9 Chapter Nine

I watched as the impressive form of a Gabite staggered to her feet and growl at my Zoroark challangingly.

My gaze remained impassive as the Dragon type got her feet under her and breathed heavily.

I was impressed, that to manage to last this long against Zoroark's tricky battle style was indeed a mark of a good trainer.

My eyes traveled to the Gabites trainer, and gray orbs met mine. So beautiful, so deep, so full of resistance, challenge...

My lips quirked back slightly into a smile. It's been what... nine months since I left Sinnoh to travel through other regions, it was by chance that I met her again, she improved so much...

My eyes squinted as light erupted from the Gabite, and I watched as the figure of Gabite grew in size, changing in shape, growing in power, it was evolving.

I chuckled.

Such loyalty.

The roar of a Gabite at the start of the battle paled in comparison to the bellow of the mighty Garchomp that rang out in the clearing.

Zoroark lowered his body in preparation.

"Garcomp! Dragon Claw!"

The battle resumed...

___

My eyes snapped open and I breathed a sigh... No nightmare this time...

I sat up, looking at my Zoroark who was sleeping next to the bed, curled up into a ball.

Getting up from the bed, I look out the window, for a moment, watching the slowly rising sun.

"Zor?"

I absently raised my hand and patted my starter mane, smiling at the satisfied growl he released.

"Sorry for waking you up..."

He grunted and nuzzled my hand for a moment. Stopping the small patting session, I walked over to the shower that came with the room and Took a quick shower, bringing the clothes with me.

Walking out a few minutes later fully dressed, I grabbed my things and walked out of the room, Zoroark following me.

"Ready for the free-for-all?"

I asked, getting an excited grunt in return. Chuckling, I exited the hotel and went to the exit of the town.

"Whose gonna win this time?"

I asked as we went past the entrance and Zoroark just huffed and patted his chest, which I chuckled at. He may not be the physically strongest, but his vast and more importantly, useful move pool provided good alternatives.

And let's not talk about his Illusions.

Finally reaching a big enough clearing, I looked around for a moment before grinning.

Patting Zoroark on his mane again, I released the rest of my team and Ceruledge emerged from my shadow.

"Alright, don't kill each other."

I commented lightly as I grabbed Shinx in my arms and walked away, Ignoring the fighting that broke out a second after behind me. Shinx was looking at them over my shoulder as the Powerhouses clashed, his tail wagging in excitement.

"Worry not little one, you will be joining them soon."

The little electric lion cub swung his tail faster as I placed him down and patted his head.

"Alright, let's make you deadly."

I grinned, I had a lot of plans for this little ball of potential.

But first, we had six days to make him stronger.

___

I watched as Zoroark demonstrated and guided Shinx on how to perform a very useful move named Swift.

I chuckle a little, sending a glance at the rest of my team that was eating a few poor Pokemon that managed to come across them and ended up being their food.

Shinx roared out very adorably and created a... Single star of Swift.

I grinned.

Good, ten minutes of instructing and he could already make a single star.

Now, I needed him to get down five stars in two days, the minimum requirement of knowing the move.

This would surely be a good week of training.

"He has- Talent."

I nodded at Iron Valiant's comment, smiling.

"Tell me about it."

Iron Valiant's eyes lit up showing the image of Shinx as it amplified the image.

"Signs of- Evolution!-detected."

I hummed, nodding. That was fast, even though it was still in the very early stage he would be evolving in a few weeks.

"He is getting stronger and is exceptional at listening to orders and instructions... Now, we will need to teach him how to fight when he evolves."

Valiant nodded and I released a sigh. I missed this feeling, planning out a training plan instead of a raid plan for once.

Unwarranted, my thoughts traveled back to my dream, or more importantly, the person that was in it. She lost that day... Evolution isn't all it cracked up to be, the Pokemon has to get used to the new form, the instincts are there but since when are instincts the only requirement for a battle?

Despite the loss, even with the boosted power from a recent evolution, she looked so happy...

I sigh, looking up at the clear sky for a moment...

"I miss her..."