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In an instant, like a flash of lightning, the clash ended with Riolu being kicked out of the battlefield, lying motionless on the ground outside.
"Riolu!!"
Delia's face paled at the sudden turn of events. Seeing Riolu lying outside the field unmoving, she was so frightened that she forgot everything else. Without thinking, she quickly rushed forward, wanting to run to Riolu's side.
"Please wait! The battle is still ongoing! Trainers may not enter the field! Let me confirm Riolu's condition first before anything else!"
Just as Delia lifted her foot, the young girl who had been serving as referee darted into the field, blocking her path with arms outstretched and flags raised, her expression serious.
"You—!"
Being stopped so suddenly, Delia's face immediately twisted in anger. She was about to push past regardless, but at that moment—
"Rioo!"
A familiar cry rang out from outside the field. Everyone turned toward the sound, and to their surprise, Riolu—who had just been lying still—was now struggling back onto its feet. One hand pressed against its side, it grimaced in pain but forced itself to walk back toward the battlefield.
"Riolu… You… your injuries?"
Delia's worry turned to momentary joy at seeing Riolu stand again, but her happiness quickly shifted back to anxiety. Looking at Riolu's pained face, she asked with concern.
"Ruu! (It's fine! I can still fight!)"
Hearing her voice, Riolu forced a small smile, clearly holding on with sheer willpower.
"…Riolu… alright! Keep fighting, Riolu! I believe in you! We can win this match!"
Delia's eyes glistened with tears as she shouted to her partner, her voice filled with determination.
"Rioo!!"
"Riolu has re-entered the field! The battle continues! The match resumes now!"
"Go, Riolu!"
"Ruu!"
"Let's keep up the assault! We'll bring the opponent down directly! Use continuous Force Palm!"
The battle reignited in a flash. Knowing Riolu's body couldn't hold out much longer, Delia chose the most ferocious offensive—determined to end this as fast as possible.
"Riolu!"
Understanding Delia's intent, Riolu went all out. Its entire strength surged forth without reservation. The blue-white ripples of Aura flared from its small claws, and in the next heartbeat, Riolu shot forward like a storm wind. Hugging close to the ground, it dove toward Smeargle's side like a shadowed arrow, claw lashing out!
"Block it, Smeargle! Use Mimic!"
"Smee!"
At the last second, Mr. Howard's command rang out. Smeargle instantly activated Mimic, its fists glowing with the same Aura energy as Riolu's. It threw a punch that collided head-on with Riolu's strike.
Bang! Bang! Bang-bang-bang-bang!
Fist after fist crashed together. Inconceivably, a Normal-type Pokémon was exchanging blow after blow with a Fighting-type, neither seeming to falter!
"Now, Smeargle! Use Low Kick!"
As the two clashed evenly, Howard gave the next order. Smeargle abruptly lifted its left leg and swung it hard at Riolu!
"Rioo!!"
Riolu couldn't withstand the kick. At the last moment, it crossed its arms in front of its body to block.
Thud!
The impact sent Riolu flying backward with a muffled cry. Thankfully, Low Kick dealt more damage to heavier opponents, and Riolu's small frame lessened the blow. It twisted midair, landing in a roll, growling as it steadied itself.
"Hang in there, Riolu! Come on, let's push through! Give it everything we've got.. I believe in you! We can't stop here—we'll become stronger! Go, Riolu! Release all of our power!"
The atmosphere had reached its peak. Delia was completely immersed, her gaze never leaving Riolu for even a second.
And at that moment—just like before in Violet City—the mysterious wave of Aura surged from her body once more, sweeping through the entire room. One stream of that power wrapped tightly around Riolu, instantly amplifying its aura to an incredible degree!
"Ruuuuuuuh!!"
A roar unlike any before tore from Riolu's throat. Its small body stood tall, overflowing with surging energy. The once-fading Aura flared back to life, now blazing brighter and climbing rapidly until it fully enveloped both arms!
"Go, Riolu! Force Palm!!"
"Rioo!!"
Delia's cry tore through the arena. Riolu leaned forward as if about to collapse, but then—boom!—power erupted beneath its feet, propelling it forward like a missile. Its raised right claw crashed down toward Smeargle with thunderous might!
"Smeargle! Mimic, now!"
"Smee!"
Smeargle once again cloaked its fists in Aura and countered with a punch. The two Aura-charged strikes collided… but this time, it was different.
In an instant, Smeargle's fist was forced aside, while Riolu's blow smashed into its shoulder, sending it flying!
"Rioo!"
Riolu didn't stop. As Smeargle crashed to the ground, Riolu sprinted forward with astonishing speed.
"Smeargle! Endure it! Use Counter!"
"Smee!!"
Smeargle, grimacing in pain, activated Counter. A faint red glow enveloped its body as it braced for Riolu's strike.
"Riooo!"
Closing in, Riolu raised its claw. Its eyes held no hesitation as it slammed its fist downward—
BOOM!!
But instead of hitting Smeargle directly, Riolu smashed the ground beside it! The explosion of force blasted Smeargle upward into the air.
And then—
"Ruuuuh!!"
Riolu's claws came together, gathering the powerful Aura from its arms into its palms. A brilliant blue-white sphere of energy formed, glowing with dazzling light. With a mighty roar, Riolu hurled it skyward—
The Aura Sphere shot forth, striking the airborne Smeargle with perfect precision.
BOOOOM!!!