Pokémon: Squirtle
Gender: Female
Ability: Torrent
Aptitude: Blue
Individual Values: HP (18), Attack (20), Special Attack (21), Defense (25), Special Defense (24), Speed (16)
Level Range: 5–8
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Gun, Withdraw
Description: A Squirtle overflowing with resentment. It seems to be questioning whether it chose the wrong Trainer. The thought of having to wake up early every day from now on nearly breaks its will…
Affection: 20 (You let it rest)
Happiness: -15 (Not all Pokémon are equal—it currently envies Snivy)
Looking over Squirtle's info, Hayashi Kaede's expression grew increasingly odd.
Wow.
This one has... a lot of feelings.
"That's right, that's right! We're both starter Pokémon! Even though Water is weak against Grass, I believe that with my exquisite command, my Squirtle will at least force a draw against your Snivy!" said Takagi Megumi, pumping her tiny fists with confidence.
"Uh... sure?" Hayashi Kaede figured he should probably temper her expectations.
They were both starter Pokémon, sure—but there was a world of difference between them.
What a joke.
Snivy had a ten-level advantage, and a type advantage too.
If it still couldn't win, Hayashi Kaede would seriously have to check if something was wrong with Snivy's body.
The two soon arrived at Bluestone Trail.
Since the starter Pokémon's moves wouldn't cause major damage to the environment, any open space was good enough to battle in.
"Squirtle, this is our first match! Give it your all and show them your flair. That way, we can perform well in the Baby Cup, okay?" On the way, Takagi Megumi kept cheering Squirtle on.
Squirtle's reaction, however, was... unique.
It kept glancing over at Snivy, its big, watery eyes tinged with a desperate plea.
"Squirtle, Squirtle…" (Where did you find that Trainer? He seems amazing! Can you help me get one like that?)
Snivy: …
It hadn't expected Squirtle to be such a goofball…
Snivy simply rolled its eyes and walked gracefully at Hayashi Kaede's side.
Some things only become clear through comparison.
This Trainer, Hayashi Kaede, might seem a little slow on the uptake sometimes, but next to Megumi, he came across as much more reliable.
Thinking that, Snivy's lips curled ever so slightly upward.
On Bluestone Trail, the two Trainers took their positions.
"Ready?" Takagi Megumi asked earnestly.
Hayashi Kaede gave a light nod. "Yeah."
"Alright! Squirtle, Tackle!"
At her command, Squirtle's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by determination.
Even with its complaints, it didn't hesitate when ordered—it immediately charged toward Snivy, head lowered, body tucked tight.
Thanks to its recent running training, Squirtle actually moved pretty fast.
It would've looked even better... if it had bothered to raise its head.
Hayashi Kaede scratched his head. He really didn't get it—why wouldn't it lift its head when using Tackle?
Snivy stood calmly, waiting.
"Hmm… Snivy, go easy, okay?" Hayashi Kaede reminded it, noticing how relaxed Snivy was.
"Snivy…" (Sure, whatever.)
Snivy spread its little arms, clearly unconcerned.
"Alright then, Vine Whip!"
Hayashi Kaede pointed forward, a rush of anticipation rising in him. Although he'd watched countless Pokémon battles, this was his first real one.
"Snivy…" Snivy's amber eyes gleamed as it watched Squirtle barrel forward, head still down.
It honestly wanted to laugh.
With a casual sidestep, Snivy let Squirtle blow past—completely unaware that it had missed its target.
Two Vine Whips lashed out at its feet just as Squirtle began to slow.
Squirtle tried to react, but its momentum made dodging impossible.
BANG!
A solid thump echoed as Squirtle's head slammed into the bluestone ground.
Hayashi Kaede winced. "Oof… that was a clean hit…"
It even sounded like the stone approved.
"Snivy…" Snivy covered its forehead with a tiny hand.
Suddenly, it understood how the two Trainers and their Pokémon could match so well…
Like Trainer, like Pokémon.
"Squirtle!?" Takagi Megumi shouted, rushing forward as Squirtle toppled.
"The battle's just getting started! Get up, don't give in!"
"Squirtle, Squirtle…" (I'm fine… kind of…) Squirtle groaned, rubbing the lump on its head. Dazed, it scanned the field—no opponent in sight.
Hayashi Kaede discreetly pointed behind it.
"Behind you! Vine Whip incoming!" Takagi Megumi cried.
Squirtle turned around—just in time to see two Vine Whips strike from less than ten centimeters away, wrapping tightly around its body and lifting it off the ground.
It flailed wildly, but couldn't break free.
Snivy tossed it with a flick of its vines, then shot its Trainer a side-eye full of exasperation.
Was he seriously coaching the opponent during battle?
"Ahem, well… I figured she could use the experience," Hayashi Kaede muttered, coughing awkwardly.
Though, judging by the way Squirtle hit the ground again and took its sweet time getting up… maybe the experience didn't land the way he intended.
Squirtle still didn't get how Snivy had ended up behind it.
"You okay, Squirtle?" Takagi Megumi ran to its side, concern written all over her face.
"Squirtle, Squirtle…" (I'm totally… done for…) It was about to say it was fine—but then suddenly flopped over dramatically. "Squirtle…"
Megumi didn't notice the act.
Still feeling a little regretful, she looked over at Snivy—her eyes sparkling.
What an incredible Snivy. Truly worthy of being Brother Kaede's Pokémon!
Hayashi Kaede approached with Snivy by his side. "Not continuing?"
"Squirtle says she's out of stamina," Takagi Megumi sighed.
That made Hayashi Kaede pause.
Then he chuckled softly.
"Brother Kaede! How did I do just now? Was it okay?" Takagi Megumi looked up with eager eyes, clearly fishing for praise.
"Hm… not bad," Hayashi Kaede nodded thoughtfully. "But next time, make sure Squirtle lifts its head when using Tackle."