"Wood Hammer!"
The ice cracked as Mega Abomasnow's fist punched the ground, Mega Absol having leapt away at the last moment. She skidded along the slick surface of the battlefield, digging her claws into the ice, the sounds of it breaking ringing throughout the gym.
"Now then!" Alex shot out her hand. "Double Team!"
Absol immediately began making copies of herself, surrounding Abomasnow.
Caren grinned. "Oh yeah! Just try and smash my ice! Avalanche!"
Abomasnow roared, snow and ice vaulting up around him and falling towards all the Absols.
"Night Slash!" Alex shouted. "Slash your way through!"
Dark winds erupted around Abomasnow as some of the snow and ice were repelled, but all the copies were destroyed, Absol herself flinching at the attack.
"Freeze her!" Caren yelled. "Ice Beam!"
"Quick Attack!" Alex flung her hand to the side. "Then use Fire Blast! Point-Blank range!"
Absol darted around the beam of ice and came face-to-face with Abomasnow.
Alex grinned widely. "Incinerate him!"
An explosion resulted from the fiery blast, smoke consuming the immediate area around the two Pokemon. Caren coughed, waving her hand to clear some of the smoke that drifted her way. When it finally cleared, Abomasnow lay on his back, having reverted back to normal. Light glowed around Absol before disappearing, she herself having gone back to her original form as well.
"Abomasnow is unable to battle," the Ace Trainer raised her hand. "That means the Challenger, Alex, is the winner!"
Robert and I clapped as Alex met Caren in the middle of the battlefield to retrieve her badge while Clara just yawned.
"It's your turn," Robert clasped my shoulder. "Break a leg or two."
"Very encouraging," I replied dryly, getting to my feet.
I met Alex on my way down. "Fiery battle. The League is sure to be an interesting one with so many strong rivals."
Alex smirked. "Just watch yourself. You and Greninja may have that Bond thing going for you, but I'll still make sure to wipe the floor with you."
"Looking forward to it," we struck our fists against each other as we passed one another. "Now then, it's my turn."
I took my place at the opposite end of the battlefield, Caren already having a pokeball ready in her hand. "I saw what how powerful your Lucario was yesterday," she said, grinning. "I hope you can show me that same strength and attempt to break my lovely ice!"
I unclipped Lucario's pokeball. "You asked for it!" I swung it into the air. "Lucario, let's show her your strength once more!" Lucario growled as he landed on the ground, smashing his fist into the ground.
"The gym battle between Zeno the Challenger and Caren the Snowbelle Gym Leader will now begin," the Ace Trainer shouted. "Each side will have the use of only three Pokemon and the battle will be over when either trainer's Pokemon are unable to battle! Only the challenger may substitute Pokemon!"
"Let's freeze them where they stand!" Caren grinned widely, throwing out a Mamoswine. "Mamoswine, shake it up with Earthquake!"
"Dodge!" I shouted, swinging my hand. "Power-Up Punch!"
Lucario leaped into the air as the arena below cracked and swayed violently. He drew back his fist, slamming it into the ground, the resulting shock wave cancelling out the Earthquake around him.
"Let's show them our fighting spirit," I held out my knife, Mega Evolution energy flowing between me and Lucario, Keystone and Mega Stone igniting with light. "One that shall never diminish and a bond to overcome all! The Past shall stay where it is as we gaze at our future together!"
Lucario howled as he burst forwards, light dancing around his body. A wind of aura swirled around his fist as he swung, the powerful attack blasting against Mamoswine.
Caren shielded her face as the wind whipped her hair about. "Now that's what I'm talking about! Icicle Crash!"
"Dodge them!" I commanded as huge icicles came crashing down from above. Lucario weaved side-to-side, slipping at one point.
"Force Palm!" I shouted. "On the ground now!"
Lucario slammed both paws down flat, the burst of energy shooting him upwards and dodging a falling icicle.
"Grab it!" I shouted and Lucario dug his claws into the ice, heaving it around midair. "Now throw it back!" Lucario howled and swung the icicle towards Mamoswine.
"Bulldoze through it!" Caren shouted.
Mamoswine charged forwards, breaking through the Ice attack like it was nothing, charging straight towards Lucario.
"Aura to dodge!" I shouted. "Then Meteor Mash his side!"
Lucario flicked his paw, a burst of wind shooting him out of Mamoswine's path and he skidded along the ice. He closed one fist, a metallic light surrounding it. He surged forwards, smashing it against the Ice type's flank.
"Right where we wanted you!" Caren smirked. "Freeze-Dry!"
A flash burst of ice blasted out from Mamoswine's body, instantly freezing Lucario before quickly breaking. Lucario gasped at the sudden pain as he fell back.
"Now Earthquake again!" Caren pumped her fist.
Mamoswine slammed his front two feet on the ground, a powerful earthquake ripping through the arena. It bounced Lucario around before catapulting him into the air. As the earthquake died away, Lucario landed on both feet, the move having dealt a fair amount of damage.
"Heh," I grinned. "Even when facing Mega Evolution, Gym Leaders still can hold their own. Amazing." I turned to Lucario. "Let's end this quickly! Swords Dance!"
Lucario shouted, pumping both fists as he boosted his attack.
"Standing around won't help!" Caren shouted. "Icicle Crash!"
"Bone Rush!" I narrowed my eyes.
Lucario formed two large bones, one in each hand. He swung them in fast, arcing movements, smashing all the falling icicles.
"Now go!" I roared. He shot forwards, abandoning the bones.
"Full force!" Caren roared as well. "Take Down!"
"Close Combat!"
Lucario's fists became a blur as he skidded to a halt, digging his feet into the ice. His blows stopped Mamoswine in his tracks as he dealt blow after blow. I could feel winds of aura blasting off from his attacks up until the point he finally relented, Mamoswine collapsing onto his side.
"Mamoswine is unable to battle! Gym Leader Caren, please send out your next Pokemon!"
"That is truly stunning strength," Caren breathed deeply. "But my ice hasn't completely broken yet. Darmanitan, let's battle!"
A large Ice type Pokemon appeared on the battlefield that I had never seen before and I was pretty sure I heard Robert yell in joy from the stands followed by an audible smack. Alex probably didn't appreciate yelling in her ears.
"An interesting Darmanitan," I noted. "Definitely not a Fire type."
"Aw, yeah he is," Caren smiled proudly. "Got him on a vacation when I went to Circhester in Galar. Lovely place with some soothing Hot Springs." She shook her head. "But we're getting off track. Darmanitan may have a gentle soul, but his burning spirit will demolish you! Belly Drum!"
Darmanitan rose and pounded his belly, roaring in pain, but a fire seemed to burn in his eyes.
"Lucario," I said. "Power-Up Punch!"
Suddenly a cyclone of fire engulfed Darmanitan, causing Lucario to stop as he shielded his face from the heat. When it died away, something weird was left standing in Darmanitan's place. What appeared to be a snowman, it had a streak of fire bursting from near the top with a fang-grinning face on the bottom half.
"Now then!" Caren shouted with glee. "Flame Wheel!"
Lucario's eyes widened as a wheel of flames slammed into him, making him fly backwards. Darmanitan withdrew from the flames, bouncing along the surface of the arena.
"That really is something else," I clenched a fist. "And that speed... Lucario, Aura Sphere!"
"Burning Jealousy!" Caren yelled and a blast of fire shot from Darmanitan and engulfed Lucario briefly, leaving him burned.
"That is so coo-!" I heard Robert yell, but was quickly silenced by Alex.
"Not good," my eyes were wide. "Aura Sphere!"
As Lucario hurled the sphere, Darmanitan bounced away with frightening speed.
"Fire Fang!" Caren shouted and the Ice and Fire type bounced near Lucario, giant jaws made of flames erupting from Darmanitan's mouth.
"Extreme Speed!" I yelled quickly.
Lucario only just managed to escape the attacks, the flaming jaws closing on empty air. Lucario skidded along the ice, slamming both paws together.
I nodded. "Alright! Aura Bursts, GO!"
Lucario ran towards his opponent, flicking burst after burst of wind, striking Darmanitan repeatedly.
"Old news!" Caren raised her hand. "Flare Blitz!"
Darmanitan leaped and zoomed towards Lucario, engulfed in a ball of blue fire, the aura winds bouncing off.
Thinking fast, I shouted, "Close Combat!"
Both Pokemon collided, Lucario desperately trying to hold off Darmanitan from making direct contact, but an explosion ripped through the arena. Lucario was flung into the air, trailing smoke. Darmanitan fell back, fainted.
"Darmanitan is unable to battle! Gym Leader Caren, please send out your final Pokemon!"
"Not so strong defense then," I let out a sigh, taking a look at Lucario. He got to his feet, scorched slightly, but he nodded his head at me, signalling he was still good to go.
"Fine," I nodded. "Make sure you don't push yourself."
He growled, giving a thumbs-up.
"Guess that's what you would call a glass cannon," Caren returned her Pokemon, folding both arms behind her head. "Bummer it didn't beat your Lucario. Though, that goes to show just how powerful Mega Evolution really is." She smirked and let out Abomasnow. "So then, let's fight fire with fire!"
Her fingers brushed her icicle earring gently, energy connecting to her Abomasnow. "Unleash the frigid storm within. Mega Evolve!"
Abomasnow roared, growing bigger before he fully Mega Evolved. Lucario stood his ground, facing the massive Pokemon before him without a hint of fear.
"We won't lose here," I said firmly, feeling my bond with Lucario. "So bring it on!"
Lucario howled with me and he leaped towards Abomasnow's head, fist drawn back. A flurry of snow erupted between the two Pokemon, forcing Lucario back. He swung his arms, his aura blasting apart the wall of white, revealing Abomasnow lumbering forwards, swinging a long giant green log. With no time to dodge, it slammed into Lucario's side, slamming him into the side of the arena. With a gasp, he hunched forwards, grimacing in pain. He closed his fist, staring up at Abomasnow. This was one mountain he had to traverse, a challenge he couldn't run from.
Lucario stood, breathing in. His eyes shot open, irises slits. He ran for his opponent, a frigid storm hurling towards him. He leaped through it, the aura surrounding his body protecting him. Shards of ice penetrated the aura, slicing against his body. Howling, he sped forwards, flipping as he punched and kicked each shard, shattering them.
Abomasnow roared, swinging an icy fist. Lucario narrowed his eyes, slamming his own fist against it, a wind of power flying outwards from impact. Lucario used the momentum to leap higher and above the Ice type's head. He blasted several Aura Spheres down, each one striking his opponent. Abomasnow slammed his feet and arms against the ground, ice and snow blasting upwards.
Lucario closed his eyes. In his mind he saw the young and weak Riolu he used to be. Already that image of himself was fading, but now would be the perfect send off. He stood before his younger self, nodding. His eyes reopened and he roared, swinging himself forwards in an arc, flames bursting from his right foot. He swung himself down towards Abomasnow's head, his flames incinerating the snow and ice. He burst through it and slammed his foot against Abomasnow's head, a blast of flames surging upwards upon impact. He could see his mother, Blaziken having done the same move against the old protector of the Pokemon Village, proving her might as the Village Guardian.
Lucario howled with all his might, pushing his foot down further, more flames erupting around him. The heat was intense, but he no longer feared the fire. It was his and he commanded it. An explosion of fire blasted around him, obscuring the two Pokemon in smoke.
I coughed, waving away the smoke from my eyes. When it began to clear, Abomasnow lay on his back, reverted back to normal. And Lucario stood over him, fist raised in the air as the last flickers of flames around his heel sparked and disappeared, leaving behind nothing.
"Lucario!" I cheered, grinning proudly. Lucario grinned as he looked back at me, changing back to his base form. He had truly mastered his flames and proven his strength. I walked towards him, both to congratulate him and collect the badge that would prove my worth as a Kalos Trainer. The final step had been completed. Now there was only one destination left.
"Watch out Kalos League," I thought, my feet crunching the fragile ice beneath my feet. "Because we're coming to win and the power of my bonds with my Pokemon will surely prevail."
I'm certain this battle was enough to show just how powerful Lucario is. But will that strength be enough to take on the League Challengers? The Lumiose Conference approaches and this will be a month of League Battles. My goal is to finish the League before the month ends. That's a lot of battles and I'll be making sure to go all out when writing them! Until then! Toodles!
