The dimly lit tunnel buzzed with tension as Sabrina recalled her defeated Mr. Mime as her expression was cold but Sage could see the flicker of frustration in Sabrina eyes.
The battle was far from over.
Sage took a deep breath as she gripped Hitmonchan's Pokéball tightly before recalling him back into the Pokéball.
You did great, Hitmonchan" Sage whispered as she reached for her next Pokéball as she knew she needed speed and power to keep the pressure on Sabrina.
Alright, Pidgeot, I choose you!" Sage called as she tossed the Pokéball into the air and in a burst of light erupted as Pidgeot emerged with its majestic wings stretching wide.
The Bird Pokémon let out a sharp cry with its feathers shimmering in the dim tunnel light.
Sabrina smirked as she regained her composure.
Impressive, but let's see how you handle this. Starmie, come forth!" Sabrina said as she tossed another Pokéball and in a flash, Starmie appeared with its core gem gleaming ominously.
The Water/Psychic-type began spinning slowly as if it was assessing its opponent.
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Pidgeot use Storm Dance!" Sage called out as Pidgeot let out a sharp cry and began moving in a graceful, yet fierce rhythm as its Speed rose sharply.
Sabrina's eyes twitched slightly at the sight.
Tch. No matter—Starmie, use Power Gem!" Sabrina said as Starmie's core pulsed as it summoned dazzling shards of light and launched them towards Pidgeot in a brilliant cascade of energy.
Dodge and use Air Slash!" Sage commanded as Pidgeot reacted instantly and weaved through the glowing projectiles with swift, precise movements.
Pidgeot then flapped its wings fiercely, sending razor-sharp gusts of air slashing toward Starmie.
The attack struck Starmie directly, causing it to stagger midair as Sabrina narrowed her eyes but showed no signs of backing down.
Starmie use Hydro Pump!" Sabrina ordered.
Pidgeot, dodge and use Quick Attack!" Sage called out.
A powerful jet of water burst from Starmie's core but Pidgeot was too fast as it swooped aside, completely avoiding the attack before dashing forward at lightning speed.
Pidgeot slammed into Starmie with incredible force, sending it hurtling backward.
Sage's heart pounded as he had to keep the pressure on.
Pidgeot use Air Slash again!" Sage called out.
Pidgeot flapped its wings furiously, sending another wave of sharp air toward Starmie.
Starmie use Protect!" Sabrina commanded as a translucent barrier formed around Starmie just in time, nullifying the air slash.
Sabrina smirked slightly as she was regaining her usual confidence.
Starmie use Psychic!" Sabrina called out as Starmie spun rapidly as its gem glowed with an eerie light as a powerful psychic wave surged forward and slammed into Pidgeot.
Pidgeot faltered for a moment as it was struggling to shake off the mental assault.
Sabrina saw her opening as her smirk widened as she said.
Now use Hydro Pump!" Sabrina called out as Starmine spun around rapidly and released a massive jet of water shot toward Pidgeot.
Fight through it and use Air Slash!" Sage countered as Pidgeot flapped its wings sending razor sharp winds towards the Hydro Pump as the two attacks clashed midair, creating a deafening explosion, that send dust and smoke everywhere in the tunnel.
Sage saw Starmie spinning erratically as it was clearly disoriented from the explosion and dust.
This was her moment.
Pidgeot, finish it with Aerial Ace!" Sage called out as with a burst of speed, Pidgeot dove towards Starmie and before Starmie could react, Pidgeot struck with pinpoint accuracy.
The impact sent Starmie crashing to the ground with its gem flickering weakly before it went completely dark.
Sabrina's eyes widened in disbelief as her Pokémon lay motionless as a sharp scowl crossed her face but she quickly masked it and recalled Starmie without a word.
Sage exhaled sharply, feeling a surge of satisfaction.
Her Rotom Phone buzzed.
Notification: Starmie has fainted. Sage still has 5 Pokémon. Sabrina has 3 remaining.
Sage looked up,thanks and locked eyes with Sabrina.
The Saffron City Gym Leader clenched her teeth but quickly recomposed herself and pulled out her next Pokéball.
You've done well to get this far but don't think I'll give up so easily" Sabrina said as Sage recalled Pidgeot back into its Pokéball.
