Chapter 187: Outcome
The Next Challenger
Gary stood still for a moment, his eyes closed in thought.
When he opened them, his expression was resolute.
Without hesitation, he reached for Arcanine's Poké Ball, recalling his exhausted Pokémon.
Compared to Ash, he still had a long way to go.
But that didn't mean he would give up.
No matter the odds, a true Trainer never backs down.
With determination burning in his eyes, he grabbed another Poké Ball.
"Alright, it's your turn—Nidoking!"
Gary threw the Poké Ball high into the air.
A flash of white light spread across the battlefield, revealing a towering Pokémon.
Nidoking stood tall, its muscular body rippling with power.
At 1.5 meters, the massive Drill Pokémon let out a thunderous roar, its deep purple hide gleaming under the stadium lights.
Its white chest and belly stood out, and its thick, armored tail smashed against the ground, sending tiny cracks through the dirt.
Nidoking's razor-sharp horn gleamed dangerously, its small spikes twitching with anticipation.
Pokédex Data
Nidoking
Type: Poison/Ground
Category: Drill Pokémon
Ability: Poison Point or Rivalry (Hidden Ability: Sheer Force)
Poison Point: A Pokémon making physical contact with Nidoking has a chance of being poisoned.
Strength Level: Elite
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Surprising Choice
Brock furrowed his brows. "Nidoking? Why send a Ground-type against Haunter?"
Misty gasped. "Wait! Haunter has Levitate! That means Ground-type moves won't even hit it!"
Gary overheard them, smirking.
"Nidoking can do a lot more than just Ground-type attacks."
He clenched his fist, issuing his first command.
"Nidoking—Fire Punch!"
"Nido—!" Nidoking roared, its thick legs pounding against the dirt as it charged forward.
Its right fist ignited in bright orange flames, glowing with intense heat.
Though not the fastest Pokémon, Nidoking's sheer size and aggressive charge made it intimidating.
A weaker Pokémon might freeze up just from the pressure of its approach.
---
Clash of Power
Ash narrowed his eyes. "Shadow Ball!"
Instead of using Phantom Force to dodge, Ash decided to attack directly.
Haunter let out a chilling cackle, raising its hands.
A sphere of dark ghostly energy formed in its palms—
Then, with a flick of its wrist—
Haunter launched the Shadow Ball straight at Nidoking!
Gary gritted his teeth but stood firm.
"Don't stop! Go straight through it!"
Nidoking roared, raising its flaming fist.
As the Shadow Ball hurtled toward it, Nidoking punched straight into it!
BOOM!
A powerful shockwave erupted as the flames and ghostly energy collided in midair.
The force of the impact sent gravel flying across the battlefield.
Nidoking staggered back two steps, but quickly regained its balance—
Then continued charging forward!
Brock's eyes widened. "It actually powered through a Shadow Ball?"
Misty was stunned. "Gary planned for this! He knew Nidoking could take the hit!"
---
A Game of Endurance
Ash remained calm.
"Haunter, keep your distance! Use Shadow Ball repeatedly!"
Haunter snickered as it floated backward, keeping Nidoking at bay.
It hurled another Shadow Ball—then another—
And another.
Nidoking had no choice but to brace itself, blocking each hit.
With every impact, it stumbled slightly, the repeated blows slowly chipping away at its stamina.
Gary clenched his fists.
"Damn it… this isn't working."
Nidoking was tough, but it wasn't built for prolonged endurance battles.
If this kept up—
It would tire out before it could even land a hit.
---
Gary's Adjustment
Gary quickly changed tactics.
"Nidoking, stop chasing! Use Thunderbolt!"
Ash's eyes narrowed.
"Haunter, dodge!"
But before Haunter could react—
CRACKLE!
A bolt of yellow electricity burst from Nidoking's horn, arcing across the battlefield like a lightning strike!
The attack caught Haunter mid-air—
"GASTLY—!"
The electric surge exploded on impact, sending Haunter spiraling backward!
Misty gasped. "Nidoking can use Thunderbolt?!"
Brock nodded. "That's the power of Nidoking's wide movepool. Gary's playing smart now!"
Haunter hovered shakily, clearly damaged from the unexpected strike.
---
Ash's Counterattack
Ash, however, was still composed.
Gary was playing well, but Ash knew—
He still had the advantage.
"Haunter, use Hypnosis!"
Haunter's eyes glowed bright red.
The air around Nidoking wavered, as if reality itself was shifting.
Gary's stomach dropped.
"Nidoking, look away!"
But it was too late.
Nidoking froze in place, its powerful body swaying unsteadily—
Then, with a heavy thud, it collapsed onto one knee—
Fast asleep.
Misty cheered. "Haunter did it!"
Brock nodded. "Now Nidoking's vulnerable!"
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Sealing the Match
Ash didn't hesitate.
"Haunter, finish this with Dream Eater!"
Haunter let out a mischievous cackle, its ghostly body flickering with purple energy.
It phased through Nidoking, absorbing its energy directly!
Nidoking groaned weakly, its body losing strength rapidly.
Gary could only watch as its stamina drained away—
Until finally—
Nidoking collapsed, unconscious.
Brock raised his hand.
"Nidoking is unable to battle! Haunter wins!"
---
Aftermath
Silence.
Then—
The crowd erupted into cheers!
Misty jumped excitedly. "Ash won again!"
Gary stared at Nidoking's Poké Ball, expression unreadable.
Then, with a sigh, he returned his fallen Pokémon.
He looked at Ash, smirking slightly.
"Not bad… but don't get used to winning."
Ash grinned. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
Gary turned, hands in his pockets. "Next time, you won't be so lucky."
Ash simply laughed, his eyes full of excitement.
The rivalry was far from over.
To Be Continued…