The stadium thundered with excitement.
Thousands of spectators filled the seats.
This wasn't just a League battle.
This was a rematch between two trainers whose paths had first crossed during the Flying Championship.
On one side stood
Elior.
On the other stood
Aero.
The referee raised his flags.
"This is a three-on-three battle!Substitutions are permitted!"
"Begin!"
The crowd erupted.
Aero moved first.
"Let's fly, Stormwing!"
Stormwing appeared.
The audience cheered loudly.
Elior immediately responded.
"Skyrend! I choose you!"
Skyrend soared into the air.
Neither simply exchanged attacks. Stormwing used speed. Skyrend used agility.
"Air Slash."
"Wing Attack."
"Aerial Ace."
The battle filled the sky.
Stormwing suddenly climbed higher. Much higher. The sunlight blinded Skyrend for a split second. That was all Aero needed.
"Thunder Dive!"
Stormwing descended like a lightning bolt.
A Direct hit.
Skyrend crashed into the battlefield.
"Get up, Skyrend!"
Skyrend struggled. Then stood.The crowd cheered.
Both Pokémon charged forward.
"Aerial Ace!"
"Sky Cutter!"
BOOOOOOM!
The collision shook the arena.When the smoke cleared—Both Pokémon collapsed.
"Skyrend and Stormwing are unable to battle!"
The score was tied.
2 Pokémon remaining on each side.
Aero smiled.
"Not bad."
Then he threw another Poké Ball.
Clifftalon appeared.
A powerful Flying-type adapted for mountain combat.
"Mystveil, let's go!"
Mystveil entered the battlefield.
Unlike the previous round—This became a tactical contest.Mystveil used Psychic to control the battlefield.Clifftalon used the arena terrain to create obstacles.Neither trainer gained a clear advantage.
Clifftalon launched several Rock Blasts.
Most missed.At first.Then the scattered rocks began surrounding Mystveil.
"Now! Stone Hurricane!"
The rocks spun together.Mystveil was trapped.A direct hit followed.
Mystveil fought bravely.But eventually collapsed.
"Mystveil is unable to battle!"
Aero now led the battle.
The crowd already knew who would come next.Elior held a familiar Poké Ball.
Then smiled.
"Partner! Your turn."
The Poké Ball opened.
Infernarx emerged.The stadium exploded with cheers.
Infernarx stared directly at Clifftalon. Across the field, Aero smiled. And reached for his final Poké Ball.
His strongest partner.His true ace.
The Poké Ball slowly enlarged in his hand.
And Aero said:
"Looks like it's finally time."
The crowd rose to their feet.
The deciding phase of the battle was about to begin.
TO BE CONTINUED...