"I knew Machamp was closing in!" Before Lucario's aura, Machamp had nowhere to hide. A few rocks could hardly keep Lucario from knowing its location. A faint, cold smile crossed Liu Qing's face. He gave no orders, simply watching things unfold, his complete trust in Lucario evident.
Lucario did not disappoint Liu Qing. Not remotely surprised by Machamp's attack, it twisted aside and dodged the straight Dynamic Punch with lightning speed. Its Bone Club angled upward, blocking Machamp's other three hands from following up while striking toward its jaw.
"Machamp, Cross Chop!" Seeing the Bone Club flash upward like a blue shadow, Bruno's pupils contracted slightly. He crossed his hands in a chopping motion and shouted his command.
As Bruno's ace, Machamp was clearly a veteran of countless battles. It stayed calm in the face of surprises, showing not a trace of panic, and its four arms gave it an enormous range of attack. Two arms crossed in response to Bruno's gesture, shining white as they chopped straight into the rising Bone Club. They trapped its tip between their wrists, preventing Lucario from pulling it back. Its other two hands shone white as well, unleashing Dynamic Punch at Lucario.
"Lucario, thrust!" Liu Qing's timely command was simple and clear.
Lucario had been trying to retrieve its Bone Club, struggling against Machamp's grip. At Liu Qing's command, it immediately twisted the club, extending its tip with lightning speed into Machamp's jaw. Machamp roared in pain, while the extending club also pushed Lucario out of its attack range. Lucario smoothly pulled the Bone Club free, spun it in its hands, and brought it down at Machamp.
"Interesting!" Bruno grew excited, pumping his fists as he shouted, "Dynamic Punch barrage!"
Although the surprise Bone Club strike had caught Machamp in the jaw, it