Chapter 5: Chapter 5:Training!
Ace stood before his Pokémon, who were lined up and waiting for him with eager eyes. The morning sun was high in the sky, and a light breeze rustled the trees around the lake they had camped near. Ace clenched his fists and gave them an encouraging smile.
"Alright, team," he began, "we've got two gyms to face soon: Cerulean City Gym and Pewter City Gym. Both are tough, and we'll need to train hard if we want to win."
Smeargle tilted his head and barked in excitement, while Elekid and Mankey both nodded, determination burning in their eyes.
"But we're not just training moves today," Ace added. "We're going to strengthen our bodies and stamina too. Physical training is just as important as battle technique. And," he grinned sheepishly, "I'll be joining you. Gotta make sure your trainer can keep up, right?"
Ace's words seemed to spur his Pokémon on. They all straightened, ready for the challenge ahead.
"First up," Ace pointed towards the perimeter of the lake, "we're doing 20 laps around the lake. Keep a steady pace, and let's push through together!"
The group took off, with Mankey and Elekid quickly taking the lead. Smeargle trotted at a steady pace beside Ace, his tongue lolling out as if he were enjoying a leisurely run. Ace, on the other hand, was already struggling by the fifth lap.
'Man, I should've started training myself ages ago,' Ace thought, his breaths coming in short gasps. 'These guys are leaving me in the dust!'
By the 20th lap, Ace was panting heavily. Ace bent over, hands on his knees, while his Pokémon flopped onto the grass, a little exhausted but satisfied.
"Good work, team!" Ace wheezed, giving them a thumbs-up. "But don't relax just yet. We've got more to do."
After a few minutes of rest, Ace tied rocks to the backs of his Pokémon—and to his own waist. "Alright, let's do push-ups next! The goal is fifty. Let's see who's got the strength!"
Ace dropped down and began his push-ups alongside his Pokémon. However, by the tenth push-up, his arms gave out, and he collapsed onto the ground. "Ugh," he groaned, throwing the rocks away and rolling onto his back, "you guys are amazing."
Elekid smirked and continued pushing through the workout, while Mankey powered on with fiery determination. Smeargle, though trembling, gritted his teeth and matched Mankey push-up for push-up. Ace cheered them on, clapping his hands. "That's it, guys! You've got this! Push to fifty!"
When all three Pokémon finally hit fifty, they collapsed beside Ace, puffing with pride. Ace grinned at them, wiping the sweat from his brow. "You're incredible. You deserve a break—but not too long. We've still got squats, jumping rope, and weightlifting!"
The rest of the physical workout passed in a haze of effort and laughter. Elekid excelled at jumping rope, his small frame making him quick and nimble. Mankey showed off his strength with rock-lifting, his biceps bulging as he hoisted the rock weights overhead. Smeargle, though less athletic, made up for it with sheer determination, giving his best effort in every task for Ace.
By the end, the entire group was sprawled out on the ground, staring up at the sky. Ace wiped his face with a towel, feeling both exhausted and exhilarated. "Break time, everyone!" he announced.
Ace and his Pokémon shared a hearty meal they had prepared earlier, with Elekid munching happily on sour berries while Smeargle licked up a sweet berry mash. Mankey, as always, favored the spiciest dish, wolfing it down with a satisfied grunt.
After eating, they rested for a brief five minutes before Ace clapped his hands together. "Alright, break's over! Time for moves training!"
Ace crouched in front of Elekid and pointed at a nearby rock. "Elekid, let's start with your Thunder Shock. Keep discharging it repeatedly at that rock, and let's see how many times you can use it before running out of energy."
Elekid gave a confident nod and turned to the rock, sparks crackling between his plug-like horns.
Ace then turned to Mankey. "Mankey, you're all about physical strength. Practice your punches and kicks on that tree, but don't use any moves. Focus on building up the power in your arms and legs. The stronger your body, the stronger your attacks will be. And while attacking , try using focus energy."
Mankey gave a determined growl and ran to the tree, throwing precise punches and swift kicks at the bark. Each hit echoed through the forest as a white aura appeared around Mankey.
Finally, Ace looked at Smeargle. "Smeargle, I have got something special for you. First, I want you to use Sketch to copy some moves from Elekid and Mankey. Try to get Leer, Thunder Shock, Counter, Quick Attack, and Charge Beam. After that, we're focusing on agility training. Use Quick Attack repeatedly, and practice switching seamlessly into other moves while staying fast and mobile."
Smeargle barked in understanding, his tail swishing as he prepared to train.
As the Pokémon got to work, Ace stood back and watched, offering pointers and cheering them on.
It had been a week since Ace began training with his Pokémon, and the hard work was starting to show. Elekid can now use Thunder Shock for 18 times instead of his usual 15, meaning his electricity storage was increasing. Mankey's strikes now packed quite a punch and he had also started to learn iron tail. Smeargle had become more agile and he could now effortlessly use quick attack on the fly.
Now, he stood at the edge of Cerulean City, in front of a weathered wooden sign that read: Welcome to Cerulean City—The Floral Lagoon City! Beyond the sign stretched a bustling town, with its iconic blue-roofed gym with a dewgong visible in the distance. Smeargle stood loyally at Ace's side, his tail flicking in anticipation.
Ace took a deep breath, a mix of excitement and nervousness swirling inside him. "Alright, Smeargle," he said with a grin, "it's time. Let's get our first badge."
Smeargle barked in agreement, wagging his tail eagerly.
With determination burning in his chest, Ace adjusted his bag and stepped forward, Smeargle following close by. As they made their way into the city, the streets buzzed with activity. Trainers were chatting with their Pokémon, vendors sold all kinds of items, and kids played with some water Pokemon near the fountains. Ace quickly went to the Pokemon centre and gave his Pokemon to Nurse Joy, while thinking about the gym battle he will issue tomorrow as today his team will rest to be on full health in battle.
(Pls give me some power stones!)
(Find out next time on Pokemon:Ace's Adventures!)