Bottom Trainer II (Pokemon)

...

Alright.

The Opelucid Gym's indoor battle arena. It's quieter than Lavender Town after they finally fixed that radio tower, with no screaming fans, no popcorn, just the miserable internal staff. They're probably contemplating if their life choices led them to this moment, wondering if their insurance covers acts of Dragon-type divine retribution from a rampaging Haxorus.

Drayden, looking like he could fucking bench-press a Snorlax in his sleep, stands on one side.

Across from him, our main man, Natsu—and for the love of all that is holy, he's a magnificent, a prime specimen of ass-kicking power! He's probably thinking, "This old geezer better have some damn good moves, or I'm sending him back to the Safari Zone without a single Poké Ball!"

Parker, the poor bastard, is the referee, probably sweating more than a Magikarp trying to use Hydro Pump.

And then there's Iris, practically vibrating next to Parker, fists clenched, eyes wide like she's just witnessed a Magikarp evolve into a Gyarados for the very first time! If anyone else were around, they'd swear she was about to manifest something truly monstrous herself, but nah, it's just her usual batshit crazy fan mode. Good thing no one's here to judge her... fervent excitement.

And..

Our boy, Latios, floats there, scrutinizing Drayden. Even without a Pokémon out, Drayden radiates pure, unadulterated power. You can practically hear Latios thinking, "Damn, this old man's built like a Machamp after its 10,000th punch! He probably trains by wrestling Regigigas in his sleep!" Drayden's one of those Fighting-type trainers who probably spars with his Pokémon daily, yelling something about perfecting their Dynamic Punch. That's why he's still ripped at his age. Dude's a walking testament to never skipping leg day, or any day, for that matter.

"Then, your opponent, it's him."

With that, Drayden tossed a Poké Ball. The force behind it suggested he could probably launch a small satellite into orbit, or throw a Master Ball and actually miss the fucking thing!

In a red light.

"Roar--!!"

Out bursts a monster with scales gleaming under the light, a fearsome red head, a body covered in blue-purple scales, and red spikes adorned its form. It looked like something that crawled out of Mt. Pyre's deepest chambers, or a Darkrai's worst fucking nightmare!

Druddigon!

To match the male Latios, the Druddigon summoned by Drayden was also at an (elite) level.

Just by observing the radiant glow emanating from it and the arcs reflected by its scales, Natsu could discern that this Druddigon was indeed (elite) level, and exceptionally well-bred by Drayden. This thing probably has better manners than half the Pokémon League's challengers, and a stricter training regimen than a Rattata trying to win the Indigo League!

Since this was an unofficial match, there were no intricate rules or regulations. Good thing, because with the way things were about to go down, rules would be obliterated faster than a Bug-type against a Fire Blast.

When the flag in Parker's hand dropped, it signified the commencement of the battle.

"Latios, Tailwind!"

Natsu did not employ Psychic telepathy, instead issuing commands in a conventional manner for this battle. Sometimes, you just gotta shout your intentions like you're about to challenge the Champion for the very first time, yelling, "Let's fucking GOOO!"

And Latios was not slow; a stream of silvery-white airflow instantly enveloped his body. He was moving faster than a Jolteon on an Energy Drink craze!

However.

Simultaneously, as he stirred the air, Druddigon took a nimble step and advanced towards the male Latios. For something so bulky, it moved with the surprising grace of a Weavile dodging an Ice Beam.

"Fire Fang!" Drayden roared, his voice rumbling like an incomingstorm.

Druddigon's Fiery Onslaught!

Bang!

Powerful upper and lower jaws, intertwined with fiery red flames, snapped shut with a force that could crack concrete.

Fortunately, Latios's reaction speed was sufficient, and he evaded the attack just in time. He moved like someone trying to escape the endless confusion of a Psybeam!

Yet, it was not difficult to infer from the biting motion and the residual heat in the air that the destructive power of this Druddigon's "Fire Fang" was extraordinarily high.

The "Sheer Force" ability!

It might even be equipped with a Life Orb!

Natsu glanced at Drayden, who remained composed. That old man was as chill as a Snorlax after a hearty meal.

Natsu unconsciously grinned.

A Druddigon with a Life Orb... the Opelucid Gym was slightly wealthier than he had anticipated. Or maybe Drayden just found a Master Ball in a trash can, the lucky son of a bitch!

 Latios had evaded the attack, which also presented Latios's best opportunity for a counterattack. It was a window of opportunity as narrow as squeezing a Snorlax through a Poke Mart door!

"Scale Shot!"

Beautiful, sharp scales erupted from Latios's body and swept towards Druddigon. Each one looked like a tiny, glimmering projectile from a futuristic arsenal, or a swarm of angry Pin Missile attacks!

"Crush Claw!"

Druddigon's reaction speed was also incredibly swift. At a glance, Natsu knew that it was not lacking in combat experience. Its claws shimmered with white light, and it darted back and forth in the air, deflecting a significant number of scales under its swings, causing them to fall to the surrounding ground. It was like watching a Dusknoir blocking a barrage of Shadow Sneak attacks with its bare hands, the absolute unit!

Of course.

With such a dense sweep of scales, it was impossible for Druddigon to completely fend them off, and a portion still struck it.

Scales collided with scales, producing crisp sounds.

"Luster Purge!"

"Flamethrower!"

Natsu and Drayden issued commands almost simultaneously. It was like two rival Gym Leaders shouting their grand plans at the same time, ready to drop the goddamn hammer in a grudge match!

Observing the timing of this opportunity, it was evident that, even as a Gym Leader, Drayden's battle experience was no less than Natsu's. This old man had seen some shit, probably fought alongside legends whose names are whispered in ancient Sinnoh tablets, like the ones that tell tales of brave trainers facing down Legendary Pokémon!

A pure beam of milky-white light emanated from Latios's mouth.

And was met by Druddigon's surging flames.

The collision of two tyrannical energies created a wave of heat in the area, but they nullified each other. It was a beautiful, explosive stalemate, like a Hyper Beam clashing with a Solar Beam, leaving nothing but dust and awe! You could practically hear the epic Gym Battle music swelling, making you want to fucking jump out of your seat!

However, with "Tailwind" plus "Scale Shot," Latios's speed advantage had been established.

 Latios could be seen swirling agilely in the air, and under Natsu's command, another "Luster Purge" struck Druddigon's back.

Bang!

This time.

 Latios's move successfully inflicted some damage on Druddigon.

The seemingly gentle beam of light also had a certain corrosive effect on Druddigon's scales.

Fortunately, the negative effect of "Luster Purge," which lowers the opponent's special defense, was triggered. Just like that, Druddigon's defenses took a hit, like a Trainer realizing their Critical Hit missed, and then screaming, "FUCK!"

However.

Bang!!

Druddigon fought through its pain, immediately twitched its tail, swinging it towards Latios at high speed. A direct hit! It was like getting blindsided by a perfectly aimed Dragon Claw from a truly pissed-off Pokémon!

"Os!"

 Latios's neck became slightly red, and this time, Druddigon's "Dragon Tail" caused considerable damage.

The negative effect of "Scale Shot" reducing its own defensive power also caused Latios to suffer.

But it was fine.

No big deal. It was nothing a true Pokémon couldn't shrug off! He's built different, like a Bisharp with Defiant active, or a Focus Sash that just won't fucking break!

At the same time.

The stimulation brought by the Dragon-type energy blow caused Latios's energy to begin surging. It was like a hidden ability being unleashed, a transformation brewing, ready to unleash a mighty Z-Move!

Natsu's eyes locked onto Drayden.

At this point, Drayden also looked towards Natsu and nodded lightly in his direction.

Understanding his intent, Natsu also fully focused and put himself in Latios's perspective.

"Dragon Breath!"

 Latios unleashed fiery dragon flames; Druddigon turned and raised its claws to defend.

However, Latios continuously unleashed flames from the air with his aerial advantage and speed.

Druddigon, after all, could only passively defend, and its arms could not fully guard its surroundings. Coupled with the reduction in special defense, under this continuous assault, it finally crashed heavily to the ground, losing its fight. It was as decisive as a Giga Impact that seals the fucking deal!

"Os!"

Latios halted his "Dragon Breath" at this point, a bright halo flashing in his eyes, and he appeared slightly excited. He looked at Drayden, practically screaming, "Bring it on, old man! I'm just getting warmed up, you old fart! Is that all you got, you decrepit fossil?! You wanna fucking dance, old man?!"

"Continue."

Drayden recalled Druddigon, but instead of stopping, he tossed another Poké Ball. He had a look on his face that said, "Oh, this is going to be fucking good."

Flygon Enters the Fray!

This time, the Pokémon appeared in the air.

Flygon!

It made Latios feel more threatened than Druddigon. This wasn't some slow-moving tank; this was an agile, airborne menace, like a desert spirit made real, ready to tear you a new asshole!

And there was no longer an aerial advantage. It was a level playing field, literally. This was going to be a true clash of titans, with no easy outs, like a battle in the Battle Tower against a perfectly optimized team!

But Latios was not deterred at all, staring intently at Flygon. He was ready for the next round, ready to push his fucking limits!

A rotation battle.

Natsu also said nothing.

The battle continued.

"Latios, Recover."

"Os!"

Latios's body was enveloped in fluctuations of white and purple energy; his reddened neck from Druddigon's "Dragon Tail" strike vanished as quickly as the naked eye could perceive. It was a speedy recovery that would make a Chansey proud! He was healing faster than a Snorlax consumes a berry!

"Flygon, Dragon Dance!"

Seizing this current opening, Flygon, under Drayden's command, danced in the air with a special rhythm. It was like a Pokémon activating its Dynamax form, or a Legendary preparing its signature move!

"Dragon Rush!"

"Dragon Pulse!"

Natsu and Drayden shout simultaneously again. Their voices echoed through the gym like two rival Champions giving orders for a decisive battle, echoing across the fucking stadium!

Flygon, enveloped in Dragon-type energy, vibrated its wings twice and moved towards Latios.

Latios, on the other hand, activated the intensely active and surging Dragon-type energy within his body and spewed it forth.

Bang!

The collision of "Dragon Rush" and "Dragon Pulse."

The aftermath raised a cloud of dust. It was a sight that would make even the most seasoned Pokémon Coordinator gasp in fucking awe!

The next second.

Flygon completely flew out of the dust. Although the power of "Dragon Rush" was diminished, it still moved towards Latios in an unstoppable manner. It was like a determined Pokémon pushing past a powerful blow, or a Shiny refusing to be fucking caught!

Bang!!

The sudden jolt caused the male Latios to be too late to dodge.

Fortunately.

Light Screen!

Before Flygon collided with him, a transparent glass barrier briefly shielded Latios from taking an equally severe hit. It was a last-second defense that would make any veteran Pokémon Trainer proud. A shield as strong as a Team Plasma plot device!

But Latios couldn't help but fall to the ground.

However, Latios did not remain on the ground and quickly flew up again. On the outside of his body, there were strands of seemingly immense Dragon-type energy, visible to the naked eye. The deep blue-purple energy was even mixed with faint blue fluctuations. It was like his aura was manifesting, screaming, "I am the very best, like no one ever fucking was!"

Natsu seemed to sense something and calmly touched his pocket, where a round stone emanated a warm aura.

Oh, you know what that is, don't you?

It's not just any stone, it's the goddamn Mega Stone for Latios?!

Holy FUCKING SHIT just got real! This ain't your grandpa's Pokémon battle anymore! This is the kind of power-up that would make a Pikachu jump out of its Trainer's arms with excitement, and make you piss your fucking pants!

"OSSSHHH!!"

Latios lets out a booming roar that shakes the very foundations of the gym, momentarily stunning Flygon. Then, he inflates his mouth and spews a lava-infused, Dragon-type fireball that flies straight at Flygon.

Draco Meteor!

BOOM!!

Flygon, struck head-on, doesn't even get a second to react. No dramatic pose, no last words, just pure, unadulterated obliteration. It's like a Pokémon getting utterly decimated by a Spirit Bomb-level Z-Move, leaving nothing but fucking ashes!

"OOSSS!"

 Latios, who witnessed this sight, roared and looked towards Drayden. It was crystal clear what he's saying.

'CONTINUE THIS MOTHERFUCKER! I'M JUST GETTING WARMED UP, YOU OLD BASTARD! LET'S FUCKING GO! BRING IT ON, OLD MAN, I'M NOT AFRAID OF YOUR PUNY ASS!'

Drayden, a flicker of genuine surprise on his face, quickly breaks into a wider, more amused smile. "Heh, this is getting damn interesting! You got more fire than a Charizard in a heat wave! I like it!" He retrieves Flygon and, without missing a beat, tosses another Poké Ball.

Haxorus Arrives!

This time.

It was Haxorus!

And this isn't just any Haxorus; this one is Gym Leader level! This battle is getting more intense than solving the Seven Mysteries of Unova, or battling through the fucking Battle Frontier Brains!

But Latios? He doesn't flinch. No fear, no retreat. His impressive aura is skyrocketing, like he just activated his Mega Evolution for the first time, or unleashed his true Primal Reversion! All that Dragon-type energy he'd been hoarding since he was an egg had been unleashed, transforming into pure, unadulterated power.

Iris, still on the floor next to Parker, stares with wide, blank eyes at Latios. At this moment, Latios isn't just a Pokémon; he's an unstoppable force of nature, a true hero in the making, ready to save the damn world, just like a young trainer aspiring to become a Pokémon Master!

And his power...

Inspired at this moment, Latios had truly reached Gym Leader level! Goddamn right he has! This is what peak Pokémon performance looks like, you beautiful maniac!

...

(End of this glorious, goddamn chapter!)