[attr="class","credit"]

[attr="class","topimage"]

[attr="class","textbox"]Most flying types were artful dodgers, more suited to bobbing and weaving around incoming strikes than they were to facing them head-on. Corviknight was the exception that proved the rule. Already a large and sturdy species, Mega Evolution only left them larger and sturdier. The bad news was Halberd was near incapable of dodging such an onslaught. The good news was he didn't need to.[break][break]

Halberd flared out his wings, blotting out the light from the Altaria that shined as radiant as the sun. Draco Meteor after Draco Meteor rained down atop his armored feathers. Each hit was more powerful than the last, driving him closer and closer to the battlefield. However, with each flap of his immense wings, Halberd fought to steady himself. They were the unstoppable force and the immovable object, birds of black and white illuminated by flashes of crimson and azure.[break][break]

Not a single Draco Meteor would make it to the battlefield. At least, none would make it to Lapras' side. Not only would Caleb's Pokemon be spared any damage from the attack, but its focus would remain unsplintered. Perhaps that would give it the edge it needed as it stared down its foe.[break][break]

Perhaps everyone's focus being on the light show above would make what happens next easier.[break][break]

With each hit, feathers shed from the force of the impact. Most fluttered down to the ground, harmless. However, a few particularly close to Halberd's wings seemed to swirl upward. Surely, it was a trick of the eye, or perhaps the natural effect of the air currents from the Corviknight's wingbeats. However, as a Mega Corviknight enjoyer himself, perhaps Lam would be more aware of Halberd's plan than the big bird had hoped.[break][break]

These were no ordinary feathers. These were Blade Birds, a Mega Corviknight's other defining feature. As Halberd's main body weathed the storm, these hid in the shadows cast by azure light on dreary weather. If Mallow wasn't aware, she might end up caught off guard by a Steel Wing in small-scale form.[break][break]

TEAL DEER;[break]
Halberd is taking heavy hits from Draco Meteor, but fighting to stay afloat.[break]
Halberd's Blade Birds (because I will always use cool lore elements damnit) seek to ambush Mallow with a Steel Wing as the main body focuses on defense.

[attr="class","credit"]

[attr="class","topimage"]

[attr="class","textbox"]"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Caleb had drawn a well-deserved first blood. The Terastalized Altaria was put onto the back foot. Halberd had sheltered Lyra from the worst of the storm. Their strategy of covering each other's backs was paying off dividends, and they only had each other to thank for it.[break][break]

Maybe at this rate, they'd actually stand a chance against Zev Harcourt.[break][break]

"You've got one impressive team, too," Isaac said, a statement further reinforced when a tiny little Pidove launched a Heat Wave bigger than its entire body. "Hal-" He didn't need to say anything else. The Corviknight already knew. He dipped down, wings spread to block out the worst of sound and heat alike. Unlike the Draco Meteors, there ephemeral attacks would be a lot harder to block. However, the less pain Lyra suffered, the more they could push their current 3 to 4 advantage.[break][break]

"If you're gonna go out, let's go out with a bang." Halberd's red eyes sparked to life, the patterns along his feathers glowing to a fever pitch. His armor plates smoked as he clumsily touched down on the ground. This time, he didn't just spread his wings for show. Instead, with each passing second, he beat them harder and harder. With each slam, more Blade Birds fluttered from his feathers.[break][break]

"Unleash your rage!"[break][break]

In a rush of steely feathers, howling winds, and Infinity Energy, the Mega Corviknight shed his form. All of his lingering power left his body in the form of a G-Max Windrage, seeking to overwhelm Lam's Altaria before it could gather its bearings. They had been two of the heaviest hitters on the battlefield, but their time was nearly up. What better way to go out than in a single final clash?[break][break]

Now smaller, duller, and distinctly de-Mega'd, Halberd found himself stumbling. He was wide open for any and all retribution.[break][break]

TEAL DEER;[break]
Halberd soaks up incoming attacks for Lyra.[break]
Halberd ends Mega Evolution to use G-Max Windrage, hoping to put some final heavy pressure on Altaria.[break]
He's not in much shape to dodge or weather further attacks. Is this it?

[attr="class","credit"]

[attr="class","topimage"]

[attr="class","textbox"]It was a powerful move, and yet it was all Halberd had left to bring to bear. His defiant chirrup was cut short by Mallow's answer, matching explosions of rose and azure erupting from their bodies. The two great birds, one in black, one in white, and both surrounded by lingering peals of their respective transformations, hit the ground at the same time.[break][break]

"She's a beaut. Took my whole team just to make her sweat." Poor Zephyrus may as well have been walled by the Altaria's efforts, and she and Halberd put on a spectacle as they went blow for blow. It had been a true clash of the titans, and a sign of both how far Isaac had come and how much further he'd have to go.[break][break]

For a while, it seemed like a one one two. Isaac still had a Pokemon remaining, while only a lone Pidove stood toe to toe with Caleb's Lapras. However, just as he prepared to toss Zephyrus' Pokeball out, his eyes widened in recognition. "Hold it, Zeph!" Isaac called as the Dragonite emerged in a flash of light. He turned over his shoulder, peering curiously back at him. "Caleb's gonna have to face this one alone."[break][break]

"Keep an eye out in case the real gym leader pulls any tricks." Fat chance Isaac would take Jamjam lightly.[break][break]

As Zephyrus scanned the battlefield, and Poppy descended from the bove, Isaac could swear that he felt the wind pick up. Fingers of mist stretched from the nearby shoreline, as if curiously feeling out the battlefield. It was a strange shift in weather patterns, especially when the day had been so pleasant and the mist had kept away from their fight.[break][break]

The Pidove's Z-Move was already quite mighty. How much moreso would it be when it could ride this timely Tailwind?[break][break]

TEAL DEER;[break]
Halberd down![break]
Isaac sends out Zephyrus the Dragonite, but rather than intercept Poppy has him keep an eye out for Jamjam's inevitable return.[break]
A mysterious Tailwind speeds Poppy along, making her Z-Move all the mightier.

[attr="class","credit"]