"It's so hot! Is this place a volcano or something?" After leaving Mahogany Town, Liu Qing headed straight for Blackthorn City. When he reached a mountain range, however, the farther he walked, the hotter it became. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, took a flask from his bag, and drank deeply. Then he offered some water to the listless Togepi before continuing onward.
"Hey, are you a Pokémon Trainer?" Just then, a young boy appeared on a rock ahead and called out to him.
"Yes. Can I help you?" Liu Qing asked with a nod.
"My name's Yaxi, known as the King of Flames. I want to challenge you," the boy declared.
"I'm Liu Qing. What are the rules?" The challenge immediately perked Liu Qing up, and he got straight to the point.
"Two on two. Whoever has both Pokémon knocked out loses," Yaxi said, holding up two fingers.
"All right!" Liu Qing tossed a Poké Ball. "Come out, Rhyperior!"
"Roar!" With a mighty bellow, Rhyperior's powerful body appeared before Liu Qing.
"Wow, what a strong-looking Pokémon! But you still can't beat my Magcargo. Come out!" Yaxi was startled when Rhydon appeared, but quickly regained his confidence. With a flash of white light, an enormous Magcargo appeared to face Rhydon.
"Magcargo, Rock Slide!" At Yaxi's command, Magcargo began slamming its shell against the mountainside, sending countless rocks tumbling down toward Rhyperior.
"Horn Drill!" Liu Qing shouted.
With a sharp whirring sound, Rhyperior reacted instantly. The horn on its head spun rapidly, grinding the falling rocks into powder.
"Body Slam!" Yaxi shouted just then. The enormous Magcargo leaped into the air and came crashing down toward Rhyperior.
"Rhyperior, Arm Thrust!" Liu Qing countered. Although Magcargo was far larger than normal, he trusted Rhyperior's strength. Its Body Slam was nothing to