Pokémon Swirl & Spiral

Chapter 24: Elevate

"Garchomp with the Dragon Claw! The precision! What an Attack!"

"And look at Miko, directing her Pokémon with authority! They've got this match locked down, no question!"

The crowd was back and they were louder than ever. As soon as the ending buzzer rang, Kairi could feel their collective cheers shake the building.

Outside of the few League Admin and sHARPs, she sat alone in the entrance tunnel, waiting for her name to be called.

Dakota won in the first match. Now Miko in the second. You can too in the third. Don't get too nervous. It's only your first Pokémon singles battle ever...

She barely could follow her own advice. The familiar feeling of anxiety still lingered. Just a few hours ago, the four matches of the quarterfinals had been revealed. It was unfamiliar territory for her to be competing at a later time in the night.

Admin Nixon signaled to get ready. Kairi's throat was dry as she approached the front of the tunnel, the noise of the stadium very much alive and well. Interestingly, the arena's floor had no special theme and was instead unchanged the entire time.

"And his opponent, from Sector Xevl, Challenger 033, Kairi Gakuso!"

Kairi stepped out and walked towards the marked line. The crowd's cheers threatened to burst her eardrums.

Stopping, Kairi stared at the challenger she was to battle. It was the same boy who had looked her directly in the eyes before exiting the Stadium while Zoroark was battling Haxorus^A.

"Challengers!" The referee called. "Are you ready?"

Both of them nodded.

"Release your Pokémon!"

"Let's sink this, Kabutops!" The Challenger exclaimed, releasing the Rock Type.

Kairi took a deep breath. "Here we go, Zoroark!"

The buzzer rang.

Instantly, both Trainers told their Pokémon to attack.

Kabutops with Aqua Jet. Zoroark with Toxic. The two of them traded blows, both of them able to dodge their opponent's attacks with their speed. It was definitely going to be the fastest match of the night in terms of raw agility.

Kairi stood on the field, Zoroark never leaving her sight. Her heart pounded as the Pokémon dashed across the arena, chasing each other and exchanging Special Attacks. The green sparkles of the Leftovers were a calming sight. Likewise, drops of poison began to leak out of Kabutops, indicating Toxic had done its job.

The crowd roared loudly as Zoroark's Night Daze bursted against Kabutops' Scald.

"Kabutops! Aqua Jet!"

"Zoroark, dodge it and use Nasty Plot!"

Like a crashing wave, Kabutops surged towards Zoroark, just barely catching him on his leg, causing a small amount of damage.

Zoroark stopped, gathering his strength until a puff of energy in the form of a question mark arose. His Special Attack has been increased by a single stage.

"Extrasensory!" Kairi yelled.

"Zor!" A bright magenta blast fired from him, engulfing Kabutops to the delight of the spectators.

Kairi had only seen the move done by a few Psychic Types earlier in the competition. It was eye candy up close.

"Kabutops, use Brick Break!" The Challenger screamed.

Before Kairi could say anything, Zoroark was knocked hard, falling backwards onto his back.

He cried out in pain, his health going into the mid yellow. Even with the salvaged health obtained from the Leftovers, another hit was just in the range to faint him.