Chapter 256: Escavalier in the Snowstorm

"Yveltal?"

Diancie thought for a moment. "I don’t know much about it, but I think the Minister mentioned that Pokémon once. Should we go ask the Minister? And while we’re at it, I can show you around my Diamond Kingdom~"

"Sure," Natsume said with a smile. "Let’s wait until we find those Frosmoth first. After we investigate what happened earlier, we’ll head over."

"Yes, Natsume~"

Gardevoir, sitting beside Natsume, lifted the lid off the pot of fish soup, releasing a rich, savory aroma.

"Come on, everyone, dig in. Also, Blaziken and Greninja, these Fire and Water Type Gems are for you."

Natsume took out the rewards from the Weavile capture mission and handed them to Blaziken and Greninja. They each took their respective Type Gems and began absorbing their energy.

Notice: Greninja has learned a new move—Substitute.

Notice: Blaziken has learned a new move—Bulk Up.

Natsume smiled as he watched the two Pokémon grow stronger. "Not bad. At this rate, you’ll catch up to the main team at the farm gym soon."

"Blaziken~"

Just as Natsume finished speaking, a Pokémon’s cry echoed from outside the cave.

"Mamoswine~"

Mamoswine let out a low growl and stood up, its massive frame blocking the entrance.

Natsume looked outside.

Emerging from the snowstorm was an Escavalier.

Name: Escavalier
Type: Bug/Steel
Level: 46
Ability: Swarm
Individual Values: HP 30, Attack 31, Defense 31, Special Attack 28, Special Defense 31, Speed 25
Moves: Double-Edge, Fell Stinger, Bug Buzz, Reversal, Slash, X-Scissor, Iron Defense, Endure, Quick Guard, Protect
Potential: Near Elite

"An Escavalier, huh? Its strength and potential are both quite high,"

 Natsume said, glancing at the data. "Mamoswine, let it in."

"Mamoswine."

Mamoswine stepped aside, allowing the snow-covered Escavalier to enter the cave. The Escavalier, a naturally combative Pokémon, slowly walked in, eyeing the other Pokémon inside.

In the wild, Escavalier’s rival is Sirfetch’d. There’s even a famous, priceless painting depicting a battle between Escavalier and Sirfetch’d.

"Blaziken!"

Blaziken, feeling the flames coursing through its body, was eager to test its newfound strength. Flames erupted from its wrists as it stared at the Escavalier with fiery determination.

The Escavalier, of course, noticed Blaziken’s intense gaze.

Natsume, understanding Blaziken’s desire for a battle, took out two Berries. "Escavalier, how about a battle? If you win, these are yours."

In this weather, finding edible Berries wasn’t easy. The Escavalier’s eyes lit up at the sight of the Berries.

"Escavalier!"

The Escavalier accepted the challenge.

"Then let’s begin," Natsume said.

The cave provided enough space for Blaziken and Escavalier, neither of which were overly large Pokémon.

"Blaziken!"

Blaziken launched the first attack, a Blaze Kick aimed straight at the Escavalier.

"Escavalier!"

The Escavalier stood its ground, raising its lance-like arms to block Blaziken’s kick.

Quick Guard!

Though Escavalier’s movement speed was slow, its attack speed was anything but.

Whoosh!

Its lances thrust forward rapidly.

"Blaziken!"

Blaziken, having trained extensively in dodging at the farm, leaped back just in time.

Boom~

A torrent of flames erupted from Blaziken’s mouth.

The Escavalier immediately used Protect, shielding itself from the Flamethrower.

"Impressive," Natsume remarked, watching the Escavalier. "Even though it’s at a type disadvantage, its reaction time and battle instincts are top-notch."

The Escavalier, surrounded by flames, remained calm, its eyes locked on Blaziken.

"Blaziken!"

Blaziken charged forward again, unleashing another Blaze Kick.

This time, the Escavalier sidestepped the attack with ease.

X-Scissor!

Bang!

"Blaziken."

Natsume watched as Blaziken clutched its arm and quickly retreated. "Still lacking experience," he muttered.

"Blaziken, don’t rush," Natsume said, noticing Blaziken’s eagerness to charge again. "Use Flamethrower one more time."

"Blaziken!"

Blaziken obeyed, unleashing a stream of flames.

The Escavalier once again used Protect.

"Blaziken, your biggest advantage over Escavalier is speed. Now, use Flame Charge!"

"Blaziken!"

Boom~

Blaziken’s body ignited with intense flames, and it shot forward like a fiery comet, slamming into the Escavalier.

The Escavalier, its protective barrier just fading, barely had time to use Quick Guard.

Bang!

With a dull thud, the Escavalier was sent flying.

"Flamethrower!"

"Escavalier!"

As soon as Natsume issued the command, the Escavalier felt the pressure. It tried to use Protect again, but this time, the intense flames melted through its energy barrier, scorching its body.

Escavalier was a Pokémon built for defensive counterattacks. Against an opponent like Blaziken, who had a four-times type advantage, even a simple Flamethrower could secure victory. However, Blaziken hadn’t fully realized this earlier.

Natsume looked at the fallen Escavalier, then tossed a Poké Ball.

Bang~

The red light shot out.

Shake~ Ding~.

Escavalier, successfully captured.