The wind rustled the leaves overhead as Caelan stood facing the old man, his thoughts swirling with questions. The serene clearing, once filled with the sounds of Rattata's training, now buzzed with a new tension–a tension brought by the mysterious stranger and his cryptic words.
Caelan's gaze narrowed, his curiosity outweighing his caution. "The Physical-Special split?" he echoed; the term unnervingly familiar.
In Nolan's world, this was a term used to describe the change in how Pokémon moves worked in the main series games. Previously, a move's power was determined by the type itself—Fire, for instance, always relied on the Special Attack stat.
But in the fourth generation of games, this changed. Moves were classified as Physical or Special based on their nature, not their type.
'For that concept to exist here is... impossible. That was just a video game update—how could it be relevant to real life?'
He was shaken from his thoughts by the old man's nod, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "It's one of the most fundamental concepts in Pokémon training. Understanding it could make or break how quickly your Pokémon grows."
Caelan crossed his arms, leaning slightly forward. He didn't fully understand, but he wasn't about to turn away free knowledge. "Explain."
The old man's smile widened, pleased by Caelan's directness. "I will, but first, tell me something. What is the energy that Pokémon use in battle? Do you know?"
Sensing that this was a test of some sort, Caelan closed his eyes in contemplation.
For Caelan, accessing Caleb or Nolan's memories was like flipping through the pages of a book. While his current memory wasn't flawless, he had an almost encyclopedic understanding of their lives.
Yet, no matter where he looked or how thoroughly he searched, there was no concrete answer to this question in either of their experiences. While concepts like "Type Energy" or "Aura" existed in Nolan's world, neither clearly defined what exactly Pokémon used in battle. And while Caleb had useful survival skills, he knew nothing about Pokémon.
Eventually, Caelan conceded. "I… don't know."
The old man raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he quickly masked it. "Oh hoh? It's rare for the youth these days to admit they don't know something." He paused, giving Caelan a scrutinizing look. "Are you sure? Think hard. Take all the time you need."
Caelan shook his head, resolute. "No, that's okay. I really don't know."
"Mm. Wise." The old man nodded approvingly. "It's better to admit your ignorance and learn than to arrogantly know nothing at all." He stroked his chin thoughtfully, his eyes studying Caelan with renewed interest.
Caelan stood firm under his gaze; his expression steady. He didn't fidget or break eye contact, patiently allowing the silence to stretch as he waited for the old man to continue.
Eventually, the old man waved off his thoughts, his hand cutting through the air dismissively. "To preface this, I need to know if you understand something. How does a Pokémon's Class Level increase?"
Caelan straightened slightly, his confidence returning. "A Pokémon's Class Level improves with a combination of both physical training and achieving victory in difficult battles. Additionally, their energy reserves increase incrementally each time they exhaust themselves."
The old man rolled his eyes, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Mm, yes. A textbook answer." Caelan couldn't help but smile at the small praise. "But the wrong one."
"...What?" Caelan's smile faltered, confusion setting in.
The old man sighed, shaking his head with a hint of disappointment. "Yes, it is quite depressing how out-of-date the Trainer Association's technical information is. I suspect that's where that answer came from?" Caelan nodded absently, his mind racing to absorb this new information. "If it isn't about Pokémon moves, the Association isn't quite as reliable as they portray themselves."
Caelan pressed his lips together, forcing down his frustration. 'Of course, they wouldn't care about giving Youngsters misinformation. Linda was nice enough, but I can't fully trust the Association.'
Though his opinion of the Trainer Association didn't shift completely, the old man's words planted a seed of doubt in his heart.
"There are two major energy sources within a Pokémon's body," the old man suddenly began, his tone shifting into that of a seasoned lecturer. "There is Aura, the reflection of the soul. It is present in all life forms, representing one's ability to exist. And then there is Element, the reflection of the heart. It is present only in Pokémon, and rarely in people."
Caelan's brow furrowed as he absorbed this, his thoughts churning to make sense of it. The old man's words seemed to carry a weight, a truth that felt instinctively right, even if it contradicted what he'd learned from the Trainer Association.
"If the goal is combat," the old man continued, his gaze locking onto Caelan's, "then using raw Aura is insufficient. It is only through applying an Element to one's Aura that it becomes tangible, capable of affecting the world in a meaningful way."
Caelan nodded slowly, his thoughts clicking into place. "So when we're talking about increasing a Pokémon's Class Level, we're really talking about increasing the amount of Aura they have."
"Precisely," the old man confirmed, nodding sharply. "But there's more to it. Aura is not a single, uniform energy. It's a mixture of two components. Physical Energy, which is strengthened through improving the body, and Special Energy which is developed through mental and esoteric methods. Battling, for instance, tempers a Pokémon's willpower and grows their Special Energy by honing their mental focus and resolve."
Caelan's eyes narrowed in concentration, his arms crossing over his chest as he considered the implications.
"Some Pokémon," the old man continued, "require a higher ratio of Physical to Special Energy, depending on their nature. Physical Energy is essential for Pokémon that rely on their bodies, like Machoke or Onix. On the other hand, Special Energy is crucial for Pokémon that are less physically inclined and rely more on their mental faculties or mystical abilities, like Alakazam or Gengar."
Caelan's gaze drifted to Rattata, who had paused her training to watch them. Her body was small but quick, built more for agility than brute strength. He could see how this concept applied to her.
"So, understanding the Physical-Special split isn't about moves at all," Caelan murmured more to himself than to the old man. "It's about tailoring the training to match the Pokémon's inherent nature, balancing their Aura to maximize their potential."
The old man's eyes gleamed with approval as he stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Exactly. Training Pokémon isn't just about pushing them to their limits; it's about understanding what they need to grow. For some, that means rigorous physical training. For others, it's more about meditation, mental exercises, or even remaining calm in harsh environments."
But Caelan wasn't listening any longer, his eyes closed and his mind whirring as he internally dismantled and rebuilt his framework of Pokémon training. The old man's insights had unraveled a deeper understanding within him, one that echoed the mechanics of the games in ways he hadn't fully grasped before.
'It's all related to the stats, isn't it?' he concluded, a sense of clarity settling in.
If Special Attack and Special Defense were labeled with the '-Special' tag, then it followed that base Attack and Defense were tied to something else—Physical Energy, most likely.
Meanwhile, Speed and HP were stats dependent on the Pokémon. While HP was still a mystery, it was clear that Speed could be derived from both physical or special methods. The difference between a fast runner and a quick flier.
Perhaps HP was a factor of the Pokémon's species? Both Chikorita and Snorlax had the same defense stat, but anyone with a brain could tell that Snorlax could take more hits.
Caelan had no way to confirm any of this, but the pieces fit together too well to dismiss.
As he finished formulating his theory, Caelan opened his eyes, intending to thank the old man for guiding him down this path.
But the clearing was empty.
Caelan blinked, searching the area. Yet no matter where he looked, the old man was gone, as if he had never been there at all.
A shiver ran down his spine, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of resolve. The mysterious old man's words had shifted his understanding of Pokémon training, but they had also sparked something else—a new idea, one that could be the key to unlocking Rattata's potential.
He glanced down at Rattata, who had wandered over to him after his conversation with the man had ended and was looking up at him expectantly. His brain clicked into gear, piecing together the fragments of a new plan.
"If Rattata benefits mostly from Physical Energy, then…" he trailed off, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "We're going to need a lot more than an empty field and a few drills."
An idea started to form, and with it, a renewed determination. Caelan's gaze sharpened, his next move clear in his mind.
"Better training facilities," he muttered to himself. "But that's easier said than done."
He wasn't sure how he would manage it, but he knew one thing: he wasn't going to let this opportunity slip through his fingers.
"Come on, Rattata," he said, his voice firm. "Let's head back. I've got a plan."
And with that, they began walking back to the city, the next step in their journey already taking shape in Caelan's mind.
The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows as Caelan and Rattata walked through the bustling streets of the city. The past few days had been a blur of training and strategizing, Caelan's mind constantly returning to the old man's words.
Despite having a plan, he had no guarantee that those plans would succeed on his first try. But this didn't deter Caelan, so he tried again.
And again.
Over and over he let the sting of rejection slap him in the face, but he pushed forward regardless. After all, the plan's first step was by far the most difficult, so he had no problem shrugging off his failure and trying once more.
What exactly was the first step? Well…
The receptionist in front of them, a stern-looking woman with sharp glasses, barely looked up from her screen. "Name?"
"Caelan," he replied, striving for confidence. "I'd like to inquire about membership."
She looked up, her gaze settling first on his face, then drifting to Rattata. A subtle sneer formed on her lips. "We have standards here. Trainers are expected to have a certain... caliber." Her eyes flicked over his attire once more.
It wasn't the first time he had been turned down with just a look. Caelan wasn't naive enough to think that it would be the last time, either. Still, he really didn't want to just lie down and accept that rejection.
"I know that Rattata's species aren't known for being impressive, but–" Caelan began, unwilling to give up.
Before he could finish, a voice behind him interrupted. "You're here dressed like a beggar with a dirty street rat on your shoulders. Do you really expect to be taken seriously?"
Caelan turned to face the voice, an emotionless expression on his face. It was a tall man, clad in designer trainer gear with a smirk on his face. Beside him loomed a shiny Machoke, its muscular green arms crossed.
"You must be out of your mind if you thought you had a chance in joining the Silph Battling Club. Can you even afford it?" the man continued, laughter dancing in his eyes.
Rattata bristled, her fur standing on end. Caelan placed a calming hand on her head. "Ignore him," he murmured.
Taking his own advice, Caelan returned his attention to the receptionist. "Thank you for your time." His tone was polite, though there was a tightness in his jaw that belied his frustration with the rejection. With that, he turned to leave, giving Rattata a reassuring pat on her head as he did so.
As they exited, the man's mocking voice trailed after them. "Maybe you should start with a nursery, not a Battle Club!"
Caelan almost rolled his eyes. Grown ass man bullying a child to feel superior. How pathetic.
Outside, Caelan exhaled slowly. "Forget him, Rattata. His words are nothing but empty chatter." He wasn't bothered by the man himself. He'd been rejected and ridiculed so many times in the last few days that he'd lost count, so the man didn't do much besides cause a scene.
The chances of joining the most exclusive Battle Club in the region were slim, but it was the last one within a reasonable distance from his house.
Now he had no choice but to trek all the way across town for another shot.
The Battle Club was a phenomenon that he remembered debuting in the anime of Ash's adventures in Unova. But once again they were different from the fictional show, being a facility that was as common as the Pokémon Center in every major region.
Essentially, the Battle Clubs served as training facilities where trainers could improve their Pokémon's skills, engage in frequent battles, and learn from experienced battle coaches. They were also places where trainers could compete in matches for money.
In other words, an actual gym for Pokémon, not just a place to challenge a single strong trainer.
Caelan's plan was simple: join a nearby club, battle others to earn enough money to pay for his membership and use the facilities to further Rattata's training.
It was a quick, but solid plan in his opinion.
Sadly, he hadn't anticipated one little factor.
He glanced at his reflection in a nearby window as he walked, noting the dirt smudges on his face and frayed edges of silver hair. It was disheartening to realize that his appearance mattered far more than he'd hoped.
Even if he had the money to pay for membership, most clubs sent him away with a look, their reputation being far more important than the few bucks he provided.
His eyes drifted across the window as they slowly settled onto the reflection of his only Pokémon. While he might've been dirty and disheveled, he'd made sure that Rattata was perfectly clean and groomed. She was the star of the show, and he wouldn't let anyone convince him otherwise.
Fueled by that thought, he steeled himself and continued toward the final Battle Club of the day.
The building was a marked contrast to the Silph Battle Club. Smaller and less ostentatious, it exuded a welcoming charm. The exterior was clean and well-kept, with a modest sign reading "Stardust Battle Club" hanging above the door.
Caelan glanced at Rattata with a hopeful smile and pushed open the door. Inside, the atmosphere was relaxed, far removed from the sleek luxury of the previous club. The decor was functional, reflecting a focus on genuine training rather than opulence.
A young woman with a kind but tired expression sat behind the reception desk. Her eyes widened slightly upon noticing Rattata perched on Caelan's shoulder, but she quickly masked her surprise.
'Is that a good sign or…' He shook his head, trying not to overthink.
"Welcome to the Stardust Battle Club," she said, her voice carrying a hint of weariness. "How can I help you today?"
Caelan cleared his throat, attempting to mimic Nolan's charming smile. "I was wondering if you have any spots open?"
She opened her mouth as if to say something but stopped herself when her gaze drifted over to Rattata again. With a thoughtful look, she spoke again. "One moment, please."
Without another word, she stepped away from the counter, leaving Caelan to observe his surroundings.
The Battle Club was clearly well-funded, with a well-maintained training area visible through an open door. Various Pokémon training equipment was neatly arranged, and the walls were adorned with trophies and plaques.
The club was clearly well-funded, with a well-maintained training area visible through an open door. Various training equipment was neatly arranged, and the walls were adorned with trophies and plaques. Despite its less flashy appearance compared to the previous club, there was a sense of genuine care and focus on training here.
As he waited, Caelan felt more surprise than hope. We weren't immediately turned away…? Why did she seem so interested in–
Almost as quick as she left, the receptionist returned, her expression now far more alert than the earlier fatigue. "We don't usually consider applications without a thorough examination. However, given some special circumstances, we might have an opening for you."
Caelan blinked, his first instinct being that of suspicion. That was fast. I didn't even tell her my name…
But with a shake of his head, he let himself feel an ember of hope. "An opening?"
"Yes," she confirmed, scrutinizing him closely. "But first, we'll need to see how you and your Pokémon perform in battle, of course. If you pass the test, we can discuss your position at a later time."
Her wording was unusual, but Caelan was too excited to question it. "That's fine. We're ready whenever. Right, Rattata?"
"Rraatta!" She exclaimed.
The receptionist gave a small smile at Rattata's enthusiasm. "Great to hear. Follow me, and we'll get started."
She led them through the modest hallway, the walls lined with framed photos and snapshots of past battles. The sound of Pokémon battling and trainers shouting in different rooms echoed through the halls, creating a sense of intensity that sent a thrill of anticipation through Caelan.
As they walked, Caelan couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Position? Did she mean a spot in the club, or was she implying something else? The thought nagged at him, but he pushed it aside. Right now, he needed to focus on the task at hand: proving that he and Rattata belonged here.
They arrived at a set of double doors, which the receptionist opened to reveal a spacious battle room. The floor was marked with the standard lines of a battle arena, and the walls were reinforced, likely to withstand the impact of powerful moves. At this late hour, no trainers were present, with a few coaches on the sidelines chatting casually.
Standing off to the side of the room was a man in a lab coat, his arms crossed as he observed the equipment in his hands with a critical eye. The receptionist waved him over, and he approached with a no-nonsense expression.
"This is Dr. Hayworth," she introduced. "He'll be overseeing your recruitment battle."
Hayworth didn't waste any time on pleasantries. "Let's get started, shall we? I don't have much time to waste on this," He pressed a button on the tablet in his hand, causing a door on the far side of the arena to slide open with a soft hiss.
With a few more buttons, there was a flash of red light, and a Pokémon appeared in the shadows, standing with eerie stillness. Slowly, it stepped into view with uncanny precision, its eyes devoid of emotion. The Pokémon–Tyrogue–was unlike any Pokémon Caelan had seen before. There was something unnatural about the way it moved, each step perfectly measured, each muscle contraction executed with machine-like efficiency.
"This Tyrogue has been methodically trained to learn and adjust to differing strategies with exacting precision," Dr. Hayworth explained. "It will not hold back, so be prepared."
Caelan swallowed, suddenly aware of the weight of the challenge before him. This wasn't just a test of strength; it was a test of strategy and adaptability against a Pokémon who fought more like a machine than a living creature.
Like a soothing balm on his frayed nerves, he watched as Rattata hopped off his shoulders and stood front and center without a word.
Taking a deep breath, he thought back to the last few days of training he had with Rattata. Since the initial training method was a bust, he instead focused on modifying Rattata's moveset. While he didn't know how to teach her other moves, that didn't mean he couldn't experiment with the moves she already had.
'All we need to do is follow through,' he thought.
As if sensing his readiness, Rattata's ears twitched, her gaze never leaving Tyrogue. "Raaatta," she declared, her voice low but resolute.
"Begin," Hayworth commanded, his voice cold and authoritative.
The Tyrogue charged forward, its movements swift and calculated, giving off the facade that it had analyzed every possible move Ratata could make.
But that was impossible, especially for a Pokémon of average intelligence like Tyrogue.
Unfazed, Caelan commanded with confidence. "Let's finish this quickly, Rattata. Use the Afterimage Technique: Second Gear."
Rattata tensed, ready to spring into action. But just as she was about to move, Tyrogue's eyes flashed with sudden aggression. Before Rattata could react, Tyrogue was already in her face, blurring forward with blinding speed. A sharp clap echoed through the room as Tyrogue slammed its palms together, creating a small shockwave that sent Rattata skidding backward.
Caelan's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected move. Tyrogue had used a priority move–Fake Out. The move was notorious for both its speed and its ability to make the opponent flinch, and it had been executed flawlessly.
"Hang in there, Rattata!" Caelan called, his voice steady despite the rapid shift in the battle. Rattata clearly heard him as she shook her head, clearing the disorientation, but the opening attack had done its job. Tyrogue's eyes locked onto Rattata, its expression unchanging as it settled into a boxing stance.
Hayworth observed with a cool, detached gaze, his fingers dancing over the tablet in his hand. "It won't let up," He remarked, his eyes fixed on the battle. "It's trained to press any advantage."
As if on cue, Tyrogue advanced swiftly, its fists coated in burgundy wisps of energy as it launched a barrage of jabs at Rattata. The punches were relentless, each one more precise than the last, forcing Rattata to backpedal.
'What is that move, Mach Punch? She can't take much more of this...'
"First Gear!" Caelan ordered; his voice sharp.
Suddenly, Rattata snapped out of her scrambling just in time. A white energy enveloped her form as she darted to the side, narrowly avoiding a powerful punch as she became little more than a blur of purple. First Gear—the base level of the Afterimage Technique—was meant to be used for quick dodges and repositioning, but they needed to buy time to set up for Second Gear.
During their training, he noticed that there were certain points where Pokémon moves could be canceled in exchange for either another move or just stopping altogether. The only two moves Rattata knew that could synchronize were Quick Attack and Tackle. All she had to do was use Quick Attack and then cancel it, using the momentum from Quick Attack to bolster the power of Tackle.
But another move that technically synchronized was Quick Attack with itself. If she canceled the move before impact, she saved a majority of the energy necessary while keeping the added momentum.
It wasn't quite as powerful as Agility, seeing as she could only go in straight lines, but it was enough to create the Afterimage Technique–a personal technique to take advantage of Rattata's speed.
Tyrogue, however, wasn't giving them any breathing room. It pivoted on its heel and immediately resumed its assault, each punch more accurate than the last. Rattata dodged one, two, then three punches in rapid succession, but Tyrogue was relentless, closing the gap with every step.
"We need space! Screech, now!" Caelan commanded.
Rattata's mouth opened wide as she let out a piercing screech, the sound reverberating through the battle room. Tyrogue flinched, momentarily thrown off balance by the harsh noise. Taking advantage of the brief opening, Rattata dashed away, slipping out of Tyrogue's immediate reach.
"Second Gear!" Caelan called, his heart pounding in sync with the rhythm of the battle.
With ample time to prepare, Rattata's eyes sparkled with determination as she sprang into action. Her form blurred as she executed the Afterimage Technique, her Quick Attack creating a series of fleeting afterimages that danced around the arena. Her small body moved with a grace that belied her size, each movement precise and deliberate.
Tyrogue shook off the effects of the Screech, its eyes narrowing as it realized it was losing ground. Standing stoically, it tracked her with an almost mechanical focus.
Rattata completed the first leg of a triangular pattern, her Quick Attack leaving behind a faint trail of afterimages. She pivoted sharply, her body slicing through the air as she began the second leg. The momentum built with each burst of speed, the air crackling with the intensity of her movements.
Caelan watched intently, calculating the energy buildup with each step. The key to the Second Gear was not just in creating confusion but in building up momentum for a final attack. He could almost see the energy coalescing around her, the result of the rapid movement and accumulated speed.
Tyrogue's expression remained unchanged, its focus unwavering. Despite the flurry of movement around it, the Pokémon stood firm, its stance a testament to its disciplined training.
Suddenly it shifted, lowering itself to the floor in a fluid, almost unpredictable posture. Its body spun low to the ground, leg sweeping out in a snap kick as it attempted to interrupt Rattata's momentum.
'Low Kick, probably.' Caelan noted. 'Not much she can do here but persevere.'
Rattata faltered slightly as the leg came toward her, but instead of stopping, she used the leg as a stepping board, propelling herself upward and continuing the triangular pattern. The momentum continued to build, her speed becoming almost too fast for the eye to follow.
Caelan felt a surge of hope. If they could keep this up, they might just be able to win the fight despite the initial problems. They were at a severe disadvantage with their lack of training and type difference, but it could end here if she cleanly landed her attack.
But Tyrogue wasn't done yet. It switched fighting styles again, this time standing tall and lifting its leg into the air, reminiscent of a fighting style that Caelan recognized.
'It knows Muay Thai as well?! Wait… Boxing, Muay Thai, and… whatever that last one was. Is this Tyrogue emulating the fighting styles of all its evolutions?' He theorized, the pieces finally clicking into place.
Closing its eyes, Tyrogue's legs began to glow with a faint white energy.
Hayworth's eyes widened as he saw Tyrogue preparing for something. "No, it's too soon for that move!" he called out, his voice betraying a rare hint of concern.
But Caelan saw the opportunity. "Attack!" he commanded, knowing they had to strike before Tyrogue could complete its attack.
Rattata shot forward, her entire body a blur as she poured every ounce of built-up momentum into the Tackle. Tyrogue's eyes snapped into focus as it bent its knee and leapt high into the air, flipping in the air as its knee surged with burgundy energy. Rattata narrowly missed Tyrogue and spun to target its airborne form.
"Don't let that energy go to waste! Tackle, now!" Caelan urged.
The energy slowly petering off of Rattata suddenly swirled around her violently in an upsurge of power. The ground slightly cracking under her paws, Rattata pounced into the air with a devastating Tackle.
The two Pokémon met in mid-air, the clash of their attacks sending a shockwave through the room. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as the two forces collided, each one pushing the other to their limits. Then, with a thunderous crash, they both slammed into the ground.
Dust and debris were kicked up, obscuring the battlefield. Caelan held his breath as the dust began to settle, revealing the aftermath.
Rattata lay slumped on the ground, clearly exhausted, while Tyrogue remained standing, albeit with a noticeable limp.
Caelan's heart sank.
It was a quick, heart-racing battle, but in the end… they had lost.
Before he could fully process the outcome, Dr. Hayworth stepped forward, his eyes narrowing in concern. He tapped a few commands into his tablet, studying the data as it streamed across the screen. "Not ideal," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
Caelan clenched his fists, bracing for the result.
"Tyrogue," Hayworth called out, his voice sharper than before. The Pokémon's eyes flickered with recognition, but it was clear it was struggling to maintain consciousness. Hayworth frowned, kneeling down to examine it more closely. "You pushed too far," he said, his tone a mix of reprimand and concern. "You weren't ready for that move."
Tyrogue swayed slightly before its eyes rolled back, and it collapsed onto the ground, unconscious. Hayworth sighed, his expression one of quiet disappointment. He glanced over at Caelan, his usual detachment giving way to something more serious.
"You showed promise," Hayworth finally said, his tone even. "But this battle... It's a draw. Not only did Tyrogue disobey and use a forbidden move, but it would've also continued standing even if it was dying. That's just how its species are wired."
Hayworth nodded curtly. "Get your Rattata checked out. Despite the outcome, you've shown commendable enough skill."
With that, Dr. Hayworth returned to his data, his focus already shifting back to his tablet. The battle, though important to Caelan, was merely another piece of data for him to analyze.
Caelan moved to Rattata's side, gently lifting her into his arms. As he made to put her in her Pokeball, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of fulfillment. Despite the unexpected challenges, they had held their ground against a formidable opponent.
Their first battle wasn't a victory, but it wasn't a loss either.
Author's Note: While the whole concept of this fic is a trainer winning due to brain rather than brawn, I'm pretty nervous about this. I don't really know how to write battles yet, but I tried my best.
Whatever the case may be, I hope y'all enjoyed the chapter.
