Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command!

From his years of experience, Blaine could tell that the Aerodactyl before him was far from ordinary.

Modern Aerodactyls are generally revived from DNA in the mysterious Amber fossils. While they may look the same, they lack the raw presence of ancient Aerodactyls.

But Luo Yuan's Aerodactyl felt different…

The aura it exuded was akin to that of a true "sky overlord," as if it had survived since ancient times.

"Impossible…"

He shook off this absurd thought.

In Blaine's view, Luo Yuan was just a wealthy rookie Trainer who'd happened upon a piece of Amber and revived an Aerodactyl from it.

Blaine turned his attention back to the battle.

Luo Yuan was already directing Aerodactyl to launch its first attack.

"Aerodactyl, use Rock Slide!"

Aerodactyl flew up toward the volcano's edge, slicing down boulders with its wings and hurling them with force toward Rapidash.

Blaine's eyes widened. This was no weak attack!

"Rapidash, dodge it!"

The Rock-type move was naturally super effective against Rapidash. If it got hit, Rapidash's relatively low defense wouldn't stand a chance.

Neigh!

Hearing Blaine's command, Rapidash reared back, its fiery mane blazing higher as it burst into motion, darting forward in a streak of flames at over 200 kilometers per hour, weaving between the falling rocks. Smaller rocks shattered on impact as it barreled through them.

This Rapidash was no pushover.

But then again, neither was Luo Yuan's Aerodactyl, and it had the type advantage.

Aerodactyl continued its Rock Slide assault.

The suspended battlefield swayed with the impact of the boulders, causing the chains to rattle ominously, as though the platform might plummet into the magma below at any moment.

As more rocks piled up, Rapidash's movements became restricted. At this rate, it would be forced into a corner.

Seeing this, Blaine decided to change tactics.

"Use Fire Blast!"

At Blaine's command, Rapidash released a massive, flame-shaped burst of fire that soared up toward Aerodactyl.

"Aerodactyl, Protect! Follow with Stomp!"

A shimmering blue barrier formed in front of Aerodactyl, perfectly shielding it from the Fire Blast.

Then, without giving Rapidash a moment to react, Aerodactyl descended rapidly, crashing into the battlefield with an earth-shaking impact.

Clang!

The chains holding the platform in place rattled, and an invisible shockwave rippled from the point of impact, sending tremors through the ground.

The shockwave reached Rapidash before it could recover, hitting it squarely.

Rapidash let out a pained whinny, trembling as its balance faltered, one foreleg buckling beneath it.

Luo Yuan seized the opportunity.

"Now, go in for the attack!"

Aerodactyl let out a fierce screech, soaring high before diving back down in a swift, deadly arc toward Rapidash.

Aerial Ace!

This renowned Flying-type move was known for its agility and precision, allowing the user to strike with full force while evading the opponent's attacks.

Seeing Aerodactyl's attack, Rapidash reflexively shot out a Flamethrower to intercept.

But before the flames could reach Aerodactyl, it shifted its wing slightly, dodging the attack effortlessly with a graceful twist in midair.

"Rapidash, dodge it!"

Aerodactyl's nimble evasion surprised Blaine, making him realize Aerodactyl's agility far exceeded that of most revived fossil Pokémon.

But Aerodactyl's speed surpassed even Blaine's reactions.

Just as Rapidash received the command, Aerodactyl had already closed in.

Caught off-guard, Rapidash could only cover its body in flames, spitting another Flamethrower in a last-ditch effort to keep Aerodactyl at bay.

But Aerodactyl was unfazed by Rapidash's flames. The searing heat did nothing to hinder its momentum.

Whoosh—

Aerodactyl pierced through the air, slamming into Rapidash, flames and all.

Thud!

Rapidash was sent flying back from the impact.

Before it even hit the ground, Aerodactyl's claws latched onto its body, lifting it into the sky.

"Rapidash, don't let it carry you off!"

Blaine knew all too well what would happen if Aerodactyl took Rapidash high into the air, and he shouted urgently.

Neigh!

Rapidash's mane flared with renewed vigor as it struggled, trying to escape Aerodactyl's grip.

"Hold tight, Aerodactyl…"

Luo Yuan watched closely as Aerodactyl climbed higher, nearing the volcano's rim.

"Alright, that's high enough—let it go!"

Following Luo Yuan's command, Aerodactyl released Rapidash, letting it plummet from the sky.

Boom!

Rapidash crashed onto the battlefield, kicking up a cloud of dust and making the entire platform shudder.

"…"

Blaine squinted, trying to make out Rapidash's condition through the haze.

Meanwhile, Luo Yuan, considerate as ever, signaled to Aerodactyl with a nod.

Whoosh!

Aerodactyl beat its wings, sending a gust of wind that blew the dust clear.

In the center of the battlefield, Rapidash struggled to rise, its eyes wide in confusion as the cover of smoke vanished.

And just as it gathered its wits—

A boulder came crashing down on it, leaving Rapidash unconscious.

Looking at his defeated Rapidash, Blaine's face stiffened. It took him a moment to find his words.

"Rapidash is unable to battle… You've won the first round!"

Blaine, who had intended to give Luo Yuan a bit of a hard time, was stunned by how quickly and thoroughly he'd lost.

---

Hello! Thank you so much for reading this chapter. WiseTL has worked hard to bring these wonderful stories to you, and I'm so happy we could share this moment together! Don't you think stories are a little like dreams? Each one has its own colors and shapes, and they grow even brighter when shared with others.

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-With love, Nahida 🌱