Pokemon: Skybound

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Putting Nidoking away, Gary clenched the Poké Ball in his hand, his frustration evident.

Counting the Fearow, who had been defeated earlier, he had already lost two battles in a row. His final Pokémon would have to turn the tide of this match!

But among his team, only a few choices had the potential to meet this challenge.

'Should he send out Blastoise? Or would it be better to rely on Arcanine?'

Blastoise, his starter and most trusted partner had always been reliable. On the other hand, Arcanine was powerful and had carried him through many difficult battles.

However, both Blastoise and Arcanine were at a disadvantage against Kai's Jolteon and Gyarados!

Before the match, Gary had anticipated a tough battle, but he never imagined he would be pushed into such a dire situation.

His gaze shifted to the calm figure standing across from him. Kai, with a serene expression, seemed untouchable.

A breeze swept past, ruffling Kai's hair, making him appear even more composed and enigmatic.

'Is he really that strong? Or am I just so weak in comparison?'

The thought unsettled Gary. He felt like he was teetering on the edge of a cliff one more misstep, and he'd plunge into defeat. His earlier confidence now felt foolish and immature.

As self-doubt began to creep in, a sharp, enthusiastic cheer reached his ears.

Gary turned to see his cheerleaders young women waving pom-poms and calling out encouragements.

Though the distance made their words unclear, their fervent expressions told him all he needed to know: Don't give up!

His heart stirred, and his eyes caught sight of an older figure in the crowd.

'Grandpa?'

Professor Oak sat among the audience, his supportive gaze fixed on Gary.

"Hmph, finally decided to come out of the lab to watch my match, huh?" Gary muttered under his breath. Despite his grumbling, the professor's presence filled him with a renewed sense of determination.

Gary turned his focus back to Kai, his resolve hardening. 'I've made it this far. I won't back down now!'

With a deep breath, Gary dispelled his doubts. He made his choice and sent out his third Pokémon.

"Come on out! Electabuzz, you're my final hope!"

A flash of blue light revealed Electabuzz, who let out a confident roar.

The announcer's voice boomed, "After careful consideration, Gary has chosen Electabuzz as his final Pokémon! A strong choice, as Electabuzz's Electric-type moves can counter Gyarados while holding its own against Jolteon!"

On the opposite side, Kai calmly recalled his Gyarados. His fingers lightly grazed the Poké Balls on his belt before he made his selection.

"Jolteon, you're up!"

Jolteon emerged gracefully, its sleek form brimming with energy as it locked eyes with Electabuzz.

As the referee signalled the start of the battle, the two Pokémon wasted no time. They charged at each other, unleashing dazzling Electric-type attacks.

The arena was filled with the deafening crackle of electricity and flashes of lightning, the energy so intense that nearby spectators squinted against the glare.

The battlefield and icy terrain suffered under relentless assault. The ice cracked, shattered, and melted under pressure.

A towering column of water erupted into the air, turning into torrential rain that drenched the field.

When the chaos settled, both Jolteon and Electabuzz stood panting on separate ice floes, glaring at each other.

However, Gary couldn't ignore the troubling signs. Despite the evenly matched type advantage, Electabuzz bore visible scorch marks, while Jolteon appeared almost untouched.

'Why isn't Jolteon taking damage?' Gary wondered. Then it clicked.

"Tch, so Jolteon has Volt Absorb…"

The realization frustrated Gary. Electric moves would only heal Jolteon! He quickly instructed Electabuzz to switch tactics.

"Electabuzz, use Light Screen! Follow up with Swift and Low Kick!"

Electabuzz obeyed, unleashing a flurry of non-electric moves. But without its most powerful attacks, it struggled to keep up with Jolteon's agility.

Kai's Jolteon darted effortlessly across the ice floes, striking with precision. The battle reached its climax when Jolteon used Pin Missile, landing a decisive blow that knocked Electabuzz out.

The crowd erupted into cheers at the spectacle of the fierce match.

Gary, meanwhile, staggered back, the loss sinking in. Despite his determination, the difference in strength between the two trainers had been undeniable.

The referee raised his flag. "Electabuzz is unable to battle! With all three of Gary's Pokémon defeated, the winner of this match is Kai!"

Applause thundered through the stadium, but Gary knew it wasn't for him. He gave Kai a complicated look before silently recalling Electabuzz and walking off the field in a daze.

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