----
From a type advantage perspective, Jolteon's Electric typing directly countered Staraptor's Flying type.
Not only that, but electric types also take half the damage from Flying-type moves.
From both an offensive and defensive standpoint, Jolteon had the upper hand. Falkner was well aware of this disadvantage.
However, he didn't care in the slightest.
Ever since he became Gym Leader, he had encountered countless trainers who came specifically to counter his team.
Many challengers did their homework, selecting electric types in an attempt to easily sweep his flying types But things never went as smoothly as they expected.
More often than not, those trainers ended up suffering crushing defeats and if there was one thing Falkner despised, it was the common misconception that flying types could never defeat electric types.
Nothing in the Pokémon world was absolute!
"Staraptor, use Wing Attack!"
At Falkner's command, Staraptor shot up into the sky.
It soared gracefully in the air, circling a few times before tucking its wings and diving straight toward Jolteon.
Its incredible speed sliced through the air, leaving a sharp whistling sound in its wake!
But Kai wasn't fazed in the slightest.
"Jolteon, use Discharge!"
A brilliant burst of electricity erupted from Jolteon's body.
Since Discharge sent electric currents flying in all directions, Staraptor's incredible speed was meaningless.
It couldn't dodge a move that covered the entire battlefield.
As expected, Staraptor flew straight into the electric surge, its body shuddering violently as sparks crackled across its feathers.
However, despite the intense pain, Staraptor refused to slow down!
Gritting through the paralyzing jolt, it pushed forward and struck Jolteon with a razor-sharp wing slash.
BAM!
Both Pokémon staggered backwards—
Both had taken damage!
However, Staraptor had clearly suffered the worse end of the exchange.
Trading damage was never ideal, but Falkner had no choice.
No matter how much he refused to believe that flying types were weaker than electric types.
He couldn't change type effectiveness.
Flying-type moves only dealt half damage to Electric-types, and that was a fact he had to work around.
To win, he had to close the gap and find another way to turn the tables. For now, his primary objective has been achieved.
"Staraptor, use Close Combat!"
Staraptor roared, clenched its powerful talons, and rushed in for a flurry of devastating blows.
Kai had initially planned to use another Electric attack,
but Staraptor was already too close—
There wasn't enough time for Jolteon to charge up. Seeing the incoming storm of strikes, Kai changed tactics on the fly.
"Don't back down, Jolteon! Use Double Kick!"
Jolteon rose up on its hind legs, lashing out with a rapid series of kicks.
BAM! BAM!
Both Pokémon collided head-on, their attacks clashing repeatedly.
Their movements blurred, neither one relenting, Until both staggered backwards, visibly worn down.
Staraptor, however, had already taken more damage earlier. It wobbled slightly, clearly having trouble keeping its balance.
Although it quickly steadied itself,
Kai had already spotted the opening.
"Jolteon, use Thunder Fang!"
Jolteon's jaws crackled with electricity.
With lightning speed, it lunged forward and sank its fangs into Staraptor's wing!
"Staraptor!!"
Falkner's expression darkened.
"Shake it off!"
Staraptor screeched, flapping its wings wildly to break free But Jolteon bit down harder, refusing to let go.
"Damn it…"
Falkner clenched his fists.
He hated how persistent Jolteon was.
It was clear that Kai's Pokémon were well-trained in seizing advantages and refusing to let them slip away.
"Staraptor, use Giga Impact!"
The instant he gave the command, Kai whistled sharply.
Recognizing the signal, Jolteon immediately released its grip and leapt backwards just in time to dodge the incoming strike.
Staraptor's remaining wing slashed through empty air.
It had been missed completely!
Although Staraptor had freed itself, Jolteon had already accomplished what it needed to. One of Staraptor's wings was visibly burnt and weakened from Thunder Fang's electric bite.
The injury was severe enough that Staraptor struggled to keep flying properly!
It wobbled in midair, letting out a pained cry.
Falkner's gaze sharpened.
He was running out of options.
If he wanted even a sliver of hope, he had to go all in.
"Staraptor, use Brave Bird!"
Kai's eyes narrowed.
Brave Bird.
A move with immense power, second only to Sky Attack among Flying-type techniques.
It packed devastating damage and was often considered a Flying Pokémon's strongest offensive move.
This meant only one thing—
Falkner was going all out.
And if Staraptor had the Reckless ability, that meant Brave Bird's power would be even higher.
Even though the move dealt heavy recoil damage, Falkner was clearly willing to gamble it all on this final strike!
Despite its injuries, Staraptor forced its wings to carry it higher.
It soared high into the sky, dropping a few loose feathers that drifted gently down like fallen leaves.
The moment the sunlight reflected off its silhouette, it tucked its wings in and dove at blinding speed...
A meteor streaking toward Jolteon!
"Jolteon, dodge it now!"
Jolteon sprinted at full speed, zigzagging wildly.
But Brave Bird was just too fast!
In the blink of an eye, Staraptor crashed directly into Jolteon, sending it flying backwards!
BOOM!
Jolteon skidded across the battlefield, coming to a stop several meters away But despite the massive impact, Jolteon gritted its teeth and forced itself back up.
Its breathing was ragged, but it was still standing.
And Staraptor?
The instant it landed,
the recoil damage kicked in—
Its legs buckled.
It let out one last cry before collapsing to the ground—
Completely unconscious.
The referee raised his hand.
"Staraptor is unable to battle! The winner of the second round is Jolteon!"
Falkner's students sighed heavily, their faces disappointed.
Meanwhile, Sabrina leaned back in her seat, clapping lightly. Falkner retrieved Staraptor with a resigned sigh.
"Damn… Just a little more."
He shook his head.
"If I had managed to weaken Jolteon just a bit further, I might have been able to force a tie."
But deep down—
He knew.
Kai had completely outplayed him.
----
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