Pokemon: Gym Leader

"Wow~ What a bustling city!"

Leaf looked around excitedly. Today she wore her favorite black dress again, and her big eyes sparkled as she took in the sights.

This was her first time in the Kalos region.

"Yeah, and there are so many people," Lillie said with equal curiosity.

"According to the League's data, Lumiose City has the highest population in the world—far exceeding even Nimbasa City in Unova."

Dylan looked around and finally fixed his gaze on a beautiful tower visible in the distance.

That was the Prism Tower, the iconic structure of Lumiose City—and also home to the Lumiose Gym.

Unlike other regions, Lumiose City also houses the Kalos League headquarters, and the Kalos League Conference, also known as the Lumiose Conference, is held in the Lumiose Stadium.

This setup is quite unique, as most League headquarters in other regions do not include gym facilities.

The Lumiose Gym is run by Clemont, known as "The Inventor Who Illuminates the World," a genius in science and technology.

Yes, he's the same Clemont who was one of Ash's traveling companions in the anime's Kalos arc. But the one people remember best is probably Clemont's little sister.

Bonnie is her name. In the games, she hosts the quiz segment for the Lumiose Gym. In the anime, she also travels with Ash.

But Bonnie's role in the anime is particularly special—she was liked and accepted by one of Zygarde's cores, and it even promised to travel with her once she becomes a trainer.

That's basically equivalent to acknowledging her as its Trainer!

And we're talking about Zygarde here—one of Kalos's legendary aura Pokémon, protector of the ecosystem. Its power surpasses even that of Xerneas and Yveltal.

Zygarde is incredibly powerful. Although its anime depiction made it seem a bit weak due to being influenced and "rampaging," its 100% Forme is definitely no less than any other third-tier legend.

"Its 100% Forme is said to possess power that overwhelms even Xerneas and Yveltal." (Pokédex from Pokémon Moon)

"Wonder if Team Flare in this world has their eyes on Zygarde," Dylan mused, eyes narrowing.

In the games, Zygarde doesn't have much story—you just catch it at Terminus Cave after entering the Hall of Fame.

That's because the game version Pokémon Z was never released. It might get new plotlines once Gen VI gets a remake.

But in the anime, it's different. Team Flare's boss Lysandre tries to control Zygarde and use it to destroy the current world.

Yep, another "idealist."

"Champion Dylan, Elite Four Leaf, and the two ladies—I'm the secretary of Ms. Diantha."

A woman in a black uniform appeared before the four, bowing respectfully.

"Hello," Dylan smiled and nodded.

"Champion Serena and Ms. Diantha are waiting for you at the Sunrise Café. I'll take you there."

"Thank you."

"You're very welcome. Please, this way."

The secretary gestured toward a nearby vehicle.

The group got in and headed toward Sunrise Café. Yes, they had informed the Kalos League before coming.

After all, Dylan and Leaf's statuses were anything but ordinary—they were Champion and Elite Four member of Kanto. Even when traveling privately, it was best to notify the local League.

The League regions are all under the Pokémon League umbrella, but still operate independently. A Champion entering another region without notice? Who knows what they're up to?

It's just polite, and helps with logistics.

At the Sunrise Café, Dylan's eyes immediately landed on the two people sitting in the corner.

One had short ash-brown hair and fair skin, dressed in a white fitted coat. Her refined demeanor was unmistakable—former Kalos Champion Diantha.

Sitting across from her was a middle-aged man with wild, lion-like red-orange hair and a stern, imposing look. He wore a luxurious black leather jacket and pants.

Dylan raised his brows slightly. That was Lysandre—Team Flare's boss.

But at this point in time, Team Flare had not revealed their ambitions. Lysandre was still known as the president of the well-regarded Lysandre Labs.

Dylan stopped the secretary who was about to announce them and watched with interest as Lysandre and Diantha conversed.

"Ms. Diantha, you once brilliantly portrayed a young girl on the big screen. Have you ever considered preserving your youth and beauty forever—to keep playing those kinds of roles?"

Lysandre rested his chin on his hand, his voice deep and magnetic.

Diantha seemed surprised by the question, stirred her coffee with a straw, and then smiled.

"That's a strange question... Why would I want to keep playing the same type of role? Youth may be beautiful, but it doesn't define a whole life."

"Everything changes. I want to live and grow, so I hope to portray more mature roles in the future."

"Weren't you chosen by the heavens to be a movie star? Isn't maintaining beauty your duty?" Lysandre tilted his head slightly, eyes seemingly focused on Diantha—but perhaps not really.

"All beautiful things should remain forever in their most beautiful state. I hope this world ends at the peak of its beauty."

"I can't tolerate a world that loses its beauty."

Lysandre was smiling, but his tone was very somber.

"Ms. Diantha, you are truly beautiful—not just on the outside. You've dedicated your life to bringing joy to others through your brilliant performances."

"If everyone were like you... what a beautiful world that would be."

His tone and words caused Diantha to frown ever so slightly. This man... something about him was off.

"Well then, that's all for today. Ms. Diantha, it was an honor to share coffee with you. Farewell."

Lysandre stood, offered a gentlemanly bow, and turned to leave.

But as he turned, he spotted Dylan, and his expression shifted slightly. Still, he nodded politely and walked out of the café.

"Seeking beauty through destruction, huh?"

Dylan glanced in Lysandre's direction, a half-smile forming.

"I hope this world ends at its most beautiful moment"—a classic line from Lysandre's ideology of aesthetic annihilation.

If he had said, "I want this world to remain beautiful forever," it would be a completely different outlook.

Lysandre's madness was akin to the likes of Lance in the manga or Cyrus in Sinnoh. They all wanted destruction—just for different reasons.

Manga Lance wanted to wipe out most of humanity to let Pokémon live in peace.

Cyrus believed the human heart was weak and irrational, and that emotion led to conflict through Pokémon battles. So he sought to erase this world with Dialga and Palkia and build a perfect one.

Lysandre's vision was similar, though not quite the same.

"Champion Dylan, Elite Leaf," Diantha now noticed them and stood with a smile.

"Ms. Diantha, the pleasure is mine," Dylan said, extending his hand.

"No, no. Champion Dylan's name is known everywhere now. Unlike me—I was beaten by my junior."

Though elegant, Diantha was quite easy to talk to—and even humorous.

After all, she was dethroned by a rising newcomer—yes, it was rather shocking.

But Diantha herself didn't mind. In fact, she seemed pleased.

"Young talents are everywhere these days. I'd say Champion Serena is one of them."

"Absolutely! After our match, I truly felt grateful to be a Champion—because it let me battle someone like Serena!"

Diantha's expression turned reminiscent and fulfilled, clearly recalling that fateful match.

Yes, Diantha was very interested in strong Trainers and loved battling them.

"Serena had something to do and will be back soon. Champion Dylan, everyone, please take a seat."

Diantha gestured for them to sit.

"Ms. Diantha, who was that man just now?" Leaf asked curiously.

"That was Mr. Lysandre, president of Lysandre Labs. He's very accomplished, but..." Diantha's brows furrowed as she recalled his earlier words.

She sensed something was off, though she had no concrete evidence.

"I heard he used profits from his lab to help the poor and do charity work."

Dylan smiled and added, "Yes, that used to be Lysandre."

But over time, Lysandre realized his efforts were futile, constantly undermined by the greed of mankind. His idealism turned to cold disillusionment.

"That's right," Diantha nodded.

"By the way, Champion Dylan—interested in a battle? I've heard about your Rota Gym."

"Oh? You want to challenge my gym?" Dylan raised a brow.

"Yes, Champion Dylan—would you accept?"

Diantha smiled elegantly. She had watched the video of Leon battling Dylan in Galar.

All she could say was... poor Leon.

But Dylan used a legendary Dragon team in that battle. This was different—she was challenging Rota Gym.

She'd done her homework: unless someone draws a golden badge, Dylan usually doesn't use legendaries in gym battles.

And even if he did, Diantha believed she could handle a few—after all, she was the former Kalos Champion!

That Rota badge? She'd take it—no question!

(Chapter End)