"Larvitar, Sandstorm!"
Familiar with the move, Larvitar quickly summoned a sandstorm, transforming the surroundings into terrain advantageous for itself.
As the sand swirled, Rattata, sensing the unfamiliar battlefield, didn't hesitate and immediately lunged at Larvitar with Quick Attack.
For Larvitar, practically a Rattata-slayer, this attack was nothing new.
Without needing Ron's command, Larvitar instinctively knew how to counterattack.
With Screech reverberating through the field, the sharp sound disrupted Rattata's charge. Larvitar locked onto Rattata's trajectory and followed up with Iron Head.
The moment they clashed, the power of Iron Head forced Rattata to stagger back.
Larvitar quickly closed the distance, Dark-type energy enveloping its jaws as it used Bite, aiming directly at Rattata's left foreleg.
Clamping down hard, Larvitar began to spin, flinging Rattata away, leaving no opening for a counterattack.
Rattata hit the ground and scrambled to its feet, but the swirling sand entered its wounds, further impairing its movements.
The combined effects of Screech, Iron Head, and Bite inflicted severe damage, while the Sandstorm steadily whittled down Rattata's stamina.
Panting heavily, Rattata showed signs of retreating, but Larvitar wasn't about to let it escape.
Another Screech echoed, clouding Rattata's mind and lowering its defense further.
With its stubby legs, Larvitar finally seized the chance to go on the offensive, a moment that nearly made Ron and his companions struggle to hold back their laughter.
A metallic sheen coated Larvitar's small head as it charged at Rattata with Iron Head.
Despite its comical appearance, Larvitar's determination had a surprising effect. With its injured foreleg, Rattata had no choice but to take the hit head-on.
Rattata retaliated with Bite, but the difference in weight and move power was too great—Rattata was sent flying and quickly buried under the relentless Sandstorm, losing its ability to battle.
After the victory, Larvitar's level rose to 16.
Feeling the surge of newfound strength, Larvitar let out a youthful roar—still immature, yet already showing glimpses of its future dominance.
It had been over a month since the Dragon's Nest incident, and Ron's Pokémon team had seen significant growth.
Machamp remained in a state of steady accumulation, already comparable to quasi-Elite Four Pokémon that had been trained for a year and a half or longer.
Persian successfully crossed into the quasi-Elite Four ranks, while Bellossom reached level 58, preparing to gather enough strength to break through to quasi-Elite Four.
Nidoking advanced to High Elite, while Gardevoir, limited by its Psychic-type affinity, lingered at level 49, just shy of the High Elite threshold.
Blaziken and Gastly also made solid progress, reaching level 46 and level 23, respectively.
Ron accompanied Larvitar on its journey to grow stronger by battling weaker opponents.
After defeating Rattata, Ron rewarded Larvitar with a head pat and a red rock, then began treating Rattata's injuries.
Just as Ron prepared to find another opponent for Larvitar, two Poké Eggs began to tremble.
Based on his calculations, Ron had expected the eggs to hatch the following day, but it seemed the little ones were eager to see the world sooner.
With a single glance, Gardevoir understood Ron's intention.
Using Teleport, she transported the group to a secluded spot.
With her power enhanced, Gardevoir's consecutive Teleports swiftly brought them to their destination.
Ron retrieved the two eggs from his bag, placing them in the incubator. Vibrant white light pulsed across their surfaces, signaling their imminent hatching.
Watching the scene, Ron couldn't help but feel like an expectant father awaiting the birth of twins.
Whoever hatched first would be the older sibling, while the other would be the younger one.
As if sensing Ron's thoughts, the Lucario Egg on the left began flickering faster.
After a familiar flash of white light, Riolu emerged, curiously scanning the first creature it laid eyes on—Ron.
Riolu then glanced around, noticing the wary Machamp and the goofy-grinning Larvitar.
"Oh god have mercy, I'm finally a big brother!"
Larvitar's excited voice echoed in its mind. With practiced ease, it dug out a red rock from Ron's bag, ready to share its favorite food with its little brother.
Before Larvitar could act, the Egg on the right began glowing, prompting Riolu to instinctively hide behind Ron.
The white light came and went quickly, and soon Froakie replaced the Pokémon Egg in Ron's line of sight.
After rubbing its eyes and letting out a yawn, the drowsy Froakie slowly opened its eyes, curiously gazing at Ron.
Only then did Ron have time to size up both Riolu and Froakie.
Starting with Riolu—it looked much like a small pup. Its fur was predominantly blue, with black fur on its ears, chest, and legs. Around its eyes was a ring of black fur, resembling a mask.
A closer look would reveal a yellow collar around its neck and a white circular spot on the back of each paw.
Just like its planned evolution into Lucario, the unevolved Riolu could already walk upright—laying a solid foundation for training in Rokushiki, the Six Powers.
On the other hand, Froakie, before its first evolution, couldn't yet walk upright very well, though that wouldn't hinder its progress too much.
Compared to Riolu's blue fur, Froakie's skin was a lighter blue, with a single deep blue stripe running across its head.
Its snout, hands, neck, and back were white, particularly the foam-like bubbles around its neck and back, which looked like a small backpack.
"Welcome, Riolu and Froakie. From now on, we're partners."
As Ron gently stroked Riolu and Froakie's small heads, he simultaneously released his Fighting Aura, speaking in a warm voice.
Feeling the familiar comfort they had enjoyed even while still in their eggs, Riolu and Froakie closed their eyes in contentment.
Meanwhile, Larvitar took the opportunity to approach with his red rock in hand, mimicking Ron's gesture by patting their heads before pushing the red rock in front of them with a magnanimous expression.
After a moment's hesitation, Riolu followed suit, patting Froakie's head and pushing its own red rock forward.
Faced with two rocks before it, Froakie could only look to Ron for help, its large eyes brimming with tears.
Watching the three little ones before him, Ron couldn't help but think that his days ahead were bound to be full of joy.
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