Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Training Plan
"Pika pika…"
Ethan groaned as he felt tiny feets stomp across his chest. Opening his eyes, he was met with the wide, sparkling gaze of his mischievous Pikachu, Timmy.
"Timmy!" Ethan muttered, shielding his face from Timmy's playful paws. "What do you want now?"
"Pika pika!" Timmy slapped his belly with an exaggerated flourish.
"Alright, alright, I'm getting up," Ethan sighed, dragging himself upright. "Didn't you eat supper last night? You're hungry again? Keep this up, and I'm renaming you 'Pika-pig.'"
Timmy pouted dramatically and rubbed against Ethan's arm, his affection disarming as always.
"Ugh, fine," Ethan muttered, shaking his head. "Every time I scold you, you pull this act. You've got me wrapped around your tiny little paws, haven't you."
He chuckled at Timmy's antics. I'd be doomed if I ever had a girlfriend as good at this as Timmy.
---
In the bathroom, Ethan couldn't help but laugh as Timmy trotted in with a tiny towel. The Pikachu dipped it into his water bowl and dabbed at his face with precision, looking like a seasoned performer.
"You clean freak," Ethan said, amused. "If anyone saw this, they'd think I trained you for a circus act."
Watching Timmy's antics, any irritation from the early wake-up call melted away. After breakfast where Timmy devoured his share with gusto, Ethan then announced, "Alright, time for some training!"
Timmy froze mid-devouring his food, his ears twitching nervously.
"Oh no, you don't," Ethan said, scooping him up before he could make his escape. "No skipping morning practice! I'm training you to be the strongest Pikachu there is."
Timmy squeaked in protest, squirming as Ethan carried him to the backyard. "I know you're the only Pikachu right now," Ethan teased, "but that won't last forever. Someday, there'll be others, and if you slack off, they might outshine you. We can't have that, can we?"
Timmy groaned but eventually resigned himself to his fate.
---
Morning Training
The session began with Thunderbolt practice. Timmy's control was solid, but Ethan pushed to refine its precision. Next came Quick Attack, which had improved but still needed some polishing, just like the translator's Editing skills.
"Now for Iron Tail," Ethan said. "Swing your tail hard Timmy. Focus your energy there."
Timmy tried, but his tail flopped uselessly against the target.
"Too soft," Ethan said, shaking his head. "Channel energy into your tail first, then strike."
With some coaching and encouragement, Timmy finally got the hang of it. His tail hardened with energy, and with a powerful swing, he shattered the wooden target into pieces.
"Yes!" Ethan cheered, pumping his fist. "That's how it's done!"
"Pika pika!" Timmy puffed out his chest, thumping his belly proudly.
"Alright, you've earned a treat," Ethan said, handing over a frozen dried snack. They repeated the exercise a few more times, and by the end, Timmy's Iron Tail was nearly flawless.
"Great work, Timmy," Ethan said, wiping sweat from his brow. Pokémon like Timmy had innate abilities, but consistent training refined their skills into true strengths.
---
Around 9 AM, Ethan and Timmy set out for the day. Their villa was in a high-end neighborhood, and as they drove through, they passed several wealthy residents walking their pets.
One of them flagged Ethan down, and when Ethan stopped to see who it was, he saw it was Mr. Peele, a friendly neighbor he had spoken with a few times.
"Good morning, Mr. Grave!" Peele greeted warmly.
"Morning, Mr. Peele," Ethan replied, rolling down the window.
Peele peered inside, his eyes lighting up when he spotted Timmy perched in the passenger seat. "Is that Pikachu? Amazing! My girlfriend saw the video of it the other day and hasn't stopped talking about it. Is it true they're worth $300,000?"
Ethan smiled. "This Pikachu isn't for sale. As for Pichu, yes, the price is $300,000."
"Can I reserve one?" Peele asked eagerly as his girlfriend who was behind him all this while squealed in delight, leaning closer to admire Timmy.
"Pika pika~" Timmy chirped, striking an adorable pose that melted hearts on the spot.
"He's so cute!" the girlfriend exclaimed. "I need one!"
Their exchange attracted other residents, who gathered around, their curiosity piqued. Many couldn't take their eyes off Timmy, glancing at their own pets with newfound dissatisfaction.
"Is that really Pikachu?"
"Wait, Ethan Grave from Pokémon Biotechnology lives here?"
"He's the one behind Pokémon Biotech? My kids would love him!"
Though Ethan had lived in the neighborhood for a while, his low-key lifestyle had kept him under the radar... that is, until now.
"Mr. Grave, can I buy a Pichu too?" someone asked eagerly.
Ethan addressed the growing crowd with a polite smile. "I'm afraid all current reservations are filled. If you're interested, you can reserve one through our official channel. When the next batch hatches, you'll have priority."
Though some were disappointed, the mood remained positive. Residents admired Ethan's professionalism and Timmy's undeniable charm.
...
Rizz me up on my Patreon for my sexy benefits that I'm sure your dry-ass lips can't resist. Become my Ghost if I might add. ;)
patreon.com/chibi_mon_mon