The scoreboard flashed: 1–1. The arena buzzed with anticipation as the final Pokémon for both trainers was called to the field.
Kira tightened her grip on her last Pokéball. She glanced at Riolu's resting Pokéball at her waist, then looked toward the battlefield where Blastoise stood, its breathing labored from the previous fight. It's hurt… this is our chance.
"Hitmontop, I'm counting on you again!" Kira shouted.
In a flash of red light, Hitmontop spun onto the battlefield, landing with a heavy thud and a determined glare. It was still battered from its earlier battle with Ivysaur, but its stance was unshakable.
Ray watched intently, his heart pounding. She's sending Hitmontop back in even though it's injured… but with that aura synchronization she just awakened, maybe—just maybe—it's enough.
A Fierce Start
"Blastoise, Water Pulse!" Ritchie commanded.
The massive Water-type fired a wave of rippling energy from its cannons, but Hitmontop's spinning form dodged to the side with incredible precision, landing just close enough to counter.
"Triple Kick!" Kira shouted.
Hitmontop launched a series of rapid kicks—left, right, then an upper strike—that collided with Blastoise's shell, forcing it back several feet. The crowd roared at the sudden shift of momentum.
Blastoise grunted, but Ritchie smirked. "Hydro Pump, full power!"
A torrent of water surged forward. Hitmontop spun faster, lowering its center of gravity, and cut through the stream like a drill, emerging from the spray with a glowing kick that landed squarely against Blastoise's chest. Both Pokémon staggered back, panting heavily.
The Aura Connection
Kira closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on her bond with Hitmontop. That same faint blue light she'd felt with Riolu seemed to hum around her fingertips. "You've got this… trust me."
Hitmontop's eyes glowed faintly, as if hearing her words. It launched forward again, its movements sharper and faster, pushing Blastoise to its limit.
The two Pokémon clashed in a flurry of strikes and counterattacks—Hitmontop's spinning kicks against Blastoise's brute force. The battlefield trembled under their combined power.
"Blastoise, Skull Bash!" Ritchie called out.
"Meet it head-on, Hitmontop—Rapid Spin!" Kira countered.
The two attacks collided mid-field with a deafening crash. Dust and water sprayed into the air, obscuring the view.
When it cleared, both Pokémon were standing—but barely. Their breathing was ragged, their bodies trembling from exhaustion.
Then, almost as if by silent agreement, both lunged one last time.
Double Knockout
The clash was explosive. Hitmontop's spinning kick connected at the same moment Blastoise's shell slammed forward. The force sent both Pokémon flying backward.
"Blastoise is unable to battle! Hitmontop is unable to battle! It's a double knockout!" the referee announced.
The stadium erupted into cheers and gasps.
The Rivalry
Kira ran forward, kneeling beside Hitmontop and gently touching its battered head. "You were amazing. Thank you." She returned it to its Pokéball with a soft smile.
On the opposite side, Ritchie crouched beside Blastoise, patting its massive shell. "You did great, partner. I couldn't ask for more."
He looked across the battlefield at Kira, smiling with a mix of admiration and determination. "That's exactly what I wanted to see from you, Kira. You're incredible. And after this, I'm more certain than ever—I'll keep chasing you, no matter what."
Kira blinked, then scowled, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. "Don't say stupid things. I'm winning this battle, Ritchie—and nothing's going to stop me."
Ritchie laughed softly, standing tall. "We'll see about that."
The stage was set. The final Pokémon of each trainer was about to decide everything.
To be continued...