Earth's Protectors

by nld200xy

A new breed of villains have risen up to terrorize humans in the form of Pokemon, powerful creatures with the strength to end mankind. Luckily, a group of heroes are trained to protect the humans from this menace. Heavily inspired by Kinnikuman, this is something I've wanted to make for a long time.

64. Chapter 64

Well, all seemed lost as Beedrill noticed Machoke barely moving at all, turning to his father. Weedle no longer had anything against the boy, but even so, rules were rules, so he knew there was no need to delay the ten count. As such, Beedrill started counting down as everyone stared in stunned silence.

Was it really over? Had that really been the end of it? There was just no way. Machoke had a knack for getting up from heavy beatings and yet this one somehow seemed worse than all the others.

"It's a pity, really," Lucario said with a sigh, "I had so much more that I wanted to use," Beedrill suddenly stopping the count when Machoke slowly rose to his feet, coughing up blood and taking many deep breaths, uttering, "No. You haven't won yet. I can still take you."

Meisai took a deep breath and said, "Alright, Machoke, I have to admit, I was unprepared for that. Clearly Lucario is taking drastic measures," the boy nodding and replying, "Yeah, but it's okay because I know I'll win."

All the while, the Japanese fans along with Machoke's friends were cheering, Reika exclaiming, "ALRIGHT, MACHOKE, SHOW HIM WHAT YOU CAN DO!" Blaziken barking, "YEAH, IT'S NOT OVER YET! I KNOW YOU CAN WIN THIS!"

"Damn straight he can!" came a male voice from the crowd, many turning to see Barbaracle standing there with all four of his arms folded, the barnacle exclaiming, "Come on, Machoke, I beat you around with my rocks and you got up every time! I sent you into the drink and you survived! Don't tell me a couple of fancy moves are enough to take you down!"

Machoke's eyes widened as Gardevoir squeaked, "Wow, Barbaracle's come to cheer him on!" Blaziken nodding and replying, "He seems to have a knack for befriending his enemies, doesn't he?"

People were not quite as surprised, though, when Golduck stood up from a seat with her homemade T-shirt with Machoke's face on it, shouting, "You rule, Machoke! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!" Lucario rather annoyed when he noticed Chung-Ho, Jae and Hana among the crowd, all raising their fists and shouting, "GO, MACHOKE!" Hana adding in a surprisingly loud tone, "Ninetales wants to let you know you have her full support!" Machoke's eyes sparkling as a big open-mouth smile formed on his face.

"Hey, kid!" came a deeper voice from the crowd as Machoke turned and saw Talonflame standing there, the falcon smirking as Lucario glared at him, asking, "What are you doing out of prison!?" Talonflame remarking, "Relax, I merely came to give my support."

Machoke blinked and asked, "Wait, are you talking about me?" Talonflame nodding and remarking, "Yeah, I am! Listen, kid, anyone who beats me is not allowed to lose, got it!?"

"I agree entirely, hermano!" came another voice from the crowd as Machoke grinned, exclaiming, "I know who that is!" turning his attention toward Hawlucha, the parrot standing tall and proud with his arms by his hips as he exclaimed, "Show Lucario the spirit and drive you used to defeat me!"

Machoke nodded with a look of confidence on his face, Meisai thinking, 'He really is something else, that Machoke.'

Naturally, Heracross, Lopunny and Scyther were also giving him their full support as the boy took a deep breath, smirking and saying, "That's right, Lucario, I'm not going to let myself lose," the dog gritting his teeth, feeling rather annoyed now that no one supported him right now. Clauncher had turned on him, Amanda was nowhere to be seen and none of his earlier opponents in the Olympics had any respect for him. He was truly fighting this battle alone.

Even so, this hardly mattered to him. He did not need others to help him win and as such, he rushed toward Machoke, once again sending his arms forward. However, Machoke simply lifted up his own arms, wrapping them around Lucario's shoulders as the dog's eyes widened, the boy leaning backward and lifting him up over his head before planting his back hard against the mat.

The crowd went wild as the boy proceeded to lift Lucario up by his ankles, swinging him around before sending his head hard into the turnbuckle. The crowd was feeling confident in Machoke as he had once again gotten the upper hand.

Meisai grinned and exclaimed, "Good job, Machoke!" the boy nodding and rushing toward Lucario again while the dog was distracted.

However, there was no way Lucario was just going to let him get in another hit. Thus when Machoke was close enough, the dog grabbed onto the ropes and propelled himself up, sending both his feet hard into the boy's chest.

Machoke's eyes widened as Lucario proceeded to run over to his side, reaching his arms around him and leaping high into the air, everyone staring in shock. Most people knew exactly what was coming, Meisai wincing as she could not believe he was going to use another one of Riolu's techniques.

Once high enough, Lucario leaned backward, aiming Machoke's skull toward the mat and shouting, "HALF-MOON PRESS!" planting the back of his neck hard into the canvas. The British fans once again cheered as Machoke took in great pain from this. Even so, he would not to let himself go down yet as he slowly recovered, but after receiving two of Riolu's best moves, he was starting to feel weak.

However, his friends simply cheered for him some more, Gardevoir squealing, "Come on, Machoke, you're doing great!" the boy's strength seeming to return as he took a deep breath, glaring at Lucario and holding up a defensive stance. Meisai could not help but be impressed by this display, but even so, would this confidence be enough?

"We have seen so many unexpected events in this match," Nori said, "First, Machoke overpowers the London Bridge then his Ultimate Driver and Muscle Tombstone are both beaten! Not only that, but Lucario has used two of his father's signature moves, Canine Hug Slam and Half-Moon Press! Considering Machoke is yet to land a finishing move of his own, Lucario might very well have the advantage here!"

'That's how it seems,' the dog thought, 'but I have to remember, my father had the upper hand when he fought Machamp back in the day. But even with the advantage, he still lost. I'm not going to let Machoke get that kind of miracle against me!'

However, he would certainly need to act fast as Machoke was once again headed toward him. The dog attempted to strike back only for the boy to once again dodge to the side. However, Lucario saw this coming as he sent a karate chop toward his face. Unfortunately for him, Machoke was ready as he grabbed hold of the dog's wrist, not giving him a chance to counter as he lifted Lucario sideways over his shoulder and planted the side of his head into the canvas.

The Japanese fans once again cheered as Machoke proceeded to lift Lucario up by his legs. But rather than flinging him into the turnbuckle again, he instead threw the dog over his head and slammed his back hard against the mat.

"ALRIGHT, YOU CAN DO IT!" Reika exclaimed, the others joining in as Gardevoir squealed, "YOU ROCK!"

However, Lucario was not going to let this go as he quickly wrapped his ankles around Machoke's. The boy blinked in confusion as the dog placed his palms against the mat and used them to propel himself high above the ring, causing Machoke to fall forward before flying into the air along with him.

Once high enough, Lucario leaned forward and spun his body vertically like a wheel before shouting, "FULL MOON TOSS!" releasing his hold after a while and sending Machoke back-first into the mat, the boy coughing up more blood.

The British fans went wild as Meisai twitched, Nori shouting, "And as if those first two moves weren't enough, Lucario has now used a third finishing move from Riolu's arsenal, the Full Moon Toss! This was one of the most difficult moves for Riolu to get right and yet Lucario's learned it in no time flat!"

Machoke was having a bit more trouble getting up this time as he righted himself into a sitting position, breathing heavily while Meisai had now idea what to say to this. It was just as Nori said. Full Moon Toss was a really difficult move to pull off, so for Lucario to get it down so easily was a huge shocker, and needless to say, Riolu was impressed.

"I gotta get there and give him advice!" Aipom screeched when she saw this on the hospital TV, "I actually knew how Machoke could have escaped from that!" Bisharp remarking, "Calm down, Aipom! You are in no condition to be moving!" Scrafty nodding and adding, "Yeah, let us take ya there!"

The monkey's eyes went wide as Bisharp nodded, bowing his head and stating, "It would be our pleasure to escort you to the ring post haste," Aipom letting down light tears with a big smile on her face, the monkey nodding and saying, "Thank you."

While Machoke lay there, Beedrill once again started the count as Lucario said, "Good, now stay there," most of the crowd watching in silence as Talonflame gritted his teeth, barking, "HEY, GET UP RIGHT NOW, YOU BASTARD!" Hawlucha exclaiming, "SI! YOU CAN DO IT!" Scyther raising her fist in the air and chanting, "Machoke! Machoke!" Heracross and Lopunny quickly joining in.

Soon enough, more and more members of the crowd got up and started chanting the boy's name as Beedrill reached eight. But just as he was about to count to nine, Machoke's eyes widened as he quickly propelled himself back to his feet, breathing heavily and saying, "Right, I can't give up now."

The crowd went wild as Nori exclaimed, "And Machoke has made another miraculous recovery!" Lucario gritting his teeth as he grunted, "You should have stayed down! I've seen everything you can do! There's no way you can hope to beat me!"

"Damn, that arrogance of his is getting on my nerves," Clauncher said with a look of anger, "I know Lucario's better than this. I don't know what's happening, but Machoke's the only one who can snap him out of it!"

"You know, Lucario," Machoke said with a smirk, "you're not the only one who can pick up on the finishing moves of others. If my moves won't work on you, maybe some you haven't studied will."

Everyone stared in confusion as Meisai blinked, saying, "Using other people's signature moves to catch him off-guard. That's brilliant," while Machoke proceeded to fly toward the dog with his arm out, stating, "I'll admit, I can't get it quite like the original, but I'm sure I can make due with it!"

"Is he using what I think he is?" Gallade asked, his jaw dropped as Gardevoir flashed a big toothy grin as she squealed, "OH MY GOD, HE IS!" Lucario too shocked to react as Machoke sent his arm hard into the dog's neck, shouting, "MOON HOOK!" knocking him hard onto his back as the crowd went wild.

Gardevoir clapped excitedly and squealed, "YOU MAY NOT THINK THAT WAS AS GOOD AS MINE, BUT I THOUGHT THAT WAS PERFECT!" Reika adding, "YEAH, PUT HIM IN HIS PLACE!" the Japanese fans going wild as Machoke took a deep breath, saying, "Well, I've seen the move used enough times to get it down."

Lucario groaned as he rubbed the back of his head, getting up and shaking the pain off before shouting, "So what!? That's not even a family technique!" Machoke remarking, "There's no harm in borrowing other people's techniques as long as they work, and I'm gonna use another one!" the boy grabbing hold of the dog's ears when he got close enough, everyone staring in shock as he proceeded to propel himself over Lucario's back.

With that, the boy sent his feet hard into the back of his neck, shouting, "BLAZE KICK!" Lucario falling flat on his face while Blaziken whistled in admiration and exclaimed, "Even without the power of fire, my finishers still rule! Use that as many times as you want!"

"And finally, one that I'll admit probably won't be that impressive in my hands but it still effective," the boy leaping at Lucario just as the dog got up, his eyes widening as Machoke swung his arms downward in an X formation, shouting, "PSYCHO CUT!" striking his opponent hard in the chest as the dog coughed up blood, backing away and breathing heavily.

The crowd continued to cheer wildly as Machoke sighed, "They may not be family originals and they might not be on the level of the versions used by their owners, but as I said in my match with Bisharp, it's good to seek help from others when you're stuck," Tsuya turning to Reika and saying, "You know, I take back what I said about Machoke. He's awesome!" Cici whispering, "Don't bother. She's no longer interested in him."

Tsuya shrugged and decided to put all of her focus on the match as Lucario gritted his teeth. He could not believe what had just happened. Not only had Machoke struck him with three very powerful techniques, but these moves were not his own. The dog had trained himself to counter every one of Machoke's signature moves but had not even thought about those of his friends. And one could only imagine what other moves Machoke had learned.

However, just as it looked like Lucario was going to strike back, he started to falter, the crowd gasping as Nori stated, "It seems after that last move, Lucario's become incredibly weak," Machoke grinning and thinking, 'Yes! This is the perfect chance!' his grin replaced by a confused look when he noticed Meisai had not yet spoken the magic word.

He remembered her advice perfectly. He would only use Sunset Slam at the sound of the word 'Daybreak'. But why was the girl not saying it? Lucario was in the perfect state to fall victim to it.

However, Meisai did not seem to think so. While no one else could see it, Amanda noticed the blue aura appear again, this time stronger than before. There was no doubt in her mind that Lucario was playing possum.

Unfortunately, Machoke did not seem to realize this as he thought, 'Good lord, she was the one who came up with the codeword and she's already forgotten it! Guess I'll have to take matters into my own hands again!'

With that, Machoke raced toward the dog while the Japanese fans and his friends cheered wildly. Unfortunately, Meisai had not figured out what he was trying to do until the boy grabbed hold of Lucario's shoulders, allowing himself to fall on his back before planting his foot hard against the dog's gut, sending him high above the ring.

The crowd was even more excited now as Nori exclaimed, "I think we all know what's coming now!"

Meisai's eyes widened as she spat, "WAIT, MACHOKE, IT'S STILL TOO EARLY!" the boy unfortunately too caught up in the moment to listen as he leapt onto the ropes and propelled himself off of them, rolling up into a ball and heading straight for Lucario's back.

"LUCARIO'S FINISHED NOW!" Reika exclaimed as Blaziken shouted, "YEAH, MACHOKE, DO IT!" Gardevoir and Cici, on the other hand, looking uncomfortable. They could see how Meisai had reacted and knew this would not end well.

Unfortunately, it was too late as Machoke got close enough. But just as he was about to run into Lucario's back, the dog threw his arms and legs toward him, the area going silent as those very parts latched onto Machoke, the boy's eyes widening as he returned to his usual state with Lucario still holding onto him.

With that, both descended toward the mat with Machoke's skull facing the canvas, the boy hitting it hard as he coughed up more blood, the crowd gasping. Meisai winced, closing her eyes as she knew it was too late. He had used his Sunset Slam when Lucario was still strong enough to counter.

"What just happened?" Gallade asked, Hitmonchan uttering, "The Sunset Slam just failed," Blaziken gritting her teeth and growling, "Dammit, Lucario was ready for every one of his finishing moves!"

"Nein," Scyther uttered, "It can't be," Talonflame gritting his teeth and grunting, "Damn that Lucario! I've been trying to find a way around that move since I was sent to prison and he discovers one first!" Golduck and Barbaracle now scared.

"The poor lad," Heracross uttered, "All of his best techniques, defeated," Lopunny biting her lip and crying, "Machoke! You can still move, right!?"

Reika nodded and exclaimed, "COME ON, MACHOKE, GET UP! YOU CAN STILL WIN!" Cici and Tsuya getting up and cheering him on as well, Gardevoir cupping her hands together and praying for the boy.

Beedrill simply stared and asked, "Is it over?" Weedle replying, "Let's see. As of now, the match has officially lasted the same amount of time as the match between Machamp and Riolu."

However, thanks to the cheers of his friends, Machoke was once again able to get up. Unfortunately, this time was not good as Lucario noticed how badly weakened the boy was, leaping over to him and latching his legs around his waist. The crowd gasped as the dog proceeded to grab onto his wrists, spreading them out and pulling on them hard, shouting, "RIOLU TORMENT!"

Everyone stared in absolute horror, Meisai now letting down tears and biting her lower lip under her mask. She knew it was over as she simply looked down, the others also looking as if the situation was hopeless.

Machoke on the other hand did not realize this as he spat, "HEY, MEISAI, I KNOW YOU SAID THE BEST THING I COULD DO WAS AVOID THIS MOVE, BUT COME ON, YOU HAVE TO HAVE FOUND A WAY OUT OF IT BY NOW!" Meisai too saddened to say anything as the boy exclaimed, "LOOK, I'M SORRY I DIDN'T WAIT, OKAY!? DON'T GIVE ME THE COLD SHOULDER AGAIN!"

"It's not that," Meisai sniffed, "It's just, well, there's no chance," and this was made clear when all four judges stood up and bowed their heads.

"What are the judges doing?" Reika asked as Blaziken replied, "This is a very rare sight, but judges bow their heads to the fighters when they witness a perfect hold, something that can't be escaped no matter what."

Machoke had a look of sheer terror in his eyes as he tried to wriggle his wrists loose. Unfortunately, all this did was make the pain worse as he cried out in agony. And to top it all off, this was the exact moment Aipom, Bisharp and Scrafty had arrived, all three staring in horror.

Aipom had light tears as Bisharp sighed, "Alas, we are too late," Aipom screeching, "NO!"

Everyone turned to look at the monkey as she leapt out of Bisharp's arms only to end up falling flat on her face. The monkey ignored this and crawled toward the ring, ignoring the pain in her legs. She had to help out her student at all cost even if she had absolutely no idea what to do right now.

Riolu was simply aghast as he said, "I'd heard rumour he had perfected that move but I didn't think it was true," Machamp gulping, "Imagine if you'd used that on me back in the day!" Riolu folding his arms and grumbling, "Yeah, that would have been something."

Machoke's eyes widened when he noticed Aipom reach the side of the ring, the boy smiling, his eyes sparkling as he exclaimed, "Thank God you're here! I need help! What can I do!?" Aipom asking, "Have you tried shifting your wrists?" the boy nodding as she asked, "How about throwing yourself backward and slamming his face into the mat?"

"I don't think that's gonna work!" Machoke retorted as Meisai sighed, "Unfortunately, he's right. There really is no way out of this," Aipom's eyes and mouth wide open as the girl sniffed, "I'm sorry, Aipom. I failed you," the monkey shaking her head and replying, "You did a better job than I probably would have. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

Unfortunately, with everything in mind, Machoke really was doomed as Lucario stretched out his arms, everyone wincing when they heard his bones crack. With that, the dog smirked and said, "If you had stayed down, you could have avoided this," before shifting his body sideways, Machoke's eyes and mouth wide open as everyone heard his backbone snap, the dog releasing his hold on the boy and allowing him to collapse.

The area went silent as Nori uttered, "And after all that hard work, it would appear that Lucario has won the match. We still need to wait for the ten count to make it official, but it doesn't look good for Machoke," everyone staring in utter silence, no one knowing what to say. Even Machoke's friends had a feeling that all the motivation in the world would not be enough to get him back on his feet, not after hearing that horrible sound.

However, everyone stared in shock as the boy slowly rose to his feet, only now it was clear he should not have been moving. He had a look of desperation on his face as he struggled to stay up. Unfortunately, his arms were too wobbly to do anything and with his back badly injured, taking a step forward was a chore.

However, while everyone else could see his weakness, Lucario saw this as an opportunity to dish out one last move as he said, "Well, time to end this for good," Meisai barking, "NO, LUCARIO, HE'S SUFFERED ENOUGH!"

Unfortunately, the dog refused to listen as he took Machoke by the shoulders, propelling himself high above the ring before flipping him upside-down. Everyone stared in shock as he proceeded to place his knees against Machoke's feet, shouting, "NOW SUFFER THE LAST OF MY FATHER'S FINISHERS, COLLAPSING TOWER!" the dog sending the boy's skull hard into the canvas as he coughed up one last bit of blood, finally out for good.

Beedrill did not even need to start the ten count as he gulped, ringing the bell and shouting, "And after a long and intense match, the winner and champion of the Hero Olympics is Lucario!" the British fans going wild as everyone else just stared, no one even knowing how to react to this.

Lucario looked down at Machoke, breathing heavily as thankfully, the boy was still alive. Sure, Lucario may not have been himself during this match, but even so, he knew better than to kill a fellow hero, especially in the Hero Olympics where he knew it would cost him the championship title.

However, it certainly looked like Machoke would spend a long time in the hospital, Meisai glaring at Lucario as Weedle handed Beedrill a belt with a golden medallion in the middle. The wasp nodded and flew over to the ring while carrying it. Lucario noticed this and turned to Beedrill with a serious look in his eyes.

With that, the wasp handed him the belt and said, "Congratulations, Lucario, you've done your family proud," the dog smiling while holding up the belt, the British fans once again applauding him.

"No," Reika groaned, "He didn't deserve that!" Gallade sighing, "There's nothing we can do. Just be grateful it wasn't a villain who defeated him," the boy just as disappointed as the others but trying his best to hide it in the hopes that his sister would not pick up on bad sportsmanship.

Aipom tried to climb into the ring only for Bisharp and Scrafty to run over and help her up, the monkey right next to Machoke now as she asked, "Are you okay?"

The boy's eyes slowly opened as he uttered, "I can't feel my arms or legs. Does that mean I lost?" Aipom nodding as the boy bit his lower lip, tears welling up as Aipom nodded her head, saying, "Go ahead, let it all out."

With that, Machoke let out big waterworks and cried, "I was so close!" Aipom hugging his face and patting the back of his neck with her tail hand, saying, "There, there. It's okay," Gardevoir getting up and running toward the ring, the others soon following close behind.

All stood by the ring as they knew they were now allowed to do so, the judges still standing by. However, what shocked everyone right now was when Lucario looked down at Machoke with a smile on his face, and not a smug one either. This was with genuine respect, Machoke staring at him all the while.

"I have to hand to you, Machoke," Lucario said, "You really are something else. Even though you lost, you made me work the hardest I ever have to achieve this victory. The world may not think so, but I can honestly say you are worthy of your family name."

A smile formed on the boy's face as the dog added, "I know I've been acting like a monster throughout this tournament, and honestly, it was my own selfish desire to overcome you and get revenge on your family that caused it. Now that I have it, I guess I have another major conflict to resolve."

The dog then turned to Meisai and nodded his head, asking, "Isn't that right, Amanda?" the girl snickering before taking off her mask, everyone staring in shock as the girl said, "I was wondering when you'd catch on," Clauncher staring in shock and exclaiming, "OH MY GOD, IT WAS AMANDA THE WHOLE TIME! I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!"

Machoke's eyes widened as he asked, "Why did you help me?" Reika turning and saying, "That's a good point. Aren't you Lucario's sister?"

Amanda nodded and replied, "I did it because I was worried about my brother. Ever since the tournament started up, he's been acting more malicious than ever before. I was hoping that if you won, he'd learn to deal with failure and return to his old self," Machoke looking down until the girl smiled, adding, "But you know what, Machoke? During my time spent with you, I've developed an admiration for you and I'd like for us to be friends."

The boy blinked and turned to the others who all nodded, Aipom saying, "It's legit," the boy grinning at the girl and saying, "You're always welcome in our group," Lucario taking a deep breath as he asked, "How about me? Am I welcome in your group as well?"

All went silent for a good ten seconds until Machoke grinned and replied, "Sure," Lucario taking his limp hand and shaking it while the crowd went wild, Nori's eyes filling up with tears as she cried, "OH MY GOD, I CAN'T HELP IT! IT'S JUST SO BEAUTIFUL!"

Even Machoke's other supporters were starting to get over his loss. Barbaracle was happy to see the boy taking it like a true warrior while Golduck knew he had done his best. Chung-Ho, Jae and Hana were already good sports, so this was easy enough for them and they knew Ninetales would accept this as well.

Even Talonflame was okay with these results. He tried to hide it by folding his arms and sporting an angry look, but even he could not hold back a grin, the falcon uttering, "Damn you, Machoke. You make me want to start making friends," before flapping his wings and flying out of the area.

Lucario proceeded to climb out of the ring as Amanda stared at him, her smile replaced with a look of shame. However, the dog simply walked over to her and leaned forward before wrapping his arms around her for a hug. Amanda did not even need to hear an apology from him. She could tell from his actions that this was the implication.

Machamp and Riolu both looked at each-other with friendly smiles on their faces, the two shaking hands. After such a brutal match with a devastating result, things were surprisingly turning out for the better.

Even Clauncher ran from the crowd to the fight area and held out her claw to Lucario, the dog turning to face her. She was just about to apologize for turning against him when the dog simply shook her claw with a smile that implied he was okay with it.

And with that, everyone soon cleared out of the area, Machoke of course loaded up onto a stretcher as his friends joined him in his trip to the hospital. Reika gave Scyther a light smile as she knew the insect would be returning to Los Angeles with her allies soon enough. All three gave a wave as the ambulance took off. Hopefully this would be the last time a hero would be escorted there for a while.

All the while, Lucario bowed his head in respect before smiling at Clauncher and Amanda. Both smiled back at him and took their leave, the Tokyo Dome soon cleared out save for Beedrill who stuck around to make sure it would be cleaned up and organized by the staff. Even though Machoke had lost, things had still turned out well in the end.