Megahorn, arguably the strongest Bug-type move, strikes with sharp horns penetrating the body, a painful experience, especially for a Grass-type Pokémon like Rillaboom.
"Though it's fast, your judgment is surprisingly good. Rillaboom, use Drum Beating to stop it!"
Scolipede's impressive leg strength granted it explosive speed, but Summer thought this straightforward attack was too easy to counter.
Rillaboom pounded its drum into the ground and calmly took out its drumsticks, starting its performance.
With the spirited drumming, two thick vines emerged from the ground, sweeping towards Scolipede's legs.
Attacking the chest might be destroyed by the powerful impact, but targeting the legs could cause Scolipede to lose balance at such terrifying speed, potentially injuring itself.
"Drum Beating? More like Frenzy Plant! But no worries, Scolipede, cut it down!" Roxie excitedly commanded.
Scolipede's large horns sliced the vines instantly, now dangerously close to Rillaboom.
"Sweep it all away, Poison Tail!"
In Roxie's view, even if it didn't hit Rillaboom directly, it could knock away the drum, preventing Rillaboom from using Drum Beating.
After all, its drumming proficiency was exceptionally high, making it tough to deal with.
Scolipede's tail emitted a lethal purple glow. It swung its body, its sharp tail aimed at Rillaboom.
"No way I'll let you succeed, use High Horsepower!"
Rillaboom exuded an earthy aura, focusing its strength in its elbow and charging at Scolipede's spinning body with unstoppable force.
The powerful impact caused Scolipede to tilt back, landing on its side with its shell hitting the ground, pinned down by Rillaboom's strong arms.
"Impressive! But don't think you can escape now, Bug Bite!"
Scolipede's neck was exceptionally flexible. Even restrained, it twisted its neck to counterattack, fiercely biting Rillaboom's arm and injecting deadly poison.
Rillaboom grimaced, succumbing to Scolipede's Poison Point ability and becoming poisoned.
"Luck's on our side! Press the attack, Megahorn!" Roxie swung her arm, already seeing victory.
With its neck claws gripping Rillaboom's arm tightly, Scolipede's glowing horn showed a vicious look, ready to pierce Rillaboom.
"Use Wood Hammer to attack Scolipede's eyes!"
Although one arm was restrained, Rillaboom's other arm was free. The drumstick glowed green, thrusting swiftly towards Scolipede's eyes.
Protected by its shell, Scolipede had few weak spots. Even its soft abdomen was guarded by neck claws. Recklessly attacking would fall into its trap.
The eyes were its only exposed vulnerability, and Rillaboom's Wood Hammer was unexpectedly swift and precise!
"Hiss?!"
Scolipede cried in pain, releasing Rillaboom.
Roxie looked incredulous, clenching her fist, "Even if it hit a weak spot, it's still a Grass-type move!"
"It's over, Rillaboom, use Acrobatics!"
Rillaboom spun its drumsticks into the air. Its arms glowed blue, striking Scolipede's weak points with martial arts-like precision.
The punches rained down like a storm, from a human's perspective, appearing as mere afterimages.
Despite being poisoned, Rillaboom's judgment remained sharp, each punch deadly.
Scolipede's eyes rolled back. It never expected to lose to a pure Grass-type Pokémon, fearing ridicule from the Bug-Poison family.
Rillaboom caught its falling drumsticks, the crisp end-of-battle sound declaring its victory. To think a mere Bug-Poison Pokémon could defeat it and Summer? Too naive!
"Ogerpon!"
Ogerpon watched with excitement, contemplating how it could defeat Scolipede. Perhaps with a flaming stick?
"Impressive! You totally disrupted my rhythm. I lost completely," Roxie sulked briefly before smiling. "You're strong, Summer and Rillaboom. Even losing feels unexpectedly refreshing!"
Roxie recalled Scolipede, then turned to Pierce with a grin, "I think I understand your melancholy now, Pierce. Our duet will be more in sync!"
"Fool, my melancholy isn't that simple. Kids should stay carefree," Pierce replied, exasperated.
"Heh, you're a stubborn one. Anyway, thanks a lot, Summer. Don't miss the concert!"
"Of course, I'm a fan of Mr. Pierce," Summer responded, noticing a faint smile on Pierce's lips.
"Really? Then I'll work hard to make you my fan too. Let's go, Pierce," Roxie said, whispering, "Such a splendid fight. I almost became your fan."
"Would you like to stay for shaved ice?" Summer suddenly asked.
"Ogerpon!" Ogerpon waved its stick enthusiastically, indicating it was personally made by it.
"Shaved ice? There's such a treat in the forest?" Roxie quickly turned back, excitedly saying, "Oh, I won't be polite then. Perfect for cooling down after a battle!"
"No, eating something cold suddenly might affect the concert," Pierce said, touching his throat.
"Being overly cautious isn't rock and roll!" Roxie teased, slapping Pierce's waist. "You don't eat; I'll eat your share!"
"Being underestimated, huh? Fine, let's see who eats more," Pierce felt an odd sense of competitiveness.
"Who was the cautious one just now? If you really compete, even if your throat's fine, your stomach will suffer," Summer sighed. "Besides, I didn't prepare that much."
The three shared a laugh. In the scorching summer, eating shaved ice wasn't excessive.
"So fresh, so cool. It calms the body and mind. This could easily beat out Flygon's ice cream!" Roxie praised while devouring the shaved ice.
Pierce pondered deeply while eating, considering if this could revitalize Spikemuth. No, he didn't want Spikemuth to become Shaved Ice Town.
Rillaboom happily ate its favorite Oran Berry jam, and Ogerpon was pleased with its creation.
Summer took a spoonful of shaved ice, savoring the right choice of using Misty Lake's water, which was properly boiled and sanitized. Ice was crushed in clean bags.
Feeling joyful, Summer vowed to protect it all. He stabbed his spoon into the ice, thinking, "Rose, I won't let your wishes destroy Galar. Never."
(End of Chapter)