On the opposing side, the battle between Nidoking and Altaria became the focal point.
Nidoking's Thunderbolt struck Altaria directly, inflicting damage and enraging the majestic sky Pokémon. As one of the dominant forces in the skies, Altaria was unaccustomed to being challenged so boldly.
Fluttering high above, its movements took on a rhythmic, flowing cadence—Dragon Dance.
In its furious state, Altaria's combat prowess surged beyond normal limits.
Meanwhile, Nidoking, lacking a Trainer's guidance, revealed its disadvantage. Without prior experience battling a Pokémon like Altaria, it struggled to predict the opponent's moves or formulate an effective counterstrategy.
It resorted to another Thunderbolt—its only reliable move against Flying-types—but the Dragon Dance-enhanced Altaria easily evaded.
Hovering at the peak of the hall, Altaria gazed down at Nidoking with cold, emotionless eyes.
A predator. A killer.
Nidoking instinctively tensed, sensing the overwhelming pressure radiating from the stronger Pokémon.
Altaria did not disappoint. With a piercing cry, it descended upon Nidoking in a blazing blue streak—Dragon Rush.
Transformed into the spectral visage of an ancient dragon, Altaria collided with Nidoking in a devastating upward strike.
The blue draconic silhouette filled Nidoking's vision—
BOOM!
No third move was necessary. Nidoking collapsed, unable to battle.
Meanwhile, Slowking had locked Charizard into a brutal struggle. Following Aoki's command, it wrestled the flame-wreathed beast to the ground, pummeling it relentlessly.
This Charizard was not weak by any means.
Pokémon: Charizard (Dark Green)
Gender: Male
Level: 47
Type: Fire / Flying
Ability: Blaze
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Ancient Power, Crunch, Metal Claw
Basic Moves: Wing Attack, Flame Charge, Heat Wave, Dragon Claw, Shadow Claw, Air Slash, Scratch, Growl, Ember, Smokescreen, Dragon Rage, Scary Face, Fire Fang, Flame Burst, Slash, Flamethrower
Learnt Moves: Fire Pledge, Snore, Defog, Heat Wave, Fire Punch
TM Moves: Seismic Toss, Tailwind, Iron Tail, Dragon Tail
Truthfully, this Charizard's strength stemmed solely from its level. Its training under Drake was mediocre at best—likely a result of its origins.
Drake had probably obtained it as a Charmander not from Team Rocket's high-quality stock but through lesser means—perhaps from a Pokémon hunter or a shady guild. Its potential was average, its draconic lineage diluted.
It knew few Dragon-type moves, relying instead on its Fire-type arsenal.
But against Slowking, a Pokémon naturally resistant to fire, it stood no chance.
The difference in Trainers was equally stark.
Aoki couldn't fathom why Drake favored brute-force tactics over strategy. There was no rhythm, no adaptability—just relentless, thoughtless aggression.
Why would Regis ally with someone like this?
In truth, Regis had chosen Drake precisely because of his impulsiveness—easier to manipulate. But even he hadn't anticipated such incompetence.
Aoki admired Charizard as a species—powerful, majestic, and capable of Mega Evolution.
Mega Charizard X became Fire/Dragon, with balanced boosts to Attack, Defense, and Special Attack. The typing also eliminated its crippling Rock weakness.
Mega Charizard Y remained Fire/Flying but transformed into a Special Attack behemoth with heightened Special Defense.
But Drake's Charizard was leagues away from such potential.
Now, it writhed under Slowking's Psychic grip, battered by successive Water-type attacks.
Helpless. Defeated.
"Slowking, finish it," Aoki commanded coldly.
The Pokémon's cheeks bulged—a technique refined through training. By compressing water energy and accelerating it with Psychic power, the resulting Hydro Pump struck with double force.
FOOM!
The high-pressure blast smashed into Charizard's face, extinguishing its tail flame entirely.
With this victory, Slowking leveled up to 45—its growth accelerated by prior battles.
This Charizard held no value for Aoki.
He turned to Drake, who stood frozen in disbelief.
This is a Dragon specialist? Pathetic. You disgrace the title.
Before Drake could retort, Honchkrow struck him down.
Aoki had initially feared this "Dragon Trainer," but the battle exposed Drake's staggering ineptitude. His recklessness resembled a certain hotheaded Trainer from Kanto—but without that Trainer's uncanny luck, it had only led to his demise.
Aoki confiscated Drake's Pokéballs, particularly the one containing Flygon, and his storage belt—likely containing valuable resources.
The other Pokémon were poorly trained despite decent levels and potential. Unsellable in Kanto or Johto for now, they'd be distributed to subordinates or discreetly auctioned in Hoenn later.
After all, even mediocre "Dragons" fetched high prices among the ignorant wealthy.
As Aoki finished with Drake, Gengar returned silently.