Ash looked down at the final Poké Ball, then at the pool.
"Rattata," he said. "You're up."
Rattata landed on the platform, stance low, eyes sharp despite the strain still visible in its movements.
Misty didn't soften. "Starmie, Swift!"
The attacks came fast.
"Quick Attack!" Ash shouted.
Rattata darted forward, slipping between bursts of light, claws scraping stone as it closed the distance.
"Water Gun!"
The blast sent Rattata skidding backward, but it stayed upright, teeth bared.
Maya's voice cut through the noise. "It's still standing. Use its speed. Don't trade hits."
"Tail Whip!" Ash ordered.
Rattata spun low, forcing Starmie to adjust its balance.
"Now, Tackle!"
Rattata launched itself forward, striking hard. Starmie reeled but didn't fall.
The water surged again.
Another Water Gun slammed into Rattata.
This time, it didn't get up right away.
Ash's breath caught. "Rattata…"
The small Pokémon trembled, claws digging into the platform. Its body tensed, shaking, then—
A sharp burst of light exploded outward.
Rattata's form stretched, muscles tightening as its tail unfurled longer and stronger.
When the light faded, Raticate stood in its place, chest heaving, eyes locked forward.
The Gym went still.
Misty stared for half a second, then smiled. "So that's how it is."
Ash swallowed. "…Raticate."
Maya let out a quiet breath. "Evolution under pressure. That changes everything."
Starmie spun faster, gem blazing.
Ash didn't hesitate this time.
"Hyper Fang!"
Raticate lunged, jaws snapping shut with a resounding crack. The impact echoed across the Gym.
Starmie faltered, spin collapsing as it dropped into the water.
The referee's signal flashed.
"Starmie is unable to battle. The victory goes to the challenger."
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Misty walked forward and held out the Cascade Badge.
"You earned it," she said.
Ash accepted it carefully, fingers tightening around the cool metal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T/N:
Support me and Access 30 chapters in Advance on my P@treon: [email protected]/mythostales