Combusken ran directly to the edge of the lava lake, curiously watching the Slugma playing and frolicking in the lava. Occasionally, a mischievous Slugma would splash lava at Combusken as if playing a game of water fight.
Combusken didn't get angry at this; instead, it extended its claw into the lava lake, scooping some lava to splash back at the Slugma, retaliating playfully.
Seeing this scene, Rex completely gave up on watching the fun, fearing that one of the mischievous Slugma might splash lava at him too. He didn't have Combusken's heat resistance.
"Don't worry, these Slugma know their limits and won't splash lava at you!"
Noticing Rex's concern, Flannery stifled a laugh and reassured him.
Flannery often came here for special training and was very familiar with the Slugma in the lava lake. She knew they wouldn't act recklessly. The reason they played with Combusken was that they knew it was a Fire-type Pokémon and wouldn't be harmed by the lava's high temperature.
"Alright, let them play. I plan to test the effects of my body-strengthening techniques here. It's said that practicing these techniques in harsh environments yields much better results."
As Rex discussed the body-strengthening techniques with Flannery earlier, he suddenly remembered this point and wanted to test the results.
"Then I'll step out for now. Call me when you're done exercising,"
Flannery suggested considerately, assuming that such martial arts techniques required privacy, so she offered to give Rex the space.
"Uh, you don't need to step out. My teacher didn't require me to keep these techniques secret. I've even taught Ash and his friends before. They found the moves too difficult and gave up after learning just a few. If you find them useful, you can practice with me!"
Rex said, scratching his head, not feeling the need to keep the body-strengthening techniques secret as they were just for fitness.
"Well, alright then!"
Seeing that Rex truly didn't mind, Flannery didn't insist on leaving.
She was curious about the body-strengthening techniques that had so significantly improved Rex's physical condition in such a short time. Such legacies were rare.
Soon, Rex began demonstrating the body-strengthening techniques. There were nine moves in total, each progressively more difficult. To ensure Flannery could follow, he performed the moves slowly.
By the time Rex finished the entire routine, he was drenched in sweat. He could feel that practicing these techniques in the lava cave's high-temperature environment had a significantly enhanced effect.
Techniques that had little impact on him before were now stimulating his muscles anew under the cave's oppressive heat, giving Rex a familiar muscle soreness.
After resting briefly, Rex watched as Flannery practiced. With a solid foundation, she quickly learned the first five moves. However, the remaining four were more challenging. With Rex's guidance, Flannery managed to master two more moves. The last two, being the most difficult, would require more time for her to learn, given her current physical condition.
It was evident that the techniques passed down in Flannery's family were comprehensive in physical training. While they might not significantly increase strength, they greatly enhanced flexibility and coordination.
"I can't complete the last two moves with my current physical condition,"
Flannery admitted after a while, reluctantly giving up.
Even with just seven moves, Flannery felt a soreness in her muscles. Any large movement caused her significant pain.
"Remember the moves for now. Practice them once your physical condition improves. For now, find a place to rest,"
Rex advised.
Seeing Flannery's current state reminded Rex of his own early days practicing the techniques, understanding how intense the muscle soreness could be.
Following Rex's advice, Flannery didn't push herself further. Exhausted from muscle pain, she didn't have the energy to continue.
Rex and Flannery then quietly awaited Chimchar's birth.
After a few hours of waiting, the previously still Pokémon egg on the stone platform began to emit a flashing light.
"Chimchar is about to hatch. I'll step out for now,"
Flannery said, dragging her sore body and limping out.
Rex moved to the stone platform, waiting for Chimchar to be born.
He didn't have to wait long. With a flash of light, a Chimchar appeared on the platform, curiously observing its surroundings.
Chimchar's fur was predominantly orange, with its face, outer ears, belly, palms, and soles being light yellow. It had large ears with red inner ears. A semicircle of red markings adorned its eyes, and a swirl pattern marked its chest. A flame burned on its rear, with red patches hidden beneath the flame.
Chimchar was a nimble Pokémon, adept at living in mountainous regions and traversing cliffs effortlessly. It was full of energy and spirit. The flame on its rear was fueled by gas produced in its stomach, and wouldn't go out even in rain. If Chimchar was unwell, the flame would weaken. While sleeping, it would extinguish the flame to avoid setting its surroundings on fire. This trait led people to nickname it "Butt Lantern," and it was feared as a type of ghost.
The little monkey quickly noticed Rex smiling at it. Feeling a unique affection for Rex, Chimchar leapt into his arms.
Rex caught Chimchar and stroked its head. Unlike Combusken, whose head feathers were abnormal at birth, Chimchar had no unusual features, except for a vigorous flame on its rear, indicating its strong vitality.
Rex then took out a prepared bowl of Moomoo Milk, signaling Chimchar to drink. Hungry from just hatching, Chimchar drank eagerly.
Combusken, done playing with the Slugma, came over to watch Chimchar drink the milk, feeling a kinship with the newborn Pokémon.
"It's a beautiful little monkey, and it looks healthy!"
Flannery, hearing the commotion and knowing Chimchar had hatched, walked back in and complimented the little Pokémon as it drank the milk.
"Thank you for providing this cave for Chimchar to hatch, Flannery,"
Rex sincerely thanked her.
Chimchar soon finished the bowl of Moomoo Milk but still seemed hungry, holding the empty bowl and pointing to its mouth and then its belly.
"Alright, I get it. You're quite the little foodie!"
Rex laughed, petting Chimchar's head before refilling the bowl.
Two full bowls of Moomoo Milk were a lot for a newborn, but Chimchar insisted on finishing every drop before lying on its back with a full belly, occasionally burping.
(End of Chapter)