Meimo, Wutong, and the others cheered loudly for me from the sidelines. "Go, Silver!" I raised my right hand to acknowledge them.
Clembot looked me straight in the eye. "The kind of Pokémon Trainer I want to face in this Gym is someone who gives their all in battle. Are you that person?"
Brimming with fighting spirit, I said, "Yes!"
Clembot said, "Then let's begin!"
The purple-haired young noble announced loudly, "This Gym match will be between Silver and Clembot! Each side may use three Pokémon. The match ends when all the Pokémon on either side are unable or unwilling to battle! Only the challenger may switch Pokémon, but moves are exempt from this rule! Now, let the Gym Challenge begin!"
Clembot said, "Come out, Heliolisk!"
I tossed my Poké Ball into the air. "Go, Braixen!" Braixen did a backflip, looking eager to fight.
I said, "Strike first! Use Fire Spin!"
Without a change in expression, Clembot said, "Dodge, then use Thunder Wave!"
Heliolisk swiftly dodged! Then a Thunder Wave came straight at us!
"Braixen, dodge!" Braixen avoided it with a graceful sidestep.
Clembot said, "Don't let Braixen escape! Close the distance with Quick Attack, then use Thunder Wave!"
"Braixen, we'll dodge with Quick Attack too!" Two streaks of light darted back and forth, but Braixen was still hit. He sank to his knees, his face twisted slightly in pain.
Clembot said, "Now's our chance! Use Thunderbolt!"
"Braixen, dodge!" But Braixen seemed to be paralyzed and remained crouched on one knee! He finally managed to move, falling over and avoiding the current, but he still took some damage. The ground Thunderbolt passed over was scorched black. I never thought he'd get paralyzed right at the start!
Clembot said, "Don't give the opponent room to breathe! Thunderbolt!"
An idea struck me.