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"Ralts, use Confusion!"
Following the command, Ralts prepared to unleash its psychic power, but just then, Seel darted into the water at incredible speed.
The thick ice on the surface obscured Ralts' view of Seel's position.
As Ralts searched, Seel suddenly broke through the ice from a blind spot and landed a strong headbutt.
Though caught off guard, Ralts had been training with Kai for months and quickly used Teleport to escape.
"Seel, use Ice Shard!"
Seel opened its mouth, creating multiple ice shards, which it launched at the recently teleported Ralts.
The explosion scattered ice and debris, enveloping Ralts.
However, as the dust settled, Daisy and the others were astonished.
Despite being hit, Ralts seemed largely unharmed!
"Huh? Strange," Daisy murmured in surprise. "There shouldn't be a type advantage here Ralts has Psychic and Fairy types, while Seel is Water. And Ice Shard is an Ice-type move. Why didn't it do more damage?"
Kai grinned. "Miss Daisy, your Seel must have the Thick Fat ability, right?"
Daisy nodded. "That's right, but why does that matter?"
Kai explained, "My Ralts has Trace as its ability, allowing it to copy Thick Fat from your Seel. That's why your Ice-type moves don't pose a real threat."
"Oh, so that's it," Daisy said, realizing. "So Ralts copied Seel's Thick Fat at the start of the battle?"
Kai nodded, and Daisy chuckled. "What a rare ability it caught me off guard. But I'm not giving up just yet!"
"Seel, use Aqua Jet!"
Kai quickly commanded, "Ralts, use Magical Leaf!"
Before Ralts, shimmering leaves materialized, rotating and condensing before launching continuously toward Seel.
The leaves collided with the incoming Aqua Jet, resulting in a burst of energy.
When the fog lifted, it was clear that the Magical Leaf had not only neutralized Aqua Jet but also injured Seel!
Seel staggered, forced down onto the ice.
Grass-type moves are super effective against Water-type Pokémon!
"Ralts, use Confusion!"
"Seel, retreat to the water!"
This time, however, Ralts anticipated Seel's movements. Concentrating, it lifted Seel into the air with Confusion.
Caught in psychic energy, Seel cried out in pain, struggling in vain against Ralts' hold.
As Ralts raised it higher, it swung Seel toward a nearby rock.
With a resounding crash, Seel hit the rock and fainted.
"We lost."
Daisy retrieved her fainted Seel into its Poké Ball, and she and her sisters approached Kai.
But before Kai could recall Ralts, a glow enveloped it. Moments later, Ralts had evolved into Kirlia!
Lily gasped, covering her mouth. "Wow! It evolved!"
Kirlia now had a graceful, ballerina-like form, wearing what appeared to be a short dress.
Its hair, no longer covering its eyes, framed its face with shoulder-length bangs, revealing its large red eyes.
The two red horns on its head had also shifted, now resembling hairpins.
Kai took out his Pokédex and pointed it at Kirlia.
Pokédex: Beep! Kirlia, the Emotion Pokémon. When the horn on its head heightens its psychic power, it can create a dazzling mirage. Sensitive to its Trainer's feelings, it will dance when the Trainer is happy, drawing strength from their joy.
Kirlia, still adjusting to its new form, did a small twirl before returning to Kai's side.
"Kirlia, you look amazing."
"kiii-rii-ya"
Kirlia looked up at Kai, a bit shy. When Kai patted its head, it nuzzled his hand affectionately.
Just then, Daisy approached, holding a blue badge in her hand.
"This is for you, as a reward for your victory."
Kai smiled, thanked her, and placed the Cascade Badge into his badge case.
Looking at the lone badge in Kai's case, Lily pouted. "So we're the first Gym Leaders he's defeated. That's kind of disappointing!"
Kai smiled but remained silent. The sisters seemed more focused on their water ballet than training Pokémon for battles.
Among the many Gyms, their strength was known to be relatively weak.
Everyone has their own dreams, though. Kai hoped that someday Misty would take charge of the Gym.
As Kai left the Gym with his Pokémon, he waved goodbye. Not long after he exited, a red-haired girl with a side ponytail walked in.
"Sisters, I've been looking all over for you! What's going on? Why do you all look so down?"
Daisy sighed dramatically. "Misty, we were emotionally devastated by a guy just now!"
"Devastated?" Misty raised an eyebrow, puzzled. As she listened to Daisy explain, she burst out laughing. "Oh, you mean you lost the battle? For a second, I thought one of you got dumped!"
Daisy considered this and giggled. "Well, he was gentle and powerful. Honestly, he'd make a pretty good boyfriend."
Misty rolled her eyes. "I can't believe you guys. If I'd been here, there's no way he would have taken that Cascade Badge so easily!"
Violet wagged her finger at Misty. "Don't underestimate him, Misty. That guy with the Kirlia was really strong. I doubt even you could have won."
"Don't count me out!" Misty huffed, indignant. "I'm going on a journey soon, and I won't return until I've become a top Trainer!"
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