Paradise Pokeball System

Chapter 109: The Bug Baker

Once everyone arrived, Clive led us inside the tallest building in Cortondo. While the town wasn't big like Mesagoza, the streets were full of people and shop stalls like a market.

"I assumed that you would bring a few people with you, but I never expected such a troop! Make an old man like me jealous with so many pretty ladies around you!" Clive laughed as we walked into the lobby.

"You are Landon?" A young woman with brown hair and glasses from behind the counter asked as Nemona and Tallia pulled me forward.

"Yup, that is me," I said, wishing I could scratch the back of my head, but the girls had my arms.

"If the girl will let go of you, I can take you to see Gym Leader Katy," The woman said, and the girls both let go.

"Make sure to give it your best!" Tallia cheered, and Nemona hooted.

Surprisingly, our group was the only people in the lobby, so the girls weren't bothering anyone.

"You had better not lose," Lusamine said from behind me, and I turned around with a grin.

"I will try my best,' I smiled, and Joy and Jolene nodded to me encouragingly.

I turned from everyone and followed the woman to a door on the side. I was nervous, even more so knowing that my friends were all going to be watching, adding to the pressure.

"This is your first gym battle, right?" The woman asked as we walked down the quiet hallway.

"Yeah," I said, looking around. There were numerous pictures of different Bug-Type Pokémon lining the walls. If I didn't already know what type of Pokémon Gym Leader Katy specialized in, this painted a clear picture.

"Many consider Miss Katy to be one of the easiest gyms to beat, and she ends up being most trainers' first target in the region. While that may be the case, it is only because Miss Katy is a wonderfully nice person that holds back," The woman explained, and I nodded.

I really didn't know too much about the woman or her Pokémon, but from what I did know, she liked to bake. That was the type of thing you expected from a kind and gentle person. That made me wonder why this lady was telling me all of this.

"Why tell me this?" I asked, voicing my thoughts, and the woman stopped, turning to face me.

"I don't know a lot about you, but from what everyone is saying, you are pretty special. This is the first time that I have ever seen this gym or any for that matter, be closed down for just one person," The woman explained, and I nodded.

I had to agree it was strange, but I was also glad. The pageant had introduced my girls to the region, but they were so human-like that I was sure most people thought that it was a joke. I could see how people might even just think that they were girls in costume. This gym battle would be different and their powers will be on display.

"I do have an interesting situation with my Pokémon since they are not like others. I am just glad that there aren’t a lot of people here," I replied, and the woman nodded, a hopeful look on her face.

"Do you think that you could try and push Miss Katy to try harder?" The woman asked, and I frowned.

"How would I do that?" I asked, and the woman bowed to me.

"I should have introduced myself to you before asking this! My name is Kaili, and I am the receptionist for this gym," She said formally, I nodded, and Kaili stood back up straight. "If you engage with her in idle chat while you fight, I am sure you can make her take you more seriously!"

"You mean trash talk her? Why do I feel like that is a really bad idea waiting to happen?" I asked, but Kaili ignored my questions.

"Since you weren't required to do the Olive Roll test, I have to assume you are either really strong or very smart! I am sure that you will be able to win, but also let Miss Katy enjoy the fight!" Kaili declared, and I let out a sigh. Clive must have really talked me up, but I wasn't sure if that was a good thing.

"I'll keep that in mind, Kaili. I don't want to upset Katy, but I'll try to make the battle enjoyable for both of us," I said, willing to give it a shot. It wouldn't hurt to engage in some friendly banter and make the battle more entertaining.

Kaili smiled, seemingly satisfied with my response. "I appreciate it. Miss Katy has a big heart, and she loves to bake. If you can make her smile, it will be a victory in her eyes."

We continued down the hallway until we reached a large door. Kaili opened it, revealing a brightly lit gym arena. The scent of sweet baked goods filled the air, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.

"Miss Katy, your challenger has arrived!" Kaili announced, and a cheerful voice responded.

"Oh, wonderful! I've been looking forward to this!" A woman with a warm smile approached us. She had short brown hair and wore an apron, giving off a cozy and inviting vibe. "You must be Landon. I'm Katy, the Bug-type Gym Leader here. Let's have a fantastic battle!"

"Nice to meet you, Katy. I'm excited for the challenge," I greeted her with a smile, hoping to set a positive tone for the battle.

"Likewise! I hope you enjoy the battle as much as I do! I am excited to see what your Pokémon look like!" Katy replied, her enthusiasm infectious.

We took our positions on opposite ends of the battlefield, and Kaili acted as the referee.

"This will be a one-on-one battle between the challenger, Landon, and the Bug-Type Gym Leader, Katy. The battle will continue until one side can no longer battle. Let the battle begin!"