บท 67: Chapter 67: Caitlin vs. Lance - Part 2
At the Indigo Plateau, the match between Caitlin and Lance officially commenced. The first round featured a battle between Aerodactyl and Metagross.
"The decisive move for Aerodactyl should be a physical Fire-type attack. However, approaching recklessly carries the risk of being hit by Steel-type moves. What will Lance choose?" Gary stroked his chin, focusing intently on the television.
At the same time, both trainers called out their commands almost simultaneously!
"Aerodactyl, use Crunch!"
"Metagross, use Iron Defense!"
Caitlin's expression was serious; Metagross's hardness was sufficient to withstand the initial attack, and the boost to its defense provided a solid advantage. Aerodactyl dove down suddenly, opening its mouth wide to bite down fiercely on Metagross's arm.
Crack! The sound of metal clashing echoed as Metagross remained completely unmoved! With blue light flashing in her eyes, Caitlin commanded as Metagross swung its other arm.
Boom! The Comet Punch struck right on Aerodactyl's head! Hit by a Steel-type move it wasn't adept at handling, Aerodactyl let out a pained roar. Having been ambushed, Lance quickly created distance. "Aerodactyl, take to the skies!"
"Trying to run? Chase it down with Bullet Punch!" Caitlin had no intention of letting him escape. With both metallic arms extending backward, Metagross propelled itself forward with a burst of air, accelerating towards Aerodactyl!
"Use Flamethrower directly!" In an instant, Lance switched from retreating to attacking as they closed the gap!
"Tsk tsk, that's quite sneaky of you, Lance~" Gary leaned back in his seat, unable to suppress a smirk. Aerodactyl, being a fast-flying Pokémon, was surprisingly caught up by Metagross, which was clearly a tactic to lure the enemy in.
Snap! The fiery fangs burned deeply into Metagross's body, causing it to plummet from the air. "Metagross, use Psychic!" Caitlin, with unwavering focus on Aerodactyl, refused to concede defeat. Thanks to her earlier boost, Metagross wasn't taken down by Flamethrower in one hit. With blue psychic energy erupting from its body, Aerodactyl was lifted into the air by an invisible force.
"Use Metal Claw!" With control over the opponent established, Caitlin immediately launched her counterattack. "Fire Blast!" In response, Lance retaliated.
Boom!! As Metagross's Metal Claw made contact, the blazing flames also struck it head-on! Both Pokémon fell simultaneously!
In the VIP box, Agatha raised an eyebrow. "That was not a bad trade~"
"Indeed; for Mr. Lance's third offensive Pokémon to take out his opponent's Metagross, that's already enough," Lorelei nodded in agreement.
"That feels like a bit of a loss~" At the Pokémon Center, Gary scratched his head while watching intently. Caitlin's eagerness to win allowed Lance to seize an opportunity. One tactical core being taken out for another is quite painful.
The characteristic of Psychic-types is to fight while retreating; however, Caitlin didn't manage to showcase this trait in this round. Recalling her Metagross, she frowned slightly and sent out her second Pokémon. "Come forth, Alakazam!"
Similarly switching his Pokémon in response, Lance declared: "Now let's see what you've got—Charizard!" Gary couldn't help but mock from his seat. "The Dragon-type King has two Flying-types; just look at that—it's embarrassing…" To be fair, as Arceus's hidden favorite child, Charizard was undoubtedly part of a favored lineage. It had never missed out on any enhancements... However, this was during Kanto's era; Mega Evolution hadn't even appeared yet.
As Caitlin's trusted aide—Alakazam had an unparalleled level of synergy with her. With continuous Teleportation moves, Charizard couldn't even touch Alakazam's shadow before being hit by a powerful Flash Cannon! With both non-Dragon-type Pokémon downed—Lance unleashed his strongest Pokémon: Gyarados.
Gyarados possessed the ability Intimidate while boasting excellent resistance as a pure Dragon-type Pokémon. Without Fairy-type threats around—unless facing pure Ice or Dragon-types—other Pokémon would struggle against him! "Dragon Dance!" With a wave of his hand—Lance boldly initiated Dragon Dance right in front of Alakazam! Hey~ I'm looking down on you; if you have what it takes—hit me!
Caitlin smiled slightly and replied: "You like boosting your speed? Let me help you with that." "Alakazam! Use Calm Mind!" The scene grew increasingly strange as both trainers focused on strengthening their own Pokémon without interfering with each other.
After completing two consecutive Dragon Dances—Lance smiled; even if he couldn't push through his team—he had at least secured himself against defeat! Gyarados flew around in the air; during its movements—one could even see afterimages left behind due to its increased speed.
Watching Lance appear relaxed—Caitlin gently covered her mouth. "That speed is impressive~ I agree. Now then—Alakazam! Trick Room!" Swish! A blue energy wave expanded as a square-shaped energy space enveloped the arena.
"Uh…" Lance twitched at the corner of his mouth. Whoops! Gyarados seemed trapped in slow motion as it struggled through the air like it was stuck in mud. "I won't hold back~ Alakazam! Use Psychic followed by Ice Punch!" Caitlin chuckled lightly while covering her mouth.
Alakazam vanished and instantly reappeared mid-air before unleashing its psychic power; Gyarados couldn't react in time and was slammed down toward the ground by sheer force! Boom! It fell like a cannonball onto the ground with a pained groan escaping from Gyarados's lips.
Alakazam followed up with two rapid punches using Ice Punch; despite lacking strong physical support—it still landed solid hits! Lance opened his mouth helplessly as he recalled Gyarados. Watching Alakazam maintain control over Trick Room—it gave him an ominous feeling about what lay ahead.
In the VIP box—Bruno secretly glanced at Lorelei with an odd expression. "Neither Dragonite nor Gyarados are slow; now we'll see how you handle this situation," Gary lounged back confidently with his legs crossed. This kind of overt strategy wouldn't be easy to counter!
"Dragonite! I'm counting on you!" With serious eyes—Lance sent out his second powerhouse from his lineup. "Roar~" With determination and agility—the robust Dragonite made its entrance! "No more Dragon Dance; things are going to get tougher! What will Mr. Lance do next?" Lorelei mused thoughtfully.
As one of Kanto's trainers who had defeated Lance multiple times—he understood just how powerful he truly was. "Alakazam! Ice Punch!" Caitlin seized the initiative!
"Oh no!" Gary suddenly exclaimed. Sure enough—the next second saw Dragonite spring into action! "Use Counter!" Lance confidently commanded with an outstretched right hand.
Dragonite's thick tail whipped around swiftly and ensnared Alakazam before slamming it hard onto the ground! "Outrage!" Boom! With blood-red eyes—Dragonite unleashed its powerful claws mercilessly upon Alakazam!
Alakazam trembled all over before collapsing helplessly onto the ground! "Incredible burst power!" Gary shook his head. No wonder this was Lance's ace Pokémon!
Dragonite's movements weren't particularly fast; there was even a sense of buildup delay involved in them. However—firstly Dragonite didn't suffer from negative effects brought about by Dragon Dance. Secondly—its rich battle experience gave it confidence in launching counterattacks effectively when needed.
As Alakazam's sole effective means of attack—Lance had anticipated Caitlin's strategy and prepared for close combat; thus he managed to take Alakazam down swiftly and decisively!
Fortunately for Caitlin—she still had other Pokémon available that could maintain Trick Room's advantage; however—the initiative in this match had begun shifting towards Lance now...
"Go! Gallade!"
Caitlin's third Pokémon was Gallade—a powerhouse known for its physical attacks.
Lance recalled Dragonite and released another Poké Ball after clearing away any negative status effects once more. After several rounds of fierce battling—with Gallade's unpredictable movements—Caitlin managed to take down Lance's first Dragonite without much trouble at all.
As Lance sent out his second Gyarados again—the Trick Room shattered perfectly at that moment. "Dragon Dance!" Lance initiated once more with intent.
"Light Screen! Reflect half damage back!" Caitlin quickly set up two protective barriers in response.
"Gyarados! Use Dragon Dive!" Lance launched another offensive strike toward Caitlin!
"Gallade! Trick Room!" Caitlin remained resolute in her approach.
"Gallade!" Gallade crossed its arms as brilliant blue light erupted forth from it once again... Simultaneously—a surge of overwhelming killing intent surged forth as Gyarados transformed into its blue dragon form and charged forward ferociously!
Boom!! Gallade knelt on one knee as it lost its fighting capability while simultaneously engulfed by brilliant blue light that enveloped the entire arena...
"What comes next is crucial!" Gary murmured nervously to himself.
"Hypnosis!" Caitlin commanded her low-speed Pokémon once again taking charge of the situation.
The wave of Hypnosis unleashed by Alakazam intensified significantly—it caught Gyarados off guard entirely!
"Dream Eater!" A simple combo produced unexpected results as Dream Eater dealt tremendous damage worth 100 points!
Gyarados closed its eyes and never opened them again...
"Huff~ The outcome seems decided now~" Gary sighed in relief. To be honest—the risk associated with Hypnosis is genuinely high due to its reliance on luck!
Trainers who have faced misfortune often recount tales where multiple Hypnosis attempts failed consecutively... One could only say that fate favors beautiful girls after all...
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