Gaining its freedom, Clawitzer thought Dragonite had finally let go, so it fled in a panic.
Just as Clawitzer tried to rise for another attack, Growlithe energetically jumped in front, issuing a challenge!
"Arf arf!"
Clawitzer responded with an angry strike.
A hastily charged Water Pulse came out with the momentum of a Hydro Pump. Luckily, Growlithe's reflexes—honed through regular training—were fast enough. Instinctively dodging to the side, the Water Pulse blasted into a nearby sandcastle built by another Pokémon.
The power of that move startled Growlithe. Was it really going to fight this guy?!
If that Water Pulse had landed, it could easily have knocked out half its health.
Even Lucas was surprised by Clawitzer's power. It seemed the combination of its Mega Launcher ability and Tera Water boost gave Clawitzer strength beyond its normal limits.
Lucas narrowed his eyes. "Rock Tomb."
Growlithe focused, gathering rock-type energy. Several sandbag-sized rocks formed in midair, attacking Clawitzer from all four directions, sealing off its escape routes.
Clawitzer wasn't fazed. Water streamed around its body, boosting its speed. At the last second, it broke through the stone blockade, dark energy forming in its giant claw.
This time, it was Dark Pulse!
Sensing the critical moment, Lucas gave a swift command: "Flamethrower!"
Having taken the battle seriously after almost stumbling at the start, Growlithe leapt high, using its speed to disrupt Clawitzer's aim, and unleashed a searing flame from Clawitzer's blind spot.
Clawitzer's reflexes weren't bad—it hastily adjusted its attack, unleashing the deep, sinister Dark Pulse.
Flamethrower and Dark Pulse collided, instantly causing a powerful blast. Energy clashed, creating an explosion that left both sides temporarily blinded.
Unlike the flustered Clawitzer, Growlithe kept moving, dashing across the sand. Plus, Growlithe had the keen sense of smell unique to canine Pokémon!
Not missing the perfect opportunity, Growlithe quickly picked out Clawitzer's scent in the dusty air.
Determination flashed in Growlithe's eyes. With intense rock energy gathering at its forehead and its ability negating any side effects, Growlithe slammed Clawitzer with Double-Edge, blasting it into the sand!
Hearing Clawitzer's involuntary cry of pain, Growlithe grinned—its attack had worked!
As the smoke cleared and sand settled, the battered Clawitzer's form emerged.
Lucas smiled. This move was effective, and after several rounds, he'd also noticed Clawitzer's weaknesses.
Though its Tera form and abilities gave it tremendous firepower, in all other areas, Growlithe—well-trained—had the edge.
In agility, speed, and battle smarts, Growlithe was overwhelmingly superior.
After all, Growlithe had received training from Kukui's Lycanroc, practiced fire moves with Moltres, and been mentored by the main team's Pokémon.
Under Lucas's direction, these advantages were enough to secure victory.
Now that Clawitzer was injured, it had no way to deal with Growlithe.
Its moves were powerful, but with both Growlithe and Lucas on guard, they had little effect. The more Clawitzer fought, the more frustrated it became, getting hit several times by Growlithe until its strength waned.
Knowing it couldn't keep going like this, Clawitzer steeled itself for a last-ditch effort—taking a Crunch from Growlithe head-on, its eyes suddenly shone as it drew upon all its water-type energy.
With the nearby ocean teeming with water energy, and boosted by the mysterious crystal, Clawitzer's entire body glowed as if covered in crystalline light. A water jet burst from its claw, launching Clawitzer into the air.
Next, Clawitzer, betting everything, unleashed a wild barrage of water jets mid-air, disregarding energy cost.
Clever move.
Since it couldn't lock onto Growlithe, it turned to area attacks from above. As fast as Growlithe was, it couldn't outrun multiple rampaging water jets.
The attack's range even reached Lucas behind them. Dragonite stepped in, shield glowing green as it easily absorbed Clawitzer's enraged strike with Protect.
Lucas considered having Growlithe use Protect too, to wait out Clawitzer's energy and then finish it off.
But as Growlithe dodged the sweeping water jets, it turned and gave Lucas a determined look.
It wanted to defeat Clawitzer head-on in this final strike!
Lucas hesitated, emotions swirling, then sighed deeply. Glancing at Dragonite in front of him, he felt a strange, bittersweet pride, like a parent watching a child grow up in an instant.
"Do what you want. I support you."
With those words, Lucas made his stance clear.
This was Growlithe's rite of passage, the final step toward evolution. It deserved to choose its own path.
Feeling Lucas' support, Growlithe's fighting spirit soared. It had secretly trained this move for a long time, hoping to surprise Lucas and show its growth.
Now, it was time for the results of two months' training to blossom!
Growlithe dodged another water jet, then stopped running and stood its ground—not out of desperation, but waiting for the next attack. As the next jet swept by, thunder rumbled in the sky.
Lucas and Dragonite were both stunned. Could it be—
In the next instant, lightning crackled around Growlithe, its muscles fully activated by the electric surge, pushing its physical abilities to new heights. Becoming a dazzling bolt, Growlithe burst through the water jets, charging straight at the airborne Clawitzer.
For a moment, lightning filled the sky.
Lucas's finger trembled. He muttered, "Wild Charge?"
Where had Growlithe learned that move? The answer was obvious.
In both Lucas and Dragonite's minds, the image of Luxray appeared.
Boom!!
Clawitzer, smoking, crashed to the ground. With a crisp shattering noise, the spent Tera crystal and Clawitzer's Tera form shattered, scattering into light.
Lucas couldn't hide his wide smile any longer. Proudly, he said, "Now that's a real surprise!"