"Power Whip!"
Thick, energy-formed green vines lashed out from Venusaur's side, filling the air with explosive sounds.
Even though he resisted Grass-type moves, Ceruledge knew he couldn't take a hit; Venusaur's attack was too powerful.
The shadowy swordsman's movements were like a waltz, dodging Venusaur's heavy attacks with minimal movement, then—Bitter Blade!
The burning greatsword sliced through the green vines. Unfortunately, Power Whip's vines were made of Grass energy; if they were part of Venusaur's own body, Ceruledge could have drained health.
Ceruledge seized the chance, slicing the energy vines into countless pieces with practiced speed. In a flash, a massive psychic blade, like a crescent moon, cut through the air toward Venusaur.
Can't get hit by that move—
This thought filled Kukui's mind. He waved his hand: "Petal Blizzard!"
The giant flower on Venusaur's back spewed countless petal-like snowflakes into the sky; each petal brimmed with Grass energy. The storm of petals blocked the psychic blade. For a moment, both Geeta and Kukui were captivated by the fierce offense and defense.
Lucas, with a look that said "Kukui fell for it again", shouted a shocking command: "Shadow Sneak!"
Kukui snapped back, only to find Ceruledge had vanished. Knowing things were bad, he shouted: "Grassy Pledge! Don't let Ceruledge get close!"
But this was the opportunity Lucas and Ceruledge had long prepared for; Kukui was a step too late.
Shadow Sneak was just a springboard for rapid movement; the real finishing move had been prepared mid-move!
Ceruledge's Cursed Armor blazed with endless blue-violet flames, engulfing the whole body. Appearing behind Venusaur, Ceruledge stomped, cracking the ground, and charged with unstoppable force!
The azure flames became a giant fire tornado. Rooted, Venusaur couldn't escape; it could only watch its strength get stripped away by the flames, then blacked out and crashed down.
After a moment of silence, Geeta announced, "Venusaur is unable to battle!"
"In the end... only you are left." Kukui held a worn Poké Ball, inside was his very first partner, who had been with him since childhood.
Kukui looked at Lucas with determined eyes. He resolved to pass on the full force of his own Royal Battle spirit—and that of Incineroar—to Lucas with all his might!
Under Kukui's burning gaze, Lucas tilted his head in confusion. After recalling Ceruledge, he muttered, "Let's try that for a change."
Then they both threw Poké Balls.
"Incineroar!" "Mimikyu."
A black-and-red upright tiger exuding majesty, and a harmless-looking little doll, appeared on the field.
Incineroar vs. Mimikyu, Gen 7 showdown!
Before Lucas could give orders, Kukui suddenly shrieked in disbelief, "Mimikyu!? You have a Mimikyu on your team?"
Lucas was stunned, then realized—he really hadn't introduced Mimikyu to Kukui lately. Mimikyu's nature was such that unless fighting directly or pointed out, people subconsciously overlooked its presence.
No wonder Kukui was shocked by Mimikyu's appearance.
Outside the field, Geeta clapped: "Ah, it's that Mimikyu! Long time no see~"
Mimikyu was delighted that Geeta and Kukui noticed it. Bubbles of happiness floated from beneath its doll disguise, and a shadowy claw waved cheerfully at them.
After Swampert and Ceruledge's battles, the Stealth Rock effect finally faded, and Mimikyu took no damage.
Kukui, rubbing his confused head, gave up thinking about why Lucas had a mainstay Mimikyu—and what about the Moltres?—and just shouted, "Snarl!"
"Roaaar!"
Incineroar let out a king-of-the-jungle roar. Dark-type energy surged out with the roar and its Intimidate ability, washing over Mimikyu.
Mimikyu, facing the attack, stayed calm, waiting for Lucas's instructions.
For it was an innocent-looking Ghost-type Pokémon.
Lucas called out, "Take it, then use Curse!"
Curse?
Kukui frowned. He knew many moves—he was even considering becoming a professor one day—but he rarely saw Curse used.
Most trainers didn't use it because—the side effects were too great.
Mimikyu was suddenly shrouded in eerie ghostly energy, which instantly leaped onto Incineroar.
Mimikyu's aura plummeted, dropping from full health to nearly half.
But even after paying such a price, Incineroar looked fine—stretching and mocking Mimikyu with a sneer.
It looked like a real Dark-type Pokémon.
At the same time, Snarl hit Mimikyu, causing its Pikachu-like disguise to flop down limply.
Seeing this, Geeta stroked her chin thoughtfully.
Kukui felt a fog clouding his mind—he was so close to figuring out Lucas' intentions, but couldn't quite get there. He could only order, "Flamethrower!"
Incineroar grinned, blasting a pillar of fire from its flaming belt straight at Mimikyu.
Lucas said calmly, "Dodge, then use Pain Split!"
Mimikyu moved nimbly, using its shadow claw to leap high and narrowly dodge the flames. Then an eerie energy began to pulse.
Incineroar instinctively sensed danger and tried to run—but the strange pulse struck. Incineroar's health rapidly fell, while green light flowed into Mimikyu.
What the—!?
Incineroar almost cursed, but before it could, a chilling sensation surged up as the ghostly energy from before returned, rampaging inside its body!
At this moment, both Incineroar and Kukui realized how dirty Lucas' tactics were, making their desire for a straightforward fight seem foolish.