After finishing their meal, Aoki and Kamizre didn't rush to leave. Instead, they took the opportunity to explore Yokoto Town, picking up some supplies they might need for the journey ahead.
As they strolled through the streets, Aoki leaned against a nearby wall, observing the bustling crowd.
"The Pokémon Ring Contest… looks like it's pretty popular. If I had a fully evolved Flying-type Pokémon, I'd definitely enter," he mused.
Of course, that was just a passing thought. His Gyarados, despite having the Flying typing, wasn't capable of actual flight. Letting it compete in a flying race would just be an embarrassment.
Just as he finished speaking, a Luxury Ball at his waist suddenly burst open.
"Duuuube!"
Aoki blinked in surprise as his Bagon (Crustacean) suddenly emerged, looking unusually excited.
He crouched down, staring at it closely. "Bagon… you mean… you're ready to evolve? You'll be able to fly after evolving?"
"Dube!" Bagon nodded eagerly.
Aoki's heart pounded with excitement. This was a huge moment! He immediately turned to Kamizre.
"Kamizre, I need to take Bagon somewhere more open for its evolution! The space here is too small. Wait for me at the Pokémon Center—I'll register for the contest as soon as the evolution is complete!"
Without waiting for her response, Aoki dashed towards the outskirts of the town with Bagon in tow.
Kamizre watched him go, feeling a twinge of envy. "So lucky… I wish I could communicate with Pokémon like that," she murmured.
Reaching a clearing outside town, Aoki set Bagon down and took a deep breath.
"Bagon, let's do this. It's time for you to evolve and take to the skies!"
A bright evolutionary light suddenly enveloped Bagon's small frame. Aoki's eyes gleamed with excitement as he watched its body rapidly grow larger, its features transforming.
The anticipation was almost too much—after so long, the dream of flight was finally becoming a reality!
As the light faded, standing before Aoki was a Salamence—the fully evolved form of Bagon, spreading its massive crimson wings for the first time.
"Salamence, congratulations! You've finally evolved!"
Aoki rushed forward, touching the dragon's sturdy wings, unable to contain his excitement. He had been waiting for this day ever since he first obtained Bagon.
His mind raced. Now that Salamence had evolved, it was already at the peak of the Quasi-Elite level! If it could grasp the deeper mysteries of battle, it would step into the ranks of true Elites.
This was the power of a pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
Aoki's fingers brushed against the Ability Capsule in his pocket, and he quickly used it on Salamence. Immediately, its secondary ability was unlocked.
Pokémon Data:
• Name: Salamence
• Type: Dragon/Flying
• Abilities: Intimidate (lowers opponent's Attack), Moxie (boosts its own Attack after knocking out an opponent)
• Strength: Quasi-Elite (understanding the deeper battle instinct)
• Potential: Champion
"Incredible…" Aoki whispered. This is a top-tier Salamence. With Moxie, every battle will only make it stronger. If it can grasp battle instinct fully, it will step into the Elite ranks.
Salamence flapped its powerful wings, its eyes burning with excitement. It had dreamed of this moment ever since it was a Bagon—the dream of soaring through the sky was now a reality.
Aoki grinned and gave it a pat. "Alright, big guy. Tomorrow's contest is your first test. Show me what you can do."
Salamence roared triumphantly, fully prepared for its first battle in the sky.
Back at the Pokémon Center, Aoki quickly completed his registration for the Pokémon Ring Contest. As soon as he did, he spotted Winona (Naqi) standing nearby.
The elegant Fortree City Gym Leader turned to him with interest.
"Oh? Did I hear that right? One of your Pokémon evolved and can fly now? That means we'll be rivals tomorrow," she said with a competitive smile.
Aoki nodded. "That's right. Let's have a good battle."
Winona's eyes gleamed with determination. "I won't hold back. Flying-type battles are my specialty, after all."
Kamizre, standing beside Aoki, watched their exchange with a sour expression. Seeing Winona's confidence and beauty made her feel a bit jealous.
"Hmph… if only I had a Flying-type, I'd enter too," she muttered. Unfortunately, neither her Electric nor Water-type Pokémon could fly, so she had to give up the idea.
She glanced at Aoki, her emotions growing more complicated.
That night, inside their shared room, Aoki and Kamizre lay side by side on the bed. Though they were close, their relationship had remained surprisingly pure.
Still, as Aoki started to drift off, he suddenly felt Kamizre place a hand on his shoulder.
Her face was flushed. "Aoki… tomorrow, you have to win. I believe in you."
Aoki's eyes lit up.
Is Kamizre… finally starting to open up?
Feeling emboldened, he gently placed his own hand on her arm. "Don't worry. I won't disappoint you. And you should keep working hard too—becoming a Gym Leader isn't far off."
Kamizre's heart skipped a beat. Ever since she met Aoki, she had realized how truly talented he was. He wasn't just a powerful trainer—he was someone special.
She had already begun imagining a future with him.
"I'll work hard. Just wait and see," she whispered to herself.
As the night passed, both of them quietly fell asleep.
The next morning, after a quick breakfast, Aoki picked up Salamence's Luxury Ball and gave it a light tap.
"Salamence, today's the day. Let's show everyone what you can do."
Inside the Poké Ball, Salamence let out a deep growl of excitement.
"Alright! Let's go—this competition is ours to win!"
And with that, Aoki stepped forward, ready to take on the Pokémon Ring Contest.
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