Defeating Mega Blastoise might have seemed easy, but in reality, even the slightest mistake—or if Siebold had chosen to use Water Pulse in the rain during their final clash—the battle could have dragged on much longer.
Siebold loosened his scarf slightly, taking in the fresh air after the rain as he approached Kai and Kofu, who were engaged in conversation. His expression remained composed as he said, "That was a truly artistic battle, Kai. Thank you for accepting my challenge."
Kai had been explaining the origin of his Tera Orb to a curious Kofu when Siebold spoke. Turning to face the ever-graceful Elite Four member, Kai smiled. "It's no problem. I'd say Ceruledge and I both gained a lot from this battle."
"The pleasure is mine." Siebold gave a slight bow—a habit of his. Then, with curiosity flickering in his gaze, he looked between Kai and Kofu. "From what I overheard, the unusual phenomenon surrounding Ceruledge during our battle is called Terastallization?"
Kofu let out a hearty laugh. "That's right! It's a special battle mechanic from the Paldea region~"
"A fitting name. After Terastallization, a Pokémon's body gleams like a beautifully cut gemstone—truly artistic."
Kofu nodded in agreement. Then, as if something had just occurred to him, he asked, "Speaking of which… how was your Blastoise able to evolve again mid-battle?"
Since Kofu had shared information about Terastallization, Siebold saw no reason to withhold his own knowledge. "That's called Mega Evolution. By harnessing the power of a special item, a Pokémon's latent potential can be unlocked."
Kai remained silent during their exchange. After all, he was already familiar with both Terastallization and Mega Evolution.
Their conversation was brief, but soon both Kofu and Siebold turned their attention back to Kai.
Feeling slightly uneasy under their combined stares, Kai chuckled.
Siebold offered a small smile and said, "Today's battle helped me recognize the flaws in my teamwork with Blastoise. Once again, I appreciate you accepting my rather sudden challenge."
"Additionally, if you ever have the chance, you should visit the Kalos region. When that time comes, I'll be sure to welcome you with both my cooking and another battle at my restaurant."
"Should I take that as a second battle invitation?" Kai grinned before nodding in agreement. Then he asked, "So, does this mean you're leaving Paldea soon?"
Kofu shook his head. "Nah, he's still going to be working with me at the restaurant for a while as we develop new recipes."
Siebold didn't deny it.
Understanding their plans, Kai gave a small nod. He then called out Dragonite, picked up Poliwag along with a small wooden box containing a damaged teapot, and settled onto Dragonite's back. With a casual wave, he said, "Since everything's wrapped up here, I'll be heading out. If I don't, it'll be dark before I get home."
Siebold and Kofu both nodded, watching as Dragonite carried Kai and Poliwag into the sky before disappearing beyond the horizon.
Siebold rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That Dragonite… it seems strong as well."
Kofu let out a booming laugh. "Hahaha! Little Dragonite is definitely strong! Honestly, I'd say none of Kai's main Pokémon are what you'd call 'weak.'"
"…Is that so?"
Siebold 's gaze turned contemplative. If Kai had chosen to battle with Dragonite instead of Ceruledge—who had a type disadvantage against Mega Blastoise—how would the match have played out?
Miss Diantha was right. Strong trainers existed everywhere. Limiting himself to the comforts of Kalos, relying solely on his title as an Elite Four member, would only dull his edge.
—
After leaving Glaseado City, Dragonite maintained a steady speed as it flew toward Cortondo.
Gradually, the sky darkened. Clouds began to gather, and the eerie whistling of the wind carried a certain chill. Poliwag instinctively curled up against Kai, feeling uneasy.
It longed to control rain clouds like this when it evolved, but seeing them up close… was a little intimidating.
Dragonite lifted its head, gazing at the sky with a thoughtful look in its gentle eyes.
Back when it was a Dragonair, it had a keen ability to sense and control weather patterns.
Although evolving into Dragonite had cost it the three blue orbs that once aided in weather manipulation, the instincts still remained, albeit weakened.
Even so, Dragonite could tell—this rain was going to be heavy.
Worried they might get caught in a downpour before reaching the farm, Dragonite silently picked up speed.
Unlike the Rain Dance summoned by Blastoise during battle—limited to a small radius—this looming storm stretched as far as the eye could see. It was the kind of cloud cover that heralded torrential rain—or even a full-blown storm.
Kai felt relieved that he hadn't planted new seeds today. If this rain was as bad as it looked, they would've been washed away before they had a chance to sprout.
While there were Pokémon at the farm capable of using Sunny Day, even those at Champion-level would struggle to compete against the full force of nature.
Perhaps… Moltres would have a better shot at dispersing the storm.
Kai was about to tell Dragonite to fly faster when he realized it didn't need the instruction—it had already accelerated on its own. For a moment, he felt a strange sense of nostalgia, as if watching a child grow independent.
Gently stroking the back of the anxious Poliwag, Kai opened his mouth to say something to ease the mood.
But at that moment, Dragonite's antennae twitched. It abruptly raised its head, its gaze piercing through the thick storm clouds to the danger lurking within.
Electric energy was gathering—
Not good! They needed to descend!
"Buwuu!!" (Hold on tight!)
Abandoning all grace, Dragonite let out a warning cry before folding its wings and cutting off its own flight momentum, dropping into a freefall.
Few wild Pokémon had the same level of weather awareness as Dragonite, and even fewer had its battle-honed instincts.
A blinding glow flickered within the storm clouds. The charge reached its peak—
Then, like the wrath of a deity, a deafening explosion tore through the sky, and a lightning bolt streaked down, momentarily turning the darkened heavens as bright as day.
A large, red-and-white bird Pokémon was flying high above. Unlike Dragonite, it lacked both the ability to sense the danger and the experience to react in time.
The lightning struck it directly.
Delibird never even had the chance to cry out. Its consciousness faded instantly, and its once-pristine feathers were left charred.
Now unconscious, Delibird could no longer keep itself aloft, its body trailing smoke as it plummeted toward the ground.
---
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