“Phoenix, just surrender, and we’ll let your families go,” said Draco Blackthorn. He stood at the head of over thirty elite trainers, surrounding the Ketchum and Oak families far away from the gates of Saffron City.

  Behind him, Ryder Oak narrowed his eyes as he shielded his wife, Portia, and their newborn son, Gary. Portia’s arms trembled slightly as she clutched the baby close. “I didn’t expect you to fall so low, Draco.”

  Draco smirked. “You think I brought all these people for you, Ryder? No. Only Phoenix deserves this level of preparation.”

  Without a word, Delia Ketchum stepped forward and handed four Pokéballs to Phoenix. Then, with a determined expression, she gently took baby Gary from Portia, cradling him alongside her own son, Ash. That brief moment—mothers, children, legacy—passed like a heartbeat.

  Portia’s eyes flashed with resolve. She released her Alakazam, who immediately teleported Delia, and the two infants away in a flash of light.

  Phoenix released his most trusted partner: a battle-worn Raichu, who stood ready at his side with sparks dancing across its cheeks.

  Draco’s smile faded. “So be it.” He tossed his own Pokéball. A massive Dragonite emerged with a guttural roar. All around him, the trainers followed suit, elite Pokémon appearing in flashes of red light.

  Phoenix stepped forward. “The old clans dare move against Champion Oak? You’ve forgotten what my master is capable of.” He turned to Ryder and Portia, nodding once. “Let’s remind them.”

  With a surge of power, Raichu charged the ground with Electric Terrain, sparks crackling beneath their feet. Ryder and Portia ran toward the city, the electric field covering their retreat.

  “After them!” Draco barked. Half the trainers broke off, chasing the fleeing couple. The remaining twenty tightened their circle around Phoenix.

  “Raichu—now!”

  Raichu unleashed a massive Electroweb, laced with Thunder Wave, paralyzing dozens of Pokémon and their trainers. Only a few flying-types managed to dodge the attack, soaring above the chaos.

  It was the signal. The battle had begun.

  Enemy Pokémon attacked at once. Raichu blurred with Double Team, then vanished and reappeared using Agility, zipping through the battlefield as he charged his next move.

  Phoenix threw the rest of his Pokéballs. His Dragonite soared into the sky, colliding with Draco’s own in a titanic aerial clash. From the shadows at Phoenix’s feet, Gengar emerged, casting Confuse Ray in waves, spreading disarray among enemy ranks.

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  Nidoqueen unleashed a devastating Toxic Wave, and Snorlax took position beside Phoenix, casting Helping Hand and blocking incoming attacks with its massive frame. The final member, Slowbro, emerged calmly, using Disable and Light Screen with careful precision, protecting allies and disrupting enemy tactics.

  Despite being vastly outnumbered, Phoenix’s team held the line. Their synergy, honed through years of battle, outmatched the chaos of the enemy’s disjointed forces.

  Above, Dragonite fought alone against Draco’s fearsome aerial squad—Dragonite, Charizard, Aerodactyl, and Gyarados. Draco rode his own Dragonair, watching from the distance, issuing orders through clenched teeth as his pride bled away. His team was being held back by a single dragon.

  Time passed. Five minutes. Ten. Thirty.

  Phoenix’s confidence faltered. Delia should have reached Master Oak by now. Ryder and Portia should have made it to the League forces in Saffron. So why… why hasn’t help come?

  His brief hesitation proved costly.

  Below, Gengar was weaving between enemies when a sharp voice cut through the din. A young woman stepped forward—eyes cold, presence chilling. She was the young leader of Ecruteak’s exorcist clan.

  Her ghost team struck with precision. In moments, Gengar was trapped—restrained. Phoenix’s eyes widened as she began chanting. Not a move. A ritual.

  “No—!”

  But it was too late. Gengar let out a horrible screech, understanding what was happening. With its last breath, it began laughing—mad, eerie laughter—and unleashed Destiny Bond.

  The exorcist and her entire team crumpled to the ground, lifeless.

  Silence rippled through the battlefield.

  Then, realization.

  There would be no more holding back.

  Nidoqueen howled, enraged, and slammed the ground with all her might, unleashing Fissure. The earth cracked and split, swallowing over ten enemy Pokémon. The gap closed with a thunderous crash, burying them alive.

  Enemy retaliation was swift. A barrage of powerful moves rained down. Despite Slowbro’s protection, Nidoqueen was overwhelmed. Her body fell beside Gengar’s—still and silent.

  Phoenix clenched his fists. Two of his partners—gone.

  Snorlax let out a deep, guttural roar, unleashing Uproar. Shockwaves blasted nearby enemies back. Its normally sleepy eyes burned with fury as it advanced, striking with wild abandon.

  Slowbro moved in closer to guard Phoenix, sending pulses of water and light across the field, supporting allies and hindering enemies.

  Raichu was beyond rage now. Electricity exploded from him in waves—Thunderbolt, Discharge, Volt Tackle—leaving scorched ground and unconscious enemies in his wake. He became a storm, tearing through trainers and Pokémon alike. The body count rose. Dozens fell.

  Above, Phoenix’s Dragonite retaliated with a mighty Thunder, striking Draco’s Gyarados mid-air and ending its flight permanently. Then came the price—three Hyper Beams. Dragonite threw up Protect just in time, but the impact sent him spiraling.

  Draco watched from afar, jaw clenched. His pride as a Dragon Master curdled into something colder—doubt.

  Phoenix’s hand shook. He hadn’t wanted to use Delia’s Pokémon. They weren’t at the same level as his team. But now?

  He released Charizard, Delia’s pride. It roared and joined Dragonite in the skies. Then Arcanine, Rapidash, and Flareon. Flames surged as the trio tore into what remained of the enemy forces.

  Phoenix stood tall, his heart aching, his team diminished—but unyielding.

  The battle was far from over.

  But from this moment forward, there would be no mercy.