Pikachu at its peak was no joke.
As a Pokémon that could fight on the level of a champion's ace, even Aiden Flint's Milotic couldn't take it lightly. On top of that, Electric types naturally countered Water types, making this matchup extremely dangerous.
"Pikachu still has a real chance here," Ash muttered under his breath.
Aiden smiled faintly.
"Ash, Milotic is one of my main partners. If you can defeat her, you'll at least make the top four in the Ever Grande Conference."
Ash turned his cap backward, eyes burning with resolve.
"Pikachu! Show Aiden what we can do! Thunderbolt!"
"Milotic, Water Pulse!"
Pikachu struck first. Electricity exploded from its cheeks, a brilliant bolt tearing across the battlefield.
Milotic answered with a roaring spiral of water that slammed forward like a cannon.
The two attacks hit at the same time.
Milotic's body crackled as electricity raced across her scales, leaving blackened scorch marks on her once-pristine skin.
Pikachu was blasted backward by the Water Pulse, tumbling hard across the ground, taking far more damage from the impact than from the attack itself.
The opening exchange ended in a draw.
Aiden's eyes narrowed slightly.
"You've grown a lot, Ash… but it's still not enough."
"Milotic, Ice Beam!"
"Pikachu, Quick Attack—dodge it!"
Ash reacted instantly, but the battlefield was already soaked from Water Pulse. The temperature dropped sharply as Ice Beam froze the wet ground.
Pikachu launched into Quick Attack—only to skid wildly on the ice, losing all control and sliding straight out of the field.
Before it could recover, Ice Beam struck.
Pikachu was instantly frozen in a block of ice.
"Pikachu!" Ash shouted in panic.
Aiden felt a strange unease.
If this were Ash, something crazy was about to happen.
"Pikachu, don't give up!" Ash yelled, fists clenched. "We promised we'd become Pokémon Masters! Are we really going to lose to just one of Aiden's Pokémon?!"
"Pika… CHU!"
Electricity burst from Pikachu's frozen body.
The ice shattered.
Aiden sighed.
"…Of course."
The bond had kicked in.
"Milotic, Dragon Tail!"
"Pikachu, Volt Tackle!"
Pikachu became a streak of lightning, charging forward in a suicidal rush.
Milotic swung her glowing tail with all her strength.
The impact was catastrophic.
A massive explosion engulfed the battlefield.
When the smoke cleared, both Pokémon were still standing—barely—staring each other down.
Then they collapsed at the same time.
"Milotic and Pikachu are both unable to battle!"
Even being double-countered by Electric type, Milotic had still forced a draw with Ash's strongest partner.
That alone proved how terrifying Aiden's ace truly was.
Ash wiped sweat from his brow and threw his last Poké Ball.
"Go, Glalie!"
Aiden barely hesitated.
"Umbreon, Dark Pulse."
Glalie fired Ice Beam.
Umbreon's dark energy smashed through it.
The battle ended instantly.
Ash had no Pokémon left.
"I… lost…" Ash said softly.
Aiden walked over and gave him a small nod.
"Winning and losing is normal, Ash. You're strong—much stronger than before. Now let's meet again at the Ever Grande Conference."
Ash clenched his fists.
"I will beat you there. I promise."
Aiden smiled and turned away.
As he left the city, his phone rang.
It was J.
"Boss," her voice came through, low and excited.
"I've found the trail of another Legendary Pokémon."
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