"This is how it should be, Dylan. Your dad will always be your strongest support! Whatever Pokémon you want, just ask, and your dad will get it for you!"
"Really?"
"Of course! Do you know who your dad is? I hold 54% of Silph Co. shares. Do you understand what that means, my son? You're born with a silver spoon! You're standing on the shoulders of giants..."
The mature, weathered middle-aged man on the video call was spitting as he spoke.
"I want a Darkrai."
Dylan expressionlessly interrupted his dad, Itto, in the middle of his passionate speech, stating his request.
Itto choked up immediately.
Darkrai, commonly known as the Nightmare Pokémon, is a mythical Pokémon from the Sinnoh region, often referred to by fans as a secondary legendary.
"Dylan, you just turned eighteen. You shouldn't aim too high. Didn't I just give you a Goomy?" Itto coughed awkwardly.
"Do you believe what you're saying?" Dylan glanced sidelong at his dad.
"I can't get that. Choose something else," Itto waved his hand grandly.
Darkrai is a mythical Pokémon with an elusive presence. Even as the major shareholder of Silph Co., Ito couldn't get one, nor could the president of the Pokémon League!
Dylan couldn't help but smile. That's his dad, alright.
"Then, how about a Kubfu?"
Kubfu is the pre-evolution of the legendary Pokémon Urshifu.
Dylan believed he was giving his dad a break here.
Though both Urshifu and Darkrai are legendary Pokémon (mythical Pokémon are also considered legendary), Kubfu is relatively easier to obtain. Master Mustard, who owns Kubfu, is retired but still alive. With Mustard's consent, getting a Kubfu is possible.
Compared to other legendary Pokémon, Urshifu is one of the easier ones to find, given that some people know about Mustard's residence on the Isle of Armor.
"Hello? Hello, Dylan, the signal is really bad. I can't hear you at all. Your mom wants me to go shopping with her. I gotta go."
Dylan watched as the video call ended and looked at the four minimized Poké Balls in his hand, feeling quite speechless.
The previous 'Dylan' was similarly gentle and mature but was inherently proud and didn't like using the resources provided by his father.
But Dylan was different. Although still proud, he wouldn't refuse readily available resources.
In fact, Dylan would use them wisely. This was his advantage, so why not use it?
"Come out."
Dylan threw the four Poké Balls.
Four beams of light flashed, and four small Pokémon appeared before Dylan.
Dylan quickly scanned them. On the far left was a black lizard-like Pokémon with patterns resembling slow-flowing lava and a head covered by a black hood.
This was Salandit.
'Beep~ Salandit, Poison/Fire type, Toxic Lizard Pokémon
Ability: Corrosion
Moves: Sweet Scent, Toxic, Ember, Smog, Poison Gas, Scratch, Fake Out (Egg Move)
Description: It releases toxic gas by burning its body fluids. It attacks the dazed enemies inhaling the gas.'
Dylan nodded in satisfaction after checking the Pokédex. The Corrosion ability was just what he needed, and it had inherited Fake Out, which was great.
Next, Dylan looked at the two floating Pokémon resembling plants. Their bodies were light purple, and their faces looked like blooming blue flowers with golden eyes in the center, giving a spooky appearance.
These were Glimmet.
'Beep~ Glimmet, Rock/Poison type, Ore Pokémon
Ability: Corrosion
Moves: Stealth Rock, Rock Polish, Ancient Power, Acid Spray, Knock Off, Rock Throw, Explosion (Egg Move)
Description: It absorbs nutrients from cave walls, and the petals on its body are made of toxic crystals.'
Dylan checked the other Glimmet, which had a similar profile but inherited the move Toxic and had the Corrosion ability instead of Poison Touch.
"This old man is quite considerate." Dylan chuckled. His dad had thoughtfully prepared two Glimmet with different abilities.
Glimmet was a rare Pokémon in the Paldea region, and getting these two must have taken some effort.
Finally, Dylan looked at the last Pokémon, which surprised him the most.
This was a Pokémon resembling a scorpion, with a body in blue and purple stripes, a pincer at the end of its tail, and white hooks on its forelimbs, looking quite fierce.
This was Skorupi!
'Beep~ Skorupi, Poison/Bug type, Scorpion Pokémon
Ability: Sniper
Moves: Venoshock, Bug Bite, Toxic Spikes, Bite, Poison Fang, Pin Missile, Hone Claws, Night Slash (Egg Move)
Description: It grips prey with its tail's pincers and injects venom. It never lets go until the poison takes effect.'
What a pleasant surprise.
Dylan smiled. His dad must have known he was aiming for a Poison-type team, so he prepared this Skorupi.
Dylan was quite happy. Skorupi's evolution, Drapion, is very strong. With proper training, it could be a mainstay in his Poison-type team.
He still remembered the battle between Paul and Ash in the Sinnoh League. Although Paul's ace was Electivire, the MVP of that battle was Drapion!
Its flexible pincers and strong combat power left a deep impression, like a war god!
"The team is almost formed. I'll capture a few Gastly in Lavender Town when I have time." Dylan thought.
His Poison-type team members were almost set. When he had the chance, he would go to Lavender Town to catch a Gastly or Haunter to serve as a mainstay.
Gengar's combat power is also excellent and could be part of his future Ghost-type team.
"Hello, I'm Dylan, your Trainer. From now on, we're partners."
Dylan squatted down slightly, speaking softly to the four Pokémon. With his innate ability to bond with Pokémon, Dylan was always able to connect with them easily.
Salandit tilted its head, the two Glimmet's eyes sparkled, and Skorupi stared intently at Dylan.
Though their reactions varied, it was clear that none of them resisted Dylan.
"Let's get stronger together."
Dylan petted the four Pokémon before heading to the backyard.
Unless going out or having a gym battle, he generally didn't keep his Pokémon in their balls.
His backyard was spacious enough for his Pokémon to roam freely.
After spending time with his Pokémon until night, preparing food and Pokéblocks for them, Dylan returned to his room.
After a shower, he lay on his bed.
"Meow~"
Sprigatito immediately pounced on him, cuddling on his chest and yawning cutely.
"Sleepy? Go to sleep then." Dylan scratched the little cat's chin.
Sprigatito meowed softly again before curling up next to Dylan's pillow to sleep.
"System, enter Growth Mode." Dylan called out to his cheat in his mind.
"Activated."
Dylan felt a slight disorientation before realizing he was in a bright, spacious area.
"When Growth Mode is activated, the host's body enters a deep sleep state. Please don't worry."
The light screen that only Dylan could see appeared again.
Dylan nodded and looked at the nine screens in front of him, each showing a map-like image.
Upon closer inspection, Dylan's expression turned odd.
Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar, Paldea.
These were the maps of the nine regions.
"The host can choose one of these regions for the first growth session."
"Feels like playing a game."
Dylan couldn't help but mutter before choosing Kanto, as he was currently in the Kanto region.
Pokémon! Activate!
(End of Chapter)