章節 18: Chapter 18: Jessica's Challenge
Chapter 18: Jessica's Challenge
Hearing Sakura's question, Jessica responded, "Of course, isn't that what coming to the gym is all about?" But Genma felt she seemed somewhat unsure, and her expression appeared overly serious.
"She's probably just nervous," Genma thought.
"Alright then, Mr. Genma, for fairness, could you act as the referee?" Sakura asked.
"Of course, I can do that."
"Then please follow me, we have a spare arena over here."
The group followed Sakura to a new pool area, with Sakura and Jessica positioned at opposite ends of the field.
"I declare the match between Jessica from Cyan City and Sakura of the Cyan Gym begins now. The arena is water-based, each side may use up to three Pokémon, the gym trainer may not switch Pokémon, but the challenger may. Let the match start," Genma announced, imitating the tone of a referee he had seen before.
"Go, Seel," Sakura was the first to release her Pokémon. Perhaps due to handling many challengers today, her available Pokémon were nearly depleted, so she chose this one. At least in Genma's view, this Seel had just surpassed the level of a novice.
Jessica's lips curled into a smug smile, seemingly pleased that her plan had worked, with her opponent using such a weak Pokémon; she should be able to win.
"Go, Squirtle," Jessica released what seemed to be her starter Pokémon, well-cared for and looking robust in both body and spirit.
"The challenger attacks first."
"Squirtle, do as you please," Jessica said, causing a stir among the audience.
"Do as you please? Is that a move?" Misty curiously asked Genma.
"No, it's not. It means letting Squirtle fight freely without any commands from the trainer. Some Pokémon have high battle acumen and can perform well without trainer input. To showcase their strength, trainers sometimes do this. Or it could mean that the Pokémon and trainer are so in sync that they don't need verbal commands to work together effectively."
"That sounds impressive."
Genma nodded. It was rare for either situation, making him wonder if this novice trainer was really such a prodigy.
Hearing Jessica's command, Squirtle opened its mouth and shot a Water Gun at Seel, who, without needing instructions from Sakura, dived off the floating platform into the water, dodging the attack.
"Seel, go over there and push Squirtle into the water," Sakura commanded. Seel quickly swam towards Squirtle and bumped it from underneath, tipping it into the water.
As a Water-type who spends most of its life in water, Seel was naturally more agile in the water than Squirtle, who, though also a Water-type, mostly lives on land and doesn't move as fluidly in water. Seeing Seel successfully tip Squirtle into the water, Sakura immediately ordered Seel to use various physical attacks from all sides.
The attacked Squirtle's response was to retreat into its shell, using its hard shell to defend against the attacks. But this Seel, not skilled in combat but full of talent for performance, saw the shell-enclosed Squirtle and thought of the balls it usually played with, immediately getting excited and starting to play with Squirtle like a ball...
Eventually, this bizarre battle ended with Squirtle being tossed around like a ball, disoriented and losing its ability to fight.
"So much for 'do as you please'; it doesn't seem so great after all!" Misty muttered from the side.
"It can't be helped; while Pokémon are intelligent, most can't match human capabilities. Without a trainer's guidance, many Pokémon can't fully utilize their abilities. Otherwise, with Squirtle's level, defeating Seel wouldn't have been difficult."
"Hmph, no matter what you say, my sister won." Misty said proudly.
Genma shook his head wordlessly, looking towards Jessica who was still striking a pose, "Miss Jessica?"
"Yes, what is it?" Jessica responded, but her voice sounded strange, completely lacking the robust, triumphant tone. Everyone turned to her, and Genma noticed something off about her; though she held a composed posture, her tightly closed eyes, slightly pale complexion, and hands tightly gripping her clothes all indicated something was amiss.
"Miss Jessica, are you alright?" Genma asked, wondering if she might be ill. People in this world generally have good physical health and rarely get sick, but she looked just like those girls who claimed "stomach pains" in his previous world!
"I'm fine, was there something else?" Jessica still kept her eyes closed, not looking at the arena.
"What, you don't even know your own Pokémon has lost its ability to battle?" Misty complained.
"What?" Jessica's eyes snapped open in shock, seeing her Squirtle lying fainted on the ground, she exclaimed, "How could this happen? I'm sorry, Squirtle, I shouldn't have let you fight." She quickly recalled Squirtle and bowed to everyone, "I apologize, I forfeit this match," and then she ran off without looking back.
"She's always like this," Sakura sighed helplessly, recalling Seel.
"Always like this? So Jessica has done this before," Genma couldn't help but ask curiously.
"Yes, their family is somewhat known to ours, and this girl really loves Pokémon, but she gets like this whenever a battle is involved," Sakura shook her head, unwilling to elaborate further, "Thank you, Mr. Genma, feel free to take Magikarp anytime you need."
"It's nothing, I should be the one thanking you..."
---
After challenging the Cyan Gym, Genma didn't rush to leave but decided to rest and resupply in Cyan City. He stayed at the Pokémon Center, which provided free lodging and security for recognized trainers, though such complimentary stays had time limits unless there were special circumstances. In the Pokémon Center, Genma met many trainers, both rookies and veterans. He challenged some trainers daily, and most gladly accepted, allowing for friendly matches. Through these skirmishes and daily training, Genma's Pokémon rapidly improved.
Estimating that his free lodging period was about to end, Genma decided to continue his journey. However, just as he was about to leave, an unexpected person stopped him.
"Miss Jessica, do you need something?" Genma asked the person in front of him.
"Yes, I have something I'd like to discuss with you," Jessica nodded, "There's a tea restaurant over there with a nice environment. Let's talk there."
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票