The rocks dissolved instantly, releasing an unpleasant stench.
Such strong poison... Ash Ketchum was secretly taken aback in his heart.
But while marveling at the strength of the toxin, Ash couldn't help but look at Natsuhiko with admiration.
"So strong."
"Guzzlord-!!"
After having its attacks neutralized twice in a row, Guzzlord completely lost control.
It rampaged!
Natsuhiko frowned.
This Guzzlord is very powerful, but not quite beyond the Elite Trainer Level, approximately at the pinnacle of an Elite Candidate.
And with this level of strength, Beedrill and Alakazam can put up a fight.
However, its terrifying physical strength and power, such irrational and massively destructive technique, isn't easy to fend off.
Most importantly.
He had no way to curb Guzzlord.
Defeating it is difficult, at least not doable in the short term.
Even if defeated, without an Ultimate Ball, there's no way to contain it, the only option is to throw it back into the Ultimate Cave.
"Close Combat!"
Suddenly.
A stranger's voice came from the side.
Immediately.
A petite golden figure, moving with extreme agility, dashed between Natsuhiko and Guzzlord in a few brisk steps.
The black and yellow Pokémon, swinging its golden ponytail-like hair, leaped into the air.
Its swift yet orderly fists rained down furiously on one of Guzzlord's rampant tentacles like a torrential downpour.
It's here!
Zeraora!
Natsuhiko's squinting eyes flickered briefly.
However.
The raging Guzzlord did not halt its actions in the face of the attack, another tentacle hurled towards Zeraora.
"Beedrill, help it," Natsuhiko commanded promptly.
"Buzz-bzzt!"
Buzzz——
Beedrill's wings shimmered with golden light, and in a flash, appeared in front of Guzzlord's other tentacle, with its crossed Double Needles also slashing at the tentacle.
The two Pokémon working together, managed to finally hold Guzzlord at bay.
"Zera!"
"Buzz-bzzt!"
Zeraora and Beedrill locked eyes, their battle awareness told them what each other was planning next.
Attacked simultaneously!
Zeraora's final "Close Combat" kick landed on Guzzlord's tentacle.
Beedrill's scarlet eyes flashed with brilliance, and surging Insect Energy instantly infused into its Double Needles, utilizing this period's energy control into real combat.
Still "Cross Cut," but the power generated was far greater than before.
Landing simultaneously on another of Guzzlord's tentacles.
The Guzzlord, its power increased amid its frenzy, was astonishingly forced back by them.
Zeraora landed and looked at Beedrill, who returned at the same time, a look of approval in its eyes.
Beedrill's strength was enough to earn its respect.
"Zeraora, Plasma Lightning Fist!"
The man dressed in a cloak resembling a drifter stepped beside Natsuhiko and Ash Ketchum, commanding as well.
Zeraora clasped its hands, its face ferocious and vicious, with blue electric light dancing in its eyes, and a large-scale eruption of Thunderlight between its clasped hands.
"Beedrill," Natsuhiko called out.
"Buzz-bzzt!"
Beedrill understood, holding its breath and focusing, its wings vibrating, subtle electric currents, under its active control, infused into Zeraora's back.
In an instant, Zeraora seemed to gain a massive charging source.
The already powerful Thunderlight raged instantly.
Wherever the raging thunder struck, the rock debris all turned to dust.
The power magnified immensely.
Zeraora gritted its teeth, the blue fur on its forehead glowed with blinding brightness.
In the next instant, Zeraora channeled all the lightning onto Guzzlord's body.
This time.
Guzzlord could no longer devour energy, even its enormous mouth was tightly shut, and its tentacles were bound by chains formed by the mighty electric currents, as if its whole body was imprisoned by chains.
"Impressive..." Witnessing the seamless cooperation between Natsuhiko and his partner, Ash couldn't resist marveling again.
"Pika~~"
Pikachu's eyes were filled with little stars, gazing at the figures of Zeraora and Beedrill.
The sense of awe was self-evident.
"Time to go!" The man in a cloak resembling a wanderer said in a low voice.
He knew that even though they had restrained Guzzlord, there was nothing more they could do.
But Natsuhiko suddenly grabbed his shoulder.
In his astonished gaze, Natsuhiko grabbed Ash's wrist with his other hand.
Smiling, he said, "Leave it to me."
Then nodded to Alakazam.
The surging psychic power enveloped them completely.
The next second.
Instant Movement.
The three of them, along with their Pokémon, vanished from those ruins.
Only the unshackled Guzzlord remained, roaring madly and wreaking havoc.
Somewhere in the ruins.
Natsuhiko and the others appeared there.
Ash sat down in the sand holding Pikachu.
While Natsuhiko and the man stood there.
The man realized, "Instant Movement, huh?"
Then he looked at Natsuhiko and extended his hand, "Diya."
Natsuhiko's smile never faded as he lightly shook his hand, "Natsuhiko."
Elsewhere.
Zeraora with crossed arms directed its gaze at Beedrill.
Beedrill only calmly nodded slightly towards it.
Zeraora was strong, but Beedrill was confident it was even stronger!