205 Tables have turned

"Geodude, use—" Jonathan began to command, but it was already too late. With lightning speed, Raticate launched its attack, striking Geodude before it could react.

Geodude staggered back in pain, clearly agitated. It instinctively used Rollout in retaliation, curling into a tight ball and rolling towards Raticate. However, Raticate, agile and swift, easily dodged the incoming attack.

Seizing the moment, Raticate prepared to launch a Quick Attack. But this time, Jonathan was ahead of the game. He had anticipated this move and swiftly commanded, "Geodude, now! Use Protect!" just as Raticate was about to strike.

"Geodude!" Acknowledging its trainer's command, Geodude unfolded and formed a protective shield around itself just in time, effectively thwarting Raticate's attack.

Undeterred, Jonathan followed up with another command, "Geodude, Rollout again!" His voice was firm, indicating his unwavering resolve.

"Geodude!" With a nod, Geodude curled once more and rolled forward, aiming for Raticate. However, the nimble Raticate managed to evade the attack again with ease.

Hu Tianyi, observing the ongoing exchange, couldn't help but mock Jonathan's efforts. "Hahaha, are you a fool? Still using that predictable move? My Raticate can easily dodge it," he taunted, confident in his Pokémon's agility.

Jonathan, however, remained undisturbed by Hu Tianyi's ridicule. His focus was entirely on the battle. He knit his brows, deeply contemplating their strategy. Geodude's disadvantage in speed was apparent, and Jonathan was aware that Raticate could easily outmaneuver them.

He recalled a conversation with Floyd, where Floyd had suggested the move "Rollout" for Geodude, highlighting its potential to increase in power with each successful hit. The catch was its effectiveness depended on the opponent being less agile or caught off guard.

Amidst the battle, Jonathan's eyes narrowed with determination. Hu Tianyi's overconfident demeanor gave him an idea – a risky, but potentially game-changing strategy. Biting his lip, he realized this might be their only chance to turn the tide. "Geodude, bide your time. Find the perfect moment to catch it," he instructed with a new edge in his voice.

"Geo~" Geodude, though puzzled by the sudden change in strategy, trusted Jonathan and prepared itself, watching Raticate's rapid movements as it continued to circle around.

Hu Tianyi, observing Geodude's hesitation, sneered, "Naive! With your sluggish Geodude, you think you stand a chance against my Raticate?" His voice dripped with disdain as he commanded, "Raticate, keep moving. Wait for the right moment to end this."

Raticate, understanding its trainer's intent, focused intensely, waiting for the perfect opening to strike.

Moments later, Raticate saw an opening and lunged for a Quick Attack from behind Geodude.

Geodude, sensing the impending attack, attempted to respond, but its movements were too slow. Jonathan, seeing the critical moment, yelled with urgency, "Geodude, endure it! Then catch it at all costs!"

BANG!

The battle was reaching its climax. Geodude, hit by Raticate's swift attack, teetered on the edge of consciousness. Despite the overwhelming pain, it held on, determined to follow Jonathan's command and catch Raticate.

"Raticate, break free now!" Hu Tianyi, his voice laced with urgency, saw his Pokémon in Geodude's grasp and panicked.

"Geodude, you can do this! Hold on just a bit longer!" Jonathan shouted, his voice a mix of anxiety and encouragement.

"Geo~dude!" In response, Geodude nodded, mustering its remaining strength. Its grip on Raticate was firm despite the struggle.

"Raticate, use Bite!" Hu Tianyi commanded, seeing an opportunity.

Raticate, seizing the moment, sank its teeth into Geodude's hand, desperately trying to force the rock Pokémon to release its hold.

"Geo~dude!" Geodude wailed in pain but remained steadfast. Its hand trembled, on the brink of releasing Raticate, but it fought against its instincts, awaiting Jonathan's next command.

"Now, Geodude, throw it into the air!" Jonathan yelled, seeing a chance to turn the battle in their favor.

"Geo~dude!" With a burst of energy, Geodude complied, hurling Raticate skywards with all its might.

From the sidelines, Hu Tianyi watched in disbelief. "What are you trying to pull off? It's futile!" he sneered, watching Raticate spiral through the air, his disdain for Jonathan evident.

Jonathan ignored the taunt, focusing solely on the battle. "This is it, Geodude, Rollout now!" Jonathan commanded immediately, seizing the opportunity he had been waiting for.

He had instructed Geodude to throw Raticate into the air because, unlike on the ground, Raticate, not being a Flying-type Pokémon, would struggle to maneuver in midair, putting it at a disadvantage. This situation made it easier for Geodude to effectively use Rollout.

"Raticate, dodge it!" Hu Tianyi shouted, but his heart sank as he saw Raticate flailing helplessly in the air. Realization struck him; Raticate was vulnerable. Cursing under his breath, he yelled, "Shit! Brace for impact, Raticate! Once you land, counter with Quick Attack!"

BANG!

Hu Tianyi understood the inevitable – Raticate was going to be hit. So he prepared for its next move upon landing.

Jonathan, eyes fixed on the scene, snorted confidently, "Ha, there's no chance for you now," He watched as Geodude, gaining momentum, rolled towards the airborne Raticate. "This is the third consecutive Rollout," he whispered, aware of the increasing power of the move.

BANG!

Raticate was struck hard by the third Rollout, feeling a stronger impact than the previous hits. Its consciousness began to fade, but it forced itself to stay alert as it slammed into the ground.

THUD!

Raticate crashed to the ground with a thud, its body wracked from the impact of Geodude's powerful attack.

"WHAT? HOW COULD THIS BE?" Hu Tianyi stood in disbelief, his eyes wide with shock. He hadn't anticipated the sheer strength of Geodude's Rollout. "Raticate, you must stand up!" he urged, his voice tinged with panic.

Meanwhile, Geodude, despite having successfully landed its attack, wasn't without its own share of pain. It too collapsed to the ground, visibly severely injured yet still conscious, showing a remarkable will to continue the fight.

Seeing his Pokémon struggling, Hu Tianyi's desperation grew. "Raticate, if you don't get up, I'll increase your training punishment. Do you want that?" His words were now a mix of plea and threat, a last-ditch effort to motivate his Pokémon.

Just then, a loud growling sound diverted Hu Tianyi's attention. He turned to see Geodude, and his heart sank further. "What? Could it be?" he gasped, witnessing an unexpected development.

To Hu Tianyi's dismay, Geodude had unexpectedly advanced to the Pro level. Despite its injuries, the increase in endurance was evident, giving it a slight edge in this critical moment of the battle.

"Rati~" Raticate struggled to stand, its head spinning from dizziness. The threat from Hu Tianyi made it shiver, but its body was weak from exhaustion. It hadn't told Hu Tianyi about its minor pre-existing injuries from the previous training, knowing he would just ignore them. Now, those injuries had worsened. Memories of being cared for by Chansey flooded Raticate's mind, wishing for a moment of rest, but it was torn, fearing the consequences of losing due to Hu Tianyi's threats.

"Raticate~" With a shaky stance, Raticate faced Geodude, determination and exhaustion evident in its eyes.

"Excellent, you're up! Now, Raticate, end this with Quick Attack!" Hu Tianyi, relieved to see his Pokémon standing, pushed for a final assault.

However, Raticate barely moved. Its dizziness and exhaustion were overwhelming, slowing its response.

Frustrated by the lack of immediate action, Hu Tianyi shouted, "Raticate! Did you not hear me? Quick Attack, now!"

This time, Raticate heard its trainer's command clearly. With a slow nod and a stagger, it mustered what little strength it had left and launched into a Quick Attack. The move, however, lacked its usual speed and agility.

Jonathan, observing Raticate's deteriorating condition, sensed something amiss. He quickly instructed Geodude, "Use Protect, now!"

BANG!

As both Pokémon collided, Raticate's weakened momentum caused it to stop abruptly. Its body swayed unsteadily, barely managing to keep standing.

"Raticate, what on earth are you doing? Another one, use Quick Attack right now!" Hu Tianyi's voice was laced with anger and frustration as he watched Raticate's faltering movements. He continued his berating, his words sharp and biting, "You are an evolved beast, and you're struggling against a non-evolved one? Unacceptable!"

Jonathan, observing the scene, realized what was happening. He could see that Raticate was teetering on the brink of collapse, its energy nearly depleted. Sensing that the tide of the battle was turning in his favor, he seized the moment.

"Geodude, this is our chance! Finish this with Tackle!" he commanded, his voice filled with a mix of determination.

"Geodude!" In response, Geodude summoned its remaining strength and charged. It moved with a surprising burst of speed towards the unsteady Raticate, its rocky body a blur as it closed the distance.

As Geodude slammed into Raticate with the full force of its Tackle attack, the impact was resounding. Raticate, already struggling to keep its consciousness, couldn't withstand the power of the hit.

This time, there was no scream or cry from the tired Pokémon – it simply succumbed to the exhaustion and the impact, collapsing into unconsciousness.