His ears twitched, and for a second, I thought he might back away. But instead, he looked at Kirlia, then at Nidorino… and finally at me.
He didn't speak—no one there could—but his gesture was clear: he agreed. Not enthusiastically, but with conviction.
"Well," I said, letting out a calm breath, "that's all I needed."
I placed my hand in the center of the circle. Nidorino covered it with his paw. Kirlia, with her gentleness, instantly joined in. And after a brief hesitation… a warm paw landed on top.
We stood there for a few seconds, in silence, with the lights off and only the dim glow of the PokéNav monitor illuminating the room. The world out there could wait.
Tomorrow… the real work began.
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If you want to support the story and read some advance chapters (+7) https://www.p@treon. com/Jayjayempi , it would also help me a lot if you have comments on how the story is going or if you would be so kind as to leave a review, Thank you very much for reading!
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-The sun was just beginning to rise over the rooftops of Cerulean City when I opened my eyes, still enveloped in the warmth of the Pokémon Center room. The previous night had been peaceful, despite everything my mind had processed after what had happened on Mt. Moon, Andrew's battle with Misty, and my own turbulent emotions that hadn't quite settled.
I looked at my three companions. Kirlia was sitting in a corner, her legs crossed, her eyes barely closed, as if meditating in a deep sleep. Growlithe was sleeping at the foot of my bed, curled up, his chest rising and falling rhythmically. Nidorino was snoring lightly, lying sideways on the carpet, his horn still bearing a faint dark mark from his last training session.
I sat up in bed, slowly, so as not to wake them. I felt different. More focused. As if the chaos that had been Mt. Moon had settled inside me, creating a new resolve. I had a team. A purpose. And for the first time, real friends.
A couple of hours later, after feeding them, wiping Growlithe off with a wet towel, and getting dressed, I took Growlithe down to the Pokémon Center reception desk. Andrew was already waiting for me there, leaning against the wall in his dark blue jacket. He greeted me with a smile and a calm nod.
"Ready to try out that Thunderbolt you showed me off last night?" he said mockingly.
"More than ready"
We headed to the center's training ground. An artificial plain with stone pillars, simulated bushes, and stationed targets. Andrew unleashed his Horsea and Dratini, and I alternated between Kirlia and Nidorino in combat. The fights weren't intense, but they were strategic. We were looking for perfection, coordination, and adaptation.
When Nidorino launched his first Thunderbolt, it was like seeing a new Pokémon. The lightning bolt shot out of his horn like a glowing spear of light and energy, and the target exploded into sparks. Andrew whistled, impressed.
"That's definitely not a move one would expect from a Nidorino…"
"That's exactly what I want you to believe." I winked at him, savoring the surprise.
We battled for hours. We changed partners, strategies, and evaluated how our Pokémon performed under pressure and fatigue. Even Kirlia developed greater precision with her Confusions while moving. And although Growlithe didn't battle, he watched everything from my arms, curled up as always, but more attentive than usual.
As the sky began to turn orange and purple, we lay down on the synthetic turf to catch our breath.
"It's impressive how you're training your Pokémon, Max. They're not just strong, they're full of character… they have something of you in them," Andrew said with genuine admiration.
"Thank you," I replied. "And thanks to you and your Pokémon, they're gaining a lot of experience, so I want to repay the favor and introduce you to someone."
Andrew stood up and looked at me curiously. "Who?"
"Charlotte."
He looked at me with narrowed eyes. "Do you think this is a good idea? Honestly, I'm feeling a little nervous."
I nodded. "She and her friends must be near the city fountains. I'd like to introduce you… formally."
We headed there and quickly found them. Charlotte was sitting on the park bench in the middle, with her two friends on either side. They were laughing at something I couldn't hear, but as soon as they saw me, the laughter turned into mocking whispers and nudges between them.
"Maxwell!" Charlotte exclaimed, feigning surprise. "What a coincidence…"
One of her friends whispered something to her, and Charlotte blushed slightly. She feigned indifference.
Andrew smiled kindly and raised his hand. "Hi… I think we met on Route 4. You and your Fletchinder gave me a hard time."
Charlotte looked at him for a few seconds, then pursed her lips slightly, as if remembering something bothersome. "Oh, yeah… you were the one who used Deino, right? You almost beat me. Or well, I guess you did."
Andrew laughed nervously. "Yeah… sorry about that."
"Whatever," Charlotte said with a nod. But then, without much dissimulation, she turned to look at me again. "So what are you doing here? I thought you were training with your friend…"
One of her friends snickered.
Charlotte glared at her. Andrew forced an awkward smile.
"That's what I've been doing, I've been training with Andrew ever since, in fact he already beat Misty and got his second Badge.
"Ah… I was at the gym too… Misty is stronger than she looks."
Charlotte's expression changed instantly. Her eyes narrowed, and her left eyebrow lifted in what I already knew was a sign of discomfort. She added,
"Misty, huh? That's good for you. Did he also invite you to dinner like he does with all the rookies who beat him?"
Andrew tried to laugh, but his voice trailed off. "No, it was just… a battle. Nothing more."
Charlotte jumped to her feet. "That's great. Then, if you'll excuse me, I have things to do."
And without further ado, she left, followed by her friends who could barely contain their laughter.
Andrew remained silent for a few seconds, his gaze on the ground.
"I'm sorry," I said finally. "Charlotte can be a little… intense, especially since with her fire-type team, it'll take her a while to defeat Misty."
"It's not your fault," he said with a sigh. "I don't have much of a chance with her, do I?"
I put a hand on his shoulder.
"Not yet. But that doesn't mean never. Just be yourself… and don't talk about Misty."
Andrew laughed, although it sounded a little sad.
"Thank you, Max. Really."
"That's what friends are for."
As we walked back to the Pokémon Center, Andrew, still dejected, bumped into someone.
Andrew staggered back, surprised by the blow, and reflexively raised his hands. I took a step forward instinctively, as if I could stop time before anything bad happened.
"Hey, be more careful!" said the boy Andrew had bumped into, taking a step back while dusting off his jacket. He didn't sound aggressive, more like annoyed, but controlled. His tone was more arrogant than threatening.
I recognized him as soon as I saw him.
Light brown hair, confident demeanor, razor-sharp gaze. Blue.
And right behind him, like a calm shadow, stood Red. Slightly shorter, his cap tilted forward, his gaze calm… but so penetrating I felt it piercing right through me. His aura was different. As if he knew something I didn't yet understand.
Andrew blinked. "Sorry… I didn't see you coming."
Blue examined it in detail for a second, as if his brain were searching through mental archives. Then he frowned slightly.
"Was your brother on Route 4 recently? Red and I fought a guy with red hair a couple of days ago. Pretty tough… and pretty dumb, too."
Andrew shook his head, confused. "I don't have any siblings."
Blue raised an eyebrow. "No? Well, they could be twins. Same hair color, same 'I have a secret that makes me better than you' face."
The conversation remained there. Dry. Cold. The air was as taut as a violin string. I wanted to say something, to break the awkwardness, but I felt my heart hammering in my chest.
They were there. Blue and Red. Right in front of me.
The future champions. The walking myths.
I wasn't ready for this.
Red looked up, first at me, then at Andrew, and then at the Pokémon we were carrying.
"Are you training?" he asked. His voice was soft, almost expressionless, but not hostile. Almost… curious.
"Yes," Andrew said, sounding calm. "We're coming off an intense session."
Red nodded, then looked around. "Blue and I were going to spar… but if you guys are free, we could do a double battle."
I felt like the world stopped for a second. My heart skipped a beat. Andrew looked at me, excited. I looked at him, pale.
I couldn't say no. Not in front of them. Not in front of Andrew. Not in front of Charlotte, who was a few pews away, probably watching. And certainly not in front of myself.
I nodded awkwardly. "Sure… it would be an honor."
"Four against four," Blue said. "Us two, you two. Double battle. Each of you uses two Pokémon."
Red nodded without adding anything. Andrew and I looked at each other. Kirlia and Horsea were our first choices. The four trainers took up positions at the sides of the training ground, while several curious people began to approach.
Blue, with the natural confidence of someone accustomed to winning, threw his Poké Ball. Out popped an Eevee, with shiny fur and sharp eyes.
Red, quieter but no less focused, sent out his partner: Pikachu, who landed with an electric squeak, already sparking with anxiety.
I took a deep breath.
"Go, Kirlia," I said. My psychic companion gracefully appeared, her silhouette hovering just above the ground.
Andrew smiled. "Come on, Horsea."
The four Pokémon faced each other in silence. The air was thick.
"Confusion!" I ordered.
Kirlia released her mental energy in a pulsating wave, forcing Pikachu back. But the electric mouse quickly stabilized.
"Agility," Red said, not raising his voice much.
Pikachu disappeared in the blink of an eye, appearing behind Kirlia, and delivered a brutal Quick Attack. My companion screamed, backing away. Before she could regain her balance, Pikachu finished her off with a Thunder Shock straight to the chest.
The electrical flash was blinding.
Kirlia fell.
"Kirlia!" I ran over and carefully picked her up, returning her to her Poké Ball. It hurt to see her like this… but she'd done her part.
I took out the next Poké Ball without hesitation.
"Nidorino, I need you!"
My purple companion fell to the ground with a jump, puffing furiously.
Beside him, Horsea had been struggling to cope with Eevee. They both looked injured. Andrew gave the order just in time.
"Bubble Beam, now."
The bubbles impacted, slowing Eevee just as Nidorino charged forward with a devastating Horn Attack. The fox was sent flying, rolling several meters before coming to a standstill.
Blue gritted his teeth, but he didn't lose his cool. "Good. Wartortle, into battle."
The Pokémon appeared with a low roar, spinning around and glaring at the two rivals.
Red, meanwhile, was forced to switch to Pikachu after being hit by a Double Kick from my Nidorino. "Charmeleon."
The fire lizard roared as it appeared, its tail blazing brightly. Andrew frowned. Horsea was also on her last legs. With a wave of her hand, she called him back and threw her second Pokeball.
"Come on, Deino."
The small dark dragon entered the field. He moved guided by his instinct.
"Dragon Rage!" Red shouted.
The blue flame crossed the field, colliding with Nidorino, who barely managed to withstand the impact. He staggered, gasping for air.
Andrew chimed in. "Deino, Bite. From behind!"
The Charmeleon spun around just as the dragon's bite caught it in the side. It roared in pain.
"Now, Double Kick, Nidorino."
My Pokémon's hind legs landed square on Charmeleon's abdomen. The lizard fell to the ground with a hoarse groan. It didn't get up.
Red pressed his lips together in surprise and returned it without a word.
Blue turned slightly toward him. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah. I just didn't expect that."
But the fight continued. Wartortle wouldn't stand idly by.
"Water Pulse," Blue said.
The jet of water hit Deino full-on, knocking him to the ground. The dragon tried to get up, but his legs gave way. He fell limp.
Andrew lowered his head. "Good work, buddy," he said softly, returning it.
Now only Wartortle and Nidorino remained. Both were panting, covered in dust and scratches. They glared at each other with suppressed rage.
"Nidorino, Poison Sting."
"Withdraw and Water Gun," Blue replied.
The toxic spikes flew just as Wartortle hid in its shell, absorbing some of the damage. Then, the jet of water hit Nidorino, who roared as he was swept away.
It was a wild back and forth. Horn Attack versus Bite. Water Pulse versus Double Kick.
Until, finally, both Pokémon collided with their full weight. One final blow.
A cloud of dust rose.
I held my breath. Andrew did too.
When the ground settled, the two Pokémon were on the ground. Nidorino was panting, as was Wartortle. Neither of them moved anymore.
A murmur ran through the audience. And then, Blue raised his hand.
"Draw."
I knelt beside Nidorino. He was conscious. He opened his eyes with difficulty and gave me a gentle nudge with his horn, as if to say, "We did it, didn't we?"
"Yes," I whispered. "You did it perfectly."
Red walked over, putting away his Poké Balls. "I didn't expect them to be this good."
Blue nodded, looking at Andrew. "That Deino is trouble. But a good kind of trouble."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Andrew replied with a half smile.
The atmosphere, which had been charged with tension and nerves, immediately relaxed. Camaraderie grew between us like an invisible bridge. It was then that I couldn't help but add, with a smile that seemed to conceal something between joking and certainty:
"I'm pretty sure the next regional champion is among the four of us."
I said it with a low laugh, almost like a private code, as if we had shared a secret that no one else understood.
The four of us looked at each other, a moment suspended in time where competition gave way to trust and a mutual respect that only a difficult battle could forge.
Red raised an eyebrow, amused.
Blue gave a short laugh.
Andrew nodded, with that sparkle in his eyes that only those who know that this moment was just the beginning have.
I stood up, stretching my legs, and felt a new kind of nervousness mixed with excitement run through me.
"Well, this isn't the end of it," I said. "Whenever you want, we can train together again."
Red approached, extending his hand.
"Deal."
And so, in that moment, we weren't just four trainers on an ordinary journey. We were partners on a path that could change everything.
Trainer: Maxwell Jones
Hometown: Pewter City
Sponsorship: None
Money: $71,200 Pokedollars
Badges: 1.- Boulder Badge
Expandable Travel Backpack (Deluxe)
1. 3 potions (1 slot)
2. 3 Rage Candy Bars (1 slot)
3. 10 Pokeballs (2 slots)
4. 1 Escape Rope (1 slot)
5. 1 Red handkerchief with 20 orange berries (1 slot)
6. 3 Antidotes (Poison Cure) (1 slot)
7. Badge case (1 slot)
8. PokéNav (1 slot)
9. Travel Cooking Kit (Includes a folding frying pan, small knife, kettle container, and mini lighter, all in a compact case) – 2 slots
10. Pokémon Food Ration (6-day ration bag) (3 slots)
11. Human food ration (canned and freeze-dried food for 6 days) (2 slots)
12. Basic Camping Kit (Includes Compact Tent, Sleeping Bag, and Collapsible Lantern) – 3 Slots
13. Basic Pokemon care kit (1 slot)
14. Moon Stone (1 slot)
15 TM Rock Slide
Occupied slots: 21/30
Pokémon
Nidorino
Gender: Male
Level: 24↑
Moves: Read, Peck, Focus Energy, Double Kick, Poison Sting, Rage Attack, Horn Attack Helping Hand, Thunderbolt, Toxic Spikes↑
Kirlia✨
Gender: Female
Level: 22↑
Moves: Disarming Voice, Teleport, Growl, Double Team, Hypnosis, Draining Kiss, Lucky Chant, Psybeam, Charm, Magical Leaf↑
Growlithe
Gender: Male
Level: 24 Moves: Read, Ember, Howl, Bite, Flame Wheel, Flamethrower, Odor Sleuth, Fire Fang
EXTRA
Pendulum necklace