"Shanai~ Shanai~"(Bro, let's have a serious battle! I want to become a strong helper like you, so please don't hold back and use all your power!)
"Luka~ Luka~"(Sis, don't worry, I'll fight with all my strength!)
On the vast beach, Lucario and Gardevoir stood facing each other, ready to begin the match.
Right after completing her evolution, Gardevoir pleaded with Alex to allow her to test her strength against Lucario once.
Though appearing shy on the outside, inside she was a strong and determined young lady.
In most of Alex's battles, Lucario was the chosen fighter.
Whether facing Team Aqua on Route 104 or challenging the Rustboro Gym, Lucario was always the main warrior.
Even when she was still a weak Kirlia, she only used Teleport to support Lucario or help Alex escape.
She had long wished to evolve quickly into Gardevoir to prove her own power.
Now that she had grown up, she wanted to affirm her ability to use her strength to protect those she loved — just like Lucario.
"I won't interfere in this battle; you two are free to fight as you wish," Alex said from the sidelines like a referee.
In fact, he knew exactly what Gardevoir was thinking but didn't want to stop her from challenging Lucario.
"Gardevoir~ Gardevoir~" Gardevoir nodded with determination, her physical condition optimized to the highest level.
Her gentle eyes now shone with fierce fighting spirit.
"Luca!" Lucario also responded seriously, understanding Gardevoir's will.
He respected Alex — the trainer he admired and longed to protect with his strength.
"The battle begins!" Alex signaled, and the two Pokémon immediately charged.
"Gardevoir~ Gardevoir~" she placed her hands on her chest, invisible waves of energy spreading toward Lucario.
"Hypnosis! Before the battle, use hypnosis to affect the opponent's will. Even if it doesn't succeed fully, it reduces their focus."
Alex nodded approvingly at Gardevoir's tactic, and the battle proceeded in an orderly manner.
"Luca!" Lucario swiftly moved, leaving deep footprints in the sand as he closed in on Gardevoir.
His right paw glowed with a faint white light, claws extended — a Steel-type Metal Claw.
His strong will prevented him from being hypnotized, but the invisible waves caused his steps to falter slightly, making his tense battle state somewhat relaxed.
Seeing an opportunity, Gardevoir clasped her hands together, gathering fire energy, then unleashed a flame attack toward Lucario.
"Hypnosis destabilizes the footing, followed by Mystical Fire to cause damage."
"The moves are fluid and without hesitation — clearly Luna had planned this battle carefully," Alex thought, nodding with satisfaction. Careful preparation was always a good habit for any battle.
Noticing the incoming flames, Lucario quickly reacted.
His evasion and movement skills had improved greatly thanks to special training with Alex.
He stomped firmly on the sand, then rolled to successfully dodge the attack.
"Luca!" Lucario said shyly, shaking sand off, then filled with more vitality than ever.
The first test round made him more focused and serious.
"Shanai!" Gardevoir looked straight ahead, her eyes sharp and expressionless, showing fierce determination.
"Luca!" Lucario fiercely responded, stepping forward with his fist glowing white, rushing at Gardevoir.
"Shanai~" Gardevoir used Teleport just in time to dodge, disappearing from Lucario's sight.
She retreated, gathered energy, then unleashed a bright flame attack again.
Both sides had skills that countered each other: Lucario's Steel-type moves suppressed Gardevoir's Fairy-type moves.
Gardevoir, accustomed to energy-based attacks, used Mystical Fire to put heavy pressure on Lucario.
They alternated between dodging and tactical movement.
Gardevoir saw Lucario was slightly burned because he failed to dodge, his skin reddened.
Gardevoir breathed heavily, clearly having consumed a lot of energy.
"Although Rocky was hit by the flame's aftereffects, the damage was not severe."
"Luna hasn't been hit yet, but her energy consumption is too fast and unsustainable."
"The decisive round is about to begin."
"However, the outcome isn't hard to predict."
Alex had a clear plan for this battle.
During the fight, Lucario and Gardevoir also closely monitored their physical conditions.
"Luca!" Lucario feigned an attack, while observing his opponent's energy.
He wanted to use his remaining physical strength to drain Gardevoir's energy.
"Whoosh~" Suddenly, Gardevoir vanished.
Lucario immediately activated the aura in his body to locate her.
She reappeared less than 20 meters away.
Clearly, the frequent use of Teleport had drained her energy, limiting her teleport distance.
Lucario excitedly accelerated and charged toward her.
White light flashed as he prepared to attack.
"Shanai~"
Knowing her energy was nearly depleted, Gardevoir could not hold out any longer.
If she didn't unleash her final burst attack, she would lose.
She didn't want to lose — especially not to Lucario.
Once again, her soft white palm pressed to her chest.
This time, she didn't strike immediately but condensed all remaining energy.
Flames blazed stronger than ever before.
Lucario sensed the danger and stopped attacking.
He used all his energy to form a white shield in front of his chest.
Defense skill — hold firm!
However, the fierce flames engulfed the shield.
The tremendous force blasted Lucario backward over ten meters.