As the Poké Ball opened and the blue light faded, an eager Jolteon appeared before the Dewgong.
In terms of typing, Dewgong is a Water/Ice dual-type Pokémon. Jolteon's Electric-type moves had a double super-effective advantage against it. Before the battle even began, it seemed Natsui already had a huge advantage.
Pryce was well aware of this, but his expression remained unchanged.
After all, having been a Pokémon trainer for over fifty years, he had fought countless battles. What kind of situation hadn't he seen?
Over the years, even before Natsui, his Dewgong had already battled dozens of Jolteon. He naturally had his own way of fighting with a type disadvantage.
Come on, young champion. Let me see what makes you different from the others.
As the match began, both sides issued their commands simultaneously.
Anticipating that Natsui would immediately use an Electric-type move, Pryce's first command was for Dewgong to erect an ice wall in front of itself.
Sure enough, as Dewgong clapped its flippers, an ice wall suddenly rose from the ground. The next second, Jolteon's Thundershock, with lightning speed, struck the wall.
BOOM!
Perhaps because Dewgong's power was very strong, the ice wall it created was thick and hard. Or perhaps because Electric and Ice have no type advantage over each other, the attack did not shatter it, only sending shards of ice flying.
"Jolteon, go around it!"
At Natsui's voice, Jolteon moved its four limbs and began to circle around to the side.
Unfortunately, although its claws were sharp, they were not suited for running on ice, which greatly reduced its speed and gave Dewgong more time to react.
By the time Jolteon had circled to the other side of Dewgong and had just gathered its electricity, Dewgong had already fired an Ice Shard attack at it.
BOOM!
The two moves, one ice and one thunder, collided in the air, creating a violent explosion.
The Ice Shard was shattered by the electricity, turning into crystalline dust that sprinkled down from the air, creating a white mist between the two Pokémon.
Natsui raised his eyebrows.
Two failed attacks in a row made him realize that this old man was no simple character that could be dealt with easily.
And it was clear that this Dewgong was indeed very strong, and Pryce was very experienced. Thinking about the hot-blooded, impulsive, calm, or careless people he had faced, it was clear that this time, he had encountered a more intelligent type of opponent.
It could be said that under Pryce's command, this Dewgong was the strongest of its kind Natsui had encountered on his journey.
Even from Pryce's calm and composed demeanor, it was not hard to see that he had already anticipated that Jolteon would not be accustomed to the field.
It seems this battle is even tougher than I thought…
Compared to the other Gym Leaders in the Johto region, and even the equally outstanding Clair, he was clearly a cut above.
But it didn't matter.
Natsui glanced at Jolteon.
The stronger the opponent, the more worthy they are of a challenge. Since Pryce's defense is impenetrable, then I just have to smash it with all my might.
"Jolteon! No need to hold back anymore! Unleash your full power!"
At Natsui's command, Jolteon's fur stood on end with excitement. No longer caring if it would slip, its body suddenly accelerated, and it began to dash across the ice at extreme speed, launching an even fiercer assault on Dewgong.
Tap… tap… tap-tap-tap…
Jolteon's claws tapped lightly on the ice, moving faster and faster. Although it almost fell a few times, it was an agile Pokémon, and in just a few breaths, it had already mastered the rhythm.
To prevent itself from slipping, with every step it took, it would dig its claws hard into the ice, which provided some stability.
Seeing this, Pryce couldn't help but narrow his eyes.
Impressive! It's growing during the battle itself.
Just then, while running, Jolteon first came to an open area and fired a Pin Missile, forcing Dewgong to defend. And while Dewgong's vision was blocked, it quickly leaped between the ice pillars, closing the distance between them. Its mouth sparkling with electricity, it went to bite Dewgong.
By the time Dewgong's eyes caught sight of Jolteon again, the two Pokémon were already face to face.
Pryce frowned. He recognized the move at a glance: Thunder Fang.
But now the two Pokémon were too close; there was no time to form an ice wall.
Not good! he thought, and shouted, "Dewgong! Use Icy Wind!"
Dewgong opened its mouth, and a biting cold wind mixed with snow blew towards Jolteon. But to Pryce's surprise, Jolteon didn't retreat at all. Instead, it braced itself against the damage from the Icy Wind and bit down on Dewgong's body.
ROAR!
Due to the double damage, Dewgong let out a pained cry.
And this also surprised Pryce.
He knew that ordinary trainers disliked this kind of damage-trading tactic. They preferred to protect themselves while achieving the greatest gain with the least cost.
This was real life, not a game. The pain was real. Few Pokémon could overcome their fear and attack while being hit by another Pokémon's move.
However, what Pryce didn't know was that Jolteon's attack style was not something Natsui had trained.
In fact, perhaps influenced by Gyarados as a role model, all of Natsui's Pokémon were very daring and aggressive. Even if they were seriously injured, they would find a way to attack the opponent.
It could only be said that they had been unconsciously influenced and had collectively formed this style.
Just then, after biting down on Dewgong, Jolteon continued to tear at it for a while.
At first, Dewgong struggled desperately, even trying to counterattack with Aqua Tail. But after Jolteon released its bite, kicked it with Double Kick, and then followed up with Discharge, it was directly knocked out.
CRACKLE!
As the dazzling electric current spread out, the solid ice on the ground began to crack and melt under the high temperature, and water began to seep out from the cracks.
Dewgong's eyes rolled back, and it slowly collapsed to the ground.
Watching it faint, Pryce shook his head lightly, then took out a Poké Ball and recalled it.
"You won the first match."
His tone was calm, showing no emotion.
After all, at his age and with his experience, even if he had some thoughts, he wouldn't show them through his emotions.
"Thank you for the match."
Nodding at Pryce, Natsui then beckoned to Jolteon.
"You worked hard. Come back now."
He was about to recall Jolteon, but he saw it still standing there, just turning its head to cry out at him a few times.
Hmm? What's going on?
Seeing its excited look, Natsui finally realized that the battle just now had gotten it into the zone, and it was now hyped up.
""Do you still want to fight?" asked Natsui. Seeing Jolteon nod excitedly, he thought for a moment, and a 'what can I do with you' look appeared on his face. He couldn't help but say with a chiding smile, "Alright, since you insist, I'll let you have another round."
On the other side, Pryce watched this scene silently, a feeling of melancholy rising in his heart at the closeness between Natsui and Jolteon.
Once upon a time, hadn't he also trusted Pokémon like this and been so close with his own?
But unfortunately, after experiencing 'that incident,' he had understood that a Pokémon is just a Pokémon, just an animal. It is destined to never become a human's trusted partner in life and death.
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