As the referee's flag came down, it was like a taut string had been cut.
The match officially began.
"Electivire, use Swift!"
This time, Paul's command carried an edge of urgency.
He knew full well how terrifying Ash's Pikachu's speed was. He wanted to seize the initiative with the move Swift — even a small disruption would be worth it.
"Shoo-shoo-shoo—!"
Countless starlike energy projectiles shot from Electivire's palms like a sudden downpour, instantly blanketing a large area of the field.
"Pikachu, dodge!"
Ash's voice was calm and clear, using the simplest universal command — get out of the way.
"Pika pika~!"
Pikachu bolted, circling the field at incredible speed. Its small body blurred into a golden streak, kicking up dust from the hard rock surface.
It was so fast it left afterimages in its wake.
The barrage of Swift bullets whistled past, hitting nothing but empty ground.
Electivire's massive head swung left and right, trying to track Pikachu's movements.
It was struggling — almost dizzy from the effort — stars practically spinning in its own eyes.
"Pikachu, now! Thunderbolt!"
Catching the moment when Electivire was distracted, Ash went for the opening.
"Electivire, don't dodge! Follow through with Low Kick!"
Paul's shout came almost at the same time. He was smart — he didn't go for an Electric-type move against Pikachu.
Instead, he used the Fighting-type Low Kick.
Electric moves barely hurt Electric Pokémon due to the type matchup, but other types? That was a different story — they'd hit at full power.
Paul knew Pikachu's level wasn't high. It probably hadn't learned many moves outside of its own type.
But his Gym-level Electivire knew plenty of off-type attacks.
Paul was determined to use both level advantage and move variety to win.
He wanted the win too badly.
If he lost to Ash today, this moment would haunt him. He'd never move forward again.
"What the—Pikachu's using Thunderbolt and he's countering with Low Kick?"
"That's so cheap! He's just bullying Pikachu for being lower level!"
"Boo! Boo!!"
The crowd erupted in protest.
You're already crushing him with levels — and you don't even have the guts to trade Electric moves? Pathetic!
"Hmph."
Paul's jaw twitched at the jeers. Sweat dripped down his face, but he forced himself to sneer.
"Call me cowardly, call me shameless… if it wins, so what? I'm not breaking any rules."
He kept repeating it to himself. Winning was all that mattered. Inside the rules, victory was king.
He didn't realize…
Even agreeing to a 3v3 with him had already been extreme mercy on Ash's part.
"Pika~!"
Thunderbolt struck Electivire — but Pikachu was kicked away in the same instant.
It slammed to the ground hard, rolling several times before skidding to a stop, wincing in pain.
"You okay, Pikachu?!"
The spectators' hearts ached at the sight.
That heavy Fighting-type move was brutal for a small Pokémon like Pikachu.
But soon, the little yellow figure trembled… and pushed itself back up.
Its fighting spirit burned as fiercely as ever.
"Pika!"
Pikachu shook the dust from its head. Sparks leapt from its red cheeks once more, its will to fight blazing even hotter than before.
"That's it, Pikachu!"
"Come on, Pikachu! Show him what you've got!!"
"Beat that shameless guy!!"
The crowd's cheers thundered through the arena.
By now, Paul and Electivire had become the clear villains in everyone's eyes.
"Hmph… Electivire, use Giga Impact this time! End it!"
Paul's face was dark, but he ignored the shouts around him.
He ordered another non-Electric move, while Ash still chose an Electric attack.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
The commands came at the same time.
Paul's lips curled into an almost manic smile. His tense nerves relaxed just a little.
Not yet. Don't celebrate yet.
If Giga Impact landed, Pikachu would never withstand it.
Victory was his.
The dignity he'd lost, the pride trampled underfoot… all of it would be reclaimed in this single moment.
He could already see Pikachu getting blasted away, already hear the referee declaring him the winner.
With this win, he could take everything back.
"Pika—CHU!!"
"ROOOOAR!!"
But just as Paul's elation peaked… his smile froze.
On the field, Electivire's twin tail-like cords shot upright.
Wild, crackling blue electricity burst from its body, replacing the energy of Giga Impact.
It wasn't a Normal-type move at all.
It was an Electric-type move.
"ROOOAR!!"
Electivire had ignored his command.
Instead, just like Pikachu, it had chosen Thunderbolt.
It wanted a fair fight — to meet this small but remarkable opponent with the pure, proud power of its own Electric nature.
[End of Chapter]