"Articuno, use Icy Wind," Lorelei commanded with tactical precision.
Articuno flapped its magnificent blue-feathered wings, sending waves of freezing air toward Zapdos in a devastating assault.
"Zapdos, use Agility."
Zapdos became a golden blur, instantly evading Articuno's frigid attack with supernatural speed.
Under Articuno's shocked gaze, Zapdos's silver-glowing wings struck its body with devastating force, the Steel Wing connecting with perfect accuracy.
Articuno reacted immediately, releasing crystalline powder snow toward Zapdos's wings. The sudden arctic blast caused ice to gradually form across Zapdos's right wing, threatening to ground the legendary bird.
Articuno's eyes gleamed with momentary triumph as it observed the ice coating Zapdos's wing. Just as the Ice-type prepared its next assault, high-voltage electricity erupted from Zapdos's entire body, shattering the frozen coating in a spectacular display of raw power.
"Miss Lorelei, I apologize, but in the next exchange, you and Articuno will be unable to withstand the full force of Zapdos and myself!"
As the words left his lips, Red slowly pulled down the brim of his cap, revealing only his left eye, which gradually transformed to a crimson red. A overwhelming battle aura exploded outward, saturating the entire battlefield. The previously frigid environment began to boil with intensity, and even the delicate snowfall above started melting under the sheer force of Red's emanating fighting spirit.
Battle Intent Realm!
Lorelei stared at Red in complete disbelief, unable to comprehend how a trainer who had only recently begun his journey could master such an advanced peak technique.
'This pure realm definitely wasn't achieved by accident!' she realized with growing awe.
Red's eruption of Battle Intent Realm instantly affected both legendary birds clashing in the sky above.
Zapdos was the first to transform. The electrical current covering its body intensified dramatically, and the storm clouds that had been gathering condensed into a spiraling tornado, completely enveloping Zapdos's form. The lightning from the thunderclouds flowed directly into Zapdos's body, successfully allowing it to use Charge.
Pokémon in the Charged state have doubled power for their next Electric-type move and also receive a boost to their Special Defense.
But Zapdos's enhancement wasn't finished yet—it also possessed the Lightning Rod ability.
Through Lightning Rod, after absorbing the electrical current, Zapdos's Special Attack rose by another stage.
Trembling, fear, terror...
A cascade of negative emotions flooded Articuno's consciousness. In that moment, the legendary bird lost all courage to face Zapdos. No matter how desperately Lorelei called from below, she couldn't awaken Articuno from its paralyzed state of dread.
"Zapdos, use Thunderbolt—end this!" Red declared with calm finality, offering no further commands. He was absolutely certain that Articuno could never withstand Zapdos's upcoming devastating assault.
High-voltage electrical current formed into a massive lightning pillar, instantly striking toward Articuno with apocalyptic force. The very airspace the lightning passed through crackled with residual electricity that refused to dissipate.
"Articuno, quickly use Blizzard!" Lorelei shouted desperately.
The expanding storm clouds made it impossible for Articuno to use Agility for evasion. Even if it forced itself to dodge, the scattered electrical discharge would still find its mark.
Under Lorelei's urgent call, Articuno's eyes finally brightened, briefly regaining its composure.
For its pride as one of the three legendary birds, Articuno absolutely refused to be defeated so easily by Zapdos.
'At the very least... I must defend my dignity!'
Articuno spread its beautiful blue wings wide, summoning a fierce blizzard to meet the approaching lightning pillar in a final, desperate clash.
But under the confident gazes of Red and Zapdos, the high-voltage lightning instantly devoured the blizzard, penetrating straight through Articuno's body with merciless precision.
"Articuno!" Lorelei couldn't help but cry out in anguish.
The legendary bird that had been pierced by the lightning pillar was now completely charred, its once-magnificent appearance reduced to blackened feathers. No one would recognize this scorched form as the majestic Articuno.
'Next should be Moltres!' Zapdos thought with satisfaction, showing a triumphant smile as it looked excitedly at Red below, who nodded with approval.
Zapdos immediately descended, slowly approaching Red's side and bowing low, continuously nuzzling his cheek to share the joy of victory.
"Alright, alright, don't forget your pride as one of the three legendary birds," Red chuckled while stroking Zapdos's head. "How are you still acting like a little child?"
Red noticed that his Zapdos had grown taller again, now reaching an impressive height of 1.9 meters.
Obviously, the care at Professor Oak's laboratory was exceptional. Not only was the terrain vast and perfect for training, but the specially researched nutrition provided optimal development for each Pokémon.
"Red, the strength you and Zapdos displayed today has earned my complete respect," Lorelei said with solemn admiration, her gaze now holding the weight of recognition that she was looking at a true rival, someone whose capabilities demanded acknowledgment. "Now I understand why Lance speaks of you with such high regard."
Although Lorelei hadn't deployed her specialized team, Red had also refrained from using his original partners. Both sides had battled with legendary birds they were commanding for the first time.
While Red held the advantage of being Zapdos's official trainer, it shouldn't be forgotten that Lorelei's experience far exceeded Red's. Logically, she should have held the greater advantage.
"I'm equally honored to have battled with you here, Miss Lorelei," Red replied graciously, extending his right hand.
Lorelei smiled warmly, slowly extending her own hand to complete the traditional post-battle reconciliation ceremony.
Fortunately, Zapdos hadn't displayed its true strength; otherwise, Articuno's injuries might have been far more severe. If Zapdos had unleashed its most devastating technique, Zap Cannon, Articuno would likely need weeks of recovery on Seafoam Islands.
"Viridian Power," Red whispered, his body emanating the gentle energy of nature to heal the severely wounded Articuno.
The manifestation of Viridian Power left Lorelei mesmerized. This profound connection with nature filled her with intense curiosity about Red himself, enchanted by the beautiful sight before her.
Lorelei found herself wondering—were all rookie trainers from Pallet Town as exceptional as Red?
Cinnabar Island formed the left half of the twin landmasses. At its heart rose a massive volcano, rumored to be the dwelling place of Moltres, one of the three legendary birds.
According to Pokémon professors who specialized in studying the legendary trio, Moltres—the legendary Pokémon that controlled fire—was said to enter volcanic lava when injured, immersing its entire body in molten rock to heal its wounds.
In the Kanto region, Moltres's fame far exceeded that of Zapdos and Articuno. The fundamental reason was the sacred flame of the Indigo League competition. Unlike the Johto region, which possessed Ho-Oh's eternal flame, the Kanto League relied primarily on Moltres's fire.
At the Indigo League, Moltres served as a sacred symbol of the tournament, defending the honor of challengers who came to Indigo Plateau carrying their dreams.
"Roar~"
A gentle rumble brought Red back to the present. He found the Blood-Red Gyarados turning its massive head to nuzzle him affectionately, indicating they had reached Cinnabar Island.
"Thank you for your dedication, Gyarados," Red said with genuine appreciation, stroking the serpentine Pokémon's scales. "I haven't been able to let you properly showcase your abilities in battle yet."
The Blood-Red Gyarados shook its head vigorously in response. Although it couldn't actively display its strength in competitive battles, traveling alone with Red brought immense joy to its heart.
After all, most of its companions from the same period were still training at Professor Oak's laboratory.