"Come out, Lapras!" Misty called, taking out an Ultra Ball and tossing it toward the water's edge of the stadium.
A large blue Pokémon materialized in a flash of light. The gentle creature seemed to delight in the feeling of being in the water, playfully splashing around.
Name: Lapras
Type: Water/Ice
Ability: Shell Armor
Level: 34
Potential: Quasi-Elite
"A Lapras with Quasi-elite potential," Eddie muttered. "Obviously this is the Pokémon Misty is grooming to be her main battler. She's really serious now."
Eddie observed the Lapras, noting how it radiated a powerful aura despite its gentle appearance. Pokémon like Lapras were generally peaceful creatures that preferred not to fight, yet possessed remarkable strength. More importantly, they had exceptionally high intelligence and could understand human speech, allowing for greater synchronization with their Trainers than most other Pokémon.
"Morning Sun," Misty said with exaggerated politeness, using the name from Eddie's Trainer ID, "you just taught me some battle tactics, and I'm very grateful."
She smiled broadly. "Now, to repay your lesson, I'd like to teach you something about battling as well."
Eddie knew the pleasant expression masked her anger at being tricked earlier.
"That is," she continued, her smile turning competitive, "no matter how clever your strategies are, they're nothing compared to absolute strength!"
"Lapras! Ice Shard!" Misty commanded, dropping all pretense of politeness as she ordered her Pokémon to launch a fierce attack.
Ice Shard wasn't as powerful as Ice Beam, but it compensated with exceptional speed. Eddie recalled that the Pokédex described it as a move where the Pokémon hurls shards of ice that strike first, almost always hitting before the opponent can react.
Of course, the real world of Pokémon battles wasn't governed by game mechanics—no move was guaranteed to hit—but Ice Shard's speed was undeniable.
Misty had Lapras unleash a continuous barrage, creating a veritable storm of ice projectiles that Grovyle had to face.
The battle unfolded exactly as Eddie anticipated. Lapras launched its relentless attack, and against the onslaught of incredibly fast projectiles, Grovyle could only use Quick Attack to dodge.
But evasion alone wouldn't secure victory. Lapras maintained its offensive while Grovyle was forced to continuously evade. The dynamic was clear: Lapras could afford to miss occasionally, but Grovyle couldn't risk being hit even once.
Eddie knew more powerful attacks would follow any moment Grovyle showed weakness.
"This is Misty's strength," Eddie thought. "She specializes in Water-type Pokémon and uses overwhelming, storm-like attacks to pressure her opponents. When they finally make a mistake, the battle ends instantly."
Eddie had faced this strategy during his previous challenge against Misty, but his Pokémon had only been level 21 then. Now facing a level 34 Lapras, the assault was considerably more intense.
"I can't just wait to be defeated," Eddie decided. "Even if Grovyle falls, I need to weaken Lapras first. Besides, I still have a chance to win!"
Eddie realized Grovyle's long-range options were limited. It only had two powerful distance attacks: Solar Beam and Giga Drain. The former required charging time, which Misty wouldn't allow, and the latter had too short a range to use against Lapras.
But Eddie had a strategy, though the odds of success were slim. He couldn't hesitate now.
"Grovyle, Quick Attack—charge forward!" he commanded.
Rather than being forced into a mistake, better to take a calculated risk and attack!
Grovyle roared in acknowledgment and abandoned its defensive tactics. It faced the barrage of Ice Shards and rushed forward!
Though Ice Shard had incredible speed, its power wasn't overwhelming. Even with the type disadvantage, Grovyle could endure it briefly.
But Grovyle wasn't simply taking hits pointlessly. As it charged forward using Quick Attack, it also used the leaf blades on its arms to deflect incoming Ice Shards, minimizing the damage.
"Hmm, not a bad choice," Misty observed. "If you keep dodging, you'll definitely lose, but charging like this gives you at least a small chance."
She smiled confidently. "Well, just a very small chance."
Misty then issued her next command: "Lapras, Ice Beam!"
"Laaaaa!" Lapras called out melodiously, ceasing its Ice Shard barrage and preparing to unleash the more powerful Ice Beam.
"Now's our chance! Go all out!" Eddie shouted.
This was the moment Eddie had been waiting for. Grovyle, though covered in injuries, continued its charge with determination burning in its eyes.
Quick Attack provided exceptional speed. Though momentarily slowed by the Ice Shard assault, Grovyle now had an opening with Lapras transitioning between attacks. It closed the distance rapidly.
"It's useless," Misty declared. "Even if you reach my Lapras, my attack is already charged. One hit and this battle is over!"
"Lapras, finish it!"
Misty had seen this tactic many times before. Trainers often tried to close distance when facing her Lapras, but all had fallen to its powerful attacks.
"The outcome isn't decided until the final moment!" Eddie countered. "Grovyle, go for broke! Thunder Punch!"
In that critical instant when Lapras ceased its Ice Shard barrage to prepare Ice Beam, Grovyle reached its opponent.
Though wounded, Grovyle's fighting spirit remained undiminished. Its fist crackled with electrical energy as it prepared to strike.
Lapras had already begun its attack. Ice Beam and Thunder Punch collided in a dramatic clash of elements.
It was immediately clear that Grovyle was at a disadvantage.
Lapras, as an Ice-type Pokémon, received a power boost when using Ice-type moves. Grovyle, being Grass-type, gained no similar advantage using Electric-type moves. Additionally, Lapras's higher level gave it a natural edge in the power struggle.
"It's over. I've won this match," Misty announced, ready to deliver her victory speech.
"No," Eddie countered. "The battle isn't finished yet. The outcome remains uncertain."
"What? Can't you see..."
"What if Grovyle can't defeat Lapras with one hand?" Eddie interrupted. "Then it'll use both hands together!"