Just as Liu Yuan had predicted, Salamence charged straight into Zap Cannon like a bolt of deep blue lightning. The collision triggered a violent explosion, but an instant later, a deep blue figure wreathed in electricity burst through the smoke and hurtled toward Registeel.
"He actually used Dragon Rush's protective aura to keep Zap Cannon's electricity outside the light! That way, Salamence can keep attacking without being paralyzed, and even transfer that electricity to its opponent through physical contact!" Professor Oak explained.
"Amazing! I have to write this down!" Sitting behind Professor Oak, Nurse Joy once again hurried to take notes.
"Registeel, Sandstorm!" Brandon immediately struck back. Registeel spun its arms, whipping up an enormous sand tornado around itself and sheltering at its center.
"Can that stop you, Salamence?" Liu Qing shouted. Salamence let out a ringing roar and checked its momentum just before plunging into the Sandstorm. It spiraled upward around the column of wind, then reached the center and dove straight down at Registeel.
"Use Metal Claw!" Brandon had not expected a Pokémon as large and fast as Salamence to be so agile, and immediately ordered a counterattack.
Registeel's hands gleamed with a metallic sheen as it reached up to seize the diving Salamence. A dull thud rang out. Though the attack struck home, Registeel still clamped its hands firmly onto Salamence's shoulders, spinning to dissipate the remaining force. Seeing this, Brandon ordered, "Now throw it away!" Registeel spun a few more times, then hurled Salamence out through the Sandstorm.
"Zap Cannon!" Brandon pressed his advantage. The sand tornado dispersed, and Registeel gathered Zap Cannon's power between its hands before launching it straight at Salamence.
"Salamence!" At Liu Qing's shout, Salamence roared and beat its wings to steady itself, then rolled out of Zap Cannon's straight-line path. Liu