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The morning sun bathed the landscape in a golden hue as Xpovac and Swampert went about their usual morning routine. After the previous day's events, Xpovac had promised his partner a day of relaxation and fun to make up for the intense sparring session. They started with a swim in a nearby river, the refreshing water invigorating them both. Xpovac, perched on a boulder, splashed water at Swampert, who retaliated with a playful Water Gun.
"Alright, alright, you win!" Xpovac laughed as he dove into the water, swimming alongside his first and most trusted Pokémon. They drifted with the gentle current for a while, enjoying the peacefulness of the moment. Xpovac floated on his back, staring up at the blue sky. "You know, it's been a while since we just hung out like this," he said. "No training, no battles, just you and me."
Swampert let out a happy growl, splashing more water onto his trainer. It was his way of agreeing, reminding Xpovac that moments like these were just as important as any victory or power-up.
After their swim, they made their way back to the temporary house. Xpovac grabbed a couple of towels from inside and tossed one to Swampert. "Here, dry off. We don't want to be soaked when we go out later."
Swampert looked at the towel, then at Xpovac, and proceeded to shake himself dry like a dog, sending a fine mist of water everywhere. Xpovac raised an eyebrow, chuckling. "Well, that works too, I guess."
---
A couple of hours later, Xpovac found himself standing at the entrance to the Flower Capital, waiting for Black Maria. He had dressed casually in a black kimono with blue accents, his Zanpakuto still by his side. This time, however, he wasn't wearing his mask, feeling more comfortable showing his face around her. After a short wait, he saw her approaching from a distance. As usual, her height made her stand out, but it wasn't just her size—it was the grace with which she moved, the way she drew attention without even trying.
"Hey, 'Xpovac,'" she greeted with a smile, leaning down slightly to meet his gaze. "You're looking comfortable today. No mask this time?"
"Figured I didn't need it," Xpovac replied, a slight smile forming on his lips. "Besides, I don't think there's much point in hiding from you anymore."
The two began walking through the bustling streets of the Flower Capital, mingling with the locals and perusing various shops. As they wandered, Xpovac found himself enjoying Maria's company more and more. She was easy to talk to, with a playful yet perceptive nature that put him at ease. They shared stories and laughed about the strange antics they'd seen at the festival. It wasn't long before Xpovac decided to try something bold.
"You know," he began, hesitating for a moment before continuing, "it's a little hard to walk together when I'm down here, and you're way up there." He chuckled, glancing up at her towering form. "Do you think you could, I don't know, shrink yourself down to my height for a bit?"
Black Maria blinked in surprise, then let out a genuine laugh. "You're the first person to ever ask me to shrink. But, I suppose I could." She grinned as she activated her Devil Fruit ability, reducing her size until she was about Xpovac's height, though she was still a little taller. "How's this?" she asked, standing closer to him. (AN: roll with it)
"Perfect," Xpovac said with a smile, grateful that she had humored his request. It made their conversation feel more personal, as if there was less distance between them in more ways than one.
As the day went on, Xpovac and Black Maria found themselves at a quiet tea house on the outskirts of town. They sat across from each other, sharing a pot of herbal tea. The atmosphere was calm and soothing, the perfect setting to relax and enjoy each other's company. The topic shifted to Xpovac's travels, the places he had seen, and the battles he had fought.
"You've been through so much," Maria said, looking at him thoughtfully. "It's no wonder you carry yourself with such confidence. But I wonder… don't you ever get tired?"
"Tired?" Xpovac echoed, taking a sip of his tea. He looked down at the swirling liquid, as if it held the answers to her question. "Sometimes. But I think it's the kind of life I was meant for. Besides, I have Swampert and the others to keep me going. They're my family."
Black Maria nodded, understanding the depth of his bond with his Pokémon. "I can see that," she replied softly. "And I suppose… now that you've come to Wano, you're starting to build new bonds, too."
Xpovac glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, I guess I am."
---
Far away, back on Poke Island, the atmosphere was anything but calm. The island had recently transferred to a new, safer location in the New World, and the Pokémon inhabitants were busy adapting to their new surroundings. Lugia soared above the waves, his eyes ever watchful for any sign of trouble in the surrounding seas. The great dragon Pokémon had taken to his protector role well, patrolling tirelessly to ensure no intruders threatened the island.
Meanwhile, Mew, ever playful but vigilant, hovered just above the island's surface, erecting a protective barrier that would only allow entry to those whom Xpovac trusted. It shimmered faintly, almost invisible to the naked eye, but powerful enough to ward off even the most determined of trespassers. Inside the barrier, the legendary bird trio—Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres—kept themselves occupied, scouting the skies and occasionally playfully sparring to keep their skills sharp.
Necrozma, perched atop the island's central structure, had taken the responsibility of night watch. The dark aura around him pulsed with a faint light as the day waned. Next to him sat Darkrai, the nightmare Pokémon that Xpovac had recently brought to the island. Darkrai seemed content, a small smile curling on his lips as he conversed with Necrozma in the silent language that only they seemed to understand.
Tyranitar, on the other hand, took a more hands-on approach, ensuring the younger wild Pokémon didn't cause too much chaos. His booming roars echoed through the forest as he directed groups of smaller Pokémon, keeping the island's harmony intact. There was a sense of order, albeit wild and untamed. The Pokémon were strong, yet disciplined, each knowing their role and understanding the importance of maintaining their home.
But there was also a sense of anticipation in the air. Xpovac's presence had a way of influencing the island even when he was far away, his aura seeping into the very essence of the place. The Pokémon, especially the legendaries, could feel it. There was an unspoken understanding that big events were on the horizon, and they would need to be ready when the time came.
---
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Xpovac and Black Maria found themselves back in the same quiet area where they had started their day. She had returned to her full height, towering over him once more.
"Today was… different," Xpovac admitted. "But in a good way. I'm glad you decided to spend time with me."
Maria tilted her head, her expression gentle. "I enjoyed myself too, 'Lord of the Beasts.'" She smirked, teasing him with the title. "Maybe next time, we'll do something even more exciting."
Xpovac grinned. "I look forward to it," he said, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation. As he turned to leave, he glanced back over his shoulder. "I'll see you soon, then?"
Maria nodded. "Count on it."
With that, Xpovac headed back toward his temporary home, where Swampert was once again sprawled out near the porch, awaiting his return. The Pokémon perked up at the sight of his trainer and let out a happy rumble.
"Alright, buddy," Xpovac said, patting Swampert's head. "Let's get some rest. We've got a lot more to explore tomorrow."
As night fell over the Flower Capital and Poke Island, there was a shared sense of calm and readiness, as if both places were silently preparing for whatever lay ahead. And for Xpovac, this was just the beginning of a new chapter in his journey—a chapter that promised excitement, danger, and perhaps, something more.
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