The battle is done, but Ralts and Beldum still need care. The Pokémon Home healing machine hums softly. Red and blue lights pulse gently as it works its magic on the two Pokémon inside. The gentle glow reflects off the faces of the trainers.
Franklin shifts his weight, his gaze fixed on the machine. His expression is one of brooding contemplation. He can't help but wonder what he did wrong. Did he underestimate Valeria? Was it just plain bad luck? Or was Beldum simply too strong for Ralts to handle? He can't help but feel that Ralts could do better.
Valeria, in contrast, is beaming with pride. She bounces on the balls of her feet, eager to see Beldum emerge, fully healed. A small, smug smile plays on her lips as she glances at her brother, a silent tease. She relishes the victory.
"What's with the long face, Frankie?" Valeria asks, her voice dripping with siblingly affection and mockery. "Didn't expect me to win?"
Franklin scowls at Valeria, but does not reply.
Before Franklin can retort, the healing machine beeps, signaling the process is complete. The doors slide open, and Orion retrieves the Premier Balls containing Ralts and Beldum.
"All good as new!" Orion says, handing the Premier Ball to Franklin and Valeria.
With their Pokémon fully restored, Franklin clutches Ralts's ball tightly, a newfound determination sparking in his eyes. Valeria, ever confident, clips Beldum's ball onto her belt.
Orion steps forward, his whimsical Poké Ball cane tapping softly on the arena floor. "You seem a bit down, Franklin. Everything alright?"
Franklin sighs and looks at Orion, his brow slightly furrowed. "I don't get it. What did I do wrong? Ralts is supposed to be strong, but Beldum just wiped the floor with it."
Orion chuckles softly. "Don't be so hard on yourself, Franklin. You actually didn't do half bad."
Franklin looks at Orion, skeptical. "Really? Because it sure didn't feel like it."
"It's all about type matchups," Orion explains, his voice patient. "Beldum is a Steel-type Pokémon, right? And you saw Valeria taught it Iron Head, a powerful Steel-type move."
"Yeah, so?" Franklin replies, still confused.
"Well," Orion continues, "Steel-type moves are super effective against Fairy-type Pokémon. Ralts is part Fairy-type."
Franklin's eyes widen slightly. "Oh."
"And to make matters worse for you," Orion continues, "Psychic-type moves, which Ralts knows, aren't very effective against Steel-types."
"So, it was a bad matchup?" Franklin asks, finally understanding. "That's it?"
"Exactly!" Orion exclaims. "Valeria's Beldum had a type advantage, and she used it well. It doesn't mean Ralts is weak, or that you're a bad Trainer. It just means you need to learn more about type matchups to be prepared for different situations."
Orion smiles kindly. "Think of it like a game of rock-paper-scissors, Franklin. Steel beats Fairy, but Fairy beats Dragon, and Dragon beats Steel. It's all about knowing your opponent's strengths and weaknesses."
Franklin turns towards Valeria, a accusing look on his face. "You knew about this, didn't you? You deliberately used my weakness against me!"
Valeria shrugs, a smug grin spreading across her face. "Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. What's it matter? You lost, fair and square."
"You were totally studying up on this, weren't you?" Franklin says.
"Guilty as charged," Valeria says, still grinning. "I've been asking Orion tons of questions, watching his HeroTube videos, and reading his guidebook. You gotta be prepared, Frankie! Can't just go in blind."
"You only got that move, Iron Head, like half an hour ago!" Franklin says. "And now you can easily defeat Ralts!" Does this mean the only way you can beat me is from that move?
Orion, sensing the rising tension, interjects with a calm voice. "Hold on now, let's not get carried away. Type advantages are important, but they aren't the only thing that matters."
"What do you mean?" Franklin asks, looking at Orion.
"Skill, strategy, and, most importantly, the bond between a Trainer and their Pokémon all play a huge role," Orion explains. "Type advantages can give you an edge, but they don't guarantee victory."
He continues, "Think of it like this: Ralts might be weak against Steel-type moves, but it's strong against other types. If you learn to use Ralts's strengths effectively, you can overcome that weakness."
This experience isn't quite the same as the video games that many are familiar with; the mechanics are different. There aren't any definitive turn orders or precise stat changes that carry the same weight. In a real battle, however, a multitude of factors come into play and significantly affects the outcome.
Franklin looks from Orion to Valeria, a new fire igniting in his eyes. He clenches his fist.
"So, you're saying I can still beat you, even with the type disadvantage?" Franklin asks, a new determination in his voice.
"That's exactly what I'm saying!" Orion replies. "It won't be easy, but it's definitely possible."
Franklin nods firmly, his eyes now fixed on Valeria. "Then I'll train Ralts! I'll learn all about type advantages, battle strategies, and everything else I need to know. And one day, I'll come back here, and I'll defeat you and Beldum!"
Valeria laughs, but there is a hint of excitement in her voice. "Is that a challenge, little brother?"
"You bet it is!" Franklin retorts.
"Then you're on!" Valeria replies. "But don't come crying to me when you lose again."
"I won't," Franklin says, a confident smirk spreading across his face. "Because next time, I'll be ready."
Orion, Latias, and Pikachu exchange amused glances, sensing the playful energy between the siblings. They are no strangers to the spirit of competition, but are glad to see the siblings can maintain a healthy relationship.
"Hey, uh, Orion? Do you, uh, have those Poké Blocks you mentioned?"
Orion grins. "Why, yes, I do! Looking to give Ralts a little boost?"
"Yeah!" Franklin exclaims, his face brightening up even more. "I mean, if I'm gonna train Ralts to be the best, I gotta start somewhere, right? And if these Poké Blocks can help..."
"Excellent thinking, Franklin!" Orion beams. "A well-fed Pokémon is a happy Pokémon, and a happy Pokémon is a strong Pokémon. I'd recommend a mix of Sweet and Bitter Poké Blocks to start. Sweet to enhance Ralts's Cuteness, and Bitter to sharpen its Smartness."
"Great! I'll take 'em!" Franklin says, eager to get started.
"Coming right up!" Orion replies, already ringing up the sale. He glances at Latias, who understands the silent cue. Latias gracefully floats over to the display case and retrieves a selection of pink and green Poké Blocks, arranging them neatly in a small box.
Franklin and Valeria exchange goodbyes with Orion, Latias, and Pikachu. The air crackles with sibling rivalry, but beneath the surface lies a current of unspoken affection. They've been butting heads since they could crawl, but, at the end of the day, they always have each other's backs.
As they turn to leave, Franklin offers a sheepish wave, his gaze fixed on the floor. Valeria gives a curt nod, her eyes locked on Franklin, a mixture of challenge and fondness in her expression. It's clear that this is only the beginning of their Pokémon journey, and that they will push each other to new heights.
***
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