Wally studied Donphan carefully, then he quickly commanded, "Altaria, [Dragon Pulse]!"
Altaria opened its beak and fired a stream of dragon energy toward Donphan.
Ash didn't hesitate, "Donphan, [Rollout]!"
Donphan tucked himself into a ball and began spinning at incredible speed. The Dragon Pulse slammed into him, but instead of stopping him, it only pushed the spinning Donphan backward for a brief moment before he powered straight through it.
"What?!" Wally's eyes widened.
The audience gasped as Donphan burst through the fading Dragon Pulse without slowing down.
"Keep going!"
Donphan bounced off a large stone left over from Salamence's Earthquake, changing directions sharply before launching himself toward Altaria.
"Altaria, dodge with [Agility]!"
Altaria blurred sideways just as Donphan shot past, narrowly avoiding the collision.
Ash grinned, "That's exactly what I wanted. [Stone Edge]!"
Donphan slammed into the battlefield, spinning out of Rollout before stomping the ground. Massive pillars of jagged stone erupted upward all around Altaria.
Altaria quickly weaved between them.
"Keep moving!" Wally called.
But every dodge pushed Altaria into another opening.
Ash pointed upward, "Now! [Ice Shard]!"
The tips of Donphan's tusks glowed with icy energy before dozens of razor-sharp shards launched into the air.
Wally's expression changed, "Altaria, [Cotton Guard]!"
The fluffy clouds surrounding Altaria expanded again, creating a large puffball that blocked all the incoming hits. Then when Altaria broke free, the pieces of cotton fell away, but it was fine.
But that's where Ash wanted him, "Donphan, [Rock Slide]!"
Donphan slammed both front feet into the battlefield. The Stone Edge pillars Altaria had just dodged suddenly cracked apart. Massive boulders broke loose and rained down from every direction.
"Altaria, move!" Wally cried out.
Altaria immediately darted through the falling rocks, weaving between them one after another.
"I've got you now," Ash suddenly smiled, "Ice Shard!"
Donphan lowered his head as both tusks glowed icy. Then dozens of Ice Shards blasted upward, and Altaria couldn't dodge them, causing them to strike its wing.
Altaria cried out as the Ice Shards struck its wing, disrupting its flight. It stumbled through the air before catching itself with a few powerful flaps.
Wally frowned, but he quickly recovered, "Altaria, don't stop! [Roost]!"
Altaria immediately descended toward the battlefield, white energy surrounding its body as it prepared to recover.
Ash quickly pointed up, "Donphan, [Ice Shard]!"
Donphan fired another volley of icy projectiles.
"Cancel it!" Wally shouted, "Take off!"
Altaria immediately abandoned Roost and launched back into the air. Although it avoided being caught on the ground, it lost the chance to recover as several Ice Shards grazed its body.
But once Altaria was in the air, Wally quickly pointed, "Altaria, [Hurricane]!"
Altaria spread its wings wide. Powerful winds began swirling around it before forming into a massive tornado that rushed toward Donphan.
"Dig in!" Ash commanded.
Donphan quickly jumped up, then dug back into the ground right before the wind picked him up, leaving him safe and sound beneath the battlefield.
Then Ash snapped his finger, "Now, [Rollout]!"
Donphan used the tunnel to roll and gather speed, then he sent himself shooting out of the hole and into the sky like a cannonball, hitting Altaria hard.
Altaria managed to recover, but Donphan fell back to the ground and kept rolling, coming up a jagged pillar left behind from the battle and ricocheting off it, launching himself almost straight upward.
"Altaria, [Moonblast]!" Wally called.
A glowing sphere of Fairy energy shot toward Donphan.
"Through it!" Ash shouted.
Donphan refused to slow down. The Moonblast exploded against his spinning body, but the momentum from Rollout carried him straight through the blast.
"What?!" Wally gasped.
Before Altaria could escape, Donphan slammed directly into it.
The impact echoed throughout the stadium as Altaria was launched backward across the battlefield, tumbling through the air before barely managing to recover its balance.
"Altaria, we need to stop them!" Wally called, "Use [Dragon Pulse]!"
Altaria steadied itself in the air and fired another stream of dragon energy downward.
But Ash was already prepared, "Donphan, keep rolling!"
Donphan continued spinning, using the uneven battlefield to constantly change direction. The Dragon Pulse struck the ground behind him, blasting apart another section of stone but missing him completely.
Donphan suddenly launched off another broken pillar, flying through the air directly at Altaria.
"Now, [Iron Head]!"
Donphan's head became coated in steel as he came crashing down toward Altaria.
"Altaria, [Protect]!"
A green barrier appeared around Altaria just before impact. The collision caused a shockwave to explode outward, but the barrier held. Donphan bounced backward from the impact, landing on the battlefield and immediately starting to roll again.
Wally took the opening, "Now! [Dragon Pulse]!"
Altaria fired again while Donphan was recovering.
Ash's eyes narrowed, "Donphan, [Rapid Spin]!"
Donphan spun even faster, the force of his rotation knocking away the Dragon Pulse before it could fully hit him.
Donphan suddenly changed direction, using a broken piece of Stone Edge as a ramp and launching himself toward Altaria again.
"Altaria, dodge!" Wally shouted.
Altaria moved to the side, but Donphan wasn't aiming for where it was.
Ash pointed forward, "Now! [Earthquake]!"
Donphan crashed into the battlefield as soon as he landed, but he wasn't aiming for damage. As his feet hit the ground, the shockwave spread out and created more pillars of stone around them.
Wally immediately noticed what he was doing and quickly called out, "Altaria, recover! [Roost]!"
Altaria began descending again, trying to regain its strength.
But Ash wasn't going to give it the chance, "Donphan, [Rollout]!"
Donphan tucked himself into a ball once more, charging across the battlefield faster than before.
Wally's eyes widened, "Not again..."
"Altaria, get away!"
Altaria flapped its wings, trying to escape upward, but Donphan launched upward, hitting one of the remaining stone pillars and using it like a ramp, hitting the retreating Altaria in the back and flying up after it.
Then Ash snapped his finger one more time, "Now, finish this with [Ice Shard]!"
Donphan uncurled and spun in the air, facing downward, and as he started to fall, he fired the icy shards while still spinning through the air. Altaria attempted to dodge, but several of the shards struck its wings and body before Donphan finally crashed into it and dragged it down to the ground.
They both landed with a loud thud, but only Donphan stood up and walked out. Meanwhile, Altaria was knocked out cold.
Wally looked down at his Poké Ball and smiled, "You were incredible, Altaria."
He returned the Pokémon, then looked back toward Ash. Wally reached for his next Poké Ball, "Alright then..."
He smiled, "Let's keep going." He threw it forward, "Flygon!"
A flash of light filled the battlefield as Flygon emerged, spreading its wings before hovering above the ground.
Then Wally called out first, "Flygon, [Dragon Dance]!"
Flygon began moving gracefully through the air as purple energy swirled around it, and it grew stronger.
Ash immediately called out, "Donphan, [Ice Shard]!"
Donphan charged up more ice in his tusks, then stomped down, firing them at Flygon. But Flygon didn't stop dancing. It tanked the hits, finishing the dance.
When it finished, Wally quickly continued, "Flygon, [Dragon Rush]!"
Flygon suddenly accelerated, surrounding itself in blue energy as it dove toward Donphan.
Ash's eyes narrowed, "Donphan, [Protect]!"
A green barrier appeared just before Flygon struck. The impact shook the barrier, but it held.
However, Wally expected that, "Now, [Earth Power]!"
Flygon's eyes glowed as the ground beneath Donphan began shaking.
Ash immediately reacted, "Donphan, [Rollout]!"
Donphan tucked himself into a ball and spun forward just as pillars of earth erupted from beneath him. The attack missed by inches.
Wally's eyes widened slightly, "Even now?"
Donphan continued rolling across the battlefield, using the broken terrain from the previous attacks to keep changing direction.
Flygon followed him from above.
Wally pointed forward, "Flygon, [Flamethrower]!"
A stream of fire erupted from Flygon's mouth, cutting across the battlefield.
Ash quickly whistled, "Donphan, [Dig]!"
Donphan immediately dove underground, disappearing just before the flames reached him.
Wally looked around carefully, "Flygon, stay alert."
Flygon hovered higher, watching the ground.
Then suddenly Ash called out, "Now! [Rollout]!"
Donphan burst out from underneath Flygon, launching himself upward like a missile.
Wally reacted instantly, "Flygon, dodge!"
Flygon twisted sideways, barely avoiding the attack.
But Ash wasn't aiming for Flygon, "That's fine. [Stone Edge]!"
Donphan landed and slammed his feet into the ground. Several jagged pillars of stone erupted upward around Flygon.
Flygon quickly moved between them, but the battlefield was becoming more and more restricted.
Wally realized what was happening and quickly called out, "Flygon, go higher!"
Flygon quickly climbed upward, escaping the growing field of stone.
Ash smiled, "Exactly where I wanted you."
Wally's expression changed, "Wait..."
Ash pointed upward, "Donphan, [Ice Shard]!"
Donphan fired upward, the shards traveling toward the airborne Flygon.
Flygon quickly moved to avoid them, but the Ice Shards weren't aimed directly at him. They struck the stone pillars, causing pieces of rock to break loose and fall from above.
Flygon was forced to weave through falling debris while still trying to avoid the ice.
Wally saw it and decided to change tactics, "Flygon, stop running."
Flygon suddenly stopped moving, and instead of trying to avoid the falling rocks and Ice Shards, it hovered in place, letting its wings carry it through the chaos.
"Now, [Dragon Pulse]!"
Flygon opened its mouth and fired a powerful stream of purple energy downward.
Ash reacted instantly, "Donphan, move!"
Donphan started rolling, but the attack wasn't aiming at him. The Dragon Pulse struck the ground ahead of him, exploding and sending rocks flying outward. Donphan was forced to change direction suddenly.
Wally smiled, "That's it, Flygon, [Dragon Rush]!"
Flygon suddenly dove downward; it surrounded itself in purple energy and shot toward Donphan.
Ash quickly pointed forward, "Donphan, [Protect]!"
The barrier appeared just before impact.
The collision shook the battlefield, but this time the barrier wasn't enough to stop Flygon's momentum. The force pushed Donphan backward, digging a long trail across the stone.
Before Donphan could recover, Wally continued, "Now, [Flamethrower]!"
Flygon fired a stream of flames at point-blank range. Donphan barely managed to roll away, but the flames clipped his side, forcing him to stop spinning.
Ash looked at Donphan and smiled, "Not bad, but not good enough. [Rollout]!"
Donphan immediately started spinning again, but instead of charging toward Flygon, he rolled across the battlefield and smashed into one of the remaining Stone Edge pillars, launching himself upward and hitting Flygon in the stomach.
The impact sent Flygon flying backward, but unlike before, Wally's Pokémon managed to recover in midair, twisting its body and spreading its wings to stabilize itself.
"Flygon!" Wally called out.
Flygon growled, shaking off the hit as it hovered above the battlefield.
Ash narrowed his eyes slightly. Donphan had been fighting brilliantly, but even with the Sun still active, Flygon was finally starting to take control.
Wally smiled, "You got me with that one...but we're not done yet."
Flygon suddenly shot forward.
"Flygon, [Dragon Claw]!"
Its claws glowed with dragon energy as it descended toward Donphan.
Ash immediately responded, "Donphan, [Rapid Spin]!"
Donphan spun rapidly, using the momentum to try and deflect the incoming attack.
The two Pokémon collided, and for a moment, it looked like Donphan was going to push through again, but after everything he had been through, he was finally slowing down. Plus, the Sun was gone, and with the advantage Flygon had, it was starting to take control.
As Flygon pushed Donphan back, it grabbed him by the horns and spun him through the air before finally throwing him to the ground.
Donphan hit the ground hard and fell onto his back, and this time Wally saw his chance. He would take it.
"[Earthquake]!"
Flygon flew directly downward before Donphan could get back up and buried its feet into Donphan's stomach, creating the shockwave directly beneath him and causing an explosion. After that, Donphan's eyes went white as he was knocked out.
Ash smiled as he looked at Donphan, "You did amazing, buddy." He held up the Poké Ball, "Return."
Donphan returned in a flash of red light, and Ash looked up at the battlefield before switching to another Poké Ball, "Kingdra, let's go!"
A flash of light burst across the battlefield as Kingdra appeared, landing gracefully in the arena. The seahorse Pokémon immediately stared up at Flygon, ready for battle.
Ash moved first, "Kingdra, [Ice Beam]!"
Kingdra opened its mouth and fired a freezing beam toward Flygon.
Wally reacted quickly, "Flygon, dodge!"
Flygon twisted through the air, narrowly avoiding the attack.
"Now, [Dragon Pulse]!"
Flygon fired back with a powerful stream of dragon energy.
"Kingdra, [Hydro Pump]!"
A blast of water erupted from Kingdra's mouth, colliding with the Dragon Pulse in the center of the battlefield.
The two attacks pushed against each other before exploding, sending both Pokémon sliding backward.
Ash smirked, "Kingdra, [Rain Dance]!"
Kingdra spun its body as energy gathered above the battlefield. Dark clouds quickly formed overhead, and rain began pouring down into the stadium.
"Now, [Dragon Pulse]!" Ash continued.
Kingdra fired a powerful blast of dragon energy.
"Flygon, [Dragon Rush]!"
Flygon surrounded itself in blue energy and charged directly through the attack. The Dragon Pulse struck Flygon, but it pushed through the blast and continued forward.
"Kingdra, [Protect]!"
A green barrier appeared just before Flygon collided with it. The impact shook the ground, but even then, Flygon didn't stop.
Wally immediately followed up, "[Earth Power]!"
The ground beneath Kingdra erupted as pillars of earth launched upward.
Ash reacted quickly, "[Agility] then [Ice Beam]!"
Kingdra became a blur and dodged the incoming attack, then appeared behind Flygon and fired a bright blue beam.
Flygon barely twisted away, but the Ice Beam clipped its wing, freezing part of it.
Wally frowned, "Flygon, shake it off!"
Flygon tried, but as it was getting chunks of ice off itself, Ash snapped his fingers.
"Kingdra, [Snipe Shot]!"
Kingdra aimed, and when he had the shot, it fired out one thin blast of water that struck Flygon directly between the eyes. The hit landed as a critical hit, and the attack immediately knocked Flygon out cold, causing it to fall onto its back.
Wally looked at Flygon for a moment before smiling, "You did enough." He returned it to its ball and pulled out his next one, taking a deep breath.
Wally threw the ball, "Let's go, Magnezone!"
A flash of light filled the battlefield. Magnezone appeared, floating above the ground as electricity crackled around its body.
Wally took the first move this time as he pointed forward, "Magnezone, [Thunder]!"
Lightning appeared in the clouds, charging up, and with the rain falling across the battlefield, the attack became 100% accurate.
Ash noticed and quickly called out, "Kingdra, [Protect]!"
A barrier appeared around Kingdra, blocking the incoming Thunder. The impact shook the ground, but Kingdra was fine for now.
But Wally continued, "Magnezone, [Flash Cannon]!"
A powerful beam of steel energy fired forward.
"Kingdra, [Hydro Pump]!"
The two attacks collided, creating a massive explosion between them, but Magnezone barely moved. The attack almost hit, but it just wasn't quite enough.
Ash let out a sharp breath, "[Draco Meteor]!"
The sky above the battlefield darkened as glowing meteors formed overhead before raining down toward Magnezone. Magnezone tried to dodge, but it was no use. One of the meteors struck directly, smashing it onto the ground.
Then Ash, seeing his opportunity, quickly continued, "Now, [Hydro Pump]!"
Kingdra quickly charged water in its mouth before firing it directly at Magnezone as it was trying to stand, sending the Steel-type flying backward and slamming against the ground.
But even after that, it wasn't over, and Wally didn't look scared this time. He was actually smiling.
Wally quickly called out, "Magnezone, [Thunderbolt]!"
Magnezone opened its eyes and charged electricity between its magnets before firing a bright yellow bolt directly at Kingdra. Kingdra couldn't dodge the lightning, so it was hit directly.
Kingdra crashed into the ground. It tried to push itself back up, but it staggered. It had been paralyzed.
Wally noticed and quickly continued, "Now, Magnezone, finish this. [Thunder]!"
The storm clouds above responded instantly, and a massive bolt of lightning crashed down. With Kingdra paralyzed, he couldn't do what he did before, so he took the full force of the attack.
The electricity caused the ground to explode in a wall of steam and sparks, and when it cleared through the rain, Kingdra was lying there knocked out.
Ash sighed and quickly returned Kingdra to his ball before switching to another one, "Don't worry, we've got this."
Ash was still in the lead, although he would admit that he already had the team prepared for Wally. He couldn't switch them out; the six Pokémon he brought were the six he would use.
Ash threw out the next Poké Ball, and when it opened, out came none other than Crawdaunt.
Crawdaunt appeared, raising its claws confidently as it stared down Magnezone. It snapped its claws, looking aggressive, like it was itching to get its claws on that extra-durable metal.
Wally smiled, "Alright then, Magnezone, [Thunderbolt]!"
Electricity surged around Magnezone before a bolt shot toward Crawdaunt.
Ash immediately reacted, "Crawdaunt, [Aqua Jet]!"
Crawdaunt surrounded itself in water and shot forward, narrowly avoiding the Thunderbolt as it slammed into the battlefield behind it. Then it kept going, rushing around the battlefield and using the rain to its advantage as it moved faster than Magnezone expected.
Ash snapped his finger, "Now, Crawdaunt, [Crabhammer]!"
Crawdaunt's claw glowed with water energy as it rushed forward at Magnezone.
"Magnezone, [Protect]!"
A green barrier appeared just before Crawdaunt struck. As Crawdaunt punched the barrier, it shook violently, but it held.
Wally smiled, "Now, Magnezone, [Thunder]!"
The storm clouds above reacted instantly. A massive bolt of lightning crashed down directly toward Crawdaunt.
Ash's eyes widened, "Crawdaunt, move!"
Crawdaunt jumped backward, but the attack was too large. The lightning struck the wet battlefield, sending electricity across the ground. Crawdaunt was caught in the attack and was thrown backward.
Crawdaunt slammed into the ground, but after a moment, it pushed itself back up and shook itself off, glaring at Magnezone. It was too stubborn to go down after just one Thunder.
Wally saw this and immediately continued, "Magnezone, [Flash Cannon]!"
A powerful beam of steel energy shot forward.
"Crawdaunt, [Aqua Jet]!"
Crawdaunt disappeared into the rain, moving around the battlefield at incredible speed and dodging the Flash Cannon. The attack missed, blasting a crater into the stone.
Then Crawdaunt appeared directly underneath Magnezone.
"Now! [Crabhammer]!"
Crawdaunt jumped upward, its massive claw glowing as it struck Magnezone from below. This time there was no protection; the claw hit Magnezone directly on the bottom of its body, sending it spinning backward through the air.
Crawdaunt landed back on the battlefield, ready to continue, while Magnezone floated back down, slightly dazed. It quickly corrected itself and got ready to keep going.
"Now, [Thunderbolt]!" Wally commanded.
Another blast of electricity shot downward.
"Crawdaunt, dodge!"
Crawdaunt moved through the rain, avoiding the attack by inches, but Magnezone continued firing, one after another.
Crawdaunt was forced to constantly move.
Ash watched carefully, then smiled, "Alright, [Night Slash]!"
Crawdaunt rushed forward, using the rain to hide its movement. Magnezone fired another Thunderbolt, but this time Crawdaunt didn't dodge.
As the bolt came toward it, Crawdaunt slashed down with its claw and cut the bolt of lightning in half with [Night Slash].
Wally's eyes widened.
"Crawdaunt!" Ash pointed forward, "Now, [Crabhammer]!"
Crawdaunt reached Magnezone, and the massive claw slammed into it yet again. This time, with the rain and Adaptability boost, the attack hurt a lot.
The impact sent Magnezone crashing downward. Even after the hit, Magnezone was still floating, but it was clearly getting tired.
Then again, Crawdaunt wasn't doing much better. Both Pokémon were reaching their limits.
Ash and Wally both noticed it, but then at the same time, they shot their hands out.
"Finish this!"
"[Thunder]!"
"[Crabhammer]!"
Magnezone started charging up, and Crawdaunt charged through the rain, its claw glowing brighter than ever.
Crawdaunt got close first and wound its claw back, punching forward, and at the same time, a bolt of Thunder came down directly onto it. They both hit at the same time.
The entire battlefield disappeared behind a massive explosion of steam and electricity.
Then the smoke cleared. Crawdaunt was standing, but then its legs shook and it fell forward. Meanwhile, Magnezone slowly floated out, heavily injured but barely still up.
Ash recalled Crawdaunt, "You did great."
Then he grabbed his second-to-last Poké Ball and threw it out. Everyone already knew who it was: Torkoal.
As soon as Torkoal jumped out, its ability activated, getting rid of the rain and setting up the sunny weather again.
Wally looked at his Pokémon, "Magnezone..."
Magnezone tried to get ready to fight, but it was too tired.
So Ash snapped his fingers, "Torkoal, [Flamethrower]!"
A massive stream of fire erupted across the battlefield. With the Sun boosting the attack, the flames became even more intense, and Magnezone could not dodge, so the Steel-type Pokémon was engulfed in flames.
When the flames faded, Magnezone dropped from the air, knocked out.
Wally recalled Magnezone, "Ha, you really aren't making it easy for me, are you?" Wally said with a smile as he grabbed his second-to-last Poké Ball.
Ash shrugged, "I did promise, didn't I?"
"Yeah, you did," Wally smiled, "Which is why I can't let you down either. Go, Sceptile!"
Wally threw the ball, and from it came his Sceptile.
Ash smiled and quickly took the first move, "Torkoal, [Eruption]!"
Torkoal opened the vents on its shell, and an enormous pillar of fire erupted from beneath it. Since he was at max health and the Sun was boosting the attack, this would 100% one-shot Sceptile if it connected.
Wally immediately reacted, "Sceptile, [Detect]!"
Sceptile's eyes flashed as it moved with incredible precision, weaving through the flames as the attack passed around it.
But Ash expected it, "Now! [Shell Smash]!"
Torkoal's shell cracked slightly as it released energy, its body glowing as its speed and power increased.
Sceptile landed back on the ground, but Wally didn't hesitate, "Sceptile, [Leaf Blade]!"
The leaves on Sceptile's arms sharpened into glowing green blades as it shot forward.
"Torkoal, [Protect]!"
A green barrier appeared just before Sceptile struck. The Leaf Blade slammed into the shield, causing it to shake violently.
But Wally smiled, "Sceptile, [Slash]!"
Sceptile pulled back its other arm, striking the barrier again the moment it disappeared and forcing Torkoal backward.
"Torkoal!"
The Fire-type dug its feet into the ground, stopping itself.
Wally continued, "Now, [Dragon Pulse]!"
Sceptile opened its mouth, firing a powerful stream of dragon energy.
Ash pointed forward, "Torkoal, [Flamethrower]!"
A massive stream of fire erupted from Torkoal's mouth, colliding with the Dragon Pulse in the center of the battlefield.
The two attacks pushed against each other, creating a wave of heat that spread through the stadium.
But Sceptile suddenly moved and disappeared through the smoke.
Ash's eyes widened slightly when he noticed what Wally was trying to do, "Behind us!"
Sceptile appeared behind Torkoal, its Leaf Blade already glowing.
"[Leaf Blade]!"
The attack struck Torkoal's shell, sending sparks flying as Torkoal was pushed forward.
"Torkoal, turn around! [Flamethrower]!"
Torkoal spun around and fired, but Sceptile had already jumped away.
Ash let out a breath, but he was smiling. Wally could feel his heart beating faster, and it felt good. This was the feeling he wanted to always have.
Then both trainers pointed forward.
"Go!"
"Torkoal, [Eruption]!"
"Sceptile, [Leaf Storm]!"
Torkoal released another massive eruption of flames while Sceptile summoned a hurricane of razor-sharp leaves. The two attacks collided, fire and leaves tearing through the battlefield as the entire stadium shook from the force.
Then, through the smoke, Sceptile burst forward.
Wally pointed ahead, "Now! [Agility]!"
Sceptile vanished in a blur.
Ash's eyes followed carefully, and he found him, "There!"
Sceptile appeared above Torkoal, its arms crossed.
"Finish it with [Leaf Blade]!"
Sceptile dropped downward at incredible speed.
But Ash smiled, "That's exactly what I wanted."
Wally's expression changed.
"Torkoal, [Yawn]!"
Torkoal opened its mouth and released a wave of sleepy energy directly upward.
Sceptile's eyes widened as it realized too late. The attack surrounded it just before the Leaf Blade connected. Torkoal did get slashed hard, but Sceptile was now too drowsy to move, and it landed directly on top of Torkoal.
Ash pointed forward, "Now! [Eruption]!"
Torkoal released a point-blank Eruption, hitting Sceptile directly. While it wasn't max damage since Torkoal was lower on health, it still did plenty of damage.
Wally gritted his teeth, "Sceptile, get back!"
Sceptile tried to move, but its body was already slowing down. It stumbled backward, shaking its head in an attempt to stay awake.
Ash saw the opening immediately, "Torkoal, don't let him recover! [Flamethrower]!"
Torkoal opened its mouth and fired a stream of flames.
"Sceptile, [Detect]!" Wally shouted.
Sceptile's eyes flashed, and for a moment, it moved perfectly, avoiding the flames.
But the exhaustion was too much. The moment the attack ended, Sceptile stumbled.
Ash whistled, "Finish this with [Body Slam]!"
Torkoal charged forward despite its injuries, and with the sunlight still powering it, it slammed its body into Sceptile. The impact sent Sceptile sliding backward across the battlefield.
The Grass-type Pokémon tried to push itself back up. It got one knee under itself, but then its strength gave out. Sceptile fell forward, unable to continue.
Wally looked at Sceptile for a moment before smiling proudly, "You did great."
He returned Sceptile to its Poké Ball and took a deep breath. Wally looked down at the last Poké Ball on his belt, then smiled, "This is it."
He grabbed it and held the ball tightly before finally throwing the Poké Ball forward, "Gallade, let's go!"
A flash of light exploded across the battlefield. Gallade appeared, landing gracefully as its blades extended from its arms. The Psychic/Fighting-type Pokémon stood tall, staring down Torkoal.
Wally took a breath and raised his hand, "Gallade, [Psycho Cut]!"
Gallade vanished in a blur.
"Torkoal, [Protect]!"
A green barrier appeared around Torkoal just as Gallade appeared in front of it. The blade-like extensions on Gallade's arms struck the barrier, causing cracks to spread across the shield.
But Gallade didn't stop.
Wally immediately followed up, "Again!"
Gallade's body blurred as it let out another Psychic slash. This time, it cleaved the barrier in half.
"Torkoal!" Ash called.
But Torkoal was already too tired. Gallade spun around and struck with one final powerful blow, sending Torkoal sliding backward across the battlefield. Torkoal was out cold.
Ash smiled proudly as he returned Torkoal, "You did amazing, buddy."
The sunlight continued shining over the battlefield as Ash looked down at his final Poké Ball. He threw it out, and once it hit the ground, it was revealed to be Blaziken.
Blaziken landed and stretched its legs, raising its arms as it looked toward the crowd, trying to show off a bit to all its adoring fans.
Ash quickly reminded him, "Hey, Blaziken, remember the deal. Don't act dumb, and I'll help you with that."
Yes, Ash had to make a deal with Blaziken so that he would stop pretending not to understand him when he didn't speak in Kalosian, since, believe it or not, Ash's Kalosian was rusty. As for what "that" was, let's just say it may or may not involve May's Blaziken.
And lover boy here accepted immediately, so when he heard that, he locked in. Looking at Gallade, he raised his foot, and fire immediately ignited, burning brighter than before.
Oh yeah, you probably don't know. Well, this all goes back to Blaziken's mutation.
—
Ifrit → The hotter his passion, the stronger his fire becomes
—
Let's just say that was very fitting, and Ash wasn't going to complain, especially because here in the crowded stadium with people and female Pokémon watching, his blood was pumping.
And speaking of that last part, as Ash was looking at Wally, he noticed a red blur in the corner of his eye. He followed it and saw that at the very top of the stands there was a certain red-haired girl, now wearing a cheerleader outfit, cheering for him
Ash's eye twitched slightly as he sighed, but he smiled. There was no helping it. Besides, right now he was with Wally, and as they both stood there, they both knew what was about to happen. Words were unnecessary.
Wally pulled on his necklace, and Ash pulled out his Keystone. Then together, they pressed them at the same time and called out, "Mega Evolve!"
Blaziken was surrounded by a blazing aura as its body changed, its flames burning hotter than before. Its legs became stronger, its feathers shifted, and the energy surrounding it exploded outward.
Blaziken landed back on the battlefield, flames roaring around it.
Across from it, Gallade was engulfed in a wave of psychic energy. Its form changed as its blades became sharper, and its body became even more refined.
Wally moved first, "Gallade, [Swords Dance]!"
Gallade crossed its arms as a wave of energy surrounded it. Its blades spun around its body as its attack power rose even higher.
Ash immediately responded, "Blaziken, [Blaze Kick]!"
Blaziken disappeared in a burst of speed, its leg igniting with intense flames as it rushed forward.
"Gallade, [Psycho Cut]!"
Gallade moved at the same time, its arm blade glowing with psychic energy as it slashed forward.
The two Pokémon collided in the center of the battlefield. A massive explosion of fire and psychic energy erupted between them.
When the smoke cleared, both Pokémon had been pushed backward.
Blaziken slid across the stone, digging its feet into the ground to stop itself, while Gallade spun once before landing perfectly, its blades still raised.
But as this happened, Blaziken's Speed Boost activated, increasing its speed by one stage.
Ash grinned, "That's more like it."
Wally smiled back, "I was hoping you'd say that."
Blaziken suddenly leaned forward.
"Gallade, [Detect]!" Wally called.
Gallade's eyes flashed as it ducked just as Blaziken reappeared, kicking the spot where Gallade's head had been moments before.
But Ash had expected that, "Now! [Flare Blitz]!"
Blaziken's entire body erupted into flames as it launched forward. The fire surrounding it burned brighter than ever, the heat distorting the air around it as it charged straight toward Gallade.
Wally's eyes widened, "Gallade, move!"
Gallade pushed off the ground, trying to escape the incoming attack, but Blaziken was already moving faster than before.
"Too slow!" Ash shouted.
Blaziken slammed into Gallade with a massive burst of fire.
The impact sent Gallade flying backward across the battlefield, sliding several feet before it managed to stop itself. The Psychic/Fighting-type Pokémon stood back up, but its breathing had already become heavier.
And Blaziken's speed continued increasing thanks to Speed Boost.
Meanwhile, Wally looked at the field and smiled, "Good...this is exactly what I wanted."
Ash raised an eyebrow, "Huh?"
Wally pointed forward, "Gallade, [Close Combat]!"
Gallade pushed forward, its blades becoming a blur as it rushed toward Blaziken.
Ash immediately responded, "Blaziken, brace yourself."
A green barrier appeared around Blaziken just before Gallade reached it, and Gallade struck Blaziken across the face hard.
But when he did, Ash snapped his finger, "Blaziken, [Counter]!"
Blaziken took the hit, then recovered and returned the attack with a powerful kick to Gallade's side. Gallade took the hit, clenched its teeth, and struck back.
The two Pokémon continued trading blows back and forth for a while, a kick here, a headbutt there, even a few punches across the face. At one point, they struck each other at the same time, forcing both Pokémon to take a step back and recover.
Blaziken stomped its foot against the ground, flames burning brighter as another wave of heat spread across the battlefield. Blaziken looked back at Gallade, lowering its stance.
Then both Pokémon disappeared.
"Gallade, [Psycho Cut]!"
"Blaziken, [Blaze Kick]!"
The two Pokémon collided again, psychic energy and flames exploding outward.
But this time, Blaziken moved first. Its increased speed allowed it to slip past Gallade's blade and land a direct kick against its side.
Gallade was pushed backward, but it immediately twisted and landed safely. It got back up and went straight back in with a [Night Slash].
Blaziken moved, but Gallade adjusted its attack mid-swing, catching Blaziken across the shoulder and forcing it backward.
Wally saw the opening, "Again! [Psycho Cut]!"
Gallade fired several blades of psychic energy toward Blaziken.
Ash immediately called out, "Blaziken, [Protect]!"
A green barrier appeared around Blaziken's arm this time, and he used it to block the incoming attack.
But Wally expected it, "Gallade, [Leaf Blade]!"
Gallade's blade-like arm glowed green as it rushed forward.
"Blaziken, [Sky Uppercut]!"
Blaziken launched upward, its fist surrounded by Fighting-type energy. They both rushed toward each other, and in that moment, they struck at the same time, sending both of them crashing onto the ground.
Both Blaziken and Gallade began pushing themselves back up. They let out a breath, and this was it, the final push. It was time to use every last drop of strength they had.
Both trainers pointed forward.
"Blaziken, [Flare Blitz]!"
"Gallade, [Close Combat]!"
Blaziken erupted into flames and charged forward at incredible speed, while Gallade rushed in as well, its blades moving faster than ever before.
The two Pokémon met in the center of the battlefield, and for a split second, everything was quiet, until they clashed and a massive explosion of fire and energy covered the arena.
The entire stadium shook as both Pokémon pushed against each other, each trying to overpower the other. Maybe Gallade had a small advantage from getting a boost earlier, but in this moment, it was too late. Blaziken was already at +6 Speed.
Blaziken flickered out of the way, and as Gallade stumbled forward, Blaziken appeared behind him and delivered a [Blaze Kick] directly to the back of Gallade's head.
The kick sent Gallade into the ground fast and hard, causing an explosion as the battlefield cracked and spiderwebbed around the impact. The hit caused Gallade to get knocked out of Mega Evolution in a single strike, and Gallade didn't get back up. He was knocked out.
The stadium went completely silent for a moment, then the referee's eyes widened as he looked down at Gallade, waiting for any sign that it could continue. But Gallade remained motionless.
The referee quickly raised his flag, "Gallade is unable to battle!"
He swung the other flag toward Ash, "The winner of this battle is Ash!"
For a second, nobody moved. Then the entire Ever Grande Stadium erupted.
The cheers were deafening as thousands of fans jumped to their feet, celebrating one of the most intense semifinal battles the conference had ever seen.
Blaziken stood in the center of the battlefield, flames still burning around its body as he raised one fist into the air.
Ash shook his head helplessly as he walked up to Blaziken and hit him on the shoulder, "Oh, shut up. Don't pretend like you actually cared about this part. I know what kind of Mon you are."
Blaziken clutched his chest and fell out of Mega Evolution, then quickly retreated into his Poké Ball, making Ash shake his head.
Across the field, Wally slowly walked over to Gallade and smiled as he recalled him back into his Poké Ball, "You were incredible."
He looked down at the Poké Ball for a moment before looking back toward Ash, and he smiled, "Ash, thank you."
Ash smiled and held his hand out, "I promised I'd go all out for you, didn't I?"
"Yeah, you did. You always do keep your promises, don't you?" Wally said with a smile as he held out his hand and shook Ash's.