Commentator: "Amazing! Nathan's Cloyster once again takes advantage of its defensive skills to trap Ash's Pikachu! Could Pikachu's losing streak finally end here?"
"Perfect timing — Pikachu can't move now! Let's end this!" Nathan commanded confidently.
"Cloyster, use your most powerful Spike Cannon!"
Purple venom still lingered in the air, slowing Pikachu's movements. Nathan seized the opening. Cloyster's horn glowed as energy gathered at its tip, forming a massive sphere of light. The power it radiated made the audience gasp — this was no ordinary attack.
"Cloyster, fire!"
The condensed energy shot out in a beam, tearing through the air toward Pikachu.
Commentator: "A devastating Spike Cannon from Nathan's Cloyster — executed with King-class precision! Ash's Pikachu is in serious danger— Wait! What's this?! The Spike Cannon couldn't pierce Pikachu's defense!! Unbelievable!!!"
The crowd erupted. Those in the front rows jumped to their feet, while others strained to see the arena's big screen. Pikachu — a tiny Electric-type — had blocked a full-power Spike Cannon. The sheer impossibility of it stunned everyone.
"What?!" Nathan shouted, disbelief flooding his face.
Pikachu stood firm, electricity crackling across its body. The air was alive with the sound of chirping thunderbirds — a thousand sparks crying in unison.
"Pika~!"
Smiling confidently, Pikachu stared at the attack it had just stopped cold. Lightning surged stronger than ever, forming a veil of power. This was no ordinary defense — this was Ash and Pikachu's original technique, born from their mastery of Lightning Release, perfected through battle.
Commentator: "As expected of Ash! He's never afraid to innovate — any Pokémon becomes extraordinary in his hands!"
Nathan grit his teeth. "Damn it! There's barely any data on Pikachu's moveset — this is insane!"
Ash watched calmly, arms crossed. "Under pressure, your state of mind falters. You're still not used to it, Nathan."
He smiled slightly. "It's normal to panic. Blocking a King-level Spike Cannon with defense alone — even I was surprised."
Ash's years of experience showed. His composure, tested in countless battles, far surpassed that of a teenage prodigy like Nathan.
BOOM!
The longer Pikachu held its defense, the weaker Cloyster's attack became — until finally, the energy exploded in a flash of light. When the dust settled, Pikachu stood unscathed, smiling cutely amid the smoke.
"All right, Pikachu! If your speed's limited, let's strike from range — use Thunder Tiger Strike!"
"Pika–Pika—CHUUU!!!"
Electricity roared around Pikachu, taking the shape of a massive thunderous tiger. It let out a deafening roar as it lunged toward Cloyster, lightning still tethered to Pikachu's paw. Pikachu controlled the thunder beast's speed, shape, and power in real time — like guiding a living creature of pure electricity.
Commentator: "Another original move from Ash's Pikachu! He's showing us once again why his creativity can't be underestimated!"
Nathan's eyes widened.
"What kind of move is that? Cloyster — withdraw into your shell, quickly!"
Despite the panic, Nathan's instincts as a prodigy kicked in. Even while rattled, he analyzed the situation fast. The frozen battlefield — created earlier by Cloyster's Ice Beam — wasn't true ice terrain, leaving the Water-type nowhere to hide. The best option was defense.
"Cloyster, Withdraw!"
The bivalve Pokémon snapped shut, forming a fortress-like shell. But Pikachu's lightning was the natural predator of Water and Ice alike.
BOOM!!!
The Thunder Tiger collided with Cloyster's shell in a blinding burst of electricity, shaking the entire arena.
Zzzz—ZZZZZTT!!!
The moment Pikachu's Thunder Tiger Strike collided with Cloyster, the arena exploded in blinding light. Electricity danced wildly across the field, crackling through the frozen mist.
When the smoke finally cleared, Cloyster's shell was scorched black in several places, thin arcs of lightning still flickering across its surface.
"It's not good… Cloyster's been paralyzed!"
Nathan muttered, his eyes narrowing as he quickly analyzed the situation. He knew what that meant — one more hit from Pikachu and it would be over.
"Return, Cloyster!"
Before Ash could call for a finishing blow, a beam of red light recalled the battered Pokémon. Nathan's decision was quick and clean — a tactical retreat.
Commentator: "Oh? Nathan recalls Cloyster! Remember, folks — this is a Top 16 match! Each trainer can only use three Pokémon, and switching mid-battle could be a risky move. A single change might decide the entire outcome!"
Ash smiled, lowering his hand slightly.
"So, you're swapping out? Brave choice. With only three Pokémon, that's not something most trainers would risk."
Nathan let out a slow breath, replying evenly, "I don't have a choice. Cloyster's paralysis means it wouldn't stand a chance against your Pikachu. Better to switch now — maybe I can still turn the match around later."
He wasn't wrong. Though Cloyster still had about half its strength left, the burns and paralysis from Pikachu's lightning left it too sluggish to fight effectively.
Ash nodded approvingly. "Not bad, Nathan. You made the right call."
Electric sparks continued to flash around Pikachu as it stood proudly on the battlefield, cheeks crackling with residual energy. The crowd roared in anticipation — the next round of the match was about to begin.
...
TN:
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