Chapter 0715: VS Lance! Red Gyarados（Three-in-One）

Lance the Birdbrain wants to battle me?

Natsume looked at Lance in confusion.

Lance’s red hair stood tall, his face stern, cape draping over his blue Champion uniform.

At this moment, his sword-like brows were raised, his eyes sharp, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned, as he spoke:

“Since this is a Battle Café, there must naturally be a battle!”

For Lance, this was a valuable chance to clash convictions with Natsume and to further sharpen his Red Gyarados.

Steven, black suit jacket draped over his arm, a blue vest on his torso, looked on deeply, smiling as he said:

“It seems you, too, are looking forward to a battle, Natsume-sensei.”

The aura of two Champions seemed to spread across the gardens.

The little ones all looked up: Blastoise watering the flowers, Tyranitar piling up sandcastles, Sylveon swinging on the swing...

And a fiercely grimacing Togebo, protecting Togepi as they watched the show.

“Togekiss! (｀へ′)Ψ”

Sis, look—something exciting’s going on!

“Togepi~(￣︶￣)↗” Togepi tiptoed.

Go, Trainer, go!

Natsume folded his arms, stroking his chin, full of question marks.

Are we even talking about the same thing?

Suddenly, it had become a Pokémon battle—wait, do you two just want a free lunch!?

Natsume’s body jolted, his gaze stern, sizing up both Lance and Steven.

Well then, so mentioning “Battle Café” was because if you beat the owner you eat for free... and I’d even have to give a bonus!

No way.

“A Pokémon battle? I just had the same thought.”

Natsume looked at the two men and asked in a steady voice: “Which of you goes first?”

Want to dine for free? You’d better ask the café’s bodyguard Darkrai if that’s allowed!

Lance and Steven exchanged glances and saw mutual understanding.

One reason Natsume invited Champions to the ribbon-cutting ceremony was for the opportunity to battle!

After all, battles between Champions are rare.

“It’s just my personal abrupt request,” Lance said. “If possible, Natsume-sensei—please, together with your partner Pokémon, have a 1v1 singles battle with me!”

Natsume was taken aback for a moment.

My partner...

He glanced at the purple chubby one levitating at his side—Gengar stifled a laugh behind its hand, crimson eyes narrowing.

“Gengar~”

Of course, as the signature partner Pokémon, it had to be Gengar.

In just a year and a half, their Gastly evolved to Gengar, mastered Mega Evolution, and became a Champion.

The speed of progress was astonishing.

But compared to “One Year to Champion” Reds and Leons, plus all the movie-level trials, Gengar’s growth is actually understandable.

Natsume nodded lightly, his eyes suddenly sharpening, carrying the pride of a Champion too.

I got this far through my own efforts—

“Gengar, I choose you!”

“Gengar~” Gengar grinned sinisterly, spreading his arms, floating behind Natsume like a shadow.

Seeing Natsume-sensei sending out Gengar, Lance's expression grew solemn. He lifted his cape, slowly taking out a Poké Ball.

At this, Natsume paused and looked toward the garden:

“You’re not sending out Dragonite?”

The Dragon Master's ace Dragonite was currently standing with white Metagross, arms folded, spectating forcefully.

Since Pokémon grow more like their Trainers, Lance’s Dragonite also habitually stands arms folded.

Next to these two pseudo-legendaries, a crimson-eyed Garchomp waved its scythes toward Natsume: “Garchomp!”

If you lose, don’t bother coming home tonight!

Natsume: “……”

Looks like I really do have to win this.

But… isn’t this supposed to be my house?

“I’ll send it.”

Lance tossed a Poké Ball. The red light bloomed in the gardens, and all the Pokémon widened their eyes.

“Gyarados!!”

Gyarados, with a fierce visage, reared up, the ridge on its brow razor-sharp, lower body braced solidly on the ground. Its scales were blood-red, shining like Kurt’s craft, its pale belly armor-plated.

Lance’s ace—Red Gyarados!!

Natsume looked up at the towering Red Gyarados.

He reflexively recalled seeing Lance’s Red Gyarados for the first time last year.

It had been at Tokyo City’s Battle Facilities, the Tokyo Skytree Arena, where Lance and Cynthia were holding ranking matches.

At the time, Lance had used a “Dragon Dance” Red Gyarados-based aggressive strategy, and narrowly lost to Cynthia’s Garchomp.

That was also the first meeting between Natsume-sensei and Lance—

Relying on a rental battle, Natsume had managed to fight Dragon Master Lance to a draw!

“It’s been so long…”

Natsume’s thoughts drifted for a moment, murmuring to himself.

Back then it was just a Haunter—even breaking Red Gyarados’s defenses was a challenge.

But now.

Natsume’s eyes focused.

Mega Gengar had already logged a world-shaking feat (“Shattering Arceus’ avatar”), so facing Red Gyarados was no problem!

Lance said gravely, “Battling alongside Mega Gyarados is the very training I seek in Kalos.”

Natsume’s mood became complicated.

Mega Gyarados is Water + Dark type, not even Dragon!

And it doesn’t even have Flying type… what’s this got to do with a Dragon Master anyway!

Suddenly, Natsume thought of how “The Giovanni of the Earth” had Beedrill as his ace, and coughed, clenching a fist.

Analyzing it.

Mega Gyarados’s Dark typing is effective against Gengar, plus excellent special defense... it’s a wise choice, on par with sending out Dragonite.

Red Gyarados, as Lance’s ace, had undergone careful breeding; after Mega Evolution, it reached Champion peak—one to be reckoned with!

The commotion in the gardens drew an audience—Korrina, Gold, and others gathered.

“What’s happening?” Gold ran out from the back, “I was just gaming with Silver!”

“Looks like… Natsume-sensei and Champion Lance are about to have a Pokémon battle,” Crystal whispered.

Silver, one hand in his pocket, nodded.

“What are you doing, Gold?” Crystal asked curiously.

“Starting a group live stream, hehe.” Gold wiped his nose, proudly said, “No matter who loses, Natsume-sensei or Lance the Birdbrain, it’ll make for good talk!”

Silver: “……”

No wonder Natsume keeps writing your name in his notebook...

“A battle between Champions…”

Siebold, in chef whites, walked into the gardens, gazing up at Red Gyarados and the levitating Gengar facing off in the sunlight, muttering:

“It’s a rare and spectacular sight.”

“A private battle... Natsume-sensei is still as low-profile as ever,” Valerie remarked softly.

Siebold was momentarily stunned.

Low profile?

Then who rescued that young man at Prism Tower a few days ago and caused a stir again at today’s ribbon cutting?

Korrina watched intently, fists clenched for motivation.

Watch carefully, study hard... I must learn something from Master’s battle!

Then she paused, noticing the tall golden-haired woman beside her, and exclaimed: “Ah, Miss Cynthia…”

“Hello, Korrina.”

Cynthia gave a warm smile, arms folded, chin resting on hand, raising deep gray eyes to watch Natsume on the field, an intent look in her eyes.

Wins and losses are normal between Champions.

“If he loses, then I’ll step up,” Cynthia mused quietly.

After all, battle isn’t his strong suit... at least it’s not his strongest suit.

Compared to Natsume’s stance in battle, Cynthia preferred the view of his back as he cooked in the kitchen in the morning.

A heart-fluttering, nervous feeling… the last time I felt this was during that grand meteor shower…

“Wait a minute!”

Natsume suddenly raised his hand, “Let me reinforce the field first!”

Lance and his Red Gyarados paused in surprise.

Natsume called to the big tree, “Mew, get out here and help!”

Lance’s eyes widened as the trunk burst into a white glow, and a tiny Mew flew out.

“Mew~”

Mew spun and danced in midair, tail swishing, seemingly pleased with everyone’s expressions, quietly snickering.

Then Mew fluttered to Natsume’s side, extended its tail, and gave him a high-five: “Mew~┌|*´∀｀|┘”

“I thought it just had the aura of the Tree of Beginning…”

Lance’s eyes went wide, “It’s actually Mew!”

Steven stared from Mew to the trunk, frowning, touching his chin as he muttered:

“So that’s it… Natsume linked this tree to the Tree of Beginning…”

But still, this is just outrageous!

Is he growing the Tree of Beginning in his yard now?

If this news spreads, the Pokémon world—the Trainer community—will be in an uproar!

Siebold stared dumbfounded.

A legendary Pokémon—Mew—appearing in the café and so friendly with Natsume-sensei? Unimaginable...

“Miss Cynthia, this, this…” Korrina pointed ahead, mouth agape.

“Natsume once met Mew and saved the Tree of Beginning,” Cynthia smiled. “Just see it as the bond between them.”

Saved the Tree of Beginning? Bonded with Mew?

Korrina’s eyes went wide, dizzy, dreamily nodding.

I really picked the right Master!

“Mew or Celebi—which is rarer?” Gold scratched his head, asking Crystal.

“Mm… In ancient times, definitely Celebi.”

Crystal glanced at Mew, whispered, “But apparently there’s only one Mew left in the world. ‘Rare’ doesn’t cut it anymore.”

“I’m counting on you, Mew.”

Natsume smiled: “Light Screen, Reflect... strengthen the field and the ground, please.”

“Mew!” Mew lifted its nose proudly.

No problem—leave it to me!

“I can help too.” Latias, invisible, was by Natsume’s side. “I’ve mastered Light Screen and Reflect too!”

‘You aren’t as good as Mew.’ Natsume replied. ‘Or you could try giving Gengar dual barriers while invisible—just kidding.’

You could do that in Wild Battles, but not Official tournaments.

Latias’s forehead was full of question marks.

You really didn’t sound like you were joking!

With Mew’s dual barriers reinforcing it, the gardens became a proper battle arena.

Natsume and Lance stood at opposite ends of the garden, everyone else stood along the veranda, faces tense.

Gold started up the group live stream.

In the chat group—

“Mr. Lance and Natsume-sensei are battling?” Yellow exclaimed.

“That’s right, both of them are in Kalos today.” Lorelei adjusted her red glasses.

“And Steven—not even inviting me.” Wallace sighed.

“Because you’re attending glamorous contests,” designer Fantina giggled. “By the way, I heard a story—Lumiose City’s Fashion Week had all its guests stolen by a ribbon-cutting ceremony!”

“Red Gyarados versus Gengar, huh,” Bruno said. “After Mega Evolution, it’s really hard to say.”

“No way, Natsume-sensei’s not playing Baby Cup, he’s facing off with Champion Lance!” Flint scratched his afro.

“It’s an offline fan tournament,” Aaron half-joked.

“Gyarados isn’t Dragon type—why call it a dragon?” Iris, with a childlike sigh. “Dragon Heart can’t resonate with Gyarados… I don’t get it.”

“My cousin does like to use…well, Pokémon that aren’t Dragon type,” Clair forced an explanation. “It suits his Dragonair’s weather-based strategy.”

Lance’s three Dragonair, when combined with Red Gyarados, could defeat opponents across the ocean amidst thunderstorms.

Seems like Dragon Masters all like to balance weather strategies—Raihan does too.

The newly joined Leon, Rotom phone in hand, quietly lurked.

“I’ve still got advertiser events tonight...” Leon sighed in his heart.

Otherwise, he’d be watching live, or even challenging with Charizard.

“I bet on little Lance losing—anyone else in?” the delinquent Gold grinned.

Little Lance...

Lance’s subordinate, Flying type expert Falkner, twitched his mouth.

Except for Professor Oak, only Gold would dare call him that.

“Oh, then I’ll bet on Lance to win.” Lt. Surge grinned.

“I’m betting on Natsume! One year's worth of Gym subsidies!” Roxie, ever the brash loli, shouted.

Lt. Surge’s eyes widened.

That Unova brat, she probably doesn’t know this major once ruled the Celadon game hall!

“I’ll match that—all in!” Lt. Surge gritted his teeth.

Lance’s a Champion, come on—don’t let us down!

[Group member ‘Really wants Miss Mary’s autograph’ ‘S.S. Aqua Captain’ ‘Poison Plays My Life’ was muted for 3 hours by admin ‘Ice Lorelei’]

Lorelei: “Sorry, was watching a show. Let that be a warning to these three who went too far.”

“Let the battle begin!” Yellow exclaimed.

On the live stream display, the garden was now shielded; Rotom Pokédex floated up, holding a referee flag.

“Referee absolutely fair and beautiful, Rotom!”

A black-haired young man in a shirt, with a Gengar grinning sinisterly before him.

“Gengar!”

The red-haired man crossed his arms. Before him, a fierce Red Gyarados reared up, body shadowing the sun.

“Gyarados!!”

“Beep… Battle begin, Rotom!”

In an instant, both sides moved at once.

“Gyarados—”

Lance shot his fist forward, pupils sharpening, commanding: “Dragon Dance!”

“Gyarados!”

Red Gyarados roared skyward, tail spinning, a wild hurricane whirling with dark red energy around it.

Nearly seven meters tall, Gyarados’s upright body spun, inspiring awe; its speed climbed ever higher, momentum surging!

“Whoa, can something that big spin like that? Doesn’t it get dizzy?” Gold clicked his tongue.

“Not like mine.” Silver’s eyes flickered. “His skill is far sharper!”

“Gengar—” Natsume, seeing the spinning Red Gyarados, barked an order: “Thunderbolt!”

“Gengar!!”

Gengar’s body erupted in white light, a thick column of lightning roaring out, charging at the dancing Gyarados like a wild thunder serpent!

“Natsume-sensei actually taught Gengar that?!” Flint gasped in shock.

That Thunderbolt could even one-shot a Gyarados!

“Looks like, just like my Charizard,” Leon mused. “Natsume-sensei also equipped Gengar with an Electric type move.”

With the newly-joined Leon chiming in, there was a pause.

Good guy, you two really are all about quality!

“Gyarados—”

Lance acted instantly, holding up his bracelet; the Key Stone shone with dazzling rainbow light, outshining even Thunderbolt!

“Mega Evolution!!”

The hurricane burst apart, Red Gyarados's crimson eyes and forehead ridge flared with evolving light, roaring upward!

Boom!!

Thunderbolt crashed down—Red Gyarados howled in pain, but its dorsal fins fanned out like blades, the chin beards lengthened, those Kurt-red scales struggling against the lightning!

Bang!!

Black smoke billowed.

Mega Gyarados's jagged and broad dorsal fins soared in midair, singed scales sizzling, its visage fierce, a Mega Evolution mark glowing bright red on its forehead!

“Withstood Thunderbolt?!” Korrina’s eyes were huge.

“He used Mega Evolution decisively and skillfully… as expected from Mr. Lance,” Siebold murmured.

Mega Gyarados can’t fly but can soar? Is that even fair?

Natsume’s thoughts flashed—he commanded, “Use Substitute, now!”

Instantly, Mega Gyarados dove from the sky, fangs bared, dark energy surging—this Crunch would obliterate even Kurt’s crafts!

Bang!

The substitute Gengar, eyes vacant, was instantly torn apart by Mega Gyarados.

The real Gengar, meanwhile, appeared above Mega Gyarados’s head, with a sinister grin, cradling a shining, grass-type powered Energy Ball!

“Is this AI leveling?” Cheren couldn’t help but comment.

“That moveset’s so dirty!” Flint was wide-eyed.

“Mega Gyarados lost Flying type, so he targeted with Energy Ball. That’s Natsume-sensei for you!” Leon praised.

Boom!!

Gengar pressed the Energy Ball down from above.

Mega Gyarados toppled toward the ground—an explosion thundered, black smoke shrouding all.

“Natsume-sensei predicted it? He read Champion Lance’s Crunch!” Siebold looked utterly shocked.

“No…” Cynthia’s brow furrowed tightly, “the Substitute was what got read by him.”

Lance’s eyes flashed sharply, shouting, “Aqua Tail!!”

“Gengar! Σ(っ °Д °;)っ ”

Mega Gyarados’s massive tail, wrapped in a torrent of water, swept toward the airborne Gengar like a crashing tidal wave.

Gengar had nowhere to hide, smashed directly by the Aqua Tail into the Light Screen, scrunching up its face in pain: “...Gengar…”

Natsume winced and frowned, saying softly, “Retreat into the darkness, Gengar—”

The exposed-fingertip glove’s embedded Key Stone shone with dazzling brilliance. An invisible bond linked Natsume and Gengar as radiant Evolution light surged upward.

“Mega Evolution!!”

Boom!!

Mega Gyarados’s massive body crashed to earth, its powerful tail pounding the ground again, before it leapt toward the airborne Gengar, jaws bared.

Lance called out, “Crunch!!”—his voice resolute and cold.

At the same time, a yellow third eye opened on Mega Gengar’s forehead, spikes jutting across its body, and a deep red aura shimmered around him. The corners of his mouth rose in a wicked Sinister grin!

“Gengar!!”

Mega Gengar’s lower half was submerged in the darkness beneath, allowing him to move while hiding in the shadows.

Just as Gengar was about to crash into the Light Screen, a dark circular hole suddenly opened. Mega Gengar’s lower body sank into the opening, hands on either side, and as Mega Gyarados lunged in, Gengar stuck out his tongue, pulled down his lower eyelid, and made a face.

In a flash, Mega Gengar turned his back, wiggled his hips and small tail cheekily, and slipped back into the darkness, closing the circle behind him.

Thud!!

Mega Gyarados crashed headlong into the Light Screen, shattering it with cracks as he roared in anger.

“He’s behind you, Gyarados! Use Outrage!!!”

“Gyarados!!!”

Pure rage blazed between Mega Gyarados’s eyes, wild dark red energy coursing through his scales. Empowered by Dragon Dance, Outrage pushed Gyarados’s destructive power to the limit!

A dark hole opened on the ground, and Mega Gengar popped his head up like a mole, looking up at the charging Mega Gyarados and clicking his tongue: “Gengar~”

Why are you yelling so loudly!

Under the Outrage condition, Mega Gyarados was nothing less than a war machine venting his fury.

Trying to hold out until Outrage ended, and then using the Confusion condition to finish off Lance’s Mega Gyarados—impossibly difficult!

Lance planned for this, certain that Natsume-sensei lacked a way to quickly end it against Mega Gyarados—

Even covered in wounds, so long as the Outrage continued burning, Mega Gyarados fought like a berserker, fearless and unstoppable!

“Damn… I’m going to lose my bet,” Gold clicked his tongue.

“Mega Gyarados’s Special Defense is top-notch—even Gengar’s signature Dark Void probably wouldn’t cut it…” Silver’s eyes shimmered thoughtfully.

Lance’s gaze, fierce as a dragon, bore down on Natsume-sensei, brows imperceptibly furrowing.

I remember, Natsume’s Gengar has also mastered close-range moves.

But even so, there’s simply no way to withstand the rampaging, invincible Mega Gyarados under Outrage!!

“Gengar—”

Natsume’s eyes merged with the Sinister grin of Mega Gengar, shouting, “Use Foul Play!”

Lance was suddenly shocked.

Foul Play?!

Damn… Mega Gyarados’s Attack Stat has just been powered up by Dragon Dance!

[Foul Play: Uses the target’s attack stat instead of the user’s to deal damage.]

In other words, the stronger Mega Gyarados’s attack, the more powerful Foul Play will be!

Faced with the rampaging, enraged Gyarados, Mega Gengar extended his thorn-covered fist, his grin slowly spreading from the corners of his mouth.

“Gengar!!”

Come over here if you dare~!

Boom!!

Mega Gyarados barreled forward violently, stirring a gale, yet Mega Gengar braced both arms in defense and took the full force of the Outrage!!

“He actually endured it…” Siebold’s pupils shrank.

Is this still the glass-cannon Gengar I remember?

“Aqua Tail and then an Outrage…” Cynthia pursed her lips, eyes shining. “Defeating his Gengar won’t be easy.”

“Wait, what? Gengar is gonna punch him?” Korrina’s eyes went wide.

Suddenly.

Mega Gengar shot forward, thorn-covered fist glowing deep red, threads of power flowing from Mega Gyarados to his fist, cocooning into a dark crimson iron punch.

Bang!!!

Mega Gengar’s fist smashed hard into Mega Gyarados’s cheek, sending shockwaves billowing, followed by more pounding fists!!

“Gengar!!(σ｀д′)σ”

Gold stared in shock, counting: “That’s one Foul Play, two Foul Plays, three Foul Plays!!”

Silver’s face grew complicated.

The rest were Gengar’s regular attacks...

But even so, that one Foul Play landed a critical blow against Mega Gyarados!

Lance frowned deeply, struggling to snap Mega Gyarados back to his senses.

But Mega Gengar’s iron, thorn-covered fist, wreathed in cocooning dark crimson light, struck down again!!

Thud!!!

Dust and smoke billowed.

Siebold and the others looked on, visually stunned; Cynthia folded her arms, the corners of her mouth lifting in a faint smile.

The jagged-finned Mega Gyarados had already reverted from Mega Form, falling sidewise to the ground!

Rotom Pokédex flew over, circled Red Gyarados a few times, snapped a photo, and then announced loudly:

“Beep… Winner, Gengar, Rotom~!”