----
A flash of blue light revealed a Pokémon with a split crest on its head, two unusually long and flexible tails, and purple fur reminiscent of a monkey. It appeared directly in front of Kai.
Ambipom could be found in the great forests of Johto and other regions, often moving in troops. Any intruder trainer or wild Pokémon risked being swarmed and driven out.
As the evolved form of Aipom, it wasn't especially common in cities, but Kai had some memories of this species. Ash, during one of his later journeys, had caught an Aipom which he eventually traded to Dawn; that Aipom later evolved into an Ambipom.
Fast and agile, Ambipom was never an easy opponent.
Kai recalled Tyranitar and instead sent out his Scizor.
If the opponent relied on its tails, then something with powerful pincers seemed like the right answer.
Whitney eyed the Bug/Steel Pokémon carefully.
Scizor's Steel typing would cut Ambipom's Normal-type attacks in half, and since Ambipom's offensive style revolved around its tails, facing those heavy pincers might make it awkward to fight.
It was a smart counter.
The battle began with both Pokémon charging forward.
Scizor's claws sliced downward in a powerful X-Scissor, but Ambipom vaulted off the ground with one tail and easily dodged, then swung its other tail toward Scizor's head.
The attack, however, was blocked by Scizor's right pincer.
Suddenly, Ambipom let out a piercing screech.
Caught off guard, Scizor froze for a split second, and in that gap, Ambipom lashed both tails repeatedly across its opponent's body.
Kai quickly recognized the tactic: Ambipom had used Fake Out to create an opening, then followed with a rapid Fury Swipes combo. Clearly, it was a routine Ambipom had mastered over many battles.
Against most Pokémon, that might have caused real trouble. But Scizor's armor was as solid as steel.
The blows landed with the dull thunk-thunk of a hammer striking a train car.
The earlier feint hadn't left any lasting effect.
"Scizor Night Slash!" Kai commanded.
Scizor lunged, both claws swinging but Ambipom wrapped its tails around them like handcuffs, locking them in place.
Kai blinked. "Didn't see that coming."
Whitney grinned. "Without those claws, I don't see how you can fight now!"
Kai didn't flinch. "Iron Head."
"What!?"
Scizor jerked its head back, yanking Ambipom closer, then slammed its red, steel-hard forehead into the monkey's face with a deafening CRACK.
The impact nearly knocked Ambipom out cold.
It staggered, tails loosening, and dropped to the ground, swaying like a drunk and unable to stand properly.
"Now! X-Scissor!"
As Scizor squared up for the finishing blow, Whitney called frantically, "Ambipom! Snap out of it!!"
But her Pokémon's head was still spinning, and its legs refused to cooperate.
"It's over," Kai said quietly.
He was right. Scizor's X-Scissor struck cleanly, followed by a swift Slash that sent Ambipom tumbling to the ground, unable to continue.
The referee raised a flag. "Ambipom is unable to battle! Scizor wins the second round!"
Whitney let out a heavy sigh. Battles could change in an instant one bad decision could undo a strong position. Her earlier plan had worked countless times before, but she hadn't accounted for just how tough Scizor's head was.
Against any other opponent, it might have been the match-winner.
Shaking off the thought, she returned Ambipom to its Poké Ball and pulled out her last one.
"You're good at knocking out two of my Pokémon like that! But now for my last one go, Lopunny!"
From the ball emerged a sleek, athletic brown rabbit Pokémon with long, fluffy ears.
Lopunny…
Kai rubbed his chin. Cows, monkeys, and now a rabbit Whitney's team was starting to feel like a zoo exhibit.
While Lopunny was common in regions like Sinnoh, Unova, Alola, and Galar, there were no wild ones native to Johto.
Kai scanned it with his Pokédex.
Pokédex: "Lopunny, the Rabbit Pokémon. Normal type. Extremely cautious by nature, it moves in light, graceful hops. When sensing danger, it uses the soft fur on its ear tips to shield its body, then springs away to safety. While it prefers to avoid fighting, Lopunny's kicks can be devastating when cornered."
----
Don't forget to drop some PowerStones!💎💎💎
For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon.
P@treon/iamxeno
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!