Pokemon: Skybound

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Ash was brimming with confidence as he turned and gave everyone a thumbs-up.

As he prepared to step forward, Kai couldn't help but warn him. "Ash, Blaine specializes in Fire-type Pokémon and has the home-field advantage. Don't let your guard down!"

"I got it!" Ash replied confidently.

On the other side of the battlefield, Blaine released his first Pokémon a Ninetales.

The elegant fox-like Pokémon stood tall, its cream-coloured fur shimmering under the lava's glow. With its nine flowing tails and piercing red eyes, it exuded an air of regal power.

Ash responded by sending out Squirtle, confident that his Water-type Pokémon would have the upper hand.

However, the match quickly turned against him. Despite Squirtle's type advantage, Ninetales expertly countered its moves with a devastating Fire Spin, leaving Squirtle burned and unable to continue.

Ash recalled Squirtle, frustration evident on his face. "How? I had the type advantage!" he muttered.

Even Kai frowned. "That Ninetales is strong. It's more than just type matchups it's about strategy and experience."

Ash gritted his teeth and sent out his second Pokémon Charizard. The mighty Flame Pokémon roared as it took to the skies, its fiery tail burning brightly.

Kai raised an eyebrow. "So Charmander evolved into Charizard already? Same as anime, seems like my presence hadn't affected anything major"

Blaine, unfazed, swapped Ninetales for his next Pokémon a Rhyhorn. The Rock-and-Ground-type stomped onto the battlefield, its armoured body glinting as it let out a fierce growl.

But Charizard refused to battle. Instead of engaging, it yawned and flew out of the arena, perching on a nearby rock.

"Charizard! What are you doing?!" Ash shouted, panic creeping into his voice. "Get back in there and fight!"

Charizard didn't budge, completely ignoring its trainer. Blaine smirked. "A trainer who can't command their own Pokémon is destined to lose. Since Charizard is out of bounds, I declare this match forfeited."

Ash stood frozen, disbelief etched across his face. With no other choice, he recalled Charizard and sent out Pikachu as his final hope.

The battle between Pikachu and Rhyhorn seemed hopeless at first. Pikachu's Electric-type moves did not affect the Ground-type Rhyhorn, and Ash's chances of winning dwindled with each passing second.

But Ash refused to give up. With quick thinking, he ordered Pikachu to use its agility and speed.

By combining Quick Attack and Iron Tail, Pikachu managed to exploit Rhyhorn's slow movements and land a critical hit, knocking it out.

The group cheered as Blaine clapped in approval. "Impressive. Your Pikachu is quite the fighter. But let's see how it handles my last Pokémon!"

Ash groaned as Blaine launched into one of his infamous riddles. "The hottest flame in the world, born from the heart of the magma. What could it be?"

Ash ruffled his hair in frustration. "Come on, Blaine, just send it out already!"

With a smirk, Blaine released his final Pokémon a Magmar. The Lava Pokémon emerged dramatically from the bubbling magma, steam rising from its body as it flexed its fiery arms.

The battle began, but it quickly became apparent that Pikachu was outmatched. Magmar's Fire Punch and Flamethrower overwhelmed Pikachu, and the match ended with a powerful Fire Blast that left Pikachu unable to continue.

Ash knelt down and cradled Pikachu in his arms, his face a mixture of disappointment and exhaustion.

He silently vowed to train harder, but Blaine didn't hold back his critique.

"You lack the discipline to fully command your team," Blaine said sternly. "Especially with that Charizard of yours, a failure as a trainer, Go back and train before you challenge me again."

Ash nodded silently, accepting the harsh truth.

Blaine then turned to Kai. "Now, what about you? After witnessing that battle, do you still wish to challenge me?"

Kai's eyes were determined. "Of course. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't ready. But Blaine, are your Pokémon okay to battle after such an intense fight?"

Blaine laughed heartily. "These old bones might tire, but my Pokémon are as fiery as ever. Let's get started!"

Blaine sent out Rapidash, the Fire Horse Pokémon. Its mane and tail blazed brilliantly, and it let out a sharp whinny as it pawed the ground.

Kai smiled and released his own Pokémon a Gyarados. The Water-and-Flying-type loomed over the battlefield, letting out a deafening roar.

"GYYRAAAOOOO!!!!"

Rapidash instinctively stepped back, intimidated by Gyarados's fearsome presence.

Misty, watching from the sidelines, leaned over and whispered, "Kai, Blaine is no pushover. Be careful!"

Kai nodded with a confident smile. "Don't worry. I've got this."

He turned his attention to the battlefield and commanded, "Gyarados, use Aqua Tail!"

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