Chapter 35: Pidgey's Strength

"Even if the type matchup is unfavorable, I will definitely win! Kai Ross, use Vice Grip!" The boy, eager for revenge, commanded his Pokémon with determination.

The "Pinsir" charged forward, legs pumping with raw energy as it leaped into the air, its massive horns aimed straight at "Pidgey".

"Kai———!" Kai Ross let out a fierce cry, channeling its energy as it rushed at Pidgey, ready to pinch it with those powerful pincers.

"Dodge the attack!" Ash shouted confidently, unfazed by the oncoming assault.

"Waaaaaa!" Pidgey flapped its wings vigorously, twisting mid-air to evade Kai Ross's strike effortlessly. The little bird's agility allowed it to avoid the attack without breaking a sweat.

As Kai Ross missed its mark, it was left vulnerable and plummeted to the ground without any means of defense.

"Use Wing Attack!" Ash seized the opportunity and commanded Pidgey to go on the offensive.

"Wave!" With a burst of determination, Pidgey's wings became enveloped in sky-blue energy as it soared downwards, launching its "Wing Attack" at the grounded Kai Ross.

"Kai Ross, dodge it!" the samurai boy yelled, panic creeping into his voice. He understood the danger of the Wing Attack, but Kai Ross had nowhere to escape.

With a powerful dive, Pidgey struck Kai Ross with its wings, the force of the impact sending Kai Ross crashing into the ground, creating a small crater in the grass.

Despite successfully landing the blow, Ash furrowed his brow in concern.

Pidgey had chosen to attack from the front where Kai Ross's defense was strongest, rather than targeting the Pokémon's exposed flanks.

Ash realized that while Pidgey had improved, it still needed more training to refine its combat skills. Strength alone wouldn't be enough.

"Kai Ross!" The samurai boy gasped, watching as his Pinsir staggered to its feet. Seeing that Kai Ross had merely shaken off the hit, he smiled, emboldened.

"Don't worry! Keep pushing forward and attack again!"

The boy's optimism was misplaced. Kai Ross charged at Pidgey once more, horns gleaming dangerously as it rushed forward with a determined expression.

"Pidgey, get some distance and use Gust!" Ash called out, adapting his strategy. This time, he instructed Pidgey to take to the skies, avoiding close combat.

Pidgey ascended rapidly, flying higher to escape Kai Ross's reach. As it climbed, Ash felt confident that Pidgey would launch a more strategic attack this time.

With a flap of its wings, Pidgey unleashed "Gust", creating a powerful wind that swept towards the unsuspecting Kai Ross, who had nowhere to brace itself.

Attempting to shield itself with its arms, Kai Ross was caught off guard by the sheer force of the wind. The gust enveloped Kai Ross, bombarding it from all sides and overwhelming its defenses.

The impact was far more damaging than the Wing Attack had been. Kai Ross let out a pained cry and collapsed to the ground, struggling to rise.

"How could this happen?!" The samurai boy's eyes widened in disbelief. His expectations shattered, he never anticipated that his Kai Ross would be hit so hard.

Ash felt a twinge of disappointment for the boy; losing to Gary hadn't seemed to teach him much. "Pidgey, use Gust again!" Ash commanded, hoping to finish the match.

With renewed determination, Pidgey flapped its wings once more, generating another wave of wind that blasted toward Kai Ross.

"Kai Ross, get up! You have to dodge!" The samurai boy shouted desperately, urging his Pokémon to regain its footing. But Kai Ross struggled, its movements sluggish and unsteady.

"Boom!" The wind collided with Kai Ross, whipping up debris from the ground and swirling around it violently.

The combined force of the gust and the environment proved too much, and after the storm subsided, Kai Ross lay motionless, unable to continue.

"Kai Ross is unable to battle! Pidgey wins!" Misty announced, raising her arm in declaration.

The samurai boy stared in shock, unable to process the outcome. His trump card had fallen again, just like it had against Gary.

Ash approached Pidgey, who was flying triumphantly in front of him. "Well done, Pidgey! But remember, there are still some areas we need to work on," he praised, knowing Pidgey had put in a good effort but also needed guidance.

Pidgey nodded, thoughtful and eager for further improvement. It had felt the difference between using Gust and Wing Attack, but the reasoning behind it was still unclear.

Ash decided to hold off on explanations for now, preferring to let Pidgey reflect on its performance during their afternoon training.

The battle had provided valuable lessons, and Ash was confident they would come back stronger together.

______________

Adios