"It's finally here!"
Hanging up the phone, Gu Yuan looked excited, holding the newly acquired Poké Ball in his hand.
He hurried to the training room he had rented and released Fuecoco from the Poké Ball.
Just like its name suggests, Fuecoco gave off a 'spacey' or 'clumsy' impression when released. Outwardly, Fuecoco resembled a crocodile. However, its white face and belly, red body, and the yellow scales on its stomach and back gave it the look of a mascot, completely lacking the ferocity of a crocodile.
Especially the fire energy surging from its head, like a cowlick, added to Fuecoco's naive and adorable charm.
Fuecoco blinked its large eyes, staring at Gu Yuan with a simple, pure gaze.
"Hello there. My name is Gu Yuan, and it's nice to meet you."
While speaking, Gu Yuan did not forget to pull out a Pokéblock, which Fuecoco likes to eat.
Although Fuecoco looked a bit clumsy, its reaction was quick. First, it showed a sweet smile, then quickly took the Pokéblock and put it into its mouth.
The next second, Fuecoco's eyes were filled with twinkling little stars; it was immediately conquered by the deliciousness of the Pokéblock.
Under Gu Yuan's gaze, Fuecoco moved its short legs toward Gu Yuan, rubbing its head against his palm, like a kitten seeking affection.
"I understand. These are all for you, eat slowly."
Gu Yuan placed a bowl filled with Pokéblocks in front of Fuecoco, unable to resist petting its head.
Lost in the delight of the food, Fuecoco did not mind Gu Yuan's petting and seemed to enjoy it.
It let out a satisfied burp. After finishing its meal, Fuecoco immediately lay down on the ground, contentedly rubbing its small belly.
"Don't relax just yet. Come meet your other partners."
Gu Yuan picked up the lying Fuecoco and introduced it to Charizard and the others. Charcadet and Gastly were the most excited. One was thrilled to have a younger sibling, and the other was excited that it was finally no longer the youngest.
Unfortunately, Fuecoco clearly favored Sylveon, who looked the prettiest and most approachable. Charizard was also interested in Fuecoco, a fellow Fire-type, just as it had been with Charcadet previously.
While Fuecoco was getting acquainted with Charizard and the others, Gu Yuan checked its information.
Pokémon: Fuecoco
Gender: Male
Ability: Unaware
Type: Fire
Level-up Moves: Tackle, Leer, Ember, Round
TM Moves: None
Egg Moves: Curse, Slack Off
The Unaware ability ignores the opponent's stat changes. That means Fuecoco's attacks will ignore any boosts to the opponent's Defense, Special Defense, and Evasion. When Fuecoco evolves into Skeledirge, it can learn its exclusive move, Torch Song, an 80 BP Special Attack that increases its Special Attack by one stage after each use. Paired with the Unaware ability, it creates a feeling that any Pokémon fighting Skeledirge gets steadily weaker and weaker. Combined with Skeledirge's excellent Special Attack, it would join the future Gengar as the Special Attackers of his team.
After obtaining Fuecoco, Gu Yuan was not in a hurry to leave and stayed in Fuchsia City for a few more days. First, he wanted to allow Charizard and the three younger Pokémon to familiarize themselves with each other. Second, he aimed to continue improving Primeape's strength.
Conveniently, because the Fuchsia Gym had been temporarily closed for maintenance, the Pokémon Center had gathered many trainers. In the waiting period, they would likely not refuse a quick battle.
As before, Gu Yuan quickly secured several consecutive victories, drawing more and more trainers to challenge him. Facing the increasing number of challengers, Primeape grew even more passionate.
"You and your Primeape are very strong. I know my Hitmonchan can't compete with you, but my Hitmonchan really wants to battle your Primeape, focusing only on fighting techniques."
After Primeape had rested, another challenger came up and made a proposal to Gu Yuan.
"No problem."
Gu Yuan glanced at Primeape and knew the answer instantly.
"Great! Go, Hitmonchan!"
"Primeape, it's up to you!"
The voices of both trainers rang out. The next second, the two Fighting-type Pokémon clashed.
In a duel of fists, Primeape clearly held the advantage in sheer power. After forcing Hitmonchan back, Primeape was relentless, delivering a continuous barrage of iron fists.
Hitmonchan's defense was also excellent, and it quickly regained its balance. First, it blocked Primeape's furious assault, then Hitmonchan tried to counterattack.
Compared to a clash of moves, this kind of raw, flesh-on-flesh battle was undoubtedly more exciting for the surrounding spectators.
After its last encounter with Machoke, Primeape had diligently studied fighting techniques for a long time, and now they were finally put to use. However, Hitmonchan was no pushover. As a Pokémon that relies on its iron fists, Hitmonchan's fighting technique was equally formidable.
Purely on technique, Primeape and Hitmonchan were, at best, evenly matched.
In the end, both Primeape and Hitmonchan abandoned all pretense of technique, using all their strength to smash their fists into each other's faces. Neither Pokémon dodged. Clearly, this had turned into a contest of sheer willpower.
With another synchronized blow hitting both opponents, the resulting force pushed Primeape and Hitmonchan back.
They stopped their retreat, and neither Primeape nor Hitmonchan attacked again. Instead, they just stared at each other.
At this moment, Hitmonchan's eyes were filled with satisfaction. After giving Primeape a final, reluctant look, Hitmonchan slowly collapsed.
After Hitmonchan was declared unable to battle, Primeape also sat down heavily on the ground, showing how exhausting the battle had been for it.
"You did very well, Primeape. Let's call it a day; you need a good rest."
Primeape, whose desire for battle was satisfied, did not refuse and was obediently recalled to its Poké Ball by Gu Yuan.
Following the instructions at the Pokémon Center, Primeape was restored to health almost instantly, but the depleted stamina would still require rest to replenish.
***
The next morning, Gu Yuan did not linger in Fuchsia City. Instead, he resumed his journey.
Once away from the crowds, Gu Yuan released Charcadet and Fuecoco. As they were at an age for playing outdoors, Gu Yuan did not want them to be bored inside a Poké Ball constantly.
As for Gastly, it was still not used to the bright sunshine and was sound asleep in Gu Yuan's shadow.
"Let's go, Alakazam. We'll head into the depths of the forest first and find some Pokémon for you to practice with. It's about time for you to break through to the Senior Rank."
Releasing Alakazam, Gu Yuan's immediate focus for training would be on it, followed by Primeape.
As if sensing Gu Yuan's thoughts, Primeape immediately emerged from its Poké Ball, looking excited. Through telepathic communication, Gu Yuan learned that Primeape had learned Rage Fist!