บท 88: I’ll Battle You (BONUS)
The décor of "Torkoal Grill" was infused with fire elements at every turn. The walls were painted in a vibrant red, with areas purposely charred for effect, adorned with Fire-type Pokémon motifs, paintings, and sculptures.
In a private room of the restaurant, Johan, Cynthia, Lance, and Clair sat across from each other. The atmosphere was somewhat awkward, especially for Lance and Clair, who exchanged glances at Cynthia, who sat beside Johan. Dressed casually, her golden hair cascaded down her back as she played with Vulpix and Eevee, eyes smiling.
Is that really Cynthia?
Though from different regions, the standout figures among the younger generation often knew or had crossed paths, sometimes even battled. Cynthia's prowess was well-recognized, and she had a considerable following online. But Lance and Clair had never heard of her dining alone with a male companion.
What exactly is her connection with Johan?
"Lance, aren't you going to introduce your companion?" Johan interjected, breaking the silence with a grin.
He could tell from their looks that they were drawing conclusions, so he decided to get ahead of it by inquiring about Clair's identity.
Lance blinked, catching on quickly. "This is Clair, my cousin and the current Gym Leader of Blackthorn City."
"Ah, the other Dragon-type Trainer of the Dragon Clan," Johan noted with recognition.
Clair scrunched her nose slightly, giving a short "Mm." Her attitude toward Johan was evidently less than warm.
Johan could guess why—Clair had long admired Lance. And here he was, unintentionally crashing their evening.
Lance turned to them, eyes darting between Johan and Cynthia. "And you two?"
Cynthia's reputation preceded her; seeing her and Johan together puzzled Lance.
Johan chuckled. "You know Cynthia, of course. Like you, she's here as a 'trainer family member.'"
Trainer family member? Lance's eyes widened in realization. "Ah, I see."
"Shall we start grilling, then? I think Haunter can barely wait," he suggested, noting the drooling Ghost-type who was pretending to cry for food.
"Ka-kah~~" Haunter's eyes gleamed as it slurped back its tongue. Finally, someone noticed me! I'm starving over here!
With sleeves rolled up, Johan and Lance began placing slices of fresh meat on the volcanic stone grill.
I see, that's it? Clair thought, frustration bubbling as she listened to Lance's easy conclusion. All that talk, just for a Haunter?
She sighed internally at her cousin's cluelessness.
The hiss and sizzle of meat on the stone filled the air as the rich scent of roasting meat spread. Soon, Johan and Lance piled a plate high with grilled pieces, setting it down before going for the next round.
"Ka-kah~~" Haunter seized the moment, grabbing tongs and distributing meat to Cynthia, Clair, Vulpix, and Eevee. It then deftly wrapped its tongue around the remaining slices and swallowed them in one go.
"Ka-kah! (O_O;)"
"…Isn't that too hot?" Johan blinked, half amused and half exasperated. Anyone who didn't know better would think he mistreated Haunter.
"Ka-kah(;Д｀)" Haunter opened its mouth, revealing its now redder-than-usual tongue, blistered with tiny bubbles.
Johan sighed, handing over a healing spray. "Silly thing."
"Oowu…" Vulpix murmured, drawing Haunter's attention. The icy fox breathed a gentle gust of chill over the plates in front of them, instantly cooling them.
"Thank you," Cynthia cooed, petting Vulpix on the head.
"Oowu…" Embarrassed, Vulpix lowered its head, tail wagging furiously.
"Ka-kah!! (PД`q.)·.'゜" Haunter's eyes filled with tears. It had forgotten Vulpix had this handy "cooling feature."
As conversation flowed and laughter eased the group's tension, they became more comfortable around each other.
"Any plans after dinner?" Lance asked suddenly.
The question triggered Cynthia's decision-making paralysis. Johan knew trouble was brewing. Before he could blurt out "going home to sleep," Lance beat him to it.
"How about a battle?"
In this world, a battle invitation between Trainers was like saying, "Want to play some ball?"—irresistibly enticing.
But Johan had no interest in sparring with the likes of these three. Lance and Cynthia were future Champions of their regions, and even Clair was strong enough to contend with the Elite Four one day.
Johan, a psychology expert, battling them? Even with ten Haunters, he'd still stand no chance.
Clair's initial disappointment at Lance's suggestion of battling—she had hoped for a movie night featuring Diantha—quickly shifted to a burning passion. Lance was a battle enthusiast, and Clair was no different.
She glanced at Johan, a challenge sparking in her eyes. "I'd like to see some of Johan-sensei's tactics."
Johan's battle strategies had gained a modest following online. Besides, in Lance's fight against Lorelei, she'd noticed traces of Johan's strategic influence.
"Not really necessary," Johan said, smiling wryly. "I'm just a Pokémon psychology teacher, not skilled in battle. Plus, in terms of strength…" He looked at Haunter, who was busy inhaling more food, and Vulpix, chilling a drink with icy breath.
They hadn't grasped the "seriousness" of the situation at all.
"I could use my second team," Clair proposed quickly.
"Or…" Johan started, but Clair cut him off.
"If you beat me, this 'Dragon Fang' is yours." She pulled out a sharp, glistening fang that radiated draconic energy.
Lance massaged his temples. He knew his cousin's stubbornness well. As one of the top talents in their family, Clair was notoriously headstrong. Her whip wasn't just for training dragons; sometimes, it found its way onto human shoulders.
Cynthia, who had been playing with Vulpix and Eevee, frowned slightly and held up a hand. "I'll battle you."
Lance and Clair looked at Cynthia in surprise.
Johan rubbed his temples. Might as well…
"Alright, I'll do it."
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