Chapter 23

The spectators were amazed at how one-sided the second fight was. They knew how tough it was to fight against a wartortle, especially one that was trained under Mother Chelone. They all cheered for both fighters.

"To think that Toshi only trained for three months and they were able to coordinate that well. Leon must have telepathically sent out instructions," Mike discussed with Prof. Oak, as the arena repair group did their job. Leon already told them of his psychic and aura talent, which was rare but not impossible. They already knew a few with the same abilities, so they were not totally surprised.

Both of the fighters were healed by Chelone. Wartortle woke up after.

"Mistakes are the usual bridge between inexperience and wisdom," Chelone guided.

Wartortle was in a daze. He thought about the fight and tried to analyze what happened to him.

"A round of applause for both our warriors," Keristrasza said.

"Now on to the last fight!" she added.

The audience cheered as both fighters entered the arena.

Toshi assumed Charmeleon's form. Leon telepathically instructed Toshi of their strategy.

Species: Charmeleon

Name: None

Age: 6+ years

Sex: Male

Ability: Blaze, Solar Power

Talent: Peacock – Increase all stats by one stage when an opposite sex is present.

Tendencies: Keristrasza Simp, Competitive, Impulsive

Potential: S rank (peak)

Level: 60 (D rank peak)

Skills: Ember (A), Growl (A), Scratch (A), Smokescreen (I), Endure (A), Dragon Breath (I), Slash (A), Flamethrower (A), Scary Face (I), Inferno (I), Flare Blitz (A), Protect (I), Rock Tomb (I), Flame Charge (A), Sunny Day (A), Fire Punch (A), Thunder Punch (A), Dragon Dance (A), Belly Drum (I), Counter (I), Fire Blast (A), Overheat (A), Rock Slide (I), Dragon Claw (I)

Species: Charmeleon (Ditto)

Name: Toshi

Age: 1+ years

Sex: Male (Genderless)

Ability: Blaze, Solar Power (Limber, Imposter)

Talent: Recycler, All for One and One for All

Tendencies: thrifty, clean freak

Potential: B rank (mid)

Level: 60 (D rank peak)

Skills: -Click to Expand- (Transform (A))

"3… 2… 1… Battle Start!" Keristrasza declared.

Charmeleon wanted to end the fight in a flashy way because his goddess was preceding the match. He opened with Sunny Day and used Dragon Dance.

At the same time, Toshi used Scary Face to decrease his opponent's speed.

Avoid his gaze, Toshi. Only look at him when I tell you to and keep using Flame Charge in circles. Let's drag this out, Leon instructed telepathically. Toshi used Flame Charge and increased his distance. He used Smokescreen to cover his tracks.

Charmeleon used Flare Blitz at where he thought Toshi was, only to find him further away and out of range. He wanted to end this fight quickly, so he was annoyed. He chased using Flame Charge.

Now Toshi used Scary Face while he's occupied. Then use Rock Tomb on the ground to block his vision, Leon added.

Charmeleon was getting more annoyed. He couldn't boost his speed properly and Toshi was hiding behind some rocks. He didn't want to look bad in front of his goddess.

Toshi used another Flame Charge to circle around Charmeleon. He was now significantly faster.

Charmeleon used Dragon Dance again. He wanted to boost his speed but Leon didn't let him and Toshi landed another Scary Face.

Charmeleon now looked like he was being toyed with and this frustrated him.

Use Fire Spin, he won't be able to avoid it, Leon instructed.

Charmeleon's view was once again blocked and he was trapped inside. His anger rose to its peak and triggered his evolution. He was glowing. The blinding light absorbed the world energy around and dispelled Fire Spin.

Everyone was at the edge of their seats.

The ability to fly would negate Leon's strategy if used properly.

Leon and Toshi cursed at their bad luck. He didn't want to let Toshi transform into Charizard because he would reset all the speed buffs. Toshi's stamina was already running low due to Sunny Day and Solar Power combo. If Transform would be used, he would tire immediately.

During an evolution, a pokemon is in an invincible state. It was like the universe was shielding them and nobody usually tried to disrupt an evolution. It was an unwritten rule amongst the inhabitants of this world.

Toshi use Belly Drum and aim for mutual destruction, Leon instructed telepathically. Let's hope Charizard is still angry and rushes at you. Use Endure when you are about to get hit.

Charizard emerged from the light and flew up with a smug look on his face and stared at Toshi. He was now superior in mobility and stats. He was still extremely furious for being toyed with. He used Dragon Dance then Flare Blitz after.

Leon and Toshi grinned seeing this. When Toshi was about to be hit by Flare Blitz, he was able to use Endure on time due to all the speed buffs he got.

"Now!" Leon shouted. Toshi remained standing and used Counter with everything he had and the kitchen sink.

Charizard's survival instincts kicked in. Toshi's Counter was a little too low for comfort. He was able to crouch down and used Endure. He got hit in the belly instead and was pushed back a considerable distance. Charizard was intensely looking at his opponent and Toshi did the same.

They acknowledged each other and both fainted at the same time.