Chapter 18: The Name of the Game
Dawn stepped out of the sliding glass doors of the Pokémon Center, the familiar scent of antiseptic giving way to the fresh, crisp air of Eterna City.
The girl walked briskly down the street, the afternoon sun warming her face. The path ahead was clear and inviting, but her thoughts were focused on the training she'd need if she wanted to rematch Gardenia.
Her footsteps echoed lightly on the pavement as she glanced over her shoulder and called out, "You guys coming along then or what? We're gonna get some food, and then we're going straight to training!"
"Chim, Char, Char, Cha Chim Char," Chimchar chattered, his tone playful as he mockingly repeated Dawn's commands waving his hand in front of his mouth.
Staravia, who was close behind, glanced back at Shinx. The little electric-type's usual spark was dim and he seemed to carry the weight of his recent loss.
Staravia let out a soft, encouraging "Star" and nuzzled Shinx gently with his beak.
In an attempt to cheer him up, Staravia picked up a small, colorful leaf from the ground and fluttered it in front of Shinx's face, as if offering it as a token of encouragement.
Shinx's eyes brightened slightly at Staravia's gesture, but then the memory of the battle flooded back. He turned his face away, closing his eyes as if trying to shut out the recollection of the dazzling array of leaves swirling around him.
The image of the radiant, unstoppable storm of foliage loomed in his mind, making him shiver slightly. When he finally looked back at Staravia, his smile was forced, a faint attempt to mask the lingering discomfort.
Dawn glanced back at Staravia and Shinx, a soft smile tugging at her lips. She then turned her gaze toward the sun, its warmth bathing her in a golden glow.
Raising her arm and clenching her fist against the sunlight, she thought resolutely, Mark my words, Gardenia, I'm gonna to defeat you no matter what.
As the day gave way to evening, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, amber glow across Eterna Forest. The entire forest seemed to glow with a golden hue. Starly flitted through the sky, their silhouettes darting and weaving against the backdrop of the vibrant orange and pink sky.
Dawn walked through the forest, her eyes scanning the path ahead. Behind her, Chimchar followed with his arms clasped behind his head, looking relaxed and carefree.
Staravia was just ahead of Shinx, glancing back every now and then. Trailing at the very back, Shinx walked with his head hanging low, eyes fixed on the ground.
The girl spotted a forest clearing in the far distance and smiled. She turned back towards her Pokémon, "Look, guys, we're almost there!"
As they continued walking, a sudden burst of smoke appeared ahead, catching Dawn off guard. Her heart raced as she dashed towards it, her Pokémon following close behind. The smoke billowed up in thick clouds, obscuring her view and filling the air with an acrid scent.
Dawn hid behind a tree, watching intently as the smoke began to clear. As the smoke continued to dissipate, Dawn's curiosity grew.
Chimchar, eager to see, scrambled onto her shoulder, peering intently through the thinning haze. The silhouette that emerged was a figure clad in a familiar hat and a determined stance, an aura of focus radiating from him. The way he held himself—confident, poised—hinted at someone with considerable experience.
When the smoke finally cleared, Dawn's eyes widened in recognition.
"It's him!" she whispered in astonishment. "What's he doing here?"
The figure came into full view, revealing a boy with a familiar cap, standing alongside his Turtwig. The Pokémon was in the midst of a training exercise, and with a nod of approval, the boy encouraged his partner.
"That was a good Energy Ball," Lucas said, his voice filled with encouragement. He crouched down, giving Turtwig a reassuring pat. "Let's try it again, but this time, focus more on your aim."
"Turtwig, Turt!" the Pokémon responded happily, its voice filled with enthusiasm. The little grass-type bounced on its stubby legs, clearly pleased with its recent effort.
As Dawn observed, her foot shifted slightly on a bed of dry leaves, causing a rustling sound from a nearby bush. The noise was subtle but enough to disrupt the otherwise tranquil scene.
Lucas's head snapped in the direction of the sound, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area. "Someone there?" he called out, a note of caution in his voice.
Dawn, momentarily caught off guard, emerged from her hiding spot behind the tree. Her heart was still pounding from the sudden appearance of the smoke, and she stepped into the clearing with a slight flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.
As she came into view, Lucas's expression shifted from curiosity to recognition. A smile spread across his face, his eyes lighting up with genuine pleasure.
"Hey, Dawn," Lucas greeted her warmly, his tone friendly and relaxed. "Fancy seeing you here."
Dawn gave a small, awkward wave, her nerves settling as she met his gaze. "Hey yourself, Lucas. I wasn't spying on you or anything," she said quickly, her tone a bit flustered. "I just saw the smoke and came over to check it out."
Lucas gave Dawn a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it, you're good," he said, his tone warm and dismissive of any awkwardness.
As the smoke cleared further, Shinx and Staravia emerged from behind the tree, making their presence known. Shinx's eyes caught Lucas's attention, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
Turtwig, on the other hand, noticed Chimchar standing proudly on Dawn's shoulder. The memory of their last encounter, where Chimchar had outperformed it, was still fresh in Turtwig's mind. Its gaze hardened slightly as he stared at Chimchar.
Chimchar, catching the look from Turtwig, smirked with a hint of mischief. With a taunting gesture he stuck his tongue out, clearly relishing the opportunity to mock Turtwig.
Turtwig's eyes narrowed with anger. His body tensed as he gritted his teeth, a low growl escaping his throat.
Noticing the tension, Dawn stepped forward, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Hey, what's going on?" she asked, trying to ease the situation.
"Oh, it's nothing serious," Lucas chuckled lightly, attempting to diffuse the mounting frustration. "Turtwig's can be a bit competitive at times, you know how it is."
Shifting her focus, Dawn asked, "What're you doing in Eterna Forest? I thought you'd still be in Jubilife. Professor Rowan here, too?"
Lucas took a deep breath, his expression growing somber as he continued. "Look, back in Jubilife—remember those Team Galactic scumbags?"
Dawn's face tightened at the mention, her gaze dropping momentarily. She eventually looked back up at Lucas, giving a subtle nod.
"Well," Lucas said, his voice tinged with sadness, "when they kidnapped the professor, I found myself completely outclassed by those two. I was ready to give up, thinking all was lost, until you came along. You were a hundred times stronger than when we last met. You took down those Team Galactic crooks effortlessly. I wanted to thank you for that, Dawn. It was the wake-up call I needed."
Dawn's eyes met his, and she asked softly, "What do you mean?"
Dawn's eyes widened, her surprise evident as her brows shot up and her mouth parted slightly. The weight of Lucas's words sank in, and she could barely mask her astonishment. She blinked rapidly, trying to process the unexpected revelation.
"So, you gonna take on the Gyms?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
"I suppose so," Lucas replied with a determined nod. "Honestly, I'm not all that interested in competing in the Sinnoh League or anything like that. But if doing so helps me become stronger, then I'll gladly take that path."
Dawn's lips curled into a warm smile as she looked away from Lucas. "Well, if you're aiming for the badges too, I guess that means I've got one more rival to keep an eye on," she said, her tone light and playful. She glanced back at him with a cheerful grin. "I should probably get back to training if I'm going to challenge Gardenia again... It's good to see you."
With a final nod, she turned and started walking, her Pokémon falling in line behind her.
As Dawn walked away, Lucas took a quick glance at Shinx. "You know, I didn't realize you had a Shinx," he remarked.
Shinx's ears perked up at the mention of his name, and he turned his head slightly, his eyes reflecting a hint of curiosity.
Dawn paused and looked back at Lucas. "Oh, uh, yeah. A kind lady I met near Oreburgh let me take this little guy, and I'm really glad she did. Isn't that right, Shinx?" She glanced down at her Pokémon with a reassuring smile.
Shinx kept his eyes on Dawn, his small body remained still, and he gave a faint, almost imperceptible nod, the corners of his mouth curling slightly in a gesture of acknowledgment, though he remained silent.
Lucas's smile grew wider, his excitement palpable. "I caught a Pokémon recently too, and he's really cool," he said enthusiastically, reaching into his bag. "You might want to see this."
With a flourish, he pulled out a Poké Ball, the anticipation evident in his eyes as he prepared to reveal his new partner.
Lucas tossed the Poké Ball with a smooth, practiced flick. The ball spun through the air and burst open, releasing a burst of bright light.
As the light faded, a small, avian Pokémon landed gracefully beside Turtwig.
The Pokémon was reminiscent of a parakeet, with a strikingly colorful plumage. Its head, black and shaped like an eighth note, stood out against its vibrant feathers. The body displayed a mix of blue wings, a yellow chest and feet, and a green stomach. Its pink, hooked beak and eyelids added to its distinctive appearance, while a ruff of white feathers encircled its neck.
Dawn's eyes widened as she took out her Pokédex. "That Pokémon..." she murmured, scanning the new arrival with curiosity.
"Chatot, the Music Note Pokémon. Its tongue is just like a human's. As a result, it can cleverly mimic human speech."
Shinx's eyes widened in surprise, his ears perked up as he stared curiously at the new Pokémon. Staravia's head tilted slightly, its gaze fixed intently on the avian creature with a mix of intrigue and surprise.
"That's a pretty cool Pokémon, Lucas," Dawn admitted, her voice carrying genuine admiration. "How'd you get it?"
Lucas chuckled, a fond smile spreading across his face. "Well, it was quite a story. I was exploring a forest near Jubilife, and I stumbled upon a group of these Pokémon. They were really active and seemed to be having a blast. I decided to give it a shot, and after a bit of a chase and some careful timing, I managed to catch this one. He's been a great partner ever since."
He then turned to his Pokémon, excitement in his voice. "Hey, Chatot, show Dawn what you can do!"
Chatot responded enthusiastically, flapping its wings and letting out a series of chirps. Following Lucas's cue, it repeated his words with surprising clarity, "Hey, Chatot, show Dawn what you can do!"
Dawn's eyes went wide, her mouth slightly agape. "Oh wow, a talking Pokémon!?" she exclaimed, genuinely astonished.
Lucas's grin widened, clearly delighted with her reaction. "Yeah, Chatot's quite the character," he said, nodding toward his Pokémon.
Chatot squawked loudly, repeating, "Quite the character, quite the character!"
With a smile, Lucas continued, "Actually, I had a proposition for you."
The Pokémon echoed his words with enthusiasm, "Had a proposition for you, had a proposition for you!"
Amused by the display, Lucas shook his head slightly, eyes twinkling. "Anyways," he said, trying to redirect the conversation, "I was thinking it might be beneficial for both of us to train together. What do you think?"
Chatot mimicked the suggestion energetically, "Train together, train together!"
Lucas turned to Chatot, his smile now tinged with a touch of exasperation. "Okay, Chatot, I think she gets it," he said, his tone firm but light-hearted.
"I think she gets it, I think she gets it!" Chatot squawked once more. The repetition brought a small, appreciative smile to Lucas's face as he looked back at Dawn, clearly trying to mask his frustration with good humor.
Dawn's eyes sparkled with curiosity and a hint of challenge as she looked from Lucas to Chatot. "You wanna train," she said, pointing toward Lucas before gesturing at herself, "with me?" A smile tugged at her lips, clearly intrigued by the idea. "You sure you can handle it?"
Lucas's grin returned, this time with genuine enthusiasm. "Absolutely," he replied, a spark of determination in his eyes. "I've got a lot to prove, and training with you sounds like a great way to start."
Chatot flapped its wings excitedly, echoing, "Sounds like a great way to start, start, start!"
Dawn chuckled softly, her smile widening. "Alright then, let's make it happen. But I'm warning you, I won't go easy."
Lucas nodded, his expression turning serious but still excited. "I wouldn't expect you to. Let's see what you've got."
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm orange glow over the forest clearing, Dawn and Lucas kicked off their training session with a burst of energy. The forest, alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant Pokémon calls, provided a vibrant backdrop for their intense workout.
Dawn, her face set with determination, gathered her Pokémon around. "Alright, Chimchar, Staravia, let's get this show on the road!"
Chimchar, his fiery spirit evident in his eyes, squared up for a sparring match with Turtwig, who was bracing himself for the challenge. Staravia, wings flapping in excitement, was ready to demonstrate his agility.
Lucas, equally focused, addressed his team. "Chatot, Turtwig, let's push ourselves to the limit!"
Chatot flapped its wings energetically, its colorful plumage shimmering in the sunlight, while Turtwig stood firm, ready to show off its sturdy defenses.
The training began with Chimchar and Turtwig engaging in a series of sparring drills. Chimchar's fiery attacks and Turtwig's defensive maneuvers created a dynamic exchange of moves.
Dawn cheered from the sidelines, "Great dodge, Chimchar! Keep that energy up!" Meanwhile, Lucas encouraged Turtwig, "Good job! Now, use Razor Leaf to break through!"
As the sun began to set, painting the sky with shades of purple and pink, the intensity of the training did not wane.
Chatot and Staravia took to the air, engaging in complex aerial exercises. Chatot performed intricate flight patterns with precision, its vibrant feathers a blur of color against the twilight sky.
Staravia, unable to fly but still agile, darted through the air, skillfully avoiding Chatot's aerial maneuvers with impressive jumps and reflexes.
On the ground, Shinx, who had initially been watching from the sidelines, was gradually drawn into the training. "Come on, Shinx! Join the fun!" Dawn's voice was encouraging and warm.
Shinx, with a hesitant yet hopeful step, approached and began training alongside Pachirisu. The two Pokémon engaged in a cooperative exercise, with Pachirisu using its quick movements to dodge Shinx's electrical attacks, creating a fun and challenging game of tag.
As the sky transitioned into twilight, the forest clearing was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. The Pokémon, now thoroughly exhausted but proud, lay scattered on the ground. Their breathing was heavy and labored, each one having given their all during the training session.
Chimchar, dripping with sweat and determined to push past his limits, balanced on one hand, performing push-ups with fierce concentration. Dawn, kneeling beside him, counted aloud with encouragement. "997, 998... come on, Chimchar, just two more!"
With a final, Herculean effort, Chimchar managed two more push-ups before collapsing onto the ground, his energy spent.
Shinx and Pachirisu, also visibly tired from their training, rested close by. Pachirisu's fur was slightly ruffled, while Shinx lay with an exhausted expression. Staravia, having dodged Chatot's aerial maneuvers with impressive agility, was now resting beside his teammates.
The clearing, now quiet except for the soft sounds of the Pokémon catching their breath, reflected the end of a long and productive day.
Lucas, observing the scene with a mixture of admiration and amusement, commented, "You've really pushed them to their limits, Dawn. That was some impressive training."
Dawn, looking at her tired but content Pokémon, smiled. "I'm glad you think so, Lucas. This was actually kind of fun."
Lucas nodded. "So, do you think you're ready to take on Gardenia again?"
Dawn shook her head, her expression resolute. "No, not yet. Not until there's not a single doubt in my mind that we can overcome her."
Lucas nodded, understanding the determination behind her words. "I get it," he replied, glancing at their tired Pokémon sprawled across the ground. "You know, we should do this again. Keep training until you feel confident you can beat her."
Dawn's resolve remained unwavering as she agreed. "No need to worry, I'm not going anywhere." She then looked around the clearing, considering her options for the night. "Well, I'm gonna be getting some rest over here. I used the rest of my money today when I got the boys some food," she added, gesturing towards her Pokémon. "I don't even have enough on me for one night at an inn, not after that whole debt business I had to pay off in Jubilife."
"Sure, I don't mind," Lucas replied, as he returned his Pokémon to their Poké Balls. He walked over to a nearby bush, retrieving something.
Meanwhile, Dawn approached her team, ready to congratulate them on their hard work.
"Good work today, guys..." she said softly, but was met with the sight of her Pokémon already sleeping soundly. Chimchar, Shinx, and Staravia were all nestled together, their exhaustion evident as they lay in a peaceful slumber.
A smile spread across Dawn's face, her heart warmed by the cuteness overload of seeing her Pokémon so relaxed and content.
She then noticed Lucas setting up his sleeping bag a short distance away. "Oh," she said, surprised, "I didn't think you'd be staying out here overnight too. I kinda thought you'd have a place to stay for the night."
Lucas looked up, a fond smile on his face. "I actually enjoy spending nights out in nature. It's peaceful, and it gives me a chance to connect with the environment. Plus, it's a great way to clear my head."
Dawn nodded her head and walked over to the nearest tree, taking a seat in front of it and setting her bag beside her. Lucas, noticing her simple setup, felt a pang of guilt. "Um, I'd offer you my sleeping bag, but uh—"
"Oh no, don't worry about that. I'm fine," Dawn replied nonchalantly, waving dismissively. "Besides, I've slept in worse places, like this time me and Barry accidentally camped near a Gloom. We woke up smelling like I'd rolled in a pile of dirty socks."
Lucas chuckled at her joke, the tension easing. As he settled into his sleeping bag, Dawn's earlier observation lingered in his mind.
She glanced over at him, her curiosity piqued. "Professor Rowan is really special to you, huh?"
Lucas turned to her, a bit confused by the sudden question. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, for you to become a Pokémon Trainer over him, he must really mean a lot to you," Dawn explained.
Lucas sat up in his sleeping bag, his expression turning serious. "Yeah, he does. He's more than just a mentor, he's…" He paused, the weight of what he was about to say evident in his eyes. "See, before I met the professor, I... well, my parents died when I was still wearing diapers. It was a car accident. It was bad. All I ever knew was foster care growing up."
Dawn's eyes widened subtly, her expression softening with sympathy as she listened.
"When I was about nine, Professor Rowan came in one day," Lucas continued, his voice tinged with both pain and gratitude. "I was bitter, lonely, and starved for affection. I'd bounced from one foster home to another, never really feeling like I belonged anywhere. Then Professor Rowan showed up. He saw something in me, something no one else did. He adopted me and brought me into his world. Taught me about Pokémon, about life, about finding purpose."
Lucas took a deep breath, the memories clearly affecting him. "He didn't just give me a home; he gave me a reason to believe in myself. He was patient, kind, and always there when I needed him. He showed me what it meant to care for someone, to have a family."
Dawn listened intently, moved by Lucas's story. She could see the depth of his gratitude and the profound impact Professor Rowan had on his life.
"I-I'm sorry, you probably don't care too much for this," Lucas said, looking down, almost embarrassed.
"No, I-I'm glad you told me that, Lucas," she assured him, her voice gentle. "It must've been hard for you, but I'm glad you were able to get where you are today."
"Yeah, thanks…" Lucas looked around, clearly affected by sharing such a personal story. He then shifted the topic, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm just lucky you were there that day in Jubilife. You heard, right? What happened to the Galactic criminals?"
A subtle shift crossed Dawn's face, her eyes reflecting a hint of sadness. She hesitated, her gaze lowering to the ground as she considered her words.
"Actually, Lucas, if it's alright with you, I'd rather not talk about that," she said softly, her voice carrying a quiet but clear sense of discomfort.
Lucas shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting around as he tried to dispel the awkwardness settling between them. He adjusted the sheets of his sleeping bag, grasping them tightly as he searched for a new topic to ease the tension.
"Uh, yeah, sure," he said, trying to sound casual. After a brief pause, he cleared his throat and asked, "So... what about you, Dawn? What are your parents like?"
Dawn looked up at Lucas, her expression a mix of resolve and vulnerability. She took a deep breath, her gaze momentarily drifting to the ground before meeting his eyes again.
"Well, parent, you mean," she began, her voice steady but tinged with an undercurrent of sadness. "I never knew my dad. He, um… well, I guess I wasn't good enough for him. He left before I was even born. My mom was left to raise me on her own."
As she spoke, her fingers nervously toyed with the hem of her sleeve, her hands resting on her knees. "For the first few years, it was just my mom and me, with some help from my grandma. She was the one I was named after. I still remember, like it was yesterday, the day she died. I was about four at the time, it was a heart attack that took her. I remember the rain pouring so heavily, pouring against the roof of the chapel; the scent of wet earth was so strong. It felt like the whole world was mourning with us."
Dawn's expression grew softer, almost wistful, as she continued. "It was the first time I ever saw my mom cry. It felt so strange, you know? I didn't even know adults could cry. I remember seeing her tears and feeling confused. It was like I was suddenly aware that grown-ups could hurt just like we could."
Lucas's gaze grew more solemn, the sadness in her voice resonating with his own memories of loss.
The girl paused, her gaze growing distant as she recalled the past. "When my mom had me, she was very young, and she gave up her dream of becoming a Top Coordinator to take care of me. For the longest time, I thought it was my fault that she gave up everything for me. But before I left on my journey, she told me it wasn't my fault—she told me she loves me."
She took a moment to compose herself, her eyes glistening with the memory. "I think... I miss her," she said, her voice carrying a quiet but poignant melancholy.
The clearing was enveloped in a serene twilight, the transition from day to night casting a gentle calm over Dawn and Lucas. There was a moment of quiet reflection after their shared stories, the weight of their experiences hanging in the air.
Lucas, breaking the silence, said thoughtfully, "I guess neither of us have had a very easy life."
Dawn gave a small, reflective smile. "At least we were both lucky enough to find people in life that gave us meaning," she said, her gaze lifting towards the sky. "You with Professor Rowan, and me with Barry."
A nostalgic tone colored her voice as she continued, "I haven't seen him in a while. Last time we met was just outside of Oreburgh. We battled, and I lost, of course. But he told me something that stuck with me—he said I was the strongest trainer he'd battled so far." Her smile widened, a touch of pride shining through. "Man, what a feeling that was. I hope I run into him soon. Knowing him, he's probably gotten all eight of his badges by now."
Lucas nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It sounds like Barry's a great friend to have. Oh man, back in Sandgem... I really misjudged you two."
Dawn offered a warm smile. "No need to worry," she replied softly, stifling a yawn.
Lucas glanced at the encroaching darkness. "Right, sorry. We should probably get some sleep." He began to settle into his sleeping bag, adjusting the cover for comfort.
Dawn nodded and took out her MP3 player and earphones. As she placed the earphones in her ears and turned on her device, she leaned back against the tree, finding a comfortable position. She closed her eyes, letting the soothing music help her drift into sleep.
"Goodnight, Lucas," she murmured, her voice gentle and tired.
"Goodnight, Dawn," Lucas responded, his voice carrying a hint of warmth.
In the early morning light, as the sun barely began to rise, a soft glow filtered through the dense canopy of the forest. The first light of dawn touched the sleeping forms scattered around the clearing.
Shinx, eyes blinking open to the gentle light, took in the serene sight before him. Chimchar and Staravia were curled up beside him, their breathing even and calm.
Dawn was nestled against the tree, her MP3 player resting beside her, and Lucas was sprawled comfortably in his sleeping bag, his face relaxed in sleep.
Shinx wandered away from the clearing, drawn by an unspoken urge for solitude. His tiny paws crunched softly against the forest floor as he made his way toward a nearby river.
The water shimmered under the morning light, casting reflections that danced across its surface. Reaching the river's edge, Shinx peered into the still water.
At first, his reflection was a familiar sight—his small, determined face framed by his electric-blue fur. But as he continued to stare, the image began to shift and blur, morphing into the figure of a Roserade. The sight was both surreal and unsettling.
The Roserade's form, though just a reflection, began charging a bright, menacing Solar Beam. Shinx's heart raced as the glowing energy built up, its intensity radiating from the water. Anger flared within him, mixing with the ache of his recent defeat.
He was already struggling with the weight of the loss, the lingering sting of failure from the previous day's training. The image of Roserade only made the feelings of inadequacy and rage more palpable. Sparks of electricity crackled around Shinx, his small body glowing with electric energy.
Without hesitation, Shinx unleashed a Thunder Shock, the burst of electricity crackling through the air before splashing into the river.
The water sizzled and frothed, the force of Shinx's frustration making waves crash against the riverbank.
The sudden outburst of anger was short-lived. As the electrified water settled, Shinx was left panting, his own reflection now just a ripple in the river. His anger began to wane, leaving behind a deep sense of isolation and self-doubt.
Unbeknownst to Shinx, Staravia had been quietly observing from the edge of the clearing. His usual playful energy was replaced by a more solemn demeanor as he watched Shinx's struggle. With careful steps, Staravia approached Shinx, his movements deliberate and gentle. He made his way to Shinx's side, resting close by without any need for grand gestures.
The bird Pokémon leaned in slightly, his body language conveying a sense of companionship and silent support. The flying-type's close proximity and the soft cooing sounds he made spoke volumes of his concern and understanding.
Shinx, his gaze still fixed on the now calm river, felt the presence of Staravia beside him. The unspoken bond between them was a soothing balm to his troubled mind. He looked up at Staravia, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and lingering sadness.
A rustling sound in the distance caught Shinx's attention. As he glanced over, he saw Chimchar standing at the edge of the trees. His back was turned, but even from this distance, Shinx could sense the warmth of his presence.
Chimchar's arms were crossed, a small smile playing on his lips. The simple gesture spoke volumes—he was there, offering support in his own way.
The fire starter took a moment before turning away from the scene, heading back towards the clearing. His actions were deliberate, and the smile he wore was a reassuring sign that he understood Shinx's turmoil.
The quiet between Shinx and Staravia was filled with a gentle camaraderie, the kind that needed no words.
Shinx felt the warmth of Staravia's presence, and he remembered something—he wasn't alone.
By mid-morning, the forest clearing was already buzzing with activity. The sun had climbed higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the training grounds.
Dawn and Lucas, alongside their Pokémon, were deeply immersed in their workout routine.
Shinx stood at the edge of the clearing, his blue fur shimmering under the rising sun. Today, he seemed more focused than usual, a determined glint in his eyes. Dawn and Lucas were both aware of his struggle the day before and had hoped this training session would help him regain his confidence.
Turtwig and Pachirisu were engaged in a game of tag, with Turtwig using his sturdy shell to block Pachirisu's nimble movements.
Chatot was practicing its flight patterns, performing aerial loops and dives with dazzling precision.
Meanwhile, Chimchar and Staravia were working together on a series of coordinated drills. Chimchar's fiery moves created a dynamic display, with flames darting and swirling as he practiced.
Dawn and Lucas exchanged approving glances at the sight of their Pokémon, each pushing themselves to their limits. But it was Shinx who drew their attention today.
The girl noticed Shinx's intense gaze fixed on Chimchar. The fiery Pokémon was performing a series of powerful Flame Wheels, his body engulfed in bright, spinning flames. Shinx watched, captivated by the display of fire and the way Chimchar controlled his flames with such precision.
With each turn and twist of Chimchar's fiery attacks, Shinx's eyes narrowed, his focus sharpening. As Chimchar executed a particularly fierce Flame Wheel, Shinx's tail began to spark with electricity, and he seemed to be deep in thought.
Dawn noticed the change in Shinx's demeanor and called out, "Good job, Chimchar! Let's take a quick break and let Shinx have a turn."
Shinx, still fixated on Chimchar's moves, approached Dawn with a determined look. His previous hesitation had given way to a newfound resolve. Dawn nodded in encouragement, "Alright, Shinx, show us what you've got!"
Shinx stepped into the middle of the clearing and faced a large rock, his body bristling with electric energy. He took a deep breath, concentrating on the fiery display he had been watching. The electric sparks around his body grew brighter and more intense.
To everyone's surprise, Shinx's gaze turned toward the rock, and he opened his mouth, but instead of a regular Bite attack, a burst of fiery energy erupted from his mouth. The flames surged forward, surrounding the rock with a fiery glow. The attack left a noticeable scorch mark on the surface, and Shinx, panting from the exertion, looked at the result with wide eyes.
Dawn and Lucas stood stunned, their expressions reflecting a mix of surprise and admiration. "Did Shinx just… useFire Fang?" Lucas asked, his eyebrows raised in astonishment.
Dawn, equally amazed, nodded slowly. "Woah, Fire Fang!? I've never seen Shinx use a move like that before."
Chimchar, noticing the commotion, trotted over to Shinx and patted him on the back, a gesture of approval and camaraderie. The two Pokémon shared a brief moment of mutual respect.
Dawn approached Shinx, her voice warm and encouraging. "That was incredible, Shinx! You picked up on Chimchar's moves and learned something new. I'm really proud of you."
Shinx looked up at Dawn, a mix of relief and pride in his eyes. The training session continued, but the focus had clearly shifted.
The discovery of Shinx's new move brought an air of excitement to each of the Pokémon, who now more motivated than ever, trained with renewed energy.
Shinx looked up at Dawn, a flicker of newfound confidence in his eyes. The Flash Pokémon stood tall, his stance firm and eyes alight with determination, ready to take on the challenges ahead.
Well ladies and gentlemen, that's this chapter. This one marks a major milestone for this story, I've officially caught up to where Metal Platinum left off, honestly, I'm really happy with this story so far. To be honest, training chapters are really hard for me, so for this one I decided to not just show the training but also the emotional depth of the characters and more of their backstories I may have glossed over.
Originally, I wanted to name this story Pokémon Metal Platinum: Redux, but I thought after coming up with so many changes that it deserved a more distinct title, so Neo Platinum it was. I was nervous to write this one, but I think it came out nicely, I'm thankful for that.
Okay, I'm gonna go play Pokémon Violet, till next time.
—yonas813, out.