In the Pokémon world, a Pokémon that had been badly injured or knocked out didn't always recover fully by the next day.
Even after receiving treatment, lingering damage could remain—especially after high-intensity battles. In League tournaments, this was often the deciding factor between victory and defeat.
A well-known example was the Silver Conference of the Johto League. Harrison's Blaziken had defeated Ash's Charizard in a brutal clash, only to suffer injuries so severe that it was unable to continue battling afterward, ultimately leading to Harrison's elimination.
Because of this, a Trainer aiming for real results in the League couldn't rely on raw strength alone. Team structure, endurance, and recovery all mattered just as much.
Fortunately, although Grovyle and Pidgeotto had both lost their battles earlier, their physical condition was excellent. By afternoon, the two Pokémon had fully recovered and were once again brimming with energy.
Not long after, the Pokémon Center's battle field became unusually crowded.
This wasn't an ordinary match.
It was a battle involving a Trainer who had just defeated the Petalburg Gym.
Even Nurse Joy stepped outside to watch in person.
The referee was Brock.
"Now beginning the battle between Ash Ketchum and Aiden Flint," Brock announced.
"This will be a one-on-one match. When either Pokémon loses the ability to battle, the match will end."
"Both sides—send out your Pokémon!"
Ash moved first.
"Go, Swellow!"
A sharp cry echoed as Swellow burst from its Poké Ball, wings spread wide as it hovered confidently in the air.
Pokémon: Swellow
Level: 26
Ability: Guts
Type: Normal / Flying
Ash had already cleared four Gyms. Under normal circumstances, Swellow had evolved, but it still hadn't reached its full potential yet.
Even so, its strength had already stepped into the elite tier.
Aiden raised his hand calmly.
"Go—Pidgeotto."
A flash of light erupted, and Pidgeotto appeared mid-air, its larger wings beating steadily as it locked eyes with its opponent.
Although Pidgeotto's level was slightly lower than Swellow's, it had already completed its second evolutionary stage. In most cases, an evolved Pokémon held a clear advantage over one that hadn't evolved yet.
"Swellow, the opponent's also a Flying-type! Don't lose!" Ash shouted.
Swellow's gaze sharpened instantly. As a proud aerial fighter, it had no intention of backing down.
Pidgeotto wasn't pleased either.
Back in Petalburg Forest, it had already clashed with Swellow's kind before.
The moment their eyes met, sparks seemed to fly.
"Swellow!"
"Pidgeotto!"
The battle erupted instantly.
"Swellow, Quick Attack!"
"Pidgeotto—Quick Attack as well!"
Two streaks of white light shot forward and collided in mid-air.
Boom!
Both Pokémon were knocked backward—but the difference was clear. Pidgeotto stabilized first, wings spreading wide as it reclaimed control of the air.
"Nice. Follow up with Wing Attack!" Aiden ordered calmly.
"Swellow, don't back down—Wing Attack!" Ash shouted.
Swellow's fighting spirit surged, and for a brief moment, it managed to hold its ground through sheer grit alone.
But Aiden remained composed.
Ash is still inexperienced at this stage, he thought.
If this were the Sinnoh League or the Battle Pyramid arc, I wouldn't stand a chance without Rayquaza.
But right now… he chose Swellow.
And that choice sealed the outcome.
Swellow hadn't evolved. Its growth ceiling was still restricted.
Pidgeotto, with its superior physical frame and stamina, slowly but steadily gained the upper hand.
Finally, Swellow was struck hard and slammed into the ground.
"Now—Air Slash!"
Blades of compressed air spiraled downward, cutting through the air like spinning scythes.
Swellow, unable to evade in time, was hit head-on. Its fall accelerated, injuries stacking rapidly.
Ash clenched his fists.
"Swellow—give it everything! Aerial Ace!"
"Pidgeotto—Quick Attack into Wing Attack! Full power!"
The two Pokémon collided one final time in mid-air.
This time—
Swellow was blown straight down, crashing heavily onto the battlefield. Its body twitched once before going still, eyes turning into spirals.
Pidgeotto landed shortly after. Though injured, it still had plenty of strength remaining.
"Swellow is unable to battle," Brock declared.
"Pidgeotto wins! The victor is Aiden Flint!"
The crowd erupted into hushed discussion.
"No wonder he beat the Petalburg Gym…"
"Yeah… there's no way we'd stand a chance…"
Ash rushed forward, lifting Swellow into his arms and heading straight for Nurse Joy.
Aiden calmly recalled Pidgeotto, then gave Ash's group a brief glance before turning away.
"Nurse Joy," he said evenly, "please take care of Pidgeotto as well."
"Of course," she replied with a gentle smile.
"Ah—Aiden, wait a moment. There's something I'd like to give you."
Aiden paused, surprised.
A gift?
At that moment, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.
Ding!
Detected: Nurse Joy intends to gift the Host an item.
New selection options incoming…
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