Chapter 53 - Mega Evolution

Professor Oak and Julian entered the research room, ready to continue their conversation about the evolution stones.

"Now that we're here," Professor Oak said, "you should take them out."

Julian reached into his pouch and retrieved three items: an Ice Stone, a Water Stone, and the Mega Stone.

"Here are your evolution stones," Julian said, presenting them to the professor.

Professor Oak accepted the stones with gratitude. "Thank you for bringing them. Oh, wait a moment, I have something for you too."

The professor walked over to a nearby shelf and carefully retrieved a yellow box. He handed it to Julian, explaining, "This was the last one my friend had in stock. You were fortunate to contact me in time; otherwise, it might have been sent off to the Sinnoh region."

Julian accepted the box with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Professor Oak."

With the preliminary matters addressed, Professor Oak turned his attention to the Mega Stone.

"Show me the Mega Stone," he requested.

Julian handed the Mega Stone to Professor Oak, allowing him to examine it closely. The stone had a shimmering, shiny yellow surface, with a mesmerizing blue and red pattern encased within it. Professor Oak scrutinized it with keen interest, and a satisfied smile spread across his face.

"This is undeniably a Mega Stone," Professor Oak declared with enthusiasm. "I've wanted to conduct research on this for quite some time. I was even invited to Kalos by Professor Sycamore to study Mega Evolution, but circumstances prevented me from going. Now, it seems luck is on my side today," he chuckled heartily.

Julian tried to calm Professor Oak's excitement, saying, "Professor, please calm down. The Mega Stone isn't going anywhere."

But Professor Oak's enthusiasm was hard to contain. "You don't understand, Julian. I'm incredibly excited about continuing this research, and to do that, I need your assistance."

Julian raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "My help?"

Professor Oak nodded eagerly. "Yes, exactly. You mentioned that your Gyarados discovered the Mega Stone. I strongly suspect it's a Gyaradosite, which means we can attempt to Mega Evolve your Gyarados. But before we do that, I need to make some preparations."

Julian furrowed his brow, recalling their previous discussions. "Wait a minute, Professor. Didn't you mention earlier that we need a Keystone for Mega Evolution to work?"

A sly grin crossed Professor Oak's face, and he revealed, "Ah, Julian, you've got a sharp memory. And the good news is, I do have a Keystone."

Julian's eyes widened with surprise. "You have a Keystone?"

Professor Oak chuckled, impressed by Julian's quick deduction. "Hehe, you guessed it right. As soon as you mentioned finding a Mega Stone, I immediately got in touch with Professor Sycamore to request a Keystone. He was equally excited to hear about the opportunity for research acceleration, so he promptly sent me one. Let me retrieve it for you."

With an air of excitement, Professor Oak walked over to his personal desk. From a small locket, he carefully extracted a Keystone, a shiny gem encircled by a sleek black metal ring that held it securely in place. A black string was attached to the Keystone, making it easy to wear.

Professor Oak held it out proudly. "Take a look at this, Julian. Isn't it absolutely fascinating?"

Julian examined the Keystone closely and nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it is."

Professor Oak, brimming with excitement, explained, "I've already prepared all the necessary items. Let's head outside to the storeroom."

Following the professor, Julian accompanied him into the storeroom. Inside, Professor Oak pointed to a large box, indicating that it held the items they needed. The box seemed quite heavy, so Julian graciously offered to lift and carry it outside.

Once they had the box in the open, Julian opened it to reveal a substantial, gleaming metal plate. The plate had a distinctive V-shaped design, featuring a small hole in the middle and a small spike at the top. It somewhat resembled a trident, with a central blade and two elongated ones on the sides. Julian quickly grasped its purpose—this was a specialized metal armor designed to fit on Gyarados's head. Notably, it had a designated slot to securely hold the Mega Stone and incorporated mechanisms for size adjustment.

Julian marveled at the craftsmanship and said, "I see now. This is a metal armor for Gyarados's head, designed to accommodate the Mega Stone. It even has mechanisms for size adjustment."

Professor Oak proudly explained, "I enlisted the help of a friend who's an expert in handling tungsten to craft this headpiece for Gyarados."

The armor was indeed substantial, constructed from tungsten, which was known as the hardest metal found in their world. Julian couldn't help but draw a comparison. "It's actually made from tungsten, the hardest metal known in this world. It's quite similar to what's found on Earth. Now that I think about it, the metals and materials in this world aren't all that different from our own."

Julian nodded in approval as he continued, "It's a wise choice to use tungsten, and the thickness should allow it to withstand powerful attacks from other Pokémon."

Professor Oak chuckled and added, "Considering that option is precisely why I asked him to make it from tungsten. He was rather frustrated, as melting tungsten is quite a challenging task! Hahahaha."

Julian eagerly agreed, "Let's not waste any more time. I'm eager to try Mega Evolution as well."

The two of them moved quickly, with Professor Oak leading the way. He headed toward the lake where Gyarados rested. Observing the professor's haste, Julian shook his head with a fond smile and followed, bearing the substantial tungsten armor. When they arrived at the lakeside, they found Julian's Pokémon engaged in various playful activities. Julian approached the water's edge and called out to Gyarados.

Julian called out to Gyarados, "Gyarados, come over here."

All of Julian's Pokémon turned their attention toward him, curious to see what was happening. Gyarados, too, approached Julian, eager to understand why he was being summoned.

Julian explained, "Bend down just a bit, Gyarados. I need to place this plate on your forehead."

Gyarados obediently lowered his head, allowing Julian to fit the metal plate onto his forehead. It was a perfect match. Julian then carefully inserted the Mega Stone into the designated slot within the plate.

The trident-shaped plate didn't entirely conceal Gyarados's horns; they protruded slightly at the ends. In the middle, the central horn remained fully exposed, with only a small spike on the plate covering its lower part. This arrangement gave it the appearance of a stylish and regal crown, with the Mega Stone gleaming brilliantly in the center. The overall effect was nothing short of magnificent.

Upon seeing the Mega Stone securely in place on its head, Gyarados comprehended Julian's intentions and grew visibly excited.

Julian took a deep breath and addressed Gyarados, "Alright, Gyarados, it's time to attempt Mega Evolution. Stay focused."

Gyarados nodded, his expression growing serious as he prepared for the transformation. Professor Oak was equally prepared, having strategically placed multiple cameras around the lake, all set to record the event. Holding a tablet in hand, he was ready to meticulously document the changes that would occur in Gyarados.

Julian's other Pokémon, observing from a distance, were filled with excitement. Gyarados had shared with them the story of the mysterious stone they had found beneath the ocean, along with the powerful attraction he had felt toward it. They had concluded that this was indeed the same stone Gyarados had mentioned, and they were eager to witness the extraordinary effects it could bring about.

Julian looked at Gyarados and asked, "Are you ready?"

Gyarados responded with a determined nod, while Professor Oak and Julian's other Pokémon, unable to contain their anticipation, nodded as well.

Julian took a deep breath and called out, "Gyarados, it's time! MEGA EVOLVE!"

With his hand firmly on the Keystone, Julian shouted, "Mega Evolve!" He was well aware that Mega Evolution required a deep bond between a Pokémon and its trainer, so he focused his energy and attempted to strengthen the connection between himself and Gyarados.

As he called out, both the Keystone he held and the Mega Stone on Gyarados's head began to emit a brilliant glow. Rays of light emanated from both stones and intertwined with one another. Then, as if from a brilliant explosion of energy, Gyarados started to shine intensely. His size began to increase gradually, and when he reached his maximum potential, the radiant white glow shattered into countless pieces, revealing a colossal Mega Gyarados that stretched an impressive 12 meters in length.

As Gyarados underwent Mega Evolution, his transformation was nothing short of astonishing. His size grew to exceptional proportions, with his three distinctive horns now gleaming black. A pair of colossal, light blue fins emerged from his back, resembling the spines of a Spinosaurus, while the fins extending from the sides of his jaws grew longer and more pointed. Even his other fins underwent the same remarkable changes. The side spots on his body deepened to a rich, dark red hue.

Julian stood there in utter shock, unable to believe his eyes. This shiny Mega Evolution was far more unique and distinct than anything he had ever imagined.

Julian was left in a state of bewilderment as he observed Gyarados's striking transformation. He couldn't help but question, "What just happened? How is it possible that Gyarados now has blue fins, a black belly instead of yellow, and black horns instead of dark red? Shiny Mega Gyarados in the anime looked vastly different from this. Could this be a distinct path of Mega Evolution, akin to the multiple Mega forms of Charizard?"

Julian quickly called upon the system to scan Mega Gyarados's new status.

Status - Mega Gyarados

Type: Water/Dragon

Level: 65

Age: 3.4 years

State: Excited

Bond: 100%

HP: 380 (380)

Attack: 370 (290)

Defense: 275 (200)

Sp. Atk: 215 (150)

Sp. Def: 315 (275)

Speed: 200 (270)

Move Set:

Tackle

Bite

Thrash

Twister

Ice Fang

Scary Face

Aqua Tail

Dragon Rage

Rain Dance

Hydro Pump

Surf

Waterfall

Water Pulse

Hyper Beam

Dragon Pulse

Dragon Dance

Outrage

Dragon Tail

Ability:

Intimidate (unlocked)

Moxie (unlocked)

Julian contemplated the astonishing changes in Mega Gyarados's typing, which had shifted from Water/Dark to Water/Dragon. It was becoming evident that this Mega Evolution was indeed a different path from the one depicted in the anime, where Gyarados typically took on a Water/Dark typing.

Julian reasoned, "As expected, it seems that each Pokémon may have distinct Mega Evolution paths, similar to what's demonstrated with Charizard's X and Y forms. Charizard X evolves into a Fire/Dragon type, while Charizard Y retains its original Fire/Flying typing. This divergence between reality and the limitations of the anime suggests that Mega Evolution isn't just a means to enhance a Pokémon's power; it also unlocks hidden typings based on their unique Mega Evolution paths."

Julian marveled at how Mega Gyarados, now resembling a Dragon-type despite never being classified as such, was a prime example of this phenomenon.

As Julian contemplated the intricacies of Mega Evolution, Professor Oak and Julian's other Pokémon stood in awe of the astounding transformation.

Professor Oak exclaimed, "So, this is what Mega Evolution truly looks like—magnificent!"

With enthusiasm, Professor Oak began to jot down detailed notes on Gyarados's changes while simultaneously reviewing the footage captured by the strategically placed cameras.

Meanwhile, Julian's other Pokémon gathered around Mega Gyarados, engaging in a conversation only comprehensible to Pokémon themselves. Julian remained lost in thought, unaware of their exchange.

Gyarados, meanwhile, experienced an overwhelming surge of power. He was acutely aware of the dramatic increase in his strength and abilities. Eagerly, he shared his newfound sense of power with Julian's other Pokémon, who listened with fascination.

Julian, shaking his head to clear his thoughts, put aside his contemplation and couldn't help but admire the imposing presence of his Gyarados. Standing at an impressive 12 meters in height, Gyarados emanated an aura of intimidation that would send any Pokémon fleeing in fear at the mere sight of him.

Professor Oak, having completed his meticulous note-taking, joined Julian in admiring Gyarados's magnificence. The awe-inspiring display left a profound impression on both of them.

Professor Oak chuckled heartily and remarked, "Hahaha! I'll be sure to send this footage to Professor Sycamore; he'll undoubtedly be thrilled with this groundbreaking discovery. What I can discern is that your Gyarados's Mega Evolution is distinct from the typical transformation. Professor Sycamore had mentioned some changes that Gyarados undergoes during Mega Evolution, but this—this is truly extraordinary."

Julian, choosing to maintain an air of surprise, remained silent in response to Professor Oak's words, as though he had just heard something utterly astonishing.

Professor Oak chuckled and suggested, "Alright, Julian, I think we've seen enough for now. It's time to head back inside. Daisy should be arriving soon; I informed her of your return, and she's bringing extra food for you."

Julian nodded in agreement. "That sounds great. Let's head inside."

As they prepared to return to the laboratory, Julian turned his attention to Gyarados, contemplating how to revert the Mega Evolution. To his surprise, Gyarados began to emit a soft glow and gradually returned to its original form. Julian couldn't help but smile at the seamless transition as he followed Professor Oak back to the laboratory, leaving his Pokémon to continue their playful activities.