Grace showed Lionel examples of matches she had witnessed.
"For instance, I once saw a player use a Fire-type and a Grass-type Pokémon together, but they miscontrolled 'Larvesta,' burning their partner's 'Vine Whip' to ashes. It was incredibly embarrassing.
Many players who excel in singles matches stumble in their first doubles match.
After all, the timing of skill combos and energy management are completely different from singles matches. You have to be very careful!"
"I'll pay attention. Thank you for reminding me." Lionel nodded, keeping this in mind.
Soon, the two arrived at the lake.
It was a tranquil and pleasant place. The volcanic ash seemed to have been dispersed by the lake breeze, making the air exceptionally fresh.
The lake water was crystal clear, reflecting the trees on the shore and the clouds in the sky.
Occasionally, a few Goldeens would leap out of the water, splashing ripples and breaking the lake's tranquility. Lionel took out a Poké Ball and said with a smile,
"Come out, Milotic, Tyrantrum, Larvesta, and Metang."
A few flashes of red light appeared, and the four Pokémon appeared joyfully.
At the lakeside. Milotic, as soon as it appeared, gracefully swam into the lake.
Its milky-white body shimmered like pearls in the sunlight, and its pair of agile blue wings on its head made it move like a flower blooming on the water, so beautiful that it was impossible to look away.
Grace's eyes lit up instantly. She hurried to the lakeside and couldn't help but exclaim in amazement, "My goodness, is that a Shiny Milotic? It's so beautiful!"
She cautiously reached out her hand, and Milotic gently nestled its head against hers, allowing her to stroke it softly.
Unlike its disdain for Professor Birch, Milotic seemed to genuinely like Grace, this elegant older sister.
It would occasionally splash water with its tail, leaving a cool mark on the back of her hand.
It also obediently allowed Grace to stroke its smooth body.
"It's so beautiful..." Grace murmured, carefully stroking Milotic's skin.
She would gently knead it every now and then, her movements as tender as if she were handling a rare treasure.
Milotic comfortably shook its head, letting out a melodious chirp, as if responding to her affection.
Grace then turned her gaze to the floating, oddly colored metallic monster beside her, her eyes filled with surprise:
"Is this the same Pokémon as Champion Steven?
I'm so envious of you."
Grace's gaze towards Lionel was full of envy.
Metang seemed to understand Grace's words, slightly turning its body, as if showing off its form.
The nearby Tyrantrum and Larvesta, feeling ignored, sauntered over to Grace, not wanting to be outdone.
The Tyrantrum lowered its head and gently rubbed its head against her arm, making a purring sound in its throat, as if it were being affectionate.
Larvesta, on the other hand, bounced around in front of her, the flames on its small antennae flickering joyfully with its movements, as if displaying its vitality.
Grace chuckled at the two little creatures and reached out to pat their heads:
"You're both adorable."
After laughing, Grace took out her own Poké Ball:
"Come out, Medicham, Gallade."
The red light faded, and two Pokémon appeared before her.
One was a Medicham that Lionel recognized, still possessing that composed and capable demeanor, its hands clasped together, bowing slightly to Lionel.
The other Pokémon, however, caught Lionel's eye:
It had a slender body, its hands seemingly wielding gleaming blades, and wore an ornament resembling a gladiator's helmet, exuding a heroic aura, its red eyes holding a touch of composure.
Even more remarkable was that it noticed Lionel the moment it appeared, bowing slightly to him in a perfect knightly salute.
The movement was elegant and respectful.
Lionel's eyes also revealed the following information about this Pokémon:
[Pokémon: Gallade]
[Type: Psychic, Fighting]
[Category: Blade Pokémon]
[Ability: Sharpness (Pokémon with this ability will have significantly increased power when using cutting-type moves)]
[Moves: Slice, Ambush, Slash, Holy Sword, Future Sight, Leaf Blade, Double Team, Water Slash, Teleport, Aerial Aerial, Psychic, Swords Dance, Brick Break]
Grace introduced Gallade to Lionel:
"This is my Gallade. You've already seen Medicham. I brought them here specifically to test their teamwork in the competition."
Gallade's appearance immediately attracted the attention of Tyrantrum and Larvesta.
Larvesta's small eyes were full of envy, thinking this Pokémon was incredibly cool. The Tyrantrum narrowed its eyes slightly, sensing a considerable aura emanating from Gallade.
Its gaze held a mixture of wariness and curiosity.
"Alright, Gallade, don't be so reserved, go play with them for a while!" Grace said with a smile.
Gallade nodded at Grace, then turned and walked towards the Tyrantrum and the others.
Although Gallade seemed calm and aloof, it quickly became friends with the enthusiastic Lamius and the curious Tyrantrum.
It even patiently demonstrated a few elegant "sword-wielding" moves.
This caused Lamius to excitedly circle around it, occasionally spitting out small clusters of flame in response, creating a very cheerful scene.
The atmosphere by the lake gradually became lively.
Lionel and Grace sat on a bench on the shore, exchanging experiences on Pokémon breeding.
Getting into the conversation, Lionel remembered a question that had always intrigued him and couldn't help but ask:
"Miss Grace, I know that Gardevoir and Gallade are both evolved from Kirlia." Does Gallade, like Gardevoir, have male and female versions?
Grace smiled upon hearing this:
"Haha, I knew you'd ask that. Many people ask me this after seeing Gallade.
Gallade is only male!
Female Kirlia can only evolve into Gardevoir.
Male Kirlia can choose to evolve into either Gardevoir or Gallade based on their own preference.
It mainly depends on the Pokémon's own choice.
Some male Kirlia prefer a pretty appearance and, according to their own wishes, will prefer to evolve into a beautiful Gardevoir."
"Trainers who raise Ralts usually communicate with them when they are young to understand their wishes, in order to prepare them for future evolution."
After a pause, Grace continued,
"I have a Gardevoir at home, a very gentle lady.
She is also Gallade's wife, and the two Pokémon have a very good relationship. We didn't bring her out this time; she's at home taking care of their babies!
She's a very cute little Ralts, especially clingy."
"I see!"
Lionel looked enlightened and said to Grace.