Pokémon: Check-In System

"I have a valiant Combusken, strong enough to cut through a Sandslash!"

"Huh??"

The staff member stared blankly at Nero.

The surrounding trainers were equally stunned.

They understood what he meant, but the real question was—why?

He was actually sending out a Combusken??

Come on! The defending Pokémon was a Ground-type Sandslash. Challengers usually sent out Pokémon with a type advantage. Instead of choosing a Water-type Pokémon, he picked one that was weak against Sandslash?

Did he not study the type chart?

The staff hesitated for a moment, glancing at the trainers behind Nero, but since no one else stepped forward, they noted down his participant number regardless.

Someone was better than no one.

Besides, perhaps this Combusken could at least wear down Sandslash a little, making it easier for the next trainer to claim victory.

"Come out, Combusken!"

Facing an eager and battle-ready Sandslash, Nero tossed out his Poké Ball.

A flash of white light later, Combusken flipped forward stylishly, landing in the arena with flair.

"Cha-moo!"

Combusken gazed at Sandslash with fighting spirit.

"Huh? What's with this challenger? He actually sent out a Fire-type Pokémon?"

The commentator had expected Nero to send out a Water- or Grass-type Pokémon. The sight of a Fire-type completely threw him off.

This... was certainly an unconventional move.

Although type matchups weren't everything, for trainers at this level, having a type advantage was crucial.

As Combusken made its entrance, murmurs spread through the crowd.

"No way! Why a Fire-type Pokémon? Combusken is cool, sure, but against Sandslash? This…"

"Uh… maybe he's just overconfident. Trainers at this stage are always full of energy—sometimes too much."

"Hey, bro, wanna bet? Let's see how many rounds this Combusken lasts."

The audience continued their chatter, but very few had faith in Nero.

"Looks like I'm being underestimated," Nero's opponent, Bron, smirked. "Guess this one's just here to fill in the numbers. Sandslash, take care of this quickly, and I'll treat you to Haidilao (a hotpot chain) after."

Sandslash sharpened its pale claws, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

But at the mention of "Haidilao," it hesitated…

Haidilao?

Did that mean it had to dive into the ocean and catch fish…?

Outside the stadium, a ponytailed ticket attendant let out a small sigh, glancing at the time on her watch.

"Ah, it's 6:50. The next round of matches should be starting soon. Finally, time to switch shifts."

Stretching lazily, she smiled to herself. "Guess I'll treat myself to some good food as a reward for another great day."

At the same time, outside the stadium, a small, yellow rodent Pokémon scurried up a pine tree.

Its ears were black and yellow, with three small notches on its right ear. A few black markings adorned its neck, and its short tail was a deep, rich black.

Adorable pink patches decorated its cheeks.

"Pichu~~~"

Pichu gazed longingly at the brightly lit stadium.

Despite being timid and shy, Pichu admired strong Pokémon, always feeling an electrifying rush when watching battles.

Although small in size, its heart burned with passion.

Knowing that powerful Pokémon were battling inside, Pichu desperately wanted to sneak in. But every time it tried, humans would shoo it away, leaving it disheartened.

Even from the top of the tall pine tree, Pichu couldn't see into the stadium.

"Pichu…"

Its bright, gem-like eyes dimmed, ears drooping in disappointment.

"Mew~"

Just as Pichu was about to give up, a soft, ethereal voice called out from behind.

Turning around, Pichu found itself face to face with a small, pink feline-like Pokémon.

Startled by the sudden closeness of the pink Pokémon, the timid Pichu instinctively took a step back—only to misstep and tumble from the treetop.

"Pichu!!!"

Panicking mid-air, Pichu flailed its tiny limbs, trying but failing to grasp onto a branch.

"Mew~"

The pink feline Pokémon quickly reacted, vanishing in an instant before appearing next to Pichu. A soft pink bubble emerged from its mouth, floating toward Pichu.

The bubble cushioned Pichu's fall, completely enveloping its tiny body.

At first, Pichu was still nervous, but soon, it realized that the bubble carried a comforting warmth.

In the cold winter air, Pichu was often left shivering, but inside this pink bubble, it felt cozy and snug.

"Pichu~"

Pichu let out a relaxed sigh.

"Mew~~"

The pink feline Pokémon chirped playfully, diving in and out of the bubble, thoroughly enjoying itself.

"Pichu~~"

"Mew~~"

Realizing the pink Pokémon meant no harm, Pichu began to interact with it. As they communicated, Mew's gaze shifted toward the stadium.

"Mew~~?"

"Pichu!!"

Pichu nodded eagerly.

Understanding its new friend's wish, Mew smiled mischievously before vanishing into thin air.

"Pichu??"

Seeing Mew suddenly disappear, Pichu looked around, confused.

"Mew~"

A soft whisper sounded from behind, and when Pichu turned, it saw Mew gradually fading back into visibility.

Invisibility!

"Pichu!!!"

Pichu's eyes sparkled with admiration as it gazed at Mew in awe.

Mew chuckled, murmured a few words, and then wrapped Pichu in a pink glow. Slowly, Pichu's tiny body became translucent.

"Chu!!"

Seeing its limbs turn ghost-like, just like Mew's, Pichu squeaked excitedly.

Under Mew's control, the pink bubble gently descended to the ground.

With a soft "pop," it burst, and Pichu stepped out.

Mew twirled in the air, then, right under the ticket attendant's nose, floated into the stadium.

Pichu blinked in surprise before dashing after it.

At first, the sight of the ticket attendant made Pichu hesitate. But after a moment, it realized… she couldn't see it!

Emboldened, Pichu trotted confidently into the stadium.

----- 

Want to read ahead of schedule? 

Join here for advance chapters: patreon.com / madbot635