"Power-Up Punch?"
When Ash called out that move, Red almost cracked his perpetually stoic expression.
He turned his head and stared at Ash in silence. The serious look on Ash's face made it even harder for Red to restrain himself, but thanks to his years of self-cultivation and emotional control, he managed to hold back.
He had thought that this kid—dressed exactly like him and carrying such a strong Froakie—might have some unique strategies up his sleeve. But now… why did he feel more like a rookie who just walked out of Pallet Town?
Sure, Red had only been on his journey for a little over a month. But after a month of intense training and battles, he no longer saw himself as a novice.
Boom!
Froakie's Power-Up Punch landed squarely on the Crobat.
Not very effective…
"Quack!"
Froakie turned around to glare at Ash, eyes full of disbelief. Only now did it recall that Fighting-type moves were quadruple ineffective against a Poison/Flying-type like Crobat. And Ash had told it to use Power-Up Punch?
The Fire-type Charmeleon standing nearby gave Froakie a side glance. That look—half judging, half amused—pushed Froakie over the edge.
It had been humiliated.
Froakie's Attack rose.
Froakie's Affection dropped.
Ash: "???"
Meanwhile, Froakie's scrape of a punch barely tickled the opponent, but Charmeleon's Thunder Punch? That was the real deal. Sparks jumped from Crobat's wings, its body twitched uncontrollably, and a sluggish expression spread across its face.
Crobat was paralyzed!
"Damn it!" the blue-haired Team Rocket grunt shouted, clenching his fists.
Even though his Crobat out-leveled the two Pokémon facing it, something about these kids—especially the emotionless one—felt off. Were they really just rookies?
If Red had heard the grunt's inner thoughts, he probably would've replied flatly, "Senior trainer. One month."
Anyway, if Crobat hadn't been paralyzed, this battle might have dragged on. But now?
The blue-haired grunt grimaced. He could send out his Houndoom, but…
He glanced at Froakie again. Though the kid using it looked like an idiot—using a Fighting move on a Poison/Flying opponent?!—the Froakie itself was seriously strong. And it was Water-type.
No matter how dumb the trainer, he had to know that Water beat Fire.
If that Froakie landed even a single Water Pulse on his Houndoom, it might be crippled in one shot. Plus, that creepy, paralyzed Charmeleon was still eyeing him like it wanted to barbeque something.
The blue-haired man peeked at his subordinates.
...Yeah, no. They'd only serve as EXP fodder.
Sighing in resignation, he moved his hand toward the Poké Ball at his waist. No way out of this—he'd just have to brute-force it.
"Crobat, use Haze! Then follow up with Explosion!"
"Cro!"
Crobat released a thick black fog, enveloping the battlefield. But before it could act further—
"Froakie, Quick Attack!"
"...Charmeleon, Dragon Tail."
Red and Ash issued their commands in unison, cutting off the Crobat's move. Its paralyzed state had already slashed its speed. Against Froakie—who specialized in speed—it didn't stand a chance.
Froakie vanished into the mist, his eyes shut. Who needed vision? Sound and instinct guided his blade. With a precise lunge, he pierced Crobat's wing, drawing a pained shriek.
And then came Charmeleon, tail glowing white, spiraling like a corkscrew. With impeccable aim, it slammed Crobat straight on the head.
"Crooo!" Crobat's eyes spun like whirlpools before it vanished into red light, retreating into its Poké Ball.
A new Poké Ball clicked open. Houndoom—lean, muscular, and growling like a beast from hell—leapt out.
"Shit," the grunt muttered. This wasn't looking good.
Even though Houndoom was about as strong as Crobat, its Fire/Dark typing was vulnerable here. He doubted it could hold the line.
Before he could strategize further, another Team Rocket grunt rushed over and leaned in to whisper something in his ear.
"Lord Apollo, the Moon Stones have been collected."
The voice was quiet, but not quiet enough.
Both Red and Ash perked up.
Apollo—the blue-haired grunt—watched them with growing unease.
...Why do these two kids suddenly look exactly the same?
They clearly had different faces, but the auras… identical.
"So the collection is complete?" Apollo grinned.
"Excellent. In that case, we're done here."
"Retreat."
"Trying to leave?" Red and Ash spoke at once, voices chilling.
"No way in hell!"
"Froakie, Cutting Wave!"
"Charmeleon, Flamethrower—maximum power!"
"Quack!"
Froakie slashed forward, unleashing a shimmering crescent of water blade. Charmeleon followed up with an inferno, the flames curling around the crescent slash.
The white crescent burned orange-red, its tail splitting into multiple flares. Together, it looked like a roaring hydra.
Combination Technique: Nine-Headed Flame Slash!
"Shit!" Apollo's eyes widened.
"Houndoom, Overheat!" he screamed.
"Hiiiaaa!"
Houndoom opened its jaws, molten sparks building in its throat. Its entire body glowed red as it summoned all its strength. With a defiant roar, it released a massive red energy wave straight at the incoming attack.
BOOM!!!
The shockwave tore through the area. Smoke, dust, and heat washed over both sides.
Red and Ash shielded their faces.
When the smoke cleared, they heard Apollo's furious voice.
"Damn you brats! Just wait—I'll get you for this!"
"Don't run!" Ash shouted, stepping forward—only to stumble.
"Wha… Why am I suddenly exhausted?"
Red's expression stayed neutral, but his brow furrowed. He was in excellent physical condition, yet he, too, felt drained.
Their Pokémon were faring slightly better, but even they looked a bit sluggish.
What happened?
Red thought back to the combo move they'd just performed.
He had battled alongside others before—but never had a double attack fused into a brand-new, seemingly transcendent move.
Could that be the cause?
He considered every possibility… and then his gaze landed on Ash.
That moment when they'd shouted commands in unison… he hadn't planned it. It had just happened. Like their thoughts synced for a moment.
Red didn't like to admit it, but he had felt something stir inside—an overwhelming, battle-born emotion he usually kept locked away.
Ash… did he awaken that part of him?
Red stared at the boy's goofy smile and hesitated.
...Maybe it was unintentional.