As the dust settled over the shattered trees and rippling lake, Alex calmly walked toward the crater where Gyarados had landed. Despite the raw power of his strike, he could sense that the mighty Water-Flying-type was still conscious—barely.
Gyarados groaned, slowly opening one eye. As Alex approached, his tall figure silhouetted against the morning sun, Gyarados felt something stir deep within: respect.
Not fear. Not rage. But the kind of awe only true strength can command.
He couldn't understand it. How could a human—one without even commanding a Pokémon—strike him with enough power to knock him out instantly? And to make things worse, the small Ralts who stood beside him, glowing softly with a watchful gaze, made his instincts scream not to act out.
This trainer... this boy… wasn't normal.
Alex knelt beside the massive serpent's head, gently placing a hand on his snout. "You fought bravely, Gyarados. I know you didn't expect that. Honestly, neither did I." He gave a short laugh. "But strength alone means nothing if we can't walk the same path."
He raised Gyarados' Pokéball in his other hand. "Join me willingly, as my partner. Not as a beast captured by force, but as a warrior choosing his commander."
There was a pause.
Then, with a low but clear rumble from deep in his chest, Gyarados nodded.
His massive head lowered in submission, and a blue glow enveloped him as he willingly touched his snout to the Pokéball.
Click.
Buzz.
Ding!
The Pokéball chimed, confirming the successful bond.
Rena clapped her small hands joyfully. "Yay! Now we have a big teammate!"
Gyarados' Pokéball vibrated briefly, as if he was sweat-dropping from inside. "This small one is scarier than she looks..." he thought.
Alex smiled, clipping the Pokéball to his belt beside Rena's. "Welcome to the team, Gyarados."
He stood, brushing the dust off his hands and turning to Rena. "Now that both of you are officially with me… our journey truly begins."
Rena gave a confident nod, floating beside him.
In the divine realm, Mera gazed into the mortal plane and whispered, "You've gathered your first pieces
. Keep going, my love."