Within the closed battle arena in Rustboro City:
"Gyarados, Hydro Cannon!"
With a sweeping motion, Lance's cape flared dramatically as Gyarados's power surged.
"Rooaaar—!"
The roar was accompanied by a torrent of water erupting from Gyarados's mouth, crashing forth with immense force.
"Kingdra, dodge quickly!"
Across the field, Clair's expression was tense as she lashed her whip, signaling Kingdra to evade. But Lance and Gyarados had already anticipated Kingdra's movements. The Hydro Cannon hit its mark perfectly.
Boom!
Water splashed and sprayed, creating a prism of colors under the bright arena lights.
Watching from the stands, Johan winced slightly.
Hitting such a fast-moving Kingdra with a low-accuracy move like Hydro Cannon... this is what battling with a prodigy looks like?
Memories of his own five consecutive misses with Hydro Cannon came to mind.
Prodigies... so unfair.
Cynthia, seated beside him, shared a similar look of contemplation. Lance's skill was undeniable.
"Isn't it a bit much just for a warm-up?" Johan muttered.
Clair, although frustrated, kept her composure. Losing to Lance was nothing new. Still, Johan couldn't help but think, Lance's emotional intelligence rivals Red's... just marry her already.
After the battle, Lance walked over, smiling as he "consoled" (mocked) Clair. Her flushed face grew redder as she shot a glare at Johan.
Noticing Clair's gaze, Cynthia softly asked, "Should I take this battle instead?"
Johan's lips twitched as he shook his head. "No need. Winning or losing isn't the point."
Besides, he thought, if Cynthia goes up and wins, Clair might throw her Pokéball... the wrong way. That would be a disaster.
Lance approached, calling out, "Johan, it's your turn. Be careful, though—Clair's in a bad mood today. Even her second team is strong."
Johan stood up, casting Lance a side glance. You really don't know why she's upset, do you?
"Oowu?"
Vulpix looked up, puzzled, as Johan scooped it up from Cynthia's lap.
Clair, despite her irritation, was strategic and composed. She released her next Pokémon: a Dragonair.
Dragonair, an elegant pure Dragon-type, evolved from Dratini and could eventually become the formidable Dragonite, the pseudo-legendary of Kanto.
Johan couldn't help but recall his early confusion when first encountering Pokémon games. How does such a graceful Pokémon evolve into... Dragonite? It makes no sense.
Still, Dragonair, as a second-stage Dragon-type, commanded respect. Especially under Clair's expert guidance.
Setting Vulpix down, Johan whispered words of encouragement.
"Oowu..."
Realizing it was going into battle, Vulpix's eyes darted to Dragonair, lighting up with excitement.
So beautiful!
Clair, meanwhile, frowned. Vulpix seemed more like a dainty pet than a serious fighter.
It can't be underestimated, Johan thought, glancing at his team. Most Trainers struggled to maintain a single strong team, let alone nurture a second one filled with pseudo-legendaries like Clair and Lance had.
However, the outcome of a battle wasn't solely determined by the power of the Pokémon. Strategy, training, and the bond between Trainer and Pokémon mattered just as much.
Vulpix was his choice partly due to its Ice-type advantage over Dragons. Additionally, Dragonair's likely Shed Skin ability would weaken the impact of Haunter's usual status-inflicting moves.
[Shed Skin: The Pokémon may heal its own status conditions periodically.]
From the sidelines:
"Ka-kah, Ka-kah~~"
Haunter had somehow procured two pom-poms and was shaking them energetically in the stands.
"Haunter," Cynthia called out, arms resting under her chin.
"Ka-kah?"
Haunter froze, shoving the pom-poms into its mouth and floating over to give Cynthia an eager shoulder massage.
Cynthia, smirking, looked pleased and asked, "What was it you wanted to show me earlier?"
Johan had given an explanation, but Cynthia couldn't shake the feeling something was off. She intended to press Haunter for answers.
Haunter's grin faltered, eyes drifting upwards nervously.
"Ka-kah?"
Show what? I have no idea...
Cynthia's eyes narrowed, voice dropping to a whisper. "I heard Garchomp's been wanting to spar with you."
"Ka-kah!! Σ(дlll)" Haunter went pale, even for a Ghost-type.
A sly smile curved on Cynthia's lips as she continued, "Oh, and I happen to have an extra 'Shadow Ball' TM... so, what do you think?"
"Ka-kah..." Haunter's eyes sparkled, drool forming.
Shadow Ball! Johan had been trying to get one for Haunter but either couldn't find it or found it too pricey.
"Ka-kah!" Haunter's face turned serious, nodding fervently.
Johan's my beloved Trainer, my friend, my...
"Really?" Cynthia sighed, pretending to muse. "I was also going to take Garchomp to meet its idol, Bubbles the Marill..."
"Ka-kah?! (﹃)" Haunter squealed, tone leaping several pitches.
Is that true?!
Cynthia's smile deepened.
On the battlefield:
Johan, oblivious to the side drama, focused on Vulpix. "I know you're careful about hurting others, but this time, don't hold back. The opponent is strong."
"Oowu?" Vulpix blinked, looking at Johan for confirmation.
Johan chuckled, scratching under its chin.
"Oowu~~" Vulpix's eyes closed in contentment.
"Give it your all."
"Oowu!" Vulpix's eyes gleamed with resolve, turning to face Clair's Dragonair.
Clair, once dismissive of Vulpix, now studied it more seriously. Dragonair coiled, muscles tensing, and waited for the first move.
As the battle began, gentle snowflakes began to fall, drifting softly across the arena.
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