The "Air Slash" couldn't make Gyarados flinch. Although the last "Air Slash" managed to chip away its final bits of stamina, it successfully unleashed the "Destructive Beam" before collapsing.
Divine Speed!
After Togekiss executed "Air Slash," under Natsuhiko's command, it immediately used "Divine Speed," regardless of the outcome.
However, Gyarados' previous "Ghost Face" continued to affect it.
A dazzling beam shot upward, its scorching energy mingled with extreme destructive power.
Togekiss dodged, but didn't completely evade it.
The "Destructive Beam" grazed its body, causing it to spin in mid-air several times before it barely stabilized.
And Gyarados had lost its ability to battle!
Natsuhiko surprisingly took the lead in the first round!
But.
At that moment, Lance displayed the absolute professionalism of a seasoned trainer. Confirming Gyarados was incapacitated, he promptly retracted it with a Pokeball and simultaneously released another one.
What do you call this?
This is called professional Pokémon rotation!
Facing Natsuhiko, who had even used supernatural abilities, Lance didn't relax in the slightest. He expertly managed every detail of the Pokémon rotation.
He demonstrated to the audience what "Full Force Lance" truly means.
No holding back at all, displaying a stance filled with determination.
"Roar!!!"
The second to appear was Lance's initial Pokémon and most trusted partner, Charizard!
With the chaos from Gyarados' last "Destructive Beam" leaving Togekiss overwhelmed, Charizard was brought forth, denying Natsuhiko the chance to swap Pokémon.
Just as Togekiss regained its balance and caught its breath, Charizard's scorching breath was already upon it.
Natsuhiko's face turned serious.
He saw resolve in Lance.
Togekiss didn't have time to dodge anymore, and its current condition didn't permit it the chance.
So, Natsuhiko's choice was.
Dawn!
Small beams of light descended from the sky, absorbed into Togekiss's body.
Despite enduring Charizard's "Jet Flame," Togekiss's condition was poor, even with "Dawn's" recovery, making it look battered and bruised.
Yet, Togekiss persevered relentlessly.
It could sense Natsuhiko's resolve.
Unreserved!
"Togekiss~hee!"
Whoosh whoosh!
Two "Air Slash" arc beautifully through the air, flanking Charizard from both directions.
Boom!
One of them was directly countered by Charizard's own "Air Slash," but the other hit its back successfully.
Moreover, this time, it successfully made Charizard flinch!
Without hesitation, Togekiss launched another "Air Slash," aiming to repeat the feat of "Ten-Blade Slash."
However, in the battle with Gardevoir, Togekiss had the advantage because Karin and Gardevoir didn't understand Togekiss's abilities, plus luck was extraordinarily in its favor.
But in this match, Lance's Pokémon were clearly prepared for the "Air Slash."
Ultimately, Togekiss's lack of proficiency with "Air Slash" was glaringly exposed.
The second attempt didn't make Charizard flinch again.
Charizard, now alert, had flames seep uncontrollably from between its tightly clenched teeth.
"Charizard, Inferno!"
Next.
An overwhelming wave of flames surged towards Togekiss.
No way to dodge.
Nor did it wish to dodge!
Natsuhiko's eyes gleamed, and Togekiss understood, giving up resisting this move while executing its final technique.
Prayer!
Boom!!!
The terrifying flames engulfed Togekiss.
Once the fire subsided, Togekiss lay on the ground, having lost its ability to fight.
Natsuhiko immediately withdrew it with a Pokeball, praised it with a word by his lips, and looked up at Charizard.
Clearly, if he didn't summon a new Pokémon, Lance wouldn't hesitate to let Charizard attempt boosting its power.
In this battle, both sides were completely serious.
Natsuhiko hesitated no longer, once again pulling out a Pokeball and summoning a Pokémon.
To everyone's surprise this time, it was...
Beedrill!
No one expected Natsuhiko to summon Beedrill, a Pokémon fully suppressed by Charizard's attributes.
Many were even baffled by Natsuhiko's choice.
But upon seeing Beedrill, Lance smiled.
No one understood the significance of Beedrill to Natsuhiko more than Lance, and no one knew that back when Lance and Natsuhiko first met, he was intrigued by it when it was still a Weedle.
No one would realize Charizard and Beedrill had long yearned for a battle against each other.
Clearly, the enthusiasm of Charizard surged upon Beedrill's appearance, as the flames on its tail flared upward.
"Buzz!"
Beedrill, seeing Lance's Charizard, exuded fighting spirit through its crimson compound eyes, while static on its wings became more intense.
Back when it was a Weedle, Beedrill deeply remembered Lance's Charizard.
Back then, Charizard was a target it had to look up to.
Back then, Charizard was an object of envy.
Back then, Charizard was an opponent it couldn't reach.
But now, they're standing on the same stage.
No need for excessive words, men's romance should be unyielding and fierce.