It seemed to be a consistent trend that Pokémon cities and towns looked nice.
Virbank had a gentle breeze always bringing in the ocean scent. The blue sky occasionally broke through the dark clouds that threatened to rain at any moment. A light chill was constantly present.
The city itself mainly consisted of concrete buildings. It reminded me of the normally less safe areas in bigger cities, with cracked sidewalks and graffiti littering the walls.
The docks and an industrial plant were both visible in the distance. The docks had stereotypical steamboats lined up next to fishing boats, with the occasional water Pokémon hopping out of the water in an arc.
I assumed the industrial plant was some sort of power plant, as back when I played the games I would always swoop by and grab a Magnemite. Just another Pokémon I can't use now. Damn, I adored the Magnemite line. R.I.P. Lamech, the Magnezone that carried that one randomized nuzlocke I did.
The whole scene coalesced into something akin to a miniaturized proto-cyberpunk aesthetic. Instead of towering concrete buildings littered with neon under a dark sky, there were medium concrete buildings littered with graffiti under a dark sky. Is this steampunk? I never looked into it enough to tell, but if it is, I know what my new favorite aesthetic is.
Despite the somewhat intimidating aura, there was no actual fear to be had. The people still had that small-town kindness as Floccesy did. Every few houses I would get a wave and a cry of "hello!" It was still fucking weird.
Regardless, I couldn't remember anything important in Virbank regarding bug Pokémon, so I walked straight to the docks to find transport to Castelia. Thankfully, like the games, there was a specific dock house for civilian transport that a sign pointed me to. Unlike the games, though, I couldn't get a near-instant departure.
"Sorry, kid, but the next boat leaving for Castelia doesn't leave for three days," said the burly, but ultimately generic Sailor who manned the counter.
Damn it, here I was hoping for a boat ride, but I guess that's too demanding for the port town.
I sighed, "Ah, it's fine. I can wait."
I guess I could do a bit more training with Entoma. But, without a new bug to practice with, things will be slow. I turned to leave when the door to the house slammed open.
"I'm back, Dad!"
The person who so rudely disregarded standard door-opening conventions was a punk-rocker girl. White hair, shredded blue-and-purple clothes, the whole nine yards. If I had to guess, about fifteen years old, so slightly older than my new body.
The comically oversized, for her body, guitar case on her back made it explicitly clear that this was Roxie, the Virbank gym leader in the sequel games.
Before I could even think to greet her, she saw Entoma resting on my head and let out the slightest bit of a "squee."
"YO, love your Venipede hat! Where'd you get it?!"
Entoma let out an enraged chitter at being called a hat and I couldn't help but snicker.
"Not a hat, and I don't think she appreciated the comment."
Roxie looked suitably ashamed before replying, "My bad, man. Back when my Whirlipede was a Venipede, he wouldn't even let me touch him! I just figured all of 'em were the same."
She had a Whirlipede? Was she already the Gym Leader? Were gym leaders nerfed in the game? Oh, shit. I think gym leaders are nerfed in the game. Guess it makes sense, no way they're letting some random kid run a major league facility. Didn't explain why Johto let Clair and Whitney act like children, though.
Letting none of my surprise at this revelation show, I quickly responded, "Ah, don't worry too much about it. So, you've got a Whirlipede? You've got to have a pretty tough team, then."
"Yea, they're rocking! I'm going to become a Gym Leader here eventually!"
"High aspirations then, eh?"
"You know it!"
I chuckled, "I just realized I never introduced myself. I'm Nico, a pleasure."
"OH! You're right! I'm Roxie, nice to meet ya!"
Damn, she's rambunctious. But, she's also an opportunity.
"Say, if you've got a Whirlipede, do you think you could help me train up Entoma here? We've got about three days to wait on the next boat to Castelia, and I'm pretty new to this whole training thing."
She took a second to think about it.
"Sorry, I'm a bit busy practicing with my band."
Well, fuck you too.
"But there is the Virbank Complex. A bunch of Pokémon flock there, and the Magnemites, Magby, and Pidove there should be a bit of a challenge!"
Well, fuck you a bit less.
"And, if I get some time off from my band, I'll drop by and give you some pointers."
Eh, I'll take what I can get.
I gave her a nod, "Ah, thank you, that sounds like a good idea. Maybe I'll see you soon!"
"Oh! That reminds me, you got an X-transceiver?
"I'm afraid not."
"Ah, that sucks. If you pick one up sometime, here's my number!"
She quickly pulled a pen and paper out of her comically large guitar case and wrote an eight-digit number. I grabbed it and put it in my pocket.
"I'll consider it, see you around."
"Catch you later!"
Just before the door almost caught me on the way out, likely as vengeance for Roxie's slam, I heard her father chuckle a bit. A few seconds later, I heard Roxie's shout of "DAD!"
I wonder what's that about. Eh, not my problem.
The Virbank Complex was about as good as it gets for Pokémon training. I still wasn't sure if Pokémon functioned off standard EXP methods or just training, so I had Entoma go around committing random acts of violence on the local fauna.
The Patrat were the first target. Rather than face the Pokémon with a type advantage, I had her sneak attack with Poison Stings and then further harass with Bite and Rollout. Every couple of fights, Entoma would take a solid hit, so I had to run back to the Pokémon Center every couple hours.
It was a bit ridiculous to see the progress. I mean, it makes sense. Muscles grow based on the tearing and subsequent repair of the small tears in them, and I assume it takes at least a day to fix them up. Throw in a magic healing machine and you can just constantly grow your strength.
I'm not entirely sure how it functions with the mystical bullshit energies of Pokémon moves, but her Poison Stings were distinctly more powerful than they were at the start of the day, and she figured out how to use the dark energy in her Bite attack to launch herself in what seems like a Pursuit attack.
It was great, whenever they tried to run away, she blasted after them like a pitch-black bullet.
By the time I worked up enough courage to start assaulting the more type effective wildlife, the sun was starting to set. I figured, might as well get some sleep in so that Entoma isn't stuck in the habits she picked up when picking off random Patrat.
Unfortunately, this one spunky Magby had a different idea. This little fuck decided to use our own strategies against up and blasted an Ember into Entoma's buggy ass without warning.
She did not take that well.
"SCRREEE!" Entoma wailed as she began to blast Poison Stings in the general direction of the Magby, missing it. The Magby let out a cackle and began to circle around her, repeatedly shooting Embers at her. So, this is what it feels like to fight against my Poison Sting tactics.
I think I hate this thing.
"Entoma, use Rollout to start dodging. Slowly approach, but never directly at it."
Entoma quickly shot off, zig-zagging all the way towards him. Embers scorched the ground all around her, and a few even veered on near me. I swear, if this cunt sets my only pair of clothes on fire, just after it interrupted my peaceful walk back to...
FUCK.
I forgot to find a place to camp. Guess I'll have to make do with the Pokémon Center housing.
Oh, hey, Entoma just knocked Magby on its ass.
"YEA, KICK IT'S FUCKIN ASS BABY! WHOOOO!"
Magby scrambled to its feet and, sensing the turned tides, tried to scramble away. Here it comes, wait for it.
Entoma immediately shot after him with pursuit, sending Magby rolling on the ground. Once again, it tried to scramble away.
THUD.
Ah, this is the best part. Magby kept trying to get away, only to be immediately knocked down. Its movements became more frantic as it took more damage. Honestly, I assumed that it was at least somewhat intelligent because of its ranged ambush, but it couldn't do anything other than try and run away. Would it be pretentious to say the whole "definition of insanity" speech?
Entoma slammed it a few more times until it let out a croaking noise and collapsed unconscious. She slowly approached the felled foe, placed a single leg on its neck, and cried victory.
Glorious.
As amazing as that is, I have a more important problem. I think I'm becoming a sadist. Not the "spank you in bed" kind of sadist, though that would be fun. More of the "send my minions to break your legs and laugh" kind of sadist. Does this mean I'm the villain in this world?
No, the villain never wins. If I win, I'm fine. Worst case scenario, I'll pull a Handsome Jack and convince myself that even though I lost, I'm the tragic hero.
Honestly, I think I've gone a bit power mad at the concept of a bunch of hyper-powered critters at my beck and call. It really doesn't make sense, I've nearly had Entoma get knocked into the dirt by some random Magby with a slight sense of strategy. I need to calm down a bit.
I smacked both my cheeks twice. No, Nico, if you go crazy now, you're just another madman. If you go mad after you've collected monsters of worrying strength, you're an eccentric. Or a threat to society.
Sweet thoughts of the future aside, today was relatively straightforward. Just train, train, train. Roxie didn't even show up. I feel vaguely offended.
Hopefully tomorrow will be more interesting.
It wasn't.
Well, we moved on to fighting the Pidoves, Elekids, and Magby. That was neat, but the one time we tried to fight a Magnemite was not particularly... beneficial. Electric types are a pain to deal with, so I just poisoned the Elekids and had Entoma run circles as they wore down. But, y'know, steel type.
I still feel bad for Entoma for what happened after the paralysis hit.
Regardless, it feels kind of empty. I love random acts of violence on unassuming animals as the next person, but it gets old quickly when your options are poisoning and sometimes hitting the various locals, or just running away. It's just like grinding in Pokémon. Wait.
Whatever, Roxie didn't show up today either. Rude. But hey, Entoma figured out Protect, so today wasn't a complete lost cause. Maybe I'll take out a Magnemite tomorrow.
I'm still angry that I can't get one.
"Remember, whenever the magnets start whirring, use Protect. Once close, you'll have to wear it down with Bite and Pursuit. Don't use Rollout, or it'll have the opportunity to Thunder Wave you without any defense."
It was about noon, and we had been training for about three hours. The battles had gotten staler than yesterday, as in addition to being the same fight repeated, the fight wasn't even particularly difficult. Entoma had figured out the general effective strategies to take out the locals without any resistance, and only one or two attacks had landed on Entoma in that three-hour period.
So, escalation was inevitable.
In front of us sat a Magnemite. Not an ordinary Magnemite. That's the most foul, cruel, and bad-tempered Pokémon I've ever set my eyes on. A vicious streak a mile wide, a killer. He's got massive, sharp teeth and can leap a mile.
Electric types are scary. I mean, in game, they're a damn good typing. Once you start applying real world physics, things get wonky. Well, if real world physics were applied, they'd just be blasting lightning into the ground.
Pokémon physics, on the other hand, make them terrifying. You know how when electricity arcs, it's literally ionizing the air to conduit itself to the nearest ground? Pokémon can choose where that plasma and energy arcs to, regardless of the nearest ground.
Why is this interesting? You see, when electricity arcs like that it creates quite a bit of heat. 19,500C of heat. Four times the surface of the sun.
It gets better! Paralysis is broken. As in, if someone hits you with Thunder Wave, they implant an electricity generator that occasionally sends massive spasms throughout your entire body.
Thankfully, Pokémon physics strike again. Or Pokémon spirituality? I mean, they can measure it.
Whatever, Pokémon, and to an extent humans, have Aura. The more powerful a Pokémon, the more powerful their Aura. Despite having literal electricity running through their nervous systems, A Pokémon of sufficiently powerful will can just ignore electricity to a certain point, but the more powerful the opposing Pokémon the more electricity is generated.
It's a constant electricity increase and dampening. This isn't specifically for electric types either. High-end Pokémon can take a literal wave of fire and shrug it off because the life energy flowing through them is strong enough to just ignore it.
How did I learn this? The Pokémon Center has an internet connection and PCs in their rooms, and I have poor time management. It was also probably misinformation, but it did make sense to me.
Back in the fight, Entoma began her sneaky approach. The Magnemite noticed her about twenty feet away from it and began to rapidly twist its magnets.
Entoma threw up a Protect, right as a condensed ball of electricity, a Thunder Wave, flashed at her. The only saving grace with electrics, is that they all have a tell when about to use an electric move. For Elekids, they spin their arms. For Magnemite, they spin their magnets. Really, spinning seems to happen a lot.
Entoma dropped the Protect, scooted up five feet, and blocked another Thunder Wave. Another scurry and Protect, and she was only ten feet away.
The Magnezone began to start getting spooked in response to the ineffective blasts of pure energy. Another volley, and she was only about five feet away. Magnezone turned to get some distance, and...
THUD.
Ah, Pursuit spam. It's countered by any skilled opponent, but against wilds? It's just a bunch of attacks of opportunity to be had.
About three hits later, the Magnezone finally managed to realize it's error in trying to escape. It turned towards Entoma as it steadied its levitation and swung its two magnets together.
CRACK!
Oh, my ears hurt. That was definitely a Sonic Boom attack.
Though everything was ringing for me, Entoma seemed to be doing well with the aftermath. Shaken up, sure, but she managed to put up a Protect just in time to avoid the surprise Thunder Shock headed her way.
With its Sonic Boom strategy to no avail, the Magnemite began to desperately flee again. I'm sure there were thuds and cries of triumph, but I couldn't tell as I was hunched over and clutching my, yep, bleeding, ears.
I felt a nudge at my leg and turned to look at Entoma.
"Hey, girl, rain check on the praises. Looks like I'm the one who needs a health check this time around, eh?"
I pulled my left hand off my ears to show her my very bloody palm and ear. As I did, her little eyes widened. Then, her head flicked over to my left.
Roxie stood about thirty feet to my immediate left, with a perfect view of still very gushing head. Her mouth was widened almost comically in shock, and she immediately began to dart over to me.
Next thing I know, I was slung over her shoulder like a sack. Entoma was clinging to my leg, waving in the air as Roxie somehow managed to start a sprint towards the town with me. Rambunctious, I tell you.
"So... probably should have told 'ya the Magnemite packed an ear-cracker. My bad?"
Roxie's uncomfortable and unnecessary apologies aside, the healing of my eardrums was surprisingly efficient. The travel method to the Pokémon Center left much to be desired.
The local Nurse Joy took one look at me before switching to full business mode and called out her Audino. They rushed over to me and began inspecting my ears, mouths moving with words I could not perceive.
The Audino placed one nub on my ear. I noticed a light pink glow out the corner of my eye before half my hearing returned. Odd, I tell you. Complete silence is surprisingly enjoyable, and to go back to a semi-bustling Pokémon Center's sound level is quite a system shock.
As I took a moment to adjust, the Audino moved on to the other ear. Rinse, Repeat, and now I have my full five senses back. Nurse Joy was still inspecting my ears, Roxie was having a minor panic attack, and most importantly, Entoma was giving me a worried stare with her piercing yellow eyes.
I brush off the nurse and pick up my favorite little cuddle-bug and hold her close to my chest.
"There, there, don't worry your little head. I'm all good right now. Hey, Roxie, calm down."
Nurse Joy pulled me aside to start running some hearing tests while Roxie seemed to compose herself. I was cleared after a minute or so of testing, and headed back to Roxie, bringing us full circle to her aforementioned weak apology.
"Don't worry too much. I probably should have assumed that something would have some impact on my hearing eventually," I attempt to assure her. "Guess I'll need to pick up a pair of earplugs sometime."
"Well, how 'bout I grab you a pair? I was the girl who told 'ya to go and knock around some Magnemite, I'll cover it."
Now, I'm a nice man, probably. But I'll be damned if I just pass up free stuff. If I can get free ear protection from her misplaced sense of guilt, then I'll take it. Really, it would just be spitting on her generosity to decline.
"If you feel so inclined, I certainly wouldn't say no. But, since you were out at the complex, I assume you have some time off? I'd much rather go and get a few pointers while it's still daytime," I magnanimously reply.
Roxie blinked, "Oh, are 'ya sure you can handle some more training? I'd guess the whole "pop" thing would've had you put off for the rest of the day."
"Nah. I've only got today left here, so I've got to get the training that I can get in. If you've got a Whirlipede, you likely have a fair bit of knowledge that I don't."
"I suppose I would, wouldn't I," She spoke, seeming to regain that air of confidence she usually retains, and a proud smile grew on her face. "I am going to be the best poison-type master out there, so if anyone would have some smarts on 'em, it'd be me!"
"Well, then, O' master of the arts of poison, please teach me your ways," I gave an overdramatic bow. "So, poison specialty, huh? I'm more of a bug guy myself."
She giggled at my bow, raising her chin. With a chuckle, she questioned, "Bugs, huh? Why them?"
"Why'd you choose poisons?"
Roxie shifted into a pose; her arms crossed. "Why else? Coolest Pokémon around, 'ya catch?"
I snorted. "Then I'll have to give you the same answer."
"Ah, is that why you're still holding onto your Venipede like that?"
Blinking, I looked down at Entoma. If I'm completely honest, I had forgotten I was still holding her. Her head tilted just slightly as she stared back at me and emitted what I can only describe as an insectoid purr.
Aww.
"That, and she's just adorable."
That got me an eye roll.
"Well, if you're done cuddling your bug, I've got stuff to teach 'ya. C'mon!" She began walking out the Pokémon center, giving me a "follow me" motion from over her shoulder.
Hell to the yea, teacher acquired.
We meandered back to the Virbank Complex, making small talk all the way. It was a bit strange, to think this is the first meaningful human interaction I've had beyond a few pleasantries with random people. Well, the first I've had in this world.
Do I need more friends? No, I can just capture bugs and make them like me via Pavlovian training and exposure. Much safer that way. Still, it's nice to have someone who can talk back, instead of rambling my inane theories at Entoma well into the night.
She mainly talked about her music tastes, and I nodded along because I had no idea what kind of punk rock was popular in this reality. It wasn't all that long of a conversation before we reached our destination.
Roxie clapped her hands. "So! Let's figure out where you're at? Entoma, was it?" I nodded. "Entoma it is! I know she can Pursuit, I saw her slamming into that Magnemite with it. Is that the most recent thang 'ya got?"
"Nope, she figured out Protect as well. It's how we managed to get close enough to Pursuit."
"Oh, I get 'cha. My Whirlipede evolved after getting Poison Tail and Bug Bite naturally, and both of those came quick after figuring out Protect. So, you should be having a fresh Whirlipede soon 'nuf."
"Ah, good to know. So, will we just be training up some more?"
"What? Nah, you could do that on your own. You wanted some training from the poison master herself! I got the secrets, man."
Now, that was interesting. Eying her, I asked, "Secrets, eh? You have my interest."
"You know, the secret to poison-types is, well, poisoning your opponent? It's pretty rare, but a while back, Indigo Elite Four Koga and his daughter figured out how to make a poison-type move that constantly pumps poison into the 'mon? It's how he got to the Elite Four spot, so he kept it a family secret. But, guess what?"
Wait, was she talking about Toxic? Toxic was a secret? "Err, what?" I questioned.
"Lucky for us, I am the premiere poison-type trainer in Unova. I, and I alone, figured out how to use Toxic. As far as I know, he only ever taught it to the higher-ups in the Kanto League, "too powerful for the average trainer," he said. Well, this girl isn't just your average trainer!"
It suddenly dawned on me, "Wait, you're going to teach me Toxic. Holy Shit."
"You know it! But keep it a secret for me. I need to spring it up when I'm applying for gym leadership. I don't have the raw power or skill like the big names on the continent, so I need something unique to me. The top dogs aren't going to pass up the opportunity to show off their own Toxic users."
First you had my attention, now you have my erection.
Though, I had one question, "So, why are you teaching me this super-secret move? I'm just a dude you met in a boat house a few days ago, not your best bud."
An uncomfortable look spread across her face, and she coughed, "Err, well, I don't exactly know how to teach someone. So, I need a test dummy before trying to teach my pals. Plus, still 'kinda feel bad for sending you to the ear-busters. It's pretty common knowledge around here, so I didn't mention it to you."
"So, learning a secret move that only high tier Elite Four Pokémon know, no strings attached? Sign me up!"
"Eh, not only them? Pretty recently it's been discovered that those Alolan Pokémon, Salazzle can naturally learn it when they get strong enough, but they're rare as all hell and only the one tribe leader they got there is known to have one. From what I understand, though, it refuses to teach it. Oh, and Drapion have a natural variant on Spikes that they learn that do the same thing, but nobody can teach it from them as even if you figure out the Spikes portion, the Toxic part isn't taught. And, again, Drapion is rare as all hell."
Drapion, huh? Skorupi are bugs, so maybe I can use-
Nope.
Really? I know it's poison-dark, but you'd think as a former bug it'd pass. Damn mindfuckery, being entirely too consistent.
"Alright, so a very rare move typically only taught to the Elite Four, with no strings attached."
"Well, not no strings. Don't use it in public till I become a gym leader, sounds good? I'll take extenuating circumstances as an excuse, but not some gym battle where you get worked up. It took a bit over two years to work it out. It's why I've still got a Whirlipede, not a Scolipede, because we spent all the time we could have been training on trying to learn Toxic. This is literally my masterpiece, got it? Got it?"
I raised my hands in surrender. "I get it. I'm not a dick to people who help me."
She smirked, "Good, good. Well, we've got about four hours till sunset. You're going on that boat to Castelia tomorrow morning, yea?"
"Yup."
"Alright, we'll try and get it today. I'll be up past midnight anyhow, so ya' better be ready to work for a while. Worst thing that can happen is we don't get it today and I'll work on it during the boat ride. The boat itself will stay there for about a day, so we should have another full day to get it down. Word?"
"Word."
Training for Toxic right now, and a boat ride in the morning. Maybe life is finally turning my way. Well, more so than only putting me into a utopia.