"Future Evolution?"
Logan and Cynthia spoke in unison, their voices overlapping in shock.
"This is just a name I came up with," Professor Fuji said with an embarrassed smile, waving his hand as though to dismiss their skepticism. "Don't take it too seriously. At first, even I found it absurd. The idea of 'Primal Reversion'—returning to an ancient state—at least felt scientific, grounded. But the notion of future evolution? It seemed… fanciful, almost impossible."
He glanced at Cynthia with a curious expression. "But you're the Champion of Sinnoh, aren't you? Then surely you've heard the legends of the Pokémon that governs time itself. If a being can command the flow of time, then the possibility of pulling future transformations into the present… doesn't sound so far-fetched, does it?"
Despite his age, Fuji scratched his cheek shyly, like a boy caught saying something outrageous.
Logan leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "Then tell me—how exactly are these stones used? And what happens when a Pokémon undergoes this so-called Mega Evolution?"
Surely Fuji wouldn't call them here for nothing. If he dared present such a theory to them, then he must have conducted extensive research. Yet, to Logan's surprise, the old man looked almost sheepish.
"Well…" Fuji hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "In theory, it works. There have even been… a few successful cases. But as for the details—what Mega Evolution truly is, how it functions—we still haven't fully unraveled it."
Logan's brow furrowed. He didn't mince words. "If you already have successful cases to study, then those Pokémon should serve as your research material. Don't tell me that after all this time, you've made no progress at all?"
The challenge hit Fuji like a thunderbolt. His face flushed red, and he practically leapt from his seat. "What do you mean, no results? Of course I've made progress!" he bellowed, voice booming with indignation. "I'll have you know—our research has uncovered plenty!"
He jabbed a finger toward the gems as if to prove his point. "I told you before: neither ancient forms nor future forms can adapt to the current natural environment. In Kalos, there have been Trainers who used these stones in desperate moments, forcing their Pokémon to evolve. But the results…" His voice sank, heavy with gravity. "…were grim. Almost every Pokémon that underwent Mega Evolution… died."
The words struck like a blade. Logan and Cynthia exchanged sharp glances, then immediately rose to their feet, their trust in Fuji evaporating in an instant.
Who would ever use something that kills their Pokémon?
Logan's jaw tightened. Both he and Cynthia loved their partners too deeply to ever risk their lives for power.
"W-wait, don't leave! I said almost all of them died—not every single one!" Fuji panicked, rushing to block their path.
"Listen! Our studies of those rare survivors—the Pokémon who endured Mega Evolution—revealed two critical conditions. First: there must be an unshakable bond between Trainer and Pokémon. A bond so profound that the Pokémon would risk its very life for its partner. Only then can they resonate with the stones and awaken their power."
He spoke faster now, afraid they'd bolt before he finished. "And second—the Pokémon itself must be extraordinarily strong. Only those with immense power have any chance of surviving the process without it killing them outright."
Logan's stern gaze softened as he considered Fuji's words. "So Mega Evolution is essentially a temporary surge of strength… a technique reserved for desperate circumstances, not something to be used as a regular battle tactic."
"Exactly." Fuji nodded firmly. "The modern environment is toxic to both ancient and future states. But if Mega Evolution is treated as a last resort—a finishing move, rather than a daily weapon—then it is survivable. The danger is real, yes, but manageable… so long as it is not abused."
Logan folded his arms, still cautious. "If the risks are this high, then its worth depends entirely on the strength it grants. If the increase is only minor, then it's not worth injuring one's partner for. Tell me, Professor… do you have records of these successful cases? Details of what power was gained, what crises occurred, what the aftermath looked like? Are those files classified, or will you share them?"
Fuji's eyes gleamed, and a grin spread across his face. "Ha! That's the mindset of a true Champion—and a born researcher. Always cautious, always demanding proof. Excellent, Logan. You're exactly the kind of Trainer who should wield this knowledge."
He reached into a drawer, retrieving a small USB drive, and set it carefully on the table. "These are my records. Precious, yes, but not secret. You may study them."
Logan's eyes flickered with interest. "Electronic data, huh? Fitting for modern research."
Cynthia leaned closer, curiosity burning in her gray eyes. "Professor… does this mean any Pokémon can Mega Evolve, as long as they carry these stones?"
Fuji shook his head, a faint frown crossing his face. "That's where things become… peculiar. These stones don't resonate with every Pokémon. They appear to respond only to specific species. Each stone is unique—its form differs, its pattern distinct. And so far, only a fraction of Pokémon are capable of this transformation."
He sighed, frustration slipping into his voice. "Even beyond Kalos, Hoenn has produced a few of these stones. I know of a certain collector there, obsessed with gathering them all. But whether these stones truly draw from the power of the future… or something else entirely… we cannot say for sure."
Logan's sharp mind pieced it together at once. "I see. Not every Pokémon has a future form. Some species may have gone extinct before they ever reached such a point. Others, like newly created Pokémon…" His thoughts drifted briefly to Mewtwo. "…have no ancient forms at all, but could, perhaps, one day evolve further—if they survive the ages."
Fuji's eyes lit with admiration. "Exactly! You understand perfectly. Evolution is nature's gamble. Some Pokémon vanish from history; others adapt and thrive. These stones… may not just reveal the past or the future. They may instead unlock the pinnacle of a Pokémon's destiny."
He lifted the smaller gem, holding it up to the light. Its brilliance pulsed faintly, alive with mystery. "This stone is worn by the Trainer—it acts as a key, a channel. When it resonates with its larger counterpart, the Keystone draws out the hidden power. The larger stone—the Mega Stone—is consumed in the process, but the energy it leaves behind stays within the Pokémon forever. With the Keystone, the Trainer can call upon that power again at will."
Closing the box, he slid it across the table toward Logan. "I know you face the Elite Four soon. And your Garchomp… is one of the Pokémon that resonates with this stone. Take it, Champion. It may one day be the blade that wins you victory."
Fuji's voice carried weight—less a gift, more a salvation.
Logan hesitated only briefly, then accepted the box with a nod. "…Then I won't refuse. Thank you, Professor."
Fuji smiled warmly, then turned toward Cynthia. After a pause, his expression twisted with reluctance. Still, he opened another drawer and pulled out a second case.
"And you, young lady… your partner is also a Garchomp, isn't it? As fate would have it, I have another set attuned to that species. Please, take it. Consider it protection."
Cynthia's lips parted, then pressed into a thin line. She shook her head politely. "No… something this rare, this precious—I can't accept it. Use it for your research instead."
But Fuji chuckled softly. "My dear, researchers need only one set. Having two of the same kind is unnecessary. This is fate, not coincidence. These stones were meant for you both."
Then, with a sly twinkle in his eye, he added, "And remember—the Keystone must be worn by the Trainer. You might as well fashion it into jewelry. A ring, perhaps, would be the most fitting choice…"
"Cough, cough…"
Logan quickly turned away, covering his mouth as though suppressing a laugh. Composing himself, he glanced at Cynthia with a carefully neutral expression. "Since the Professor insists… take it, Cynthia. I'll find a craftsman to turn them into a pair of rings. They'll be both practical and beautiful."
Cynthia stiffened. For the first time, her composure cracked. She tilted her head away, hiding her expression. But Logan caught the faint flush creeping up her pale neck.
So… even Cynthia can get embarrassed.
--------------------
T/N:
Check out my Patreon
[email protected]/FictionalRealms784 - (Replace '@' with 'a')
for 5 Advanced Chapters absolutely FREE—or unlock 35 Advanced Chapters
--------------------