Pokemon: Skybound

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Dragonite darted forward, capitalizing on its superior speed. Before Conkeldurr could retrieve its fallen concrete pillar, Dragonite kicked it clean out of the battlefield.

Thud... Roll... Clunk.

The pillar tumbled out of bounds. And by official League rules, once an item leaves the arena, it can't be brought back into play.

It wasn't exactly "honorable combat" akin to someone tossing Marowak's bone club out of reach but tactically, it was fair game.

Conkeldurr's pillars were its natural tools. Dragonite, fighting barehanded, was at a disadvantage. Neutralizing its weapon? A smart call.

Now visibly more cautious, Conkeldurr clutched its remaining pillar tighter. Losing the last one would make things even harder.

Unable to rely on long-range throws anymore, Conkeldurr would have to get close to interrupt Dragonite's charging attacks.

And sure enough, as Dragonite began channeling energy for Dragon Rage, Conkeldurr hesitated then charged in rather than hurling its weapon.

The attack launched a fierce burst of draconic energy that tore through the air, enveloping Conkeldurr in a blue inferno.

Boom!

The Fighting-type gritted its teeth, throwing up the concrete pillar to block. But Dragon Rage's raw power cracked it straight down the middle.

Fragments were scattered across the arena floor.

The pillar had absorbed some of the hit, but not all. When the light cleared, Conkeldurr was dragging its battered body forward, closing in with burning determination.

"Conkeldurr—[Focus Punch]!"

Chuck's voice rang out like thunder.

With a surge of strength, Conkeldurr clenched its fist and lunged forward ready to strike with a blow that could end the fight.

But Kai was ready.

"Dragonite—[Thunder Punch]!"

Lightning burst around Dragonite's fists as it met the charge head-on.

The two Pokémon clashed at point-blank range—fist to fist.

Boom! Boom!

Both punches landed.

Dragonite staggered back, dazed. Its balance wobbled, eyes unfocused. It had been hit hard and hit with a move known to cause confusion.

The status effect hit instantly. Dragonite swayed on its feet, blinking wildly, its senses spinning.

But Conkeldurr didn't follow up.

It tried to move but its muscles spasmed, electricity crawling across its arms.

Kai's Thunder Punch had triggered paralysis.

Now both Pokémon were locked in place one confused, the other paralyzed.

The battlefield went eerily still.

Two titans. Frozen. Like statues.

From the sidelines, Chuck's students began shouting:

"Come on, Conkeldurr!!"

"You've got this!"

This was the closest their master had come to winning a round and they didn't want it to slip away.

The air tensed.

Then simultaneous movement.

Both Pokémon shook off their status at once, eyes clearing, bodies charging forward.

"[Hammer Arm]!" Chuck roared.

"[Aqua Tail]!" Kai followed.

Two attacks, one a crushing physical strike, the other a spinning tail of water, met in a collision of force and fury.

Crash!

Dragonite and Conkeldurr were flung back in opposite directions, slamming into the ground.

Dust settled. Everyone held their breath.

Neither Pokémon rose.

"…No way," one student whispered.

The referee checked both sides, then raised a flag.

"Both Dragonite and Conkeldurr are unable to battle! The match goes to the challenger, Kai, with two victories out of three!"

A moment of stunned silence.

Then the room erupted with murmurs, cheers, and a few sighs of disbelief.

Even though the final round had ended in a draw, the overall win was clear.

Chuck's Pokémon had all been defeated.

Kai's Dragonite, despite going down, had taken out all three in a solo sweep.

Chuck stood in silence for a moment, processing the result.

Even with his ace… he'd been outmatched.

Still, the way Dragonite had gone down as well gave him a shred of dignity.

Kai knelt beside his fallen partner, gently lifting its head.

"Hey, big guy," he said with a soft smile. "You did incredibly. That Conkeldurr wasn't easy but you pulled it off."

Dragonite opened one eye slowly, gave a soft grumble, then closed it again and let Kai hold him.

Chuck returned to center stage, now holding a small case.

Clapping as he approached, he gave Kai a wide, respectful smile.

"That was one hell of a battle. You've earned this."

With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the Storm Badge toward Kai.

Kai caught it effortlessly, then opened his palm to admire it.

It was shaped like a clenched fist simple, solid, powerful. A symbol of strength and determination.

Chuck chuckled. "Haven't had a match that exciting in years. And haven't used Conkeldurr in even longer. Thank you for giving me a battle worth remembering."

"I'll come back someday," Kai said. "Next time, I'll bring a Fighting-type of my own."

"I look forward to it."

Erika joined them, gently taking the badge from Kai to place in his case. She gave him a warm smile.

"Another win. Not bad."

As the two were preparing to say their goodbyes, Chuck suddenly raised a hand.

"Wait! It's already lunchtime. Why not stay for a meal before you go?"

Kai blinked, then glanced at Erika.

She smiled again. "Free lunch with a Gym Leader? Not a bad way to celebrate."

Chuck laughed. "Exactly! Come on. Let's eat!"

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