The New Adventures of Raptor Trainer

Trial By Fire

I would never get over just how conveniently efficient Pokémon Centers were. They healed your Pokémon, sold gear, items, beverages...It was incredible.

"Alright! Now that the team'zzz rearing and ready for action again, what's say we take out our new friend and see what she thinks?"

{That's my plan. Let's see how she reacts to all this.}

I pulled out the Poké Ball containing my new Salandit and gave it a toss. The Toxic Lizard Pokémon materialized on the floor in front of me.

"Srrr...?" she trilled when she saw me, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

{Okay, Salandit. I'm your Alpha now, and you're a part of the pack. That means from now on, you'll be following my commands. Understood?}

She peered up at me with dubiously squinty eyes, curious for a moment...only to wrinkle up the slick scales on her nose and puff out a small cloud of smoke in contempt.

{Maybe if I put it to you this way: training with us will make you stronger way quicker than you could have imagined being out in the wild. Besides, I can take care of you just as well as those male Salandits out there did, if not better. Think about it; you get the food, the shelter, the attention, and a band of friends to boot. You just have to battle for me, like the rest of my team does. Now are we getting somewhere?}

"Brrrrr..." she pondered, tapping a finger against her chin. Finally, she hissed in response.

"Sal, grrrrrrrip!"

{What'd she say Rotom?}

"She sayzzz that she'll give it a try, but izzzn't making any promises yet!"

{That'll do for now. She did just join us. Well, Salandit, once evening sets in, we'll be heading back out to Wela Volcano Park to take on the next trial. That'll be a good time to get some training in and see what you're capable of. You weren't half bad when we went against you, so I'm willing to bet you'll do marvels for the team as long as you cooperate.}

There was a pleased flicker in her lavender gaze, but she tried to hide it with a forced scowl.

{Now, one more thing. I need to get you acquainted with everyone else.}

I released my other three pack members from their capsules, and they all materialized before her.

{This is Dartrix.}

"Koo, roo...?"

He seemed a bit wary of her.

{And Red.}

"Cha..."

The Hawlucha gave her an intimidating glare, insinuating that she not try any funny business.

{And you should remember Grace.}

"Eievui!"

She was the only one who seemed excited about the new teammate, despite having been poisoned by the Pokémon.

{You're a new member of the team. I might even give you a nickname, like some of them...I'll have to think of one first, though. Any suggestions, Rotom?}

"Ah...I'm blankin' right now, bucko. But you'll get a burst of inspiration at some point! Zzrt!"

"Oh, man...Guess it's a good thing you got a couple critical hits on that thing, Pikachu. Otherwise, we'd have been toast!"