Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 301: Koraidon Vs Miraidon



"Miraidon!"

Dr. Turo called out firmly.

Hearing its name, the Miraidon that had been floating near the cliff slowly turned its head, fixing its gaze on the direction of the voice.

Its expressionless face and cold, machine-like demeanor gave nothing away. It simply hovered in place, its sleek, metallic body glinting in the sunlight.

"It looks like it has a 'don't-approach-me' attitude," Naoki said, half-jokingly.

Dr. Turo chuckled. "That's just how Miraidon is. While it doesn't outwardly display emotions like Koraidon, I can assure you that its feelings are just as complex."

"Kind of like a cool cat?" Naoki murmured, thinking aloud.

The kind of Pokémon that keeps its distance, aloof and unapproachable, but might occasionally show affection if it trusts you. By contrast, Koraidon was like an excitable golden retriever, warm and enthusiastic from the start.

Dr. Turo considered the comparison and smiled. "That's an apt way to describe it. Miraidon's more like an enigmatic feline-its mood shifts are subtle, and interpreting its emotions is no simple task."

Naoki thought of his own Pokémon back at the ranch. His Glaceon had been similarly reserved when it first arrived, but over time, living with Alcremie, Pawmot, and the others had softened its demeanor and made it more sociable.

"Come on," Dr. Turo said, gesturing for Naoki to follow. "Let's get closer."

Naoki hesitated briefly. Miraidon's presence was imposing, and this wasn't the same approachable creature he'd seen depicted in Pokédex entries or stories. Its aura felt different -calculated, almost predatory.

But Dr. Turo was already several steps ahead, so Naoki quickly caught up.

The two made their way along the winding mountain path leading to the cliff's edge.

Miraidon remained where it was, its unblinking gaze following their every move.

As they drew nearer, Miraidon first glanced at Dr. Turo. Then, its glowing, lifeless eyes shifted to the unfamiliar human beside him.

In that instant, its demeanor shifted.

The faintest flicker of something dangerous crossed Miraidon's face. Though it stayed still, floating in the same spot, its gaze sharpened as it assessed Naoki.

Naoki felt a slight chill run down his spine.

"It's looking at me, Doctor," he said, his voice low but steady, fully aware of Miraidon's intense focus.

Dr. Turo offered a reassuring smile as he noticed Naoki's hesitation. "Don't worry, it's just being cautious because this is its first time seeing you. Give it a moment."

With that, Dr. Turo turned his attention back to Miraidon, lifting his hand in a welcoming gesture. "Hello, Miraidon. Are you getting used to living here? This is my friend Naoki. He's a very skilled trainer."

Miraidon didn't respond. It simply floated in place, its gaze unchanging.

Naoki decided to follow Dr. Turo's lead and gave a polite wave. "Hi, Miraidon! It's nice to meet you!"

For a moment, the futuristic Pokémon remained silent, its glowing eyes fixed on Naoki. Slowly, its wary expression softened, its posture relaxing ever so slightly.

It seemed Miraidon had reached a conclusion: This human was no threat. Weak and

unimposing, he posed no danger nor interest as competition.

Finally, Miraidon opened its mouth and let out a sound.

"Raew...Raeww."

Naoki's eyes widened in disbelief. Did he hear that correctly?

This was Miraidon's voice?

That adorable, almost kitten-like cry coming from such a sleek and imposing Pokémon?

'It was... cute! Incredibly cute!'

Noticing Naoki's stunned expression, Dr. Turo couldn't help but chuckle. "See? Compared to ancient Koraidon, Miraidon from the future has a certain charm, don't you think?"

Naoki was at a loss for words. How was he supposed to compare them? Koraidon and Miraidon both had their own unique appeal.

Sensing Naoki's internal dilemma, Dr. Turo sighed dramatically. "What a shame! This very debate whether future Pokémon or ancient Pokémon are more captivating-is the cause of endless arguments between Sada and me. She insists that ancient Pokémon are more charming, while I firmly believe the future ones have the edge. I can't tell you how many nights I've been banished to the study because of it!"

Naoki blinked, unsure whether he should laugh or feel awkward about hearing this personal anecdote.

Dr. Turo smiled warmly, his tone light-hearted despite the topic. Miraidon seemed to have fully relaxed now, its earlier suspicion replaced by calm curiosity.

Dr. Turo nodded, clearly pleased. "It seems Miraidon has accepted your presence, Naoki. I knew you'd be good at this."

Naoki exhaled a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, feeling a small sense of accomplishment. However, before he could reply, a loud roar echoed from the entrance of the ecological park.

"Ah, gah!"

Both Naoki and Dr. Turo turned quickly toward the source of the sound. Approaching from the entrance were Dr. Sada, Koraidon, and Flutter Mane.

Dr. Olin sighed in frustration. "This one insisted on coming after hearing that Naoki was going to see Miraidon. I couldn't stop him no matter what."

Koraidon locked eyes with Miraidon, its gaze filled with distrust. A moment later, the wing- like appendages on its head flared outward, and it stomped the ground with its powerful legs, launching itself toward Naoki's position.

Miraidon, noticing the sudden movement, turned its attention fully toward Koraidon. Though its mechanical face showed no obvious emotion, the surging electric currents that

began crackling across its sleek body betrayed its inner tension.

Miraidon was on high alert. It instinctively felt threatened by this unfamiliar Pokémon, preparing for a confrontation.

"Calm down, Miraidon! This isn't an enemy!" Dr. Turo quickly called out, trying to diffuse the growing tension.

Koraidon, landing in front of Naoki, positioned itself protectively between him and Miraidon. Its golden eyes gleamed with resolve, and a low, guttural growl rumbled from its throat.

"Raaaooo!"

It was obvious that Koraidon harbored resentment toward Miraidon. After all, it blamed Miraidon for being indirectly responsible for its separation from Naoki and its traumatic journey through the time machine.

Koraidon harbored no goodwill toward this seemingly cunning and insidious Pokémon.

'Was it truly about to fight Miraidon?' Naoki's chest tightened as the tension grew. He quickly -called out, "Koraidon, stop!"

Before Naoki's plea could reach it, Miraidon had already floated to a higher vantage point, positioning itself for battle. Its electric circuits crackled ominously, casting a vibrant glow

across the cliffside.

Recognizing Miraidon's strategic move, Koraidon's patience snapped. The primal instincts it had honed in the wild, brutal world of ancient times surged to the surface. With a thunderous roar, it launched itself at Miraidon, its powerful legs propelling it forward with incredible

speed.

In an instant, Miraidon unleashed a massive surge of electricity. The dense current lit up the entire ecological park, arcs of lightning branching out like a spiderweb. The energy surged toward Koraidon, but it remained undeterred. Its eyes locked on Miraidon, ignoring the jolts of electricity coursing through its body, and with an earth-shaking leap, Koraidon closed the

distance.

With immense force, Koraidon landed a devastating punch squarely on Miraidon. The impact disrupted the electric current enveloping Miraidon's body, sending it hurtling downward into the valley below. The ground quaked as Miraidon's body struck the earth, leaving a massive

crater in its wake.

But Miraidon was far from defeated.

From within the swirling dust and debris, a sudden burst of electricity erupted. Miraidon

soared upward with a deafening crackle. Its blue pupils glowed an ominous red as its power surged to new heights, arcs of electricity sparking wildly across its sleek, metallic frame. The air grew heavy with tension as Miraidon's energy intensified.

Fixing its crimson gaze on Koraidon, Miraidon shifted forms, its streamlined body bristling with renewed ferocity. Dazzling electric beams shot from its core, illuminating the entire area as it surged forward, aiming to pierce through its opponent.

Koraidon, unfazed by the overwhelming display of power, charged head-on to meet Miraidon's attack. The collision seemed inevitable.

When the distance closed, Miraidon lashed out with claws crackling with electricity, aiming

for a decisive strike. But Koraidon, with the precision and strength of a seasoned warrior, seized Miraidon mid-air. Sparks flew as Koraidon's claws dug into Miraidon's electrified frame, ignoring the current flowing through its own body.

"Koraidon!" Naoki's voice echoed, but it was drowned out by the chaos.

With a roar, Koraidon delivered a series of brutal punches to Miraidon's head, sending it flying backward. Miraidon crashed into the valley floor once more, the impact shaking the very ground beneath them.

All of this happened in mere seconds-too fast for Naoki or Dr. Turo to intervene.

Dr. Sada gasped audibly, her eyes wide with disbelief. "How... how is this possible?" Naoki, equally stunned, stared at Koraidon, his thoughts racing. 'Is this my Koraidon? Is it

really this strong?'

Miraidon, now sprawled on the ground, showed hesitation for the first time. Its body trembled slightly, its previous bravado replaced by apprehension. As Koraidon took slow, deliberate steps toward it, Miraidon shrank back instinctively, retreating as much as it could.

"Koraidon, stop!" Naoki shouted, sprinting toward his Pokémon.

Dr. Turo acted quickly, rushing to Miraidon's side with a Poké Ball in hand. He recalled Miraidon into the safety of the ball just as Koraidon came to a halt, its golden eyes still

burning with intensity.

...

"Y'all know the drill, right? Time to throw some shiny stones my way!"☐☐

*****

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