Gladion sat cross-legged on his bed, a notebook open in front of him. His brow furrowed in concentration as he tapped his pen against his chin. The warm glow of his desk lamp cast long shadows across the room, where Pupitar dozed peacefully in the corner along with eevee.

"Twenty-four," Gladion muttered to himself. "That's the magic number."

He had been mulling over his future Pokemon team for days now. With the expanded world of the Pokemon Alliance Treaty, the possibilities seemed endless. But Gladion knew he needed a plan, a structure to work within.

"Okay, let's break this down," he whispered, careful not to wake his Pokemon. "Most of my team will be from Kanto and Johto. That's non-negotiable. But leaving room for a few surprises... yeah, twenty-four feels right."

He scribbled furiously in his notebook, making lists and crossing out names. Occasionally, he'd glance at Pupitar and eevee, a smile playing on his lips.

"Don't worry" he said softly. "You guys are already accounted for."

As if sensing Gladion's thoughts, Pupitar stirred in his sleep, letting out a contented growl.

Gladion chuckled, then returned to his planning. He thought about type coverage, about potential strategies, about the balance between offense and defense. But most importantly, he thought about the bonds he would form with each of his future partners.

"It's not just about strength," he reminded himself. "It's about connection, about growing together."

He leaned back, stretching his arms above his head. His mind wandered to the Pokemon he'd encountered in his past life's games and shows. How many of them would be different here? How many would exceed or defy his expectations?

"I can't wait to meet you all," he murmured, a grin spreading across his face.

Suddenly, a soft whimper broke through his reverie. Gladion looked up to see Pupitar awake, its eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Hey, buddy," Gladion said, immediately moving to his Pokemon's side. "What's wrong?"

Pupitar let out a series of low growls and chirps. To anyone else, it would have sounded like nonsense, but Gladion understood perfectly.

"Oh, Pupitar," he sighed, pulling the Pokemon into a hug. "Is that what you're worried about? That you won't be part of my journey because you can't fight very strong Pokemons before evolving into Tyranitar?"

Larvitar nodded sadly, nuzzling into Gladion's chest.

Gladion pulled back, looking Pupitar straight in the eyes. "Listen to me, okay? You are strong as a Pupitar yoo. I am pretty sure you are as strong as an average Tyranitar. You are my partner, my friend, and my ace. Always. Whether you're battling or not, you're part of this journey. We're in this together, got it?"

Pupitar's eyes widened, hope replacing sadness.

"Besides," Gladion continued with a grin, "who says you need to battle strong Pokemon to be useful? Your rock-hard head could make you the world's best can opener!"

Larvitar looked confused for a moment, then let out a sound that could only be described as Pokemon laughter. Gladion joined in, their shared mirth echoing through the room.

As their laughter subsided, Gladion's mind drifted to the day Pupitar had evolved from Larvitar. The memory was as clear as if it had happened yesterday...

---

*Flashback*

Gladion stood in the backyard, facing off against his father's Alakazam. Larvitar hovered in front of him, its eyes narrowed in concentration.

"Alright, Larvitar," Gladion called out. "Let's show Dad what we've been working on! Use Dark Pulse!"

Larvitar spun rapidly, releasing waves of dark energy that slammed into the protect , pushing the psychic-type back several feet. This showed how remarkable Gladion's Larvitar was.

Ben whistled, impressed. "That's some power, son! But power isn't everything. Alakazam, use Low Psychic!"

Machoke darted forward with surprising speed, sweeping its leg towards Larvitar.

"Larvitar, use Protect!" Gladion commanded.

A shimmering barrier appeared around Larvitar.

"He can't use protect again for some time. Use dark pulse again"

Ben just smirked as Alakazam teleported out of harms way.

"Impressive combo," Ben nodded approvingly. "But let's see how you handle this. Confusion!"

Larvitar continued to fire dark pulses aimlessly.

Gladion's mind raced. They hadn't practiced for this situation, but he trusted his partner. He used his own Psychic powers 'Larvitar, You want to be the strongest Pokemon out there right? Break free from this!!'

As if a switch has been flipped inside Larvitar, it began to glow and shake violently. Suddenly, there was a blinding flash of light. When it faded, a cresent shaped Pokemon was there.

"Pupitar!" Gladion exclaimed, his face splitting into a huge grin.

The newly evolved Pupitar let out a triumphant roar, then turned to Gladion with a look of pure joy.

Ben recalled his Alakazam not willing to continue the fight, shaking his head in amazement. "Well, I'll be. That's one special Pokemon you've got there, son."

'To be able to push Alakazam with Dark Pulse. He packs some serious firepower. And he was just a Larvitar to boot. It looks like my son already has an Ace in his team.' Ben thought

Gladion ran to Pupitar, wrapping his arms around his partner. "You were amazing, buddy! I can't believe you evolved!"

Pupitar chirped happily, nuzzling against Gladion's cheek.

"You know what this means, don't you?" Gladion said, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "We've got a whole new set of moves to learn!"

Pupitar's eyes widened, then narrowed with determination. It let out a growl that clearly said, "Bring it on!"

---

Back in the present, Gladion chuckled at the memory. "Remember that day?" he asked Pupitar. "You showed everyone just how special you are. And you've only gotten stronger since then."

Pupitar puffed up its chest proudly, then deflated slightly, looking at Gladion questioningly.

"What's that? You want to know if you'll be that awesome as a Tyranitar?" Gladion grinned. "Buddy, you'll be even more awesome. You'll be the king of the mountain, the terror of the seas, the... uh..." he faltered, trying to think of another grandiose title.

'The ultimate can opener?' Pupitar suggested with a mischievous growl using Pokemon language but Gladion understood it thanks to his powers.

Gladion burst out laughing. "Exactly! The ultimate can opener! Tremble in fear, all ye canned goods!"

They dissolved into giggles, Pupitar playfully headbutting Gladion's arm.

As their laughter subsided, Gladion's expression turned serious. "But you know, Pupitar, being strong isn't just about winning battles. It's about being there for your friends, about never giving up, about always trying to be better than you were yesterday."

Pupitar nodded solemnly, hanging on every word.

"And you, my friend," Gladion continued, patting Pupitar's head, "have all of that in spades. That's why you'll always be my ace, no matter what form you're in or whether you're battling or not."

Pupitar's eyes welled up with happy tears, and it launched itself into Gladion's arms, nearly knocking him over.

"Oof!" Gladion grunted, hugging his partner tightly. "Easy there, buddy. Save that tackle for the battles, okay?"

Pupitar growled an apology, but didn't let go.

Gladion smiled softly, stroking Pupitar's back. "It's okay. I've got you. Always."

They stayed like that for a while, trainer and Pokemon, friends and partners. Eventually, Pupitar's breathing evened out as it fell asleep in Gladion's arms.

Carefully, so as not to wake his slumbering friend, Gladion reached for his notebook. He flipped to a new page and began to write:

"Team Rules:

1. We're family. No one gets left behind.

2. Strength comes in many forms. Respect them all.

3. Never stop learning, never stop growing.

4. Have fun! (But maybe ease up on the Tackle hugs)"

He looked down at Pupitar, peacefully asleep, and added one more line:

"5. Pupitar is the ultimate can opener. All hail the king!"

Gladion chuckled softly, then yawned. The excitement of the day and the warmth of Pupitar were making him drowsy. He carefully maneuvered himself and Pupitar into a comfortable position on the bed.

------Author Notes-------

Thankyou Doglore63 for supporting me.

Y'all can read 12 extra chapters on my pat*reon.

https://pat reon.com/mrmime24

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