"That guy is the young man who ate here yesterday. He actually beat Jolteon even with Volkner going all out?" In the Pastry Shop where Liu Qing had eaten the day before, the gray-haired owner in sunglasses watched the live Gym battle on the shop's television, sounding astonished. Then he studied Volkner and murmured, "But Volkner's acting strangely today, too. What's going on? His opponent may be strong, but he's still at Elite Four level, on par with Flint. Yet he clearly hasn't shown even half his strength. Is he holding back on purpose?"
"Thanks for your hard work, Jolteon!" Volkner suppressed his intense frustration, clenched his fist, and took a deep breath to calm himself. He recalled Jolteon, then took out his second Poké Ball and threw it. "You're up next. Go!" As the Poké Ball opened, a Raichu appeared on the battlefield, whipping its long tail against the ground with deafening cracks.
"I was going to let you fight the second battle, too, but I miscalculated. I didn't expect that Jolteon to be so tenacious. Come back and get some rest!" Liu Qing crouched down and stroked Archen's head as he spoke, then took out a Poké Ball and recalled it. Standing up, he looked at Raichu, took out his second Poké Ball, and threw it. "Togekiss, I'm counting on you!"
"Another Flying-type!" Looking at Liu Qing's confident expression, Volkner felt as though it was the ultimate mockery of him. He commanded loudly, "Raichu, Thunderbolt!"
At Volkner's command, Raichu gave a loud cry. Brilliant golden electricity surged from the electric sacs in its cheeks, forming a jagged bolt that shot straight toward Togekiss.
"Why does this Gym Trainer seem even more hotheaded than Ash?" Liu Qing muttered, sensing the fighting spirit blazing in Volkner's eyes. He ordered, "**Aura