The fury of attacks left both Pidgeot and Salamence tired. Both carefully examined each other, waiting to see who would strike first.

"Salamence, use Dragon Pulse!" I called.

"Pidgeot, use your Agility!" Falkner said.

Salamence's attack missed, which gave Pidgeot the opportunity to attack. "Use Wing Attack!"

"Broar!" Salamence was hit, falling towards the battlefield at high speeds. "Quick Salamence, use fly up now!" I shouted.

Salamence opened his eyes and with a mighty flap of his wings, he brust up towards Pidgeot.

"Use Dragon Pulse again!" I said.

"Use Whirlwind to blow it away!" Falkner shouted.

Salamence's Dragon Pulse somewhat managed to brust through the
Whirlwind attack, but before it could reach Pidgeot, it faltered and stopped.

That's when I realised that Salamence could be having difficulties mastering the new move. I'll have to use other attacks then.

"Go behind Pidgeot and use Steel Wing!" I called.

Salamence's wings glowed white as he flew behind Pidgeot.

"Pidgeot use your Agility to dodge, then attack using Quick Attack!" Falkner ordered.

"Use Dragon Pulse before Pidgeot can escape!" I shouted.

As much as Salamence tried, those attacks kept missing and he was hit with other Quick Attack.

I wish Salamence knows a move that could lower Pidgeot's speed. Or... I could try increasing Salamence's defence!

"Keep using Steel Wing, Salamence!" I ordered.

I could feel Emily giving me a questioning look. She must be wondering why I was telling Salamence to keep using a move that couldn't seem to hit Pidgeot.

As Pidgeot flew closer to Salamence, Falkner told it to use Wing Attack.

"Counter with Steel Wing!" I called.

Both Flying type Pokemon's attacks clashed like shooting stars, each one not giving in.

"Stop flying forward and use Hyper Beam!" I said.

"Pidgeot, dodge it!" Falkner shouted.

Pidgeot took a second to look behind, quickly trying to dodge as soon as it saw Salamence's Hyper Beam heading towards it, but part of the attack hit Pidgeot.

Pidgeot began to fall towards the ground. "Pidgeot!" Falkner yelled.

Luckily, Pidgeot managed to recover in time.

We almost had Pidgeot! I thought, beginning to feel frustrated. Now, I need to wait before telling Salamence to use Hyper Beam again.

Salamence already seemed worn out. But Pidgeot got to be worn out too. I need another strategy.

I glanced at Falkner's Pokemon. It had taken little to no damage, while Salamence had to endure many consecutive attacks.

"Use Wing Attack!"

"Roar!" Salamence began falling towards the ground. With a sinking heart, I realised that when I was distracted, I caused Salamence to be hit.

"Salamence!" I cried.

Salamence crashed onto the battlefield, stirring up dust. He slowly got up, but he looked hurt.

"Pidgeot, it's time we finish this," Falkner said. "Use Quick Attack!"

"Salamence!" I shouted. "Open your eyes and use Steel Wing to block!"

As Pidgeot flew closer, I bit my lip nervously. Salamence was not reacting to my commands, and that would be the end.

Pidgeot crashed into Salamence head on, causing more dust to be scattered around.

I gulped. Is it over?

When the dust cleared, I realised that Salamence had defended himself from Pidgeot with Steel Wing in time.

I could tell Falkner was at least a little shocked. Salamence hit Pidgeot away and the gym leader's Pokemon looked stunned from the blow.

"Salamence, let's win this battle together," I said, feeling my confidence returning. "Use Dragon Pulse!"

"Pidgeot, use Whirlwind to blow away the Dragon Pulse!" Falkner ordered.

Dragon Pulse was blown away, but it wasn't the only move I had in mind. "Use Hyper Beam!"

"Pidgeot, fly away!" he said to his Pokemon.

As Pidgeot rised its wings to fly upwards, it suddenly looked like it was stung, and couldn't fly away in time before Hyper Beam hit its target.

Salamence was breathing hard, on the verge of collapsing, but the Dragon type Pokemon stood strong.

Pidgeot stood up shakily as the people began to cheer it on. However, it collapsed.

"Pidgeot is unable to battle. So the victory goes to Fern the challenger!" the referee announced.

I ran up to Salamence, hugging him happily. "We did it! Thank you for fighting so hard. Take a good rest in your Pokeball."

"Congrats," Falkner said. "By defeating me, you have earned yourself the Zephyr Badge."

"Thank you," I told him, accepting the shiny badge.

"Yes! I got the Zephyr Badge!" I said.

"Congrats! Can you let me see it?" Emily asked as we quickly headed out of the gym to the nearest Pokemon centre.

"Here," I handed my newly earned badge to her.

After looking at it, Emily handed it back to me.

One badge down, many to go.

"Where should we go next?" Emily asked.

"Azalea Town," I replied. "I remember it's quite close to here and there's a gym there too."

"Alright," Emily smiled. "Our next destination is Azalea Town."