"Charizard, it's our turn to counterattack use Dragon Rage!"
After being on the defensive for most of the battle, Kai finally saw an opening as the two Pokémon created some distance between them. Seizing the fleeting opportunity, he immediately gave his command!
Charizard opened its mouth, unleashing a blue energy blast straight toward Dragonite!
But hitting a moving aerial target was easier said than done.
Before the attack could even come close, Dragonite had already dodged it effortlessly, using a single beat of its wings to glide smoothly out of harm's way.
The mighty energy wave shot past Dragonite, piercing through a low-lying cloud, before dispersing into particles and vanishing into the sky.
Seeing that Charizard's attack had failed to land, Drake immediately seized the moment:
"Dragonite, use Rocket Headbutt!"
Dragonite picked up speed, accelerating through the sky like a falling meteor, carrying tremendous momentum as it dove straight toward Charizard!
Meanwhile, Charizard had just landed on the ground after its previous dodge. To take flight again, it would need to prepare for liftoff, making it impossible to dodge in time!
Kai recognized this instantly and made a split-second decision:
"Charizard, don't dodge brace for impact!"
Dragonite tore through the air like a howling windstorm, closing in at blinding speed! But just before impact, Charizard suddenly twisted its body, reaching out with both powerful claws and.
Caught Dragonite's arm mid-dive!
The sheer force behind Dragonite's Rocket Headbutt sent it plummeting downward, dragging Charizard along with it.
However, Charizard wasn't about to go down so easily.
Every muscle in its arms tensed, its grip tightening like iron shackles, as it used its entire body's strength to control the momentum!
Like a windmill, Charizard swung Dragonite around in midair, spinning it dozens of times before finally releasing its grip, hurling Dragonite toward the ground!
Dragonite crashed into the grassy field, rolling several times before coming to a stop.
The thick grass cushioned the fall, preventing Dragonite from taking serious damage.
However, its head was spinning, and its entire body was now covered in fresh grass stains!
Seeing Dragonite still struggling to regain its focus, Kai's eyes gleamed—
"Charizard, use Dragon Claw!"
Charizard charged forward, both claws glowing green as it slashed downward at Dragonite!
"Dragonite, dodge it!" Drake shouted urgently. But by the time Dragonite shook off its dizziness, it was too late!
The moment it lifted its head, Charizard's glowing claws were already upon it!
Dragonite took a direct hit to the stomach, letting out a deep groan as it stumbled backwards from the impact.
Kai wasn't about to let up.
"Follow up with Air Slash!"
Dragonite tried to take flight, hoping to regain its advantage in the sky But Charizard wasn't going to allow it!
Before Dragonite could lift off, Charizard swung both claws, sending a crescent-shaped energy wave slicing through the air!
The Air Slash struck Dragonite right in the abdomen, sending it soaring backwards from the force of the blow!
Dragonite's stamina was beginning to drop! After holding out for so long, Charizard had finally gained the upper hand!
Charizard exhaled sharply, relieved to have landed two consecutive hits.
However, just as it began to relax, Dragonite suddenly sprang up from the ground, opening its mouth and firing a Water Gun!
The unexpected attack caught Charizard off guard, landing directly on its body!
Charizard staggered backwards, shaking from the sudden impact! It was a brilliant counterattack proving Dragonite's resilience and adaptability.
Even after being knocked down, it was still able to retaliate immediately, shifting the momentum back in its favour!
The announcer let out a breath of admiration:
"This is an evenly matched fight! Both Pokémon have landed devastating blows on each other! Just when it seemed like Charizard had the upper hand, Dragonite turned the tide once again! It looks battle is far from over!"
But even as he spoke, the announcer couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
Even if Dragonite won this battle…
What would it do against Kai's remaining five Pokémon?
Back in the arena, both Charizard and Dragonite had recovered their footing.
They stood on opposite sides of the battlefield, panting from exhaustion.
Neither of them took their eyes off the other. Their gazes were just as fierce as when the battle first began.
Meanwhile, down below, the tension between the trainers was just as palpable.
Drake's face had gone pale, his hands shaking slightly inside his sleeves.
"I'm going to lose… aren't I?"
It had been years since he last felt this kind of helplessness in battle.
Even before he became the Orange League's Supreme Trainer, even when he wasn't as strong as he was now.
He had rarely been pushed into such a desperate situation. His eyes flickered toward Kai, standing across from him.
Kai's expression was unchanged.
Drake couldn't help but admire his opponent's composure.
"So this is the strength of an Indigo League winner…"
A breeze swept across the field, making their clothes ripple slightly. It was as if the wind itself was signalling the next phase of the battle.
Before either trainer could give a command. Dragonite and Charizard charged at each other once again! But something was different.
Drake's attacks seemed hesitant. Unlike before, his strikes lacked the same aggression.
It was as if he was afraid of losing.
Instead of engaging in close combat, he resorted to long-range attacks, trying to wear Charizard down from a distance.
"Dragonite, use Water Gun!"
Dragonite fired another blast, forcing Charizard to dodge once again.
Each time Charizard tried to close the gap, Dragonite would pull back, keeping a safe distance.
Kai narrowed his eyes.
"He's changing tactics… Is he afraid of losing? Is he playing it safe now?"
Even the announcer noticed'
"Drake seems to be opting for a battle of endurance rather than engaging in direct combat! Is he trying to tire out Charizard?!"
But Kai wasn't interested in dragging the match out.
His eyes scanned the battlefield and then, he got an idea.
"Charizard, use Flamethrower!"
The announcer was confused.
"A Fire-type attack? But Kai should know that Fire moves are only half as effective against Dragonite! Why would he waste an opportunity on such a weak attack?!"
Kai didn't respond. Because he wasn't aiming to hit Dragonite.
As Charizard's flames swept forward, Dragonite easily dodged with a flap of its wings.
The fire had ignited the tall grass and within seconds, Half of the battlefield was engulfed in flames.
Don't forget to drop some PowerStones!💎💎💎
For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon.
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!