213 A spring breeze amidst dampened dreams

An: Finally had some time to write, hope you enjoy this chapter. As always, if you enjoyed it, leave a comment, and join the discord; would love to have you on. Link in the synopsis.

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KAKAKAKAKAKAKA

Lighting continued to flash down in a consistent stream like electricity from an oversized tesla coil. The heat of which was so high that steam rose from the surrounding water, momentarily concealing the two Pokémon's appearances. Only their shadows flickered within the cloud, forever locked at a standstill, tormented by endless explosive hits.

"This… this is too much, isn't it? To actually suicide like that simply to take down your opponent. I don't know if I should be impressed or afraid." A man in the audience said under his breath.

"What a savage woman, to actually go through with it and watch her Pokémon suffer…." A woman said.

"Not to mention Samurott's sheer f*cking will! To actually be willing to accept such a fate is beyond me." An old man nearby added.

Blossom closed her eyes as the symphony created by the bolts of lighting crackled beside her ear. She seemed totally at peace, unfazed by the seemingly tragic outcome. Alex raised his gaze and glared at her unblinkingly. His teeth chattered, his hands shaking as cracking sounds escaped his joints.

Seemingly able to feel his gaze, Blossom opened her eyes and calmly stared back at him.

CLICK TAKA TAKA TAKA

Suddenly An odd sound came from the dissipating cloud of steam, drawing everyone's attention.

THUD BOOM!

The two unmoving Pokémon who had been locked in place for what seemed to be an eternity finally broke, and one finally fell. Alex's eyes widened as Ferligatr's fainted visage was reflected within. His charred body made some people gasp in horror; the smell of burnt flesh rising in steaming puffs of smoke made some gag while others frowned.

[HOW CAN THIS BE!] James yelled, startling the crowd, snapping them out of their trance-like state and turning towards the other Pokémon.

"How?"

"There's no way!"

"I don't believe it… I can't. What a monster."

The audience broke into a mumbling madness as they continued to reject what was before them. Samurott's entire body was converted in his shell-like armour, a steel defence; only his joints were free from restraint. It looked like a juggernaut in a doomsday apocalypse.

Blossom smiled sweetly as she took in the view, she had seen this exact scenery so many times, yet it brought her boundless joy every time. She gazed at the seemingly distraught Alex and licked her lips, a sadistic grin beginning to tug at the edges of her mouth.

'Oh~ how I love that look… so delicious,' she thought as ecstasy washed over her. She had never been worried for Samurott, for they had trained this move plenty of times. But, by now, Samurott had built up quite the resistance to electricity.

Rex, who was in the VIP room above, was silent as he watched. His eyes were serene and calm like a pond at midnight, his thoughts clear like the moon's reflection upon said pond.

"What an interesting outcome. A water-type Pokémon who takes neutral damage to electric-type attacks. And the applications of its shell armour seem to be much faster than previously understood by researchers. Another project added to the list, Gaia."

(Not a problem. Samurott is indeed an interesting specimen. Furthermore, I agree with your earlier statement; Samurott carries much more potential than Emboar does. Research has already begun.)

Rex nodded to show his acknowledgement before settling his gaze upon Alex, who stood motionless.

"Heh!" a chuckle escaped from his lips, "it seems that Blossom is in for one hell of a ride. He's angry yet restrained, determined but patient. It seems that the winner has already been decided." Rex mused.

(Blossom's strategy was flawless. She used her opponent's lack of information to draw him into a trap. The puddle beneath Feraligatr's feet that wasn't covered by his protective bubble formed by torrent was used as an entry point for the electricity. It also seems that Samurott's armour has insulating capabilities, quite a fascinating evolutionary discovery. More importantly, according to my preliminary analysis, this ability is capable of further growth, nearing complete immunity to electric attacks.)

Rex's eyes constricted as he peered down at the battlefield. He remembered moments before the lightning struck and nodded. There was a puddle, and since Feraligatr needed a firm footing, torrent didn't cover the ground beneath him. Blossom must have taken that into account when she made her move.

"Feraligatr is unable to battle. Samurott is the winner!" The Red flag was raised, and the audience exploded with cheers. Although they felt terrible for Feraligatr, a battle was a battle. There had to be a winner and a loser.

A beam of red light shot out from the Pokeball in Alex's hand, which quickly consumed Feraligatr before receding swiftly.

"You did well, partner. Rest up," he mumbled before gently tucking the Pokeball back into his pocket. His hand quickly reappeared, another Pokeball in his hand.

"If you know thy enemy and know one's true self, victory is inevitable," he whispered softly before locking his gaze with Blossom's. He looked at Samurott, covered from head to toe in an armour-like shell, and sighed.

"Once more unto the breach, old friend." His words were accompanied by a flash of light.

BOOOM!

As if a volcano had erupted, a massive gale of wind was generated, hot air spewing in all directions. Dry and uncomfortable, Samurott instantly mimicked its trainer's frown.

A Pokémon stood, with powerful blue flames flaring at its neck, its eyes cold and full of fury as violent growls rolled out its mouth.

[It seems Alex is no longer playing around, his signature ace, typhlosion has taken the stage for an explosive battle to come!]