Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 350: Ace Pokemon



Nemona waved her flag with enthusiasm. "Oh! The battle is getting more intense! Charizard is down, and Ogerpon has claimed victory. Mr. Naoki, will you switch your Pokémon for the next round?"

Naoki glanced at Lance, weighing his options. "Yes, let's switch," he said. This was a great opportunity to let his ancient Pokémon experience modern battle techniques.

Nemona raised the flag high again. "The third battle is about to begin!"

Meanwhile, on the other side of the banquet, Professor Oak was approached by several trainers. They had been marveling at the unusual Pokémon and wanted the professor to weigh in with his expertise.

At first, Professor Oak looked perplexed, but as he made his way through the crowd, his eyes widened in astonishment. Several Pokémon, unlike any he had ever seen, caught his attention. There was Ogerpon, wearing its blue mask, hopping lightly on its feet. Nearby stood Pawmot, pink fur gleaming under the lights, gripping its small hammer. Then there was Koraidon, its scarlet scales rippling with raw power, and finally, Flutter Mane, with its ethereal, menacing aura, evoking an eerie resemblance to a Misdreavus but far larger and fiercer.

"What Pokémon is that?" Professor Oak gasped, his gaze fixed on Flutter Mane. "Could it be a highly evolved form of Misdreavus?"

But no one around could answer his question.

Although its ghostly attributes and general appearance bore similarities to Misdreavus, its distinct features left Oak stumped. It was not a Pokémon cataloged in any current Pokédex. Back at the battlefield, Naoki turned to his Pokémon. "Flutter Mane, it's your turn."

Flutter Mane floated forward, its eyes glinting with determination. Across from it, Lance threw out his next Poké Ball.

With a burst of white light, Aerodactyl emerged, its gray, stony body imposing and its fierce eyes gleaming with primal intensity.

Nemona announced, "The third match begins: Flutter Mane versus Aerodactyl!"

Lance acted first. "Aerodactyl, use Scary Face!"

Aerodactyl let out a guttural roar, baring its jagged teeth as an oppressive aura enveloped the battlefield. Flutter Mane froze momentarily, its instincts warning it of the danger.

"Snap out of it, Flutter Mane! Use Phantom Force!" Naoki called.

Before Flutter Mane could fully recover, Lance issued another command. "Aerodactyl, Ancient Power!"

Aerodactyl roared, and glowing rocks materialized around it, hurtling toward Flutter Mane like meteors.

"Quick! Use Phantom Force to dodge!" Naoki shouted.

Flutter Mane vanished into the shadows just in time, evading the incoming Ancient Power. However, the residual energy from Scary Face slowed its movements, leaving it vulnerable. Naoki clenched his fists. "Shake it off, Flutter Mane! Hit it with Power Gem!"

Reappearing from the shadows, Flutter Mane unleashed a dazzling beam of light, sparkling like a radiant gem, directly at Aerodactyl. Lance's Pokémon swiftly took to the skies, evading the attack with practiced agility.

"Keep the pressure on, Aerodactyl! Use Ancient Power again!" Lance commanded.

Aerodactyl swooped downward, conjuring another barrage of glowing rocks. The projectiles crashed toward Flutter Mane, forcing it to dart frantically to avoid the assault.

"Use Phantom Force again!" Naoki urged.

Flutter Mane slipped into the shadows once more, vanishing from Aerodactyl's sight. Aerodactyl flapped its wings nervously, scanning its surroundings for the elusive ghostly Pokémon.

With a sudden burst, Flutter Mane reappeared behind Aerodactyl, delivering a devastating strike that sent the fossil Pokémon reeling. Aerodactyl barely regained its balance before launching back into the air.

Lance's voice rang out. "Aerodactyl, use Wing Attack!"

Aerodactyl's wings shimmered with a bright white light as it dived at incredible speed toward Flutter Mane. Naoki's heart sank. Aerodactyl's speed had increased dramatically-Ancient Power's stat boost was taking effect.

"Flutter Mane, dodge-quick!" Naoki shouted.

But Aerodactyl closed the gap too quickly. Its wing, glowing with tremendous energy, struck Flutter Mane directly.

Flutter Mane was hurled across the battlefield by Aerodactyl's powerful Wing Attack. It hit the ground with a thud, struggling briefly before succumbing to its injuries.

Aerodactyl roared in triumph, circling the air as Lance called out, "Bite!"

With precision, Aerodactyl dove toward Flutter Mane, jaws wide open. Its fangs sank into Flutter Mane's body with a fierce grip, shaking it violently before letting go.

Flutter Mane let out a pained cry before falling to the ground, unmoving.

Nemona stepped forward to inspect the fainted Pokémon.

"Flutter Mane is unable to battle! Aerodactyl is the winner!" she declared.

Naoki returned Flutter Mane to its Poké Ball, giving it a grateful nod. "You did well. Rest now."

Naoki paused. Lance's Pokémon roster, heavily focused on Flying and Dragon-types, was at a notable disadvantage against Naoki's team. Yet Lance's skill as a trainer was apparent, and the battles had been anything but easy.

The next round began, pitting Pawmot against Aerodactyl. Lance, having observed Pawmot's previous battle, decided on a cautious, tactical approach.

"Aerodactyl, use Agility! Keep your distance and wait for an opening to counterattack with Ancient Power!" Lance commanded.

Aerodactyl executed the command flawlessly. Its speed, already heightened from prior stat boosts, reached incredible levels. It darted around the battlefield, making it nearly impossible for Pawmot's Electric-type moves to connect. Every attempt at an Electric Ball or Thunder Shock missed, leaving Pawmot visibly frustrated.

The two Pokémon engaged in a high-speed chase, with Aerodactyl occasionally pelting Pawmot with chunks of glowing rock summoned through Ancient Power. Pawmot managed to dodge most of these, but the strain of constant evasion was evident.

The stalemate continued, with Lance waiting for Pawmot to slip up. But Naoki, observing the battlefield carefully, wasn't out of ideas.

"Pawmot!" Naoki shouted. "Use Hammer!"

Pawmot's eyes lit up with determination. Though it had never performed this move before, it instinctively understood what Naoki wanted.

With a shout of "Pawmot!" Pawmot began channeling a massive amount of electrical energy into its small hammer. The hammer started to glow intensely, radiating crackling sparks of

pure electricity.

Lance's eyes narrowed. "A new move? Aerodactyl, stay sharp and keep your distance!"

Aerodactyl screeched in acknowledgment, watching Pawmot carefully from above.

The battlefield grew tense as Pawmot continued to charge its hammer. The air around it seemed to hum with electricity, and sparks danced across the ground. Everyone watching held their breath, sensing that something extraordinary was about to happen.

Electric sparks crackled in the air, and in an instant, the small metal hammer wielded by

Pawmot began to glow with a brilliant electric charge.

"What... what is that?"

The trainers watching the battle immediately turned their focus to the hammer, curiosity and amazement etched across their faces.

Then, with all its might, Pawmot hurled the electrically charged hammer into the air.

The hammer, now enveloped in a terrifying electrical current, spun rapidly as it hurtled

toward Aerodactyl.

Aerodactyl, its predatory instincts kicking in, kept its eyes on Pawmot the entire time. As soon

as the hammer flew toward it, the Pokémon dodged with a swift maneuver, narrowly avoiding

the attack.

The spectators collectively gasped.

"It missed!"

Pawmot, now visibly winded, stood motionless on the field.

Aerodactyl and Lance both seemed to relax slightly, relieved that the attack had failed. However, Naoki, standing across the battlefield, showed no hint of disappointment. Instead,

a calm, confident expression remained on his face, as though he had been anticipating this

very moment.

Lance frowned. Something wasn't right.

Suddenly, Naoki's voice rang out across the battlefield. "Now! Recall it!"

"Paw-mo!" Pawmot stretched out its small pink paw, fingers spread wide, as if summoning

something.

Confusion swept through the crowd.

"What's happening?"

"What does he mean by 'recall it'?"

Then, someone in the crowd shouted, "Wait, look at the hammer!"

Eyes snapped toward the battlefield, and disbelief swept over the audience.

The hammer, which had been thrown far across the field, was now returning on its own, flying

back toward Pawmot at incredible speed like a boomerang.

Aerodactyl noticed the phenomenon just a fraction of a second too late.

The spinning hammer, cloaked in electric power, struck Aerodactyl squarely on its back with a

resounding crack.

The Pokémon let out a guttural cry, its massive body crashing to the ground with a deafening

thud.

Dust and debris settled over the battlefield as Aerodactyl lay motionless, defeated.

Lance stared in stunned silence at his fallen Pokémon.

The crowd erupted with disbelief.

"What... what just happened?!"

"How did that hammer fly back to it?"

"And how is that Pokémon so powerful? It's using a weapon imbued with electric energy!"

"This is crazy!"

On the sidelines, Alder clapped his hands enthusiastically. "Marvelous! Absolutely

marvelous! What a display of skill!"

Meanwhile, Professor Oak, who had been observing from the edge of the crowd, finally shifted his gaze from the unfamiliar Pokémon to the young trainer commanding them. As a native of Kanto, Professor Oak knew Lance's prowess as a trainer. It was no small feat to challenge him, let alone take down three of his Pokémon while losing only one in return.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"This young man, Naoki," Oak muttered to himself, his curiosity piqued. "He's no ordinary

trainer."

For now, though, Oak couldn't help but hope that the battle would conclude soon-so that he could examine these mysterious Pokémon up close.

On the second floor of the manor, Caitlin, Shauntal, and Cynthia reclined on the terrace,

observing the lively battle below.

Watching Pawmot defeat the Aerodactyl, which seemed to have the upper hand, Caitlin's eyes

filled with surprise.

Shauntal, adjusting her glasses and holding a manuscript for her latest novel, suddenly felt

inspiration strike.

"Perhaps I could write a story about an unknown trainer who rises through the ranks,

defeating the strongest champion in a high-stakes tournament to become a Pokémon Master!" she mused aloud, her voice tinged with excitement.

"Cynthia, what do you think?" Shauntal turned instinctively to the Sinnoh Champion beside

her.

Cynthia, her gaze fixed on the battle below, replied softly, "Electric-type, Water-type, Dragon-type... Lance's Pokémon lineup is at a clear disadvantage here. But it's evident that he hasn't revealed his full strength yet."

After all, Lance's most iconic ace, Dragonite, had yet to make an appearance.

Still...

Cynthia's attention shifted momentarily to the young man on the opposite side of the

battlefield and the Pokémon standing at his side. A flicker of doubt crossed her usually composed expression.

That trainer, Naoki, didn't seem to be fighting at full capacity either.

...

By the fountain in the garden, a jovial, slightly overweight middle-aged man attempted to

strike up a conversation with the enigmatic Giovanni.

"Mr. Giovanni? Mr. Giovanni? Are you listening?"

Giovanni, dressed in a sharp suit, turned his attention toward the man with a composed

expression, nodding curtly. "Yes."

The middle-aged man chuckled awkwardly. "Oh, forgive me! I almost forgot that you're a highly accomplished Pokémon trainer yourself. Being a Gym Leader must be such a demanding role, right?"

Giovanni's reply was calm, yet brimming with confidence. "It is only challenging for those

who lack the competence for their position. For me, it is neither difficult nor inconvenient."

"Oh, of course! Of course!" The man laughed nervously. "As expected of Mr. Giovanni-

always so composed!"

...

Back on the battlefield, thirty seconds had passed. Nemona stepped forward to inspect the fallen Aerodactyl, confirming its condition before raising her hand triumphantly. "Aerodactyl has lost its ability to fight! The winner of this battle is Pawmot!"

"Pawmot!"

The Pokemon squealed in delight, soaring back to Naoki and sharing a celebratory high-five.

Lance, standing on the other side of the battlefield, exhaled heavily, his expression a mix of exasperation and determination.

Lance returned his fainted Aerodactyl to its Poké Ball, took a deep breath, and looked at Naoki with a calm but resolute expression.

"There's one last battle to decide everything," Lance declared.

Naoki raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

Lance's expression softened slightly, and he gave an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid I didn't

bring my entire main team this time. So far, I have only one Pokémon left that can fight."

As he spoke, Lance reached for his final Poké Ball.

"This Pokémon has been with me since the very beginning, standing by my side as I grew stronger and faced countless challenges. It's my most powerful partner and the one who has taught me an important lesson: Never give up, no matter the circumstances."

"You understand that, don't you, Naoki?" Naoki's eyes lit up as realization struck.

Lance's next Pokémon was going to be none other than his ace-Dragonite.

In response, Naoki gave a small nod, understanding the weight of what was about to happen.

"Yeah, I understand."

He called Pawmot back to rest and reached for a different Poké Ball from his belt. The smooth sphere felt heavy in his hand, brimming with anticipation.

"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time," Naoki said, his voice steady as he

tightened his grip on the Poké Ball containing his own Dragonite.

Seeing Naoki's decision to switch Pokémon, Lance wasn't surprised. Instead, a glint of determination sparked in his eyes as he hurled his final Poké Ball into the air.

In a flash of dazzling white light, a powerful Dragonite materialized on the battlefield. Its

stance was strong and unwavering, its calm and focused gaze mirroring its trainer's resolve.

...

Bonus Chapter

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