Ethan lay on the grass, staring at the crimson Poké Ball in his hand, expression flat.
He had underestimated the Red Gyarados.
For three days he had tried the same method: release it, watch it charge a Hyper Beam, recall it, repeat. Over and over. He'd done it so many times his thumb was sore from pressing the switch.
Charmander had once been the most stubborn partner he'd known. But this beast? It had raised the bar to a whole new ceiling.
"Doesn't even give me a second to speak," Ethan muttered. "Just straight to Hyper Beam every time."
He considered the thought that had haunted him since the Lake of Rage. Maybe this thing can only be tamed by Lance's dragon aura. His jaw tightened. "Impossible. I won't admit that. There has to be another way."
He sat up, determination sparking in his eyes. "If it's stubbornness you want, Gyarados, then I'll match you. We'll see who breaks first."
He pressed the button again.
Flash.
"ROOOAR!"
Energy surged in the dragon's throat.
Back in the ball.
Flash.
"ROOOAR!"
Back in the ball.
And again. And again.
The cycle continued until the days blurred together.
Three days later.
The sun dipped low as Ethan rode Charizard above the sea, his map pointing him toward Cinnabar Island. In the distance, the fiery isle glowed like a burning coal on the ocean's horizon.
"So that's Cinnabar," Ethan muttered. "Looks like a ball of fire dropped in the water."
But something was off. The beaches were nearly empty.
When Charizard landed, Ethan checked into the first seaside hotel he found. He wasn't in a hurry to search for treasure. The Red Gyarados still demanded all his attention.
And patience was wearing thin.
At the lobby counter, he overheard the landlady warn a bronzed young man renting diving equipment. "Hey, the storms here are getting worse. The sea won't be safe for at least two months. The waves are too strong."
She turned to Ethan when she caught him listening. "Don't even think about diving, traveler. It's suicide right now."
The young diver laughed, hefting his gear. "Relax, Auntie. Not everyone can be like me—diving's in my blood. The sea's my second home."
He strolled out, a Poké Ball at his waist gleaming. Ethan noticed the insignia etched into it—Tentacruel. A fitting guardian for such waters.
Ethan made no comment. Once in his room, he released Red Gyarados again.
"ROOOAR!"
As always, the dragon opened its maw, light condensing for a Hyper Beam. Ethan returned it before the blast could fire.
His lips twitched. "Three days, Gyarados. Three whole days of this game. I must really have a saint's temper, because I haven't snapped yet."
But his fists clenched. "You think you'll wear me down? Fine. Let's see who gives in first."
His phone buzzed. The caller ID read James.
Ethan exhaled, calmed his expression, and answered. "What is it?"
James's voice tumbled out quickly. "Instructor Ethan, how much longer will it take for you to come? My parents are losing patience. They're threatening to pick someone else if I don't settle on a mentor within four days."
Ethan's eyes flicked to the Poké Ball in his hand, then to the treasure map tucked in his pocket. He thought for a moment, then nodded. "Don't worry. I'll be there within four days."
When the call ended, Ethan stared at the crimson capsule again. Slowly, he pulled another ball from his belt.
A gleaming Luxury Ball.
Silph Co.'s newest design. He'd been testing it with Annihilape, and the results were undeniable. In just a few days, its bond had steadied, its fits of rage dulled slightly.
Ethan released the Pokémon inside.
Flash.
Annihilape appeared, eyes glowing but calmer than before. With a grunt, it stepped forward and leaned into his hand. Ethan rubbed its head gently.
But his eyes slid back to Red Gyarados's Poké Ball.
"You forced me to this, beast."
His voice dropped low, a simmering growl. "I wanted to be patient. I wanted to be a trainer who earned loyalty through kindness. But every time I give you a chance, you spit a Hyper Beam in my face. You'd think I slaughtered every Magikarp in your lake the way you treat me."
His hand closed around the capsule. "Fine. Don't blame me for what comes next."
He looked at Annihilape. "Partner, I need you."
Annihilape's eyes flared. It understood.
Ethan pressed the button.
Flash.
The Red Gyarados exploded into the clearing, massive coils blotting out the trees, mouth already glowing with destructive light.
But this time, Ethan didn't recall it.
"Now, Annihilape!"
The Ghost-fighter roared, leaping four meters high in one bound. Its fist, wreathed in burning shadow, smashed into Gyarados's skull.
Bang!
The dragon reeled, Hyper Beam firing harmlessly into the sky.
Before it could recover, Annihilape seized its tail with one massive hand.
"ANNIHI—!"
It whirled, muscles straining, and hurled the Red Gyarados across the sand like a ragdoll. The dragon slammed into the shallows, sending a tidal wave crashing up the beach.
Ethan's lips curved. "That's it. If you won't listen, then you'll learn. Annihilape, show it the path the hard way."
The battle was on.