Water splashed across the platform as Froakie landed lightly on his toes, eyes narrowed, foam still clinging to his back. Across the arena, Scyther hovered, wings slicing the air in controlled arcs, his blades gleaming.
Misty's voice rang clear across the water.
—"Keep pressure. Water Pulse, tight arc!"
Froakie fired a spiraling sphere of compressed water. Scyther dodged left—but Froakie anticipated it, shifting his aim mid-attack.
The blast struck Scyther's wing, and he faltered.
Skylar clenched his fists. "Froakie's adapting again."
Before he could call a counter, Froakie's body began to glow.
—"Wait—" Skylar blinked.
A surge of radiant blue enveloped Misty's Pokémon. Light exploded around the platform, and for a brief second, steam hissed from the water as power pulsed outward in waves.
The light faded.
Frogadier now stood in Froakie's place—taller, sharper, faster. His tongue scarf billowed behind him as he snapped into stance.
The crowd gasped.
Misty's eyes gleamed. "Let's show them what you've earned."
From the shadows above, Bryce Waterflower tilted his head slightly.
—"Right before collapse… the leap forward."
Skylar's voice came sharp and fast.
—"Scyther, keep distance. Use Air Slash!"
Scyther darted upward and sent a wave of slicing wind across the arena.
But Frogadier moved with a speed that felt unnatural—blink and he was gone. He disappeared low, then bounced upward from a wall of water, flipping midair.
—"Water Pulse, now!"
The glowing blue orb slammed into Scyther's side and sent him spiraling. He hit a stone pillar, carved a gash through it with his wing, and dropped into the water before pulling himself up—barely able to hover.
Skylar's heart pounded.
—"Scyther, steady yourself—wait for an opening."
Scyther landed on a narrow outcropping, panting, blades trembling.
Frogadier dropped down, crouching low.
Misty raised her hand.
—"Quick Attack, zig pattern. Keep him off-balance!"
Frogadier exploded forward, blurring between platforms in erratic movement, a silver streak across the arena.
Skylar took the risk.
—"Now—X-Scissor!"
Scyther waited, eyes locked.
When Frogadier came in from the side—expecting hesitation—Scyther twisted, braced, and struck.
The blades crossed clean.
Direct hit.
Frogadier was thrown back—rolling once across the stone before collapsing at the edge of the pool.
Silence.
Then—
"Frogadier is unable to battle!"
Skylar exhaled—but barely.
Scyther dropped to one knee, one blade pressed to the ground. His wing hung low, barely flapping. His breathing was ragged.
Misty returned Frogadier with a nod. "You did amazing."
She looked at Skylar.
—"You pushed him to the edge. But so did I."
Skylar called back Scyther with deep respect. "You earned your rest."
From the viewing room, Bryce crossed his arms.
—"She fought harder than she ever did with her sisters watching. That boy brings out her real edge."
His eyes drifted back to the arena.
—"But this next one… will define the match."
Misty raised her next Poké Ball.
—"Let's finish this properly."
She tossed it into the air.
"Starmie, it's your turn!"
A brilliant light flared over the water as Starmie appeared, spinning with sleek grace. Its central gem glowed bright blue, aura thrumming with suppressed power.
Skylar narrowed his eyes.
—"Alright then."
He clipped Scyther's ball to his belt and pulled out another.
—"Charmeleon, center stage."
Flames burst forth as Charmeleon landed on the platform with a roar, tail blazing, claws scraping the stone.
He glared at Starmie with a challenge in his eyes.
Skylar smirked.
—"Let's see who boils first."