To Slay a Dragon
Returning to his assigned room, Red was surprised by three people. His three peers Emily, Leaf and Blue were there waiting for him. Blue was laying on the bench, stretching his legs out. Emily was fiddling with the vending machine and Leaf was watching the commercial break on the plasma television.
"The champ is finally here," Blue grinned, getting up from his seat.
"Hold on. I'm still not champion," Red retorted. "Hell, you might even jinx it by celebrating prematurely!" He joked, walking across the room to reach the nurse's counter. There was no one at the desk so he rang the bell to get medical attention.
"I saved you the trouble of going to the lobby," Leaf stepped in, taking out two Pokeballs "These are Pikachu's and Gabite's Pokeballs."
"How did you manage to access my account?" Red was shocked and scared for his security.
"I told her it was wrong to access your Pokemon without your permission," Blue stood up. "Just because she's working under Professor Oak doesn't give her the right to take out your Pokemon without the trainer's permission."
Red raised an eyebrow. "What does working under the professor have to do anything?"
"You do know that all the Pokemon you sent to the PC are sent back to Professor Oak's lab. Not that you or Blue sent anything back," Leaf said in an annoyed tone. "You both were suppose to help him with his research by obtaining many Pokemon throughout Kanto. In exchange for those rare starters, you were suppose to help collect information with the Pokedex and all Pokemon you caught got sent back to the lab for research. I probably caught triple the amount of what you two boys caught together!"
"These two kids were only in it for the rare Pokemon and only stuck with six Pokemon because that's what strategy guides around the world told them to focus on," Emily butted in, with carbonated lemon drinks. She passed them around for each to drink cold.
"I'm sorry I didn't sent any Pokemon. I didn't even know my account was connected to Oak's PC. I just wanted to focus on six so they all get the right enough amount of attention. Larger groups lead to uneven levels and experience," Red defended himself, opening his drink with a satisfying sizzle. I'm also surprised the Professor gave Leaf access to all accounts connected with the lab's. He sure must have a lot of trust in her, Red thought.
"Levels? Experience? You talk as if all of this was just some kind of video game," Emily laughed.
"Strategy is what's going to get you the win today. I hoped you chose to switch those two fire types because they aren't gonna cut it against a dragon-type user," Leaf said, handing him his Pokemon.
Red took a sip. "I was planning on switching out Ember's Pokemon," Red admitted, handing Leaf the two worn Pokeballs in exchange for his own. "But not just because I will be at a disadvantage against Lance. I want to win with my original six. The six Pokemon that followed me throughout my journey. The ones who helped me get those badges, and got me through the tournament."
Blue faked an obvious gag. "Cut out the cliche bullshit. Give us a speech after you win today," Blue said, giving his rival a jab in the rib. "You better become Champion because I'll be coming for that title sooner or later."
"It would be a major disappointment if you didn't manage to become champion," Emily taunted, shooting Red a playful smirk. "But Elite Four is not a bad title."
"Then lets give a toast," Leaf held out her carbonated drink that was the official sponsor of the league. "With this generic drink, let's look forward to the future. For Red and his trials and tribulations that led him here."
The four teens raised their drinks high before taking a long chug. They finished their drinks and Red's friends left to have enough time to get to their seats before the match could start.
Red was left behind to tend to his hurt Pokemon. As he gave his final six Pokemon to Nurse Joy to heal, Red couldn't help but feel a slight sense of unease. He figured out it wasn't unease but anxiety and nervousness. His last few matches were close but this time he was up against Lance, the strongest of the Elite Four.
Everyone thinks my path Champion is set in stone...but Lance also has a good chance of becoming it as well, Red thought himself. He shook his head, trying to get rid of these doubts and worries. We've trained for this. My nerves can't get in my way for this final match.
He took in a deep breath and relaxed on the bench. He watched the television broadcasting his Elite Four challenge. The commercial break was ending and he needed to get back up there for his last match of the day.
"This is the moment that we have all been waiting for!" shouted the announcer into his microphone. "After many grueling trials, the challenger Red Ketchum has reached the final obstacle in his journey to become Pokemon Champion." He kept the hype going as the screens displayed quick recaps of Red's battle that went all the way back to the start of the Indigo League tournament.
"They are both about to enter the arena," informed the second commentator off air.
"Got it," he asserted, clearing his throat. "Without further preamble, let's bring in the combatants. Entering the battlefield first is Red Ketchum from Pallet Town!"
Red pulled his gloves over his hands before entering the light. He was met by the roar of the crowd for fourth time that day. He believed no matter how many times he entered the arena; he would never get over the excitement of being greeted in such a manner. I really hope this isn't something that I will grow tire off, Red mentally noted, walking up to his starting position with a self-assured smile.
The cameras panned over to the other side as cloaked figure approached the arena. Lance proudly walked out into the field, grinning along the way.
"It's the top trainer of the Elite Four. The man who everyone anticipated to take the new crown as Pokemon Champion of the Indigo League. The dragon tamer from Blackthorn city. It's Elite Four member: Lance!"
He dramatically flipped his cape and stepped into his trainer box. He humbly accepted the crowd's cheer and chanting of his name. Lance finally made eye contact with trainer Red.
"I've been waiting long for this match," Lance eagerly smiled. "It has been far too long since a worthy challenger has brought me such excitement. I have high expectations of you, Red."
"I have no intentions of letting you down," Red replied. "Nor do I have plans of losing to you!"
Lance held his Pokeball up and he looked up towards the ceiling. "Very well. We are to cavort so let's not prolong this anymore. Let the music begin so we can dance on this battlefield!"
"Let the match begin!"
"Pikachu, standby for battle!"
"Give it your all, Kingdra!"
Water swirled around the large seahorse Pokemon. He balanced his entire weight on his curled up tail, pompously standing in the stadium lights. He was covered in hard blue scales except for the yellow scales that lined his exposed underside. He squirted jets of water from his thin snout, raring to fight Pikachu.
"Brew up a storm. Rainy Day!" Lance lashed out with his right hand, throwing his cape in a dramatic fashion.
"Go for it," Red said. "Drop a Thunder on Kingdra!"
-"I'm sure am grateful for all these Pokemon that set up weather for me,"- Pikachu said, charging up his attack and waiting for Kingdra to activate his downpour.
The heavy rain slid down Kingdra's slick body and took on a light blue glow. Kingdra gently closed his eyes, taking in the boost. His eyes shot open. His body violent shook as he was shocked by Pikachu's Thunder.
"Watch out for the boost that the rain gave him, Pikachu," Red warned. "Close the gap with Quick Attack. Tackle him then Thunder Bolt!"
"Capture them! Twister!" Lance bellowed.
Pikachu dashed towards in Kingdra in the heavy downpour and faced him head on. He landed his blow first before getting caught in a vicious twister. The harsh winds slashed at his sides, slowly wearing him down.
"We can break out of this one, Pikachu," Red shouted. "Electric Field should be strong enough to break out of it!"
Lance posed in a striking manner and extended his hand forward as his cape flapped behind him. "Hydro Pump!
Pikachu produced the necessary electricity to create the field. Hydro Pump blasted straight through the twister, hitting Pikachu dead on. The powered-up Hydro Pump sent him sprawling across the field, ending his actions before he could even finish. It was a powerful blow that Red felt it in his soul.
"Abandoned the plan. Thunder while the circumstances are right," Red disregarded his previous orders. He uncertain when the rain was going to stop but he had to take advantage of it.
"Give it your all, Kingdra. Waterfall!" Lance ordered.
- "I won't be able to keep this up longer,"- Pikachu said under his breath, feeling his health being whittled down by the Twister.
Kingdra cloaked himself in his Waterfall, making him an even more vulnerable target to the sudden Thunder. His Dragon typing tried it's best negate the massive thunderbolt from the clouds but he still took major damage in an instant. The flash passed and he charged forward. He pushed straight through the twister and full body tackled Pikachu into the dirt.
The rainy clouds cleared along with the wild twister to reveal a battered up Pikachu. The rodent weakly got onto all fours, producing even more sparks through his cheek pouches. He collapsed with the last of his energy leaving his body.
"First round goes to Kingdra!"
The crowd erupted with cheer and noise. Some cheered for Lance's victory as the other half encouraged Red to win. The energy in the stands invigorated Red as he returned his Pokemon. He told himself he wouldn't wane if the stadium rallied against him. Seeing he has already garnered fans, he knew he had to give it his all.
"Vaporeon, let's give it our best shot!" Red shouted at the top of his lungs. "Ice Beam that Kingdra!"
Lance formed his strategy for the new foe in his mind. "Kingdra, get them with Toxic!"
Kingdra no longer had his speed boost and was the last to act on his order. The Ice Beam was a direct hit on his head, encasing his entire upper body in ice. The toxic couldn't even leave his thin snout thanks to the ice helmet he now sported.
"Break free from the ice! Dragon Pulse to shatter the ice!" Lance hollered in hope of getting through the thick ice around his Pokemon's head.
"Nice aim, Vaporeon," Red praised. "Now hit them with a Shadow Ball."
Vaporeon hopped forward and delivered her Shadow Ball. The Shadow Ball struck Kingdra once again in the head, shattering the ice on impact. The pseudo Dragon couldn't thank Vaporeon for her efforts of freeing him as he collapsed backwards. He was knocked out cold with that final blow.
Lance kept his proud smile as he returned his fallen comrade. "I leave this matter to you, Haxorus!" On the battlefield materialized the bipedal dragon, Haxorus. Gold armor-like scales covered most of it's body giving it's slim figure a bulkier look and the two scythes on the side of its head conveyed a sense of ruthlessness.
-"Welcome to my battlefield! This is the end for you!"- Haxorus roared, stomping the ground. He was raring to go and made no attempt to hide it.
"We can take whatever you throw at us!" Red boldly said. "Vaporeon, Ice Beam!'
"Dragon Tail!"
Haxorus charged towards his target, quickly gaining speed. Vaporeon tensed up and struck Haxorus in his left leg with Ice Beam. The ice move hardly made him flinch as he nearly threw himself at her and delivered the Dragon Tail. Vaporeon vaporized in red lightand was sent back into the Pokeball.
The Pokemon that randomly took her place was Red's own dragon type, Gabite. He looked confused at first since he didn't hear Red call his name but entered a battle stance once he sense the threat Haxorus posed.
-"You're not even in your final form. You don't stand a chance against me,"- Haxorus said amused by the challenger.
"Perfect! Breaking Swipe! That should lower it's attack," Lance ordered.
Red wasn't sure if his Gabite was up to the task of taking down this fully evolved dragon but he knew he could bring this situation to his advantage. "Sandstorm!"
Haxorus again lunged at his foe with his tail prepared to deliver a devastating blow but the sudden sandstorm blocked his slashed at the dark silhouette only to strike nothing, whiffing the Breaking Swipe . The sand scratched at his armor, slowly chipping at him.
"Dragon Claw!" Red ordered.
Haxorus struggled to follow Gabite's movements in the sandstorm, and grew frustrated by the second. He was struck in his back, staggering him but he was quick to recover. He tried to retaliate with his own Dragon Claw to no avail.
"Keep it up until the sandstorm ends! Dragon Rush!" Red shouted.
Lance couldn't see into the desert storm but he knew things weren't looking good for his Haxorus. "We can't seem to hit them. Let's gamble it all and Counter!"
Haxorus jumped towards the middle of the field and the center of the sandstorm. He let out a terrible roar and stomped both of his legs. Gabite attacked head on and unleashed his Dragon Rush on the glowing dragon. They collided and a harsh red light flashed in a blink of an eye.
Red swore he felt the shockwave from the blast and called out towards his Pokemon. "Gabite! Are you alright? Can you stand?" He felt Gabite's faint aura that struggled to stay bright after taking a powerful Counter.
The storm was settling just in time for Gabite to clumsily got back onto his two legs. He took on quick glance at the scoreboard. He gasped for air as he saw that both trainers were down one Pokemon each. He did see Vaporeon was revealed on the screen showcase leading him to believe she fought only to be returned to her Pokeball.
-My first battle I think I lost to bendy man,"- Gabite began to remember his earlier fights. -Ghost shadow guy...I lost too. And now I'm going to lose again. Red told me this was important but this guy...this shiny, gold guy is a true dragon.
"He can barely stand! End it with Rock Slide!" Lance pointed out.
"Dig, Gabite! We still can find a way to win!" Red encouraged.
Gabite dove down to avoid the attack. While underground, he remembered this feeling. Was he really that much of weakness for this team? Frustration was all that Gabite felt. He couldn't think clearly and could only focused on this growing headache. Memories rushed into his head. Fragments of being on a snowy mountain flooded his senses. A nostalgic view of the landscape that stretched on for miles. Then came in the unpleasant memories of being caged up. In a dark room, this small Gible shrunk at the sight of strange humans dressed in weird black and white suits. The yellow G emblazoned on their uniforms was burned into Gabite's memory.
"Draw him out! Stomping Tantrum!"
Roaring towards the sky, Haxorus began to stomp the earth like a toddler who didn't get his way. Every stomp sent out vibrations into the ground, creating tremors that reached Gabite. Weakened and battered, Gabite jumped out of the earth and let out his own roar. The familiar white glow took over Gabite's body and he grew in size.
His stature exponentially grew as did the rest of his body. He evolved before the stadium's eyes into a more fearsome version of himself. His piercing gaze was even more menacing and his stance was guarded. The newly evolved Garchomp stomped the ground and let loose a wild roar that reverberated throughout the battlefield.
From these memories arose a new emotion apart from fear. It was anger. He felt frustrated for being so weak back then. He no longer felt afraid of these people. He brought forth the hidden energy and gave it form in his new body. The anger cloaked his lean build in a blood red aura and tainted his soul.
-"Finally a real dragon has come to fight with the big leagues!"- Haxorus roared, excited by the turn of events.
He finally evolved into a Garchomp, Red thought ecstatic at first until he sense the turmoil in Garchomp's aura. He sensed an emotion he never felt in his Gabite before. Unbridled rage slowly built up until it could no longer be contained. It was very similar to Nidoking's angered state in Thrash.
"Garchomp! Listen to me! Don't attack him yet!"
Either he didn't hear or he was ignoring him, Red couldn't tell but Garchomp made his move. His rage manifested itself into a harsh red aura around him and dashed towards the slower dragon at full speed. He rammed his entire weight into Haxorus then proceeded to pummel him with multiple swipes from his sharp claws. The scale armor failed to save him from the onslaught.
"Haxorus!" Lance yelled at the sight of seeing his Pokemon collapse.
"Haxorus is unable to continue! Garchomp wins!"
"Dammit," Lance cursed, quickly returning his fallen friend. He recognized that bright red aura anywhere. It was the infamous Outrage attack that made Pokemon go into a frenzy. He couldn't risk his dragon type Pokemon taking the super effective hit so he sent out his safe choice.
"Bring him down, Gyarados. Ice Fang as soon as you can!"
Garchomp lashed out at the new opponent with the same draconic energy. He ignored all of Red's orders in favor of the reckless approach. His speed outmatched Gyarados and thwarted any attempt to avoid the hit. Taking the blow, Gyarados responded with a swift Ice Fang into his shoulder.
The red glow faded and Grachomp collapsed to his knees. Gyarados released his tight grip on Garchomp's shoulder, letting the dragon to fall forward with a heavy thud. No strength was left in the dragon and was officially declared unfit to continue.
"Such power," Red couldn't help but admire his Pokemon's new strength. He recalled his Garchomp and sent out his prized bird Pokemon.
Pidgeot flapped his wings before setting off into the sky. His keen eyesight allowed him to spot out the individuals in the stadium stands. His eyes met with a child whose own eyes grew in admiration. He flew back down to meet his opponent.
-"You look a bit rough up, pal. Think you'll last that long against me?"- Pidgeot pointed out the multiple scratches running down Gyarados's yellow underside.
-"Your dragon pal sure did a number on me,"- Gyarados responded, curling up into a tight coil. -"But it will definitely take a lot more from you to take me down."-
-Gabite dealt those blows!- Pidgeot was shocked. He looked up towards the giant screen to see his comrade Gabite was marked out with a red 'x' across his portrait. He felt guilty for even thinking that the go-lucky dragon would weigh the team down during the Elite Four Challenge.
"Let's limit his mobility for a moment. Twister!" Lance pointed towards the bird Pokemon.
"Dart Pierce! We can stagger him out of his move," Red said.
Pidgeot's unique combo gave him the first move but it lacked the power to stop Gyarados in his tracks. He took the blow and whipped up a vicious whirlwind around Pidgeot. The wind gave off an eerie aura as it slashed Pidgeot leading him to believe this wasn't just a simple flying-type move.
"Break out with your winds. Gust!" Red was quick on the solution.
"He's trapped! Aqua Tail!" Lance commanded.
A thin swirl of water formed around Gyarados tail but it soon grew into a powerful twister. He spun around, bringing his tail forward with enough momentum to crack boulders. Pidgeot blew out the dragon-type twister with his gales only to get slammed into the ground. His body bounced across the field and came to painful slide in front of Red.
-"I've warned you. It's going to take a lot more strength if you want to deal significant damage to me!"- Gyarados boasted his defenses. He coiled back up like spring, ready to pounce on Lance's command. -"And it seems your meek body can't take too much of a beating."-
He certainly seems more tankier than Drake's Gyarados, Red studied the water Pokemon with increased interest.
Pidgeot grunted, getting right back up. -"I've been stabbed by rocks, burned to a crisp, frozen, electrified,"- Pidgeot disdainfully replied. -"This is nothing compared to what I have to endure to get here!"-
"Thunderbolt!" Lance ordered.
An electric move from a Gyarados? Red thought bewildered. "Double Team! Hide your true self and Roost!"
Gyarados charged his electricity in his body despite being quite vulnerable to it and expertly fired the lighting. The bolt lashed out in an instant and easily tore through the clone, leaving a dozen Pidgeots across the field. Double Team saved Pidgeot of another scorching and used the opportunity to safely Roost.
"Don't let them heal much longer! Let's go wide with Muddy Water!"
Gyarados sensed the urgency in Lance's voice. The ground beneath the water serpent bubbled like a sick concoction in a witch's cauldron that erupted. Brown water spiraled out from under Gyarados, swamping the field. The fakes vanished one by one as the dirty water washed over them and leaving only the real Pidgeot to fly off. Expecting this, Gyarados prepared a Thunderbolt. He struck the bird but he shrugged it off.
"You've regained enough health. Let's go with Brave Bird," Red said.
"Meet them with Waterfall!" Lance yelled.
Pidgeot, cloaked in his fiery flames, and Gyarados, surrounded in deep blue water, both charged into each other. A clash of power and not a moment later an explosion resounded in the field. A classic battle between strength with only Pidgeot left standing.
- "My head is still spinning,"- he said in a slight daze, nearly stumbling over Gyarados's tail.
"Gyarados, you did your best," Lance mumbled to his Pokeball. "Take the skies back into your command, Aerodactyl!"
Lance's fossil Pokemon appeared in the air back from prehistoric time to rule the skies. It let out a piercing roar that could ruptured ear drums and it wildly flapped it's bat-like wings. It's speed was something Red witnessed in person on Navel Rock but he was confident Pidgeot can keep up.
"Feather Dance! This guy is all about getting in your face and dealing physical damage," Red ordered. He could at least weaken this guy before Pidgeot inevitably falls.
"Attack with Crunch, Aerodactyl. One quick bite should end this."
Not missing a beat, Aerodactyl made a beeline for Pidgeot. His gaping maw was filled by feathers but these feathers weren't attached to an avian Pokemon. These feathers were glowing and clung to his tough skin. He was surprised by how heavy these feathers felt as if he was slowly getting tired and weak.
"That did the trick! Pidgeot, Steel Wing for effective damage," Red cheered on his Pokemon.
-"Can't bite me with a mouth full of feathers you ancient dragon,"- Pidgeot huffed. His own wings slashed at Aerodactyl, dealing super effective damage against it's rock type.
Spatting out feathers, Aerodactyl felt humiliated and roared in his shrill pitch. Hearing damage was not something he knew about but he did know his voice can cause distress in his foes. His loud voice filled Pidgeot's ears with a ringing that grew louder in his head.
-"Gah! This is giving me a headache,"- Pidgeot uttered, struggling to stay in flight from a woozy head.
"You shouldn't have used Supersonic," Lance shook his head, disappointed. "Pidgeot has the ability Tangled Feet. Once confused, Pidgeot becomes a harder target to hit. Try to catch it with Thunder Fang."
"Pidgeot, try to Steel Wing again. You can pull through this," Red hoped his Pokemon heard him.
-"St-st-steel wing?"- Pidgeot stammered. His body spun around, dipping below to avoid Aerodactyl 's electrified jaws. His vision spun but he managed to catch himself from falling into the ground. Aerodactyl took a glancing blow but his low defenses made him lose a good chunk of his health.
-"Whoa there!"- Pidgeot nearly got his wings bitten and flew above his opponent.
"Dragon claw him instead," Lance changed tactics.
Pidgeot's movement were unpredictable but he still managed to catch himself before plummeting to his doom. He went for another swipe at the gray blur in his vision. Wings connected with flesh and his reward was a hard wallop on his back that ended his flight.
"Pidgeot is unable to battle. Aerodactyl wins this round!" the ref announced.
"You sure did a number on him," Red praised. "We can't let this one get the better of us. Let's get back into it Vaporeon!"
"Be wary of her Ice Beam, Aerodactyl. She has has great aim," Lance warned his Pokemon. "Stone Edge and then fly in with Thunder Fang!"
"Shoot him out of the air with Ice Beam!"
Sharp rocks rained down on Vaporeon faster than she could react. The stones pummeled her onto her back, disorienting her for a moment. Her trainer's voice warned her of an incoming bite and dug straight down to avoid being crushed between Aerodactyl's rock hard maw.
-"This guy is insanely fast for a heavy rock-type,"- Vaporeon said to herself, collecting her thoughts. -"And there is only one way to bring him down to my speed."-
Vaporeon took in a deep breath, channeling all of her focus. She jumped out of the ground and quickly spotted her foe a few meters above her. Not wasting a second she struck the ancient Pokemon with a precise Ice Beam. She landed on her feet and dashed away. The ground under her feet shook. She turned around to face the crippled Aerodactyl unable to fly with a frozen wind.
"Perfectly executed, Vaporeon! You're sharp aim never ceases to amaze me!" Red praised his Pokemon's actions. "Douse him with Hydro Pump."
"Don't give in, Aerodactyl! Bring forth the heat. Sunny Day!" Lance was determined not to give up this matchup.
Aerodactyl's unsuccessful attempts to break the ice left him with no choice but to fight back on flat ground. He reared his long snout back, forming the miniature sun on the tip of his jaw and threw it up. Pressurized water pounded him into the dirt floor. The heat of the false sun quickly evaporated the water around an unconscious Aerodactyl.
"Vaporeon is the victor of this round!" the referee raised his flag with the crowd roaring in response.
"Thought we stood a chance there, friend," Lance softly spoke to the Pokeball containing his fallen Pokemon. "But we won't let your work go to waste. The field is prepared! Burn them down, Charizard!"
Lance's own Charizard materialized on his side of the field. Feeling the warmth from the Sunny Day, the fire-type took a peculiar stance. Vaporeon couldn't help but feel slightly shaken by the new Challenger. Not because she was dealing with a Pokemon that was the same species as her comrade but because she sensed an eerie power.
"The heat may weakened water but it's still our best way of hitting him hard. Hydro Pump! Don't let up!"
"Bring this to an end, Charizard! Solar Beam!"
Vaporeon's cheeks puffed and her frills extended to their full length as she built up the water. Charizard stretched out his wings wide and absorbed the radiant light from the Sunny Day, accumulating all that energy into a beam. The Solar Beam shot from his mouth and struck Vaporeon. He staggered backwards from the alarming fast Hydro Pump but quickly regained his balanced.
"Vaporeon is unable to battle!" A flag raised and Vaporeon was swiftly returned.
"I'm leaving this up to you," Red said, throwing his Pokeball into the air. "Show him what you can do, Nidoking!"
Shaking the arena, Nidoking made his entrance with a mighty roar that resonated throughout the stadium. -"Hoho, I've never thought to fight another Charizard in this challenge,"- Nidoking excitedly said, bringing his fists together.
-"I hope you don't take me as just another Charizard like the one your team carries,"- the fire-type said back, feeling the heat lessen.
-"Don't worry. He's much stronger than you,"- Nidoking smirked smugly.
"Rock Slide!"
Nidoking tore the battlefield to send multiple boulder tumbling towards Charizard. They dropped onto Lance side of the field, all missing their mark. Charizard employed the most effective means of dodging which was to fly into the sky. Nidoking had to shield his eyes from the burning sun that scorched the arena.
"You have to use Amnesia," Red spat out, sensing an attack from the sky.
"Give it your all. Flare Blitz!" Lance shouted to the heavens.
Nidoking employed his defenses while Charizard built up momentum before diving down. Nidoking could only brace himself for the flame-infused Charizard. He rammed his body with reckless abandonment to deal maximum damage. The flames that cloaked his body exploded outwards, charring the ground in a small radius.
-"I tend to fight close range than attack from range,"- Charizard grunted through gritted teeth. He took more recoil damage than he thought he would but felt it was worth it for the damage he dealt.
"Poison Jab! Then try Rock Slide once more!" Red barked commands.
"Fly! Get out!" Lance was swift on the response.
Charizard huffed, spreading wings. A swift punch to the gut nearly knocked him off balance. Charizard craned his neck to realize Nidoking wasn't really affected by his powered-up Flare Blitz. The scorch marks on the thick purple plates made him realize he did managed to seriously hurt him and this Nidoking simple had the sheer willpower to ignore his injuries to fight back in the moment.
-"Close-combat happens to be my specialty," Nidoking grinned. His burly left arm snapped forward to latch onto Charizard's right arm. -"And there is no one who I spar more than my comrade Charizard."-
"Escape his grasp! Wing Attack!"
Nidoking basically read his oppoennt 's moves by using his experience while fighting his friend. He first released Charizard's arm to bring his head forward. He clashed with the leathery wing with his own spikes on his head. As Charizard reeled from the sharp spikes, Nidoking stomped the floor and used Rock Slide once more.
Charizard took ever rock at once, finally toppling over. He gasped for air but remained alert for a follow up move. He pushed off the rubble and gathered the strength to get back up. He wavered, feeling his strength briefly leave him.
Excellent thinking on letting him poison himself on your toxic horns, Red applauded Nidoking quick yet precise reflexes. If he was second slower, a strong blow to the head would have definitely stunned him giving the foe enough time to fly back into the sky.
Lance muttered something under his breath. He wasn't pleased with his Pokemon being poisoned and with the Sunny Day dissipating he no longer held the advantage. "It seems that we have been outplayed. Let's not delay things any further. Fire Blast!"
"Block it! You remember how!" Red gestured towards the ground.
Just like against Ember, Nidoking recalled. His fist slammed into coarse dirt below him and launched another Rock Slide. The boulders went straight up a full meter before falling back down into a neat pile and just in time to shield him from the fully formed Fire Blast. With a loud bang the rock pile was blasted into smithereens yet Nidoking was mostly unhurt by the flames.
Poisoned sapped Charizard's strength as he took the skies. He flew in search of a good angle that couldn't be blocked by a similar stunt which happened to be above his foe. A barrage of poison-filled needles struck his left flank and clipped his wings. He lost control and crashed back into the ground.
"It was a great fight and flying never gets easier when getting poisoned," Lance said, returning his fallen fire dragon. He reached towards his belt, taking out his final Pokeball. "It always comes down to you in these crucial moments. I can always place my trust in you friend." He spoke to the worn Pokeball, almost feeling a hint of nostalgia.
Nidoking was catching his breathe as the final challenger appeared. He had no doubts on who it was for he was thoroughly lectured on how to fight him. The dragon before him also happened to be an ally in his fight against Lugia. Lance's Dragonite posed proudly in front of his trainer and Nidoking couldn't help but tensed up.
"Give it your all! Extreme Speed!"
Going straight for it on a weakened Pokemon, Red acknowledged Lance's strategy to quickly clean up his Nidoking without taking any damage. "Poison Jab!"
Nidoking raised his right arm, ready to deliver a quick blow. Dragonite's tiny wings surprisingly gave him the boost he needed to quickly close the distance. Having seen the move before, Nidoking was still caught off guard by how fast Dragonite reached him. He barely began to swing when Dragonite tackled him and sent him hurling through the air.
Nidoking hit the ground hard. He remained motionless on the ground and was thus declared unfit for battle. Red was quick to recall his Pokemon, replacing it with his own special Pokemon. The cheering in the crowd was reaching its peak as the final showdown was about to happen. The crowd went into an uproar once Charizard finally appeared on the screen.
-"I remember you well from our joined fight against that legendary Pokemon,"- Dragonite greeted his rival for this match. - "I didn't get to say this last time but thank you for saving Lance. That fire attack shielded us from the worst of that blizzard."-
Charizard was taken aback by Dragonite's sincere thanks. - "It was the only thing I could do in the moment but I'm glad it gave you two the chance to live another day. Another day so we can finally meet up here on the battlefield."-
-"Then lets give it our all for this battle. Win or lose, I'm glad to have been able to fight somewhat as selfless and courageous as you,"- Dragonite said, spreading his wings out.
-Such praise...and coming from the world renowned Dragonite himself,- Charizard couldn't help but feel proud. He considered Dragonite in high regard since he learned about the Pokemon League and the power that the Elite Four possessed, He took his rightful place alongside Red, and gave in the urge to roar.
"Charizard is raring to go," Red said, sending a smirk towards Lance. "We are not favored in this matchup but we still have a few tricks to curb things into our favor."
"Aqua Jet! Strike first," Lance was the first to act in this last match,
Red pulled on his hat, feeling the sweat build up on his forehead. "Smokescreen! We aren't faster but we can make it harder to land a direct hit."
Charizard coughed out a thick cloud of black smoke. Noxious gases filled his area of the field, obscuring Dragonite's vision as he flew in. His attack could barely leave a glancing blow on Charizard and left him stranded in the choking smoke.
"Defog! Blow that smokescreen away," Lance ordered, weighing his possible choices to follow up on Charizard in his mind.
"Get him! Dragon Rush!"
Dragonite only needed a couple beats of his wings to blow away the thick smoke. He was quick on the smoke clearance that he almost managed to escape the surprise attack. Standing behind Dragonite, Charizard clobbered him with his super effective type. Dragonite staggered a few steps forward, recovered his balance so I could hop around with a curled up fist.
"Mega Punch! Then clobber him with Rock Tomb."
"Fly up and catch him with Dragon Pulse"
Dragonite's fist collided with Charizard's massive gut. His strength pushed Charizard back, giving him enough room to summon a bombardment of rocks from the earth. Charizard flapped his wings and took off. He did catch a few stray rocks but he manage to fly above Dragonite to deliver a fierce Dragon Pulse to the noggin.
"After him. Extreme Speed!"
Raising his thick yellow arms, Dragonite tried to shield his head from the next Dragon Pulse. He spotted Charizard and leap into the air. In a flash he was on top of Charizard, tackling him midair. Both regained their mobility from the collision and continued to battle in the sky.
"Dragon Breath!"
"Fire Blast!"
Charizard tried to get best of Dragonite, but the dragon Pokemon kept climbing higher. His flames struck Dragonite's flank as he avoided the blue fiery blasts of beams. He switched to a quicker Flamethrower as Dragonite flew to his right, clipping him.
"Dragon Claw! Knock him out of the sky!" Lance yelled to the heavens.
Red tried to keep the sun out of his eyes as he followed the battle in the sky. "Mega Punch! We can go down this easy!"
Dragonite twirled to evade and dodge. His Dragon Claw raked Charizard across the back. Lifting his powered-up claws, Dragonite took a Dragon Rage to the face.
-"Down you go!"- Charizard roared. He repaid Dragonite's earlier blow by bringing his own fist into Dragonite's gut.
The cameras in the arena closely followed Dragonite's body as it plummeted back down. People cheered as Dragonite recovered from his fall. Lance fans rejoiced seeing their champion fly back into combat without missing a beat.
"Bring the menace back down. Sky Drop!" Lance ordered.
"Dragon Rush! Disrupt him!" Red simply shouted.
Charizard cloaked his body in a purple glow and dove straight down. Dragonite sped towards Charizard descent. Dragonite opened his arms wide open and without flinching, took the Dragon Rush head on. They clashed once more but this time Dragonite didn't want to let up. He endured the pain and the held Charizard tightly in place.
-"What are you planning?"- Charizard wheezed, getting crushed in Dragonite's embrace. Arms locked around left him unable to escape. He saw his world get turned upside down as Dragonite brought both the bodies back down. Both were diving straight to the ground at an alarming speed.
- "I usually drop my opponents at this height, but since your also a flying Pokemon, I'm going have to down there with you,"- Dragonite said in a serious voice, eyes focused on the earth below.
-"We're both going to be knocked out at the rate,"- Charizard shot back, fighting with all his strength to escape. He blasted Dragonite point blank with Flamethrower all the way down. The white Pokeball marked out in chalk in the ground grew bigger by the millisecond.
-"You too!"- Charizard felt Dragonite's grip weakened and he pulled Dragonite underneath him with no time to fly out, he made sure both were hitting the ground.
The ground shook under combined weight of both Pokemon. Charizard lay in his own crater as Dragonite groaned in pain a few meters away. The stadium grew silent as both showed no signs of getting back. The referee ran over towards Lance side of the field but didn't make a call. Dragonite slowly but painfully got up. The crowd burst into cheers but it grew louder once Charizard decided to stand up.
Both eyed each other before lunging at each other once more. They each saw how each one was vulnerable and met each other with claws. Charizard's own Metal Claw met Dragonite's Dragon Claw. Like two wrestlers struggling to get the upper hand, the two combatants grappled with each other until both were in standstill.
"Blast Burn!"
Dragonite was well informed on his rival. He heard how devastating this Charizard's special fire move could set your very soul aflame. He let go of the Flame Pokemon as if he was carrying a contagious plague and took flight. His feet barely left the ground before the battlefield was bathed in a sea of flames.
The stadium filled up with an intense heat as the field burned as bright as the sun. Fire raged and engulfed both Charizard and Dragonite with no bodies in sight. The corporeal flames sputtered out after a few seconds and finally gave away to reveal the two fighters.
Charizard was on his hands and knees, gasping for air and tears in his teal eyes. He was disheveled and much worse for wear . On the flip side, Dragonite was face down, close to the origin of the blast. From head to tail he was marked with burns that not even his dragon-typing could save him from.
-"It's over,"- Charizard panted, feeling like could also faint. - "Well, fought...got to catch my breath."-
-"This can't just be it,"- a muffled voice spoke out.
Red froze as he witnessed Dragonite slowly rise to his feet. Standing at two meters, Dragonite towered the kneeling Charizard who was just as dumbfounded as his trainer.
- "I can't let it end now. We are aiming to become Pokemon Champion. We are not content of being just an Elite Four member,"- Dragonite declared, feeling a surge of emotions give him renewed strength. -"I've trained for this moment. This chance to finally become Champion can't slip between my grasp again!"
"Finish him, Outrage!" Lance bellowed, stretching his hand out in a dramatic fashion. He felt Dragonite's spirit and knew the best way to manifest it.
This gamble did not end in our favor, Red realized how vulnerable Charizard was after a Blast Burn. His stronger attacks needed time for Charizard to regain his strength but there wasn't enough time to recover against Dragonite's speed.
"Hold on! Outrage is just like Nidoking's Thrash. Whether is normal or dragon-type, it's just uncontrollable anger that you need to weather! Steel Wing! Just like Pidgeot taught you," Red shouted to his tired Charizard. He hid his panicked thoughts in his reassuring tone, but Red couldn't help but feel a bit of hopelessness.
Charizard gritted his teeth, trying to process his trainer's words. Thrash...is not a simple thing to stop, he recalled his many sparring sessions with Nidoking. He improved his stamina but even this Blast Burn left him feeling like he gave it his all. His aim was to end this match but his flames couldn't even stop a dragon like Dragonite.
-"Didn't think I could easily concede in a match,"- Charizard couldn't help but chuckle.
Dragonite bounded towards Charizard with his bright dragon aura. Charizard brought his wings forward and braced himself for the tackle. He remembered how reckless Nidoking could be and Dragonite was no different to the blind rage tackle. Metal coated the wings to lessen the blow against the dragon-type move. Instead of being send flying backwards, Charizard was merely pushed back a few feet.
Unfurling his wings, Charizard prepared himself for the next assault. - "Those scorch mark look nastier up close. Not even your golden scales can save you from my Blast Burn,"- he taunted, slightly relieved that the burns were helping reduce Dragonite's physical attack.
"Don't let up! Keep attacking," Lance shouted but he knew it didn't need to be stated. Dragonite's was already set on continuing the Outrage.
"Now, it's time to bring out Metal Claw! You have endured worse than this, Charizard!" Red felt his adrenaline fill his body with renewed hope.
Dragonite responded with an unintelligent roar and swiped at his tormentor. Charizard prepared his Metal Claw to counter and help fight back. Charizard blocked the blows but still took a few hits to the gut. Dragonite didn't escape unscathed as Charizard managed to get a few scratches in. Dragonite reeled back and went in with a shoulder bash.
This is it! Charizard thought.
"Iron Tail!" Red acted on the opening.
Charizard held his breath and swiftly spun around. His Iron Tail technique lacked the finesse like Pikachu's but he still accomplished what he set out to do. He placed all of his weight into the attack just to knock Dragonite off course and have him tumble into the blacken dirt. Having recovered slightly from his Blast Burn, Charizard used his energy to pound Dragonite with a small Dragon Pulse.
Battered, singed and tired, Dragonite lifted his plump arm for one last time. His conscious left him as did his arm but not without giving Charizard a devout smile.
"The final round goes to Charizard. making Red the victor!" shouted the battle judge, lifting his flag.
-"We made it,"- Charizard tiredly said, falling onto his rump. He looked up to the screens, tuning out of the victorious screams of the crowd. These battles…they felt as if they have taken forever to get over, Charizard thought. But we finally made it to the top. After what seems like years…we have finally reached our goal of becoming Pokemon Champions.
Red surprised Charizard by walking behind him and placing a firm hand on his shoulder. Charizard, stirred from his thoughts, twitched his head to face Red.
"We did it, friend. We never gave up and fought it out till the end," Red smiled, feeling the same as his oldest companion. "Since the moment we started this journey, you've been with through every trial thrown at us. Thank you for sticking with me all this time."
-No, thank you for choosing me. Thank you for taking me along this journey of a lifetime, Charizard thought to himself, letting his pleased aura do the talking. He looked up towards the sky and saw fireworks all go off. He closed his eyes, wishing this moment could last for an eternity. I never would have finished without your support.
