Chapter 229: Double Evolution [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Days Later, Route 106]
A few days passed as Azure and Sapphire journeyed together past Route 105 into the next route, 106. Lorry, as it turned out, was a magnificent Wailord, Sapphire's father's trusted aquatic Pokémon.
The colossal whale-like Pokémon surfaced gracefully in the sea, its immense size making even the large cargo ships seem small. Lorry's broad, flat back, which felt surprisingly stable, Azure and Sapphire set off from Route 105, and soon Lorry dipped into the deeper waters of Route 106.
The journey was serene, the only sounds the rhythmic splash of Lorry's tail and the cry of a distant Wingull. Sapphire chattered incessantly about Hoenn, its Pokémon, and her training aspirations, her words a lively counterpoint to Azure's more contemplative nature of solo traveling.
He listened patiently, offering advice when prompted, observing her passion. Sapphire suddenly pointed towards a cluster of small, uninhabited islands off in the distance, "Hey, Master! See that one? The one with the rocky cliffs and dense forest? My dad says it's rarely visited. Perfect for some undisturbed training. Wild Pokémon galore!"
Azure's eyes, honed by years of wilderness exploration, narrowed thoughtfully. An unmapped, wild island, away from the usual trainer paths.
It sounded like an ideal spot to push his new team members. He agreed, turning to Lorry, "Looks promising. Lorry, could you take us there?"
The Wailord rumbled a deep affirmation, altering its course with practiced ease. Within minutes, the vast Pokémon glided to a gentle stop near a secluded cove.
Azure and Sapphire disembarked, their feet sinking slightly into the coarse sand. The island hummed with unseen life.
The air was fresh, scented with salt and damp earth, punctuated by the chirps and rustles of wild Pokémon. Azure began, surveying the island as he said calmly, "This place looks ideal. We'll split up. You explore the northern half, I'll take the south. See what kind of Pokémon inhabit these woods. We'll meet back here at dusk."
Sapphire beamed. In high spirits, Sapphire nodded eagerly. She said excitedly, raising her fist into the air, "Got it! And no fair evolving your Pokémon without me!"
She called out playfully, already dashing towards a cluster of thick shrubs. Azure smiled, shaking his head as he murmured to himself, "As if it were that easy."
He took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of damp earth and wild foliage. He whispered, drawing out his first Poké Ball, "Alright, everyone. Let's see what the Hoenn Region has in store for us."
He trekked deeper into the island, the dense canopy quickly obscuring the sky. The air grew humid, thick with the chirps of unseen Bug-types and the rustle of leaves.
He was primarily looking for opponents that would challenge his younger team members. He was especially keen to see how his Ralts, a timid but highly empathetic Psychic/Fairy-type, and Slakoth, famously powerful but cursed with absolute indolence, would fare in a true wild encounter.
He spotted a group of Wingull roosting on a cliff face, their cries echoing over the waves. A few Poochyena scampered among the undergrowth as he thought, 'Nothing too challenging yet… but then again...'
He continued, his steps silent, his senses alert. He knew the importance of understanding an environment before engaging with it.
*SNAP*
Suddenly, a low growl rippled through the air, followed by another, closer. Azure's hand instinctively went to his belt.
From the tangled undergrowth, a flash of white fur and scarlet markings emerged. Then another, and another…
*Rustle*
… Soon, he was surrounded by at least five formidable Zangoose, their claws extended, their eyes narrowed in predatory focus. Azure's eyes narrowed as he thought, 'They weren't just passing by; this was an ambush. Guess I stumbled into their territory. Good, they'll be decent warm-ups.'
Azure said calmly, though his heart rate had quickened, being surrounded, he still had Pikachu and Eevee with him, "Well, then… Looks like we found our challenge."
He quickly assessed the situation: five Zangoose, known for their aggressive nature and sharp claws. He needed speed, power, and strategy.
Azure called out, releasing two of his Pokémon in a serious tone, hurling their Poke Balls out, "Metang, Grovyle, standby!"
*Pop*
Metang, the Steel/Psychic Pokémon, hovered stoically, its metallic body gleaming. Grovyle, lithe and agile, landed lightly, its sharp leaves catching the dappled light.
They're eyes narrowed, detecting the danger as Azure swiftly ordered, "Metang, use Confusion on the lead Zangoose! Grovyle, Quick Attack to circle!"
*PEW*
Metang focused, a concentrated blast of psychic energy of Confusion lancing out, hitting the lead Zangoose square in the chest and sending it skidding back…
*ZOOOM*
… Grovyle, a blur of green, darted past the others, momentarily distracting them. But the Zangoose were relentless.
Two lunged at Metang, their claws scraping against its tough hide. Another two focused on Grovyle, cornering it.
But Azure's eyes narrowed as he hurled more Poke Balls out. Azure called, releasing his Vulpix, "Vulpix, come on out! Will-O-Wisp on the ones attacking Grovyle!"
*Pop*
Vulpix, a small but fiery Pokémon, unleashed ghostly flames, afflicting two Zangoose with burns. And then Azure hurled his Corphish as he ordered, "Corphish, Water Gun to break up their formation!"
*Pop*
Corphish emerged, looking slightly dazed, but managed to fire a stream of water that splashed across the ground, making the Zangoose hesitate. Despite their efforts, the Zangoose were formidable, their coordinated attacks overwhelming.
Metang was taking hits, Grovyle was weaving desperately to avoid their slashing claws, and Corphish was starting to look more serious than usual. Azure knew he needed a game-changer as he yelled, "Alright, Ralts, Slakoth, your turn!"
*Pop*
He released the two most inexperienced members of his team. Ralts, typically shy, looked around nervously at the snarling Zangoose. Slakoth, true to form, yawned, then slumped against a tree, seemingly more interested in a nap than a battle.
Azure urged ordering seriously, "Slakoth, wake up! Use Slash!"
*Shinng*
Slakoth blinked lazily, then slowly, agonizingly slowly, lifted a paw. Before it could even begin to strike, a Zangoose was upon it, swiping a claw across its chest.
Slakoth whimpered, a rare sound. Azure commanded calmly, "Ralts, use Strong Style Confusion on that Zangoose!"
Ralts, seeing Slakoth in pain, overcame its fear. Its eyes glowed, and a wave of psychic energy slammed into the attacking Zangoose, momentarily dazing it.
*Wooosh*
But another Zangoose, faster and more aggressive, lunged for Ralts. Azure shouted, "Grovyle, protect Ralts!"
But Grovyle was already engaged. This was a desperate fight. He reached for Psyduck's Poke Ball as he thought, 'Better bring in all my – '
*Shiii*
Seeing the danger, a fierce resolve ignited in Ralts's eyes. Its gentle aura intensified, shimmering with an unfamiliar power. The air around it began to distort, swirling with the vibrant, ethereal light of evolution.
Azure gasped, watching in awe, "Ralts, you're evolving!"
Ralts cried out, a sound not of pain, but of burgeoning strength, as its small body elongated, its head crest transforming into flowing, green hair. When the light subsided, standing before them was a Kirlia, taller, more elegant, and radiating a powerful psychic presence.
Kirlia didn't hesitate. With newfound speed and poise, it floated forward, unleashing a new, powerful move, Magical Leaf.
*PEW*
The Magical Leaf attack that shimmered with fairy energy struck the Zangoose that had threatened it, sending it sprawling. Then, focusing its psychic power, Kirlia lifted a nearby boulder with Confusion and hurled it, scattering two more Zangoose.
*BAM*
The sudden surge of power changed the dynamic, but the Zangoose were still a threat. They pressed their attack, emboldened by their numbers.
One particularly large Zangoose, its white fur scarred, lunged again at Slakoth, who was still trying to shake off the previous hit. Seeing Kirlia's valiant defense and the persistent threat, something snapped within Slakoth.
*Shiiii*
The languid look in its eyes vanished, replaced by a surge of raw, untamed energy. Its body began to glow, the light more intense and vibrant than Kirlia's. It roared, a guttural sound of frustration and rising power.
*CRACK*
The ground beneath it cracked as its form bulked up, its fur darkening, its limbs gaining definition and muscle. When the light dissipated, the formerly sleepy Slakoth evolved into a mighty Vigoroth, standing panting, vibrating with an almost uncontrollable energy.
Slakoth's Truant ability, the bane of its existence, was gone. Now, pure, unadulterated energy surged through Vigoroth with its new ability, Vital Spirit. Azure's eyes widened as he muttered, "You've evolved too big – "
"VIGOROTH!!!"
*WOOOSH*
It didn't wait for a command. With a snarl, it lunged, a blur of motion. Its claws, now sharper and stronger, struck the scarred Zangoose with a rapid-fire Slash attack that became a series of furious swipes, then a powerful Focus Punch that sent the Zangoose reeling into a tree.
*BOOOM*
The speed and ferocity were astounding. Azure breathed, his experienced eyes widening in surprise and pride as he checked they're status using his Arc Phone, "Incredible! Kirlia learned Magical Leaf as its Inherited Move! And Vigoroth Focus Punch too!"
Two evolutions in a single battle, born of necessity and courage. Azure grinned as he put an end to the Zangoose, and he ordered, "Metang, use Power-Up Punch on the rest! Grovyle, Leaf Blade! Vulpix, Flamethrower! Corphish, Bubble Beam! Kirlia, follow up with Confusion! Vigoroth, keep the pressure on!"
*Shiii*
With Kirlia's psychic prowess and Vigoroth's explosive energy, the tide of the battle dramatically shifted. Metang, no longer overwhelmed, landed devastating blows, increasing its power with every hit.
Grovyle, moving with renewed confidence, cut through Zangoose's defenses. Vulpix's flames burned hot, and Corphish, sensing the momentum, unleashed powerful streams of bubbles at them.
Vigoroth was a whirlwind, bouncing off trees, delivering powerful Slash attacks whenever a Zangoose dared to strike it. Kirlia floated gracefully; its psychic attacks were precise and powerful, binding and confusing the remaining attackers.
The Zangoose, disoriented and battered, began to lose their coordination. Their leader, roaring in frustration, signaled a retreat, "Zaaaa!! (FUCK THIS SHIT!! WE OUT!!)"
One by one, they melted back into the undergrowth, leaving behind gouged earth and a sense of hard-fought victory. Azure watched them go, then turned to his team, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.
Metang hovered, a faint shimmer of light around it. Grovyle stood panting slightly. Vulpix and Corphish looked immensely proud.
And there, standing tall, were his newly evolved Kirlia and Vigoroth, their eyes still burning with the adrenaline of battle. Azure praised, walking among them, checking for injuries, "You all were magnificent!"
Kirlia floated over to him, nuzzling his hand gently, its previous timidity replaced by a quiet confidence. Vigoroth, still vibrating with energy, thumped its chest, then looked around for something else to punch.
Azure chuckled, rubbing its head using Viridian Force to calm it down slightly, "Easy there, big guy. Good job, both of you. That was a challenge, and you rose to it."
He was still assessing the situation, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow, when a voice materialized from the trees, yelling in a concerned tone, "Azure! Are you okay? I heard a huge commotion!"
Sapphire burst into the clearing, her eyes wide with concern. She stopped dead, staring first at the disordered battleground, then at Azure's team.
Her gaze fixated on Kirlia and Vigoroth, her jaw dropping. She gasped, pointing at them with mock indignation in her voice, but it was quickly replaced by awe, "No way! Ralts and Slakoth... they evolved! And you didn't even wait for me! You did it! You did it!"
She ran over, inspecting the two new Pokémon with unconcealed wonder. She asked curiously, "Kirlia! And Vigoroth! They look incredible! What happened?"
Azure leaned against a tree, a tired but victorious smile on his face. He began, looking at his new, formidable team, "Let's just say, we pulled through with a Pokémon ambush. Still, though, how were things on your end?"
Sapphire grinned cheekily as her Chic and Rono appeared, happily declaring, "Great! Greet my new team member! Come out! Kirly!"
*Pop*
Azure blinked in surprise to see Sapphire's Ralts materialize out of its Poké Ball. He asked curiously with her Kirly looking at Kirlia with awe, "You caught a Ralts? A male one at that… how did you capture this little fella?"
Sapphire puffed her chest out in pride as she said happily with Rono and Chic by her side, explaining, "Heh! We saw this little guy battle it out with a group of Sandshrew, sticking to his ground and beating the living crap out of them! It was then that I needed a powerful psychic like him on the squad! I battled and won him over! Although…"
She paused as she asked him curiously, leaning closer to him, "Why is the importance of its Gender? Wouldn't it evolve into a Gardevoir in the end?"
Azure brought out his Arc Phone as he explained to Sapphire, showing a photo of Blade Pokémon, "Because of this. Did you know that if you used a Dawn Stone on a male Kirlia, it'll evolve into the Blade Pokémon Gallade. It's something native to the Sinnoh Region, and honestly? Fits your image greatly as an honorable warrior."
Sapphire's eyes lit up, hearing this as her Kirly looked at the photo. With a nod and fire in its eyes, Sapphire was sold as she grinned happily, "Then it'll be done! Will evolve you into Gallade Kirly! It's a promise!"
Kirly punched their fist into the air, agreeing, but then Sapphire paused lightly. She looked at Rara's Poké Ball as she finally asked her idol carefully, "Say Azure… I've noticed you've got that Ralts named Rara, right? It's been bothering me for a while, and I didn't want to assume or anything, but… isn't that Ruby's Pokémon?"
Hearing this, Azure nodded, explaining the circumstance as he brought Rara out with the others in a calm voice, "Yeah. I've met Ruby in my journey, but the circumstances of how Rara was left in my care were through a series of unexpected events. I'll explain the best I can from what I know…"
With that, Azure began to disclose how Rara came under his care and where Ruby had gone, leaving Sapphire mixed on her feelings. She didn't like him, of course, unaware that it was the same boy she had a crush on years ago, already forgotten what he looked like.
But she sighed a breath of relief, seeing Rara's horn glow brightly, indicating that Ruby was alive. Although she is slightly concerned for her rival till Azure says, "Besides, there is an off chance of encountering him in the next town over. If Rara's eager expression is any indication…"
Pointing at Rara's horn, glowing slightly, Sapphire smiled, nodding. With that, the two began to leave the island, returning on route to Dewford Town.
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 300 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!