Pokemon Paldea [172-174] (Patreon)

Chapter 172: Moltres—How It Looks After Slimming Down

Time raced forward like an unbridled horse. In the blink of an eye, four days had passed since returning from Cortondo Town.

It was now quietly approaching mid-March.

Lucas clearly noticed the temperature rising. The biting cold winds of the night were gone, replaced by a cooling breeze that reminded everyone spring had arrived, and the days of early summer were drawing near.

Not much had happened over these three days. Life at the farm was tranquil as always. Most days were spent tending to the fields with Grass-type Pokémon, keeping the soil in top shape with Mudsdale’s increasingly skilled tilling, drooling while feeding the fish, and waiting for them to grow big enough for a proper meal.

Under Luxray’s guidance, the farm’s security team was improving rapidly. The two newest members were shaping up well, already able to patrol under Luxray’s lead and even occasionally drive off wild Pokémon drawn near by the crops.

A few days ago, the Combee led by Vespiquen had finished gathering honey and brewed a fresh batch of their special honey. They’d even taken a few empty glass jars from Lucas before leaving, so he didn’t need to visit the forest at all—soon enough, the Combee team brought back jars brimming with golden honey.

Now, with the help of three Poliwhirl, Lucas was carrying these heavy jars home.

The Poliwhirl were so happy their eyes curved into crescents. Combee honey was the best they’d ever tasted, especially after Ceruledge once slathered it on grilled fish at a barbecue—it instantly became their favorite treat.

With this much honey in reserve, of course they were thrilled.

Ever since they’d grown arms, these three Poliwhirl had been a huge help to Lucas, their strength making many tasks easier. Even though the presence of a Politoed meant their Rain Dance wasn’t always needed, their strong arms still let them contribute to the farm in other ways.

“Poliwhirl~ Poliwhirl~”

The Poliwhirl hummed a cheerful tune as they walked lightly down the path.

Seeing their happiness, Lucas couldn’t help but smile too. As they walked, he spotted a rain cloud in the distance and asked, “How’s your boss’s Drizzle training going?”

Both Politoed and Swampert were reliable. With them around, even Moltres had Pokémon to keep it on its toes. Lucas hadn’t really checked on their training lately, so now was a good time to ask.

The Poliwhirl exchanged glances, and their happy expressions suddenly fell.

Before Lucas could react, a loud boom echoed from the distant sky. Looking over, he saw something unexpected.

A brilliant streak of fire shot up from the thick, rain-bringing black clouds, piercing them in an instant and letting sunlight pour down onto the ground.

“That’s...”

Lucas stared wide-eyed in shock, hugging the honey jars tighter, burning with curiosity about what was happening.

There could be no doubt: that streak was Moltres’s doing. As it pierced the clouds, Moltres had likely used Sunny Day at the same time.

Not long ago, Moltres had been beaten by the combination of Politoed and Swampert. Now, it had managed to reclaim control of the weather!?

Sensing Lucas’s interest, the three Poliwhirl looked at each other, tucked the honey jars under their arms, and snatched Lucas’s jar as well, urging him to hurry over.

They remembered clearly: as the intense battles continued, Moltres’s body had gradually returned to its original, streamlined form, making its movements more agile and letting it dodge Swampert’s attacks with ease.

Having time to catch its breath, Moltres could now focus more on countering the rain that had been bothering it so much.

Their boss, Politoed, was simply outmatched by a serious Moltres in the battle for weather. The gap between ordinary Pokémon and a legendary was clear as day.

If not for Swampert constantly threatening Moltres, Politoed would never have been able to wrest control of the weather, even briefly.

Politoed’s disappointment and determination were obvious to the Poliwhirl over the past few days. All they could hope was that Lucas would have some good advice for their boss.

Watching Lucas leave, the Poliwhirl’s eyes were full of hope.

“Poliwhirl! Poliwhirl!”

Under the blazing sun, Politoed’s skin, usually covered in moisture, was drying out. Forced to expend more energy to stay hydrated, Politoed was clearly frustrated.

It kept trying to gather Water-type energy to call in rain clouds, but the intense Fire-type energy and the sun overhead thwarted every effort.

Politoed watched as Swampert, undaunted under the bright sun, continued to pummel the now-slimmed-down Moltres in the sky. It knew its own weakness was dragging Swampert down.

Swampert had provided countless chances to reclaim the weather, but every time, Politoed’s inexperience let it slip away, and Moltres took charge again.

Arriving at the noisy battlefield, Lucas first saw Swampert’s powerful legs launching it over ten meters at a time, water swirling around its fists as it forced Moltres to dodge, unaffected by the harsh sunlight.

And Moltres, each flap of its wings making the flames on its feathers burn brighter, had changed noticeably.

Its body had returned to the streamlined build Lucas remembered, making flight easier, and with Lucas’s good care it was stronger than ever—sometimes even taking advantage of Swampert’s airborne moments to land a cheeky close-range attack.

Moltres had finally lost weight!

Which meant it was almost time to head to the volcano and help Growlithe evolve. Lucas was caught up in thought—even Growlithe’s evolution was coming soon. Once Moltres saw Arcanine, it would probably leave with no worries.

Lucas felt a bit sorry he wouldn’t be able to rely on Moltres’s Sacred Fire anymore, but seeing Politoed’s dejected look, he knew it was time for another pep talk.

The weather contest zone was far enough from the battling that Lucas felt safe approaching. Smiling at the surprised Politoed, he said, “Hey, do you desire power?”

Chapter 173: Not That, Please!!!

Lucas grinned mysteriously, rubbing his hands as he pulled up a photo on his phone for Politoed to see.

Politoed hesitated, then took the phone and peered at the screen.

It showed a rock about the size of a fist, wrapped in beautiful, water-blue crystals.

Even through the screen, Politoed felt a sudden longing for the stone.

“This is a Damp Rock. It’s infused with a wondrous power, only formed where Water-type energy is abundant and rain is frequent. The blue crystal is pure Water-type energy, built up over a long time.”

Seeing Politoed’s eager look, Lucas explained gently.

“It can boost the strength and duration of rain. Dragonite and Swampert both used Damp Rocks to train their Rain Dance.”

“One reason you’re losing the weather battle to Moltres is a difference in power—just like how Dragonite’s rain can’t be affected by Moltres. Another is experience—Moltres is a legendary, after all. You’ve only just evolved, but you’re already going toe-to-toe with a legend. Don’t rush it. Take your time.”

“One day, you’ll be strong enough that no one can take the weather from you.”

Politoed’s eyes widened, captivated by Lucas’s words. “Poli...”

Lucas patted its head. “I’ll get you a Damp Rock. Moltres’s training is basically finished for now. Spend this time training with Dragonair and the others, okay?”

Politoed nodded.

Lucas gave it another friendly rub, then walked over to where Moltres and Swampert were still duking it out and clapped his hands, stopping the battle.

Both Pokémon immediately dropped their fighting stances and trotted over obediently.

Well, Moltres was still a little proud.

Just a little.

Thinking it was mealtime, Moltres landed gracefully, folding its flaming wings and staring intently at Lucas, waiting for the “let’s eat” signal.

Lucas didn’t say anything yet, instead stepping closer to get a good look at Moltres. The change was obvious—where once its belly was so big it could barely see its own claws, now it was lean and athletic, not a bit of extra fat.

This confirmed Lucas’s theory about energy consumption.

Clearing his throat, Lucas fist-bumped Swampert, then said, “Alright, that’s enough for today. Training’s over.”

“Moltres, when do you plan to leave?”

Throughout lunch, Moltres seemed distracted, barely eating a bucket when it used to eat three or four.

Its odd mood was obvious—even Growlithe, who was usually clueless, noticed, curling up on Moltres’s warm back and anxiously licking its feathers.

Moltres glanced at its adopted son, staying silent.

Honestly, it had been using battle to numb itself, deliberately not thinking about the upcoming farewell.

Yes, farewell.

Its plan had been to slim down, then take Growlithe to the volcano to absorb magma and help him evolve.

Once Arcanine could fend for himself, Moltres’s bond with the farm and Growlithe—formed ever since the egg hatched—would come to a natural end. Moltres would return to its calm life in the volcano, while Arcanine would keep getting stronger under Lucas’s care.

Everything would be back on track.

But Moltres suddenly felt a pang of reluctance.

It looked sadly at the empty dishes and its beloved little red rice bucket, now taken away by Lucas and the Poliwhirl.

Back at the volcano, life would return to bland food every day—at best, it could absorb some magma energy, maybe catch a few unseasoned, fishy wild fish, or eat some random berries.

Not that life again!!!

Moltres howled in its heart, pained.

It frantically tried to think of a reason to stay at the farm and keep enjoying good food. As a legendary, surely it could come up with something.

It thought about its strengths: its legendary status, its unrivaled control over fire—even Ceruledge couldn’t match Moltres’s mastery. That was its innate talent as a Fire-type legend.

If nothing else, maybe helping Lucas reduce the food stockpile could count as a contribution.

Anyway, Moltres was determined to come up with a good excuse to stay and enjoy more delicious meals.

If all else failed, maybe it could bring those two idiots along—Lucas might find them interesting?

Meanwhile—

With Politoed and the Poliwhirl helping, Lucas could finally clean the mountain of greasy dishes with ease.

Thanks to their Bubble Beam, the grease vanished in seconds, and all the bowls and rice buckets were sparkling clean.

Lucas couldn’t help but marvel at how Pokémon changed daily life. Beyond battles, their powers had huge, positive effects.

With chores done early, Lucas had more time to head out in the afternoon.

Calling Swampert and Dragonite, packing a backpack with supplies, Lucas said goodbye to the farm’s Pokémon and flew off toward the Paldean Sea.

He was going to look for a Damp Rock for Politoed.

Most of this planet was covered by ocean, making even the continents seem small in comparison.

Thinking of the ocean, Lucas remembered the two ancient titans of Hoenn, who did nothing but sleep or fight.

He still couldn’t understand how Groudon had let Kyogre get so much of the world’s water. Kind of embarrassing, actually.

Now, Lucas was flying on Dragonite high above the endless sea, in the southern Paldea region. Looking back, he could just make out the Poco Path Lighthouse as a speck on the horizon.

At night, that lighthouse guided ships, keeping them from getting lost at sea.

Lucas scanned the ever-changing ocean below, looking for a suitable island.

Chapter 174: It’s the Future Hero!

Lucas didn’t find any islands, but he did spot several figures churning the water’s surface.

Curious, Lucas patted Dragonite’s back, prompting it to descend. Now he could see clearly.

He frowned. “Finizen and Sharpedo?”

Three Sharpedo—just a small pack—were gulping seawater, then jetting it out their tails to speed across the surface, chasing down a Finizen.

Sharpedo weren’t native to Paldea’s waters, but the oceans of this world were one interconnected whole. Pokémon could travel anywhere.

The sea’s ecology was just as vibrant as the land’s, with countless Water-types living and migrating throughout.

This group was only three Sharpedo, not a full migration, so their impact on Paldea’s ecosystem was minimal.

Sharpedo were called the bullies of the sea, their vicious reputation well-earned. Their jaws could bite through steel, and most Pokémon they targeted met a grim fate.

“Drago~?”

Dragonite’s call snapped Lucas from his thoughts. It looked worriedly at the Finizen, whose swimming was clearly slowing down, as if asking Lucas whether to intervene.

Lucas hesitated to interfere in wild Pokémon affairs, but when he saw where Dragonite was pointing, he understood why the Finizen was being chased.

Floating helplessly on the surface was an injured Wailmer, covered in Sharpedo bite marks.

Clearly, this cute, small Wailmer had been attacked and badly hurt by the Sharpedo.

So what about the Finizen?

Was it deliberately luring the Sharpedo away to save the Wailmer?

Lucas’s mind weighed the options.

After a moment’s silence, he decided to help.

He released Swampert from its Poké Ball and pointed. “Go help Finizen. Just drive the Sharpedo off—I’ll stay and heal Wailmer.”

Lucas dug out a bunch of medicine from his backpack—a habit from playing games, always carrying enough to be a walking Pokémon Center. With Comfey staying at the farm, these medicines finally had a use.

Swampert nodded. The ocean was its second home; despite being part Ground-type, it was even stronger in water, with energy all around.

Sensing the water’s movement, Swampert quickly locked onto its targets and rocketed across the waves, moving even faster than Surf.

Knowing Swampert would be fine, Lucas focused on treating Wailmer.

Dragonite hovered nearby as Lucas tended to the unconscious Wailmer.

Meanwhile, Swampert soon spotted the Sharpedo and Finizen.

Finizen had already been caught up to. Though it dodged desperately, the cunning Sharpedo—famous for their smarts—didn’t rush in all at once. Instead, they formed a triangle, taking turns attacking and wearing Finizen down, toying with it.

Finizen realized their plan, growing more and more anxious. Its usual slip away in the chaos tactics were useless here.

These guys were tough!

Still, Finizen had no regrets about risking itself to save Wailmer.

After all, Finizen believed this was the path to becoming the legendary hero of its pod. Only by overcoming challenges and helping bullied Pokémon in the sea could it become the Palafin Hero!

It was... the hero of the future!

Swampert narrowed its eyes, considering the best move.

Surf was out—too wide an area, might hit Finizen too. Close combat was better.

Decision made, Swampert cloaked itself in water and burst into the fray, smashing one Sharpedo aside before it could attack.

With three shocked Pokémon staring, Swampert grinned, dove underwater, then erupted upward, landing a left-right punch combo on the remaining Sharpedo and sending them all flying in the same direction—so they wouldn’t get lost looking for each other.

It all happened in seconds. Finizen was stunned—the ferocious Sharpedo had been swept aside like weeds.

Finizen was still dazed, even though Swampert hadn’t touched it.

Swampert waved a hand in front of Finizen’s face.

The flicker of movement snapped Finizen back to reality. In a flash of insight, it reached an astonishing conclusion.

This mysterious Pokémon must be the masked avenger of the seas—the Palafin Hero!

“Finizen!” (Thank you for saving me, Palafin Hero!)

With a melodious cry, Finizen looked at Swampert with sparkling eyes.

Swampert: ???

Completely baffled, Swampert wondered why this Finizen was calling it the Palafin Hero.

Noticing Swampert’s confusion, Finizen began comparing the two of them.

It had fins; so did its savior.

Its blue was lighter; the hero’s blue was darker.

Most importantly, both were Water-types, and the hero had punched out the bullies!

Legend said the Palafin Hero fought evil with unmatched strength!

Finizen was convinced.

This was its evolved form—the Palafin Hero!

Swampert was left with a single thought.

Did this kid get its brain bitten by Sharpedo?