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

Chapter Forty-Two - That's One Aerial Ace Pokemon

Raido looked on at the majestic Noctowl, its elegant feathers shimmering under the stadium lights. The owl Pokémon spread its wings wide, showcasing its impressive wingspan and formidable presence. With keen, intelligent eyes, it surveyed the battlefield, exuding an aura of power and grace.

Raido felt a pang of apprehension as he gazed at the Noctowl. The bird was significantly larger and more imposing than the Taillow he had just faced. Its size and stature were intimidating, and Raido couldn't help but feel a knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach. This was a different league of opponent, and he knew it.

Fanale's eyes sparkled with pride as she introduced her Pokémon. "Meet Noctowl, my ace Pokémon," she declared, her voice resonating with confidence. "This is where your challenge ends, Raido. Noctowl and I will take you down."

Noctowl hooted softly, its eyes never leaving Tyrunt. The elegant bird radiated a calm yet commanding presence, making it clear that it was ready for the battle ahead. Raido's mind raced, assessing his situation. This Noctowl was a seasoned fighter, and he needed to think quickly to stand a chance.

"Stay focused, Tyrunt," Raido called out, trying to steady his own nerves. "We can do this."

Fanale's smirk returned, tinged with a hint of respect. "I hope you're ready, Raido. Noctowl and I have been through countless battles together, and we won't go down easily. Let's see if you have what it takes."

Raido nodded, determination flaring within him. This was the real test. With Tyrunt by his side, he prepared himself for the toughest challenge yet. The battle was far from over, and he was ready to give it everything he had.

Fanale's voice rang out sharply, "Noctowl, take flight!" The powerful owl Pokémon launched into the air with surprising agility, its massive wings slicing through the atmosphere. Despite its bulkier form compared to Taillow, Noctowl moved with a swiftness that took Raido by surprise. He watched in awe as the Pokémon manoeuvred effortlessly, utilising the air streams to enhance its speed and agility.

Tyrunt's eyes darted around, trying to keep track of the bird Pokémon's movements. It was a daunting task; Noctowl's grace and speed made it a formidable opponent. Raido could see the challenge that lay ahead, but he couldn't afford to falter. They needed to stay focused.

Fanale, smirking as she admired Noctowl's elegant movements, commanded, "Noctowl, use Aerial Ace!" With a predatory gleam in its eyes, Noctowl's wings glinted as it dove down toward its target.

Raido's heart pounded as he watched the menacing move unfold. Noctowl's dive was like a swift, lethal arrow cutting through the sky. The air seemed to crackle with the intensity of the impending attack. "Tyrunt, brace yourself!" Raido shouted, but the words barely left his mouth before Noctowl was upon them.

The Aerial Ace struck Tyrunt with devastating precision. The sheer force of the impact sent the dinosaur Pokémon staggering backward, unable to find its footing. Raido's eyes widened in shock as Tyrunt struggled to recover from the blow. The attack had hit so quickly and so hard that neither trainer nor Pokémon had a chance to react.

"Noctowl, well done," Fanale praised, her smirk growing wider. The confidence in her voice was palpable. "You see, Raido, my Noctowl is not just powerful; it is also incredibly fast. Are you sure you can keep up?"

Raido clenched his fists, determination hardening his resolve. "Tyrunt, we can't give up now! Stay strong!" He knew they had to find a way to counter Noctowl's speed and power, but the odds were stacked against them.

Tyrunt roared, shaking off the pain from the attack. Its eyes burned with a fierce determination, mirroring Raido's own resolve. They had faced tough challenges before, and this was no different. They had to adapt and find a way to turn the tide.

As Noctowl soared back into the air, preparing for another attack, Raido's mind raced with strategies. He needed to think quickly and outmanoeuvre Fanale's swift and deadly Pokémon. The battle was far from over, and Raido knew that this was the ultimate test of his and Tyrunt's abilities. They would have to dig deep and fight with everything they had.

Raido's eyes darted to Tyrunt, who was visibly damaged from the powerful Aerial Ace. "Tyrunt, get back to higher ground!" he commanded, trying to strategize against the relentless assault. Tyrunt, though weary, nodded and began to leap from podium to podium, attempting to regain a strategic vantage point.

Above, Noctowl continued to dart around the battleground with astounding speed, its eyes constantly searching for an opportunity to strike. Raido's mind raced, trying to figure out a way to approach the battle. Perhaps waiting for Noctowl's advances wasn't the answer. Maybe they needed to take the offensive.

"Tyrunt, use Rock Throw!" Raido ordered. Tyrunt roared in response, launching rocks towards the elusive Noctowl. However, Noctowl's agility proved too much; it effortlessly dodged the incoming rocks, navigating the powerful wind-streams with ease.

Raido couldn't help but admire his opponent and her powerful ace Pokémon. Fanale's skill and Noctowl's prowess were impressive. She had mastered the battlefield, using the environmental elements to her advantage. Raido knew he had to think outside the box to level the playing field.

"Another Aerial Ace, Noctowl!" Fanale commanded, her voice steady and confident. Noctowl immediately launched into its attack, its wings slicing through the air as it sped towards Tyrunt with ferocious intent.

Raido barely had time to react. As he watched Noctowl prepare for the devastating blow, a memory flashed in his mind. He recalled the battle in Cherrygrove City, where he had watched Lorelei face off against a powerful Gallade. Her words echoed in his thoughts: "Raw power isn't always the answer. A skilled trainer will always analyse the battlefield to see how it can be used to their advantage."

It was a pivotal realisation. Fanale had been utilising the battlefield to her advantage all along, and now it was Raido's turn to do the same. He had an idea, one that might turn the tide in their favour. "Tyrunt, brace yourself and be ready!" Raido shouted, determination burning in his eyes.

Noctowl swooped down with ferocious might, hurtling towards Tyrunt like a missile. As the Pokémon drew closer, Raido knew it was now or never. "Tyrunt, use Stealth Rock!" he commanded.

Tyrunt looked surprised for a moment but quickly nodded in understanding. The dinosaur Pokémon's eyes glowed with determination as it executed the move. Huge jagged rocks erupted from the podiums and the ground around the battlefield, rising up and pointing in all directions.

Noctowl, undeterred, continued its assault. The stones began to rise around Tyrunt, but they didn't rise quickly enough. Noctowl's Aerial Ace struck cleanly, avoiding the stones as they emerged. The attack landed with critical force, sending Tyrunt hurtling across the battlefield, where it landed heavily on the floor.

Raido watched in concern as his dinosaur-like friend lay motionless. The loud robotic voice of the announcer echoed through the stadium, declaring Tyrunt's defeat. Raido's heart sank momentarily, but he quickly gathered himself. He returned Tyrunt to its Pokéball, thanking it for its fighting spirit and help in the upcoming battle.

Fanale smirked, feeling a surge of confidence. "Your Tyrunt fought well, Raido, but it wasn't enough to take down my Noctowl. Do you have any Pokémon left that can face my ace?" She briefly praised Tyrunt's effort but ultimately insinuated that Raido had no chance of victory.

Raido looked down at Tyrunt's Pokéball in his hand, and then at the multitude of sharp, jagged rocks that now cover the battlefield, whilst a faint smirk played on his lips. He whispered under his breath, "Time to even the playing field." His mind was already formulating the next move, confident that the Stealth Rock would play a pivotal role in the battle's outcome. Gazing down towards his beloved Nidoran, she already knew it was her turn.

"You ready, girl?" he asks, as Nidoran's ears and tail twitch with excitement.

"Nidoran, I choose you!"