Although Metagross, who should have taken far less damage, had not fallen, wounds covered its entire body. That fact alone was enough to plunge the Champions into despair.
This had already gone beyond anything they could handle with skill alone. Shadows of resignation took root in their hearts, gradually eating away at everyone.
Yet Red was the only one who had not given up.
"Charizard! Flash Drive!"
Wrapped in flames, Charizard charged at Mewtwo. Mewtwo restrained Charizard with Confusion, but a shadow suddenly appeared behind Mewtwo and attacked. Charizard broke free because Mewtwo had briefly loosened the Confusion holding it back from attacking.
Pikachu had attacked Mewtwo from behind. Pikachu and Charizard struck at Mewtwo with Volt Tackle and Flash Drive respectively.
"Fools."
Mewtwo unleashed Psycho Break on Pikachu and Charizard. The powerful attack struck them, but both swerved on the spot to avoid a direct hit, then immediately returned to their original course and attacked Mewtwo. In the end, the barrier repelled them without taking any damage, but Red had shown me that an attack might succeed.
The shadows nesting in my heart would not disappear. But thanks to the Red Team, the Champions found the strength to face their predicament again.
"Hey, Red! Don't think you can do this alone! We've still got some fight in us!"
Green clapped Red on the shoulder and stood beside him.
"That's right! My Dragon Army and I haven't been defeated yet!"
Leading two Sea Dragons, Lance followed behind, flipping Green's cloak as he went.
"A direct hit would do considerable damage even to my Metagross. I'll ask Ned to put up a Light Screen, but we'd still be better off avoiding heavy damage."
After confirming that Metagross could still fight and inspecting its injuries, Daigo calmly returned to the front line