"Now's our chance! Squirtle, shrink into your shell and use Rapid Spin to crash into Shedinja!" Red commanded, seizing the opportunity.
"Squirtle!"
Squirtle immediately withdrew into its shell and began spinning rapidly in place. Within seconds, it launched itself forward like a high-speed spinning top, aiming straight for the hovering Shedinja.
"Quick, Shedinja, dodge it!" Makino shouted.
"Shed!"
Shedinja snapped out of its daze, flapping its tattered wings in an attempt to evade. But just as it started to move, Squirtle was already upon it.
BANG!
Squirtle struck Shedinja with full force, sending it hurtling backward. The Bug/Ghost-type Pokémon tumbled through the air before regaining control.
"Shedinja!" Makino called out, concerned.
Shedinja hovered weakly, visibly shaken from the impact. Though it hadn't fainted, it was clear that the attack had done significant damage. If Squirtle's Tail Whip had worked earlier to lower its defense, the battle might have ended then and there.
"Good, you're still standing," Makino said with relief. "Now, let's strike back! Shedinja, use—"
Before he could finish, Red gave his next command.
"Squirtle, Water Gun! Finish it now!"
"Squirtle!"
Without hesitation, Squirtle inhaled deeply, then unleashed a powerful jet of water straight at the weakened Shedinja.
"Wait, Shedinja, move—!" Makino tried to warn, but it was too late.
The Water Gun struck Shedinja dead-on. The force sent it flying backward again before it crashed into the ground with a dull thud. Shedinja twitched for a moment, then fell still.
Makino sighed in defeat. "Shedinja…"
After a few seconds, he took out a Poké Ball and recalled his fallen Pokémon. "You did well. Take a good rest."
Meanwhile, Red grinned. "Nice work, Squirtle!"
"Squirtle!" Squirtle cheered, hopping in excitement. But as it landed, its body suddenly glowed bright white.
Makino's eyes widened. "No way… another evolution?!"
Red smirked. "Yeah, most of my Pokémon have been on the verge of evolving. A few battles like this push them over the edge."
Makino let out a deep breath. "Man, talk about bad luck for me. First Pikachu, now Squirtle? Feels like I'm just feeding experience points to your team!"
Buzzing energy surrounded Squirtle as the evolution process continued. The glow intensified, engulfing its entire form.
For over ten seconds, the transformation unfolded before them. Then, the light faded, revealing Squirtle's new evolved form.
A rounder head, longer limbs, and sharper features. Its light blue body darkened slightly, and the brown shell on its back had expanded. Its ears now resembled small wings, and two tiny fangs were visible in its mouth.
[Wartortle]
Category: Turtle Pokémon
Type: Water
Height: 1.3m
Weight: 25.0kg
Ability: Torrent (Boosts Water-type moves when HP is low)
Hidden Ability: Rain Dish (Gradually recovers HP in rain)
Stats: HP (30), Attack (31), Special Attack (31), Defense (31), Special Defense (30), Speed (29)
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Bubble Beam, Water Gun, Withdraw, Rapid Spin, Protect, Bite, Water Pulse, Skull Bash
Strength: Elite Intermediate
Red examined Wartortle's stats carefully. "Its strength jumped to Elite Intermediate, and its individual values increased again. It didn't hit full 4V, but…"
He smirked. "By the time it evolves into Blastoise, it'll reach 6V naturally. I won't even need special training items."
Makino crossed his arms and sighed in mock frustration. "I can't believe I helped you evolve two Pokémon in one battle. Feels like I should be getting experience points too."
Red chuckled. "Still, your team put up a great fight. Now, let's finish this with our strongest Pokémon."
Makino nodded, his expression turning serious. "I agree. My last Pokémon is my ace. Since you've been giving your all, I'll do the same."
Red recalled Wartortle after letting it adjust to its new form. Then, he grabbed another Poké Ball from his belt.
He spun it stylishly in his hand before tossing it forward. "Come out, Charmeleon!"
A bright flash of red light followed. As soon as Charmeleon emerged, it let out a loud roar and blasted a plume of flames into the sky, displaying its power.
Makino raised an eyebrow. "That's your starter? Impressive size and aura."
Charmeleon's lean yet muscular body, sharp claws, and blazing tail flame gave it an intimidating presence.
Makino smirked. "Then I'll show you my own starter Pokémon."
He pulled out a Poké Ball, gripping it tightly. "I've trained this Pokémon since the beginning of my journey. We've overcome countless challenges together. If anyone can turn this battle around, it's him."
Red's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Let's see what you've got."
Makino threw the Poké Ball high into the air. "Come out, Sceptile!"
The ball burst open, releasing a towering, green reptilian Pokémon with blades extending from its forearms and a leaf-covered tail swaying behind it.
"Sceptile!" It let out a fierce cry, ready for battle.
Red's eyes widened. "A Sceptile, huh? Fully evolved already? This should be fun."
Makino smirked. "I didn't go easy on my training either. Sceptile and I have taken down some of the toughest opponents in Hoenn. Let's see if Charmeleon can handle it."
Red grinned, the excitement of battle igniting within him. "Only one way to find out. Let's go, Charmeleon!"
Both trainers locked eyes, the air thick with tension. The final match was about to begin.
To Be Continued…
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