Pokémon: This Is Definitely Pokémon!

Training Pokémon Abilities is a slow and steady process, much like water wearing down stone. Gabriel knew that it wouldn't happen overnight for Dratini to master its Ability. Passive skills like these require consistent practice to ensure proficiency.

Still, the past few days of training had proven to be beneficial for Dratini. Physical endurance exercises improved its stamina significantly, and the Pokémon even learned two new moves: Thunder Wave and Dragon Tail.

Both moves were results of Gabriel's meticulous training. Thunder Wave was a move that inflicted minimal damage while paralyzing the opponent—a useful utility skill.

This also saved Gabriel the trouble of asking the maid, Elle, for paralysis remedies. With Thunder Wave in Dratini's arsenal, Gabriel joked that the little Pokémon could paralyze itself as needed—completely self-sufficient!

Poor Dratini, though, was subjected to even harsher training. Not only did it have to paralyze itself with Thunder Wave, but it also had to continue physical endurance training while paralyzed. "What kind of Trainer does this to their Pokémon?"

Dragon Tail, on the other hand, was a simple application of Dragon-type energy. By channeling this energy into its tail, Dratini could deliver a powerful strike that sent its opponent flying.

In the games, this move would typically be learned at level 15. However, Gabriel doubted that Dratini had reached such a level—it still had the physique of a baby, after all.

Gabriel attributed Dratini's success in mastering Dragon Tail to its ongoing Dragon-type energy training. Part of Dratini's regimen also involved practicing Dragon Rage.

Although Dratini wasn't yet proficient in using Dragon Rage, its familiarity with Dragon-type energy had greatly improved. Compared to Dragon Rage, Dragon Tail was far simpler to grasp. Perhaps that's why Dratini managed to learn it so quickly.

The more moves, the better—after all, no Pokémon ever complained about knowing too many moves!

Learning Dragon Tail made Gabriel realize the importance of energy training. Unlike the games, where Pokémon automatically learned new moves upon leveling up, the real world demanded a much deeper understanding and mastery of energy manipulation for move acquisition.

"If Dratini's inherited move were Dragon Pulse, things would be much easier. Its control over Dragon-type energy would improve significantly," Gabriel mused. "But Extreme Speed is pretty great too… Argh, it's so hard to decide!"

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind swept across the training grounds as a familiar helicopter descended.

"Wait, is that… Dad? Elle, grab my hat, quick!"

Recognizing the helicopter, Gabriel hurriedly called for Elle. He wasn't about to let Antonio see him in such a disheveled state.

Meanwhile, the timid Dratini hid behind Gabriel, curiously eyeing the massive helicopter as it landed.

Though Dratini had grown much braver, its instinct to avoid danger made it retreat to the safety of Gabriel's shadow. "If anything happens, Gabriel will handle it—no problem at all!"

Adjusting the red cap on his head—a special edition modeled after the one worn by the legendary Trainer Red—Gabriel thought to himself, I was saving this for a special occasion. Who knew I'd be using it like this?

Antonio stepped off the helicopter and immediately spotted his son in the cap. Recalling the surveillance footage of Gabriel's less-than-dignified training sessions, he stifled a laugh.

He probably doesn't know I've been watching him through the cameras. If his mother were here, she'd tease him endlessly. I guess I'll let it slide.

"Dad, what are you doing here?" Gabriel asked, trying to sound casual.

Antonio ruffled his son's hair with a warm smile. "I came to check on you. Oh, and I brought someone along. Let me introduce you—this is Aunt Phoebe."

"Hello, Aunt Phoebe," Gabriel greeted politely, sneaking a glance at the unexpected visitor.

Dressed in a crisp police uniform, Phoebe exuded an air of strength and confidence. She was undeniably beautiful, and Gabriel couldn't help but notice… certain features. Whoa, that's… dazzling!

Flustered, Gabriel quickly looked down, adopting the demeanor of an obedient child.

"Hahaha, Antonio, your son is quite the charmer—a little gentleman already!" Phoebe remarked, amused by Gabriel's bashfulness.

Unbothered by the snug fit of her uniform, Phoebe gave Gabriel a hearty pat on the shoulder. Ouch! The force of her hand made Gabriel wince internally.

Before anyone could react, Dratini's tail whipped through the air, aiming straight for Phoebe's hand. However, the seasoned officer withdrew her hand just in time, narrowly dodging the attack.

"Mu!" (You're hurting him!)

"Dratini, stop! She's not an enemy," Gabriel quickly reassured the little Dragon Pokémon.

Dratini tilted its head, confused.

Dratini: "But you looked like you were in pain"

… Still, it trusted Gabriel's words and reluctantly backed down. Even so, it resolved to keep a close eye on this stranger—no one was allowed to bully Gabriel!

"I'm sorry, Aunt Phoebe. It's my fault for not keeping Dratini in check," Gabriel apologized.

Phoebe waved it off with a laugh. "No worries, kiddo. And from now on, just call me Sister Phoebe—'Aunt' makes me sound old!"

Her attention shifted to the Dratini standing protectively behind Gabriel. "Is this a Dratini? What a fine Pokémon. Loyal to its Trainer, too!"

"This is my Pokémon—recently hatched!" Gabriel said proudly.

"Pokémon? What's that?"

"It's what I call Dratini and others like it. It feels more affectionate than calling them monsters," Gabriel explained.

Antonio sighed. His kid really was a little eccentric.

"Haha, I like your attitude, kid. Treating them as partners is the way to go!"

Phoebe pulled out a Poké Ball. "Let me show you my partner—it's a recent addition to my team."

With a flash of white light, a small orange-and-black dog appeared.

"That's… Growlithe!"

Its orange fur, creamy mane, and black stripes left no doubt.

The Growlithe immediately jumped into Phoebe's arms, using her… um… "sturdy support points" to steady itself as it licked her face enthusiastically.

So jealous… Gabriel thought.

Eventually, Phoebe set the Growlithe back down, though it continued to circle her excitedly.

"This little one is always so hyper—drives me crazy! Can't it just rest for a bit?" Phoebe said with a mix of exasperation and fondness.

Gabriel nodded in understanding. Growlithe was known for being loyal, brave, and energetic—the perfect police Pokémon. But its boundless enthusiasm could be exhausting for its Trainer.

Still… I wouldn't mind having one myself.

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