Pokemon Trainer Vicky

"Huh. What’s this?" I asked as I woke up one morning a few months after Milotics’ evolution. He had stirred me awake before forcing something into my hand. Blinking my tired eyes I was forced to rub them on my forearm since my hands were now full of Milotic slobber. Finally I cleared them enough and using the harsh morning sunlight I blinked when I realized that inside the saliva was something glittering brightly.

"Oh! It’s a Prism Scale."

"Milotic!"

"Yeah…. OH SHIT. MAMA! PRISM SCALE!" I called out as I hurried out of bed, wiping the scale on my pajamas to clear it of the slobber. Hurrying down the hallway past sleepy Growly who was growling at me for shouting so early, I rushed into my parents room leaping onto their bed earning some grumbles from the half asleep adults as I shoved the scale into their face.

"Oh." Mama whispered looking at the glittery scale that sparkled in the early morning light. "Ooh!" Mama quickly wrapped me in a hug and started laughing as we giggled at the shiny trinket. Papa gave us both a single look of pure Done. stood up and headed out of the room with a blanket over his shoulder. I could hear him and Growly head towards the living room and flop onto the couch.

But Mama and I were soooo excited! The first Prism scale!

"We are gonna be rich!" Mama chortled which wasn’t what I was going for. But yeah I mean that was gonna happen too.

—-

Fortunately, that wasn’t the only scale we got that day. Turns out Milotic created multiple Prism scales in a batch. We would still need to work out how often it happened, but the first shed gave us five of the pretty scales.

I did keep the first one. But the other four were sold off to the Association according to our little deal, and my bank account basically went from grade school kid to that’s a lot of zeros in a flash.

Everyone was happy. The extra money didn’t go all to me, most of it was set aside for feed and care costs. Bigger pokemon ate more. That meant more food. My parents had taken care of the cost so far, but now I had enough to take care of it like a trainer is supposed to.

That and we could actually buy some stuff for him. First we hired some contractors to expand our pond. It went from a feeder pond for our berry trees, to a massive pond that went all around the farmland giving Milotic plenty of room to swim around. It reminded me of a water park as it meandered around.

That cost a chunk of the first sales right there. But Milotic was so flattered that we did so much just for him, that the entire afternoon that the crew that expanded the pond, he was crying in my lap at how much we loved him.

He was a cry-baby when he wasn’t Mr. Steal yo Girl.

Of course that opened up the question that I asked a few days later while visiting Gram Gram.

"So I still have this Prism Scale. Can I evolve another Milotic?" The question caused the entire room to go silent as all the adults looked to each other.

"Well Trouble. We have been talking about that." Papa answered slowly. "If you want more Milotic. We think that’s great. But first… We want to make sure we have enough protection in place first. Expanding the pond was one of the steps, But I’ve been talking with the Chief."

"Officer Jenny."

"Chief Jenny Trouble. Officer Jenny is her daughter."

"Right."

"Chief Jenny always has some Growlithe that flunk out of the training course, some are just too aggressive to be police dogs. They usually get sold to people who need guard dogs. Or battlers."

"OOOooh! Can we get more puppies!" I asked no begged as I nearly stood up from the table.

"They are a little expensive for now. So let’s see how long it takes for the next batch of Scales. That way we will have a better idea of cost. But yes daughter of mine. We can get more puppies."

"Pfeh! Dogs! What good are they! Get some Persian instead!"

"Mother…"

"Don’t you ’mother’ me boy!"

The argument went a long way, but even Gram Gram couldn’t deny that Growlithe made top tier guard dogs. And Persian… Well they would kill anything that attacked them. Maybe.

But I was gonna get puppies? Best day ever… Second best day ever!

—--

Time passes as it always seemed to as a kid, in fits and spurts. The Summer heat turned to fall, to winter. Each season brought new adventures, and my and Milotic continued training for when we could go on our journey.

And we kept getting Prism Scales. Turns out we get a batch every three to four months. Of course the third time they came in I noticed that Milotic was actually pulling them out early. Which was causing itchy spots.

Silly boy. I forced him to stop doing that, and it balanced out to about five every five months. If I let them come out naturally.

Considering that a scale did have a variance in price depending on how it looked, how large it was if it was scuffed or damaged. Meant as the time went on, my bank account was shooting up.

Which was only half the benefit of having my own Pokemon. I said before it was a very stupid person that wandered into forests without something to protect themselves with, because Pokemon can and would eat someone if they were hungry enough.

But I had protection now!

Milotic was happy to join me on my adventures into the forests and fields around Viridian, although I avoided the titular Viridian Forest itself only touching the outskirts.

Beedrill were not a laughing matter.

Instead we explored what interested me the most.

The water. I mean it was basically not going to happen, but Dratini…

Well I didn’t find one. But I did find this little guy.

"Aww he is a baby." I cooed as Milotic brought the tiny Feebas up to the surface. We were on one of the rivers outside of Viridian, long off the beaten path. I loved coming out here, because with Milotic I was safe from Hungry Pokemon, but more importantly I could see all the Pokemon scurrying around and living their lives.

"Feeeeb."

"Yeah you are a cutie yes you are!" I baby talked at the little Feebas that was hanging out in the shadow of Milotic.

"Does he have a parent around Milotic?"

"Mil." He didn’t. That was sad. But to be fair fish. And Feebas weren’t exactly on anyone’s dinner plate. "Well in that case. You want to come home with us? I don’t have a Pokeball, but we have a big pond at home."

"Fee! Feebas?"

"Miii."

Milotic let off a calming trill at the little fishes questioning noise.

"See even Milotic is okay with you coming with."

"Feebas!"

"Hehehe such a cutie!" I giggled as we hauled the little guy out of the water. We hurried home from there. Dropping him into our expanded pond to his happy little splash.

I hmmed a little.

That was a good idea. We were going to need more Feebas eventually. And if we were going to evolve them into Milotic… Then it would be best if they weren’t recently captured, instead understood we were all friends.

"C’mon Milotic, I’m gonna get my bucket this time."

"Mii-otic!"

—--

"Okay Milotic. Try it now. Ice-beam!"

"Miiii!" Milotic cried out once again trying to charge up the attack only for cold air to escape.

"Hmm. You’re definitely having trouble focusing it. I can feel the change in temperature though Milotic. So you are using Ice energy."

"Milo!"

"Try again huh? Okay how about this this time. Focus on the cold and keep it in for longer, let it get colder then try."

"Mii!" And my big silly Eel did just that. Its neck arched as it focused trying to draw cold type energy into a ball. Finally after almost a minute. It released in a cry and this time.

Well this time It was an Ice beam.

The Frozen rock looked like it had been in the arctic fighting against hoarfrost. But that was it. Ice beam.

"GREAT JOB!" I cried out in excitement jumping onto Milotics neck to hug him tight as he cried out to the air in exaltation. It had been months of work to try and teach him Ice-Beam.

Made me want to get a TM for it. TMs were a thing. They were just super expensive. Plus the training to learn the move was good to strengthen Milotic anyways. So honestly better to just keep practicing.

"Trouble! Come inside!"

"Coming Papa!" I yell back smiling. Papa must have just got home! "Come on Milotic. Time for a nap."

"Miii!"

Returning Milotic to his Pokeball I raced inside. Only to slow because Papa had a look on his face that made him wary.

That was his I’m gonna tease you face.

"What?"

"Nothing Trouble come over here and sit."

"No." I tell him instantly glaring as I looked around looking for the trap.

My denial made Papa smile even wider. "Are you suuure?"

"Stop teasing!"

"Hehehe." He chuckled as he patted the living room couch that he took a seat on.

"Fine! But I will prank you if you are tricking me." I grumble as I sit beside him only for Mama to look in a moment later.

"Ready?"

"We are." Papa said grinning and I felt very uncomfortable. Like I was in a trap.

"BARK!" I jerked as the loud bark ripped through the room as Mama revealed herself fully.

She was holding a Growlithe.

But that wasn’t Growly. It was too small. And it was a girl…

"PUPPY!"

"Hahaha!" *Click* Papa? I looked into the eye of the camera before snorting realizing his plan. But if he wanted a picture that was fine, because Puppy!

"Careful Trouble, this little girl dropped out of Police training."

"BARK!"

"Yeah yeah. I know you didn’t drop out you decided to leave. Right?"

"Growl!"

"She was a bad fit for Police Growlithe training. Too aggressive. Too headstrong, but I offered her a job as a guard. And Vicky, if you want. As your second registered Pokemon. I know you want to be a train-"

"Yes! I accept! Growlithe! I’m Victoria! I’m gonna go on an adventure all across the world soon! I’m going to find rare Pokemon and love them! We will need to be strong. Super strong legendarily strong! So join me!"

"GROWLITHE."

"Eh… That was a no?"

"Growl."

"Wha. That sounded rude! Hey!"

My fathers laughter as I was completely dismissed by the little Growlithe was so mean! I sent him a glare but he simply shooed me towards the pup that was now on the ground out of Mama’s arms.

"Fine! Growlithe. You think I’m full of hot air huh? Well I have a Pokemon already. So how about a match! If I prove that I am going to be strong, Join me!"

"Grrr, Growl!"

"Awesome outside then!" I stomp past the Growlithe that followed me out into the dusk light, and grabbed Milotics ball.

"Trouble! You will need this if you win." Papa called out and a moment later I juggled the Pokeball he had thrown me.

I gave him a strong nod, after a moment even if Growlithe was making laughing noises at me.

"Okay! Here we are this is our training area, so we can mess it up. Now Growlithe. This is a one on one battle. My Pokemon I trained vs. You. Ready?"

"BARK!"

"Milotic! I choose you!"

The slow rise of Milotic as he appeared from the light of his Pokeball flooded the courtyard with light.

And Growlithe suddenly didn’t look as confident. But only for a second before it barked and spread its legs puffing up to seem bigger.

"Alright. Growlithe! Fight!

"BARK!" The Growlithe was well trained. Papa trained her well after all! She instantly burst out a flamethrower.

"Watergun! Put out the fire!"

"MIIIIII!" But Milotic was a Water type. Growlithe flamethower might be impressive but Milotic and I had gone through a ton of training to enhance his special attacks. The water gun easily fought back the blast of fire until the Flamethrower ran out.

"Now Milotic, Aqua Ring!"

"BARK!" Growlithe seeing his attack failed, went for a tackle, which hit a moment after Milotics Aqua Ring. Problem was?

Even as Growlithe jumped back to avoid a follow up Iron Tail Milotic shot out, I could already see the bruise healing from Growlithes attack. Aqua rings constant healing removing the effect of Growlithes attack entirely!

But I did get to watch as Growlithe Glowed white for a moment and started racing.

Agility? Quick attack? I wasn’t sure, but considering how big Milotic was it gave me a chance.

"Milotic, Let’s try out your new Icebeam on the ground! Make it slippery!"

"MII!" It took a few moments of charging, but Milotic managed it, a burst of arctic cold. The Growlithe jumped away from the Icebeam that landed close to him, but then Milotic simply swished it across the ground. Freezing long strips of ice.

"BARK!" The Growlithe wasn’t putting up with that. A second Flamrethrower raced out, cutting across the ice strips to still hit Milotic.

"Watergun again!"

"MIII!" And the two elements once more smashed together.

"Milotic, once the flamethrower ends! Go for another Icebeam, Coat the ground!"

I called out just in time, as Growlithe ran out of breath, and a moment later Milotic quick charged the icebeam again.

I was so glad that Pokemon were natural murder machines, because just figuring it out once in training meant Milotic had a firm enough understanding to use it in actual battle.

This time my plan worked. Growlithe started running to dodge, trying to use it’s agility but it slipped on the ice paths Milotic was forming, and went spinning.

"Now Ice beam her down!"

"MIII!"

The attack would be resisted. Growlithe as a fire type was strong against ice, but Growlithe was now wet from the water guns Milotic had fired, and flat on the ground.

A moment later a frost covered pup slowly clambered to its feet.

"Still good to fight Growlithe?"

"BARK!" I winced at the force of the noise. Growlithe didn’t like losing.

"Alright, Milotic, Water gun!"

"GROOOWL!" Growlithe charged back with another flamethrower blasting into the water attack to try and fend it off. But that was it.

Growlithe hit the ground a ways away puffing as the battle was over.

"Okay that’s it!" I called out, earning a trill from Milotic but a growl from the Pup.

She was trying to rise to her feet.

Walking up to her I stopped in front of her ignoring the fire in her eyes.

"You’re strong." I tell her earnestly. "You have a fierceness I need. That my team will need. But you can be stronger. You can be a legend." I tell her "But no one becomes a legend alone."

I put down the Pokeball before her. "We train every day. Body and mind. Every other day we work on attacks. Refining every hint of power in every attack we use. No attack is useless, and every attack can be made better. Your Flamethrower is wide. You probably were taught to make it big and bright right? All the better to scare someone. I’ll work with you on making it thin and hot. So it burns."

"Growlithe."

My smile turned bright as she pushed her nose into the Pokeball. "Papa! I’m going to the Pokemon center!" I call out hurrying over to see Nurse Joy.

My poor puppy was hurt!

—-

Adjusting to life with a new Pokemon was fun! Growlithe was very… Opinionated. And a puppy that was opinionated that could open doors on her own?

Well that was how I kept getting woken up, or pulled out of whatever I was doing at any time at the demands of Puppy teeth for more training.

Even Milotic was getting worn out with how often Growlithe wanted to train.

The fact was I had to return Growlithe to her pokeball during school hours, otherwise she would literally leave home and come find me demanding training. It had been a lesson learned in detentions. Ms. Kurosawa had not been amused.

Growly, Papa’s Growlithe was not a fan either. He was like the older tired doggo that clocked in his nine to five, only for my girl to run in and demand he get off his lazy butt and work more.

I felt really bad for him, and made sure when he was napping I would distract her.

Of course another good thing did come from having a second Growlithe.

"Gram Gram! Love you!" I called out as I watched her walk into our home. It was time to start expanding our Milotic farm, as Mama called it.

"You are looking well. Your Pokemon?" Gram Gram asked as she settled beside me.

"Great! Growlithe is running me ragged but we train a lot, and Milotic is super healthy!"

"Good to hear. Now let’s get this started. I heard you already have a Feebas ready to evolve?"

"Sure!" I call out as usual Gram Gram took over the pace of any situation as she entered. I could already see Papa sigh, as he got up from his chair. He had just sat down to put his feet up, but Gram Gram wanted to get this evolution train going.

We head out to the long pond that was almost like a big circle river around our trees now, and I quickly released Milotic. "Hey Milo. Can you gather everyone up?"

"Mii!" With a gentle ripple Milotic disappeared And not a minute later Feebas started popping up in front of me, I giggled as I took off my shoes and slipped my feet into the water to pet my friends.

"Vicky… How many Feebas did you catch?"

"None! I didn’t catch them. I just offered them a chance to live in our pond instead of in the rivers. They all wanted to." I inform everyone as I giggle as the Feebas tickle my feet for attention. They were like puppies. Water puppies.

"How many did you find then?" Mama asked, irritated as she was giving me a look that made me smile in apology.

"There are ten? Milotic, was it ten?"

"Mii!"

"So ten Feebas we found while exploring. I’ve been giving them a new home."

"Well that makes this easier doesn’t it?" Gram Gram asked with a chuckle as she looks over the fish. Thankfully she hid her obvious distaste from the Feebas.

The cat lover didn’t like fish. Go figure?

"So how many should I evolve?" I ask which earns that moment of quiet looks among the adults.

"I had only thought of adding one more." Papa answers, Mama nodding but Gram Gram shrugged.

"Plans changed. How many scales you got?" She asks me, and I grin "Five!"

"Well sounds like Five it is. Get to it girl."

"Hold it! Mother! We don’t have that many Pokeballs. I only brought one. We will have to go to the store first."

There was a quiet moment as Gram Gram simply smiled at Papa before he had a realization. He sighed shoulders slumping.

"I guess I’ll get on that then."

"Well what are you waiting for?" Gram Gram asked, causing Papa to release an even louder sigh as he turned and walked over to our car.

Poor Papa. Gram Gram was pretty mean to him.

"So if we are going to have so many Milotic, what are we gonna do? I don’t think I can train that many of them at once… Maybe."

"We aren’t training them for battles Vicky. These five will be family owned. Although we will probably still register them under you. But they will mostly stay here, be fed and pampered and produce scales for us." Gram Gram answers.

"Like your Persian?"

"Exactly like my baby. The scales from these fellows will probably be more valuable than from yours as well. Since they won’t be training and getting them scuffed in fights." Gram Gram informed me as she settles into chair. My fishing chair that I used when hanging out with the Feebas.

"That sounds kinda sad though. What if one of them wants to be a battler?"

"Hah! Then you train them, or even sell them off to some battler. Don’t be daft child. We want happy Pokemon, not troublemakers. Not that I am all that concerned. Water Pokemon are usually happy to be fed and left alone for the most part… Except Gyrados."

"I love Gyrados." I whispered, stars practically shining in my eyes.

I could literally see the shiver run through my Gram Gram at those words. "No you don’t. You just think you do. Those things are monsters. Believe me. Had to deal with a Gyrados attack a few times. It’s never pretty girl."

"If people treated Magikarp better, you wouldn’t have that problem." I grumble. But I wasn’t going to argue with Gram gram anymore.

"I’m back." Papa huffed with a bag from the Pokemart on his arm. "Okay Vicky. Go ahead and pick out the ones we are evolving."

I nodded looking into the eager eyes of my little friends.

"Okay everyone listen up okay? I can only choose five of you right now. But that’s just for right now. All of you are going to become Milotic eventually I swear it. With so many Milotic around and more Prism scales, we will be able to get all of you evolved pretty quick! Just a month or two. So guys if you get chosen today? Remember your Feebas friends. Don’t be mean to them. We are all together in this. Okay?"

"Fee!" "Feebas." "Fee Feebas!"

I grinned at the positive and grumbly noises from my little guys. But I reached into my shirt. There was a silver necklace. Which had my Gram Gram hum a little as she noticed it was the necklace she had given me for my birthday. But now it had five different Prism Scales on it, instead of just the one.

"Your gift was great Gram Gram."

"Hmmph! Of course it is." She offered, but the way she reached out to grab my shoulder said how much she appreciated that I liked her gift.

With that I started pulling off Prism scales. And sticking them onto the Feebas nearest me. I was picking randomly, trying to be fair.

And so we watched as five Feebas became Five Milotic. My Milotic watching on as they called out their euphoria at evolving. He joined in a moment later, and I got enjoy five Milotic, singing to each other.

"Beautiful." I told them. Although I turned from them for a moment to pet all the Feebas that were looking morose. "You will have your turn soon. I promise." I tell them patting heads and even pulling crying Feebas into my lap for pets.

An hour later Nurse Joy was giving me a particular look as she registered the five Milotic under my Trainer ID. Even if they were listed as non combat Pokemon.

I just gave her a bright smile… And a few minutes to snuggle with one of the Milotic during its examination. Listen. Me and Nurse Joy have an understanding.

—--

Of course, popping up with five more Milotic had the Pokemon Association in a frenzy. Thankfully Gram Gram took care of all of that. Although a lot of people in suits were wandering around the outskirts of our home for a good while.

It was definitely becoming a problem. But Growly, and Growlithe, were having fun tracking them down the moment they got too close.

Papa was also quick to call in backup from Officer Jenny when needed.

I guess the Viridian police department were super happy to be able to throw Pokemon Association agents into jail for an hour or two to ’check them out’ while they could.

But I wasn’t really focused on all the drama with having so many Milotic. I was too busy with Growlithe. She was… Difficult.

"No Growlithe!" I called but she continued unheeded. Smashing into Milotic with a physical attack, which Milotic reacted by wrapping her up and then sliding into the water.

Pulling my waterlogged puppy out of the river a bit later, and another loss on her record against Milotic.

"Okay this needs to stop." I tell her as I grab a towel and start trying to dry her off. It was pretty easy. Fire pokemon don’t stay wet if they don’t want to.

"Growlithe!"

"I know! But you need to listen. I saw Milotic prepping for that grab which is why I called for you to stay back."

"Bark!"

"No, don’t do that." I tell her firmly spinning her so we are face to face. "Don’t just disregard what I am saying. Growlithe. I think you have what it takes to be a champion pokemon. You are aggressive and skilled. Despite a type disadvantage you have Milotic on the ropes sometimes. But you can’t do it if we don’t have trust together."

"Growli!"

"No you don’t… You are a good dog. You listen. But you don’t trust… You don’t trust me to lead you. This is my fault. Papa didn’t want me battling despite having my trainer license now. He wants me to wait until I’m 10 to start my journey. But you want to fight, so you feel I’m holding you back huh?"

My question hit on some truth because Growlithe went quiet after that.

"Okay wait here." I tell her with a boop on the snoot. I headed inside. "Mama? I need your help."

A few minutes later. I stood beside Growlithe as Mama stepped out of the house, Meowth at her side lopping along.

"I Challenge you to a Pokemon Battle!" I called out, causing Growlithe who had been looking back and forth between us suddenly perked up.

"I accept. One on One battle."

"Agreed! Growlithe I choose you!"

"Meowth, let’s mark your territory." Mama spoke sounding almost sinister. As Meowth was suddenly grinning teeth glinting and claws revealed.

Mama I knew was actually a real battler. She had completed her Journey. Earned all the Badges in Kanto, and took part in the League Conference. She hadn’t won. But well…

She was not some novice. Even if she was out of practice, and Meowth was a lazy house cat now.

"Growlithe, This won’t be an easy fight. Trust me." I order and then Mama drops her hand signaling the fight begins.

"Agility Move! Then Fire spin! Keep Meowth away!"

"Meowth agility back. Payday through the fire."

Urk! I grimaced as Meowth without hesitation sped up to catch Growlithe who wasn’t moving enough. She hesitated again instead of listening and by the time she noticed Meowth charging her it was too late. Her Fire Spin was ignored as Meowth bashed a handful of change into growlithes face.

"Shake it off! Flamethrower! Keep it thin! Try for a burn!" I shouted out, only for Mama to speak again.

"Meowth, Sand attack."

"What!? Close your eyes! Dodge!" Thankfully Growlithe did as I said cutting off her Flamethrower and jumping to the side.

Somehow Meowth that little asshole had picked up dirt during Payday just for this.

That was a nasty combo.

"Fire spin again! Block sight between Meowth and you!"

"Meowth dodge back gather for another payday."

Mama was so serious! Scary! "Okay Growlithe. Howl! We aren’t afraid!"

"Meowth Payday. Silence the dog."

SCARY!

Before I could even open my mouth Growlithe yelped as the payday hit her throat as she howled. Disrupting the boost.

"Okay that’s bad. Growlithe. Agility! Then Fire spin, but run around Meowth! Stop him from being able to gather more for Payday!"

"Meowth, Bite."

And then Meowth wasn’t being encircled by Growlithe, instead that lazy cat somehow appeared on Growlithes back Fangs bared.

I winced at the yelp as Meowths fangs pierced puppy fur.

"Growlithe! Don’t panic! FIRE SPIN YOURSELF!"

"Meowth! AGILITY!"

But even Mama was a tiny bit too late and Meowth yelped himself as he got burned by the flames he ended up jumping around a little bit until he rolled and they went out. But I could see he was burned a bit.

"That’s enough." Mama called out firm and Meowth froze in his tracks suddenly falling onto all fours and looking grumpy at his wounds.

Growlithe though? It was obvious why Mama called the fight. She was panting struggling to get back on her feet but failing.

I rushed forward even before Mama could say anything. "You did great Growlithe. Let’s go get healed up. We learned a lot didn’t we?"

"Wait Vicky." Mama said as she walked up. "Growlithe. You never stood a chance against Meowth. You are too young. Too inexperienced. But I’ll admit. You managed to actually injure Meowth. Impressive. Go ahead Vicky." Mama offered and I nodded returning my pup and rising to my feet.

"Want me to run Meowth to Nurse Joy too?"

"Please." mama offered pulling out Meowths pokeball and returning the irritated cat. With both Pokeballs I rushed out of the field. Worried for my pup. This was the first time any of my Pokemon had actually gotten injured.

—-

Waiting in the lobby for Nurse Joy to finish healing the two Pokemon. I paced around a bit. Growlithe had still hesitated in trusting my orders at first, and while she did at the end… She also lost.

That was bad. I had been pretty sure I could beat Meowth… Mostly because he was a lazy cat that hadn’t been a battler in years. But well. Experience tells I suppose. That move with payday sandattack had been…

Damn Mama was scary.

Anyway, we had lost. Growlithe… I don’t know how she would take it. She had lost against Milotic too, but that had been different. That had been me showing that I had strong Pokemon already. That Growlithe could trust me to guide her growth.

"All done." Nurse Joy interrupted my pacing as she handed me back the two Pokeballs.

"Thank you Nurse Joy. How were they?"

"Oh minor injuries at best. Your Growlithe just needs some rest before she battles again. Meowth was fine."

Putting Meowths ball away for a second I released Growlithe. Watching as she stretched for a moment before turning to me.

"How are you doing Growlithe?"

"Growl!" She told me looking actually quite pleased with herself. It took me a moment to notice her tail was wagging.

"It was a tough battle huh?"

"Bark!" Growlithe nodded, seeming pleased with herself. Right, she was a battle maniac. Win or lose she was just happy to test herself. I reached out and gave her a firm scratch.

"You did amazing Growlithe. We just need a bit more practice between the two of us, don’t we?"

That caused Growlithe to look up into my eyes despite her pleased look at the scratching before giving me a firm nod.

I couldn’t help but break out into a happy smile. I hadn’t screwed up! We were totally going to be battle buds!

"Battle buds." I whisper to her and that caused her tail to wag furiously.

"How lovely." Nurse Joy spoke looking pleased as she watched Growlithe.

"Thanks. We had our first real battle together."

"How nice!" Nurse Joy says patting Growlithe on the head as well. "You two will definitely grow strong together."

"Thanks Nurse Joy." I say turning to look at her. Out of my eye I see a Chansey wandering around.

Which gave me… An idea.

"Hey Nurse Joy? Weird question, do you know any Chansey I can get for my team? I really want someone that can help keep my Pokemon healthy when I eventually go on my journey."

Nurse Joy blinked. Actually looking quite surprised at my question. "A Chansey? They aren’t good battlers Victoria."

I blinked in return. Chansey… Not a good battler? Have these people never heard of Stall Chansey? Fucking invincible pink blobs are not to be underestimated. Ever.

"I didn’t mean for battling but support… But Chansey could totally be a top tier battle Pokemon." I argue which earns me a sort of twisted smile from Nurse Joy as she pats my head.

"Well I can’t help too much. The Chansey Population has been low for a few years now. Unless you catch one in the wild, or pay for one. I can’t help you."

"Pay?" I asked grinning.

She opened her mouth to say something but then remembered who it was she was speaking to. My army of Milotic must have flashed through her head. Before she chuckled. "I’ll call my cousin who is our head breeder. I’ll let her know you have some interest."

"Thanks Nurse Joy!"