Pokemon: A New Era Begins

c10: It Seems to Be a Big Deal..

"Is this Charmander really that great?"

Chu Pity stared at the Charmander displayed on the Pokédex screen. The small, orange lizard with a flame at the tip of its tail did look cute, but she was skeptical. Could it really turn into a dragon? The thought lingered in her mind, but for now, she wasn't convinced.

More importantly, as the heir to a prestigious lineage, Chu Pity was used to high standards. This little lizard had to prove itself.

"What exactly do you mean by 'great,' beauty?" Gu Xin raised an eyebrow at her question.

"Well, Squirtle over there can use Water Gun, right? So does this Charmander have some crazy fire attack like, I don't know… Eruption?" Chu Pity pointed at the tiny turtle Pokémon clinging to Bai Qianqian's leg. Her logic was simple Squirtle could shoot water, so why couldn't Charmander erupt like a volcano?

"What are you even saying, Chu Chu?" Bai Qianqian rolled her eyes. "How could there be a pet that can Eruption? Squirtle's Water Gun is just that water. But actual, molten lava? You're taking this too far."

Lin Sheng nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that's ridiculous. No animal can spit fire like that."

"Why not?" Chu Pity tilted her head. "It's literally called Charmander."

"This young lady is actually correct," Gu Xin interjected with a knowing smile.

At his words, Bai Qianqian, Lin Sheng, and even Chu Pity froze.

"What?"

"Charmander is indeed capable of powerful fire-based attacks," Gu Xin explained. "In fact, it's not just Charmander. Many Fire-type Pokémon possess abilities far beyond what you might expect."

He turned his gaze toward Lin Sheng's Vulpix, which was lounging lazily in his arms, occasionally yawning in disinterest.

"Would you be willing to let your Vulpix demonstrate?"

"Uh… sure?" Lin Sheng answered hesitantly.

Something about this didn't feel quite right, but his curiosity won over his doubt. He placed Vulpix on the ground, and the little fox blinked up at him, confused.

"Since Vulpix is now bonded with you, just give it a command have it use Ember," Gu Xin instructed.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Sheng called out, "Vulpix, use Ember."

What happened next stunned everyone.

Vulpix opened its mouth, and small, flickering embers shot out, covering the disposable cup of water Gu Xin had placed before them. The flames licked at the cup, quickly warping the material. Within seconds, the water inside began to boil and overflow.

Silence.

"Holy" Lin Sheng's jaw dropped. "Did… did Vulpix just erupt?"

Chu Pity and Bai Qianqian were equally dumbfounded.

"Pokémon are incredible creatures," Gu Xin said calmly, as if this were the most normal thing in the world. "Each species has unique elemental abilities. Fire, water, electricity, psychic energy these are not just tricks. They're real and intrinsic to who they are."

Chu Pity, still staring at the now very smug-looking Vulpix, muttered, "So it can erupt…"

Bai Qianqian, meanwhile, was deep in thought. The words Attribute and Ability suddenly stood out to her. She quickly pulled out her pink Pokémon Pokédex from her bag.

The moment she scanned Vulpix, the device responded:

"Drip~ Vulpix, Fire Type, Fox Pokémon.

Ability: Flash Fire

Moves: Ember, Disable, Tail Whip.

At birth, it has only one snow-white tail. As it grows, the tips of its tail split, increasing in number."

Chu Pity's eyes widened. "Wait, what is that?"

"This is a Pokémon Pokédex," Gu Xin explained. "Miss Bai bought it earlier it helps trainers understand Pokémon abilities and attributes."

She flipped through the interface, scanning the screen with growing interest. "So… Pokémon have different attributes and powers? Like, Squirtle's Water-type moves and Vulpix's Fire-type ones?"

"Exactly," Gu Xin nodded. "Since this is still new to you, it might seem overwhelming. But over time, you'll get used to it."

Then, shifting his focus, he asked, "So, young lady, are you going to take Charmander?"

Chu Pity's eyes immediately lit up. "That's right! I'm definitely getting Charmander!"

She had nearly forgotten in the midst of the revelations. But now, knowing Charmander could use fire just like Vulpix if not more powerful it was a done deal.

"Please wait a moment."

Gu Xin nodded and disappeared into the back room.

As soon as he was gone, Chu Pity exhaled deeply, her mind buzzing. "There's something about this place… There's just so much I don't understand yet."

She glanced at the sleeping Vulpix, then at Squirtle, who was happily clinging to Bai Qianqian. If these creatures really possessed elemental powers, then what about others?

"Don't overthink it," Lin Sheng shrugged, stroking his Vulpix. "If anything, it just means we've found some really special pets."

Bai Qianqian, meanwhile, focused back on her Pokédex. She tapped on Squirtle's profile, reading through its ability:

"Torrent: When HP is low, the power of Water-type moves is significantly boosted."

She frowned slightly. "So even their abilities have strategic effects…"

Chu Pity, meanwhile, had another idea. She curiously aimed the Pokédex at Diancie, who was still watching TV.

"Drip~ Diancie.

Rock/Fairy Type, Jewel Pokémon.

Ability: Clear Body.

Moves: Diamond Storm, Moonblast, Stone Edge, Rock Slide, Light Screen, Ancient Power, and more.

A mutated form of Carbink, possessing a radiant pink crystalline body. Known as one of the most beautiful Pokémon in existence. It can instantaneously create diamonds by compressing carbon in the air. A Legendary Pokémon."

The moment the Pokédex finished speaking, the room went dead silent.

Chu Pity, Bai Qianqian, and Lin Sheng all turned to stare at Diancie, who, sensing the attention, blinked and tilted her head.

A Legendary Pokémon…?

A small, adorable, pink gem-like creature that could generate diamonds… was actually a legendary being?

They had just assumed Diancie was another cute pet in the store. But now, looking at her again, something felt different.

She wasn't just rare. She was something else entirely.

"…I think we may have seriously underestimated her," Bai Qianqian whispered.

Chu Pity swallowed hard. "She seems to be… a really big deal."

Lin Sheng nodded wordlessly, clutching Vulpix a little tighter.

Diancie, oblivious to their awe, simply went back to watching TV.

–