"Ralts, use Confusion!"
Upon hearing the command, just as Ralts was about to use Confusion, it saw Seel diving into the water at an incredible speed.
The thick layer of ice prevented it from seeing Seel's position. It looked around, but just at Ralts's blind spot, Seel suddenly broke through the ice and charged at it with its head.
However, after spending months with Natsui and gaining much combat experience, after a brief moment of surprise, Ralts used Teleport to dodge it once again.
"Seel, use Ice Song!"
Seel opened its large mouth again, creating numerous ice shards and shooting them toward the just-appeared Ralts.
A violent explosion followed, and ice fragments and debris flew, enveloping Ralts. However, when the dust settled, to Daisy's and the others' surprise, even though Ralts was hit by Ice Song, not only did it resist the attack, but from its condition, it was evident that it hadn't taken much damage!
"Huh? How strange?!" Daisy said, surprised. "By type, a Psychic and Fairy-type Ralts and a Water-type Seel shouldn't have an advantage or disadvantage. And Ice Song is an Ice-type move, why did it do so little damage?"
"Miss Daisy," Natsui said with a smile. "I suppose Seel's ability must be Thick Fat, right?"
The Thick Fat ability means that when a Pokémon with this ability is hit by Ice or Fire-type moves, it only takes half the damage.
Daisy nodded. "That's right, but so what?"
Natsui said, "My Ralts has the Trace ability, so it can copy Seel's Thick Fat ability entirely. That's why your Ice-type moves don't pose a threat to it."
"I see," Daisy said, suddenly understanding. "So it copied Seel's ability right at the start of the battle?"
Upon hearing Natsui admit it, Daisy said resignedly, "I have to admit, that's a very rare ability. It really caught me by surprise. But I won't give up because of that!"
"Seel, use Aqua Jet!"
Natsui ordered at the same time: "Ralts, use Magical Leaf!"
Countless glowing leaves suddenly appeared in front of Ralts. These leaves, glowing faintly, spun, compressed, and then continuously flew toward Seel, colliding with the oncoming jet of water and causing a violent explosion.
However, when the dense fog cleared, it was revealed that Magical Leaf had not only neutralized the Aqua Jet, but had even injured Seel!
After taking the hit, Seel was forced to fall onto the ice layer.
Grass beats Water. It's super effective!
"Ralts, use Confusion!"
"Seel, get back into the water quickly!"
However, having learned from the previous mistake, this time Ralts didn't let Seel get away. It concentrated and acted first; before Seel could move, it enveloped Seel with Confusion and lifted it into the air.
Under the force of Confusion, Seel groaned in pain, and no matter how much it struggled, it was in vain, unable to break free from the psychic bonds.
After lifting it high enough, with a downward movement of Ralts's arm, Seel was slammed with great speed against the rock.
Boom!
With a loud crash, Seel, unable to even moan, was knocked out cold.
"We lost!"
After returning her unconscious Seel to its Poké Ball, the three sisters slowly walked toward Natsui.
However, before Natsui could withdraw Ralts, it was suddenly enveloped in light. A few seconds later, the original Ralts disappeared, and in its place appeared a new form: Kirlia!
Violet covered her mouth in surprise: "What!? Did it evolve?!"
Kirlia looked like a ballerina dressed in white, with something like a tutu. Its legs were slender, and its hair no longer completely covered its eyes like Ralts's, instead having bangs that reached its shoulders, revealing its red eyes. Even its two red horns had changed position, resembling hairpins.
How should I say it? It was as though a little girl had grown into a beautiful young lady.
Pokédex: "Bip. Kirlia, the Emotion Pokémon. When using its psychic powers, the horns on its head create illusions in the surrounding space. It has the ability to sensitively perceive the emotions of its trainer. When it's happy, it starts to dance, and its trainer's good mood is the source of its psychic power."
Evidently, Kirlia wasn't quite used to its new appearance. After spinning a few times, it returned to Natsui's side.
"Kirlia, your new appearance is so beautiful."
Kirlia looked at Natsui, a bit shy, and only after Natsui petted its head did it lovingly rub its cheek against his hand.
At that moment, Daisy, holding a blue medal, approached Natsui.
This blue medal was shaped like a drop of water in a light blue color, and in the sunlight, it sparkled like a gem.
"Congratulations, Trainer. This is your reward for defeating us."
Natsui exchanged a few words of courtesy, took the Cascade Badge, and placed it in his badge case.
Upon seeing the solitary Cascade Badge in the case, Violet pouted and lamented: "It can't be! We're the first Gym Leaders he's defeated. How frustrating!"
Natsui smiled but didn't say anything.
These three, more than protecting the gym, were now more focused on water ballet and had neglected training their Pokémon. Among all the gyms, their level was probably the lowest.
But everyone has their own aspirations. I hope Misty can take charge of this place soon.
Waving goodbye, Natsui left with his three Pokémon. And just as he exited the gym and his figure disappeared, a girl with orange hair and a side ponytail entered the battlefield.
"Sisters, I've been looking for you everywhere, and it turns out you were here. Huh? Why do you all look so down?"
Violet exaggeratedly said, "Misty, we've just been deeply hurt by a man!"
"Hurt!?" Misty was surprised at first, but when Daisy explained the situation, she angrily said, "They say they were hurt, but they just lost the gym's defense. And I thought they'd let you go!"
Daisy thought seriously and said, "Now that you mention it, he was kind, very strong… he would be a great choice for a boyfriend."
"I can't stand you anymore," Misty said with a pout. "If I had been here, there's no way I would have let him take our Cascade Badge! And on top of that, losing three to zero without being able to do anything, what a disgrace!"
Hearing this, Lily pointed her finger and said, "Don't talk out of turn. That guy with the Kirlia was really strong. Even you, with your level, wouldn't have been able to beat him."
"Don't underestimate me!" Misty exclaimed, her spines standing on end. "Hmph, I've decided! I'll leave on a trip the morning after tomorrow and won't return until I become a great trainer!"