Their figures crossed as they traded attacks.
On the makeshift field beside Cerise Park, two Pokémon, one tall and one short, were locked in battle.
From their condition, it was easy to see that this Pokémon battle had clearly reached its final stages.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!!"
At Ash's shout, more than a dozen dazzling bolts of electricity suddenly erupted from Pikachu's body, spreading in all directions along erratic paths with a piercing crackle.
Facing the fierce Electric-type move, Gardevoir used Teleport, vanishing and reappearing at the edge of the field.
Even as it dodged the attack, its eyes glowed blue, and it unleashed Psychic, knocking Pikachu hard to the ground!
Thud!
Watching Pikachu struggle a few times before collapsing again from exhaustion, Brock, who was acting as referee, raised his right hand.
"Pikachu is unable to battle. The winner is Gardevoir!"
"Wow!! Gardevoir, you're amazing!"
Once everything was settled, Misty couldn't help cheering, and Chloe also broke into applause. No matter how fiercely sparks had flown between them just now, at this moment, both were happy for Xia You.
But perhaps Misty had cheered a little too loudly, leaving Ash looking somewhat awkward.
"Come on, Misty. We've been traveling together for so long. Even if you won't cheer for me, you don't have to be this happy, do you?"
Yet Misty paid him no attention and pulled a face at him instead.
"Bleh, bleh, bleh! I like cheering for Xia You! What are you going to do about it?"
Meanwhile, Xia You stepped forward and gently patted Gardevoir's shoulder.
Pikachu had been in outstanding form from the start of the battle. Although its nimble footwork had caused Gardevoir plenty of trouble early on, the Psychic type was powerful to begin with, and Gardevoir was in excellent form too. After several