Pokémon: Trainer Paul

At the break of dawn, as the first light crept over the horizon, Paul—rose early. Walking through the quiet streets of Hearthome City, he clutched his Poké Balls tightly and left the city behind.

Finding a secluded area, he began his daily training routine.

Watching the eager glint in his Pokémon's eyes, Paul thoughtfully allowed them to pair off for free battles. Once they'd had their fill, the real training would begin.

With Paul's permission, the Pokémon sprang into action.

Electabuzz, who had discovered yesterday that it couldn't overpower Ursaring in sheer strength, immediately sought out the bear Pokémon for a rematch. Determined to prove itself, Electabuzz radiated resolve.

"Strength isn't everything." It seemed to say. "This time, I'll win!"

While Electabuzz and Ursaring clashed fiercely, the diminutive Vulpix perched habitually on Turtwig's back. Hearing the sounds of battle, Vulpix leapt down with enthusiasm, ready to challenge its closest friend.

However, before Turtwig could respond, a blue figure stepped forward.

"Cha-cha~!"

It was Dewott, gently polishing its scalchops and staring intently at Turtwig. As it had the previous night, Dewott was issuing a challenge.

"Vul~!"

Not wanting to be left out, Vulpix hopped in front of Turtwig, its eyes sparkling with anticipation. It hoped its friend would decline Dewott's challenge and battle it instead.

But...

"Twiig~!"

Caught in an awkward position, Turtwig scratched its head nervously. Under Vulpix's expectant gaze, it ultimately followed Dewott, leaving Vulpix behind.

"I was here first…"

Tears welled up in Vulpix's eyes as it watched its friend walk away.

Seeing Vulpix alone, Paul called out while jotting notes about the battles.

"Since it's just you, let's practice Solar Beam. Or would you rather spar with me?"

At this, Vulpix thought back to Paul's usual demeanor. He seemed competent, though not particularly impressive in battle.

After all, how could a human—no matter how skilled—compare to a Pokémon that mastered both fire and psychic abilities?

"Vul~!"

With this in mind, Vulpix confidently stepped forward, brimming with fighting spirit.

Paul was surprised by Vulpix's challenge.

Though Vulpix was well-rounded, it was also the most timid member of the team. Whenever training got tough, it would protest loudly—only to reluctantly comply in the end.

Paul hadn't expected the shy fox to step up.

"Alright, I'll humor you."

He set his notebook aside, shrugged off his jacket, and motioned for Vulpix to make the first move.

"Vul~!"

Convinced that Paul was just putting on a brave face, Vulpix opened its mouth and fired a Flame Burst . The attack was moderate in strength—just enough to avoid hurting him.

But Paul moved swiftly. Evading the flames with ease, he dashed toward Vulpix like an arrow loosed from a bow. Before Vulpix could react, Paul delivered a powerful kick, sending it flying several meters.

"Vul~!"

The cry echoed as Vulpix hit the ground hard. Shaking off the pain, it stared at Paul in shock.

Could his speed rival Turtwig's? Was its Trainer stronger than it?

"Don't hold back. Attack me with everything you've got." Paul said firmly.

This declaration confirmed Vulpix's fears: it had underestimated him.

Steeling itself, Vulpix unleashed a Flamethrower, but Paul dodged effortlessly. In an instant, he closed the gap again, delivering another kick that sent Vulpix sprawling.

Adjusting mid-air, Vulpix retaliated with Inferno, only for Paul to sidestep it with ease.

"You're too slow." He marked, appearing behind Vulpix in a flash. His foot struck again, sending the fox skidding across the ground.

Realizing it couldn't afford to hold back, Vulpix activated Extrasensory, a psychic force lifting Paul into the air. Just as it prepared to slam him down, Paul broke free from the move's grip through sheer willpower, charging at Vulpix once more.

This time, Vulpix used Quick Attack, narrowly avoiding his strike. To ensure safety, it activated the move again, gaining even greater speed and putting distance between them.

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

Explosions erupted as Vulpix bombarded the area with fiery attacks, leaving craters in the ground. But none of its moves landed on Paul.

Exhausted, Vulpix realized it had to end things quickly. Disappearing in a blur, it reappeared behind Paul, leaping high into the air. Its six tails gleamed metallically as it launched a decisive Iron Tail.

Yet just as victory seemed assured, Paul turned abruptly, catching one of the metallic tails mid-strikes. Using the momentum, he flipped Vulpix over his shoulder, slamming it into the ground.

"Boom!"

The impact was jarring, leaving Vulpix dazed. But Paul wasn't finished. He executed several more throws in rapid succession, leaving Vulpix utterly defeated.

"That's enough warm-up." Paul said, stretching as he released Vulpix's tail.

After putting his jacket back on, he tossed a few Berries near the battered Pokémon. Without sparing it another glance, he continued to observe the battle between other Pokémons.

Vulpix, nursing its bruised pride, sulked silently.

For Paul, the skirmish was nothing remarkable.

It was just a Vulpix, after all. Hardly a challenge.

After all, Paul had once won the Veilstone Youth Martial Arts Championship—a competition held in a city known for its Fighting-type Gym. Among the participants was Maylene, now the acting Gym Leader, famous for her ability to kick Lucario's Aura Sphere away.

Paul's attention shifted back to the other battles. By the time Vulpix had recovered from its injuries, Turtwig and Dewott had already completed two matches, each claiming a win. Both had adapted to new strategies during their bouts, which was promising.

As for Electabuzz...

Despite its bold claims of overpowering Ursaring, it was now panting heavily, struggling under the relentless assault of the larger Pokémon.

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