Pokemon Paldea [214-216] (Patreon)

Chapter 214: Visiting Prism Tower, The Lumiose Gym

Soon, Lucas dismissed his earlier idea.

Even if Oranguru was exceptionally considerate, it would never allow him to become useless.

A case in point: when Lucas jokingly suggested, "Why don't you feed me breakfast?", Oranguru just shot him a calm glance. Telepathically, it responded in his mind:

"Young master, I'm not your personal maid. As your butler, my duty is to anticipate your needs, confirm your schedule, and prepare everything in a way that's most comfortable and familiar for you. Relying solely on my psychic powers for service isn't good for you."

With Oranguru saying that, Lucas could only give an awkward smile, hurriedly dress, and head to the sink to wash up with the disposable dry towel and toothbrush Oranguru had already placed within arm's reach. He leisurely ate breakfast, which was at just the right temperature.

As he ate, Lucas silently marveled at Oranguru's intelligence—it felt like Oranguru had calculated everything in advance.

It almost gave Lucas the illusion that Oranguru might actually be smarter than himself.

After finishing his steaming breakfast, before Lucas could say anything, Oranguru asked, "Young master, what's your schedule for today?"

Lucas scratched his head, still not quite used to being called "young master," but replied, "Uh, today's main plan is to visit Prism Tower and see Lumiose City's Gym Leader, Clemont. Nothing else planned. If there's time, maybe I'll line up to buy some Lumiose Gâteau as souvenirs—Alcremie really wants to try them."

"Understood. Since the Lumiose Gym doesn't accept appointments for general visits, you can only go as a challenger. I'll schedule us to leave at nine. As for the Gâteau, your best bet is after 1pm; we can try our luck then."

Oranguru produced a tablet from who-knows-where, fingers deftly tapping away as if inputting something.

"Okay," Lucas replied, wondering why Oranguru—a Pokémon—was more adept with a tablet than he was.

Oranguru, adept at reading people, smiled and said, "I used to dislike electronics too, coming from the forest. But as a butler caring for humans, these devices are indispensable. Now I see how convenient they really are—weather forecasts, study materials, communication—all through this little screen. It's quite amazing."

The main reason Pokémon butlers aren't widespread is their lack of sensitivity to electronics, while humans rely on them. That's the biggest disadvantage compared to human butlers.

That's why schools have classes to teach Pokémon like Oranguru.

Just like the Joy family worldwide, letting Nurse Pokémon learn to operate equipment for assistance.

Leaving the hotel, the Lumiose City taxi Oranguru ordered had just pulled up. Everything seemed perfectly timed.

Following Oranguru into the taxi, with the local driver's skillful driving, the heart of Lumiose City—a sprawling metropolis—soon came into Lucas's view.

Stepping out, his feet landed on broad cobblestone streets, with office buildings not far away. It all reminded Lucas of highly developed modern cities from his memories.

At the center of the main plaza stood a 300-meter-tall tower—the city's landmark, Prism Tower. Lucas recalled it was modeled after the famous Eiffel Tower from before he crossed worlds.

The pride of the Kalos League, genius inventor Clemont's gym was inside this tower.

Lucas had checked on the way: Prism Tower is usually closed to visitors. To get in, you either need connections or to challenge the gym.

He figured challenging the gym might be embarrassing if someone recognized him, but there was no other way. Otherwise, he'd have to ask Korrina, then the League, then get official clearance—way too much trouble. This was the simplest option; he just wanted to meet Clemont, after all.

Showing their reservation to the gate guards, Lucas and Oranguru were respectfully allowed in and taken straight to the gym's elevator. Other floors remained off-limits.

With a ding, the elevator doors opened, revealing a massive battle arena.

So direct?

Maybe because Lucas was the first challenger that day, only one man stood inside, eyes closed in meditation. He had a thick but well-groomed beard and didn't look shabby at all.

Seeing Lucas and Oranguru, the man waved, "Are you challengers?"

Oranguru telepathically reminded Lucas: "Young master, he doesn't seem to be Clemont himself."

Lucas nodded—just as he expected. He spoke up, "Uncle, is Gym Leader Clemont here?"

The man laughed heartily, unfazed by being called "uncle." "Clemont? He's not here this morning. Went to repair some equipment at the Lysandre Labs. I'm his father, Meyer, just filling in at the gym."

"Young man, don't worry. The badges I issue have the same value as Clemont's. The only difference is… it's a little harder to earn one from me."

With Clemont absent, there was little point in battling. Lucas said directly, "I actually just want to talk to Clemont. I'm not here for a gym battle."

"Want to see him, huh?" Meyer raised an eyebrow, sizing Lucas up.

He could tell Lucas wasn't nervous or eager for a badge—he didn't look like a typical challenger.

But—"It's the first time I've seen someone try to take a shortcut to meet Clemont. Honestly, as his father, I can't just let anyone see him. Let's battle. Trainers learn about each other through battle."

Clemont's reputation as a genius inventor had brought him trouble before. Since Lucas had run into him, Meyer felt he needed to vet him.

Seeing Meyer's resolve—no battle, no meeting Clemont—Lucas sighed.

"Alright, what are the rules?"

Chapter 215: Mega Ampharos VS Arcanine

"Two—no, just a one-on-one battle. Win or lose, as long as I see you're not here for any nefarious purpose, I'll let you meet Clemont."

Meyer had considered a two-on-two battle, but remembered his Blaziken shouldn't appear here—he was just an ordinary appliance store owner, after all.

"No problem," Lucas agreed.

He didn't quite get how Meyer could judge a person through a battle, but as long as he won, it should be fine.

"My Pokémon is… Ampharos."

Meyer gestured behind him. Suddenly, brilliant light illuminated the darkness, and an Ampharos appeared—looking both powerful and a bit goofy.

Its tail shone so brightly Lucas squinted, wishing he had sunglasses—

"Yare yare." (Good grief.)

Oranguru suddenly handed him a pair of sunglasses—having already put some on itself.

Lucas was stunned. Where had Oranguru gotten these? How did it know sunglasses would come in handy?

Was this… precognition?

Giving Oranguru a thoughtful look, Lucas decided not to use it in battle. Since Meyer wanted to judge someone through battle, Oranguru's intelligence-based style wouldn't fit. Better to go direct—let Arcanine handle it. Plus, his newly evolved Arcanine needed experience against strong opponents.

Meyer, as an older trainer, should be about on par with his just-evolved Arcanine.

"My side, it's you—Arcanine."

With a flash from the Poké Ball, Arcanine's large form appeared on the field.

"Whoa!"

Meyer was surprised—not unfamiliar with Arcanine, but he'd never seen one with this size and look, retaining only some classic features. The reservation said the challenger was Lucas, from Paldea—was this a regional variant?

Meyer didn't press for details, but seeing a rare Pokémon rekindled his fighting spirit.

The battle was officiated by a human referee; with Meyer here, Lucas guessed Clemont hadn't invented Clembot yet.

The judge looked at both trainers and announced, "The Lumiose Gym Challenge begins! Each side uses one Pokémon. The challenger attacks first. The match ends when either Pokémon is unable to battle."

Both Lucas and Meyer nodded knowingly. As the judge dropped the flag, Lucas ordered quietly, "Flare Blitz, charge up."

Arcanine gave a mighty roar, shaking Ampharos and Meyer, though Intimidate wasn't its ability—or the effect would be even stronger.

Flames wrapped around Arcanine's body, turning its gray-black mane fiery red. With a burst of speed, it became a streak of fire across the field.

"So fast! But not faster than lightning—Thunderbolt!"

Meyer commanded coolly.

Ampharos raised its arm, lightning crackling. Bolts shot forward like arrows, aiming straight at Arcanine.

It was slightly faster than Arcanine's charged attack.

But Arcanine didn't panic. Its flame-filled eyes locked onto the incoming bolt. Without Lucas's command, trained by Luxray and others, Arcanine knew it had to make its own split-second decisions in battle.

A rushed Thunderbolt isn't that strong—

Just bite through it!

Flames erupted around Arcanine's jaws as it snapped at the perfect moment, using Fire Fang to bite through Thunderbolt!

"What!?"

As flames and lightning collided, an explosion and smoke filled the field. At that instant, Lucas issued a second command: "Wild Charge!"

The explosion masked his voice—only Arcanine and Ampharos heard it.

A blazing light rose. The flaming Arcanine charged through the smoke, catching Ampharos off guard due to its lack of recent battle experience.

This single moment's opening was all Arcanine needed.

Like a meteor, Arcanine rushed Ampharos, its body crackling with explosive energy.

The sound of its charge tore the air as Ampharos, unable to defend, saw Arcanine's fierce figure descend on it.

Boom!

A roar louder than before—Ampharos was smashed into the ground, unable to get up.

"Ampharos!?"

Meyer was completely caught off guard. He stared at Lucas and the now reddish-maned Arcanine in disbelief.

Something was wrong.

He'd expected to use Ampharos to give this young man, badge-less challenger a teaching match, then end it. Why was Arcanine so much stronger than Ampharos in every way?

"Amph~!"

Ampharos struggled up, having barely survived Arcanine's Wild Charge—but the pain rekindled its fighting spirit.

Its blood boiled. Ampharos raised its tail, revealing a round stone hidden beneath the red orb!

Meyer understood: Ampharos was fired up. Though family responsibilities made him retire as a trainer, sometimes he'd moonlight as "Blaziken Mask," but today, he wanted to answer Ampharos's fighting spirit.

Taking out his Keystone, Meyer declared, "Mega Evolution!"

Brilliant light engulfed Ampharos, its power surging as its form began to change.

Lucas was surprised—he didn't expect Meyer could Mega Evolve Ampharos, not just Blaziken.

This guy was full of surprises.

He'd thought he could wrap things up quickly—but with Mega Ampharos here, it would take some work.

The light of Mega Evolution scattered like shards. Mega Ampharos lifted its head, radiating energy like a storm.

Its body didn't change much, but it now had flowing white hair on its head and tail, and more red orbs appeared.

With its dormant dragon blood awakened, Mega Ampharos's regal presence pressed down on Arcanine.

Arcanine narrowed its eyes, completely unfazed.

Meyer said, "You're a strong trainer—you've made us feel passionate again. Now, let us indulge a bit, if you don't mind."

"I understand," Lucas replied, matching Meyer's fired-up gaze with a smile.

That's good—Mega Ampharos would push Arcanine to new heights.

"Electric Terrain!"

"Rock Slide!"

Even stronger electricity exploded from Ampharos, surging through the field, filling it with electric energy.

On Arcanine's side, rocks shot up and crashed toward Ampharos.

Mega Ampharos didn't budge. At Meyer's command of "Discharge!", it unleashed a storm of lightning from its body, shattering the rocks instantly. The power far exceeded Thunderbolt.

Facing the oncoming storm, Arcanine showed its ferocity—flames erupted, wrapping it again. Fearless, Arcanine intended to brute-force its way through.

A spectacle unfolded.

Under the referee's stunned gaze, the entire field became an ocean of lightning. A burning meteor Arcanine charged through the electric sea toward Mega Ampharos. Even Dragon Pulse couldn't stop Arcanine's advance.

If one Wild Charge failed, another would follow. No matter how fierce the lightning, Arcanine would break through with sheer force!

Meyer watched, murmuring, "How can Arcanine still fight after so many Wild Charges? The recoil is brutal. How is it ignoring the side effects, and withstanding so many hits from Ampharos?"

Oranguru glanced at Lucas, wondering why he didn't use other tactics to win safely, letting Arcanine fight so recklessly.

It was as if he were waiting for something.

Lucas's gaze followed Arcanine, watching its mane turn redder as it repeatedly broke through Mega Ampharos's attacks.

Almost there—just a bit more heat, and Arcanine would reach that state it showed before.

But things rarely go perfectly.

The next moment, the storm of lightning suddenly stopped, as if someone hit pause. Then, it shattered and faded.

Mega Ampharos's imposing form collapsed, even its Mega form fading away, knocked out.

Arcanine had exhausted its stamina.

Panting, Arcanine looked disappointed.

So close.

Chapter 216: Clemont and Lysandre, An Invitation from Lysandre

"I'll trouble you to take Ampharos to the Pokémon Center. Please keep what you saw today between us and Clemont," Meyer asked the referee, hands together.

The referee nodded, "Understood, as always."

Meyer smiled awkwardly and waved as the referee left.

Since Clemont became gym leader, Meyer often substituted for him, becoming familiar with the staff.

After arranging for Ampharos, Meyer turned to Lucas. "You really don't need to go to the Pokémon Center?"

Lucas was just finishing treating Arcanine's electric burns and post-battle paralysis, giving it a pat before recalling it.

He replied, "I have electric-type partners, so injuries from sparring are common. I'm pretty good at treating electric wounds myself."

"With Wild Charge's energy blocking the worst of it, Arcanine only had minor injuries—looks worse than it is."

Meyer: "…"

Remembering Ampharos's severe burns, Meyer wondered if its physical strength was that much worse?

After calming himself, Meyer shook Lucas's hand, saying, "Looks like you really have no ulterior motives toward Clemont. Sorry for being suspicious."

Lucas shook back, smiling, "No problem. Clemont is a famous genius—in your shoes, I'd be cautious too."

The two shared a laugh. For trainers, friendship often forms after just one battle.

Meyer, all smiles, clapped Lucas on the shoulder, "With no more challengers this morning, Clemont should be back by noon. You're from Paldea, right? Your first time in Kalos?"

"How about I give you a local's tour? Don't be fooled by my appearance—I've got connections. I can get you into top spots without waiting in line."

Lucas was about to refuse, but that last offer tempted him.

With a local connection, sightseeing would be much easier.

Especially with Oranguru telepathically nudging him, suggesting he ask Meyer for help getting the Lumiose Gâteau, rather than risking a long wait.

So Lucas said, "I'd like to buy some Lumiose Gâteau to take back, and I'd love to see the famous Lumiose Art Museum, too—can we?"

He glanced at Meyer. The last request was Oranguru's idea; Lucas wasn't much into art himself.

Meyer gave a thumbs up and patted his chest, "Leave it to me!"

With Meyer leading the way, Lucas got to experience what having connections really meant.

Meyer's network in Lumiose City was impressive. For the Gâteau, he led Lucas in through the back, and they left with several big boxes.

After dropping off the souvenirs at the hotel, Meyer took Lucas and Oranguru to the renowned Lumiose Art Museum.

Notably, it happened to be the museum's closed day, yet Meyer got them in anyway.

Lucas didn't understand the art, but Oranguru loved it. Lucas wondered if he was the human or if Oranguru was.

Why did he have zero artistic talent?

During their visit, Meyer asked what Lucas wanted with Clemont. Lucas didn't hide it—he explained about the Luxio waiting for Clemont at the Electric-Type Pokémon Academy.

When Meyer brought Lucas back to the gym, a blond boy in a jumpsuit was chatting with a tall, broad-shouldered, red-haired man.

The blond was, of course, Clemont—about twelve or thirteen years old, already a famed inventor. He'd even go on to invent the Super Training.

A true prodigy.

The other man, Lucas recognized—Lysandre.

Noticing Meyer and Lucas, Clemont's eyes lit up.

Meyer knew his son's personality: shy, introverted, not good at refusing people, easily flustered.

The other man was Lysandre, head of Lysandre Labs, rumored to have done much charity work and helped many people in Kalos. Even Champion Diantha had endorsed his company's inventions.

Yet, for some reason, Meyer just couldn't bring himself to like Lysandre.

"Dad!"

Clemont's voice had a hint of relief, as if Meyer's arrival had rescued him.

Meyer nodded, "Clemont. And… Mr. Lysandre."

Clemont hugged his father, then turned curiously to Lucas. "Dad, who's this?"

"He's Lucas—a friend of mine," Meyer said, exchanging a meaningful glance with Lucas, who played along. It would make things easier.

"Hello, Clemont," Lucas greeted.

Clemont, curious why his father had a young friend, politely replied, "Hello, Mr. Lucas."

Before Lucas could respond, Lysandre, smiling, joined their circle. His calm, charismatic presence drew attention and trust.

"Now that your father's back, I'll take my leave. Clemont, I hope you'll consider my invitation—Lysandre Labs can offer you the best environment and let you pursue your passion for invention."

Lucas inwardly rolled his eyes. Passion for invention probably meant mega evolution energy collectors, or Zygarde heat sensors.

Clemont hesitated, "I…"

Meyer stepped in front of Clemont, smiling at Lysandre, "He's still young, and his gym duties keep him busy enough. He doesn't need any other positions."

"Mr. Lysandre, please, take your leave."

Lysandre wasn't offended. With a final smile, his gaze briefly lingered on Lucas and Oranguru, showing a hint of surprise.

That Oranguru… was exceptionally well-trained, almost mesmerizing. Lysandre had seen Champion Diantha's Gardevoir, which had a similar presence. He recalled this was a trait of powerful psychic Pokémon.

He remembered Meyer calling this young man Lucas—a newcomer? Lysandre's organization needed more battle-capable people; only that boy with the Charmeleon was notable. Maybe Lucas could help collect mega evolution energy.

With a glint of interest, Lysandre handed Lucas a business card, slipping it into his pocket.

"Mr. Lucas, Lysandre Labs is always looking for talented battlers, especially for field research. If you're interested, contact me anytime."

Finishing, Lysandre, knowing Meyer's dislike, didn't give Lucas a chance to refuse. He waved and left by the elevator.

There would be other chances to recruit Clemont and Lucas.

After Lysandre left, Lucas couldn't help but laugh, staring at the card. He'd never expected to be recruited by Kalos's main villain.

Glancing at Lysandre's departing figure, Meyer said seriously, "Lucas, just my opinion, but you shouldn't accept Lysandre's offer. He gives me a bad feeling."

Clemont looked confused. "But… Mr. Lysandre is famous for helping so many people, isn't he?"

Meyer ruffled Clemont's hair, making him protest, "That's why you're still a kid—never judge by appearances."

Clemont ran off, shouting, "I'm not a kid! I'm a gym leader now! If anything, Bonnie's the kid!"

At that moment, Lucas, holding Lysandre's card, suddenly asked, "Where's the trash can?"

Both Meyer and Clemont froze, then answered in unison: "Over there."

A moment later, Lucas returned empty-handed, glancing at Clemont, who tensed up, wanting to hide behind Meyer.

To Clemont, Lucas was still a stranger, despite Meyer's introduction.

Meyer, raising an eyebrow, pushed Clemont forward. Clemont stumbled, looking at his father with puppy-dog eyes.

Meyer ignored him and said sternly, "As a man, there are things you can't run from—especially mistakes you made when you were younger!"

Clemont, confused by Meyer's seriousness, didn't know what to do. Lucas and Oranguru stepped forward.

"Clemont," Lucas said, "let's talk about the Luxio you abandoned."