Chapter 20 – Special Training
A fire crackled and sent embers floating back up amongst the stars. The various team members were alone with their thoughts as they either watched the stars or the flames. All of them were content with full stomachs, fresh air and were getting lots of rest. They of course needed the rest due to all of the training. Jill was pushing her team as hard as she dared while they traveled and it was paying off.
To start, her most faithful partner Caladan was even larger. His shell easily accommodated Jill riding on it, and the bushes were large enough to hide some smaller Pokemon. Chase was also growing stronger, his body leaning out. And while he was becoming more and more intimidating, he was also relying more on stealth when moving about. His newfound abilities and light step had allowed him to prank more than one team member. Urim, whom had been focusing more and more and with Jill's tutelage, had evolved into Togetic. The team had been rather ecstatic when Urim had evolved as he was the third now to do so recently, following in both Icarium's and Sphryna's footsteps. Jill was astounded and because of the recent activity, she had forgotten all about her misgivings of the week past. Or at least they had been pushed to the back of her mind, if not completely forgotten.
The route to Veilstone took Jill and her team through the Sinnoh farmland. This rich area was renowned for everything that could be grown under the sun. The entire team was thoroughly enjoying this leg of their journey, but were certainly getting restless. Jill decided to switch things up the next day when they all stopped for lunch. Icarium was now much taller and faster, but was still somewhat frail. He would need to build up some type of defence to those who would physically overpower him. Luckily, Jill had someone who could help with that.
"Alright guys, time for a new training idea. We're going to pair off and work on some more individual strengths."
Sphryna moved to the one side of the glade. She was paired off against Icarium. Why, she had no idea, but she had enough sense now to understand that the young woman she was travelling with seemed to know what she was doing. None of her nest mates had become as powerful as she had. No, they were still stuck at a younger stage. Sphryna however was now a Gabite. A much stronger dragon.
What she was actually confused about was how Icarium was supposed to out match her. Jill had a reason for pairing them, Sphryna was sure. But what was that reason? Sphryna was bigger, faster and stronger. There was no way to think that Icarium could defeat her!
"I know what you're thinking Sphryna," Jill said. The young dragon looked towards her trainer. "Icarium isn't physically stronger than you, but right now, he uses more special attacks. And being a part fairy type at the moment, any of your dragon type attacks won't affect him at all." Sphryna narrowed her eyes now on Icarium. She had forgotten about that little detail. Fairy types, something new and completely unknown to Sphryna before wandering away from the cave.
"Icarium, I want you to watch Sphryna move. She's going to attack you, and you can do whatever to defend. But pay attention how she attacks." The smaller Pokemon nodded and turned back to stare at the dragon. Sphryna slowly crouched down and tensed her muscles. The rush of impending battle started to come over her, the excitement, the sharpness, that gleeful feeling coming from her gut. She lived for this. Her arms came up and out a touch and she stiffened her tail. Claws on her toes gripped the dirt.
Icarium watched Sphryna prep and was shaken. The power hiding there, beginning to take shape in the young dragon was immense. Normally Icarium was impressed, but now, about to be on the receiving end, he was worried. How did Jill expect him to defeat Sphryna? While he had more powerful attacks for those who mentally couldn't compete, physically, he was at a huge disadvantage. And if Sphryna got within his shots…
The moment of hesitation from Jill before she said go. As soon as she had though, Sphryna took off. Her speed was intoxicating. The rush could be fun, however during battle, her focus was raptorial. And this time it was a teammate in the crosshairs. Her powerful legs pulled her across the glade in seconds. Icarium widened his stance then shot those annoying leaves at her. Snarling, she slashed them out of her way as they were launched. A few still scored shots along her scaled hide, hardly hurting her at all. She was on top of Icarium then, who barely managed to twirl away.
"You call that an attack!" Sphryna growled.
"What do you mean?" Icarium fired back distancing himself as Sphryna slowly circled him.
"If we're going to train, then you need to attack!" Sphryna emphasized the last word with a strike. The speed caught Icarium off guard, but again he was still just able to dodge. She didn't let up though. Icarium kept attempting to dodge but after three strikes, the fourth finally landed. Icarium huffed as he fell and rolled away.
Standing back up, he glared at Sphryna. Fine then, if it was a fight she wanted, it was a fight she'd get! He began mustering his power. That strike winded him, but it wasn't a serious enough blow to actually stagger him. He gathered up his new attack around him, keeping the glowing leaves low to the ground. Sphryna stepped back watching him. He also noticed she was looking happy and that worried him even more.
"Alright Sphryna, let's see how you handle this!" He launched the attack with as much energy behind it that he could muster. He watched in awe as she slashed her way through the attack. She wasn't able to completely dodge all of the attack but the damage was certainly mitigated. And then the attack was renewed. Claws and teeth both were coming at Icarium with a speed he had never experienced before. He was doing everything to avoid the attacks but it was insanely difficult. He had no idea anyone could move this quickly. He had to create separation. After another heavy fin blow landed, Icarium blasted outward with a mental shock. It rocked Sphryna back on her heels and caused enough of a pause in the training for Jill to stop them.
"Alright guys, I think I know how we can even the odds" she said. Both Pokemon stooped somewhat breathing heavily. The entire team was looking impressed at the quick bout. Both Sphryna and Icarium walked over, Sphryna getting welcomed by Urim and Epona while Caladan and Chase congratulated Icarium. Jill looked through her bag for the item she knew would turn the tide in battles to come. Finding it she pulled it out. Everyone turned to their trainer as the stone in her hand shone. It had a sparkle to it that none could deny. Icarium however seemed the most affected by its glow.
"What is that?" he whispered.
"This is a dawn stone. We found it in the ruins and when given too certain Pokemon, such as yourself, it can allow them to evolve." Icarium's eyes grew wide. He looked up to Jill unsure. The entire team was standing there quietly watching and waiting. Jill gave a small nod which Icarium knew meant if he wanted it, the stone was his. Reaching out, he placed his hand on the stone, feeling the energy and light flow through him.
"I don't get what the boss wants us to scout this place out for" the man said. His partner looked sideways at him. She was good looking enough the man thought, far more interesting than the bunch of wildlands that they were checking out.
"Because for the plan to work, the boss needs to know about these wilds." Her voice was soft but fun to listen to as well. He was having a hard time keeping his thoughts on the mission at hand. Of course, he still did his job however because he had no desire to be put in front of the commander. At least the head boss didn't give two shits. That he could handle. But the commanders were another story, all sorts of emotions running through them.
"Yeah but its not like we're catching any of the Pokemon here. We're just getting topographical information."
"Then that's what we do." The woman lead the way down the path to continue gathering the required info.
The man was sitting face out towards the city. The two commanders were on the other side of the desk waiting on the third member for the meeting. The silence in the office was absolute and the two current commanders were almost scared to speak. For his part, Cyrus did not care. He was content to wait for the final member. Finally there was a knock at the office door.
"Enter" came the monotone voice. The door entered and Saturn entered. "You have news?" Cyrus asked.
"Our people have reported back. We have a couple areas of placement that would work." Saturn strode forward and brought up a hologram image of the wilderness area. Markers popped up identifying the areas of interest. "All of these have similar characteristics which should give us an indication as to any changes Charon will need to make in order for us to access the caves." The group was reviewing the landscape. Cyrus looked upon the map considering all of the possibilities.
"Do we know what kind of energy will be required?" he asked. Mars looked around waiting for a response. Saturn in turn, looked down towards the laptop he had brought with him.
"Not entirely. These tests are going to be required."
"We cannot come up with any other options for testing?" Cyrus asked, not quite paying attention to the hologram anymore. Any type of testing on this level would be sure to tip people off to something going on. Was he truly ready to step out of the shadows and allow people to see what Cyrus and his underlings were up to? Reports indicated that there were some of the league currently investigating some of the activities already. A small frown formed on the CEO's forehead. Saturn looked at his boss square, until finally Cyrus looked at his most effective commander.
"I can't see it sir" Saturn said evenly. Cyrus nodded.
"Then begin making the plans. I want everything in place so that there is no time for anyone to impose themselves. I want a timeline on my desk within 48 hours. Dismissed."
Jillian's Pokemon:
Caladan (Grotle) - level 25, ability: Overgrow, nature: Bashful
Chase (Luxio) - level 24, ability: Intimidate, nature: Impish
Epona (Ponyta) - level 25, ability: Run Away, nature: Naughty
Urim (Togepi) - level 22, ability: Serene Grace, nature: Brave
Sphryna (Gabite) - level 24 ability: Sand Veil, nature: Naive
Icarium (Kirlia) - level 23, ability: Trace, nature: Lonely