The crowd roared as Aurora's final Poké Ball cracked open with a sharp burst of light. A colossal silhouette took shape—sleek, intimidating, and radiating sheer dominance. From the light emerged a Garchomp, its blade-like fins gleaming under the arena lights, eyes locked onto Ray with ruthless precision.
Ray instinctively activated his Statsight.
GarchompLevel: 49Aptitude: Deep PurpleStatus: Optimal condition
Ray's eyes widened in shock. "Level 49… Deep Purple…" he whispered. "It's stronger than Ritchie's Pikachu…"
Aurora stood calmly, her expression unreadable. The temperature around her seemed to drop slightly, the weight of her presence amplified by the monstrous power of her final Pokémon.
Ray took a breath and turned to Dragonair. "You did amazing," he said softly, returning the elegant dragon to its Poké Ball. "Rest a little. I'll need you soon."
He looked down at the remaining Poké Ball on his belt and clenched it. "Let's go, Charizard!"
With a burst of flame, Charizard emerged onto the battlefield, unleashing a mighty roar that shook the stands. The flame on his tail flared larger than usual, signaling his resolve. Scars from his battle with Feraligatr were still faintly visible, but his eyes burned with the same fiery spirit Ray knew and trusted.
The referee's hand dropped. "Begin!"
Garchomp moved first—faster than expected for its size. It rushed in with relentless momentum, claws glinting as it unleashed a devastating Dragon Claw. Charizard parried midair, but the impact sent him skidding backward. Ray's heart raced.
"Charizard, stay in the air! Keep your distance!" Ray called.
Charizard obeyed, using agile aerial maneuvers to launch ranged bursts of Flamethrower and Dragon Rage. Garchomp snarled and dashed through them, taking minor damage but closing the gap with terrifying speed.
The duel raged—Dragon Tail, Steel Wing, Aerial Ace, Crunch—each exchanged move left the arena trembling and the crowd breathless. Despite the advantage in type, Garchomp's sheer stats made it difficult for Charizard to gain ground. Aurora's cold precision and Garchomp's ruthless attacks began to wear Charizard down.
Ray wiped sweat from his brow. "We need to take a risk…"
"Charizard! Grab him now!"
Charizard dove, clashing with Garchomp mid-charge. He locked his arms around the dragon's torso and with a cry of effort, began to rise into the sky, dragging Garchomp with him.
"Is he trying a Seismic Slam?" the announcer shouted.
But in that moment—CHOMP!
Garchomp twisted and bit down hard on Charizard's wing, causing the fire-type to screech in agony. Ray's heart sank as he saw blood drip from the wound.
"Don't let go!" he shouted.
With a final burst of strength, Charizard completed the maneuver, slamming Garchomp down with a seismic thud that cracked the battlefield's surface. Dust exploded upward.
Ray's breathing stopped.
As the smoke cleared… Garchomp was still standing.
He was wounded, scales scratched and jaw slightly off-balance, but still ready.
Charizard landed hard, panting, his wing limp, barely holding his stance.
"Finish it," Aurora said, softly but coldly.
Garchomp roared and lunged forward. With one final Dragon Claw, it struck Charizard across the chest. Charizard let out a grunt, dropped to one knee—and collapsed.
Ray rushed forward a few steps, biting his lip. He returned Charizard to his Poké Ball with both pride and regret.
"You gave everything," he whispered. "Thank you."
The battlefield fell quiet. Aurora gave Ray a glance—not mocking, but piercing.
Ray pulled out Dragonair's Poké Ball again. "Time to finish this… partner."
He threw the Poké Ball forward.
With a swirl of wind and elegance, Dragonair returned to the field. His injuries were still visible—his tail especially—but his eyes burned with a quiet defiance.