Pokémon: Trainer Paul

"Stun Spore!"

Budew, which had been using Absorb, opened its mouth and released a pale yellow powder that settled all over Piplup.

However, the powder didn't seem to affect Piplup's movements. Breaking through the Stun Spore, Piplup landed a solid Peck on Budew, sending it flying.

After the attack, Piplup landed back on the ground, its body trembling slightly. Its expression changed—it was paralyzed!

Paul had calculated that whether or not Peck hit its mark, defeating a paralyzed Piplup afterward wouldn't be difficult.

But to his surprise, after being hit by Peck, Budew—despite being nearly at full health—collapsed on the spot and was unable to continue battling.

"…"

Paul was left speechless by this unexpected turn of events.

His Budew, powered up by Growth, couldn't knock out Piplup with a single Absorb. Its Energy Ball was blocked by Bubble Beam, and then Piplup's Peck—just one move—completely defeated his nearly full-health Budew.

Even Paul hadn't anticipated this outcome.

"Budew is unable to battle! The winner is Piplup!" announced Professor Rowan.

"Yes! We won! Piplup, you were amazing!" Barry cheered enthusiastically.

"Pip-lup!" Piplup chirped, sharing its Trainer's joy.

"Elekid, it's your turn," Paul said, silently recalling Budew to its Poké Ball. He nodded to Elekid, who stepped forward, ready to fight.

"Piplup, let's keep the momentum and defeat Elekid!" Barry exclaimed.

"Pip-lup!"

With their spirits high from the victory, Barry and Piplup were brimming with confidence. Paralysis? No problem. After all, if Piplup could take down Budew, Elekid wouldn't be an issue either.

"Thunder."

Paul's calm command was followed by Elekid unleashing a bolt of lightning at Piplup, who attempted to dodge but faltered due to its paralysis.

"Don't give up, Piplup! Counter with Bubble Beam!" Barry urged.

"Pip… lup!"

Despite its condition, Piplup managed to fire a Bubble Beam, which clashed with the Thunder in midair. Sparks and bubbles exploded everywhere, but the Thunder pierced through, striking Piplup directly.

It was super effective!

"Pip… lup…" Piplup cried out as the electric current coursed through its body. When the attack subsided, Piplup lay motionless on the ground, its expression peaceful.

"Piplup is unable to battle! The winner is Elekid!" Professor Rowan declared.

"What? No way!" Barry exclaimed in frustration, then recalled Piplup. "Piplup, come back! Next time, we'll definitely beat Paul."

Barry turned to his teammate. "It's all up to you now, Lucas. You've got to take him down!"

Lucas nodded solemnly, stepping forward with determination. He glanced at Paul and Elekid, noting the formidable opponent before him.

Paul's Elekid was clearly on a higher level, far beyond Budew's strength. Winning wouldn't be easy.

But Lucas had faith in his Chimchar!

"Chimchar, use Ember!" Lucas called out.

Without hesitation, Chimchar unleashed a flurry of fiery embers, shooting them toward Elekid like a barrage of bullets.

"Quick Attack," Paul ordered.

Elekid dodged the embers with ease, using Quick Attack to close the gap between itself and Chimchar. It then rammed into Chimchar with a powerful Tackle.

"Dodge and counter with Fury Swipes!" Lucas shouted.

Chimchar's agility allowed it to narrowly avoid the attack. Its claws glowed faintly as it lunged at Elekid, slashing with precision.

But Elekid didn't flinch. Instead, it smirked, as if anticipating the move.

"Protect."

Just as Chimchar's claws were about to connect, a green, transparent shield materialized in front of Elekid, blocking the attack completely.

"Thunder."

Taking advantage of the opening, Elekid's body crackled with electricity as it unleashed another powerful Thunder, striking Chimchar directly.

The attack dealt massive damage. Chimchar, now scorched and panting heavily, struggled to stay on its feet.

"Thunder Punch," Paul commanded.

Elekid closed in again, its fist sparking with electricity, ready to deliver the finishing blow.

"Dig!" Brook shouted desperately.

Chimchar flipped backward, using its claws to burrow into the ground just in time to avoid the Thunder Punch. Elekid halted, staring at the hole Chimchar had disappeared into.

"Charge."

Paul remained composed, instructing Elekid to power up while keeping an eye on the ground.

The arena fell silent. Chimchar seemed to vanish entirely, leaving Elekid on high alert.

Then, without warning, Chimchar burst out of the ground beneath Elekid, delivering a powerful punch imbued with the energy of Dig. The attack sent Elekid flying, its body crashing to the ground.

It was super effective!

Chimchar followed up with another Ember attack, but Elekid managed to roll aside, narrowly avoiding the flames.

"Thunder. Aim at the hole," Paul ordered.

Elekid didn't hesitate. It channeled its charged energy into a devastating Thunder, sending bolts of electricity into the burrowed tunnels.

The ground glowed with a golden hue as the electricity surged through the tunnels. Lucas and Chimchar both looked worried.

"If it's not coming out… do it again," Paul instructed.

Elekid unleashed another Thunder, filling the ground with even more electricity. Chimchar suddenly burst out of the ground behind Elekid, aiming a punch at its back.

But Elekid was ready. With Quick Attack, it vanished from Chimchar's line of sight and appeared above it.

"Thunder Punch," Paul commanded.

Elekid's electrified fist struck Chimchar directly, knocking it out instantly.

"Chimchar is unable to battle! The winner is Elekid. The match goes to Paul!" Professor Rowan announced.

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