Hearing Serena's urgent call, Tim didn't even bother to check out, clutching his Pokémon egg as he hurried with Auron over to her side.
"What is this? It's so pretty!"
Serena was practically sparkling with excitement as she pointed at five stones displayed inside a glass case.
Mega Stones?!
Auron did a double-take. He'd just been thinking about Mega Evolution, and now, out of nowhere, here were Mega Stones right in front of him.
He leaned in for a closer look, realizing Serena was pointing at a pink-and-pale-yellow stone: Diancite, the Mega Stone for Diancie. With its sparkling, crystalline pink hue, no wonder Serena was drawn to it.
"These are the shop owner's private collection," said an elderly gentleman who'd wandered over. "According to research at the Vantora Institute, these seem to be some kind of item for Pokémon to carry. Unfortunately, their purpose in battle isn't clear yet—perhaps because they've only recently appeared."
Auron regarded the old man with curiosity.
"They've only been around a few years?"
"That's right. They were first found in a newly-appeared Pokémon sanctuary in France. At first, a certain Champion couldn't resist these shiny stones and wore them as jewelry. Later, someone noticed the energy inside matched the energy found in Pokémon, so people theorized they might be a new kind of held item. But after three years of study, no one around the world has figured out exactly what they do."
As the old man spoke, stroking his beard, it was clear he was reminiscing fondly.
Auron nodded, then looked at the other stones in the case.
"So, are there a lot of these stones around?"
The old man seemed surprised by the question. Clearly he wasn't expecting a kid to focus on the supply.
"Not at all. They're actually very rare. You can only find them in the newly discovered Pokémon sanctuaries, and even then, most are locked away in research labs across different countries. Only a handful are privately owned, like these here."
"And, honestly, most collectors are women—these sparkling things have a special allure, as your friend here can probably attest."
He looked at Auron, then at Serena, then at the two boys behind them, puzzling over this unusual party.
Auron agreed. "They really do have beautiful patterns."
He recognized each stone at a glance:
The white gem with pink and pale yellow patterns: Diancite
The pink gem with light red and yellow: Audinite
The pink gem with blue and white: Altarianite
The peach-colored gem with red and white: Galladite
The soft pink gem with creamy pink patterns: Slowbronite
Every single one was dazzling—a riot of color and sparkle. It was no wonder people would display and collect them, even without knowing their true use.
"It's a shame, really," the old man mused. "No one knows what these stones actually do yet."
"One day, someone will figure it out," Auron said confidently.
"One day indeed." The old man grinned, and the two of them shared a knowing smile.
"Grandpa, do you know the owner of this shop? I'd like to see if I can buy one," Auron said, glancing at the Altarianite—the Mega Stone for Altaria. With Tim's newly-acquired Swablu egg, it would be a valuable find for the future.
"You want to buy one for me?" Serena butted in, her eyes bright with hope. She hadn't expected Auron to finally show a little initiative and buy her a gift.
Auron blinked in confusion. "Why would I give it to you?"
Serena nearly sputtered. "Then who do you plan to give it to?!"
Auron's mind raced. Would it be weird to say I want it for Tim?
"I'm not giving it to anyone. I just want to keep it for myself."
Internally, Serena was screaming ("Aaaahhh!")
On the surface, she just smiled sweetly. "Fine, whatever you say."
Auron turned away, hiding a proud little smirk. I'm so clever.
The old man, amused by the drama, nonetheless answered sincerely.
"These are private collections. They rarely go up for sale, but for the right price, you might have a chance."
"Alright," Auron replied, a little disappointed. He didn't notice Serena glaring daggers at his back, secretly wishing she could swallow him whole.
The old man took in the group: the disappointed boy, the seething girl, the confused boy holding an egg, and the one trying not to collapse with laughter. He could only smile and shake his head, turning to leave with a chuckle.
"Youth really is wonderful."
The Next Day: Pokémon Battle Center
Jace was bursting with energy.
"It's been ages! Let's have a battle and see how much we've improved."
He sneaked a glance at Auron, knowing his Torkoal had learned a new Rock-type move just to counter Auron's Zubat. He was eager to show off.
Auron grinned. "I'm game."
Serena: "Me too!"
Tim: "Count me in."
Jace: "Alright, what format—elimination or relay?"
A relay match lets you swap Pokémon at will, testing both your team and your tactical skill.
Elimination means you can't switch until one side's Pokémon is down for the count—more about raw power and endurance.
"Elimination," Auron decided. "Tim still only has one Pokémon. A relay would put him at a disadvantage."
Despite picking up a Swablu egg at the Pokémon Store, Tim hadn't hatched it yet—so his Dratini was still his sole partner.
"Okay, so… you and me first?" Jace suggested.
"Let's do it."
The four made their way to the battlefield, pausing only to grab a judge.
"Trainers, release your Pokémon!"
"Go!"
Auron sent out Zubat. Jace released his Growlithe.
Jace was surprised. "Aren't you starting with Snorlax?"
Auron smirked. "I knew you'd target my Zubat, so I'm giving you a shot. Didn't think you'd open with Growlithe, though."
Jace could only smile wryly. He'd expected Auron to lead with Snorlax, so he'd prepped Growlithe's physical attacks for Snorlax's weaker defense—if he lost, Torkoal could finish off Zubat after. But Auron had read his plan and started with Zubat instead.
The judge raised the flag. "Battle, begin!"
"Growlithe—Flamethrower!"
"Zubat, dodge!"
Both trainers barked orders. Auron knew Growlithe's new Flamethrower was sure to be Jace's opener, trying to force Zubat on the defensive, so he ordered Zubat to evade.
Flamethrower traced a Z-shape through the sky as Zubat weaved, managing to avoid the attack but drifting closer to Growlithe.
"Great, Growlithe—Agility, then Bite!"
"Zubat—Supersonic!"
Auron smiled confidently as Zubat's Supersonic hit the charging Growlithe, leaving it confused. Growlithe leapt forward, snapping at empty air.
"Whatever, Growlithe—Howl!"
"Zubat—Swift!"
Growlithe shook its head, then howled at the sky—but got pelted mid-howl by Zubat's Swift, turning its howl into a yelp. Still, a flash of white light showed it had boosted its attack.
"Growlithe—Flamethrower!"
Jace tried again, but Zubat's agility let it dodge, staying just out of range—though not for long.
"Now's your chance—Growlithe, Flame Charge!"
"Zubat—Poison Fang!"
Auron saw Zubat couldn't dodge forever. With Agility, Growlithe was fast now; in close range, there was no escape. Growlithe, flames trailing, barreled into Zubat, who bit down hard with venom-glowing fangs.
Zubat was sent flying, but Growlithe was now glowing with a purplish sheen—poisoned, thanks to Zubat's ability.
"Growlithe—Reversal!"
"Zubat, pull back!"
Growlithe tried to close the gap, but Zubat managed to flutter higher, narrowly escaping the attack. Even with its speed boost, Growlithe couldn't reach.
"The tide's turning. Zubat—Cross Poison!"
"Grr, Growlithe, Flamethrower again!"
But this time, Zubat kept its distance, attacking from above. Two quick Cross Poisons later, and the poison took its toll—Growlithe collapsed.
"Growlithe is unable to battle. Zubat wins! Challenger, send out your next Pokémon. Timeout results in a forfeit."
The judge's flag waved.
Jace steadied himself. "Go, Torkoal!"
"Torkoal—Clear Smog!"
"Zubat—Shadow Ball!"
Torkoal's mud attack hit Zubat, even as Shadow Ball struck back. Clear Smog wasn't a heavy hitter, but it never missed—a perfect counter to Zubat's evasiveness. Torkoal was slow, sure, but Shadow Ball still hit its mark.
Jace was delighted to see Zubat getting tired—after all, it had taken a Flame Charge and two Clear Smogs. Zubat was breathing hard.
"Torkoal, again—Clear Smog!"
"Zubat—Air Slash!"
Auron could tell Zubat was running out of steam. Against a move that never missed, he could only trade blows.
The two exchanged attacks. Now Zubat was barely hanging on, wavering in the air.
Auron called gently, "Zubat, you don't have to push so hard."
"No!"
That same mysterious voice rang out in Auron's mind.
At that moment, Zubat was surrounded by a brilliant white light.
End of Chapter
---------
Please Give me Power Stones support me on Patreon @ patreon(dot)com/SorenEclipse : Read 15 Chapters Ahead on Patreon