Pokemon: A Legendary Adventure

Chapter 15: Bruno's Challenge - Part 2



As the two competitors approached the center of the battlefield, the crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement building even before the battle had officially begun.

Standing face to face, they shook hands in greeting and smiled for the cameras.

"It's good to see you still standing, old man," Bruno said with a playful grin—something rare for him, as he was usually serious.

However, those familiar with their history knew that Bruno had once trained under Isaac's guidance. That experience was one of the reasons why Bruno had some Rock-type Pokémon on his team.

This connection between them was also a key reason for today's battle. After all, it was Isaac who had recommended Bruno to Charles Goodshow, the current president of the Pokémon League. Based on Isaac's evaluation of Bruno's skill level, they had arranged this match—to prove to everyone that Bruno was worthy of succeeding Isaac in the Elite Four.

"Kid, you'll be gone, but I'll still be here, standing and dancing," Isaac replied with a teasing smirk.

"Hahahahahaha..." Bruno let out a booming laugh at Isaac's response.

Turning his back to Isaac, Bruno walked toward his side of the arena.

Halfway there, he stopped, looked back at Isaac, and said, "I hope you're ready, old man."

"I've been ready since before you were born."

Each took their respective positions on the battlefield, locking eyes as they waited for the referee to signal the start of the battle.

The tension was palpable in the air. The heat and the roar of the crowd added to the intensity of the scene. Soon, the referee began announcing the battle rules.

Since this was a challenge match—even though Bruno's position in the Elite Four was already secured—the higher-ups didn't want to reveal the full strength of the new Fighting-type Elite Four.

Thus, the battle would be a four-on-four match, serving primarily as a demonstration.

Then, the countdown began, with the audience shouting in unison with the referee.

"TEN!!!"

"NINE!!!"

"EIGHT!!!"

"SEVEN!!!"

"SIX!!!"

"FIVE!!!"

"FOUR!!!"

"THREE!!!"

"TWO!!!"

"ONE!!!"

At the end of the countdown, both trainers sent out their first Pokémon.

Opposite Isaac stood a large rock formation in the shape of a sphere, with short limbs and a head positioned at the front of its body.

"A Golem! A species native to the Kanto region. A very strong defensive Pokémon, and it also has powerful offensive capabilities. A solid choice against Bruno, who primarily relies on brute force," commented Lakin, analyzing Isaac's selection for the opening bout.

"It really is a good choice, but look at Bruno's pick," Victor responded in a surprised tone, drawing everyone's attention.

"So cute!" Azami exclaimed, moving closer to the screen.

"Huh, interesting choice," Tyson said, rubbing his chin in thought.

"It definitely has Intimidate, don't you think?" Lakin asked the others.

"Definitely," Tyson nodded.

"That's the most likely case," Victor agreed, joining the conversation.

All four of them turned their attention back to the match.

Bruno's first choice was a Hitmontop—a small Pokémon resembling a child wearing a blue jumpsuit, with brown skin.

Upon emerging from its Pokéball, Hitmontop let out a powerful cry, successfully intimidating Golem and lowering its attack stat.

"HIITMOOON!!!"

"GOLEEMM!"

With a brief stare-down, the battle of auras had already begun.

"Golem, use Rock Slide!" Isaac commanded firmly.

Following Isaac's order, Golem quickly condensed a large rock, tossed it into the air, and shattered it into multiple fragments. Under the control of its energy, the debris rained down toward Hitmontop.

Observing Golem's initial move, Bruno focused and responded with a firm voice, "Hitmontop, dodge and counter with Sucker Punch!"

Upon hearing the command, Hitmontop transformed into a shadowy blur of dark energy. Using its enhanced speed, it swiftly dodged the falling rocks and closed in on Golem.

As it neared Golem, Hitmontop delivered a powerful punch infused with dark energy.

"Gol..."

Due to its formidable defense, Golem emerged with minimal damage. Now in close quarters, the battle had turned into a melee fight.

"You're in range. Golem, use Body Slam!" Isaac reacted quickly as Golem hurled its massive body toward Hitmontop.

"Dodge!" Bruno shouted.

Hitmontop swiftly sidestepped the attack, and as Golem crashed to the ground, a loud impact sent dust billowing into the air.

"Huh?"

Watching Hitmontop's movements, Victor let out an involuntary smirk.

"What is it?" Tyson asked, curious.

"At this pace, Bruno is likely to take the first round," Victor commented, still focused on Hitmontop's agile maneuvers.

"And why do you say that?" Azami asked, equally intrigued.

Tyson, Lakin, and Nurse Joy also listened intently.

"Bruno is a skilled martial artist, trained in many different fighting styles. That's why he teaches his Pokémon techniques that complement their abilities, making him such a great trainer," Victor explained before continuing. "Fighting-type Pokémon naturally understand martial arts, but only at a basic level. That's why they seek battles—to learn more about themselves."

"Interesting..." Lakin murmured in fascination.

"So... what martial art is this?" Lakin asked, looking at Victor with an expressionless gaze.

"Capoeira. A martial art that looks like a dance—beautiful yet dangerous. It's based on balance and movement, making Hitmontop a Pokémon that excels at dodging. That gives it a high chance of winning. However, since it's Isaac we're talking about, he probably has plenty of experience dealing with opponents like this."

"Cool," Tyson commented upon hearing the explanation.

On the screen, the battle was reaching a climax. Golem launched powerful attacks toward Hitmontop, trying to land a hit, while Hitmontop skillfully evaded.

They kept attacking and dodging, both expending considerable stamina.

"This has to end! Golem, use Earthquake!" Isaac commanded, determined to finish the first round then and there.

"I was waiting for this—Hitmontop, Protect! Then follow up with Bulk Up!" Bruno anticipated Isaac's move.

Gathering its strength, Golem stomped the ground, causing a powerful tremor. As the shockwaves approached, a green energy barrier formed around Hitmontop, shielding it from harm. After the tremors subsided, Hitmontop flexed its body, increasing its power.

"Baton Pass!"

"Huh?" Isaac was caught off guard by Bruno's command. In all their battles, Bruno's Hitmontop had never used that move.

Hitmontop transformed into white energy and returned to its Pokéball. Holding the Pokéball in his hand, Bruno smirked.

"Surprised, old man?"

"A little. Given your personality, I thought you'd go for a direct fight," Isaac said with a cocky grin.

"Against you? I'm not that stupid," Bruno chuckled.

"Well, only your Machamp stands a chance against me in raw strength," Isaac said with a smile.

"Send out your next Pokémon, kid!" Isaac took a deep breath.

Grabbing another Pokéball, Bruno shouted and threw it.

"Let's go, Hariyama!"

"Heavyweight versus heavyweight."

"Hariyama, use Heavy Slam!"

"Golem, Protect!"

Covered in Steel-type energy, Hariyama leaped toward Golem, colliding with the green energy shield.

Boom!

The Protect withstood the impact, showing fine cracks but holding firm.

After separating from the collision, Golem and Hariyama locked eyes for half a second before charging at each other under their trainers' commands.

"Golem, Brick Break!"

"Hariyama, Low Sweep!"

Brimming with Fighting-type energy in its hands, Golem rushed toward Hariyama.

Observing Golem's charge, Hariyama followed its training, dodging left with explosive leg strength.

As Golem passed, Hariyama quickly turned and landed a crushing blow on Golem's right leg.

"Gorr..."

Golem groaned in pain.

"Good, very good. But you forgot one thing about Golems..." Isaac noted before ordering, "They roll!"

Ignoring the pain, Golem started rolling at high speed around the battlefield.

Bruno smirked.

"Of course I remember. That's why I'm forcing you to attack."

"Hariyama, Bulk Up!"

Hearing Bruno, Hariyama flexed its body into a punching stance before being enveloped in a red, Fighting-type energy.

Realizing Bruno's intent, Isaac gave a firm command.

"Oh no! Not this! Golem, hit it hard!"

Golem quickly turned towards Hariyama and rolled at high speed.

Just before they collided, Bruno shouted,

"Hariyama, now!"

As Golem approached, all of Hariyama's energy concentrated into its fist. Channeling all its power, it delivered a devastating punch straight at Golem.

BOOM!

A loud crash echoed through the arena as a shadow flew backward, slamming into one of the arena walls.

Looking at the crater left behind, Golem could be seen embedded in the wall, completely incapacitated.

"Golem is unable to battle! Elite Four Isaac, please send out your next Pokémon!"

The referee announced Golem's defeat and signaled for Isaac to choose his next Pokémon.

Unclipping an Ultra Ball from his Poké Ball belt, Isaac let out a small smile, his eyes showing approval as he looked at Bruno.

"You tricked me with that last Focus Punch. You've grown, Bruno."

"I'm not letting my guard down against you. And I had to do it before you made him explode. I couldn't take that risk," Bruno responded, crossing his arms.

"Then I guess I can go all out," Isaac said, stretching before throwing his Poké Ball.

"RHYPERIORRRR!!!"

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