Chapter 12 - Pewter City and Cerulean City - Part 1 - A well-deserved and long overdue Ass Kicking
(Cerulean Dewgong Diner, Cerulean City, Kanto Region, Pokémon World)
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(Cobalt POV)
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Cobalt and Acerola were in Cerulean City, they were presently in a small diner where Cobalt and Acerola were going over the data he'd gathered from various sources. They were deciding whether or not to stick with their original goal of challenging Pewter City before Cerulean City or to challenge Cerulean before they headed towards Pewter and inevitably had to backtrack to Cerulean anyway.
''What do you think Cobalt? Statistically what favors us the most?'' Asks Acerola.
''Hmm, Flint is a purist, he has Pokémon who use moves that match his chosen typings. The Cerulean Sisters use Water-Types with either a second type or have a collection of moves of alternate typings to shore up their weaknesses.'' Cobalt says before sighing heavily.
''But?'' Asks Acerola.
''Challenging Flint gets our mons some extra experience before a tougher opponent. Especially considering we don't know which Cerulean Sister will face either of us. Each one has the same generic Pokémon except for one. They each have a Pokémon that gives them an ace over others. Daisy, the oldest, allegedly has the most powerful. Now that could be a Gyarados, but I can't be sure considering the Sisters are known to travel to other regions.'' Says Cobalt.
''We challenge a weaker gym to gain experience and give our mon's a headstart. Or we challenge the slightly tougher opponent who there are three of, and we have no real chance of knowing whom we will face of those three. If we beat the Cerulean Gym first, the amount of progress our Pokémon gain will be a leap compared to what we'd gain challenging Flint first.'' Acerola counters.
''Maybe, but I'd like to avoid any surprises when we draw first blood on our journey to the Kanto Pokémon League. Flint is a person I can build a more specific strategy towards. He's easier to build a strategy around because he's not the type of trainer to be so flashy and out there.'' Says Cobalt.
''Maybe, but wouldn't it be easier to build a strategy against the Gym Leaders here, their local shows would give us ample opportunity to get an idea of how to counter them.'' Says Acerola.
''No, because there's three of them it's very hard to build an effective strategy around that. The sisters are known for occasionally doing double or triple battles as well, so that's another problem, honestly beating flint first gives us the better chance against the sisters.'' Says Cobalt.
''Well it's early days, and our only real experience IS local tournaments, so in this particular case, I'll defer to your judgment Cobalt.'' Says Acerola.
''That gives us a day for our next train. I was hoping to visit Cerulean Cave when we first arrived here, but we might want to run the length of Route 24 for a few hours if only to find some more Pokémon. Some of them could prove useful especially since the connected Route 25 is the veritable gateway for other regions Pokémon to migrate here.'' Says Cobalt.
''What's been known to be found there?'' Acerola asks.
''Ahh, off the top of my head? Abra, Oddish, Venonat, Bellsprout, Bidoof, Buizel, HootHoot, Slakoth, Psyduck, Slowpoke, and Buneary.'' Says Cobalt thinking hard.
One of the reasons he wanted to hit that route was because of his suspicions that that was where Ash had gotten his Charmander, the other was to get his hands on an Abra. The longer he had one in his possession, the better off he'd be against Sabrina, since it would give Abra the necessary time to evolve into Kadabra. Cobalt knew his biggest threats to getting past the gyms of each region, he'd done his homework. As far as Kanto was concerned; Surge, Sabrina, Giovanni, Koga, and Blaine represented his biggest threats.
Some wouldn't count Koga, but remember this was a guy who in the original canon eventually joined the Elite Four after Lance became Kanto's Champion. And as far as Blaine was concerned he was the penultimate Gym Leader before Giovanni so of course he'd be a difficult challenge.
Cobalt turned to face Acerola, having been looking out of the nearby window.
''I think we both should consider capturing an Abra as Sabrina is considered a particularly brutal Gym Leader and hopefully either by the time we get to Saffron City or some time during the battle we will have given it enough time to evolve into a Kadabra.'' Says Cobalt as he shows Acerola the various headlines about Sabrina.
Putting her finger to her face thoughtfully as Acerola often does, she hums thoughtfully.
''Well, an Abra would fit me quite well. I am after all well-suited to Ghost, Fairy, Dark, and Psychic-Types.'' Acerola says.
''Not to mention that your pull with those Typimgs is quite high.'' Says Cobalt, before looking at her expectantly.
''Well then, let's go.'' Acerola says as they stand up and start to pack up what they'd brought out.
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(Route 24)
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Cobalt was stewing in frustration. They'd not so much as walked fifty feet down route 24 before they found an Abra. And under the assumption another one wouldn't take long to find he let Acerola catch this one.
That had been two hours ago, and since then? Not another single fucking sighting. Cobalt wasn't happy, which was just another reason why he was thankful he'd already sent Pidgey out looking for a Charmander on a rock as soon as they'd stepped onto route 24.
Still, he had asked Greedy Rapooh to search for another Abra, and what does Rapooh do? Rapooh decides to play a prank. Cobalt wasn't amused to start with, but Greedy Rapooh was an important part of his life. So Cobalt gave Rapooh a light scolding, before cheering him up with some special food.
''Gen! Gengar!'' Rapooh taps his shoulder and points forwards. There low and behold was Pidgey circling a particular area squaking bloody murder.
''Oh Shit!'' Cobalt says bolting towards Pidgey's location.
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(POV Shift: Cobalt's Pidgey)
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His master gave him a task, and though Pidgey felt it a task doomed to fail, he did it anyway. But Pidgey was surprised to find his task had succeeded. He had found a Charmander. But this Charmander was in bad shape.
Which was why he was calling on his masters mates Gengar. That little imp could them here fast.
Finally, Pidgey caught sight of his master zooming towards the Charmander.
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(POV Shift: Cobalt)
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Cobalt gently picked the Charmander up and turned to Greedy Rapooh.
''Rapooh, take us to the Route 25 Pokémon Center.'' Says Cobalt.
''Gengar!'' Rapooh replies, letting Cobalt and Acerola jump into Rapooh's body for emergency travel. Though Cobalt naturally returned Pidgey to it's Pokéball first.
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Having arrived at the PC, Cobalt had placed Pidgey and Mimikins on watch, expecting Charmander to escape, though Cobalt made sure to give it a pre-cooked curry to regenerate some health
He'd also sent Acerola back to Cerulean City PC, he wanted away when he fucked Damian's face up.
Speaking of which...
''I'm going to kill that trainer.'' Cobalt mutters, glancing to Greedy Rapooh and nodding his head to the dirtbag nearby.
Cobalt turned to Rapooh.
''Gengar?'' Rapooh asks.
''Record that Motherfucker, and when I say fuck you, trash the Security cameras.'' Says Cobalt.
''Gengar!'' Rapooh agrees menacingly.
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''So your the Bastard who abandoned Charmander?'' Cobalt says cracking his knuckles.
''Step off mate, you don't want to mess with Damian!'' The prick says.
''Fuck you!'' Cobalt says punching Damian square in the nose, breaking it, before beating his punk friends and hurling Damian head first through a plate glass window.
''Rapooh give me a hand!'' Cobalt says as he drags the asshole away. ''We're going after Charmander.'' He says loud enough for the Nurse Joy to hear as she comes running out alarmed.
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''Yo! I thought you had a Charmander too!''
''Yeah, I had one. But that puny thing was so weak it couldn't even beat the weakest opponents.''
''So what did you do with the Charmander?''
''Eh?! I left it on some rock in the woods. That thing is so stupid! No matter what I do to it it keeps on following me. I finally got rid of it by promising I'd come back for it. It fell for it, it's probably still there waiting!''
Cobalt turns the recording off, and stomps hard on Damian's balls to wake him up, before having Rapooh restrain him.
Cobalt sat beside Charmander.
''It's sad, your loyal to a worthless fucking trainer who abandoned you because he was a shit trainer. He's abandoned you, but your still loyal.'' Cobalt says.
''Who the fuck are you calling worthless?'' Damian snaps and Charmander whips around excited, though still weakened.
''Char!'' Charmander leaps to hug his trainer but to Cobalt and Charmander's own shock his trainer back hands it after breaking free of Rapooh's grip momentarily.
''Char!?'' It says teary-eyed.
''If you still need hand-holding to survive your even more useless than I remember.'' Damian replies.
Cobalt stays silent, but his fists are clenched so hard he's bleeding.
''You are one dead man!'' Cobalt says as he suddenly lunges at the already fucked up Damien and starts beating on him, before settling on throttling him.
Watching the life drain from him, Cobalt abruptly releases him. The bastard gasps violently for air before getting stomped unconscious.
Cobalts hands are shaking and still bleeding but he manages to pick up the bastards Pokéball belt and crushes each of the three remaining Pokéball's against the nearby tree both releasing the Mon's inside from their homes and the bastards control.
Observing the Mon's in question, Cobalt is admittedly somewhat surprised to see an Alolan Vulpix, Snivy, and Slakoth.
''You each have a choice, you can stay and be loyal to that abusive piece of shit, run away and enjoy your freedom, or you can stick around and join me. That includes you Charmander! I believe in you and your potential.'' Says Cobalt as the dejected and miserable Charmander who had began walking away with its head down crying now whips it's head around to face Cobalt in surprise.
''C-c-charmander? Char? Char?'' It says nervously pointing at itself.
Approaching it Cobalt kneels down in front of it cloth in one hand and sprays potion on it. He then rubs it gently across where Charmamder's now former trainer had backhanded it.
''You will always have a place with me Charmander, for as long as you want it.'' Cobalt says, and charmander begins crying before jumping into Cobalt's arms desperately.
''Char! Char. Char? Charmander!?'' It seems, that Charmander was desperate for affection.
Cobalt pets it gently, his still enraged heart calming and indeed breaking at the sight of charmander crying.
''Charmander.'' Cobalt says gently, getting it to look at him, and as it does so it looks fearful. Perhaps fearful of Cobalt deciding not to welcome it along with him after all.
''Char?'' It says nervously.
''You and I will have a lot of fun together.'' Cobalt says, as he holds out a Pokéball for Charmander. Without hesitation, Charmander accepts by head butting the button and letting itself be captured. The Pokéball vanishes to Viridian City as Cobalt still hasn't been able to increase his carry limit because of his lacking Gym Badges.
Turning around Cobalt wasn't surprised to see at least one of the freed mons had run off. In this case it was the Vulpixx, but Cobalt was somewhat dumbfounded to see an Abra observing him with interest.
Quickly Cobalt takes advantage of it and throws another Pokéball.
Unlike with Charmander's who's Pokéball didn't wriggle at all, Abra's wriggles five times before accepting it's fate and being sent to the VC PC. ''What about you two?'' Cobalt asks turning to Snivy and Slakoth.
Snivy turns it head at him as stands with the unconscious bastard. Slakoth however drags itself towards Cobalt lazily.
''Sla...koth'' It says, and Cobalt places a Pokéball before Slakoth who lazily captures itself before being sent off to Viridian City Pokémon Center too.
''Suit yourself Sniffles, but the second he raises his hand to you...beat his ass.'' Cobalt says walking away...before smirking sinisterely and nodding at Rapooh who briefly swallows up Snivy, but drops out some black pitch and feathers.
''I'm going to enjoy this.'' Cobalt says as he begins to tar and feather the bastard.
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''Alright Rapooh, we'll let the tar and feathers dry, but eventually I want you to drop him and Snivy in in front of the nearest police station hanging by his ankles. Feel free though to have your fun, just make sure the recorder is stuck to him in some way. I want this getting out to the press.'' Cobalt tells Rapooh.
''Gengar!'' Rapooh replies cackling evilly with a salute.
''In the meantime I'm headed back to Cerulean, sooner I swap out one of my team for Charmander, quicker I can care for it properly. See you soon Greedy Rapooh!'' Says Cobalt waving at Rapooh from over his shoulder.
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(POV Shift: Greedy Rapooh)
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As master left, Greedy Rapooh went rummaging in his pit of goodies.After Master so badly punished and humiliated Rockruff's former trainer, Rapooh like any good Gengar began stockpiling various tools to punish such people with.
Depending on the severity of both what set Master off, and how badly Master hit back, Rapooh had various options.
Among Rapooh's favorites? A Tattoo gun, chains and cuffs, glue, ash, and paint. But given Master's penchant for humiliating these menaces by way of tar/pitch and feathers, Greedy Rapooh not only stocked up on those every chance he got, but, he also got new stuff. Which is why the Marker was currently in Rapooh's hands.
Drawing a variety of obscenities on his victims Face, Greedy Rapooh takes his red marker and draws ''ABUSER'' on his forehead.
And now comes the glue....
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(POV Shift: Cobalt)
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Cobalt was walking back into Cerulean City, he had briefly wondered whether or not Rapooh would use that tattoo gun of his again.
Don't know how and why Rapooh has one, let alone where gets the ink to refill it, but Rapooh would do his job.
Cobalt's second stop and last for that matter would be the Cerulean City Pokémon Center. He had a couple of options to swap out for charmander. Weedle, Rockruff, and Pidgey. However the fact that Rockruff knew Iron Tail and Earth Power, and that Pidgey knew Steel Wing disqualified them.
Thus Cobalt was seriously considering swapping out Weedle for Charmander temporarily. He wanted to keep Charmander close. In fact that was why Cobalt had made a point to buy several ingredients and berries first beforehand.
He wanted to bond more with Charmander and foster friendships between it and his Pokémon. But first he needed to introduce Charmander to Acerola.
Heading over to the transfer station, Cobalt puts his Pokedex in, waits for it to be scanned, puts Weedle in for Transfer, and selects Charmander. A few minutes later, and Weedle's Pokéball is whisked away and Charmander's suddenly appears.
Taking it he sits cross-legged and opens it.
''Charmander!'' it says before looking at Cobalt happily and leaping at him for affection.
Cobalt catches him and gives it pats and affection, before placing it in front of him.
''Charmander, there's someone who I'd like you to meet. She's very special to me, so I expect you to show her the same affection you've shown me thus far. Can you do that?'' He asks Charmander.
''Charmander! Char.'' It replies eagerly.
''Good. Do that and I will use you to help make some more food. It's so hard to get the temperature right.'' Cobalt says, and although he's muttering the last part Charmander picks up on it and looks at him happily.
''But first let me introduce you to some friends of mine. Come on out!'' Says Cobalt, releasing his Pokémon from the confines of their Pokéball's.
Out came Bulbasaur, Ace, Rockruff, Pidgey, and Snorlax.
''Charmander, this is Bulbasaur, Meowth, Rockruff, Pidgey and Snorlax. I also call Meowth Ace. Eventually, each of you will earn yourself a name. Speaking of which, Pidgey, because you helped us find and as a result rescue Charmander, from henceforth you shall be called....Garuda.'' Says Cobalt as he pets Pidgey.
Turning to his other mon's Cobalt smiles gently. ''Soon my friends.'' He tells them. ''Now then, Charmander, lets go meet Acerola.''
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(Time-Skip: Next Morning)
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Acerola and Cobalt were aboard one of the trains headed to Pewter City.
They were almost to Pewter City, and one of the first things Cobalt had planned on doing was going to the fossil laboratory. Or he had, before he'd been forced to change his plans. There were two main laboratories for Fossils in Kanto, one was in Pewter City and another less well-known one was on Cinnibar Island.
Cobalt had taken the time since leaving Pewter City to check on the Egg he got from Scyther.
He'd asked Nurse Joy to test it when he supplied her some of his foods back in Cerulean.
It was showing signs of entering the hatching cycle, but would still be a while before the egg actually hatched.
He'd have her check again after they challenged Cerulean City. But until then, Cobalt would have to be prepared for Brock. He couldn't be sure whether or not Flint had abandoned them yet, but it was still worth building up a backup strategy.
Which was why he'd checked Charmander's stats before they had left. Damian didn't truly the hidden gem he had in Charmander.
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Charmander (Male):
Abilities: Blaze, Solar Power (Hidden)
HP: 39
Attack: 52
Defense: 67
Special Attack: 48
Special Defense: 53
Speed: 65
Known Moves: Attract, Beat Up, Captivate, Cut, Defense Curl, Double Team, Double Edge, Ember, Fire Spin, Smokescreen, Work Up.
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His Defense and Special Defense was quite high and what was also good was that there were a number of ways those moves of it could be utilized in very effective strategies against stronger opponents. For instance, using Smokescreen as Cover using Defense Curl to boost defense and Work Up to raise the attack Power on the sly.
While Cobalt was on the subject though, he'd also checked the stats of Abra and Slakoth. Both had a couple of things going for them.
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Abra (Female):
Abilities: Synchronize, Magic Guard (Hidden)
HP: 25
Attack: 45
Defense: 20
Special Attack: 95
Special Defense: 55
Speed: 90
Known Moves: Barrier, Bide, Calm Mind, Facade, Magic Room, Psychic Terrain, Psywave, Secret Power, Teleport, Thief.
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Slakoth (Male):
Abilities: Truant
HP: 75
Attack: 65
Defense: 50
Special Attack: 40
Special Defense: 45
Speed: 30
Known Moves: Amnesia, Bulk UP, Chip Away, Counter, Crush Claw, Endure, Feint Attack, Flamethrower, Hammer Arm, Hone Claws, Sleep Talk, Yawn.
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Cobalt could do a few things with these three, but clearly Damian was an even shittier trainer than previously thought if he couldn't make Slakoth and Charmander into the behemoths they would one day be.
When they got to Pewter City Cobalt would take on the Gym Leader with everything he had, each mon would get a turn, but he'd start with Charmander which was why Cobalt had decided to talk privately with Charmander.
As much as Cobalt desired good results, he needed Charmander to understand his own limits.
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''Listen Charmander, our first Gym's coming up. I'm putting you up first. Statistically the odds of success don't favor you, but the reason I'm putting you in first is because your defensive Powers well above average, and some of your moves allow you to last longer.'' Cobalt says.
''Charmander?'' Charmander tilts it head confused.
''Victory is not always the goal, I need your help to wear our opponents down, tax their strength. With your help, we can best our opponents by outlasting them. I'm relying on you Charmander.'' Says Cobalt, putting his fist out to Charmander.
''Charmander!'' it replies happily, closing it's own fist to bump with Cobalt.
''Together we'll win Charmander.'' Cobalt says. ''Together.''
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Pokémon Stats:
Bulbasaur (Female):
Abilities: Overgrow, Chlorophyll
HP: 45
Attack: 49
Defense: 49
Special Attack: 65
Special Defense: 65
Speed: 45
Known Moves: Bullet Seed, Sludge Bomb, Vine Whip, Synthesis, Solar Beam, Razor Leaf.
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Garuda the Pidgey (Male):
Abilities: Keen Eye, Tangled Feet, Big Pecks (Hidden).
HP: 40
Attack: 45
Defense: 40
Special Attack: 35
Special Defense: 35
Speed: 67
Known Moves: Twister, Toxic, Steel Wing, Hidden Power, Heat Wave, Tackle.
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Weedle (Male):
Abilities: Shielf Dust, Run Away (Hidden).
HP: 40
Attack: 35
Defense: 17
Special Attack: 42
Special Defense: 41
Speed: 30
Known Moves: Electroweb, String Shot, Bug Bite, Poison Sting.
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Rockruff (Male):
Abilities: Vital Spirit, Keen Eye, Steadfast (Hidden).
HP: 45
Attack: 65
Defense: 65
Special Attack: 45
Special Defense: 40
Speed: 60
Known Moves: Earth Power, Iron Tail, Thunder Fang, Zen Headbutt, Crunch, Protect, Fire Fang, Rock Tomb.
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Ace the Alolan Meowth (Female):
Abilities: Technician, Pickup, Rattled (Hidden)
HP: 40
Attack: 35
Defense: 35
Special Attack: 65
Special Defense: 40
Speed: 110
Known Moves: Dark Pulse, Gunk Shot, Icy Wind, Bite, Shadow Claw, Water Pulse, Throat Chop, Aerial Ace.
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Shadow The Eevee (Female):
Abilities: Run Away, Adaptability, Anticipation (Hidden).
HP: 55
Attack: 55
Defense: 50
Special Attack: 75
Special Defense: 85
Speed: 50
Known Moves: Toxic, Swift, Body Slam, Iron Tail, Detect, Dig, Focus Energy, Stored Power, Tackle, Protect, Helping Hand.
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Snorlax (Female):
Abilities: Immunity, Thick Fat, Gluttony (Hidden)
HP: 175
Attack: 145
Defense: 95
Special Attack: 130
Special Defense: 125
Speed: 45
Known Moves: Bubblebeam, Ice Beam, Thunder, Flamethrower, Body Slam, Belly Drum, Belch, Crunch, High Horsepower, Outrage, Rain Dance, Seismic Toss, Snore, Yawn, Shadow Ball, Water Gun.
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Pikachu (Male):
Abilities: Static, Lightning Rod (Hidden)
HP: 40
Attack: 55
Defense: 40
Special Attack: 65
Special Defense: 55
Speed: 95
Known Moves: Body Slam, Dig, Focus Punch, Quick Attack, Thunder Shock, Thunder Bolt, Swift, Light Screen, Signal Beam, and Rain Dance.
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Charmander (Male):
Abilities: Blaze, Solar Power (Hidden)
HP: 39
Attack: 52
Defense: 67
Special Attack: 48
Special Defense: 53
Speed: 65
Known Moves: Attract, Beat Up, Captivate, Cut, Defense Curl, Double Team, Double Edge, Ember, Fire Spin, Smokescreen, Work Up.
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Abra (Female):
Abilities: Synchronize, Magic Guard (Hidden)
HP: 25
Attack: 45
Defense: 20
Special Attack: 95
Special Defense: 55
Speed: 90
Known Moves: Barrier, Bide, Calm Mind, Facade, Magic Room, Psychic Terrain, Psywave, Secret Power, Teleport, Thief.
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Slakoth (Male):
Abilities: Truant
HP: 75
Attack: 65
Defense: 50
Special Attack: 40
Special Defense: 45
Speed: 30
Known Moves: Amnesia, Bulk UP, Chip Away, Counter, Crush Claw, Endure, Feint Attack, Flamethrower, Hammer Arm, Hone Claws, Sleep Talk, Yawn.
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