Grace used examples from competitions she had seen before to explain things to Theo in detail.
"For example, I once saw a contestant try to coordinate a Fire type Pokémon with a Grass type Pokémon. In the end, the Flamethrower wasn't controlled properly and burned their partner's Vine Whip to ashes. The scene was incredibly awkward.
Many contestants who perform exceptionally well in single battles stumble badly the first time they participate in a double performance. After all, the timing of move coordination and the control of energy are completely different from single matches, so you really have to pay close attention."
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for the reminder."
Theo nodded, firmly engraving this advice into his memory.
Soon, the two of them arrived at the lakeside.
The place was quiet and pleasant. The volcanic ash seemed to have been scattered away by the breeze over the lake, making the air especially fresh.
The lake water was crystal clear, reflecting the trees along the shore and the clouds in the sky. Occasionally, a few Goldeen leapt out of the water, creating ripples that spread across the surface and gently broke the stillness.
Theo took out his Poké Balls and said with a smile,
"Come out, Milotic, Tyrantrum, Larvesta, Metang."
Several flashes of red light appeared as the four Pokémon happily emerged by the lakeside.
As soon as Milotic appeared, it gracefully swam into the lake.
Its creamy white body shimmered under the sunlight with a pearl like luster. Combined with the elegant blue fins on its head, its movements resembled a flower blooming upon the water, so beautiful that it was impossible to look away.
Grace's eyes lit up instantly. She quickly walked to the lakeside and could not help but exclaim,
"My goodness, this is a shiny Milotic? It's truly breathtaking…"
She carefully reached out her hand, and Milotic gently leaned its head toward her, allowing her to stroke it.
Unlike the slight disdain it had shown toward Professor Birch before, Milotic seemed to like Grace very much.
From time to time, it lifted water with its tail and lightly sprinkled it onto the back of her hand, leaving a refreshing coolness behind. It also calmly allowed her to run her hands along its smooth body.
"It's really too beautiful…"
Grace continued to praise it softly while carefully caressing its skin. She even gently massaged it from time to time, her movements so tender that it felt as if she were handling a priceless treasure.
Milotic swayed its head comfortably and let out a pleasant cry, as though responding to her affection.
Afterward, Grace turned her attention to the shiny Metang floating nearby, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"So this is the same kind of Pokémon as Champion Steven's? I really envy you."
The look she gave Theo was full of admiration.
Metang understood her words and slightly rotated its body, as if showing off its form.
Meanwhile, Tyrantrum and Larvesta, who had been ignored for a moment, were unwilling to be left out. They waddled up to Grace.
Tyrantrum lowered its head and gently nudged her arm, letting out a low rumbling sound as if acting spoiled.
Larvesta bounced up and down in front of her, the flames on its small antennae flickering cheerfully as it showed off its energy.
Grace was amused by the two little ones and reached out to pat their heads.
"You two are adorable as well."
After laughing, Grace also took out her own Poké Balls.
"Come out, Medicham, Gallade."
As the red light faded, two Pokémon appeared before them.
One of them was the Medicham Theo was already familiar with, still composed and capable, bringing its hands together and giving Theo a slight bow.
The other Pokémon, however, immediately caught Theo's attention.
It had a slender, elegant figure, with arms resembling sharp blades that gleamed faintly. Its head bore something like a gladiator's helmet, and its entire presence exuded a heroic aura. Its red eyes carried a calm and steady gaze.
What was even more remarkable was that the moment it appeared, it noticed Theo and gave him a slight bow, performing a standard knightly salute.
Its movements were graceful and respectful.
Information about this Pokémon appeared in Theo's mind.
[Pokémon: Gallade]
Type: Psychic, Fighting
Category: Blade Pokémon
Ability: Sharpness (Greatly increasing the power of slicing moves.)
Moves: Slash, Night Slash, Fury Cutter, Sacred Sword, Future Sight, Leaf Blade, Double Team, Aqua Cutter, Teleport, Aerial Ace, Psycho Cut, Swords Dance, Brick Break, and more
Grace introduced it to Theo.
"This is my Gallade. You have already met Medicham. I specifically brought these two to participate in this competition because I want to test their coordination."
Gallade's appearance immediately drew the attention of Tyrantrum and Larvesta.
Larvesta's small eyes were filled with admiration, thinking that this Pokémon looked incredibly cool.
Tyrantrum, on the other hand, narrowed its eyes slightly, sensing a considerable strength from Gallade. Its gaze carried both caution and curiosity.
"Alright, Gallade, don't be so reserved. Go and play with them for a while."
Grace said with a smile.
Gallade nodded at her words, then turned and walked toward Tyrantrum and the others.
Although Gallade appeared calm and somewhat aloof, it quickly got along with the enthusiastic Larvesta and the curious Tyrantrum.
It even patiently demonstrated a few elegant blade swinging motions.
This made Larvesta circle around it excitedly, occasionally releasing small bursts of flame in response, creating a lively and cheerful scene.
The atmosphere by the lakeside gradually became more animated.
Theo and Grace sat on a bench by the shore, exchanging experiences about Pokémon training.
As the conversation grew more engaging, Theo remembered a question he had always been curious about and could not help but ask,
"Miss Grace, I know that both Gardevoir and Gallade evolve from Kirlia. Does Gallade also have male and female forms like Gardevoir?"
Grace smiled as she heard the question.
"I knew you would ask that. Many people ask me the same thing when they see Gallade.
Gallade is a species that only exists as males.
Female Kirlia can only evolve into Gardevoir. Male Kirlia, however, can choose based on their own preference, evolving into either Gardevoir or Gallade.
It mainly depends on the Pokémon's own choice.
Some male Kirlia prefer a beautiful appearance, so according to their own wishes, they would rather evolve into the elegant Gardevoir.
Trainers who raise Ralts usually communicate with them from a young age to understand their preferences, so they can prepare for their future evolution."
After a brief pause, Grace continued,
"I actually have a Gardevoir at home. She's a very gentle lady.
She is also Gallade's mate, and the two of them have a very close bond. I didn't bring her along this time. She's at home taking care of their child.
It's a very cute little Ralts, and it's especially clingy."
"I see."
Theo revealed a look of sudden realization as he responded to Grace.
(End of Chapter)