Chapter 86 - Chapter 86: Battle Between Mega Evolutions

"Renjiro… what's happening?!"Shu Wan clutched Renjiro's arm, her voice trembling as she stared at the terrifying sight before her."How can Pidgeot and Bangiras evolve like that?"The forms of Bangiras and Pidgeot had transformed, cloaked in a dark, oppressive energy. Their bodies, once familiar, now radiated a sinister power that seemed to suffocate the very air around them.Renjiro kept his gaze steady on the enemies before him."This is Mega Evolution," he said, his voice low but firm. "It's a special form of evolution that allows Pokémon to break through their natural limits and unlock hidden power."He studied them with his Eye of Insight:---Pokémon: Mega Bangiras (Dark Magic Mega Evolution)Level: 54Type: Rock / DarkAbility: Sand Stream (summons a sandstorm upon entering battle)Gender: FemaleMoves: Sandstorm, Screech, Chip Away, Rock Slide, Scary Face, Thrash, Hyper Beam, Dark Pulse, Crunch, EarthquakeSpecies Strength: HP: 100 / Atk: 149 / Def: 130 / Sp. Atk: 95 / Sp. Def: 110 / Speed: 66 — Total: 650---Pokémon: Mega Pidgeot (Dark Magic Mega Evolution)Level: 46Type: Normal / FlyingAbility: No Guard (all moves used by and against this Pokémon will always hit)Gender: MaleMoves: Hurricane, Quick Attack, Sand Attack, Gust, Whirlwind, Twister, Feather Dance, AgilitySpecies Strength: HP: 83 / Atk: 80 / Def: 78 / Sp. Atk: 102 / Sp. Def: 75 / Speed: 111 — Total: 525---Renjiro clenched his fists.Their stats… Mega Bangiras should have 700 total species strength, and Pidgeot should have 575. But they're both weaker than normal Mega Evolutions by about 50 points.He realized the reason instantly.This is the price of dark magic Mega Evolution. It lets them evolve without stones or keys, but their true potential is compromised.Shu Wan's eyes widened, confusion and fear in her gaze."Mega Evolution?" she repeated softly. "Pokémon… evolving beyond their final forms?""Yes," Renjiro said. "But this isn't the right way."Zhu Qiaolan laughed, her voice echoing in the storm."So, you recognize Mega Evolution, little boy?" she sneered. "Interesting. How does someone like you, from a tiny backwater town, know such a thing?"Renjiro smirked, lifting his arm to reveal the bracelet on his wrist."Because I possess it too," he said calmly.Zhu Qiaolan froze, shock washing over her features."You… you have true Mega Evolution?!"Renjiro's heart raced, but he kept his voice steady."Beedrill! Let's show them the real power of Mega Evolution! Go beyond your limits!"The Mega Stone on Beedrill and the key on Renjiro's bracelet resonated. A brilliant white light erupted, blinding and pure, as Beedrill transformed.When the light faded, a new form stood beside Renjiro—sleek, deadly, and radiating strength.Shu Wan gasped."This is… real Mega Evolution…"Even Zhu Qiaolan took a step back."Their light is pure… ours is corrupted…" she muttered bitterly.Renjiro narrowed his eyes at her."Your dark magic can't bring out a Pokémon's true potential. You're only tainting them."He wasn't wrong. While Bangiras and Pidgeot had evolved, their forms were twisted. Beedrill, by contrast, was perfect.Zhu Qiaolan's lips curled in a snarl."Enough talk. Bangiras, Dark Pulse! Pidgeot, Wing Attack! Crush them!"The two Mega-evolved Pokémon launched forward, their auras crackling with dark energy."Beedrill, dodge and counter with Twinneedle!" Renjiro shouted."And Zubat—buy us a moment!"Zubat shot forward bravely, only to be slammed from the sky by Pidgeot's Wing Attack, fainting instantly.Beedrill weaved through the air with blinding speed, aiming straight for Zhu Qiaolan."Pidgeot, Quick Attack! Bangiras, block with Rock Tomb!"Bangiras raised jagged stones around Zhu Qiaolan as Pidgeot spun mid-air, intercepting Beedrill.Before Renjiro could react—"Pikachu, Thunder Shock! I'll cover you, Renjiro!"Shu Wan's voice rang out, fierce and clear.Pikachu leapt high, electricity crackling from its cheeks. The Thunder Shock blasted Pidgeot, forcing it off balance.Renjiro glanced at her, heart swelling with pride and worry."Shu Wan…""I'm not leaving you behind!" she said, eyes blazing with determination."Beedrill, go!" Renjiro roared.With renewed speed, Beedrill shot through Bangiras's Rock Tomb, smashing the stones apart in an explosion of debris.But Bangiras was waiting.Its massive claw swiped Beedrill out of the air, and before Beedrill could recover, Pidgeot struck again.Beedrill crashed to the ground, its Mega form fading.Renjiro's breath caught in his throat.No…Zhu Qiaolan laughed, victorious."Your precious Mega Evolution is nothing before the power of our cult!" she jeered.Shu Wan turned to Renjiro, voice trembling."What do we do now?!"Renjiro's mind raced. Beedrill and Milotic were down. Zubat was out. Pikachu was exhausted.I have to think…He tore through his backpack mentally—Super Potion? Too slow. Poké Balls? Pointless. Antidote? No use.Then his eyes fell on one item—the Dusk Ball.The Dusk Ball…He'd won it in a lottery long ago, tucked it away and forgotten about it.His heart pounded as a plan formed.If it works… I can turn the tide.Zhu Qiaolan's voice sliced through his thoughts."Bangiras, Crunch! Pidgeot, finish that Pikachu with Hurricane!"Renjiro's fingers closed around the Dusk Ball.He took a deep breath.This is it."Shu Wan, cover me! Stall them for just a few seconds!"Shu Wan didn't hesitate."Pikachu! Thunder Shock! Do your best!""Pikaaa—CHU!"Electricity danced through the stormy air as Renjiro prepared to throw the Dusk Ball.Please… let this work…The storm roared around them. The battle for their lives had entered its final stage.---