Twenty minutes later, the wail of sirens cut through the streets. A police truck rolled into Lavender Town, Officer Jenny leading a squad of uniformed officers.
After gathering testimony from Ethan, Cynthia, and the other trainers, the Rockets were bound and loaded into the vehicle one by one.
Before leaving, Cynthia pulled Jenny aside. Her voice was low, urgent. "The Gym Leader of Saffron City… Sabrina… she's with Team Rocket."
Jenny's eyes went wide. "What? A Gym Leader?"
"I saw it with my own eyes."
Jenny pressed her lips together, clearly shaken. At last she said, "I'll report this to the League immediately," before climbing into the truck and driving off.
"Hmph. Just wait and see," Cynthia muttered, watching the taillights fade.
"Sure, I'll wait," Ethan said dryly, turning on his heel. He headed back toward the Pokémon House, Cynthia following.
Inside, they found Mr. Fuji, Reina, and several volunteers tending to the Pokémon. During the Rocket attack, Cynthia had instructed them to stay put while she led the Lavender Gym students in defense of the town. She had succeeded—no Rocket had reached the House.
"Ethan," Mr. Fuji said warmly when they entered, "once again, you and Cynthia carried us through this trial." His eyes twinkled as he looked Ethan over. "And I heard your Charmeleon evolved into Charizard during the battle?"
Ethan smiled, unclipping a Poké Ball. "That's right."
A flash of light burst in the garden.
The newly evolved Charizard appeared, scales pitch-black, wings spread wide. Its domineering presence and unique color left the volunteers awestruck.
"Incredible," one whispered. "Just months ago, it was a small Charmander… and now…"
Mr. Fuji stepped forward, placing a kind hand on its chest. "You've grown magnificently. Ethan has trained you well—your growth rate exceeds all expectations."
Charizard roared to the sky, flames surging from its jaws before it lowered its head to nuzzle Mr. Fuji.
"Good boy," the old man said, stroking its snout. "Follow Ethan faithfully, and he'll never let you down. And you must not let him down, either."
Charizard rumbled affectionately. Ethan's system flickered: Charizard's intimacy had risen to 80. Only 15 more points until the next milestone reward.
Mr. Fuji straightened, his expression softening. "Ethan, do you remember what I promised? I said that once Charmeleon evolved into Charizard, I would give you something special."
Ethan's eyes lit up. "I remember."
"Come with me."
He led Ethan into his small office, leaving Charizard outside—it was far too large for the cramped space. Charizard huffed and flexed its muscles proudly in front of the volunteers, clearly enjoying the admiration.
Inside, Mr. Fuji set two ornate boxes on the desk. When he opened them, Ethan's breath caught. Each box held a crystal-clear stone, inside which a glowing leaf-like pattern shimmered—one azure, one fiery red.
"Mega Stones," Ethan thought, heart pounding. Charizardite X and Charizardite Y…
Aloud, he feigned ignorance, shaking his head. "They're beautiful, like gems."
Fuji chuckled, pleased by the chance to explain. "These are no ordinary stones. They unlock hidden power in certain Pokémon—allowing them to undergo a form of transformation beyond evolution itself. Super Evolution, it is called."
He gestured to the two boxes. "The azure stone grants Charizard immense physical strength. The fiery red one grants overwhelming special power. Both were unearthed in my youth, and I've safeguarded them since."
Ethan swallowed hard. Two paths of ultimate power… and both within his reach.
"Think carefully, Ethan," Mr. Fuji said solemnly. "Which path do you wish Charizard to take?"
Ethan scratched his cheek, suppressing a grin. "Uh… Grandpa Fuji… what if I choose both?"
Fuji blinked, startled into silence.