Defeating the ga Blastoise looked simple, but in reality, any small mistake—or if Siebold had chosen to use Water Pulse in the rain during the final exchange—the battle would have dragged on.
Siebold loosened his scarf a little to breathe in the fresh post-rain air, then walked toward Lucas and Kofu, who were chatting. With a calm face, he said, "That was a battle filled with artistry. Lucas, thank you for accepting my challenge."
Lucas had been explaining the origin of his Tera Orb to the curious Kofu. Upon hearing Siebold's words, he turned to look at Siebold, who still maintained his composure, and smiled, "It's nothing. My Ceruledge and I both gained a lot from battling you."
"My honor," Siebold bowed slightly—sothing he always did. Then, with a curious look, he asked, "From your discussion just now, the strange phenonon on Ceruledge during the battle is called Terastallization?"
Kofu laughed heartily, "Yes! That's a specialty of the Paldea region~"
"A very fitting na. After Terastallizing, Pokémon look like sparkling gems full of artistic flair."
Kofu nodded in agreent at Siebold's description. Then, as if rembering sothing, he asked, "By the way, why did your Blastoise manage to evolve again during the battle?"
Since Kofu had already told him about Terastallization, Siebold didn't hide anything: "That's called ga Evolution. With the help of a special item, a Pokémon's hidden potential can be awakened."
Lucas didn't interrupt their exchange. After all, he was familiar with both Terastallization and ga Evolution.
Siebold and Kofu chatted briefly, then both turned their gaze to Lucas.
Lucas felt a bit uneasy under their stares. Siebold laughed lightly, "Today's battle helped realize the shortcomings between and my Blastoise. Thank you again for accepting my abrupt challenge."
"And if you ever have the chance, you should visit the Kalos region. When you do, I'll treat you to a al and a battle at my restaurant."
"Can I take that as a second challenge?" Lucas smiled and nodded, then asked, "Does that an you plan to leave Paldea?"
Kofu shook his head, "No, he'll be staying at my restaurant for a while to do so joint recipe research."
Siebold tacitly agreed with Kofu's answer.
Lucas nodded knowingly, then called out his Dragonite, picked up the Poliwag and the small box containing the Chipped Pot, and sat steadily on Dragonite's back. With a casual air, he said, "Since everything's settled, I'll take my leave. If I don't go now, it'll be dark soon."
Siebold and Kofu nodded, watching as Dragonite carried Lucas and the Poliwag slowly upward, finally disappearing into the boundless sky.
Stroking his chin, Siebold said with interest, "That Dragonite... seems strong as well."
Kofu laughed heartily, "Haha, Dragonite is indeed strong. None of Lucas's main Pokémon are weak."
"...I see."
Siebold's gaze grew deep. If Lucas had sent out Dragonite instead of Ceruledge—who was at a disadvantage against ga Blastoise—how would the battle have unfolded?
Miss Cynthia was right. There are countless strong trainers in other regions. One shouldn't rest on their laurels and grow dull, enjoying the fa of being an Elite Four in Kalos.
…
After leaving Cascarrafa City, Dragonite maintained a steady pace toward Los Platos.
Gradually, the sky darkened, clouds gathered, and the whistling wind grew harsh. The Poliwag nervously snuggled closer to Lucas.
Even though it wanted to master such rain clouds when it grew up, watching them so closely was still scary.
Dragonite looked up at the sky, a thoughtful look in its gentle eyes.
Even as a Dragonair, it was good at sensing and controlling the weather.
After evolving into Dragonite, it lost the three blue orbs that helped it manipulate the weather, so so of its more unique abilities weakened.
But Dragonite could still vaguely sense this would be a big storm.
Worried they'd hit heavy rain before reaching the farm, Dragonite silently sped up.
Unlike Blastoise's Rain Dance, which only covered the battlefield and nearby area, this curtain of black clouds stretching as far as Lucas could see was a clear sign of a coming heavy, even torrential, rain.
Lucas was glad he hadn't planted new seeds today—otherwise, they'd likely be drowned in this coming storm.
Although the farm had Pokémon who knew Sunny Day, just relying on ordinary Pokémon—even at Champion level—was a struggle against nature.
Maybe the slightly weaker Moltres could disperse the storm.
Lucas was about to ask Dragonite to hurry but realized it was already moving faster without any urging, giving him a strange, bittersweet feeling—like a parent watching their child grow up.
Gently stroking the nervous Poliwag, Lucas tried to think of sothing to say to lighten the mood.
Just then, Dragonite's two antennae started twitching, as if sensing sothing. Dragonite suddenly looked up, eyes piercing the clouds.
Electric energy was gathering in the clouds—not good! Must fly lower!
"Drago!" (Hold on tight!)
There was no ti for graceful descent. Dragonite roared to remind Lucas to hold on. Feeling Lucas tighten his grip, Dragonite folded its wings and imdiately began a free-fall.
Wild, weather-sensitive, and powerful Pokémon like Dragonite were rare. Lightning began flashing among the clouds, thunder and lightning building to their peak.
Then, like a god's punishnt, a deafening crash split the sky, lightning bright as day.
Flying overhead was a mostly red bird Pokémon, white feathers covering its face and chest. Unlike Dragonite, it lacked keen senses and experience, nor the luck of other flying Pokémon who'd dropped to low altitude out of fear.
A bolt of lightning struck it dead-on.
Delibird had no ti to react; its consciousness was gone in an instant, its proud feathers charred black.
Unconscious, Delibird plumted to the ground, trailing smoke.
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