[Kalos, Route 4 Pokémon Center]
Elias leaned against the wall of the Pokémon Center, his chest tight with a mix of pride and restless energy. The modest room buzzed softly with life—Nurse Joy's gentle voice as she tended to a trainer's injured Bunnelby, the faint clatter of medical supplies, the cool air tinged with antiseptic and polished wood. His green eyes, sharp and alive, swept the space, lingering on the Poké Ball at his belt where Deino rested. The Fennekin battle yesterday had been a rush, the fifty credits a small triumph that warmed his heart, but it wasn't enough. Deino deserves more than scraps, he thought, a flicker of frustration tightening his grip on the wall. He wanted the best—meats, supplements—to fuel his dragon's growth, and that meant finding a way to earn it.
His gaze drifted to a flyer pinned to the bulletin board, its bold print pulling him forward. "Santalune Beginner Tournament – Entry Fee 40 Credits, Prizes in Credits, Two Weeks Away, Santalune City Gym," it declared. His pulse quickened, ambition flaring like a sudden flame. Santalune was close, just a few days' walk along Route 4—a chance to test his skills, win credits, and secure the supplies Deino needed. This could be my break, he mused, a surge of excitement cutting through his frustration. With forty credits for entry, he'd have ten left—barely enough for the journey. I'll make it work, he vowed, his resolve hardening. This was his shot to rise in Kalos, and he wouldn't let it slip away.
Stepping outside, the fresh air of Route 4 washed over him, the meadows stretching out with wildflowers dotting the landscape. The distant hum of Santalune City called, a promise on the horizon. He released Deino, the dragon's growl a familiar comfort as it sniffed the open air. "We've got a tournament to prepare for," he said, his voice steady with purpose. "Let's make you stronger." The bond between them felt unshakable, a quiet strength that fueled his next move.
Training began in a nearby meadow, the open space perfect for Deino's moves. Elias pointed to a cluster of rocks. "Dragon Breath—hit the center," he commanded, his tone firm. Deino roared, unleashing a shimmering wave of draconic energy that scorched the stones, leaving a blackened mark. A swell of pride warmed Elias' chest—You're getting there. "Good. Now Focus Energy." Deino tensed, its senses sharpening, the air crackling with focus. He pushed further, using the meadow's terrain—rocks, patches of tall grass—to test Deino's blind navigation. "Bite—that stump." Deino's jaws clamped onto the wood, splintering it with a sharp crunch. Elias nodded, his mind analyzing every move. You're proving yourself, he thought, his ambition growing. The tournament was a test, and Deino would be ready.
By midday, Elias paused near a stream to prepare food. He opened his backpack, its endless storage yielding a pot, firestarter, and a handful of Oran Berries and dried herbs he'd gathered. Cooking was a skill he relied on, a steady hand mixing the berries into a paste with herbs over a small fire. The scent was sharp, earthy, a promise of strength for Deino. He knew the meal would boost stamina, a step toward the power he envisioned, but a quiet tension lingered. Berries and herbs are a start, but I need more, he reflected, his fingers tightening on the spoon. The tournament's credits could change that. He fed Deino, watching the dragon eat with focus, and felt a flicker of satisfaction. You'll get there.
As the afternoon deepened, Elias continued along Route 4, the meadows giving way to a wooded area. He kept Deino in its Poké Ball to conserve energy, his eyes sharp for opportunities. A sharp chirp cut through the air, high and aggressive, stopping him in his tracks. A Fletchling darted from the trees, its red feathers vibrant, claws sharp, eyes glinting with defiance. It swooped low, its Quick Attack a blur, testing his presence.
"Deino, out!" Elias pressed the Poké Ball, and Deino materialized, growling. The Fletchling circled back, its speed dizzying. Elias' heart raced, adrenaline surging, but his mind stayed clear. This one's strong—tougher than I expected. "Focus Energy," he commanded. Deino tensed, senses sharpening. The Fletchling dove with Peck, grazing Deino's side. Elias saw the challenge—speed against power. "Dragon Breath!" Deino unleashed a shimmering wave, clipping the bird's wing. Fletchling faltered but countered with Quick Attack, slamming into Deino.
Elias gritted his teeth, frustration flaring at the bird's agility. It's fast, but we've got this. "Bite!" Deino's jaws snapped, catching Fletchling's tail feathers, forcing it to the ground. The bird chirped angrily, Agility boosting its speed, but Elias was ready. "Dragon Breath again!" The wave hit hard, and Fletchling staggered, weakened. Elias threw a Poké Ball, his pulse pounding with anticipation. The Ball rocked once, twice, then clicked.
He picked it up, a surge of pride washing over him. You fought well. His Insight Surge kicked in, revealing Fletchling's moves—Peck, Quick Attack, Agility, Flame Charge—and a path to Talonflame with Brave Bird, Flare Blitz. He didn't know it was on the verge of evolving, but its strength was undeniable. "Welcome to the team," he said, clipping the Ball to his belt. Deino growled, as if sizing up its new ally, and Elias felt a spark of excitement. Santalune's going to be a challenge, but we're ready.
He pressed on, the path winding through the woods. At dusk, he paused to set up camp in a meadow, the stars beginning to peek through the twilight sky. He released both Deino and Fletchling from their Poké Balls, the dragon sniffing the air while the bird fluttered weakly, its wing still tender from the fight. Elias knelt beside Fletchling, his chest tightening with concern. You fought hard, he thought, his fingers brushing its feathers. He opened his backpack, pulling out a small pot and firestarter, gathering fresh berries and herbs from the meadow. He crushed them into a paste, adding a pinch of a healing herb he'd kept aside, roasting it over a small fire. The scent was earthy, soothing, and he spooned the mixture into a bowl, offering it to Fletchling. The bird pecked at it hesitantly, then ate with growing appetite, its strength returning. Elias felt a quiet pride swell within him. You're part of this now.
Deino growled softly, nudging Elias for its share. He prepared another portion, the dragon eating with focus, its energy restored. Elias watched them both, a sense of responsibility settling in. A team, he mused, his ambition flaring. The Santalune Tournament was his next step—credits to fund better supplies, a chance to prove himself. But bonding with Fletchling would take time, and he'd start here, in this quiet moment. He let them rest, Fletchling curling near the fire, Deino at his side, their breathing steady under the starlit sky.
His thoughts turned to the road ahead. The tournament loomed, a challenge he'd meet with strategy and strength. He leaned back, the cool grass beneath him, and closed his eyes, his mind alive with plans. Kalos was his to conquer, and this was just the beginning.