Showdown[548]

Clair had never seen so many Dragonite all at once.

Surrounded by their curious, wide-eyed stares, each of them dressed like professional couriers, she was momentarily frozen in place.

It wasn't until the group lost interest and turned to head toward the ranch that Clair's tense shoulders finally relaxed.

After all, she'd worked with Dragon-types for years—she could tell right away there was no hostility from them. Just curiosity.

Clair followed their flight path with her eyes, then turned to her own Dragonite and said, "Let's follow them."

"Awoo!" Dragonite chirped in agreement, then angled downward and soared toward the ranch.

Soon, Clair and her Dragonite hovered above the sprawling fields of Naoki's Ranch.

Below, the other Dragonite had already landed and gone about their various tasks.

Some lounged in the shade, pulling out Poké Puffs from their messenger bags and snacking happily.

Others hovered beside floating Rotom Phones, chatting as they scrolled through updates or gave reports.

A few rushed into the main supply building, filled their packs with fresh bottles of Moo Moo Milk, and took off into the sky again for deliveries.

The whole scene looked like a well-oiled Dragonite-powered logistics hub.

That's when Clair spotted someone emerging from the main house.

A tall man walked out, trailed by a powerful, wild-looking Pokémon.

It had crimson scales and piercing golden eyes. Its muscular form radiated an intense draconic aura—its presence alone made Clair tense instinctively.

Clair's heart skipped a beat. The trainer in front of her wasn't just experienced—he was a Dragon-type master.

Anyone who raised a Pokémon like that had to be the real deal.

There's no such thing as a bad person who loves Dragon-types, Clair thought warmly.

Her expression remained composed, but excitement flickered in her eyes as her Dragonite gently landed on the grass.

"Ah, gah?" Koraidon grunted curiously, turning its head.

Naoki, who was busy helping a Dragonite load supplies into a crate, glanced over. "What is it, Koraidon?"

The next moment, he spotted an unfamiliar Dragonite touching down on the edge of his ranch.

And then—someone dismounted.

A tall figure in a flowing cloak landed gracefully on the ground and approached with purpose.

The woman bowed respectfully and said, "Senior, I am Clair of Blackthorn City in the Johto region. I've heard of your name and have come to visit."

Naoki blinked. "Clair?" he echoed.

'Wait… Isn't she Lance's cousin? The Gym Leader of Blackthorn City?'

Naoki glanced at the Dragonite beside her, then asked casually, "So… you're from the House of Dragon Masters?"

Clair's eyes widened slightly. She hadn't expected him to see through her lineage so quickly.

'How did he guess just like that?!'

What surprised her even more was his calm demeanor and the effortless aura of a seasoned master—someone at peace in his environment, almost like a hidden sage.

"You have a sharp eye, Senior," she said sincerely.

Naoki: "…"

He scratched the back of his head, feeling a little awkward under her respectful gaze.

Is this how Clair acts in the anime, too? he thought wryly.

Born into the prestigious Dragon Clan, Clair possessed an innate connection with Dragon-type Pokémon. She deeply cherished them, could sense their moods, and had a natural gift for calming even the most furious of dragons.

Clair held the utmost respect for strong trainers who specialized in Dragon-types—trainers like her cousin Lance, the Gym Leader of Blackthorn City in Johto, and other dragon masters across the regions.

"What brings you all the way here?" Naoki asked, slightly curious.

"I've collected all eight badges in the Paldea region and passed the Champion Evaluation," Clair replied directly. "The League Champion told me that I now have the qualifications to challenge you. So, I'm here to request a dragon duel!"

Naoki froze on the spot.

The Gym Leader of Blackthorn City had come all the way to Paldea, earned all eight badges, passed the Champion assessment… all just to battle him?

That was a bit... extreme.

"I see," Naoki finally said with a sigh.

He couldn't very well turn her away after she went through all that effort.

"In that case… let's battle."

Clair's eyes lit up with excitement, her expression turning sharp and serious. "Thank you, Senior. I won't hold back!"

"If I understand correctly," Naoki said, walking with her toward the ranch's open battle area, "you're looking for a battle specifically against my Dragon-type Pokémon, right?"

Clair nodded. "Yes. Ideally, a full 6-on-6 Dragon-type match!"

Naoki blinked. "…"

A full six? That meant he'd have to field six Dragon-types.

But if he didn't count the courier Dragonites or Giratina, the only battle-ready dragons he had on hand were Cyclizar, Koraidon, and his own Dragonite.

"I only have three Dragon-type Pokémon I currently use in battle," Naoki admitted.

Although Clair looked slightly disappointed, she quickly reconsidered. That was still more than enough. If she gave it her all, perhaps her Pokémon would gain something valuable from the experience.

"Understood. Then let's go with a 3-on-3 format!" she agreed respectfully.

Naoki nodded, then called for Cyclizar and Dragonite.

A few moments later, the three Pokémon stood in a line behind Naoki.

Clair observed them carefully.

On the far left was Cyclizar. She had encountered wild ones during her journey through Paldea, but this one looked unusually calm and well-trained—not flashy, but likely reliable.

In the center stood Dragonite. This must be the one Lance had warned her about—the Dragonite that could command the weather with ease.

If he changed the battlefield with Rain Dance, she could try to turn that to her advantage. She was already mentally calculating countermeasures.

And then, on the right, Naoki had called it "Koraidon."

Clair's instincts flared immediately. A heavy, primal dragon aura radiated off of it—powerful, wild, and nearly overwhelming.

Among the three, this one was definitely the most dangerous.

Even without battling it yet, Clair's deep bond with dragons told her exactly what she needed to know: Koraidon was on an entirely different level.

With her strategy set, Clair decided to send out her first Pokémon.

She tossed a Poké Ball into the air, and with a flash of white light, a fierce-looking Gyarados landed on the battlefield, baring its fangs and roaring mightily.

"Fwooooaaaar!"

Seeing both trainers ready, the referee—Naoki's Indeedee brother acting as the judge—blew his whistle with a sharp tweet.

Round One: Cyclizar vs. Gyarados—begin!

"Gyarados, use Dragon Dance!" Clair called out, starting with a conservative but effective opener.

On the other side of the field, Naoki calmly issued his own command. "Cyclizar, Shift Gear."

Gyarados began its fearsome war dance, swirling and coiling in a fierce, elegant rhythm as its attack and speed rose sharply. At the same time, Cyclizar's chest gear spun rapidly with a flash of white light, tightening its mechanical core.

Clair narrowed her eyes—both were clearly preparing for a power burst.

"Dragon Claw!" Naoki ordered sharply.

Cyclizar lunged forward with electrifying speed. Its claws gleamed with purple draconic energy, forming into massive spectral talons that slashed toward Gyarados with explosive force.

"Aqua Tail, counter it!" Clair commanded.

But before Gyarados could complete its move, Cyclizar's Dragon Claw had already landed. Three deep claw marks streaked across Gyarados's chest, drawing a pained roar.

Gyarados lashed out immediately, its powerful tail enveloped in spiraling water. A howling gust accompanied its attack as the tail came crashing down toward Cyclizar.

"Dodge it!" Naoki responded quickly.

Cyclizar veered back just in time as Gyarados's Aqua Tail smashed into the ground, spraying water and leaving cracks in the earth.

Clair's eyes sharpened. "That thing is fast…"

Before she could give another command, Cyclizar was on the move again. Its tail now shimmered with draconic energy as it darted toward Gyarados once more.

This time, Gyarados retaliated with its own tail, and the two clashed in a dramatic collision. The force of the impact sent water droplets flying into the air, creating a brief rain-like mist that danced in the morning light.

Gyarados panted heavily. Clair knew what to do—dragon instincts were powerful, but dragons were still vulnerable.

"Ice Fang! Close the gap!" she shouted.

But Naoki was ready. "Cyclizar, Wild Charge! Let's finish this!"

"Zzzzt!" Sparks exploded from Cyclizar's body as electricity surged through its frame. Yellow arcs of lightning surged across its scales, building rapidly until its whole body glowed with volatile voltage.

Clair's eyes widened.

Oh no. Electric move...!

Before Gyarados could even bite down with Ice Fang, Cyclizar shot forward like a bullet of pure lightning.

The thunderous impact rocked the field. Sparks and shockwaves exploded outward as Cyclizar's Wild Charge slammed into Gyarados. The massive sea serpent's eyes bulged in surprise and pain as the electricity overwhelmed its aquatic body.

In a flash, Gyarados crashed to the ground, unconscious.

Clair gasped. "Gyarados…!"

Indeedee, the referee, stepped forward to examine the downed Pokémon and raised his hand.

"Ai ah!" he announced with a whistle.

Gyarados is unable to battle!

Naoki brushed his hand through his hair casually. "Teaching Pokémon a wide variety of moves helps them adapt to more opponents. Flexibility beats brute force."

Clair took a breath, then smiled wryly. "You've got me there. But it wasn't just a lack of information—I underestimated your Cyclizar's speed."

She returned her Gyarados to its Poké Ball. "Well done. Rest now."

Then, without hesitation, she reached for her next Poké Ball.

...

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