Crick-crick!
Feraligatr's body tensed slightly as it gripped the spear that Meltan had transformed into. With an explosive surge of raw power, Feraligatr managed to hold it firmly between its hands.
Then, the move Ice Punch erupted, unleashing a burst of freezing air that completely engulfed Meltan's body, instantly coating it in a thick layer of frost.
"Thunder Wave!"
Seeing that Feraligatr had successfully caught Meltan and was freezing it solid, Ethan reacted immediately.
"Superpower!"
Both trainers' voices rang out almost at the same time. Feraligatr lifted Meltan high above its head, while the current from Thunder Wave shot through the ice, paralyzing Feraligatr's body for a moment.
However, a second later, Feraligatr let out a mighty roar and, despite its stiffened body, hurled Meltan toward the ground with all its strength.
BOOM!
A thunderous crash shook the stadium; the floor caved in, forming a massive crater, and cracks spread outward like spiderwebs. A powerful gust of air burst forth from the shockwave, blowing up dust and whipping through everyone's hair.
"Meltan!"
Ethan was stunned by the sheer force Feraligatr had just displayed. He knew it was a powerful Pokémon, but he hadn't expected it to shatter the ground with a single blow.
"Meltan is unable to battle! Feraligatr is the winner!"
Upon hearing the referee's announcement, Ethan exhaled softly. It seemed Meltan's close-combat abilities still needed refinement, though it had fulfilled its role: paralyzing Feraligatr and wearing it down physically.
"Now it's your turn. Go, Sandslash!"
For his final turn, Ethan placed his trust in his most loyal partner.
"His last choice is Sandslash, huh?"
"Feraligatr, greet it with a Hydro Pump!"
The moment Sandslash appeared, Derek Ashford issued his command.
"Feraliigggh!"
Feraligatr let out a deep growl before firing a powerful stream of water from its mouth.
"Sandslash, dodge it!"
Sandslash's speed had always been one of the cornerstones of its training. With a quick burst of movement, it vanished from its spot, narrowly avoiding the Water-type move.
"Sand Attack!"
While running, Sandslash flung a handful of sand toward Feraligatr.
Feraligatr responded instantly with Bubble Beam, neutralizing the cloud of sand.
The two Pokémon moved relentlessly across the battlefield, exchanging attacks in a frenzied back-and-forth.
Suddenly, a surge of electricity ran through Feraligatr's body—the paralysis had taken effect again.
"Now's the moment! Sand Spin Whirl!"
Sandslash spun rapidly on its axis; a swirling current of air rose up, and the power of the desert surged from within. Dust and sand gathered into a spiraling storm that began to envelop the field.
"Feraligatr, quick, use Hydro Pump!"
Derek shouted in alarm. As a trainer who relied on weather strategies, he knew better than anyone how dangerous a full Sandstorm could be if it were allowed to form.
If Sandslash managed to establish the weather, Feraligatr would be at a disadvantage.
In addition to the constant damage from the sand, Ethan would surely capitalize on Sandslash's boosted abilities—based on what Derek had seen, its ability seemed tied to increased speed under Sandstorm conditions.
"Feraliigggh!"
Sensing his trainer's urgency, Feraligatr forced its paralyzed body to move and unleashed Hydro Pump with all its might.
"Change tactics, use Sand Whirl!"
Ethan frowned when he saw his opponent recover so quickly.
Sandslash stopped spinning and concentrated the swirling sand into a single point, transforming it into a massive sand vortex that surged toward Feraligatr.
BOOM!
The Hydro Pump and the sand vortex clashed fiercely, canceling each other out in a burst of energy.
Ethan pressed his lips together.
The move Sand Spin Whirl had been quite effective back when he battled mid-level opponents—Pokémon at that level took longer to gather energy for their attacks. But at his current rank, opponents were much faster and more skilled, drastically reducing the move's success rate.
"It seems I'll have to find a way for Sandslash to truly master Sandstorm..."
"And maybe... get a Pokémon with the Sand Stream ability to act as the weather setter, letting Sandslash serve as a fast support attacker. That could work."
He pondered silently. Since Sandslash had mastered dual control and combination techniques, they hadn't practiced sand-based strategies much. Perhaps it was time to redefine Sandslash's role within the team.
"Feraligatr, use Agility and charge straight in!"
Derek had also caught on to Ethan's intentions. He knew that once Feraligatr became paralyzed again, Sandslash would try to summon a Sandstorm. So he decided to get ahead and take the offensive, relying on his Pokémon's sheer brute strength.
"Sandslash, use Spin Drive!"
As Feraligatr lunged forward at full speed, Ethan commanded his partner to accelerate.
Sandslash combined Rapid Spin with Rollout, and its speed skyrocketed, leaving trails in the dirt as its form blurred. Its acceleration was so fierce that it even surpassed Feraligatr's.
"Feraliigggh!"
Feraligatr roared in frustration, unable to catch up; the helplessness showed in its eyes.
"Now! Ram it!"
At that moment, the paralysis kicked in again.
Ethan seized the opportunity and ordered Sandslash to strike with all its built-up momentum.
BOOM!
The impact was tremendous—Feraligatr was sent flying through the air.
But its endurance was incredible. As soon as it hit the ground, it pushed off with both legs and countered with Superpower.
Chiii... chiii...
The screeching of claws scraping against the floor echoed throughout the stadium. Feraligatr left deep marks in the sand but managed to block Sandslash's assault and, with a powerful motion, hurled it into the air.
Huff... huff...
After throwing its opponent, Feraligatr panted heavily, exhausted.
"What incredible strength..."
Ethan murmured, his eyes glinting. Then, he commanded Sandslash to hurl more sand to hinder Feraligatr's movements.
Finally, when paralysis took hold once more, Sandslash managed to unleash a true Sandstorm. Taking advantage of the speed boost granted by its ability, it began attacking swiftly, striking Feraligatr from different angles like a hidden predator within the storm.
(End of Chapter)