"Quick, dodge it!"
But Torchic's small body bounced agilely, just like a flickering ball of fire, effortlessly dodging Ursaring's attack and swiftly circling behind it.
Ursaring had a base speed of 55, while Torchic was 45 plus Speed Boost (+1). Torchic was clearly the faster one here.
Suddenly, Torchic's silhouette expanded in midair, charging straight into Ursaring and knocking it back a few steps with a solid hit—though the damage itself was minor.
"Roaaar!"
"Use Flame Charge consecutively!"
"Cha!" Torchic's attacks became a relentless barrage, Flame Charges crashing one after another into Ursaring.
Its movements were so rapid they left only fiery afterimages streaking through the air, slamming fiercely into Ursaring's body.
Under the intense assault, Ursaring buckled under pressure, forced down onto one knee, its massive frame shaking visibly from Torchic's furious strikes.
Yet, at this moment, Satoshi noticed something in Ursaring's stance.
"Use Bounce!"
Bounce [Flying-type]: Springs high into the air, attacking the opponent in the next turn. May also paralyze the opponent.
"Roooaaar—!" Ursaring bellowed, smashing both fists violently into the ground and causing powerful tremors to ripple outward.
Torchic felt the vibrations instantly, but it had already leapt into the air, avoiding the violent shockwaves and rapidly counterattacking.
"Cha—!" Using the momentum of Bounce, it crashed down fiercely onto Ursaring's head, producing a loud, resonant boom.
As the attack concluded, Ursaring staggered even more helplessly, finally collapsing, unable to continue fighting.
"Great job, Torchic!"
"Cha-cha~~"
Witnessing this scene, Satoshi hurried forward eagerly. Torchic also ran joyously toward him—but just before they embraced, Torchic was suddenly enveloped by a gentle blue glow.
Its form steadily grew larger, a pair of strong arms emerged, claws sharp and powerful. Combusken's figure gradually appeared clearly before Satoshi's eyes.
"Yamo~~!" The two tightly embraced. Having evolved, Combusken finally possessed its own proper pair of arms.
The gentle rays of the evening sun filtered through the leaves, warmly illuminating Satoshi and Sakiko.
The matter had essentially ended. When Ursaring regained consciousness, it was so intimidated by Combusken's presence that it repeatedly bowed in apology, even bringing out berries from its private stash for the Pokémon it had hurt.
It was simply an Ursaring-turned-Big-G.
Being utterly defeated by a Pokémon much smaller and weaker-looking naturally left Ursaring deeply humbled.
"Well, we're heading out now, Combusken. Take care! Let's go, Sakiko." Gathering his things, Satoshi prepared to leave the small forest he'd temporarily called home, satisfaction clear on his face.
But Sakiko seemed to notice something, though she didn't take any immediate action.
"Satoshi." Sakiko's soft voice carried an expectant tone.
"Hmm?"
Satoshi turned curiously and saw Combusken swiftly running up to them. Sakiko squatted gently, softly petting Combusken's head.
"Combusken, you want to come with Satoshi-kun, right?"
"Yamo!" Combusken raised its head proudly, feathers fluttering slightly, vigorously nodding in affirmation.
Seeing this, Satoshi's lips curved into a joyful smile as he took out a Pokéball from his pocket.
"Well then, please take care of me from now on, Combusken."
"Yamo, yamo! (Let's work hard together, Satoshi~)" Combusken eagerly reached out, touching the Pokéball and allowing itself to be captured. The Pokéball flashed briefly before securely capturing Combusken within.
Delighted, Satoshi immediately raised the Pokéball high, shouting excitedly:
"I caught a Combusken!"
Although he rarely made proper captures, Satoshi genuinely didn't care, because he knew his Pokémon followed him out of sincere trust.
He really is too charming…
Watching the boy's exuberant expression, Sakiko felt an electric thrill spread uncontrollably through her chest.
Despite finally visiting the EcoDome, Satoshi had put his energy into caring for another Pokémon instead of battling or capturing more of them. He simply enjoyed living in this world, inexplicably stirring Sakiko's heart.
He's an interesting guy!
I really want to surpa—no, spend more time with him!
Too bad he's a blockhead.
Getting him to notice her feelings seemed even tougher than becoming an Elite Four member.
Sakiko quietly touched the Pokéball in her pocket. Compared to romance, she had other concerns—her own complicated family matters, and also Satoshi's supposed fiancée.
As a corporate-slave customer service rep, Sakiko was exhausted.
Looks like…I might really have to start relying on Satoshi for support.
"Sakiko, are you alright?"
Satoshi suddenly approached, looking at her with concerned eyes. The distance between them grew closer, close enough to feel each other's breaths.
So close!
A faint blush crept onto Sakiko's cheeks, but instead of pulling back, she kept this short distance.
She tried calming herself with deep breaths, but catching his scent just made her shyer.
"It's nothing. Just a little tired, that's all." Sakiko shook her head gently, but this time, Satoshi extended his hand toward her.
"Then how about holding my hand? I'll match your pace."
"…Okay." Sakiko's heartstrings trembled slightly, eyes filled with gentle embarrassment as she carefully took Satoshi's hand in hers. Their fingers intertwined warmly.
Wait, crap! I held his hand without thinking!
It's all my body's fault!
But…Satoshi is so warm.
Holding hands, the two left the forest, the glow of the setting sun bathing them in a dreamy, golden light.
...
As evening deepened into night, Satoshi and Sakiko parted ways at the EcoDome exit. Sakiko still needed to handle some work matters, while Satoshi had agreed to meet up with Soyo.
Soyo's message: [I accidentally stayed at the EcoDome until nighttime, Satoshi-kun~ Could you walk home with me later?]
[Satodear, why do I feel like this girl stayed late just to stalk you?]
"What are you saying? You know Soyo's personality—she's really gentle, just like a mom. Aside from her weird arguments with Anon, everything else about her is great!"
"She's basically MYGO's team mom!"
Satoshi rejected Furiko's idea outright, following Soyo's GPS location.
[…Uuu Just trust me once, okay? Trust doesn't need a reason! When she eventually pins you down, don't expect me to save you~!]
Ignoring Furiko's usual nonsense, Satoshi quickened his pace, soon seeing the familiar figure of the girl waiting nearby.
At this moment, Soyo's delicate nose twitched slightly, as if sensing something different. Turning slowly, she fixed her gaze on Satoshi, her lips curving into an even gentler, sweeter smile.
"Good evening, Satoshi-kun~♥"
---
T/N: GULP