The stadium was still buzzing after the incredible double knockout between Mystveil and Donphan. The referee raised both flags.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle! The score is now tied!"
The audience applauded both trainers.
On Score
Elior
4 Pokémon Remaining
Mira
4 Pokémon Remaining
The referee looked toward Mira.
"Trainer Mira, send out your next Pokémon!"
Mira nodded and threw a Poké Ball. A burst of light appeared. Rapidash landed gracefully on the battlefield. Its pastel-colored mane shimmered beneath the sunlight. The crowd cheered.
Elior smiled.
"Let's go, Infernarx!"
A pillar of fire burst from his Poké Ball. Infernarx landed with a mighty roar. The stadium erupted.
The referee lowered his flags.
"Battle... Begin!"
Mira struck first.
"Rapidash! Psycho Cut!"
Purple blades of psychic energy flew toward Infernarx.
"Flamethrower!"
Infernarx unleashed a torrent of flames.
The attacks collided in midair. An explosion echoed across the arena. Rapidash burst through the smoke.
"Play Rough!"
It slammed into Infernarx. The Fire-type slid backward several meters. Elior remained calm.
"Infernarx... Flame Charge!"
Infernarx became surrounded by blazing fire. Rapidash tried to dodge. But Infernarx suddenly changed direction in mid-charge, cutting off Rapidash's escape.
BOOM!
Rapidash was struck directly. The audience roared.
Rapidash slowly stood again. It was clearly exhausted.
Mira smiled.
"One last attack! Use Psychic!"
A powerful wave of psychic energy surged toward Infernarx.
"Infernarx! Use Flare Blitz!"
Infernarx roared. Its entire body became engulfed in blazing flames. It charged straight through the Psychic attack. The flames overpowered the psychic energy.
Infernarx slammed directly into Rapidash.
BOOOOOOM!!
When the smoke cleared...
Rapidash collapsed.
THUD.
The referee immediately raised the green flag.
"Rapidash is unable to battle!"
"Infernarx wins!"
The crowd exploded with cheers.
Score board Update again.
Elior
4 Pokémon Remaining
Mira
3 Pokémon Remaining
Mira took a deep breath. She smiled confidently.
"Let's keep going!"
Another Poké Ball flew into the air.
A burst of light revealed... Empoleon.
The audience cheered loudly. The commentators spoke excitedly.
"Empoleon has the type advantage!"
Mira immediately attacked.
"Hydro Pump!"
A massive torrent of water rushed toward Infernarx.
"Jump!"
Infernarx leaped over the attack.
"Thunder Punch!"
The audience gasped. Infernarx struck Empoleon with an electrified fist. Empoleon staggered but remained standing. The battle continued at an incredible pace.
Empoleon used:
Flash Cannon
Aqua Jet
Hydro Pump
Infernarx answered with:
Flamethrower
Dragon Claw
Flame Charge
Neither Pokémon gave up.
Empoleon charged with Aqua Jet. Infernarx answered with Dragon Claw.
Both attacks collided.
BOOOOOOOM
At the last second—Infernarx broke through. Dragon Claw landed directly on Empoleon. Empoleon slid across the battlefield. It tried to stand. Its legs trembled.
Then...It collapsed.
THUD.
The referee raised his flag.
"Empoleon is unable to battle!"
The crowd stood and applauded. Infernarx had defeated two Pokémon in a row.
She recalled Empoleon.
"You did great."
She looked at Infernarx.
"You're every bit as strong as I expected."
Elior looked at Infernarx. His partner had already battled twice. Its breathing had become heavy.Smiling, he held out Infernarx's Poké Ball.
"Come back."
Infernarx nodded and returned to its Poké Ball. The audience was surprised. The commentators immediately understood.
"A smart decision! Elior is preserving Infernarx's strength for the later stages of the match!"
Elior threw another Poké Ball.
"Your turn!"
Thundrion burst onto the battlefield in a flash of lightning. Electricity crackled around its body. The crowd cheered loudly.
Mira smiled as she reached for her fifth Poké Ball.
"Then I'll answer with my next partner."
The Poké Ball slowly enlarged in her hand. The identity of her fifth Pokémon remained hidden.
Across the field...Thundrion lowered its stance, ready for battle. The next round was about to begin.
Current Score
Elior: 4 Pokémon Remaining
Mira: 2 Pokémon Remaining
TO BE CONTINUED...