(Pewter City Pokémon Center, Pewter City, Kanto Region, Pokémon World)
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(Misty POV)
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Ash talked a lot about how Cobalt and Gary were his main rivals, and that although he wanted to really shut Gary up with a win, that Cobalt was a tougher opponent. She simply assumed that it was because Cobalt was more arrogant than Gary, yet from just observing him, he seemed to be the polar opposite of what Ash had described Gary as. He was calm and intelligent, but most of all, he seemed to be centered. Ash was a hyperactive preteen; Cobalt, on the other hand, was both older and far more mature than his age suggested.
Quickly taking her Pokedex out she searched for his trainer ID. She only knew his first name, but being from Pallet Town significantly narrowed her search.
She looked at his pre-trainer history and tried not to drop her Pokedex.
He'd been all over the world!
He studied under several Pokemon Professors and had never lost a match in the various youth tournaments he'd participated in. But that was hardly the most eye-catching part of his profile. Cobalt was listed as an associate of the Pokemon Rangers, he had two marks on his trainer profile that meant he had first assisted a Pokemon Ranger and was afforded the appropriate recognition, and a second mark signifying that the Ranger Organization considered him an exceptional trainer with high potential to reach the ranks of Ace Trainers.
No, that was wrong. Looking more closely at the mark in question, Misty saw that it had three rings on it. That meant that the consensus between the League and the Rangers was that whatever his current skill level and experience was, they considered it a very real possibility that Cobalt would become Champion one day. Only five people in Kanto History had received a higher ring count on such a mark. Elite Four Member Lance, Kanto's strongest Gym Leader Giovanni, Professor Oak, Lady Agatha of Kanto's Elite Four, and Professor Oak's son and the former Champion, Blue. For prospective sponsors and scouts, this kid from Pallet Town would be a goldmine. They made these stamps of approval publicly available for such a reason, but also as part of a larger means of cultivating and sorting the more talented trainers.
The Pokemon Rangers assigned these marks because they were the most qualified to determine how that sort of trainer should be classified. Or at least that's what Daisy had said to her when she'd asked why Daisy's mark had two rings, while Lily and Violet's had only one. Her eldest sister simply happened to be the stronger of the three, in more ways than one. Daisy had also said that if a trainer with two or more rings on a mark like that were to apply for a Gym Leader's license it could be fast-tracked past the many levels of bureaucracy in the Pokemon League's Gym Board. People with a mark like that with three rings or more automatically get pushed for approval, provided that they also either had enough records to match their talent or there was enough publicity around their skill and their overall personality. She didn't understand a whole lot of it, it was just a little too technical for her to understand.
''I would worry about how Ash takes his coming loss, more than his actual opponent if I were you.'' Cobalt's companion said.
Before she could muster a response, however, Ash and Cobalt began battling.
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(POV Shift: Cobalt Black)
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Cobalt had rotated in Slakoth and Weedle, exchanging Snorlax and Ace Temporarily. He'd use Garuda, Slakoth, and Weedle for this battle.
He was waiting for Ash to make the first move.
''Pidgeotto let's go.'' Ash said.
Cobalt forced a smile down as he threw out his Pokémon.
''Let's Kick it into Overdrive; come on out, Weedle!'' Says Cobalt.
''A Weedle? This'll be too easy; Aerial Ace. Let's Go!'' Ash says charging in headfirst without a care in the world and thus… falling into Cobalt's trap.
Just as Pidgeotto gets in close enough for like within a few seconds before the impact, Cobalt grins.
''Electroweb!'' He orders.
''Say what?!'' Ash gapes in surprise as Weedle spews an electrostatic web around Pidgeotto that immobilizes it instantly and wraps around every inch of it, trapping it.
''Weedle return! Let's go, Garuda! End it with Heat Wave!'' He orders as his Pidgey flies out of its Pokéball and launches a point-blank Heat Wave at the Immobilized and still paralyzed Pidgeotto.
''I l-lost the first battle?'' Asks Ash.
''You were rash and arrogant to believe that a Weedle was no match for your Pidgeotto. Sending a Pokémon into battle with the mentality of an easy win should never be the goal, I sent Weedle out as bait, and you swallowed! Hook! Line! And Sinker! It's not just about type-advantages, it's about strategies and tactics as well.'' Cobalt said, scolding Ash.
''Wow, so quickly too.'' He heard Misty say.
''I don't have too much time so I'll give you an example, Ash. Water conducts electricity and turns the earth into mud, a move like a well-placed Hydro Pump could easily be used to either create opportunities for far more damage or straight up do more damage than it normally would if utilized correctly. Now try and prove that you can overcome this defeat.'' Cobalt said and Ash returned Pidgeotto To its Pokéball and nervously withdrew his next one.
''Come on out Metapod!'' Says Ash, still unnerved.
''Garuda, use Heat Wave and follow it up with Tackle!'' Cobalt orders and that amounts to Metapod's contribution to the battle.
''We can end it here if you want. I'm two up on you, no shame in forfeiting.'' Cobalt offers.
''No way, I never back down from anything.'' Ash said as he nodded to Pikachu who jumped from Ash's shoulder to do battle.
''You have an advantage here, Ash; do not waste it. Garuda this is yours to lose, so don't lose.'' Cobalt instructs. ''Let's get this over with quickly; I want to be on the road fast; the sooner we're back at Cerulean City, the better.'' Says Cobalt as he nods to Garuda.
''Hey Cobalt, why do you name your Pokemon?'' Asks Ash.
''I don't. They have to earn that. Garuda was the name of a bird of prey in an old and obscure Legend I'm familiar with. I'll spare you the long story right now and just say that when an invading force took everything from Garuda's people, he and his flock fought back. I've also got a Meowth called Ace, and an Eevee named Shadow, and I'm certain to add more before I have finished my participation in the Victory Road. But let us have this discussion another time, Garuda, close the gap and hit Pikachu with a Heat Wave!''
''Dodge it and use Iron Tail!'' Ash orders, but before Pikachu can launch Iron Tail the two Mons are swept up by a large net attached to some kind of mech.
''Oh great.'' Cobalt said in annoyance.
''Prepare for trouble!'' The failed nurse said.
''Make it double!'' The runaway rich boy replied.
''To protect the world from devastation!'' The failure of villainess says.
''To unite all peoples within our nation!'' The runaway groom said.
''To denounce the evils of truth and love!'' The bootleg Nurse Joy coos.
''To extend our reach to the stars above!'' The disappointment to the family replies.
''Jessie!''
''James!''
''Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of-''
''Oh shut the fuck up!'' Cobalt shouted. ''If you have a point, then fucking get to it! I've got a schedule to keep and can't spend time listening to you three fuckups get in my way. I've already trounced two other Team Rocket stooges, don't piss me off any more than your organization already has by wasting my time!'' Cobalt barks.
''You speak as if you know us.'' James notes.
''I did my research about your organization before I returned home. It's kind of a necessity when your dating and traveling with the adopted niece of the former best friend of Team Rocket's boss. Then those twats Cassidy and Buster got on my last nerve, which means you three are in for a world of pain. Pass this on to your boss if you ever make it out of the Hospital. Cobalt Black is declaring war on Team Rocket. And the opening salvo is mine.'' Cobalt says as he releases all of his Pokemon; Bulbasaur, Slakoth, Weedle, Rockruff, and Charmander.
He idly notes that Acerola has done the same, realizing that she has called out Shuppet, Rapooh, Mudsdale, Poplio and Dusclops, with Mimikins already prepared for battle.
''Such rare Pokemon, some of which we've never seen before. The boss will surely reward us for their capture.'' Meowth said greedily.
''Just try it. Garuda, I expect you to be out of there quickly. Or else no more special food for you for a month.'' Says Cobalt and Garuda looks taken aback before it starts thrashing about trying to break out. Pikachu joins in, but all Garuda seems to be doing is tiring itself out.
''Let's go! Koffing!'' James called out releasing his gas ball.
''Ekans, you too!'' Jessie called out as she called upon the wannabe rattlesnake.
''You actually think you have a chance at beating us? Acerola is related to the regional equivalent of an Elite Four Member, and I've never tasted defeat. Bulbasaur use Razor Leaf! Weedle use Electroweb! Rockruff use Zen Headbutt! Charmander, use Fire Spin! And Slakoth us Hammer Arm!'' Cobalt orders.
''Mimikins use Astonish! Shuppet use Psychic! Rapooh use Power-Up Punch! Mudsdale use Bulldoze! Poplio use Ice Beam! And Dusclops lock them all down with Gravity.'' Acerola orders. With the Team Rocket mons locked down by Dusclops use of gravity, they have no chance of escaping the oncoming attacks, and when Meowth attempts to use his Fury Swipes on Dusclops to disrupt the use of Gravity by both inflicting damage to Dusclops and forcing it to use the one thing that forces Gravity to be canceled - movement - Greedy Rapooh cames outta nowhere and hits Meowth with a Power up Punch that sends Meowth crashing into the feet of Jesse and James. With their foes' feet knocked out from under them, and subsequently sent tumbling and rolling, Koffing and Ekans have no orders and they couldn't move to start with.
Poplio's Ice Beam and Charmander Fire Spin cross streams into one single and unified attack, and it is promptly joined by Bulbsaurs's Razor Leaf and it was headed straight for James' Koffing. Shuppet quickly uses Psychic to take possession of Koffing and slam it into the ground before hurling it into the path of the oncoming combined attack.
Meanwhile, Ekans is freed from the Gravity by Dusclops, but it's only a momentary reprieve as Mudsdale's Bulldoze sends it flying into the air before being slammed back into the ground by Slakoth's Hammer Arm, Weedle's Electroweb promptly ensnares Ekans and causes Paralysis, before Rockruff charges ahead and uses Zen Headbutt sending it into the sky once me, before Shuppet appears and uses Astonish on Ekans, sending it into Koffing and both Pokemon at Team Rocket.
''What the…'' Cobalt watches as a shimmering white light begins falling from the feathers of the tired Garuda, and Garuda appears to not only regain a measure of strength but get stronger as well. ''Work up.'' Cobalt says with a small smile as Garuda smashes through the Net with a powerful heat wave.
''Cobalt look!'' Acerola says, tearing his attention from the freed Garuda and Pikachu to Bulbasaur.
No.
Not Bulbasaur….
Ivysaur.
His Bulbasaur evolved into Ivysaur, and by the looks of it, had learned Grassy Knot, since it was sending the Mecha tumbling.
Looks like Ivysaur had earned a name.
''Ash, you ready? Let's send these fools packing!'' Says Cobalt as Ash comes to stand beside him, Pikachu standing next Ivysaur.
''Ready when you are, right Pikachu?'' Ash said.
''Pika Pika!'' Came the thunder mouse's reply.
''Ivysaur use Solar Beam!'' Cobalt orders
''Pikachu use Thunder!'' Ash orders.
''We're blasting off again!''
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Cobalt and Ash were enjoying a nice curry while their Pokemon were regaining strength from their own curry. Cobalt had served up a Sweet Curry with Noodles for Misty, a Sweet Curry with Burger Steaks for Ash, and a Sour Curry with Pasta for Acerola while he enjoyed a Spicy Curry with Mixed Mushrooms. The Girls were currently enjoying their curry's on their own, while Cobalt and Ash had their own time together.
''Man, this is so delicious.'' Ash says.
''It's a fairly simple recipe. But it fills you up and gives you a lot of energy to boot. Listen Ash, about our battle, you want to continue it at Cinnabar Island? Blaine will be one of the last Gym Leaders we'll face before the Pokemon League Rolls around, seems as good a place as any to set the stage for a battle against each other before the Pokemon League as there is no guarantee we'll get to face each at the Victory Road.'' Says Cobalt.
''Why not continue it here?'' Ash asks.
''Because my schedule means that eventually, I'll have to temporarily leave Kanto. I want to battle you just short of your best so that I have something to compare you to at the Pokemon League if we don't get to face each other.'' Says Cobalt.
''Why are you leaving Kanto?'' Asks Ash.
''There are other regions out there. Lance of our Elite Four is also a member of Johto's Elite Four, and there are things that I need to finish elsewhere before completing my Kanto Journey. So, Cinnabar Island?'' Asks Cobalt.
''Sounds like a plan.'' Ash agrees.
''See you then.'' Cobalt confirms. ''But first, watch this. Ivysaur? Come over here.'' Says Cobalt.
'''Saur?'' It says questioningly.
''You've been with me since the beginning, you evolved when one of our friends were in danger, and you sent that mechanical monster tumbling. I'd say you've earned a name. You were the first, you are the core of my first team, the root of it all. I name you Roots.'' Cobalt says and Ivysaur smiles at him before wrapping him in Vines and nuzzling against him.
''Saur.'' It says happily.
''You earned it.'' He told it nuzzling against it himself.
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Cobalt's Trainer ID:
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Name: Cobalt Black.
Gender: Male.
Age: 18.
Hometown: Pallet Town.
Registered Pokémon Center (Kanto): Viridian City.
Registered Pokémon Center (Orange Islands): Unregistered.
Registered Pokémon Center (Johto): Unregistered.
Registered Pokémon Center (Hoenn): Unregistered.
Registered Pokémon Center (Sinnoh): Unregistered.
Registered Pokémon Center (Unova): Unregistered.
Registered Pokémon Center (Kalos): Unregistered.
Registered Pokémon Center (Alola): Unregistered.
Registered Pokémon Center (Galar): Unregistered.
Registered Pokémon Center (Paldea): Unregistered.
Trainer Type: Pokémon League Participant.
Trainer Rank: Junior Alola Champion (Tournament Wins), Novice Trainer (As of Kanto League and Pewter City Gym Victory.
Current Sponsorship Level: Not Currently Sponsored.
Total Sponsorships: 0.
Sponsors: None.
Gym Badges (Kanto): 1.
Gym Badges (Orange Islands): 0.
Gym Badges (Johto): 0.
Gym Badges (Hoenn): 0.
Gym Badges (Sinnoh): 0.
Gym Badges (Unova): 0.
Gym Badges (Kalos): 0.
Island Challenge Victories (Alola): 0.
Gym Challenge Victories: 0.
Gym Badges (Paldea): 0.
League Wins: 0.
Total Elite Four Defeated: 0
Championships: 0.
Total Victories: 4.
Total Draws: 0.
Total Losses: 0.
Current Team: Ivysaur, Charmander, Weedle, Garuda the Pidgey, Slakoth, Rockruff.
Pokémon in rotation: Snorlax, Shadow the Eevee, Abra, Slakoth, Pikachu.
Total Captured Pokémon: 11.
Total Captured Shiny Pokemon: 3.
Total Released Pokémon: 0.
Pokédollars: 11,300.
TM/HM's Case: Iron Tail, Thunder Punch.
Z-Crystals: Lycanium Z, Rockium Z, Darkinium Z.
Mega Crystals: None.
Key Items: Fixed-point Knife, Half a Keystone Necklace, Capture Styler, Camping Gear, Map, Dynamax Band, Z-Ring, Z-Power Ring, Scizorite Mega Stone, Scyther Egg.
Battle Items: Pokéball ×16, Potion ×12.
Berries: Oran Berries × 12, Persim Berries × 8, Lum Berries × 3, Sitrus Berries × 14, Figy Berries × 9, Wiki Berries ×5, Aguav Berries × 6, Tamato Berries × 17.
Extra Ingredients: Package of five Sausages ×4, Mixed Mushrooms pack of ten ×4, Pasta ×5, Salad Mix × 10, Fresh Cream 3.5 Litres ×5, Instant Cup Noodles × 15, Burger Steaks packages of six × 5, Packs of Potatoes × 5, Eggs packs of six × 12, Spice Mix Sachet ×5.
Current Location: Pewter City.
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Pokémon Stats:
Roots the Ivysaur (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, Grassy Knot.
Entrance Chapter: Chapter 1.
Captured: Chapter 1.
Personality: Easygoing and not prone to being boisterous, Ivysaur is the patient type, preferring to wait and only battle in a smart way. She likes to take it easy if she can, but she also likes to be helpful. She dislikes unnecessary conflict.
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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, Work Up.
Entrance Chapter: Chapter 2.
Captured: Chapter 3.
Personality: Though extremely proud because of its shiny coat, the greatest aspect of Garuda's personality is...gluttony. Garuda loves Cobalts foods, with Cobalt's curries holding a special place in its heart.
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Weedle (Female):
Abilities: Shield 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.
Entrance Chapter: Chapter 3
Captured: Chapter 3
Personality: Determined and serious, Weedle's primary goal is to evolve and become stronger. Before being captured by Cobalt it was about as low on the pecking order as she could be. Her defensive power being abysmall, but her Special Attack and Special Defense were off the charts. Because Cobalt took a chance on her, she wants to repay his faith and do right by him.
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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.
Entrance Chapter: Chapter 2
Captured: Chapter 4
Personality: Fiercely loyal to Cobalt and excitable, Rockruff - like Charmander - is determined to help Cobalt succeed. However while Charmander is more blind in his desire to help Cobalt succeed, because Rockruff grew up with Cobalt and was raised primarily by Acerola for several years, Rockruff is smarter and more aware of what he needs to do to help Cobalt succeed.
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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, Iron Tail.
Entrance Chapter: Chapter 2
Captured: Chapter 4
Personality: Eccentric, gluttonous, lazy, and attention-seeking. Ace seeks three things in life: Tummy rubs, Cobalt's cooking, and a good long nap time. Though intensely against training and physical activities of any kind, if there's three things Ace hates more than anything its, being underestimated, looked down upon, and nap time being interrupted.
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Shadow The Eevee (Female) (Shiny):
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.
Entrance Chapter: Chapter 5
Captured: Chapter 6
Personality: Suspicious and slow to trust, Shadow is a survivor, and unlike Garuda is not overly proud or vain about it's shiny colours. Because of Cobalt's kindness and willingness to help, Shadow in turn is willing to aid Cobalt within reason.
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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.
Entrance Chapter: Chapter 7
Captured: Chapter 8
Personality: Much as Garuda is gluttonous, Snorlax is too. However Snorlax is also conscious of her weight, an unusual trait in a Snorlax. Though conscious of her weight, Snorlax is that way because of her fears that her diet affects her strength and overall power. For this reason she is immensely grateful to Cobalt for his highly nutritious and delicious meals.
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Pikachu (Male) (Shiny):
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, Rain Dance, Iron Tail.
Entrance Chapter: Chapter 11.
Captured: Chapter 11.
Personality: Curious and inquisitive, Pikachu has an insatiable curiosity. It joined Cobalt through this curiosity, both by initially trailing him and to get a better look, smell, and taste of Cobalt's cooking.
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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, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch, Metal Claw.
Entrance Chapter: Chapter 12
Captured: Chapter 12
Personality: Desperate for affection and attention because of his previous trainer, Charmander is hopelessly loyal to Cobalt for taking him in and believing in him. Charmander is highly protective of Cobalt because of these things, and will follow his commands and desires without fail. Charmander is terrified of disappointing Cobalt, and may on occasion seem gluttonous trying to show off his skills, but Cobalt would always have a soft spot for Charmander.
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Abra (Female):
Abilities: Synchronise, 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.
Entrance Chapter: Chapter 12
Captured: Chapter 12
Personality: Lazy, eccentric, and quirky. Cobalt's Abra refuses to partake in anything it finds uninteresting or tedious. It only allowed Cobalt to capture it due to finding him quite an interesting anomaly.
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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.
Entrance Chapter: Chapter 12
Captured: Chapter 12
Personality: Like most of his line Slakoth is incredibly lazy, but it is also earnest and seeks to reach great heights with a trainer it feels will reach great heights themselves. By attaching itself to Cobalt, this goal has been partially realised, but Slakoth will reserve that judgement until Cobalt proves himself that kind of trainer to him. And if Cobalt is unable to prove himself, Slakoth is more than willing to laze around until another trainer proves his or herself worth Slakoth's valuable time.
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Thanks to Lewis Wilson, Mitchell Howard, David Martinez, ROGUE505 Saver, Mathew T Linderman, Luck George, Kyle Diano, Julien, and Morgan Sinn for their support on P-atreon.
And also a big thank you to Cody, Luci Alarra, TJ Cruz, Beastmode2003, Kunta, Availon90, Gavin Barclay, Dragonslayer29, Jacarya Robinson, Nathan Just, Francisco J Guzman, Axlii, Reece Hutton, Ken Harris, Zeldris Wrath, Duy, lonelynib _, Mudit Chadha, Austin, D3EATH707, Dwhateverprof, Cutler1812, and Aleksander_402, for their past support on Patreon.
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