Training, Traveling and "Cooking"

After the duo left the store they realized that it was still pretty early in the morning so they made their way to the morning market. Lan wanted to go get some bait for fishing and along with some fresh ingredients to make food for their expedition.

The market place was bustling with people and Pokemon. Lan could see lines of people at different stalls trying to barter for goods and Pokemon. There was also a small area next to an area that featured a Poke Trading machine which was very noisy.

Many young trainers were trying to garner the other's attention. Many of them were wanting to trade common pokemon for something more rare. Lan just shook his head and ignored the trainers that were shouting at him. Growlithe was sticking right next to Lan the whole time he seemed to be keeping a lookout for something.

After spending 20 minutes wandering around the market and evaluating price Lan finally came to a stall where an elder gentleman was selling many herbs, berries, and many common grains. Lan then amicably approached him and pointed to a couple of berries and simple herbs that he needed. He then asked, " Hey why are there so many people in the city today?"

The man raised an eyebrow at this question

" Well, you must not get out much. The Annual Moon Festival is tomorrow night. There is a large fair, small battles, and a Pokemon Contest. It usually brings a good number of visitors into town. "

"Yeah, it seems like it. Is this a large event?"Lan asked.

The merchant gave him his wrapped package and said: " Yeah it is not really that big of an event but for many of the small-time business its a blessing for this time of year".

Lan took the package and smiled and thanked the man. He then turned around and made his way out of the crowd.

When the street became less crowded Lan turned to his partner and said "Let's go Growlithe we need to find a decent-sized lake for this task. If I remember correctly there is a decent one about a quarter the way back to Pallet."

"Awoo" Growithe agreed.

The duo made their way to the city gate and then Lan seemed to think of something. "Growlithe, we still need to train since we haven't actually battled together before. This would be a good opportunity."

His pokemon nodded in agreement.

"First we will work on stamina. We will jog continuously all the way to the lake. When we have to battle other Pokemon why don't you refrain from using your fire moves? This will also test your physical endurance. We will definitely have to go through some heavily wooded areas but that might help with our reaction times with such."

Growlithe had an ominous feeling coming from its master when he was discussing his training regime.

"If you need a break let me know. I will be there right alongside you. This will also be my training.

Now let's go!"

...

Four hours later a pokemon and its trainer were ragged and breathing heavily. They were sprawled out in a lush field.

"Damn those Spearow were so persistent!" Lan groaned and turned over to face the sky.

"Its been a while since I felt like this. I feel as though I have gotten lazy."

Growlithe did not have the energy to respond. He truly worked hard on the way here. He was keeping pace with Lan in addition to battling some of the pokemon that did not get out of their way.

When he first defeated a small Spearow at the beginning of the journey. It kept returning with an evergrowing group of them. They had finally sprinted the last bit in order to lose them. The accumulation of fatigue finally confronted him when the two of them arrived at the clearing.

Lan smiled looking down at his partner. He smiled and laughed at how tuckered out he was. He looked scruffy and had many sticks bristles stuck in his fur. He looked truly downtrodden.

"Grrrrrrurgle" Growlithes stomach rumbled

Lan laughed at Growlithe and indicated to him while saying "Let us eat lunch here".

Lan pulled out a couple berries and tossed one directly to Growlithe while taking two and putting them aside then wrapping the rest up.

He then pulled out one of the herbs and put the rest away. Lan then started scrunching the herb and rolling it between his hands. He could feel the seeds inside of the herb come loose and fall down the bottom of the plant. He then preceded to open the tip of the herb and place the two berries inside effectively using the herb as a pouch.

He then rolled the plant so that nothing could come out the part where he put the berries in. Lan then slowly squeezed the plant making sure to smash the berries on the inside of the herb. He then shook the plant for a while making sure to integrate the seeds with the berries.

Lan turned to Growlithe who seemed to have more energy after eating his berry. He was looking at him with puppy eyes. Seemingly begging for food.

Lan laughed and said " Just a sec you can eat after I make this. But before that can you use a light ember on this package?" He then placed the herb and its contents on a rock.

Growlithe used Ember on the rock for a couple of seconds. When he did this he opened his mouth and small red embers shout out effectively slightly searing the herb concoction.

Lan then yelled "Stop that's enough"

Growlithe stopped his attack and preceded to lay down again

Lan then waited a minute for the food to cool then picked up the herb. He shook it and could feel that the seeds had successfully absorbed all of the juices and grew in size effectively cooking nicely.

Lan then peeled back the herb and in front of them and laid it out on the ground. He could see the bloated seeds steaming.

He casually picked up a seed. It was the side of a grape and had an opaque cream color with blue swirls and had the texture like a potato.

He was satisfied with these seeds would be much more effective in reducing their hunger and provide them with nutrients for their body to recover. Lan counted just over 20 or so seeds. He knew he could only eat two or three and be good for a couple of hours.

He hoped that this would last them the rest of the day and might even till tomorrow. He reached out and grabbed three more seeds and nodded to Growlithe. "Eat some they will help you recover".

Growlithe nodded and went forward and before Lan knew what was happening the rest of the seeds were gone.

???!!!

Growlithe had a face full of satisfaction. He then trotted around in a circle next to the warm rock and laid down.

By the time Lan snapped out of his stupor, Growlithe was fast asleep and snoring.

Lan Facepalmed and muttered "Glutton, a big fat Glutton"

He then took the Pokeball off his belt and returned Growlithe into it. Lan then packed up his things and started to head towards the direction of the Lake.

...