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Kai looked down from the bridge and spotted a speedboat rapidly approaching. Onboard were the five members of the Matori Matrix.
"Tch, what a persistent bunch. Looks like they've sent everyone this time," he muttered.
The speedboat stopped beneath the bridge and led by Gozu, the Matori Matrix members climbed onto the bridge with ease using grappling hooks.
As they leapt onto the bridge, Archer smirked and said, "Originally, they were just backup, meant to intercept you if you tried to escape. But not only did you stay, you had the nerve to fight back. It seems their ambush wasn't needed after all."
The Matori Matrix members released their Pokémon, tilting the odds further against Kai.
Not only was he outnumbered, but the opposing team had powerful Pokémon like Tyranitar and Aggron.
Additionally, the Matrix's strategy was clear they had specifically chosen Pokémon to counter Zapdos, Kai's Electric/Flying-type powerhouse.
This time, the squad deployed four Appletun, a Dragon/Grass-type Pokémon from the Galar region.
Each small, 30-centimetre Pokémon was wrapped in apple-like fruit peels, their green-and-yellow bodies blending in with their unusual appearance.
It must have taken considerable effort for Team Rocket to acquire them, a clear indication of how determined they were to eliminate Kai's Zapdos.
"Appletun, use Dragon Breath!"
The four Appletun surrounded Zapdos in midair, continuously bombarding it with energy beams.
Zapdos screeched angrily and retaliated with Thunderbolt, but its attacks barely scratched the Appletun due to their resistance to Electric-type moves.
"Hahahaha!" Proton laughed. "Your Zapdos is completely useless now!"
Meanwhile, the massive Aggron stomped forward, advancing toward Kai like a tank.
Kai's Haunter acted quickly, moving to block Aggron's advance, but even it struggled against the Steel-type powerhouse.
"So, you're determined to take me down today, huh?" Kai said, his voice steady despite the overwhelming odds.
"Let me put it this way," Proton sneered. "The bridge is completely surrounded. Both ends are blocked by our people. The police, passing trainers none of them are coming to save you."
Kai smirked, his demeanour calm. "Good to know. That means I don't have to hold back."
He reached for an Ultra Ball at his waist, its glossy surface reflecting the dim light that he had acquired previously.
Seeing this, Archer frowned. "Another Pokémon? What else could he possibly have up his sleeve?"
"Whatever it is, don't let him release it! Tyranitar, use Hyper Beam!"
"RRARAAARGGHH!!!"
The massive Tyranitar roared, opening its mouth to unleash a devastating beam of energy.
Before the attack could connect, Gardevoir appeared beside Kai, teleporting to him just in time and forming a protective barrier with Psychic.
In the brief pause, Kai hurled the Ultra Ball high into the air. "Come out, Articuno!"
A flash of blue light filled the area as a majestic Articuno emerged, its shimmering feathers reflecting the light. The temperature dropped sharply, and a chilling wind swept across the bridge.
"Articuno?!" Ariana gasped in disbelief. "Impossible! How does he have two Legendary Birds?!"
"This wasn't in the reports," Archer growled. "Has he acquired new Pokémon since the last operation?"
Kai ignored their astonishment and gave his command. "Articuno, take out the Appletun with Blizzard!"
Articuno flapped its wings, summoning a howling snowstorm. The powerful ice-and-wind attack engulfed the Appletun in seconds.
When the storm cleared, the four Appletun lay motionless on the bridge, knocked out by the quadruple weakness of their Grass/Dragon typing to Ice-type moves.
With their interference gone, Zapdos soared higher into the sky, joining Articuno.
"KRAAAAKOOOWW!!!"
"SKREEEOOO!!!"
The two Legendary Birds cried out in unison, their combined presence reversing the tide of the battle.
"Zapdos, Articuno, show them your true power! Use Blizzard and Thunder!"
The two Pokémon ascended even higher. Thick, dark storm clouds began gathering rapidly, rumbling with thunder and unleashing swirling snowflakes.
The sky darkened ominously, lightning arcing through the clouds.
Petrel instinctively caught one of the falling snowflakes, its icy chill numbing his fingers.
"Stop them!" Archer barked. "Focus all attacks on those two!"
Team Rocket's Pokémon launched their strongest moves, but Zapdos and Articuno were flying far too high. The attacks fizzled out long before reaching their targets.
Seizing the moment, Kai recalled his other Pokémon, ensuring they were safe from the incoming storm.
Snow piled on the bridge as the Legendary Birds reached the peak of their combined power.
Suddenly, a blinding bolt of lightning struck down, accompanied by an icy blizzard that swept through the area.
The combined force of electricity and cold devastated Team Rocket's Pokémon. Sparks flew across the bridge as lightning coursed through the melting snow, amplifying the damage.
When the storm subsided, only Tyranitar remained standing, its body scorched and battered, emitting black smoke as it struggled to stay upright.
"How could this happen?!" Ariana exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief.
"Damn it!" Proton growled. "Our entire force wiped out!"
Seeing the hopeless situation, Archer gave the order. "This operation is over. Recall your Pokémon and retreat immediately!"
"What?!" Ariana shouted. "We spent so many resources, and now we're just leaving?"
"We have no choice," Archer said grimly, glaring at Kai. "Our intel was severely lacking, and we underestimated his strength. We didn't expect him to have an Articuno as well."
With that, the Matori Matrix & Other team Rocket members began retreating, leaving Kai victorious on the bridge.
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