Houndoom stared fixedly at the Lairon before him, as burly as a small tank. Fire flickered faintly inside his mouth.
He had to deal with this human and the Pokémon under his command. He could not let him disturb his master!
His companions were all surrounded by the opponent's main forces. Rhyperior was being pinned down and hammered by Scizor. Dusknoir could challenge Bastiodon thanks to being a Ghost-type, but could do nothing against its high defenses on both fronts. His other companions were in much the same situation. There was no hoping anyone could come to his aid.
He would go it alone!
A Shadow Ball appeared and blasted toward Lairon. Lairon instantly summoned Stone Edge. The enormous Shadow Ball slammed into it, sending the stone spikes crashing down.
The next instant, Lairon charged straight out with Dragon Rush!
The stone spikes shattered. Houndoom had not quite expected such a direct approach and could only hastily unleash Dark Pulse.
Lairon charged straight in with Dragon Rush without a second thought. Dark Pulse struck his metal armor, blasting a hole through it. Lairon cried out in pain, but even as blood seeped out, his Iron Head had already slammed home.
Houndoom took a heavy blow to the chest. Lairon stamped a foot, and Stone Edge erupted from the ground, striking Houndoom directly in the belly.
Dogs had copper heads, iron bones, and tofu waists. Their bellies were an even more vital weak point.
That Stone Edge came dangerously close to piercing straight through Houndoom's belly. Houndoom howled in pain, flames flashing inside his mouth as he inflicted Will-O-Wisp on Lairon.
Fine flames burned across the metal armor. Cheng Tian shouted.
"Earthquake!"
"Lai!" Lairon tried to use Earthquake to knock Houndoom over. Houndoom used Protect to avoid the damage as the