A feline Pokémon stepped onto the battlefield. It was Luxray, a pure Electric type.
Its body took the form of a four legged beast, resembling a fully grown lion. Thick black fur covered most of its body, accented with patches of blue. Its long tail ended in a distinctive four pointed star, one of Luxray's defining traits.
Its other defining feature was its pair of sharp eyes, filled with pressure and authority, as though they could see through everything.
At this moment, its eyes glowed with a golden radiance. Just now, it had relied on its ability to see through obstacles. With its X Ray vision, it had detected the positions of the hidden Stealth Rock in advance and avoided every single strike.
As it ran, its star shaped tail lashed through the air, shattering the lurking stones one by one and preventing them from threatening future switches.
"Roar!"
Luxray let out a thunderous cry as its Intimidate ability erupted, instantly lowering Mudsdale's Attack by one stage.
As a result, the damage caused by the sandstorm was slightly reduced.
"Come back, Luxray." Meyer made use of his speed advantage to rotate once again and sent out another Pokémon.
"Ampharos, Mega Evolve. Use Electroweb to block it."
The Pokémon had not even fully appeared when Mega Evolution was already complete. A massive electric net descended in an instant, enveloping Mudsdale and blocking the light from the Poké Ball Silas had thrown to recall it.
The fact that Meyer could serve as the Gym Leader of Lumiose truly proved he possessed real skill.
Luxray had only been sent out earlier to ensure that Ampharos could enter the field in perfect condition.
With its extremely high Special Attack, Mega Ampharos did not need to worry about Mudsdale's Stamina boosts at all.
The only flaw in this entire sequence had been Silas's reaction as a trainer.
Clearly, Mega Ampharos had undergone specialized training. Its Electroweb not only trapped Mudsdale but also prevented it from being withdrawn.
"Dragon Pulse."
A roaring dragon shaped wave of energy surged forward, opening its jaws and biting into the immobilized Mudsdale, dealing tremendous damage.
"Fissure. We gamble on it."
Silas did not sit still and wait for defeat. He quickly raised his voice and commanded Mudsdale to counterattack.
Given the current situation, only a one hit knockout move like Fissure could turn the tide.
Mudsdale's heavy hooves slammed against the ground. A deep crack split the battlefield, spreading forward like a bottomless chasm aimed directly at Mega Ampharos.
However, Mega Ampharos had clearly been prepared. Manipulating the electromagnetic forces in the air, it levitated into the sky, easily avoiding the spreading fissure before firing off another Dragon Pulse.
The roaring energy crashed into Mudsdale, forcing its massive body backward several meters.
"Mudsdale, Smack Down."
"Mega Ampharos, Dragon Pulse."
The two commands were issued at almost the same time.
As Mega Ampharos was pulled into a Smack Down state, Mudsdale was completely engulfed in the brilliant light of Dragon Pulse, its last bit of stamina drained away.
"Mudsdale is unable to battle. Challenger Silas, please send out your next Pokémon."
The Rotom Drone floated closer for a glance. Mudsdale lay on the ground with spirals in its eyes, clearly having lost the ability to continue.
Silas swiftly returned Mudsdale to its Poké Ball, his expression shifting.
No wonder people said the Lumiose Gym was difficult to challenge. Even with an absolute type advantage, he had been defeated through clever rotation.
"Cyc!"
Cyclizar at his side eagerly volunteered, itching to prove itself.
"You are the ace. You cannot go out this early."
"Cyc!"
(I am Silas's ace!)
Cyclizar lifted its head proudly, showing off a smug little expression.
Silas removed another Poké Ball from his waist. At the same time, a small Carbink jumped out on its own, holding paper and pen to draw the princess's performance from start to finish.
Today's battle was a small test for Diancie.
"Diancie, I will leave it to you."
"Leave it to me." Her voice echoed through telepathy.
A flash of red light appeared, and the Jewel Pokémon, Diancie, took the stage.
Her sparkling pink and crystal appearance immediately drew everyone's attention.
"So cute!" A little girl leaning over the railing stared with heart shaped eyes, completely charmed by Diancie. "Pretty Pokémon, you have to defeat Dad's Mega Ampharos."
Meyer and Mega Ampharos fell silent.
What was going on with this supposedly thoughtful little daughter.
The one who reacted the most dramatically was the Rotom Drone.
"No data. No data available."
Hearing its voice, Diancie politely introduced herself, lifting the sides of her skirt in a graceful curtsy.
"I am Diancie, Princess of a new Diamond Domain, and I am Mr. Silas's partner."
The recording Carbink scribbled excitedly.
"New file confirmed. Establishing entry for Diancie. Recording new data."
"All right, all right. The battle will resume."
The Rotom Drone floated away, activating the camera behind the field to begin recording new data as the battle continued.
Diancie possessed excellent physical and special defenses. Even if Meyer switched Luxray back in, it would not make much difference. Her only weaknesses were speed and stamina.
Snap.
Silas snapped his fingers. "Trick Room."
Using psychic power, Diancie created a bizarre space that reversed the natural order. For a certain period of time, slower Pokémon would move first, and faster Pokémon would move last.
"Zap Cannon."
Brilliant golden electricity gathered around Mega Ampharos. The red orbs on its forehead and tail lit up one after another as it unleashed the massive current like a cannon.
The violent electricity seemed capable of tearing the air itself, leaving a scorched black trail in its wake.
Normally, with its lengthy charge time and moderate travel speed, Zap Cannon had a very high chance of missing.
But this time was different. Diancie had remained stationary to set up Trick Room, making her the perfect target.
The Zap Cannon, trailing golden light, slammed directly into her. Yet the anticipated explosion never occurred.
A pale purple aura spread outward from Diancie's position as Trick Room fully expanded.
Thanks to her outstanding Special Defense, most of the damage was mitigated. She was only pushed back two steps by the impact. The diamond like luster of her body dimmed slightly, and faint arcs of paralysis clung to her form.
"What remarkable resilience." Meyer could not help but admire it. Not just any Pokémon could endure Mega Ampharos at full power.
Seeing Diancie's condition, both he and Mega Ampharos grew serious, focusing completely on the battle.
"Draining Kiss."
With the speed advantage gone, the rest became much simpler.
Draining Kiss restored the lost stamina little by little.
Then a single Diamond Storm would bring the battle to an end.
There was nothing Mega Ampharos could do. Its most powerful Dragon type move were ineffective, and it could not even use Dragon Tail to forcibly switch Diancie out.
Of course, Diancie's growth was obvious.
Her overall strength made her a strong contender for Silas's third general.
If she could one day learn Mega Evolution, she would absolutely be able to contend with Mega Kangaskhan and perhaps even challenge the mighty Miraidon with enough effort.
In short, Diancie's future was incredibly promising.
"End it with another Diamond Storm."
High speed spinning pink diamonds formed a raging storm like a school of Wishiwashi, shredding through Mega Ampharos and delivering the finishing blow.
"Ampharos is unable to battle. The winner is Diancie."
The Rotom Drone declared the result. Trick Room faded from the battlefield.
Diancie lifted her skirt and gave a graceful bow to her opponent and the audience, displaying perfect noble etiquette.
"Gym Leader Meyer, please send out your next Pokémon."
(End of Chapter)