Step 5: Ears (Patreon)

Step 5: Ears

No longer would I suffer the blaring wails of the deafening alarms of yesterworld. My wake up call these days was a wet nose aggressively performing an Odor Sleuth near my face.

“I’m up, I’m up.” I unzipped the door to my tent, crawled out with Baloo, and stretched to Absorb a little Morning Sun. 

Toiletries and Pokéball in hand, I trekked down to the nearby riverbank while Baloo scurried off into the neighboring thicket to do what bears do in the woods.

The sand crunched under my bare feet as I waded into the crisp, clear current of the stream. I stripped off my clothes with every step till I was naked as the day I was reborn.

My Krabby plopped into the water in a flash of red energy when I released him. He came out burbling and bubbling.

“Alright, Yecu,” Krabby yellow curry, “make it rain, will you?” a quick flick of the thumb saw the shampoo from my refresh kit pop open and I squeezed out a generous dollop as Yecu my Krabby used Water Sport to create a little impromptu shower.

Another day in paradise.

At the conclusion of my ablutions, I returned to the tent, got some fresh clothes on and started breakfast. Yecu scurried sideways beside me as I headed for my berry patch, where Baloo was busy rubbing his itchy back on one of the trees. “I’m feeling lazy today, fellas. Let’s just grab a few berries and chill out in front of the radio.”

The reason for my uncharacteristically relaxed demeanor? The last week since Ivy’d moved on had been productive - I plucked a few freshly ripened babiri and roselli berries of their respective trees - very productive.

“Ur…” Baloo broke out the Baby-Doll Eyes; I’m not kidding. He actually used the move on me as he scratched forlornly at the tree he’d been rubbing up on. The one full of shuca berries.

 Baloo already had by this time a good grounding in his ground type aura usage - especially with the moves he now knew - I had a more effective means of training his type energy than the berry alone could provide. “Fine, you get one.” But, I’m weak. “I don’t want to see even a morsel of the rosellis left.” The same way shucas held a good store of ground aura, rosellis were a juicy fount of fairy energy. 

My philosophy when training type auras was simple. Primary STAB or same type attack bonus took priority because it would always be a Pokémon’s greatest asset. Ipso facto, ground for Baloo the Ursaluna, and water for Yecu the Kingler. My secondary focus then shifts to type coverage - specifically building resistances or having an adequate type counter.

Why fairy type? Because Baloo was still a normal type and I needed a counter for fighting type Pokémon. Similar to how Krabby was naturally aspirated for water type, but given his physiology and movepool, I was also choosing to compound his steely aura training by feeding him babiri berries. 

With a little creative application of steel type energy, I’m sure my little crab Pokémon could withstand electric and grass attacks better. 

Yecu’s smaller pincer prodded at my calf to draw my attention as Baloo raced off with a shuca in his mouth. His larger claw was pointed at the succulent looking blue apricorns hanging off a branch. No buddy, you didn’t need the boost to your special stats, and neither did you need the extra water energy. I took one of the babiri berries in my hand and stuffed it in his mandible. “Don’t test me. I can very easily change my mind and decide to steam you for breakfast instead.”

“Krabibibibibi!” My Krabby scarpered off behind my Teddiursa with a Tearful Look. 

–

[“You’re on with Professor Oak, and DJ Mary!”]

I tuned into the radio on my Pokégear as my two Pokémon dutifully ate their nutritious berry breakfast.

[“Welcome back, Pokémon trainers! You’re tuned in to Pokémon Talk with your hosts, Mary and Professor Oak. Today, we’re diving into the world of gym battles and the innovative tactics trainers are bringing to the arena. Professor, what’s caught your eye lately?” Mary’s excitable voice blared out with fresh news straight from Goldenrod radio tower.

The equally effervescent Professor Oak joined her on their weekly show. “Well, Mary, it’s always fascinating to see how trainers adapt and evolve their strategies. Especially this early in the league where they’re more comfortable utilizing novel battle ideas. One recent battle that’s been making waves is between a trainer named Ivy and her astounding victory over Gym Leader Falkner for her first badge.”]

I couldn’t resist turning up the volume.

[“Seriously, Professor? A first badge challenge. What could be so exciting about that?” Was Mary an ice type specialist, because that shoulder seemed awfully cold.

“I’d argue every fresh trainer’s first steps are something to be celebrated. However, what made this young girl so special to me was the unconventional move usage of her Zubat.”

“Wait, are you telling me someone used a Zubat - arguably one of the weakest flying type Pokémon native to Johto to defeat that type’s representative specialist? 

“Indeed, Mary. Typically, Zubat isn’t known for its staying power, but Ivy and her Zubat managed to pull off a surprising victory by attrition using the move Snarl. For those of you who tuned in for the episode on the Zubat line, you might remember this is not a known move in the species’ range.” 

Damn, I’m good. 

“That’s right, Professor! Snarl’s ability to lower the Special Attack of Falkner’s Pokémon threw a wrench into his usual strategies. It just goes to show that thinking outside the Pokéball can lead to some impressive results. And for all our lucky listeners out there, we’ve brought Ivy into the studio to talk about her astonishing triumph!”

“Hi Pa! Hi Ma! Lookie, I’m on the radio!”]

Yeah, that was her voice alright.

[ “Ivy, welcome to the show!”

“Honor to be here. Thanks fer havin’ me on.”

“Ivy, our listeners are dying to know. How did you come up with such a unique strategy?”

“Well, it’s a combination of good old-fashioned trainin’ and a stroke of luck, really. Like any trainer, I put in the hours to train my Pokémon and build strong bonds with ‘em. But what really made the difference was stumblin’ on a move tutor.”

“In my vast experience, it’s never just knowing a move - you must also have an excellent tactic to go along with it for a successful battle. That said, it’s quite unusual for someone so early in their journey to be able to afford a move tutor.”

“That’s cuz I can’t.”

“Then-?”

“Well, ya see, there was this amateur move tutor camped out on Route 36, offerin’ his services for a bargain. He taught my Zubi a whole new move fer a handful ‘a berries’n gems.”

“What?”

“I’m surprised ya don’t know who I’m talkin’ bout, prof. He’s got one ‘a yer dexes on ‘im. S’what sold me on his services in the first place when he showed it to me.”

“Ah! I think I know who you’re referring to. My, my, I really must visit my old friend here in Johto and get a not-so-brief progress report.”]

Abruptly the muffled sound of ruffling clothes and general mic feedback came through the radio. Almost sounded like someone was trying to get out.

[“Professor!?” A little heat interrupted Mary’s cool composure. “The show’s not over yet!”

“I’m sorry, dear, I really can’t dilly dally any longer.” Oak’s voice came distant and was followed by the opening of a door. “I’ll see you next week!”

“Eh? Ah! Um…And with that, we’ll wrap up today’s Pokémon Talk. Until next time, trainers, remember to keep those Pokéballs ready! This is Mary and Professor Oak signing off. Ivy, would you like to share a few final words?”

“Sure would! Uki, if yer listenin’ and I know ya are - yer welcome! Call me when ya get tired ‘a sowin’ yer Gogoats. I still ain’t given’ up on ya joinin’ my journey. Bye y’all!]

–

Not even two weeks on from that boisterous programme, and I’d been busier than ever. Oak and Mary’s show had a massive listenership which had boosted my sales like Agility.

And while I still took on jobs for cheap, but when it came to a certain type of clientele I was able to Work Up my prices. “Welcome to our training ground, and new home for the next little while.” a Nidoran female stood on her hind legs and stretched her nose as far into the air as possible to familiarize herself with the new atmosphere. “In the next couple of days, I’ll be giving you enough of an edge to take on Whitney for the Plain badge at Goldenrod’s gym.” 

This spiel was reserved for the trainers rather than their Pokémon, but the rich boy who owned Nidoran here had basically dumped the poor Poké on me, promptly told me to teach her Detect, and teleported away via their butler’s Xatu back to Goldenrod. Apparently roughing it in the dirt with a peon like me was beneath the little princeling.

Normally, I’d have told the Gimmighoul to Sweet Kiss off, but the prize they’d offered was too dear. Still cheaper than a heart scale, though, which probably explained why he even bothered mucking around with me in the first place. Heart scales really aren’t easy to come by. 

A macho brace. 

I lifted Nidoran and strapped her into the spring-loaded suit at each of her limbs and around her midsection. Nidoran immediately kicked her legs like a cat in socks because of the restriction. 

This nifty contraption out of Silph Co. labs effectively doubled the effectiveness of any physical training a Pokémon does, allowing their stats to grow with Extreme Speed. As soon as I taught Nidoran Detect, I’d get to keep it as part of my reward. Still need money for groceries, you know.

I was confident it wouldn’t take me long. It was a known move the Nido line could learn, according to the dex several move tutors before me had accomplished it. Likely owing to the Nido Pokémon having sharp senses.

Double Kick was already part of this particular Pokémon’s repertoire, so I wouldn’t even need to put in extra effort into awakening its fighting type aura.

Pokémon, like animals from the real world, have a natural sixth sense. Call it prey instinct, spidey sense, or just a healthy level of paranoia, but everything had it. People did too - it’s why we don’t walk down shady alleys during nighttime. Fear. My goal with Nidoran was to hone that fear until it became almost precognitive, and then bolster that with fighting type aura to create the move. 

Blindfold on, Nidoran was low to the ground and focused, her nose twitching ever so slightly trying to sniff out my two Pokémon circling her by depending on the direction the breeze blows. She primarily used her ears to follow Baloo and Yecu; the large radars effectively tracked their position with a decent degree of accuracy. But that wasn’t what I wanted. I slammed my left foot down hard twice on the ground before strafing right, Nidoran immediately hopped away from the noise and directly into my Krabby path, who hurled a weak Bubble attack while the other ‘mon was still airborne, easily clocking her on her hindquarters. Nidoran objected with a loud Ni! as she collapsed. I sighed slightly in disappointment. She was still too reliant on his core senses without using her fighting type energy. 

Hopefully, a passing Jenny wouldn’t look at this as some strange form of Pokémon abuse and book me in for a night’s stay in a cold cell.

An ear shattering and spine tingling metallic Screech announced the presence of an apex predator suddenly in our midst.

I tilted my head up as a shadow cast over me, but I still had to squint as the sun glanced off the steely body of a glistening Alpha Skarmory. It circled us, and with a final flap of its razor sharp wings, shot down and landed just a few feet ahead of us in a cloud of dust. 

Another flare of its wings and the massive specimen vanished the swirling dust. I’d recognize that emo teenager haircut anywhere. Falkner had come to pay a visit. “You!” somehow with lungs larger than the Pokémon three times his size. “You’re the guy who’s been teaching trainers all those weird moves, aren’t you!?”

Uh-oh.