With the coordination between Weezing and Tetsuya, Morty's Mismagius fell from the smoke, incapacitated.
Morty let out a sigh and recalled Mismagius. Being able to push the battle this far had already satisfied him. He then threw out his second Poké Ball, Drifblim.
Among Ghost-type Pokémon, Drifblim had exceptionally great stamina. Its offensive stats and Speed were also quite good. It was the signature Pokémon of Hearthome Gym in Sinnoh.
Ecruteak Gym and Hearthome Gym had always maintained a good relationship, so it seemed that Morty had gained considerable experience in raising Drifblim as well.
"Go, Drapion."
After recalling Weezing, Tetsuya immediately sent Drapion into battle. Ever since it evolved, it had yet to face a truly formidable opponent after Weavile. Now was the perfect opportunity for it to show its might.
The moment Drapion entered the field, it brandished its pincers and snapped the hooked claws on them. Combined with its crimson-red body, it exhibited an intimidating sight.
Drifblim could not help puffing up its balloon body to bolster its own presence.
"Drifblim, use Tailwind!" Morty gave the first command. Tailwind could double the user's Speed, but only on one side of the field, following the direction of the airflow.
In reality, this move had both advantages and disadvantages. It was well suited for long-range attacks but not for close combat or hit-and-run tactics. While approaching with the tailwind was indeed extremely fast, retreating meant moving against the wind, making it easy for the opponent to seize an opening.
"Hone Claws."
Tetsuya chose to wait and see. Tailwind alone was still something he could handle. Rather than rushing in, it was better to steadily boost Drapion's Attack and accuracy.
Drifblim swayed its body as powerful gusts continuously swept across the battlefield. Although these winds were nowhere near as fierce as Gust, they still had some effect on Drapion.
The hooked claws on Drapion's pincers scraped against each other, while the hook on its tail clicked repeatedly. Not only did the claws become even sharper, but the sound of Hone Claws also stimulated Drapion's body, causing its fighting spirit to surge.
"Rapid-fire, Shadow Ball!"
Morty finally launched his attack. His reluctance to engage in close combat showed that he was still wary. After all, Drapion was not an opponent to be underestimated.
"Brutal Swing."
Under these circumstances, Tetsuya would never have Drapion engage in a long-range exchange with a move like Pin Missile. The airflow would greatly reduce the power of his ranged moves, making them impossible to compare with Shadow Ball boosted by the wind.
Brutal Swing, however, was a Dark-type move whose power also depended on the Pokémon using it. Once it was unleashed with full ferocity, it became exceptionally terrifying. When Drapion used it, its pincers and tail swung together, creating an impenetrable defense that could be called the perfect guard.
Shadow Balls shot toward it at tremendous speed, yet every one of them was knocked aside by Drapion.
Even so, Morty refused to give up. With Tailwind still boosting Drifblim's Speed, he had no intention of abandoning the strategy. Shadow Balls were fired one after another like a barrage, hoping that one would eventually break through Drapion's defense.
However, Drapion also had exceptionally great stamina and became more excited the longer it fought. After all, it had been capable of mating seven times in a single night…
No matter how hard Drifblim tried, it could not inflict the slightest injury on Drapion. Drapion's Brutal Swing became faster and faster, making it increasingly easy to deal with the incoming Shadow Balls.
This made Morty increasingly anxious. Some things simply were not as straightforward as he had imagined. A battle freak like Drapion only grew more excited the longer the battle continued. Its fighting spirit would never be worn down!
The once playful and mischievous little Skorupi had now evolved into a king, Drapion!
Gradually, the wind grew weaker, and the power and speed behind Shadow Ball steadily declined.
"Fire Pin Missile above Drifblim's head."
Seizing the opening, Tetsuya launched his counterattack. Since Drifblim could fly, Drapion could only use Pin Missile to restrict its movement. As the "balloon" Pokémon, ascending into the air was Drifblim's capability. Only by sealing off the space above Drifblim could Drapion take advantage of its strength in close combat.
As Drapion's Pin Missile gradually forced Drifblim lower and lower, it was clear that Drapion was about to reach it.
Morty finally gave his command. "Drifblim, Heeeex!"
Tetsuya was not particularly familiar with Drifblim, but at such a critical moment, was Morty really making nothing more than a last desperate effort?
The balloon-like lower portion of Drifblim's body suddenly extended, and several dark shadows stretched outward. The ghostly move passed through everything, directly binding Drapion's pincers as a chilling force invaded its body.
However, Drapion's Pin Missile did not stop because of that minor interference. If it had been Tetsuya's own choice, he would rather have charged through Pin Missile and taken a little damage than allow himself to be restrained like this.
At last, Drifblim was forced down into Drapion's attack range.
"Poison Jab."
Tetsuya gave the command. Although Drapion's pincers were restrained, the power and usefulness of its tail were in no way inferior. Its tail shot forward, stabbing directly toward Drifblim!
What happened next greatly surprised Tetsuya.
When Drapion's tail struck Drifblim, Drifblim's body simply caved inward. It felt as though the attack had struck nothing but air, and Drifblim suffered no damage whatsoever.
Drapion launched several more attacks in succession, yet each one vanished with no indication of where the strokes had landed.
Under Morty's command, Drifblim had brought its unique characteristic into perfect play. As a "balloon" Pokémon, its body was filled with gas. Through Morty's long-term training, the gas inside its body could flow freely wherever it wished.
Whenever Drapion's attacks landed, Drifblim simply dispersed the gas from that area, causing that part of its body to collapse inward. No matter how tremendous the force behind the attack, it could not be fully exerted.
'A balloon Pokémon…?'
Tetsuya repeated the thought to himself. Pokémon battles were also a test of one's own knowledge. Once a Pokémon's Ability, unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses were understood, victory could often be decided in a single strike. By now, he already had a plan.
"Drapion, Brutal Swing."
Tetsuya gave the command, his eyes fixed firmly on Drifblim.
Drapion had been holding back its frustration after watching its previous attacks be neutralized so effortlessly by Drifblim. Now it finally had a chance to vent it. Even though its pincers were still bound by Drifblim's Hex, Drapion went wild, swinging Drifblim around until it fluttered everywhere through the air.
However, this alone could not deal much damage to Drifblim. Even so, being swung around repeatedly had already left Drifblim somewhat dizzy.
"Pin Missile!"
Tetsuya suddenly shouted. Morty was startled, but by the time he tried to issue a command, it was already too late. One powerful silver needle after another shot forward.
Before Drifblim could react, it was swallowed by the barrage of Pin Missile!
The Pin Missiles struck Drifblim one after another. With every hit, Drifblim became smaller and smaller, a look of intense pain appearing on its face(?).
A faint smile appeared on Tetsuya's face…
'Just as I thought.'