The sun peeked through the trees lining Route 3, casting delicate beams of light over Jun’s tent. He stirred awake, laying in his sleeping bag, cocooned in warmth. Yesterday was a big day. Echo, his starter, had evolved into a Dottler. Jun could scarcely believe it had only been eight days since Echo had emerged from his egg.
With a deep breath, he opened his SystemDex, quickly checking on his personal page.
Name: Jun
Age: 15
Talent: [Bug Affinity I]
Pokemon(observed): 194
Pokemon(owned): 1
Pokepoints: 108
He had only encountered 2 new pokemon on Route 3 yesterday, Klink the gear pokemon and the Pancham who had induced Echo's Evolution into Dottler. Flipping over to Echo's page, he could help but smile.
Pokemon: Dottler
Name: Echo
Ability: Telepathy (+)
Gender: Male
Nature: Bold (+Defense/-Attack)
Level: 10 (+)
Moves: Struggle Bug, Sticky Web, Light Screen, Reflect, Confusion (+)
Stats: [expand]
Items: N/A
Status: Asleep
He resisted the urge to immediately spend his pokepoints and thought things through. His short term goal was for Echo to level up and evolve so that Gardevoir could go home. A fully evolved pokemon in the mid 30’s level-wise would be enough protection. The mid term goal was for him to tag a bunch of Toxel, then write and publish a paper on the mechanism of Toxel's branching evolutions. His long term goal was still to be determined, but he would like to maybe create an Abilitydex and become a famous Pokemon Professor and explore this wonderful world.
Setting his aspirations/delusions of grandeur aside, he contemplated on how his pokepoints could be spent. Since Gardevoir was still around, it wouldn't be wise to make too big of a change on Echo, an extra move or two wouldn't be too suspicious. Jun scrolled through the move options, Recover would be a decent choice, both being an egg move and only costing 2 pokepoints. Wait, he was an idiot, sure Recover would be a good move to teach Echo via the SystemDex, but he didn't have to solely rely on his system to teach moves, Galar was a region known for producing Technical Records, a cheaper alternative to the much more expensive but reusable Technical Machines popular in other regions. He hesitated for a moment then added Recover to Echo’s movepool.
Exiting the SystemDex, he turned to look at Echo, who was snoring lightly next to Jun's sleeping bag, having no visible reactions to gaining a new move.
Jun glanced over at Gardevoir, who was watching him with curious eyes. “Morning, Gardevoir,” Jun whispered as he got up, running a hand through his tousled hair.
‘Good morning, Jun. What are your plans for today?’ Gardevoir inquired.
Reaching into his backpack and retrieving the trusty map given to him by Marco, a friendly lab assistant at the Pokémon Research Lab. Scanning the area around Route 3, the next area was the Galar Mine, a cavernous place known for its Rock and Ground Pokémon, and a perfect training ground for the newly evolved Echo.
“It looks like we’re heading to the Galar Mine today,” Jun announced, accidentally waking up Echo, who stared up at him with his blueish silver eyes. Jun noted absentmindedly that the eyes were probably the same size as when Echo was a Blipbug, but now that he had gotten larger, they didn't seem as comically large as before.
Brushing aside that errant thought, he asked Echo, “Are you ready for today?”
Echo nodded slowly, tapping into his telepathy to express a feigned air of wisdom. ‘I am prepared, Jun. The challenges ahead are merely stepping stones on our path to greatness.’, he projected, embellishing his facade of maturity.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Jun chuckled softly, stroking Echo’s smooth carapace affectionately. “You know, you’re only eight days old. This is all new for you. Just be yourself.”
Nearby, Toxel was sprawled blissfully in her little bed of grass, she emitted a soft, drawn-out yawn, struggling to find motivation for the day. All she wanted to do was snuggle up in Gardevoir's comforting arms. “Toxel,” Jun called, but the sleepy Pokémon simply turned over, uninterested.
With a sigh, he quickly set to work preparing the usual breakfast, honey oats and assorted berries, simple but hearty, enough to sustain them for a long day of training.
As they enjoyed their breakfast, Jun explained his plans to Echo and Gardevoir. “This will be a great opportunity for you, Echo. Even though the mines are full of Rock types, this will be the perfect opportunity for you to learn how to withstand those super-effective hits. Now that you've evolved, you’ll have to get used to moving with that heavy shell, plus, you also have some new moves to practice. The Lab had some documents that mentioned Dottlers learned Reflect, Lightscreen and Confusion upon evolving.” Turning to Gardevoir, “After breakfast, could you please show Echo those moves, I'm sure you could share some of your experience with him.” Gardevoir nodded and sent out a wave of encouragement.
Echo turned to Jun, ‘I have also received a new move that will restore my energy during battle.’ Feigning surprise, Jun turned away from Gardevoir a little guiltily, “That's great news.” He quickly spooned some oatmeal into his mouth, trying to distract himself. Gardevoir glanced at him in confusion for a moment then reached over to tickle Dottler’s feelers on the side of his face.
‘I miss your antennae already, Echo.’ she sent out teasingly, causing Jun to almost choke on his bite.
The Dottler turned away from Gardevoir, hiding his flushing face slightly under his shell. ‘Stop that, I am no longer a child.’ he replied in a subdued tone.
Jun smiled and placed his hands on Echo, “Don't be in such a rush to grow up, Echo. Take your time, feel the wonder of the world, there's no need to hide behind facades here.” Gardevoir nodded in agreement.
‘Indeed, I can sense that your psychic talents are beginning to flourish, there is no need to grab so tightly onto your emotions. Set them free and guide them to fulfill your purpose instead, there is no need to fear your own emotions.’ she advised.
Echo’s outer calm belied his embarrassment. ‘I will attempt to do so. I have finished breakfast. I shall practice my moves under the shade of the tree.’ he turned, then slowly made his way over to his designated spot.
Gardevoir sighed lightly, then drifted over and began instructing Echo on the quickest way to form the screens.
Packing up their tent, Jun felt a blend of excitement and trepidation. He was determined to train Echo well, not only level wise but also the battling techniques he had picked up from trainer school, but he knew the path would not be easy. With Toxel once again napping, he carefully placed her in Gardevoir's arms. “Let’s go,” he said, and with a shimmer of blue light, Gardevoir teleported them to the entrance of the Galar Mine.
The moment they stepped into the mine, the atmosphere shifted. The rocky walls loomed overhead and the sound of clattering stones echoed regularly as Pokémon scuttled in the shadows. Jun could hear the distant chirping and rumblings of various pokemon.
“All right, Echo,” Jun said, his voice steady. “The main pokemon in the Galar Mine are Rolycoly and Roggenrolas, they're both Rock types. Since both your attacking moves are Special Attacks, Rolycoly is more defensive than Roggenrola. At this level, they both only know physical moves so keep your cool and focus on keeping Reflect up. With your new carapace, you shouldn't try to directly withstand those attacks, try to move to the side of those attacks to deflect them, that will help keep you healthy.”
Echo nodded with determination, looked around, as if absorbing the details of the mine. He rolled his shoulders as if to shake off any lingering apprehensions. ‘I understand, Jun. I shall be an impenetrable shield.’
As if responding to their presence, a cluster of three Rolycoly tumbled out from behind the rocks, their orange eyes flickering like flames in the dim light. The sight sent a chill of adrenaline coursing through Jun's veins.
“Let’s start off with the basics!” Jun called out. “Echo, use Reflect!”
Echo took a deep breath, concentrating. He summoned forth a shimmering wall of light that cloaked him and Jun, illuminating the mine briefly. Jun could sense Echo’s determination battling against the novice clumsiness inherent in his young age.
The Rolycoly charged forward, and Jun shouted, “Now use Sticky Web!”
Without hesitation, Echo instinctive used his most familiar move, creating a massive ball of silken thread that flew through the translucent barrier and unfurled to cover all his foes, slowing their charge. The first Rolycoly collided against his barrier, and Jun flinched, expecting it to break.
But, to his amazement, the barriers held. “You did it, Echo!” Jun cheered, pride swelling within him.
However, success was short-lived as a second Rolycoly reached the barrier and shattered it, barreling toward him. “Echo, get ready to tank a hit!”
And while he may have wobbled slightly, Echo ducked low and to the side, taking a glancing blow, causing the Rolycoly to spin out of control and into the wall. Jun felt a rush of encouragement as he realized that his little Dottler was growing up faster than he had imagined.
As the training continued, Jun witnessed Echo transform from an unsure novice into a steadfast warrior. Although there were mishaps, Echo tripping over his own feet or the weight of his carapace messing with his balance, there were also victories that bolstered his confidence.
Throughout their training, Jun frequently peered over to see Toxel still nestled comfortably in Gardevoir's arms, blissfully unaware of the world around them. He smiled; Toxel may not be a fighter, but the joy in her companionship was still invaluable.
After hours of effort, Echo was finally starting to get the hang of things. Once in a while, Gardevoir would chime in, offering insight and advice. As a pokemon that had almost fully mastered their psychic energy, Jun was extremely grateful for her help.
Each successful attempt at erecting the barriers brought a gleam to Jun's eyes. They were making rapid progress.
“Okay, Echo! One more time!” Jun shouted, adrenaline coursing through him as yet another Rolycoly charged. “Reflect!”
With newfound determination, Echo responded swiftly. His barrier surged to life, shimmering brightly and enveloping him in a protective glow. Jun beamed with pride as Echo withstood the attack, proving his growth.
As dusk began to settle over Galar Mine, Jun and his Pokémon gathered outside the cave to reflect on the day’s achievements. “Today went amazing, Echo! You really put in the effort, and I can see you’re growing stronger after every battle,” he praised.
Echo shuffled his feet happily and communicated telepathically, ‘Thank you, Jun. My confidence is blooming like a blossoming flower. I look forward to repaying Gardevoir’s tutelage.’
With Gardevoir's help, Echo was learning how to control his psychic energy with great efficiency. Jun felt a swell of gratitude towards his mentor, Professor Aria. He hoped to return Gardevoir to him soon, knowing that every battle brought him closer to that goal.
As they began to settle in for the night, Jun couldn’t help but recall the clichéd words he had heard from the teachers while studying at the Trainer School: “Every bond you forge with your Pokémon strengthens you. Trust in yourself and in them, and you can achieve great things.” He had laughed back then, dismissing the teachings as another metaphor to encourage young trainers. He thought back to the moment Echo had evolved, now he wasn't so sure it was a metaphor.
Setting those thoughts aside, he quickly checked up on his SystemDex.
Name: Jun
Age: 15
Talent: [Bug Affinity I]
Pokemon(observed): 197
Pokemon(owned): 1
Pokepoints: 124
He had earned 13 pokepoints from battling and observed 3 new pokemon in Rolycoly, Roggenrola and a solitary Woobat hanging from the ceiling. Checking on Echo showed that he had made it to level 12.
As the starlit sky blanketed them, Jun found comfort in the company surrounding him: Echo, Gardevoir, and even the sleepy Toxel beside them. As Jun closed his eyes, he knew with every fiber of his being that this was just the beginning. With Echo by his side, nothing was insurmountable, and together they would rise to meet whatever lay ahead.