---
Lucario staggered to its feet, its fur scorched and its body trembling from intense burns. The pain it was in was undeniable every movement looked agonizing, its energy nearly gone.
It had taken two brutal hits in a row, and its stamina was dangerously low. But despite all that, Lucario's will remained unbroken. It refused to surrender.
"Lucario, use [Close Combat] now!!"
Jasmine's voice trembled as she shouted the command, her fists clenched tight. Deep down, she was worried sick about Lucario's condition. She'd thought about stopping the match, but her partner hadn't given in and she couldn't quit on it either.
Kai, knowing this was Lucario's last stand, didn't dare lower his guard.
[Close Combat] a high-power Fighting-type move. One that could unleash devastating damage in a flash. If he gave even a second's opening, Charizard could be done for.
"Charizard, dodge—quick!"
Charizard leaped back, narrowly avoiding Lucario's furious punches.
Lucario paused, drew in a deep breath—and in the next instant, its body began to glow with a fierce red light. It was like its very lifeblood was burning. Then it charged forward with everything it had left.
"A desperation attack…" Kai narrowed his eyes.
Lucario was unleashing a full-force technique one that traded its own vitality for maximum damage. The worse its condition, the more lethal the strike.
Lucario wasn't just trying to win. It was trying to drag Charizard down with it.
That was the essence of many fighting types. The more wounded they were, the more ferociously they fought willing to go down if it meant taking the opponent with them.
But Kai had no intention of letting it succeed.
"Charizard, up—fly now!"
With a powerful beat of its wings, Charizard soared into the air. Lucario tried to follow but its body gave out. It couldn't even raise an arm, let alone unleash a [Aura Sphere].
It lifted its head weakly, glaring into the sky.
Charizard hovered overhead. Its stomach bulged as fire built in its throat then it opened its jaws and released a blazing [Flamethrower].
The inferno roared down.
Lucario had no strength to evade. The flames engulfed it completely.
Seconds passed. The fire slowly died away.
Lucario lay motionless, its body charred and still. It had given everything.
The referee stepped forward, assessed Lucario's condition, and raised a green flag.
"Lucario is unable to battle! The winner of this match is the challenger, Kai!"
Jasmine calmly recalled Lucario into its Poké Ball, then walked over to Kai.
"That was an intense pace," she said, smiling with sincerity. "I lost, and I have no complaints."
Charizard landed beside Kai, and he gave it a proud pat on the neck. Then he turned to face Jasmine.
"Your Metagross and Lucario were both really impressive. Definitely among the toughest I've faced so far."
He wasn't just being polite Jasmine's training was excellent. Her Metagross, in particular, was exceptionally well-raised.
Jasmine smiled softly. Coming from a Champion, that kind of praise meant something.
She reached into her jacket, pulled out a badge that gleamed with metallic luster, and held it out.
"This is the Mineral Badge. It's yours."
Kai thanked her and took it, glancing down at the badge. It was shaped like an octagon, its surface smooth and gray like polished steel.
Compared to other Gym Badges, the Mineral Badge was unassuming but solid. Just like Jasmine herself.
As he tucked it into his badge case, Erika stepped over from the stands.
"That was a great battle," she said with a warm smile. "Especially that first round I thought your Blastoise was going down for sure."
Kai grinned, playing along. "Sorry to disappoint. Guess I was just that good."
His cocky smile made both women chuckle, the post-battle tension melting into good-natured laughter.
After chatting a bit longer, Kai politely took his leave.
Jasmine seemed like she wanted them to stay longer, especially Erika, but seeing Kai's determination, she didn't insist.
She looked at Erika and said sincerely, "Miss Erika, I hope you'll come back and visit once your journey is over."
"Definitely," Erika replied. "I promise next time, I won't forget to stop by."
---
Leaving the Olivine Gym, Kai made a quick stop at the Pokémon Center to heal his team. Once Blastoise and Charizard were treated, he made a decision: he'd keep Blastoise with him for now instead of transferring it home.
After lunch, they resumed their journey. Only three badges remained between them and the Silver Conference.
Two routes lay ahead:
One led east across the ocean, through the Whirl Islands.
The other headed south to Goldenrod City's Psychic Gym, then southeast to Azalea Town for the Bug-type Gym.
Both routes had to be completed but the order was up to them.
Kai didn't dwell on it. He tossed the decision to Erika.
After a moment of thought, she pointed toward the sea.
"Let's go through Whirl Islands.," she said, gazing at the waves. "We've been flying and hiking nonstop. A boat ride would be a nice change of pace."
"Cruising, huh…"
Kai had no objections. As they headed for the harbor, he noticed something strange.
Since they'd left the Gym, Erika had been… different.
It was hard to describe. Subtle.
But the clearest sign? Whenever their eyes met she'd quickly look away, her cheeks flushing, as if too flustered to hold his gaze.
Kai didn't push.
He just smiled and walked beside her as the wind carried them toward the sea.
----
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