Felix stood at the edge of Spikemuth's street, dressed in a red rocker-style uniform like any other Team Yell grunt. At a glance, he looked like just another fan.
His eyes were locked on Shiro and his Corviknight. Something about them felt oddly familiar. Back when he'd seen the steel bird on TV, he hadn't thought much of it. In Galar, Rookidee and its evolutions were as common as stray dogs—everywhere.
Besides, Corviknight held a special place in the region's history and culture. It was normal for any trainer to admire them. But still, Felix felt like he'd seen this Pokémon before.
He searched his memories, trying to recall all the Flying Taxis and Corviknight trainers he'd come across. He purposely avoided remembering that terrifying cloaked trainer he'd met in the northern Wild Area.
'No way... It can't be that person from Macro Cosmos, right?'
He froze as his gaze flicked to the Obstagoon that had just been sent out. It was shrinking back timidly, its eyes showing fear and submission.
Obstagoon had better instincts than its trainer. The moment it saw Corviknight, it recognized it as the same one it encountered in the forest not long ago. It didn't matter if it could win or not. Its trainer had warned it clearly: avoid that one at all costs. It still remembered.
"Corviknight!" Shiro's voice rang out.
The bird spread its wings wide and launched into the air.
A huge shadow cast over Obstagoon as it flapped above. The Pokémon stepped back instinctively, retreating a few steps.
Hearing the voice, Felix was now absolutely certain. This was the same guy from Macro Cosmos who had been ambushed by hunters... and still managed to take them all out.
'Didn't he also have an Elite-level Drakloak?'
Felix's heart skipped a beat. His eyes darted around, searching for an escape route. At the same time, he grew more and more worried about the Pokémon he had loaned to his nephew.
If he hadn't lent them out to Piers, he'd be long gone by now.
* * *
On the battlefield.
Piers took a confident step forward. He wasn't the least bit afraid of the winged predator in front of him.
They were both at Gym-level. Plus, he had his uncle guiding him through the entire match. Why would he lose? Beating this Shiro would be easy. Then he'd get his eighth badge. After that, it was the Champion Cup. The finals...
His thoughts raced ahead. In his mind, he was already imagining the day Spikemuth rose to fame again because of his name.
Right then, the referee Ryan shouted loudly, "Both Pokémon are ready. I declare the battle... begin!"
The instant he spoke, Shiro's voice boomed:
"Corviknight! Aerial Ace!"
Obstagoon was Dark/Normal type. Normal-type moves dealt reduced damage to Steel-types like Corviknight, and there weren't any obvious type disadvantages on Shiro's side.
Overall, the steel bird had a slight edge in type matchup.
Shiro focused on the strangely moving Obstagoon and the data about the Pokémon floated into his vision:
[Name: Obstagoon
Type: Dark/Normal
Level: 43 (Gym)
Ability: Reckless
Held Item: None
Moves: Obstruct, Leer, Night Slash, Baby-Doll Eyes, Pin Missile, Sand Attack, Lick, Cross Chop, Submission, Switcheroo, Tackle, Snarl, Headbutt, Hone Claws, Fury Swipes, Rest, Take Down, Scary Face, Counter…]
On the other side, Piers was nervously waiting for his uncle's voice in his earpiece.
He wanted to say something to command the Pokémon, but he was scared of messing up. What if he gave the wrong order? It was better to just wait for advice from his powerful uncle.
But Corviknight had already streaked forward, skimming just above the ground. Even though Obstagoon shrank back, it was still struck hard and sent flying. It landed heavily, dazed and confused.
Piers clenched his fists tightly, but the earpiece stayed silent.
'Uncle! Uncle Felix! Do something!'
He was screaming internally, anxious and panicked, while trying to convince himself that this might just be part of Felix's strategy.
Maybe he was luring the enemy into a false sense of security. Maybe it was a move that needed to be triggered after taking a hit. Maybe...
Shiro was surprised at his opponent's inaction, but didn't hesitate. He followed up right away.
"Corviknight, use Steel Wing!"
The steel bird on the battlefield spread its wings high again. The shining metallic sheen of Steel Wing had fully formed, yet Obstagoon below looked like it had lost its soul. It simply curled up, covering its head with its front paws.
"Obstagoon..." Piers gritted his teeth. He nearly shouted a command.
But he still believed in Felix. Ever since he met his uncle, everything had happened exactly like he said it would.
This Shiro showing up right after the gym match was over, trying to block his path, was no coincidence. He was here to take advantage of the fact that his Pokémon were still tired from the fight. Just like Felix warned. Even pretending like his dad did back there didn't get any response from the League...
His uncle must have a plan!
Piers resisted the urge to look back and search for Felix. He kept his eyes locked on the battlefield, watching Obstagoon carefully, trying to guess if it would suddenly counterattack when Corviknight descended.
'Come on! Obstagoon!'
Smack! Smack!
Unfortunately, things didn't go his way. Obstagoon took two heavy hits from Steel Wing, stars spinning in its eyes as it collapsed sideways onto the ground, unresponsive.
The referee, Ryan, felt confused. He couldn't figure out the logic behind this battle at all.
Throwing the gym battle earlier was one thing. A father-son setup to get a free badge? Gross, but he could understand the motive.
But now? Just standing there and letting his Pokémon get beat down? Even if this was another thrown match, shouldn't they at least pretend to try?
And this wasn't a friendly father-son match. If Piers lost, he'd lose his challenger status for good! What kind of plan involved standing there and doing nothing?!
Ryan was too shocked to say anything.
Meanwhile, Piers felt helpless. Obstagoon looked like it wouldn't be able to get up again. He hesitated, unsure whether to call out a move or withdraw the Pokémon. Simultaneously, a terrifying thought struck him.
Could it be... the earpiece wasn't working? Maybe the mic in his micro earpiece couldn't pick up any sound?
That had to be it! Otherwise, how could his uncle be so silent?
Piers quickly pulled out the Poké Ball and recalled Obstagoon. Ignoring the puzzled stares from others, he immediately turned around to find Felix.
In the crowd behind, Felix had lowered his head, burning with frustration. He wanted nothing more than to step in and surrender for the kid. If he wasn't worried that the earpiece communication would expose them, he would've ordered Piers to give up and go home.
The opponent wasn't just anyone. He was an experienced wild trainer. And they'd already crossed paths before. Felix would rather let Obstagoon get humiliated than risk even a single detail giving him away.
If the man recognized the Pokémon and traced it back through the crowd...
He was still a wanted criminal for multiple counts of stealing registered League Pokémon.
And now the stolen Pokémon were in Piers's hands...
'Lose the battle already!' Felix roared in his heart.
**
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