|More than friends| Pokemon scarlet/violet x reader

Of grass and growth

What is up with paldean gyms?

My question remained unanswered as I herded sunflora into their pen. I'd never heard of trainers facing puzzles before challenging a gym leader, but paldea apparently had a task for every gym.

Huh, neat.

After I'd corralled the sunflora, I was led to the arena. A crowd waited, though I couldn't see anyone that looked like a gym leader amongst them.

Then, I heard a 'woosh' of air, looking up just in time to see some crazed man jump from the windmill. Thankfully, he landed fine.

Turns out the guy was brassius, grass gym leader fond of art and extravagant entrances that gave his challengers a heart attack.

He had some little intro speech my brain tuned out after seeing a glimpse of familiar-looking hair. The dark ponytail evaded my vision, so I returned my attention to brassius, who prepared his first Pokémon.

———

Charmander blew threw the gym with barely any issue, able to scorch any foe that was sent out. With rockruff's type disadvantage, I kept it by my side as it watched the battle.

It was when brassius terastalyzed that the tides turned against us.

Despite the pokémon still being a grass type, it's attacks hit harder leaving charmander battered. I looked to the tera orb nemona had given me at the school, with little options left I threw it.

A great glowing crystal surrounded charmander before shattering, showing my now terastalyzed starter. I stood in awe for a mere moment, before regaining my mind.

"Charmander, now!" Charmander used the opponent's shock to land a devastating fiery blow, sealing our victory. The tera phenomenon wore off, and brassius seemed pleasantly impressed.

Charmander turned to me, before a different light engulfed it's body.

I shielded my eyes, waiting for the light to dim before staring at the sight before me, awed.

Charmeleon stood proud, the sight prompting my eyes to burn with tears of joy. I kneeled, charmeleon rushing over and we embraced. Rockruff barked, tail wagging a mile a minute as it joined the group hug.

Distantly, I heard brassius talking about being inspired for a new piece of art as he left. The crowd slowly dispersed, but a singular set of footsteps approached.

I turned at charmeleon's nudge, seeing nemona who looked as though she'd won the slot machines in the game corner.

"That. Was. AMAZING!" she gushed, crouching by us. "You destroyed that gym, and charmander evolving was like a cherry on top! I bet in no time you'll make your way to champion tier, easy." I flustered slightly.

She thought I was good enough to be considered a champion?

"Come on, food's on me!" She ushered, grabbing onto my hand and pulling me away while charmeleon and rockruff followed.

I found my gaze caught on her hand that held mine, before letting myself smile.

Maybe I could be a champion.