The shock waves from the explosion battered the surroundings, stirring turbulent currents in the air.
Driven back through the air by the blast of energy, Lucario clutched his right arm and struggled to keep his balance as he fell toward the ground!
On the other side, yellow sand billowed around Pupitar! His sand armor gradually fell away, covered in dry cracks, yet he ignored his injuries and charged wildly out of the explosion once again!
"His defense increased again?!"
Anabel looked incredulous. She could not believe her Lucario had been overpowered in a head-on exchange!
Yong simply watched the sky in silence, understanding what was happening.
Pupitar's defense had not increased. His fighting spirit was boiling over!
He could feel the restraints binding him...
He needed battle! He needed a frenzy of combat to shatter those shackles...
And be born anew!
"Pupitar! Go without hesitation! Use High Horsepower!"
"Sha-kira!"
Even his roar seethed with agitation and pent-up frustration. Inside Pupitar, air currents compressed and surged! The normally heavy Ground-type energy now grew faintly berserk, coiling around his body.
White jets of air trailed behind him like a rocket's exhaust, leaving a long streak across the sky as they propelled Pupitar after Lucario.
Anabel put aside her doubts and quickly reacted.
"Lucario! Stay away from him! Keep firing Aura Spheres!"
"Luca!"
One blue sphere of energy after another formed in Lucario's hands. He swung his arms, firing Aura Spheres that bombarded Pupitar in rapid succession!
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
A series of explosions rang out in midair!
"Sha-kira!"
The low growl suddenly swelled!
Amid the churning air and lingering blasts, Pupitar actually accelerated again, charging out as though he had no regard for his life! Under everyone's bewildered, astonished gazes, he slammed into Lucario!
Bam!!!
"Luca!"
As Lucario cried out in