After watching Gary leave, Greta finally exhaled. Her shoulders slumped as she turned to Scott, guilt heavy in her voice.
"Mr. Scott, I… I apologize for my behavior just now. I was irrational."
Scott waved a hand dismissively, though his eyes softened.
"It's alright, Greta. I understand. You lost your temper in the heat of the mont. But you should rember—when you're in a position like yours, your decisions ripple outward. Think carefully before you act."
Greta nodded, her usual stubborn pride returning as her eyes sharpened.
"…I will. Thank you."
Gary's harsh words had stung, but they had also awakened sothing inside her. Greta clenched her fists. She wouldn't allow herself to be crushed so easily again.
anwhile, Gary was already far from the battle arena. With Charizard's wings carrying him through the skies, he soared back toward the Pokémon Center.
The duel with Greta had barely scratched his partner; Charizard's flas still burned strong, his pride untarnished.
The distance was short. By the ti the Pokémon Center's red roof ca into view, Charizard descended smoothly, letting Gary dismount before folding his wings with a grunt.
"Good work," Gary said, patting Charizard's scaled hide before returning him to his Poké Ball.
Inside the Center, Nurse Joy greeted him warmly and took Charizard's ball for a quick restorative treatnt. While he waited, Gary stepped outside again. He wasn't finished preparing.
With a flash of light, a Glaceon appeared by his side. The Glaceon let out a crisp, high-pitched cry:
"Glaaace!"
Gary smiled faintly and pulled out a gleaming silver crown. He pressed it gently to Glaceon's head, feeling the artifact's power seep into the Pokémon. The Silver Crown was said to unlock hidden potential, pushing a Pokémon's growth to new heights.
The Glaceon blinked, its body shimring faintly as its aura expanded. With this, Glaceon's potential had climbed all the way to the level of a future Champion.
Gary's eyes glinted. One more step toward my goal. Before the Sinnoh League begins, I'll make sure all of my Pokémon are as strong as possible.
He pulled another Poké Ball from his belt.
"Weavile, co out."
With a sharp cry—
"Wee-viiiile!!"—
the Dark-Ice Pokémon erged, claws flexing. Its crimson crown feathers twitched as its eyes imdiately darted toward Glaceon.
"…?"
Weavile tilted its head curiously, fangs glinting. Why had Gary summoned them both?
Then realization dawned. A wicked grin stretched across its face, and Weavile clapped its claws together eagerly.
"Viiiiile!!"
Gary chuckled. "So you figured it out, huh? That's right."
He reached into his satchel and pulled out a shimring, obsidian-like stone—the Ability Enhancent Stone. Resting his palm atop Weavile's cold head, he pressed the stone down.
[Ding! The Ability Enhancent Stone was used successfully.]
Weavile's body shuddered, a deep oppressive aura radiating outward as if the air itself had grown heavier. Even Glaceon stiffened under the pressure.
Gary's eyes flicked to the glowing data on his Pokédex.
[Pokémon: Weavile]
Type: Dark/IceLevel: 56Potential: ChampionAbility: EX Pressure — The opponent is overwheld by oppressive force. Every move they use consus double energy, and the power of their attacks is reduced by one-quarter.Moveset: Scratch, Leer, Taunt, Quick Attack, tal Claw, Icy Wind, Feint Attack, Fury Swipes, Hone Claws, Night Slash, Snatch, Punishnt, Dark PulseTutor Moves: ga Kick, Dynamic Punch, Dig, Rest, Hyper Beam, Shadow Claw, Iron Tail, Ice Punch, Power-Up Punch, Scald, ReflectIntimacy: 255/255
Gary's brows furrowed. "So… it didn't increase energy consumption beyond double. Instead, it reduces the power of moves by 25%."
He crossed his arms, mildly dissatisfied. "I was hoping it'd quadruple the opponent's energy cost. That way, even strong rivals would burn out after only a few attacks. But this… still, it's not bad."
Weavile blinked, tilting its head.
"Weavile?"
It could sense the change in itself, but Gary's lack of enthusiasm confused it.
Gary crouched and rubbed its head. "Don't worry. Your ability is stronger now—it forces opponents into your oppressive aura, cutting their strength. But…" He sighed. "For you, it doesn't fix your real problem."
Weavile stiffened. Its claws trembled slightly.
"You're fast. You hit hard. But your defenses? Fragile. Your stamina is low, and your physical bulk is terrible. Even with this upgrade, if a powerful attack lands, you'll still be hurt badly."
"Viiile…"
Weavile's ears drooped, its sharp expression softening into dismay. It knew all too well what Gary ant. Back at Professor Oak's lab, whenever it sparred against Gary's other Pokémon, it could only rely on speed, feints, and Sucker Punches. If it ever got clipped—even once—it would be sent tumbling.
Gary continued, his voice calm but firm. "EX Pressure won't save you in a one-on-one slugfest. A quarter reduction is nice, but it's not enough to stop you from going down if you take a direct hit."
Weavile's crimson feather twitched as it let out a small, sulky growl. "Viiiiiile…"
Gary smirked faintly. "But don't pout. You'll still be extrely valuable in double battles. In fact, paired with a bulky or defensive ally, EX Pressure makes you terrifying. Together, you can suffocate your opponents until they collapse."
The words lit a fire in Weavile's eyes. Its claws flexed, and it let out an eager hiss: "Wea-vile!!"
Gary chuckled. "That's better. Rember, your clan always fought in groups in the wild. It's your nature to shine in team battles. And that's exactly where you'll prove yourself."
He stood and clipped Weavile's Poké Ball back onto his belt. "Prepare yourself. You're going to battle in the upcoming facility. It's a doubles format, which makes it the perfect chance to test EX Pressure."
Weavile's grin returned. Its crimson feather flared proudly.
"Viiiile!!"
Gary's next destination was already on his mind. The third Battle Frontier facility: Battle Do.
Its Frontier Brain was Tucker—a flamboyant ga Star famous for his dramatic entrances and glittering battles. He specialized in double battles, making him one of the most theatrical and unpredictable challengers Gary would face.
Gary sighed, rubbing his forehead. Tucker…
He'd seen recordings of Tucker's battles before. The man dressed more extravagantly than even Wallace, flaunting capes, sequins, and poses as if every match were a stage performance. What was worse, he was popular.
Gary scowled. "I'll never understand this world's obsession. The flashier and more ridiculous a guy dresses, the more fans he has."
Before he could brood further—
VROOOOM!
The roar of an engine split the air. A sleek red sports car ca tearing down the street, its tires screeching as it drifted to a halt right in front of Gary. A cloud of dust engulfed him, Glaceon, and Weavile.
"Cough—! Cough!"
"Glaaaace!!"
"Weavile!!"
The three of them hacked and waved their arms, glaring through the haze.
From the car's open roof, Scott popped up, beaming. "Gary! I knew I'd find you here!"
Gary clenched his jaw, resisting the urge to punch the man. "Mr. Scott… could you please not try to run over next ti?"
Scott blinked, then laughed awkwardly. "Ah—sorry! Sorry! I just got a bit carried away."
Gary waved him off, still coughing. "Forget it. You're lucky I'm forgiving."
Scott leaned out of the car, his grin returning. "Anyway! I ca to ask—you're heading for the Battle Do, right? Tucker is waiting in Vermilion City. When do you plan to leave?"
Gary's eyes narrowed. Vermilion City. A place of luxury, lights, and crowds. Of course Tucker would establish his facility there. Where else would a star like him perform, if not in front of the biggest audience possible?
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