Chapter 42: The Battle of the Water Field, the Arrival of Friends
The next day, Ryan drew the Water Field, while Lillie drew the Rock Field. Ryan's match was scheduled for the afternoon, while Lillie's was in the morning, so Ryan continued to cheer Lillie on from the stands. Unfortunately, as a fellow competitor, he couldn't provide her with any direct guidance during the battle, so he could only support her silently from the audience.
Her opponent was formidable—a trainer named Aiden. The Pidgeot and Onix he had sent out initially weren't particularly impressive and were both defeated by Lillie's Pikachu and Alolan Ninetales. However, he then sent out his ace Charizard, which quickly overwhelmed both Pikachu and Ninetales. Finally, Lillie sent out the Omanyte that Ryan had given her, successfully turning the tide of battle. During the intense fight, Omanyte even evolved into Omastar.
Ryan had been concerned for Lillie throughout the match. While Aiden's Charizard was certainly powerful, it was only around level 55. The fossil Pokémon Ryan possessed were all around level 80, and even the Omanyte he'd given to Lillie was level 72—creating a significant level advantage.
Fortunately, Lillie and Omanyte had developed a strong bond, and Omanyte was very obedient. Otherwise, with Lillie's current experience level, commanding such a high-level Pokémon would have been nearly impossible.
After lunch, the two took a brief rest before Ryan's match began. The third battle on the Water Field was about to commence, and Ryan stepped onto the stage. His opponent was Kai from Lavender Town, who specialized in Ghost-type Pokémon.
As the bell rang, both trainers sent out their Pokémon simultaneously. Ryan chose Greninja, while Kai sent out Gyarados. Seeing his opponent's serious expression, Ryan smiled and said, "You can go first."
"You're incredibly strong, so I'm bringing out my main team from the start. Gyarados, use Hydro Pump!" Kai said seriously. After witnessing Ryan's dominant performance in his previous match, he had already identified him as the tournament's most dangerous competitor.
"Counter with Hydro Pump!" Ryan commanded.
Greninja unleashed its own Hydro Pump. The two powerful water attacks collided in mid-air, sending sprays of water in all directions. However, the audience could clearly see that Greninja's Hydro Pump gradually overpowered Gyarados's attack, successfully striking the massive Water/Flying-type.
Kai's expression grew grim. From that exchange alone, he realized his Gyarados was completely outclassed by Greninja. Unwilling to accept defeat so easily, Kai shouted, "Gyarados, don't give up! Use Dragon Dance, then Outrage!"
"Lick," Ryan said simply.
Greninja's incredibly long tongue shot out and struck Gyarados across the face, dealing damage but unfortunately not inflicting paralysis. Gyarados took the opportunity to boost its stats with Dragon Dance before launching into a frenzied Outrage, attacking Greninja repeatedly. However, all of its attacks passed harmlessly through Greninja's body, having no effect whatsoever.
"A dark type! This is bad!" Kai exclaimed in shock.
"Finish it with Hydro Pump," Ryan said calmly, watching Gyarados thrashing around in confusion.
Greninja launched a final Hydro Pump, sending Gyarados crashing into the arena wall and rendering it unable to battle. The referee raised his flag, declaring, "Gyarados is unable to battle!"
"Return, Gyarados," Kai said as he recalled his Pokémon. "I didn't expect your Greninja to have Ghost typing. Now I need to get serious. Go, Magneton!"
Magneton's Electric/Steel typing made it quite effective against Greninja. It was a smart strategic move by Kai, though it brought back unpleasant memories for Ryan of his encounter with Lt. Surge.
"Magneton, use Lock-On, then Zap Cannon!" Kai commanded.
"Oh no, not this combination again! Greninja, use Spikes!" Ryan grimaced. He'd already suffered one defeat from this strategy against Lt. Surge, and he wasn't about to let it happen twice.
After locking onto Greninja's position, Magneton unleashed a massive electrical blast. When the lightning dissipated, Greninja stood completely unharmed. Ryan then declared, "Hydro Pump!"
The water attack successfully struck the stunned Magneton, sending it flying and crashing heavily onto the battlefield. Magneton wobbled as it tried to stay airborne, its sturdy construction allowing it to barely cling to consciousness with just a sliver of health remaining.
"Impossible! How could your Greninja be completely unharmed?" Kai was devastated. He'd unleashed his ultimate combination, yet his opponent hadn't taken any damage at all. Anyone unfamiliar with the situation would be equally baffled.
Ryan shook his head sympathetically as Greninja finished off Magneton with a single Lick attack. Kai recalled his Pokémon, took several deep breaths, and composed himself. "I'm clearly no match for you, Ryan. After the battle, could you explain what happened? Otherwise, this loss will haunt me."
"Of course," Ryan replied. He didn't want to completely crush his opponent's spirit—he still had compassion for fellow trainers.
Kai thanked him gratefully and sent out his final trump card, Gengar. "Gengar, use Curse!" he commanded.
Ryan frowned and ordered, "Hydro Pump!"
"Got you! Destiny Bond!" Kai said through gritted teeth.
Ryan realized the trap too late. Gengar had feinted with Curse but actually used Destiny Bond. The Hydro Pump was already launched and couldn't be recalled. Gengar's body glowed with an ominous purple aura. After being struck down by the water attack, two eerie purple energy patterns shot from its eyes, making contact with Greninja and enveloping it in the same purple glow before it collapsed.
Ryan reluctantly recalled Greninja. Although he had won the match, he felt frustrated by the outcome. He found himself considering whether to catch a Ghost-type Pokémon for his team. Ghost-types, when used skillfully, could really turn the tide of battle. Moves like Curse, Destiny Bond, and Pain Split were incredibly annoying to face. Ghost-type Pokémon were most dangerous not when they were at full health, but when they were on the brink of defeat—that's when they could take you down with them.
After leaving the stage, Kai found Ryan in the competitor tunnel. Despite his disappointment, Ryan took the time to explain Greninja's Protean ability to the confused trainer. Learning that he'd been defeated by a hidden ability, Kai was both amazed and grateful for the explanation. They agreed to have a rematch if they ever crossed paths during their future travels, and Kai departed with renewed determination.
That evening, a luxurious private jet arrived at the Indigo Plateau airfield. Ryan, observing its sleek design, marveled at the wealth of the Aether Foundation. Lillie excitedly ran over and hugged Lusamine as she disembarked from the plane. "Mom! What are you doing here?" she asked happily.
"Of course I'm here to cheer you on," Lusamine smiled warmly.
"Hey, hey! Lillie's so sneaky, taking off on her own adventure without bringing us along!" Mallow said playfully.
Lillie blushed with embarrassment as she pulled Ryan forward and introduced him to everyone. Looking around, Ryan found himself face-to-face with people he'd only heard about in Lillie's stories. There was Lillie's mother Lusamine, her brother Gladion, Professor Kukui from the Pokémon School, and Lillie's classmates—Lana, Mallow, Kiawe, and Sophocles. Her entire family and circle of friends had come to support her.
The group was very interested in Ryan and bombarded him with questions about his journey with Lillie. Only Gladion remained somewhat aloof, patting Ryan on the shoulder and saying seriously, "You'd better treat Lillie well."
Ryan broke out in a cold sweat. Was this a warning from his potential brother-in-law? He and Lillie had only just started developing feelings for each other—was he really meeting the family already to discuss their future together?
(End of Chapter)
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