Pokemon Paldea [193-195] (Patreon)

Chapter 193: What is That—Zapdos, the Lightning Bird!

"Swampert~."

Swampert looked helplessly at his trainer, who was sitting on the ground, refusing to move and abandoning all decorum. After thinking it over, Swampert hoisted Lucas up by the waist and leisurely continued walking down the mountain.

Swampert's right arm was solidly muscled and steady, making the ride surprisingly comfortable. Even though they were going downhill, Lucas didn't feel the least bit of bumpiness.

Swampert's descent was much faster than Lucas carefully picking his way down. By around five in the afternoon, they had already reached the base of the mountain. After passing through the dense vegetation, they could see an endless coastline and another island shrouded in dark clouds.

For clarity, Lucas had given the three nameless islands his own names: the one he was on was Volcano Island, the one covered in thunderclouds was Thundercloud Island, and the other was Snowpeak Island.

Thundercloud Island, he assumed, was home to the legendary Electric/Flying-type Pokémon, Zapdos. On the opposite side, Snowpeak Island was home to the legendary Ice/Flying-type Pokémon, Articuno.

Like Moltres, these birds probably weren't gods who could alter the world's climate by simply existing. Their actual power was probably on par with Moltres.

After all, when Moltres entered the magma earlier, it had that expression—like if it didn't have something else to do, it would have gone to give those two guys a piece of its mind.

"Swampert~?" (Are we crossing the sea?)

Once they reached solid ground, Swampert set Lucas down and looked at him, seemingly asking for direction.

With Dragonite absent, the only way to the next island was by sea. Luckily, Swampert was a fast swimmer and it would only take about ten minutes to cross.

Lucas was about to say "Let's go," since he'd already left Ceruledge at the volcano's crater to keep watch, just in case Articuno decided to show up while he was dealing with Zapdos.

But as he looked over, he saw the dark clouds above Thundercloud Island turning pitch black, and the thunderclouds began drifting toward Volcano Island. Lucas realized he wouldn't have to go looking for Zapdos—the bird was coming to him.

And it was heading straight for the volcano. He'd have to intercept.

Lucas narrowed his eyes and said, "Swampert, suppress the power in your Hydro Pump to increase its range. Don't hurt Zapdos—just get its attention. Can you do that?"

Swampert nodded slightly. It would be tough, but not impossible.

Zapdos was hidden within the pitch-black thunderclouds. Every time it flapped its jagged yellow wings, the clouds burst with explosive cracks of thunder, bringing a terrifying sense of pressure.

As Zapdos drew nearer to the volcano's crater, it was already plotting to drop a massive Thunder attack into the magma just to spook Moltres. Suddenly, its instincts screamed danger. On pure reflex, Zapdos rolled to the side, changing its flight path.

The next instant, a Hydro Pump shot into the sky, punching straight through the black clouds.

Zapdos froze, then stared in disbelief.

Wait, wasn't Moltres only good at spitting fire? Since when could it shoot water?

Zapdos frowned. Or was that attack from the sea?

Either way, since someone was picking a fight, it could put off its duel with Moltres for now and warm up with this appetizer.

Let this foolish Pokémon learn what happens when you mess with destiny itself!

Zapdos split the thunderclouds apart, crackling with electricity. Its gaze was full of pride, just like Moltres before.

Violent thunder exploded under its command, black clouds blotting out the sky, casting a solemn and oppressive atmosphere.

"Skreeee!"

The next instant, Zapdos let out a piercing cry. Bolts of lightning crashed down from the clouds, striking Swampert with destructive force.

Thunder raged, turning the world into a sea of lightning. Water Pokémon in the nearby ocean ducked underwater, afraid they'd get caught in the crossfire.

Zapdos looked down at Swampert, cloaked in lightning, with utter contempt. It began to descend, eager to see the sorry state of this insolent opponent up close.

As Zapdos dropped lower, Lucas—who'd been hiding—gave a decisive order: "Ice Punch!"

Zapdos was caught off guard by the sudden shout. The next moment, a pair of fists radiating freezing cold appeared in its vision, getting closer—then BAM!

Zapdos was smashed straight into the ground by Swampert, who'd been waiting for this moment in the sea of lightning.

When Zapdos finally came to, it was greeted by Swampert's mocking grin—a grin that would haunt it for a long time.

Swampert's heavy fists rained down like hammers, making the whole island tremble. On the ground, Zapdos was completely pinned, unable to get up.

The pummeling lasted a full four minutes. Every blow was like a battering ram.

Utterly humiliated at being beaten down for several minutes by an ordinary Pokémon, Zapdos blacked out from a mix of rage and injury.

Once Swampert realized Zapdos had fainted, it stopped at once, the wind from its fists rustling the surrounding trees.

"That's it? Zapdos seems weaker than Moltres was."

After Swampert let go of the battered Zapdos, Lucas finally poked his head out, staring curiously at the bird lying in a huge crater.

So this is the real Zapdos? Its feathers looked stiff and bristly, almost sharp.

Lucas wanted to touch them, but Swampert quickly stopped him, demonstrating by pressing its own fist to Zapdos's feathers.

A flash of electricity sparked at the contact point. Without Zapdos's control, the static stored in its feathers discharged as soon as it was touched.

"Whew."

Lucas quickly retracted his hand, grateful for Swampert's warning.

…

In the magma sea, Moltres sensed the commotion dying down and smiled inwardly.

It knew Lucas could handle those guys easily.

Chapter 194: Zapdos the Scoundrel

Now, it was time for business.

Moltres turned its gaze to Growlithe, who was protected from the magma and was struggling to absorb the fire and rock energy swirling all around. Moltres was worried, but didn't show it, not wanting to distract Growlithe.

Moltres carefully manipulated the energy in the magma, making it less violent and adjusting it to a level Growlithe could just barely handle.

Watching Growlithe grit his teeth and absorb the unfamiliar energy, Moltres figured this plan should work.

Actually, fire stones often formed around the volcano's edge. While resting in the magma sea, Moltres would watch wild Pokémon and humans fight for fire stones, then use them to evolve Pokémon.

It understood why fire stones could trigger evolution: they contained pure fire energy, which, when absorbed, unleashed a Pokémon's potential and triggered evolution.

Now, it was using more refined, higher-grade magma energy in place of a fire stone to help Growlithe undergo an even more perfect evolution.

Since it had accepted Growlithe as its own, only the best would do!

But how much energy Growlithe could absorb, and whether he could achieve a evolution, was up to him. All Moltres could do was help from the sidelines.

It wasn't a true fire god—it didn't have that kind of miraculous power.

…

On the edge of Volcano Island, Lucas sat on a giant rock, looking down at the battered Zapdos in the crater.

"I know you're awake—no need to pretend. Let's talk."

Zapdos didn't move.

"Let me think—what should I do with you?"

Lucas raised an eyebrow, stood up, and walked into the crater, Swampert following as a vigilant bodyguard.

"You're probably wondering why Swampert and I attacked you, right?"

"First, let me make this clear: judging by your attitude, you came looking for trouble with Moltres. But did you know? Moltres is my Pokémon now. I've already caught it."

Zapdos: !!!!

Zapdos stopped pretending, pushing itself up with its wings in shock.

No way! With Moltres's temper and pride, it could be caught by a human?

Zapdos knew Moltres well—they were the same. Even if defeated, they would never submit. They had all the time in the world; after a few decades, who knew which side would come out on top?

With such pride, they always resisted being caught. Today you might be strong, but wait until you're old—then what?

Sure, this human and Swampert were strong, but if Moltres could be caught, Zapdos might as well stop raiding power plants.

Seeing Zapdos's disbelief, Lucas just chuckled. "Believe it or not, Moltres is my partner now. I'm just here on some business."

"You've lost, and you probably don't have any strength left. In your state, a Poké Ball would definitely work. Any last words?"

Zapdos froze, then shook its head wildly.

No! I haven't had enough fun yet! I don't want to be caught!

Unlike Moltres, who could absorb energy from volcanoes, Zapdos had to seek out natural lightning or raid human power plants.

After so many free meals, Zapdos had become quite the rascal.

Seeing Zapdos almost ready to throw a tantrum, Lucas decided not to make things difficult. It had already been thoroughly beaten by Swampert.

So Lucas made an offer: "Tell you what, I'll let you go today. But you owe me a favor. If I need your help in the future, you have to pitch in."

Lucas already had a plan: if his farm ever needed a lot of electricity, he could call in Zapdos as a temporary power source. Zapdos's electricity might not be as potent as Luxray's, but it had quantity, and Lucas didn't want to overwork Luxray.

Zapdos knew it had no bargaining power now. A favor? It couldn't be that bad. At least it wouldn't involve fighting—Swampert was way too strong for that.

With Swampert watching, Lucas and Zapdos struck a deal. Lucas even plucked a feather from Zapdos as proof—a feather that tingled with static.

Zapdos rested a while to make sure it wouldn't crash mid-flight, then flew off, battered and reluctant, forced to sign a one-time contract.

Watching Zapdos flee back to Thundercloud Island, Lucas decided not to visit Snowpeak Island after all.

After all, before leaving, Zapdos had mentioned that Articuno wasn't even there these days, so going would be pointless. Better to go back to the volcano and wait for Growlithe's transformation.

Swampert had barely climbed halfway up the mountain carrying Lucas when the air suddenly thickened with fire energy, mixed with rock energy.

A faint smell of sulfur drifted from the volcano, and a deafening roar split the sky.

Lucas realized something and looked up.

Moltres, wreathed in magma and fire, soared into the sky. With a flap of its wings, it shook off the clinging flames, its burning wings dazzling as sunlight.

But Lucas's attention wasn't on Moltres. After that roar, something burst from the magma sea, landing on the rock with powerful strides, sprinting straight toward him.

It moved at incredible speed. In just a few breaths, a wave of heat swept over as a majestic Pokémon dashed out of the volcano and stopped in front of Lucas.

Ignoring the heat, Lucas's eyes widened in delight: "Arcanine!!!"

Chapter 195: The Legendary Pokémon That Runs Across the Land!

What a majestic sight.

Nearly 2.7 meters tall, just standing there it radiated authority.

Its head fur matched the volcano's rock, with a sharp horn on top. The mane around its neck flared like petals, streaked with magma-red highlights.

Arcanine's face was noble and powerful, its body even more lava-red than modern Arcanine, fur flowing like auspicious clouds, tail billowing like a massive cloud—exuding majesty and good fortune.

Unlike modern Arcanine, this Hisuian Arcanine was like a living stone lion, shining like a legendary totem.

"Swampert~."

Swampert looked up in awe at the transformed Arcanine.

Wow, little Growlithe really changed—after evolving, it was almost twice Swampert's size.

Once a tiny pup, now Swampert had to look up at it.

Swampert felt emotional—when they got back to the farm, Luxray and the others would probably feel the same.

Cautiously, Lucas reached out. Arcanine's new form was unfamiliar—after evolving, Pokémon often matured overnight, their personalities changing drastically.

From naïve to mature, from timid to brave.

He'd often scolded Growlithe for mischief—maybe Arcanine, like Ash's Charizard, would go through a rebellious phase.

But Lucas worried for nothing. Arcanine obediently lowered its massive head and stuck out its tongue—majestic, but its eyes were wise.

It reminded Lucas of the Husky from his previous life.

Handsome looks.

Smart mind.

Whoa.

Shaking off those thoughts, Lucas ruffled Arcanine's head, kneading it vigorously.

The fire-rock fur felt unique—like tough volcanic rock.

So that's where the Rock typing comes from?

"Skreeee!"

Before excited Lucas could ask Arcanine to show off a new move, Moltres cried out from above.

An instant later, Moltres swooped down from the volcano, carrying Ceruledge, and landed beside them.

Ceruledge landed smoothly, looking at Arcanine in surprise.

When Arcanine burst from the magma, Ceruledge hadn't even seen it move—it was like a gust of wind.

Ceruledge stared at Arcanine like a rare animal.

Had it learned some incredible move?

….

After a night's flight, at dawn, Moltres carried Lucas back to the farm.

The trip had taken only a day—much faster than expected. During the flight, Lucas learned from Moltres why Arcanine had evolved so quickly.

Lucas and Moltres's return immediately drew the farm Pokémon's attention. They gathered at the gate, their eyes on Lucas's Poké Balls, waiting for the results.

Nothing was more convincing than seeing for themselves. Lucas released Ceruledge, Swampert, and Arcanine from their Balls.

Arcanine's majestic form caused an uproar.

Dachsbun wagged its tail, staring up at its now-massive boss, then looked at its own 0.5m frame.

Wow—how could evolution make such a difference?

Luxray, who'd never felt competitive toward Growlithe, was now curious about Arcanine's new fighting style.

Maybe they could have a showdown?

Amid the Pokémon's excitement, Lucas clapped his hands and announced, "Growlithe has evolved into Arcanine! As you can see, he's nearly three meters tall—much bigger than a normal Arcanine!"

"Arcanine is still Growlithe. Everyone should still get along as before!"

After a quick meet-and-greet, the farm Pokémon went back to work, leaving only Moltres and Luxray with Lucas.

Out on the vast Paldea plains, Lucas was finally about to try something he'd always dreamed of:

Riding his dog!

Arcanine had left behind many legends. If they weren't so common, they'd be counted among the true legendary Pokémon.

But his Arcanine was a rare Hisuian form—in this world, almost unique. Maybe it could be called legendary too?

Arcanine's greatest legend—besides helping ancient warriors rule the land—was that it could run 10,000 kilometers in a single day and night.

Arcanine let Lucas climb onto its back—its huge frame and broad back made it even more comfortable than Luxray.

Lucas grabbed the mane for safety, in case he got thrown off at high speed, and shouted, "Go!"

Arcanine's muscles tensed, and in a blink, Lucas experienced true speed and excitement.

The scenery blurred by, the wind howled, but Lucas just laughed. With a saddle, he'd probably throw his hands in the air and enjoy the ride.

Luxray and Moltres followed. Seeing Arcanine's agile movement, feeling the burning power inside, Luxray was also surprised.

Arcanine's running speed…

If Luxray didn't get serious, he couldn't keep up.

Sparking electricity over its body, Luxray accelerated and caught up to Arcanine.

Looking at Moltres flying low behind, Luxray's eyes questioned.

Moltres puffed up with pride—delighted by Arcanine's new strength.

It was sure: after this evolution, Arcanine had truly transformed!