After leaving the cave, Silas took his Pokémon to train. With Infernape's increased power, along with the other Pokémon at his disposal, he was confident that no individual trapped on the trial island could easily defeat him.
"Come on out, Altaria."
With all of his Pokémon present, Silas once again summoned Altaria.
"Have you thought about my proposal?"
"The answer is still no. I will never trust a human."
"So you don't want to leave this suppressed space? If you continue to resist, then that will be your reality."
"That is fine by me."
"Are you sure that's what you want to do?"
"Nothing will change my mind."
Silas laughed wickedly, and the sound sent a shiver through Altaria. She knew humans to be cruel and cunning. Silas laughing like that was a sign of trouble for her in the future.
"Since you don't know what's good for you, then I will have to treat you as a resource."
Using a few syringes and blood bags, Silas collected three bags full of blood before feeding Altaria several healing items and allowing her to rest in her Poké Ball.
The thought process was simple. Vibrava needed Pokéblocks rich in Dragon-type energy as it prepared for its evolution into Flygon. The blood of an elite-tier Pokémon was the perfect resource to provide it.
Despite the suppression, Pokémon from outside retained their original energy reserves. They simply couldn't deploy them freely.
The only advantages these Pokémon possessed were their mastery over their moves, their physical advantages, and their immense energy reserves. To put it into perspective, Altaria could nearly endlessly fire off its moves, but the power of each attack was capped at the equivalent of Level 54.
Before setting off, Silas released everyone to celebrate Infernape's evolution.
They hunted several wild animals for meat and prepared a feast for everyone.
It was cute watching his Pokémon behave almost like humans.
"Boss, can I give a speech to honor my brother Infernape?"
Silas was surprised by the request coming from Electabuzz, but he happily obliged.
He spoke about their journey together from the very beginning with Silas and how Infernape had always had his back, even back when he was a Chimchar.
Everyone shared the same sentiment.
Among Silas' Pokémon, Infernape was everyone's big brother. He usually shouldered the responsibility of taking on the strongest enemy Pokémon, but he was never too proud to distance himself from the others.
Instead, he always did his best to foster camaraderie throughout the team.
Silas couldn't have asked for a better first Pokémon. The first Pokémon was like the captain of a sports team, while the trainer was the coach.
The first Pokémon set the tone for what was acceptable in the relationship between trainer and Pokémon. Infernape trained diligently and never complained, so naturally the rest of the group followed suit.
Frogadier shared similar sentiments. He recounted how Infernape, Silas, and Electabuzz had cared for him when he was too weak to defend himself.
Infernape also helped him grow stronger whenever he asked for a spar.
It truly warmed Silas' heart to know that Infernape was genuinely loved among his Pokémon and held the unshakable role of leader.
This status would prevent many problems in the future.
Feeling emotional, Silas also gave a toast to his partner Pokémon.
"From the day our auras reacted, we became brothers for life, and I couldn't ask for a more reliable partner. Congratulations on your evolution, and I will do my best to help you reach the pinnacle of power."
The conviction in his words deeply touched Infernape. He cried from all the kind words being shared with him by his closest allies.
Silas and his Pokémon enjoyed their meal and drinks after the speeches. They waited an hour to allow their food to settle and let everyone relax to conserve energy.
Silas hadn't only set out to train today. The goal was to return to the base. He needed to restock on natural treasures. The ones he had on hand would soon no longer be enough.
For this trip, Silas brought along all of his Pokémon, storing the bag of Poké Balls inside Frogadier's shadow space.
These days, Tropius had made strides as well. She was now Level 46, and her travel speed had increased considerably. Silas was able to cover most of the distance back to the base in a single day of nonstop travel.
"Thanks for the hard work, Tropius. Take a good, long rest."
"Anytime. You know I love flying you around."
Silas could sense she wanted to say more.
"Please speak freely. You are a valued member of the team."
"I want to battle more. I don't want to simply be a mount."
"Don't you battle enough already?"
"I feel like I only get to engage if we are attacked while I'm already flying you somewhere. You never deploy me to deal with people."
Silas stood there thoughtfully for a few moments before answering.
"I hear you. I'll keep that in mind moving forward. I promise you'll get your chance. I saw how you handled Altaria."
She nodded and said no more. Tropius trusted Silas completely. He wouldn't lie to her.
Silas handed her a few Pokéblocks as a reward, which she happily accepted. All of Silas' Pokémon loved his Pokéblocks. He flavored them with berries, making them pleasantly sweet.
Silas wanted to finish the journey back on foot so as not to attract too much attention. He felt he had nothing to fear after taking out Sam and the twins. This would be the real test.
Along the way, he discreetly placed numerous psychic markers in case a tactical retreat became necessary later.
As if the world was testing him, he came across a lone wild Luxray. The black-and-blue feline Pokémon eyed them cautiously.
He scanned it immediately.
Luxray (M) — Level 48
Ability: Guts
Potential: B
Moves: Rank A Thunder Bolt, Rank A Charge, Rank A Spark, Rank A Thunder Fang, Rank B Volt Switch, Rank B Thunder Wave, Rank B Discharge, Rank B Wild Charge, Rank B Tackle, Rank B Leer, Rank B Bite, Rank B Roar, Rank B Scary Face, Rank B Crunch, Rank B Swagger, Rank B Baby-Doll Eyes, Rank B Helping Hand, Rank B Quick Attack, Rank B Eerie Impulse, Rank B Electric Terrain, Rank B Hyper Beam, Rank B Super Power, Rank B Iron Tail, Rank B Dig
Silas noted the respectable potential before attempting to communicate through telepathy.
"If we pass without you attacking, then we will also refrain from attacking. However, make no mistake, we do not fear fighting you."
"And what if I insist on fighting?"
"Then it can't be helped. I'll simply crush you and continue on my way."
Silas couldn't figure out some wild Pokémon. They essentially acted like mama bears from Earth despite having no young to protect. They would indiscriminately attack anyone they encountered.
That was why he had stopped trying to meekly negotiate. Most wild Pokémon only respected strength. If you were weak, you were simply prey.
Silas called out Tropius, and she immediately brightened when she saw the ferocious-looking Electric-type.
Luxray, on the other hand, wore a confused expression. He couldn't understand why Tropius looked so excited to see him.
A thought suddenly crossed his mind. He wondered if he was being underestimated, and the realization instantly angered him.
Luxray lunged forward with Thunder Fang but was driven back by a barrage of Air Slash and Air Cutter used in combination.
"Tropius, use Razor Leaf, then Dragon Dance."
As Tropius spun gracefully through the air, sharp leaves coated in Grass-type energy shot toward Luxray like ninja shuriken.
Luxray charged forward with electricity coursing over his body.
Tropius didn't have enough time to finish Dragon Dance, so she abruptly stopped and stared coldly at Luxray.
"Tropius, use Leaf Blade."
Both Pokémon met head-on.
Luxray fought desperately for the advantage, but Tropius was relentless. She wanted to prove she deserved more opportunities to battle, so she intended to put on a performance Silas wouldn't forget.
Leaf Blade clashed repeatedly against Wild Charge. Neither Pokémon gained a decisive advantage, though Luxray was clearly a bit stronger than Tropius. Otherwise, Silas would have fought far more aggressively.
During one exchange, Tropius managed to land a Leech Seed.
"Tropius, rise and use Air Slash!"
Tropius beat her broad, leaf-like wings and climbed sharply into the sky. A crescent blade of compressed wind tore downward, slicing toward the wild Luxray before he could complete his charge.
Luxray's glowing eyes narrowed.
The Electric-type narrowly sidestepped the attack. Air Slash carved a deep trench into the ground beside him.
Luxray landed in a crouch before immediately springing forward.
Electricity surged around his fangs as he raced toward Tropius with powerful strides.
There was no trainer guiding his movements, but his instincts were razor-sharp. The moment Tropius lowered her altitude, Luxray recognized the opening.
"Don't let him get close! Magical Leaf!"
Tropius swung her wings forward.
Dozens of glowing leaves formed around her body before spiraling toward Luxray from every direction. The leaves curved through the air, adjusting their trajectories whenever Luxray attempted to evade.
Luxray growled and accelerated.
The first leaves struck his shoulders and flank, bursting against his fur in flashes of green energy.
Luxray stumbled but refused to stop. Electricity exploded from his body as he unleashed a point-blank Discharge.
The expanding wave of lightning consumed the remaining leaves before continuing toward Tropius.
"Tropius, Protect!"
A transparent barrier appeared around Tropius just before the electricity reached her.
Discharge crashed harmlessly against the shimmering shield.
The instant it disappeared, Luxray leapt with metallic energy gathering around his tail.
"Tropius, meet him with Steel Wing!"
Tropius dove to meet Luxray, her wings glowing with metallic light.
They collided repeatedly, their Steel-type attacks clashing with sounds reminiscent of swords striking together.
Unfortunately, Luxray was the superior close-range fighter. Although it wasn't overwhelming, it was still a noticeable advantage. He soon outmaneuvered Tropius.
His glowing tail slammed into her side, sending her crashing toward the ground.
Without giving her even a second to recover, Luxray resumed his assault.
"Tropius, don't give up! Use Leaf Storm!"
Tropius forced herself upright and spread her wings.
A violent cyclone of razor-sharp leaves erupted around her before descending upon the dust cloud. The storm shredded grass, stone, and earth as it swallowed the area where Luxray stood.
For several long seconds, nothing could be seen.
Then two golden eyes appeared within the storm.
Luxray roared.
A blinding bolt of electricity erupted from the center of Leaf Storm, tearing through the swirling leaves before striking Tropius squarely in the chest.
"Tropius!"
She cried out as electricity crawled across her body. Her wings stiffened, and she began falling from the sky.
Luxray burst from the collapsing storm.
Cuts covered his body, and his breathing had become heavy, but the wild Pokémon's expression remained fierce. He raced beneath the falling Tropius, sparks gathering around his entire frame.
Silas' eyes widened.
"Tropius, you've got this. Steady yourself."
Tropius forced her numb wings to move. A burst of wind erupted beneath her just before she hit the ground, slowing her descent.
Luxray launched himself forward with Wild Charge. The sheer power behind the attack was obvious as he charged aggressively.
"Tropius, use Outrage and Leaf Blade together."
Luxray became engulfed in a thick coat of crackling electricity while Tropius was wrapped in a blood-red aura of Dragon-type energy. Her wings glowed with vibrant Grass-type energy as she spun toward Luxray.
The moment they collided, a massive explosion erupted.
Silas facepalmed. He had wanted to keep a low profile, but what was done was done.
The collision left a deep crater with Tropius and Luxray lying at its center.
Tropius initially lay motionless as though unconscious before defiantly struggling back to her feet. Several wounds covered her body.
Across the crater, Luxray did the same. His legs trembled, and blood dripped from several shallow cuts along his side, yet he still lowered his body and bared his glowing fangs.
Luxray released one final strained roar as electricity exploded wildly from his body before he collapsed unconscious.
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Thanks for the continued support on my first fanfic!!
Moving forward, every 50 Power Stones, I will release a bonus chapter.
I will also be releasing bonus chapters for milestones. The next ones are 300k views and chapter 200.
Finally, I will be releasing 3 extra chapters once we reach 10 reviews. 5 star reviews are appreciated but not required, I want honest feedback so I can improve.
Once again, thanks for all the support and feedback!