Pokemon: Skybound

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Otoshi's second Pokémon was a Parasect. In response, Kai switched his Pokémon, sending out his Charizard.

The battle proved to be a nightmare for Parasect, as Charizard's blazing power left it at a severe disadvantage.

At one point, Parasect was nearly roasted into a crisp! When Otoshi recalled his unconscious Parasect into its Poké Ball, faint wisps of smoke rose from its singed body, carrying the distinct smell of burnt vegetation.

With no other choice, Otoshi sent out his most trusted partner, Marowak, the Pokémon that had secured his victory in the previous round.

Kai, after some thought, recalled Charizard and released his Haunter, allowing it to experience the intensity of the Indigo league atmosphere.

As the battle began, Otoshi urged Marowak to give his all in a last-ditch effort, but the fight quickly became one-sided.

Kai didn't need to issue any commands his Haunter effortlessly dominated the battle.

To Otoshi's frustration, Haunter seemed to be toying with Marowak, evading its strikes with ease and wearing it down with relentless tactics.

Haunter's playful demeanour and overwhelming power rendered Marowak helpless, ultimately leading to its defeat with a mischievous grin.

When the referee raised the flag to announce the result, the crowd erupted in cheers.

"All Pokémon on the green side are unable to battle! The red side wins!" the referee declared.

The host's voice boomed across the venue: "What an incredible display! In these three matchups, contestant Kai utilized six different Pokémon, each of which secured a decisive victory. His strength and momentum rival that of the championship favourites, making him the dark horse of this year's competition!"

The audience roared in applause for Kai, whose growing reputation garnered him a wave of new supporters.

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After the match, Kai, Chloe, Misha, and Martha gathered at a cold drink shop to watch the live broadcast of Ash's match while waiting for the results.

Unlike Kai's clean sweep, Ash's battle was intense and closely contested. Both trainers were down to their final Pokémon.

At the critical moment, Ash's Squirtle managed to defeat his opponent, Nidorino, clinching the victory.

"That was too close," Chloe remarked, concern evident in her tone. "If he's struggling this much in the second round, won't the later matches be even tougher?"

Kai, sipping his drink, explained calmly, "It's not as bad as it looks. While the match was risky, notice that Ash didn't use Charizard or Pikachu. He's likely holding back to conserve his strength for future rounds."

"Still hiding his strength at this stage?" Martha leaned back, arms crossed. "If it were me, I'd go all out and secure a safe victory. Playing it safe like this could cost him."

Just then, Kai noticed a member of Misha's gang in the corner, flipping through his wallet with a sigh. Kai realized the financial strain the group might be under.

Unlike competitors, who enjoyed free lodging and meals in the Village, the gang had to cover their expenses on their own.

"Misha, I appreciate you all coming to support me, but don't you have work or school to worry about? You can cheer for me just as well from home," Kai suggested with a faint smile.

Misha instantly understood his concern and waved it off. "Don't sweat it, big bro! Even if we didn't know you, we'd still skip work or class to watch this. It's the Pokémon League it's worth it!"

Martha chimed in, "Yeah! Besides, we've got tents for camping out in the wild with the whole gang. It's a blast!"

Chloe, ever the rule-follower, lowered her gaze, clearly uncomfortable with such reckless behaviour.

Skipping class for a Pokémon tournament was something far outside her comfort zone.

The conversation shifted when Martha mentioned, "By the way, boss, did you know the prize money this year has gone up? The champion gets over 300 million PokéDollars!"

Chloe gasped, "There's prize money?!"

"Of course!" Martha replied with a shrug. "Even third place gets over 80 million. The Pokémon League isn't stingy. Trainers work hard to get here, and beyond fame, they deserve a reward!"

Kai nodded thoughtfully. Winning the prize money would ensure financial stability for a long time.

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Although the second round was shorter due to fewer participants, it still spanned a day and a half. Contestants had ample time between battles to rest and prepare, avoiding the exhaustion of back-to-back matches.

Beyond the battles, the streets near the Indigo Stadium buzzed with activity. Stalls sold goods, while vibrant performances entertained the crowds.

Tonight, a parade of Pokémon-themed floats adorned with lights and accompanied by dynamic music brought a festive atmosphere to the area.

After dinner, Kai and Chloe strolled through the lively streets, enjoying snacks and the colourful scenery.

At a doll stand, Kai purchased a plush toy and handed it to Chloe, eliciting a shy but happy smile.

However, Kai's growing fame meant he was often stopped by fans eager for autographs or photos. After handling over a dozen such encounters, Kai sighed.

"You're a celebrity now, Kai!" Chloe teased with a chuckle.

Kai shook his head with a wry smile. "I rather travel than become a celebrity"

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