The arena trembled slightly from the echoes of the previous matches. Luke's first two victories had given him a boost of confidence, but this final battle was the toughest. He released Kramurx, wings spread wide, eyes sharp and scanning Rhydon's massive form.
Across the arena, Steven calmly released Rhydon, its horn gleaming under the fading sunlight. Luke's stomach twisted with adrenaline—the sheer size and presence of Rhydon was intimidating, but he reminded himself: he had trained his Pokémon for this.
"Quick Attack, Kramurx!" Luke shouted, his voice firm. Kramurx darted forward like a shadow, aiming for Rhydon's sides. Rhydon swung its massive tail, but Kramurx flipped over it gracefully, talons scratching against the rocky floor.
Steven's expression stayed calm, his knowledge of Rock-types evident. "Rhydon, Horn Attack!" The horn shot forward with incredible force, targeting Kramurx mid-air. Luke's heart skipped. "Dodge, Kramurx!" The bird twisted sharply, narrowly avoiding the blow.
Kramurx shrieked and flapped aggressively, attempting a Feint Attack. Rhydon staggered slightly, but immediately braced, using its Earthquake to shake the ground. Rocks and dust flew into the air, and Kramurx struggled to maintain balance.
Luke felt the tension spike. "Stay focused… now, Quick Attack from above!" Kramurx's wings beat furiously, propelling it straight onto Rhydon's back. Sharp pecks and slashes struck, exploiting the small gaps in the armored Pokémon's defense. Rhydon roared and slammed down with its horn, but Kramurx leapt clear in time.
The battle was a test of wits and precision. Luke realized he had to use misdirection and coordination to outmaneuver Steven's Rock-familiar Pokémon.
"Now, Kramurx, circle and distract, give Rhydon openings!" Luke commanded. Kramurx flapped low and fast, keeping Rhydon's attention focused while Luke searched for the perfect strike. Finally, a split second appeared: Rhydon's weight shifted, exposing a weak spot near its back.
"All together! Kramurx, hit with Quick Attack! Houndoom, finish with Dark Pulse!" Luke called.
Although the Houndooms were resting from previous battles, Luke had learned to balance strength and timing. The male Houndoom jumped into the arena, flames glowing, while the female Houndoom joined, eyes blazing determination. Dark Pulse collided with Quick Attack in a coordinated strike. Rhydon staggered, staggering violently as the combined force shattered its defense.
Steven's eyes widened slightly, impressed despite himself. "I see… you've trained them well. Very well." He recalled Rhydon with a nod of respect.
Luke exhaled, relief and excitement surging. His Pokémon were tired, battered, but their personalities shone through in battle. The female Houndoom nuzzled his hand, tail flicking in pride, while Kramurx perched nearby, wings fluttering in triumph. The male Houndoom let out a victorious roar that echoed across the arena.
The crowd erupted in cheers, not just for Luke's victory, but for the display of strategy, coordination, and trust between trainer and Pokémon. Luke's hands trembled slightly as he accepted the Gym badge—his first major milestone on a journey that had only just begun.
Steven approached, giving Luke a final nod of approval. "You've shown great skill and understanding. Your Pokémon are strong, and so are you. Keep pushing forward, Luke Nox."
Luke smiled, his thoughts racing with what lay ahead. He knew every battle would be a new challenge, every opponent a new test. But today, he had proven that his Dark-type abilities, his training, and his bond with his Pokémon could face even the toughest Gym Leaders.