That night, Rex didn't come home. No note.
It wasn't surprising. Rex hated being tied to anyone's rules. Not having a Pokémon had been an invisible cage—and now he had the key.
Silas and Zane weren't worried. Rex was the strongest physically, and when it counted, he was sharp.
Zane left early the next morning to train with Bruno again. Bruno's regimen was ridiculous, but results didn't care about comfort—youngest Elite Four member ever.
Silas decided to join them.
He ran to the makeshift training space behind the orphanage—an arena carved by Steelix with Stone Edge and Rock Slide. Spikes and boulders littered the ground like teeth.
They spent the day jumping and clashing, and drilling scenario movement. Bruno explained that this kind of terrain training rapidly increased beginner speed, reaction time, and dodging skill.
After three days, Chimchar, Elekid, and Machop all improved tremendously. All 3 pokemon boasted high talent so this was to be expected. .
Elekid grew the fastest, learning Quick Attack—a D-rank comprehension no less. It could be used in a fight already.
"I think it's time you two battled," Bruno said suddenly.
Silas agreed immediately. Zane nodded once. Both trainers wanted to test the growth of their pokemon.
Steelix cleared obstacles to open space in the stone field.
Silas chose Elekid and Zane of course chose Machop. Both pokemon stood several feet apart staring at each other with adorable aggression.
As soon as Bruno said go, Machop sprang into action without any commands. It readied its karate chop attack as it charged in leaping from stone to stone.
"Elekid, charge up your Thunder Shock and only release it when Machop is right in front of you." Silas had an idea he wanted to try. He had seen this method work plenty of times in the anime in his past life.
Plans rarely go as planned. Machop overwhelmed Elekid with its speed and landed a critical hit karate chop,. Elekid not wanting to be out done still unleashed the charged up Thundershock despite the massive damage.
Machop was electrocuted by the attack and dropped to one knee. Electricity visibly coursed through his body. There was a red aura around him and he got up with a determined face.
It was guts, Machop's special ability. It becomes stronger when under status effects like paralysis, burns, & poison.
Trying to seize the moment, Zane gave the order.
"Machop show them bullet bullet punch"
Machop's fist glowed a metallic silver. He jumped forward and for a second vanished from sight. His fist appeared near Elekid and struck him quickly. Machop did not stop. It unleashed a second and third blow overwhelming Elekid.
On the fourth attempt, Machop couldn't move due to paralysis. The injured Elekid seized his moment and used quick attack and then followed up with brick break in a devastating combo.
Machop was flung into one of the stone pillars then hit the ground with a thud.
It struggled to its feet while Zane cheered it on.
Machop let out a defiant roar and charged at Elekid with newfound vigor. Machop used bullet punch immediately. This time Elekid was overwhelmed completely.
After 2 additional bullet punches, Elekid was knocked out. Machop didn't fare much better but he was still standing. He had won.
Silas scooped up Elekid, soothing him the way Bruno had instructed. Baby Pokémon were still babies—power didn't erase emotion.
"Aww. How cute."
Silas blinked. Zane—usually reserved—had mocked him like Rex would. The thrill of battle had sharpened Zane's edges.
Silas glared, but said nothing. Losing clean meant swallowing pride.
He fed Elekid an Oran Berry. Elekid recovered quickly; the injuries were superficial.
That night, Silas lay awake thinking about the forest. He hadn't visited in a while.
Tomorrow, he would.
The next day, as he headed toward the woods, he overheard townsfolk discussing the Pokémon League Conference.
Madam had mentioned it before.
The Conference wasn't meant for someone like Silas.
An invitation-only gathering: Gym Leaders, League researchers, trainers with names that carried weight.
Bruno was staying in town to coordinate with Oak for the event. The Conference was in a week.
That morning, Madam had handed Silas a sealed League envelope.
"I've been invited as Oak's guest," she said flatly. "Each invitation allows one companion." Her eyes lingered on Chimchar and Elekid. "You're coming with me."
Silas understood. This was assessment and profit—Madam's favorite combination.
The Conference loomed, and Silas wanted one last breath of wild air before politics.
The trees thickened as he followed familiar paths—Chimchar at his side, Elekid crackling softly near his heel.