Sandslash reacted with incredible speed.
As Poliwrath charged in, the approaching sand whirlwind burst forward, swirling violently.
Poliwrath, seeing it coming, focused Fighting-type energy into its fist and threw a powerful punch.
Boom!
The whirlwind was shattered in a single blow, and the sand scattered across the battlefield like a golden cloud.
Swish, swish, swish!
Just as the dust began to settle, several sharp sounds cut through the air.
And when the curtain of sand finally cleared... Poliwrath was completely entangled in thick roots that had burst out from who knew where!
"What...? How can this be?" exclaimed Brandon Hayes, his face changing drastically. "Could that be...?"
Looking closely, he saw the silhouette of a Cacturne standing on the field.
"Cacturne, use Absorb!" ordered Ethan without hesitation.
Before Brandon could react, a green glow radiated from Cacturne's body, traveling through the roots and enveloping Poliwrath completely.
"Poliwrath, break free, quick!" shouted Brandon.
Poliwrath struggled violently, releasing Fighting-type energy and trying to tear apart the roots that held it captive.
But the more it struggled, the stronger the roots became—absorbing its life energy, they grew thicker and tougher.
"Cacturne, use Synthesis!" Ethan commanded quickly upon noticing that Poliwrath was starting to break loose.
Cacturne didn't hesitate for even a second. Its entire body glowed green, absorbing solar energy and channeling it into the roots, which began to grow at a breathtaking pace.
In no time, Poliwrath was completely immobilized. Its strength faded away, and weakened, it collapsed to the ground, unable to continue the fight.
"Poliwrath is unable to battle! Cacturne is the winner!" announced the referee.
The entire audience was stunned.
"What just happened?"
"Wasn't it a Sandslash? How did it suddenly become a Cacturne?"
"How did he do that?"
The spectators were baffled. They couldn't understand how the Pokémon had changed so suddenly.
In reality, Ethan had taken advantage of the sandstorm's cover to secretly switch Sandslash for Cacturne, who then used Ingrain to create the roots and launch a surprise attack.
A simple tactic, yes—but clever and completely unexpected in the heat of battle.
"I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Ethan... you got me again," said Brandon with a mix of frustration and admiration as he recalled Poliwrath back to its Poké Ball.
If he hadn't been caught off guard, with Poliwrath's speed, strength, and reflexes, defeating it so easily would have been nearly impossible.
"Ethan, you're amazing—but don't think I'm the same as before," Brandon continued, taking a deep breath as he grabbed another Poké Ball. "This past year, I've trained nonstop. Now I'll show you the results of my effort!"
"Go, Typhlosion!"
When Brandon threw the Poké Ball, the powerful Typhlosion appeared, roaring, its fiery mane blazing with intensity.
Ethan frowned. Although he had won the last time they faced off in a team battle, he knew perfectly well that Typhlosion was a formidable opponent.
"Return, Cacturne. It's your turn again, Sandslash," Ethan said, recalling his Grass-type Pokémon.
It was a logical choice: Cacturne was completely vulnerable against a Fire-type like Typhlosion. Sandslash, on the other hand, with its Ground typing, held a clear advantage.
"So you're relying on Sandslash again, huh?" Brandon smirked. "Don't think my Typhlosion's afraid of a Ground type! Use Flamethrower!"
Since Ethan had just switched Pokémon, the first move went to Brandon.
"Sand Whirl!"
Typhlosion unleashed a stream of scorching flames toward Sandslash, but Sandslash spun rapidly, combining Sand Attack and Rapid Spin to form a barrier of wind and dust that deflected the fire.
"Return, Typhlosion," Brandon suddenly ordered.
The flames subsided, and he threw another Poké Ball. "Golem, use Earthquake!"
The crowd gasped at the sudden change in tactics.
As soon as it appeared, Golem slammed the ground with tremendous force, coating its legs with Ground-type energy.
BOOM!
The impact shook the entire battlefield. The ground trembled violently, cracking as a wave of seismic energy rippled across the arena.
"Sandslash, get out of there!" shouted Ethan.
The audience exchanged puzzled looks, not understanding why he had yelled that.
Then, as the sandstorm cleared... Sandslash was gone! Only Golem remained standing, solid as a rock.
"Dig and Earthquake...?" murmured Lucas Silver from the stands. "Oh no... Ethan fell right into his trap!"
Indeed, Ethan had commanded Sandslash to use Dig to surprise Typhlosion from underground. But Brandon had anticipated this—hence the switch to Golem and the immediate Earthquake command.
The move Earthquake hit all nearby Pokémon, and if the target was underground... its power was doubled!
The impact struck Sandslash directly, dealing devastating damage.
So, if in the previous round Brandon had been tricked by Ethan, now he was the one returning the favor.
Moments later, the ground quaked again, and Sandslash emerged, panting heavily and severely wounded.
"Golem, now use Stone Edge!" shouted Brandon, pressing the advantage.
Golem raised both arms and unleashed a storm of sharp stones that slammed into Sandslash, sending it flying through the air and crashing hard onto the ground.
(End of Chapter)