The ten-minute halftime break felt like an entire hour to Ash.
He kept drinking water, his mind constantly running through the three Pokémon Drake had left.
If nothing unexpected happened, they would be Venusaur, Electabuzz, and his final trump card, Dragonite.
"That was amazing, Ash!" Misty's face was flushed with excitement. "Three to zero! Let's see what that Drake guy does now!"
Tracey was more composed. "Don't get careless. Drake's real ace hasn't come out yet. And the sand field favors Ground and Rock types. He'll probably send out something that counters them next."
Ash nodded, gently touching the Poké Balls at his waist, one belonging to Pikachu and the other to Charizard.
He knew the real battle was still ahead.
On the other side, Drake stood alone in the player's tunnel, his expression serious.
He lightly stroked the heavy Poké Ball hanging from his neck and muttered under his breath, "Old friend, it looks like today… we really have to give it everything we've got. That boy named Ash is stronger than we imagined."
The short break ended, and both sides returned to the battlefield.
With the rumble of machinery, the rock and water field slowly sank away, replaced by a vast sandy terrain resembling a desert. Fine grains of sand drifted gently in the breeze, affecting the movement of certain Pokémon.
"The second half begins! The battlefield has been changed to a sand field!" the referee announced loudly.
Drake took a deep breath and threw out his fourth Poké Ball. "My fourth Pokémon, go! Venusaur!"
The massive Venusaur landed heavily on the sand. The flower on its back bloomed under the sunlight, radiating a rich life force along with a faint pressure of Grass-type energy.
Ash didn't hesitate at all and sent out the ruler of the skies once more. "You're up, Aerodactyl!"
"Roar!" Aerodactyl reappeared, circling high above the sandy field, its sharp gaze locked onto Venusaur below.
In terms of type advantage, Flying-type countered Grass-type. The advantage was still on Ash's side.
"Aerodactyl, use Aerial Ace!"
Aerodactyl turned into a streak of white lightning as it dove down at incredible speed!
So fast that Venusaur had no time to react before it was struck hard and staggered backward.
"Venusaur, hold steady and use Razor Leaf!" Drake quickly commanded.
Countless sharp leaves shot into the sky like a green storm.
But Aerodactyl suddenly pulled up, nimbly dodging most of the leaves. Only a few managed to graze it.
"Ancient Power!"
Aerodactyl summoned ancient rocks that rained down like a barrage, crashing toward Venusaur.
Unable to dodge in time, Venusaur was forced back repeatedly, letting out pained cries.
"Venusaur, use Ingrain! Then follow with Synthesis!" Drake attempted to restore its stamina.
Roots extended from beneath Venusaur's body, digging deep into the sand, while the flower on its back absorbed sunlight, gradually restoring its energy.
"I won't let you do that! Aerodactyl, keep using Wing Attack and interrupt it!"
Aerodactyl dove again, its wings glowing white like blades, slashing at Venusaur again and again.
Because of Ingrain, Venusaur couldn't move and could only endure the attacks. Its recovery speed was nowhere near enough to keep up with the damage it was taking.
But Drake's experience showed. He seized the brief moment of stiffness after one of Aerodactyl's attacks.
"Now! Venusaur, Solar Beam!"
The flower on Venusaur's back instantly gathered a blinding white light! Relying on its strong will and the energy from Ingrain, it completed the charge for Solar Beam in a short time!
A thick golden beam of energy shot into the sky, heading straight for Aerodactyl!
"Aerodactyl, dodge it!" Ash shouted.
Aerodactyl tried to veer aside, but the beam's range was too wide. Its wing was still grazed by the edge!
The scorching energy made Aerodactyl cry out in pain, its flight becoming slightly unstable.
"It hit! Drake's Venusaur seized the opportunity, and Solar Beam connected with Aerodactyl!" the commentator shouted excitedly.
However, Ash let out a sigh of relief. It was only a graze, nothing serious.
"Aerodactyl, can you still fight?"
Aerodactyl shook its slightly charred wings and let out a defiant roar, signaling that it was fine.
"Good! Finish it with Steel Wing!"
Aerodactyl steadied itself, its wings instantly coated in a metallic sheen, like two massive steel blades. With unstoppable momentum, it charged at the temporarily weakened Venusaur.
Bang!
A heavy impact echoed as Steel Wing struck Venusaur squarely.
It was super effective!
Venusaur let out a cry before its massive body collapsed to the ground, completely unable to battle.
"Venusaur is unable to battle! Aerodactyl wins!"
Four to zero! The match was completely one-sided!
The audience was stunned. Who would have thought the Drake would be suppressed to this extent?
After all, Ash had only used three Pokémon so far, and although Aerodactyl had taken some damage, it still had plenty of fighting power left.
Drake's expression had grown so serious it seemed like it could drip water. He recalled Venusaur and looked at the still-dominant Aerodactyl on the field, then at the seemingly tireless boy across from him, taking a deep breath.
"Your strength has truly exceeded my expectations," Drake said in a low voice. "But the battle is far from over! My fifth Pokémon, Electabuzz!"
A Pokémon covered in black stripes with two antenna-like conductors on its head appeared on the sand. As it swung its arms, crackling sparks of electricity burst forth.
Electric-type?
Ash grinned.
Playing with electricity? That was his specialty.
"Aerodactyl, come back and take a rest." Ash recalled his battle-worn partner, then patted the companion on his shoulder. "Pikachu, I'm leaving this to you!"
"Pika!" Pikachu had been waiting impatiently. It lightly leaped onto the field, the electric sacs on its cheeks crackling with energy.
"Electabuzz versus Pikachu! This will be an all-out clash between Electric-type Pokémon!" the commentator shouted.
"Electabuzz, use Quick Attack!" Drake made the first move.
Electabuzz turned into a streak of white light as it rushed toward Pikachu.
"Pikachu, let's match it with Quick Attack!"
Pikachu also became a flash of white. The two collided fiercely at the center of the sandy field before instantly separating, their speeds evenly matched.
"Thunderbolt!" "Thunder!"
Both trainers gave their commands almost simultaneously. A golden serpent of electricity clashed head-on with a massive pillar of lightning in midair!
Boom!
The deafening explosion made everyone's ears ring. Stray currents scattered across the sand, leaving behind charred marks.
"Pikachu, rush in and use Iron Tail!"
"Electabuzz, counter with Thunder Punch!"
Pikachu's tail gleamed with a metallic sheen, while Electabuzz's fists were wrapped in violent lightning. The two charged at each other once more!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Metal and electricity collided repeatedly, sparks flying in all directions as the sand was whipped up by the shockwaves.
After several exchanges, Electabuzz was clearly at a disadvantage.
Pikachu's Iron Tail was not only powerful but also far more flexible. It repeatedly avoided the direct path of Thunder Punch, striking Electabuzz's arms and shoulders, making it cry out in pain.
"Pikachu's strength… it's actually this overwhelming?" Drake couldn't believe it. His Electabuzz was completely suppressed in both electric exchanges and close combat.
"Now's the chance!" Ash seized the opening created by Electabuzz's pain. "Pikachu, use that move, Surf!"
"Pikaaa-chu!!"
Pikachu leaped high into the air as a massive surge of water suddenly appeared around it out of nowhere!
Carried by the rushing wave like a surfer riding the ocean, Pikachu charged forward with tremendous force toward Electabuzz!
This was a move they had developed during special training, combining Water-type energy with Pikachu's explosive electric power. He hadn't expected to use it in a real battle so soon.
The sandy battlefield was instantly flooded over a large area! Electabuzz was struck head-on by the sudden Water-type attack, tossed about by the current and completely drenched.
"It's not over yet!" Ash pressed the advantage. "Iron Tail, and bring our electricity with it!"
Pikachu burst out of the water, its tail shining even brighter as golden lightning wrapped around it, forming a triple-charged Electric Iron Tail!
Like a spinning golden top, it whirled forward and struck fiercely at Electabuzz, who had yet to regain its footing from the Surf!
Boom!
The Electric Iron Tail landed cleanly! Electabuzz let out a cry as its body was slammed hard into the soaked sand, mud splashing everywhere, its eyes turning into spirals.
"Electabuzz is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!"
Five to zero!
The entire stadium fell silent for a moment before erupting into thunderous cheers!
The Leader Drake had been pushed to the brink! He only had one Pokémon left!
Pikachu stood on the field, breathing lightly but with bright, unwavering eyes. It turned back toward Ash and gave him a confident thumbs-up.
Drake silently recalled Electabuzz. Standing on the field with his head lowered, no one could see his expression.
The entire arena grew quiet, everyone holding their breath, waiting for his final decision.
Then, he slowly raised his head, a look of relief, even a hint of excitement, appearing on his face.
He reached up and solemnly removed the Poké Ball he had been wearing around his neck.
"I've finally been waiting for this day," his voice rang clearly through the microphone across the entire stadium. "Ash, you've done it. You've forced out my final, and strongest partner."
He raised the Poké Ball high into the air. "Answer my call! My ace, my partner, Dragonite!"
The Poké Ball opened, and three dazzling flashes of red light burst forth!
A powerful yet gentle aura, carrying the majestic presence of a dragon, instantly enveloped the entire battlefield.
As the light faded, a sturdy, orange-colored Dragon-type Pokémon with small wings appeared on the sand.
Its gaze was calm, yet filled with undeniable strength.
Kanto's pseudo-legendary, Dragonite, had finally entered the battle!
"It's here! Drake's final hope, the legendary Dragonite!" the commentator's voice turned hoarse with excitement.
The audience erupted completely! Countless spectators stood up, shouting Dragonite's name at the top of their lungs. This was the true power of an undefeated legend!
Ash felt no fear. Instead, his blood boiled with excitement.
He recalled Pikachu. "Great work, Pikachu. You did amazing!"
Then, he took out the Poké Ball he had long prepared, which seemed to radiate a faint heat.
"I've been waiting for you too, Dragonite," Ash said, his voice brimming with fighting spirit. "I've prepared the perfect opponent for you!"
He hurled the Poké Ball forward. "Go! Charizard!"
"Roar!!!"
A thunderous dragon's roar echoed through the stadium once more!
With blazing tail flames and eyes burning with fierce battle intent, Charizard descended onto the field! It spread its massive wings and let out a defiant roar at Dragonite!
Flames and dragon aura clashed in midair!
The final battle of the Orange League Winner's Trophy was about to begin!
The championship will be decided in the next chapter!
...
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