This Is Definitely Pokémon

Becoming a Champion was just an idle remark by Gabriel. After all, he didn't even have his own Pokémon yet, let alone a chance to challenge for the title. Fortunately, that day wasn't too far off. Two weeks later, his maid, Elle, brought him an exciting piece of news.

"Master, your P–uh, your Pokémon egg is about to hatch. Would you like to come and see it?"

"Of course! How could I not be there when my Pokémon hatches?"

Having just finished breakfast, Gabriel eagerly gulped down the last of his juice. He wiped his mouth hastily before following Elle to the incubation room.

Inside the incubation room, the Pokémon egg glowed faintly in the incubator. Gabriel's excitement was palpable as he watched the egg.

If only it were a different Pokémon!

Charmander would be amazing—after all, it's the signature Pokémon of Red, the legendary trainer. Generation after generation, Charizard has been a powerhouse, a symbol of strength.

Then again, Garchomp wouldn't be bad either. That's Cynthia's iconic Pokémon! Gabriel was a big fan of Cynthia, the Champion of Sinnoh, particularly her commanding presence and that sharp, piercing gaze she gave opponents. (Ahem, maybe not the time for those thoughts.)

Regardless of what Pokémon it turned out to be, Gabriel was determined to treat it well. After all, that's a basic quality of any good Pokémon Trainer.

"Master, stop drooling. The egg is about to hatch."

Elle's interruption snapped Gabriel out of his fantasies. Embarrassed, he quickly grabbed a tissue to wipe his mouth and refocused his attention on the incubator.

After several hours of anticipation, the egg finally emitted a dazzling light. Elle instinctively shielded her eyes, but Gabriel, prepared, donned a pair of sunglasses he had brought just for this occasion.

This was his first Pokémon—he wouldn't miss a single moment of this significant event.

A good Trainer witnesses every milestone of their Pokémon's journey.

As the light dimmed, a small, blue-and-white Pokémon appeared in the incubator.

"Dratini!"

The tiny Dratini blinked its big, watery eyes, taking in its surroundings.

"It's a Dratini!"

Gabriel's excitement overflowed as he stared at the beautiful Pokémon. Its sleek blue back and pure white underbelly shimmered under the light, mesmerizing him.

So, this is a Pokémon…

Even Elle, standing beside him, was moved by the scene. The miracle of life was truly enchanting.

The Dratini quickly noticed Gabriel and Elle observing it. Nervous, it instinctively slithered behind the incubator, its big eyes peeking out cautiously.

Time to make my move!

Gabriel stepped forward, approaching the little Dratini with measured steps.

Elle, realizing her master was no longer by her side, grew anxious. She reached for a Poké Ball on her belt containing her trusty Garchomp. As much as she adored Gabriel, she wouldn't hesitate to act if the Dratini posed a threat.

"Don't move, Elle. This is my Pokémon. It won't harm me."

"But Master, it's still a wild Pokémon—"

"I can handle this."

Gabriel gave Elle a reassuring smile before turning back to Dratini. His eyes were filled with trust and determination.

"Dratini, I know you can understand me. Can I see you?"

Hesitantly, the little Pokémon emerged from behind the incubator, its round head and bright blue back now fully visible. Its delicate, white ears fluttered slightly as it studied Gabriel.

So beautiful…

Gabriel couldn't help but marvel at the sight. Dratini was truly an extraordinary creature.

All his earlier doubts vanished. At that moment, he decided—no matter what, he would raise this Dratini into the strongest Pokémon.

With steady hands, Gabriel took out a Poké Ball he had prepared for this occasion. Slowly, he extended it toward Dratini.

Elle, on edge, gripped her Garchomp's Poké Ball tighter, ready to react if things went awry.

But the little Dratini, unaware of the tension, simply tilted its head curiously at Gabriel.

"Dratini, would you like to be my partner? I promise to treat you like family."

Gabriel's voice was calm but filled with sincerity.

Dratini seemed to sense his intentions. After a brief moment of hesitation, it gently tapped its head against the Poké Ball. With a flash of light, Dratini disappeared into the ball, marking a successful capture.

"I did it! I caught a Dratini!"

Gabriel proudly raised the Poké Ball high, his excitement shining through. Elle let out a relieved sigh, returning Garchomp's Poké Ball to her belt.

Thank goodness…

Seeing her master's joy, Elle couldn't help but smile as well.

Gabriel held the Poké Ball tightly, feeling a surge of determination. A Dratini—better than he could have ever hoped for.

Dratini's final evolution, Dragonite, was a pseudo-Legendary Pokémon with a base stat total of 600. In comparison, even Red's iconic Charizard only had a base stat total of 534—though, of course, Red's Charizard had surpassed those limits through exceptional training.

Gabriel knew he wasn't at Red's level yet, but with a high-potential Pokémon like Dratini, he was confident he could make it strong.

As his first Pokémon, Dratini would become his cornerstone, his ace in the journey to becoming Champion.

"Dratini, together, we'll become the strongest Trainer-Pokémon duo in the world. Get ready for an incredible journey!"

Clutching the Poké Ball, Gabriel's eyes sparkled with excitement. His dream of becoming a legendary Pokémon Trainer was just beginning.

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