By midday, the team had moved away from the bustling docks to the wind-swept edges of Route 5, where the sea narrowed into a lazy river that twisted inland. Wild Pokémon basked on the banks Shellos, Chewtle, and a few bold Sobble watching from the reeds.
"Alright, team," Niyah said, cracking her knuckles with a grin. "We're stepping it up. Same rule as always don't hurt them too badly. We're here to get smarter, not meaner."
"Btzz, trainer battle ethics confirmed," Roty quipped from above. "Ghost-types statistically overperform in tactical improvisation. Suggest randomization of scenarios."
"Already on it," Niyah said, mischief sparkling in her eyes.
Their first match was against a small cluster of Chewtle near the river's bend. She motioned for Mimikyu to take point.
"Let's start with shadow drills, mobility focus!"
Mimikyu nodded, eyes glowing beneath the ragged disguise. She flickered from shadow to shadow, appearing suddenly behind a startled Chewtle and striking with Shadow Sneak. The Chewtle retaliated with a Bite, but it passed right through her ghostly form, leaving it snapping at air.
"Now circle around and Play Rough!"
Mimikyu blurred forward, her disguise rippling as she delivered a burst of pink light that sent the Chewtle stumbling back with a surprised grunt. It blinked, dazed but unharmed, before waddling away in retreat.
"That's how we do it," Niyah said proudly. "Speed, misdirection, precision."
Roty buzzed approvingly. "Btzz, Mimikyu's evasive timing improving by 23%. Trainer synergy high."
Next was Litwick's turn. The candle Pokémon faced down two Shellos who were playfully splashing near the rocks. They eyed him curiously, chirping softly until he ignited his flame, swirling it in slow, controlled arcs.
"Remember the rhythm, Lumos," Niyah coached. "Let their attacks shape your movement."
The Shellos launched Water Pulse in perfect unison. Litwick pivoted midair, tracing their trajectories like a dancer, his flame burning hot blue as he released a ring of Will-O-Wisp. The spectral fire met the water in a hiss of steam, neutralizing both attacks before fading into glittering embers.
"Btzz, temperature control perfect," Roty reported. "Endurance increase detected."
Litwick floated back proudly, his flame pulsing in a slow, triumphant beat. Even the Shellos clapped their flippers before sliding back into the water.
Their third spar was against a pair of Wingull, and this time, Niyah combined forces. "Alright Mimi, Lumos partner drills! One distracts, one strikes!"
Mimikyu vanished instantly, reappearing in the birds' shadows while Litwick's Smokescreen obscured the air above the water. The Wingull squawked in alarm, flapping wildly as the two ghost-types used their confusion to dance circles around them.
One Shadow Sneak, one Ember, and both opponents were grounded not hurt, just dizzy and thoroughly outmatched.
Niyah clapped, beaming. "That's what I'm talking about!"
She spent the next hour having them alternate partners each Pokémon taking turns to lead and follow, adapting to water movement, wind speed, and the environment itself. The training was relentless but full of laughter, the sound of splashing water and delighted ghostly giggles filling the riverside.
By the time the sun began to tilt westward, all three were panting, their energies flickering low but bright.
"Alright, you three," Niyah said softly, kneeling beside them. "You did amazing today. But we're not done yet one more round tomorrow. We'll go harder, smarter. Hulbury Gym won't know what hit them."
"Btzz, trainer enthusiasm exceeding recommended level," Roty teased.
"Shush, you love it," Niyah said with a grin.
They packed up and returned toward the port as twilight fell unaware that tomorrow's training would change everything.
—
The next day dawned clear and warm, the sky painted with streaks of coral and blue. Niyah chose a different spot a rocky bluff overlooking the sea, where the wind howled and the waves crashed hard below.
"Alright team, new setting," she announced. "The Hulbury Gym battlefield's surrounded by water currents. Today, we're going to learn how to use the environment to our advantage."
"Btzz, environmental resistance test initiated," Roty confirmed.
The first encounter came quickly. A Buizel leapt from the surf, eager for a challenge. Niyah grinned. "Perfect. Mimi, you're up!"
Mimikyu darted forward, her small figure practically invisible against the spray of saltwater. The Buizel opened with Aqua Jet, moving so fast that it blurred into a streak of silver but Mimikyu sidestepped and countered mid-spin with Double Team, multiplying herself across the rocks.
The Buizel looked left, then right, confused and that was all the time Mimikyu needed. She struck from above with Wood Hammer, slamming into the water-type and sending a spray of foam skyward.
"Nice hit!" Niyah called. "Back off and dodge!"
Buizel retaliated with Water Gun, but Mimikyu flickered, letting the blast pass through harmlessly before vanishing back into shadow.
By the time Buizel shook its head, she was gone perched smugly on a rock, waving her cloth arm like a flag of victory.
Litwick took on the next fight this time, against a Dewpider that had formed a shimmering water bubble above its head. The little spider skittered across the surface of the tidepool, shooting jets of water. Litwick answered by heating the air around him, forming mirages that distorted his position.
"Focus the Acid Armor," Niyah instructed. "Let it roll off you like steam."
Litwick's form blurred, melting into an ethereal shimmer as the next Water Gun passed off harmlessly. Then he retaliated, firing a steady Ember that hit the Dewpider's bubble dead center. The water hissed, popped, and the spider retreated into the sea, defeated but mostly unharmed.
Niyah smiled, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Perfect defense. You're learning to use their element against them."
"Btzz, team synchronization at 95%. Recommend advanced drills," Roty chirped.
"I was thinking the same," Niyah said, glancing toward the cliffside.
The last spar began almost by accident a Wingull swooping low, stealing one of the snacks from Niyah's bag. Mimikyu and Litwick both reacted instantly, but before they could act, Togepi stepped forward, eyes narrowing.
"Toge!"
Her small body glowed faintly pink, the air around her rippling as she used Extrasensory. The Wingull squawked, frozen midair for a second before it tumbled gently onto the sand. Togepi crossed her stubby arms, smirking.
But something about the moment lingered. The glow didn't fade it grew brighter, softer, until the entire bluff shimmered with light.
"Iris…?" Niyah whispered.
Togepi chirped once, joyfully and then the light burst outward.
Waves below stilled. The gulls quieted. Even Roty dimmed its screen, recording in silent awe.
When the light faded, the tiny egg Pokémon was gone replaced by a hovering figure. Togetic stretched her new wings, feathers shining in sunlight, eyes filled with joy.
"Toge… tic!" she sang, spinning through the air, the sea breeze catching her wings and scattering motes of fairy dust like stars.
Niyah ran forward, laughing. "You did it! You actually evolved!"
Togetic landed in her arms, nuzzling her cheek happily. Litwick bobbed beside her, flame flickering in delight, while Mimikyu clapped her tiny hands.
Roty buzzed. "Btzz, energy reading elevated. All team members now level thirty or higher. Synchronization perfect."
Niyah could only smile, heart swelling with pride. "We're ready," she whispered. "I think we can do this now."
—
Night fell gently over Hulbury, the waves glimmering beneath lanterns strung along the pier. Niyah sat on the bluff again, legs crossed, her bag beside her and her team gathered close. Mimikyu perched on a rock, Litwick flickering softly beside her, and Togetic hovering overhead, wings catching the moonlight.
For once, it was quiet. No pranks, no training, no chaos. Just the soft hush of the sea.
"Today was good," Niyah said softly. "No, it was amazing. You guys… you've come so far."
Mimikyu tilted her head, letting out a small sound of affection. Litwick gave a low hum, and Togetic spun a slow, graceful circle above them, scattering faint sparkles that drifted down like fairy dust.
Roty hovered near her shoulder, recording quietly. "Btzz, trainer morale: high. Emotional synchronization between Pokémon and trainer: optimal."
Niyah chuckled. "You always make it sound so robotic, Roty."
"Btzz, emotion detected: affection masked as teasing."
"…You're learning too fast," she said, shaking her head fondly.
Her gaze drifted to her bag specifically, to the faint, pulsing light seeping through the fabric. The Rusted Sword.
It had been quiet for days, almost dormant, until now. Now it hummed again, soft and low, like a heartbeat.
Niyah hesitated, then unzipped the bag and lifted it out. The sword's metal gleamed faintly even in the dark, the dull gold along its edge catching the moonlight.
Mimikyu and Litwick both went still. Togetic landed silently beside her, wings folding tight.
"I still don't know what you are," Niyah whispered. "Why you chose me. Why you keep calling."
The hum grew a little stronger not threatening, but steady, patient. It wasn't a voice exactly, more like feeling: loyalty, protection… and something ancient.
Roty flickered. "Btzz, energy pattern resembles fairy-type resonance. Unknown connection to regional legends. Recommendation: maintain possession and observation."
"Yeah," Niyah murmured. "No kidding."
She sighed, watching the sword reflect the stars. "Do you think Zacian's still out there? Watching us?"
No one answered but the waves seemed to hush, the wind softening around her.
Mimikyu edged closer, resting her disguised head against Niyah's knee. Litwick leaned into her other side, flame steady and warm. Togetic lowered her head, her wing brushing the girl's shoulder. The gesture grounded her three small reminders that, no matter how strange things became, she wasn't alone.
Niyah smiled faintly. "Whatever happens next… we face it together. Deal?"
"Toge!" "Mimi!" "Wick!"
Roty buzzed approvingly. "Btzz, agreement confirmed."
She laughed softly, leaning back to look at the stars again. "Good. Then let's rest. Tomorrow, we plan for Nessa, and have some fun afterwards."
As she zipped her bag, the sword pulsed one last time almost like a heartbeat, before dimming again, falling silent.
And for the first time since that mysterious encounter, Niyah dreamed of silver light, rusted blades, and a wolf's gentle eyes watching her from the fog.
—
Current Pokémon Stats
Name: Mimi
Gender: Female
Species: Mimikyu
Moves: Astonish (Mastered), Shadow Sneak (Mastered), Scratch (Mastered), Wood Hammer (Mastered), Double Team (Mastered), Hone Claws, Thunder Wave (Mastered), Slash, Shadow Claw, Play Rough, Draining Kiss (Mastered), Substitute,
Level: 30
Name: Lumos
Gender: Male
Species: Litwick
Moves:
Ember (Mastered), Smokescreen (Mastered), Confuse Ray (Mastered), Acid Armor (Egg Move | Mastered), Will-O-Wisp (Mastered), Energy Ball, Fire Spin (Mastered), Night Shade,
Level: 31
Name: Iris
Gender: Female
Species: Togetic
Moves: Metronome (Mastered | Can fully control outcome), Fairy Wind (Mastered), Aerial Ace (Egg Move | Mastered), Extrasensory (Egg Move | Mastered), Morning Sun (Egg Move | Mastered), Ancient Power ( Mastered), Magical Leaf ( Mastered),
Level: 30