Another Encounter

"Staravia, use Air Slash!"

On his way to Celestic Town, Bai Shi happened upon a Drapion.

As it happened, Bai Shi had been thinking about catching a new Pokémon.

A battle was the natural next step.

Staravia flapped its wings, sending several translucent blades into Drapion.

They did little damage and only stoked its anger.

A barrage of sharp, needlelike rays shot toward Staravia.

"Staravia, use Agility!"

Staravia accelerated and dodged them with ease.

"Now's our chance! Staravia, use Brave Bird!"

It circled behind Drapion, became a blazing blue meteor, and slammed straight into its side.

Bai Shi took out a Poké Ball, ready to catch Drapion.

But Drapion saw the danger and escaped with Dig.

By the time Bai Shi reacted, it was nowhere to be seen.

"Damn it! It got away!"

Watching his sure catch slip through his fingers, Bai Shi couldn't help cursing.

If he'd known this would happen, he would have ganged up on Drapion and beaten it into submission first.

Instead, he'd fought it one-on-one like an honest fool.

"You couldn't even catch it? How useless."

While Bai Shi was still brooding, an unwelcome voice sounded behind him.

He turned and found that the person mocking him was Paul, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

"In terms of balance, a three-on-three battle is the best test of a Pokémon Trainer's overall ability!"

"So, how about a battle?"

Paul walked over and issued his challenge.

Ever since their ugly draw at the Double Battle Tournament, he'd wanted to battle Bai Shi again.

Now he finally had his chance.

Unlike at the Double Battle Tournament, he had come prepared.

He'd obtained a Pokémon from Reggie specifically to counter Bai Shi's style.

"Three-on-three? Bring it on!"

Bai Shi agreed without a second thought.

With both of