Haxorus

The battle took place in the public battlefield at Central Park in the Peace District. Because it was New Year's Eve, fireworks lit up the night sky, drawing plenty of spectators. When they noticed the battlefield lights, their curiosity was piqued. However, a veil of purple and black energy soon shrouded the area—Damian's Gengar had cast its power, preventing onlookers from approaching or seeing what was happening inside.

John and Harrison had already taken their positions. Violet stood as the referee, while the other senior trainers sat with Saul in the stands, eager to watch the match unfold.

"Junior, I don't want to bully you, so I'll use my second team. That way, there's at least some suspense," Harrison said with a smile, though there was no arrogance in his tone.

Before John could respond, Violet cut in. "Your mouth is still as weak as ever. Sooner or later, someone's going to shut it for you!"

"John, show him what you've got! If you beat him, I'll introduce you to a beautiful student from our medical school!" someone from the audience chimed in.

"Can we get on with the battle already? Why does the referee talk more than the fighters?" Harrison retorted, clearly annoyed.

Violet shot him a deadly glare, her eyes practically firing a "death ray." John wiped his brow nervously. These two were way out of his league in every sense.

"The rules are simple: one-on-one. The battle ends when one Pokemon is unable to fight. Now, both trainers, send out your Pokemon!" Violet declared.

John and Harrison simultaneously threw their Pokeballs into the air. Two bursts of light revealed their chosen Pokemon.

Harrison's Pokemon was Haxorus. Its olive-green armor gleamed under the lights, its sharp claws and the twin blades on its face painted a blood-red hue. It looked like a battle-hardened warrior, ready to tear through any opponent.

"Roar!!" Haxorus bellowed, the sheer force of its cry sending a shockwave outward, pushing back dust and small debris. Its presence alone was enough to make people mistake it for a legendary Pokemon. Even though it wasn't, Haxorus was strong enough to go toe-to-toe with some of them. With incredible attack power and speed, few opponents could handle it head-on.

"Wait a second! Since when is Haxorus part of your second team? Wasn't it your main force?" Violet asked, raising an eyebrow.

"That was before," Harrison replied smugly. "I traveled with Zachary and caught an even stronger Dragon-type. So now Haxorus is on my second team. Just wait—you're looking at the next Elite Four member!"

John's Pokemon materialized on the battlefield. Facing off against one of the strongest Gym Trainers, he had carefully considered his choice.

His pick? Gardevoir.

John had anticipated that Harrison, being the Ice Dragon Gym's strongest trainer, would likely send out a Dragon or Ice-type Pokemon. Lady Luck was on his side—Haxorus was pure Dragon.

"Ah…" Harrison sighed, realizing his disadvantage. He couldn't even complain about it; John had no way of knowing which type he would send out. This was just a stroke of bad luck.

"A Shiny Gardevoir!!!" Violet gasped, eyes sparkling.

"Referee, stay professional! We're in the middle of a match!" Harrison snapped, annoyed. Meanwhile, Violet had already pulled out her phone, snapping pictures of Gardevoir from every angle.

"Gardevoir, MEGA Evolve!" John commanded, raising his hand as his Mega Ring pulsed with brilliant light. Having already mastered the transformation, he executed it flawlessly.

The Mega Stone on Gardevoir's neck glowed brightly before enveloping the Pokemon in radiant energy. When the transformation settled, Mega Gardevoir emerged in an elegant black dress, exuding a regal presence.

"A Shiny Mega Gardevoir!!!" Violet was now completely fan-girling. Even Helen, Thomas's wife, couldn't resist taking out her phone. There was just something about beautiful Pokemon that made them irresistible to certain people.

Even Harrison felt the urge to take a picture. Shiny Gardevoirs were already rare enough—but a Shiny Mega Gardevoir? That was practically unheard of! He doubted there was even an image of one on the internet.

Still, he had bigger concerns. He needed to figure out how to counter Mega Gardevoir, whose type advantage made it practically Haxorus' natural predator.

After taking more than enough photos, Violet put her phone away and turned to John. "Junior, after the match, you have to let me take more pictures with Mega Gardevoir!"

John chuckled. "Sure."

Violet raised her hand. "Battle, begin!"

"Gardevoir, Moonblast!"

"Haxorus, Dragon Dance!"

Both trainers issued their commands simultaneously.

Mega Gardevoir lifted its hands, condensing energy into a shimmering orb. The sky darkened, and the crescent moon above seemed to shine even brighter. Suddenly, pink energy rained down like a meteor shower, bombarding the battlefield.

Haxorus spread its arms and roared, effortlessly executing Dragon Dance without missing a beat. However, as the incoming attack closed in, Harrison's eyes widened.

"Wide Guard, now!" he ordered.

Sensing the sheer force of the incoming attack, Haxorus barely had time to react. It slammed its foot into the ground, generating an invisible protective barrier. The rain of Moonblast energy crashed against it, dispersing in dazzling explosions.

Just barely—Haxorus had narrowly avoided devastation. That alone proved its mastery over Dragon Dance and Wide Guard. If it had been another Pokemon, that Moonblast could have been a one-hit KO.

"Dazzling Gleam!" John called.

Mega Gardevoir vanished in an instant, reappearing behind Haxorus with a shimmering pink energy ball in hand.

But Haxorus was a battle-hardened warrior. The moment Mega Gardevoir materialized, it spun around on instinct. Its claws glowed dark green as it swung a brutal Dragon Claw.

"Boom!" The two attacks collided, sending shockwaves rippling across the battlefield.