The wind blew softly across the cliffs outside Stonecrest City.
Elior stood still, watching Pyrolyn and Voltiger train. Their movements were sharper now. Faster. Stronger.
He could feel it.
They had grown.
Behind him, Mira stepped forward.
"A Gym rematch already?" she asked.
Elior nodded. "Yes. But before that… I need to know something."
Mira raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Elior turned to face her.
"I need to know if I've truly become stronger."
Mira smirked.
"Then battle me."
Aquarion slithered forward, its calm eyes focused.
Pyrolyn stepped beside Elior.
Voltiger stood ready.
The air between them tightened.
This wasn't just a friendly match.
This was a test.
"Aquarion, Aqua Pulse!"
A sphere of swirling water shot forward.
"Voltiger, dodge and use Thunder Rush!"
Voltiger vanished and reappeared instantly, slamming into Aquarion with blinding speed.
Aquarion slid back—but stayed standing.
Mira smiled slightly.
"You've improved."
"Aquarion, Water Veil!"
Water surrounded Aquarion's body like armor.
"Voltiger, again!"
Voltiger charged—but Aquarion predicted it.
"Now! Aqua Tail!"
Aquarion's glowing tail struck Voltiger mid-charge.
Voltiger hit the ground hard.
Elior clenched his fist.
"Voltiger, stand up!"
Voltiger rose slowly.
It was hurt.
But ready.
Elior's voice became calm.
"Switch. Pyrolyn, go."
Pyrolyn stepped forward.
Its flame burned steady.
Not wild.
Controlled.
"Aqua Pulse," Mira commanded again.
"Flame Wheel!"
Fire and water collided.
Steam exploded across the battlefield.
No one could see.
"Now, Quick Attack!" Elior shouted.
Pyrolyn burst through the steam and struck Aquarion directly.
Aquarion staggered.
For the first time—
Mira's expression changed.
Aquarion fell to one knee.
Then slowly stood again.
Mira raised her hand.
"That's enough."
Elior blinked. "Why stop?"
Mira smiled.
"Because now I know."
She looked at him directly.
"You're ready."
After that Elior and Mira return to Stonecrest Gym
The massive stone doors stood before Elior once more.
Last time, he walked in with hope.
This time—
He walked in with resolve.
Darius stood waiting.
"I see you've returned," the Gym Leader said.
Elior nodded.
"I'm ready."
Darius studied his eyes carefully.
Then nodded.
"Very well."
Rematch Begins
"Gravorn, forward."
The massive Rock Pokémon stepped onto the battlefield.
Elior didn't hesitate.
"Voltiger, I choose you!"
Voltiger landed with confidence.
"Rock Throw," Darius commanded.
Massive stones flew forward.
"Voltiger, Thunder Rush!"
Voltiger moved like lightning.
The stones missed completely.
Voltiger struck Gravorn directly.
BOOM.
Gravorn staggered.
For the first time—
It showed damage.
Darius's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Again."
More rocks.
More attacks.
But Voltiger dodged every time.
Its speed had evolved beyond Gravorn's ability to track.
"Finish it," Elior said calmly.
"Thunder Strike."
Lightning exploded across the battlefield.
Gravorn collapsed.
Silence filled the Gym.
Mira smiled from the sidelines.
Elior had done it.
He defeated Gravorn.
But Darius remained calm.
"Terragron," he said.
The massive stone titan returned.
The same Pokémon that defeated Elior before.
The ground trembled.
Voltiger growled.
Elior didn't move.
He wasn't afraid anymore.
"Voltiger…"
Lightning sparked around Voltiger's body.
Stronger than ever before.
"Let's finish this."
Terragron raised its arm.
Voltiger prepared to strike.
Fire and lightning energy began to gather—
And suddenly—
Terragron's crystal eyes glowed brighter than before.
Stronger.
More dangerous.
Darius spoke quietly.
"Show him true strength, Terragron."
The battle was about to reach its true turning point.
And the journey continues