Meanwhile, at the other end of the deck.
Seeing Meowscarada and Mega Tyranitar's seamless teamwork reduce the arrogant Moltres to a miserable state, Flutter Mane reacted at once.
A spark flashed through its crimson eyes, and its spirits lifted, despite the trouble it had been having under Zapdos's swift, savage pursuit.
With an almost perfect zigzag, it nimbly evaded a writhing bolt of electricity Zapdos hurled from behind while rapidly surveying the battlefield.
When its gaze swept over Urshifu, who was single-handedly tearing through Team Plasma's Pokémon with unstoppable punches, a bold tactic instantly took shape in its mind!
"Wooo!"
[Urshifu, over here!]
It darted toward Urshifu, calling out urgently and excitedly, "Wooo!"
[Quick, punch me! Just don't hit too hard!]
Thump!
With a clean, sharp low kick, Urshifu sent a Crobat attempting a sneak attack flying. Hearing the call, it turned toward the approaching Flutter Mane, confusion written all over its rugged face.
"Grr?"
[Are you all right? Did they knock you stupid?]
It didn't remember Flutter Mane having any strange masochistic tendencies. Had Zapdos's lightning fried its brain?
"Wooo!"
[No time to explain! It's urgent-trust me!]
Flutter Mane urged it anxiously, already flying up in front of Urshifu.
Though baffled, Urshifu chose to comply without question, trusting the bond forged through their long time fighting side by side.
It lowered its stance. Deep, shadowy dark-type energy swiftly gathered around its right fist, but it deliberately reduced the power to the bare minimum before swinging-
Wicked Blow!
Thud-
A dull impact rang out. Even with Urshifu holding back, the force was still considerable.
Flutter Mane's tiny body lurched forward as though struck by a sledgehammer. Its health plummeted, and its aura weakened.
Yet the instant it was injured, a strange pink energy resembling a transparent membrane suddenly appeared over