Chapter 68 - Healing in Hoenn - Part 1 Logan vs. Luna
"And here we are in the first semi-finals match of the tournament! The winner of this round will of course move onto the finals, but what's special about this match in particular is that it's a rematch between old friends!" the announcer yelled into the microphone. "Last year in the Alola Conference, Luna picked up the win against Logan, and she'll be looking to do that again this time. But has Logan prepared enough to come around and win? Trainers, prepare to battle!"
"What do you think Logan's chances are?" Yurie asked.
Yuichi smiled. "I don't think that we should worry! There's a reason that he's got this far!"
"But don't get too comfortable," Yuta said. "Statistically, Luna is a stronger trainer. She won her gym badges faster, and when it comes to recorded battles between these two, Luna is 1-0."
"I'm hoping that you're battling with your head today, Logan," Luna said.
"I considered it," Logan retorted.
"The following battle will be a full six on six single battle between Logan Stephenson from Unova and Luna Devons from Unova. A winner will be decided when one side has lost all six of their Pokémon, and we will go into a fifteen minute intermission once one side has lost three. We will start the battle on the water field! Ready? Begin!"
The two trainers tossed their Poké Balls into the air. A small and green Pokémon appeared in front of Luna, and Vigoroth materialized on Logan's side of the field. The green Pokémon looked past Vigoroth and out towards Logan. Even though it appeared hesitant, it lowered its head and took its battle position.
"So, she starts off with Lilligant. That's cold," Yuichi said.
"Why?" Yurie asked.
"Lilligant was originally Logan's Pokémon, but they traded. And now, Lilligant is one of Luna's strongest Pokémon," Yuichi explained.
"Mind games," Yuta said.
Vigoroth looked back at Logan. She didn't have her history with Luna, but she could feel that Logan's energy was different today, and she let out her battle cry. She was going to bring her best.
"You can't honestly think that Vigoroth will be strong enough?" Luna wondered.
"I'll battle with my head, but I'm also going to battle with my heart. I'm gonna beat you with the team that I've created here in Hoenn," Logan said. Which means no Z-Moves unfortunately.
"Then so be it. Petal Blizzard!"
Lilligant swung her body around, letting her grass skirt flow with the wind. Leaves fell from her body and then whipped up into a flurry. They raced across the field, blowing over the ponds of water, making a ripple effect.
"You can break through it! Use Crush Claw!" Logan ordered.
Vigoroth howled and then ran forward. The claw on her left arm lit up with white energy, and with one quick strike, she blasted through the storm of leaves. She continued her motion and darted forward.
"Quiver Dance!"
Suddenly, Lilligant disappeared, leaving an afterimage in her place. Vigoroth swiped at the afterimage, slicing straight through. She appeared confused as more afterimages appeared on the field.
"Now's our chance for one more Petal Blizzard!"
The afterimages all danced around, creating multiple bunches of leaves. They all pointed at Vigoroth and sent the flurry towards her. She swiped at one of the attacks, but it wasn't real, and then she was pelted in the back. Vigoroth fell forward but quickly recovered. She looked around, trying to determine which one was the real one.
"Sunny Day!" Luna yelled.
All of the remaining afterimages lifted their arms into the air, sending an orb of light into the air. The field was illuminated, and it became hotter in the stadium.
"Not good…" Logan muttered.
"Solar Beam!"
Logan winced. "If that's how it's going to be, then use Thunderbolt!"
As all of the Lilligant raised their arms into the air to prepare for their attack, Vigoroth unleashed sparks from her body all across the field. The sparks connected with two afterimages, erasing them. But the real Lilligant was okay, and she soon released a beam of solar energy from her arms, connecting with Vigoroth directly.
Vigoroth flew back and landed in one of the pools of water. She floated to the top and then swam to the edge, lifting herself out with one arm.
"Maybe you're Pokémon aren't half bad. Maybe it's just you that's a poor trainer," Luna said.
Logan glared and then clenched his fist. Now that I think about it, I have a move that would have tracked the real Lilligant and made that entire process easier. I need to focus. I need to pull myself together.
"Maybe you should just forfeit."
"No! Use Crush Claw!"
Vigoroth howled once more as her claw started to glow. She shot across the field and prepared to swipe at Lilligant.
"Quiver Dance!"
Once again, Lilligant disappeared, creating multiple copies of herself around the field.
"Aerial Ace!" Logan called.
"What?!"
Vigoroth focused her energy into her claw and then jumped forward. Her claw directed the way, and she smashed into the real Lilligant, knocking her backwards and erasing all of the other clones.
"Now finish this with Crush Claw!"
Vigoroth jumped into the air and then swung her arm downwards, smashing it into Lilligant. The Grass-type fell backwards into a slump, and the referee raised his flag. Logan sighed and looked towards the ground, not wanting to see his former partner in such a condition.
"Lilligant is unable to battle! Vigoroth is the winner!"
Luna returned Lilligant to her Poké Ball. "I can't believe I lost the first round…"
Vigoroth howled and danced around. She raised her arms into the air and let out a screech that surprised the whole stadium. Her body then started to glow white. It shifted and changed as the energy lit up the field even more, and soon, Vigoroth had taken a new form: a form faintly familiar to Logan.
"Is that… a Slaking?" Logan wondered.
The new Pokémon, now calmer than she had ever been, yawned.
"Vigoroth evolves into Slaking?!" Logan screamed. "How did I not know that?!"
"You idiot!" Himawari yelled from the stands.
Luna smiled and pulled out her Poké Ball. "I remember fighting a Slaking when I took on Senri's gym. I only needed one Pokémon to get the job done." With that, she tossed her next Poké Ball into the air, and a large, brown and pink bear Pokémon appeared. It stood still as it looked across the field at Slaking. The Pokémon was cute in appearance, which was spurious, because Logan understood Bewear's true nature
"Bewear…" Logan mumbled.
"This is going to be interesting," Yuichi said. The others turned to him. "Bewear's ability is fluffy, which means that he takes half damage from attacks that make contact. Not only that, but Bewear is already a powerhouse."
Yuta smiled. "But a Pokémon like Slaking is no pushover."
"Show 'em your fighting spirit!" Logan yelled.
Slaking raised her hand and gave Logan a thumbs up.
"Oh boy…"
"Bewear, start with Superpower!"
"Slaking, use Aerial Ace!"
Bewear shot forward as his body started to glow red, and to everyone's surprise, Slaking stood up. She stuck out one arm and then ran ahead. The two Pokémon collided with one another, and they both stood their ground, trying to push the other away.
"Brutal Swing!" Luna yelled.
Bewear reached out and grabbed ahold of Slaking by the arms. She started to spin around, lifting Slaking into the air and taking her for a ride. She eventually let go of Slaking, sending her flying. She landed into one of the pools, making most of the water explode into the air. The water was immediately evaporated by the heat of Lilligant's previous Sunny Day. Slaking, slowly but surely, pulled herself out of the pool and back onto land.
"You okay, Slaking?" Logan asked. His Pokémon nodded. "Great!"
"I'm surprised it's still standing," Luna exclaimed. "Double-Edge!"
"Focus Punch!"
As Bewear ran forward, white energy emitting from his body, Slaking lifted her arm into the air. She patiently waited as Bewear stomped against the ground, shaking the entire field with every step. And whenever he was within striking distance, Slaking swung her arm. She punched Bewear directly in the face, sending him flying back. Bewear landed hard against the wall and slowly slid down, but he was still okay to continue.
Slaking has to cool down now, which is dangerous, but it comes with her power. Logan thought.
"Now's our chance, Bewear. Use Superpower once more!"
Bewear roared, and the veil of red energy surrounded his body. He started to move forward once again, and with Slaking immobile, he landed a direct hit. Slaking flew backwards, landing on her head, but as soon as she was able to, she stood straight up. The two Pokémon glared at one another, patiently waiting for their trainers' orders.
"Double-Edge!"
"Thunderbolt!"
As Bewear ran forward, Slaking unleashed electricity from her body. The electricity zapped Bewear, but he was hardly phased. He continued running forward, ramming his large body into Slaking. The Normal-type flew backwards and landed hard, shaking the field. She didn't try to get back up this time, and her arms fell limp.
"Slaking is unable to battle! Bewear wins!"
I was hoping that we could at least paralyze Bewear. Logan thought as he looked up at the screen. It didn't update to Slaking, so Vigoroth's face was blacked out. He pulled his Premier Ball from his belt, and the harsh sunlight finally faded away.
"Still think it's a good idea to use your Hoenn Pokémon?" Luna asked. "I imagine that Slaking is as good as it gets, but it unfortunately failed you."
"I have faith in my Pokémon," Logan said. "Go, Manectric!"
Luna glared as the Pokémon appeared. "I feel like you're insulting me."
"Manectric, use Thunder! Bring down the house!"
The stadium shook, and Manectric growled. He unleashed electricity into the clouds, and they responded by sending a giant bolt of lightning back onto the field, connecting with Bewear directly. The Pokémon cried out, but when the attack stopped, he stood back up straight.
"Rock Slide!" Luna commanded.
"Get in close with Thunder Fang!"
Bewear used his massive energy to toss dozens of stones into the air. As they crashed down onto the earth, Manectric weaved through them. He jumped up and clamped his electrified jaws onto Bewear's arm. The larger Pokémon yelled out as he tried to wave Manectric off of him.
"Brutal Swing!" Luna yelled.
Bewear slammed Manectric down onto the ground before lifting him back up and then spinning around. Eventually, Manectric loosened his grip, and he was tossed far away. He rolled on the ground, trying to find his footing, but he was too dizzy.
"Finish him with Double-Edge!"
Bewear howled as he ran forward as fast as he could, shaking the stage with every step.
"Keep him back with Flamethrower!" Logan ordered.
As Bewear barrelled down the field, Manectric opened his mouth and then unleashed a steady stream of flames from his mouth. Bewear ran straight into the fire, but he did not falter, easily running through the flames.
"Get out of the way!" Logan yelled.
Manectric stopped his attack, and moments before Bewear could crash into him, he leapt into the air.
"Falling Thunder!"
The clouds rumbled once again, and lightning came crashing down onto Manectric as he howled. He twisted his body and then shot downwards at Bewear. The two Pokémon collided with one another, and Bewear tried to back up a few feet, but Logan already had his next move prepared.
"Wild Charge!"
"Fight back with Double-Edge!"
Using the electricity that he had gathered before, Manectric became completely engulfed in energy. He then bounded forward before Bewear could start moving again. He tackled into the behemoth of a Pokémon, making Bewear fall backwards. Manectric quickly retreated and watched as sparks emitted from Bewear's body.
"Got it!" Logan exclaimed.
"Don't give up yet!" Luna yelled. "Superpower!"
Fighting through the status ailment, Bewear lifted his arms into the air and screeched. The red energy came over his body, and then he started to run forward again.
"Unreal," Logan muttered. "He can't take much more, Manectric! Give him another Thunder!"
As Bewear charged forward, Manectric unleashed lightning from the sky. The lightning came down onto Bewear seconds before he reached Manectric, stopping him in his tracks. The two Pokémon stared at one another, an expression of horror painted on Manectric's face.
"Did he win?" Himawari asked.
Luna smiled. "Brutal Swing!"
Bewear groaned as he reached out, grabbing ahold of Manectric by the scruff. He lifted Manectric in the air and then started to swing him around. Manectric, worn out from the previous attacks, was tossed around like a ragdoll, and eventually, Bewear threw him to the side. Manectric crashed into the ground, and his body fell limp.
"Manectric is unable to battle! Bewear is the winner!"
Logan returned Manectric and sighed. "You did great. Bewear is no easy challenge."
"I hope you have more to offer," Luna said. "You know that Bewear isn't my only strong Pokémon."
Logan nodded. "I'm aware." He pulled his next Poké Ball out. "But we're not afraid. Dusclops, go!"
Luna examined the Pokémon. "You know that my Bewear has Brutal Swing, but yet you still bring in a Ghost-type?"
"No more talking. Dusclops, use Ice Beam!"
"Brutal Swing!"
Bewear started to slowly run forward as Dusclops waved his arms around. He unleashed a beam of ice at Bewear, freezing the Pokémon's hands to his sides. For the first time in the battle, Bewear appeared distraught.
"Finish with Fire Punch!" Logan ordered.
One of Dusclops' fists was set ablaze, and then he darted forward. He lifted his fist and then swung upwards, punching Bewear directly in the jaw. The two Pokémon stood still for a moment before Bewear fell straight back, landing on the ground.
"Bewear is unable to battle! Dusclops is the winner!" the referee declared.
Luna withdrew her Pokémon and then glared. "Alright. Not bad. I wasn't expecting Dusclops to move that quickly. But we're not losing. Muk, go!"
A pile of multi-colored sludge appeared on the field. It moved slightly, revealing a set of eyes and what looked liked to be rottened teeth. It groaned as it saw its opponent before smiling.
Logan thought for a moment before returning Dusclops back to his Poké Ball. "No chances. I know how strong your Muk is. I'll choose to fight fire with fire." Logan turned to Mightyena. "You're up, buddy!"
Mightyena nodded and then ran onto the field. He was refreshed from his battle with Sceptile the day previous, and he appeared incredibly energetic.
"Muk, start with Flamethrower!"
"Mightyena, let's get in close! Fire Fang!"
"Fire Fang?" Yurie wondered.
Yuichi nodded. "Felt that he needed to keep things fresh and taught Mightyena it last night."
Muk opened his wide mouth and released flames upon the field as Mightyena ran forward. He ducked and weaved through the flames before jumping into the air and coming down onto Muk. He clamped his flaming jaws on the Poison-type, making Muk howl in pain.
"Mega Drain!"
Muk reached out with one of his goopy arms and grabbed ahold of Mightyena. He held the Pokémon into the air and started to suck out his energy.
"Mightyena! Get out of there! Use Crunch!"
As Mightyena yelped from the pain, he unhinged his maw, forming black energy in front of him. He quickly snapped his body forward, clamping the energy down onto Muk's entire body and allowing himself to escape.
"Use your own Crunch!" Luna yelled.
"Dig!"
As Muk slowly formed his own darkened energy in front of his face, Mightyena dove into the ground and disappeared. The Poison-type appeared confused, and before Luna could give her order, Mightyena appeared from behind Muk, his fangs on fire once more. He bit down, and Muk struggled before he was able to toss him off.
"We've got him on the ropes!" Logan exclaimed.
"Keep up your Crunch!"
Before Mightyena could retreat completely, Muk finished the attack that he had prepared before. He lunged forward, crunching his black energy down onto Mightyena. The Dark-type howled before he jumped backwards, and suddenly, his body started to glow with a purple tint.
"No…"
"Poisoned!" Luna exclaimed. "Let's keep up the pain! Use Sludge Bomb!"
"Block it with Iron Tail!"
Muk pulled a ball of purple sludge from his body before he tossed it into the air. But Mightyena's counter was perfect. He leapt into the while his tail glowed with silver energy. With one quick twist of his body, he was able to destroy the purple goo completely. Once he landed on the ground, he winced as the poison from before seeped slowly through his body.
"Flamethrower!" Logan yelled.
"Dig!"
As the flames raced across the stage, Mightyena retreated into the ground. This time, he came up directly from under Muk, sending the Poison-type into the air. Muk appeared distraught, as aerial combat was not his forte.
"Crunch!" Luna commanded.
"Give him something to bite with Iron Tail!"
Mightyena easily shifted his body and swung his tail around as Muk once more formed the dark energy. The energy clamped down onto Mightyena's tail, and unexpectedly, it was Mightyena that took the damage. Muk maniacally laughed as he started to fling around Mightyena with his massive jaws. Once the two finally reached the ground, Muk tossed Mightyena backwards. He flew into one of the small pools, but he slowly recovered and pulled himself out. He winced as the poison flowed through his body once again.
Mightyena has one more attack. I have to make whatever happens here count, but unfortunately, it looks like I have to give Luna the first half. Logan thought. "Mightyena, put it all into this final attack! Use your strongest Fire Fang!"
"Sludge Bomb!"
Mightyena ran forward as flames exploded from his mouth. He roared and the flames increased in power, shooting all the way across the stadium. Meanwhile, Muk formed one more ball of sludge from his body before tossing it forward. Mightyena took the attack directly, but fought through the pain and ran forward. Once he reached Muk, he let out one more howl before biting down as hard as he could. Muk yelled out and then lifted Mightyena into the air. With one strong heave, he tossed the Dark-type back. Mightyena collapsed to the ground unconscious.
The referee raised his flags. "Mightyena is unable to battle! Muk wins! Logan has now lost three Pokémon, so we will take a fifteen minute break!"
Logan sighed and then ran out onto the field. He grabbed ahold of Mightyena and smiled. "You kept them on the ropes. Let's let the others do the rest, okay?" He lifted Mightyena's Poké Ball. "I know you don't like being a Poké Ball, but get some sleep."
Mightyena slowly nodded before he was withdrawn into the Poké Ball by the red light.
Logan and Luna both returned to the room in the back. The two other trainers were watching the replays, but it was a much more quiet vibe than previously. Luna and Logan sat down on separate sides of the room, and Logan pulled out his three remaining Poké Balls.
"We can do this. I know we can."
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Next chapter will see the conclusion to this battle. Any predictions?