Chapter 9: Shock to the System

The first light of dawn was just beginning to paint the Jubilife skyline when Ethan stirred from his slumber. For a moment, he lay still, allowing his senses to attune to the unfamiliar surroundings of the Pokémon Center room. The gentle hum of the city already coming to life outside his window mingled with the soft, rhythmic breathing of Togepi and Meditite, still deep in sleep.

Ethan sat up slowly, his mind already racing with plans for the day ahead. The events of yesterday – the intense battle with Meditite, the subsequent capture, and the hours of research that followed – had left him with a renewed sense of purpose and a long list of objectives to tackle.

As he went through his morning routine, Ethan found himself constantly glancing at his sleeping Pokémon. Togepi, curled up on a plush cushion by the window, her shell gleaming softly in the early morning light. And Meditite, seated in a perfect lotus position even in sleep, his serene expression a stark contrast to the fierce battler he had encountered yesterday.

The sight of them filled Ethan with a complex mix of emotions – pride, affection, and an almost overwhelming sense of responsibility. These creatures were now under his care, their growth and well-being dependent on his decisions and actions. It was a far cry from the simple button-pressing of the Pokémon games he had known in his old life.

As he finished dressing, Ethan gently roused his Pokémon. "Rise and shine, team," he said softly, unable to keep a smile from his face as Togepi chirped sleepily and Meditite's eyes snapped open with startling alertness. "We've got a big day ahead of us."

Over a breakfast of nutrient-rich Pokémon food (carefully selected based on his research from the night before) and a simple meal of toast and fruit for himself, Ethan outlined the day's plans to his attentive partners.

"First things first, we need to start implementing our training regimen," he explained, pulling out his notebook to reference his notes. "Togepi, we're going to focus on refining your Charm and Metronome techniques. I have some theories about energy control that I want to test out."

Togepi chirped enthusiastically, clearly eager to begin. Ethan couldn't help but marvel at the Pokémon's seemingly boundless optimism and energy.

"And Meditite," he continued, turning to his newest team member, "I want to run some exercises to better understand your abilities. That Confusion attack of yours was impressive, and I have a hunch there's a lot more you're capable of."

Meditite nodded solemnly, his eyes showing a glimmer of what Ethan thought might be excitement, though it was hard to tell given the Pokémon's naturally stoic demeanor.

With breakfast concluded and his Pokémon recalled to their balls for the moment, Ethan set out into the streets of Jubilife City. The metropolis was already buzzing with activity, the sidewalks filled with a diverse mix of people and Pokémon going about their daily routines. The air was crisp with the promise of a beautiful day, carrying the scents of fresh bread from nearby bakeries and the earthy aroma of grass from the city's many parks.

Ethan made his way to a public training ground he had researched the night before. Located in one of Jubilife's many parks, it was a spacious area designed to accommodate trainers of all levels. As he approached, he could see that several of the practice fields were already occupied, the air filled with the sounds of battling Pokémon and shouted commands. The excitement was palpable, and Ethan felt a thrill of anticipation run through him.

Finding an unoccupied corner of the training ground, Ethan released Togepi and Meditite. He took a moment to survey their surroundings, noting the variety of terrains available – from a small pond for Water-type training to a rocky area perfect for practicing Rock and Ground-type moves. The diversity of the training grounds reflected the complex ecosystem of the Pokémon world, a reminder of how much there was still to learn.

"Alright, team," Ethan said, kneeling down to eye level with his Pokémon. "Let's start with some warm-up exercises. Togepi, I want you to practice your agility. Use those rocks over there as an obstacle course. Focus on quick, precise movements."

As Togepi waddled off to begin her exercise, Ethan turned to Meditite. "For you, let's begin with some meditation. I want to see how it affects your focus and energy control. Once you feel centered, we'll work on fine-tuning your Confusion attack."

As his Pokémon settled into their tasks, Ethan pulled out his notebook, ready to jot down observations. He watched Togepi navigate the makeshift obstacle course, noting improvements in her balance and speed since their early training sessions. The Pokémon's determination was evident in every movement, her cheerful chirps punctuating each successful maneuver.

Meditite, meanwhile, had assumed his characteristic lotus position, an aura of calm Focus Energy slowly building around him. Ethan found himself fascinated by the visible manifestation of the Pokémon's mental discipline. He made a note to research the physiological effects of meditation on Fighting and Psychic-type Pokémon, wondering how the principles might apply to human physiology as well.

As the morning wore on, Ethan guided his Pokémon through a series of increasingly complex exercises. He had Togepi practice her Charm attack on a nearby shrub, working on focusing and intensifying the move's effect. With each attempt, the pink aura surrounding Togepi grew stronger and more defined, causing the leaves of the shrub to quiver as if in a gentle breeze.

"Excellent work!" Ethan praised as Togepi successfully executed a particularly potent Charm. "Now, let's try combining it with Metronome. Remember, focus on maintaining a steady energy flow, regardless of the outcome."

For Meditite, Ethan set up a series of targets, challenging the Pokémon to use his Confusion attack with increasing precision. He was impressed by Meditite's ability to manipulate multiple objects simultaneously, a skill he hadn't expected in such a recently caught Pokémon. The sight of small rocks and leaves dancing in the air under Meditite's psychic control was both beautiful and slightly unnerving.

As they trained, Ethan couldn't help but notice the attention they were attracting from other trainers in the area. A small crowd had gathered to watch Togepi's Metronome practice, gasping in awe as the unpredictable move produced everything from a burst of flames to a shower of leaves. The spectators' reactions reminded Ethan of his own wonder when he first encountered real Pokémon, a feeling that hadn't diminished despite the weeks he'd spent in this world.

One observer, a lanky teenager with neatly combed green hair and thick glasses, approached with a look of intense curiosity. There was something vaguely familiar about him that Ethan couldn't quite place. "Excuse me," the boy said, pushing his glasses up his nose, "but I couldn't help noticing your training techniques. They're quite... unorthodox. Are you perhaps conducting some form of experimental research?"

Ethan felt a momentary panic, acutely aware of his irregular status in this world. He took a breath, centering himself before responding. "Not exactly," he said with what he hoped was a casual smile. "I'm relatively new to training, actually. I just have a background in... theoretical Pokémon biology. I'm trying to apply some of that knowledge to practical training."

The boy's eyes lit up with interest, a glint of excitement visible behind his glasses. "Fascinating! I'm Conway, by the way. I'm something of a Pokémon researcher myself, with a particular interest in unconventional battle strategies. Would you mind if I observed your training for a bit? Your approach to energy manipulation is unlike anything I've encountered in my studies."

The name triggered a spark of recognition in Ethan's mind, but he couldn't quite place it. Pushing the thought aside, he weighed the potential risks and benefits of allowing closer scrutiny of his methods. But the opportunity for intellectual exchange was too tempting to pass up. "Not at all," he finally replied. "I'm Ethan. Feel free to observe, and if you have any insights to share, I'd be glad to hear them."

As Conway settled in to watch, notepad in hand, Ethan turned back to his Pokémon. "Alright, team, let's show them what we've been working on. Togepi, let's try that Charm-Metronome combo we discussed."

Togepi chirped determinedly, her small body glowing with a soft pink light as she began to channel her Charm energy. As the aura built, Togepi's fingers began to wave back and forth in the characteristic motion of Metronome. The air seemed to thicken with anticipation, and Ethan could feel the hairs on the back of his neck standing up in response to the gathering energy.

Ethan held his breath, acutely aware of Conway's keen gaze and the growing crowd of onlookers. This was the moment of truth – would their theory about guiding Metronome's randomness through focused energy control bear fruit?

A brilliant flash of light erupted from Togepi, momentarily blinding everyone present. As vision returned, gasps of awe rippled through the crowd. Floating above Togepi was a shimmering, heart-shaped bubble – the move Sweet Kiss, Ethan realized with a jolt of excitement.

"Remarkable," Conway murmured, his pen flying across his notepad. "The way your Togepi channeled the Charm energy into Metronome – it appears to have influenced the outcome! This could revolutionize our understanding of move interactions."

Ethan felt a surge of pride and validation. Their hypothesis had worked, at least in this instance. But before he could fully process the implications, a commotion from the other side of the training ground caught his attention.

A group of trainers had gathered around one of the battle areas, their excited voices carrying across the park. Curiosity piqued, Ethan recalled his Pokémon and made his way over to investigate, Conway following close behind, still scribbling notes.

As they approached, Ethan caught snippets of conversation that made his heart race:

"Did you see that Raichu? It moved so fast!"

"I've never seen electric attacks used like that before."

"They say he's on track to be the youngest Gym Leader in Sinnoh history..."

Returning both Togepi and Meditite to their Pokéballs, Ethan made his way towards the commotion, with Conway following in tow. Pushing through the crowd, they finally caught sight of the battle that had everyone so excited. Ethan's breath caught in his throat as he recognized one of the trainers – a young man with spiky blonde hair and a confident smirk that was unmistakable even from this distance.

Volkner.

The future Gym Leader of Sunyshore City was here, in Jubilife, showcasing battle techniques that were clearly years ahead of his time. As Ethan watched, transfixed, Volkner's Raichu executed a combination of Agility and Thunderbolt that left its opponent – a formidable-looking Graveler – reeling. The speed and power on display were breathtaking, a testament to the heights of skill a trainer could reach.

"Ah, Volkner," Conway said, his voice tinged with admiration and a hint of competitiveness. "The Electric-type prodigy. His innovative battle strategies have been causing quite a stir in research circles. I've been analyzing his techniques for months."

Ethan nodded mutely, his mind racing. Here was a key figure from the Pokémon world he thought he knew, but younger, not yet the established Gym Leader he remembered from the games. The implications were staggering. How much of this world's future was already set in stone, and how much might be altered by the butterfly effect of his own presence?

As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Ethan failed to notice that Conway had unconsciously pushed closer to the front of the crowd, eager for a better view. It wasn't until he felt a sudden charge in the air that Ethan realized how close they had gotten to the battle.

Volkner's Raichu had just unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt attack, the bolt of lightning arcing wildly as the Graveler attempted to dodge. For a heart-stopping moment, Ethan saw the attack heading straight for Conway.

Time seemed to slow. In that instant, Ethan's instincts kicked in. He could see the path of the electricity, could almost feel the ions in the air responding to the charge. Without conscious thought, he lunged forward, pushing Conway aside with all his might.

The electric attack struck the ground where Conway had been standing just a moment before. The shockwave knocked both Ethan and Conway off their feet, sending them sprawling onto the hard-packed earth of the battlefield.

As the dust settled and the ringing in his ears subsided, Ethan quickly assessed the situation. He had avoided the direct hit, but Conway lay motionless beside him, his glasses askew and a thin trail of smoke rising from his singed clothing.

Ethan's medical training kicked in immediately. He scrambled to Conway's side, checking for breathing and a pulse. Finding neither, he knew he had to act fast. "Starting CPR!" he called out, his voice carrying an authority that surprised even him. "Someone get a defibrillator, now!"

As Ethan began chest compressions, a memory flashed unbidden through his mind – imagining being on a plane, a passenger suddenly collapsing, and the dreaded call of "Is there a doctor on board?" echoing through the cabin. This hypothetical scenario had often been joked about by his residency colleagues, but it had always given Ethan a twinge of anxiety. He could picture himself trying to shrink into his seat, avoiding eye contact with the flight attendant scanning for a response. In his past life as a pathologist, Ethan had been fairly removed from clinical medicine. But now, faced with a real emergency, he found the skills ingrained during medical school rushing back with surprising clarity.

His hands moved with practiced precision as he administered CPR. "One, two, three, four," he counted under his breath, maintaining a steady rhythm of 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths. The world around him faded away, his focus narrowing to the task at hand.

"Come on, Conway," Ethan muttered between sets, acutely aware of the growing crowd of onlookers. "Don't you dare give up now."

After what felt like an eternity but was likely only a minute or two, a young trainer pushed through the crowd, clutching an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Ethan felt a surge of relief at the sight of the device and thankful that this was something not completely changed from his own world.

"Clear the area!" Ethan commanded, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd. With swift, practiced movements, he tore open Conway's shirt and placed the electrode pads on his chest – one below the right collarbone, the other on the left side of the ribcage.

The AED came to life with a mechanical whir. "Analyzing heart rhythm," the device announced in a calm, robotic voice. Ethan and the onlookers held their breath as the machine worked. "Shock advised. Stand clear of the patient."

"Everyone back!" Ethan shouted, ensuring no one was touching Conway. He pressed the flashing 'shock' button, and Conway's body jerked as the electrical current passed through him.

"Begin CPR," the AED instructed, and Ethan immediately resumed compressions. The seconds ticked by, each one feeling like an hour. Sweat beaded on Ethan's forehead as he worked, silently willing Conway to respond.

After two minutes, the AED spoke again. "Analyzing heart rhythm." Once more, everyone froze. "Shock advised. Stand clear of the patient."

Ethan administered the second shock, his heart pounding. As soon as it was delivered, he resumed CPR, his arms beginning to ache from the exertion but his determination unwavering.

"Analyzing heart rhythm," the AED announced for a third time. The tension in the air was palpable as they all waited for the verdict. "No shock advised. Check for pulse."

With trembling fingers, Ethan felt for a carotid pulse. For a terrifying moment, he felt nothing. Then, faint but unmistakable, he detected a beat. "I've got a pulse!" he exclaimed, relief flooding through him.

As if on cue, Conway gasped, his eyes fluttering open. A collective sigh of relief rippled through the crowd. Ethan quickly helped Conway into a recovery position, murmuring reassurances as the other trainer coughed and struggled to orient himself.

"Easy, Conway," Ethan said softly, his medical training keeping him focused despite his own racing heart. "You're okay. Just take slow, deep breaths."

As the immediate danger passed and medical staff from the Pokémon Center arrived to take over Conway's care, Ethan became aware of the murmurs rippling through the crowd. He looked up to find himself the center of attention, dozens of eyes fixed on him with a mixture of awe and curiosity.

Among the onlookers, one gaze in particular stood out. Volkner was watching him intently, his expression a complex mix of guilt, respect, and keen interest.

"That was... impressive," Volkner said as he approached, his usual confidence tempered by genuine concern. "I'm sorry about the stray attack. Quick thinking on your part – are you both alright?"

Ethan nodded, suddenly aware of how exhausted he felt. "I think so. Conway needs to get to the hospital for a thorough check-up, but he should be okay."

As Conway was carefully moved to a stretcher, Volkner's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze becoming more calculating. "Those were some serious medical skills you displayed. Not something you typically see in a new trainer."

Ethan felt a bead of sweat form on his brow, realizing he'd inadvertently revealed another aspect of his unusual background. He scrambled for an explanation that wouldn't raise too many questions. "I, uh, had some emergency response training before I started my Pokémon journey," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "You never know when it might come in handy."

Volkner nodded slowly, clearly not entirely satisfied with the explanation but seeming to let it slide for now. "Well, I'm glad you were here. That could have ended much worse." He paused, his gaze becoming more intense. "You know, there's a tournament coming up in Jubilife next week. Mostly for up-and-coming trainers to test their skills. Given what I've seen of your... unique abilities, both in training and crisis management, I think you should consider entering."

Ethan blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic and also by the fact that Volkner had been watching him train without him realizing. "A tournament? I... I'm not sure I'm ready for something like that. I've only just started my journey, and-"

"All the more reason to participate," Volkner cut him off. "It's a great way to gain experience, test your theories in real battle situations. Plus," he added with a hint of his usual smirk, "I'll be there as a guest judge. I'd be interested to see how your ideas hold up under pressure."

The implication was clear – this was as much a challenge as it was an invitation. Volkner wanted to see Ethan in action, to gauge whether his theoretical knowledge and reactive instinct could translate into actual battling prowess.

Ethan glanced at his Pokéballs, thinking of Togepi and Meditite's determination. Taking a deep breath, he nodded. "Alright," he said, meeting Volkner's eyes. "We'll be there."

Volkner's eyes glinted with approval. "Good. I look forward to seeing what you can do." He paused, his expression softening slightly. "And... thanks again for your quick action today. Make sure you get yourself checked out at the Pokémon Center, alright? You've got some preparing to do."

As Volkner left, Ethan felt a mix of excitement and apprehension wash over him. The tournament loomed ahead, promising new challenges and opportunities - but also increased scrutiny of his unexpected knowledge and background.

Exhausted but determined, Ethan made his way to the Pokémon Center. After a thorough check-up and assurances that he was fine, just a bit bruised, he decided to visit Conway at the hospital.

The Jubilife City Hospital was a modern facility that seamlessly blended human and Pokémon healthcare. As Ethan navigated the halls, he saw Chansey assisting nurses and Alakazam helping with diagnostics. It was a stark reminder of how integrated Pokémon were in every aspect of this world.

He found Conway's room easily enough. The green-haired trainer was propped up in bed, looking pale but alert. His eyes lit up when he saw Ethan.

"My savior arrives!" Conway said, his voice a bit hoarse but filled with genuine gratitude. "The doctors told me what you did. I can't thank you enough."

Ethan felt a wave of relief seeing Conway conscious and talking. "I'm just glad you're okay. How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been hit by a Thunderbolt," Conway quipped, then winced. "Which, I suppose, isn't far from the truth. But I'll be fine. They want to keep me for observation, but I should be out in a day or two."

Conway's expression suddenly brightened. "Oh, and guess what? Volkner himself came to visit me earlier. Can you believe it? The Electric-type prodigy, here in my hospital room!"

Ethan raised an eyebrow, both surprised and intrigued. "Really? What did he say?"

"He apologized for the accident, of course," Conway said, pushing his glasses up with a slightly shaky hand. "But then he started asking about you. He seemed really interested in your training techniques and your medical skills. I told him what I could, which admittedly isn't much since we just met. But Ethan, I think you've caught his attention in a big way."

Conway leaned forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "He mentioned the upcoming tournament too. Said he's looking forward to seeing what you can do. I think you've got a real opportunity here to make a name for yourself."

As they talked, Ethan found himself studying Conway more closely. There was still that nagging sense of familiarity, like a word on the tip of his tongue. Conway's awkward mannerisms, his way of pushing up his glasses, the gleam in his eye when he talked about Pokémon strategies - it all seemed so familiar.

Suddenly, it clicked. Conway - of course! He was a recurring character from the anime, one of Dawn's rivals known for his strategic battling and extensive knowledge. The realization sent a jolt through Ethan. Here was another piece of evidence that this world was a complex blend of the games, anime, and perhaps even more. Yet, it was still firmly grounded in reality; Team Rocket, wherever they may be, wasn't 'blasting off' unscathed, and the dangers of humans being struck by a Pokémon attack were very real, as Conway's condition starkly demonstrated. This world, Ethan realized, combined the wonder of Pokémon with the genuine risks and consequences of their power.

Keeping his revelation to himself, Ethan steered the conversation towards the upcoming tournament. Conway's eyes lit up at the mention of it.

"Listen, once I'm out of here, I'd be more than willing to help you prepare. My database of battle strategies and Pokémon statistics could prove invaluable." Conway said.

Ethan managed a smile, both grateful for the offer and slightly overwhelmed by Conway's intensity. "Thanks, I appreciate that. I'll definitely need all the help I can get."

As Conway launched into a detailed analysis of potential training regimens, Ethan's mind was already racing ahead. The tournament loomed on the horizon, promising new battles, new discoveries, and perhaps a chance to carve out his place in this extraordinary world. But it also meant increased scrutiny, more chances for his unusual knowledge and abilities to draw attention.

When visiting hours ended and Ethan prepared to leave, Conway called out to him one last time. "Ethan, seriously. Thank you. Not just for saving me, but for being willing to share your unique approach to training. I have a feeling we're going to make quite a team."

Ethan nodded, feeling a mix of warmth at Conway's words and anxiety about the path ahead. "Get some rest, Conway. We've got a lot of work to do once you're out of here."