This is the second time the Trick Room has been used in actual combat, and the opponents being faced are all Dragon-type Pokémon. It must be said, this is a peculiar phenomenon.
A distorted space unfolded, enveloping both the Slowking and the Shelgon.
Though Drake's Shelgon is powerful, it does not compare to Cynthia's Garchomp from before, allowing Slowking to attack from a distance—a tactic it excels at.
"Slowking, Psychic!" Aoki commanded.
Upon hearing this, fist-sized black orbs of psychic energy materialized around Slowking, hovering mid-air before condensing and shooting directly toward Shelgon.
"Shelgon, leap up! Use Draco Meteor!" Drake's order was somewhat unexpected.
With Shelgon's weight, could it really jump?
Yet, what happened next surprised Aoki. After slightly bending its limbs, Shelgon seemed to be propelled by springs, launching itself upward. It had to be said—Drake had a unique way of training Dragon-types.
Though it couldn't evade all the Psychic attacks, it avoided enough to minimize damage. The Shelgon only felt a slight dizziness, not enough to disrupt its Draco Meteor!
Beyond dodging, jumping had another advantage—it nearly doubled the speed of Draco Meteor's activation. Normally, Shelgon would need to fire energy into the air before it scattered into meteors, but now, already airborne, the move executed instantly. The meteors rained downward in a concentrated barrage, all while Shelgon descended, its focus locked onto Slowking.
"Slowking, Teleport! Then use Psychic again!" Aoki shouted immediately.
Slowking's psychic energy surged as it activated Teleport. However, Shelgon's Draco Meteor was too fast—Slowking was still partially struck by the falling meteors before vanishing.
Several wounds marked its body, but for a Pokémon accustomed to enduring injuries, this was within tolerance.
The Psychic attack struck Shelgon mid-descent, leaving it no leverage to evade.
Shelgon crashed onto the deck with a heavy thud, a testament to its sheer weight—yet it had managed to leap so high. Slowly rising, it shook its head, disoriented.
Drake's eyes gleamed with interest. Slowking's psychic prowess exceeded his expectations. This Shelgon had been rigorously trained, far more so than his Salamence, honed for endurance and resilience. Yet, after just two attacks from Slowking, it already seemed strained.
Whether due to natural talent or training, this Slowking was impressive.
Aoki's battle strategy was equally sharp.
By keeping Slowking at a distance, the two Pokémon exchanged several more moves, each dealing significant damage.
"That's some formidable psychic power. In that case, let's settle this! Shelgon, charge in with Outrage!" Drake declared.
"Fine! Slowking, meet it with Ice Punch!" Aoki responded.
Truthfully, prolonging the battle might have favored Aoki—Slowking held a roughly 60% advantage. But if Drake wanted a decisive clash, Aoki wouldn't back down.
Shelgon's armored body tensed as it barreled across the deck like a living tank.
Slowking, boosted by psychic energy, dashed forward just as fast, fists encased in freezing power.
Having battled many Dragon-types recently, Slowking had refined its Ice Punch technique, even sparring with Weavile for insight. Against Shelgon, the move was devastating.
The two heavyweights collided violently.
Ice shards and draconic energy exploded outward, sending a shockwave across the deck. Both Pokémon were flung back—Shelgon, being heavier, skidded a shorter distance, while Slowking, cushioned by psychic energy, landed gracefully as if gliding.
Aoki prepared to order another attack, but then his eyes sharpened.
Hadn't Shelgon just used Outrage?
Why wasn't it in a frenzy? Its eyes remained clear, burning with fighting spirit.
Was this what Drake wanted to demonstrate?
An Outrage that could be controlled?
That was absurdly powerful.
The reason Outrage was feared was its unmatched explosive power—but most Dragon-type trainers avoided it because the user would enter an uncontrollable rage until its energy was spent.
Yet Drake's Shelgon had halted after one strike.
Then Aoki frowned. Something was off.
Given Shelgon's strength, that Outrage should have been far more destructive. The power just now was about 30% weaker than expected—still strong, but not overwhelming.
"Let's end it here. Aoki, your skills are commendable, and your Slowking is exceptionally trained. As expected of a prodigy from the Breeder's Guild—your expertise shows," Drake said with a smile, approaching Shelgon and resting a hand on its back, calming its restless energy. Gradually, Shelgon relaxed, its limbs folding as it sat heavily on the deck, basking in the sun.
Slowking glanced at Aoki, who nodded in approval, prompting it to dispel Trick Room before standing quietly at his side.
Aoki retrieved some Pokéblocks from his bag and fed them to Slowking.
Drake's eyes gleamed again—those weren't ordinary Pokéblocks. Aoki clearly had guidance from a high-level breeder.
"Did you see it?" Drake asked suddenly.
Aoki paused, then grinned. "Yeah. I saw. Elite Four Drake… you're truly incredible." Follow current novᴇls on N0veI.Fiɾe.net
Flattery? Maybe. But it was sincere.