One perk of staying in a five-star hotel is the exceptional Pokémon services offered, including specialized training facilities. Among these, the mimic training rooms are often a key feature that earns such establishments their high ratings.
"Mr. Rax, we have one sandstorm training room available. The fee is 500 Poké Dollars per hour. Are you sure you want to rent it for three days straight?"
The hotel staff couldn't help confirming again—72 hours at this rate would cost 36,000 Poké Dollars, a significant chunk of Rax's savings.
"Yes, I'll take it. By the way, I have a friend who might need to use it at night. Is that okay?"
"As long as no more than two trainers use the room at a time."
"Perfect. Please charge my card."
The staff processed the payment and handed Rax the access key.
"Thank you for choosing our hotel. If you encounter any issues during your session, don't hesitate to contact us."
"Will do," Rax replied.
---
Once the staff left, Rax released Marowak and skiploom into the room.
"skiploom, I have an important task for you."
"Pluff!"
Rax explained the plan and handed skiploom a set of notes with instructions. Satisfied, he took Marowak into the sandstorm training room and began their session.
---
An hour later, skiploom, stationed at the training room entrance, noticed a staff member approaching with a frustrated-looking trainer.
"I'm very sorry, sir. All sandstorm training rooms are currently in use and fully booked until the Black Gold Festival. Would you consider using the rock-type room instead?"
"That won't work! How am I supposed to prepare for a sandstorm competition in a rock environment?"
The trainer left in a huff after a tense exchange. skiploom observed silently, not intervening.
Later, another trainer, a girl, arrived with the staff. Though disappointed by the lack of availability, she politely requested to be notified if any reservations were canceled. The staff's demeanor softened, and they assured her of their help.
skiploom's eyes lit up. She quickly floated over and presented the girl with a note.
---
"Do you want to use the Sandstorm Training Room?"
The note startled the girl as it landed on her face. She looked at skiploom, who appeared innocent and eager. Hesitantly, she nodded.
Delighted, skiploom produced a second note.
"If you don't mind using it at night, you can come to Sandstorm Training Room #004. Ask for skiploom's trainer."
The girl read the note aloud, her expression shifting from surprise to curiosity. After a moment of thought, she decided it wouldn't hurt to check it out. Staying up late was common for her anyway, though she usually spent that time gaming instead of training.
---
Soon, skiploom led the girl to the training room. Rax answered the door and, seeing the new arrival, gave skiploom a subtle thumbs-up.
"Hello, I'm Rax," he greeted.
"Hi, I'm Lola," the girl replied.
Rax wasted no time. "I've rented this room until the festival. I train during the day, but I'm willing to let you use it at night for 700 Poké Dollars per hour."
Lola blinked in disbelief. The rate was 200 more than the official price—and it was for nighttime hours!
"But the listed price—"
"Think about it," Rax interrupted. "This hotel is hosting Elite Four Bertha. If she or someone else decides to train here, demand will spike. Prices will rise even higher—probably 800 per hour—and there will still be a shortage."
Lola stared at him, incredulous at his audacity.
"But it's night! Who's going to—"
"Elite trainers don't keep regular hours," Rax cut in again. "If you don't want it, no problem. Sorry to have bothered you."
He gestured to skiploom, who immediately released a calming Aromatherapy. Lola, visibly less agitated, sighed.
"Fine. I'll rent it," she muttered, handing over payment for the first night before retreating, her face flushed.
Rax watched her leave, amused. "Well, that worked out. Great job, skiploom! You earned a treat tonight."
skiploom's eyes sparkled as she held up one paw triumphantly.
"Alright, one jar of sweets!"
"Pluff!" skiploom enthusiastically stretched out both paws but quickly realized her mistake. She settled for one jar, determined to remember next time.
---
Meanwhile, back in the training room, Rax and Marowak continued their session.
In the simulated sandstorm, Marowak navigated the harsh environment for the first time. Its bone club remained steady as it adjusted to the swirling winds.
"Try using Bone Club on the stationary target," Rax instructed.
Marowak struck with precision, denting the reinforced target.
"Good! Now try hitting a moving target."
Rax activated a mechanism, and a series of targets began flying across the room. Marowak prepared itself, ready to improve its accuracy in the stormy conditions.