Pokemon: Behold the Father of All Pokemons

A hush of disbelief fell over the crowd. No one had expected the verbal sparring between Ethan and Fern to escalate so quickly into a head-to-head showdown. Some onlookers stepped in to calm the tension, while others watched with an undercurrent of excitement; there was nothing quite like an actual genetic duel.

Ethan was already striding toward the exit leading downstairs, his posture rigid and determined. Secretary Elijah fell in step behind him, his voice low with concern. "Don't be rash," he warned. "This Electric Panther is fully grown, and Pikachu, Squirtle, and Charmander are just babies. How are they supposed to fight?"

He glanced anxiously at the trio of small Pokémon trotting behind Ethan. Even though these creatures had shown remarkable power before, their opponent had both size and ferocity on its side. Secretary Elijah hated the thought of them getting hurt in a spontaneous confrontation.

Ethan didn't slow down. "We have to fight," he said simply. "This so-called 'Black Electric Panther' is just a house cat to me. Let's see what Pikachu can do against it." A slight grin played on his lips as he imagined the training progress of his three Pokémon, especially Pikachu. Lightning was just one of its arsenal of electric moves. If all went well, the panther might learn a quick lesson in humility.

"House cat?" Minister Elijah echoed in disbelief. "This 'cat' is bigger than all three of your Pokémon combined, sir. It's known to be ferocious, and apparently can also generate electric arcs. It's also partially immune to electric attacks." His voice became more urgent. "That's a real risk, Ethan."

"'Let it be," Ethan replied, and curtly ended the conversation.

Meanwhile, Fern trailed behind with Hobbes. Hobbes made a slight attempt at dissuasion, but the scientist was too angry to heed it. "I can't let him off that easily," Fern hissed. "He insulted me in front of so many people and reporters!"

Hobbes let out a soft, regretful sigh. "That wasn't our original plan. We wanted to force him to talk, not set up an arena fight."

"Don't worry," Fern said, eyes blazing. "The Black Electric Panther has been extensively trained. It can handle any Electric-based Pokémon in close combat, especially if it can dodge the initial blows. After I destroy his Pikachu, I'll humiliate Ethan Grave. Then everyone will see that his so-called 'genius' creatures are actually worthless.

Soon, a large group had gathered to follow the two opponents downstairs. Since genetic duels were a staple of biotech events these days, the Shangguan International Convention and Exhibition Center had a special open space, walled off with high railings, for just such matches.

"Place your bets!" someone shouted, waving a wad of bills. "I'm betting on the Black Electric Panther!"

"I'll take Pikachu," another shouted, waving a small roll of cash. "You can't underestimate that lightning rat, he's supposed to have taken down bigger foes."

A murmur of excited speculation rippled through the crowd:

"That Panther's a grown beast, so maybe one bite is all it needs..."

"But Pikachu's Thunderbolt is terrifying when it hits directly."

"I hear the Panther is strong enough to kill a giant python. This could get ugly."

Where the audience saw only entertainment, Secretary Elijah wrestled with fear until he noticed the subtle confidence etched into Ethan's face. Though the smaller Pokémon were undeniably inferior in size, their trainer exuded calm assurance.

They arrived at the open arena. The onlookers formed a wide circle, providing plenty of room for the duel. On one side, Fern stood with the lithe black Electric Panther, his muscular shoulders rolling beneath his glossy fur. His scarlet eyes gleamed, exuding an undercurrent of menace.

On the other side, Ethan patted Pikachu. Squirtle hopped eagerly beside them, while Charmander took a measured step forward, his flame-tipped tail waving like a beacon. The contrast was almost comical - one large panther against three smaller, cuter creatures. But the atmosphere was anything but light-hearted.

Acting as an impromptu referee, Henry raised both hands. "Are you ready?" he asked, his voice loud enough to carry over the makeshift arena.

"Wait," Fern interjected, licking her lips with a twisted smile. "I want to challenge all three of Ethan Grave's little Pokémon. One-on-one with Pikachu alone is a piece of cake. I'd hate for people to say I'm taking an unfair advantage."

A wave of surprise swept through the crowd. Did Fern really think the Panther could take on three opponents at once?

Ethan looked slightly amused. "You want to fight all three?" he repeated. "Quite a bold request, but if that's what you want..."

Fern sneered. "I'm sure it is." Ignoring Hobbes' desperate attempts at eye contact, he continued. "This will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt how pathetic your creatures really are."

Ethan shrugged and motioned to Squirtle and Charmander. "You two, join Pikachu," he instructed. Squirtle hopped in place, excited to be included, while Charmander strolled forward with dignified calm.

Henry glanced between them uncertainly. "Uh, okay," he said. "If both sides are ready, then... fight!"

Fern wasted no time. "Panther, take out the yellow rat first!" he barked.

The panther charged with alarming speed, a black streak propelled by powerful hind legs. His eyes locked on Pikachu, fangs bared.

"Pikachu, use Thunder Shock!" Ethan commanded.

Bolts of electricity crackled outward from Pikachu's cheeks, striking the arena floor in a bright arc. The Panther, however, pivoted sharply in the middle of his sprint, avoiding the brunt of the attack. Only a small charge grazed its flank, not enough to cause more than a momentary stumble.

Seeing this, Fern grinned. "Panther, change targets, take out that turtle first!" He pointed at Squirtle.

"Jenny Jennie!" Squirtle puffed up indignantly, as if offended to be called a mere 'turtle'.

Ethan signaled calmly. "Squirtle, bubble!" (TN: There is a move called Bubble, but I'm also wondering if this move is actually Bubble Beam.)

Squirtle unleashed a sudden burst of translucent bubbles. The Black Electric Panther charged straight at them, expecting the bubbles to burst harmlessly. Instead, the moment they burst against his fur, the panther jerked in surprise. A sticky residue clung to his paws, reducing his adherence to the polished ground. Its agility dropped noticeably.

"Water Gun, Squirtle!" Ethan followed without delay.

A precise stream of water hit the slowed panther, knocking it off balance. Fern clenched his fists and shouted a command, "Dodge!" but the panther couldn't maneuver quickly on the slippery surface. It staggered, water streaming over its body, soaking its sleek fur.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Ethan said, taking advantage of the opening.

Compared to the earlier Thunderbolt, this attack had far more power. Arcs of lightning shot through the water that still clung to the panther's fur, electrifying it with devastating force. Though the beast had some innate resistance, it wasn't prepared for a direct current amplified by the water's conductivity. Its body tensed, muscles spasming.

A chorus of gasps rose from the surrounding audience. The panther tried to regain his footing, but with his nerves rattled by the powerful jolt, he could barely stay upright.

"Charmander, finish the Fury Swipes."

An eager gleam flashed in Charmander's eyes. He lunged, claws outstretched, and delivered a series of quick slashes to the Black Electric Panther's flank and shoulder. Though not fatal, the blows were enough to knock the staggering panther to the ground. The big cat collapsed with a low growl, its body shaking from the lingering electricity.

Charmander hopped gracefully backward, tail flame blazing wildly, as if to say, "That's how it's done.

Silence fell over the area. Not a single spectator dared to speak. In a matter of moments, Fern's fearsome adult predator had been defeated by three so-called "little babies". Shock and awe flickered across every face.

It was over.

Ethan folded his arms and watched as the panther lay panting on the ground. He turned his eyes to Fern and shrugged nonchalantly. "You wanted all three to fight at once. Happy now?"

Fern's mouth opened, but no words came out, only the flush of humiliation that colored his cheeks. Hobbes stood by, stunned and silent, wondering how he would ever salvage the Northam Group's reputation after such a drubbing.

All around them, astonishment gave way to cheers, applause, and murmured exclamations. The cameras flashed again, capturing the final scene: a proud Pikachu, Squirtle, and Charmander standing in victory as the once-mighty Black Electric Panther lay battered at their feet.

Secretary Elijah let out a shuddering breath of relief. "Are you all right?" he asked Ethan quietly.

Ethan nodded. "We're fine," he said. He turned to the trio of Pokémon and gave each of them a loving pat. They did better than even I expected, he thought. Though today's battle had been completely unplanned, it had proven one thing beyond a shadow of a doubt: no matter how large or well-trained another genetic creature might be, Ethan Grave's Pokémon had the synergy and skill to hold their own.

Fern seemed to shrink under the crowd's gaze as Henry, the impromptu referee, cleared his throat. "We have a winner!" he announced somewhat awkwardly, raising his hand in Ethan's direction. Applause erupted from the crowd, some of whom had bet on Pikachu and found themselves suddenly richer.

And with that, the tension dissipated, leaving an uncertain silence in its wake. The conference had just witnessed a battle that would be talked about for weeks, if not months, yet another reminder that Pokémon Biotech was an undeniable force in the world of genetic innovation.

...

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