Chapter 57: 54. Because Of The Fight, Business Suddenly Improved(Part 1)
Evan didn't know what others were thinking.
After Gallade emerged from its Poké Ball, Evan turned his gaze toward Violet.
"Let's battle in the nearby forest," he suggested. "You can't destroy my breeding house or orchard."
"There's an open area nearby," Violet responded, nodding. "I'll wait for you there."
With that, she released her Metagross, a gleaming shiny variant. She leapt onto its back, and Metagross swiftly carried her toward the designated spot.
The surrounding students gasped in amazement.
"A pseudo-legendary?"
"And it's a Shiny Metagross!"
"Incredible."
"Metagross is my favorite!"
"Let's go watch!"
Excitement rippled through the crowd as though they had been energized by a surge of adrenaline.
Evan shook his head at their reactions. He returned Gallade to its Poké Ball and called out toward the house, "Gardevoir, come here too. Take me there."
Then he added, "Isla, keep an eye on the breeding house for me."
As his words echoed, a Shiny Gardevoir materialized beside him with Teleport. Without hesitation, it teleported Evan to the battle site.
The spectators were once again left speechless.
"Another Shiny Pokémon? Gardevoir this time?" someone murmured, astonished.
The group stared in disbelief but quickly snapped out of it and rushed toward the battlefield, eager to witness what promised to be an extraordinary match.
However, before they could get too close, a Garchomp descended from the sky, blocking their path. Moments later, Sophia appeared, running to catch up.
"Everyone, please don't come any closer," she instructed firmly. "The battle ahead is too dangerous. You could get caught up in it."
Her Garchomp's imposing presence added weight to her warning. Though initially excited, the students hesitated after hearing her caution, their enthusiasm dimming.
Sophia stepped closer to the group and reiterated, "They're both powerful Trainers. Stay here and watch from a safe distance."
Satisfied they wouldn't proceed, Sophia turned her attention to Evan and Violet in the distance.
By now, Violet had released her Pokémon: a gleaming Empoleon. The Shiny Metagross stood resolutely at her side.
Evan arrived on the battlefield, releasing Gallade from its Poké Ball and keeping Shiny Gardevoir by his side.
The scene intrigued the students, and one asked their teacher, "Why do Trainers keep their Pokémon close during battles?"
The teacher nodded at the question and explained, "Battling in the wild is inherently dangerous. Pokémon will focus entirely on their opponents during a fight, often unaware of their surroundings. Keeping a Pokémon by your side is a precaution. If an attack or stray move comes your way, your Pokémon can shield you."
"Also, the wild is unpredictable. Other Pokémon might appear and pose a threat. In such situations, having a trusted Pokémon at your side is crucial."
The students listened intently, their eyes wide with newfound understanding. This wasn't something they were taught in school.
"So that's why Trainers are called high-risk professionals," one murmured, visibly impressed.
Though they were still in the safety of their learning environment, these students were beginning to grasp the harsh realities of a Trainer's life. This knowledge would prove vital when they eventually embarked on their own journeys.
Meanwhile, Evan and Violet were preparing to battle. The two stood about fifty meters apart, their Pokémon locked in an intense stare-down.
Evan's gaze settled on Violet's Empoleon.
His strength was at the peak of Elite, just a step away from the pinnacle of the rank.
Are you trying to break through in this battle? Evan wondered.
He recalled that his Aggron and Aegislash had also reached the top of Elite. Are they not worth considering? Or have they already broken through?
Violet truly had something extraordinary about her—her ambition and determination were relentless. Very impressive. It wouldn't be surprising to see her trending on the hot searches for reaching the top of Elite in the near future.
"Let's begin," Violet announced. "The jar dropping to the ground will signal the start."
From nowhere, Violet produced a jar, holding it aloft as she spoke. Evan nodded. There was no issue with this setup.
Satisfied, Violet raised the jar high before glancing straight at Evan, her thoughts racing. Does Evan's strength lie only in having Elite-level Pokémon, or does he also have the skill to command at that level? Without proper command, this battle could become disappointingly one-sided.
The moment the jar fell to the ground, Violet wasted no time issuing her first command.
"Swords Dance!"
Evan's voice quickly followed. "Swords Dance!"
Both Pokémon, Gallade and Empoleon, executed the same move simultaneously, their elegant forms spinning as they amplified their offensive potential. Despite being newly caught, Gallade obeyed Evan's command without hesitation. Its loyalty, as steadfast as a knight's, was evident in its movements.
This unwavering allegiance was a hallmark of Ralts' evolution line. Once a Pokémon from this line accepted a Trainer as its master, its devotion was rarely shaken—unless, tragically, the Trainer chose to abandon it. This combination of loyalty and grace made Gallade and Gardevoir highly sought-after by Trainers.
With a Gardevoir by your side, many believe you have a partner closer than family.
As the battle commenced, both Trainers adopted the same strategy: strengthen their Pokémon first and engage after. Violet glanced at Evan, evaluating him, before launching her next move.
"Metal Claw!"
Empoleon's wing-like arms gleamed with metallic energy as it charged Gallade at high speed, closing the gap in an instant. Evan countered immediately.
"Fury Cutter!"
Gallade's elbow blades extended, glowing with turquoise energy as it surged forward to meet Empoleon head-on.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The two Pokémon collided in a flurry of sparks and deafening metallic clashes. Empoleon's Metal Claw and Gallade's blades struck each other repeatedly, each clash sounding like an explosion. The intensity of their battle sent powerful gusts of air through the field, unnerving the students watching from a safe distance.
"Just their collisions are creating this kind of terrifying airflow?" one student gasped.
"Good thing we didn't get closer," another added, shaken.
Unlike a professional arena, this wild battleground had no protective barriers. Watching such a fierce exchange live was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
Meanwhile, neither Evan nor Violet paid any attention to the spectators. Both were fully immersed in the battle. Violet took the offensive, determined to maintain pressure.
"Empoleon, Hydro Pump!"
Empoleon seized a moment of opportunity and unleashed a massive Hydro Pump at Gallade from point-blank range.
"Teleport!" Evan shouted without hesitation.
In a flash, Gallade vanished, narrowly avoiding the devastating water blast. The Hydro Pump slammed into the ground where Gallade had stood moments earlier, creating a powerful impact.
The recoil from the move caused Empoleon to stagger slightly, its balance momentarily disrupted. The battle was just heating up.
After completing a graceful arc, Empoleon landed solidly on the ground, water spraying outward from the impact.
"whirlpool!" Violet's command rang out as soon as Empoleon touched down.
A massive whirlpool of water surged forward, roaring toward Gallade.
"Gallade, cut it apart with Psycho Cut!" Evan's response was sharp and decisive.
Gallade's blade glowed with a vibrant blue energy as it unleashed a powerful Psycho Cut, sending the energy slicing through the oncoming vortex.
BOOM!
The clash erupted in a tremendous explosion, sending shockwaves rippling outward. Dust and water sprayed into the air, creating a chaotic storm on the battlefield.
Gardevoir, standing vigilantly beside Evan, immediately raised a Confusion Shield to protect both itself and its Trainer. Metagross mirrored this action on Violet's side, its metallic body glowing as it erected a protective barrier.
Despite the chaos, neither Evan nor Violet flinched. Their focus remained locked on the battle, undeterred by the explosive spectacle.
Seeing her attack thwarted, Violet quickly issued another command. "Double Team, then Metal Claw!"
Empoleon darted forward, and its image suddenly multiplied. A dozen identical Empoleons now surrounded Gallade, their reflections shimmering on the dampened field.
Evan's eyes gleamed with a faint blue light as he scanned the battlefield. With calm precision, he called out, "Three o'clock, Gallade!"
Without hesitation, Gallade's blade lit up again as it spun and struck sharply to its right.
CLANG!
The sound of metal colliding with metal echoed across the field. The real Empoleon, attempting a sneak attack, had been intercepted. It used its glowing metallic wings to block Gallade's blade just in time.
Violet's brow furrowed as she watched. She quickly realized the truth: Evan has Psychic abilities!
Her thoughts raced. No wonder Gardevoir and Gallade are so loyal to him. With Psychic powers, he's immune to misdirection tactics like Double Team. He can instantly see through illusions.
Accepting this reality, Violet discarded her attempts at trickery and shifted to a more direct strategy.
"Empoleon, keep your distance! Whirlpool!"
"Teleport, Fury Cutter!" Evan countered swiftly.
The battle escalated. Both Trainers issued commands in rapid succession, their voices sharp and deliberate. Violet became more serious than ever, realizing Evan was far stronger than she had anticipated. His skills weren't limited to breeding—his command over Gallade was exceptional.
Under Evan's guidance, Gallade fought with unrelenting intensity, striking with precision and power. The Pokémon seemed to grow more energized as the battle continued. Its moves became sharper, faster, and more effective, as though it were evolving in real time under the pressure.
Gallade felt exhilarated. My Trainer understands me perfectly. This battle is incredible!
No longer restrained, Gallade attacked with heightened ferocity, its blade slicing through the air with deadly accuracy. Empoleon, under Violet's command, fought valiantly but was clearly on the defensive. The tide of the battle was shifting.
Violet felt the strain. She hadn't anticipated this level of skill from Evan. Her mind raced for strategies, but each of Gallade's increasingly fierce attacks piled on more pressure. She couldn't afford even a moment of hesitation—any mistake could cost her the match.
From a distance, the watching students were awestruck. Their eyes were glued to the battlefield as the two Pokémon clashed repeatedly.
"Wow, Empoleon's ranged attacks are incredible, but Gallade dodges them every time!" one exclaimed.
"Did you see that? Evan keeps making Gallade use Teleport! It's like it's his signature move," another observed.
They had retreated even further from the battlefield, unnerved by the sheer intensity of the combat. Without protective barriers like those in professional arenas, the wild battleground amplified the sense of danger.
The clash between Gallade and Empoleon continued, their moves relentless. Each strike, dodge, and counterattack showcased not only their strength but also the skill and determination of their Trainers. The battlefield, soaked and scarred, bore witness to their extraordinary duel.
Just moments earlier, Empoleon's Hydro Pump had nearly swept away some of the spectators in a massive wave.
Thankfully, Sophia had intervened, using Garchomp's strength to shield them from harm. Without her, an ambulance would likely have been needed. This near-miss left a powerful impression on the crowd—no one dared venture close to the battlefield now.
The ferocity of the battle attracted nearby residents, curious to see what was happening. Children from the orphanage, accompanied by Kirlia, also gathered to watch from a safe distance. To them, this clash resembled a battle between gods.
Aunt Jenn was among the onlookers. As she observed the intense confrontation between Evan and Violet, a newfound respect for Evan's abilities dawned on her. So this is how powerful Evan has become, she thought. Battles like these were usually seen only on television, not right in front of her eyes.
The gathering crowd was diverse: residents from the area, children from the orphanage, and students attending a summer camp. Even Trainers from nearby towns were drawn in. Every single person was captivated by the battle, their eyes fixed on the action as if studying every move, every strategy.
Some had even started recording the spectacle with their phones, hoping to capture this extraordinary event.
As the battle grew more heated, both Pokémon seemed to break free of some invisible restraint. Suddenly, they vanished, reappearing only to collide at blinding speeds. The sheer intensity of their movements sent shockwaves through the battlefield.
Seeing this, Evan and Violet exchanged knowing glances. They both realized what had just happened—both Gallade and Empoleon had achieved a breakthrough.
Understanding the moment, the Trainers silently agreed to let their Pokémon take the reins. They stepped back, allowing Gallade and Empoleon to continue on their own.
Gallade's blades clashed with Empoleon's gleaming wings, each collision resounding like a missile detonation. The battle escalated rapidly, with neither Pokémon willing to relent. The force of their combat forced the crowd to retreat further, terrified by the ferocity on display.
Gardevoir, sensing the escalating danger, quickly teleported Evan to a safer position. Violet's Metagross mirrored the action, ensuring its Trainer was out of harm's way.
By now, Gallade and Empoleon were fully immersed in their battle, their competitive spirits ablaze. Neither Trainer could safely intervene. Even Evan, who could link with Gallade via Psychic, chose not to interfere. This is their fight now, he decided. Let them settle it on their own.
Onlookers stood in stunned silence as the Pokémon exchanged a dazzling array of moves: Scald, Brine, Hyper Beam, Rock Tomb. Teleport, Psycho Cut, Quick Guard, Close Combat. The battlefield became a chaotic canvas of elemental clashes, growing more intense with each passing second.
"This isn't just a Trainer battle," one spectator whispered in awe. "This is like a fight between legendary Pokémon."
Even Violet, who usually maintained her composure, found herself unsettled. She walked over to Evan, her expression serious.
"You have Psychic powers, don't you?" she asked directly. "Make them stop. There's no need for this to go on."
Evan scratched the back of his head, a wry smile on his face. "These two are already in the zone. They're not going to stop anytime soon. It's best to let them work it out."
"You're just going to let them keep going?" Violet asked, exasperated.
Evan shrugged. "They'll calm down eventually. When they're done, I'll call them back and offer some food. It's not like they'll fight forever. Let's just step aside and let them sort it out."
Violet sighed, glancing at the relentless battle. She understood his point—once Pokémon reached this state, even their Trainers had little say in stopping them. She recalled moments when her own Pokémon had been similarly unstoppable.
"Well, you'd better tell them something," she said.
Evan nodded. A faint blue glow returned to his eyes as he used his Psychic ability to convey a message directly to Gallade and Empoleon: Once you're done, come back for a meal. Don't overdo it.
Satisfied, Violet stood beside him, watching the battle unfold. If this is how Trainers like Evan command their Pokémon, it's no wonder they become so powerful.