Chapter 23: The Third Member

Total Words: 2727

In the backyard, Tyson commenced his evening training with Shane, and this time, Sophia and Trapinch participated as well. When Tyson mentioned to Shane that Sophia was interested in joining their practice, Shane received the idea with great enthusiasm. "Okay, to start off, we'll do four laps around the backyard," Tyson said, and Sophia and Trapinch nodded as the group began to run. Noticing that Pupitar and Gligar were missing from the run, Sophia inquired, "What about your Pokémon, Tyson? Don't they also do the four-lap run?" Tyson replied, "They usually do a six-lap run in the morning and then their own specialized training in the evening. Though with Pupitar's recent evolution, physical exercise will have to wait for after its final evolution".

The explanation piqued the interest of both Sophia and Trapinch as they observed a small sandstorm enveloping part of the backyard. Oddly, the sandstorm fluctuated in size and at times, spun more rapidly. This spectacle reminded Sophia of the sandstorm technique Tyson employed during his match against Sayer, and she recalled Tyson mentioning his training with Pupitar to perfect its command of the sandstorm. "Alright, let's get started," Tyson called out as the trio began jogging around the yard. Tyson turned his attention to Sophia and Trapinch after completing the first lap. Trapinch was managing relatively well, but Sophia's breathing was becoming labored, a clear sign that she would soon tire.

After completing her third lap, Sophia could no longer continue and stepped aside to rest, with Trapinch joining her. Tyson, finishing his fourth lap, approached the resting duo and said, "I'm impressed you made it to the third lap. I thought you'd stop after the second from the way you were breathing," causing Sophia to pout. "Never underestimate a Daycare Worker's endurance; we're stronger than we appear," retorted Sophia, eliciting a chuckle from Tyson. "My apologies for underestimating you," Tyson conceded. He then turned to Trapinch and remarked, "This little one is quite impressive," making Trapinch look up at him. "Your ability to keep pace and your stamina are remarkable," Tyson added, which made Trapinch blush with embarrassment.

The trio's conversation was suddenly interrupted by a rumbling noise. Turning towards the disturbance, they saw Gligar, surrounded by several piles of rocks, her face etched with fatigue. With a loud cry, Gligar lifted her claws above her head, and several small rocks materialized in the air ten feet from her. Slamming her arms down, the rocks plummeted to the ground, causing the rumbling sound. "Looks like Gligar is making good progress," Tyson observed. Sophia, intrigued, inquired, "Are you teaching Gligar a new move?" Tyson responded to Sophia's question, "It's one of the last few moves I need to teach her before we start honing her efficiency with her moveset," piquing both Sophia's and Trapinch's interests.

"While learning various moves made Gligar more adaptable, the more moves she learns, the longer it takes to refine her battle style. Therefore, Grandma Bertha suggested teaching Gligar three hazard moves: Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Stealth Rock. Mastering Spikes was challenging, but Toxic Spikes came easily, and she even learned Venoshock and Toxic along the way. However, Stealth Rock presents a problem," Tyson explained, noting Trapinch and Sophia's puzzled expressions. He elaborated, "Spikes and Toxic Spikes are somewhat easier to learn because they are similar; Toxic Spikes is essentially Spikes infused with the move Toxic. But Stealth Rock combines Spikes and Rock Slide, which are quite dissimilar. Thus, Gligar must learn Rock Slide with little to reference. When Pupitar learned Rock Slide, it simply practiced Rock Throw, which could evolve into Rock Tomb or Rock Slide. With Pupitar's familiarity with Rock Throw, mastering Rock Slide was straightforward."

"So that's the way it is," Sophia said, having heard from her father that when trainers teach their Pokémon new moves, they typically choose one of two methods. They either teach the move from scratch, which is time-consuming, or they teach a precursor move to simplify learning the desired move. Tyson nodded in agreement. "Yes, and there are many factors that can influence how quickly a Pokémon learns a new move, talent being one of them," he explained. "Talent, you say... like Gligar's knack for manipulating poison energy?" Sophia inquired. Tyson smiled and responded, "Precisely, and in Pupitar's case, his talent lies in controlling rock and ground type energies. It's one of the Pokémon world's many mysteries, one that trainers come to understand only through earnestly training their Pokémon," he concluded.

"That makes sense, although Gligar's affinity for poison is somewhat odd. Isn't it a Flying and Ground Type Pokémon? If that's the case, it should have an aptitude for learning Flying or Ground Type moves," Sophia remarked, just as Shane interjected from the side, "I'll explain that" drawing the attention of the trio. Joining the group after watching from the side Shane spoke "A Pokémon's ability to manipulate energy may be innate or passed down from its ancestors. I surmise that one of Gligar's parents was likely a Poison Type Pokémon, rather than the usual Gligar or Gliscor pairing." Upon hearing this, Tyson nodded in agreement, and Sophia grasped the source of Gligar's talent in controlling poison type energy.

"Though I'm surprised your dad didn't teach you about this, Sophia," Tyson commented, making Sophia blush with embarrassment. "That's because most of the things I asked to learn were about Pokémon care and raising infant Pokémon. I wanted to focus on the aspect of Pokémon Care, so my knowledge of battles and training is limited. However, dad did explain certain training tips, like how to teach specific moves, although Pokémon Talent wasn't included in those explanations" Sophia hurried to explained. "Well, that explains it," Tyson laughed, prompting Sophia to glare at him for mocking her. Nearby, Trapinch observed their exchange, occasionally glancing at the swirling sandstorm. Shane, who was watching the trio, noticed this behavior and spoke up, "If I recall," regaining the trio's attention once again.

He then turned his attention to Trapinch. "This little one followed us on our camping trip and is good friends with Pupitar and Gligar, right Tyson?" Shane asked, prompting Tyson to nod, thinking, 'What's Grandpa up to now?' Shane continued, "And from what you have told me and Bertha, he was adopted by the school but has no actual trainer. If that's the case, why not take this little guy as your third Pokemon? He seems quite interested in Pupitar's training," Shane concluded, surprising the trio. 'I had contemplated this, but upon learning about Trapinch's tale and its connection with the Draknov Family, I hesitated to make this decision,' Tyson reflected.

While observing the tiny ant, Tyson was curious about Trapinch's reaction. He said, "I would be thrilled if Trapinch joined my team; he gets along with Pupitar and Gligar just as you said, Grandpa. He's dependable, always looking out for Sophia in the forest... but I want to hear what Trapinch thinks." Tyson's gaze met Trapinch's, and the creature seemed to assess him in return. It then turned to Sophia, who smiled and nodded in response to its gaze. After a moment, Trapinch stomped the ground and nodded. Shane smiled at this and said, "Well, Tyson, congratulations are in order; it looks like he agrees." However, to their surprise, Trapinch shook its head and looked towards the sandstorm before stomping its feet once again.

As though he understood Trapinch's intentions, Tyson said, "It seems he wants to battle Pupitar to settle things." Trapinch glanced at Tyson and nodded, affirming his words. "Well, that's intriguing, yet not unheard of. Alright, we'll resolve this with a battle," Shane declared. Turning to the sandstorm, Tyson called out, "Pupitar, stop the storm; we've got a battle!" At his command, the sandstorm began to dissipate, revealing Pupitar, who started hovering towards the group using its vents. Over the past month, Pupitar continued to use its vents for day-to-day movement on top of their daily training which reduced the delay in their use massively. As it Arrived before the group, Tyson explained to Pupitar that they would battle Trapinch to determine if it would join the team. This revelation surprised Pupitar, who had also been hoping for the ant to become a team member.

Gligar, noticing the assembled group, approached curiously to join them. The news of a potential new team member filled Gligar with joy, particularly at the prospect of Trapinch joining. "Alright, let's start this battle," Tyson announced, as he and Pupitar positioned themselves at a distance from Trapinch, akin to a battlefield setup. Trapinch also readied for combat, snapping its jaws and stamping its feet. Shane and Sophia, along with Gligar, observed from the sidelines. "Are both sides ready?" Shane asked, receiving a nod from Tyson and an affirmative "Trap" [Lets do this... brother] from the diminutive ant. "Begin!" Shane commanded, and Trapinch wasted no time, charging toward Pupitar its body encased in a brown glow.

Fortunately, the ant wasn't very fast, allowing Tyson to quickly command, "Use Dragon Dance to evade!" As Trapinch approached Pupitar, it expelled a gentle gust of air from its left vent, causing Pupitar to deftly swerve away from the oncoming ant. "Trapinch's power ought to be greater than Pupitar's," Tyson thought, recalling how Trapinch had once cracked Skarmory's metallic body with its formidable jaws. "Though in exchange for that power, Trapinch are usually quite slow," Tyson said, smiling as he observed Trapinch skid to a stop and then turn to face Pupitar again.

Suddenly, Trapinch plunged into the ground, creating a large hole with its mouth. "Dig? It's been a while since we've encountered this move, but we know how to counter it... right, partner?" Tyson said, and Pupitar responded with a "Tar" [You bet]. Watching the area around Pupitar Tyson noted the shifting stones, a clear sign of Trapinch travelling bellow. Suddenly the rocks to lets of Trapinch shifted and Tyson called out "To your left Dragon Dance" and Pupitar used its vents to propel itself forward. In that instant Trapinch erupted from the ground nearly hitting its target.

Having been easily evaded, Trapinch began to stomp the ground in frustration. Observing the agitated creature, Tyson chuckled and said, "Alright, we won't dodge your next attack; in fact, we'll take it head-on. What do you say, partner?" He looked towards Pupitar, who responded with an affirming "Tar" [Let's do it]. As Trapinch charged forward again, surrounded by a brown aura, Tyson thought, 'With two boosts from Dragon Dance, we should be evenly matched, if not stronger. Let's kick things up a notch.' A smile spread across his face. "Use Outrage—let's end this," Tyson commanded, as a surge of purple energy burst forth from Pupitar.

[Outrage: In the Pokemon world, Outrage functions differently than in the game. When activated, the Pokemon enters an enraged state that maximizes its offensive physical abilities. Both Power and Speed are significantly enhanced during this state. Consequently, many trainers reserve Outrage for critical moments, as the intense strain on the Pokémon's mind and body can leave them both weakened and confused after the move's effects dissipates.]

Enveloped in a purple aura, Pupitar's eyes glowed crimson. With a roar, it opened all its rear vents, releasing a powerful stream of air that propelled it towards the approaching ant. The collision resulted in a loud bang and a large dust cloud. The outcome was clear as a figure was sent flying from the dust cloud, landing on its back. Trapinch lay on the ground, unconscious, with swirls in its eyes. Near the collision site, Tyson's Pupitar stood firm, despite small cracks visible on its shell. "That was close... Even without stat boosts, Trapinch had that much power?" Tyson thought, gazing in amazement at the defeated ant.

Approaching Pupitar, whose eyes had reverted to their normal hue after the clash, Tyson said, "Well partner, we've won. Now take a rest; we'll visit Nurse Joy to get you patched up," as he recalled Pupitar into its Pokéball. Approaching the unconscious ant Tyson, Sophia and Shane began examining Trapinch and noted that it had taken heavy damage in the impact but not enough to threaten its life. "Haha, Tyson, you won. Are you going to capture him now?" Shane inquired. Sophia interjected, "Let's take Trapinch to the Pokemon Center immediately. There's no need to capture him; the principal has already secured Trapinch in a Pokeball to prevent any tricks from the Draknov Family."

Tyson looked at her and inquired, "How... do you know that?" causing Sophia to pout and reply, "Remember, Trapinch isn't the only Pokémon adopted by the school. Plus, I've been taking care of the adopted Pokémon, or did you forget?" This made Tyson chuckle sheepishly, realizing he had indeed forgotten that detail. "You two go on, this old man will clean up the mess. Though Tyson don't take too long, I may need your help filling the hole left behind by Trapinch" Shane spoke as Tyson picked Trapinch up and replied "Alright grandpa" as the two left for the Pokemon Center.

- Celestic Town - Northside

After healing both Trapinch and Pupitar at the Pokémon Center, Tyson and Sophia headed to the northern side of town. "So, the principal lives near your house. No wonder you're so familiar with her," Tyson commented. "Yeah, I've known Ms. Thompson since I was four," Sophia replied as they approached one of the houses. They knocked on the door and heard a voice from inside, "Who is it?" Sophia responded, "It's Sophia, Ms. Thompson. I've brought Tyson with me; he wanted to speak with you for a moment." As the sound of footsteps approached, the door soon opened to reveal Ms. Thompson in a blue dress and red scarf. "Oh, Sophia, Tyson, and little Trapinch, what brings you to my home?" Ms. Thompson inquired.

"I wanted to adopt Trapinch" Tyson spoke surprising Ms. Thompson. "Oh my, it's been a while since someone wanted to adopt this little one. Tell me why you want to adopt him?" Ms. Thompson inquired. Replying Tyson spoke "I plan to become a specialist in both ground and rock type Pokemon. After spending a lot of time with Sophia and Trapinch over the year I had considered asking it to join my team. Today it agreed, however only if I could beat it in a Pokemon battle would it join my team". "And I'm guess you won and that's why your here" Ms. Thompson asked to which Tyson nodded.

Ms. Thompson turned her attention to Trapinch and inquired, "Well little one, do you wish for this as well?" After a moment's pause, Trapinch nodded. Ms. Thompson smiled and said, "Very well," before she walked inside, pausing only to add, "Wait here, I'll get his ball." Tyson, filled with excitement, thought, 'With Trapinch's power, my team will gain a formidable attacker.' He had already envisioned Trapinch fulfilling the role of an attacker, a force to either mow down or weaken the opponent's Pokémon. Shortly, Ms. Thompson reappeared with a Pokéball in hand and said, "This is the little one's ball. I trust you'll take good care of him." Tyson responded, "I promise."

Holding the ball, Tyson glanced at the ant and declared, "Well, Trapinch, I'll be in your care from now on." In response, the little ant grinned and replied, "Trap" [No Problem]. Turning to Sophia, Tyson expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for this, Sophia," to which she responded, "No problem." After thanking Ms. Thompson once again, Tyson beckoned, "Come on, Trapinch, let's go home and eat," as they started their journey home. Left alone with Sophia, Ms. Thompson inquired, "Do you think he'll be a good partner for the little one?" Sophia nodded affirmatively and assured with a smile, "I know he will."

Pokémon Team:

Team Rank: 3

Pupitar

Gender: Male

Type: Rock/Ground

Abilities: Shed Skin

Held Item: None

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

Moves Learnt:

Gligar

Gender: Female

Type: Ground/Flying

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

Held Items: None

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

Moves Learnt: 

Trapinch

Gender: Male

Type: Ground

Abilities: Hyper Cutter, Sand Trap [Undeveloped] Sheer Force

Held Items: None

Moves: Astonish, Mud Slap, Sand Attack, Bite, Crunch, Bulldoze, Dig, Sand Tomb, Bug Bite [Inherited] 

Moves Learnt: