Chapter 10 – Dragonair the Ace

In an instant, Raihan—an expert in Dragon-type Pokémon—immediately recognized the species.

It was a Dragon-type Pokémon from the Kanto region: Dragonair. And its final evolution was none other than the ace powerhouse of Elite Four Lance—Dragonite!

Dragonite, a pseudo-legendary Pokémon, was a name that commanded great respect.

But this particular Dragonair was even more striking—it was a shiny variant. A normal Dragonair would have been blue, but the one before them was a beautiful pinkish-purple!

"That's right. This dragon has been with me since I was a child."

Lucas shrugged nonchalantly and gave Dragonair a satisfied glance.

Yes—this Dragonair was his starter Pokémon. Even before he had been kidnapped by Ho-Oh, Dragonair had already been by his side.

To this day, Dragonair remained his absolute ace.

As for why Dragonair had not evolved into Dragonite—well, that was a decision reached after thorough discussion between Lucas and Dragonair.

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In the Pokémon world, evolution is arguably the most mysterious and wondrous power of all.

Through evolution, a Pokémon undergoes a complete transformation—enhancing its stats, altering its traits, and sometimes even drastically changing its appearance and abilities.

The reason Lucas chose not to evolve his Dragonair wasn't just because he preferred its appearance over Dragonite's.

Dragonite, being a pseudo-legendary Pokémon, was undoubtedly powerful—there was no disputing that. In most cases, a Dragon's full potential could only be realized after it reached its final evolutionary stage.

But Dragonair possessed an ability that even Dragonite could never replicate:

Weather manipulation.

Yes, Dragonair possessed the innate power to freely control the weather. This ability was a natural racial talent of its species.

However, this power would disappear after it evolved into Dragonite.

So, which would you choose: the ability to control the weather at will, or the significant overall boost brought by evolution?

Most people would obviously choose evolution. But after a long period of contemplation, Lucas had a deep conversation with Dragonair. He had always respected the will of his partners.

In the end, they decided to equip Dragonair with an Everstone.

While Dragonite as a final evolution is incredibly strong, the ability to control weather is just too tempting to give up.

Besides, Lucas was confident that, through proper training and development, he could make up for the power increase normally gained through evolution!

In the Pokémon world, evolution is often seen as supreme. The improvements it offers are undeniable. But that doesn't mean that unevolved Pokémon can't surpass evolved ones.

Whether a Pokémon becomes truly powerful depends not only on the Pokémon itself—but also, and perhaps more importantly, on the trainer behind it.

Just look at Pryce's Swinub. That alone is a vivid example.

Of course, if it weren't for Dragonair's unique weather-manipulating ability, Lucas himself would still be an evolutionist.

Because, let's be honest—the power boost from evolution really is irresistible.

"It's beautiful, isn't it? I think so too."

Lucas smiled warmly at Dragonair. Even now, despite not having evolved, Dragonair was still the ace of his entire team!

Yes—even Lucas's pseudo-legendary Tyranitar couldn't shake Dragonair's standing in the lineup.

And besides...

Shiny Dragonair's appearance was just too stunning!

"Goodra!"

Ignoring Lucas's comment, Raihan responded with a serious expression and threw out another Poké Ball.

A large, bipedal dragon Pokémon appeared in front of him—Goodra, the pseudo-legendary of the Kalos region!

To be able to drive back Flygon in a single blow—even if it was a sneak attack—Dragonair's power was clearly extraordinary!

That's why Raihan didn't dare let his guard down for even a second. His ace Archaludon had already been severely injured by Eternatus and was no longer able to Dynamax.

If he wanted to take on Lucas, he had to tread with utmost caution.

"A pseudo-legendary Dragon, huh? Then let me witness the power of your so-called 'Dragon Storm.'"

Lucas studied the Goodra with keen interest, a subtle smile forming on his lips.

Raihan was known across Galar for his Dragon-type prowess. His title was, after all, "The Storm of Dragons."

"I'm a huge fan of Dragon-types myself," Lucas added with a smirk. "I do hope you won't disappoint me, Gym Leader Raihan. If you turn out to be too weak, I'd be really disappointed."

"Having someone like you among the Dragon-type trainers brings me nothing but shame," Raihan coldly retorted, ignoring Lucas's final, mocking remarks.

He had a deep love for Dragon-types—an almost obsessive passion.

Normally, if he met a fellow trainer who shared his love for dragons, he'd be warm and enthusiastic.

But Lucas?

Raihan couldn't muster the slightest bit of goodwill.

He had witnessed the devastation in the distance—Lucas's doing. And yet this man showed no remorse, no guilt, not even a flicker of sympathy.

A person this cold-blooded to their core… Raihan found utterly repulsive.

"Enough talk. Should I apologize? Well, I guess I'm sorry then. But hey, if anyone's to blame, it's their bad luck."

Lucas let out a cold laugh, clearly unfazed. He was someone who valued results above all else. If sacrifices were necessary to achieve his goals, he wouldn't hesitate.

"Besides, being the backdrop to Eternatus's emergence? You should consider that an honor! This is…"

"The prologue to a legend."

Lucas's grin widened. His previously handsome face was now tinged with a devilish arrogance.

Yes—for something as grand as the awakening of Eternatus, wasn't a bit of destruction only natural?

"I will capture Eternatus… and become legendary!"

He lifted his chin, his voice calm but burning with ambition and pride.

"You bastard!"

Raihan was trembling with rage—literally shaking.

How could anyone say such shameless, heartless things?

Though the citizens had been evacuated in time and there were likely no casualties, the entire city had been reduced to ruins!

So many people had lost their homes!

And yet this man spoke as if he were doing the world a favor.

"I'll personally send you to prison!"

Raihan clenched his teeth as he stared at Lucas's smiling face, his voice low but filled with seething fury.

Now he was certain—this man was pure evil.

There was no kindness, no decency, no humanity to be found in him.

All Raihan could see was a deep, oppressive darkness and overwhelming ambition.

"Oh? Just you?" Lucas replied with a chuckle, tilting his head slightly as he looked back at Raihan.

Send him to prison? How bold.

"Goodra, Dragon Pulse!"

Raihan no longer wasted time arguing. He immediately issued the command to Goodra.

At the same time, the previously defeated Flygon had recovered and was back on its feet.

Goodra let out a low growl, gathering blue-green dragon energy in its mouth before firing it toward Dragonair.

"Let me show you what a real Dragon looks like," Lucas sneered.

"Dragonair! Smash it!"

Lucas's voice was filled with chilling intensity—it sent a shiver down the spine.

"Draa~"

Dragonair let out a low cry, its slender tail glowing bright green before it swung it fiercely. The raw power behind it even caused the air to roar.

Dragon Tail!

Goodra's Dragon Pulse collided head-on with Dragonair's Dragon Tail.

But what shocked both Raihan and Oleana was that there was no equal clash, no balanced exchange of force.

Dragonair's tail shattered the Dragon Pulse completely!

"How is it this powerful?!"

Oleana's expression darkened. At this point, there was only one explanation: Dragonair was simply too strong!

Otherwise, there's no way it could have crushed Goodra's Dragon Pulse with such dominance.

"Blizzard!"

Raihan snapped back to his senses and quickly issued another order.

Even though he had expected Dragonair to be formidable, this performance still left him deeply stunned.

But he couldn't let it throw him off—he wouldn't back down just because Dragonair was powerful.

Goodra didn't hesitate for a moment. It opened its mouth, releasing a swirling storm of frigid energy and ice that rushed toward Dragonair.

"Dragon Pulse."

Lucas lowered his head slightly and chuckled.

Such a feeble attack—and Raihan still thought he could catch him?

Dragonair unleashed another surge of green-blue light—Dragon Pulse once again tore through the storm of ice with overwhelming force and slammed into Goodra with no mercy.

Goodra cried out in pain, its body sent flying until it crashed into a nearby wall.

"Flygon, Outrage!"

Raihan didn't even have time to check on Goodra—because Dragonair had already risen into the air and was flying forward!

Flygon flapped its wings and surged up as well, its entire body glowing green as it transformed into a raging dragon-shaped energy.

Outrage!

"Dragon Tail!"

Dragonair's deep, calm eyes—like polished black pearls—locked onto its target. It swung its glowing tail down hard from above.

Dragon Tail vs. Outrage!

The two powerful forces collided with a thunderous boom, sending shockwaves rippling out in every direction.

But in the next instant, Dragonair's tail came crashing down with overwhelming force. Flygon's dragon-shaped energy shattered on impact, and its body was flung backwards like a ragdoll.

The difference in power was crystal clear.

Seeing this, Raihan clenched his fists tightly. His handsome face was now grim and ashen.

His dragons… were completely outclassed by this Rocket Executive's Pokémon.

Why?

"Constrict."

Lucas's voice echoed again.

Dragonair let out a soft cry and accelerated like a ribbon of lightning—catching up to the flying Flygon mid-air!

"Flygon!"

Raihan's face changed. Dragonair was clearly going in for the kill.

(End of Chapter)

(Author's Note: Shiny Dragonair is just too beautiful~ So I decided not to evolve it. Nope, it's definitely not because shiny Dragonite looks fat and ugly… Definitely not. Please support with flowers and votes~)

(TN: Yes good job author.)