"Return, Empoleon. You've done well."
After recalling Empoleon, Barry quickly evaluated his remaining three Pokémon and made his decision. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed out a Poké Ball and called out:
"Toxicroak, let's go!"
"Croooaak~"
A dark blue, frog-like Pokémon with a menacing grin and a distinct red vocal sac appeared on the battlefield.
"Dragon Rush!"
"Fake Out!"
Just as Gabite unleashed a murderous aura and lunged forward, Toxicroak swiftly leaped in front of it. Clapping its hands together, a sudden shockwave erupted between its palms, striking Gabite's head.
Fake Out!
The moment the move landed, the bloodlust-fueled charge of Gabite was forcibly interrupted, causing it to flinch on the spot.
"Toxicroak, use Poison Jab!"
Seizing the opportunity, Toxicroak's fist glowed with a sinister purple energy before jabbing straight into Gabite's abdomen.
"Gaaaa!"
"Croak!"
Both Pokémon flinched in pain—Toxicroak due to Gabite's Rough Skin, and Gabite from the direct Poison Jab strike. But Gabite suffered more than just the attack—it had been poisoned!
"Gaaaaa!"
Toxicroak tried to follow up with another attack, but despite the pain and poisoning, Gabite accustomed to taking heavy hits in battle, didn't falter. Instead, it retaliated with Dragon Claw, slashing Toxicroak and sending it flying.
"Sludge Wave!"
While still airborne, Toxicroak spewed forth a wave of toxic sludge aimed at Gabite.
But it was useless.
Gabite swiftly swung its claws, Dragon Claw tearing through the sludge, dispersing the attack completely.
"Earthquake!"
Despite the poison sapping its strength, Gabite stomped down just as Toxicroak landed, unleashing a powerful seismic wave.
"Croooaaak!"
Just one strike, and Toxicroak was in excruciating pain.
With Ground-type moves being four times effective against its Poison/Fighting typing, combined with Gabite's prior Dragon Dance boosts, this Earthquake struck with devastating force.
"Earthquake again!"
This time, Gabite didn't even bother closing the distance.
Toxicroak couldn't fly, it had no way to avoid it. Another Earthquake would be the end.
Seeing the second Earthquake coming, Barry's eyes flashed with determination.
"Toxicroak, use Flatter!"
With its last bit of strength, Toxicroak let out a string of exaggerated praises directed at Gabite before collapsing under the second Earthquake.
The effects took hold immediately.
Gabite's Special Attack sharply rose, but at the same time, it fell into confusion!
However…
With the primal fury in its blood, Gabite had a long time since it mastered suppressing the confusion caused by its own Outrage.
Would this mere Flatter really have any effect?
"Toxicroak is unable to battle! Gabite wins!"
The referee raised a flag, declaring the result.
"Return, Toxicroak. You did great."
Barry retrieved his Pokémon and turned his attention back to Gabite, he hesitated a little as he looked at Gabite who was holding its head and resisting the effects of confusion.
With its HP already below half and still poisoned, the best choice now would be a fast flying Pokémon to strike from the air.
But…
Because Ninetales knew Gravity, he hadn't brought his Staraptor this time.
A moment of hesitation. Then, Barry made his choice. From his remaining two Pokémon, he selected the one best suited to handle Gabite.
"I'm counting on you, Heracross!"
"Heracross, use Swords Dance!"
"Heraa!"
As soon as Heracross entered the battlefield, it landed gracefully and immediately began to power up with Swords Dance.
However, midway through its routine, it suddenly sensed a terrifying force—one shaped like a savage dragon hurtling toward it with its massive jaws wide open.
"Boom!"
The sudden ambush left Heracross barely enough time to assume a defensive stance before it was completely engulfed by the dragon's wrath.
"No way?!"
Barry's face twisted in shock as he stared at Gabite, which had just unleashed a devastating Dragon Pulse.
What happened to the confusion effect?!
Wasn't Dragon Pulse supposed to have a chance of leaving the user disoriented?!
Why did Gabite look completely unaffected?!
But Paul didn't give Barry any time to think—he immediately followed up with another attack.
"Dragon Rush!"
Fresh off its Dragon Pulse, Gabite locked onto Heracross with a murderous aura, its body morphing into the shape of another raging dragon as it lunged forward.
The unfortunate Heracross, still reeling from the initial blast, barely had time to recover before it saw Gabite charging straight at it once more.
"Boom!"
With a deafening impact, Heracross was sent tumbling uncontrollably across the battlefield.
"Fire Fang!"
But Gabite didn't let up. Like a starving dragon pouncing on its prey, it bared its fangs, now engulfed in blazing flames and sank them into Heracross.
"BOOM!"
A small explosion erupted as Heracross was slammed into the ground, completely knocked out.
"Gaaa~"
Gabite, victorious, prepared to straighten up and leave the battlefield with an air of dominance.
However—the poison in its body flared up again. Its body trembled violently, and its stance faltered as it suddenly dropped to one knee.
"Gaa…"
Gabite, already at its limit, could only brace itself against the ground with its Dragon Claws, its expression contorted with rage, savagery, unwillingness… and pain.
Under normal circumstances, Paul would have recalled Gabite to let it rest. But after taking a direct hit from Toxic, Gabite had no retreat.
Victory or defeat. No in-between.
At that moment, the referee's voice rang out:
"Heracross is unable to battle! Gabite is the winner!"
"Return, Heracross."
Barry retrieved his Poké Ball and looked at Gabite, whose body was reaching its absolute limit. He clenched his jaw and pulled out his final Poké Ball.
"This is it! It's all up to you, Jolteon!"
The reason Barry hadn't sent this Pokémon out earlier was precisely because it was a type disadvantage against Gabite.
A surge of blue electricity crackled through the air as Jolteon emerged onto the battlefield. It stood firm, its sharp fur bristling like needles, resembling a small, tailless yellow wolf.
Though smaller in stature, its presence was just as fierce.
"Gaooo~!"
As soon as it appeared, Jolteon let out an intimidating howl, staring Gabite down.
Even though it was a disadvantage, the fact that Gabite was poisoned and on the verge of collapse, turned this into an absolutely winnable fight.
Whether by stalling or going all-out—either way, Jolteon had the advantage. There was no reason to be afraid!
"Gaa~"
Gabite slowly lifted its head, its bloodshot eyes flashing with a crimson glow as it locked its gaze onto Jolteon.
Then, suddenly—A cruel smirk crept across its face.
The next moment...
Gabite's entire body became engulfed in blinding white light as its form began to change.
"Evolution?!"
The crowd gasped in astonishment.
Dawn exclaimed, "It evolved!"
"Gabite's evolution is Garchomp! This is bad for Barry!"
"Whoa! Garchomp?! That's Cynthia's ace! This is gonna be insane!"
Dawn's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Are you kidding me?! Evolving now?! How is this fair?! I was about to win!"
Unlike the others who were overjoyed, Barry was caught between shock and fury. He had been battling for so long, just about to secure victory—only for his opponent to evolve at the crucial moment?!
Was Paul trying to sweep my whole team?! Unbelievable!!!
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