Name: Mega Gyarados
Type: Water/Dark
Ability: Mold Breaker (negates certain Pokémon abilities)
Level: 34
Potential: Quasi-Elite
"Well, when Misty took out that bracelet, I knew I'd be facing another Mega Evolution this time," Eddie remarked.
Having been through many battles, Eddie wasn't surprised at all by the sight of Mega Gyarados. In fact, he had anticipated it.
After all, he had encountered a Mega Aerodactyl during his first Gym battle against Brock in Pewter City, so it made sense that the second Gym battle would feature a Mega-Evolved Pokémon as well.
Although Eddie didn't know everything about this "Generation Alpha" version of Pokémon, he could confirm a few patterns:
First, he could encounter high-level and even extremely powerful Pokémon in the wild.
Second, he could easily obtain many rare items, some of which were even enhanced versions of regular items.
Third, every Trainer he faced would always bring out increasingly powerful Pokémon to challenge him. He suspected that all Gym Leaders and even famous Trainers might use Mega-Evolved Pokémon against him.
These three observations were what Eddie had confirmed so far, which is why Mega Gyarados didn't surprise him now.
In fact, sending out Riolu had been a calculated choice, as he had anticipated facing this Mega Gyarados.
After all, when Gyarados Mega Evolves into Mega Gyarados, its type changes from Water/Flying to Water/Dark.
Coincidentally, Riolu's Fighting-type moves are super effective against Dark-type Pokémon. Fighting moves deal double damage to Dark Pokémon, while Dark moves deal only half damage to Fighting Pokémon.
Of course, Misty knew this too and wouldn't use Dark-type moves against Riolu, but this type matchup would still limit some of Mega Gyarados's options.
"Look at you—you don't seem surprised at all," Misty observed. "Have you seen a Mega-Evolved Pokémon before? Did you guess I would use one against you today?"
Misty had just realized how calm Eddie appeared, and she also noticed that his Riolu was a Fighting-type Pokémon. This made her suspect that Eddie had come prepared.
But she was curious—how could a rookie Trainer like Eddie know about Mega Evolution, and more specifically, know that Gyarados's Flying-type would change to Dark-type after Mega Evolving?
"During my Gym match in Pewter City, Brock brought out an Aerodactyl and a bracelet just like yours," Eddie explained with a hint of regret in his expression.
"Afterward, I researched information about it and discovered it was the Mega Evolution from the Kalos region. I specifically studied all known Pokémon that can Mega Evolve."
"Knowing you have a Gyarados, I thought you might send it out and Mega Evolve it, so I chose Riolu accordingly."
Eddie's explanation was partially true—he didn't actually need to research this information, as he already knew it from playing Pokémon games in his previous life.
"Is that so? Then you must also understand how powerful Mega-Evolved Pokémon are, but why do you look so confident right now?"
Misty understood why Eddie wasn't surprised, but his confident demeanor confused her. The power of Mega Gyarados was clearly visible to anyone watching.
"I was terrified the first time I saw a Mega Evolution because I wasn't prepared," Eddie admitted. "But now I've come ready, and..."
"I'm much stronger than before! Is defeating this Mega Gyarados really that difficult?"
"Riolu, Double Team followed by Quick Attack!"
Facing the Mega Gyarados, Eddie displayed an extremely confident smile and took the initiative to attack.
Riolu matched his trainer's aggression, facing the enormous Gyarados without fear. It used Double Team to create four clones of itself, then launched forward with Quick Attack.
If Riolu had encountered this Gyarados before meeting Eddie yesterday, it would have retreated immediately, regardless of whether the opponent had Mega Evolved or not.
But now, after training with Eddie—after just one day of focused training—its strength had improved to a higher level. It could now face this powerful Gyarados head-on.
This not only boosted Riolu's confidence but also greatly increased its bond with Eddie. It could feel that after more time together, it would soon be able to evolve.
But first, it needed to defeat this Mega Gyarados and secure victory for Eddie!
"You're actually attacking first in this situation? Are you underestimating me? Mega Gyarados! Dragon Rage!"
Misty was stunned to see Eddie taking the offensive, and then felt irritated at being underestimated.
Although she had acknowledged Eddie's strength, his current demeanor suggested he already considered himself the winner, which Misty found disrespectful.
"ROAR!!!"
Mega Gyarados glared at the 'tiny' Riolu that dared challenge it so boldly. With its naturally aggressive temperament, it roared in anger.
It unleashed a Dragon Rage toward the charging Riolu. However, after the dragon flames swept across the field, all five Riolu images disappeared.
"Hmph! I won't fall for the same trick twice! Mega Gyarados! Use Dragon Pulse in a wide sweep!"
Misty declared that she had figured out this tactic and commanded Mega Gyarados to counterattack while defending itself.
"ROAR!!!"
Mega Gyarados roared, releasing a shock wave from its gaping maw that swept around in all directions.
Misty's strategy was simple: since she couldn't pinpoint Riolu's location, she would use this method to force it out or push it back.
This approach proved effective. Riolu had already gotten very close to Mega Gyarados, but seeing its opponent's action, Riolu had to halt its advance, revealing its true position.
"It worked! At this close range, you can't dodge Mega Gyarados's attack!"
"Now's our chance! Mega Gyarados! Hydro Pump!"
Mega Gyarados spotted Riolu in front of it and opened its mouth to unleash a high-pressure water stream directly at the Fighting-type.
At such close range, plus the fact that Riolu had paused for a few crucial seconds after stopping its attack, it seemed there was no time to dodge.
"They figured it out quickly," Eddie observed, "but fortunately, I already have a counter-strategy ready for when that happens."
"Riolu! Use Copycat to fight back!"