Norman recalled the fainted Slakoth. Looking at Ethan standing proudly on the field, he burst into hearty laughter, his eyes full of admiration.
"Hahaha! Ethan, you really kept a lot hidden. That Eevee has incredible talent, and your commands were sharp and precise. Even I got caught off guard. Impressive."
"Huh? Dad lost?!" Max stared at the downed Slakoth and instantly deflated. His eyes went a little red as he muttered in frustration, "Slakoth was so strong, and it still got beaten by Ethan's Eevee…"
"Max, winning and losing is normal. Don't take it so hard." Norman spoke gently, then tossed another Poké Ball.
A flash of red light, and a strange Pokémon appeared on the field. Its body color shifted like a chameleon, constantly blending with the surroundings in a mysterious way.
"Since the first round was lost, then for the second round, it will fight. Go, Kecleon!"
Ethan felt a chill in his chest. Elite mid level. That was far above Eevee, which had just broken into elite early. And Kecleon's Color Change made it even trickier. If it took a hit and changed type, one wrong move could turn into a disaster.
"Since Eevee needs a break, then you're up." Ethan threw a Poké Ball. "Come out, Phanpy! Use Rollout and start the attack!"
Phanpy landed with a soft but determined cry. Without hesitating, it curled into a ball and began spinning fast, charging straight toward Kecleon like a rolling boulder.
"Kecleon, vanish and dodge. Then use Grass Knot!" Norman ordered calmly.
Kecleon's body shifted color and seemed to melt into the environment, disappearing from sight. Phanpy's Rollout slammed into empty space and crashed into the ground, kicking up dust, but it hit nothing.
In the next instant, green energy formed into tough, vine like cords that snapped around Phanpy's legs. Phanpy cried out as it lost balance and tumbled hard, Rollout breaking immediately.
"Good. Kecleon, press the advantage. Use Slash!" Norman's eyes sharpened.
An invisible presence rushed in. A claw glowing with white light cut through the air toward Phanpy's position.
"Phanpy, dodge! Dig, now!" Ethan shouted, his face tightening.
Phanpy endured the pain, scraped at the ground with its feet and trunk, and dove underground just in time. The glowing slash hit the earth instead, carving a nasty crack as rocks flew.
"Kecleon, stay alert. Watch for movement and don't let Phanpy ambush you," Norman said, scanning the field.
"Phanpy, pop up behind it and use Iron Head!" Ethan's voice snapped out.
The ground trembled. Phanpy burst up behind Kecleon, its forehead shining with steel like power as it slammed forward.
"Substitute, then Disable," Norman replied, unhurried.
A decoy appeared instantly in front of Kecleon. Phanpy's Iron Head smashed through it, scattering the substitute into light.
At the same time, a purple beam struck Phanpy. The steel power on its head vanished as if cut off. Iron Head was sealed, and Phanpy could no longer use it.
"What?!" Ethan's eyes widened. "Phanpy, watch out!"
"Now. Kecleon, finish it. Slash!" Norman's tone carried quiet certainty.
Kecleon lunged again, the white glow flaring along its claws. May and Max held their breath. Caroline clasped her hands. Even Eevee and Pikachu off the field cried out anxiously.
Boom!
But the expected scene did not happen.
A pale blue barrier wrapped around Phanpy, stopping the slash cold. No matter how the glowing claws pushed, the shield held firm.
"That's Protect!" Ethan shouted in joy. "Phanpy, you did it!"
Phanpy smiled up at him, clearly thrilled it had pulled it off.
"Good! Counterattack. Use Stomp!" Ethan ordered immediately.
Phanpy leapt and slammed its heavy feet down. Ground type energy rippled outward as jagged shockwaves tore across the field toward Kecleon.
Norman laughed loudly, fully entertained.
"Haha! What a match. So many surprises. Ethan, you didn't disappoint me. But it's time to decide it. Kecleon, hang on. Use Sunny Day, then charge Solar Beam!"
Kecleon took the stomping shockwaves and slid back, hurt but unyielding. Its energy surged upward, and sunlight intensified across the training ground. The air turned hot and dry as the brightness spiked.
Then Kecleon gathered power in its mouth. Green light condensed fast, becoming a blazing beam that fired like a cannon.
"Phanpy, Protect again! Block it!" Ethan shouted, urgency in every word.
Phanpy tried. A blue shield formed, but this time luck was not on its side. The barrier shattered under the Solar Beam, breaking apart like bubbles.
The beam struck Phanpy head on. Light exploded across the field. Phanpy cried out and was blasted back into the ground, dust rising everywhere. It struggled, then its strength gave out completely, eyes rolling as it fainted.
Norman recalled Kecleon and walked over. His expression was warm and approving as he looked at Ethan.
"You did very well. Challenging across such a huge gap and lasting that long, even forcing Kecleon into danger more than once, that takes real skill and real command. Among young trainers in Hoenn, you're already top class."
Ethan scratched his head, smiling shyly. "You're praising me too much. A lot of it was luck. I barely escaped a few times."
"Luck is part of strength. Don't downplay yourself." Norman patted Ethan's shoulder with a grin. "Your talent, your persistence, and your bond with your Pokémon. Those are your greatest weapons."
"Yes! Dad won!" Max jumped up, waving his arms, his earlier gloom erased.
"Max." Norman's voice turned serious. "I told you already, don't cling to winning and losing. This was just a training match. The point is to sharpen skill and gain experience. If all you see is the result, you miss the meaning."
Max's smile froze. He looked down and mumbled, "But… Dad won, so I'm happy…"
"No but." Norman stayed firm, but not harsh. "Think about it. True strength isn't defined by a single win or loss. Ethan lost this match, yet his courage and skill still deserve respect."
Max glanced at Ethan, then at his father, and finally nodded quietly. "I understand, Dad."
Norman's expression softened. He turned back to Ethan, his fighting spirit burning again.
"That was fun. I'm looking forward to your official challenge once the Petalburg Gym is repaired. When you come back, I know you'll be even stronger."
Ethan nodded hard, determination shining in his eyes.
"Don't worry, Norman. Next time I'll be stronger. I'll come back with all my Pokémon and challenge you properly for the badge. I will win the Petalburg Badge and sprint toward the Hoenn League!"
The wind brushed through the training ground. Leaves swayed under the bright sun. In the boy's eyes, a flame refused to go out.
(End of Chapter)
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