As the first match came to a decisive close, Lance clapped lightly from the viewing platform.
Turning to his uncle, he grinned and said, "See? I told you he was strong. Clair didn't stand a chance!"
"He's got some skill," the older man replied calmly, giving Kai a once-over before turning and walking away without another word.
As the head of the Dragon Tamer clan, watching a family member he personally mentored face a match she was bound to lose held no appeal. He had no desire to stick around and upset himself further.
Sometimes, out of sight really is out of mind.
Back on the battlefield, Clair had already drawn her second Poké Ball. Kai called Gardevoir back to his side, though he didn't return her to her Poké Ball letting her watch from the sidelines instead.
The two Trainers threw their Poké Balls simultaneously. With a flash of light, Clair sent out an Altaria, while Kai chose to counter with his Crystal Steelix!
As the new Pokémon materialized, both Trainers took a moment to size up their opponents.
Clair couldn't help admiring Crystal Steelix its body shimmered like polished glass, each segment gleaming with radiant clarity. No matter how many times she saw it, it was simply breathtaking.
'Sigh... It's so beautiful. I wish I had a Beautiful Pokemon like that…'
Meanwhile, this was Kai's first time seeing an Altaria up close in the real world, and he, too, was intrigued.
The cottony wings and sky-blue body made Altaria look more like a bird than a dragon type. It floated effortlessly in midair, giving off a light and graceful aura.
Almost instinctively, Kai pulled out his Pokédex and scanned it.
> "Altaria, the Humming Pokémon. Dragon and Flying type. On sunny days, Altaria can be seen gliding through the clouds, singing in a high-pitched voice that entrances anyone who hears it, as though lost in a dream."
What made Altaria particularly interesting was its somewhat infamous reputation. Despite its Dragon typing, its fluffy bird-like appearance had once earned it the nickname "Disgrace of the Dragon Type," lumped in with Flygon and Salamence for looking too… un-dragonlike.
And when Mega Evolved into Mega Altaria, gaining the Fairy type and doubling its effectiveness against other Dragon-types, it skyrocketed to infamy as the so-called "Dragon-Type Traitor."
Kai found it quite ironic that a proud Dragon Tamer like Clair would have such a "notorious" Pokémon as a signature partner.
That said, this battle would be a bit more difficult for Kai.
Crystal Steelix's Ground-type moves couldn't hit flying types like Altaria, while Flying moves could hit ground types normally.
It was as if one of Steelix's arms had been tied behind its back. Fortunately, it still knew Rock-type moves and boasted its Steel typing, giving it at least a fighting chance.
Clair had clearly noticed the advantage too. "Looks like I've got the upper hand in terms of type matchups!"
Kai just smiled and nodded, offering no objection.
If he'd wanted an easy win, he could've just sent out his Charizard or Gyarados and overpowered her with brute strength. Instead, he chose to challenge himself and give his other Pokémon valuable battle experience even when facing disadvantages.
The battle began, and true to her bold and decisive style, Clair kept Altaria on the offensive.
Kai, however, didn't have Crystal Steelix burrow underground like he had in his battle against Gym Leader Atsu. Instead, he had it stay on the surface, calmly waiting for an opening to counterattack.
But things weren't going well.
Stone Edge was dodged with ease.
Every Rock-type move failed to land.
Meanwhile, Altaria's aerial attacks rained down one after another. Crystal Steelix's massive body made it difficult to evade or retaliate quickly, forcing it to stay in a defensive stance.
Attacks kept striking Steelix, but its rock-hard crystalline armour minimized the damage. Still, Altaria couldn't land a decisive blow.
The battle was locked in a tense stalemate until Altaria dove in for another Wing Attack, giving Kai the opening he needed.
"Now! Use Dragon Breath!"
Crystal Steelix reared back and unleashed a stream of brilliant blue-green flames, catching Altaria by surprise and blasting it mid-air.
Clair was shocked at the move, then shook her head with a wry smile.
"Shoot… I totally forgot Steelix can learn Dragon Breath too. That was careless of me."
Kai chuckled. "Don't blame yourself. With so many Pokémon species out there, even a Professor would struggle to memorize every move."
Truth be told, Kai had no idea why Onix or Steelix could learn Dragon Breath. Maybe it really was connected to those ancient "snake-into-dragon" legends.
Maybe Pokémon that spent so long dwelling deep underground really had absorbed a touch of draconic energy.
Kai turned his focus back to the battle.
That surprise Dragon Breath had dealt significant damage enough to even the playing field a little.
Altaria emerged from the blast badly burned, retreating to the skies while eyeing Crystal Steelix warily.
"Don't back down!" Clair shouted. "Just stay focused! Go in for another Wing Attack!"
Altaria swooped again, though its momentum clearly lacked the boldness from before.
"Crystal Steelix, use Gyro Spin!"
The massive steel serpent began spinning, faster and faster, shaking the entire arena as it picked up speed.
Altaria couldn't pull up in time it crashed into the spinning Steelix and was violently knocked back to the ground!
Seizing the moment, Kai ordered another attack. Crystal Steelix raised its glowing metallic tail and brought it crashing down onto the grounded Altaria.
The force of the impact sent a shudder through the arena. Altaria's once melodic chirps turned into a pained cry as the blow landed with crushing weight.
Don't forget to drop some PowerStones!💎💎💎
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