Pokémon: Trainer Paul

"Elekid, prepare for battle."

In the Battle Plaza, Paul approached his next opponent, Theo, who had just secured an eight-win streak. Pulling out a Poké Ball, he tossed it forward.

"Bzzt bzzt!"

Elekid appeared on the battlefield, arms crossed, it smirk mocking Theo's Prinplup.

"Phew, it's just an Elekid, not an Electabuzz. Its strength should be pretty average," Theo thought, feeling both unlucky and slightly relieved. As a baby Pokémon, Elekid was generally weaker, like Pichu or Cleffa.

So... this match must be won!

"The challenger will have the first move. Begin!" announced the referee.

"Work Up!"

Paul chose to power up rather than attack immediately.

"Bzzt bzzt!"

I'm the best!

Elekid puffed out its chest, muttering words of self-encouragement. Its confidence surged, and so did its power.

Attack and Special Attack increased!

"Don't let it Work Up! Prinplup, use Water Gun!" Theo commanded.

Prinplup opened its beak, firing a jet of water toward Elekid.

"Charge in with Thunder Punch!"

Elekid locked onto the water gun's trajectory, dodged with a quick sidestep, and rushed toward Prinplup, electricity crackling from its fists.

"Prinplup, use Metal Claw!"

Prinplup stood its ground, its flippers gleaming like steel, clashing with Elekid's fists.

Boom!

The impact left Prinplup staggering, nearly knocked off its feet.

"Such power?" Theo was stunned.

Even after one or two work-ups, Elekid shouldn't be stronger than Prinplup in raw strength. Yet Prinplup was clearly on the back foot.

Elekid gave Prinplup no time to recover, raining punch after punch. Prinplup could only barely fend them off with Metal Claw.

"Prinplup, Water Gun!"

Taking a risky move, Prinplup gathered energy and retreated while firing another water gun.

But with a flash of light, Elekid used Quick Attack to evade the stream, circling to Prinplup's side.

"Thunder Punch!"

"Bzzt bzzt!"

Prinplup heard Elekid's disdainful snicker just before a thunder punch slammed into its side, sending it flying.

"Prin!"

The super-effective hit left Prinplup struggling to stay upright, visibly in pain and on the verge of collapse.

"Bzzt bzzt!"

Elekid smirked even wider, its mocking gaze fixed on Prinplup.

"Prin!"

Infuriated by Elekid's taunts, Prinplup began to glow with the light of evolution.

"Yes! Prinplup, you're evolving!" Theo's eyes glistened with emotion.

"Oh, evolving?" Paul remained unfazed. "Elekid, Charge."

"Bzzt bzzt!"

Elekid nodded, spinning its arms to generate electricity. It boosted its next electric attack's power and special defense while keeping a close eye on Prinplup's transformation.

Within the light, Prinplup grew larger and sturdier. Its wings gained sharp claws, and a golden crown-like crest appeared on its head. Its sleek, black, white, and blue body resembled a regal tuxedo, exuding power and nobility.

"Prinplup evolved?"

"The tide's turning!"

"Empoleon is both elegant and powerful. How can a little Elekid stand a chance?"

"Empoleon will crush it, no question!"

The audience buzzed with excitement at the dramatic evolution.

"Empoleon!"

With a triumphant roar, the newly evolved Pokémon flexed its newfound strength, its aura commanding respect.

"Great! Empoleon, show them our power! Use Wa—"

"Thunder!"

Before Theo could finish, a bolt of golden lightning erupted from Elekid, crashing down onto Empoleon.

Super effective!

In an instant, Empoleon was paralyzed by the lightning's overwhelming power, its eyes glazing over.

Fueled by Work Up and Charge, Elekid's thunder was three times stronger than normal. Already worn down, Empoleon stood no chance.

"Prin…"

Empoleon collapsed onto the battlefield, unable to fight.

"You…!"

Theo's face turned red with frustration, but he couldn't find the words.

The crowd, the referee, even Theo himself were momentarily stunned by the unexpected turn of events.

Paul shot Theo a cold glance. "Referee, aren't you going to announce the result?"

Though it was considered unsportsmanlike to attack during an opponent's evolution, no official rules prohibited it. Paul had exploited this loophole to devastating effect.

After a brief pause, the referee declared, "Empoleon is unable to battle! Elekid wins!"

"You… Empoleon, you did great. Come back," Theo muttered, recalling his Pokémon and leaving the field in silence.

"Too much talk."

Paul's faint remarks reached Theo as he walked away.

"Wow, what an intense match! Paul has ended Theo's eight-win streak. Let's give him a round of applause!" the commentator exclaimed, trying to lighten the mood.

But the audience's response was lukewarm, their disapproval of Paul's tactics evident.

"Next up, we have Ning from Jubilife City!" the referee announced.

A young girl in a T-shirt and shorts stepped forward, her voice trembling with determination. "Don't underestimate me! I'm stronger than I look!"

But Paul didn't even glance at her.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you want to access advance chapters, please visit: patreon.com / PMadz_23