December Double Drop!---As an "outsider," Deoxys was clearly at a disadvantage due to its lack of familiarity with native Pokémon.
Which made sense.
Even though Deoxys was a Legendary, it hadn't been on Earth for very long.
With over 800 Pokémon species on Earth, some possessing two or even three abilities, the possible combinations numbered in the thousands.
And on top of that, Luo Yuan's Gengar was in its relatively unknown Mega form.
So, it was understandable that Deoxys hadn't anticipated Gengar's Shadow Tag ability.
Pinned by Shadow Tag, Deoxys's Speed Form was deprived of its greatest strength: its unmatched speed.
Although its movement speed was unchanged, it could now only dodge in a limited area around Gengar, drastically reducing its flexibility and range of action.
With Deoxys tethered by Shadow Tag, Luo Yuan seized the moment.
"Now, use Shadow Ball!"
With its speed advantage neutralized and having not yet adjusted to this fighting style, Deoxys was vulnerable—making this the perfect opportunity to strike.
At Luo Yuan's command, both Gengar and Dragapult launched their attacks, firing Shadow Balls toward Deoxys from opposite sides.
The Shadow Balls sped forward, closing in on Deoxys within moments.
Swish!
A flash of white light.
Boom!
The two Shadow Balls collided, exploding and scattering dust and debris across the ground.
But Luo Yuan, who had been watching Deoxys closely, didn't look pleased.
A slight breeze blew through, clearing the smoke.
When the dust settled, Deoxys's slender figure had transformed.
Its body was now solid and heavily built, and its once-thin, flexible arms had reshaped into broad, flat bands, encasing its body like shields.
Deoxys had shifted into its Defense Form and managed to withstand the impact thanks to its high defenses.
"So, it can change forms…" Luo Yuan murmured as he observed Deoxys.
Up until now, Team Rocket's observations had only recorded Deoxys in its Speed Form, leading Luo Yuan to assume it might lack the ability to switch forms.
But that assumption was clearly wrong.
One detail caught his attention, however.
After shifting forms, Deoxys's aura seemed noticeably weaker.
With years of experience as a trainer, Luo Yuan was sure that Deoxys had successfully blocked the Shadow Balls.
So, this weakening of its aura wasn't from Dragapult and Gengar's attacks.
"It must be due to its injuries. The damage to its core must be draining its energy whenever it transforms. That's why it's so reluctant to switch forms," Luo Yuan deduced.
While Luo Yuan was deep in thought, Deoxys, after two rounds of passive defense, finally launched its first counterattack.
Deoxys lunged forward, its band-like arms swinging down toward Gengar.
Knock Off!
A Dark-type move, Knock Off increases damage when the target is holding an item that can be removed.
While Gengar's Mega Stone was immune to being knocked off, Luo Yuan wasn't interested in testing that theory.
With its shift to Defense Form, Deoxys's speed had dropped dramatically, practically handing Luo Yuan an opening.
If he didn't exploit Dragapult and Gengar's speed to wear Deoxys down, it'd be a wasted opportunity.
"Dragapult, cover Gengar! Gengar, use Phantom Force to dodge!"
At his command, Dragapult let out a low growl.
Swish! A Reflect shield materialized in front of Gengar.
Deoxys's band-like arm crashed into the barrier. The Reflect held for barely a second before shattering into pieces.
But it had bought Gengar enough time.
Swish~
Gengar vanished into a shadowy void, reappearing behind Deoxys.
"Now, use Curse!"
"Gengar~!"
Gengar's eyes flashed black as a dark, foreboding energy clung to Deoxys.
With Deoxys's defenses so high in its Defense Form, Luo Yuan saw no reason to engage head-on.
The Curse would continuously drain Deoxys's stamina over time, and in its injured state, it only needed to be delayed for Luo Yuan to secure victory.
A pragmatist, Luo Yuan knew not to engage recklessly.
…
The Curse made Deoxys, already weakened by its core injury, feel even more vulnerable.
And vulnerability often breeds anger.
Deoxys's frustration with Dragapult and Gengar's hit-and-run tactics was beginning to show.
"Vmm~!"
Deoxys's eyes flared blue as it channeled its psychic energy into its head.
Zen Headbutt!
This time, Deoxys abandoned defense, diving headfirst toward Gengar, who was mid-attack with a Shadow Punch.
There was no time for Gengar to dodge.
Gritting its teeth, Gengar swung its Shadow Punch with all its might.
Bam!
The Shadow Punch collided with Zen Headbutt, releasing a shockwave at the point of impact.
But in both strength and power, Gengar's attack was no match for Deoxys's Zen Headbutt. In a direct clash, Gengar was sent flying backward.
Seeing that Deoxys was preparing to follow up with another attack, Luo Yuan called out, "Dragapult, Dragon Darts!"
Whoosh, whoosh
Two Dragon Darts fired off, catching Deoxys mid-chase and making it stagger back.
Deoxys turned its gaze to Dragapult.
A cold shiver ran down Dragapult's spine, warning it of imminent danger.
Alarmed, it darted skyward.
At that moment, Deoxys's core emitted a flash, and its body began to change once more.
Its head reconfigured, and its four band-like arms transformed into sharp, spear-like tendrils.
"This isn't good. It's switched to Attack Form!" Luo Yuan's eyes narrowed.
In Attack Form, Deoxys's offensive power was off the charts. A direct hit could easily be a one-shot.
A surge of psychic energy radiated from Deoxys's core, faster than Dragapult's evasive maneuvers as it zeroed in on its target.
Dragapult hadn't expected to attract this much aggression and twisted through the air, zigzagging to dodge the relentless psychic assault.
But in its enhanced Attack Form, Deoxys's psychic abilities had become far more potent, its tracking power outpacing Dragapult's every move.
Just as Dragapult was on the verge of being hit, Luo Yuan, observing from the sidelines, intervened.
His eyes glowed blue, and a psychic barrier materialized behind Dragapult.
Creak
The barrier strained and warped under the pressure of Deoxys's psychic assault, emitting an unbearable screech.
Moments later, the barrier shattered under the strain, and Luo Yuan grimaced, feeling a brief wave of dizziness.
"Good thing my Psychic Affinity protects me somewhat—otherwise, I wouldn't dare pull a stunt like that."
Luo Yuan exhaled in relief.
But his goal was achieved.
Having flown hundreds of meters to escape the attack, Dragapult glared down at Deoxys with renewed resolve.
It was furious at having to evade like a coward, rely on its trainer for protection, and even seeing Luo Yuan hurt in the process.
Without waiting for Luo Yuan's command, Dragapult began charging energy in its mouth, golden light gathering in a powerful orb.
Then, with a fierce roar, it fired upward.
The golden orb shot high into the sky before detonating with a blinding flash.
A shrill whistle filled the air as a shower of meteors began to descend…
Draco Meteor!
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T/N: What do yall think of the fights?
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
Posture and water check! Remember this is a fan translation!
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