Conkeldurr charged forward, trading blows with Munchlax.
Coming from a martial arts gym, the Fighting-type's battle experience was impressive. Even missing one Thunder Punch compared to Munchlax, he still fought the Normal-type evenly at first.
But after a few exchanges, Munchlax subtly switched the Ice Punch in his left hand for a Fire Punch.
Before the match, Auron had told him — if you can keep up in close combat, use Fire Punch. The goal wasn't damage; it was to inflict burn. Conkeldurr didn't have the Guts ability, so landing that status would all but secure the win.
Conkeldurr was sharp enough to sense danger. After taking a single Fire Punch, he quickly backed off.
Both Pokémon were breathing heavily now. They'd blocked most of each other's strikes, but not all. Even so, Munchlax looked in far better shape than Conkeldurr.
Lena Greaves couldn't make sense of it.
A Munchlax appearing in the Little Cup and dominating in close combat against a gym-trained Fighting-type with years of sparring experience? It shouldn't be possible.
She finally stopped being stubborn. This wasn't pride anymore — this was just foolish.
"Conkeldurr — Bulk Up!"
Seeing that his opponent no longer wanted to brawl, Auron was slightly disappointed. Munchlax had already proven himself in close combat; now there was no reason to worry. But he hadn't expected Lena to go for a stat boost instead.
"Interrupt him — Earthquake!"
Munchlax stomped the ground, sending shockwaves racing toward Conkeldurr.
"Now! Conkeldurr — Drain Punch!"
The Fighting-type leapt clear of the quake and rushed at Munchlax, aiming to restore some HP.
"Munchlax — Fire Punch!"
Auron's reaction was quick, but Conkeldurr was faster still. Before Auron could even finish calling the attack, the Fighting-type was already in his face.
Bam!
"Oh my gosh! Did you see that? Munchlax reacted instantly with a Fire Punch and sent Conkeldurr flying!"
The announcer's voice trembled with excitement. It had all happened in a flash — so fast the crowd barely registered it before Conkeldurr hit the ground. For a brief moment, the entire arena fell silent. Then the cheers erupted, roaring through the stadium.
Auron gave Munchlax a big thumbs-up.
"Fantastic work, buddy!"
Munchlax squinted and grinned happily.
Lena let out a long sigh. She knew it — this battle was lost.
Her father's words came back to her:
"Even if defeat is certain, if I'm still standing, I will attack without hesitation."
Her eyes hardened.
"Conkeldurr — Low Kick!"
The Pokémon slammed a foot into the ground and charged.
"Conkeldurr hasn't given up! He's fighting to the very last second!" the commentator shouted.
Auron, however, remained calm.
"Now, Munchlax — Earthquake."
Same distance. Same move. Same result.
There was no time for Conkeldurr to dodge. The tremor knocked him off balance, sending him sprawling to the ground where he stayed, eyes swirling.
"As the dust settles… Conkeldurr is unable to battle! Munchlax wins!"
"Well done," Auron said warmly, patting his partner's head.
"And that's the end of our first semifinal! Both Trainers gave us a fantastic show, and Munchlax has given us a masterclass in winning against a type disadvantage. This match will be featured on the Little Cup's official website — make sure to watch it again!"
Auron had barely stepped down from the stage when Lena caught up with him.
"Hmm? What's up?" he asked.
"Your Munchlax… is really strong."
Auron chuckled, rubbing the Pokémon's head.
"Yeah. He's amazing."
Lena opened her mouth to continue, but nothing came out. She wasn't used to speaking with strangers, and she'd never been in this sort of situation before. The words she wanted to say stuck in her throat.
They stood there in an awkward silence. Auron tilted his head, puzzled.
"Well… if that's all, I'll head back."
"Mm, okay," she said quickly, almost flustered.
Once he was gone, Lena slapped her cheeks in frustration. Looking down at Conkeldurr's Poké Ball, she muttered,
"Ugh, Conkeldurr… am I stupid? I wanted to invite him to train at our gym with you, but I couldn't even say it."
The Poké Ball shook twice, as if agreeing with her.
"What? You think I'm stupid too? When we get home…"
Back in the seating area, Serena Elm eyed Auron curiously.
"So… what did she say to you?"
"She just said Munchlax is strong," Auron replied, tilting his chin up proudly.
"I told you, my training plan is perfect. My Pokémon are a cut above the rest of their species. Knowing me is a blessing, you should count yourself lucky."
Serena rolled her eyes.
She knew exactly what kind of person he was — utterly devoted to Pokémon. Women? Ha. As if.
The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she became.
"Go marry your Pokémon," she muttered under her breath, turning away and plopping into her seat.
"What's her problem?" Auron asked, genuinely confused.
Jace Rowan and Tim Wynn were laughing so hard they were bent over. Lena just patted him on the shoulder, still smiling.
Auron: "???"
"And with that, the first semifinal is done! Auron Vale has secured his spot in the finals. Next up, Serena Elm versus Simon Greaves! Who will face Auron in the championship match?"
"Let's welcome Serena Elm and Simon Greaves to the field!"
Lena patted both her husband Simon and her still-sulking friend Serena on the back.
"Your match is next, you two. Give it your best!"
Serena smirked. "Watch me take down your husband."
Simon simply gave his usual quiet reply. "Mm."
With Lena's encouragement still in her ears, Serena walked toward the field with renewed energy. She was determined to make it to the finals — and repay Auron for his earlier smugness.
Her steps were light and confident. Behind her, Simon followed at his unhurried pace.
"Trainers, send out your Pokémon!"
"Go, Shellder!"
"…"
Gengar leered at the Shellder, a mischievous grin on his face. The Shellder simply drooped its eyes, unimpressed.
The flag dropped — battle start.
"Shellder — Aqua Jet!"
No matter what Gengar tried, interrupting his move was a safe opening play.
Down in the stands, Auron asked, "Who do you think will win?"
Lena: "I support my husband."
Tim: "I'm with Simon too — that Gengar is seriously strong."
Jace: "Since you both picked him, I'll join in. Go, Simon."
Auron burst out laughing.
"Haha! I'm recording this. When Serena comes down, I'm playing it for her."
"You're awful!" Lena said, smacking his arm.
The group dissolved into playful chaos, while Lena discreetly filmed the whole scene on her phone.
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