Satoshi and Taki arrived at the battle arena of Rainbow Wing Academy's largest training facility.
Believe in Satoshi…
I can do this.
"Quilava, get ready to battle!"
Giving herself a firm mental push, Taki resolutely threw out her Poké Ball, unleashing a surge of fiery power.
"Magu~!" Quilava's head and tail erupted into blazing flames, eyes fierce and determined.
"Combusken, I choose you!"
Facing Quilava, Satoshi raised his eyebrows slightly, gripping his Poké Ball tightly. He hurled it into the air, and Combusken leaped forth from the flash of light, landing steadily.
"Yamo~!"
The two Pokémon faced each other, tension filling the battlefield.
Quilava versus Combusken—based purely on typing, Satoshi clearly held the advantage due to his Fighting-type moves. Over the past few days, he'd noticed that Taki's Quilava didn't have Flash Fire, but Blaze.
As for abilities like Blaze, Torrent, and Overgrow—those who knew, knew. They were nearly useless outside critical HP situations, and typically, everyone avoided relying on them.
Except Ash's anime monkey-boy.
Truthfully, Quilava would've had a better chance with an Ability Patch—but even then, Fire moves against Fire-types had limited effectiveness.
At best, Quilava had its signature Eruption, a powerful STAB move with 150 base power. At least it fared better than its poor Johto starter companions.
Feraligatr and Meganium—the Johto trio were weak overall, but Typhlosion was already the best of them.
Even if Mega Evolution returned, Satoshi doubted GF would grant it to these three.
And even if you were GF's boss, it wouldn't help!
Because Meganium was already named Mega-nium in English and Japanese!
Mega evolving it would literally make it Mega Meganium!
[Mission: Defeat Shiina Taki and cheer her up.]
[Reward]:
TM Thunder Punch
"Taki, come at me with everything you've got! Combusken and I will respond in full force!"
Satoshi clenched his fists, eyes burning with battle spirit.
[Why does this sound so suggestive~? My mind's already filled with Satoshi×Taki scenes~~]
Ignoring Furiko's usual nonsense, Satoshi refocused. Nearby, Taki nervously swallowed, palms sweaty.
She couldn't picture herself facing him head-on: ten straight losses versus ten straight wins. Mentally, she'd prepared for total defeat.
Yet seeing the trust blazing in his eyes, Taki couldn't help but want to respond.
He's so bright, so sunny—totally different from a gloomy girl like me!
Wait, no…I shouldn't actually like him. But it's possible I might.
I've denied it so many times already—if I actually do like him…
This weird boomerang of emotions—I don't wanna catch it!
Taki blushed faintly, forcing herself to concentrate.
"Quilava, use [AERIAL ACE]!"
"Magu!"
Taki stared intently at Combusken, quickly issuing orders. Quilava charged forward, flames blazing. It leaped up, spinning sharply midair, transforming into a silver streak of light and striking towards Combusken at lightning speed.
"[DETECT], as usual!"
Aerial Ace was extremely swift and precise, but Combusken's gaze sharpened instantly, reading Quilava's intention clearly and dodging expertly.
Taki seemed to anticipate this, immediately thrusting her hand forward.
"[PROTECT]!"
Instantly, Quilava showed remarkable toughness, forming a green barrier around itself.
Unfortunately, Satoshi had anticipated that too.
"[BOUNCE]—jump into the air!"
"Yamo!"
Combusken sprang high, clearing nearly three stories in one leap, and delivered a fierce kick downward onto Quilava.
The timing of Protect expired precisely at the wrong moment, unable to withstand Combusken's strike, sending Quilava flying.
"Mugaa~~" Quilava crashed heavily, shaking the entire battlefield. Landing roughly, it trembled slightly, still struggling from the impact.
"Anyone who regularly watches me battle would assume I'd use Double Kick here, getting blocked by Protect and rebounding uselessly. That's exactly why I wouldn't use it against someone who knows me so well."
"But the fact that you could predict my strategy from observing my battles—Taki, that's seriously impressive."
Satoshi explained casually, openly praising her.
You don't have to flatter me like this… Doesn't he ever get embarrassed by praising people?
Nearby, Taki's violet eyes flickered shyly, unable to meet his gaze.
If she even made the slightest effort, Satoshi would shower her with praise. If she spent too much time with him, Taki feared she'd get completely spoiled.
The same gentle treatment she always gave Tomori—Satoshi offered it to everyone!
Without him, I'd probably run away again, losing this opportunity and drifting even further behind my sister.
This feeling…how can I repay him properly?
But even so—
I want to win!
I won't betray Satoshi's trust in me!
"I want victory! Quilava, let's go!" Taki felt her heart and body ignite, finally committing herself wholeheartedly.
"Muga!"
Quilava responded to her feelings, suddenly emitting a bright blue glow.
Quilava's evolving! ×2
Engulfed in dazzling blue, Quilava's form shifted dramatically. It stood upright, becoming larger and fiercer. Its flames intensified, roaring around its neck like a fiery mane.
"Roar!!" Typhlosion bellowed loudly, answering Taki's heartfelt determination. The roar was thunderous, overflowing with newfound confidence and strength.
Combusken vs. Typhlosion—the battle situation suddenly grew unclear.
Combusken was already in its boosted speed state, but Typhlosion now clearly outmatched it in pure power.
"Bring it, Taki!"
Satoshi clenched his fists tightly, smiling confidently.
"Typhlosion, [SMOKESCREEN]—hide yourself completely!"
Feeling her Pokémon's overwhelming strength, Taki smiled softly, becoming even more determined to win.
"Roaar—!" Typhlosion spewed thick smoke, obscuring the entire battlefield and making it impossible to pinpoint its position.
"Jump again, Combusken! [BOUNCE]!"
Activate macro perspective!
Unaffected by the smoke, Combusken gathered its strength, leaping upward with extraordinary force to survey the entire battlefield from above.
"Typhlosion, unleash your strongest [ERUPTION]!"
"TYPHLO—!!"
A massive eruption of flames burst through the smoke, dispersing it instantly like a volcanic explosion. The powerful blast struck Combusken in midair, knocking it down hard.
---
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