Each floating Cotton Spore acted like a sponge, frantically absorbing the moisture and heat from the air.
Under Roserade's deliberate manipulation, Houndoom didn't even get a chance for a second sneak attack, the battlefield had been completely "cleansed."
Fine then. Sato felt even less pressure now. With Water Sport gone, things were once again favorable for Houndoom.
"Fire Blast."
"Awooo!"
Houndoom let out a roar and flung its head, launching a black-and-red Fire Blast. Inside it, magma could be seen churning.
That fire was anything but ordinary!
Up in the stands, many spectators immediately noticed. Everywhere the Fire Blast passed, it left charred black scars.
Roserade wasn't exactly slow, but seeing such a terrifying attack still made it nervous.
"Don't panic. Sweet Scent!"
"Rose!"
Elite Four Sen's voice calmed the unease in Roserade's heart.
After dodging the Fire Blast, it swiftly waved its rose-covered hands. The temperature on the field was high, so the scent molecules spread quickly. In an instant, they had entered Houndoom's nose.
Houndoom, a hound-type Pokémon, its most sensitive part was, of course, its nose.
So Sweet Scent was far more effective on it than on most Pokémon.
It was as if… it had just sniffed canine catnip!
Using synchronized resonance, Sato instantly felt Houndoom becoming entranced, most of its focus drawn away by the strange fragrance.
Sato inwardly thought, 'Not good.' He had prepared thoroughly for Houndoom being targeted, but Roserade's tricks were endless.
The next second, a wave of Sludge Bombs came crashing down. Houndoom dazedly looked up and instinctively closed its eyes…
Splat~
"AWOOOWOOOOOO!"
A blood-curdling cry rang out, sharp enough to make anyone wince for Houndoom.
Sato's brows furrowed tightly. He immediately commanded, "Payback!"
Houndoom snapped its eyes open with fury, ignoring the poison dripping from its face and charging straight at Roserade with all its might.
That ruthless, savage aura stunned even the spectators.
"Grass Knot!"
"Rose!"
Roserade was also startled by Houndoom's feral glare. When Sen's command came, it reacted on instinct.
But the next moment, Roserade was stunned.
Houndoom didn't even bother dodging, it barreled forward. Just before Grass Knot wrapped around its front legs, the vines were already turning to charcoal.
But Roserade knew full well!
Her Grass Knot wasn't ordinary.
The vines were selected from over a thousand plant types; the toughest ones, with resistance to fire, poison, and ice.
And now, they were reduced to ashes without even visible flame.
'Just how high was this big black dog's body temperature?!'
"Awooooooo!"
With a long howl, Houndoom, shrouded in black-and-red energy, rammed into Roserade with violent force.
"SYNTHESIS!" Sen's command was a bit rushed. It was clear now that Houndoom's rage-fueled strike was stronger than expected.
But he forgot… how could you casually use recovery moves in front of a Dark-type Pokémon?
"Houndoom… Snatch."
At that moment, Sato's expressionless voice echoed like a demon's whisper~ and Houndoom was his most obedient hound.
The warm light had just begun to glow in front of Roserade when, in a flash, it surged over to Houndoom instead.
The damage from Sludge Bomb healed rapidly. Houndoom's eyes were full of mockery as it opened its mouth for another devastating Fire Blast!
...…BOOOOOOOM!!!
Fire Blast struck Roserade directly, triggering an explosion.
When the smoke cleared, only a battered Roserade with spiraling eyes remained on the scorched battlefield!
"Roserade is unable to battle. Houndoom wins! Elite Four Sen, please send out your next Pokémon!"
At this point, Elite Four Sen had only one Pokémon left, while Sato still had three.
1 vs 3… Sen was now at a complete disadvantage!
◓---
"BOSS IS SO COOL! HOUNDOOM IS AWESOME!" Mark's eyes sparkled like a total fanboy.
Sina clenched his fists, eyes gleaming. Even though it wasn't the first time he'd seen the Leader create miracles, every time still filled him with pride!
'This was our Leader!'
Joseph wore a quiet smile. He never believed Sato would lose, but he hadn't expected Houndoom to take down Roserade so cleanly.
'Definitely getting an extra drumstick later~
Now, only one remained...'
---◓
"Over these years, I've been standing still, while all of you have kept growing stronger… Truly impressive, the next generation!"
As Sen recalled Roserade, he sighed and continued, "But I won't admit defeat so easily. This one has been with me for many years. It's witnessed every one of my successes!
And now, its strength has taken another step forward… and that's partly thanks to you!"
With that, Sen tossed an old Ultra Ball. A flash of orange light, and a calm yet commanding Venusaur stepped onto the field.
Big.
Huge.
Massive!
Everyone had known Sen's Venusaur was big… but unless you saw it in person, you couldn't grasp the overwhelming pressure it gave off.
For a moment, Sato felt as if he were facing Fujin's giant Serperior.
Peak Elite Four!
It was clear this Venusaur was on the verge of reaching Champion level, following the gigantification advancement route that suited Grass-types best.
Just as the referee was about to declare the match continued, a sudden flash of white light blinded his eyes.
"Venusaur… MEGA EVOLUTION!"
A burst of multicolored light enveloped both Sen and Venusaur, a long-awaited Mega Evolution took the stage again. Venusaur grew taller and bulkier on the spot!
Even more important… Mega Venusaur's Ability, Thick Fat, would now halve all Fire-type damage!
Faced with such a formidable opponent, the freshly victorious Houndoom had no intention of backing down. Instead, it turned to Sato, eyes brimming with eagerness.
Without hesitation, Sato pulled out his Key Stone and softly called out, "Houndoom… Mega Evolution!"
Mega Houndoom entered the field. Though it still lagged behind Venusaur in sheer size, its presence was undeniable.
"Battle continue!"
"Venusaur, Frenzy Plant!"
"Houndoom, Inferno!"
Right from the start, Venusaur unleashed the Grass starter's ultimate move. A swarm of gray-green thorns shot straight toward Houndoom.
Houndoom didn't flinch either. With Venusaur that massive -occupying nearly half the field- Inferno's accuracy didn't matter. Throw it anywhere and it would probably land.
Flames scorched the skies, thorns shook the earth… both sides held nothing back, unleashing their strongest attacks. The tremors were so intense that the crowd was left speechless.
"...T-That's just insane!" someone finally gasped.
"The gap between us and the Elite Four… it's like we're still several versions of ourselves away!"