The stadium echoed with applause as both Trainers recalled their first Pokémon. Elior gently held Infernarx's Poké Ball. He smiled.
"You gave everything you had."
"Now... rest."
Across the battlefield, Serena looked at Milotic's Poké Ball.
"You were amazing."
She clipped it back onto her belt.
The scoreboard changed.
Luminara League Grand Final
Elior
5 pokemon remaining
Serena
5 pokemon remaining
Serena smiled.
"Serperior!"
A burst of emerald light flashed across the field. Serperior appeared gracefully, lifting its head with royal elegance. The Grass-type calmly stared at Elior.
Elior nodded.
"Lucario!"
Blue Aura burst from the Poké Ball. Lucario landed lightly, immediately entering a fighting stance. Its eyes locked onto Serperior.
The referee lowered both flags.
"Begin!"
Serena attacked first.
"Leaf Storm!"
A violent tornado of razor-sharp leaves raced toward Lucario.
"Detect!"
Lucario calmly sidestepped every leaf with incredible precision. The crowd applauded.
"Now! Aura Sphere!"
Lucario formed a glowing sphere between its paws. The attack shot forward.
"Coil!"
Instead of dodging, Serperior gracefully twisted its body. Its Defense increased.
Aura Sphere struck directly.
BOOM!
Smoke covered the battlefield.
When it cleared...Serperior was still standing. Kai watched from the audience.
"She deliberately increased Serperior's durability."
Mira nodded.
"She's preparing for a long fight."
"Dragon Tail!"
Serperior lunged forward.
"Meteor Mash!"
Lucario met the attack head-on.
CLANG!!
The collision echoed throughout the stadium. Neither Pokémon moved.
The crowd cheered loudly.
For the next several minutes...The battle became one of pure strategy. Serperior repeatedly used Coil to improve its Attack, Defense, and Accuracy.
Lucario relied on Detect and Aura Sphere to control the pace. Neither Trainer rushed. Every command had a purpose.
Serena suddenly smiled.
"Now..."
"Leech Seed!"
Tiny glowing seeds flew toward Lucario.
"Jump!"
Lucario leaped high into the air. Most of the seeds missed...But one seed attached itself to Lucario's shoulder.
The audience gasped. Green vines slowly wrapped around Lucario. Its energy began draining.
Elior frowned.
"We can't let that continue."
"Bullet Punch!"
Lucario dashed forward with incredible speed. Its steel-coated fist struck Serperior before it could react.
The Serperior slid backward several meters.
Serena Smiles.
"Exactly as planned."
The audience looked confused.
Suddenly...The vines absorbed more energy from Lucario...And transferred it directly to Serperior.
The royal Pokémon's breathing became steadier.
Kai crossed his arms.
"She's using Lucario's strength against it."
Lucario looked toward Elior. Elior smiled confidently.
"I trust you."
Lucario nodded. Its Aura expanded across the battlefield. It ignored the pain from Leech Seed. It focused only on its opponent.
"Leaf Blade!"
Green energy surrounded Serperior's tail.
"Meteor Mash!"
Lucario's fist shone like polished steel.
Both Pokémon charged.
The attacks collided.
BOOOOOOM!!
The impact created a powerful shockwave. Dust rose into the sky.
The crowd rose from their seats.
When the smoke cleared...Both Pokémon were still standing.
Breathing heavily. Neither had fallen.
The referee watched carefully.
One more exchange...
Would decide the winner.
To Be Continued...