The referee raised his flag.
"Battle, continue!"
Luxray stepped onto the battlefield. Across from it, Lucario was already showing signs of fatigue after defeating Houndoom.
"Luxray, Spark!"
Luxray charged forward, its body surrounded by electricity.
"Lucario, Bone Rush!"
Lucario spun its Bone Rush staff to intercept the attack.
CLANG!
The collision sent both Pokémon sliding backward.
Raven pointed forward.
"Use Ice Fang!"
Luxray lunged Its fangs glowed with icy energy.Lucario narrowly dodged.
"Force Palm!"
Lucario struck Luxray's shoulder at close range.The super-effective Fighting-type move staggered Luxray.The crowd erupted in cheers.
Raven remained calm.
"Wild Charge!"
Electricity engulfed Luxray.It became a bolt of lightning racing across the battlefield.
"Lucario, use Detect!"
Lucario anticipated the attack and dodged at the last possible moment.
But Wild Charge's momentum carried Luxray into a quick turn.
Before Lucario could recover—
CRASH!
Luxray landed a second hit. Lucario was thrown across the field.
Elior clenched his fist.
"Lucario! I know you can still fight!"
Slowly...Lucario stood.Its breathing was heavy.But its eyes still burned with determination.
Both Pokémon rushed toward each other.
"Aura Sphere!"
"Thunder Fang!"
Lucario launched the Aura Sphere. Luxray bit straight through it, pushing forward despite the explosion.
Then—Lucario closed the distance.
"Close Combat!"
A rapid flurry of punches and kicks struck Luxray one after another. Luxray tried to retaliate.But the final punch sent it crashing into the arena wall.The dust settled.Luxray struggled to stand.Then collapsed.
THUD....
The referee raised his flag.
"Luxray is unable to battle!"
The crowd roared with applause.Lucario had defeated two Pokémon in a row.But it was exhausted.Barely able to remain standing.
Raven smiled for the first time.
"You've earned my respect."
He held up his final Poké Ball.
"Now... meet my strongest partner."
The Poké Ball burst open.A massive dragon-like silhouette emerged.
Hydreigon roared as it entered the battlefield.The pressure from its presence swept across the arena.Even Lucario instinctively took a step back.
Raven looked confidently at Elior.
"Let's see if your Lucario can overcome a pseudo-legendary."
Hydreigon spread its wings.Lucario tightened its stance despite its exhaustion.The decisive battle of the match was about to begin.
TO BE CONTINUED...