Master's Favorite

Favorite Human

In a park a young man stood in front of a moderate sized group of pokemon and people dressed in the uniform of the local fire department. Most of the pokemon were water types, but there were a good number of rock types and a scattering of other types of pokemon as well. All of them were sweating from the training they already went through.

"We're going to finish the day with some jogging. I've made rough training programs for all of you with set goals for the end of the month." The trainer said while indicating a blue gardevoir standing beside him holding a stack of papers, "Today we'll be taking it slow. Go at your own pace. If you need to walk then walk. There is no rush, but later you'll be aiming for time goals as well. Any questions?"

Every trainer and pokemon were told to jog around the park a number of times. The amount of assigned laps varied, ranging from a young abra with 4 laps to a swampert with 40 laps.

Before the group began splitting off the trainer took the stack of papers and sent the gardevoir to start leading the run. The trainer handed out the papers to the people. He stopped to talk over some of the finer points of the training programs he prepared for them and their pokemon. Occasionally he would call over some of the people and pokemon already running to give them some more tips.

After handing off the last sheet the trainer saw the gardevoir running. She was going too fast. He knew the gardevoir was powerful. She was easily the most powerful pokemon in the training session, the entire city really, even without the mega-stone hanging around her neck, but that did not mean she was physically the strongest. Compared to other gardevoirs she was physically impressive, his training had seen to that, but she was still relatively frail. He moved to run alongside the gardevoir. "You don't have to push yourself."

The gardevoir's eyes focused and her face set in a mask of determination. Her eyes glowed as she mentally told the trainer that she was fine.

The trainer knew she was lying. He also knew that if he ordered her to stop it would just sour her mood. She would take it as a failure and push herself twice as hard the next day. With a shake of his head the trainer knew what he would have to do.

When the gardevoir stumbled he was ready. Before she could hit the ground her trainer caught her. He knew she would push herself too hard. She had an amazing drive to better herself. Never settling for simply meeting his expectations, but to exceed them. It was one reason she was the best he had. Honestly, he had always admired that about her.

For a moment the trainer looked down into her exhausted eyes, wondering how he could get her to relax someday. Shaking his head he lifted her in a bridal carry. He continued his jog.

The gardevoir asked him to put her down. She was fine, she just tripped that was all.

The trainer shook his head. "If you insist on doing your laps at this pace, then you'll do them at this pace," the young man said smiling. "Nothing says I can't carry you the last few."

The trainer looked forward, so he did not see the blush that covered the gardevoir's face. Hesitantly, she wrapped her arms around the trainer's neck. Slowly a smile spread across her face. By the end of the first lap the trainer carried the gardevoir she was laughing.

The trainer and gardevoir both cheered as they crossed the finish line for the final time.

"Having fun I see." A young lady said walking towards the two. She wore a green sundress with a straw hat over her long blond hair. A ditto bounced along beside her.

The trainer blushed. The gardevoir went stiff. The trainer set the gardevoir on her feet before waving back to the lady.

The ditto waved at the gardevoir who returned it with a small smile.