Crash Course in a New World
⸻
Chapter Four: Crash Course in a New World
The path ahead was shaded by tall trees, their leaves rustling gently in the warm Kanto breeze. Draco walked beside Charlie in silence, trying to wrap his mind around everything he had learned in the past few hours. Ralts hovered close to his heels, occasionally looking up at him, sensing his inner turmoil.
“So,” Draco began, glancing sideways at Charlie, “what exactly am I supposed to do here? You make it sound like everyone just… battles these creatures for sport.”
Charlie chuckled, his eyes softening as he watched Draco struggle with the concept. “It’s more than just sport, Draco. It’s about partnership. Pokémon are more than just creatures; they bond with their trainers, and together, they grow stronger.”
Draco raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “Partnerships? So, what—you’re telling me that this little thing,” he gestured to Ralts, “is supposed to help me in a fight?”
Charlie grinned, amused by Draco’s doubt. “Don’t underestimate Ralts. Psychic and Fairy-types like yours are some of the most versatile and powerful out there, but it’s not just about raw strength. It’s about strategy, knowing your Pokémon’s strengths and weaknesses, and how they match up against others.”
He paused, taking out a Poké Ball from his belt and tossing it up and down absentmindedly. “You’ve got to learn about types first.”
“Types?” Draco repeated, frowning.
“Yeah. Every Pokémon has a type—sometimes more than one. There’s Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Psychic, Fairy, and so on. Certain types are stronger or weaker against others.” He stopped walking and threw the Poké Ball into the air. With a flash of light, Charlie’s Dragonite appeared, towering over them both with an almost majestic calmness.
“Take Dragonite here. Dragon and Flying-type. Strong against Grass and Bug-types, but weak against Ice and Fairy-types.” Charlie gave Draco a sidelong glance. “It’s important to know this if you want to stand a chance in battles.”
Draco studied Dragonite with a mix of awe and hesitation. It was massive, powerful, and exuded a sense of confidence. “So… what about Ralts?”
Charlie looked down at the small Psychic and Fairy-type by Draco’s side. “Ralts is a Psychic and Fairy-type. It’s strong against Fighting, Dark, and Dragon-types, but weak to Steel and Poison-types. Knowing this will help you understand which Pokémon to use in battle and when.”
Draco crossed his arms, deep in thought. It all seemed a bit overwhelming, but he couldn’t deny that there was a logic to it. “So how do I get stronger?”
“Well,” Charlie said, recalling Dragonite back into its Poké Ball, “you’ve got a couple of paths. Most trainers aim to take on the Pokémon League. You’d travel to different towns, challenge gym leaders, and earn badges. Once you’ve got all eight, you can compete in the Pokémon League tournament and, if you’re good enough, take on the Elite Four and the Champion.”
Draco’s eyes lit up with interest, his competitive nature stirred. “And if you win?”
Charlie smiled knowingly. “You become the Champion. It’s the highest honor a trainer can achieve.”
Draco considered this. It sounded like something he could excel at—if he put his mind to it. “What about those who don’t care for battles? What do they do?”
“Pokémon Contests,” Charlie replied, his tone light. “Contests are all about showing off your Pokémon’s skills, beauty, and cleverness in different ways. Trainers and their Pokémon compete in categories like Coolness, Cuteness, and Gracefulness. It’s less about brute force and more about creativity.”
Draco couldn’t help but scoff. “Cuteness? You’re serious?”
Charlie shrugged. “Some people love it. And trust me, it’s harder than it looks. You might even like it.”
Draco shot him a disbelieving look. “I doubt it.”
They walked in silence for a moment before Draco asked, “What’s the catch? There’s always a catch in these kinds of things.”
Charlie’s expression darkened slightly, his steps slowing. “There are dangers, too. It’s not all fun and games. Criminal organizations like Team Rocket exist here. They exploit Pokémon, steal them, and use them for power.”
Draco’s eyes narrowed. “They sound like the Death Eaters.”
Charlie nodded solemnly. “In a way, they are. People like us have to stand against them, protect the Pokémon and the people who care for them. It’s why becoming stronger isn’t just about winning battles. It’s about making sure no one—especially not these criminals—takes advantage of the bond between a trainer and their Pokémon.”
Draco fell silent, the mention of Team Rocket stirring something in him. It reminded him of the dark legacy he had nearly inherited, the shadow of his family’s name. He clenched his fists, a surge of determination rising in his chest. “I won’t let that happen.”
Charlie glanced at him, surprised by the intensity in Draco’s voice. “Good. Then you’ll have to start by building trust with Ralts. Without that bond, nothing else matters.”
Draco looked down at Ralts, who gazed back at him with wide, understanding eyes. He still didn’t quite understand how a bond like that could make him stronger—but for now, he was willing to learn.
⸻