Pure Flying-type Pokémon were rare. Flying was usually a secondary type, even among bird Pokémon, so the mighty Gyarados was also a favorite of many Flying-type Pokémon Trainers. Powerful, savage, and stylish!
But evolving Gyarados was far too difficult. Just like Feebas evolving into Milotic, only one in countless millions would manage it. Fortunately, Magikarp populations were large enough that many Pokémon Trainers could simply choose an already-evolved Gyarados, though building compatibility with it became much harder that way.
"Roar!" Gyarados roared as it emerged. Although it lacked the Dragon type, it still carried the blood of Dragon-type Pokémon and had no fear of the pressure Salamence exerted. Its own Intimidate Ability even made the opposing Salamence hesitate slightly.
But Salamence soon stubbornly stepped forward again, seemingly provoked by its opponent, and unleashed an even louder roar.
The two Pokémon stared each other down. Both had explosive tempers, and neither would yield, but the late-stage Gym Leader Class Salamence, fresh from several consecutive victories, was clearly the more aggressive and confident of the two.
"Moxie. It looks like Veranica hasn't truly developed that Ability yet!" Xiao Ran shook his head with a faint sigh.
Only after so many consecutive battles had the Moxie Ability finally begun to show itself. Had it appeared sooner, the later battles would have been complete routs. Salamence might not even have needed Dragon Dance.
"She's doing pretty well. Her Moxie must have been awakened already; it's just difficult to trigger. Our Salamence haven't even truly activated that Ability yet!" Xuan Yuan Tianyu said with a self-deprecating smile.
He and Bai Tingjiao each raised a Salamence, but neither had truly developed its Moxie Ability yet. Veranica could already make some use of it, which left Xuan Yuan Tianyu feeling a little discouraged.
"Exactly, but that's fine.