Field operations are a significant test of a Trainer's ability to respond to the situation swiftly and make critical judgments. Factors such as weather, terrain, moves, and the Trainer's own skills can all play pivotal roles in wild Pokémon battles. The ability to excel in these unscripted, dynamic battles is a source of pride for Pokédex holders.
Gold was eager to engage in a wild battle format to initiate his first discussion with Teacher Luke. Crystal, however, found his impulsive behavior concerning. She understood the desire to challenge Teacher Luke, but it seemed a bit too hasty for a guest.
Teacher Luke, despite his reservations, nodded in understanding. Gold was known for his daring nature, even challenging Professor Oak himself. In a wild battle, both parties would exhibit self-control and ensure moves were used with restraint. The mental battle between Trainers played a crucial role in these encounters.
Crystal was determined to assist Teacher Luke, ready to release her Pokémon to teach Gold a lesson. But before she could act, Luke intervened, grabbing her and preventing her from releasing her Pokémon. Sudowoodo, who had been masquerading as a tree behind her, had already attempted to strike, and Squirtle emerged from behind Luke.
"uirt~!" Squirtle unleashed a powerful surge of water onto Sudowoodo, forcing it to shield itself with its arms. Crystal wondered how Luke knew to intervene but didn't get a chance to finish her question.
Luke's intense gaze caught her attention, and she recognized it from her experiences with senior Trainers like Red and Blue. Luke was deadly serious. Unfortunately, her nerves caused her to react too slowly, and Gold's wild battle prowess should not be underestimated.
However, wild battles had much in common with phone games, and Luke had the upper hand in intelligence. As the woods rustled, Ambipom leaped out, heading for Luke, while a Poké Ball, aided by the cue's trajectory, was launched to his side.
Boom! Sunflora emerged from the Poké Ball, blindingly releasing a Flash. Luke, wearing sunglasses, was not affected. Sylveon tried to use Quick Attack to overwhelm Gold, but Sudowoodo blocked its path. Crystal ordered her Hitmonchan to use Mach Punch, but Gold had a trick up his sleeve. Ambipom latched onto a tree's top, evading the attack.
While Crystal's attention was diverted, Sunflora was recalled into its Poké Ball, replaced by a roaring Typhlosion. This was a tactical "Baton Pass" maneuver, directly using a regular Pokémon to lure the opponent's attack before sending in Typhlosion to create an opening.
Gold, standing on a treetop, wiped his nose with a smart remark, preparing to issue a command. However, just as he was about to give the order, Luke snapped his fingers crisply.
"Huh?" Gold was momentarily disoriented, feeling lightheaded, and his gaze shifted to the nearby tree stump.
"jie jie~!" A mischievous grin appeared on a face that slowly emerged from the stump, with a beguiling blue glow in its eyes.
Hypnosis!
"I was prepared for this!" Luke declared.
Gold's eyes flickered with a hint of astonishment as he reluctantly closed them.
"Why..."
Descending from the treetop, Gold was fortunate that Ambipom caught him in time, though his cap slowly fell off.
Crystal heaved a sigh of relief and patted Typhlosion's head.
"roar!!" Typhlosion affectionately brushed its head against Crystal's palm.
If it weren't for Gold's insistence, Typhlosion wouldn't have agreed to this exercise. Unfortunately, Togekiss lacked interest and opted to play games at home. It seemed that Teacher Luke was the key to their success.
Crystal glanced in awe at Teacher Luke, only to find him with a composed expression. She blushed slightly and muttered to herself, "Well, there's no need to feel proud of defeating that fool..."
Reflecting on the battle, Crystal realized that it ended in an instant, and she struggled to keep up with the tactics used by both sides. She initially believed Sunflora's Flash was Gold's trump card, but she didn't expect a subsequent "baton pass" tactic using a billiard cue to exchange Pokémon.
"May I ask, Teacher Luke," Crystal mustered the courage to inquire, "how did Haunter reach Gold? The accuracy of remote Hypnosis is concerning."
Teacher Luke thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "Just as Sunflora was using Flash, I had Squirtle hold Haunter's Poké Ball and deliberately throw it to the tree. This way, Haunter used the tree as cover to approach Gold, who was standing on top of the tree."
As he spoke, Luke glanced at the tree that was almost shattered by Squirtle's turtle shell.
Indeed, wild battles were filled with unknown variables. If their tactics had failed, Typhlosion might have erupted, posing a significant threat.
Crystal was left stunned, deeply impressed by Luke's quick thinking and exceptional strategic acumen. Squirtle had even knocked out the Poké Ball intentionally. Luke's rapid decision-making was truly remarkable.
"Teacher Luke..." Crystal said, awestruck, "you're incredibly strong."
Luke let out a dry cough and replied, "Let's check on Gold first. Come with me."
In a typical 3v3 singles battle, Luke acknowledged that he would have been defeated by Gold. However, Gold insisted on utilizing the "Trainer as the primary target" wild battle mode, which presented a significant disadvantage. Even an Elite Trainer would be vulnerable to Hypnosis, though some exceptions like Ash, Sabrina, and Caitlin's Pokémon were excluded.
"Fortunately, we had the intelligence advantage," Luke noted. "After all, Gold can only employ Baton Pass tactics."
This marked Luke's first experience with a real field battle, and besides his slightly sweaty palms, he also received an achievement reward for "Success in the First Battle (Wild Fight)." The reward was a bottle of "Defense Enhancer," intended to compensate Squirtle for the paint lost from its turtle shell.
Luke shook his head and made his way toward the shade of a tree, where Gold was being cradled by Ambipom, lying on Crystal's lap.
Teacher Luke couldn't help but feel a bit envious. Why did Gold get a knee pillow after losing the battle? Life was so unfair.
But Crystal was far from a traditionally gentle girlfriend. "Ambipom" she said with a smile, "wake him up, please."
Ambipom grinned and began to lightly pound Gold with its tail.
"Pa! Pa! Pa!"
"Ouch!"
Gold, now with two red handprints on his face, groaned, "Lunchtime already?"
"It's almost afternoon!" Crystal replied with a smile. "Don't go back late, or Grandma at the Breeding House will scold you."
"Oh, right!" Gold exclaimed, rubbing his head and scratching his chin with uncertainty. He turned to Luke.
"Teacher Luke, I lost this time, but..."
Gold brandished his pool cue and swept his bangs aside, determinedly declaring, "I'll beat you one day!"
Luke cleared his throat and nodded, "You can count on it. The future belongs to you!"
"That's right," Gold agreed. He scratched his head, laughed, and suddenly lost his arrogance.
"By the way, Teacher Luke," Gold inquired hopefully, "could you consider making me an Admin?"
Luke's eyes widened in surprise, "In your dreams!"
"Damn it!" Gold scratched his head in frustration, exclaiming, "I will definitely become an Admin someday!"
Gold made a solemn promise that left the nearby Pidgey in the forest startled.