Upon reappearing, Kadabra attacked again. Another Confusion bolt struck Kirlia, lifting her into the air, but when Kirlia used her own Confusion to resist, she broke free with little effort.
"Kirlia, use Magical Leaf!"
Magical Leaves shot toward Kadabra once more, but as before, he continued using Teleport to dodge the attack. This time, however, Natsui was prepared. With a single thought—and without saying a word—Kirlia understood his intention and, the instant Kadabra materialized, she struck him with Confusion.
Taken by surprise, Kadabra's body convulsed, and although he used Confusion to free himself, he still suffered minor damage.
With that, it was clear that both Pokémon were now on equal footing.
Sabrina said in a calm tone, "Although you lack psychic powers yourself, you can communicate telepathically with your Pokémon. I'm very impressed. It seems you've trained your Pokémon exceptionally well."
"You and your Kadabra are the truly amazing ones!" Natsui returned the compliment. "If we're talking purely psychic power, my Kirlia stands no chance."
The corners of Sabrina's mouth curved up slightly, though her expression remained unchanged.
Being praised in person by another Trainer—even for her—was strangely gratifying.
But despite that, she showed no mercy in her next attack.
Suddenly, Kadabra's eyes glowed red and emitted waves of light that enveloped Kirlia.
It was the Psychic‑type move Confusion Beam, which deals damage and may confuse the opponent!
"Kirlia, use Teleport!"
Kirlia's form vanished in an instant, evading the Confusion Beam.
Natsui's mind raced at top speed.
Right now, both Pokémon share the same type. If I want to win, I can't rely solely on Psychic moves.
As he thought this, an idea struck him, and he shouted, "Kirlia, use Confusion!"
"You still want to use Confusion?" Sabrina said indifferently. "Have you forgotten what you just said? Kirlia's power can't compare to my Kadabra's!"
With that, she issued Kadabra his order by telepathy.
Kadabra used Confusion, intending to strike Kirlia again. However, just as he unleashed his attack, he realized the move coming at him wasn't Confusion—but Magical Leaf!
"What?!"
Both Kadabra and Sabrina stared in astonishment.
"Ah…" Natsui feigned surprise as well. "Kirlia, why aren't you following my orders?"
The invisible Confusion clashed with the flurry of Magical Leaves, and in the end, Magical Leaf emerged victorious, sweeping Kadabra off his feet.
Being a Grass‑type move with no weakness or resistance involved, it dealt only half damage to Kadabra.
Kadabra whimpered in pain and dropped to his knees.
Sabrina looked at Natsui and asked in surprise, "Did you use a fake command to trick your opponent?"
"No, no!" Natsui shook his head vigorously, denying the accusation.
But seeing Sabrina frown—clearly unconvinced—Natsui cleared his throat and explained again, "Well, actually it's my Trainer Technique. I call it 'Words and Heart Aren't Aligned,' or maybe 'Say One Thing, Think Another.' But if possible, I'd prefer it be called… Tactical Deception!"
Tactical Deception?
Sabrina chuckled coldly to herself and paid him no mind.
The next instant, Kadabra's body glowed a golden hue. The scratches from Magical Leaf were visibly healing!
Watch out—it's Recovery!
Natsui yelled immediately, "Kirlia, use Confusion!"
Before he even finished speaking, Kirlia raised her hands and fired a Confusion beam that struck Kadabra.
The attack knocked Kadabra to the ground. Though it didn't deal much damage, it interrupted his Recovery and caused his spoon to clatter to the floor.
"Now!" Natsui's eyes lit up. Sensing his chance, he ordered decisively, "Use Magical Leaf!"
The Magical Leaves whirled like a tiny tornado around Kadabra. He could have escaped with Teleport, but he couldn't abandon his spoon. He withstood the barrage in the green vortex until he could feel the ground and retrieve his spoon.
When the Magical Leaf dispersed, Kadabra was already panting and covered in wounds.
"Perfect!" Natsui shouted. "Finish him off—use Captivating Voice!"
Kirlia let out an enchanting cry, and a series of pink sound waves radiated outward, piercing Kadabra's body.
Captivating Voice, which had replaced Double Team, was a Fairy‑type move that, if it hit, dealt infallible special damage!
Taking this hit, Kadabra staggered again and again before finally collapsing, unable to move further.
Seeing this, Sabrina's father sighed softly, raised his right hand, and announced aloud, "Kadabra can't continue. Kirlia is the winner!"
Sabrina withdrew Kadabra into its Poké Ball and walked slowly over to Natsui.
Though she had lost the battle, her expression remained as always—cold, betraying no other emotion.
"You've won. Here is your well‑earned reward."
With that, she gestured, and a badge floated from the side into Natsui's hand.
And of course, this badge was the Marsh Badge.
The Marsh Badge was round like a button, and true to its name, it shone with a golden luster, like sunshine on a swamp.
She placed it in her badge case. With this, Natsui had earned four badges—meaning he had defeated four Gym Leaders. He was now halfway to his goal of eight badges needed to participate in the Indigo Conference.
He waved farewell to Sabrina and, alongside Kirlia, left Saffron Gym, leaving behind only the image of his determined back.
After exiting the gym, he headed straight to a nearby Poké Mart.
Since catching Zapdos, Natsui felt his standard Poké Balls weren't very reliable for capturing Pokémon, so he bought several Great Balls just in case. Then he purchased plenty of Pokémon food and stowed it in his backpack.
With all his preparations complete, he was just heading for the Pokémon Center to rest when a flash of fire caught his eye.
He looked up at a nearby skyscraper and saw several bursts of smoke and sparks through one of the upper‑floor windows, as if someone were battling inside.
Can people battle with Pokémon inside a building?
Natsui shook his head, and just as he was about to continue on his way, he stopped dead in his tracks and turned to read the name on the imposing structure.
―Silph Co. Building!
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