"Big Sis Elesa, your show today was absolutely flawless!"
The moment they stepped into the backstage area of Nimbasa Gym, Mira rushed straight into Elesa's arms, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Alright, Mira, don't be such a child," Elesa said, though her tone was indulgent, clearly used to Mira's sudden bursts of affection.
"Hehe, I'm your biggest fan, you know!" Mira grinned, then obediently stood at Elesa's side, aware the model-Gym Leader must be tired after the afternoon's performance.
"And you are?" Elesa now noticed the boy following behind Mira and asked with curiosity.
"His name is Rex! Big Sis Elesa, you can just call him Rex. He's someone I just met today—he begged me to bring him here to meet you 'cause he's totally starstruck, hehe!"
Before Rex could even introduce himself, Mira launched into an exaggerated explanation. The last part made Rex feel like sinking into the floor. She made it sound like he had ulterior motives!
"Ahem... wasn't it your idea to bring me here?" Rex muttered, a bit red in the face.
Sure, he might've had some motives, but Mira acting like she was blameless?
"Don't mind Mira—she's just teasing," Elesa said with a soft smile, lightly tapping Mira's head. Clearly, this wasn't the first time the girl had caused mischief like this.
"Hehe, it's just payback for how Rex's Machamp wiped the floor with my Serperior earlier today," Mira said, sticking out her tongue playfully.
"Oh? Rex's Machamp is that strong? How about a battle, then? Feel like giving me a match?"
Elesa's eyes gleamed with interest. Serperior wasn't weak, and if Mira's had been taken down easily, then Rex must have skill. Lately, most challengers coming through the Nimbasa Gym had been far too weak, making her restless. She'd been planning to head over to Caitlin's Battle Castle for a real fight—but since an opportunity just landed in front of her, she wasn't about to pass it up.
"Yes! Big Sis Elesa, please give Rex a good beating for me and avenge my Serperior!" Mira cheered, clapping excitedly.
"I don't mind," Rex replied, but glanced at Elesa with concern. "You just wrapped up your show. Are you sure you don't need to rest?"
Elesa blinked, realizing her fatigue was catching up. "You're right. Then let's have our match tomorrow morning."
"Sounds good. I'll be back first thing."
With that, Rex left the gym, night already falling. He hadn't even realized how late it had gotten—he'd been too caught up in the fashion show to notice the time slip away.
—
The next morning, after a good night's rest, Rex returned to the Nimbasa Gym bright and early.
Elesa was already prepared and waiting. She led him to the official battle arena inside the gym, with Mira gleefully volunteering to act as referee.
They agreed on a 3-on-3 friendly match, and both sides quickly sent out their first Pokémon.
Rex chose Blaziken, whose strength had increased significantly after battling the legendary Keldeo. Today, Rex wanted to use this match to help Blaziken unleash its full potential.
But when Blaziken saw its opponent—an adorable little Emolga—it froze for a second. Its fierce battle aura faltered, and it shot Rex a confused look.
...You expect me to go all out against that?
"Don't underestimate your opponent, you idiot!" Rex snapped.
Sure, Emolga looked harmless, but it was still one of Elesa's Pokémon. No way she'd send out something weak for a real battle.
"Emolga, use Charm!"
While Rex was still chewing Blaziken out, Elesa seized the moment. Emolga had already darted into the perfect position and unleashed a well-practiced Charm.
Blaziken realized too late it had been careless. A strange energy wrapped around its body, immediately reducing its Attack by two stages.
"Emolga, Disrupt with Signal Beam!"
Elesa kept up the pressure, trying to cripple Blaziken's offensive capabilities further.
"Blaziken, use Flame Charge to reposition—now!"
If Signal Beam landed and lowered Blaziken's Special Attack too, the battle would essentially be over before it began.
Thankfully, Blaziken's reflexes kicked in. Right as the beam of rainbow light shot toward it, it ignited in flames and bolted out of the way with Flame Charge.
"Blaziken, trap Emolga with Fire Spin!"
Now fully focused, Blaziken stopped treating Emolga like a pushover. Getting smacked around by a cute squirrel would ruin its reputation back at the farm.
"Emolga, use Thunder Wave!"
Elesa didn't order a dodge. Instead, she had Emolga launch a Thunder Wave directly into the oncoming flames.
Unless Rex called off the attack, Blaziken would get paralyzed.
Rex didn't hesitate.
Fire Spin engulfed Emolga in roaring flames, but Blaziken was hit head-on by the paralyzing current. Sparks danced across its body as it staggered slightly.
Emolga, meanwhile, screamed in pain as the fire lashed across its tiny frame. Elesa had underestimated how strong Blaziken's flames would be—especially fueled by the residual battle fury left over from the day before.
"Blaziken, Flamethrower!"
Rex saw a window. With Emolga trapped in the vortex, it had no room to dodge. A massive plume of fire erupted from Blaziken's mouth, aimed straight at its burning foe.
"Emolga, use Thunder!"
At the very last second, Elesa responded coolly. Her voice was calm, but her expression sharpened.
(End of Chapter)