For specialized double battle training, Kalia planned to head to the uninhabited outskirts near Rockcliff City. With ample open space and minimal human presence, they could safely train their Pokemon using powerful moves without any concerns.
However, before commencing the training, she wanted her Pokemon to watch the Move Disks first, increasing the likelihood of them comprehending these techniques during practice.
In the evening, right after dinner,
Kalia gathered with her Pokemon in the room, carefully watching the demonstration videos for each move. They started with Vow of Fire, followed by Grass Pledge, then Tailwind, Assist, and Protect.
As for whether they could master so many moves within the given time, Kalia wasn't certain; it would depend on how much progress they could make. However, she had great confidence in Charizard's abilities, ensuring no worries about its learning capacity.
Inside the room,
Lian, his imposing figure seated on the floor, wings folded, tail swaying gently, watched attentively as the Move Disk showcased demonstrations of Vow of Fire.
Compared to typical Fire-type moves, executing Vow of Fire is more challenging. It involves creating a pillar of fire rising from the ground, demanding precise control - something most ordinary Pokemon struggle to achieve.
However, it has been confirmed that starter Pokémon have a higher likelihood of mastering pledge-type moves. While the specifics are unclear, most Pokemon capable of learning these moves tend to be starters.
This was precisely why Kalia purchased the Move Disk, as both Grovyle and Lian had a chance to grasp Vow of Fire. For other Pokemon like Ninetales, comprehending Vow of Fire would be significantly more challenging, if not impossible. To date, there haven't been any reported instances of non-starter Pokemon successfully using this move.
The exact reasons remain unknown, but as designated initial Pokémon by the League, starters not only exhibit gentle temperaments, making them easier to capture and train, but they also possess certain unique qualities.
In the demonstration video, a chubby Pignite engaged in battle. Suddenly, flames engulfed its body, and with its plump arms pressed against the ground, seven or eight scorching pillars of fire erupted around it.
These fiery columns continuously rose from the ground, surrounding Pignite, then moved towards the opponent, trapping them amidst the blazing inferno and subjecting them to intense heat and burns.
Fire Pledge's power isn't necessarily greater than Flamethrower, but it requires a higher level of control mastery. However, when combined with Grass Pledge, it can create a sea of fire, continually burning the opponent's field and inflicting sustained damage, making it exceptionally potent.
Combined with Wrath of Fire, Lian felt this duo could exert immense sustained pressure on their opponent, especially if they lacked a Pokemon capable of Rain Dance. The continuous flame damage could potentially overwhelm and incapacitate the enemy until they lose their ability to fight.
Lian reviewed these moves repeatedly, while Ninetales observed as well. Although it might not be able to learn them, there was no harm in familiarizing itself.
After ten repetitions, he moved on to Grass Pledge, primarily for Grovyle's benefit since only it could master this move among his team.
"Chik!" Sitting beside Lian was Torchic, which had noticeably grown larger due to its excellent diet. Its evolution seemed imminent, as early-stage growth tends to progress quickly.
Once evolved into Combusken, it would possess significant combat capabilities. However, ideally, it needs to evolve further into Blaziken before joining battles at Lian's level. For now, it mainly stays with Kalia, occasionally training under her supervision.
After demonstrating Grass Pledge, Lian proceeded to Tailwind, a flying-type move that he carefully studied. Essentially, it involves harnessing flying-type energy to create a circulating airflow within the battlefield. When Lian attacks, both his speed and the effectiveness of his moves increase due to the Tailwind effect.
Especially in double battles, Tailwind benefits both Pokemon, increasing their attack speed significantly, which is highly advantageous.
With sufficient mastery of Tailwind, it's possible to expand the airflow circulation, covering the entire battlefield. This means opponents' attacks and moves would encounter headwinds, resulting in reduced speed.
Therefore, Tailwind is incredibly useful; when utilized effectively, it can have remarkable effects. Lian meticulously watched the demonstration ten times, replaying it mentally several more times.
Next were Assist and Protect, moves that Lian could easily master, as well as Grovyle and Ninetales. Especially Protect, ideally suited for Ninetales and Grovyle, since Lian serves as the primary attacker. Using Protect during battle would be counterproductive for him.
By the time he finished watching, it was quite late. It was bedtime for everyone, including Lian, who entered his Poké Ball ready to sleep, leaving further thoughts for tomorrow.
Upon entering the system space, Lian realized it wasn't so straightforward. The system did not display all the moves from the discs he had viewed earlier, possibly because he watched them fewer times than usual.
Previously, he would watch a single Move Disk over twenty times, but this time, with multiple discs, he only viewed each one ten times.
However, Fire Pledge was displayed, indicating that Lian could learn it, as his Control Rating was sufficient, and being a Fire-type move, mastering it wouldn't be too challenging.
Unfortunately, Tailwind wasn't mastered yet. This move is quite complex, requiring control over air currents to create circulation, which Lian lacked experience with; he would need to gradually explore it.
Currently, the only flying-type move he knew was Air Slash. As for other transformation-based flying-type moves, Lian hadn't encountered them, making it understandable why he couldn't learn them easily. With more repetitions, he should grasp them eventually.
Spending 600 Combat Points, Lian unlocked Fire Pledge. For the remaining moves, he planned to watch the Move Disks again tomorrow, likely enabling him to master them.
Teaching Grovyle and Ninetales new moves could wait a few days. In Kalia's eyes, both Pokémon had decent talent but weren't exceptional geniuses.
If they learned these moves within just one or two days, it might seem abrupt and raise suspicions.
Next, Lian changed his Ability to Blaze. Tomorrow's training session would definitely involve using Sunny Day to enhance the surrounding fire energy, facilitating their practice. Solar Power, on the other hand, would be too intense for Lian to handle.
With everything set, Lian entered the Dream World...
***
The next day, at a deserted area near Rockcliff City, devoid of people and with scarce wild Pokemon—occasionally, only a few Digletts appeared, making it an ideal location.
Kalia wore a sunhat and held an umbrella despite being October, anticipating the heatwave once Ninetales' Drought Ability took effect.
Sunny Day directly alters the weather, intensifying sunlight's brightness and increasing temperature within a short period. Even during winter, its impact remains unchanged but is localized to a small area.
Kalia, holding Torchic, stood nearby, directing the Pokemon training session. The regimen was straightforward: first, practicing the moves learned yesterday, followed by learning coordinated battle strategies between the two Pokemon. Although without opponents present, this didn't hinder their doubles practice.