First Encounter with Mega Evolution (Thanks to Dog Bao's Dad for the Alliance Leader Support)

After lunch, Courtney and her Pokémon visibly perked up.

"The food... was wonderful..."

She seemed about to say more, but Baimu was not particularly interested in her opinion. He warmed up as he asked, "How are we doing this? Any rules, or does anything go?"

Zweilous eyed Camerupt and the other Pokémon eagerly. Having just evolved, he could barely contain his urge to battle!

"You... can decide..." Courtney said, generous and confident.

"Then three-on-three, one Pokémon at a time. We can switch whenever we want. The battle ends when all of one side's Pokémon are down—and no attacking the trainers."

Seeing that she had no objections, he pushed down Zweilous's two eager heads. "Let your seniors handle this one."

"Hey-woo?" "Hey-woo?"

Zweilous turned his heads. He was disappointed that he could not take the field, but he understood that even after evolving, he was still weaker than the Pokémon ahead of him.

I have to get stronger!

So strong that when my trainer faces a powerful opponent, I'll be the first one he thinks of!

Stung by the humiliation, Zweilous made up his mind.

Baimu knew the big guy was probably a little upset, but Courtney was likely an opponent who demanded everything he had. He could not underestimate her.

Before the battle began, they recalled their Pokémon and moved to a different spot.

The summit's vegetation was too dense. With Camerupt's firepower, they might start a forest fire—and that was the last thing Baimu wanted.

Fortunately, a fairly level gravel path lay nearby. Only damp grass, soaked by the mist, grew there. Battling on it should pose no problem.

They took their places on opposite sides, leaving some distance between them.

"Begin..." Courtney tossed out a Poké Ball, unable to wait any longer.

Pop!

White light flashed.

"Moo!"

Camerupt