Location: Violet City Gym
The Violet City Gym was unlike any Alex had seen before. It was a massive aviary, with large wooden platforms hanging high above the battlefield. Wind currents whipped through the air, making it clear that this gym was built for flying battles.
Falkner, the Flying-type Gym Leader, stood at the center of the arena, his blue hair flowing in the breeze. He adjusted his gloves and smirked.
"You must be Alex Ketchum. I've heard you're strong, but strength on the ground means nothing in the sky. Let's see how you handle the winds of battle!"
Alex grinned, stepping onto the raised platform. "I've handled fire, thunder, and even psychic battles. The sky won't be any different."
Daniel crossed his arms from the stands. "This is going to be a challenge. Air battles are tricky."
Cynthia nodded. "But Alex is adaptable. He'll figure something out."
---
The Battle Begins!
"A two-on-two battle!" The referee announced.
Falkner tossed his Poké Ball into the air. "Go, Staraptor!"
A massive Staraptor with scarred wings let out a battle cry as it swooped into position.
Alex smirked. "Let's go, Charizard!"
Charizard burst onto the battlefield, its wings flaring as it hovered in the air. "Charrrrr!"
Falkner's eyes narrowed. "You have a strong Flying-type, but let's see if you can handle true aerial combat! Staraptor, use Aerial Ace!"
Staraptor vanished in a blur, closing in on Charizard with lightning speed.
Alex reacted instantly. "Dodge and use Dragon Claw!"
Charizard rolled to the side, avoiding the strike, then slashed downward with glowing claws.
SLASH!
Staraptor was knocked back, but it recovered quickly, adjusting its wings.
Falkner smirked. "Not bad. But let's turn up the pressure. Staraptor, Tailwind!"
Staraptor flapped its wings powerfully, sending a surge of wind across the battlefield.
Daniel frowned. "That's bad. Tailwind increases speed… Staraptor will be even harder to hit now."
Alex remained calm. "Charizard, stay sharp. Use Flamethrower!"
A burst of flames shot toward Staraptor, but the speed boost from Tailwind allowed it to dodge with ease.
Falkner smirked. "Now, Close Combat!"
Staraptor rushed in, delivering a flurry of rapid strikes with its talons and wings.
Charizard roared in pain, struggling to stay airborne.
Cynthia leaned forward. "Charizard can't match Staraptor's agility in the air… but Alex must have a plan."
Alex's eyes narrowed. "I do. Charizard, grab Staraptor!"
As Staraptor went in for another attack, Charizard suddenly latched onto it, locking the two Pokémon together midair.
Falkner's eyes widened. "What?!"
Alex grinned. "Now, use Seismic Toss!"
Charizard spun midair, taking Staraptor with it. The battlefield blurred as they gained speed, then—
BOOOOOOM!
Both Pokémon crashed into the ground, creating a massive crater.
As the dust settled, Staraptor lay unconscious.
The referee raised his flag. "Staraptor is unable to battle! Charizard wins!"
---
The Final Clash!
Falkner returned Staraptor and smirked. "Impressive. But let's see if you can handle my ace. Go, Pidgeot!"
A shiny Pidgeot emerged, its golden feathers gleaming in the sunlight.
Alex's eyes widened. "A shiny Pidgeot?"
Falkner smirked. "And not just any Pidgeot. This one is special. Pidgeot, Mega Evolve!"
A burst of golden energy surrounded Pidgeot as it transformed into Mega Pidgeot! Its wings expanded, and its aura radiated raw power.
Daniel's eyes narrowed. "A Mega Evolution this early? That's rare."
Cynthia smiled. "Now this is going to be interesting."
Alex smirked. "Then let's match it. Charizard, Mega Evolve!"
A bright blue aura surrounded Charizard, transforming it into Mega Charizard X—its body turning black, flames burning blue with intensity.
The crowd gasped.
Falkner's grin widened. "Now that's what I'm talking about!"
The final clash was about to begin.
---
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: Mega vs. Mega! Aerial Domination!