Cynthia seized the initiative!
The host shouted, "Contestant Ash's first Pokémon has been swiftly eliminated!"
Cheers rang out one after another throughout the arena, while the packed stands shouted in unison for the Milotic below.
"How could this happen..."
Cold sweat beaded on Ash's forehead. In his view, Dragonite's loss had been utterly unjust; they had clearly held the upper hand.
Pikachu's ears drooped as well. "Pika..."
At Professor Oak's Laboratory, the Pokémon were all deeply dejected, while Professor Oak and Delia wore helpless smiles. "What a shame."
"Indeed."
A poor start dealt a severe blow to morale. Though he had not suffered the same helpless defeat as in the original storyline, Ash was still deeply unwilling to accept it.
He recalled Dragonite into its Poké Ball and said quietly, "I'll make sure you win next time!"
Then Ash looked at Pikachu beside him and decisively entrusted the current situation to the Pokémon he trusted most.
"Go! Pikachu! I Choose You!"
"Pika!"
Pikachu nodded firmly and leaped into the arena.
Its dark, gleaming eyes fixed on Milotic, its overwhelming fighting spirit transforming into a soaring aura.
But Cynthia gave it no chance to face Milotic. The instant Pikachu entered the field, a red beam recalled Milotic.
"Come back."
She immediately threw another Poké Ball. "Bloom brilliantly! Roserade!"
Bang!
Light flashed.
Roserade stood gracefully at the center of the field.
Its body was woven from lush emerald and dark green leaves. A pale rose crowned its head, while the red and blue bouquets on its arms looked tender and dew-kissed, surrounded by a faint floral and grassy fragrance that made it seem both elegant and mysterious.
The host said, "Contestant Cynthia has sent out Roserade, a Grass and Poison-type Pokémon! Electric-type moves won't be very effective against it!"
Hearing Cynthia's words,