"Infernape, use Focus Energy!"
A faint green aura radiated from Infernape's body. The move didn't cause direct damage, but it boosted his concentration — temporarily enhancing his attack power and physical strength.
"Pidgeot, close in using Agility!"
Ash watched closely as Infernape stood still with eyes shut, sensing every movement around him. He nodded slightly. Kyle's Infernape has great battle awareness, Ash thought. Even with limited vision, he's staying calm and focused.
"Pidgeot!"
The majestic bird Pokémon blurred across the field, wings slicing through the air in rapid bursts. Soon, several afterimages of Pidgeot surrounded Infernape — each moving so quickly that it became impossible to tell which one was real.
Kyle narrowed his eyes. "He actually combined Agility and Double Team… Both are basic moves, but together they make a powerful feinting technique."
Beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
Player Lounge
Rick Redwood whistled. "That Ash… he's incredible. Turning ordinary moves into such a deadly combo."
Ferb Ignatius nodded. "Yeah. Kyle's in real trouble this time."
"Hyper Beam!"
Ash's voice rang across the field. Pidgeot halted midair, energy gathering at its beak — a blazing orange glow that swelled brighter and brighter until it erupted forward in a colossal beam of destructive power.
Kyle's expression hardened.
"A one-hit finisher… That's Ash for you. His Pidgeot's a champion-level Pokémon. Even if my Infernape is strong, taking that Hyper Beam head-on would be disastrous."
He clenched his fist. "Infernape! Flare Blitz — backward!"
"INFERNAAAAPE!"
Without hesitation, Infernape's entire body ignited in swirling flames as it launched itself backward with Flare Blitz — meeting the Hyper Beam head-on in a spectacular collision of light and fire.
"BOOM!!!"
The battlefield was engulfed in a massive explosion. A cloud of black smoke spread across the arena, blocking everyone's view.
Announcer: "What a clash! Ash's combination of Agility and Double Team showcased how even basic techniques can create incredible synergy! But can Kyle's Infernape withstand that devastating Hyper Beam?"
The crowd held its breath.
As the smoke began to clear, a faint sound echoed through the arena.
"...Infernape…"
The fiery Pokémon stood, breathing heavily but still conscious. The audience erupted in cheers — the match was far from over.
Kyle exhaled slowly, relief washing over his face. His partner had survived.
As the smoke gradually cleared, the figure of Infernape emerged from the blast zone. His fur was singed black in several places, the aftermath of taking Pidgeot's devastating Hyper Beam head-on. Fortunately, thanks to Kyle's quick command, Infernape's Flare Blitz had managed to cut the damage nearly in half.
Ash grinned slightly. "Impressive willpower. Your Infernape's got real fighting spirit."
The more he watched the fiery Pokémon, the more he felt that fierce desire — the same kind that once drove him and his own Infernape to victory long ago.
Kyle clenched his fists. No… his Pokémon barely took any damage, while I'm already cornered.
He had only two Pokémon left — Infernape and Magcargo — and the battle was slipping out of his control.
For a moment, frustration welled up in him. The pressure was crushing. Every child of a great family was expected to be a prodigy — but when standing against a true master like Ash Ketchum, he could feel the vast gap between them.
In their earlier battle, he'd thought he was doing well — even evenly matched — but deep down, Kyle knew Ash hadn't been fighting seriously. The Champion of Pallet Town was enjoying the fight in a way only a true battler could understand.
"Alright, Infernape… let's go all in!" Kyle shouted. "Flare Blitz — give it everything you've got!"
"INFERNAAAPE!"
Infernape's entire body ignited, wrapped in swirling flames that blazed brighter and hotter with every passing second. Then, with an explosive leap, he charged straight toward Pidgeot, flames trailing behind him like a meteor in the sky.
Announcer: "Unbelievable! Kyle's going all-out! Infernape's using a full-power Flare Blitz — a move that severely drains stamina but delivers devastating impact!"
Infernape rocketed upward, soaring higher than he ever had before.
Ash's eyes sharpened. "Pidgeot — Air Cannon!"
This was one of Ash's own custom techniques, inspired by martial focus training — a continuous barrage of compressed air blasts. Not an official move, but powerful enough to rival one.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Multiple bursts of high-pressure air erupted from Pidgeot's wings, pelting toward the incoming Infernape like a rapid-fire cannon.
Kyle's eyes widened. "What kind of move is that? Infernape's vision is still impaired by dust — he can't even see the projectiles!" He gripped the railing, his knuckles turning white.
But just then —
"INFERNAAAPE!"
With a sudden roar, Infernape twisted midair, narrowly evading the air blasts. His movements were almost instinctive, as if he could feel the incoming attack rather than see it.
Ash blinked in surprise. "He dodged it?"
Before anyone could react, Infernape slammed into Pidgeot with full force, landing a direct hit that sent the majestic bird spinning through the air with a painful cry.
The arena erupted.
"How—how did he do that?" Kyle murmured, stunned. "His eyes were covered by dust… so how could he sense it?"
...
TN:
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