"Hold on, Swampert!"
Panier's voice rang out, but it couldn't change the tide of battle.
Before Daytime Tiger, Swampert's massive form seemed almost insignificant.
In the next instant, both Swampert and the floating ice beneath it were completely consumed by the attack.
The impact detonated, sending the battered Swampert flying before it crashed into the ocean's surface.
Saltwater seeped into its wounds, intensifying the pain. Some of its previous injuries began to swell and turn pale from prolonged exposure.
More than half an hour had passed since Panier launched his assault. Against the still-energetic Machamp, Swampert was clearly at its limit.
The sea had taken on a crimson hue, stained with the blood of both humans and Pokémon alike. Floating corpses drifted across the waves.
The scent of blood had drawn numerous Water-type Pokémon, yet they hesitated to approach, intimidated by the powerful auras of Machamp and Swampert—both quasi-Elite Four level Pokémon.
Compared to the battered Team Aqua members, the sailors were faring significantly better.
With Ron and his Machamp keeping Panier occupied, and the assistance of the quasi-Elite Persian and Bellossom, the sailors gained the upper hand.
Most of the bodies in the water belonged to Team Aqua.
"Machamp, Finger Pistol: Daytime Tiger!"
"Swampert, use Protect! Crawdaunt, charge in with Whirlpool!"
Seeing that Swampert was nearing its limit, Panier prepared to sacrifice it to save himself.
He had planned on playing the role of a pirate this time but hadn't expected things to spiral out of control. Panier could already imagine the punishment awaiting him upon his return.
However, punishment didn't matter. Survival was his only priority. If he lived, there would still be hope. He was ready to sacrifice both of his quasi-Elite Pokémon if that was what it took.
A green barrier flared to life, blocking the initial impact of Daytime Tiger.
At the same time, Crawdaunt unleashed its attack—a massive water dragon surged from the ocean, attempting to weaken Daytime Tiger's force and protect Swampert.
After barely holding back Machamp's devastating move, Panier prepared to recall Swampert. If he could just slip into the depths of the sea, the Fighting-type Machamp wouldn't be able to pursue him.
Ron noticed this and readied Machamp to unleash Finger Pistol: Evening Elephant, aiming to eliminate both Swampert and Panier in one decisive strike. A high-ranking Elite Four trainer's resources were certainly worth seizing.
"Ron, someone's approaching from the sky—fast and incredibly powerful!"
Before Ron could issue his command, Gardevoir's anxious voice echoed in his mind.
It wasn't that Gardevoir was timid—rather, it was the sheer pressure exerted by an opponent beyond Elite Four level that unsettled even an elite-tier Pokémon.
"Gardevoir, tell Machamp and the others to be ready to defend themselves. We need to stay alert."
Ron didn't hesitate. For Gardevoir to react this way, the approaching Pokémon and its trainer had to be stronger than Machamp.
Moreover, Machamp had just gone through an intense battle with Swampert—Ron wasn't confident he could take on the newcomer.
Still, his instincts told him and Gardevoir that this arrival was likely an ally. Their wariness was simply a habitual precaution.
In the chaos of battle, Machamp and the others momentarily ceasing their attacks went largely unnoticed.
The next moment, a dark figure appeared over the ocean. A terrifying pressure, infused with draconic might, crashed down upon the battlefield.
"Salamence, Dragon Breath!"
A commanding voice rang out, followed by a searing breath attack that roared through the air, momentarily taking the shape of a flying dragon.
It moved so fast that Panier didn't even have time to react before he was swallowed by the flames—his submarine behind him was also obliterated, cutting off any hope of escape for Team Aqua.
Steam rose as large portions of seawater evaporated, but Salamence's assault showed no signs of stopping.
Recognizing the overwhelming power at play, Ron recalled Machamp and the others. It was unfortunate that he hadn't been the one to finish off Panier, but he was confident that Drake would offer him a worthy reward.
After all, he had not only helped repel Team Aqua's assault but also carried the title of a Kanto League trainer. If Drake was too stingy, it wouldn't reflect well on the Hoenn League.
Perhaps enraged by Team Aqua's actions, Drake continued issuing commands, directing Salamence to unleash wave after wave of Dragon Breath.
With Panier already reduced to ashes, the remaining elite Team Aqua members stood no chance against Drake's wrath.
Watching Drake command his Salamence with overwhelming power, Ron suddenly thought of Lance, the supposed Dragon-type specialist of the Kanto League—who was, in reality, more of a Flying-type Trainer.
Ron couldn't help but wonder: if Lance and Drake ever discussed the art of raising Dragon-type Pokémon, what would Lance say?
Would he boast about the sheer intensity of Charizard's flames? Or perhaps argue that Gyarados' Hydro Pump was even more powerful?
Just as Ron's imagination started running wild, the battle reached its conclusion. A massive cloud of steam blanketed the ocean around the Team Aqua members, shrouding their surroundings in a thick mist.
Recalling his Salamence into its Poké Ball, Drake landed steadily on the deck.
"Thank you for your assistance. May I ask your name?"
His gaze fell upon Ron and the Machamp standing beside him. There was genuine gratitude in his voice.
If Ron hadn't been there, Drake wasn't sure the ship's captain—who was merely at quasi-Elite Four level—could have held off Panier for nearly half an hour.
By the time he arrived, the ship would have already been destroyed, and neither the sailors nor the passengers would have stood a chance.
"Good day, Elite Four Drake. My name is Ron. I'm a Trainer from the Kanto region."
After witnessing the sheer might of Drake's Salamence firsthand, Ron had no doubts about his strength. He responded with respect.
"A Trainer from Kanto, huh? Impressive."
Drake studied Ron's young face with mild regret—why wasn't someone with such potential a part of the Hoenn League instead?
Of course, he didn't say that out loud. Instead, he simply urged Ron to get some rest, his underlying message clear: once he finished dealing with the aftermath, he would properly reward Ron for his efforts.
At the same time, Drake planned to verify Ron's identity with the Kanto League to ensure he was indeed one of their members.
"I understand. I'll return to my cabin then."
With a slight bow, Ron led his Machamp and the rest of his team off the deck.
Once Ron was out of sight, Drake immediately set to work—first, assessing the casualties, then reporting the situation to the League, reassuring the passengers, and driving away the wild Pokémon that had gathered amidst the chaos.
And now, with Ron added to the mix, he also had to contact the Kanto League to confirm Ron's background.
By the time everything was settled, several hours had passed.
A knock at the door interrupted Ron's meditation. He rose to his feet and welcomed Drake inside.
Perhaps due to his straightforward nature, Drake wasted no time with pleasantries. As soon as he entered, he handed Ron his reward—a hefty sum of 30 million League coins, along with a rare-quality Water Stone, perfect for evolving certain Pokémon.
Seeing this, Ron didn't bother with false modesty and accepted the reward without hesitation.
To ensure the ship wouldn't run into further trouble, Drake decided to accompany it back to the Hoenn region—an unexpected turn of events that presented Ron with a golden opportunity: the chance to battle an Elite Four member like Drake firsthand.
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