Pokemon: Skybound

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Thud—!

With a powerful crash, Primeape was sent flying through the air, hitting the ground hard and rolling several times before slumping over, unconscious.

Just like that, the first round of the Gym battle was over in minutes. Dragonair had claimed a clean and easy victory.

The students watching from the sidelines were stunned.

This wasn't what they'd expected at all.

Chuck, their Sensei, a master of Fighting-types, had just lost the opening round in a landslide. And there wasn't even a type disadvantage at play!

Some of the kids even rubbed their eyes, trying to make sure the fainted Primeape lying in the ring was the same powerhouse that usually steamrolled challengers.

In truth, the Primeape was one of Chuck's go-to starters a reliable veteran in countless battles. But because he hadn't recognized Kai, Chuck had assumed he was just another rookie Trainer.

He had underestimated him. And it cost him.

"Well, that was a surprise…" Chuck murmured with a wry grin, recalling his fainted Primeape. "You're better than I thought, kid. Guess I'll have to take this up a notch."

Chuck's eyes shifted to the Machoke standing off to the side the same one Kai had seen on the beach earlier. With a simple hand gesture, the Pokémon leapt into the air and landed in the arena with a heavy boom, the floor trembling under its weight.

"I won't be holding back anymore," Chuck said firmly. "You've earned my full respect as a Trainer."

Kai smiled, calm and confident. "Thanks. But just a heads-up my Dragonair's no joke."

It was true. Kai had no intention of switching. Dragonair had barely taken any damage and was still ready for battle.

Chuck choosing Machoke showed how serious he was getting. This Pokémon wasn't just powerful it was a technical fighter, a strategist. Unlike Primeape, who charged with raw fury, Machoke fought with calculated precision.

The second battle began.

Kai immediately noticed the difference.

Where Primeape had fought like a berserker, Machoke was a martial artist chaining together its attacks with discipline and rhythm. Its strikes came quickly, each flowing into the next. It was like fighting a relentless tide.

Dragonair struggled to keep up.

The lack of limbs made it harder for it to guard or counter Machoke's close-quarters techniques. Kai realized his best bet was to keep his distance and turn the battle into a mobility contest.

"Machoke—[Seismic Toss]!"

Seeing an opening, Chuck gave the command.

Machoke leapt high into the air, arms outstretched to grab Dragonair. But just before its hands made contact, Dragonair twisted in midair with agile grace and evaded the grab at the last second.

"Now—[Aqua Tail]!"

Dragonair spun and whipped its tail, now surging with water energy, striking Machoke directly.

Smack!

Machoke staggered, absorbing the blow with its arms, but it was clearly shaken.

Chuck narrowed his eyes. "Tough one, huh…"

Their battle continued. Machoke pressed the attack with relentless discipline, while Dragonair danced away, retaliating at the perfect moment.

The students watched in awe.

This wasn't just a brawl it was a battle of skill.

Though Machoke landed several solid hits, Dragonair never dropped. Then came the turning point.

"[Thunder Wave]!" Kai shouted.

Electricity rippled through the air as Dragonair released a pulse of paralyzing energy. Machoke froze, movements faltering.

"Finish it—[Hyper Beam]!"

With a burst of radiant energy, Dragonair unleashed a devastating beam of pure power.

Boom!

The blast hit squarely.

When the smoke cleared, Machoke was down.

Chuck's students groaned. Some had hoped Machoke might even the score. But no—the elegant Dragonair had once again claimed victory.

Kai remained composed. He knew this Machoke wasn't Chuck's ace. And Dragonair wasn't out of the woods just yet.

Chuck clapped slowly, nodding in respect. But before he could say anything…

A bright white light erupted from Dragonair's body.

Everyone froze.

Chuck's eyes widened. "Is that…?"

Kai was stunned too. "No way… now?!"

Yes, it was happening. The glow wasn't just from an attack. This was the unmistakable aura of evolution.

Chuck knew that light well. It was the sacred sign of growth a Pokémon breaking its limits.

And sure enough, when the light faded, standing before them was no longer the sleek, serpentine Dragonair…

…but a majestic Dragonite.

"DROOOOO~"

Orange-skinned, thick-bodied, with a cream-colored belly, two small wings, and twin antennae-like horns on its head it was a big, cuddly powerhouse.

"Droooo?"

Dragonite wobbled slightly, unused to its new limbs, then glanced at Kai and let out a proud, rumbling cry.

Kai laughed. "Congrats, Dragonite. You're not as elegant as before, but you're definitely stronger."

Dragonite turned to examine its new claws, slowly flexing them. It would take time to adjust. But the power now radiating off of it was undeniable.

Chuck nodded appreciatively. "That… is going to be a challenge."

And with two wins already under his belt, Kai knew the next round would be the real test.

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