Gabriel and Dratini returned to the familiar grove, their designated training ground where Dratini had previously honed his Extreme Speed. This time, Gabriel planned to take Dratini's training to the next level.
"Little Mu, the upcoming training will be much more challenging. Are you sure you can handle it?"
Before the training began, Gabriel hesitated, concern flickering in his eyes.
"Mu!" (I can do it! I have to defeat that wicked woman's Growlithe!)
Dratini looked at Gabriel with determination. He was willing to endure any hardship to surpass that Growlithe.
Gabriel gently patted Dratini's head. If Dratini was resolved, then as his Trainer, he had no reason to hesitate.
"Alright, Little Mu, let's begin the training. First, we need to remove the Everstone around your neck. The Everstone suppresses energy, and it'll hinder the upcoming moves we're going to practice."
Dratini obediently removed the Everstone from his neck. Immediately, the life energy within him surged uncontrollably. Dratini glanced at Gabriel, frustration evident in his expression, as he felt his control over his energy waver.
Gbariel held a Dragonite scale in his hand, taking a deep breath.
"Elle, once the training is over, immediately treat Dratini. I don't want him to have any scars!"
Elle appeared in the forest and nodded firmly at Gabriel.
With preparations complete, Gabriel fastened the Dragonite's Reverse Scale onto Dratini's neck. The moment he released his hand, a blue flame erupted from Dratinis's body.
"Mu!" (It hurts! Why does it hurt so much?)
Blue flames engulfed Dratini, coiling around him like a living entity. The energy contained within the Dragonite's Reverse Scale was so potent it distorted the surrounding environment. Even standing at a distance, Gabriel could feel the searing heat.
Was the Reverse Scale always this powerful? Something felt off.
But this wasn't the time to dwell on that. Dratini needed to master this energy—fast!
"Dratini, try to use your internal energy to control the Dragon energy spilling out."
Gabriel shouted into the blazing inferno surrounding Dratini, hoping his encouragement would reach him. Gritting his teeth against the pain, Dratini attempted to guide the Dragon energy coursing through his body.
However, without the Everstone, his energy control had drastically weakened. Worse, the Dragon energy from the Reverse Scale was overwhelmingly powerful. When Dratini tried to subdue it, it was as if an enraged Dragonite was releasing its murderous intent directly at him.
"Mu!" (I can't do it! That Dragonite is too strong!)
Desperate, Dratini rolled on the grass, hoping to extinguish the flames, but as long as the Reverse Scale remained on his neck, his efforts were futile.
"Little Mu, you can do this!"
Gabriel's heart ached as he watched Dratini's suffering. This ordeal was meant to test Dratini, but seeing him in pain was equally agonizing for him.
Was he pushing him too hard?
Dratini still couldn't control the rampaging Dragon energy. Had his training plan been fundamentally flawed?
All Gabriel could do now was offer words of encouragement, but in moments like this, words alone felt powerless.
Dratini's body was scorched and battered, his skin burned by the violent Dragon energy. The destructive force ravaged his small frame relentlessly.
"Elle, is there any way to help Dratini?"
Elle summoned her Garchomp, who attempted to use its own energy to suppress the volatile Dragon energy. However, even Garchomp couldn't contain the Reverse Scale's energy without risking harm to Dratini.
Gabriel grew increasingly anxious. He had underestimated the power of the Reverse Scale—an artifact so potent it had been safeguarded by a Gym Leader. Dratini was clearly not ready to handle it!
Dratini had been rolling on the ground for a long time, leaving scorched marks in his wake. The chaotic Dragon energy was the culprit behind the devastation.
"Mu!" (It's too painful, Gabriel! I don't want to train anymore!)
"Elle, remove the Reverse Scale from Dratini's neck!"
Hearing Dratini's plea, Gabriel immediately ordered Elle to act. Garchomp charged toward Dratini to remove the Reverse Scale.
But just as Garchomp reached out, the violent Dragon energy exploded, knocking Garchomp back. The energy coalesced into the spectral form of a blue Dragonite, roaring as it unleashed its fury upon the surroundings.
What kind of power did this Dragonite possess? The energy from its Reverse Scale alone was enough to repel Garchomp!
Elle stood frozen in shock at the overwhelming display, but Gabriel's focus was entirely on Dratini, whose cries were growing weaker amidst the raging flames.
Dratini!
This couldn't go on!
In a moment of desperation, Gabriel dashed toward Dratini. This was his training regimen—his responsibility. He had to ensure Dratini's safety. If he couldn't protect his Pokémon, how could he call his self a Trainer?
"Young Master, you can't go in there! It's too dangerous!"
Elle threw his arms around Gabriel, using all his strength to restrain him.
"Let me go, Elle! Dratini is still in there! Release me!"
"I will not let you go!"
Elle clung tightly to Gabriel. The training had spiraled out of control, and she couldn't allow him to risk his life.
Amidst the raging flames, Dratini opened his eyes weakly. Through the blue inferno, he saw Gabriel struggling desperately.
"Mu…"
With a faint cry, Dratini's eyes closed again.
Dratini…
A sudden shadow darted past and struck the back of Elle's neck.
A Stun Spore! Where did it come from?
Seizing the opportunity, Gabriel broke free from Elle's grasp and charged toward Dratini.
The rampaging Dragon energy scorched Gabriel's skin, burning him with every step he took. But he pressed on, eventually cradling the unconscious Dratini in his arms.
"Little Mu, I'm here."
Dratini barely opened his eyes, catching sight of Gabriel's weary and battered face.
"Mu…"
"It's alright. I'll take off the scale now."
Gabriel tried to lift his hand, but exhaustion overwhelmed him, and he collapsed to the ground.
"Mu!"
Dratini struggled to push Gabriel, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't wake him.
The spectral Dragonite above roared silently, its presence filling Dratini with rage. This time, there was no hesitation in Dratini's eyes. Overwhelmed by fury, he abandoned all reason, channeling every ounce of his energy into one final act of defiance.
With a roar of pure determination, Dratini lunged at the Dragonite's apparition.
Dragon Rush!
--------------------------------------
Join my Patreon for more advance chapters: patreon.com / Enelym