Crushing Defeat

"Phew... Pikachu, I'm counting on you!"

Ash took a light breath, steadied himself, and spoke to Pikachu beside him.

The odds were against him, but the battle wasn't over. He refused to give up.

"Pika!"

With that, Pikachu sprang onto the battlefield.

"Ursaring, use Bulk Up!"

Paul stood firm as he gave the command.

Ursaring tensed every muscle, raising its Attack and Defense even further.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"

Ash called out, trying to interrupt Ursaring.

Pikachu raised its little hands and lightly patted its flushed cheeks.

Then it unleashed a powerful yellow current toward Ursaring.

"Ursaring, use Slash!"

Unfazed, Paul ordered Ursaring to meet the attack.

Ursaring raised a white-glowing claw and slashed at the oncoming electricity.

With that paw alone, it blocked Pikachu's Thunderbolt.

"Ursaring, use Focus Blast!"

The moment Ursaring stopped the attack, Paul struck back.

Ursaring brought its paws together, formed a white sphere, and hurled it at Pikachu.

"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!"

At Ash's command, Pikachu burst forward at blinding speed and dodged Ursaring's Focus Blast.

"Pikachu, use Volt Tackle!"

Ash seized the opening and gave his next command.

"Pika, pika!"

Pikachu pushed off with all four limbs and charged Ursaring, wrapped in fierce yellow electricity.

"Ursaring, use Hammer Arm!"

Paul showed no fear as he called to Ursaring.

Ursaring raised a white-glowing paw and swung it at the charging Pikachu.

Bang!

Pikachu was no match for Ursaring in a contest of strength. The blow sent it flying.

"Pikachu, use Iron Tail!"

An idea struck Ash, and he shouted the command.

Still in midair, Pikachu whipped its tail toward Ursaring's head with a sharp whoosh.

Caught off guard, Ursaring took the hit and suffered some damage.

"Pikachu, finish it in one shot! Use Thunderbolt!"

Ash seized the chance and urged Pikachu to keep attacking.

Pikachu sparked