Aoki stood on the back of the Flygon as it flew ahead, while the Altaria continued using Dragon Pulse to interfere with the Pokemon below.
The current situation clearly demonstrated the difference between wild pseudo-champion Pokémon and those trained by experienced Trainers. Back on Neverland, the Altaria might have been able to handle a pseudo-champion Pokémon of Pidgeot's level, potentially defeating it with just a few attacks. Even adding a pseudo-champion Crobat to the mix wouldn't have posed significant problems.
However, now facing Furukai's well-trained Pidgeot and Crobat fighting in tandem, the Altaria's attacks failed to produce any truly effective results. Making matters worse, Furukai also had an exceptionally powerful Exeggutor near peak pseudo-champion strength constantly assisting with supporting attacks against the Altaria, creating persistent difficulties.
On the turbulent sea below, two massive Pokémon continued their struggle. Whenever the Flygon flew slightly lower, the Gyarados would immediately attack. A single direct hit from Gyarados' Hydro Pump could deal catastrophic damage to Flygon, potentially rendering it incapable of sustained flight.
Despite these challenges, Aoki found some satisfaction in Flygon's improved mentality after this period of training. At least it hadn't shown excessive timidity when facing so many powerful pseudo-champion Pokémon - definite progress.
Yet the current situation remained unsustainable. Aoki activated his Telepathy to connect with Altaria. "Altaria, we can't continue like this. Follow my commands now," Aoki's voice resonated in Altaria's mind.
Though reluctant, Altaria had to acknowledge that under Furukai's coordinated commands, she couldn't effectively handle the three opposing Pokémon. Their seamless teamwork even allowed them to occasionally land damaging blows on Altaria.
With a nod, Altaria agreed to cooperate. While she hadn't participated in Aoki's training sessions directly, she had observed his training methods with other Pokémon and his work with her two offspring. This gave her some familiarity with Aoki's battle rhythm, though their coordination remained basic at best.
The simple cooperation couldn't unleash Altaria's full combat potential. Having lived for centuries, she had developed her own battle instincts and found it difficult to suddenly adapt to another's rhythm. However, with Aoki's strategic commands, she at least avoided taking combined attacks from all three opponents simultaneously.
Aoki systematically countered each of Furukai's tactics. Observing their coordination, Furukai began suspecting Altaria might be a guardian Pokémon assigned to Aoki by high-ranking League officials.
Altaria's exceptional talent gradually shone through under Aoki's direction. As she grew accustomed to his battle rhythm, their coordination improved noticeably. The battle reached a stalemate lasting nearly an hour. Though Furukai couldn't gain the upper hand, Altaria's stamina began waning as she fought one against three.
Lacking systematic training, Altaria had reached her current strength primarily through natural energy accumulation. Her body hadn't fully developed, and she hadn't mastered all her potential abilities and moves. Her ability to surpass typical pseudo-champion Pokémon stemmed partly from her pure Dragon-type heritage and partly from her exceptional dark cyan potential.
These advantages served her well against wild Pokémon lacking training, but proved less decisive here. As Furukai closed in, Altaria grew anxious yet powerless to change the situation.
Furukai remained patient, knowing their isolated position over open sea meant no unexpected interruptions. Altaria would inevitably tire against three opponents, presenting his opportunity to eliminate Aoki. This strategic patience explained why he hadn't attacked Aoki immediately on the island - slowly wearing down his opponent without risk represented the optimal approach.
A small island appeared on the horizon, growing gradually larger as Aoki directed Flygon toward it. Seeing this, Furukai felt confident - Aoki must be reaching his limit, choosing to make a final stand rather than be worn down completely. But how much energy did Altaria have remaining? Without her, what resistance could Aoki offer?
Everything seemed to be proceeding according to Furukai's plan. Eliminating Aoki would remove his last major concern, allowing him to focus on reaching Champion level and officially joining Team Rocket's executive ranks. Executives held considerable influence, able to direct certain operations and, if desired, assume command of regional bases in Kanto and Johto to train their own teams.
Just as victory seemed assured, Aoki guided Flygon to land near the island's central mountain, whose snow-capped peak gleamed white. Altaria wearily flapped beside Aoki at the mountain's base. She hesitated - technically, she could carry Aoki to safety given her superior speed. But as Neverland's ruler and a proud Dragon-type, fighting alongside Aoki already stretched her limits.
Their relationship remained cooperative rather than Trainer-Pokémon. Only her offspring's bond with Aoki had motivated her participation this far. Now she wrestled with her pride - should she abandon her dignity to flee with Aoki? To her, Flygon represented everything unworthy in a Dragon-type.
Yet Aoki showed no signs of panic, just as he hadn't on the previous island. The trap had been set, the prey maneuvered into position. Now came the reversal of hunter and hunted. Some things never changed - he'd always preferred being the hunter.