My body felt different, more powerful. It was the day after my evolution from a Jangmo-o to a Hakamo-o, and I was still getting used to this newfound strength and body. My scales, once small and unassuming, were now larger and more pronounced. I flexed my limbs, feeling the energy coursing through them.
As a bipedal, reptilian pokemon, I had a more upright posture. I gazed down at the water in the fountain and stared at my angular, red eyes, which seemed to carry an extra gleam of determination. The small spikes on my snout, like teeth, felt intriguing to touch. My neck now boasted two circular, light yellow scales with darker edges, and the feathers on my head and shoulders added a touch of elegance to my appearance.
What excited me most was my clawed appendages. I had three yellow claws on each arm, ready to take on any challenge. I extended them, feeling the weight and power they held. My tail, too, was different. At its tip, a small, circular scale now resided. I flicked it playfully, admiring its design.
The world seemed filled with new possibilities. My movements were different, more agile and commanding. I took a few steps, each stride exuding strength and grace. I couldn't help but let out a joyful roar, my way of celebrating my evolution. I just couldn't contain my excitement. My newly evolved body felt like a powerhouse, and now, something amazing had happened. My egg moves, including Focus Punch, were unlocked after the evolution. I couldn't wait to test this new, powerful move.
Positioning myself, I concentrated deeply. The aura of Fighting-type energy began to envelop me. It was unlike anything I had experienced before. It surged through my veins, each pulse stronger than the last. I felt as if I were channeling the raw strength of a warrior. As my arm began to glow a vibrant light blue, I marveled at the power it held. The energy gathering in my fist felt like a reservoir of might.
I was ready.
The tree stood before me, and it was time to unleash this newfound strength. With a swift motion, I thrust my glowing arm forward, and in an instant, I vanished from sight. But it didn't stop there. I reappeared in front of the tree, charged with even more energy. With all the force and determination I could muster, I threw my punch. The impact was astounding. The surge of power released was phenomenal, and I could feel it resonating with the target. It was like a tempest, a cataclysmic force of energy. The tree shattered into million of pieces by the sheer might of the Focus Punch.
I roared in triumph, feeling the adrenaline rush and the rush of power that the move had unleashed. My heart raced, and I could feel the vibrations of the attack coursing through my entire body. It was an incredible sensation, and I couldn't wait to explore more of my abilities and the moves that had been unlocked after my evolution. As I stood there, my chest heaving with exhilaration, I knew that this was just the beginning. My journey as a Hakamo-o was bound to be filled with awe-inspiring battles, and I was more than ready to embrace the challenges and surprises that lay ahead.
I rapidly turned around when I heard clapping, I beamed happily when I saw Dad standing there, wearing a proud smile and clapping. Dad's applause filled me with pride. It was a heartwarming moment, his encouragement giving me a burst of energy that I hadn't felt before. As he clapped, I couldn't help but puff out my chest in response, a broad, toothy grin spreading across my face.
"That's my baby boy," Dad cheered with a twinkle in his eye. His voice was full of genuine excitement, and I could feel the warmth of his pride washing over me. "Though, you are no longer a baby, are you?" he chuckled, his eyes filled with a mixture of nostalgia and pride. My heart swelled at the affection in his gaze.
With the Pokedex in hand, he approached me, and I stood tall and still, ready to be scanned. It was a familiar routine; Dad had been doing this since the day I hatched from my pokemon egg. I was well accustomed to these check-ins, and each time, I felt like I was showing him my growth. Dad's fingers danced across the Pokedex's screen as he scanned my new form. The device emitted a soft, pleasant hum, confirming it was processing my data. A moment later, the screen displayed my updated information.
Pokemon: Hakamo-o (Ares).
Gender: Male.
Ability: Soundproof.
Type: Dragon.
Move set: Tackle, Leer, Headbutt, Scary Face, Protect, Iron Defense, Dragon Dance, Dragon Tail, Dragon Claw, Counter, and Focus Punch.
Egg moves: Counter and Focus Punch.
NOTE: The Egg moves have been unlocked.
The words on the Pokedex's screen felt like a testament to my growth and development. It was a tangible record of how far I had come. Looking back at Dad, my eyes sparkled with excitement and gratitude. I was eager to train more and get even stronger.
What did piss me off was that Dad's attention was soon stolen from me by a retreating figure leaving the Pokemon Center. "Hey," Dad smiled warmly at the blond trainer, whom we had faced in a fierce showdown during the finals of the Clubsplosion Tournament. "Leaving already?"
Trip responded with a nonchalant shrug, though beneath his facade, I could detect a tinge of melancholy. I couldn't help but wonder why. Trip was undoubtedly a formidable trainer, the sole one in this tournament who had provided us with a true challenge. Trip might have lost against us in the finals, but there was no shame in losing to a strong opponent like us. He should have been proud of his performance. So, why did he seem so disheartened? "Congrats on your victory."
Dad wore a proud and gracious smile, appreciating Trip's humble demeanor. "Well, before you go, I wanted to thank you," Dad beamed, and Trip's expression shifted to one of mild confusion. "Ares had been on the brink of evolving for a while. That's why I relied so heavily on him during this tournament."
Trip raised an intrigued eyebrow, his memory of the battles reflecting in his thoughtful gaze. "I noticed. You used him in every battle. It was the first time I've seen you push a pokemon that hard."
Dad's gaze turned fond and appreciative as he locked eyes with me. In response, I puffed my chest out with pride and released a victorious roar. Indeed, I had evolved into a Hakamo-o, and it was a milestone worth celebrating. "It was necessary, Ares needed that extra push," Dad explained, pride evident in his voice. "But it was you who truly pushed us to our limits. The finals was a real battle. Thanks to your relentless effort, Ares achieved the evolution into a Hakamo-o. So, thank you."
Trip, however, shook his head with a trace of sadness in his eyes, and he could not fully conceal his disappointment. "Don't thank me," he murmured, his voice heavy with self-criticism. "I was aiming for victory and I fell short."
Dad's response was filled with understanding and encouragement. "We all face defeats at some point in our journey," he reminded Trip with a reassuring smile. "What truly matters is how we learn from them and grow stronger. Just keep training, and I'm sure the next time we meet, it will be an even more extraordinary battle." Dad smile became tense after a while. "I... I wanted to ask you how you are. The encounter with Champion Alder had left an uncomfortable impression on both of us."
"You met Champion Alder as well?" Trip's eyes widened in surprise, body tensing further.
Champion Alder? Who was that one again? I wondered internally. Ah! The homeless man! Right! Bruce-oniichan had mentioned him before!
"Not really... but I saw your meeting with him by the bridge,: Dad glanced sideways at Trip, noticing a somber expression on his usually stoic face. "Trip, you know, meeting Champion Alder was... unexpected. He's not at all what I imagined a Champion would be like."
Trip, deep in thought, nodded in agreement. "I had heard stories about him, you know? About how powerful and wise he was. But seeing him that day... it was a shock."
Dad furrowed his brows, his curiosity piqued. "You've met him before?"
Trip hesitated for a moment before answering, "Not in person, but I've seen him in battles. He was always a symbol of strength and respect in my eyes."
As they continued to walk, Dad and I couldn't help but sense a change in Trip's demeanor. There was a newfound maturity, a sense of understanding that seemed to be taking root.
"You know, I used to think that power and strength were everything," Trip admitted, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "I believed that becoming stronger meant leaving emotions behind, and that showing respect or kindness was a sign of weakness."
Dad and I listened attentively, Dad's own experiences and growth as a Trainer echoing in Trip's words.
"But that day," Trip continued, "I realized something. Champion Alder's strength didn't stop him from being... disrespectful. It's not just about being strong. It's about how you use that strength."
Dad nodded, a sense of camaraderie between them. "I get it. I've met some powerful Trainers on my journey, but they weren't all good people. Strength alone doesn't make someone great."
Trip's lips curled into a small, thoughtful smile. "Exactly. And I think it's time for me to redefine what it means to be a great Trainer. It's not just about winning battles, but also about how you treat your Pokémon and fellow Trainers."
I couldn't help but feel a surge of respect for Trip's self-awareness and growth. It was a sign of maturity that I hadn't seen in Dad's rival before.
"I think you're right, Trip," Dad said, grinning. "We're all on this journey to become better Trainers and better people. Let's keep pushing forward, learning, and growing together."
Trip returned the grin, a new determination in his eyes. "Agreed, Ash. It's time for a fresh start, and I want to make it count."
Here I though this day could not get better. I was wrong.