Team Rocket's Second-in-Command!

The situation was turning grim for Malva.

First, she was in mid-air, severely limiting her mobility. None of her other Pokémon could fly, meaning she couldn't deploy them to assist in battle.

Second, as a Fire-type specialist, Malva was at a natural disadvantage against the Water/Poison-type Tentacruel, especially one of this size.

Talonflame darted through the air, weaving around the Tentacruel's relentless attacks with Malva clinging tightly.

Of course, Talonflame wasn't entirely defenseless—it was one of Malva's main Pokémon, after all.

However, carrying Malva severely hindered its ability to perform its signature moves, like Brave Bird, Flame Charge, or Flare Blitz. As a result, Talonflame had no choice but to focus entirely on defense.

Malva considered having Talonflame drop her to the ground so she could reorganize her strategy.

But the Tentacruel seemed to anticipate this, launching attack after attack to keep her airborne and deny her any opportunity to land.

Tentacles lashed through the air as the two sides reached a stalemate—Tentacruel attacking fiercely, Talonflame evading skillfully but unable to retaliate.

Though Tentacruel held the advantage, its inability to land a decisive blow was clearly frustrating it.

Its two red, gem-like orbs atop its head began to glow ominously, releasing waves of supersonic energy that surged toward Malva and Talonflame.