Pokémon: The truth behind the power

James left the battlefield with a mix of emotions. The adrenaline still coursed through his veins after defeating Daisy Waterflower in the second round of the Indigo Conference preliminaries. As he walked away, he couldn't help but blush at the flirty look Daisy had given him just before they said goodbye. The image of her playful smile and her insinuating comment about becoming his "personal trainer" lingered in his mind. With a slight flush on his cheeks, he headed to the Pokémon Center.

Upon entering the Pokémon Center, the atmosphere was bustling. Trainers from all over gathered to share stories of their battles and celebrate their victories. James approached the counter where Nurse Joy greeted him with a warm smile.

"Hello, James. How did your match go?" she asked as she took the Poké Balls of Pidgeot and Exeggutor he offered.

"It was... intense, but I managed to win," he replied, trying to sound more confident than he actually felt.

While Joy took care of healing his Pokémon, James looked around. The memories of his recent encounter with Daisy danced in his mind but soon faded when a commotion caught his attention from the nearby café. Curious, he decided to step outside and see what was happening.

As he approached the café, he saw two guards pushing a thin, somewhat disheveled boy outside. His messy brown hair flew as he fell to the ground. With a nervous gesture, the boy pulled out some crumpled Pokédollars from his jacket and offered them to the guards.

"Wait! I can pay!" he shouted, his trembling voice echoing in the air.

The guards let out mocking laughter, approaching with a threatening attitude.

"We don't serve non-affiliated people here," one of them said in a dismissive tone that made James frown.

Without thinking twice, James quickly stepped forward, recognizing the boy as Alan, the young trainer he had previously helped in a casual encounter.

"Hey!" James exclaimed firmly. "What do you think you're doing?"

The guards turned towards him, surprised by his presence. James was a well-known trainer dressed sharply; his expensive clothes contrasted with Alan's scruffy appearance. However, that didn't stop the guards' arrogance.

"This kid isn't an affiliated trainer," one of them retorted. "He has no right to be here."

James helped Alan up from the ground while arguing with the guards.

"It doesn't matter what his affiliation is," he said determinedly. "Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. If you can't understand that, then you should reconsider your jobs."

The guards exchanged uncomfortable glances at James's firmness. However, they were unwilling to back down easily.

"And what if this kid can't pay?" one of them argued. "It's clear he doesn't belong here."

James felt a wave of frustration wash over him upon hearing the guard's words. Just as he was about to continue arguing, Alan interrupted with a sad voice:

"It doesn't matter, Mr. James. I'm used to this treatment..."

James's expression changed upon hearing the resignation in Alan's voice. He felt sorry for Alan and decided to let go of the tense moment.

"Alright," he finally said. "But you shouldn't have to endure this. Come with me; I'll treat you to something to eat."

Alan hesitated for a moment, looking down as if considering rejecting the offer. But he eventually nodded shyly.

"Okay..."

James frowned slightly when he saw the name of the restaurant they were heading to: Blast Off. It was a familiar name.

Upon entering the restaurant, they were greeted by a waiter who led them to a more private room. Alan seemed surprised by the staff's kindness; there were no insults or disdainful looks like those he'd experienced outside.

Once seated at the table, James watched as Alan looked around with a mix of awe and nervousness.

"You don't have to worry here," James said trying to reassure him. "Everyone deserves to be treated well regardless of their appearance or affiliation."

Alan smiled weakly as he flipped through the menu in front of him. Despite the luxurious environment and the friendly smiles from the staff, there was something in his gaze that revealed deep sadness.

As food began arriving at their table, James observed Alan closely. The boy still seemed a bit nervous, as if he couldn't believe he was in such a restaurant. James smiled and decided to break the ice.

"So, Alan, how have you been these past few months?" he asked, looking to lighten up the conversation.

Alan looked down, fiddling with his napkin before responding. His voice was a whisper, almost as if afraid someone would overhear him.

"Overall, pretty well..." he said with a slight sadness in his eyes. "My Pidgey evolved into Pidgeotto and my Rattata is now a Raticate."

"That's great!" James exclaimed genuinely excited. "Congratulations! Have you caught any new Pokémon?"

Alan nodded slowly, his expression brightening slightly.

"Yes, Mr. James; I caught a Doduo, a Sentret, and a Spinda."

James noticed that Alan continued referring to him as "Mr. James," which felt strange to him. With a kind smile, he said:

"You can just call me James. I'm not that old."

Alan blushed slightly and smiled shyly.

"Okay... James."

"And do you plan on specializing in Normal-type Pokémon?" James asked curiously about the young trainer's choice.

"Yes," Alan replied more confidently. "They are usually easier to care for and require fewer resources."

James nodded, understanding Alan's logic behind his choice. He felt relieved seeing that the boy was starting to relax and decided to try making him laugh to ease the tension.

"You know, I've always thought Normal-type Pokémon are like trainers who arrive late to meetings: they're not very exciting but are always there when you need them."

Alan let out a small laugh which encouraged James even more.

"And if you ever run into a Snorlax, make sure not to offer it a pillow! It might fall asleep right in the middle of a battle!"

Alan's laughter grew louder this time and for a moment it seemed like he forgot about all his worries weighing on him. However, when things calmed down again, James felt it was an appropriate time to delve deeper into conversation.

"Tell me, Alan... why aren't you affiliated with the Alliance?"

Alan fell silent for a moment, staring at his plate as if searching for the right words. Finally, he sighed deeply and replied:

"The requirements for joining the Alliance are too high for people like me. My parents would have to pay a very high subsidy for at least ten years... not to mention having no criminal records in their history. We don't have money for that."

James felt a pang in his heart upon hearing this; this young man's life was much more complicated than he'd imagined.

"I became a trainer to relieve pressure on my parents," Alan continued with a trembling voice. "I have two twin little brothers and I don't want to be another burden."

James nodded understandingly; Alan's story resonated with him as he'd faced his own struggles on his journey as a trainer. He decided to ask:

"Didn't you try getting funding from any gym leader or professor?"

Alan shook his head; his expression turned somber.

"I tried... but no one paid attention to me. I even tried getting funding from a prominent family called Yaxley..."

The name echoed in James's mind like a distant memory; he recalled meeting Michael Yaxley during his time at Viridian Gym—a young arrogant man who had challenged gym norms with his defiant attitude.

"But they rejected and humiliated me," Alan finished sadly.

James felt an overwhelming wave of indignation wash over him at remembering that despicable behavior from young Yaxley; however, he tried to remain calm as they continued discussing their experiences.

The waiters began bringing plates filled with delicious food; the aroma made Alan's eyes widen in amazement. James started eating while Alan just watched in awe.

"Come on; eat," James said kindly. "Don't worry about cost; I'll cover everything."

Alan swallowed hard and finally began eating. As he tasted each dish, an expression of enjoyment lit up his face; even tears began streaming down his cheeks.

James grew concerned upon seeing this and quickly tried to console him:

"Are you alright?"

Alan took a deep breath and cleared his throat:

"Yes... I'm fine. I'm just very happy... I've never eaten something so abundant before. I wish my family could try something like this someday..."

That statement broke James's heart; he felt deep sadness wash over him while continuing silently eating and watching Alan enjoy every bite. The boy's joy contrasted painfully with his current situation.

After some time passed in silence, James decided it was time to break it:

"Tell me... has being a trainer met your heart's expectations?"

Alan looked surprised by this sudden question but thought carefully before responding:

"At first I thought I could change my fate and help my parents and little brothers... But over time I realized I can't earn enough money to help them because now I'm also responsible for my Pokémon too. There are days when I can't earn enough money even for decent meals; sometimes I prefer going hungry so they don't starve..."

A deep sigh escaped Alan's lips while James felt sadness enveloping their atmosphere once again between them. He was about to speak when Alan continued:

"Despite all that... I wouldn't trade moments spent with my Pokémon for anything else. They are my best friends and practically my family… So if you ask me whether I've met my expectations… I'd say yes."

A smile appeared on James's face as he listened to the boy's sincere words. After hesitating briefly, he decided to offer something more meaningful:

"Look... I can help you... I could fund your needs and those of your family."

Alan's face briefly lit up before darkening again.

"I can't accept that... Even though we have financial problems we aren't beggars; we have principles..."

James was taken aback by his refusal and tried reformulating his proposal:

"This isn't charity; it would be an investment in yourself! You could work for the Morgan family and receive resources based on your own merit."

Tears began filling Alan's eyes as he struggled against his emotions; finally nodding slowly.

"Okay… I'll accept…"

James smiled widely while both shook hands firmly; that gesture sealed not only a promise but also new hope for both trainers moving forward.

...

The atmosphere in the stadium was electrifying as lights shone brightly over the battlefield. James stood before his last opponent in the Indigo Conference preliminaries—a middle-aged man with brown facial hair and messy hair who had seen two of his Pokémon fall: one Fearow and one Victreebel. Now, all eyes were on Machamp—the last bastion of his team—ready for battle.

"Let's go Machamp!" shouted the man with determination resonating in his voice as Machamp positioned itself—its muscular body tense and ready for action.

James smiled confidently while calling forth his own Pokémon:

"Hitmonlee! Keep fighting!" exclaimed James as Hitmonlee maintained its fighting stance gracefully—its legs extended like springs ready to leap into action.

The stadium screen displayed both combatants' names while cheers erupted from the crowd around them; adrenaline surged through James knowing this battle would be decisive.

"Let's begin!" announced the referee raising their hand signaling combat initiation.

Machamp struck first launching Bullet Punch surprisingly fast—its fists moving like projectiles toward Hitmonlee—but James was prepared.

"Dodge it! Use Bulk Up!" ordered quickly as Hitmonlee agilely sidestepped avoiding damage while accumulating power increasing its strength and defense.

"Don't fall behind Machamp! Use Drain Punch!" shouted Machamp's trainer launching direct strikes toward Hitmonlee—the energy from its attack seemingly absorbed from thin air.

James saw Hitmonlee brace itself readying for impact deciding it was time for action.

"Now Hitmonlee! Counterattack with Triple Axel!"

Hitmonlee lunged forward delivering rapid precise icy kicks connecting forcefully against Machamp's torso causing it recoil from sheer power behind each strike—the crowd roared witnessing Hitmonlee maintain offensive momentum.

The man frowned seeing Machamp being overwhelmed.

"Machamp! Use Bulk Up too!" urgently commanded Machamp began concentrating boosting its strength recovering some lost energy.

James remained unfazed by opponent's defensive strategy knowing pressure must be kept high.

"Hitmonlee! Use High Jump Kick!" shouted—Hitmonlee leaped high into air extending legs downward like lightning striking Machamp.

Impact resonated heavily—Machamp staggered back yet remained standing determined responding swiftly launching Stone Edge sending sharp rocks flying towards Hitmonlee.

"Shift left! Use Double Kick!" ordered swiftly—Hitmonlee dodged rocks countering back delivering two powerful kicks causing Machamp stagger again.

Cheers erupted louder than ever while excitement surged through James feeling victory drawing nearer yet Machamp wouldn't yield easily—its trainer cheering from afar.

"Machamp! Use Drain Punch again!"

Machamp charged towards Hitmonlee surprisingly fast despite size delivering devastating blow impacting directly against kicking Pokémon's abdomen—Hitmonlee felt pain yet refused surrendering under pressure.

"Keep fighting! Use Sucker Punch!" yelled—Hitmonlee dashed forward just as Machamp attempted another attack exploiting surprise landing rapid strike causing Machamp stagger once more.

The man gritted teeth watching how Pokémon struggled standing upright—the battle reaching its climax.

"Don't give up Machamp! Use Bullet Punch!"

Machamp unleashed another rapid punch towards Hitmonlee but it dodged nimbly countering swiftly unleashing Earthquake shaking ground beneath Machamp's feet.

Impact proved catastrophic—Machamp collapsed onto ground producing loud crash while crowd erupted into deafening cheers surrounding victorious moment shared between trainers present.

"We did it Hitmonlee!" shouted jubilantly embracing Pokémon who overcame all obstacles faced throughout fight together proudly standing side by side amidst roaring audience surrounding them celebrating triumph achieved together!

The screen displayed final results: Hitmonlee wins—the middle-aged man glanced at fallen Pokémon then turned toward James respect gleaming within eyes acknowledging skills displayed during match fought fiercely until end without hesitation whatsoever!

"Well played," he stated offering forced yet sincere smile—"You have great partner here."

James gazed at Hitmonlee breathing heavily yet filled pride after intense showdown faced together overcoming challenges faced along way leading up final victory achieved together!

"Thank you buddy," replied gently stroking head affectionately acknowledging bond shared between trainers growing deeper through trials faced together overcoming adversities encountered along journey traveled thus far!

As crowd erupted into thunderous applause cheers reverberated throughout stadium atmosphere filled excitement anticipation brewing within hearts present witnessing incredible display skill determination showcased during match fought fiercely until victorious conclusion achieved!

"I hope next opponent proves formidable," thought imagining battles yet come ahead awaiting challenges presented along journey ahead filled possibilities waiting unfold before them eager embrace whatever lies ahead ready confront any challenge thrown path forward!