The rest of the boat trip went smoothly, as far as Sunset could tell. She trained with her Pokémon in the mornings, battling against Nelson and Crystal’s own Pokémon in small matches so as to not tire out the young Abel or wreck the ship entirely. In the afternoons, she joined Crystal in the yacht’s minor study, brushing up on some common knowledge of this world. Soon, Sunset had become knowledgeable about most things Pokémon, from type matchups to general etiquette on the road to gyms and their leader’s functions.
For example, the city this boat was set to port near was called Shalour City. It wouldn’t dock in the town per se, just right next to it. The current plan was to stay in town for the night as they would arrive just as the sun was about to set, and set off for Coumarine City first thing in the morning. Sunset busied herself with a pocket guide to Kalos she had found, and one that Fleur was happy to give to her.
“So, according to this book, Shalour City is home to a Pokémon Gym, a hotel, and something called the Tower of Mastery.” Sunset said. Crystal was sitting next to her on the top deck of the boat with Esmeralda, while Abel played on Dauntless’s rocky spires. “Think we could have some time to check some of those out?”
“Of course, darling.” Crystal responded, smiling. “Thinking about taking on the Gym?”
“Maybe. I was more interested in the Tower of Mastery. Rumors say that those who practice and use ‘Mega Evolution’ live there. I’d like to learn as much as I can about Pokémon before I go home; who knows if I’ll ever be able to make it back to get another chance?” She said, before frowning a little. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like that…”
“It’s no problem.” Crystal responded. “I understand how much you must want to go home. Every time I go to another region on a fashion trip or to meet up with a friend like this time, I get terribly homesick.”
Sunset looked quickly at the guidebook. “Yeah, but at least you know you’re able to. Who knows if I even can?” Crystal looked over to her, a look of concern on her face. Sunset noticed this and smiled widely (and, to some, in a slightly terrifying way). “I-I mean, of course I can! I just… need to find out how.”
“Sunset, dear, you don’t need to lie to me to make me feel better. I’m with you through all of this. No, why don’t we find out when the Tower is accepting visitors, hmm? It won’t do to have your curiosity stifled while journeying around this world.” She grabbed the guidebook and looked it over, before letting out a high-pitched squeal. “Ooh! A new boutique is opening up!” Sunset simply rolled her eyes and laughed.
When Fredrick’s boat had docked in the shallows of the river, the group of three humans bade him farewell as the rich man had to head back downriver towards Lumiose. Crystal grabbed the arms of her two companions almost instantly, dragging them off towards each of the unique shops the town had to offer. It took the combined psychic efforts of Esmeralda and physical efforts of Nelson and Sunset to keep her from dragging them into a fourteenth store only Crystal had any desire to go in.
“Crystal, why don’t you go and have fun shopping. Sunset and I can very well handle ourselves in a city.” Blinded by the sight of the stores in front of her, Crystal could only nod in agreement before leaving the two.
“Thanks.” Sunset said. “I’m not sure if I could have handled going into a store named ‘Pour l'amour du parfum.’ I think I just threw up a bit in my mouth…” Sharing a laugh, Sunset orientated the two towards the Tower of Mastery, looming over the bay in the distance. “That place looks more my speed. Let’s go check it out.” The beach-like road that led to it was moist from the receding tide. Sunset’s boots sunk into it with each step, making the walk there seem like it took forever.
Upon reaching the front doors, the two were relieved to see a sign that read ‘Welcome to the Tower of Mastery, home of the Mega-Evolution Guru. Visitors welcome every day from sunrise to sunset.’ The two massive doors that led inside swung open with relative ease and the two spotted a large, open chamber with a statue of a Pokémon on it. A few people were milling about, noses deep in books or battling with powerful Pokémon by their sides. One was even sparring against his Pokémon, a tall blue creature with spikes on its hands and chest and a wolf-like head.
“Welcome, visitors.” An elderly voice said. “What brings you two souls here today?” The voice belonged to an aging man with extremely large, gray eyebrows. He bore a happy smile upon his face as he walked over to the two with the aid of a cane.
“I was hoping I could learn more about Mega Evolution here.” Sunset said. “I, uhh, read about it in the guidebook and I’m kind of studying Pokémon while I’m traveling, so I thought it was a good idea to stop by.”
“Indeed it is! I’m always happy to teach young trainers what I know. Now, I could go into a long lecture about how this form of evolution works, but it’s best to learn by example. Jason!” He shouted the name, gaining the attention of the trainer sparring with his Pokémon. “I would like it if you were to battle this newcomer. She is curious as to how Mega Evolution works.”
The trainer and his Pokémon bowed. “I would be happy to.”
Sunset looked at the old man. “Uhh, no offense, sir, but I’m still a new trainer. I don’t think I could last very long against someone who can-“
“Then the only way to get stronger is to try.” The man said. Sunset pulled a sleeping Pokémon off her head and woke her up.
“Flandre, sorry to interrupt your beauty nap, but we’ve got a battle.” The Espurr simply stretched and let out a catlike growl before hopping down and staring at her enemy. For the first time Sunset could remember, Flandre looked back at her worriedly. “It’ll be fine, don’t worry.” This did little to relieve the psychic-type’s worry, but still she turned back.
“You may have the first attack.” Jason said.
“Alright, then.” Sunset weighed her options carefully before saying her order. “Flandre, use confusion!” The small psychic-type’s eyes glowed cyan, and a similar aura enveloped the opponent. To Sunset’s surprise, it gripped its head, obviously being affected by the attack.
“Lucario, aura sphere!” Jason shouted, while reaching to his wrist and clutching a white bracelet. Energy spikes shot through the air from it, latching onto a gemstone necklace around the Pokémon’s neck. A shell of purple light enveloped the Pokémon, before exploding outwards to reveal a transformed creature. It was taller and had longer limbs, more defined muscle, and strangely enough, more hair. It growled and launched a ball of blue light out at Flandre.
“Get out of the way, Flandre!” Sunset shouted, but to no avail. The ball had hit its mark, exploding and launching Flandre into Sunset’s chest. The two fell backwards, with the Pokémon obviously out cold. “Whoa…”
“Mega evolution is a way for Pokémon to get even stronger than they already are.” Jason said. “But to use it, you have to be in sync with your Pokémon. Have a bond that is stronger than the toughest metal.”
“But, you can’t accurately show how powerful a mega-evolved Pokémon is unless your opponent is equally as strong.” Nelson said, walking up to the scene. “With your approval, Mr. Guru, I would like to battle as well.” Nelson lifted up his arm, revealing a black ring that circled his wrist. It had a multicolored jewel set in it.