The next morning, as dawn barely broke, a thin layer of mist covered the town, cool and damp, slipping through every crack and crevice. The early sunlight gently filtered into the yard, casting pale golden patches on the ground. Alex woke earlier than usual, his eyes still shining with the determination carried over from the night before.
He quietly opened the door; the hinge creaked softly in the stillness. Riolu, accustomed to his owner's routine, quickly ran out into the yard with bright, sparkling eyes. The fresh morning air seemed to cleanse both their chests, preparing them for the challenges ahead.
"Rocky, warm up." Alex's deep voice echoed calmly. He began with a few joint rotations, while Riolu earnestly imitated each movement.
Ralts, however, chose a different approach. As a Psychic-type Pokémon, it sat quietly in the middle of the yard, eyes half-closed, as if listening to the heartbeat of the world. A gentle wave of spiritual energy radiated softly from its small frame, blending with the peaceful morning.
"Nine hundred ninety-three!" Alex counted steadily.
"Nine hundred ninety-nine!"
"One thousand!" He exhaled sharply, shoulders tense but eyes gleaming with excitement.
"All right, Rocky, take a break." Alex said, placing a hand on Riolu's shoulder. The little Pokémon panted heavily, chest heaving, beads of sweat on its forehead. It lay down on the cool ground, breathing hard but eyes still resolute.
For Alex, a thousand sit-ups were just the warm-up. He continued training faster, each move powerful like a pounding drumbeat. If he wanted, he could finish everything in fifteen minutes, but today he purposely slowed down so Riolu could keep pace.
"Luca~" Riolu softly called, eyes full of admiration for his trainer.
After warming up, Alex went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. The aroma quickly filled the house, pulling Ralts out of its meditative state. After a hearty meal, the three of them headed out to train—by then, the sunlight was warmer, dispelling the morning mist.
Alex glanced at Riolu and Ralts—both bursting with energy, ready for the next step. He took out two small glass bottles from his backpack, the liquid inside emitting a gentle glow.
"Potential Medicine. This will awaken the hidden power inside you," Alex explained, his voice mixing pride with seriousness.
He turned to Riolu. "Rocky, after drinking this, you'll feel a strong tingling sensation. Bear with it, okay?"
Riolu nodded, taking the bottle with both hands, eyes steady and determined. Ralts stood beside him, softly chirping "Laru~" in encouragement.
The caps opened, releasing a faint sweet scent that mingled with the morning breeze. Riolu drank it down in one gulp. Immediately, a tingling sensation spread through its body, like thousands of tiny needles pricking every cell. Every muscle fiber stretched and contracted in waves of fierce energy.
Alex and Ralts stepped back a few paces. "Release all your strength, Rocky!"
Riolu closed its eyes, and a sharp pressure burst forth, blowing away dust on the ground. The energy held inside for so long churned violently within its body, making even Alex and Ralts hold their breath.
A sudden white light enveloped Riolu—warm but dazzlingly bright. The light slowly transformed, as if rewiring every muscle, vein, and contour. When it faded, before Alex stood not the small Riolu, but a mature Lucario—powerful and majestic.
Its milky white fur was now longer and sleeker, eyes sharp yet loyal. Black stripes adorned its face more distinctly, red paws stood out against the earth, and sharp spikes sprouted from its hands and feet.
"Luca!" Lucario threw a test punch, feeling the overwhelming power coursing through its body.
Alex smiled softly. "Rocky…" His voice trembled slightly, for Lucario was his first Pokémon—the first companion he ever had in this world.
Lucario stepped closer and wrapped its arms tightly around Alex. A voice echoed in his mind: "Thank you, Alex!" Just a few simple words, yet filled with immense emotion.
Ralts was not to be outdone. It quickly drank its own bottle. Being a Psychic and Fairy-type, the tingling sensation was gentler for it. Once again, white light burst forth, enveloping the small body and transforming it into a graceful Kirlia.
The pristine white "dress" flared out, slender green legs moved lightly. Soft hair flowed down its shoulders, and two red horns now rested like pretty hairpins on either side of its head. Kirlia looked more refined and feminine than ever.
As the light faded, Kirlia rushed into Alex's arms. Both Lucario and Kirlia had evolved successfully, and Alex knew from this day forward, they would be stronger and ready to face any challenge ahead.
He squeezed his two companions tightly, his eyes shining with absolute faith in the future.