Ash didn't leave the canal right away.
The Gym's music still drifted faintly through the air behind them, but his attention stayed on the water in front of him. The surface looked calm, yet every ripple told a different story. Something moved beneath, steady and deliberate.
"This place teaches you even when you're not battling," Maya said, closing her notebook. "Watch long enough, you start seeing patterns."
Ash nodded. He crouched near the edge, careful not to cast too much shadow.
A round shape surfaced briefly, then dipped back under. The movement was playful, almost careless.
Ash raised his Pokédex.
Pokédex:"Poliwag. Tadpole Pokémon. Water type. Its skin is thin and sensitive. Uses its spiral pattern to intimidate enemies."
Ash lowered the device slowly. "Water type," he murmured. "Fast turns. Doesn't like being cornered."
Maya smiled. "Good. You're watching before acting."
The Poliwag surfaced again, closer this time. It bobbed once, eyes wide, then spun in a quick circle, splashing water toward the stone edge.
Ash stood. "Rattata, sit this one out."
Rattata squeaked but stayed back.
He glanced at Pidgey. The bird hopped forward eagerly, wings flexing without hesitation now.
Maya nodded. "Wing's fully healed. Short bursts. Don't keep it over water too long."
Ash took a breath. "Pidgey, let's go."
Pidgey launched cleanly, wings catching the air with confidence. It circled once above the canal, then hovered near the edge. The Poliwag splashed, startled but not fleeing.
"Gust," Ash said calmly.
The wind skimmed the water's surface, pushing ripples toward the Poliwag. It spun instinctively, countering with a quick Bubble, the attack popping harmlessly in the air.
Ash watched carefully. "Again. Smaller."
Pidgey adjusted, releasing a lighter Gust that disrupted the water just enough. The Poliwag lost balance and drifted toward the edge, surprised rather than hurt.
Ash didn't rush the throw.
He waited until the Poliwag surfaced again, breathing hard, eyes still curious instead of panicked. Then he tossed the Poké Ball.
It struck the water cleanly and pulled the Poliwag inside.
The ball floated.
Rocked once.
Twice.
Then stilled.
Ash exhaled slowly, kneeling to retrieve it. He felt the weight settle into his palm, different from the others. Cooler. Steadier.
"Nice timing," Maya said. "You didn't force it."
Ash smiled faintly. "Guess I'm learning."
They moved to a drier stretch of ground after that. Ash released Pidgey again, letting it run short flights between stone markers. The bird landed cleanly each time, feathers smooth, breathing even.
"That's it," Ash said. "You're back."
Pidgey chirped sharply, proud.
Charizard stood nearby, watching the training without interference. When Pidgey landed too close to the water once, Charizard shifted subtly, blocking the slip with its tail. Pidgey adjusted without panic.
Ash noticed.
As evening approached, the lights of the Cerulean Gym reflected across the canal, stretching long across the water's surface. Ash looked at his Poké Balls, then back at the Gym.
"Tomorrow," he said quietly.
Maya nodded. "Tomorrow."
Charizard remained beside him, tail flame steady, as the decision settled into place.
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T/N:
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