"GAAA!!"
Before Electabuzz could even process what was happening, a deafening roar erupted from Gabite's throat, shaking it back to full awareness.
Bathed in a crimson aura, Gabite streaked forward like a bolt of red lightning, both claws extended, aiming straight for Electabuzz.
"Buzz!!"
Electabuzz's battle instincts kicked in immediately, throwing up a Protect to shield itself from the assault.
However, before it could catch its breath, Gabite's relentless attacks crashed against the barrier in rapid succession.
Crack—
Within mere seconds, the protective shield shattered into fragments, leaving Electabuzz exposed to the onslaught.
Caught off guard, it took a direct hit and was forced backward, stumbling as Gabite pressed the attack.
There was no room for respite. Gabite came at it again with an all-out barrage—tail, fangs, claws, and even kicks—every part of its body became a weapon, striking down mercilessly.
With the power boost from Dragon Dance, Electabuzz was completely overwhelmed, its body covered in bruises and cuts.
Killer Instinct Lock-On—Dragon Rush!
Gabite's next move came crashing down like a meteor, sending Electabuzz hurtling dozens of meters away before it crumpled onto the ground, groaning in pain.
Yet, despite the devastation it had unleashed, Gabite did not pursue. Instead, it stood dazed, staggering on the spot.
The Outrage had lasted too long—its confusion had finally kicked in!
"Gaaa!!"
With a furious howl, Gabite fought against the disorienting haze, channeling its own bloodline power to forcefully suppress the confusion.
The brutal instinct within it surged, burning away the effects of the move as it refocused on its target—Electabuzz.
Once again, the red mist of raw energy exploded around its form, and it charged forward, intent on finishing the fight.
"Buzz…"
Electabuzz slowly pushed itself up, baring its fangs in a fierce grin. Despite the pain, its fighting spirit only grew stronger.
This… This sensation—
Memories stirred. A time when it, too, had fought with wild abandon. A time when battle had been its greatest thrill!
Motivational Charge!
Electromagnetic Levitation—Magnetic Acceleration!
Lightning crackled across its body, and in the next instant, Electabuzz shot forward like a mad beast, ice-cold energy coiling around its fists—its intent clear.
The two Pokémon clashed with reckless abandon, exchanging blow after blow.
Paul stood at a distance, hands in his pockets, silently watching.
Within his grasp—out of sight—was a Poké Ball, ready to recall Gabite at a moment's notice if things spiraled out of control.
The battle raged on for an eternity. So long, in fact, that Paul's other Pokémon had already returned to his side—yet the fight still had no clear victor.
"Cha…"
Dewott watched the ferocious battle, resting its scalchops against its Shell Bell. Its eyes flickered with intrigue as it carefully observed the delicate balance between instinct and strategy playing out before it.
"…That should be enough."
Paul's calm voice cut through the air. Immediately, all the other Pokémon shifted their gaze toward the battlefield.
At the center of it, both combatants staggered to their feet after their latest clash—one bathed in crimson killing intent, the other shrouded in golden lightning.
Whoosh!
Simultaneously, the two Pokémon launched forward in their final charge.
Electabuzz, propelled by Magnetic Acceleration, reached its target first.
Ice Punch struck true, smashing into Gabite's body with chilling force!
But even as the attack landed, Gabite's razor-sharp Dragon Claws found their mark—driving straight into Electabuzz's stomach.
For a brief moment, time seemed to freeze.
"Buzz…"
A second later, Electabuzz was the first to falter, sinking to one knee, its fist trembling as it lost its strength.
And yet—Gabite did not move.
It stood there, frozen in place.
"Vul…"
From the sidelines, Vulpix narrowed its eyes, sensing something amiss. Its Extrasensory ability detected something subtle—Gabite's entire body was coated in a thin, nearly invisible layer of frost.
It had been frozen solid!
"Buzz~Buzz!"
With great effort, Electabuzz forced itself upright, grinning savagely as it roared in victory.
Even though it hadn't surpassed Gabite's Dragon Dance-boosted strength, it had still won.
And it was a victory well earned.
In the next moment, Electabuzz stepped forward, wrapping its arms around the immobile Gabite in a crushing embrace.
The heat radiating from its body gradually thawed the frozen dragon, allowing Gabite to regain its senses.
"Gaa…"
A faint smile tugged at the edges of Gabite's lips.
It understood now.
Electabuzz had held back. Had it fought at full strength, the battle would have ended much sooner.
Yet it had chosen to match Gabite's level, pushing it to its limits while keeping it just safe enough.
This wasn't just a fight—this was training.
In that moment, Gabite genuinely acknowledged Electabuzz as its senior.
Their fellow Pokémon exchanged knowing glances, smiling at the bond that had formed.
Even Paul, watching from the sidelines, allowed a small smirk to cross his face.
Yes. This was how comrades should be.
…
The touching moment didn't last long.
No sooner had they released each other than both Pokémon collapsed to the ground, utterly drained.
"Blissey~"
From the side, Blissey stepped forward, humming cheerfully as it activated Soft-Boiled and Heal Pulse, quickly mending most of their wounds.
The remaining injuries, however, would need a few days to fully heal.
"Not bad."
Paul examined Gabite with a critical eye, nodding in approval.
Even in its injured state, the sheer presence it exuded had grown stronger.
This confirmed it—the Dragon Bloodline Awakening Plan was working.
It hadn't been a waste after all—those Dragon Fangs, the rare herbs, the expensive battle items…
"Gaa~"
Gabite grinned, satisfaction evident despite the exhaustion.
The process had been grueling, but the results spoke for themselves.
With just a few more rounds of this training, it was certain—it would soar through the skies.
"I'll keep making the Dragon Soup for you during our travels. It won't be as potent as today's batch, but now that we have experience, recreating the effect shouldn't be an issue."
Paul's gaze was sharp.
In time, Gabite would no longer need external boosters to awaken its bloodline power. It would do so on its own.
Until then—Paul's role was simple.
Keep it in peak condition. Arrange the right battles. And, of course—invest wisely.
"Gaa~"
Gabite lifted its head proudly.
Ten more bowls of that soup, and it would master this power completely.
…
"It's getting late. Time for dinner."
Paul's words snapped the team into action, the Pokémon followed him obediently and went to have their meal. Yet, as they walked, his mind remained preoccupied.
Dragon Fang, Dragon Gem, Dragon Root, Dragon Bone…
What else could enhance a dragon's power?
Then, out of nowhere—
"Paul, you haven't made a wish at the meteorite garden yet. Wanna go?"
"Ha. You know I don't believe in that nonsense."
Paul scoffed.
He didn't even trust a so-called "legendary wish-granting Pokémon." Why would he pray to a lifeless rock—
…Wait.
Meteorite?
Meteorite… Dragon Plate… Team Galactic… Spear Key…
…?!
Paul's eyes widened.
He had just remembered something very important.
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