The Professor's Secret

2. The Toughest Battle was Fought Inwardly

I tried to keep a cool head throughout the battle – after all, with one gym badge, I couldn't exactly be called a rookie! -, but going against my recently acquainted Professor Sycamore seemed to be something else entirely: I could feel my shoulders stiffen and my spirit die in my throbbing chest. Realizing that it was an easy battle only made it worse: As my Pikachu, Chasm, landed a critical attack and ruled out his water type in one hit, I grew nervous. Had he been strong as his many years in my advance should have made him, I would be at peace... Had he defeated me as he ought to do, being a specialist in the field of Pokémon, I wouldn't be so insecure... I would gladly smile and bow to his superiority, but apparently such was not the case. He did warn me though, and he was right: not tough at all!

He grabbed the second pokeball from his desk and, holding it between the tips of his fingers, brought it closer to his face and closed his eyes with a confident smile playing about his lips – it felt as if he was enjoying the moment and savoring his expectations on me for the next round. He sent out a grass type...

An angry little creature leapt from its pokeball and seemed ready to gnarl at Chasm, giving me a little fright. The Professor laughed:

"That is my friend Bulbasaur..." by hearing its name, Bulbasaur looked back on the Professor with faithful eyes. "She is hot-headed, just like you, miss Anne!"

"M-M-Me??! A hot-head??!" I shivered and blushed.

"Why, you are terribly nervous, I can see it from here!"

I smiled awkwardly and quickly looked away, losing the very composure of my body with embarrassment.

Bulbasaur, however, wasn't as happy with merely standing there and scrutinizing my shyness with a piercing smile as Professor Sycamore seemed to be: The Pokémon impatiently whipped the floor near Chasm's feet, producing a quick slash and giving my Pikachu a scare. She jumped to my arms and Bulbasaur gnarled what seemed like a triumphant laugh.

My eyes immediately sought a judge for such offense: but Professor Sycamore couldn't help but laugh himself! He then rubbed his Jaw – his fingers producing a soft sound as they scratched against his beard stubbles – and sighed in a thoughtful, surrendering way:

"That was a taste of Bulbasaur's Vine Whip... Though unrequired!" His eyes grew heavy upon his Pokémon, in the manner of a scold. Bulbasaur's little ears dropped.

I was next. I looked down at my Pikachu among my arms. She looked into my eyes, waiting:

"Chasm, land a thunder shock!"

Professor Sycamore watched carefully as Chasm jumped from my arms and, mid air, performed her attack. I began to realize that the battle was much more about him analyzing me than it was about winning, and things started to make sense – as they did, I smiled more confidently, now capable of fearlessly doing my best!

...The attack was unsuccessful though, as it hit Bulbasaur right on the spot but didn't seem to do much damage: after the small flash of energy pouring from Chasm's body vanished, Bulbasaur grinned, baring its little pointy teeth. Professor Sycamore pointed out in my direction and gave out the order:

"Vine whip!" He shouted directly.

...And though I had seen that attack before, I still lost to him: Chasm was defeated with Bulbasaur's harshness.

"Dammit..." – I squeezed my next pokeball with nervous fingers.

"Grass-typed Pokémon are resistant against electricity, you are learning it now!" Sycamore pointed out.

I sent out Fletching next, and he smiled, contented:

"Very well! Though your Fletching is probably too young to know any fire moves, it should still prove resistant to Bulbasaur's attacks... Even if it didn't, it's still a better choice than your Froakie!"