Chapter 56: A New Approach

"What? Can you persist?"

Brock's voice carried a note of disbelief as he watched the battle unfold.

He hadn't expected that Screech would fail to disorient Pidgeotto, but he quickly regained his composure. Even with Pidgeotto managing to close in on Onix, Brock knew his Pokémon's incredible defense and the resistance to Flying-Type moves gave him a significant edge.

Pidgeotto darted in close, meeting Onix head-on. Despite the size difference, the bird Pokémon wasn't intimidated. It rammed into Onix with a determined Wing Attack.

Bang!

The strong impact caused Onix to sway slightly, but it hardly inflicted any real damage. The Rock-Type energy in Onix's body absorbed a significant portion of the attack.

Onix adjusted quickly, its immense strength ensuring Pidgeotto couldn't push it off balance.

"Onix, use Smack Down!" Brock commanded sharply.

Onix roared, its massive tail glowing with Rock-Type energy. Using the center of its body for balance, it swung its tail with incredible force toward Pidgeotto.

"Pidgeotto, Quick Attack to dodge, then use Wing Attack!" Ash called out.

Ash knew that Pidgeotto's attacks alone wouldn't deal significant damage to Onix, but if his Pokémon could leverage its speed and agility, they might wear their opponent down.

"Pidgeoooo!" Pidgeotto let out a sharp cry, launching itself forward in a blur of white light. It narrowly avoided Onix's tail, brushing past the attack by mere inches. Circling around, Pidgeotto dived in again, its wings glowing with energy as it struck Onix's body.

Bang!

This attack was more forceful than the last. Though Onix's Rock-Type resistance reduced the damage, it staggered briefly, struggling to maintain its balance.

"Onix, use Rock Polish!" Brock called out, his tone steady. He needed to change tactics. If Pidgeotto continued to chip away at Onix, the outcome might turn against him. By increasing Onix's speed, he could close the gap between them and seize control of the battle.

Onix's body began to gleam as Rock-Type energy enveloped it. A crimson flame-like aura flickered briefly across its surface, signaling its increased agility.

Ash frowned, his mind racing. Onix's improved speed reduced Pidgeotto's primary advantage, forcing him to rethink his strategy.

"Use Smack Down!" Brock ordered again.

Onix roared, swinging its tail with newfound swiftness, the Rock-Type energy trailing behind it.

"Pidgeotto, use Quick Attack! Dodge it!" Ash countered.

"Pidgeooo!" With a burst of speed, Pidgeotto darted out of harm's way just in time. However, Brock wasn't about to relent.

"Keep attacking, Onix! Don't let it rest!"

Onix roared, unleashing a flurry of relentless strikes. Pidgeotto, pushed to its limits, had no choice but to focus entirely on evading the onslaught.

The battlefield echoed with the sound of crashing rocks and Pidgeotto's rapid movements. Dust rose from the ground as Onix's tail smashed into the arena repeatedly, leaving craters in its wake.

"The increase in speed has completely turned the tide," Ash muttered through gritted teeth. He could feel the pressure mounting. Pidgeotto, though swift, lacked Onix's stamina. If this continued, the smaller Pokémon would tire out before long.

Misty and Pikachu watched anxiously from the sidelines. Misty clasped her hands together, as though praying for a miracle, while Pikachu's ears twitched nervously.

On the field, Pidgeotto was beginning to show signs of exhaustion. Its movements, while still quick, were growing less precise. Quick Attack was a demanding move, and maintaining such a high level of focus was taking its toll.

Brock smirked, sensing victory. "Do you still think you can win, Ash?" he called out. "This match is as good as over!"

But Ash didn't flinch. His focus only deepened as he studied the battle. Then, he noticed something—Pidgeotto's movements were changing.

The bird Pokémon, though visibly tired, was dodging Onix's attacks with increasing efficiency. Its maneuvers were becoming smoother, more calculated, as if it were learning to anticipate Onix's moves.

And then there was the Quick Attack itself. Pidgeotto had been using the move non-stop for over a minute, and Ash could see that it was becoming faster, more precise.

"Maybe... just maybe..." Ash thought to himself. "Pidgeotto might be ready to try something new."

As Onix's tail came crashing down again, Pidgeotto dodged effortlessly, its movements sharp and deliberate. Ash's confidence grew.

"Pidgeotto, keep using Quick Attack! After dodging, follow up with Wing Attack!"

Pidgeotto hesitated for a brief moment, glancing back at Ash. Then, understanding dawned in its eyes. It chirped in acknowledgment, ready to trust its trainer's plan.

Onix roared, raising its tail for another strike. This time, Pidgeotto took off sharply, avoiding the blow with a well-timed burst of speed. As it darted through the air, its wings began to glow, charged with Flying-Type energy.

"Now, Pidgeotto! Go for it!" Ash shouted.

With a surge of power, Pidgeotto dove toward Onix, its glowing wings slicing through the air. It struck the Rock Snake Pokémon squarely on the side of its head.

Bang!

The impact created a shockwave, sending dust and debris flying across the battlefield. Onix let out a pained roar as its massive body was lifted off the ground and thrown back several feet, landing with a resounding crash.

The entire gym fell silent.

Even Brock seemed momentarily stunned by what had just happened.

"That… that's impossible," he murmured, watching his towering Pokémon struggle to rise.

Ash clenched his fists, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. "You're amazing, Pidgeotto!" he shouted.

The spectators erupted into cheers. Misty jumped to her feet, her earlier anxiety replaced by excitement. Even Pikachu let out a celebratory cry, waving its little paws in the air.

Brock recalled Onix, a thoughtful expression on his face. Though his Pokémon had fallen, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Ash's unwavering determination and the bond he shared with his Pokémon.

"You've proven yourself, Ash," Brock said, stepping forward. "You and Pidgeotto didn't just fight with strength—you fought with heart. That's something no amount of training can teach."

Ash smiled, adjusting his cap. "That's how we do it. Together."

The battle had tested both trainers, but in the end, it was Ash's unshakable belief in his Pokémon that had secured his victory.

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