Pokemon: I'll Exchange Everything

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The entire Water Field flickered with electric sparks, lightning flashing intermittently. The powerful electrical surge lasted several seconds before finally dissipating, as Nidorino couldn't hold on any longer.

Nidorino panted heavily, clearly exhausted, yet its vigilant eyes remained fixed on the water's surface, wary of its opponent's condition.

After a few more moments, a shadow floated to the surface. Everyone leaned in to look, only to see that Starmie had gone completely limp, its jewel dull and lifeless—it was no longer able to battle.

"The... the first match! Surprisingly, the challenger takes the victory! Unbelievable! This Nidorino can actually use an Electric move! It's as if this Nidorino is possessed by a Pikachu—it's not battling alone, it's not battling alone! Simply incredible!" Liam couldn't help but feel that the referee sounded more like a basketball commentator.

"Return, Starmie. What a surprise! How did that Nidorino learn an Electric-type move? That shouldn't be possible!" Florian Waterflower exclaimed in curiosity as he retrieved his Pokémon.

Liam smiled, withdrew Nidorino into its PokéBall, and responded leisurely, "That's a personal secret. But I think it won't stay a secret for very long. You'll find out eventually."

Liam had taught Nidorino Thunderbolt using a TM from the system in preparation for the Cascade Badge. 

"Heh, I'll look forward to it, then. But are you really withdrawing Nidorino? Won't it weaken my next Pokémon even further with another Thunderbolt? That could make a huge difference," Florian asked, puzzled.

"One Pokémon per round. If I let Nidorino handle everything, my other partners would be upset," Liam replied with a grin.

"Well, you're certainly not lacking in confidence. Then, here's my second Pokémon! Dewgong, let's go!"

"Dew! Dew-dew!"

A graceful Dewgong leapt from the water, landing elegantly on a floating platform before raising its upper body. It clapped its fins happily, though its body was already adorned with the effects of Toxic Spikes.

Why do I feel like I'm looking at a Husky? Liam thought, amused by Dewgong's antics.

This must be the Pokémon I detected earlier—a perfect fit for a Gym Leader. 

Liam knew better than to let his guard down.

"Arbok, it's your turn! Secure this victory!" Liam tossed another PokéBall, and Arbok made its dramatic entrance.

"Chaaaar-bok!"

Arbok let out a fierce roar and stared intently at Dewgong, attempting to intimidate it with a menacing glare. However, Dewgong seemed entirely unfazed, continuing to clap its fins cheerfully while letting out playful cries.

"This time, we'll attack first! Dewgong, use Icy Wind!" Florian commanded, wasting no time. Who knew if this Arbok also knew Thunderbolt? Better to strike preemptively.

"Dew!"

Dewgong crouched low, opened its mouth, and unleashed a freezing gale.

"Arbok, dive underwater and use Thunder Fang!" Liam called out.

Arbok slithered swiftly into the water, avoiding the Icy Wind. It moved like a serpent in its natural element, darting toward Dewgong with incredible speed.

"Dewgong, freeze the surface! Trap Arbok beneath the ice!" Florian countered with a clever strategy.

"Dewww!"

Dewgong roared and directed its freezing breath at the water beneath it. Within moments, the surface turned to solid ice.

"Well, what now? Ready to surrender?" Florian asked, grinning confidently. His Dewgong was still in relatively good shape despite the poison, and he believed victory was within reach.

All eyes turned to Liam, waiting to see how he would respond.

"Haha, everyone's staring at me now. I feel a bit embarrassed. But did you really think a thin layer of ice would stop my Arbok? Watch this!"

Boom!

Liam's words were punctuated by a deafening crash. The ice shattered explosively, sending shards and chunks flying like a hailstorm. 

Many of these struck Dewgong, causing it to cry out in pain.

From the shattered ice emerged Arbok, its tail gleaming a metallic glow and fangs crackling with electricity. With a ferocious bite, its electrified fangs sunk into Dewgong's back. 

Sparks flew as Dewgong howled in agony.

"Wow! Incredible! Well done, kid!"

The sudden reversal thrilled the crowd, who erupted into cheers and applause.

"Dewgong, don't give up! Shake it off! We can't lose here!" Florian shouted, his fighting spirit reignited.

"Dewwww!" Dewgong's eyes gleamed with determination. Opening its mouth, it conjured a Water Pulse. The orb of water slammed into the platform below, bursting into a powerful wave that swept Arbok away.

Arbok, caught off guard, was flung backward, skidding across the ice before slithering back to Liam's side.

"A Water Pulse, used to create a wave? Interesting technique," Liam mused, nodding appreciatively.

Meanwhile, Dewgong, though free, lay on the platform panting heavily. Its back bore scorch marks from Arbok's Thunder Fang, and its energy was clearly depleted. 

The toxic spikes scattered across the field had also been washed away by the wave.

"Now's our chance! Dewgong, use Rest!" Florian called out. It wasn't the ideal move, but it was the only option to regain stamina and cure the poison.

"Dew!"

Dewgong closed its eyes and began to glow with a soothing green light. Its wounds healed rapidly as it entered a deep sleep.

"In front of my Arbok, you dare use Rest? Have you given up already? Arbok, use Iron Tail! Finish it!" Liam declared with a laugh.

"Chaaaaarbok!"

Arbok launched itself into the air, its tail shining with metallic energy. It slammed its tail down onto Dewgong's head with immense force, driving it into the frozen platform. 

Dewgong was jolted awake, crying out once before collapsing, unconscious.

"D-Dewgong is unable to battle! Arbok wins!" The referee's excitement made his announcement barely coherent.

"Woohoo!" The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers.

"Dewgong! Dewgong lost as well." Florian muttered in disbelief as he retrieved his Pokémon. The unpredictable battle style of the opponent left him perplexed, unable to figure it out.

"I'm very confident in my Pokemon. I have absolute confidence in their ability to win, even in unfavourable circumstances." Liam said as he recalled Arbok.

"I'm really curious about your secrets! Let's make a bet: if I win the final round, you reveal one of them," Florian suggested with a confident grin.

"Oh? Should I let you win a round?" Liam teased, clearly enjoying the good natured banter.

"Hahaha! I'd love that, but with so many people watching, I can't bring myself to say yes. Let's settle this fair and square! Go, Blastoise!"

"Blas-toise!"

With a roar, Florian's Blastoise emerged from its PokéBall, landing heavily on the platform. Its muscular arms spread wide as it let out a thunderous battle cry.

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