At the break of dawn, as the first light crept over the horizon, Paul—rose early. Walking through the quiet streets of Hearthome City, he clutched his Poké Balls tightly ahe city behind.

  Finding a secluded area, he began his daily training routine.

  Watg the eager glint in his Pokémon's eyes, Paul thoughtfully allowed them to pair off for free battles. Ohey'd had their fill, the real training would begin.

  With Paul's permission, the Pokémon sprang into a.

  Electabuzz, who had discovered yesterday that it couldn't overpower Ursaring in sheer strength, immediately sought out the bear Pokémon for a rematch. Determio prove itself, Electabuzz radiated resolve.

  "Strength isn't everything." It seemed to say. "This time, I'll win!"

  While Electabuzz and Ursaring cshed fiercely, the diminutive Vulpix perched habitually on Turtwig's back. Hearing the sounds of battle, Vulpix leapt down with enthusiasm, ready to challes closest friend.

  However, before Turtwig could respond, a blue figure stepped forward.

  "Cha-cha~!"

  It was Dewott, gently polishing its scalchops and staring ily at Turtwig. As it had the previous night, Dewott was issuing a challenge.

  "Vul~!"

  Not wanting to be left out, Vulpix hopped in front of Turtwig, its eyes sparkling with anticipation. It hoped its friend would dee Dewott's challenge and battle it instead.

  But...

  "Twiig~!"

  Caught in an aosition, Turtwig scratched its head nervously. Under Vulpix's expet gaze, it ultimately followed Dewott, leaving Vulpix behind.

  "I was here first…"

  Tears welled up in Vulpix's eyes as it watched its friend walk away.

  Seeing Vulpix alone, Paul called out while jotting notes about the battles.

  "Si's just you, let's practice Sor Beam. Or would you rather spar with me?"

  At this, Vulpix thought back to Paul's usual demeanor. He seemed petent, though not particurly impressive in battle.

  After all, how could a human—no matter how skilled—pare to a Pokémon that mastered both fire and psychic abilities?

  "Vul~!"

  With this in mind, Vulpix fidently stepped forward, brimming with fighting spirit.

  Paul was surprised by Vulpix's challenge.

  Though Vulpix was well-rounded, it was also the most timid member of the team. Wheraining got tough, it would protest loudly—only to relutly ply in the end.

  Paul hadn't expected the shy fox to step up.

  "Alright, I'll humor you."

  He set his notebook aside, shrugged off his jacket, and motioned for Vulpix to make the first move.

  "Vul~!"

  vihat Paul was just putting on a brave face, Vulpix opes mouth and fired a Fme Burst . The attack was moderate in strength—just enough to avoid hurting him.

  But Paul moved swiftly. Evading the fmes with ease, he dashed toward Vulpix like an arrow loosed from a bow. Before Vulpix could react, Paul delivered a powerful kick, sending it flying several meters.

  "Vul~!"

  The cry echoed as Vulpix hit the ground hard. Shaking off the pain, it stared at Paul in shock.

  Could his speed rival Turtwig's? Was its Trairohan it?

  "Don't hold back. Attack me with everything you've got." Paul said firmly.

  This decration firmed Vulpix's fears: it had uimated him.

  Steeling itself, Vulpix unleashed a Fmethrower, but Paul dodged effortlessly. In an instant, he closed the gap again, delivering another kick that sent Vulpix sprawling.

  Adjusting mid-air, Vulpix retaliated with Inferno, only for Paul to sidestep it with ease.

  "You're too slow." He marked, appearing behind Vulpix in a fsh. His foot struck again, sending the fox skidding across the ground.

  Realizing it couldn't afford to hold back, Vulpix activated Extrasensory, a psychic force lifting Paul into the air. Just as it prepared to sm him down, Paul broke free from the move's grip through sheer willpower, charging at Vulpix once more.

  This time, Vulpix used Quick Attaarrowly avoiding his strike. To ensure safety, it activated the move again, gaining eveer speed and putting distaween them.

  "Boom!"

  "Boom!"

  "Boom!"

  Explosioed as Vulpix bombarded the area with fiery attacks, leaving craters in the ground. But none of its moves nded on Paul.

  Exhausted, Vulpix realized it had to end things quickly. Disappearing in a blur, it reappeared behind Paul, leaping high into the air. Its six tails gleamed metallically as it unched a decisive Iron Tail.

  Yet just as victory seemed assured, Paul turned abruptly, catg one of the metallic tails mid-strikes. Using the momentum, he flipped Vulpix over his shoulder, smming it into the ground.

  "Boom!"

  The impact was jarring, leaving Vulpix dazed. But Paul wasn't finished. He executed several more throws in rapid succession, leaving Vulpix utterly defeated.

  "That's enough warm-up." Paul said, stretg as he released Vulpix's tail.

  After putting his jacket ba, he tossed a few Berries he battered Pokémon. Without sparing it annce, he tio observe the battle between other Pokémons.

  Vulpix, nursing its bruised pride, sulked silently.

  For Paul, the skirmish was nothing remarkable.

  It was just a Vulpix, after all. Hardly a challenge.

  After all, Paul had once won the Veilstone Youth Martial Arts Championship—a petition held in a city known for its Fighting-type Gym. Among the partits was Maylene, now the ag Gym Leader, famous for her ability to kick Lucario's Aura Sphere away.

  Paul's attention shifted back to the other battles. By the time Vulpix had recovered from its injuries, Turtwig a had already pleted two matches, each g a win. Both had adapted to rategies during their bouts, which romising.

  As for Electabuzz...

  Despite its bold cims of overp Ursaring, it was now panting heavily, struggling uhe relentless assault of the rger Pokémon.

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