On the opposite side of the battlefield, Gym Trainer Sadie arrived at the battle arena. When she saw her opponent, a flicker of surprise crossed her face.
She hadn't expected to face such a young trainer.
He barely looked old enough to be in university—more likely a rookie trainer, she thought.
As both trainers took their positions, the electronic display screen beside the field flickered to life. The familiar Rotom Referee made its flashy entrance once again.
"This is the Blazing Gym Intermediate Challenge. Both trainers will use three Pokemon each in a 3-versus-3 battle format."
"The Gym Trainer cannot switch Pokemon during battle. The challenger may switch Pokemon freely."
"Victory is achieved when all three of the opponent's Pokemon are unable to battle."
"The results of this match are officially certified by the Cloudspire Alliance. The battle begins now. Trainers, send out your Pokemon."
"Go, Talonflame!"
"I choose you, Riolu!"
The moment Rotom Referee gave the command, both trainers released their first Pokemon.
The bird Pokemon's red crest stood tall, while black feathers masked its eyes. Its back blazed crimson, contrasting with the cream-colored belly adorned with small red markings. Long tail feathers split down the middle featured three V-shaped stripes, and flame-like patterns decorated its wingtips, back, and the junction where its two-toned feathers met.
Sadie's opening Pokemon was the Kalos region's signature Flying-type—Talonflame.
David, meanwhile, had chosen Riolu as his starter.
"A Talonflame!"
David studied the Pokemon before him with interest. When he'd watched the XY series years ago, Ash's Talonflame—the one bold enough to challenge Moltres itself—had left quite an impression.
Honestly, Talonflame's performance on Ash's XY team had far exceeded that of his Hawlucha or Goodra.
Name: Talonflame
Type: Fire/Flying
Gender: Male
Energy Level: 41 (Professional Tier One)
Potential: Light Purple
Ability: Flame Body
Held Item: Charcoal
Moves: Ember, Quick Attack, Flare Blitz, Flame Charge, Aerial Ace, Tailwind, Flail, Brave Bird, Roost, Razor Wind, Steel Wing, Flamethrower...
"Just barely at Professional Tier One. This must be the challenger's advantage everyone talks about," David mused after reviewing Talonflame's data.
Gym challenges followed an unspoken rule: the Gym Trainer's first Pokemon typically matched the minimum requirement for that challenge level, serving as a test of the challenger's abilities.
For an Intermediate Challenge like David's, facing a Professional Tier One trainer meant the opening Pokemon would be at entry-level Professional rank.
No Gym would immediately send out their strongest Pokemon just because someone picked a specific challenge tier.
Observing David's Riolu, Sadie thought the match would end quickly. A Superior-tier Riolu with a type disadvantage against Flying...
Even after evolution, it would only gain the Steel-type, which also struggled against Fire. The outlook seemed bleak.
She'd need to control the battle's pace carefully.
"Talonflame, use Tailwind!"
Though she doubted David's chances, Sadie refused to take the battle lightly. She commanded with her usual tactical approach.
After all, treating every challenger seriously was part of a Gym Trainer's responsibility.
"Talon!"
Following its trainer's command, Talonflame beat its wings powerfully. A fierce wind swept across the battlefield immediately.
Riding the gale, Talonflame's flight speed began increasing noticeably.
"Riolu, use Calm Mind!"
With his opponent establishing a stat advantage while controlling the aerial space, David wouldn't rush in recklessly. He opted for his own boost, choosing patience over hasty action.
"Flamethrower!"
Blazing flames erupted from Talonflame's beak, cascading toward Riolu below.
Wind feeds fire—though it provided no direct stat increase, the flames carried by the powerful wind clearly burned three times fiercer than normal.
"Agility! Keep using Calm Mind!"
Just as the raging fire was about to strike, a brief pink glow flashed in Riolu's eyes.
In an instant, the previously stationary Riolu burst into motion. The Flamethrower, arriving a heartbeat too late, struck only empty ground.
Riolu maintained its Calm Mind boost while executing Agility. Its Special Attack, Speed, and Defense continued rising simultaneously.
"How is it moving that fast?"
Sadie watched the blue-black figure blur across the battlefield, leaving afterimages in its wake.
This shouldn't be possible. Right now, Riolu's speed nearly matched Talonflame's. Yes, it had used Agility, but Talonflame still benefited from Tailwind!
Which one was supposed to be the Superior-tier Pokemon here?
The slight contempt that had crept into Sadie's mind vanished instantly, replaced by shock.
Seeing Riolu continue powering up with Calm Mind, she snapped back to reality and commanded Talonflame to attack.
"No—I can't let it keep boosting like this."
"Talonflame, use Flame Charge with the wind!"
Flame Charge wrapped the user in fire while building momentum and raising its Speed.
"Talon!"
Talonflame released a piercing cry as fierce flames engulfed its entire body. It circled above the battlefield several times, riding the wind currents...
The moment its speed peaked, Talonflame dove sharply from the sky, plummeting toward Riolu below.
"Let's see you dodge this!"
Wreathed in roaring flames, Talonflame resembled a divine phoenix commanding both fire and wind.
"Boom!"
The instant Talonflame descended and collided with Riolu, exploding flames scattered in all directions.
White smoke from the blast billowed outward, shrouding both Pokemon from view.
Silence fell over the arena. Spectators in the stands craned their necks forward, desperate to see what had happened.