Chapter 0622: Alain and Mega Charizard X(Two-in-One)

When Alain stepped into the café, his footsteps faltered for just a moment.

He had visited the original Café Soleil—its style lavish, with sunlight streaming through stained glass, casting a soft glow over every piece of furniture. Some even claimed to have spotted the movie star Diantha there.

But this café was entirely different. Its atmosphere left a single, immediate impression—

Cute.

A cozy warmth that instantly put visitors at ease. The space was open and tidy, with wooden tables draped in flaxen cloths, each adorned with a small vase of fresh greenery.

Alain’s gaze lingered on one spot—a Gengar pressed against the glass, lost in thought.

That Gengar… The same one that had swept through Elite Four Lucian’s team in the Champion League!

"Gengar~"

Gengar was still staring dreamily at the Prism Tower outside, happily scheming.

When should we head out?~ Gotta surprise Trainer when the time comes!

"Charizard…"

Charizard, however, seemed uncomfortable in this setting, shifting restlessly.

But when its eyes landed on the narrow-eyed Sylveon, it wisely clamped its mouth shut.

My instincts say… better not provoke that Sylveon.

"Sylveon~"

Seeing Charizard show no signs of picking a fight, Sylveon yawned in boredom and trotted back to the backyard to swing.

"Welcome," Natsume said. "What can I do for you?"

The voice snapped Alain back to attention. He looked up at the counter, his pupils contracting slightly.

A mix of nerves—like meeting a senior, the tension of facing a powerful trainer, the thrill of seeking a battle—

He masked it perfectly, bowing his head politely.

"Natsume-sensei, I’ve come on behalf of Professor Sycamore to welcome you to Kalos and invite you to visit the research institute!"

As Alain observed this so-called "Trainer among legendaries"—

Natsume was also sizing up the vaguely familiar black-haired young man.

Black vest, blue neck accessory, more mature than Ash, with a Charizard always at his side—

Alain, Ash's rival in the Kalos region. That Charizard of his had even earned the nickname "Water Absorb Charizard" for tanking multiple electric attacks and golden water kunai - clearly the writers' favorite!

Of course, aside from being overleveled, the Dragon typing of its Mega Charizard X form gave it a nice type advantage.

"The research institute? I'll visit soon."

Natsume changed the subject, asking:

"Have we met before? At a research conference perhaps?"

Alain stiffened, surprised his opponent remembered him, and nodded:

"Yes, I attended as Professor Sycamore's assistant."

"Judging by now," Natsume looked Alain up and down with a smile, "you've started your journey?"

"Exactly." Alain nodded firmly, eyes burning with conviction as he subtly clenched his fist. "Charizard and I are training to become the strongest Mega Evolution messengers!"

After Alain's introduction, the café fell into silence.

Matori adjusted her round glasses, mentally pulling up Alain's profile.

As Team Rocket's secretary and intelligence officer, her direct unit "Matori Matrix" prioritized information warfare above all else.

"Alain, Mega Evolution messenger, partner is Mega Charizard X, strength..."

Matori relaxed, crossing her legs on the sofa as she thought: "Elite Four level."

"Charizard!"

Following Alain's declaration, Charizard spread its wings and reared back to unleash flames—

A cold glare cut through the air.

Arcanine, who had been lounging lazily on the floor, rose like a waking tiger, its eyes radiating intense Intimidate, baring its teeth in what resembled a yawn.

I may play nice at home, but outsiders don't get to roar in my territory!

Charizard immediately stiffened, adopting a serious expression: "Charizard..."

Alain too noticed this Arcanine that had been hidden behind the sofa - now standing with overwhelming presence.

He wasn't the type to back down. Quite the opposite - like Ash, he craved battle.

Even facing a trainer who had shut out an Elite Four member in the Champion League, Alain believed wholeheartedly in his bond with Charizard.

His gaze burned with caution - and growing battle lust.

He wanted to challenge this powerful Mega Evolution messenger—

To prove his bond with Charizard... To surpass evolution itself through Mega Forms!

Natsume's Aura of Ripple instantly sensed Alain's shifting emotions.

The trainer raised an eyebrow.

Alain's skipping Ash to farm EXP off me?

But in the current timeline, Ash was still traveling in Unova, and Alain had only just begun his journey.

This so-called "Water Absorb Charizard" Charizard... wasn't quite ready.

Unless Alain issued the challenge himself, Natsume couldn't just bully a junior.

Not that I haven't bullied plenty already... One more wouldn't hurt—

Ahem. Natsume cleared his throat. Food was more important anyway.

"I get the picture," he told Alain. "Would you like to stay for dinner?"

Though phrased as an invitation, the subtext was clear: Time to leave.

Alain frowned, glanced at Charizard, then spoke resolutely:

"To be honest... I do have a personal request!"

His eyes flicked to Gengar by the window before continuing:

"I've heard you're also a Mega Evolution messenger."

"I wish to learn from you—the secrets of Mega Evolution. And if possible..."

He took a deep breath.

"Please battle me with your Blastoise!"

Natsume blinked.

Challenge my Blastoise?

So Alain, you've got some guts!

Alain had watched the entire Champion League and knew his chances against Mega Gengar were slim.

But during the Lily of the Valley Conference finals, that Mega Blastoise's form had been broken by Charizard.

Alain was confident that with Charizard's strength, he could hold his own against Natsume-sensei's Blastoise.

Besides... his goal was to become the strongest Mega Messenger.

To achieve that, he needed to replace Fire typing with Dragon typing—to use Mega Charizard X and overturn those type disadvantages!

Alain's eyes burned with determination as he straightened his arms at his sides and bowed deeply. "I beg of you!"

The café fell silent.

Sunlight streamed through the windows as Alain remained bowed, his expression resolute.

Behind him, Charizard stood tall, its gaze sharp as it stared down Natsume. "Charizard!"

Truthfully, Natsume didn't have any particular grudge against this so-called "Water Absorb Charizard."

Just as Ash shared a bond with Greninja, so too did Alain and Charizard.

The problem lay in flawed ideals. (Flawed writing, more like.)

In his pursuit of strength, Alain had overlooked something far more precious.

Natsume turned on the faucet, leisurely washing dishes as he asked casually:

"Tell me, Alain—what does Charizard mean to you?"

Alain stiffened, slowly raising his head before clenching his fist. "Charizard is my strongest partner."

"We push each other to the limit. Even against type disadvantages, we never back down..."

"I want to stand at the very top with Charizard—no matter the cost!"

His firm voice echoed through the café.

Natsume shut off the water, accepting a towel from Sirfetch'd before meeting Alain's gaze with clear eyes.

Influenced by Lysandre's philosophy, Alain had become obsessed with being "the strongest."

He relentlessly pushed Charizard to grow stronger, and Charizard in turn gave everything for Alain.

But something crucial was missing...

Because protecting what matters doesn't require being the strongest—it's the desire to protect that holds true power.

Just like Steven, who safeguarded all of Hoenn. Like Leon, who carried Galar on his shoulders.

Alain hadn't yet learned this lesson.

He would eventually meet Ash, his little "girlfriend" Manon, even Steven himself.

But right now, both he and Charizard were still green.

"Are you certain—"

Natsume leaned against the counter, looking every bit the ordinary café owner—until his eyes sharpened with a smile.

"—you want to challenge me?"

His voice was calm, almost gentle.

Yet Matori felt a cold sweat drip down her forehead, her heart pounding violently.

For a moment, she thought she saw Boss Giovanni's shadow looming behind him.

No—not Giovanni. This was the Mentor of Team Rainbow Rocket himself!

Alain's throat tightened. His breath caught in a way even Lysandre had never made it do.

This man's strength... far exceeded anything he'd imagined.

But he had to issue the challenge anyway.

Charizard and I... we'll reach the top!

Alain steadied his breathing, forcing out the words: "Please... accept my challenge!"

The café's atmosphere grew heavy, the air itself turning viscous.

"Togepi doo-ee~ヽ(≧◇≦)"

Until Togepi came scampering happily through the room, shattering the tension.

Alain's conviction wasn't so different from Ash's.

And as a sensei, it was Natsume's duty to... educate his juniors. (Ahem.)

Natsume nodded.

"Very well. I accept."

Alain's shoulders slumped as he exhaled, only now noticing his palms were sweaty.

"However," Natsume added, "we're eating dinner first."

"Sirfetch'd!~(っ╥╯﹏╰╥c)"

Sirfetch'd, who'd been standing by as sous chef, muffled a laugh.

Absolutely right~!

Gotta eat well before a big battle~!

"That's fine. I'll wait outside," Alain said, turning toward the door.

Natsume stopped him.

"No need. Stay and help me... test the new dishes!" (Almost said "poison test" there...)

……

Today's Specials: Eevee Latte, Pikachu Spicy Curry, and Leppa Berry Salad.

The so-called Eevee Latte featured an adorable Eevee-shaped foam art, its soothing aroma capable of calming even the most restless soul.

Matori carefully lifted the cup, taking a tentative sip. The velvety texture melted on her tongue.

After savoring the taste, her gaze drifted toward the richly fragrant Pikachu Curry.

The curry rice had been artfully arranged into Pikachu's likeness—ears and all—submerged in a thick, aromatic sauce that made one's mouth water.

Matori hovered her spoon hesitantly.

"What's wrong?" Natsume asked.

"I-It's too cute," she murmured. "I can't bring myself to eat it..."

Natsume took her spoon, decisively crushed one of the "Pikachu ears" on her plate, and handed the utensil back.

"Now the flavors will blend better."

Matori: "...Thanks."

At another table, Alain and Charizard sat before their respective servings of Leppa Berry Salad—one modest plate and one massive bowl.

It wasn't for lack of appetite.

Their wallets simply couldn't handle a full meal.

Alain watched as Charizard buried its face in the salad bowl. "How is it?"

No response. Charizard was too busy devouring the Leppa Berries, its tail flame burning brighter with each enthusiastic chomp!

"So cooking mastered to perfection can even enhance Pokémon's condition..."

Alain looked utterly awestruck, muttering to himself:

"Not even Mr. Siebold's cuisine reaches this level..."

Meanwhile, Matori took a small spoonful of curry. The moment it touched her tongue, her cheeks flushed crimson.

A shiver ran down her spine as visions of Pikachus playing in golden-lit forests filled her mind.

"S-So good!" Her eyes welled up.

Natsume frowned slightly.

Did I overdo the spices...?

Eh. As long as the customer's happy.

As night fell, Lumiose City glittered with neon lights.

The little ones gathered around Rotom Oven, eagerly devouring freshly baked macarons.

If curry rice represented Galar, then macarons were undoubtedly Kalos's signature treat.

Vibrantly colored, delicate yet crisp, they were perfectly safe for Pokémon consumption.

"Blastoise..." Blastoise continued chewing on its Pokéblock.

Blastoise had no interest in brightly colored macarons—same principle as avoiding brightly colored mushrooms.

Then its gaze landed on the Mega Stone-adorned Charizard.

"Blastoise…ヾ(■_■)"

This Charizard knows Mega Evolution?

Better stock up on Revival Herbs just in case...

"It's about time for the main event," Alain declared, rising from his seat with fiery determination. "Natsume-sensei!"

Natsume: "The main course is pricey. Not sure you can afford it."

Alain: "...I meant the Pokémon battle."

Natsume glanced at Matori.

Understanding immediately, she bowed. "Our backyard features a professional battle arena. Please follow me."

Natsume: ???

I meant for you to charge Alain rental fees if they wreck the place!

Matori whispered, "The underground arena meets Champion League standards. No need to worry."

Natsume blinked.

There's an underground arena too?

In the backyard, Matori flipped a switch. The ground rumbled as a pristine battle platform rose from below.

THUNK.

The arena locked into place.

Natsume looked mildly impressed before musing, "Maybe I should have Meowth's crew upgrade this later."

At the very least, make sure the café survives an Earthquake!

For safety, he had Sylveon reinforce the perimeter with Light Screen + Reflect.

"Matori, you'll referee—"

Before he could finish, Rotom Pokédex snatched the flags and levitated to the center.

"Rotom will judge FAIRLY and AWESOMELY!"

Alain, clad in his black vest, clenched his fist sharply. "Go, Charizard!"

"Charizard!"

Charizard landed with a wingbeat that sent gusts swirling, its Mega Stone gleaming fiercely.

Natsume tossed a Dive Ball. The turbulent winds stilled instantly under Aura's influence.

THUD.

A heavy, unassuming landing.

Blastoise—Mega Stone hanging at its neck—stared silently at the so-called "Water Absorb Charizard," its cannons glinting ominously.

A wave of apprehension washed over Alain.

But his pride as Charizard's partner burned brighter.

"BATTLE BEGIN, ROTOM!"

The flags swept down. Alain raised his gloved hand, Key Stone bracelet flashing brilliantly as he shouted:

"CHARIZARD! MEGA EVOLVE!!"