Pokémon: A Tale Of Time (Volume One: Zephyr)

Chapter Forty - A Sky High Battle!

Raido looked up, eyes widening at the sight above him. Perched atop one of the highest podiums was a majestic Pidgeot, its feathers gleaming in the gym's artificial light. Seated confidently on its back was a young woman, her figure poised and graceful as she looked down at him with a mixture of challenge and welcome.

Without warning, the Pidgeot nosedived from its perch. The woman held tightly onto the saddle on its back, her long hair streaming behind her. The bird plummeted rapidly toward the floor, and the crowd gasped, but just before impact, it swooped back up, performing a series of breathtaking acrobatic manoeuvres. The woman moved in perfect harmony with her Pokémon, choreographing its aerial display with flawless precision. The spectators marvelled at the seamless partnership between the trainer and her Pokémon.

The Pidgeot landed gracefully on the other side of the battlefield, its feathers settling as the woman hopped down from its back. She stroked the bird affectionately on the side of its head, then turned to Raido with a smile that was both welcoming and serious. The Pidgeot took off again, its powerful wings propelling it up into the higher levels of the gym, where it disappeared from sight.

The woman stood tall, her presence commanding attention. She had a striking resemblance to Falkner, but her features were softer, framed by long, flowing hair. She wore a sleek, sky-blue outfit that accentuated her athletic build, and her eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and determination.

"Welcome to the first gym of Johto," she announced, her voice clear and confident. "I am Fanale, the aspiring master of all flying Pokémon. Since birth, I've shared a connection with the Pokémon that soar the skies, as if I was born to share their wings." She paused, allowing her words to sink in. "I am the daughter of Falkner, and my mother is Winona, both esteemed gym leaders in their own right."

Raido's eyes widened at the revelation. The combination of heritage and evident skill made Fanale a formidable opponent.

"The rules of this gym battle are simple," Fanale continued. "Each trainer will choose two Pokémon. The trainer who makes the other's Pokémon faint first wins the battle. This gym offers the challenge of utilising battlefield advantages. My Pokémon are fast, fierce, and strike in the blink of an eye. I hope you are prepared for that."

Raido nodded, his determination clear despite the butterflies in his stomach. "I'm ready," he said, his voice steady.

Fanale's serious expression softened slightly. "Good. I can see the determination in your eyes. You remind me of my father when he was younger, always eager to prove himself." She took a step back, giving Raido space to prepare. "But remember, battles aren't just about strength. They're about strategy, understanding your opponent, and forming a bond with your Pokémon that transcends words."

The gym lights began to brighten, and a huge electronic screen beamed to life, displaying the faces of both trainers. Large red numbers appeared on the screen, initiating a countdown. As the numbers ticked down, Raido's heart pounded in his chest. He could feel the pressure and excitement coursing through his veins.

Fanale watched him carefully. "You have three seconds to choose your first Pokémon, Raido. Make it count."

Looking down at Tyrunt's Pokéball, he gripped it tightly. "Tyrunt, I choose you!" he shouted, launching the ball into the air. The Pokéball opened in a flash of light, and Tyrunt emerged onto the battlefield, roaring with determination.

Simultaneously, Fanale twirled gracefully, throwing her powder-blue Pokéball into the air. "Taillow, it's your turn!" she called. From the ball emerged a Taillow, flapping its wings energetically. The small but fierce bird Pokémon hovered in the air, its eyes locked onto Tyrunt.