Chapter 23 - 23: Bad News

Words : 1249 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

------A year Later------ Gladion woke up early. At nine years old, Gladion was just a year away from beginning his Pokémon journey, and every moment felt precious. He glanced at the foot of his bed, where his Eevee lay curled up, her fur gleaming in the early morning light. Gladion smiled, remembering the day he received her. Over the past year, they had grown close, training together in the dark hours of the night to guide her evolution towards Umbreon. Yes Umbreon, he had asked her what she wanted to become and using his psychic powers, he showed her what each form looked like. She was pretty excited after seeing Umbreon. And to be honest, Gladion himself wanted a Umbreon or a Espeon that could compliment his Psychic powers. As he got dressed, Gladion's eyes fell on the large Poké Ball sitting on his desk. Inside was Pupitar, formerly Larvitar, who had undergone an unexpected evolution a few months ago. The change had been a shock to everyone, especially Larvitar himself. Grabbing the Poké Ball, Gladion made his way downstairs. He found his father, Ben, already at the kitchen table, looking over research papers. "Morning, Dad," Gladion said, reaching for a bowl of cereal. Ben looked up, his eyes tired but bright. "Good morning, son. Early start again?" Gladion nodded. "I want to get some training in with Machoke before school. How's the research going?" Ben sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Slow but steady. I've been looking into Pupitar's evolution process. I hate to say it, Gladion, but it doesn't look like he'll evolve into Tyranitar before the Indigo League." Gladion's heart sank. He had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed was still disappointing. "How long do you think it'll take?" "It's hard to say," Ben replied. "Larvitar to Pupitar is usually the quickest stage. The evolution to Tyranitar can take years, even with intensive training. I'm sorry, son. I know you were hoping to have him fully evolved for the league." Gladion nodded, his mind already working on how to break the news to Pupitar. "Thanks for looking into it, Dad. I'll figure something out." After breakfast, Gladion made his way to the backyard. He released Pupitar, who materialized with a flash of light who looked up at his trainer expectantly. "Hey, buddy," Gladion said, kneeling down. "We need to talk about something." As gently as he could, Gladion explained what his father had told him. Pupitar's eyes grew sad as he listened, understanding that he wouldn't be the powerhouse Gladion had hoped for in the upcoming league. He knew that as a Pupitar, he could not bear everyone. He wanted to be the King and the strongest. He did not want to hide behind a shell. "But listen," Gladion said, his voice firm. "This doesn't change anything. You're still going to be the strongest member of our team. It just means your debut as a Tyranitor will be on an even bigger stage. When you evolve into Tyranitar, it'll be when we're challenging the Elite Four, or maybe even a Champion. How does that sound?" Pupitar's eyes lit up at the prospect, and he nodded enthusiastically. Gladion grinned, relieved that his partner understood. "Alright then, let's get to training. We've got a lot of work to do if we're going to take on the Elite Four!" As they began their morning routine, Gladion heard the back door open. He turned to see his twin sister, Gwen, step out, her Haunter floating beside her. "Morning, bro!" Gwen called out cheerfully. "Mind if we join you?" Gladion shook his head, always happy to train with his sister. As Gwen approached, he couldn't help but marvel at how much her Haunter had grown. What was once a mischievous Gastly had evolved into a formidable Haunter, and Gladion suspected it wouldn't be long before it became a Gengar. "Haunter's looking strong," he commented as Gwen and her Pokémon took up position across from him. Gwen beamed with pride. "Thanks! We've been working really hard. Mom thinks he might evolve before we start our journey." Gladion nodded, a mix of pride and concern washing over him. He knew how reckless Gwen could be, and the thought of her setting out on a Pokémon journey had kept their parents up many nights. But with a powerful Gengar by her side, at least they could rest a little easier. "That's great, Gwen. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility," Gladion said, unable to resist teasing his sister a little. Gwen rolled her eyes. "Okay, Mr. Wise Guy. Less talking, more battling. Haunter, use Shadow Ball!" As the ghostly orb hurtled towards Larvitar, Gladion called out, "Defend using Rock Slide!" The two Pokémon clashed, their moves lighting up the early morning sky. As they battled, Gladion felt a surge of excitement. In just one year, they would be doing this for real, facing off against other trainers and gym leaders across the region. After the training session, as they walked to school, Gwen chattered excitedly about their upcoming journey. "I can't believe we only have one more year left! Do you know which starter you're going to choose yet?" Gladion shook his head. "Not yet. They're all strong Pokémon. What about you?" Although, he had made up his mind long ago about the starter he was going to choose, he was not going to tell her since she might just take his choosen starter before him just to amuse herself. Siblings were troublesome after all. "I'm thinking Bulbasaur," Gwen said. "It'll be a good balance for my team, and I love the idea of having a big, strong Venusaur!" As they arrived at school, Gladion's mind wandered to his Eevee. He had been training her diligently, working towards an Umbreon evolution. The dark-type Eeveelution was, in his opinion, the best possible choice - strong, resilient, and perfect for his team composition. The school day passed in a blur of lessons and daydreams about future battles. When they returned home, Gladion after eating lunch immediately went to Milotic who was in her pond. "It seems that you have reach an appropriate stage to start your training too milotic. You have covered your weaknesses from a very early evolution from Feebas to milotic already and your physical strength and speed have increased thanks to Chansey and her gravity training." Gladion said to Milotic who excitedly wrapped herself to Gladion. "Can't breathe..." Gladion had to use his psychic powers to pull Milotic a little away from himself. "Now we can try and make you even stronger. Let me tell you a secret, Milotic." Gladion said with a smirk to which Milotic looked at him curiously "Outside of Legendaries, Milotics are one of the strongest water type Pokemons." As Gladion said that, Milotic looked at him as if he was lying. Gladion just chuckled at her reaction. "I am not lying but you can verify it yourself by seeing how your strength increases with the help of training." Milotic excitedly started training her water type moves. 'And that's how you motivate a Pokemon to train folks.' Gladion chuckled to himself. -------Author Notes------- Y'all can read 12 extra chapters on my pat*reon. https://pat reon.com/mrmime24 [No Space]

Chapter 23 - 23: Bad News

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