On Silver Rock Island, Gary and Ritchie bought ingredients for dinner, picked up a few of Gary's Pokémon, and returned together to the seaside villa.
Snow-white waves washed over the sand. Since it was still early, the two headed to the beach beside the villa for a sparring match.
"I'm ready." Ritchie gripped his Poké Ball, fully on guard.
Young Master Mao raised his right hand and threw a Poké Ball. "Then your first opponent is him!"
"Oh!!" Purple skin, a horn as sharp as a knight's lance, a powerful, hulking body, and scars crisscrossing his hide.
Nidoking took the field!
The scars did nothing to diminish Nidoking's presence. Instead, they made him look even more imposing.
Of course, if his opponent knew that most of those scars came from Nidoqueen beating him up, that image would probably have shattered long ago...
"Nidoking... a Ground-type." Ritchie's eyes flickered. "In that case, Bubble! Go!"
The Pokémon named Bubble rolled onto the ground-a Poliwhirl with a spiral pattern on its belly!
"Such a low level..." Young Master Mao activated Appraisal immediately. This thing was only in the thirties...
What the hell...
Nidoking revealed a cruel grin. Kid, this just isn't your day!
"Bubble, attack with Water Gun!" Ritchie knew he was at a disadvantage too, so he immediately seized the initiative.
With the type advantage, a hit from Water Gun ought to at least slow Nidoking's advance.
Pfft! Water Gun shot straight at Nidoking. He raised his right elbow to block, planted his left hand on the ground, and lowered his body, bending his legs to gather power for an explosive start.
Hum! White light enveloped the horn on his head, extending it by more than half a meter.
"Megahorn!" Gary waved a hand calmly.
Bang! Sand scattered beneath his feet as