"No, Flygon, stand up—quickly!"
Da Fei's expression twisted in disbelief. Anxiety pricked his heart—if Flygon lost here, he'd lose that valuable Pokémon Egg.
He hadn't planned on wagering it seriously, having obtained it in a stroke of luck while traveling near Route 119. But now? Now it meant everything.
Worse yet, if he lost, there would be no way to get Aoki's Shiny Beldum—an incredibly rare Steel/Psychic-type Pokémon known to be Steven Stone's original ace.
"Storm Dragon, don't hold back! Dive and strike with Dragon Claw!"
Storm Flying Dragon (Salamence) let out a thunderous roar and surged downward.
"Flygon, counter with Dragon Pulse! Hold it off!" Da Fei barked.
Flygon forced itself upright, wings trembling, and released a concentrated blast of shimmering draconic energy.
The two Dragon-type techniques collided. Storm Flying Dragon pushed through the pulse, its claws glowing ominously, and slashed down viciously onto Flygon.
Both Pokémon took direct hits. Salamence winced but stood firm, its thick scales absorbing most of the force. Flygon, however, faltered.
It had only recently crossed into the quasi-Elite level and lacked both experience and fortitude.
The impact hurled it to the ground. Dust rose in a choking cloud.
"Ice Fang," Aoki said calmly.
Storm Flying Dragon's fangs glowed with icy mist—a move specifically prepared for Dragon and Ground-type foes.
Da Fei's pupils shrank. "No, Flygon! Dodge—!"
Too late. The jaws snapped down, energy bursting on impact. Flygon screamed in agony. With its Ground/Dragon typing, the Ice-type move hit for quadruple damage.
Flygon fell limp, body twitching.
"I'm sorry," Aoki said, folding his arms. "Your Flygon has lost the ability to battle. If you want to continue, choose another partner." His voice held no malice—just cold certainty.
Behind Aoki stood his full team: the intimidating Boss Lairon, the ever-watchful Honchkrow (Flame Crow), Gyarados (Stormy Carp Dragon), Greninja, and his shining Beldum. Each had proven themselves formidable in recent battles across Hoenn.
Da Fei glanced nervously from one Pokémon to the next. He had no second powerhouse. The Flygon had been his trump card.
"…Here. The Pokémon Egg is yours," he said bitterly, handing it over. He turned quickly, hiding the greed still festering in his eyes.
He had no hope of stealing the Beldum here. But he swore—he'd find a way to obtain one like Steven's.
Da Fei stormed off, leaving Aoki with Naqi and Kamizlei.
"Naqi, go ahead and capture that Shiny Taillow. Kamizlei, this Pokémon Egg is for you."
"Thank you," the girls replied in unison.
One had won a rare Shiny Pokémon, the other a high-quality Pokémon Egg. The moment sparkled with warmth.
And both remembered what Aoki had said moments earlier—that they were his girlfriends.
Naqi flushed again. Kamizlei bit her lip, looking at Aoki out of the corner of her eye.
The situation had changed rapidly. Aoki smiled faintly. Since no one had denied it, why not seize the opportunity?
"Naqi, Kamizlei… I meant what I said before. Why don't we make it official?"
Naqi's face burned crimson. It was her first time being confessed to like this—especially by someone so capable, gentle, and daring.
He had jumped into danger to defend her from Da Fei. That act alone captured her heart.
Kamizlei wasn't much different. The time she had spent raising Pokémon with Aoki had drawn her in.
Now, with his direct confession, the walls around both girls cracked.
Aoki opened his arms boldly. "I care about both of you. Let me protect you—and I promise I'll treat you with everything I've got."
Naqi yelped and pushed him slightly, her face scarlet. "T-That's a bit sudden! If you want to be with me, you'll have to win the Ever Grande Conference first!"
Aoki grinned. "Deal. When I win that championship, I'll make it official—with both of you."
Kamizlei giggled, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Then you'd better train hard, Champion-to-be."
The air filled with unspoken feelings and a promise of shared futures.
"Alright," Aoki said, turning slightly. "Let's keep moving. We've got some distance to cover before reaching the next town."
Naqi paused. "Actually, I need to return to Fortree City for now. I still have Gym Leader duties."
"Understood. But wait—let me give you a batch of freshly crafted Pokéblocks first. I'll likely challenge your Gym in the future."
Naqi's eyes lit up. "Then you better show me what you're really capable of."
A half-hour passed. Naqi packed the Pokéblocks, then summoned her trusted Skarmory. As she mounted, Aoki couldn't help admiring her silhouette—elegant, poised, radiant.
Wallace, he thought with amusement, wouldn't stand a chance anymore. Naqi's heart now clearly leaned toward him.
"Naqi, be careful on your way back. There's still some unrest in the area—you might run into trouble."
"I'll be fine," she said, winking. "But remember—you must win that Conference, or I'm off the table."
Aoki nodded solemnly. "I will. That's a promise."
She gave one final glance, and then—Skarmory's wings spread, catching the wind. The bird took off, glinting in the sun.
Aoki watched until she disappeared into the horizon, determination flaring in his chest.
Next stop: league glory—and beyond.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 90+ CHAPTERS
Patreon.com/Kora_1