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"Cough, cough…"
It was around dusk. Outside the Pokémon Center in Verdanturf Town, Liam stood with his body scorched black and his hair still smoking, removing the training weights from Garchomp.
"Garr?"
With the weights removed, Garchomp regained its lightness and let out a concerned growl toward Liam.
"Cough, cough! Hm? You're asking what happened to me? Haha! It's nothing, Electabuzz just gave me a really Electabuzzough electric shock. My resistance to electricity is pretty high, so I'm fine."
Understanding Garchomp's thoughts, Liam scratched his curly, soot-covered hair and laughed it off casually.
"Gaarrh!!"
Liam did not mind, but Garchomp clearly did. It turned its head and roared angrily at Electabuzz standing nearby, scolding him for his actions.
"Buzz!"
Electabuzz immediately shouted back without backing down, raising both fists and stepping forward to confront Garchomp head-on.
Then…
BAM!
BOOM!
Electabuzz was sent flying by a single tail swing from Garchomp and crashed straight into the wall of the Pokémon Center.
Crash!
Bricks fell as Electabuzz struggled briefly before collapsing with spiraling eyes, completely knocked out.
"Gaarrh!!"
After defeating Electabuzz in one hit, Garchomp snorted hot air from its nostrils, then turned toward Liam and used its long tongue to clean the soot off his face.
Liam fell silent.
In the end, after offering sincere apologies and compensation, Liam was finally allowed to stay at the Pokémon Center.
Almost forced to sleep on the streets, Liam now lay on a soft bed, gently stroking Garchomp's large head resting beside him, a faint smile on his lips.
"Hehe, Garchomp, you've really become strong. Thinking back, you used to be such a little troublemaker, and now you've grown into this."
"Gaarrh~" nuzzle nuzzle
"It's been a long time. In the blink of an eye, we've been together for more than two years. From when you were just an egg to now, we've really been through a lot."
"Gaarrh~" nod nod
"From the Kanto League to the Johto League, and now to Hoenn, we've defeated countless opponents and faced many powerful Pokémon. From that giant Dragonite at the beginning to Articuno, Moltres, Zapdos, Ho-Oh, and even that Rayquaza a few days ago. Thinking about it, that's probably why we've become stronger."
"Gaarrh."
At the mention of Rayquaza, Garchomp opened its eyes, a flash of fighting spirit appearing before it slowly closed them again.
"Hehe, I know you're not satisfied, but don't worry, Garchomp. I'll grow stronger with you. Everyone will. We are partners, we are family. If we meet that Rayquaza again, we'll fight it together and teach that rude guy a lesson."
"Gaarrh Gaarrh~"
Garchomp grinned and nodded vigorously.
"Good, but you still need to get along with everyone. Don't hit so hard next time."
"Gaarrh…" looking aggrieved
"Haha, but if it's Electabuzz, you don't need to hold back. That guy has that kind of personality. Only when he realizes he can't beat you will he improve. Otherwise he's too lazy."
"Gaarrh!"
Garchomp nodded quickly as if accepting the responsibility.
"Alright, remember that. It's getting late, go to sleep. We still have training and travel tomorrow. Good night."
Garchomp rubbed against Liam once more, then lay quietly beside the bed and quickly fell asleep.
The night passed in silence.
Early the next morning, after saying goodbye to Nurse Joy, Liam continued his journey toward Rustboro City.
Verdanturf Town was not far from Rustboro City, but countless mountains lay between them, making the journey time-consuming.
In Liam's memory, these mountains would one day be tunneled through to form Rusturf Tunnel, but that was far in the future, and the project likely had not even started yet.
With no other option, Liam led his Pokémon across the mountains.
"Gaarrh!"
"Buzz Buzz!!"
Just like the previous day, Liam released all his Pokémon for endurance training.
Leading the group was Garchomp, still wearing six weights, but this time Electabuzz followed closely behind with a serious expression.
After being defeated so easily the previous day, Electabuzz had realized the gap between them. His competitive nature finally ignited, and he followed Garchomp closely, shouting as he ran, completely abandoning his previous laziness.
The rest of the team remained mostly unchanged. Lolo had recovered and returned to its lively and mischievous nature, happily circling Liam as they ran.
The mountain range stretched endlessly, barren and devoid of even a single wild Pokémon.
After three days of traveling through the mountains, Liam and his companions finally reached the peak of the last mountain.
"WOOOAAAH!!!"
Liam cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted loudly down the mountain, his voice echoing through the valleys.
"Hahaha! We finally made it out! That city ahead should be Rustboro City! Alright everyone, one last push! Let's get there quickly and have a good rest! Charge! Time for a feast!"
With that, Liam dashed downhill, and his Pokémon cheered as they followed.
During these past few days, one of Liam's Pokémon had changed.
"Gallade!!"
Following closely behind Liam, alongside Garchomp, was now a humanoid Pokémon.
It had a green upper body with a helmet-like head and a pure white lower body, giving it the appearance of a refined gentleman.
Most striking were its arms, which formed blade-like extensions.
It was Kiru's evolution, Gallade.
[Ding!]
Pokemon: Gallade
Type: Psychic/Fighting type
Species: Blade Pokémon. It evolves from Kirlia using a Dawn Stone. It possesses a powerful physique and can use many strong fighting techniques. The blade-like arms on both sides can extend freely and are said to be capable of incredible reach. Gallade is also known for valuing battle etiquette and possesses exceptional combat discipline.
Ability: Steadfast
Nature: Adamant
Gender: Male
Moves:Growl, Confusion, Teleport, Double Team, Magical Leaf, Lucky Chant, Imprison, Slash, Stored Power, Close Combat, Leaf Blade, Night Slash (Street Training)
Egg Move: Mean Look
TM Moves: None
Base Stats: 518
HP: 70/68
Attack:136/125
Defense: 65/65
Special Attack: 34/65
Special Defense: 115/115
Speed: 98/80
Evaluation: Outstanding, possibly beyond. Although its total stats have not reached the absolute peak, this Gallade's strength and potential far exceed normal standards. It is a natural-born warrior, a Pokémon born for battle, and is highly recommended for focused training.