Morpeko, huh? It's a familiar face. Summer nodded, then turned to his Rillaboom and said, "I'm counting on you, Rillaboom."
"Rillaboom," Rillaboom stepped in front of Summer, pulling out the wooden drum from its back and gripping the drumsticks tightly.
The small Morpeko showed no fear against the towering Rillaboom. After all, it was an Electric-type rodent that could get really angry and reckless.
"Go, Summer! And, uh, good luck, Sis," Kieran cheered.
"How annoying. Morpeko, use Thunder Wave."
"You won't get the chance, High Horsepower."
Both trainers gave their commands simultaneously. Rillaboom leaped forward, hammering the ground with a powerful stomp, its body glowing with an orange aura, and charged at Morpeko with unstoppable force.
Morpeko, not expecting its seemingly bulky opponent to be so fast, couldn't release the Thunder Wave before being sent flying.
"Rillaboom, follow up with Razor Leaf."
Sharp leaves spun towards the airborne Morpeko, with four green streaks of light exploding upon impact. Morpeko landed on the ground, its eyes swirling in defeat.
"Summer... you're so strong," Kieran whispered in awe. He knew his sister was one of the stronger trainers at the academy, and her Morpeko usually caused significant trouble for opponents.
Summer, facing such a formidable opponent, had not hesitated and launched a powerful attack immediately.
But Morpeko's cute appearance often misled opponents. Did Summer know this Pokémon well?
"Hmph, at least you understand type advantages. Fine, let's see how you handle this one." Carmine recalled Morpeko and threw out a second Poké Ball.
A beige Pokémon, wrapped in leaf attire with gentle features but sharp scythe-like arms, emerged.
"Leavanny," Summer identified.
Leavanny, a Bug and Grass-type Pokémon, full of protective instincts and often shielding weaker Pokémon.
"Hmph, you know a lot. This time we have the type advantage. Use X-Scissor."
"Really? That's what I wanted to say. Use Acrobatics, Rillaboom."
"What? How many moves has this guy taught his Pokémon?" Carmine widened her eyes, gritting her teeth. Why does he always have moves that counter mine? It's infuriating.
Rillaboom was enveloped in a blue aura, turning into a blur as it swiftly struck Leavanny. As a Bug and Grass-type, it stood no chance against a Flying-type move.
The dust settled, and Rillaboom stood calmly before Leavanny, who hadn't even managed to use X-Scissor before fainting. In just three moves, Carmine had lost two of her main Pokémon.
"Damn... Alright, I'm getting serious now."
Carmine was thoroughly frustrated. Summer's oppressive strength reminded her of the Elite Four at the academy. But no, she had boasted in front of Kieran. She couldn't lose.
"Go, Sinistcha."
A delicate teacup floated in the air, with a green little figure clinging to its rim. The air was filled with the scent of matcha.
"Sinistcha, huh?" Summer thought of the Sinistcha from the Sunset Forest. Its evolution looked like this in reality. Since it's a Ghost-type, let's use this move.
"Rillaboom, use Knock Off."
"What? Not Knock Off!" Carmine nearly exploded. Not only did this move counter her Ghost-type Sinistcha, but she had also equipped it with an item. Knock Off deals extra damage to opponents holding items. With Rillaboom's strength, one hit might just shatter her Sinistcha.
No, think, Carmine! Find a way to turn this around. Right, I can...
"Cha."
A dark hand slammed onto Sinistcha's teacup, causing it to spit out a seed radiating mystical energy before wobbling to the ground, turning into a serene cup of tea.
"Ugh, I actually lost. This is so frustrating, how could this happen?" Carmine had no Pokémon left to fight. She regretted not bringing all her Pokémon from home.
But even if she had, could she really have defeated Summer?
"Wow, Summer, you actually beat my sister. Your Rillaboom is so strong, almost like the legendary Ogre. Even if my sister's Pokémon fought together," Kieran said excitedly.
"Kieran, can't you leave your sister some dignity?"
"Uh." Kieran covered his mouth. He had gone too far, and his sister had brought the candy apple to apologize to him.
"Hmph, fine. I'll temporarily acknowledge you. At least Kieran has good taste."
Carmine pointed at Summer, saying, "This time I didn't bring all my Pokémon. I have ones that can suppress your Rillaboom."
"Alright, alright. I understand." Summer then turned to Rillaboom, "You fought well."
"Rillaboom," Rillaboom smiled at the praise.
"Hmph. Kieran, let's go home for dinner," Carmine called. Despite her words, her demeanor remained calm and composed, which was quite irritating.
"Got it, Sis. Summer, why don't you come with us? You're staying at the civic center, right? It's on the way," Kieran suggested.
Seeing Kieran in high spirits, Carmine didn't object. Summer's strength was undeniable, and Kieran could learn some techniques from being with him.
So, with Carmine leading the way, Summer and Kieran followed through the apple orchard back to Verdant Town.
"Let's part ways here. I need to return the camera." Summer said, standing in front of the civic center.
"So it's not your camera?" Kieran asked.
"No, a friend lent it to me."
"Summer has many friends. I see. See you tomorrow. Let's go to the center of Kitakami then."
"Sure, see you tomorrow." Waving goodbye, Summer recalled the location Perrin had sent him and headed towards his target with the camera.
Then, he ran into Kieran and Carmine again.
"Why are you here?" Carmine looked confused, seeing Summer at her doorstep.
"Sis, don't we have a guest staying with us? Could Summer's friend be her?" Kieran suggested.
"Oh, the stylish lady with the special Growlithe, who fell asleep immediately?" Carmine recalled.
Summer nodded, "I think that's her." With that description, it had to be Perrin.
The door suddenly opened, and Perrin looked at the group. "Hey, you seem to be talking about me?"
(End of Chapter)