That was right. Silas now had seven special Gym Badges, leaving only the Psychic Badge from Anistar Gym.
The battle rules of Anistar Gym were completely different from the others. It was a four versus four double battle.
"A double battle, huh?"
Double battles placed great emphasis on coordination between Pokémon. When the synergy was good, the result could exceed one plus one equaling two. If the coordination was poor, being able to bring out even fifty percent of their strength would already be considered decent.
Because of this, the selection of Pokémon required far more careful consideration than in single battles. One by one, various Pokémon flashed through Silas's mind.
If it came to the best coordination within the ranch, nothing could surpass the Mudsdale brothers. They were practically certified as a three-horse unity by his special ability.
During the Lumiose Gym challenge, he had only used one of them and had not brought out their full strength. This time, it was their chance to prove themselves.
With that decided, there was only one slot left.
Silas hesitated between Diancie and Perrserker. Both of them could coordinate well with the Mudsdale.
In the end, Silas decided to bring both.
If the Mudsdale trio managed to establish a strong advantage, he would send out Perrserker.
If the battle became stalemated or unfavorable, then Diancie would step in to turn the tide.
Silas planned to challenge Anistar Gym that very afternoon. Sitting up, he finished the last sip of tea and informed the Mudsdale trio, Perrserker, and Diancie.
The entire morning passed in a flurry of activity. After having lunch together with the Pokémon, Dragonite returned right on time.
And in its arms, there was another Pokémon.
The shiny Dratini had come to visit again, freeloading for food and drinks.
Every time Dragonite returned to Dragonite Island, the shiny Dratini would follow along just to get a meal from Silas.
Of course, the shiny Dratini did contribute in its own way.
Give it something tasty, and it would allow itself to be played with freely.
Trading its cuteness for food at such a young age was simply wonderful.
"Come on, the food is perfect right now!"
The shiny Dratini sprang forward instantly, wagging its pink tail as it rushed to Silas's feet.
With both hands, Silas scooped it up into his arms. The little one immediately began acting cute, rubbing affectionately against him while letting out soft, sweet cries.
The pink, chubby Dratini was unbearably adorable. Silas rubbed and pinched it for quite a while before finally letting it go.
In exchange for its charm, Dratini earned itself a full plate of berry treats.
While feeding and teasing the shiny Dratini, Silas did not forget to tell Dragonite, "Do not run around this afternoon. Come with me to challenge a Gym."
"Draa~!"
Dragonite happily agreed, meaning it would only return to Pokémon Town the next day.
The shiny Dratini was truly a lively little rascal. It got along with everyone at the ranch.
Its favorite playmate was Morpeko, for one simple reason. Morpeko always carried snacks with it.
Silas had just filled Morpeko's pouch, but less than half an hour later, the little mouse came running back.
It spread open its pouch, looking pitiful as it complained, "Morpe, Morpeko!"
The shiny Dratini had eaten all its snacks.
"Tinii~"
The shiny Dratini protested, wagging its tail as if to say it had only eaten a tiny bit, and that Morpeko was the one who ate the most.
"Alright, alright, neither of you should be laughing at the other."
Silas grabbed one in each hand and rubbed their heads. He knew them too well.
Two big eaters together would definitely compete for food. Of course it would disappear quickly.
"This is the last time."
He filled Morpeko's pouch again. The little mouse immediately covered it and ran off at top speed.
The shiny Dratini tried to chase after it, but Silas grabbed it by the tail.
"Tini?"
"I am heading out soon, and Dragonite is coming with me. Stay here at the ranch and behave. When we get back, Dragonite will take you home."
"Tinii!"
The shiny Dratini shook its head vigorously. It did not want to go back.
The ranch had food, fun, and everything it could want. It had no intention of leaving. Once again, it used its charm attack on Silas.
Curled around his shoulder, it rubbed its little head against his cheek, its voice sweet and clingy.
"Alright, alright, you can stay. Stay as long as you want."
"Tinii~!!"
The shiny Dratini happily licked him before darting out of the house. It could not let Morpeko have all the snacks.
Shaking his head with a smile, Silas glanced at the time. It was almost time for his appointment.
He called over Dragonite, who had been basking in the sun, and recalled Perrserker, the Mudsdale brothers, and Diancie into their Poké Balls. Before leaving, he asked Kangaskhan to look after the shiny Dratini, then patted Dragonite beneath him.
Understanding immediately, Dragonite flapped its wings, stirring up a gust of wind as it soared straight into the sky.
Lying flat against Dragonite's back, Silas felt the rushing air roar past his ears as the scenery below shrank rapidly.
From time to time, he lifted his head to adjust Dragonite's direction.
Before long, one of Kalos's seven great wonders, the Sundial, appeared on the horizon.
It was a massive pink crystal with a hollow ring at its center.
It was said that the Sundial had fallen from space three thousand years ago. It was shrouded in mystery, and even now, the League had been unable to unravel its secrets.
Notably, the League even based its timekeeping on the frequency at which the Sundial emitted light.
"Draa!"
Dragonite, who had been silent until now, suddenly let out a cry, its eyes gleaming.
"What is it?"
"Draa~"
"You are saying that pink crystal smells delicious? You want to eat it?"
Frowning thoughtfully, Silas patted Dragonite and gestured for it to land near the Sundial.
Dragonite flapped its wings and slowly descended onto the grass nearby. Silas jumped down from its back.
"Draa?"
"Not for now." Silas shook his head. "If there is a chance later, I will break off a piece for you to taste."
The fact that it could attract Dragonite's interest like this showed that it was definitely something extraordinary.
"Draa~"
Dragonite took a deep breath, puffing up its cheeks as it urged Silas to leave quickly.
As long as it did not smell it, it would not crave it.
Silas shook his head with a smile. His Dragonite was simple and adorable.
"Let us go challenge the Gym first."
With that, Silas kept the Sundial in mind as he and Dragonite headed to Anistar Gym.
Before Silas could even knock, a woman stepped out from the Gym and approached him.
"I am Charlotte, a disciple of Madame Olympia. Are you the challenger Silas?"
"That is me. This is my partner, Dragonite."
"Please follow me. Madame Olympia is already waiting at the battlefield."
Every Gym had its own unique characteristics. The dome of Anistar Gym was adorned with countless stars.
These stars formed a mysterious constellation. It was said that Olympia could use them to perform divination.
"Madame Olympia, the challenger has arrived."
Beneath the starry pattern, Olympia descended gracefully, dressed in a robe decorated with constellations, accompanied by two Psychic-type Pokémon.
Standing on the opposite side of the battlefield, her gaze was deep and ethereal, as though she could see through both the past and the future of humans and Pokémon alike.
"The ritual of fate turns at this very moment. As one of its cores, what choice will you make?"
"I am Olympia. Silas, let me witness your path."
"Now, the four versus four double battle begins. Both sides, please send out your first Pokémon."
Charlotte stepped forward as the referee and loudly announced the battle rules.
(End of Chapter)