Chapter 95: Solgaleo VS Dragonite

Chapter 95: Solgaleo VS Dragonite

"Heh. I've already defeated this Articuno. Why can't I capture it?" Ron sneered. "The League is really overstepping its bounds."

"You know the specific situation," Lance said. "If you capture this Articuno, the League has the right to take back your Celebi."

"Don't give me that. All I know is that I battled it fair and square. After defeating this Articuno, I have the right to capture it," Ron said. "Besides, Celebi was my reward for helping the League restrain Mewtwo. If you want to take back Celebi, I'll just join Team Rocket and see who wins."

Lance's expression grew serious. He said, "Ron, don't forget that your breeding center was established with the League's help."

"Oh, please. If it weren't for my ability to discern Pokémon aptitude, would the League help me so much? And the League takes a cut from the profits I make selling top-tier Pokémon. They're not exactly losing money," Ron retorted sarcastically.

"Ron! Articuno is escaping!" Rosa called out.

Amid Ron and Lance's argument, Articuno had recovered some strength and was now flapping its wings, trying to flee the scene.

Veins bulged on Ron's forehead as he gritted his teeth. "Lance, I need an explanation from the League!"

"Not from the League. If you want an explanation, take it up with Ho-Oh," Lance said. "Without Ho-Oh's guidance, you wouldn't have encountered Articuno in the first place."

Ron took a deep breath to calm himself before saying, "Then let's battle. If I lose, today's matter is settled. But if I win, the League will no longer meddle with my breeding center. No League personnel will be allowed inside, and they can forget about getting any top-tier Pokémon from me!"

Lance chuckled. "Alright. I accept."

Lance knew Ron was looking for a way to back down gracefully. At Ron's current level, he could hold his own against the Elite Four but not the Champion. Still, if Ron wanted closure, Lance was willing to give it to him.

Rosa and Ruby exchanged glances, not fully understanding the underlying tension. Ruby said worriedly, "Ron, maybe we should let this go."

Rosa chimed in, "Yeah, you already managed to defeat Articuno. You can always capture another one next time."

Ron shook his head, not responding to their words. Following Lance's lead, the three of them returned to the Pokémon Center. After healing their Pokémon, they stepped out into the snowy field.

Lance stood his ground. "I'll be using my Dragonite. What about you?"

"Solgaleo, it's up to you!" Ron called, sending out Solgaleo. He was determined to give it his all, even if he wasn't likely to win. He wanted to see just how big the gap was between him and the Champion.

The three-meter-tall Solgaleo locked eyes with Dragonite, its gaze intense. This was a powerful opponent.

"Battle roar!" Ron commanded.

Solgaleo let out a massive roar, causing Dragonite to frown uncomfortably.

Lance chuckled. "Lowering Dragonite's attack with your opening move? Alright then. Dragonite, Dragon Dance."

Dragonite soared into the air, performing its mysterious dance. Ron signaled Solgaleo, which used Teleport to appear behind Dragonite and slammed into it with meteoric force, driving Dragonite into the snow.

"A Psychic and Steel-type, huh? Dragonite, Flamethrower!" Lance ordered.

Dragonite endured the pain and unleashed a Flamethrower directly onto Solgaleo's head as it pressed it into the ground. Watching from the Pokémon Center, Ruby murmured, "He's actually holding his own against the Champion! Ron is amazing."

"Not exactly. Dragonite's reaction was fast. That was just a sneak attack. He might not get that kind of luck again," Rosa pointed out.

As Rosa predicted, the tide quickly turned. With its attack interrupted, Solgaleo faltered, giving Dragonite the chance to break free and counter with a powerful Flare Blitz. Solgaleo's hind legs took a heavy hit, causing it to collapse.

"Thunder Wave!" Lance immediately ordered.

Dragonite hit Solgaleo with Thunder Wave, paralyzing it successfully.

Ron frowned. A small mistake had turned his initial advantage into a major disadvantage. "Morning Sun to heal, then Thunderbolt!" he shouted.

Solgaleo rose to its feet, glowing with a warm light as its health rapidly recovered. But Lance gave it no chance to complete the move. "Blizzard!" he ordered.

The icy storm interrupted Solgaleo's recovery.

"Finish it with Flamethrower!" Lance shouted.

"Protect!" Ron countered.

The protective barrier absorbed Dragonite's Flamethrower. Ron then called out, "Time to try this! Sunsteel Strike!"

Performing the Z-Move pose, Ron infused Solgaleo with Z-Power, transforming it into its Radiant Sun form. It roared and charged at Dragonite.

"Return the favor. Protect!" Lance ordered.

"Let's see if you can hold it off! This is our full power!" Ron roared.

Solgaleo crashed into the protective barrier with immense force. With a loud crack, the barrier shattered, sending Dragonite flying and leaving a long trail in the snow.

"What?!" Lance was shocked.

Ron let out a weary laugh as he slumped to the ground. Using a Z-Move was exhausting, especially with its primal power. If this didn't beat Dragonite, he was out of options.

But as Dragonite slowly floated back, Ron's smile stiffened. "I surrender," he admitted.

Lance glanced at his Dragonite, knowing it was near its limit as well. Looking back at Ron and Solgaleo, he said sincerely, "Ron, you have the strength of an Elite Four member. You're just lacking experience. Keep working hard."

With that, he recalled Dragonite and released his Aerodactyl, jumping onto its back with his arms crossed in a confident pose before flying off.

"Tch, always with the Flying-types," Ron muttered.

From high above, Lance almost fell off his Aerodactyl upon hearing that remark. Stabilizing himself, he shouted back, "I'm a Dragon-type Trainer! No, wait, I'm the Dragon-type Champion!"

Ron rolled his eyes and said nothing. Stroking the disappointed Solgaleo, he said, "I'm sorry. It's my fault. You're a legendary Pokémon, and I failed to guide you properly. We'll keep working hard. One day, we'll beat the Champion and rub their faces in the dirt."

Solgaleo licked Ron's face, acknowledging its own inexperience. It knew it had only recently gained the ability to battle and lacked experience against high-level opponents. Lance's comment about Ron's lack of experience applied to Solgaleo as well.

"Roar!" Solgaleo growled softly.

Ron nodded. "I'm glad you have that spirit. I'll send you back to the ranch to train with Mewtwo."

Ron wasn't going to interfere with Solgaleo's chosen path. It was its own journey to take.