Returning to the Pokémon Center, Shinji walked straight to the front desk and handed the Poké Ball containing Aerodactyl to Nurse Joy, saying succinctly, "Please check and restore its stamina."
"Please leave it to me!" Nurse Joy gave a gentle smile, took the Poké Ball, and turned to enter the treatment room.
About half an hour later, Nurse Joy came out pushing the treatment equipment and handed back the Poké Ball. "The check-up is complete. Aerodactyl's physical condition is very stable, and its stamina is fully restored. However, since it just revived recently, it's best to avoid high-intensity battles for a while."
"Thank you, Nurse Joy!" Hikari quickly took the Poké Ball and handed it to Shinji, her face showing a relieved smile.
Shinji took the Poké Ball and clipped it back to his waist, giving a slight nod of acknowledgment. He then turned and headed for the exit. "Let's go. We're off to Floaroma Town."
"Coming!" Hikari hurried to catch up, walking briskly to keep pace beside him.
After leaving Iron Island City, following the sign pointing towards Jubilife City, the two walked along a winding forest path.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Occasional Pokémon cries echoed through the woods, creating a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere.
When they reached a more open area of woodland, a swift white figure suddenly darted out from the bushes, stopping on a nearby branch. It tilted its head curiously, looking them over.
It was a small Pokémon, mostly white in color with yellow electric sacs on its cheeks. Its fluffy, large tail was as cute as a cloud.
"It's a Pachirisu!" Hikari was instantly captivated and immediately took out her pokédex to scan it.
"Pachirisu, the EleSquirrel Pokémon. Its body stores electricity to generate static. It hides Poké Balls and its favorite berries together in tree hollows." The pokédex's distinctive mechanical synthesized voice immediately chimed.
"So cute!" Stars practically shone in Hikari's eyes, and she made a decision almost instantly. "I've decided. I'm going to catch it."
Without waiting for Shinji's response, Hikari already took out a Poké Ball. "Piplup, I choose you! Use Bubble Beam!"
Piplup landed nimbly and spat out a stream of sparkling bubbles towards Pachirisu.
Pachirisu reacted extremely quickly, its body flashing to avoid the attack. Simultaneously, it flicked its tail, sending several small crackling currents of electricity back at Piplup as a counterattack.
"Piplup, dodge and then use Water Gun!" Hikari commanded decisively.
Piplup swiftly sidestepped to avoid the electric currents. After a moment's charge, it shot out a powerful jet of water, accurately hitting Pachirisu.
Pachirisu let out a light cry, its body swaying, clearly having taken a significant hit.
Seizing the opportunity, Hikari quickly threw a Poké Ball. "Now's the chance! Poké Ball, go!"
The Poké Ball hit Pachirisu perfectly. A red light flashed, sucking it inside. The ball wobbled three times on the ground, then the red light went out with a clear 'ding' sound.
"Great! I caught Pachirisu!" Hikari cheered as she ran over to pick up the Poké Ball.
Seeing Hikari catch Pachirisu so cleanly, Shinji couldn't help but reflect. The Hikari who had failed to catch Pokémon several times before had completely transformed.
Hikari picked up the Poké Ball, shook it at Shinji as if showing off, then immediately released Pachirisu.
The moment Pachirisu appeared, it happily bounced over to Hikari, rubbing its fluffy body against her hand.
But before long, its true nature was revealed. It started darting back and forth around Hikari, occasionally letting out "Chiri~" cries, and even mischievously releasing weak electric currents towards Hikari's hair.
Instantly, Hikari's carefully styled deep blue long hair stood straight up, looking like an afro.
"Ah!" Hikari exclaimed in surprise. She frantically tried to fix her hair, only making it messier. "Pachirisu, stop messing around!"
Pachirisu, however, acted as if it didn't hear, continuing its antics and even escalating by directing electricity towards Hikari's scarf.
Hikari puffed out her cheeks in frustration but couldn't bring herself to scold her newly caught Pokémon.
Shinji, watching from the side, merely cast a brief glance at Pachirisu.
That icy gaze swept over it, and the previously lively and active Pachirisu instantly froze, its electric currents ceasing abruptly.
It cautiously glanced at Shinji, then scurried to hide behind Hikari, peeking out with only half its head, trembling, not daring to act up anymore.
"Look what you did, you scared it!" Hikari immediately glared at Shinji. She reached out to shield Pachirisu in her arms, gently stroking its back to soothe it. "Don't be scared, Pachirisu. I'll protect you."
Shinji indifferently averted his gaze, his tone flat. "If you can't even control your own Pokémon, you're too lax."
Hearing this, Hikari couldn't help but roll her eyes. At the same time, she secretly resolved to make Pachirisu obedient.
Shinji willed it, and the pale blue system panel in his mind unfolded, precisely locking onto the Pachirisu in Hikari's arms. Data clearly appeared:
[Pachirisu ♦]
Level: 26 (Superior Class)
Type: Electric
Ability: Run Away
potential: Good
base stats: 45
Moves: Agility, Double Team, Quick Attack, Thunder Shock, Sweet Kiss, Discharge
Shinji scanned the data, understanding dawning on him.
Level 26, Superior Class, with a "Good" potential. Its level was considerably higher than Hikari's Piplup and Buneary. It was indeed a decent combatant.
The reason it didn't listen to Hikari was simply because her current Trainer level was average, and Pachirisu hadn't truly acknowledged her as its master yet.
Whereas he, with his extensive experience, had a Trainer level far surpassing Hikari's. The aura he carried made this mischievous Pachirisu feel fearful.
Initially, Shinji thought it would take Hikari a considerable amount of time to make Pachirisu completely obedient.
Unexpectedly, over the next few days of travel, Hikari would take time every day to interact with Pachirisu, patiently teaching it moves and even sharing her own food.
She never got angry because of Pachirisu's mischief, always treating it with gentleness and sincerity.
Gradually, Pachirisu sensed Hikari's genuine care and wasn't as naughty as it was at the beginning.
Although it would still play pranks occasionally, as soon as Hikari called its name softly, it would immediately stop its actions and behave obediently.
When Hikari commanded it to use moves, it could execute them accurately, their coordination becoming increasingly seamless.
One day, as they passed by a tranquil small village, they could see from afar a crowd gathered in the village's central square. A simple stage was set up, with a banner reading "Village Contest."
"It's a Contest!" Hikari's eyes lit up, and she pulled Shinji along as she quickly walked over.
Upon inquiring, they learned this was an unofficial Contest spontaneously organized by the village, aiming to allow local Coordinators to exchange skills and spar.
"I want to participate!" Hikari signed up without hesitation.
Shinji found a corner to sit in and waited quietly.
"Pachirisu, it's our turn to take the stage! Let's do our best!" Hikari said firmly, releasing Pachirisu onto the stage.
"Chiri~" Pachirisu chirped happily, nimbly hopping on the stage, its eyes filled with fighting spirit.
Hikari commanded calmly, "Pachirisu, use Agility combined with Double Team!"
Pachirisu's figure flashed, transforming into several afterimages that darted rapidly across the stage, dazzling the audience below. Immediately after, Hikari's command rang out again. "Discharge!"
The several afterimages simultaneously released pale blue electric currents. The currents intertwined into a beautiful electric net, sparkling with dazzling light above the stage, making for a highly Ornamental (spectacular) display. Warm applause immediately erupted from the audience.
"Final strike, finish with Quick Attack!"
Pachirisu's figures suddenly merged into one, transforming into a white streak of lightning. It zipped around the stage in a fast circle, leaving behind trails of sparkling electric light. It finally landed steadily in front of Hikari, striking a cute pose.
Thunderous applause broke out from below the stage, and the judges also gave high scores.
Without a doubt, thanks to Pachirisu's brilliant performance, Hikari smoothly advanced to the second round, the Contest Battle.
In the second round's Contest Battle, Hikari commanded Pachirisu, combining the speed of Quick Attack with the Gorgeous effects (spectacular effect) of Discharge, supplemented by Sweet Kiss to interfere with the opponent. Her tactics were flexible (flexible) and Highly entertaining (highly entertaining). In the end, she won beautifully.
Receiving the winner's trophy awarded by the village chief, Hikari was so excited her cheeks flushed red.
She picked up Pachirisu and happily spun in a circle. "That's great, Pachirisu! We won!"
Pachirisu excitedly nuzzled Hikari's cheek, letting out happy cries.
Stepping off the stage, Hikari ran straight to Shinji, holding up the trophy to show off. "Shinji, look! I won! I won using Pachirisu."
Looking at the light sparkling in her eyes, a trace of imperceptible softness flickered in Shinji's dark purple eyes. He gave a slight nod. "Hmm, not bad."
Receiving Shinji's approval made Hikari even happier.
Shinji and Hikari packed their belongings and set off on their journey once more.
"Shinji, the next stop is Floaroma Town."
"Hmm."
"This time, at Floaroma Town's Contest, I will definitely get a ribbon badge."
"No problem, no problem at all!"
"As you wish."
Clear voices echoed through the woods, filled with anticipation and confidence for the future.
Sunlight spilled onto the road ahead, casting their long shadows.