The surge of pressure from the opponent told Drizzile exactly what was coming. That final move was on its way. If possible, Drizzile wanted to brace for it even if it might be difficult, it was worth a try.
Once again, a Whirlpool began to swirl around her as the center. At the same time, a Water Pulse started to take shape in the center of her palms.
"Go, Corvisquire!"
"Caww-!!"
"Send it back, Drizzile!"
"Yah-!"
The two Pokémon roared in response to their trainers, struggling to hold their unstable attacks together as they launched toward each other!
At the peak of his charge, Corvisquire pulled a sharp turn midair and dove straight toward Drizzile's back.
But Drizzile kept her cool. She turned just enough to keep track of her opponent's movement. With his speed, timing would be everything. Use her moves too early, and they'd lose their effect.
Now!
The moment Corvisquire entered the Whirlpool's range, Drizzile detonated the swirling water, then fired off the Water Pulse with all her might in his direction.
Splash! Boom!
Even the combined force of the Whirlpool and Water Pulse couldn't stop Corvisquire's momentum. Fueled by fiery flying-type energy, he tore through the waves without hesitation.
With thunderous force, he slammed into Drizzile, who hadn't been able to dodge in time.
Water and dirt exploded across the field, grass flying everywhere, but Yuri had no time to worry about the mess. She dashed across the muddy battlefield to her fallen partner's side, unbothered by the grime, and gently scooped Drizzile into her arms.
"Yah… (Sorry… If I had better control, maybe I could've…)"
"It's okay, really! You did great, truly! You were amazing. Now come back and rest."
Yuri brushed the leaves off Drizzile's face with her fingertips, smiling warmly. Then she tapped his cheek gently with a Poké Ball, returning him.
Hop was also tending to his partner, though Corvisquire was still on his feet. Exhausted, yes but he could still fight if needed.
Yuri returned to her place, not caring that her clothes were soaked in mud. She simply wiped her hands on her shirt, then unclipped Appletun's Poké Ball. Turning toward the apple dragon, who had been ready and waiting, she called out:
"You're up next. It's all on you now, Appletun. You've got this!"
"Squeek-!! (Right! I won't let our seniors down!)"
With a loud flutter of wings, Appletun took to the field, eyes locked onto Corvisquire. Even though the type matchup wasn't in his favor, there wasn't a trace of fear in his gaze.
After all, Appletun had known Drizzile the longest. Back when Yuri had just brought him home, he'd barely been able to battle, timid and anxious at every little sound. He and Sobble had quickly bonded, cowering side by side in their shared fear. In their own strange way, the two had formed a tight friendship.
This wasn't about revenge. Appletun simply felt that if Drizzile had worked that hard for their sake, then losing now would be the real disgrace.
"Caww!"
Corvisquire could sense the spirit in his new opponent. But Hop placed a hand on his Pokémon's head and withdrew him.
Now wasn't the time. Flying had the advantage, yes but if Corvisquire fought Appletun at full strength right now, he might go down before landing the finishing blow.
He needed a clean opening first. Time to bring back Cinderace.
"Cha-!"
Refreshed from a brief rest, Cinderace was back on the field, visibly energized. Even while in the Poké Ball, he had been watching Drizzile's performance closely. Though it was a shame he didn't get to battle that one, it didn't matter who stood across from him. His flames were burning for action.
Hop had made up his mind: it was high time to teach all his Pokémon powerful moves. The only reason Corvisquire had Brave Bird was because of a lucky purchase. If they hadn't had it just now, taking down Drizzile would've cost them far more. He couldn't rely on luck next time.
Right back to the battle.
"Ready, Hop?"
"Haha, you bet. Let's keep going! Cinderace, Flame Charge!"
"Cha-!"
Flames burst from Cinderace's feet as he took off. After that short break, the Blaze ability was in full effect, letting him draw out even more power from his fire.
"Protect! Then Dragon Breath!"
"Squeek-!"
Appletun snapped his wings closed, creating a shimmering shield that blocked the oncoming flames. Then, just as Cinderace's attack faltered, Appletun spread his wings wide and opened his mouth.
A surge of Dragon-type energy, already charged up, shot out in a powerful breath.
Cinderace reacted fast. With a sharp twist of his core, he kicked upward, striking Appletun's apple-like shell and knocking the attack upward, sending the blast spiraling into the sky.
"Again! Flame Charge!"
Before he even landed, while Appletun was still tumbling through the air and struggling to regain his balance, Hop issued another command.
This was getting tricky. Flame Charge packed a punch. Appletun might be able to block it once, but twice? And if Cinderace kept ramping up his speed, they might not be able to hold him off for long.
Yuri decided to take a risk. Cinderace's stamina was wearing thin. One more clean hit and he'd be out. It was just too bad Appletun couldn't manipulate energy as precisely as Drizzile.
If only he could mix in a disruptive move like Twister followed by a clean strike they could've minimized the damage and maybe even closed it out. But Drizzile's level of control came from talent, and that wasn't something that could be copied in the short term.
"Appletun! Steady yourself and use Wing Attack!"
"Squeek-!"
Appleton flapped his wings and adjusted his balance midair. As Cinderace launched himself across the field, even faster than before, Appletun soared upward, pulling together Flying-type energy.
"Cha-!!"
"Squeek-!!"
As Cinderace leapt with ferocious power, Appletun dove toward him from above. The two clashed in midair.
BOOM!
Fire erupted between them, engulfing both Pokémon in a brilliant burst of light. The blaze was so intense, it warmed the faces of both trainers.
"Cinderace! Are you okay?"
"Appletun! Are you hurt?"
Thud-
Just as they finished shouting, a humanoid figure dropped from the fire and landed on the grass with a soft thud.
"Cha…"
"It's alright! You did amazing. Take a rest now, Cinderace."
Hop smiled gently as he comforted his partner, then pressed the Poké Ball to bring him back.
"Squeek…"
As the fire faded, Appletun came into view exhausted, but still standing. Even in Blaze mode, Flame Charge was a lot to take. Appletun fluttered down in front of Yuri and folded his wings, clearly in need of a breather.
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