Chapter 20 Shockwaves

  The stadium was alive with energy. The crowd was a living entity of cheers, gasps, and pounding hearts. The First Wing finals had drawn every student who could squeeze in, and every face in the stands was turned to the battlefield. Dust hung in the morning light, glittering as it swirled with the tension in the air.

  Bea’s Machamp intertwined his fingers, his knuckles popping as he stretched. Across the arena, Isaac Mallory’s Haxorus lowered its head, its massive tusks gleaming, and his scales catching the sunlight in flashes of metallic green.

  “I’m done coming in second place. Bea, today’s the day you lose.”

  Bea’s hands tightened into fists. “Okay… let’s see what you got.”

  The referee dropped his hand.

  “First Impression!” Isaac shouted above the roar of the crowd.

  Before anyone could blink, Haxorus exploded forward. The dragon was a blur, a green streak of raw power.

  The impact slammed Machamp backward with a force that made the air around it crackle. The crowd erupted. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the stands.

  “Did you see that?!” someone shouted.

  “No way!” another voice yelled.

  Bea’s eyes widened, her jaw was slack, utterly stunned. “W-what?!” she breathed, unable to mask her shock.

  “Haxorus, don’t let up! Dragon Claw.”

  Machamp hit the ground hard. He rose onto one knee. With a snarl he slammed two fists in the dirt in frustration.

  “Machamp incoming!”

  He raised his head just in time to see Haxorus above him. Machamp caught the dragon’s wrist, stopping the attack inches before it struck.

  “Good, now uppercut!”

  Machamp’s fist slammed into Haxorus’s jaw, causing him to stagger backward one single step.

  Isaac’s brow furrowed. “Haxorus go low and don’t let up!”

  Haxorus’ body twisted, his right leg swept forward knocking Machamp off his feet.

  “Yes!”

  Haxorus turned his head and slashed downward with his tusk as Machamp fell. The razor-sharp edge cut effortlessly into Machamp’s top right bicep.

  Machamp dug his fingers into the ground. Twisting himself counterclockwise, with all his strength he kicked Haxorus in the chest with both feet.

  Haxorus was sent flying backwards landing with a heavy thud. Machamp stood back up, his right hand clamped firmly over his bicep trying to slow the bleeding.

  “Hey, Machamp are you okay?” Bea’s voice was shaking. He let out a loud grunt and smiled.

  Across the field Haxorus was standing clutching his chest, a few scales had been cracked.

  The crowd’s voices rose in unison—some were cheering, and others were holding their breath.

  “He’s down an arm. Haxorus, attack his right side.”

  He took off running towards Machamp, the ground trembled with each step.

  “Dragon Claw!”

  Machamp twisted his body at his core, his lower left hand curled into a fist.

  “Machamp Detect, then Ice Punch!”

  A thin barrier covered Machamp and the razor-sharp claws slid off harmlessly creating a shower of sparks.

  Ice crystals fell as Machamp’s fist rocketed towards Haxorus’ exposed chest.

  “Protect now!” Isaac frantically yelled.

  Less than an inch from his skin a green protective barrier sprang to life just as Machamp’s fist crashed into it.

  Haxorus slid backwards a foot stopping himself by digging his talons into the ground.

  “Iron Tail!” Isaac commanded.

  Haxorus’s tail swept forward like a battering ram, aiming for Machamp’s weak side. Even with one arm down Machamp caught the blow, his veins bulged and his bicep trembled under the weight.

  Drops of blood fell onto Haxorus’ tail as Machamp removed his hand from his upper arm.

  “You never learn, Isaac. Finish it, Machamp!”

  Isaac grinned, almost enjoying the taunt. Machamp launched a double Mega Punch, two fists glowing with raw energy as they rocketed toward Haxorus.

  “Haxorus, counter!” Isaac barked, his voice even and controlled.

  Haxorus twisted, his claws meeting the pair of fists. The collision ripped through the air with a deafening crack, sending a shockwave that knocked dust from the rafters and made students flinch. Machamp’s arms buckled under the force, and with a tremendous grunt, he was hurled backward, tumbling through the air and slamming into the arena wall with a heavy crash.

  The stadium fell into stunned silence for a heartbeat, then erupted into a mix of cheers, gasps, and shocked whispers.

  Bea’s hands flew to her face. Her chest heaved. “No… no way…” she whispered, eyes wide as she stared at her Machamp slumped against the wall.

  Haxorus dug his talons into the ground and threw his head back letting out a roar of pure dominance that made Bea cover her ears. Its roar echoed through the stands, sending a thrill of excitement down every spine.

  Bea stared at Isaac, and for the first time she really looked at him. “I’ve trained for this. I’ve prepared for this. When did he get this strong?”

  “One down. One to go. Bring out that Hitmontop so Haxorus here can crush him too.” Isaac said smugly.

  It was Bea’s turn to smile. “Come on out and let’s show them what you can do.”

  In a blinding flash of red light, a Falinks emerged.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  “I’m genuinely surprised, Isaac,” Bea said, her voice steady but carrying a fierce edge. “I never thought you would push me this far.”

  Isaac looked shocked. “I planned for Hitmontop, I didn’t know she had this hidden.”

  From high above in the stand’s professor Yarros murmured aloud “That Falinks is such a hard Pokémon to train, it’s not just one, but a team. To command all six at once is a challenge.”

  “Indeed.” Jorgen said. “But let us see what Bea has to offer.”

  The lead Falinks, the one at the forefront, tilted its head, eyes locking on Haxorus. In a single, synchronized motion, it raised its arms and barked an order, sharp and precise. Instantly, three of the other Falinks positioned themselves defensively, their shields slamming together with a metallic clang.

  Haxorus lunged at them his claws slicing through the air. Its Dragon Claw slammed into the front of the formation—and bounced harmlessly off the three Protecting Falinks.

  The lead Falinks pivoted, chest swelling with energy. “Iron Defense!” Bea called, and a shimmering golden aura rippled across the six Pokémon.

  “Now, Brick Break” Bea commanded.

  Two of the remaining Falinks moved as one, charging forward with unerring precision.

  Each strike landed simultaneously, fists crashing against Haxorus’ flanks. The force was strong enough to crack his scales. Haxorus growled, it was a primal sound that caused the hair on Bea’s arms to stand up.

  The lead Falinks held firm, shield raised, commanding the others with unspoken authority. Their teamwork was flawless—defense and offense in perfect harmony.

  Bea’s eyes shone with pride. “That’s it… show them what you can do!” she called. Her voice carried above the din, blending with the thunder of the crowd.

  Headmaster Jorgen was seated in his chair, he leaned forward, his eyes wide. “Magnificent, such control.”

  “Falinks double time and use Rock Smash”

  Three Falinks shot forward, charging Haxorus. “Haxorus keep them away.”

  His eyes locked onto the Falinks to his right, he lifted his leg and kicked using his tail to steady himself. Simultaneously he swung his left arm at the other.

  Suddenly two other Falinks jumped in between them with their shields raised blocking the blows. Just then the third Falinks jumped up.

  “Haxorus Headbutt!”

  Once again, another Falinks intercepted the blow.

  Haxorus saw the original three Falinks charge forward, their attacks still charged.

  “NOW, TRIPLE ROCK SMASH!”

  Three fists slammed into the dragon sending him rolling across the ground a silver sheen ran across his body once, then twice as his defense was lowered.

  The arena was dead quiet as Haxorus stood back up wheezing.

  A muffled thump came from below the dragon. He looked down as dust swirled around his feet.

  There in the dirt was a single large scale cracked and broken.

  For a single heartbeat he froze, then his eyes turned pure red and he threw his head back and roared. He lunged forward attacking Falinks recklessly.

  “Haxorus! Calm down!!!” Isaac yelled at the top of his lungs.

  Headmaster Jorgen jumped to his feet. “Holy shit! That’s Outrage! Isaac is no longer in control of Haxorus.”

  Worry filled Professor Yarros’ voice “Do we step in?”

  Jorgen’s pressed the button on one of his PokéBalls. With a flash of red light, a Dragonite emerged.

  “Dragonite, head down to the edge of the arena. Be ready to step in if things get out of control.”

  Professor Yarros let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Jorgen.”

  With a smile he turned his attention back to the field below.

  “Falinks, quick! Iron Defense and stay together!”

  A glimmer ran across the six Falinks as their defense rose. The six warriors smashed together interlocking their shields.

  A shower of sparks flew from Falinks shield as Haxorus’s claws dug into the metal leaving deep gouges.

  In a fit of rage Haxorus kicked the phalanx, breaking the formation and sending multiple Falinks rolling across the ground. Haxorus stepped forward and roared. “Haxorus! Calm down.” Isaac screamed while waving his arms franticly.

  “Falinks, Bulk Up and cover each other.”

  Haxorus’s blood red eyes locked onto the nearest Falinks who was still lying face down.

  His maw opened and a purple glow started to form as he charged a Dragon Pulse.

  With a sharp crack the lead Falinks slammed into Haxorus’s jaw causing the charge of energy to be unleashed harmlessly upward.

  “Falinks, back in formation! Iron Defense again.”

  Haxorus surged forward as energy encased his form. He crashed into the Falinks just as they had interlocked their shields. The force sent Falinks sliding backwards as a unit. Their defense remained unbroken.

  Isaac’s eyes went wide in shock as Haxorus dropped to his knees. “Giga Impact, he’s going to need at least five seconds to recover from that.”

  “NOW! Falinks, Body Press!”

  Haxorus turned his head towards Isaac, gone was the fury in his eyes, only a look of sorrow remained.

  All six Falinks slammed into Haxorus as one. The crack echoed like a cannon blast. Dust burst from the arena floor and students in the front row instinctively flinched.

  When the dust settled, Haxorus had been flattened into the ground.

  The entire arena erupted into cheers and applause.

  Isaac stared across the field, his jaw was clenched tight, unable to speak. His Haxorus lay motionless.

  Falinks regrouped immediately, the six soldiers reforming their formation in front of Bea.

  Bea exhaled, sweat shining on her brow, but her eyes gleamed with a fierce look of determination. “You fought well, Haxorus,” she said softly, then turned to Isaac with that sharp, knowing grin. “Your move.”

  Isaac gritted his teeth and pulled another Pokéball from his belt. “Fine,” he muttered, his eyes narrowing. “Let’s see how your little army handles this.”

  He hurled it into the air. With a flash of light Scizor appeared on the field.

  “Scizor,” a dangerous calm returned to Isaac’s voice. “Don’t hold back.”

  Scizor landed with a heavy metallic thud, his wings vibrated in short, rapid bursts that filled the arena with a low hum. His eyes were cold as he studied Falinks with unnerving precision.

  Isaac smirked. “Let’s end this quick. Bullet Punch!”

  Scizor vanished. One instant it stood on the far side of the field, the next a streak of red light sliced through the air. Scizor’s claw smashed into the lead Falinks before Bea could even react to the movement.

  All twelve of Falinks’ feet dug into the ground as they were pushed backwards. Bea yelled over the roar of the crowd. “Formation Omega—advance!”

  Four Falinks surged forward, their shields were raised and gleaming with energy. The remaining two held back, anchoring the line, shields ready to intercept counters.

  “Let’s see you keep up with that!” Bea shouted.

  The four front-liners launched in perfect sync, a coordinated assault of Brick Breaks that came from multiple angles—front, sides and overhead.

  Isaac barely spoke. “Agility.”

  In a blur Scizor’s form flickered between attacks. One claw deflected a strike, before Scizor jumped backwards dodging Falinks’ coordinated assault.

  With the additional speed boost Scizor was moving faster than Falinks could keep up with.

  “He can’t dodge forever, keep going.”

  Every blow from Falinks met with a perfect counter. Sparks flew as steel clashed against steel, the rhythm of combat turning into a harsh, rapid percussion.

  The offensive line began to falter. One Falinks stumbled. Another’s shield cracked under a Metal Claw.

  Bea gritted her teeth. “Hold—your—ground!”

  But Scizor pressed harder, faster, relentlessly. The crowd was leaning forward now, caught in the blur of movement. Isaac’s grin grew wider, confidence swelling with every clean hit Scizor landed.

  “See it yet, Bea?” he called, voice loud enough to carry. “Your fancy teamwork can’t keep up with raw speed. You’re just too slow.”

  Scizor struck again—two hits, then three, each faster than the last. The Falinks was forced back, their defensive line crumbling under the pressure.

  Isaac chuckled, crossing his arms. “Guess we’re just about done here.”

  But then he heard a sound that didn’t fit the battle at all. Laughter.

  Isaac looked over and was surprised to see that Bea was laughing.

  It wasn’t the nervous kind or the forced kind. It was a calm, confident laugh that froze Isaac mid-grin. She looked across the field and slowly pulled a round sphere out of her pocket.

  Isaac squinted. Not quite sure what he was looking at.

  “You’ve gotten strong, Isaac,” she said softly, “I’m glad I brought this.”

  Light began to shimmer from the orb.

  “What is that, Bea?”

  She smirked. “Falinks—let’s show them what true unity looks like!”

  The Keystone flared to life.

  Beams of light arced toward the lead Falinks, a bright glow radiated from beneath his shield in response.

  The air vibrated with energy filling the arena with a deep, resonant hum that made the stadium lights flicker. The crowd gasped, then erupted in disbelief as Falinks was engulfed in spiraling white light.

  “What is happening—?!” someone yelled from the stands.

  Wendel jumped to his feet almost knocking Rhys down from his shoulders. He grabbed the railing in front of him, unable to take his eyes off of Falinks.

  “Unbelievable! I’ve only seen this in books. To think Bea has been hiding this…”

  Annabelle now stood at his side. “Wendel, what is happening? I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

  “It’s Mega Evolving!” he shouted in excitement.

  “…Woah, I’ve never seen one before.”

  “Me either.”

  A blinding light engulfed everything, causing Wendel to close his eyes.

  When he reopened them the six forms had merged, the wild energy had woven them into one colossal silhouette.

  Armor plates had locked together; their shields had expanded and fused into one massive shield.

  Mega Falinks was taller, heavier, and gleaming with gold and red plating. He let out a resounding war cry that shook the very air itself.

  Bea’s eyes shone with fierce satisfaction. “This…is us at full strength—one mind, one purpose.”

  Isaac staggered back a step; his eyes were wide in shock. “You’ve got to be kidding me…”

  Bea pointed sharply. “Mega Falinks— Annihilate!”