Chapter 301: Rhydon
Gary had carefully chosen Rhydon for this battle. While Rhydon's glaring vulnerabilities to Grass and Water-Types were evident, its Rock-Type provided an edge against Ash's Pidgeot.
Rock-Type moves were super effective against Flying-Types and could resist both Normal and Flying-Type attacks, reducing their damage to half.
Ash, however, wasn't deterred. "True, Rhydon's attack and defense are impressive," he said calmly, "but its special defense is notoriously low."
He opted not to switch out Pidgeot, confident in its speed and special attack capabilities, even before its potential Mega Evolution.
"Pidgeot, use Agility, then follow up with Feather Dance!" Ash called out.
In response, Pidgeot's body shimmered with purple and pink streaks of light as it activated Agility, enhancing its already incredible speed.
In an instant, Pidgeot surged forward, covering a ten-meter distance with ease, weaving through the air at blinding speed.
"Use Smack Down, Rhydon!" Gary countered swiftly. He knew Pidgeot's airborne advantage needed to be neutralised.
Rhydon responded by channelling Rock energy into its right hand, forming a dense, grey-yellow boulder nearly a metre in diameter.
With a fierce gleam in its eyes, Rhydon hurled the boulder with cannonball-like force, aiming straight for Pidgeot's path.
The rock sped through the air, but Pidgeot gracefully tilted its body mid-flight, evading the attack with minimal effort. Now directly above Rhydon, Pidgeot unleashed Feather Dance.
Sky-blue feathers cascaded gracefully from above, landing on Rhydon's tough hide. As the feathers dissolved into glowing energy, Rhydon's attack power was reduced significantly, cutting its effectiveness in half.
Gary frowned, realizing the setback. Rhydon's raw physical strength was its greatest asset, and now it was weakened. Still, he wasn't about to back down. "Rhydon, use Stone Edge! Block its movements!"
With a guttural roar, Rhydon summoned a surge of Rock energy. Dozens of razor-sharp rock spikes erupted from its back, aimed at Pidgeot's agile figure.
The spikes shot through the air in a dense formation, creating a deadly, translucent wave visible to the naked eye.
Ash's response was immediate. "Pidgeot, use your secret skill: Aerial Ace combined with Hurricane! Attack at full force!"
Pidgeot let out a piercing screech as its eyes flashed with determination. Channeling Flying-Type energy, it surged forward, creating three identical afterimages that moved in unison.
The combined energy triggered a massive sky-blue tornado, the Hurricane intensifying with each wingbeat. The violent winds spiraled across the battlefield, tearing up debris as they advanced.
"It's Pidgeot's secret skill! Aerial Ace combined with Hurricane! A devastating attack!" the commentator shouted over the roaring wind.
Spectators shielded themselves from the powerful gusts, struggling to keep their eyes on the battle.
Gary's heart raced, but he refused to falter. "Don't give up, Rhydon! Attack with everything you've got!"
The sharp rock spikes launched by Rhydon collided with the advancing tornadoes. For a moment, the air was filled with deafening sounds of clashing forces.
But the Stone Edge was no match for the raging winds. The tornadoes shattered the rock spikes and continued their relentless advance.
"Boom!"
The three tornadoes converged on Rhydon, merging into one colossal Twister that engulfed the battlefield.
The violent winds tore at Rhydon's armor-like hide, cutting into it like countless invisible blades. Rhydon roared in pain, its voice nearly drowned out by the storm.
When the winds finally subsided, the battlefield was unrecognizable. Deep gouges scarred the ground where the tornadoes had passed. Amid the rubble, Rhydon lay battered and bruised, barely clinging to consciousness.
The commentator's voice quivered as he spoke. "Unbelievable! Rhydon, with its Rock-Typing advantage, has been left in such a devastating state by Pidgeot's attack. What incredible power!"
"Don't give up, Rhydon!" Gary shouted, his voice laced with determination. He had underestimated Pidgeot's strength, but he wasn't ready to concede.
Rhydon struggled to its feet, one arm hanging limply at its side, clearly broken. Despite the pain, it stood firm, glaring at Pidgeot with unwavering resolve. In its eyes, there was no fear—only a fierce unwillingness to lose.
It refused to be defeated by a Flying-Type Pokémon.
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