Hearing Falkner's words, Kai shook his head without replying.
In this world, there were no "what ifs."
If Falkner hadn't used Flying-type Pokémon, if Staraptor couldn't stay in the air to avoid attacks, maybe he would have lost even faster.
After all, Jolteon still had plenty of Electric-type moves it hadn't used.
One could say that while the Flying-type's aerial advantage put it at a disadvantage, it also helped avoid greater pain.
Still, Kai had to admit that as Falkner's ace Pokémon, Staraptor was indeed impressive.
At least, it could hold its own against his second-tier team, but in the end, Kai was stronger.
On the other side, Falkner adjusted himself and took out his final Poké Ball.
Kai focused on the Poké Ball.
Unlike his overwhelming one-sided battle against Hoothoot, this high-stakes fight made him eager.
Soon, the answer was revealed.
With a confident throw, Falkner tossed the Poké Ball into the sky.
"Come forth, Togekiss!"
A flash of blue light lit up the field, and a graceful white Pokémon with red and blue triangular markings appeared, hovering in the sky.
Kai remembered that Misty had once owned a Togepi, and this was the final evolution of Togepi.
One that required a strong bond with its trainer to evolve. Kai hadn't expected Falkner to have one too.
Curious, he pulled out his Pokédex to scan Togekiss.
Pokédex Entry: Togekiss, the Jubilee Pokémon. Fairy/Flying type. No confirmed sightings of Togekiss have been recorded in the wild. It is said to bring happiness and fortune. Togekiss flies effortlessly without flapping its wings and is known to seek out kind-hearted people and Pokémon. If it finds someone with a pure heart and gentle nature, it appears and showers them with sparkling feathers called the 'Dust of Happiness.'
After reading the entry, Kai fell deep in thought. If Togekiss was Falkner's final Pokémon, then it was stronger than Staraptor.
"This won't be easy..."
From a type perspective, only Charizard or Gengar had an advantage But they were too strong, and Kai didn't want to overwhelm the match.
After thinking for a while, Kai decided to send out Crystal Onix. He had several reasons for choosing it.
Firstly, its Ground-type would be ineffective against the Flying type, but its Rock-type was doubly effective against Togekiss, which helped balance the disadvantage.
Secondly, his first-tier Pokémon had grown a lot stronger, and he needed to raise the second-tier team to match the first.
Just like Jolteon, who had gained a lot of experience from the previous battle! With these thoughts in mind, Kai recalled Jolteon and sent out his third Poké Ball.
"Your turn, Crystal Onix!"
A massive Pokémon emerged as it landed with a thunderous crash.
The ground beneath the battle arena shook as Crystal Onix hit the ground. Luckily, the unique design of the Violet City Gym easily handled the pressure.
"What species of Onix is that!?"
"Is it Shiny? But Shiny Onix isn't that colour..."
Kai's students, upon seeing Crystal Onix, could no longer hold back and began whispering to each other.
Even Falkner himself paused and marvelled at the sight. "Incredible. This Pokémon is both powerful and beautiful, like a finely crafted work of art!"
Kai smiled. "Its name is Crystal Onix. I found it by chance, and if no similar environment exists, I believe this might be the only one in the world."
"Crystal Onix? Great name."
Falkner admired the Pokémon for a moment before returning to focus. As the referee announced the start of the battle, Falkner, having lost the first two rounds, took the initiative.
"Togekiss, use Yawn!"
Kai's eyes narrowed. "Dig underground!"
A strange light enveloped Crystal Onix, but just as it reached the Pokémon, Crystal Onix quickly dug a hole in the ground and disappeared underground.
After battling Drake, Kai had learned about his Onix's speed when it dug and trained his Crystal Onix to improve its speed.
Though not as fast as Drake's Onix, it was significantly quicker than the average Onix.
Kai couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
After all, the battle was taking place on the rooftop, and if Crystal Onix dug too deep, it could break through the floor!
That would be disastrous.
But Falkner had made sure the arena was reinforced, so no harm was done.
The Yawn attack passed harmlessly over the hole, missing completely. Falkner frowned, remembering the image of a hawk hunting a snake.
To defeat the 'snake,' he needed to draw it out.
"Togekiss, lower your altitude!"
As Togekiss flew lower, Crystal Onix suddenly leapt out of the hole, using its crystal horn to strike at Togekiss.
Togekiss barely dodged, just grazing by the attack.
Falkner seized the moment.
"Togekiss, use Magical Leaf!"
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