"Congratulations! I didn't expect your Pichu to evolve!" Makino said with a smile, genuinely happy for Chihong.
"Thank you," Chihong replied, his eyes still fixed on Pichu, who was now enveloped in a bright white glow. "Actually, Pichu should have evolved a while ago."
The glow surrounding Pichu pulsed for several seconds before gradually fading. As the light disappeared, a new figure was revealed. The Pokémon standing before them had the same yellow skin as Pichu, with brown stripes running across its back. Its ears were tipped with black, and it had electric sacs on its cheeks, just like before—but now, it looked slightly larger and more mature.
[Pikachu]
Category: Mouse Pokémon
Type: Electric
Height: 0.7m (Average: 0.4m)
Weight: 9.00kg (Average: 6.00kg)
Gender: Male
Ability: Static (Contact may cause paralysis)
Hidden Ability: Lightning Rod (Draws in Electric-type attacks to boost Special Attack)
Stats:
HP: 30
Attack: 31
Special Attack: 31
Defense: 29
Special Defense: 28
Speed: 31
Moves: Thunder Shock, Charm, Tail Whip, Volt Wave, Sweet Kiss, Discharge, Quick Attack, Thunderbolt, Double Team, Agility
Strength: Elite Intermediate
Chihong studied Pikachu's stats and nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad. Three perfect stats, almost four. It's strong."
Though Pikachu hadn't reached a perfect 4V in individual stats, 3V was still an excellent result. The increase in strength by two levels was expected—Pokémon tend to grow quickly before reaching the quasi-Elite level. As long as their individual stats were good, they could reach Gym-level strength within five years.
"Pika~!" Pikachu squeaked happily.
Feeling its new power, Pikachu excitedly ran toward Chihong, leaping onto his shoulder and rubbing its furry cheek against his.
"Alright, alright, I know you're happy," Chihong laughed, gently lifting Pikachu off his shoulder. "Congrats on evolving into Pikachu."
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu chirped in response.
After a moment of playfulness, Chihong turned to Makino. "Sorry for the delay. Let's continue our battle."
"It's fine," Makino said, waving it off. "Your Pokémon evolving is worth celebrating."
Makino then retrieved his first Pokémon's Poké Ball and swapped it for another. "Now, for my second Pokémon."
With a quick toss, the ball snapped open, releasing a flash of red light. When it cleared, a peculiar-looking Pokémon hovered in the air. Its head, back, and wings were brownish-yellow, its abdomen was gray-brown, and a white halo-like structure sat on its head. Its wings flapped silently, resembling the brittle husk of a cicada.
[Shedinja]
Category: Shed Pokémon
Type: Bug/Ghost
Height: 0.8m
Weight: 1.2kg
Gender: Male
Ability: Wonder Guard (Only super-effective moves can hit it)
Stats:
HP: 30
Attack: 30
Special Attack: 28
Defense: 27
Special Defense: 25
Speed: 28
Moves: Scratch, Harden, Leech Life, Sand Attack, Fury Swipes, Aerial Ace, Shadow Ball, Silver Wind
Strength: Elite Junior
Makino smirked. "This is my second partner. You recognize it, right? Need an introduction?"
Chihong shook his head. "No need. Shedinja, the Bug/Ghost-type Pokémon from the Hoenn region."
"Fair enough," Makino nodded. "Are you using Pikachu?"
"Not for this fight." Chihong gently placed Pikachu on the ground, then reached behind his waist and pulled out another Poké Ball. With a confident flick of his wrist, he tossed it into the air.
"Come out, Squirtle!"
The Poké Ball burst open in a flash of red light, revealing a small, turtle-like Pokémon standing on two legs. It had a sturdy blue body, a curled tail, and a brown shell on its back.
"Squirtle!" it cried, looking determined as it faced its opponent.
Makino observed the Squirtle with interest. "One of Kanto's starter Pokémon? Is this your first partner?"
Chihong shook his head. "No, I caught this Squirtle later. My original starter was Charmander—it's a Charmeleon now."
"Interesting. Well then, let's continue. Shedinja, use Silver Wind!"
Shedinja's fragile wings fluttered rapidly, generating a silver-colored gust that rushed toward Squirtle.
"Squirtle, counter with Water Gun!"
"Squirt!" Squirtle inhaled deeply, then blasted a powerful jet of water. The high-pressure stream cut through the Silver Wind, dispersing the attack and continuing straight for Shedinja.
"Quick, dodge it!" Makino shouted.
Shedinja's wings flapped weakly, its movement eerily slow, but it barely managed to swerve to the side and evade the Water Gun.
"Phew, that was close," Makino exhaled. "Your Squirtle's Water Gun is stronger than I expected. Alright, Shedinja, use Aerial Ace!"
Shedinja's body tilted forward, its wings propelling it at high speed toward Squirtle. The attack was swift and precise.
"Squirtle, use Tail Whip to disrupt it!"
"Squirt!" Squirtle turned around and wagged its small, curled tail rhythmically. The motion, strangely mesmerizing, caught Shedinja's attention. Its attack slowed, its focus drawn entirely to the movement.
"Now's our chance! Squirtle, Water Gun again!"
With Shedinja still entranced, Squirtle quickly inhaled and released another strong jet of water.
"Shedinja, snap out of it!" Makino called urgently.
But it was too late. The Water Gun struck Shedinja directly, sending it tumbling through the air before crashing onto the battlefield.
Makino frowned. "Shedinja, are you okay?"
Shedinja hovered back up, but its movements were slower than before.
"Alright, let's change the strategy. Use Shadow Ball!"
Shedinja summoned a dark, pulsing orb of energy and launched it toward Squirtle.
"Dodge it and use Rapid Spin!" Chihong commanded.
Squirtle tucked into its shell and spun at high speed, avoiding the Shadow Ball as it rolled across the battlefield. It then emerged, regaining its stance.
Makino clenched his fists. "You're good, Chihong. But this battle isn't over yet!"
Chihong smirked. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Both trainers stared at each other, their Pokémon ready for the next round. The battle had just begun, and the excitement was far from over.
---