"Ninetales, it's too late to dodge! Use Solar Beam at close range!"
Ninetales stopped trying to evade. Its nine tails fanned out as it rapidly absorbed sunlight, forming a glowing sphere of energy. Thanks to its Drought Ability, the charging speed of Solar Beam was significantly boosted.
However, the Gyarados—known for its brute strength—was already closing in, its tail enveloped in a torrent of water. With a powerful swing, Aqua Tail struck Ninetales directly, sending shockwaves through the battlefield. The impact, amplified by STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) and Gyarados's sheer power, caused Ninetales to cry out in pain.
"Hold on, Ninetales! Fire Solar Beam now!"
Despite the immense pain, Ninetales endured, its golden eyes glowing with determination. The moment Gyarados's attack connected, the nine-tailed fox retaliated. Solar Beam burst forth from its tails, engulfing Gyarados in a blinding explosion of solar energy.
The enormous serpent roared in agony as it was blasted backward, its body skidding across the battlefield, leaving deep trenches in its wake. Ninetales, on the other hand, was sent flying from the recoil of the attack, crashing hard into the arena's stone wall.
Aoki and Mura watched with tense expressions.
"Gyarados!"
"Ninetales!"
Their voices rang out at the same time.
Kamizrei and Asha were equally nervous, their hands clenched into fists. They weren't the ones battling, yet their emotions mirrored those of the trainers in the arena.
As the dust settled, Gyarados groaned and pushed itself up, its serpentine body coiling as it steadied itself. Its crimson eyes locked onto Ninetales, burning with battle rage.
Ninetales, however, trembled as it tried to rise. Its legs wobbled under its weight, and after a brief struggle, its body gave out. With a soft thud, it collapsed onto the battlefield.
Mura sighed in defeat. "Ninetales… can't continue."
The referee raised his flag. "Ninetales is unable to battle. Gyarados wins!"
Aoki exhaled, his gaze shifting to his Pokémon. Gyarados was still standing, but its breathing was ragged. The Solar Beam had dealt tremendous damage, but it had managed to hold on.
"Well fought," Mura admitted with a nod. "I must say, young man, your Gyarados is impressive. Defeating my Ninetales… that's no small feat."
Aoki simply nodded, keeping his focus. "Thank you. But let's keep going. Mr. Mura, please send out your second Pokémon."
Mura chuckled. "Impatient, aren't we?" With a flick of his wrist, he tossed another Poké Ball onto the field. "Alright, then. Go! Typhlosion!"
A flash of white light burst forth, revealing the powerful Johto Fire-type starter. The flames on Typhlosion's back erupted into a raging inferno, signaling its fighting spirit.
Aoki narrowed his eyes.
Pokémon: Typhlosion
Level: Elite (Peak Stage, Profound Meaning Complete)
Ability: Blaze
Moveset: Flamethrower, Hyper Beam, Flame Wheel, Eruption, Earthquake…
Aoki's expression darkened slightly.
'An Elite-level Pokémon at its peak, and its Profound Meaning is already fully mastered…' He clenched his fists. 'This is going to be tough.'
Unlike Ninetales, which was a standard Elite, this Typhlosion was on an entirely different level. A true ace Pokémon, the strongest Mura had.
Aoki had initially planned to hold back, but against such an opponent, he realized he had no choice.
'I didn't want to rely on Mega Evolution, but against this guy, I might have to…'
Mura smirked as he caught Aoki's wary gaze. "Surprised? Typhlosion is my strongest Pokémon. Let's see how you handle it."
Aoki exhaled sharply. 'This old man really isn't holding back.'
But he wasn't about to back down, either. He turned his attention to his Gyarados. Though fatigued, the serpentine Pokémon growled, still eager to fight.
'Its Overconfidence Ability has boosted its attack after defeating Ninetales, but with how injured it is…' Aoki made his decision.
"Gyarados, let's do this! Use Aqua Tail with all your strength!"
Despite its injuries, Gyarados roared and surged forward, its tail wrapped in a spiraling torrent of water.
"Typhlosion, Thunder Punch!"
As Gyarados swung its tail, Typhlosion clenched its right fist. Electricity crackled violently around it as it leaped forward.
The two attacks collided in a massive explosion of water and electricity. Sparks and steam filled the battlefield.
The result was immediate.
Gyarados was sent flying backward, landing with a thunderous crash. Its body twitched, paralyzed from the electric impact. With one final groan, it collapsed.
The referee raised his hand. "Gyarados is unable to battle! Typhlosion wins!"
Aoki sighed but remained composed. "You did great, Gyarados." He returned his Pokémon and pulled out another Poké Ball.
Mura chuckled. "You're strong, kid. But can your next Pokémon handle my Typhlosion?"
Aoki smirked. "You'll see."
With a flick of his wrist, he threw his next Poké Ball.
"Boss Lairon, it's your turn!"
With a deafening roar, Boss Lairon landed heavily on the battlefield, its steel-clad body gleaming. It pounded its chest with both arms, challenging its opponent.
Mura's eyes lit up. "So this is your ace, huh?"
Even at a glance, he could tell—this Lairon wasn't ordinary. It had an imposing presence, one that made even Typhlosion take a more cautious stance.
Mura crossed his arms, nodding approvingly. 'This kid really has talent. If only he and my granddaughter…'
Meanwhile, Asha, standing on the sidelines, shuddered. She noticed her grandfather's gaze and had a bad feeling. 'Why do I feel like Grandpa is scheming something?'
On the battlefield, the tension was at its peak.
Mura raised a hand. "Alright, Typhlosion, let's start—"
"Wait." Aoki suddenly interrupted.
Mura blinked. "Hmm? What is it?"
Aoki took a deep breath. "I need a moment to prepare."
Mura raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What are you planning?"
Aoki smirked. "Boss Lairon, it's time to evolve." He extended his hands dramatically.
"Let's show them our Bond Evolution!"
Mura's eyes widened slightly. "Bond Evolution?"
In reality, this wasn't Bond Evolution—it was Mega Evolution. However, Aoki wasn't ready to reveal its true nature yet.
A brilliant light engulfed Boss Lairon, its form shifting and expanding. Its body grew larger, its armor became even more imposing, and its aura intensified.
When the light faded, standing in place of Boss Lairon was Mega Aggron.
Aoki grinned. "Let's finish this."
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