The battlefield was engulfed in a raging sandstorm, yet Bronzong remained unaffected. The Psychic aura around it pulsed violently, showcasing its overwhelming power.
"Elite Karen, who do you think has the advantage in this match?"
Up in the VIP stands, Lorelei, sensing the tension in the air, casually asked Karen for her thoughts.
Karen thought for a moment before replying with an oddly serious tone:
"A strong Pokémon, a weak Pokémon—those are just human perceptions. A truly strong trainer should strive for victory with the Pokémon they love."
…Was she quoting something?
Lorelei chuckled at Karen's cryptic response but didn't press further.
"Tyranitar, Dragon Dance!"
The sandstorm intensified, whipping around Tyranitar as it prepared to boost its speed and attack.
But suddenly—BOOM!
A crushing force weighed down on the battlefield. The very ground warped and buckled, and Tyranitar's eyes flared red, its body struggling against an unseen pressure.
Gravity.
A control-class move, Gravity created an intense gravitational field, making it almost impossible for floating or Flying-type Pokémon to lift off. But in Will's hands, it became the perfect counter to Tyranitar's Dragon Dance strategy, locking it to the ground before it could gain momentum.
With Gravity active, Bronzong accelerated, its movement speed drastically increasing. In the blink of an eye, it rushed Tyranitar, a shimmering Protective Barrier forming around it.
BAM!
The impact forced Tyranitar back, its massive frame skidding slightly across the battlefield.
"Thunder Punch!"
Electricity surged around Tyranitar's fist as it swung at Bronzong, landing a direct hit—
But nothing happened.
The Protective Barrier absorbed the impact, dispersing the electricity harmlessly.
Klein's eyes narrowed. A defensive move that negates physical damage?
Reflect.
A Gravity & Reflect combination—a textbook defensive strategy.
"Impressive. Will's Bronzong is perfectly countering the Sandstorm Elite's Tyranitar," Bruno noted from the VIP stand.
But Karen, along with the other Johto Elites, didn't look too pleased.
Because this was only the beginning.
The real fight had just started.
Fine grains of sand swirled across the battlefield, attempting to pierce through Bronzong's defenses.
But under the effects of Gravity, the sand was suppressed, slowly settling to the ground.
Yet, in that moment—
"Earthquake!"
The ground ruptured violently, sending cracks racing across the battlefield. Bronzong, sensing danger, immediately used Gravity to lift itself higher, avoiding the full brunt of the attack.
But that was exactly what Klein wanted.
In that split second—Dragon Dance successfully activated.
A surge of blue energy surrounded Tyranitar, increasing its speed and attack. The once-grounded Pokémon began to hover slightly, its power visibly rising.
Will's expression darkened as Tyranitar charged forward, forming a massive sand claw mid-air.
Will's eyes flashed coldly—
"Bronzong, Flash Cannon!"
The sand claw smashed down with terrifying force. CLANG! Bronzong's Reflect held, barely absorbing the impact.
But in retaliation—BOOM!
A beam of silver energy exploded at point-blank range, striking Tyranitar directly in the face.
The attack cracked parts of Tyranitar's armor. Its Special Defense was dropping.
The crowd erupted in cheers. A perfect counter!
Yet—
Tyranitar just grinned.
A low, guttural laugh rumbled from its throat as it lunged forward.
It had caught Bronzong.
"Fire Punch & Thunder Punch—at the same time!"
Flames and lightning surged from both of Tyranitar's fists, merging into an unstoppable attack.
The raw energy distorted the air, creating an oppressive vacuum around them.
Tyranitar's punches struck like divine punishment—one fist crackling with lightning, the other burning with raging fire.
Bronzong countered with another Flash Cannon, but the fire consumed the attack mid-air, while the lightning surged into Bronzong's body.
The impact shook the entire battlefield.
As the smoke cleared—
Both Pokémon were damaged.
Bronzong's body trembled, sparks of electricity running along its frame. Paralysis.
Tyranitar, having taken a direct Flash Cannon, stumbled back but refused to fall.
This was its chance.
"Dragon Dance—again!"
Sand and wind surged violently. Bronzong was flung backward, unable to stabilize in the growing storm.
Tyranitar floated slightly above the battlefield, massive claws forming in both hands—one burning with flames, the other surging with electricity.
It let out a final roar—
"TITAN CLAW!"
The double-boosted Fire & Thunder-infused sand claws descended upon Bronzong with devastating force.
"Bronzong, Rain Dance!"
A tiny water sphere shot into the sky.
In an instant—dark clouds gathered.
Raindrops poured onto the battlefield, weakening the flames surrounding Tyranitar. At the same time, Bronzong's Gravity activated again, pulling Tyranitar down with crushing force.
But Klein didn't panic.
As Tyranitar fell, its eyes gleamed with bloodthirsty determination.
With one last charge, its electric-cloaked fist smashed into Bronzong, unleashing one final burst of raw power.
At the exact same moment—Bronzong fired a point-blank Flash Cannon.
The collision triggered a massive explosion, sending smoke and debris flying across the battlefield.
When the dust settled—
Both Pokémon had fainted.
Pryce smirked.
"Is there even a need to keep watching? Bronzong held out until the last moment and set up Rain Dance. That kid's Sandstorm strategy is finished."
A Sandstorm team relied on its weather control.
Since Tyranitar was usually the core of the strategy, setting up Rain Dance meant Klein had lost his biggest advantage.
It wasn't just Pryce who thought so. Many of the other Elites nodded in agreement as they watched the gentle rain fall.
But Klein simply retrieved his Poké Ball and looked at Will.
"So that was your plan?"
Will didn't respond. Instead, he telekinetically lifted his second Poké Ball, releasing his next Pokémon.
A Jynx materialized, the rain falling onto its body instantly turning to frost.
Klein smirked.
"Alright then. My next Pokémon is—Hippowdon!"
As Hippowdon emerged, the sandstorm immediately returned, pushing back the rain.
The crowd gasped.
"Another Sand Stream Pokémon?!"
"That's insane—he brought two weather controllers?!"
Will's expression finally shifted.
Klein grinned playfully.
"Sorry, I always bring two weather setters for full battles."
(End of Chapter)