Pokémon: Breeding Simulator [159] [40 PS]

Boom—!

As Cynthia stood frozen in place, another sharp crack echoed from the lake—ice shattering again nearby.

Freezing water splashed out from the hole, some droplets landing near her fingers.

She turned her head in confusion and saw her Garchomp struggling to haul itself out of the icy lake.

"Ah—"

"Sorry, Garchomp!"

Snapping out of her daze, Cynthia rushed over to help her partner climb free of the freezing water.

"Rrhh…"

Once upright, Garchomp cast her a deeply resentful glance.

A Pokémon—forgotten by its own Trainer, even if only briefly. What a disgrace…

Still, Garchomp let out a quiet breath of relief.

There was no way he could've caught Cynthia in time during that fall. The fact she was safe now was nothing short of a miracle.

Thinking that, his gaze shifted to Elias.

And when Elias glanced his way, Garchomp offered what he considered a grateful look.

But before Elias could react, Zoroark had already intercepted the glance.

The moment she picked up on it, her grip on Elias's arm tightened, fur bristling slightly.

Lucario is one thing, but this ugly brute thinks he can flirt with Elias too?

He's not worried about grossing him out?

She stepped forward, blocking Elias's view with her body.

Lucario was a threat, sure—but Garchomp? She just worried it might scare him.

Watching the interaction between the Pokémon unfold, Cynthia couldn't help but laugh.

Even the chill soaking through her damp clothes faded for a moment.

Garchomp had been in plenty of awkward situations, but usually it was Trainers covering their Pokémon's eyes—not the other way around.

This was a first.

Still… What kind of Pokémon is that?

Cynthia stared at Zoroark thoughtfully. With all her Champion-level experience, she'd never seen anything like it.

Could it be… a legendary Pokémon?

And if so… the boy who saved her must be even more extraordinary.

She carefully turned her gaze to Elias, hoping to observe something from his battle style that might confirm her suspicions.

On the other side, Elias pinched Zoroark's cheek helplessly.

Ever since she evolved, she's been even more possessive than Cogita…

He figured it was only a matter of time before Zoroark started covering his eyes with her tail every time they went out—just to keep him from looking at other Pokémon.

"Alright, go help Lucario."

Pulling at his damp clothes, Elias gave the order.

The lake had soaked him through, and in this frozen climate, wet clothes meant hypothermia wasn't far off. Ending the battle quickly was top priority.

Zoroark nodded obediently.

She raised her head, eyes locking on Tornadus.

The battle with Lucario had already begun.

But as strong as Lucario was, he was being overwhelmed. Tornadus's power was simply on another level.

Seeing this, Zoroark sprang into action—[Phantom Force] launching her up the slope like a streak of white lightning. Crimson eyes left behind afterimages as she moved.

High above, Tornadus knocked Lucario back once more and frowned.

He wasn't built for combat—his strength lay in controlling the weather.

Now there was a Garchomp stalking him, and this random Lucario had come out of nowhere.

Maybe it's time to cut my losses.

After all, the giant had only ordered him to blanket the area in snow. If a few humans slipped through, that wasn't his fault.

With that thought, Tornadus surged upward on a gust, preparing to escape.

But before he could lift off, a blur of crimson entered his peripheral vision.

Something's wrong—

He tried to retreat, but hadn't even moved half a step before his head slammed into a stone wall.

Boom—!

Stunned, Tornadus turned to find himself facing a towering rock formation.

Where did this wall come from?

But before he could make sense of it, the wall shimmered and vanished.

An illusion!

Too late—Zoroark's [Shadow Claw] crashed into his face.

The force hurled him sideways, stinging pain blooming across his cheek.

"Grah!"

Tornadus snarled in pain, eyes flashing with fury.

A legendary Pokémon like me—humiliated by a fox?

If word got out, he'd never show his face in Hisui again.

Snarling, Tornadus twisted midair and dove straight off the cliff—toward Elias.

His one advantage over Zoroark and Lucario was mobility. Terrain didn't slow him down.

Sure enough, Zoroark, still savoring her clean hit, went rigid the moment she realized his new target.

Lucario also launched into pursuit down the slope.

But neither could match Tornadus's raw speed in flight.

In seconds, he was within ten meters of Elias.

"Hmph."

Tornadus sneered, hurling a gust straight at him.

He'd already figured it out—this human was the leader. Take him down, and the others would fold.

"Watch out!"

"Garchomp, intercept!"

Realizing what was happening, Cynthia barked an order to her partner.

Pokémon were smart—but instinct often overrode strategy. They usually focused on the opponent in front of them.

That's why most Trainers didn't add extra layers of defense when capturing wild Pokémon.

But she hadn't expected this one to be so cunning.

A Pokémon this intelligent had to be in the legendary category.

At her command, Garchomp charged toward Elias.

But before it could reach him, another [Hurricane] from Tornadus stopped him cold—its icy shrapnel digging into his vulnerable hide.

Cynthia bit her lip, frustrated hand reaching for her belt.

She'd only brought Garchomp today. If her other Pokémon were here…

At least then she wouldn't have to watch helplessly while the boy who'd just saved her was snatched away.

But unlike Cynthia, Elias didn't look the least bit panicked.

If anything—he looked eager.

It's been a long time since a Pokémon dared charge at a Hisuian.