The next couple of days passed in a peaceful rhythm for Daniel and Elizabeth as they settled into a routine. Daniel had taken it upon himself to guide Elizabeth through the forest, helping her familiarize herself with the new environment that would be her home. The dense trees, the flowing streams, and the wide variety of Pokémon hidden in the underbrush were slowly becoming familiar sights to the young girl. Squirtle, always by her side, seemed to be thriving in the environment as well, bonding with Elizabeth in ways that Daniel couldn't help but admire.
Elizabeth's natural curiosity had her asking endless questions about the Pokémon they encountered. She was eager to learn about the different types, their strengths, and the various ways they could interact with the world around them. Daniel, with his extensive knowledge, was more than happy to teach her.
On their third day together, while they were walking along one of the forest's quieter paths, Elizabeth tugged on Daniel's sleeve.
"Danny," she addressed him with the nickname she had stubbornly insisted upon giving him. "You promised you'd teach me how to battle with Squirtle. I really want to learn. I want Squirtle to get stronger, and I want to be able to defend others, just in case..."
Her eyes were bright and earnest, and Daniel could see that she wasn't going to let this request go. Elizabeth had always had a strong spirit, but now that she had bonded with Squirtle, that strength had evolved into a deeper sense of purpose. She wanted to protect her partner as much as Squirtle wanted to protect her.
Daniel smiled, nodding as he considered her request. "Alright, I think you're ready. But before we start, we'll need a proper place for training. Battling is important, but we also need to make sure it's safe for both you and the Pokémon involved."
Elizabeth's face showed confusion. "What do you mean?"
Daniel chuckled. "If we're going to train, we need to do it right. We'll have a dedicated space for battles so that you can train Squirtle safely without causing any harm to the forest or other Pokémon."
Without wasting any time, Daniel called out to the group of Timburr and a Gurdurr who had recently completed the library. Now it was even bigger than his own house and had plently of room to store information on all the Pokémon he needed.
The Pokémon quickly approached, their focused expressions ready for whatever task Daniel had in mind.
"Alright, friends," Daniel said, kneeling down to meet their level. "I need your help constructing a battle arena—a place where Elizabeth and others can train their Pokémon. It should be a simple clearing with a marked-off area, but sturdy enough to handle some battles. I also want the area surrounding it to be made so that a great number of spectators can come to watch. Think you can do that for me?"
The Timburr immediately nodded, clearly eager for the new project, while the Gurdurr gave a grunt of approval. They began gathering materials from the nearby forest, already drawing up plans in their minds as to how to construct the space.
Daniel turned back to Elizabeth, who was practically bouncing on her toes with excitement. "It'll take them a couple of days to finish, but once it's done, we'll start your training."
Elizabeth grinned and nodded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I can't wait!"
~~~
While the Timburr and Gurdurr worked tirelessly on constructing the battle arena, Daniel spent his time on another project. He knew how important it was for Elizabeth to have a guide for training Squirtle, so he decided to create a special scroll just for her.
Inside his cabin, Daniel sat at his worktable, carefully unrolling a fresh scroll. He dipped his quill into the inkpot and began writing, using everything he knew about Squirtle to create a comprehensive guide that Elizabeth could use during her training.
---
Pokémon Name: Squirtle
Type: Water
Height: 1'08"
Weight: 19.8 lbs
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Gun, Withdraw, Water Pulse, Ect.
Squirtle is a Water-type Pokémon that is known for its loyalty and calm demeanor. Its shell is not only for protection but also helps it swim at high speeds. When Squirtle feels threatened, it withdraws into its shell to defend itself from attacks. As a Water-type, Squirtle can manipulate water for both offensive and defensive moves, making it a versatile fighter in battle.
TRAINING TIPS:
Focus on teaching Squirtle to balance defense and offense. Use its shell to your advantage during battles.
Water-type moves, such as Water Gun and Water Pulse, are powerful tools in battle. Train Squirtle to master these moves, and it will become a formidable opponent.
Squirtle has the potential to evolve into Wartortle and eventually Blastoise, increasing its power and abilities significantly. Keep training consistently, and Squirtle will grow stronger with time.
---
After adding some other finishing details to the description, Daniel began sketching a detailed illustration of Squirtle at the top of the scroll. He wanted it to be a personal keepsake for Elizabeth, something she could refer to whenever she needed guidance during her journey with Squirtle.
His hands moved fluidly as he sketched the familiar round shell, the wide eyes, and the cheerful, determined expression that Squirtle often wore. Once the drawing was complete, Daniel sat back and smiled. It was a small gesture, but he knew Elizabeth would appreciate having something tangible to help guide her.
The next few days passed quietly but productively. Daniel continued to teach Elizabeth more about Pokémon, showing her the various interactions between different types, and how certain moves could be used to counter others. She absorbed the knowledge like a sponge, always eager to learn more. Each day, she grew more confident in her abilities, and the bond between her and Squirtle only deepened.
During this time, Daniel and Elizabeth's relationship grew closer as well. Daniel couldn't help but admire her determination and her love for Squirtle. He had taken on the responsibility of guiding her, but in many ways, Elizabeth was teaching him too. She reminded him of the pure joy that came from having someome you truly care about, and the excitement that came along with it.
During the day, Elizabeth had taken to becoming a self appointed guide for the forests visitors. She even did a good job in answering questions people had had about Pokémon or Daniel. The more mature Pokémon had come to understand that she had come to live in the forest with Dani, so they even allowed her near them.
As for the more dangerous areas where territorial Pokémon would stay, a Lucario would always appear before her guiding her away if she ever accidently wandered too close to them.
In the evenings, after their lessons were done and Elizabeth returned home from playing in the forest, they would sit by the fire outside Daniel's cabin, enjoying the peaceful sounds of the forest. Daniel would share fairy tails from his previous life and Elizabeth would listen with wide-eyed wonder, always asking questions.
"And as soon as Snow White swallowed the bite of the apple, she collapsed on the floor in a spell of never-ending sleep.... and that's where we'll leave off for tonight." Daniel said, changing from his narrator voice to a joyful one.
"What, no! You can't do that, you said this was a good story! Snow White has to defeat the evil queen, this isn't fair!" After getting over her shock, Elizabeth jumped to her feet pointing at Daniel.
"I guess you'll have to find out tomorrow, but for now it's getting to be too late to continue. Sorry Elizabeth, but it's time for bed."
Elizabeth dropped her arm, squinting her eyes at Daniel before spinning on her feet and walking into the cabin. Entering inside, Daniel watched as she closed the door with an audible "huff." Soon Daniel heard the door creak open again. Looking over, he saw Elizabeth peeking with one eye between the crack of the door, looking at Daniel as he sat by the fire.
"Thanks for the story Danny," she murmured before quickly shutting the door once again. Daniel just smiled, gazing back at the stars.
~~~
On the morning of the next day, Daniel and Elizabeth were in the clearing of the cabin when a Gurdurr approached. It's face beamed with pride, and Daniel knew immediately that the battle arena had been completed.
"It's ready?" Daniel asked. The Pokémon nodded smuggly, motioning for him and Elizabeth to follow.
"Come on, Elizabeth," Daniel said, turning to the girl. "Let's go see your new training grounds."
Elizabeth jumped to her feet, excitement bubbling over. "I can't wait!"
They followed the Gurdurr through the forest until they arrived at a large clearing where the new battle arena had been constructed. It was simple but perfect—a large, flat space bordered by sturdy logs and stones, with markings on the ground to designate the boundaries of the battlefield. The viewing stands resembled bleachers made of carved sandstone, encompassing the arena on all four sides.
Elizabeth's eyes widened as she took in the sight. "Wow! It's amazing!"
Daniel nodded in approval. "It's perfect for what we need."
He turned to the Timburr and Gurdurr, offering them a grateful smile. "Thank you all. You did an incredible job and can take a well deserved rest."
The Pokémon beamed with pride before soon disappearing back into the forest, leaving Daniel and Elizabeth standing at the edge of the arena.
Daniel knelt down beside Elizabeth and handed her the scroll he had created for her. "I made this for you. It's a guide to help you train Squirtle."
Elizabeth's eyes lit up as she carefully unrolled the scroll, her hands trembling slightly with excitement. As she read through the information and saw the drawing of Squirtle, a wide smile spread across her face. "This is perfect! Thank you, Daniel."
Daniel stood up, stretching his arms. "Alright, now that you have your guide, it's time to start your first lesson."
Elizabeth's face was full of determination as she glanced down at Squirtle, who expression mirrored her own. The bond between them was strong, and Daniel could see that they were both ready to learn and grow.
"Let's get started," Daniel said with a smile, stepping into the arena. "This is the beginning of your journey as a Pokémon trainer, Elizabeth. And trust me—it's going to be a great one."