Chapter 13 : Gym-Pokemon Relations

As I spent a week integrating Scyther into the team, I observed his unique bonding pattern of spars, especially with Elekid. The connection seemed rooted in a mutual acknowledgement of strength.

 But its acknowledgement of me being the leader made me think about the role of Gyms in fostering Pokemon-human relations within their territories.

The phenomenon of wild-raised Pokemon acknowledging trainers and accepting them after defeat intrigued me. It highlighted a shift I only fully grasped after being born here.

It was due to the delicate interactions between Pokemon Leaders and human Gym Leaders.

In the wild, there are rare instances where Pokemon achieve Elite levels through talent or relentless effort, becoming essential for maintaining order within their respective biodiversity.

Gym leaders, as the designated authority figures in a region, bear the responsibility of establishing and nurturing friendly connections with these powerful wild Pokemon.

This symbiotic relationship offers benefits to both humans and Pokemon.

Trainers gain safe passage through territories of these Elite Pokemon and may even encounter potential partners in the wild.

In return, Gym leaders are entrusted with training descendants or the group Pokemon associated with these elite individuals. It is this Pokemon that generally acts as the Gym Pokemon.

Once trained Pokemon reach a certain level of strength, they are released back into the wild, fostering a continuous cycle of connection and cooperation between humans and Pokemon.

The hereditary nature of Gym leadership becomes evident from this.

Replacing the Gym Leader gives a formidable challenge to the new one when dealing with elite Pokemon when the existing gym leaders had relations passed down through generations.

The stability and continuity offered by hereditary Gyms act as a linchpin in maintaining delicate relations between humans and Pokemon in a given area.

 Even if Gym leaders, like the Cerulean sisters, may not like Pokemon battling, they must stay. Because they caretake their grandpa's Pokemon team, they have relations with them. Meaning in case of emergencies like wild riots or criminal incidents, their grandpa's Pokemon can used by them.

Notably, Gym leaders typically use their team only after challengers have earned all eight badges. Of course, if the Pokémon in the team is appropriate to use, they will use it if they are in the mood. Examples are Brock's Onix and Geodude for Ash.

It was These Pokémon generally left in the care of the trainer's descendent or went back into the wild forming a new elite group.

The background of Gyms ensures the ability to raise new Elite Trainers to take up the mantle, even with sudden leadership changes, exemplified by Misty's case. Temporary leadership transitions, like Brock's situation until his father returned, underscore the flexible dynamics within Gym structures.

However, if a gym family proves incompetent and multiple serious issues arise, the League may strip all Gym rights and properties. Then the next step would be a tournament between Elite trainers, whose result determines the new Gym leader – a recent example being Surge's rise.

It was these dynamics that came into play as I opened Giovanni's gift. A location of all these elite groups.

Clutching Giovanni's Red coin, I made my way to an elite group in Viridian Forest, selected after 2 months of excluding groups and some light visits to them.

While Scyther is a lucky find, The two prospective members in this group are the ones I had planned meticulously for over a month.

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As Elekid led the way, his confidence evident in every step, Rotomdex floated beside me, questioning me, "Sir, is it okay to fill the team so fast?"

I sighed, my gaze fixed on Elekid's back, and explained, "While it may seem hasty, I have no choice if I want a chance at the conference."

 Elekid had invested considerable effort into our relationship, striving to meet my expectations. His dreams, kindled when he was still a baby, were nurtured by my encouragement. Now, it was my turn to show equal effort in helping him fulfil his dream of reaching the pinnacle.

While I could wait for a few years, trying to make myself comfortable, it felt like a betrayal to Elekid. That and I believe I can win. No wonder, Giovanni said that my talent is driving my ambition forward.

As we continued through the core of Viridian Forest, the ambience shifted. The familiar sounds of Pokémon cries and the rustling of leaves accompanied us and led to a primal level. The forest was the largest forest ecosystem, each Pokémon playing its part in maintaining the delicate balance of nature.

Elekid, with his tiny footprints, jumped into the area of our target.

Suddenly, the ambient sounds shifted to a cacophony of roars and punching. My curiosity piqued, and I quickened my pace.

Stepping into a natural formation of rocks, I was met with a breathtaking sight – a secluded area with a gentle water flow surrounded by a myriad of Pokémon, each engrossed in their activities. All, however, were centred around a massive sleeping behemoth.

Every time I came here in the last 2 months astonishment washed over me as I beheld the colossal creature in repose. Its rhythmic breathing seemed to echo through the serene space. The other Pokémon, paying their respects or engaging in various activities, acknowledged the presence of this behemoth. It was a scene that spoke of the importance of Him for the group.

Rotomdex, ever diligent, scanned the surroundings and chimed in while using the AI database. 

[Pokédex Entry - Slaking:

Slaking, the Lazy Pokémon. This formidable creature is known for its unparalleled strength, making it one of the most powerful Normal-type Pokémon in existence. Despite its incredible capabilities, Slaking often appears lethargic and unmotivated. 

Trainers seeking to capture Slaking should exercise caution, as its powerful attacks can be devastating. Once befriended, however, Slaking forms deep bonds with its Trainer and becomes a loyal companion. Its overwhelming strength and unique abilities make Slaking a sought-after addition to any skilled Trainer's team. Note the word regarding Skilled.]

A closer look at the surrounding Pokémon revealed a diverse tapestry of species cohabiting harmoniously. Slakoth, the pre-evolutionary stage of Slaking, lazed about in the tree branches, mirroring their future evolution's leisurely nature. Vigoroth, the intermediate form, tempered its typically hyperactive tendencies in acknowledgement of Slaking's regal presence.

In the serene atmosphere, A group of Pidgey flitted through the air, their graceful flight patterns adding a touch of elegance to the scene.

 Nearby, a family of Bellsprout swayed gently, their leaves dancing in the breeze. Amidst the greenery, a lone Meowth, captivated by the peace, purred softly into sleep.

As the Pokémon continued their activities, an odd yet endearing sight unfolded. A trio of Jigglypuff, known for their melodious lullabies, harmonized their tunes in unison.

Their soothing melodies seemed to create a sense of unity among the Pokémon in the clearing, fostering a beauty untamed by Mankind.

I can only say one thing- I love the Pokémon world.

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Slakoth, in the initial stage, is always munching on food, competing with Munchlax but lazier. Nature blessed this Pokémon, strengthening its body just by eating, and it sleeps a lot to digest all that food. It embodies the concept of "eat a lot, get strong."

Next is Vigoroth, the middle stage, super active with metabolism on overdrive. It learns new moves and masters them quickly, never seeming to get tired. So hyperactive that it keeps playing or battling until it drops unconscious. This stage is where the line's majority of combat growth occurs.

Finally, the grand stage – Slaking, crowned as the king, amalgamates all the strengths of its previous forms. It's so potent that its innate growth allows it to knock down an Onix with ease, no training needed.

However, this power comes at a cost – overwhelming laziness. In wild battles, it barely moves, stirring only when impatience or danger looms. The laziness is so severe that its growth nearly halts at this stage, posing a challenge for trainers to even get one to fight, let alone train it to become strong.

In simpler terms, if we consider the growth of this Pokémon line's strength, it will be:

25% in Slakoth

35% in Vigoroth

40% in Slaking

That 45% is a passive growth from eating and sleeping only. I can't even imagine what it will become if it trains. In canon, it is said Norman climbed to Elite 4 just based on his Slaking. Trust me, while hidden aces exist in the Elite 4 stage, they are nowhere near the capacity to carry the entire team forward.

I then made my way to Titan in the clearing, where it was my second meeting. I still remember the first time I visited.

----TEMPORAL MOVE: FLASHBACK----

As Elekid delivered a powerful Thunderbolt to defeat a Jigglypuff, I shifted my attention towards the majestic Slaking, Titan, in the clearing.

True to its reputation as the king of sloth, Titan remained still, a towering figure exuding an air of regal lethargy, disregarding us entirely. Shaking my head, I moved forward, ready to attend to both Elekid and its opponent.

"Elekid, that Thunderbolt was impressive," I praised, a genuine smile forming on my face. "Your control and precision have improved a lot. Now for the next step, you should try to increase the power. Try increasing the amount of energy used while trying to keep the shape of the thunderbolt same."

ELEEKIDD

"Rotomdex," I commanded, "scan thoroughly. Provide me with detailed information on each Pokémon's behaviour, strengths, and any unique traits. More data the better."

Rotomdex responded with a series of beeps and nods, its screen displaying a live feed of the ongoing scan. The digital display showcased information on the Pokémon's habitats, preferred activities, and even their interactions with one another.

As I continued to feed and care for the Pokémon in the clearing, noting the potential Pokemon for my team, the red coin fell out of my bag as I was organizing it.

As I reached down to retrieve the fallen red coin, a subtle shift in the atmosphere caught my attention. The air seemed to change, becoming heavy and the grass beneath the coin darkened, shrouded in ominous shadows. A sense of foreboding settled in as I straightened up, clutching the coin in my hand.

At that moment, the colossal Slaking, Titan, loomed over me with a majestic presence, even in its state of sleep. While it would be hilarious on screen, in reality, I can only say I am lucky I didn't drink much water that day.

Suddenly, Titan's nose twitched a subtle movement that was glaring in this situation. Its eyes, previously closed in slumber, slowly opened, revealing a gaze that sent a chill down my spine. The behemoth's eyes bore into mine, and time seemed to stand still.

A palpable fear gripped me, and I found myself frozen in place, unable to move or look away. The encounter with Titan's gaze was nothing short of terrifying. Even Elekid, usually charged with electric energy, felt the weight of fear, his attempts to move caused him to discharge electricity into the surrounding ground but rendered futile in the face of Titan's intimidating aura.

It was a simple move – Scary Face, yet its impact was profound for me.

The ability of Titan to instil fear with a mere expression showcased the vast difference of strength between current us and the Elite.

As the Slaking glanced at the red coin for a fleeting moment, it simply returned to its sleeping spot. Puzzled by its indifferent response, I couldn't help but contemplate its laziness. In comparison, other Elite Pokémon would have exhibited diverse reactions, potentially teasing Elekid, launching us into the air, or, if particularly ruthless, causing harm to our bodies. The severity of their actions usually hinges on the justification behind them. In extreme cases, they might even resort to lethal force, typically reserved for situations like forcefully kidnapping a Pokémon or posing a serious threat to its existence.

However, the rules of engagement vary based on the individual Pokémon.

Regardless of the potential risks and complexities, my determination remained unwavering—I want that Pokémon.

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[ AI Journal entry: Elites and champion.

An Elite in the Pokémon world is a remarkable individual that has consistently shattered its limits, pushing boundaries until it reaches the very apex of its capabilities in a specific aspect. Comparable to an Olympic gold medalist within its species, an Elite stands as an inspiration, showcasing unparalleled excellence that others of its kind aspire to achieve.

The concept of crossing the limit is akin to a human attempting to lift a one-ton dumbbell. For us humans, pushing our muscles to such an extreme limit would result in the collapse of our bones, nerves, and overall bodily structure. However, Pokémon are inherently different creatures, possessing the ability to reach the zenith in various fields.

While it is generally deemed impossible for a species to surpass its limits comprehensively, the rare Pokémon that achieves this feat in every aspect and further manages to exert a force surpassing even those limits, delving into the realm of legendary prowess, earns the distinguished title of "Champion" within its species. The Champion stands as the epitome of excellence, having mastered every facet of its existence to become a legendary force among Pokémon. In simple words, a Captain America of their species]