Pokémon Egg of Ralts ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by NoveI★Fire.net
Aoki finds an apprentice for Slowking.
Pokémon: Ralts (Light Blue)
Type: Psychic / Fairy
Egg Moves: Destiny Bond, Memento, Misty Terrain, Trick Room
A small Pokémon with light-blue potential and the Trace ability.
From its inherited moves, it's clear its parents were also from the Ralts line. Regardless, Aoki recognized this Ralts' talent.
Originally, Togepi was Aoki's first choice, but that didn't mean this Ralts was inferior. Togepi final evolution simply had more immediate appeal. However, Gardevoir—Ralts' final form—was also a powerful Pokémon. With its Trace ability, Gardevoir could seamlessly integrate into Aoki's teams, fitting better than Togekiss, which excelled in solo battles. Aoki already had enough solo fighters.
Aoki felt no regret obtaining this egg—only satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Lorelei, who selected her Pokémon alongside Aoki, received the last of the four light-blue-tier eggs: an Alolan Sandshrew.
Aoki was surprised. Did this mean the League was expanding into new regions? The Kalos region had only recently been incorporated, and Team Rocket's influence had waned. Was the League already pushing into Alola?
Many Alolan Pokémon exhibited regional variants due to environmental differences. This Sandshrew was one example. If this had been an Alolan Vulpix instead, Aoki might have hesitated—an Ice/Fairy Ninetales would have been formidable. But an Ice/Steel Sandshrew? No hesitation.
Lorelei's affinity for Ice-types likely guided her choice. However, raising an unfamiliar Pokémon posed challenges. Without prior training knowledge, she'd have to start from scratch. Still, a light-blue-tier Pokémon's innate talent ensured a strong future.
Aoki silently pitied his rival, Steven. With Kola gaining another Ice-type ace, Steven's path to becoming Champion would be harder. Perhaps he should wait until the League officially split Kanto and Johto before making his attempt.
Aoki suspected the League rotated these eggs based on the trainers' progress. Otherwise, it was too coincidental that everyone found a perfect match. Three were Fairy-types, too—proof of the League's orchestrated "fairness."
But Aoki wasn't complaining. He'd benefited as well.
After Aoki and Lorelei, the next selections were made by Phoebe, Wallace, Diantha, and Clair.
Wallace, guided by intuition, chose a Lotad with the Swift Swim ability and deep-blue potential. Aoki imagined Wallace leading a rain-based team someday. With a Drizzle Pokémon, Wallace's strategy would solidify instantly.
Next, the Top 16 made their picks.
Phoebe, whose Ghost-type affinity bordered on psychic powers, didn't hesitate. She selected a Pumpkaboo—a Ghost/Grass-type that expanded her team's coverage. Its final evolution, Gourgeist, was a Pokémon Diantha also owned.
With all eggs claimed, the remaining contestants (Top 32 to 64) received prizes tailored to their strengths. The League had clearly invested heavily in nurturing this generation's talent.
Aoki sensed chess game at play—one he couldn't yet see the end of. For now, he was merely a piece on the board. But if he grew steadily, he might one day become a player himself.
The Sinnoh Tournament had truly concluded. Many spectators lingered, reluctant to leave. When would the League hold another event of this scale? Would more regions participate next time?
Aoki, Steven, Wallace, and Phoebe walked out of the arena, heading to a manor on Jubilife City's outskirts. This might be their last time together as a group. Even if they reunited later, it wouldn't be the same.
The mood was bittersweet.
"Don't dwell on it," Aoki said, smiling. "There'll be other chances. If you ever visit Verdanturf Town, I'll be the best host I can be."
His words lifted their spirits. They were all in Hoenn, after all—just a short journey apart.
Now, their focus was consolidating their tournament gains and preparing for the future. The perceptive among them already sensed the League's shifting winds.
One pressing matter was the Fairy-type's official introduction. Steven and Wallace, both tied to larger organizations, needed to prepare for the ramifications. The League would likely announce it within two weeks—Aoki had already used Fairy-type moves publicly, after all.