Chapter 299: Opportunity
Brown energy rippled outward from Umbreon, creating a protective barrier of sorts as it collided with the incoming Shadow Balls.
However, the scattered energy lacked the concentrated power to halt the attack completely.
The three Shadow Balls slowed momentarily but soon broke through Umbreon's Dark Pulse, continuing their relentless trajectory toward their target.
"Boom!" The trio of attacks struck Umbreon simultaneously, detonating with a burst of dark purple flames. The explosion radiated outward, leaving Umbreon at its epicenter.
Umbreon was launched sideways, skidding across the battlefield for over ten meters before coming to a halt.
It lay still, its trembling body a clear sign of the severe injuries it had sustained.
"An incredible move! Haunter's Secret Skill: Aerial Ace strikes again!" the commentator exclaimed, his voice filled with amazement.
"Previously thought to be exclusive to Ash's Pidgeot, this move has now been mastered by Haunter, proving it's not limited to Flying-types!"
Gary's expression darkened as he assessed the situation. He had prepared for many scenarios, but Haunter's mastery of the Secret Skill had caught him completely off guard.
While the crowd marveled at Haunter's performance, Gary was already piecing together the truth.
"Haunter faked that injury earlier," he muttered, clenching his fists. "It was all a ploy."
Indeed, the momentary vulnerability Haunter displayed earlier had been a calculated deception.
Believing the ghostly Pokémon to be weakened, Gary had ordered an aggressive push, only to fall into Ash's carefully laid trap.
"But I still have a chance," Gary thought, quickly regaining his composure. His eyes scanned the battlefield, searching for an opening.
Ash, however, wasn't willing to give him the time to regroup. "Haunter, use Shadow Ball! Finish it off!"
Haunter's hands glowed as dark energy coalesced into a swirling orb. With a flick of its wrists, the ghostly Pokémon hurled the attack toward the still-recovering Umbreon.
"Umbreon, dodge it with Quick Attack, then use Moonlight!" Gary commanded, his voice resolute.
Umbreon struggled to its feet, its movements shaky but determined. With a deep breath, it activated Quick Attack, narrowly avoiding the Shadow Ball as it exploded against the ground, leaving a crater nearly a meter wide.
"Don't let up, Haunter! Keep attacking!" Ash ordered, unwilling to give Umbreon the chance to recover.
Haunter unleashed a relentless barrage of Shadow Balls, each one aimed to keep Umbreon on the move.
The battlefield was soon riddled with craters, leaving Umbreon with fewer and fewer stable paths to maneuver.
Despite its speed, Umbreon couldn't afford to stop, lest it leave itself open to Haunter's relentless assault.
However, the constant attacks were draining Haunter's energy as well, with the ghostly Pokémon visibly beginning to tire.
Gary quickly analyzed the situation. "The terrain is getting worse, and Umbreon's footing is becoming less reliable. I can't risk a mistake. I need to change tactics."
"Umbreon, close the distance and attack Haunter directly!" Gary commanded, abandoning his plan to recover Umbreon's strength.
Umbreon responded immediately, darting through the craters as it dodged yet another Shadow Ball. Its quick, calculated movements brought it closer to Haunter with every step.
Ash's eyes narrowed. "So, you're going all in... Haunter, use Secret Skill: Aerial Ace—Shadow Force!"
With a sinister laugh, Haunter stopped its assault and slipped into a dark portal, disappearing into another dimension.
Umbreon skidded to a halt, its eyes scanning the battlefield as it prepared for Haunter's inevitable reappearance. However, Gary's lips curled into a confident smile. "Got you."
"Umbreon, now's the time! Use Moonlight!"
Umbreon's ears twitched at the command. It immediately activated Fairy-type energy, summoning a glowing full moon above its head.
Soft beams of light rained down, surrounding Umbreon and beginning to heal its injuries.
Ash's eyes widened as Haunter reemerged. Three portals opened around Umbreon—above, to the left, and to the right—each one releasing a Haunter holding a Shadow Ball.
"Haunter's triple Shadow Force! Umbreon's surrounded!" the commentator shouted in awe.
The three attacks closed in simultaneously, leaving Umbreon no visible escape route. But Gary had already found the way out.
"Umbreon, jump up!" Gary yelled, his voice sharp with urgency.
Umbreon immediately stopped Moonlight and launched itself skyward just as the Shadow Balls converged below it.
"Boom!" The resulting explosion shattered the moonlight above and sent a shockwave rippling across the battlefield.
Umbreon was caught in the blast, but it's midair agility allowed it to twist and absorb most of the impact. With a graceful flip, it landed back on the ground, breathing heavily but still standing.
The crowd erupted into cheers as the battle raged on, the tension in the air palpable. Both trainers locked eyes, their determination unshaken.
Gary's strategy had worked—for now—but Ash and Haunter weren't done yet. The fight was far from over.
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