On the descent, Magmar kept stealing glances at Blaziken. The evolved Pokémon's fiery aura radiated an intensity that unnerved him. By age, Blaziken was barely an adolescent—yet his power dwarfed most veterans.
Magmar sighed. Such is the privilege of a gifted trainer.
Su Feng, oblivious to Magmar's gaze, marveled at Blaziken's transformation. "Feels like my kid grew up overnight..."
The once-cuddly Combusken now towered over him at over 6'7"—unusually tall even for a Blaziken. Had Su Feng not personally prepared his meals, he'd suspect steroids.
"Blaziken, never forget Moltres' kindness. Repay her someday."
"Blaz!" Blaziken nodded, a wisp of golden flame flickering at his wrist—a remnant of Moltres' Sacred Fire. His former focus on martial prowess had blinded him to Fire's potential. Now, the balance felt right.
In Su Feng's arms, Growlithe stared up at Blaziken, then at his gentle trainer. Determination sparked in its eyes.
"Arf? (Mr. Su… can I become your Pokémon?)"
"Hm?" Su Feng lifted the pup to eye level. "Why?"
"Arf! Arf… (I want to be strong like Blaziken! And…)" Growlithe's ears drooped shyly. "Arf! (I like how kind you are!)
Su Feng chuckled. "Being my partner won't be easy."
"Arf! (I'm ready!)"
Magmar interjected: "Mag. (Let him join you. His potential rivals Blaziken's.)"
An exaggeration, perhaps—but Growlithe deserved better than this desolate volcano.
"Doesn't he have… family here?" Su Feng asked cautiously.
"Mag. (Found him orphaned at the volcano's base. Raised him alongside my Magby.)"
"Mag. (No Arcanine clans exist here. He's alone.)"
Su Feng knelt, pulling out a Luxury Ball. "Welcome aboard, Growlithe."
Click.
Three gentle shakes later: "Growlithe was caught!"
[How does Feng-ge keep finding adorable Pokémon?!]
[Follow his advice: Be kind, earn trust. I've bonded with three wild Pokémon!]
[Jealous! My Poke Balls arrive tomorrow!]
Magmar watched the Luxury Ball, bittersweet pride in his eyes. "Mag. (Take care of him.)"
"On Arceus' name, I will," Su Feng vowed.
Magmar nodded. Unlike his long-gone trainer, Su Feng's resolve was unshakable.
Back at the village, Pokémon scattered as Blaziken's imposing figure approached. Turtonator, still nursing his pride, lumbered away without a word.
Braixen scurried over, presenting a mountain of Flame Coins. "Vulpix! (Your winnings, sir! 1,000 coins!)"
Su Feng stared at the shimmering pile. What am I supposed to do with these?