The trainer nodded with satisfaction as he observed the successful Mega Evolution of his Gengar. Gengar can be used by both of his identities. At first glance, its transformed state could easily deceive untrained observers, requiring careful study to discern its true nature.
This newly acquired transformation represented another genuine ace up the trainer's sleeve. Unlike his Blaziken's Mega Evolution, Gengar's ascended form operated at Champion-level capacity, granting Aoki access to devastating offensive potential surpassing even Slowking. Furthermore, with its aptitude elevated to light-blue tier, the Pokémon harbored significant untapped capabilities waiting to be unlocked through proper training.
"How does it feel, Gengar?" Aoki inquired with an encouraging smile.
The spectral Pokémon responded with its characteristic eerie chuckle as it examined its altered physique. The transformation proved remarkably comprehensive - dark crimson energy now visibly seeped from its extremities wherever they contacted surfaces, enhancing its already unsettling presence.
"Geng!" it declared, manifesting a Shadow Ball between its claws. The swirling sphere of Ghost-type energy now contained ominous red streaks within its dark mass. With a powerful thrust, Gengar launched the attack toward the perimeter of their training dimension.
The resulting explosion created a massive rupture in the fabricated space, the shockwave buffeting everything within range. The Unown maintaining the environment immediately mobilized to repair the breach, demonstrating the attack's formidable destructive capacity.
Beyond raw power, Mega Evolution had altered Gengar's inherent abilities, replacing its original Cursed Body with the Shadow Tag capability. This prevented opposing non-Ghost Pokémon from fleeing battle or being recalled by their trainers - a useful supplementary effect, though less impactful given Gengar's existing repertoire of Role Play and specialized techniques.
"Let's conduct additional testing," Aoki proposed, producing both Blaziken's Mega Stone and his Keystone bracelets. After distributing the evolutionary gems appropriately, he took a stabilizing breath. This experiment would determine whether a single trainer could sustain multiple simultaneous Mega Evolutions.
"Blaziken! Mega Evolve!" Aoki commanded. The fire-type reacted with palpable enthusiasm, having long anticipated another opportunity to access this enhanced state. As energy from the held Mega Stone coursed through its body, the transformation occurred more swiftly than its initial experience, flames dissipating to reveal Mega Blaziken in all its glory.
The triumphant moment proved short-lived. As both Mega Gengar and Mega Blaziken stood ready, Aoki suddenly collapsed to one knee, clutching his head in agony. His assembled Pokémon immediately rushed to his aid, with Florges preparing healing energies until Aoki waved them off. Supported by Weavile, he gradually regained composure while analyzing the situation.
The splitting headache had nearly rendered him unconscious, only mitigated through application of his psychic abilities. Even now, he could feel his stamina and mental reserves depleting at an alarming rate. Calculations suggested maintaining one Mega Evolution for 15-20 minutes remained feasible, but dual transformations would exhaust him within 3 minutes maximum - perhaps only 2 if combat readiness needed maintaining.
This represented his current limitations. Extending duration or adding more Mega Evolved Pokémon would require extensive training, ideally coupled with psychic ability enhancement. "I can't neglect regular conditioning," Aoki mused. "Carbink's gravity training remains essential, and additional Unown assistance would prove invaluable."
With this realization, he released both Pokémon from their Mega states. While the transformations offered tremendous power, both trainer and Pokémon required more practice to properly harness the amplified capabilities. "Begin training regimens," Aoki instructed his team.
Bagon, Ralts, Seadra, and Carbink would undertake combat drills in the mountainous terrain, following the same intensive programs that had strengthened Pupitar and others previously. Their foundational abilities needed development during this crucial growth period.
However, these plans necessitated first addressing young Phoebe's constant presence. Aoki contemplated temporarily relocating the energetic girl to Steven's care, as his current schedule couldn't accommodate proper supervision. As this thought crystallized, a fissure unexpectedly appeared in the dimensional barrier.
An Unown drifted through the opening, its single eye scanning the area before locking onto Aoki and floating toward him. Seemingly responding to his unconscious desire for additional Unown support, the Psychic-type attached itself to his wrist where five others already resided. Simultaneously, cryptic impressions flooded Aoki's mind.
The message proved frustratingly vague - six Unown warning of an approaching... something requiring preparation. While the lack of specifics rendered the prophecy nearly useless, the additional Unown nevertheless bolstered Aoki's psychic potential. Achieving advanced psychic mastery might now require only twenty years rather than a lifetime - modest progress, but progress nonetheless.
With this small consolation, Aoki joined his Pokémon's training session. Physical conditioning represented only part of the equation; his psychic abilities demanded equal attention. With multiple Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution, future victories would hinge on the effort invested now during these crucial preparation phases.