----
Kai's warning clearly got through. His Charizard backed off from challenging the strongest opponent and instead picked a more modest target.
This new Charizard wasn't particularly eye-catching. It was about the sa size as Kai's, lacking the bulky fra or battle scars many others in the valley wore like badges of honor. It seed younger perhaps newer to the valley as well.
Kai's Charizard gave a casual finger wave an unmistakable challenge. That alone was enough to get a reaction. The wild Charizard flared with sudden energy and began stomping toward its challenger.
Apparently, this kind of thing wasn't rare. Maybe it was just how things worked here. The mont a battle was on the horizon, the surrounding Charizard began backing away, instinctively clearing space for a proper match.
Kai took a few steps back and joined Erika and Liza.
Just like he'd said earlier, he had no intention of interfering in the battle. This would be completely up to Charizard.
In the clearing, the two fla-bodied Pokémon squared off, their eyes glowing with fiery intensity.
A breeze rustled through the valley, stirring the leaves above. One green leaf floated down between them. The mont it touched the ground they moved.
In a blur of orange, both Charizard lunged, colliding midair. Claws locked with claws, muscles tensed. Their limbs bulged as they wrestled for dominance.
With both being the sa type and species, raw physical strength was the only factor that could determine the winner.
But the match was tight. Neither could overpower the other.
They switched tactics, wrapping their arms around each other in a mutual attempt at a suplex. But again, they reached a stalemate both pushing, neither giving.
Even match. That much was clear.
While the Charizard struggled, Kai leaned toward Liza. "Any idea where this wild one ranks among the others?"
As the caretaker of the entire valley, Liza knew each Charizard by heart.
She thought for a mont, then replied, "We have around a hundred Charizard here. That one's probably in the lower-middle tier."
Lower-middle, huh...
Kai turned his attention back to the fight.
By now, the two had tumbled across the battlefield, covered in scrapes and bruises, rolling through clouds of dust.
Still no victor.
Which ant they were pretty evenly matched and gave Kai a clearer sense of just how tough even the average Charizard here really was.
If his goal was to beco the strongest in this valley… it was going to take serious work.
Tail whips, bites, grapples the two continued their brawl for a while longer. Eventually, though, they pulled back, panting, and the match ca to an unspoken conclusion: a draw.
Kai's Charizard, breathing heavily, returned to his side. But even through its exhaustion, it kept glancing back at its opponent, the two locked in a silent stare-down. Neither was willing to admit defeat.
Noticing Kai's slightly disappointed expression, Liza chuckled.
"Don't be too hard on him. You know, when Ash's Charizard first arrived here, it got completely thrashed. Couldn't even hold its own against Charla."
Kai blinked. "How about now?"
Liza shrugged with a smile. "Still can't beat the top wild ones. But at least it's about even with Charla now."
Kai knew Charla wasn't a wild Charizard she'd been raised by Liza since before she evolved. So while she was strong, she technically counted more like a Trainer's partner.
That ant if Ash's Charizard could hold its own against her now, it was making serious progress.
No wonder it's been training so hard in that corner. Not just ambition. Pride. Maybe even a little sha.
Beside him, Erika pulled out a first aid kit and quietly began tending to Kai's Charizard's wounds cleaning cuts, applying spray dicine.
Seeing her so gently caring for his partner stirred sothing in Kai.
No one asked her to help. She just… did.
Maybe it was affection for Charizard. Or maybe… for him.
Either way, Kai felt grateful.
But for now, the battle was over. Charizard was in no condition for another match anyti soon.
---
By midday, Liza invited Kai and Erika into her ho.
Her cabin stood tucked against the valley wall a small wooden structure that, while humble on the outside, was warm and well-furnished inside. It had modern appliances and a cozy layout.
Clearly, this wasn't just a field station—it was ho.
Lunch was a thick, rich stew made from seasonal ingredients. It had a red, hearty base probably tomato and though its appearance was a little rustic, the aroma was mouthwatering.
And the taste? Surprisingly amazing.
"Don't hold back," Liza laughed. "I made a big pot—dig in!"
Kai didn't need to be told twice. He went through several bowls.
Liza, clearly excited to have visitors, kept the conversation flowing. She shared stories of the valley and eagerly listened to tales from Kai's travels—laughing even at the smallest anecdotes.
She gave each story her full attention.
After lunch, as Erika and Liza cleared the table, Kai hesitated. Then spoke up.
"Liza… there's sothing I want to ask."
She glanced over her shoulder and smiled knowingly. "You want to leave your Charizard here to train, don't you?"
Kai blinked in surprise. "Yeah… that's exactly it."
He nodded slowly. "After coming here, I realized just how much stronger others are. My Charizard still has a long way to go. As much as I want him by my side, I don't have the ti or energy to train him properly right now."
Liza didn't hesitate.
"Of course. This valley is a Charizard sanctuary. I'd be more than happy to let him stay and train."
---
Later, outside the cabin, Kai pulled his Charizard aside.
He explained the situation.
At first, Charizard was clearly upset shaking its head, murmuring in protest. The idea of being separated from its Trainer didn't sit well.
"You idiot," Kai said, thumping it lightly on the head.
"Who said anything about forever? You think I'd just abandon you? This is a golden opportunity. These Charizard are strong. Beat them all and beco the strongest one here."
Charizard fell silent, thinking.
Images flickered through its mind its rival from earlier, the stronger ones it had seen flying overhead, the ones it wanted to surpass.
Its eyes narrowed with resolve.
It turned to Kai and gave a firm nod.
Challenge accepted.
----
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