Okay, understood. Since the original fan The Gym challenge in Vermilion City had concluded just the day before.
Early the next morning, Paul held a cup of milk tea, observing the training field behind the Pokémon Center. Using the free facilities was practical.
He blew bubbles into his milk tea and glanced at Prinplup beside him.
"Hey, everyone else is training, and you're just standing around with me?" Paul rolled his eyes at Prinplup.
"Prin! Prinplup!" Prinplup flapped its flippers indignantly. * I haven't battled enough recently! I thought I was supposed to be the core of the team?! You used to call me your star! Now I'm just... here! *
Paul narrowed his eyes. * Getting arrogant, are we? *
"Alright, the recent matches just haven't suited you. When have I ever forgotten your training? Get moving, go over there and practice Bubble Beam."
Prinplup remained standing, tilted its head proudly, and shot a few weak bubbles from its beak.
The bubbles popped harmlessly on the ground. "Prinplup!" * Training's done! *
Paul scowled fiercely. "Don't push it, Prinplup!"
Seeing the anger on Paul's face, Prinplup's proud posture deflated slightly, and it stood there pouting.
"Oh," Paul sighed. "You're one of the originals, I shouldn't have to worry about your attitude."
"Prin... plup..." Prinplup muttered, sounding resentful. Yesterday, Paul had spoken with his older brother, Reggie. Reggie mentioned that Electabuzz had nearly mastered its Electirizer and was close to evolving into Electivire.
Once it evolved, Electabuzz's strength would jump significantly, from Gym level straight to Elite level.
Prinplup had overheard the conversation. It and Electabuzz were Paul's original partners, having been together since his journey began. While Prinplup was already evolved once, Electabuzz was about to reach its powerful final stage and surpass it. Understandably, the proud Prinplup felt left behind, leading to its behavior today.
"Prinplup," Paul began earnestly, kneeling beside it. "You and Electabuzz are my first Pokémon, my earliest companions."
"Plup," Prinplup lowered its head slightly and nodded.
"You two have been with me the longest. I count on both of you," Paul continued.
"Electabuzz got an opportunity with the Electirizer, a way to greatly improve its power. You feel like you're being left behind by your teammate, don't you?"
Prinplup looked up at Paul, beak trembling slightly, and then nodded vigorously. * Yes, that's exactly how I feel *.
"If I only cared about which one was stronger right now, why wouldn't I have left you with Reggie for special training instead of Electabuzz?" Paul pressed.
Prinplup stayed silent, watching Paul, waiting for his explanation.
"Because you need my direct guidance more," Paul said, gently touching the prominent crests on Prinplup's head. "Electabuzz's potential could be unlocked primarily through the Electirizer, but you still have a lot of untapped potential, the potential to become an Empoleon, which needs specific training to bring out."
"Prinplup?" Its eyes started to shine with renewed determination.
"Your destiny is to become an Empoleon. Do you understand the power and dignity that comes with that evolution?" Paul looked at Prinplup seriously. "If you lack the courage and pride to reach that level, then I, Paul, have misjudged your potential."
"Prinplup!" Prinplup cried out, tears welling in its eyes, moved by Paul's words.
Paul stood up and faced Prinplup. "If you don't want Electabuzz to overshadow you when it evolves, you need to train harder. When Electabuzz returns, I expect you to be even stronger, Empoleon!"
"PRIN! PLUP!" Prinplup declared fiercely, striking a determined pose with its flippers.
Motivated by Paul's pep talk, Prinplup marched determinedly towards the practice area to work on its techniques. * I'll train three times harder today! Not even Arceus can stop me! I'll show everyone! *
Squirtle ambled over, snatched Paul's milk tea, and gulped it down. "Squirtle Squirtle!" * Just like the boss, always knows what to say! *
"One stolen milk tea equals an extra five kilometers of jogging. Now," Paul stated calmly, looking at Squirtle.
"Squirtle," the small turtle cried, running off dejectedly. * My attempt at flattery completely backfired! *
Paul found the little Pokémon slightly exasperating. As a key long range attacker on the team, it had a bit of a rebellious streak, sometimes getting overly familiar.
However, Paul knew Squirtle was fundamentally strong willed and determined. He just needed to keep guiding it correctly. Paul respected the defiant attitude Squirtle showed during battles, its unspoken challenge of * I'm not afraid, are you?! *
Paul surveyed the training ground. Cottonee shimmered faintly, diligently performing photosynthesis. This was essential training for it; its light body meant it was naturally fast, and accumulating energy for evolution was its main objective.
Bulbasaur and Charmander finished their run. Bulbasaur began practicing Petal Dance, while Charmander worked on Fire Spin.
Charmander showed remarkable talent. Most Charmander start by learning Ember, but this one had begun with Flamethrower. Its previous neglect and poor feeding had left it weak initially.
After receiving proper care and nutrition from Paul, Charmander was transforming. The flame on its tail, a symbol of its life force, burned brighter and stronger each day.
pidgeot wasn't on the training ground, as the space was too confined for it. Paul's daily regimen for pidgeot involved flying freely over the sea, pushing its speed limits. This trained its stamina, speed, and reaction time. Speed was crucial for pidgeot, making up a significant part of its battle capability. Pushing its flight was key.
Gible had eagerly swallowed the Dragon Scale it received. To Paul's exasperation, it had fallen into a deep sleep immediately afterward. It seemed Gible would remain dormant until it fully absorbed the scale's energy.
These Pokémon currently formed Paul's entire team.
Ash had woken up early that day and taken Pikachu to rechallenge the Vermilion Gym. Unsurprisingly, he had likely won this time.
Now, Paul needed to plan his route to the next city. He repeatedly dismissed the idea of traveling on the S.S. Anne, docked in Vermilion's port.
* A battle royale at sea sounds too chaotic *, he thought.
But fate often had other plans.
After the morning's training, Paul decided to give his Pokémon the afternoon off.
Once his Pokémon were resting at the Center, Ash returned triumphantly from the Vermilion Gym.
"Paul, you won't believe it, I won!" Spotting Paul, Ash immediately rushed over, beaming and eager to boast.
"Oh. Congratulations," Paul replied nonchalantly, shrugging. "Winning at the Vermilion Gym isn't exactly difficult, is it?"
Ash was speechless. * Fine, keep acting cool! *
"Come on, Paul, show some excitement for me!" Ash exclaimed, annoyed.
"Like this?" Paul handed his Poké Balls to Nurse Joy, then used his fingers to force the corners of his mouth into an exaggerated smile.
"Brock, look at him, he's so irritating," Ash grumbled, forcing a laugh.
"Okay, Ash, it was a good win, try to be a bit more humble," Brock advised.
"Yeah, Paul's the only one who stays composed whether he wins or loses!" Misty added, never missing a chance to tease Ash. Their relationship revolved around bickering and bantering.
"Hmph, forget you guys, I'm going to eat." Ash stalked off, feeling ganged up on.
"By the way, Paul, are you heading to the next city soon?" Misty asked curiously.
"Yes, but I haven't decided whether to travel by sea or land," Paul replied, rummaging through his backpack. He was searching for the fishing rod he'd bought back in Cerulean City. * These spacious backpacks make it hard to find anything! *
"Well, in that case, why don't you join us on the ship!" Misty invited warmly.
"The S.S. Anne?" Paul asked warily.
"That's right!" Ash suddenly reappeared. "Haha, Ta da! Tickets for the S.S. Anne luxury cruise! I got them from two nice girls, and they even gave me a kiss!" He beamed, showing off the tickets.
Paul suppressed a sigh. * I really should tell him those 'girls' were Jessie and James in disguise... *
"I think I'll pass," Paul said, patting Ash's shoulder sympathetically. "You should probably go wash your face. You still have lipstick marks."
"Why not come?" Misty pressed.
"I'm not fond of crowds," Paul replied, retrieving his now healed Pokémon from the counter. He grabbed his fishing rod and slung it over his shoulder. "Enjoy yourselves, anyway. I'm going fishing down by the coast. See you later."
"What? Who wouldn't like a luxury cruise?" Ash pouted, disappointed. * I was hoping to battle Paul on board *.
Reaching a deserted, rocky section of the coast, Paul settled down comfortably and cast his fishing line into the sea.
It was a rare break, so Squirtle and Prinplup took the chance to swim and practice water moves nearby.
Paul released the rest of his Pokémon as well.
"Afternoon off. Relax on the beach." Adjacent to the rocks was a stretch of soft sand. Cottonee and Bulbasaur rested comfortably, basking in the sun.
Charmander sat quietly beside Paul. Though destined to become powerful and imposing upon evolution, it was currently quite attached to its trainer.
pidgeot soared back and forth above the coastline, practicing aerial maneuvers among the clouds.
Adjusting his straw hat and securing the fishing rod, Paul lay back on the shoreline rocks. Constant tension wasn't good for humans or Pokémon; relaxation was important too.
Unseen by Paul, under a nearby coconut tree, a scruffy looking man with a towel tied around his head eyed Paul's high quality fishing rod and his team of Pokémon with a greedy smile.
Paul had no idea that despite his efforts, he would ultimately find himself aboard that very cruise ship.