Join my p@treon for more chapters
p@treon.com/Tempest_29
Pokémon: Starting with a Psyduck has been blocked repeatedly, but you can still read it on my P@treon! It's available publicly for all supporters.
"Where did Totem Bulbasaur come from?"
Standing among the audience, Theodore frowned at the scene of commotion around him.
"Where else could it have come from? Of course, I prepared it specially," a young man said, walking toward Theodore with a bright smile.
"You're here too?" Theodore glanced at the young man with slight annoyance.
"No choice," the young man shrugged. "The elders in the Breeders Association picked this location abroad, but they didn't want to travel, so they sent me instead!" He spread his hands in mock helplessness before turning his attention to the battlefield.
"This Bulbasaur was discovered on a small island before I went to the Mayan Forest," he continued. "I'm not particularly fond of Grass-type Pokémon, so I didn't think about raising it myself. But I couldn't let a Pokémon with such potential go to waste. I figured a gathering of the Breeders Association would have plenty of geniuses, so I brought it along to find it a worthy trainer. Besides," he added with a smirk, "what's a camp meeting without a little excitement?"
Theodore didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the battlefield.
The battle for this Totem Bulbasaur was about to begin.
Hundreds of starters stood in one corner of the field, leaving plenty of space for the breeders to battle to their heart's content.
This time, however, it wasn't a one-on-one Pokémon battle.
The Breeders Association had anticipated fierce competition for the Totem Bulbasaur, so they adapted the competition rules.
"When more than five participants enter the same Pokémon Scramble, the battle mode automatically switches to Brawl mode," an official from the Breeders Association announced. "Each trainer can use only one Pokémon. The last Pokémon standing determines the ultimate winner, who will also be the one entrusted with the Totem Pokémon."
Forty-eight trainers entered the battlefield, with thirty-four competing for the Totem Bulbasaur. A standard one-on-one format would have taken hours, likely dragging the event into the night, which no one wanted.
"Brawl mode?" Trainers from various universities exchanged puzzled glances. For most, this rule was entirely unfamiliar.
Typically, Brawl mode was a relic from the ancient Western Regions, where such battles had earned fame in the Colosseum.
Despite their initial confusion, trainers from the same school quickly began strategizing together.
While every breeder wanted the Bulbasaur, they preferred it to stay within their school rather than letting someone from another school claim it.
The camp's breeding tests focused on individual competition, but when multiple schools competed, rivalries inevitably surfaced.
Chris stood alone, without a teammate.
In contrast, Xavier meticulously assessed other Pokémon nearby, showing no interest in the Totem Bulbasaur. Competing against a crowd wasn't his style; instead, he sought to make the most of this opportunity by selecting a Pokémon that genuinely caught his attention.
Meanwhile, Kaison held a Squirtle in his arms, despair written all over his face.
He'd been too hasty! Spotting an attractive Squirtle earlier, he had rushed to register it with the staff, unaware that each person was limited to one selection. Now disqualified from competing, he could only stand and watch.
Chris, undeterred by his solitary status, seemed unfazed.
"It doesn't matter," Chris said with a calm confidence. "It's the same either way."
Only someone absolutely assured of their abilities would enter such a chaotic battle alone.
As the trainers prepared, Chris silently hoped for a twist to make the inevitable match more interesting.
"Trainers, please get ready," the referee announced. "Select your Poké Ball. Once I give the signal, release your Pokémon simultaneously. Trainers who delay or release their Pokémon afterward will be automatically disqualified!"
The stage was set. The battle for the Totem Bulbasaur was about to begin.
The staff of the Breeders Association gestured to the participants, ensuring that everyone was ready. Then, with a sharp downward motion of the hand, the command was given:
"Release your Pokémon!"
Poké Balls flew through the air, and in an instant, the battlefield was alive with activity.
Across the vast arena, a variety of Pokémon appeared: Altaria, Steelix, Pikachu, Blastoise, Braviary, and more. Among the crowd were even pseudo-legendary Pokémon such as Gabite and Dragonair.
However, Chris quickly observed that their levels were noticeably low.
Silently calculating, he estimated that most of the Pokémon were around level 40, with none exceeding level 50. These were much weaker than the Pokémon he had encountered in the underground power plant.
Realizing this was an excellent opportunity to train a non-main Pokémon, Chris made his decision.
He released his red Gyarados.
"Roooaaar!"
The Shiny Gyarados let out a thunderous roar that drowned out the clamor of the thirty-three other Pokémon. Its sheer presence was overwhelming. Though its ability was not Intimidate but Moxie, its menacing aura and striking appearance were enough to unsettle even the boldest opponents.
Some of the more timid Pokémon began to tremble.
All eyes—both trainers and spectators—turned to Chris's red Gyarados.
It wasn't just the fact that it was a Shiny Pokémon; its raw power was undeniable.
Many trainers immediately saw it as the greatest threat on the battlefield.
"We need to take out that Gyarados first!" one trainer exclaimed.
"That thing is too strong. If we don't deal with it now, it'll wipe us out later!" another shouted.
Envy filled the air. A Shiny Gyarados and its trainer were here to compete for Totem Bulbasaur? For some, this was unacceptable.
"You've already got a Shiny Gyarados, and now you want the Totem Bulbasaur too? Not a chance!"
The referee raised their hand once more, signaling for quiet.
With a swift motion, the battle was declared:
"Begin!"
Chaos erupted as trainers issued commands simultaneously.
"Altaria, use Dragon Breath on Gyarados!"
"Steelix, Rock Slide on Gyarados!"
"Pikachu, hit Gyarados with Thunderbolt!"
Various attacks were hurled toward the red Gyarados.
Chris remained calm. With a measured gesture, he raised his hand and issued his command:
"Surf!"