Chapter 16: Bruno's Challenge - Part 3
As Rhyperior entered the battlefield, Bruno's expression shifted, knowing the fight was about to become even tougher.
"He evolved, didn't he?" Seeing the massive beast before him and noticing its similarities to Rhydon, Bruno took a deep breath and asked.
"Last week, Professor Rowan discovered it and informed Professor Oak. As an old friend, he asked me if I wanted to participate in the tests. I accepted, and look at him—so cute," Isaac replied.
"Now it's my turn to ask a question," Isaac said.
"Go ahead," Bruno responded.
"Since when do you have a Hariyama?" Isaac asked, eyeing the Pokémon on the field with curiosity.
"Do you remember when I went to Hoenn to train?" Bruno countered with a question of his own.
"I do."
"Back then, I met a really interesting junior in Dewford. Watching him train so determinedly alongside his Makuhita made me want to guide him. So we trained side by side for a while, and I ended up catching a Makuhita myself," Bruno answered sincerely.
"Oh, I see. Well then, let's get started!" Isaac replied, raising his voice.
Surveying the battlefield, Bruno quickly analyzed the situation and decided to strike first.
"Hariyama, keep your distance and use Vacuum Wave!"
Taking advantage of the space left between both Pokémon from the previous round, Bruno aimed to exploit Rhyperior's weak Special Defense with a ranged attack.
Despite Hariyama's low Special Attack, it still managed to deal some damage to Rhyperior.
Seeing the strategy Bruno had chosen, Isaac smirked and asked,
"Do you really think you're the only one who can attack from a distance? Rhyperior! Rock Wrecker!"
Hearing the command, Bruno was startled, not recognizing the move's name.
On the field, Rhyperior raised its arms toward Hariyama, gathering an immense amount of Rock-type energy in the holes of its hands.
Then, with a loud boom, a massive boulder was launched straight at Hariyama.
"Dodge—No! Protect!" Bruno shouted urgently.
Hariyama quickly conjured a green barrier around itself, but it was completely shattered as the boulder smashed into him.
The impact kicked up a massive cloud of dust, momentarily obscuring everyone's vision.
Isaac held off on issuing further commands, waiting to confirm Hariyama's condition.
As the dust began to settle, a silhouette emerged.
When the air finally cleared, Hariyama was still standing, gripping the enormous boulder that had been launched at him.
Holding the rock with his massive hands, Hariyama panted heavily from the strain of defending against the attack.
Lowering the boulder, the injuries on Hariyama's hands became visible.
"HARI...YAMA!!!"
With a loud cry, Hariyama straightened up, taking a fighting stance.
"Good job, Hariyama. Let's go!" Bruno shouted with determination.
"We're going for a direct battle! Close in with Bullet Punch, then attack with Iron Head!"
"Stop him with Hammer Arm!"
With fists as hard as steel, Hariyama dashed toward Rhyperior at great speed.
Upon hearing Isaac's command, Rhyperior raised its right arm and slammed it into the ground, sending a powerful shockwave through the battlefield.
Wwwooooshh!
"Force Palm!"
Responding to Bruno's command, just before the shockwave reached him, Hariyama gathered a burst of energy in his palm and launched it at the ground, propelling himself upward.
Evading the shockwave, Hariyama twisted midair, adjusting his body until he found a good position. Landing solidly, he assumed his characteristic sumo stance.
"Hari!"
"Good instincts," Isaac praised with a satisfied look.
"Rock Slide!"
With Isaac's order, Rhyperior summoned a downpour of rocks from above, aiming them at Hariyama.
"Close in! Bulk Up! Endure!"
With Hariyama's stamina running low, Bruno opted to go for one final strike.
At his command, Hariyama surged forward at high speed, flexing his body to minimize damage.
"Head-on, huh? Drill Run!"
With Isaac's shout, Rhyperior gathered energy into its horn and charged straight at Hariyama.
Taking damage from Rock Slide, Hariyama endured and pressed forward.
"Brutal Swing!!!"
Seeing how close Hariyama and Rhyperior were, Bruno roared loudly.
Brutal Swing, a move that represents Bruno's martial arts experience. A combination of Close Combat and other techniques, in Hariyama's case, Reversal.
Instantly, Hariyama's body was engulfed in dark red energy. Stepping to the side, he dodged Rhyperior's attack and began striking it repeatedly.
"Mega Punch!"
After taking three heavy blows from Hariyama, Rhyperior clenched its fist and threw a punch at him.
Due to Rhyperior's lowered speed, Hariyama managed to dodge—but he couldn't avoid the shockwave that erupted when the punch hit the ground.
Already exhausted from the battle, Hariyama collapsed to his knees but remained conscious, staring down Rhyperior.
"Hariiy..."
Their gazes met, and mutual respect shone in their eyes.
Hariyama tried to stand but couldn't, stopped by a red light that pulled him back into his Poké Ball.
Looking down at the Poké Ball in his hand, Bruno murmured, "Thank you, Hariyama... You did great... really great..."
Pulling out another Poké Ball, Bruno threw it. "Hitmontop, it's your turn!"
Landing on the battlefield, Hitmontop spun on the ground, executing rapid kicks with his signature capoeira moves.
"HITMON!!!"
"Rhy..."
Facing Rhyperior, Hitmontop put on an intense expression, successfully intimidating Rhyperior and lowering its Attack.
"RHYYYY!!!"
Annoyed by the intimidation, Rhyperior let out a furious roar.
"Rock Wrecker!"
Sensing his Pokémon's frustration, Isaac ordered a strong opening attack, wanting to take down Hitmontop quickly, as it was Bruno's only Rapid Spin user.
"Sucker Punch!"
Anticipating Isaac's aggressive opener, Bruno countered.
Hitmontop's body became a shadowy blur as it dodged the attack and lunged toward Rhyperior.
"Low Sweep!"
Closing in, Hitmontop crouched and delivered a spinning kick to Rhyperior's leg.
The blow made Rhyperior stumble slightly forward.
"Substitute!"
Taking advantage of Rhyperior's imbalance, Hitmontop split into two, creating a clone.
The two Hitmontop exchanged grins before dashing toward Rhyperior once more.
"Earthquake!"
Realizing the tide was turning, Isaac shouted his command.
Stomping the ground, Rhyperior triggered a powerful quake.
As the tremors spread, the substitute Hitmontop used Helping Hand. The moment the move was activated, the clone was destroyed.
"Ice Spinner!"
Boosted by Helping Hand, Hitmontop leaped toward Rhyperior.
With ice-coated feet, it spun wildly, aiming for Rhyperior's head.
'It won't make it in time!' Observing the attack, Isaac quickly reacted. "Megahorn!"
In an instant, Rhyperior's horn glowed with intense lime-green energy, aimed directly at Hitmontop to intercept him.
The two attacks clashed, creating a temporary deadlock—until Hitmontop was eventually overpowered and sent flying.
"Top..."
Feeling the pain in his feet, Hitmontop let out a weak groan.
"You okay, buddy?" Bruno asked with concern.
Hitmontop looked at his trainer and nodded with a smile.
Grinning, Isaac shouted, "Don't tell me you're gonna cry, Bruno! Come at me!"
Bruno smirked back. "Didn't you say it yourself? We never back down from a challenge!"
"Close Combat!"
"Drill Run!"
Both Pokémon charged at each other.
Dodging Rhyperior's horn, Hitmontop landed solid blows, delivering rapid kicks and punches.
"Push forward with High Horsepower!"
With a glowing yellow body, Rhyperior charged at Hitmontop.
Too close to escape, Hitmontop could only watch as Rhyperior closed in.
Just before impact, he heard his trainer's voice.
"ENDURE!!!"
Bruno roared at the top of his lungs.
Hitmontop tensed, bracing himself and barely holding on.
"Counter!"
With his body glowing, Hitmontop struck back with full force, doubling the damage taken.
"Rhy..."
With a groan, Rhyperior's massive body began to topple.
BOOM!
"Hitmon!"
As the titan fell, Hitmontop pumped a fist in the air—before collapsing himself.
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