The first hints of sunlight slipped past the little gap of the tent, showering rays of light. The soft chirps of Pidgies overhead, and a cold breeze gently went inside the tent. Slowly waking up my face felt this breeze as my body wiggles inside my sleeping bag.
Right after this, the feeling of two things was snuggled next to me.
'Huh?' I thought rubbing my eyes.
Getting up I realised that the two next to me were Mankey and Marshtomp wave of relief hit me.
Taking my bag which was just a meter away from my sleeping spot, I headed out.
*Zip*
Leaving the tent the strong smell of earth hit my nose.
It was so peaceful.
The rich green colour of the forest paired with the chilly morning relaxed my mind to the core. It was truly like some type of therapy. There was also a small wave of fog which made the place look more dreamy.
No wonder some people really loved to adventure outside.
I had Pokemon to accompany me which in some ways is better than having another person.
Taking a chair out from the Trek-X Bag, I go back on my phone. There were some messages from my parents, Ash, and Brock. Seeing this a small smile hit my face as I took some aesthetics photos to send them.
On top of this, I added a sentence.
[#FirstTimeCamping]
Staying on my phone, some curiosity got over me as I took the time to search up some answers on the web. The first few were about how gym challenges work and how registering worked as surely you don't need to have the physical badge to join.
What if it's stolen or lost?
Either way, I hope challenging a gym leader doesn't need you to register.
Using them as practice battles would be pretty neat.
But thankfully the website already have people ask these basic questions. So it didn't take long before the information I need was there.
[}-----Official.Alliance.com/ask_questions/-----{]
[TheBig106: Do I need to register beforehand? Or can I challenge gyms and use the badges to join the conference.
Moderator: You can do both, but registering lets you save wins against gyms in case of losing badges. This also allows you the opportunity to schedule battles or practice matches with gym leaders.]
--------------------------------------
[HardOak96: Am I able to just challenge a gym leader without participating in a league?
Moderator: Yes, a gym leader is obliged to battle any challengers that come their way. But they can reject challengers on break times/days, Pokemon needing to rest, or misconduct from the trainer.]
--------------------------------------
[TimothyAlvorado: Why is my Pokemon team searchable on the public database but my other team members aren't?
Moderator: Only Pokemon used in the official competition which includes conferences and alliance-hosted events are public. So if you don't want a Pokemon public just don't use it in any official events.
TimothyAlvarado: Isn't that a breach of privacy?
[}-----Official.Alliance.com/ask_questions/-----{]
These answers were all I needed to know.
But these answers also gave a sort of dark way for others to join the conference. Someone could totally just rob a guy with six badges and then go in their place. If done correctly no one would know about it too.
A bit scary but hey, I'm not gonna gloat badges around.
Because the numbskull Ash has a lot of them...
Plus with the last question not being answered by any moderator after a few months, it's safe to say it won't be answered. Which meant couldn't I technically only use one Pokemon and make sure no one else knows my lineup?
'Is that why Tobias was only known for his Darkrai.'
Being closest to Celadon right now, after I head back it was my next destination.
Checking the opening times of the Celadon Gym, a noise from behind alerts me. Turning around I see Marshtomp come out of the tent with a lax look.
My expression softens at the scene, and he slowly walks up to me.
Putting my phone away I start to pat and give him lots of hugs.
"mmm." He growls out in satisfaction.
"How was the sleep buddy." I quietly murmur. Marshtomp looking up into my eyes got a happy expression. "That's good... We will be doing this for a while so get used to it."
Rubbing under his chin, he taps his chest signalling he was hungry.
Nodding at this I pull out the Pokeblock Machine from my bag. With all of the ingredients needed for Mankey as well.
Taking my time, Marshtomp helped with setting up the table and equipment.
*Chop* *Chop*
Getting all the berries into their needed sizes, I slowly put all the ingredients on top of some nutrient Pokemon food into the hole. This process usually takes about five minutes for each batch which one Pokemon only needed one batch.
So it only took ten minutes to feed both of my Pokemon.
Although my food was different if Marshtomp and Mankey wanted, they could have a portion of my food. The more they ate the better it was for me anyway.
They train like monsters so any extra calories don't really hurt.
Spending some time just showering Marshtomp with loads of attention.
The smell of the Pokeblocks is what woke up the pig monkey.
"Of course it did." I facepalm.
"Tomp tomp..." Marshtomp adds in a sassy tone.
Mankey who was still groggy didn't hear any of the words and let his body lead him forward. With the Pokeblocks out of the machine and into a bowl, he was already up to the food. Watching this I look at the mudfish to see his reaction.
Unsurprisingly Marshtomp didn't care.
He knew how much Mankey trained and could understand the exhaustion.
While he loomed over Mankey he took the bowl and handed it to his friend. The pig monkey fully waking up saw this got a wide smile and happily took the bowl.
Before he started to dig in though he looked back.
"key key? (Have you eaten?)"
"Marshtomp tomp. (That's for you, my meal is next)." He swiftly replies. Not understanding their words, I got the gist of it with Marshtomp being caring.
The Pokemon unable to hold on any longer started to eat his fill.
While taking this scene in, a sudden rustling caught my attention. It was very quiet as most of this general area was open field so it was a bit of a distance away.
Turning towards the noise I see an Oddish walk up to me.
Marshtomp was already between the two of us with a serious expression.
*Rustle*
"Oddish!" It happily says.
Waving at it I realised it was one of the few Pokemon I defeated and got them searching.
Telling Marshtomp it was alright, he stays close to my side as the little weed Pokemon hopped over. It looked like it might have a lead so my curiosity was peaked.
Of course I didn't really understand much so my partner was the guy who would tell me yes or no.
Watching Marshtomp and Oddish converse, he soon after looked at me and nodded.
"Thanks a lot, Oddish, here's some food." I warmly say handing him some Pokemon food. It wasn't a pokeblock but this type of stuff was still not accessible for Oddish.
Gratefully taking the food the Oddish stayed for a bit as I'll need to pack up before heading out. This didn't take too long as the heavy lifting was done in tandem with my Pokemon.
You better bet I taught them how to set and pack everything up!
With everything now in my bag, the goal now was to hurry up as I wanted a meal for myself. But the target wouldn't just be lying down for me.
...
Walking through the forest with Mankey and Marshtomp at my side.
It didn't take long before we made it to a specific rock. It was large and had quite the flat area, but the most important part were the Pokemon sunbathing.
'They were just laying down for me.' I thought squinting my eyes.
Laying down were four Pokemon which got my heart pacing. Three Ivysaur and a single Bulbasaur were taking in the sun with glee. Their eyes were closed showing the pure bliss they felt feeling the sun hitting their body.
With this Oddish's job was done.
Letting the Pokemon go, I slowly approach the four.
"Hey," I gently say. "I'm not here to hurt anyone. Actually, I'm looking to find a partner, someone who wants to eat a lot of food and battle a lot."
The three Ivysaurs looked at each other, their expressions no agressive at all but relaxed. But they were in front of the baby Bulbasaur who was hidden behind peeking curiously.
After a moment realisation struck me that none of these guys were battlers.
Not having a battler would limit its growth.
"I get it, you guys don't really like battling. But do you perhaps know any other Ivysaur thats pushing themself?" I patiently ask.
The Ivysaurs seemed to have understood as one of them nodded at my words and gestured with a [Vine Whip] to follow him. Watching them move together I soon follow with my two Pokemon still next to me.
Unfortunately, this walk lasted over 20 minutes.
Still walking we made it to a secret clearing with one Ivysaur roaring out.
"Saur!" Roaring out, he whips the tree with its full power. This happened a few more times while we watched. The three Ivysaur looking at me, point at him which made me smirk.
But there was something different about it... A physical difference that might explain its vigour.
Its skin was a light green with the bulb of its head looking a healthy gold colour. It was a goddamn shiny Ivysaur.
Taking some food I thank the group of four with a glint in my eyes.
"Saur saur! (No thank you, we want him gone!)" It happily munched.
Watching them eating the Pokemon food, the group soon after left. With this, I confidently walk up to the Ivysaur with a grin.
'I can't miss this chance.'
"Hey! Other Ivysaurs have told me you want to get stronger. How about fighting me and if I win you become my Pokemon." I challenged which got the guy's attention.
It flinched at first but soon after moved.
The open challenge interested the determined Pokemon as it soon got into a fighting stance.
Not any retorts and straight into battle mode.
It was simple.
I like it!
"Marshtomp, it's your job." I intruct which made Mankey deflate.
Marshtomp hearing this quickly pats his friends shoulder before heading forward. This was for his trainer and he will not dissapoint.
Ivysaur tensed, vines twitching with anticipation. It went for the first move lashing out with a direct [Vine Whip] which went for the chest.
"[Barrier]," I calmly say.
A pink shimmer surrounded Marshtomp as the vines slapped his hand which blocked it somewhat. The force barely made him shift in place as the vines retracted.
Ivysaur growling in frustration roared out and released a flurry of [Razor Leaf].
"[Barrier], make sure you look unharmed." I cooly say with a calculating look.
The mudfish glowing again with a pink hue had the leaves struck him and quickly rebound away. Feeling the sting of the attack, the mudfish just clenched its jaw and looked bored.
That was all I needed.
It was more of a psychological trick so we swept this battle.
'Why use a move you know it doesn't even make them flinch.' I thought knowing that tanking more hits wouldn't be beneficial. Plus he didn't know what defense-increasing moves were, it was a Pokemon.
The Pokemon grunting in surprise, told itself that special attacks were a bad idea.
Patiently waiting for Ivysaur's next move, it soon after charged forward with another [Vine Whip] assault. But this still wasn't the time to go in for the beating move yet, it needed to decisive and showed Ivysaur the food chain of the team.
"[Barrier] again." I command.
As the next attack landed on Marshtomp, he took even less damage than before being at +6. The mudfish looked on with a calm expression, it made its opponent grit its teeth. Now reckless the Ivysaur wanted to [Tackle].
It was desperate to even scratch him.
"Sidestep, and then [Tackle]" I say wanting him to get close and personal. Ivysaur needed to lose through close combat to know his place.
Like Mankey.
So there were no complaints later.
Watching the way slower opponent charge, Marshtomp easily evaded and landed a critical hit to the head. This sent the poor Ivysaur stumbling back now trembling a little.
But it never gave up.
With this another charge by the fierce combatant.
"Oblige and [Tackle] it." With these simple instructions, Marshtomp landed another two critical tackles which soon after knocked the Pokemon out. Seeing this it was now the time to catch him in a Pokeball.
Specifically a friend ball.
Already having it prepared, I walked up to the downed guy and gently tapped it on his head...
*Phsszsst*
*Ding!*
Without any resistance the Ivysaur was caught and I had myself a third member. This now meant that I was able to legally challenge any gym leader as long as they were free.
"We did it!" I celebrate with my two partners soon after joining in.
Looking at my GPS, we were about half an hour away from the Pokemon centre. It was time to head back as the goal was now achieved.
'A shiny Ivysaur.' I giddily thought, the sheer recurring thought made me elated.
...
Spending some extra time for my Pokemon to practice all of their moves on wild Pokemon, we had an uneventful walk back.
So before the afternoon, we had already gotten back to the Pokemon Center where Nurse Joy had my Pokemon.
At the Pokemon center there was a cafe where I helped myself with some ham and cheese crossaints.
Thinking back at the catch, wasn't shiny Pokemon usually abandoned by its own kin?
Pokemon racism is a weird thing.
Works in my favour though…