"What confidence. What an interesting bunch of youngsters." Dian smiled and took out a pink Poké Ball. If that was their attitude, he would answer in kind. He would show them that the gap between them wasn't a matter of time, but something else. Only once they understood that could they hope to defeat him someday. "Ralts, get ready to battle."
"Dian, wait, Mengmeng—" Before Ralts could finish speaking through Telepathy, she felt herself being summoned.
She gave a helpless little sigh and emerged from her Poké Ball.
The referee's eyelid twitched. Alakazam against Ralts? This...
His reaction didn't interfere with his work. "Alakazam versus Ralts! Battle, begin!"
"What exactly are you..." Kengo couldn't figure out what Dian was planning, but that didn't mean he couldn't see a chance to win. "Alakazam, Shadow Ball!"
Clang!
Alakazam's two metal spoons struck together. Their sharp ring marked the start of the battle.
A spiraling Shadow Ball came hurtling forward. Simple and direct, but powerful all the same.
Dian snapped his fingers casually. He didn't even speak, merely sending a thought: Dodge.
Yes, this opponent was just right for Ralts.
"Dian, you meanie!" Panicking at the sight of the oncoming Shadow Ball, Ralts gathered her Psychic powers and used Teleport to escape to one side.
She executed it smoothly, but her frantic movements and the little hands clutching her white skirt made her nerves plain to see.
To experienced Trainers, it was a signal that couldn't have been clearer.
This Ralts had no battle experience!
Not too little experience. None at all!
She was a complete beginner!
"Alakazam, keep using Shadow Ball!" Delight flashed in Kengo's eyes. This was an opportunity that had fallen straight into his lap.
He had already given up on winning. All he'd wanted was to show Dian his