The intensity of training had pushed them hard, so now it was time to let them recover.
I set out lunch, making sure everyone got their proper portions. Just like before, I added the flavor packets to match their tastes—bitter for Larvitar, sweet for Chimchar and Alakazam, and spicy for Elekid. Dusclops didn't have a preference, but I didn't want him eating completely bland food either, so I gave his meal a slightly sweet-and-sour flavor.
They ate quickly, hunger fueled by the earlier workout. Chimchar, Elekid, and Larvitar sat close to me again, the same as before. It wasn't something they seemed to think about consciously, but I noticed. They felt comfortable around me. It was a small thing, but it meant something.
Once lunch was over, I clapped my hands together, "Alright. You've earned a break. Training's done for now, so just relax and do whatever you want for a while."
Chimchar, Elekid, and Larvitar were too sore to roughhouse, but that didn't stop them from sticking together. Instead, they lounged in the shade, leaning against rocks and tree trunks, their voices low but constant. Chimchar chattered, gesturing animatedly with his hands. Elekid grunted short responses, rolling his shoulders occasionally to work out stiffness. Larvitar, quieter than the other two, nodded along, occasionally adding something of her own. It almost seemed like they were telling each other stories.
Dusclops, as expected, stayed put, unmoving as always. His single eye flickered dimly beneath the shadows of his body, but he made no move to join the others.
Alakazam, meanwhile, floated a few inches off the ground, legs crossed, eyes closed in deep meditation. His posture was relaxed, but the way his ears twitched at every stray noise told me he was still keenly aware of everything happening around him.
Those two were too old, too experienced to be interested in playing around with Chimchar, Elekid, and Larvitar.
I set to work cleaning up the mess left from lunch: wiping down containers, organizing supplies, making sure everything was properly packed. As I worked, I exhaled through my nose, shaking my head slightly with a small, amused smile. They'd earned this. They're not machines that can take endless amounts of training.
It was still early in the afternoon. They had a couple of hours to rest, but after that, we had work to do. Gravity training could only take them so far. Strength was useless if they didn't know how to apply it in battle. Later in the day, we'll head deeper into Bewilder Forest. The wild Pokémon there are stronger, more aggressive.
If Chimchar, Elekid, and Larvitar were going to improve, they needed more than training drills. They need more battle experience. I'd let them rest for now. But when the time comes, they'll be ready.
My eyes flicked back to Dusclops. He was the only one I hadn't built much of a bond with. I took it as a personal challenge. I'm not going to be the kind of trainer who would force friendships, but I will at least make sure that no one got left behind. But that was the thing. Dusclops had never expressed a desire for connection. No interest, no gestures, nothing. He followed my orders, did what was asked, but beyond that? He kept to himself.
I know he isn't used to this—to the new me, to this kind of team. I wasn't going to push him into something he didn't want. But I also wasn't going to let him drift on the sidelines like an inanimate tool. So I'll be a constant presence. I'll include him. I'll make sure he is never left out. But I won't be overbearing. I won't force anything.
Whatever happens between us, whatever kind of bond we end up forming will happen on his terms.
I exhaled slightly and turned back to packing up. One step at a time.
__________
The afternoon air was thick with the scent of damp earth and dense foliage as we stepped into the deeper parts of Bewilder Forest. The canopy overhead wove together in a tangled mess, letting only scattered beams of sunlight break through. Shadows stretched long, the tall grass rustling with unseen movement.
Dusclops remained in his Pokéball, but the others were out. Chimchar, Elekid, and Larvitar ready for battle, while Alakazam walked silently behind me. I brought him along as an anchor. If things spiraled out of control, if we encountered something too strong for the others to handle, Alakazam would pull us out.
For now, though, that wasn't the plan.
Wild Pokémon lurked behind every tree and bush, their eyes glinting from the darkness. I spotted Ekans coiled in the roots of a bumpy tree, flicking its tongue in our direction. A larger Arbok draped itself over a thick tree branch, its hood flaring slightly as we passed, a silent warning to keep moving. Thick strands of Ariados silk clung to the trunks, evidence of their web traps hidden between the branches.
I kept walking, my team close behind. This wasn't a sightseeing trip. We weren't here to observe, we were here to fight.
Our first challenge came soon enough.
A low, buzzing hum filled the air, growing louder by the second. Through the gaps in the trees, I saw them. Beedrill. A whole swarm.
At least ten of them hovered in formation, their sharp, needled arms twitching with barely restrained aggression. Their wings beat in perfect unison, their black-and-yellow bodies a stark contrast against the dark forest backdrop. One of them let out a sharp cry. Whether it was a warning or a challenge, I couldn't tell.
This will be a suitable first challenge. Although there are many of them, Chimchar and Larvitar have type advantages.
"Alright," I said, my voice low but firm. "This is your fight."
Chimchar, Elekid, and Larvitar stepped forward, eyes locked onto the enemy.
"They've got the numbers," I continued. "So if you try to take them one-on-one, you'll get overwhelmed. Stick together. Cover for each other. Win with teamwork."
Chimchar flexed his fingers, his tail flame flickering higher. Elekid cracked his knuckles, sparks crackling between his fists. Larvitar planted her feet, bracing herself.
The Beedrill didn't wait.
They attacked.
And the battle began.
The Beedrill struck first.
All ten moved as one, a buzzing blur of black and yellow cutting through the forest. The first wave dove in, jabbing forward with their twin needles, while the others hovered behind, waiting for an opening.
"Get into a Back-to-back formation."
Chimchar, Elekid, and Larvitar reacted instantly, shifting so their backs were to each other, forming a defensive triangle. No blind spots. No weak points.
A Beedrill lunged at Elekid, its stinger a blur. Elekid weaved to the side, just barely avoiding the sting, then countered with a quick Thunder Punch. Sparks flared as his fist connected, sending the Beedrill reeling.
Chimchar wasn't far behind. A second Beedrill rushed in, its stingers poised for a double strike. "Dodge and counter with Flame Wheel!" I shouted. Chimchar ducked low, letting the Beedrill's stinger cut through the air just inches above his head. As it passed, Chimchar twisted and launched himself into a spinning Flame Wheel, slamming straight into the Beedrill's side. The wild Pokémon let out a shrill cry as it tumbled away, smoke trailing from the impact.
But that was only two down.
The rest of the swarm was still coming.
The second wave attacked as a group, three Beedrill converging on Larvitar at once, their stingers gleaming with poison.
"Protect."
She didn't flinch. Instead of dodging, Larvitar dug her feet in and a shimmering green barrier flashes around her. The stingers slam into it with full force. And while the Beedrill were still mid-air, recovering from their failed stabs, she struck.
"Rock Slide, focus your aim."
A flash of green energy rippled over her body as she summoned chunks of rock and hurled them with precision. Instead of dropping them randomly, she targeted the Beedrill mid-flight, forcing them to either take the hit or veer off course. One got clipped in the wing and spiraled down. Another dodged the rock but left itself open.
"Elekid, finish it with another Thunder Punch!"
He was already moving. He twisted, his fist charged with electricity, and slammed an uppercut Thunder Punch into the Beedrill's underbelly. The wild Pokémon was launched out of the fight.
Good. They're taking down the Beedrill and working as a team.
The remaining Beedrill backed off slightly, buzzing in a loose formation. They weren't just blindly attacking anymore. They were adapting, realizing that my team was a real threat.
Wild Pokémon might not have a trainer, but that doesn't mean they're stupid.
The lead Beedrill suddenly let out a sharp, clicking cry and the rest of the swarm split into two groups.
Half of them charged straight at Chimchar, Elekid, and Larvitar again.
The other half circled behind.
They're trying to break formation.
"Chimchar, use ember on the ground in front of them."
He didn't hesitate. His tail flame flared up, and in an instant, he spun sharply, whipping a burst of red-hot embers onto the ground. The flames scorched the dirt, sending up a sudden cloud of thick smoke and ash. The front-line Beedrill flew straight into it, their wings kicking up the dust further, momentarily blinding themselves in the process. Their formation wavered as they buzzed erratically, thrown off balance by the unexpected smokescreen.
But the rear attackers were still a problem.
"Elekid, disrupt them. Use a wide spread Thunder!"
Elekid threw both arms out, releasing an arcing pulse of electricity that spread through the air. The Beedrill behind them faltered, wings twitching erratically as the static staggered their flight.
That's our opening.
"Rock Slide, hit them hard!"
Larvitar roared, slamming her foot into the softened ground. The impact sent deep tremors rippling through the earth, and with a sharp grunt of effort, she called forth jagged rocks from beneath the soil. Instead of launching them wildly, she aimed for the Beedrill still struggling in the dust cloud. Several of them, already off balance, got caught mid-flight, knocked aside by the sudden barrage of stone.
With their formation shattered, we turned the fight completely.
"Now, go together in a combined assault!"
Chimchar, Elekid, and Larvitar charged forward together.
Elekid slammed another Thunder Punch into a Beedrill still struggling to get its wings under control. Chimchar leaped into the air, spinning into a Flame Wheel that took down two at once. Larvitar finished it by launching a perfectly aimed Rock Slide, striking the last Beedrill standing.
One by one, the Beedrill crashed into the underbrush, their bodies twitching from the blows before they finally retreated.
We won.
By the end of it, Chimchar, Elekid, and Larvitar were panting, dust and sweat clinging to their skin. They weren't unscathed—small scratches from Beedrill stingers, a few bruises from attacks they couldn't dodge.
But, they were standing. More than that, they were grinning.
I gave them a proud look. "That was fantastic. The way you worked together, you made their numbers look like nothing."
Chimchar raised a fist in the air, tail flame flickering with victory. Elekid let out a short huff, cracking his knuckles. Larvitar's eyes met mine, a silent nod.
I reached into my bag, pulling out a few potions.
They stood still as I sprayed the healing mist over their wounds, the light shimmer of medicine sinking into their skin. Enough to get them ready for the next fight.
__________
The moment I heard the rustling, I knew we weren't alone.
Three Ekans slithered into the open, forked tongues flicking as they took in their prey. Their bodies coiled, muscles tensing, fangs gleaming with poison.
A larger shape moved behind them.
A deep hiss filled the air.
Arbok.
It rose towering over the smaller snakes, hood unfurling wide, the golden patterns on its skin flashing like a warning sign.
"Don't let them surround you!" I barked. "Fight one Ekans each, take them out fast!"
"Fire Punch!" Chimchar sprinted forward, fist igniting.
"Thunder Punch!" Elekid followed, Thunder crackling in his palm.
"Bite!" Larvitar dashed in a powerful lunge, her jaws widening.
Each attack hit clean.
Chimchar's flaming fist connected with the nearest Ekans' jaw, the heat searing its scales. Elekid's sparking punch struck the second in the side, sending a jolt through its body. Larvitar's jaws clamped down on the third, her sharp teeth sinking into it.
All three Ekans hissed and recoiled but none of them went down.
Their bodies snapped forward, striking in unison.
Poison Sting.
A barrage of gleaming purple needles shot toward my team.
I made a split-second call.
"Elekid, dodge it! Larvitar, you can endure it! Chimchar, break through with a flame wheel!"
Elekid twisted out of the way, jumping back, the stingers missing him by inches.
Larvitar stood firm. The Poison Sting, a hail of violet projectiles, struck her. But to her, it was nothing. The needles glanced off her thick, rocky hide. Poison was utterly ineffective against her ground and rock typing.
And Chimchar?
Chimchar roared, flames bursting from his tail.
He launched into Flame Wheel, spinning straight through the Poison Sting, burning right through the attack.
His wheel of fire collided with the Ekans, sending it tumbling into the dirt. It hissed one last time before going still.
"Stomping Tantrum!"
Still standing strong, Larvitar slammed both feet into the ground. The earth ruptured, sending shockwaves through the ground. The impact threw her Ekans off balance, knocking it hard against the dirt.
It let out a final screech before collapsing under the force.
Only one left.
"Thunder!"
A sharp crack of electricity split the air.
A bolt of blinding lightning surged down from above, slamming into the final Ekans. Its body seized up as the attack surged through it, then it collapsed.
Three down.
But the fight wasn't over.
Arbok struck the instant its underlings fell.
With a sudden burst of speed, it lunged at Chimchar, fangs glowing purple.
Poison Fang.
"Chimchar, dodge!" I snapped.
Chimchar leapt back—but Arbok's reach was longer than he expected.
Its fangs sank into Chimchar's shoulder, leaving behind a deep purple mark.
Damn. He got poisoned.
"We're taking it down together!"
Chimchar staggered, his breathing uneven. He tried to rise, but a wave of nausea hit him, forcing him back down.
We have to act fast.
"Thunder Punch and Rock Slide!"
Elekid rushed in, fist crackling. His attack smashed into Arbok's side, sending a shockwave of electricity through its body.
At the same time, Larvitar stomped the ground. A barrage of jagged rocks erupted from above, crashing down onto Arbok's back. It let out a furious hiss, body writhing from the impact.
Arbok let out a furious hiss, body writhing from the impact.
For a moment, I thought we had control.
Arbok's eyes snapped to Chimchar.
It had made a decision.
Chimchar was the weak link.
Arbok lunged straight for Chimchar.
Its fangs glowed purple, another Poison Fang.
"Larvitar, Protect!"
Larvitar leapt in front of Chimchar, a barrier of shimmering green energy flaring up around her.
Arbok's fangs slammed into the shield—and stopped cold.
The impact rattled the air, but Larvitar held firm.
Arbok recoiled, stunned for just a second.
That was all I needed.
"Thunder Punch!"
Elekid darted in, fist blazing with electricity. He swung up with everything he had.
The impact sent a jolt through Arbok's entire body, locking its muscles up for a split second.
"Chimchar, finish it with Fire Punch!"
Poisoned or not, Chimchar pushed through.
He gritted his teeth, flames bursting from his fist.
His burning fist smashed into Arbok's hood, sending it flying backward.
Arbok hit the ground hard. For a moment, it tried to rise—then collapsed, motionless.
A long silence followed.
I immediately reached into my bag, pulling out an Antidote and three Potions.
I knelt beside Chimchar first. "You did great. Now hold still."
A quick spray over the wound, and the poison's grip faded. Chimchar sighed in relief, rolling his shoulder.
I gave each of them a quick spray of the potions, their lingering scrapes fading as the medicine kicked in.
Once I was done, I stood up. "You did fantastic. That was a strong opponent, and you brought it down."
Before I could say anything else—
A deep, guttural growl rumbled through the trees.
The air shifted. The forest fell deathly silent.
A massive shape pushed through the underbrush.
Ursaring.
Ursaring's glare locked onto us, muscles tensed, claws flexed.
A blinding glow built in its mouth.
Hyper Beam.
"BOTH OF YOU USE PROTECT TOGETHER!"
Elekid and Larvitar reacted instantly. A double-layered barrier of shimmering energy flared up in front of them just as the golden beam exploded forward.
The impact was like a cannon blast.
Cracks splintered across the first barrier. The second buckled under the sheer force.
BOOM.
The Protect shattered, but the attack had been weakened enough. The blast pushed them back, but they stayed standing.
Ursaring exhaled, body locked in place. Hyper Beam had left it wide open.
Now was our chance.
"Low Kick! Take its leg out!"
Elekid sprinted low, running around Ursaring. His leg slammed into the back of Ursaring's knee.
The massive bear grunted, dropping to one knee as its balance faltered.
"Flame Wheel! Knock it down!"
Chimchar burst forward, flames swirling around him. He crashed into Ursaring's chest.
Ursaring toppled, hitting the ground with a heavy thud.
"Bite! Keep it down!"
Larvitar rushed in, jaws clamping onto Ursaring's shoulder.
Things were looking up for us again. We brought it down; just a bit longer and it'll be out.
Then Ursaring's eyes snapped toward Larvitar.
It let out a furious snarl—
A flash of claws.
Slash.
"Larvitar, dodge it!" I shouted, more urgent than before.
She couldn't react in time though.
Ursaring's claws raked across Larvitar's side, sending her skidding back.
"Damn it! Chimchar, Elekid, hit it together!"
They didn't hesitate.
"Thunder Punch! Fire Punch!"
They struck in unison. One fist crackling with electricity, the other blazing with fire.
Both attacks slammed into Ursaring's gut, forcing a grunt from the beast.
It staggered.
Then its growl deepened.
It wasn't slowing down.
It was getting angrier.
"Larvitar Scary Face! Try to slow it down!"
Larvitar glared, her piercing red eyes locking onto Ursaring. A pulse of intimidating energy rippled outward—
And did nothing.
Ursaring didn't even blink.
I gritted my teeth. It was too enraged to care.
Then it moved.
Both arms rose, fists glowing white with brutal force.
Hammer Arm.
One aimed for Elekid. The other for Chimchar.
They can't dodge from that distance.
"Stomping Tantrum! Throw it off balance!"
Larvitar slammed the ground, sending tremors rippling outward. The earth beneath Ursaring shook, its footing slipping—
But it wasn't enough.
The Hammer Arms came crashing down.
Chimchar and Elekid were sent flying. They tumbled across the dirt, groaning, but they got back up.
My fist clenched.
"We're not done! Hit it from a distance!"
"Ember!" Chimchar fired a burst of flames.
"Thunder!" Elekid crackled with electricity, launching a powerful bolt.
"Rock Slide!" Larvitar stomped down, sending a rain of stones crashing toward Ursaring.
Flames, lightning, and rock all collided at once.
Ursaring let out a pained growl.
Its body stiffened, head bowed.
Paralysis.
For a second, I thought, We've got this.
It'll be a walk in the park now...
But then I remembered.
My stomach dropped.
Ursaring brought its head back up.
I saw its eyes.
They glowed red.
Oh shit.
Guts.
A deep, guttural growl rumbled from its throat as its muscles bulged.
Stronger.
Faster.
SLASH.
"Larvitar, Protect!"
She barely had time to react—a green shield flared up—
And shattered instantly.
Ursaring's claws ripped through, slamming into her. She crashed backward, rolling across the dirt.
I gritted my teeth.
This wasn't working.
They had fought the Ekans. An Arbok. And now this, immediately after all that?
My team was too exhausted.
This wasn't a fight we could win.
I exhaled, steadying myself.
"Fall back. Now."
Chimchar, Elekid, and Larvitar hesitated—their bodies aching, their energy depleted. But they trusted me.
They slowly stepped back.
A few paces behind me, Alakazam stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the powerful bear. Its eyes glowed faintly, a subtle pulse of psychic energy.
I didn't bother turning around. "Alakazam," I said, my voice calm and measured. "It's your turn. Show it what you can do."
It was time for a different approach. It was time for Alakazam.
__________
Ursaring let out a gravelly growl, its massive frame heaving as it fought through exhaustion.
Alakazam didn't move.
He didn't flinch. Didn't react.
He just stood there.
Still. Silent. Unshaken.
Ursaring let out a deep snarl and charged.
I no longer felt the panic I did earlier when I had Chimchar, Elekid, and Larvitar fight it.
"Psychic."
Before Ursaring could even take another step, Alakazam's eyes flared with an intense blue light.
A crushing force slammed into Ursaring.
The air distorted around it. Its limbs locked in place. The invisible energy bent its knees, forcing the massive bear lower, straining against an opponent it couldn't even touch.
Ursaring's body trembled, muscles tensed, teeth grinding—then it roared.
With brute strength, it pushed forward despite Alakazam's psychic weighing it down.
Amazing. It broke through Alakazam's psychic through sheer force of will.
I'm not worried though.
It lunged.
"Teleport behind, then use Focus Blast"
Alakazam vanished.
Ursaring's claws ripped through empty space, tearing deep into the dirt where he had just stood. The bear whipped around, panting, frenzied, searching.
But Alakazam was already behind him.
A sphere of crackling energy formed between Alakazam's hands.
Ursaring turned at the last second, bringing its arm up in a desperate attempt to block.
Too late.
The blast slammed into its chest.
The massive bear was sent skidding backward, claws digging into the ground as it fought to remain standing.
It staggered, its breaths coming out in ragged huffs. It was running on fumes—running on rage.
But it wasn't done.
It bared its fangs.
Its eyes blazed with unrelenting fury.
A Hammer Arm came swinging upward, thick muscles rippling as it aimed to crush Alakazam with brute force.
"Teleport. Then Hypnosis."
Again, Alakazam vanished.
Ursaring's massive arm slammed into the dirt.
The sheer impact shook the ground, cracking the earth, kicking up leaves and dust.
By the time the dust settled, Alakazam was already in position.
A few feet ahead.
Unmoving.
His eyes glowed with an unnatural light.
Ursaring locked eyes with him.
A half-second.
That was all it took.
The massive bear staggered.
Its growls weakened.
Its claws sagged.
The rage in its eyes dimmed.
And it collapsed.
It fell onto all fours, then onto its side, breathing steady, deep, asleep.
Silence.
I exhaled.
"Good work, Alakazam."
I turned, glancing at my team.
Larvitar. Elekid. Chimchar.
They all stared at Alakazam in awe.
They had fought with everything they had. Three against one.
And yet—he had ended it effortlessly.
I shifted my gaze back to Ursaring. Its chest rose and fell in slow, steady breaths.
Strong. Reckless. Powerful.
But that same recklessness had cost it the fight.
A Pokémon this strong—this tenacious—
Would be a worthy addition to my team.
__________
Author's Note: I'm still undecided on the final team, especially Ursaring's role in it. I already have 2 ground types in the final team: Torterra and Garchomp. So Ursaluna would add a 3rd ground type. At the very least Ursaring will get more action, and I'll see where it goes in the future.