A New Direction
The winds were stronger here.
After leaving Azurebay Town,
Elior and his team moved toward higher lands.
The air felt different.
Lighter.
Faster.
"…Feels like the sky itself is calling," Elior said.
Ahead lay towering cliffs and endless open skies—
The Skyreach Highlands.
Strong winds rushed between the cliffs.
Bird Pokémon flew freely above.
Thundrion looked up.
Infernyx narrowed its eyes.
But Elior smiled.
"…This is it."
A Sudden Shadow
WHOOSH—
A fast shadow cut through the sky.
Elior looked up.
"…What was that?"
Another gust of wind—
Sharper this time.
From above—
A sleek figure descended rapidly.
Wings slicing through the air.
Eyes sharp and focused.
Skyrend
It landed on a high rock.
Watching.
Judging.
Without warning—
Skyrend dove.
"Move!" Elior shouted.
The attack hit the ground—
A powerful air slash.
Dust exploded.
"Thundrion—go!"
Thundrion stepped forward.
But Skyrend didn't stay still.
It flew.
Fast.
Constantly moving.
Speed of the Sky
"Thunder Strike!"
Lightning shot upward—
But Skyrend dodged mid-air effortlessly.
"…Too fast," Elior muttered.
Elior watched closely.
"…It doesn't just fly…"
His eyes sharpened.
"It controls the wind."
Another dive came—
"Wait… now!"
Thundrion struck at the perfect timing.
A hit landed.
Skyrend staggered—
But recovered instantly.
Respect Through Battle
The fight intensified.
Air vs lightning.
Speed vs timing.
Finally—
A clean strike hit.
Skyrend dropped to the ground.
Breathing heavily.
But still glaring.
Still unwilling to lose.
Elior stepped forward.
"…You're not just strong."
A small smile appeared.
"You fight like you own the sky."
Skyrend didn't move.
But it didn't attack either.
Elior took out a Pokéball.
"Come with me."
The ball hit—
Light absorbed Skyrend.
Shake.
Shake.
Shake.
Click.
Elior exhaled.
"…Got you."
He released it again.
Skyrend appeared—
Still proud.
Still sharp.
Elior looked up at it.
"Let's conquer the sky… together."
For a moment—
Skyrend stared.
Then spread its wings.
Accepting.
The wind blew stronger.
Clouds moved faster across the sky.
Elior stood at the cliff's edge.
A new partner beside him.
The sky ahead—
Endless.
Hidden Setup
Far away—
A massive arena floated among the clouds.
The Flying Championship.
A voice echoed:
"The challengers are gathering…"
And the journey continues...