Invitatiton to Battle

"Mega Evolution? I've heard of it."

Yuga didn't mention that he had Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution, as he was aware that Lysandre was the leader of Team Flare, and caution was necessary.

"It's good that you've heard of it."

Lysandre wasn't surprised that Yuga was familiar with Mega Evolution, given Yuga's status.

Before Yuga could say anything, Lysandre continued, "How about we have a battle? I'll show you the power of Mega Evolution."

"Sure, I accept your challenge willingly."

Yuga found Lysandre's actions rather perplexing, but he didn't decline the battle invitation. He was curious to witness the true strength of the leader of Team Flare and to understand why he had been invited here.

Yuga and Lysandre stood on opposite sides of the battle arena. Lysandre asked Yuga, "What kind of battlefield would you like, Mr. Shimizu?"

Yuga didn't choose but replied, "Mr. Lysandre, please decide."

Lysandre was surprised by Yuga's response but didn't refuse his polite offer. He didn't believe that being older meant he should go easy on Yuga.

Following Lysandre's instructions, the battlefield in front of Yuga transformed into a water-themed arena.

"Since I chose the battlefield, I'll send out my Pokémon first."

Saying this, Lysandre released his Pokémon. As water splashed around in the water-themed arena, a fearsome behemoth emerged from the pool - a Shiny Gyarados.

This Shiny Gyarados was clad in red armor, its jaws wide open, and it glared menacingly at Yuga.

However, Yuga wasn't intimidated by the Gyarados's presence. Looking at this Elite level Pokémon, Yuga contemplated for a moment and then released his own Pokémon, Lapras.

Based on Lysandre's earlier words, Yuga speculated that this Gyarados might have the potential to Mega Evolve. To test its strength, Lapras was the ideal choice. Although Lapras was at a slight disadvantage in terms of type advantages when facing a Mega Gyarados due to its Water and Ice-type moves being resisted, the impact was minimal.

As Yuga's Lapras entered the arena, a fine mist began to envelop its body, partially concealing it.

In that instant, the Gyarados activated its Intimidate ability.

However, Lapras, shrouded in the mist, calmly flicked its blue fins as if unaffected.

However, Yuga's Lapras didn't activate its ability.

Lapras has two abilities, which are Hydration and Drizzle.

Hydration's effect is that it won't be afflicted by status conditions during rainy weather, but Gyarados is not a Pokémon like Gengar or Crobat that excels at inflicting status conditions on opponents, so Hydration's effect wasn't significant.

If it had been Water Absorb, it might have had a slight advantage against Gyarados, but that wasn't the case.

Under rainy weather conditions, both Gyarados and Lapras received the same boost, so there was no need to activate it.

However, Lapras would decide on its own whether to activate its ability based on the battle situation.

"Gyarados, use Hurricane."

After Yuga sent out Lapras, Lysandre took the initiative. Under Gyarados's control, a whirlwind mixed with water rushed toward Lapras.

However, Yuga knew that this Hurricane was just Lysandre's probing move.

Compared to special attack moves, Gyarados was more proficient in physical attacks, evident from its robust physique. So, although this Hurricane looked imposing, its power wasn't as high as one might imagine.

"Lapras, use Aqua Tail."

Yuga responded quickly. After Lysandre's command, Yuga's voice immediately rang in Lapras's ears.

Lapras's body swayed slightly, and its short tail curled up a massive column of water, forming a water pillar nearly the same size as Gyarados's Hurricane. The two columns collided with each other, resulting in an explosion. Air currents mixed with water splashed in all directions, drenching the water-themed arena.

Even Yuga and Lysandre were both affected simultaneously, their clothes becoming soaked. However, neither of them paid it any mind, remaining fully focused on the battle.

After a preliminary exchange, Lysandre felt that Yuga's strength far exceeded his initial estimate, while Yuga was equally impressed by the leader of Team Flare.

"Greetings are over; now, I'll go all out," Lysandre said to Yuga.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Yuga replied with a smile.

"Gyarados, Iron Tail."

"Lapras, Dragon Pulse."

Yuga and Lysandre issued commands simultaneously.

Gyarados raised its thick tail, and after a shimmer of metallic luster, it swung it fiercely toward the water's surface.

Under the tremendous impact, the water's surface seemed as though it would split in two, and a powerful rush of water surged toward Lapras.

Inside Lapras's mouth, a massive bluish-purple orb was forming, and as the rushing water approached, the orb transformed into a beam, shooting towards the oncoming torrent.

The beam had significant piercing power, and upon contact with the rushing water, it pierced through it like ice meeting flames. Then, it struck Gyarados.

Hit by Lapras's Dragon Pulse, even with its thick armor, Gyarados let out a painful roar.

It was evident that in terms of attack power, Lysandre's Gyarados was falling behind.

A regular Lapras would be no match for a powerhouse like Gyarados in terms of attack power. Furthermore, Lapras doesn't have a clear preference for physical or special attacks; it usually depends on the trainer's training style.

However, Yuga's Lapras was unique, inheriting some of Kyogre's abilities. Its attack power not only matched but also leaned towards special attacks when compared to strong physical attackers like Gyarados.

Losing the attack power comparison to the opponent's Lapras was something Lysandre had not anticipated. Trainer Shimizu Yuga was once again challenging his understanding.

It should be difficult for anyone in the younger generation to surpass him! Lysandre quietly thought to himself, at the same time, he became more determined in his thoughts.

Gyarados, having been hit by Dragon Pulse, quickly regained its composure and prepared to launch another attack at Lapras.

Yuga had to admit that this Shiny Gyarados was very powerful. If Lapras weren't its opponent, Yuga would have a difficult time gaining the upper hand, especially considering it hadn't undergone Mega Evolution yet.

Gyarados assumed its attack posture, but Lysandre didn't issue any commands. He looked at Yuga and said, "Mr. Shimizu, your strength has amazed me."

Yuga modestly replied, "You're too kind."

"I'm going all out now. I hope you and Lapras can defeat me and Gyarados."

Saying this, he took out the Mega Stone, allowing Gyarados to undergo Mega Evolution.