Chapter 16: A New Member

Total Words: 2421

Reaching the stream again, Tyson started to collect water when he heard splashing sounds to his right. Turning, he saw the Feebas from the day before, gazing at him expectantly. Tyson chuckled and said, "Let me guess, you want more of the food I brought yesterday, right?" The fish nodded in response. Smiling, Tyson took out the small bag and gave the Feebas another piece of Pokémon Food, which it quickly devoured before returning to the stream. Shaking his head Tyson resumed filling his pot with water. To his astonishment, a small group of Pokemon soon approached, led by a diminutive amphibian Pokemon that resembled a blue, spherical tadpole. Following it were two others of the same species, and one that looked like an upright, armless axolotl.

"Poliwag and a Wooper?" Tyson uttered, bewildered at being approached by a group of Pokémon. The group paused momentarily and huddled together, seemingly in discussion, before the leading Poliwag came forward, presenting an item it had coiled in its tail. The object presented was a diminutive scale, glistening in the evening sun with a kaleidoscope of colors. Tyson, observing the scale, inquired, "For me?" His curiosity piqued as to why these Pokémon had approached him, especially bearing a gift. His confusion turned to understanding when the Wooper stepped forward and, using its tail, pointed to Tyson's pocket. "Hahaha, so it's food you wanted," Tyson laughed, realizing the connection. "I'm guessing you guys know that Feebas," he said, to which the leader Poliwag nodded in agreement.

Turning to Larvitar, Tyson asked, "What do you say? Is it okay if I give them the rest? In return, I'll treat you to your favorite once we're back." After a moment's thought, Larvitar nodded slightly, though Tyson could tell it was reluctant to part with its snacks. Tyson reached into his pocket and handed the remaining pieces of Pokémon food to the four, watching as they ate with joy. To his surprise, Wooper hopped over after finishing, looking up at him with stars in its eyes. "Sorry, little one, I don't have any more food," Tyson explained, and Wooper's head drooped in disappointment. Poliwag then handed the scale to Tyson and wandered off with his group, leaving him to ponder, 'Pokémon and humans aren't too different, when you think about it... well, except for the deadly superpowers'.

As Tyson collected the pot and began his journey back to the campsite, Larvitar and Trapinch trailed behind him. Perched in a nearby tree, the Gligar that had been following him wore a complex expression. It was taken aback by Tyson's kindness to the forest's Pokémon, yet it felt a pang of loneliness. Originally from the Michina Ruins with its family, human interference had led to its separation and subsequent loss in the Celestic Forest. Unfamiliar with the area, it survived by stealing food and battling other wild Pokémon, until it crossed paths with Tyson and Shane. Initially, it intended to harm Tyson, but after observing Larvitar and Trapinch, it hesitated and retreated. Driven by curiosity it shadowed Tyson, waiting for an opportunity to attack, never anticipating that he would extend such compassion to it and the other water Pokémon. With a leap it glided between the trees silently as it followed Tyson back towards the camp.

Upon returning to the campsite, Tyson noticed his grandfather had begun to prepare some mushrooms he had found, along with what appeared to be two small birds. These birds were primarily brown with cream-colored faces, undersides, and flight feathers. "Pidgey?" Tyson asked, puzzled, to which Shane chuckled and replied, "Don't tell your grandmother, but I bought these before we left." Tyson shook his head, placed the water on the fire to boil, and helped Shane with the meal preparation. The past two days had been an invaluable experience for Tyson; Shane's expertise in foraging and his guidance had bolstered Tyson's confidence in traveling the world, knowing how crucial it was to find food and a safe resting place. Moreover, Shane had shared techniques to deter dangerous Pokémon from their campsite without needing a repel on hand. The journey to the Crystal Cavern was also a good experience.

"So, kiddo, how was your grandpa's bootcamp?" Shane asked. Tyson answered, "The trip was quite laid-back, and I learned a lot of valuable things. However, from your talk with grandma, I thought this trip would be more like an actual bootcamp." Shane responded, "Sure, I could have made it similar to an army camp, but that wouldn't be fun. Besides, since this is our first camping trip, I wanted you to really enjoy your time outdoors," his words resonated with Tyson, bringing a smile to his face. The two worked together to prepare the Pidgey and with Shane's guidance Tyson learned to make Brown Bird Stew.

As they gathered around the campfire and night descended, they began their meal, sharing the stew with Larvitar and Trapinch. Observing the Pokémon enjoy their meal, Tyson addressed Shane, "Grandpa, you inquired earlier about whether I intended to specialize or remain a generalist. After much consideration, I've concluded that specializing is the preferable route for me," catching Shane off guard. Tyson had deliberated on his journey as a trainer for several months, and upon evaluating the costs, he concurred that specializing offered more benefits. Although it wasn't the decisive factor, assembling a Pokémon team required careful consideration of various elements, including the cost of items, type coverage, and training methods. "That's encouraging to hear, kiddo. Which type have you settled on, and what prompted this decision?" Shane asked. Tyson paused before replying, "Ground type. Having a shared type can streamline training, especially with grandmother's expertise in ground types, providing a valuable source of advice. Despite their lower speed, their overall offense and defense is among the best. My decision came after weighing all my options." Shane nodded, then questioned, "Why not rock type as well?" Tyson answered, "I considered it, but I'm uncertain if I can manage both Rock and Ground Type Pokémon effectively."

Shane smiled and said, "You mentioned earlier that you haven't decided whether to become a Trainer or an Adventurer. To answer your question, I proposed, why not both? I'll ask you again, son, why not both? With Bertha's and my guidance, you'll acquire extensive knowledge in nurturing ground types, exploration techniques and breeding skills. This, along with your passion for study, should suffice for your expertise in ground types and breeding. Regarding rock types, an old friend of mine is knowledgeable, especially since he owes your grandfather a favor," Shane concluded. Thinking about Shane's words Tyson thought 'This is true, I picked ground type as my grandmother's expertise would make learning the ins and outs easier. Rock type though...it wasn't that good a type, but it wasn't the worst'. "I don't mind giving it a try, but why rock?" Tyson added to which Shane replied with a smile "Because kiddo that was your favorite type when you were younger". As Shane's words reached him, Tyson began to reminisce. Visions of a young Tyson, eyes wide with wonder, watching a live broadcast of a Golem and Scyther in combat, surfaced in his thoughts. "Huh, that's true," he responded. The younger Tyson had a fondness for rock-type Pokémon, which led him to request one from his parents as his first Pokémon. Gazing at Larvitar, Tyson offered a smile and then turned to Shane, saying, "Sure." He wished to pay tribute to the old Tyson in this manner.

Hidden in the bushes, Gligar frowned as it watched the two continue to eat. Having not eaten much since it started following Tyson and Shane, the aroma of food tempted it to approach the camp, hoping to snatch some morsels. Despite its growling stomach, the nocturnal chorus of Pokémon and insects masked the sound. As Gligar inched forward, it hastily stepped on several sticks, drawing Larvitar and Trapinch's attention. Tyson and Shane paused, observing the Pokémon's reactions, and turned their gaze in the same direction. "Oh? Do we have a guest?" Shane inquired, causing Gligar to leap and generate more noise. Realizing the other party's unsuccessful attempt at concealment, Shane chuckled and filled another bowl with stew, invitingly saying, "You must be hungry. How about coming out and joining us for dinner?"

For a brief moment, silence enveloped the area, but it was soon broken by a figure emerging from the bushes, catching Tyson off guard. "It's you again," he said, recognizing Gligar. Shane looked at the small Pokémon and said, "So it's you, little friend. You must have followed us from the mountain. Since you've come this far, how about it? Care to join us? We have plenty of food." As Shane held out the bowl, Gligar's stomach growled loudly enough for the group to hear. Despite its evident hunger, Gligar hesitated, remaining cautious. Tyson, remembering his earlier conversation with Shane, surprised his grandfather by taking the bowl and approaching Gligar.

As Tyson arrived before Gligar, he knelt to meet its gaze and said, "You must be hungry, and I know you don't trust us, but if you don't eat this, you'll be forced to search for berries in the forest. That might seem like a good idea, but you could encroach on another Pokémon's territory. Why not join our camp for the night? You can leave once you're rested," offering the bowl of stew. At the scent, Gligar's stomach growled, and a dribble of saliva escaped. She locked eyes with Tyson, seemingly assessing him, then nodded, swiftly grabbed the bowl with her claws, and started eating. Tyson chuckled, remarking, "You must have been really hungry to eat like that," which made Gligar pause and blush with embarrassment. It was the first time a human had shown her such kindness. Tyson had tolerated her earlier when he let her take his berry, but now he displayed genuine concern, a feeling she had missed since being separated from her group.

Resuming his meal, Tyson kept a watchful eye on Gligar. Beside him, Shane, his grandfather, smiled at the resemblance between Tyson and his father. As he continued to eat, Shane thought fondly of the family resemblance. Later, as everyone settled down for the night, Tyson checked on Gligar and found it asleep next to Trapinch, using the ant Pokémon as a pillow. Observing the scratches on Gligar's body, Tyson realized it must have scuffled with the local Pokémon while trailing them. Retrieving a purple and white painted spray bottle from his grandfather's tent, Tyson reflected on a lesson learned in this world: potions were not the miraculous cures of the games but rather simple aids that supported a Pokémon's innate healing abilities.

As Tyson approached the slumbering Gligar, he carefully applied the potion to its wounds, taking care not to awaken it. Once he completed his task, Tyson, accompanied by Larvitar, retreated to his tent for the night. The following morning, Tyson was greeted by the unexpected sight of the young Gligar waiting outside his tent. The small Pokémon looked at him with a complex expression, reluctant to make eye contact. Tyson was unaware that Gligar had developed a profound gratitude for his kindness the previous night and wished to repay him, despite having nothing to offer. Observing this, Shane emerged from his tent, let out a chuckle, and remarked, "Seems like the little one has taken a liking to you, kiddo."

Upon hearing Shane's words, Tyson glanced at Gligar, who hesitated to meet his gaze. He knelt down and said, "You don't need to thank me; I'm just glad I could help." Gligar finally turned her head towards Tyson, meeting his eyes before bowing her head in embarrassment. Shane then said, "This little one is far from home and might struggle to hunt alone since the Pokémon of Celestic Forest form a tight-knit community. How about taking her as your Pokémon, Tyson?" This suggestion took both Tyson and Gligar by surprise. Shane continued, "You aim to become a ground-type specialist, so what better way to begin than by catching your second team member?". Tyson looked at his grandfather, then back at Gligar, and asked, "Well, it's up to you. Do you want to travel with me?" Gligar paused, then met his gaze without shying away and, after a few seconds, nodded in agreement with a small "Gli" ["I Agree"].

"Then welcome to the team Gligar" Tyson spoke receiving a bright smile from Gligar as it climbed onto his shoulder. Seeing this Shane chuckled as he removed an item from his bag which upon inspection was a Pokeball. "Well kiddo go ahead and seal the deal" Shane spoke handing the Pokeball to Tyson. With the ball in hand Tyson tapped Gligar on the head as she vanished inside and after a brief moment a click could be heard signaling her capture. "Welcome aboard Gligar" Tyson spoke as he released Gligar who returned to his shoulder with a bright smile and a "Gli" ["Yay"] which made Tyson chuckled. Despite their chaotic meeting, Tyson felt that Gligar would become a valued member of his team. Alongside him Larvitar gave a "Lar" ["Welcome to the team, remember to follow Tysons orders"] receiving a salute from Gligar.

As Shane watched on with a smile, he spoke, "Well kiddo, you've found your second team member," and then glanced at Trapinch, thinking, 'And hopefully a third.' "Yeah, this trip has been quite unexpected, to say the least, but we should head back while the sun is still high," Tyson replied, receiving a nod from Shane. As they began packing up the camp to return home, Tyson observed the trio of Larvitar, Trapinch, and Gligar helping out and chatting among themselves, thinking, 'I can't wait to join Coronet Academy and start traveling around the region with these two.' Soon, the camp was packed, and the group, now with an additional member, started their journey back home.

Pokémon Team:

Team Rank: 1

Larvitar

Gender: Male

Type: Rock/Ground

Abilities: Guts, Sand Veil [Developing]

Held Item: None

Moves: Rock Throw, Bite, Payback, Leer, Scary Face, Dragon Dance [Inherited], Ancient Power [Inherited], Stomping Tantrum, Sandstorm

Gligar

Gender: Female

Type: Ground/Flying

Abilities: Hyper Cutter, Sand Veil [Undeveloped], Immunity [Undeveloped] 

Held Items: None

Moves: Thief, Knock Off, Poison Tail, Quick Attack, Wing Attack [Inherited]