The entire stadium stood in anticipation.
The clash between Skyrend and Roserade had already lasted nearly fifteen minutes. Neither Pokémon had given an inch. Neither trainer had made a reckless decision. This was the level of a true Luminara League Quarterfinal.
Elior took a deep breath. He knew Skyrend was reaching its limit. Across the field, Mira understood Roserade was equally exhausted. One mistake... Would decide everything.
The announcer lowered his voice.
"Both Pokémon have taken tremendous damage. Who will claim the first point?"
Even the cheering stopped. Only the wind could be heard. Mira Takes the Initiative
Mira raised her arm.
"Roserade!Petal Blizzard!"
Roserade spun gracefully. Thousands of glowing petals burst across the battlefield like a colorful hurricane. The attack spread over nearly the entire arena, leaving almost no room to dodge.
Elior looked upward. Then smiled.
"Skyrend!Fly into the storm!"
The audience gasped. Instead of escaping...Skyrend charged directly into the Petal Blizzard. Petals slashed against its wings. Its feathers scattered into the wind. But it kept climbing.
Higher...
Higher...
Until it emerged above the storm. Sunlight reflected from its wings.
For one brief moment...Everything became quiet. Skyrend folded its wings. It hovered high above Roserade. Mira narrowed her eyes. She immediately understood.
"It's coming..."
"Brave Bird!"
Blue flames erupted around Skyrend. It descended from the sky like a meteor. The pressure alone shook the battlefield.
"Dodge!"
Roserade leaped to the side. But Elior had anticipated it.
"Now! Aerial Ace!"
At the last second, Skyrend canceled Brave Bird. Using the momentum from its dive, it curved sharply through the air. The sudden change in direction caught Roserade completely off guard.
SLASH!
Skyrend struck Roserade with Aerial Ace.
The elegant Grass-type was sent sliding across the battlefield.
Roserade struggled to stand. Its bouquet hands trembled. It looked toward Mira.
Mira smiled warmly.
"You've done enough...But if you can still fight...Let's give everything we've got."
Roserade straightened itself. Its eyes burned with determination. The audience erupted into applause.
Both trainers shouted at the same time.
Mira: "Weather Ball!"
Elior: "Steel Wing!"
Roserade launched the glowing sphere.
Skyrend's wings shone with metallic light.
The attacks collided.
BOOOOOM!!
A massive explosion covered the battlefield. Dust rose into the air. No one could see anything.
Seconds passed. The smoke slowly cleared. Skyrend stood with its wings spread. Its breathing was heavy. Its body was covered in scratches.
Across the field...Roserade attempted to stand. It managed one step. Then another. It smiled toward Mira...
Before collapsing.
Thud
The referee immediately raised the green flag.
"Roserade is unable to battle!The winner is Skyrend!"
The stadium exploded with applause.
Mira recalled Roserade. She gently touched the Poké Ball.
"You were amazing."
Across the field, Elior looked at Skyrend.
"Great job, partner."
Skyrend cried proudly. But as it turned...
Its legs suddenly trembled. The damage from Brave Bird, Petal Blizzard, and the prolonged battle had pushed it beyond its limits. Skyrend collapsed to one knee, still conscious but barely able to continue.
Elior noticed immediately. He knew Skyrend could fight again if necessary...
But not for much longer.
Mira smiled.
"You're still ahead.But the battle is far from over."
She reached for her second Poké Ball.
Elior did the same. The next matchup would shape the flow of the entire six-on-six battle.
Both trainers held a Poké Ball in their hands. The referee looked toward them.
"Trainer Mira, send out your next Pokémon!"
The crowd held its breath. The first knockout had been decided.
Now...
The real Quarterfinal battle was about to begin.
Current Score:
Elior: 6 Pokémon remaining (Skyrend heavily exhausted)
Mira: 5 Pokémon remaining (Roserade unable to battle)
TO BE CONTINUED...