I picked up the Pokeball containing our newest team member as Chikorita, finally feeling a sense of relief, relaxed and slumped onto the ground. The battle we had just experienced was quite intense for both of us, especially for Chikorita, who had operated on her own for essentially the first time. Thankfully, our training had paid off, and she responded remarkably well, trapping Fletchinder as I had wanted. Even earlier in the day, she had taken control of the battle against the wild Nidoran, responding where I had failed to in time.
To allow Chikorita to rest a bit longer, I scooped her up in my arms and retraced our steps, deep in thought about my own shortcomings. Both of these battles had important learning points especially given the fact that during high-level battles, trainers would typically only dictate the overall pace and make macro decisions while their Pokémon would make the necessary micro-adjustments and moves on their own. Neither of us were close to that level, but in this instance, Chikorita's ability to act independently made me realize that I hadn't been able to keep up with her.
Lately, I've been investing a lot of my free time in creating videos for RotomTube, but I can’t justify using it as an excuse to neglect my own training. Today's battles were a wake-up call for me. While I still intended to focus on growing my audience and generating content for RotomTube, I realized the importance of training myself to better synchronize with my Pokémon and improve my strategizing skills. I wondered if there were any brain games available on the PokePhone to help me achieve that.
As evening approached, we arrived back in Viridian City, victorious in acquiring our second teammate. Although Fletchling's sense of humor could potentially be a concern in the future, for now, he was a valuable addition to our team. His Fire and Flying typing complemented Chikorita's weaknesses, and vice versa.
Stepping into the bustling Pokémon Center, I was immediately taken aback by the number of trainers present. Most of them were not participating in the Indigo Conference but were instead individuals who had failed to gather all eight badges during the season. They had come to Viridian City as it provided convenient access to the Pokemon League Village where many of them could watch the Indigo Conference live from state-of-the-art stadiums.
Recalling Chikorita and joining the line, I realized it would be a long wait to reach the front. I wasn't planning on going to the Pokemon League Village myself, but I intended to watch as many matches as possible. Attending the battles in person was expensive, and as a poor Junior Trainer like myself, out of my range. Watching the battles though, I could gain a lot of valuable insights. Pokémon battling had evolved into an art form over the years, now with each conference allowing various types of battles and different rule variations, including ones with Mega Evolution, Quattro Evolutions, Dynamax, Gigantamax, Terastallization, Gauntlets, and more.
Each year, a particular format would gain popularity and would usually be formally announced by the Pokemon League midway through the season. Trainers had to then understand the announced format and rules, and proceed with training their Pokémon to be as effective as possible within those bounds. From what I knew, this year's battles focused on Dynamaxing Pokémon due to the recent surge in swarms and dens increasing the availability of this special trait. Trainers who didn't focus on Dynamax-based teams could compete in a Boss Battle format against Dynamax teams, with the Dynamax team limited to two Pokémon against the regular team's six.
Halfway through my wait, I overheard the distinct and condescending voice of a certain boy I had almost completely forgotten. Glancing towards the lounge, I spotted Brown Lars, one of Professor Oak's sponsors, sitting on one of the couches, seemingly boasting. He still had an expensive looking sleeveless jacket and his boots were up on the couch. Though I couldn't make out his exact words, his tone had apparently left a mark in my subconscious.
Remembering Professor Oak’s errand, I decided to leave the line and quickly made my way to my room. There, I retrieved the package Professor Oak had entrusted to me for Brown and headed back downstairs. Fortunately, Brown was still in the same spot, and I confirmed that he was indeed boasting about a battle when I approached.
"The big oaf didn't even know what to do, kept using Rollout like a dumbass. All Lio had to do was attack the stupid rock right in its face and knock it out of the park, heh. Should've paid more attention in school." Brown finished his self-satisfied monologue as I positioned myself behind him on the couch.
Rolling my eyes, I couldn't help but retort, "You weren't any better with your Pound spam when we fought, dude."
Startled by my sudden comment, Brown tumbled off the couch onto the ground. He quickly came back up, regained his composure, and rounded on me.
“YOU?!!?” He yelled, ready to unleash his anger. However, I held up my palm causing him to halt in his predictable tirade.
"I don't want to know or listen, dude. Professor Oak asked me to hand this package to you, and that's the only reason I'm here," I stated firmly, handing over the package. Brown's seething expression transformed into dumbfoundedness as he reached forward to grab the package. He looked at the tag and saw that it was indeed addressed to him before remembering what had just happened. He quickly looked up, ready to give a verbal lashing to the rude foreigner, before noticing that said foreigner had already turned his back on him, heading back to the line without acknowledging his presence. "Oy, wuss!" he yelled, but the foreigner continued on, paying no attention to him. "Grrr."
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
[https://i.postimg.cc/3RY1GP6V/Break-Pokeball.png]
Having delivered the package, I was relieved to be done with the arrogant trainer. I had no time or patience for individuals like him. Although I heard a distinct "wuss" from behind, I didn't bother turning around. However, before I could reach the line again, I felt a tug on my jacket. I turned to find Brown Lars glaring at me.
"What?" I quipped, slightly annoyed.
"Battle me," Brown challenged.
"Nope."
"Hah, scared?"
"No, I just returned from the wilds dude, and my Pokémon need healing. So, I won't battle you right now."
"Well, tomorrow then."
"Tomorrow is the start of the Indigo Conference. I'm not going to miss that for a battle with you."
"The Conference starts at noon. Show up at the battlegrounds at 9 AM. I'll be there. Don't wuss out on me," Brown concluded, turning away and moving on as if he prided on having the last word in our exchange.
Not particularly concerned, I returned to the line. However, as I waited once again, Brown's challenge lingered in my mind. Ignoring it completely was an option, but I couldn't help but feel that Brown had a significant social influence and his following might impact my RotomTube channel during the upcoming season. Moreover, I couldn't back down from a challenge. I was confident that both Chikorita and Fletchling would be prepared for whatever Brown had planned in the past week and a half.
Eventually, I reached the front of the line and handed over my two Pokéballs to Nurse Joy. I also asked her to register Fletchling to my Trainer ID. As Nurse Joy took my Pokémon and Trainer ID, I headed to my room to freshen up. After cleaning up, I made my way to the Pokémart to purchase Grass, Flying, and Fire-type PokéFeed for the next week. I hadn't checked Fletchling's details on my Pokédex yet, but I assumed a combination of these types would support its growth, considering its ability to use Flame Charge and manipulate the air.
By the time I returned to the Pokémon Center with the PokéFeed, it was already evening and my Pokémon and updated Trainer ID were ready for pick up.
[https://i.postimg.cc/W3jKdT7x/ch14-trainercard.png]
I decided to go to the cafeteria, where a couple of seats were available, and started preparing meals for Chikorita and Fletchling. I made Chikorita's regular Grass-type PokéFeed, incorporating some choice greens we had collected earlier during our trek. For Fletchling, I mixed the Flying and Fire-type PokéFeeds.
After releasing both Pokémon from their Pokéballs, Chikorita knew the routine and immediately began chowing down on her meal. Fletchling, on the other hand, couldn't help but look around at the numerous trainers present with a glint in his eyes.
"Don't get any funny ideas, bro. Most of these trainers have 5 or 6 third-stage Pokémon," I warned my new companion. Fletchling tilted his head in confusion.
"That means they might have 5 or 6 Talonflames," I explained, using Fletchling's final evolution as an example. Fletchling's eyes widened, and he decided to sit down next to his plate, his wings tucked in.
"Good, enjoy your meal, bro. We'll do some training tomorrow, but for now, let's rest up," I reassured Fletchling. It chirped happily and began devouring its food.
While my Pokémon were busy eating, I opened the Pokédex app on my PokéPhone and scanned Fletchling with it, reviewing the information about my new teammate.
Fletchling
[https://i.postimg.cc/Qtbz5w4C/fletchling-final.png]
> Fletchling, the Tiny Robin Pokemon. Despite the beauty of its lilting voice, it is merciless to intruders that enter its territory. When it is excited, its temperature can double, spiking hormone production in its body. If you touch a Fletchling with your bare hands, you might get burned. Otherwise, this Pokemon is normally calm and amiable; it uses its tail-feather movements for quick maneuvers.
> Estimated Height: 0’8” (Average for species: 1’00”)
> Estimated Weight: 1.5 kg
> Ability 1: Flame Body [Developed]
>> The air near the bearer spontaneously increases in temperature depending on the bearer’s control; contact with the bearer may often cause burns.
> Ability 2: Gale Wings [Not Developed]
>> Any moves while Flying are faster in both preparation time and execution time.
> Known Moves:
>> Growl(Normal-SS-NV)
>> Peck (Flying-Ph-V)
>> Quick Attack (Normal-Ph-V)
>> Flame Charge (Fire-Ph-V)
> Developing Moves: Ember, Acrobatics, Agility