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Chapter 22: Eighth Birthday
🕑 Added 2024-11-14 17:10:50 +0000 UTCThe classroom buzzed with excitement as Mr. Hoot wheeled in a cart filled with colorful discs. Gladion's eyes widened, recognizing them instantly from his previous life - Technical Machines, or TMs for short.
"Today, class," Mr. Hoot announced, his voice barely audible over the excited whispers, "we'll be learning about TMs and the incredible variety of moves Pokémon can learn."
Gladion leaned forward, his mind racing. He knew about TMs, of course, but he was curious to see how they were perceived in this world.
"TMs," Mr. Hoot continued, "are special devices that can teach Pokémon new moves instantly. They're incredibly valuable tools for trainers looking to diversify their Pokémon's movesets. They are pretty rare and expensive too. We have all of this TMs on loan too so no damaging them."
As he spoke, Mr. Hoot held up various TMs, explaining the moves they contained and which Pokémon could learn them. Gladion listened intently, noting the differences between what he knew and what was being taught.
"Not all Pokémon can learn every move," Mr. Hoot explained. "Each species has a unique set of moves they can learn naturally or through TMs. Part of being a great trainer is knowing which moves best suit your Pokémon. A fire type Pokemon can't learn bubble beam for example."
Gladion's mind whirled with possibilities. He already knew so many move combinations that weren't common knowledge here. And unlike games, there was no limit to how many moves a Pokemon can use in a battle.
This could be another goldmine of information, just like his Milotic breeding business.
As the lesson continued, Gladion jotted down notes, not just about the TMs themselves, but about the reactions of his classmates. Which moves excited them the most? Which combinations seemed to surprise even Mr. Hoot?
When the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Gladion lingered behind. He approached Mr. Hoot's desk, his heart pounding with anticipation.
"Mr. Hoot," he began, trying to keep his voice casual, "I was wondering... are there any books or resources about unusual move combinations? Things that aren't commonly known?"
Mr. Hoot looked at him curiously. "That's an interesting question, Gladion. There are some advanced texts in the school library, but most of that information is the result of years of research by Pokémon professors. Why do you ask?"
Gladion shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Just curious. I find it fascinating how different Pokémon can learn unexpected moves."
Mr. Hoot smiled warmly. "Well, it's wonderful to see such enthusiasm. Who knows? Maybe one day you'll be discovering new move combinations yourself!"
'If only you knew,' Gladion thought as he thanked him and left the classroom.
As he walked home, Gladion's mind raced with ideas. His Milotic breeding business was already bringing in a steady stream of income after a few Feebas evolved. They also shed their scales monthly so it was also sustainable as long as people don't find out how to get themselves a milotic.
But this... this could be even bigger. Trainers were always looking for an edge in battle. If he could "discover" powerful move combinations that wouldn't be common knowledge for years...
He was so lost in thought that he almost walked past his house. Shaking his head to clear it, Gladion entered to find his parents and Gwen gathered in the living room, deep in discussion.
"Ah, Gladion!" his father, Ben, called out. "Perfect timing. We were just talking about your upcoming Pokémon journey."
Gladion blinked in surprise. Their journey was still two years away. Why were they discussing it now?
"Sit down, dear," his mother, Erza, patted the spot next to her on the couch. "We want to talk about how we can help prepare you and Gwen."
As Gladion took his seat, Gwen bounced excitedly in her chair. "Mom and Dad say they're going to train us!" she exclaimed.
Ben nodded, his expression serious. "The Pokémon world can be dangerous, especially for young trainers. We want to make sure you're both as prepared as possible."
"We've decided to start your training early," Erza added. "Not just in Pokémon battling, but in survival skills, first aid, and navigation. We want you to be ready for anything you might encounter on your journey."
Gladion felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. He knew, perhaps better than anyone, just how dangerous the Pokémon world could be. But he also knew that with the right preparation, it could be the adventure of a lifetime.
"That sounds great," he said, trying to keep the eagerness out of his voice. "When do we start?"
"Tomorrow," Ben replied with a grin. "But for now, we have something else to discuss. Your birthday is coming up soon, and your mother and I have been thinking about what to get you."
Gwen's eyes lit up. "Ooh, is it a new Pokémon? Please say it's a new Pokémon!"
Erza laughed. "You're close, Gwen. We've decided to give each of you a very special Pokémon."
Gladion's heart skipped a beat. A new Pokémon? Which Pokemon would it be? A dratini? Or maybe a charmander? The possibilities were endless.
"Your father has been breeding some special Pokémon," Erza continued. "On your 8th birthday, you'll each receive one. It'll be your responsibility to care for it and train it."
"This will be good practice for when you start your journey," Ben added. "Raising a Pokémon from a young age will teach you valuable skills."
Gwen was practically vibrating with excitement. "What kind of Pokémon will they be?" she asked.
Ben winked. "That's a surprise. You'll have to wait and see."
As the conversation turned to other topics, Gladion's mind was already spinning with possibilities. A new Pokémon to raise... It was an exciting prospect, but also a big responsibility. But he was pretty sure the Pokemon would be an eevee since wel his Dad was known to breed them.
That night, as he lay in bed, Gladion couldn't sleep. His thoughts kept bouncing between the Pokémon he would soon receive, the training his parents had planned, and his ideas for profiting from his future knowledge.
He knew he had to be careful. If he revealed too much, it might raise suspicions. But if he played his cards right, he could set himself up for success while still appearing to be a normal, if gifted, young trainer.
The weeks leading up to their birthday flew by in a whirlwind of preparation. True to their word, Erza and Ben began training the twins in various survival skills. They learned how to set up camp, how to find safe water sources, and even basic self-defense.
Gladion threw himself into the training, soaking up every bit of knowledge he could. He also continued his secret training sessions with his Pokémon, pushing them to grow stronger each day.
Finally, the morning of their 8th birthday arrived. Gladion woke up early, his heart pounding with anticipation. He found Gwen already in the kitchen, practically bouncing off the walls with excitement.
"Happy birthday, you two," Erza said warmly as she set a stack of pancakes on the table. "Eat up. Your father will be here soon with your gifts."
They had barely finished eating when Ben burst through the door, carrying two Poké Balls.
"Happy birthday, kids!" he boomed, setting the Poké Balls on the table. "Are you ready for your special gifts?"
Gwen squealed with delight, while Gladion tried (and failed) to keep a cool demeanor. They each took a Poké Ball, handling them with utmost care.
"Now remember," Ben said seriously, "these Pokémon are young and will need constant care and attention. Train them well, be patient with them, and most importantly, love them. You are not allowed to battle with them since you are still not official trainers."
Gladion nodded, his throat tight with emotion. He carefully pressed the button on the Poké Ball, releasing a small, fluffy Eevee onto the table. The Pokémon looked up at him with big, curious eyes.
"An Eevee!" Gwen exclaimed, releasing her own. The two Eevees sniffed at each other before turning their attention to their new trainers.
"Thank you," Gladion managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper. "I promise I'll take good care of it."
As Gwen cooed over her Eevee, Gladion's mind was already racing ahead. Eevee, with its multiple evolution possibilities, was a perfect Pokémon for someone with his knowledge. But which evolution would be best for his team? And how could he use this new addition to further his goals?
Gladion mentally slapped himself at that thought. He had promised himself to not treat Pokemon to further his own agenda after milotic but here he was already planning Eevee's future evolution without thinking what evolution she wants for herself.
As the day went on, filled with celebration and laughter, Gladion held his Eevee close. This Pokémon would be more than just a powerful ally or a strategic asset. It would be a partner, a friend, a new member of his growing family.
And as he drifted off to sleep that night, Eevee curled up contentedly at the foot of his bed, Gladion smiled.
