The entire stadium stood in anticipation.
Infernarx stood ready on the battlefield. Across from it was the injured Clifftalon.
And behind Aero rested one final Poké Ball.
"Infernarx! Flame Burst!"
A massive explosion of fire engulfed the battlefield.Clifftalon attempted to escape.
But it was too exhausted.
BOOOOOM!
When the smoke cleared—Clifftalon collapsed.
"Clifftalon is unable to battle!"
The score was now tied.
The stadium fell silent.Aero slowly lifted his final Poké Ball.A smile appeared on his face.
"You've gotten stronger, Elior.So I'll show you my strongest partner."
The Poké Ball flew into the air. A flash of light exploded across the arena.Then—A powerful cry echoed through the stadium.
SKREEEEEEEE!
Staraptor appeared.The audience erupted.
Elior immediately recognized it. The same Staraptor Aero had used during the Flying Championship. But something felt different.Its presence was far stronger.
Far more confident.
Aero raised his wrist. Attached to it was a shining stone.A Mega Stone.The crowd gasped.
"Staraptor! Let's show them the skies beyond the horizon! Staraptor Mega Evolve!"
The Mega Stone began glowing Staraptor roared. Its body became surrounded by brilliant light. The entire stadium shook.
Its wings expanded. Its feathers became sharper. ts aura intensified. The light exploded. Mega Staraptor The Sky King had arrived.
The stadium exploded with excitement. Many spectators had never seen Mega Evolution before. Even League officials stood up.
Instead of fear—Elior smiled.This was exactly the kind of battle he wanted.
"Brave Bird!"
Mega Staraptor launched forward. Like a living missile.
"Infernarx! Dodge!"
Infernarx barely avoided the attack. The impact alone shattered part of the battlefield.
Mega Staraptor was unbelievably fast.
Even Infernarx struggled to keep up.
Again.
Again.
Again.
The Flying-type kept attacking from impossible angles.
'Infernarx Fights Back with Flame Charge!"
Infernarx burst forward in flames. For the first time—The attacks connected.
BOOOOOM!
Both Pokémon were thrown backward. The audience roared.Neither trainer was backing down.Neither Pokémon was willing to lose.
Both Pokémon stood exhausted. Infernarx's flames burned fiercely. Mega Staraptor's wings crackled with energy.
Aero and Elior stared at each other. Both smiling. Both understanding. This battle would not be decided by strategy alone. This would be decided by determination.
The strongest attack of Infernarx.Against the strongest attack of Mega Staraptor.
The clash that would decide the match was about to begin.
TO BE CONTINUED...