Chapter 6: Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice [6]
"Well then, what about this move, boy?"
Giovanni waved his hand lightly, without naming the technique.
But Nidoking had already raised its long tail, slamming it fiercely into the ground a moment later.
Years of training had fostered a deep understanding between the two. Nidoking instantly interpreted its trainer's intentions from the subtlest gestures.
In an instant, the surrounding sand surged like waves, forming two massive hands that pressed toward the Umbreon in the center.
Earth Power!
Ground-type moves often have a wide attack range.
But they also have a glaring weakness...
"Umbreon!"
Stephen flicked his index finger upward.
Umbreon leaped into the air, jumping high.
Once airborne, most Ground-type moves could be avoided.
This concept was even confirmed by Ash in the anime.
"True, staying high in the air can deal with 99% of Ground-type moves. However, boy, non-Flying-type Pokémon lack mobility in midair!"
As someone nicknamed "The Man of the Earth," Giovanni certainly understood the weakness of Ground-type moves.
Almost the moment Umbreon jumped, Nidoking opened its mouth wide.
A light orange, high-density energy orb condensed at its mouth, resembling a Tailed Beast Bomb.
Focus Blast!
In the games, this move boasts a power of 120!
But its accuracy is a pitiful 70.
Similarly, the Electric-type ultimate move Zap Cannon also suffers from this.
Many high-power moves often have low accuracy because their destructive force is too overwhelming to control.
But... a Pokémon without flight capabilities in midair?
It's practically a sitting duck!
At this moment, unless you were a MAC squad member, there was no way you'd miss.
"Fire," Giovanni said with a faint smile.
Whoooosh—!
The power of the Focus Blast was undeniable.
Even the friction with the air caused a ringing pain in the ears.
Though it wasn't a Ground-type move, if this hit Umbreon, there was no way she could stay on her feet!
"Substitute!"
At Stephen's command, a surge of energy separated from Umbreon's body, rapidly forming a duplicate shield in front of her.
Boom!
Focus Blast collided with the Substitute.
The explosion sent waves rippling through the air, blowing Umbreon away like a kite with a broken string.
"Thunder Punch, now!"
Giovanni gave the next order without hesitation.
Nidoking locked onto the falling Umbreon, calculating her landing spot.
It rushed forward two steps, electricity crackling around its right fist, waiting beneath her.
It resembled a badminton player preparing to smash the shuttlecock.
Just as the falling Umbreon was less than half a meter from Nidoking's fist, Stephen suddenly gave a command,
"Use Dark Pulse with full force!"
Umbreon opened her mouth wide, releasing a swirling, dark energy wave.
But the move wasn't aimed at Nidoking. Instead—
"Eeek—!"
The Dark Pulse acted like a rocket booster, propelling Umbreon in the opposite direction.
She narrowly avoided Nidoking's Thunder Punch by a hair's breadth.
"Wait, that's possible?"
Giovanni's eyes lit up, filled with surprise, but even more with delight.
"Unexpected counterattack."
Using the recoil from the Dark Pulse, Umbreon landed on Nidoking's shoulder. She channeled power into her right hind leg.
Like a rabbit kicking an eagle, she aimed for Nidoking's temple, the vital spot on the side of its head.
But…
Nidoking turned its head just in time.
Umbreon's kick landed squarely on its solid forehead instead.
Taking the kick head-on, Nidoking grinned menacingly.
It raised its hand and grabbed Umbreon, slamming her into the sand with force.
"Nidoking's getting serious now," Giovanni remarked with a slight raised brow.
He glanced at Stephen and said,
"Your commands are as precise as if calculated by a machine."
"But it's a pity—your partner seems unable to keep up."
"Alright, I've seen enough of your strength. This battle can…"
Giovanni made a gesture, signaling Nidoking to stop.
After all, the purpose of this friendly match wasn't to test Umbreon but to gauge Stephen's potential.
With his goal achieved, there was no reason to continue.
Nidoking, noticing the signal, began to withdraw.
However, just as it raised its arm, it sensed something amiss.
Looking down, it saw the little fox firmly gripping its left hand with its front paws. Her sharp fangs sank into its wrist, her crimson eyes glaring at it with crazed determination.
This… this little brat?!
At that moment, Nidoking completely dropped its earlier condescension.
It now regarded Umbreon as an equal opponent worthy of respect.
"Beautiful," Stephen said with genuine admiration.
"Those eyes… They're the kind that won't give up without a fight."
Giovanni, too, was reminded of his past from Umbreon's eyes.
When his Weedle evolved into its final form, Beedrill, it had the same gaze.
Translated into human words, it meant—
"I will fight for him!"
"Then defeating you with full force is the greatest compliment I can offer."
Forgetting the troubles that had recently surrounded him, Giovanni wanted only to enjoy this brief, pure moment.
"Take her down with Poison Jab!"
Dark purple poison gathered on Nidoking's massive right arm, forming a blade-like weapon aimed at Umbreon.
"Dark Pulse!"
Umbreon raised her head and unleashed another swirling, dark energy wave.
The two attacks collided.
Finally, Umbreon felt her vision blur.
Before her sight faded completely into darkness, she felt a familiar figure, a pair of warm hands, embrace her.
...
Umbreon didn't know how long she had been unconscious.
She struggled to open her eyes, taking several seconds to adjust to the world around her.
Where was this?
A strange ceiling, an unfamiliar bed, and a room she didn't recognize…
Looking at the bandages tightly wrapped around her body, she remembered the final clash with Nidoking.
Did I… lose?
How much time had passed since then?
Ignoring the pain from her wounds, Umbreon glanced out the window.
Her trainer… and that man were standing on the starlit beach outside.
Despite her injuries, Umbreon leaped out of the window, wanting to tell her trainer she was awake.
But then she heard the man's voice:
"I looked into it. That Eevee of yours has been with that old woman for over seven years now."
Hearing Giovanni touch upon the topic closest to her heart, the joy on Umbreon's face instantly turned into shock, her steps frozen mid-motion.
"So what?"
Stephen's tone was indifferent.
Giovanni's next words pierced Umbreon's heart like a blade.
"A Pokémon's prime years are between 0 and 3. After 5, they're done."
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