"Mimikyu, use Shadow Claw!"
Mimikyu leapt high into the air, dark energy surging over its tiny claw as it slashed down at the wild Druddigon.
The massive dragon crashed to the ground with a heavy thud, then lay there stubbornly, unwilling to get back up.
[Mimikyu defeated Druddigon! Gained a large amount of EXP!]
[Mimikyu leveled up!]
"Good work!"
Armin crouched down and pulled out a Potion from his backpack, spraying it carefully over the fainted Druddigon.
Despite its fierce appearance, this particular Druddigon was surprisingly simple-minded and gentle.
After resting for a while, the dragon-type sparring partner finally regained enough strength to stand again.
Armin handed it a few Pokéblocks as thanks. Druddigon happily accepted them, munching them down one by one like candy.
Once it lumbered off, Armin and Mimikyu sat down to rest.
…
It had been one full week since Armin officially moved into Dragon's Den.
Aside from that first night by the lake, he hadn't seen Dragonite again. The only proof it was still here was the echoing cry that occasionally rang out from deep within the valley.
Armin recognized that sound.
It was the cry Dragonite made after defeating an opponent.
Mimikyu
Level: Lv. 60
Gender: ♀
Type: Ghost/Fairy
Ability: Disguise
Egg Move: Destiny Bond
Moves: Scratch, Astonish, Copycat, Sucker Punch, Shadow Sneak, Slash, Shadow Claw, Play Rough, Hone Claws, Pain Split
…
Over the past week, Armin had taken Mimikyu on a relentless training spree.
Compared to the pressure he felt against Dragonite, battling the other Dragon-types here felt… manageable.
Most of them didn't even understand type matchups.
The moment they saw Mimikyu, it was always the same combo—
Dragon Rage. Twister. Dragon Tail.
After the flurry of attacks ended—
Mimikyu would just stand there innocently.
The look on those dragons' faces was priceless.
Especially after Mimikyu learned Play Rough, Fairy-type devastation became the norm.
Most battles ended in overwhelming victories.
…
"It's time."
When that familiar victorious cry echoed once more from the depths of the forest, Armin stood up quietly.
Mimikyu hopped onto his shoulder, eyes blazing with determination.
Together, they set off once more.
…
Along the way, Dragon-types that had previously been beaten by either Dragonite or Armin retreated instinctively, parting to create a clear path.
One Axew even stepped forward to lead the way.
Armin nearly laughed.
Do they really want Dragonite gone that badly?
The traumatized Dragon-types silently agreed: And you too, thanks.
…
Under Axew's guidance, Armin soon reached Dragonite's location.
Just like seven days ago—
It was in the middle of another battle.
Dragon-type combat was raw and brutal, filled with primal ferocity.
This time, Dragonite wasn't even using moves.
It simply relied on its overwhelming physique and crushing punches to pummel its opponent.
Sensing Armin's arrival, Dragonite tossed aside the unconscious Zweilous and turned toward him.
Armin met its gaze.
"Let's go."
Sweat steamed off Dragonite's forehead from its previous fight.
It didn't waste words.
It simply assumed a battle stance.
Its message had always been clear—
Defeat me, and I'll go with you.
Armin stepped back.
Mimikyu jumped down from his shoulder.
The battle began instantly.
…
Axew scrambled up a nearby tree, trembling as it watched.
Zweilous, which had been "unconscious," cracked one eye open and shot Armin a pleading look:
Please… take this tyrant away…
Armin: …
"Wuuuu!"
Dragonite suddenly barked a warning growl at Zweilous.
Zweilous instantly shut both eyes, stuck out its tongue, and resumed playing dead.
Message received.
Focus.
"Hone Claws!" Armin commanded.
Mimikyu sharpened its claws, boosting its Attack and accuracy.
Since TMs didn't seem to exist in this world yet, Armin couldn't teach Swords Dance. Hone Claws would have to do.
With Disguise, Mimikyu could guarantee at least one setup.
Dragonite flapped into the air.
Its wings glowed white as it dove forward—
Wing Attack!
Mimikyu's Disguise shattered.
But Wing Attack wasn't multi-hit.
It couldn't truly damage Mimikyu.
That single exchange was all it achieved.
Hone Claws completed.
"Play Rough!"
Pink light burst from Mimikyu's body as it launched forward.
Dragonite pivoted midair.
Its fist crackled with electricity—
Thunder Punch!
Mimikyu vs. Dragonite.
Play Rough vs. Thunder Punch.
The electrified punch connected first.
Blinding electricity engulfed Mimikyu.
But—
Mimikyu did not retreat.
There was no fear in its eyes.
Its small body twisted sharply, slipping past Dragonite's fist—
And slammed directly into Dragonite's torso.
"Wuuu!"
Dragonite let out a pained cry.
Shock flashed across its face.
It had only been one week.
How had Mimikyu grown this much?!
Axew and Zweilous held their breath.
Dragonite staggered backward, clutching its side.
"Again—Play Rough!" Armin shouted.
Dragonite grit its teeth.
Flames surged inside its mouth.
"Not this time!" Armin yelled. "Double Team!"
Mimikyu split into dozens of copies, encircling Dragonite.
In the next second—
They all charged.
Dragonite's Flamethrower swept horizontally, incinerating several clones instantly.
But—
Too late.
The real Mimikyu had already slipped behind its neck.
Play Rough activated.
Dragonite's entire body lurched forward—
And it crashed face-first into the ground.
The tyrant of Dragon's Den—
Had finally been knocked down.