Xia You could not remember whether challenging Virbank Gym came with rules like these in the anime or the games.
But it did not matter. It was only two extra opponents. With his strength, what was the big deal?
"Now, let's welcome the soul of the rhythm, our drummer-Cook!"
The drummer wore a leather vest and tight red trousers, his muscles bulging all over. Combined with his bald head, he looked like someone best not provoked. He held up one finger and told Xia You, "Next, you'll face me one-on-one. We each send out one Pokémon. Only if you beat me will you qualify for the next battle!"
Without waiting for Xia You to agree, he took a Poké Ball from his belt and tossed it lightly.
A flash of blue light passed, and a Grimer appeared on the Battle Field.
The moment it appeared, a foul stench hit Xia You's nose.
At the same time, Cook burst out laughing. "My Grimer will sound the death knell for your Gym challenge!"
As he spoke, he struck the air hard in front of his chest, as though beating an invisible drum.
"One-on-one? Just what I wanted." Facing the puddle of Grimer that was still "wriggling" and giving off a foul smell, Xia You's expression remained unchanged. He took a Poké Ball from his waist pouch and gently pressed its button. "Go, Infernape."
Another flash of blue light passed. The next second, an agile red figure landed amid a wave of scorching heat. It was Xia You's Infernape.
Infernape stood firmly on both feet, the flame on its tail flaring up with a whoosh. The heat seemed to drive away some of the stench in the air.
It folded its arms and looked at the slowly writhing Grimer opposite it, its eyes