20. Electabuzz

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Although Raichu was struck by Magical Leaf, the Grass-type move didn't deal much damage due to the lack of type advantage against the Electric-type Pokémon.

The attack had minimal impact, but it was enough to catch Kai's attention.

Raichu hadn't relied on its speed to dodge but instead attempted to counter with a move.

While this seemed like a reasonable choice, in hindsight, Lt. Surge might have underestimated the power and precision of Magical Leaf.

Now that the attack had proven effective, Kai wasn't about to change his strategy. He raised his voice, commanding, "Kirlia, use Magical Leaf again!"

Magical leaves began to form once more, shimmering with energy as the leaves swirled and sharpened like spinning blades.

This time, Lt. Surge barked a different command, "Raichu, dodge it! Move!"

Raichu darted to the side in an attempt to evade, but Magical Leaf was a homing move it never missed its target.

The spinning leaves chased Raichu down, striking repeatedly with pinpoint accuracy. The impacts landed like rapid machine-gun fire.

BOOM!

A cloud of smoke enveloped the battlefield, obscuring the view. As it dissipated, Raichu emerged, its body battered and bruised but its fighting spirit undeterred. With a determined shake of its head, it charged straight toward Kirlia.

"Raichu, use Mega Punch!" Lt. Surge commanded.

Raichu rose onto its hind legs, its claws curling into glowing fists, surging with energy as it closed the distance to Kirlia with incredible force.

"Kirlia, Double Team!" Kai countered.

In an instant, Kirlia split into a dozen identical illusions, all fanning out across the battlefield.

Raichu froze mid-stride, glancing around in frustration as it attempted to identify the real Kirlia.

It lashed out wildly, its fists dispersing several phantoms, but the true Kirlia remained untouched.

Lt. Surge's frown deepened as he realized the tactic. "Raichu, enough of this! Use Thunderbolt to destroy them all!"

At the command, Raichu abandoned its punches, channelling electricity across its entire body.

Lightning bolts erupted in every direction, a dazzling web of electricity striking indiscriminately across the field.

The intense brightness forced Kai to shield his eyes with his arm.

When the dust finally settled, the illusions had vanished.

Only the real Kirlia remained standing calmly at a distance, unharmed.

It had teleported at the last moment, evading the attack entirely.

"Great work!" Kai praised a hint of relief in his voice. "Kirlia, now use Psychic!"

Kirlia raised its arms gracefully, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly light.

Suddenly, Raichu was lifted off the ground, flailing helplessly in mid-air as an invisible force gripped it.

With a flick of Kirlia's hand, Raichu was hurled to the ground, crashing with a heavy thud.

Lt. Surge clenched his fists. "Raichu, get up! Close the distance!"

Raichu staggered to its feet, summoning the last of its strength, and sprinted toward Kirlia with unwavering determination.

It was at this moment that Kai remembered a crucial detail. During Ash's first challenge against Lt. Surge in Vermilion City, Raichu's lack of speed was its downfall.

Due to evolving too quickly, Raichu hadn't learned moves that capitalized on agility, which gave Ash's Pikachu the upper hand in their rematch.

As Raichu drew closer, Lt. Surge gave a decisive command. "Raichu, Body Slam!"

Raichu leapt high into the air, its body stretched out and ready to crush Kirlia with its full weight.

Kai didn't hesitate. "Kirlia, Psychic again!"

Raichu stopped mid-fall, as though it had hit an invisible wall.

Caught in Psychic's grip, it was suspended in mid-air. Kirlia swung it violently, spinning Raichu before slamming it into the ground with a thunderous impact.

This time, Raichu lay motionless, its eyes rolling back as it fainted.

The referee raised his flag, declaring, "Raichu is unable to battle! Kirlia wins!"

Cheers erupted from the audience. Among them, Chloe, Kai's companion, clapped excitedly.

She couldn't help but be swept up in the thrill of the live battle.

Just as Kai had said earlier, watching a battle in person was far more exhilarating than seeing it on television. Her emotions ebbed and flowed with every move, and now, she was ecstatic.

Lt. Surge returned Raichu to its Poké Ball with a determined look. "Not bad, kid. You're stronger than I expected. Beating my Raichu proves you're no pushover, but if you want my badge, you'll have to defeat my next Pokémon!"

With that, he tossed another Poké Ball into the air. A flash of red light revealed a yellow Pokémon with black stripes, standing on two legs.

A black lightning bolt adorned its chest, and sparks of electricity crackled from circular organs near its head. Its sharp fangs jutted slightly out of its mouth.

.... Pokedex

Kai scanned it with his Pokédex.

Pokédex: "Electabuzz, the Electric Pokémon. The evolved form of Elekid. Its body is charged with electricity, which it uses to paralyze foes or power cities. However, it often causes blackouts by absorbing too much electricity."

Kai recalled Kirlia and sent out Bulbasaur.

"Bulbasaur, it's your turn!" he said confidently.

"Bulba, Bulba!" Bulbasaur responded, leaping into position.

Lt. Surge smirked. "This battle is just getting started. Electabuzz, Quick Attack!"

Electabuzz darted forward with blinding speed, closing the gap between itself and Bulbasaur almost instantly.

"Bulbasaur, use Razor Leaf!" Kai countered.

A flurry of sharp, spinning leaves flew toward Electabuzz. But Lt. Surge wasn't fazed. "Electabuzz, Thunder Wave!"

Lightning crackled from Electabuzz, meeting the leaves in mid-air. The attacks cancelled each other out in a bright explosion of sparks and shredded leaves.

As Electabuzz pressed forward, Kai ordered, "Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!"

Two thick vines shot forward, striking Electabuzz hard. But Electabuzz powered through, closing in with raw determination.

"Now, Thunder Punch!" Lt. Surge shouted.

Electabuzz's fists glowed with electricity as it swung them toward Bulbasaur, landing a direct hit. Despite the impact, Kai remained calm.

"Bulbasaur, hang in there!" he encouraged. Bulbasaur stumbled but quickly steadied itself.

Its Grass typing resisted Electric moves, reducing the damage significantly.

This was exactly why Kai had planned to rely on Bulbasaur for this fight. He smirked.

The match was far from over, and he was ready to turn the tables.

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