Blastoise, stood at the forefront. Alongside it were three more Pokémon: Parasect, Ampharos, and Trapinch.
He came prepared — Parasect and Ampharos were perfect counters to Water-types.
Parasect, as the evolved form of Paras, possessed the Dry Skin ability — not only nullifying Water-type attacks but even using them to restore health. Though not as deadly a counter as Gastrodon with Storm Drain, it was still a formidable threat.
Ampharos, an Electric-type, required no further explanation.
Machamp was undoubtedly the strongest of the man's Pokémon, while the others seemed more like temporary additions chosen solely for their type advantage.
"Damn it… this is all that brat's fault!"
The man shot a venomous glare at Maki. Without Maki's earlier warning, Lily might not have had a chance to fight back at all — sparing him this troublesome stalemate.
Maki remained unfazed by the glare. He couldn't deny Lily's lack of vigilance — perhaps a result of her comfort within her own Gym. But more than that, Maki suspected it was the sheltering influence of the League that had dulled her instincts.
Her strength was undeniable, but her comprehensive capabilities were lacking — even compared to a common Team Rocket grunt.
Even with Maki's warning, she had still fumbled, summoning Blastoise in panic to shield herself — resulting in severe injuries to her strongest partner.
If Maki hadn't noticed the man's suspicious behavior, the consequences would have been disastrous.
Maki's right hand hovered near the Poké Ball at his waist — ready to release Dragonite at a moment's notice. With Daisy and Violet absent, Lily was no match for their opponent. All he could do was pray the sisters returned quickly.
If push came to shove, he would unleash Dragonite… but revealing that secret against such small fry left a bitter taste. Escaping would be the smarter option.
"You're not Emil. Who are you?"
Lily could at least remember the names of her own staff. Though the man's appearance and voice were identical to Emil, the truth was clear — he was an imposter.
The man showed no interest in conversation. Whether his face was masked or a Ditto's disguise remained unclear — but his caution even now was telling. He understood the golden rule of villains: those who talk too much die first.
All four of his Pokémon attacked simultaneously. Fortunately, Seaking's Lightning Rod ability diverted Ampharos's Electric attacks — or the battle would have ended far sooner.
Despite her panic, Lily's tactical knowledge remained intact. For a Water-type team, Lightning Rod was an invaluable asset.
Machamp charged at Blastoise, targeting the strongest yet most wounded opponent. Ampharos and Trapinch engaged Starmie and Seaking respectively, while Parasect fixed its gaze on Maki and Misty.
It was common knowledge that Misty was the younger sister of the Cerulean Gym Leaders. If he captured her, the sisters would have no choice but to surrender.
Time was of the essence. Though his team dominated Lily's, once Daisy and Violet returned, his advantage would vanish.
Lily was the weakest of the three — merely an average Ultra Ball-tier trainer, her skills dulled by years of aquatic performances.
Daisy and Violet, however, possessed raw strength.
Swift and decisive — that was his plan.
Maki was merely an added bonus. The brat had ruined his ambush — he wouldn't let him off lightly.
"Misty! Maki! Get out of here and try to contact my sisters!"
Lily's face paled as she noticed Parasect's target. She had already tried to call for help, only to find the signal blocked — likely by a jammer. But the range couldn't be far. If they could escape the Gym, they might be able to call for backup.
"Running, huh?"
A twisted grin crept onto the man's face. Parasect scattered spores toward Maki and Misty — the reason he had brought it along. He didn't care whether the two lived or died — but they were far more useful as hostages.
"Cottonee! Fairy Wind!"
The moment the spores were released, Maki recalled his three weaker Pokémon — they would only get in the way. He summoned Cottonee instead, its delicate body riding a gentle gust that scattered the spores.
There was no time for explanations. Maki shoved Cottonee onto his head and grabbed Misty's arm.
"Move!"
"But Lily—"
"We can't do anything if we stay here."
With that, he dragged the bewildered girl toward the exit.
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