Chapter 81: The Hatching of Manaphy?

Chapter 81: The Hatching of Manaphy?

Inside the National Water-Type Gym

After sensing psychic energy, Latias used Teleport to arrive at the source. There, she discovered two suspicious individuals attempting to sneak into the gym.

In the air above them, a peculiar egg floated.

The egg was light blue, resembling an embryo, surrounded by a protective layer that looked like transparent water rings.

The two intruders, dressed in black, were already unconscious. Beside them lay a defeated Alakazam, clearly out of commission.

Latias, reverting to her true form, tilted her head curiously as she examined the egg.

"If Hikaru were here, what would he do with them?"

She tried to think like Hikaru, pondering what solution he might come up with.

Failing to arrive at an answer, she decided it would be best to bring everything to Hikaru.

Carrying the egg and the unconscious individuals, she disappeared from the scene.

---

Back on the Beach

Charizard and Kingler were locked in a fierce energy clash.

"Good timing, Flamethrower!"

Flamethrower was one of Charizard's newly learned moves after its evolution.

As the opposing Water Gun surged toward them, Hikaru didn't back down.

Thanks to his Aura powers, Hikaru could synchronize perfectly with Charizard during the battle.

A torrent of blazing flames, tinged with a faint white glow, collided head-on with the Water Gun, producing an explosion of steam that filled the energy barrier.

Even spectators outside the barrier could feel the heat and intensity of the battle.

---

"Impressive!"

Watching the fiery clash hold its ground against the water-type move, Aqua Grace couldn't help but admire the display.

Water beating fire was basic logic, and her Kingler's level was significantly higher than Charizard's.

"Dragon Claw!"

Through the dense mist, Hikaru sensed Kingler's breathing becoming labored. Charizard, meanwhile, thrived in prolonged battles.

This clash was meant to push Charizard to its energy output limits.

"Kingler, Razor Shell!"

As a champion-level trainer, Aqua Grace also understood the state of the battlefield. The flame from Charizard's tail seemed to drain Kingler's stamina steadily.

Realizing this, she opted for close combat.

---

Crash!

The clash of Dragon Claw and Razor Shell sent ripples through the mist, quickly dispersing it and revealing the scene within.

Charizard stood tall, its fighting spirit unyielding, while Kingler, though fierce, showed clear signs of exhaustion.

After several exchanges of Dragon Claw and Razor Shell, Kingler faltered. Charizard seized the opportunity and struck it down, ending the match.

"Well done! This battle goes to Hikaru!"

At this point, Aqua Grace knew Kingler couldn't win. Charizard's mastery of dragon-type moves was astounding, and its fire-type moves had matched her water-type ace.

---

Returning Kingler to its Poké Ball, Aqua Grace approached Hikaru with a mix of respect and amazement.

"You're as good as they say, a true provincial league champion."

"Kingler had already fought another battle earlier, so my Charizard had the advantage this time," Hikaru replied modestly.

---

Just as Aqua Grace handed him a water-drop-shaped badge, her expression shifted.

Hopping onto her Swellow, she apologized quickly. "I'm sorry, but I have urgent matters to attend to. The challenges for today will end here."

The crowd murmured in disappointment.

"Ah, I wanted to challenge her next."

"Challenge what? The kid already beat her weakest Pokémon. What, are you going for her main lineup?"

"Fair point..."

One spectator sighed. "But that Charizard from the provincial champion... it feels leagues ahead of our champion's Sceptile."

---

Meanwhile, Hikaru began scanning the crowd for Latias.

"Hikaru, over here!"

Spotting her under a coconut tree, Hikaru jogged over.

"Come with me," Latias said, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward a secluded corner.

"What's going on, Dira?" Hikaru asked, confused by her urgency.

Latias didn't answer. Instead, she activated her psychic abilities, teleporting them both away.

---

Inside Their Hotel Room

Hikaru blinked in confusion as he realized they had been transported ten kilometers away from the beach.

"Seriously, Dira, your psychic powers are something else," he muttered.

Teleporting over such a long distance, especially while carrying someone else, was a feat even for advanced psychic Pokémon. Latias had to be at least on par with a Lord-tier Pokémon in terms of psychic energy.

"This way," Latias said, stepping aside to reveal a peculiar scene.

Two unconscious men lay on the floor, alongside a defeated Alakazam. Floating in the air between them was a glowing blue egg.

"What's this?" Hikaru asked, intrigued.

He activated his Observation Skill, scanning the egg.

Species: Manaphy (???)

Potential: tier-1 divine beast

Hikaru's eyes widened in shock.

---

Turning his attention to the unconscious men, Hikaru removed their black cloaks, revealing the distinctive bandanas of pirates.

Ever since the introduction of Pokémon, the vast seas had given rise to pirate crews. Some even claimed that Team Aqua originated as a pirate organization.

Hikaru scratched his head in frustration.

"Let me get this straight. You went out for a bit, found a Legendary Pokémon egg, and two pirates tried to steal it?"

Latias nodded, explaining the sequence of events, including the egg's psychic resonance that had drawn her attention.

As a fellow Mythical Pokémon, she had immediately recognized the power emanating from the egg.

Hikaru sighed. "No wonder Aqua Grace left so suddenly. The egg must belong to her Gym."

---

Crack...

Before Hikaru could decide what to do, a bright white light began emanating from the egg.

It was hatching.

---

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