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After taking the hit, Magmar's already bitter and angry expression twisted even further.
However, despite managing to damage its opponent, Blastoise wasn't spared from the battle's toll. It suffered a burn from the flames and, as a last resort, had to extend its head out of its shell to continue fighting.
"There's an opening!" Blaine's eyes lit up as he shouted, "Magmar, use Fire Punch!"
Magmar's flaming fists rained down on Blastoise with relentless force, almost as if to avenge the earlier blow. This time, Magmar packed even more power into its fiery attacks.
"Blastoise, use Bubble Beam!"
Blastoise unleashed a series of bubbles from its mouth. They grew larger as they advanced, colliding with Magmar's Fire Punch in a series of explosive bursts.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Both Pokémon sustained injuries and retreated to separate stone pillars, panting heavily. However, Blastoise's pained expression revealed the toll the lingering burn was taking on it.
"Magmar, use Fire Blast!" Blaine commanded.
Magmar launched a massive fireball, which quickly expanded and formed the kanji-like "大" shape characteristic of Fire Blast, hurtling toward Blastoise.
Seeing no way to evade, Kai had no choice but to confront the attack head-on.
Unfortunately, Blastoise hadn't yet learned more powerful Water-type moves, leaving it with only Water Gun to counter Fire Blast.
Ssssshhh…
Water and fire clashed, creating a massive burst of steam. Despite having a type advantage, Blastoise's Water Gun lacked the power to extinguish Fire Blast completely. The flames overpowered it and surged forward, engulfing Blastoise.
When the flames finally dissipated, Blastoise collapsed onto the stone pillar, unable to continue.
Seeing the outcome, Blaine exhaled in relief. "Looks like I finally won this round."
Kai nodded and praised, "Your Magmar is well-trained. My Blastoise just couldn't keep up."
Though he lost this round, Kai wasn't discouraged. After all, Magmar's stamina had visibly diminished from the repeated clashes. It was now at least halfway depleted.
Kai contemplated his next move, scanning the crater-like battlefield. The restricted space didn't allow much room for mobility, making it unsuitable for large Pokémon like Gyarados. After a moment of consideration, he decided.
"It's your turn, Kirlia!"
He tossed out a Poké Ball, and in a flash of blue light, Kirlia appeared on the battlefield.
Once both sides were ready, the battle resumed. However, what followed shocked everyone.
Despite the battlefield's limitations, Kirlia used Teleport to turn the tide, creating a disadvantage for Magmar.
With its unpredictable movements, Kirlia dodged Magmar's fiery attacks, teleporting between stone pillars and leaving Magmar unable to land a hit.
Finally, Kirlia delivered a decisive blow using Psychic, defeating Magmar with ease.
"Amazing!" Blaine admitted as he recalled Magmar. Walking over to Kai, he sighed, "Especially in the final battle. I thought it'd be a back-and-forth struggle, but Magmar had no chance against Kirlia's strategy."
To be honest, Kai hadn't expected to win so easily, either.
"Don't take it too hard, Mr. Blaine. My Kirlia's Psychic abilities had a clear advantage in this terrain."
Shaking his head with a small smile, Blaine reached into his pocket and pulled out a flame-shaped badge. He tossed it to Kai.
"I'm getting old and rusty. Here, take this the Volcano Badge. You've earned it."
Kai caught the badge, his face lighting up with joy. However, off to the side, Ash stared at the badge with a sombre expression. His hand instinctively clenched Charizard's Poké Ball.
"If only my Charizard would listen to me…"
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Before long, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, dusky glow over the scene.
Under Blaine's invitation, Kai and his friends stayed the night at the hotel as guests.
During dinner, however, Ash left the room early without a word, his expression dark.
"Huh?" Blaine asked, noticing Ash's departure. "Where's he off to?"
"Don't worry about him," Misty said, waving a hand nonchalantly. "He's probably off to train again. That's just how he is. Every time he loses, he sulks for a while, but he always bounces back stronger."
"Exactly," Kai agreed, adding, "I wouldn't be surprised if he challenges you again first thing tomorrow morning. But he'll be in a completely different state of mind."
"Oh, really?" Blaine said with a grin, taking a sip of sake. "Then I'll look forward to it!"
Turning back to Kai, Blaine continued, "By the way, my hot springs are great for treating burns. No need to head to a Pokémon Center just take Blastoise to the hot springs."
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Later that evening, Kai followed Blaine's suggestion and brought Blastoise to the hot spring. This time, he came alone.
Brock, worried about Ash, had gone out to look for him. Misty, on the other hand, had disappeared shortly after dinner.
"It's such a rare opportunity," Kai said, releasing his other Pokémon from their Poké Balls. "Come on, everyone enjoy the hot spring!"
The Pokémon eagerly filled the pool, though their reactions varied. Kirlia soaked gracefully, with only her head above the water.
Dratini curled up in a corner, floating belly-up like a relaxed fish. Ivysaur paddled around leisurely, while Gyarados remained immobile due to its massive size.
Jolteon, meanwhile, avoided the water entirely, pacing nervously at the edge to keep its fur dry.
Charmeleon, naturally wary of water, clung to its tail and only dared to dip its toes into the pool.
As usual, Haunter was mischievously splashing hot spring water on everyone, finding endless amusement in their reactions.
Kai carefully poured hot spring water over Blastoise's burned back with a wooden ladle. "You did great today. Take a well-deserved rest."
Just then, soft footsteps approached. Kai turned to see Misty, wrapped in a towel, entering the hot spring.
Due to an earlier mishap caused by Togepi breaking the wooden divider, the hot spring was now a mixed bath.
Blushing slightly at the sight of Kai's Pokémon crowding the pool, Misty hesitated briefly before slipping into the water and sitting beside him.
But as she settled down, Kai's hand accidentally brushed against her...
Soft, smooth, and delicate...
For a moment, Kai froze, the atmosphere growing awkward and tense.
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