Chapter 108: Reward
Poisoned!
Floyd realized that Ekans had inflicted poison on Dratini. It likely happened at the moment when Dratini and Ekans collided, he surmised. Despite Ekans not being as poisonous as Arbok, this Pokémon was still of a poison type; it should not be underestimated, for complacency could lead to an adverse backlash. And this is precisely what had befallen Dratini. If only the little creature had been slightly more vigilant, it could have easily vanquished its opponent.
Dratini had opted for the traditional beast fight, where both creatures clashed head-on. Floyd mused that, had he been at the helm, he would have instructed Dratini to evade the Poison Fang Attack using Extreme Speed, then counter with Twister, and, for a finishing move, another Extreme Speed would have been safer.
Following Ekans, taking down Teddiursa would have been significantly easier. However, with Dratini now poisoned, the odds seemed to be shifting. Nonetheless, Floyd retained his trust in his Pokémon. Although without his direction, Dratini exhibited numerous imperfections; the training and nutrition it had received over the past fortnight were incomparable to the poor conditions of the two malnourished wild Pokémon.
As the battle unfolded, when Teddiursa launched his Fury Swipes, Dratini responded with Twister. Despite his dizziness, Dratini succeeded in striking Teddiursa. Teddiursa's cry rang out as he was sent flying. Dratini, struggling to maintain his composure and focus, waited just a few seconds, then, as Teddiursa struggled to his feet, Dratini launched an Extreme Speed attack, downing Teddiursa.
Just when Dratini believed victory was his, an unexpected coil wrapped around his body. Ekans, though on the brink of unconsciousness and feeling weak, clung to consciousness with formidable willpower. Its sole objective now was to stay wrapped around Dratini until victory was secured.
Dratini exerted all his strength to escape; he was, undoubtedly, more powerful than Ekans, yet the poison began to compromise his internal functions. He feared that in mere seconds he might collapse, a prospect he found humiliating, especially in front of Floyd and his brethren who were spectating.
Fraxure, Growlithe, and Goomy, all anxious about Dratini's plight, glanced at Floyd. He shook his head in a silent command: 'Do not interfere.' He was concerned but had measured the capacities of both Ekans and Dratini and was confident that should either collapse, he could still rescue them.
Arbok and Ursaring empathized with Floyd's Pokémon's feelings of concern yet also harbored a quiet anticipation that their progeny might triumph over one of Floyd's Pokémon. Despite having relinquished their grudge against Floyd, it would still be gratifying for them to witness their children defeat one of his Pokémon.
Meanwhile, Ursaring had already carried his unconscious son away from the fray while continuing to observe the ongoing battle between Dratini and Ekans.
"Cherubiii~" The four Cherubi cheered, leaping in the air and watching Ekans with hopeful eyes, rooting for their friend. They weren't alone; the other wild Pokémon also watched the duel with great interest, lending their support to Ekans.
But then, in an unexpected twist, Dratini summoned Dragon Energy into his mouth, preparing to unleash Dragon Breath. The wild Pokémon's hopes dwindled at this sight. Yet, moments later, Dratini's move faltered; his consciousness faded, and coincidentally, Ekans released its grip as it too lost consciousness.
Both lay side by side on the ground, unconscious.
"Charbokkk~" Arbok hurried to his offspring's aid.
"Cherubiii~" The Cherubi, along with two Cherrim, quickly followed, using Heal Pulse and Aromatherapy to assist. Ursaring brought his unconscious Teddiursa to join them.
In the midst of the recovery efforts, Floyd received notifications:
[Ding! Congratulations on defeating Teddiursa. +10 points]
[Ding! Congratulations on defeating Ekans. +10 points]
Floyd disregarded the prompt and turned his attention to the unconscious Ekans, which had also gained a level, now sitting at level 11. Whether Teddiursa had also leveled up was unknown to him, as he couldn't check its stats.
He and his Pokémon hastened to Dratini's aid, administering a powder to neutralize the poison, followed by a Healing powder. Dratini's recovery was notably quick, as his condition was less about physical damage—he had sustained only minor injuries—and more about the severe poisoning. This was in contrast to Teddiursa and Ekans, who had been thoroughly beaten.
Moments later, Dratini regained consciousness. Seeing Floyd and his fellow Pokémon, a sense of shame washed over him, and he hung his head low in disappointment.
"Well, little guy, you've awakened," Floyd said, smiling and gently patting Dratini's head. He was already pleased with Dratini; despite the young dragon's shortcomings, his progress was impressive, especially considering he was only half a month old.
This Dratini had always been dedicated to his training, heeding Floyd's commands without complaint and executing them flawlessly in battle. Such unwavering focus and adherence had led to a slight complacency, particularly since Dratini hadn't taken his two opponents seriously, compounded by the absence of Floyd's guidance, which had thrown him off his battle rhythm.
"It's better to have a few setbacks. Mistakes can be remedied as long as you learn from them. It doesn't matter if you lost the battle as long as you learn something and enjoy the process," Floyd advised, looking at Dratini.
Floyd was not troubled by the outcome, especially considering Dratini's diligent nature; he still regarded the situation with understanding. Inspired by his trainer's words, Dratini's eyes sparkled with renewed vigor as he nodded in agreement.
Floyd's other Pokémon, overhearing the exchange, also seemed motivated, their eyes bright with anticipation.
"Ehew~" Dratini uttered, glancing with concern at the injured Ekans and Teddiursa.
"Don't worry, I will help them," reassured Floyd, smiling before he made his way over to the fallen Pokémon. As Fraxure guarded Floyd, Growlithe, Goomy, and Dratini followed closely behind.
Floyd observed Cherubi and Cherrim tending to the injured when Arbok and Ursaring noticed his approach, their alertness evident. But Floyd's intentions were clear. "I have no bad intention; I will help them," he declared, revealing the healing powder in his hand.
Recognizing the powder, Arbok and Ursaring's tension eased into a relieved nod.
Floyd administered the healing powder to each of the afflicted Pokémon, and shortly thereafter, Ekans and Teddiursa showed signs of awakening. Upon opening their eyes, they were greeted by the sight of four Cherubi cheering, their relief mirrored by Arbok and Ursaring, relieved at their children's recovery.
Ekans and Teddiursa looked around in confusion, their memories of the clash with Dratini returning. They felt a twinge of disappointment upon seeing Dratini allied with Floyd, realizing they had been defeated.
Yet, their astonishment was palpable when Floyd presented them each with an extra bag. The scent of delectable food wafted from the bags—Floyd's generosity confounding them.
They gazed at Floyd, perplexed.
Floyd, noting their bewilderment, smiled and gently patted their heads. "Congratulations to both of you; you managed to defeat Dratini. This is the reward I promised you."
What? Ekans and Teddiursa's eyes widened in shock.
Had they truly defeated Dratini?
When they didn't know?
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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