"Combusken? John's not relying on Hariyama for this one?"
"John's second Pokemon is Combusken. Looks like he's saving Hariyama for the finale."
The crowd's enthusiasm was lukewarm as Combusken appeared on the battlefield. Compared to Riolu—let alone the blazing power of Hariyama—Combusken, a classic member of the Fire-type trio, didn't exactly bring the "wow" factor.
"Com..." Combusken seemed to sense the crowd's shift in mood, its energy deflating for a moment. But quickly, it shook it off, puffing out its chest. "Busken!! (╬￣Dish￣) 'I'll show them who's boss! '
John chuckled, watching Combusken's antics. It was clear the Pokemon loved being the center of attention.
With the referee's signal, both Pokemon were ready to go, the flags were raised, and the battle officially kicked off.
"Riolu, Power-Up Punch!"
"Combusken, Double Kick!"
Both trainers barked their orders in perfect synchrony. The battle exploded into action as neither side was interested in dragging things out—both Pokemon were built for close combat.
Combusken and Riolu, each proud in their own way, charged toward each other.
Riolu glided through the air with fluid grace, a silver aura swirling around its limbs as it readied a series of rapid blows.
Combusken, however, wasn't about to let its opponent get the upper hand. In a blur of motion, the two collided almost instantly, flying through the air in perfect harmony.
Riolu launched a powerful right fist toward Combusken, while the Fire-type kicked the ground, spinning in midair to land a crushing right-foot kick just as they met.
The explosion of force sent a shockwave through the arena.
Riolu's fist slammed into Combusken's kick. For a heartbeat, they were locked in a perfect deadlock—but then, in an instant, Riolu was sent hurtling backward.
The raw power difference was undeniable.
But Combusken wasn't done. After sending Riolu flying, it used the momentum to propel itself forward, its feet sparking with energy as it initiated a Quick Attack.
Combusken shot through the air like a cannonball, chasing after Riolu, who was still spinning through the air.
"Aura Sphere!" Ricardo called out, raising his hand high.
The crowd leaned forward, eyes glued to Riolu and Ricardo .
Aura Sphere was a rare move for a Riolu—usually, only evolved Lucarios were capable of it. Seeing it from Riolu meant one thing: this was no ordinary Riolu.
Ricardo's Aura energy extended outward in shimmering tendrils, connecting with Riolu in midair.
With a deep, focused breath, Riolu summoned its strength. As if channeling every ounce of determination, it raised its hand to create a glowing blue sphere—a Aura Sphere—ready to target Combusken with pinpoint accuracy.
John's expression hardened as he narrowed his eyes and snorted with disdain.
Combusken wasn't backing down. As the Aura Sphere approached, it prepared to counter.
Combusken's claws gleamed, glowing sharp as it slashed through the air with deadly precision. This wasn't just any Cut—this was a high-level technique, one that used Combusken's claws like the blade of a sword, fast and razor-sharp.
The Aura Sphere split in half before it could even reach Combusken, bursting harmlessly to either side.
In the next instant, Combusken tore through the smoke, its Quick Attack still charging forward. With a swift, decisive motion, it slammed into Riolu with a brutal Cut, sending the Pokemon crashing into the wall.
The wall shook as Riolu collided with it, leaving a massive dent and a deep gash where Combusken's claws had struck.
The arena went dead silent, the spectators staring in shock as Riolu lay motionless.
The referee didn't hesitate. "Riolu is incapacitated, Combusken wins!"
A hush swept through the crowd, followed by stunned murmurs.
"This was Riolu! The Riolu that can evolve into Lucario... and it was defeated instantly by Combusken's Cut ?!"
"I thought Combusken was better with its legs! What the heck was that Cut ?"
Some in the crowd speculated that Riolu, still young and lacking the Steel-type defense, had been too fragile to take the hit.
But the truth was, Combusken's power was overwhelming. Even a Pokemon like Frogadier, if it had clashed head-on with Combusken's Cut, would've been sent packing.
Combusken's raw attack power was one thing—but the Cut it had learned was something else entirely. This was a specialized version, a devastating variant boosted to an incredible power level of 90—far more than enough to obliterate an unprepared Riolu.
After what felt like an eternity, the crowd slowly began to clap, showing reluctant but well-earned respect for the victor.
"Combusken!! o(￣ヘ￣o#)" Combusken strutted back to John, its chest puffed out with pride, sporting a cocky grin. 'Dare to underestimate me? This is what they get'
Ricardo, grim-faced, returned Riolu to its Pokeball, disappointment clear on his face. He had brought this Pokemon all the way from the auditions to the final, only to see it fall in an instant to John's Combusken.
It wasn't easy to swallow, but he couldn't deny the strength of John and his Pokemon.
"Alright." Ricardo muttered under his breath. "Let's see how you handle my next one..."
He reached for his second Pokeball, his finger hovering over it for a moment before he tossed it into the air.
In a flash of silver light, a fierce Pokemon emerged.