This battle favors Ash. Close Combat is super effective against Absol! Brock thought as he refereed the match, watching Staraptor strike Absol over and over without giving Absol a chance to fight back.
Staraptor slammed Absol into the ground with both wings, finishing the Close Combat attack. Ash issued another command: "Brave Bird!" Staraptor beat its wings and soared high into the sky, then folded its wings as flames enveloped its body and it plummeted toward the ground. It leveled out just above the surface, the flames turning into a sky-blue aura as it charged straight at Absol.
"Flash!" Liu Qing, who had yet to give a command, spoke immediately as Staraptor drew closer. Absol raised its head from the ground, and the sickle on its forehead emitted a dazzling white light that seared the eyes. Staraptor cried out in pain, while Ash once again had to raise a hand to shield his eyes.
"Night Slash!" At Liu Qing's command, Absol struggled to its feet while Staraptor's vision was obscured. The sickle on its forehead glowed purple-black, and a swing sent a huge black blade of light flying. It struck Staraptor, whose vision was still blinded by the glare, with a loud bang, dispersing the aura around its body and sending it flying.
"Iron Tail!" At Liu Qing's command, Absol immediately broke into a run, its tail glowing white. It caught up to Staraptor and lashed out.
"Staraptor, use Close Combat at full power, just like that!" The glare had faded, and Ash saw Staraptor flying backward with its eyes shut and Absol rapidly pursuing it. He immediately gave his command. Staraptor kicked straight ahead, instantly striking Absol, but Iron Tail hit it at the same moment. Both Pokémon took the other's attack and flew backward in opposite directions, crashing