Chapter 24: Evolution Showdown! Lucario vs. Steelther!
Location: Route 32 – Forest Battle Arena
The atmosphere crackled with tension as Alex faced off against Ryo Steel's newly evolved Pokémon: Steelther, the Steel/Bug fusion evolved form of a rare Scyther variant.
Cynthia, Daniel, and several passing trainers stood at the edges of the road, drawn in by the explosive battle unfolding before them.
Daniel narrowed his eyes.
"That Steelther... it's not just strong. It's made for pure dueling."
Cynthia added, her voice low but excited,
"It's as if Ryo bred and trained that Scyther for the sole purpose of evolving into a hybrid fighter... Alex is facing something completely new."
Alex, however, was undeterred. He simply smirked and rolled his shoulders.
"Alright, Lucario, this is gonna be tough, but we've trained for moments like this!"
Lucario growled confidently, blue aura flaring up around his form.
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Battle Resumes: Lucario vs. Steelther
Ryo:
"Steelther, Steel Claw—full power!"
Steelther surged forward like a silver missile, its blade arms glowing with metallic energy.
It moved at blinding speed, creating sonic booms with each flap of its wings.
Alex clenched his fists.
"Lucario, Metal Sound—then counter!"
Lucario unleashed a jarring screech of metallic noise. Steelther winced mid-attack, its balance faltering ever so slightly. Seizing the opportunity, Lucario moved with Extreme Speed, dodging the Steel Claw and striking Steelther hard across the torso with Force Palm.
BAM!
The impact cracked the ground beneath them, and Steelther skidded back, digging furrows into the dirt with its talons.
Ryo (grinning):
"Good... you forced it to get serious. Steelther, activate Steel Guard!"
A metallic shimmer covered Steelther's body, and instantly its already hard armor reinforced itself further, forming a nearly impenetrable shell.
Alex's eyes widened slightly.
"A defensive buff... we need to break through fast!"
"Lucario—Swords Dance! Then Bone Rush—hard!"
Lucario spun in place, aura spinning around him in razor-sharp blades before charging Steelther with a shimmering Bone Rush staff in hand.
The two collided fiercely: Lucario's strikes battered Steelther's armor again and again, sending shockwaves radiating out through the field.
But Steelther endured, slashing back with precision strikes of Steel Claw and X-Scissor.
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Clash of Techniques
Steelther's strikes were like relentless storms, pushing Lucario to his limits.
For every powerful blow Lucario landed, Steelther returned three quick counters.
Alex clenched his jaw. His Trainer's Instinct kicked in—the innate ability to bring out his Pokémon's maximum potential and push even beyond in the heat of battle.
He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing. His bond with Lucario synchronized completely.
Their auras merged faintly—blue lightning crackling around Lucario's form.
Alex opened his eyes, burning with determination.
"Lucario—New Technique! Focus Aura Break!"
Cynthia gasped.
"Wait—he's fusing Focus Punch and Aura Sphere into a single move?!"
Daniel's mouth hung open.
"No way... that's experimental! If he messes up—"
Lucario charged energy into his right fist, gathering dense, focused aura into a pulsing mass. His body shimmered with blue and white light.
Steelther reacted instantly—charging Steel Beam, a devastating blast!
Both trainers shouted at once:
"NOW!!"
Steelther fired a roaring beam of silvery energy, tearing across the battlefield—while Lucario punched forward, releasing the Focus Aura Break straight into the heart of the incoming Steel Beam.
The world exploded in light.
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Aftermath
As the dust settled, everyone coughed and shielded their eyes.
When the smoke cleared, Steelther was kneeling, badly battered, dents and scorch marks marring its armor.
Lucario stood tall but panting, fists clenched at his sides, his body flickering with exhausted energy.
Ryo, slowly smirking, raised his Pokéball.
"Steelther, return. You fought like a true warrior."
Alex smiled at Lucario.
"You did amazing, buddy."
The referee (a passing senior trainer) raised his hand.
"The winner is Alex Ketchum!"
Cheers erupted from the gathered trainers.
Ryo approached, nodding respectfully.
"You're the real deal. I'm not done though. Next time, we'll see who really deserves to be called the best."
They shook hands—true rivals born from the clash.
---
Later that evening...
The group camped under the stars. Daniel was grilling fish, Cynthia was tending to the Pokémon, and Alex was polishing Lucario's fur.
Cynthia leaned against Alex's shoulder.
"You're really something else. I've seen Champions battle... and today, you were at their level."
Alex chuckled.
"Still a long way to go. This is just the beginning."
As he looked up at the stars, Alex's thoughts wandered: about upcoming gyms, future rivals, and the destiny waiting for him at the Johto League Championship.
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Chapter End
Next Chapter: New Pokémon Allies! Training Days at Union Cave!
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Would you like me to continue with Chapter 25 immediately? (Next chapter will have Alex and Daniel catching new team members and preparing for the Azalea Gym!)