As the dust of battle still lingered in the gym, the large door creaked open once more. Everyone turned toward the entrance, and there stood a familiar face—Ray.
Akira's eyes lit up as he recognized his old friend. "Ray! You're back!"
Everyone, including Droid and Ame, turned to face the returning trainer. Ray smiled, stepping inside confidently.
"Looks like you finally won this time, huh, Akira?" he said with a smirk, his eyes landing on the gym badge in Akira's hand.
"Yeah, and it wasn't easy," Akira replied. "This is Ame," he continued, motioning to the girl beside him.
Ray glanced at Ame, giving a polite nod. "Nice to meet you."
Ame stepped forward and returned the nod. "I'm Ame, Akira's travel partner. And you must be Ray."
Droid stepped forward with a warm grin. "I didn't expect to see you back here, Ray. After what happened last time..."
Ray looked away for a second. "I wasn't ready then. So I went off to train—this time, I'm not the same trainer."
"Then let's see what that training has done for you," Droid challenged, already turning toward the battlefield.
Ray accepted the challenge without hesitation. Akira and Ame moved to the side, watching closely.
As Ray stepped onto the field, he threw out his first Poké Ball. From the burst of light emerged a powerful Shelgon.
Akira gasped. "No way... his Bagon evolved?"
Ray smiled. "Yeah. He evolved during training. We've grown a lot."
Droid sent out his trusty Umbreon again. "Then let's see that growth."
The battle began.
Ray called out the first move. "Shelgon, use Dragon Claw!"
Shelgon charged forward, he's claws glowing with draconic energy. Umbreon met the charge with Quick Attack, moving at high speed and countering Shelgon's assault.
Back and forth, the two Pokémon traded blows. Umbreon used Dark Pulse while Shelgon retaliated with Headbutt. The battlefield lit up with the energy of their moves.
"Ray's gotten strong," Akira said in awe.
Ame nodded, equally surprised. "He's just like you. His coordination and battle sense are impressive."
Droid, not backing down, ordered Ice Beam. A chilling blue blast flew toward Shelgon.
"Counter with Flamethrower!" Ray shouted.
The flames melted through the ice, and Shelgon charged in with a powerful Dragon Pulse. The shockwave of energy hit Umbreon hard, sending it sliding across the battlefield.
Umbreon collapsed. Droid returned it with a smile. "Not bad. You've really trained."
"Thanks," Ray said, patting Shelgon. "You did amazing."
Droid tossed another Poké Ball. "Let's see how you do against my ace. Go, Houndoom!"
Ray smiled. "Alright then. Let me introduce my new partner."
He threw out a Poké Ball, revealing a fierce Arcanine.
Akira was stunned. "He caught an Arcanine?"
"I catch a Growlithe and found a Fire Stone while training in the wild," Ray explained. "And evolve my Growlithe into Arcanine."
The battlefield shook with energy as Houndoom and Arcanine clashed. Fire Blast met Flamethrower. Crunch countered Bite. Every move lit the field ablaze.
"Extremespeed!" Ray ordered.
Arcanine vanished in a blur, slamming into Houndoom before it could react. The crowd could barely follow the movement.
Droid's Houndoom launched another Fire Blast, but Arcanine dodged with its speed and retaliated with a powerful Flamethrower.
The two fire types stood toe-to-toe, their flames lighting up the gym.
Finally, both unleashed their most powerful Fire Blasts. The blasts collided midair in a fiery explosion. From the smoke, Arcanine dashed forward again with Extremespeed and struck the final blow.
Houndoom fell.
Ray stood proud. "We did it."
Droid returned his Pokémon and walked forward. "You're strong. Just like Akira. Maybe even stronger."
He handed Ray the gym badge.
"You've earned this."
Ray took it with pride. Akira clapped him on the back, and Ame smiled. "That battle was incredible."
As they walked out of the gym together, Droid called after them. "Be careful if Team Darkness shows up again. Next time might be worse."
They nodded and headed to the Pokémon Center to rest.
The next morning, the sky was clear as they set out. On the road ahead, a golden light shimmered in the distance.
Ame pointed. "Look!"
Flying gracefully above them was Ho-Oh, the legendary Pokémon.
"That's Ho-Oh," Akira said in awe.
"They say if you see Ho-Oh, your life will be filled with happiness," Ame added.
Ray smirked. "Then that's a sign. I'm definitely becoming Champion."
Soon, the road split into two paths. Akira looked at the map.
"The next city is to the left."
"I want to explore a bit more," Ray said, pointing right.
"Then we'll meet again soon," Akira said.
"Count on it," Ray replied, walking away.
Akira and Ame turned left, continuing their journey.
Meanwhile, in another part of the region, William stepped out of an Electric-type Gym, holding his own badge. His journey was also moving forward.