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Kazuya shouted at the top of his lungs, finally snapping Linoone out of its stupor. But before it could execute 'Iron Tail', Ralts lifted it high into the air with psychic power.
Linoone had probably never experienced flight in its entire life.
Under Luther's command, it soared through the air, hurtling straight toward Miltank's feet.
Miltank rolled across the ground with unstoppable momentum, mercilessly trampling both Gengar and Linoone beneath its 'Stomp'. The two Pokémon winced under the pressure, caught in the chaos like passengers on some wild Miltank version of a rollercoaster.
As they were dragged through the chaos, the referee finally raised his flag.
Linoone, having been flung across the battlefield, was seeing stars and was officially unable to continue.
As for Gengar, what could you even say? The former Ghost King was proving its reputation once again. Despite taking multiple heavy hits, it stubbornly refused to go down.
But something was off as Gengar no longer seemed to be listening to Yota's commands.
It looked agitated, almost volatile. When Yota called for a 'Drain Punch' to help it recover stamina, Gengar instead launched a 'Shadow Ball' at Yota's feet, forcing him to leap back in panic and fall flat on his back, trembling from the shock.
The crowd erupted in confusion.
'What on earth was happening? Was this a rebellion? A mutiny?'
Fueled by rage, Gengar fired off a 'Dark Pulse', then slipped into the shadows, vanishing into the dark edges of the battlefield.
Luther instantly understood.
Gengar had decided that Yota wasn't worthy.
How Yota had even gotten his hands on such a powerful Gengar was a mystery. But what was clear was that Gengar was done playing along.
Yota had been issuing awkward and panicked commands since the battle began. Already dissatisfied, Gengar had finally snapped.
To be fair, revealing your Pokémon's next move right before it was executed? That was... creative to say the least. Luther had to admit he was enjoying the show. If only he'd saved something from lunch, this drama needed no side dishes.
Now hiding motionless in the shadows, Gengar looked like a betrayed soldier. The Trainer who should've had its back had instead made a mess of everything. The referee scratched his head, clearly unsure how to proceed. After a pause, he quietly raised his flag.
Since Gengar had voluntarily left the battlefield, Yota and Kazuya were ruled defeated.
Yota shakily got to his feet, legs numb and unsteady, and limped to the side of the arena.
"Gengar... are you there?"
"Yeah, he is under your feet," Luther called out helpfully, genuinely curious as to how this Gengar ended up with Yota. 'What a poor, unlucky ghost'.
Basil onn the otherhand was overjoyed and she threw her arms around Miltank and began showering it with praise, quite a change from her usual quiet apologies. Embarrassed but proud, Miltank struck a few 'Bulk Up' poses.
Nearby, Basil's Jigglypuff watched jealously. She was convinced she could've handled the battle just as well.
Luther didn't interrupt their victory moment. Instead, he handed the registration board to the referee for the name list and strolled over to Yota.
Yota was drenched in sweat as Gengar was completely ignoring him now. Every time he approached, Gengar would slip into a new shadow, avoiding eye contact and refusing to return to its Poké Ball.
"Yeah... I don't think he likes you very much," Luther remarked casually.
Already on edge, Yota snapped. "What's it to you? You think this is funny? Mind your own business!"
"Oh sure," Luther shrugged. "Carry on then."
He returned to the referee's side. The referee called out three names in a row, but no one dared step up to the battlefield.
Luther took the registration board and handed it to Basil.
She looked at the list, then at Luther, a bead of sweat running down her cheek.
"What's the matter? Just read the names for me. I'm enjoying the show."
Meanwhile, Yota had released more of his Pokémon in an attempt to surround Gengar. From the stands, Trainers stretched their necks, all eyes on the unfolding chaos.
Spinda was blasted away by a 'Dark Pulse'.
Butterfree froze solid from a single 'Ice Punch'.
Nincada was paralyzed by a surprise 'Lick' right after being summoned.
Persian, hit by 'Confuse Ray', turned around and started attacking Kazuya.
The rest of Yota's Poké Balls didn't even get the chance to hit the ground, Gengar caught them mid-air and hurled them into the stands.
The scene descended into chaos. To make herself heard over the uproar, Basil had to shout the names on the list at the top of her lungs.
Roserade wandered over, carrying two cups of watermelon juice. After a quick chill in Abomasnow's hands, one was handed to Basil, who plopped down and took a grateful sip.
Even without watermelon slices, the juice hit the spot.
Basil read through the list of names, dozens of them, yet not a single person dared step forward.
The referee, clearly unused to this kind of situation, accepted his own cup of juice, found a quiet spot near the edge of the field, and sat down to rest. Just like the group of Trainers who'd run into Cynthia earlier that afternoon in the nature park, most of them didn't have the guts to step forward and challenge.
Gardenia sometimes lets things slide to keep the Badge distribution on track. Luther's standards should've been even more relaxed than hers, yet the Trainers saw him as strict and uncompromising…
The chaotic scene created by Yota was finally brought to a halt when Turtwig and Desert Tyranitar coordinated attacks that boxed Gengar in, cutting off all escape routes. The venue's lights flared to full brightness, and someone's Pokémon released a flash, leaving Gengar exposed with nowhere left to hide.
"I step out for one minute, and it turns into a circus?"
Gardenia, dripping with sweat, fanned herself with a tired hand, tugging at her damp clothes. She looked anything but composed.
"Is this how you're running things as Acting Gym Leader?"
Yota's blood was boiling. Being made a spectacle in front of everyone felt unbearable.
Luther shrugged. "What does it have to do with me?"
"It's not my fault. Ask around, I tried to help, and he told me to buzz off."
Several Trainers in the crowd nodded, backing Luther's story.
Luther gave Gardenia a quick rundown of everything that had happened during Gengar's rampage. Gardenia studied the Ghost-type Pokemonn with a thoughtful look on her face.
"How did you even get this Gengar?"
Yota hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to answer. Gardenia gave a wave, and the Pokémon forming the blockade, Turtwig, Tyranitar, and Abomasnow, eased back, letting Gengar shuffle forward a few cautious steps, still visibly confused.
"My dad helped me catch it!" Yota finally blurted.
"Ah. So you relied on your dad." Luther couldn't help smirking.
It was Yota's Pokémon, after all, and no matter how it came into his hands, it wasn't Gardenia's place to intervene. Gengar reluctantly returned to its Poké Ball. With Yota exiting the Gym in defeat, the absurd scene came to an end.
Gardenia's return marked the conclusion of Luther's stint as Acting Gym Leader. He handed the registration board back to her and followed Basil off the field toward the lounge.
As soon as they left the battlefield, Basil seemed to shrink back into the shy, soft-spoken girl she'd been before. But this time, she didn't avoid walking beside Luther.
"So, what do you think about how you did out there?" Luther asked.
"…Average."
Luther burst out laughing, making Basil glance at him in confusion, worried she'd said something wrong.
"The Moves you picked, the timing of your commands, they were spot on. What Gardenia and I usually teach you is mostly theory. But you actually had the courage to apply it all in a real battle today. That alone makes your performance amazing!"
"Don't sell yourself short. You were fantastic. Seriously impressive."
Luther's praise had Basil light-headed with excitement. Her face flushed, caught between joy and embarrassment at the flood of compliments.
By the time the Gym's closing bell rang, Gardenia returned to the lounge.
Luther and Basil were still talking about the match, he was determined to help her recognize her strengths, so she could grow from them.
Gardenia walked over to the kitchen area, opened a pot, and pulled out her share of lunch that had been kept warm. She sat down, eating while scrolling on her phone, looking exactly like one of the office workers Luther had seen commuting in the city.
Eventually, Basil said her goodbyes and left for home. Luther stretched out on the couch, preparing to leave as well.
Suddenly, Gardenia shivered, frowning. She set down her chopsticks and asked in a voice that trembled just slightly:
"Luther… are you free tonight?"
"I am. Why?"
"…Could you stay with me for a bit?"
That soft, pleading tone was completely unlike her. Luther turned, surprised, only to catch the flicker of fear in her eyes.
"…What's got you so shaken?"
"…Ghost."
(End of Chapter)