"You're up, Steelix!"
Red threw the Poké Ball, and as the white light faded, the colossal Steelix materialized before the athletic Snorlax. The sunlight was instantly blotted out. The Snorlax, mid-push-up, paused and looked up at the towering metal serpent with a puzzled expression.
"Snorlax, let's have a battle," Red announced, his voice clear and confident. He held up an empty Poké Ball. "If you lose, you become my partner."
Snorlax glanced at the old man, who gave a subtle nod of approval. Satisfied, the massive Pokémon rose to its feet, ready to face Steelix.
"Good development," Red praised, his analytical gaze scanning the Snorlax. "Your height is approximately 2.6 meters."
Though it was a compliment, Snorlax felt a strange sense of irony. It was a giant, yet it felt like a dwarf standing before the sheer scale of Steelix.
"Since you're ready, I'll take the initiative," Red declared. "Steelix, Heavy Slam!"
Steelix's immense body crashed down. Snorlax met the attack head-on, its arms straining as it braced for the impact. It held its breath, its powerful thighs digging deep furrows into the ground as it resisted the crushing weight.
Seeing the attack had little effect, Steelix wisely created distance, awaiting Red's next command.
After a few heavy breaths, Snorlax recovered. Its right arm began to glow with white light as it swung a powerful, heavy punch at Steelix.
"Iron Defense!" Red ordered.
Steelix's body flashed silver as its defenses hardened. It took the powerful Arm Thrust head-on without flinching.
"Bind, then use Thunder Fang!"
Steelix moved with surprising speed, coiling its massive body around Snorlax and constricting it tightly. It then bared its electrified fangs and bit down, sending currents of electricity coursing through Snorlax, steadily draining its stamina.
"My judgment wasn't wrong," the old man murmured, his eyes wide with shock as he watched Red. He never imagined he would encounter a trainer capable of commanding such a powerful Steelix. "Snorlax… perhaps your future will be far greater than I ever imagined."
Snorlax struggled against the Bind, its right fist igniting with fierce flames as it slammed a Fire Punch into Steelix's body.
"Roar—!"
Steelix cried out in pain and released its hold, glancing apologetically at Red.
"It's alright, Steelix. You performed very well," Red said, his voice a soothing balm. "Don't blame yourself."
Once Steelix had regained its composure, Red issued his next command. "Let's get serious. Steelix, use Body Press!"
The Fighting-type move was practically tailor-made for Steelix. Its effectiveness was based on the user's Defense stat, and Steelix's physical defense was an astonishing 200 points.
Its entire body became a living battering ram as it slammed into Snorlax. Snorlax desperately tried to defend with Mega Punch, the force of the impact so great that the defined muscles beneath its fat bulged visibly.
The veins on Snorlax's arms strained, but it was no use. It couldn't withstand the Body Press. It was thrown to the ground, struggling to rise.
"Steelix, finish this. Drill Run!"
Steelix's nail-like tail began to spin, becoming a deadly drill. It pierced through Snorlax's defenses, striking a vital point.
"Go, Poké Ball!"
Seeing Snorlax's eyes swirl, Red threw the prepared ball.
Whether it was an acknowledgment of Red's strength or it was simply dazed from the Drill Run, Snorlax offered no resistance. The ball sealed shut without a single shake.
"First, I'll send him to Professor Oak's Lab," Red murmured to himself. He took out his Pokédex and, during the transfer process, left a message for the Professor. "He can research some Poffins that suit Snorlax's palate."
With his financial resources, Red could easily afford enough canned Pokémon food to satisfy Snorlax, but it was inefficient. It would require frequent, large purchases and cut into valuable training time. Poffins, on the other hand, were a perfect solution: easy to carry and incredibly filling. A few pieces could satisfy even the most gluttonous Pokémon, making them an ideal choice for a traveling trainer.
After several more days of travel, Red arrived in a severely dilapidated town named Dark City. While it had always been a humble place, its current state was truly miserable. The source of its decay was a bitter, ongoing turf war between two private, unsanctioned Gyms.
With her ribbon-like feelers wrapped securely around Red's arm, Sylveon walked beside him into the city. Though the decaying scenery displeased her, she still wore a joyful smile, content just to be holding her beloved trainer's arm.
Their arrival immediately caught the attention of three young children. The constant infighting between the two Gyms had bred a deep-seated resentment for Pokémon trainers in them, and Red and Sylveon became the instant targets of their hostility.
"You damned Pokémon trainers! Get out of Dark City!"
Three pebbles flew down from the eaves of a nearby building. Sylveon reacted instantly, shattering them with her feelers before unleashing a Fairy Wind that knocked the three children from their hiding place.
The enraged Sylveon was about to step forward and teach them a lesson when a middle-aged man rushed out from a nearby shop. He looked timidly at the furious Sylveon and the unnervingly calm Red behind her.
"I am so sorry!" the man pleaded, bowing deeply while pushing his children's heads down. "Please, be magnanimous and forgive them. They meant you no harm!"
"Dad! Why are we apologizing to these hateful trainers?!" one of the boys shouted indignantly. "They're the reason our town is like this!"
"You are too ignorant!"
The man quickly covered his son's mouth, terrified the boy's words would further provoke the powerful trainer. They were ordinary citizens; they stood no chance.
The man led Red to his dilapidated restaurant. Though the decor was simple, the egg-fried rice he served as an apology was surprisingly delicious.
Seeing Sylveon's mood gradually stabilize, the man finally dared to explain. "There are two Pokémon Gyms in this city, the Yas Gym and the Kaz Gym. They are constantly hiring traveling trainers to act as thugs. Whenever a conflict arises, they start battling without any regard for the damage they cause."
"I see," Red said, his brow furrowed in displeasure. "No wonder the children here are so hostile."
In his eyes, the trainers who acted as hired thugs were not only ruining the town but were also poisoning the hearts of its children, tarnishing the very name of Pokémon Trainer.
[Chapter Complete]
***
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