Pokemon: Gym Leader

"A Gym Leader from Kanto?"

Carmine found it intriguing. She had heard of the Kanto Region before—it was said to be where the headquarters of the Pokémon League was located.

However, as a student at Blueberry Academy, she hadn't had the chance to challenge any gyms yet.

But since Gym Leader Dylan was someone Lacey admired so much, he must be incredibly powerful.

"Nice to meet you, Gym Leader Dylan," Carmine said gracefully, her demeanor reflecting her mature personality.

"Hello, Gym Leader Dylan," Kieran greeted shyly but politely. Though he was a bit reserved, he was not socially awkward.

"Just now, we overheard you talking about the legend of Ogerpon, didn't we?" Carmine asked curiously. Though she hadn't caught the full story, it was clear that Dylan was knowledgeable about Ogerpon's history.

This intrigued her greatly. Even among the locals of Kitakami, few knew the true story of Ogerpon.

"That's correct. Miss Carmine, are you familiar with it as well?"

"Actually, Kieran and I are descendants of the craftsmen who carved masks for Ogerpon and its former owner. So we know the truth," Carmine explained.

"After the incident with Ogerpon, our ancestor tried to reveal the true story to the villagers. But instead of listening, they labeled him a heretic and persecuted him."

"To protect his descendants, he recorded the truth and passed it down through the family."

Carmine's voice carried a hint of anger as she spoke. When she first learned of this, she had wanted to confront the villagers about it, but her grandparents stopped her.

"That's so cruel…" Lillie murmured, pressing her lips together. It was heartbreaking that the truth was not only ignored but those who shared it were harmed.

"Such is the folly of ignorance," Dylan commented simply.

"People often believe only what they see and form their own conclusions, arrogantly thinking they've grasped the truth without considering the full story. It's a pitiful sort of arrogance," he added calmly, clearly accustomed to such scenarios.

"To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit to Kitakami, Gym Leader Dylan?" Lacey asked, tactfully steering the conversation away from its heavy tone.

"We're here for a bit of relaxation. Also, I have a particular fondness for Ogerpon. If I could capture it, it would be a lucky encounter," Dylan replied.

"Finding Ogerpon is no easy feat, Gym Leader Dylan," Carmine remarked with a raised brow. "Kieran and I have lived here since childhood, but we've never seen it ourselves."

"Besides, Kieran and I are also hoping to capture Ogerpon," she added with a smile.

"Well, it seems we're rivals then, Miss Carmine and Mr. Kieran," Dylan replied good-naturedly. "Catching a Pokémon depends on fate. Let's see who has the stronger bond with Ogerpon."

"Of course. We'll compete fairly," Carmine responded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Although she wasn't overly attached to the idea of capturing Ogerpon, she knew her brother Kieran was.

"What do you think, Kieran?"

"Yes, I'll definitely earn Ogerpon's recognition!" Kieran declared, his shy demeanor giving way to determination. He had always admired Ogerpon, especially its strength in defeating other Pokémon.

"As a rival, you'll need more confidence, Mr. Kieran. Or is it that you don't believe in yourself?" Dylan teased with a light laugh.

"I… I'll definitely gain Ogerpon's approval!" Kieran shouted, his face turning red under the gaze of Lacey, Lillie, and the others.

"Great spirit. I look forward to seeing your performance," Dylan encouraged with a smile.

"Yes!" Kieran replied eagerly, feeling both encouraged and overwhelmed.

"A man should be confident and stand tall. You're growing up—don't always hide behind your sister," Dylan said, handing Kieran a hair tie.

"Start by tying your hair. From today, begin transforming yourself."

"O-okay," Kieran stammered, surprised but touched. Looking at Dylan's sunny smile, he was momentarily dazed.

Regaining his composure, Kieran tied back his hair, his demeanor immediately changing.

"Hmm, not bad. You actually look quite handsome, Kieran," Carmine said, propping her chin on her hand as she studied him with approval.

"Really?" Kieran touched his face, a little embarrassed.

"A real man stands proud and faces life with confidence," Dylan said, patting Kieran's shoulder.

"Yes, I understand now, Gym Leader Dylan!" Kieran replied gratefully.

"Excellent. Keep up the good work," Dylan encouraged before bidding farewell to Lacey and the others.

Despite Lacey's insistence on treating them to a meal, Dylan politely declined, as he had plans to visit Area Zero in Paldea next.

"Lacey, is Gym Leader Dylan really that strong?" Kieran asked suddenly, now looking more composed with his tied-back hair.

"Very strong," Lacey affirmed. "I'd say even Champion Alder wouldn't stand a chance against him."

Stronger than the Champion of Unova? Carmine and Kieran exchanged astonished glances.

"It seems Mr. Dylan has high expectations for you, Kieran. You have to work hard, okay? If you get stronger, you might even challenge Mr. Dylan someday. Who knows? You might earn his Gym Badge."

Lacey smiled gently.

"Is Gym Leader Dylan's badge hard to obtain?" Carmine asked, sounding surprised.

"It's extremely difficult. The last time I challenged Gym Leader Dylan with all my strength... well, to be honest, I was completely defeated. I couldn't even fight back."

Lacey raised a hand and brushed back her hair, looking a little embarrassed.

"Even you, Senior Lacey…" Kieran was shocked.

In his eyes, Lacey was already an incredibly strong Trainer. But even she was utterly defeated?

"However, due to some special circumstances, Gym Leader Dylan still acknowledged my determination, so he gave me a Rota Badge."

"Look~ Isn't it beautiful?"

Soon, Lacey's face blossomed into a radiant smile as she gracefully raised her wrist to show off the exquisitely designed Poison Rota Badge.

"So pretty~! I want one too!" Carmine's eyes lit up, especially drawn to the purple gemstone embedded in the badge—it was stunning!

Kieran's gaze burned with admiration as he stared at the intricate Rota Badge. This was Gym Leader Dylan's badge!

"Hehe~ Mine is the Poison Rota Badge. My case was a bit special; under normal circumstances, you need Gym Leader Dylan's recognition while using a Poison-type team to earn this badge."

"Let me tell you a secret: so far, only two of these newly designed Rota Badges have been given out! Mine is one of them!"

Lacey proudly tilted her head, her expression adorably smug.

"Impressive~!" Kieran was thrilled.

"I'm going to challenge Gym Leader Dylan! I'm going to earn the Rota Badge too!!"

Carmine and Kieran spoke in unison. As siblings, their shared determination was unmistakable.

"Emmm… well, good luck to both of you! I hope you don't end up pulling the 'Golden Legend' like I did." Lacey, ever the kind senior, encouraged them.

"What's the 'Golden Legend'?" Kieran asked, clearly puzzled.

"How do I put this… It's kind of like…"

Lacey's expression turned quirky as she rested her chin on her hand, pondering for a moment.

"A fluke!"

Meanwhile…

After strolling around for a while longer, Dylan and his group boarded Reshiram, heading to the northeastern part of Kitakami.

The Eternal Forest, one of Kitakami's natural landmarks, was their destination. Dylan had come here specifically to search for a certain Pokémon.

"Finally found it."

After circling the forest from above, Dylan pinpointed the Pokémon's location and signaled Reshiram to descend.

"Roar!!"

A thunderous roar shook the air. A massive, muscular gray-brown bear let out an intimidating growl, exuding an overwhelming aura of savagery.

"What kind of Pokémon is that?"

Ilene stared in astonishment at the fearsome bear, pulling out her Pokédex, which showed no data on it.

The creature resembled an enormous bear. The left side of its head and the upper part of its neck appeared to be covered in dried peat, and it had razor-sharp claws. A blood-red crescent moon pattern adorned its forehead, while its left eye, an eerie gray, gave it a chilling presence.

"Ursaluna—Bloodmoon. That's its name. It's not currently in the Pokédex database. Check the Rotom Dex's description," Dylan said with a grin, his eyes fixed on the ferocious Bloodmoon Ursaluna.

'Beep~ Ursaluna (Bloodmoon Form), Ground/Normal Type, Peat Pokémon

Ability: Keen Eye

Moves: Blood Moon, Hammer Arm, Moonblast, Earth Power, Snore, Rest, Headlong Rush, Slash…

Description: A unique form of Ursaluna that protects its body with iron-hard peat and possesses a left eye capable of piercing through darkness. (Bloodmoon)'

"It looks so strong!"

Lillie gazed in awe at the wild Bloodmoon Ursaluna.

"Ursaluna? I've never heard of it either."

"Ursaluna is the evolution of Ursaring. However, Ursaluna is almost unheard of in modern times because it was a specific evolution of Ursaring in ancient Sinnoh's Hisui region."

Dylan explained further, "This particular Bloodmoon Ursaluna is unique. It crossed the ocean long ago and adapted to the environment here, leading to its current form."

Dylan studied the Bloodmoon Ursaluna with keen interest, clearly satisfied.

This was a one-of-a-kind special Pokémon!

(End of Chapter)