Chapter 50: Training days, Mt Moon

Chapter 50: Training days, Mt Moon

Scyther darted up the rocky path to inspect a stone. His head tilted this way and that before nodding his head and slicing a specific section out of the surrounding hill. Then he darted back to me with the rock balanced on top of his blades. Then he darted back down to us.

Scyther! He presented the rock to me with a proud grin.

I inspected the rock seriously and nodded to him. Hmmm this is good. Want me to keep it for you to show the others? Scyther tilted his head and gave the rock another look before shaking his head. I deposited the rock on the path and patted him on the head.

Slightly behind me, Missy giggled while Daniel coughed. Why is Scyther bringing you random rocks?

I shrugged. I think hes been inspired to start a rock collection, I said innocently.

Scyther rubbed his chin as if giving this some thought before nodding seriously. Then he dashed off in a different direction to find anything else interesting.

A rock collection? Daniel said carefully, his scepticism was obvious to anyone listening in.

Missy strode up level with me as we continued up the mountain path. I think its nice! A pokemon with a hobby! It makes him happy so why not! Its sweet! What with Brock having so many rock types it kind of makes sense that Scyther might get some interest in rocks!

I smiled at her. Yeah, thats what I thought, I said innocently. In truth, Id told Scyther to do just this. Id even told him the reason I wanted him to do it this way. It was all about developing a plausible understanding that my pokemon liked to do this. Established habits and whatnot.

It wasnt me suddenly flying to a volcanic region and strip mining the place for any block of shiny rocks. Which I suspected had something to do with obsidian. Id done some snooping for rocks known as Augurite and been redirected to augite which was a mineral known for its trace elements of titanium, aluminium and sodium. Augite was known as a common rock but black Augurite wasnt as well known.

I had checked around with my Golems and Gravellers to see if there was anything they might have been carrying on their body but Id only gotten small dust particles which might have been the rock that we were looking for, albeit finely crushed.

Sadly if the evolution was anything like what Scythers evolution to Scizor was like then it would take a lot of material. One thing they didnt show in the games was the quantity of metal that was needed to make the pokemon evolve.

I was also somewhat tempted to still have Scyther evolve into a Scizor due to knowing that Scizor could mega evolve. Although perhaps Kleavor could as well and I just needed to find the right gem?

Or maybe I could get another scyther then Id be seen as extremely eccentric. Scyther darted back with another rock for me. I could tell this one wasnt what we were looking for and once more said as much with the preplanned phrase, Take it or leave it?

By leaving it up to Scyther I made it apparent that this wasnt what I was after but that we could still take it if we wanted.

This time he nodded. I inspected the quartz before nodding back, depositing the rock into my pack.

If he keeps this up the entire time that were up here youre not going to be able to carry it back home, Daniel said.

I nodded, Yeah maybe, still itll be good training nevertheless.

Urgh! Youre a bit too into training, you know that? Daniel grumbled.

I chuckled. You realise you applied to a Gym right? Pokemon training and training ourselves is pretty much half of what we do.

Yeah thats becoming apparent, he said in reply, Im just I was expecting to be fighting pokemon trainers more you know?

I snorted. This is the off-circuit period. Just wait until the circuit starts up, then youll have more than enough trainers to face.

I kind of like it! said Missy from my other side. Its not everything I expected but its not bad! Its just different? Ive never thought about how much work I need to put in myself to get fit and having the sparring program for the pokemon is great for my team! I think a few of them have gotten stronger than ever!

I smiled at Missys more upbeat response. Thats good to hear. Make sure you're not just beefing them up with strength training though. Really look into how they're moving or performing various attacks or moves. Itll make a difference to focus now on skills development while youre on a break. Long term the pay off is better as well.

A rumbling of earth had us stopping as a trio of Graveller appeared on a ridgeline. They glowered at us before pausing to inspect us. I drew up a whistle to my lips and blew into it.

Daniel, take the one on the left! Missy, the right! Scyther! Take the one in the middle.

A green blur shot from some nearby rocks having returned at my whistle call. Scyther shot forth and made to slam his arm blades into his rocky foe. I clicked my tongue. Abort! Do a fake out and slash on the way out of close range!

Scyther did just that, his aborted attack caused the Graveller to raise up his arms only for Scyther to swipe his blades across the pokemons flank as he retreated.

Uhm Brock, thats a rock type? Daniel said as he released his Raticate took to the field alongside Missys Rhydon.

Yup, and this is a good time to test him out. Hes not going to always have favourable matchups and he needs to work for some wins. Give us some room if you can please?

Scyther's wings vibrated in glee at this announcement as the Graveller squared up on him. The other two were forcibly pushed back by Daniel and Missy allowing me to focus on the match in front of me.

A closer inspection showed that this was a decently strong Graveller. I wouldnt be surprised to find out that if I had left them to their business there would have been a Golem rolling around Mt Moon if it could get a big enough pack, or avalanche as they were known, of other Graveller around it. This trio appeared to be the early formation of said avalanche.

Scyther was most likely outmatched along with this being a bad type matching for him. But that wasnt any reason for him to give up.

Scyther! Boost your speed with Agility! Wed have to work on getting Swords Dance eventually but as low-levelled as my pokemon was he hadnt yet learned that. Still boosting speed was a good move.

Graveller met this by grasping the earth and throwing rocks with each of its four hands.

Double team in close and swipe with your blades in but choose your moments! I said. Scyther buzzed to the side, leaving an after image that the rocks passed through.

Now! I said while the Gravller was still adjusting from throwing the rocks. Scyther buzzed in and tried to slash with both blades one after the other causing the Graveller to twitch. Sadly he over-committed by going for two.

Back out! I shouted only for Scyther to get clipped with a backhand as Graveller spun on the spot. The spin turned into a burrowing move that saw Graveller vanishing into the ground.

I clicked my tongue. Keep moving but keep your foot placements as light as you can manage; use your wings to give a little lift!

Scy! grunted Scyther as he did just that.

I watched the hill that we had started this match on. I made sure not to move lest the Gravellers attention be drawn to me instead of my pokemon. While uncommon it was possible for pokemon to target trainers occasionally. They were, after all, wild and not going to stick to rules. Typically they did prefer to beat the trainers pokemon first.

A head poked out of the ground to the side of the field and peered around making me hold in a snort as I realised Graveller didnt know where to emerge.

Use the back of your blade! Chop down on him! I ordered. Scyther sprinted over and chopped down. Then he jumped back as Graveller emerged with an angry bellow.

Uhm what was that supposed to be? asked Missy as she approached. I glanced over to see her Rhydon poking the passed-out pokemon shed faced.

Setting up the early stages for Scyther to learn Brick Break. If he learns to use the sharp edge hell associate it with I swiped my hand out. Double team! I ordered as Graveller tossed out another rock throw against my pokemon. Scyther blurred away but not as quickly as the first time.

I huffed. Where was I? Oh, right hell associate with the move as a cutting move. I need him to project energy in a blunt edge to make it slam rather than bite into whatever hes fighting. I watched another barrage of rock sail towards Scyther only this time he jerked the wrong way and ended up getting clipped. He went spiralling before collapsing to the side.

Scy! Scyther! he tried to stand. His body trembled as he rose up to brandish his blades at the defiant Graveller.

The four armed pokemon snorted and dug into the ground. With Scyther injured from taking so many hits with the super effective type matching being against him I knew he wouldnt be able to dodge this dig.

Scyther, youve done well for now, return buddy.

He slumped and I could see that he obviously thought hed failed as I lifted his pokeball from my belt to return him. I stood perfectly still but Missy shifted from foot to foot.

Oh, poor Scyther she said

I hummed and pulled up a little rock energy to feed it into the ground beneath us. I could feel another vibration coming from below growing in strength.

Hey Missy Im going to need you to jump backwards in a second.

Huh? she said, turning on the spot in confusion.

I pointed to the side. Jump as far as you can cause Graveller is coming for us now.

Missys eyes bulged as realisation set in. She threw herself to the side and I twisted on the spot as two arm lunged after her. I caught them and shifted forward as the Graveller pulled me slightly only to lock in as my feet dug into the ground with an aura trick Id been practising.

I was basically copying the tree walking technique from a cartoon about ninja. Who knew using a different world's training methods might work like this? It hadnt appeared in any of the books from the Guardians but they had good methods of focusing and moving energy around your body. Just not little niche moves like this that were more useful as utility abilities.

Id started trying to use it against Trixie to improve my push off phase when I ran but Trixie was still too much of a physical beast for me to beat.

This Graveller on the other hand?

It struggled in my grasp for a moment only to still as it realised it had been caught. It twisted slightly and looked around its body to stare at me.

Grav?! it said in surprise, testing my grip only for it to basically spasm in my clasp. Graveller! It gaped at me.

From this close, I could see the smoother ridges around its eyebrows and above its lower arms which indicated that this was a female Graveller.

I stared her down. Graveller. Youve got a good head for battling on your shoulders and it looks like you were on your way to creating the avalanche that you need to evolve. You can go far if you want but Im curious if you want to push yourself to see just how far you can go?

She relaxed and her face scrunched up. Vel? Gra? she said.

I nodded. You have a few options. I can release you and you can head north to rougher parts of the mountain where youll have to get strong or perish. She glared at me for that and her limbs twitched but once again barely moved. Or you can be captured by me where you will be fed, trained and able to evolve when the time comes. I quickly offered her the carrot to the proverbial stick.

I continued to stare at her as she stopped and considered that. You will not be remaining here, I said firmly. I moved my arms and let her turn to face me as I released my grip. I can make you strong if you want. Today you faced one of my weakest pokemon with a type advantage and he still cut you up. Imagine what I could do if you came with me. I held her gaze.

I nodded as I scooped up some stew. I dont think theres anything wrong with that. The next session thatll have us out and about was going to be a group training session later towards the end of the off-circuit. Ill give you the dates when were back if you haven't seen them on the calendar.

Oh! he slumped in relief. Thanks I was worried thatd be an issue?

No issue. If you need to skip it cause of family issues, I gave a wry smile. I more than understand. He smiled at me and leaned back when he got his bowl of stew.

Missy smiled at me as she got hers. We traded some small stories and I got to know that Missys favourite colour was glitter which sparked the debate of whether it was a colour or not with Daniel. I held my tongue and let them talk instead of just saying that I was in favour of it.

When they prompted me for my opinion I merely nodded and said she could like what she wanted. After that we watched the stars for a while.

When the moon came out and a number of Hoothoot and Zubat flew overhead I stood up.

Im going to see if I can find an interesting zubat for myself, I announced.

A Zubat? Theyre pests though? said Daniel.

I shrugged. I think their final evolution has some worth.

Gonna try racing it? Daniel asked with some interest.

I considered that. I did want it to be the fastest of its kind but if I was going to be demanding it be able to give and take some hits it would be likely a little larger than the racing crobat. I want it to be fast but not something you can ignore when fighting.

Daniel rubbed his chin. Youll be looking for a female of the species then. Theyre usually a bit bigger and probably something thats a lone hunter rather than something that operates in a flight of other Zubat.

Had one before? I said with some interest.

Yah, it was one of the first pokemon I caught after my Ratata and Ekans I dont have those Ekans or Zubat anymore though. He looked away in a manner that loudly said he did not want to talk about it. Missy gave him a commiserating look before standing up.

Well if its all the same to you Im going to leave Rhydon and Growlithe to guard me and go to bed. Goodnight!

Alright, just remember that occasionally well need to look into doing some night patrols for you to make sure the nocturnal pokemon arent getting too strong just as the ones we do for the daylight pokemon.

Missy glanced around into the night before shivering. Brrr not sure I like that idea.

I snorted .We wont do it during winter but during some of the circuit nights you will have to. I waved to them both and bid them goodnight before tightening up the jacket and gloves as I selected Zephyrs pokeball.

Zephyr emerged, flapping his large wings. Despite the rush of wind, no noise came from him as he adjusted. I scratched at the back of his head. Ready to fly boy?

He looked up at the moon and trilled in joy. I mounted up and together we took off. It wouldnt matter if we were actually successful tonight in finding the pokemon we wanted. Instead, I directed Zephyr to just fly around as he wanted while keeping the camp in mind. Unlike the other times when we had places to be and areas to look over, flying with nothing but flying in mind became a much more enjoyable pastime.

Zephyr would fly through canyons to bank and turn like a fighter jet only to then lift up and over the lip of the canyon. His claws sliding through the edges with a ringing scrape that echoed behind us.

Then he flew up high; high enough to see our breath misting despite the slowly turning warmer weather. When a flock of zubat approached us we dove and they wheeled about to give chase only for Zephyr to easily outmanoeuvre them. A small flock of Hoothoot fluttered after Zephyr and he twisted his head, slowing to inspect them each like they were all small chicks and he was the rooster. One landed on his back and hopped up and down his back before shrieking in surprise when it realised I was riding Zephyr.

No-Noct-noct! laughed Zephyr as the little Hoothoot returned to its flock. This sparked indignant cries from the smaller pokemon as they tried to weave around him only for him to gently buffet them away with a mighty sweep of his wings that saw them tumbling through the air. They landed and staggered around for a while much to Zephyr's amusement. We stuck around with them for long enough for the Hoothoot to find some Caterpie and snatch them up before returning to their nest.

I smiled at their freedom and merely watched like a silent observer.

When we left the Hoothoot fluttered their little wings in goodbye. I turned Zephyr back to Mt Moon proper. When we got close I spotted a number of small campfires from the sky. I could see our campsite and decided that had been enough for tonight. I patted Zephyr on the back.

Time for bed I think boy. I gave a final glance around. I hadnt seen any interesting singular zubat but then again I hadnt really been looking. I might make a more serious effort one day but I didnt need to rush things right now.

When we landed we did so on silent wings. I landed near a boulder only to be surprised when I heard Daniel speaking on the other side. yeah I know when Ill be away next time so it shouldnt be an issue.

I coughed to announce my presence. He stiffened and shot me a worried look. I waved at him.

Ill leave you to talk to your wife, have a good night, I decided not to be a creep by hanging around and listening in. Instead, I walked into the camp while Zephyr hopped after me. When I walked past the pot I grumbled. Urgh they left it out damn it thats going to take ages to clean.

Zephyr started bunting me and gave me hopeful looks. No, Im not reheating the flakes of tonights dinner! I said back to him. He gave a sad chirp, his body curling into itself in sadness.

I stuffed the pot into one of my backpack slots only to draw out another, clean pot that had little pokemon running all over it. No! Instead, Ill just cook you a new meal! The Growlithe and Rhydon on guard duty shot me hopeful looks.

Youll get some as well if you stay vigilant! They immediately began watching the skies with focused eyes. Zephyr hopped up and down on the spot hooting happily. I chuckled and got to work feeding them. I had just scooped up the meal and deposited on a raised rock for Zephyr only to turn back to plate up the other pokemon when a Zubat slammed into the ground next to me.

I blinked. It raised its head and wiggled its ears in a blink of its own. Zephyr tilted his head. Growlithe jumped forward and growled in a manner that sent shivers down my spine. The Zubat flinched and threw itself into the air, taking off as the move took effect.

I raised a hand after it futilely. Growlithe strutted up to me and barked once. Pleased with himself at chasing off the wild pokemon. He shot a look at the pot and I sighed.

Yeah good work protecting your trainer Growlithe, I spooned him some food into a bowl amused at how Id almost had the pokemon falling into my lap.

I fed Rhydon but something kept niggling at me.

Why had that zubat been green? I was forgetting something something important that made me want to kick myself. But why?

That thought kept bugging me as I lay down and continued to show Missy and Daniel what would be expected of them throughout the next day. I was halfway off the mountain before I remembered and had to refrain from cursing up a storm or causing an avalanche.

When I got into Pewter my foul mood of letting a shiny zubat through my fingers had mostly dissipated. I made a pass through the pokemon centre to have Joy heal up my pokemon before returning to the gym. When I reached the back free range area I spotted Yolanda holding the egg while a number of pokemon such as Titan and Sanchez stood around her and Cindy. Cindy appeared to be practising her flute.

Sanchez was grinning hugely but Titan was sniffing at the egg with an air of delicacy while smiling softly. When he was done he puffed a playful breath of air at her. The others sat or lazed around as Cindy haltingly practised her song. Yolanda giggled when Titan snorted heavily.

Titan! she said with a giggle as she scrunched her neck. Titan rose up to his full height and nodded at her, apparently pleased with how she was looking after his sibling. I felt my heart warm a little and raised up my transceiver to snap a picture.

Sadly the sound made Titan twitch and glance over, ruining the moment. I chuckled as Yolanda waved at me. Cindy stopped playing much to the pokemons disappointment. She waved at me only to check her watch and run back home. Apparently it was her tv time. I waved at her back and opened up the pokeballs on Selene, Zephyr, Knight, Scyther and the newest Graveller I had acquired.

This new pokemon drew a glance before the others greeted my Elite pokemon and Scyther. Scyther waved at them before he realised he knew the Graveller next to him. He glared at her only to be ignored as she marched forward and hopped onto a small rock to let her look over the area.

As Yolanda and Titan approached me we all watched the coming spectacle.

GRAV! GRAV! LER! GRA LER! GRAVELLER! she said emphatically.

Sanchez began bouncing up and down, waving his hands. The new Graveller nodded once then rolled forward, grabbing the rock shed been standing on as she did so to throw it right at Sanchez.

He caught it and tossed it up into the air cackling as lightning began to arc off it. The female Graveller charged him only for him to spin forward into a ball and knock her flying. When she landed she only had a second before he was upon her. His foot slammed her to the ground where he kept her pinned.

He twizzled his moustache as he grinned hugely at her. Go! Go! Golem! He then punched her in the face and knocked her out. He gestured at her downed form and shouted his name before walking off with a pleased expression on his face.

Yolanda tilted her head. Uhm what did I just watch?

Pokemon greeting and establishing of the hierarchy. Golem and their line are very structured. Graveller wants to be the strongest and I told her about Sanchez. She called him out and he accepted her challenge only to show why he was the strongest. Shell keep challenging him when she feels stronger.

Yolanda frowned. But Titans your strongest pokemon.

Titan leaned down and shook his head. Ty! Tyran! he shook his head and held up a claw to his lips.

Huh?! Yolanda said, confused by Titans words.

I sniffed. He doesnt want to be bothered by pokemon like Graveller constantly coming after him so he doesnt announce himself. He prefers to relax when hes out of training. Titan nodded at this.

Titan stiffened as Bertha approached the slowly waking Graveller. The giant rhino pokemon prodded the Graveller and gestured for the new pokemon to follow her. When the Graveller dismissed her Bertha picked the Graveller up like an unruly child causing the Graveller to squawk in surprise..

Yolanda giggled. I dont think she was expecting that!

Titan warbled a groan of annoyance. Yolanda looked to Titan then to me. Whats wrong? Whys he upset?

Hes not worried, just exasperated cause Berthas showing the new pokemon how things work.

I pat him on the flank. Dont worry buddy Bertha wont tell Graveller about how youre the strongest at least not straight away. Shell be able to settle in and calm down first. If she does learn about you I have another pokemon for her to fight.

Titan tilted his head only to follow as I looked to the side to find Scyther buzzing angrily. I reached out. Hey Scyther, isnt it nice to have a training buddy to overcome?

Scyther buzzed once only to stop when he registered my words. He thought about it before nodding slowly. I gave Titan a smirk, Think you can help me train him up?

Titan smirked slyly. For all that everyone thought of Psychic pokemon when they thought of smart pokemon, Titan was no fool.

He was the undisputed strongest pokemon I had but he also worked as the best manager for any pokemon I possessed. For Titan, all the Onix, Aron, Lairon, Geodudes, Gravellers, Golems, and more eventually understood and respected that he was the strongest by a long margin. Before that though he had usually won their respect through other means. It was sort of like having a cool big brother that helped you out only to learn he was secretly the biggest and baddest around.

He was the example that all my pokemon came to acknowledge.

Graveller would eventually understand how far she had to go.

I looked forward to working with her just as I did with any of my pokemon. I glanced down to see Yolanda watching me with an inscrutable look. I merely smiled and drew her in for a side hug.