Noivern has two primary ways of fighting. One is the endless Dragon Rush charge.
Just like the Noivern before them now.
Its tempered state had granted it a physique far surpassing others of its kind. All four limbs pushed off the ground at once, carving four deep furrows into the earth. Blue purple dragon type energy condensed around its body like armor as it skimmed low across the ground, charging fiercely toward Blaziken.
"Ken!"
Flames ignited violently around Blaziken's claws. Its speed was enhanced in an instant, and it transformed into a streak of crimson light, easily dodging Noivern's Dragon Rush.
The moment it completed the dodge, Blaziken launched its counterattack without hesitation.
A flame covered kick shot straight toward Noivern's head. The intense heat distorted the surrounding air.
For most Pokémon, the head could be considered a weakness.
But not for this tempered Noivern.
With a thunderous roar, its massive ears released high frequency ultrasonic waves. Invisible soundwaves spread outward from Noivern's body, tearing through the air itself. The entire battlefield trembled under the force.
This was a new move Noivern had developed from its ultrasonic ability, called Great Roar.
It was designed to deal with opponents skilled in close combat, or to chain into a point blank Great Roar after a Dragon Rush before following up with another Dragon Rush.
Struck head on by the ultrasonic shock, Blaziken felt its head spin. Its flaming kick stalled midair.
Noivern would never miss such an opportunity. It opened its jaws wide and bit down with Super Fang, clamping onto Blaziken.
Sharp dragon teeth pierced through feathers and sank into muscle.
Super Fang's effect activated, instantly cutting away half of Blaziken's stamina.
The intense pain jolted Blaziken out of its dazed state. Balancing on one leg, it delivered two rapid kicks to Noivern's head, forcing Noivern to release its grip.
Only then did Blaziken manage to leap backward and create a safe distance.
That combination was Noivern's specialty. Dragon Rush to close in, Great Roar to induce confusion, then Super Fang to cripple.
A first meeting that immediately shaved off half the opponent's stamina.
Even if you dodged Dragon Rush, there was still Great Roar. Even if you avoided Great Roar, another Dragon Rush would follow.
And do not think about relying on long range attacks either. Noivern excelled there as well.
Dragon Pulse, Air Slash, Boomburst.
It was not afraid of drawn out battles. Noivern even had Moonlight for recovery.
"Noivern is amazing!"
Korrina exclaimed in astonishment. Her grandfather's Blaziken could defeat her Riolu with one hand. It was incredibly strong, yet it had just suffered a setback.
Standing in the trainer's area beside Silas, Minccino and the others cheered loudly for Noivern, serving as a proper cheering squad.
Outside interference was only temporary. The battle was not over. Blaziken had not yet fallen.
"Ken!"
Blaziken responded to its trainer with a cry full of fighting spirit. The flames erupting from its wrists burned even more fiercely.
"Flamethrower!"
The instant Gym Leader Gurkinn gave the command, Blaziken crossed its claws before its chest.
A blazing pillar of fire burst from its throat, carrying waves of searing heat straight toward Noivern.
The rocky ground glowed red from the heat. The air itself seemed ready to ignite.
"No need to dodge. Charge straight through with Dragon Rush and end this."
Dragon Pokémon feared fire the least. It was just a Flamethrower.
Noivern answered with a sky shaking dragon roar. Dragon type energy surged into its body, forming the silhouette of a giant dragon around it. Its killing intent locked firmly onto Blaziken.
Its limbs dug into the earth again, leaving deep claw marks as it lowered its head and plunged directly into the oncoming flames.
"I cannot watch."
The little ones at Silas's feet covered each other's eyes, yet still peeked through their fingers.
On the battlefield, the orange red flames nearly swallowed Noivern whole.
"Be careful!"
Gurkinn called out, but it was already too late.
Within the pillar of fire, a brilliant blue purple light erupted. The dragon shaped aura tore through the flames by sheer force.
The fire scorched Noivern's scales until they burned hot, but it could not stop its advance.
Throwing its head back, Noivern released a piercing dragon cry. The dragon blood within its body was completely ignited.
Blood red patterns slowly surfaced across its draconic body, spreading along the gaps in its scales and covering it entirely.
At this moment, Noivern's power visibly surged.
This was the enhanced form they had developed through repeated battles while refining their battle hardened state.
In extreme excitement, it entered the Arch Tempered state. Muscles swelled, blood vessels expanded, and crimson markings appeared across its body.
"As expected of young Silas. What overwhelming momentum. It seems Drasna truly did not misjudge you."
Growing more serious, Gurkinn spoke softly, "Create distance and use your final Flare Blitz."
Blaziken's entire body became enveloped in blazing fire as it charged directly toward Noivern.
A Fighting type Pokémon never retreated.
Except perhaps certain ones lacking fighting spirit.
Noivern slammed its feet into the ground again, continuing its Dragon Rush. This charge was faster and fiercer than any before.
The earth dented beneath its steps, forming shallow craters. Its body became a streak of blue purple light as it collided head on with Blaziken.
BOOM!
A massive shockwave blasted outward, sending dust soaring into the sky. The collision echoed across the field as the ground rumbled violently. In the end, it was Blaziken's body being flung away that marked the conclusion.
After more than ten seconds passed, the dust finally cleared.
Blaziken lay unconscious on the ground.
Noivern had returned to its normal state, breathing heavily in great gulps.
For now, their bodies were not strong enough to maintain the Arch Tempered state for long.
The first thing that required strengthening was the dragon heart within their bodies, which would need reinforcement to sustain the blood circulation required for Arch Tempered state.
That was a matter for the future. As long as they continued refining their tempered state, they would achieve it one day.
"Blaziken is unable to battle. Noivern wins!"
Noivern lowered its massive head and rubbed affectionately against Silas. After swallowing a ripe Oran Berry offered to it, its draconic face radiated happiness.
Minccino and a few of the other little ones somehow produced a small flower from who knew where and presented it to Noivern in celebration of its victory.
Noivern looked especially pleased and swallowed the flower in one bite.
"Alright, come back and rest."
Silas raised a Poké Ball and recalled the reluctant Noivern. Beside him, Cyclizar let out a howl and leapt onto the battlefield on its own initiative.
They had agreed beforehand that each Pokémon would only fight one battle.
The others needed their chance to shine.
Once on the field, Cyclizar circled the arena. One moment it crouched low with a fierce expression, the next it ran back to Silas's side and wagged its tail at him.
It could hardly wait.
Gurkinn first praised Silas sincerely before throwing out his second Poké Ball.
Another Fighting type Pokémon appeared.
…
"What a big bug."
"That is Grandpa's Heracross. It has a super good temper and incredible strength. It can lift an entire mountain."
Korrina introduced it proudly while loudly cheering for her grandfather.
On the other side of the screen, Serena puffed out her cheeks and hurriedly began cheering for her brother in return.
(End of Chapter)
TN: I'm just pulling the Arch tempered state here, I don't really know what it is but the original one on it was Explosive or Detonate State but I changed it to Arch Tempered to denote a higher form of tempered state from Monster Hunter.