"It seems this match isn't as exciting as you said. It's about to end already," Karen said with a hint of boredom.
"Is it over?" Sam shook his head slightly. "The real show has only just begun."
"Oh?"
At that moment, the massive impact of Blastoise's Hydro Pump blasted Pikachu away. Compared to the powerful torrent of water, Pikachu's small body looked incredibly fragile.
"Is the battle about to end? Pikachu has no way to resist Blastoise's Hydro Pump. At this point, we can only hope for a miracle!"
Even the commentator believed the match was basically decided. After all, Pikachu was not known for battling strength.
Even with the advantage in type, facing a powerhouse like Blastoise was simply too difficult.
"Pikachu, hold on! Don't give up! Let them see our spirit!"
Ash's simple words ignited something within Pikachu.
Sparks burst from Pikachu's body. In an instant, its speed multiplied several times over, and it dashed out of the Hydro Pump's range.
"What?!"
No one understood this sudden change better than Gary.
People who didn't know Ash might underestimate Pikachu, thinking it was nothing more than a cute pet. But Gary would never make that mistake.
"Blastoise, increase the power! Don't give Pikachu any chance to fight back!" Gary commanded with a serious expression.
"Blastoise!"
The steel cannons on Blastoise's shell adjusted, and the Hydro Pump's speed and power intensified, leaving no opening for Pikachu.
"Pika!"
"Pika!"
"Pika!"
Blastoise's attacks were fierce and relentless. Under normal circumstances, Pikachu would have been unable to dodge them.
But now this was no ordinary Pikachu.
It was the legendary "Skin God."
Pikachu became a golden flash across the battlefield, nimbly evading every Hydro Pump attack.
Blastoise's attack speed and range were already near perfect, yet Pikachu always slipped away a split second before the water blast struck.
The entire battlefield turned into Pikachu's stage.
No matter how difficult the maneuver, Pikachu avoided every attack with dazzling movements.
But after so many missed attacks, Blastoise began to grow anxious. Its rhythm broke, and its careful targeting turned into chaotic, random firing.
"Calm down, Blastoise."
Fortunately, Gary himself remained calm.
"Keep the rhythm. Pikachu's stamina is limited. It can't keep this up forever."
"Blastoise!"
Blastoise nodded and steadied its breathing. The panic faded, and its attacks became controlled once again.
But time was running out for Ash and Pikachu.
Ash understood this clearly.
Dodging endlessly had never been their style. Even if they lost, they would lose while charging forward.
"Pikachu! Use Thunder!"
Boom!
Dark clouds rapidly gathered above the stadium.
Thunderclouds covered the sky, plunging the arena into darkness.
Low rumbling thunder echoed across the battlefield, sending chills through the audience.
From the terrifying thunderclouds above, everyone could sense the approaching danger.
The one under the greatest pressure was Blastoise.
It had already been locked onto by the storm.
Its instincts screamed at it not to move. If it did, the consequences would be disastrous.
"Now, Pikachu—finish it!"
Lightning answered the call.
Thunder roared as golden bolts erupted from the clouds.
A massive pillar of lightning crashed down onto Blastoise at Pikachu's command.
For the audience, it was a breathtaking spectacle.
Seeing Thunder strike from such close range was an unforgettable experience.
Golden lightning engulfed the battlefield. The blinding flashes forced many spectators to shut their eyes.
Across the entire Quartz Stadium, only the commentator's slightly trembling voice could be heard.
"What just happened? Is that really a Pikachu? At this point, I suspect this creature named Pikachu might actually be hiding a Zapdos beneath its cute appearance!"
"A miracle has truly happened!"
As the thunderclouds dispersed, sunlight once again illuminated the battlefield.
Every spectator stared intently at the arena, eager to see the result.
Blastoise lay on the ground, its body charred black from the lightning. The once-blue skin now smelled faintly burnt.
It had completely lost its ability to battle.
Summoning such powerful lightning had also exhausted Pikachu. After using Thunder, it collapsed from fatigue.
Applause erupted throughout Quartz Stadium.
Although Ash and Pikachu had failed to advance to the next round, they had earned everyone's respect.
Everyone present would remember this boy from Pallet Town—and his extraordinary Pikachu.
"Congratulations, Gary," Ash said, though there was a trace of disappointment in his voice.
Gary took several deep breaths before finally calming himself.
After recalling the unconscious Blastoise into its Poké Ball, he gave a bitter smile.
"I'm honestly a little jealous of you. I still don't understand why Grandpa insisted on giving that Pikachu to you."
"Give it to me?" Ash blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Gary didn't bother explaining.
Instead, he turned and left the battlefield immediately. He needed to take Blastoise to the Pokémon Center as soon as possible.
Blastoise's injuries looked far too serious.
"I hope it'll be alright..."
Back in the lounge, Sam smiled and turned to Karen.
"So, Miss Karen, what do you think of that battle?"
Karen's eyes were still filled with surprise.
For someone of her status to be so shocked showed just how incredible Pikachu's performance had been.
"One in a million," she said slowly.
"Perhaps there is only one Pikachu like that among millions."
She glanced toward the arena.
"That boy is incredibly lucky."
For a moment, even Karen felt a trace of envy.
After all, a Pokémon with such talent would tempt anyone—even someone who specialized in Dark-type Pokémon.
But with her status and pride, stealing a boy's Pokémon was out of the question.
She was, after all, someone aiming to become an Elite Four member.
And she would never do something so dishonorable.
---------------Author---------------
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