Pokémon: I’m Really Not a Team Rocket Spy

Inside the Pokémon Center's battle arena, the field was designed according to official League regulations. For the match between Charmander and Cyndaquil, the space was more than sufficient.

Charmander appeared slightly nervous—it was his first battle, after all. But compared to the Cyndaquil across the field, Maki felt Charmander was handling himself admirably.

"Cynda~quil!"

Cyndaquil clung to Nathan's leg, as if pleading, "I'm a good Pokémon; I don't want to fight!"

"Don't worry, Cyndaquil! Trust me—we can win this!"

Nathan glanced over at Maki's side, clearly embarrassed by Cyndaquil's behavior. Still, he patiently reassured his partner, which caused Maki to reassess him a little. Despite Nathan's overly dramatic demeanor, at least he wasn't cruel to his Pokémon—a trait that was, unfortunately, not universal.

Even Starter Pokémon like Charmander, often coveted by trainers, faced abandonment every year. The world wasn't short on fools.

"Cynda~quil…"

Nathan's words had some effect, as Cyndaquil finally stepped onto the battlefield, albeit reluctantly.

Charmander approached Cyndaquil and patted him gently on the shoulder, seemingly offering comfort.

"Char!"

"Cynda~quil!" ●^●

Maki scratched his head, feeling a twinge of guilt. Commanding Charmander to defeat such a timid opponent felt a bit like bullying.

After consoling his "little brother," Charmander quickly returned to Maki's side.

"Let's get this battle started!" Nathan called out to Maki.

With the match officially underway, Maki pushed aside his earlier hesitation, focusing intently—it was only respectful to treat every battle seriously.

But that seriousness didn't last long.

"Cyndaquil, use Flamethrower!"

Maki blinked. What?

Not only was Maki stunned, but even Cyndaquil turned to Nathan with a bewildered expression.

Flamethrower was a signature move of the Typhlosion evolutionary line, one of the strongest Fire-type moves, with its power scaling based on the user's stamina. At full strength, it could reach a staggering 150 base power.

Aside from Legendary Pokémon like Groudon and Entei, only a handful of species—including Torkoal, Camerupt, and Typhlosion—could learn Flamethrower naturally.

Technically, Cyndaquil could learn it, but only after evolving into Typhlosion.

"Huh? You can't use it? But the book said Cyndaquil should be able to learn Flamethrower…"

"Cynda~quil…"

So… this guy didn't even check his Pokémon's moves before challenging someone?

"Maybe try something simpler, like Ember?" Maki suggested, unable to keep quiet.

"I-I knew that!" Nathan stammered, fumbling with his commands.

"Cyndaquil, use Ember!"

"Charmander, charge in and use Scratch!"

Maki could have had Charmander counter with Ember, but since both Pokémon were newly received Starters, Charmander's proficiency with moves wasn't likely much higher than Cyndaquil's.

Additionally, Ember was a Fire-type move, which Cyndaquil would resist. Scratch, a neutral physical attack, would deal more damage.

At Maki's command, Charmander dashed toward Cyndaquil. Ember struck his body, but the damage was negligible.

"Dodge, quick!" Nathan shouted as Charmander closed in.

But it was too late. Charmander reached Cyndaquil and raked his sharp claws across its body.

"Cynda~quil!"

Cyndaquil cried out in pain.

"Cyndaquil, use Tackle!"

At least Nathan had a basic understanding of Cyndaquil's abilities, as Tackle was a move most Pokémon learned early.

"Crunch, finish this!"

As Cyndaquil rushed toward Charmander with Tackle, Maki issued his next command. Dark energy gathered around Charmander's fangs as Cyndaquil charged straight into his waiting jaws, like a lamb walking into a lion's den.

Cyndaquil's Tackle stopped dead in its tracks as Charmander's Crunch landed cleanly.

"Stop, stop! I surrender!"

"Charmander, let go."

At Maki's command, Charmander released Cyndaquil, and Nathan sprinted over to check his Pokémon.

"Cyndaquil, are you okay?"

"Cynda~quil!"

Cyndaquil shook his head, signaling he was fine. Though Crunch was much stronger than Scratch, Cyndaquil had only taken two hits and was far from fainting. Still, Maki suspected that, given Nathan's current level, the outcome wouldn't change even with a rematch.

"You haven't familiarized yourself with Cyndaquil's moves, have you? Cyndaquil should be on par with Charmander in terms of strength."

"I… just got him this morning from the Professor," Nathan admitted, clearly disheartened. His dream was to become the Pokémon League Champion, but he had already faced defeat before leaving the "starter village."

"I'm sorry, Cyndaquil. If I'd known more about you, this wouldn't have happened."

He lowered his head in apology before turning to Maki.

"Big brother, you must've had Charmander for a long time to know him so well, right?"

"Actually, no. I got him this morning from Professor Oak, just like you."

Nathan's smile froze.

Is there really such a big gap between people?

"Well… I do have some experience with Pokémon battles."

Maki felt a little guilty. Technically, he wasn't lying—he did have experience with real battles.

After all, whenever Giovanni was busy, Maki often temporarily ran the Viridian City Gym, secretly commanding Pokémon during challengers' battles.

In the end, Nathan recalled Cyndaquil and headed off to Nurse Joy for a check-up, but not before exchanging contact information with Maki.

"Next time, I'll definitely beat you!"

-----------------------

SUPPORT ME ON PATREON!!!

Join here for advance chapters: PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON

There are more than 20 advance chapters available for you!