Chapter 89: Kira vs Ritchie: The First Clash
The stadium roared with anticipation as the first semifinal match was about to begin. On one side of the battlefield stood Kira Damos, her expression firm and eyes sharp with determination. On the other, Ritchie—calm, confident, and flashing his ever-present smile. The two faced each other under the blinding lights, while millions watched through screens around the region.
In the stands, Ray sat with his family, arms crossed as he leaned forward, completely focused. Pidgeotto perched next to him, bandages now gone, fully recovered and alert. Ray's father whispered something, but Ray barely registered it. His eyes were on the battlefield—and on Kira.
"Begin!" the announcer's voice echoed.
Ritchie surprised everyone by not sending out his signature Pikachu first. Instead, he tossed a Pokéball high into the air.
"Let's go, Ivysaur!"
A flash of green light revealed a sturdy, well-trained Ivysaur. Its flower bud glowed with energy, vines twitching in anticipation. Ray instinctively activated his system's scan.
Pokémon: IvysaurLevel: 39Aptitude: Light BlueCondition: PrimeTrainer: Ritchie
"Light Blue," Ray muttered. "Not as strong as Pikachu, but still solid."
Kira remained calm. She'd prepared for this.
"Tyrogue, let's do this!"
Her second Pokémon burst onto the field, bouncing lightly on its toes with practiced footwork.
Pokémon: TyrogueLevel: 34Aptitude: Light BlueCondition: FocusedTrainer: Kira Damos
The level difference was clear, but Tyrogue's sharp eyes revealed no hesitation.
From the very start, Ritchie took the offensive. Ivysaur lashed out with whip-like vines, striking from multiple angles. Tyrogue dodged, blocked, and weaved through the flurry of strikes, but every hit that connected left bruises. It was a test of endurance and grit.
"Kira's starting defensive," Ray noted. "She's gauging him… waiting for an opening."
But the crowd didn't see it that way. Murmurs began to grow. Kira was being overwhelmed—or so it seemed. Tyrogue stumbled back from a particularly vicious Vine Whip to the chest, landing hard on one knee. Kira clenched her fists. Her partner was hurting, but he didn't fall. Instead, he rose. Bloodied but defiant.
Kira's voice rang through the air, strong and clear. "Show them what you're really made of!"
Suddenly, a pulse of energy enveloped Tyrogue's body. The air shifted. Ray's eyes widened as his system pinged an alert.
Before everyone's astonished eyes, Tyrogue began to glow.
The squat, battle-worn body stretched and reshaped. Its stance shifted to a low, spinning posture. The light cleared—revealing a lean, balanced fighter, now rotating gently on a single foot like a spinning top.
"Hitmontop…" Ray whispered.
The evolution was met with stunned silence before an explosion of cheers erupted from the stands.
Pokémon: HitmontopLevel: 37Aptitude: Core BlueCondition: Battle-ReadyTrainer: Kira Damos
"He gained three levels from the evolution," Ray said, impressed. "And his aptitude increased."
Ritchie raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised—but then he smiled. "That's the fire I was hoping to see."
Kira didn't answer. She simply met his gaze, eyes blazing with renewed confidence. Her Pokémon mirrored that spirit—Hitmontop spun into a balanced stance, energy radiating from its core, ready to counter every attack.
The real battle was about to begin.
To Be Continued...