One Shall Stand, One Shall Fall

AN: Reuploading this with some minor edits. 

As before, you can read the next 5 chapters over on Ko-Fi for 2 dollars just by donating one time or monthly, whatever your choice may be. 

I also uploaded all the chapters over on Patreon as well for those who are unfamiliar with ko-Fi, now you all have more options to read ahead. Just go to Patreon.com/Saurianmp4

Lastly, thank you Micheal Ling for donating! 

If there are any problems, let me know, your feedback helps!

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Callix felt immense satisfaction, knowing that his impressive display of skill would make the present council members, excluding Cedar and Donna, hesitate to betray him. However, despite the council's shared responsibility for the village, not everyone was content with their respective roles.

Lama, the elder statesman of the council, effortlessly fended off any who dared challenge his authority. Revered as the wisest and most cunning among them, his advanced years had forged an indomitable resolve and honed perceptive instincts. Such was the respect and deference he commanded that none would dare meet his gaze without awe.

As the respected council members waited silently, the villagers gathered around them, whispering and speculating about who would dare challenge the council's authority on this solemn day of the Rite of Passage. The crowd's murmurs filled the air, hinting that the unknown challenger possessed remarkable courage.

The growing crowd's anticipation was palpable, even the usually stoic council members appeared eager. Suddenly, a large shadow loomed overhead, prompting everyone to gaze upwards. Lama's eyes widened in surprise, while the other council members, save for Callix, readied themselves to intervene. However, with a single gesture from Lama, the council members' actions were swiftly halted.

Bryony, the panda-eyed council member, spoke first. "A Gyarados?" 

Lama's eyes narrowed with confusion as he stared at the figure that had jumped off the gleaming white Gyarados. "Is that...Nanuq?" he murmured.

At 70 years old, Lama had witnessed the rise and fall of many prodigies and the unwavering determination of those less talented. However, the last prodigies from his village had departed a decade ago, and while individuals of great talent and genius are born occasionally, the village had been eerily quiet since the departure of those two exceptional people, with not a single person born worth cultivating into a force to be reckoned with.

Even Nanuq, who seemed to possess untapped potential, hasn't reached the level at which Lama would take the teenager seriously. It left Lama quite bitter despite his well-crafted calm persona being at the forefront for all to see. He was hoping that this Rite Of Passage would birth such an individual, but it seems like he'll have to wait until next year.

The villagers gazed in awe as Nanuq stood proudly beside his imposing Gyarados, a sight that captivated the entire village. Though Gyarados lacked the dragon type, the elders had long taught that it was a formidable force, a history bolstered by accounts of rare red-colored Gyarados that were sighted only occasionally. As the village elder, Lama ensured this mighty creature remained an integral part of their cultural traditions.

Callix sneered slightly as he walked forward. "So, you did come…" 

Nanuq gazed behind Callix, staring at the flock of villagers, as well as the council, seeing their mixed expressions made Nanuq feel a bit confident. He did catch a rare Gyarados in fact, this wasn't rare at all, it was practically a myth! No Gyarados in history were this color, with only several reports of a red Gyarados, and due to these red Gyarados being sighted across many regions, it was not a myth, but a truth.

"Yes, I'm here to take you down with me. The council would be better off without your presence," Nanuq responded with a straight face, his words causing a settling chill to envelope the area.

Lama, the designated referee, strode to the center of the battle and cleared his throat to command the attention of the onlookers. His gaze shifted between Nanuq and Callix, who stared at each other with palpable tension, an invisible current of electricity crackling between them.

Lama began. "This will be a one-on-one match between Nanuq and Callix of the council. As such, this battle will cause Callix to lose his position should he lose…"

"Bring out your Pokemon, Callix."

With a vicious grin, Callix swiftly reached for his waist, grabbing a Pokeball and hurling it into the air with the expertise of a seasoned baseballer. In a flash of light, a roar echoed across the field as the Pokemon materialized on the grassy plains a few feet from Callix.

With narrowed eyes, Nanuq sized up the Pokemon. It was quickly known as a Druddigon, a rather ferocious Pokemon that dwelled in cave systems, usually made by Onix and Steelix to save itself energy from making its own home. 

Druddigon is a large, blue, draconic Pokemon with medium-sized wings shaped like thistle leaves. Its bright red head is harder than rock and is very rough. It has a set of glaring, ferocious pale yellow irises. Its arms are longer than its legs, giving it the appearance of a hunchback.

It has a thick, moderately-sized tail and sharp white claws on both the hands and feet. It also has tall, conical, red spikes: three on each arm, one on each shoulder, two on each leg, and four on its tail. It has a blunt, brutal snout, bearing a maw with no discernible teeth; instead, small fang-like protrusions sprout from its jaws. It has a series of olive, ellipsoid scutes running across its belly.

As Druddigon and Gyarados, two Pokémon notorious for their volatile tempers, locked eyes upon entering, a hidden rivalry appeared to spark between them, mirroring the tension between their trainers. Lama, sensing the charged atmosphere, seemed increasingly intrigued.

"Heh, I won't stall you both any longer…BEGIN!" 

"Finally!" Callix quickly shouted. "Druddigon go for Rock Slide!"

Druddigon's thunderous roar filled the air as it raised its arms. Nanuq and Gyarados looked up to see a shower of massive boulders raining down around them. Though the sheer number would be nearly impossible to avoid, Nanuq refused to let his concerns show–he remained a proud member of the Anguis Dragon Clan.

"IRON HEAD!" Nanuq ordered Gyarados, with the latter charging directly through the barrage of boulders. This aggressive offense was his only option–Gyarados was not a Pokémon suited for playing defensively. Nanuq would leverage Gyarados' offensive power and play to its strengths.

Iron Head was a steel-type move, which Nanuq found surprising when he learned about its moveset, even if it was limited at this moment, however, this meant that Nanuq and Gyarados would surpass their limits!