---
Morning in Cerulean City was breathtaking.
The skies were painted in soft hues of lavender and coral, the gentle breeze carrying the salty-sweet scent of the sea from Cerulean Cape. The city, nestled between hills and water, shimmered like a gemstone kissed by the sun. Its canals glided silently beneath quaint arched bridges, while sleek bicycles zipped across cobbled paths lined with pastel-colored buildings. Children played with their Pokémon along the edge of the bay, and local vendors rolled their morning carts into the plaza, the scent of fresh baked goods mingling with the sound of Wingull calls overhead.
Inside the Cerulean Pokémon Center, a tall figure slowly stirred in one of the guest rooms.
Velkris sat up in bed, rubbing his temples as his mind pulled itself out of sleep. A sliver of golden light stretched across the room, catching on the polished hilt of his Poké Belt hanging from the coat rack. He took a deep breath. The air smelled clean. Peaceful. A far cry from the thick, tension-laced forests and caverns he had passed through recently.
After a moment to ground himself, he got up and moved into his morning routine. A quick, cold splash of water to the face. Teeth brushed. Shirt tucked. Hair finger-combed. He adjusted his traveling coat and checked his bag—organizing healing items, berries, and field tools in their usual pockets. He clipped his Poké Balls into place one by one. Except two.
He reached into a hidden side compartment of his bag and touched the two Liberation Balls.
One contained a Golbat, the other a Houndoom. Both were Pokémon he had caught during the Mt. Moon incident—former subordinates of Team Rocket Executive Gideon, corrupted by exposure to questionable drugs and brutal commands. Velkris hadn't had time to meet them yet. He didn't feel right using them until he did.
First, the Gym battle, he reminded himself. Then I'll meet them. When I'm ready—and when they are.
He stepped out into the Center's lobby, nodding to a few trainers who passed by. The place was bustling now—Cerulean's popularity as a Gym challenge location meant that it rarely ever slept.
"Nurse Joy," he greeted as he reached the front counter.
"Good morning, Velkris!" she said with a warm smile. "I just finished checking your team. Everyone's in excellent condition."
He nodded, accepting the Poké Balls containing Ralts, Gabite, and Nidoran. "Thanks. I'll be challenging the Gym today."
"I figured. Be careful," she added in a more serious tone. "Misty's father doesn't hold back. He used to work alongside the Elite Four, like Lance."
Velkris offered a slight smile. "I'm counting on it."
With that, he stepped out into the cool morning sun. The city stretched around him like a painting come to life. Water glistened in the canals. Tourists snapped photos near the famous Cerulean fountain. Velkris moved swiftly, weaving through the crowd, mentally preparing himself for the battle ahead.
But when he arrived at the front gates of the Cerulean Gym, a familiar voice called out.
"Velkris!"
He looked up to see Ash waving at him, a proud grin on his face. Pikachu sat cheerfully on his shoulder. Beside him stood Misty, arms crossed but smiling warmly, and Brock, nodding in greeting.
"You made it!" Ash said.
Velkris's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise. "You guys too?"
"Yup!" Misty said. "Ash just had his Gym Battle yesterday."
"Won the Cascade Badge!" Ash added, proudly holding up the badge case.
Velkris smirked. "Let me guess—you fought Gordon?"
Ash blinked. "Gordon?"
"The Gym Leader," Velkris said, slightly tilting his head.
Ash scratched his cheek sheepishly. "No, actually… I battled the Cerulean Sisters. And Misty, too."
Velkris raised an eyebrow. "So, Misty fought alongside her sisters?"
Misty huffed. "Someone had to make sure they didn't just hand the badge over without a fight."
Ash laughed. "Yeah, Daisy, Lily, and Violet were… kind of all over the place. Misty was the real challenge."
Velkris looked toward Misty, then shook his head. "That's good. But I'm not here to challenge you."
Misty blinked. "Huh?"
"I'm here to challenge your father," Velkris said calmly.
There was a moment of silence.
Misty's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait—you're not going to battle us?"
Velkris shook his head. "I want a real test. If I'm going to keep growing… I need to fight someone who'll push me to my limits. Your father fits that description."
Misty frowned slightly, her expression changing from surprise to concern. "You're serious."
Velkris nodded once.
Her arms fell to her sides, and she looked at him more closely. "Then… just be careful, okay?"
He tilted his head. "Worried I'll lose?"
"No," Misty said softly, "I'm worried you'll get hurt."
Ash and Brock fell quiet.
"My dad… he's not like us," Misty continued, her voice unusually subdued. "He's strong—really strong. He's a former League Investigator, just like Lance. He's seen things we haven't. He trained his team in war personally before retiring, and even now, he tests our defenses every few weeks. When he's battling seriously, it's like the air itself listens to him."
Velkris felt a chill run down his spine—not from fear, but from excitement.
"That's exactly why I'm here," he said with a small smile. "I want that challenge. And I want to see how far I've come."
Brock clapped him on the back. "Then good luck. You're gonna need it."
Velkris smirked. "I plan to walk out of here with my second badge."
Ash pumped a fist. "I'll be cheering for you from the stands!"
"Me too," Misty said, her earlier concern softening into a small smile. "But just so you know… if you win, I'll want a rematch down the road."
Velkris nodded. "Fair enough."
And with that, he stepped forward, through the large double doors of the Cerulean Gym—toward the battle that would test everything he had learned, and everything he still had to become.
---
The sliding doors of the Cerulean Gym parted with a soft hiss, revealing a grand interior bathed in filtered sunlight cascading through the massive domed skylight above. Velkris took a few slow steps inside, his boots echoing faintly against the polished tile floor that shimmered like water beneath glass. For a moment, he paused, his sharp gray eyes scanning the unusual sight ahead.
Instead of the expected tranquility of a battle arena or the focused hum of Gym trainers in preparation, the lobby was packed—almost comically so.
A long, winding line of people stretched from a set of double doors on the far side of the room, extending in a serpentine path all the way back toward the main entrance. The atmosphere buzzed with idle chatter, laughter, and excitement, but not the kind typically surrounding a high-stakes Pokémon battle. No, this was different. There were children bouncing on their heels, parents adjusting camera drones, couples holding souvenir flags with water-drop insignias. Some of them wore merchandise—badges that sparkled with glitter, T-shirts adorned with flashy blue patterns, and even oversized hats shaped like Starmie.
Velkris's brow furrowed in confusion.
He followed the line of people with his eyes until they landed on a man near the very back—a lanky teenager wearing a bright turquoise shirt, printed with cartoonish chibi versions of the Cerulean Sisters—Daisy, Violet, and Lily—each striking an exaggerated pose with hearts and sparkles. The shirt even sparkled when it caught the light.
Velkris's lips twitched in mild amusement, and before he could stop himself, he took a few steps forward and casually asked, "Are you here for a Gym battle too?"
The teenager blinked and then gave him a weird look, as if Velkris had just asked whether Pikachu evolved into Charizard.
"No way, man!" he laughed, adjusting his ridiculous sun visor shaped like a Cloyster. "I'm here for the show! Aren't you?"
Velkris tilted his head. "Show?"
"The Cerulean Sisters' Underwater Spectacle!" the fan said with a grin, gesturing toward the massive line. "Best synchronized performance in Kanto, bro. They combine water Pokémon, music, lighting, and, like, underwater dancing? It's peak art. And today's theme is 'The Legend of Lugia.' You seriously didn't hear about it?"
Velkris blinked. "I'm… here for a Gym battle."
The fan looked at him in confusion. "A Gym battle? Dude, those only happen in the evenings. Right now it's performance hours. The Cerulean Sisters use the main arena during the day."
Velkris's expression twisted into a frown as the pieces fell into place.
So that's why the atmosphere felt so theatrical… this isn't even the right time window for a challenge. The Gym doubles as an entertainment venue during the day?
Before he could ask more questions—or decide whether to retreat and return later—he noticed someone waving from the far side of the room. A woman in her late thirties with rich, flowing auburn hair stood near an auxiliary hallway, elegantly dressed in a sea-green blouse and a long, flowing skirt that shimmered like ocean spray.
It was Misty's mother.
She smiled warmly, raising her hand in greeting. Velkris blinked, then nodded and walked toward her, slipping past the line of excited fans and bewildered tourists.
Behind him, he heard footsteps approaching. He glanced back to see Ash, Misty, and Brock following after him.
"Hey, wait for us!" Ash called. "Where's that hallway go?"
Misty gave a small sigh, her arms folded loosely across her chest as she walked beside them. "It leads to where my dad trains. It's not open to the public. Not even to most Gym staff."
Ash tilted his head, clearly intrigued. "Wait… your dad trains separately? Like a hidden area?"
Brock's expression grew thoughtful. "Makes sense. If he's that strong, he probably doesn't use the same Pokémon as the ones in the shows or normal Gym challenges."
Misty nodded. "Exactly. The Pokémon my dad trains are… different. Some of them are aggressive, battle-hardened, even dangerous in the wrong hands. They're powerful enough to make most trainers panic, and many of them have experience in real-life operations, not just Gym matches. That's why we keep them separated from the others—especially the show Pokémon."
As she spoke, the hallway grew darker, more secluded. The laughter and noise of the main lobby faded behind them, replaced by the soft hum of air conditioning and distant splashes echoing through pipes.
Velkris took a slow breath. He could already feel the shift. The air here was heavier, as if the space itself held tension—a pressure forged through years of high-level training and intense battle conditioning.
He turned to Misty. "So this is where your father hides the real power of Cerulean?"
Misty gave a quiet smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "It's not hiding. It's just… not something you show off unless you have to."
As they walked, Velkris caught glimpses of enclosed tanks through thick glass panes—shadows darting through the water, massive silhouettes with glowing eyes. The path led deeper into the Gym's hidden heart, into a part of the facility that wasn't designed for performance or spectacle. It was built for discipline. For strength. For real training.
Ash peeked into one of the larger tanks. "Whoa… was that a Gyarados?"
Misty didn't answer directly. "Dad's been raising some of these Pokémon for years. A few of them even served during the Lavender Town disaster or the Johto clean-up missions after the Darkrai surge. They're no joke."
Velkris's expression didn't change outwardly, but inside, something stirred.
This is it, he thought. This is the true Gym. Not the one with lights and cheering fans, but the one hidden in the shadows—where only the serious trainers walk. Where the stakes are higher, and the performances are replaced by real growth.
As they reached the final set of reinforced double doors, Misty's mother turned to face them. Her voice was calm, but her eyes sparkled with pride.
"He's waiting inside. And he knows you're coming, Velkris."
Velkris met her gaze and gave a small nod. "Then let's not keep him waiting."
And with that, the doors opened—not to a battle arena, but to a battlefield.
---
The gym doors opened with a mechanical hiss, revealing a wide but humble arena. The air was cool, with the scent of filtered water lingering in the space. The battlefield stretched out in front of Velkris—not overly massive, but clearly well-maintained. Shallow pools of clear water broke up sections of dry platforms, making it ideal for aquatic battles.
It wasn't flashy or grandiose like the arenas of championship leagues. It was functional. Focused. The kind of place built for trainers to learn, grow, and earn—not for show, but for progress.
Ash leaned forward, eyes glinting. "So this is what a real gym battlefield looks like…"
Brock nodded. "A step up from the show stage, but still grounded. This is the kind of setup that tests a trainer's fundamentals."
Velkris stood in quiet observation, noting the subtle shift of platforms and the structure of the terrain. His hands itched slightly—he was ready, but not rushing. He knew what he'd come here for.
From the far side of the battlefield, Gordon Waterflower stepped onto the platform. The same sturdy frame, sharp eyes, and composed stance Velkris remembered from yesterday. His presence was calm but commanding—a reflection of years spent teaching, battling, and mentoring.
But for now, Gordon's attention wasn't on Velkris. It was on his daughter.
"Misty," he greeted, his voice deep but warm. "So… you're leaving tomorrow?"
Misty walked up beside him, a small smile on her face. "Yeah. I told you yesterday."
Gordon let out a slow breath, his posture dipping ever so slightly. A quiet melancholy flickered in his expression—just long enough for Velkris to notice. The air around him seemed to shift, softening for a moment.
"I see," he said.
Misty reached up, touching her ponytail as she spoke with a gentle tone. "We already talked about this, Dad. Remember?"
He gave a slight nod, then stood up straighter again. The subtle warmth faded, replaced by the familiar discipline Velkris had seen when they'd met yesterday. Still, there was a softness beneath it now—less of a wall, more of a shield.
"Then you must train every day," Gordon said, his voice returning to its usual firmness. "Keep your Pokémon fit and strong. Never slack off."
Misty nodded without hesitation. "I won't."
Finally, Gordon turned to face Velkris.
"Welcome back."
Velkris gave a respectful nod. "Glad to be here."
They shook hands—briefly, firmly.
"You're ready?" Gordon asked, tone straightforward.
"More than I've ever been," Velkris said, a faint smile forming.
There was a pause, and then Gordon's gaze shifted slightly, almost teasingly, toward Misty. "Well, before we begin... who do you think will win?"
Misty blinked, caught off guard for a moment. She glanced between her father and Velkris, then folded her arms with a small smile. "I have full confidence in you, Dad… but Velkris is a strong trainer. I've seen what his team can do. So I'd say… you should be careful too."
Gordon let out a quiet, thoughtful "hmm," his expression unreadable.
Velkris couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "Guess I'm not the only one she warned."
"She's got a sharp eye," Gordon admitted. "Good. I'll consider myself warned."
Then, with a quick whistle, Gordon signaled to the referee at the far end of the battlefield. The arena lights brightened slightly, and the floor platforms began shifting into position.
The battle was about to begin.
---
Both trainers took their positions across the unique battlefield. Water spanned a majority of the field, rippling gently under the open sky. Jagged stone platforms of varying heights dotted the terrain—some rising above the water like miniature islands, others just peeking above the surface. The setup clearly favored aquatic mobility, but the scattered stones provided just enough foothold for a clever strategy.
On the stadium's tiered steps carved from stone, the only spectators sat quietly, tension in the air. Misty sat upright, eyes glued to the field. Ash leaned forward next to her, his cap slightly lowered, while Pikachu crouched alert on his shoulder. Brock stood behind them with folded arms, silently analyzing the setup. Behind them, seated a little higher and alone, was Misty's mother—Gordon's wife—her auburn hair brushing past her shoulders as she watched with quiet pride.
The referee raised one hand and then sliced it down in a sharp motion.
"Battle, begin!"
Gordon wasted no time. "Kingdra, to the field!"
The Poké Ball sailed out, opening midair with a crackle of energy. Kingdra emerged in a sleek coil of motion, diving straight into the water with barely a splash. Its narrow eyes focused forward, calm and unreadable, its body rippling through the water as if it were part of it.
Velkris narrowed his eyes and flipped open his Pokédex.
[ Pokémon Identified :
- Species : Kingdra
- Type: Water/Dragon
- Ability: Swift Swim – Doubles Speed during rain.
- Held Item: Wacan Berry – Weakens a super-effective Electric-type attack.
Moveset:
• Hydro Pump – A high-powered Water attack that is difficult to aim but delivers massive damage.
• Dragon Pulse – A powerful beam of Dragon energy that deals consistent damage to the target.
• Ice Beam – A freezing beam that may leave the target frozen solid.
• Rest – The user falls asleep to fully restore HP, but it requires two turns to use.
• Sleep Talk – Allows the user to use one of its moves while asleep, even when Rest is active.
• Surf – Creates a huge wave of water to attack all nearby Pokémon.
• Agility - The user relaxes and focuses to sharply boost its Speed stat. It enables swift movements that can outpace most opponents.
• Rain Dance – Summons rain that boosts Water-type moves and weakens Fire-type attacks. ]
The data appeared in seconds—but he didn't need to read much.
Hydro Pump. Ice Beam. Dragon Pulse. Agility. Rain Dance...
He clenched his jaw.
"Of course there's Ice Beam," he muttered under his breath. His eyes flicked to Rain Dance again, and it clicked.
He opened with Kingdra to set the pace... He wants the rain up early. If he uses Rain Dance now, the rest of his team benefits. But even without it, this Kingdra's a beast. Fast. Heavy-hitting. And it looks like it won't need to tank hits—it'll just overwhelm me before I get the chance to fight back.
He considered his options quickly.
Gabite? No way. That Ice Beam will shut him down instantly. I can't risk him this early, especially if this is just the setup phase of Gordon's whole game plan.
…Nidoran?
He shook his head.
Not against this. The field's too unstable, too skewed toward aquatic maneuverability. One wrong step, and he's done.
His eyes fell to the Poké Ball hanging quietly at his side.
Then it's gotta be Ralts. She can float—no terrain disadvantage. Misty Terrain won't erase the rain, but it will weaken Dragon Pulse, and it'll boost her Fairy-type moves. If anything can read Kingdra's tempo and turn it around, it's her.
He stepped forward, fingers brushing the cool metal of the capsule.
"Ralts, I choose you!"
With a shimmer of psychic light, Ralts appeared atop one of the elevated stone platforms. She hovered lightly above it, her small figure framed by the sun and shadows, her eyes already locked onto Kingdra with serene intensity.
Velkris nodded to himself.
Let's feel him out first… and then we push back.
> Ability: Swift Swim copied.
Velkris didn't smile, but there was a brief flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. That's a win already.
Kingdra's gills flared.
Gordon made the first move.
"Rain Dance!"
Kingdra raised its snout and released a pulsing cry. Clouds above them rumbled, and within seconds, a curtain of rain began to fall, light at first, then heavier, coating the field in rippling rings of water.
The terrain changed — water levels in the shallow pools rose slightly, creating slick patches across the stone. Kingdra's eyes gleamed, its body now moving with liquid grace.
Velkris responded immediately.
"Misty Terrain!"
Ralts raised her hands, and a soft, glowing mist began to sweep across the battlefield, glittering with pink energy. The stone platforms and surrounding water shimmered under its influence.
Status prevention was now Enabled — a hard counter to Kingdra's potential freezing, sleeping, or confusing tactics.
Rain for speed. Mist to cancel status. Let's see who can control the flow longer, Velkris thought.
"Agility," Gordon commanded.
Kingdra vanished. One blink and it was gone from its position, now flickering just behind a water pillar, movement now blisteringly fast thanks to both Rain Dance and Agility.
He's making it untouchable, Velkris noted grimly.
"Double Team," he said calmly.
Ralts shimmered and split into multiple translucent copies, each floating slightly above the water using her Psychic levitation. She didn't need the stone platforms — she had mobility of her own. The illusion copies moved in sync across the field.
Gordon's next words came sharp.
"Surf!"
A massive wave surged from behind Kingdra, rising up and crashing across the battlefield like a tidal wall. Ralts and all her clones were engulfed.
But when the water receded, several illusions remained — the real Ralts had dodged using aerial movement, evading the bulk of the damage.
"Magical Leaf!"
Bright green leaves spun like throwing blades from all of the Ralts illusions, twisting through the rain, homing in on Kingdra. But Kingdra didn't even dodge — it braced, letting the magical leaves strike its sleek body.
It winced, but didn't flinch.
"Hydro Pump," Gordon called out.
This time, the beam of water shot like a cannon, blasting toward Ralts with pinpoint force.
Velkris barked, "Teleport!"
At the last second, Ralts flickered out of existence and reappeared behind a tall stone, the blast smashing the rock apart where she had been.
"Confusion!"
Ralts' eyes glowed as she focused her energy — a wave of Psychic force smashed into Kingdra's side, causing it to stagger.
Gordon raised an eyebrow for the first time.
"Not bad."
But he wasn't done yet.
"Rest."
Velkris's eyes narrowed. He's going to heal.
Kingdra curled into itself, body glowing faintly as it entered a deep sleep.
"Sleep Talk."
Even while unconscious, Kingdra's body jerked upright — a random move unleashed — Ice Beam!
A blast of freezing air shot toward Ralts.
"Misty Terrain!" Velkris shouted again.
The field glowed brighter — the freezing beam struck Ralts, but the status prevention held. No freeze. But Ralts was still hurt and thrown back.
"Dazzling Gleam!"
Ralts unleashed a blinding burst of light from her body, washing over the field. Kingdra twitched in its sleep, clearly hurt by the Fairy-type move.
Another Sleep Talk.
This time it was Dragon Pulse — a beam of concentrated Dragon energy lashed out.
Ralts dodged with a quick Double Team refresh, flickering around like a ghost. She was getting tired, but still holding strong.
"Shadow Sneak."
Velkris pointed.
Ralts melted into her own shadow, darting forward underneath the platform, re-emerging behind Kingdra and striking it with a dark, slicing hit.
Kingdra's eyes snapped open — its Rest had ended.
But so had the Misty Terrain. The battlefield shimmered as the pink mist dissipated.
The battlefield shimmered with a glistening sheen of rainwater. Misty Terrain's pink glow had finally faded, leaving only the heavy downpour under the gray sky. Kingdra floated silently, fully restored from Rest and glowing faintly from the rain's influence.
Ralts hovered opposite it, her breath shallow, small arms raised, her body soaked but eyes sharp with resolve.
Gordon adjusted his coat, eyes narrowed.
"You pushed Kingdra harder than most. But this ends now."
Velkris stayed quiet, eyes locked on Ralts. She's still got more to give.
He clenched his fist. I won't lose her here. She's not just a starter. She's... my partner.
"Hydro Pump!"
Kingdra opened its snout and fired a massive blast of compressed water. The beam screamed across the field.
"Teleport!"
In an instant, Ralts disappeared again — reappearing midair above Kingdra.
"Disarming Voice!"
A shimmering wave of Fairy-type sound erupted from Ralts' mouth, striking Kingdra dead-on. No evasion. No dodging. It wasn't a strong move, but it was a sure one — and every point of damage counted.
Kingdra flinched slightly but remained focused.
"Dragon Pulse!"
A spiraling beam of energy launched upward. Ralts tried to dodge, but in midair, there was no footing — the hit landed cleanly, blasting her across the battlefield.
Velkris gritted his teeth as Ralts crashed hard into a shallow pool.
"Ralts! You okay?!"
She slowly floated up, bruised but not broken. Her horn shimmered, trembling, but she nodded.
"Double Team!"
Ralts split again into multiple copies, circling the field on small psychic lifts.
Gordon clicked his tongue.
"Surf!"
Water exploded forward again, covering the field in a massive wave. Illusions shattered.
Velkris stayed calm.
"Shadow Sneak."
Ralts melted beneath the wave, her shadow creeping silently across the stones, darting from puddle to puddle. Then she struck — Kingdra reeled as Ralts slammed into its side from below.
"Magical Leaf!"
From behind Kingdra, Ralts fired a burst of homing leaves — they struck cleanly again.
Gordon frowned for the first time. "Rest."
Kingdra curled back into itself, eyes closing mid-float.
Velkris knew what was coming. Sleep Talk. I need to do damage — fast.
"Misty Terrain!"
Ralts planted her hands on the ground, and the battlefield shimmered once more in soft pink glow. No status effects — that meant no freezing, no confusion. Only damage would decide this match now.
"Dazzling Gleam!"
Bright, radiant light exploded from Ralts' form, crashing into Kingdra's sleeping body. The Dragon-type twitched — it was hurting, even in its slumber.
"Sleep Talk," Gordon said quietly.
Kingdra stirred, and its snout lit up—
Hydro Pump.
Even while asleep, the beam tore across the field.
"Teleport!"
Ralts vanished just in time — but not fast enough. The edge of the blast grazed her, sending her tumbling across the battlefield.
Ralts had just Teleported to dodge another incoming Hydro Pump—but before Velkris could even track her, Kingdra had already reacted. A charged-up Ice Beam shot through the space where Ralts reappeared, striking clean. The blast knocked her out of the air and into the water with a splash.
Silence fell.
Gordon let out a breath and gave a respectful nod. "That was a good battle, Velkris. Honestly, I didn't expect you to win all matches. For a first-stage Pokémon, your Ralts held her ground remarkably well against my Kingdra."
The referee raised a hand, ready to announce the result.
Velkris stood still, teeth gritted, barely hearing Gordon's words. Did I mess up? Did I ignore her training? Rely too much on her potential rather than building her strength? Guilt pressed on him like a wave—but then, from deep within, he felt it.
Not despair. Not fear.
Determination.
A powerful resolve echoed through his chest—no, his heart—and he instinctively knew it was Ralts.
Before anyone could react, the waters around the battlefield began to glow with an ethereal light. Misty gasped. Gordon's eyes widened. "She's… evolving?"
Velkris stepped forward, voice rising. "What are you talking about, Mr. Gordon? The battle's not over. In fact… it's just starting!"
As the light faded, Gordon narrowed his eyes. "Evolution doesn't heal injuries. And that won't be enough to turn the tides. Kingdra, freeze the field—Ice Beam, now!"
Just as Kingdra began to charge the move, a flicker of shadow darted from beneath the water.
BAM!
A Shadow Sneak struck Kingdra straight across the jaw—fast, precise, and unexpected. The audience gasped.
"What?!"
Velkris didn't even have to speak. On his status screen, only he could see it: Kirlia had learned Rest—and even more crucially, Sleep Talk.
She had healed underwater, and while asleep, her subconscious chose the perfect move to strike.
Kirlia's body remained peaceful beneath the waves, but Velkris could feel her emotions clearer than ever. Through their bond—and the pendant enhancing her emotional resonance—he could feel and Command her. Not with his mouth, but with his heart.
"She's not done yet," Velkris whispered. "And neither am I."
Gordon's brows furrowed, his voice calm but laced with analytical skepticism. "A fortunate selection… Shadow Sneak, of all things, just as Kingdra prepared Ice Beam. That kind of luck borders on absurd."
He clasped his hands behind his back, straightening his posture ever so slightly as his sharp eyes narrowed on Velkris across the field. "Unless…" he mused aloud, though his words trailed into the cold air between them.
Velkris didn't respond. He didn't need to.
His expression was quiet. Focused. Not with the overconfidence of someone riding luck, but with the certainty of someone walking a path he'd already visualized.
Because Kirlia wasn't acting randomly.
She was asleep. Yes. But through their bond—through the unspoken trust and emotional alignment between Trainer and Pokémon—Kirlia could feel his intentions as clearly as spoken words. Her consciousness may have drifted into rest, but her spirit had not disengaged.
And Velkris wasn't thinking in words. He was moving through instinct, commanding in feeling. The will to press forward. The desire to avoid the next strike. The moment-to-moment decisions in his heart… all of it guiding Kirlia's slumbering mind.
Gordon couldn't know that. He only saw the impossible coordination and tried to rationalize it.
"Kingdra," he said smoothly, "return to formation. Prepare another Ice Beam. We will see if fortune continues to favor him."
Kingdra dipped slightly, responding to his measured tone, and began channeling a second freezing stream of energy. The battlefield hissed as cold mist rolled across the field again.
But this time, Kirlia vanished.
Teleport.
She reappeared at the far edge of the field, floating silently, as serene as a snowflake. Her eyes were still closed. Her breathing remained calm. Yet she hovered with eerie precision, untouched by the icy gust that crashed harmlessly into the spot where she'd been only a breath before.
"She's still asleep," Misty whispered in disbelief from the sidelines. "But she's moving exactly where Velkris wants her to be…"
Velkris didn't speak. His arms remained folded. His gaze unwavering.
Kirlia's next action shimmered into place—Double Team.
Illusions rippled out from her, mirage-like afterimages scattering across the battlefield. Five… then eight… then nearly a dozen Kirlia danced around the edge of the arena, each one flickering between moments of visibility and distortion, swaying in perfectly coordinated evasion.
Gordon's lips tightened.
Kirlia's presence now stretched across the field, forcing Kingdra to remain rooted in place. The moment it moved, it might be exposed. But every target it saw was nothing but a decoy.
The real Kirlia wove between them, still sleeping, her mind entrusting every step to the rhythm of Velkris' emotional intent. And through it all, a soft Confusion pulsed at the edges of the field—not as an attack, but as a distortion of space and perception. Light bent slightly. Sounds echoed faintly. Even Kingdra's breathing faltered in its tempo, its senses strained by the psychic interference.
"This... this is not random," Gordon muttered under his breath, realization dawning in his tone.
From the side, Misty watched wide-eyed. "Velkris might actually win this…"
Gordon heard it.
He always heard everything—especially when it concerned his pride, performance, and reputation as the Cerulean Gym Leader. But more than that, as Misty's father, he couldn't afford to hesitate in front of her. He needed to give her a worthy battle before she left. His eyes flicked toward her voice—not in anger, but with steel-bound resolve.
He turned back to the field, his tone now firmer, voice cutting through the cold with dignified authority. "Kingdra. Ice Beam. Again."
Kingdra obeyed without hesitation, unleashing another blast of frozen energy across the chaotic swarm of Kirlia illusions. But none struck true. The beam carved through the battlefield like a winter gale—scattering snow and ice, crystallizing rocks, even leaving frost hanging in the air—but the real Kirlia remained untouched.
Again.
And again.
Gordon ordered another Ice Beam. Kingdra's breaths grew heavier. Frost formed along its snout. The battlefield, now nearly fully coated in ice, began to limit even Kingdra's movement. Its powerful tail struggled for traction on the slippery terrain.
It was surrounded by illusion. By haze. And by uncertainty.
And that was when it happened.
Velkris gave no audible command—but Kirlia moved.
She disappeared in a blur of light.
Teleport.
This time—point blank.
In a flash, Kirlia emerged behind Kingdra, less than a foot from the Dragon-type's back. Her eyes—closed a moment before—opened in perfect synchronization with Velkris' intent.
As if pulled awake by the sheer weight of that final, decisive feeling.
"Now," Velkris whispered under his breath. Just once.
And Kirlia responded.
Dazzling Gleam.
The burst of radiant light exploded from her hands in a wide arc—pure, blinding Fairy-type brilliance. At point blank range, Kingdra had no time to dodge. The beam struck true—overwhelming Kingdra's senses, crashing through its draconic defenses, and lighting up the frozen battlefield with shimmering radiance.
The ice cracked beneath it. The illusions disappeared.
And in the silent aftermath, Kingdra stood still for a moment…
Then collapsed to its side, unconscious.
The referee raised his hand. "Kingdra is unable to battle. The match goes to Velkris and Kirlia!"
The crowd murmured in awe. Misty's mouth hung slightly open. Even Gordon stood frozen—not in disbelief, but in quiet, grudging respect.
Velkris didn't gloat. He simply walked forward to where Kirlia stood, the bond between them glowing quietly in the space between words.
She smiled up at him—now truly awake.
And for the first time since the match began, he smiled back.
---