Pokemon: Skybound

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As soon as Charmeleon emerged, its fiery presence already gave it an edge over Butterfree.

It landed beside Kai, sparks flickering from its mouth as it locked its gaze on its opponent.

Seeing the two Pokémon preparing to battle, Chloe glanced around nervously.

"Kai, are you sure it's safe to fight with Charmeleon in such a dense forest? What if it starts a fire?"

Kai nodded slightly. "That's a possibility, but don't worry I'll be cautious."

Just as the two were about to begin their match, a sudden volley of ninja stars shot out from the shadows, aimed directly at Kai in a continuous stream.

Fortunately, the projectiles weren't too fast. Noticing something was amiss, Kai swiftly dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding them.

Whoosh whoosh!

The ninja stars embedded themselves in the grass where he had just been standing.

"Who's there?!" Kai shouted into the dense forest.

A moment later, a woman in a purple ninja outfit emerged from behind a large tree.

Kai's eyes widened in surprise. 'Why is she here?'

It was Aya, the younger sister of Koga, the Fuchsia City Gym Leader!

The moment Kai recognized her, he had a sinking feeling.

This can't be good...

"You've got quick reflexes," Aya sneered. "If I had known you were this agile, I would've aimed for your head!"

Despite her sharp tone, Kai smiled awkwardly. "Miss Aya, what a coincidence! Are you out here training?"

The only reason he had dodged the attack was that his long journey had not only strengthened his Pokémon but also improved his own physical reflexes.

A quick glance at the ninja stars confirmed they weren't sharpened. Even if he hadn't dodged, they would've only left some bruises.

Haunter, hiding in Kai's shadow, and Gardevoir, standing nearby, had likely sensed Aya's presence earlier. Since they didn't perceive any threat, they didn't intervene.

"Training?" Aya's anger flared. "Do you think I'd travel this far just for training? Stop playing dumb! After waiting so long, I finally caught you!"

Kai blinked, puzzled. "Caught me?"

Chloe, standing to the side, couldn't help but imagine the scene as a chaotic love triangle straight out of her classmates' romance novels.

Kai raised his hands defensively. "Miss Aya, let's not say things that could cause misunderstandings!"

Chloe's curiosity was piqued, but she was too shy to ask what Aya meant.

Fortunately, Aya wasted no time explaining.

"Misunderstanding?!" Aya snapped. "You promised me a battle, and then you disappeared without a word! I waited at the Fuchsia Gym for ages before my brother told me you're going to Indigo Plateau!!"

Kai winced. He had promised Aya a match after finishing his business, but that had been an excuse to get away quickly and head to the Seafoam Islands. He hadn't expected Aya to take it so seriously.

Scratching his head, Kai muttered, "Sorry... I forgot."

"Enough excuses!" Aya growled. "Let's settle this here and now. I'll make you pay for running away last time!"

"Hey!" The bug catcher boy, who had been waiting for his turn to battle Kai, interjected. "I was here first! If anyone's battling him, it's me!"

Aya shot him a disdainful glance. "I've gone to great lengths to intercept him. Obviously, I should battle him first! Go play somewhere else, kid, before I deal with you, too!"

"What did you say?!" the bug catcher snapped, drawing his wooden sword in frustration.

The two quickly descended into an argument, but eventually, both turned to Kai for a decision.

Aya crossed her arms. "Well? Who are you battling first?"

Kai sighed, annoyed at being put on the spot. "You know what? Let's settle this at once. I'll battle both of you!"

"What?!" Aya exclaimed. "You're taking on both of us at the same time?"

The bug catcher looked equally surprised. "You're underestimating us!"

Aya smirked. "Fine. Let's see if you regret this. Come out, Venomoth!"

She tossed her Poké Ball, releasing a moth-like Pokémon into the field.

Kai assessed the situation with a small smile. "A butterfly and a moth, huh? Interesting."

He quickly threw out his next Poké Ball.

"Blastoise, let's go!"

A flash of blue light illuminated the field as the massive Blastoise landed with a thud. Even through the tall grass, its sheer size made the ground tremble slightly.

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