The stadium had fallen into a tense silence. Dust from the previous clash still floated in the air, and all eyes were now on the battlefield where Garchomp, the monstrous dragon of the Chevalier clan, stood wounded but undefeated. Its deep purple aura shimmered with residual power, and its breathing was heavier than before—each exhale more labored than the last.
On the opposite side, Ray narrowed his eyes. His Dragonair, though still injured from the fight against Gyarados, slithered forward with quiet resolve. Despite the pain pulsing through its tail and body, Dragonair gave a sharp cry of defiance. It wasn't done yet.
Ray clenched his fist. "I know you're hurting, Dragonair. But just a bit more. Let's wear Garchomp down. Long-range attacks only—keep your distance!"
[SYSTEM SCAN – ACTIVE]Pokémon: DragonairLevel: 40Aptitude: Core PurpleStatus: Wounded – Tail Fracture
Aurora gave a calm command. "Garchomp, don't let it breathe. Close the distance."
The battlefield lit up once more.
Dragonair slithered away with grace, using the terrain to its advantage. From behind rocky outcrops and sudden aerial coils, it launched Dragon Pulse, Twister, and even Icy Wind, trying to keep Garchomp at bay. The crowd watched in awe as blue light beams arced across the arena, lighting up the walls and momentarily blinding the spectators.
Garchomp absorbed the damage, its thick scales scorched and battered, but it kept coming. Every time it was hit, it roared louder, its steps more aggressive, more deliberate.
"Garchomp!" Aurora barked. "Now!"
The dragon launched itself forward with terrifying speed, its claws flashing. Dragonair twisted in midair, trying to evade—but its wounded tail betrayed it. A moment too slow.
Garchomp caught Dragonair mid-flight, slamming it against the stone floor with an earth-shaking crash. The elegant dragon writhed once, then fell still.
Ray's heart clenched.
"Dragonair… return."
He whispered, "Everything rests on you now… my partner."
Ray threw the Poké Ball high into the air. A burst of white light erupted on the battlefield, and a sharp cry echoed through the arena.
"Pidgeottooo!"
The majestic bird appeared in a flash, wings fully extended, feathers pristine, eyes burning with determination. It soared once above the arena before landing gracefully, flaring its wings as if to show the entire world it had returned—stronger, faster, and ready.
The crowd roared.
Kira, watching from the infirmary screen, smiled. "Go show them what you're made of, Pidgeotto."
Ritchie, seated in the stands, leaned forward. "So that's the Pidgeotto that pushed past its limits…"
Ray opened his system.
[SYSTEM SCAN – ACTIVE]Pokémon: PidgeottoLevel: 44Aptitude: Deep BlueStatus: Fully RecoveredEmotion: Eager / Focused
Ray closed the interface and looked into Pidgeotto's sharp eyes. "This is your moment, partner. Let's fly higher than ever."
On the opposite side, Aurora narrowed her gaze. She said nothing, but Garchomp turned its massive head to look at her and gave a quiet growl. She nodded once. The dragon responded, stepping forward with heavy, confident steps.
The battle began.
Pidgeotto dashed into the air with an explosive gust, circling Garchomp with incredible speed. The crowd gasped at how fast the bird Pokémon moved—completely recovered from the injury it suffered before the tournament. It was almost hard to believe this was the same Pokémon that had once struggled to break through level 40.
"Don't let it breathe, Pidgeotto!" Ray commanded. "Keep the pressure up!"
Pidgeotto swooped low and then rose suddenly, using its momentum to unleash a flurry of wind-based attacks from above. Garchomp roared, shielding its face with its arms, eyes narrowing with frustration.
Aurora remained silent, calculating. She was observing both Ray and Pidgeotto, waiting for a mistake.
"Garchomp, cut the air!" she finally called.
In a flash, Garchomp leapt skyward with shocking agility for its size, its claws slashing through the air like blades. It barely missed Pidgeotto, grazing a few feathers—but the attack was close enough to rattle the bird's rhythm.
Ray's voice rang out. "Back up! Regain altitude!"
Pidgeotto soared higher, wings straining against the pressure, then looped downward and came in from behind. A powerful strike landed across Garchomp's back. The dragon stumbled, falling to one knee. The arena trembled.
Garchomp snarled and got back up. Its breathing had grown ragged. Aurora clenched her fist. "Don't fall yet. You're the pride of the Chevalier line."
Another exchange of blows erupted—Garchomp's speed met Pidgeotto's agility. On the surface, it seemed like a match of strength versus speed, but underneath, it was something far more emotional.
For Pidgeotto, this wasn't just a fight. This was redemption. This was rising above defeat, pain, and scars.
Ray felt it too.
"You're not just my Pokémon," Ray whispered. "You're my friend. Let's end this together."
As the battle continued, both Pokémon began to show signs of exhaustion. But Pidgeotto… he kept flying.
Even when his wings shook.
Even when Garchomp's eyes flared with fury.
Even when the odds seemed impossible.
Ray saw it: the moment where belief and determination met opportunity.
And with a final battle cry, Pidgeotto prepared to strike again.