This chapter title is based on the song from Set It Off.
To all of you who read, follow, favorite, and review this story, thank you all! Your interest in this story fuels my motivation. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Akari sighed, internally admitting that getting surprised was becoming a habit. But the constant barrage of unexpected events, like this one, made it difficult.
Mew wriggled free from her grasp and zipped towards the direction Alamos Town and gestured towards it, the place that had inexplicably vanished from just a short while ago. Mew circled Akari, its large, inquisitive eyes examining her from every angle. Satisfied, it repeated the process with each of her Pokémon, a silent check for any unseen injuries.
"You sensed we were pulled into another dimension by Palkia?" Akari inquired, curiosity lacing her voice.
Mew's ears perked up at the mention of the legendary Pokémon. A flicker of fear passed through its large, expressive eyes. It circled Akari once more, then nuzzled against her, seemingly checking for any injuries.
"We're all right, Mew," Akari reassured it gently. "The only one hurt was Magnemite, and even then, he's taking it like a champ." She gestured towards the steel-type Pokémon, pointing out the scar etched onto its underside – a grim reminder of Palkia's Spatial Rend.
Akari then noticed all of her Pokémon, except Monferno, kept their eyes fixated on Mew. Every time the mythical Pokémon flitted through the air, their gazes would follow, ensuring it remained the center of their attention.
"Ah, right," Akari realized with a sheepish grin. "I haven't introduced you all to Mew yet. Let's sit down, and I'll explain everything. This goes back to before I even met Mew." Akari held the familiar Proto Ball Necklace in her hand as she settled onto a nearby chair, and her Pokémon gathered around her, eager to hear the story.
Akari launched into a detailed explanation of her journey through Hisui, revealing how it ultimately turned out to be a dream orchestrated by the legendary Arceus. The knowledge gained from The Dream had proven invaluable, allowing her to accomplish several feats, including the creation of the Proto Ball – the very device she used to capture Mew.
Mew, drawn by the object in her hand, fluttered closer and tilted its head, examining the Proto Ball with an air of curiosity.
"As much as I'd love for you to stay with us, Mew," Akari began, her voice tinged with caution, "if you stay with us, you might be spotted. People might try to capture you or steal the Proto Ball."
Mew, its large eyes locked on Akari, seemed to ponder her warning. Then it beamed at her before vanishing completely from sight.
Akari and her Pokémon whirled around, searching for the elusive creature. Just as panic began to set in, a soft giggle echoed from where Mew had been floating. Then, in an instant, the mythical Pokémon reappeared, a mischievous grin playing on its face.
"You can turn invisible?" Akari gasped, her surprise giving way to eagerness as Mew bobbed its head in confirmation. It then performed a playful twirl before gracefully landing on the table.
"In that case," Akari said, a wide smile gracing her lips, "I would be absolutely delighted if you stayed with us, Mew."
Her Pokémon, overcome with excitement, erupted in a cacophony of cheers and playful barks. Akari chuckled at the joyful chaos, but the memory of her unfinished task tugged at her mind. Recalling that lunch was in progress before Mew's arrival, she excused herself and quietly headed back to the kitchen to prepare meals for her growing team. As she worked, the excited chatter of her Pokémon filled the air, revitalising her as she made lunch for everyone.
••• ••• •••
As everyone finished their meal, Akari couldn't help but notice Monferno subtly keeping the rest of the team from overwhelming Mew. This shift in Monferno's behavior had become apparent since they left Alamos Town. Perhaps it stemmed from no longer being the strongest on the team, but Monferno still held a leadership role, maintaining order whenever Akari wasn't around.
The other Pokémon readily followed Monferno's lead, allowing her to act as a buffer between the boisterous team and the newly arrived Mew. Akari was curious about how this new dynamic would play out in the future. While Monferno might not be the strongest of the team anymore, she seemed to have found a new purpose – guiding the group and easing Mew's integration. Akari is glad she kept her starter with her at all times.
Memories of her first Hisuian Pokémon flooded Akari's mind as she watched Monferno lead the team. Unlike the fiery monkey, her Hisuian starter had been a different story altogether. Its lack of enthusiasm and average power compared to the rest of her team relegated it to the sidelines in most battles. This experience, more than anything, solidified Akari's decision to limit the number of Pokémon she traveled with. She craved a strong bond with each member of her team, not a revolving door of forgotten companions. The constant rotation prevented her starter from ever truly stepping up as a leader, a role Monferno now embodied flawlessly.
One lingering question gnawed at Akari, particularly since capturing Gible: where had all the Hisuian Pokémon gone? Alpha Pokémon like Gible undoubtedly existed, albeit extremely rare. Initially, she'd questioned their existence too until encountering the young dragon firsthand. Yet, there was a deafening silence regarding Hisui in modern times. Akari could only draw one conclusion: Hisuian Pokémon were no more. Perhaps they were driven out by changing landscapes, forced to adapt and evolve into their modern counterparts. A Voltorb, for instance, mimicked a Pokéball, while its Hisuian ancestor might have resembled an older, wooden model.
Pushing these thoughts aside, Akari refocused on Monferno. Though the monkey still harbored a flicker of annoyance towards Kirlia's antics, the anger shrunk over time each time Kirlia spent by Akari's side.A shiver ran down Akari's spine as she contemplated a chilling possibility – what if Monferno hadn't witnessed her capture Mew? How drastically different would their lives be? This line of thinking led to a startling realization: her life, and the lives of her Pokémon, have been completely changed since that moment.
••• ••• •••
Akari led Gyarados away from the group, eager to continue their training. Since his dramatic evolution, Gyarados had not only learned a whole new repertoire of moves, but also gained an entirely different way of moving through the world. Gone were the days of simple swimming; as a Gyarados, he could slither across the ground with serpentine grace and even take flight, granting him unparalleled mobility.
This newfound freedom came at a cost, however. Gyarados' previous ability, Swift Swim, which boosted its speed in rain or water, was replaced by Intimidate. While Intimidate provided a tactical advantage by lowering an opponent's attack stat, Gyarados' aquatic prowess took a hit. The loss of his constant speed boost was noticeable in the water, but the ability to venture beyond his watery domain more than compensated for it.
The evolution also brought a wave of new moves to learn. Gyarados' movepool expanded rapidly, requiring Akari to remind him of some as others replaced them upon evolving. Now, Gyarados boasted long range offensive options like Twister and Dark Pulse, moves that targeted opponents with weaknesses she couldn't before. Flail and Ice Fang offered potent physical alternatives to Tackle, while Scary Face added a strategic wrinkle by lowering an opponent's speed. The combination of Scary Face and Intimidate promised to be a formidable opening move, potentially crippling an opponent before they could even react.
"Alright, Gyarados," Akari said, settling onto its broad back. "Let's take to the skies again. Take it slow and steady – we need to build your stamina for extended flight."
Gyarados propelled himself into the air with a powerful thrust of his immense body. Akari could feel the strain on his muscles, a testament to his inexperience with aerial movement. Their training session was cut out for them – Gyarados had the raw power, but mastering flight would require dedication and practice.
••• ••• •••
The first rays of dawn peeked through the window, rousing Akari from her sleep. As she stretched and yawned, a familiar sight was missing. Roselia, who usually basked in the morning sun filtering through the leaves, was nowhere to be found. A hint of worry flickered in Akari's chest, but then she heard a soft rustling sound coming from a distance. She quickly followed the noise and emerged into a nearby clearing in the hope it originated from her missing Pokémon.
There, bathed in the golden light of the rising sun, stood Roselia. His rose arms whipped through the air, launching a barrage of attacks. One hand unleashed a volley of potent Sludge Bombs, the other a shimmering shower of Magical Leaf. Each attack flowed seamlessly into the next, showcasing Roselia's growing prowess.
However, Akari noticed a shift in Roselia's movements. It would focus intently, forming a ball of vibrant green energy in its bud. The sphere would pulsate with power, but just as it seemed ready to unleash, it would dissipate with a fizzle, leaving Roselia frustrated.
Recognizing the telltale signs of a Pokémon on the verge of mastering a new move, Akari activated her Move Scanner. Her ability confirmed her suspicions – Roselia was on the cusp of learning Energy Ball, a powerful grass-type attack.
With a warm smile, Akari approached Roselia, kneeling softly beside the rose Pokémon. "You don't have to struggle alone," she said gently. "Let's work together, like always."
Akari then stood up, her eyes met Roselia's. For the rest of the early morning, they practiced together, Roselia honing his focus and Akari offering guidance and support. Their goal – to unlock the power of Energy Ball and add another powerful tool to Roselia's arsenal.
••• ••• •••
Akari stood by the edge of a glistening lake, Kirlia nestled beside her. Across the water, Gyarados churned through the waves, carrying a raucous group of Pokémon on his back. Mew, initially hesitant, caught Akari's reassuring glance and joined the aquatic revelry with a playful splash.
"Your bravery saved Darkrai," Akari began, her voice gentle yet firm. "But it was a gamble. You could have been seriously injured, or worse." A flicker of worry crossed her eyes as she recalled the terrifying events in Alamos Town.
Kirlia understood. While her quick thinking had protected Darkrai from Dialga and Palkia's devastating attacks, it had been a near-fatal maneuver. The marks etched onto her palms served as a stark reminder of the danger. One bore a crescent moon shape, a chilling echo of Palkia's Spacial Rend. The other displayed a circular sun, a faint imprint of Dialga's Roar of Time. These weren't mere scratches; they were testaments to Kirlia's resilience and the limitations of even her Fairy-type immunity.
Kirlia clenched her fists, a determined glint in her eyes. She turned to Akari and offered a resolute nod, silently acknowledging the risks and her unwavering resolve. Akari's gaze softened. With a gentle smile, she led Kirlia away from the lake towards a secluded clearing, determined to help her Pokémon grow stronger.
"Then let's get stronger together," Akari declared, her voice ringing with conviction. "We'll train relentlessly, ensuring nothing can ever threaten us again."
Before they left, however, Kirlia paused by the water's edge. She dipped her hand into the cool liquid, letting a few droplets trickle down her fingers. As she focused her energy, the water droplets shimmered and coalesced. Then, with a burst of light, they transformed into a ring of shimmering water that enveloped the area in a wave of tranquility.
"Life Dew, huh?" Akari murmured, a smile tugging at her lips. "It seems you have a knack for support moves, Kirlia. Perhaps we should explore that further."
With a shared nod of agreement, they set off towards the clearing. Their training session would not only focus on mastering the newly acquired Life Dew but also on pushing their physical limits and exploring the potential for even more supportive moves. Akari knew a well-rounded team was crucial, and Kirlia's blossoming talent for support could prove invaluable in the challenges that lay ahead.
••• ••• •••
Later in the evening, Akari noticed Mew flitting around Magnemite, its large, curious eyes fixated on the scar etched beneath the steel-type Pokémon's eye. Magnemite remained unfazed by the inspection, its single eye blinking steadily. While Akari appreciated Mew's innocent curiosity, she decided to intervene.
"Alright, Mew, that's enough staring," Akari said gently, patting her lap. "Why don't you come sit with me while I tell you the story of that scar?"
Mew tilted its head, considering the offer, before gracefully landing in Akari's lap. Magnemite, content to simply observe, remained by their side, its unwavering eye focused on Akari.
"You see," Akari began, her voice filled with a mix of regret and pride, "Magnemite used Protect to try and shield us from Palkia's devastating Spacial Rend. Unfortunately, the attack was too powerful, and it managed to pierce through the defense, leaving Magnemite with that scar."
A pang of guilt shot through Akari as she recalled the incident. In the heat of the moment, she'd made a split-second decision, unsure if Kirlia's Fairy-type resistance would have been enough to withstand the attack, and over-estimated Magnemite's defence.
Mew listened intently, its ears twitching with each detail. It nestled closer to Akari, trying to comfort her.
As Akari continued her story, she couldn't help but steal glances at Magnemite. Despite the gruesome scar, the Pokémon seemed completely unfazed. Akari marveled at its resilience. Perhaps it was due to its binary nature; emotions didn't cloud its judgment. It viewed the injury not through a lens of pain, but as a reminder of its strength and unwavering loyalty.
Akari had also noticed Magnemite diligently practicing its Protect move during its free time. It was clear the Pokémon was determined to never be caught off guard again.
"That's how it happened," Akari concluded, explaining how the battle in Alamos Town occured.
Mew gazed at Akari with newfound respect, its eyes sparkling with understanding. It then whirred around Magnemite, nuzzling the steel-type Pokémon affectionately before flitting off to rejoin the rest of the team.
Akari reached out and gently stroked Magnemite. "You're one tough Pokémon, Magnemite," she whispered. "And I promise I'll do everything in my power to ensure nothing like that ever happens again."
Magnemite remained silent, its single eye flickering with an intensity that spoke volumes. It let out a soft hum, a sound that Akari interpreted as a resolute agreement. Together, they sat in companionable silence, their bond strengthened by the shared experience.
••• ••• •••
Akari was traversing Route 207, her boots crunching rhythmically on the gravel path. A flash of movement caught her eye, a sleek silhouette darting across the horizon. As it drew closer, Akari recognized the Pokémon – a Cyclizar, a rare sight in Sinnoh. But this wasn't just any Cyclizar; it was being ridden like a bike, a sight that jogged Akari's memory.
A jolt of recognition struck her. This had to be the same Cyclizar she'd spotted zipping along Cycling Road! Curiosity bubbled within her, and she yearned to learn more about this unorthodox trainer.
With a swift flick of her wrist, Akari transformed her shoes into inline skates. The familiar glide propelled her forward, allowing her to keep pace with the speeding Cyclizar. "Hey!" she called out, hoping to catch the rider's attention.
The rider, a young man with a determined glint in his eyes, glanced into his rearview mirror. Spotting Akari waving frantically, he eased up on Cyclizar's reins, slowing their pace to a stop. As they came to a stop on the dusty roadside, the trainer dismounted with a practiced ease.
The young man removed his helmet, revealing a friendly smile. He gave Akari a curious once-over before speaking. "Can I help you with something, miss?"
"Hi there! I'm Akari," she replied, extending a hand in greeting. "Your Cyclizar is fascinating. From what I understand, these Pokémon are native to the Paldea region, right?"
The man chuckled, confirming her suspicions with a nod. "Indeed. Cyclizar and I hail from Paldea. My name's Juan, and I'm here in Sinnoh to compete in the League." He reached into his pocket and proudly presented a badge case, revealing three hard-earned badges glinting in the afternoon sun.
Akari's eyes widened with surprise. "A challenger, huh? So am I! How about we test our skills with a one-on-one battle?"
Juan's smile widened. He turned to his Cyclizar, exchanging a knowing glance. "Sounds like a plan! Been itching for a good battle anyway. Cyclizar, how about a break after this? You've been carrying me around all day."
Cyclizar responded with a series of excited clicks and a playful nudge against Juan's leg.
"Seems your partner is all for it," Akari observed. "Perhaps we should find a more suitable location for a battle? This road isn't exactly ideal."
Juan readily agreed, and together they ventured off the path, finding a secluded clearing with a soft, sandy surface – a perfect battleground. Akari reached into her belt, her hand hovering over a her Ultra Ball. This would be the first battle for Gible. "Alright, Gible, it's your time to shine!" she declared, releasing the Alpha Gible with a flourish.
The young Gible emerged, his eyes blazing. Despite his youth, he stood nearly as tall as Cyclizar when reared on its hind legs. However, with a graceful movement, Cyclizar lowered itself onto all fours, making Gible the larger of the two in this stance.
"Wow, that's a magnificent Gible!" Juan exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise. "But size isn't everything, right, Cyclizar?" With a determined nod, Cyclizar crouched low, readying itself for battle.
"Quick Attack, let's go!" Juan commanded. Cyclizar shot forward in a blur of white light, propelled by the Quick Attack technique. It slammed into Gible with a powerful impact, sending the Alpha Pokémon skidding backwards across the sandy clearing.
Cyclizar, however, didn't emerge from the collision unscathed. A surprised yelp escaped its mouth as it winced in pain. Juan's expression shifted from confident to concerned.
"Ah, you see," Akari called out, "Gible's ability is Rough Skin. Any physical contact attacks that hit Gible deals some damage back."
Taking advantage of the opening, Akari seized the moment. "Alright, Gible, time to fight back! Use Dragon Breath!"
Gible, his powerful jaws agape, unleashed a torrent of blue flames. The fiery blast surged towards Cyclizar, leaving a trail of scorched earth in his wake.
"Dodge it!" Juan yelled, his voice laced with urgency. Cyclizar reacted as quickly as it could, swerving to the side in a desperate attempt to avoid the attack. However, Gible, with surprising agility for his stocky build, adjusted his aim mid-attack, keeping the fleeing Cyclizar in its sights. The blue flames engulfed the lizard Pokémon, leaving it shuddering with a jolt of electricity. Paralysis had taken hold.
Juan's brow furrowed in concentration. He needed a new strategy. "Alright, Cyclizar," he said, his voice firm. "Use Taunt! We can't let them inflict any more status conditions." Cyclizar obeyed, extending its tongue in a mocking gesture. The move landed successfully, provoking a furious roar from Gible. More importantly, Taunt effectively blocked Gible from using any non-offensive moves.
A wave of relief washed over Akari. She had trainer Gible to master his current moveset before attempting to relearn older ones like Sand Attack and Sandstorm. This plan proved invaluable now, as Taunt wouldn't restrict Gible's arsenal, only non-damaging options that he currently didn't have.
"Keep the pressure on, Gible!" Akari commanded, her voice ringing with determination. "Use Sand Tomb!"
Gible responded with a ferocious growl, a plume of sand erupting around its arm. With a powerful flick, he hurled the sand towards Cyclizar. Despite its desperate attempts to dodge, the paralysis hindered Cyclizar's movements. The sand engulfed the lizard Pokémon, quickly solidifying into a tomb, its sandy tendrils constricting around its struggling form.
"Don't give in, Cyclizar!" Juan shouted, his voice laced with urgency. "Rapid Spin!"
Fueled by adrenaline, Cyclizar launched itself into the air. Its body spun rapidly, generating a powerful vortex that ripped away the Sand Tomb. The centrifugal force of the spin also propelled Cyclizar forward, its tail lashing out and catching Gible across its snout. Both Pokémon yelped in pain – Gible from the impact of the Rapid Spin, and Cyclizar from the Rough Skin ability.
But as Cyclizar landed, Akari noticed something peculiar. A red aura momentarily surrounded the Pokémon, and its movements seemed lighter, more agile. Then, she spotted a small piece of shed skin clinging to the remnants of the Sand Tomb.
"A lucky break!" Juan exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. "Cyclizar's Shed Tail activated to remove the paralysis at the same time it broke free!"
Akari's eyes narrowed. "Lucky indeed," she acknowledged, mentally revising her strategy. "Then we'll just have to slow them down again, Gible! Use Bulldoze!"
With a powerful stomp, Gible sent a shockwave rippling through the sandy ground. Cyclizar, attempting another acrobatic leap, miscalculated its timing. The shockwave slammed into it as it touched down, sending the lizard Pokémon tumbling to the ground. A blue aura flickered around its body – its recently acquired speed boost negated.
The tide of the battle seemed to be shifting once more. Akari had effectively countered Cyclizar's recovery, leaving Juan with a difficult decision.
"This isn't working!" Juan declared, frustration lacing his voice. "Cyclizar, let's change tactics! Use Breaking Swipe!"
Cyclizar acknowledged its trainer's command with a sharp chirp. It rose to its full height, its powerful tail glowing a menacing purple. With a burst of speed, it launched itself towards Gible, its tail poised to strike.
"Meet it head-on, Gible! Use Slash!" Akari countered.
Gible responded with a ferocious roar. His claws, usually blunt for digging, shimmered with a brilliant white light, extending to an impressive length. He reared back, preparing to meet Cyclizar's attack head-on.
The clash was a spectacle of power. Gible's glowing claws met the force of Cyclizar's Breaking Swipe in a shower of sparks. For a tense moment, they wrestled for dominance. Cyclizar, fueled by desperation, began to overpower Gible's strength. Its tail slowly pushed down, threatening to break through Gible's defense.
Sensing their struggle, Akari seized the opportunity. "Dragon Breath, now!" she yelled.
A glint of determination flashed in Gible's eyes. Reacting with impressive agility, Gible lunged forward, his powerful jaws agape. A torrent of blue flame erupted from his mouth, catching Cyclizar off guard. The force of the Dragon Breath slammed into Cyclizar just as it managed to overpower Gible's Slash and slam its tail into Gible, sending both Pokémon flying backwards.
Gible, despite his exhaustion, managed to regain his footing with a determined shake. Cyclizar, however, wasn't as fortunate. The combined force of Breaking Swipe's recoil and the Dragon Breath attack proved too much. The lizard Pokémon let out a weak cry before collapsing onto the sand, its eyes fluttering shut.
Juan, his face etched with disappointment, recalled Cyclizar back to its Poké Ball with a sigh. "That was a fantastic fight, Cyclizar," Juan murmured as he returned his Pokémon to its Poké Ball, offering Cyclizar a few words of encouragement through the capsule. "Get some good rest, buddy. You did great out there."
Standing up, Juan turned to Akari, a hint of respect in his eyes. "You have a truly impressive Gible there. Cyclizar usually handles younger dragons without much trouble, but yours is something special."
Akari smiled warmly as she recalled Gible to its Ultra Ball. "Thank you, Juan. "I'm incredibly lucky to have him. When I found him, he was a whirlwind of tantrums causing havoc. But I knew back then, deep down, that he has the potential to be a champion once he evolves into Garchomp."
Juan nodded thoughtfully. "I can definitely see that potential. Remember, though, the journey the top is paved with battles that focus on their present strength, not just their future. Today's battle was a valuable lesson for both of us. It showed me the incredible resilience of Sinnoh trainers and their Pokémon."
He paused, reaching into his belt and retrieving another Poké Ball. With a click, a green and brown form materialized beside him. It was a small, spherical Grass-type Pokémon with a vaguely tumbleweed-like appearance. Jagged, thorny vines encircled two large, floating eyes that seemed to be constantly scanning its surroundings.
"Alright, Bramblin," Juan addressed his new Pokémon, "let's continue our journey. It was a pleasure battling you, Akari! Take care." He set off with Bramblin rolling merrily beside him.
Akari waved goodbye with a smile. "See you later, Juan! Good luck on your challenge!" She then glanced down at the Ultra Ball in her hand. "You really are something special, Gible," she whispered, her voice filled with pride. "And together, we'll all reach the top."
••• ••• •••
The insistent blare of her Pokégear yanked Akari from a peaceful slumber. Squinting at the screen, she saw Gary's name flashing, a wave of surprise washing over her. It wasn't often Gary initiated contact, let alone at such an ungodly hour.
With a tired groan, she answered the call. "Hey Gary. Why the early morning call?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.
"Akari, I apologize for the inconvenience," Gary's voice crackled through the line, a hint of urgency detectable. "There's been a development since we last spoke, and I know you're somewhere nearby. Truth be told, I need your help."
Akari's sleepiness instantly vanished. Gary requesting help meant the situation was likely dire. "You need help? Sounds serious," she replied, sitting up in her tent and rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"It is," Gary confirmed. "I'm currently working with a group of Shieldon to establish a protected reserve for them. Unfortunately, it seems some poachers have caught wind of it and are trying to snatch 'em."
Akari's brow furrowed. Shieldon were pretty rare even in Sinnoh, and poaching any Pokémon was a serious offense. A fleeting thought crossed her mind – could this affect her friends in Oreburgh Town who owned Shieldon? Akari stood up and left her tent to take a breath of fresh air. Pushing the worry aside for the moment, she focused on the immediate task at hand.
"I'll be there as soon as I can," Akari assured Gary. "Just let me know where I need to be and how to find you. I'll need to gather my things and get everyone ready."
As Akari and Gary continued their conversation, a puzzled head poked out from the entrance of her tent. Mew had perked up at the mention of trouble and was now intently listening to their conversation, its large, blue eyes wide with curiosity. Mew was told to not be seen by people, so Mew will let Akari handle the problem.
Usually a fight is scripted, but this battle had no stakes so I had the RNG of the moves decided by actual RNG. Any luck you see in this battle is genuine.
Stats of Akari and her Pokémon Pokémon:
Gender/ability/height/weight/estimated age from the start of Volume 2.
Akari: F/ Move Tutor/ 1.6m (5ft 3in)/ 55kg (121.2 lbs)/ 16 years
0-Mew: ?/ Synchronize/ 0.4m (1ft 4in)/ 4kg (8.8 lbs)/ ? years
1-Monferno: F/ Blaze/ 0.9m (2ft 11in)/ 22kg (48.5 lbs)/ 3 years
2-Gyarados: M/ Intimidate/ 7.5m (24ft.7in)/ 325.3kg (717.3 lbs)/ 15 years
3-Roselia: M/ Natural Cure/ 0.5m (1ft 8in)/ 5kg (11 lbs)/ 1 year
4-Kirlia: F/ Trace/ 0.64m(2f7in)/ 20.2kg (44.5 lbs)/ 2 years
5-Magnemite: ?/ Sturdy/ 0.3m(1ft)/ 6kg (13.2 lbs)/ 10 years
6-Gible: M/ Rough Skin/ 1.4m(4ft 7in)/ 49.2kg (108.5 lbs)/ 1 month
Also, Ash turned 13 at some point near the end of Volume 1.
Tune in next time for Dreams Never End: Chapter 23 - Let It Burn
No set date.
I originally planned to release ch.23 on the 5th since I ran out of backlog and took a delay for ch.22, but I had to rewrite 23 as I didn't like how it turned out. I got a writers block shortly after that. When I started writing again after I came up with an idea for the chapter, I got sick. I need more time to properly write more chapters, and I hope you won't mind the wait of Volume 2 starting off with another delay.
Just know, if it wasn't for everyone's support, I would have ended this series on Volume 1 (I would have changed Chapter 22 to fit in it as the epilogue) and would consider it a failed project. I'm glad you all proved me wrong and I will say again that your support does keep me motivated. I will try to finish Dreams Never End.