Under normal conditions, Thunder isn't exactly known for its accuracy—unless it's raining. Yet, Emolga's Thunder landed squarely on Blaziken.
This wasn't luck.
Rex quickly noticed that the moment thunderclouds gathered in the sky, faint arcs of electricity began jumping across Blaziken's body. At first, he assumed it was residual from Thunder Wave, but then realized something more subtle was at play. The lightning seemed attracted to those currents—as if Blaziken had been marked.
Elesa had transformed her status move into a kind of magnetic beacon.
Rex couldn't help but admire her skill. Her mastery over Electric-type moves was far beyond the surface-level applications—this was a deeply refined technique. If Blaziken's Flamethrower hadn't connected with Emolga earlier, the outcome of the match could've been entirely different.
From the start, Elesa had dictated the pace of the match, forcing Rex to react and defend. Only the sheer difference in raw strength between Emolga and Blaziken allowed Rex to turn the tide.
"Emolga is unable to battle. Blaziken wins!"
Mira, acting as referee, raised her hand after confirming both Pokémon's status.
Indeed, Blaziken had survived the devastating Thunder. But it was in terrible shape—smoke curling from its feathers, body trembling with residual current. Its breathing was shallow, its stance unsteady.
"You did great, Blaziken. Come back and rest."
Though victorious, Rex knew Blaziken had no strength left for another round and recalled it to its Poké Ball.
Elesa, on the other hand, showed no signs of disappointment. If anything, the spark in her eyes burned even brighter. The match had reignited something in her—a passion dulled by too many easy victories.
They didn't need words. In perfect sync, both trainers sent out their next Pokémon.
Rex chose Heracross.
Elesa's choice: Zebstrika.
The moment Zebstrika hit the field, it burst into flames—not from injury, but from executing Flame Charge, its body glowing with kinetic energy as it raced around the field.
Rex recognized the setup. Zebstrika was boosting its speed while waiting for a cue from its trainer.
"Zebstrika, Wild Charge!"
As soon as its momentum peaked, Elesa issued her command. Lightning exploded over the zebra's sleek form as it launched forward like a bolt of living energy, aimed squarely at Heracross.
"Heracross, Megahorn!"
There was no dodging—Zebstrika was too fast. Heracross stood its ground and lowered its horn, preparing to meet force with force.
The impact was thunderous.
Zebstrika slammed into Heracross, whose feet carved deep grooves into the battlefield as it was pushed back. But Heracross didn't budge. Its stance held. Its horn locked Zebstrika in place.
It had tanked the hit.
"Keep running, Zebstrika!"
Unfazed, Elesa commanded her Pokémon to maintain momentum, preparing for another strike.
Both Pokémon had taken damage, but neither was backing down. Zebstrika began to circle Heracross rapidly, sparks flying off its hooves as it built up speed again.
Rex knew the best tactic was to stay calm. Heracross stood firm, waiting for the slightest opening.
The battle had become one of patience and endurance.
"Flame Charge—go!"
When Zebstrika finally darted into Heracross's blind spot, Elesa gave the signal.
Flames erupted from Zebstrika's form as it streaked forward with blazing speed, aiming to land a decisive hit from behind.
"Heracross, Counter!"
Rex had been waiting for this exact moment.
Elesa's eyes narrowed. She recognized the risk—but there was no pulling back now. Zebstrika was committed.
Heracross turned at the last second. Crossing its arms, it absorbed the full brunt of the flaming charge, skidding backward but holding firm despite the fire licking at its carapace.
Then—its Counter activated.
All the energy it had taken in was hurled back with double force.
Zebstrika was launched across the field, slamming into the ground with a thud. It tried to get up—trembling, staggering—but its legs gave out.
"You've done well. Come back, Zebstrika."
Elesa recalled her partner gently, not wanting it to suffer further.
"That's enough, Heracross."
Rex followed suit, knowing Heracross had taken a heavy toll as well.
Down two matches, Elesa's smile faded slightly. But only for a second.
If she was going down, she'd do it with her strongest partner.
"This is far from over. Let's go—Ampharos!"
Rex recognized the Pokémon instantly.
Ampharos—elegant, sturdy, and familiar.
A part of him regretted not bringing his own Shiny Ampharos along. It would've been the perfect opportunity to test its progress.
But something else caught his attention.
Around Elesa's Ampharos's neck hung a necklace with a crystalline orb embedded at its center.
Rex's eyes narrowed. A Key Stone.
And that meant…
She could Mega Evolve.
Suddenly, the atmosphere changed.
He felt a twinge of concern for Machamp, who would be facing this final opponent. The gulf between regular and Mega-Evolved Pokémon was immense.
Mega Ampharos had a base Special Attack of 165—practically a mobile artillery unit. Its defensive stats were equally formidable. Aside from a sluggish Speed stat, it had no real weaknesses.
Rex took a breath.
This final round was going to be tough.
(End of Chapter)