Chapter 12

While Redwald and Greta walked through the path on Route 1, the weather was still sunny, but cloudier in that particular day. Redwald kept his eyes on the map without a blink, since he did not want to have a longer distance. He was not comfortable in this area with lots of trees. Since Redwald took over the mission of Greta, watching the map and finding the road, Greta made up a mission for herself. She was watching over the Pokémon, Eevee and Nidoran, as they were outside of their Poké Balls most of the time.

Redwald felt refreshed in the soft breeze. While he was at home, he would usually wake up really sleepy, and need a glass of coffee to wake up. But on this journey, he barely needed coffee, because the nature itself had a healing influence on his body. Also, the afternoon nap was urgently important for both of them. They would feel more energetic with it.

“How about taking a break for lunch?” Greta asked. She was rumbling. Redwald lifted his head from the map, and nodded. “Sure.” He said. While Greta took her time to set a fire and prepare quick lunch for everyone, Redwald made a room for himself in the grasses, and trained his Pokémon, Eevee and Pidgey. Eevee attacked on the trees to improve his moves, mostly focusing on Double Team. Redwald knew he could use that move in the serious battles effectively. During his battle against that wild Raticate, Eevee improved a brand-new move, Double Team. He would create reflections of himself on the battle area, and the foe could never tell which one is the real one. Suddenly, all the reflections would move independently, and the true Eevee would use his move. But after that battle, Eevee could barely create more than three reflections at once. The chances of foe hitting Eevee was 25%. If Redwald managed to improve that move until the Pokémon League, Eevee even could barely be hit by the foe. Eevee could have a major role in the league in this regard.

“Focus on Double Team, Eevee!” Redwald said. “Don’t give up.”

Eevee was as determined as Redwald at least. He was passionate about mastering that move, too. He was just trying on his reflections around the tree.

Pidgey, in the other hand, did not have that much to improve. He only used his particular moves, Tackle, Gust and Sand Attack on another tree to get better at them. Redwald knew that kind of determination from the beginning could only lead to the better.

The training was interrupted when Greta ran to the area. As she was panting something out, it was obvious that she tried too hard to get there really fast.

“What is it, Greta? I don’t understand you.” Redwald responded. He did not know if he had to worry about something. Greta took a moment to take a deep breath and rest her muscles, then she spoke properly.

“You have to see this.”

Greta grabbed Redwald from his wrist and dragged him to the other side. Eevee and Pidgey chased them behind. Nidoran and Caterpie were with them too. Eventually, Greta brought Redwald to a spot next to a lake, behind a tree.

“Be quiet, Red!” Greta said. “You don’t want to scare them.” She was speaking very silently.

“Scare whom?” Redwald responded. He kept his voice at the same level as Greta. Greta smiled and pointed out behind the tree, somewhere in the lake. It took seconds for Redwald to realize what Greta was after. There was a pack of Pokémon. All of them were the same species, and they were living all together in the lake. Some of them were in the water, others were outside of the lake, on the grasses.

“Who is that Pokémon?” Redwald said while he turned on his Pokédex and held it through them. The Pokédex identified the species and presented it to them.

“So, this is a Poliwag.” Redwald thought. He wanted to catch one of them, but Greta understood as Redwald stood up, and stopped him. “Hold it, Red.” She said. “Look at these Pokémon, and how in peace they live.”

All the Pokémon had their own errand to run. The Pokémon on the grasses were slower compared to those in the water, but everyone knew what they were supposed to do.

“These Pokémon have their own style far away from humans. Why do we want to disturb them now?” Greta said. “Let them live in peace.”

Redwald thought Greta seemed to be right. These Pokémon were happy, and they did not need someone to come out and challenge them to a battle.

“We should let them be, and go back to our place.” Greta said. “I just wanted all you to see this beauty of nature.” They both nodded their heads, and prepared themselves to leave. But as all the Poliwag turned their heads to the bushes after a sound, so did Redwald and Greta. Everyone was trying to figure out what was happening.

Behind the bushes, another blue Pokémon with arms and bigger body appeared. It was clearly their evolution at some stage.

“Maybe he is the one watching over the pack.” Greta said. “I mean, bringing food, protecting them, et cetera.”

“But they look so surprised to see him...” Redwald said. “...and not in a good meaning.”

The new Pokémon raised his right arm, and pointed out to a Pokémon in the lake. The Pokémon he pointed out was different than rest of the pack. He was standing on a special, big leaf, and he was being served at some times.

“I wonder if the new Pokémon is declaring a challenge.” Greta said. “That small Poliwag has no chance before him.”

The small Poliwag on the leaf stood up, and responded with Water Gun. But the move did not affect the bigger Pokémon. In fact, he felt even better.

“What is happening?” Redwald responded. He did not understand anything.

“I understand something.” Greta said. “That big Pokémon came out, and challenged Poliwag to a battle. That Poliwag is the leader of the pack, and probably the big Pokémon wants to be in the control.”

“But why did Water Gun not affect him at all?” Redwald asked.

“The ability of Poliwag is Water Absorb, which turns the Water attacks to energy value. That Pokémon is probably evolved form of Poliwag, which has the same ability, which causes water attacks to turn in energy.”

Redwald turned on his Pokédex through the new Pokémon as well.

“Poliwag turns out to be a great Pokémon as it seems.” Greta thought. Before they had a chance to think of anything, Poliwhirl’s belly began to glow in pink. He sent the waves out of his belly. Poliwag jumped in the water to dodge the move. He successfully did so.

“This is getting challenging.” Redwald said. They were still watching the battle with an attention, as Poliwag came out of the water and tried to respond with the same move – Hypnosis. His belly glowed in pink, and Poliwag created waves coming out of his belly. The waves gathered Poliwhirl all around, but Poliwhirl dodged the move by using Water Gun.

Both Pokémon ran to each other, and they began to slap. Poliwhirl was using his big hands. His hands glowed the whole time he slapped Poliwag. Poliwag was using his tail, in the other hand, to slap his foe. Both Pokémon slapped each other for four times, then they took a moment to rest.

“This is weird.” Greta responded. “Why is the whole pack is just watching, rather than protecting their leader?”

“That’s a leadership battle, Greta.” Redwald said calmly. “Whoever wins the battle, owns the pack. Other Poliwag have no choice but to sit and watch. Because they want the worthy one to take over the control in the pack. If they help Poliwag, they may end up having the worse leader.”

Poliwag and Poliwhirl used Body Slam on each other at the same time. Both Pokémon damaged each other, but Poliwhirl’s damage on Poliwag was not compare to Poliwag.

Poliwag jumped in the lake to pull himself together. But even it was not good enough to gather energy and face the foe. As soon as he came out of the water, Poliwhirl ran to him, and used Body Slam. Poliwag found himself in the water in seconds once again. He forced himself to come out of the water. This time, he slowly went to the coast, and tried to come out. But Poliwhirl did not give him a chance to even look. Before Poliwag did anything, Poliwhirl used Body Slam, and sent Poliwag to the water again.

“This is too much!” Greta responded. “Poliwag is not even battling anymore! He is just trying to get out of the water! We have to stop Poliwhirl now!”

“No, Greta!” Redwald said quickly. “We have to do nothing at this point. You told me, this is the nature and we should not interfere. So, we won’t. Let them live what they are supposed to live.”

Greta was upset about it, but Redwald had a point. She could not just show up and tell Poliwhirl to stop. Even more, she was not sure if she could face that Pokémon. Neither Nidoran, nor Caterpie were that much trained.

Poliwag swam to the other side of the lake, and came out of the water. He took some time to rest on the grasses. Redwald and Greta kept an eye on him, while also they watched the pack. Poliwhirl took over the spot of Poliwag on the big leaf in the lake, and the other Pokémon began to serve him.

After a while, Poliwag stood up and turned to his pack. He saw the Poliwhirl taking over his spot, and other Pokémon respecting him the way they respected himself. Extremely upset and disappointed, Poliwag turned his back to walk away. He knew, he could not join the pack back as an ordinary member.

While Poliwag walked away, Redwald ran to the Pokémon and stood before him. “Poliwag, hold it!” Redwald said as he spread his arms. Poliwag was alarmed immediately, and responded with Water Gun on Redwald’s stomach. Before Redwald understood what was happening, he found himself hitting a tree.

“Calm down, Poliwag!” Redwald said. But over the shock he experienced in the lake, Poliwag had no intention to calm down. Before seconds passed, Poliwag used Water Gun once again. Redwald covered his head with his arms, but it was no use.

Suddenly Eevee and Pidgey came out. They shouted out, and told something to Poliwag. But Poliwag was not like to have heard any of it. After that, Eevee and Pidgey ran and flew to their trainer to check on him.

“I am fine, guys.” Redwald said calmly. “Just it happened out of nowhere, but all is well.”

Then Greta arrived there. “I couldn’t catch up to you, Red!” She said. “You were too fast. Are you all right now?” She was checking on Redwald as well.

Poliwag was impressed by the care and attention his Pokémon and friend showed for him. Thinking about his pack, none of the Pokémon shared the same mercy and compassion for him. Poliwag was convinced that the person who appeared before him was a good person. Poliwag ran to Redwald as fast as he could, and he dropped his head to the ground.

“I think Poliwag wants to tell he is sorry for attacking you.” Greta said. Redwald put a sincere smile on his face. “I can’t blame him. It is my fault I came before him out of nowhere, without even any warning. It is fine you got scared, Poliwag.” He said.

“But let me tell you something.” He kept talking. “Me and my friend happened to see what happened out there. These Pokémon, you were the leader to them, right?”

Poliwag nodded his head. Greta predicted right from the beginning.

“And that Poliwhirl just took over your place, and now you are on your own.”

Poliwag nodded his head once again. He felt his eyes got watery. It was not easy for him to leave that place, but he had no other choice.

“I want to offer you a personal train.” Redwald said. Poliwag, but not only him, and also Greta, even Eevee and the other Pokémon, were shocked to hear that. Although Redwald felt it in the air, he ignored it all.

“You know, I am a Pokémon Trainer, and I am training my Pokémon for the Pokémon League, to be the best trainer of this season. But I am still new on my journey. I know how to train Pokémon, but I don’t have much experience in this regard. See, Eevee and Pidgey are my only Pokémon.”

Poliwag looked at the two Pokémon. Eevee and Pidgey, both of them seemed to be happy with Redwald. They were also good cared as they appeared. Their fur was glorious, and they fed well.

“I want to train you for a couple of days. Let me see where I am, and let yourself see what your true potency is.” Redwald said. “Let me, and yourself, have that chance to see it. Give me a couple of days, and I will train you. After that, you can go out there, and challenge that Poliwhirl as a payback to get your pack back. What do you think?”

Poliwag took a moment to think. But it was not even necessary to think. He lost his pack, he had nowhere to go. He did not have any better choice. He nodded his head, meaning he agreed on it.

Redwald and Greta spent the next couple of days on Route 1, near the lake. When Greta checked on the map, she learnt that the place was called Pallet Lake, despite of being outside of the Pallet Town. While Redwald focused majorly on Poliwag, he trained both of his Pokémon, too. Greta was in fact impressed by Redwald’s determination and training. First, Redwald tested Poliwag’s moves and analyzed them all. According to his notes, Poliwag needed to get better at aiming Hypnosis to the foe. The move itself was hard to begin with. The chances of hitting the foe with Hypnosis was not that much. But Poliwag could make it better by aiming better. Poliwhirl probably trained on it before. “If you put the foe in sleep in the battle, you get the chance to attack without being hit.” Redwald said. “Hypnosis is too important at this point.” Also, Double Slap and Body Slam needed to be improved, since Poliwag had a small body and a light tail. With that tail, the power of hitting the foe could not make a serious damage. Body Slam with that kind of a small body would not bring anything much on the table. “But no need to worry!” Redwald said to Poliwag. “If we work on them, you can get use of them very well!” There was also Water Gun, which seemed unnecessary to work on, since Poliwhirl had Water Absorb ability as well. But Redwald did not agree on it. “As a leader of a pack, you have to be prepared to anything, and improve all your skills. We will work on Water Gun, too.” He said. During their training in the following days, Redwald received much help from the books he brought with him in his backpack. The book would guide them how to treat Pokémon in specific types. Water had the largest amount of Pokémon included, so it was rather complicated to figure out a specific method for Poliwag, but it eventually worked fine.

Redwald did not overlook his own Pokémon in this process either. He spent an effort on Eevee to improve his Double Team, as well as he supported Pidgey to be faster at using Sand Attack on the foe. With Sand Attack, Redwald could really get a lot better chances to defeat them.

“It is not all about attacking, guys. It is also very important to protect as well.” Redwald said while training. His Pokémon believed in him, and Redwald had no choice but to show his best. Even Poliwag was impressed at the time. Hours of training and training could be exhausting for them, but Redwald never complained. Because he knew, if he complained, so would the Pokémon. Instead, he tried to make it look as natural as possible.

“It will pay off big time.” He said for a couple of times. That was an alarm for Poliwag with his desire of getting the empery he had for so long.

In the end of the third night, Greta set a fire and cooked meal for everyone. Redwald, Poliwag, Eevee and Pidgey returned exhausted from three days of nonstop training. Greta carefully made dinner for everyone to taste as good as possible. They deserved it, she thought.

“Here, take it.” Redwald said with a friendly smile on his face, while he gave a plate to Poliwag with Pokémon food in it. “Greta did it for you. She thinks you would like it. Want to try?”

Poliwag smiled at Redwald, impressed how friendly they had been since he joined them. He nodded his head, and dug in the plate. Maybe because he was really exhausted and hungry, or maybe because the natural food he could get on the trees were not cooked, but Poliwag loved what he was given. After his first plate, he asked for two more.

“Tomorrow is the big day, Poliwag.” Redwald said while he ate his food. “You are going to face Poliwhirl. Remember what we talked about – First you will focus on putting him in sleep. You improved your aiming for Hypnosis on something really good. I am sure you will do just great. Once he is put in sleep, don’t ever use Water Gun. That is the last thing you would want to do. Just go with either Double Slap, or Body Slam.”

Poliwag listened to Redwald carefully.

“You have good balance on both of these moves. Despite of your small body and light tail, you can do much better than before. It may not be as good as Poliwhirl’s hands, or bigger body, but as long as he is put in sleep, you will do just fine. Hypnosis is the key. Even after that, you will use Water Gun just fine in case of any other emergency.”

Poliwag stared at the darkness for a while. He thought about the battle of tomorrow. Once he defeats the Poliwhirl, his whole pack would obey and respect him once again. He was ready to embrace the whole pack once again. Redwald really helped him to improve his skills more. He could not thank him enough whatever he does, he thought.

Redwald found Poliwag watching the morning sky when he woke up. Poliwag was the only woken one. Redwald could not tell if Poliwag just woke up too early, or did not sleep at all. “Are you feeling all right?” He asked. “Do you feel tired at all?”

He knew Poliwag did not need to be tired over all the disadvantages he already had over Poliwhirl. But Poliwag softly nodded his head, said he was fine. Redwald could understand how upset Poliwag was feeling. After all, he lost his home, and he had nowhere else to go. Redwald came like a light in a dark night. He gave Poliwag hope. Redwald only hoped that what he had done with Poliwag would turn out to be fine. Otherwise, Redwald had no idea how he would deal with that disappointment he could possibly feel.

“Believe in yourself, and everything will be fine!” He said determinedly.

Everyone had a breakfast after a short time. That was the quickest breakfast Redwald ever had since he set off. Poliwag was too excited to declare a battle.

“Are you ready now?” Greta asked. Poliwag nodded his head. He was more than ready. Eevee, Pidgey, Nidoran and Caterpie encouraged Poliwag before Poliwag left them. Redwald felt proud that he made Poliwag friends with all the rest of the crew. Now Poliwag had respect for all the other Pokémon, just like they have for Poliwag.

After Poliwag left to walk through the Pallet Lake, Redwald, Greta and the others hid behind a tree, and watched Poliwag carefully.

When Poliwag came to the lake, he saw all the pack and their new leader, Poliwhirl, were sleeping. Poliwag aimed to the sky and blasted Water Gun. The water poured on everyone as a nice, cool drop. The pack woke up as well as their leader. Poliwhirl was unpleasant that his sleep was interrupted. All the other Poliwag were watching Poliwhirl worriedly. They accepted Poliwhirl as their new leader, but they still had a little respect for their former leader. They worried that Poliwhirl could harm him once again, as he was angry.

“It looks to me that the pack was not afraid of Poliwag when he was in charge. But look at that, Greta.” Redwald said. “They are afraid of what Poliwhirl can do to them. They are worried that Poliwhirl is angry now.”

Poliwhirl jumped off the giant leaf on the lake, and landed on the grass, right in front of Poliwag. That was the way of him saying he accepted the challenge, and therefore, the battle officially began.

Poliwhirl’s hand glowed bright as he came closer to Poliwag. He used Double Slap on him. Poliwag attempted to dodge the move, but he was not fast enough to deal with Poliwhirl. He was hit three times in a row.

Poliwag aimed on Poliwhirl, and his swirl on his abdomen turned in pink. That was the sign of Hypnosis. As soon as Poliwag sent waves out of his belly, Poliwhirl jumped and ran around to dodge all of them. Eventually, he stood behind a bush, and none of the waves affected him.

“I was afraid of that.” Greta said. “Now Poliwhirl knows Poliwag’s tactic is to put him in sleep. Poliwhirl won’t let that happen.”

“You can’t be sure yet.” Redwald responded. “Anything can happen.”

Poliwhirl responded with Body Slam, as he ran to Poliwag and crushed his small, tiny body between his bigger and more muscular body and the tough ground with almost not effective soft grasses. Once Poliwhirl stood up, Poliwag could not move as free as he wished.

“I know this!” Greta said. “Body Slam has a chance to leave the foe paralyzed. Now Poliwag is paralyzed, he won’t be able to move as fast as he actually can!”

That was not good at all, and Redwald knew that. Every time Poliwhirl did something, Redwald’s hopes for a victory faded a bit more. Poliwag, in the other hand, tried to protect himself with his best, but Poliwhirl just did not give that chance to him. Every time Poliwag attempted to dodge or make a move, his slow body was blocked by Poliwhirl’s another attempts of damage. Eventually, Poliwhirl sent Poliwag to the lake, and got rid of him once and for all.

“Poliwag!” Redwald responded as he came out of the bushes, and jumped in the lake. He swam to the Pokémon, caught him in the water, and carried on his laps to the ground. He softly put the Pokémon on the grasses. He was really exhausted, damaged and tired.

“Wake up, Poliwag!” Greta said. Everyone gathered around him, and expected a sign of a move. Eventually, Poliwag moved his tiny legs and opened his eyes.

“I am sorry, Poliwag.” Redwald said while staring at the ground. “I really thought it would turn out to be great for you. But I was wrong. I did not train you good enough.”

Poliwag forced himself to stand up, stood right in front of Redwald, and dropped his head to the ground. He was showing gratitude to the man who trained him nonstop for whole three days with no expectation of return.

“Poliwag already knows that you made him a batter and stronger Pokémon, no matter if he lost the battle.” Greta said. “I can feel that is what he is thinking right now.”

Poliwag lifted his head and nodded it. He was confirming Greta’s words. He was really grateful for what Redwald did for him. No one ever did something like this to him before.

“I know you are capable of much more, Poliwag.” Redwald said. “It is obvious in your eyes.”

“But now, he has nowhere to go.” Greta said. “Poliwag can only train on his own from this point, and return someday to challenge a battle to Poliwhirl.”

Greta was right. Poliwag was depressed once again. He thanked Redwald and everyone else once more, and turned his back to walk away. Due to paralysis, he could barely move.

“Poliwag!” Redwald said while he stood up. His sad expression turned into a crafty smile. He clearly had something in his mind. As Poliwag turned his back to look at him, Redwald walked a couple of steps, and stood on his right knee.

“As I told you, I am training my Pokémon to compete in Kanto League. You know, after this morning, me and my Pokémon will go on our way, and visit the whole Kanto while training really hard.”

Poliwag had no idea what it had to do with him.

“I want you to come along with us.” He said. “I know you have nowhere to go at this point, and you need training. How about sticking with us, and let me train you the whole season, rather than just three days?”

Poliwag was surprised to hear that offer.

“After the Kanto League, I will bring you back here to challenge Poliwhirl to a fierce battle. You will be qualified to defeat him for sure. In return, I will get use of you in the League. I know, we both can help each other. We need each other, that’s for sure.”

Greta thought it was a great idea, indeed. She had something to say to Poliwag as well. “See how much you have improved in three days, Poliwag.” She said. “Imagine where you could get after a whole season with Red and me.”

Poliwag was amazed by the offer. He could not think of any better option for him, in a sudden. The two trainers were right in their respects. Redwald could really train Poliwag great, and Poliwag could get his pack back someday. After letting down them twice, he only had to be sure to defeat Poliwhirl without letting him get a victory.

Poliwag nodded his head. He would be more than happy to join Redwald’s team.

“Alright, then!” Redwald said. He took an empty Poké Ball out of his backpack, and threw it to the Poliwag. “Poké Ball, go!” He said. The Poké Ball absorbed Poliwag inside of it, and fell on the ground. It had shaken once... and twice...

Poliwag was officially in Redwald’s team.

Pokémon

 * Wild Raticate (mentioned)
 * Wild Poliwag (pack)
 * Leader Poliwhirl
 * Wild Raticate (mentioned)
 * Wild Poliwag (pack)
 * Leader Poliwhirl
 * Wild Poliwag (pack)
 * Leader Poliwhirl