Midday — Café
Since they had eaten a bit late in the morning, Peter and Whitney decided to keep lunch light—just desserts for now.
"Here's your milk tea."
"Thank you."
Peter took the drink, pierced the lid, and gently placed the straw to Whitney's lips.
"Slurp…"
A soft, creamy sweetness spread across her mouth, and a bright smile bloomed on her face.
Peter wiped a bit of cream from the corner of her lips, then reached into his bag and fed a Pokéblock to the Eevee curled up in the chair.
The little fox clearly loved the treat—after eating quite a few over the past few days, its fur had become noticeably glossier.
A quick glance at the panel showed its friendship had already surpassed 200, steadily approaching the maximum.
Peter gently scratched under its chin. The soothing chime of the Soothe Bell rang softly as Eevee let out a contented hum, completely relaxed.
Since it had already been confirmed—
This Eevee was a special individual capable of Gigantamaxing.
And because of that…
It could not evolve.
(Official setting: Partner Eevee and Gigantamax-capable Eevee cannot evolve.)
Which meant Peter didn't have to worry about it suddenly evolving due to high friendship.
Though he was idly playing with the little fox—
His mind was already deep in strategy.
"Honey, what strategy are we using this afternoon?" Whitney asked.
A glint flashed in Peter's eyes.
"…Let's use our starter Pokémon."
…
Afternoon — Tournament Arena
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the Hearthome Double Battle Tournament! Up next is the semifinal match—two teams you're all very familiar with!"
"Ash & Paul—versus Teacher Yan and Whitney!!!"
The livestream chat exploded instantly.
"I can't wait anymore!!!"
"I know you're excited, but calm down—this is hype but also terrifying!"
"Bring back the double pink devils!!!"
"Divine couple stomps dysfunctional duo easy!"
"Teacher Yan, do you play TFT? Can you give me a spatula crown? (/ω＼)"
"↑ what did I just read…"
"..."
As the comments flooded in—
Both teams stepped onto the battlefield.
"Ash Ketchum": "Peter, I won't lose this time!" Ash said, clenching his fists.
Paul glanced at him coldly. "Idiot. Stick to the plan. Got it?"
"Yeah, yeah, no problem~" Ash replied casually.
Seeing this, Peter smiled faintly.
So they're finally trying to work together… interesting.
The referee's whistle blew.
"Battle start! Both sides, send out your Pokémon!"
"Ash": "Pikachu, I choose you!"
"Paul": "Electabuzz, battle ready!"
Peter & Whitney: "Go—Lopunny! (Mil Mil!)"
Two Electric-types appeared—
[Pikachu Lv.43 (Elite - Low)]
[Electabuzz Lv.45 (Elite - Mid)]
Ash immediately took the initiative.
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!"
Pikachu streaked forward like a white comet.
Whitney's eyes lit up.
"Mil Mil, use High Horsepower—slam into it!"
Paul smirked slightly, then reluctantly called out:
"Electabuzz—Follow Me."
"Elei!"
Electabuzz raised its hand in a mocking gesture as a spotlight-like aura formed beneath its feet.
Follow Me: Draws all single-target attacks toward itself.
"Mo~!"
Miltank surged forward, wrapped in heavy Ground-type energy—
—but suddenly veered toward Electabuzz.
Meanwhile, Pikachu circled to the flank, electricity crackling across its cheeks.
"Now! Pikachu, use Thunder Wave!" Ash shouted.
Peter raised an eyebrow.
"Interesting…"
With Follow Me active, Miltank couldn't redirect its attack—even Fake Out would be forced onto Electabuzz.
Which meant—
Miltank was guaranteed to be paralyzed.
From that point on, they would fall into a passive position.
"Lopunny, use Substitute!"
"Mi-lo!"
Lopunny dashed forward, splitting into two—
A Substitute formed instantly, stepping in front of the incoming Thunder Wave.
"BOOM—!"
At the same time—
High Horsepower struck its target.
Dust and smoke exploded across the battlefield.
The commentator shouted:
"What a play! Ash and Paul actually coordinated to paralyze Miltank—but Peter counters perfectly with Substitute! High Horsepower lands a super effective hit—can Electabuzz still stand?!"
Paul's cold voice cut through the smoke.
"Focus Punch."
The moment his words fell—
The "Electabuzz" lying on the ground exploded into fragments.
A Substitute.
The real Electabuzz had already circled behind Miltank.
Its fists overlapped, chaotic fighting energy swirling around them—
Then—
It slammed down.
Whitney giggled playfully.
"Underestimating my Mil Mil is a bad idea~"
"Mil Mil, use Defense Curl!"
"Mo~!"
Almost instinctively, Miltank curled into a tight ball.
"BOOM—!"
Focus Punch connected.
A shockwave blasted outward, clearing the dust in an instant.
The pink-and-black sphere was driven into the ground, cracks spreading outward from the impact point.
Silence fell over the arena.
All eyes locked onto Miltank.
Then—
"Mil Mil, Counter!!"
"MOOO—!!!"
Miltank staggered upright, energy surging into its hooves before exploding outward in a devastating retaliation.
"BOOM—!"
Electabuzz had no way to resist—
It was sent flying like a broken kite.
"Electabuzz, Screech!" Paul ordered emotionlessly.
Despite its condition—
Electabuzz forced its eyes open and released a piercing wave of sound mid-air.
"Screech" lowered both opponents' Defense by two stages.
Brock sighed. "Paul's harsh training… really shows in moments like this."
Dawn frowned. "That's not training—that's abuse…"
Paul shot Ash a cold glance.
"What are you waiting for? Attack."
"Oh—right! Pikachu, Volt Tackle!"
"Pika-pika-pika—!"
Pikachu became a bolt of golden lightning, charging straight toward Miltank.
Peter narrowed his eyes.
"You keep targeting my Babe… am I invisible or something?"
"Lopunny—Magic Coat!"
"Mi-lo!"
Lopunny instantly appeared in front of Miltank, a shimmering barrier forming.
Screech—
Reflected.
Instead of lowering Peter's team's Defense—
It hit Ash and Paul's side instead.
Their Defense dropped by two stages.
Even Pikachu's charge faltered slightly under the disruption.
Whitney seized the moment.
"Nice! Mil Mil —use Earthquake!"
Peter followed up instantly.
"Substitute forward—then Bounce!"
"MO—! MI-LO!"
Lopunny's Substitute rushed forward and exploded against Volt Tackle—
While Miltank leapt high into the air, followed closely by Lopunny.
Then—
"BOOM—!!!"
Miltank slammed down.
The ground shattered violently as a massive wave of Ground-type energy surged outward—
Swallowing both Electric-type Pokémon whole.
Paul's expression shifted slightly.
He had wanted to call out another Substitute—
But Electabuzz was already too injured.
And Pikachu—
Still recovering from Volt Tackle's recoil—
Couldn't react in time.
…
The next moment—
The battlefield was engulfed in earth and debris.
Ash's voice rang out in panic:
"PIKACHU—!!!"