The challenge hung in the air, and Elysia was still waiting for Hilda’s response. However, she completely ignored the young trainer’s request, and any semblance of sternness in Hilda’s expression seemed to have dissipated in the wake of Adrian's impassioned speech. Instead, her eyes sparkled with a newfound interest and excitement, as if she had stumbled upon something unexpected.
"Those fancy words... Can you please repeat them?" Hilda requested, her tone filled with eagerness and curiosity.
Adrian, along with Elysia and Owen, was taken aback by Hilda's sudden change in demeanor. "Excuse me?" he responded, puzzled by her request.
"I want to hear them again!" Hilda insisted, her enthusiasm bordering on childlike excitement. It was as if she had discovered a hidden treasure and couldn't wait to explore it further.
Elysia and Owen exchanged perplexed glances, unsure of how to respond to Hilda's unexpected behavior. It was clear that she was a multifaceted character, full of surprises that left them questioning their initial impressions.
"I'm sorry, my lady, but I don't understand what this is all about," Adrian replied, attempting to maintain his composure despite Hilda's intrusion into his personal space.
But Hilda persisted, her excitement undimmed. "That thing again! The way you addressed me in such a charming manner!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm bordering on overwhelming as she leaned in closer, her eyes shining with a fervor that left Adrian utterly bewildered. “What’s your name, fancy boy?”
"I-I'm Adrian"
"Adrian! Can you tell me what you think about this?" Hilda requested and cleared her throat. "If you'll excuse my manners, sir. I'm quite charmed by the depth of your well-considered impression of my previous idea. I do hope we might find a more propitious occasion to engage further and expand our horizons," she said, her voice attempting a formal tone but coming off as somewhat awkward. She gestured with exaggerated movements, as if mimicking the gestures of a woman from high society, but her efforts fell short of genuine elegance.
Adrian, Elysia, and Owen exchanged incredulous glances, their confusion evident in their furrowed brows and puzzled expressions. The transformation of the once fierce Hilda into a caricature of herself left them utterly bewildered.
"Are you... mocking me?" Adrian inquired, his voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and a faint trace of offense.
Hilda, noticing the genuine confusion on his face, quickly attempted to backtrack. "Oh, no, no! That's not what I meant at all," she stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I was just trying to, um, you know... engage in a more formal conversation like you do. But, uh, I guess I'm not very good at it yet," she admitted sheepishly, her hands fidgeting nervously at her sides as she avoided making eye contact.
Adrian's expression softened as he listened to her explanation, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I have to say, no one I know talks like that, but I appreciate the effort”, he reassured her with a gentle tone that Hilda responded with a tender and sympathetic smile.
Elysia, feeling a bit of jealousy after witnessing a side Adrian had never shown up until now, interrupted the understanding scene by reminding Hilda of the challenge she had issued. "Excuse me. Are we fighting or not?”
Hilda's tender smile transformed into her customary confident expression once again as she faced Elysia. "So the little princess wants to prove herself. Good," she remarked. "But if I’m battling rookie trainers, I want a challenge at least, so I'll fight you and your friend at the same time."
Elysia and Owen exchanged surprised and slightly offended glances. The audacity of Hilda's request was not lost on them. While they were aware of her formidable skills as a trainer, the idea of facing her together felt like a direct challenge to their abilities. Despite their reservations, Elysia squared her shoulders and met Hilda's gaze with determination.
Owen and Elysia stood firmly on their side of the battlefield, their Pokémon, Gible and Sobble, reflecting their trainers' determination. On the opposing side, Hilda smiled confidently, her Pokémon still concealed as she aimed to build suspense. Trainers began to gather once more, eager not to miss the opportunity to witness Hilda face off against Ash's daughter. However, some dispersed, congregating in one corner of the Trainer's gathering point, preparing for whatever activities they planned after Hilda's battle.
Meanwhile, Adrian positioned himself at the center edge of the battlefield, assuming the role of judge for the impending showdown. His demeanor was composed and focused, ready to officiate the battle between the two sides.
Hilda considered she had built enough suspense, and without waiting for Adrian's indication, she called for her Pokémon.
"Go, Charlton!"
A Raboot emerged from his Poké Ball, his fiery fur bristling with excitement. The fire-type rabbit trotted in place, eager for the impending battle. Elysia and Owen exchanged uneasy glances as they observed Raboot's confident demeanor, despite his type disadvantage against Sobble and Gible. However, Elysia, having learned from her previous battle with Hop, remained cautious not to underestimate their opponent.
Elysia swiftly devised a plan, whispering to Owen about utilizing the element of surprise. Owen nodded in agreement, ready to execute their strategy. With a nod from Elysia, Owen commanded Sobble to unleash a Water Pulse, aiming to distract Raboot. At the same time, Elysia directed Gible to use Dig, preparing for an opportune moment to strike once their opponent was caught off guard.
“Electro Ball, now!”
Hilda and Charlton improvised an unusual technique in response, channeling the electric energy into a small rock, transforming it into what seemed like an electrified soccer ball. With a swift kick, Charlton launched the improvised projectile towards Sobble, bypassing the water rings and striking the opponent with a super effective attack. As the electric energy surged, a yellow stripe on Raboot's forehead glowed with crackling sparks, a peculiar manifestation that caught Adrian's attention.
Owen's expression turned from surprise to utter bewilderment as Charlton showcased his impressive arsenal, effectively bypassing his typical weaknesses and disadvantages. Elysia, however, remained composed, quickly formulating a strategy to counter the fire-type Pokémon's unexpected tactics. With a swift command, she directed Gible to arise and attack from underground, aiming to catch Charlton off guard.
"Acrobatics!" Hilda's command rang out confidently across the battlefield.
Just as Gible emerged from beneath the ground and closed in on his opponent, Charlton executed the attack with finesse, his front head beginning to glow with a sky blue. Raboot effortlessly dodged Gible's assault, his body moving with fluid grace as he weaved through the air. As Gible's attack missed its mark, Charlton's body became outlined in white, then delivered a series of blows to Gible, sending the Dragon-type Pokémon hurtling across the battlefield with remarkable force, landing on the opposite side with a thud.
Elysia's confusion deepened as she tried to make sense of the situation. It didn't add up – Raboot was a Fire-type Pokémon, so why had Gible's Ground-type attack failed? Hilda's amused chuckle only served to heighten Elysia's perplexity.
“Ground type attacks are ineffective against flying types. Didn’t you know?”
“What? But Raboot is a fire type!” Owen pointed out.
"That's true," Hilda acknowledged, "but you're overlooking something crucial about Charlton."
“So that’s what’s happening. Charlton has Libero as an ability,” Adrian chimed in with further explanation to the still perplexed duo. "Elysia, Owen. Libero is a rare and useful ability that allows Raboot’s evolutionary line to change types according to the move they use, making them incredibly unpredictable. Be careful"
Hilda nodded, impressed by Adrian's knowledge. "Exactly. With Libero, Charlton can adapt to many situations, making him a formidable adversary. And by the way, he was not given to me just because. I had to earn the approval of Leon, the former Monarch in order to partner with Charlton."
Elysia's confusion began to give way to admiration, albeit begrudgingly. Feeling the pressure mounting, she and Owen found themselves in a dilemma. Simply relying on type advantages wouldn't be enough to outsmart Hilda and Charlton, especially with the experienced trainer's constant taunts and Charlton's unpredictability that mirrored his multifaceted trainer.
"I have an idea," Owen interjected, breaking the tense silence.
Elysia turned to him with an eager expression. "I'm all ears."
"Dig and Scale Shot. Got it?" Owen said, a glint of determination in his eyes.
At first, Elysia didn't understand, but then realization dawned on her. She smiled confidently and nodded, ready to put their plan into action.
Owen initiated the counterattack with Rain Dance, commanding Sobble to summon rain clouds that soon began to pour. Elysia followed suit with Dig, ordering Gible to disappear underground in preparation for the impending assault.
Hilda's surprise was evident as she realized that both trainers weren't as naive as she initially thought. With the rain weakening Charlton's fire attacks, she commanded him to use Electro Ball once more. However, to her astonishment, Sobble seemed to vanish, blending seamlessly with the surrounding downpour.
With both Sobble and Gible now concealed and the element of surprise on their side, Hilda had to tread carefully with her next move. She grinned her teeth while scanning the battlefield, a gesture her partner also mirrored.
After some seconds, Hilda smiled confidently, knowing that her decision was going to be the right one. With determination, Elysia commanded Gible to emerge and strike, while Owen simultaneously directed Sobble to unleash Water Pulse once again. Sobble reappeared, positioned behind Raboot and ready to launch the attack.
However, Hilda had other plans. With impeccable timing, she ordered Charlton to use Weather Ball, conjuring a blue energy ball surrounded by water streams just as Gible emerged from the ground.
“Scale Shot!” Elysia commanded.
Despite the collision of attacks, both Charlton's and Gible's strikes hit their mark, creating a powerful explosion of energy that filled the battlefield. Gible was sent flying due to the impact, while Charlton staggered back slightly. Sobble's Water Pulse managed to land, adding to Charlston’s exhaustion and causing Hilda's confident smile to falter momentarily.
“Gotcha!” Owen couldn't contain his pride at their success, exclaiming triumphantly at their achievement.
As the battle reached a critical juncture, Charlton breathed heavily, the strain of the battle evident in his movements. Utilizing Weather Ball while it was raining had allowed him to change his type to Water, lessening the damage from Sobble's attack. However, they couldn't afford to let their guard down; another maneuver like that could spell defeat.
Elysia and Owen, bolstered by their recent success, surveyed the battlefield, realizing that their Pokémon were nearing their limits. With only one chance left, they knew they had to make it count. The tension between the trainers was palpable, mirrored by the anticipation of the crowd gathered around them. Even Adrian, observing from the sidelines, was on edge, eager to witness the battle's outcome.
But just as they were about to issue their final commands, Sigilyph, hovering above the battlefield in search of their previous target, suddenly emitted a pulsing purple aura. Adrian sensed the shift in energy, his focus immediately drawn to his partner’s alert.
As Gible, Sobble, and Charlton launched their final attacks, the tension in the battlefield reached its peak. However, their efforts were suddenly interrupted by the arrival of a speeding creature, barreling towards them with reckless abandon. Ignoring the chaos it caused among the spectators and knocking over stands and advertisements in its path, Lopunny landed in the center of the battlefield with dramatic flair.
With a swift and powerful kick, Lopunny incapacitated Gible and Sobble, bringing an unexpected end to the battle. Elysia and Owen, shocked and outraged by the interruption, rushed to their Pokémon's side, demanding answers from the intruding Lopunny who, just as they expected, was no other than the same one who had previously stolen their food.
"What's wrong with you?" Elysia accused, her frustration evident in her voice. But Lopunny remained unfazed, directing her defiant gaze towards Hilda, who responded with exasperation at the familiar sight of such disruptive Pokémon.
"Seriously!? Not you again!" she exclaimed, her patience wearing thin.
Owen, Elysia, and Adrian exchanged surprised glances as they witnessed Hilda's apparent familiarity with the troublesome Lopunny. They couldn't help but wonder about the story behind their connection and the reasons for the Pokémon's apparent animosity towards Hilda. As they tended to their Pokémon and assessed the situation, the trio couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to such a relationship than met the eye.
“How many times do I have to tell you?! I don't want you on my team!” she yelled, her voice tinged with exasperation.
Lopunny, undeterred by Hilda’s outburst, growled back with equal fervor, her pink eyes flashing with defiance. She seemed determined to challenge the trainer’s resolve at every turn, refusing to yield to her rejection.
The trio exchanged shocked glances as it became apparent that Hilda was more than familiar with the rabbit thief. Adrian attempted to elaborate, but Hilda cut him off, her jaded demeanor reaching its limit as she recalled Charlton.
“I’ll teach you once and for all, and I won't be gentle this time!” Hilda declared, determination flashing in her eyes. “Go, Iris!” she commanded, the name resonating with Elysia as it was the same as that of her father's deceased and beloved friend.
And then, in a burst of crimson light, a mighty Haxorus emerged, towering over the battlefield with an imposing presence. Her massive frame radiated power, and her sharp, blade-like tusks gleamed ominously in the sunlight, as she prepared to battle.
Lopunny assumed a battle stance, poised to confront Haxorus head-on. As the dragon-type exhaled a plume of steam, Lopunny sprang into action, showcasing her renowned speed. With agile movements, she darted in circular patterns around her opponent, seemingly attempting to disorient and create an opening she could exploit.
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Meanwhile, Haxorus remained composed yet vigilant, her gaze fixed on the elusive Lopunny with each reappearance in her continuous loop.
Hilda mirrored her Pokémon's vigilant demeanor, biding her time for the opportune moment. Elysia and her companions joined in the suspense, their anticipation mounting as they awaited the outcome of the clash.
Finally, Lopunny sprang into action, unleashing a swift and powerful kick at Haxorus as the dragon-type momentarily turned away.
"Now, Iris, seize her!" Hilda commanded.
With impeccable reflexes, Haxorus intercepted Lopunny's kick with her razor-sharp tusks, the impact akin to the clash of swords in battle. The sudden interruption caused Lopunny to falter momentarily, providing Haxorus with the opening she needed. In a swift motion, the dragon-type ensnared Lopunny's leg with her tusks, propelling the bunny Pokémon skyward with a powerful thrust.
Lopunny descended rapidly, her attempt to control her landing hindered by her disoriented senses, struggling to orient herself as her trajectory veered dangerously off course despite her efforts.
Sensing the opportunity, Hilda seized the moment, commanding Haxorus to unleash a devastating Dragon Tail attack. With practiced precision, Haxorus executed the move just as Lopunny made impact with the ground. The force of the blow propelled the bunny Pokémon towards a nearby tree, the collision reverberating through the air as Lopunny crumpled to the ground, defeated and disheartened.
Elysia and her companions watched in shock as the short battle concluded, the sudden display of Hilda's ruthless efficiency after being provoked left them breathless.
"I hope you finally understood," Hilda declared, her voice firm as she thanked Iris for her efforts and recalled her back into her Poké Ball.
Elysia, concerned for Lopunny's well-being, hurried to attend to her, Owen and Adrian close behind. However, as Elysia reached out to touch her, Lopunny regained consciousness and responded with a defiant snarl, rising unsteadily to her feet.
"What's wrong with you? I just wanted to help!"
Hilda approached, her expression softened with reminiscence, and explained to Elysia that Lopunny had always exhibited that attitude ever since she first encountered her during a journey to Sinnoh.
Intrigued by this revelation, Adrian sought clarification about Hilda's familiarity with Lopunny.
Hilda recounted the tale with a wry smile. "Well, it all started during a training session. I stumbled upon a wild Buneary that seemed eager for a battle. Needless to say, she underestimated me, and I swiftly defeated her."
"And after that?" Elysia prompted.
Hilda sighed, her tone tinged with resignation. "She didn't take the defeat well. Instead of accepting it and leaving, she kept pestering me, trying to prove herself worthy of joining my team. But no matter what I did, she just wouldn't give up. Needless to say, I had to increase the level of my ruthlessness with her, hoping she would finally understand that I had no intention of catching her. But it seems she's still holding out hope."
"Well, if Lopunny’s been following you all the way up from Sinnoh, I’d say it is a remarkable task," Elysia remarked, her eyebrows raised in astonishment.
Hilda nodded in confirmation. "Yes, the last time I saw her was during a brief stop in Kalos."
Owen's eyes widened. "But how did she manage to travel all the way from Kalos to here?"
"Probably by swimming. She usually does that."
Elysia and Owen's jaws dropped in disbelief at the thought of Lopunny swimming such a vast distance. Though Kalos was not that far from there, the idea of a Pokémon crossing the sea just to pursue her goal was a testament to her unwavering determination and physical prowess.
“With such resilience and determination, I don’t see why anyone would reject her. Lopunny just needs a lot of training and perhaps some refinement in her manners, but other than that, I don’t get it.”
“I’m aware of that. But my real problem is…” Hilda declared firmly, pointing her finger towards the tired Lopunny. “That Pokemon is just too girly and pampered!”
Elysia exchanged a perplexed glance with Owen and Adrian. Hilda's reasoning seemed somewhat arbitrary, and Elysia couldn't help but wonder if there was more to her decision than met the eye. Lopunny's growl echoed with a mix of shock and displease at Hilda's words.
"What do you mean?" Elysia questioned.
Hilda pressed on, her tone unwavering. "Just look at her!" she exclaimed, gesturing towards Lopunny. "Her fur looks so puffy and shiny! Not a single scratch or battle mark on her body! And that cute, flirty squeak she does is just annoying! She may be strong, but it's obvious this Pokémon takes care of her appearance so much it borders on the absurd!"
Elysia exchanged a bewildered glance with Owen and Adrian, still struggling to comprehend Hilda's reasoning.
"I just don't like very feminine Pokémon in general, and besides, I already have a bunny partner, Charlton. And now that I take notice, this Lopunny reminds me of you," Hilda declared, punctuating her statement with a taunting smirk aimed at Elysia.
Elysia bristled at the comparison, feeling a surge of indignation at the implication of entitlement mirrored in Lopunny's stubbornness.
Then, as Hilda contemplated the striking similarity between Elysia and Lopunny’s expressions, a brilliant idea crossed her mind—a solution to her dilemma that would also allow her to gain an advantage.
"Say. Why don't you catch her instead?" Hilda suggested, catching Elysia off guard with the unexpected proposal.
Elysia blinked in mild surprise at the offer. "Why would I want to do that?"
Hilda brushed off her question and continued, "Here's the deal: If you win and catch Lopunny, I'll acknowledge you as an official rival."
“Who said I wanted you to become my rival?" said Elysia, her brow furrowing.
Ignoring her interjection, Hilda pressed on. "And if Lopunny wins," she added, her tone carrying a hint of smugness, "I’ll finally agree to catch her. But also..." Hilda stepped closer to Adrian, her movements possessive as she grabbed onto his arm firmly. "I'll take Adrian as my new trainer companion!"
Elysia and Owen's reactions were visceral, their emotions bubbling over at Hilda's audacity.
"Adrian's our friend… Well, at least he is Elysia’s! You cannot just take him!" Owen yelled.
"And I don't see how either outcome is a loss for you!" Elysia added.
Despite the tension in the air, Adrian remained composed, his expression thoughtful as he weighed the consequences of the bizarre proposition. However, he thought, this could be more than a single rivalry challenge but rather, a perfect chance for his friend to grow up as a trainer. After a short pause, he nodded.
"I accept those terms," Adrian announced, his response met with a mixture of disbelief and exasperation from Elysia and Owen.
Elysia couldn't contain her frustration and jealousy. "Do you prefer to travel with her?!"
"Just catch Lopunny and prove yourself, Elysia. I trust in you," Adrian responded, his words firm and supportive.
Elysia just sighed in agreement, but she was resolute to demand Hilda one last condition. “And if I win, you will take back all those things you said about me! Got it?!”
Hilda's smug satisfaction hung in the air, her confidence unwavering as she relished the terms of an agreement that could only benefit her. Meanwhile, Lopunny, now presented with a real opportunity to fulfill her long-held aspirations, assumed her position on the battlefield, her eyes glinting with determination as she snarled challengingly at Elysia.
Despite the looming pressure and Hilda's premature expressions of victory, Elysia focused her gaze solely on Lopunny, determined to face the challenge head-on. While she appreciated Adrian's unwavering trust, she couldn't shake the feeling of being subtly manipulated by accepting the challenge.
Before the battle could commence, Hilda interjected with a seemingly generous gesture, grabbing an Oran Berry from her bag. With a swift toss, the berry arced through the air, landing squarely in Lopunny's grasp. The Normal-type Pokémon wasted no time in devouring the fruit, replenishing some of her health and bolstering her resolve for the impending battle.
“It wouldn’t be fair if Lopunny fought after having received that much damage from our previous battle,” Hilda asserted.
Elysia positioned herself at the opposite end of the battlefield, her eyes locked on Lopunny with unwavering determination. Recognizing Gible's weakened state from the previous battle, she opted to call upon her Meowth instead. The feline companion responded with a resolute meow, ready to face the challenge ahead.
Meanwhile, Lopunny exuded confidence, her gaze fixed firmly on her opponent. With her superior speed and array of fighting-type moves, she appeared to hold the advantage in the upcoming battle.
Despite the odds stacked against them, Elysia remained undaunted. She placed her trust in her Meowth, confident in their bond and abilities. With a reassuring smile, she cheered on her feline partner, encouraging them to give it their all.
Lopunny wasted no time in initiating the battle, opting for a direct approach with a swift double kick aimed at Meowth before he could react. However, Elysia had anticipated such a move. With a quick command, she instructed Meowth to use Hone Claws, his claws extending and glowing red, boosting his attack and accuracy as he prepared for the impending clash.
As Lopunny's kicks rained down upon him, Meowth held his ground, and with a deft maneuver, he crossed his arms to deflect the blows, using Metal Claw as a shield against Lopunny's relentless assault. Despite her repeated attempts, Meowth remained steadfast, his endurance proving too much for Lopunny's barrage.
Elysia seized the opportunity, showcasing her creativity by commanding Meowth to tackle utilizing Metal Claw. Meowth, quick to grasp his trainer's strategy, extended his claws forward, forming a triangular shape akin to the cowcatcher of an old locomotive. With determination fueling his movements, Meowth charged toward Lopunny, his claws poised to strike.
Despite Lopunny's trust in her own abilities, her overconfidence proved to be her downfall. As she launched another frontal assault, Meowth remained steadfast, enduring her flurry of kicks with unwavering resolve. Then, with a swift and precise movement, Meowth's claws made contact with Lopunny's slender body, delivering a powerful blow that sent her staggering backward.
"That was great! Good job, Meowth!" Elysia congratulated him on his performance.
Lopunny refused to concede defeat. Despite her increased breathing and sustained damage, the stubborn Pokémon wore a confident smile, as if she held the advantage despite her apparent setback. Elysia took note of Lopunny's demeanor but was too focused on securing victory to pay it much heed.
"Meowth, attack her again with Metal Claw and end this!" Elysia commanded. However, to her surprise, Meowth remained immobile, seemingly oblivious to his trainer's orders.
"Meowth, can't you hear me? I said Metal Claw!" Elysia persisted, growing increasingly frustrated by her partner's unresponsiveness.
Meanwhile, Owen and Adrian exchanged intrigued glances, sensing a sudden shift in the dynamics of the battle. Hilda, ever perceptive, smirked knowingly, recognizing the significance of the unfolding situation.
As Meowth remained unresponsive to Elysia's commands, he suddenly began to growl and dance, displaying all the signs of being utterly smitten. His eyes were fixated on Lopunny's figure, and he even went so far as to cover his mouth with his paws in a comically exaggerated expression of admiration. Elysia couldn't believe her eyes.
"Meowth! How could you fall in love at a time like this?!" she exclaimed, her frustration evident in her voice.
Adrian, always quick to analyze the situation, finally pieced it together. "So Lopunny's ability is Cute Charm," he stated.
Hilda, ever playful, chimed in with a teasing remark. "You continue to surprise me, Adrian. You'll definitely prove to be a valuable companion on my journey."
As the realization dawned on Elysia, she recalled the name of the ability and its implications. Cute Charm was a popular tool among coordinators and performers, but outside the world of spectacle, it allowed the Pokémon possessing it to captivate another one of the opposite gender if they engaged in physical combat. Now, Lopunny’s previous confident smirk made total sense.
Taking advantage of the infatuated opponent, Lopunny wasted no time and continued her assault. With swift movements, she delivered two powerful kicks right to Meowth’s face. The feline Pokémon received the assault, staggering backwards, but his infatuation persisted, his eyes still locked on Lopunny with adoration.
Despite Elysia's efforts to regain her partner’s concentration, Meowth remained under Lopunny’s charming spell. As he stumbled, Lopunny seized the opportunity to strike again, delivering a powerful kick from behind that sent Meowth flying. Despite the impact of the blow, he remained completely enthralled by Lopunny’s charm, unable to mount a defense.
Elysia felt the weight of the impending defeat bearing down on her, the consequences of losing too dire to contemplate. As Lopunny poised to deliver the final blow to Meowth, Elysia took a deep breath, clutching her silver charm tightly for courage. In that moment of desperation, she searched for a solution to her dilemma.
Scanning the battlefield, her eyes fell upon Meowth's steely fur, his infatuated state causing his fur to bristle like fine, pointed needles. Suddenly, an idea struck her.
"Meowth, coil up in your spot!" she commanded, her voice ringing out with determination.
Even Hilda, who had been eagerly anticipating Lopunny's victory, was taken aback by Elysia's bizarre command. If she wanted to concede defeat, there were certainly less embarrassing ways to do so. However, her confusion turned to understanding as she witnessed Meowth's obedience and the unexpected transformation of his fur into sharp, steel-like needles, like a Tagedemaru’s spikes.
Lopunny's feet landed squarely on Meowth's bristling fur, expecting to deliver the final blow. But instead of victory, pain surged through her body as the fur needles pierced her feet, causing her to cry out in agony. The sensation was so unbearable that she struggled to stand properly, and a couple of tears streamed from her pink eyes despite her best efforts to endure and hide the pain.
Watching in awe at Elysia’s brilliant but unconventional strategy, her friends and Hilda shared the same feeling of uncertain surprise. Lopunny’s fierce demeanor had quickly vanished, and now she was completely vulnerable to a final blow.
“Finish her with a last Metal Claw!” Elysia commanded with determination.
As Lopunny was distracted by her own pain, Meowth lunged forward, his massive claws prepared to deliver a powerful blow. Lopunny could only manage a last desperate stare before being struck by the feline’s attack. She fell to the ground, weakened and defeated.
Elysia seized the opportunity, her heart pounding with anticipation. With a triumphant cry, she hurled her Poké Ball towards the fallen bunny.
“Lopunny, welcome to my team!” she yelled.
The Poké Ball hit its target, enveloping Lopunny in a crimson light before sealing her inside the captive device as it stumbled for a bit, putting the last pressure to tame the wild Pokémon. Elysia watched with bated breath, a nervous sweat trickling down her forehead.
After a tense moment, the red light at the center of the Poké Ball ceased pulsing, signaling the capture's success, and Elysia couldn't contain her excitement any longer.
"Yes! Yes! We did it! We won!" she exclaimed joyously, rushing towards her Meowth and embracing him tightly in gratitude. Her feline partner responded with a contented growl, reveling in their victory together.
"That was amazing, Elysia!" Owen praised her.
Elysia eagerly retrieved Lopunny's Poké Ball, holding it gently in her hands. "We'll make a great team, I promise," she murmured softly to the captured Pokémon.
As Hilda and Adrian approached, Elysia's expression hardened. "You did better than I thought," Hilda conceded with a smirk.
Elysia's determination flared. "Now take back what you said about me earlier! And give us back Adrian!" she demanded, now grabbing onto Adrian's arm.
Hilda chuckled at Elysia's fiery spirit, her laughter echoing across the battlefield.
“Fair enough," Hilda conceded, her tone softer now. "Consider everything I said taken back. You and your friends are more capable than I gave you credit for," she admitted, offering a genuine smile. "And thanks for taking Lopunny off my hands. Now I can travel without that pesky Pokémon constantly hounding me."
Next, Elysia locked eyes with Adrian, a silent exchange of understanding and respect passing between them. With a nod of appreciation, she spoke softly, her words laced with gratitude. "Thank you for placing such trust in me, Adrian. You believe in me to the point you were willing to be part of the bargain."
Adrian returned the nod with his usual and stoic demeanor. "You proved yourself worthy of that trust," he replied with a soft smile. "I had faith in you from the start."
Suddenly, from the corner of the Trainer's gathering point, a lively commotion began to swell, transforming into a collective chant that echoed through the air. With each passing moment, the chorus grew louder as more and more people joined in, their voices blending into a fervent cheer reminiscent of a Pokémon battle event match about to begin. Yet, beneath the surface of the enthusiasm, there was an unsettling undertone, hinting at a darker purpose behind the rally.
"Hmm, what's all the fuss about?" Owen asked, glancing towards the commotion.
Hilda's smile widened as she turned her gaze in the direction of the gathering noise, acknowledging the source of the excitement. "Say, do you kids want to stick around for a moment and witness a more mature spectacle?"
The chant grew louder, echoing through the Trainer's gathering point, drawing more curious onlookers. Elysia, Owen, and Adrian exchanged intrigued glances, their curiosity piqued by Hilda's invitation and the lively atmosphere around them. They decided to linger a while longer, eager to see what else the day had in store.