I stood atop the podium, the weight of everything still felt surreal. It all hit me just how far I'd come—from my life in another world to standing here as the Petalburg Rookie Tournament champion. As I glanced out at the roaring crowd, the cheers and applause washed over me like a tidal wave. This was rookie level, sure, but the energy and excitement were as intense as any high-level battle could be. I couldn't help but wonder—what would the Ever Grande Conference be like? If this was just the beginning, then there was so much more waiting.

The judge handed out the medals, starting with Ray Pierce, who took third place after an intense match with Cole. Ray accepted his medal with a proud grin, giving Roxanne a nod of respect as she was called up next. She was given her medal with a round of applause, and when she shook hands with Norman, I could see her smile grow as he gave her some words of encouragement. "I look forward to our Gym battle, Roxanne," Norman said warmly. "You've got a promising future, and I can't wait to see how you challenge yourself next."

Finally, the moment came for the gold. My heart pounded as the judge approached, the medal glinting in his hand. When he placed it around my neck, the reality of the moment hit me in full force. The crowd erupted into cheers, and I couldn't suppress a wide grin as I raised my hand in a wave.

"Congratulations, Michael," Norman said with a firm handshake and a nod of respect. "I've watched your battles closely, especially in the semifinals and finals, and I have to say—your instincts, your adaptability, it's impressive. I look forward to seeing how far you can go."

I immediately felt a new wave of emotions wash over me. He was no longer just the Gym Leader Norman; he was a trainer who had watched my journey in this tournament. And his approval felt weighty, like a benchmark of sorts.

"Thank you, Gym Leader Norman," I managed, genuinely moved. For a second, I was at a loss for words.

He continued, "Now, I know there's the prize Pokémon that comes along with this tournament win," Norman began with a knowing smile, "but I'd prefer to give it to you under calmer circumstances. So, come by the Gym tomorrow morning, 7 AM sharp. I think both you and your new partner will benefit from meeting in a controlled environment—not with a roaring crowd all around. You'll like this one, I think."

I felt my face twist between excitement and disappointment, and Norman chuckled at my reaction. A whole 24 hours was going to feel like forever, but I got his reasoning. Releasing a new Pokémon in front of hundreds of people could be overwhelming for it. I could handle waiting a bit longer.

As we left the stadium, Flannery, Roxanne, and I discussed what we'd each do over the next few days to prep for our eventual Gym challenge against Norman.

"So, he's making you wait until tomorrow morning, huh?" Flannery said, shaking her head with a playful pout. "Bet you're just itching to see what it is. You looked like a hyperactive Pikachu got hit with a Ground move when he told you that!" She laughed, nudging me in the ribs.

"Was it that obvious?" I asked, trying to cover a chuckle of my own. "I thought I had a decent poker face."

Flannery raised her brows, smirking. "Michael, your face is about as subtle as subtitles in a Meowth Cop movie. You wear every emotion clear as day."

"A Meowth Cop movie?" I echoed, blinking at the unfamiliar reference. This world and its pop culture references were still something I was adjusting to. "Does that mean my expressions are, like… outdated or over-the-top?"

Roxanne smiled softly, adjusting her glasses as we walked. "It means you're expressive, Michael. It's not a bad thing. If Flannery likes to express herself through words, you do it with your expressions. And hey, at least that lets us know what you're really thinking."

"Huh. Well, maybe I should work on that, especially in battles," I said with a grin. "Can't have my opponents reading my face like an open book."

After dropping off our Pokémon at the Center to rest, the three of us headed over to the mission board. I hadn't really checked it out before, but it was a massive wall filled with job requests and notices. Some were small, like collecting berries, while others seemed to call for serious trainers with experience handling larger tasks.

"Whoa," I breathed, taking in the sheer number of requests. "This is… a lot. I mean, I knew trainers got side gigs, but this?"

Flannery whistled, impressed. "This board's even bigger than the one we have back in Lavaridge! No wonder people say Petalburg's one of the busiest hubs for trainers."

Roxanne nodded, eyes gleaming as she reminisced. "Wait until you see Rustboro or Lilycove. It's almost overwhelming how many requests come in every day, especially from big businesses or researchers."

The idea was surreal. "Alright," I said, trying to take it all in. "So… how do we even pick a job out of all of these?"

"Oooh, what about this one?" Flannery said, pointing to a notice near the top. "'Wanted: Help Removing a Flock of Taillow and Swellow from Farmland.'" She turned to me with a gleam in her eye. "This one's perfect for you! Pawmo could zap those birds right out of there."

"Good call, Flan," I said with a grin, grabbing the flier. I knew Han would love the chance to test out his electric moves in a real-world situation.

Nearby, Roxanne was examining a different flier. "Wanted: Fire and Ground Type Trainers to Teach Moves," she read aloud, a thoughtful look crossing her face.

"Well, well," I teased. "A job practically made for you and Flannery."

Flannery raised her eyebrows, a bit uncertain. "Teaching, though? I don't know, guys. I mean, I can teach my own Pokémon, but helping other trainers? What if I'm no good at it?"

Roxanne placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Think of it as practice, Flannery. If you're planning on taking over your family's Gym one day, teaching is part of the role. You'll be training Gym trainers, and they'll be looking to you for guidance. This is just the beginning."

Flannery's expression softened, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes. "You know what? You're right. Alright, Roxanne—let's do this!"

We spent a little more time scanning the mission board, choosing a few other smaller jobs to keep us busy over the next couple of days. It felt good to have something else to do other than training and more training. As much as i wanted to be as prepared and ready as i could be, i couldn't let my life revolve around battling. Besides we might learn a thing or two from some of these side quests anyways.

'

'

The cool morning air greeted us as we made our way toward Norman's gym, the streets of Petalburg still quiet and bathed in the soft orange glow of dawn. Flannery was unusually subdued, sipping a hot cup of tea she'd picked up from the Pokémon Center café. Roxanne, as always, had a book in hand, it was as she explained detailing fossils found in the Sinnoh Region by Professor Irene Shirona, pretty ironic because that was definitely Cynthia's Grandmother or Mother and i'd bet all my pokedollars on that. Han perched on my shoulder, his paws fidgeting with a stray twig he'd picked up earlier, while Bodhi walked calmly beside me, looking more rested than I'd seen him in days.

I couldn't lie—I was both nervous and excited. The prospect of receiving a new Pokémon was thrilling, but knowing it was coming from someone as renowned as Norman Maple made it even more significant, because there was a chance that i might be getting an offspring of a pokemon from his main team! The implications and potential alone on that pokemon would be big.

The gym came into view, its design simple yet commanding, with clean lines and a sturdy structure that mirrored Norman's reputation for reliability and precision. A few gym trainers were already training with their Pokémon in the nearby fields, their movements focused and deliberate.

As we approached the entrance, Norman himself stepped out, a welcoming smile on his face. He was dressed casually, but even then, there was an aura of authority about him that couldn't be ignored.

"Right on time," he said, nodding in approval. "Morning, all. Ready for a little surprise?"

"Always," Flannery chirped, though her voice carried a teasing edge. "Michael's been jittery since yesterday—like a kid waiting for Christmas morning."

I shot her a look, but she wasn't wrong. "I mean, can you blame me? This isn't just any Pokémon we're talking about."

Norman chuckled. "Fair enough. Come on in."

The interior of the gym was just as I expected—no flashy displays, just a practical, well-maintained arena surrounded by viewing stands. A small enclosure off to the side caught my eye, filled with an assortment of toys and climbing structures, clearly designed for smaller Pokémon.

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Norman gestured toward it. "This is where I keep some of the younger Pokémon in training. Your new partner has been spending time here, getting used to interacting with others and developing some initial strength and coordination."

Roxanne adjusted her glasses, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What kind of Pokémon is it, if you don't mind me asking?"

Norman grinned, his expression tinged with pride. "A special one," he said. "Two years ago, during a trip to Alola, I caught his father. Ever since, Rumble has been a cornerstone of my elite team. Recently, he paired with another of my Pokémon, and from their litter, this one stood out. The most curious, the most eager to fight." His knowing glance caught me off guard. "I think a fighting-type specialist like you will bring out the best in him."

His words landed heavily, sparking both anticipation and curiosity. A Fighting-type Pokémon, likely with a Normal dual-typing. My mind instantly leaped to a single species that fit the description. Could it be?

Norman's voice broke through my racing thoughts. "He's bigger than most of his kind for his age," he continued, leading me toward a gated enclosure. "And he's got the same determination—if not more—than his parents. But I'll let you see for yourself."

With a practiced motion, Norman unlatched the gate, and the soft creak of metal set the smaller Pokémon inside scurrying about. Tiny feet pitter-pattered over the grass, and playful squeaks filled the air as they noticed us. Then, from behind a low climbing post, a figure appeared.

A Stufful.

My breath hitched as it came into view. Norman hadn't been exaggerating—this one was massive for its species. The soft pink of its fur shimmered under the sunlight, and its wide, curious eyes locked onto us with an intensity that belied its youthful energy. Normally, Stufful stood about one to two feet tall, but this one easily reached three and a half feet, its sturdy build hinting at its immense potential.

It took a few tentative steps forward, the large tuft of its tail swishing behind it, before breaking into an adorable waddling run. It made a beeline straight for Norman, who crouched with open arms.

"There he is," Norman said fondly, stroking the Stufful's plush head as the Pokémon leaned into his hand, letting out a satisfied squeak. "This little guy's been a handful—always pushing himself, always testing his limits. He reminds me of your Pawmo."

The comparison struck a chord, and I couldn't help but smile. As I watched the Stufful nuzzle against Norman's hand, its eyes flicked toward me, curious and expectant. I felt a stirring of connection, a sense that this Pokémon and I could accomplish something extraordinary together.

Han, sensing he was being mentioned, hopped off my shoulder and landed beside the Stufful. For a moment, the two just stared at each other before Han gave an approving "Pawmo!" and extended his paw. Stufful tilted its head, then bumped Han's paw with its own tiny one.

I knelt down, extending my hand slowly. "Hey there, buddy," I said softly. Stufful regarded me for a moment before stepping closer, nudging its head against my palm. Its fur was softer than I expected, and its tail wagged slightly as it got used to my scent.

"Seems like he approves," Roxanne noted with a small smile.

Flannery crouched down beside me, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "He's adorable. But don't let that fool you, huh? Bet he's got some serious power packed into those little paws."

Norman straightened, folding his arms. "You'd be right, Flannery. Stufful may look cuddly, but they're immensely strong for their size. And as Bewear, they become powerhouses. But it's not just about raw strength. Stufful requires a trainer who can balance its potential with discipline and care. Michael, I think you're the perfect match for him."

I stood, Stufful now at my side, and looked up at Norman. "Thank you. I won't let you or this little guy down."

Norman smiled. "I don't doubt it for a second. Now, why don't you take him out to the training grounds and let him stretch his legs a bit? Get to know each other."

"Sounds like a plan," I said, glancing down at Stufful. "You ready to show us what you've got?"

Stufful let out a determined cry, already bouncing in place as if gearing up for a sparring session.

Han, not one to be left out, immediately puffed out his chest and took a mock fighting stance, clearly challenging Stufful to a playful spar. Bodhi, who I'd released from his Pokéball earlier, gave a bemused shake of his head before sitting down to watch.

Flannery leaned against the enclosure fence, grinning. "This is gonna be fun to watch. Think Han's ready for a little sibling rivalry?"

"Ready or not, he's got one," I replied, laughing.

The training grounds stretched out before us, their soft dirt and evenly spaced obstacles glinting faintly under the morning sun filtering through the gym's skylights. Flannery and Roxanne had wandered off to one side to discuss battle strategies, leaving me alone with Han, Bodhi, and our newest addition, Stufful.

Stufful was already making himself at home. He pranced around Han and Bodhi, his stubby legs moving faster than I thought possible, his bright eyes gleaming with curiosity and determination. Han, ever the storyteller, seemed to be acting out our battles from the tournament with exaggerated punches and kicks, while Bodhi chimed in with calm corrections, as if tempering Han's flair for drama.

Stufful watched them both intently, his little ears twitching with every word, and I couldn't help but smile at how easily he was fitting into the dynamic. For all Han's energy and Bodhi's quiet wisdom, Stufful seemed to be bringing a fresh spark of youthful ambition.

I crouched down, interrupting their animated discussion. All three Pokémon turned to look at me, Stufful bouncing slightly on his paws.

"Sorry to cut in, guys," I began with a grin, "but I need to have a quick chat with our newest teammate." I turned to Stufful, who tilted his head at me, his large eyes brimming with anticipation.

"Stufful," I started, my tone soft but serious, "I've been watching you since we met earlier, and I can tell you're a fighter, just like your dad. You've got that same fire in your eyes—like you want to be the strongest there is. Am I right?"

"Stufful!" he barked, nodding eagerly.

"Well," I continued, "you've come to the right place. My team and I are aiming to be the best fighting-type specialists out there. We're training hard to take on the toughest opponents, and we'd be honored to have you on our team."

Stufful's response was immediate. He let out a triumphant cry and dashed around Han and Bodhi in circles, his enthusiasm practically radiating off him. Han gave an approving "Pawmo!" and punched the air, while Bodhi simply smiled, nodding his agreement.

"Alright, alright, calm down, little guy," I said with a laugh, holding up my hands to settle him down. "If you're joining the team, there's one more thing we've got to do first."

Stufful skidded to a stop, looking up at me expectantly.

"You need a name," I said, my voice firm but warm. "Something that sets you apart, that tells everyone who you are and what you're going to become."

At that, Stufful tilted his head again, this time in curiosity.

I tapped my chin, thinking aloud. "You're strong, and I can already tell you're going to grow into a powerhouse. But you're also determined—someone who carries the weight of your goals and the strength of the team on your shoulders. Hmm…"

I looked at Stufful, an idea forming in my mind. "How about Atlas?"

Stufful blinked, then let out a questioning "Stuff?"

"Atlas," I repeated, crouching down to meet his gaze. "It was the name of an ancient figure from long ago, he a powerful being who carried the world on his shoulders. You remind me of that—you've got the strength and determination to bear great things, and I know you'll carry our team to victory someday."

Han and Bodhi exchanged glances, and Han gave a sharp nod of approval. "Pawmo!" he declared, punching the air again.

Stufful stared at me, his eyes wide. Then, as if the meaning of the name truly sank in, he let out a loud, enthusiastic cry. "Stufful!" he shouted, bouncing on his paws and rushing forward to nuzzle against my leg.

I smiled, placing a hand gently on his head. "Welcome to the team, Atlas."

After naming him Atlas and giving him a quick pat on the head, I reached into my pocket to grab my Pokédex. "Alright, Atlas," I said with a grin, "let's see what makes you tick."

Atlas tilted his head curiously as I pointed the device at him. The Pokédex hummed softly, its screen lighting up with data.

Stufful

Species: Flailing Pokémon

Type: Normal/Fighting

Height: Slightly larger than average (3 and 1/2 Feet Tall)

Weight: Heavy for its species

Pokédex Entry: A touch from anyone except a known friend sends it into a surging frenzy. It's an incredibly dangerous Pokémon, boasting power enough to split large trees in half. The organ on its rear releases an odor that it uses to communicate with others of its kind.

I blinked at the description, feeling equal parts amazed and relieved. "Well, damn," I muttered. "Good thing we've already bonded, huh, buddy? Otherwise, you'd probably be trying to knock me into next week."

Atlas puffed out his chest proudly, as if he knew exactly how strong he was. I couldn't help but chuckle at his confidence.

It made sense now why Norman had given me such a thorough rundown before handing Atlas over. He must've made sure to prepare him for this transition, talking to him and letting him know who we were.

Speaking of moves, I toggled over to Atlas's stats and current skillset:

Moves:

Baby-Doll Eyes

Payback

Brutal Swing

Take Down

Mega Punch

Mega Kick

"Holy crap," I breathed, my eyes scanning the list. "Norman wasn't kidding when he said your parents were part of his elite team. You've got one stacked moveset already."

Atlas let out an enthusiastic "Stufful!" and reared up on his hind legs, shadowboxing in the air as if to demonstrate his arsenal.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it," I said with a laugh. "You're ready to throw down. But we're going to make sure you're ready to handle anything, alright? With moves like this, you've got potential to hit like a freight train."

I scrolled a little further down, stopping at his ability:

Ability: Fluffy

Effect: Reduces damage from physical moves but doubles damage from Fire-type moves.

"Huh," I said, tapping my chin. "Fluffy, huh? That's a pretty solid ability for someone like you. Most close-contact moves won't do much, but Fire-types are gonna be a problem." I glanced at Atlas, who stared back at me, his gaze unwavering. "No worries, though. We'll figure out how to cover that weakness."

I paused, mulling it over. "Maybe some water-type moves down the line. With your normal typing, we've got a ton of options to choose from."

Atlas responded with a sharp nod, his little paws flexing as if he were already imagining himself pulling off new techniques.

Han sidled up to us, crossing his arms with a smug "Pawmo!" that screamed, Don't get too cocky, newbie.

Atlas didn't back down. He stepped up to Han, locking eyes with him. Despite their size difference, there was no mistaking the competitive spark between them.

"Alright, alright, calm down, you two," I said, stepping between them with a grin. "There'll be plenty of time for sparring later. Let's get the basics down first, okay?"

Bodhi, ever the mediator, sauntered over and gently nudged Atlas with his head. The Stufful blinked, then relaxed.

"Thanks, Bodhi," I said, giving him a grateful smile. He simply closed his eyes and gave a small nod before sitting back on his haunches.

Looking back at Atlas, I said, "You're going to fit in just fine here, Atlas. Welcome to the team."

With that, I stood up, pocketed the Pokédex, and clapped my hands. "Alright, let's get some training in. We've got a lot of work to do before our first real battle together."

Atlas barked an enthusiastic "Stufful!" and immediately bounced toward Han, clearly ready to start learning from his new teammates.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched them interact. This was the beginning of something great, and I couldn't wait to see how far we'd go together.

CHAPTER END