Pryce wasted no time summoning his second Pokémon.
As the blue light faded, Kai saw a large, elegant shape glide into view Lapras.
Lapras was known for its intelligence and gentle nature. Unfortunately, that very nature had made it an easy target: heavily hunted for its transport capabilities, Lapras had become increasingly rare in recent years. Nowadays, they are only found in the most remote coastlines and hidden isles.
Kai eyed it with interest, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
He hadn't encountered many Lapras before mostly just remembered Ash using one to ferry himself around the Orange Islands.
Still, Lapras was another Water/ice type, just like Dewgong.
Which meant an advantage: Jolteon.
Not bad. At least the type of matchup still worked in his favor.
With both sides ready, Pryce raised his hand and signaled the match to begin.
Only this time, Lapras struck first.
It opened its mouth and fired a blazing Ice Beam. The move carried immense force too much for Jolteon to try and block. Kai called out immediately.
Jolteon leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the blast.
But before it could recover, a Confuse Ray came zipping toward it!
Jolteon ducked low barely avoiding the shimmering pulse. As it looked up, a Water Gun came screaming across the field!
Still off-balance, Jolteon couldn't dodge in time it took the hit directly.
Kai narrowed his eyes.
Lapras had strung together a mini-combo of ranged attacks. It wasn't flashy, but it was effective.
This Lapras clearly wasn't here to play defense like Dewgong had.
This one was built for offense.
Two battles. Same typing. Completely different strategy.
So that's how you want to play it…
Kai grinned. "Jolteon, it's our turn let's show them what we've got!"
Jolteon shook the water from its fur, growled low, and charged forward, eyes locked on Lapras.
Lapras tried to repeat its earlier combo, but this time, Jolteon was ready. With a sudden burst of Agility, it blurred to the side, dodging each incoming strike and closing the gap fast.
With a crack of energy, Jolteon darted forward and slammed directly into Lapras's skull, nearly toppling the massive Pokémon.
Pryce's eyes narrowed. "Lapras Sheer Cold!"
Kai's expression shifted.
An instant KO? Not on my watch.
"Jolteon Thunder Wave, now!"
Lapras began charging energy for Sheer Cold, one of the most dangerous Ice-type moves a one-hit KO attack. Glowing light swirled around its body, energy rushing toward its throat…
But just before the move could be unleashed, Jolteon fired a thin arc of electricity directly at Lapras.
A soft jolt. Barely visible. Barely threatening.
Lapras jolted violently. Its body froze and then twitched uncontrollably. A numbing paralysis spread from its neck down to its limbs.
The building Sheer Cold fizzled out and dissolved before it could be fired.
Pryce exhaled slowly. "Damn…"
He'd gambled on a risky finisher but Kai had read him perfectly.
And now it was too late.
Just like before, Jolteon followed with the same ruthless combo: Thunder Fang, Double Kick, and finally a full-powered Thunderbolt.
Sparks erupted across the arena.
The ice cracked and hissed, melting into jagged puddles as Jolteon's electricity surged across the floor.
Lapras collapsed, unconscious.
Pryce sighed as he returned it to its Poké Ball.
"You win the second round."
His voice remained calm, steady as ever. No frustration. No anger. He'd long mastered the art of hiding emotion.
Kai let out a soft breath of relief.
If Lapras had landed that Sheer Cold, the fight might've gone in a very different direction.
With Lapras defeated, and Pryce preparing his final Pokémon, Kai called Jolteon back to his side.
Two victories in a row or not, Jolteon had taken its share of hits and was clearly worn down. Letting it keep going would've been risky.
Besides, Pokémon battles weren't just about raw power they were also about respect.
Kai glanced at Pryce. For someone of his age and status, getting swept by a younger Trainer could sting not that Pryce would ever admit it.
Still, Kai wasn't about to humiliate a man who once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his mentor Blaine.
"Take a breather, buddy," he said softly.
Jolteon barked a few times in protest, full of adrenaline and clearly still fired up but Kai shook his head.
"You've done more than enough."
On the other side of the field, Pryce silently watched the exchange, eyes unreadable.
Once… he'd had moments like that, too.
Bonded with his Pokémon. Trusted them with everything. Shared victories, defeats, and countless memories.
He raised his final Poké Ball.
"Come forth… Abomasnow."
A hulking figure emerged in a swirl of blue light.
Massive, shaggy, and snow-white, the Ice/Grass-type Pokémon stood tall like a walking snowstorm. Its arms and legs were tinged green, and its massive hands looked capable of splitting boulders.
Kai's eyes lit up with curiosity.
This is my first time seeing one in person…
Without hesitation, he pulled out his Pokédex.
> "Abomasnow, the Frost Tree Pokémon. Ice/Grass-type. Also known as the Ice Monster, Abomasnow avoids contact with humans, living deep in snow-covered mountains. It's said that the slightest shake of its enormous body can trigger a blizzard. When snowflakes begin to fall, Abomasnow appears. When they melt, it vanishes once more."
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