Pokemon: Skybound

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Boom!!

As two streaks of light flashed, X-Scissors struck Alakazam head-on.

Since X-Scissor was a Bug-type move, it dealt super-effective damage to the Psychic-type Alakazam, instantly doubling its power and inflicting significant harm!

"Ugh!"

Alakazam let out a pained cry. Seeing this, Luana furrowed her brows and shouted, "Alakazam, get out of there, quick!"

Alakazam lifted its head, its eyes filled with panic as Scyther raised its scythe-like arms for another strike.

It had no time to think and hastily used Teleport, vanishing from its spot and reappearing on the other side of the battlefield.

However, just as it materialized and tried to catch its breath, it saw Scyther had already adjusted its direction and was charging at it again, relentless as ever!

Left with no choice, Alakazam used Confusion in an attempt to keep its opponent at bay. But Scyther once again relied on Quick Attack to evade the psychic assault, closing the gap at lightning speed!

Back when Kai first encountered Scyther in the Bug Pokémon Forest, its unyielding spirit had left a deep impression on him. Now, it was Alakazam's turn to experience its ferocity firsthand!

On the other side, Luana grew increasingly frustrated seeing Alakazam struggle. But she wasn't about to sit back and let this continue.

Damn it! This thing just won't let go it's impossible to shake off!

"Alakazam, use Reflect, now!"

Alakazam raised both hands and a shimmering psychic barrier formed in front of it.

At the same moment, Scyther's X-scissor slashed forward!

Despite its name, Reflect didn't actually reflect attacks. Instead, it created a protective wall that reduced the damage from physical attacks.

A second later, X-Scissor tore through the barrier and struck Alakazam once again!

Even with the damage reduction, the type advantage still made Alakazam reel in pain.

Luana sighed. Just moments ago, she had mocked Kai for struggling to control his Pokémon. But now, after he had knocked some sense into Scyther, the battle had completely turned against her!

'What is with this Scyther? Does it have a masochistic streak? Does it need to be beaten up before it starts performing properly?!' She couldn't figure it out…

'But that's not the point. Right now, I need to turn this fight around!'

With that in mind, she turned to Marowak and called out, "Marowak, go help Alakazam!"

Marowak, still locked in battle with Charizard, heard the command and immediately tried to disengage, attempting to rush over to assist Alakazam.

But after just a few steps, Charizard flapped its wings and landed right in front of it, blocking the way.

Charizard smirked at Marowak, its message clear as day—

"Oh, you think you can just leave? Not happening!"

"Marowak, we don't have time for this! Use Double-Edge!"

At Luana's urging, Marowak surged forward, lowering its head and ramming toward Charizard with its hard skull.

As a Ground-type Pokémon, Marowak usually relied on Ground-type moves. But against the Flying-type Charizard, those moves were useless. That left Luana with no choice but to use a Normal-type attack to try and breakthrough.

In reality, both Pokémon were in a difficult position.

Marowak charged forward recklessly, but Charizard merely flapped its wings lightly and lifted into the air, dodging effortlessly.

However, Marowak wasn't discouraged. It quickly turned, intent on rushing toward Alakazam again. But Charizard wasn't about to let it get away.

Swooping down from above, it struck with a powerful Wing Attack, forcing Marowak back into a defensive stance.

"Good! Keep it occupied!" Compared to Luana, Kai was much more at ease. Seeing that Charizard had the upper hand, he turned his focus back to Scyther. "Scyther, finish off Alakazam! Use Fury Cutter!"

Scyther's scythes gleamed as it slashed multiple times in rapid succession. Though Alakazam managed to dodge the first two strikes, the following hits landed cleanly!

That was the final straw Alakazam couldn't take any more and collapsed to the ground, completely fainting.

The referee raised his hand.

According to the rules, in a double battle, the first side to have a Pokémon knocked out was considered the loser. Now that Alakazam had gone down, the outcome was clear for everyone to see.

"Alakazam is unable to battle! The victory goes to the challenger, Kai!"

It's finally over…

As the match concluded, Kai let out a small sigh of relief.

Winning was great, but this battle had been far more exhausting than a standard Gym match.

Unlike chaotic street battles where opponents varied in skill, a high-level double battle like this required him to constantly track two Pokémon at once, making it much more mentally taxing.

Still, in the end, he had emerged victorious!

Recalling his Pokémon, Kai glanced at the defeated Alakazam with some sympathy. 'It wouldn't be surprising if this thing has nightmares for the next few nights…'

'Dreams of a scarred Scyther, its bladed arms glinting ominously, relentlessly chasing it down and striking over and over…'

'Losing the battle was bad enough. But now it had to suffer post-battle trauma too. Poor thing'

Just then, Luana approached Kai.

Now that the match was over, she had returned to her usual loud and lively demeanour.

"Congratulations on your victory!" she said cheerfully. She didn't seem to mind her defeat at all. Clapping Kai on the shoulder hard she grinned. "Wow, you beat me with a disobedient Scyther. That's seriously impressive!"

Having heard this kind of praise countless times before, Kai had a stock response ready.

But wow, Luana really hit hard. If she kept that up, he might start coughing up blood…

"Nah, your Alakazam and Marowak were really well-trained. I just got lucky this time."

"Hah, so modest! Well, here's your reward take this Jade Star Badge."

As she spoke, Luana reached into her pocket and pulled out a small badge, handing it to Kai.

Sabrina came over as well, and Kai took a closer look. Like the other Orange League Gym Badges, this one was made from a seashell. But in terms of design, the Jade Star Badge looked more like a grey conch shell marked with a six-pointed star.

Kai thanked her and was about to leave with Sabrina when—

"Wait a moment!"

Kai turned back. "Hmm? Something else?"

Luana hesitated for a second before asking, "After you finish the Orange League, you'll be travelling to other regions, right?"

"That's right," Kai nodded. "Once I defeat the Orange League Champion, I plan to head to Johto and challenge the Pokémon League there."

"That's perfect!" Luana's face lit up. "In that case, could I ask for a favour?"

"A favour?" Kai exchanged a glance with Sabrina. "Go ahead, if it's something we can help with, we don't mind."

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