Chapter 93: Gliscor Evolves
That afternoon, after Elder Maeve insisted they stay for a meal, Alan and Gligar set off again. They headed straight for the isolated island, arriving at its shore in less than ten minutes.
As usual, several Gligar flew out from the forest to greet them, quickly returning to report to their leader. Before long, the Gliscor leader arrived with a large contingent of his colony, seemingly intending for them to spectate.
"Gligar~" Little Scorpio saw his dad and happily swung his arms in greeting.
"Gliscor," the leader replied, nodding slowly. As a father, he could see the changes that had occurred in his child. This was a path every Pokémon had to walk. He then turned his gaze to Alan, looking him over.
"Gliscor? (You've evolved?)"
"That's right. That's why I've come," Alan responded.
"Gliscor." The leader waved a pincer at a Gligar behind him, who came forward holding a large leaf. On it lay a slightly yellowish, sharp fang over ten centimeters long. The leader picked up the Razor Fang and tossed it to Alan.
"No need for a challenge?" Alan raised an eyebrow, handing the fang to Gligar.
"Gliscor~" The leader lazily shook his head, stating directly that he was no longer Alan's opponent, so there was no need to fight.
"Thank you," Alan said. "By the way, recently..." He repeated the warning about the impending human war that he had given to Scyther.
"Gliscor," the leader replied, his tone firm. His answer was different from Scyther's. This island was his home; they had lived here since birth. Even if human wars affected this place, they would not move.
"...Can we stay here tonight?" Alan asked. "I'd like you to help teach Gligar some techniques for using his fangs. I'm afraid he won't be able to learn them later."
"Gliscor," the leader nodded, gesturing for them to follow him.
As they walked, Alan was surprised to see several Gligar in a clearing, planting saplings and watering them with large leaves. "Are you deliberately cultivating?" he asked the leader.
"Gliscor," the leader explained. Their ancestors had once observed humans farming and had kept the habit ever since. However, their success rate wasn't high.
Alan understood why. They were merely planting and watering, without the more complex knowledge humans possessed. Still, for Pokémon, it was an impressive feat.
The center of the island was a place of beautiful mountains and clear waters, with a low mountain range and even a small waterfall that flowed into a lake connected to the sea. The leader, pleased by Alan's praise for his home, offered him great hospitality, calling over other Gligar to bring fruit and even give him a massage with their pincers.
"Gliscor!"
The leader's voice snapped Alan from his thoughts. He had already begun teaching Gligar the experience needed to master the three elemental fangs: Thunder Fang, Ice Fang, and Fire Fang. Alan didn't expect him to learn them immediately; the purpose was to etch the memory deep into Gligar's being, so that after evolving, he could "recall" them much more easily, just as Alan had done with Extreme Speed.
As night fell.
"Gligar, it's time. Use the Razor Fang," Alan said.
"Gligar!" He nodded obediently and held the fang.
The light of evolution shone, attracting the entire colony to watch. When the light faded, a majestic Gliscor stood in his place. He opened his golden eyes, and sparks popped from his fangs. The next moment, with a whoosh, his fangs burst into raging flames.
He had immediately mastered Fire Fang.
'Is it because he spent so much time with Charizard?' Alan nodded. They could depart for the Royal Capital at first light.
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