Pokémon: Trainer Paul

"Electabuzz, stay here for a while and get comfortable. I'll keep an eye on your progress." Reggie said with a smile.

"Buzz~"

Back in its familiar territory, Electabuzz relaxed, letting out a cheerful cry.

The Breeding Grounds, its domain, had its boss back!

"You're in good spirit, I see. That's great! Let me think about how to arrange things for you next." Reggie praised it, placing his fingers on his chin in a thoughtful pose.

"Buzz~"

Electabuzz waved dismissively, asserting that this was its turf—it could handle its own arrangements.

Yes, from this moment forward, this place would be officially named Electabuzz's Breeding Grounds!

"Alright then!"

Reggie clapped his hands and walked over to the garden caretaker and wise strategist, Bibarel. Smiling, he said:

"Bibarel, Electabuzz has made excellent progress recently. Since I'm too busy to train it myself, I'll leave it to you to take it to train with Drapion and the others."

"?!"

"Buzz~"

Electabuzz, who had been gleefully gesturing moments ago, froze on the spot. Slowly, it turned to Paul with a pleading expression, silently begging him to reconsider.

The Pokémon in Drapion's training grounds were far too friendly—definitely not a good match for its refined and delicate demeanor.

Never mind, it thought. Self-training and sparring with some random Pokémon would do just fine.

There was no way it would let any Pokémon in the Breeding Grounds suffer. No, it would ensure their "defeat" was swift and clean!

"It's settled then. Stop lazing around Bibarel, and take Electabuzz over there. I have other matters to attend to."

Reggie gave Bibarel's head a light pat and ignoring Electabuzz's protests, left the garden with a grin.

He had plenty to do—work assignments, personnel management, upgrading the Breeding Grounds' facilities, training new breeders, and researching the care of Fossil Pokémon.

Day after day, Reggie's schedule was packed—where would he find time to train Electabuzz?

With Drapion and the others being far stronger and more experienced in training, leaving Electabuzz in their care was a safe bet.

As for Electabuzz's feelings on the matter?

Did they matter more than Reggie's opinion? The answer was obvious.

"Buzz~"

Freedom! Who cares about Drapion? Catch me if you can!

As soon as Reggie was out of sight, Electabuzz activated its Magnet Rise ability and soared into the sky, leaving Bibarel far behind.

"Bibe~"

Bibarel yawned lazily, its eyes suddenly gleaming with determination.

The plump body vanished in a flash, replaced by a streak of light chasing after Electabuzz.

Quick Attack activated!

Unaware Ability triggered!

Speed sharply increased! Defense slightly decreased!

"Buzz~"

Bibarel? That dimwit? There's no way it could catch me, thought Electabuzz, smirking as it sped up.

"Bibe~"

A soft sound below snapped Electabuzz out of its smug reverie. Looking down, it was startled to find Bibarel already keeping pace.

Panicked, Electabuzz poured everything into accelerating further. Yet Bibarel, unhurried, grew faster and faster, its aura growing more intimidating with every step.

"Buzz~"

Oh no! This beaver just keeps getting stronger?!

Electabuzz, now flustered, attempted to bolster itself with Charge, ready to face Bibarel head-on.

From above, a thunderbolt crashed down like divine retribution.

Bibarel didn't flinch, opening its glowing jaws to bite through the lightning with ease.

As Bibarel prepared a ferocious Blizzard, the sheer force of the attack left Electabuzz no room to escape. With no other choice, it tried to Protect but the concentrated Blizzard shattered its shield, freezing it solid within an icy sphere.

The ice ball, containing the struggling Electabuzz, plummeted to the ground. Bibarel leapt onto a Surf, expertly catching the sphere and heading towards Drapion's training grounds.

"Buzz~"

Inside the icy prison, Electabuzz felt equal parts frustration and awe. How had Bibarel become so powerful?

If it had been the old Bibarel, Electabuzz might have stood a chance, perhaps even won.

"Bibe~"

Bibarel, yawning lazily rested on the waves, as if the battle had been no effort at all.

"Buzz?!"

Really?!

Electabuzz couldn't believe it. It knew Bibarel had been stuck at the cusp of Gym-level strength for ages. Breaking through had to have a reason.

Sleep, Bibarel confirmed with a nod. The secret was a nap.

What it didn't say was that the trick only worked under Drapion's rigorous "guidance."

Ignorant of this detail, Electabuzz grew eager, suddenly excited to meet Drapion.

When they arrived at the training grounds, Bibarel rolled the ice sphere toward Drapion, who was busy overseeing the training of a Gible.

"Sha! Sha! Shaaa!"

Gible's wails echoed, causing Electabuzz to shiver inside its icy prison.

"Buzz~"

What are you doing to my little brother?! If you release me, we can settle this peacefully. Otherwise, I'll forgive nothing!

But Bibarel ignored Electabuzz's protests, reinforcing the ice and speeding toward Drapion.

"Sha!"

Upon seeing its brother trapped, Gible cried out for help.

But when it realized Electabuzz was immobilized, its cries shifted to: You touch me again, and my brother will deal with you!

Drapion smirked meaningfully at Electabuzz, who responded with false bravado: Don't worry, I'll avenge you!

As Drapion's claws cracked the ice, releasing Electabuzz, its sinister grin widened.

"Buzz~"

What are you doing?! Stay away!

Electabuzz's desperate resistance proved futile. Drapion's venomous claws left it paralyzed, suspended between consciousness and oblivion.

"Shaaa~"

In the end, Gible grinned smugly. If it had to endure this "training," then so would its big brother.

Reggie passed by, chuckling at the sounds of Drapion's "training."

"Looks like Electabuzz is having a great time. Drapion, keep up the good work!"

"Swish, swish, swish~"

A limping and wobbling Gible nodded in agreement, its tiny shark-like body bobbing with determination.

Massages, acupressure, and joint relaxation were too good to keep to itself. No, these wonders should absolutely be shared with its big brother every single day.

In fact, Gible decided, it might as well give its own turn to big bro.

"Great idea. A few extra rounds should work even better…"

Reggie nodded approvingly, catching the glint of mischief in Gible's expression. Holding back laughter, he added:

"I didn't expect you to care about Electabuzz this much, Gible. I'll make sure to tell him all about your concern later."

"Gib?!"

Gible froze in shock. It frantically waved its stubby arms, trying to explain:

No need for that! Really, I'm doing this for big bro! This is selfless devotion!

"Oh? No worries, I'll make sure to mention it quietly…"

"Giiiiib?!"

Gible's eyes widened in panic, struck dumb for the second time.

Reggie, however, paid it no mind as he headed toward the gathering area for Dragon-type Pokémon.

The acupressure training method was still under development. So far, it had shown great results—enough to push even a Bibarel to its limits and beyond.

The downside? It was still experimental and came with, well, a teensy bit of pain.

But Reggie was convinced. Gible and Electabuzz, both striving to become stronger, wouldn't shy away from a little discomfort. To them, that pain was just the sound of progress.

Yes, absolutely.

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