The next day.
Feng Che and Manxiong stood at opposite ends of the arena. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as the match was about to begin.
"So you're Feng Che, the number one in points from Death Island," Manxiong shouted across the field. "Someone told me to teach you a lesson today, or I might offend the people backing him. But I don't care about that. In my eyes, a battle is a battle. I don't let sand get in my eyes!"
"Come out, Ursaring!"
A two-meter-tall brown bear appeared, a creamy white ring on its belly. It radiated a powerful, battle-hardened aura.
"Come out, Arbok!"
Feng Che released Ditto. Facing the massive bear, Ditto narrowed its eyes, matching the Ursaring's glare.
Pokémon: Ursaring Gender: Male Potential: Outstanding (Green) Ability: Quick Feet Level: 32 Type: Normal Evaluation: A high-potential Ursaring with immense strength. Keep your distance or risk being crushed.
Green potential. Manxiong has a good eye, Feng Che thought.
"Ursaring, use Fury Swipes!"
Ursaring charged, but Ditto-Arbok sidestepped the massive claws with fluid, uncanny speed. Manxiong blinked. "That Arbok's reactions are incredible!"
"Again! Fury Swipes!"
Arbok continued to dance around every strike, its movements almost ghostly.
In the observation booth.
"Ar桔 (Koga), how is his Arbok so flexible?" Sabrina asked, her long black hair shimmering like silk.
"I suspect he's used speed-enhancing elixirs," Koga replied. "But look at Manxiong. He's trained his Ursaring to use the Quick Feet ability offensively rather than defensively. Even so, the boy's Arbok is playing with him. If this kid wins, I might offer him my protection."
Sabrina tilted her head. "If he takes first place, he won't need your protection. I've already claimed him." She vanished in a blur of psychic energy.
"Ursaring, use Slash!"
Three arcs of white light erupted from Ursaring's claws. It slammed them into the ground, sending shockwaves toward Arbok. But instead of dodging left or right, Arbok jammed its tail into the dirt and propelled itself straight up like a spring-loaded pole, letting the attack pass beneath it.
"Clever," Feng Che muttered. "It's learning from the techniques I taught the Linoone."
"Arbok, use Bind!"
Ditto-Arbok lunged, coiling its body tightly around the Ursaring's torso.
"Don't underestimate us!" Manxiong laughed. "My Ursaring has crushed the ribs of Seviper in the wild! Shake it off with raw strength!"
The Ursaring let out a roar, its muscles bulging as it tried to snap the 'snake' around it. But soon, Manxiong's face fell. No matter how much the bear squeezed, Arbok didn't snap. It just squished and tightened further.
Poor Manxiong, Feng Che thought. An Arbok has bones. My Ditto does not. You can't snap a spine that isn't there.
Ursaring's face turned purple. Seconds later, it began foaming at the mouth.
"Enough, Arbok. Release him," Feng Che commanded.
Ditto uncoiled, and the Ursaring slumped like a wet rag. Manxiong rushed over to check his partner. "He's fine," Feng Che said. "Just lack of oxygen. I didn't want to hurt him."
Manxiong sighed in relief. "Feng Che... watch out for Starhunt. He's a monster. And remember, psychic powers are banned for trainers during the match, but he's tricky."
In the other arena, Starhunt had utterly demolished Nakata. Nakata's Kadabra was beaten so badly it was unrecognizable.
"Nakata, you should have helped me on the island," Starhunt sneered over his fallen comrade. "Lady Athena only values the strong. You're trash."
Rocket Headquarters.
"The finals are set, Leader," Viper reported to Giovanni. "It's Feng Che versus Starhunt."
"Good," Giovanni said, his eyes glinting. "I will be there in person. I want to ensure no one uses 'unauthorized' psychic interference."
The Training Room.
Feng Che and Ditto spent the entire night training.
"Starhunt uses a Bronzor," Feng Che explained. "It's Steel/Psychic. It will use Gyro Ball and Confuse Ray. You need to master Double Team and Fire Fang."
Feng Che set the training machine to high-intensity, firing specialized "deflection balls" at Arbok-Ditto. If Ditto couldn't bat them back with Iron Tail, it got hit.
After hours of grueling practice, and fueled by several bottles of Feng Che's high-grade berry juice, Ditto was moving like a blur. Not only had it mastered the rhythm, but it had also successfully integrated the Double Team TM.
At dawn, Feng Che walked out of the room with heavy dark circles under his eyes. Ditto, however, was buzzing with energy from the sugar and nutrients.
"Let the finals begin," Feng Che whispered.
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