Diggersby was still a Champion-level Pokémon after all.
Florges's Grass Knot only blocked the attack for a moment before it was broken free. The sudden change in abilities made the Diggersby a little uncomfortable. But without giving it time to think, two Energy Balls blasted toward its face.
Bang!
The Diggersby's ears hardened into fists as its Hammer Arm collided with the Energy Ball in midair, creating a massive explosion.
"Gengar, Toxic!"
"Florges, Teeter Dance, then Magical Leaf!"
While commanding Gengar and Florges, Slowking and Druddigon were locked in battle on the other side. This was Slowking's first real fight since reaching Champion level—before this, it had only sparred briefly with Lance's Pokémon.
Haxorus's Dragon-type moves were heavily suppressed.
"Slowking, Protect!"
Aoki shouted just as Haxorus's Thunder Punch was about to land. A shimmering barrier appeared around Slowking, though it couldn't fully block the attack. However, in retaliation, Slowking's amplified psychic energy manifested as sharp blades, stabbing deep into Haxorus's body.
Boom!!
The two Pokémon collided and were forced apart. Slowking had taken considerable damage from the Electric-type move, but Haxorus wasn't faring much better—Slowking's boosted psychic power wasn't so easy to endure.
Since Diggersby couldn't get close to Slowking, it turned its attention to Gengar and Florges.
"Diggersby, ignore Gengar! Use Hammer Arm on Florges!"
Following Akobi's command, Diggersby disregarded Gengar's Toxic and charged toward Florges, fists clenched with terrifying force.
But upon hearing Akobi's order, Aoki smirked.
Ignore Gengar?
That was a mistake. Gengar's poison had been enhanced by exposure to Dragalge's poison and the Toxic Orb. With no resistance, the Toxic attack seeped deep into Diggersby's system.
Florges swayed pitifully, tears welling in her eyes. Instantly, Diggersby felt its heart waver.
When had it ever been exposed to such charm?
Its determination to attack weakened, and its speed slowed.
"Damn it! Haxorus, Draco Meteor!" Akobi's face darkened as she saw Diggersby's hesitation.
Akobi doesn't want to play around anymore, she is going to turn the table!
Who wants to fight you honestly? Come on, let's fight! Bastard!
Roar!!
Florges and Gengar might not be as strong as Diggersby, but their combination of status moves and chip damage was infuriating. Worse, Gengar's poison was far more potent than expected.
If this kept up, he'd be worn down before landing a decisive blow.
Time to end this.
Even in the Misty Terrain, Haxorus's ultimate move wouldn't be too heavily suppressed.
No more playing fair—this was an all-out brawl now!
Roar!!
Haxorus, still recovering from its clash with Slowking, unleashed a condensed sphere of draconic energy into the sky. Moments later, flaming meteorites rained down, blanketing the battlefield.
"Diggersby, Dig!"
Clearly used to this strategy, Diggersby abandoned its infatuation and burrowed underground.
Better to stay safe than risk it all for a fleeting crush.
"Endure it!" Aoki ordered.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The entire plaza trembled under the assault, but Slowking and the others emerged unscathed—timely defensive maneuvers had shielded them.
Haxorus stood panting when suddenly, the ground beside it shifted. Diggersby emerged, its fur tinged purple from the lingering poison. The accumulated damage was taking its toll.
Akobi tossed a Full Heal, but even that couldn't fully purge the toxins.
"Such potent poison?" Diggersby groaned, still feeling the venom's effects.
"Haxorus, Earthquake!"
"Diggersby, Swords Dance!"
Akobi was ready to turn the tide.
Diggersby naturally learned Swords Dance, and with its Huge Power ability, its strength was monstrous. But now that its ability had been swapped, the boost wasn't as devastating.
The two battlefields merged again.
"Then let's try a different approach—team tactics." Aoki calmly retrieved two more Poké Balls.
His opponent hadn't sent out additional Pokémon—likely only had these two at Champion level.
Twin flashes of red light revealed two more Pokémon on Aoki's side.
Not frontline fighters, but their support would be crucial.
Crack!
Thunder boomed under suddenly darkened skies. Thick clouds swirled, and rain began to pour, drenching the battlefield.
The two Pokémon Aoki had summoned weren't his other Champion-level Pokémon, Mismagius and Altaria—instead, they were Politoed and… the Horsea he hadn't used in a long time!
Mismagius and Altaria were being saved as trump cards.
Politoed's Drizzle activated instantly, the rain intensifying into a downpour. Aoki shielded himself with psychic energy, staying dry, while one of Akobi's aides stepped forward with a red umbrella, leaving himself exposed to the storm.
The battle raged on.
"Gengar, use Skill Swap on Seadra, then pass it to Slowking, Florges, and yourself."
This was the team fight Akobi wanted? Fine.
Diggersby finished its Swords Dance, and though Haxorus's Earthquake shook the ground, Aoki made no move to interrupt.
Now, all three of his Pokémon had Swift Swim.
Gengar made Akobi truly understand the meaning of haunting.
Even against two Champion-level Pokémon, Gengar—with its newfound speed—was nearly untouchable in the heavy rain.
Florges and Slowking weren't naturally fast, but now they moved with terrifying fluidity.