Ultimate Speed

"Gengar! Shadow Ball!"

Morty gave the order without hesitation.

This was no longer a Gym Challenge meant to test a Trainer's qualifications. It was a serious battle between Trainers, and he had no need to ask whether his opponent wanted to switch Pokémon.

That was not his concern. It was his opponent's.

"Geng!"

Gengar grinned wickedly, then appeared high in the air. His form flickered, and three identical figures appeared around Misdreavus, each with a deep-black Shadow Ball.

"Mis!"

Misdreavus tried to sense him, then shook her head helplessly. It was no use. Ever since Gengar had entered the field, a sinister aura had filled the arena. It kept her from leaving the battle and dulled her keen senses.

All she could sense was pure malice on every side. She could not tell which Gengar was real.

Worse, a sinister mark seemed to have fixed itself on her. Gengar's Shadow Ball was coming, and there was almost no way to dodge it.

Neither Misdreavus nor Dian knew that although Morty had given only one order, Gengar had used Wonder Room as soon as he entered, swapping the energy and physical defenses of every Pokémon on the field.

Then, when his crimson gaze fell on Misdreavus, he used Mean Look to prevent her escape, followed by Double Team as he launched Shadow Ball.

Speed! Unmatched speed!

In the time an ordinary Pokémon needed to unleash one move, Gengar had used four in succession. Like Haunter, he linked them together, closing off every route his opponent might take and driving her into a corner to end the battle quickly.

Almost the instant Morty gave the order, the three Shadow Balls streaked along different paths toward Misdreavus.

Across the field, Dian's expression turned grave. It was not that he had chosen not to