Bab 530: Sandstorm
However, after Christine released her Cacturne, Yuga suddenly understood her intentions.
According to Christine's plan, once Ludicolo and Vivillon perished, Yuga would be left with only Roserade and his final Pokémon.
With the Cacturne in play, Roserade posed no significant threat. If Yuga's final Pokémon couldn't withstand the Cacturne's power, then Yuga would undoubtedly lose.
Christine was taking a gamble, betting that Yuga's third Pokémon couldn't match up against the pseudo-Elite Cacturne.
However, it was clear she had made the wrong bet. Yuga also possessed pseudo-Elite Pokémon, even though Gengar and Mismagius were currently dormant. Yuga also had a Chandelure by his aide.
Back when Christine had revealed her pseudo-Elite Cacturne in a previous match, Yuga had already taken his Chandelure to the Pokémon Center, registering it under his name.
Because he knew Christine wouldn't leave her pseudo-Elite Cacturne unused in the finals.
As Chandelure emerged, it twirled happily, flames atop its head burning brightly, appearing quite content.
Having grown within Yuga's Shadow Space, Chandelure was thrilled to be able to help Yuga.
The current Chandelure looked drastically different from its initial form. Even spectators like Marlon and the others, watching from the stands, couldn't recognize it as the same Pokémon they had encountered in the ruins. They simply believed it to be Yuga's hidden ace.
Seeing Yuga's Chandelure, Elite Four Phoebe displayed a knowing expression. It was no wonder she had always sensed a faint Ghost-type aura from Yuga.
However, she hadn't expected Yuga to have such a hidden ace. She and the other judges also recognized that the Chandelure Yuga had just sent out was another pseudo-Elite Pokémon.
Still, they couldn't help but wonder; Yuga was perhaps the most unconventional Grass-type Trainer. Despite being the disciple of a Grass-type Master, none of his powerful Pokémon were Grass-type.
On the battlefield, Christine gazed at Chandelure, which exuded an aura similar to the Cacturne. She inwardly lamented her miscalculation, her expression showing frustration.
Yuga having a pseudo-Elite Pokémon was one thing, but it also had the type advantage over Cacturne.
In terms of type matchups, Yuga didn't give it much thought. Chandelure's Fire-type countered Cacturne's Grass type, but Cacturne's Dark type also countered Chandelure's Ghost type.
Two pseudo-Elite Pokémon stood on the battlefield, their auras building up, creating immense pressure.
Finally, Chandelure made its move. The four flames on its lamp frame shot out in unison, forming columns of fire aimed directly at Cacturne.
This was Chandelure's innate ability, the power to control multiple Flamethrower simultaneously. In the ruins, it had managed to manipulate up to five fire columns at once.
Watching the approaching columns of fire, Cacturne sprinted across the field. The fire columns closely trailed it, but they failed to strike Cacturne.
Although Chandelure had a higher level than Cacturne, it was a green potential Pokémon, and its prior existence as a wild Pokémon meant it lagged behind in terms of training depth and skill coordination compared to the Cacturne, which had undergone specialized training.
But Yuga possessed unique abilities. His King of Ghost Ability not only suppressed Ghost-type Pokémon but also amplified their powers. This was the confidence that allowed Yuga to bring a recently captured Pokémon to the finals.
When Yuga invoked his King of Ghost Ability, a subtle bond seemed to connect him and Chandelure. Chandelure once again felt the aura from Yuga that made it want to serve.
With Yuga's support, Chandelure felt as if it had an endless reserve of power, making it believe it could even challenge a Champion level Pokémon.
Of course, this newfound strength was merely an illusion brought about by the sudden power surge. In reality, Chandelure couldn't contend with even a Elite Pokémon, let alone a Champion level one.
Gradually, the Cacturne, which had been dodging attacks, noticed a change in Chandelure's offensive. Chandelure's attacks were becoming increasingly fierce, leaving the Cacturne perplexed about this sudden transformation.
Had it just consumed some kind of fiery boost?
Not only did the Cacturne observe this change, but Christine also noticed Chandelure's change. However, she remained unaware of the cause.
"Cacturne, Sandstorm."
The Cacturne had been evading attacks, and Christine realized that continuing this way wouldn't work. She needed to shift from defense to offense.
Upon hearing its Trainer's command, the Cacturne abruptly stopped evading and began whipping up a sandstorm centered around itself. Soon, the sandstorm spread across the entire battlefield.
Thanks to the Sand Veil ability, the Cacturne quickly disappeared into the swirling sandstorm, vanishing from Chandelure's sight, causing the latter feel a little anxious.
"Chandelure, calm down, and be vigilant of your surroundings," Yuga reminded Chandelure.
In this situation, the Cacturne was likely planning a sneak attack, and Chandelure needed to remain aware of any movement around it.
Sand grains pelted Chandelure one by one, steadily sapping its strength. Just then, a Dark Pulse broke through the layers of yellow sand and struck Chandelure, catching it off guard and causing it to wobble.
Subsequently, more Dark Pulses sporadically pierced the yellow sand, targeting Chandelure.
Each time, Chandelure retaliated by launching a Flamethrower, but there was no response from behind the layers of sand. It was clear that all these attacks had missed their mark.
"Chandelure, use Psychic power to scatter Will-O-Wisp throughout the battlefield."
Upon hearing Yuga's command, Chandelure's candle flames radiated eerie blue Will-O-Wisp. Controlled by its Psychic power, these flames drifted towards the surroundings.
The Psychic power shielded the Will-O-Wisp from being extinguished by the sandstorm. These flames filled the entire battlefield, resembling small, glowing lanterns within the sandstorm, creating a mesmerizing sight.
Before long, Yuga and Chandelure heard agonized cries coming from within the sandstorm. Yuga hurriedly shouted to Chandelure, "Chandelure, quickly, use Hex."
In response, Chandelure released a pitch-black beam toward the source of the cries, followed by another round of agonized screams.
As these cries subsided, the sandstorm on the battlefield dissipated, revealing the injured Cacturne lying not far away.
The sandstorm's duration had ended.
Due to the Will-O-Wisp, the Cacturne had been inflicted with a Burn status, causing Yuga's Hex move to deal twice the damage. As a result, the Cacturne was heavily damaged.
The Cacturne now displayed a pained expression, its Burn status continually draining its strength.
With injuries covering its body and the Burn status in effect, the Cacturne looked worse for wear. Christine tightly furrowed her brows.
It was truly a series of misjudgments; if she hadn't underestimated Yuga's abilities, she wouldn't be in such a precarious situation now.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone