Fuse

Standing on a random cliff with both Washington and California looking out at the scenery with me, I verbally describe my plan to the both of them.

"So, you see those dens that have those giant beams of light coming out of them, right?" I pointed out the dynamax dens dotted over the place, "I bet we can catch a new team member or two in there. Plus, maybe we'll be lucky and find someone with a dynamax band, and we can participate in a long-time British pastime. Stabbing people and taking their stuff."

California beeped a bit confusedly.

I hummed, "You're right, California. How would I fare against a dynamax Pokemon? Can I take a hit from a dynamax Pokemon? The Corviknights didn't fare too well against Revolutionary Battlefield, but Lily's passive of Pokemon being stronger against me might apply to dynamax Pokemon somehow. Even so, is it possible to catch a dynamax Pokemon without a dynamax band? It might not be possible to enlarge a Pokemon ball without one."

It's a tough call. I either go in there and find out that I'm unprepared to complete any of my objectives while inside the den. Or I just delay my growth and keep it safe by trying to find a dynamax band out here.

Washington cawed.

I nodded, "You're right, Washington. I'm an American. These are British expys. They have no chance against us. We would sweep them. Even in a trainer situation, if it has to come down to it, I could just shoot them. Though, it would be better for you guys if you got the experience. Maybe I'll train myself to not shoot people for the duration of my stay here."

Regieleki beeped happily.

I feel better about my choice already. Shooting people is a bad addiction to have. This is definitely the time to beat it. Besides, if someone shows up with an immunity to being shot, having my other abilities being caught up to top is going to be important.

Lily, for example.

I thought about it for a few moments, and I remembered that Lily had the beastmaster class. Probably for her Pokemon. Maybe I should pick up that class as well? If I'm trying to beat her in a Pokemon battle, I can't just show up without a suitable advantage.

But where am I going to get a new class slot?

As I pondered this thought, a new fortune cookie showed up in my inventory.

You have gained a fortune cookie!

Well, I actually haven't seen one in a while. I actually sort of forgot that I had the ability to randomly get fortune cookies.

I stood up, declaring to the world, "If this fortune cookie is crap, I'm going to shoot someone!"

I opened the fortune cookie, taking out the slip of paper from its insides.

'Crush All Resistance. Seize All Victories.'

Hmm… How to interpret this…

Either I am the resistance, and I get crushed. Something very in-line with how these fortunes are all telling me I have some terrible fate in store for me. Or…

I'm about to crush every doubt I have, go all in, and seize every victory.

That second option sounds a lot better than the first, so that's what I'm choosing to believe.

I pointed towards the closest dynamax den, "Boys, we're about to go fight a dynamax Pokemon! Get ready! And Washington… You can fly me for practice."

The two Pokemon did their respective cries as we set off.

Nameless Challenger I will surely give a name to.

Oh, hey! Is that another trainer in the sky riding a Braviary! Hopefully they'll help him fight inside of a dynamax den!

Making sure his egg didn't fall from his back, he turns towards his rotom, "Okay guys! Let's see if that guy on that Braviary will help us! C'mon, Driftbloom!"

Fuse

Looking down the den, I try to see what's in there.

It's pretty hard to see through the mists, but I do eventually find a shadow of something inside of the fog. So I just used [Observe] on it.

Bagon

Level 15

Typing: Dragon

Nature: Adamant

Overall Ranking: C+++

[Dynamaxed]

Huh, a level 15 Bagon? I could get a Salamance out of that if I put the time and effort into training it.

Salamence is objectively less cool than say, a Garchomp. But Salamence is pretty good too.

"So, dragon. Pretty sure that we hit neutral against it, which is fine. I want you two to just circle around it and always force him to turn his back on you, alright?" I told my Pokemon, who seemed to have gotten my commands.

With that all understood, I immediately jumped into the den.

Landing safely with my wings, the fog disperses, revealing the bagon to us.

It's only level 15, both my Pokemon are way higher than that. We'll probably be fine.

The bagon roared as California and Washington took action.

California sent off powerful thunderbolts, and Washington… Huh, I didn't know he could use brave bird so early.

Either way, Bagon made the decision to focus on California first, while Washington was free to bash his head into Bagon's back.

Meanwhile I eyed the stone spikes scattered around the arena. I'm a geomancer, aren't I? I could probably use some of them as weapons.

As Bagon conjured a shield using its dynamax energy, I created a new spell that would hopefully allow me to use those stone spikes as weapons.

[Earth Shaper - Cut off a protruding piece of earth from the land, and throw it towards an opponent.]

Using all my power, I cut off one of the spikes from the floor and managed to throw it directly towards Bagon.

It shattered Bagon's shield basically immediately. So, I knew that I was far above level 15 Pokemon, at least.

After a few more blows from California and Washington, Bagon seemed to have lost the will to fight.

So, if I toss a Pokeball at it, does it work?

Taking out my Pokeball, I ready myself to toss it. But before I could do so, it suddenly began growing.

So, the dynamax energy from the den itself actually helps with growing the Pokeball? That's a bit odd.

The Pokeball was a bit heavy because of its size, but I'm just built different, so I threw it straight at the Bagon.

The Pokeball hits Bagon straight on its head, and it immediately condenses itself into the Pokeball.

The Pokeball lands with a massive thud, as California and Washington rushes to my side, very happy about the victory.

With just three quick shakes, the Bagon is captured.

Achievement Unlocked!

[Toppling Giants.]

Requirements: Defeat an enemy that is over 10 times your size.

Description: Let the mighty be humbled!

Rewards: Title: Giantslayer, 1 gacha token.

[Giantslayer - Title - Let them fall before you - When facing opponents who are larger than you, increase your chances of evasion.]

I grinned. That was both lucky and easy. Bagon will grow up to become a pretty powerful Salamence. Though, it's gonna take a while for that to happen. Maybe a few weeks if I toss my entire team into Terraria and let them rip.

Besides, I know that my Pokemon will be fine, considering that California literally died against Vagisilious a while ago, and ended up fine in my Pokeball.

Now, more importantly, what do I name my Bagon?

Walking up to the now normal Pokeball, I let Bagon out of the ball, just to take a closer look at it.

It was very injured, no surprises there.

It also looked indescribably pissed.

The Bagon shouted at me, getting warning beeps from California.

The Bagon just started yelling at Washington instead, Washington cautiously circling around the new Pokemon.

Hm, if I'm going with the formula of naming all my Pokemon after states… Ah, I get it. This Bagon is Texas.

"Hey, you're Texas now," I told the Bagon, holding my hand towards it to heal it using my magic, "Congratulations."

Texas confusedly whined at me as its injuries were healing. So, pretty Texas, if I do say so myself. Equally brave and retarded.

That was not biased at all to my Californian self.

And for reference, Florida was just retarded. No doubt whoever becomes my Florida Pokemon will be equally as majestic to witness.

Finishing healing Texas, I decide to dedicate my next gacha token to it, "Alright Texas, let's see if you're any good."

Crushing the token in my hands, I find out what I get.

Mythic Item received.

[Thunder Caller - A mystical wand that allows you to imitate the power of Zeus. When used, it will conjure a cloud and thunder will rain on your enemies.]

Ooh, this was pretty good. I can basically call a thunderstorm on anyone now. That's probably going to be useful sooner or later.

"Texas, you're good," I complimented. Texas, of course, had absolutely no idea what the hell I was talking about. But he was new to me, so I was lenient on him.

I gestured all of my Pokemon to follow me, "Alright, let's get going, we're gonna go try to catch a full team and see if that does anything for my class slots… Hm?"

Someone was coming inside of this den.

"I hope it's a stupid motherfucker," I remarked as I watched someone fly inside with their Driftbloom.

Taking a closer look at him… Is that a dynamax band?
This guy isn't walking out of here with that dynamax band, that I can guarantee.

Subtly calling back California to avoid showing him more than I have to, I walked up to the newcomer, "Hey, if you wanted a piece of the dynamaxed Pokemon here, you're a bit late. I just caught it."

The newcomer seemed a bit disappointed, "Aw! I was hoping to be able to participate in a dynamax raid."

I chuckled, "Well, it's a shame. By the way, is that a dynamax band I see on your wrist?"

The newcomer showed it off, "Oh! Yeah! The league loans us these, but we have to give it back at the end of the circuit. Unless we become champion, but I'm far behind as it is… Oh, by the way, my name is Chris. Who are you?"

"Fuse," I said, "Now, I'm thinking we should fight- Ah, have a Pokemon battle."

Chris crossed his arms, not very enthusiastic about the idea, "Hm, well, I'm a league challenger…"

"Since you're so far behind, let's make a bet, then," I said, trying to make the deal more enticing, "If you win, I'll help you catch up. If you lose… I spy a Pokemon egg on your back. So if I win, why don't I take that alongside your band?"

Chris blinked, showing off his egg to me, "Huh? Why do you want this egg? I don't even know what's inside of it, it was a gift from a stranger who wanted to see me succeed."

Why do I want it? It's because I used Observe on it.

Pokemon egg (Larvesta)

Level 1

Typing: Fire, Bug

Nature: Gentle

Overall Ranking: F-

That's a future Volcorona in that egg.

I like Volcorona.

I'm getting a Volcorona. And I'm going to name it Hawaii.

"I'd be more concerned about your dynamax band, if I were you," I deflected his question, "Because I'm intending on taking it for myself."

Chris worriedly mentioned, "Uh, you know that's illegal, right?"

I shrugged, "Then I'll be a criminal."

It's not like I'm not committing a crime in America. That would be a real crime. Committing a crime anywhere else is like… American privilege.

Chris seems to have made up his mind, "Hmph, then I'll stop you here!"

Chris shows off his belt of Pokemon. 5 Pokemon. I only have 3, but considering I have Regieleki, I think I'll be fine.

Chris tossed out his first Pokemon, "Go! Linoone!"

The Galarian form of Linoone appeared. Level 20, a bit higher than Texas.

So, naturally, I told Texas, "Go."

Texas surprisingly didn't object to this as it walked up to the battlefield.

I then give my Texas the good news, "By the way, I'm not the type of person to give orders unless it's really necessary. So, good luck. Screw em up."

Texas looked at me bafflingly, seemingly surprised that I wouldn't give him orders.

I shrugged at him, "What? You look old enough. Teach yourself how to battle."

Texas whined as it stared directly at their Linoone.

Chris then started the battle, "Linoone! Use quick attack!"

Linoone stylishly disappeared from sight one moment and reappeared in front of Texas the next. Linoone hits Texas head on with its claws, slashing at Texas.

Texas retaliates immediately with dragon rage.

Getting hit with dragon rage wasn't very profitable to Linoone's long term health, so it quickly ran back to avoid getting hit again.

Which was the moment it got hit again by another dragon rage. Texas's accuracy with that move is pretty good.

Chris's Linoone faints. Chris says something nice to honor his fallen Pokemon, and immediately rebounds to send out his next Pokemon, an Impidimp.

I guess Chris must be from that dark forest place in Galar, then.

"Here, Texas, your very first order," I called out, getting his attention, "Spam dragon rage."

Texas grinned, as if telling me it was already his plan.

Which was rudely interrupted by Chris shouting, "Impidimp! Thunder wave!"

Of all of the moves you could've done, it was that move specifically. Asshole.

Texas became paralyzed, but paralyzed Texas is still Texas, so it still fired off a dragon rage, hitting Impidimp cleanly in its stomach.

Impidimp shouted out in pain. Chris seemed taken aback by the shout, "Impidimp?!"

Texas sent another dragon rage.

Impidimp was hit straight in the face, falling down on his back, and fainted.

"Hm, you're a fast one, Texas," I praised, Texas seeming very proud of himself for hitting through paralyze, "Chris, maybe use a move next time?"

Chris gritted his teeth, "You… Ugh! Go! Ponyta!"

Galarian Ponyta hits the field, and I decide that Texas probably couldn't win this one.

"Well, you did fine, Texas," I said, "Do you want to be called back, or do you just want to stand behind me?"

Texas bitterly and slowly walked behind me. Seems as if he wasn't too happy getting hard countered.

"So be it," I said as I looked towards Washington, who was patiently waiting for orders, "Washington, let freedom ring."

Washington cried out, not wasting a single second as it flew directly into the Ponyta.

I was pretty sure it would classify as a murder somewhere, because Washington annihilated Ponyta in literally one hit.

Chris gasped, "What?! How?!"

"That's the legacy of the first president, my guy," I said. I was trying to be patient with the British clone, but I really wanted my rewards, "Now, who's next?"
Chris gulped as Washington returned to my side of the battlefield, gripping his 4th Pokemon, "Okay… Go, Driftbloom!"

I disappointedly told Washington, "Yeah, go ahead. Pop him."

It took a few brave birds, but Driftbloom couldn't touch Washington because of the speed difference, and Driftbloom anticlimatically fell to the floor, depleted.

"You beat me…" Chris despondently called out as he fell to his knees.

I guess that 5th Pokeball is just for show, then. That was easy.

"So, about my rewards-"

Chris gripped his 5th Pokeball.

So, is it for show, or is it not?

Chris held up his final Pokeball to his face, "My family passed this Pokemon down to me. It hasn't been called out in decades because of how dangerous it is… They only gave it to me to use when my life is in danger."

Chris defiantly met my eyes, "I see that look behind your glasses. You're like my uncle. You're a murderer."

I frowned, "Well, I wasn't going to kill you. But if you're offering…"

I eyed his Rotom. I only just now noticed that it was out the entire battle. Was it… Recording?

My suspicions were immediately justified as Chris turned to the Rotom, "Guys, I've enjoyed being with you all. Remember me."

…Is he streaming? Did I fall into some sort of trap?

He pointed his last Pokeball at me, "With this treasure I summon…"

What is he-

The Pokeball began to enlarge, his dynamax band glowing with power. The bastard was about to dynamax someone.

Chris threw the Pokeball behind him. Before it showed who the Pokemon was, Chris grinned, "I'll be dying first. Enjoy fighting my family's natural disaster."

The Pokemon was finally revealed it was…

A LEVEL 82 HYDREIGON?!

My mouth was completely wide open as the Hydreigon roared.

Fuck.

California was only level 41. This Hydreigon was literally twice its level.

The only way I could beat it is if I used my domain expansion. But the brat is in the way, and he's streaming to the entire world my actions.

But if I don't use my domain expansion, I die.

In just a split second, I came up with my decision.

To hell with Galar. If they want to come after me, feel free.

I tossed out California, saluting, "Domain expansion!"

The domain came out exceptionally fast as it transformed the entire den into Washington D.C.

"Revolutionary Battlefield!" I finished off.

I would've liked to use monologue boost, but that Hydreigon is seconds away from using a devastating dynamax move that would genuinely kill me if I don't move.

I pulled out Thundercaller, the new mythic item I obtained earlier, as well as pulling out all of my guns with my telekinesis. I'm personally going to fight this Hydreigon.

As Hydreigon's three mouths charged up a devastating attack, I shouted out to my Pokemon, "C'mon! Let's have some fun!"

Thunder clouds formed over D.C, as all my Pokemon split up as I flew into the sky.

After that, bullets began to fly.

Each bullet ripped off a bit of skin off of Hydreigon's attack, delaying his attack for only a moment.

Then, he lets rip a devastating whirlwind, genuinely destroying much of my domain. However, it seems unaware of the fact that my domain is something breakable from the inside. As such, it didn't break my domain despite likely being able to do so.

With that in mind, I managed to dodge that attack, of course. But I did get the notification that Texas didn't. As such, he fainted and went back into my Pokeball, evading death. Such a shame.

Hydreigon decided that since there were only three enemies, it could dedicate one head to each, with its main head looking towards me. How flattering.

Hydreigon began firing off fire beams with its three heads. However, Thundercaller was doing its job as each thunderbolt knocked each head off course, allowing for us to not get hit by its attack.

I tried to use the buildings in the city using my geomancy, and guess what? It counted! So I was able to throw parts of buildings at Hydreigon.

Little by little, the bullets, electricity, and Washington's blunt force trauma, whittled down Hydreigon.

Then, Hydreigon started adapting.

It realized that the thunderbolts from the clouds were coming in fixed angles. So it managed to aim its heads in a way that when the thunder hit its heads, it would actually correct the course onto us.

California and I were faster than light basically, so we were able to dodge anyways. But Washington wasn't as lucky as it evaporated from the wrath of Hydreigon.

The tide of bullets was actually beginning to slow as I slowly ran out of bullets, and there weren't as many guns in D.C as there was before Hydreigon destroyed half the city.

I actually wasn't confident I was going to win this fight. But I am confident in saying that Chris was 100% dead.

I chuckled at the thought as I watched Hydreigon charge up another dynamax attack.

I was ready to dodge another max airstream, but as it turns out, my dumb ass forgot Hydreigon was a dragon type.

Max Wyrmstorm came from below me, absolutely devastating my body. If I didn't get my ass kicked in a similar way from Angeles way back then, I would've screamed.

California alone was still fighting unimpeded, far too fast to get hit by Hydreigon's attacks.

I chuckled as I had a funny thought in my head. Thundurus who? California was the real god of thunder here.

As I fell to the ground, Hydreigon readying to finish me off, California jumped into Hydreigon's main mouth.

Hydreigon panicked, trying to bite down on the actual ball of electricity. That didn't do him well, though, as he electrocutes himself.

California beeped loudly as the thunderclouds in the air all struck Hydreigon as California unleashed a powerful thunderbolt straight into the stomach of Hydreigon.

Hydreigon screamed in pain, losing its ability to fly as all of the damage finally caught up to it.

A few moments later, Hydreigon exploded, taking down California with it, as well as blasting me far, far away alongside destroying the domain.

But then, I got the notification.

Quest Completed

[3 Headed Dark Dragon Pseudo-Legendary, Hydreigon]

Objective: Defeat Hydreigon

Reward: 1 class slot, 3 gacha tokens.

Addendum: Crash-out Chris has been defeated!

I had won. It just took all three of my pokemon, Revolutionary Battlefield, and almost a straight minute of continuous fire, but I did win.

I laughed, standing up from my position from the floor. Did that idiot really think it could beat me?

Hydreigon seems to have been put back into its Pokeball, which is… Sitting next to the body of Chris.

And the Rotom, who seems to be perfectly safe, somehow.

I walked up to it, observing Chris.

"He's fucking alive?" I said in total disbelief, "How are you even alive?"

Chris was unconscious, of course. He was knocked out a while ago, but he must've gotten lucky to avoid getting his head hit with a flying brick.

Or, maybe this world is just so child-friendly, there was no such thing as dying in battle here.

"Hm, I want to kill you and that Hydreigon" I said, aiming my gun, Lincoln, at him, "But with this all live-streamed, that would be kind of inconvenient…"

I looked at his egg, which was somehow still sitting on Chris's back perfectly safe.

I hummed, "Right, my reward for winning. I suppose that should disqualify you from the gym challenge. For being an utter failure."

Carefully, I took the egg from Chris, along with his dynamax band, and put it on my own wrist.

"Thank you, Chris," I earnestly said, "Your Hydreigon was a worthy opponent that showed me the lengths I'll have to go to beat my rival. I'll be sure to remember you."

Lily no doubt clears Chris's Hydreigon easily. I need to catch up, otherwise, I'll never be able to beat her in battle.

I looked towards the outside of the den. It was basically night now.

I sighed, "Hah… I guess I'll just go back to Dori's place."

I opened a portal, uncaring of the reactions of the world above.

That's something future-me can deal with.

AN:

I was gonna write the reactions of the world in this chapter, but this chapter is like 3.7k words long, and I was supposed to write to 2.5k ish. So, why don't I just go more in depth with the reactions by making the next chapter an interlude chapter? Man, am I so smart.

This chapter was honestly starting to drag when I was writing the challenger fight. But then I thought of a funny idea with "This treasure I summon." And it became way easier and funnier to write.

The best part? I'm not even going to justify why his family had a level 82 Hydreigon other than "it's funny."

This is the strength of a fic all for my self-indulgence!

I wonder when I can give Fuse gear 5…

[Got negativity in my FFN reviews for the first time in a while and it made me really happy :)]

[Next holiday is Juneteenth on the 19th, and July 4th after that. And of course, the upload schedule is still bi-weekly, so the 8th and the 22nd of June.]

[I got the urge to write a proper 1v1 PvP gamer fic with the experience I have now, but with 3 fics, I gotta wait for one of them to finish to do it. And that's probably going to take a year for one to finish (Probably Manifest Destiny finishes first, honestly.) Pain.]