After visiting the Petalburg Gym, I returned to the Pokémon Center. Since there was still some time left in the day, I decided to develop a few strategies for my next challenge — the Dewford Gym. The Gym Leader there is Brawly. He's known for his love of surfing with his Pokémon, which makes some people think he's an irresponsible Gym Leader. But I know better. He often visits my parents' shop for food, and through that, I've learned how he trains — his battle style is deeply connected to his surfing skills. Overall, you shouldn't underestimate this Gym Leader — otherwise, you'll be taught a lesson.
"Come out, Torchic and Lotad!" I said, standing at the corner of the Pokémon Center's practice battlefield.
"I only have you two, so this is our full lineup for now. Whether or not we find a new partner before the Gym battle, I'll focus on training you two first."
"Torc!""Lot!"
Both Pokémon's eyes sharpened as they stood ready for my relentless training.
"Lotad, you need to focus on your Water-type moves first — increase your power. Focus on that tree and use Water Gun! Torchic, your Ember accuracy is good enough, but we need to strengthen your Peck. It's a Flying-type move, which will be effective against Fighting-types. If we still have time later, maybe we'll train your legs, since your evolution form has a big advantage in leg strength."
After my explanation, both Pokémon started their training under my supervision. Aside from giving them instructions, I recalled the battle I had seen earlier in Petalburg Gym — Nuzleaf versus Vigoroth.
"A small and weaker Pokémon can still defeat a stronger opponent. The key is speed and ranged attacks. But that requires stamina and smart commands from the trainer," I muttered to myself. "Still, I don't think Mr. Norman's Vigoroth is any weaker than an average Pokémon. Vigoroth is energetic and full of spirit — totally the opposite of its evolution, Slaking. That's the mystery of the Pokémon world."
I quickly shook my head. My own Pokémon would evolve one day too — there was no need to overthink it. Both Ludicolo and Blaziken are strong and fast, so I believe Lotad and Torchic can become just as amazing. Lotad's Swift Swim ability gives it great speed in battle, which is why I want to focus on its Water-type moves first. Grass-type moves will be useful later for coverage and recovery.
"Pin!"
I heard a small sound from Torchic. Turning my head, I saw it had accidentally kicked a stone and gotten stuck again.
"…Well, at least your strength has increased," I sighed. "But I really need to find a safer target for training — otherwise, I'll be rescuing you every few minutes."
Meanwhile, the tree Lotad was attacking still showed no major change.
"Don't rush, Lotad. Store as much water as you can in your mouth first — then open it just a little to release."
After receiving my guidance, Lotad followed my instructions carefully. This time, a small splash mark appeared on the tree trunk.
"Lot!" Lotad looked at me proudly, waiting for my praise.
"Good job, Lotad! Take a break — the battlefield's getting busier." I pat its leaf, and it looked quite pleased.
At the same time, I noticed another trainer approaching me from across the field. Something about his confident smile gave me a strange feeling.
"Hey, I saw you training your Pokémon," he said cheerfully. "Are you a Pokémon Trainer?"
"Yes, but still a rookie," I replied, offering my hand. "Name's Stephen. Zero badges."
"Yuki," he said, shaking my hand. "Nice to meet you. Since we're both here, how about a Pokémon battle? I can't seem to find anyone else willing right now."
"Sure," I nodded. "A friendly battle sounds great."
We both took our positions at opposite ends of the battlefield.
"Go, Taillow!" Yuki called out, throwing his Poké Ball. A small blue bird appeared, spreading its wings with a sharp cry.
"Taillow, huh…" I murmured. "Alright, Torchic, I choose you!"
The two Pokémon faced each other. The air was filled with tension.
"Taillow, use Quick Attack!"
Taillow dashed forward with blinding speed, striking Torchic before it could react.
"Torchic, dodge and use Ember!"
Torchic rolled to the side, firing a burst of flames. The Ember hit Taillow's wing slightly, but the bird quickly recovered mid-air.
"That speed…" I gritted my teeth. "Torchic, use Peck! Aim for when it swoops down again!"
Taillow dove again. Torchic jumped and pecked upward, colliding midair — both Pokémon were pushed back by the impact.
"Not bad," Yuki said with a grin. "But Taillow's not done yet! Use Wing Attack!"
"Ember, now!"
The two attacks collided — a flash of fire and wind. Torchic stumbled back, breathing heavily.
"Come on, Torchic! You can do it! Use one more Ember!"
Torchic spun, fired a desperate Ember, and hit Taillow squarely in the chest. The small bird cried out and fell to the ground, fainted.
"Taillow is unable to battle. Torchic wins!" announced the nearby trainer who had been watching.
I rushed to Torchic, who was panting but smiling proudly.
"You did great," I said softly, patting its head. "That Taillow was really fast… Maybe we can try to learn Quick Attack too."
After the battle, we practiced Quick Attack together. At first, Torchic managed to dash forward with bursts of speed, but its control wasn't stable yet — sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't.
"It's okay, Torchic," I encouraged. "You'll master it someday. For now, let's focus on building stamina with Lotad."
Torchic nodded, determination burning in its eyes. Lotad bounced happily beside it, as if cheering its partner on.
The night breeze blew through the windows of the Pokémon Center as the two Pokémon continued their quiet training under my watch. The next step — Dewford Gym — was getting closer.