After exhausting its final reserves of strength, Little Mu finally collapsed, slipping into a deep slumber. The previous Dragon Rush had been its last stand, but even in unconsciousness, it shielded Gabriel beneath its body.
Once the effects of the paralysis faded, Elle managed to stand, clenching his fists as he tested his still-awkward movements. Looking at the fainted Little Mu and the injured Gabriel, Elle lowered her head, gritting her teeth in frustration.
"Chansey, hurry and help them."
"Chan!"
The healing Pokémon emerged from its Poké Ball and immediately began treating the unconscious Little Mu and Gabriel.
"So, you have a Chansey, huh? I thought I'd have to step in to help."
A Vespiquen emerged from the trees, followed closely by a sly-looking old man.
"It really is you!"
Everette shrugged as he faced Elle.
"That's right, it's me. But this is all just a misunderstanding. Do you believe me?"
Elle clearly had no interest in small talk with Everette. If it hadn't been for him, Gabriel wouldn't have been hurt in the first place!
With a sudden burst of motion, Garchomp appeared in front of Everette, its sharp claws swiping twice in quick succession.
But the attacks were intercepted by several Combee.
Defend Order.
"Retreat, Garchomp!"
Hearing Elle's command, Garchomp quickly withdrew, standing protectively by her side and glaring menacingly at Everette.
"There's no need for this hostility. I mean no harm," Everette said helplessly. Elle, however, let out a cold laugh.
"Do you think I'm stupid? Garchomp, Hyper Beam!"
At Elle's command, Garchomp opened its jaws, releasing a concentrated blast of energy. The beam shot toward Everette with such intensity that the surrounding area seemed to tremble.
As the Hyper Beam hit, a thick cloud of smoke erupted. Yet, when the smoke cleared, Everette remained unharmed, shielded by Vespiquen and her Combee allies.
Was that really just Defend Order?
Elle stared in disbelief. That attack had been a full-powered Hyper Beam from his Garchomp, yet Everette had blocked it with nothing but a few Combee. Was this the strength of a Gym Leader?
Everette's expression turned grim as he brushed off some dust.
"Not willing to hear me out, huh? Looks like I'll have to make you listen. Vespiquen, use Confuse Ray!"
"Garchomp, dodge it!"
Garchomp tried to evade, but having just unleashed Hyper Beam, its movements were sluggish. It was struck by the eerie light and fell into confusion.
"Vespiquen, Air Slash!"
Energy built up around Vespiquen's wings, forming two razor-sharp blades of air that shot toward the disoriented Garchomp. The attack was devastatingly effective.
After taking the hit, Garchomp's eyes swirled, and its massive body collapsed, unconscious.
One hit? Was that really just a Vespiquen?
"Now can we talk?" Everette said with a resigned tone.
Elle could only let out a cold huff, glaring at him. Her strongest Pokémon had been defeated—there was nothing she could do now.
Everette walked over to the unconscious Little Mu and gently touched the Dragonite scale around its neck.
"Chan!"
Chansey jumped in alarm, nervously watching Everette. It was just a healer—no match for him.
Ignoring Chansey, Everette removed the scale.
"This isn't an ordinary Dragonite, is it? I've seen plenty of Dragonite before, but none this powerful. Even the energy radiating from it could rival my Garchomp."
Everette didn't bother hiding the truth. Examining the scale in his hand, he nodded.
"This is no ordinary Dragonite. This is the Reverse Scale of a Dynamax Dragonite."
"Dynamax Dragonite?!"
Elle was puzzled. She had never heard of such a thing.
"In the highlands to the west, researchers discovered a strange type of energy. It's extraordinary—just its presence can distort space. Pokémon exposed to Dynamax energy grow larger, more aggressive, and significantly stronger in both moves and physical attributes. It's extremely dangerous."
"Don't tell me… this scale came from a Dynamax Dragonite," Elle said, her voice trembling with barely restrained anger.
"You guessed it."
Elle glared at Everette, her fury boiling over.
"How could you use something so dangerous on Little Mu?!"
Everette scratched his head nonchalantly.
"Relax. Sure, Dynamax energy is risky and can affect a Pokémon's emotions, but it's also beneficial. Look—Little Mu mastered a new Dragon-type move just from harnessing a bit of it. Isn't that impressive?"
If she could, Elle would have punched him then and there. But she knew she couldn't win.
"How many Pokémon have successfully controlled Dynamax energy?" she demanded.
"None. Once exposed, they immediately go out of control."
"Then why give it to Little Mu?!"
Everette sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.
"Honestly, it was a mistake. I meant to give a different scale but mixed them up."
Elle clenched her fists, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. There was nothing left to say.
Garchomp, bolstered by Chansey's healing, struggled to its feet, standing protectively in front of Elle.
"Roar!"
Elle felt a wave of warmth as Garchomp's actions spoke louder than words.
"Thank you, Garchomp."
Even Everette seemed surprised.
"I didn't expect such a strong bond between you two. I underestimated you."
"Take that scale and get out of here. I'll never let the young master use something so dangerous again!"
Everette shrugged, pocketing the scale. With Vespiquen in tow, he began to leave.
Before disappearing into the woods, he glanced back at Gabriel.
There was no rush. He knew Gabriel was like him. One day, he would come to retrieve the Dragonite scale himself.
But for now, it was back to a life of hardship with Vespiquen.
"Buzz…"
Everette sighed, patting Vespiquen on the head.
"Don't worry. We've still got 300 Pokéblocks left. That'll last us a month. Let's enjoy it while it lasts."
The once-arrogant duo now looked utterly dejected as they disappeared into the trees.
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