The battlefield had become a storm of dust and energy.
Pidgeotto soared through the air with wings torn and body bruised, and yet—his eyes burned with fury and focus. Garchomp, panting and growling, still stood as a monstrous wall of steel-hard scales and raw power. Every movement from the dragon-type Pokémon now came with effort, its body carrying the toll of battling Charizard, Dragonair, and now this relentless bird.
Ray's voice cut through the whirlwind of battle.
"Let's go, partner! One more time—full speed!"
Pidgeotto let out a shriek, pulling power from deep within. It climbed higher, wings beating against the air with defiant strength, swirling dust and sparks with every flap.
Then—light.
It started as a shimmer around Pidgeotto's body.
Ray froze.
"No way…"
Feathers glowed gold. The air around him twisted as his body expanded and his wings extended, growing majestic and wide, powerful and sleek. In an explosion of radiant energy, the entire arena lit up—and the crowd exploded in cheers.
Where once flew a determined Pidgeotto…
Now soared a Pidgeot.
Ray's eyes filled with awe. A small panel opened on his system screen:
PidgeotLevel: 46 ↑Aptitude: Light Purple ↑
"Finally…" Ray whispered, a tear escaping down his cheek. "You did it."
Pidgeot beat its wings with thunderous force, sending a gust that forced even Garchomp to shield its eyes. Aurora's expression tightened. The elegant frost princess of the Chevalier Clan had never expected this bird to make it this far, let alone evolve into a true aerial monarch.
"Don't get cocky," Aurora muttered. "Garchomp—end this."
With a deep snarl, Garchomp lunged forward.
But Pidgeot was already in motion.
Their final clash began.
Pidgeot dove from above with a gleaming Aerial Ace, striking Garchomp square in the chest. The dragon reeled back, then answered with a Dragon Claw, catching Pidgeot's flank mid-turn. The bird twisted with the blow, spinning with aerodynamic grace and slamming a Steel Wing into Garchomp's jaw.
Roars. Gusts. Flashes of claw and feather. Each strike echoed like thunder through the stadium.
Ray and Aurora both gave their last commands.
"Brave Bird!""Outrage!"
Pidgeot's entire body ignited in a fierce aura of light blue and violet as it tucked its wings and launched like a missile toward the raging Garchomp, whose body crackled with primal draconic energy, its eyes glowing red.
They collided midair.
An explosion of dust, light, and wind rocked the battlefield.
The audience rose to their feet. The announcer was speechless. Even the referees froze for a moment.
The two Pokémon fell—hard.
Garchomp hit the dirt chest-first, sliding several meters before stopping.
Pidgeot slammed into the opposite end, wings spread, unmoving.
Silence.
Then the cameras zoomed in.
Multiple angles played in slow motion across the stadium's giant monitors.
From above. From the side. From the field.
Frame by frame.
In one corner, Garchomp's claws dug into the earth… half a second before Pidgeot's body made contact.
The red flag went up.
The judge raised his voice.
"Garchomp has fallen! Pidgeot wins the match! Ray of Pallet Town advances to the tournament final!"
The crowd erupted. Cheers and chants roared like a tidal wave. Flags flew, and confetti burst from the stands.
Ray dropped to his knees, overcome with emotion, his heart pounding like a drum. "You did it… you crazy bird…"
He stood, tears in his eyes, and sprinted across the field to his partner. Pidgeot opened one eye, weak but victorious.
Ray cradled his feathered head in his arms.
"You were incredible…"
Aurora, standing across the field, quietly recalled Garchomp with a solemn expression. For the first time, her usual icy calm cracked. She offered a respectful nod across the field toward Ray.
"You've earned it," she said, voice barely audible.
As Ray helped Pidgeot up and walked off the field, he caught sight of the VIP stands. Ritchie was standing there, eyes narrowed, fists clenched.
Ray didn't flinch.
He simply stared back with the fire of a champion in his heart.
Next stop: the final.
And nothing would stop him now.