Chapter 197: Koga’s Surprise
The Battle Begins!
The referee raised his hand and announced loudly—
"Battle—START!"
The moment the signal was given, Ash acted without hesitation.
"Charizard, use Flamethrower!"
With a mighty roar, Charizard's fiery breath ignited in an instant.
✔ A ring of sparks expanded from its mouth.
✔ Blazing flames surged forth like a raging inferno.
✔ The heat was so intense that the very air around it distorted.
The Flamethrower shot across the battlefield with blinding speed, leaving a trail of scorched marks in its wake!
Even before it hit, the power behind the attack was unmistakable.
---
Koga's Defense—Agility!
Koga's calm expression flickered for a brief moment.
"That Charizard's flames... they're stronger than I expected!"
But Koga wasn't caught off guard—
"Venonat, use Agility to dodge!"
Venonat's small body glowed slightly, its Psychic energy surging as it activated Agility.
✔ In an instant, it disappeared from its original position!
✔ A second later, it reappeared meters away, moving at blistering speed.
"Not bad!" Ash grinned. "But we're not letting you off that easy!"
Charizard quickly adjusted, maintaining its steady stream of flames while sweeping its head toward Venonat's new position!
✔ The ground beneath the flames turned blackened and cracked.
✔ The air shimmered from the scorching heat.
✔ Venonat kept moving, but the pressure was relentless.
"Protect!" Koga commanded.
---
The Shield vs. The Firestorm
A white, translucent barrier materialized around Venonat.
✔ The energy shield pulsed, forming a solid defense.
✔ Flamethrower collided head-on with Protect!
✔ BOOM! The impact created a shockwave across the battlefield!
The energy shield rippled violently, almost cracking under pressure.
Koga's eyes widened in shock.
"This isn't normal… Protect should block an attack like that easily!"
Even with a level gap, Protect was supposed to hold firm.
Yet Charizard's flames were overwhelming it—bordering on Gym Leader-level strength!
"Incredible... is this really an Elite-level Charizard?" Koga muttered.
---
The Golden Flames
It wasn't just raw power that startled Koga—
Charizard's fire wasn't ordinary.
✔ Unlike regular orange flames, Ash's Charizard unleashed golden fire.
✔ The energy behind it felt more intense than expected.
✔ Even though Protect held strong, it was barely hanging on.
Koga narrowed his eyes.
"Golden flames... Could this Charizard have an enhanced Fire affinity?"
Finally, after several agonizing seconds, the Flamethrower subsided.
✔ The shield remained intact—but just barely.
✔ Venonat was unharmed, yet the strain of defense showed in its movements.
Ash smirked. "You think that was strong? Let's go again!"
---
Encore Attack—Flamethrower!
"Charizard, use Flamethrower again!"
Protect had held once, but the move had a drawback—
If used repeatedly in quick succession, it had a high chance of failure.
Koga knew it too.
"I can't let Ash control the pace..."
Instead of another Protect, he went on the offensive!
"Venonat, use Agility and get in close!"
Venonat darted forward with lightning speed, weaving past the renewed flames.
✔ Dodging where possible.
✔ Enduring the heat when necessary.
Koga's goal was clear—
Get Venonat in close range, where Charizard's fire wouldn't matter!
But things didn't go as planned.
---
The Heat Factor
✔ Even though Venonat wasn't directly hit, the ambient heat was suffocating.
✔ Its movements became sluggish, struggling under the oppressive temperature.
✔ Charizard wasn't just attacking—it was controlling the battlefield!
For a moment, Venonat hesitated, unable to push forward.
Koga gritted his teeth. "The heat alone is disrupting its movement?"
By the time Venonat tried again, it had already been pushed to the edge of the battlefield!
---
Koga's Strategic Shift
Koga quickly reassessed the situation.
✔ His defensive tactics had nearly failed.
✔ His speed-based strategy was being countered by environmental control.
"Time for a change..."
He took a deep breath.
"Venonat, use Stun Spore!"
---
The Trap Is Set
✔ A cloud of golden powder erupted from Venonat's tiny body.
✔ The paralyzing spores spread rapidly in the air.
✔ If Charizard inhaled or made contact, it would be slowed significantly.
But Ash was ready.
"Charizard, blow it away with Wing Attack!"
✔ Charizard's wings flapped fiercely, creating a powerful gust.
✔ The Stun Spore scattered, never reaching its target.
✔ The battlefield was clear once more.
Koga exhaled sharply. "He saw through that too?"
---
Charizard's Aggressive Counter
Ash wasn't about to let Koga regain control.
"Charizard, use Dragon Claw!"
✔ Charizard charged forward, claws glowing with draconic energy.
✔ Its speed was shocking, closing the gap in seconds.
✔ Venonat had no time to escape!
---
The Sudden Counterattack!
But Koga had one last trick up his sleeve.
"Venonat, use Double Team!"
✔ Dozens of Venonat clones appeared instantly!
✔ Charizard swiped through one—only for it to vanish!
✔ The real Venonat was hiding among the illusions!
Ash gritted his teeth. "Tch, tricky move!"
The battle had just reached a critical turning point!
---
To Be Continued…