Chapter 127: Battle against Lorelei (Part 3)
"Charizard, I choose you!" Ryan sent out Charizard, which then instantly completed Mega Evolution. He couldn't afford to be careless against a First-Class Legendary.
"Articuno, Blizzard!" Lorelei continued her overwhelming ice assault.
Mega Charizard X roared, wings flapping fiercely, using Heat Wave against the Blizzard, but to its dismay, Heat Wave was completely obliterated by the Blizzard. Mega Charizard X's resistance seemed powerless against the blizzard, and it was simply swallowed up. When the wind and snow died down, Charizard, unable to battle, collapsed helplessly into the snow.
Ryan gritted his teeth and recalled Charizard, then released Greninja, which instantly completed Bond Evolution, bringing Bond -Greninja onto the field.
"Huh? That kid's Greninja has changed!" Lt. Surge exclaimed in surprise upon seeing Greninja's form.
Indeed, just as Lt. Surge had said, Bond -Greninja now resembled Ryan even more. The massive Water Shuriken on its back had vanished, replaced by a katana made of water at its waist.
As its Iaido technique progressed, Greninja had abandoned the Water Shuriken in favor of the water katana. Combined with the power of the Splash Plate, the Water Iaido's damage output was devastating.
"Has the form changed? But it's still not enough," Lorelei declared. "Blizzard!"
Bond -Greninja instantly vanished. Ryan felt his entire body burning up, the Healing Power he had unlocked earlier rapidly replenishing his depleted stamina.
Articuno's Blizzard ravaged the field, but Bond -Greninja had already reached Articuno. Closing its eyes, its body and soul merged as one, and the water katana was unsheathed!
A flash of blue light, Articuno cried out mournfully, and feathers from its right wing scattered wildly. With a single strike, it had severely damaged Articuno's right wing.
But Ryan and Greninja were telepathically connected, knowing that the previous move had already drained all of Greninja's energy and spirit. Looking at Greninja's already low health, Ryan knew that move could only be used once, but that was enough.
Before Articuno could react, it struck back with a Swift attack. Greninja then returned to its Ultra Ball. The last Master Ball on Ryan's belt opened, revealing Mewtwo.
Ryan wouldn't give Articuno a chance—he'd finish it while it was weakened!
Ryan pressed his hand onto the Key Stone. With a flash of light, Mega Mewtwo X appeared on the field. As Mega Mewtwo X thrust its right hand forward, electrical current wrapped around Articuno's body with Thunder Wave, paralyzing it.
The snowflakes ceased falling. Mega Mewtwo X clenched its fists and teleported in front of Articuno, delivering a powerful Fire Punch to its injured right wing.
"Mind Reader, then Sheer Cold!" Lorelei shouted.
Articuno's right wing was injured, preventing it from unleashing a full Blizzard. However, Articuno immediately used Mind Reader to lock onto Mega Mewtwo X's location.
But countless psychic spheres from Future Sight appeared and slammed into Articuno, preventing it from completing Mind Reader. Mega Mewtwo X seized this opportunity and unleashed a Psystrike, disrupting Articuno's mind and preventing it from using Mind Reader.
Mega Mewtwo X knew that once Mind Reader was activated, Sheer Cold would be an instant knockout!
Articuno roared, blasting an Ice Beam at Mega Mewtwo X, but Mega Mewtwo X dodged with Teleport. Simultaneously, Mega Mewtwo X flew above Articuno and used Rock Tomb. Several massive rocks fell, pinning down Articuno's wings.
Now Articuno was completely vulnerable. Mega Mewtwo X, without hesitation, positioned itself above Articuno and unleashed a series of Fire Punches.
Articuno roared, instantly freezing the space it occupied with absolute zero ice, dragging Mega Mewtwo X with it to end the match in a draw.
Seeing Mega Mewtwo X and Articuno frozen in a block of ice, Ryan shuddered. This Sheer Cold technique could actually work like this!
Lorelei sighed, looking at the two incapacitated Pokémon, and said, "This match is a draw. Congratulations, Ryan, you've reached Elite Four level and can apply for a position as an Elite Four member in the League."
Looking at the other Elite Four members and League officials who had gathered around, Ryan smiled and declined, "No, my journey isn't over yet, and I don't want to be tied down so soon."
"Ryan, with your current strength, there's no need to participate in the League tournaments. Few trainers would be a match for you," said a League official. "We sincerely hope you can help the League."
"Let's talk later," Ryan said.
He summoned Gyarados and had it summon some Water Pokémon to melt the ice. The two Pokémon weren't suitable for thawing with fire right now.
After melting the ice, Ryan lifted Mewtwo, who had returned to its original form, and fed it a Full Restore before returning it to the Master Ball.
Mewtwo's injuries weren't too serious; two days of recuperation would suffice. However, Articuno's injuries were more severe, with a fractured right wing. A conservative estimate put its recovery at several months.
Lorelei complained to Ryan for a long time, and Ryan felt helpless. After all, in that situation, any hesitation would have been tantamount to defeat. Ryan was only at Elite Four level, and facing the equally Elite Four-level Lorelei, holding back would only lead to failure.
The League members quickly left, handing Ryan a League badge. This badge was actually for a Reserve Elite Four member, and it also granted Ryan unconditional entry into regional League competitions.
Ryan stared at the badge, unresponsive for a long moment. Lillie patted Ryan's shoulder, and Ryan finally came to his senses. Seeing Lillie's puzzled look, Ryan smiled and said, "It's okay, I was just lost in thought."
"Are we going to the Hoenn region next?" Lillie asked.
Ryan nodded and said, "After a while. The frequency of battles has been too high recently, and my Pokémon need rest."
Lillie nodded and said, "Yes, you've been working very hard recently. Get some rest. Also, my brother is in the Hoenn region now. He said that if we go to the Hoenn region, he'll wait for us in Verdanturf Town."
"Gladion?" Ryan asked. "What's he doing there?"
"He's supposedly training himself, but he seems to have discovered something and insists I tell you about it," Lillie said.
Ryan pondered for a moment. Verdanturf Town seemed like a peaceful health resort, so there didn't seem to be much else. He shook his head and stopped thinking about it. His primary goal was to rest well, review his progress, and reach new heights.
The Pokémon wanted to continue training, but Ryan stopped them. After all, a balance between work and rest is essential.
Knowing they could rest for a while, Wobbuffet hugged Ryan's leg, so excited it nearly cried.
Ryan patted Wobbuffet's head sympathetically. After all, Wobbuffet only had four moves, and its power depended entirely on how much damage it could withstand and reflect. So, no Legendary Pokémon would refuse such a perfect training dummy!
(End of Chapter)
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