Chapter 56: A New Approach
"What? Can you really persist?!" Brock exclaimed, taken aback by Pidgeotto's seemingly unyielding spirit.
He had not anticipated that his Screech would have so little effect on the resilient Flying-type Pokémon.
Yet, he quickly reassessed the situation in front of him. Even if Pidgeotto managed to get close, Brock knew that Onix's defense was formidable, coupled with its type resistance; any attacks from Pidgeotto would not be easily overcome.
Despite Onix's massive size, Pidgeotto remained undeterred and surged forward with unwavering determination, colliding into the formidable rock snake.
"Bang!"
The impact echoed through the arena like a drum, causing Onix to lean back slightly from the force of the blow.
However, the damage inflicted was minimal; the Rock-type energy inherent in Onix absorbed much of the impact from Pidgeotto's Normal-type moves, rendering the attack less effective than Ash had hoped.
Brock wasted no time capitalizing on the moment. "Onix, use Smack Down!"
The command came swiftly in recognition of the fact that while Pidgeotto had the advantage of speed, it was still vulnerable to a well-timed attack from Brock's well-trained Pokémon.
With a deafening roar, Onix swung its tail, launching it toward Pidgeotto with surprising speed.
"Pidgeotto, Quick Attack! Dodge the attack, then follow up with Wing Attack!" Ash commanded with authority, fully aware that Pidgeotto's agility could turn the tide of the battle if leveraged correctly.
"Pi———!" Pidgeotto responded eagerly, darting forward with a burst of unmatched speed. It expertly avoided the sweeping tail by mere inches, circling around behind Onix.
Without a moment's hesitation, Pidgeotto launched into a Wing Attack, its wings glowing with energetic power as it dove at the massive rock snake.
"Bang!" The force of the "Wing Attack" was greater than that of the previous Quick Attack, forcing Onix to stagger forward slightly.
However, it quickly regained its composure, revealing how tough the Rock-type Pokémon really was.
Brock was quick to adapt. "Onix, use Rock Polish!" he commanded, realizing that his Pokémon needed to boost its agility to keep up with the relentless assaults from Pidgeotto.
The Rock-type energy surged around Onix, causing it to shine with renewed vigor, its massive body becoming smoother and its speed increasing significantly.
As Onix's speed doubled, Ash's heart raced with trepidation.
"This isn't good…" he muttered, recognizing that the enhanced speed greatly diminished Pidgeotto's advantage in evasion.
"Use Smack Down!" Brock shouted confidently. Onix swung its tail once again, now faster than before, aiming decisively for Pidgeotto.
"Pidgeotto, utilize "Quick Attacks" to maneuver!" Ash urged, knowing that Pidgeotto could not afford to get hit by Onix's strengthened assaults.
Pidgeotto dashed left and right, employing *Quick Attack* to narrowly evade the tail's destructive force.
However, with each powerful swing of Onix's tail, Brock began to feel more in control of the battle.
Pidgeotto was continuously forced to dodge and couldn't find a single opportunity to launch a counterattack.
"Have you given up already?" Brock taunted, noticing Ash's fierce determination.
His gaze remained fixed on Ash as the young trainer resolutely stood his ground, refusing to back down.
Ash scrutinized the battle intently, realizing that while Pidgeotto was indeed growing tired, it also seemed to be adjusting to Onix's movements.
The Feathered Pokémon had begun to anticipate the attacks better, and the grace of its dodges was improving, becoming more economical with each maneuver.
Ash noticed that the timing of Pidgeotto's "Quick Attacks" was becoming sharper and more fluid, revealing a growing familiarity with Onix's assault patterns.
"Maybe… I can let Pidgeotto try out my new idea…" Ash thought, formulating a novel strategy.
If Pidgeotto could exploit its increasing understanding of Onix's attack patterns, there just might be a chance to turn the tide in their favor.
"Pidgeotto, continue using "Quick Attack!" After dodging, follow up with 'Wing Attack!'" Ash called out, urging Pidgeotto to adapt with his new direction.
At first, Pidgeotto flinched in uncertainty, but then it grasped Ash's intentions, preparing for the next exchange with renewed focus.
As Onix unleashed another "Smack Down", Pidgeotto took to the sky, deftly evading the powerful tail.
This time, maintaining its momentum, Pidgeotto triggered the energy of its wings, making them larger and gliding faster through the air.
In an instant, Pidgeotto aimed sharply, harnessing the enhanced speed from its "Quick Attack" to launch itself toward Onix with maximum efficiency.
Zipping past, Pidgeotto executed the "Wing Attack", crashing into the side of Onix's head with incredible force.
"Bang!" The impact sent shockwaves rippling across the battlefield, exerting a force that momentarily lifted Onix off its sturdy base, causing it to slide back three or four meters before bracing itself to recover.
Gasps filled the arena as spectators absorbed the unexpected power Pidgeotto had unleashed.
Even Brock was left momentarily dumbfounded, realizing that Ash had managed to tap into something powerful within Pidgeotto.
"What just happened?!" he exclaimed, astonished.
Ash could hardly believe his eyes.
"That's it, Pidgeotto! Keep it up!" he encouraged, excitement coursing through him like electricity.
This battle was no longer solely about speed; they were now employing strategy and evolving their approach dynamically as the fight unfolded.
The audience erupted into cheers, with Misty and Pikachu expressing their joy at Pidgeotto's newfound confidence and strength.
Ash had ignited something remarkable in Pidgeotto; he could feel it too.
They were united in this battle, and every strike was fueled not just by raw power, but by the profound bond they shared as trainer and Pokémon.
"Keep pressing forward, Pidgeotto! You can do this!" Ash shouted, ready to guide his Pokémon through the next phase of the intense confrontation with Onix.
The battle was far from over, but Ash now felt a flicker of hope illuminating their path ahead, signaling that victory was not only possible, but within their reach.
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Sayo nara~~