Rain continued to pour over the battlefield. Infernarx and Milotic stared at one another, both breathing heavily after the opening exchanges. Neither Trainer had lost a Pokémon. Neither Trainer had gained a clear advantage.
The audience sat in complete silence. This was no ordinary battle. This was the Luminara League Grand Final.
The commentators watched carefully.
"Notice how neither Trainer is rushing."
"Elior has learned patience from his battles against Mira and Kai."
"And Serena is fighting exactly as she has throughout the entire League—calm, calculated, and precise."
Professor Solan nodded from the VIP seats.
"They're battling like true Champions."
Serena made the first move.
"Milotic!"
"Hydro Pump!"
A massive column of water surged across the battlefield.
Elior: "Jump!"
Infernarx leaped high into the air, narrowly avoiding the attack.
"Now... Thunder Punch!"
Electricity crackled around Infernarx's fist as it dived toward Milotic. The audience gasped. A Fire-type using an Electric-type move against a Water-type!
Serena reacted instantly.
"Protect!"
A shimmering green barrier surrounded Milotic.
BOOM!
Thunder Punch struck the barrier.
Cracks spread across it...
But it held.
The moment Protect disappeared—
"Dragon Tail!"
Milotic spun gracefully.
Its glowing tail struck Infernarx squarely in the chest.
CRASH!
Infernarx was knocked backward and slid across the soaked battlefield. The crowd roared.
Infernarx slowly stood. Its breathing had become heavier. Its flames flickered under the rain.
Elior smiled proudly.
"You're not done yet."
Infernarx answered with a determined roar.
"Flame Charge!"
Even under the rain, Infernarx surrounded itself with flames and sprinted forward. The Fire wasn't as strong as before...But its speed increased dramatically.
Serena narrowed her eyes.
"Milotic... watch carefully."
Infernarx disappeared into the curtain of rain.
For a moment...
Milotic lost sight of it.
Suddenly—Infernarx burst out from Milotic's right side.
"Dragon Claw!"
SLASH!
The attack connected directly. Milotic cried out and was sent skidding across the battlefield. The audience leaped to their feet.
Serena didn't panic. She simply smiled.
"Recover."
A gentle green light surrounded Milotic.
Some of its injuries faded. But everyone noticed something. The healing was weaker than before. Milotic was beginning to tire.
Elior recognized it immediately.
"Infernarx!"
"Flamethrower!"
A concentrated stream of fire burst through the rain.
Milotic answered.
"Hydro Pump!"
The attacks collided once again. Steam exploded across the battlefield.
This time...
Infernarx charged straight through the steam.
"Dragon Claw!"
The emerald claws struck Milotic once more. The elegant Water-type stumbled.
Both Pokémon were exhausted. Infernarx's flames had dimmed. Milotic's graceful movements had slowed. The audience knew the first knockout was near.
Serena looked into Milotic's eyes.
"One last push."
Elior nodded to Infernarx.
"Let's finish this together."
Serena: "Hydro Pump!"
Elior: "Flare Blitz!"
Milotic unleashed the strongest Hydro Pump of the battle.
Infernarx wrapped itself in blazing flames and charged forward.
The collision shook the entire stadium.
Infernarx forced its way through the torrent. The flames around its body grew weaker... But it didn't stop. With one final roar—
BOOOOOOM!!
Infernarx slammed directly into Milotic. A massive explosion engulfed both Pokémon.
Silence
Smoke covered the battlefield. No one spoke. The referee stepped closer.
Slowly...
The smoke drifted away. Infernarx stood, barely able to remain upright. Milotic struggled to lift its head.
For several long seconds...
Neither Pokémon moved.
Then...
Milotic smiled toward Serena. Its body relaxed. It gently collapsed onto the battlefield.
THUD...
The referee immediately raised the green flag.
"Milotic is unable to battle!"
The stadium erupted in cheers. But before the applause could settle—Infernarx swayed.
It looked back at Elior one last time.
Elior smiled proudly.
"You did it, partner."
Infernarx gave a faint nod...
Then collapsed.
THUD...
The referee raised the red flag.
"Infernarx is unable to battle!"
Scoreboard
Elior
5 pokemon remaining
Serena
5 pokemon remaining
The audience rose to their feet. The Grand Final had claimed its first Pokémon. And it was a double knockout.
Both Trainers quietly recalled their partners.
They looked across the battlefield.
The real championship battle...
Had only just begun.
TO BE CONTINUED...