Chapter 573: Elite Four Fire Battle (1)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Pokémon League – Flint's Room]
With Aaron, the Bug-type master, and Bertha, the formidable Ground-type strategist, now behind him, Azure stepped through the archway that marked the transition from Bertha's earthy arena. His footsteps echoed softly on the polished floor as he proceeded to the next chamber, a vibrant blue and white hallway, sharply divided by a sleek, small lift.
Yellow and red lights pulsed along the walls, guiding him forward, a stark contrast to the naturalistic grandeur of the previous rooms. The Arc Phone hummed discreetly in Azure's hand, Rotom's presence a silent, omnipresent companion.
Reaching the lift, Azure stepped on, the platform rising smoothly with a soft whirr, carrying him to the next level. The gates ahead parted, revealing a new domain. Elite Four Flint's room awaited.
As Azure walked through the opening, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The air grew warm, almost humid, carrying the faint scent of sulfur and ash. Flint's room was a vivid, reddish-brown expanse, dominated by four massive, lava-filled pits that glowed with an ominous, fiery orange on either side of the battle arena.
The heat emanating from them was palpable, painting the room in dancing shadows and radiating a raw, untamed power. At the far end, standing with an eager grin, was Flint the Fire-Type Elite Four Member himself, his striking red afro hair seeming to mimic the fiery landscape of his domain.
Flint's voice boomed, full of an infectious energy that belied his position as a formidable Elite Four member, "Azure! My man, you finally made it!"
He practically bounced on the balls of his feet, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he continued, "I've been literally burning with anticipation to meet you! Heard you made quite the splash around Sinnoh, not just helping but also getting Volkner back into the swing of things!"
He ended with a hearty laugh, extending a hand in greeting. Azure met his gaze, a small, polite nod his only response as he shook Flint's hand and replied, "It was nothing, really. Just doing what any Trainer would."
Flint immediately scoffed, retracting his hand with a playful wave as he exclaimed, "Nothing? Don't be humble, kid! That battle you had with Volkner was a spectacle! The way you pushed him, the way you battled… it was truly inspiring! You reminded him what it meant to really feel the heat of a challenge!"
He paused, his grin widening, a glint of genuine admiration in his eyes adding, "And I saw it all! So don't you dare tell me it was 'nothing'."
Azure's Arc Phone vibrated gently. Rotom's voice, a series of playful electronic chirps and words, emanated from the Arc Phone, "He's not wrong, Azure. You sure know how to make an entrance and exit. Rotom, Rotom!"
Azure merely hummed in response, a faint smile touching his lips. He enjoyed the praise, but his focus was already shifting.
Flint, sensing the change, mirrored it instantly. The easygoing, boisterous persona melted away, replaced by a serious, almost wild expression. His eyes narrowed, and that unhinged grin returned, but this time it felt less jovial and more… predatory. A wave of intense pressure washed over Azure, far greater than anything Bertha had exuded.
This was the pressure of raw, uncontained power, the heat of a raging inferno.
Flint declared, his voice dropping to a low growl, yet still vibrating with excitement, "Alright, enough with the pleasantries then, hotshot! You've come this far, and I'm gonna make sure you earn your spot in that Champion's room! I demand to see your absolute best! This is gonna be a full 6-on-6 Pokémon battle!"
Azure's eyes sharpened, his composure unwavering despite the intense aura. He moved smoothly into position, his hand already hovering over a Poké Ball on his belt, and answered boldly, "Understood."
Flint roared, drawing a Poké Ball with a flourish, "Let's see what you've got, kid!"
Both Trainers threw their first Pokémon simultaneously, the battle beginning in a flash of light. Flint hurled his first Poké Ball, declaring excitedly with an eager grin, "Ninetales, show 'em your fiery spirit, girl!"
*POP*
Flint's Poké Ball burst open, revealing the elegant, nine-tailed Fox Pokémon. Ninetales landed gracefully on the reddish-brown floor, its golden fur shimmering in the lava light. A small, orange [Heat Rock] pulsed faintly in its maw.
*SHIII*
As Ninetales settled, the already warm room seemed to ignite, its presence causing the ambient temperature to surge dramatically. A fiery aura pulsed around it, and the lava pits on either side of the room seemed to glow even brighter. Ninetales let out a fierce cry, its Hidden Ability, Drought, activating, intensifying the harsh sunlight and making the air crackle with heat, "GRaoooo!!"
Azure's chosen warrior emerged from its own Poké Ball with a powerful, guttural roar, "Alright, Kleavor, let's go!"
*POP-THUD*
Kleavor, the Axe Pokémon, stood tall, its stony, axe-like arms glinting. A tightly bound Muscle Band was visible on one of its forearms, ready to amplify its might. Azure mused internally that Kleavor's Hidden Ability, Sharpness, would ensure its axe-based moves dealt even more devastating damage.
He had anticipated Flint's Ninetales. The stage was set.
*CRACKLE*
The air became superheated, and the battle started with an explosive surge of energy. Flint wasted no time, his command slicing through the hot air, "Time to start this battle! Ninetales, Flamethrower!"
*HISSSS*
Ninetales inhaled deeply, then unleashed a torrent of scorching, concentrated flames that surged across the arena like a fiery serpent, aiming directly for Kleavor. Azure's voice was calm, cutting through the roaring heat, "Kleavor, Counter Shield Razor Wind!"
Kleavor didn't hesitate. Its stony axes began to spin rapidly, generating a powerful, swirling vortex of wind around its body. The Razor Wind wasn't just an attack; it formed a dynamic, protective shield.
*WHOOSH*
The incoming Flamethrower collided with the spiraling wind, its fiery tendrils being shredded and deflected, unable to penetrate Kleavor's defensive vortex. The heat of the Flamethrower was absorbed and dispersed, leaving only a cloud of steam and dissipated energy.
As the Flamethrower dissipated, Kleavor didn't let up. Its axes, still humming from the effort, came together in a powerful cross. Then, with a mighty sweep, it brought them forward, releasing a volley of multiple white, crescent-shaped energy blades.
*SHINK—SHINK*
These blades, sharp as razors, arced through the air with surprising speed, catching Ninetales off guard. The Fox Pokémon, still recovering from its Flamethrower being blocked, didn't have time to fully react as several of the blades sliced across its body.
Ninetales recoiled, a surprised whimper escaping its throat, "Yelp!"
But Kleavor wasn't finished. Before Ninetales could regain its footing, Azure's next command rang out, "Don't give it a moment to rest! Strong Style Stone Axe!"
With an explosive burst of speed, Kleavor lunged forward, moving with a surprising agility for its stony frame. Its right axe glowed with earthen energy, empowered by the Strong Style…
*THUD*
The axe slammed directly into Ninetales's side, a sickening crunch echoing through the arena. Ninetales cried out in pain, stumbling back. As the impact resonated, tiny, glittering shards of rock detached from Kleavor's axe, setting up Stealth Rocks and embedding themselves in Ninetales's fur.
The Fox Pokémon flinched, a new, irritating sensation prickling its skin. It had been dealt the Splinters' status condition. Azure knew that with Kleavor's Strong Style, those splinters would last for four agonizing turns, dealing residual damage to Ninetales at the end of each turn, a constant reminder of Kleavor's powerful strike.
Flint's boisterous grin faltered, replaced by a frown of concern as he saw Ninetales wince from the lingering splinters. He commanded, hoping to inflict a burn and halve Kleavor's physical attack power, "Ninetales, get it off! Will-O-Wisp!"
*HISSS*
Ninetales snarled, gathering ghostly blue flames in its mouth, preparing to unleash them. But Azure countered with lightning speed, knowing Tailwind's priority would be crucial, "Tailwind, Kleavor, now!"
Kleavor immediately whipped up a powerful gust of wind from its axes, not just around itself, but expanding outward!
*FWOOSH*
The developing fireballs from Ninetales were caught in the sudden, powerful current of air, ripped from their nascent forms, and dispersed harmlessly into the superheated environment. Ninetales's attempt to burn Kleavor was thwarted, and Kleavor now gained a speed boost for the next few turns.
Ninetales, frustrated, snarled, "Ninnne!!"
Flint, quick-thinking, saw an opening. He smirked, commanding, "Alright, Ninetales, create an opening! Use your fire to create Illusions!"
*SHIII*
The Fox Pokémon's tails flared, and its body shimmered, multiple fiery duplicates appearing around it, swirling and dancing, making it incredibly difficult to tell which was the real Ninetales.
But Azure ordered, trusting Kleavor's sharp instincts, "Kleavor, clear your mind! Focus Energy!"
Kleavor closed its eyes briefly, its mind sharpening, cutting through the visual clutter and regaining clarity of perception. The illusions, while still visually present, lost their hypnotic effect on the Axe Pokémon.
However, that moment of distraction was all Flint needed. Under the veil of illusions, Ninetales had subtly repositioned itself, moving with surprising stealth despite its size, with a vicious grin.
Flint's triumphant yell echoed, smirking smugly, "Got you now, kid! Ninetales, ten-direction Flamethrower!"
*HISSSS*
Ninetales, the true one now identifiable, unleashed a massive torrent of flames—one powerful stream from its mouth, and nine more, thinner but equally potent, erupting from each of its fanned tails. The fiery jets converged, creating a veritable inferno, a blazing cage rapidly closing in on Kleavor from all angles.
Flint's smug grin returned, thinking he had Azure trapped. But Azure merely smirked and countered, "Not yet, Flint. Kleavor, Full Counter!"
Flint's eyes widened slightly. Full Counter wasn't a standard move. He recalled Azure using Delta Shield and Counter Shield during his Gym battle with Volkner, but this was very new to him.
Azure knew Kleavor only knew Light Screen, a psychic barrier for special attacks, but within his complex battle style, he knew it could be adapted. Kleavor responded instantly, crossing its axes once more. Instead of projecting wind, the surfaces of its stony blades shimmered, coating themselves in a translucent, green psychic energy.
*SHHHING*
Just as the ten Flamethrowers were about to engulf Kleavor, the Axe Pokémon thrust its axes forward, creating a concave shield of shimmering green light. The intense flames struck the barrier, not dispersing, but being absorbed and then, with a shocking burst of energy, reflected perfectly.
All ten Flamethrowers, now amplified by Kleavor's psychic energy, rocketed back towards Ninetales, giving her a taste of her own medicine!
Flint gasped, startled, "Gah! What?!"
He had only seen the reflection techniques in Volkner's Ace Gym Match, never thinking Azure had more up his sleeve. The reflected flames struck Ninetales head-on, engulfing the Fox Pokémon in a fiery explosion
*BOOOM*
Ninetales cried out in pain, scorched and thrown back, "YOWL!"
Azure said calmly, a confident glint in his eyes with a grin to match, "Heh. Some tricks are best kept hidden, Flint."
Flint clicked his tongue in annoyance, scowling. He commanded, "That was a dirty trick, kid! Ninetales, Quick Attack!"
*Zooom*
Ninetales, singed but still standing, used its boosted speed to quickly dart away from the reflected flames, repositioning itself defensively. Azure countered, recognizing the opportunity, "Kleavor, Swords Dance!"
*SHIII*
Kleavor's axes began to glow with a fierce, ethereal energy, spinning rapidly around its body, boosting its Attack Stages by an incredible +2. Flint, seeing Ninetales struggling and having taken significant damage, made a crucial decision.
He withdrew Ninetales's Poké Ball, ready to swap her out, and declared, "Ninetales, return! We'll save you for later!"
Azure's command was sharp and decisive, "Not a chance, Flint! Kleavor, after it! Strong Style Pursuit!"
*ZOOOM*
Kleavor, reacting to the attempted switch, lunged forward with explosive speed. Its axes glowed with a dark, primal energy, empowered by the Strong Style…
*CRACK*
The attack, benefiting from Kleavor's +2 Attack and the bonus damage of Pursuit against a fleeing target, struck Ninetales's retreating form with immense force, even before it could fully return to its Poké Ball. The effect was devastating.
*CRASH*
The force of the blow was so immense that Ninetales's Poké Ball, now containing its fainted form, clattered to the ground, rolling to a stop near Flint's feet. Flint sighed, retrieving the Poké Ball and returning Ninetales to its proper resting place, a deep frown etched on his face as he whispered to his Pokémon in a hushed tone, "Man, that was a brutal opener. Ninetales, you fought well. Rest up."
He took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Azure's with renewed determination. He declared, "Alright, kid. That was a good one. But now, it's my turn to bring the real heat! Magmortar, let's go!"
*POP-THUD*
From Flint's next Poké Ball burst a bulky, orange, bipedal Pokémon with fiery cannons on its arms: Magmortar. The Blast Pokémon landed with a heavy THUD, a small [Sitrus Berry] clutched in its hand. The intense sunlight from Drought was still blazing, making Magmortar's flames even more potent.
*BOOOM*
But he was bombarded with the Stealth Rocks in the air, dealing super-effective damage. Flint frowned, thought, 'Those Stealth Rocks are gonna be a pain in the ass to handle. But first I gotta fry a bug!'
Azure commanded fiercely, wanting to keep the pressure on, "Kleavor, start us off! Quick Attack!"
*WHAM*
Kleavor, still boosted by Tailwind, shot forward like a bullet, closing the distance to Magmortar in an instant. The attack connected, Kleavor slamming into Magmortar's chest, making a direct hit.
*WHOOOSH*
However, as Kleavor landed, a burst of intense heat radiated from Magmortar's body. Kleavor's own body suddenly went up in ethereal flames, a searing pain coursing through it. Azure clicked his tongue, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face.
Flint grinned smugly, triumphant as he boasted proudly, "Heh, caught you! Magmortar has the Flame Body Ability! Any physical contact has a chance to leave you burned! Should've known better, kid!"
Kleavor, despite the burning sensation and the draining effect, let out a defiant roar, shaking its head to ward off the pain. Azure, seeing its determination, smiled gently, asking, "Can you keep going, Kleavor?"
*THUD*
Kleavor slammed one of its axes into the ground, a loud THUD, its roar echoing, a clear sign of agreement. Azure nodded, proud of his Pokémon's resilience, and replied, "Alright, thanks, buddy. Then let's show them our power! Ancient Power!"
*RMBL*
Kleavor gathered elemental energy, its form glowing with an ancient, earthy light as it prepared to unleash a powerful attack. Flint countered, unwilling to let Kleavor power up easily, "Not so fast! Magmortar, Flamethrower!"
Magmortar roared, its arm cannons glowing white-hot, unleashing another torrent of intense, superheated flames towards Kleavor!
*BOOM*
Ancient Power and Flamethrower collided mid-arena, erupting into a massive explosion of rock and fire, sending shockwaves and steam across the battleground. The sheer force momentarily obscured both Pokémon.
Azure pressed, knowing the importance of maintaining momentum, "Now, Kleavor, Strong Style Stone Axe!"
*ZOOOM*
Kleavor, emerging from the smoke, charged forward, its axe glowing with formidable earthen energy, ready to deliver another devastating blow. But Flint barked, "Magmortar, cut it off! Rock Tomb!"
Magmortar's arm cannons glowed again, not with fire, but with rocky energy!
*CRACK-CRACK*
Multiple jagged boulders erupted from the ground directly in Kleavor's path, forming a rough, uneven wall. Kleavor, mid-charge, was forced to halt its Stone Axe attack, its path blocked. The Axe Pokémon took more damage from its encroaching Burn status, wincing slightly.
Flint continued his assault, "Magmortar, keep it busy! Smog!"
*POOF*
Magmortar opened its mouth, releasing a thick, acrid cloud of poisonous, dark-purple smoke that billowed towards the now-stalled Kleavor. Azure commanded, a glint of strategic brilliance in his eyes, "Kleavor, Silver Wind Counter Shield technique!"
*WHOOOSH*
Kleavor, still veiled in its shimmering tornado from the earlier Razor Wind, focused. The wind around it intensified, not just blocking, but actively swirling and redirecting the incoming Smog. The poisonous cloud was repelled, pushed back towards Magmortar, surprising Flint once more.
Kleavor, maintaining its silver-wind tornado, winced again as another wave of Burn damage washed over it. But this time, as the pain subsided, a faint, ethereal glow emanated from within the swirling winds around Kleavor. Its stony skin seemed to harden, its eyes sharpened, and its movements became fractionally quicker.
*SHING*
The Silver Wind Counter Shield, maintained through sheer willpower, had triggered Kleavor's own hidden power: it gained +1 Stages in Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed!
Azure's mind raced. He had observed this phenomenon before, but it was usually dependent on luck. Mentally combining the Counter Shield with Silver Wind to keep the latter active and swirling around Kleavor seemed to guarantee the stat boosts over time, if Kleavor could maintain the tornado.
It was a risky but potentially game-changing strategy.
Flint frowned, watching Azure maintain distance, pondering the Trainer's unusual strategy. He saw Kleavor wince from the burn once more, then watched with disbelief as another faint glow enveloped the Axe Pokémon, granting it yet another +1 Stage in all its stats.
That meant Kleavor was now at +2 in all stats from the Silver Wind, on top of the +2 Attack from Swords Dance!
Rotom's excited voice buzzed from the Arc Phone, echoing Azure's internal satisfaction, "Rotom, Rotom! Kleavor's getting super strong! This is awesome!"
Realization hit Flint like a physical blow. His eyes widened, a look of genuine panic flashing across his face. He muttered, his voice strained, "He's found a way to guarantee the buffs from Silver Wind!"
This was dangerous. He had to stop Kleavor's momentum.
Flint barked fiercely, "Magmortar, hit it with Lava Plume! End those buffs!"
*HISSSS*
Magmortar roared, its arm cannons glowing fiercely. It unleashed a wide, scalding wave of superheated lava and ash, a powerful special attack designed to engulf and incinerate. Azure barked, a counter-strategy already forming, "Kleavor, Rock Tomb!"
*RMBL*
Kleavor slammed its axes into the ground. A formidable shield of jagged, earthy rocks erupted from the ground, forming a protective barrier just in time to intercept the surging Lava Plume.
*BOOM*
The molten rock collided with the stone wall, creating a spectacular explosion of steam and shattered rock, though parts of the shield began to melt under the intense heat. Azure knew this was stalling for time, not a proper offense.
He commanded, "Kleavor, Quick Attack!"
Lava Plume continued to melt through the rock shield, but Kleavor, undeterred, charged through the rapidly crumbling barrier. It burst through the last vestiges of the rock shield, only to halt abruptly, confused. Magmortar was nowhere to be seen on the ground where it had been.
Flint's voice suddenly came from high overhead, "Magmortar, Smog from above!"
*POOOF*
Kleavor looked up, its eyes narrowing. Magmortar, with surprising agility for its size, had launched itself into the air, now hovering above Kleavor, its arm cannons aimed downwards. It unleashed another thick cloud of poisonous Smog, this time directly overhead.
*COUGH*
The airborne Smog rained down, hitting Kleavor, its toxic fumes stinging the Stone Axe Pokémon. But even as it took damage, Kleavor's determination surged. It roared, its fiery eyes fixed on the airborne Magmortar, "KLEAVOOOR!!"
Azure's voice crackled with intensity, "Kleavor! Don't let it get away! Lunge!"
Magmortar, still hovering, looked down, surprised as Kleavor, despite its burns and the Smog, coiled its powerful legs. With an incredible burst of strength, Kleavor launched itself into the air, leaping higher than Magmortar had anticipated!
Its axe glowed intensely with earthen power, a Strong Style Stone Axe ready to strike. Azure smirked and ordered, "Strong Style Stone Axe!!"
*BAM—CRASH*
Kleavor slammed its axe directly into Magmortar's chest, the force of the blow sending the Blast Pokémon plummeting towards the ground. Magmortar hit the floor with a heavy impact, a cloud of dust erupting around it. It tried to push itself up, groaning from the pain, but Kleavor was already falling.
*BASH*
The Axe Pokémon used its own free fall to its advantage, landing with another thunderous Stone Axe strike directly onto the struggling Magmortar. The impact was definitive. Magmortar cried out one last time, its flames sputtering, before collapsing motionlessly onto the arena floor.
The accumulated damage from Stealth Rocks, Kleavor's now staggering +4 Attack Stages (from Swords Dance and two Silver Wind boosts), and the super-effective nature of Stone Axe had been too much.
Flint recalled his fainted Magmortar, his face a mix of frustration and grudging admiration as he muttered, "Unbelievable… Cleared two of my Pokémon without even a scratch on your lineup. You're tougher than you look, kid."
He paused, then his eyes lit up with a renewed challenge. Grabbing his next Poké Ball, he declared, "Alright, let's see how you handle this! Heat Rotom, get in there!"
*POP*
His next Poké Ball opened, revealing a peculiar, electricity-infused Pokémon, a small, fiery turbine whirring around its core. Heat Rotom hovered into the arena, its form flickering with electrical energy, though it held a small pair of [Wise Glasses] that amplified its special attacks.
*BOOM*
But then Heat Rotom was hit by the Stealth Rocks, getting super-effective damage. Flint, meanwhile, thought, 'Okay, those rocks got to go. And I know how…'
The lingering effects of Drought still intensified the heat in the room. Flint commanded, aiming to capitalize on the harsh sunlight, "Heat Rotom, Heat Wave!"
*HISSSS*
Heat Rotom gathered fiery energy, preparing to unleash a wide-ranging, powerful attack. Azure countered immediately, giving Kleavor a momentary respite from the assault, "Kleavor, Protect!"
*SHIINNG*
A translucent green barrier shimmered around Kleavor, absorbing the incoming Heat Wave harmlessly. But not only that…
*BOOM*
Heat Rotom's Heatwave also eliminated the Stealth Rocks in play. Flint clicked his tongue, muttering, "Tch. Persistent, aren't we? Then Thunderbolt!"
*ZAP*
Heat Rotom zipped forward, arcs of potent electricity sparking around it, ready to unleash a powerful electric attack. Azure, however, had a plan. Kleavor, protected for the moment, looked at Azure. Azure gave a subtle nod.
Azure smirked, commanding, "Alright, Kleavor, excellent work. Now, Baton Pass!"
Kleavor, with a smug grin, dissipated its Protect barrier and then, with a burst of psychic energy, transferred all its accumulated buffs – the +4 Attack, +2 Defense, +2 Special Attack, +2 Special Defense, and +2 Speed – into a swirling orb of energy. Before Thunderbolt could hit, Kleavor vanished in a flash of light, returning to its Poké Ball.
As Kleavor vanished, another Poké Ball burst open. Azure called out, swapping to his next choice, "Your turn, Gallade!"
*POP*
The swirling orb of energy transferred itself into the newly summoned Pokémon: Gallade, the Blade Pokémon. Gallade appeared with a powerful, confident stance, its keen eyes fixed on Heat Rotom. The accumulated buffs immediately integrated into its being, making it pulse with raw power.
*HUMMM*
A vibrant [Galladite] mega stone adorned its chest, shimmering with potential. With a flourish, Gallade immediately conjured his signature weaponry: a single shimmering, psychic spoon-blade, seemingly forged from pure Psywave energy, holding it like his personal sword.
Flint's eyes widened in alarm at seeing the sheer power emanating from Gallade. He exclaimed, "What?! All those buffs transferred?!"
He hadn't expected the Baton Pass. He quickly tried to adapt, ordering, "Heat Rotom, another Heat Wave! Full power!"
*Hissss*
The Fire/Electric Pokémon gathered its fiery energy once more, the effects of Drought still active, making its Heat Wave even more potent. But Gallade was already moving. Before Heat Rotom could fully unleash its attack, Gallade blurred forward, its enhanced speed making it seem to vanish and reappear.
*WHOOSH*
In an instant, it was no longer in front of Heat Rotom but had already moved behind it, its form a dismissive silhouette against the lava-lit backdrop. Flint didn't even register the movement.
Gallade's Psychic Spoon blade, imbued with the transferred power, glowed ominously. With a silent, fluid motion, it slashed downwards, not with a psychic attack, but with a sudden, devastating Stone Edge. Flint could only watch, confused by the sudden shift in attack type, as the rock energy sliced through Heat Rotom's form.
*SHINK*
Heat Rotom, caught utterly off guard and struck by the super-effective attack, let out a high-pitched, electronic squeal. It sputtered, its turbine whirring erratically, before being knocked down to the ground, its electrical form flickering and fading.
*THUD*
It was unable to battle.
Flint stared, dumbfounded, at his fainted Heat Rotom. He hadn't even had time to react. He recalled his third faint Pokémon, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. He was now down to three Pokémon, an unexpected turn of events.
As Heat Rotom's energy dissipated from the arena, the scorching Drought effect, having endured for eighteen turns, finally ended along with Tailwind, though the lava pits continued to radiate their immense heat.
Azure's Gallade stood tall, its Psychic Spoon blades still shimmering, its keen gaze still fixed on Flint, ready for the next challenge. The Elite Four battle was far from over.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!