"Altaria... steady..."
"Right... just like that..."
In Lavender Town, there were clear legal constraints, but once beyond the populated areas, in the wilderness, Terrance shifted his focus to Altaria.
That's right, Terrance was now eager to test the long-awaited flying.
When it came to the fastest means of travel in the wild, it wasn't walking or biking but riding Pokémon...
However, riding Pokémon also requires some expertise. For example, on land, you certainly can't just casually ride Rattata.
Pokémon like Rapidash and Arcanine might be the pursuit of the elite, but they weren't the most convenient. Flying-type Pokémon with the ability to carry people were the ideal companions for Trainers in the wilderness, helping them overcome numerous obstacles and reach inhabited areas.
Ever since Terrance experienced Master Victor's Pidgeot a long time ago, he now had his own Pokémon to ride.
Although Altaria was not large and didn't excel in speed, it posed no problem carrying Terrance, a 12-year-old boy.
"Altariiiia~~~~~~"
Terrance cautiously lay on Altaria, enjoying the soft, fluffy feeling of its cotton feathers, unable to resist a few extra strokes.
"At first, you were perched on my head."
"Now the roles have reversed."
On Mt. Chimney, the just born Swablu clung to Terrance's head like a small baby seeking warmth.
Now, after evolving, Altaria served as Terrance's right-hand companion, helping him traverse mountains and valleys.
At the beginning, both Terrance and Altaria felt a bit uncomfortable when he first got on, but Altaria quickly adapted. Before long, it could carry Terrance effortlessly through the skies.
As Altaria's flight became increasingly smooth, Terrance also relaxed, letting go of his hands and easing into a more leisurely posture.
"So comfortable..."
Terrance squinted his eyes, enjoying the experience of sitting on Altaria's back. The cotton feathers surrounded him, carrying a faint refreshing scent, making Terrance feel content.
"If there's time, I should buy a bottle of perfume for you, take good care of yourself."
Perfume not only enhances the charm of women but also elevates the allure of Pokémon. Terrance could imagine the scene where, in the future, if he grows tired during a journey in the wild, he can lean against Altaria and comfortably rest amid its cotton feathers.
In the company of the faint and elegant fragrance...
It would be absolutely enjoyable!
"While I'm enjoying this, it's also time to reflect..."
Terrance opened his eyes, gazing at the azure sky.
Although Beautifly is quite powerful, Terrance knew that to defeat Sabrina, he needed to rely on Mismagius, and even Altaria. The two evolved kids have rapidly caught up with Beautifly in terms of growth, surpassing the senior who used to take care of them.
As Mismagius and Altaria continue to grow, the disparity might become even more significant.
Terrance wondered how Beautifly would feel when surpassed by its juniors. It must be tough to watch the younger ones surpass oneself, but it was a natural order that had evolved over thousands of years, and Terrance finds it difficult to break.
It wasn't that Beautifly couldn't become strong, but fixed investment yields disproportionate returns.
"Mismagius, huh..."
After evolution, Terrance could hardly find the mischievous nature of Misdreavus from it. Evolution has indeed brought about a significant transformation in Misdreavus' personality. When leaving Lavender Town, Mismagius even wanted to give the people of Lavender Town a pleasant dream, but Terrance stopped it.
This has become the norm in Lavender Town; one or two changes cannot affect much and it would also disrupt the life patterns of Ghost Pokémon. However, Mismagius' actions surprised Terrance. Compared to the mischievous little trickster who used to play pranks, it had transformed into a Pokémon capable of bringing happiness to people.
Mismagius' change was in the direction Terrance expected, becoming more reliable. However, due to familiarity with Little Misdreavus's mischievous nature, Terrance initially struggled to adapt to this change. This resulted in him even scolding himself for feeling uncomfortable.
Perhaps humans are just nostalgic creatures
What was annoying in the past, when suddenly changed, can leave one feeling a bit lost.
Not only did the personality undergo a transformation, but in terms of strength, due to significant advancement in "energy manipulation" during evolution, Mismagius made tremendous progress in controlling its moves.
Take Shadow Ball, for example; Mismagius can now evenly distribute, aggregate, and fire the energy with precision.
While moves from the Misdreavus period like "Mean Look," "Grudge," "Perish Song," and "Pain Split" also improved, they were not the main focus of Mismagius' development. Compared to the advancements in illusion skills, these improvements seem less pronounced.
After evolution, Mismagius' illusion skills not only achieved greater realism but also excelled in simulating finer aspects like manipulating the five senses such as touch and taste.
Even in the illusion, it could individually simulate the grandeur of "Legendary Pokémon."
For Misdreavus, evolution meant a qualitative change in strength. With proficiency in "energy manipulation," escaping the illusion would become increasingly difficult for other Pokémon and humans. Sometimes, even if one knew they were in an illusion, they wouldn't be able to escape.
Progressing to this extent in just over a year truly surprised Terrance. Although progress in other moves was ordinary, the brilliance in illusion skills alone can make Mismagius stand out.
It's just a pity that Mismagius hasn't yet grasped "Lucky Chant." However, with adaptation and Akon's reasoning, Terrance felt that perhaps it might need to observe for a little longer.
"I just wonder... if the Mismagius and Altaria were to battle, who would be stronger?" Terrance once again fell into contemplation.
Mismagius' growth was undoubtedly delightful, but Altaria's progress was equally astonishing.
As a Swablu with outstanding Dragon Type lineage, described by Master Victor as "talent possibly on par with the Elite Four's main force," Terrance had high expectations.
Taking care of Swablu on Mt. Chimney for a month was the most memorable time for Terrance. Currently, Altaria's 5 most powerful moves are Dragon Breath, Dragon Pulse, Dragon Rush, Draco Meteor.
A moveset of Dragon-type was within Terrance's expectations, but it also left him somewhat helpless. Because Altaria learned "Dragon Breath" after evolution, carrying a Dragon-Type energy with a "Paralysis Ability." Despite being a move that had seen little practice, it demonstrated tremendous power, making Terrance marvel at Altaria's affinity for Dragon-type energy.
"Currently, Altaria lacks close-range attack moves. Peck Attack and Take Down are too weak, while Dragon Rush is too powerful, unsuitable for frequent use."
"Perhaps, with its innate Dragon-type talent, it can attempt to learn 'Dragon Claw.'"
"Additionally...after evolution, Altaria also learned 'Dragon Dance.' This guy...it's clearly a bird, yet it's increasingly developing towards the 'dragon' side."
Terrance could only describe Altaria's Dragon-type talent as formidable, but what he was looking forward to most wasn't this. It was the "Annihilation" secret technique he conceived. After evolution, the next phase of development of this conceptual move can now be started.
"Altariiiia~~~"
As Terrance was contemplating, Altaria let out a cry. Terrance looked ahead...
As they approached Saffron City once again, Terrance's gaze flickered upon seeing the outskirts of the enormous city. His thoughts shifted back to Ralts. Now, with Altaria, Beautifly, and Mismagius by his side, it would be up to them to assist Ralts in evolving.
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