Chapter 237: Embrace Pokémon
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Next Day, Route 108]
The journey on Lorry was quieter. Sapphire sat nursing her Chic and Rono, its injuries minor but enough to make her reflect. The ease with which Courtney and Tabitha had dismissed her, the overwhelming power she had faced – it had been a stark, humbling lesson she endured.
Ruby, on the other hand, seemed to be processing the battle in his way, occasionally glancing at Azure, then at the horizon, as if measuring the distance between their strengths…
A day passed. They continued their journey, Lorry gliding through the open sea, until Azure spotted a small, uninhabited island off Route 108.
It was nothing more than a rocky outcrop, covered in sparse vegetation, but it had a secluded beach and a few towering boulders – perfect for training. Azure announced as Lorry gently beached itself, "We'll stop here to continue our training, Sapphire. Time to refine some techniques."
Sapphire's eyes lit up as she exclaimed, "Training? I'm in Master's!"
The memory of her defeat still stung, and a fierce resolve burned within her. She would not be outclassed again.
Azure nodded, grinning slightly as he stated, getting Ruby's attention, "We'll begin with Gravity training."
Ruby, hearing this for the first time, blinked. He asked, baffled, "Gravity training?"
Azure nodded as he briefly explained to Ruby, who heard of his training method, "Indeed. It's a method of enhancing strength, speed, and endurance by making Pokémon move and battle under increased resistance. Here's an example. Metang!"
*Pop*
He demonstrated by having out Metang use its Psychic powers to create localized areas of intense gravitational pull. Metang, already heavy, moved with agonizing slowness under its own amplified weight, its metallic body trembling with effort, but its will unbroken.
Seeing the effects, Azure pulled out his other Poke Balls as he brought them out calmly, "Time to get some serious work out! Grovyle! Vigoroth!"
*Pop*
Then Grovyle took its turn, darting through the 'gravity zones' with incredible effort, its movements precise but visibly strained. Even Vigoroth, a whirlwind of energy, was forced to slow down, its muscles straining with every leap and punch under the force of Gravity.
Ruby blinked, seeing Azure's Pokémon state as he casually explained to him, "You see? It teaches control, resilience, and raw power. Sapphire, call your Chic, Rono, Kirly, and Relly. We'll start them light, but consistently."
Sapphire readily agreed. She brought out her Pokémon, her Chic flapping its wings with difficulty in a low-gravity field, Rono struggling to maintain its footing. She was relentless, pushing herself and her Pokémon, driven by a raw, unyielding desire to become stronger.
She ran alongside Kirly, encouraging it, mimicking its struggles, sweating profusely under the Hoenn sun. She commanded Relly to perform its Water Gun while battling the invisible, crushing force, pushing her own limits as a trainer.
Ruby, however, watched from a distance, lounging under the shade of a small, gnarled tree, sketching in his notebook. His Nana was curled at his feet, Rara perched elegantly on a rock nearby, occasionally adjusting a petal.
He offered no interest in the rigorous training. Sapphire, wiping sweat from her brow, glared at him as she yelled, "Aren't you going to join us, Ruby? It would do your Pokémon some good to get some real training!"
Ruby merely glanced up, a faint, unbothered smile on his face. He waved a dismissive hand as he said dismissively, "My Pokémon are already perfectly trained, Sapphire. Their strength lies in their elegance, their beauty, and their ability to captivate. This… brute force training isn't conducive to the artistry I cultivate. Besides, I held them off quite well, didn't I? No need for me to strain myself."
Sapphire clenched her fists, her frustration palpable. She growled as she yelled, frustrated, "That's not the point! What if they come back? What if you're alone and you can't dazzle them away?"
Ruby chuckled, closing his notebook. He stood up, stretching languidly as he replied dismissively, "Then I'll rely on my quick thinking, as always. And my charm, of course. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to scout for some rare berries. My Rara's next performance requires a particular shade of pink."
Sapphire watched him go, jaw tight, a vein twitching in her temple. Her initial frustration quickly gave way to renewed determination.
She would train harder, push further, not just for herself, but to prove Ruby wrong. Azure, observing the scene, a subtle smile playing on his lips, knew that the hidden rivalry was a powerful motivator.
He simply gestured to Metang, who effortlessly lifted a massive boulder, then gently lowered it. While they trained, Azure thought calmly, 'I suppose this wasn't enough motive for Ruby to train or act. That boy is quite stubborn.'
Azure mentally sighed as he brought his Pokémon to train, contemplating his team rotation. He continued to think as he thought grimly, 'I need a Fighting Type Pokémon in my team. If I'm facing the Elite Four, they specialize in Dark, Dragon, Ice, and Ghost-type Pokémon. Adding a Fighting Type would be good to have to deal with Ice and Dark.'
As Azure was pondering this, he only knew about 5 Pokémon in the Hoenn Region that he could get that were of the Fighting Type. Breloom, Makuhita line, Gallade, Machop line, Torchic line, and Meditite line.
He could only sigh as he would have to leave it, luck seeing one again. After a solid block of training, the group made progress as Ruby eventually returned from his trip into the woods, getting some berries he had collected.
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the island, Azure decided on a reconnaissance walk. He called out Pikachu, Eevee, and his elegant Kirlia. He murmured, his gaze sweeping the sparse vegetation, "Let's see what this island holds."
Pikachu scampered ahead, ever curious, while Eevee trotted beside him, its tail twitching. Kirlia, floating serenely a few feet off the ground, served as his sensitive antenna, her psychic senses constantly scanning their surroundings.
While he had the time to clear his mind, Azure shook his head as he muttered helplessly, "Sigh… forget it. If a Fighting Type comes to me in the future, then it will. But for now, I should focus on training my team first. Right, guys?"
His Pokémon Kirlia, Pikachu, and Eevee cried happily at his words. Soon enough, they eventually returned to Sapphire and Ruby after exploring a bit on the island they resided upon for a short while.
/////
[Hoenn Region, 3 Days Later, Route 108]
3 days have passed into the rhythmic sway of the ocean. Azure spent a good portion of the journey training his team, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and mentally mapping out their training regimens.
Sapphire, meanwhile, was a sponge, watching Azure interact with his Pokémon, asking countless questions about battle strategies and Pokémon psychology. Ruby, true to his nature, often retreated to his corner of Lorry's back, practicing Contest poses with his Pokémon, offering the occasional critique, or simply sketching the endless horizon.
But it was when Azure saw a small, verdant island emerge from the mist-shrouded distance – a patch of land on Route 108, untouched and seemingly perfect for their purpose. Lorry gently beached itself in a secluded cove, the sand soft underfoot.
Azure announced, scanning the island's varied terrain – a rocky incline, a small, dense patch of forest, and a relatively open clearing, "This is it. You know the usual. Time for some serious training."
*Pop*
Hurling his Poké Balls out in the open, his Pokémon knew what to do. Metang, already activated its move Gravity, putting pressure on the team.
Grovyle, usually a blur of green, moved with newfound deliberation, each step a test of will. Crawdaunt on his side began to move smugly, smirking, igniting a rivalry between the two to see who could train more.
Vulpix, accustomed to such burdens, quickly found its footing, her determined eyes fixed on Azure. Golduck, Bagon, and Vigoroth each took to their new challenge with varying degrees of struggle and resolve. Even Kirlia, delicate as it was, focused its Psychic energy, already battling the increased weight.
Sapphire, ever eager, accepted the chance to train her Pokémon further, having brought out Chic, Rono, Kirly, and Relly. Chic puffed out its chest, ready for the challenge. Rono braced itself, its metallic hide shimmering. Kirly, elegant even under duress, floated slightly higher, defying the added gravity. Relly, already dense, seemed to become one with the earth.
Azure offered, extending a hand to Ruby, "Ruby?"
Ruby, who had been observing the preparations with a raised eyebrow, shook his head. He gestured dismissively with a flourish, "No thanks. My Pokémon are Contest stars, not weightlifters. Such... brute force training might dull their grace. Besides, I prefer to focus on elegance and presentation."
Azure merely nodded, a slight, knowing smile playing on his lips. He turned back to the training, letting Ruby watch from a shaded rock, sketchbook in hand, as he said softly, "To each their path. But remember, a strong foundation often underpins true grace."
The next few hours were grueling. Azure, ever the master, put the Pokémon through a series of exercises: sprints up the rocky incline, focused energy blasts that required immense concentration, and complex evasive drills.
The air hummed with effort, the grunts of exertion, and the occasional psychic shimmer as the Kirlia struggled to keep their forms. Sapphire, mirroring Azure's intensity, cheered on her team, her face glistening with sweat.
Chic's flame grew hotter with each jump, Rono's charges left deeper furrows in the earth, and Kirly's Psychic attacks gained new potency. The island fell silent, save for the heavy breathing of the Pokémon.
Azure walked among his exhausted but triumphant team, gently ordering Metang to cancel the move Gravity. The immediate lightness in the Pokémon's movements was palpable – they practically floated, their agility and speed now magnified.
But seeing his Kirlia Azure, pondered a bit before he thought, 'Should be a good time as any to evolve you, little one…'
*Shiii*
Then it happened. Under an intensive light, everyone halted they're training as Azure nodded happily, seeing his Kirlia evolve proudly, declared, "Looks like my little girl is all grown up. I'm so proud…"
The light ended as stood in Kirlia's place was a beautiful evolved Gardevoir. Gardevoir is a bipedal, humanoid Pokémon whose body resembles a flowing gown. Most of its body is white, but its hair, arms, and the underside of its gown are green. Its hair curls over its face and down the sides of its head. Behind its red eyes are short spikes, resembling a masquerade mask.
It now has long, slender arms with three fingers on each hand and slender white legs. A red, fin-like horn extends from its chest, and a shorter, more rounded horn extends from the back. A band of green on its chest extends to the center of the front horn and connects to its sleeve-like arms.
Gardevoir looked at Azure as it cried happily, telepathically declaring, 'Sky! I've finally evolved! I'm super strong now!'
Azure gave a curt nod, proud of his Kirlia's work. He quickly checked his Arc Phone, reading the bio and status as Sapphire and Ruby admired his Gardevoir.
[Gardevoir the Embrace Pokémon. Gardevoir can see the future using its psychic powers. Its telekinetic powers enable it to lift objects and support itself without feeling the pull of gravity. Additionally, it is able to create small black holes, distort dimensions, and fire a destructive energy wave.
Gardevoir's power reaches its peak when protecting its Trainer, whom it will protect with its life. This Pokémon typically inhabits urban areas but has occasionally been sighted in snowy regions. Gardevoir often sleeps upright to protect people or Pokémon instantly at any moment. There is a rumor that if anyone sees Gardevoir moving its dress-like body in its sleep, they will never forget that beautiful sight. Iron Valiant shares a resemblance to Gardevoir and Gallade.]
|Name: Gardevoir (Embrace Pokémon)
|Type: Psychic/Fairy
|Level: 30
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Twisted Spoon]
|Ability: Telepathy (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Timid
|Moves: Teleport, Double Team, Heal Pulse, Hypnosis, Calm Mind, Wish, Disarming Voice [A][S], Confusion [A][S], Draining Kiss [A][S], Psybeam [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Protect (TM), Dazzling Gleam (IM), Magical Leaf [A][S] (IM), Destiny Bond (IM), Disable (EM) (8 Moves left to learn)
Azure grinned, seeing this as he already had an idea in mind, as he thought happily, 'Good. Seems like Gardevoir could learn a lot, and thankfully, I have Metang here to show her the ropes using other moves.'
But since his Kirlia evolved, he gazed towards Sapphire's Kirly. Azure knew he had the Dawn Stone needed to evolve Sapphire's male Kirlia into Gallade.
If Azure waited, it wouldn't make a good foundation for her Gallade if it remained a Kirlia for long, but it wanted a bit of time for Kirlia to adjust to its new form. Not only that, but he also saw Sapphire's Kirly reaching level 30 soon.
Thus decided to evolve his Sapphire's Kirly. Having made his decision, he rose, turning to Sapphire, his gaze thoughtful.
He then said as he greeted Kirly, getting Sapphire's attention, "Sapphire, your Kirly is also incredibly strong. And after seeing this training, I've decided. I've been planning for this, but the timing feels right. I'm going to evolve him into a Gallade."
Sapphire's eyes widened, surprised by the news as he held a Dawn Stone in his hand. Sapphire looked from her Kirly, who was nudging her hand, and back to Azure. Her mind raced, processing the implications.
She was an aspiring Trainer, but she was also Sapphire, and she wanted to win. To win, her Pokémon needed to be strong, versatile, and surprising
A Gallade on her team would be a formidable asset. Taking a deep breath, she said in a determined tone, her voice firm, a new spark igniting in her eyes, "Yes! Yes, Master. I want to. Let's evolve Kirly into a Gallade, too. The stronger my team is, the better chance I have at winning those Gym Badges. And I want to win my bet!"
Ruby, who had quietly approached, his sketchbook forgotten, listened to their conversation. He watched Azure's calm strength, Sapphire's newfound resolve, and pondered to himself about his fighting prowess as he mused silently, "Perhaps… there was more to strength than just brute force… Perhaps, it was also about calculated power, knowing when and how to unleash it…"
He didn't say anything, but a thoughtful silence settled over him, hinting at a shift in his perspective. Azure nodded, a satisfied gleam in his eyes as he brought out the Dawn Stone, asking the two calmly, "Okay, Kirly, you have shown incredible dedication and potential. And now I think you're ready for a new stage in your journey. This Dawn Stone can help you unlock that potential, to evolve into a powerful Gallade. But it's your choice. I'll never force an evolution."
Kirly gazed at the stone, then back at Azure, then to Sapphire, its expression one of thoughtful contemplation. After a moment, it floated closer, nuzzling Azure's hand where he held the stone, a clear affirmation.
A silent agreement was passed between Trainer and Pokémon. Azure smiled warmly as he gently placed the Dawn Stone on Kirly's head, "Then let's do this."
[Would you like to use this item [Dawn Stone]?]
[Which Pokémon will you use it for?]
*Shiii*
A blinding white light erupted, enveloping the small Psychic Pokémon. The light pulsed, growing in intensity, casting stark shadows across the beach. Sapphire and Ruby instinctively shielded their eyes, watching in awe.
The Kirlia's silhouette began to change, growing taller, more defined, its delicate form transforming into something sleeker, more powerful. The blades on its elbows became more prominent, its headcrest sharper, its posture more battle-ready.
When the light finally receded, standing before them was a majestic, knight-like Pokémon with sharp blades on its arms and a dignified aura – Sapphire's male Kirlia was now a magnificent Gallade.
*Shiii*
Gallade looked at its new form, then at Sapphire, a silent nod of profound understanding and renewed loyalty passing between them. Its movements were fluid, graceful, yet imbued with immense power as it easily controlled its chaotic Psychic Powers.
Sapphire watched, fascinated and awestruck, as her beloved Kirly grew, transformed, until it too stood tall and proud, a magnificent Gallade. Sapphire, still wide-eyed, rushed over as she exclaimed excitedly, "Wow! Azure, that was incredible! Gallade looks amazing!"
Ruby, who had been observing the entire scene, finally approached, a newfound respect in his eyes, seeing the process as he said, dumbfounded, "That... was quite the sight. Not just the evolution, but the way you handled it. Asking for permission, that's... different. Both beauty and brawn."
Sapphire breathed, tears welling in her eyes. She hugged her new Gallade fiercely, who returned the gesture with newfound strength as she yelled happily, "Gallade! Oh, Kirly, you're amazing!"
Azure observed a sense of quiet satisfaction settling within him. They had gained not just power, but a deeper understanding of themselves. Ruby, watching from a distance, saw the glow of the Dawn Stone, the powerful forms of the new Gallade and Gardevoir.
He felt a flicker of something, perhaps envy, perhaps a grudging respect, seeing they're Pokémon represent beauty and brawn. He still believed in his path, but the raw power emanating from Azure's and Sapphire's teams was undeniable.
As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in fiery hues once more, Azure looked out at the vast ocean. With Sapphire, her newly empowered Gallade, and his formidable team, their journey felt more prepared than ever.
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!