Arata's POV
Scrolling through the Pokédex research entries, I started reading the one I was looking for. It detailed one of the most devastating moves a Pokémon could learn: a pure, concentrated blast of spiraling energy so powerful it could level mountaintops, destroy large swathes of land, and even kill most Pokémon that took a hit from it. The Pokédex called it a "high-risk, high-reward" attack: maximum offensive output in a single devastating shot, but at the cost of complete exhaustion for a short period of time. However, some entries and videos I'd found showed Pokémon capable of using the move at a lower power level and continuing to fight.
It was rare. Extremely rare. Only a handful of Pokémon could learn it naturally, and even fewer trainers had the skill or the know-how to teach it to their Pokémon. Watching footage of it in action always gave me chills: that bright orange-white beam ripping through the air like a miniature sun, destroying reinforced concrete like butter. What a surprise it was to learn Orin had learned the move upon his evolution!
Closing the Pokédex with a mechanical whine, I observed the rocky terrain. Ignoring the gust of wind and the force buffeting me, we were an hour into Route 3, nestled in the foothills just outside Pewter. Jagged, rocky walls rose steeply on both sides, with surprisingly soft grass, patches of wildflowers, and a few scattered boulders that we had been using for target practice for the past couple of hours.
The first thing the girls and I did after disembarking from the shuttle bus was to quickly make our way to the nearest Pokémon Center to book beds for the next couple of days. As luck would have it, we were able to secure bunk beds in a single room to settle in. Marrie had wanted to look at some of the jobs that would be posted on the Center's notice boards to see if she could get some quick cash in the next couple of days.
It was something I supported, but I did mention to her that I could support them until Vermilion, using the funds from the lab. I was pretty sure the Professor had implicitly agreed to it, especially since he was essentially taking Maggie under his wing. It was only prudent that the girls' family would be taken care of, but Marrie was stubborn to a fault and wanted to try and chip in where she could.
I could see how this stubbornness could have led her deep into the forest to find Pokémon, I thought, bemused despite myself.
With the plan in place, the girls and I split up late morning. They headed to a job that needed some cute Pokémon for a birthday party. As for me, this was the perfect opportunity for training before my scheduled match tomorrow in the Boulder Gym, hence why I'm here.
I steadied myself after a surprisingly powerful shockwave as I glanced to my right. The two budding titans clashed against each other in training. They had been going at it for some time, focusing on perfecting their moves against each other. I watched as Orin raised his arm and brought it down in a Hammer Arm. Caesar took it like the champ he is, but I could see that he was feeling those moves; he could not ignore Orin anymore.
Orin had grown strong, I thought with a smile. The other two were on the other side of the clearing, going through their own training.
"Orin! Caesar! Pause for a second, guys!" I called out to the Pokémon. Both Pokémon stopped mid-motion and turned toward me. Orin's massive chest was still heaving with effort, while Caesar stood tall, looking at me with his reptilian face
"How about Orin tries out his new move," I suggested, "and Caesar meets it with Protect?"
Orin gave me a stubborn, almost sulking look. He clearly knew how much Hyper Beam took out of him when he'd tried it before. The Ursaring grumbled deep in his throat, but after a moment, he gave a nod, accepting the challenge.
I stepped back as Caesar walked back, giving Orin some space.
"Whenever you're ready, Orin."
The Ursaring planted all four limbs on the ground, his claws digging into the dirt. His whole body tensed as he began gathering energy. A low, building growl rumbled from his chest, growing louder and deeper until the air itself seemed to vibrate all around him. This went on for nearly ten seconds. Then, with a silent roar that shook the clearing, Orin opened his jaws. A blinding white-orange beam erupted outward in a spiraling lance of raw power that lit up the entire rocky terrain, forcing me to squint and hold my arms up in front of my face to block out the light. The Hyper Beam raced through the air, terrifying in its intensity, even though the beam was small, barely bigger than half my torso.
Caesar braced himself, lowering into a wide, low stance. A shimmering dome of energy snapped into existence around him just as the beam slammed home.
Protect.
The impact was deafening. The force of the Hyper Beam pushed Caesar backward several feet, his legs carving deep furrows into the ground. The massive Fraxure snarled, his muscles bulging as he poured everything he had into keeping the barrier intact. Cracks began to spiderweb across the shield, but Caesar refused to yield, roaring back at the beam in defiance.
Livia and Titania had wandered over at the sound. Livia hovered nearby before lowering herself next to me, clearly impressed even if she tried to play it cool. I had to withhold a snort as Titania stared at the clash with pure awe, her snout slightly open as if she were witnessing something legendary.
The Hyper Beam finally sputtered out with a dying whine. The brilliant light faded, leaving Orin swaying on his feet before slumping onto the ground with a thud, completely spent.
Caesar dropped his Protect with a tired huff. He gave Orin a complicated look that made me glance at him for a second. I smiled in relief when he nodded at the large bear, acknowledging the power behind the attack.
I couldn't help the proud grin that spread across my face at them.
"Alright, you two, that's enough for today," I called out. "Great work, both of you."
Orin let out a tired groan and rolled onto his back, staring up at the sky like he never wanted to move again. Caesar shook himself off and lumbered over, giving the exhausted bear a swat with his tail.
I walked over, crouched beside Orin, resting a hand on his thick fur. "You did amazing, big guy. We'll work on shortening that recharge time and improving your energy reserves."
Through our bond, I felt a faint pulse of pride mixed with exhaustion. "With that said, how about we have another session?" I asked my team. My question was met with nods and agreement as we settled down on the ground. I closed my mind and spread out my power to them, with the intent of further empowering them.
Later in the Day
I came out of the communal shower in the Pokémon Center before making my way to our shared room. I had submitted my Pokémon for a routine checkup to the nurse on shift, who had promised they would be ready for pickup tomorrow morning, as they had no debilitating injuries. Afterward, I grabbed some dinner from the cafeteria, paying a premium for some extra protein.
I opened the door to the room, greeting the girls who were huddled together on a single bed in comfortable clothing, laughing and giggling to themselves. Maggie was gesturing wildly with her hands while Marrie listened with a fond smile. It was nice seeing them like this. I packed up my toiletries in my bag before dropping onto the soft mattress, feeling my aching muscles relax. I turned my neck to the girls.
"So, how was your day?"
Maggie's eyes lit up, as She practically bounced on the bed before launching launched into her story.
"It was so great! We went to this birthday party for a girl named Nancy, and Princess was basically the MVP! Everyone kept saying how cute she was, and they even let us dress her up in little ribbons and a tiny party hat. She loved it!"
Marrie chuckled softly beside her.
"And guess what?" Maggie continued, barely pausing for breath. "We met a new Pokémon! It was grey and super cute and had this spring-like tail! The girl who was its trainer was so mean and wouldn't tell me its name..."
I leaned over as she handed it to me. On the screen was a clear shot of a sleek, grayish feline Pokémon with sharp eyes and a long, spring-like tail that curled playfully at the end. "Glameow," I said automatically. "They're native to the Sinnoh region. Pretty rare to see one all the way out here in Kanto."
Both girls stared at me with wide eyes.
"Wow... you really know a lot," Marrie murmured, clearly impressed. I chuckled, a little embarrassed at their praise, as I realized that most people really wouldn't have the specialized knowledge I did, nor the opportunity to work in Professor Oak's lab.
Damn, I really am blessed, I thought. Before I could say anything, Maggie bounced again in her place on the bed.
"See, Marrie! Arata could totally help you train! You should join that contest!"
Marrie looked a little embarrassed. "I don't know, Maggie... Princess and Vinny aren't that strong yet."
I tilted my head. "What contest are we talking about?"
"It's a small, local one here in Pewter the day after tomorrow," Marrie explained, suddenly a bit shy. "Not an official League event or anything. Just for beginners. But... do you think we're strong enough to even participate?"
I thought about it for a second, then answered honestly.
"Your Pokémon could probably clear the appeal round without too much trouble if you prepare for it; they're cute. But the battle round... they'd struggle as they are right now."
Marrie's shoulders drooped a little, as disappointment flickered across her face.
Then I added, "But I wouldn't mind helping you train while we're here. Give you some tips, maybe polish up a few moves. If you want."
Her head snapped up, eyes brightening again. "Really? You'd do that?"
I shrugged with a small smile. "Sure. We could stay back after my gym challenge tomorrow, and I could help you train. You might not win, but it could build a solid portfolio for when you apply for Contest sponsorship. Might as well get some experience."
Marrie thought for a while before nodding with a small look of determination. "Okay, I'll join it."
Maggie cheered and tackled her sister in a hug. As they both giggled, they settled in for the night.
"Well, let's get some rest. Tomorrow is the big day," I thought before closing my eyes.