POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

After Skiploom's speed doubled, Cherrim couldn't avoid its skill!

In an instant, Cherrim's Flower Gift ability was forcibly replaced with Insomnia, and the fiery aura surrounding Arcanine visibly weakened.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Marowak steadied itself, retaliating with all its strength.

Bone Club—Rapid Barrage!

The sturdy bone struck Arcanine squarely on the head, forcing it to disperse its fiery aura with a pained roar. The Ground-type attack dealt significant damage!

At the same time, Cherrim's Aromatherapy restored Arcanine's health, curing its poison. However, this was part of Rax's plan, using Cherrim's healing role to restrict her offensive moves.

"Arcanine, Quick Attack on Skiploom! Cherrim, Assist Arcanine!"

Cherrim's overextension into enemy territory had left it vulnerable. Brady quickly adjusted his tactics, directing Arcanine to strike back.

"Protect! Marowak, Bonemerang—target both!"

The blazing speed of Arcanine was formidable, but Skiploom summoned a green energy shield just in time, nullifying the attack.

Marowak followed up with its Bonemerang, the spinning bone knocking Arcanine hard on the head, then pivoting to land a solid hit on Cherrim.

"Cherrim, Heal Pulse!"

Before Brady's command could take full effect, Marowak's second strike connected, interrupting the Heal Pulse and leaving Arcanine's wounds unhealed.

The command "target both" signaled Marowak to attack both Pokémon sequentially, ensuring neither could recover effectively.

Despite Cherrim's impressive array of support moves, Rax couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy—its utility rivaled even Skiploom's!

"Skiploom, Cotton Spore! Marowak, Earthquake!"

Both Arcanine and Cherrim, still reeling from the boomerang, couldn't avoid the cloud of Cotton Spore. The sticky threads clung to their bodies, slowing their movements drastically.

Marowak charged forward, stomping the ground with all its might. The tremors disrupted Cherrim's balance and left Arcanine groaning in pain.

Arcanine managed to ignite its Flame Wheel to burn off the Cotton Spores, but it inadvertently set Cherrim ablaze as well. The little Grass Pokémon yelped, hopping about in an attempt to put out the fire.

Above the battlefield, Cherrim's Sunny Day finally faded, leaving Arcanine's flames less potent.

Victory was inching closer to Rax's grasp.

---

Two minutes later, the match concluded. Cherrim, unable to continue due to burns, was recalled early. Without its partner's support, Arcanine fell shortly after.

Rax's Skiploom and Marowak had exhausted themselves but emerged victorious.

Brady approached Arcanine, comforting it despite the soot covering its fur. He released Cherrim and urged it to heal them both.

Rax, watching the scene, signaled to Skiploom.

"Help them."

Skiploom nodded and floated over, activating Grassy Terrain and Aromatherapy.

The verdant energy rejuvenated both Arcanine and Cherrim, while the Aromatherapy soothed their burns. Rax couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction—his Skiploom's healing was slightly more efficient than Cherrim's.

"Thank you!" Brady said warmly, offering a handshake.

Rax smiled and accepted. "Until next time."

The handshake earned both trainers a close-up on the Hearthome arena's giant screen. Their sportsmanship was rare in the competitive scene.

---

Back in the waiting area, Rax noticed several trainers eyeing him curiously. Among them was Blake, who simply smiled before disappearing into the crowd.

Brady, still beaming, exchanged contact information with Rax before departing. His Pokémon needed further rest.

Rax, too, decided to suspend his matches for the day. Six consecutive battles had pushed Skiploom and Marowak to their limits.

With 5,000 Pokédollars in winnings, the day had been a resounding success. However, Rax knew future matches would only grow tougher, with opponents stronger than Brady awaiting him.

As night fell, the arena remained alive with activity. Rax reflected on the day's battles, realizing that Hearthome City's arena wasn't just a gambling hotspot—it was a crucible for honing combat skills.

In a city teeming with powerful trainers, the Alliance's inability to fully control it suddenly made sense. Here, every trainer was constantly sharpening their abilities.

Rax smiled. "This city might just be the challenge I've been looking for."