Pokémon: Trainer Paul

Pokémon Center

Paul handed the Poké Balls containing Vulpix and Ursaring to Nurse Joy, then asked, "Excuse me Nurse Joy, is there a package left here for me? The sender is Reggie."

"A package? Let me check." Nurse Joy replied, she handed the Poké Balls to the Chansey beside her, bent down to search, and quickly retrieved a small box.

"Yes, there is one. Are you Paul, Reggie's younger brother?"

"Yes, that's me." Paul confirmed.

"Alright, here you go."

After showing his Trainer ID via his Pokédex, Paul accepted the package. He then walked to the tree in the Pokémon Center's backyard, releasing Turtwig from its Poké Ball.

"Twig!"

Turtwig blinked its large eyes at Paul, looking full of energy. Having already recovered from its earlier battles, it didn't need Nurse Joy's treatment.

Finding a comfortable spot under the tree, Paul instructed Turtwig, "Continue practicing the Growth training method. Try extending roots from your feet into the soil to absorb nutrients."

"Once you've mastered Ingrain, incorporate it into your Growth training routine."

The move Ingrain is theoretically an easy-to-learn Grass-type skill.

In reality, apart from rare Pokémon like Skiploom or Rowlet, most Grass-types can master it through diligent practice.

The sunny weather was ideal for plant growth, which is why Paul decided to let Turtwig train outdoors. As for his other Pokémon, they continued their own training inside their Poké Balls.

"Twig!"

Turtwig waddled to a sunny spot nearby and began practicing diligently. Occasionally, it glanced at Paul but made no noise to disturb him.

"What could this be that my brother was so anxious to send me?"

Paul's attention shifted to the package in his hands. Curious about what could have caused Reggie to act out of character, he began unwrapping it. Inside the outer wrapping was a small square box, resembling one used for jewelry or decorations.

"The size, the packaging… could it be…?"

A suspicion formed in Paul's mind as he opened the box.

Inside the box, a special badge was quietly placed. The badge is very elegant and simple in structure, and apart from the "gem" in the center, there is nothing special about it.

Yet, the moment Paul laid eyes on it, he was stunned.

The gemstone shimmered with a mysterious glow, as if holding some enigmatic power. At its center was a distinct teardrop-shaped marking, making it stand out even more.

"So, my brother finally managed to get one." Paul muttered with a faint smile.

The gemstone was none other than a Key Stone, one of the tools required for Pokémon Mega Evolution.

As a reincarnator, Paul knew about advanced battle systems like Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, and Dynamaxing.

However, during his travels with Reggie, despite their best efforts, they hadn't managed to acquire a single Mega Stone or Key Stone.

Unexpectedly, after their separation, Reggie had not only obtained a Key Stone but had also thoughtfully fashioned it into a special badge.

While Paul appreciated the gesture, he currently had no Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution or a corresponding Mega Stone. Wearing the badge now served no practical purpose, so he carefully put it away for future use.

After storing the Key Stone, Paul took out a book and began reading, jotting down notes occasionally.

Turtwig stayed by his side, practicing diligently. Unbeknownst to Paul, it had already mastered Ingrain and was using the power of the earth to grow stronger.

The peaceful atmosphere didn't last long. About half an hour later, the tranquility was broken by a loud voice.

It was Barry, who had just returned with Lucas. After healing their Pokémon at the center, they spotted Paul reading under the tree and decided not to interrupt—until now.

"Hey, Paul! Yours and Lucas' Pokémon are ready. Let's have that battle!"

Barry couldn't wait to see how their strengths compared.

Paul sighed, closed his book, and instructed Turtwig, "Withdraw your roots and wait for me outside."

"Twig!"

Turtwig nodded and carefully retracted its roots from the ground.

In the real world, moving while rooted could damage the roots, potentially causing injury. This limitation is why Ingrain prevents switching Pokémon or moving in battle.

Despite its restrictions, Ingrain has its benefits. Beyond restoring health, it provides stability, making the Pokémon harder to knock back. With sufficient mastery, the roots could even be used offensively, like Vine Whip.

By the time Paul, Lucas, and Barry stepped outside, Turtwig had fully recovered and was eagerly following Paul.

"I'll be the referee!" Barry declared enthusiastically as Paul and Lucas faced each other.

Paul initially considered dismissing the need for a referee but decided against arguing, knowing Barry's persistence would waste more time.

"Each trainer will use three Pokémon. Switching Pokémon is optional, and the winner will be decided in a best-of-three format. Release your Pokémon!"

Barry's impatience led him to quickly lay out the rules.

"Cranidos, I choose you!" Lucas called out.

"Ursaring, get ready for battle!" Paul responded.

The two trainers tossed their Poké Balls simultaneously.

"Cranidos!"

"Ursaring!"

The moment Cranidos appeared, it was intimidated by Ursaring's commanding presence and instinctively stepped back.

"Ursaring again?" Lucas muttered, feeling uneasy.

To defeat Ursaring, one needed to either outmaneuver it with speed or rely on disruptive tactics like Roserade's status moves. Unfortunately, Cranidos was exactly the kind of opponent Ursaring excelled against.

Unfazed, Lucas gave his first command. "Cranidos, use Rock Polish!"

Knowing Cranidos couldn't match Ursaring in raw power, Lucas opted to boost its speed instead.

Cranidos' body glimmered as its movements became noticeably swifter.

"Ursaring, Bulk Up!" Paul instructed calmly.

Ursaring flexed its muscles, enhancing its attack and defense while maintaining a composed demeanor.

Lucas remained cautious and followed up with, "Scary Face, then Rock Polish again!"

Paul, equally composed continued, "Bulk Up. Keep going!"

As the two trainers took turns strengthening their Pokémon, Barry grew visibly frustrated.

"What are you two doing?!" he finally exclaimed.

Eventually, after both Pokémon reached their limits, Lucas made his move.

"Cranidos, Swords Dance!"

Paul's expression shifted slightly. He immediately commanded,

"Ursaring, Hammer Arm!"

No longer able to contain its frustration, Ursaring leapt forward, its arms glowing white as it unleashed a devastating Hammer Arm.

Cranidos tried to dodge but was too slow. Ursaring's attack struck the ground, causing a powerful tremor that left Cranidos staggered.

"Focus Blast!" Paul ordered.

Before Cranidos could recover, Ursaring fired a Focus Blast, hitting its mark and knocking Cranidos out.

"Cranidos is unable to battle! Ursaring wins the first round!" Barry declared, finally getting his moment to referee.

Although victorious, Ursaring showed no signs of joy, only frustration from the drawn-out match.

Paul recalled Ursaring and turned to Turtwig.

"In battles, adapt as needed. Don't focus solely on boosting your stats—strike when the opportunity arises."

"Turtwig!"

Turtwig nodded earnestly, absorbing the lesson.

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