A true hero... in training (Pokemon Gym Leader's apprentice quest)

[X][Fang] General training (Raises Rank)
[X][Maelstrom] General training (Raises Rank)

There move set is decent for low levels, it's their base stats that need work.
 
[X][Fang] General training (Raises Rank)
[X][Maelstrom] General training (Raises Rank)

Stats/Rank, aka the stuff that's always useful.
 
Hmm. Raising rank is naturally the best choice to make our pokemon stronger, because that's where they are lacking compared to their move sets.

I was thinking a bit about making them have just really strong moves to sweep through the low-rank combat scene, but that doesn't give nearly enough benefits to justify it, I think.

[X][Fang] General training (Raises Rank)
[X][Maelstrom] General training (Raises Rank)
 
[X][Maelstrom] General training (Raises Rank)
[X][Fang] Move training (Strengthens a move. Might not be enough with one session. Specify which one.) [Ice Fang]
 
[X][Fang] General training (Raises Rank)
[X][Maelstrom] General training (Raises Rank)

Both pokemon have 5 moves each, but Maelstrom is Rank F- while Fang is Rank E-. Looking at this, I'm really glad that we didn't vote for a trainer battle.
 
I'm going to close the vote here. This one was shorter but I need some time to write if I want an update today. Also the vote looks pretty clear.
Adhoc vote count started by Luxicato on Feb 16, 2019 at 10:07 AM, finished with 14 posts and 13 votes.
 
Started reading this quest two days ago and I finally caught up. There is actually something interesting I noticed the last chapter, which also kinda does extend through the entire story.

Speaking of psychic powers… Does Maelstrom have them? How did he manage to have a conversation with Lily? You can't talk with her for more than ten minutes! At least not without ending up insulting each other in a childish way. You like to tease her, you like to tease people and make fun of them in a playful way, but sometimes you don't know if she is just playing along or she actually dislikes you. You've never been good at dealing with people. You have to admit you have some charm, but you are better at reading pokemon than humans.

Haru seems to consistently treat and regard Lily like he would any other person. Granted, her being able to communicate through telepathy helps this a lot, but I wonder how common a stance is this in regards to Psychic Pokemon. We know that some of them apply to be considered human-like before the law (IIRC), but seeing how Meloetta's manager/owner treats her as "merely" a Pokemon there still seems to be at least some humans that consider Psychic Pokemons and humans very differently.
 
A lesson on courage
I'm really proud of this update. Probably my best one until now.

Fang was sitting proudly and bravely behind his trainer as the human tried to calm the fairy down. He had been chased for a while now and both were pretty tired. He felt confident on his chances to beat her but beating one of the leader's females was a clear sign of disrespect.

No, he wasn't afraid. He was just hiding behind his leader because this was the leader's job.

He wasn't even sure why she was so mad. He only asked if the egg was hers after she said it wasn't from the human. In his opinion they should make eggs already, the pack is too small… But she didn't agree for some reason. This is probably what they mean when they say that pokemon owned by humans for a long time get a bit weird.

That will not happen to him.

Once the fairy calmed down she went with her trainer. Now that they were alone and safe the leader turned to him. "Don't worry Fang. You don't have to be afraid of her she is just… a bit easy to tick off. But she wouldn't hurt you for real." He said with an unsure smile.

"I'm not scared of her!" The Shinx barked, which was useless because the human couldn't understand him and Shinx don't bark. He then proceeded to pout and look down. Maybe he was a bit afraid of her, but that's only because he was weaker... and she was above him on the hierarchy. One day he would be stronger than her and everyone would respect him. What his trainer said made him stop pouting in an instant.

"It's still early. Let's grab Maelstrom and get some training done." And as soon as he said that. Fang was ready. He had a lot of respect for the second in command. He was brave and faced the clown that night on his own. He never showed fear in the face of danger. Fang was trembling when that Kadabra attacked but Maelstrom didn't show any emotion. How strong was he?

…​

Weak.

The second in command was too weak!

Their trainer decided to put his pokemon one against the other in a sparring match with no moves. It made sense because his electric attacks would give him an unfair advantage… But Maelstrom was too weak! When he wasn't using Aqua Jet his hits were slow and didn't do any damage. Not even his jumps were high, and that's what Magikarp are known for!

Another tackle, another jump to the side. Fang was just dodging attacks as the Magikarp tried to hit him. He felt slightly bad because he couldn't hit him once. He was trying hard, but he was even weaker and slower than his old two packmates. And they were weak even for Shinx standards.

Maelstrom jumped trying to fall on top of Fang. The Shinx jumped and kicked him in the air, stopping him. Once they both fell to the ground he tackled the water pokemon, launching him to the other side of their little training ground. One thing Fang was convinced of is that, at least, Maelstrom was surprisingly durable. He'd been kicking the fish around for almost an hour and the pokemon looked as shiny and pristine as ever. Fang on the other hand was starting to be out of breath. This was a workout even if it was like fighting a punching ball.

Why was he so brave? He was weak. He went and scared that Mr.Mime that night even if he would lose in a fight. He stood in front of their trainer when Kadabra attacked even if he could do nothing. Why? You are supposed to get strong and then you can be brave. That's what Fang was waiting for. Once he was strong he would be braver. He would stand in front of his enemies with no fear and, this time, not out of pride or misjudging their strength. It would be out of courage!

Another attack, another dodge. This time it was a bit closer. Fang lost focus for a second thinking about him. He was starting to feel really tired.

If he was this weak then why was he acting so brave? Why did he act like a stronger pokemon than he is? It makes no sense… He could get seriously hurt. No one should do what he does.

Maelstrom bounced closer. Fang ready to dodge another tackle, but the pokemon turned suddenly and hit him with his tail. That hurt Fang a little more… No, a lot more than he expected. He stumbled and lost all focus for a second. He was really tired after walking all day.

"Well done Maelstrom, keep going! Don't give up, Fang!" The pack leader cheered. Fang felt his pride every time one of them did something great, and it felt like he was a bit more proud of Maelstrom than of him. It made sense. He was already strong and the Magikarp needed all the help possible… But why wasn't he tired?!

Fang had to jump back as far as his paws let him. Magikarp just jumped pretty high and almost dropped on top of him. It was as if he was getting stronger the more they fight… No… Fang was the one getting weaker quicker than him. The Magikarp was a bit out of breath, but he kept fighting like he did at the start. He wasn't slowing down, he wasn't giving up. how?

He looked at his trainer. He was smiling, watching the fight. Always there for them… Then he realizes something.

When that Luxray attacked he stood in front of him, protecting his life. That's when he decided to follow him until the end. Not for his strength but for his courage. He stood in front of a pokemon much stronger than him… He is just a human! They are weaker than most pokemon, but he did that anyway, with no hope of winning that fight. Then he realized it wasn't just a fluke, he did the same again when the Kadabra attacked. Fang remembers standing in front of his leader as any Shinx would… and then feeling like that was a huge mistake. He almost ran away, he almost left them behind… but his trainer then stood in the way to protect them. He had been frustrated by his cowardice since then. He almost ran away like a coward! That's why he wants to be strong, to never run away and always protect his pack!

Another attack from the Magikarp. Fang tries to dodge but one of his legs gives under his own weight, too tired even to stand. The attack hits him. The pokemon just lays there, panting. He lost this battle like he lost all battles. He only defeated that Gligar and that was because Maelstrom hit him first. He can't even defeat him, and he is the weakest pokemon he ever fought! At this rate he will never be as brave as them!

Haru gets closer to the Shinx and picks him up, petting his head. Telling him how great he did and that he looks stronger already.

The Shinx sighs. The human wasn't strong, the Magikarp wasn't strong. Then why were they so brave and he wasn't? Maybe strength is not all that matters in a battle. Maybe there is more to courage than being stronger than the things you fear.

As fang closed his eyes on his trainer's arms, falling asleep. He was sure of something. He wanted to be like them. Like his leader and the… second in command. He wanted to be strong even when you are weak, and brave even when you are scared. Maybe that's what true courage means.

While Haru went to pick Fang up, Maelstrom finally relaxed. It seemed like the young pokemon was close to learn a lesson he needed to learn more than anything. Giving it all in this training was worth it in the end. He could finally relax and sleep. His job was done for the day. Then he fell asleep too.

…​

You laid there in your tent, wide awake. The only sound you heard was the soft breaths of your two pokemon besides you and the cold wind outside your tent. It was a quiet night. Most pokemon avoided the place were trainers slept in this route, it made things safer for everyone.

Your pokemon were so tired that they fell asleep as soon as training was over. It was only a sparring match, but they both did their best after a whole day of walking around the forest. It surprised you how Maelstrom just kept going even if he looked ready to faint not even halfway the battle. You are not sure if he has infinite energy or he was just holding on through sheer willpower.

Doesn't matter. You are proud of them. They train hard to get stronger, to get better.

...But what about you? That question is what is keeping you awake. This is not a weird dream or a fantasy, you are training to become the next champion. You should feel happy, this is great news but… It's just overwhelming. Until a couple weeks ago, the idea of becoming champion was more of a «One day I might do it» objective. It wasn't real, it felt as far away as it felt when you were ten. It wasn't something «real» until Cynthia talked to you. You still struggle with the idea. You thought your future would be… Teaching others about pokemon, maybe even fighting a couple gyms. At most, leading one. A relatively quiet life.

Do you even want to be a champion? You said yes to Cynthia. Of course you did. Being a champion is everyone's dream… right? What kind of idiot would say no to that? You wanted to be a trainer, so wanting to be a champion is the logical next step.

...Do you even want to be a trainer in the first place? You went to the academy for six years but why? You wanted to do things right, to be ready when you went on your adventure. Because you wanted that, right? You wanted to travel around with your pokemon and fight because that's what everyone wants. That's what your sister wanted, and she had to give up her dream when your parents died. If you didn't use the chance you had, what would she think about you?

She would love you anyway, of course. That train of thought makes no sense. You can't be something for someone else. You have to be a trainer for you, not using your sister as an excuse.

You sigh and try to relax. You are too focused on things that aren't the problem. Of course you want to be a trainer. You are having a great time, you love your pokemon and made amazing friends. It's being the champion in the future what is the problem. You don't feel good enough.

A pokemon can train and get stronger. You can make your team the strongest in the world and that wouldn't make YOU a good champion. You can't do the same, training will not make you a better leader. You are not Cynthia and you have no idea how to be even a fraction of the person she is.

You are not brave enough to be a champion, to have all that responsibility, to be in charge of anything. You are just a normal person. You weren't even the best at the academy. You aren't the best at training pokemon or even strong for a human. You don't know how to lead and forget basic things like a compass on a trip through the wilderness.

And more important, you don't have the courage to be the one at the top. To face whatever waits for you there.

What even IS courage? How can someone become braver?

...​

The sun rises with no problem. A quiet morning after a quiet night. You feel a bit tired, but managed to sleep enough. It's time to decide on what route you will follow.


[Maelstrom and Fang Rank Up]


[] Take the longer route to Veilstone. It will give you one more day to train on the road and a chance to find trainers or pokemon to fight.

[] Take the direct route. You don't feel confident on your training abilities on your own. You need Maylene's help as soon as possible.
 
This is probably what they mean when they say that pokemon owned by humans for a long time get a bit weird.

That will not happen to him.
Ohh, my poor sweet summer child.

As fang closed his eyes on his trainer's arms, falling asleep. He was sure of something. He wanted to be like them. Like his leader and the… second in command. He wanted to be strong even when you are weak, and brave even when you are scared. Maybe that's what true courage means.
Awww... that's adorable!

[X] Take the longer route to Veilstone. It will give you one more day to train on the road and a chance to find trainers or pokemon to fight.

I think they're both ready for at least a weak trainer battle. Maelstrom has a lot of tricks, and Fang has variety on his side.
 
[X] Take the longer route to Veilstone. It will give you one more day to train on the road and a chance to find trainers or pokemon to fight.

Lacking confidence? Than lets train anyways to prove to him he's doing better!
 
[X] Take the longer route to Veilstone. It will give you one more day to train on the road and a chance to find trainers or pokemon to fight.

Might as well go all in with the traveling now that we're at it. This certainly doesn't look like a good time to give up on our capabilities.
I'm really proud of this update. Probably my best one until now.
High expectations were set. You did deliver.
It surprised you how Maelstrom just kept going even if he looked ready to faint not even halfway the battle.
Ha, would you look at that difference in perceptiveness.
 
[X] Take the longer route to Veilstone. It will give you one more day to train on the road and a chance to find trainers or pokemon to fight.
 
[X] Take the longer route to Veilstone. It will give you one more day to train on the road and a chance to find trainers or pokemon to fight.
 
[X] Take the longer route to Veilstone. It will give you one more day to train on the road and a chance to find trainers or pokemon to fight.

I'm pretty sure this vote is already decided ! :p

Was very nice to read, thanks for that one !
 
[X] Take the longer route to Veilstone. It will give you one more day to train on the road and a chance to find trainers or pokemon to fight.
 
[X] Take the longer route to Veilstone. It will give you one more day to train on the road and a chance to find trainers or pokemon to fight.
 
[X] Take the longer route to Veilstone. It will give you one more day to train on the road and a chance to find trainers or pokemon to fight.
 
[X] Take the longer route to Veilstone. It will give you one more day to train on the road and a chance to find trainers or pokemon to fight.

Training with Maylene would probably be the most efficient method, but I can see Haru trying to get his pokemon stronger before meeting his friend again.
 
[X] Take the longer route to Veilstone. It will give you one more day to train on the road and a chance to find trainers or pokemon to fight.
 
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