The next day, Alex observed the new training regimen in action at the farm. The training ground at the base would've been more ideal given its open space, but construction there was still in progress. For now, the smaller area at the farm worked well enough as it forced the Pokémon to tighten their maneuvers and made the drills more demanding.
"Daddy, can I watch?" Alvera asked innocently.
She had been clinging to him ever since he came back, seeking him out whenever she wasn't busy with her lessons under Vera. That was another reason Alex decided to hold the training at the farm. He didn't want to be too far from her, not so soon after returning.
"Of course. Come on, let's get a closer look," Alex said as he picked her up.
He wrapped her in Dark type energy, shielding her from the powerful winds and dust whipping through the air at high speed. He walked leisurely from the edge of the training grounds all the way to the center. The Pokémon continued their drills as he passed, doing their best to avoid him without breaking formation.
Their speed was at its peak so to onlookers without Alex's enhanced body, it looked as if a tornado were forming in the training grounds. Blurs of color flashed from one spot to another, too fast for anyone to follow. All together it looked like colors being blended together without actually mixing. Like a rainbow being violently churned.
From Alvera's perspective, only streaks of color zipped past as the Pokémon practiced their high-speed formation reassembly. The only one she could clearly see was Gardevoir, standing in the middle, eyes closed in focus as her psychic energy spread outward.
Alvera would giggle every time a gust of wind blew at her from a Pokemon passing by. She seemed comfortable in Alex's arms despite the clearly dangerous environment.
Once they reached the center, the calm returned. It felt like standing in the eye of a storm with the air still and quiet, surrounded by the chaotic blur of motion just beyond. Looking out, all that could be seen were colors swirling and colliding, blending yet never fully merging, like a kaleidoscope spinning just out of focus.
"What do you think?" Alex asked.
"It's pretty."
"It is," he said. "But it's also very dangerous, so never come close without me, okay?"
"Yes, Daddy."
The Pokémon had been running this maneuver nonstop since they started, preferring it over their usual proficiency training. It was a new formation that raised the difficulty significantly compared to the relatively simple Protect rotation they had already perfected, or the straightforward containment tactic they used against Champions.
They seemed unusually driven, their focus sharper than usual, no doubt a result of Steelix and Forretress's deaths. Whether it was fear of sharing the same fate or a belief that this training could help them avoid it, their determination was unshakeable. None of them stopped to rest or complained, even when they stumbled or made mistakes.
Alex was initially concerned that they were pushing themselves beyond their limits. It would eventually lead to burnout and a crash, but he had the facilities to restore both their bodies and spirits. That was what the girls were for, and they were doing their jobs splendidly.
Nothing revived an exhausted body and mind better than a good meal, a massage, and proper grooming. The girls also had an innate understanding of each Pokémon's temperament, having spent so much time with them during their downtime. Because of that, Alex never worried about them overworking his Pokémon.
Father and daughter enjoyed the moment a little longer until Alex noticed the Pokémon beginning to strain. He gently set Alvera down and clapped his hands.
"Take a break for an hour," he commanded.
The storm ceased at once. The Pokémon slumped to the ground, exhausted from the continuous exertion.
Arcanine and Raticate trotted over and collapsed beside Alex and Alvera, both of them clearly exhausted.
"Hello, Arcanine," she greeted, stretching out her hands.
Arcanine, panting heavily, gave a single nod before leaning in to accept the offered head pats.
Alvera ran her hands through Arcanine's warm, dirt-covered fur before giving in to impulse and climbing onto his back. She lay down and buried her face in his thick coat. Then she began swiping her hands back and forth along his sides, brushing off the dust. Most of it ended up on her instead.
"You're so warm," she said with a happy sigh. "Like the sun!"
Meanwhile, Alex sat on the ground, resting an elbow on Raticate's heaving stomach. He took in the warm scene and paid no mind to the dust slowly coating his daughter.
Children should play outside to build their immunities and resistances, after all.
Altaria and Togekiss, upon noticing that Alvera was offering cleaning services, approached the resting group as well. They flapped their wings and landed behind Arcanine, lining up neatly as if waiting their turn.
"Alta~" Altaria sang, drawing Alvera's attention.
She sat up, turned around, and spotted the even fluffier pair.
"Do you want pats too?" she asked innocently.
Both nodded before settling onto the ground, patiently waiting for their turn.
Alvera giggled before dismounting Arcanine and running straight into Altaria's cloud. She disappeared inside, fully enveloped by the soft fluff. The cloud rustled every now and then, accompanied by bursts of laughter from within.
"How's progress going?" Alex asked Gardevoir, who sat in place after he called for a break.
"Gardevoir!" she complained.
"I'm sure you'll get the hang of it. Think of it like leveling up your proficiencies. You didn't get your Expanding Force to Expert in a year, so why should this be any different?"
"Gar," she sighed, worried.
"Don't worry, there's no rush. We won't be going anywhere for a while. You have years to train yourselves up before I decide to do another hunting trip. I'll probably do some easy local ones at most, which wouldn't serve as good practice. This formation is only used against full Champion teams, after all."
"Gardevoir!" she exclaimed.
"We'll be ready when another ambush comes. I won't insist on fighting an even battle anymore. You don't see me worrying about it, so you shouldn't be too worried either. Besides, once Raticate reaches Champion rank, you'll have to adjust the formation again. On his own, he will be able to match a Champion when he Mega Evolves."
Gardevoir sighed at the thought. The current formation was already difficult enough, requiring her to precisely manage each Pokémon's speed without even accounting for the opponent's. How much more troublesome would it be once she had to include a Champion ranked Raticate who could move faster than she could blink?
The only solution she could think of was to reach Champion rank herself.
"Just keep practicing and you'll get there. I promise. You'll all get there," Alex said as he reached over and ran his hand through her hair.
She leaned in, savoring the affection and the warmth of the emotions Alex radiated. Positive feelings had always motivated her best.
Meanwhile, Alvera emerged from Altaria's cloud even dirtier than before and moved on to offer her services to Togekiss. She ran her hands gently across his smooth surface, careful to avoid his feathers. He only had three, after all, and it would've been a shame if he lost even more.
"ALEX!" Vera shouted as she approached the training ground, furious. "What have you done with your daughter?"
Alex turned his head and was shocked to discover her completely covered in dust. A fine layer coated her hair, skin, and clothes, making her look as if she had just emerged from a dust cloud.
"I can fix that!" he said quickly. "Clawitzer, Water Pulse!" he commanded, pointing at Alvera.
Clawitzer obliged by circling Alvera and shooting her with a few thin sheets of water. They splashed her, soaking her completely while removing the dust and grime.
"Arcanine, Heat Wave!"
Arcanine looked back at the soaked Alvera and chuckled before opening his mouth and sending a hot breath of air at her.
Her clothes and hair quickly dried as she turned around to distribute the heat. She spread her arms wide and spun in circles, enjoying the warmth while giggling.
Finally, she stopped and faced Vera before saying, "Tada!"
Alex smiled and clapped his hands while the Pokémon made similar noises, flapping their wings or tapping their paws on the ground in applause.
Vera stared daggers at Alex as he admired their daughter. Her expression softened quickly, though, and she let out a tired sigh at their antics.
"Come inside, Alvera. It's time for lunch."
At the mention of food, the Pokémon rushed toward the mansion, with Alvera following close behind.
Meanwhile, Alex soaked in the warm moment, cherishing it deeply. He was beginning to realize that this family lifestyle wasn't so bad after all.
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