Pokemon: Skybound

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Afternoon, Player Lounge at the Ice Arena

Chloe sat leisurely on a chair, swinging her white legs occasionally and flicking her brown-red ponytail. Her usual calm demeanour was replaced with a livelier, more playful air.

On the table in front of her lay a smartphone placed horizontally, displaying a video of Gary Oak's previous battles.

On the screen, two Pokémon clashed intensely, while the enthusiastic voice of the announcer narrated the events. Chloe jotted notes on a sheet of paper, glancing at the phone every so often.

It wasn't until the device became hot that she stood, paper in hand, and approached Kai.

"I have to admit, compared to you, this Gary Oak has so many Pokémon!" Chloe remarked with a mix of awe and amusement, handing the paper to Kai. "Look, in his last three matches, he used completely different Pokémon each time. There's no discernible pattern. I have no idea which Pokémon he'll send out next!"

Kai, crouching as he brushed Jolteon's fur, glanced at her notes and chuckled.

In school, Chloe had been a model student. With a father deeply involved in research, she'd developed a habit of analyzing information meticulously.

However, when it came to Pokémon battling, her understanding remained surface-level, limited to simple observations rather than deeper strategies like abilities and weaknesses.

"If you can't predict it, then don't bother," Kai said with a calm shrug. "It doesn't matter what he sends out. The goal is to defeat them all. Besides, having too many Pokémon can be a double-edged sword. It's hard to balance communication and focus on effective training."

Chloe thought for a moment before nodding. "You're right. But… are you confident you can beat him?"

"Maybe…" Kai replied, shrugging again. "No one can guarantee a win. That said, I know enough about Gary to be cautious. Sure, he acts arrogant and overconfident, but on the battlefield, he's sharp, calm, and strategic. He's especially skilled with Ground and Normal-type Pokémon. He's not to be underestimated."

At that moment, an announcement blared from the loudspeaker.

"Player Kai, your match is about to begin. Please proceed to the arena entrance immediately."

Kai stood, returning Jolteon to its Poké Ball. As he began walking away, he called back, "Well, it's time. Wish me luck!"

Chloe clasped her hands to her chest, smiling. "Of course! You've got this!"

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Ice Arena Commentary Booth

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final match of today's Ice Arena battles! This fourth-round match will determine the last contender for the Top 16. Only one of these competitors will advance to the official competition!"

The commentator's voice reverberated through the arena, igniting thunderous applause from the audience.

"First, let's welcome Kai from the red corner! He's become a fan favourite in this tournament, defeating a championship contender in his last match without losing a single Pokémon!"

Kai emerged from the corridor, calm and confident, waving to the crowd. His image was projected onto the giant screen, drawing a wave of cheers from his rapidly growing fanbase.

"And now, from the green corner, let's welcome Gary Oak! Known for his impressive collection of Pokémon, Gary has battled through the competition with remarkable skill and strategy, defeating many strong opponents!"

Gary strolled out with his signature nonchalant demeanour, one hand in his pocket, his confidence unwavering.

However, he couldn't ignore the fact that the crowd's applause wasn't as enthusiastic for him as it had been for Kai.

'Hmph. After this match, they'll know who the real star is,' Gary thought.

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Battle Arena

Kai stepped onto the trainer's platform, sparing Gary a brief glance before inspecting the ice battlefield. The arena, a converted swimming pool, was covered with a thick layer of ice. Large chunks of frozen terrain were scattered around, exuding a chilling mist.

"Both trainers, please select your Pokémon!" the referee announced.

Gary smirked, pulling out a Poké Ball. He had spent hours strategizing, knowing that Kai often relied on type advantages to dominate his opponents.

Since Kai didn't seem to have any ice types, Gary assumed he'd likely send out a Water or Fire-type Pokémon to counteract the ice terrain. Confident in his choice, Gary threw his Poké Ball.

"Go, my Pokémon!"

A flash of light revealed Gary's choice: a Fearow.

The commentator's voice rang out. "Oh! Gary has chosen Fearow! It's surprising to see this Flying and Normal-type Pokémon on an icy battlefield. An unconventional choice, but it could pay off!"

Meanwhile, Kai calmly released his own Pokémon. As the energy materialized into a sleek, furred figure, Gary's confidence faltered.

'Jolteon?!' Gary's thoughts raced. 'Why Jolteon? Electric-types aren't strong against Ice-types! But Fearow…' His stomach dropped. Fearow's Flying type was highly vulnerable to Electric attacks.

Gary clenched his fists, realizing Kai had anticipated his move. 'He's on a whole other level…'

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