"Wuya!"
Moltres let out a piercing cry, then flapped its blazing wings. A massive gust of wind surged toward Ash and the others, forcing them to hide behind rocks, unable to advance.
"What's going on? Why is Moltres attacking us?" Ash shouted against the violent wind, struggling to ask his companions.
"It was probably awakened by the earlier battle. Now it thinks we're with Team Rocket," Trevor quickly analyzed and explained.
"Stop, Moltres! We're not your enemies!" Serena called out anxiously.
But having just been disturbed, Moltres had no intention of listening. Its irritation only grew stronger as it intensified the storm, trying to drive them all away.
"Looks like talking won't work. Fletchinder, attack!" Ash gave the command decisively.
Fletchinder cried out in response, then immediately flapped its wings and charged toward Moltres. As it flew, its wings gleamed with a sharp silver light.
Steel Wing!
Its strongest physical move—sharp enough to rival blades.
Seeing Fletchinder open with its signature attack, Ash and the others felt confident.
But reality was cruel.
Clang!
The attack that had never failed before struck Moltres—and produced a metallic ringing sound.
As a Legendary Pokémon, Moltres possessed immense authority. Faced with such provocation, its anger flared. Locking onto Fletchinder's trajectory, it opened its beak and unleashed a fierce Flamethrower.
The overwhelming force slammed Fletchinder straight into a distant cliff.
This attack carried all of Moltres' pent-up fury. Fletchinder struggled desperately, but no matter how hard it tried, it couldn't rise again.
Seeing this, Ash's heart clenched in pain. He shouted desperately, calling out to it.
But instead of encouraging Fletchinder, his voice drew Moltres' attention.
Moltres slowly turned its head, its cold gaze falling upon Ash and the others. Then another Flamethrower burst forth, shooting straight toward them.
At that moment, the battered Fletchinder saw the attack coming. Memories of its journey with Ash flashed through its mind.
And then—
A miracle happened.
It rose into the air once more.
With a powerful beat of its wings, its speed surged to an unprecedented level, like a bullet cutting through the sky.
At the critical moment, Fletchinder intercepted the flames, shielding Ash and the others.
But even as a Fire-type Pokémon, it was still no match for the flames of a Legendary.
The blazing fire engulfed it completely.
The searing pain made it cry out in agony. Combined with its earlier injuries, it was on the verge of collapse.
At that crucial moment, Ash could no longer suppress his emotions.
Trainer and Pokémon—
Their hearts became one.
Fletchinder began to evolve.
Within the flames, light flickered and enveloped its body.
Moments later, a loud, clear cry echoed out.
Ash looked up in shock.
The figure within the flames had changed.
A larger, more majestic crimson bird emerged.
With a powerful flap of its wings, the flames scattered, revealing its new form.
Talonflame.
Its back was bright red, its underside pale gray, with black-tipped wings and tail feathers.
When excited in battle, sparks would burst from between its feathers.
Its hunting speed could reach up to 500 kilometers per hour.
As the viewers watched, the system provided a complete explanation of the newly evolved Pokémon.
In the next moment, Talonflame cried out, and a strange blue flame suddenly ignited around its body, enveloping it entirely.
Instead of causing harm, the blue fire boosted its power.
With a single flap of its wings, its speed increased even further as it shot toward Moltres, slicing through the air with a sharp roar.
"Wow! Brave Bird! I didn't expect to see it here!" Trevor shouted excitedly, raising his camera instinctively.
"That's the strongest physical move among Flying-type techniques!"
Caught off guard by the sudden surge in speed, Moltres was struck, its claws injured in the collision.
Feeling the pain, Moltres discarded its earlier arrogance and began to take the battle seriously.
Talonflame flapped its wings again, its body glowing with intense blue light.
It understood clearly—against Moltres, which was nearly immune to fire, only physical attacks could be effective.
Seeing Talonflame preparing to use Brave Bird again, Moltres wouldn't allow it.
It flapped its wings, creating distance while firing numerous fireballs to intercept.
But this time, it failed.
To Talonflame, moving at such speed, the incoming fireballs seemed incredibly slow.
It effortlessly dodged them all and continued its charge, its talons extended and gleaming coldly under the sunlight.
However, Moltres had already learned from the previous exchange.
Its eyes flashed.
Just as Talonflame was about to strike, Moltres suddenly ascended higher into the sky.
At the same time, blazing energy gathered in its claws.
Before Talonflame could react—
Moltres unleashed a terrifying cross-shaped flame attack.
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