Unbeknownst to Charmander, the ethereal light expanded beyond his vision, cloaking him in a radiant brilliance. Within moments, the dazzling glow initiated a transformative surge, each passing second amplifying his size and power. Gyarados, caught off guard, struggled to comprehend the sudden change, its grip slackening as Charmander's newly grown claws dug into its massive tail. The flame on Charmander's tail blazed brighter, an incandescent symbol of his imminent evolution.
In a stunning turn of events, the beast, formerly convinced it had drowned Charmander, raised its tail from the water, perplexed as to what was expanding in it's grasp. To its shock, Charmander emerged, clinging tenaciously, his grip unwavering. Then, the radiant light burst forth, unveiling his evolved form - a majestic Charmeleon, ready for battle.
On the sidelines, Tyler's eyes widened in confusion, his primal instincts struggling to comprehend the unfolding spectacle. "What the- where did Charmander- IS HE COVERED IN BLOOD? WHY IS HE RED?-"
"No, Tyler... he's fine! Heck, more than fine actually! He's-"
"HE EVOLVED? OH, THANK FUCKING ARCEUS!" Grayson's relief echoed through the tumult, surprising Isa and Tyler with its intensity. A broad grin overtook Tyler's face as he caught up with the excitement, Isa chuckling at Grayson's unexpected burst of enthusiasm. "FUCK YEAH! KICK ITS ASS, RED CHARMANDER!" Tyler shouted, joining in the uproar, his anticipation and exhilaration matching the newfound energy of the evolved Charmander. The battle had reached an electrifying climax, and it appeared that this evolution could just be what was needed to finally shift the tides.
Ignited by Tyler's oddly inspiring words, Charmeleon somersaulted through the air, aiming for Gyarados' massive back. His claws, now infused with draconic energy, struck the serpent upon landing, relentlessly climbing its spine and unleashing a flurry of Dragon Claws that left a mark on the enraged beast.
Gyarados, responding to the unexpected assault, thrashed about furiously, attempting to dislodge Charmeleon. Unyielding, Charmeleon's claws dug deeper into Gyarados' body. Seizing the moment, Scizor burst out of the water, executing a swift X-Scissor to the beast's face, momentarily halting its violent movements. He swiftly descended Gyarados' back, checking on Charmeleon's condition with a worried glance, finding his friend unharmed.
Reassured, Scizor ascended Gyarados once more, initiating a Swords Dance before flipping in front of the beast, a barrage of Bullet Punches connecting with its face, concluding the onslaught with a decisive X-Scissor. Gyarados retaliated, launching an Ice Beam that sent Scizor skidding away, its desperation growing as stamina waned.
Yet, the tide of battle wasn't only against Gyarados. Dartrix, though weakened, pressed on, utilizing Shadow Sneaks to inflict damage despite the evident decline in agility. Seizing the opportunity, Gyarados readied a potent Ice Beam, aiming for Dartrix when she slowed down. However, Scizor intervened, countering the attack with an X-Scissor. The clash revealed their collective frailty, subsiding briefly before Scizor, rallying himself, prepared for another X-Scissor.
Gyarados, attempting a barrage of Shadow Balls, found them cancelled out by Dartrix's Razor Leaves before resorting to another Ice Beam. Just as the impending clash loomed, Charmeleon leapt onto Gyarados' head, unleashing a fiery Flamethrower to nullify the Ice Beam. Swiftly following, he drove Dragon Claws into Gyarados' eyes, forcing them shut and creating an opening for Scizor to advance. The battle's intensity surged as each Pokémon pushed their limits in this climactic confrontation.
With the combined might of its allies, Scizor pressed on, delivering a devastating X-Scissor directly to Gyarados' face. The serpent roared in agony, reeling backward in pain. Sensing the platform's instability, Charmeleon leaped off Gyarados' head, skillfully caught midair by Scizor's claws.
Tyler, inspired by the familiar battling strategy he'd employed before, proposed the idea to Isa. Initially hesitant, Isa's doubts were instantly dismissed by Grayson's unwavering faith in Tyler's plan. "His stupidity kills, sure, but I'm certain it won't be us," Grayson declared, his confidence in the plan evident in his words.
"If you're sure!" Isa responded with a smirk, fully on board with the plan. As Tyler called out to the Pokemon, quickly explaining the strategy, Charmeleon comprehended the plan, and when Gyarados launched an Ice Beam from a distance, he readied a Flamethrower. Scizor, while not initially understanding, instinctively swung Charmeleon like a whip, his flamethrower forming a slash that perfectly canceling the incoming attack, unintentionally aligning with Tyler's plan.
As the realization dawned upon Scizor, seeing Charmeleon's smug expression, an unspoken understanding passed between them, a bond reminiscent of brothers. Amidst Gyarados' frenzy of attacks, Scizor moved with remarkable speed, wielding Charmeleon while utilising his Flamethrower to create a fluid, circular motion, deflecting the barrage.
Closing the distance, Charmeleon extended his claws, combining Dragon Claw with the ongoing Flamethrower. Simultaneously, Scizor executed a singular horizontal slash, blending both moves seamlessly into it. Gyarados, preparing a heavy Hydro Pump to attack back, found itself vulnerable as Scizor swiftly tossed Charmeleon back. In a brilliant arc, Scizor followed up with a vertical slash, delivering a devastating uppercut to Gyarados' neck. The serpent's head shot skyward, missing its intended Hydro Pump, propelled upwards like a geyser.
Emerging from their recovery, Gyarados wasted no time in launching another Hydro Pump at the resilient duo. In a display of quick reflexes, Scizor employed Quick Attack, initiating a dizzying 360-degree spin that harnessed the momentum to transform Charmeleon's Flamethrower into a blazing wheel. The fiery contraption rapidly expanded, propelling them through the air, defying the limits of Scizor's endurance.
Their trajectory led them straight into the oncoming Hydro Pump, and with unwavering determination, the flaming wheel sliced through the raging water attack. The clash culminated in a spectacular explosion, scattering smoke across the battlefield as both sides of the confrontation collided with explosive force.
Knocked out of the sky, Scizor struggled to recover, propelled backward by the explosion, creating a watery spectacle as waves crashed around them. Approaching an imminent collision with an ice chunk, Charmeleon executed a breathtaking maneuver. He flung himself backward, arms outstretched, wielding Dragon Claw to displace the water. Twisting like a water wheel, the force generated by this acrobatic display propelled them out of the water and onto the fragile ice chunk, providing Scizor a makeshift platform to regain his footing. The ice cracked under the intense pressure, but it served as a crucial foothold for the relentless duo.
As the ice beneath them began to fracture, Scizor found himself with limited time to regain his footing. Struggling to stand, he was assisted by Charmeleon, who hastily helped him rise before the crumbling ice could betray them once again.
While Scizor took his time recovering, Charmeleon peered into the dense smoke that enveloped the battlefield, searching for any sign of the lurking Gyarados. Thankfully, the unmistakable golden glow emitted by the beast allowed Charmeleon to track its movements. With Scizor back on his feet, the duo braced themselves for the impending clash, determined to fight until the very end.
As the icy platform finally succumbed to the sheer pressure, breaking into fragments, Scizor propelled himself back into the sky. His weakened wings struggled to lift him more than a few feet off the remnants of the platform. Both Pokémon understood the urgency; they had to conclude the battle swiftly, with Scizor teetering on the brink of collapse.
Assuming their positions, Scizor adopted a high stance and propelled himself through the air with lightning speed. Utilizing Quick Attack, he twirled at a dizzying pace, while Charmeleon extended his arms, employing Dragon Claw to carve through the water below like before, forming a turbulent watery vortex.
With their synchronized movements complete, Charmeleon exhaled a powerful Flamethrower, shrouding the outer edge of the vortex in smoke, concealing them from view. While they could still perceive the Gyarados through its radiant glow amidst the smoke, it was evident that the beast was blinded to their approach.
Closing in on the Gyarados, Charmeleon modified the range of his Flamethrower, creating a second, fiery layer to the vortex. The smoke dissipated, unveiling a colossal, double-layered tornado-a testament to the combined forces of water and flames-ruthlessly tearing through the waves and crashing upon the Gyarados. The collision of elements struck true, dealing devastating damage to the beast.
In the aftermath of the intense collision, the vortex dissipated, dispersing the lingering smoke and steam that had shrouded the battlefield. Gyarados, still reeling from the onslaught, struggled to regain its composure as the duo of Scizor and Charmeleon pressed on relentlessly.
With a burst of speed, Scizor executed a Quick Attack, seamlessly transitioning into a Bullet Punch to propel Charmeleon forward with astonishing velocity. The draconic Pokémon extended his claws, piercing Gyarados with the lethal precision of Dragon Claws before clamping down onto its body. At point-blank range, Charmeleon unleashed a scorching Flamethrower, inflicting severe damage on the wounded behemoth.
The synchronized dance of destruction continued, with Scizor utilizing Quick Attack to traverse Gyarados's body from every conceivable angle. Recovery proved a near-impossible feat for the injured beast as it succumbed to the relentless assault.
Summoning its remaining strength, Gyarados retaliated, summoning its tail from the depths with sudden ferocity. Scizor's diminishing speed and instincts betrayed by exhaustion left him vulnerable, taking a forceful smack from the tail. As Gyarados unleashed its final barrage of Shadow Balls and Ice Beams, the extent of its energy reserves became painfully evident.
Witnessing Scizor's weakened state and realizing the imminent peril, Charmeleon took charge. As they descended, the fiery Pokémon deftly wielded Dragon Claws and Flamethrowers to deflect and neutralize the incoming onslaught, allowing Scizor a brief respite for recovery. Reclaiming his strength, Scizor grasped Charmeleon's tail, initiating two consecutive horizontal slashes with a graceful twirl, utilizing the range of Charmeleon's Flamethrower to fend off the approaching attacks.
With their well-coordinated defense, the duo deflected or evaded the incoming onslaught. Yet, Scizor sensed the encroaching inevitability of his own demise, acknowledging that he couldn't persist without succumbing to unconsciousness. Bracing for a decisive final assault, he employed Quick Attack, skimming inches above the water in a spiraling motion, preparing to unleash his last, ultimate attack to bring the battle to a dramatic close.
In an unspoken connection between allies, Charmeleon's instincts harmonized with Scizor's as they assumed their positions. The fiery Pokémon extended its arms, invoking the power of Dragon Claw to create a watery vortex, pushing the surrounding water into a spiraling dance. Gyarados, sensing the impending finale, summoned the last reserves of its energy, surging through the water with determination as it readied its ultimate Hydro Pump.
The vortex, expanding with each passing moment, propelled the duo forward at breakneck speed, slicing through the water like a living cyclone. Yet, Gyarados, undeterred, plunged into the depths, chasing them relentlessly. The serpent's Hydro Pump reached unprecedented proportions, fueled by the water drawn from the abyss, setting the stage for a monumental clash.
Amidst the heightened chaos, Charmeleon initiated a Flamethrower, attempting to contribute to the vortex's power. However, the exhaustive toll on Charmeleon's body manifested in the weakened flames, failing to manifest the intended vortex and falling short of its potential.
As the colossal Hydro Pump loomed behind them, the aggressive surge of water intensified, transforming the tide into a formidable adversary. The aquatic force sought to drag the duo towards an imminent demise, threatening to engulf them in the formidable Hydro Pump. Sensing the urgency, Charmeleon, recognizing the gravity of the situation, harnessed every ounce of his dwindling strength.
With a deep breath, Charmeleon poured his essence into the Flamethrower, transcending the boundaries of exhaustion. The flames intensified, fueled by an unwavering willpower that surpassed the limitations of fatigue, reaching for the precipice of their collective strength.
As the constraints of limitations crumbled beneath the relentless pressure of Charmeleon's indomitable will, flames erupted, not merely from his maw but engulfing his entire front in a powerful, newfound Flare Blitz. Swung through the air, the fiery display intensified until it collided with the inner walls of the watery vortex, creating an explosive burst of steam and smoke that veiled them in a mysterious cloud.
Scizor masterfully twirled Charmeleon using Bullet Punch, locking them into a blazing dance. The watery vortex mirrored Charmeleon's movements, transforming into a dragon-like form, attempting to keep pace with the mesmerizing inferno.
Waves and flames twirled in an enchanting dance, producing steam and smoke in it's wake that contributed to the shrouded cloud, gradually taking the shape of a ferocious, steaming serpentine dragon. This draconic entity darted into the sky, gracefully flowing through the air and building up momentum as it circled around.
Witnessing the soaring steam serpent, Gyarados emerged from the water, its colossal Hydro Pump ready in its gaping maw. Without hesitation, it unleashed the gargantuan beam at the ascending steam dragon, whose 'eyes' flashed with the hues of flowing water and blazing fire. The monstrous clash unfolded as the steam dragon rapidly descended onto the Hydro Pump, creating a colossal, explosive collision-an epic showdown between two mighty final acts, determining the conclusion of this raging battle.
Amidst the relentless clash, the Hydro Pump gradually gained the upper hand, applying immense pressure that caused the steam serpent's features to slowly dissipate. From it's wings, to its tail, to its claws and even to losing it's long, serpentine body, the once majestic form fought valiantly but succumbed to the overpowering assault, shrinking away as it raged with all its might, closing the gap between them to the best of its ability.
The dissipating cloud left only the dragon's head remaining, and it unleashed its final act, opening its jaw to release the two dancing dragons of fire and water that had created it. This outer shell faded away, passing the finishing blow to the dance within.
Emerging from the steam dragon's maw, the fiery water dance collided with the Hydro Pump, engaging in a fierce battle as they descended upon Gyarados. In a climactic struggle, all three combatants summoned their final reserves of strength, intensifying their attacks, fighting relentlessly for the taste of victory.
The expanding clash hung in the air with palpable anticipation until, in a sudden turn of events, Scizor and Charmeleon emerged victorious. Their combined onslaught cut through the Hydro Pump, overwhelming it in their final act. The devastating force crashed into Gyarados, propelling it backward alongside the duo nearer to the land where the trainers stood. The golden shine emitted by Gyarados gradually faded, returning it to its normal, darker colors as it shrank and finally fainted, bringing this decisive battle to a victorious end.
As Gyarados lay afloat, defeated and tranquil on the water's surface, Charmeleon and Scizor gracefully glided onto the docks, both showing signs of exhaustion after the intense battle as they finally collapsed, fainting. Returning them to their respective Pokeballs, Isa couldn't help but burst into laughter, a stark contrast to her typically calm demeanor. Her laughter, now loud and filled with excitement, rivaled Tyler's as she tightly embraced him, their shared jubilation echoing in the air, a testament to their hard-earned victory.
"Tyler, that was incredible! Just..." Isa managed to say amid fits of laughter, her speech momentarily overtaken by the infectious joy she felt. Tyler, surprised by this lively side of Isa, couldn't help but revel in the added happiness she brought to the moment, their sibling-like energy radiating more than ever before. As they celebrated and laughed together, Grayson walked over to the fainted Gyarados, letting out a soft, relieved sigh. He gently tapped it with a Pokeball, sucking the defeated beast into it.
1 shake... 2 shakes... 3 shakes... click! Anomaly Gyarados was caught!
With the anomaly now secured, a sense of calm washed over Grayson upon hearing the reassuring click. A sigh of relief escaped him as the burden lifted from his shoulders. Grateful for Tyler's pivotal role in reaching this point, Grayson patiently waited for the laughter to subside, intending to express his gratitude once the celebratory moment waned.
Despite his eagerness to return to the base and unwind after the unexpectedly strenuous battle, Grayson chose not to rush. He maintained a serene silence, allowing Tyler and Isa to relish their moment. Their shared joy proved contagious, and a widening smile on Grayson's face revealed his genuine pleasure in witnessing their elation.
As Grayson waited for the echoes of their laughter to fade away, he found his gaze drawn to the Pokeball in his grasp, a tangible reminder of the arduous battle they had just emerged from. Reflecting on his previous encounter with the Gyarados, he acknowledged that while the initial face-off hadn't resulted in victory, it paled in comparison to the formidable challenge faced alongside Tyler and one of the Gym Leaders.
The brilliance of the Gyarados, shining golden in its inexplicable growth, left Grayson pondering about the enigma behind such a phenomenon. The concept eluded him, though a familiar sense lingered, a puzzle yet to be unraveled. Regardless, the relief of the captured anomaly dispelled the haunting specter of failure that had cast its shadow over his mind.
Suddenly, Grayson's Rotom Phone burst forth, illuminating its screen with an urgent message. The celebratory atmosphere evaporated as Tyler snapped into high alert, a defensive posture overcoming him. Isa, quick to react, gently held Tyler, calming his instincts as the phone relayed the news:
Bzzt Bzzt...
"WARNING! THIS IS NOT A DRILL. I REPEAT, THIS IS NOT A DRILL. A CITY-WIDE STATE OF EMERGENCY IS CURRENTLY IN EFFECT IN WINDBURY CITY. TWO MYSTERIOUS YET POWERFUL AND HOSTILE ANOMALIES HAVE APPEARED AND ARE ON THE LOOSE. DO NOT ENGAGE IN COMBAT WITH IT AND EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY. THE ACU AND WINDBURY'S GYM LEADER ARE SENT TO DEAL WITH THEM AND WILL ARRIVE SHORTLY. I REPEAT, THIS IS NOT A DRILL, DO NOT ENGAGE IN COMBAT WITH THE ANOMALIES AND EVACUATE WINDBURY CITY IMMEDIATELY."
Bzzt Bzzt
As the somber announcement gradually subsided, Tyler's defensive glare softened, replaced by a perplexed expression as he struggled to comprehend the phone's urgent message. The intensity of the moment waned into confusion, and his gaze wandered, attempting to grasp the gravity of the situation. Grayson, having recovered his phone, sighed, and the faint smile that had briefly graced his face dissolved into his customary serious demeanor.
"Why Windbury, of all places? That's the third most populated city!" Grayson mumbled underneatg is breath, voicing his frustration. He turned toward Tyler, who remained in a daze, wrestling with the unfolding events. "Alright, Tyler, I'll be heading out soon. Do you want me to drop you off at the base first?"
"W-wait, where are you going?" Tyler inquired, his head tilting in confusion. Isa, wearing a subtly worried expression, caught Tyler's attention as he turned to her. Her concern deepened his sense of unease, amplifying his confusion. "Windbury, Tyler. It's a city in Ceran, you know, with houses and lots of people," she explained in a calm, gentle tone, now self-taught in speaking in Tyler terms.
"So, that's where normal people live, huh?" Tyler mused, a small smile forming as he envisioned the concept of a city in his mind. However, Grayson's urgent tone abruptly disrupted his musings. "Yeah, and it's currently under attack. This is urgent. I have to get going as soon as I can."
"Can't we just take a well-deserved break together? Who cares about some strangers?" Tyler's nonchalant words echoed, revealing his stark view on the value of human lives. In contrast, Grayson felt an overwhelming sense of duty to protect, evident in his firm response, "I care, Tyler. It's my job as an ACU Agent. I can't let anyone die, let alone anyone in Faction One... not sure if Jamie's okay over there..."
Tyler perked up at the mention of a familiar name. "W-what? Jamie's there?" Concern and worry laced his tone. Grayson nodded, "Yeah, don't you remember? Faction One was heading out to deal with Anomalies. No doubt in my mind that's them... it's not just her, Max is there too..."
Shock widened Tyler's eyes as he took a moment to process the revelation. It was an unexpected reaction, and strangely, yet again, he felt an inexplicable compulsion to help out. While he didn't need to, knowing he could rush back home after defeating the Gyarados, the names of his first and best friend and his father lingered in his mind. He was willing to let others perish for his own safety, but these lives, these familiar faces, held a different weight—one he couldn't ignore.
It would take time for Tyler to recognize these unfamiliar emotions, now grappling with him. These strange feelings, shaped by loyalty and empathy, were becoming a driving force. Petilil's influence, once thought to be the primary reason for initially helping out, paled in comparison to these sentiments, which he had realised had been the main culprit.
The decisions were no longer solely his; rather, they seemed guided by these emotions that were gradually transforming him. Surprisingly, he didn't resist the change. Instead, he welcomed it, eager to explore where these feelings might lead him. Were these the traits of humanity? Was this what it meant to be human? These questions lingered as Tyler prepared to embark on this journey, ready to explore the profound depths of his changing self.
With newfound purpose compelling him to act, Tyler knew precisely what was required of him. Unveiling a selflessness that seemed to emerge from the depths of his evolving empathy, he declared, "I'm going with you, Grayson." The sudden switch-up left Grayson visibly surprised, his head tilting in shock as he tried to decipher any trace of sarcasm in Tyler's words. However, it was Tyler—truthful and straightforward, a boy unaware of the intricacies of deception.
As Grayson grappled with the unexpected declaration, the urgency of the situation spurred him to push aside any lingering questions. He nodded, acknowledging Tyler's choice. "Very well... you coming, Isa?" Grayson asked, preparing a Pokeball.
"Ehhhh... Windbury's a little too far for my liking... and I've got to attend to that little bug sanctuary I funded back in Plithos," Isa admitted, twirling her hair as she reminisced about the adorable bugs in the sanctuary. Her eyes sparkled with the same fascination Tyler often displayed. Before getting entirely lost in the memory, she shook her head, snapping back to reality, and waved goodbye. "You two have fun, now!"
Tyler returned her warm smile, and the boys expressed their gratitude. With a flick of the wrist, Grayson released his Volcarona, the majestic creature awakening from its slumber and taking flight. Tyler's and Isa's eyes lit up simultaneously, mirroring each other's sparkling fascination. Without hesitation, the two embraced the giant, cute and fuzzy moth, their excitement palpable as they reveled in the creature's warmth and fuzziness. Despite their differences on the surface, deep down, it was obvious these two were kindred spirits.
In a departure from his usual authoritative demeanor, Grayson opted for a soft giggle as he approached Tyler and Isa, feeling too relaxed to raise his voice otherwise. "Hey hey, not now! We got a task on our hands, you two," he reminded in a friendly tone. The two, caught up in their shared excitement, released their grip on the Volcarona, apologizing simultaneously, exchanging a chuckle as they did.
With urgency in the air, Grayson strode toward the majestic Volcarona. He mounted the fuzzy creature before securing Tyler onto its back as well. "You may want to hold on tight now... she's pretty fast, y'know," he warned, glancing back at Tyler, who was immersed in exploring the soft, fuzzy fur. Observing Tyler's tight grip, Grayson shrugged and shifted focus, asking for Tyler's Pokeballs. Once in possession, Grayson bopped them with Revives and spraying them with Potions, performing an enigmatic practice that brought the Pokemon back to full strength. Despite Tyler's initial confusion, he trusted Grayson's judgment, knowing he knew better than he did.
However, his confusion peaked when Grayson handed back four Pokeballs instead of his original three. "Uhhhh... hey... you gave me one of yours," Tyler admitted, searching for the mysterious Pokeball among the crowd. Grayson, with a returning faint smile, dismissed the concern, his voice growing strangefully lighter, "Oh, don't worry about it... that's the Anomaly Gyarados we just fought. You can have it, my way of saying thanks!"
Tyler's smile widened into a cheeky grin as he pocketed his team, alongside its newfound addition. "Ohoho! Well, if you don't want 'em, I ain't complaining!" he chuckled, returning to feel Volcarona's fur while clinging tightly as she ascended, ready to embark on their journey.
Waving final goodbyes, Grayson stretched his smile, attempting to match the genuine one Tyler sported back at Isa. "You better drop by Plithos later if you're gonna take that big fluffy baby away from me now!" Isa joked, waving back as the duo soared off on Volcarona's back. Their departure marked the beginning of the journey to Windbury City as they glowed off into the distance, ready to assist with its ongoing emergency.
Author's Note: Heya! Author here, just wanna say, thank you Camiskindagae for letting me use Isa, I hope I did her well :) And to all of you readers who stuck this far, thank you! I'm so excited to see where this story goes and I hope you are too! :D Also, fun fact time! Did you know most of the attacks used in this chapter by Charmeleon and Scizor were references to Flame Breathing + Sun Breathing techniques from Demon Slayer? Thus the chapters title, Love Breathing was originally meant to be showcased too due to Charmeleon being used more as a whip than a sword, but I couldn't fit that in, unfortunately.