Copycat: A move used to mimic an opponent's attack, allowing the user to perform the same move.
It must be said that this ability to completely mimic an opponent's moves is truly a remarkable Normal-type move, though fortunately, not many Pokémon can learn it.
Coincidentally, Riolu is one of the few Pokémon capable of using such a technique.
Facing Mega Gyarados's Hydro Pump attack, Riolu activated Copycat.
Immediately afterward, Riolu quickly gathered energy in its mouth.
A powerful Hydro Pump burst forth from Riolu's mouth, colliding directly with Mega Gyarados's own Hydro Pump.
"It's Copycat? But even this move won't help you! In terms of raw power, Mega Gyarados completely outclasses your Riolu," Misty called out.
"Besides, how can a Fighting-type Riolu's copied Hydro Pump possibly compare to a Water-type Mega Gyarados's natural Hydro Pump?"
Misty wasn't worried about the outcome of this clash. As she pointed out, Riolu was at a significant disadvantage.
Copycat does have an impressive effect, but also a crucial limitation.
No matter what move is copied, its power is determined by the Pokémon using it.
Riolu's Special Attack stat was nowhere near Mega Gyarados's, and Water-type moves weren't its natural attacks, so the power would be considerably weaker.
This Hydro Pump battle would inevitably end with Riolu's defeat.
And indeed, that's exactly what happened. During the clash of Hydro Pumps, Riolu was quickly overpowered. Mega Gyarados's attack broke through Riolu's copied version and struck the Fighting-type directly.
Riolu was knocked backward and sent flying, though its injuries weren't too severe.
"I knew Riolu's counterattack couldn't overpower Mega Gyarados," Eddie admitted. "My goal was simply to minimize the damage as much as possible after our failed approach."
Eddie's objective was indeed just that. After recognizing the attack would fail, he focused on reducing the damage Riolu would take.
"Hmm... Well, we're back to square one," Misty observed. "Except my Mega Gyarados is unharmed, while your Riolu has already sustained damage. Overall, your attack was a complete failure."
Misty understood Eddie's strategy, but no matter how well he had mitigated the damage, it couldn't change the fact that his offensive had failed.
"Then let's begin round two. I'm curious to see how you'll dodge this time!"
"Mega Gyarados, use Surf!!"
Misty pressed her advantage. She had already recognized that Eddie's battle instincts were extraordinary. She couldn't afford to give him extra time to formulate tactics—that would introduce too many variables.
Following her command, Mega Gyarados channeled its energy to gather all the water in the battlefield, forming a massive wave before crashing it down toward Riolu in an overwhelming assault.
"This is bad. There's really no way to dodge an attack of this scale."
Eddie had momentarily forgotten about this wide-area attack move. He'd assumed he would have more time to adjust his strategy.
Now it was clear that Misty had seen through his intentions and planned to use this overwhelming attack to deny Eddie the time to think.
"It seems I have no choice but to use our final plan. I really didn't want to resort to this, but there's no other option."
"Riolu, use Quick Attack again!"
With little time remaining, Eddie made a swift decision and immediately directed Riolu.
Thanks to the power of Viridian, he could communicate with his Pokémon without speaking, so Riolu immediately understood Eddie's idea.
Facing the overwhelming Surf attack, Riolu's eyes showed no fear—only confidence.
It believed in Eddie completely and was certain they would emerge victorious! Without hesitation, it charged once more toward Mega Gyarados!
"You're rushing in again? Morning Sun, you're clearly out of options. Let me end this battle."
"Mega Gyarados, finish it!"
Misty watched Eddie's command with a victorious smile.
In her assessment, Riolu—which had virtually no ranged attacks—stood no chance against Mega Gyarados, even with the type advantage that Fighting-types held over Dark-types.
After all, no matter how powerful an attack might be, it becomes meaningless if it can't connect.
"ROAR!!"
Mega Gyarados glared at Riolu charging toward it again, feeling its dignity seriously challenged.
It channeled all its strength into the wave attack against the approaching Riolu.
"WHOOSH!!!"
The mighty tidal wave completely engulfed Riolu's small body... Yet Riolu refused to yield. Though the waves impeded its Quick Attack, it continued pushing forward step by step, even as its body endured constant, powerful impacts.
"Fighting-type Pokémon are known for their perseverance, but I didn't expect your Riolu to advance under such overwhelming force."
Misty could see Riolu's tenacity and couldn't help but express her admiration.
"This isn't just because it's a Fighting-type—Riolu itself is extraordinary. Though it may not be at full strength yet, its perseverance rivals that of any Pokémon."
Eddie had complete faith in Riolu, which is precisely why he had employed their current strategy.
"Unfortunately, a battle with such a vast difference in power can't be overcome by perseverance alone. Mega Gyarados, end this quickly! Hyper Beam!"
Misty sighed, but she wouldn't hesitate to deliver the final blow.
This was a battle, after all. Holding back because of an opponent's determination would be disrespectful to both parties.
Therefore, Misty's duty was to defeat Riolu with her strongest attack, thereby showing Riolu the greatest respect!
Normally, a level 34 Gyarados wouldn't be able to master a powerful move like Hyper Beam, but Misty had specially trained her Gyarados.
Although Gyarados couldn't use such a move under normal circumstances, it could manage it in its Mega Evolved form.
The Surf attack subsided, and Riolu had persevered through it.
Thanks to its tenacity, it had once again reached Mega Gyarados.
Unfortunately, it was already at its limit. In game terms, its HP was nearly depleted.
At that moment, Mega Gyarados opened its massive jaws, gathering terrifying energy in its mouth.
A dazzling beam of light erupted from Mega Gyarados's maw, so blindingly bright that it seemed to momentarily outshine the sun itself.
The devastating attack generated powerful gusts of wind in its wake, carving deep gashes into the battlefield's ground.
This terrible attack barreled toward Riolu, the enormous beam completely engulfing the small Fighting-type Pokémon.