"Machop, use Bulk Up!" Rex ordered.
There was a significant power gap between Machop and Kingdra. Without first using Bulk Up to enhance its own power, it would be challenging for Machop to inflict substantial damage on Kingdra.
"Kingdra, use Water Gun!" Juan commanded. He wouldn't let Machop power up without resistance. Though the sight of Machop missing its right arm surprised him, Juan, a seasoned battler, remained vigilant.
Machop, experienced in using Bulk Up, managed to enhance its body before Kingdra's Water Gun struck. However, the Water Gun still sent Machop flying.
During training with Heracross, Machop had honed its body control. Using its left hand, it pushed off the ground, flipped, and landed steadily. But Kingdra's Water Gun continued its barrage, with jets of water raining down like bullets, forcing Machop to dodge based on instinct.
The sheer volume of water attacks made it impossible to avoid them all. Each hit, though not severely damaging on its own, accumulated, gradually worsening Machop's condition.
"Machop, charge in!" Rex knew that the situation couldn't continue; otherwise, Machop would be worn down by the endless Water Guns. He had to direct Machop to brave the onslaught and close the distance with Kingdra.
Machop advanced step by step, undaunted by the pain. Upon reaching the lake's edge, it leapt into the air, left hand poised to strike.
"Kingdra, use Dragon Pulse!" Juan, taken aback by Machop's unwavering determination, ordered.
Kingdra formed a draconic aura that lunged at the airborne Machop. Without hesitation, Machop countered with a charged Dynamic Punch.
"Boom!"
The explosive collision of Dynamic Punch and Dragon Pulse produced a massive blast of energy. Machop's power fell short; the remnants of Dragon Pulse overpowered the punch and sent Machop crashing into a rock.
Now severely injured, Machop struggled to rise, using its left hand to try to stand, but it failed repeatedly.
"You did well, Machop. Rest now," Rex said, recalling Machop into its Poké Ball.
Machop felt a wave of helplessness. It had been utterly overwhelmed by Kingdra, reminiscent of its feelings of powerlessness against Mightyena packs. It was filled with a fierce desire to become stronger and shed that helplessness.
As Machop's resolve to grow stronger solidified, its body began to glow.
"Is it evolving?" Rex wondered, seeing the light enveloping Machop. He didn't know if the evolution into Machoke would restore its right arm.
The answer soon became clear. A robust Machoke emerged, still missing its right arm. Evolution hadn't healed its old wounds. However, Rex noticed Machoke's left arm was significantly more developed than usual. This realization brought some comfort, indicating Machoke's efforts had not been in vain.
Rex surmised that intensive training of the left arm and the extra energy from the incomplete evolution had resulted in a more powerful limb. He planned to have Professor Birch examine Machoke later to confirm his theory.
"Machoke, can you continue to fight?" Rex asked.
Machoke nodded resolutely, eyes fixed on Kingdra.
"Alright then, Machoke, charge in and use Dynamic Punch!" Rex ordered.
Machoke's determination was evident as it launched a new assault.
Juan chose not to use Water Gun for harassment this time, opting for Dragon Pulse to test Machoke's newfound strength.
"Boom!"
The clash was intense, but this time, Machoke broke through the Dragon Pulse and continued its attack towards Kingdra.
"Kingdra, use Hydro Pump!" Juan ordered, a hint of surprise in his voice.
A massive jet of water burst from Kingdra's mouth, striking Machoke and sending it flying. This time, Machoke couldn't continue and lost consciousness.
Rex didn't feel disheartened. Machop's evolution had met his expectations.
Next, Rex sent out Heracross. Having watched Machop's fight, Heracross was determined to avenge its comrade.
"Heracross, use Aerial Ace!" Rex commanded.
Although Heracross wasn't particularly fast, the skill's inherent speed boost allowed it to close in on Kingdra quickly. Juan had Kingdra counter with Water Gun, but Heracross dodged and struck with its horn, sending Kingdra flying.
Kingdra, adjusting mid-air, retaliated with Water Gun, pushing Heracross back.
"Heracross, use Megahorn!" Rex ordered decisively.
Ignoring the pain from Kingdra's Dragon Pulse, Heracross slammed its horn into Kingdra, eliciting a pained cry from the latter.
Heracross followed with Brick Break, striking Kingdra's head. In response, Kingdra blasted Heracross with Hydro Pump, knocking it away.
Both Pokémon panted heavily, clearly battered but not defeated.
Kingdra initiated another Hydro Pump, but Heracross dodged and charged again.
"Outrage!" Juan commanded, unable to prevent Heracross's advance.
Kingdra's aura intensified, eyes glowing red. Despite this, Heracross remained unfazed, engaging in close combat with its own Finishing Blow attack, abandoning defense.
The ensuing collision released a burst of energy, shrouding the battlefield in mist. When it cleared, both Kingdra and Heracross lay unconscious on the water's surface.
"Kingdra and Heracross are unable to battle. Trainers, send out your next Pokémon," the referee announced.
"Go, Crawdaunt!" Juan called.
"Go, Lapras!" Rex responded.
Crawdaunt, known for its aggressive nature and love for fighting, was a formidable opponent, but Juan, as the Water-type Gym Leader, was adept at handling such Pokémon.
(Chapter End)