Chapter 38: Snorlax’s War of Attrition!

"May, you've got to see Ash's Snorlax in action. It's really strong! That Pokémon has helped him win countless battles," Misty said, winking playfully at May as they watched Ash prepare for his battle with Greta, the Battle Arena leader. "Really? That's so cool!" May replied with excitement. "That's why I want my Munchlax to learn from Ash's Snorlax. If it can pick up even a fraction of Snorlax's skills, it'll become a powerhouse!" Brock chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't think it's that simple, May. Ash's Snorlax is... unique. You'll understand what I mean once the battle starts." Greta, standing confidently across the battlefield, smirked as she sent out her Medicham. "I see you've chosen Snorlax, Ash. A Normal-type against my Fighting-type Medicham? Bold move. Let's see how far that confidence takes you." Ash grinned, placing a hand on his cap and tilting it forward. "I know what I'm doing, Greta. Snorlax isn't just any Normal-type. Let's show her, Snorlax!" The massive Pokémon appeared on the battlefield with a loud thud, yawning as it scratched its belly. Snorlax's relaxed demeanor was deceiving—it was a seasoned veteran of Ash's team, having battled some of the toughest opponents Ash had ever faced. "Greta's Medicham is no joke," Brock said, leaning forward. "It's her first Pokémon, and they've trained together for years. Plus, Medicham's ability, Pure Power, doubles its physical attack power. Ash is going to have his hands full." "Snorlax might be big, but how is it supposed to handle a Fighting-type? That's a serious disadvantage!" May asked, concerned. "Just watch," Misty said, smiling knowingly. "Ash always has a plan." The battle began with Greta taking the initiative. "Medicham, start with Yoga Pose!" Medicham gracefully entered a meditative stance, boosting its attack and preparing for an explosive offense. Greta smirked. "This is the warm-up. Medicham's attacks are about to become unstoppable!" Ash nodded, recognizing Greta's strategy. "Alright, Snorlax, use Defense Curl!" Snorlax curled into itself, bracing for impact and raising its defenses. "Defense Curl? Isn't that just a defensive move? How's that going to help?" May asked, puzzled. "Defense Curl might seem simple," Brock explained, "but it's a smart choice. Medicham's attack power is off the charts right now, and Snorlax will need every bit of durability to survive. This is going to be a battle of endurance." Greta's eyes narrowed as she realized Ash's strategy. "I see you're planning to outlast Medicham's assault. Not bad. You don't make it to the top eight in the Johto and Hoenn leagues without knowing how to handle a tough situation." Greta decided to up the ante. "Medicham, use Mind Reader to lock onto your target, then follow up with Focus Punch!" Medicham's eyes glowed briefly as it focused on Snorlax, ensuring its next attack would hit. Then it charged forward, fists glowing with raw power. Ash was ready. "Snorlax, block it head-on and use Belly Drum!" Medicham's Focus Punch landed with a resounding impact, but Snorlax stood its ground, absorbing the blow. It then pounded its own belly, sacrificing half its health to maximize its attack power. The sheer determination in Snorlax's expression sent a chill down Greta's spine. "You're sacrificing health for power? That's a risky move, Ash!" Greta called out. Ash smirked. "Sometimes you've got to take risks to win." "Let's see how you handle this, then!" Greta countered. "Medicham, use High Jump Kick!" Medicham leaped into the air with incredible speed, aiming a devastating kick at Snorlax. Ash acted quickly. "Snorlax, use Rest!" As Medicham closed in, Snorlax fell backward, snoring loudly as it began to recover its lost health. Medicham's kick struck, but the damage was minimal as Snorlax's body started healing itself. "What? Rest?" Greta exclaimed, surprised. "Fine, you want to recover? Medicham, don't let up! Use High Jump Kick again!" Ash remained calm. "Snorlax, use Sleep Talk!" While still asleep, Snorlax opened its mouth and unleashed a powerful Hyper Beam. The golden blast tore through the battlefield, catching Medicham off guard and dealing heavy damage. "What? It even knows Sleep Talk?" Greta's eyes widened as her Medicham staggered. "Snorlax doesn't need to be awake to fight back," Ash said with a grin. Medicham attempted to recover, but its missed High Jump Kick earlier had left it slightly injured. Greta wasn't ready to give up. "Medicham, use Focus Punch one more time!" Ash, with a smirk, called for Sleep Talk again. This time, Snorlax used Snore, emitting a loud sound attack in its sleep. Ash chuckled at the irony of Snorlax's move set—Rest combined with Sleep Talk, using Snore mid-battle. -------------- T/N: Access 30 Chapters in Advance on my P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals