Victory and Defeat

"Get some rest, Lopunny! Dudunsparce, I'm counting on you!"

Bai Shi recalled Lopunny and sent Dudunsparce back into battle.

Of his three remaining Pokémon, Staraptor had taken a serious beating.

Electrike, meanwhile, was comparatively weaker.

Only Dudunsparce was almost unscathed, and he was among the strongest on Bai Shi's team.

To avoid any more surprises, Bai Shi sent him out against Ash's Infernape.

"Dudunsparce, use Ancient Power!"

The moment the battle resumed, Bai Shi struck first.

Dudunsparce conjured several rocks the size of human heads and hurled them at Infernape.

"Infernape, use Flamethrower!"

Ash's confidence was soaring as he gave the command.

Infernape's performance moments earlier had given him every reason to feel that way.

Infernape opened his mouth and unleashed a torrent of blistering flames.

It stopped Dudunsparce's Ancient Power with ease.

Then the flames surged on toward Dudunsparce, barely losing any force.

"Dudunsparce, fly up! Quick!"

Bai Shi's expression changed, and he shouted the warning.

Dudunsparce beat his wings hard and rose into the air, narrowly dodging Infernape's attack.

"Dudunsparce, use Drill Peck!"

As soon as Dudunsparce evaded the attack, Bai Shi launched a counterattack.

Dudunsparce spun at breakneck speed, turning into a steel drill that hurtled toward Infernape.

"Infernape, use Flamethrower!"

At Ash's command, Infernape opened his mouth and blasted the oncoming Dudunsparce with a torrent of scorching fire.

Dudunsparce flew straight into the flames.

"Go, Dudunsparce! Show your fighting spirit and push through!"

Bai Shi thrust up his arm and cheered Dudunsparce on.

Dudunsparce gritted his teeth and spun faster, pressing on through the searing flames.

Using the force of his spin, he broke through Flamethrower and slammed into Infernape, dealing him a solid blow.

Even so, Infernape stayed on his feet.

"Infernape, use Mach Punch!"

Ash seized the chance to strike back.

Infernape raised his