"Go, Pidgeotto!"
Falkner's Poké Ball soared through the air before bursting open in a brilliant flash of white light. A powerful cry echoed through the gym as Pidgeotto emerged, spreading its broad wings and circling overhead. The force of its wingbeats stirred the air throughout the arena, sending loose dust across the battlefield and drawing cheers from the students gathered around the sidelines.
"That's Falkner's Pidgeotto!"
"Now this is going to get good!"
Falkner folded his arms and smiled confidently. "Let's see how you handle this. As I said before, we are done holding back."
Across the battlefield, Kai adjusted the brim of his cap while Sandshrew crouched low beside him, its claws digging into the dirt. Both trainer and Pokémon watched the Flying-type carefully as it circled above. Then a grin slowly spread across Kai's face.
"Sandshrew, return."
A beam of red light shot from the Poké Ball and recalled Sandshrew instantly.
The students blinked in confusion.
"Huh?"
"He's switching already?"
Without answering them, Kai grabbed another Poké Ball and threw it forward. "It's your turn, Snubbull!"
The Poké Ball burst open, releasing a small pink Pokémon onto the battlefield. Snubbull landed on all fours and immediately fixed its gaze on Pidgeotto, letting out a low growl as it squared itself for battle.
"A Snubbull?" one student asked.
"Against Falkner's Pidgeotto?"
"How's that supposed to work?"
Falkner's eyes narrowed slightly. The moment Snubbull appeared, Pidgeotto's confident posture shifted ever so slightly as the effects of Intimidate washed over the battlefield.
"I see..." Falkner said with an approving nod. "Interesting choice."
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth before he pointed forward.
"Pidgeotto, Wing Attack!"
The Flying-type folded its wings and shot downward like an arrow released from a bow. White energy coated its wings like sharpened blades as it sliced through the air at incredible speed, heading straight for Snubbull.
"Snubbull, Scary Face!"
Snubbull's expression twisted into something surprisingly terrifying. The sudden intimidation caused Pidgeotto to hesitate for the briefest moment, its dive losing just enough speed to create an opening.
"Now dodge!"
Snubbull threw itself to the side as Pidgeotto's glowing wing carved through the space where it had been standing only moments earlier — the attack missed by mere centimetres, sending dirt and debris flying as it slammed into the battlefield.
Several students gasped.
"That was close!"
But Kai didn't give Falkner time to recover.
"Snubbull, use Thunder Fang!"
Golden electricity exploded around Snubbull's jaws as the Fairy-type spun around and charged. Sparks crackled between its fangs while it raced across the battlefield before launching itself into the air, jaws wide open.
"Pidgeotto, dodge!"
Pidgeotto twisted sharply at the last second. Snubbull's electrically charged bite snapped shut on empty air, missing by the narrowest of margins. The Fairy-type landed and skidded backwards while Pidgeotto climbed higher into the air, creating distance between them once more.
Falkner nodded thoughtfully.
"I understand your strategy now. But how does Snubbull deal with attacks from up there?"
Before Kai could answer, Pidgeotto spread its wings in response to its trainer.
"Pidgeotto, use Gust!"
The air itself seemed to scream as Pidgeotto beat its wings with explosive force. Powerful currents erupted across the battlefield, kicking up a storm of dust and loose stones before surging toward Snubbull like a miniature hurricane.
"Look out!"
The warning came too late.
The Gust swallowed Snubbull whole and blasted the Fairy-type backward. It hit the ground, skidded the length of its own body on its spine, then flipped and landed hard on all four paws, snarling, fur full of dust.
Cheers erupted from the crowd.
"Direct hit!"
"That's Falkner's Pidgeotto for you!"
But a moment later, a growl emerged from the dust cloud.
Slowly, Snubbull pushed itself back onto its feet. Its body shook from the impact, but the stubborn Pokémon refused to stay down, muttering its own name in defiance.
"Snubbull, Snub..."
A proud smile crossed Kai's face.
"That's my Snubbull, alright."
Still, he knew continuing this matchup would only put Snubbull at a greater disadvantage.
"Return!"
A red beam recalled the Fairy-type.
Falkner nodded approvingly. "Knowing when to retreat is just as important as knowing when to attack."
Kai grinned.
"Then let's see what you think of this."
Another Poké Ball flew through the air.
"Go, Sandshrew!"
"Shrew!"
Sandshrew landed lightly on the battlefield and immediately lowered itself into a battle stance, its eyes locked onto Pidgeotto overhead.
"Pidgeotto, Gust!"
The Flying-type beat its wings once again, unleashing another torrent of wind toward the battlefield.
"Sandshrew use Dig!"
The moment the attack approached, Sandshrew vanished underground. The Gust roared harmlessly over the battlefield, leaving nothing behind but swirling debris.
Falkner chuckled to himself while he watched.
"Smart move."
Kai's grin widened.
"Now, Sandshrew!"
The ground beneath Pidgeotto suddenly bulged before exploding upward in a shower of dirt and stone. Sandshrew burst from beneath the battlefield already curled into a tight ball, spinning faster and faster as it launched itself skyward.
"Rollout!"
The Ground-type became a blur, tearing through the air with incredible speed as dirt and pebbles exploded behind it.
The students leapt to their feet.
"It's going to hit!"
But Falkner remained calm.
"Pidgeotto, Whirlwind!"
The Flying-type spread its wings wide and beat them with tremendous force. Instantly, a powerful vortex erupted across the battlefield, twisting dirt, dust, and loose stones into a raging cyclone. Sandshrew's Rollout collided with the storm head-on, but the spinning Ground-type was overwhelmed by the sheer force of the attack.
The crowd gasped as Sandshrew was hurled backwards through the air.
Kai planted his feet firmly against the ground and raised an arm to shield his face as dust whipped across the arena. His jacket snapped wildly in the wind while Sandshrew struggled helplessly against the raging currents.
"Damn it!"
Then a familiar red beam shot from Sandshrew's Poké Ball, and the effects of Whirlwind took hold.
Sandshrew vanished.
A moment later, another Poké Ball burst open in a flash of light, without Kai's control, and Snubbull appeared.
Several students immediately recognised what had happened.
"It forced a switch!"
"That's Falkner's strategy!"
A smile spread across Falkner's face the moment he saw Snubbull return to the battlefield.
"Now, Pidgeotto! Wing Attack!"
Pidgeotto folded its wings and dove.
White energy flared around its feathers as the Flying-type descended like a missile toward the newly summoned Snubbull.
Kai's eyes widened.
"Snubbull! Scary Face!"
Snubbull looked up and immediately twisted its expression into a frightening glare. The effects took hold instantly, causing Pidgeotto's movements to slow as fear and hesitation crept into its attack.
But not enough.
BOOM!
The glowing wing crashed directly into Snubbull.
The Fairy-type was launched across the battlefield, bouncing once before skidding through the dirt in a trail of dust and debris.
The gym fell silent, and everyone stared.
Falkner folded his arms.
"I think that's enough."
For several seconds, Snubbull didn't move.
Then a low growl broke the silence.
The small Pokémon's paws dug into the dirt as it struggled to rise. Its legs trembled violently beneath it, and its entire body shook from the damage it had taken, but somehow it refused to stay down.
Slowly.
Painfully.
Snubbull stood.
"Snub..."
The Fairy-type bared its fangs and glared back at Pidgeotto, determination burning in its eyes.
The crowd erupted.
"No way!"
"How is it still standing?"
"That Wing Attack should've finished it!"
Even Falkner looked surprised.
Kai couldn't help but grin.
"You're forgetting something."
Falkner blinked.
Then realisation struck.
The first Intimidate... And the second Intimidate after Whirlwind forced Snubbull back into battle.
Both had weakened Pidgeotto's physical attacks.
A smile slowly spread across Falkner's face.
"I see. Clever."
His expression sharpened.
"But this battle isn't over yet."
He pointed forward.
"Pidgeotto, Gust!"
The Flying-type immediately beat its wings, gathering another torrent of wind around itself.
But Kai didn't hesitate.
"Snubbull! Thunder Fang!"
Golden lightning exploded around Snubbull's jaws as the Fairy-type launched itself forward. Despite its injuries, it sprinted across the battlefield with everything it had left, electricity snapping wildly around its mouth.
The distance between them disappeared rapidly.
Pidgeotto continued building its Gust attack.
But thanks to the stacked effects of Scary Face, its movements weren't nearly as fast as before.
Kai saw the opening.
So did Falkner.
"Pidgeotto, move!"
The Flying-type attempted to bank away, but it was too late.
CRUNCH!
Snubbull's Thunder Fang slammed shut around Pidgeotto's wing.
A burst of electricity exploded across the battlefield.
"Pidgeotto!"
The Flying-type cried out in pain as lightning surged through its body. Feathers scattered through the air while Pidgeotto struggled to pull free from the electrically charged bite.
The crowd erupted once more.
"It landed!"
"A direct hit!"
Kai pumped his fist.
"That's it, Snubbull!"
But Falkner remained calm.
"Pidgeotto, Wing Attack!"
Despite the pain racing through its body, Pidgeotto reacted instantly. White energy surged around one wing as it twisted in midair and slammed the attack directly into Snubbull.
BOOM!
The impact blasted Snubbull backwards.
The Fairy-type hit the ground hard and rolled several times before finally sliding to a stop.
Dust drifted across the battlefield, and this time Snubbull didn't move.
Kai stared silently.
The referee stepped forward and raised a hand.
"Snubbull is unable to battle!"
For a moment, neither trainer spoke.
Then Kai smiled softly and held out Snubbull's Poké Ball.
"You did amazing."
A red beam recalled the exhausted Fairy-type.
Across the battlefield, Falkner nodded respectfully.
"That Snubbull has incredible fighting spirit."
Kai clipped the Poké Ball back onto his belt before reaching for his last remaining partner.
"Alright, Sandshrew."
The Poké Ball expanded in his hand.
"Let's finish this together."
A flash of white light burst across the battlefield as Sandshrew returned to the arena. The Ground-type landed lightly before immediately locking eyes with Pidgeotto high above.
Both trainers knew the next exchange would decide everything.
The gym grew quiet.
Even the students stopped cheering.
Nobody wanted to miss what happened next.
Falkner raised his arm.
"Pidgeotto, Gust!"
At the same moment, Kai shouted his own command.
"Sandshrew, Rollout!"
Both Pokémon moved instantly, giving it everything they had.
Sandshrew curled into a tight ball and accelerated across the battlefield, spinning faster and faster until it became little more than a blur racing across the dirt.
Above, Pidgeotto beat its wings furiously.
Wind began gathering around the Flying-type, but something was wrong.
Its movements felt sluggish.
The effects of Scary Face having taken hold, as well as the damage from Thunder Fang, had taken their toll, not to mention the double Intimidate had weakened it throughout the entire battle.
Everything Kai had done.
Every switch.
Every command.
Every sacrifice.
Had led to this moment.
Kai saw it.
Falkner saw it.
The Gust wasn't ready... No, it wouldn't be ready in time.
Sandshrew was already there, and Falkner's eyes widened.
"Pidgeotto, dodge!" He cried out.
Pidgeotto tried to turn, but it couldn't.
BOOOOOOM!
The collision echoed throughout the entire gym.
A powerful shockwave burst outward from the point of impact, sending dust and debris flying across the battlefield. Sandshrew's Rollout connected perfectly, striking Pidgeotto head-on with all the momentum it had built.
For a moment, time seemed to slow.
The crowd watched in stunned silence.
Pidgeotto's eyes widened.
Then the Flying-type was sent spiralling through the air before gravity finally reclaimed it.
"Pidgeotto!" Falkner shouted.
The bird Pokémon tried to steady itself.
Tried to spread its wings.
Tried to recover.
But the damage was too great.
Slowly, helplessly, it began to fall.
The entire gym held its breath.
Then Falkner raised his Poké Ball, knowing it was over.
"Return."
A beam of red light shot skyward and caught Pidgeotto before it could hit the ground. The Flying-type vanished safely into its Poké Ball, bringing the battle to an end.
For a heartbeat, silence filled the arena.
Then the referee stepped forward and raised a flag.
"Pidgeotto is unable to battle!"
A grin spread across Kai's face.
And the referee's next words echoed throughout the gym.
"The challenger, Kai, wins the match!"