Sage grinned as she recalled her Espeon and sent out Phantuff, the dual Grass/Ghost Pokémon who barked happily as it was ready for another challenge.
Naomi, meanwhile, recalled her fainted Fletchling and released her next Pokémon: Beedrill.
Sage couldn't help but notice the difference in Phantuff's demeanor as ever since its battle with Jolteon, Phantuff had become much more attentive and focused, making Sage proud of how far it had come.
Let me show you the true power of Mega Evolution!" Naomi declared and with a flash of light, her Beedrill Mega Evolved as the buzzing, powerful form of Mega Beedrill appeared before them, with its enlarged stingers and impressive speed.
Sage's eyes sparkled in wonder at the sight of the Mega Evolution as It was impressive to witness such power firsthand.
Naomi grinned. "Beedrill use Fury Cutter!"
The Mega Beedrill zipped across the battlefield with astonishing speed as its stingers was ready to strike as Sage reacted quickly.
Phantuff use Bitter Burst!" Sage called out.
The dark energy erupted from Phantuff's body and clashed with Beedrill's rapid strikes and creating a mini explosion as the force sent shockwaves through the air but Phantuff stood strong.
This might be tougher than I thought" Sage muttered under her breath.
Naomi, seizing the opportunity, called out, "Beedrill use Venoshock!"
Beedrill unleashed a toxic blast and aimed it straight at Phantuff as Sage knew her Pokémon couldn't dodge it in time.
Phantuff use Magical Leaf to block the attack!" Sage said.
Phantuff summoned bright leaves that quickly intercepted the Venoshock with surprising power as Naomi's eyes widened in surprise.
Impressive" Naomi said as she nodded in approval.
Phantuff use Shadow Punch!" Sage called out.
Phantuff's paw glowed with eerie energy as it launched toward Beedrill as Naomi called for Beedrill to use Fury Cutter as the attacks clashed with sparks flying as the battle was intense and Sage could feel her heart racing.
Phantuff use Bitter Burst, point blank!" Sage called out with determination in her voice.
Before Naomi could react, Phantuff unleashed the dark energy in a concentrated burst right at Beedrill as Beedrill was knocked back and flinched from the impact as Naomi's jaw dropped as she realized how much damage the attack had done.
Phantuff use Poison Powder!" Sage commanded.
Phantuff released a cloud of toxic spores that engulfed Beedrill and poisoned it as Naomi gritted her teeth in frustration.
Beedrill use Sludge Bomb!" Naomi ordered as she was hoping to end the battle quickly.
Phantuff, dodge!" Sage shouted but it was too late. Beedrill's Sludge Bomb hit Phantuff directly causing the Grass/Ghost Pokémon to stagger back from the powerful poison attack.
Sage winced as she saw the damage, knowing Phantuff was now poisoned as well.
Phantuff, however, wasn't finished. It gave a loud, defiant bark as its eyes glowed a fierce red as it began to glow.
Sage's heart skipped a beat as she watched her Pokémon evolve before her eyes as she didn't expect Phantuff to evolve so soon as standing before her was a entirely new Pokemon which had an aura of power.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Sage's Rotom Phone buzzed with information:
Shadebark the Haunting Pokémon. In ancient times, multiple Shadebarks perished in a territorial struggle. Now, only a few Shadebarks roam the world. Shadebark's moves include Shadow Ball, Magical Leaf, Thorn Storm, Shadow Punch and Bitter Burst.
Sage couldn't help but stare in awe at the newly evolved Shadebark as it looked powerful and a little scary but it still held the playfulness it had when it was a Phantuff.
Shadebark use Shadow Ball at full power!" Sage commanded as her voice was filled with determination.
Naomi still reeling from the unexpected evolution, shouted, "Beedrill use Venoshock!"
The two attacks collided in a spectacular clash of energy but Beedrill, already weakened from the previous attacks, couldn't withstand the force of Shadebark's Shadow Ball as the blast engulfed Mega Beedrill, sending it flying backward and with a final twitch, it fainted as it returned to its normal form!
Naomi stared at her fallen Pokémon in disbelief. "No... Beedrill..."
I won the battle. Thanks for the challenge" Sage said as she smiled.
Naomi nodded, returning her Mega Evolved Beedrill to its Poké Ball.
You're incredible," Naomi said as she was genuinely impressed. "You've earned the Key Stone."
Sage's heart swelled with pride as Naomi handed over the Key Stone. Sage held it carefully, knowing this was a symbol of her growth as a trainer.
"I'll be sure to keep this safe" Sage said as she looked at the Key Stone with a determined gleam in her eyes.
As she walked away from the battle, Sage couldn't wait to share the news with her friends. The journey ahead was going to be filled with more surprises and challenges, but for now, Sage was content. She had earned the Key Stone, and the adventure was only just beginning.
