Amber quickly pointed towards a large rock, shouting, "Hide behind the rock!"
Ponyta, afraid of Seel's Water Gun, had already been hit once. If it were struck again, it might be unable to continue. Following Amber's command, Ponyta galloped swiftly, using its speed to avoid Seel's Water Gun and hide behind the rock.
Rosaria noticed how cautious Amber was of Seel's Water Gun; it must have hindered Ponyta's high-speed movement to some degree. She hadn't yet used the Pokédex to learn about Seel's abilities, but she remembered that Seel had two moves: Water Gun and Powder Snow.
Since Water Gun was proving effective, she decided to hold onto the other skill, saving it for a better opportunity.
Rosaria watched the rock attentively, ready to command Seel to attack the moment Ponyta emerged. On the rocky-sand terrain, Seel's speed paled compared to Ponyta's—like an angel versus a witch. It was no competition. Relying on speed was nothing but wishful thinking.
The best approach was to remain still, react calmly, and wait for the right moment.
Rosaria's thoughts brought a strange warmth that spread throughout her body. Unknowingly, she had started to get invested in this battle.
Amber clenched her fists, biting her lip while keeping her gaze fixed on Seel. If she wasn't careful, Ponyta would end up right in Seel's line of fire. The usually uninterested nun was taking this so seriously now, as if she were trying to save the world.
What is going on with her?
Damn it!
Takashi stood by with his arms crossed, surveying the scene. The battle seemed so tense that even the air felt heavy.
"Xerneas, what do you think?" he asked.
Xerneas responded gently, "Based on experience, Ponyta and Amber have the advantage. However, considering their type matchup, Ponyta, even with cover, will struggle to attack effectively."
Takashi nodded slightly. The analysis made sense. But would Amber just let herself be defeated like this? In her earlier battle against Lisa's Toxel, she had pulled off a surprising victory by using the terrain to her advantage.
Could Amber come up with another surprising maneuver this time?
Amber focused intently on Rosaria, who remained indifferent, unaffected by the situation.
Damn type disadvantage.
If not for that, she'd just go all in and attack head-on.
Upon closer thought, Seel's clumsiness stood out. Judging from its earlier movements, it wasn't particularly agile. Maybe she could exploit this weakness.
But how?
A gust of Mondstadt's wind blew through the training space's door, whirling the sand on the ground round and round. Amber's eyes suddenly lit up with confidence. This match was hers for the taking.
"Ponyta, run around the field!"
"Neigh!"
Upon hearing Amber's command, Ponyta started sprinting rapidly around the entire field.
Rosaria glanced at Ponyta's position, her expression still cold. "Don't panic. Track its movement and use Water Gun."
"Seel..."
Seel tried to follow Ponyta, but it couldn't quite figure out its exact position. Ponyta was kicking up sand as it ran, creating a thin smokescreen that concealed its path. The obstructed view left Seel uncertain of where Ponyta would emerge.
Not only Seel but even Rosaria found herself frustrated—Ponyta was just too fast.
A hesitant trainer leads to a hesitant Pokémon, unsure of how to respond.
Amber had been waiting for this opportunity. Seeing her chance, she shouted, "Now, Tackle!"
"Neigh!"
From within the smokescreen, Ponyta galloped out, its fiery mane blazing as it charged straight towards Seel.
"Ah..." Rosaria gasped in shock, her eyes wide as she watched Seel's round body get launched into the air. She felt a pang in her chest, an unexpected empathy she couldn't calm.
What move could she use now?
Water Gun? Powder Snow?
Amber pushed her advantage. "Don't let it catch its breath! Finish it with another Tackle!"
"Neigh!"
Growing stronger from the fight, Ponyta let out a high-pitched whinny, the fiery mane on its back dancing like crimson lightning as it sprinted towards Seel.
Panicking, Rosaria barely had time to think. The oncoming charge was too quick to evade. She could only hurriedly give an order. "Quick, use Powder Snow! Powder Snow!"
She repeated it twice, worried Seel might not catch it.
Seel, a bit dizzy from being rolled around, managed to comprehend its trainer's command despite the disorientation.
"Seel..."
A small gust of frosty air blew out of Seel's mouth, accompanied by a few ice crystals. Ponyta rushed forward, unable to stop in time, its eyes growing wide as the icy wind blew over it. Tiny shards of ice stung like raindrops, causing it to shiver.
Its limbs froze in place, unable to take another step. It halted just half a body length away from Seel.
"Seel..."
Despite being dazed, Seel obediently followed through, blowing layer after layer of snow onto Ponyta. The snowflakes began to cover Ponyta, transforming it into an ice sculpture of a flying horse.
Amber stared at the scene in disbelief. "How did this happen? What..."
She instinctively pulled out her Pokédex and scanned Ponyta:
"Frozen state: A Pokémon in a frozen state can only use moves that successfully thaw it from the ice. It cannot use other moves."
Seeing this, Amber was left speechless.
Rosaria, realizing that Ponyta was completely immobilized, saw her chance. "Seel, finish it with Water Gun!"
"Seel..."
Seel unleashed a powerful Water Gun, blasting the ice-covered Ponyta backward. The frozen shards shattered upon impact with a large rock, and Ponyta collapsed on the ground, unable to get back up.
"Ponyta!" Amber cried, rushing into the field to check on her partner's condition.
Takashi had just raised his hand to declare the outcome when Rosaria turned away disinterestedly. She glanced briefly at the fallen Ponyta before saying coldly, "We're leaving, Seel."
"Seel..."
Seel waddled after Rosaria, its round body rolling slightly as they left the battle arena.
Takashi let out a sigh, his raised hand slowly lowering as he walked over with Xerneas to check on Ponyta's injuries.