It was clearly a "silent command" used by ability users.
In plain terms: telepathy. The trainer pushes commands straight into the Pokémon's mind, creating an effect only the two of them can "hear."
Right now, Smoochum cast Powder Snow.
The dojo's temperature dropped. Flurries hissed in, turning Riolu's vision into a white blur.
"Riolu, close the distance on Smoochum!"
Grey kept it short.
Riolu lowered itself to sprint.
In the next heartbeat, it burst forward in a white sheen, almost merging with the powdery snow as a thin rime crept over its fur.
It didn't get frozen, though.
Its speed did dip a notch.
Fortunately the damage from Powder Snow was tolerable. Riolu raised a fist, silver glint gathering.
They drew closer and closer—yet in this so-called favorable situation, Grey's heart sank.
There was no way it was that simple.
Fumika trained under Sabrina; she had to have picked up more than a few tricks.
Serving up an obvious advantage like this wasn't what any normal trainer would do…
So there was only one truth!
Bang!
Fumika lifted an arm, palm aimed at Smoochum, blue light in her eyes fixed on its back.
In the same instant, Smoochum's big eyes lit the same cold blue.
Psychic force swelled in crashing waves—each one higher than the last!
"Right side—evade!" Grey shouted.
"Rio!"
Riolu cut right, speed ratcheting up in bursts.
In a blink it was racing the telekinetic grip Smoochum hurled after it—one leading, one chasing.
Smoochum, hands raised, drove Confusion after Riolu with a ferocity that didn't suit a well-behaved little girl.
More like a feisty brat.
The wooden floor creaked and groaned, a nails-on-chalkboard chorus.
It made Grey think:
He needed to replace this floor.
At least put down tile next time.
"Riolu—take to the air! Use Quick Attack's burst to ram it!"
Riolu pivoted, took a few charging steps, and sprang—accelerating straight at Smoochum!
It moved so fast afterimages peeled off its frame. Smoochum's eyes lost track, a flicker of doubt crossing its face.
Don't tell me…
One hit and I'm done?
Smoochum shuffled half a step back.
It was afraid of Riolu—honestly afraid.
Its defense really was paper-thin.
Even a basic-power Quick Attack, if it hit square, might be enough to end it.
"Don't be afraid of that Riolu!"
Sensing Smoochum's anxiety, Fumika cheered it on at the key moment—
—and sent the second half of the order straight into its head.
"Smooch!"
Smoochum snapped straight.
It stared up at the leaping Riolu.
It poured harder into its psychic flow; the force swelled and, like it had a tracker on Riolu, chased it relentlessly!
Confusion's area widened. It wasn't just "hit to deal damage" anymore.
A seismic pulse rolled out. The air groaned under the load, a low, thrumming "vmmm."
"Rio!"
Feeling danger at its back, Riolu pushed its speed higher and higher, drawing ever closer to Smoochum.
The telekinetic wave lagged further behind its heels.
As the gap closed, both Grey and Fumika narrowed their eyes.
The next exchange would decide it.
"Bullet Punch!"
"Confusion!"
They spoke at once—
a pure speed check.
Seeing Smoochum's whole body flood with light, Riolu's danger sense spiked. It dove into a rightward roll.
BOOM!!!
Almost the instant its foot left the ground, a brutal blue shockwave burst from in front of Smoochum, overlapping the returning Confusion wave. The cross-blast kicked up a choking cloud!
Heart pounding, Riolu glanced at the crater gouged out ahead, then clenched its fist, silver hardening over its knuckles.
Swish, swish, swish!
Power locked in—arms turned to iron.
It stamped forward several steps and drove the final punch of the day straight into the heart of the smoke!
"Smoooo—!"
Smoochum flew, tumbled across the boards, and lay still.
"Smoochum is unable to battle. The challenger's team is fully down. Winner: Gym Leader Grey!" Bumiao declared right on cue.
[What the heck was that Confusion just now?!]
[So that's the scary part of ability users? Kinda busted!]
[Riolu held it down—Fighting-type pride intact!]
"Thanks to 'Azure Gym No.4' for joining the fan club—appreciate the support, senior! Drop by the dojo sometime and we'll workshop Fighting-types together~
Also, if anyone in chat wants to find me in Saffron City, you're welcome anytime~"
Grey thought for a beat and added:
"Buuut, from this Saturday for a few days, best not to come by. Your streamer's heading to the Galar region for some business. I'll post details on the official site—an acting Gym Leader will cover me~"
[Streamer streamer, what're you doing in Galar? Sounds far!]
[No way, I'm in Galar! Come to Spikemuth—I'll show you around!]
"Going to Galar to see an old master. Not in the city though, so we'll talk then."
Grey didn't say more. He checked the time and wrapped the stream: "See you next time, folks—bye!"
[Nooo, just a little longer! I'll do anything!]
[Waaah, tonight belongs to the Boss. Pray our Grey doesn't wobble on those legs tomorrow…]
Grey ended the stream to a choir of wails.
Then…
He opened his DMs.
[Grey: Boss 'Sleeping Beauty', here's my private LINE. Let's talk there~]
[Sleeping Beauty: Mm.]
After adding on LINE, Grey peeked at the avatar.
A chibi girl with waist-length blonde hair and a pink dress.
It looked… familiar.
Too chibi to place, though.
[Grey: insights.pdf]
[Grey: Boss, see if this helps you.]
[Sleeping Beauty: What's this? (Psyduck-tilt-head.jpg)]
[Grey: Some notes on controlling power. If you've just awakened—or have struggled to control it for a while—this should help.]
[Sleeping Beauty has received the file.]
Ten minutes later…
[Sleeping Beauty: Is it for sale? I want you… as my private tutor.]
[Grey: ???]
//Check out my P@tre0n for 20 extra chapters on all my fanfics //[email protected]/Razeil0810