Orion sat hunched over his computer, the soft glow of the screen illuminating his face. His office, a small but cozy space tucked away in the back of Pokémon Home, was filled with stacks of books, diagrams, and half-finished prototypes of various Pokémon-related gadgets. He diligently worked, putting the final touches on his comprehensive Pokémon training guidebook. He needed to make sure everything was just right: the layout, the descriptions, and the illustrations. Every detail mattered if he wanted to capture the attention of the United Superverse.
After hours of work, he was finally satisfied. He began the video editing. He carefully selected the best clips from Harley and Ivy's battle, adding upbeat music, and humorous annotations. He even included a short segment on the basics of Pokémon training, drawing heavily from his guidebook. Once finished, he uploaded it to HeroTube, the United Superverse's equivalent of YouTube.
With a deep breath, Orion clicked the upload button, his heart pounding with anticipation. He hoped that the video, coupled with the guidebook, would reach a wide audience and finally bring the attention Pokémon Home deserved. He believed in the power of Pokémon, and he knew that once people saw what they were capable of, they would be just as excited as he was.
Orion then left his office, a spring in his step. He found Pikachu playing near the front desk and knelt to scratch it behind the ears. "You did great today, buddy," he said, earning a happy squeak in response. "Thanks to you, we might finally get some more customers."
He walked over to Latias, who was organizing some brochures near the entrance. "How are you settling in?" he asked.
Latias smiled, her eyes radiating warmth. "I feel right at home, Orion. This place… it is very comfortable."
"Glad to hear that."
In the Baxter Building, specifically in one of the many training rooms. It has transformed into a chaotic arena of sparks and dents. Robot dummies, designed to withstand considerable force, now sported deep gouges and scorch marks. In the center, Valeria stood, her silver watch glinting under the fluorescent lights, guiding Beldum.
"Okay, Beldum, remember what we discussed. Focus your magnetic energy, then… Tackle!" she shouts.
With a metallic clang, Beldum slams into another dummy, sending it careening across the room. Valeria watched intently, analyzing Beldum's form. Still needs work, she thought.
A few days ago
Valeria waited patiently for a reply from Orion, constantly checking her phone. Finally, a message came through. Ugh, finally! she thought.
"Orion, when will Beldum learn new moves? Only Tackle isn't going to cut it."
The reply came quickly. "Beldum is a unique Pokémon, Valeria. Its moveset is limited in its current form. It is only upon evolution into Metang that its move pool will diversify. In the meantime, focus on mastering Tackle. Refine its strength and precision."
Valeria's face scrunched up in frustration. She glances at the robot dummies. Well, Tackle it is, then.
Back to the Present
Valeria adjusts the settings on one of the dummies, increasing its speed and resistance. "Alright, Beldum, let's try that again. This time, anticipate its movements and strike with everything you've got!"
Beldum hovers, its red eye glowing intensely. As the dummy lunges, Beldum rockets forward, a blur of steel and psychic energy. The impact is deafening, and the dummy is sent flying into a wall, completely disabled. Valeria claps, a smile spreading across her face. "That's it, Beldum! You're getting stronger. Now, let's work on your aiming."
The training continued, a relentless cycle of charge, impact, and analysis. Valeria was determined to unlock Beldum's full potential, even if it meant mastering the most basic of moves. After all, even the simplest technique could become a powerful weapon with enough dedication and skill. The room echoed with the sounds of their combined efforts, a testament to their growing partnership and her unwavering commitment to her Pokémon.
Suddenly, the door bursts open and Franklin rushes in, holding his tablet high. "Valeria, you have to see this!" he exclaims, his voice bubbling with excitement. "Orion from Pokémon Home posted a video, and it's gone totally viral!"
Valeria frowns, annoyed by the interruption. "Franklin, I'm trying to concentrate. Can't this wait?" She gestures to the battered dummies and Beldum, which floats patiently beside her.
"No, it can't!" Franklin insists, thrusting the tablet into her face. "Look!"
With a sigh, Valeria glances at the screen. Her eyes widen in surprise. The video features Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, clearly recognizable even in their somewhat toned-down, Pokémon Trainer personas. They are engaged in a Pokémon battle inside the arena at Pokémon Home. A counter in the corner of the screen displays a staggering number: 678,234 views and still climbing.
"Whoa," Valeria mutters, momentarily forgetting her irritation. "Those two bought Pokémon?" She can't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Harley and Ivy are actually using their Pokémon in a real battle, while she is stuck in a training room with a single move.
Franklin nods enthusiastically. "I know, right? And the comments are blowing up! Everyone wants to know more about Pokémon." He pauses, his eyes gleaming with renewed hope. "This just proves it, Valeria. I need a Pokémon!"
Valeria rolls her eyes. "Oh, here we go again."
"But it's different now!" Franklin protests. "I've been thinking about it, and I know I can handle it. I can create a whole ecosystem for my Pokémon with my powers."
"Are you sure? Remember how much I told you, Beldum cost? Are you planning on using your powers to print money?"
Franklin deflates slightly. "Well, no. But I have my allowance!"
"Which you spend on video games," Valeria reminds him. "Look, Pokémon aren't cheap. And even if you had the money, you're not exactly winning over Pokémon in the sanctuary. I saw how well that went for you with the house plants."
Franklin's face turns red, stung by her words. "I'm gonna get a Pokémon! A stronger one than Beldum!"
Valeria raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, really? And how do you plan to do that, Franklin? Magically wish one into existence?"
"I'll find a way," Franklin declares, his voice filled with determination. "I'll get the best Pokémon, and it will be way stronger than Beldum!"
"Sure you will," Valeria says dismissively, turning back to Beldum. "Keep dreaming, little brother."
As Franklin storms out of the training room, fuming, Valeria shakes her head, a mix of amusement and annoyance swirling within her.
***
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