The emerald leaves of the storm instantly merged with the flames. Because Sunkern within the Fire Spin was unaffected by the move, green leaves continuously emerged from Sunkern, only to be devoured by the crimson flames.
The visually stunning scene made everyone present gasp in amazement.
"I like this," one of the judges couldn't help saying.
"Even like this, it's still unaffected?" Nurse Joy looked at Sunkern in confusion.
All of this completely exceeded Nurse Joy's understanding of Sunkern as a Pokémon. She couldn't imagine any scenario where a Grass-type Pokémon could stand there completely unharmed after taking two attacks from a Fire-type Pokémon many levels higher than itself.
Meanwhile, in Pelican Town, seeing Haley gain more points, everyone couldn't help but cheer for her.
Only Team Rocket, who were somewhat familiar with Pokémon, and Nurse Joy at the counter, had increasingly grave expressions.
"Meowth, come here."
Jessie poked the completely stunned Meowth and called out to him softly.
—
Meowth snapped back to attention. He quickly stood up and followed Jessie and the others, carefully bending down to leave through the crowd. At the doorway, seeing no one around, Jessie couldn't help but whisper: "Did you see that? That Sunkern."
"I saw it, meow." Meowth nodded blankly. "Terrifying, meow."
The last time he had seen something like this was probably when that Mega Evolved Charizard got up from the ground after taking a full-power hit from the twerp's Greninja.
But even that day, that Charizard hadn't looked completely unaffected like that Sunkern.
"And they didn't react at all!" Jessie continued.
She had carefully observed the expressions of the Pelican Town residents. Aside from pride for Haley, not a single person showed any confusion at that scene.
As if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Jessie's expression grew increasingly serious.
"This town isn't simple," Jessie said in a low voice.
"—" Meowth paused, then finally spoke: "Don't state the obvious like it's some major discovery, meow."
As soon as he finished speaking, Meowth got hit by Jessie.
"Wow, you thought of that? Impressive." James gave a thumbs up.
"—" Meowth stared up at James, secretly deciding to wait until after James spoke next time this happened.
It just so happened that Team Rocket wasn't watching the match anymore. Seeing this, Ron came out to discuss housing arrangements with them.
As soon as Ron pushed open the door, Team Rocket jumped in fright.
"W-we weren't conspiring anything, meow!"
"..."
"Meow!" Meowth covered his head as Jessie clamped her hand tightly over his mouth.
"Uh, well, it's just that it was too stuffy inside, so we came out for some fresh air. This kid starts talking nonsense when he can't breathe properly."
"—" Ron was silent for a moment, then pretended he hadn't heard anything. He proceeded to repeat what Robin had told him.
"We're going furniture shopping later, meow? Meowth gets his own room too, meow?" Meowth looked at Ron with excitement.
"Eventually." Ron paused: "Initially there's only one small room, but once you've saved enough money, you can find Robin to expand."
"I see. Then build it—" Jessie and James exchanged glances: "At the farm is fine."
"I see. When Robin comes tomorrow, you can discuss with her. Probably the day after tomorrow—" Ron thought for a moment: "Not certain. Anyway, stay in that small room for now. I've already paid for it. Later, follow Robin to pick out furniture."
With that, Ron pointed them toward Robin: "That's her."
"Okay, meow!" Meowth nodded.
"Work will be relatively light these next few days. When you're free later, you can walk around town, but it's best not to go to places with signs posted." Ron thought for a moment. "It's not very safe. If you really want to go, remember to bring a Rattata."
Although this was a town, and even if Team Rocket got blasted off they wouldn't fly too far, Ron still considerately added this.
He hadn't explored the woods himself, so he wasn't entirely sure what Pokémon were in there.
"Got it, got it."
Seeing the three nodding like pecking chickens, Ron went back inside.
With this interruption from Ron, they lost their desire to discuss further. It was freezing outside, so after exchanging glances, they returned to the Community Center.
The match on the other side was now in its final countdown.
Because she had underestimated Sunkern at the beginning and fallen behind by fifteen points, although Serena had tried her best in the latter half, she was still five points behind Haley.
"Time's up! The winner of this match is—Haley from Pelican Town!" Marianne shouted.
Cheers erupted throughout the room instantly.
Most people only had a superficial understanding of this competition. Some didn't understand type matchups at all, so they completely missed what had actually happened.
They just felt that as long as they beat the girl who had faced Abigail last time, the Contest championship was already in the bag.
The one clapping hardest below was Emily. Watching Haley giving a magnificent curtain call to the audience, she felt both proud and moved.
Even though she had no idea how this match was won.
But that didn't matter anymore.
What mattered was that Haley was happy throughout this.
That was enough.
Meowth sat back by the food and ate heartily.
The doubts in his heart earlier—Indeedee had heard them all.
But because he had also heard Ron's explanation, there wasn't much to be confused about. Since Meowth had just floated a few bad ideas, Indeedee had no intention of explaining anything to him.
Even though the Bellossom nearby kept emphasizing that Meowth was a good Meowth.
But out of caution, Indeedee chose to let Meowth remain confused.
Time shifted to afternoon, and the competition ended.
As expected, Haley won this Pokémon Contest championship.
Everyone left the Community Center still wanting more, while Team Rocket followed Robin to the Carpenter's Shop to pick out furniture they liked.
As for Ron, he was now preparing to go to Penny's house.
Glancing at Indeedee, who was calling out "Indeedee, indeedee" while waving at Ron and directing the Rattatas to leave in an orderly fashion, Ron took a deep breath and walked over to Penny.
"What's with him?" Penny glanced at Indeedee and asked.
"Nothing, he's cheering slogans for the Rattatas."
Listening to the rhythmic "Indeedee, indeedee" in his ears, Ron wished at this moment that he were deaf.
"I see. By the way," Penny turned to look at Ron: "Mom and I grew quite a few Powdermelons. You can try some later."
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