Golbat soared through the air, its wings cutting sharp arcs against the setting sun. Herdier, still caught in a chaotic condition after being struck by Supersonic, wobbled unsteadily on its feet.
"Ouch!" Herdier barked, shaking its head, but it couldn't regain control.
Colby's expression darkened. As a seasoned breeder, he knew better than to give arbitrary orders while Herdier was in such a state, yet his frustration was clear.
"You can attack, Golbat. Use Poison Fang!" Gary commanded, his voice calm and focused.
Golbat wasted no time, streaking through the air like an arrow.
"Herdier, use Bite! Hold your ground!" Colby shouted, desperate to turn the tide.
Herdier lunged, snapping its jaws at empty air, its disoriented movements betraying its confusion. In a flash, Golbat was upon it, sinking its fangs deep into Herdier's flank. A faint purple glow enveloped Herdier as poison seeped into its system.
The pain jolted Herdier into erratic movements. It stumbled, growling and thrashing, but the poison's effects were evident.
"Follow up with Absorb!" Gary commanded.
Golbat clung to Herdier, sharp fangs still embedded in its hide. A green energy trail formed between the two Pokémon as Golbat began to sap Herdier's strength.
Colby's eyes widened. "Herdier, snap out of it!"
But Herdier was too weak. Its movements grew sluggish, and it collapsed moments later, fainting on the ground.
"Enough, Golbat. That's enough," Gary said, raising his hand.
Golbat released its grip, its red eyes gleaming, but it obeyed Gary, flying back to hover by his side.
---
Analyzing the Battle
Gary observed the defeated Herdier. "It seems Herdier hasn't been trained to use energy for protection."
Colby frowned but didn't refute Gary's assessment.
Energy protection, a technique used by experienced Pokémon Trainers, involved channeling a Pokémon's internal energy to shield it from attacks. Without this skill, Pokémon were far more susceptible to damage.
Golbat's Absorb had been devastating not because of its power, but because Herdier lacked the defenses to block it. The skill drained more than just energy—it left Herdier physically exhausted.
Colby sighed. "You're right. Herdier's training is incomplete, and it showed today."
Gary nodded, recalling Golbat. "Good battle, though. I hope it helps in future training."
Colby's expression softened, though defeat still lingered in his tone. "You won fair and square. Let's head back. You've earned the right to choose a Growlithe."
---
Meeting the Growlithe
Colby led Gary back to the breeding house. The structure was simple but well-maintained. Inside, rows of individual kennels housed the station's Growlithe.
"Woof! Woof woof!"
The Growlithe barked excitedly at Colby's arrival. Their vibrant orange coats and black stripes gleamed under the light, and their tails wagged in unison.
Gary glanced around, his eyes locking onto a larger enclosure at the back of the room. Inside lay a majestic Arcanine, its proud stature and calm demeanor commanding respect.
Pokémon: Arcanine ♀
Level: 45
Potential: Gym
"Is that...?" Gary asked.
Colby smiled. "Yes, this is the mother of the Growlithe you're about to meet. She's one of the finest in our care."
Gary approached cautiously, feeling the sheer presence of the Arcanine. "She's amazing."
Colby knelt beside the Arcanine, gently stroking her fur. The Arcanine leaned into his touch, her eyes half-closed in contentment.
"She's a police dog through and through," Colby said. "Arcanine, this is Gary. He's here to adopt one of your pups. I've tested him, and he's proven himself worthy."
Arcanine opened her eyes and gazed at Gary. For a moment, Gary felt a rush of pride and determination.
"Hello, Arcanine. My name is Gary," he said, bowing his head slightly. "I promise to take care of your child and raise them to be strong and brave."
Arcanine studied him for a few moments before letting out a low, approving bark.
"Good," Colby said. "She trusts you. Let's meet the pups."
---
The Choice
Colby led Gary to a smaller section near Arcanine's den, where three tiny Growlithe were curled up together.
"Woof! Woof!"
The pups looked up at Gary, their bright eyes full of curiosity. They barked softly, their small tails wagging.
Gary pulled out his Pokédex to scan them.
Pokémon: Growlithe ♂
Level: 5
Potential: Normal
Pokémon: Growlithe ♂
Level: 5
Potential: Elite
Pokémon: Growlithe ♂
Level: 5
Potential: Normal
Gary frowned slightly. While the Growlithe with normal potential would make fine companions, their growth would be limited. The Growlithe with elite potential was the obvious choice, though it wasn't the strongest he had hoped for.
"Only elite potential, huh?" Gary muttered under his breath. He now understood why, in the future, his Arcanine had struggled in battles. Even with the best training and evolution stones, this Growlithe's potential would cap at level 39.
Still, he couldn't afford to pass up the opportunity. Growlithe were rare, and Professor Oak had gone out of his way to arrange this adoption.
Gary crouched down, extending his hand toward the pups. "Hey there," he said softly.
The three Growlithe bounded toward him, nuzzling his hand and barking excitedly.
Gary chuckled. "Looks like they're all eager."
"Choose the one that feels right," Colby said.
Gary's eyes lingered on the elite Growlithe. It had a confident stance, its ears perked up and tail wagging energetically.
"I'll take this one," Gary said, picking up the elite Growlithe.
---
A New Journey Begins
"Good choice," Colby said. "Take good care of him. Arcanine will want to hear about his progress someday."
Gary smiled. "I will. Thank you for this opportunity."
With Growlithe's Poké Ball in hand, Gary prepared to leave. The pup trotted happily by his side, already showing signs of loyalty.
As they exited the breeding house, Gary looked down at Growlithe. "Welcome to the team, buddy. We've got a lot of training to do."
Growlithe barked in response, and Gary couldn't help but smile.
Together, they headed toward Cerulean City, the first steps of their bond forming under the evening sky.
---