“I swear, Splash, he knew I was on my way to Lavender!”

“War.  Wartort.”

Alvin and his Wartortle had just arrived in Lavender, having walked the way there instead of taking the train.  The past few days were mostly uneventful, though he did try his best to train his other pokemon.  After Toro’s performance in the gym, he wasn't going to chance that happening again.  

But now here he was, walking into Lavender from the southern entrance.  Where was that Fuji guy’s place?  Hopefully the pokemon he had reserved was still there!

He wandered around town a little until he found the building.  Pretty big house… He didn't bother knocking, walking right in. “Hey!  Fuji!  I’m here to pick up my pokemon!” He called, hearing his voice echo a little before being responded to by the sounds of Pokemon. 

“I’ll be with you in a moment!  I’m a little held up here, I’m expecting company!” Came a voice from down the hall. Same place as all the pokemon cries… 

“C’mon Splash.” Alvin whispered, nudging his Wartortle forward before he followed closely behind him.  Just in case.  

They came closer and closer to the hallway, and Alvin could make out the voice more.  Older… trying to satiate the pokemon?  Alvin leaned forward to peek down the hall.  

“Hey, you need a hand there?” Alvin asked as he spotted the old man.  

“No, no, it’s quite alright, I just…” Fuji turned around to face him, eyes widening a little as his gaze landed on Alvin, three boxes stacked in hand.  “Oh.  Wait a moment, you’re one of the Sevilles, correct?  Professor Oak told me you three would be arriving.”

Alvin raised an eyebrow. “Three?  He told me that it was just me showing up.”

“Trust me.  This is something for all of you.” Fuji said, gently nudging a Cubone from his leg. “We’ll just have to wait.  While we're at it, how about you help me feed everyone?”

With a shrug of his shoulders, Alvin nudged Splash forward.  “Alright!”



About another hour or so passed before Simon arrived, with Theodore close behind minutes later.  Simon waved, whereas Theodore greeted Mr. Fuji with a hug.  

“You should see Teddy now!  He’s all big!” Theodore had said.  

Now they were all inside.  At Mr. Fuji’s suggestion, their starter pokemon were out with them.  The old man was sitting in front of them, clearing his throat.  

“As you know, the three of you boys have come quite a long way considering when you started your journey.  And, well, Professor Oak had me order these from the Kalos region in advance, just in case you made it this far in your travels.” He gestured to the boxes he had set in front of each munk.  “Open it.  I’m sure you’ll like it.”

“Me first!” Alvin blurted out, swiping up his box and quickly undoing its latches, the top seining open to reveal… “Marbles.  And a bracelet. You really gave us… marbles and a bracelet.” He said, raising an eyebrow as he looked up at Mr. Fuji.  “This is a joke, right?”

The old man nearly laughed.  “You’ve never seen those before?”

“Wait… I’ve read about these!” Simon interrupted, having opened up his own. “Alvin, these aren't marbles!  They're-”

“Mega stones.”  Mr. Fuji quickly butted in. “I’ll handle the explanations, because Alvin here is still antsy about getting his pokemon.” He spoke.  “The stones will allow you to connect your energies with your pokemon and let them take on a stronger form.  As you should know, your starter pokemon are but three of the viable pokemon who can take on this transformation.”

The boys traded glances with their pokemon.  Alvin was grinning from ear to ear, Theodore looked a little confused, and Simon was… intrigued. 

“So Splash can get stronger than he already is?  Good!  We’re gonna use it now!  Let's go!” Alvin hopped out of his spot, fitting the bracelet on his left arm.  

“Please, sit.  Your Wartortle isn't ready for it.” Mr. Fuji said.  “That’s the important part.  You may have a strong bond with it, but the Blastoisinite only works for a Blastoise.”

Alvin whined, sitting back down and crossing his arms.  “Then why give it to us noooow?”

“Because Professor Oak believes you’re ready to work towards it.  With three badges each, your starters ought to be ready to evolve at any moment.”

Theodore raised up his hand.  “Uhh… I have three stones in here.  Why?” He asked.  One was blue, with a black, blue, and gray-ish core.  The other was a more cream like color with red, yellow, and orange making up the core.  

Before Alvin could complain, Mr. Fuji answered.  “Charizard is one of few pokemon who has two mega forms.  It wouldn't be right to give you one and not the other.”

“Right??  What do you mean right?! What about me and Simon!?  We could get some more too!”

“Alvin!  Please.  Compose yourself.” Simon grumbled, rolling his eyes.  “Neither of us can use them anyway.  So… how do we use them?  I’ve read papers, but they weren't all that specific.”

Mr. Fuji looked over to him.  “The stones will handle it all.  By touching them directly, you’ll release your own energy to mingle with your pokemon’s, and that is what makes the change happen.”

“I understand…” Simon said, looking down at his Ivysaur(now named Flosimpar).  “Is there anything else we’re supposed to know?”

Mr. Fuji nodded.  “Mega evolution is not a toy.  While its power comes directly from your bond as trainer and pokemon, it isn't something instantly mastered.  Your pokemon may lose control.  Quickly get them back in their pokeball if that happens.” He warned, grunting as he stood up to his feet.  “If that is all your questions, then there's one more thing I have to tend to.”  He turned, looking down at Alvin.  “Your pokemon is waiting for you.”

…..

While Alvin was in the back, Simon and Theodore were sitting outside Mr. Fuji’s house.  They were wearing their bracelets now, Simon’s on his right wrist and Theo’s on his upper left arm.  Matchstick and Flosimpar were playing around with each other. 

“So… what do you think about all of this mega evolution stuff?” Simon asked, looking over at Theodore.  “I know it sounds bizarre, but I’m sure it can be of use.”  

“Oh, well, uh, I dunno really.   We can’t even use it yet so… Maybe it’s something cool?  I wanna try it, but not if it’ll hurt Match.” Theodore answered.  He shook his head.  “So, Simon, what’re you gonna do next?  I had to leave Cinnabar and make it all the way here… so now I don't know what I’ll do.  Maybe battle more?”

Simon raised an eyebrow, clearing his throat and looking forward.  “Well, I’ve uh… sorta started my own kind of research.  See, a few days ago I-”

The front door was yanked open, and Alvin leapt out, landing in front of his brothers.  Splash came out soon after, spinning around in his shell before popping out, striking the same pose as Alvin. 

“Gentlemen!  Let me introduce you to my new partner!” He says, holding his hands out to show off his pokemon.  A Swinub.  “This is… uh… Rooter!  Yeah that.  Doesn't he look cool?”

Theodore cooed, standing up so he could get a better look.  “He looks like a little piggy thing!  I like him~”

“Swiii~” Rooter greeted, his nose twitching some as he sniffed at Theodore.  Alvin quickly pulled him back.  “Let's not forget what I said, Theo.  One on one, right now!  Let's see what you’ve got!”

“W-Wha?  Right now?”

Alvin nodded his head. “C’mooon, just a quick little brawl!  We can use our starters so they get closer to evolving!”

Theodore then puffed out his chest some. “Alright!  You’re on!  Me and Match aren't scared!”

That took Alvin by surprise, but it put a smile on his face.  “Heh… That’s the spirit.  Hey Si!  We need a ref.”

Simon rolled his eyes, but nodded anyway, getting up from his spot.  “Both of you do this the fair way, okay?”

“Psssh.  I’ll be fair.  I’m just gonna kick his heavy butt while I do~” Alvin boasted. 

The chipmunks were out on Route 8, standing in the fenced off area that separated the route.  On the left side, Theodore and Matchstick.  On the right, Alvin and Splash.  Simon stood in the middle, clearing his throat.  “One on one battle, guys.  Don’t get crazy.” He warned them both.  “Battle’s over when the other’s pokemon is knocked out!  And… begin!”

“Splash!  Aqua Tail now!” Alvin ordered.  The Wartortle crouched down, running forward on all fours as water jetted from the back of his shell, surrounding his tail in rapid, rushing water.  

“Match, use Smokescreen!”  At Theodore’s command, Match took in a deep breath, releasing a thick, dark cloud all over their “battlefield”. 

However, Splash kept coming, whipping himself around as soon as he was close to Match, slamming the Charmeleon directly with his tail, sending him flying to the side.  

Theodore looked surprised, but Alvin didn't relent.  “Water Pulse next!”  

“Wartort!” Splash crawled around through the smoke, taking aim where he thought Match was, mouth open wide before releasing several rings of water towards his target.

This time, Match managed to jump out of the way, the attack splashing against the fence.  The Charmeleon crouched down, swishing his tail around rapidly.  

“Alright Match, use Dragon Rage!” 

Staring down where the attack came from, Matchstick breathed out a spiral of blue flames, clearing away the smoke enough to expose Splash within, getting a direct hit on the Wartortle, making him stagger backwards.  

“He’s faster than I expected…” Alvin mumbled.  “Splash!  Get in close and use Brick Break!”

“Dragon Rage again!”

Splash managed to duck under the twister of flames, both arms taking on a white glow as he lunged forward, delivering a firm chop to Match’s leg.  The impact made Matchstick groan loudly, dropping to one knee and holding his leg.  

“Mele-” Match grunted, gritting his teeth as he hissed in pain, tail flame blazing up a little. With a huff, he glared back at Splash, who was coming in with another Brick Break.  

“Matchstick, use Fire Fang!” Theodore called out.  The Charmeleon groaned, but forced himself to his feet again, flames and smoke billowing from his mouth as he met the attack head on, chomping down on Splash’s arm.  

“War?” The water type was shocked to have been brought to a stop.  Match stomped his good foot down, twisting around in place and swinging his head forward, sending Splash across the field. 

Splash landed with a pained grunt, shaking his head as he stood up, only to retreat inside of his shell as Match released another Dragon Rage.  Most of the attack skated off his shell, but some of it got inside.   “Tooortle…” he groaned, slowly climbing out of his shell.  

“That’s the stuff Match!  He’s almost done!” Theodore cheered.  Alvin, however, laughed a little.  “Oh Theo.  Don't you know we’re too cool to lose~?  Check out Splash after that damage!”

Sure enough, another look at the Wartortle showed that he had stood up with a watery blue aura surrounding his entire body. He stared down Match with a growl, stomping his feet down into the grass, splashing water with each step.  

Theodore's eyes widened.  Match did the same thing whenever his health went low, and it made his fire moves stronger.  “Wait… then that means-”

“Ohh yeah buddy!  Splash, knock em out with a Water Pulse, Torrent style!” Alvin commanded, pointing forward.  

Splash drew in a breath, the aura seeping into his body a little as he built up his attack.  Match was about to dodge, but the stinging pain in his leg made him stop.  “Tort!” With that, Splash released the attack.  The multiple rings from before were all merged into one large ring that soared straight at Match, colliding with the Charmeleon’s belly with enough force to knock him backwards, sending him sprawling through the grass until he stopped at Theodore's feet, knocked out.  

“Match…” Theodore said, crouching down to cradle the Charmeleon’s head.  “You did good buddy.  Real good.” He praised, gently petting the crest atop his head.   Theodore reached for his bag, rummaging through it as he pulled out a Revive.  He turned it around carefully in his hand, nudging Match’s mouth open as he crushed the Revive in his hand, easily turning it to dust that fell into Match’s mouth.  Within seconds, the Charmeleon's eyes opened, groaning as he pawed his face a little.  

Simon came over, crouching down at Theodore's side.  “Hey, it’s alright.  Don’t feel bad about it, okay?  You know how he can be.” He said, looking over at Alvin.  The munk was cheering and celebrating with Splash. 

“No.  He earned it, fair and square.” Theodore insisted with a shake of his head.  “I- er… We just haven't lost in a while, you know.”

A minute or two passed, and Alvin walked over to Theodore, holding his paw out.  “That was some battling, little bro.  You know how bad someone’s gotta pummel Splash to get Torrent going?  And you did it with a fire type!  You’re gonna get better though, right?  I wanna battle you with a full team next time!”

Theo smiled at that, reaching up to take Alvin’s paw.  Instead of letting himself be pulled up, though, Theodore gave a good yank until Alvin had fallen down at his side.  While he was surprised, Theodore stole a quick kiss on the lips, only holding Alvin there for a few seconds before breaking it.  “Full team huh?  I mean… if you wanna lose that badly, yes~” he hummed.  Then, he looked towards the exit to the route.  “Hey guys?  I was thinking about going… back to Cerulean.” 

“Huh?  Why Theodore?” Simon asked, tilting his head as he watched his brothers kiss.  

“Well, I haven't seen Dave in a while. And I can always come back out whenever I want!  So, I thought… why not stop home for a little while?  Do more than just have a phone call.”

Alvin and Simon exchanged glances.  Theodore was right… outside of the occasional phone call, they hadn't really thought about their dad.  They didn't even give him a proper goodbye when they first left… 

“Si?  I think he’s-”

“Yes, yes, I know.  Theodore… we’ll come with you.   We can ride on Fang so we don't have to spend money on a train.” Simon offered.  

To that, Theodore waved a paw.  “I can ride on Jack Frost.  I’m sure he can float up high!  Even though he’s a fridge… Oh!  You guys want snacks?  He’s really good at keeping everything from going bad!”

“Food?  I’m game!” Alvin said quickly, hopping up from his spot.  

While Theodore released his Rotom from the pokeball, Simon just watched them with a little smile.  Looks like they had their days set up for now… 

He got up, deciding to join his brothers around the floating fridge.  “You happen to have any Pinap berry treats in there?”
