"Pikachu, stay calm, close your eyes!"
Just as Pikachu was about to fall into confusion, Ash's voice provided a timely reminder. Pikachu immediately closed its eyes. The strategy worked, though now unable to see, it had to rely on Ash's Aura to vaguely determine its position.
"Use Flash Cannon!"
At that moment, Lucian's command followed. Bronzong pointed its bell-shaped lower body at Pikachu and began concentrating light within its muzzle. A silver-white beam of light fired toward Pikachu.
"(Pikachu, upper right, evade quickly!)"
A command suddenly sounded in Pikachu's mind. Its flexible ears, having heard the incoming attack, prompted Pikachu to continue its dash with Quick Attack. It not only cleverly avoided Bronzong's Flash Cannon but successfully followed the path Ash had mentally projected, rapidly closing in on the Bronzong.
"Indeed, this Pikachu's speed is impressive, quite difficult to catch!" Lucian murmured with a smile, watching Pikachu constantly evade. "In that case, Bronzong, use Trick Room!"
"Use Flash!"
The two commands were given almost simultaneously. In the next moment, the entire battlefield was illuminated by a blinding white light radiating from the highly leaping Pikachu. Everyone on the field, except the prepared Ash, instinctively shut their eyes, as did the Bronzong, which was charging up its Trick Room.
Seizing the opportunity, Pikachu used Quick Attack combined with its speed to finally reach Bronzong.
"Use Iron Tail!"
When Lucian and Bronzong finally managed to open their eyes, they saw a meter-long blade-like tail aimed right at Bronzong's head. Lucian was momentarily stunned. Such a drastic discrepancy was like watching a child wield an enormous Gatling gun.
"This is..."
Although the "Giant Beast Slash" was only half the length of the previous one, is Pikachu giving up its status as a quasi-Legendary specialist? Wasn't Giant Beast Slash reserved only for the likes of Tyranitar and Metagross?
"Go, go, go, Pikachu!"
Seeing the familiar greatsword, Dawn grew exceptionally excited, unleashing Buneary to form a cheerleading squad with her, shouting encouragement for Ash and Pikachu.
"Mimi!"
Buneary's eyes turned into hearts, gazing coyly at the valiant and fearless Pikachu.
"That's just too much..."
Brock covered his forehead, slightly embarrassed to see the girl and her Pokémon now wearing customized cheerleading outfits.
Rumble!
On the field, following the heavy swing of Pikachu's "Giant Beast Slash," Bronzong was sent flying, crashing onto the distant ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.
"Bronzong, quickly use..."
Before Lucian could issue his command, Pikachu's next attack arrived.
"Use Volt Tackle!" Ash shouted, adjusting his hat and commanding Pikachu again.
In a speed-focused strategy, once an opportunity is found, the opponent must not be given a chance to breathe; a fatal blow must be delivered one after another. This was especially true against an opponent with a potential game-changer like Trick Room. If that move was activated, the momentum would instantly shift, and Pikachu would have virtually no chance of winning.
Pikachu didn't think too much. The moment the attack command was given, its entire body was again enveloped in lightning, charging toward Bronzong. Even though Bronzong dragged its injured body to rise again, it only managed a brief Psychic attack to slow Pikachu. Then, under Pikachu's furious assault, Bronzong was hit again by the high-pressure, high-temperature Volt Tackle.
Another cloud of smoke shrouded the ground, accompanied by a smell of something scorched.
But it wasn't over. In Ash's Aura sense, Bronzong's life force was still active. Judging by Lucian's focused expression, it had not yet been defeated.
"Use Iron Tail combined with Electro Ball!"
Ash commanded Pikachu to use the Giant Beast Slash again, with a highly charged Electro Ball attached to its tail, smashing down into the smoke-shrouded Bronzong. In an instant, Pikachu crossed the ten-meter distance, leaping into the air for a 360-degree spin before its tail, bearing the golden energy ball, slammed onto Bronzong.
This was an extreme form of speed-based offense: three consecutive, devastating attacks, giving the enemy no time to recover. However, this strategy was incredibly taxing on Pikachu. If the combo failed to knock out the opponent, Pikachu would be at a huge disadvantage, as evidenced by its heavy breathing.
Just like a certain fox character in a mobile game; throw three skills, and that one passive becomes very awkward.
Clang!
With a heavy sound of impact, the previously floating Bronzong finally crashed to the ground. Its bronze steel body was covered in charred marks from the extreme heat and pressure of the electric attacks. Its red eyes had been replaced by the spiral pattern of a Poliwhirl's belly.
"Pika!!"
Having won once again, Pikachu danced excitedly on the battlefield, flashing a "V" sign to everyone.
"Buneary, Pikachu is so cool, right?"
Noticing Buneary's infatuated look, Dawn teased her partner.
"Mimi!"
The adoration in Buneary's eyes, clad in its pink cheerleader outfit, intensified, its brown eyes entirely filled with Pikachu's image. Dawn looked at Ash with the same adoration, a mirrored stance to her Pokémon.
"He can already beat an Elite Four Pokémon... It looks like Ash and Pikachu are already standing on their own," Brock murmured to himself, oblivious to the girls. As a witness to Ash's growth, he felt a joyous pride, like seeing his own child finally grow up and become independent.
"That was a truly magnificent battle, Ash!"
Recalling Bronzong, Lucian walked over and patted Ash on the shoulder. "I hope to see you standing on the Champion's podium at this year's Lily of the Valley Conference!"
"I will. Thank you for the guidance, Mr. Lucian!" Ash thanked the Elite Four member sincerely for acting as a sparring partner and for his encouraging words.
"Haha, good! Remember your promise!"
Lucian laughed heartily, covering his eyes. After treating the injured Bronzong, he bid farewell to the trio and left.
Once out of sight, he pulled out a communication device and reported to his superior.
"Ms. Cynthia, I have encountered an interesting..."