AN: Over 13.4k views and over 100+ followers, thank you so much everyone!

AN: [] = Telepathy dialogue. {} = Pokemon Speech

Hello good reader, it is I, Rogelio! After 29 excerpts I can finally introduce myself, as I have now been given a name by our exemplary protagonist! This is a new experience for me, but I assure you our relationship has not changed. My narrations are of the utmost quality!

Now it is the time for a new venture! With the newest member, Holyn the Cranidos and the ultimate thunder Roland the Electivire, Topaz and company have begun their journey to finally meet Professor Rowan face to face. It should be a simple trip, yes? Only a short distance from Oreburgh City. What could possibly go wrong?

Hmm hmm hmm, we shall see, reader. I welcome you to Arc 4: Reincarnation of the True King!

~x1x~

Location: Dreamworld

I opened my eyes in a very familiar situation. Once again with the colorful environment that I had met Rogelio last night. I scanned my surroundings in confusion. Did he want company already?

"Oh good, you're here."

I turned around and focused on where the colors shifted in the direction of Rogelio's voice.

"The question is why am I here?" I asked.

"Short answer: I had a bit of a software update for your brain which required me to reboot you. You seemed a bit sleepy; I would suggest against waking up so early everyday, so I took advantage of your midday nap to make some adjustments," He explained.

"I'm from Sunyshore, we rise with the sun," I countered, feeling slightly attacked by that truth. I should prolly eat more high energy foods to stay awake. Or a lot more caffeinated tea. Sleep takes up too much of the day.

Rogelio continued. "I do not wish to intervene in your life unduly, but I believe this perk will aid you in your quest. Or should I say our quest since hopefully this journey to Professor Rowan may provide a bounty of answers!"

"Perk? What exactly did you update?"

"Hmmm less update, more hotfix, to use your vernacular," Rogelio chuckled as he began mumbling about how much fun it was to use computer software. "It requires my power so you will not be taxed. I just needed to create an avenue to the outside world. You'll be able to notice its effects in the first conversation you have once you wake up."
I let loose a sigh. "Thanks, but… Can I wake up now?"

"Hm? Oh yes of course, I'm just about finished here. See you in a bit, my friend."

Before I could say anything the drowsiness hit me full on as I began to leave my dream state. The world was consumed in a bright light as I wondered what the hell goes on in my brain with him in charge of it.

~x2x~

Location: Train to Jubilife, Route 203

I opened my eyes to find myself leaning against the train window. Just as Rogelio said I had taken a nap. Sitting in front of me was Roland occupying most of the seat with his arms crossed and eyes closed. Meditating if I had to wager.

Next to him sat Lou on high alert as usual, keeping watch on everyone in our train car. On my lap was Donut who was curled up sleeping and next to me was Holyn chewing on a toy I had gotten to distract him. Last thing you want is a young Cranidos running around a train.

Looking out the window I noted Mount Coronet was far in the distance, as well as the valley where Oreburgh City dwelled. For the most part all I could glance at was all the wilderness of the route. According to the map Route 203 was known for its pristine lakes and thick forests. While I lamented not being able to explore it properly, moving along was more important.

One day.

I straightened up and wiped my drooling mouth, thinking back on what Rogelio told me.

He said I'd notice the change in my first conversation… hm, I pondered before turning to Lou.

"Spot any suspicious individuals?" I asked.

Lou turned to me and shook his head. [We're clear… for now.]

[Of course we're clear. No one with a brain would want to mess with a giant Electivire onboard,] Donut piped up.

[Never underestimate the enemy! We live in dangerous times, Donut. You cannot be complacent when we have our general and the young Holyn in our company! It is our responsibility to protect them!] Lou scolded him.

Donut yawned in response. [Can you protect them quieter? I'm tryna sleep.]

"Oh gods, I had nearly forgotten how you sounded when I could understand you," I laughed. Suddenly everyone's eyes were on me.

[You can understand us again?] Donut inquired.

Lou looked ecstatic. [Finally! I knew your brain would recuperate in record time!]

[Topaz… are you saying what I believe you are saying?] Roland asked cautiously.

Holyn stopped chewing his toy to look around. [Is this another 'I'll tell you later' moment?]

I scratched the little dino under the chin. "Actually, I can tell you all now."

I turned to Roland who looked more than ready to hear my explanation. At that moment I realized that now that he was coming along with us, I couldn't afford to be as vague anymore with my little secrets. And that if he didn't like what he heard, this excursion would end before we even got to Jubilife.

[Fret not, I am more than eager to aid in the explanation,] Said a new voice. Everyone looked around even more visibly confused whilst I just sat there bug eyed.

Is this seriously happening?

[Greetings Donut, Lou, Holyn and Roland. My name is Rogelio, an inhabitant of Topaz's dreamworld. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance in an official capacity. Excuse my lack of a physical body, I am currently working on that,] Rogelio introduced himself, echoing outward from my head. [Fortunately I was able to stabilize Topaz's brain to allow us to communicate via telepathy.]

"The voice in my head is reaching out, dear lord." I cleared my throat and adjusted my collar. This was getting awkward.

Roland's frown intensified. I didn't know if I could, but I tried to mentally kick Rogelio as best I could. This was not how you ease people into your insane schemes. I should know, I've gotten away with some crazy crap.

[Ouch!]

It worked.

I focused back on Roland as Rogelio tended to his metaphysical shin. "So there's this voice in my head that's not evil, hey don't gimme that look, I swear-"

~x3x~

After convincing Roland that my insanity and trauma hadn't manifested a new personality with psychic powers (unless that is actually the case, then holy shit), that I wasn't being possessed (still up for debate) or being used for some villain's scheme (also debatable), we were able to begin the real explanation.

Rogelio and I managed to coordinate our answers in a relatively convincing manner. Roland listened intently the entire time, meanwhile Lou was gauging how suspect Rogelio truly was. In the end we told them the truth. Well, I told the truth I figured Roland should hear.

That Rogelio was an enigma and we're heading to Rowan to figure him out. Also that he only properly introduced himself to me last night in a dream and considering he's introducing himself now, means he's trying to reach out.

I decidedly omitted the fact that he appeared to me during my fever dream in December, just to make it appear more spur of the moment. Rogelio mostly kept quiet as he was following my lead now, but he answered a couple questions honestly.

Once we had finished Roland crossed his arms and ruminated. His antenna glowed pink and my brain felt a little funny for a moment. Rogelio didn't seem to appreciate it.

[Excuse me, sir, you are in my-]

[Quiet.] Roland cut him off. Rogelio immediately shut his mouth and the prodding went on for a few seconds before Roland ceased and he focused all his attention on me.

[I am giving you a chance. Are there any other secrets I should know about?] He demanded.

I gulped. I had no idea what the hell he just did. I wasn't even sure how much psychic aptitude he actually had, I thought he was just good at using psychic moves. The honest answer was technically yes, but everything was so vague I couldn't really say it was anything substantial.

"No. I do not," I answered. "That was the only big thing, but it was for good reason!"

[Please Sir Roland, do not send us back to Sunyshore prematurely. We only wish to find out my true identity,] Rogelio seconded.

Roland searched my eyes once again. A long silence hung in the air before he huffed. [I detect no ill will from your mental occupant nor the power to do harm. Know that if anything were to change to a disagreeable nature, I will handle it expeditiously. Otherwise, we may continue.]

With that he abruptly ended the discussion. I thought there would be more to say, but he had already folded his arms and resumed meditation.

Well that was easy. Either he's not as much of a hardass as I thought or he's just so confident in his abilities he doesn't see Rogelio as a threat. Even after all these years, I still can't get a read on him. He was way easier to predict as an Electabuzz. Either way, it's a win and I'll take it!

[Just take it as a win,] Donut piped up on my lap. [Anyway, it's cool to talk to you again. Thanks for that, Rogelio.]

Genuinely shocked by the sudden positive reception, Rogelio collected himself before addressing Donut. [It is my pleasure, Donut. If Topaz were to travel with just his pokemon compatriots, it would be uncouth to leave him out of the conversational fray.]

Holyn leaned forward and sniffed my head. [So you can understand us now?]

His voice was deeper than I expected, but it had a light innocence to it befitting of his positive nature.

I nodded with a smile. "Yup. Thanks to Rogelio's telepathy I can understand you guys at the very least. Not all pokemon though."

[Oh okay…] Holyn thought for a second. [Um… can I tell you something?]

"Anytime, Holyn."

Holyn barked with joy. [Thank you for choosing me to join your team! I love you guys! I can't wait to explore and I promise I'll work super hard so I don't slow you down!]

My heart was struck by his purity and a single teardrop fell from my eyes. Holyn was too precious and deserved the world. His straightforward displays of true affection struck a new chord within my heart. Most of the people in my life, including Lou and Donut, were rather roundabout in their way of showing fondness for others. This was an uncommon feeling… I could get used to it.

I hugged the little dinosaur and gave a great big smile. "We love you too, Holyn. Thanks for joining us."

Holyn preened under my compliments and snuggled into my shirt while I held him as the train trundled on.

~x4x~

Location: Jubilife City/Route 204

What can I say about Jubilife City? It's the largest and most modernized city (ignoring Sunyshore) in all the Sinnoh region and the 6th largest city in the world (as far as I know). The land it was built on was carved out from a mountain by the residents of Oreburgh ages ago. It started out small, but due to being the crossroads between four different towns, it became a melting pot of culture and commerce.

When we all arrived there the differences were obvious. Sunyshore was ultra modern and unique. A beach city with futuristic tones. Oreburgh was rustic and stone centric. Befitting of a mining town.

Jubilife is the most conventional city in all of Sinnoh. Skyscrapers and condominiums for work and residents. Sensical building placement to allow easy navigation throughout the city. The building design was unique with the hexagon skyscrapers, but it was a city of practicality. Not necessarily the most inspired, but can't complain about convenience.

There were tons of major companies in Jubilife to look into, such as the Poketch company, being the residence of one of Sinnoh's major pokemon schools, the remodelled Global Trade Station and more. There was certainly appeal, but it's a large city and I didn't want to waste my team's time on more of my sightseeing. It was time to get back into training. Plus, I mean… I grew up in Sunyshore, what else can I say? It's a city. You'll find them everywhere.

[Why are we not boarding the next train to Sandgem Town?] Roland demanded with a furrowed brow as I prepared my TM case.

"Because teaching Holyn Ice Beam is a higher priority and it's always safer to travel with well prepared pokemon," I retorted. "Plus there should be lots of new trainers to fight. Don't you want to oversee and coach us?"

Truthfully, I was in no rush to head to Professor Rowan just yet and Roland knew that. But I also knew he hated watching potential chances to grow stronger go unused. Now that I could understand him properly he could help me become a better trainer in ways Volkner could not.

He just scoffed and stood on the sidelines with Donut and Lou. For the moment we were training on Route 204. A pretty long one that's connected by the Ravaged Path. It had some snow here and there, but it wasn't too cold today. A fine day to start training.

I ushered Holyn to come forward.

"Ready to learn Ice Beam?" I asked.

[You betcha!] He cheered. I recalled him to his pokeball and placed it in the TM case. I removed the Ice Beam TM and injected it into the disc slot. The pokeball began glowing an icy blue as a loading bar appeared on the TM case interface. Around a minute later it dinged in completion allowing me to send Holyn back out.

"Feel any different?" I asked.

He looked around a bit dazed before shaking his head back into reality.

[My brain is buzzing… that's never happened before,] He laughed good naturedly.

"I am assuming for both our sakes that means it worked. Anyway, you see that target over there?" I pointed to the practice dummies I had set up beforehand. "Can you use Ice Beam on them?"

[Okey dokey!] Holyn stepped forward and began thinking. After a few seconds his mouth began to seep cold air before something began to materialize. A large snowball began accumulating in his mouth, forcing his head back until he just spat it out on the ground.

[I did it!] He cheered while the rest of us stood dumbstruck.

[You did indeed do something,] Donut stated. [Good try.]

[It's an admirable start. Give him a few more tries and he'll get it down,] Rogelio insisted.

I rubbed my chin. "You're right, Rogelio. Good first try Holyn, but you can do better. Keep it going!"

[Roger!]

I turned to Donut and Lou. "Do you two mind sparring for a bit? Donut, I want you to focus on your physical offense, while Lou focuses on his special offense."

[As you command, General!] Lou saluted. [My bolts of lightning shall strike true at every juncture!]

[Implying you can even hit me...] Donut chided.

Lou scoffed. [You overestimate your speed and underestimate my accuracy. I shall rejoice in proving you wrong, comrade Donut!]

[Mkay. Sure Lou,] Donut yawned unconvinced. The duo sauntered off with Roland acting as their coach. I focused on aiding Holyn as I looked up how to teach pokemon ice moves.

Naturally, colder environments allow for easier use and considering it was winter in Sinnoh and we were surrounded by snow and ice, that criteria was already filled. Next was learning how to solidify that frigid energy properly and exert it. Holyn had no experience with special attacks, so essentially we had to start from scratch.

We tried a couple more times, but he kept making snowballs that didn't really go anywhere, so I came up with a brilliant idea.

"Eat the snow," I told him.

[Sorry, I'm not hungry right now,] Holyn denied.

[Snow is not proper sustenance, Holyn,] Rogelio reminded him.

[Oh… then I'm not thirsty yet.]

Rogelio groaned while I kept on talking. "They say the colder your surroundings, the easier it is to learn ice moves as you're already in the mental state of freezing. Eating the snow and ice around us should preemptively activate the frigid energy in your body, so it's easier to manifest ice moves."

Holyn stared at me with a blank expression.

"Yeah that was a mouthful…" I stroked my chin in thought. "Eat snow to make better snow. Get it?"

[Isn't that a bit too-]

[Ooooh you want me to eat the snow so it makes my body cold enough that Ice Beam becomes easier to use right?] Holyn answered.

I mentally smirked at Rogelio. "Look at that, you're absolutely correct. Now feast!"

Holyn did not need to be told twice as he began shoveling ice and snow into his face. Considering Cranidos were pokemon native to the jungle he was taking it all surprisingly well. That is until he stopped eating and turned to me shaking like a leaf.

[I-I thi-ink I'm c-c-cold e-enough n-now.]

"Ah jeez, try using Ice Beam and we'll warm you up!"

Holyn opened his maw and frigid energy began to build up much faster than his previous attempts. It concentrated into a single point within his mouth as he focused. With one last push he shot a thick stream of snow straight into a target, knocking it down.

Holyn turned to us with a chattering mouth while I jumped for joy and hugged my freezing dino. "You did it! You hit the target!"

[Y-yay! Bl-blanket p-please,] Holyn politely asked. I reached into my bag and took out a blanket filled with powdered heat rocks and covered Holyn in it. After giving him several heat rocks to hold and a spare jacket, Holyn was already looking nice and toasty.

"So now that you can propel the snow, we need to work on turning it into ice and launching it faster. Ready to give it another go?"

[Can we have hot cocoa after training?] He asked.

"Hot cocoa and donuts," I corrected.

[Did someone say donuts?] Donut shouted in the distance before he was drowned out by an explosion.

[Focus on the fight!] Both Lou and Roland yelled.

[Best training session ever!] Holyn cheered while I laughed in rejoice. Things were moving along well.

~x5x~

Location: Route 204, One Day Later

We spent the rest of that day and the next working on honing Holyn's Ice Beam. We had to take many breaks due to him overcooling, but each time he warmed up his ice attacks became a lot cleaner. During his practice sessions I would read up on how to best train him while recalling everything I had learned during my time with Volkner and working in the gym.

Whenever he got a bit too cold I fed him some Aspear berries that I had gotten back in Oreburgh, just in case I met an ice type. Those seemed to stave off the worst of his chills, thankfully. While the TM allowed him the ability to use Ice Beam, it seemed his body still needed to acquire the muscle memory to master it. Judging by the speed he was learning the move, I surmised it wouldn't take long.

By the end of our first training session, half of his snow beams turned into ice beams and he managed to let loose the energy relatively frequently. The cold began to bother him less and he needed fewer berries. Holyn was never going to be a special attacking fiend, but the utility of ice beam could not be underestimated.

[That was an excellent showing, Holyn! I foresee the use of Blizzard in your future,] Rogelio praised him.

Holyn turned around after launching his 3rd perfect Ice Beam in a row. [Thanks Roger! But first I wanna make snow cranidos!]

[Holyn my dear dinosaur, please. Rogelio. Not Roger. Please address me as such.]

Holyn tilted his head. [So you want me to call you Not Roger?]

While we could not see Rogelio, I knew he had buried his metaphysical head in his theoretical hands. [This isn't happening to me.]

"You do realize he's messing you with you right?" I stated, crossing my arms while Holyn hid a cheeky grin.

[Excuse my lack of social prowess, I've been living in your brain for over a decade and you've never been the finest example,] Rogelio shot back.

"For someone with such a high and mighty demeanor you're pretty soft eh?" I joked. "It's okay Rogelio, I'm sure next time you'll know better not to underestimate Holyn."

Holyn scampered over to me with hopeful eyes. [But um, is it true Rogelio? Am I really doing an excellent showing?]

Rogelio gasped. [I am not in the business of lying to my peers, Holyn! I think you are fit for battle right this moment!]

I stroked my chin. Holyn was moving along quite nicely, so it was about time I got him a couple of actual matches. "I could go for a few fights myself. Let's find our first challenger!"

After I told Donut, Lou and Roland where we were going we returned to the main path where the most trainers tended to be and began surveying the area. After around ten minutes we found the first trainer, a youngster named Tyler training with his Snover. While it wasn't the most optimal first battle for the grass weak Holyn, I hoped by following my instructions he'd be able to cope without trouble.

"A simple 1v1 alright?" I reminded him as we made our ways across the clearing.

"You sure you don't want to bet any money?" He questioned again.

"Holyn, stand tall!" I called, ignoring Tyler. Holyn ran on to the field opposite to Snover. "If I give you the first move will you stop begging for money?"

"Begging!? I don't need to beg! I can totally afford lunch today without asking my parents! Absolutely!"

I-I didn't say you couldn't, dude.

"We'll start out strong, Snover use Razor Leaf!" Tyler commanded. Snover shuffled her body, slight snow falling off, before flinging several sharp leaves at Holyn.

Holyn and I are just getting used to each other. I'll have to give more clear instructions than usual.

"Holyn, sidestep and headbutt!" I countered. Holyn just barely dodged the leaves before charging towards Snover. She tried to throw more leaves, but they bounced harmlessly off his dome.

Yes!

Then Holyn began to noticeably slow down. Not because he was hurt, no. Nothing had damaged him and he wasn't tired. He just started running slightly slower. When he collided with Snover I expected a resounding smack. Instead, he sort of just… pushed her with slight aggression. Holyn turned to me in excitement.

[I did it! I got her!]

"Holyn, we're still fight-"

Snover had naturally gotten up very quickly and smacked him dead on with a Water Pulse. Holyn bounced several feet away rolling in the snow.

"Holyn, you can hit harder than that! Focus Energy and Leer!"

Holyn got up groggily before he turned to me questioningly. [Are you sure I should do both?]

This isn't happening to me.

"Yes, I believe raising your critical rate chance and lowering the enemy's defense is a reasonable thing to do in a fight," I reminded him.

[But… What if I hurt her?] Holyn asked innocently.

"Holyn… have you never battled before?" I asked.

[I've battled a-] Holyn was interrupted once again by several Razor Leaves hitting his flank. He didn't fall to the ground, but the leaves slicing into his cold wet skin was looking more uncomfortable by the second.

"Hey, you, Snover!" I shouted to our opponent. Genuinely confused, she tilted her head. "Could you not? Thanks. Holyn, battling requires hurting your opponent to win. You don't have to hold back here, we'll all get fixed up right after. It's just a light battle."

[But… Roark and all the other trainers said I have to be careful when playing or I'll hurt my friends. And I don't wanna hurt nice people because all nice people are my friends.]

"That is so pure, innocent and perfect, but could we maybe be a bit more flexible with that mindset please? Obviously it's good to not hurt people, but this is a consensual bout between combatants. No one can become stronger without a bit of risk which is why we have pokemon battles.

Holyn gave it some thought. [But I'm really strong… what if I hurt them too much?]

I signed. "Sometimes there's no avoiding it. Just don't go too overboard till ya need to. You'll find as the battles get more complex that being able to hit hard occasionally won't be enough. Until then let's just work on these lower scale battles and have fun. Okay? If you decide you don't want to battle, that's perfectly alright too."

I enjoyed Holyn's company regardless of if he battled or not. Of course I would need battlers if I wanted to further my career within the League, but I didn't want to forgo possible friendships either.

Holyn turned back to Snover and Tyler who looked exceedingly confused. [Battling is fun. Even if it kind of hurts,] Holyn winced.

The razor leaf and tumbling around in the snow while wet had done some damage. Winning was looking pretty grim, but I was glad we were ironing out some issues.

"Atta boy. I'll heal you up as soon as we're done," I soothed him. "Now let's finish this."

Holyn barked in agreement as he marched back into battle, the pep talk erasing his pains.

[Excellent choice of words Topaz. You and Holyn's synchronicity has improved due to it,] Rogelio praised.

"Synchronicity? So we're on the same wavelength now?"

Rogelio hummed. [In laymen's terms, yes. Let us see if that'll make a difference.]

As Rogelio returned to his spectator spot in my head, I focused back on Tyler.

"Sorry about that, just needed a time out."

"Can you… speak to Pokémon?"

I smirked. "I'm just a good listener. Now Holyn, Focus Energy and Leer!"

Holyn obeyed immediately this time, taking a deep breath causing power to surge through him before eyeing Snover with crimson red eyes filled with an eminence only a prehistoric Pokémon could muster. Her defenses wavered long enough for him to dig his feet into the ground and push.

With a single leap he closed the distance, slamming into her like a bullet, cranium first. She flew into the air, spinning erratically. Holyn looked up in concern, but he couldn't falter just yet.

"Snover, you're not done yet! Use Mega Drain!" Tyler shouted, rousing his partner. Snover spread out her roots to catch herself in trees before sending long green tendrils towards Holyn.

"She's not out yet, use Ice Beam!" I commanded.

Holyn began firing away at the onslaught freezing vines successfully before they approached, only for another to take its place. He ceased fire to begin charging towards the tree Snover had made herself comfortable.

Tyler grit his teeth. "Use Ingrain and Razor Leaf!"

Snover embedded her roots within the bark of the tree itself and began gradually absorbing power. With more gusto than before she began launching larger and sharper razor leaves towards us.

"A hail mary," I whispered. "She's using the tree as a fuel source to empower her moves, dodge her attacks and knock her down!"

Holyn let loose a battle cry before charging forth, except even when he used the dome to block some of the leaves, many still got to him anyway, slowing his pace. He tried running and using Ice Beam, but he didn't have enough experience to be shooting down such fast targets.

The fatigue was getting to him and the empowered razor leaves grazed him far too much to go on before he fell to the ground, exhausted and defeated.

"Hell yeah, we won!" Tyler cheered. Snover whistled happily as she returned the energy she took from the tree back to the tree before joining her trainer in merriment.

I strolled over to Holyn and held him up. "It was a bit of a rocky start, but you got the hang of it near the end. Now we know where to improve on both our parts in order to work better," I informed him..

[Mm. I didn't expect her to start hitting me that hard, I'm not used to that,] Holyn winced as I began spraying him with potions.

"I told you, you're not the only one who can deal some serious damage," I chuckled. "Now seeing I now have to ask, got anything against working in the Sinnoh League with me? Since I would really prefer you didn't tell me you had a thing about not fighting terrorists during a terrorist attack."

I was only half kidding.

Holyn looked up at me with his perfect crimson eyes. [What's a terrorist?]

[I understand we are currently prioritizing Holyn's physical education, but I would like to set aside time for remedial lessons on pressing topics of the world,] Rogelio interjected.

"Totally understandable, but first, Holyn, do you want to keep battling today?"

Holyn crossed his little dino arms in thought before nodding. [I don't like hurting nice people… but since we're just playing, I wanna play harder! Let's keep going! I wanna show Donut and Lou I'm super strong!]

"Then battle we shall!" I agreed.

After saying goodbye to Tyler and healing up Holyn, we began scouting for more trainers. The first couple battles were rough. Holyn's first instinct to charge through most attacks was put to the test as I gave out more orders that melded with his fighting style.

He still had his fair share of blunders, but he was beginning to collect some wins among the losses. He became more inclined to dodge, his firing speed increased and while not as noticeable, his physical attack output went up. Although a headbutt or two tended to be enough to knock out pokemon around his level.

I did notice on occasion his Hard Stone would react slightly when he dug his feet into the dirt and without my orders he had begun manifesting small sharp rocks to kick towards opponents. The tell tale sign of an adaptation of Stone Edge, his first rock move.

Once we had finished training for the day we reunited with the rest of the team and headed back to the center. It had been so long since I had last trained a new pokemon that I had forgotten it wasn't just a snap. Fortunately, Holyn is a quick learner.

~x6x~

Location: Route 218, The Next Day

PoV: Donut and Lou

Another day has gone by and the group has decided to train on Route 218 for a change of pace. A relatively short route bordering the ocean as it nears Canalave City. It wasn't quite as scenic as Route 222, but it was enjoyable. Topaz and Holyn had gone off on their own way to continue training and battling. Donut, Lou and Roland on the other hand…

{Donut, you're fighting too cautiously, you'll never get through Lou's defenses before he takes you down. Lou, you should be used to facing faster opponents, too much energy is lost due to all your missed shots!}

Roland continued barking 'advice' from the sidelines as Donut and Lou trained amongst themselves. As Holyn was the newest member he needed the most focus from his new trainer, but they couldn't dawdle so Roland was left responsible for overseeing their training which he had no qualms with. Currently they were battling alongside the ocean in a sizable clearing off route.

He darted around the battlefield dodging Lou's String Shots before speeding up to ram him with a Quick Attack. Right before impact Lou shielded himself with Iron Defense in an attempt to catch Donut, but with a swift Tickle, he outmaneuvered him and rolled away. With nary a thought he launched a mighty Thunderbolt towards Lou as he tried to get into a better position.

Enduring the onslaught Lou's body surged several seconds before firing back his own greenish Thunderbolt, overpowering Donut's easily and zapping the electric mouse back as he squeaked in pain. Roland held up a hand to cease battle before he turned to Donut who had been knocked back. He assessed Donut and Lou with a mere glance, collecting his thoughts.

{Hmmm… Take five,} Roland ordered before he exited the clearing. Donut slouched on the ground licking his singed fur as Lou waddled over.

{You lacked your usual resistance, Donut. Did you consume your typical sugar intake today?}

{Ugh…} Donut groaned. {I could go for some more, but yeah I'm fine; you're the one who's busted.}

Lou scrunched his face. {What do you mean?}

{Your output has gone up like crazy,} He pointed out. {You're sparking even now.}

Lou glanced at his body surging with power before reigning it in. {These are just the fruits of my labor. You could match my mettle if you cared.}

Doubt was etched plainly across Donut's face. {I don't see that happening soon. I hadn't noticed until we started training yesterday because I'm so used to the power coursing through Sunyshore, but it feels like you've got the whole city's power supply coursing through you. Something felt off about you the closer we got to Mount Coronet too. Zio said something about how it has electromagnetic waves?}

{Electromagnetic exposure is how Charjabug evolve or a particularly large Thunderstone. The venture in the Sinnoh Underground and the Mount Coronet may have stimulated my body, but I am far too inadequate to even consider the notion of evolving yet.}

Donut looked at him skeptically. {Why do you think that?}

{Because I know I can do better!} Lou affirmed. {According to Topaz, Reginleif had only been training with Cynthia a few months and her power already surpassed General Topaz's grandfather's entire team. I… I cannot say the same for myself and I have been honing my body for the past three years. When I do evolve, I want it to be because I have reached the limit to the amount of electricity I can store in my body. Then I will be ready.}

Ever since he had come to Sinnoh, Lou's body had been gradually absorbing more electricity. Once he evolved into a Charjabug and became a living battery, every moment spent in the solar city provided him with energy that he kept in reserve. For three years he'd been amassing that electricity for when the time was right, going far beyond what was typical of a Charjabug.

Donut gave a hard long look at Lou. He'd mellowed out slightly since the events with Benedetto. He'd become vaguely more… humble? He would not call him an arrogant pokemon, but it seemed like his fervent pursuit to grow stronger had surged over the last few months while his more volatile tendencies had decreased (slightly).

{Donut… how will you know when you've reached your time? Your moment to evolve?} Lou asked.

Donut pondered his answer. {I never gave evolution much thought as a Pichu until it just happened. It was during that summer festival and I felt really happy to be there with Topaz and… and you. Then I felt this warm feeling inside me and I just let it take over. Next thing I know I'm a Pikachu. It was so easy. But to evolve into Raichu… I need to consciously decide and I dunno. I don't know what I want to do or when I want to do it.}

Lou raised a brow. {Your lackadaisical nature once again proves to hinder you, my fair comrade.}

{Stop using bigger words to call me lazy-}

{You are not as indecisive as you think. You're a bit… sensitive and albeit soft, but you are smart and while you loathe hard work you aren't afraid of it. I remember when you were young you'd be complaining about Roland's training, but today you kept your tongue in check.}

{That could change at literally any second-}

{Shut up. What I am trying to say is, if you don't have an answer today, that means you're not ready. You haven't grown up enough, but you're on your way. And I'll bite you in the ass if you ever stop growing. So… you better get off your ass and keep training!} Lou's expression softened ever so subtly as his words began to trail off.

{...I needed that, thanks. And if you want my opinion-}

{DoI want your opinion?}

{Shut up. You're the craziest, strongest bug I've ever met with insanely weird standards. The way I see it, the way I felt it. You're ready for anything, including evolution. And you're basically my brother so I know these things about you.}

Lou buzzed in thought, Donut's words resonating within him. {I appreciate your input.}

{Good. Because I'll keep giving it whether you want it or not.} Donut finished cleaning his fur and hopped onto his feet into a battle pose.

{I wouldn't expect anything less,} Lou grunted as he wriggled back and got into his own. {Brother.}

Right on schedule Roland returned to monitor the two's training. He eyed them both, giving each his tacit approval before raising a hand. {Begin!}

~Chapter 29 Fin~

Question: Who are the best bros in the story and why are they Donut and Lou?

Author's Note

To create some semblance of good pacing I'm trying to cut out too much extra fluff, while sprinkling in scenes that Topaz Edition is known for, which is why this chapter is relatively short.

Trainer: Topaz Heart

Age: 12

Class: Junior Gym Trainer

Deck: Fool, Devil, Strength, Hermit, Fortune.

Team: Donut (Pikachu), Lou (Charjabug), Holyn (Cranidos).

Allies: Rogelio (?).

Team Update: Holyn is honing Ice Beam and Stone Edge.