Pokémon: The truth behind the power

The atmosphere at Indigo Plateau was charged with anticipation. James stood in front of a screen displaying the match-ups for the conference preliminaries. His heart raced as his eyes scanned the names until they finally landed on his: James Morgan from Saffron City. He would face Eric from Neon City in Arena 3B.

With determination, James made his way to the arena, his Arcanine by his side, walking with a firm stride. As they approached, the buzz of the crowd grew, a murmur of excitement reverberating in the air.

Upon arriving at Arena 3B, James took a moment to size up his rival. Eric was a thirteen-year-old boy with messy brown hair and glasses that gave him an intellectual look. Despite his youth, there was a spark of confidence in his eyes that couldn't be underestimated.

The referee, with a clear and resonant voice, introduced the competitors:

—Welcome to Arena 3B! This will be a 2vs2 battle. Presenting James Morgan from Saffron City representing the Viridian Gym, and Eric from Neon City!

James felt adrenaline beginning to flow through his veins. The referee continued:

—Let the battles begin! Competitors, release your first Pokémon!

Eric threw his Poké Ball into the air, and a Nidorino appeared with a challenging roar. The Pokémon's movements were agile and precise; James knew he had to stay alert. Without hesitation, he threw his own Poké Ball:

—Let's go, Tauros!

Tauros emerged with a powerful bellow, its horns shining under the sunlight. The energy between both Pokémon was palpable; the crowd held its breath.

—Nidorino, Double Kick! —Eric shouted determinedly.

Nidorino charged at Tauros, its hind legs lifting to deliver a pair of swift kicks. James reacted quickly:

—Dodge and use Raging Bull!

Tauros moved nimbly to the side, avoiding the kicks while charging toward Nidorino with imposing force. The impact was brutal; Nidorino was pushed back but quickly recovered.

—Don't stop! Poison Jab! —Eric commanded.

Nidorino launched its poisonous stinger at Tauros. James knew he had to act fast:

—Tauros, Zen Headbutt!

Tauros's head glowed as it lunged forward just in time to deflect the poisonous attack. The blow was accurate; Nidorino fell to the ground dazed.

The crowd erupted in cheers as James smiled confidently. However, he knew he hadn't won yet.

Eric was undeterred by the initial hit.

—Nidorino, get up! Use Focus Energy!

Nidorino began to concentrate, boosting its power for the next attack. James watched closely; he knew he had to end the fight before Eric could capitalize on that accumulated energy.

—Tauros, use Stomping Tantrum!

Tauros charged again at Nidorino with renewed fury. The impact was devastating; Nidorino was slammed to the ground unable to rise this time.

—Nidorino cannot continue! —the referee announced.

James felt a wave of relief and excitement as he saw his first battle turn out successful.

—Well done, Tauros! —he exclaimed.

Eric looked at his fallen Pokémon and then at James.

—Not bad... but this is just the beginning —he said while returning Nidorino to its Poké Ball.

The referee asked Eric to release his next Pokémon.

—Competitor Eric, release your second Pokémon!

James watched as Eric returned Nidorino and released his next Pokémon. The sphere glimmered in the air before opening up to reveal a Slowbro that appeared slowly with a carefree expression. Its pink body swayed gently while its eyes showed a calmness that contrasted with the tension in the air.

—Slowbro, use Hydro Pump! —Eric ordered confidently.

Water began to accumulate in Slowbro's mouth, and in an instant, a powerful jet of water shot toward Tauros. James felt his heart race; he knew he had to act quickly.

—Tauros, use Protect! —James commanded, and a shining barrier appeared around his Pokémon just in time to block the attack. The impact of Hydro Pump resonated like thunder, but the barrier held firm.

—Don't relax, Slowbro. Future Sight! —Eric said with a sly smile.

James frowned as he realized Slowbro was preparing a future attack. He knew he had to make use of the time he had before that attack activated.

—Tauros, use Raging Bull!

Tauros charged at Slowbro with immense strength. However, Slowbro seemed unfazed; it simply stood there watching with its dreamy gaze. When Tauros got close enough, Slowbro made an unexpected move.

—Use Ice Punch! —Eric shouted.

Slowbro extended its arm and launched an icy punch at Tauros. The blow hit squarely, causing Tauros to stagger back. James felt tension rising in his chest; he needed to change his approach.

—Regain control! Use Zen Headbutt! —James commanded.

Tauros shook off its daze and lunged forward, its head glowing with psychic energy. Slowbro tried to dodge but was too slow; the impact was solid and made it stumble.

Eric refused to be intimidated.

—Slowbro, use Water Pulse!

Water waves began swirling around it before shooting toward Tauros like a whirlwind. James knew he had to anticipate this attack.

—Tauros, use Stomping Tantrum!

Tauros struck the ground hard, creating a shockwave that deflected the water waves just in time. The crowd erupted in cheers as James's strategy began to pay off.

Quickly, Eric decided to change tactics.

—Slowbro, Drain Punch!

Slowbro advanced surprisingly agile for such a large Pokémon. Its fists glowed with energy as it approached Tauros. But James wasn't going to let that happen.

—Use Wild Charge!

Tauros charged with electricity coursing through its horns and slammed into Slowbro. The contact was explosive; both Pokémon were pushed back by the force of the collision. However, Tauros managed to get up before Slowbro did.

James felt that the battle was reaching a critical point.

—Now is our moment! Giga Impact!

Tauros gathered all its energy and launched forward like a human projectile. Slowbro tried to react using Shadow Ball, but it was too slow; Giga Impact hit directly.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Slowbro was sent flying before crashing heavily onto the ground. James felt a mix of excitement and relief as he watched the referee raise his hand.

—Slowbro cannot continue! James Morgan wins this round!

The crowd roared with joy while James took a deep breath, feeling adrenaline still coursing through him. He had overcome another obstacle on his path to victory.

Eric smiled despite being disappointed.

—not bad... —he replied as he walked away from the battlefield.

…

James let himself be carried away by the vibrant atmosphere of the Pokémon Center at Indigo Plateau. After the intense battle, sweat still beaded on his forehead and his heart raced. He approached the counter where Nurse Joy greeted him with her characteristic pink hairstyle and warm smile.

—Hello! How can I help you today? —Joy asked softly like a whisper.

—Hello Nurse Joy. I need you to heal my Tauros please —James replied feeling immediate relief seeing Joy's professionalism.

—Of course! —she said skillfully taking Tauros's Poké Ball—. Just give me a moment.

As Joy headed toward the back of the center to attend to his Pokémon, James decided to relax for a bit. He walked over to an area with sofas where there was a large television showing live battles. He settled into one of the chairs and watched closely.

On screen, a young man with red hair faced an opponent using Sandslash. The red-haired boy's Charizard flew majestically through the air launching attacks with impressive grace. Suddenly Charizard descended forcefully executing Dragon Claw knocking Sandslash down with a devastating blow.

—Incredible! —murmured James to himself admiring the skill of the young trainer.

The referee raised his hand announcing:

—the winner is Lance from Blackthorn City!

James whispered "Lance" as if it were an incantation. The figure of future champion resonated in his mind; this redhead would be known not only for his combat skills but also for becoming a legend among trainers. He shook his head to clear it and got up from the sofa heading toward the public phone area.

Upon reaching the phone booth, James inserted a coin and dialed his home number. The line rang as he waited feeling nostalgia enveloping him. Finally, a familiar voice answered.

—Morgan Residence! —said Hopkins, the Morgan family butler—. It's a pleasure to hear from you young James! How are you?

James smiled upon hearing that familiar voice.

—Hello Hopkins. I'm fine thank you. And you? How are things over there?

—All is well though quite busy with preparations for moving —Hopkins replied kindly— Your parents are well and excited about the change.

James felt mixed emotions of excitement and concern upon hearing about their move.

—that sounds interesting... but wait a moment isn't there more news?

—Ah yes... —Hopkins said gently interrupting him— Just one moment please your parents have good news for you.

James waited anxiously while phone sounds echoed in his ears. After moments that felt eternal passed by, the phone screen lit up revealing familiar faces of his parents.

Mr. Morgan wore an unusually joyful expression on his serious face; it was rare to see him like this. Mrs. Morgan smiled brightly as they greeted their son.

—James! What joy it is to see you! —his mother exclaimed enthusiastically.

James felt warmth enveloping him upon seeing them.

—Hello mom! Hello dad! —he replied genuinely smiling.

Mrs. Morgan continued:

—we wanted to tell you something very special... you're going to have a little brother or sister!

James stood speechless for several seconds; those words echoed in his mind like an echo.

—What? Really? —he asked incredulously.

Mrs. Morgan nodded enthusiastically.

—Yes I'm pregnant! We're very excited and wanted you to be the first one to know.

A joyful laugh burst from James as he processed this news.

—that's amazing! I can't believe it!

Mr. Morgan smiled widely.

—we know you'll be a great big brother! We're proud of you and we look forward to seeing you soon at our new home in Sinnoh.

James felt new excitement ignite within him; not only was he fighting for his dreams as a trainer but now he also had another reason to fight: being a good big brother for this new family member.