"The opponent is an Elite Four Pokemon, full force!"
"Viree!"
With just one command, Paul instantly ignited Electivire's fighting spirit.
"Thunder!"
"Mach Punch!"
As Electivire raised its arms, crackling electricity surged around its body before launching a powerful Thunder attack at Infernape. Sparks danced in the air as it activated Motivational Boost and Motor Drive.
The Thunder attack was devastatingly powerful, but Infernape showed no fear. With a subtle sidestep, it narrowly avoided the attack before charging straight toward Electivire.
"Behind you!"
Suddenly, Infernape's instincts screamed of imminent danger. Before it could react, Flint's warning rang out, prompting it to whip around and punch at the incoming Thunder attack. The force of the blow shattered the bolt mid-air.
Looking back at Electivire, Infernape realized its opponent had already taken to the skies, hovering above it.
"Flamethrower!"
The battlefield was only so large—flying wouldn't allow Electivire to escape completely.
A massive stream of fire erupted from Infernape's mouth, covering a wide area. Electivire relied on its speed to evade, but the relentless flames followed, forcing it into an awkward position.
A few seconds later, Infernape anticipated Electivire's next movement, adjusting its aim ahead of time. A perfectly timed Flamethrower cut off Electivire's escape route, leaving it with no room to dodge.
"Protect!"
From within the flames, Electivire generated a shimmering green barrier, blocking the attack.
But Infernape wasn't about to let up. Instead of stopping, it continued spewing flames, keeping Electivire trapped inside the inferno.
Two seconds later, the protective barrier gave way and the fire engulfed Electivire.
"Light Screen!"
Before the flames could cause severe burns, Electivire activated Light Screen, reducing the damage it took from the fire.
With the shield successfully deployed, Electivire immediately accelerated, creating distance between itself and Infernape once more.
"You think you can keep powering up like this? There's no way I'll let you!"
Flint had already seen Electivire's strategy—if it kept avoiding direct confrontations while steadily strengthening itself, it would eventually gain an overwhelming advantage. But letting that happen? Not an option.
"Infernape, Taunt!"
"Whooaa!"
Infernape slowly raised a hand toward Electivire, then suddenly extended its middle finger, taunting its opponent with a loud battle cry.
Electivire instantly felt a surge of unexplainable rage, and in that moment, its Motivational Boost came to a halt.
Fortunately, the activation of Motor Drive wasn't a status move—it was simply the result of self-inflicted electricity, meaning it wasn't affected by Taunt.
Electivire also remained airborne, thanks to its Electromagnetic Levitation allowing it to stay in the air a little longer.
But this also meant that if it got hit with another Taunt later, it would eventually be forced to land—right into the danger of Earthquake.
"Viree…"
With its vision tinted red from anger, Electivire could only think about beating its opponent into the ground.
"Swift!"
Giving in to the taunt, Electivire generated a massive wave of golden stars that shot in all directions, obscuring vision while simultaneously targeting Infernape from every angle.
"Pointless. Flamethrower!"
With a powerful burst of fire, Infernape unleashed another wide-area Flamethrower, sacrificing some power for an increased range. The blazing attack cleared out a large portion of the golden stars in an instant.
But just as Infernape finished clearing a section of Swift, a sudden Thunder Punch burst from the smoke—two giant electrified fists came crashing down.
BOOM!
"Whoaa—!"
At the very moment of impact, Infernape seemingly caught off guard, spun around at lightning speed. With a perfectly timed Mach Punch, it intercepted Thunder Punch head-on.
A flurry of rapid punches followed as Infernape unleashed a relentless Flurry Strike, its fists blurring into afterimages as they pummeled Electivire.
Yet, to Infernape's surprise, Electivire wasn't just strong—it was fast. Despite the overwhelming force, Electivire managed to match Infernape's speed, blocking its initial barrage.
But the moment an opening appeared, Infernape landed a direct hit—a Drain Punch connected squarely, siphoning energy from Electivire to restore its own stamina.
SWISH!
Suddenly, two metallic cables with a shiny steel lashed out, wrapping tightly around Infernape's neck.
Iron Tail!
The attack landed, dealing damage before the cables softened coiling around Infernape's throat like a vice. Then a surge of electricity followed.
"Whoaa—!"
Caught completely off guard, Infernape howled in pain as it was electrocuted.
"Thunder Punch!"
Against a powerhouse opponent, the only way to win was to seize every opportunity.
Electivire didn't hesitate. While continuing its electric onslaught, both its fists crackled with lightning before striking out in rapid succession.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
A relentless barrage of Thunder Punches landed, battering Infernape into a desperate struggle.
The cables around its neck tightened, lifting it into the air, preventing any potential Earthquake retaliation.
Thunder Punch after Thunder Punch rained down. Electivire would only stop once Infernape was completely defeated.
It had only been a few seconds, yet the battle had shifted so drastically. Neither Flint nor Volkner had expected this sudden turn of events.
"…I was so careless."
The realization hit Flint like a brick. His mind raced for a way out, and then he saw it—Electivire's tails.
"Infernape, Will-O-Wisp! Tail flames—ignite!"
"Whoaa…"
Barely fending off Electivire's attacks, Infernape's burning tail suddenly flared up, releasing ghostly blue flames that licked at Electivire's body.
Electivire's Light Screen flickered one last time, absorbing some of the fire's power before fading completely. But among the flames, a single wisp clung to Electivire, instantly inflicting a Burn.
The moment the burn took effect, Electivire's physical power weakened, giving Infernape just enough of an opening. With a surge of strength, it tore free from the cables.
"Close Combat!"
In an instant, Infernape closed the distance, its limbs becoming blurs as it unleashed a ferocious storm of punches and kicks. The momentum flipped the battle once again.
But this time, the burned Electivire could no longer match Infernape's speed and power.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Strike after strike, Infernape sent Electivire staggering backward. With one final devastating punch, it was launched across the battlefield.
Then came Earthquake—sealing Electivire's fate.
This time, Infernape didn't even use Drain Punch. It had learned its lesson—better to finish the fight outright than risk another unexpected counterattack.
Breathing heavily, Infernape stood victorious. The battle had pushed it to its limits. Just a few seconds ago, Electivire's assault had nearly finished it off.
"Okay, come back."
"Ursaring, get ready for battle!"
"Ursaa!"
With a thunderous roar, a massive Ursaring landed on the battlefield. Around its neck, a Life Orb glowed with a deep ominous purple light.
"What a big Ursaring. But my Infernape isn't afraid of it."
Flint admired the sheer size of his opponent's Pokémon. A powerful adversary, no doubt.
"Whoaa…"
Panting heavily, Infernape locked eyes with Ursaring. The fire of determination reignited in its gaze.
It wasn't just facing an opponent. It was facing a worthy challenge.
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