Gabite watched the affectionate reunion between Su Feng and Blaziken, a strange bitterness creeping into his heart. He couldn't fathom how humans and Pokémon could bond so deeply. But ultimately, it wasn't his concern.
Turning to Blaziken—still radiating power despite his earlier battles—Gabite's eyes burned with competitive fire. "Grr. (Blaziken! I challenge you! Do you dare accept?)"
Blaziken glanced at him, then shook his head. "Blaz. (You're not even in the adult division yet. Pass.)"
Gabite's claws twitched. "Grr. (Scared, huh? Pathetic—for someone this human risked so much to find.)"
Su Feng: "…"* (I mean, it wasn't* that risky.)
Blaziken's smile faded. He could tolerate taunts aimed at himself, but never at Su Feng. Flexing his talons, he assessed his remaining stamina. Three battles had drained him, but this cocky brat? Easy.
"Blaz? (Can I accept this kid's challenge?)" Blaziken called to Kommo-o.
Kommo-o nodded. "Rooaar! (If you agree, it's valid! But no ranking changes!)"
Gabite had challenged adult fighters before, even won a few. But after losses became laughingstocks, most refused to humor him.
"Rooaar… (Though technically, Gabite's older than you…)" Kommo-o added.
Blaziken froze. "Blaz? (How old are you?)"
Gabite puffed his chest. "Grr. (Twelve.)"
Blaziken: "…"* (I'm… eight? Eight and a half, tops.)*
Coughing awkwardly, Blaziken lied. "Blaz. (Thirteen. Don't hold back.)"
Kommo-o squinted. Blaziken's vigor screamed "prodigy," not seasoned veteran. But he shrugged—Dragons loved drama either way.
Gabite smirked, strutting onto the arena. Still the top talent here.
[Livestream Chat]
[LET'S GOOOO! FIRE CHICKEN VS. LAND SHARK!]
[Blaziken's gonna roast this edgelord.]
[Don't underestimate Gabite! He wrecked Excadrill!]
Su Feng settled into a stone seat with Xiao Da and Xiao Di. The latter bounced excitedly. "Blaziken's gonna win, right? Right?!"
Su Feng sighed. "How'd you two end up here anyway?"
Xiao Di grinned. "Blaziken wanted to scout from a high point! Then these big Dragons found us and brought us to their arena. It's been SO COOL!"
"Drah. (The exit lies deep in Dragon Gorge.)" Dragonite's voice rumbled behind them, making Su Feng jump. "Drah. (My kin guard it. I'll guide you.)"
Su Feng stared. How did a 7-foot-tall Dragonite move so silently?!
On the arena, Gabite lunged first, Dragon Claw slashing. Blaziken sidestepped, Blaze Kick grazing Gabite's side. The crowd roared.
Gabite hissed, scales smoking. This firebird's fast!
"Grr! (Sand Tomb!)" Gabite stomped, swirling sand trapping Blaziken's legs.
Blaziken smirked. "Blaz. (Cute.)" With a burst of flame, he melted the sand and lunged—Sky Uppercut!
Gabite flew backward, skidding to the edge. Panting, he glared. No way I'm losing to a glorified chicken!
[Livestream Chat]
[THIS KID'S TWELVE?! HE FIGHTS LIKE A WAR VET!]
[Blaziken's tail feathers are literally on fire. Metal.]
[Plot twist: Gabite's the protagonist.]
As Gabite charged again, Dragonite leaned toward Su Feng. "Drah. (Your Blaziken… he's special. But the gorge exit isn't unguarded.)"
Su Feng tensed. "What's guarding it?"
Dragonite's eyes darkened. "Drah. (Something even I wouldn't challenge alone.)"