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Chapter 45: Arsenal and Zeus
🕑 Added 2024-12-06 18:58:28 +0000 UTCThe campfire had long died down, and Gladion was fast asleep. All of his Pokemon were outside having a conversation of their own.
Arsenal was the first to break the silence.
[Another day of training,] he muttered, fire crackling around his body. [I'm getting stronger, but not fast enough.]
Zeus snorted.
[Stronger? You call those tiny flame sparks strength?] His hands generated a small, mocking electrical arc.
[I could short-circuit you before you could even warm up a decent flame.]
Arsenal's body temperature rose several degrees. [What did you just say?]
Guy suddenly burst into dramatic tears. [SUCH YOUTHFUL PASSION! SUCH BURNING ENERGY OF RIVALRY!] He almost had tears in his eyes [YOSH! THIS IS THE SPRINGTIME OF YOUTH!]
Mystique rolled her eyes. [Here we go again.]
Nyx and Hydros were engaged in their own quiet conversation. They had formed a close friendship during their time with Gladion.
[Do you think we'll evolve soon?]Hydros asked, splashing a small water droplet playfully.
Nyx's ears perked up. [ I hope so. I'm hoping to become an Umbreon. Gladion's been training me specifically for that.]
Collosus remained absolutely still. He was known for his patience, rarely engaging in the group's typical banter. His entire existence was focused on one goal: becoming a Tyranitar. The others had learned to respect his silent determination.
But Arsenal and Zeus were not about to let silence reign.
[I SAID,] Zeus repeated, electricity dancing between his appendages, [you're nothing but a weak little flame-thrower!]
Arsenal's body began to glow with increasing heat. [WANT TO PROVE IT?]
[Hothead, Bet you can't even power a light bulb with those weak flames!]
Arsenal replied back with flames intensifying around his beak [At least I don't go around bullying Pidgey for fun, you oversized battery! I'll show you real power!]
Guy was practically bouncing with excitement. [YES! SETTLE YOUR DIFFERENCES WITH THE POWER OF YOUTH! Such passionate rivalry! Such burning youth! This reminds me of my eternal rival, the Hitmonlee that I beat to become Machoke! FEEL THE POWER OF YOUTH!"]
Obviously, Machoke did not know what a rival meant and considered the Hitmonlee that he fought as his rival.
Mystique's voice cut through like a sharp, cool blade. [That's quite enough, children. We're a team now, and fighting amongst ourselves won't help Gladion achieve his dreams.]
Zeus crossed his arms* [Hmph! Who made you the boss?]
Mystique's eyes gleamed dangerously [Would you like a demonstration of why I'm the voice of reason here?]
Both the Pokemon shivered at that. They could feel their danger senses going haywire. They knew that she was way stronger than them because she had been with Gladion for much longer.
Her serpentine body shifted, creating an immediate barrier between Arsenal and Zeus. She radiated an aura of calm authority that made even the most energetic Pokémon pause.
[You,] she looked at Arsenal, [are a fire-type with immense potential. And you,] she turned to Zeus, [are an electric powerhouse. Fighting each other serves no purpose.]
Zeus looked slightly chastened. Arsenal's temperature dropped a few degrees.
Guy, however, was not done. [BUT THE PASSION OF YOUTH! THE BURNING DESIRE TO PROVE ONESELF!]Tears streamed down his muscular cheeks. [WHEN I WAS A YOUNG MACHOP, I WOULD CHALLENGE EVERYTHING!]
Hydros turned to Nyx. [Is he always like this?]
Nyx nodded. [Gladion named him after someone called 'Might Guy'. Apparently, that's a human who was exactly like this.]
Collosus remained motionless, his internal thoughts a mystery to the others. But there was a subtle sense of annoyance at the commotion.
[YOUTH IS A BEAUTIFUL THING!] Guy continued his passionate monologue. [EVERY CHALLENGE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW! EVERY BATTLE IS A CHANCE TO PROVE YOUR STRENGTH!]
Mystique sighed. It was going to be a long night for her.
Arsenal and Zeus, momentarily united by their irritation at Guy's dramatic speech, exchanged a look of mutual understanding.
[Loudmouth Idiot] Zeus muttered.
[Right?] Arsenal agreed.
A low rumbling sound emanates from where Collosus is resting grabbed their attention.
Arsenal whispered to Zeus [What's his deal?]
Hydros also whispering [Dude's waiting to become a Tyranitar. So that no one ever dares to disturb his sleep. Trust me, you don't want to mess with his beauty sleep.]
Guy though did not get the meaning of not disturbing someone [SUCH DEDICATION TO TRAINING EVEN WHILE RESTING! COLLOSUS, YOUR FLAMES OF YOUTH BURN BRIGHTLY IN YOUR DREAMS!]
Mystique sighsed [Guy, inside voice, please. We've talked about this.]
Guy whispered dramatically [My apologies! The passion of youth sometimes overwhelms me!]
But beneath their banter, there was a deeper bond. They were all Gladion's Pokémon. They might argue, they might compete, but they were a team.
Nyx decided to change the topic so that Zeus and Arsenal don't go back to arguing as she spoke to Hydros [Remember when we first met? You were so serious about being the 'cool starter Pokemon'.]
Hydros hid a little in his shell due to embarassment [Hey, I'm still cool! I just... learned to loosen up a bit. Boss showed me that strength and fun aren't mutually exclusive.]
Arsenal became curious [Speaking of the boss... how did he catch you all? I mean, he found me training to become a strong Magmar.]
Mystique was the first one to answer [He actually helped me evolve from a Feebas. Back then, nobody knew Feebas could become Milotic. He believed in me when I was just an ugly fish.]
Zeus was genuinely interested now [Wait, seriously? That's... actually pretty impressive.]
Guy spoke up next [YES! Our youthful trainer has the amazing power to see the potential in all of us! He taught me the WAY OF YOUTH and showed me that hard work defeats natural talent!]
Collosus suddenly spoke causing everyone to jump [He raised me from an egg. My mother, a mighty Tyranitar, entrusted it to his grandfather.]
Everyone stared, surprised that Collosus joined the conversation.
Nyx joyfully answered[I was bred by his dad! But I chose to become an Umbreon because dark types are awesome. Plus, I've got my signature Copycat move!]
Hydros was the last one to speak [He picked me as his starter even though that jealous kid Rex said Charmander was the better choice. Boss something about how cool water types are in the long run.]
Arsenal flames flickered [He mentioned something about me becoming stronger than just a Magmar... what did he mean?]
Mystique exchanged knowing looks with the older team members [The boss has a special way of knowing things. If he says you'll be stronger, trust him.]
Zeus excitedly asked [What about me? Did he say anything about me?]
Guy with as much excitement answered [YOUNG ZEUS! He spoke of you wielding the power of thunder itself! Though your youth sometimes leads to mischief, he sees great potential in you!]
Collosus glared at everyone as everyone has disturbed his beauty sleep [Less talking. More training. League approaches.]
[Collosus is right. We should all get some rest. Tomorrow's training will be intense.]
Nyx yawned [But this was fun! We should talk more often.]
Zeus looked at Arsenal [Hey... sorry about earlier. Maybe we could train together tomorrow? Your fire punch might help me perfect my thunder punch.]
Arsenal smiled [Now that's a hot idea! No more picking on Pidgey though.]
Guy started crying again [THE POWER OF YOUTH AND FRIENDSHIP BRINGS TEARS TO MY EYES!]
Hydros looked at Nyx [Want to practice some combination moves tomorrow? Your Copycat with my Water Pulse could be interesting. It would mean double Water Pulse.]
Nyx was already on her feet [You bet! Maybe Mystique can help us perfect the timing!]
Mystique smiled warmly [Of course. That's what family does.]
A soft snoring sound indicated that Collosus has already fallen back asleep.
Zeus whispered [Is he also always like this?]
Hydros chirped [Just wait until he evolves. The boss says he'll be our powerhouse."]
[AND I SHALL HELP HIM TRAIN WITH THE POWER OF-]
Everyone else glared at Guy with a "SHHHHHHH!"
Guy whispered dramatically [Youth...]
