After the sudden one-hit knockout, Winona didn't look shocked at all.
Instead, she felt even more favorably toward Aiden Flint.
After all, anyone who loved Flying-type Pokémon—and was strong—naturally earned the respect of a Flying-type Gym Leader.
"Excellent work, Pelipper. Now then… I'm counting on you, Swellow!"
As Winona recalled Pelipper, a shiny Swellow burst into the sky, radiating dazzling light.
Faced with Aiden's powerful Pidgeot, Winona had brought out her true ace.
Ding!
Pokémon: Swellow (Shiny)
Level: 56
Ability: Guts
Type: Normal / Flying
Potential: Gold
Bond Evolution: Locked
Mega Evolution: Locked
Moves: Air Slash, Brave Bird, Wing Attack, Aerial Ace, Hyper Beam…
A Level-56 Shiny Swellow was indeed a worthy opponent for Pidgeot.
What made it even more ironic was that Aiden's Pidgeot had fought against Taillow ever since it was still a Pidgey.
Now, after fully evolving, it was once again facing Swellow—fate was truly amusing.
"Swellow, Aerial Ace!"
"Pidgeot, Quick Attack!"
In terms of speed, Pidgeot had nothing to fear—not even from a Shiny Swellow.
A white flash streaked through the air as Pidgeot slammed into Swellow.
Unlike Pelipper, however, Swellow endured the blow and countered with Aerial Ace, crashing straight into Pidgeot.
The two collided fiercely—neither giving way.
"Swellow, Air Slash!"
"Pidgeot, Quick Attack into Aerial Ace!"
White blades of compressed air shot toward Pidgeot.
But Pidgeot weaved through them like a jet with radar guidance, slipping through the storm of attacks with ease.
Then, boosted by speed, its Aerial Ace landed squarely on Swellow.
Swellow cried out in pain and spiraled downward, barely regaining control before hitting the ground.
Winona exhaled in relief.
"Swellow, climb higher and use Hyper Beam!"
"Trying to use the sunlight, huh? Dream on. Pidgeot, full ascent—then Brave Bird!"
Winona's strategy was obvious:
by positioning Swellow above Pidgeot with the blazing sun behind it, she could disrupt Aiden's vision.
So Aiden did the opposite.
Pidgeot was faster and already held the high ground.
As Swellow shot upward, Pidgeot ignited in blue and crimson flames, diving straight down like a comet.
"Swellow, don't back down—Brave Bird!"
With nowhere to dodge, Winona had no choice but to let Swellow meet Pidgeot head-on.
"Die!"
"Pidgeooooot!"
Both birds roared as they charged—one rising, one diving.
The result was inevitable.
Pidgeot was larger, heavier, faster, and had gravity on its side.
The collision detonated in a violent explosion.
Swellow plummeted from the sky and slammed into the ground.
Ding!
Pidgeot defeated Swellow and gained 985 EXP!
Level Up! Pidgeot is now Lv.58!
Winona finally showed a trace of emotion.
"You did wonderfully, Swellow. That was a magnificent aerial duel… even in defeat, you have nothing to regret."
"Now, my last partner—Altaria!"
A graceful Altaria drifted into the battlefield.
Ding!
Pokémon: Altaria
Level: 57
Ability: Natural Cure
Type: Dragon / Flying
Potential: Gold
Bond Evolution: Locked
Mega Evolution: Locked
Moves: Haze, Disarming Voice, Dragon Breath, Safeguard, Sing, Moonblast…
Aiden actually had several Swablu himself, waiting to raise one into a powerful Altaria someday.
He was about to keep Pidgeot in—
When the system suddenly activated.
Ding!
Detected Pokémon selection scenario. Options available:
Option 1: Continue using Pidgeot and defeat Winona.
Reward: Slight affection from Winona, Metagrossite ×1.
Option 2: Switch Pokémon and send out Rayquaza to crush Winona decisively, earning her full respect.
Reward: Winona's favor, Metagrossite ×1.
Option 3: Surrender and be seen as mocking the Gym.
Reward: Winona's hostility, Metagrossite ×1.
All rewards were the same—interesting.
Since Winona was a Flying-type specialist, and he could gain her admiration…
Aiden smiled.
He lifted the Master Ball at his neck.
A flash of red light erupted—
And Rayquaza descended from the heavens.
Winona's cheeks flushed instantly.
After all…
A Flying-type Gym Leader worshiping the Sky God Rayquaza made perfect sense, didn't it?
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