Honedge (Bonus Chapter 5/6 for 10,000 Tips)

"Kusa."

Gloom suddenly clapped her hands, interrupting Skiploom just as she was about to break another rock. She pointed at the sky: it was time for a rest.

Sure enough, evening had crept up on them.

"Hana."

Skiploom cast one last reluctant look at the perfect practice ground, then left with Dian under the other Pokémon's "farewell" gazes.

"Kusa..."

Gloom finally breathed a sigh of relief. She gave the other Pokémon an apologetic smile before following them.

The Pokémon here were happy for Skiploom and congratulated her on getting what she wanted, but no one enjoyed listening to explosions all afternoon.

Dian had noticed that too, so before leaving, he set down another huge pile of Pokéblocks as thanks.

That night, outside the Weather Institute.

Dian called out all his Pokémon, then hid inside Misdreavus's Shadow Barrier. Beedrill stood in front of him, fully prepared with Swords Dance, Focus Energy, and Agility.

Dian had dragged Quagsire over as well. Even if he did nothing else, he could serve as a shield. It was the least he could do after Dian had raised him for so long.

Zubat stood ready with Mean Look and Confuse Ray.

Skiploom had the most important job of all. She had already formed an Energy Ball, ready to feed it to Honedge at any moment.

Grim-faced, Dian took out the silver Poké Ball. He drew a deep breath, steeled himself, released the lock, and threw it.

Click.

With a soft sound, a silver ball of light shot out. It passed straight through Misdreavus's Shadow Barrier and stopped before Dian.

Dian's heart leaped into his throat. He was ready to wave his hand and order an attack at any moment.

He failed to notice a faint blue flash from the blue orb at his neck.

The pale