"The Omega Ruby!!!"
The words escaped Feng Che's lips in a gasp of pure astonishment. The crimson orb descended from the air, sinking directly into Torracat's chest. Instantly, the Pokémon let out a piercing, agonized cry.
The Omega symbol flared to life on Torracat's body. Suddenly, the walls of the Earth Shrine began to weep, pouring massive torrents of molten magma that surged toward the feline.
Is this a trap laid by the Earth Monster? Feng Che felt a surge of dread. No... if it were the monster, I would hear its thoughts. This can only mean one thing: Torracat is receiving Groudon's true inheritance.
If it fails, it will be reduced to ash. But if it succeeds, its potential will reach the level of Legendary. I've never seen a non-mythical Pokémon reach that tier.
Feng Che's brow was furrowed with worry as he watched the struggle.
[Torracat: It hurts... it hurts so much!][Torracat: It's too hot... I feel like I'm being unmade by an endless inferno.]
Feng Che used his psychic power to hover in the air, silently cheering for his partner. Torracat was now encased in a massive, pulsating crimson cocoon marked with the Omega symbol. It throbbed with a heavy, rhythmic beat like a giant heart.
This evolution will take time, Feng Che mused. If I can find the Ocean Shrine and the Dragon Shrine, does that mean Frogadier and Corvisquire can also use those powers for their final forms?
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Feng Che's communicator chirped. It was a call from Shiori. Perfect timing—he wanted to ask about the Dragon Shrine.
"Feng Che, the elders have agreed to the mining proposal," Shiori said. "But which faction in Hoenn should we approach for a partnership?"
She had come to trust Feng Che's insight completely. To her, this youth possessed the wisdom of a seasoned philosopher.
"Collaborate with the Stone family—Devon Corporation," Feng Che advised. "I know they played a part in the ambush at the Embedded Tower, but I believe Mr. Stone was misled by Goodshow. His primary goal has always been the acquisition of Meteoritic Iron."
"Approaching them as the victim gives you the moral high ground and more leverage in negotiations. You can demand a territory outside the caves where your people can thrive and build a modern community."
"I agree," Shiori said. "Team Magma and Team Aqua are too unstable, and Greater Mauville is their financier. Devon is the best choice. Thank you, Feng Che. I will consider this carefully."
"One more thing, Shiori. Do you know where the Dragon God Shrine is? I want to evolve my Corvisquire."
"The original Dragon Shrine was destroyed long ago," Shiori replied. "However, we maintain the Shrine of the Wind. It is specifically for Flying-types. Since you carry the Lord of the Sky's scale, you are permitted entry. Come to Meteor Falls when you're ready, and I'll take you there personally."
"Deal. I'll head your way as soon as I finish here."
Inside the crimson cocoon, the Fire Divine Crystal and Groudon's scale were shielding Torracat's soul as the violent earth-fire energy remade its body. Torracat saw visions of a colossal red beast born from the Earth's mantle: Groudon.
It saw the eternal war between Groudon and Kyogre, the land-maker and the sea-bringer, clashing over the world's natural energy. It saw the People of the Earth, Groudon's fanatical ancient worshippers, and how their betrayal led the God to retreat into the volcanic depths of Hoenn.
As Torracat absorbed these ancient memories, its capacity for fire energy expanded exponentially. The raging flames within became docile, submitting to its will.
"It's past the critical point," Feng Che observed, sensing the shift through his psychic link. "Now, it just needs to finish the transformation."
The evolution lasted three full days. When the pulsating cocoon finally disintegrated, a majestic, bipedal warrior stood before Feng Che: Incineroar.
Unlike its predecessor, Incineroar stood on two powerful legs. It was a muscular powerhouse of a tiger. Around its waist burned a belt of living flame—the Flame Belt—which it used to channel its most devastating attacks.
Pokémon: Incineroar Potential:Legendary (Blue Border)Level: 58 Type: Fire / Dark Ability: Intimidate Unique Move: Pseudo-Precipice Blades — Summons two massive magmatic swords from the earth to strike the foe. Evaluation: A warrior who has inherited the legacy of Groudon. It can command magma like the Earth God itself.
"Incredible work, Incineroar. Come back for now."
The Earth Shrine had grown significantly dimmer, its ancient energy reservoir tapped dry by the evolution. It would take centuries to recover. Groudon's scale had completely merged into Incineroar's body, leaving only the Omega mark on its chest as a sign of its new status.