Rival Me This [Pokémon Fanfiction]

09| A Truly Great Pink

Bede flung out his hand dramatically towards the opponents before him, a triumphant glint in his eye. He sternly called out, "Hatterene, Dazzling Gleam!"

The challenger's Vileplume along with everyone else in the arena was blinded by Hatterene's attack. As the Poison-type was stumbling back, it was lifted from the ground and harshly slammed back down with Psychic, knocking it out and earning Bede the win.

This was the third battle in a row Bede had won against Blue's challengers. If his battle against the kid wasn't enough proof that he was good, these ones were. Even if he was at a disadvantage, Bede knew how to play his cards right.

"Vileplume's unable to battle, so the victory goes to Leader Bede!" Silver announced. The smile on Bede's face was easy to see, and Blue could almost feel the pride radiating off the Fairy Trainer... like it had been every other time he'd defeated someone today.

"I think he appreciates that you've been calling him a Gym Leader," Blue said to Silver.

"No, really?" Silver said sarcastically. "Even though that's technically the case. He's gonna be a Leader one day... And keeping his respect is pretty nice too," he added jokingly. Or maybe not? It could really be either way.

Meanwhile, the challenger gave Bede a look of approval. "I didn't think you'd be able to pull that off," he said, impressed. "I thought I was gonna get you there!"

"But you thought wrong. After all, it's expected that a Gym Leader would be able to cover their weaknesses," Bede said proudly. "Of course it also takes sufficient talent to make it all work in the end!" The Trainer gave Bede a look but didn't say anything, to Blue's relief.

"Thanks again for doin' this," Blue told the challenger. "Gym's open every day, so I expect a rematch soon. You definitely can put up a good fight."

"That gives me a little confidence," the challenger admitted, smiling sheepishly. "Expect me back later this or next week, then."

Blue nodded. "Lookin' forwards to it!" he said cheerily, and the challenger left. Blue glanced over his shoulder to see Bede smugly watching the Trainer walk away. He decided to chance giving Bede a bit of advice. "Y'know, as nice as it is to revel in your hard-earned victory, it's better that you try to encourage your challengers if they lost to you."

The smug look vanished from Bede's face as he frowned. "I don't see the point," he said. "They lost, and they should know that."

"But then they might not wanna come back," Blue said. "Then you won't be able to beat them down again. It's a reaffirmation for yourself!"

Bede's eyebrows lifted before he smiled knowingly. "Ah, I see."

"Look at you two, a jaded Gym Leader passing on words of wisdom to the next generation. How touching," Silver said as he strolled up to the pair.