"Aoki, you're really strong, so I'll leave it to you—Altaria!"
Naqi finally dispatched her trump card.
But this wasn't a Pokémon she had trained personally—this was the Altaria that once belonged to her father, a respected Gym Leader of the past generation. It was only due to her father's support that Naqi could rise to become a Gym Leader herself and maintain the family's legacy. This Altaria was entrusted to her temporarily as both a guardian and a safeguard—meant for moments of crisis.
Pokémon Name: Altaria
Strength: Quasi-Elite (Peak)
Qualification: Quasi-Elite
Aoki narrowed his eyes. This Altaria… something felt different. It wasn't just a boost in strength—the energy it emitted, the calm control it held—it didn't resemble the Altaria Naqi used during the practice match. Even the techniques it executed now seemed more refined.
"Hey… this isn't the same Altaria as before, is it?" Aoki questioned, eyebrow raised. "The one I fought earlier wasn't anywhere near this strong."
Naqi looked sheepish. A light blush stained her cheeks as she scratched her head, avoiding his gaze. "I… I just didn't want to embarrass myself and lose too badly," she admitted in a small voice. "I wanted to give it everything I had…"
"Altaria, use Moonblast! Now!"
Altaria shimmered with fairy energy, releasing a pale white orb of concentrated power that shot through the air like a comet. The move wasn't just elegant—it was deadly effective against Dragon-types.
"Flame! Counter with your strongest Flamethrower!"
The blazing red Charmeleon known as Flame let out a defiant cry, unleashing a roaring stream of fire. The attack surged forward, engulfing the entire arena in its intense heat.
Altaria accelerated. A white slipstream formed around her as she dove through the inferno, taking minor burns as she shot toward Charmeleon with explosive speed. Her body glowed slightly as she invoked Dragon Rush, slamming full force into Flame.
The impact was devastating.
Charmeleon was sent skidding across the stone floor, crashing into the side of the arena. He struggled to rise, his tail flame flickering faintly, but the referee's flag rose.
"Charmeleon is unable to battle! The winner is Altaria!"
"Storm Flying Dragon, it's your turn."
Aoki calmly returned Flame and sent out his trump card—a majestic crimson-colored Salamence, freshly evolved from Shelgon not long ago, brimming with rage and pride. The aura it emitted was ferocious, and the battlefield seemed to grow tense under its oppressive presence.
"We won't lose this time!" Naqi shouted. "Altaria, hit it with Dragon Pulse!"
The pulse came quick—a spiraling beam of purplish energy surged through the air.
"Salamence, dodge and use Dragon Claw!"
Salamence darted left, wings slicing the air, and in a flash appeared beside Altaria. Its claws glowed bright green with draconic energy and slashed downward.
"Altaria, counter with Dragon Claw too!"
Their claws collided—an audible clang echoed, followed by a shockwave. Both Pokémon reeled back, pain on their faces. They were evenly matched in raw level, but Salamence's base stats and fighting instinct gave him the edge.
Aoki called out, "Now! Dragon Pulse, point blank!"
Naqi responded instantly, "Altaria, don't fall behind—Dragon Pulse!"
The arena roared as the twin dragon pulses collided at near-zero distance.
BOOOOOM!
Both Pokémon were flung backwards by the explosive force of their clashing moves. Salamence twisted midair and stabilized using his wings. Altaria fluttered erratically but managed to regain balance a moment later.
They glared at each other, battle lust burning in their eyes.
"Altaria, Disarming Voice! Now!"
Altaria began to sing. It was a beautiful melody—melancholic and sweet—but the Fairy energy laced within tore into Salamence's Dragon typing. He let out a roar of pain as the voice reverberated through his body.
"Salamence, Dragon Rage!"
Through gritted teeth, Salamence charged a swirling blue flame in his mouth and fired. The attack struck true—Altaria gasped as the blast hit her chest, sending her spiraling backward.
Both Pokémon stood, breathing heavily, their bodies bruised and scorched.
Naqi's resolve surged. "Altaria! Perish Song! We'll end it together!"
A sorrowful tune echoed across the field. The countdown had begun—both Pokémon would faint in three turns unless someone ended it first.
Aoki didn't hesitate. "Salamence, trust in me! Use Outrage! Let's finish this!"
Salamence's eyes glowed crimson, and his body surged with pure dragon energy. His rage boiled over as he charged Altaria at blinding speed, leaving a twisting storm trail behind.
Naqi's eyes widened. "Dodge it—!"
Altaria tried to veer away, but Salamence was too fast. His massive frame crashed into her, sending her tumbling across the battlefield, feathers flying.
She tried to get up—but another command came.
"Encore! Outrage, again!"
Still in a frenzy, Salamence rushed forward once more. Altaria was only halfway up before the second impact came, smashing her into the ground again.
"Altaria, Dragon Pulse! Give it everything!"
Altaria, barely conscious, fired one last beam. It hit—but Salamence powered through, muscles trembling, eyes wild.
He charged one final time, connecting with Altaria in a devastating third Outrage.
Altaria didn't move.
"Altaria is unable to battle. The winner is Salamence—Aoki from Littleroot Town!"
The crowd erupted.
Naqi stared at the battlefield in stunned silence. Despite using her father's Altaria, despite putting everything on the line—she had still lost. Aoki's strength was real. His newly evolved Salamence had just gone head-to-head with a peak Quasi-Elite and won.
She clenched her fists, but her expression softened.
Of course he won… he's my man, after all.
Her heart beat faster as she realized something else—Aoki's Salamence had only just evolved recently, and yet its performance already rivaled top Gym Pokémon. If it continued at this pace… wouldn't Aoki sweep through the Ever Grande Conference with ease?
She didn't mind the loss anymore.
In fact, she felt a little proud.
If this is the man she was going to follow—if he was going to stand on the world stage—then she'd gladly lose today.
After all, it was to him.
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