12. Pallet Town

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"Kirlia, use Magical Leaf!"

Kirlia gathered shimmering green leaves in her hands, launching them toward the Sandshrew in a rapid, unerring stream.

Seeing this, A.J. cracked his whip softly, and the Sandshrew responded instantly, burrowing into the ground at high speed to evade the attack.

Left without a target, Kirlia stood on alert, watching the ground beneath her with caution.

After a tense pause, a hole suddenly opened up next to her. Without warning, Sandshrew burst out, diving at Kirlia with surprising speed.

But Kirlia, prepared for a sudden attack, used Teleport to evade just as the ground broke open.

"Think that's it?" A.J. taunted, flicking his whip with a shout, "Sandshrew, use Earthquake!"

Sandshrew leapt high, glowing with a fierce, earthen light as it spun and smashed into the ground with a massive impact.

The earth quaked and fissured, splitting the battlefield into a web of cracks, spreading out from where Sandshrew struck.

Earthquake is a powerful Ground-type move that could knock out nearly any Pokémon caught in its reach.

"Kirlia! Use teleport!" Kai shouted urgently.

Kirlia rapidly used Teleport again and again, blinking across the battlefield, dodging crack after crack until she managed to reach a safe corner, clearly exhausted but unharmed.

"What!!" A.J. looked at Kirlia In shock. Earthquake, while difficult to land accurately, had rarely failed to connect in his previous matches.

Meanwhile, Kai breathed a sigh of relief as Kirlia found safe ground.

Seeing that Sandshrew was momentarily worn out from the powerful attack, Kai took his chance: "Kirlia, use Magical Leaf!"

With a sweep of her hands, Kirlia sent another wave of green-glowing leaves flying toward Sandshrew. This time, the Grass-type attack struck directly.

Grass beats Ground the effect was clear!

The Sandshrew staggered, trying to stand, before finally falling.

"Sandshrew!"

A.J. ran to his Pokémon, eyes wide with disbelief. He'd won 92 consecutive matches, and he'd been so close to reaching his goal of 100 victories just eight more to go.

As Kai took in his victory, he approached A.J., clapping. "That was an amazing battle. Your Sandshrew is one of the toughest opponents I've ever faced."

A.J. recalled his Sandshrew, looking disappointed but determined. "I lost… but your Kirlia is strong. I'll get back up, train harder, and when I reach my goal, I'll challenge you again!"

Kai extended his hand with a warm smile. "I look forward to it. It's trainers like you that make me want to keep getting better."

After their parting, Kai planned to head toward Pewter City to challenge the Pewter Gym.

But then a call from Professor Cerise summoned him back to Vermilion City.

At the Cerise Research Institute, Professor Cerise greeted him with a smile. "I'm sorry to call you back on such short notice, but I have a favour to ask."

Kai nodded. "Of course, Professor. What do you need?"

Professor Cerise handed him a small, securely packed box. "Inside is a prototype for a precision instrument. It's still in development and needs to be delivered to Professor Oak in Pallet Town. Because of its sensitivity, we can't ship it, and we're too busy with research here to make the trip ourselves. Can you help us out?"

Kai nodded. "Absolutely. As a field researcher, I'll make sure it arrives safely!"

Leaving Vermilion City, Kai travelled swiftly, bypassing the Viridian Forest, and by nightfall, he arrived in Viridian City.

Since it was late, he decided to spend the night at the local Pokémon Center, planning to set out for Pallet Town first thing in the morning.

Before settling in, he stopped by a nearby shop to restock some supplies, just in case.

While paying, his phone rang. Kai glanced down at the caller ID Chloe.

"Hey, Chloe," he answered.

On the other end, Chloe's voice was bright. "Didn't you say you'd be back in Vermilion today? I wanted to see Kirlia's new look she must be even more beautiful now!"

Kai chuckled, glancing at the time. "I'm actually in Viridian City now. I had to head straight here after visiting the professor's lab. But hey, it's late you should get some rest."

After hanging up, Kai was about to leave the shop when the clerk suddenly spoke up.

"Excuse me, young man," the clerk said, waving him over.

Kai paused, turning back. "Yes?"

The clerk pulled out a package from under the counter, looking relieved. "I couldn't help but overhear… Are you heading to Professor Oak's lab in Pallet Town?"

Kai nodded, surprised. "That's right."

The clerk smiled gratefully. "Wonderful! Professor Oak ordered this package a few days ago, but we've been swamped and haven't had a chance to deliver it. Could you take it along?"

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