Violet City
Jackson walked through the front entrance of town, not utilizing his Air Shoes this time around, as Eevee sat on his shoulder. He stretched out his Eevee-free arm, punching it into the air as he shouted, "We finally made it!"
"You seem excited." Eevee pointed out.
"Well, how can I not? We finally arrived at this town! Honestly, took me forever to get here."
"What are you talking about?" Eevee asked, "You came here a lot quicker than most!"
"True. I guess I'm use to my normal speeds of getting around." Jackson admitted, "It would only take me less than a day to get here. But I wanted to spend my time getting to know you guys."
"The sacrifices of an impatient trainer." Eevee mocked Jackson, who took it in strides as he pulled out his tablet.
"Now, according to this, apart from the Pokémon Gym, two other highlights in this place are Earl's Pokémon Academy, and the Sprout Tower." Jackson explained, examining the information on Violet City from his tablet, "Since I pretty much quick-learned about Pokémon from all those books, I don't have any reason to go to the Academy."
"That just leaves the Sprout Tower." Eevee summed up, looking at the tablet as Jackson swiped up the picture of the Sprout Tower.
"The legend says that the beam in the center of the tower is really the stem of a hundred-foot tall Bellsprout, which the building was built around. This is why the beam sways from side to side."
"That seems unlikely." Eevee stated, as Jackson pulled out a Pokédex to examine the Pokémon named Bellsprout. "Bellsprout. The Flower Pokémon. Bellsprout's thin and flexible body lets it bend and sway to avoid any attack, however strong it may be. From its mouth, this Pokémon spits a corrosive fluid that melts even iron."
"Sounds pretty interesting." Jackson stated, "Though I doubt it could do anything in a hand-to-hand battle. What's it gonna do? Axe kick an opponent out of a battle?"
"That's pretty specific…" Eevee noted.
"Just felt like sayin' it." Jackson stated, as they continued on, "But in truth, that sway beam is something I am familiar with in the martial arts world I told you about. Apparently, it's used for high towers, designed to protect them from earthquakes. I thought the mechanism behind it was interesting, which is why I remembered that fact."
"But there's more to that tower than just that, right?" Eevee asked.
"Sure. It's a great place for trainers to test their skills." Jackson answered, "Plus, if you reach the top and challenge the head of the tower, he can help teach a Pokémon a new move. According to this, it's called Flash, and the name says it all."
"Is that what you are interested in?" Eevee asked, "That new move?"
"Well, it has peaked my curiosity." Jackson answered, "According to what I read, there are three common methods of a Pokémon learning new moves. The first is through training and gaining experience, which is how we've been doing it so far. The second is through the art of Pokémon breeding. Depending on who the mother and father are, a newly-hatched Pokémon can learn new moves. Finally, the third way is through others teaching you how to use moves. It says there are certain machines that they used in the past to teach their Pokémon, but that has died away in this day and age."
"You really don't need to go to the academy." Eevee told Jackson, "Why don't we go to the Sprout Tower and take it on?"
"Exactly my thoughts." Jackson replied, as Eevee got off Jackson's shoulder to run along side him as they made their way to the tower.
(Insert 'Never Give Up' By Sonar Pocket)
Instrumental Opening
(Jackson stands at the top of a cliff, looking out into the vast landscape of the Johto region. He turns to the camera with surprise, grins, then draws his sword and swipes it across the screen, transitioning to white with the logo appearing.)
What tough heart! Once I decided that I'd keep up the fight
My road has never stopped unraveling
(Camera circles around Jackson as he runs along an open-plain path with his Eevee, who after a couple seconds, leaps onto his shoulder as he activates his Extreme Gear and shoots even faster onto the path.)
Carrying a small bit of pride
With my fists clenched
(The screen shows a brief image of Professor Elm, dropping papers from his clipboard, and smiling as he rubbed the back of his head. It shifts to a visual of Kris, Ethan, and their starters, with Ethan punching his fist forward, while Kris spun around with her arms out wide.)
I aim for the goal again step by step
Racing towards it with all my might!
(The screen shifts to Sonic & Tails, the former giving a thumbs up, while the latter waved his hands above eagerly. The screen shifts to Cypher, who glared at the screen with a Pokéball held close to his face.)
Sometimes it'll be a bad day
Where nothing goes the way I want it to
But even if the sky blurs through my tears
(Jackson is sitting by a campfire, his expression full of emotional pain as shadows of his past with red eyes creeped all around him. He curled himself into a ball as the shadow of his father appeared over his head.)
I'm sure my smiles will come back tomorrow
So it's okay!
(Shadows started getting blown away one large piece at a time, until light broke out around Jackson, who looked up to see his Pokémon all standing there, protecting him from his trauma.)
There's nothing out there to fear
I'll keep believing that 'I'm strong'
And get going!
(Silhouettes of the Gym Leaders appeared as the screen scrolled upwards through a gold, silver, and crystal colors behind them. It shifts to the emblem of Team Rocket, with darkened faces of grunts, with the four admins in front, holding their Pokéballs. Jackson readies his blade, as he tosses a Pokéball forward, which opens up and blinds the screen in a white light.)
'With you around, there's nothing to worry about now'
I felt as if the sky was saying that to me with a laugh
(Eevee leapt forward, unleashing a Swift attack from her tail, with Ledyba flying next to her, using his own Swift to join her's. Dewott and Weavile shoot through the Swift attack, unleash double Night Slash, slicing the stars, before dismissing their blades, and Dewott angrily looking at the calm and collected Weavile.)
With the sweat and tears I build up
I'm sure I'll come out dazzling
(Cyndaquil turns to face the Team Rocket logo, before unleashing his Flamethrower. Cyndaquil sighed in relief as Scyther flew over him, before slashing with his mantis claws like a swordsman.)
Even if I end up feeling anxious after it all
As long as I believe I can do it
(An Aeroblast and Sacred Fire came from the sky, shooting down at Jackson's team, but Jackson stepped in and unleashed several sword beams, countering the attacks and making them explode. He and his team endured the shockwaves and smoke from the explosion, before looking up into the distance, and saw the silhouettes of the Tower Duo flying over the two towers that represented each.)
These footsteps have taught me to
Always
Never Give Up!
(Jackson's Pokémon come to his side as he looked to them, before grinning eagerly, and the group leapt up into the air, taking on the new threat and the new adventure. The screen goes white before showing Jackson standing with his sword stabbed into the ground, his Pokémon companions surrounding him.)
The pair finally made it to the entrance of the Sprout Tower, reaching it as a familiar face stepped out of the building. Jackson saw him and instantly recognized the boy. "Ethan!" Jackson greeted, seeing one of the two first people he met since coming to this world.
Ethan was just pondering about something when Jackson's call snapped him out of his headspace, and he looked to him. "Hey, Jackson!" He greeted, waving his hand to him, "Are you getting use to this world?!"
Jackson picked up the pace so he could get in close to Ethan, and clasped his hands around his mouth, whispering, "Would you hush about that?! I told you that being from another world is a secret, remember?! You promised not to say it out loud!"
"Swy! Swy!" Ethan apologized through his muffled mouth. Jackson sighed in relief, noticing no one catching their attention, and let go of Ethan.
"So, you completed the Sprout Tower?" Jackson asked.
"Yep. It was great experience for me." Ethan stated, "Had to get stronger in order to take on the Gym Leader."
"I take it you haven't challenged Falkner yet?" Jackson asked.
"No, I did. I just failed epically." Ethan sighed, "Falkner's Pidgeotto is no joke." I thought I had him, but he pulled off a Mud-Slap that blinded my Cyndaquil, and left him open to be beaten."
"Ouch! Sorry about that." Jackson apologized.
"Nah, it's okay." the young boy shrugged it off, "Although, from what I heard from Kris, you had it worse in Blackthorn."
"Oh, you heard that, huh?" Jackson asked, feeling sheepish.
"True, but we all stumble once in a while." Ethan admitted, "So how about it? Wanna see how much stronger I gotten since we last met? I wanna know how good you are!"
"I'm game!" Jackson replied, "I was gonna take on the Sprout Tower, but I'll test my mettle against you. Where should we do this?"
"There's a battlefield nearby. It's used for the students at the academy. But it is free to use for the public."
"Sounds great!" Jackson replied, and the two raced over to the said battlefield.
The two made it there in a minute, seeing a couple battles that were ensuing in other battlefields in the area. Based on looks, they seem to be students at the academy. However, when they arrived at one battlefield, they saw an explosion of water, which caused a Pokémon who looked like a four-legged horned beast made of stone was sent back with a "Rhyyy!", falling to its side. The explosion surprised the pair, as they looked to the opposite end of the field. Jackson gasped, as he recognized the penguin, as well as its owner.
"Pathetic." He sighed, "You really didn't get type-weaknesses, do you?"
"Whoa! Who is that?!" Ethan gasped, "That was a powerful attack."
"Cypher!" Jackson growled, as his opponent, who was a young boy, called back his Pokémon, looking like he was about to cry.
"Cypher?" Ethan echoed, "You mean the guy who stole Chikorita?!"
"Kris told you that, too, huh?" Jackson asked, not taking his eyes off Cypher, who felt a gaze, and turned to him.
"Oh, it's you again." he recognized Jackson.
The boy he fought ended up running away in tears. Jackson and Ethan watched him leave, before Jackson demanded, "It's bad enough to steal things that aren't yours, but now you cause people to cry instead of inspiring them?"
"He was weak. He had to learn it from someone." Cypher noted.
"But that doesn't mean you should be a jerk to him!" Ethan argued, "He was just a kid!"
"I was one, too. But I had to learn lessons like that at that age, too." Cypher retorted.
"You know what, forget it." Jackson growled, "There's no getting through your thick head. Why don't you give back that Chikorita!"
"This again?" Cypher questioned, "You sound like a broken record. That Pokémon is going to be used to get stronger. And as weak as it is now, I will make it stronger."
"It almost sounds noble, if it wasn't from someone who stole it in the first place!" Ethan pointed out.
"I'm sorry, but who are you?" The red-haired boy questioned.
"The name's Ethan! I'm going to become the strongest trainer there is! AND, I don't tolerate thieves like you!"
"And another idiot with a minimized view of the world barking the same dream comes along." Cypher scoffed, getting a "What was that?!" From Ethan in response.
"Why don't you put your sword where you throat is, and try to swallow it?!" Jackson questioned. This gave puzzled looks from both Cypher and Ethan. "Come on! It's the same as putting your money where your mouth is!" The swordsman barked at the two, "Geez, no one gets that…"
"I already tried out with you before. You aren't even worth my time." Cypher sighed.
"Then how about me?!" Ethan demanded, racing into the battlefield, "I just got done training at the Sprout Tower, and I'm ready to take on the Gym! I bet I can beat you, no problem!"
"The Sprout Tower? You consider that something to brag about?" Cypher questioned, "A toddler can get through that place, no problem. Guess that makes you a…"
"I've had enough of you!" Ethan shouted, "Are we gonna battle or what?!"
Cypher clicked his tongue, before saying, "Fine, if only to get across how weak you are."
"We'll have a one-on-one match with two Pokémon each!" Ethan demanded, "I'll show you how tough my team is!"
"Then by all means, show me." Cypher scoffed, tossing out a Pokéball, "Nidoran, go!" He tossed out a ball, and out came a pink rabbit-like creature with spiky ears and a horn.
Jackson pulled out his dex and examined the Pokémon. "Nidoran. The Poison Pin Pokémon. Nidoran has developed muscles for moving its ears. Thanks to them, the ears can be freely moved in any direction. Even the slightest sound does not escape this Pokémon's notice."
"A male Nidoran, huh?" Ethan understood, "Then how about this? Go, Teddiursa!" He tossed out a ball, and out came a cute little bear with a crescent moon shape on its forehead.
Jackson pointed his dex at the bear. "Teddiursa. The Little Bear Pokémon. This Pokémon likes to lick its palms that are sweetened by being soaked in honey. Teddiursa concocts its own honey by blending fruits and pollen collected by Beedrill."
"Time to show him what we can do, little buddy!" Ethan declared.
"Please don't call me little. I hate that…" Teddiursa moaned.
"I'll let you make the first move." Cypher told Ethan, "I'll beat you, no doubt."
"Fine! Use Sweet Scent!" At his command, Teddiursa breathed out a scent that spread across the field, even reaching Jackson and Eevee, who swooned at the smell.
"That is a good smell~." Eevee sighed, sniffing the attack.
"It definitely throws opponents off guard." Jackson admitted, taking in the smell. He looked to Nidoran, who was smelling the scent, and enjoying it.
"His guard is down! Use Fury Swipes!" Ethan shouted, and his partner came in with glowing claws.
"Counter with Fury Attack." Cypher ordered. Nidoran was able to regain itself, and his horn glowed as he leapt at Teddiursa. The two engaged in a battle of flurry attacks, trying to break through one another. Jackson was rather surprised that Nidoran was not even fazed by the Sweet Scent around him.
"Go into a Double Kick!" Cypher followed up. Nidoran ducked under Teddiursa's claws, and kicked with both hind legs into the bear, causing him to fly in pain.
"What?!" Ethan gasped.
"Talk about a turnaround!" Jackson exclaimed.
"Not only that, but Double Kick is a Fighting-type move, super effective against Normal-types like Teddiursa!" Eevee pointed out.
"We're not done yet!" Ethan argued as Teddiursa got back to his feet again, "Give him a Feint Attack!" Teddiursa lunged forward, going at Nidoran who anticipated him coming in for a straight-up attack, but he sidewinded him, and struck from the side instead.
"A rouse of an attack!" Jackson noted.
"And one that is near impossible to avoid." Eevee added.
"Get up, and use Poison Sting!" Cypher ordered. His Pokémon got to his feet again, and with a purple-glowing horn he charged and unleashed a stab at Teddiursa, striking him and causing him to falter back. The moment he caught his footing and regained himself, purple bubbles started to pop out of his body as he looked sickly.
"Teddiursa got poisoned!" Eevee noticed.
"This should make things easier." Cypher noted, only to see Ethan grin at this.
"You have no idea what this means to me." Ethan responded, "Teddiursa, show him your power!" Teddiursa was able to power through the poison, as his body glowed a green hue. "Use Fury Swipes!" Teddiursa shot forward, though his speed was much faster than before, surprising Jackson. He got in close to the startled Nidoran, and in a quick flurry, sent the Poison Pin Pokémon flying.
"When did he get so much faster!" Jackson questioned.
"I see. Quick Feet, huh?" Cypher questioned.
"Yep! An ability that boosts the speed whenever Teddiursa is afflicted by a status effect." Ethan explained, "Try to keep up with us! Use Fury Swipes again!" Teddiursa lunged forward, ready to unleash another attack.
"Keep moving!" Cypher responded, with Nidoran responding by moving around, evading the attacks thrown at him by Teddiursa, "Find an opening, and use Horn Attack!" Nidoran responded, and evaded all it could, seeing its opportunity open up, and lunged its horn at Teddiursa, keeping him away.
"We should end this quickly! Time for our secret weapon!" Ethan declared, "Close Combat!"
"You really are pushing me here, but…" Teddiursa grimaced, glaring at Nidoran, "…I do want to win!" He shot forward, and unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks at the Poison-type, who was helpless against his attacks, and with one final punch, he got sent flying, crashing into the ground, where he was unconscious.
"Great shot, Teddiursa!" Ethan cheered, "Now come on back!" He pulled out a Pokéball, and called his Pokémon back to it.
"Close Combat was incredibly intense!" Jackson stated.
"True, but I think Ethan made the right choice." Eevee stated, "Close Combat is such a power-play, that it lower's the user's defenses as a result. Calling him back was the right move, especially since he is poisoned."
"What would be the point be if you call back that poisoned Pokémon when its on its last legs?" Cypher questioned, calling back Nidoran without a word, "It will be so easily defeated."
"I'll take my chances on a winning move when he comes out!" Ethan answered, "For now, let's take to the field, Cyndaquil!" He called out his Fire Mouse Pokémon, who looked ready to fight.
"Heh. This is too easy." Ethan scoffed, "Prinplup, out now!" He called out the penguin Pokémon to the field once more, who looked ready to fight.
"We finally get to see Prinplup in action." Jackson stated, glaring at the Pokémon, as well as Eevee, while Ethan looked serious.
"We can even win over a type advantage!" Ethan declared, "We'll weaken him first! Leer!" Cyndaquil glared as fiercely as it could its eyes almost emanating over to Prinplup, causing his body to glow a downward blue hue.
"He's attempting to weaken his defenses with that Leer." Jackson understood, only to see Cypher give a mischievous grin.
"You really don't get it, do you?" He asked. Ethan looked confused, before seeing Prinplup sudden glow a strong red hue, before it dissipated. However, he looked stronger than ever.
"You may have weakened my defenses…" Prinplup started, "But my master and I are far more defiant than you think!"
"How is he looking tougher than before?!" Ethan gasped, as Cyndaquil looked shocked, as well.
"I'll let you know, since you don't have any way to stop it at your level." Cypher answered smugly, "You see, my Prinplup is special, and has the ability called Defiant."
"Defiant?" Jackson asked, looking at his Pokédex, "Let's see here… Ah, here it is. When a Pokémon with this ability's stats are lowered, it will openly resist, never give in, and respond by greatly boosting its physical attack power." He looked at Prinplup, who brushed his flippers off one another, almost like he was sharpening them, stating, "So weakening that Pokémon actually has an opposite effect?!"
"Okay, that is clever." Ethan admitted, frustrated, "But I'll still win this! Ember!" Cyndaquil inhaled and expelled a small spurt of flames at Prinplup.
"Metal Claw." Cypher retorted. Prinplup's crossed his flippers in front of him as they glowed a metallic sheen, and with a swipe, he destroyed the flames in one go.
"He dispelled that with Metal Claw?!" Ethan gasped.
"My defenses are lowered, but my offense is the better defense!" Prinplup argued.
"So he's that style of fighter, huh?" Jackson understood, kinda figuring that was the style of fighting Cypher would do.
"Use Water Pulse." Cypher ordered, and his Pokémon summoned an orb of compressed water, before firing it at Cyndaquil.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Ethan called out, and his partner went into high speeds as he evaded the attack, charging at Prinplup. He was able to evade around and strike him from the side, causing him to flinch in pain from the attack. "Perfect! Just like that!" Ethan called out, as Cyndaquil came back at Prinplup
"Use Whirlpool." Cypher ordered. His Pokémon responded by summoning a swirling top of water from his beak above him, before throwing it at Cyndaquil, who was too close to evade. He got caught in the swirling embrace of the waters, struggling to break free.
"What the heck?!" Ethan gasped.
"Cyndaquil is trapped!" Eevee gasped.
"Quick! Get him out of there, Ethan!" Jackson called out.
"R-Right!" Ethan answered, pulling out Cyndaquil's Pokéball, and trying to call back Cyndaquil, only for the red laser of the ball to miss Cyndaquil each and every single time. "Why won't it work!" The young trainer asked. The
"Don't you know that calling your Pokémon back while they are stuck in a Whirlpool is impossible?" Cypher questioned, "However, if you want to get him out of there, I will assist. Use Water Pulse!"
"Say farewell!" Prinplup called out, and unleashed another orb of compressed water, striking Cyndaquil and causing an explosion that reminded Jackson of the explosion they saw that drew their attention here before. The Whirlpool was destroyed as Cyndaquil was sent flying, collapsing to the ground, unable to continue.
"Now you see the difference in our power?" Cypher questioned, "Even with that weakened Teddiursa you have remaining, you won't win."
"You can't know that!" Ethan argued, pulling out his other Pokéball, "Teddiursa, let's show him!" He tossed out his Little Bear Pokémon back out again, who looked worn out, but ready to fight. "We still took out one of your Pokémon, so that means something!" The capped trainer stated.
"Wrong. Apart from Chikorita, I would say that Nidoran is my next weakest Pokémon in my team." Cypher argued, "He is not someone you should brag about beating."
"How can you say that about your own Pokémon?!" Ethan demanded angrily, "He fought hard for-!"
"Are you just gonna keep talking while the poison takes effect on your Pokémon?" The red-haired trainer reminded.
Ethan realized he was right, and shouted, "Let's take him out quickly while you have Quick Feet! Close Combat!" Teddiursa shot at Prinplup, readying his fists and feet for a great amount of pummeling.
"Metal Claw!" Cypher responded, and his Prinplup launched towards the charging target with metallic flippers. The two crossed paths, and unleashed a flurry of strikes, consuming the space in a dust cloud in the process. They could hear the two aggressive noises from the pair of Pokémon as they fought, wondering who was coming out on top. When the dust cleared, the two Pokémon stopped fighting, with Teddiursa fallen to the ground, while Prinplup looked down at him, somewhat damaged, but victorious.
"Teddiursa!" Ethan shouted, running to his partner's side, and seeing the condition he was in. Jackson and Eevee stood there, looking shocked at the almost one-sided beating they took. It gave Jackson slight flashbacks to his battle against Clair.
Prinplup walked back to Cypher, who closed his eyes as he pulled out his Pokéball. "This wasn't even a challenge. No need for any praise."
"Yes, sir." Prinplup answered, before being called back to his Pokéball.
As soon as he placed the Pokéball away, he walked away from Ethan, who felt like this battle wasn't just a loss. He was abused by Cypher, both physically and mentally. He clearly showed the difference in their strength levels, and Cypher made sure it was planted hard in his head.
"You are not gonna say anything?" Jackson asked as he approached him.
"Why would I. He already knows now how weak he is. He should stop just relying on daydreaming and believing in a fantasy, and start facing reality."
"That's way too much!" Eevee barked.
"You made your point that you were stronger than him. Can't you give him any acknowledgement for his strength?" Jackson asked.
"Hmph! Praise the weak for being weak? I don't think so." the red-haired boy answered, walking away from the scene.
He was a few steps away from Jackson before he called out, "Hey!" Cypher stopped and looked back with one eye, as Jackson took out his Pokéballs, tossing them up, revealing Ledian, Weavile, and Dewott, all of which were able to sense the tense atmosphere, and stood or floated in place, determined. "Tell me. Since the last battle we had, do I look any stronger?" Jackson asked.
Ethan looked up, seeing Jackson's Pokémon. His pity party was stopped by the sight of the Pokémon, already feeling how strong they were.
"You want my acknowledgement, too?" Cypher questioned, "Did you not listen to a word that I said? You aren't even at my level."
"I'm not asking whether or not I am as strong as you." Jackson retorted, "I'm asking whether or not I was stronger than the last time we fought."
Cypher paused, glaring at Jackson before looking to his Pokémon, seeing the determined glares they gave back at him. A few seconds later, he answered, "You improved only a little bit. Will that satisfy you?"
"For now…" Jackson replied, giving a small smirk, "Cause sooner or later, I will catch up to you, and show you how much stronger I am."
The two stood off against one another, before Cypher turned away, deciding not to say a word, and left the scene, leaving Jackson to watch him go.
When he left, Jackson turned to Ethan, who stood up after calling back Teddiursa, asking, "Are you gonna be okay, Ethan?"
"Yeah…" he replied, "I didn't expect the guy who kidnapped Chikorita would be so tough. But why didn't you stop him?"
"I've already learned that Chikorita will not come back, even if she was allowed to." Jackson replied, remembering their last encounter, "He already made sure the Pokémon would want to get stronger through his guidance."
Ethan looked from Jackson to the ground where Teddiursa was at, muttering, "That Cypher guy…he really is messed up. How can there be a trainer like him?"
"I've learned there are all sorts out there." Jackson explained, "We just have to show them who we are, and our beliefs, in order to get them to acknowledge how strong we are. Even just standing up to a powerful force like them will amount to something."
Ethan looked to Jackson, amazed at his words. Clearly, he was talking through personal experience. The swordsman patted his shoulder, saying, "Rest your Pokémon at the Pokémon Center. I'm gonna go to the Sprout Tower again to train. Your battle with Cypher only made me want to get that much stronger." He turned to his team, asking, "You ready for some more training?!"
"Heck yeah!" Dewott shouted.
"We'll get stronger." Weavile stated.
"I will do my best!" Ledian declared.
"We're with you, Jackson." Eevee told him. Jackson smiled at his team, before they wandered ahead, with Ethan watching him leave.
Some time later, it was evening, and Jackson wandered out of the Sprout Tower. 'That was great experience.' He told himself, 'Those Bellsprout and even the Hoothoot were definitely good experience. Plus, we even learned a couple new moves in the process.' Jackson then stopped and looked back up at the top of the tower, thinking on the last fight.
(Flashback) The elder of the tower, known as Li, watched as his final Bellsprout was knocked to the ground, defeated, while Jackson stood there with Eevee in front of him, finishing the battle.
"You did a fine job, indeed." Li told Jackson as he called back his Bellsprout, "You've shown me the skills and the trust you and your Pokémon share in this fight."
"Thank you, Elder." Jackson replied, bowing in respect. He looked up as Eevee joined his side. He knelt down and patted her head, pleased at her performance.
"You are one of three trainers who made it up this far to challenge me today." Li explained, getting Jackson's attention, "One was a spirited young man who had a drive that was shared with his Pokémon. It was quite pleasing to see. The other came around earlier in the morning today. A red-haired boy who had incredible power."
"Red hair… Could that have been Cypher?" Jackson asked in a soft whisper, "I know the other one he talked about was Ethan."
"He was skilled and powerful, but he had no connection to the Pokémon he had." Li explained, "He was rather rude, as well. I didn't believe it necessary to grant him any chance of learning the tower's move."
"That sounds like Cypher to me." Jackson muttered, "I just encountered him today. He totally destroyed the other boy you mentioned, who is a good friend of mine."
"I see…" the elder understood, "And how do you view the boy?"
"If you mean Cypher, I find him to be pretty arrogant and totally disrespectful, both to his Pokémon and other trainers." Jackson explained, "But he is strong. I am pretty sure that even my team in its current state would not win against him."
"That boy does have hatred, and it is the driving force in his goal to become stronger." Li explained, "But without a bond with Pokémon, you can only go so far. Now you, young man, have shown that you are bonding with your Pokémon. In due time, as you grow stronger together, and become closer, you will gain incredible strength. One that will eventually surpass the individual we are speaking about. I have no doubt that you can do it."
"Thank you, Elder." Jackson replied, bowing to him again, "I swear to become a stronger trainer, working alongside my Pokémon."
Li smiled and nodded in approval, before starting, "Now, I believe it's time to see if any of your Pokémon are able to learn the Sprout Tower's move…" (Flashback ends)
Jackson looked to Eevee, who was fast asleep on his shoulder, and smiled at her. 'Cypher…' Jackson called out the boy's name mentally, 'He honestly reminds me of the kind of person I could've been. However, I want to forge that bond with my Pokémon. Not just that, I want to learn to trust them, so that I can develop that trust in myself. In order to do that, I will learn to grow stronger in this world. And I'll start by earning my first badge in this city's gym. So look out, everyone. I'm bladin' things up a notch tomorrow!' He stepped forward, not only physically towards the Pokémon Center, but also a step towards his goal.