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"What?!"
Even Koga couldn't hide his shock at the scene unfolding before him. He never expected Ash would employ such a tactic to counter his attack.
Normally, Fire Pledge released a pillar of flame in a single direction, but this time, Charmeleon had unleashed its power directly beneath himself. It was completely beyond Koga's expectations—in this scenario, Charmeleon would be the first to suffer damage from his own attack.
Powerful energy surged outward in waves. Both Ash and Koga, standing at the edge of the battlefield, felt the intense Heat Wave continuously washing over them.
"Charmeleon, you must hold on!" Ash thought desperately as he stared at the inferno before him.
This was Ash's last-ditch effort. Charmeleon, already injured from previous attacks, was now being damaged by his own Fire Pledge. Being a Fire-type Pokémon didn't make him immune to injury from such intense flames.
ROAR!!!
As if responding to Ash's silent plea, a violent roar suddenly erupted from within the fire pillar. With that mighty cry came an astonishing rush of air. Driven by this updraft, the towering flames twisted into a massive fire tornado.
BOOM!
With a thunderous crash, the flame tornado dispersed, its roaring power sending flames scattering in all directions. Embers danced through the air, revealing Charmeleon's fiery silhouette—body scarred but eyes unwavering in determination.
"Charmeleon, Thunder Punch!" Ash commanded.
Golbat had just been blasted away by the pillar of fire, and its Double Team clones had vanished upon contact with the flames. This was their final opportunity to secure victory.
"It won't be that simple! Golbat, dodge and use Leech Life!" Koga called out.
The Gym Leader had abandoned his evasive strategy. With both Pokémon now injured, Koga chose a direct confrontation. Golbat stabilized itself after tumbling through the air, then opened its mouth wide. The sharp fangs inside suddenly elongated, glowing with an eerie green light.
As Golbat rapidly approached, Charmeleon's Thunder Punch came straight toward it. Koga's dark eyes glinted, and at the last possible moment, Golbat shifted its position slightly.
The electrified fist grazed past Golbat's wing, the electrical current barely making contact. Golbat winced, closing one eye from the shock, but this minor paralysis didn't hinder its attack. Both Pokémon were now dangerously close.
Having evaded the Thunder Punch, Golbat endured the numbness in its wing, opened its jaws wide, and sank its fangs into Charmeleon's shoulder. Charmeleon's expression immediately contorted in pain as his body was enveloped in crackling green energy.
Golbat's eyes glowed red as it fed. Unlike Mega Drain, Leech Life was a signature Bug-type move with key differences—Leech Life required direct contact while Mega Drain could be executed from a distance. The trade-off was that Leech Life was more powerful, draining the opponent's energy at a faster rate.
Not only was Charmeleon rapidly losing stamina, but the bite itself caused excruciating pain. Leech Life was particularly effective at quickly converting an opponent's energy into renewed strength for the user.
"Oh no!" Misty and Brock exclaimed in unison, their expressions filled with concern. Ash frowned deeply at the troubling development.
Koga smiled confidently, victory seemingly within his grasp.
"RAWR!" At that critical moment, Charmeleon endured the pain and slipped his arms beneath Golbat's Wings, then raised them simultaneously to grab and secure Golbat's body.
"Huh?" Both Ash and Koga's expressions changed instantly at this unexpected move.
Ash felt a peculiar sensation—recognition dawning on him—while Koga suddenly sensed something was amiss.
"That can't be..." Ash watched Charmeleon's movements as a memory flashed through his mind. Despite the agony of Golbat's energy-draining bite, Charmeleon turned his head slightly toward Ash and gave a small nod.
"Seismic Toss!" Ash shouted confidently.
Charmeleon resisted Golbat's attack, securing his grip on the Poison/Flying-type as he touched down on the battlefield. The moment his feet met the ground, he launched himself upward with all his might, jumping to the highest point possible.
"Seismic Toss? When did Charmeleon learn Seismic Toss?" Misty asked in surprise when Ash called out the unexpected move.
Brock shook his head slightly. None of them had realized that during the P1 Grand Prix, when they had trained alongside Primeape and witnessed its Seismic Toss, Charmeleon had been paying attention and learned the technique independently. Even Ash had only just discovered this development.
"Golbat! Break free!" Koga shouted urgently, recognizing the danger.
Hearing its Trainer's command, Golbat continued biting Charmeleon's shoulder and struggled vigorously. Despite the constant pain and energy drain, Charmeleon maintained his iron grip on Golbat's body.
This had become a contest of willpower between the two Pokémon. Koga frowned deeply, unable to help his Pokémon escape. All he could do was wait to see whether Charmeleon's stamina would be depleted first or if the Seismic Toss would succeed.
ROAR!!!
Charmeleon soared into the air with Golbat firmly in his grasp, then let out a mighty roar. Holding his opponent tightly, he began spinning rapidly, creating the illusion of a rotating planet before plummeting toward the ground.
As they approached impact, Charmeleon gritted his teeth, eyes flashing with determination. Despite Golbat still biting his shoulder ferociously, he endured the pain and maintained his hold. The bite marks on his shoulder were clearly visible, testament to his incredible endurance.
CRASH!!!
At the moment of impact, Charmeleon slammed Golbat directly into the ground. A deafening sound echoed through the gym as a cloud of dust erupted from the point of impact, instantly enveloping both Pokémon.
"Golbat!" Koga called out anxiously into the billowing smoke.
Everyone watched the battlefield nervously. Ash remained silent, like Koga, staring intently at the cloud of dust, waiting for it to dissipate and reveal the outcome.
The spectators held their breath in anticipation. Misty was so tense she didn't dare blink, afraid she might see Ash facing defeat.