AN: Cranked this chapter out. Should show how things are going to go. In response to reviews, I just wanted to make a blanket response of for one thing: Thank you! And for another thing: When it comes to battles, training, or plot design, I'm going to be drawing inspiration from the anime and my own thoughts on how they should go. I just have big ideas for future battles that just can't happen yet. Also, I guess I just can't match the power of Sunny D-r who did correctly guess who the pink haired drill girl was.
Anyway, I know that I may mess up with accounting for a lot of details, but the general layout, I think I got covered, so if some things are changed, it's on purpose! Anyway, thanks for the feedback guys. Hope you enjoy this chapter (even if it's on the smaller end)
The whole crowd roared in cheers as the winner of the contest had just been decided by a narrow number of points. The winner, of course, was none other than the pink haired drills girl. She definitely has the confidence and skill of someone who has been working exceptionally hard at contests, so I have to hand it to her, she did great. While the presentation of her victory was ongoing, I made the decision to leave now to get ahead of the crowd.
Followed by Monferno and Croagunk, I led the two over to a nearby PokéPark. These types of parks are very popular among trainers for spending time with Pokémon and practicing moves. While for training, I'd prefer a more secluded spot, for the purpose of just relaxing and decompressing, it was perfect. Collapsing onto a bench, I said, "That was some contest, huh?"
I got a few "Gunk"s and "Mon"s said back as they were seemingly unsure how to respond. This was an unfamiliar experience for them and while it wasn't for me, given the knowledge I had now, I saw things with a different eye one could say.
Seeing that the two were struggling to talk about anything, I said, "Let's start with the battling side of the contest. What were your guys' thoughts?"
That sure got a reaction out of the two as Monferno babbled and jumped up and down as he spoke. Croagunk, on the other hand, croaked out a few remarks in a calm manner.
"Alright, so from what I can tell, you guys were interested in how different battles looked for a contest versus a traditional battle and how the contest points aspect of the battles impacted the battles, correct?"
Getting two grunts in affirmation, I started the explanation. "Well, you two saw the first part of the contest. Contests are all about presentation and how appealing a Pokémon and trainer can be. The first round is a show of how appealing a Pokémon can be through moves that can create an indescribable atmosphere and mood. The second round is the same thing, but with battles. Pokémon are supposed to stylishly defeat their opponents with a bar on monitors nearby showing the progress of that."
The two took in that information with a quiet murmur.
"Croagunk, gunk?"
"Ah, yes. Usually, the person who wins the battle is the most stylish, but that's not always the case. Since it's a timed battle, Pokémon may not get knocked out and so it's decided by who handled hits the flashiest or who showed their power in an interesting way. It's a competitive event not unlike being a trainer. Very layered, speaking overall."
Some more back and forth was exchanged between Monferno and Croagunk as, instead of asking me questions, they argued over who would be better at contests. It's pretty laughable considering who would be great at contests considering that my team is trained to be strong rather than stylish. The most naturally stylish Pokémon that is a part of my team would have to be him, right? I wonder how Monferno and Croagunk would interact with him. I should probably get him on some more intensive training the next chance I get…
Monferno and Croagunk transitioned from arguing to mock fighting, not using any moves, only light swipes, and jabs. My attention wasn't on them though as I eyed a new arrival.
It was Pink Drills, better known as Ursula.
She escaped out of the crowded Contest hall and was out and about with her Pokémon. Her Plusle and Minun had put on a wonderful performance and were cheerfully dancing side by side, looking to Ursula for approval. Her Gabite that battled in the contest had shown itself to be a cool and confident Pokémon. Looking at her expression that was toward her Pokémon, it was obvious that she cared for her Pokémon well.
Usually I wouldn't do this, but…
Walking up to her, I said, "Your Gabite is strong and well-trained. It was interesting to see him battle." Her Gabite stood a tad bit taller than her and from his expression, acted as if it was only natural.
"But of course! Gabite puts a lot of effort into it and I train him on the pizazz. It's only natural that he's the greatest on the field!" The trainer and the Pokémon are not so different here, huh.
Geez, what an ego. Well, at least she's confident. "Eh, you don't want to get too complacent. You may have won this contest, but who knows if you'll win the next? If you ask me, you should be wary of your failings, mainly how you overextended your Gabite to try and make the battle flashier."
Gabite snorted at my assessment and Ursula's smug persona turned angry with indignation. "As if I don't know the basics of the basics! Are you making fun of me?"
"Not at all. I just want to see you go far so I decided to give some advice." Stealing a glance at Monferno and Croagunk, I signaled to the two that we were leaving soon. "I pride myself on being a strong trainer, I bet you do the same for contests. Just don't let that same pride be your downfall. Later."
Walking away with Monferno and Croagunk at my sides, I could only take a few steps before I heard a "Wait!" from Ursula.
"While your advice comes from a good place, I suppose, your tact could use some help. Why, you haven't even introduced yourself yet."
"The name's Paul. I'll be sure to word my advice more colorfully next time. Until then." This time, it appears she was satisfied with me leaving.
And so, I, Monferno, and Croagunk walked all the way to my room in the Pokémon Center.
(-)
Sitting at my desk, I looked across the room at the two who've been with me all day.
"Croa?"
"Right, I haven't mentioned anything, yet. There's going to be some team rearrangements."
The two seemed tense from that statement. Monferno seemed to speak for both of them when he said, "Ferno?"
"Who's being switched out? I've been thinking about it for a while and I think Torterra, Nidoking, Ninjask, and you, Croagunk are going to be sent back." Croagunk showed visible dismay from the news and so I decided to try something. "Hey, Croagunk. Can you do something for me when I send you back to Reggie's."
"Croa?" He perked up from my question.
"I need you to train up with Weavile. Next time I switch up the team, he's going to be coming back, so I need you to catch him up to speed. Knowing him, he's slacking off. Can you handle that?"
"Gunk!"
"Good. Keep up your own training. I expect great things out of you Croagunk." Croagunk's eyes sparkled from me showing my appreciation for him. I can foresee him battling to greater extents in the future than he's already done before. He does have great potential in him.
"Return for now." I said, raising his pokeball, watching as his inspired form croaked and then disappeared in a beam of red. Turning to Monferno, I said, "As for you, bring the heat and give your all in training. I have some things in mind next time we train. Saying farewell to him, I returned him to his pokeball and set out to deal with the others.
(-)
"I expect all of you going to Reggie's to work on what I've worked with you all on. Sparring with each other is especially helpful for some of you," I said gesturing to Nidoking and Torterra. "I know that you two want to get back into the swing of things, considering that our training was interrupted by Hunter J, but I think some self-reflection on both of our parts can go a long way."
Ninjask buzzed around, unperturbed by the news of going back to Reggie's. Torterra and Nidoking are very familiar with Reggie, so they are fine going back, but they would prefer traveling with me. The rest of my Pokémon barring Monferno and Croagunk were out, standing by for information on their role. We were in the large space of the Pokémon center that was for trainers to check up on their Pokémon.
"You three should know that in your place, Murkrow, Shinx, and Hariyama are going to be training hard." Torterra and Nidoking smirked at the news of Hariyama being switched in. He's not naturally energetic, but he comes through when he needs to. In the past, Torterra and Nidoking would always beat him in spars…
Shaking my head to stop my reminiscing I motioned to the rest of them. "Our next stop is Hearthome City! Be prepared for if I need you for the gym. The road to get there will be full of training!" The responses filled with Pokémon cries of affirmation assured me of their motivation. I guess Pokémon do frequently gain traits from their trainer…
Moving that aside, I returned everyone to their pokeballs and walked up to the video caller, I dialed Reggie's number and waited for him to answer.
When his face showed, he said, "Heyo Paul. Anything new going on? Are you transferring any Pokémon back to me?"
Amused by his state of affairs, I bluntly asked him, "Are you ok with your head getting crushed by Staraptor?"
Reggie laughed at the comment and just said, "I can handle his weight. Maybe not in the future, but it's of no concern for me right now. But this isn't supposed to be about me Paul." He said, leading me to speak up.
"Right, I am transferring back some of my team, but I should probably tell you about what happened yesterday."
"Hmm?"
"I had a run in with Hunter J who tried to take Torterra and Nidoking. It was a lot of trouble that I probably should have been more careful about, but I ended up being saved by Flint."
"The elite four member?"
"The very same. He responded to the distress call I put out."
"Well, that's definitely troubling to hear that you had to go through that. It wasn't nearly as dangerous to be a trainer when I was your age. I've been hearing of some minor skirmishes around Sinnoh. Something about a Team Galactic. Be careful if you get tangled into that. Hunter J is a dangerous figure, but I'm worried that this Team Galactic might turn into a bigger problem."
So, he's aware of Team Galactic. That's very intriguing. If the general populace knew of the danger that Team Galactic posed, then how did the law enforcement fail to snuff them out? Throwing those thoughts aside, I responded with a "Got it."
"Anyway, what Pokémon are you sending to me and what Pokémon do you want sent back?"
"Torterra, Nidoking, Croagunk, and Ninjask are being sent back. I need you to send me Shinx, Murkrow, and Hariyama."
"Aha, you're bringing up a lot of your older Pokémon. Trying to do something different with them?"
"I have something in mind," I said with a smirk, not revealing anything.
Reggie sighed as he left to go get the Pokémon I requested, muttering, "Yes, don't reveal anything to the veteran trainer. Very smart."
After a few minutes of wait, he came back and said, "Well, that's all sorted out. Put them in the transfer device and I'll touch them through. Have you fed them lunch, yet or will I have to provide it to them?"
"Haven't gotten the chance yet. I was watching the contest here in Solacean Town for most of the day. I'll get lunch after the transfer."
"Right, I hope you're eating well.
"Yeah, yeah." Brushing off his concern, we wait for the machine to go through with it. A few short dings and the procedure was done.
Time to give them a rundown of what's going to happen.
"Come out, Murkrow, Hariyama, Shinx." The nearly blinding white flash came out of the ball and materialized into each of them.
"Hari/Krow/Shi!"
"It's good to see you all again, especially you, Murkrow, Hariyama. It's been a while."
Murkrow tilted his head and Hariyama responded with a "Hari?"
Ah, they must be confused with my change. They only know the battle maniac, cold Paul. The others were introduced to my new disposition more gradually. "Things have changed Hariyama. The others should've told you to train up when I sent them back, right?"
"Yama!" Hariyama replied, looking pumped. Murkrow chimed in as well yapping his own participation.
"I'm glad to see you two didn't ignore my words. It would've been quite hard for you to adjust to all the new training methods."
Stunned by the harshness in my words, the two seemed almost relieved as they said back their affirmation to training hard.
"Shinx, you've gotten so big since last time, that must mean that you're nearly ready to evolve. I'll get you to spar with Electabuzz some as he'll be able to help you out with covering any holes in your offense and defense."
Finishing up the conversation with them, I informed them that we were headed to Hearthome City and that I expected their 100% when battling. With some parting words, they were returned, and I went out to get me and them some lunch.
(-)
Looking out in the distance, the form of Solacean Town's bustling life almost made me sad to leave it so soon. I knew that I had to move on though. While the slow adventuring life of a trainer is fine for the typical trainer, circumstances showed that I do not have that luxury if I wish to be ready to intervene. Hunter J showed that very clearly.
Clutching the strap of my bag, I take in what I must do. My Pokémon will become ready to fight when the time comes, and I will too.
And with the sun beginning to wane, I began to embark onto Route 209.