North of the China.
Zenith Mountains, Class C Hazardous Area.
As a C-level dangerous area, the Zenith Mountains attract countless Trainers seeking adventure. With relatively strong wild Pokémon and abundant resources, it's an ideal training ground. Every day, nearly 100,000 Trainers pass through Zenith City to venture into the mountains.
But today, something unusual was happening. The road leading from Zenith City to the Zenith Mountains was sealed off.
Only those exiting the mountains were permitted to pass. Entry was strictly prohibited.
The authorities had yet to provide an explanation, though two groups of elite personnel from the Zenith City Trainer Association and the military had already been dispatched.
Lucas stepped out of his car at the city's edge. Without hesitation, he bypassed the blockade, releasing his Salamence to fly him directly into the heart of the Zenith Mountains.
Ten minutes later, he witnessed something extraordinary.
A crimson crack had appeared at the mountain's summit. It wasn't on the rock face but suspended in midair, a gash in the fabric of space itself. The anomaly stood out starkly, as if a masterpiece painting had been violently ripped apart, exposing a blood-red background.
"A spatial rift?" Lucas frowned, urging Salamence to descend faster.
At the base of the rift, numerous military tents had been erected. As he landed, a soldier approached and saluted sharply.
"Major Lucas, the chief is expecting you!"
Lucas nodded, dismounting from Salamence before following the soldier into the largest tent.
Inside, a middle-aged man sat with his eyes closed, only stirring as Lucas entered.
"Chief, what's so urgent that I was summoned here?" Lucas asked.
"What else would we need the China's top Pokémon inspector for? It's the usual lawless factions," the chief replied, gesturing for him to sit.
"You saw the spatial rift on your way in, didn't you?"
Lucas nodded grimly.
"That rift appeared two days ago," the chief explained. "Our preliminary exploration has confirmed that it leads to a secret realm—a massive, active volcano."
"During the initial survey, our team encountered something… peculiar. A mirage."
"A mirage?" Lucas tilted his head. "You mean, like a naturally occurring optical illusion?"
"Not quite," the chief said. "Our technicians identified it as an image projected by a unique magnetic field—a record of events that occurred within the secret realm."
This was new to Lucas. Intrigued, he leaned forward. "What did it show?"
The chief raised his hand, signaling a guard to place a laptop in front of Lucas. The guard clicked on a video file.
In the footage, a heated battle raged atop the volcano. Two groups of Trainers, one clad in red and the other in blue, were locked in a life-and-death struggle.
Suddenly, a young man in white appeared on the battlefield, accompanied by a Blaziken.
Blaziken moved with unmatched grace and power, defeating all the Pokémon on both sides with ease. Its movements were precise and its strikes devastating, leaving Lucas awestruck. The scene was mesmerizing, though the video quality left much to be desired—most faces were indistinct.
The video ended.
"This…" Lucas began, only for the chief to interrupt.
"Hold on. There's more."
The guard played the second video.
This time, the footage was sharper. A middle-aged man in a red and black trench coat was seen operating a strange machine. He paused, seemingly sensing something, and turned to face the camera. A deep voice rang out.
"You're the Trainer who defeated Tabitha?"
The figure smirked. "I'll give you one chance—to join our Team Magma and embrace the coming of King of the Earth! You'll witness the dawn of a new world!"
His voice grew more impassioned. "Imagine a future where Pokémon can evolve to unprecedented levels! Where humanity has limitless space to expand! Join us, and you'll shape the destiny of the endless continent!
The Team Magma. King of the Earth. The Development of the Endless Continent.
Lucas's face was filled with confusion. These terms were entirely foreign to him.
The video continued.
A resolute voice, stern and authoritative, suddenly spoke from off-screen, addressing the middle-aged man directly.
"Our goals are incompatible! Groudon, the being you're trying to awaken, won't bring prosperity or land expansion—it will bring disaster to the world!"
*Groudon!*
Lucas's eyes widened in realization. The "King of the Earth" the Fire Rock Team sought to awaken was none other than Groudon. In mythology, Groudon was revered as the embodiment of the earth itself, the legendary Pokémon said to have created land masses and expanded the continents. The title of King of the Earth was undeniably fitting.
The middle-aged man in the video sneered at the unseen speaker. "Foolish words!" he snapped, raising his hand to release a Poké Ball.
A massive Camerupt appeared in a flash of light. The tension in the scene rose as it became clear a battle was about to erupt.
But the second video ended abruptly.
The guard wasted no time playing the third video.
In this clip, the young man from the first video reappeared with his Blaziken. The scene showed Blaziken expertly dispatching a Krookodile with a fierce kick, then dodging a Moonblast mid-air before launching a counterattack. Within seconds, the camera shifted to reveal a Mega Camerupt, emerging from a cloud of Haze, collapsing at the feet of the middle-aged man.
The battle was over. The Mega Camerupt was incapacitated, clearly unable to continue.
The middle-aged man muttered to himself, seemingly unfazed by his loss. "As expected…" he said, recalling his defeated Pokémon with three Poké Balls.
He turned and began boarding a helicopter, leaving with a final declaration:
"We will meet again. Next time, I will come with the King of the Earth! You'll regret opposing us, choosing to be our enemy!"
The helicopter ascended, disappearing into the clouds as the video ended.
Lucas remained silent, deep in thought as he analyzed the information he'd just seen.
The chief broke the silence. "What's your take on this?"
Lucas took a moment before responding. "From what we've seen, Team Magma seems to be a radical organization aiming to awaken Groudon, claiming it will create new land. But… their true intentions are questionable," he said, frowning. "This purpose—it's… bizarre. Ordinary people wouldn't seek to create land. Their motivations must go deeper than they're letting on."
He paused, his tone resolute. "There shouldn't be any records of Team Magma in the China's investigator database. When I return, I'll contact the World Police Organization and see if they have any information."
The chief nodded solemnly. "Agreed. While we haven't received reports of any volcano-related activity or disappearances within the China, the language spoken in these videos is our own. It's highly likely Team Magma is operating within our borders."
He leaned forward, his voice firm. "I need you to track down this group, identify their base of operations, and dismantle it completely."
He paused, his expression grave. "If Groudon—a god-level creature—were to awaken, the consequences would be catastrophic."
"I'll have the technicians work on creating a composite sketch of the middle-aged man suspected to be the Fire Rock Team's leader," the chief added. "We'll provide you with that as soon as possible."
He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "As for the young man in the videos…"
Both men fell silent. They knew that finding him could be key to understanding the Team Magma's plans. But the details were scarce.
"All we know," the chief said slowly, "is that he's young, probably in his twenties, and has a Blaziken."
Lucas sighed. "Blaziken is a popular Pokémon—one of the Hoenn starters. There are countless Trainers with Blaziken. It will be like searching for a needle in a haystack."
The chief nodded grimly. "Still, we must try. The sooner we act, the better our chances of stopping this disaster."
Clearing the peak of Mt. Chimney marked an end to Chris's immediate worries.
The next challenge was to head to the Petalburg Gym and face Norman, the protagonist's father! After obtaining the Balance Badge, Chris planned to use Surf to journey to the next city.
To ensure victory, Chris trained for several days, raising the levels of Garchomp and Blaziken to an impressive 50.
As Chris approached Petalburg City, he stopped at the Pokémon Center to heal and save, preparing for the intense gym battles ahead.
Upon arriving at the gym, Norman, who had initially greeted challengers in the first room, was now stationed in its deepest part. To meet him, Chris had to battle his way through the maze-like gym.
In front of Chris were two doors labeled "Attack" and "Speed."
Each room specialized in different battle styles, with Trainers using Pokémon between levels 30-40. These battles posed little challenge for Chris, though he took note of strategic matchups, such as the Swellow in the Speed Room.
The Normal/Flying-type Swellow was especially tricky for Fighting-types, and Chris suspected Norman might include one on his team.
Despite the relatively easy battles, the gym offered valuable experience points, with defeated Pokémon granting twice the experience of wild ones. Chris cleared all seven rooms in the Petalburg Gym, although only three were necessary to reach Norman. This thorough approach felt akin to raiding his own home.
Standing before the door to Norman's room, Chris suddenly put down his handheld and ran downstairs.
In the living room, Togepi and Wobbuffet were still "fighting." Ever since getting the game console, they had become completely engrossed, earning them the titles of "Internet-addicted kid" and "Internet-addicted mon."
Strangely, Wobbuffet seemed to gain skill levels just by playing games with Pokémon. Chris hadn't paid much attention to this odd phenomenon until now.
"Togepi! (^▽^)o" Togepi cheered triumphantly.
"Wobbuffet " Wobbuffet groaned in defeat.
The game ended with another decisive win for Togepi. Wobbuffet could only swallow his bitterness as Togepi gleefully grabbed a brush and added yet another mark to Wobbuffet's already ink-covered face.
By now, Wobbuffet's face resembled a completely ink-stained canvas, with no white space left. Togepi, meanwhile, sported only a single faint mark, which Chris suspected was intentionally light to spare Wobbuffet further humiliation.
"Lucky Pokémon like Togepi never lose!" Chris mused.
"Have some snacks!" Chris said, picking up Togepi and offering a custom-made Pokéblock, which it devoured happily.
"Togepi !ㄟ (≧◇≦) ," Togepi exclaimed, beaming with delight.
Chris gave Togepi a playful pat, but then noticed a fiery gaze directed at him.
"Wobbuffet"
Chris sighed. His Pokémon were utterly spoiled. He handed Wobbuffet a superb Pokéblock with a resigned smile.
"(≧◇≦) " Wobbuffet cheered happily, savoring the treat.
Just then, Chris noticed his other Pokémon casually forming a line, led by the ever-hungry Garchomp. The line wasn't subtle, and their expectant gazes made it clear: both Togepi and Wobbuffet had been fed, so why not them?
Even Steelix, who wasn't released often due to its massive size, and Tyranitar , who was notoriously disobedient, made their presence known. Tyranitar shook its Poké Ball lightly, as if to remind Chris it was still there.
"All right, all right!" Chris relented, taking out a box of excellent Pokéblocks. He enlisted Gardevoir to distribute them to the waiting Pokémon using Confusion.
"For Steelix and Tyranitar, I'll feed them later," he muttered, knowing it'd take some extra effort to appease those two.
Returning to his room, Chris opened his handheld console and began feeding Steelix and Tyranitar. While doing so, he couldn't help but think aloud, "There has to be a moment when Slaking becomes sleepy!"
In the game, Slaking's Truant ability forced it to rest every other turn, making it manageable despite its immense power. But in reality, Slaking was even more unpredictable, often refusing to battle outright and falling asleep at any moment. With luck, it could snooze through an entire fight. On the other hand, a freshly woken Slaking was a devastating force, capable of obliterating opponents in one hit.
Slaking's game stats rivaled legendary Pokémon, and while that wasn't entirely true in reality, its raw strength could easily surpass most pseudo-legendaries of the same level.
The idea of facing a fully awake, high-level Slaking was enough to make Chris nervous.
He resolved to challenge Norman with Togepi on his team, hoping its unpredictable charm might turn the tide.
Finally ready, Chris approached the last door of the gym. He controlled his game character to push it open. Suddenly, the screen flashed, and before he knew it, his character was already standing on the battlefield.
Chris was startled. "Wait a second! Don't I need to talk to the gym leader first? Aren't I supposed to be teleported to the battlefield only when the match begins? What's going on?"
"Son?!" Norman's deep voice boomed, startling Chris further.
Chris's eyelid twitched. He knew Norman's title as "Dad" in the game was accurate, but the situation felt strangely personal.
Looking up, Chris noticed Norman wasn't alone. Standing nearby was a brown-haired girl, about his age, wearing a white dress adorned with a red bow. Her gentle smile and kind demeanor radiated warmth—she reminded him of a caring older sister.
"Come here," Norman called, gesturing to Chris.
Chris quickly walked over.
"Chris~~" the girl greeted him with a sweet smile and a gentle wave.
"Hello," Chris replied politely, feeling slightly awkward.
Norman, noticing the exchange, smiled approvingly. "In a bit, take Jasmine around the neighborhood. Show her Hoenn's sights and let her try some local delicacies. After all, she's your fiancée, so it's good for her to familiarize herself with the region."
Chris froze in place. "Fiancée?!"
Fiancée? Jasmine?
Does the protagonist have a backstory?
Wait—there is one!
Chris suddenly remembered that the protagonist in the **Emerald** game version is named Brendan, and his hometown is Shallow City in the Johto Region. Because of his father Norman's work, Brendan moved to Littleroot Town to begin his trainer journey. (In the manga version, Norman's child is named Ruby, whose appearance is very similar to Brendan's, making them almost like counterparts—just as Sapphire and May mirror each other.)
Chris couldn't recall much more information since he learned these details by chance. Still, he felt compelled to revisit the second floor of his house in Littleroot Town to check his diary after finishing the Petalburg Gym challenge.
As for Jasmine, Chris immediately thought of Jasmine, the Steel-type Gym Leader from the Johto Region. The girl standing before him bore a striking resemblance to her. But wouldn't a Gym Leader rarely leave the city where they live? Right?
In which city does Jasmine work as a Gym Leader?
Olivine City, home of the Glitter Lighthouse.
Jasmine and Brendan's hometown are not in the same city.
Fiancée… emmmm… what is happening here?
"Alright," Chris agreed hesitantly. This part of the plot wasn't in the game at all, and he had no idea how things would unfold next.
"No, no, I'm just here in the Hoenn Region for the Contest Spectacular competition," Jasmine quickly clarified. "I decided to stop by Petalburg City to visit my uncle and aunt before returning to the Johto Region. I'm worried about the Glitter Lighthouse in my absence; I hope nothing happens while I'm away."
Jasmine waved her hands nervously.
If Chris had any doubt earlier about this being *the* Jasmine, Gym Leader of Olivine City, he now had none. After all, Olivine's Gym Leader is responsible for protecting the lighthouse and caring for Amphy, the Ampharos that provides light for it.
"I understand; Gym Leaders shoulder the heavy responsibility of safeguarding their Region," Norman said. As a Gym Leader himself, he could relate to Jasmine's challenges. Turning to her, he added with a warm smile, "When you and Chris get married someday, he can move to the Johto Region to help you with your duties."
Jasmine's face turned scarlet. She nodded shyly but remained silent.
"Chris, this one's for you." Norman suddenly gave Chris a good-natured nudge with his foot.
"Got it!" Chris replied, resigned. *Marriage? Is that really where this plot is heading?*
Having wrapped up the Petalburg Gym storyline, Chris figured he wouldn't be returning here anytime soon.
"By the way, why are you back today?" Norman asked, breaking the moment.
Finally, Chris had the chance to explain. He quickly retrieved his four Gym Badges, presenting them proudly.
"I've already beaten four Gyms, so I'm here to challenge the Petalburg Gym."
Norman nodded slightly, a flicker of pride in his eyes as he looked at Chris.
"Not bad. You've been progressing quickly. But don't expect me to go easy on you, kid. In fact, I'll give it my all to ensure you're strong enough to compete at the Ever Grande Conference. I don't want you embarrassing me!"
Chris thought to himself, *It doesn't matter if you go all out or not. Your Slaking's Truant Ability will be all the help I need!*
"I'll be the referee!" Jasmine chimed in, her interest piqued at the prospect of a battle between her future husband and future father-in-law.
"Alright!" Norman agreed.
Everyone quickly took their places. Both trainers stood in their respective positions, while Jasmine eagerly picked up the referee's flags, ready to officiate the match.
"The battle now begins! This is the Petalburg Gym Challenge. Trainer Chris will face off against Petalburg Gym Leader Norman. Each side has three Pokémon available, with no substitutions allowed. The battle ends when one side has no remaining Pokémon," Jasmine announced, raising her flag to mark the start.
"The Gym Leader sends out their Pokémon first."
Norman stepped forward, raising a Poké Ball confidently. With a swift toss, the ball opened mid-air, releasing a powerful **Kangaskhan**, its imposing presence emphasized by the LV48 hovering above its head.
Chris immediately noted the intensity of this battle. *This is a big step up from the Lavaridge Gym,* he thought. Considering his options carefully, Chris selected his Poké Ball and threw it.
His choice? **Blaziken.**
The logic was clear—Blaziken's Fighting type had an advantage over Kangaskhan's Normal type. Additionally, Chris planned to leverage Blaziken's **Speed Boost** Ability. If he could stack its effects during the battle, he would stand a much better chance against Norman's dreaded Slaking, especially if it used powerful moves like **Smelling Salts**.
Once both Pokémon were on the battlefield, Jasmine waved her flag and declared, "The battle begins!"
"Blaziken, **Bulk Up**!" Chris commanded.
"Kangaskhan, **Mind Reader**!" Norman countered.
To everyone's surprise, neither side initiated an attack. Instead, both Pokémon began setting up their respective strategies.
Blaziken struck a powerful stance, its muscles flexing as an intense aura surrounded its body. Its **Bulk Up** raised both its Attack and Defense, while its **Speed Boost** Ability gradually increased its speed. A perfect setup, maximizing its potential for the coming rounds.
Meanwhile, Kangaskhan closed its eyes, holding its hands together in concentration. Even the baby in its pouch mimicked the gesture, calming itself. After a few moments, Kangaskhan reopened its eyes, their sharp, focused gaze now locked onto Blaziken.
The move **Mind Reader**, in-game, ensures that the next attack will not miss. In real-world terms, the technique sharpened Kangaskhan's mental focus, allowing it to track Blaziken's every move with precision. Smoke, mist, or even **Double Team** wouldn't be able to fool it now.
"Blaziken, **Double Kick**!" Chris ordered, deciding to go on the offensive. *Time to show Norman what the protagonist's father is up against!*
Blaziken dashed forward at incredible speed, its movements like a blur of red light as the sun filtered through the dojo's windows. In a blink, Blaziken was beside Kangaskhan, pivoting on its left foot to deliver a powerful kick with its right leg aimed at Kangaskhan's head.
Kangaskhan reacted swiftly, raising its muscular arm to block the first kick with ease. Yet, the sheer force behind the attack made the Normal-type stagger back, its feet digging into the battlefield.
Blaziken immediately followed up, its momentum unbroken. Pivoting smoothly, it spun and unleashed the second kick of its **Double Kick**, striking Kangaskhan squarely. The force of the blow pushed the massive Pokémon back several steps.
Kangaskhan grunted, but quickly regained its footing. Crossing its arms, it activated **Protect**, nullifying the lingering force of Blaziken's attack.
Norman chuckled, clearly unfazed. "**Force Palm** as a follow-up? Did you pick that up from Brawly?" he asked with a knowing smile.
Lowering his hand slightly, Norman gave his next command. "Kangaskhan, **Outrage**!"
The dark green Dragon-type energy shimmered over Kangaskhan like an ethereal coat, faint tendrils of Dragon Breath drifting off like delicate catkins in the wind.
Its scarlet eyes burned with unrestrained fury.
Kangaskhan roared and descended into a frenzy, its hysteria fueled by the image of Blaziken, whom it seemed to perceive as the very enemy that had stolen its child. With a wild swing of its powerful arms, sharp claws infused with Dragon-type energy slashed toward Blaziken at blinding speed.
"It's like a living embodiment of a 'bag of dragons,'" Chris thought, recalling that Kangaskhan's old nickname had been just that. Mastering a powerful Dragon-type move like **Outrage** might seem uncharacteristic, but somehow it felt natural—almost poetic.
After all, Kangaskhan wielding Outrage was no less legitimate than any Dragon Pokémon. Its source of rage wasn't a hard scale like Salamence's but the instinctual bond with its child.
As for the Dragon-type energy it commanded, Chris could only speculate.
"Use Quick Attack to dodge!" Chris commanded urgently.
With Kangaskhan's immense strength, its melee speed was undoubtedly formidable. If Blaziken relied solely on traditional evasive maneuvers, avoiding the attack seemed nearly impossible.
Blaziken leapt back, sparks bursting from its heels as its Quick Attack propelled it out of harm's way. The glowing claws swiped through the air, missing their target, but Kangaskhan's relentless assault continued. Its powerful arm slammed into the ground with all its might.
**BOOM!**
The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield. In mere seconds, the entire arena collapsed into a jagged, broken mess.
Blaziken managed to avoid the direct blow, but the violent aftermath of the attack could not be evaded entirely. The shockwave blasted Blaziken backward, slamming it into the wall behind Chris and leaving a deep dent in the concrete.
"Did the aftermath of that move really have this much power?" Chris muttered in disbelief.
Kangaskhan's Outrage left the battlefield in ruins, its strength rivaling the Ground-type move **Bulldoze** in destructive force. Could Kangaskhan truly be that strong?
Chris hesitated. If even his Garchomp used Outrage, he doubted it would wreak this much havoc. There had to be something unique about how Norman had trained this Kangaskhan. The thought of obtaining Norman's Breeder manual after the battle ignited Chris's curiosity.
But Kangaskhan wasn't done yet. It dropped to all fours, moving with alarming speed, like a charging bear. The claws, still glowing with Dragon-type energy, swung toward Blaziken, who had only just recovered.
"Quick Attack to dodge again!" Chris yelled.
Outrage was a double-edged sword. While it boosted a Pokémon's combat prowess to incredible levels, the inevitable confusion that followed would leave the user vulnerable. Chris's strategy was simple: stall until Kangaskhan's Outrage ran its course, then capitalize on its confusion.
Blaziken evaded once more.
**BOOM!**
Kangaskhan's claws struck the wall, shattering it completely and exposing the adjoining room. A startled apprentice, who had been resting there moments ago, jumped up and fled to watch the escalating battle from a safe distance.
Missing yet another blow, Kangaskhan snarled, pivoting instantly to continue its pursuit. Each strike sent tremors through the arena, leaving the ground a patchwork of rubble and craters. By now, there wasn't a single intact stone larger than a basketball.
Chris grimaced. "Do you have to renovate this place every time you use Outrage?"
Norman, unperturbed by the destruction, met Chris's gaze calmly. "Only for you," he replied. "I let Kangaskhan use Outrage because normal challengers aren't worthy of my full strength."
The corner of Chris's mouth twitched. *Technically, I'm your son. There's no need to go all out like this, Dad.*
It truly was the epitome of a father-son battle.
*If the whole house gets leveled, I'm not taking the blame for it,* Chris thought grimly.
Meanwhile, Blaziken's movements became increasingly fluid and swift. Kangaskhan's relentless strikes, though powerful, failed to land even a single hit.
Chris observed the flow of the battle carefully. The moment Blaziken first dodged Kangaskhan's close-range **Outrage** with **Quick Attack**, he realized the victory was already his.
The chaotic chase between Kangaskhan and Blaziken dragged on for another twenty seconds. Each failed strike left more devastation in its wake. Yet another wall crumbled under Kangaskhan's assault, and the fractured ground, which had been reduced to rubble, was now utterly pulverized. *This gym could practically summon a sandstorm just from all the debris.*
Finally, the dark green Dragon-type aura surrounding Kangaskhan began to dissipate. Its energy waned, its steps faltered, and it staggered uncontrollably, succumbing to the inevitable confusion that followed **Outrage**.
Chris grinned, ready to seize the moment. "Blaziken, finish it—"
But before he could complete his command, Kangaskhan reached into the pouch on its stomach and pulled out a small green fruit. The baby Kangaskhan held it up, and the mother quickly ate it.
A burst of sweet, spicy, and bitter flavors coursed through Kangaskhan, and with a sudden jolt, its crimson eyes cleared. The confusion was gone. It steadied itself, regaining full composure.
Chris froze. *What?!*
"Gan!" he cursed under his breath. Norman had equipped Kangaskhan with a **Lum Berry**! The fruit had been tactically prepared to cure confusion the moment it appeared. The deliberate use of **Outrage** at the beginning of the battle made perfect sense now. It wasn't just recklessness—this was Norman's strategy all along.
Still, Chris reassured himself, *Even if the confusion is gone, the physical toll of **Outrage** can't be undone. Kangaskhan is on its last legs!*
"Blaziken, **Double Kick!**" Chris commanded.
Blaziken shot forward in a red blur, closing the distance in an instant. With practiced precision, it planted its right foot firmly as a pivot, swinging its left leg upward in a powerful kick aimed at Kangaskhan's head.
Kangaskhan raised an arm to block, but Blaziken was no longer the same as it was at the start of the battle. Its **Speed Boost** Ability had activated multiple times, drastically increasing its speed. The difference was visibly striking, and the first kick slammed into Kangaskhan's head before its block could fully form.
**BOOM!**
Kangaskhan was hurled backward, but Blaziken wasn't finished. With a fluid motion, it shifted its weight, using its left foot to pivot and launching its second kick mid-air. The powerful blow struck Kangaskhan again, forcing it to crash against the wall with a resounding thud.
Norman, however, remained composed. "**Endure!**" he commanded sharply.
Kangaskhan clenched its teeth, bracing itself against the onslaught. The Normal-type move enabled it to survive the second kick, though its body trembled under the strain.
Blaziken, sensing an opportunity, pressed its advantage. The **Double Kick** seamlessly transitioned into a relentless barrage of strikes. The third kick followed the second, and then a fourth, each gaining momentum as Blaziken pushed its stamina to the limit.
Though Kangaskhan used **Endure** to survive each successive blow, it was only delaying the inevitable. The strain was evident, and every moment allowed Blaziken to stack its speed further, becoming a whirlwind of red energy.
Chris raised an eyebrow. Something didn't add up. *Why would Dad make Kangaskhan take a prolonged beating like this? He's too experienced to do something so meaningless.*
His stomach sank.
Before Chris could shout a warning, Norman's voice rang out.
Kangaskhan, who had been relying on Endure to withstand Blaziken's relentless attacks, suddenly gritted its teeth and braced itself to take a powerful kick head-on. It stepped forward, raised its arm, and conjured three glowing energy spheres resembling meteors. The Normal-type energy coalesced in its fist.
"Crack!!!!"
With a thunderous roar, Kangaskhan's fist slammed into Blaziken with immense force. The brilliant white energy burst forth, streaking through the air like a blazing comet tail. The sheer power of the attack made Blaziken freeze momentarily, its fighting instincts immediately alert to the fatal danger.
Blaziken's reflexes kicked in just as Kangaskhan delivered the blow. Its entire body tensed like steel, and its sharp, falcon-like gaze locked onto the incoming fist.
"Blaziken!"
Blaziken's cry rang out, meeting Kangaskhan's roar head-on.
"Boom!!!"
A blinding white light engulfed the battlefield, its intensity obliterating much of the terrain. The sound of destruction filled the air, accompanied by the faint, acrid smell of scorched earth, as if the very ground had been vaporized.
When the light faded, a massive, sloping crater—two meters deep—dominated the battlefield. The pit extended from the impact zone between Blaziken and Kangaskhan toward Chris. Parts of the terrain appeared to have been outright erased.
Chris's heart raced, but he quickly scanned the field and was relieved—Blaziken was still standing.
Looking closer, he saw Kangaskhan frozen mid-strike, its fist extended. Beside it, Blaziken stood firm, though not unscathed. A portion of its white feathers near the fist had been burned away, some edges charred, while crescent-shaped gaps marred the once-pristine plumage.
Blaziken had narrowly evaded the full force of the blow, the damage it sustained caused by its brief contact with the concentrated energy of Kangaskhan's Reversal attack.
Chris exhaled deeply, relief washing over him.
Reversal, a Fighting-type move, grows more powerful as the user's stamina diminishes. When Kangaskhan launched that attack, its strength was at rock bottom. After enduring blow after blow, it used its last reserves of energy, amplified further by its Facade-powered resilience.
In the games, such a move would reach a power level of 200, comparable to Self-Destruct. However, in reality, the devastating force seemed even greater. Had Blaziken been struck directly, even with its Fighting-type resilience, it would have been unable to withstand the sheer might of the attack.
Norman's strategy was as terrifying as it was calculated. Kangaskhan's setup—combining Outrage with a Lum Berry to shake off confusion, then Endure and Reversal—was deadly efficient.
Norman knew Kangaskhan's endurance would wane quickly, but he used that to his advantage. Against most opponents, Kangaskhan's Outrage alone could crush all but the most agile rivals like Blaziken. For those who survived, he had a contingency: feigning weakness with Endure to lull opponents into thinking Kangaskhan was on its last legs, only to unleash an overwhelming counterattack with Reversal.
It was a masterful "Jedi Counterattack," as Chris recognized. Norman's philosophy was clear: if an opponent is weaker, defeat them. If they are stronger, take them down with you.
Chris smacked his lips thoughtfully. If he ever raised a Kangaskhan in the future, he'd definitely consider training it with a similar configuration.
"Pop!" With a heavy thud, Kangaskhan collapsed, its eyes swirling. It wasn't just a typical defeat—its stamina had been utterly drained. Even after receiving care at the Pokémon Center, it would likely need over ten days of training to fully recover its combat readiness.
Jasmine, observing from the sidelines, had not anticipated the battle would escalate to such intensity. It was clear to her now—Uncle Norman had genuinely wanted to test Chris in a serious match.
"Kangaskhan is incapacitated! Blaziken wins!" Jasmine quickly announced.
Norman retrieved Kangaskhan's Poké Ball without hesitation, recalling it with a calm demeanor. "Not many Pokémon can avoid Kangaskhan's Reversal like that. Your Blaziken is very well trained," he remarked, offering Chris a rare compliment.
Then, with a smooth motion, Norman raised another Poké Ball. "Let's keep going," he said as he released his next Pokémon.
A Swellow appeared, its level unmistakably high—LV50.
"Swaaa~~!" Swellow spread its wings wide, surveying the battlefield with a regal air.
"It was your Blaziken that outmaneuvered my Kangaskhan. Now, let's see how you handle this," Norman said with a slight chuckle. He raised his hand to issue a command. "Hurricane!"
Swellow beat its wings powerfully, conjuring a massive Twister that swept across the battlefield, as if to erase the damage left by the previous clash. The swirling winds bore down relentlessly, heading straight toward Blaziken, who had returned to Chris and now stood just in front of the sunken pit.
"Can you keep going?" Chris asked Blaziken, concern in his voice.
Blaziken had avoided the full brunt of Kangaskhan's Reversal. Logically, it should still have plenty of energy left, having only endured the residual effects of Kangaskhan's earlier Outrage. But something caught Chris's attention—Blaziken was trembling.
Was it... fear?
"Just!" Blaziken growled, its teeth clenched as flames suddenly flared up from its body.
No, it wasn't fear—it was exhilaration.
Chris stared in awe. He knew Blaziken's Speed Boost ability was active, but this was different. The aura around Blaziken burned brighter than ever, almost as if its spirit had been ignited by the previous battle.
Realization dawned on Chris. The brush with "death" from Kangaskhan's Reversal had awakened Blaziken's fighting spirit. It wasn't scared—it was thrilled. For a Pokémon that rarely faced challenges worthy of its strength, overcoming Kangaskhan had ignited its excitement like never before.
Chris couldn't help but smile. "It looks like you're ready to go all out. Let's keep this momentum going!"
"Blaziken, Quick Attack!"
"Blazi!" Blaziken roared, stepping forward with such force that it left a deep imprint in the ground. In an instant, it launched itself across the pit, speeding straight toward the eye of the Hurricane.
But just before entering the swirling vortex, Chris called out, "Bounce!"
Blaziken immediately pushed off the ground with immense power, leaping high into the air—ten meters above the battlefield in a single bound.
"Now, Flame Charge!"
Blaziken spread its arms wide like a soaring falcon. Its sharp, unyielding gaze locked onto the Hurricane and then onto Swellow. Flames erupted around its body, roaring like an inferno as it suddenly accelerated in mid-air, diving toward its target with blazing intensity.
The crimson bird, cloaked in flames, plummeted from the sky, its descent resembling that of a falcon honing in on its prey with a Lock-On.
Swellow was the target, yet in the falcon's fierce eyes, it was nothing more than a small, helpless swallow.
Dodging past Hurricane? Then striking Swellow mid-flight with a devastating Flying-type attack?
"Your thoughts and dangers, young man!" Norman chuckled, his voice carrying a challenge.
"Avoid with Quick Attack!"
Swellow instinctively wanted to respond with Brave Bird, a powerful collision to repel the intruder trespassing in its aerial domain. Yet, its trainer's command held sway, and it obeyed. Swellow's wings flared with sudden energy as it darted sideways, evading Blaziken's blazing Flame Charge and soaring higher into the sky.
"Aerial Ace!" Chris called out with precision. Though Blaziken was a flightless Pokémon, it was remarkably adept at utilizing Flying-type moves.
As if defying gravity itself, Blaziken launched into the air with Smack Down, using the force to reverse mid-flight. Like a nimble swallow skimming close to the ground, it pushed off the battlefield floor with another explosive Bounce! The fiery fighter rocketed upwards like a surface-to-air missile, targeting Swellow no matter how high it tried to flee.
The Pokédex once noted Blaziken's incredible Bounce—capable of surpassing over a hundred floors in height. Against such power, Swellow seemed trapped under the battlefield's ceiling.
"Swellow is doomed!" Chris thought, his confidence swelling.
Norman's eyes widened in disbelief. Was this even possible?
Combining Aerial Ace and Bounce into a seamless strike—was this the true Flying Pokémon?
"Counter it! Air Cutter!" Norman ordered sharply.
Swellow, still anticipating the opportunity to unleash Brave Bird, adjusted swiftly to the new command. It pivoted mid-air and unleashed sharp wind blades, aiming to knock Blaziken down before the fiery bird could close in.
Chris, however, had foreseen this. Without hesitation, he raised his hand and commanded, "Overheat!"
"Blaze!!"
Blaziken transformed into a raging inferno as flames enveloped its body. The Air Cutters dissipated upon contact with the intense heat, unable to penetrate the fiery armor.
With an explosive boom, the blazing meteor collided unreservedly with Swellow. The mid-air collision unleashed a deafening explosion, and thick black smoke billowed, shrouding the sky.
As the smoke cleared, Blaziken emerged first, descending gracefully with a roll to land near Chris, unharmed and brimming with fighting spirit. Moments later, Swellow's charred form fell lifelessly from the haze, smashing into the ground.
The outcome was clear.
"Swellow is unable to battle. Blaziken wins!" Jasmine announced, her voice slicing through the fading smoke.
Norman stood in stunned silence, his eyes fixed on Swellow's fallen form. He couldn't believe the outcome—his Flying-type Pokémon, known for its speed and aerial mastery, had been soundly defeated by a Pokémon it should have countered.
After a moment, he composed himself, returning Swellow to its Poké Ball. His voice, though steady, carried an edge of respect.
"You've shown remarkable skill, boy. This battle is worthy of my respect."
"But don't celebrate just yet," Norman warned, his tone shifting to anticipation. "The real fight starts now!"
From his waist, he retrieved a third Poké Ball and pressed its central button. With a flash of light, his next Pokémon materialized on the battlefield.
A Slaking appeared, its bulky frame immediately drawing attention. The brown-haired gorilla-like Pokémon lay lazily on its side, scratching its chest with one hand while supporting its head with the other. Despite its lethargic posture, its half-lidded eyes betrayed immense power and confidence.
Chris tensed. The challenge had only just begun.
It's the Trump Card Pokémon that Norman is renowned for across the Hoenn region: *Slaking!*
*Level 52*
Chris felt his pulse quicken as he sized up Norman's ultimate powerhouse. "Finally, the last big boss," he muttered, his voice a mix of excitement and tension. After the grueling battle with Kangaskhan, his expectations for Slaking were sky-high.
Reflecting on Swellow's earlier loss, Chris knew the battle had gone in his favor because Norman hadn't had the chance to fully implement his strategies. Even so, the victory had cost Blaziken, who had to expend Overheat, lowering its Special Attack by two stages.
"Slaking, had enough rest? Get up and fight!" Norman called out to his Pokémon with a grin. "After this, I'll take you fishing."
Slaking slowly rose from its lounging position, letting out a massive stretch. It casually picked its nose with one hand, its dull expression giving the impression of indifference. Still, it looked ready to battle.
Chris wiped his sweat nervously. Fishing? Really? This casual air was unnerving—Norman made Slaking seem like a laid-back house pet rather than a fearsome fighter.
Luck didn't seem to be on Chris's side this time. Instead of facing Slaking during its typical Truant-induced rest phase, he had to deal with it fully awake and primed for combat.
Was this bad luck for him? Or perhaps good fortune for Norman?
Wait… when did Togepi switch from spreading happiness to playing opposites?
"Slaking, use Focus Punch!" Norman's command cut through Chris's spiraling thoughts.
Slaking let out a massive yawn, lazily raising its fist skyward. As it did, an incredible surge of light blue energy rippled outward, swirling into its fist like a vortex. The air seemed to crackle with power.
Chris stared, dumbfounded. So this Slaking wields the power of aura too?
Both Chris and Blaziken were on high alert, their gazes locked on Slaking, ready to evade its strike. Yet, Slaking showed no intention of charging forward.
Once the Focus Punch had fully charged, Slaking's vacant eyes shifted to Blaziken, and it stepped forward, delivering a thunderous punch.
*BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!*
In an instant, a blinding white light consumed Chris's vision, overwhelming his senses. He couldn't see a thing. The deafening rumble that followed left his ears ringing. The sheer force of the attack reverberated throughout the battlefield.
When the light finally dissipated, Chris blinked as his surroundings came back into focus. The ground before him was unrecognizable—a trail of scorched earth stretched from Slaking's position all the way to the far end of the gym. The devastation even reached the outer wall of the building, where Chris had entered earlier.
Embedded in that wall, motionless, was Blaziken.
Chris stood frozen, glancing between the fainted Blaziken and the eerily calm Slaking. His thoughts raced. I know Slaking's power is immense, but this… this is beyond absurd!
Even more baffling, the Focus Punch hadn't even landed directly on Blaziken. Slaking had seemingly punched the air, yet the force of the attack had created an explosion of catastrophic proportions.
When did Focus Punch become a long-range attack?
The implications were staggering. Was Slaking holding back, aiming for the air to avoid destroying the entire gym? Or had it deliberately tempered its power to prevent the destruction from spilling out into the streets?
Chris's jaw tightened as he tried to rationalize what had just happened. In the games, Slaking's attack stat is undeniably high, but it's not this exaggerated—barely 30 points higher than Garchomp. It's strong, sure, but this…
There had to be more at play—something beyond raw stats. A mix of technique, precision, and sheer force had created this devastating attack. Chris clenched his fists.
This was no ordinary battle. Norman and Slaking were on an entirely different level.
Chris retrieved the fainted Blaziken into its Poké Ball.
He couldn't help but marvel at the overwhelming power of Norman's Slaking. Despite watching the battle closely, Chris still couldn't decipher the reason behind Slaking's terrifying strength. Whatever the secret was, its destructive power was undeniable.
But to uncover this mystery, Chris knew he had to defeat it first.
He reached for another Poké Ball on his belt and threw it into the battlefield.
Chris's second Pokémon was Greninja.
Against a powerhouse like Slaking, which could seemingly take down an entire team single-handedly, Chris knew better than to rely on Hariyama. That would only lead to a swift defeat before Hariyama could even land a hit. Even a Pokémon with a type advantage would likely be crushed by this monstrous opponent.
As for Garchomp, Chris decided it would be wiser to deploy Greninja instead—a speed-focused Pokémon that might outmaneuver Slaking's raw power.
Standing with its arms crossed, Greninja studied its opponent. From inside its Poké Ball, it had seen every moment of the previous battle. This Slaking was unlike any foe it had ever faced—stronger even than the likes of Tyranitar or Mega Camerupt.
Blaziken had fallen. Now, it was up to Greninja to secure victory for its Trainer.
"Greninja, use Substitute and then Water Shuriken!" Chris commanded, taking the offensive.
Greninja folded its hands in front of its face, its form flickering as it created a duplicate. The real Greninja and its Substitute now stood side by side, mirroring each other. It resembled a technique straight out of a ninja anime.
Both Greninja unleashed a flurry of Water Shuriken, creating streams of spinning water projectiles that darted toward Slaking.
"Arm Hammer!" Norman called out.
Slaking stood unshaken by the incoming attack. It took a step forward, absorbing the Water Shuriken directly with its sturdy body. Closing the distance to Greninja, Slaking raised its massive fist and leapt into the air, slamming down with tremendous force.
"Dodge to the sides!" Chris shouted.
Greninja and its Substitute split in opposite directions, leaping away just in time.
BOOM! Slaking's fist struck the ground with a deafening crash.
The impact devastated the battlefield, sending shockwaves through the arena. The protective barriers around Chris's position held firm, but everything else—the battlefield, walls, and nearby structures—crumbled and cracked under the force.
Chris glanced around, already picturing the aftermath. Renovations wouldn't cut it this time. Norman might need to call a full construction team to rebuild the place from scratch.
Spectators, including several trainers-in-training, peeked out from nearby rooms, drawn by the commotion. They couldn't believe their eyes.
Was Norman, the Gym Leader, going all out against his own son?
Fortunately, Chris had ordered Greninja to jump rather than run. The arm hammer's residual force alone might have ended the battle if Greninja hadn't avoided it entirely.
"Water Shuriken again!" Chris commanded.
Both Greninja and its Substitute leapt onto the walls of the shattered arena, running along the edges. In perfect unison, they unleashed another barrage of Water Shuriken, aiming to wear down the powerful Slaking.
"Mat Block!" Norman countered.
The command raised eyebrows.
Mat Block was supposed to be a Greninja-exclusive move. Yet Slaking suddenly crouched, thrust its massive hands into the ground, and wrenched up a slab of rock—a three-meter-wide, six-meter-long, one-meter-thick plate of stone. It hoisted the slab upright, creating an improvised shield.
Chris's mouth twitched in disbelief.
"Mat Block? More like grave-robbing or lifting floor tiles!" he muttered under his breath.
But Slaking's movements were slow. While it raised the stone slab to block, Greninja's Water Shuriken were too fast. Every projectile hit its mark before Slaking could fully position its defense.
The battle was far from over.
Chris frowned deeply. Slaking's actions made it clear—it wasn't trying to hide behind the massive rock slab at all. Instead, it was gripping the slab like a weapon, staring at it with an unnervingly calculating look in its eyes.
"Fury Attack!" Norman commanded.
Slaking's eyes locked onto Greninja, and it swung the rock slab with devastating force.
Chris could only mutter under his breath, "You've got to be kidding me…"
Other trainers used Mat Block for defense, but Norman's Slaking? It weaponized it. This wasn't just bending the rules—it was smashing them entirely.
The massive rock slab sliced through the air, aimed directly at Greninja. With its sheer size and speed, dodging was impossible.
BOOM!
The gym's wall, along with Greninja, was obliterated as the rock slab crashed through. The debris settled in the forest behind the gym, sparing nearby buildings from further destruction.
Chris winced as he surveyed the damage. This wasn't the first wall to fall; an earlier match had left one side demolished thanks to an enraged Kangaskhan. Now, Slaking's slab strike had taken out the adjoining wall. With two connected walls gone, the roof had nothing left to support it.
CRACK!
The gym's roof began to collapse. Jasmine, who was serving as referee, acted quickly. She tossed a Poké Ball into the air.
"Steelix, go!" Jasmine shouted.
Her Steelix, an enormous twenty-meter-long serpent of metal, emerged from the ball. The Steel-type Pokémon immediately braced the collapsing roof, holding it up with its immense strength.
"Thanks, Jasmine," Norman said casually. "Chris, you good with the roof gone?"
Chris shook his head in disbelief. "No complaints here. Slaking's not going to fly away, anyway."
Jasmine nodded. "Steelix, use Iron Tail!"
With a swift motion, Steelix used its Iron Tail to lift the broken roof entirely, clearing the battlefield. Sunlight poured in, illuminating the devastation. The arena now felt more like an open-air battleground.
Jasmine returned Steelix to its Poké Ball and officially declared, "Greninja is unable to battle. Slaking wins!"
Chris silently recalled Greninja into its Poké Ball, frustration gnawing at him. Bad luck had played a big part—Slaking's attack had struck the real Greninja, not its Substitute. Usually, opponents were deceived into targeting the Substitute first, thanks to Greninja's clever feints and misdirection.
But Slaking's tactics were entirely unpredictable. By turning the floor itself into a weapon and attacking based purely on instinct, it had ignored Greninja's strategy entirely. With a 50/50 chance, it had hit the main body.
Still, Greninja had done its part. Despite the loss, it had dealt significant damage. Chris knew that Slaking's immense physical strength was counterbalanced by its low special defense. Greninja's Water Shuriken had inflicted meaningful damage, even if Slaking didn't show it outwardly.
This was it—Chris's final chance to win.
He reached for his last Poké Ball and threw it onto the battlefield. As it opened, a graceful Gardevoir emerged, landing lightly on the ground.
"Garde~~" Gardevoir called, her voice calm and melodic, yet brimming with determination.
Chris steadied himself. This was his last Pokémon, his trump card. The battle wasn't over yet.
Chris's battle against Norman's Slaking had been a curious display of strategy and circumstance. Gardevoir's graceful Hypnosis effortlessly turned the tide, lulling the hulking Pokémon into a deep slumber. Slaking's inability to resist sleep, compounded by its fatigue from earlier battles, rendered Norman's strategy ineffective despite his efforts.
Gardevoir's elegant movements, tracing invisible ripples in the air, were mesmerizing. When the Hypnosis connected, Slaking's sluggish demeanor betrayed its struggle. Norman's hasty command to use Fling came too late. The rock that was flung went wildly off course, and Slaking crumpled to the ground, snoring loudly—its resistance completely overcome.
Norman's abrupt surrender surprised Chris. "I surrender," Norman said, raising a hand in defeat. "Once Slaking falls asleep, it's as good as defeated. It won't wake up even if you knock it out. It's better this way."
Chris blinked, momentarily stunned. If I'd known it would end like this, I wouldn't have bothered with Blaziken and Greninja earlier. Gardevoir could've swept the entire match!
As the battle concluded, Chris's handheld displayed the results:
Defeat Slaking LV52, gain experience 7334. Defeat the Petalburg Gym Leader Norman, gain bonus 23300 Pokédollars. Received Balance Badge.
Norman's dialogue appeared onscreen, accompanied by his avatar's familiar smiling face.
Norman: Well played! As expected of my son. Here's the proof of your victory, the Balance Badge. With it, your Surf technique will be upgraded into the Secret Surf.
Chris's eyebrows raised as the dialogue continued.
Norman: How was my Slaking? Surprised, weren't you? So, are you interested in training one of your own?
Two choices appeared: Yes or No. Chris didn't hesitate and selected Yes.
Norman's next line sealed the deal.
Norman: Very good, as expected of my son. I've prepared a Slakoth for you in advance. Take good care of it!
Chris's eyes gleamed as the screen transitioned to show the small, sleepy Slakoth waiting to join his team. Despite the battle's odd conclusion, Norman had left him with a precious gift.
Chris read Norman's final gift message with a mix of gratitude and curiosity:
[Norman: This is the "Facade" skill CD and the Breeder experience of Normal Pokémon. I'm also giving it to you. It records my journey with Slaking. Make sure to study it carefully!]
[Norman: I look forward to seeing you at the Pokémon Championship in the future. When the time comes, our father-and-son battle will be legendary.]
Receiving only a Slakoth instead of a fully trained Slaking didn't come as a surprise to Chris. Raising Pokémon from their earliest stages is key to forging a deeper connection, he thought. Besides, starting with a young Pokémon meant he could train it to match his own style.
Since Chris already had a full party of six Pokémon, the newly acquired Slakoth was automatically transferred to the Pokémon Storage System. Looks like I'll have to head to the Pokémon Center to check it out, he mused.
Before leaving the gym, Chris noticed another notification on the handheld's screen. A girl in a white dress, Jasmine from the Johto Region, appeared with a brief message:
[Jasmine: If you come to the Johto Region, remember to visit me!]
Her cryptic message left no room for further dialogue. This must be a hint for a future questline, Chris thought. I'll have to wait until I can visit Johto to uncover more.
As Chris stepped outside the Petalburg Gym, Wally's father approached him, beaming with gratitude. After a few heartfelt words, he handed Chris a Surf TM as thanks for helping Wally grow stronger.
Upon examining the upgrade, Chris noticed the move had been enhanced to Secret Surf:
Secret Surf Power: 120 Effect: Causes the target to be trapped in Whirlpool (requires the user to know Whirlpool).
The upgrade's power boost and added status effect made Secret Surf a standout move. It was on par with other enhanced abilities Chris had seen, and he couldn't wait to teach it to his Pokémon. Opening his team's move panel, Chris prepared to teach Secret Surf to Greninja but was surprised to find several other candidates eligible to learn it, including Hariyama, Tyranitar, and Garchomp.
He recalled that Aggron and Haxorus could also learn Surf upon evolution, further expanding his options. More interestingly, Pokémon like Haxorus could learn Whirlpool alongside Surf, unlocking Secret Surf's full potential.
"Whirlpool's TM isn't in my inventory," Chris realized. "I'll have to seek out a teacher at Dragon University or find it in another region. It should be a basic Water move, so learning it shouldn't be too difficult with the right materials."
Dragon University, renowned as a training ground for Water-type specialists, seemed like a good lead. For now, though, Chris focused on the task at hand—retrieving the Slakoth Norman had gifted him.
At the Pokémon Center, Chris logged into the computer and retrieved the Slakoth. Scanning its details, he found it to be an absolute gem:
[Slakoth (Normal)] Level: 5 Ability: Truant (can only move every other turn) IVs (Individual Values): 31 in all stats (6V) Moves: Yawn, Slack Off Held Item: Oran Berry
Chris smirked. Exactly what I expected.
It was no surprise that Norman, whose ace Pokémon was Slaking, would gift his son the best Slakoth possible. With perfect stats and solid starting moves, this Slakoth was bred for greatness.
Norman's proximity to Petalburg Woods likely contributed to this quality. The forest, known for its abundance of Slakoth, was an ideal environment for raising them. Chris also recalled something from the anime—a "Slakoth Banana Paradise," famous for growing bananas and housing countless Slakoth.
"Maybe Norman runs that place," Chris wondered with a chuckle. "If that's true, it's no wonder this Slakoth is top-tier."
Chris grinned, imagining the long but rewarding journey ahead. With his father's guidance recorded in the Breeder notes and a perfect Slakoth in hand, he was ready to start cultivating it into a powerhouse. One day, Slaking would take the field again—but this time, it would be his Slaking, trained to surpass even Norman's.
Chris put down the handheld and leaned on the bed, examining the contents carefully.
The opening chapter detailed Norman's Slaking Breeder experience—an in-depth guide spanning the entire evolutionary line from Slakoth to Vigoroth, and finally to Slaking. Each stage was meticulously documented, with nearly four-fifths of the content dedicated to the Slaking line, while the remaining portion briefly covered Swellow and some odd mentions of Kangaskhan. It was evident to Chris that Norman had a deep admiration for Slaking as a Pokémon, and he suspected no one in the world had researched it as extensively as Norman.
Chris grabbed a pen and began recording key points while reading. He was determined to uncover why Norman's Slaking was so formidable.
Slakoth Stage
Norman emphasized a peculiar strategy for raising Slakoth:
Avoid training Slakoth in any moves and do not let it battle. Completely allow it to grow at its own pace without interference. The reason? According to Norman, "The stronger the Lazy Ability during the Slakoth stage, the weaker it will be in the Slaking stage."
Chris couldn't help but mutter, "Is that even possible?" while jotting it down. This counterintuitive strategy had to be the result of countless trials. Slakoth's inherent laziness made it unpopular among Trainers, especially since Exp. Share didn't exist in either reality or the anime world. With its aversion to movement, leveling up was a daunting task. However, Norman's guide claimed that once Slakoth evolved into Vigoroth, most of the challenges faded away.
Breeding Slakoth sounded almost effortless. If no training was required, all you needed to do was feed it tasty food daily. "Convenient," Chris thought with a shrug.
Vigoroth Stage
This was described as the most critical stage for the entire evolutionary line. During this period, Lazy Ability transformed into 'Energy' Ability, and Vigoroth became highly active and energetic.
Ideal for Training: This was the perfect time to teach moves and prepare it for its Slaking stage. Learn and train as many moves as possible during this stage because Slaking's lazy nature made learning new moves nearly impossible later.
Chris wholeheartedly agreed with this reasoning. Slaking, notorious for its laziness, struggled to even complete battles, let alone train new techniques. The Vigoroth stage was clearly the time to set the foundation for a powerful Slaking.
As Chris read further, he came across Norman's curated list of recommended moves. His eyes lit up when he noticed the depth of Norman's methodology—this was where Norman's true brilliance shone through.
Norman's Secret Technique
Norman had developed a strategy that combined Machamp's strength techniques with Slaking's raw power. This ingenious method involved using Machamp's power-generating skill to amplify Slaking's contact moves.
The essence of Machamp's technique lies in maximizing muscle strength to unleash a devastating force in a single instant. Norman trained Slaking to use this technique alongside contact moves, significantly enhancing their power.
Chris thought of the destructive force of Focus Punch combined with Slaking's overwhelming physical stats. "No wonder Norman's Slaking can knock down walls with a single punch," he mused.
The Power Comparison
Norman's method allowed moves like Focus Punch (Base Power: 150) to benefit from Machamp's technique, creating absurdly high damage outputs. Chris scribbled down his thoughts:
Focus Punch + Machamp's technique A hypothetical calculation: 80 (Machamp's force) + 150 (Focus Punch) = 230 base power! This combination rivaled the devastation of Self-Destruct and was second only to Explosion.
Chris chuckled to himself, realizing the actual math was likely more nuanced, but the sheer power of Norman's technique was undeniable.
Chris's fascination deepened as he continued reading about Norman's meticulous training methods. Based on the overwhelming power of Slaking, it was clear why Norman's Slaking could deliver punches even more devastating than Self-Destruct. Chris saw no flaw in that logic.
Drawbacks of the Technique
Such terrifying combinations, however, were not without their trade-offs. Norman noted that the stamina cost for these moves skyrocketed when used in tandem.
A standard Machamp move would typically consume 1 point of stamina. A move like Focus Punch required 2 points of stamina. However, the combined use of Machamp + Focus Punch could consume anywhere from 6 to 12 points, depending on the proficiency and synchronization of the two moves.
Chris nodded thoughtfully. This immense physical drain meant that Pokémon with limited stamina wouldn't even qualify to attempt this combination. However, in his eyes, this drawback was entirely acceptable.
"In the early stages, when proficiency is low, this combination can serve as a trump card," Chris thought.
"And in the later stages, as mastery improves, it could become an unstoppable force. Just like Norman's Slaking—each blow amplified by Machamp's technique."
Force Palm + Contact Moves
Chris read further and learned about the precursor to Norman's advanced method: Force Palm + Contact Moves.
Norman explained that Force Palm, a Fighting-type move, had a similar essence to Machamp's technique. Both focused on controlling and optimizing physical strength, albeit Force Palm was a simpler, more accessible starting point.
"Begin training with Force Palm," Norman suggested, "and once it's mastered, progress to Machamp's technique."
The potential of a future combination of Machamp + Contact Moves + Force Palm was nothing short of mind-boggling.
"If that combination ever becomes reality," Chris mused, "it might rival the signature moves of legendary Pokémon in power. But even Norman, the innovator, hasn't managed to achieve it yet."
This ultimate skill would remain theoretical for now, but Chris was eager to see if someone could eventually perfect it.
Insights on Vigoroth and Slaking
The guide shifted focus back to Vigoroth and Slaking, offering more insights:
Understanding Slaking's Laziness: Norman emphasized that Slaking's so-called "laziness" wasn't true idleness. Instead, it was a deliberate way of conserving energy, storing immense reserves of strength for powerful bursts. Strategic Usage: Trainers should avoid sending Slaking out for prolonged battles. Instead, deploy it strategically for short, devastating bouts.
Chris jotted down every note, though he realized the training process would require extraordinary patience. Allowing Slakoth to "live a lazy life" meant it could take an incredibly long time to evolve into Vigoroth.
Kangaskhan, Swellow, and... T-Shirt?
The final sections of Norman's guide covered Kangaskhan, Swellow, and something oddly referred to as "T-shirt."
Swellow's Unique Strategy: Norman outlined a combination involving Endure and Endeavor. Endure would allow Swellow to survive an otherwise fatal attack. Endeavor would then reduce the opposing Pokémon's HP to match Swellow's own low HP. This strategy effectively allowed Swellow to sacrifice itself to significantly weaken an opponent, setting the stage for another Pokémon to finish the battle.
Chris was impressed. "It's a bold play," he thought, "but it ensures Swellow can take down much stronger opponents."
As for the mysterious T-shirt, it appeared to be tied to a training method for Endure, though the specifics weren't entirely clear. Chris shrugged it off, focusing instead on the practical applications he could use.
Norman's Breeder experience was a treasure trove of insight. While Chris wasn't ready to dive deeply into every strategy just yet, he was certain of one thing—Norman's methods were groundbreaking.
"If I can teach my own Pokémon even a fraction of these techniques," Chris thought, "their power will skyrocket."
With that, he closed the guide, inspired and eager to start experimenting.
"Tyranitar~~"
Totem Tyranitar sat in the courtyard like a small mountain.
It took the fist-sized Hard Stone from Chris's hand and casually popped it into its mouth, as if eating a grape.
"Tyranitar!"
Then it stretched out its hand again toward Chris. A single Hard Stone wasn't nearly enough to satisfy its appetite.
Chris sighed and handed it another. Tyranitar tossed it into its mouth and chewed contentedly, finally settling down to rest in the courtyard.
This marked the tenth Hard Stone of the day. At this rate, Tyranitar's appetite was becoming an expensive habit. Hard Stones were no ordinary rocks; they were specialized Pokémon items worth a hundred thousand Pokédollars each. That meant Tyranitar was eating a million Pokédollars' worth daily—30 million a month!
"If I weren't a fruit farmer,' I wouldn't even be able to afford to raise it," Chris muttered to himself.
Sure, Chris could use ordinary rocks to feed it, cutting costs to just a tenth of the current expense. But he was determined to raise the strongest Tyranitar possible, and that meant sticking to ten Hard Stones daily, supplemented with high-quality Pokéblocks.
He reached out to pat Tyranitar, who was lying in the courtyard digesting its meal. It had a surprisingly small stomach for its size, but its appetite was insatiable.
After earning the Badge at the Petalburg Gym, Chris had come home and released Tyranitar in the courtyard. He had expected it to be fierce and aggressive, but instead, it behaved like a big child. As soon as it was out, it plopped onto the ground, patted its stomach, and called out, "Tyran, Tyran," until Chris fed it a heap of Pokéblocks.
Tyranitar's favorite pastime was playing with the courtyard's rockery as if it were a set of Legos. Recently, it had taken to wearing Chris's sunglasses, which it had grabbed from the balcony. Unfortunately, the sunglasses were quickly shattered after a playful headbutt into the rockery. Chris had to buy a sturdier, Pokémon-specific pair just to keep Tyranitar entertained.
Its appearance was intimidating, but its behavior was pure mischief. It was like caring for an overgrown three-year-old.
Chris couldn't understand how a wild, level 52 Totem Pokémon could act so carefree. How had it survived in the wild with this kind of personality?
Then again, perhaps it was because Tyranitar was so powerful that it could afford to act this way. Its strength gave it the freedom to be capricious.
Looking around, Chris began to realize just how cramped the yard was becoming. Tyranitar, stretched out to relax, blocked the entire path between the house and the yard.
This wasn't the first time Chris faced space issues with his Pokémon. When he first caught Onix, he couldn't even consider letting it roam free in the yard; it was simply too large. Onix stayed in its Poké Ball most of the time.
But Tyranitar wasn't the type to stay confined, and now the yard was too small for both Tyranitar and Hariyama at the same time. Hariyama was stuck sitting indoors while Tyranitar lounged outside, completely unable to enter the house due to its enormous size—larger even than Chris's dorm room.
The problem had only worsened lately. Blaziken and Garchomp had started training Machamp's moves, and the intensity of their sessions required more space. The destructive power and energy of their training made it clear they couldn't practice properly in such a cramped area.
"Should I consider moving?" Chris wondered aloud.
But finding a new residence wouldn't be easy. The areas close to Dragon University were all urbanized, and moving farther away would make attending classes inconvenient.
"I'll have to ask a Senior from Dragon University," Chris thought. "With so many students here, there must be others raising large Pokémon. Someone must have figured out how to handle this kind of situation."
Chris recalled hearing that some second- and third-year students at the university owned large Pokémon like Onix and Tyranitar.
Then it hit him—his counselor, Olivia, was from Dragon University.
"I should just call her," Chris decided, pulling out his phone.
Chris sat down in the yard, watching as Gardevoir gracefully levitated a tray of tea from the second floor to the stone table using its Confusion. Taking a sip, he dialed Olivia's number.
Soon, the call connected.
"Chris? What's the matter?" Olivia's gentle voice came through.
"Sister Olivia, I recently captured a rather large Pokémon. My dorm feels way too cramped, so I was wondering if there's a place near Dragon University with a larger yard that I could move into," Chris said, getting straight to the point.
"I heard you caught a massive Tyranitar! I knew it was only a matter of time," Olivia teased, her tone playful.
Chris chuckled. Although his dormitory was tucked away in the deepest part of the dorm area, other students nearby had undoubtedly noticed the towering Tyranitar.
Being Principal Vladimir's disciple, Chris wasn't particularly concerned about the attention. Many were likely speculating that the Tyranitar had been a gift from the principal himself, who did own a Tyranitar as well.
"As for places outside Dragon University..." Olivia mused. After a moment, she replied, "There's a high-end villa complex nearby, specifically built for Trainers. Each villa includes a large natural area to accommodate Pokémon."
"That sounds perfect! How much do they cost?" Chris asked.
"The price is steep—around a billion Pokédollars per villa," Olivia said candidly.
Chris was about to respond that the cost wasn't an issue, but paused to consider.
One billion was manageable in theory. Without heavy investment in training, he could save that amount in just over two months. His fruit farm was now producing steady revenue. With 30 plots of land, his monthly income was around 400 million Pokédollars.
But considering his Pokémon's upkeep, especially with two pseudo-legendaries on the team, his Breeding expenses started at a hefty 200 million per month. Saving up a billion would take closer to half a year.
"Can the villas be rented out instead?" Chris inquired.
"Unfortunately, no," Olivia replied. "These are custom-built, high-end properties, and they don't allow rentals. Plus, most buyers are senior Breeders or Gym Trainers—regular Trainers don't usually qualify."
Chris sighed. "Well, that option's out."
"Does it have to be outside the university?" Olivia asked suddenly.
"Wait—there are larger places inside the school?" Chris was surprised. He'd assumed the student dormitories were already the best accommodations Dragon University had to offer.
"Of course," Olivia said. "Though it's not exactly a dormitory. Do you know about the seven trial islands?"
Chris nodded. The trial islands were prestigious areas associated with the university, used for training and research.
"Each trial island has several residences, originally built to accommodate researchers and Trainers working there. If you can get the owner of an island to approve it, you could live there."
Olivia paused before adding, "I remember Theodore's trial island still has a few vacant villas. Since you're part of Theodore's lab, why not talk to him about it?"
Chris's eyes lit up at the idea. "That's a great suggestion! Thanks, Sister Olivia—I'll bring it up with him."