Adamo Amet
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Chapter no.20 Battle Style
🕑 Added 2024-07-17 16:34:49 +0000 UTCNight had descended upon Pewter City, cloaking the world in a serene hush, broken only by the faint hum of streetlights and the occasional Pokémon call in the distance. Inside the Pokémon Center, the communication room glowed dimly, a soft blue light illuminating Austin’s face as he waited for the call to connect. He tapped his fingers idly on the desk, sipping the remnants of his earlier coffee, now lukewarm and bitter.
The screen flickered to life, revealing a haggard-looking Professor Oak, who blinked blearily at the camera. His silver hair was disheveled, and his white lab coat looked slightly wrinkled, as if he’d been wearing it for far too long without a break.
“Hello?” Oak asked, rubbing his eyes and squinting at the screen. “Who is it?”
“Professor, you look like you haven’t slept in days. Do I need to remind you to take a break?”
“Oh, it’s nothing, my boy. Just reviewing a dissertation for one of my students—Professor Elm’s doctoral approval, actually. Quite the ambitious thesis. I’m almost done, though.”
“Let me guess,” Austin said, smirking, “It’s something about Pokémon eggs?”
“How did you know?” Oak asked, genuinely surprised.
“Lucky guess,” Austin replied with a laugh, shaking his head.
“Don’t go burning through all your luck at once, my boy,” Oak chuckled faintly. “But I doubt you called just to check in on me at this late hour. What’s on your mind? Need something?”
“Yeah,” Austin said. “I was wondering if you could help me figure out how to teach my Pokémon Iron Tail and Steel Wing.”
Oak’s eyebrows lifted slightly, the faintest spark of interest lighting up his weary expression. “Ambitious, I see. You’re not aiming for beginner techniques, are you? I like that.”
“I figured they’d give me an edge. But… I’m not sure how to go about it.”
Oak stroked his chin thoughtfully, leaning back in his chair. “Ah, a simple simulation exercise should do the trick.”
“Simulation exercise? What’s that supposed to mean?”
Oak leaned forward again, his tone turning slightly more animated, as if the topic energized him. “Do you know what instinctive moves are?”
“Yeah, I’ve read about them… sort of.”
“Good. Then you’ll know they’re moves that Pokémon unlock in high-stress situations, usually as a natural response to a challenge. Think of it like a human’s fight-or-flight reflex,” Oak explained. His hands moved animatedly as he spoke, despite his earlier fatigue. “For Pokémon, that response often manifests as an ideal move for the scenario.”
Austin’s mind flashed to the moment Spearow unlocked Assurance in his battle against Jimmy. The pieces clicked into place, and his eyes widened slightly in realization. “So… you’re saying if I create a scenario where Iron Tail or Steel Wing is the ideal response, my Pokémon will unlock them?”
“Precisely!” Oak said, snapping his fingers and pointing at Austin through the screen. “Smart lad. You catch on quickly.”
“So… how do I set up these scenarios?”
“Ah, I’ll send you some notes,” Oak replied, standing up and stepping out of view for a moment. Austin heard the faint shuffling of papers and the clatter of objects being moved. A minute later, Oak returned, tapping something on his keyboard. “I’ll transfer them directly to the teleporter system in the communication room. You should see it activating now.”
Austin glanced to his left as the machine beside the computer began to hum softly. A faint glow signaled its activity, and moments later, two neatly printed pages appeared in the tray. Austin picked them up and scanned the title: Unlocking Moves: Johto Edition.
“These pages detail specific ways to unlock Steel Wing and Iron Tail,” Oak explained, gesturing at the pages through the screen.
Austin frowned slightly. “Why only a few pages? Is this some kind of teaser?”
Oak chuckled. “It’s all you’ll need for now. These pages are sold separately in specialized PokéMarts, but they’re not cheap, mind you. Consider this my gift to you.”
“Figures,” Austin muttered, flipping through the pages. “Nothing in this world comes easy, does it?”
Oak chuckled, the corners of his tired eyes crinkling. “Welcome to the life of a trainer, my boy. Everything worth having comes with a price—be it effort, time, or money.”
Austin set the pages aside and leaned forward. “Thanks, Professor. This is really going to help.”
“Nonsense. It’s my job to support young trainers like you. Speaking of which, how’s life as a trainer treating you so far?”
Austin hesitated, swirling the remnants of his coffee in his cup. “It’s… harder than I expected. But honestly? It’s kind of fun. I think I’m starting to enjoy it.”
“That’s the spirit,” Oak said, his smile genuine. “Any plans for the immediate future?”
“I’m training for Brock. Waiting on my League ID to arrive too,” Austin replied.
“Good, good. And what about Pokémon? Caught anything new?” Oak asked, leaning forward slightly, his curiosity piqued. “You know, Gary’s already caught twenty so far.”
Austin rolled his eyes. “Let me guess—he dumped most of them into the ranch without even trying to bond with them.”
Oak’s smile turned slightly sheepish. “Well… you’re not entirely wrong.”
“I don’t get it,” Austin said, shaking his head. “How do you take a Pokémon from its home and not even try to form a connection? It feels… wrong.”
Oak studied the boy for a moment, his expression thoughtful. “You’ve changed,” he said finally, his voice soft.
“H-How so?”
“Do you remember the bet you made with Gary? About catching the most Pokémon?”
Austin nodded slowly.
“Back then, it was all about numbers for you two. A competition. But now…” Oak’s gaze softened. “It seems like you’re starting to understand the responsibility that comes with being a trainer. Pokémon aren’t just tools for battles. They’re companions. Partners. And you’re treating them that way.”
“I guess… having a team depending on me kind of forced me to grow up a bit.”
Oak chuckled warmly. “It’s a good change. One I think your mother would be proud of.”
Austin’s smile faltered slightly, and his gaze shifted to the side. “Yeah… I should probably call her soon.”
“You should,” Oak said, his tone encouraging. “She’d love to hear about your adventures. You might not realize it, but just hearing your voice would mean the world to her.”
“I’ll try,” Austin said, his voice quiet but sincere.
Oak nodded, his expression satisfied. “Well, I still have a pile of papers waiting for me, so I’ll let you go. But remember this—you’re doing great, my boy. Keep it up.”
The screen went dark, leaving Austin alone in the quiet room.
“Call my mom, huh?”
The suggestion was harmless on the surface, but each word felt like a subtle tug, pulling at a string of guilt buried deep in Austin’s chest. Talking to Delia wasn’t just difficult—it was strange. It felt like he was slipping into someone else’s role, playing the part of a son he wasn’t. Every interaction with her left him feeling both exposed and disconnected, a peculiar discomfort that gnawed at the edges of his thoughts.
He leaned forward, propping his elbows on the desk and resting his face in his hands. His fingers dug into his temples as he let out a slow, heavy sigh.
I don’t want to feel this way.
The idea of cutting off communication entirely crossed his mind—a clean break, no more awkward calls, no more pretending. But the thought left a sour taste in his mouth. Excommunication wasn’t the answer. It felt too cold, too final, and far too selfish for someone like Delia, who had no idea what was truly going on.
She deserves better.
He sat up straighter, brushing his hands over his face as though trying to wipe away the uncertainty clinging to him.
I’ll try to be better. I’ll try to be a better son than Ash ever was. At the very least, I owe her that.
The words felt like a quiet promise, one that wasn’t entirely selfless. Deep down, Austin knew the truth—he was lonely. In this strange world, where he was expected to lead his Pokémon and forge ahead, he lacked a human connection that grounded him. And maybe, just maybe, he hoped that Delia could fill that role. Not just for her sake, but for his own.
For the first time since arriving in this world, Austin let himself imagine what it might be like to have someone to lean on. Someone who cared, unconditionally. And for the first time, he felt a flicker of hope that maybe, with time, he could build that.
He wasn’t ready to call Delia yet—not tonight. But soon. Soon enough, he would try.
Austin sipped his coffee sluggishly as he sat in the park, the sky still cloaked in pre-dawn darkness.
Around him, Pikachu, Rattata, and Vee were half-asleep, barely aware of the morning chill. Only Spearow was fully awake, perched alertly on a nearby branch.
They were up at the ungodly hour of 5 AM for a specific reason: to unlock the moves Iron Tail and Steel Wing for his Pokémon. The method, however, was daunting.
First, the Pokémon had to exhaust all their moves. Then, they had to brace their muscles while the trainer hit their tail or wing with a steel rod several times. After that, they would engage in battle with a weight attached to the tail, which supposedly would help unlock the desired move.
“Spearow, wake them up, please, so that I don’t get an abuse case because of this,” Austin mumbled, his eyelids drooping.
Obliging, Spearow let out a call loud as a rooster’s crow, startling the trio awake. “Good,” Austin said, his head bobbing as he fought the urge to sleep.
“Spearow!” the bird chirped again, a bit too enthusiastically.
“I’m awake, I’m awake,” Austin grumbled, rubbing his eyes.
“Spearow!”
“Okay, now you’re doing this on purpose, mister,” Austin said with a pointed look, though Spearow seemed quite proud of its antics.
Turning to the now slightly annoyed trio, Austin asked, “Who wants to go first?”
Rattata jumped forward eagerly as Austin pulled out his Pokédex to check her moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Focus Energy, Quick Attack, and Bite. “Do them one by one until you can’t,” he instructed.
Rattata nodded and began her routine, quickly exhausting her moveset.
This was because Pokémon moves relied on a special type of energy within their bodies called Pokemon Power but abbreviated as PP.
Austin had facepalmed when he had read that.
Picking up the metal rod, Austin looked at his exhausted little Rattata.
He couldn’t bring himself to strike her tail. “Pikachu, you be the abusive drunk.”
“Pika?”
Pikachu was clearly confused by the odd request but complied, slamming the rod against Rattata’s purple tail.
Austin winced as her tail flickered with a glow.
“Okay, next step,” Austin said quickly, his resolve firming. He grabbed a stone and wrapped it around Rattata’s tail, his stomach churning slightly. “If it hurts…”
“Rattata,” the purple Pokémon called out, pointing a claw at Pikachu and then motioning through her neck.
Pikachu nervously giggled.
“Well, you two have fun.”
Austin sat on the park bench; his posture relaxed yet his mind racing with thoughts for the next few days.
The cool morning air brushed against his face, carrying the fresh scent of dew-laden grass, providing a calm backdrop to his intense thoughts. He leaned forward slightly, elbows on his knees, gazing absently at the battle between the two.
We have four days to prepare.
Back on Earth, Austin was a competitive Pokémon battler, having clinched victories in local tournaments. His experience had taught him the importance of adopting a specific battle style. Unlike Ash Ketchum’s aggressive and unpredictable approach, Austin favored a more balanced style.
Now, free from the confines of the games, Austin realized the vast possibilities that lay ahead. He could weave more complex strategies into his battle plans, an aspect he had always wished was more prevalent in the anime—combo moves.
He vividly remembered Ash’s battle against Maylene in Sinnoh, where Buizel had impressively combined Water Pulse and Aqua Jet— a strategy that had left a significant impression on him. The potential of using such combinations excited him, stirring ideas of inventive battle strategies in his mind.
Lost in thought, Austin was suddenly jolted back to the present as Pikachu zipped over his head, a blur of yellow energy.
“Pika!”
Turning his attention to the field, Austin’s eyes widened in delight. Rattata stood proudly, her tail glistening with a metallic sheen—she had successfully unlocked Iron Tail.
Nice, now let’s create our first combo move.
Comments
Rhett Sellers
For Ratatta, I figure start with an easier one - quick attack and hyper fang - speed fang or something. Or if that doesnt do it for you, maybe have all the speed and weight training unlock its hidden ability of hustle.
Rhett Sellers
Also has the benefit of making surprised pikachu face jokes
Rhett Sellers
Eevee obviously needs to learn tri attack
Rhett Sellers
Spearow cant learn Taunt normally, but I think combining mirror move and taunt would work well narratively. Sort of mimicking the opponent in a sarcastic way would work perfectly for an arrogant bird.
Rhett Sellers
I do think for pikachu, a combination move of nuzzle and charm could be a perfect move to take an enemy off guard. Lower their guard with the part from charm, and then bam! A paralytic surprise. Obviously the weakness here is if they're on guard enough to resist charm then they might catch pikachu while its acting nice.
Xazo
Ok again to add to that hydregion with its three heads would a thunder ice and fire fang combo or other biting attacks work
Banana19
Author, The newly added bit about Delia and his reflex of longing is REALLY REALLY good. It is great that Austin can think like that and hopefully he can act more like a son in future. It doesn’t matter he is not og Ash. Bonds can formed just like Pokemon. Great job 👍🏼
Muhammad Hasnain
Yes, in theory, yes, in practice, its going to take some time for the Machamp to be able to pull it off due to concentration so good for double battles, horrible for single battles.
Xazo
Could a machamp in theory do an attack of fire, thunder, ice and suckered punch with all of its fists at once
Rhett Sellers
It does read as more genuine now with the changes. So I think that worked well for you. I'm glad I can help with some inspiration. I've done a little creative writing before, so I know for myself the hardest part is moving from 'I can write anything next' to writing about what I find fun and interesting but in a way that I would enjoy if I were a reader. I dabble, though, so its something I can just put off if I dont want to work through the hard spots. Sometimes, a prompt can help with story opportunities you might not have thought of at first 🙂.
Muhammad Hasnain
You certainly have a way with words. I didn't think much of Austin's relationships to everyone because I was going to make him just be in his bubble, but your comments added alot of ideas I could do. — Austin isn't revealing Eevee's nature to anyone until he knows it's safe. So I can add a part where his actions are challenged as he has to ask for help. — Personally I want Austin to be a more maturer Ash who is morally grey in his actions and ideologies. He tries to avoid conflicts but when shits gets down, Austin isn't going to back down. There will be niavety, inexperience, anger and quite judgement like Ash but more volatile. Anyways, I added the new paragraphs, tell me if this is better. Also, love the feedback.
Rhett Sellers
Oak being an authority figure who can help assist him, but also possibly one who would curtail some of his freedom he so desires if he thinks there may be more danger than a rookie trainer should be exposed to. But my main thoughts are just on who you want Ash to be as a person right now, and how much deception plays a part of his character.
Rhett Sellers
Realistically, its a tonal shift for the story depending on which way you want to go. If Ash is more open, it retains more of the original flavor of the character and story. If he is more furtive, then it sets the stage for further developments in his head space if you want the story to be more psychological. Personally, I think having Ash be more open and caring helps cement his character into a good starting location for further story developments down the road as he interacts with the world. It also is closer to baseline Ash emotionally, and is more likely to resonate with more readers. I dont really like getting into the details of how an author should write their story (as its their story), but since you are asking I think having Oak note that he is already growing and changing on his journey even this early. You could also have Ash debate internally whether he should reveal to Oak that this Eevee is a former Team Rocket experiment and that he is trying to protect and train the best he can. Its a gray area where his extra knowledge conflicts with who he is as a person and his relationships, and you can define the character more through his responses to things like this.
Muhammad Hasnain
Hmm that's a good point. How about I change it from Austin thoughts on decieving them with the emails to, glad that Oak bought and assuring himself that people change all the time especially when put in an environment where they have alot of responsibility. I also could add Austin remembering Oak's words about talking to Delia and deciding that even if none of this is his fault, he wants to be a good son to Delia better than Ash was as a kind of reconciliation. Would this be better?
Rhett Sellers
I think you can still do that and grow that connection. I just dont think there is a need to explain that he's 'different now' when he can just start growing and developing that relationship. Clearly, he has felt a little bit of imposter syndrome when it comes to his relationship with Delia. I think its entirely possible to decide that he wants to embrace that relationship, even if its not as traditional as one would expect from a parent-child one, and is more akin to an aunt/uncle or even mentor. He is more emotionally mature, and can approach it from an adult point of view. Think of Naruto's relationship with Iruka or Jiraiya. Being adrift in the world and wanting a genuine connection is a perfectly good motivation. I guess what I am saying is his need to hide his extra knowledge seems like it might have bled over into his personal relationships (intended or not) and created an emotional distance that he now wants to close - due to his now lacking proximity and reduced fear of discovery. Especially as he trains and gains more legitimate excuses for any special knowledge. Its up to you if you want this furtiveness to be part of his character, but I wanted to mention that I dont think its necessary for the fiction to explain his personality with how it has been written so far.
Muhammad Hasnain
Personally, I wanted a excuse to add small ending paragraphs after like a gym battle or an arc that shows Delia reading Austin's messages and to essentially built up a new relationship between the duo since Austin will need a mother figure in his life, someone he can cry to, someone he can hug, wholesome mother love. Logically speaking Austin doesn't have to do this but it gives me a neet little excuse for something great later on especially once Lavender tower comes around.
Rhett Sellers
I dont really think there needs to be any effort by Ash to deceive or convince Oak or Delia of his changes, unless he has been running subterfuge for his personality for years. He has spent his entire life as Ash, and they know no other version of him. If he has legitimately changed from just a week of journeying, thats almost expected, and shouldnt require any special effort on his part to convey that he has changing thoughts and ideas now that he has gained more exposure to the world.
