Chapter 294: Flying Gym Battle (3)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Fortree City – Gym]
As the battle between Winona and Azure intensified, his partners took a mini-break as they returned, scavenging Azure's Backpack. Pikachu, as if on cue, scampered towards a small, padded bench on the sidelines, Eevee playfully nudging him along.
To Azure's mild exasperation, a moment later, two substantial buckets of popcorn, complete with miniature bottles of mustard and ketchup, materialized beside them. They instantly began munching, their little paws expertly dipping kernels into the condiments as they enjoyed the show.
*Munch*
Finally taking notice, Azure sighed, a fond, exasperated sound. He muttered, earning an amused chuckle from Winona, "Always prepared, aren't they?"
She mused as she playfully said, eyeing his Pikachu and Eevee, "A trainer's spirit is often reflected in their Pokémon. Such enthusiasm is infectious."
She then took a deep breath, her expression shifting to one of fierce focus as her arm swept forward with a flourish, declaring, "Very well. Let the battle commence! Go, Swellow!"
*Pop*
From the crimson beam of light emerged a magnificent Pokémon. It was larger than an average Swellow, its blue plumage a minty green color, contrasted by its vibrant red belly and prominent crest. This was a Shiny Swellow, a true jewel of the sky.
*Fwp*
As it soared into the arena, a vivid red orb, the [Flame Orb], shimmered around its neck. The moment it materialized, its body glowed faintly, a surge of power coursing through it, activating its Guts ability.
Azure watched, impressed by Winona's choice. This wasn't merely a fast Flying-type; it was a potent physical attacker, its speed coupled with a boosted offensive stat.
He considered his options carefully, analyzing the situation critically, thinking, 'Flying-types are vulnerable to Electric and Ice, but Swellow's Guts made it a dangerous opponent for anything fragile… I needed something tough, something that could withstand a few hits and retaliate powerfully.'
His gaze fell to a specific Poké Ball. Azure called, sending out his chosen partner, "Alright, Shelgon, it's your turn!"
*Pop*
A reptilian Pokémon, armored in a thick, bone-like shell, materialized on the arena floor. Its small, piercing eyes immediately locked onto the soaring Swellow. Around its neck, a glimmering scale, a [Dragon Fang], pulsed with a subtle draconic energy.
Shelgon's Dragon-typing offered it neutral resistance to Flying-type attacks, should Swellow carry one, and more importantly, its immense defense would be key against a boosted physical attacker.
Azure thought cautiously, eyeing the flying Shiny Pokémon in the air, 'Not only that, but it saves me from using Milotic in battle. Metagross already took the hit, and now I need to keep one healthy Pokémon left against her final one.'
Azure commanded, starting on the offensive, "Agile Style Dragon Pulse!"
*PEW*
Shelgon roared, gathering iridescent energy in its mouth before unleashing a shimmering beam. Swellow, however, was already a blur.
*Zooom*
It dipped and weaved, an aerial acrobat, dodging the Dragon Pulse with an almost casual grace. Winona countered, her voice sharp, "Quick Attack, Swellow!"
*THUD*
Swellow vanished, only to reappear instantly, striking Shelgon's armored shell with a jarring impact. The heavy thud echoed through the arena, but Shelgon remained rooted, barely flinching from the impact.
While the Guts-boosted attack was powerful, Shelgon's natural defenses were immense, tanking the hits. Azure pressed, "Dragon Claw!"
He knew that if he could just land a hit, the [Dragon Fang] would amplify Shelgon's power considerably. Shelgon lunged, its foreclaws glowing with draconic energy, but Swellow was too fast, too ethereal in the air...
*Wooosh*
It ascended rapidly, mocking Shelgon's ground-based attacks. The battle quickly devolved into a frustrating game of cat and mouse.
Swellow would dart in, land a Quick Attack or Wing Attack, and then retreat before Shelgon could retaliate. Winona grinned as she ordered, "Agility, Swellow, then Aerial Ace!"
Winona's strategy was clear: maintain air superiority, chip away at Shelgon's health, and avoid damage. Swellow's speed doubled, a silver streak against the blue sky, making it even harder to track.
*Fwp*
It zipped around Shelgon, striking from multiple angles with Aerial Ace, each hit precise and unavoidable due to the move's properties. Shelgon endured, its heavy breathing the only sign of the effort it was exerting, its shell vibrating with each impact.
Azure's brow furrowed at the situation as he thought bitterly, making a frustrated expression, 'This can't continue. Swellow too fast, too elusive in the open air. I need to restrict its movements, bring it down to Shelgon's level. But the question is how can I take it down to earth…'
A daring, high-risk maneuver came to mind. His eyes widened as he slyly grinned, gazing at the flying Swellow in the air, muttering, "I just got a bolt of brilliance…"
His eyes focused, gazing at the flying Swellow. Azure declared, his voice cutting through the wind, "Shelgon, prepare for a big one! Strong Style Draco Meteor!"
Winona's eyes widened slightly. Draco Meteor was a devastating Dragon-type attack, but it came with a significant drawback—it sharply lowered the user's special attack. However, its sheer area of effect was what Azure was banking on.
Shelgon roared, a deep, guttural sound that shook the very air. Its body pulsed with immense dragon energy, gathering it into a furious, swirling mass above its head…
*SHIII*
Shelgon unleashed a volley of glowing, star-like projectiles into the sky. The meteors rained down, not in a single concentrated blast, but spreading across a wide radius of the arena, creating an aerial minefield.
Swellow, caught between the falling celestial bodies, had no choice but to adjust its flight path. It expertly dodged the closest meteors, but the sheer density of the attack forced it to descend closer to the ground. The dazzling shower illuminated the arena, painting streaks of light across Winona's concerned face.
Azure's voice rang with renewed urgency, grinning eagerly, "Now, Shelgon! Don't let it get back up! Follow up with Zen Headbutt!"
*Shiii*
Before Swellow could regain its altitude to fly, Shelgon charged, its armored head glowing faintly with psychic energy as it slammed into the descending Flying-type. The collision sent a jolt through Swellow, jarring it further and finally knocking it down onto the wooden floor, dazed but not out.
Winona's eyes flashed with renewed determination. She cried, urging her partner, "Swellow, Aerial Ace, quick! Get back into the air!"
Swellow struggled, its wings beating furiously against the ground, trying to find purchase, to escape Shelgon's reach. But Azure was already one step ahead.
His hand went to his wrist, a determined glint in his eyes. He donned his Z-Power Ring, a sleek, powerful device. With practiced ease, he slotted the [Dragonium-Z] crystal into its center…
*Shii*
The Z-Crystal flared, pulsating with raw draconic energy. Azure declared, his voice resonating with power, "This is it, Winona! Shelgon, let's show them the true power of Dragons!"
He struck a pose, his arm raised, infusing the Z-Ring with his own energy, Z-Energy, a brilliant aura enveloping him as he declared excitedly, "Unleash your full might! Z-Move!Devastating Drake!"
*SHIII*
Shelgon mirrored his trainer, its shell glowing with an intense, emerald light. The Dragonium-Z on Azure's wrist pulsed, sending a surge of primal energy directly into Shelgon…
*PEW*
The armored Pokémon roared, a concentrated sphere of pure dragon power forming before it, growing rapidly into a swirling vortex of destructive force. It was no longer just a Draco Meteor; it was a singular, cataclysmic blast.
*RMBL*
The air itself seemed to shudder as the Devastating Drake erupted from Shelgon. It was a dragon made of raw energy, a colossal phantom dragon that slammed into Swellow with unimaginable force.
The impact wasn't just physical; it was an assault on Swellow's very being, a concussive shockwave that carved a small crater in the wooden floor where the Flying-type lay. A blinding explosion of light momentarily engulfed the arena, forcing Winona to shield her eyes...
*BOOOM*
When the light faded, Swellow lay motionless for a breath, its form barely visible amidst the lingering smoke and shattered wood. It was down, truly down, struggling to even twitch a wing, recoiling from the attack.
Winona watched, her expression a mix of awe and grim concern. She knew Swellow wasn't out, but it was severely weakened, unable to take flight.
But she wasn't the only one to see this. Azure barked, seizing the critical window, "Thunder Fang, Shelgon! Don't let it recover!"
*Wooosh*
Shelgon charged before Swellow could even consider another desperate attempt to rise. Its jaws snapped open, crackling with raw electricity, and it clamped down on Swellow's body with a CRUNCH sound…
*CRUNCH*
*ZAP*
… The jolt of electricity surged through the Flying-type, paralyzing it, pinning it to the ground. Swellow cried out, a weak, pained chirp. It was trapped, unable to move, unable to escape, pinning it down.
Winona watched, her face contorted in a silent plea for her partner. Her voice was strained, "Swellow! One last effort! Focus… Hyper Beam!"
*Shiii*
Despite being held down and severely injured, Swellow gathered every ounce of its remaining strength, a desperate, defiant act. Its beak glowed with an ominous, purple energy, focusing into a single, devastating point…
*PEW*
… With its last gasp, it unleashed a colossal Hyper Beam directly into Shelgon's face, a point-blank blast of pure destructive power. The impact was thunderous, an explosive crack that reverberated through the arena…
*BOOOM*
Shelgon roared in pain, its armored shell glowing from the sheer energy of the attack, but it did not let go. It stood there, enduring the full force of the Hyper Beam, its muscles straining, holding Swellow captive in its electrified grip until the purple blast finally dissipated.
*Thud*
Then, with a final, shuddering gasp, Swellow, its body trembling, finally went limp. The [Flame Orb] fell from its feet, dull and inert.
Its eyes closed, and it lay utterly defeated. The arena fell silent. The wind seemed to hold its breath.
Winona slowly approached her fallen partner, her expression one of profound sadness and respect. She returned Swellow as she said proudly, "You fought valiantly, my dear Swellow. Take a good rest."
Then she looked up at Azure, a small, genuine smile gracing her lips as she said calmly, "A magnificent battle. Truly magnificent. Your Shelgon's resilience is as impressive as its power. And your tactical choices, from the Draco Meteor to the Devastating Drake, were impeccable."
Azure let out a slow breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He replied proudly, "You were incredible, Shelgon. Absolutely incredible."
Shelgon blushed, hearing his praise. Pikachu and Eevee, who had dropped their popcorn in stunned silence during the Z-Move, now erupted in a joyous chorus of cheers, ecstatic at their friend's victory.
She then looked at Azure, a serious expression settling on her features. "That was an incredibly well-executed strategy, Azure. But the battle is far from over."
From the sidelines, Pikachu and Eevee cheered, scattering popcorn in their excitement. Pikachu even attempted a tiny lightning bolt arc in celebration, which Eevee quickly batted away with a playful growl, reminding him to be careful indoors.
Azure merely smiled, already refocusing on the next challenge. He responded calmly, readying himself, "Indeed it is."
Shelgon, despite its victory, was clearly battered, scorched by taking a direct Hyper Beam. It had done its job admirably, but its energy reserves were dangerously low.
Winona's gaze sharpened, her voice taking on a new resonance as she hurled her last choice, "Then prepare yourself, Azure. For this is my true partner, my steadfast companion, my ace in the sky! Altaria, to me!"
*Pop*
From her next Poké Ball, a creature of breathtaking elegance emerged. Altaria, the Humming Pokémon, a graceful bird-like Dragon with wings like fluffy clouds, let out a melodious cry that echoed through the Gym, "Screee!"
Its serene blue plumage shimmered in the light. Attached to its leg, unmistakable, was a gleaming, multifaceted stone: the [Altarianite].
Azure's eyes narrowed. He knew what that meant.
He knew the power Winona was about to unleash. Winona declared, her eyes burning with intensity, "You have shown remarkable strength. But now, you will face the true strength of Fortree's sky! Beyond evolution, a bond that transcends! Mega Evolve!"
*SHIII*
The [Altarianite] on Altaria's leg pulsed with brilliant light. Winona touched the Key Stone embedded in her bracelet, establishing the unbreakable link. A torrent of energy surged from the Key Stone to the [Altarianite], engulfing Altaria in a dazzling pillar of light.
The melodic cry transformed into a resonant chorus as its form began to shift. The cloud-like wings expanded, becoming even more voluminous and ethereal, its form growing slightly more majestic. Its blue color deepened, its gentle features becoming more defined, radiating an aura of grace and power.
When the light faded, Mega Altaria stood revealed. Its new form was breathtaking, a vision of fluffy, pure white clouds with hints of radiant gold, its gaze now holding an undeniable intensity. It was no longer just a Dragon/Flying type; with Mega Evolution, its typing had shifted to Dragon/Fairy, a powerful combination that made it incredibly resistant to several types, and devastatingly effective against others with its new ability, Pixilate.
Shelgon, still recovering from the Hyper Beam, braced itself, a low growl rumbling in its throat. Azure knew its fate was sealed.
Winona commanded, her voice filled with pride, "Mega Altaria, Moonblast!"
*Shiii*
Mega Altaria let out a beautiful, yet powerful, cry. It gathered pure fairy energy, forming a luminous, swirling orb of celestial power. The Moonblast, imbued with the raw strength of its new typing, launched directly at Shelgon.
Shelgon roared, attempting to put up a final defense, but its reserves were depleted as it stared at the looming ball of Fairy-type energy. The super-effective Fairy-type attack slammed into the Dragon-type with overwhelming force...
*BOOOM*
The energy blast consumed Shelgon, lifting it off its feet before sending it crashing back onto the platform with a sickening thud. When the dust settled, Shelgon lay still, unconscious. Its armored body, though resilient, had finally been pushed beyond its limits.
Azure quickly recalled Shelgon, a gentle smile on his face as he said proudly, "You fought incredibly well, Shelgon. You grounded Swellow and took a beating and a Hyper Beam like a true Dragon. Rest now."
He looked up at Winona, a thoughtful glint in his eyes. Her Mega Altaria was a formidable force, a true ace. The tide of the battle had decisively turned.
Taking a deep breath and exhaling, he said calmly, his voice calm and steady, "Alright, Winona… Then I choose you, Milotic!"
*Pop*
He released his chosen partner. A cascade of shimmering scales and graceful curves unfurled from the Poké Ball's light. Milotic, a vision of aquatic beauty, coiled majestically on the platform, its long, flowing fins trailing behind it like silk.
It held a subtle, pulsating [Flame Orb] which immediately activated its ability, Marvel Scale. A faint, ethereal glow enveloped Milotic, a visible surge of defensive power washing over it. It's already remarkably resilient; now it seems impenetrable.
Pikachu and Eevee cheered from their perch, their small voices adding an energetic background hum to the unfolding scene. But as Winona's eyes fell upon the magnificent Milotic, the gentle smile faded from her lips.
Her eyes, which moments before held polite anticipation, narrowed almost imperceptibly. The initial warmth gave way to a cold, hard glint – almost hate.
Her jaw tightened, a muscle twitching in her cheek. It was a visceral reaction, one that shocked even herself as she thought bitterly, 'Milotic.'
The name, the image, the sheer elegance of the Pokémon, ripped through the carefully constructed walls around her memories, pulling her back by a single name as she thought, 'Wallace…'
The name was a bitter taste on her tongue, a ghost of a past that she had worked so hard to bury beneath layers of professionalism and self-reliance. She remembered the way Wallace's Milotic had coiled, just like this one, its scales catching the light, always at his side.
It was his ace, his pride, a reflection of his own flamboyant grace. Seeing Azure's Milotic caused her repressed memories to resurface as a flashback…
/////
[Flashback, Hoenn Region, Sootopolis City]
Their story had been a whirlwind, as dramatic and captivating as a Pokémon Contest Grand Festival. Wallace, the rising star, a prodigy from Sootopolis City, with his dazzling Pokémon and even more dazzling personality.
And Winona, the aspiring Flying-type Ace Trainer Specialist, fiercely independent, carving her own path in the shadow of Fortree's ancient trees. They had met, fallen in love amidst the vibrant spectacle of Hoenn's League, their shared passion for Pokémon a powerful magnet.
The peak of their romance had coincided with Wallace's ascent to the Pokémon League Champion title. He had conquered the Elite Four, bested the reigning Champion, and stood at the pinnacle.
But then, the unexpected had happened. Wallace, true to his unconventional spirit, had turned down the coveted position.
He had chosen instead to return to Sootopolis City, to take over the prestigious Sootopolis Gym from his master, Juan. Winona remembered the conversation vividly.
They had been sitting by the Sootopolis waterfall, the spray cooling their faces, his arm around her. Wallace had said, his voice soft, yet resonating with conviction, "Winona. I can't be a Champion. Not yet. My heart, my true path, lies in upholding the tradition of the Sootopolis Gym, in honoring Juan's legacy."
He had squeezed her hand, his gaze intense as he confessed honestly, "And… to be closer to you. To build a life here, together."
Her heart had faltered then, not with joy, but with a sudden, chilling dread as she thought, 'Closer to you…'
The words, meant as a declaration of love, had rung in her ears like a death knell for her own burgeoning identity. Wallace, the League Champion, now the Sootopolis Gym Leader, was a force of nature, an undeniable presence.
His strength, his charisma, his sheer talent… it was all so consuming. She had spent her life striving for mastery, for independence, for her own aerial domain…
She wanted to prove she was capable, she was strong, she could command the skies. How could she do that with a man who eclipsed her in every way, a man who consistently shone brighter, constantly by her side?
The idea of being shadowed, always the supporting act to his grand performance, had felt stifling. His love, once a warm embrace, had begun to feel like a cage.
She needed space, air, the freedom to soar on her own wings without the fear of being outshone or, worse, feeling reliant. She had begun, her voice trembling slightly, "Wallace, I… I can't. I can't be with you."
His immediate hurt had been palpable, a shadow falling over his usually bright eyes as he asked, hurt, "Winona? What are you talking about?"
She had swept her hand vaguely around them, encompassing their shared future as she stated fiercely, "This… It's too much. You're too much. Your strength, your fame, your… constant presence. I need to find my own way. I need to be Winona, not just Wallace's girlfriend. I feel smothered."
The words had tumbled out, raw and painful, tearing through the fabric of their romance. The argument that followed had been a maelstrom of misunderstanding and heartbreak, culminating in her breaking off their relationship.
She had returned to Fortree, thrown herself into her training, into her Gym, determined to prove to herself – and perhaps to him – that she could stand alone, unwavering. She stood reflecting, wiping the tears away with fierce determination…
/////
[Present, Hoenn Region, Fortree City – Gym]
And now, here it was as she regained herself, focusing on the present. Azure Sky's Milotic on the battlefield.
A mirror, a living, breathing echo of Wallace, right here in her Gym. It was an affront, a challenge not just to her Gym Leader status, but to the very independence she had fought so hard to secure.
The rational part of her mind, the professional Gym Leader, knew it was unfair to project her past onto an innocent Pokémon and its Trainer. But the emotional part, the wounded, proud woman, screamed for immediate vindication.
She needed to eradicate this painful reminder. She needed to win, decisively, violently almost. With a sudden, sharp intake of breath, her eyes, still locked on Milotic, blazed with a fierce, almost desperate resolve.
Winona commanded, her voice devoid of its earlier politeness, replaced by a steely edge, "Let's end this, Altaria! Dragon Pulse!"
There was no finesse in her tone, only a raw desire for victory, for obliteration. Mega Altaria responded instantly, a swirling vortex of draconic energy gathering in its mouth, then erupting in a powerful beam aimed straight for Milotic.
*PEW*
Azure, despite not understanding the underlying emotional turmoil that had gripped Winona, sensed the sudden, dramatic shift in her demeanor. Her eyes, her tone, the sheer ferocity of Mega Altaria's attack – this was no ordinary Gym battle anymore.
This was personal, intense. He felt a surge of respect for Milotic, knowing it would be facing a formidable opponent.
But he recognized the sensation as he mentally scowled, 'Oh hell no! I'm in a Clair situation! AGAIN?!'
Regaining his frustration, he focused on the battle. Azure commanded, his own voice tightening with focus, "Milotic, Hydro Pump! Counter with full power!"
*SPLASH*
Milotic, unaffected by Winona's sudden shift in intensity, unleashed a torrent of high-pressure water from its mouth. The two attacks collided mid-air, a spectacular explosion of water and draconic energy that rippled through the very air of the gym.
*BOOOM*
Steam billowed, temporarily obscuring the two Pokémon. As it cleared, Milotic stood firm, barely scathed.
The Marvel Scale ability, boosted by the activated [Flame Orb], was working wonders, shrugging off the potent Dragon Pulse with surprising ease. Winona snarled, a sound barely audible as she thought, 'This Milotic was just as resilient as his…'
Winona gave her command in a cold voice, pointing her finger forward, "Altaria! Agility! Follow with Moonblast!"
*Zooom*
Mega Altaria vanished in a blur of white, its incredible speed allowing it to close the distance in an instant. Altaria is already charging its next attack, a soft, ethereal pink orb of fairy energy forming between its jaws…
*PEW*
It fired, a concentrated blast of pure fairy power. But Azure shouted, a tactical gleam in his eyes, "Milotic, Mirror Coat!"
*Shiii*
Milotic's scales shimmered, absorbing the fairy energy, not deflecting it. For a heart-stopping moment, it seemed to take the full force, but then, with a majestic roar, Milotic reflected the attack, amplified and imbued with its own power.
*SHIII*
A blinding ray of light, distorted and strengthened, shot back at Mega Altaria. The Fairy/Dragon Pokémon was caught completely off guard.
*BOOOM*
The reflected Moonblast slammed into it with devastating force, knocking it out of the sky. Mega Altaria cried out in pain, tumbling awkwardly before struggling to regain its balance, its elegant form momentarily disheveled.
The intensity in Winona's eyes deepened, bordering on desperation as she thought, 'This Milotic is truly a menace, a ghost from my past that refused to be laid to rest.'
Winona screamed, her commands now sharp, almost frantic, "Altaria! Use Aerial Ace!"
*Fwp*
Altaria, though bruised, was a valiant warrior. It shook its head, letting out a determined cry, then shot into the sky, becoming a silver blur. Aerial Ace, a move that never misses, was unleashed with full ferocity.
*SMACK*
*SMACH*
It struck Milotic multiple times, a flurry of precise, powerful blows that rocked the Water-type. Milotic hissed, its defensive aura momentarily flickering, but still, it stood, "Milooo!! (Is that all you got!)"
Azure watched, calm amidst the storm. He saw Winona's heightened emotion, perhaps sensing a deeper current at play, but his focus remained solely on the battle.
Milotic was taking heavy hits, but its defenses, combined with its natural bulk, were holding as he thought, 'Her temper tantrum is over. It was time to push back.'
Azure called calmly, "Milotic, Recover!"
*Shii*
A gentle, restorative light enveloped Milotic's body, drawing on its innate healing abilities. Its wounds began to mend, its energy replenished.
Winona gasped, her eyes widening in frustration as she whispered to herself, "This Pokémon is relentless, refusing to fall, just like his."
She grits her teeth as she commands, "Dragon Breath, Altaria! Don't let up!"
*PEW*
A wave of concentrated draconic energy, imbued with a chance to paralyze, cascaded from Altaria. Milotic braced itself, taking the hit, but the paralysis did not take hold. Its resolve was unyielding.
Azure knew he couldn't prolong this. Winona's intensity, bordering on recklessness, meant the battle was burning hot. He needed a decisive strike.
Milotic, though strong, couldn't absorb indefinite punishment. He said calmly, his voice ringing with absolute certainty, "Milotic! Now! Let's end this! Strong Style Blizzard!"
*Wooosh*
A chill immediately swept through the arboreal gym, a stark contrast to the humid Hoenn air. Milotic's cry echoed, a powerful, guttural sound, "Miloooo!!!"
*WOOOSH*
The air around it began to condense, tiny ice crystals forming and swirling with incredible speed. With a final, majestic roar, Milotic unleashed a furious storm of ice and wind. A blinding white tempest erupted from its mouth, engulfing Mega Altaria.
*BOOOOM*
The force of the Blizzard was immense, a cacophony of howling wind and shattering ice. Mega Altaria, caught in the eye of the storm, cried out one last time, a mournful wail swallowed by the biting cold before it was overwhelmed.
The tempest raged for a few more agonizing seconds, then slowly dissipated, leaving behind a thick mist and the silent, unmoving form of Mega Altaria, reverted to its original form, lying still on the battle platform.
*Thud*
The silence that followed was deafening as Altaria's head fell. Even Pikachu and Eevee were momentarily quiet, awestruck by the power they had just witnessed.
Winona stared, her mouth slightly agape, her eyes wide and unseeing. The defeat was so absolute, so sudden, that it had effectively stunned her, snapping her out of the emotional maelstrom that had consumed her.
The fog of past pain and bitterness lifted, replaced by the stark, undeniable reality of the present. Her Altaria was down. She had lost.
A slow breath escaped her lips, a long, shaky sigh that seemed to release years of bottled-up emotion. She looked at Azure, then at his Milotic, no longer with hate, but with a complex mix of awe and reluctant respect.
The ghost of Wallace had been vanquished, not by her own hand, but by a Trainer whose skill was undeniable. She had allowed her personal history to dictate her strategy, and it had cost her dearly.
She walked slowly towards Altaria, kneeling beside her fallen partner, gently stroking its head. She murmured softly, a flicker of her usual tenderness returning, "You fought bravely, my darling…"
She returned Altaria to its Poké Ball. Then, she rose, facing Azure, her posture once again regal, though tinged with a newfound humility.
She said softly, her voice softer now, tinged with a weariness she couldn't hide, "Azure… Your skill is truly exceptional. And your Milotic… is magnificent. It reminds me that even the most beautiful things can hold immense power."
She paused, a faint, wry smile touching her lips, recalling something. Taking a deep breath, she continued, "And that one must never underestimate the resilience of a trained Pokémon, nor the resolve of its Trainer."
She pulled out a small, ornate case, opening it to reveal a shining, silver badge shaped like a feather. She handed it, a generous sum of prize money, and TM, as she continued, "For your victory, I present you with the Feather Badge, a symbol of your mastery of aerial combat. May it lift your spirits as you continue your journey. And this TM contains Aerial Ace. You certainly earned it."
Azure took the badge, his fingers brushing against hers along with the TM. He smiled as he used [Observe] to check them.
[Item: Feather Badge
Rarity Item: A+
Type: Key Item
Description: A Gym Badge, commonly referred to as simply a badge, is an item that serves as proof of a Pokémon Trainer's victory in a battle against a Gym Leader at a Pokémon Gym. With this badge, Flying-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and controlling Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]
[Item: TM Aerial Ace
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Aerial Ace].]
He offered her a genuine, respectful smile as he replied respectfully, "Thank you, Winona. That was an incredible battle."
He might not have fully grasped the depth of her emotional struggle, but he sensed the profound shift in her, the battle having purged something within her. As soon as he clipped the Feather Badge to his badge case, Pikachu and Eevee raced down from their perch, chattering excitedly.
They leapt onto Azure, then nudged Milotic with playful barks and squeaks, congratulating their teammate. Milotic, serene as ever, nuzzled them gently as he praised her, "Good work, girl. Excellent job."
Milotic purred happily, wagging its tail, "Milooo~ (Of course!)"
Winona watched the interaction, a genuine, unforced smile finally gracing her features. She had been defeated, yes, but perhaps, just perhaps, she had also been set free. Azure returned Milotic to its Poké Ball, then knelt to scratch Pikachu and Eevee behind the ears as he said happily, "Well done, you two, cheering the team. And well done, Milotic. You were incredible."
He stood, looking back at Winona as he said calmly with a grin, "Thank you again, Winona. It was truly an honor."
She nodded, a quiet strength returning to her gaze as she replied kindly, "The honor was mine. May your journey through Hoenn be as enlightening as it is challenging."
With the Feather Badge secured and a newfound understanding of the complexities hidden beneath the surface of even the calmest Gym Leaders, Azure Sky exited the Fortree City Gym. The canopy above seemed to shimmer brighter, the rustling leaves now a gentle applause.
Grinning, he checked his Arc Phone as he grinned knowingly as he muttered, "I suppose it should be time for Ruby's moment. I did promise him to try out those Pokémon Contest times. I will fulfill that promise. Good thing Gardevoir placed a Psychic Marker on him to teleport nearby."
With a new goal and destination ahead, Azure was prepared to visit Ruby. And not only that, but also prepare to face off against Team Magma Admin Courtney, using his meta knowledge to his advantage.
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!