The ideas are rich, but the reality is very thin.
At this time, the tacit understanding between the trainer and the Pokémon is truly tested. If the Pokémon cannot understand what the trainer is saying, it will struggle to respond correctly.
Moreover, this kind of move combination requires a high level of energy control from the Pokémon. Some move combinations may be difficult to execute, but it should be relatively easy to combine the two basic moves: Paralysis Powder and Seed Bomb.
If the current Mimosa cannot integrate the numbing powder into its core, it will have to start by applying it to the surface.
Albus voiced his thoughts, but his face showed hesitation and uncertainty.
Populus Euphratica: "..."
Alright, he needed to explain in detail.
For the next five minutes, Albus carefully explained the pros and cons of combining these two moves, as well as his theories on how to merge them. He analyzed everything word by word, ensuring Mimosa understood.
At first, the little Pokémon looked confused. But gradually, it started to comprehend. A spark of excitement bloomed in Mimosa's eyes.
At that moment, it felt as if a door had opened in its mind.
"Is this really possible?"
A path it had never considered suddenly appeared before it.
"Ni!" Mimosa let out an excited cry, eager to try.
Seeing this, Albus sighed in relief. "Alright, let's give it a shot?"
Mimosa nodded quickly.
Albus stepped aside while Mimosa positioned itself in front of a large rock, its eyes brimming with determination.
"Try to fuse the moves!" Albus instructed.
"Ni!"
Mimosa started accumulating power. Being its first attempt, it lacked experience. As it tried to infuse Paralysis Powder into the newly formed Seed Bomb, something went wrong—
Boom!
The Seed Bomb exploded prematurely!
A cloud of light-yellow powder spread instantly due to the shockwave.
Albus frowned and opened his mouth to say something, but before he could react—
He accidentally inhaled a small amount of the paralyzing powder.
A strange numbness overtook him. His body lost all control, as if he had just received a dose of general anesthesia. Except for his head, he couldn't move a muscle. His limbs twitched involuntarily as he collapsed onto the ground with a plop.
Populus Euphratica: "..."
Nearby, Mimosa looked ashamed. "Ni..."
"Gah?!"
The Powerful Duck, who had been burying its head in the river, suddenly lifted it in alarm. A struggling fish dangled from its beak, its tail flailing wildly.
Meanwhile, Gengar, who had been watching the entire ordeal, was speechless.
"Why does it feel like this human is kind of unreliable?"
—
Five minutes later, the paralysis gradually faded.
Mimosa was visibly embarrassed.
Albus reassured it, "It's okay. Just keep practicing. You can do it."
At least, the accident had proven that his theory was feasible.
On the second attempt, Mimosa clearly learned from its previous mistake. With better control, it successfully created a Seed Bomb infused with Paralysis Powder.
The new seed bomb was launched and exploded upon impact with the rock.
At the moment of detonation, a large amount of Paralysis Powder spread outward at an astonishing speed, covering an area of about eight meters.
Fortunately, Albus had anticipated this and kept his distance this time.
"Ni!"
Mimosa let out a thrilled cry.
Albus approached it and smiled. "Well done. That was amazing!"
He was genuinely impressed.
His shy little Pokémon was incredibly talented!
To succeed on just the second try—this level of progress was something straight out of a novel!
However, the charge time for the move was currently about the same as using Seed Bomb and Paralysis Powder separately.
But anyone with experience could tell that this was only because Mimosa was still a beginner. With more practice, the execution time would be reduced by more than half.
There was still plenty of room for improvement.
Albus spent the entire afternoon helping Mimosa practice.
Although not every attempt was successful, the number of failures steadily decreased as Mimosa became more proficient.
Eventually, Albus and Mimosa decided to name the move:
"Paralysis Bomb."
Later, when Albus checked Mimosa's status, he noticed an update in the move list:
[ Pokémon Species: Mimosa ♀ ]
Type: Grass / Poison
Ability: Leaf Guard
Base Stats: (HP: 40, Attack: 30, Defense: 35, Special Attack: 50, Special Defense: 70, Speed: 55)
Moves Learned: Absorb, Paralysis Powder, Seed Bomb, Paralysis Bomb (Fusion Move)
Current Mood: Excited
Physical Condition: Moderately tired
Friendship Level: 55 (Your bond is deepening)
Albus hadn't realized that their friendship had already reached 55 points—likely thanks to their daily interactions.
—
Evening
As the sun set, Albus returned home, carrying a fish caught by the Powerful Duck.
Before he could even reach his door, McGrath suddenly ran over and grabbed his arm.
"Albus, come with me!"
Albus raised an eyebrow. "It's getting dark."
"Exactly!" McGrath grinned. "This shop only opens at night!"
Albus hesitated. "What kind of shop?"
McGrath smirked. "A place that makes people feel happy—both physically and mentally!"
Albus' heart skipped a beat.
Wait… a shop that only opens at night? That sounds like…
McGrath was speechless. "Why do you have that look on your face? It's not what you're thinking! Just come along!"
Seeing how insistent McGrath was, Albus sighed and agreed.
The two left the school, took a taxi, and soon arrived at a shop with a sign that read:
"Tiantian Café."
The café had a warm, pink-themed interior, exuding a soft and cozy atmosphere.
Behind the counter, the female owner was cleaning tools.
On the sofas, Eevee and Glameow sat side by side, looking bored—until they saw new visitors.
Their eyes sparkled as they ran over, letting out soft "Buah~" sounds.
McGrath grinned. "Two glasses of Moomoo Milk, please!"
He then picked up an Eevee wearing a bow, buried his face in its soft fur, and took a deep breath.
"Ahhh, I've missed this!"
Albus took a deep breath.
This guy is a complete pervert…
A Glameow rubbed against Albus' leg, its fluffy tail flicking playfully.
Albus hesitated but eventually picked it up. When he looked up, he saw McGrath buried in a pile of Eevees.
Populus Euphratica: "..."
"What kind of underground cat café is this?!"
The café owner laughed and explained, "This is normal. Some customers find comfort in bonding with cute Pokémon. That's their job here!"
Albus blinked. "Are they all yours?"
She shook her head. "Some were abandoned, and others are wild Pokémon. I take care of them, and in return, they bring people joy."
At that moment, McGrath finally got to the point.
"Oh, right! The Hoenn League Finals are about to start!"
On the TV, the match was about to begin—Steven vs. Elode.
Albus smirked. No need to think. Steven's definitely winning this one.
With that, he settled in to watch.