Mistralton City, a place known for its strong winds and connection to the sky, greeted Ash and Cilan with a cool breeze. One that Ash's pokemon were enjoying fully. They made quite the spectacle, with Ash and Cilan strutting down the streets confidently, with a Thunder of powerful and menacing dragons flying above them in total synchrony. Poor Ash could not understand what all the stares were about, while Cilan could not stop his laughter from slipping- his best friend was too amusing at times.

As they approached the local Gym. Ash was eager to earn another Gym Badge on his way to becoming a Dragon Master, but little did he know that this Gym's unique approach would challenge his expectations.

As Ash and Cilan entered the Mistralton Gym, they were met with an unexpected sight – a long line of enthusiastic Trainers eagerly awaiting their turn to challenge Skyla, the Gym Leader. Excitement surged through Ash. He was ready for another thrilling battle, but as they got closer to the front of the line, he overheard something astonishing – appointments were required to battle Skyla.

"Appointments for a Gym battle? That's a first!" Ash turned towards Cilan bewildered, as he returned his pokemon not to reveal his hand before his battle.

"Yeah, quite a unique format. I've heard that the Gym Leader's love for flying was the driving force behind this unique system." Cilan replied. Skyla's passion for flying was legendary, and to ensure she had enough time for her aviation pursuits, she meticulously organized her Gym's schedule. He then, with a frown, muttered to himself. "I just hope that the other things I've heard were not true…"

As they settled into the Gym, Ash and Cilan observed the morning challenges. What they saw left them baffled– Skyla's battles were unlike any they had ever encountered. These were not physical battles; they were something she called "Air Battles."

In this unusual form of competition, Skyla envisioned the outcomes of battles in her mind. With incredible speed, she declared moves and strategies, and within moments, the winners and losers were decided without the need for physical combat. It was an astonishing display of imagination and strategy.

"Wait, they're not actually battling? It's all in her head?" Ash's eyes widened in shock.

"They were true…" Cilan sounded incredulous. "Skyla's battles are battles of the mind. That's... just spits on everything a Gym Battle should be about!"

While some Trainers seemed to embrace Skyla's Air Battles with enthusiasm, Ash and Cilan couldn't help but feel disappointed. The core of being a Gym Challenger was to engage in real battles, testing their skills and the strength of their pokemon. Skyla's unconventional approach felt like a departure from the time-honored tradition they held dear.

Ash glared as another "Air Battle" happened before him. "I came here for a real Gym battle. Imaginary battles aren't the same!"

"I have to agree with you, Ash. Real battles are what define the journey of a Pokemon Trainer," Cilan stated resolutely, a fierce determination burning in his eyes. He turned to his best friend, excitement simmering under his skin. "Are you challenging her and showing her what a true Gym Battle is?"

Ash, however, didn't respond immediately. He merely smirked, a devious glint in his eyes, and turned away from the gym. Cilan was left bewildered by Ash's sudden departure, calling after his friend in confusion.

"Ash?! Little prince, where are you going?"

But Ash's path was unwavering, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He seethed with a righteous fury that Cilan couldn't entirely comprehend. Ash's next words were charged with purpose, an ominous promise of consequences to come.

"I will not waste my time with a Gym Leader like that," he muttered darkly, the smirk on his face carrying an unsettling edge. "She wants to behave like a child and neglect her duties, then she will face the consequences of her actions."

With an air of cold determination, Ash retrieved his Xtransceiver and dialed a familiar contact. As the call connected, his voice was laced with a mix of anger and frustration, ready to unleash the fury of a storm.

"Drayden-sensei, how are you? Me? I am pissed! You will never believe what I just discovered in Mistralton City."

Cilan's eyes widened, realization dawning upon him as he overheard snippets of Ash's conversation with their ex-dean. The calm of the day had been shattered, and Ash was poised to bring the thunderous consequences of his revelations down upon Skyla. In that moment, Cilan understood the full gravity of the situation. It was as if a storm was brewing, and the fury of Arceus was about to descend upon Mistralton City and its Gym Leader.

Soon a sense of tenson had taken root in Mistralton City, all because of a Gym Leader Skyla… and well, Ash Ketchum. The officials from the Unovan Pokemon League took Ash's concerns seriously, especially with Drayden vouching for him. They knew that Gym Leaders held a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of Trainers and ensuring that battles were not only challenging but fair. Fairness was a principle the League held dear, and they were entrusted with safeguarding it.

Upon arrival in Mistralton City, the league representatives conducted thorough interviews and investigations. Their aim was not to accuse Skyla but to understand the nuances of her unique approach. They held discussions with Skyla and listened to the feedback from other challengers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

The deliberations were not easy, and the weight of their decision was palpable. After careful consideration, it was clear that Skyla's approach deviated significantly from the traditions and values of Gym Battles. In the interest of preserving fairness, integrity, and established norms, the league officials decided to take action.

"Skyla, while we appreciate your passion for flying, it's essential that Gym battles maintain fairness, respect, and adherence to established standards. We're placing you on probation until these concerns are addressed." The League Official informed her firm and unwavering.

The decision was made not as a punitive measure but as an opportunity for Skyla to reflect on her unique style and make necessary adjustments. Skyla, while initially taken aback, accepted the league's decision with grace. The probationary period would allow her to reevaluate her methods and consider the grievances raised by the challengers who sought her Gym's badge. It will also allow her to decide what was more important to her, being a Gym Leader or her flying… maybe she could also find a way to juggle both her passions at the same time.

"Well, that ended up better than I thought," Cilan commented, sighing in relief that things had not gotten out of control. He had winced at how pale Skyla had gotten when she had seen the League Official knock on her Gym's doors. "Putting a Gym Leader in probation… that will not look good on her papers."

"Well, she should have thought about it before implementing her "Air Battles". That's on her!" Ash replied with a disgusted expression. "We better get back to the Pokemon Center to rest, I will be the first one to knock on her door tomorrow. Let's see if the League Officials did their job and I will get the Gym Battle I deserve."

Cilan frowned at Ash's scathing comments but remained silent. He knew better than to poke at a dragon, especially one who was awake and furious. It took a lot for someone to wake up the dragon within Ash and Cilan could only pray for Skyla's pokemon, hoping they would survive facing off against Ash's dragons.

Ash's bad mood continued until the following day. Not even Skyla's tense, but bright, greeting helped. Ash simply glared and demanded a battle with a curtness that had Cilan wincing. Skyla turned to her fellow Gym Leader in inquiry, but Cilan simply shrugged and went to take his position at the stands, sitting beside the League Official tasked to oversee Skyla's hours as Gym Leader.

"The following battle will be between Mistralton City Gym Leader Skyla and Ash Ketchum from Opelucid City!" The referee announced once the trainers took their positions on opposite sides of the battlefield. "The battle will be a three vs three match, where only the challenger will be allowed to change pokemon. Are we clear? Then, let the battle begin!"

With a determined glare, Ash sent out Ares, his Jangmo-o, while Skyla released her Swoobat onto the battlefield. Skyla smiled. "All right, Swoobat, show them the power of the sky! Supersonic!"

Skyla's Swoobat let out an ear-piercing Supersonic attack, sending soundwaves reverberating through the battlefield. It was a move that often-left opponents in a state of confusion, affecting their ability to battle effectively. But this time, things were different. Ares, with his Soundproof ability, stood unfazed in the face of the Supersonic assault. His hidden ability kicked in, rendering the sound-based move utterly ineffective. The battlefield was filled with the echoing, confused cries of Swoobat's Supersonic, but Ares remained composed.

Ash smirked viciously, his draconic tendencies showing. "Nice try but Ares's Soundproof ability makes Supersonic a dud!" With the initial surprise element nullified, Ash wasted no time, commanding Ares to act swiftly. "Ares let's show them what you're made of! Dragon Claw!"

Ares wasted no time, channeling his Dragon-type power into his clawed limb. He lunged at the Swoobat with incredible speed, his claw radiating with draconic energy. The slashing Dragon Claw struck true, making contact with the Swoobat before she could react.

"Swoobat, Air Cutter!" Skyla commanded.

Skyla's Swoobat, though slightly disoriented by the earlier ineffective Supersonic, managed to muster enough concentration to unleash an Air Cutter, slicing through the air like a razor-edged projectile.

However, Ash was quick to react. "Ares, use Protect!" In a dazzling display of his defensive prowess, Ares summoned a protective barrier of energy just in time. The Air Cutter collided with the transparent shield, dispersing harmlessly around it. "Now, Ares, let's wrap this up. Dragon Dance and then Dragon Claw once more!"

Ares, his determination unwavering, charged once more, his claw shimmering with draconic power- this time three times stronger than before thanks to the Dragon Dance. He closed in on Swoobat with lightning speed, slashing with precision. The impact of the Dragon Claw was palpable. Swoobat was knocked backward, unable to withstand the relentless assault.

Skyla sighed disheartened. "Swoobat, you did your best. Return."

Meanwhile, Cilan winced at his friend's viciousness. "He was not holding back at all."

"Well, if I had been the one making a complain like the one, we received… I would also be quite angry," the League Official commented, but still winced at the young boy's bloodlust. "Dragons."

"Tell me about it," Cilan chuckled.

With a sigh of disappointment, Skyla recalled her defeated Swoobat. Skyla then sent out her male Unfezant, who took to the battlefield, his wings beating with precision as he faced off against Ash's unwavering Ares.

"Unfezant, let's take to the sky! Use Aerial Ace!" Skyla commanded.

With a graceful ascent into the air, Unfezant's razor-sharp wings glimmered as he approached his opponent. Ares stood his ground, but Ash knew this battle was far from ordinary.

"Ares, brace yourself! Protect!" Ash glared in determination.

Ares called upon his protective powers, summoning a translucent shield around him. Unfezant's Aerial Ace struck the barrier, causing it to ripple with the impact. The display of power was awe-inspiring, but Ares remained steadfast.

Skyla smirked confidently. "Great job, Unfezant! Now, follow up with Pluck!"

Unfezant swiftly descended and launched a Pluck attack. His beak gleamed as he aimed to seize Ares. Skyla's strategies were executed with precision, showcasing her deep understanding of Air Battles.

"Ares, we can't let up! Use Dragon Claw!" Ares responded to Ash's command without hesitation. His claws surged with Dragon-type energy as he lunged toward Unfezant, intent on landing a decisive blow.

However, the battle was far from one-sided. Unfezant expertly dodged Ares's Dragon Claw with the agility of a seasoned flyer. "Unfezant, capitalize on this! Hit Ares with Air Slash!"

Unfezant unleashed a swift and precise Air Slash, sending sharp gusts of air hurtling toward Ares. The attack landed true, striking the Jangmo-o and causing him to stagger under the pressure. The attack was especially potent, as it had been done from such a short distance.

"Ares, you can do it! Counter with Dragon Tail!" However, Ares could barely get back on his feet and was unable to fulfill Ash's command. Skyla capitalized the moment and commanded another Pluck, one that struck true this time, knocking out Ash's young pokemon. "Return, baby boy. You did a wonderful job for your first Gym Battle. We will finish the rest."

The tension in the Mistralton Gym continued to build as Ash and Skyla's battle raged on. Furious and unyielding, Ash was determined to make a statement, which could only mean one thing. Cilan winced once Ash's graceful Nephele, the Shiny Altaria, made her appearance on the battlefield.

The League Official sitting next to Cilan turned pale. "Was she not the one who faced off against Darkrai?"

"Yup," Cilan grimaced.

"Arceus bless them," the League Official prayed.

Even Skyla had realized in what position she had been put in, but credit where's due, she did not back down. "Unfezant, let's seize the moment! Air Slash, now!"

Unfezant's wings generated powerful gusts of air, forming sharp blades that streaked towards Nephele with incredible speed. Skyla's Unfezant was well-versed in aerial combat, and his precision was a testament to the Gym Leader's unique style.

Ash smirked confidently. "Nephele, show them your grace! Dodge and retaliate with Sky Attack!"

With nimble grace, Nephele avoided the incoming Air Slashes, performing a delicate aerial dance. She then began to gather energy for a Sky Attack, a move that showcased her elegance and might. Her body glowed with radiant power as she prepared to strike.

"Impressive moves, Ash!" Skyla smiled, though it fell once she only received a glare from Ash. "But let's keep the tempo up! Unfezant, Aerial Ace!"

Unfezant's Aerial Ace was a testament to his mastery of aerial maneuvers. The move allowed him to close the distance between himself and Nephele in an instant, and his beak gleamed as he aimed for a precise strike.

"Nephele, brace for impact and release your Sky Attack!"

As Unfezant neared, Nephele unleashed her Sky Attack. The two pokemon collided in a dramatic clash of power. The gym was filled with the echoes of their clash, and it was clear that neither Trainer nor Pokemon would yield easily.

The clash of the two mighty Flying-type Attacks created a shockwave that rippled through the gym. It was a testament to the strength and determination of both Ash and Skyla. But, as the dust and energy cleared, it was evident that Nephele's Sky Attack had prevailed.

"Way to go, Nephele!" Ash cheered, as his Altaria let out a melodious cry of victory.

Skyla whistled impressed. "Fantastic job, Unfezant. You were amazing. Return."

With a gracious smile, Skyla recalled her valiant Unfezant. She had a deep appreciation for the artistry of battles, even in defeat. The battle in Mistralton Gym was reaching its peak, with Ash's determination burning brighter with each passing moment. Skyla, equally resolute, sent out her Swanna, a majestic Water and Flying-type pokemon with a feathered grace that matched the Gym Leader's affinity for flying.

However, Ash was unyielding. "Nephele, let's give them a taste of Dragon Pulse!

Nephele radiated power and grace as she unleashed a searing Dragon Pulse. The attack surged towards Swanna, a swirling force of draconic energy clashing with the opponent.

"Excellent move, Ash," Skyla praised. "But don't underestimate the sky! Swanna, ascend with Hurricane!

With a mighty flap of her wings, Swanna soared upwards, using the winds of the gym to enhance her Hurricane attack. She conjured a cyclone of razor-sharp winds, and the tempest roared down upon Nephele.

"Nephele, defend with Dragon Dance! Elevate and counter with Dragon Breath!" Ash commanded.

Nephele responded with a dazzling display of her Dragon Dance, her movements swift and powerful. She rose gracefully through the tempest, meeting the hurricane head-on with another surge of Dragon Breath. The clash of Dragon Breath and Hurricane was a breathtaking spectacle. The gym quaked as their energies collided, but Ash and Nephele remained steadfast.

"Such intensity! Swanna, show them your aerial precision with Brave Bird!" Swanna, a symbol of aerial mastery, summoned her inner courage. She rocketed towards Nephele with a ferocious Brave Bird, her feathers glistening in the battle's fervor.

"We're not backing down! Nephele, weather the storm and retaliate with Sky Attack!" Ash shouted.

Nephele met Swanna's Brave Bird with a dazzling Sky Attack. The two pokemon engaged in a spectacular mid-air clash, their power and determination on full display. Their wings beat in harmony, pushing against one another.

As Cilan and the League Official watched in awe, it was clear that this battle was one of breathtaking intensity. The two trainers, Ash and Skyla, had reached a pinnacle of skill and strategy in their pursuit of victory.

But ultimately, it was Ash and Nephele who emerged victorious. Through sheer determination, unyielding resolve, and a bond that transcended the battlefield, they had overcome Swanna's might and secured a hard-earned win.

"Incredible job, Nephele. You're amazing!" Ash was beaming with happiness as he secured yet another gym badge.

Nephele landed before her Trainer and nuzzled her beak against Ash's neck, making the teenager giggle like a little boy. She always had that special ability to soothe Ash down. They were the perfect duo after all.

Skyla wanted to congratulate Ash, but she decided to maintain her distance as she was on the receiving end of Ash and Nephele's joined glares. She quickly threw the Jet Badge towards Ash, who caught it easily, and without even a goodbye, turned on his heels and stormed out of the Gym. Cilan followed behind his best friend, but not before throwing an apologetical smile towards Skyla.

"That was an interesting start to your probation," the League Official commented, making Skyla wince.

"You could say that," Skyla sighed. "Today will be a long day."