Lance sat on the back of his Dragonite, while Aoki sat on the back of his Flygon. The desert dragon Pokemon flew nervously beside the mighty Dragonite, not daring to make any sudden movements. The difference in their power levels was too great - this Dragonite had already reached Champion-level status.
Pokemon: Dragonite (blue)
Gender: Male
Level: 65
Type: Dragon/Flying
Ability: Inner Focus
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Dragon Breath, Dragon Rush, Water Pulse, Dragon Pulse
Basic Moves: Wing Attack, Hurricane, Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, Roost, Wrap, Thunder Wave, Twister, Outrage, Slam, Agility, Dragon Tail, Aqua Tail, Dragon Rush, Protect, Dragon Dance
Learnt Moves: Draco Meteor, Icy Wind, Aqua Tail, Fire Punch, Tailwind, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch, Dragon Rage, Ice Punch
TM Moves: Body Slam, Dragon Claw, Ice Beam, Hyper Beam, Protect, Thunder, Earthquake, Hyper Voice, Steel Wing, Rock Slide, Surf
This was the information about Lance's Dragonite that Aoki obtained through his system. At level 65, it had surpassed the initial Champion threshold and become a true Champion-level Pokemon. As a pseudo-legendary Pokemon, Dragonite's strength far exceeded that of ordinary species. Properly commanded in battle, it could easily handle most Champion-level Pokemon below level 70.
Its power also represented how the younger generation of League Trainers were gradually approaching the older generation's level, preparing to take over their responsibilities. Lance was a prime example of this new generation. No wonder Aoki's Flygon was so nervous around Lance's Dragonite - the timid Ground/Dragon-type didn't dare make a sound when faced with such a superior bloodline and power.
"Have you heard of the Parfum Palace?" Lance asked seriously from Dragonite's back.
"Yes," Aoki replied after thinking. "It was built by the last kingdom of Kalos three hundred years ago, meant to help the royal descendants understand their heritage."
"I'm surprised you know so much about Kalos history," Lance said. "I only learned about Parfum Palace after extensive research when I arrived in Kalos."
Aoki smiled. "When training in a new region, it's important to understand its history and culture. Otherwise you might accidentally offend local customs."
Lance nodded in agreement.
"About this Parfum Palace incident," Aoki continued, "you seem to know what's happening, and Kalno's group appears informed as well."
Lance gave a wry smile. "Monitoring Parfum Palace was actually one of my responsibilities when I came to Kalos." He paused to collect his thoughts. "As the last kingdom of Kalos, Parfum Palace holds special significance. When the new government overthrew the monarchy, they didn't execute the royal heirs. Instead they used their status to establish a constitutional monarchy."
"The palace remains an important spiritual symbol for many in Kalos. Most heirs accepted this arrangement, but an extremist faction believes they shouldn't have compromised. They operate as an underground organization seeking to restore the old monarchy."
"They've targeted an important artifact kept at Parfum Palace before. This isn't their first attack. I suspect they're behind today's incident too." Lance's expression grew more troubled.
Aoki frowned. "As foreign investigators, should we really get involved in Kalos's internal affairs?"
"We're already involved," Lance sighed. "They called us in without hesitation. What choice do we have?"
Aoki realized the Kalos League's position. Direct involvement in royal disputes was politically sensitive since both sides were technically royal heirs. Having outsiders handle it was ideal - which was why they'd summoned him and Lance.
"Nothing to do but investigate then," Aoki conceded.
"We should hurry - this seems more urgent than previous incidents," Lance agreed.
With a pat to Dragonite's neck, Lance signaled the Pokemon to accelerate. Dragonite beat its wings powerfully and surged forward. Aoki urged his Flygon after them, though Flygon struggled to match Dragonite's speed.
The Battle Chateau wasn't far from Parfum Palace, and the two Trainers soon arrived at their destination. Below them lay manicured gardens surrounding an ornate, historical building - the Parfum Palace. But the normally peaceful plaza before the palace was in chaos.
A crowd had gathered, with several uneven battles raging. Well-dressed palace guards stood grim-faced against black-clad attackers who smirked confidently. Among the attackers, Aoki spotted several figures in distinctive red suits and odd glasses.
"Team Flare?" Aoki murmured.
Without hesitation, Lance directed Dragonite to descend into the heart of the conflict. Seeing the Dragonite's arrival, the palace defenders visibly relaxed with relieved sighs.