Even though he had been told he might become the school team captain, school life didn't change much for Owen for the time being.
The team hadn't officially started intensive training yet, and the core members hadn't even been selected. This so-called "captain" position, even if approved, was currently just a title in name only.
During training class, when Owen shared this news with Lynnea, she remarked, "I heard the official team tryouts don't start until next week."
Today, the training classes for each grade have returned to normal, focusing primarily on fundamental exercises.
"Out of twenty-five candidates, they'll cut it down until only seven remain," Lynnea said. While Growlithe and Eevee trained nearby, the two trainers conversed while keeping up with their own physical conditioning.
"Next week is fine. Any word on the other two slots for the Rising Star Project?" That was what Owen was more concerned about.
"Not yet." Lynnea shook her head.
"I see... By the way, how is Growlithe's move training coming along?"
Since Lynnea was going to be his teammate, Owen was quite invested in Growlithe's growth. If his teammates were capable, the Fairview No. 1 team would have a much higher chance of winning the Provincial High School League. The better the results, the more prize money he'd pocket.
"Hehe, besides Flame Wheel, Growlithe has learned Fire Fang," Lynnea said, the corners of her mouth turning up. "Also, his training for Flame Burst is nearing completion. He should master it within a week."
Lynnea was quite satisfied with Growlithe's progress. Ever since she started viewing Owen as her target to chase, she had been incredibly diligent in her training.
"That fast?!" Owen was startled.
But on second thought, it made sense. When he and Eevee learned new moves, they were essentially fumbling in the dark. Lynnea, however, had a Pro Trainer by her side at all times to consult. Her advantage was massive.
"Of course." Seeing Owen's surprise made Lynnea even happier. Next, Growlithe was slated to learn Agility, Flamethrower, Crunch, Heat Wave, and even Flare Blitz. A complete training roadmap had been clearly mapped out for her. Once those moves were mastered, Growlithe surpassing Eevee wouldn't be an issue.
These training methods were family secrets; Owen couldn't simply envy his way into them.
"I wonder how Leo's Munchlax is doing. I'll ask him this weekend," Owen said, changing the subject while feeling a bit of pressure.
Currently, Eevee was still relying on her old moves. Since returning from the Little Phoenix King Cup, her progress hadn't been revolutionary. If they didn't hurry, there was a real chance Lynnea would overtake them.
Friday: The Breakthrough
It had been five days since Eevee mastered Frustration.
With the help of the Soothe Bell, she finally mastered the move Return. However, for now, she could only use it smoothly while wearing the bell.
"Looking sharp! I really am a genius..."
On this day, Owen had finally figured out how to combine the Silk Scarf and the Soothe Bell. Since Eevee hated the collar, Owen had taken it apart and left it at home.
In its place was the scarf, tied around Eevee's neck to look like a stylish cape. The Soothe Bell was threaded through the fabric and fastened right at the knot on her chest.
"Vee!" Eevee shook her body and struck a satisfied pose.
Silk Scarf plus Soothe Bell... double the happiness! Feeling the smoothness of the silk and the pleasant chime of the bell, Eevee was in bliss.
"Stop being vain! Let's test out Return," Owen interrupted her fantasy.
They returned to their usual spot—the rubber training wall where they practiced Frustration. Owen wanted to see the power of Return firsthand.
"Eevee, give it everything you've got. Use Return on that wall."
Eevee nodded and looked at the rubber wall. Unlike when she used Frustration, she now had much more active control over her emotional energy.
To put it simply: when using Frustration, she was governed by rage; when using Return, she governed the emotion.
Before attacking, Eevee turned back to look at Owen, building up her feelings.
Despite Owen's constant teasing and "scams," the bond between them was far deeper than that of any other rookie trainer pair.
There was Owen's meticulous care since her birth, the sweat they shared while striving for the Little Ho-Oh Cup, and the joy of their final victory. Few rookies had experienced so much with their Pokémon at this stage.
Even their daily bickering wasn't a rift; instead, looking back, those moments felt warm. Their relationship wasn't a cold hierarchy of master and servant, but a partnership. Eevee had never once regretted being Owen's Pokémon.
As she reminisced, those feelings transformed into power. The crisp chime of the Soothe Bell reached her ears, allowing the warm current to flow rapidly through her body. Wrapped in a white glow, Eevee slammed into the rubber wall.
THUD!!
The rubber wall dented deeply. Owen's face lit up with joy—the power was nearly double that of Frustration.
It seems I'm worth about two cell phones to Eevee!
Wait... Owen's smile faltered. Something is wrong here. So... I'm roughly equal to two phones?
When Eevee trotted back happily, she saw Owen deep in thought and tilted her head. "Vee?"
Owen made a face. Forget it, let's not overthink the 'Phone Power Scale.' The bond between him and Eevee wasn't something a mere internet addiction could defeat.
"The power is much greater than Quick Attack, but the speed is still a weakness," Owen noted.
"Vee..." Eevee looked thoughtful. She realized it, too.
Both Frustration and Return were crude applications of emotional energy—explosions of power in a simple, rough manner. It was primitive, lacking finesse. It was the difference between a standard Tackle and a Quick Attack. Tackle is raw energy; Quick Attack is a skillful application that enhances speed.
"I wonder if we can use Return to train Eevee's leg and tail strength!" Owen's eyes brightened. "If emotional energy can tap into a Pokémon's physical potential, we should be able to direct it to specific body parts.
For example, when a Lopunny uses Return, it attacks with an ear 'slap.' Eevee uses a body slam.' If we can break through that limitation, it might help with other moves."
Harnessing potential in the legs... could we make Return as fast as Quick Attack? Harnessing potential in the tail... could we speed up the mastery of Iron Tail?
🌟 The story is already written… waiting to be unleashed. Claim early access on Patreon: [email protected]/Master_Studios677
🔓 You hold the keys to bonus chapters:💬 10 reviews ignite 1 bonus chapter🔷 60 Power Stones summon another
🔥 Your power determines how fast the tale unfolds.