Before Garou could deliver another blow, Silvally leapt up from behind. It dug its talons into Garou’s back and gripped tightly. Garou vied to shake it off, but it was persistent. Gladion took a step back. The momentum was his. He just needed to capitalize on it. Gladion tossed Silvally a Dragon memory for type resistance.

“Honchkrow! Heat Wave!”

Honchkrow cawed and flapped his wings. Searing heat bore down upon the beach. A heavy wind repelled Garou and drove him deeper into the sand.

All Gladion’s monsters moved in concert. A glorious pandemonium of talons and fangs that tore his enemy apart. Even without his command, his allies knew just what to do. When Garou finally tore Silvally away, long after it had already torn deep gashes into his skin, Sharpedo leapt from the water and bit down on his shoulder. Gladion got in close again. He cut at Garou’s ankles, severing the tendons.

Garou turned his attention to Gladion. He delivered a kick. Gladion held up Doublade to block— they could withstand it far better than he could. But even with the protection of their steel, he could still feel Garou’s strength. It slammed into his sternum. He fell to the sand and choked on the hot air.

He didn’t know how much longer he could use Doublade. They were hurting badly, and draining his vitality at a much higher rate. Gladion stood and watched his monsters. The formation was starting to fall apart. They had worn Garou down, using everything at once was the right choice. But would it be enough? His partners looked just as haggard as his foe. But he couldn’t give up now. Not yet.

Gladion used Shadow Sneak to get onto Golurk’s back. It lurched towards Garou and threw a punch. Garou, of course, caught it. Just what Gladion wanted. With all of Garou’s attention directed to the Golurk, Gladion slid down the arm and raised his blades. By the time Garou noticed him, it was too late. Gladion put all his energy into a swing, and dug the Doublade into his shoulder. Flesh and bone alike split beneath the edge. But in spite of it all, it just wasn’t enough. Garou flicked Gladion and sent him flying into the sand.

All was still. Gladion released the Doublade from his grip. “Sorry I couldn’t fight longer,” he said. “I’m still not strong enough.”

Garou grabbed onto Golurk’s arm with both his hands and effortlessly flipped it over. He swatted away Silvally, and Sharpedo, and Honchkrow like flies. It was over. Gladion was defeated. Utterly, hopelessly defeated.

- Ragnarust Round 3