Chapter 18: Teach Me How To Battle

The sun cast its warm, morning glow over the empty field behind the Pokémon Center as Julian and his team engaged in their respective training exercises.

Monferno, inspired by Julian's meditation, took the opportunity to focus on perfecting his control over fire. Flames danced and swirled around him as he honed his mastery over this powerful element.

Meanwhile, Heatran remained diligently fixated on the magma stone that rested nearby. The colossal Fire and Steel-type Pokémon studied the stone with unwavering dedication, absorbing its essence to enhance its fiery power.

Kabuto was in high spirits, eager to learn a new move. With determination in its eyes, the ancient Pokémon repeatedly attempted to conjure a hailstorm, creating icy crystals in the air and releasing them, all while training to perfect this icy technique.

Pidgeotto, soaring high above, was determined to master Brave Bird, a move that demanded both courage and skill. The avian Pokémon practiced steep dives and breathtaking aerial maneuvers, determined to achieve this powerful flying attack.

Julian, with his trusty Ivysaur by his side, focused on teaching a new move. He imparted his knowledge with patience and encouragement, instructing Ivysaur on the intricacies of harnessing solar energy. Julian's words guided Ivysaur as it began to draw the sun's energy, the flower atop its back glowing intensely. The gathered energy manifested into a concentrated beam of radiant light, which Ivysaur unleashed with precision, obliterating a nearby tree in a dazzling display of power.

Julian admired Ivysaur's progress, a proud smile gracing his face. "Good job, Ivysaur. Keep practicing, and you'll perfect it in no time."

Ivysaur responded with a determined nod, the bond between trainer and Pokémon growing stronger with each passing day.

Julian's curiosity got the best of him, and he decided to check the status of his Pokémon that were currently with him in the field.

Status - Monferno

Level - 18

Age - 4 months

State - focused

Bond - 100%

HP - 70

Attack - 104

Defense - 72

Sp. Atk - 120

Sp. Def - 80

Speed - 111

Move set - scratch, seer, ember, taunt, fury swipes, flame wheel, fire spin, close combat, focus punch, focus blast, flamethrower, foresight.

Ability - Blaze (unlocked), Iron Fist (locked)

Status - Heatran

Level - 18

Age - 2 years

State - observing

Bond - 80%

HP - 100

Attack - 100

Defense - 130

Sp. Atk - 140

Sp. Def - 120

Speed - 75

Move set - ancient power, earth power, fire spin, heat wave, iron head, metal sound, iron defense, magma storm

Ability - Flashfire (unlocked), Flame Body (locked)

Status - Ivysaur

Level - 20

Age - 2 years

State - happy

Bond - 90%

HP - 70

Attack - 100

Defense - 90

Sp. Atk - 110

Sp. Def - 110

Speed - 96

Move set - tackle, growl, leech seed, vine whip, sleep powder, poison powder, razor leaves, energy ball, solar beam

Ability - Overgrow (unlocked), Chlorophyll (locked)

Status - Pidgeotto

Level - 18

Age - 2 years

State - concentrated

Bond - 85%

HP - 80

Attack - 90

Defense - 55

Sp. Atk - 95

Sp. Def - 65

Speed - 120

Move set - gust, sand attack, tackle, quick attack, air cutter, whirlwind

Ability - Keen Eyes (unlocked), Tangled Feet (unlocked), Big Pecks (locked)

Status - Kabuto

Level - 5

Age - 1 week

State - happy

Bond - 90%

HP - 30

Attack - 65

Defense - 80

Sp. Atk - 60

Sp. Def - 50

Speed - 60

Move set - harden, scratch, hail

Ability- swift swim(unlocked), battle armour(unlocked), weak armour(locked)

Julian couldn't help but marvel at his Pokémon's dedication and progress. Their unwavering trust in him was both humbling and motivating. However, his musings were abruptly interrupted when he noticed Kabuto displaying an unexpected skill—using the Hail move. The small, ancient Pokémon covered the grassy field with ice, surprising Julian.

Julian managed to stop Kabuto's sudden outburst, breathing a sigh of relief as he realized that Kabuto's rapid growth might indeed be linked to its ancient lineage.

"Phew," Julian muttered to himself. "Kabuto is growing at an astonishing pace, likely due to its ancient genetics."

As Julian continued training his Pokémon, he couldn't shake the feeling of being observed. His instincts proved correct when he noticed a figure lurking in the shadows. Julian stayed silent but kept a watchful eye on the stranger. It was the same kid whose Bulbasaur had been injured the day before.

The young trainer didn't attempt to hide his presence any longer and confidently approached Julian, who regarded him with curiosity.

The kid finally spoke up, breaking the silence. "Mister, I've been watching you and your Pokémon. You're really strong, and I want you to teach me how to battle."

Julian pondered the request for a moment, unsure whether to feel amused or annoyed by the persistent youngster.

"Why me, kid?" Julian questioned. "There are many trainers here who could teach you. Why specifically me?"

The kid's determination shone through as he replied, "Because you're strong, and you even have an Ivysaur, which would be a perfect training partner for my Bulbasaur."

Julian couldn't help but consider the young trainer's sincerity, despite the annoyance of being followed.

"Isn't your Bulbasaur still injured?" Julian inquired, concern lacing his words. "It's important not to push it too hard right now. Let it heal properly."

The kid remained resolute, refusing to give up. "I won't leave until you agree to teach me."

Julian ultimately decided that it might be best to teach the persistent kid something simple and then part ways. "Fine, kid. I'll teach you a thing or two. But first, what's your name?"

The youngster proudly replied, "My name is Steev."

Julian nodded. "Alright, Steev. Let's head to the Pokémon Park. We'll see what your Bulbasaur can do."

Together, Julian and Steev made their way to the Pokémon Park, where trainers and Pokémon gathered to train and interact. Upon arriving, Julian asked Steev to release his Bulbasaur.

"Okay, kid, tell me what moves your Bulbasaur knows," Julian prompted.

Steev answered, "Vine whip, tackle, and razor leaf."

Julian noted the moves and then inquired about Steev's recent battles. He wanted to understand how the young trainer had been approaching battles, especially against the formidable Gym Leader Lt. Surge and his Raichu.

"So, Steev, how does the Gym Leader battle with his Raichu?" Julian asked, genuinely curious about Steev's tactics.

Steev hesitated for a moment before responding, "Well, the Raichu is very strong, and—"

"And what?" Julian pressed.

Steev admitted, "That's all. It's just really strong, and its moves are powerful."

Julian couldn't help but shake his head at the lack of strategy in Steev's approach. "Steev, it's crucial to use strategy in battles. Did you use your Bulbasaur's speed to counteract Raichu's power?"

Steev looked puzzled. "Why would I do that?"

Julian sighed inwardly. "Using your Pokémon's strengths and maintaining distance in battle can help you avoid taking unnecessary hits. Especially against powerful opponents, you need to be strategic."

Steev seemed embarrassed by his lack of knowledge, and even his Bulbasaur appeared disappointed.

"Kid, Pokémon types do matter in battles, but understanding how to use them effectively is equally important. Sometimes, even when at a disadvantage type-wise, you can win if you strategize correctly," Julian explained patiently.

Steev nodded, finally grasping the concept. "I understand now."

"Good," Julian said with a nod. "Next time, utilize your partner's speed and maintain distance while attacking. Getting too close to a formidable opponent like Raichu could lead to your defeat."

Steev nodded in agreement, determined to learn and improve.

Julian decided to offer some practical training to Steev, bringing out his own Ivysaur to demonstrate strategies and tactics. The training session lasted for hours, and Julian was pleased to see that Steev was making progress.

As the day came to a close, Julian left Steev to continue practicing with his Bulbasaur. He couldn't help but hope that the young trainer would perform well in his future battles. Exhausted from the day's activities, Julian finally lay on his bed, reflecting on the events and the unexpected turn of events that had led to his impromptu training session with Steev. Despite the fatigue, he closed his eyes with a sense of accomplishment and a hint of satisfaction, ready for what the next day would bring on his Pokémon journey.