The desert winds howled as Aoki stood firm, his boots sinking slightly into the shifting sands. Florges stood nearby, petals trembling in the dry air.
"Combusken, kick him out and see what kind of Pokemon it is," Aoki commanded, his voice cutting through the arid breeze.
"Screee!"
The Combusken let out a fierce cry before charging forward, its powerful legs kicking up small clouds of dust with each step. Halfway across the open space, it pushed off hard with its muscular thighs, launching itself into the air. The sunlight glinted off its well-defined muscles as it executed a perfect flying kick toward the suspicious sand mound.
Bang! Bang!
Two consecutive kicks sent whatever was hiding there flying. A tan-colored Pokemon tumbled out, shaking sand from its scales.
A Tyrunt?
Aoki's system immediately scanned the revealed Pokemon:
Pokemon: Tyrunt (Green)
Gender: Male
Level: 34
Type: Rock/Dragon
Ability: Strong Jaw
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Ice Fang, Thunder Fang
Basic Moves: Tail Whip, Tackle, Screech, Stomp, Bite, Sandstorm, Rock Slide, Chip Away, Ancient Power, Dragon Tail
Learnt Moves: Iron Head, Earthquake, Dragon Pulse, Block
TM Moves: None
The small dinosaur-like creature resembled its evolved form Tyrantrum, though much smaller in stature. Like Steven's Armaldo, this was an ancient species with only a few remaining in the wild. Most existed as carefully preserved fossils that modern technology could revive if intact.
Though not a pure Dragon-type, Tyrunt carried strong draconic heritage in its lineage. Even with the Fairy type's introduction weakening Dragons, their legendary power remained respected. This Green-quality Tyrunt still held considerable value.
"Raaawr!"
The dazed Tyrunt shook its head before fixing Combusken with an angry glare, mouth opening wide in a roar that came out more adorable than intimidating.
Aoki decided Combusken could handle this alone - the type advantage was clear.
"Combusken, Bulk Up!"
As the Tyrunt roared, Combusken flexed impressively, muscles rippling beneath its feathery hide. This display only angered the little dinosaur further.
With another cry, Tyrunt charged, jaws glowing dark as it prepared a powerful Bite attack. Its Strong Jaw ability would make this especially dangerous - even Combusken couldn't afford to take such a hit.
"Sand Attack, then use Agility to circle behind it!"
Combusken scooped up a clawful of sand and flung it into Tyrunt's eyes, momentarily blinding it. Then in a blur of motion thanks to its Speed Boost ability and Agility, Combusken zipped around the disoriented Pokemon.
"Double Kick!"
Combusken's powerful legs struck Tyrunt's back in rapid succession.
Bam! Bam!
The super effective Fighting-type blows sent Tyrunt face-first into the sand. It lay there dazed, clearly wondering what had just happened.
By the time it shook off the confusion and began an indignant screech, Combusken was already upon it again with another powerful Double Kick to the head. The little dinosaur collapsed, unconscious.
The type advantage combined with Bulk Up's attack boost had made quick work of the battle. Combusken looked at its own limbs in quiet satisfaction, remembering how far it had come since its first shaky battles. That same Pokemon who once ran crying from pain now dominated opponents with ease.
Aoki smiled as he saw Combusken's level rise to 33 after the victory. He tossed a Pokeball to capture the fainted Tyrunt- Dragon-types were always valuable additions.
Suddenly, the surrounding sandstorm intensified dramatically. His Pupitar and Lairon moved protectively closer as towering shadows appeared through the swirling dust. The largest loomed nearly three meters tall.
Aoki's expression hardened. "It seems beating the child has brought out the parents."
The approaching shapes became clearer - more Tyrunt, but also their evolved forms. Aoki's mind raced through their potential market values. His island could always use more rare Dragon-types, even if they aren't pure dragon types. Their physical power and Strong Jaw abilities made them formidable despite the typing's weaknesses.
The sandstorm howled louder as the enraged Pokemon drew nearer, ready to avenge their fallen kin. Aoki's hand moved to another Pokeball at his belt. This might require his full team.