Pokemon Paldea [184-186] (Patreon)

Chapter 184: Moltres Descends from the Sky

The incredible glimpse of power Reggie saw left him no choice but to send out his full team of six carefully-selected Pokémon to challenge Dragonite.

This team was handpicked by him—elite members who had battled through the league tournaments of four major regions. With his team at its peak, Reggie wanted to challenge the Battle Frontier.

But before he could even attempt the Battle Frontier, he was utterly crushed by that terrifying Dragonite, unable to put up any resistance.

Yet, after reflecting on his defeat and returning to that beach the next day, he found that the only change was a crowd of other trainers and Dragon-type enthusiasts also searching for Dragonite. The powerful lifeguard-costumed Dragonite, however, was nowhere to be found.

With a fire burning in his heart, Reggie postponed his Battle Frontier challenge. Instead, he began searching for a trace of that Dragonite in the Paldea region, taking his younger brother Paul, who had just received his starter Pokémon.

The search lasted almost a month. Fortunately, that Dragonite had been surrounded by a group of very distinctive students—students from Naranja Academy.

With this clue, Reggie finally found Nemona, who had just finished her gym challenge in Artazon Town and was heading toward Levincia City. From her, he learned the location of Dragonite's trainer and immediately hurried to Los Platos Town.

Reggie thought, this time he had to capture that Dragonite. Only then could he go to the Kanto region and challenge the Battle Frontier in peace.

The wait wasn't long. With Paul, who hadn't yet become jaded from witnessing his brother's defeat—just a bit proud and stubborn—Reggie finally saw the person and Pokémon he was waiting for.

Led by Luxray, Lucas and his Dragonite, who looked as honest as could be, came to the farm entrance and saw two brothers who looked nearly identical in every way except for their age.

That's the one!

Reggie's gaze locked onto Dragonite, his heart pounding with excitement.

Paul sized up Lucas, thinking he looked like a young farmer. Aside from owning such a rare Pokémon as Dragonite, he didn't seem like a strong trainer at all.

Paul was even more convinced that his brother was just being modest. Even his own Turtwig could probably last a few rounds against this farmer, who seemed to have nothing to do with trainers.

Feeling uneasy under Reggie's intense gaze, Dragonite took a step back to hide behind Lucas.

But Dragonite's 2.2-meter-tall frame couldn't be hidden by Lucas at all.

Patting Dragonite's soft belly to comfort it, Lucas looked at the brothers and asked, "Hello, I'm Lucas, the owner of this farm. Is there something I can help you with?"

Reggie nodded slightly. "Hello, Mr. Lucas. I'm Reggie, and this is my younger brother, Paul."

Reggie pushed Paul forward. "Paul, say hello."

Blushing, Paul hesitated and then quietly said, "Hello, Mr. Lucas."

"Hello," Lucas replied, though his eyes briefly showed a hint of confusion.

What did he just hear?

 Reggie and Paul?

Wait—was it the Reggie and Paul he was thinking of?

Reggie continued, "We're from the Sinnoh region, currently traveling in Paldea. Not long ago, I lost to your Dragonite on Trainer Beach."

From Sinnoh, Reggie and Paul—the two brothers really were the side characters Lucas remembered from the anime.

"Trainer Beach?" Lucas frowned, recalling something. He had encountered other characters too, so he kept calm.

Reggie nodded. "Yes. At the time, your Dragonite was even wearing a lifeguard vest and hat. I was completely defeated by it."

Lucas: !!!

He remembered now. The day Mudbray evolved, he'd left Dragonite on Trainer Beach to watch over the students. Later, he'd heard about the incident on the radio.

No way—was Reggie another trainer who'd lost to Dragonite?

Lucas asked, "So, what brings you here today?"

Reggie bowed and requested, "I'd like to challenge your Dragonite again!"

Lucas: ...

Oh no, he's come right to the door!

After hearing the whole story from Reggie, and learning that Nemona had already cleared her second gym, Lucas couldn't help but admire how strong she was—a true prodigy at championship level in her first year.

Lucas discreetly glanced at Reggie standing on the open ground, and Paul, who had just released his starter Turtwig and was still bonding with it. It seemed Paul hadn't started his journey yet, nor adopted his later, more elite training style.

Lucas patted Dragonite on the shoulder, stopping it from sneaking off to nap, and said mercilessly, "You made the mess—you go fight."

"Drago~..."

Dragonite drooped its head and trudged over, looking like a wilted eggplant.

Seeing Lucas and Dragonite approaching, Reggie lit up with joy, thinking his request had been accepted.

Before Reggie could speak, Lucas said, "Honestly, we're not that far apart in age, so just call me Lucas. Otherwise, you'll make me feel old."

"How do you want to battle? One-on-one, or six-on-six?"

"Either is fine."

Reggie nodded seriously. "Then please have a full six-on-six battle with me."

Lucas nodded. "For me, it'll just be Dragonite. You can use whoever you like."

Reggie was stunned for a second. From Lucas, he sensed absolute confidence, and no intention to use any other Pokémon.

Lucas planned to fight his whole team with just Dragonite. Even gentle Reggie now wanted to go all out to show Lucas he wasn't weak.

Paul's face turned red with anger. In his eyes, Lucas was deliberately humiliating his brother.

Reggie took a deep breath and threw a Poké Ball. "Here's my first one: Bibarel!"

A brown-furred Pokémon with big front teeth appeared before Lucas and Dragonite.

A Normal-type Pokémon—Bibarel.

"Then it's decided—Dragon..."

Before Lucas could finish, a piercing cry echoed from the sky. A wave of scorching heat descended. Moltres, its body wreathed in bright, fierce flames, landed in front of Bibarel.

Everyone: ...

Paul's eyes widened. "What kind of Pokémon is that?!"

Compared to Paul's confusion, Reggie's pupils contracted in disbelief. "Mol...tres?"

He'd traveled and challenged in Kanto, so he knew of the source of the Sacred Fire.

Why was this legendary Pokémon on a farm?

Even Lucas was stunned by Moltres's sudden appearance. But when he saw the trace of cream on Moltres's beak, he understood.

It seemed Moltres had been healed by delicious food.

Chapter 185: So, How About Officially Joining the Team?

The appearance of Moltres caught even Luxray and Dragonite off guard; Dragonite's stride faltered, hesitantly looking back at Lucas.

Moltres has taken my spot. Should I still keep going?

Lucas was silent for a moment, locking eyes with Moltres' battle-ready gaze. A guess formed in his heart.

Is Moltres volunteering to fight? Lucas could feel a strong sense of determination radiating from the legendary bird.

As if sensing Lucas's thoughts, Moltres, still facing away, gave a slight nod.

At that moment, Reggie's slightly shaken voice called out, "Lucas, is that—"

Feeling the intense fighting spirit from Moltres, Lucas answered before thinking, "Yeah, that's Moltres, and it wants to fight. Reggie, would you like to battle it?"

"Yes! Please, let me battle Moltres! I'm begging you!"

Normally calm, wise, and gentle in Paul's eyes, Reggie now showed a side of himself Paul had never seen before.

It was anticipation, longing—the desire to climb higher.

Dragonite was now forgotten. All Reggie wanted was a match against this living legend.

Reggie felt that any other trainer would make the same choice here.

Hearing Reggie's words, Bibarel turned back in shock.

You want me to fight that thing?

That Moltres was radiating such intense heat that just looking at it made Bibarel feel like he'd explode. The oppressive aura from this superior being left Bibarel almost numb.

At least Dragonite seemed dopey and harmless, and he'd even trained up some Ice-type moves—fighting Dragonite sounded better than going up against Moltres.

With both sides in agreement, the battle began. Paul acted as referee, eyes locked on Reggie and Bibarel, hoping they could somehow defeat the legendary Moltres.

"Use Aqua Jet!" Reggie called out steadily. He wanted to test Moltres's strength first.

As a water-dwelling Pokémon, Bibarel had a natural affinity for Water-type moves. Surrounded by surging water, it charged straight at Moltres with unstoppable force.

Lucas's approach to commanding Moltres was a bit different. He planned to make full use of Moltres's immense stamina and energy reserves.

"Sunny Day!"

Both sides gave their commands at the same moment. Now, it was a matter of whose move would land first.

"SKREEEE!"

Moltres screeched skyward, and the already-clear sky blazed even brighter with intense sunlight. At that moment, Bibarel reached Moltres and crashed right into it.

"Not good!"

A chill ran through Reggie. This could be bad.

Under harsh sunlight, Water-type moves became sluggish and much weaker. Moltres had gotten the first move!

Szzzz—

Steam billowed where they collided. Bibarel's strike, which should have been super effective, was weakened by both the sunlight and Moltres's body heat—more than half its power was lost, leaving only a decent physical hit.

But Moltres didn't even flinch.

Lucas's voice rang out. He felt a strange mix of emotions—he'd never imagined there'd be a day when he'd be commanding Moltres in a trainer battle. "Heat Wave!"

Unlike Dragonite's gentle, hair-drying heat, Moltres's Heat Wave exploded with intensity and the scent of smoke. With a flap of its wings, a searing blast sent Bibarel flying, its body instantly covered in burn marks.

Bibarel didn't even have time to counterattack before it crashed to the ground, knocked out.

One hit. Instant KO!

Reggie and Paul were stunned. They never expected there to be such a massive power gap.

Lucas just raised an eyebrow—he wasn't surprised by this outcome.

Moltres had been living the good life on the farm, eating and drinking to the point of putting on a bit of weight. Recently, it had weather wars with Politoed and sparring matches with Swampert. It was far stronger than when Luxray and the others first brought it in.

Bibarel really wasn't a threat to Moltres.

"Return, Bibarel. You did well."

Reggie recalled Bibarel, his voice tinged with guilt. If he'd started with a ranged move, maybe Bibarel could've avoided the Heat Wave?

He pulled out his second Poké Ball and tossed it. With a flash of red light, a yellow Pokémon appeared.

"This is my partner from Johto—let's go, Ampharos!"

Reggie looked at Lucas and Moltres, determination burning in his eyes. This time, he decided to go all out from the start, using Ampharos's powerful ranged attacks.

"Thunder!"

A massive surge of electricity gathered between Ampharos's black-and-yellow horns, crackling before hurling a huge bolt of lightning at Moltres with a deafening roar.

This time, Moltres moved. Spreading its wings, it dodged Thunder with effortless aerial grace.

"We're not done—keep using Thunder! Force it on the run!"

Reggie's eyes lit up. As he saw it, Moltres dodging meant it didn't dare take Thunder head-on like it did with Aqua Jet.

Legends weren't invincible; he still had a chance!

Thunder after thunder split the sky, roaring endlessly.

Though Moltres was dodging with elegant maneuvers, it didn't think much of Ampharos's Thunder.

Forget matching Luxray—even Dragonite's wild Thunderstorm, the one that once defeated Moltres, was far more impressive than this.

With a sudden stop in midair, Moltres dove straight at Ampharos.

Lucas gave the next command: "Brave Bird!"

Blue flames gathered into the image of a divine bird. Moltres swooped low at Ampharos, who, too focused on controlling Thunder, couldn't react in time. Ampharos was sent flying, knocked out instantly.

Another one-hit KO!

Paul gripped his trembling right arm with his left, silently telling himself his brother still had a chance. Turtwig glanced at him in concern, then took a few steps back—the presence of Moltres was too overwhelming.

Reggie silently recalled Ampharos. He felt as if Lucas could read his mind; in just two commands, Lucas had completely neutralized his strategy. Was Lucas really just an ordinary farmer?

"Go, Golem!"

Reggie now sent out his Kanto partner, Golem.

But with Moltres's overwhelming type advantage, Golem was baked red-hot by a single Flamethrower—its rocky body radiating such heat that the air shimmered.

Having lost three Pokémon in a row, Lucas frowned slightly.

He didn't remember Reggie all that well, only that in the future, Reggie would challenge the Battle Frontier and lose to Brandon, prompting Paul to become more extreme in his training.

He hadn't understood why Reggie lost to Brandon, but now he had an inkling.

Reggie's style was too safe. He relied only on the most reliable approaches, hoping to win simply by avoiding mistakes—he had no distinguishing features at all.

He fought just like any average trainer.

Reggie's fourth Pokémon was Swalot, caught in Hoenn. He hoped to gain the upper hand with poison, but was dismayed to find that the toxins simply burned up in the waves of heat surrounding Moltres, leaving only a foul stench in the air.

Swalot, defeated!

By the time he sent out his fifth Pokémon, Reggie's face was visibly grim. His fifth was Staraptor—one of his strongest, second only to Drapion.

Staraptor made a good start, using its honed flying skills to dodge and even outmaneuver Moltres, who once flew mostly by instinct.

But after battling Swampert, Moltres had improved its flying technique. While not quite on Dragonite's level, it quickly adapted to Staraptor's maneuvers. Moltres's Flare Blitz easily caught up, engulfing Staraptor in flames as it fell.

Reggie mechanically recalled Staraptor, then sent out Drapion. This battle felt even more crushing than their last one on the training beach.

Back then, Dragonite had won through sheer power, and Reggie's commands had at least neutralized some threats, leaving him with the illusion that they could face off again.

But under Lucas's command, Moltres was an insurmountable wall, impossible to breach, decimating his team.

This realization stung, because Reggie now understood: Lucas's skill as a trainer utterly outclassed his own.

He'd never felt this powerless, not even facing the league champion.

Just then, a ray of light broke through Reggie's silent world.

Paul's eyes were red. He'd never been so emotional before, but now he just wanted to shout: "Big brother! Drapion! Don't give up!"

"Paul…"

Reggie was stunned, but his turmoil began to settle.

Lucas glanced at the brothers, finding their scene a bit odd. Are Reggie and Drapion about to shout about friendship or bonds and come at me like I'm the final boss?

But miracles don't happen just because you want them to. Although Reggie coolly commanded Drapion in a meticulous counterattack, it was meaningless before Moltres's overwhelming power.

Reggie and Drapion gave it their all, trying to land a Cross Poison as Moltres exposed its back, but at that instant, flames erupted from Moltres's body.

Overheat—its ultimate move.

It was like a volcanic eruption, painting half the sky red. Even Moltres couldn't avoid the cost of this devastating attack, which burned through its energy reserves for a single, overwhelming blow.

Drapion was instantly engulfed by the golden-red fire, unable to withstand it.

Even Dragonite, watching in the back, was a bit startled. Moltres's growth was beyond its imagination—was this the innate power of a legendary Pokémon?

The flames gradually faded under the downpour summoned by Dragonite. Reggie declined the umbrella Lucas offered, standing in the rain, soaked and bedraggled.

Concerned, Paul tried to cover Reggie with his umbrella, but he was too short to reach, sweating with worry in the downpour.

Lucas had already called Comfey to heal Reggie's six fainted Pokémon. He didn't try to console Reggie—there was no need.

After all, Reggie had managed to change, even if only a little, in the last round. That change might just set his future on a new, unknown path.

Battered by the rain, Reggie didn't feel defeated. On the contrary, he was more clear-headed than ever.

Because he realized he'd found a missing piece—he was evolving in this storm.

"Hahahaha, hahahahaha!"

Suddenly, Reggie burst out laughing.

Paul was startled by the laughter, a rebellious suspicion flashing through his mind.

Did my brother lose so badly that he's gone insane?

Laughing, Reggie took the umbrella from Paul and walked over to Lucas. Watching his Pokémon being treated by the adorable Comfey, his laughter faded as he thanked Lucas, "Thank you for healing them."

Lucas nodded casually. "No trouble. Have you figured things out?"

Reggie replied, "Kind of, but I still need to work on it."

Paul, catching up, looked blankly at the two of them. What are they talking about?

Reggie ruffled Paul's hair, his damp hand making Paul's bangs droop, earning him an annoyed glare.

Reggie smiled again, then turned to Lucas, his gaze now full of respect: "Lucas, what do you think I was lacking before?"

Lucas thought for a moment. "You were just too…ordinary. Playing it safe might work for even matches, but against stronger opponents, it just leaves you helpless."

"I actually liked your approach with Drapion—aggressive yet calm, carefully looking for openings. Very good."

"Haha, I knew it," Reggie grinned. His guess was right—Lucas had intentionally given him opportunities, even though Moltres could have swept his team instantly. "You're just like a teacher. Thank you for your guidance."

Lucas shot him a strange look. "I am a teacher, actually. Still teaching at Naranja Academy these days."

Before the dumbfounded brothers could reply, Lucas walked over to Moltres as the rainclouds faded.

With approving looks from Luxray and Dragonite, Lucas pulled out an unused Poké Ball and smiled, "I've already had you battle under my command. So, what do you say—want to officially join the team?"

Moltres, cleaning its battle-dusted feathers, froze at the proposal. It hadn't expected Lucas to ask first.

But after eating that cake, it had already made up its mind, hadn't it?

In Moltres's heart, the scales tipped decisively: bonds over freedom.

Once, every volcano in the world had been its home. Its spirit was as solitary and fiery as a volcano.

But now, thanks to a twist of fate, it had found a true home.

There was good food, a beloved adopted child, and a group of kind humans and Pokémon partners.

Moltres didn't hesitate. With reverence, it lowered its flame-crowned head, touching it to the red-and-white Poké Ball.

This time, it thought, it had made the right choice.

Chapter 186: Growlithe and Chicken Coop

The sound of a Poké Ball shaking left Reggie and Paul stunned. The next moment, disbelief was written all over their faces.

Lucas hadn't even captured Moltres, but he could command this legendary Pokémon to battle against Reggie?

Thunk~~

The Poké Ball shook three times and then settled. A crisp sound rang out, like music to the ears—a sign of a successful capture.

From then on, Moltres officially joined the farm and became one of Lucas's Pokémon.

Releasing Moltres, Lucas smiled and asked, "How does it feel?"

"Skree!"

Moltres thought for a moment. It was much better than it had expected.

The inside wasn't cramped at all, and even as a large bird Pokémon, it could stretch its wings freely. Aside from being a bit plain, it was fine.

Hearing Moltres's answer, Lucas's smile deepened. "A higher-grade Poké Ball would be even more comfortable; it can even simulate your ideal living environment. If you need, we can switch Poké Balls later."

Moltres gently shook its head. The Poké Ball's environment wasn't important to it—Lucas never kept it or any other Pokémon inside for long anyway.

"Growlithe has hot food ready. Go eat while it's still warm."

Finally, Lucas could rightfully touch Moltres's soft, warm feathers. They felt silky and delicate, as if he were stroking the finest fluff. The warmth where skin and feathers met made him imagine how cozy it would be to hug such a bundle of warmth in the winter.

Moltres instinctively sensed Lucas was thinking something inappropriate, but since it was now his bird, it just let it slide.

Who told it to be so magnanimous?

Moltres flew off to eat from the food bucket guarded by Growlithe. Only then did Reggie step forward, surprised. "Moltres isn't your Pokémon?"

Lucas replied immediately, "It just became mine."

"That's not what I meant." Reggie shook his head, gripping Paul's hand tightly. "You were able to command a proud legendary Pokémon like Moltres to battle for you. I find it hard to believe you're just a farmer."

Moltres had obeyed Lucas's commands so well that Reggie thought it had long since been captured. But he never expected Lucas to be commanding an uncaptured Moltres.

This challenged everything Reggie had believed.

Lucas stayed silent for a moment. He remembered that at this point in time, Reggie was just an ordinary trainer, not yet a breeder. To him, Pokémon needed to be captured to form a bond.

That's why he was so shocked at Lucas's and Moltres's relationship.

After a while, Lucas spoke. "I'm not just a farmer. I used to be a pretty average trainer. After some small achievements, I started this farm."

"Small achievements..."

Reggie didn't understand what "small achievements" meant.

But whether it was Moltres or Dragonite, their presence felt far more overwhelming than any league champion he'd ever met. Lucas's so-called small achievements were clearly not simple.

With everything settled, even though he'd lost badly, Reggie felt he'd learned something and was eager to train before challenging the Battle Frontier.

Reggie bowed deeply. "Thank you for accepting my sudden visit and challenge. I've learned a lot. Truly, thank you!"

With that, Reggie and Paul bowed deeply to Lucas. In Reggie's eyes, Lucas had become a mentor who guided him on the path of a trainer.

He'd pointed out his flaws and helped him break through his limits. This kindness would never be forgotten.

Lucas was surprised. "Leaving so soon? Aren't you staying for a meal?"

Reggie shook his head. "No, I can't wait to meet my new self."

"I plan to train a while and then challenge the Battle Frontier."

"I see. Well, good luck." Lucas didn't push them to stay, since this was their first meeting. Looking at Paul, who was hugging Turtwig silently, Lucas asked with curiosity, "You've got your starter, Paul. Are you planning to travel as a trainer?"

Paul nodded hard, his eyes full of longing. "Yes, I want to travel to other regions like my brother!"

Lucas saw the excitement for future adventures in Paul's eyes. Fortunately, Paul hadn't become jaded from seeing his brother defeated by Lucas. He hoped Reggie's future challenge with Brandon would go differently.

After saying goodbye, Reggie and Paul left the farm.

As night fell and they walked toward their inn, Reggie suddenly said, "After I train a few days, I'll challenge the Battle Frontier. Paul, will you wait until I'm done before traveling to Kanto?"

Paul hesitated, then nodded. "I want to see your battle before I go."

"I see..." Reggie muttered, his voice so low Paul could barely hear, "Would you want to attend Naranja Academy?"

"What?"

"Nothing~"

After Reggie and Paul left, Lucas gathered the Pokémon on the farm to announce that Moltres had officially joined the family.

The Pokémon had mixed reactions—some welcomed, some surprised, and some bit their handkerchiefs for unknown reasons.

The happiest of all was Growlithe.

Knowing that Moltres would stay on the farm, the puppy was so excited it chewed up three pairs of Lucas's spare slippers as a celebration—and got a scolding for it.

But a little setback meant nothing to this happy puppy. After running to Comfey's side to play the victim, Growlithe was full of energy again.

What's more, it was delighted that a new batch of companions would soon arrive. Lucas had put Growlithe in charge of looking after them.

Standing by the chicken coop that the Machamp Construction Team built in a single day, Growlithe's tail was wagging like a propeller.

Lucas said that from now on, the chicks and their eggs would be under the protection of the farm's security team—namely, Growlithe!

Meanwhile, Lucas led the construction crew to the warehouse near the fields, looking troubled. "As you can see, after the recent harvest, the warehouse is almost full."