Chapter 31: Getting Acquainted
"Excellent choice, Alex," Nurse Joy – Sarah, as she'd introduced herself – said, her smile warm and encouraging. "Abra are challenging, but incredibly rewarding to raise. They're naturally timid, so patience and a gentle approach are key." She gestured towards a small table in the corner of the conference room. "Why don't you spend a few minutes getting to know him? I'll just finalize the registration."
Alex nodded, his gaze fixed on the small, yellow Pokémon still swaying gently in front of him. He crouched down, trying to get to Abra's eye level, though its eyes remained closed. "Hey there, Abra," he murmured softly. "It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. We're a team now."
Abra didn't react visibly, but Alex thought he felt a slight… shift in the air around it. A subtle psychic ripple, perhaps? He reached out a hand, slowly, stopping just short of touching the Pokémon's fur. He remembered the rule about always asking a person before touching. He would extend the same courtesy here too.
"Can I touch you, Abra?" He asked gently.
He waited, patiently, giving Abra time to process his words, to sense his intentions. He focused on projecting calmness, reassurance, a sense of safety.
After a moment, Abra gave a tiny, almost imperceptible nod.
Alex gently touched Abra's fur, a soft, downy texture. His mind buzzed with the discovery from the status screen. Magic Guard... Encore... Incredible luck, or maybe the System's influence? Either way, this timid little thing held monstrous potential. The training would be brutal, especially starting with only Teleport, but an Alakazam immune to passive damage? And Encore to lock down opponents? He couldn't suppress a small, determined grin. This was a gamble, but the jackpot potential was immense. Okay, best keep him safe for now, minimize stress before the introductions, Alex thought. He carefully recalled Abra to its Poké Ball, the red beam of energy drawing the small Pokémon back inside.
Sarah Joy returned, smiling. "How did it go?"
"Good, I think," Alex replied, handing her Abra's Poké Ball. "He seems… calm."
"Excellent. Let me just finalize the registration, and then you can introduce yourself to the rest of your team." She took the Poké Ball and quickly completed the process on a nearby console. "All set," she said, handing the Poké Ball back to Alex. "Abra is officially yours. Now, I believe you have a few other introductions to make. Why don't you use the small training hall down the corridor? It's usually empty this early." She smiled. "It'll give you and your Pokémon some space."
"Thanks, Sarah," Alex said, grateful for her thoughtfulness.
As they walked towards the training hall, Alex noticed Ash and Misty standing near the entrance to the Pokémon Center, engaged in a quiet conversation. Ash, still looking a bit tired, was petting Pikachu, who was nestled contentedly in his arms. Misty had her arms crossed, but her expression was softer than usual, a hint of concern in her eyes.
"You two are welcome to join us," Sarah Joy said, her voice carrying to them. "It might be helpful for Ash to see how Alex handles his new Pokémon."
Ash looked up, a flicker of interest in his eyes. "Really? That'd be cool!" He glanced at Pikachu, who chirped in agreement.
Misty shrugged. "Sure, why not," she said, a hint of her usual teasing tone returning.
The training hall was a simple, rectangular room with a polished wooden floor and padded walls. A few training dummies and obstacles were scattered around the edges, but the center was clear, providing ample space for Pokémon to move.
Alex took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was it. Time to meet the rest of his team.
He decided to start with Mankey. He released the Fighting-type from its Poké Ball in a flash of red light.
The Mankey materialized, immediately taking a fighting stance, its small fists clenched, its eyes narrowed in a perpetual scowl. It looked around the room, taking in its surroundings, then fixed its gaze on Alex.
Pokémon Status, Alex thought, focusing his intention on the System. A familiar blue screen shimmered into existence in his peripheral vision.
[Pokémon Status]
• Mankey ♂️
Level: 7
[Type]: {Fighting}
[Ability]: Vital Spirit, Defiant (Hidden)
[Nature]: Adamant
[Stats]:
HP: 24/24
ATK: 17
DEF: 9
SP. ATK: 8
SP. DEF: 10
SPD: 14
[Moves]:
1. Scratch (Beginner: 23/100%)
- Power: 40
- Accuracy: 100%
- Type: Normal
- Effect: A physical attack. Makes contact.
2. Leer (Beginner: 41/100%)
- Power: --
- Accuracy: 100%
- Type: Normal
- Effect: Lowers the target's Defense by one stage.
Defiant as a Hidden Ability, and an Adamant nature… This Mankey had potential.
"Hey, Mankey," Alex said, keeping his voice calm and steady. "I'm Alex, your trainer. We're going to be working together from now on."
Mankey grunted, its scowl deepening. It didn't seem particularly impressed.
Misty, leaning against the wall, offered a dry comment. "Looks like you've got a feisty one, Alex. Mankey are known for their tempers."
Alex ignored her, focusing on Mankey. He knew he needed to establish his authority, but he also wanted to show respect.
"You were strong back there, on Route 1," Alex said, his voice firm but not aggressive. "I was impressed. I think we can make a good team."
Mankey grunted again, but its stance relaxed slightly. It seemed to be considering Alex's words.
Alex moved on, releasing Magikarp next. The red fish flopped onto the floor with a pathetic splash, its vacant eyes staring blankly ahead.
Pokémon Status, Alex thought, and the System's display appeared.
[Pokémon Status]
• Magikarp ♀️
Level: 5
[Type]: {Water}
[Ability]: Swift Swim
[Nature]: Relaxed
[Stats]:
HP: 18/18
ATK: 4
DEF: 13
SP. ATK: 5
SP. DEF: 6
SPD: 15
[Moves]:
1. Splash (Beginner: 0/100%)
- Power: --
- Accuracy: --
- Type: Normal
- Effect: Does nothing.
Relaxed nature, huh. Figures.
"…And this is Magikarp," Alex said, trying to keep the sigh out of his voice. He glanced at Misty.
Misty looked at the flopping Magikarp with a thoughtful expression. "Remember what I told you, Alex," she said, her voice serious. "Don't underestimate it."
Ash, however, looked at Magikarp with surprising sympathy. "Don't worry, little guy," he said, crouching down. "I bet you'll be strong someday!"
Alex nodded, remembering Misty's advice back on Route 1. He knew Magikarp's potential, but he also knew it would take a lot of work to get there. He appreciated Misty's reminder.
Finally, he took a deep breath and released Spearow.
Pokémon Status, Alex thought.
[Pokémon Status]
• Spearow ♂️
Level: 7
[Type]: {Normal}{Flying}
[Ability]: Keen Eye
[Nature]: Rash
[Stats]:
HP: 24/24
ATK: 14
DEF: 8
SP. ATK: 9
SP. DEF: 6
SPD: 15
[Moves]:
1. Peck (Beginner: 34/100%)
- Power: 35
- Accuracy: 100%
- Type: Flying
- Effect: A physical attack.
2. Growl (Beginner: 41/100%)
- Power: --
- Accuracy: 100%
- Type: Normal
- Effect: Lowers the target's Attack by one stage.
3. Leer (Beginner: 0/100%)
- Power: --
- Accuracy: 100%
- Type: Normal
- Effect: Lowers the target's Defense by one stage.
Rash Nature.
The small, brown bird materialized in a flurry of wings, its eyes immediately darting around the room. It let out a sharp, angry squawk, its gaze locking onto… Ash.
Spearow's feathers ruffled, its body tensing. It launched itself into the air, flapping its wings furiously, heading straight for Ash.
"Whoa!" Ash yelped, stumbling backward, startled by the sudden aggression. Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, let out a warning chirp, its cheeks sparking with electricity.
"Spearow, stop!" Alex commanded, his voice sharp. He stepped forward, placing himself between Spearow and Ash. "He's not your enemy."
Spearow hesitated, hovering in mid-air, its angry gaze still fixed on Ash. It let out another series of sharp squawks, its frustration evident.
"What's its problem?" Misty asked, frowning.
"It's a long story," Ash said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "I… kind of… threw a rock at a Spearow on Route 1. And then… it called its friends. And they chased me. And Pikachu had to use Thunderbolt…" He trailed off, looking embarrassed.
Misty stared at him, speechless for a moment, then burst out laughing. "You threw a rock at a Spearow? Seriously, Ash? That's… that's just asking for trouble."
Alex, however, understood. "It's okay, Ash," Alex said, his voice calm. He turned his attention back to Spearow, who was still hovering, agitated.
"Spearow, listen to me. I know you're angry. And you have a right to be. But Ash is not your enemy now. We're all on the same side."
He reached out a hand, slowly, offering it to Spearow. "I'm your trainer now. And I need your help. We all do."
Spearow eyed his hand warily, its anger slowly fading, replaced by a flicker of… curiosity? It let out a softer chirp, a questioning sound.
"I know you're strong, Spearow," Alex continued, his voice gentle. "I saw you fight. You were one of the toughest in that flock. But we need to work together. We need to be a team."
He paused, then added, "If you want to prove how strong you are… challenge Ace. He's my Pidgey. He's strong too. Show me what you can do."
Spearow considered this, its head cocked to one side. It glanced at Ace, who was perched on Alex's shoulder, watching the scene with quiet intensity. Then, it let out a sharp, decisive chirp, a challenge.
"Ace," Alex said, turning to his Pidgey, "you up for a little sparring match?"
Ace chirped in agreement, puffing out his chest feathers proudly, and took flight, hovering opposite Spearow.
The two birds faced each other, Spearow's anger replaced by a focused determination, Ace's calm confidence radiating outwards. The air crackled with anticipation.
The mini-battle began explosively. Spearow, a brown streak fueled by righteous anger, shot forward, opening with a sharp, piercing Peck aimed straight for Ace's head. Ace, reacting to Alex's unspoken command as much as instinct, banked sharply, the Peck whistling past harmlessly. "Sand Attack, Ace!" Alex called. Ace beat his wings, kicking up a swirling cloud of grit towards Spearow. Temporarily blinded, Spearow screeched in frustration, shaking its head. It tried a defiant Growl, the sound sharp and harsh, attempting to intimidate Ace, but Alex's Pidgey pushed through the sound wave. "Now, Tackle!" Ace tucked his wings and shot forward, a feathered projectile, slamming solidly into Spearow's side. The impact sent Spearow tumbling, feathers ruffled but recovering quickly. Spearow was tough. It leveled a sharp Leer at Ace, its eyes burning with intensity, trying to lower Ace's guard before attempting another swift Peck. Ace easily dodged the telegraphed attack, preparing another Tackle.
"Ace, enough!" Alex commanded firmly, just as Ace was about to connect again. "Hold back."
Ace obeyed instantly, pulling back his attack at the last moment, hovering calmly. Spearow, surprised by the sudden cessation of the attack, stumbled slightly on the landing, then regained its balance, breathing heavily.
Alex approached Spearow slowly, his hand outstretched again. "We don't need to fight to exhaustion," he said softly. "You proved you're tough. We need that toughness. We need to work together."
Spearow looked at Alex's outstretched hand, then at Ace hovering nearby, then back at Alex. Its sharp eyes narrowed, calculating. The raw anger had subsided, replaced by a grudging respect, but wariness remained. It ruffled its neck feathers, let out one final, softer, almost questioning chirp. Then, after a tense second that stretched on, it took a hesitant hop, landing lightly on Alex's forearm, its claws gripping tightly, still tense, but present. A silent truce, for now.
A small smile touched Alex's lips. He'd done it. He'd earned Spearow's trust, or at least the beginning of it, not through force, but through understanding and respect for its strength.
He looked at his team – Abra, swaying gently beside him after being recalled and released again, Mankey, still scowling but watching with undeniable interest, Magikarp, flopping uselessly on the floor, and now Spearow, perched on his arm, its sharp eyes scanning the room. He felt a surge of… something. Connection.
Responsibility. Excitement.
Even Mankey seemed slightly impressed, though it would never show it openly, merely shifting its weight with a grunt.
"Alright, team," he said, his voice filled with a newfound confidence. "Let's get to work."
He took a deep breath and looked towards the entrance of the training hall, his gaze unconsciously drifting towards the direction of Viridian Forest. Next step, preparation.
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End of Chapter 31