Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

Chandelure possess great endurance. The combination of its Ghost and Fire types allows it to be immune to Normal- and Fighting-type moves, while also being doubly resistant to Poison, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Fairy-type moves.

Additionally, its resistance to Bug-type moves is quadruple.

However, they also have notable weaknesses: they are vulnerable to Ground, Rock, Ghost, Water, and Dark-type moves, which balances their stat composition. Nevertheless, overall, their typing remains quite solid.

The Chandelure species stands out for a very evident trait: its outstanding Special Attack.

Out of its 520 base stat points, the 145 allocated to Special Attack are a clear sign that this species is designed exclusively to deal devastating damage through special moves.

Among the trainers recognized for using Chandelure exceptionally well is Shauntal, a representative from the Unova region, whom Cain had the chance to meet at the Sinnoh tournament.

Shauntal's Chandelure was a perfect example of this species' potential when trained properly.

However, one of Chandelure's drawbacks is its constant need to absorb life energy to sustain itself. Although some specimens, under special training, can control this ability, they cannot eliminate it entirely.

Though Shauntal likely found a method to manage this aspect, Cain neither had the tools nor the interest to train a Pokémon with such dependency.

No matter how powerful it may be, the side effects of this species make it a complicated choice.

The battle between Slowking and Chandelure began quickly. The rest of Cain's Pokémon—such as Drapion, Gengar, and Honchkrow—engaged the Lampent and Litwick.

The Litwick were especially vulnerable due to their lower levels, while some of the more powerful Lampent managed to hold out longer.

In the midst of the chaos, Larvitar stood out. Its happiness was evident, as Ground and Rock types are especially effective against Lampent and Litwick.

Over the last few days, Larvitar had significantly improved its control over Ground-type energy, an advance that also influenced its mastery of Rock-type energy due to the similarities between the two.

Although the progress in using Rock-type energy wasn't as notable, the improvement was undeniable compared to its state before arriving at Mt. Chimney.

Additionally, Larvitar's body continued to strengthen thanks to the full absorption of the Fragment of Groudon's armor. The effects of this transformation would manifest more evidently in the future.

The most intense battle was taking place between Slowking and Chandelure, suspended in the air. Although Chandelure's level was one higher than Slowking's, its experience was undeniable after years of existence.

Slowking had evolved significantly during the time spent on Azelf's island, learning new and complex techniques in the use of its psychic power.

To gain an advantage, Slowking began the fight using the move Skill Swap, replacing its own ability with Chandelure's: Flash Fire.

Though this ability wasn't particularly useful in direct combat, it did allow Slowking to become immune to Chandelure's Fire-type moves, limiting the opponent's offensive options to Ghost-type moves.

Then, Slowking activated Trick Room, reversing the speed priorities. Although Chandelure wasn't especially fast, this strategy granted Slowking an even greater edge.

With each move, Cain's Pokémon demonstrated its mastery by combining Water energy with psychic power, increasing both the strength and speed of its attacks.

With Cain's guidance, and after several strategic exchanges, Chandelure began to show signs of fatigue. Its purple flame, which had burned brightly at first, began to weaken.

Across the battlefield, Honchkrow, Drapion, and Gengar, following Cain's occasional instructions, methodically defeated the Lampent and Litwick. As time passed, only a few Lampent remained standing, while the Litwick lay defeated.

Still, Chandelure continued to fight with determination. Cain and Slowking didn't let their guard down, well aware of the danger posed by this species' curse-based attacks and special abilities.

Moves such as Imprison, Curse, Memento, and Pain Split could easily turn the situation around if precautions weren't taken.

This caution was the main reason why Slowking hadn't unleashed its full strength from the start. Every attack was calculated to leave room for defense against potential surprises.

Finally, after one last exchange of blows, Chandelure descended to the ground, its flames reduced to a minimum. Slowking, floating nearby, maintained a protective barrier of aquatic energy, ready to defend against any desperate attempt from the Ghost-type Pokémon.

Unexpectedly, Chandelure's five flames began to merge, forming a single sphere of purple fire. Instead of attacking Cain and his Pokémon, Chandelure directed its final attack toward the floor.

The explosion's impact released intense heat and a corrosive effect, breaking apart the ancient floor of the room. As the cracks spread, some areas began to collapse, revealing a hidden underground space.

Cain watched closely. From the cracks, fine threads of black smoke emerged, filled with a recognizable energy: Ghost Energy!

Though the density of this energy didn't compare to that found in Gastly's Cave, its presence was unmistakable.

The cracks widened quickly, and finally, the entire floor gave way, causing the entire room to collapse into the underground space.

(End of chapter)