Under the bright lights illuminating the vast arena of the Rustboro Gym, tension hung thick in the air as Alex and Roxanne faced each other. The referee, holding a flag with a serious expression, stepped to the center of the battlefield and looked directly at the two challengers.
"Challenger Alex," he announced clearly, his voice loud enough for everyone in the hall to hear, "you are limited to using three Pokémon, and you may switch them during the battle." His tone was strict, making sure the rules were clear to avoid any misunderstanding.
He then turned to Roxanne, "Leader of the Rustboro Gym, you are also limited to three Pokémon, but you cannot switch them during the battle."
The difference in rules caught many in the audience's attention. This was not just an ordinary battle but a serious test of strategy.
"Both sides will battle until all Pokémon on one side are unable to continue," he continued. "Also, if any Pokémon leaves the battlefield, it will be considered defeated, even if it still has energy."
"Is that clear to both sides!?" The referee looked intently at the two, waiting for confirmation.
"Clear," Alex replied calmly, his sharp eyes focused ahead, ready for the battle.
"No problem," Roxanne nodded, her face serious but determined.
The referee waved the flag high, his voice echoing through the hall. "Challenger Alex versus Rustboro Gym Leader Roxanne. The battle… begins!"
As tradition dictated, the Gym Leader released her Pokémon first. Without hesitation, Roxanne pulled a red and white Poké Ball from her bag and threw it into the air.
A bright light flashed, accompanied by a soft crackling sound, and Nosepass—the steadfast Rock-type warrior who had braved many tough battles by her side—appeared on the battlefield.
Alex glanced at Nosepass with cold but understanding eyes. He remembered the fierce battle between Nosepass and May the previous day. This Rock-type Pokémon, with its solid body, always proved to be a tough opponent due to its sturdy defense.
However, Nosepass had a glaring weakness: it was completely countered by Steel and Fighting types—the very types that Alex's Lucario possessed.
Alex touched the Poké Ball at his waist, feeling the burning fighting spirit within Lucario. He smirked slightly, his eyes flashing with confidence, then pressed the button on the ball and threw it forcefully onto the field.
A red light shone brilliantly as Lucario—a Pokémon with striking blue fur and a majestic stance—materialized right before everyone's eyes.
"Luca!" Lucario's battle cry echoed, full of fighting spirit.
Lucario's appearance instantly drew the crowd's attention, their cheers rising in volume. With its well-proportioned build, dignified posture, and unique coloration, Lucario quickly became the center of attention.
"What kind of Pokémon is that? Looks really strong!" someone in the audience exclaimed.
"Come on! That appearance is absolutely amazing!" another shouted excitedly.
"I want to train a Pokémon like that!" a third voice yelled, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Some experienced trainers in the crowd began explaining to the newcomers, "That Pokémon is called Lucario. It mainly appears in the Sinnoh region."
"Even in Sinnoh, Lucario is rare."
"It's a Steel and Fighting type," an older man continued firmly, demonstrating his deep knowledge.
Roxanne looked at Alex's Lucario with a mix of surprise and curiosity. She was well-versed in Pokémon types but had never seen Lucario in actual battle.
"Judging by its spirit and strength, it definitely outclasses my Nosepass," she thought, sensing the clear gap.
Lucario's presence perfectly matched Alex's image: a skilled trainer, well-prepared and strong.
How could someone like Alex use mediocre Pokémon?
"Go ahead, Rocky, use Power-Up Punch!" Alex raised his hand, issuing the command with his aura, directly connecting with Lucario's mind.
Upon receiving the order, Lucario's eyes narrowed sharply. It stomped its feet on the ground, leaving a clear imprint on the arena floor, then swung its fist toward Nosepass with astonishing speed.
Roxanne was caught off guard by Lucario's sudden and precise movement. Despite understanding Lucario's type and partial power, many characteristics of this Pokémon remained unknown to her.
The aura power linking Lucario and Alex allowed silent communication, a trait mostly seen in Sinnoh, where Lucario is regarded as rare.
"Nosepass, use Protect!" Roxanne quickly commanded. Energy gathered around Nosepass, forming a translucent white shield that blocked Lucario's punch.
A loud "BANG~" echoed as Lucario's fist hit the shield.
Although no damage was taken, the force pushed Nosepass several meters back. Roxanne's eyes reflected her concern.
"Rocky, keep up the Power-Up Punch." Alex smiled slightly, calmly giving the next order.
He had predicted Roxanne's reaction perfectly.
The difference in level, type, strength, and speed tilted the match heavily in Lucario's favor.
Just one accurate punch from Lucario could bring down Nosepass. Roxanne would have to defend well or risk losing quickly.
This time, Lucario swung its fist with more power, hitting Nosepass directly without the shield.
The fierce strike sent Nosepass flipping backward, collapsing to the ground motionless.
The cheers in the hall suddenly dropped into tense silence.
A Pokémon known for excellent defense like Nosepass being defeated at the first attack stunned everyone.
Alex's Lucario was incredibly strong!
Many trainers had suffered losses or severe damage facing Roxanne's Nosepass. But no one had ever managed a clean and immediate knockout like this.
If there were a ranking for defense, Nosepass would surely be at the top for both physical and special defense.
"Alex's Lucario is so strong!" May exclaimed, her eyes full of admiration.
The last time May saw Lucario, it was still a small, unevolved Riolu.
In less than a month, Riolu had fully evolved into a mature Lucario!
Moreover, May noticed the protective gear Lucario wore had become heavier and more solid.
"In other words, Lucario hasn't even revealed its full power yet!" she thought, her eyes shining as she looked toward Alex.