"From now on, we're partners, so please take care of me."
Gu Yuan released Ditto from its Poké Ball, and gave it some snacks to help it listen better.
Of course, Eevee and Mankey got their share too, otherwise Gu Yuan worried Ditto's treats would never reach its mouth.
"Alright, let's keep going."
He placed Ditto on his shoulder, hugged Eevee in his arms, and carried Mankey on his back.
At that moment, Gu Yuan regretted not exercising enough, and envied Ash's inhuman stamina.
If only he had one-tenth of Ash's strength, he wouldn't suffer so much when carrying these few small Pokémon.
Luckily, there were plenty of wild Pokémon in the cave. Eevee and Mankey soon joined in battles, so Gu Yuan only had to hold Ditto, which was much easier.
"That's it, Eevee. Keep using Swift, and try to sharpen your skills."
"Yes, that's good, Mankey. Use Leer more often; this move will help you a lot in the future."
Listening to their Trainer's instructions, Eevee and Mankey felt something was off, but they couldn't explain it. Their bodies still obeyed Gu Yuan's words instinctively, leaving them no time to think.
Standing nearby, Kadabra, ready to use Teleport at any moment, suddenly wondered if making Ditto smarter had been the right decision.
If Kadabra started teaching, it wouldn't just be Ditto. Eevee and Mankey would need lessons too. And… would Charizard need them as well?
The biggest problem was that Kadabra noticed Eevee and Mankey, with this new awareness, could battle with Gu Yuan in even greater harmony. That thought made Kadabra hesitate.
Inside the cave, it was impossible to tell day from night.
Other Trainers might need a watch or communicator, but Gu Yuan didn't. Eevee's stomach clock never failed.
Gu Yuan built a fire and began cooking dinner.
Smelling the soup, Ditto, who had never eaten such food before, drooled nonstop.
It wasn't just soup. To win Ditto over, Gu Yuan also grilled meat and fish, showing off all his cooking skills.
Dinner was delicious. Ditto's small eyes sparkled, and it instinctively tried to transform into Snorlax to feast.
But transformation only changed Ditto's looks and moves. Things like strength or appetite couldn't change, so it had to give up.
Over the next two days, Gu Yuan kept exploring deeper into the Cerulean Cave. Sadly, he didn't catch the fish he wanted.
Still, he battled many strong wild Pokémon, earning a lot of points and finding valuable resources for Water-type Pokémon.
"Alright, after this last battle with the wild Pokémon by the lake, we'll head back. We'll resupply in Cerulean City before continuing our journey."
Stretching, Gu Yuan prepared for the final fight.
"Ditto, stay with me. Kadabra, stir the water with your psychic power. Eevee and Mankey, get ready."
"Come out, Charizard. I think this opponent will satisfy you."
A series of commands followed, and Charizard emerged from its Poké Ball.
Flames flared on its body.
This was Gu Yuan's instruction to it: in any wild battle, unless told otherwise, Charizard was to open with Flame Charge to gain an advantage.
The water churned, and soon Water-type Pokémon appeared. The strongest was a Golduck of Senior Rank!
In the Cerulean Cave, even finding Psyduck was rare. Meeting its evolved form, and one with Senior Rank strength, was incredible.
Using such a Pokémon as the final trial was the perfect choice.
"Eevee, use Helping Hand on Charizard. Kadabra, distract Golduck for a moment."
"Charizard, rush in with Air Slash, then speed up with Flame Charge. Keep pressing it with Flamethrower."
As soon as the Water-types appeared, Gu Yuan seized the initiative.
Unlike Staryu evolving into Starmie, Golduck, even with some Psychic-type moves, didn't actually have the Psychic type.
So when Kadabra's psychic power surged, Golduck was affected.
Taking the chance, Charizard's Air Slash struck and left a wound, though it didn't make Golduck flinch.
Charizard wanted a fair fight, but it also thought of its teammates. If Golduck broke free, Eevee and the others would be in danger.
After Air Slash landed, Charizard charged with Flame Charge, then blasted fire to suppress Golduck.
Most of the wild Pokémon had Junior Rank strength. Mankey couldn't fight them directly and only used Leer to disrupt.
The main attacker became Eevee, whose Shadow Ball and Swift kept the pressuring them.
Kadabra handled strikes.
With Teleport, it moved easily among the Water-types. Ally Switch made their attacks hit their own allies instead.
"Kadabra, teleport behind that Goldeen, then use Psybeam!"
At Gu Yuan's command, Kadabra vanished. A beam of rainbow light shot out.
The side effect took hold, and Goldeen became confused, attacking friend and foe alike.
The sudden change broke the stalemate.
Eevee's Shadow Ball hit the distracted Water-types.
Explosions rang out. The battle shifted in their favor.
Charizard charged. Air Slash cut through Golduck's attack, then Flamethrower blasted its chest.
Despite the type disadvantage, Charizard's speed allowed it to take control.
Watching Charizard shine, Ditto's eyes glowed with envy.
After living in the Cerulean Cave for so long, Ditto finally realized battles could be like this.
With teamwork, Pokémon could suppress stronger foes and even turn the tide.
Gu Yuan didn't notice Ditto's change. He kept urging Eevee to attack harder, ready to turn their advantage into victory.